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THE 
 
 NATIONAL- DISPENSATORY. 
 
 CONTAINING THE 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, PHARMACY, 
 ACTIONS, AND USES OF MEDICINES. 
 
THE 
 
 ^CONTAINING THE 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, PHARMACY, 
 ACTIONS, AND USES OF MEDICINES. 
 
 INCLUDING THOSE RECOGNIZED IN THE 
 
 PHARMACOPOEIAS OF THE UNITED STATES, GREAT BRITAIN, 
 AND GERMANY, WITH NUMEROUS REFERENCES 
 TO THE FRENCH CODEX. , 
 
 BY 
 
 ALFRED STILLE, M.D., LL.D., 
 
 PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND OF CLINICAL 
 MEDICINE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 JOHN M. ^MAISCH, Phae. D„ 
 
 LATE PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA AND BOTANY IN THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, 
 
 CHARLES CASPARI, Je., Ph.G., 
 
 PROFESSOR OF THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PHARMACY IN THE MARYLAND COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, 
 
 AND 
 
 HENRY C. C. MAISCH, Ph.G., Ph.D. 
 
 FIFTH EDITION, 
 
 ENLARGED AND REVISED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SEVENTH DECENNIAL REVISION Of' 
 THE UNITED STATES PHARMA COPCEI A. 
 
 WITH THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 LEA BROTHERS & CO. 
 
 1894 . 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1894, by 
 LEA BROTHERS & CO., 
 
 in the Office of the Librarian of Congress. All rights reserved. 
 
 Authority to use for comment the Pharmacopoeia of the United States of America 
 (1890) Seventh Decennial Revision, has been granted to The National Dispensatory 
 by the Committee of Revision and Publication. 
 
 Westcott & Thomson, 
 Stereotypers and Electrotypers , Philada. 
 
 William J. Doknan, 
 Printer, Philada. 
 
 f 
 
A/5YI2 
 
 \ 
 
 PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 
 
 In presenting the fifth edition of The National Dispensatory the survivor 
 of its associate authors (and editors) would be wanting in duty, as well as in 
 personal feeling, did he fail to record his impression, however inadequately, of the 
 character of his late colleague, Professor John Michael Maisch, Phar. D. This 
 is not the most suitable place, nor is he the fittest person, to describe Prof. Maisch’s 
 long, arduous, and fruitful career in a profession for which he was eminently fitted 
 by the scientific bent of his mind, his lifelong habits of accurate observation, and 
 the singular sobriety of his judgment. His substantial qualities as a man of science, 
 and the esteem in which he was held for his unflagging industry and his devotion 
 to the highest interests of his profession, are attested not only by the many posi- 
 tions of honor and responsibility which he held, but also by the honorary and 
 other rewards he received for his original researches. It will be remembered that in 
 August, 1893, the “ Hanbury Memorial,” a valuable gold medal, was awarded to him 
 for his original researches in the natural history and chemistry of drugs, and that 
 it was the first time this honor had been conferred on this side of the Atlantic. 
 
 The present writer is incompetent to trace the steady rise of Prof. Maisch to the 
 eminence he had reached when death cut short his uncompleted career as an inves- 
 tigator and teacher and as a wisely conservative guide of opinion in the pharma- 
 ceutical world. As his associate and collaborator in producing The National 
 Dispensatory from 1879 until his death in 1893, his survivor learned the strength 
 and richness of his learning and felt the charm of his sincere and earnest character. 
 Few men have united as he did the personal qualities of cheerfulness, patience, 
 natural courtesy, kindliness, and self-sacrifice with such wide and accurate know- 
 ledge of the sciences which he cultivated and in which he had no superior. * It was 
 always a pleasure to confer with him in the interests of the work to which he gave 
 the ripest and best of his knowledge and experience, and which must long remain 
 a monument of his industry and skill as well as of his technical knowledge and 
 critical sagacity. 
 
 In regard to the Action and Uses of medicines as set forth in the present 
 edition, it is proper to state, so numerous are the articles, including natural prod- 
 ucts and artificial compounds, which of late years have been introduced into the 
 practice of medicine, that the true value of many among them remains undeter- 
 mined. Yet they cannot for the present be excluded from the Dispensatory, 
 whatever may be the final determination in regard to them. To make room for 
 their due consideration it has been found necessary to omit from the work a portion 
 of the detailed and illustrated accounts of the physiological and toxicological actions 
 of many medicines which were amply considered in previous editions. In all arti- 
 cles of real importance, however, more recent illustrations have been adduced. 
 
 In preparing a work under the conditions imposed on the present one it is 
 impossible, even with scrupulous vigilance, to prevent a certain commingling of 
 fact and speculation, for the most cautious reporter cannot always avoid mis- 
 taking the one for the other. The present writer claims only to have striven 
 
 
 V 
 
VI 
 
 PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 
 
 assiduously to maintain a separation between facts and theories, believing that, 
 whatever fate may await the latter, the former are in their nature indestructible : 
 “ Opmionum commenta delet dies ; naturae judieia confirmat.” The deplorable 
 results of following physiological experiment and chemical com-position, instead of 
 clinical experience, as the chief teacher and guide in therapeutics, have led to the 
 rejection b}^ practical physicians of many medicines which not long before were 
 introduced with loud acclaim. It follows that in the long list of such medicines 
 it becomes difficult at a given moment to assign to each its real value, and therefore, 
 in a work like the present, to be sure of admitting all that deserve recognition or 
 of excluding all that are worthless or injurious. 
 
 It is desired once more, and urgently, to direct the attention of those who 
 consult this work for its practical medical uses to the Index of Therapeutics, where 
 under the name of each disease will be found a list of all the medicines employed 
 in its treatment, and in the articles relating to each medicine the conditions that 
 call for its employment. This is the empirical as contrasted with the dogmatic 
 method ; it is the method of experience, upon which alone the practical physician 
 can securely depend. A. S. 
 
 From a pharmaceutical and botanical standpoint a complete revision of The 
 National Dispensatory has been required by the appearance of the new U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia, in order to adapt the text to the present standard, to embody the 
 numerous changes made therein, and to embrace as well all the new official drugs 
 and preparations. The revision, however, has by no means been confined to this ; 
 the most recent issues of foreign pharmacopoeias have been exhaustively consulted, 
 and all new material of value which they furnished will be found incorporated. 
 Many of the older articles have been completely rewritten, and a large number 
 of new ones introduced, descriptive of all the latest synthetic remedies and unof- 
 ficial preparations now in use. The pharmacist will find a full discussion of 
 chemical and pharmaceutical processes with descriptions and explanations of the 
 most approved apparatus and tests. 
 
 The pharmacopoeial formulas for galenical preparations have been freely com- 
 mented upon, and improvements have been suggested wherever such appeared 
 desirable. To accommodate pharmacists not yet supplied with the metric weights 
 and measures now ordered by the Pharmacopoeia, separate formulas in custom- 
 ary weights and measures have been added for* convenient quantities of all official 
 preparations. A number of very complete tables taken from the new U. S. Phar- 
 macopoeia, together with all the official reagents and solutions for both qualitative 
 and quantitative tests, have been placed in the Appendix, and for the convenience 
 of physicians and pharmacists an alphabetical list of official drugs has been added, 
 showing at a glance the preparations of the United States and British Pharmaco- 
 poeias containing them. Another valuable feature of the present volume is the 
 introduction of a list of over four hundred formulas and molecular weights of 
 chemical compounds, which will prove valuable for reference. 
 
 In its present form, therefore, those who have taken a part in the revision of The 
 National Dispensatory earnestly trust that the work will be found to maintain the 
 high position held by previous issues, and that it will receive the commendation 
 of all those who have occasion to consult its pages. 
 
 C. C. 
 
 January, 1894. 
 
PUBLISHERS’ NOTE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 
 
 On the appearance of The National Dispensatory , fifteen years ago, it was at 
 once recognized by the medical and pharmaceutical professions as satisfying the 
 need for a work affording all necessary information upon its comprehensive subject 
 with authoritative accuracy, and uniting completeness with convenience by the 
 exclusion of obsolete matter. So marked was the public appreciation of these 
 peculiar characteristics that six months sufficed to exhaust the large first edition. 
 Successive revisions at frequent intervals have maintained each issue fully abreast 
 of the science and practice of its time, and the work has accordingly been one to 
 which the physician and pharmacist could always look with confidence for com- 
 plete and trustworthy information in answer to any inquiry. 
 
 With the rapid advance of science the field to be covered by such a volume has 
 so greatly increased that prior to his death Professor Maisch had confided a large 
 share of the revision to Professor Charles Caspari, Jr., of the Maryland College 
 of Pharmacy. The sad event which deprived American pharmacy of one of its 
 foremost authorities occurred, however, after Professor Maisch had practically com- 
 pleted the portion of the work which he had reserved for himself. Readers of 
 The National Dispensatory may be congratulated upon receiving the benefit of his 
 latest and ripest knowledge. 
 
 The therapeutical portion of the volume has been revised with equal thorough- 
 ness, and it will be found to contain the real advances, gleaned from the vast lite- 
 rature of its department, and set forth with all the clearness and critical acumen of 
 Professor Stille. This great body of important knowledge is arranged not only 
 alphabetically under the various drugs, but it is also placed at the instant com- 
 mand of those seeking information in the treatment of special diseases by the 
 recommendations under the various Diseases in the Therapeutical Index. The 
 extent of the information contained in the following pages is indicated by the 
 twenty-five thousand references in the two indexes at the end of the volume. 
 
 In no previous edition have the alterations and additions been so great. The 
 sweeping changes in the new U. S. Pharmacopoeia are included with official authori- 
 zation of the Committee on Revision, and full use has been made of valuable infor- 
 mation appearing in foreign pharmacopoeias. The new synthetic remedies, and those 
 drugs which are largely in use, though unofficial, are thoroughly considered. Full 
 explanations are given of chemical and pharmaceutical processes, with descriptions of 
 new apparatus and tests. All weights and measures are stated in both the ordinary 
 and metric systems. Many new tables and lists have been inserted for the purpose 
 of placing before the reader a vast amount of important knowledge in a form com- 
 bining compactness with ease of reference to the utmost degree. In short, no ele- 
 ment of utility to the physician or pharmacist has been overlooked, and it is there- 
 fore believed that the new edition of The National Dispensatory will prove more 
 than ever valuable to those for whom it has been prepared. 
 
 Acknowledgment is due the following gentlemen and business firms for their 
 kindness and courtesy in loaning cuts for many of the new illustrations: Dr. F. 
 Hoffmann, Dr. C. Curtman, Whitall, Tatum & Co., J. M. Maris & Co., Anderson 
 Mfg. Co., A. H. Wirz, Jos. G. Taite’s Sons, J. Michael, Fox, Fultz & Webster, 
 and the American Triturate Mould Co. 
 
 vii 
 
ABBREVIATIONS. 
 
 B. or Br. P., British Pharmacopoeia, 1885. 
 
 Br. Add., Additions to the British Pharmacopoeia, 1890. 
 
 Cc., Cubic centimeter. 
 
 Cm., Centimeter. 
 
 E. , English. 
 
 F. Cod., Codex Medicamentarius ; Pharmacopee Fran§aise, 1884. 
 
 F. It., Farmacopea d’ltalia, 1892. 
 
 Fr., French. 
 
 G. , German. 
 
 Gm., Gram. 
 
 M. , Meter. 
 
 Mgm., Milligram. 
 
 Mm., Millimeter. 
 
 N. F. or Nat. Form., National Formulary. 
 
 Nat. Ord., Natural Order. 
 
 Off. Prep., Official Preparations. 
 
 P. A., Pharmacopcea Austriaca, 1889. 
 
 P. G., Pharmacopoea Germanica (Arzneibuch), 1890. 
 
 Sp., Spanish. 
 
 Sp. gr., Specific gravity. 
 
 U. S. or U. S. P., the Pharmacopoeia of the United States of America, 1893. 
 
 The titles of many books and periodicals to which reference is made in the text are abbre- 
 viated, but not to such an extent as to necessitate their addition to this list, 
 viii 
 
THE 
 
 NATIONAL DISPENSATORY. 
 
 ABRUS.— Abrus. 
 
 Indian Liquorice , Wild Liquorice , E. ; Liane reglisse , Reglisse indienne , Fr. ; Indisches 
 Siissholz , (x. 
 
 The root and seeds of Abrus precatorius, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Medicinal 
 Plants , 77. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Papilionaceae, Vicieae. 
 
 Origin. — This is a twining shrub indigenous to India, where it is known as gunja , 
 goontch , or gurginja , and now naturalized in all tropical countries. The leaves are abrupt- 
 ly pinnate, and have from 20 to 30 linear or oblong, obtuse, entire, smooth, and pale- 
 green leaflets, about 15 Mm. (| inch) long, and having a sweet liquorice-like taste. The 
 rose-colored flowers are clustered in one-sided long-stalked racemes, and the oblong-rhom- 
 boidal, short-beaked legumes contain from 4 to 6 seeds. 
 
 Description. — Radix abri. The root is seen in commerce in more or less twisted 
 pieces, varying in length, and about 5 to 20 Mm. (-J— £ inch) thick. It has a thin, pale 
 reddish-brown bark, containing near the middle layer a circular zone of sclerenchyma- 
 cells, and in the inner layer strong bast-fibres, which are scattered without regularity 
 through the liber parenchyma. The wood is yellowish, porous, breaks with a short fibrons 
 fracture, and is composed of circles of wood-fibres containing rather large ducts and alter- 
 nating with circles of parenchyma, the whole radially traversed by medullary rays, some 
 of which are narrow, others much broader. The root has a slight not agreeable odor and 
 a bitterish, mucilaginous taste, with a somewhat acrid and sweetish after-taste resembling 
 that of liquorice root. 
 
 Semen abri ; Prayer-beads, Jumble-beads, Crab’s eyes, E . ; Pois d’Amerique, Fr . ; 
 Paternoster-Erbsen, G. The seeds are globular-ovate, about 5 Mm. (£ inch) long, 
 scarlet-red, glossy, and have a black spot surrounding the grayish hilum ; the testa is 
 hard, and encloses a whitish fleshy embryo consisting of plano-convex cotyledons and an 
 accumbent radicle. The seeds are inodorous and have a slight bean-like taste. They 
 have been introduced under their Brazilian name, jequiriti or guequiri. 
 
 Composition. — Berzelius ascertained that the leaves and branches contain a princi- 
 ple closely resembling glycyrrhizin. The same principle is also present in the root, which 
 in addition contains sugar; but nothing is known of the remaining constituents. Prof. 
 Warden (1882) isolated from the seeds crystalline abric acid , which is slightly soluble in 
 cold water and contains nitrogen. An alkaloid, most likely a decomposition product, was 
 obtained by Rigaud and Dusart (1883), and fixed oil with cholesterin and lecythin by 
 Heckel and Schlagdenhauflen (1886). The physiological properties of the seeds were 
 shown by Warden and Waddell (1884) to be due to abrin, a mixture of protein compounds 
 which are rendered inactive by moist heat. This is probably identical with the jequiritin 
 of Bruylants and Vinneman (1885), and consists mainly of a paraglobulin and an albu- 
 mose, of which the former is soluble in a 15 per cent, solution of sodium chloride, and is 
 coagulated at 80° C., while the latter is not coagulated by heat, but with nitric acid yields 
 a precipitate redissolved on heating and reappearing on cooling. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Cassia Absus, Limit, has oval-oblong, flat, glossy-black seeds, which are used 
 in Eastern countries in purulent conjunctivitis and as an application to sores. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In the Punjab sharpened cones of a dried paste made 
 from abrus-seeds are thrust into cattle to poison them (Amer. Jour. Pharm., May, 1885, 
 p. 242). Warden and Waddell of Calcutta declare that “poisonous symptoms are 
 
 1 
 
2 
 
 ABU US. 
 
 not developed when the seeds are given by the mouth. They are eaten in large quantities 
 by the Hindoos to prevent fecundity” ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 646). Bufalini’s experiments 
 showed that abrus infusion injected into the veins of animals arrested the heart in diastole 
 {Centralhl. f. Therap., vii. 379). The seeds are said to have been used for centuries 
 in Brazil as a popular remedy for granular lids and pannus. In 1862 attention was called 
 to abrus in Europe, but it was soon forgotten, and it was not until 1882 that renewed 
 interest was awakened in it by the reports of Be Wecker. An infusion, of the strength 
 of one to twenty, applied to the eye of a rabbit produced violent inflammation of the 
 organ, with oedema and false membrane, ulceration of the cornea, swelling of the parotid 
 and submaxillary glands, and finally internal suppuration of the eyes and maxillary 
 glands, and gangrene of the eyelids. It is said that the drug is much abused in Brazil, 
 and that “ one often sees violent inflammation of the lids which extends to the face, neck, 
 and upper part of the thorax, the submaxillary glands often taking on an intense inflam- 
 mation which ends in suppuration ” {Med. News, xlii. 412). In experiments upon ani- 
 mals Cornil and Berlioz determined that when injected under the skin or into the blood 
 it produces in the former situation abscess or gangrene, and in the latter virulent toxical 
 phenomena, with an enormous generation of bacilli in the blood and lymph ( Archives gen., 
 Nov. 1883, p. 623). 
 
 The use of abrus is limited at present to those obstinate cases of granular ophthalmia, 
 trachoma, cicatricial degeneration, and pannus which are notoriously rebellious to treat- 
 ment, and which some surgeons have not scrupled to attempt to cure by the application 
 of gonorrhoeal pus. Its action is chiefly substitutive, removing an existing inflammation 
 by the action of a stronger but temporary one. But it is also to some extent destructive 
 or caustic. Be Wecker described the effects of its application thus : The infusion is 
 applied several times a day until its action begins to be felt. Within a few hours after 
 the first use of the lotion the conjunctiva becomes strongly irritated, and on the follow- 
 ing day severely inflamed ; the eyes cannot be opened, the lids are oedematous, and a 
 watery liquid escapes from between them. This period of irritation lasts for about three 
 days, and is attended with fever, pain, and sleeplessness. On the third day suppuration 
 begins, and for five days continues copiously, and then gradually declines until about the 
 fifteenth day, when the patient finds himself free from both inflammation and granulation, 
 while the cloudiness of the cornea subsides ( Centralhl . f Therapie , i. 200). In this 
 description no allusion is made to the striking peculiarity mentioned by most other 
 reporters, the formation of a false membrane upon the conjunctiva, which, indeed, was 
 originally described by Be Wecker and by various other observers as a yellowish-white 
 membrane adhering firmly to the upper, but less so to the lower, lids (Gruening Med. 
 Record, xxiii. 288 ; Brown, Med. News, xlii. 412). Be Wecker also asserted that the 
 cornea is not at all endangered by the artificial inflammation ( loc . sup. cit .), a statement 
 also made by Peck {Med. Record, xxiv. 30). Br. E. Smith, on the other hand, claims 
 that it cures inflammations, provided they are not sthenic ( Therap. Gaz., xi. 640) ; but Sat- 
 tler makes the very opposite declaration,, saying that not only may the application cause 
 existing ulcers to spread, but also create new ones {Centralhl. /. Therap ., i. 335); and 
 Standish admits that this result is not unusual {Boston Med. & Surg. Jour., June, 1883, 
 p. 609). It seems to be agreed that chronic catarrhal ophthalmia with mucoid or puru- 
 loid secretion, but without thickening or infiltration of the conjunctiva, is not favorably 
 influenced by jequirity. Chronic suppuration of the middle ear is curable by jequirity ; 
 and Borde makes a similar statement in regard to chronic metritis {Bull, de Therap., 
 cxi. 376). Br. Shoemaker has employed a paste or emulsion made from the red hulls of 
 the seeds as a semi-caustic in chronic epithelial and lupoid ulcers of the skin. This 
 method, it is said, “ should be applied with caution, as it may give rise to alarming symp- 
 toms, erysipelatous inflammation, and, if used on weak and irritable patients, to great 
 constitutional disturbance ” {Practitioner, xxxiii. 364). A similar method was pursued 
 by Hawies {Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., v. 321). Haranger claims to have “ found in an 
 infusion of jequirity, as in the pus of gonorrhoea, micrococci, corpuscles, and granules ” 
 {Bidl. de Therap., civ. 42). Cornil and Berlioz declare that “the bacterise of jequirity 
 are its only active principle ” {Archives gen., Nov. 1883, p. 618). But this doctrine is 
 contradicted by the following facts : 1. The inflammation may be reproduced an unlimited 
 number of times ; 2. Its action on all mucous membranes is the same ; 3. Its effects may 
 be closely imitated by an infusion of common peas (Tangemann). Klein demonstrated 
 that a sterilized infusion of jequirity produced the so-called characteristic inflammation, 
 as well as one swarming with bacteria. Many observers have confirmed most of these 
 conclusions ; and Warden and Waddell claim that the active principle is “ a proteid body, 
 
ABSINTHIUM. 
 
 3 
 
 acting with greater rapidity in proportion to the completeness of its solution at the time 
 jf administration ( loc . citi). The latter statement has been confirmed by Bruylants and 
 Vinneman, and partially so by Bechamp and Dujardin (Therap.- Gaz., ix., p. 617). 
 
 In Brazil the seeds were soaked for several days in cold water, their kernels removed, 
 reduced to a fine powder, macerated for two hours, and filtered. If the envelope, or 
 testa, is employed along with the kernels, intenser effects are produced. The mode of 
 using this remedy is described by Be Wecker as follows: “Powder 32 jequirity beans, 
 and macerate them for 24 hours in 500 Gm. (a pint) of cold water ; then add an equal 
 quantity of hot water, and filter when cool. The patient should bathe the eyes with this 
 infusion several times a day until inflammation sets in.” Others advise the liquid to be 
 applied with cotton or a camel’s-hair pencil, and the most judicious rule appears to be to 
 allow twenty-four hours to elapse between the first and second applications, and that on 
 no account should the infusion be applied to the eye on compresses. Sattler directs 
 that the envelope of from 10 or 12 seeds (Gm. 1) should be removed with hot water 
 before the infusion is made ; the seeds should then be powdered and 200 Ccm. (fgvj) of 
 hot water added. This infusion should, after standing for 24 hours, be filtered. Its 
 strength is reckoned as ^ per cent. The excessive action of the infusion, it is said, may 
 be moderated by a weak solution of corrosive sublimate ; and some prefer to use the 
 powder of the seeds as more manageable than the infusion. 
 
 The seeds of Cassia absus, or C. auriculata, were anciently used in powder or in emul- 
 sion by the Greeks and Egyptians in the treatment of ophthalmia , and are said to be still 
 employed by the latter as a domestic remedy. Long ago introduced by Y. Graefe into 
 European practice, they fell into disuse on account of the unfavorable reports of some 
 observers. The dried seeds, finely powdered and mixed with an equal quantity of white 
 sugar, were strewn upon the conjunctiva, especially after the acute iuflammation had 
 subsided. An ointment containing the powdered seeds was likewise used, and in acute 
 cases an infusion was employed as a collyrium (Richter, Ansfiirl. Arzneim ., ii. 267). 
 
 ABSINTHIUM, U. S. — Absinthium. 
 
 Herba s. Summitates absinthii , P. A., P. G. ; Wormwood, E. ; Absinthe commune , 
 Grande absinthe , Aluine , Fr. Cod. ; Wermuth, Alsei , G. ; Assenzio, F. It. ; Ajenjos , Sp. 
 
 The tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, Linn6; s. Absinthium vulgare, Lamarck. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 156. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Anthemidese. 
 
 Description. — This perennial plant is indigenous to hilly and mountainous regions 
 of Northern Africa, of the greater portion of Europe, and of the northern part of Asia ; 
 it is frequently cultivated for medicinal purposes both in Europe and in this country, 
 where it has become naturalized in some localities, and grows wild in waste places and 
 along roadsides. The root produces several stems, which are about 1 M. (3i feet) high, 
 woody at the base, nearly round, somewhat furrowed, and branching above. The radical 
 leaves attain a length of 15 to 20 Cm. (6 to 8 inches) ; the stem-leaves are 25 to 75 Mm. 
 (1 to 3 inches) long, petiolate, the upper ones sessile ; their outline is roundish-triangular ; 
 they are twice or thrice pinnatifid, the segments lanceolate, the terminal one spatulate. 
 The bracts are merely three-cleft or simple and lanceolate. The very numerous nodding 
 heads of yellow flowers are in paniculate racemes, hemispherical in shape, with the invo- 
 lucre imbricate ; the receptacle small and hairy, the marginal florets pistillate, and not 
 ligulate, the numerous disk-florets perfect and five-toothed, and the ovary obovoid and 
 crowned with a disk, but destitute of pappus. The entire plant, with the exception of 
 the stouter portions of the stem, has a hoary appearance from the numerous appressed 
 white silky hairs, intermixed with oil-glands, leaving merely the upper surface of the 
 leaves of a dark-green color. 
 
 Wormwood should be gathered while flowering, during July or August, the coarse 
 stems being rejected. On careful drying the fresh herb loses from 75 to 80 per cent, 
 of its weight. The wild-grown herb has a strong aromatic not very agreeable odor, and 
 a persistent and intensely bitter taste ; in cultivation the bitter taste is somewhat 
 decreased. 
 
 Constituents. — The odor of wormwood is due to a limpid volatile oil, of which 
 from .4 to 1.5 per cent, is obtained from the dry herb. According to Zeller, wormwood 
 grown in a warm climate yields less volatile oil, and cultivation appears to decrease it. 
 Its color varies between dark-green and yellowish-brown, but by careful rectification it 
 
4 
 
 ABSINTHIUM. 
 
 may be obtained colorless. On exposure to light and air it acquires a dark-brown colcr 
 and a somewhat viscid consistence. Its specific gravity varies between .90 and .973; it 
 dissolves in 1 part of 85 per cent., and in all proportions of absolute, alcohol ; has a rotat- 
 ing power to the right in the polariscope, and possesses the pungent aromatic odor and 
 taste of the herb. It consists mainly of absinihol , the composition of which is C 40 H 16 O, 
 which boils at 200° C. (392° F.), and splits with zinc chloride into water and cymene, 
 C i 0 H 14 ; it contains also 2 per cent, of terpenes boiling at 150° and above 120° C., and a 
 few per cent, of blue oils boiling at 300° C. and upward (C. R. A. Wright, 1874). The 
 volatile oil is the chief constituent of the liquor which is largely consumed in Western 
 Europe under the name of absinthe , and which is prepared either by distilling wormwood, 
 melissa, anise, and other aromatics with whiskey, or by dissolving in the latter the corre- 
 sponding volatile oils. 
 
 The intensely bitter taste resides in absinthin , which is precipitated from the infusion 
 by tannin (Kromayer, 1861). Since 1827 the bitter principle had been repeatedly 
 obtained in an impure condition, until Mein (1834) succeeded in preparing it in a some- 
 what crystalline condition. Senger (1892) found the best process for its preparation to 
 be by agitating the ethereal tincture of the herb with water, removing coloring matter 
 from the aqueous solution with aluminum hydroxide, again treating the liquid with ether, 
 and evaporating this solvent. It forms a faintly yellowish, glass-like mass, yielding a 
 white powder, melts at 65° C., is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, and is a glucoside, 
 yielding dextrose, a volatile compound, and a resinous acid. Composition, C 15 H. 20 O 4 (Sen- 
 ger). Wormwood contains also some tannin (green with iron salts), resin, starch, 
 albumin, potassium nitrate and other salts, succinic (Braconnot’s absinthic acid, 1815), 
 malic, and acetic acids. 
 
 Other Medicinal Species of Artemisia. — A. pontica , Limit ; Roman wormwood, E. ; Petite 
 absinthe, Fr. ; Romischer Beifuss, G. Indigenous to Southern Europe and Central Asia. Hoary 
 tomentose, leaves decompound pinnatifid, segments narrow linear ; odor strong, rather pleasant ; 
 taste pungent, aromatic, and bitter ; smaller and less esteemed than wormwood. 
 
 A. Abrotanum, Linne; Southernwood, Old Man, E.; Aurone male, Fr. ; Eberraute, G. ; 
 Abrotano, It ., Sp. Western Asia and Southern Europe; cultivated in U. S. Minutely hairy, 
 segments of the pinnatifid leaves capillaceous ; odor lemon-like ; taste aromatic and bitter. 
 
 A. vulgaris, Linne ; Mugwort, E.; Couronne de Saint-Jean, Armoise commune, Fr. ; Beifuss, 
 G. ; Artemisa, Sp. Northern Africa, Europe, and Siberia; cultivated and spontaneous in U. S. 
 Stem often purplish ; leaves subsessile, green above, white tomentose beneath, pinnatifid, seg- 
 ments linear lanceolate, often incised; odor aromatic, agreeable; taste aromatic, bitterish, and 
 somewhat acrid. The root, radix artemisice , is also medicinally employed in Europe. It is 
 about 20 Cm. (8 inches) long, woody and beset with numerous thin and tough radicles, which 
 are the parts used ; they are 5 to 10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) long, and about 2 Mm. ( T ^ inch) thick, 
 are light brown, internally whitish, and have an angular w r ood and a thick bark, with a thin 
 bast-layer, and, outside thereof, with 5 or 6 groups of resin-cells. The root has a slight not very 
 pleasant odor, a sweetish and slightly acrid taste, and contains, according to Hummel and 
 Jaenicke (1826), Bretz and Eliason (1826), and Hergt (1830), a little butyraceous volatile oil, 
 acrid resin, tannin, etc. 
 
 A. Dracunculus, Linne; Tarragon, E. ; Estragon, Fr., Sp. ; Dragunbeifuss, Kaisersalat, G. 
 Siberia, Tartary, Southern Europe ; cultivated. Plant green and glabrous ; radical leaves trifid, 
 stem-leaves narrow lanceolate, entire ; odor anise-like ; taste aromatic, bitterish. The volatile oil 
 consists largely of anethol, C 10 H 12 O. 
 
 A. ludovici ana, Nuttall ; Western Mugwort. It grows from Michigan to Oregon and south- 
 ward, is 1-1.5 M. (3 to 5 feet) high, white woolly, with lanceolate, deeply cut, serrate, or 
 entire leaves and numerous small flower-heads. It has a bitter taste, and a slight odor like that 
 of wormwood. The fruit of this species, and of A dracunculoides, Fursh , is used as food by the 
 Indians. The last-named plant extends from Western Illinois to Oregon and southward to Ari- 
 zona ; it has also appeared in Arkansas. It has linear entire smooth leaves, of which the lower 
 ones are occasionally three-cleft, and very numerous small mostly pedicelled heads in compound 
 leafy panicles. It resembles the preceding in odor and taste. 
 
 A. filifolia, Torrey. , growing from Nebraska to New Mexico, and known there as southern- 
 wood, has filiform, revolute, sometimes three-cleft, whitish tomentose leaves, and small about four- 
 flowered heads in leafy panicles, and is more aromatic than the preceding. 
 
 A. frigida, Willdenow, known in Colorado as sierra salvia and mountain sage , is covered with 
 silky white hairs, and has small leaves with linear lobes. It was analyzed by F. A. Weiss (1890), 
 and probably contains absinthin. 
 
 A. tridentata, Nuttall , is the sagebrush of Western North America, growing from Sonora to 
 Nevada and Oregon and eastward to the Rocky Mountains. It is a shrub 1.5 to 2 M. (5-6 feet) 
 high, with crowded canescent, cuneate, and truncate, mostly bluntly three-toothed leaves and 
 obovoid or oblong flower-heads, which are about! Mm. inch) long, are about five-flowered, and 
 spicately clustered in narrow compound panicles. The plant contains a pungent volatile oil, and 
 is used by the Indians in the form of infusion for headaches, colds, and for worms. 
 
ACACIA. 
 
 b 
 
 A. arbuscula, Nutt ., and A. trifida, Nutt., are the dwarf sagebrushes of the same localities, 
 and have similar properties. 
 
 A. abyssixjca, Olivier , is known in Abyssinia as tshuking and zerechtit. The inflorescence, 
 which is employed, forms corymbose racemes with small globular heads, having a woolly invo- 
 lucre, whitish florets, an aromatic odor, somewhat resembling chamomile and tansy, and an aro- 
 matic bitterish taste. Dragendorff (1878) found in it 1.7 per cent, volatile oil, 2.8 tannin, and a 
 trace of bitter principle. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Extractum absinthii is prepared with 
 diluted alcohol (P. G.') or with boiling distilled water (P. Cod.). 
 
 Tinctura absinthii, P. G. Macerate wormwood 1 part with alcohol (sp. gr. .892) 5 
 parts, express and filter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In small doses a stimulant tonic, but in large doses, and 
 especially in its alcoholic preparation “ absinthe,” by its habitual use produces marked 
 derangement of the nervous system, with loss of virile power and a peculiar tendency to 
 hallucinations and convulsions (Laborde, Archives gen., Nov. 1889, p. 609). Wormwood 
 may be advantageously employed in atonic and especially flatulent dyspepsia, and in 
 various conditions of the system in which local disorders are maintained by general 
 debility of the functions, and particularly by that of the digestive apparatus. In this man- 
 ner partly, and partly also as a direct anthelmintic, it sometimes is used successfully to re- 
 move lumbricoid worms. Externally, a decoction of wormwood may be applied as a dress- 
 ing to unhealthy, and indolent ulcers. The dose of wormwood in substance is from 
 Gm. 1.30-2.60 (20 to 40 grains). An infusion made with Gm. 32 (an ounce) of worm- 
 wood in Gm. 500 (a pint) of water may be given in doses of Gm. 32-64 (1 or 2 fluid- 
 ounces). 
 
 A. vulgaris was at one time held in high repute as a remedy for epilepsy, and especially 
 for those cases of it which occur in persons of feeble constitution and of a highly nervous 
 temperament — more especially in young females with disordered menstruation. It was 
 prescribed in hot infusion, so as to provoke diaphoresis, and not only for epilepsy, but also 
 for the cure of amenorrhoea. 
 
 Prof. Maisch has included the following statements in a “ Note on Some American 
 Species of Artemisia ” ( Amer . Jour, of Phar., lii. 69) : The infusion of A. ludoviciana 
 was recommended as a hair tonic and febrifuge. The same plant was used by the Pali- 
 Utes to assist childbirth and to stop hemorrhage from the nose. A. dracunculoides is 
 said to produce irritation when bruised, and the tea of it to be diaphoretic. A. filifolia, 
 according to Dr. Palmer, is used in decoction by the Indians against swellings and bruises, 
 and a very penetrating volatile oil obtained from it by distillation is useful in liniments. 
 According to the same authority, a strong tea made from the sage-plant of the Rocky 
 Mountains, which includes several species of Artemisia, is given for headache, colds, and 
 worms, and a pungent volatile oil may be procured from it. It is alleged to be diuretic 
 and diaphoretic, the former in cold, the latter in hot infusion ( Therap. Gaz., xi. 659). 
 
 ACACIA, U. S. ; Acacias Gummi, Br., P. A.— Gum Acacia. 
 
 Gummi arahicum , Gummi mimosse , P. G. — Gum arabic, E. ; Gomme arabique, Fr. Cod.; 
 Arabisches Gummi, G. ; Gomma arabica, F. It. ; Goma arabiga , Sp. 
 
 A gummy exudation from Acacia Senegal, Willdenow (A. Yerek, Guittemin et 
 Perottet ), and other species of Acacia. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 94. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Mimoseae, Acacieae. 
 
 Origin. — The gum-yielding species of Acacia are shrubs or trees with mostly abruptly 
 bipinnate leaves, and with the stipules often transformed into thorns. The flowers are 
 generally yellow, have numerous stamens, and are aggregated in dense elongated spikes 
 or in globular heads. 
 
 A. Senegal, Willdenow , occurs from Kordofan, where it is called Hashab , west to the 
 river Senegal ; it is a small tree attaining the height of about 6 M. (20 feet), and yields 
 the Kordofan and Senegal gums. 
 
 Acacia (Mimosa, Lamarck') arabica, Willdenow, which species includes also A. vera, 
 Willd., A. (Mimosa, Linne) nilotica, Dd.ile, and A. Adansonii, Guittemin et Perottet , is found 
 from India westward to Senegambia, and yields some brown-colored gum. Near the Nile 
 it is known as Sont, and the variety A. tomentosa, Bentham , near the Senegal as Nebneb. 
 The gum Mogador, also known as Morocco and Barbary gum, is probably produced by 
 this species. 
 
6 
 
 ACACIA. 
 
 A. tortilis, Forshal , called Seyal or Seyaleh , and A. Ehrenbergii, Hayne , a shrub, called 
 Seyah , now yield little gum in Arabia and Upper Egypt. 
 
 Collection and Commerce. — Gum arabic has been supposed to be formed by the 
 metamorphosis of the cell-walls of the parenchyma, or, according to Carre, of the vascular 
 bundles in the cambium layer ; but according to Hohnel's investigation (1888) it is produced 
 by the transformation of the cell-contents in the inner bark, and the gum-cleft occupies only 
 a small space. The gum exudes spontaneously, but the discharge is often hastened by 
 incisions. It is yielded most plentifully during the hot summer months, the trees pro- 
 ducing it in largest quantity having a sickly appearance. The thick liquid hardens upon 
 the bark, and finally falls to the ground, but is collected by detaching it from the tree 
 with the aid of a wooden axe. 
 
 The best gum is collected westward of the White Nile in Kordofan, and enters com- 
 merce by being shipped down the Nile to Alexandria ; it is the Kordofan gum , called 
 Hashabi in Egypt, and for some years has been very scarce. A gum nearly or quite as 
 handsome in appearance, though considered inferior in quality, is collected near the Blue 
 Nile and shipped from Sennaar, either down the Nile or by way of the port of Suakin 
 (Savakin) on the Bed Sea ; it is the Sennaar or Sennari gum , which, of late years, has 
 become quite plentiful in our commerce. The kind known in commerce as Suakin or 
 Savakin gum is collected farther east, not far from the west coast of the Bed Sea, and 
 shipped from the port named. The gum collected in Southern Abyssinia and adjoining 
 countries is mostly exported from Berbera, either by way of the East Indies or through 
 some neighboring ports of Arabia to the Mediterranean. Some gum is collected in India 
 from several species of Acacia, Albizzia, Anogeissus, Bauhinia, Odina, Feronia elephan- 
 tum, Correa , etc., but the great bulk of the commercial East Indian gum is of African 
 origin. Arabia also exports some gum ; but the Gedda, or Jidda gum and the gum Tor or 
 Turic come originally from the Somali coast of Eastern Africa. 
 
 Gum arabic, before it finally enters commerce, is usually assorted in the Mediteranean 
 ports, the clearest and whitest quality being known as Turkey gum. It is imported in 
 casks, boxes, bags, and also in skins. 
 
 Description. — Gum arabic occurs in roundish tears of various sizes, but usually 
 more or less broken, and then constitutes angular fragments, of a glass-like, somewhat 
 iridescent fracture, opaque in consequence of the numerous fissures contained in it, but 
 transparent in thin pieces. The finest quality is colorless or white in mass, the pieces 
 exhibiting more or less of a yellowish or brownish tint being the inferior varieties. 
 
 It has a very faint odor and a mucilaginous insipid taste. It is completely insoluble 
 in strong alcohol, but dissolves in 2 parts of water, forming a thick transparent mucilage 
 of an acid reaction ; this solution is not precipitated by lead acetate, but basic lead ace- 
 tate causes a white precipitate even in very dilute solutions (1 in 50,000) of this gum ; 
 soluble silicates yield white precipitates, and borax and ferric salts gelatinize the solu- 
 tion. Its specific gravity varies between 1.355 and 1.491, and after drying at 100° 
 C. (212° F.) is increased to 1.525, with an absolute loss of 13.14 per cent. (Fliickiger). 
 
 Savakin gum, which is quite brittle, is often not entirely soluble in water, but yields 
 with it a past} 7 mass of rather strong acid reaction, depositing, when diluted with water, 
 transparent globules, which Beimann (1881) found to consist of metagummic acid ; this 
 may be rendered soluble by the addition of a little potassa or by lime-water. 
 
 For pharmaceutical purposes only the whitest gum should be used, but in the arts the 
 colored gums are frequently quite as serviceable, and their solutions are decolorized by 
 filtering through aluminum hydrate, or by treatment with sulphurous acid, followed by 
 barium carbonate. 
 
 Composition. — Gum arabic or arabin is the calcium compound of arabic or gummic 
 acid , but contains also magnesium and potassium. This acid, which has been found by 
 Scheibler (1873) in the sugar-beet, and is identical with Fremy’s metapectic acid , may be 
 obtained pure by precipitating with alcohol the mucilage, previously acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, washing the precipitate well with alcohol, and repeating the operation 
 several times. While still moist, gummic acid is soluble in water, and from this solution 
 it is not precipitated by alcohol unless hydrochloric acid be added. After drying (meta- 
 gummic acid of Fremy) it merely swells up, but does not dissolve either in cold or boiling 
 water, in which it is rendered soluble again on the addition of alkalies. It is amorphous, 
 and after drying at 100° C. (212° F.) its composition is C 12 H 22 O n ; treated with lime- 
 water and alcohol, the compound C 12 H 20 CaO u + 5C 12 H 22 O n is obtained (Neubauer, 1854). 
 This contains 2.56 per cent. CaO — 4.58 CaC0 3 . Lowenthal and Hausmann (1853) 
 obtained 3.17 to 3.30 per cent, of ashes from gum arabic. Solution of gum rotates polar- 
 
ACACIA. 
 
 7 
 
 ized light usually to the left, but some kinds have a right rotation. By continued boil- 
 ing with dilute sulphuric acid sugar is produced ; nitric acid oxidizes it to mucic, sac- 
 charic, tartaric, and oxalic acids. Some gums yield little or no mucic acid, and these, on 
 being treated with dilute sulphuric acid, produce arabinose , C 12 H. 2 . 2 O n , which crystallizes 
 from hot alcohol in groups of minute radiating prisms, is not fermentable, but reduces 
 Fehling’s solution like grape-sugar. It was discovered by Scheibler in 1868, and obtained 
 also from the gum of the juice of the sugar-beet. Kiliani (1880) regarded the sugar as 
 identical with lactose. But Claesson (1881) proved it to be distinct from the latter; 
 however, from gums which yield much mucic acid a sugar was obtained corresponding in 
 the main with lactose. Reichardt’s pararabin (1875) is a constituent of the sugar-beet, 
 soluble in warm dilute acids, swelling with water, and by long-continued boiling with 
 alkalies converted into arabic acid. 
 
 The inferior qualities of gum contain a little grape-sugar, which may be removed by 
 alcohol; thus purified, gum does not reduce alkaline solutions of cupric oxide. 3 Gra. 
 Kordofan (and Senegal) gum, precipitated from its aqueous solution by an excess (15 
 grams) of solution of subacetate of lead, yield a scarcely opalescent filtrate, which remains 
 almost clear with ammonia. The filtrate yielded under similar circumstances from Sen- 
 naar gum is slowly obtained, is milky, and yields with ammonia a gelatinous precipitate 
 (Schlosser, 1869). 
 
 Other Varieties of Gum. — Savakin or Suakin Gum, which is described above, is also known 
 as talca or talha gum , and is the exudation of Acacia stenoearpa, HocMtetter , and A. fistula, 
 Schweinfurth. 
 
 Gum Senegal derives its name from the river Senegal. It is chiefly the product of Acacia Sen- 
 egal, and to a limited extent also of a few other species of Acacia growing in Senegambia and 
 adjoining countries of Western Africa. It occurs often in elongated and larger tears than the Egyp- 
 tian gum, mostly varies in color between yellow and brownish-red, has few fissures, but occa- 
 sionally contains air-cavities in the centre, and otherwise has the appearance and chemical proper- 
 ties of gum arabic. A variety called yum Galam , gomme du bas dv jleuve in France, is lighter 
 in color, and has not the bitterish taste often found in the ordinary kind. Senegal gum enters 
 commerce through France, where it is officinal ; it is extensively used in the arts. The principal 
 collection commences in March, and in some years has reached 5,000,000 Kgm. 
 
 Cape Gum, imported from the Cape of Good Hope, exudes from Acacia horrida, Willdenow , 
 occurs in small tears and fragments, and is of a pale-yellow to amber color, 
 
 Australian .Gum, Wattle Gum, the produce of Acacia decurrens, Willdenow , A. pycnantha, 
 Bentham , and other species, is found in tears, which are frequently quite large, vary in color 
 from yellowish- to reddish-brown, have a slightly astringent taste, and break with a glass-like 
 fracture. 
 
 Mesquite Gum is obtained from Prosopis juliflora, De Candolle , s. Algarobia (Prosopis, Gray ) 
 glandulosa, Torrey A Gray , a tree 6-12 M. (20 to 40 feet) high, indigenous to Texas, New Mexico, 
 and California, and southward through Mexico to Chili and Buenos Ayres ; the yield by natural 
 exudation is increased by making incisions ; it is collected during the months of July, August, 
 and September. It occurs in tears varying in size and in color from colorless to amber-brown, 
 and resembles gum arabic in the fissures, specific gravity, solubility, its behavior to nitric acid, 
 and the amount of ash yielded on incineration, 2.1 to 3 per cent. ; but its aqueous solution is not 
 precipitated by subacetate of lead, ferric salts, or borax ; acetate of lead, with ammonia subse- 
 quently added, yields a gelatinous precipitate. The reactions, however, differ to some extent in 
 different samples, and it is not unlikely that several Mimoseae may furnish this gum. 
 
 Chagual Gum is collected in Chili from Puya (Pourretia, Ruiz et Paeon ) lanuginosa, Molina , 
 nat. ord. Bromeliaceae, and yields a thick acidulous mucilage, which is precipitated by lead 
 acetate, but not by borax or silicates. About 20 or 25 per cent, of the gum is insoluble in 
 water. 
 
 Hog Gum, Doctor Gum, comes from South America in translucent or transparent reddish 
 irregular tears, which are but partly soluble in water. It is usually referred to Rhus Metopium, 
 Linne , by others to Moronobea coccinea, Aublet , both of which yield gummy exudations. It is 
 not identical with Hogg Gum or Kathira of India, which is obtained from Cochlospermum Gos- 
 sypium, De Candolle , nat. ord. Bixaceae, and closely resembles the inferior kinds oftragacanth ; 
 its solution in water is neutral ; the portion insoluble in water yields with alkalies a thick muci- 
 lage of a pinkish color, which according to Mitchell (1880) is not precipitated by acids. 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The inferior kinds of gums described above 
 are frequently substituted for gum arabic in tears, and on one occasion an adulteration 
 with rock-salt wa-i noticed. In powder it is liable to the substitution named, and also to 
 adulteration with flour and dextrin. The former is easily detected by adding to the cold 
 mucilage, prepared with hot water, a solution of iodine, when a blue color will be produced ; 
 the latter by Tronmer’s test, which will separate cuprous oxide at ordinary temperatures 
 in an hour or tvo, or immediately on heating. Owing to the high price of gum arabic 
 
8 
 
 A CETA NIL TD UM. 
 
 for some years past, various substitutes have been seen in the market prepared from the 
 mucilage of flaxseed, Irish moss, agar-agar, or other drugs, and dextrin has been con- 
 verted into granular or irregularly globular pieces resembling gum arabic. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Powdered gum arabic is extensively used in the prepara- 
 tion of emulsions of oleoresins, fixed and volatile oils, also for forming troches and pills; 
 for the latter purpose a solution of gum in glycerin is preferable, particularly if the pills 
 are to be kept for some time. Gum arabic is preferably made into a moderately fine 
 powder ( sanded gum), which retains its ready solubility in water ; by drying it so that it 
 may be finely powdered it loses nearly 10 per cent, in weight, does not dissolve rapidly, 
 and reduces alkaline copper solutions (Hager, 1873). 
 
 Pasta gummosa s. Pasta alth.eA;, Marshmallow paste. E. ; Pate de gomme ; P. de 
 ^guimauve, Fr. ; Gummipaste, G. Dissolve 1000 Gm. of white gum arabic in 1000, Gm. 
 of water, strain, add 1000 Gm. of sugar, and with continuous stirring evaporate in a 
 water-bath to the consistence of thick honey; then add gradually 100 Gm. of orange- 
 flower water, and the white of 12 eggs, previously well beaten ; continue to beat the mix- 
 ture until of proper consistence ; let it cool upon a marble slab or in boxes, and keep it in 
 a mixture of 3 parts of powdered starch and 1 of sugar. — F. Cod. 
 
 Other Products of Acacia (see also Catechu). — The sabicu-wood of Cuba, from A. formosa, 
 Kunth , the blackwood of Australia, from A. melanoxylon, R. Brown, the fragrant myall-wood of 
 Australia, from A. homalophylla, Cunningham, and others, are valuable for cabinet and other 
 work. 
 
 Acacia Farnesiana, Willdenow, is indigenous to Western Texas and to the tropical and sub- 
 tropical parts of Ameiica, and is cultivated in Southern Europe for the fragrant flowers, which 
 yield a delicious perfume, known as cassie. The small tree is called in Texas huisache, and in 
 Mexico matitar. In Germany the flowers of the sloe, Prunus spinosa, Linni, are known as 
 jlores acacice. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Various observations on the use of acacia as food, and experi- 
 ments upon animals that were kept exclusively upon a diet of this substance, appear 
 to render it probable that it cannot contribute much to real nutrition — that is, by 
 providing materials for forming tissue. It is certain that an exclusive diet of gum can- 
 not sustain life. Yet it may possibly retard waste, and thereby prolong life. Such 
 appears to be in part its operation when used by the sick in the form of gum-water. 
 But unquestionably its more demonstrable merit consists in its serving as a protective 
 to inflamed surfaces, such as the mucous membrane during pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc., 
 when it is usually given in the form of troches or lozenges. In febrile affections 
 generally, in inflammations of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, in gastritis, 
 typhoid fever , dysentery, etc., it is in ordinary use. In all such cases it is a local palli- 
 ative. By coating the mucous membrane it moderates the irritation which the con- 
 tents of the intestine tend to maintain, and thereby checks diarrhoea and tends to consti- 
 pate. Its solution (mucilago acacise) may be rendered more agreeable and useful by the 
 addition of sugar and various flavoring syrups ; or the syrup, which is officinal, may be 
 used alone. Powdered acacia may be applied to arrest bleeding from leech-bites and 
 other sources of slight hsemorrhagc. Its thick mucilage is sometimes used as a protective 
 for superficial burns, excoriations , and ulcers. 
 
 Mesquite gum is applicable to all the purposes of gum arabic. 
 
 ACETANILIDUM, 77. S., Br., F. It P. G.— Acetanilid. 
 
 Antifebrinum, P. A. — Phenylacetamide, Acetylamidobenzene , Antifebrin. 
 
 Formula, C 8 H 9 NO, or C 6 H 5 NIIC 2 H 3 0. Molecular weight, 134.73. 
 
 Preparation. — Acetanilid was first prepared by Gerhard in 1852 by acting upon 
 aniline with acetyl chloride or with acetic anhydride. It is manufactured by moderately 
 boiling in a retort, connected with a reflex condenser, equal parts of aniline and glacial 
 acetic acid, until a small portion, removed from the retort, will congeal on cooling ; the 
 mass is then distilled, when water and acetic acid will pass over, and finally acetanilid, 
 which is recrystallized from boiling water. The new compound is formed by the elim- 
 ination of water, according to the equation C 6 H 5 NH 2 4 CH 3 .COOH JC«H 5 NH.CH 3 C0 
 + H *°- 
 
 Properties. — Acetanilid forms colorless glistening scales or a whitfe shining crystal- 
 line powder, not altered by exposure to air or light, free from odor, bilt having a some- 
 what pungent, slightly burning taste. It melts at 113° C. (235.4° F.j (about 112° C., 
 
ACETANIL1DUM. 
 
 9 
 
 P. A.; 235° F., Br.; 112-113° C., F. It.), boils at 295° C. (563° F.) without decom- 
 position, and when ignited upon platinum-foil burns without leaving any residue. It is 
 soluble in 194 parts of water at 15° C., U. S., P. G. ; in about 200 parts of cold water, 
 Br ., F. It., and in 18 parts of boiling water ; also in 5 parts, U. S. (4 parts F. It. ; 3.5 
 parts, P. G.) of alcohol, in 0.4 parts of boiling alcohol, in about 18 parts of ether, and is 
 easily soluble in chloroform and benzene; but slightly soluble in carbon disulphide. The 
 solutions have a neutral reaction to test paper. 
 
 The tests of identity and purity adopted by the different pharmacopoeias are nearly 
 identical. The solution of acetanilid in sulphuric acid without the production of a dark 
 color indicates the absence of dust, saccharine matter, and many other organic compounds. 
 On heating about 0.1 Grin, of acetanilid with a few Cc. of concentrated solution (1 in 4) 
 of potassium or sodium hydroxide, the characteristic odor of aniline becomes noticeable ; on 
 now adding chloroform and again heating, the disagreeable odor of isonitril is evolved 
 ( U. S.). Analogous reactions are produced by all primary amines, as was shown by A. 
 W. Hofmann (1875) who discovered (1867) this isonitril, known as phenyl carbylamine 
 or phenyl isocyanide , C fi H 5 .NC, which has a repulsive, penetrating odor and is very poi- 
 sonous. On boiling 0.1 Gm. of acetanilid for several minutes with 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, 
 a clear solution results, which, when mixed with 3 Cc. of a 5 per cent, aqueous solution 
 of carbolic acid, and afterward with 5 Cc. of a filtered saturated solution of chlorin- 
 ated lime, acquires a brownish-red color, becoming blue upon supersaturation with 
 ammonia (ll. S.). This is the so-called indophenol or indoaniline reaction, which is shown 
 also by phenacetin and other allied compounds, from which acetanilid may be distin- 
 guished by the melting-point and solubility. A cold saturated aqueous solution of 
 acetanilid, added to ferric chloride test-solution, should not affect the color of the latter 
 ( U. S.). This shows the absence of aniline salt, of antipyrine, hydracetin, and some 
 other compounds ; on the application of heat the mixture of acetanilid and ferric salt 
 becomes deep red. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — A number of mixtures of from 50 to 90 per cent, of acetanilid wdth 
 sodium bicarbonate, and in some cases with ammonium bromide, salicylic acid, and other com- 
 pounds, have been introduced as proprietary articles and sold under copyrighted names. 
 
 Bromacetanilid, C 6 H 4 BrNH.C 2 II 3 0, or Acethromanilid, was prepared pure by Giirke (1875), 
 and the para-compound was recently introduced into medicine under the name of antisepsin. It 
 is formed by the action of bromine upon acetanilid, and crystallizes in colorless needles, which, 
 owing to their sparing solubility, are tasteless ; they melt at 165.5° C. (330° F.). The ortho-com- 
 pound is more freely soluble in alcohol, and melts at 99° C. 
 
 Benzanilid, C 6 H 5 NH.C 7 H 5 0, or yhenylhenzamid , was discovered by Gerhardt (1845), and is 
 produced by the action of benzoic anhydride, benzoic acid, or of benzoyl chloride upon aniline, 
 and crystallization from alcohol. It forms small white scales of a pearly lustre, inodorous, taste- 
 less, insoluble in water, and fusible at about 162° C. 
 
 Methylacetanilid, C 6 H 5 NCILvC 2 H 30 , has been used under the name of exalgin. It was first 
 prepared by A. W. Hofmann (1874), and may be obtained by warming monomethylaniline with 
 half a molecule of acetylchloride, and crystallized from hot water to remove the methylaniline 
 hydrochloride. By acting with methyl iodide upon sodium acetanilid, sodium iodide and methyl- 
 acetanilid are formed. The latter crystallizes in colorless needles or prisms, which are inodorous 
 and tasteless, and melt in the air at 102° C. (215.6° F.), but under water at 98° C. It is neutral 
 to test-paper, and is freely soluble in alcohol, chloroform, carbon disulphide, and in boiling water. 
 It requires about 60 parts of cold water or 10 parts of ether for solution. On heating it with 
 potassium hydrate, and then with chloroform, as directed above for acetanilid, the disagreeable 
 odor of isonitril is not produced, but a faint rather pleasant odor is observed. Methylacetanilid 
 boils on being heated to 245° C. (473° F.), and finally evaporates without leaving any residue ; 
 its aqueous solution is not precipitated by silver nitrate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Experimental and clinical observations agree in showing that 
 acetanilid powerfully depresses the nervous system and the heart, causing coldness, 
 cyanosis, collapse, and even death, while affecting febrile temperature but slightly. 
 Cohn and Hepp estimated the antipyretic power of acetanilid as being four times greater 
 than that of antipyrin. They found that from Gm. 0.25-1 (grs. 3-15) at a single 
 dose, and repeated to the extent of Gm. 2 (30 gr.) in twenty-four hours, should be ad- 
 ministered, according to the grade of the fever, the condition of the patient, etc. They 
 believed that its action became manifest within an hour, reached its height in about four 
 hours, and lasted from six to eight hours. A single dose sometimes sufficed to restore 
 the normal temperature. This process was generally accompanied by redness of the skin 
 and moderate sweating. As in the case of antipyrin, the reaction was sometimes attended 
 by chilliness. As the temperature fell the pulse became less frequent and gained in ten- 
 sion. According to them, the medicine produced neither nausea, vomiting, nor diarrhoea. 
 
10 
 
 A CETA NIL ID UM. 
 
 During the apyrexia, in certain cases, urgent thirst and profuse diuresis occurred. In 
 some, also, cyanosis of the face and hands appeared in the remission. These conclusions 
 were, in the main, confirmed by Lepine, Mouisset, Kruger, Weill, Weinstein, Edemsky, 
 Peirce, Hawkins, Crombie, and many others. Weill placed the preparation at the head 
 of antipyretics {Centralb. f. Med ., v. 634), saying that it tends first to stimulate, and 
 then to depress, the nervous system, causing the temperature to fall and a tendency to 
 collapse, as well as general analgesia and anaesthesia. In general, a dose of Gm. 0.25 
 (4 grs.) sufficed to reduce the febrile temperature by three degrees. Hidowitz {Med. News, 
 li. 543) exalted its virtues in the febrile affections of children. Cohn and Hepp ( Cen - 
 tralb.f. Tlier., v. 59), like Weill, proclaimed it to be the best representative of the group 
 of medicines to which it belongs, as reliable, relatively free from danger, and efficient in 
 small doses. Way and several others found it a useful palliative in typhoid fever {Med. 
 News , lii. 11). But this opinion is by no means held by all. Dujardin-Beaumetz rejected 
 acetanilid altogether from the treatment of the diseases from which it obtained its name of 
 antifebrin {Bull, de Therap., cxii. 211 ; cxiii. 103). He dwelt on its tendency in fever to 
 occasion cyanosis and excessive depression of temperature, although in non-febrile affec- 
 tions these effects are not produced unless the doses are excessive. Other observers have 
 remarked that it sometimes entirely fails to exhibit antipyretic virtues ( University Med. 
 Mag., i. 228). 
 
 In articular rheumatism the value of this medicine is not more clearly defined than in 
 fevers. There can be no doubt that it generally palliates, and sometimes entirely neutral- 
 izes, the pain of the acute disease, while it reduces the fever. Beise regarded it as less 
 prompt and efficient than salicylic acid, but free from the unpleasant effects of the latter 
 {Centralbl. f. Med., v. 12) ; Eisenhart made a similar comparison bstween it and sodium 
 salicylate {ibid., v. 181); and Dujardin-Beaumetz agreed with them in saying that it is 
 less apt to disturb the brain than salicylic acid. Weinstein, and also Demme, have 
 expressed analogous opinions {ibid., v. 634; vi. 299); and Sarda concluded that acetani- 
 lid is inferior to antipyrin in acute, but not in chronic, rheumatism {Bull, de Therap., 
 cxiv. 433). 
 
 The pains of certain neuralgic affections appear to be more readily controlled by 
 acetanilid than even those of rheumatism : they are the neuralgiae due to an organic 
 cause, and notably to alterations of the spinal marrow. According to Dujardin-Beau- 
 metz, none of the objections to acetanilid in fevers apply to it in neuralgic affections {Bull, 
 de Therap., cxiii. 103). Similar observations have been made by Dulacska, Biro, Fischer, 
 and others, Fischer noted that the remedy succeeded best when the pains were parox- 
 ysmal. He gave Gm. 0.25 (gr. 4.) at a dose. Demieville confirmed these results, and 
 added that the medicine was efficient in the pain of senile gangrene and cancer { Therap. 
 Gaz., xi. 698). Weinstein {Cent. f. Therap., v. 634), Seifert {ibid., v. 563), Leidy {N. 
 York Med. Jour., Oct. 29, 1887), Ott {Centralbl. /. Therap., v. 13), Fischer {ibid., vi. 611), 
 and Fraser {Practition., xliv. 291) gave similar testimony. In no case, however, did it 
 prevent the recurrence of the paroxysms of pain, and the general conclusion agreed with 
 Ferreira’s {Bull, et Mem. Soc. ther., 1888, p. 171), that in these conditions it is inferior to 
 antipyrin. Hirsch’s summary appears to state the truth of the matter: “It seems to 
 be useful in diffused headache, but is useless in rheumatic neuralgia and in sympathetic 
 paralytic hemicrania. It acts well in the neuralgia of tabes dorsalis ” {Centralb. f. Med., 
 vi. 724). An exceptional case is that reported by Dr. Flint {Med. Record, xxxiv. 
 646), in which a very obstinate sciatica was cured with heroic doses of the medicine, 40 
 to 50 grains in the course of four hours. It does not appear to relieve insomnia as a 
 direct effect, but only by suppressing the influences that prevent sleep. In this way it 
 procures repose in fevers and in mania a potu and other forms of maniacal excitement. In 
 like manner it relieves congestive headache. In exceptional cases it has palliated or sus- 
 pended the paroxysms of epilepsy , and in the treatment of whooping cough and other 
 forms of reflex cough is thought to be equal to antipyrin. It has been found useful in 
 phthisis to control or palliate the hectic fever, and thereby lessen the exhausting effects 
 of this incident of the disease {Med. Record, xxxi. 426 ; Centralbl . f. Ther., v. 119; Med. 
 News, lii. 99 ; Therap. Gaz., xi. 162). 
 
 Administration. — The average dose of acetanilid as an antipyretic is Gm. 0.30 (gr. 5) ; 
 as an anodyne, Gm. 0.6-0.13 (gr. 1-2). It should be dissolved in a small quantity of alcohol, 
 and then diluted with water. It may be repeated at intervals of about four hours or less, 
 according to its effects. To counteract its poisonous effects, it has been recommended to 
 evacuate the bowels with castor oil, to stimulate the skin by heat and friction, and to admin- 
 ister coffee and injections of aether. Alcohol, except in very small doses, is not advised. 
 
ACETONUM. 
 
 11 
 
 Benzanilid has been employed by Kahn in diseases of children. He found it a very 
 efficient antithermic. Its general action resembled that of acetanilid, fc al though the reac- 
 tion following its use took place more slowly. No cyanotic effect was noted, but in one 
 case there was a rubeoloid eruption. The pulse and respiration rates fell along with the 
 temperature, and by use the activity of the medicine declined. The dose for children of 
 from one to three years was Gm. 0. 1-0.2 (gr. 1^—3) ; for children from 4-8 years, Gm. 
 0. 2-0.4 (gr. 3-6). The largest quantity giyen in a day was Gm. 3.2 (gr. 48). It was 
 administered in powder ( Centralbl. f Ther., vii. 53). 
 
 Methylacetanilid (exalgin) is an efficient analgesic, especially for purely neuralgic 
 pains, and has proved useful in chorea. Among the toxical effects of it have been noted 
 ringing in the ears, confusion of sight, vomiting, headache, jaundice, cyanosis, and mus- 
 cular spasm. Dose, Gm. 0.06-0.20 (gr. j-iij) three times a day. 
 
 Antikaiinia, a proprietary medicine, is composed essentially of acetanilid. A case 
 of death preceded by delirium, unconsciousness, has been attributed to a dose of 24 grs. 
 of this compound (Med. News, lix. 547). 
 
 Antinervin is also essentially a compound, of 50 per cent, of acetanilid with 25 per 
 cent, each of ammonium bromide and salicylic acid (Squibb). It has been used as a 
 nervous sedative and analgesic. 
 
 Exodyne and Phenolid are also proprietary compounds, and have essentially the 
 same composition as the preceding. 
 
 ACETONUM. — Acetone. 
 
 Spiritus (s. jEther) pyroaceticus. — Pyroacetic spirit or ether , E. ; Acetone , Ether ( Esprit ) 
 pyroacetique, Fr. ; Aceton , Essiggeist, Mesitalkohol , G. ; Chetone , Metilacetone , It. 
 
 Formula C 3 H 6 0. Molecular weight 57.87. 
 
 Formation and Preparation. — Acetone is formed on the dry distillation of 
 wood, of acetates, citric acid, and, iu the presence of lime, from sugar and other carbo- 
 hydrates. It is obtained nearly pure by the dry distillation of barium acetate (Liebig), but 
 is usually prepared from calcium acetate or from a mixture of 4 parts of crystallized acetate 
 of lead and 1 of burnt lime ; the distillate is neutralized with dry sodium carbonate, 
 treated with calcium chloride, and purified by fractional distillation over lime. 
 
 Properties. — It is a thin, colorless liquid, which when ignited burns with a luminous, 
 non-sooty flame. It has a peculiar ethereal somewhat mint-like odor, and a refreshing but 
 very pungent and sweetish taste. Its density at 15° C. (59° F.) is .8008 ; it boils at 
 56.5° C. (133.7° F.). It is soluble in all proportions in water, alcohol, ether, volatile 
 oils, and most compound ethers, dissolves gun-cotton, camphor, many resins, including 
 copal, and fats, and forms crystalline compounds with the alkali disulphites. Most of 
 the salts soluble in alcohol are insoluble in acetone, which separates even from a concen- 
 trated aqueous solution of calcium chloride. 
 
 Composition. — The empirical formula has been given above. Constitutionally it is 
 dimethyl-ketone , CO.CH 3 .CH 3 . 
 
 Impurities. — The principal impurities met with in acetone are alcohol and water, 
 which impart a higher specific gravity ; the former may be recognized by the addition of 
 iodine, followed by potassa solution, when iodoform will be separated. Water, if present, 
 will liquefy a fragment of calcium chloride, but the same salt powdered, according to 
 Hlasiwetz (1850), will form with acetone a solid compound which is decomposed by 
 water. Empyreumatic products present in acetone will cause an opalescence on dilution 
 with water. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Acetal, C 6 Hj 4 0 2 or CTI 3 CH(C 2 H 5 0 ) 2 ; mol. weight 117.74. It is formed on 
 the oxidation of alcohol by manganese dioxide and sulphuric acid, or by platinum black or by 
 chlorine, and is purified by fractional distillation and by treatment with calcium chloride and 
 potassa. It is a thin, colorless liquid, of an agreeable alcohol-like odor, a refreshing taste, and 
 the specific gravity .831 at 20° C. (68° F.). It boils at 104° C. (219.2° F.), dissolves in alcohol 
 and ether in all proportions, but is rather sparingly soluble in water. In contact with air and 
 by oxidizing agents it is readily converted into aldehyde and finally into acetic acid. 
 
 Acetophenone, or P henyhn ethyl-ketone, C5H5.CO.CH3, introduced into medicine as hypnone , is 
 formed by the action of zinc-methyl upon benzoyl chloride, and was first prepared by Friedell 
 (1857) by the dry distillation of a mixture of molecular weights of calcium benzoate and acetate, 
 and subjecting the product to fractional distillation for the separation of acetone, benzene, and 
 other compounds. It crystallizes readily in white laminae, which, if pure, melt at 20.5° C. (68.9° 
 F.) (Staedel, 1880). Liquid hypnone is colorless, mobile, very refrangent, has a persistent odor 
 of bitter almond and orange, and a pungent taste. It is not inflammable, but intensifies the 
 combustion of substances impregnated with it. It boils at 200° C. (392° F.), has the specific 
 
12 
 
 ACETTJM. 
 
 gravity 1.032, remains for some time suspended in water in the form of globules, is insoluble in 
 water, sparingly soluble in glycerin, and freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene, and 
 fixed oils. It is not affected by cold sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or ferric chloride, is col- 
 ored yellow by nitric acid, dissolves iodine and bromine freely and with the development of heat, 
 and by chromic acid is converted into benzoic acid and carbon dioxide. From 38 to 40 drops of 
 hypnone weigh one gram. 
 
 Syrup of Hypnone.- — Hypnone 1 drop, alcohol 1 Gm., syrup of orange-flowers 6 Gm. (Vigier). 
 
 Elixir of Hypnone. — Hypnone 1 drop, alcohol 3 Gm., syrup of peppermint 3 Gm. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation was originally employed in chronic pulmon- 
 ary ajfections to allay cough and diminish expectoration ; but it has long been dis- 
 used for these purposes. It is asserted to act, not as an anaesthetic, but as a soporific 
 only ; but the better opinion is that, while its anaesthetic action is comparatively feeble, 
 its intoxicating operation is decided. It has been recommended as an anthelmintic and 
 in rheumatism and gout. It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 1.0-1.30 (15 or 20 drops), 
 dissolved in spirit of nitrous ether. It may also be used by inhalation from a watery solu- 
 tion, either atomized or diffused by heat. 
 
 Acetal, according to Yon Mering, acts first on the brain, causing a gradual loss of con- 
 sciousness, and then upon the spinal marrow, arresting respiration before the heart. When 
 fatal it kills by asphyxia. In doses of Gm. 4-12 (sj-^hj) he found its hypnotic effects 
 certain and not followed by disagreeable feelings. Stoltenhoff made similar observations ; 
 but Berger and Leyden saw only unsatisfactory results ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 1883, 
 p. 556), and Leubuscher observed no good and various evil effects of its use ( Therapeut . 
 Gaz., ix. 187). Hiller reports that its internal administration is not easy, since its taste 
 is acrid and burning, and, moreover, that it is six times as weak as chloral hydrate, act- 
 ing as a hypnotic only in doses of from Gm. 8-12 (2 to 3 drachms). On the day after 
 taking it patients have complained of depression, heaviness of the limbs, and nausea ( Zeit - 
 schrift f klin. 3Ted., vi. 492). 
 
 Acetophenone, received from Dujardin-Beaumetz the name of hypnone. He regarded 
 it as a pure hypnotic, and but slightly anodyne in the dose of 6 or 8 drops. It cannot 
 be relied upon where pain exists, and hardly when wakefulness is due to nervous excite- 
 ment. Further objections to its use are its offensive taste, the smell it imparts to the 
 breath, and the disorder of the stomach it is apt to occasion. It may be given in capsules 
 containing Gm. 0.06-0.03 (tty-v). 
 
 ACETUM, Br., P. A P . G.— Vinegar. 
 
 Acetum crudum . — Vinaigre , Fr. ; Essig , G. ; Aceto, It. ; Vinagre, Sp. 
 
 Production. — Vinegar is a dilute acetic acid, obtained by the acetic fermentation 
 of alcoholic liquids ; the materials from which it is prepared influence its color, and to a 
 considerable extent also its odor and taste. 
 
 Wine, cider, beer, and similar liquids not containing too large an amount of alcohol, 
 when exposed to the atmosphere, turn sour in consequence of the oxidation of alcohol 
 to acetic acid ; C 2 H 6 0 + 0 2 yields C 2 H 4 0 2 + H 2 0. This acetification is accomplished in 
 partly-filled casks having a small opening at the top, and requires several weeks or 
 months, or even about two years, to be complete, according to the temperature, which is 
 most suitably kept between 20° and 35° C. (68° and 95° F.). The process of oxidation 
 is effected by Mycoderma (Ulvina, Kiitzing ) aceti, Pasteur , consisting of elliptic bacteria. 
 The acid liquid thus obtained requires clarification, which is effected either by allowing 
 it time to settle or by transferring it to other casks containing wood shavings. In this 
 manner wine, cider , malt, and beer vinegars are made. 
 
 Vinegar is extensively made by the so-called German or quick vinegar process , for 
 which the simple apparatus suggested by Wagenmann is employed. This consists of 
 several straight-sided casks 6 to 9 feet high, having, a few inches above the bottom, a 
 false bottom or perforated diaphragm, upon which is packed a layer, 2 to 3 feet in 
 thickness, of fresh beech-wood shavings which have been previously steeped in vinegar, 
 whereby the mycoderma is introduced. Several inches below the top another perforated 
 diaphragm is inserted, or, in place of it, the cask is covered with a well-fitting tub 
 having a perforated bottom. The liquid, containing from 6 to 10 per cent, alcohol, is 
 placed upon the upper diaphragm ; its flow is regulated by means of wooden pins inserted 
 into the perforations, and it is thus compelled to trickle through the shavings, the atmo- 
 sphere being admitted through a number of holes bored through the side of the cask 
 immediately above the lower diaphragm, and by several tubes passing through the upper 
 
ACETUM. 
 
 13 
 
 diaphragm and above the surface of the alcoholic liquid. The partly acetified liquid is 
 drawn off from below the lower false bottom, and transferred to another similarly pre- 
 pared cask, until the whole of the alcohol has been converted into acetic acid. During 
 all this time the change of air in the room and its temperature (about 20 Q C.) must be 
 carefully attended to, as otherwise the oxidation may become too rapid and the heat 
 within the casks too high. At and below 7.2° C. (45° F.) little or no acetic acid is pro- 
 duced. The process is finished in from three to fifteen days. 
 
 Properties. — Made by the German process, vinegar generally contains some alde- 
 hyde and alcohol, which are usually absent if the production has been effected by the 
 slow oxidation in casks. The sensible properties of vinegar are affected to a much larger 
 extent by the material from which it has been obtained. Malt vinegar is largely made in 
 Great Britain from beerwort or from the fermented solution of malt ; it is of a more or 
 less deep-brown color. Beer vinegar , made from stale beer, has the bitter taste of the 
 hops. Upon evaporation these varieties of vinegar yield about 2.5 per cent, of extract, 
 while wine vinegar ( acetum vini ) yields only about 1.5 per cent. Vinaigre blanc, F. Cod., 
 prepared from white wine, is used in France. Cider vinegar , which is much employed 
 in the United States, is made from cider, and contains malic acid. Common vinegar , 
 made from diluted whiskey, has the flavor of the latter to some extent, and contains the 
 salts of the water used in its manufacture, the residue amounting to about 0.3 per cent. 
 
 The color of vinegar varies from yellowish to brown, and its specific gravity between 
 1.003 (. P . A.) and 1.018 ( Br .) It has an agreeable acidulous odor, differing from that 
 of diluted acetic acid by the presence of some ethers, principally acetic ether. By exposure 
 to the air it undergoes putrefaction and becomes muddy. It should contain between 5 
 and 6 per cent, of acetic acid. 445.4 grains by weight require at least 402 grain-measures 
 of the volumetric solution of soda for neutralization, indicating 5.4 per cent, of real 
 acetic acid (Pr.). 5 Cc. of vinegar require for neutralization not less than 50 Cc. of 
 
 decinormal alkali solution (P. A.); or 10 Cc. of vinegar require 10 Cc. of normal potassa 
 solution (P. 6r.), indicating 6 per cent, of acetic acid. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — Poisonous metallic salts, like tin, lead, and 
 copper, which may be present as accidental impurities, are detected by the dark colora- 
 tion or precipitate occurring with hydrogen sulphide ; moreover, copper would be pre- 
 cipitated upon a bright iron spatula kept in the vinegar for a short time ; lead, if present 
 will yield a white precipitate with sulphuric acid, and a yellow one with potassium iodide. 
 Acrid substances, such as capsicum, pepper, pellitory, ginger, etc., which may have been 
 added to impart artificial strength, are recognized by the taste after the vinegar has been 
 neutralized with an alkali, or after it has been evaporated; hence the extract left on 
 
 evaporation must not have an acrid taste, and must yield an ash having an alkaline 
 
 reaction (P. Gi). The latter test indicates the absence of adulterations with free acids. 
 In testing for mineral acids it must be remembered that crude (but not distilled) vinegar 
 is likely to contain sulphates, chlorides, and occasionally even nitrates, derived from the 
 water which has been used in its manufacture. The pharmacopoeias indicate the allow- 
 able limits of such salts as follows: A fluidounce of vinegar, mixed with 10 minims of 
 test solution of barium chloride, yields a filtrate giving no precipitate on the further 
 addition of the test liquid ( Br. ). 20 Cc. of vinegar, mixed with 0.5 Cc. of barium- 
 
 nitrate test solution, and 1 Cc. of decinormal silver solution, yield a filtrate free from 
 
 sulphate and chloride ; on carefully pouring upon a mixture of 2 Cc. each of vinegar 
 and sulphuric acid 1 Cc. of ferrous sulphate solution, a brown zone should not be pro- 
 duced at the point of contact between the two layers (P. G.). This last test proves the 
 absence of nitrates ; obviously, it is applicable only to pale-colored vinegars. Tests for 
 recognizing free sulphuric acid in vinegar were recommended by J. T. King (1872), W. 
 C. Young (1877), J. C. Wharton (1882) and others. According to Chiappe (1882), a 
 very simple test for free mineral acids is an aqueous solution of methyl-aniline-violet or 
 Paris violet (1 : 1000), the color of which is not affected by organic acids, but is changed 
 to ultramarine blue by inorganic acids. The presence of aldehyde in vinegar is indicated 
 by the brown color produced in the first portion of the distillate with an excess of 
 potassa solution. Vinegar which has been prepared or kept in oaken barrels contains a 
 little tannin, and acquires a black color with ferric salts. 
 
 Allied Compounds and Derivatives. — Acetum destillatum s. A. purum. — Distilled vinegar, 
 E. ; Vinaigre distille, Fr. ; Destillirter Essig, G. — Distil vinegar from a glass retort until about 
 three-fourths have passed over. It is colorless, leaves no residue on evaporation, is not colored 
 bv excess of potassa (absence of aldehyde), and is free from mineral acids. It is nearly identical 
 with the diluted acetic acid. 
 
14 
 
 ACETUM. 
 
 Acetum aromaticum. — Aromatic vinegar, E. ; Yinaigre (Ac<?tole) aromatique, Fr. ; Aroma- 
 tiseher Essig, G. — Volatile oils of lavender, rosemary, juniper, peppermint, and cinnamon cassia, 
 of each 1 part ; oils of lemon and cloves, of each 2 parts ; alcohol, 450 p. ; acetic acid (sp. gr. 
 1.041), 650 p. ; water, 1900 parts. Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, add the acid, then the water, 
 set aside for eight days, frequently agitating, and finally filter. — P. G. Compared with the 
 formula of the previous edition, which is also that of the National Formulary, the solvents have 
 been increased from 1950 to 3000 parts, thus ensuring a more complete solution of the volatile 
 oils. It is a clear and colorless liquid, of an aromatic acetous odor, miscible with water in all 
 proportions without becoming turbid. (See also Acidum Aceticum.) The corresponding 
 preparation of the Fr. Cod. is made from a tincture of fresh herbs and has a pale reddish 
 color. 
 
 Acetum antisepticum. — Antiseptic vinegar, E. ; Vinaigre (Acetole) antiseptic, V. des quatre 
 voleurs. Fr. ; Vierrauberessig, G. — Absinth, Roman wormwood, peppermint, rosemary, rue, sage, 
 and lavender, each 15 Gm. ; calamus, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and garlic, each 2 Gm. ; vinegar, 
 1000 Gm. ; macerate for ten days, expresSj add camphor 4 Gm. dissolved in glacial acetic acid 
 15 Gm., and filter. — Fr. Cod. A simpler formula directing peppermint, rosemary, and sage, each 
 25 parts; angelica, zedoary, and cloves, each 2 parts, and vinegar, 1000 p., is recognized by P. 
 A. as acetum aromaticum. Acetoaromatico (A. antisettico ), F. It., contains camphor and orange- 
 leaves. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It promotes digestion by stimulating the salivary and gastric 
 secretions, while it quickens the softening and digestion of crude food, and allays thirst 
 and fever ; but in excess it impairs digestion and causes diarrhoea, thereby interfering with 
 nutrition. Its power of preserving animal and vegetable substances immersed in it (Davy, 
 Researches , etc., ii. 376) probably led to the notion that it possesses special virtues in the 
 falsely-called putrid fevers, and especially that it prevents contagion. But these opinions 
 are groundless. In such affections, however, the use of vinegar as a lotion is useful by 
 the evaporation of the liquid producing a refreshing sense of coolness. Possibly, also, 
 its stimulant action upon the skin may promote a salutary diaphoresis. It is an error to 
 suppose, as the ancients did, that vinegar is an antidote to the poisonous effects of narcot- 
 ics ; its stimulant action may be advantageous when the poison has been removed from 
 the system and its direct operation has ceased. In this respect, however, it is greatly 
 inferior to ammonia, coffee, and even alcohol. When given after the ingestion of caustic 
 alkalies or earths, or of the carbonates of these substances, it unites with them, and, form- 
 ing innocuous acetates, arrests their corrosive action. Vinegar and dilute acetic acid 
 have been used beneficially in the treatment of lead colic after the bowels had been moved 
 by purgatives. Vinegar is an old popular remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery , and it has 
 even been used with alleged success in cholera. More than half a century ago large 
 enemas of diluted vinegar were believed to be efficacious in dysentery (Richter, Ausfurlich , 
 Arzneim., iv. 134). Engelmann found its application in diphtheria more efficient than that 
 of carbolic acid (. Archives gen., Dec. 1886, p. 741). The stimulant action of strong vinegar 
 or dilute acetic acid is usefully employed by snuffing the fumes of these liquids, to which 
 camphor and various aromatics have been added. This expedient is useful in relieving 
 nervous headache , faintness , drowsiness , commencing coryza , etc., but is less efficient than a 
 similar application of ammonia. Vinegar, distilled or not, is a very useful agent for arrest- 
 ing haemorrhage , especially from the nose, stomach, rectum, and uterus. It should, if possi- 
 ble, be applied directly to the source of the bleeding, as in post-partum haemorrhage by 
 expressing vinegar from a sponge introduced into the cavity of the uterus. At the same 
 time, compresses saturated with vinegar and water should be laid upon the abdomen. It 
 is, however, alleged to be efficient when taken by the mouth in wine-glassful doses. Vine- 
 egar is popularly employed to prevent discoloration of the skin after injuries of the integ- 
 ument, and to retard the redness and swelling and allay the pain of local inflammations. 
 This method is particularly useful in superficial burns and in preventing suppuration of 
 the mamma. A weak solution of vinegar may be used to limit the action of particles of 
 lime in the eye. Lotions of vinegar check colliquative perspiration, and procure a refresh- 
 ing coolness when the skin is hot in fevers, and allay headache and delirium when applied 
 to the forehead. Enemas of vinegar are sometimes used to destroy ascarides of the rec- 
 tum ; and lotions of the same are said to be efficient in destroying pediculi. 
 
 The dose of vinegar is Gm. 4-16 (fsj-fgxvj) in from 2 to 4 parts of water. An acid- 
 ulated drink may be made with Gm. 64 (f Sij) of vinegar in Gm. 1000 (a quart) of water. 
 By enema vinegar may be given to the extent of Gm. 30-130 (f^j— f Si y )- A lotion may 
 be made with 1 part of vinegar and 3 or 4 of water. The doses of distilled vinegar do 
 not differ materially from the above. 
 
ACETUM CANTHA RID IS. — OPII. 
 
 15 
 
 ACETUM CANTHARIDIS, Br.— Vinegar of Cantharides. 
 
 Vinaigre cantharide , Fr.; Canthariden-JEssig, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cantharides in powder, 2 ounces ; Glacial Acetic Acid, 2 
 fluidounces; Acetic Acid, sufficient for 20 fluidounces. Mix 13 fluidounces of the acetic 
 acid with the glacial acetic acid, and digest the cantharides in this mixture for two hours 
 at a temperature of 93.4° C. (200° F.) ; then transfer the ingredients after they have 
 cooled to a percolator, and when the liquid ceases to pass pour 5 fluidounces of acetic 
 acid over the residuum in the apparatus. As soon as the percolation is complete, subject 
 the contents of the percolator to pressure, filter the product, mix the liquids, and add 
 sufficient acetic acid to make 1 pint (Imp. meas.). — Br. 
 
 At the elevated temperature directed in this process the cantharidin, with various 
 extractive matters, is readily dissolved by the acetic acid, and after cooling remains in 
 solution. The specific gravity is about 1.060. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Vinegar of cantharides is irritating to the skin by means 
 of both its constituents. Like other strong liquid vesicants, it is especially appro- 
 priate when the surface to be blistered is uneven and of very limited extent, and when 
 it is an object to produce vesication rapidly. It is perhaps more painful than other vesi- 
 cating preparations of cantharides. It should be applied with a brush in several succes- 
 sive coats,, according to the delicacy of the skin and the effect desired, and then dressed 
 with some simple ointment upon soft lint or cotton wadding. Vesication usually occurs 
 within two or three hours. It is very suitable for blistering the skin over the superficial 
 portions of nerves in neuralgia , as was first recommended by Cotugno, and more recently 
 systematized by Valleix ; and also for blistering in rheumatism after the manner of Her- 
 bert Davies. 
 
 ACETUM IPECACUANHA, Br. — Vinegar of Ipecacuanha. 
 
 Vinaigre d 1 ipecacuanha, Fr. ; Brechwurz- Essig, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ipecacuanha, in No. 20 powder, 1 oz. (or 1 part) Diluted 
 Acetic Acid sufficient for 20 fluidounces (or 20 fluid parts). Moisten the powder with a 
 suitable quantity of the menstruum, and macerate for twenty-four hours; pack in a per- 
 colator, and gradually add the acid until the required volume of the vinegar of ipecacuanha 
 is obtained. — Br. 
 
 The preparation is of a yellowish-brown color, and is intended to keep the emetic in 
 permanent solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Locally it is a slight irritant to the skin, due to its containing 
 acetic acid. It is used as an expectorant, especially in earlier stages of bronchitis in 
 doses of 5-40 minims. 
 
 ACETUM OPII, IT. S. — Vinegar of Opium. 
 
 Black drop, E. ; Vinaigre d' Opium, Fr. ; Opium- Essig, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Powered Opium, 100 Gm. ; Nutmeg in No. 30 powder, 30 Gm. ; Sugar, 
 200 Gm. ; Diluted Acetic Acid, sufficient to make 1000 Cc. Macerate the opium and nut- 
 meg in 500 Cc. of diluted acetic acid during seven days, frequently stirring ; then strain 
 through muslin of close texture and express the liquid. Mix the residue with 200 Cc. 
 of diluted acetic acid to a uniform magma, and strain and express again. Mix and 
 filter the strained liquids, dissolve the sugar in' the filtrate, and pass enough diluted 
 acetic acid through the filter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — IT. S. 
 
 Opium, 410 grains ; nutmeg, 123 grains ; sugar, 810 grains, with sufficient dilute acetic 
 acid to make 8 fluidounces. This preparation represents 1 grain of powdered opium in 
 104 minims (about 9 minims in 1880 and 6|- minims in 1870), and is now, by measure, 
 of the same strength as the tincture of opium. It has a deep reddish-brown color. It 
 is to be assayed by neutralizing the acid of 50 Cc. of this vinegar with calcium carbonate, 
 and then proceeding as directed by the Pharmacopoeia for tincture of opium. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Vinegar of opium is nearly free from the sickening smell 
 and taste which belong to laudanum, and is much less apt to nauseate. This last 
 quality is probably due in part to the nutmeg it contains, and in part to the almost com- 
 plete absence from it of narcotine, the most irritating to the stomach and depressing to 
 the nervous system among the constituents of opium. This advantage it shares with the 
 deodorized tincture. The dose is Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gtt. v-x). 
 
16 
 
 ACETUM SCILLjE.— ACHILLEA. 
 
 ACETUM SCILLHU, — JJ. 8., Br JP. G.— Vinegar of Squill. 
 
 Acetum scilliticum. — Vinaigre ( Acetole ) de scille, Fr. Cod.; Meerzwiebel- Essig. G. ; 
 Acet.o scillitico , F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Squill in No. 30 powder, 100 Gm. ; Diluted Acetic Acid sufficient for 
 making 1000 Cc. Macerate the squill with 900 Cc. of diluted acetic acid during seven 
 days, frequently stirring ; then strain through muslin, and wash the mass on the strainer 
 with enough diluted acetic acid, until the strained liquid measures 1000 Cc. Finally 
 filter. — JJ. S. 
 
 Squill, 4 oz. av. yield 38-§ fluidounces by this formula. 
 
 Squill, 2^oz. av. ; diluted acetic acid, 1 pint imperial ; macerate for seven days, strain 
 with expression and filter. Spec. grav. about 1.030. — Br. 
 
 Squill, 100 Gm.; glacial acetic acid, 20 Gm. ; white vinegar, 980 Gm. Macerate for 
 eight days, express, and filter. — F. Cod. 
 
 Squill, cut and dried, 5 parts; alcohol, 5 parts; acetic acid (spec. grav. 1.041), 9 
 parts ; water, 36 parts ; macerate for three days at 15 to 20 per cent. ; strain without 
 forcible expression, and after twenty-four hours filter. — P. G. 
 
 The formula of P. A. agrees with that of P. G ., except that percolation is directed. 
 The other pharmacopoeias direct maceration, this being better calculated to extract the 
 squill ; the drug absorbs much of the watery menstruum, swells considerably, and is apt 
 to cake together and obstruct the uniform descent of the percolating liquid. It will be 
 found of advantage to set the strained liquid aside for a day or two before filtering it. 
 
 Vinegar of squill is a clear liquid of a yellowish color, an acetous odor, and acid and 
 bitter taste. That of P. A. is red brown, it being prepared from the red variety of 
 squill, which is also directed by F. It. in the proportion of 1:10. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Vinegar of squill was anciently employed, and for very 
 diverse purposes, among which it is only necessary to mention the cure of spongy 
 gums, various forms of sore throat, hoarseness, etc., in all of which it is certain that the 
 vinegar, and not the squill, in the compound was the efficacious ingredient. The diuretic 
 action of squill is probably enhanced by its solution in vinegar, which is the best form 
 for its administration in dropsy. Its efficiency is much increased by associating it with 
 acetate of potassium and digitalis, as in the following formula: 3^. Tinct. scillse f^ss ; 
 tinct. digitalis f^ij ; spt. juniperi comp., vin. hispan., da. f^ij ; aquae f^viij ; potassii acetat. 
 !$j. — M. S. A tablespoonful, diluted, three times a day. Vinegar of squill should not be 
 used in renal dropsy, but only in dropsy of cardiac origin. Its average dose is Gm. 1 
 (n^xv), and it is best administered in an aromatic draught. 
 
 ACHILLEA. — Yarrow, Milfoil, 
 
 Herba ( Summitates ) millefolii , P. A. — Millefeuille , Herbe aux charpentiers , Fr. ; Schaf- 
 garbe , Schafgrippe , G. 
 
 Achillea Millefolium, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 153. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Anthemideae. 
 
 Description. — A perennial herb 60--90 Cm. (2 to 3 feet) high, growing in fields and 
 pastures throughout the greater part of the northern temperate zone of America and 
 Europe. The hairy furrowed stem is branching only near the top. The radical leaves 
 are petiolate, 20-30 Cm. (8 to 12 inches) long; the stem-leaves nearly sessile, 5-10 Cm. 
 (2 to 4 inches) long, all more or less* soft-hairy, dark-green, lanceolate in outline, and 
 twice or thrice deeply pinnatifid ; the segments are linear-spatulate, three- to five-cleft, 
 crowded, finely mucronate, and upon the lower side with small oil-glands. The flowers 
 grow in level-topped corymbs ; heads numerous, with the involucre oblong ; scales imbri- 
 cate, keeled ; receptacle flat, chaffy ; ray-florets pistillate, 4 or 5, short ligulate, white or 
 rose-colored ; disk-florets several, perfect, tubular, with the margin whitish and the tube 
 yellowish ; akenes flattened, oblong, without pappus. It has a feeble aromatic, somewhat 
 chamomile-like odor, and a bitterish, rather saline, and somewhat astringent taste. It 
 should be collected while flowering, the coarse stems being rejected. The loss in drying 
 is about 85 per cent. 
 
 Constituents. — Yarrow yields by distillation with water about y 1 ^- per cent, of a 
 blue or dark-green volatile oil, that of the flowers having a spec. grav. of 0.92, that of 
 the leaves being butyraceous. The bitter principle aeMUein obtained by Zanon (1846) 
 was regarded by Von Planla (1870) as being identical with achilleine of iva (see below). 
 
ACIDXJM ACETICUM. 
 
 17 
 
 Zanon’s achilleic add is aconitic acid (Hlasiwetz, 1857). Yarrow also contains a small 
 quantity of resin, tannin, and gum, and malates, nitrates, phosphates, and chlorides of 
 potassium and calcium ; on incineration, from 13 to 17 per cent, of ash is obtained. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum millefolii is prepared by mace- 
 rating the drug with diluted alcohol and evaporating. The yield is from 20 to 25 per 
 cent. 
 
 Allied Species. — The following, which are indigenous to Europe, are to some extent employed : 
 
 Ach. ptarmica, Li nnt ; Sneezewort, E. ; Herbe a eternuer, Fr.; Bertramgarbe, G. It has 
 been naturalized in some of the New England States. It has lance-linear, finely, but sharply 
 serrate leaves, and elongated white ray florets. The root is sternutatory. 
 
 Ach. ageratum, Linnt, has tufted, oblong, serrate, and clammy leaves, and very short ray- 
 florets ; its odor is strong, but not agreeable ; taste bitter. 
 
 Ach. nobilis, Linnt, is softly pubescent, has oval or oblong bi- or tri-pinnatifid leaves, with 
 linear-oblong toothed lobes ; the 5 ray-florets are reflexed ; odor and taste stronger than in the 
 common yarrow. 
 
 Ach. moschata, LinnS ; Iva, E ., G. ; Genepi blanc, Fr. ; is largely used in Switzerland; has 
 white flowers and smooth pinnatifid leaves with linear entire lobes ; it is strongly aromatic and 
 bitter. Von Planta-Reichenau (1870) obtained from it a bluish-green volatile oil, ivaol , of a re- 
 freshing odor and bitterish mint-like taste : ivain , C 24 H 42 0 3 , soft, yellow, insoluble in water, 
 soluble in alcohol and bitter; achilleine , C 20 H 88 N 2 O 15 , is red brown, readily soluble in water, with 
 difficulty in absolute acohol, insoluble in ether, and when boiled with dilute acids yields sugar, 
 ammonia, and odorous body, and achilletine , Cj|tI 17 N0 4 , which is dark-brown, insoluble in water, 
 and not bitter ; moschatine, C 21 H 27 N0 7 , is insoluble in cold water, and has an aromatic bitter 
 taste. 
 
 Ach. atrata, Linn€, and Ach. nana, Linn#, are used like the other species. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Milfoil appears to be a general stimulant and tonic, with 
 peculiar relations to the pelvic organs. Like other stimulant tonics, it has been 
 found capable of curing certain cases of intermittent fever, and is apt to promote the 
 appetite and digestion in atonic gastric disorders. Its special local action is illustrated by 
 the virtues ascribed to it in piles and amenorrhoeci, for the cure of which it was celebrated 
 even in ancient times. The form of the first of these diseases in which it appears to be 
 most efficient is that in which, along with relaxation of the sphincter ani, there is a dis- 
 charge of mucus, more or less bloody, during defecation. A similar condition of atony 
 in the reproductive organs of the female is attended sometimes with menorrhagia , and 
 sometimes with imperfect and painful menstruation. A tonic and stimulant regimen is 
 essential to its successful treatment, and as a portion thereof milfoil may sometimes be 
 employed with advantage. By this mode of action, doubtless, milfoil has proved bene- 
 ficial in leucorrho&a and flatulent colic ; and it may assist in curing relaxed and otherwise 
 inert conditions of the throat , when its infusion is used as a gargle, or in cases of sore 
 nipples , when it is applied as a lotion. An infusion may be made with Gm. 16 (gss) 
 of milfoil in Gm. .250 (fgiij) of water, reduced by heat to Gm. 192 (f^vj). It may be 
 given in tablespoonful doses every hour. The expressed juice has been prescribed in 
 doses of Gm. 32-64 (^j-ij) three times a day. The volatile oil may be given in doses of 
 Gm. 1.30 (20 drops). 
 
 Achille'in, in doses of from Gm. 0.50-1.30 (grs. 8-20), is reported to have occasioned 
 a sense of epigastric oppression and some irregularity of pulse, but to have increased the 
 appetite. 
 
 Sneezewort , as its name implies, is very irritating to the nostrils when applied in pow- 
 der, and the root, when chewed, produces salivation and an acrid impression on the fauces. 
 These qualities have led to its use in commencing coryza , conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, and 
 larnygitis. Mush milfoil is stated to be stimulant and antispasmodic, ‘and, like A. atrata, 
 is used as a stimulant at the commencement of febrile attacks. 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM. TI. 8., Br., V. G.— Acetic Acid. 
 
 Adde acetique , Fr. ; Essigsdure, G. ; Acido acetico , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 2 H 302 =CH 3 C 00 H. Molecular weight 59.86. 
 
 Production. — To obtain acetic acid from vinegar, Stahl proposed, about the year 
 1700, to expose it to cold and separate the stronger acid from the ice, and to neutralize it 
 with an alkali, evaporate, and distil with sulphuric acid. Crystallized acetic acid was 
 observed by the Count de Lauraguais (1759) in the so-called copper spirit, the distillate 
 of copper acetate ; and Lowitz found that a diluted acetic acid, if repeatedly rectified 
 2 
 
18 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM. 
 
 over powdered charcoal, would yield a product crystallizing at a low temperature, and 
 named it glacial acetic acid. Acetic acid and glacial acetic acid are obtained by the 
 decomposition of an acetate by a stronger acid ; for this purpose sodium (or potassium) 
 acetate and sulphuric acid are most generally employed now. The proportions (equal 
 equivalents), adopted already by Stahl, were (1873) proven to be correct by Mohr, Buch- 
 ner, and others also for the preparation of the glacial acid ; in this case, however, the 
 mechanical difficulties of the operation are such as to make it preferable to use a larger 
 quantity, nearly 2 equivalents of sulphuric acid. The British Pharmacopoeia, 1864, 
 directed fully 2 equivalents ; in the later editions (1867 and 1885) the process has been 
 omitted. By far the largest quantity of the acetic acid of commerce is now obtained from 
 wood vinegar. Glauber (1648) was already acquainted with vinegar as one of the products 
 of the destructive distillation of wood and other vegetable substances ; but the. identity 
 of the volatile acid contained therein with that of vinegar from alcoholic liquids was 
 proven by Fourcroy and Vauquelin (1800), and Thenard showed (1802) the same to be 
 contained among the products of the dry distillation of animal substances. 
 
 I. Acidum aceticum pyrolignosum, Acidum pyrolignosum. — Pyrolig- 
 neous acid , E. ; Acide acetique du bois , acide pyroacetique , acide pyroligneux , Fr. ; Holzessig- 
 Sciure , G. 
 
 Preparation. — The destructive distillation of wood is effected in sheet-iron cylinders, 
 either upright or horizontal, which may be charged with billets of wood from the top, and 
 from which the charcoal may be removed through a lateral opening. The cylinder is 
 rapidly heated, the resulting volatile products being passed through wide condensing- 
 tubes, cooled by being surrounded with water, into a w r ooden or iron receiver, from which 
 the condensed products may be drawn oft' by means of a tap, while the uncondensible 
 gaseous products, consisting of acetylene C 2 H 2 , ethylene C 2 H 4 , propene C 3 H 6 , marsh gas CH 4 , 
 and other hydrocarbons, as well as carbonic oxide, are carried off through a pipe into the 
 furnace, there to be burned up in place of other fuel. The condensed portion consists 
 of an aqueous stratum and of an oily or tarry layer containing empyreumatic oils and 
 resins, cresylic and phenylic compounds, various hydrocarbons, etc., and furnishing the 
 material used for the preparation of creosote. 
 
 The watery liquid, amounting to about 30 per cent, of the weight of the wood, is the 
 crude wood vinegar or pyroligneous vinegar , a solution of a large number of products of 
 decomposition, such as small quantities of phenols, guaiacol, and empyreumatic oils and 
 resins, also furfurol C 5 H 4 0 2 , acetone, methylic and allylic alcohol, methylamine, pyro- 
 catechin, and several acids, the principal one of which is acetic acid, accompanied by 
 formic, propionic, butyric, capronic, crotonic, and other acids. The distillation being care- 
 fully conducted, wood yields from 6 to 8, or. even 9, per cent, of acetic acid, and wood 
 vinegar, on being evaporated in the water-bath, leaves about 8 per cent, of residue. 
 
 On subjecting the crude product to distillation, the first portion (about 10 per cent.) of 
 the distillate contains mainly the alcohols and acetone, and subsequently a colorless or 
 yellowish acid liquid is obtained, amounting to about 75 or 80 per cent, of the crude 
 article. This distillate is Acetum pyrolignosum rectificatum , P. G, ; purified pyroligneous 
 or wood vinegar ; Vinaigre de hois , Fr. ; Holzessig , G. ; and contains variable quantities of 
 most of the constituents of crude wood vinegar, which on exposure to light and the 
 atmosphere cause the distillate to assume a brown color, rendering filtration or redistilla- 
 tion necessary ; to avoid this, it should be kept in full and well-corked bottles and in a 
 dark place. The peculiar smoky odor of wood vinegar is due to the presence of empy- 
 reumatic products. 
 
 Wood vinegar, both crude and rectified, is recognized by the German Pharmacopoeia, 
 and required to contain at least 6 and 4.5 per cent, of acetic acid respectively, so that 
 10 Gm. of the former and 6 Gin. of the latter require for neutralization not less than 10 
 Cc. of volumetric solution of potassa. With diluted ferric chloride it usually acquires 
 a dark-green color, due to pyrocatechin. Wood vinegar, particularly that obtained 
 from beech-wood, contains Irydrocoerulignone C 16 H 1S 0 6 , a colorless diatomic phenol, which 
 under the influence of oxidizing agents yields coerulignone C 16 H IfJ 0 6 . Liebermann (1872) 
 obtained it from the brown precipitate produced in crude wood vinegar by potassium 
 bichromate, and regards it as identical with Beichenbach’s cedriret ; it forms purplish- 
 blue minute needles, is insoluble in most solvents, but dissolves in strong sulphuric acid 
 with a blue, and in phenol with a red, color, the latter solution yielding with alcohol or 
 ether dark steel-blue needles of coerulignone, and this, by reduction with tin and hydro- 
 chloric acid or other agents, is again converted into hydrocoerulignone. 
 
 A much cleaner pyroligneous acid than by the process described above is obtained by 
 
A CID UM A CETIC UM. 
 
 19 
 
 subjecting strips of wood for about 4 hours to the heat of steam under a pressure of from 
 70 to 100 pounds (150° to 162° C. = 300° to 330° F.), whereby the texture of the wood 
 is but little altered, and the subsequent purification of the acid is simplified. On recti- 
 fying the crude product a heavy oil is separated, in which Heill (1877) found furfurol, 
 pyromucic acid, a yellow body yielding, with caustic soda, pyroxanthin and other products. 
 
 By fractional distillation the volatile impurities of pyroligneous acetic acid cannot be 
 removed, nor can they be readily destroyed by chlorine or other oxidizing agents. To 
 attain this end milk of lime is added in excess, partly for the purpose of forming calcium 
 acetate, partly with the view of removing various tarry products, as insoluble calcium 
 compounds. The solution of calcium acetate freed from the precipitate is evaporated to 
 dryness; the crude salt thus obtained, which contains from 74 to 75 per cent, of hydrogen 
 acetate, is carefully heated upon an iron plate in thin layers until it chars, then redissolved 
 in water, the solution decomposed by sulphuric acid, or preferably by hydrochloric acid, 
 and then distilled. Owing to the difficulty of regulating the heat so as to avoid the 
 destruction of the calcium acetate, the solution of this salt is usually decomposed by 
 sodium sulphate, the resulting gypsum removed by settling and filtration, and the filtrate 
 evaporated to dryness. The sodium acetate is more manageable in regard to the regula- 
 tion qf the temperature (about 260° C. — 500° F.) necessary to destroy the empyreumatic 
 compounds without affecting the acetate. The latter is purified by dissolving it in a little 
 water, and decanting from the sediment ; sulphuric acid is added, the liquid separated from 
 the crystals of sodium sulphate and distilled, when an acetic acid will be obtained more 
 or less pure in accordance with the care exercised in the process of purification. 
 
 II. Acidum aceticum glaciale, U. S., Br. ; Acidum aceticum s. Acidum aceticum 
 concentratum s. Acetum glaciale , P. A., P. G. ; Glacial acetic acid , E. ; Acide acetique crys- 
 tallizable , Fr. Cod.; Esprit de vinaigre, Vinaigre glacial , Fr. ; Essigsdure , Eisessig . G. ; 
 Acido acetico-concentrato, F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Carefully heat 131 parts of pure crystallized sodium acetate until 
 the water of crystallization has been completely expelled and the salt has been fused ; 
 the residue, weighing nearly 81 parts, is coarsely powdered, introduced into a glass retort, 
 intimately mixed with 9J to 10 parts of concentrated sulphuric acid, and then distilled. 
 It is advisable to warm the retort, by placing it in a sand-bath, before the acid is added. 
 136 parts of cryst. sodium acetate will yield 60 parts of acetic acid. The condensation 
 of the acetic acid vapors may be effected either by a Liebig’s condenser in a receiver con- 
 nected directly with the retort or by means of an adapter. 
 
 The reaction is as follows: NaC 2 H 3 0 2 + H 2 S0 4 = NaHS0 4 + HC 2 H 3 0 2 . Acid sodium 
 sulphate and acetic acid are formed, the latter distilling over, free from empyreuma if 
 the heat has not been suddenly raised too high, and also free from sulphurous and other 
 acids if the sodium acetate has not been contaminated with organic or other impurities. 
 Although, theoretically, the hydrogen acetate or so-called monohydrated acid should be 
 obtained, the product always contains some water, but crystallizes readily near the freez- 
 ing-point of water. By partial crystallization, pouring off the liquid portion, and repeat- 
 ing this operation, an acid nearly free from water will be obtained. Hydrogen acetate 
 is prepared, according to Hirsch (1873), by intimately mixing 12 parts of exsiccated 
 sodium acetate with 20 parts of fused acid potassium sulphate, and with a carefully 
 regulated heat distilling 7 parts. 
 
 Properties. — Glacial acetic acid forms colorless, flat, rhombic crystals, which melt 
 on the application of heat to a colorless liquid, and this retains the fluid condition fre- 
 quently on being cooled to 10° C. (74° F.), unless brought in contact with a crystal. 
 At the mean temperature of the air it forms a colorless liquid with a pungent acetous 
 odor. When heated to boiling, the vapor may be ignited and burns with a blue flame. 
 Hydrogen acetate fuses at 22.5° C. (72.5° F., Mollerat); has at 16° C. (60.8° F.) a specific 
 gravity of 1.0553, and boils at 119° C. (246.2° F., Sebille- Auger), or, according to Oude- 
 mans, between 117° and 118.2° C. 
 
 Biidorff (1870) gives the congealing-point of hydrogen acetate at 16.7° C. (62° F.), 
 and if 100 parts of this acid are mixed with water, the congealing-point will be as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 With water, 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 parts. 
 
 Congealing point, 15.65° 14.8° 14.0° 13.25° 11.95° 10.5° 9.4° 8.2° 7.1° 6.25° 5.3° 4.3° C. 
 
 The V. S. and Br. Pharmacopoeias require glacial acetic acid to contain 99 per cent, 
 of absolute C 4 H 2 0 2 — 84 per cent, of acetic anhydride (C 2 II 3 0) 2 0 ; but the melting- 
 
20 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM. 
 
 point is given at about 15° C. (59° F.) U S. and above 60° F. Br., and the specific 
 gravity at 1.058 U. S., Br., 1.064 P. G., F. It., 1.063 F. Cod., 1.06 P. A. An acid of 
 the strength indicated is miscible in all proportions with alcohol, ether, and chloroform, 
 and dissolves an equal weight of fresh oil of lemon, but less of the resinified oil. The oil 
 is also far less soluble in weaker acetic acid, requiring about 10 parts of the latter if of 
 96 per cent. A more reliable test for the absence of water is carbon disulphide ; equal 
 parts of it and glacial acetic acid form, according to Fltickiger, a clear solution at and 
 above 20° C. (68° F.), but an opalescent or turbid liquid below that temperature. On 
 neutralizing the acid 3. Gm. of it should require not less than 49.5 Cc. of the volumetric 
 solution of potassa ( P. S.), or 60 grains of the former 990 grain measures of the latter 
 (Br.) ; 5 Cc. of a mixture of 1 part acid and 9 parts water, should require for neutrali- 
 zation not less than 8 Cc. potassa solution (96 per cent, acetic acid, P. G ). The absence 
 of arsenic is determined by mixing 1 Cc. of the acid with 3 Cc. of stannous chloride solu- 
 tion ; the mixture should not acquire a brown or black color within one hour (P. G.). 
 
 Glacial acetic acid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, whereby its melting-point is 
 lowered and its density increased to a certain degree (see below). For the detection of 
 impurities this acid is to be diluted with distilled water previous to testing it, as stated 
 below. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Acidum ACETICUM aromaticum ; Aromatic acetic acid, 
 E. ; Acide antique aromatise, Yinaigre anglaise, Fr. ; Gewiirshafte Essigsaure, G. 
 Oil of cloves 9 parts, oil of lavender 6 parts, oil of lemon 6 parts, oil of bergamot 3 parts, 
 oil of thyme 3 parts, oil of cinnamon 1 part, glacial acetic acid 25 parts ; dissolve by 
 agitation. — P. G., 1872. The preparation of the French Codex contains 10 per cent, of 
 camphor and i per cent, of volatile oils. Aromatic acetic acid is sometimes designated 
 aromatic vinegar (see page 14). 
 
 Derivatives of Acetic Acid. — Chlor-acetic acids. — When chlorine is allowed 
 to act upon acetic acid, either one, two, or three hydrogen atoms may be replaced by 
 chlorine, according to the conditions prevailing, forming respectively mono, di-, and tri- 
 chlor-acetic acids. All three compounds possess caustic properties ; the latter only has 
 been medicinally used. 
 
 Acidum trichloraceticum, P. G.; Trichloracetic acid, E . ; Trichloressigsaure, G. 
 This acid is usually prepared by treating 1 part of chloral hydrate with 3 parts of 
 fuming nitric acid, exposing the mixture for several days to the sunlight, until red 
 fumes cease to be evolved, when it is distilled. In the pure state the acid forms colorless 
 rhombohedric crystals, which are deliquescent, of a slight pungent odor, have a strongly 
 acid reaction, and dissolve readily in water, alcohol, and ether. The crystals melt near 
 55° C. ; the boiling-point is near 195° C., and the acid evaporates without leaving any 
 residue. It has the composition CCl 3 COOH (mol. weight 162.97); when boiled with 
 an excess of sodium carbonate it is decomposed, yielding chloroform, CHC1 3 , and 
 carbon dioxide, C0 2 . Mono- and di-chloracetic acids yield under similar conditions no 
 chloroform, but glycolic and glyoxylic acid, respectively. The limit of hydrochloric 
 acid, admissible as impurity, is indicated by two drops of T \, silver nitrate solution 
 producing merely a faint opalescence in a solution of 1 Cc. of the acid in 9 Cc. of 
 water. 
 
 III. Acidum aceticum, U. S., Br. ; Acidum aceticum dilutum s. Acetum concen- 
 tratum, P. G. ; Acetic acid , E. ; Acide acetique , Fr. ; Verdiinnte Essigsaure, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Like the glacial variety, this acid may be obtained by distilling 
 sodium acetate with sulphuric acid, but in all probability manufacturers and dealers 
 follow the more convenient plan of diluting a stronger acid with the requisite amount of 
 water and finally standardizing the mixture with volumetric solution of alkali. 
 
 Properties.— Acetic acid has the specific gravity 1.048 U. 8., 1.044 Br., 1.041 P. G. 
 These figures indicate a percentage of hydrogen acetate, amounting to 36 U. 8. , 33 Br., 
 and 30 G. Acide acetique du commerce, Fr. Cod., and acido acetico-diluito , F. It., differ 
 considerably from the above, the former being of sp. gr. 1.060, the latter 1.027, corre- 
 sponding to 49 and 19 per cent., respectively, of absolute acetic acid; P. A. requires 
 1.029 sp. grav. and 20.4 per cent, of acid. For acetic acid of somewhat greater strength, 
 the determination of its specific gravity does not afford a reliable criterion, since the 
 acid of maximum strength on being mixed with water increases in its relative weight 
 until the percentage is reduced to about 79, when the maximum density will be reached, 
 which at 0° C. (32° F.) is 1.0397 for acid of 80 to 82 per cent., at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 1.0748 for acid of 77 to 80 per cent., and at 40° C. (104° F.) 1.0501 for acid of 75 to 
 77 per cent, hydrogen acetate. An acid of 43 per cent, has, at 15° C., the same specific 
 
ACID UM ACETICUM. 
 
 21 
 
 gravity as one of maximum strength, and between 72 and 85 per cent, the density of 
 acetic acid shows very little variation. The following table, by A. C. Oudemans (1866), 
 gives the percentage of hydrogen acetate and the specific gravity of acetic acid of dif- 
 ferent strengths at 15° C. (59° F.). (The U. S. P. furthermore giving the specific gravi- 
 ties at 0° C. (32° F.) and at 40 Q C. (104° F.) 
 
 Per ct. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 Per ct. 
 
 Spec. grav. 1 
 
 1 
 
 Per ct. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 Per ct. 1 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 j Per ct. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 100 
 
 1.0553 
 
 80 
 
 1.0748 
 
 60 i 
 
 1.0685 
 
 40 | 
 
 1.0523 
 
 20 
 
 1.0284 
 
 99 
 
 1.0580 
 
 79 
 
 1.0748 
 
 59 1 
 
 1.0679 
 
 39 
 
 1.0513 
 
 i 19 
 
 1.0270 
 
 98 
 
 1.0604 
 
 78 
 
 1.0748 
 
 58 
 
 1.0673 
 
 38 
 
 1.0502 
 
 i 18 
 
 1.0256 
 
 97 
 
 1.0625 
 
 77 
 
 1.0748 
 
 ! 57 
 
 1.0666 
 
 37 
 
 1.0492 
 
 1 17 
 
 1.0242 
 
 96 J 
 
 1.0644 
 
 76 
 
 1.0747 
 
 i 56 
 
 1.0660 
 
 36 
 
 1.0481 
 
 ! ifi 
 
 1.0228 
 
 . 95 
 
 1.0660 
 
 75 
 
 1.0746 
 
 55 
 
 1.0653 
 
 35 
 
 1.0470 
 
 15 
 
 1.0214 
 
 94 
 
 1.0674 
 
 74 
 
 1.0744 
 
 ! 54 
 
 1.0646 
 
 34 
 
 1.0459 
 
 14 
 
 1.0201 
 
 93 
 
 1.0686 
 
 73 
 
 1.0742 
 
 ; 53 
 
 1.0638 
 
 33 
 
 1.0447 
 
 13 
 
 1.0185 
 
 92 
 
 1.0696 
 
 72 
 
 1.0740 
 
 52 
 
 1.0631 
 
 32 
 
 1.0436 
 
 12 
 
 1.0171 
 
 91 
 
 1 . 070 p 
 
 1 71 
 
 1.0737 
 
 51 
 
 1.0623 
 
 31 
 
 1.0424 
 
 11 
 
 1.0157 
 
 90 
 
 1.0713 
 
 70 
 
 1.0733 
 
 50 
 
 1.0615 
 
 i 30 
 
 1.0412 
 
 1 io 
 
 1.0142 
 
 89 
 
 1.0720 
 
 69 
 
 1.0729 
 
 49 
 
 1.0607 
 
 ! 29 
 
 1.0400 
 
 9 
 
 1.0127 
 
 88 
 
 1.0726 
 
 68 
 
 1.0725 
 
 48 
 
 1.0598 
 
 ! 28 
 
 1.0388 
 
 8 
 
 1.0113 
 
 87 
 
 1.0731 
 
 67 
 
 1.0721 
 
 47 
 
 1.0589 
 
 27 
 
 1.0375 
 
 7 
 
 1.0098 
 
 86 
 
 1.0736 
 
 66 
 
 1.0717 
 
 46 
 
 1.0580 
 
 1 26 
 
 1.0363 
 
 6 
 
 1.0083 
 
 85 
 
 1.0739 
 
 65 
 
 1.0712 
 
 45 
 
 1.0571 
 
 25 
 
 1.0350 
 
 5 
 
 1.0067 
 
 84 
 
 1.0742 
 
 64 
 
 1.0707 
 
 j 44 
 
 1.0562 
 
 24 
 
 1.0337 
 
 4 
 
 1.0052 
 
 83 
 
 1.0744 
 
 63 
 
 1.0702 
 
 43 
 
 1.0552 • 
 
 j 23 
 
 1.0324 
 
 3 
 
 j 1.0037 
 
 82 
 
 1.0746 
 
 62 
 
 1.0697 
 
 1 42 
 
 1.0543 
 
 1 22 
 
 1.0311 
 
 2 
 
 1.0022 
 
 81 
 
 1.0747 
 
 61 
 
 1.0691 
 
 I 41 
 
 1.0533 
 
 i 21 
 
 1.0298 
 
 1 
 
 1.0007 
 
 The strength of the U. S. P. acid may be ascertained by weighing out 5 Gm. of it, 
 diluting with 10 Cc. of water, applying a moderate heat, and gradually adding 3 Gm. 
 of potassium bicarbonate ; after effervescence has ceased and the carbon dioxide has 
 been entirely expelled, the liquid should have a neutral reaction to test-paper, or 6.0 
 Gm. of the acid are neutralized with volumetric solution of potassa, of which exactly 36 
 Cc. (U. $.), 33 Cc. ( Br .), 26 Cc. (for 5 Cc. acid, P. 6r.), should be required. The test 
 of the British Pharmacopoeia, neutralization of 182 grains of acetic acid by 1000 grain- 
 measures of volumetric solution of soda, indicates 33 per cent, of C 2 H 4 0 2 , and that of 
 the German Pharmacopoeia, neutralization of 5 Cc. of the acid by 26 Cc. of the volu- 
 metric solution of potassa, proves a strength of 30 per cent, of the same acid. The use 
 of potassium bicarbonate for neutralization has the advantage of ready calculation, since 
 three-fifths of its weight in grains necessary for 100 grains of the acid indicates directly 
 the strength ; the resulting potassium acetate has a faint alkaline reaction, but the error 
 occasioned thereby, being quite insignificant, does not detract from the practical value of 
 the test, more particularly if alkanet-paper be used in place of litmus-paper for deter- 
 mining the neutrality. 
 
 Tests. — The tests for the purity of vinegar are, with some modifications, also appli- 
 cable to acetic acid. The transparency of the acid is not disturbed on diluting it with 
 distilled water or alcohol, and on evaporating it in a water-bath no residue should be left 
 (saline impurities). Calcium salts will produce a white precipitate with ammonium 
 oxalate. Iron is best detected by the blue color or precipitate occasioned with potassium 
 ferrocyanide ; zinc, by the white precipitate ; and the other metals, like ’copper, lead, or 
 tin, by the brown or black color or precipitate formed on the addition of hydrogen 
 sulphide after previous dilution with water. Empyreumatic products, if present in con- 
 siderable proportion, may be detected by the odor after the acid has been largely diluted 
 with water or neutralized with an alkali ; smaller quantities are indicated by adding a 
 minute quantity of solution of potassium permanganate, the color of which will readily 
 disappear ; pure acetic acid, containing less than 50 per cent, of hydrogen acetate, is not 
 affected by this test (Hager, Merck, 1873). If sulphurous acid be present, the hydrogen 
 evolved by hydrochloric acid and zinc in the presence of the acetic acid will be contami- 
 nated with hydrogen sulphide, which will darken the color of white bibulous paper 
 wetted with solution of subacetate of lead and suspended in the test-tube or flask ; the 
 same acid will also discharge the color of potassium permanganate, and, like the empy- 
 reumatic products, cause a dark color and precipitate with silver nitrate. In the pres- 
 ence of nitric acid the liquid will assume an orange-red color on dissolving a little brucine 
 in it, and a dark-brown color on adding first strong sulphuric acid, and afterward a 
 
22 
 
 ACIDUM A USE NOSUM. 
 
 crystal of ferrous sulphate. The U. S. 1\ directs proving the absence of copper by excess 
 of ammonia (blue color) ; lead and other metals, by hydrogen sulphide (coloration or 
 precipitate) ; sulphuric and hydrochloric acid, by barium chloride and silver nitrate 
 (turbidity or precipitate) ; and formic or sulphurous acid, by neutralizing with ammonia 
 and warming with silver nitrate (dark color and precipitate). The limit of empyreu- 
 matic substances is ascertained by diluting 2 Cc. of the acid with 10 Cc. of distilled 
 water in a clear glass-stoppered vial, and adding 5 drops of decinormal potassium per- 
 manganate solution ; the tint of the mixture should not change at once from pink to 
 brown, and in half a minute should not be entirely free from pinkish-brown. 
 
 The salts of acetic acid are, with very few exceptions, readily soluble in water, and 
 their solutions acquire a dark brown-red color with ferric salts, which disappears on the 
 addition of hydrochloric acid. On adding sulphuric acid to an acetate the pungent odor 
 of acetic acid is recognized. 
 
 IV. Acidum Aceticum Dilutum, U. S., Br. ; Acetum purum s. destillatum. — 
 Diluted acetic acid, , E. ; Acide acetique dilue , Fr. ; Reiner Essig, G. 
 
 Preparation.— Mix Acetic Acid 100 Gm., and Distilled Water 500 Gm., U. S. ; 
 Acetic Acid 1 pint, and Distilled Water 7 pints, Br. If 4 av. ozs. of acetic acid be 
 added to 20 av. ozs. of distilled water, the resulting mixture will measure nearly 23 
 fluidounces (22.85). 
 
 Properties. — Diluted acetic acid has a specific gravity of 1.008 (1.006 Br.'), and 
 100 parts of it neutralize 10 parts (7.14 parts, Br.) of potassium bicarbonate, or 5.3 
 parts (3.8 parts, Br.) of exsiccated sodium carbonate, indicating a strength of acetic acid 
 corresponding to 6 per cent. (4.27 per cent., Br.) of hydrogen acetate; therefore 10 Gm. 
 of the acid require for neutralization 10 Cc. (7.12 Cc., Br.) of volumetric solution of 
 potassa ; or, as the British Pharmacopoeia directs, 440 grains of its diluted acetic acid 
 require for neutralization 313 grain-measures of the soda solution, corresponding to 3.63 
 per cent, anhydride. The purity of diluted acetic acid is ascertained by the same tests 
 mentioned for the stronger acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In its pure state acetic acid is corrosive or irritant, softening 
 the epidermis and the mucous membranes; when diluted and continuously used, it softens 
 the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane and disorganizes the blood-corpuscles. It is 
 more or less absorbed by the skin. Acetic acid is seldom if ever employed internally, 
 except in the diluted form, which may be used for the same purposes as vinegar and in 
 the same dose. Strong and glacial acetic acids are applied chiefly as caustics for the 
 removal of warts and corns , and occasionally for blistering the skin. The former is a valu- 
 able application in the treatment of favus , and, if diluted, allays itching in lichen , prurigo , 
 and psoriasis. It was alleged to possess peculiar advantages as a caustic in cancer when 
 injected into the substance of the tumor. But the results of this method are satisfactory 
 only in cases in which, from the situation of the tumor or the objections of the patient, 
 an operation is unadvisable. A solution employed by Gies (1877) varied in strength 
 from 1 part in 3 to 1 part in 9 of glacial acetic acid in water. Nasal polypus is reported 
 to be readily curable by injections of pure acetic acid into its substance. The growth 
 shrivels and decays, and its fetor may be corrected by a weak carbolic-acid solution (Caro, 
 Med. Record , xvi. 526). 
 
 Chloracetic acid has been compared to nitric acid in its action. It penetrates deeply, 
 but does not excite much inflammation of the adjacent parts, and leaves behind a mode- 
 rate eschar, which soon separates and exposes healthy granulations. The scar is rather 
 smooth, and does not contract a great deal. It is said to cause less pain than nitrate of 
 silver, chloride of zinc, or caustic potassa. It has been used for removing warts , condyl- 
 oniata , lupus , and various neoplasms. It may be applied by means of a glass rod or an 
 asbestos brush or a wad of cotton. It has been recommended to use trichloracetic acid 
 as a cauterant in diseases of the nose and throat , as preferable to chromic acid {Med. News, 
 lvi. 541 ; Am. Jour. Med. Sci., Aug. 1892, p. 235). 
 
 ACIDUM ARSENOSUM, U. S.— Arsenous Acid. 
 
 Acidum arseniosum (Br.), Acidum arsenicosum (P. A., P. G.), Arsenicum album . — 
 Arsenic , White arsenic , Arsenic trioxide , Arsenious anhydride , E. ; Acide arsenieux , Ar- 
 senic blanc , Fr. Cod. ; Arsenige Sdure , Weisser Arsenik, G. ; Arsenico bianco, It. ; Arsenico 
 bianco, Sp. 
 
 Formula, As 2 0 3 . Molecular weight 197.68. 
 
 Preparation. — Arsenous acid appears to have been known since about the begin- 
 
ACIDUM ARSE NOSUM. 
 
 23 
 
 ning of the Christian era, but was first distinguished from other arsenical compounds by 
 Geber in the eighth century. It has been found in many mineral waters in minute pro- 
 portion, and is obtained in large quantities as a by-product in roasting cobalt, nickel, tin, 
 and even some silver ores, and particularly arsenical iron pyrites ; the vapors are con- 
 ducted through long tubes or chambers, where they are condensed in the form of a white 
 powder, formerly called flowers of arsenic. This is not pure, but contains some metallic 
 arsenic, arsenic sulphide, dirt, etc., from which it is purified by resublimation. For 
 this purpose the crude powder is introduced into cast-iron kettles, surmounted by several 
 communicating iron cylinders, from the top of which a large pipe leads into a series of 
 chambers, where the vapors, which are not condensed in the cylinders, are recovered 
 again as a white powder. The heat, which is applied directly to the kettle, is sufficient 
 to keep the condensing product in the heads or in the first chamber in a soft condition, 
 so that on cooling it congeals into masses. That consumed in this country is mostly 
 imported from Europe. 
 
 Properties.— Arsenous acid occurs in heavy, inodorous masses, which are at first 
 glass-like, transparent, and of a conchoidal fracture, but become superficially white, 
 opaque, and of a waxy lustre, the change penetrating gradually to the interior, so that 
 ultimately the entire mass is converted into a porcelain-like mass, the formation of which 
 is dependent upon a molecular change, the amorphous glass-like arsenous acid becoming 
 indistinctly crystalline. The specific gravity of the vitreous acid is 3.7385, and of the 
 opaque variety 3.699 (Guibourt). Durand and Mitchell determined (1832) the density 
 of the former to be about 3.3. When heated in a sealed tube arsenous acid may be 
 melted to a thick liquid, and again be obtained as a glass-like mass, or, wlien very slowly 
 cooled, in crystals of different form. Rapidly heated in an open test-tube, it begins to 
 soften superficially at about 218° C. (424° F.), but is at the same time rapidly volatil- 
 ized. Slowly heated in a glass tube to about 200° C. (392° F.), minute transparent 
 crystals are obtained, which under a magnifying-glass are recognized as regular octa- 
 hedra. It is dimorphous, crystallizing also in thin pearly prisms, which are sometimes 
 obtained in the process of roasting arsenical ores. When thrown upon burning charcoal, 
 it is reduced to the metallic state and vaporized, arsenous acid being again produced and 
 an alliaceous odor emitted. It does not readily mix with water, and has a scarcely per- 
 ceptible, faintly sweetish taste, due to its slow and sparing solubility in water; but this 
 solution has a slight but distinct metallic taste and a feeble acid reaction, and unless 
 acidulated with a mineral acid is not completely precipitated by hydrogen sulphide, but 
 remains yellow and transparent, or in reflected light slightly turbid from dissolved 
 As 2 S 3 . The crystalline acid is less soluble than the amorphous, but one is under various 
 circumstances converted into the other. At 15° C. (59° F.) the vitreous variety is 
 soluble in about 30 parts of cold water, while the porcelain-like requires about 80 
 parts ; both are slowly but completely soluble in 15 parts of boiling water (U. S.). By 
 prolonged contact with cold water about J per cent., and by boiling water about 7 per 
 cent., of the acid is dissolved, but after boiling for several hours about 11 per cent, is 
 taken up, the greatest portion crystallizing on cooling, leaving about 2\ per cent, in the 
 solution ; and on prolonged standing this amount is reduced to somewhat less than 2 per 
 cent. The acid does not volatilize with the vapors of boiling water. Bussy found (1847) 
 that 100 parts of water of 13° C. (55.4° F.) will dissolve 4 parts of amorphous and 1.2 
 parts of crystalline arsenous acid, the former solution gradually depositing crystals until 
 reduced in strength to the latter. Treated with warm or cold ammonia-water, the amor- 
 phous acid is converted into the crystalline variety without combining with the ammonia 
 (Guibourt). Solutions of both the amorphous and crystalline variety pass readily through 
 the septum of the dialysator. By the aid of heat glycerin dissolves arsenous acid slowly 
 but freely, and deposits again a portion of it on dilution with water. Oil of turpentine 
 dissolves only the glassy variety. Arsenous acid is insoluble in ether, quite sparingly 
 soluble in alcohol, but combines with fixed oils when heated, forming a plaster-like mass ; 
 several acids increase its solubility in water, particularly hydrochloric and tartaric acids. 
 
 Powdered arsenous acid is often adulterated ; hence it should not be employed for 
 medicinal purposes unless its purity has been previously established. When rubbing 
 the hard masses of vitreous or porcelain-like acid to powder, sufficient alcohol should be 
 sprinkled over it to prevent the dust from rising, and the mouth and nostrils should be 
 protected by a moist sponge. When larger quantities are powdered, it is even advisable 
 to protect the eyes and the bare hands. 
 
 Tests. — Arsenous acid is completely volatilized without fusion at a temperature of 
 218° C. (424.4° F.) U. 204.5° C. (400° F.) Br and yields a white sublimate free 
 
24 
 
 ACIDUM ARSENOSUM. 
 
 from gray or orange-colored portions (absence of metallic arsenic and sulphides). By 
 prolonged boiling with diluted hydrochloric acid it dissolves completely without leaving 
 any residue, and 100 grains of it, thus dissolved, yield with hydrogen "sulphide a lemon- 
 yellow deposit of arsenic trisulphide weighing, after washing and drying, 124 grains. 
 Four grains of it, dissolved in boiling water with 20 grains of sodium bicarbonate, 
 discharge the color of 808 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of iodine. — Br. 
 Both the tests mentioned prove arsenous acid to be almost absolutely free from impur- 
 ities ; but. the U. S. P. and P. G. now admit this compound if containing not less than 
 98.8 per cent, of the pure trioxide ; in which case 0.1 Gm. of it, dissolved together with 
 1 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate, in 20 Cc. of water by aid of heat, should decolorize not 
 less than 20 Cc. of decinormal solution of iodine ; if absolutely pure, 20.23 Cc. of the 
 latter would be required. The reaction occurring in this test is shown by the equation : 
 As 2 0 3 + 5H 2 0 + 2I 2 = 2H 3 As 0 4 -f 4HI ; 1 molecular weight of arsenous acid is oxidized 
 by 4 atomic weights of iodine, with the formation of 2 molecules of arsenic and 4 of 
 hydriodic acid. The admixture of arsenic acid is detected by agitating an excess of 
 the powder with cold alcohol, filtering, evaporating, and neutralizing with ammonia, 
 when silver nitrate will produce a red-brown precipitate. Arsenous acid should be com- 
 pletely soluble in 10 parts of warm ammonia-water, forming a colorless solution, which 
 should not be colored yellow or produce a yellow precipitate (absence of arsenic sulphide 
 and other metallic impurities). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Pulvis Arsenicalis Cosmi. — Come’ s arsenical powder, i?. ; Poudre 
 escharotique ars6nicale (du frere Come), Fr. ; Cosmisches Pulver, G. An intimate mixture of 
 vermilion 5 parts, arsenous acid 1 part, and burned sponge 2 parts. — F. Cod. A weaker 
 escharotic, containing one-twenty-fifth its weight of arsenous acid, is known as poudre escha- 
 rotique d’ Antoine Dubois. 
 
 Detection of Arsenic and Arsenous Acid.— A neutral or, more promptly, 
 an acidulated solution of arsenic yields with hydrogen sulphide a bright-yellow pre- 
 cipitate of arsenic sulphide, which is entirely insoluble in dilute acids, but dissolves 
 readily in alkalies, their carbonates and sulphides ; if such a solution in ammonium sul- 
 phide is acted upon by silver nitrate in excess, silver sulphide is precipitated, and 
 the solution contains the arsenic in its original state of oxidation, either as arsenous or 
 arsenic acid ; and on the careful neutralization of the ammonia by means of nitric acid 
 the former is precipitated as yellow silver arsenite, and the latter as red-brown silver 
 arsenate, both precipitates being readily soluble in nitric acid and in ammonia. Neutral 
 solutions of arsenous and arsenic acids yield with cupric sulphate precipitates, that 
 of the former being yellowish-green ( Scheele's green'), and of the latter bluish-green, in 
 color ; both precipitates are freely soluble in nitric acid and in ammonia. It follows, 
 from the behavior just described, that in testing by a soluble silver or copper salt for 
 arsenous or arsenic acid the solutions of the latter must be very carefully neutralized, 
 or, if acid, are best tested with ammoniacal solutions of copper and silver; but the com- 
 plete precipitation of arsenic is most conveniently effected from an acidulated solution 
 by means of hydrogen sulphide ; if strongly acid, the liquid should be diluted with water, 
 and it is in all cases advisable, after adding an excess of gas, to set the mixture aside 
 for some time, if little arsenic is present, even for twenty-four hours. If not mixed with 
 other metals, the precipitate thus obtained is pretty characteristic, since only two other 
 metals yield under the same circumstances precipitates of sulphides having a similar 
 color — namely, cadmium and tin in stannic compounds. Cadmium sulphide has a bright 
 lemon-yellow color, but is readily distinguished from the corresponding arsenic com- 
 pound by being completely insoluble in potassa, ammonia, and ammonium sulphide ; on 
 the other hand, cadmium sulphide dissolves completely in strong hydrochloric acid, form- 
 ing cadmium chloride, and giving off hydrogen sulphide, while arsenic sulphide is insolu- 
 ble in the acid mentioned. Stannic sidphide has a dusky-yellow color, and dissolves in 
 potassa, ammonia, and ammonium sulphide, but differs from arsenic sulphide not only in 
 the shade of color, but also in its complete solubility in strong hydrochloric acid. The 
 three sulphides may likewise be distinguished from each other by their behavior with 
 cyanide flux , which is an intimate mixture of 1 part of potassium cyanide with 3 parts 
 of anhydrous sodium carbonate ; when heated with this flux in the bulb of a Berzelius 
 reduction-tube, arsenic sulphide yields, in the cooler part of the tube, a sublimate of 
 metallic arsenic having an iron-gray color, and in the upper portion of the ring occasion- 
 ally a brown color, produced by the intimate mixture of metallic arsenic with some arse- 
 nous acid ; during the sublimation a garlic-like odor is observed ; the sublimate volatilizes 
 
ACIDUM ARSE NO SUM. 
 
 25 
 
 on the application of heat, and condenses again in a cooler part of the tube, and, if 
 atmospheric air has been admitted, is partly or entirely converted into minute brilliant 
 
 octahedral crystals of 
 
 Fig. 1. Fig. 2. arsenous acid. Cad- 
 
 mium sulphide under 
 the same circum- 
 stances yields a red- 
 brown sublimate, con- 
 sisting of cadmium 
 oxide, which is not 
 volatilized by heat ; 
 and tin sulphide pro- 
 duces no sublimate, 
 but in the fused mass 
 will be found metallic 
 grains of tin. The 
 above tests character- 
 ize arsenic if in the 
 form of solution and 
 if present in more 
 than a very minute 
 quantity. Tests of 
 still greater delicacy 
 will be described be- 
 
 i 
 
 Fig. 3. 
 
 low. Arsenous acid, which is usually met with 
 in cases of accidental or criminal poisoning, 
 yields, if heated in a narrow tube (see Fig. 2), 
 the crystalline sublimate described above ; and 
 if mixed with charcoal or cyanide flux, the 
 sublimate will, as in the above case, consist 
 of metallic arsenic, and this, on being sub- 
 
 Reduction- 
 tube with 
 sublimate of 
 arsenous 
 acid. 
 
 Sublimate of arsenous acid, 
 magnified. 
 
 limed in the presence of air, will yield the same 
 crystals. 
 
 In the presence of much organic matter the detection of arsenic is a more complicated 
 process, involving the separation of most of the organic matter, which Fresenius and 
 Babo (1844) have accomplished by heating the mass in a water-bath with hydrochloric 
 acid, and adding to it potassium chlorate in small quantities until a thin liquid is pro- 
 duced ; if the heat be not raised beyond the temperature of boiling water, no arsenic 
 
 chloride will be volatilized, but the mixture becomes more liquid in proportion as the 
 solid organic substances are destroyed. The liquid is then filtered, the clear filtrate 
 saturated with hydrogen sulphide, and the precipitate, which contains organic matter, 
 treated with strong nitric acid, and subsequently fused with pure sodium nitrate, 
 whereby the organic compounds are completely destroyed, and the antimony and arsenic 
 are converted into soluble arsenate and insoluble antimonate of sodium. On mixing 
 this residue intimately with about twelve times its weight of an exsiccated mixture pre- 
 pared of sodium carbonate 3 parts and potassium cyanide 1 part, the powder may be 
 heated to redness in a reducing-tube in a current of dry carbon dioxide, when a 
 
 mirror of metallic arsenic will be obtained, while the presence of antimony, tin, and 
 
 other metals will not interfere with the result. This method is less delicate than others 
 mentioned below ; however, the mass obtained after the destruction of the organic 
 matter and fusion with sodium nitrate ma} r be dissolved in water, and this solution, after 
 acidulation with hydrochloric acid, may then be treated again with hydrogen sulphide, 
 or in Marsh’s apparatus — in the latter case, after evaporation with an excess of sul- 
 phuric acid to expel the nitric acid. 
 
 The destruction of the organic matter, as described above, may in some cases be 
 
26 
 
 ACIDUM ARSENO'STJM. 
 
 omitted, the material being simply boiled with water and the filtrate acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, previous to passing hydrogen sulphide through it. A solution suita- 
 ble for the purpose may likewise be obtained by the process of dialysis, whereby mucous, 
 amylaceous, and albuminous substances are left behind, while the dialyzed liquid con- 
 tains the arsenous acid, besides organic and inorganic salts. A method for converting 
 arsenous acid and sulphides of arsenic into the volatile chloride, which may be readily 
 separated from the organic matter by distillation, was proposed by F. C. Schneider 
 (1851) ; it consists in mixing the material with large crystals of sodium chloride equal 
 in weight to the dry matter, adding concentrated sulphuric acid, and heating slowly to 
 boiling. To avoid the generation of sulphurous acid, an excess of sodium chloride must 
 be present during the entire operation. A modification of this process, whereby the 
 sulphides are more readily decomposed and arsenic acid is reduced to arsenous acid, and 
 then readily converted into chloride, consists, according to Hager, in the addition of 
 ferrous chloride to the contents of the retort. Dr. Penny (1852) suggested the thorough 
 drying of the material, mixing it with strong hydrochloric acid, and then heating in a 
 retort placed in a sand-bath. Dr. A. S. Taylor observed that portions of dried liver or 
 stomach gave up every trace of arsenic by one distillation. The distillate may be tested 
 for arsenic by the reagents mentioned above, or in Marsh’s apparatus. 
 
 MarsKs test depends upon the formation of arsenetted hydrogen (arsine) by the action 
 of nascent hydrogen upon the oxygen compounds of arsenic. A simple form of Marsh’s 
 
 Fig. 4. 
 
 Marsh’s test for arsenic. 
 
 apparatus is shown in Fig. 4. Hydrogen is generated in a suitable flask and dried by 
 conducting it through a tube filled with fragments of calcium chloride. After the air 
 has been completely expelled and the apparatus filled with hydrogen, some of the 
 liquid to be tested is introduced through the f’unnel-tube, and the escaping gas ignited. 
 Upon holding a piece of porcelain in the flame, a brown-black spot of metallic arsenic 
 will be deposited, which will quickly dissolve on the addition of a little chlorinated 
 lime or chlorinated soda (Bischoff, 1840). Antimony compounds will yield a simi- 
 lar spot, which, however, is not affected by the hypochlorites. When a dry 
 beaker or test-tube is held over the jet, arsenous acid is deposited upon the 
 inside, and may be recognized by its crystalline form ; and after dissolving it in a little 
 hot water a yellow precipitate will be obtained on the addition of some solution of 
 silver ammonium-nitrate. Antimony similarly treated gives no precipitate. The 
 delivery-tube, which must be of hard glass, may be heated to redness by the flame of a 
 gas-lamp, when the hydrogen arsenide will be decomposed, metallic arsenic being 
 deposited. Antimony gives a similar reaction, and the two metals may be distinguished 
 by heating the deposit in contact with air, when the arsenic will be converted into crys- 
 tallized arsenous acid ; or hydrogen sulphide may be passed through the tube and the 
 deposit gently heated, when the arsenic will be converted into yellow sulphide and the 
 antimony into orange sulphide. On now passing dry hydrochloric acid through the 
 tube the antimony sulphide will disappear and the arsenic sulphide remain unaffected. 
 
 On passing the hydrogen gas from the delivery-tube through lead acetate to remove 
 
ACIDUM ARSEN OS UM. 
 
 27 
 
 any 1I 2 S into a solution of silver nitrate, a black precipitate will be produced both 
 by" antimony and arsenic. If the former, the deposit will consist of a compound of anti- 
 mony and silver ; if the latter, metallic silver only is precipitated, while the solution con- 
 tains the arsenic as arsenous acid mixed with the excess of silver salt, and on cautiously 
 neutralizing with ammonia a yellow precipitate of silver arsenite is obtained. 
 
 Gutzeit’s test ( Phar . Zeitung , 1879, p. 263).— Into a test-tube (about 6 by | in.) place 
 a single piece of pure zinc (weighing about 1 Gin.), and add about 5 Cc. of pure 5 per 
 cent, sulphuric acid ; now add the liquid to be tested, which should not be alkaline nor 
 materially increase the volume of the contents of the tube. At once fasten over the 
 mouth of the test-tube a cap made of three thicknesses of pure filter-paper free from 
 dust, and apply to the upper paper 1 drop of a saturated aqueous solution of silver 
 nitrate, containing about 1 per cent of nitric acid. Place the tube at once in a box, 
 rigidly excluding light, and examine the paper cap after a while. A bright-yellow staiu 
 will appear upon the paper — rapidly if the amount of arsenic be considerable, slowly if 
 the amount be small ; if the yellow stain be moistened with water, the color changes to 
 brown or black. (Antimony colors the spot black or brown without a previous yellow 
 color.) The action of hydrogen arsenide upon silver nitrate in the absence of water 
 takes place, with the formation of a yellow compound, thus : AsH 3 -f 6AgN0 3 
 
 Ag 3 As3(AgN0 3 ) + 3.HN0 3 . When water is added, metallic silver is separated, show- 
 ing a brown or black color : Ag 3 As.3(AgN0 3 )+3H 2 0 = 6Ag-|-3HN0 3 +H 3 As0 3 . 
 Since hydrogen phosphide and hydrogen sulphide produce yellow-colored compounds 
 under the conditions stated above, the zinc used in testing must be absolutely free from 
 sulphur and phosphorus. 
 
 Bettendorff's test (1869). — On adding some arsenical solution to a solution of stannous 
 chloride in strong hydrochloric acid, a gradual, or, on heating, a somewhat rapid, reduc- 
 tion to metallic arsenic takes place, the deposit having a brown or black color according 
 to quantity. Dilution with water and the presence of nitric acid or nitrates interfere 
 with the reaction. 
 
 ReinscEs test (1843). — If an arsenical solution is strongly acidulated with hydrochloric 
 acid, and heated to boiling in the presence of a thin slip of bright copper — or, according 
 to A. S. Taylor, preferably of finest copper gauze — the copper will become tarnished by 
 the deposition upon it of metallic arsenic, the film having a bluish or iron-gray color 
 according to quantity ; the presence of nitric acid interferes with the reaction. The 
 copper is washed with water, dried, and heated in a narrow test- or reduction-tube, when 
 arsenous acid will be sublimed in the form of octahedral crystals. 
 
 FleitmanE s test , like the process of Marsh with its numerous modifications, depends 
 upon the generation of arsenetted hydrogen from zinc ; instead of an acid, however, a 
 strong solution of caustic potassa or soda is employed, which has the advantage of pre- 
 venting the formation of antimonetted hydrogen. If the gas is generated in a test-tube 
 the orifice of which is covered with a piece of filtering-paper moistened with a solution 
 of silver nitrate, the appearance of a black spot will indicate the presence of arsenic. 
 In applying this test care must be taken to prevent the paper from coming into contact 
 with the alkaline liquid, which would produce a similar color. A plug of cotton loosely 
 inserted in the upper part of the tube will prevent any spirting of the liquid. A strip 
 of paper moistened with solution of lead acetate, if colored brown or black by the gas, 
 would prove the presence of hydrogen sulphide. 
 
 The process has been modified in various ways. Ilimmelmann (1868) proposed to 
 generate the gas with a mixture of granulated zinc and powdered iron, which is warmed 
 in a concentrated solution of ammonium chloride rendered alkaline by ammonia. The 
 gas is passed through a solution of zinc and ammonium chloride into the silver solution. 
 Johnson proposed aluminum in connection with potassa solution for the generation of 
 hydrogen. In this as in the preceding case the metals employed are to be previously 
 tested for the presence of arsenic. 
 
 Much simpler is the modification by E. W. Davy (1876), who employs an amalgam 
 prepared by warming 8 or 10 parts of mercury, and dropping upon it gradually in small 
 pieces 1 part of metallic sodium. The amalgam should be used only in a neutral or 
 alkaline liquid ; the gas is generated by the action of the sodium upon water, and the 
 presence of arsenic in it is recognized with silver nitrate, as stated above. 
 
 Precautions. — It is scarcely necessary to remark that when testing for arsenic all the 
 reagents must be absolutely free from that metal. The purity of sulphuric acid and 
 hydrochloric acids is most conveniently ascertained by Bettendorff ’s or Reinsch’s process, 
 and the purity of zinc by that of Gutzeit. The use of copper for the purpose referred 
 
28 
 
 AC1DUM A USE NOSUM. 
 
 to is not, as a rule, interfered with by its containing arsenic, but the presence of the 
 latter may be readily detected, according to Odling (1863), by heating it in a retort with 
 six times its weight of ferric chloride and an excess of hydrochloric acid, when chloride 
 of arsenic will distil over and give the usual reactions of arsenic compounds. 
 
 In forensic analysis it is usually required that the arsenic be separated in the metallic 
 state, and that the quantity of the poison be estimated. The former is accomplished by 
 the methods described above ; the latter, by weighing the metal deposited in the heated 
 delivery-tube of Marsh’s apparatus, either upon the glass or upon platinum introduced 
 for the purpose, or by estimating it in the form of magnesium pyro-arsenate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Arsenic is poisonous to all animal and vegetable life. It acts 
 locally as an irritant, and through the blood upon the tissues, impairing their nutrition. 
 Its soluble preparations may be absorbed by all the tissues. If taken in large doses, it 
 occasions violent reaction and disorganization, but in minute doses, long continued, it 
 may be tolerated, and even seem to be salutary in its operation, especially in preventing 
 anhelation in mountain-climbing. Its injurious chronic effects consist of impaired gastro- 
 intestinal vigor, vomiting and purging, various disorders of the skin, including shedding of 
 the nails and hair, irritability of the nervous system, and paralysis. Acute arsenical poison- 
 ing presents the following as leading symptoms : constriction and heat of the fauces, 
 burning pain in the abdomen, violent retching and vomiting, thirst, bloody stools, stran- 
 gury, spasms, dyspnoea, and collapse. The remedial operation of arsenic seems to be due 
 to its radical action upon all the organs and tissues of the body. 
 
 The use of arsenic as a remedy for intermittent fever has prevailed in China from 
 time immemorial. As a substitute for the cinchona alkaloids in its treatment it 
 has been extensively resorted to, and the general result of experience is that it is 
 not comparable to the latter medicines in efficacy. The greater number of cases in 
 which it shows a decidedly curative operation are of the chronic form, cases in which 
 quinine fails to effect a cure, and in which the malarial cachexia is distinctly marked. 
 In these the cure by arsenic generally coincides with evidences of the constitutional ope- 
 ration of the remedy. In various skin diseases arsenic is an invaluable remedy, but is 
 especially so in lepra , psoriasis , and chronic eczema. In a large proportion of cases of 
 these affections it effects a perfect cure, but in none of them can it be regarded in the 
 light of a specific. Some dermatologists advise that the medicine should be given in very 
 small doses at first, and gradually in larger doses, until its constitutional effects are 
 developed ; others insist upon commencing at once with a full but moderate dose 
 (5 minims of the solution), and persisting in its use until injection of the eyes or 
 swelling of the eyelids appears, when the dose should be gradually reduced until these 
 phenomena subside. In either case the medicine should be continued for some time after 
 the eruption has disappeared. The last point is of essential importance. Chronic eczema 
 is less amenable than the dry scaly eruptions to the use of this medicine, but nevertheless 
 will often yield to it alone. By several dermatologists arsenic is pronounced a specific 
 for pemphigus , and, although this estimate of its value is too absolute, there is no doubt 
 of the superiority of the medicine to any other in that disease. It must, however, be 
 given perseveringly and for some time after the disappearance of the eruption, and does 
 not dispense with the necessity of using preparations of cinchona and iron and appropriate 
 diet and regimen. Syphilitic eruptions of the skin are not curable by arsenic. Of that 
 most intractable of skin diseases, prurigo , arsenic is credited with a cure by Geber. But 
 the patient was young, and other treatment was employed (Boston Jour., Oct. 1880, p. 396). 
 Lichen ruber , also a disease which is rarely cured, is stated by Koebner to have been re- 
 moved by hypodermic injections of from Gm. 0.20-0.40 (npiij-vj) daily of Fowler’s solu- 
 tion, diluted with twice as much water. The* treatment lasted for 2 months (Med. News , 
 etc., May, 1881, p. 292). Bromide of arsenic has also been used with alleged special advan- 
 tages in the above-named diseases, and particularly in psoriasis vtdgaris , but the testimony 
 has not yet proved its superiority to the usual arsenical preparations. Warts, especially 
 those which appear rapidly in large crops, may generally be cured by arsenic given inter- 
 nally. Enlarged lymphatic glands (lymphoma), whether superficial or occupying the great 
 cavities, are singularly amenable to this medicine when the dose is carried to the extent 
 of producing its full constitutional effects and then gradually reduced. When the tumors 
 were accessible, their injection with the arsenical solution (Fowler’s) has been success- 
 fully practised. The operation is apt to produce some febrile reaction, but leads to the 
 absorption of the hyperplasia (Lancet, Apr. 2, 1887). It may be mentioned for infor- 
 mation, but not as an example to be imitated, that Fowler’s solution has been injected 
 
A CID UM A RSENOS UM. 
 
 29 
 
 into the enlarged spleen by means of the hypodermic syringe, and with alleged success, 
 although in other cases the effects were injurious or even fatal ( Bidl de Ther., c. 380). 
 
 It is reported that several cases of obesity have been restored to a normal condition by 
 the continued use of Fowler’s solution in the dose of 5 drops three times a day. 
 
 This medicine has enjoyed a certain reputation in the treatment of nodosity of the joints, 
 both as an internal medicine and under the form of arsenite of sodium in baths. Several 
 distinguished names vouch for its efficacy, but we have made use of it persistently in 
 several cases of the disease without the slightest advantage. In chorea it has enjoyed a 
 very high repute, so much so as to have been looked upon by certain physicians as a 
 specific ; but, on the other hand, some of the best authorities do not even refer to it 
 among the remedies for the disease. The former judgment is undoubtedly the correct 
 one ; but to ensure the efficiency of the medicine it must usually be given so as to induce 
 its constitutional effects without deranging the stomach. Our own impression of its value 
 is very decided in those numerous cases in which chorea occurs, as it so often does in 
 delicate children, from overstrain of the mind or from any other exhausting excitement. 
 In most of these cases it should be associated with iron. Its hypodermic administration, 
 which has been advocated, and is probably the most efficient, is painful and peculiarly 
 objectionable for children, the usual subjects of chorea. 
 
 The advantages of arsenic in neuralgia, especially of the fifth pair and of the intercostal 
 nerves, the forms which most usually depend upon constitutional or acquired debility, 
 have been recognized ever since they were first pointed out by Fowler. It is true that 
 the cases most readily cured by it are those of miasmatic origin ; but whether the disease 
 depends upon miasma as a direct effect, or upon its indirect influence and the consequent 
 anaemia, is not clearly determined. Instances are indeed cited of its effecting the cure of 
 traumatic neuralgia, but they are very rare and are open to criticism. Besides the 
 miasmatic forms, there are but few cases of neuralgia which are not benefited, even if 
 not cured, by arsenic. The mode of its action may be inferred also from the well-known 
 fact that facial and intercostal neuralgias are precisely those in which iron is a very 
 efficient remedy. It would appear that large doses of the medicine are sometimes essen- 
 tial to the cure, such as Gm. 1.30—2.30 (n^xx-xxx) of Fowler’s solution at first, and subse- 
 quently smaller quantities (Francis). In certain cases sulphate of quinine and the arsenical 
 medicine, each in half of the full dose, have been associated with results that could not be 
 secured by either alone. Another form of the disease, gastralgia , very frequently arises 
 under similar states of the system, and is often curable by arsenic ; this is the more 
 remarkable, considering how frequently this neuralgia is associated with gastric ulcer, 
 and renders it probable that both affections are cured by the action of arsenic in improv- 
 ing nutrition. This power is conspicuously manifested by it in many cases of pulmonary 
 phthisis. Under its influence the bronchial irritation and secretion decline, the hectic 
 abates, the breathing grows calmer, the appetite improves, flesh is gained, and life is pro- 
 longed, if not permanently secured. It is not in every case that these effects are wit- 
 nessed, nor is it possible to determine in what cases they may be looked for. But it 
 would seem that arsenic is most efficient when the bronchitic element is strongest and 
 the degenerative process is least active. This judgment is rendered probable by the 
 manifest benefits derived from the medicine in many cases of chronic bronchitis affecting 
 the lower lobes of both lungs. In nearly all of the diseases mentioned in this article 
 more or less impairment of the blood exists, and many of them are more or less curable 
 by iron. Indeed, in all of them the association of iron and arsenic is mor.e efficient than 
 either medicine alone. In no disease is this operation more distinct than in chlorotic 
 anaemia, an affection in which the nervous as well as the blood element requires a specific 
 treatment. The same is true of malarial, puerperal, and dyspeptic anaemia. Even in 
 that grave affection known as pernicious anaemia, as well as in leukaemia and pseudo-leu- 
 kaemia, which all present this double constitution, arsenic is the most available remedy. 
 In the first-named disease Warfinge obtained cures when iron remained inefficient. These 
 results are confirmed by the high authority of Wilks ( Lancet , Apr. 11, 1885), and 
 more recently by the excellent reports of Dr. Osier ( Therap . Gaz., x. 741, and Boston Med. 
 and Surg. Jour., Nov. 1888, p. 454). Sulphuret of arsenic was anciently used for asthmatic 
 affections. Many years ago Koepel employed Fowler’s solution in spasmodic asthma, in 
 which he was imitated by Trousseau, who also prescribed cigarettes made of tissue-paper 
 impregnated with the same solution. Subsequently, Thorowgood (1874) stated that this 
 solution is alike useful in dry and in humid asthma, and that if the affection is connected 
 with old chronic skin disease it may be prescribed with every prospect of benefiting the 
 patient. No doubt the medicine is occasionally efficient in pure nervous asthma, but it is 
 
30 
 
 A CID UM A RSENOS UM. 
 
 more successful when the disease is combined with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 
 To the tonic and reconstituent power of arsenic must be attributed its utility in many 
 cases of uterine disorder due to an enfeebled constitution or to more local causes ; for it is 
 in amenorrlioea , menorrhagia, dysmenorrhcea, and leucorrhoea that it has been found effi- 
 cient ; and these affections, although very different symptomatically, may have their root in 
 the same organic debility. The utility of the medicine in many cases of diabetes may 
 fairly be ascribed to a like operation. They are cases in which iron and also strychnia have 
 been found useful — cases in which general debility is accompanied by a comparatively 
 small secretion of urine, how high soever its specific gravity may be. Yet there are 
 others which have been materially improved by this medicine, although the diuresis was 
 profuse. In three-drop doses it is represented by Yon Pap as greatly diminishing the 
 sugar in the urine in diabetes, sometimes removing it, and in certain cases causing it to 
 disappear for some time after the arsenic had ceased to be given. (Compare Quinquaud, 
 Bull, de Ther., ciii. 241.) Bromide of arsenic is alleged to be very efficient in the treat- 
 ment of diabetes , but there is no evidence of its superiority over the more usual arsensical 
 preparations. 
 
 In a case of long-continued albuminuria , apparently depending upon debility and 
 indigestion, and in which the presence of albumen in the urine was not constant, Dr. 
 Brinton found that small doses of Fowler’s solution ^yere more efficient than any other 
 medicine. In the chronic diarrhoea of children it is reported to have cured cases that 
 resisted other remedies. 
 
 The treatment of cancer by arsenic has been both internal and external. At one time 
 the administration of iodide of arsenic was held by competent authorities to be capable 
 of diminishing the size of cancerous tumors, but the treatment has now lost the credit 
 it once possessed. As a caustic, arsenic was used for the destruction of cancerous 
 tumors even by the ancients, and throughout the course of medical history examples 
 may be found of faith in its propriety and efficacy. But in recent times the practice 
 has chiefly fallen into the hands of quacks (Am. Jour. Pharm., lix. 546). Superficial 
 cancers , and tumors under various names which tend to occasion ulceration, including 
 lupus , continue to be occasionally treated by means of arsenical caustics. Most of them 
 are, however, excessively painful, and if applied over a large surface involve the risk of 
 producing poisonous effects. Esmarch, in the treatment of desperate cases too far 
 advanced for the use of the knife, employed arsenic both internally and externally, the 
 former because the medicine is supposed to promote the disintegration of albuminous 
 compounds ; and for the latter purpose he applied a powder composed of 1 part each of 
 arsenious acid and sulphate of morphine, 8 parts of calomel, and 48 parts of powdered 
 gum arabic. The powder was thickly strewn over the ulcer or wound every day ; its 
 action was powerfully escharotic, but painless, and it neutralized the fetor of the sore. 
 Kaposi, after Hebra, employs a paste composed as follows : Arsenious acid gr. x, facti- 
 tious cinnabar ^ss, rose-water ointment %ss. Cl The healthy skin is not in the least 
 affected by it, not even excoriated, whilst each individual lupus nodule is invariably and 
 thoroughly destroyed.” Laboulene removed epithelial tumors without severe pain by 
 means of 2 parts of arsenious acid, 6 parts of sulphide of mercury and 12 parts of burnt 
 sponge, mixed and reduced by water to a paste. He claimed that this preparation attacks 
 the abnormal growth, and not the natural tissues (Bull, de Therap ., cv. 143). Koebner 
 cured a case of multiple sarcoma of the skin by injecting each of the small tumors with 
 Fowler’s solution (Archives gen., Avril, 1883, p. 496), and Blair employed the same 
 method successfully to remove a large nsevus of the scalp (British Med. Jour., Apr. 1884). 
 IJnna recommends for the treatment both of venereal and common warts the continuous 
 application of mercurial ointment containing 5 per cent, of arsenic. The growths 
 disappear by reabsorption, as in cases of spontaneous cure (Practitioner, xxix. 468). 
 The peculiar caustic and drying action of arsenic has long been used to destroy the 
 exposed pulp of carious teeth. About Gm. 0.001 (-^ of a grain), or from that to Gm. 
 0.002 of a grain), is applied to the nerve-pulp previously benumbed by some 
 anaesthetic or astringent, and securely covered to prevent its displacement. The pain 
 produced is severe in proportion to the inflammation of the part. 
 
 The symptoms of poisoning produced by arsenic taken into the stomach should be met 
 by thoroughly evacuating that organ by means of ipecacuanha, alum, or the sulphate of 
 zinc or of copper, and the administration of tepid water containing white of egg, flour, or 
 lime-water. If these are unsuccessful, the stomach-pump should be speedily resorted to, 
 after which the hydrated sesquioxide of iron or the hydrated sulphuret of iron should 
 be largely administered as a chemical antidote. The sacc-harated oxide of iron, solution 
 
A CID UM BENZOICUM. 
 
 31 
 
 of perchloride of iron, dialyzed iron, and also magnesia, have been recommended with 
 the same object. The tendency of the patient to cellapse is to be counteracted by means 
 of hot bottles, bricks, etc. applied to the limbs and back, and by the cautious administra- 
 tion of alcoholic liquors and opiates by enema. 
 
 Administration. — The dose of arsenious acid may be stated to be Gm. 0.002-0.004 
 (gr. iV)- Like other preparations of the medicine, it should never be given when 
 the stomach is empty, and like them, also, its dose should be gradually increased until 
 the. eyes begin to show signs of its operation or the symptoms of the disease for which it 
 is prescribed are ameliorated. In the form of “ Asiatic pills.” which also contain pepper, 
 the gastric disorder due to arsenic is not so apt to be produced. The formula for them 
 is H. Arsenious acid ; Black pepper gix ; Liquorice-root, powdered, and mucilage, of 
 each, q. s. Mix and divide into 800 pills. S. — One or two daily. Each pill contains 
 about Jg- gr. of arsenious acid. 
 
 ACIDUM BENZOICUM, U . 8 ., Br JP . G . -Benzoic Acid. 
 
 Acidum benzoicum sublimatum , Flores benzoes. — Flowers of benzoin , E. ; Adde ben- 
 zoique , Fleurs de benjovn , Fr. ; Benzoesdure , Benzoeblumen , G. ; Acido benzoico , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 7 H 5 0 2 C 6 H 5 COOH. Molecular weight 121.71. 
 
 Origin. — Benzoic acid is contained in benzoin, Tolu balsam, Peru balsam, storax, 
 Botany Bay resin, in several other resinous exudations, and in certain plants. It was 
 described by Vigenere (1608) as one of the products of the dry distillation of benzoin, 
 and recognized by Lemery (1675) and Scheele (1775) as an acid. Liebig (1830) found 
 it among the products of the dry distillation of hippuric acid, and Dessaignes (1847) 
 obtained it from the latter b} T the action of acids and alkalies. Its artificial preparation 
 is described below. 
 
 Preparation. — Benzoic acid may be obtained by subjecting benzoin in coarse powder, 
 after removal of adhering moisture by careful warming or exposure over burnt lime, to 
 dry distillation in shallow iron pans. The pan is covered with a porous diaphragm, pref- 
 erably of cloth, and then provided with a suitable condenser consisting either of a cap 
 of thick, well-sized paper or a pasteboard hood or box suitably lined with glazed paper. 
 The application of sand-bath heat must be carefully regulated, as the acid begins to sub- 
 lime at 100° C., and at 140°-145° C. (293° F.) is volatilized very freely. As the tem- 
 perature is allowed to rise to 200° C. (392° F.) and over, the acid will be contaminated 
 with other products, partly the result of decomposition — these are methyl benzoate, 
 C 6 H 5 CO(()CH 3 ). boiling at 199° C. ; guaiacol, C 6 H 4 OCH 3 OH, boiling at 200° C. ; pyro- 
 catechin, C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 , boiling at 245° C. ; benzylbenzoate, C 6 H 6 COO, CI1 2 C 6 H 5 ; vanil- 
 lin, etc. The sublimed acid obtained from the cooled apparatus is ready for use, but is 
 never chemically pure ; if made from good benzoin, the yield may reach 8 or 10 per cent., 
 leaving often a still larger proportion in the fused resin, from which it may be obtained 
 by the wet process, to be described presently, or the resinous mass may be broken again 
 into small pieces and subjected to another sublimation. 
 
 Various modifications have been proposed from time to time in the form of sublima- 
 tory apparatus by Hager and others, with a view of increasing the yield of acid and 
 lessening the contamination with other volatile products. 
 
 The Wet Process for obtaining benzoic acid is usually carried on as follows : 4 or 5 
 parts of powdered benzoin and 1 part of lime are mixed with 10 parts of water, and the 
 mixture allowed to stand in a warm place for some hours, replacing the water lost by 
 evaporation ; 50 parts of water are now added, the mixture boiled down to 30 parts, and 
 filtered while hot. The residue is again boiled with water, and the mixed filtrates are 
 supersaturated with hydrochloric acid. In this process, which is essentially that of 
 Scheele (1775), the benzoic acid, together with a little resin, is rendered more freely soluble 
 in water through the formation of calcium benzoate. This salt is decomposed in the 
 filtrate by the hydrochloric acid, with the production of freely soluble calcium chloride 
 and crystallizing benzoic acid, the latter being contaminated with some resin and coloring 
 matter, from which it may be freed by dissolving it in twenty times its weight of boiling 
 water, adding some animal charcoal, filtering while hot, and crystallizing. 
 
 In order to impart to the acid obtained by this method the peculiar aroma character- 
 istic of the sublimed benzoic acid, it has been suggested to subject it to sublimation in 
 the presence of benzoin, and this plan is possibly followed by some manufacturers. 
 
 Although sodium benzoate is about fifteen times more soluble in water than the cal- 
 cium salt, and hence the acid might be prepared from it with smaller quantities of liquid, 
 
32 
 
 ACIDUM BENZOIC UM. 
 
 yet the use of sodium carbonate in place of lime is not to be recommended, as the result- 
 ing acid will be found mixed with larger proportions of resin than that obtained by the 
 lime process. 
 
 The process of Wohler , aiming at a pure product, particularly one free from cinnamic 
 acid — which latter is often found in benzoin — is tedious and probably never followed. 
 It consists in digesting benzoin with an equal weight of alcohol, and then adding 
 hydrochloric acid until the resin begins to separate ; the mixture is distilled in a retort on 
 a sand-bath at 213° C. as long as ethyl benzoate passes over. The ethereal liquid is 
 treated with potassium hydroxide on a water-bath, the alcohol recovered, and the result- 
 ing potassium benzoate decomposed with hydrochloric acid, yielding pure benzoic acid 
 and potassium chloride. 
 
 The process suggested by Wagner (1879) has only scientific interest: Benzoin is dis- 
 solved in 3 or 4 parts of warm strong acetic acid, and the solution poured into 4 parts of 
 boiling water, when the resin will be precipitated and the acid will crystallize from the 
 clear liquid on cooling. Thus prepared, it has a pleasant storax-like odor. 
 
 Hippuric acid, C 9 H 9 N0 3 , obtained from the urine of cattle or horses, on being boiled 
 with hydrochloric acid, is split into glycocoll, C 2 H 5 N0 2 , and benzoic acid ; the latter must 
 be purified from a fetid odor by recrystallization and sublimation with benzoin. 
 
 Naphtalene, C 10 H 6 , when oxidized with nitric acid, yields phtalic acid, C fc H 6 0 4 , the cal- 
 cium salt of which, on being mixed with calcium hydroxide and heated to 300° or 350° 
 C., is decomposed into calcium carbonate and benzoate, from the latter of which benzoic 
 acid is liberated in the usual manner. 
 
 Recently benzoic acid is extensively manufactured from toluene (toluol), C 6 H 5 CH 3 , 
 and the bulk of artificial acid is probably now made by this method. If chlorine gas be 
 conducted into boiling toluene until an increase of weight is no longer perceptible, the 
 latter body is converted into benzo -trichloride (trichlormethyl-benzene or phenyl chloro- 
 form), C b H 5 CCl 3 . This liquid, when treated with water under pressure, yields benzoic 
 and hydrochloric acids, thus: C 6 H 5 CC1 3 -|-2H 2 0 =C 6 H 5 COOH -j- 3HC1. It is important 
 that the chlorine gas be passed into the boiling toluene in the presence of daylight, since 
 other products are formed when light is excluded. 
 
 The U. S. P. recognizes the natural as well as the artificial benzoic acid, whereas the 
 Br. and other European pharmacopoeias specify the acid obtained by sublimation from 
 benzoin. 
 
 Properties. — Benzoic acid is in yellowish-white feathery flexible crystalline plates 
 and needles, having an agreeable aromatic odor and a warm acidulous taste. The odor 
 is due to the presence of a small quantity of volatile oil, produced from the benzoin 
 during sublimation. Exposed to the light, benzoic acid sublimed from benzoin becomes 
 darker in color and separates a few oily drops of a brown color. The pure acid is white 
 and without odor. It fuses at 120.5° C. (249° F.), and boils at 239° C. (462° F.), but 
 volatilizes freely with the vapor of boiling water, and more slowly at a somewhat lower 
 temperature. Its vapors are suffocating and acrid, inciting to coughing. It is soluble 
 when pure in about 500 parts ( U. S.), 370 (P. 6r.), 380 ( F It .) of water, and in 2 parts 
 
 of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 15 parts of boiling water, and in 1 part of boiling 
 
 alcohol. It is also soluble in 3 parts of ether, 7 parts of chloroform, and readily soluble 
 in carbon disulphide, benzene, fixed and volatile oils, but sparingly soluble in benzin. 
 Its solubility in water is increased by several sodium salts. According to Bourgoin, 
 1000 parts of distilled water dissolve — 
 
 At 0° 5° 10° 15° 20° 30° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 100° C. 
 
 1.70 1.85 2.10 2.45 2.90 4.10 7.75 11.55 17.75 27.15 40.75 58.75 parts benzoic acid. 
 
 According to R. Otto (1862), the benzoic acids obtained from different sources (benzoin, 
 oil of bitter almond, urine, benzalanin, etc.) differ from each other in the degree of their 
 solubility in water. The experiments of Reichenbach and Beilstein (1865), however, 
 indicate the existence of but one variety of benzoic acid. 
 
 Its solution in strong sulphuric acid is colorless, and when gently warmed brownish, 
 and on adding it to water benzoic acid is again precipitated ; but the solution in fuming 
 sulphuric acid, on being heated, gradually forms sulphobenzoie acid, C 7 H 6 S0 5 , which is 
 deliquescent. Boiling nitric acid does not affect benzoic acid, but fuming nitric acid pro- 
 duces substitution compounds. Nascent hydrogen causes deoxidation, with the formation 
 of benzaldehyde (oil of bitter almond) and benzalcohol, and the production of crystalline 
 hydrobenzoic acid, C 7 H, 0 O 2 . 
 
 The chemical composition of benzoic acid is represented by the formula, C 6 H 5 COOH. 
 
ACIDTJM BENZOICUM. 
 
 33 
 
 Its salts are more or less soluble in water, and many of them also in alcohol ; those with 
 the alkalies dissolve very freely in water. Solutions of the salts yield with neutral or 
 basic ferric salts pale brownish-red, and with lead acetate and silver nitrate white pre- 
 cipitates, which are sparingly soluble in water. 
 
 Tests. — Benzoic acid should completely evaporate from platinum-foil. If much char- 
 coal be left behind, the presence of other organic substances would be indicated, of which 
 sugar manifests itself by the odor of caramel, and hippuric acid by the odor of hydro- 
 cyanic acid, during the application of heat, while mineral substances will be left behind 
 as a fixed residue. Since some varieties of benzoin contain cinnamic acid, this should 
 always be tested for before benzoic acid is prepared. The U. S. and German Pharmaco- 
 poeias have adopted a test indicating the limit of chlorine componnds that may be 
 present by igniting in a crucible a dried mixture of 0.5 Gm. of the acid, 0.8 Gm. of cal- 
 cium carbonate, and a little water; the residue is dissolved in water and nitric acid to 20 
 Cc. of filtrate, in which the addition of decinormal silver nitrate solution should not pro- 
 duce more than a faint opalescence at the utmost. Cinnamic acid is readily detected by 
 the odor of oil of bitter almonds developed, if 0.5 Gm. of benzoic acid, 0.5 Gm. potas- 
 sium permanganate, and 5 Cc. of water be warmed in a loosely-stoppered test-tube to 
 about 45° C. (113° F.) in a water-bath, and then tightly stoppering the tube and cooling 
 with cold water. 
 
 Pure benzoic acid does not decolorize a solution of potassium permanganate, but the 
 odorous compounds present in the sublimed acid rapidly deoxidize it, both in acid and 
 alkaline solution. This test has recently (1881, 1882) been perfected by C. Schacht and 
 others, and is applied by mixing .1 Gm. (1.5 grains) of the acid and 5 drops of perman- 
 ganate solution (1 in 200) with 5 Cc. of distilled water or with 3 Cc. each of potassa 
 solution, sp. gr. 1.18, and distilled water, and heating the mixture just to boiling, when 
 complete decoloration will be at once effected without the previous production of a green 
 color. Benzoic acid prepared artificially or by the wet process will either not reduce the 
 permanganate, or affect it more slowly than the sublimed acid. For this reason C. 
 Schneider has increased the test-liquid to 16 drops, which, when the mixture has been 
 set aside for eight hours, will be decolorized only by the sublimed acid, but not by the 
 other kinds, even if resublimed with benzoin. In the presence of cinnamic acid reduction 
 will likewise take place, but at the same time the odor of oil of bitter almond will be 
 observed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Taken internally in doses of Gm. 1.30 (grs. xx), and repeated 
 several times a day, benzoic acid irritates the throat, and is said to occasion a diffused 
 sense of warmth over the whole body, and to increase expectoration and perspiration. In 
 the urine it is converted into hippuric acid at the expense of the urea. 
 
 It is maintained by authorities of equal weight to be no less advantageous when the 
 urine contains an excess of uric acid than when it is phosphatic. Certainly, when the 
 urine is excessively acid, this medicine, in doses of Gm. 0.60 (gr. x), dissolved in a weak 
 solution of carbonate or phosphate of sodium, will materially lessen its acidity. On the 
 other hand, phosphatic urine may be rendered acid by means of Gm. 1.33 (grs. xx) of 
 benzoic acid given twice a day, and at the same time the accompanying local irritation 
 will subside whenever the phosphatic state of the urine is due to derangements of the 
 bladder. When, however, this condition is owing to constitutional causes, the medicine 
 is of no avail. Phosphatic deposits are apt to arise when the urine becomes ammoniacal 
 in the bladder from the action of fermenting mucus, and to form masses in layers upon 
 the lining membrane, or calculous concretions of the ammoniaco-magnesian phosphate. 
 The due administration of benzoic acid maintains the acidity of the urine and prevents 
 the formation of such deposits. It is credited with possessing a cholagogue action, 
 which, however, is more demonstrable in its salts. 
 
 According to Senator, who employed benzoic acid in the treatment of rheumatism , it is 
 useless in the subacute forms of the disease. In the acute articular form its action was 
 found very favorable, but inferior to that of salicylic acid, although it did not produce 
 any disagreeable effects. On the other hand, it did not reduce the pulse or temperature 
 as much. It was given to the extent of Gm. 8—12, (.^ij-iij) during the day ( Zeitschrift 
 f. Min. Med., i. 262). 
 
 Incontinence of urine , without any altered condition of this secretion, and depending 
 probably upon irritability of the lining membrane of the bladder, has been frequently 
 treated by this medicine with success. It has also been used with apparent benefit in 
 Bright's disease and albuminuria ; it seemed to cause the disappearance of albumen from 
 3 
 
34 
 
 ACIDUM BORICUM. 
 
 the urine. In chyluria , with spontaneously coagulable urine, it has restored the secretion 
 to its normal condition (Am. Jour, of Med. Sci., July, 1882, p. 263). 
 
 Benzoic acid has some repute as a remedy for jaundice, but the conditions for its suc- 
 cessful use are undetermined. It may be assumed, however, that it can only be employed 
 with a hope of advantage when jaundice is due to simple obstruction of the ducts by 
 inspissated bile, whatever may be the remaining conditions of the liver. 
 
 In chronic bronchitis the fumes of benzoic acid have for a long time been inhaled 
 advantageously, and recently atomized solutions of the compound tincture of benzoin, 
 whose internal administration is of much older date in the treatment of the same affection. 
 
 As a dressing for wounds , Richardson has recommended a solution of 3 drachms of 
 benzoic acid in 12 ounces of chloroform, as also to protect and deodorize fetid ulcers and 
 to protect the hands in post-mortem examinations. 
 
 Administration. — The dose of benzoic acid is from 6m. 0.60-2.60 (10 to 40 grains). 
 In albuminuria much smaller doses, as 1 or 2 grains, have been found sufficient. To 
 promote its solution in water, 4 parts of phosphate of sodium, or 11 parts of borate of 
 sodium, may be added. It may also be administered in pills made either with balsam of 
 fir or Castile soap (Am. Jour, of Phar.j Aug. 1880, p. 406). 
 
 ACIDUM BORICUM, V . 8., Br., B. G.— Boric Acid. 
 
 Acidum boracicum. — Boracic acid , E. ; Acide borique crystallise , Fr. Cod. ; Borsdure , 
 G. ; Acido borico , F. It. 
 
 Formula H 3 B0 3 . Molecular weight 61.78. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — This acid was obtained by Homberg (1702) by heating 
 borax with copperas, and subsequently from sulphuric acid and borax. It was known as 
 Sal sedativum Hombergi until Gay-Lussac and Thenard (1804) proved it to be an oxygen 
 compound of boron. It is a constituent of several minerals, and is present, mostly in 
 minute quantities, in various plants, mineral waters, and sea-water, and in somewhat 
 larger proportion in several of the hot springs in Western North America. The crater 
 of the Liparian island of Volcano, situated north of Sicily, contains a deposit of boric 
 acid mixed with sulphur, and the same acid is found in the vapors which issue from fis- 
 sures in the volcanic rocks of Tuscany in Italy. These fissures, called soffioni , are either 
 natural or made artificially by drilling, sometimes to the depth of 150 or 200 feet. Sur- 
 rounding one or more of the soffioni a series of basins or lagoons are constructed on the 
 side of the mountain, either by excavation or masonry, and are then filled with water 
 from a mountain- stream ; the hot vapors in passing through the water yield to it boric 
 acid and heat the water at the same time. The solution of boric acid thus obtained is 
 passed from one basin to another lower one, and when sufficiently saturated into a reser- 
 voir ; thence it is conducted into evaporating-pans, and finally into vats, where the acid is 
 deposited. This crude product, of which about 200,000 pounds are annually imported 
 into the United States, is used in the preparation of borax (see Sodii boras), and from 
 this salt boric acid is again prepared for medicinal use. 
 
 10 parts of borax are dissolved in 24 parts of boiling water; the solution is filtered 
 while hot, mixed with 6 parts of hydrochloric acid, and the liquid set aside for a day in 
 
 a cool place. The crystals are collected either in a funnel or upon a strainer, and are 
 
 drained and washed with a little cold water, after which they are redissolved in five times 
 their weight of boiling distilled water. After a day or two the crystals are collected as 
 before, washed with cold water to remove the last traces of adhering hydrochloric acid, 
 and dried in a moderately warm place. The yield is between 5J and 6 parts. The reac- 
 tion which takes place is explained by the equation Na 2 B 4 O 7 .10H 2 O -f 2HC1 = 4H 3 B0 3 
 + 2NaCl + 5H 2 0. Sulphuric acid may be employed in the place of hydrochloric acid, 
 but will adhere more persistently to the boric acid, necessitating two 
 Fig. 5. or three recrystallizations. 
 
 Properties. — Boric acid crystallizes in white, translucent six- 
 sided scales, which have a slight pearly lustre, are somewhat unc- 
 tuous to the touch, inodorous, and of an acidulous and slightly 
 
 acrid taste. It is soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 25.6 parts of 
 
 water, 15 parts of alcohol, or 10 parts of glycerin. Addition 
 of hydrochloric acid increases its solubility in water (U. S.). The 
 taste of the solutions is somewhat astringent and sweetish, and in 
 the presence of salicylic acid quite bitter. When heated it melts, 
 disengaging vapors of water, which contain some of the acid ; between 80° and 100° C. 
 it is converted into metaboric acid , HB0 2 ; between 140° and 160° C. it yields tetra- 
 
 Crystal of Boric Acid. 
 
ACIDUM BORIC UM. 
 
 35 
 
 boric or pyroboric acid , H 2 B 4 0 7 ; and at a red heat all the water is expelled, boric 
 anhydride , B 2 0 3 , being left in the form of a transparent, very hard but brittle glass, 
 and weighing about 5(3 per cent, or less of the boric acid used. Boric acid volatilizes 
 appreciably with water at and above 60° C., and with the vapors of boiling alcohol ; its 
 solution in the latter burns with a green flame. It is nearly insoluble in ether, soluble 
 in volatile oils, and at 17° C. dissolves in 6 parts of alcohol. According to Brandes 
 and Firnhaber (1824), 1 part of boric acid dissolves — 
 
 At 18.8° 25° 37.5° 50° 62.5° 75° 87.5° 100° C. 
 
 in 25.66 14.88 12.66 10.16 6.12 4.73 3.55 2.97 parts of water. 
 
 The solutions impart a red color to blue litmus- and a red-brown color to turmeric- 
 paper ; the last-named reaction is also produced in the presence of diluted mineral acids. 
 
 Boric acid, mixed with the salts of mineral acids and ignited, decomposes all those 
 containing volatile acids ; in aqueous solution it decomposes the carbonates only, forming 
 borates, of which those with an alkaline base are readily soluble in water, while most 
 others are slightly soluble or nearly insoluble. On ignition they melt to a glass-like 
 mass, and when mixed with sulphuric acid and alcohol, on igniting the latter the green 
 flame of free boric acid is observed. 
 
 Tests. — In addition to its fusibility, and its complete solubility in water and alcohol, 
 boric acid, dissolved in 50 parts of distilled water acidulated with nitric acid, should 
 yield no precipitate with the nitrates of silver and of barium (absence of hydrochloric 
 and sulphuric acid), and no dark color with hydrogen sulphide either before or after 
 neutralization with ammonia (metals). The solution of 1 Gm. of the acid in a mixture 
 of 1 Cc. of hydrochloric acid and 49 Cc. of distilled water should not at once assume a 
 blue color on the addition of 0.5 Cc. of potassium ferrocyanide solution (limit of iron), 
 nor should it, when heated on a clean platinum wire, impart to a non-luminous flame a 
 persistent yellow color (absence of sodium). The absence of earths is determined by 
 testing a 2-per cent, aqueous solution of boric acid with ammonium oxalate for calcium, 
 and with sodium phosphate and ammonia-water for magnesium, which reagents should 
 yield no precipitates ( U '. S.). If mixed with an excess of sulphuric acid, the addition 
 of a crystal of ferrous sulphate should not cause the appearance of a dark -brown color 
 (absence of nitrates). 
 
 Glacialin, which has been recommended as an antiseptic and for the preservation of 
 articles of food, is a mixture of boric acid 6 parts, borax 3 parts, sugar 3 parts, and gly- 
 cerin 2 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although its poisonous action upon quadrupeds is slight, boric 
 acid is an insecticide, and in the higher animals it is rapidly absorbed from all mucous 
 membranes and from all lesions. In this manner it has sometimes occasioned symptoms 
 of irritant poisoning, with diarrhoea, bloody urine, and collapse. Boric acid has been 
 used chiefly as an external application. According to Theobald {Med. Record , xvii. 
 140), a solution of 4 grains of the acid in an ounce of water does not irritate the con- 
 junctiva. He used a solution of half that strength in various forms of conjunctivitis , accom- 
 panied or not with corneal ulcer. It is, however, to be noted that these beneficial results 
 followed not only the application of the acid, but the simultaneous suspension of atropine, 
 nitrate of silver, and other irritants that had been in use. Finely powdered boric acid 
 has been a useful application to granular eyelids and to granular ulcers of various parts. 
 Equal parts of boro-glycerite (50 per cent.) and vaseline form an ointment which is said 
 to be superior to others in the treatment of chronic inflammations of the conjunctiva, 
 and forms a convenient vehicle for atropine and other agents. Catarrhal obstruction of the 
 nasal duct is benefited by solutions of from 3-6 grs. to the ounce. Greene ( Boston Med. and 
 Sarg. Jour., Aug. 1880, p. 197) reports that an ointment of boric acid is a very efficient 
 dressing for wounds of large extent. Barwell, Bing, and others have stated that a glyce- 
 rite of the acid is superior to carbolic acid for its antiseptic and cicatrizing virtues. The 
 antiseptic properties of this boro-glycerite have been demonstrated by ample experiment, 
 and its advantages over iodoform, carbolic and salicylic acids are claimed to be that it is 
 unirritating and promotes the rapid healing of wounds and the drying up of suppurating 
 surfaces; e.g. vaginitis , purulent ophthalmia, otorrhoea, etc. {Med. News , xl. 304, 602). 
 Bing claimed that in all diseases of the ear for which boric acid is suitable it should be 
 applied in a fine dry powder, and not dissolved or suspended {Centralbl. f. Therap., iii. 
 337). It has been charged by Gruening with aggravating and rendering fatal several 
 cases of inflammation of the middle ear by preventing the escape of confined pus ; but the 
 
36 
 
 ACIDUM BORICUM. 
 
 general verdict of otologists appears to be that it is valuable through its mildness 
 and antiseptic qualities, its lightness and solubility, and the facility of its removal 
 from the auditory canal. Yet it calls for close supervision {Meyer). Theobald prefers 
 a saturated solution or else one of Gm. 1 (15 grains) to the ounce to the more commonly 
 used powder ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 768). Like sodium borate, which has long been applied 
 to superficial lesions of the mucous membrane, boric acid is now used in lotions for the 
 cure of the several forms of stomatitis and pharyngitis , including their parasitic form 
 (thrush). Macgregor has recommended (British Med. Jour., July 11, 1886) for a tooth- 
 powder : Boric acid, finely powdered, 40 grs. ; Chlorate of potassium, 30 grs. ; Powdered 
 guaiacum, 20 grs. ; Prepared chalk, 60 grs. ; Powdered carbonate of magnesia, to ^j ; 
 Attar of roses, i drop. Greene ascribed to boric acid peculiar virtues in healing ulcers 
 that follow severe burns and others of a foul and unhealthy aspect. He preferred for 
 this purpose an ointment of vaseline containing the acid. On theoretical grounds Loe- 
 wenberg proposed to substitute solutions of boric acid for the usual emollient or stimu- 
 lant applications to boils. Neumann applied it in watery solution for parasitic diseases 
 of the skin , in alcohol for pruritis and urticaria , and in an ointment for eczema. In pityri- 
 asis and herpes tonsurans solutions of from 10 to 20 parts of the acid to 300 of water have 
 been recommended. A vaseline ointment containing about 5 parts of the acid to 10 or 
 15 of the excipient is a very serviceable application to eczema, , impetigo, prurigo, and non- 
 syphilitic psoriasis. An ointment made with 8 parts of lanolin to 2 parts of boric acid is 
 also employed. Greene used a lotion and also an ointment of the acid in erythema , ery- 
 sipelas, and tinea. In cases of chronic inflammation of mucous membranes attended with 
 an unhealthy and especially a fetid discharge, such as nasal catarrh, ozsena, cystitis , etc., 
 injections containing about 8 grains of the acid to an ounce of water have been found to 
 correct the fetor and cure the discharge. It has also been prescribed internally (Rosenthal) 
 in conjunction with its topical application. Others have employed it for this purpose, and 
 found that it removed the turbidness of the urine and lessened the irritability of the bladder 
 when given to the extent of from 10 to 30 grains a day. A similar solution is reported to 
 have greatly palliated the coryza of hay fever (Atkinson). The insufflation of finely- 
 powdered boric acid is preferable to its solutions after the diseased part has been thor- 
 oughly cleansed. A solution of equal parts of boric acid and of borax is preferable to 
 either alone. A 1 or 2 per cent, solution, used as an injection, has cured gonorrhoea 
 (Kurz ; Hill). Fetor of the feet has been corrected by causing the patient to wear stock- 
 ings that had been soaked in a saturated solution of boric acid and then dried (Practi- 
 tioner, xxvii. 401). Greene, and also Harries, found it useful as a topical application in 
 “ diphtheritic and aphthous inflammation of the fauces.” 
 
 Internally, boric acid is said to correct the fetid and other eructations that are apt to 
 attend fermentative dyspepsia. The large proportion of boric acid eliminated with the 
 urine suggested its employment to prevent the formation of ammonia in the urinary 
 passages ; and it has been found quite efficient in restoring ammoniacal urine to its nor- 
 mal condition. If it be true that bougies coated with this acid will cure gonorrhoea , then 
 it probably would be more efficient as well as convenient if given by the mouth. The 
 very improbable statement is made by a medical officer of the Madras service that every 
 case of cholera recovered that was treated by him with 10-grain doses of this agent every 
 two hours, associated with borax. 
 
 Forster has objected to the use of boric acid to preserve food. He states that it greatly 
 increases the fecal solids and the excretion of albuminous compounds, even when given 
 in a daily dose of seven or eight grains, and that these effects continue for some time 
 after the suspension of the medicine (Amer. Jour. Pharm., Nov. 1884, p. 597). 
 
 Administration. — The strength of the solutions for topical use has already been 
 indicated. Internally, according to Atkinson (Practitioner, xxiv. 254), the dose is from Gm. 
 0.34-1 (5 to 15 grains) ; but Greene (loc. cit.) says. “ I have repeatedly given at a dose 4 fluid- 
 ounces of a saturated solution which contained about 80 grains of the acid, and in several 
 instances patients have taken much more. I have never known any ill effects from it in 
 any way. My ordinary dose for an adult is from 20 to 30 grains.” Such doses are not 
 safe. It may be given in wafers. The following are formulae for ointments: R. Boric 
 acid, White wax, of each 1 part; Paraffine, Almond oil, of each 2 parts. R. Almond oil, 
 210 parts; Paraffine, 60 parts; White wax, 30 parts; Boric acid, 60 parts. In poison- 
 ing by boric acid the proper remedies are diffusible stimulants and the hypodermic admin- 
 istration of morphine. 
 
ACIDUM CARBOLICUM. 
 
 37 
 
 ACIDUM CARBOLICUM, U. S. ; Br. ; P. A. ; P. G.— Carbolic Acid. 
 
 Acidum phenicum s. phenylicum, Phenol. — Phenic acid, P heme alcohol, Phenol , E. ; 
 Acide phenique , Acide carbolique, Phenol , Fr. Cod. ; Carbolsdure , P henylsaure , P henyl- 
 alkohol, G. ; Fenoilo cristallizzato, F. It. ; Acido fenico (carbolico'), It. Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 6 H 5 0 = C 6 H 5 .OH. Molecular weight 93.78. 
 
 Origin. — Carbolic acid occurs in castoreum, in the urine of man and of herbivorous 
 animals, and in the products of the dry distillation of various organic substances, such 
 as resins, bones, wood, and more especially coal. It is from the latter source that it is 
 obtained in the arts. It was first obtained by Runge (1834), and in a purer condition 
 by Laurent (1840), who ascertained its composition and chemical behavior. 
 
 Preparation. — That portion of coal-tar which is known as dead oil is subjected to 
 distillation. The portion distilling between 150° and 200° C. (302° and 392° F.) is 
 collected separately, and is twice rectified between 170° and 190° C. (338° and 374° F.). 
 The product thus obtained is sold as crude carbolic, acid, acidum carbolicum crudum, 
 IT. S. ; acide phenique cru , Fr. ; Rohe Carbolsdure , G. For the purification of this prod- 
 uct it is agitated with warm concentrated solution of potassa or soda, when a crystalline 
 mass of sodium phenol or potassium phenol is obtained, from which the oily liquid is 
 poured off. The solid mass on being heated to about 170° C. (338° F.) parts with a 
 portion of the adhering empyreumatic products, and on being dissolved in water more 
 of the oily impurities separate, and are removed from the aqueous solution, which, on 
 being supersaturated with hydrochloric acid, yields the phenol in the form of an oily 
 liquid. This is repeatedly agitated with solution of table-salt, then digested with cal- 
 cium chloride for the purpose of removing the water, and distilled. The portion passing 
 over between 180° and 190° C. (336° and 374° F.) is collected separately and exposed 
 to a low temperature, when it solidifies into a crystalline mass, from which the mother- 
 liquor is drained off and expressed. 
 
 This is essentially the process of Laurent (1844). Another, proposed by H. Muller 
 (1865), differs from the preceding mainly in the following particulars : The potassium or 
 sodium phenol is diluted with water as long as naphtalene and other empyreumatic 
 products are separated. The liquid is exposed to the air for some days, by which it 
 acquires a dark-brown color. It is filtered from the precipitated oxidation products, and 
 then mixed with one-eighth or one-sixth of the total amount of sulphuric acid which is 
 necessary for the complete decomposition of the phenate. Empyreumatic resins are 
 thus separated, and on the addition of a second similar quantity of acid more resinous 
 products and cresylic alcohol are removed, so that a third portion of the acid usually 
 separates almost pure carbolic acid, requiring distillation to obtain it crystallized, or the 
 crude carbolic acid is treated several times with soda solution sufficient to combine only 
 with a fractional portion of the phenol, the solutions first obtained containing the acid in 
 a purer condition than the last. It is obvious that if either process be interrupted at 
 different points, carbolic acid varying greatly in degree of purity must be obtained. 
 The purification of carbolic acid on a large scale is now generally effected by successive 
 treatment with lead oxide, sulphuric acid, and potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid. 
 
 Absolutely pure carbolic acid was obtained by Church (1871) from the nearly pure 
 commercial product by treating it with a quantity of water (about 20 parts) insufficient 
 to dissolve it completely, removing the undissolved portion, and saturating the clear 
 aqueous solution with pure table-salt, when the carbolic acid will separate as an oily 
 layer, requiring distillation over some quicklime to obtain it crystallized. The portion 
 passing over up to 185° C. (365° F.) has, at ordinary temperatures, merely a very faint 
 aromatic odor. 
 
 Pure carbolic acid is chiefly imported from England ; most of the impure acid, and a 
 very fair quality of nearly pure acid used in this country, are manufactured here. 
 
 Synthetic Carbolic Acid. — Since 1888 considerable quantities of artificial carbolic 
 acid have been placed upon the market. This is prepared indirectly from benzene (benzol) 
 by first treating it with fuming sulphuric acid and moderately warming the mixture, 
 whereby benzene-sulphonic acid is produced, C 6 H 6 -f- H 2 S0 4 = C 6 H 5 S0 2 0H + II 2 0. 
 The acid thus formed is neutralized with potassium carbonate, yielding potassium ben- 
 zene-sulphonate, and this compound then fused with a large excess of potassium hy- 
 droxide, whereby potassium sulphite and potassium phenol are formed [2(C 6 H 5 S0 2 0K) 
 -f- 4KOH = 2H 2 0 + 2KS0 3 -f 2C 6 H 5 OK]. The potassium phenol is finally treated 
 in solution with hydrochloric acid in order to liberate the phenol or carbolic acid, which 
 is further purified by distillation, C 6 H 5 OK -f II Cl KC1 + C 6 II 5 OH. The advantages 
 
38 
 
 ACIDUM CARBOLICUM. 
 
 of the synthetic method are chiefly the absence of homologous products (cresol, xylene, 
 etc.), as the benzene can be procured of great purity by means of crystallization. 
 
 Properties. — Crude carbolic acid is rarely colorless. It usually has a more or less 
 reddish or dark-brown color, and gradually turns darker on exposure to air and light. 
 The better qualities crystallize almost completely below the ordinary temperature, the 
 solidifying point being influenced by the amount of water and of oily impurities present 
 in it. The latter afe estimated by agitating the impure acid with two hundred times its 
 bulk of warm water, and allowing the oily matters to separate, when they should meas- 
 ure not over 10 per cent, of the measure of acid employed. The aqueous solution 
 should not have an alkaline reaction upon test-paper, thus indicating that it is not an 
 alkaline solution of carbolic acid ; and if it yields a clear solution with water, not less 
 than 15 parts of this solvent should be necessary for this purpose. Its odor is more or 
 less empyreumatic. In other respects its properties agree with those of pure carbolic 
 acid. 
 
 Absolutely pure carbolic acid has a faint aromatic odor, is colorless, crystallizes in 
 needles, and does not absorb moisture from the atmosphere (Moss, 1875). Usually, 
 however, it retains a minute quantity of water, by which it becomes deliquescent ; with 
 a little more water it forms an oily liquid, which crystallizes at a lower temperature, 
 and if traces of the tar-products are present it acquires a reddish color on exposure, and 
 deliquesces to a brown-colored oil. This peculiar red color has been investigated by E. 
 Fabini, and, according to that author, is due to the formation of an organic coloring 
 matter, named by him phenerytlien , caused by the presence of minute quantities of 
 metal (probably copper) in the acid. Hydrogen peroxide, metal, and ammonia must 
 be present to produce the color ; ammonium phenol, being formed by absorption of 
 ammonia from the air, reacts with the metal present in the acid, forming a metal phen- 
 ate, and this in turn is acted on by hydrogen peroxide, yielding the characteristic red 
 color. The odor is modified by the presence of a little cresol. Carbolic acid is insol- 
 uble in benzin, but freely soluble in alcohol, ether, glycerin, the essential and fatty oils, 
 in glacial acetic acid, caustic alkalies, carbon disulphide, and chloroform, the solutions 
 in the last two liquids separating all the water present, the amount of which may thus 
 be determined. Morson (1872) observed that the oily liquid, either pure or containing 
 creosote, will dissolve in an equal bulk of glycerin, and not be reprecipitated by water. 
 (See Creosotum.) Carbolic acid dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in about 15 parts of 
 water. The solution is perfectly transparent, and has only a faint action upon blue 
 litmus-paper. Carbolic acid is less soluble in many saline solutions than in water ; it 
 yields with a limited amount of concentrated solutions of the fixed alkalies a crystalline 
 mass, which, after being pressed, consists merely of carbolic acid, and is almost free 
 from potassa (Calvert, 1865). Baumann (1877) observed that carbolic acid slowly 
 decomposes a boiling solution of potassium carbonate, forming potassium phenol, which 
 may be obtained in crystals from alcoholic ether. The fusing-point of crystallized car- 
 bolic acid is influenced by the amount of water with which it is combined : the U. S. P. 
 does not specify the melting-point, but demands that the congealing- or crystallizing- 
 point shall not be below 35° C. (95° F.), while the melting-point is placed not lower 
 than 33° C. (91.5° F.) (Pr.). At about 40° C. ( F . It ., P. A.), between 40° and 42° 
 C. (104°-107° F.) ( P.G . ), an almost pure acid. The boiling-point of carbolic acid is 
 given at not higher than 188° C. (370.4° F.) (P S.), not higher than 188.3° C. (371° F.) 
 (Br.), about 180° C. (P. It., P. A.), between 178° and 182° C. (352.4° and 359° F.) 
 (P. G.). It must be borne in mind that cresols which may be present have a higher 
 boiling-point, that the acid contains variable proportions of water, and that a lower 
 boiling-point or a higher melting-point indicates a purer and less hydrated acid. Car- 
 bolic acid volatilizes slowly at ordinary temperatures, rapidly at the temperature of 
 boiling water, without leaving any residue. It has the specific gravity 1.065, separates 
 nitrocellulose in a gelatinous form from collodion, coagulates albumen, and has a caustic 
 acrid taste, but when largely diluted with water tastes sweetish and smoky. The vapor 
 of carbolic acid is inflammable. 
 
 A piece of pine wood dipped into an alkaline solution of the acid, and afterward into 
 hydrochloric acid, assumes in the course of half an hour a deep-blue color. According 
 to Tiemann and Haarmann, this color is a characteristic reaction of coniferin. The solu- 
 tion of carbolic acid has no effect on polarized light. The concentrated alcoholic solution 
 yields with ferric chloride a brown liquid, which on the addition of much water remains 
 transparent and assumes a beautiful and permanent violet-blue color (Fliickiger, 1872). 
 When heated in sealed tubes with ammonia it yields but small quantities of phenylamine 
 
A CID UM CA RB OLIC UM. 
 
 39 
 
 (aniline, C 6 H 5 H. 2 N). Fused with excess of potassa, oxybenzoic and salicylic acids are 
 found among the products of decomposition. It is oxidized by potassium permanganate, 
 yielding carbon dioxide and oxalic acid. Concentrated sulphuric acid converts it into 
 sulphocarbolic (phenolsulphonic) acid, C s H 5 HS0 4 . Under the influence of nitric acid 
 several substitution-products are formed, the most important of which is picric acid. 
 Substitution-compounds are likewise formed with chlorine, iodine, and bromine. The 
 last-named element, acting either in the form of vapor or as bromine-water upon an 
 aqueous solution of carbolic acid, produces a flocculent white precipitate of tribromo- 
 phenol, C 6 H 3 Br 3 0, which crystallizes from alcohol in silky needles, melting at 98° C. 
 (208.4° F.). This reaction was recommended by Degener (1880) for the quantitative 
 determination of phenol, and is so delicate that a solution of the latter in 57,000 parts 
 of water is still rendered turbid ; it must, however, be remembered that alkaloids, cresols, 
 and various other compounds are likewise precipitated by bromine-water. 
 
 Tests. — The purity of carbolic acid is recognized by the properties described above, 
 by the absence of all reaction upon red litmus-paper, and by the non-production of a 
 dark color or precipitate in the aqueous solution by hydrogen sulphide, proving the 
 absence of metallic compounds. 
 
 The valuation of carbolic acid is prescribed by the U. S. P. to be made with decinor- 
 rual bromine solution (Koppescharr’s solution ; see Volumetric Solutions), each Cc. of 
 which corresponds to 0.001563 of absolute carbolic acid. The test depends upon the 
 formation of tribromophenol, and is made by adding to an aqueous solution of carbolic 
 acid a slight excess of the bromine solution, adding potassium iodide and hydrochloric 
 acid, and finally titrating the iodine liberated by the excessive bromine by means of 
 decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution. Having found the excess of bromine solution, 
 the calculation for percentage of absolute acid in the sample is easily made ; for instance, 
 if 0.05 Gm. carbolic acid should require exactly 30Cc. j-q bromine solution for precipita- 
 tion, the sample would be said to contain 93.78 per cent, absolute phenol. 
 
 To estimate the quality of commercial carbolic acid, Schoedler (1872) recommended 
 its conversion into sulphocarbolic acid by heating it with an equal weight of sulphuric 
 acid to 50° or 60° C., treating with barium carbonate, precipitating the filtrate by sul- 
 phuric acid, and weighing the ignited barium sulphate, 100 parts of which correspond to 
 80.69 parts of anhydrous phenol. 
 
 The presence of carbolic acid in watery solution may be detected, according to E. Hoff- 
 mann (1879) by pouring into a test-tube 1 or 2 Cc. of pure sulphuric acid, adding but 
 not mixing the same volume of aqueous liquid, and dropping in small particles of potas- 
 sium nitrate, each of which will produce a deep-violet streak ; on agitation the liquid 
 becomes violet, and on the addition of water assumes a red-orange color ; y 1 ^ per cent, of 
 carbolic acid is thus detected. Salkowski’s (1872) process consists in adding to the sus- 
 pected liquid one-fourth its volume of ammonia, and then a few drops of solution of 
 chlorinated lime (1 part to 20 parts of water). On the application of a moderate heat, a 
 blue or greenish color will be produced, either immediately or in the course of fifteen 
 minutes, the color changing to red upon acidulating with sulphuric or hydrochloric acid ; 
 1 part of carbolic acid in 4000 may thus be detected. Bromine may be used in place of 
 the chlorinated solution ; the blue compound is insoluble in ether. and chloroform, dissolves 
 in alcohol with a green color, and changes with acids to red, but becomes blue again by 
 ammonia. Of still greater delicacy (1 in 200,000) is the test suggested by Plugge 
 (1872) : when a liquid containing carbolic acid is boiled with a little solution of mercu- 
 rous nitrate containing a trace of nitrous acid, a reduction of the mercurous salt occurs, 
 and the liquid assumes, sooner or later, an intense red color. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Acidum carbolicum liquefactum, P. A., P. G., Br. ; Fenolo 
 liquido, F. It. Pure carbolic acid, liquefied with 10 per cent, of water. 10 Cc. of this solution 
 of water in phenol may be mixed, at 15° C., with 2.3 Cc. of water without producing permanent 
 turbidity^ proving the absence of an excess of water. O. Facilides (1872) recommended lique- 
 fying the phenol with 10 per cent, of glycerin. 
 
 Aqua Carbolisata, P. G. ; Carbolized water, Phenol water, E. ; Eau pheniquee, Fr. ; Carbol- 
 wasser, Phenolwasser, G. — Mix 33 parts of liquefied carbolic acid with 967 parts of distilled 
 water. 
 
 It contains 3 per cent, of pure carbolic acid by weight, or practically 220 grains in a pint. 
 The preparation of the Fr. Cod. contains only 0.1 per cent, of phenol for internal use, and 1 per 
 cent, if for external use. 
 
 Acidum carbolicum iodatum, N. F. ; Phenol iodatum, Iodized carbolic acid, Iodized phenol, 
 E. ; Iodhaltige Carbolsaure, G. — Iodine in powder, 20 parts; carbolic acid, 76 parts; glycerin, 
 4 parts. Put the iodine into a flask, add the acid, previously melted, and the glycerin, and 
 
40 
 
 Acid um carbolicum. 
 
 digest the mixture at a gentle heat, frequently agitating, until the iodine is dissolved. Keep in 
 glass-stoppered vials in a dark place. 
 
 Carbasus Carbolata, N. F. ; carbolated gauze. — Resin, in coarse powder, 40 parts ; castor 
 oil, 5 parts ; carbolic acid, 10 parts ; alcohol, 225 parts ; gauze muslin, a sufficient quantity. 
 Dissolve the resin, oil, and acid in the alcohol. Then immerse in the mixture loosely-folded 
 pieces of gauze muslin ; allow them to become thoroughly saturated 5 then take them out and 
 press out the excess of liquid until the weight of the impregnated gauze amounts to 170 parts for 
 every 100 parts of the original fabric. Spread out the pieces horizontally, and as soon as the 
 alcohol has nearly all evaporated fold and wrap the pieces in paraffin paper, and preserve in air- 
 tight receptacles. The impregnated gauze, when dry, contains about 2.5 per cent, of carbolic 
 acid. 
 
 Lister’s catgut, for ligatures, is prepared by immersing for two days 200 parts of catgut in a 
 fresh mixture of 200 parts of phenol with 4000 parts of water containing 1 part of chromic acid 
 in solution ; the string is then dried without untwisting it, and preserved in a solution of 1 part 
 of phenol in 5 parts of olive oil. 
 
 Phenol is extensively employed in the manufacture of salicylic acid and of various dyestuffs, 
 like picric acid, phenyl-brown, corallin (scarlet), peonin (red), aurin (yellow), azulin (blue), and 
 others. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Cresols, C 7 H s O = C 6 H 4 CH 3 OH. — The compounds of this composition 
 are obtained from those portions of coal-tar which are collected by distillation between 200° and 
 210° C. ; they may also be obtained by fusing toluene sulphonic acid with potash. Metacresol is 
 a thick liquid which boils at 201° C.,but does not solidify even at — 80° C. 5 ortho- and paracresol 
 form colorless prisms with phenol-like odor, and dissolve sparingly in water ; both give a blue 
 color with ferric chloride. Ortho-cresol melts at 31° C., boils at 185° C., and by prolonged heat- 
 ing with potassa is converted into salicylic acid ; paracresol melts at 36° C., boils at 198° C., 
 and by heating with potassa is converted into paraoxybenzoic acid. The presence of cresols 
 in carbolic acid lowers the melting-point and raises the boiling-point of the latter. 
 
 The cresols possess strong disinfectant and germicidal properties, while at the same time they 
 are far less poisonous than carbolic acid ; in form of various combinations they have of late 
 years come more extensively into use. The more familiar compounds are creolin, lysol, solutol, 
 solveol, saprol, sozal, etc. 
 
 Creolin is a dark-brown alkaline liquid which forms a turbid milky mixture with water, but 
 is miscible in all proportions with ether, chloroform, and absolute alcohol. Two varieties of 
 creolin are found in the market — Pearson’s and Artmann’s — the former being a mixture of 
 cresol, resin soap, and certain hydrocarbons ; the latter is a solution of hydrocarbons in cresol 
 sulphuric acid. 
 
 Lysol is a brown clear, oily-looking liquid, with feebly aromatic odor. It is obtained by dis- 
 solving in fat that portion of coal-tar oil boiling between 190° and 200° C., and subsequently 
 saponifying with addition of alcohol. It is said to contain 50 per cent, of cresol, and forms with 
 water a clear frothing saponaceous liquid : it is likewise soluble in alcohol, chloroform, glycerin, 
 and benzin. According to Cramer and Wehmer, lysol is five times stronger than carbolic acid 
 and eight times less poisonous. 
 
 Solutol is the name given to a solution of cresol in sodium cresol, containing about 60.4 per 
 cent, of cresol, of which three-fourths are combined with sodium. It is chiefly intended for 
 crude disinfection, and occurs of two qualities. 
 
 Solveol differs from the preceding in being a concentrated solution of cresol in water by means 
 of sodium cresotinate. It is comparatively innocuous, weakly inodorous, and mixes clear with 
 lime-water 5 the presence of albumen does not reduce its activity. 
 
 Saprol is a mixture akin to lysol, solveol, etc., containing chiefly crude cresols, together with 
 pyridine bases and hydrocarbons from petroleum-refineries. It is inflammable. 
 
 Sozal is the aluminum salt of paraphenol-sulphonic acid or so-called aluminum sulphocarbo- 
 late, A1 2 (C 6 H 4 0HS0 3 ) 6 . It occurs as a crystalline granular powder of slight phenol-like odor 
 and strongly astringent taste. Sozal may be prepared by direct action of phenol-sulphonic acid 
 on aluminum hydroxide or by mutual decomposition between the barium salt and aluminum sul- 
 phate. It forms stable solutions with water, glycerin, and alcohol, and is recommended as an 
 astringent antiseptic. 
 
 Chlorphenol. — Under this name a liquid has been introduced from Italy, regarding Avhich 
 very little is as yet known. It is prepared by the action of chlorine gas upon phenol, with the 
 temperature kept low, while the reaction is going on. In fact, the completed preparation must 
 be kept cool, owing to its extreme volatility. It is especially recommended by Passerini for 
 pulmonary tuberculosis. The inhalation liquid consists of 7 parts of monochlorphenol and 3 
 parts of a mixture of alcohol, eugenol, and menthol ; 16-30 drops are inhaled daily, the heavy 
 vapors penetrating into all recesses of the lungs. Chlorphenol has also been used as an applica- 
 tion to indolent ulcers. 
 
 Pheno-salyl. — A very recent antiseptic introduced by Dr. De Christmas after some experi- 
 mentation at Pasteur’s Institute. It is probably nothing more than a mere mixture of carbolic 
 acid 9 parts, salicylic acid 1 part, lactic acid 2 parts, and menthol part. The menthol is added 
 to the mixed acids heated to the point of liquefaction ; the mixture is soluble in twenty-five times 
 its weight of water. Von Yersin finds that it possesses about double the antiseptic effect of car- 
 bolic or salicylic acid, and is only inferior to mercuric chloride. 
 
 Sulphophenol, Orthophenol-sulphonic Acid, Aseptol, Sulphocarbol, Sozolic Acid. — Formula 
 
ACID UM CARBOLICUM. 
 
 41 
 
 C 6 H 4 .0H.S0 3 H. Mol. weight 173.64. — Two or three sulphophenols may be obtained by the action 
 of sulphuric acid upon phenol (carbolic acid), the para-compound being produced at an elevated 
 temperature, while the ortho-compound is formed in the cold by leaving together for a week 10 
 parts of carbolic acid and 12 parts of sulphhuric acid; after which time the excess of the latter is 
 removed by calcium or barium carbonate. Sulphophenol is a reddish- or amber-colored viscous 
 liquid, having the spec. grav. 1.45, a caustic taste, and a carbolic-acid-like odor. It is readily 
 soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerin. 
 
 The commercial article, known as aseptol , is usually a straw-colored, slightly caustic liquid of 
 the density 1.167, and containing from 30 to 35 per cent, of ortho-phenolsulphonic acid. Its 
 aqueous solution should give no precipitate with barium chloride. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Carbolic acid acts as a caustic upon animal and vegetable 
 tissues, and even very weak solutions of it destroy small animals. Its action upon man 
 is analogous, and when taken internally it irritates the gastro-intestinal canal, produces 
 a feeling of intoxication, and turns the urine to a dark and almost inky color. These 
 phenomena are naturally most intense when a poisonous dose of the acid has been taken, 
 and there may be added to them graver symptoms, such as delirium, dilated pupils, coma, 
 and collapse. When undiluted the acid becomes caustic, and may produce a mummifi- 
 cation of tissue. The best antidotes to its action are albuminous or oily liquids and 
 solutions of sodium sulphate. 
 
 Carbolic acid has been used as an antipyretic, and especially in typhoid fever. It 
 undoubtedly lowers the temperature through its poisonous operation, but no more than 
 any other active medicine does it either reduce the mortality or abridge the duration of 
 the disease. 
 
 Robin, who tested the question clinically, concluded that this acid should be banished 
 from the treatment of typhoid fever. He held that the nervous and cachectic phenomena 
 observed during its administration were chargeable to it ( Archives gen., Fev. 1885, p. 129). 
 Villebrun also exposed the grave dangers attending the use of enemas containing carbolic 
 acid in the typhoid fever of children {Med. Record xxviii. 601) ; and Hujardin-Beau- 
 metz declared the acid to be a powerful and very dangerous medicine in this affection 
 {Les nouvelles Medications , p. 120). In 1888, Hr. Gramshaw ( Lancet , June 23, 1888) 
 revived its use, but his description of its virtues appears to err by claiming for it what no 
 other medicine has ever accomplished. Its use in scarlatina and in intermittent fever has 
 also been advocated, but upon theoretical grounds chiefly. The chief use of carbolic 
 acid is to prevent or delay fermentation , especially of the putrefactive sort. Its power, 
 in this respect, is almost identical with that of the closely analogous product, creasote. 
 It is supposed to act by preventing the production and multiplication of certain minute 
 organisms upon which this process is assumed to depend. Whether these organisms are 
 the causes, the concomitants, or the consequences of the process in question is not fully 
 determined ; but that carbolic acid restricts suppuration and neutralizes the foul smells 
 which accompany fermentation and gangrene, as well as those extricated during all forms 
 of putrefaction , including the effluvia of dissecting-rooms, privies, sewers, drains, etc., 
 has become a matter of familiar experience. But there is no reason to believe that 
 carbolic-acid vapor has any power to destroy the contagia of communicable diseases. 
 It. temporarily may suspend their action, but does not destroy their source. Its strong 
 smell imposes upon the vulgar, who have most faith in what appeals most directly to the 
 senses. Its influence in promoting the cicatrization of wounds is readily understood 
 without the necessity of invoking its antiseptic qualities, for, like many allied substances 
 (alcohol, creasote, terebinthinates), it operates as a stimulant of the parts to which it is 
 applied, contracting and hardening them, while it protects them from the action of the 
 atmosphere, and thereby limits those secretions which tend to prevent union in wounds, 
 while it favors the natural processes through which alone healing can take place. On 
 the theory that they act antiseptically, carbolic-acid dressings have be£n very extensively 
 used in this country and in Europe, but most of all in Great Britain under the influence 
 of Prof. Lister. The general result is that accidental or surgical wounds treated by 
 carbolic-acid dressings, with a complete exclusion of the air , are healed with much less 
 fever and suffering and in a shorter time than by any other method. These benefits are 
 very conspicuous in the treatment of wounded or diseased joints and compound fractures, 
 of chronic abscess, and incisions made for the ligation of arteries. The modes of em- 
 ploying the method it would be foreign to the purpose of this work to describe ; suffice 
 it to say that as little as possible of the acid should be applied to the affected tissues, 
 but a liberal proportion to the dressings. In this manner the risks of poisoning are 
 diminished. That result was met with five times in the course of four years by Kiister, 
 
42 
 
 ACIDUM CARBOLICUM. 
 
 and of these cases four were fatal. The same surgeon, examining the experience of others, 
 found seven mild cases of carbolic-acid poisoning with one death, and thirteen severe cases 
 with five deaths. Children are peculiarly liable to this danger. Ever since the first in- 
 troduction of carbolic-acid dressings into surgery it has been assumed that they owed 
 their advantages exclusively to the antiseptic virtues of the acid. But, as was intimated 
 in the second edition of this work, and is repeated above, the exclusion of air is an 
 essential part of all antiseptic dressings. It remained, then, to be determined whether or 
 not the exclusion of air and of all mechanical hindrances to cicatrization formed an indis- 
 pensable condition for the primary healing of wounds. In the antiseptic method, as 
 originally practised by Mr. Lister, carbolic acid was not applied in spray, but only in 
 lotions, injections, and the like, The observations and experiments of Trendelenburg, 
 Yon Bruns, and others led them to the disuse of the spray as unnecessary and disagree- 
 able, but they still employed the acid to neutralize the poisons which, as they conceived, 
 hinder the healing of wounds, occasion erysipelas, pyaemia, etc. Billroth, after sufficient 
 trial, abandoned the acid as a surgical dressing. Experience seems to have shown that the 
 absolute cleanliness of every person and thing concerned in an operation or dressing is, 
 next to a perfect coaptation of the divided tissues, the essential condition of their healing ; 
 and that with this precaution carbolic acid, like the sympathetic powder, would cure a 
 wound if applied upon the weapon that inflicted it almost as perfectly as if it were 
 irrigated or sprayed upon the wound itself, This anticipation, made in 1884, was realized 
 in 1886, when Lister abandoned carbolic-acid dressings. Later on, it was condemned by 
 Edington, Terrier and others. Carbolized oil is not as apt as carbolic acid diluted with 
 water to occasion symptoms of poisoning. 
 
 Carbolized spray, and also lotions, have been found useful to stimulate indolent and 
 atonic ulcers. Their combined antiseptic and stimulant properties are serviceable 
 in many cases of gangrene , both traumatic and spontaneous, as in noma pudendi, 
 gangrene of the lung , and in those cases of fetid discharge from the lungs which are 
 sometimes so distressing in phthisis and chronic bronchitis. In the last-named affections 
 it also tends to lessen the secretion of mucus and pus, and is best employed in the form 
 of an atomized spray. In tubercular phthisis it is often of service by preventing 
 
 vomiting. It is unnecessary to say that it has no influence upon the tubercular element 
 of the disease ; but it does modify very greatly the ulcerative lesions of the lungs and 
 bronchia, just as it does wounds and ulcers upon the skin, and just as the same effect is 
 produced by various other stimulants, including benzoin, creasote, naphtha, oil of turpen- 
 tine, etc. Years ago the emanations of illuminating gas manufactories were supposed to 
 cure whooping cough , and carbolic acid has been applied, in imitation of that treatment, by 
 inhalation. Some have used the atmosphere of a room impregnated with carbolic acid 
 evaporated from extended cloths, others an atomized solution of from 1 to 2 per cent, 
 strength (Pick ; Goldschmidt ; Suckling). The latter was applied three times a day, and 
 seems to have promptly diminished the number of paroxysms and shortened the duration 
 of the attack. Suckling used glycerin of carbolic acid internally, half a minim in 
 peppermint-water, for a child a year old ( British Med. Jour., July 24, 1886) ; and extraor- 
 dinary success was claimed by Ley for the subcutaneous injection of pure carbolic acid 
 as the surest palliative of the pulmonary disorganization and the general symptoms 
 (Bull, de Therap., cxii. 253). It is probable that the acid can palliate whooping cough 
 only when applied directly to the larynx. In diphtheria the inhalation of a 1 or 2 per 
 cent, solution of the acid has been alleged to dissolve the false membrane (Seiffert) ; 
 and others have applied with a brush a mixture of equal parts of carbolic acid and 
 glycerin, and limited its caustic action with iodoform (Garnett). Others, again, have 
 employed injections of carbolate of sodium in the intervals of applying a caustic solution 
 of carbolic acid, but the latter only in adults. Carbolized camphor has been used in the 
 same manner with like results (Perate). Stumpf used a 5 per cent, atomized solution of 
 carbolic acid for the space of ten minutes every two hours, and claimed great success 
 from this treatment ( Centralbl. f. Iherapie, iii. 324). These methods may be of service as 
 local palliatives, but diphtheria is not a merely local disease. The treatment of surgical 
 ergsipelas with hypodermic injections of a 3 per cent, solution of carbolic acid was prac- 
 tised by Hueter in 1878. The punctures were made at intervals upon the edge of the 
 inflammation. Bothe used a liniment containing, besides carbolic acid, oil of turpentine 
 and tincture of iodine, so that the share of the acid in the result cannot be estimated. 
 Tassi applied a “ saturated solution ” of the acid ; and Badcliffe, 1 part of the acid to 16 
 of olive oil as a liniment in an aggravated case of erysipelas of a lower extremity, with 
 immediate relief and rapid amendment ( Philad . Med, Times , April, 1881, p. 455; Med 
 
AC1DUM CARBOLICUM. 
 
 43 
 
 News , lv. 41; Centralbl. f. Ther ., vii. 295; Therap. Monatsheft , iii. 4*73). The results in 
 some of the reports referred to seem to be out of harmony with general experience. 
 Dr. Squibb found, from extensive experience in his laboratory, that a 1 to 1 per cent, 
 solution applied by means of thin cloths, frequently renewed, will relieve the pain of 
 burns within 10 minutes, prevent the suppuration of superficial burns, and moderate that 
 of deeper ones ( Ephemeris , i. 307). In a gargle it may be used to cure affections of the 
 throat accompanied with a fetid secretion. Its antiseptic virtues are displayed in fer- 
 mentative or flatulent dyspepsia , although they are inferior to those of sulphurous acid 
 and of salicylic acid. This use of the acid is identical with that of creasote, which was 
 many years ago in vogue to combat acidity, flatulence, and other effects of gastric fermen- 
 tation. Claims have been made for the speedy and perfect cure of acute dysentery by 
 means of enemas containing 1 part of carbolic acid to 500 of water. But they have not 
 been substantiated. Doubtless this agent, like so many other stimulants and astringents, 
 may aid in healing the rectal ulcers. It is said to be an efficient remedy for ascarides of 
 the rectum when administered by enema and sufficiently diluted to prevent excessive 
 irritation : 6 ounces of the one-fortieth or one-sixtieth solution have been used for 
 adults, but it is apt to occasion unpleasant symptoms. The medicine has been given by 
 the mouth with alleged success for the expulsion of lumbricoid worms , and is reported 
 to have destroyed taenia when administered in the dose of 6 grains in half a pint of water 
 four times a day (Bill), or of 2 grains in pill every three hours until four doses were taken 
 (Brown), or of 2± grains in half an ounce of water three times a day (Maxwell). The 
 method does not seem to have proved acceptable. The corrugating and more or less 
 caustic and yet anaesthetic operation of the acid has been employed in the treatment of 
 polypi , venereal vegetations , naevi, boils , carbuncles , whitlows , uterine ulcers , etc. The injec- 
 tion of swollen and inflamed haemorrhoids with a strong solution of carbolic acid was 
 practised in England about 1860 by Mr. Turner. He stated that it coagulated their 
 contents, and permitted them to be squeezed out after incision of the piles. The method, 
 however, fell into disuse for a time, was revived by quacks, and adopted anew by 
 surgeons. It has been denounced as very painful and liable to cause peritonitis, pyaemia, 
 or hepatic embolism. Larger experience, restricting the operation to external piles, a 
 due selection of cases, and especially variations in the strength of the solution used, are 
 said to have overcome its greatest dangers, which are most apt to arise in injecting soft 
 haemorrhoidal tumors. (Compare Kinney, Therap. Gaz ., viii. 352 ; Kelsey, Am. Jour., 
 Med. Sci., Aug. 1885, p. 170; Shuford, Med. Record , xxxi. 711). It is said that more 
 recently (1891) the operation has been practically abandoned. * 
 
 Varicose veins , particularly of the lower extremities, have been treated by the careful 
 injection of small quantities of the pure acid after arresting the superficial venous circu- 
 lation by means of Esmarch’s bandage, which is allowed to remain applied for fifteen 
 minutes after the puncture of the veins, and then very gradually loosened. A number of 
 punctures into the vein are made about an inch and a half apart, and the patient is kept 
 at rest for a week (Stevenson. Lancet , Oct. 1886). The treatment of boils by the 
 injection of this acid was practised by Cliborn, Surgeon U. S. A., in 1868, and by Bidder 
 in 1875. He employed a 2 per cent, solution, and proposed the same method of treating 
 carbuncles ( Annuaire de Therap ., 1889, p. 3) as had previously been done by Eade in 
 1869 (Sansom, The Antiseptic System , p. 272). Richardson used this method for the latter 
 affection ( Med . Record , xxxii. 188), and Chappell applied the pure acid by means of a 
 dropping-glass to the apertures found on the surface of the swelling {ibid., xxxiii. 634). 
 But a still more superficial application has answered the same purpose. Verneuil found 
 the prolonged and repeated use of a 2 per cent, spray arrested the development of boils 
 and carbuncles of all sizes and in every stage, and rendered surgical interference 
 unnecessary, while it subdued the pain and fever, disinfected the sore if any existed, and 
 promoted its cicatrization {Annuaire de Therap., 1888, p. 61). Blanc reported a case 
 confirming these statements {Lancet, June 9, 1888) ; but a simple lotion will sometimes 
 be found sufficient {Med. Record, xxxiii. 520.) (Compare Annuaire de Therap, 1889, p. 
 327 ; Therap). Monatsheft , Nov. 1889, p. 527). The strength of the lotion or injection 
 should be from 5 per cent, to 10 per cent. Haven treated a large number of cases of 
 goitre, all of which were materially benefited, by the injection of 20 or 30 minims of a 5 
 per cent, solution of the acid into the substance of the gland {Therap. Gaz., x. 844). 
 Collins gave to pure carbolic acid a preference over nitrate of silver and sulphate of 
 copper in granular ophthalmia {Med. News, i. 373). In hydrocele concentrated carbolic 
 acid has been injected into the cavity (Levis), and the cure is represented to have been 
 painless as well as radical (Weber, Med. Record, xxviii. 649). On the other hand, severe 
 
44 
 
 AC1DUM CARBOLICUM. 
 
 inflammation, sloughing, and non-success have been known to follow it. For sore nipples 
 a 5 per cent, solution of the acid, applied by means of a fine brush to the fissures, has 
 proved very efficient. According to Schwimmer, a paste composed of carbolic acid 4 to 
 10 parts, olive oil 40 parts, finely-powdered prepared chalk 60 parts, applied to the face 
 on a linen mask, causes the pustules of small-pox to dry some days earlier than usual. 
 A lotion of carbolic acid is convenient to lessen the discharge and correct the fetor of 
 otorrhoea. The same may be used to relieve earache, or preferably a 4 to 10 per cent, 
 solution of the acid in glycerin. The analgesic action of carbolic acid has been usefully 
 applied in small surgical operations by McNeill, who found that a solution of 60 per cent, 
 in olive oil, or of 80 per cent, in glycerin, was efficient. The oily solution caused a less 
 sense of heat and corrosion than that in glycerin ( Edinb . Med. Jour ., xxxi. 1115). 
 Ophthalmia neonatorum and other forms of conjunctivitis have been favorably influenced 
 by this preparation, which has been applied by some in a solution of 1 : 500, and by 
 others of the strength of 1 : 20. In either case a very frequent application is required. 
 Freckles , it is said, have been removed by a slight coating of the pure acid after the skin 
 has been thoroughly washed and dried. There is reason for admitting the efficacy of a 
 solution of 1 part of carbolic acid in 3 or 4 of alcohol in curing recent acne rosacea. 
 That most obstinate of cutaneous affections, prurigo , is said to have been cured in some 
 instances by carbolic acid (Geber), but as arsenic was given internally at the same time, 
 the conclusion is not certain. The acid is, however, very efficient in allaying the itching 
 of this affection when applied in a 2 per cent, solution, atomized or in lotion (Lailler). 
 A mixture of 1 part of carbolic acid and 2 or 3 of glycerin has been advantageously 
 applied several times a day by means of a mop to the crusts in ringworm of the scalp 
 (A. Smith). Pure carbolic acid applied to ivarts, while the surrounding skin is adequately 
 protected, gives no pain and causes the warts to shrivel and fall off, and is one of the best 
 applications that can be made to bunions. The cure of alarming symptoms produced by 
 the sting of a bee has been attributed to the hypodermic injection of 5 milligrams of this 
 acid in solution (Klamann). A weak solution of the acid forms a suitable lotion for 
 diphtherial and other forms of sore throat attended with fetid discharges. Like creasote, 
 it is an efficient palliative for toothache due to an exposed nerve-pulp. Idiopathic sciatica 
 and some other neuralgic and rheumatic pains are said by Schruinpf to have been cured 
 by deep injections of from 1 to 3 per cent, solutions of this acid ( Med . News , xlii. 386). 
 It is known that similar injections of pure water, and also acupuncture, have been 
 followed by a like result. Kurz used this method for muscular rheumatism ( Med . Record , 
 xxiii. 208), but, we must believe, without necessity, considering the many simpler ways 
 in which the affection may be cured. 
 
 The power of the acid to check fermentation has led to its use in the treatment of sac- 
 charine diabetes , on the supposition that the disease is due to an increase of the ferment, 
 which in the liver converts amyloid substance into sugar. The suggestion does not appear 
 to have led to any confirmation of its value. Like creasote, which it so closely resembles, 
 carbolic acid may be used to prevent vomiting in cholera, in pregnancy, and in all cases 
 which do not involve inflammation of the stomach. 
 
 The dose of carbolic acid is Gm. 0.06-0.13 (1 or 2 grains or drops). An atomized 
 inhalation may be used, consisting of Gm. 0.10-0.20 (2 or 3 drops) of the acid in Gm. 
 32 (an ounce) of water, to which a little glycerin has been added. For a gargle, Gm. 
 0.60-0.120 (about 20 drops), of the acid in from 2 to 4 fluidounces of water and glycerin 
 may be employed. In the following solution the odor of the carbolic acid is masked : 
 Carbolic acid, 1 part; oil of lemon, 3 parts; alcohol, 100 parts. Carbolized cotton is 
 used as a surgical dressing. 
 
 Carbolic-acid water ( U. S. P. 1870) was intended to furnish a perfect solution of car- 
 bolic acid of determinate strength. One pint of it contained about 2 fluidrachms of the 
 acid, and it was given internally in the dose of Gm. 2-4 (from \ a fluidrachm to 1 fluid- 
 drachm). It is a convenient preparation for use in atomization, as a gargle, and as a wash 
 in various cutaneous diseases. 
 
 Cresylic acid has been used successfully to mitigate the paroxysms of whooping cough , 
 when its vapors were diffused through the chambers occupied by the patients (Merritt, 
 Med. Record , xvi. 549). It is merely a palliative, and almost identical with carbolic acid 
 in its action. Delplanque found it more antiseptic than carbolic acid (Bull, de Therap., 
 cxv. 124). 
 
 Oxynaphtoic acid and its sodium salts are said to be more active than carbolic or 
 salicylic preparations in preventing or arresting putrefaction and as an antizymotic. Solu- 
 tions containing from 1- to 1 per cent, of the acid do not derange the digestion. It passes 
 
ACIDUM CARBONJCUM. 
 
 45 
 
 into the urine unchanged. The acid given internally to rabbits, dogs, and sheep in doses 
 of Gm. 0.5-3, and the salt in doses of Gm. 1-4, caused death, with inflammation of the 
 mouth and gastro-intestinal canal, and congestion of the solid organs. Externally 
 applied it did not affect the skin. It has cured some cases of scabies ( Centralbl. f. d. g. 
 Therap ., vi. 250), and some other skin diseases, and is said to be strongly antiseptic. 
 In solution of 1 to 100 with phosphate of sodium it has been used for vaginal injections. 
 
 Chlorphenol does not appear to possess any other virtues than belong to carbolic 
 acid. It has been used for similar purposes. 
 
 Creolin’s claims are similar to the above and no stronger. 
 
 Lysol as an antiseptic is held to be superior to creolin and to carbolic acid, and less 
 irritating and poisonous. It has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea and other 
 mucous profluvia, including dysentery , cholera morbus , leucorrhcea , rhinorrlioea , etc., and 
 for deodorizing and disinfecting surgical instruments, the articles in sick-rooms, etc. 
 For internal use a solution of \ of 1 per cent, has been employed, and externally a 1 
 per cent, solution. 
 
 Phenosalyl is alleged to be more highly antiseptic than carbolic or salicylic acid. 
 
 Saprol is credited with a high degree of antiseptic power, even when applied in a 1 
 per cent, solution. 
 
 Solutol is a powerful disinfectant, but its caustic properties forbid its being applied 
 to living persons. It is said to be “ effective in the preservation of the cadaver.” 
 
 Solyeol is destitute of causticity and the greasiness exhibited by creolin and lysol. 
 It is peculiarly fitted for surgical uses, and antiseptic virtues superior to those of carbolic 
 acid are attributed to it, a \ per cent, solution being more active than a 2 per cent, 
 solution of carbolic acid (Squibb). 
 
 ACIDUM CARBONICUM.— Carbonic Acid. 
 
 Carbonic anhydride , Carbon dioxide , E. ; Acide carbonique , Fr. ; Kohlensaure , G. 
 
 Formula C0 2 = OCO. Molecular weight 43.89. 
 
 Formation and Preparation. — Carbonic acid gas, as it exists in certain mineral 
 waters, was regarded by Libavius (1591) as a very volatile spirit. In the following cen- 
 tury Van Helmont distinguished it and other irrespirable gases from atmospheric air as 
 “ spiritus sylvestris ” or “gas sylvestre.” In the beginning of the eighteenth century F. 
 Hoffmann recognized the acid character of carbonic acid in mineral waters, and called it 
 “spiritus mineralis.” Joseph Black (1755) observed that this “fixed air” combines with 
 alkalies and earths and increases their weight. Lavoisier (1775) proved this gas to be 
 composed of carbon and oxygen. 
 
 Carbon dioxide gas is a regular constituent of the atmosphere, in which it is present to 
 the extent of .04 or .05 per cent, by volume or about .06 per cent, by weight. In cer- 
 tain localities it issues from fissures in considerable quantity ; it is a product of respira- 
 tion of animal life and of alcoholic fermentation, exists in combination in many minerals, 
 and is formed on the complete combustion of carbon or organic compounds in the presence 
 of an excess of oxygen ; diamond and graphite require a high heat for their combustion. 
 Many organic compounds are readily oxidized at the ordinary temperature by chromic or 
 permanganic acid, with the production of carbon dioxide. But the best sources for pre- 
 paring carbon dioxide in a pure state are whiting, marble-dust, or similar native carbo- 
 nates, which are decomposed by dilute sulphuric acid in an apparatus provided with a 
 stirrer to prevent the calcium sulphate formed from enveloping the undecomposed car- 
 bonate. On a small scale, and for obtaining a uniform current of carbon dioxide gas, 
 fragments of marble and diluted hydrochloric acid are used, whereby calcium chloride is 
 formed, together with some water, and remains in solution. CaC0 3 -j- 2HC1 yields CaCl 2 4- 
 H 2 0 C0 2 . Should the gas possess a disagreeable odor, it may be deprived of it 
 
 according to Stenhouse, by passing it over granular charcoal, or, according to Hager 
 (1868), by conducting it successively through solutions of ferric sulphate, sodium car- 
 bonate, potassium permanganate, and water, by which treatment it is freed from hydrogen 
 sulphide and hydrocarbons. 
 
 A cheap source of carbon dioxide is sodium bicarbonate, which yields about half its 
 weight of the gas, and when decomposed by sulphuric acid gradually added will, in addi- 
 tion, produce 15 parts of crystallized sodium sulphate for every 4 parts of the bicarbonate 
 used. 
 
 Properties. — Carbonic acid — or, more properly, carbon dioxide — is a colorless, unin- 
 flammable gas, which has a slight pungent odor and pricking acidulous taste, colors moist 
 
46 
 
 ACIDUM CARBONICUM. 
 
 litmus-paper transiently red, and does not support combustion. It is heavier than atmo- 
 spheric air, its specific gravity at 0° C. being 1.524 as compared with atmospheric air, and 
 1 litre of it weighing 1.967 Gin. By pressure it is converted into a very mobile colorless 
 liquid, which is lighter than water, and on the removal of the pressure boils rapidly, and 
 is partly converted into white flakes of solid carbonic anhydride. It dissolves at 15° C. 
 (59° F.) in an equal volume of water, and is more soluble in alcohol, absolute alcohol of 
 15° C. dissolving 3 volumes of the gas, which is partly expelled on dilution with water. 
 It unites with most of the basic hydroxides, forming salts which, with the exception of 
 the alkali carbonates, are insoluble in water, but dissolve to a slight extent in carbonic- 
 acid water and are decomposed by all mineral and most organic acids. Carbonic acid is 
 bibasic ; all the acid carbonates (bicarbonates) are decomposed by heat, carbon dioxide 
 being evolved. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — In pharmacy carbon dioxide is almost exclusively employed in the 
 preparation of carbonic-acid water. 
 
 Aqua acidi carbonici , U. S. 1870 ; Aqua acidula simplicior, F. Cod. ; Aqua carbonica , Car- 
 bonic-acid water , E. ; Eau gazeuse simple , Fr. ; Kohlensdure- Wasser , Brausewasser , G. 
 
 This water is very extensively prepared in the United States and sold under the names of 
 soda-water and mineral water. Several apparatus have been constructed and patented for the 
 convenient preparation of carbon dioxide and for charging the water with this gas under 
 pressure. They consist of a generator, a strong copper vessel into which the powdered marble, 
 whiting, or sodium bicarbonate is introduced with some water, and which connects with another 
 copper vessel containing the sulphuric acid, which is admitted in small quantities. The gas is 
 first passed through a vessel containing water to deprive it of impurities, and then to the bottom 
 of the fountain, as the receiving vessel is called, containing the requisite quantity of water. The 
 fountains are made either of cast iron, well protected on the inside by enamel, or of copper lined 
 with block-tin ; or stoneware fountains, secured by iron bands, are employed. The water, which 
 is usually charged with from eight to ten times its volume of carbon dioxide, is drawn off 
 through block-tin pipes, which pass through a chamber containing ice. 
 
 Carbonic-acid water has an agreeable acidulous and refreshing taste, and effervesces strongly. 
 It produces white precipitates with lime- and baryta- water, and acts upon iron, lead, and copper, 
 which metals are gradually dissolved ; tin and silver are less affected ; hence the importance of 
 preventing the water from coming in contact with other metals except the last two mentioned. 
 It should not be discolored by hydrogen sulphide or ammonia, and yields no precipitate with 
 sodium sulphate or with potassium ferrocyanide. 
 
 Action aild Uses. — The respiration of pure carbonic acid is impossible, since an 
 exchange of gases, which is the essence of the respiratory act, can no more take place 
 in this gas than it can in water, and death by asphyxia is the direct result. Suffi- 
 ciently diluted with atmospheric air, carbonic acid gas is more or less respirable. In the 
 proportion of one-half or more its inhalation causes a prickling in the nostrils and larynx 
 more agreeable than otherwise, together with a sense of constriction and oppression in 
 the chest, headache, giddiness, and ringing in the ears, followed by unconsciousness, 
 dilatation of the pupils, sometimes congestion of the face, and, if relief be not at hand, 
 fatal congestion of the brain. Even when the proportion of the gas is smaller, it causes 
 more or less giddiness, constriction of the praecordia, and feebleness of the legs ; the 
 pulse, which at first is fuller and stronger, becomes feebler, the respiration is slow and 
 shallow, and the mind and senses are more or less confused. In moderate or medicinal 
 portions the primary action of the gas is sensibly stimulant, but secondarily it inclines 
 to repose and sleep. In experiments on man no evidence has been given of the anaes- 
 thetic influence of the gas, and it is probably not developed until a state of dangerous nar- 
 cotism is induced. Some cases of death are recorded from the emanations of certain 
 fissures, like the Grotto del Cane. When the body except the head is immersed in a 
 vessel of this gas, a sense of heat and prickling is experienced over the entire surface, 
 but especially where the integument is delicate, and is accompanied with perspiration 
 and redness. The pulse, according to some, is quickened, according to others it is 
 retarded. If the operation is sustained for half an hour, the head throbs and the senses 
 are dulled ; the respiration is labored, and borborygmi and colic occur. When a limb is 
 exposed for some time to the action of the gas, the sensibility of the skin is obtunded, 
 and if the exposed surface is a wound, it becomes the seat of smarting pain, followed by 
 impaired sensibility, but the tissues grow redder. Brown-Sequard has shown that in 
 animals the sensibility and reflex excitability of the larnyx can be completely obtunded 
 by this gas. Water impregnated with it causes a prickling sensation in the mouth, 
 fauces, and nostrils, a sense of warmth in the stomach, and a transient cerebral excite- 
 ment. It also appears to quench thirst far better than water alone. The gas liberated 
 in the stomach is mainly discharged by eructation, but it seems to stimulate the gastric 
 
ACIDTJM CHROMICUM. 
 
 47 
 
 secretions, and promote digestion. Habitually used, carbonated water becomes laxative. 
 It also increases the urine, and is said to augument the oxalates and carbonates in that 
 secretion. 
 
 The administration of carbonic acid gas by inhalation was at one time in vogue as a 
 remedy for pulmonary phthisis, chronic bronchitis, and laryngeal diseases. Many leading 
 English physicians vouched for its efficacy, and very possibly it may have palliated the 
 the cough and lessened the secretions in these affections; but much more efficient reme- 
 dies supplanted it. In 1886, Bergeon claimed that a current of carbonic acid gas passed 
 through sulphurous mineral water and conveyed into the rectum twice in 24 hours 
 suppressed all the active symptoms of pulmonary phthisis (Archives gen., Sept. 1886, p. 
 375) ;• but the treatment found a very limited acceptance, and the evidence in its favor is 
 very slight (Oliven, Ther. Monatsh., iii. 100). Inhalations of carbonic acid alone have 
 been used with advantage as a palliative of' the cough and oppression of advanced and 
 laryngeal phthisis (Weill, Annuaire de Therap., 1888, p. 193). Its anaesthetic action 
 has also been used advantageously for the relief of whooping cough (Campardon). One 
 of the most useful internal applications of this gas is to allay vomiting caused by irrita- 
 bility of the stomach, and even the persistent vomiting of pregnancy (Med. Record, xxxiv. 
 175). It often subdues this symptom promptly when given in the effervescing draught, 
 in plain carbonated water, in champagne wine, or in still and dry white wines mixed with 
 such water. The liquid should always be cold, and, if possible, iced. Several cases of 
 intestinal obstruction, the precise nature of which does not appear, have been relieved by 
 allowing carbonic acid water to escape from a siphon bottle through a long tube into the 
 bowel. In one case relief was obtained by injecting successively the two ingredients of 
 a “ soda powder ” in solution, and in another by allowing the contents of a “ siphon-bottle” 
 of carbonated water to escape into the bowel (Med. News , xl. 597). 
 
 The most important uses of carbonic acid are those in which it is applied in water as a 
 local stimulant. There can be no doubt that in its combined stimulant and anaesthetic 
 properties reside the virtues which have long been recognized in the yeast poultice and 
 other fermenting cataplasms applied to ulcers, simple, cancerous, etc. Injections of car- 
 bonated water were advised by Percival a century ago for the relief of cancer of the 
 uterus, rectum, and other parts; and a similar result has been recently obtained by main- 
 taining a current of the gas in contact with the uterus in ulcerated states of that organ, 
 and also in certain cases of uterine leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhcea , amenorrhcea, etc. It is 
 said to give instant relief to the pain of recent burns (Amer. Jour. Phar., lix. 401), and 
 to the pain of muscular rheumatism. The carbonic acid gas douche has also been success- 
 fully employed to induce premature labor. Whether it be owing to a stimulant action or 
 to a slightly anaesthetic influence, carbonic acid water certainly aids in causing the 
 stomach to retain what it might otherwise reject, as is shown in the familiar and popular 
 habit of using it as a vehicle for magnesia and various saline medicines, and in febrile 
 and other diseases attended with nausea or vomiting. It possibly promotes the diapho- 
 retic action of the effervescing draught, and is perhaps more diuretic than simple water. 
 Taken with the food, it forms one of the most efficient remedies for flatulence. 
 
 The treatment of poisoning by this gas consists in measures adapted to expel it from 
 the lungs, to stimulate the nervous system, and to introduce atmospheric air or oxygen 
 in its place. For the first purpose artificial respiration by mechanical and electrical 
 means is indicated ; for the second, active stimulation of the skin mechanically by 
 warmth and by irritants, and the injection of a strong infusion of coffee into the rectum ; 
 if any oxygen gas can be procured, it may be forced through a larnygeal tube into the 
 lungs. 
 
 AOIDUM CHROMICUM, V. S., Br., JP. G.— Chromic Acid. 
 
 Chromium trioxide, Chromic anhydride, E. ; Acide chromique, Fr. ; Chromsdure , G. ; 
 Anidride cromica, F. It. ; Acido cromico, It., Sp. 
 
 Formula Cr0 3 . Molecular weight 99.88. 
 
 Preparation. — This acid was discovered by Vauquelin in 1797, but its chemical 
 composition was determined by Berzelius. 
 
 When a solution of potassium dichromate is acted upon by sulphuric acid, chromium 
 trioxide is set free, as shown by the following equation : K 2 Cr 2 0 7 + 2H 2 S0 4 == 2Cr0 3 
 + 2KHS0 4 -f- H 2 0 ; this is due to the fact that chromic acid proper (H 2 Cr0 4 ) cannot 
 exist in a free state. When prepared by the ordinary methods, chromic acid is usually 
 contaminated with sulphuric acid and potassium salts, the former rendering it very 
 
48 
 
 ACIDUM CHROMICUM. 
 
 hygroscopic. Inasmuch as the U. S. and Germ. Ph. demand chromic acid free from sul- 
 phuric acid, it is likely that the following plan, first suggested by Bunsen (1868), is now 
 more generally used : To a solution of 2 parts of potassium dichromate in 20 parts of 
 water are added 10 parts of sulphuric acid, and the mixture set aside for twenty-four hours ; 
 the crystals are then collected upon a filter of asbestos or pumice-stone in a cylindrical ves- 
 sel, and are washed, under an air-pump, with strong nitric acid, which must be free from 
 lower oxides, until free from sulphuric acid. Finally, the crystals, free from all impuri- 
 ties, are dried in a current of air heated to 80° C. The Br. Ph. directs that chromic acid 
 shall be made by adding 42 fluidounces of sulphuric acid to a solution of 30 ounces of 
 potassium dichromate in 50 fluidounces of water ; after twelve hours the crystals of acid 
 potassium sulphate are to be removed, and after heating the liquid to 85° C. (185 9 F.), 
 15 fluidounces more of sulphuric acid are to be added, together with sufficient water to 
 redissolve any crystrals of chromic acid that may have formed. The mixture is allowed 
 to cool ; the crystals now forming are collected, drained, and dried on porous tiles at a 
 temperature not exceeding 37.8° C. (100° F.) in an air-bath. The acid obtained by this 
 process is never free from sulphuric acid, and hence is very deliquescent. 
 
 The use of a large excess of sulphuric acid in all the processes is for the double pur- 
 pose of decomposition and final dehydration of the crystals. 
 
 Properties. — Chromic acid occurs in needles or quadrangular prisms of a deep 
 crimson-red or purplish-red color, inodorous, deliquescent in moist air only if pure, 
 and very soluble in water ; the concentrated solution is of a red-brown color, which 
 changes to orange- yellow on being diluted ; the dilute solution reddens blue litmus- 
 paper and bleaches it on drying. Gradually heated, the crystals assume a blackish- 
 brown color, and at a temperature of 192° C. (377.6° F.) fuse into a reddish- 
 brown liquid, which on cooling becomes a dark -red, opaque, brittle mass. At about 250° 
 C. (482° F.) the acid is decomposed into oxygen and dark-green chromic oxide. If strong 
 alcohol is dropped upon the acid, a vigorous action takes place, accompanied with increase 
 of temperature and ignition of the alcohol. A rapid ignition is likewise observed with 
 benzene ; but ether which is free from both alcohol and water dissolves this compound, and 
 on spontaneous evaporation yields it again in minute crystals. Chromic acid dissolved in 
 diluted alcohol is gradually deoxidized at the ordinary temperature, the alcohol being 
 converted into aldehyde and acetic acid. Beduction takes place also in the presence of 
 arsenous and sulphurous acids, hydrogen sulphide, and of organic compounds and deoxidiz- 
 ing agents generally. When heated with hydrochloric acid, chlorine and green chromic 
 chloride are produced. 
 
 Chromic acid contains no water of crystallization ; its salts have mostly a yellow or 
 yellowish-red color ; those of the alkalies and of magnesium are soluble in water ; all 
 others dissolve in nitric acid. 
 
 Tests. — Sulphuric acid and potassium salts are usually present in small quantity 
 in the commercial article. The former is detected by adding to its hot aqueous solution 
 some hydrochloric acid, deoxidizing with alcohol until the liquid becomes green, and 
 then adding barium chloride, when a white precipitate will be produced ; the latter, by 
 concentrating the green solution as much as possible, and adding a concentrated solution 
 of tartaric acid, when crystalline potassium bitartrate will be separated; or the chromic 
 acid is by ignition converted into chromic oxide, and this is treated with water, which will 
 dissolve potassium sulphate and chromate if present. The Pharmacopoeia directs test- 
 ing for sulphuric acid by barium chloride in a 1 per cent, solution of chromic acid acidu- 
 lated with hydrochloric acid, when no turbidity should be produced. 
 
 Allied Acid. — Acidum osmicum s. perosmicum ; Osmic acid, osmicum tetroxide, Os0 4 ; molecu- 
 lar weight 254.14. It is obtained when very finely divided metallic osmium is heated to about 
 400° C. (752° F.) in a current of air or oxygen, the volatile tetroxide being caught in well-cooled 
 receivers. The sublimed oxide occurs in lustrous, transparent yellow acicular crystals, very 
 hygroscopic, and with an unbearable penetrating odor (the vapor is poisonous). Its boiling- 
 point is about 100° C. (212° F.), and it forms with water a colorless solution which has an 
 intensely acrid and burning taste, and upon addition of sulphurous acid is colored yellow, then 
 red, green, and finally blue. Osmic acid liberates iodine from iodides, is reduced from its solu- 
 tion by silver and other metals, and oxidizes organic compounds. It has been employed intern- 
 ally in doses of 0.001 Gm. (g 1 ^ grain), and subcutaneously in form of a 1 per cent, solution 
 (which should be freshly prepared) in cases of neuralgia, goitre, cancroid and scrofulous ulcers, 
 and also epilepsy. 
 
 See also Potassium Osmate. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — In prescription chromic acid should never be combined with organic 
 or deoxidizing mineral compounds. It should never be weighed on paper, but always on watch- 
 
ACIDUM CIIROMICUM. 
 
 49 
 
 crystals or in weighing-tubes. In liquid form it should be dissolved in distilled water. The 
 solution of the French Codex is made of equal parts of chromic acid and distilled water, and has 
 a specific gravity of 1.47. 
 
 Liquor acidi chromici, Br. — Chromic acid 1 part ; distilled water 3 fluid parts. Spec. grav. 
 1.185. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Chromic acid is one of the most energetic of caustics. At a 
 moderately high temperature it rapidly dissolves all animal tissues immersed in it, 
 including even hair, bones, and teeth. When at ordinary temperatures it is applied to the 
 skin, it renders that tissue moist, and then brown, and finally black, forming an eschar 
 of 1 or 2 lines in thickness, which separates within forty-eight hours, leaving a granu- 
 lating surface which tends to heal rapidly. According to the degree of its concentration 
 it may be deeply or superficially caustic or merely astringent and drying. When pure 
 it is said not to be severely painful, but it becomes so when it is contaminated with sul- 
 phuric acid or arsenic. Among caustics none is superior or even equal to chromic acid 
 for the purpose of removing certain excrescences from the skin and the mucous mem- 
 branes. Condylomata , warty growths, especially such as occupy a considerable surface, 
 vegetations of the genital (and especially of the female genital) organs, and vl\so papillo- 
 mata, lupi , carcinomata , malignant ulcers , telangiectases , and cysts , are promptly destroyed 
 by a solution of 1 part of it to 1 of water, or with the pure acid, and with far less pain 
 than is inflicted by caustic potassa. Chromic acid is one of the best applications that 
 can be made to the gums when they tend to ulceration and retraction in scrofulous 
 patients and after mercurial salivation, as well as to scrofulous and syphilitic ulcers of 
 the pharynx and the mouth. It is used to reduce obstructions in the upper and posterior 
 portions of the nasal passages. The end of a probe is loosely wound with raw cotton 
 containing small fragments of the acid, and is introduced into the nasal cavity, whose 
 moisture dissolves the acid and renders it caustic. To prevent the detachment of the 
 cotton and acid from the probe, it is, after adjustment, heated in the flame of a lamp, 
 which chars the cotton and melts the acid. The previous application of a solution of 
 cocaine in a great degree prevents pain. Any excess of acid in the nostrils is washed 
 away with water ; and if it seems to have reached the pharynx or stomach, it is neu- 
 tralized with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate. The caustic produces an eschar 
 followed by a superficial ulcer. This method is adapted to chronic hypertrophic rhinitis , 
 adenoid vegetations in the naso-pharynx , and chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis. It has 
 been employed in the treatment even of the coryza of influenza , but the method seems 
 superfluous and needlessly harsh. Similar affections of the interior of the larynx , oedema 
 of this organ, and especially tumors of the vocal cords and adjacent parts, have been 
 cured by skilful cauterization with chromic acid, aided by the laryngoscope. A mild 
 solution may at first be used, but subsequently one containing 1 part of the acid to 8 
 of water, or even of twice that strength, may be applied by means of a small, fine, and 
 compact piece of sponge. The solution of 10 grains of chromic acid in an ounce of 
 water, recommended by Paget for ulceration of the tongue , has been similarly applied, 
 and with striking success, to secondary syphilitic affections of the organ (ulcers, mucous 
 tubercles, condylomata), but fails in the tertiary lesions. Various chronic affections of 
 the skin, as tinese, sycosis , and lupus , are appropriate for its use. A 5-10 per cent, 
 solution of the acid has been used to check hyperhidrosis , or excessive sweating , of the 
 feet, but it sometimes occasions prickling, numbness, and dryness of the part, and, if the 
 skin is tender, blisters or even ulcers ( Therap. Monatshefte , iii. 344), besides the risk of 
 poisonous effects. Its prompt and powerful action renders it one of the best applications 
 for arresting surface haemorrhage , and in a diluted state it is a valuable stimulant for 
 indolent ulcers. Syphilitic and even tuberculous ulcers of the pharynx have been treated 
 in this manner ; and so has granular inflammation of this part, and conjunctivitis of a 
 similar character. Uterine haemorrhage , depending upon laxity of the tissues of the 
 organ, has been arrested by the insufflation of a few drops of the acid. In the treat- 
 ment of uterine leucorrhoea no other caustic is more efficient than this ; but it should be 
 introduced very cautiously by means of a syringe having a lateral opening near the end 
 of its tube, and the superfluous liquid should be removed when the syringe is withdrawn. 
 Previous dilatation of the neck of the uterus facilitates the operation and the cure. If 
 the acid is too strong, it may give rise to permanent stricture of the canal of the cervix. 
 This tendency to contraction of the tissues to which it is applied has sometimes been 
 taken advantage of to relieve incontinence of urine in the female due to relaxation of the 
 urethra. When this infirmity is connected with irritable tumor of the urethra, the acid 
 will sometimes prevent the necessity of employing cutting instruments. In applying 
 
50 
 
 ACIDUM C1TRICUM. 
 
 this powerful caustic in a concentrated state — the deliquescent crystals, for instance — 
 great care should be taken to protect the adjacent sound tissues by means of adhesive 
 plaster or a simple ointment, and all superfluous acid should be immediately removed 
 with a pledget of moist lint. The pure acid should be applied by means of a wooden, 
 glass, or porcelain rod or spatula. Diluted solutions may be used with a camel’s-hair 
 brush, which immediately afterward should be well washed with water. Chromic acid 
 ought not be dissolved in glycerin, for if the mixture be made rapidly ignition occurs 
 with explosion. Poisoning by the internal use of the acid should be treated by a solution 
 of bicarbonate or borate of sodium and stimulant enemas. 
 
 Perosmic Acid. — F raenkel’s experiments on animals showed that perosmic acid was a 
 solvent of all the soft tissues ( Berlin . Min. Wochensch ., 1884, No. 15). This action was 
 proposed and employed by means of injections for the removal of goitres by Delbastaille, 
 Szuman, Eulenberg, and others ( Centralb . f Ther ., ii. 273; Ther. Gaz ., v. 211), and by 
 Winiwarter in the treatment of sarcomatous and other tumors ( Med . News , xlii. 495), but 
 it failed in the hands of Bruns ( Med . Record , xxiv. 159). A similar method was used 
 in the treatment of neuralgia (Neuber ; Lipburger, Centralb. f. Tiber., ii. 97 ; Wolfler, 
 Wiener med. Wochensch ., Dec. 14, 1884; Schapiro, Lancet , Aug. 1, 1885). Partial con- 
 firmation of preceding reports was furnished by Mohr, Bedtenbacher, Porteous, and 
 especially by Merces and S. Solis-Cohen ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 64; Edinb. Med. Jour., xxxi. 
 924 ; Lancet , Jan. 10, 1885 ; and Med. News-, liv. 384). In 1886, Grinivitski claimed for 
 it a remarkable power over muscular rheumatism ( [lumbago ) (Practitioner, xli. 198). 
 Wildermuth reported in 1884 that he successfully treated cases of epilepsy that had 
 proved refractory to other medicines by the internal use of potassium perosmite in the 
 dose of Gm. 0.001 (gr. ^) ( Centralb . f Ther., ii. 353), but his reports have not been 
 confirmed. Perosmic acid has generally been administered subcutaneously in the dose 
 of 3 to 5 drops of a 1 per cent, solution. 
 
 ACIDUM CITRICUM, V. S., Br P. G. — Citric Acid. 
 
 Acidum citri s. limonum s. limonorum — Acide citrique, Acide du citron , Fr. ; Citronen- 
 siiure , G. ; Acido citrico , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Formula H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 .H 2 0 — C 3 H 4 (OH )(C00H) 3 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 209.5. 
 
 Origin. — Tile acid properties of lemon-juice were observed at an early period, but 
 the distinction of the acid from other vegetable acids was not recognized until Retzius 
 (1776) proved it to differ both from tartaric and acetic acids. Scheele (1784) obtained 
 citric acid in crystals. It was prepared artificially in 1880 by Grimaux and Adam from 
 glycerin, and perhaps also by Andreoni and Kekule from malic acid. Citric acid occurs 
 in a large number of plants, either in the free state or combined with potassium or cal- 
 cium, and frequently associated with malic acid. It has been found in the rhizomes of 
 Asarum europseum and Sanguinaria canadensis, in the tubers of dahlia and Jerusalem 
 artichoke, in the herb of lactuca and tobacco, and in many fruits, such as capsicums, 
 tomatoes, tamarinds, cherries, gooseberries, raspberries, whortleberries, cranberries, black- 
 berries, strawberries, etc. It occurs most abundantly, however, and as free acid, in the 
 fruits of the Aurantiaceae, and is prepared in large quantity from the juice of the lemon 
 and the lime. 
 
 Preparation. — Citric acid is manufactured in this country and in England on a 
 large scale from lemon- and lime-juice, which are obtained from Florida, the West Indies, 
 and Italy. The juice is exported either in its natural condition or considerably concen- 
 trated by evaporation, or else in the form of a crystalline powder as calcium or magne- 
 sium citrate. The juice is clarified by ebullition, or, if obtained from unsound fruits, 
 by allowing it to undergo the vinous fermentation. After decantation and straining an 
 excess of chalk (calcium carbonate) is added, and finally some milk of lime. The calcium 
 citrate thus formed being less soluble in hot than in cold water, the mixture is heated to 
 boiling, and while hot the clear liquid is drawn off from the precipitated calcium citrate, 
 which is washed with boiling water for the purpose of removing all the extractive 
 matter. The calcium citrate is now decomposed by diluted sulphuric acid in such a 
 proportion as to form calcium sulphate, and to leave a little sulphuric acid in excess : 
 10 parts of calcium citrate require about 9 parts of sulphuric acid diluted with from 
 50 to 60 parts of water. The solution of citric acid is drawn off from the precipitated 
 calcium sulphate, and the latter washed with very cold or with boiling water, in which 
 gypsum is less soluble than in water of a medium temperature. The liquid, with the 
 washings, is evaporated by steam heat to a syrupy consistence, and then allowed to 
 
ACTDUM CITRTCUM. 
 
 51 
 
 crystallize in suitable tanks lined with lead. The presence of a little sulphuric acid 
 appears to favor crystallization, which is prevented or considerably retarded by acid 
 calcium citrate. The crystals are redissolved in a small quantity of water, and the 
 solution is treated with animal charcoal, and then evaporated to crystallize. These direc- 
 tions agree in the main w 7 ith those given in the British Pharmacopeia. Citric acid may 
 be prepared by this process from the juice of other acidulous fruits; Granger (1873) 
 described the manipulations necessary to obtain it advantageously from whortleberries. 
 The importations of citric acid amounted in 1867 to nearly 83,000 pounds, and at present 
 average about 33,000 pounds annually. 
 
 Properties. — Citric acid crystallizes in colorless rhombic prisms which have an 
 agreeable acid taste. The solubility is variously stated as follows : U. S. Ph., at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), 1 part of acid in 0.63 parts of water, 1.61 parts of alcohol, and in 11 parts of 
 ether; also soluble in 0.4 parts of boiling water and in 1.43 parts 
 of boiling alcohol. Br. Ph., temp, not specified, but 15.5° C. Fig. 6. 
 
 (60° F.) generally understood, 1 part of acid soluble in 0.75 
 parts of water, less soluble in alcohol of 0.835 sp. grav., and 
 insoluble in ether ; also soluble in 0.50 parts of boiling water. 
 
 Germ. Ph., at 15° C., 1 part of acid soluble in 0.54 parts of 
 water, 1 part of alcohol, and in 50 parts of ether. It is also 
 soluble in methylic and amylic alcohols and glycerin, and is 
 freely soluble in hot creosote, but insoluble in chloroform and in 
 hydrocarbons, except in the presence of alcohol. When a solu- 
 tion is made by dissolving 40 grains of the crystals in 1 ounce 
 of water, it resembles lemon-juice in strength and in the nature 
 of its acid properties, and, like lemon-juice, it undergoes decom- 
 position, acetic acid being among the products, and becomes 
 mouldy by keeping. The crystals are permanent in dry air, but 
 at a somewhat elevated temperature slowly part with their water 
 of crystallization, and in a damp atmosphere they become moist 
 and gradually deliquesce. They melt at 100° C. (212° F.) in 
 their water of crystallization ; the anhydrous acid fuses between Crystal of Citric Acid. 
 135° and 152° C. (275° and 305.6° F.). When slowly ignited it is 
 
 gradually decomposed without emitting the odor of burning sugar (difference from tar- 
 taric acid), and is finally consumed without leaving more than 0.05 per cent, of 
 residue (U. S.). 
 
 Citric acid is a tribasic acid, having the formula H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 , or, as met with in the crys- 
 tallized condition, H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 -j- H 2 0. The water of crystallization, amounting to 8,6 per 
 cent., is expelled at 135° C. (275° F.), and at 155° C. (311° F.) another molecule of 
 water is given off, aconitic acid , H 3 C 6 H 3 0 6 , remaining behind, which is identical with the 
 acids that have been isolated from aconite, yarrow, and other plants. Like citric acid, it 
 forms three series of salts, either 1, 2, or 3 atoms of hydrogen being replaceable by a 
 basylous radical. 
 
 The citrates of the alkalies are all soluble in water ; the neutral citrates of the heavy 
 metals are mostly insoluble in water, but dissolve in nitric, and many also in citric, acid. 
 Ferric and aluminum citrates are not precipitated by alkalies. That the calcium citrate 
 is soluble in cold and insoluble in hot water has been already mentioned. If lime-water 
 is not completely neutralized by solution of citric acid, no precipitate will occur until the 
 liquid is heated to boiling. 70 grains of citric acid dissolved in distilled water are neu- 
 tralized by 1000 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of soda (i?r.) , or 3.5 Gin. of 
 the acid by 50 Cc. of the soda solution ( U. S.). 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — The impurities which may be present in citric 
 acid in consequence of carelessness in its manufacture may be sulphuric acid, calcium, 
 iron, lead, and copper. Minute fragments of metallic lead are occasionally observed 
 adhering to some of the crystals. Sulphuric acid is readily detected in the aqueous solu- 
 tion of citric acid by the white precipitate occurring with barium chloride ; iron, by the 
 blue color occasioned by potassium ferrocyanide ; and lead and copper, by the black 
 coloration or precipitate resulting from hydrogen sulphide. For the detection of calcium 
 it is advisable to neutralize the citric-acid solution with ammonia, then to acidulate with 
 acetic acid, and add ammonium oxalate, when a white precipitate of calcium oxalate will 
 appear. 5 Cc. of a 10 per cent, solution of the acid neutralized with ammonia should 
 remain clear on the addition of 1 Cc. of ammonium oxalate test solution : and with 2 
 or 3 Cc. of hydrogen sulphide should not acquire more than a faintly brownish-yellow 
 
52 
 
 ACTDUM CITRICTJM. 
 
 solution, but should not deposit a colored precipitate (absence of calcium; limit of 
 metallic impurities ( U. Si). Mineral impurities may also be tested for in the ash after 
 dissolving it in a little dilute nitric acid. 
 
 Tartaric acid is occasionally used as an adulteration, and oxalic acid and various crys- 
 tallized salts are said to have been employed for the same purpose. Such frauds are 
 usually accomplished by mixing the foreign compounds in a crystalline form with the 
 acid, and it is therefore necessary to employ a larger quantity (say several ounces) of 
 the large and small crystals, to be triturated in a mortar into powder. Many of the salts 
 will be found to be insoluble in alcohol, and may thus be detected, or by the residue left- 
 on incinerating a portion of the powder upon platinum-foil. The aqueous solution of the 
 powder is neutralized with ammonia, and then acidulated with acetic acid. Upon adding 
 calcium chloride, oxalic acid, if present, will be precipitated as white calcium oxalate. 
 The clear filtrate, neutralized with ammonia, will deposit in the cold white calcium tar- 
 trate if tartaric acid be present, and the filtrate from it will, on boiling, throw down cal- 
 cium citrate. On dissolving some of the powder in diluted alcohol, and adding a con- 
 centrated solution of potassium acetate, tartaric acid will yield a white crystalline pre- 
 cipitate of potassium acid-tartrate. Oxalic acid, if present in sufficient quantity, will 
 likewise cause a precipitate with this test. Or a number of crystals of different sizes 
 are placed upon a glass plate in a little potassa solution, or preferably a strong solution 
 of potassium acetate : the crystals of citric acid will remain transparent, while the crys- 
 tals of tartaric acid will become opaque, in consequence of the formation of potassium 
 acid-tartrate. Cailletet (1877) observed the slow action in the cold of potassium dichro- 
 mate upon citric acid, and recommends testing for tartaric acid by adding 1 Gm. of the 
 suspected acid in powder to 10 Cc. of a cold saturated solution of the dichromate, and 
 stirring with a glass rod. Pure citric acid does not change the orange color of this solu- 
 tion in ten minutes ; but in the presence of 1 per cent, of tartaric acid the mixture will 
 have acquired, in the time mentioned, the color of infusion of coffee, and with 5 per cent, 
 of tartaric acid it will have become blackish brown. 
 
 Preparations. — Pulvis ad limonadum. Triturate thoroughly white sugar 120 
 Gm., citric acid 10 Gm., oil of lemon 3 drops. — A. D. A. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man citric acid does not diminish the coagulability of the 
 blood ; so far from this, indeed, in the form of lemon-juice it is of all agents the most efficient 
 in correcting that incoagulability of the blood which is characteristic of scurvy. When 
 largely administered it increases the acidity of the urine, causing a deposit of free uric 
 acid. According to Langfeldt, 1 part of this acid in 2000 parts of water is sufficient to 
 destroy all the animalculas in the liquid that are not protected by a thick epithelial 
 covering. Schaltz asserts that a solution of the acid, 1 : 1000, promptly kills vegetable 
 organisms, and that meat immersed in a 5 per cent, solution underwent no change during 
 five days {Med. News xlvi. 435). Citric acid used habitually is very apt to corrode the 
 teeth. The most useful application of lemon-juice and citric acid is to prevent and cure 
 scurvy , a purpose which long and extensive experience has proved them admirably fitted 
 to fufil. Of the two, lemon-juice is by far the most efficacious, and the opinion that its 
 efficiency is not due to the acid alone is shown not only by this comparison, but also by 
 the well-known fact that many fresh vegetables are endowed with a similar power. The 
 use of lemon-juice in the treatment of acute articular rheumatism was at one time 
 confidently relied on, but is no longer in vogue, and the article is employed only as 
 means of assuaging the thirst and reducing the febrile heat in that disease, as well as in 
 various other diseases of which fever is a prominent symptom. A physician has gone so 
 far as to assert that if a fresh lemon is cut into pieces and boiled in 3 cups of water until 
 reduced to one-third, the strained liquor will cure malarial affections as well as quinine, or 
 still better {Bull, de Therap , cv. 76). This statement has been confirmed by several 
 reporters who appear to be unacquainted with the influence of the imagination upon 
 periodical diseases. Citric acid may be used with some advantage during haemorrhage, 
 but its direct effect upon this symptom is slight, indeed, when compared with that of the 
 mineral acids. The old practice of arresting post-partum haemorrhage by squeezing out 
 the juice of a cut lemon within the cavity of the uterus deserves attention, less from the 
 coagulating action of the acid than from the stimulation exerted by it upon the interior 
 of the womb, which is at the same time mechanically irritated. The injection of lemon- 
 juice into the nostrils, after removing their contents, suffices sometimes to arrest epistaxis. 
 Lemon-juice is of some advantage in jaundice depending upon congestion of the liver, 
 and may be employed as an antidote to alkaline and narcotic poisons. It forms an agree- 
 able application in diphtheritic angina and in gangrenous sore mouth , and has been used 
 
ACIDUM FORMICICUM. 
 
 53 
 
 with striking advantage to relieve pruritus of the genital organs. Hypodermic injections 
 of a saturated solution of citric acid have been alleged to destroy cancerous tumors. 
 
 ACIDUM FORMICICUM, P . G .— Formic Acid. 
 
 Acidum formicarum s. formicum. — Acide formique , Fr. ; Ameisensaure , G. 
 
 Formula HCH0 2 = HCOOH. Molecular weight 45.89. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — In the beginning of the sixteenth century Otto Brun- 
 fels observed the acid reaction upon blue vegetable colors of the air in the nest of the 
 wood-ant (Formica rufa, Linne ). By distilling ants John Wray (1670) obtained an acid 
 which Andrew Marggraf (1749) proved to differ from acetic acid. Scheele (1774) 
 obtained the acid artificially from gum and sugar, but considered it to be acetic acid, a 
 view disproved by Doebereiner (1822). 
 
 Formic acid is found in ants, in some caterpillars, old oil of turpentine, nettles and 
 other plants, and is formed by the oxidation of methylic alcohol ; by the action of black 
 oxide of manganese and sulphuric acid or of chlorinated lime upon sugar, starch, and 
 other carbohydrates and allied compounds; by the decomposition of chloral hydrate and 
 of chloroform by means of potassa ; and by other reactions. Lorin (1865) observed that 
 in the presence of glycerin and a little water oxalic acid is readily decomposed into formic 
 acid and carbonic acid gas ; C 2 H 2 0 4 yields CH 2 0 2 + C0 2 . Berthelot prepares it by heat- 
 ing in a retort 10 parts each of oxalic acid and glycerin and 1 or 2 parts of water to a 
 little over 100° C. (212° F.) ; the oxalic acid is preferably added in portions of 2 or 3 
 parts. After about 12 hours the decomposition is complete, and the contents of the 
 retort are repeatedly diluted with 5 parts of water and distilled ; the residue in the retort 
 is preserved for a future operation, while the distillate is neutralized with sodium carbonate 
 and evaporated to dryness by means of a water-bath; 100 parts of dry sodium formate 
 require 75 to 76 parts of sulphuric acid for decomposition, which may be diluted with 
 water according to the strength of formic acid desired ; the latter is obtained by distillation. 
 
 Properties. — Anhydrous formic acid is a colorless liquid of 1.235 sp. gr., crystallizing 
 below the freezing-point of water, boiling near 99° C. (210° F.), having a pungent acid 
 odor, and producing a burning sensation when applied to the skin. Its vapor is inflam- 
 mable and burns with a blue flame. The acid is soluble in all proportions of water, alco- 
 hol, and glycerin. According to Roscoe (1862), the boiling-point of aqueous formic acid 
 gradually rises until the temperature 107.2° C. (225° F.) is reached, when the boiling- 
 point remains constant and the distillate contains 77.5 per cent, of formic acid. Its salts 
 impart to solutions of ferric salts a dark brownish-red color which disappears on the 
 addition of hydrochloric acid. When heated with solutions of the salts of mercury, 
 silver, gold, and allied metals, these are reduced to the metallic state. 
 
 The medicinal acid has the specific gravity 1.060 to 1.063, and yields with lead sub- 
 acetate a white crystalline precipitate. 5 Cc. of it neutralize 28-29 Cc. of normal 
 potassa solution, indicating 25 per cent, of absolute formic acid. Thus neutralized the 
 acid has no pungent or empyreumatic odor (absence of acrolein). If diluted with 5 parts 
 of water, it should not be precipitated by silver nitrate (hydrochloric acid), nor be col- 
 ored by hydrogen sulphide (metals), nor. after neutralization with ammonia be precipit- 
 ated by calcium chloride (oxalic acid). On heating for ten minutes 1 Cc. of the acid, 
 5 Cc. of water, and 1.5 Gm. of yellow mercuric oxide, the filtrate should have a neutral 
 reaction (absence of other acids), P. G. The salts of formic acid can easily be pre- 
 pared like the acetates by dissolving the respective carbonates in the acid, and also by 
 mutual decomposition. The formates are all soluble in water, some quite readily, and a 
 few also in alcohol ; magnesium and lead formate, however, are insoluble in alcohol, 
 differing in this respect from the respective acetates. 
 
 Preparations. — Spiritus formicarum, P. G. Mix alcohol 70 parts, water 26 parts, and for- 
 mic acid 4 parts. It is a colorless liquid of an acid reaction, which, when mixed with one- 
 twentieth of its weight of solution of subacetate of lead, becomes filled with feathery crystals. 
 
 Ammonii formas (formias), NH 4 CII0 2 , is obtained by neutralizing the acid with ammonia 
 and evaporating to crystallization. It is in colorless prisms of a refreshing pungent taste, fuses 
 at about 100° C. (212° F.), and when rapidly heated to 180° C. (356° F.) is decomposed into 
 hydrocyanic acid and water; NH 4 CH0 2 yields HCN -f 2II 2 0. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The experiments of Wolff show that formic acid is not an 
 antiseptic, is only a feeble antifermentative, and is of no value as an antiputrid agent. Upon 
 the skin it acts as an irritant and vesicant, and if its contact is prolonged it may produce 
 a slough. In gouty patients it is reported to have caused a discharge of muddy and ill- 
 
54 
 
 ACIDUM GALLICUM. 
 
 smelling urine. According to Arloing, small doses of formiate of sodium increase the 
 number and depth of the respirations and render them irregular in the dog and horse. 
 Large doses render the breathing rapid and shallow, and very large doses suspend it, the 
 temperature meanwhile falling 2° or 3° C. Direct injection of a large dose of the salt 
 into the right ventricle is followed by slower or suspended movements of the heart. 
 
 Formic acid was at one time used internally to stimulate, as ammonia is generally 
 employed, and externally, like that irritant, for the relief of local neuralgic and rheumatic 
 pains, etc. Spiritus formicarum (P. G.) is prescribed in doses of from Gm. 1.30-4.00 
 (20 to 60 drops). Formiate of ammonia has been used in chronic paralysis and in 
 epilepsy , but uselessly. Dose, about Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
 Sodium formiate has been alleged, without substantial proof, to be curative of tuber- 
 culous affections. 
 
 ACIDUM GALLICUM, U. S., Br.— Gallic Acid. 
 
 Trioxyhenzoic acid . D ioxy salicylic acid. — Acide gallique , Fr. : Gallussaure, G. ; Acido 
 gallico, It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 7 H 5 0 5 + H 2 0 = C 6 H 2 (OH) 3 .COOH -f H 2 0. Molecular weight 187.55. 
 
 Origin. — Gallic acid is found in nutgalls, sumach, uva ursi, and in a number of other 
 astringent plants. It was for a time confounded with tannin, but its distinction from this 
 was recognized by Scheele (1785), who obtained it in a pure state. It is most advantage- 
 ously prepared from galls by Scheele’s process, as modified by Pelouze and Robiquet, for 
 which the Pharmacopoeia of 1870 gave the following directions : 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Nutgall in fine powder 36 troyounces; purified Animal Char- 
 coal and Distilled Water, each a sufficient quantity. Mix the nutgall with sufficient dis- 
 tilled water to form a thin paste, and expose the mixture to the air, in a shallow glass or 
 porcelain vessel, in a warm place for a month, occasionally stirring it with a glass rod, and 
 adding from time to time sufficient distilled water to preserve the semifluid consistence. 
 Then submit the paste to expression, and, rejecting the expressed liquid, boil the residue 
 in 8 pints of distilled water for a few minutes, and filter, while hot, through purified ani- 
 mal charcoal. Set. the liquid aside that crystals may form, and dry them on bibulous 
 paper. If the crystals be not sufficiently free from color, they may be purified by dis- 
 solving them in boiling distilled water, filtering through a fresh portion of purified animal 
 charcoal, and again crystallizing. 
 
 The Br. Ph. recommends the following process, which is based upon the observation 
 of Liebig that tannin is converted into gallic acid by being boiled for some time with 
 diluted sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, or for a few seconds with potassa solution : Boil 
 1 part of coarsely-powdered galls with 4 fluid parts of diluted sulphuric acid for half 
 an hour; then strain through calico while hot; collect the crystals that are deposited on 
 cooling, and purify these with animal charcoal and repeated crystallization. 
 
 The above directions are so clear that the preparation of gallic acid by them presents 
 no difficulties, and the only additional precaution that deserves to be mentioned is the 
 avoidance of its contact with iron and iron salts, which would impart to the acid a color 
 difficult to remove. The conversion of the whole amount of tannin into gallic acid is 
 readily proved by testing a small portion of the filtered liquid with solution of isinglass, 
 which should cause no turbidity. The change takes place slowly at a low temperature ; 
 P. Weber (1880) found about 45° C. (113° F.) to be most suitable for the process given 
 above. The yield must necessarily vary with the amount of tannin present in the galls. 
 
 Gallic acid has been obtained artificially by the action of alkalies upon diiodo-or dibromo- 
 salicylic acid (Lautemann, 1861), and upon bromdioxybenzoic or bromoprotocatechuic 
 acid (Barth and Sennhofer, 1872). 
 
 Formation. — The conversion of tannin into gallic acid has been the subject of much 
 controversy, involving numerous researches. It was at first supposed that gallic acid 
 existed ready formed in galls; the experiments of Pelouze (1833) proved that most of it 
 is formed from the tannin contained therein, and this conversion he supposed to be due to 
 the oxidizing influence of oxygen, by which carbon dioxide was eliminated. Robiquet 
 (1837) found that the tannin of galls is converted into gallic acid without the admission 
 of oxygen and without the evolution of gas. He ascribed this to the action of a ferment 
 present in the galls, which was subsequently named pectase. Baroque’s experiments 
 (1841) supported this view. That the growth of mould upon the infusion of galls is 
 without influence upon the production of gallic acid was proved by Winckler (1835). 
 C. Wetherill (1847) advanced for the first time the opinion that gallic acid differs from 
 
ACIDTJM GALLICUM. 
 
 55 
 
 tannin merely by containing additional water, and lie was supported in this theory by the 
 investigations of Mulder (1848). Meanwhile, Liebig had suggested that in the transfor- 
 mation of tannin into gallic acid a carbohydrate was liberated ; and Strecker’s experiments 
 (1854) appeared to furnish conclusive proof that tannin is a glucoside, which on being 
 boiled with diluted mineral acids yields theoretically 82.5 per cent, of gallic acid. The 
 quantity obtained was, however, in excess of this figure, and Stenhouse, Knop, Roclileder, 
 and others proved that gallic acid almost equalling the weight of tannin used could be 
 thus obtained. Robiquet (1854) considered this result due to molecular change accom- 
 panied by hydration, whereby tannin is transformed into gallic acid just as cane-sugar 
 under similar influences is transformed into grape-sugar. This view, however, did not 
 explain why, on the treatment of tannin with diluted acids, glucose was obtained in vari- 
 able quantities. Hlasiwetz (1867) suggested that it probably was not a true glucoside, 
 owing to the difficulty with which the glucose is obtained. The relation of the two com- 
 pounds to each other appears to be finally settled by the researches of H. Schiff, Sac, and 
 J. Lowe (1871 and 1872), according to which pure tannin is digallic acid , an anhydride of 
 gallic acid, the conversion of the former into the latter occurring as follows : C 14 Hi 0 O 9 4- 
 H.,0 — 2C 7 H 6 0 5 ; and the sugar observed in the preparation of gallic acid is referable to 
 the glucose which naturally exists in galls, perhaps in combination with digallic acid, and 
 from which tannin is with difficulty purified. Lowe prepared pure tannin from galls, and 
 Schiff succeeded in converting gallic acid into tannin absolutely free from glucose. 
 
 Properties. — Gallic acid is in fine white or pale fawn-colored silky needles, which 
 have a slightly acid and faint astringent taste, and are inodorous. It is soluble at 15° 
 C. (59° F.) in 100 parts of water and in 5 parts of alcohol ; in 3 parts of boiling water 
 and 1 part of boiling alcohol. Also soluble in 40 parts of ether and in 12 parts of gly- 
 cerin. Very slightly soluble in chloroform, benzene, and benzin. The solution has an 
 acid reaction, and gives no precipitate with ferrous sulphate. With ferric salts a bluish- 
 black precipitate is obtained, which is easily soluble in acetic acid, and disappears on 
 boiling. It is not precipitated by solution of gelatin or albumen except in the presence 
 of gum, and yields no insoluble compounds with vegetable alkaloids. Gallic acid dis- 
 solves permanently in a solution of potassium citrate to such an extent that, according 
 to F. Long (1881), 15 grains of it, with 20 grains of the citrate, will yield a clear solu- 
 tion in 1 ounce of water. At 100° C. (212° F.) it loses 9.5 per cent, of water of 
 crystallization. Heated to between 200° and 215° C. (392° and 419° F.), or, according 
 to Schiff (1879), to about 240° C. (464° F.), it melts, and then yields carbon dioxide 
 gas and a sublimate of pyrogallol = C 6 H 6 0 ;1 , without leaving any residue. 
 
 Alkalies added to a solution of gallic acid rapidly color the liquid, which in the pres- 
 ence of very little potassa or soda gradually becomes green, but with an excess is at once 
 yellow and turns red and brown ; little ammonia causes a yellow, and an excess a reddish 
 and red-brown, color. Alkaline carbonates produce similar colorations, but act less ener- 
 getically ; on the subsequent addition of hydrochloric acid the color is changed to red. 
 Dudley (1879) observed that a dilute solution of ammonium picrate with excess of am- 
 monia causes in solution of gallic acid a red color, rapidly changing to a beautiful green. 
 Lime-water produces with gallic acid a flocculent precipitate, which turns rapidly blue 
 and green, and is soluble in much lime-water with a pink color, and in excess of gallic 
 acid with a brown color. Most of its salts, those with the alkalies excepted, are insoluble 
 in water. When perfectly dry they keep unaltered, but in the presence of water, and 
 particularly of alkaline liquids, they are speedily decomposed, becoming brown and black. 
 Solutions of salts of silver, gold, platinum, and the allied metals are gradually reduced 
 by gallic acid and its salts at the ordinary temperature. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — Tannin is indicated in the aqueous solution of 
 gallic acid by the white curdy precipitate produced on the addition of a solution of gel- 
 atin. Resinous substances would be insoluble in boiling water ; sugar and dextrin would 
 remain undissolved on treatment with spirit of ether ; and mineral admixtures would re- 
 main behind upon heating the acid to redness. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although gallic acid is not astringent in taste or in its appli- 
 cation to raw or bleeding surfaces, it certainly exerts a powerful control over all forms 
 of passive haemorrhage when taken internally, as well as upon several of the secretions, 
 and notably upon the urine and the sweat. Unlike tannic acid, it has no constipating 
 effect upon the bowels. It is perhaps the first in value of the medicines used in menor- 
 rhagia. It should be given between the periods as well as during the flow, and in doses 
 of from Gm. 0.60—1.30 (gr. x-xx) a day, in pilular form. Of similar affections in which 
 it is useful may be mentioned purpura,' epistaxis, hemoptysis, hsematemesis, hematuria, and 
 
56 
 
 ACIDUM HYDRTODICUM. 
 
 intestinal haemorrhage. To the inordinate secretions which this acid tends to control 
 belong night-sweats and other forms of profuse perspiration, and excessive flow of urine 
 in 'polyuria and in Bright's disease. Its influence in the last-named affection is often very 
 prompt and salutary, since it not only reduces the total discharge of urine, bu-t in a still 
 larger proportion the loss of albumen. It is very efficient in correcting pyrosis , an 
 annoying symptom of various dyspeptic conditions. Locally, it has been used in an 
 ointment for the treatment of alopecia. The dose of gallic acid is from Gm. 0.30-1.20 
 (5 to 20 grains), repeated several times a day, according to the urgency of the case. The 
 glycerite is a convenient form for administering it. 
 
 ACIDUM HYDRIODICUM.— Hydriodic Acid. 
 
 Acidum iodhydricum. — Acide iodhydrique , Fr. ; Jo dwasser staffs dure, G. 
 
 Formula HI. Molecular weight 127.53. 
 
 Origin. — Clement and Desormes (1813) recognized this acid, which was more fully 
 investigated in the same year by Gay-Lussac. It is formed on the decomposition of 
 metallic iodides by means of acids ; on the ignition of a mixture of hydrogen and iodine 
 vapors ; and on the action of iodine upon various hydrogen compounds, or upon oxidiz- 
 able bodies, like phosphorus and its lower oxides, arsenous acid, etc., in the presence 
 of water. 
 
 Preparation. — As formerly official in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, it was prepared of 
 such strength that 6 fluidounces contained the hydriodic acid from 480 grains of iodine. 
 The process adopted was the one originally suggested by Gay-Lussac, modified by Le 
 Royer and Dumas, according to which 30 grains of iodine are mixed with 5 fluidounces 
 of water, and hydrogen sulphide is passed into the mixture until the color of iodine has 
 disappeared. More iodine is now dissolved in the liquid ; again hydrogen sulphide is 
 passed into it until it is decolorized, and this process is repeated until all the iodine has 
 been used. The liquid is then boiled until the odor of hydrogen sulphide is no longer 
 perceived, filtered from the sulphur, and the filter washed with distilled water until the 
 filtrate measures 6 fluidounces. It contains about 15 per cent. HI. 
 
 In the presence of water, iodine and hydrogen sulphide react with each other, the 
 hydrogen uniting with the former, liberating sulphur ; 2I 2 + 2H 2 S yields 4HI -j- S 2 . 
 The sulphur separates as a fine powder, which would cover the iodine and prevent the 
 further reaction : to obviate this difficulty, a small quantity is first converted into hydri- 
 odic acid, which is a good solvent for iodine, and, with proper management, no iodine 
 will be lost by remaining enveloped by the sulphur. 
 
 The process recommended by Buchanan (1837) consisted in dissolving 264 grains of 
 tartaric acid and 330 grains of potassium iodide, each in 1J fluidounces of water, mixing 
 and cooling the solutions, agitating for some time, straining from the precipitated po- 
 tassium bitartrate, and diluting with water to obtain 61 fluidounces. This acid speed- 
 ily decomposes, for which reason J. Murdoch (1855) proposed to preserve it by sugar. 
 It contains about 8 per cent. HI. 
 
 Properties. — Pure hydriodic acid is a colorless irrespirable and uninflammable gas, 
 having the density 4.37 and an odor resembling that of hydrochloric acid. The aqueous 
 solution is colorless, has a strong acid reaction, and a pungent afterward styptic sour 
 taste. The concentrated aqueous solution of the acid, saturated at 0° C. (32° F.), has 
 the spec. grav. 1.99. The acid formerly officinal had the spec. grav. 1.112. The most 
 concentrated acid obtainable by distillation boils at 127° C. (260.6° F.), contains 57.75 
 per cent. HI, and has the spec. grav. 1.708. Topsoe (1870) found an acid having at 
 13.5° C. (56.3° F.) the densities 1.077, 1.102, or 1.126 to contain respectively 10.15, 
 13.09, and 15.73 per cent, of III. Exposed to the air, this acid is decomposed, the 
 hydrogen being oxidized to form water, and iodine liberated, coloring the liquid red- 
 brown. The addition of a small quantity of sodium thiosulphate, as suggested by Dunn 
 (1868), will for a time prevent the change. Pharmaceutically, hydriodic acid is a very 
 unsatisfactory preparation. 
 
 Action and Uses. — According to Binz ( Arch . f. Pathol, u. Pharm., viii. 320), the 
 poisonous phenomena produced by iodic acid prove that iodine is endowed with narcotic 
 powers, and he quotes the assertion of Melsens, that hydriodic and iodic acids are equally 
 operative. He and others also aver that the oxygen of the compound is its active ele- 
 ment, and that the iodine is eliminated with the urine. The same authority maintains 
 (op. cif., xiii. 125), on the strength of his experiments, that iodic acid is an antipyretic, 
 in that it reduces the pulse-rate; that its oxygen unites with and destroys “the decom- 
 
ACIDUM HYDROBROMIOUM DILUTUM. 
 
 posing products out of which the fever arises and that “ the nascent iodine can only 
 act upon the cells and ferment by reducing their activity.” It. is unnecessary to pursue 
 these ingenious but unpractical suggestions, which, however, induced Luton ( Teaite 
 des injections souscutanees , Paris, 1875) in 1873 to employ tissue injections of iodic acid 
 in the treatment of certain degenerations. He held that the preparation was caustic in 
 virtue of its iodine and resolutive through its oxygen. He asserted it to be useful in 
 certain ill-conditioned and especially cancroidal ulcers , and that it might be injected into 
 ganglions , goitres , and various other tumors ; that its action was not more painful than that 
 of iodine itself; and that, according to the strength of the solution, it acted as a caustic 
 or simply resolved the morbid growths. For the former purpose a saturated solution was 
 employed ; for the latter, one containing a tenth of the acid or less. Binz (loc. cit ., p. 
 131) refers to experiments in which sick rabbits illustrated the antipyretic virtues of the 
 preparation, and urges that its poisonous qualities do not constitute a sufficient objection to 
 its use. Yet he prudently advises that the sodium salt, and not the acid, should be em- 
 ployed. In 1879, however, Wylie prepared hydriodic acid by mixing 1 drachm of 
 potassium iodide with 90 grains of tartaric acid, and dissolving in f^iv of water. He 
 claimed that a teaspoonful of this solution had as much influence as 30 grains of potas- 
 sium iodide, and did not disorder the stomach. To prevent partially its decomposition, 
 it was mixed with a heavy syrup. He recommended it in “ bronchitis and in chronic and 
 subacute catarrhal diseases,” and also in chronic malarial poisoning, in Graves’ disease , 
 and, like Luton, for goitre , and adipose tumors (Med. Record , xx. 454). The effects of 
 the acid in bronchial asthma resemble those of potassium iodide, and do not so frequently 
 include the annoying operation of the latter medicine (Wile, Therap. Gaz., xii. 541 ; 
 Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., xii. 110). The dose is generally stated at Gm. 2 (f^ss) of the 
 freshly made acid. A syrup has been used containing Gm. 0.45 (gr. 6.67) of the acid in 
 Gm. 32 (5j). 
 
 ACIDUM HYDROBROMICUM DILUTUM, U. S., Hr.— Diluted 
 
 Hydrobromic Acid. 
 
 A rid urn bromohydricum. — Acide hydrobromique , Fr. ; Bromwa.sserstoffsdure , llybrobrom- 
 siiure ) G. 
 
 Formula HBr. Molecular weight 80.7 6. Strength 10 per cent. Sp. gr. 1.077. 
 
 Origin. — Hydrobromic acid was discovered by Balard (1826). It is formed by the 
 direct union of its elements at a red heat, by the decomposition of hydrogen sulphide and 
 other hydrogen compounds by bromine, by the action of bromine in the presence 
 of water upon the lower oxides of sulphur, phosphorus, arsenic, and other elements, 
 and by the action of water upon the sulphur, phosphorus, and other compounds of 
 bromine. Hr. recommends to pass II 2 S into bromine kept under water. 
 
 Preparation. — Markoe (1875) recommended the following procedure: 1 pound of 
 phosphorus is spread over the bottom of a one-gallon jar, covered with water, and the jar 
 half filled with ice, after which a large funnel is inserted into the throat of the jar, a 
 funnel-tube adjusted so as to reach a short distance above the phosphorus, and the jar 
 surrounded with ice. 3 or 4 pounds of bromine may now be very slowly added through 
 the funnel-tube, care being taken to prevent the accumulation in the jar of uncombined 
 bromine, which would give rise to an explosion when reacting with the phosphorus. The 
 two elements unite to form phosphorus pentabromide, PBr 6 ; and this, reacting with 
 water, forms phosphoric and hydrobromic acids; PBr 6 4- 4H 2 0 yields II 3 P0 4 -f 5IIBr. 
 After the reaction is completed the excess of phosphorus is removed, and the aqueous 
 liquid distilled until hydrobromic acid ceases to come over. The syrupy residue left in 
 the retort, when properly diluted, is utilized as phosphoric acid. 
 
 Fothergill’s formula is an adaptation of that of Dr. D. C. Wade (1875). An acid of 
 the strength required by the Pharmacopoeia, but containing small quantities of potassium 
 bitartrate and bromide, may be prepared extemporaneously by dissolving 8 parts of potas- 
 sium bromide and 10 parts of tartaric acid, each in 25 parts of distilled water, mixing 
 the solutions, cooling the mixture, and stirring it well; after the potassium bitartrate Mas 
 precipitated the whole is thrown upon a small filter, and the vessel and precipitate are 
 washed with 10 parts of ice-cold water. 
 
 The difficulties of distilling hydrobromic acid by decomposing potassium bromide with 
 sulphuric acid have been overcome by Dr. Squibb (1878) as follows: 7 parts by weight 
 of sulphuric acid, sp. gr. 1.838 at 15.6° C. (60° F.), arc added to 1 part of water, and 
 the mixture allowed to cool, when it is slowly, and with constant stirring, added to a hot 
 
58 
 
 ACIDUM II YDR OBR OMIC UM DILUTUM. 
 
 solution of 6 parts of potassium bromide in 6 parts of water. A decomposition into hydro- 
 bromic acid and potassium sulphate will take place ; 2KBr + H 2 S0 4 yields 2HBr + K 2 S0 4 . 
 On setting the mixture aside for twenty-four hours, the salt crystallizes, the liquid 
 is poured olf into a retort, and the crystalline mass broken up, transferred to a funnel, 
 and washed with 2 parts of cold water to recover adhering hydrobromic acid. The wash- 
 ings are likewise poured into the retort, which is placed upon a sand-bath or set upon a 
 wire gauze, and the whole is then distilled nearly to dryness. The distillate, which weighs 
 about 10 parts, is assayed with normal solution of soda, and then diluted with distilled 
 water so as to contain 34 per cent, of HBr. When of this strength, the acid represents 
 one-half the bromine strength of an equal weight of potassium bromide, and should be 
 dispensed only as acidum hydrobromicum concentratum. According to W. Griming (1883) 
 distillation of the acid is readily accomplished by using 100 parts of potassium bromide 
 and .250 parts of phosphoric acid, sp. gr. 1.304. 
 
 Hager avoids distillation of the acid by operating as follows: 15.5 parts of potassium 
 bromide are dissolved in 25 parts of hot water ; the solution is mixed with 38 parts of 
 sulphuric acid, spec. grav. 1.115, or 32 parts of water and 6.7 parts strong sulphuric acid, 
 and the mixture cooled by immersing the flask in cold water ; 40 parts of strong alcohol 
 are added, and after two hours, when the potassium sulphate has separated, the liquid is 
 filtered through glass-wool, and the vessel and filter washed with 15 or 20 parts of 60 
 per cent, alcohol ; the clear filtrate is either evaporated or distilled at a temperature 
 not exceeding 80° C. (176° F.) until the alcohol has been expelled. At the temperature 
 named but very little hydrobromic acid is volatilized ; the residue is diluted with water 
 until it weighs 100 parts. 
 
 The process of Bruylants (1879) consists in carefully dropping bromine into oil of 
 copaiva, and afterward applying heat ; the reaction is very energetic. 
 
 Properties. — Pure hydrobromic acid is a colorless gas of a pungent and irritating 
 odor, and produces dense white fumes in a moist atmosphere. Its aqueous solutions are 
 colorless, odorless, limpid liquids of a strongly acid taste, which remain colorless on 
 exposure to air. Dr. Squibb determined the acid of the strength suggested by him to 
 have the specific gravity 1.274 at 15.6° C. (60° F.), and to contain 33.58 bromine, .42 
 hydrogen, and 66 water. When heated, water and a weak acid distil over, and when 
 the temperature reaches 126° C. (258.8° F.) an acid remains which has the specific 
 gravity 1.490 and contains 47.8 per cent. HBr. This strong acid may be distilled un- 
 changed. 
 
 Hydrobromic acid liberates bromine on the cautious addition of chlorine-water or of 
 nitric acid, the bromine being soluble, with a yellow or orange-red color, in chloroform, 
 ether, and carbon bisulphide ; and such a solution, agitated with starch paste, imparts to 
 the latter a yellow color; excess of chlorine-water will destroy the color. 
 
 The density of aqueous hydrobromic acid at 15° C. (59° F.), according to Biel (1881), 
 is as follows : 
 
 Per ct. 
 HBr. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 Per ct. 
 HBr. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 Per ct. 
 HBr. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 Per ct. 
 HBr. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 Per ct. 
 HBr. 
 
 Spec. grav. 
 
 1 
 
 1.0082 
 
 11 
 
 1.085 
 
 21 
 
 1.172 
 
 31 
 
 1.270 
 
 41 
 
 1.388 
 
 2 
 
 1.0155 
 
 12 
 
 1.093 
 
 22 
 
 1.181 
 
 32 
 
 1.281 
 
 42 
 
 1.401 
 
 3 
 
 1.0230 
 
 13 
 
 1.102 
 
 23 
 
 1.190 
 
 33 
 
 1.292 
 
 43 
 
 1.415 
 
 4 
 
 1.0305 
 
 14 
 
 1.110 
 
 24 
 
 1.200 
 
 34 
 
 1.303 
 
 44 
 
 1.429 
 
 5 
 
 1.038 
 
 15 
 
 1.119 
 
 25 
 
 1.209 
 
 35 
 
 1.314 
 
 45 
 
 1.444 
 
 6 
 
 1.046 
 
 16 
 
 1.127 
 
 26 
 
 1.219 
 
 36 
 
 1.326 
 
 46 
 
 1.459 
 
 7 
 
 1.053 
 
 17 
 
 1.136 
 
 27 
 
 1.229 
 
 37 
 
 1.338 
 
 47 
 
 1.474 
 
 8 
 
 1.061 
 
 i 18 
 
 1.145 
 
 28 
 
 1.239 
 
 38 
 
 1.350 
 
 48 
 
 1.490 
 
 9 
 
 1.069 
 
 19 
 
 1.154 
 
 29 
 
 1.249 
 
 39 
 
 1.362 
 
 49 
 
 1.496 
 
 10 
 
 1.077 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 1.163 
 
 30 
 
 1.260 
 
 40 
 
 1.375 
 
 50 
 
 1.513 
 
 Tests. — Hydrobromic acid should evaporate without leaving any residue. It should 
 not be precipitated by barium chloride, showing the absence of sulphuric acid, nor should 
 a brown color appear within half an hour if 1 Cc. of the acid be mixed with 1 Cc. of 
 stannous chloride solution and a small piece of pure tin-foil (absence of arsenic). It 
 yields, like hydrochloric acid, white precipitates with solutions of lead, mercurous and 
 silver salts. Silver bromide is nearly insoluble in dilute ammonia-water, which dis- 
 solves silver chloride readily ; on the subsequent addition of nitric acid only a slight tur- 
 
ACID UM HYDROBROMICUM DILUTUM. 
 
 59 
 
 bidity should be produced. If contaminated with hydriodic acid, the latter on exposure 
 to air will liberate iodine, which gives a blue color with starch. On cautiously adding 
 chlorine-water to such an acid, iodine will first be liberated, and dissolve in carbon disul- 
 phide with a purple color ; on the further addition of the reagent bromine will be liber- 
 ated. The strength of hydrobromic acid may be determined by neutralization or by silver. 
 8.08 Gm. of the official acid should require for neutralization 10 Cc. of the volumetric 
 solution of potassa ; and 10 Gm. of it, when treated with silver nitrate in excess, will 
 yield a precipitate which, after washing and drying, weighs 2.32 Gm., and when heated 
 in chlorine gas is converted into silver chloride weighing 1.77 Gm. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In its liquid and diluted state, and particularly when pre- 
 pared by decomposing bromide of potassium with tartaric acid, it has an agreeable acid- 
 ulous taste ; but the pure acid is as corrosive as concentrated hydrochloric acid. The 
 experiments of Reichert (1881) appear to prove conclusively that the action of hydro- 
 bromic acid is essentially the same as that of potassium bromide. Its operation is, how- 
 ever, more transient. It is of interest to note that, like other agents classed as narcotic, 
 it is stimulant in small doses and in large doses depressing. It is less apt than its potas- 
 sium salt to provoke an acneiform eruption. It was first employed to prevent the head- 
 ache occasioned by quinine, and also by iron, by combining it with those medicines, as 
 well as to palliate the nervous irritability or disorders for which they are often pre- 
 scribed. It soon appeared to be, in many cases, an appropriate substitute for bromide 
 of potassium, and at least equal to that salt in the energy, if not in the duration, of its 
 action upon the nervous system. In combination with quinine and iron its own compar- 
 atively transient influence forms an appropriate preparation for their more permanent 
 action. It especially seems to prevent the tinnitus aurium and the disorder of vision 
 which sometimes follow the use of large doses of quinine. But as these phenomena are 
 often the only guides in regulating the dose of quinine, a medicine capable of suppress- 
 ing them is of questionable advantage unless the appropriate dose of quinine has been 
 experimentally determined. It appears to co-operate with digitalis as well as with qui- 
 nine and iron in improving the tone of the heart when weak and irritable. Like the 
 bromides, it has been successfully employed in a variety of nervous disorders induced by 
 reflex irritation, such as vomiting , muscular spasm , whooping cough , irritable heart , and 
 neuralgia, and in coughs excited by bronchial or laryngeal irritation. In cases also of 
 cerebral hypersemia , headaches , and insomnia , due to excessive mental activity in study, 
 business, etc., it appears to have the same influence as the bromides ( Med . Record , xx. 
 545). In tinnitus aurium and other subjective sensations in the ear, especially those of 
 a throbbing or knocking character, depending upon vascular congestion, the medicine has 
 proved very efficient. According to some competent observers, it is more injurious than 
 useful in epilepsy , aggravating the attacks and rendering them more frequent. Dr. H. C. 
 Wood has shown that they probably employed quite insufficient doses of the acid, and such 
 as were not at all equivalent to efficient doses of the bromide salts. He found by a 
 series of comparative trials that under bromide of sodium the largest number of fits 
 occurred ; that they were reduced to one-third by bromide of potassium ; and were still 
 further reduced under the daily dose of fgiij of dilute hydrobromic acid (U. S. P.). The 
 acid was given after meals with an equal amount of ginger syrup, and diluted with half a 
 pint of water. No untoward effects appeared, but the patients were generally in robust 
 health and had a powerful digestion (Med. News , xliv. 209). It has been suggested that 
 the acid may be substituted wholly or partly for the salt to check the development of 
 the bromide eruption and of the debilitating influence of its alkaline base. It has been 
 found more efficient and less painful than muriatic acid for treating mercurial ulcers. 
 
 Dr. Squibb has called attention to the difficulty of administering the acid “ in conse- 
 quence of the large dilution necessary and its disagreeable effect of” setting the teeth on 
 edge.” “ A dose of fifty grains requires not less than 8 fluidounces of dilution, which 
 must contain not less than an ounce of sugar or 2 ounces of syrup to make it drink- 
 able.” Doses of about half this amount have been found necessary to produce a prompt 
 sedative effect. Dr. Squibb has proposed the use of a syrup containing about 3 minims 
 of his acid in each fluidrachm. Gm. 16 (half an ounce) of this s} 7 rup contains about 
 Gm. 1 (15 grains) of the acid, and is reckoned to be equivalent to Gm. 0.80 (12.5 
 grains) of potassium bromide. It must be given diluted with from Gm. 64-120 (2 to 4 
 ounces) of water. Dr. Randolph suggested pure milk as the best excipient of the 
 medicine, and advised that it be not administered much within an hour after meals, lest 
 it impede the digestion of starchy food in the stomach. Hydrobromate of quinine, being 
 very soluble in water, is more suitable than the neutral sulphate for hypodermic use. It 
 
GO 
 
 ACIDUM HYDROCHLORICUM. 
 
 may be prepared thus: R. Potassii bromid. 162 gr. ; Acid, tartaric. 198 gr. ; Quininse 
 sulph. 60 gr. ; Aquae fgiij. — M. Filter. Dose, Gm. 2-4 (fjss-i). 
 
 ACIDUM HYDROCHLORICUM, U. S., Br., JP. G.— Hydrochloric Acid. 
 
 Acidum muriaticum s. hydrochloratum s. chlorhydricum. — Muriatic acid , E. ; Acide 
 cldorhydrique s. muriatique , Fr. ; Salzsaure , Chlorwasserstoffsaure , G. ; Acido cloridico. F. 
 It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HC1. Molecular weight 36.37. Strength 31.9 per cent. Spec. gray. 1.160 
 (25 per cent. ; spec. grav. 1.124 P. G.'). 
 
 Diluted Hydrochloric Acid : Strength 10 per cent. U. S., 10.58 per cent. Br ., 12.5 per 
 cent. P. G. Spec. grav. 1.050 U. S., 1.052 Br., 1.061 P. G. 
 
 Origin. — Hydrochloric acid occurs in the uncombined state among the gases emitted 
 by active volcanoes, and in combination its radical, chlorine, is found in numerous min- 
 erals, prominent among which is sodium chloride, or common salt, which is also one of 
 the most important constituents of sea-water and the source of nearly all the hydrochloric 
 acid of commerce. The acid was obtained in the fifteenth century by Basilius Valentinus, 
 and was described as spirit of salt, a name which is occasionally used even at the present 
 time. The correct composition of hydrochloric acid was first proved by Humphry Davy 
 (1810). 
 
 Preparation. — Enormous quantities of hydrochloric acid are produced in the prepa- 
 ration of potash and of sodium carbonate, for which purpose it is necessary to convert 
 the chlorides into sulphates. The escaping gas is made to pass through long vertical 
 cylinders, which are filled with coke, over which water is made to trickle. The water, 
 dissolving the acid in its descent, is collected below or allowed to run to waste. If the 
 acid is intended for uses in the arts, a purer article is required, and the gas is then made 
 to pass through a series of stone receivers having the shape of large Woulfe’s bottles, the 
 first of which is empty, while the other five or six contain a certain quantity of water. The 
 stills consist of horizontal iron cylinders, into which equal weights of common salt and 
 sulphuric acid are introduced, after which heat is applied. The first receiver retains any 
 sodium sulphate and sulphuric acid which may be mechanically carried over, the gas being 
 absorbed by the water in the other receivers. 
 
 By this process 117 parts of sodium chloride require 98 parts of concentrated (or a 
 correspondingly larger quantity of a somewhat weaker) sulphuric acid. The first reaction 
 results in liberation of one-half of the hydrochloric acid and production of acid sodium 
 sulphate ; 2NaCl + H. 2 S0 4 yields HC1 -f- NaCl -|- NaHS0 4 . The decomposition of the 
 remaining chloride by the acid sodium sulphate is effected at a temperature beyond 
 200° C. (392° F.), but on the large scale a much higher heat is found necessary ; the 
 reaction takes place as follows : NaCl A NaHS0 4 = HC1 + Na 2 S0 4 . The salt cake remain- 
 ing in the retort is worked up into Glauber’s salt by dissolving it in water and crystalliz- 
 ing, or it is used for the preparation of soda. The acid thus obtained has a lighter or 
 deeper yellow color, due to a small quantity of ferric chloride dissolved in it. If other- 
 wise pure and of sufficient strength, it may be employed for preparing ferrous and ferric 
 chlorides. 
 
 In a process recommended by Eschellmann (1882) the product obtained in preparing 
 hydrochloric acid may be again utilized for the same purpose : calcium chloride and 
 magnesium sulphate are mixed with water to form a soft mass, and then heated to dull 
 redness. The reaction taking place is explained by the equation CaCl 2 + MgS0 4 + 
 H.,0 = (MgO.CaS0 4 ) + 2HC1. The basic calcium-magnesium sulphate may be used for 
 generating ammonia from sal ammoniac, resulting in the formation of calcium sulphate 
 and magnesium chloride, from which the above basic sulphate and hydrochloric acid gas 
 may be again obtained. On treating in the same manner a mixture of magnesium chlor- 
 ide and sulphate, the result is, besides hydrochloric acid, basic magnesium sulphate, 
 MgO.MgS0 4 , from which, on boiling with water, magnesium hydroxide is precipitated, 
 while magnesium sulphate remains in solution. 
 
 A pure acid, suitable for pharmaceutical purposes, is obtained by rectifying 12 parts 
 of the crude acid in a glass retort in such a manner that the delivery-tube terminates at 
 the surface of 3 parts of distilled water contained in the receiver, which is refrigerated 
 with water ; the heat is continued until about 7 parts have distilled over. The pure 
 acid is usually prepared on a large scale by distilling sodium chloride and sulphuric acid 
 in the proportions given above, using glass retorts having a capacity of 5 or 6 gallons, and 
 collecting the acid in suitable glass receivers; a number of these retorts are usually 
 
ACIDUM H YDROCHL ORICUM. 
 
 61 
 
 arranged in a properly constructed furnace having the requisite number of sand-baths, 
 each of which is large enough to receive one retort, and may be sufficiently heated to 
 recover all hydrochloric acid, with the production of sodium sulphate. In the pharma- 
 ceutical laboratory, however, it is usually preferable to employ the sulphuric acid in such 
 a quantity that acid sodium sulphate is formed, since the hydrochloric acid is then 
 obtained at a lower temperature ; NaCl -f- H. 2 S0 4 = HC1 -f- NaHS0 4 . For 3 parts of dry 
 sodium chloride but little more than 5 parts of concentrated sulphuric acid are required, 
 and these are the proportions employed in the following process, which likewise contains 
 the necessary details for successfully carrying on the operation : 
 
 Take of Sodium Chloride, dried, 48 ounces ; Sulphuric Acid 44 fluidounces (80 ounces) ; 
 Water, 36 fluidounces ; Distilled Water 50 fluidounces. Pour the sulphuric acid slowly 
 into 32 ounces of the water, and when the mixture is cooled add it to the sodium chloride 
 previously introduced into a flask having the capacity of at least 1 gallon. Connect the 
 flask by corks and a bent glass tube with a three-necked wash-bottle furnished with a 
 safety-tube and containing the remaining 4 ounces of the water; then, applying heat to 
 the flask, conduct the disengaged gas through the wash-bottle into a second bottle con- 
 taining the distilled water by a bent tube, dipping about half an inch below the surface, 
 and let the process be continued until the product measures 66 ounces or the liquid has 
 acquired a specific gravity of 1.16. The bottle containing the distilled water must be 
 kept cool during the whole operation. — Br. 
 
 Acidum hydrochloricum (s. muriaticum) dilutum, U. S., Br., P. G. — Diluted hydro- 
 chloricacid, E. ; Acide chlorhydnque dilue, Fr. ; Verdiinnte Salzsdure, (4. — Add Hydrochloric 
 Acid 100 Gm. to Distilled Water 219 Gm., and mix. — CJ. S. The British Pharmacopoeia 
 adds to 3060 grains of hydrochloric acid sufficient distilled water, until the mixture, at 15.5° 
 C. (60° F.), after it has been shaken, measures 1 imperial pint. The Germ. Ph. directs that 
 equal parts by weight of hydrochloric acid and water be mixed. It must be borne in 
 mind that the official hydrochloric acid of the Germ. Ph. contains only 25 per cent, of 
 absolute HC1. The specific gravity of diluted hydrochloric acid is 1.050 U. $., 1.052 Br., 
 1.061 P. G. 
 
 Properties. — 1. Hydrochloric Acid Gas. — It is colorless, has a pungent, acid, 
 suffocating odor, and when inhaled is highly irritating, though less so than chlorine. Its 
 specific gravity is 1.2844 (Thomson). It strongly reddens blue litmus-paper, does not 
 support combustion, and in contact with the atmosphere produces grayish-white fumes by 
 condensing the moisture of the air. It may be condensed into a colorless liquid by a 
 pressure of 1 atmosphere and a refrigerating mixture of solid carbon dioxide and ether. 
 This liquid does not congeal at — 110° C. ( — 166° F.), and at 10° C. (50° F.) exerts a pres- 
 sure equal to 40 atmospheres. Its composition is HC1, or equal volumes of hydrogen and 
 chlorine united without condensation. 
 
 2. Official Hydrochloric Acid. — It is a colorless liquid, having the specific gravity 
 1.160, and emitting white vapors in contact with the air. It gives with silver nitrate 
 a white curdy precipitate, which is soluble in ammonia and insoluble in nitric acid. The 
 strength of the acid is determined, after suitably diluting it with distilled water, by neutral- 
 izing it with volumetric solution of soda or potassa. 3.64 Gm. of the acid require 31.9 
 Cc. of the latter ( JJ. S.), or 114.8 grains of acid need 1000 grain-measures of the soda 
 solution ( Br .). Pure hydrochloric acid of the German Pharmacopoeia is required to have 
 the density 1.124, and to contain 25 per cent. HC1. ; and 5 Cc. of the acid will therefore 
 require 38.5 Cc. of normal alkali solution. 
 
 Water absorbs at 0° C. (32° F.), the barometer being 760 Mm., 501.5 volumes of 
 hydrochloric acid gas. The concentrated acid, on being heated, loses gas, becoming 
 weaker on boiling until, at the barometric pressure given before, it has reached the specific 
 gravity 1.101 at 15° C. (59° F.), contains 20.01 per cent. HC1, and distils at 110° C. 
 (230° F.) unchanged, leaving no residue if the acid was perfectly pure. On boiling a 
 weaker acid it becomes stronger, the final density depending on the atmospheric pressure. 
 
 Hydrochloric acid of the specific gravity 1.01 at 25° C. (77° F.) contains, according to 
 E. Davy, 2.02 per cent, of gas, and for every additional 2.02 percent, increases in density 
 at the ratio of 0.01, so that an acid of 1.10 specific gravity contains 20.20 per cent., and 
 if of specific gravity 1.19 contains 38.38 per cent, of gas. These figures differ little from 
 those ascertained by A. Ure. 
 
 The following table, which is essentially that prepared by Prof. G. Lunge and incor- 
 porated in the U. S. Ph., refers only to chemically pure acids. The percentage of real 
 acid in the commercial acids, particularly when they are concentrated, is always less than 
 that given in the table : 
 
62 
 
 A CII) UM HYDE 0 CHL ORICUM. 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity- 
 15 0 C. 
 at 4 o C> 
 
 in vacuo. 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 100 Parts 
 by weight 
 contain 
 — parts 
 of 
 
 HC1. 
 
 1 Liter 
 contains 
 — kilos 
 of 
 
 HCl. 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 at 4 o 
 
 in vacuo. 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 ! 100 Parts 
 
 by weight 
 contain 
 — parts 
 of 
 HCl. 
 
 1 Liter 
 contains 
 — kilos 
 of 
 HCl. 
 
 1.000 
 
 1.0008 
 
 0.16 
 
 0.0016 
 
 ! 1.105 
 
 1.106 
 
 20.97 
 
 0.232 
 
 1.005 
 
 1.00059 
 
 1.15 
 
 0.012 
 
 1 1.110 
 
 1.111 
 
 21.92 
 
 0.243 
 
 1.010 
 
 1.00109 
 
 2.14 
 
 0.022 
 
 1 1.115 
 
 1.116 
 
 22.86 
 
 0.255 
 
 1.015 
 
 1.0159 
 
 3.12 
 
 0.032 
 
 1.120 
 
 1.121 
 
 23.82 
 
 0.267 
 
 1.020 
 
 1.021 
 
 4.13 
 
 0.042 
 
 1.125 
 
 1.126 
 
 24.78 
 
 0.278 
 
 
 1.0253 
 
 5. 
 
 
 
 1.1271 
 
 25. 
 
 
 1.025 
 
 1.026 
 
 5.15 
 
 0.053 
 
 1.130 
 
 1.131 
 
 25.75 
 
 0.291 
 
 1.030 
 
 1.031 
 
 6.15 
 
 0.064 
 
 1.135 
 
 1.136 
 
 26.70 
 
 0.303 
 
 1.035 
 
 1.036 
 
 7.15 
 
 0.074 
 
 1.140 
 
 1.141 
 
 27.66 
 
 0.315 
 
 1.040 
 
 1.041 
 
 8.16 
 
 0.085 
 
 1.145 
 
 1.146 
 
 28.61 
 
 0^328 
 
 1.045 
 
 1.046 
 
 9.16 
 
 0.096 
 
 1.150 
 
 1.151 
 
 29.57 i 
 
 0.340 
 
 
 1.0502 
 
 10. 
 
 
 
 • 1.1532 
 
 30. 
 
 
 1.050 
 
 1.051 
 
 10.17 
 
 0.107 
 
 1.155 
 
 1.156 
 
 30.55 
 
 0.353 
 
 1.055 
 
 1.056 
 
 11.18 
 
 0.118 
 
 . . 
 
 1.160 
 
 31.326 
 
 
 1.060 
 
 1.061 
 
 12.19 
 
 0.129 
 
 1.160 
 
 1.161 
 
 31.52 
 
 % 0.366 
 
 1.065 
 
 1.066 
 
 13.19 
 
 0.141 
 
 
 1.163 
 
 31.90 
 
 
 1.070 
 
 1.071 
 
 14.17 
 
 0.152 
 
 1.165 
 
 1.166 
 
 32.49 
 
 0.379 
 
 
 1.0752 
 
 15. 
 
 
 1.170 
 
 1.171 
 
 33.46 
 
 0.392 
 
 1.075 
 
 1.076 j 
 
 15.16 
 
 0.163 
 
 1.175 
 
 1.176 
 
 34.42 
 
 0.404 
 
 1.080 
 
 1.081 
 
 16.15 
 
 0.174 
 
 
 1.179 
 
 35. 
 
 
 1.085 
 
 1.086 
 
 17.13 
 
 0.186 
 
 1.180 
 
 1.181 
 
 35.39 
 
 0.418 
 
 1.090 
 
 1.091 
 
 18.11 
 
 0.197 
 
 1.185 
 
 1.186 
 
 36.31 
 
 0.430 
 
 1.095 
 
 1.096 | 
 
 19.06 
 
 0.209 
 
 1.190 
 
 1.191 
 
 37.23 
 
 0.443 
 
 
 1.1005 
 
 20. 
 
 
 1.195 
 
 1.196 
 
 38.16 
 
 0.456 
 
 1.100 
 
 1.101 
 
 20.01 
 
 0.220 
 
 1.200 
 
 1.201 
 
 39.11 
 
 0.469 
 
 Diluted Hydrochloric Acid has the same properties as the strong acid, but contains 
 only 10 per cent. (U. S.), 10.58 per cent. ( Br .), 12.5 per cent. (P. Gi) of HC1, and has 
 the specific gravity of 1.050 (27. $.), 1.052 (Pr.), 1.061 (P. Gi). The amount of volu- 
 metric solution of soda required for neutralization is 10 Cc. for 3.64 Gm. of the acid 
 (P. S .), or 1000 grain-measures for 345 grains of the latter (Pr.). 
 
 Impurities and Tests. — Hydrochloric acid evaporates completely without leaving 
 any residue (saline impurities). When diluted with at least five times its volume of dis- 
 tilled water, it yields no precipitate with hydrogen sulphide (lead, copper, arsenic, tin), 
 ammonia in excess (lead, iron), or barium chloride (sulphuric acid) ; nor shows a turbidity 
 on adding a few drops of decinormal iodine solution to this test (sulphurous acid) ; nor 
 does it acquire a blue color with the ammonia test (copper), or a brown or black color on 
 the subsequent addition of ammonium sulphide (metals) ; it is not colored red by potas- 
 sium sulphocvanate (iron), or blue by a mixture of starch paste and potassium iodide 
 (chlorine), and does not tarnish or alter the color of bright copper-foil when boiled with it 
 (arsenic). To test it for sulphurous acid or arsenic, put a few pieces of pure zinc into a 
 rather long test-tube and introduce the hydrochloric acid, diluted with 2 parts of water, 
 which should fill about one-tenth part of the tube. In the upper part of the tube place 
 a small bunch of cotton moistened with solution of lead acetate, and cover the mouth 
 of the tube with a piece of white filtering-paper moistened with solution of silver nitrate. 
 After the evolution of hydrogen gas has continued for an hour, neither the cotton nor 
 the paper should be blackened, proving the absence of sulphurous acid in the former 
 case and of arsenic in the latter. Under the conditions described sulphurous acid 
 evolves hydrogen sulphide, which blackens the lead salt, and arsenic yields hydrogen 
 arsenide, which does not affect lead acetate, but blackens silver nitrate. The quantita- 
 tive tests of the U. S. P. as to the purity of the acid are — (1) absence of iodine or 
 bromine: 1 Cc. of the acid diluted with twice its volume of water should not give to a 
 few drops of chloroform any color when a small quantity of freshly-prepared chlorine- 
 water or a granule of potassium chlorate is added; (2) absence of chlorine and bromine: 
 1 Cc. of the acid diluted with 5 Cc. of water should not give a blue color on adding 0.5 
 Cc. of zinc-iodide starch solution ; (3) limit of arsenic : on mixing 1 Cc. of stannous 
 chloride solution with an equal volume of the acid and a small piece of pure tin-foil, no 
 brown color should appear within one hour; (4) absence of thallium , arsenic, lead , etc. : 
 a few Cc. of freshly-prepared hydrogen-sulphide solution should cause no color at the 
 
ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM. 
 
 63 
 
 zone of contact when poured on an equal volume of hydrochloric acid ; (5) absence of 
 iron, aluminum , etc. : 1 Cc. of ammonium-sulphide solution should cause neither a color nor 
 a turbidity when added to 1 Cc. of hydrochloric acid which has been slightly supersatu- 
 rated with ammonia. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Hydrochloric acid is employed in numerous processes, 
 either on account of its properties as a solvent for decomposing certain compounds with 
 the view of liberating certain constituents (sulphur, carbonic acid, hydrocyanic acid, etc.), 
 or for the purpose of generating chlorine. It is used in the preparation of nitromuriatic 
 acid and of the various official chlorides, and for promoting the precipitation of resin of 
 podophyllum. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Given to man ill small doses, hydrochloric acid occasions a 
 sense of warmth in the stomach and arterial excitement, with a decided tendency to 
 cerebral intoxication. Its protracted use causes salivation. In a concentrated form it 
 attacks the tissues as a caustic, but less powerfully than nitric or sulphuric acid. An 
 ounce of the officinal acid has been taken without causing death. The symptoms of 
 poisoning by hydrochloric acid are sunken features, dilated pupils, a white stain upon 
 the tongue and fauces, a small, irregular, and feeble pulse, epigastric pain, and cold 
 extremities. Vomiting and purging sometimes occur. After large doses, as 3 or 4 
 ounces, death takes place in from three to six hours. Hydrochloric acid was at one time 
 extensively employed in low fevers , probably only upon theoretical grounds, which have 
 disappeared along with the practice. It was vaunted in scrofula and other affections 
 involving debility ; but, as it was associated with cinchona, its share in whatever benefit 
 accrued is more than doubtful. Perhaps upon better grounds it may be recommended 
 for constitutional syphilis when mercury and iodine are inappropriate. But, not improb- 
 ably, its use in this disease may be attributed to its sometimes causing salivation. The 
 frequent connection of acid dyspepsia with gastric fermentation, the development of 
 bacteria, etc., and even with putrefaction of the food, has led, on the one hand, to the use 
 of alkalies and their carbonates, which correct an effect of the disorder, and to that of 
 mineral acids, which tend to remove its cause. Muriatic acid, which is naturally formed 
 in the stomach, has been found successful in correcting this disorder. It must be given 
 after meals, diluted with water iu the proportion of not less than 1 : 750, or daily about 
 15 grains of the acid in 24 ounces of water. It has been employed in calculous com- 
 plaints, and perhaps advantageously in so far as they were associated with dyspeptic dis- 
 orders. In this way, possibly, it may be found useful in eczema and psoriasis and other 
 diseases of the skin, which sometimes depend upon digestive derangements. Hydrochloric 
 acid was at one time regarded as a most valuable agent in the treatment of diphtheria , 
 but recent experience has shown that the local affection is of subordinate importance, 
 and that the mere removal of the exudation does not modify the disease. Moreover, 
 chlorate of potassium and other agents are more eligible than the acid as palliatives of 
 the pharyngeal inflammation. The same may be said, even more emphatically, of gan- 
 grenous, mercurial, scorbutic, and other forms of ulcerative stomatitis. According to 
 Voltolini, /?s/i-5fme.s lodged in the pharynx are rendered flexible, and may finally be broken 
 up, by a mixture of 4 parts of hydrochloric acid and 240 parts of water, the teeth being 
 first protected by oil or lard. The method is probably not to be relied on. A poisonous 
 dose of this acid should be counteracted by magnesia, soap, bicarbonate of sodium, or, in 
 the absence of these, by albumen. The dose of the stronger acid is from Gm. 0.30—2.00 
 (5 to 30 minims); of the weaker acid, from Gm. 1.30-4.00 (20 to 60 minims), largely 
 diluted and taken through a glass tube. As a gargle, Gm. 4-8 of the stronger acid may 
 be diluted in Gm. 350-400 (10 or 12 ounces) of barley- waiter sweetened with honey. 
 
 ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM, U. S., Br.— Diluted 
 
 Hydrocyanic Acid. 
 
 Acidum hydrocyanatum s. borussicum. — Prussic acid , E. ; Acide cyanhydrique s. hydro- 
 cyanique , Fr. ; Cyanic asserstoffsdure , Blausaure , G. ; Acido cianhidrico , Sp. 
 
 Formula IICN — HCy. Molecular weight 26.98. Strength 2 per cent. HCy. 
 
 Origin. — Hydrocyanic acid was discovered by Scheele (1782); Berthollet (1803) 
 ascertained it to be a compound of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen ; and Guy Lussac 
 (1815) succeeded in analyzing it and in isolating the radical cyanogen, CN. The acid has 
 been found in the root of Janipha Manihot, and in the bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds of 
 many shrubs and trees belonging to the sub-orders Amygdalese and Pomese of the order 
 Rosacese. It occurs in the free state only in some of the more juicy parts of these 
 
64 
 
 ACID mi HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM. 
 
 plants, but a larger quantity is formed on macerating the parts indicated in cold water, 
 when the amygdalin contained therein is split by the action of emulsin or a similar 
 ferment into sugar, oil of bitter almonds, and hydrocyanic acid ; C 20 H 27 NO n (amygdalin) 
 -j- 2H 2 0 yields 2C 6 Hi 2 0 6 (glucose) + C 7 H 6 0 (oil of bitter almonds) + HCN (hydrocyanic 
 acid). It is likewise found among the products of the reaction of nitric and nitrous acids 
 upon many organic compounds, and of gaseous ammonia upon incandescent charcoal. 
 For medicinal purposes it is mostly prepared by the decomposition of potassium ferro- 
 cyanide by means of sulphuric acid. 
 
 Preparation. — Place 20 Gin. of potassium ferrocyanide in a tubulated retort, and 
 add to it 40 Cc. of water. Connect the neck of the retort (which is to be directed 
 upward), by means of a bent tube, with a well-cooled condenser, the delivery-tube of 
 which terminates in a receiver surrounded with ice-cold water and containing 65 Cc. of 
 distilled water. All the joints of the apparatus, except the neck of the receiver, having 
 been made air-tight, pour into the retort, through the tubulure, 8 Cc. of sulphuric acid 
 previously diluted with 25 Cc. of water. Agitate the retort gently, and then heat it in a 
 sand-bath so as to keep the liquid in brisk ebullition until about one-half of its volume 
 has passed over into the receiver. Detach the receiver, and add to its contents so much 
 distilled water as may be required to bring the product to the strength of 2 per cent, of 
 absolute hydrocyanic acid. — U. S. 
 
 The process of the British Pharmacopoeia is similar to the foregoing, differing chiefly 
 in distilling from a weaker solution. The proportions employed are 2? ounces of potas- 
 sium ferrocyanide dissolved in 10 ounces of water, and 1 fluidounce of sulphuric acid 
 diluted with 4 ounces of water ; the receiver contains 8 ounces of distilled water, and 
 the distillation is continued until the liquid is increased to 17 fluidounces, when it is 
 diluted with distilled water so as to contain 2 per cent, of hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 On mixing diluted sulphuric acid with the solution of potassium ferrocyanide in the 
 cold, only one-half of the latter salt is decomposed, with the formation of potassium 
 sulphate and hydroferrocyanic acid, thus : K 4 FeC 6 N 6 (potassium ferrocyanide) + 2H 2 S0 4 
 yields 2K 2 S0 4 + H 4 FeC 6 N 6 (hydroferrocyanic acid). This last compound may be obtained 
 by adding ether to the mixture, when the acid will be separated as a whitish powder or 
 pearly scales. On the application of heat to the mixture this acid reacts with the 
 remaining potassium ferrocyanide and sulphuric acid, yielding hydrocyanic acid, which 
 distils over, potassium sulphate, which remains in solution, and ferrocyanide of iron and 
 potassium (Everitt’s salt), which precipitates as a white powder, rapidly turning green, 
 and finally blue, in the presence of oxygen. The reaction is explained in the following: 
 H 4 FeC 6 N 6 + K 4 FeC 6 N 6 + H 2 S0 4 = 6HCN (hydrocyanic acid) + K 2 S0 4 + K 2 Fe(FeC ? N 6 ) 
 (Everitt’s salt). 2 molecules of potassium ferrocyanide with 3 of sulphuric acid yield, 
 therefore, finally, 6 molecules of hydrocyanic acid, 3 of potassium sulphate, and 1 of 
 Everitt’s salt, the latter having a white color, but turning rapidly blue on exposure. 
 
 The preparation of official hydrocyanic acid by the above process presents no difficul- 
 ties. Distilling the acid over a naked fire would cause concussions endangering the safety 
 of the retort. The Pharmacopoeia very properly orders the retort to be placed in a sand- 
 bath, or an ash-bath may be substituted for it. The complete decomposition of the 
 potassium ferrocyanide and the distillation of the hydrocyanic acid are readily effected, 
 the entire amount being obtainable at a temperature little exceeding that of boiling water. 
 The contamination of the distillate with the contents of the retort, which may occur in 
 consequence of spirting, is easily prevented by substituting a flask for the retort or by 
 keeping the neck of the latter in a slightly elevated position. 
 
 The strength of the distillate may be determined by weighing 100 grains of it in a 
 small beaker containing some distilled water, and precipitating completely with silver 
 nitrate ; the precipitate of silver cyanide is collected upon a tared filter, washed, dried at 
 at 100° C. (212° F.), and weighed. From the excess of this weight over 10 grains the 
 amount of distilled water is easily calculated, which must be added to the distillate, the 
 precise weight of which has been ascertained, in order to obtain it of the official strength. 
 The Pharmacopoeia prescribes the following method for ascertaining the strength of the 
 distillate: Into a 100 Cc. flask put 0.27 Gm. of the distillate, together with sufficient 
 water and magnesia to make an opaque mixture of about 10 Cc. To this add 2 or 3 
 drops of potassium-chromate solution, and then decinormal silver-nitrate solution, until a 
 permanent red tint is produced. Each cubic centimeter of silver solution used will indi- 
 cate 1 per cent, of absolute HCN ( U . N.) ; from this the amount of water to be added 
 to the distillate can at once be calculated ; for instance, if 3.5 Cc. of T N 7 silver solution 
 were necessary to produce the permanent color caused by formation of silver chromate, 
 
ACIDXJM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM. 
 
 65 
 
 then every 100 parts of distillate require the addition of 75 parts of distilled water, 
 because 2:3.5: : 100:175. The object of adding magnesia in the foregoing test is to 
 neutralize the free acid ; an excess of magnesia, not being hurtful, serves as a desirable 
 background for the red color of silver chromate, which latter does not appear permanent 
 until all the hydrocyanic acid present has been converted into silver cyanide. After 
 proper dilution it should at once be put into clean small vials, well corked. 
 
 The amount of hydrocyanic acid contained in the finished product may also be deter- 
 mined volumetrically by the method above stated, using, however, 1.35 Gm. of the dilute 
 acid in place of 0.27 ; in this case each Cc. of silver solution used will indicate 0.2, or 
 one-fifth, of 1 per cent. 
 
 The Br. Ph. requires that 270 grains of dilute acid, made alkaline by the addition of 
 soda, shall require 1000 grain-measures of volumetric silver-nitrate solution before a per- 
 manent precipitate appears. This is essentially Liebig’s method, depending upon the 
 formation of a double salt, KAgCy 2 , which is not decomposed by an excess of alkali. 
 The permanent turbidity occurs when all the hydrocyanic acid present is in combination 
 as the double cyanide, and the further addition of silver solution then causes decomposi- 
 tion, insoluble silver cyanide separating. 
 
 Diluted hydrocyanic acid may be advantageously prepared from several cyanides. 
 Potassium cyanide, however, is not well adapted for this purpose, owing to the diffi- 
 culty of obtaining it absolutely pure ; but even if the salt were decomposed by the 
 requisite quantity of tartaric acid to form potassium bitartrate, the portion of the 
 latter salt remaining in solution would tend to speedily decompose the acid, unless dis- 
 tillation were resorted to. A convenient method for obtaining an acid suitable for imme- 
 diate use is the following : 
 
 Take of Silver Cyanide 6 Gm. ; Hydrochloric acid 5 Cc. ; Distilled Water 55 Cc. Mix 
 the hydrochloric acid with the distilled water, add the silver cyanide, and shake the whole 
 together in a glass-stoppered vial. When the precipitate formed has subsided pour oft’ 
 the clear liquid. — U. S. 
 
 The hydrochloric acid decomposes the silver cyanide, forming insoluble silver chloride 
 and hydrocyanic acid ; thus, AgCy -j- HC1 = AgCl + HCy. 
 
 The French Codex employs a mixture of mercury cyanide and ammonium chloride, the 
 latter being used to produce readily soluble and fusible double salts. The mixture is 
 treated with hydrochloric acid, and the resulting gas passed first over marble to remove 
 hydrochloric acid, and then over calcium chloride to remove water, into a narrow tube 
 placed in a refrigerating mixture. The anhydrous acid is condensed, and is diluted with 
 nine times its weight of distilled water. This process presents no advantages whatever. 
 On the contrary, owing to the concentration of the acid as at first condensed, precautions 
 are necessary to avoid dangerous results in handling this volatile liquid. 
 
 Properties. — Anhydrous hydrocyanic acid is a colorless, mobile liquid which con- 
 geals at — 15° C. (5° F.) to feathery crystals, has the density .697 at 18° C. (64.4° F.), 
 boils at 26.5° C. (79.7° F.), and when ignited burns with a slightly luminous flame to 
 carbonic anhydride and nitrogen. It has a strong odor, resembling that of oil of bitter 
 almond, and is extremely poisonous. It is the hydride of the radical cyanogen, and its 
 composition is expressed by the formula HCN = HCy. It reddens litmus-paper slightly 
 and transiently, and with alkalies yields crystallizable salts having a strong alkaline 
 reaction, and producing with an acidulated mixture of ferrous and ferric salts a pre- 
 cipitate of Prussian blue. Most of its salts, on being treated with diluted mineral or 
 many organic acids, yield hydrocyanic acid, and are decomposed by strong nitric acid, 
 with the evolution of nitrogen and other gases ; silver cyanide dissolves in boiling 
 nitric acid, the solution containing silver nitrate. A solution of an alkali cyanide mixed 
 with solution of picric acid and heated to about 60° C. (140° F.) acquires a deep-red 
 color, from the production of a salt of isopurpuric or picrocyanic acid , C 8 H 5 N 5 0 6 (Hlasi- 
 wetz, 1859). 
 
 Hydrocyanic acid is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether in all proportions. The medi- 
 cinal acid contains 2 per cent, of anhydrous acid ; the aqueous solution of this strength 
 has the spec. grav. 0.997 ( Br .). The methods for ascertaining the strength have been 
 given above. Minute qantities of hydrocyanic acid may be detected by Schoenbein’s 
 (see Guaiacum) or by Liebig’s test (1847); the latter is applied by adding a little 
 ammonium sulphide, evaporating at a moderate heat to dryness, and adding to the residue 
 a drop of diluted ferric chloride, when the blood-red color of ferric sulphocyanate will 
 appear. 
 
 Under various circumstances hydrocyanic acid is decomposed on keeping, evolving 
 b 
 
66 
 
 ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM. 
 
 ammonia and depositing a brown or blackish substance containing paracyanogen, C 3 N 3 
 or C 6 N 6 . The causes of these changes have not been fully explained : it is, however, 
 well known that the presence of alkalies and exposure to the light favor decomposition ; 
 and since, by heating hydrocyanic acid in the presence of free mineral acids, ammonium 
 formate is apt to be produced, it will be seen that even recently prepared dilute hydro- 
 cyanic acid may be prone to change, and that, if altered, the decomposition cannot be 
 arrested by distillation except after the previous addition of sufficient sulphuric acid. 
 The addition of a minute quantity of hydrochloric acid, and of alcohol in place of a 
 portion of the water, to the recently prepared acid, appears to retard that change, but does 
 not altogether prevent it. The stronger the hydrocyanic acid is, the more liable it is to 
 decomposition. The acid known as Scheele’s acid, which contains 5 per cent, of HCy, is 
 therefore not adapted for medicinal use. 
 
 Another difficulty in preserving the strength of hydrocyanic acid must be attributed to 
 its volatility and the loss suffered by the medicinal acid on the frequent opening of 
 the vial containing it. This has (1873 and 1874) been the subject of investigation 
 by A. Towerzey and others. J. Williams states that an addition of 20 per cent, of 
 glycerin will preserve acid up to the strength of about 5 per cent., and J. U. Lloyd 
 (1878) observed that alcoholic hydrocyanic acid could be kept in partially-filled bottles 
 unaltered and without material loss of acid for three years. Careful observations made 
 by large manufacturers have thus far failed to suggest a desirable remedy for the well- 
 known instability of hydrocyanic acid. The use of diluted alcohol as prescribed by 
 the Pharmacopoeia of 1880 gave no better results than the present method. Weaker 
 solutions of hydrocyanic acid are known to keep better, but even these are not stable. 
 The U. S. and Br. directions to keep the acid in a cool, dark place should always be 
 observed. 
 
 Impurities. — On adding a few drops of solution of corrosive sublimate, and heating 
 to boiling, a reduction of the mercuric salt to calomel or to mercury will indicate the pres- 
 ence of formic acid. Sulphuric acid is recognized by the white precipitate produced on the 
 addition of barium chloride. Hydrochloric and phosphoric acids are detected by adding 
 solution of borax, evaporating to dryness, and dissolving the residue in diluted nitric acid ; 
 a white precipitate with silver nitrate will indicate the former, and a yellow precipitate 
 with ammonium molybdate the latter, impurity. 
 
 Derivative. — Hydrocyanic Ether, ethylcyanide or propionitrile, C 3 H 5 N = C 2 H 5 CN. 
 Prepared according to Pelouze’s process (1834), by distilling barium ethylsulphate with 
 potassium cyanide, it has a garlicky odor, which is due to the isomeric ethylcarbylamin , 
 and is difficult to remove. A purer product is obtained, according to Williamson (1853), 
 by digesting ethyl iodide with 4 parts of alcohol containing an equivalent quantity of 
 potassium cyanide until decomposed, and then distilling. When perfectly pure it is a 
 colorless liquid of the density 0.787, has an agreeable ethereal odor, suggesting that of 
 hydrocyanic acid, is almost insoluble in water, and boils at 97° C. (206.6° F.). It is 
 poisonous, but less so than hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man, hydrocyanic acid, when taken in medicinal but still over- 
 active doses, may produce the following symptoms: irritation of the throat, salivation, 
 warmth at the epigastrium, lightness of the head, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, headache, 
 numbness, a dusky countenance, staggering, constriction of the chest, palpitation of the 
 heart, a frequent or abnormally slow pulse, weariness, and drowsiness. Poisonous but not 
 fatal doses have produced the following effects : insensibility, usually a feeble pulse, dilated 
 pupils, a turgid and dusky face, heat of head, convulsions or rigidity, or both in suc- 
 cession, but no paralysis. Consciousness and muscular power return rapidly, considering 
 the gravity of the initial symptoms. The symptoms attributed by Martin to chronic 
 poisoning by this acid are dyspnoea, headache, anorexia, irritation of the throat, cough, 
 thirst, and debility, followed by feebleness of heart, anaemia, muscular ataxia, and debil- 
 ity (Mmer. Journ. Med. Sci., Sept. 1888, p. 328). This acid may be detected in the urine. 
 It can be developed from several articles used as food, such as bitter almond, and a bean, 
 pois d’Achery ( Phaseolus lunatus ), which grows in Mauritius, and some varieties of which 
 are used as food ( Practitioner , xxxii. 434). In fatal cases it is remarkable that there are 
 no convulsions, but relaxation rather. The pupils are usually dilated and the eyes lus- 
 trous, and the pulse sometimes grows slower until extinction. After death the skin is 
 purplish, and all the internal veins are gorged with blood, which is dark and uncoagu- 
 lated. The eyes retain their peculiar glistening aspect. The mucous membrane of the 
 stomach is usually congested. 
 
 The dangerous potency of this acid necessarily restricts its use in medicine. It has 
 
ACID UM HYDROFL UORICUM. 
 
 67 
 
 been employed with a certain advantage in the treatment of whooping cough , but is at 
 best a palliative merely. The same may be said of its influence in cases of purely ner- 
 vous cough , spasmodic dysphagia , and angina pectoris. It is related that in a case of the 
 night cough of children , which had resisted every other treatment, the attacks ceased 
 almost abruptly on the administration of this acid in doses of from one-half to three- 
 quarters of a minim every 3 hours (Macdonald). In gastralgia there is perhaps more 
 reason to anticipate advantage from its use, and, as the disease is often rebellious, the 
 possibility of relieving it by prussic acid should not be overlooked. Most of the cases 
 supposed to illustrate its efficacy were clearly not examples of pure gastralgia, but of 
 painful dyspepsia, and very possibly instances of gastric ulcer were included among 
 them. Probably in all the element pain was most beneficially influenced ; in some, 
 vomiting was palliated or arrested. These effects appear to indicate an anaesthetic action 
 in the acid, which is more distinctly manifested by the topical use of the medicine in 
 various diseases of the skin in which tingling, itching, and other distressing sensations 
 exist. 
 
 The average dose of diluted hydrocyanic acid is Gm. 0.10-0.15 (2 or 3 minims), given 
 several times a day in some neutral vehicle with the addition of a few drops of alcohol. 
 It should be dispensed in vials covered with black paper or varnish, to prevent the de- 
 composing action of the light ; and a minimum dose should be directed when a fresh 
 prescription is made. From Gm. 2-4 (30 minims) to a fluidrachm, in Gm. 32 (a 
 fluidounce) of distilled water or rose-water, forms an appropriate lotion, which, however, 
 should not be applied to the skin unless it is perfectly unbroken. 
 
 Although the experiments of Preyer upon guinea-pigs demonstrate that hydrocyanic 
 acid and atropine are mutually antidotal when given simultaneously or in quick succession, 
 and in duly-proportioned doses, it is nevertheless practically true that as regards man 
 there is no antidote to the poisonous action of hydrocyanic acid. The most efficient 
 remedy consists in the stimulation produced by the shock of cold water dashed at inter- 
 vals upon the chest and spine. Subordinate in efficiency, but not to be neglected, are 
 the application of ammonia to the nostrils, the stimulus of induced electricity, artificial 
 respiration, and the judicious agitation of the patient. 
 
 ACIDUM HYDROFLUORICUM.— Hydrofluoric Acid. 
 
 Acidum fluorhydricum. — Hydrogen fluoride , E. ; Acide fluorhydrique , Acide phtorique , 
 Fr. ; Fluorwasserstoffsdure , G. 
 
 Formula HF. Molecular weight 20. 
 
 Origin. — Fluorine exists in nature in combination with calcium as fluor-spar , also 
 in cryolite (kryolite) and other minerals ; small quantities of fluorine have been found 
 in some mineral and potable waters, in bones, and in the ashes of various plants. The 
 use of fluor-spar for etching on glass was known in the seventeenth century, but hydro- 
 fluoric acid was discovered by Scheele (1771), and first prepared pure by Gay-Lussac and 
 Thenard (1808). 
 
 Preparation. — Powdered fluor-spar (or cryolite) which is free from silica is heated 
 with sulphuric acid in a retort of platinum or lead, and the gas is conducted into distilled 
 water contained in a well-cooled receiver of the same metal. Great caution is necessary 
 to prevent contact with the vapors and avoid inhaling them. 
 
 Properties. — Pure hydrofluoric acid forms a thin, colorless fuming liquid which is 
 lighter than water, does not solidify at —35° C. (—31° F.), boils at 19.4° C. (67° F.), 
 and is freely soluble in water. The aqueous solution, which is sometimes called fluoric 
 acid, acide fluorique, is heavier than water; a solution having the density 1.15 contains 
 35.37 per cent. HF, and boils constantly at 120° C. (248° F.) (Bineau). Like the pure 
 acid, it is extremely caustic, and causes severe ulceration when applied to the skin. It 
 corrodes glass and attacks most organic and inorganic compounds, but does not act upon 
 paraffin ; it is best preserved in bottles made of lead or of gutta-percha. 
 
 The element fluorine was isolated by H. Moissau (1886) by electrolysis of anhydrous 
 hydrogen fluoride. It is a gaseous body similar in its properties to chlorine : its color is 
 more yellowish than that of the latter, and has a stronger affinity toward most bodies 
 than this. Platinum is not markedly acted on by it even at 100° C. (212° F.). 
 
 Uses. — Hydrofluoric acid in the gaseous state and its aqueous solution are used for 
 etching glass. Ammonium fluoride has a similar effect ; it forms white or colorless scales 
 or prisms, which are deliquescent and should be kept in a gutta-percha bottle. Accord- 
 ing to F. L. Slocum (1880), a mixture suitable for writing on glass, like that sold at one 
 
68 
 
 ACIDUM HYPOPHOSPHOBOSUM DILUTUM. 
 
 time as diamond ink , is made by mixing barium sulphate 3 parts, ammonium fluoride 1 
 part, and sulphuric acid sufficient to form a semfluid mixture ; if kept in glass this should 
 be coated on the inside with paraffin, wax, or gutta-percha. 
 
 Action and Uses.— According to Chevy {Bull de Therap ., cix. 108), hydrofluoric 
 acid powerfully restrains fermentation and putrefaction. In the proportion of 30V- it 
 prevents these changes in milk, soup, wine, etc., and it is said that a solution of or 
 
 YoVo is not far inferior to corrosive sublimate in removing the fetor from wounds 
 etc. Similar results have been more recently reported by Gottbrecht ( Therap . Monatsh 
 iii. 411). In 1855 it was described as having a penetrating smell and powerfully irri- 
 tating the air-passages. Even its vapors were said to get beneath the nails, causing 
 great pain, and a single drop of it on the skin produced a white spot, followed by vesi- 
 cation and a purulent discharge (Strumpf). Simpson of Edinburgh experimented with 
 it as a caustic, and Hastings prescribed it for phthisis. The latter use of it was tried in 
 France, where the exemption of engravers upon glass, who used this acid in their 
 work, from pulmonary disease (. Bull, de Therap ., cix. 108), was observed by Bastien, 
 Charcot, Seiler, Bergeron, Trousseau, Martin, and others. Bastien, indeed, employed it 
 also in asthma, whooping cough, and diphtheria, but soon relinquished these uses of 
 it. Dujardin-Beaumetz placed his consumptive patients in a special chamber of the 
 capacity of' about 22 cubic metres, where the vapor of 1 grain of the acid was diffused 
 from a leaden crucible placed in a hot-water bath ( Nouvelles med ., p. 100). From 1885- 
 87 it was employed in like manner by Sellier and Garcin. The revival of this use of 
 the acid appears to have been due to the bacillar theory of tuberculous phthisis ; but 
 hardly any who have reported their results (except Gager, Centralbl. f. Therap ., vi. 603) 
 observed any benefit beyond an increase of appetite and lessened expectoration ; and 
 Polyak concluded that it was in every respect detrimental (ibid., vii. 277). A full 
 account of the methods of employing the acid was furnished by Jarjavay {Bull, de 
 Therap., cxiv. 211, 277). Hydrofluoric acid was used by Woakes in twenty cases of 
 goitre, of which seventeen were said to have been cured. The acid was given in doses 
 of from 15 minims to 1 drachm, thrice daily, largely diluted with water. It is true that 
 injections of iodine and the administration of iron and bitter tonics formed part of the 
 treatment ( Lancet , 1881, i. 497). Waddell employed it as an arterial sedative in aneurism. 
 Dr. DaCosta concluded from clinical observation that the fluorides are prompt emetics 
 without depressing, and relieve pain without producing sleep. But they readily derange 
 the stomach, and even in small doses produce anorexia {Med. Record, xx. 168). 
 
 ACIDUM HYPOPHOSPHOROSUM DILUTUM, U. S.— Diluted 
 Hypophosphorous Acid. 
 
 Acide hypophosphoreux , Fr. ; Verdiinnte unterphosphorige Saare, G. 
 
 Formula HH 2 P0 2 . Molecular weight 65.88. 
 
 Hypophosphorous acid was discovered by Dulong (1816), and more fully investigated 
 by H. Bose (1826). 
 
 Preparations. — Whenever calcium or barium hydroxide mixed with water is 
 boiled with phosphorus, the respective hypophosphites are formed and enter into solution, 
 hydrogen phosphide being eliminated at the same time, as shown by the following equa- 
 tion : 3Ca(OH) 2 + P 8 + 6H,0 = 3Ca(H 2 P0 2 ) 2 -|- 2PH 3 ; some phosphate is no doubt 
 also formed at the same time. In order to avoid the generation of offensive gases, and 
 also to increase the yield of hypophosphite, E. Scheffer as early as 1858 suggested the 
 use of phosphorus which had been partially oxidized under water by means of atmo- 
 spheric air; at the same time it was found that the operation could be carried on at a 
 much lower temperature, most advantageously at about 55° C. (130° F.). For the 
 preparation of hypophosphorous acid any of the soluble hypophosphites may be chosen ; 
 the pure acid has been obtained in crystals by Markoe and others ; it possesses strong 
 reducing properties. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia recognizes only the 10 per cent, solution of hypophosphorous acid, 
 but for manufacturing purposes a 50 per cent, solution is found in the market ; its prep- 
 aration presents no difficulty, as the solution can be evaporated without loss. The 
 National Formulary recommends the following plan : Mix a solution of 208 parts of 
 potassium hypophosphite in 588 parts of water with a solution of 300 parts of tartaric 
 acid in 600 parts of diluted alcohol ; the mixture is to be set aside in a cold place for 
 twelve hours, and then carefully decanted and filtered. The filtrate having been weighed, 
 the alcohol is evaporated on a water-bath, and the original weight restored by addition 
 
ACIDUM LACTICUM. 
 
 69 
 
 of distilled water. This constitutes the 10 per cent, acid ; any acid of greater strength 
 may be obtained from it by carefully evaporating to the required percentage ; for instance, 
 if 50 per cent, acid be desired, evaporate the 10 per cent, acid to one-fifth of its weight, 
 etc. Conversely, a 50 per cent, acid can readily be reduced to the 10 per cent, acid 
 by adding to it four times its weight of distilled water. Moerk (1889) suggested the 
 use of calcium hypophosphite and oxalic acid in boiling solution, as yielding a much 
 better product. To 69 parts of calcium hypophosphite dissolved in 450 parts of boiling 
 water are added 50.4 parts of oxalic acid dissolved in 200 parts of boiling water ; the 
 mixture is boiled for half an hour, and, after cooling, filtered through cotton and the 
 precipitate washed with cold water. The filtrate is finally evaporated to 88 parts, yield- 
 ing a 60 per cent, acid, which can be diluted as desired; at 15.5° C. (60° F.) this acid 
 has a specific gravity of 1.2813. 
 
 Properties. — Diluted hypophosphorous acid is a colorless, odorless liquid, having a 
 specific gravity of 1.046 at 15° C. (59° F.). It should not become colored upon addition 
 of hydrogen sulphide (absence of lead, etc.), nor should different portions, neutralized 
 with ammonia-water, yield a precipitate with ammonium-sulphide or ammonium-oxalate 
 solutions (absence of iron and calcium). Phosphoric, sulphuric, oxalic, and tartaric acids 
 would be indicated by barium chloride. The strength of the acid should be determined 
 volumetrically, 6.6 Gm. of the liquid (if of 10 per cent, strength) requiring not less than 
 10 Cc. of normal potassa solution. The pharmacopoeial test with potassium perman- 
 ganate depends upon the reducing power of the acid : 0.5 Gm. of the 10 per cent, acid will 
 require 30.35 Cc. of yjj- KMn0 4 solution for complete oxidation, and if 35 Cc. of the 
 latter be used, 4.7 Cc. oxalic-acid solution will suffice to discharge the red color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dilute hypophosphorous acid is never used as a therapeutic 
 agent by itself, but in combination with its salts in the form of syrups and solutions. 
 Dose, 0.6 to 4.0 Cc. (n^x-^j). 
 
 ACIDUM LACTICUM, V. S., Br JP. G.— Lactic Acid. 
 
 Isolactic, Ethyledene-lactic, or Oxy propionic acid, E. ; Acide lactique , Fr. ; Milchsdure, 
 G. ; Acido lactico, Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 3 H 5 O 3 . Molecular weight 89.79. Strength 75 per cent. Sp. gr. 1.213 
 at 15° C. (59° F.). 
 
 Acidum lacticum dilutum, Br., Lactic acid, 3 fluidounces ; water sufficient for 20 
 fluidounces. Sp. gr. 1.040. 
 
 Origin. — Lactic acid was discovered by Scheele (1780) in sour milk, in which it 
 results from the spontaneous fermentation of the sugar of milk under the influence of 
 the casein ; C 12 H 24 0 12 (milk-sugar) yields 4 HC 3 H 5 0 3 (lactic acid). This transformation 
 of the former into the latter is called the lactic fermentation. A similar change is pro- 
 duced in dextrin, glucose, cane-sugar, etc. by the action of casein and other protein com- 
 pounds ; lactic acid is therefore met with in many vegetable products which have turned 
 sour. T. and H. Smith' s thebolactic acid of opium is identical with the lactic acid of 
 milk ; but the sarcolactic acid of meat-juice, discovered by Berzelius (1807), and recog- 
 nized by Liebig as differing in several respects from the lactic acid of milk, consists of 
 two acids, one of which, known as paralactic acid, has the composition given above, but 
 is dextrogyre, and the solutions of its salts have a levogyre action. The second lactic 
 acid of flesh is like that of milk, optically inactive, but is ethylenelactic acid, having the 
 composition CH 2 OH.CH 2 .COOH, and its zinc salt is soluble in absolute alcohol. Strecker 
 (1858) observed that by heating sarcolactic acid for some time to 130° or 140° C. (266° 
 or 284° F.) the anhydride is produced, which, dissolved in boiling water, yields ordinary 
 lactic acid. During lactic fermentation, alcohol, several acids, a peculiar gum, and mannit 
 are formed in variable proportions, more particularly if the temperature be allowed to 
 vary much from about 45° C. (113° F.). 
 
 Preparation. — 100 parts of sugar are dissolved in sufficient water to yield a solu- 
 tion of 8 ° or 10° B. ; 8 or 10 parts of fresh cheese and 50 parts of prepared chalk are 
 added, and the mixture placed for several weeks in a sunny place, when calcium lactate 
 will be found crystallized (Pelouse). Boutron and Fremy dissolve 300 Gm. of milk-sugar 
 in 4 liters of skimmed milk, expose the mixture to a temperature of from 20 ° to 30° C. 
 ( 68 ° to 84° F.), and neutralize every other day with sodium bicarbonate. When it 
 ceases to acquire an acid reaction the liquid is boiled, filtered and carefully evaporated 
 to a syrupy consistence ; this is dissolved in strong alcohol, the sodium precipitated by 
 sulphuric acid, and the lactic acid converted into calcium lactate by the addition of 
 
70 
 
 ACIDUM LACTICUM. 
 
 chalk. Wackenroder operates in the same manner, except that an excess of chalk is 
 added before fermentation begins, and the mixture is kept at 24° C. (75.2° F.), and the 
 calcium lactate is recrystallized from boiling water. This salt, obtained by one of the 
 foregoing processes, is then decomposed by an ascertained accurate amount of sulphuric 
 or oxalic acid. If during fermentation the lactic acid is neutralized by commercial zinc- 
 white, zinc lactate is obtained, which may be decomposed by hydrogen sulphide. 
 Lautemann, who proposed this modification (1860) followed in the main Bensch’s direc- 
 tions, dissolving 6 pounds of cane-sugar and | ounce of tartaric acid in 35 pounds of 
 boiling water, adding after 2 days 4 ounces of old cheese diffused in 8 pounds of sour 
 milk, and exposing the mixture to a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.). Below 20° C. (68° 
 F.) the production of lactic acid is impeded ; above 40° C. (104° F.) butyric acid begins 
 to be formed. 
 
 A more expeditious method for the preparation of lactic acid has been described by H. 
 Kiliani (1882) : 500 Grin, of cane-sugar, dissolved in 250 Gm. of water, are converted 
 into invert-sugar by boiling with 10 Ccm. of sulphuric acid ; 450 Ccm. of solution, made 
 of equal parts of caustic soda and water, are gradually added, and the mixture is heated 
 to 60° or 70° C., until it ceases to react for sugar with Fehling’s solution. The liquid is 
 neutralized with sulphuric acid, the sodium sulphate allowed to crystallize, and the 
 remainder precipitated by alcohol ; one-half of the clear alcoholic liquid is heated, neu- 
 tralized with zinc carbonate, mixed with the other half, and cooled, when zinc lactate 
 will crystallize, from which the acid may be obtained in the usual manner. 
 
 Properties. — Lactic acid of the Pharmacopoeia is a syrupy, colorless liquid, having 
 no odor, a very sour taste, and the specific gravity 1.213; it absorbs moisture when 
 exposed to damp air ; the pure acid is colorless, inodorous, and has the specific gravity 
 1.215 at 20.5° C. (68.9° F.), or, according to Mendelejeff, 1.2485 at 15° C. (59° F.). In 
 this market two commercial varieties of lactic acid are largely met with, designated 
 respectively as concentrated and dilute lactic acid ; since neither specific gravity nor per- 
 centage is indicated, the terms are meaningless and sure to lead to confusion. It unites 
 in all proportions with water, alcohol, and ether, but is insoluble in chloroform, carbon 
 disulphide, and benzin. It forms with cold concentrated sulphuric acid a clear liquid, 
 which on heating becomes brown and black. On warming the acid with potassium per- 
 manganate the odor of aldehyde is given off. When kept at ordinary temperature over 
 sulphuric acid, Wislicenus (1870) obtained dilactic acid , an amorphous bitter anhydride 
 of the composition C 6 H 10 O 5 — C 3 H 4 0 2 .C 3 H 6 0 3 . The same compound is formed from lactic 
 acid at from 110° to 130° C. (230° to 266° F.), and at about 150° C. (302° F.) the 
 anhydride lactid , C 3 H 4 0 2 , is obtained in volatile, fusible rhombic plates. Both anhydrides 
 are insoluble in water, but on prolonged boiling with it, or more rapidly by dissolving in 
 alkaline liquids, yield lactic acid. When distilled at a higher temperature or when heated 
 in the open air, lactic acid decomposes, giving off a suffocating odor and forming a spongy 
 charcoal, which is finally consumed, leaving not over 1 per cent, of residue (17 Si). It 
 coagulates milk and albumen, and displaces carbonic and acetic acids from their com- 
 pounds, yielding salts which are soluble in water, and mostly also in alcohol. Lactic acid 
 on being oxidized by nitric acid yields oxalic acid, and by treatment with chromic acid 
 formic and acetic acids are produced. On oxidizing ethene lactic acid large crystals of 
 malonic acid , C 3 H 4 0 4 , are obtained. 90 grains of the official acid are neutralized by 75 
 grains of potassium bicarbonate, or 4.5 Gm. of the acid by 37.5 Cc. of volumetric 
 solution of soda, indicating 75 per cent, of HC 3 II 5 0 3 , phenolphtalein being used as 
 indicator (17 Si). 
 
 Impurities. — Treated with a hot solution of potassa, lactic acid is not materially 
 colored; if it readily becomes brown, extractive matters are present. Dissolved in 
 strong alcohol, gum and some mineral salts are left behind. Glycerin, glucose, mannit, 
 tartaric acid, and most salts remain undissolved by ether. Acetic and butyric acids 
 are recognized by their odor, which becomes more apparent on warming. For detecting 
 other organic and mineral acids their special tests may be applied. In the diluted acid 
 calcium salts are indicated by ammonium oxalate ; lead, by hydrogen sulphide ; zinc, after 
 neutralization with ammonia, by ammonium sulphide ; sulphuric acid, by barium chloride ; 
 sarcolactic acid, by copper sulphate; hydrochloric acid, by silver nitrate; and oxalic acid, 
 by calcium chloride, after previously diluting the acid with twenty times its quantity of 
 water and neutralizing with ammonia. On saturating the acid with zinc carbonate, dry- 
 ing at 100° C., and treating with absolute alcohol, zinc sarcolactate will be dissolved ; also 
 glycerin and mannit if present. 
 
 On adding 1 Cc. of lactic acid, drop by drop, to 2 Cc. of ether, no turbidity, either 
 
ACIDUM LACTICUM. 
 
 71 
 
 transient or permanent, should be observed ( P . G.) ; this is intended to prove the absence 
 of glycerin, sugar, mannit, etc. The absence of sugars is also determined by the failure 
 of the acid producing red cuprous oxide on being added to hot Fehling’s solution. Solu- 
 tion of copper sulphate should have no effect upon a 10 per cent, solution of lactic acid 
 (absence of sarcolactic acid). The limits of allowable impurities are determined as 
 follows : 10 Cc. of a 1 per cent, aqueous solution of the acid should not be rendered 
 opalescent by the addition of 1 Cc. of silver nitrate T. S. (limit of chloride). On mixing 
 equal volumes of lactic and colorless sulphuric acids in a small, clean, glass-stoppered 
 vial, the mixture should not acquire a tint deeper than a pale straw color (absence of more 
 than traces of organic impurities , such as sugar, extractive, etc.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Lactic acid is normally secreted by the stomach, and may be 
 detected in the sweat and urine. Its excess in the system seems to be one of the most 
 striking phenomena of rheumatism, and several cases have been published, in all of which 
 its free administration during diabetes occasioned an attack of articular rheumatism. 
 According to Mendel, it is hypnotic in large doses. Lactic acid has been employed in 
 the treatment of various forms of dyspepsia , but chiefly in those presumed to depend 
 upon debility of the stomach, and then as a solvent for pepsin. Hayem and Lesage con- 
 sidered lactic acid one of the best remedies for infantile diarrhoea. They used a 2 per 
 cent, solution, of which from 15 to 20 dessertspoonfuls were given in the twenty -four 
 hours ( Annuaire de Therap ., 1888, p. 80). Their results have been confirmed by Shaw 
 (New York Med. Jour., xlviii. 123). Huchard did not find that tuberculous diarrhoea 
 was controlled by doses of 30 to GO grains a day ; but Sezary and Aune alleged that 
 daily doses of 30 to 120 grains a day controlled the disorder (Therap). Gaz., xiii. 41). 
 The treatment can only be palliative when the diarrhoea depends upon tubercular ulcers. 
 Lactic acid in a 20-40 per cent, solution has been used with advantage to correct the 
 fetor and promote the cure of suppurative otitis ( Centralbl . f. Ther., vii. 118), and in 
 ulcerative disease of the nasal fossse (Astier, Bull, de Therap., cxvi. 327). Some years 
 ago Cantani suggested that, in addition to the use of an exclusively animal diet in 
 diabetes , an agent ought to be employed which would prevent the waste of the tissues by 
 furnishing an appropriate substance in their stead. For this end he proposed lactic acid, 
 which he believed would supply the very product which the deranged liver was no longer 
 capable of furnishing. Whatever may be thought of the theory, it appears certain that, 
 in the hands of the physician named, and in those of Dr. Balfour and Dr. Foster, several 
 cases of diabetes treated by this medicine were improved by it more than by any other 
 means whatever, the secretion of urine falling to the normal standard, while it became 
 free from sugar and the patients regained their flesh and strength. From (4m. 8-16 (2- 
 4 drachms), diluted in (4m. 250-320 (8-10 ounces) of water, were taken during the 
 day. The remarkable solubility of false membranes in lactic acid led to its use in 
 diphtheria and in croup (pseudo-membranous laryngitis); and the reports of several 
 observers appear to prove that when the acid is applied with a mop in the former, and 
 by atomization or the syringe in the latter disease, it may contribute to the cure. For 
 the purpose last described a solution was used of 1 part of the acid in 20 parts of water. 
 
 In 1885, Mosetig-Moorhof ( Centralbl . f. Therap., iii. 216) used concentrated lactic 
 acid as a caustic in cases of fungous caries , lupus, and epithelioma , and claimed that while 
 it destroyed the morbid growth, it did not attack the healthy tissues. He applied it on 
 linen cloth or on absorbent cotton, covered with impermeable tissue and a bandage, after 
 protecting the surrounding skin with adhesive plaster. When the caustic was removed 
 at the end of twelve hours, the part was cleansed, and water dressings were applied 
 during from twelve to twenty-four hours. The acid was then applied anew, and the 
 process repeated as often as necessary. The pain of the application was said to last 
 only a few hours. Soon afterward Krause (ibid., iii. 397) applied solutions of the acid, 
 varying in strength from 10 to 80 per cent., to ulcers and morbid growths within the 
 larynx, taking care to use no more of the solution than was necessary. The sensibility 
 of the part was first blunted with cocaine. The benefit of this treatment depends, of 
 course, upon the nature of the lesion. Usually it is only temporary, but it prolongs life 
 and lessens suffering. These observations have been confirmed and carried further by 
 Jelink (ibid., iii. 529), Bum, and others; but the first named did not favor the treatment 
 of lupoid growths with the acid, and denied that it respects the normal tissue of the part 
 to which it is applied. He claimed that it is the best caustic application for laryngeal 
 and pharyngeal affections, and especially for tuberculous ulcers of the larynx, securing a 
 degree of comfort in breathing and swallowing which had before been unattainable. The 
 
72 
 
 ACIDUM NITRIC UM. 
 
 observations of Rafin agree with the above ( Practitioner , xli. 214), as do those of Ihering 
 (Bull, de Ther.j cxii. 283). 
 
 Mendel claims that lactic acid relieves insomnia produced by nervous excitement, and 
 especially by fright. He recommends that Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij) be given in lemonade, or 
 that much larger doses be administered by enema; e. <j. Gm. 8—16 (f^ij— iv). In such 
 cases the acid should be neutralized by bicarbonate of sodium. The results of Mara- 
 gliano's use of the medicine in the insane hardly justify a belief in its hypnotic virtues. 
 
 ACIDUM NITRICUM, 77. 8., Br P. G.— Nitric Acid- 
 
 Acidum nitri s. azoticum , Spiritus nitri acidus. — Acide azotique s. nitrique , Fr. ; Salpeter- 
 saure , G. ; Acido nitrico. It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HN0 3 = N0 2 .0H. Molecular weight 62.89. Strength 68 per cent. U. S.. 
 70 per cent. Br ., 25 per cent. P. G. Spec. grav. 1.414 U. S., 1.42 Br., 1.153 P. G. 
 
 Diluted Nitric Acid. Strength, 10 per cent. U. S., 17.44 per cent. Br. Spec. grav. 
 1.057 U. S., 1.101 Br. 
 
 Origin. — Nitric acid occurs chiefly in combination with the alkalies and alkaline 
 earths, and in localities where vegetable or animal matter has undergone putrefaction. 
 It is found in the juice of many plants and in small quantities in rain- and snow-water. 
 A process for preparing this acid was first made public by Geber in the eighth century, 
 and its composition was determined by Cavendish (1785) and Davy (1816). F'or medi- 
 cinal and technical purposes nitric acid is made by decomposing sodium or potassium 
 nitrate by sulphuric acid. 
 
 Preparation. — 1. Acidum Nitricum. It is prepared on the large scale in apparatus 
 constructed similar to that used in the manufacture of hydrochloric acid. The sulphuric 
 acid acts upon potassium nitrate, forming acid potassium sulphate, and liberating the 
 nitric acid ; thus KN0 3 -f- H. 2 S0 4 = KHS0 4 -f- HN0 3 . The resulting acid salt does not 
 decompose another molecule of potassium nitrate, except at so high a temperature that 
 most of the nitric acid then given off" will be decomposed into nitrous acid and oxygen. 
 1 molecule or 101 parts of potassium nitrate will therefore require 1 molocule or 98 parts 
 of concentrated sulphuric acid. The same amount of nitric acid may be obtained from 
 1 molecule or 85 parts of sodium nitrate ; but, according to Wittstein (1838), the sul- 
 phuric acid requires to be diluted with one-fourth its weight of water to prevent the mass 
 in the retort from being carried over into the receiver, the foaming being prevented by 
 supplying the acid sodium sulphate with the necessary water of crystallization. Graham 
 showed that the reaction of acid sodium sulphate upon sodium nitrate occurs at a much lower 
 temperature than between the corresponding potassium salts ; hence, all the nitric acid 
 may be obtained from 2 molecules or 170 parts of sodium nitrate with 98 parts of sul- 
 phuric acid, the decomposition furnishing sodium sulphate ; 2NaN0 3 -f H 2 S0 4 yields 
 2HN0 3 -f Na 2 S0 4 . The violent foaming of the residue toward the close of the operation 
 is prevented by the addition of a little water or by the use of weaker sulphuric acid. 
 Stieren recommends (1865) the employment of 21 pounds of sulphuric acid, specific 
 gravity 1.717, for 24 pounds of sodium nitrate, as a charge for a retort of 5 or 6 gallons 
 capacity ; about one-fourth of the residue in the retort consists of acid sodium sulphate, 
 the remainder being neutral sulphate. 
 
 In the manufacture of nitric acid from sodium nitrate, sulphuric acid may be replaced 
 by manganous chloride, sulphate of iron, magnesium sulphate, and similar salts, the 
 metals of which remain as oxides in the retort with the sodium salt ; but in most cases 
 the heat necessary to effect the reaction is sufficient to decompose a considerable portion 
 of the nitric acid. 
 
 As obtained on the large scale it usually contains nitrogen tetroxide, N 2 0 4 , which im- 
 parts to it a red or yellow color. This is removed by applying to it a moderate heat, and 
 after the red vapors have escaped the acid is diluted to the desired strength. 
 
 The sodium and potassium nitrates, as they occur in commerce, contain variable quan- 
 tities of chlorides, from which, if used in the above process, hydrochloric acid is liberated, 
 and this, reacting with some of the nitric acid, produces chlorine, which, for this reason, 
 may contaminate the nitric acid. If the acid is desired in a pure state, the nitrates must 
 be previously purified by repeated recrystallization, or the impure acid rectified either by 
 itself or over some nitrate. The first portion of the distillate contains the chlorine, and 
 the receiver is changed when the condensed liquid ceases to produce a curdy precipitate 
 with silver nitrate. Iodine, if present from the sodium nitrate, will likewise be found in 
 this part of the distillate. The distillation is continued into the new receiver until about 
 
ACIDIJM NITRICUM. 
 
 73 
 
 one-fifth or one-sixth is left in the retort, from which, if the heat is continued, nitrogen 
 tetroxide is again produced. Formerly the chlorine and iodine were removed from the 
 crude acid by silver nitrate ; the acid was carefully decanted from the precipitate and 
 rectified. The process of direct rectification, as already described, is more advantageous, 
 from one-half to three-fourths being obtainable in the pure state, according to the purity 
 of the crude acid used. 
 
 2. Acidum Nitricum Fumans, P. G. ; Acidum nitroso-nitricum, Spiritus nitri fumans. 
 — Fuming nitric acid, Nitroso-nitric acid, E . ; Acide azotique fumante, Fr. ; Rauchende 
 Salpetersliure, G. 
 
 If one-half the amount of sulphuric acid is employed as stated above for the prepara- 
 tion of nitric acid from potassium nitrate, and the heat is finally increased until the 
 reaction between the acid sulphate and the remaining potassium nitrate has been com- 
 pleted, the distillate will be nitric acid containing a considerable quantity of nitrogen 
 tetroxide, N,0 4 . and nitrous anhydride or nitrogen trioxide, N 2 0 3 ; in the presence of 
 water these two compounds may decompose, with the formation of nitric acid and of 
 nitrous acid, HN0 2 , and nitrogen dioxide, N 2 0 2 . Fuming nitric acid therefore contains, 
 besides HN0 3 , variable quantities of lower nitrogen oxides. 
 
 3. Acidum Nitricum Crudum, P. G . — Crude nitric acid, E.; Rohe Salpetersaure, G. 
 
 A clear colorless or faintly yellow liquid, when heated volatile without residue, and 
 
 containing 61 per cent, of absolute HN0 3 . Its specific gravity is 1.38-1.40. 
 
 4. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, U. S., Br . — Diluted nitric acid, E. ; Acide azotique 
 dilue, Fr. ; Verdiinnte Salpetersaure, G. 
 
 Mix 10 Gm. of nitric acid with 58 Gin. of distilled water. — U. S. Dilute G fluid- 
 ounces of nitric acid with sufficient distilled water, so that at a temperature of 60° F. it 
 shall measure 31 fluidounces, or dilute 2400 grains of nitric acid with distilled water, so 
 as to obtain 1 imperial pint of the mixture. — Br. 
 
 Properties. — 1. Nitric Anhydride, Nitrogen Pentoxide. — This was discovered 
 by St. Clair Deville (1849) in decomposing pure crystallized silver nitrate by absolutely 
 dry chlorine gas. It forms colorless shining prisms, which readily decompose into 
 nitrogen tetroxide and oxygen, fuse at about 30° C. (86° F.) into a liquid boiling near 
 50° C. (122° F.), and deliquesce rapidly when in contact with moist air. Its composition 
 is N 2 0 5 , molecular weight 107.82 ; combining with 1 molecule of water, H 2 0, it forms 2 
 molecules of nitric acid, 2HN0 3 . 
 
 2. Crude Nitric Acid. — As met with in commerce, it is either colorless or of a pale 
 yellowish color, and contains the impurities mentioned above, together with a little iron. 
 It is often called aqua fortis ; the weaker kind is of about 1.21 specific gravity, being 
 known as single aqua fortis, and the stronger, of specific gravity 1.37, as double aqua 
 fortis. Crude nitric acid is extensively used in many chemical processes. 
 
 3. Pure Nitric Acid. — It is a colorless liquid, wholly volatilized by heat. The con- 
 centrated acid or hydrogen nitrate, corresponding in composition to the formula HN0 3 , 
 has at 0° C. (32° F.) the specific gravity 1.559. When exposed to the light or heated 
 to near its boiling-point, 86° C. (186.8° F.), it is decomposed partly into water and nitro- 
 gen tetroxide, so that its boiling-point is not constant. Nor is the boiling-point of 
 weaker acids constant. Those below and those above the specific gravity 1.42 boil at a 
 constantly rising temperature, until the acid in the retort has been raised or lowered in 
 strength to correspond to the formula 2HN0 3 3H 2 0, when its boiling-point will be 
 stationary at 121° C. (249.8° F.), and it will have at 15.5° C. (60° F.) the. specific gravity 
 1.42 (Graham). This strength of nitric acid has been adopted as the official standard in 
 the British and French Pharmacopoeias. According to Roscoe, nitric acid containing 
 between 70 and 65 per cent, of hydrogen nitrate yields, after continued boiling, a liquid 
 the boiling-point of which is 120.5° C. (248.9° F.) at a barometer pressure of 735 Mm., 
 and the specific gravity of which is 1.414 at 15.5° C. (60° F.). It contains 68 per cent, 
 of hydrogen nitrate, while Graham’s acid should contain 69.96 per cent. The existence 
 of a definite hydrate having a constant boiling-point appears, therefore, somewhat doubt- 
 ful. The strength is determined by diluting the acid with four or five times its weight 
 of water, and neutralizing with volumetric solution of soda ; 6.29 Gm. of the acid 
 require 68 Cc. of the normal alkali solution ( U. S .), or 90 grains of the former and 1000 
 grain-measures of the latter ( Br .), indicating respectively 68 and 70 per cent. HN0 3 , or 
 58.29 and 60 per cent. N 2 0 5 . The acid of the German Pharmacopoeia is much weaker, 
 its spec. grav. being 1.153. 
 
 Nitric acid is a powerful oxidizing agent, converting most metals into oxides or nitrates 
 and decomposing most organic compounds. At the same time orange-red vapors are 
 
74 
 
 ACIDUM NITHICUM. 
 
 given off, which are either the trioxide, N 2 0 3 , or the dioxide, N0 2 , the latter being color- 
 less, but acquiring a deep-red color in contact with oxygen. Exposed to the direct or 
 diffused sunlight, even if of less than the official strength, it is partly decomposed, 
 becomes red, and then contains lower nitrogen oxides. It is monobasic and combines 
 with most of the basylous radicals, all its compounds being soluble in water, with the 
 exception of a few so-called basic nitrates, such as bismuth subnitrate. 
 
 The following table, corrected by Prof. Lunge, shows the specific gravity of nitric 
 acid as compared with water at 15° C. (59° F.) and also the percentage by weight of 
 absolute HN0 3 and N 2 0 5 . 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — pans of 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 at 15 o c 
 in air. 
 
 n 2 o b . 
 
 hno 3 . 
 
 n 2 o 5 . 
 
 hno 3 . 
 
 n 2 o 5 . 
 
 HNO s . 
 
 1.0001 
 
 0.08 
 
 0.10 
 
 1.206 
 
 28.36 
 
 33.09 
 
 1.402 
 
 55.97 
 
 65.30 
 
 1.0059 
 
 0.85 
 
 1.00 
 
 1.211 
 
 28.99 
 
 33.82 
 
 1.407 
 
 56.92 
 
 66.40 
 
 1.0109 
 
 1.62 
 
 1.90 
 
 1.216 
 
 29.6 1 
 
 34.55 
 
 1.412 
 
 57.86 
 
 67.50 
 
 1.0159 
 
 2.39 
 
 2.80 
 
 1.219 
 
 30. 
 
 35. 
 
 1.414 
 
 
 68. 
 
 1.021 
 
 3.17 
 
 3.70 
 
 1.221 
 
 30.24 
 
 35.28 
 
 1.417 
 
 58.83 
 
 68.63 
 
 1.026 
 
 3.94 
 
 4.60 
 
 1.226 
 
 30.88 
 
 36.03 
 
 1.4228 
 
 59.83 
 
 69.80 
 
 1.028 
 
 
 5. 
 
 1.231 
 
 31.53 
 
 36.78 
 
 1.422 
 
 60. 
 
 70. 
 
 1.031 
 
 4.71 
 
 5.50 
 
 1.236 
 
 32.17 
 
 37.53 
 
 1.427 
 
 60.84 
 
 70.98 
 
 1.033 
 
 5. 
 
 
 1.241 
 
 32.82 
 
 38.29 
 
 1.432 
 
 61.86 
 
 72.17 
 
 1.036 
 
 5.47 
 
 6.38 
 
 1.246 
 
 33.47 
 
 39.05 
 
 1.437 
 
 62.91 
 
 73.39 
 
 1.041 
 
 6.22 
 
 7.26 
 
 1.251 
 
 34.13 
 
 39.82 
 
 1.442 
 
 64.01 
 
 74.68 
 
 1.046 
 
 6.97 
 
 8.13 
 
 1.252 
 
 
 40. 
 
 1.443 
 
 
 75. 
 
 1.051 
 
 7.71 
 
 8.99 
 
 1.256 
 
 34.78 
 
 40.58 
 
 1.446 
 
 65. 
 
 
 1.056 
 
 8.43 
 
 9.84 
 
 1.258 
 
 35. 
 
 
 1.447 
 
 65.13 
 
 75.98 
 
 1.057 
 
 
 10. 
 
 1.261 
 
 35.44 
 
 41.34 
 
 1.452 
 
 66.24 
 
 77.28 
 
 1.061 
 
 9.15 
 
 10.68 
 
 j 1.266 
 
 36.09 
 
 42.10 
 
 1.457 
 
 67.38 
 
 78.60 
 
 1.066 
 
 9.87 
 
 11.51 
 
 1.271 
 
 36.75 
 
 42.87 
 
 1.462 
 
 68.56 
 
 79.98 
 
 1.067 
 
 10. 
 
 
 1.276 
 
 37.41 
 
 43.64 
 
 1.4655 
 
 
 80. 
 
 1.071 
 
 10.57 
 
 12.33 
 
 1.281 
 
 38.07 
 
 44.41 
 
 1.467 
 
 69.79 
 
 81.42 
 
 1.076 
 
 11.27 
 
 13.15 
 
 1.285 
 
 
 45. 
 
 1.472 
 
 71.06 
 
 82.90 
 
 1.081 
 
 11.96 
 
 13.95 
 
 1.286 
 
 38.73 
 
 45.18 
 
 1.477 
 
 72.39 
 
 84.45 
 
 1.086 
 
 12.64 
 
 14.74 
 
 1.291 
 
 39.39 
 
 45.95 
 
 1.479 
 
 
 85. 
 
 1.088 
 
 
 15. 
 
 1.2957 
 
 40. 
 
 
 1.482 
 
 73.76 
 
 86.05 
 
 1.091 
 
 13.31 
 
 15.53 
 
 1.296 
 
 40.05 
 
 46.72 
 
 1.487 
 
 75.18 
 
 87.70 
 
 1.096 
 
 13.99 
 
 16.32 
 
 1.301 
 
 40.71 
 
 47.49 
 
 1.492 
 
 76.80 
 
 89.60 
 
 1.101 
 
 14.67 
 
 17.11 
 
 1.306 
 
 41.37 
 
 48.26 
 
 1.493 
 
 
 90. 
 
 1.103 
 
 15. 
 
 
 1.311 
 
 42.06 
 
 49.07 
 
 1.497 
 
 78.52 
 
 91.60 
 
 1.106 
 
 15.34 
 
 17.89 
 
 1.316 
 
 42.76 
 
 49.89 
 
 1.5005 
 
 80. 
 
 
 1.111 
 
 16.00 
 
 18.69 
 
 1.317 
 
 
 50. 
 
 1.502 
 
 80.65 
 
 94.09 
 
 1.116 
 
 16.67 
 
 19.45 
 
 1.3215 
 
 43.47 
 
 50.71 
 
 1.503 
 
 81.09 
 
 94.60 
 
 1.1195 
 
 
 20. 
 
 1.327 
 
 44.67 
 
 51.53 
 
 1.5038 
 
 
 95. 
 
 1.121 
 
 17.34 
 
 20.23 
 
 1.332 
 
 44.89 
 
 52.37 
 
 1.504 
 
 81.50 
 
 95.08 
 
 1.126 
 
 18.00 
 
 21.00 
 
 1.333 
 
 45. 
 
 
 1.505 
 
 81.91 
 
 95.55 
 
 1.131 
 
 18.66 
 
 21.77 
 
 1.337 
 
 45.62 
 
 53.22 
 
 1.506 
 
 82.29 
 
 96.00 
 
 1.136 
 
 19.32 
 
 22.54 
 
 1.342 
 
 46.35 
 
 54.07 
 
 1.507 
 
 82.63 
 
 96.39 
 
 1.141 | 
 
 19.98 
 
 23.31 
 
 1.347 
 
 47.08 
 
 54.93 
 
 1.508 
 
 82.94 
 
 96.76 
 
 1.1412 
 
 20. 
 
 
 1.3474 
 
 
 55. 
 
 1.509 
 
 83.26 
 
 97.13 
 
 1.146 
 
 20.64 
 
 24.08 
 
 1.352 
 
 47.82 
 
 55.79 
 
 1.510 
 
 83.58 
 
 97.50 
 
 1.151 
 
 21.29 
 
 24.84 
 
 1.357 
 
 48.57 
 
 56.66 
 
 1.511 
 
 83.87 
 
 97.84 
 
 1.152 
 
 
 25. 
 
 1.362 
 
 49.35 
 
 57.57 
 
 1.512 
 
 84.09 
 
 98.10 
 
 1.156 
 
 21.94 
 
 25.60 
 
 1.366 
 
 50. 
 
 
 1.513 
 
 84.21 
 
 98.32 
 
 1.161 
 
 22.60 
 
 26.36 
 
 1.367 
 
 50.13 
 
 58.48 
 
 1.514 
 
 84.46 
 
 98.53 
 
 1.166 
 
 23.25 
 
 27.12 
 
 1.372 
 
 50.91 
 
 59.39 
 
 1.515 
 
 84.63 
 
 98.73 
 
 1.171 
 
 23.90 
 
 27.88 
 
 1.375 
 
 
 60. 
 
 1.516 
 
 84.78 
 
 98.90 
 
 1.176 
 
 1.180 
 
 25.54 
 
 25. 
 
 28.63 
 
 1.377 
 
 1.382 
 
 51.69 
 
 52.52 
 
 60.30 
 
 61.27 
 
 1.517 
 
 1.5177 
 
 84.92 
 
 85. 
 
 99.07 
 
 1.181 
 
 25.18 
 
 29.38 
 
 1.387 
 
 53.35 
 
 62.24 
 
 1.518 
 
 85.04 
 
 99.21 
 
 1.185 
 
 
 30- 
 
 1.392 
 
 54.20 
 
 63.23 
 
 1.519 
 
 85.15 
 
 99.34 
 
 1.186 
 
 25 83 
 
 30.13 
 
 1.3996 
 
 55. 
 
 
 1.520 
 
 85.26 
 
 99.46 
 
 1.191 
 
 26.47 
 
 30.88 
 
 1.397 
 
 55.07 
 
 64.25 
 
 1.521 
 
 85.35 
 
 99.57 
 
 1.196 
 
 1.201 
 
 27.10 
 
 27.74 
 
 31.62 
 
 32.36 
 
 1.401 
 
 
 65. 
 
 1.522 j 
 
 85.44 
 
 99.67 
 
 The density of pure nitric acid varies with its strength. In taking its specific gravity 
 
ACIDUM NITRIC UM. 
 
 75 
 
 the absence of notable quantities of nitrogen tetroxide should be ascertained, since they 
 increase the density. 
 
 4. Fuming Nitric Acid has a brown-red color, and when in contact with the air emits 
 vapors of the same color, which are of a suffocating odor. It requires to be kept in a 
 cool place, and caution should be exercised in removing the stopper, lest a portion of the 
 liquid should be violently ejected with the escaping vapors. The German Pharmacopoeia 
 requires for this preparation a specific gravity of from 1.45 to 1.50. The so-called 
 nitrous acid of our commerce is a similar but weaker article, consisting of nitric acid, 
 which is colored red by variable quantities of nitrogen tetroxide. If nitrogen trioxide, 
 N 2 0 3 , is conducted into nitric acid, a corresponding quantity of nitrogen tetroxide, N. 2 0 4 , 
 is formed ; thus : N 2 0 3 -J- 2HN0 3 — 2N 2 0 4 -f- II. 2 0. This compound is colorless at — 10° 
 C. (14° F.), orange-red at 10° C. (50° F.), and darker red above this temperature. 
 
 5. Diluted Nitric Acid is colorless, has the specific gravity 1.057, and 12.6 Gm. of it 
 are neutralized by 20 Cc. of the volumetric solution of soda, corresponding to 8.57 per 
 cent. N. 2 0 5 or 10 per cent. HN0 3 , U. S. That of the British Pharmacopoeia has the 
 specific gravity 1.101, and 361.3 grains of it (6 fluidrachms) require for neutralization 
 1000 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of soda, corresponding to 14.95 per cent. 
 N. 2 0 5 or 17.44 per cent. HN0 3 . 
 
 Impurities. — Such as are likely to be present have been mentioned above. Mineral 
 impurities are left behind as a fixed residue on evaporation, and may then be recognized 
 by appropriate tests. Iodine is detected by agitating the acid with chloroform, which will 
 acquire a reddish color and impart to starch a blue color. If the color appears only after 
 the careful addition of hydrogen sulphide, iodic acid has been present ; with an excess 
 of hydrogen sulphide the iodic acid would be converted into colorless hydriodic acid, 
 2HI0 3 -f- 6H 2 S = 6H. 2 0 -f 2HI -f- 3S 2 . Diluted with 5 volumes of distilled water, nitric 
 acid should not produce any precipitate with silver nitrate (chlorine or hydrochloric 
 acid), barium nitrate (sulphuric acid), or hydrogen sulphide, either before or after 
 neutralization with ammonia (metals). The diluted acid should not be colored blood-red 
 by potassium sulphocyanate (iron) or blue by starch-paste (iodine.) Traces of arsenic 
 are best detected by Fleitmann’s test (see page 27), and the lower nitrogen oxides by 
 the decoloration of solution of potassium permanganate or the liberation of iodine from 
 solution of potassium iodide. As stated above, such lower oxides are formed on exposure 
 to sunlight. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Nitric acid is largely used for dissolving metals (bismuth, 
 iron, mercury, and silver), for the oxidation of ferrous to ferric compounds and of phos- 
 phorous to phosphoric acid, and in the preparation of nitrous ether and amyl nitrite. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Several cases have been reported of death from inhaling the 
 fumes of nitric acid. In 1854 ( Lancet , Apr. 1854, p. 429) a chemist lost his life from 
 inspiring the fumes of this acid mixed with those of sulphuric acid. The chief symptom 
 was dyspnoea, and the lesions were congestion and haemorrhage of the bronchia. In 1884 
 the poisoning of four persons by the fumes of nitric acid was reported (. Boston Med. 
 Jour., May, 1884, p. 496). The symptoms were shallow breathing and dyspnoea, pallor, 
 cough, rapid pulse, absence of rales, except in the one fatal case and near its close. The 
 lungs were engorged and the bronchi congested ; the blood in the heart dark and firmly 
 clotted. In a third case three men died who had been exposed to the acid fumes in the 
 hold of a ship ( Med . Record, xxx. 185 ; for later cases see Zeitsch. f klin. Med., xiv. 
 502). If medicinal doses are long continued, unless precautions are taken the acid 
 impairs and may destroy the enamel of the teeth. It increases the appetite and aug- 
 ments the secretion of urine. A white coating generally covers the tongue ; the mouth 
 at first grows dry, but later the salivary secretion may become profuse, while the gums 
 grow spongy and bleed, and the teeth ache and are loosened. If continued, it occasions 
 dyspepsia, colic, foul breath, headache, feverishness, debility, and derangement of the 
 bowels. These symptoms are said to be occasioned by nitric-acid baths as well as by the 
 internal use of the acid. They rapidly subside when the medicine is suspended. 
 
 Formerly used as a disinfectant , it was abandoned on account of the irritating quality 
 of its fumes and of the introduction of chlorine and various other more efficient and less 
 annoying agents. It was given internally in typhus and other low types of fever with 
 presumed, but by no means demonstrated, advantage. In periodical, and especially 
 intermittent , fevers, it has been proved to be one of the most efficient substitutes for 
 cinchona, and indeed to cure many cases in which quinine was inoperative. From 6 to 8 
 drops of the acid, properly diluted, should be given every six hours without regard to 
 remissions or exacerbations. It was formerly used in the treatment of dysentery and 
 
76 
 
 ACIDUM NITROHYDROCHLORICTJM. 
 
 other bowel affections on the recommendation of Hope, who employed nitrous acid 
 
 xxx and laudanum npxx, in camphor- water f^iv, of which mixture a tablespoonful 
 was given every two hours. At one time it enjoyed a certain reputation in whoopiny cough , 
 for which very large doses were administered. As far as it did good, the effect was 
 probably due to the stimulant and substitutive action of the acid upon the fauces. By 
 the same agency it doubtless palliates the cough of bronchitis and hoarseness due to over- 
 exertion of the voice ; it also promotes the cure of syphilitic and other ulcers of the 
 throat. When used long enough to excite ptyalism it is reputed to have cured constitu- 
 tional syphilis. In the last-named disease it has been seldom prescribed since the intro- 
 duction of iodide of potassium. It would seem to allay the thirst of diabetes , and the 
 daily administration of Gm. 4-16 (from 1 to 3 or 4 drachms) of the acid in a quart of 
 water has certainly cured several cases of diabetes insipidus (Kennedy). This treatment 
 should be persevered in until the affection of the mouth produced by the medicine, and 
 above described, is distinctly developed. In chronic enlargement of the liver in scorbutic, 
 strumous, and syphilitic subjects, as well as in jaundice depending upon hepatic conges- 
 tion, and in scrofula of the lymphatic glands, it appears to have been often efficacious. 
 In chronic impetigo it has sometimes proved successful when other medicines were 
 ineffectual. Externally, nitric acid has been much employed as a caustic for the bites of 
 rabid animals, poisonous serpents and insects , etc. As already intimated, it forms an excel- 
 lent ingredient of gargles for the treatment of syphilitic and other obstinate ulcers of the 
 throat, as well as for sloughing sores in the mouth. It is an efficient application to 
 ulcerated gums produced by mercury. In both of the last-mentioned cases it has been 
 superseded by chlorate of potassium. Commercial nitric acid has been applied (T. G. 
 Thomas) to ulcers of the rectum in chronic dysentery. The patient should first be ether- 
 ized, the bowel exposed by means of a duck-bill speculum, and commercial nitric acid 
 lightly applied by means of a small piece of wet cotton wrapped around the' end of a 
 whalebone rod. This method was used in imitation of a similar application of nitrate 
 of silver. Lotions or foot-baths containing nitric acid are useful in the treatment of 
 chilblains , and a mixture of equal parts of dilute nitric acid and peppermint-water has 
 been similarly employed. General baths feebly acidulated with nitric acid have been 
 recommended for infantile jaundice. It is a very useful application to periostoses when 
 used so as to maintain a slight irritation of the skin ; and as a caustic it is often resorted 
 to for the destruction of warts , venereal and non-specific, and of condylomata and haemor- 
 rhoids. For these purposes its action should be limited to the diseased structure by 
 means of cerate ; or lint saturated with concentrated nitric acid, and adapted to the part 
 in shape and size, may be allowed to remain in contact with it for a sufficient time. The 
 tissue may have its sensibility blunted by carbolic acid, by rhigolene, cocaine, or other 
 anaesthetic, or by cold; or the patient may be etherized during the operation. In caries 
 of the bones and sloughing of the soft parts it may be used to hasten the separation of 
 the diseased tissue. Nitric acid is the most usual test for albumen in the urine. If it 
 is added drop by drop to the urine in a test-tube, the coagulated albumen will cloud the 
 liquid. Or if the acid be first placed in the tube, and the albuminous urine dropped or 
 gently poured upon its surface, a zone of coagulated albumen will appear at the line of 
 junction. The dose of the stronger acid is Gm. 0.30-1.30 (npx-xx), and of the diluted 
 acid Gm. 1.60-3.30 (npxxv-1) three or four times a day, largely diluted. It should always 
 be taken through a glass tube, and immediately afterward the mouth should be washed 
 with a solution of bicarbonate of sodium. 
 
 ACIDUM NITROHYDROCHLORICUM, 77. S.~ Nitrohydrochloric 
 
 Acid. 
 
 Acidum chloro-nitrosum , Acidum nitromuriaticum , Aqua regia , Aqua regis. — Nitro- 
 muriatic acid , E. ; Acide chloro-azotique s. chloro-nitreux , Eau regale , Fr. ; Salpetersalz- 
 sdure , Konigswasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Nitric Acid 180 Cc. ; Hydrochloric Acid 820 Cc. Mix 
 the acids in an open glass vessel, and w T hen effervescence has ceased pour the product 
 into glass-stoppered bottles, which should not be more than half filled, and keep them in 
 a cool, dark place — U. S. (If 4| fluidrachms of nitric acid and 20 i fluidrachms of hydro- 
 chloric acid be mixed, the official proportions will remain undisturbed.) 
 
 The French Codex directs 1 part of nitric acid, spec. grav. 1.32, and 3 parts of hydro- 
 chloric acid spec. grav. 1.17. 
 
 This preparation should never be made extemporaneously, as time must be allowed for 
 
ACIDUM NITROHYDRO CH LOR IC UM DILUTUM. 
 
 77 
 
 complete reaction, which is ascertained by cessation of effervescence ; moreover, the vessel 
 containing the acids should be kept in a cool place in the open air, as the fumes arising 
 from the mixture are extremely annoying. As soon as reaction has ceased, the liquid 
 should be poured into bottles as directed, and kept in a cool, dark place, so that the 
 chlorine and nitrosyl chloride may remain as such. 
 
 The acid must always be dispensed in dark glass-stoppered vials, and the patient should 
 be cautioned against exposing the vial to light and heat, so as to avoid accidents. 
 
 ACIDUM NITROHYDROCHLORICUM DILUTUM, U. S., Bv.— 
 
 Diluted Nitrohydrochloric Acid. 
 
 Acid am nitromuriaticum dilutum. — Diluted nitromuriatic acid , E. ; Acide chlorazotique 
 dilue , Fr. ; Yerdiinnte Salpetersalzsciw'e, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Nitric Acid 40 Cc. ; Hydrochloric Acid 180 Cc. ; Dis- 
 tilled Water 780 Ccm. Mix the acids in a capacious open glass vessel, and when effer- 
 vescence has ceased add the distilled water. Keep the product in glass-stoppered bottles 
 in a cool place. — U. S. 
 
 By mixing 2 fluidrachms of nitric acid with 9 fluidrachms of hydrochloric acid, and 
 finally adding 39 fluidrachms of distilled water, the official strength will be preserved. 
 
 It is imperative that the reaction between the strong acids be completed before the 
 water is added, even though the theory has been advanced by some that the new com- 
 pounds formed are restored to the original condition of the acids by water. 
 
 The Br. Pharm. merely directs that 3 fluidounces of nitric acid and 4 fluidounces of 
 hydrochloric acid be added to 25 fluidounces of distilled water, the mixture to be kept in 
 a glass-stoppered bottle for fourteen days before it is used. The dilute acid must have a 
 specific gravity of 1.07, and 352 grains of it (6 fluidrachms) require for neutralization about 
 833 grain-measures of volumetric solution of soda. 
 
 On mixing nitric with hydrochloric acid a decomposition takes place, resulting in the 
 liberation of chlorine and the formation of water and chlorinated nitrogen oxides. This 
 preparation has received the name of aqua reyia from its property of dissolving gold, the 
 king of metals, which is due to the presence of free chlorine ; for the same reason are 
 dissolved platinum, calomel, and all other metals and compounds which yield soluble 
 chlorides. Its activity therefore depends upon the amount of free chlorine contained 
 in it. The British Pharmacopoeia employs the two acids very nearly in equal propor- 
 tions by weight, while the proportion directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is 1 of nitric to 
 3.68 of hydrochloric acid. The chlorinated compounds formed in the two processes must 
 therefore differ to some extent ; in the latter case the reaction may take place as follows : 
 HX0 3 -f- 3HC1 = Cl 2 -f- NOC1 (nitrosyl chloride) -(- 2H 2 0, or according to this equation : 
 2IIXO3 -J- 6HC1 = Cl 2 + 2N0C1 2 (chloro-hyponitric acid) -f- 4H,0. A third compound, 
 chloronitric acid or nitrylic chloride , X0 2 C1, is likewise formed, particularly if a larger 
 proportion of hydrochloric acid be used; it is a yellow liquid, boiling at 5° C. (41° F.), 
 and decomposed by water into nitric and hydrochloric acids. Chloronitrous acid or 
 nitrosyl chloride is a yellowish-red liquid which boils at — 5° C. (23° F.), and with water 
 yields hydrochloric and nitrous acids. Gay-Lussac, its discoverer, described the chloro- 
 hyponitric acid as boiling at — 7° C. (19.4° F.), forming a lemon-yellow gas, and with 
 water decomposing into hyponitric and hydrochloric acids. According to the older views, 
 nitromuriatic acid is essentially a mixture of chlorine and nitrogen tetroxide, X,0 4 , the 
 reaction being explained as follows: 2HC1 -f- 2HN0 3 = Cl 2 -f- N 2 0 4 -J- 2H 2 0. 
 
 As the stability of these compounds is influenced by temperature and by water, it is 
 obvious that the composition of nitromuriatic acid must vary with the proportion and the 
 strength of the acids employed, and with the temperature at which they have been mixed ; 
 at a low temperature this mixture may be kept without evolution of gas, but at ordinary 
 or a somewhat elevated temperature a variable mixture of gas is given off ; hence the 
 necessity of not dispensing this preparation until after effervescence has ceased, and of 
 keeping it in vials not quite filled. 
 
 Properties. — Nitrohydrochloric acid is a liquid having a deep golden-yellow color 
 and the odor of chlorine. It readily dissolves gold-leaf, liberates iodine and bromine from 
 their salts, and is wholly volatilized by heat. It should be kept in a cool and dark place, 
 and dispensed in dark- or yellow-colored bottles. It should not be kept on hand for a 
 long time. 
 
 In the diluted nitrohydrochloric acid the nitrosyl chloride has probably been decom- 
 posed by the water into hydrochloric acid and nitrogen trioxide, thus: 2NOC1 -f- 11,0 = 
 
78 
 
 ACIDUM OLEICUM. 
 
 2HC1 -f- N 2 0 3 . On account of the free chlorine contained in it, it should likewise be kept 
 in a cool place and protected from the light. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like its constituent acids, nitrohydrocliloric acid acts as a 
 powerful corrosive poison when taken pure and in large quantities. In smaller doses it 
 is very apt to disagree with the stomach, and it readily attacks the enamel of the teeth. 
 When mixed with the water of a warm bath, so as slightly to acidulate it, it is absorbed 
 by the skin, greatly increasing the acidity of the urine, and after several repetitions of 
 the bath exciting a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, a considerable flow of 
 saliva, superficial ulcers of the mouth, and redness and swelling of the gums. The 
 bowels are more frequently moved, and there is sometimes an increased tendency to urina- 
 tion. The secretion of bile is said also to be augmented. From an experiment upon a 
 dog performed by Rutherford he concluded that dilute nitromuriatic acid is “ a hepatic 
 stimulant of considerable power.” 
 
 Diluted nitrohydrochloric acid has been employed for many of the same purposes as 
 nitric acid, such as diseases of the liver, scrofula, syphilis, cutaneous affections, and chronic 
 rheumatism , but there does not appear to be any sufficient ground for preferring it to the 
 simpler nitric or muriatic acid, at least as an internal medicine. As orginally used, it 
 was applied in the form of a general warm bath which contained no less than 32 fluid- 
 ounces of the acid. A foot- and a sponging-bath of like strength were also employed, 
 and several folds of flannel immersed in the liquid of the bath were wrapped around the 
 body. The use of this regimen for at least two months was recommended. At the present 
 time the literal application of nitrohydrochloric baths is seldom resorted to, but there is 
 good reason to believe that in a much less energetic form they are sometimes of marked 
 utility. Foot-baths and lotions, as well as cloths wet with the acidulated water applied 
 over the hepatic region, we have several times employed with decided advantage in cases 
 of slight jaundice accompanied with dyspepsia , hepatic tenderness and fulness, and hypo- 
 chondriasis in persons who used alcohol to excess. The utility of this acid and of its 
 individual components in these disorders, and in many cases of well-defined insane 
 melancholia, probably depends upon its power to render the blood thinner and purer and 
 the secretions more abundant. 
 
 The risk of its injuring the teeth should render physicians very circumspect in the 
 internal use of this acid ; and fortunately there are no conditions in which it is appro- 
 priate that cannot as well be treated by safer medicines. The dose of the stronger acid is 
 6m. 0.20-0.25 (gtt. iij-iv), and of the diluted acid from Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gtt. x-xx), 
 largely diluted and imbibed through a glass tube. The antidotes are the same as those 
 employed for its component acids. 
 
 ACIDUM OLEICUM, U. &., Br.— Oleic Acid. 
 
 Acidum oleinicum s. elainicum. — Elaic acid, E. ; Acide oleique , Fr. ; Oelsdure, G. 
 
 Formula HCi 8 H 33 0 2 = C 17 H 33 .COOH. Molecular weight 281.38. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Oleic acid exists as triolein in most of the solid and 
 non-drying liquid fats. It was isolated by Chevreul (1811), and by Gottlieb (1846) 
 obtained in the chemically pure state. 
 
 Large quantities of oleic acid are obtained in the manufacture of stearic acid for 
 candles. (See Olea Pinguia.) This acid is usually of a brownish-yellow or red-brown 
 color, and not entirely transparent at a temperature of 12° or 15° C. (53° or 59° F.), 
 in consequence of the presence of solid fatty acids, which, according to Ch. Rice (1873), 
 may be mostly removed by cooling to 4.5° C. (40° F.) and subjecting the soft mass to 
 pressure ; or the acid may be mixed with an equal bulk of strong alcohol, and the solu- 
 tion kept at a temperature of 7° or 8° C. (45° F.), when most of the solid fatty acids 
 will be deposited, and the oleic acid may be further purified by combining with lead and 
 treating as stated below. 
 
 Bromeis (1842) obtained oleic acid by saponifying almond or olive oil with potassa, 
 decomposing the soap with hydrochloric acid, combining the fatty acids with lead by 
 digesting with lead oxide, dissolving the lead oleate in ether, and agitating the ethereal 
 solution with hydrochloric acid. This process has been improved by Dr. L. Wolff 
 (1877, 1879), by saponifying almond oil directly with lead oxide, and substituting 
 petroleum benzin for ether, which dissolves the lead oleate equally well. After decom- 
 posing this solution with dilute hydrochloric acid the benzin is evaporated and the 
 remaining oleic acid washed with water. 
 
 C. T. George (1881) recommends dry white Castile soap, of which 30 parts are dis- 
 
ACIDUM OLEICUM . 
 
 79 
 
 solved in 100 parts of hot water; the solution is decomposed by slowly adding, with 
 constant stirring, 6 parts of sulphuric acid ; the oily layer is washed with warm water, 
 combined with 2 parts of powdered litharge, the warm lead oleate dissolved in 10 parts 
 of petroleum benzin, and this solution decomposed by 1 part of hydrochloric acid diluted 
 with 12 parts of water; after evaporating the benzin, about 15 parts of oleic acid are 
 left. 
 
 To free oleic acid thus obtained from the products of oxidation, Bromeis recommends 
 cooling it slowly to about - 9.6° C. (20° F.) and expressing it in thin layers between 
 absorbent paper : after repeating this several times it is remelted, a little alcohol added, 
 cooled as before, and again expressed. 
 
 Adulterations. — Commercial oleic acid is said to be frequently adulterated with linoleic acid, 
 and it is possible to detect even 1 per cent, of the latter by treating with potassium permangan- 
 ate, whereby oleic acid is converted into azaleinic acid, which is soluble in ether ; whereas lin- 
 oleic acid yields sativic acid, insoluble in ether ( Proc . A. P. A., 1890, pp. 634 and 637). 
 
 Properties. — Pure oleic acid is a colorless, inodorous, and tasteless oily liquid of neu- 
 tral reaction, having at 19° C. the density .898 (Chevreul), congealing to a white crystalline 
 mass at 4° C. (39.2 F.), and crystallizing from alcohol in dazzling white needles melting 
 at 14° C. (57.2° F.) (Gottlieb). The solid acid is but little affected by exposure to air, 
 but in the liquid state it rapidly absorbs oxygen on exposure, becoming yellow and brown 
 and acquiring a rancid odor, lower congealing-point, and an acid reaction. Commercial 
 oleic acid is somewhat oxidized, and has a yellow or brownish color, a fatty odor, and a 
 distinct acid reaction. It may be distilled in vacuo without decomposition, but if distilled 
 in contact with air yields carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and an oily distillate containing 
 sebacic acid , C 10 H 13 O 4 . With melted potassa it is decomposed into palmitic and acetic 
 acids. It is a solvent for fats and fatty acids, is insoluble in water, and dissolves in all 
 proportions of alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzin, and other hydrocarbons, volatile and 
 fixed oils. It unites with bases, and when heated slowly decomposes the alkali and 
 earthy carbonates, forming soaps. Many of the oleates are soluble in alcohol, several also 
 in ether ; the normal lead oleate is white, melts at 80° C. (176° F.), and dissolves in ether 
 and benzin. Oleic acid left in contact with nitrous acid is converted into the isomeric 
 elaidic acid , which crystallizes in pearly plates and melts at 44° C. (111.2° F.). When 
 oxidized by nitric acid, succinic and several other acids are obtained. 
 
 The official acid has a spec. grav. of 0.900 at 15° C. (59° F.), and its solution in 
 alcohol has a feebly acid reaction upon litmus-paper ; it is prepared from a good quality 
 of commercial acid (usually known as “ Red Oil ”) by cooling the latter to 5° C. (41° 
 F.), and separating the liquid portion from palmitic and other acids. When cooled to 
 4° C. (39.2° F.), oleic acid becomes semi-solid, and on further cooling congeals to a whit- 
 ish solid mass (ZZ Si). 
 
 Impurities. — The solution of oleic acid in an equal weight of alcohol should at 25° 
 C. (77° F.) be perfectly transparent and not separate a layer of fixed oil, and at 7.2° C. 
 (45° F.) should not yield a crystalline deposit of stearic or palmitic acid. 
 
 To show the absence of notable quantities of stearic and palmitic acids the ZZ S. P. 
 requires oleic acid to stand the following test : 1 Gm. of the acid is to be heated with 
 20 Cc. of alcohol, and then, after the addition of 2 drops of phenolphthalein solution, 
 sodium hydroxide solution (1 in 4) is dropped into the liquid until it has acquired a per- 
 manent red tint; acetic acid is then added to the liquid until the red color is just dis- 
 charged, and filtered. 10 Cc. of the filtrate, mixed with 10 Cc. of ether, should be 
 rendered only slightly turbid by 1 Cc. of lead-acetate solution. 
 
 Sulpho-oleic acid. When olive or castor oil is treated with sulphuric acid at a 
 temperature not above 50° C. (122° F.), sulpho-oleic acid of the composition C n H. 22 CO,- 
 HS0 3 H is formed; any unchanged oil may be removed by ether, and the crude acid 
 is neutralized with alkali hydroxides or carbonates, to be subsequently decomposed with 
 sulphuric acid, and the pure acid extracted with benzin, which yields the acid in an 
 anhydrous condition upon evaporation. When prepared from castor oil, it is known as 
 sulphoricinoleic acid. The acid forms neutral salts with the alkalies, which are found in 
 the market under such names as oleite , solvine , polt/solve , etc.; they are soluble in water, 
 and possess the property of taking up large quantities of substances otherwise immiscible 
 with water. (For detailed descriptions see The American Druggist. 1884; Pharm. 
 Rundschau , 1885 ; and Proc. A. P. A., 1889.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oleic acid is used in medicine only in combination. Two of 
 its compounds are officinal, but many others have been employed, especially since atten- 
 
80 
 
 ACID U M OXALICUM. 
 
 tion was called to them by Marshall in 1872. It is claimed that they will not decompose 
 like ointments, and that they do not irritate the skin. They are also more cleanly in 
 their application, and are credited with penetrating the skin more deeply than ointments. 
 Marshall claims for the oleates of morphine and atropine a powerful action in allaying 
 pain and nervous irritation , and for the oleate of mercury special advantages in the 
 treatment of diseases of the skin, including sycosis , chloasma , pediculi , syphilitic affec- 
 tions, etc. Dr. Shoemaker ( Trans. Med. Soc. of Penna., xii. pt. ii. p. 709) confirms these 
 statements, and claims that oleate of atropine has a marked influence in seborrhoea and 
 erysipelas , and that oleate of mercury is an invaluable application to the scalp in 
 general thinning and loss of hair. Of oleate of lead he states that he has obtained 
 remarkably good results from its use in ecezma , in acne rosacea after depletion of the 
 parts, in burns , and in erythema. Oleate of copper he found capable of rapidly curing 
 ringworm of the scalp and body ; and he used it for indolent ulcerating surfaces , as well 
 as on hard and horny warts , corns , and bunions. Oleate of aluminium he used in check- 
 ing muco-purulent discharges in eczema , and as a dressing in foul ulcers , abscesses, 
 sinuses , burns , and scalds. Oleate of bismuth he found efficacious in superficial erysipelas 
 and sunburn , and, applied by means of a bougie, in gleet , and oleate of arsenic in lupus, 
 epithelioma , warts, and various similar growths. Oleate of silver, in the form of a fine 
 powder or in an ointment, was valuable in the treatment of chronic ulcers, bed-sores, 
 exuberant granulations, etc. In most of these cases the oleate was associated with lard 
 in varying proportions ( Philad . Med. Times , xii. 758). Oleate of mercury and oleate of 
 veratrine are officinal. 
 
 ACIDUM OXALICUM, F., It.— Oxalic Acid. 
 
 Acide oxalique s. carboneux. Fr.; Oxalsaure, Kleesdure, G.; Acido ossalico, It., Sp. 
 Formula H 2 C 2 0 4 .2H 2 0 = (C00H) 2 2H 2 0. Molecular weight 125.7. 
 
 Origin and Formation. — Oxalic acid occurs in combination with ammonium in 
 guano, and with calcium in a large number of plants, among which may be mentioned 
 the following official drugs : rhubarb, curcuma, ginger, squill, orris, vale- 
 rian, quassia, etc. It is found as acid potassium oxalate in the leaves and 
 stalks of phytolacca, belladonna, and several species of rumex (sorrel), 
 rheum, and oxalis (wood-sorrel), taking its name from the last-named 
 genus. Some urinary calculi consist of calcium oxalate, which is also 
 found in the gall-bladder, in uterine mucus, and in some urinary sedi- 
 ments, in most lichens, and in many vegetable tissues. It is formed by 
 the action of nitric acid upon many organic compounds, and sugar, gum, 
 sawdust, and other organic bodies yield oxalates when gradually heated 
 to redness with excess of potassium or sodium hydroxide (Gay-Lussac, 
 1829). The chemical behavior of salt of sorrel was investigated by 
 Savary (1773), and its acids recognized by Wiegleb (1779) as being dis- 
 tinct from others then known. Scheele (1776) prepared the acid from 
 sugar, and proved (1778) it to be identical with that in sorrel, rhubarb, 
 and other plants. 
 
 Preparation. — 1 part of sugar, molasses, or starch is mixed in a retort with 8 parts 
 of nitric acid, spec. grav. 1.38; a gradually increased heat is applied until the liquid 
 finally boils, and red nitrogen tetroxide vapors cease to be given off ; it is then concentra- 
 ted by evaporation to one-sixth of its volume and set aside to crystallize. The crystals 
 are drained from the mother-liquor and recrystallized from hot water. This is the process 
 of Scheele and Bergman (1776), modified in the strength of nitric acid by Schlesinger 
 (1841). L. Thompson (1848) recommended the use of a weaker nitric acid, of 1.245 
 density, in order to avoid the generation of formic acid by the decomposition of oxalic 
 acid. Schlesinger obtained from 100 parts of sugar 58 to 60 parts of handsomely crys- 
 tallized oxalic acid ; Thompson, from the same quantity of sugar, 63 parts of acid, and, 
 by utilizing the mother-liquor in each subsequent charge of the retort, from 107 to 115 
 parts of oxalic acid. If the nitric acid employed is insufficient in quantity, a correspond- 
 ing amount of the sugar will be converted into saccharic acid , C 6 H 10 O 8 . 
 
 E. Stieren (1865) used the dark mother-liquors obtained in the preparation of tartaric 
 acid as a source for oxalic acid. They are advantageously worked up for this purpose 
 by adding to 20 parts thereof, previously warmed, 2 parts of nitric acid, spec. grav. 1.33. 
 After the extrication of the nitrogen tetroxide vapors more nitric acid is gradually added 
 
ACIDUM OXALIC UM. 
 
 81 
 
 until red vapors are no longer given off. The liquor is suitably concentrated and crys- 
 tallized, and the crystals are purified by recrystallization. 
 
 Most of the oxalic acid is made by a process based upon Gay-Lussac’s observations, 
 mentioned above. Dale observed that caustic soda would not produce it from sawdust 
 until it was mixed with potassa. 2 molecules of the former and 1 of the latter are dis- 
 solved in water to form a solution of 1.35 spec, grav., which is mixed with sufficient saw- 
 dust to obtain a pasty mass, and then heated, with constant stirring, upon iron plates. 
 After it has been kept at a temperature of 204.5° C. (400° F.) for one or two hours, the 
 heat is extended until the mass is quite dry, care being taken that no charring takes place. 
 The gray powder contains 28 to 30 per cent, of oxalic acid combined with the alkalies ; 
 it is washed with solution of sodium carbonate, by which the potassium is removed as 
 carbonate ; the sodium oxalate is boiled with milk of lime, whereby caustic soda and 
 calcium oxalate are formed, and the latter is decomposed by sulphuric acid ; the oxalic 
 acid is purified by recrystallization. By this process sawdust yields about half its weight 
 of oxalic acid (Am. Journ. Pharm ., 1863, p. 359). Merz and Weith (1882) sug- 
 gested the manufacture of oxalic acid from sodium formate, having observed that this 
 salt, when heated energetically to over 400° C. (752° F.), (air being excluded as much 
 as possible), would yield 70 and more per cent, of oxalate ; this yield corresponds to about 
 50 per cent, of oxalic acid. Sodium formate is readily produced by heating sodium 
 hydroxide with carbonic oxide to 100° C. (212° F.) (NaOH -f- CO = NaHC0 2 ). 323,366 
 pounds of oxalic acid were imported into the United States in 1867, and over 1,000,000 
 pounds in 1880. 
 
 For analytical purposes oxalic acid requires purification by several recrystallizations 
 from distilled water ; this acid is dissolved in hot alcohol, the solution filtered and allowed 
 to crystallize ; the crystals, containing ethyloxalate, are boiled with water, the solution on 
 cooling yielding the pure acid. 
 
 Properties. — Oxalic acid crystallizes from its aqueous solution in flat, oblique, 
 rhombic prisms, which are colorless, transparent, not deliquescent, inodorous, of a strongly 
 acid taste and reaction, and soluble in about 10 parts of water at ordinary temperature, 
 and in nearly all proportions of boiling water. Nitric acid increases their solubility in 
 cold water. They dissolve in 2? parts of cold and 1.8 parts of boiling strong alcohol, and 
 are but little soluble in ether. Oxalic acid fuses at 98° C. (208.4° F.), and at about 
 160° C. (320° F.) sublimes partly unaltered, and is partly decomposed into carbonic 
 anhydride and carbon monoxide without leaving any residue. The same decomposition 
 takes place when oxalic acid is heated with strong sulphuric acid, but when dissolved in 
 the latter at a moderate heat large oblique octahedra of anhydrous oxalic acid are grad- 
 ually deposited (Villiers, 1880). The commercial acid usually leaves upon platinum-foil 
 a little charcoal, which is finally consumed, a small residue of alkali carbonate often 
 remaining. Heated with glycerin to a little above the temperature of boiling water, it is 
 decomposed into carbonic and formic acids. In chemical affinity it is one of the strongest 
 acids, yielding normal and acid salts which, with the exception of the normal alkali 
 oxalates, are mostly insoluble or slightly soluble in water, but which dissolve in diluted 
 nitric acid. Oxalic acid yields with lime-water, and the soluble oxalates with all soluble 
 calcium salts, a white precipitate which is insoluble in oxalic and acetic acids. The acid 
 potassium oxalates are popularly called salt of sorrel , also salt of lemon , and are employed 
 for removing iron stains from paper, linen, leather, etc. ; but at present oxalic acid is 
 usually substituted for this purpose. 
 
 The composition of oxalic acid, dried at 100° C. (212° F.) or obtained by sublimation, 
 is expressed by the formula C 2 H 2 0 4 ; crystallized from water, it is C 2 H 2 0 4 .2H 2 0. 
 
 Impurities. — Mineral impurities are left behind on incinerating the oxalic acid upon 
 platinum-foil ; organic impurities will blacken concentrated sulphuric acid on boiling. 
 Sulphuric acid, if present, will produce with barium nitrate a white precipitate which is 
 insoluble in diluted nitric acid. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — As a test for calcium salts and for preparing ferrous 
 oxalate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — From its resemblance to Epsom salt many cases of poisoning 
 by oxalic acid have occurred. Its taste is intensely sour ; when swallowed, it, in general, 
 soon occasions vomiting, with burning pain and constriction of the throat and stomach ; 
 the ejected matters are dark-colored, and may contain blood. When the pain is very 
 severe, collapse may speedily ensue, with drowsiness or stupor. Sometimes these symp- 
 toms are unaccountably delayed. For several days the urine abounds in oxalates. In 
 some cases death is rapid, occurring in from three to twenty minutes; in others it has been 
 
82 
 
 A CII) UM PHOSPHORICUM. 
 
 postponed until the twenty-third day ; in others still an excessive dose has been promptly 
 vomited, and, after comparatively slight symptoms, the patients have recovered. In some 
 who recovered a partial loss of power in the legs has been observed. The quantity of the 
 acid fatal to life is equally indeterminate. The usual post-mortem lesions are : dark 
 discoloration of the oesophagus and stomach, gelatiniform softening of the mucous mem- 
 brane, and even perforation of the coats of the stomach. The blood is said to present 
 an unusually bright color. The uriniferous tubes are filled with oxalates (Fraenkel). 
 The appropriate antidote to this poison is lime in the form of powdered chalk mixed with 
 water. If this is not at hand, slaked lime, as dried whitewash, may be resorted to until 
 the better preparation can be procured. Binoxalate of potassium causes similar symp- 
 toms, which require the same treatment as those of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid and the 
 oxalates appear to be poisonous through a special action upon the nervous system and 
 the blood, as well as by producing gastro-intestinal inflammation ; but Koch ranks it with 
 the postassium salts as a heart poison (. Archiv f Exp. Pathol ., etc., xiv. 153). 
 
 According to Cornilleau ( Practitioner , xxv. 486), a secret remedy for diphtheria which 
 had proved very successful was found to contain oxalic acid in combination with potash 
 and traces of tannin. He accordingly used the following: Oxalic acid Gm. 1.50; infu- 
 sion of green tea Gm. 120 ; syrup of bitter orange-peel Gm. 30 ; of which mixture a 
 dessertspoonful was given every three hours. Each dose would therefore contain about 
 three-quarters of a grain of oxalic acid. The alternative method suggested by him — viz. 
 a decoction of fresh sorrel-leaves — is certainly safer, and either is probably as useful as 
 infusion of sumac-berries and other acidulous and astringent preparations used as pallia- 
 tives of the throat affection in diphtheria. This acid has been recommended as a remedy 
 for asthma and chronic bronchitis , but there is no sufficient proof of its virtues, while its 
 dangers are evident. 
 
 ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM, U . S ., Br ., JP . G .— Phosphoric Acid. 
 
 Acide phosphorique, Fr. ; Phosphor sdure, G. ; Acido phosphorico, It., Sp. 
 
 Official Phosphoric Acid: Formula H 3 P0 4 — PO.(OH) 3 . Molecular weight -97.8. 
 
 Strength 85 per cent. Spec. grav. 1.710 U. S. ; 66.3 per cent., spec. grav. 1.50 Br . ; 
 25 per cent., spec. grav. 1.154 P. G. 
 
 Diluted Phosphoric Acid : Strength 10 per cent., U. S. ; 13.8 per cent., Br. Spec, 
 grav. 1.057 U. S., 1.080 Br. 
 
 Varieties and Origin. — Phosphoric (metaphosphoric) anhydride is obtained in 
 snow-white flakes on burning dry phosphorus in dry oxygen or atmospheric air. That 
 this new body has a greater weight than the phosphorus from which it was prepared was 
 noticed by Marggraf (1743) ; but Gay Lussac (1772) showed this increase in weight to 
 be due to the combination with air (oxygen). The anhydride has the composition P 2 0 5 , 
 and attracts moisture with avidity, whereby it is converted into monobasic metaphosphoric 
 acid, HP0 3 , which is the formula of glacial phosphoric acid. This acid is, however, not 
 prepared in the manner indicated, but is obtained from bones, which are the calcium com- 
 pound of the tribasic orthophosphoric acid , H 3 P0 4 , discovered by Gahn (1769) and isolated 
 by Scheele (1771). A third modification is the bibasic diphosphoric or pyrophosphoric 
 acid, having the formula H 4 P 2 0 7 . Rother (1876) regards the following as the correct 
 formulas : metaphosphoric acid, H 2 P 2 0 6 ; pyrophosphoric acid, H 4 P 2 0 7 ; and orthophos- 
 phoric acid, H 6 P 2 0 8 . The three acids differ from each other in the following reactions 
 of their aqueous solutions : Metaphosphoric acid coagulates albumen, and produces white 
 precipitates with barium chloride and calcium chloride, and a transparent gelatinous 
 precipitate with silver nitrate. Pyrophosphoric acid does not affect albumen, calcium 
 chloride, or barium chloride, but produces a white precipitate with silver nitrate on 
 the addition of a little ammonia. Orthophosphoric acid does not affect albumen, 
 calcium chloride, or barium chloride, and produces with silver nitrate a yellow precipi- 
 tate on the addition of a little ammonia. The reaction of silver salts with orthophos- 
 phates was first described by Marggraf (1746), and with pyrophosphates by Clark (1828) ; 
 and the difference in the behavior to albumen was noticed by Berzelius and Engelhart 
 (1826). But the exact chemical relations of these different compounds was first explained 
 by Thomas Graham (1833). 
 
 Phosphoric acid, met with in the combined state in the mineral, vegetable, and animal 
 kingdoms, is orthophosphoric acid. Pyrophosphates are obtained by heating to redness 
 orthophosphates containing 1 atom of basylous hydrogen or ammonium. (See Soph 
 
ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM. 
 
 83 
 
 Pyrophosphas.) Metapliosphoric acid is produced on heating ortlio- or pyrophosphoric 
 acid or their ammonium compounds to redness. 
 
 Preparation. — 1. Acidum Piiosphoricum Glaciale. — Glacial Phosphoric Acid, 
 E. ; Acide phosphorique glacial, Fr. ; Glasige Phosphorsaure, G. 
 
 Formula HP0 3 . Molecular weight 78.84. About equal parts of bones burned to 
 whiteness, and sulphuric acid diluted with 15 parts of water, are digested for some time 
 until the insoluble part has been converted into white smooth calcium sulphate ; the 
 liquid, containing sulphuric and phosphoric acids, and holding calcium and magnesium 
 phosphates in solution, is removed by filtration and washing with water, neutralized with 
 ammonia or ammonium carbonate, separated from the precipitated phosphates, and 
 evaporated to dryness. The ammonium phosphate is then heated in a platinum cruicible 
 to redness until the ammonia has been completely driven off. Porcelain capsules are 
 corroded in this last operation. The fused acid is poured upon polished iron plates, and, 
 when cool, put into bottles. 
 
 Thus prepared, phosphoric acid contains a little sodium, to free it from which Neu- 
 stadtl (1861) proposes to neutralize the acid with ammonia, precipitate with barium 
 chloride, and decompose the resulting barium phosphate after it has been thoroughly 
 washed, with sulphuric acid ; the acid filtrate is then evaporated and heated to redness. 
 
 2. Acidum Phospiioricum, U. S. — Phosphoric Acid , E. — When phosphorus is 
 brought in contact with nitric acid, it is rapidly oxidized and converted into phosphoric 
 acid, each part of phosphorus requiring about 3| parts of absolute nitric acid for com- 
 plete oxidation. The reaction may be seen from the following equation : 5HN0 3 -J- P 3 -J- 
 2H 2 0 = 3H 3 P0 4 + 5NO. In order to control the violent action, a portion of the nitric 
 acid is properly diluted with water, about an equal weight, and having been introduced 
 into a flask, the phosphorus is added and heat applied by means of a boiling water-bath ; 
 when the reaction begins to slacken, nitric acid is added, undiluted, small portions at a 
 time. After all the acid has been added the heat is continued until the phosphorus 
 is completely dissolved. The liquid is transferred to a porcelain capsule, and heated on 
 a sand-bath at a temperature not exceeding 190° C. (374° F.), until the excess of nitric 
 acid has been driven off. As phosphorus is nearly always contaminated with arsenic, 
 the latter is best removed at this stage of the process ; for this purpose the liquid is 
 diluted with water, and a stream of hydrogen sulphide allowed to pass through it for sev- 
 eral hours. The liquid is set aside for twenty-four hours, then filtered and heated to 
 drive off all the gas ; after again filtering the liquid is evaporated to the desired density. 
 As each part of dry phosphorus will yield about 3.16 parts of absolute orthophosphoric 
 acid, the approximate weight of finished product from any desired quantity of phospho- 
 rus can be found by calculation ; thus, if 10 av. ozs. of phosphorus are used, they 
 would produce about 31.6 av. ozs. of absolute 1I 3 P0 4 ; and as the official acid must con- 
 tain 85 per cent., the liquid should be evaporated to 37 av. ozs., and the proper specific 
 gravity then adjusted. If an insufficient quantity of nitric acid has been used, the fin- 
 ished product will contain phosphorous acid (see Impurities ), and this must be further 
 oxidized by the addition of nitric acid, and the excess of the latter again expelled by 
 heat. The foregoing process is practically identical with that of the Pharmacopoeia of 
 1880, modified by Dr. Squibb. 
 
 Prof. Markoe (18<5) proposed a process in which the oxidation of the phosphorus is 
 effected through the intervention of iodine and bromine and at a low temperature. 2 
 troyounces of phosphorus and 12 troyounces of water are put into a flask or stone jar; 
 10 grains of iodine are added, and then 60 grains of bromine by drops ; when the reac- 
 tion has ceased, add 12 troyounces of nitric acid ; set the vessel in cold water, and when 
 in about twenty-four hours the solution has been effected, evaporate the liquid until all 
 the iodine, bromine, and nitric acid have been expelled. In this process some phospho- 
 rus bromide and iodide are formed and decomposed by the water, with the formation of 
 phosphoric, hydrobromic, and hydriodic acids, from the last two of which, reacting with 
 the nitric acid present, bromine and iodine are again produced, which again act upon the 
 phosphorus, etc. It is very important to follow the above directions strictly, since the 
 incautious addition of bromine to phosphorus and nitric acid may cause a dangerous 
 explosion. I he solution is tested and finished in the manner described above. 
 
 Prof. W. T. Wenzell (1882) has again suggested a process which was originally pro- 
 posed by Bucholz, and was formerly much employed. When phosphorus is partly im- 
 mersed in water in such a manner that the sticks are not in contact with one another, and 
 the apparatus is arranged so that the air has access to the phosphorus, the latter will be 
 gradually oxidized in the moist atmosphere to phosphorous acid, and this is subsequently 
 
84 
 
 ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM. 
 
 oxidized by nitric acid. It is obvious that a considerable amount of the latter may be 
 saved by utilizing atmospheric oxygen, but it is necessary to adopt precautions indi- 
 cated above and thus prevent the exposed phosphorus from igniting. The mixture of 
 phosphorous and phosphoric acids obtained by spontaneous oxidation was formerly known 
 as phosphatic acid. 
 
 3. Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, U. S., Br. — Diluted Phosphoric Acid, E. ; 
 Acide phosphorique medicinal, Fr. ; Verdiinnte Phosphorsaure, G. 
 
 Mix Phosphoric Acid 10 Gm. with Distilled Water 75 Gm. — U. S. 
 
 Mix concentrated Phosphoric Acid 3 fluidounces with distilled water sufficient for 20 
 fluidounces, Br. 
 
 4. Acidum Metaphosphoricum Dilutum, N. F. — Diluted Glacial or Metaphos- 
 phoric Acid. 
 
 Glacial Phosphoric Acid, 780 grains, Distilled Water enough to make 16 fluidounces; 
 dissolve without the aid of heat. 
 
 When prepared from pure glacial acid this preparation contains about 10 per cent, of 
 metaphosphoric acid. 
 
 Properties. — 1. Glacial Phosphoric Acid. The commercial acid is in colorless, 
 transparent, glass-like masses, which are slowly deliquescent in the air, and soluble in 
 water and in alcohol ; the solution has a strongly acid taste. It is metaphosphoric acid 
 mixed with variable porportions of pyrophosphoric acid, according to the degree and dur- 
 ation of the heat used in preparing it ; its aqueous solution yields gradually a bulky pre- 
 cipitate with tincture of ferric chloride. Chemically pure metaphosphoric acid is a soft 
 gum-like mass, which melts at an elevated temperature, is volatilized at a red heat, and 
 becomes solid and glass-like in the cold only through the presence of some sodium or 
 other phosphates (Brescius, 1867). We found (1860) commercial glacial phosphoric 
 acid to contain from 76.46 to 83.48 per cent, of phosphoric anhydride against the calcu- 
 lated quantity of 88.75, the impurities consisting of excess of water and of calcium and 
 magnesium phosphates. Prescott obtained (1872) from the commercial acid an amount 
 of soda corresponding to from .023 to .038 per cent, of sodium phosphate. Brescius 
 found in a sample 15.3 per cent of soda. The commercial variety occurring in glassy 
 lumps is, as a rule, far purer than that in form of sticks, and is to be preferred. These 
 impurities render it unfit for the preparation of the medicinal phosphoric acid which was 
 permitted by the Pharmacopoeia of 1870. When dissolved in water it is gradually con- 
 verted into orthophosphoric acid, the change being hastened by boiling ; the solution best 
 adapted for this purpose, according to Littleton Thompson (1874), is made of 1 part of 
 the glacial acid and 2 parts of water, when boiling for about fifteen minutes was 
 found to be sufficient. The presence of a small quantity of nitric acid favors the change. 
 
 Several series of salts are known of both metaphosphoric acid and pyrophosphoric acid, 
 all of which are converted into orthophosphates by boiling with diluted acids, by heating 
 with water to 280° C. (536° F.), and by fusing them with an excess of alkali. The 
 soluble metaphosphates have a neutral or slightly acid reaction ; the normal pyrophos- 
 phates are faintly alkaline, and the acid pyrophosphates of a weak acid reaction. 
 
 The insoluble salts of both acids are mostly soluble in dilute acids. Ferrous, ferric, 
 and mercurous pyrophosphates, and those of copper, zinc, lead, and silver, dissolve also 
 in solution of sodium pyrophosphate. 
 
 2. Phosphoric Acid. — The acid now recognized under this name is a colorless, inodor- 
 ous acid liquid having the specific gravity 1.710, but the German Pharmacopoeia recog- 
 nizes as acidum phosphoricum an acid of the density 1.154. If evaporated at a temper- 
 ature not exceeding 160° C. (320° F.), a syrupy liquid is obtained, which gradually on 
 standing, more rapidly on the addition of a crystal of phosphoric acid, yields colorless, flat- 
 tish, hexagonal prisms, melting at about 40° C. (104° F.), deliquescing in a damp atmo- 
 sphere and completely soluble in alcohol and in water. The table on page 85, after A. 
 B. Lyons, indicates the strength of aqueous solutions in phosphoric acid and phosphoric 
 anhydride. 
 
 The salts of orthophosphoric acid, with the exception of those of the alkalies, are 
 mostly insoluble in water ; the insoluble ones dissolve in nitric acid, likewise in acetic 
 acid, with the exception of the phosphates of lead, iron (ferric), uranium, and aluminum. 
 The solution of an orthophosphate rendered alkaline by ammonia yields a white precipi- 
 tate with a mixture of magnesium and ammonium salts. This precipitate is insoluble 
 in ammonia, sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in acids, and at a red heat is con- 
 verted into magnesium pyrophosphate ; this reaction is often used for the gravimetric 
 estimation of phosphoric acid. (See Magnesii sulphas.) For its volumetric estima- 
 
ACIDUM PHOSPH ORICZTM. 
 
 85 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 lo° C. 
 
 Percentage 
 
 of 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 Percentage 
 
 of 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 Percentage 
 
 of 
 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 p 2 o 5 . 
 
 h 3 po 4 . 
 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 p 2 o 5 - 
 
 H 2 P0 4 . 
 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 
 h 3 po 4 . 
 
 1.0000 
 
 0. 
 
 0 
 
 1.1816 
 
 21.011 
 
 29 
 
 1.4215 
 
 42.021 
 
 58 
 
 1 . 005G 
 
 0.725 
 
 1 
 
 1.1889 
 
 21.735 
 
 30 
 
 1.4312 
 
 42.745 
 
 59 
 
 1.0113 
 
 1.449 
 
 2 
 
 1.1962 
 
 22.460 
 
 31 
 
 1.4409 ! 
 
 43.470 1 
 
 60 
 
 1.0170 
 
 2.174 
 
 3 
 
 1.2035 
 
 23.184 , 
 
 32 
 
 1.4508 
 
 44.194 
 
 61 
 
 1.0226 
 
 2.808 
 
 4 
 
 1.2110 
 
 23.909 
 
 33 
 
 1.4607 
 
 44.919 
 
 62 
 
 1.0283 
 
 3.623 
 
 5 
 
 1.2184 
 
 24.633 j 
 
 34 
 
 1.4706 
 
 45.643 
 
 63 
 
 1.0340 
 
 4.347 
 
 6 
 
 1.2260 
 
 25.358 1 
 
 35 
 
 1.4807 
 
 46.368 
 
 64 
 
 1.0398 
 
 5.072 
 
 7 
 
 1.2336 
 
 26.082 l 
 
 36 
 
 1.4908 
 
 47.092 
 
 65 
 
 1.0457 
 
 5.796 
 
 8 
 
 1.2412 
 
 26.807 
 
 37 
 
 1.5010 
 
 | 47.817 
 
 66 
 
 1.0517 
 
 6.521 
 
 9 
 
 1.2489 
 
 27.531 
 
 38 
 
 1.5113 
 
 48.541 
 
 67 
 
 1.0577 i 
 
 7.245 
 
 10 
 
 1.2567 
 
 28.256 j 
 
 39 
 
 1.5216 
 
 49.266 
 
 68 
 
 1.0637 ; 
 
 7.970 
 
 11 
 
 1.2645 
 
 28.980 
 
 40 
 
 1.5321 
 
 49.990 
 
 69 
 
 1.0698 
 
 8.094 
 
 12 
 
 1.2724 
 
 29.704 
 
 41 
 
 1.5426 
 
 1 50.714 
 
 70 
 
 1.0759 
 
 9.419 
 
 13 
 
 1.2804 
 
 30.429 
 
 42 
 
 1.5532 
 
 51.439 
 
 71 
 
 1.0821 
 
 10.143 
 
 14 
 
 1.2885 
 
 31.153 ! 
 
 43 
 
 1.5638 
 
 52.163 
 
 72 
 
 1.0882 ! 
 
 10.868 
 
 15 
 
 1.2967 
 
 31.878 ; 
 
 44 
 
 1.5746 
 
 52.888 
 
 73 
 
 1.0945 
 
 11.592 
 
 16 
 
 1.3050 
 
 32.602 
 
 45 
 
 1.5854 
 
 53.612 
 
 74 
 
 1.1008 
 
 12.317 
 
 17 
 
 1.3134 
 
 33.327 
 
 46 
 
 1.5963 
 
 54.337 
 
 75 
 
 1.1072 
 
 13.041 
 
 18 
 
 1.3219 
 
 34 051 
 
 47 
 
 1.6073 
 
 55-061 
 
 76 
 
 1.1136 
 
 13.766 
 
 19 
 
 1.3304 
 
 34.776 
 
 48 
 
 1.6193 
 
 55-786 
 
 77 
 
 1.1201 
 
 14.490 
 
 20 
 
 1.3391 
 
 35.500 
 
 49 
 
 1 1.6304 
 
 56-510 
 
 1 78 
 
 1.1266 
 
 15.215 
 
 21 
 
 1.3479 
 
 36.225 
 
 50 
 
 1.6416 
 
 57-235 
 
 79 
 
 1.1332 
 
 15.939 
 
 22 
 
 1.3568 
 
 36.949 
 
 51 
 
 1.6529 
 
 57-959 
 
 80 
 
 1.1399 
 
 16.664 
 
 23 
 
 1.3657 
 
 37.674 
 
 52 
 
 1.6642 
 
 57-684 
 
 81 
 
 1.1467 
 
 17.388 
 
 24 
 
 1.3748 
 
 38.398 
 
 53 
 
 1.6756 
 
 59-408 
 
 82 
 
 1.1535 
 
 18.113 
 
 25 
 
 1.3840 
 
 39.123 
 
 54 
 
 1.6871 
 
 60-133 
 
 83 
 
 1.1604 
 
 18.837 
 
 26 
 
 1.3932 
 
 39.847 
 
 55 
 
 1.6986 
 
 60-857 
 
 84 
 
 1.1674 
 
 19.562 
 
 27 
 
 1.4026 
 
 40.562 
 
 56 
 
 1.7102 
 
 61.582 
 
 85 
 
 1.1745 
 
 20.286 
 
 28 
 
 1.4120 
 
 41.286 
 
 57 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 tion the Pharmacopoeia prescribes titration with normal alkali solution, using phenol- 
 phtalein as an indicator, as follows : 0.978 Gm. of phosphoric acid, diluted with water, 
 should require for neutralization not less than 17 Cc. of decinormal potassium- 
 hydroxide solution. Phosphoric acid, being tribasic, is capable of forming three classes 
 of salts with the alkalies — namely, primary, secondary, and tertiary — the first having a 
 distinctly acid reaction ; the second neutral or only slightly alkaline ; and the last, a 
 strongly alkaline reaction. Complete neutralization, therefore, cannot be aimed at, as the 
 normal phosphate itself would affect the indicator ; and since different indicators show 
 different behavior with the primary and secondary phosphates, it is of importance to 
 know at which point the end reaction occurs. With phenolphtalein the point of neu- 
 trality is observed as soon as two-thirds of the acid present have combined to form 
 dipotassiumhydrogen phosphate, K 2 HP0 4 , while with methyl-orange and Congo-red the 
 change occurs when one-third of the acid has combined, forming monopotassiumhydro- 
 gen phosphate, KH 2 P0 4 . This peculiar behavior necessitates different calculations as 
 the respective color indicators are used ; with phenolphtalein each Cc. of normal KOH 
 solution represents 0.0489 Gm. H 3 P0 4 , whereas with methyl-orange the value of each Cc. 
 is increased to 0.0978. The number of cubic centimeters y KOH solution, added in 
 either case to produce the first permanent alkaline reaction, when multiplied by the respec- 
 tive factors will indicate the total amount of orthophosphoric acid present in the weighed 
 sample, and from this the percentage is readily calculated. A solution of ferric chloride, 
 lead acetate, or uranic acetate may also be employed for volumetric estimation, the pre- 
 cipitates by the three salts being soluble in nitric acid, but insoluble in acetic acid. The 
 strength of medicinal phosphoric acid, which has been proved to be free from other acids 
 and from salts, may be conveniently ascertained by combining with lead, using an excess 
 of the pure oxide, evaporating to dryness, and igniting, when the increase of weight 
 indicates the amount of phosphoric anhydride. 
 
 3. Diluted Phosphoric Acid corresponds in all respects to the preceding, except 
 that it contains only 10 per cent, of H 3 P0 4 and has the density of 1.057. When 4.89 
 Gm. of this acid are titrated with normal alkali solution, 10 Cc. of the latter should 
 be required before the alkaline end reaction occurs, using phenolphtalein as an indicator. 
 The British Pharmacopoeia requires 355 grains of this acid to yield with 180 grains of 
 
86 
 
 ACIDUM PICRIC UM. 
 
 oxide of lead a residue weighing 215.5 grains; 6 fluidrachms (Rr.) of this acid corre- 
 spond to 35.5 grains P 2 0 5 or 49 grains H 3 P0 4 . 
 
 Impurities. — Pure glacial phosphoric acid dissolves completely in distilled water, 
 and this solution is not precipitated on standing for two days, after having been saturated 
 with hydrogen sulphide (arsenic, lead). When boiled for some time, and then super- 
 saturated with ammonia, no precipitate is produced, with the exception of a slight 
 turbidness (calcium, magnesium), and the further addition of ammonium sulphide causes 
 no change (iron and similar metals). With caustic potassa in excess ammonia is not 
 evolved. If completely precipitated by lead acetate, the filtrate, after the excess of lead 
 has been removed by hydrogen sulphide, leaves, on evaporation, only a very minute 
 residue (potassium, sodium). Medicinal phosphoric and diluted phosphoric acid are 
 tested in the same manner as the preceding, except that for the detection of calcium and 
 magnesium boiling is not required before supersaturating with ammonia. The presence 
 of nitric acid is determined by the black or dark-brown color appearing on the addition 
 of a crystal of ferrous sulphate, followed by the careful addition, without agitation, of 
 concentrated sulphuric acid. In applying the following tests the stronger phosphoric 
 acid should be diluted with 5 volumes of distilled water : Hydrochloric acid is detected 
 by the curdy-white precipitate insoluble in nitric acid occurring with silver nitrate ; sul- 
 phuric acid, by a white precipitate with barium chloride ; pyrophosphoric and metaphos- 
 phoric acids, by a precipitate with an equal volume of tincture of ferric chloride ; and 
 phosphorous acid, by the speedy decoloration of a drop of solution of potassium perman- 
 ganate, by the precipitate of calomel when warmed with a solution of corrosive subli- 
 mate, or by the black color with silver nitrate solution. Hydrogen sulphide should not 
 produce either a white turbidity of sulphur (phosphorous acid), or, after standing, a 
 colored turbidness or precipitate (arsenic, lead). Arsenic is most conveniently detected 
 by Fleitmann’s test (see page 28) after supersaturating the acid with potassa or soda, or, 
 according to U. S. P., by Bettendorff’s test. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The views expressed by different writers in regard to the 
 degree and mode of action of phosphoric acid are not easily harmonized, and seem to be 
 rather theoretical deductions than the results of clinical observation. 
 
 According to Andrews, the sensations produced by a dose of from 40 drops to 3 drachms 
 of the acid were those of moderate alcoholic stimulation. When a larger dose was taken 
 there was a feeling of drowsiness and inertness that continued for some hours. It was 
 employed by this physician in many cases of insane melancholy , and of persons whose 
 minds had been overtaxed, and who had become nervous and timid, with a sense of wea- 
 riness and inability to continue any occupation. But as its use was supplemented by “ re- 
 laxation from business and labor” and u some suitable tonic,” and especially by some popu- 
 lar medicines containing iron, potassa, magnesia, and lime, the share of phosphoric acid in 
 the patients’ improvement is more than problematical. It has been used, on theoretical 
 grounds, in the treatment of dyspepsia with an excessive proportion of earthy phosphates 
 in the urine ; in scrofulous caries and in exostoses of the bones ; to correct niglit-sweats in 
 phthisis and other hectical diseases ; in haemoptysis and in catarrhal affections of the lungs 
 and of the genito-urinary organs ; in jaundice and in diabetes. In the last-named disease 
 it has a remarkable power of diminishing thirst, and consequently of lessening the 
 harassing secretion of urine. At the same time it affords a pleasant acidulous bever- 
 age. The dose of medicinal phosphoric acid is from Gm. 1.30-4.00 (npxx-lx), sufficiently 
 diluted to be agreeable to the taste. Grossich used a 10 per cent, solution of phosphoric 
 acid as a dressing for ulcers and for injecting sinuses and even scrofulous joints , and claimed 
 great superiority for this treatment over others ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 262). 
 
 ACIDUM PICRICUM, F. Cod.— P icric Acid. 
 
 Acidum carbazoticum . — Carbazotic or Nitrophemsic acid , Tmnitrophenol , E. ; Acide pic- 
 rique . carbazotique , nitroxanthique , etc.; Jaune-amer , Fr. ; Pikrinsdure y Trinitrocarbol- 
 sciure, Welter sches Bitter, G. ; Acid o picric o, Sp. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 2 (N0 2 ) 3 0H. Molecular weight 228.57. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — A solution of this compound, as obtained from indigo, 
 was recognized as a dyeing material by Woulfe (1771). Hausmann (1788) prepared picric 
 acid from the same material as a bitter mass ; Welter (1799) obtained it in crystals from 
 silk, and subsequently its composition was investigated by Liebig, Dumas, and others. It 
 may be obtained by the action of nitric acid upon salicin and its derivatives, phloridzin, 
 indigo, aloes, benzoin, silk, and other substances, and is best prepared by dropping 1 part 
 
ACIDUM PICRICUM. 
 
 87 
 
 of carbolic acid into 8 parts of warm nitric acid, adding, after the violent reaction lias 
 ceased, 3 parts of fuming nitric acid, heating the mixture, and finally evaporating it, when, 
 on cooling, the new compound will crystallize, and may be purified by washing with cold 
 water and recrystallizing from boiling water or diluted alcohol ; C, ; H 6 0 + 3HN0 3 yields 
 C 6 H 3 (N0 2 ) 3 0+3H 2 0. 
 
 Properties. — Picric acid crystallizes in bright-yellow, inodorous needles or scales, 
 which melt at 122.5° C. (252.5° F.), and when cautiously heated sublime without decom- 
 position, forming yellow suffocating vapors which condense again to crystals ; but on being 
 rapidly and strongly heated in a test-tube picric acid is decomposed with detonation, while 
 upon platinum-foil it burns with a sooty flame, without leaving any residue. It has an 
 acid and extremely bitter taste, dissolves at 5° C. (41° F.) in 160 parts, at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 in 86 parts, and the boiling temperature in 25 parts of water, forming a bright-yellow 
 solution, and is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene, and petroleum benziu. 
 Its solutions stain the skin and other organic matter permanently yellow; hence its use 
 in dyeing. The aqueous solution precipitates gelatin. It unites with bases, forming salts 
 which are mostly yellow, crystallizable, have a bitter taste, and are explosive by percus- 
 sion or when heated. The potassium picrate requires 260 parts of water of 15° C. (59° 
 F.), but only 14 parts of boiling water, for solution. 
 
 Tests. — The above-described properties are sufficient for recognizing the acid. Its 
 purity is shown by the complete solubility in the solvents mentioned before. On heating 
 an aqueous solution of picric acid with chlorinated lime, very pungent and irritating vapors 
 of the so-called chloropicrin are given off — a compound more properly known as nitrochlo- 
 roform and nitrotrichlormethane, C(N0 2 )C1 3 . 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — A solution of 1 part of picric acid in 100 parts of water 
 forms a convenient test for alkaloids, nearly all of which are precipitated from their diluted 
 acidulated solutions, except aconitine, caffeine, cocaine, coniine, hvoscyamine, morphine, 
 and theobromine. 
 
 Picric acid is much employed for dyeing wool and silk yellow, also for staining wood. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Given continuously to rabbits, picric acid causes emaciation, 
 diarrhoea, ecchymosis in the intestine, yellowness of the conjunctiva and of the urine, 
 and in large doses nausea, diarrhoea, flatulence, depression, and twitching of the cutaneous 
 muscles. After death the red blood-disks are found dissolved in part, and in the white 
 corpuscles the nuclei exhibit a lively molecular movement. The acid, and also its salts, 
 given to man, induce a yellowness of the conjunctiva, skin, and urine (filed. Record ', 
 xxxii. 33). This fact is of interest as illustrating the mode of production of jaundice 
 in certain cases, as in yellow fever and acute yellow atrophy of the liver. It has been 
 prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.03-0.20 (grs. ^ — iij) in alcoholic solution. Picrate of am- 
 monium has been used in the treatment of mtermittent fever and of intestinal icorms in 
 doses of about a quarter of a grain, and upon theoretical grounds, but fruitlessly. 
 Cheron has used picric acid in fungous endometritis after employment of the curette. 
 He used a solution of 1 drachm of the acid to 1^ pints of water, injecting it through a 
 double canula, and claimed it to be antiseptic and analgesic (Med. News, 1. 659). Cal- 
 velli has proposed a solution of the acid in water (6 : 1000) as a lotion for erysipelas, 
 eczema , and lymphangitis ( Lancet , Apr. 1889, p. 702). It has been applied with alleged 
 advantage to fissured nipples in solutions containing 13 parts, and also 1 part in 1000 of 
 distilled water, and has been recommended by Bufalini for eczema impetiginoides after the 
 crusts were softened and removed by cod oil and soft soap. He employed a saturated 
 watery solution of the acid, rubbing it in daily. At present it does not appear to possess 
 much therapeutical value. It has been used as a test for albumen ( Med . News, xliii. 
 458 ; xlv. 682). 
 
 Ammonium picrate was found by Dujardin-Beaumetz, in experiments on animals, to 
 reduce the force and number of the arterial pulsations. Gm. 0.01 (gr. 1) arrested 
 the heart of a frog, and Gm. 0.20 (gr. iij) lessened by one-half the pulse-rate of a 
 rabbit. If a man took more than Gm. 0.07-0.08 (gr. If) a day, it occasioned giddiness, 
 headache, and general debility — a condition which seemed analogous to that produced by 
 quinine. As long ago as 1830 ammonium picrate was used by Braconnot as an anti- 
 periodic ; and in 1873, Dujardin-Beaumetz spoke of it as a substitute, though an inferior 
 one, for quinine ( Bull . et Mem. Soc. Ther., 1873, p. 1). In 1887, Dr. Marten Clark, an 
 East Indian physician, reported that during four and a half years he had treated with it 
 over 10,000 cases of malarial disease with the happiest results,” and therefore had 
 abandoned the use of quinine entirely. He prescribed from Gm. 0.008-0.10 (gr. jss) 
 four or five times a day in pill. He also found it efficient in malarial neuralgia and colic y 
 
88 
 
 ACIDUM SALICYLICUM. 
 
 but not in remittent fever (Med. Record , xxxi. 521). In several cases Fuller obtained 
 analogous effects (ibid., xxxii. 33). It has been used as a vermicide, and especially in 
 trichiniasis, but without advantage. 
 
 ACIDUM SALICYLICUM, U. S., Br., F. G., F. Cod.— Salicylic Acid. 
 
 Ortho-oxybenzoic acid , E. ; Acide salicylique, Fr. ; Salicylsdure, G. ; Acido salicilico , 
 It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 7 H 5 0 3 = C 6 H 4 .OH.COOH. Molecular weight 137.67. 
 
 Origin and Formation. — It occurs in the free state in the flowers of Spiraea 
 Ulmaria, and as methyl-salicylic ether in the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens and 
 Andromeda Leschenaultii, and is formed from salicin, indigo, and some other organic 
 matters by adding them to potassium hydroxide heated to fusion. It was discovered by 
 Piria (1838) as a derivative of salicin ; its presence in oil of wintergreen was proven by 
 Procter (1848), and in several species of viola by Mandelin (1881). 
 
 Preparation. — It may be prepared from oil of wintergreen by heating it with 
 strong solution of potassa as long as methylic alcohol is given off, and decomposing the 
 resulting potassium salicylate by hydrochloric acid. But it is at present extensively 
 prepared, according to Kolbe (1874), from carbolic acid. As the first step, dry sodium 
 carbolate is prepared, which is introduced into a retort; dry carbondioxide is passed 
 through it while heat is applied, gradually increased from 100° C. (212° F.) to 220° C. 
 (428° F.), and not over 250° C. (464° F.). By this operation carbon dioxide is made to 
 enter into the molecule of phenol, producing disodium salicylate, while one-half of the 
 carbolic acid distils over ; 2NaC 6 H 5 0 + C0 2 , yields Na 2 C 7 H 4 0 3 4- C 6 H 5 OH. The 
 residue in the retort is now dissolved in boiling water, filtered if 
 necessary, and decomposed by hydrochloric acid, when, on cooling, 
 impure salicylic acid, having a brown or reddish-brown color, is pre- 
 cipitated in the form of a crystalline powder ; this reaction occurs as 
 follows : Na 2 C 7 H 4 0 3 + 2HC1 = 2NaCl + C 7 H 6 0 3 (salicylic acid), 
 sodium chloride remaining in solution. The impure acid thus obtained 
 is further purified by dissolving it in boiling water or weak alcohol, 
 treating the solution with animal charcoal, and crystallizing the filtrate 
 after the addition of a little hydrochloric acid. B. Schmitt has 
 proven that sodium phenate treated in the cold with carbon dioxide 
 yields sodium phenylcarbonate (NaC 6 H 5 0 + C0 2 = NaC 6 H 5 0C0 2 ), and 
 that the latter compound, when heated under pressure to 120°-140° 
 C. (248°-284° F.), is changed to monosodium salicylate (NaC 6 H 5 0C0 2 - 
 — NaC 7 H 5 0 3 ) ; from this salt salicylic acid can then be obtained by the 
 usual method of decomposition with hydrochloric acid. The process 
 has been patented. A. Bautert recommends (1875) the purification 
 of it by distillation with steam previously heated to 170° C. (338° F.), 
 by which some black resin is left as a residue ; by recrystallization 
 from boiling water a little carbolic acid is removed. Contact with iron 
 or with materials containing iron is to be avoided, since a reddish color is thereby im- 
 parted. According to Squibb (1877), it is best purified by subliming it with the aid of 
 steam heat. 
 
 Properties. — Thus obtained, salicylic acid is in small acicular crystals, white, 
 inodorous, of a sweetish, acidulous, somewhat acrid taste, and of the spec. grav. 1.45. 
 The commercial article frequently has a yellowish or brownish tinge and a slight odor. 
 It fuses at 156° C. (312.8° F.), and if carefully heated sublimes unaltered, and without 
 boiling, at about 200° C. (392° F.). When rapidly heated to between 220° and 230° C. 
 (428° and 446° F.), it is decomposed into carbon dioxide and phenol ; C 7 H 6 0 3 yields 
 C0 2 -)- C 6 H 5 OH. According to Bourgoin (1879), 1000 parts of distilled water dissolve 
 
 At 0° 5° 10° 15° 20° 30° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 100° C. 
 
 1.50 1.65 1.90 2.25 2.70 3.90 8.00 12.25 19.90 32.55 51.80 79.15 parts salicylic acid. 
 
 The hot solution, when slowly cooled, yields long, slender needles. The solubility in 
 water is considerably increased by the addition of phosphates, citrates, and acetates of 
 the alkalies, and of borax, the solution made with the latter gradually acquiring a bitter 
 taste. It dissolves freely at ordinary temperatures in wood spirit, in 2 parts of absolute 
 
 and 2.4 parts of 90 per. cent, alcohol, in 3.5 parts of amylic alcohol, in 2 parts of ether, 
 
 in 80 parts of chloroform, in 80 parts of benzene, and in 60 parts of fixed oils. Its solu- 
 
 Fig. 8. 
 
 Crystal of Salicylic 
 Acid. 
 
A Cl DU M SALICYLICUM. 
 
 89 
 
 tion in 5 parts of boiling oil of turpentine congeals on cooling. C. Becker (1875) 
 observed that 1 part of salicylic acid and 2 parts of olive oil, heated together, form a 
 homogeneous mixture. On adding to a small portion of salicylic acid, in a test-tube, 
 about 1 Cc. of concentrated sulphuric acid, and then cautiously, about 1 Cc. of methylic 
 alcohol, in drops, on heating the mixture to boiling, the odor of oil of gaultheria will be 
 evolved. With borax a crystallizable union is obtained, NaC 7 H 5 0 3 + C 7 H 5 (B0)0 3 
 of acid reaction (Prescott). With half its weight of borax and two and a half times 
 its weight of glycerin, a 25 per cent, solution of salicylic acid may be obtained. The 
 alcoholic solution, evaporated spontaneously, yields the acid in large oblique quad- 
 rangular prisms. The aqueous or alcoholic solutions acquire a deep violet color with 
 ferric chloride, provided alkalies, alkaline salts, and most acids are absent. The aqueous 
 solution yields with bromine-water a crystalline precipitate sparingly soluble in water, 
 and when boiled with Millon’s reagent of mercuric nitrate gives a red color. A blood- 
 red color, changing to brown and black, is produced by adding an excess of sulphuric 
 acid to a mixture of salicylic acid and sugar, and applying a gentle heat. Sulphate of 
 copper produces an emerald-green color in very dilute solutions of normal salicylates or 
 salicylic acid. Potassium chlorate and hydrochloric acid convert it, like phenol, quinone, 
 and allied compounds, into cKloranil or tetrachloroquinone, C 6 C1 4 0 2 , which forms yellow 
 crystals soluble in ammonia with a deep-red color. Salicylic acid effervesces with car- 
 bonates, behaving as a monobasic acid ; but under certain circumstances a second 
 hydrogen atom may be replaced by metals, yielding Piria’s neutral salicylates (1855), 
 which are decomposed by carbonic acid. Combined with alkalies, the solution of salicylic 
 acid turns brown in contact with the air. On dry distillation the salicylates are decom- 
 posed, yielding carbon dioxide and phenol. 
 
 Impurities. — According to J. Williams (1878), salicylic acid prepared by Kolbe’s 
 process is contaminated with another acid, which he provisionally named cresol- salicylic 
 acidy and which remains in the mother-liquor on neutralizing a solution in hot water with 
 calcium carbonate ; if the precipitated calcium salicylate be purified by recrystalli- 
 zation from boiling water and afterward decomposed by hydrochloric acid, pure salicylic 
 acid is obtained. It should be absolutely free from the odor of phenol, the presence of 
 which lowers its melting-point, and its aqueous solution, to which a little nitric acid has 
 been added, should not be precipitated by barium chloride (sulphuric acid) or by 
 silver nitrate (hydrochloric acid). Heated upon platinum foil, salicylic acid should 
 evaporate without leaving any residue (mineral impurities). It should dissolve in cold 
 concentrated sulphuric acid without imparting any or only a faint yellow-color (organic 
 impurities). Kolbe (1876) has given the following practical test: It should be com- 
 pletely soluble in absolute alcohol, and the solution, if allowed to evaporate spontaneously 
 and without contact with iron, should yield a white residue of aggregated crystals, the 
 points of which are colorless and transparent. In the presence of iron the ends will be 
 reddish or purplish, and with organic coloring matter will appear yellowish or brown. 
 
 Two other oxybenzoic acids are known, wdiich melt at 200° and 210° C. (392° and 
 410° F.) and do not give a violet-red color with ferric chloride. The para-acid is more 
 freely soluble than the others, and is obtained in Kolbe’s process for salicylic acid by 
 using potassium instead of sodium phenate and increasing the heat to above 150° C. 
 (302° F.). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Acidum borosalicylicum, Borosalicylic acid. Dissolve 
 1 part of boric acid in 5 parts of boiling water, and 2 parts of salicylic acid in 10 parts 
 of alcohol ; mix the solutions, and evaporate slowly by means of a water-bath (Hager). 
 It is a white crystalline powder or small needles, soluble in 200 parts of cold water, 40 
 parts of hot water, and 10 parts of alcohol, and has a persistently bitter taste. It pos- 
 sesses antiseptic properties. 
 
 Salicylic Collodion. Dissolve salicylic acid 6 parts and extract of cannabis 1 part 
 in collodion 48 parts (Gezon). It has been recommended for the removal of corns, and 
 is applied for 4 or 5 consecutive nights and mornings, followed on the next day by a warm 
 bath. 
 
 Salicylic acid is used for the preparation of salicylated cotton, of sodium salicylate, 
 U. S.y and other salts. 
 
 Ammonium Salicylate is prepared by neutralizing salicylic acid with ammonia or 
 ammonium carbonate, and evaporating, when the monobasic salt crystallizes in scales and 
 needles ; but on rendering the concentrated liquid alkaline with ammonia the bibasic salt 
 is obtained. Both have a sweet taste and are readily soluble in water. 
 
 Mercuric Salicylate occurs as a white amorphous powder, and is obtained by 
 
90 
 
 ACIDUM SALICYLICUM. 
 
 boiling yellow mercuric oxide, salicylic acid, and water together. It is soluble in solu- 
 tions of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide. 
 
 Calcium Salicylate is best prepared by decomposing a solution of sodium salicylate 
 with calcium acetate, or salicylic acid may be neutralized with calcium carbonate. It is 
 a white crystalline powder without odor and taste, and soluble in 2000 parts of cold 
 water. Dilute acetic and mineral acids dissolve the salt readily. Its chief use is for 
 children in diarrhoea in doses of 0.5-1. 5 Gm. (71-24 grains). 
 
 Allied Acids. — Sulphosalicylic acid, salicyl-sulphonic acid, C 6 H 3 S0 3 H.0H.C00H, occurs 
 as colorless acicular crystals, freely soluble in water and in alcohol. It is obtained by the action 
 of sulphuric anhydride on salicylic acid, or by treating salicylic acid with strong sulphuric acid. 
 Its chief use is as a delicate test for proteids of all kinds, albumen, peptones, globulins, and 
 fibrin. 1 part of egg-albumen in 12,500 parts of water can be detected by this reagent. A dense 
 bulky white precipitate, which is not redissolved on boiling, is formed in all cases except albu- 
 moses and peptones, and in these the precipitate, which dissolves on boiling reappears on cooling. 
 
 Cresotic acid, homosalicylic acid, oxytoluic acid, C 6 H 3 CH 3 OHCOOII. Three varieties of 
 this acid occur — ortho-, meta-, and paracresotic acid, homologous with the three oxybenzoic acids. 
 They may be prepared from the three isomeric cresols by a process similar to that for synthetic 
 salicylic acid. The acids occur in long prismatic crystals, dissolve readily in alcohol, ether, and 
 chloroform, but less so in hot water and only with difficulty in cold water. The paracresotic 
 acid is the only one that has met with much favor among physicians ; its melting-point is at 
 151° C. (303.8° F.) ; it has been used as a sodium salt in form of a finely crystalline powder, sol- 
 uble in 24 parts of warm water, and possessing a bitter but not repulsive taste. In many cases 
 it has been found superior to salicylic acid. Young adults can safely be given as much as 60 or 
 90 grains daily, in divided doses. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Among the most usual effects of salicylic acid and salicylate 
 of sodium in full medicinal doses are subjective auditory phenomena consisting of buzz- 
 ing, humming, whistling, rushing, and knocking noises, accompanied with more or less 
 deafness. They are seldom absent when the quantity of either medicine taken in twenty- 
 four hours exceeds 150 grains. The symptom appears to be identical with one of the 
 effects of quinine. Occasionally vision is disturbed, and objects appear to oscillate or to 
 revolve. Gatti reports the case of a patient who while using the soda salt remained blind 
 for about ten hours. Headache is not unusual, and may be attended with slight excite- 
 ment or with dulness and an uncertain gait. It is apt to be accompanied with phantasms 
 and violence, as in delirium tremens. Difficulty of breathing and palpitation of the heart 
 are ordinary effects of the medicine, and the former symptom has been repeatedly ob- 
 served in phthisical patients. Pulmonary haemorrhage has been caused by it even in 
 healthy persons (Wattelet). The large elimination of salicylic acid and its compounds by 
 the kidneys explains their various effects upon these organs. If they are sound, and if 
 the dose is not excessive or too long continued, the urine either remains normal in quan- 
 tity or is more or less increased ; but if the kidneys are diseased or the dose of the 
 medicine is excessive, the secretion diminishes, vesical irritation occurs, and albumen, 
 and even blood, may be found in the urine (Centralblatt f Therapie, i. 527 ; Med. Record , 
 xxv. 12). The temperature may rise to 103° or 104° F., and typhoid symptoms super- 
 vene. Sodium salicylate, but still more the uncombined acid, acts as an irritant upon 
 mucous membranes. It occasions a sense of rawness in the fauces, and even vesicles and 
 ulcers there, nausea, vomiting, and gastric distress, and sometimes diarrhoea. Salicylic 
 acid and its compounds occasionally produce an eruption on the skin, usually in the form 
 of erythema or urticaria. It is also stated to have occasioned numerous and large pete- 
 chiae and vibices, and even bullae. Besides these superficial lesions, gangrene has been 
 produced by the medicine, as in cases seen by Wattelet, Potain, and Gubler in France; 
 while in England it is recorded that in a case of acute articular rheumatism it produced 
 ecchymosis, gangrene, disorganization of the eyes, and the death of the patient ( Times 
 and Gaz ., Sept. 1879, p. 339). During the use of salicylic acid and its compounds the 
 urine gives a violent color on the addition of solution of perchloride of iron. It passage 
 through the system is very rapid, for in a case of extrophy of the bladder its presence in 
 the urine was demonstrated in about eight minutes after 75 grains of salicylate of sodium 
 had been taken. Its excretion does not cease for several days after the medicine has 
 been suspended. Huber has shown that it increases the elimination of solids as well as 
 water, but only as long as the medicine continues to be given ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 697). 
 Chopin has confirmed this statement {Bull, de Therap ., cxvi. 119), and estimated that 
 about 80 per cent, of the quantity taken passes through the kidneys, at least in health, 
 but in obstructive diseases of those organs the proportion is greatly reduced. Hence 
 there is a risk in employing it in such diseases. In numerous cases the urine has appar- 
 
4 CID l JM SALICYLIC UM. 
 
 91 
 
 ently responded to the copper test for grape-sugar, but the precipitate was found not to be 
 cupreous. Besides its elimination with the urine, it is also excreted in a small propor- 
 tion with the sweat and with the serum of blisters ; it is generally thought not to be 
 discoverable in the saliva, but one observer (Musy) found it there. The experiments of 
 I)rs. Randolph and Dixon prove that salicylic acid incorporated with oil or fat and applied 
 to the skin is absorbed and eliminated partly with the urine (Med. News, xlvi. 174). 
 
 The occasional toxical effects produced by salicylic acid and its compounds are partly 
 local and partly general, The former consist mainly of the irritations already referred 
 to, but they are by no means usual, and often excessive doses are employed without 
 injury. Thus a patient affected with rheumatism took 6 drachms of salicylate of sodium 
 in the course of twenty-two hours ; he suffered no pain in the stomach, but, on the con- 
 trary, his appetite was improved (Ewald). Feltz reports the case of a man who took 
 more than 6 ounces of the salt in one month. In the last seventeen days the dose was 
 120 grains three times a day. The symptoms were chiefly vomiting and headache, pre- 
 ceded by congestion of the neck, face, and head. The pupils were contracted. The 
 symptoms continued for seventeen days after the last dose had been taken, and the acid 
 could be detected in the urine for sixteen days. Chisholm states that a rheumatic 
 patient, after taking by mistake 192 grains of the salt at a dose, experienced the usual 
 head symptoms, vomited, had diarrhoea, and was greatly prostrated. But he was relieved 
 of his rheumatism ( Therap . Gaz ., x. 125). But in other cases the effects were fitted to 
 inspire anxiety. Ewald reports that a woman became affected with alarming symptoms 
 after using the acid or its sodium salt. After a drachm of the latter there was repeat- 
 edly observed delirium like that from alcohol, but frequently there is extreme jactitation, 
 and even maniacal fury ; also roaring in the ears, disorders of vision, and loss of mus- 
 cular power in the limbs. The last symptom sometimes reaches the degree of complete 
 resolution, and the gastric disturbance may resemble that produced by a corrosive poison. 
 In children it occurs most frequently, as well as the prostration of the nervous system. 
 Liirmann saw a girl, aged 20, after taking 60 grains of salicylate of potassium, seized 
 with a chill, followed by high fever, hurried breathing, roaring in the ears, and oedema 
 of the arms and legs ; and Baruch observed a similar case. To these Erb adds one 
 drawn from his own experience. A young man had moderate articular rheumatism and 
 a slight heart-murmur. In the course of a week he had taken about 8 drachms of the 
 salt, and the medicine was continued. A day or two afterward he was seized with a 
 chill, followed by high fever, and a bright-red eruption spread over his face, neck, and 
 trunk; on the limbs it was in patches. The eyes and nostrils were brightly injected, 
 and the tongue was very red ( Centralbl. f Ther ., ii. 546). There is little doubt that this 
 acid, like sodium salicylate, may occasion uterine haemorrhage and even abortion 
 ( Therap . Gaz., xiv. 72). Epistaxis has also been attributed to it (ibid., xiii. 427). In 
 a case of acute articular rheumatism a rapid cure appeared about to take place, when, 
 besides buzzing in the ears and profuse sweats, extreme prostration came on, and the 
 patient died suddenly on .sitting up to eat (Empis). Jaccoud soon afterward reported 
 three cases of sudden death in young rheumatic patients treated by this medicine in 
 doses not exceeding 150 grains a day; and Goodhart one in which death followed the 
 use of four doses of 15 grains each, given at intervals of three hours (Times and Gaz., 
 Jan. 1880, p. 105). Lahalle (Thesis cited) ventured to say that although the avowed 
 number of fatal cases in France is considerable, yet probably others have occurred that 
 have not been published. In the cases now referred to the phenomena seem to have been 
 due to a derangement of the nervous system, but there have been others in which the 
 heart was affected or the lungs ; in the latter the symptoms were those of asphyxia. In 
 another case, a girl of 15 took by mistake 7 drachms of salicylate of sodium within a 
 few hours; besides the symptoms already mentioned she had dilated pupils, impaired 
 vision, and strabismus, and became melancholic. Red spots appeared transiently on the 
 skin ; there was vomiting, but no diarrhoea ; the urine contained albumen (Peterson). 
 It sometimes contains blood or casts. Abelin states that acute nephritis may occur dur- 
 ing the use of the medicine. It follows from the above that salicylic acid, and in a less 
 degree its salts, should not be given in large doses to persons having a weak heart or who 
 are otherwise greatly debilitated, or, at least, not without counteracting their toxical tend- 
 encies with nutrients and diffusible stimulants. Some of these toxical effects have been 
 attributed to an impurity in the manufactured acid (Therap. Gaz., xiv. 343). 
 
 If salicylic acid and its compounds are curative of any. disease, it is of acute articular 
 rheumatism. That it reduces the pulse-rate, and in a much greater degree the 
 temperature (from 103° F. to 98° F.), the latter in nearly all cases, there is no doubt. 
 
92 
 
 ACWUM SALICYLICUM. 
 
 Whether it removes the disease as well as, or better than, some other remedies is not 
 quite so certain. For acute articular rheumatism is a general disease, in which not only 
 the joint but several internal organs, and especially the heart, are apt to be involved % 
 Now, it is on all hands admitted that salicylic acid and its compounds neither exert any 
 preventive influence on the complications nor prevent relapses ; and some even go so far 
 as to maintain that their development or occurrence is favored by those medicines. This 
 opinion is probably due in part to the rapid relief obtained in many cases from pain 
 and fever and the imprudent exposure which is apt to follow. It is very certain that 
 when complications occur the medicines in question exert no control over them. Not 
 only so, but heart affections may arise while the patient is under their fullest influence. 
 It is therefore altogether probable that they have no antirheumatic virtues, and that 
 they relieve inflammatory rheumatism merely by repressing two of its symptoms, very 
 much as quinine and aconite and veratrum and opium may do. In a series of over one 
 hundred cases of rheumatism the average time during which the acid was administered 
 was a little over 6 days, the extremes being 1 to 31 days. The average quantity of sali- 
 cylic acid taken by each patient was about 400 grains. This result does not bear out the 
 claim of the medicine to be a specific remedy for the disease in question. Moreover, the 
 antifebrile influence of the medicine is not specific, for in certain cases of hyperpyrexia 
 occurring in rheumatism it not only failed to reduce the temperature, but during its 
 use the temperature rose from 101° to 107°. It would be unfair, in presenting a sum- 
 mary of this subject, to withhold the positive declarations of some of the most com- 
 petent advocates of the medicine. Dr. Broadbent said : “ I have yet to see the case of 
 genuine acute rheumatism without complication in which the pain is not entirely gone 
 and the temperature normal after six consecutive doses of 20 grains at intervals of an hour 
 on two successive days.” Mr. Sharkey remarked : “ One must, I think, allow that its 
 discovery as a cure for acute rheumatism is a triumph of empirical therapeutics which 
 has probably had but few parallels in the history of medicine.” Dr. Fraser, comparing 
 316 cases treated with alkalies, lime-juice, etc. with 305 cases treated with salicylate of 
 sodium, found that in the former series the average duration of pain was 17.2 days, and 
 of illness in the hospital 22.6 days ; while in the latter series the pain lasted, on an 
 average, 2.92 days, and the hospital residence was 9.58 days ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxxi. 2). 
 He expressly excepts from the computation all cases of so-called gonorrhoeal rheumatism, 
 which is not amenable to the medicine ; nor are any cases “ associated with a discharge 
 from the genito-urinary mucous surface” included. Dr. Bristowe holds a similar opinion. 
 Dr. Jacob gave, as a result of its use in 150 cases, the recovery of 103 within three days. 
 More or less analogous results have been obtained in Germany by Traube, Strieker, B'alz, 
 Lebert, and others, and, according to Dr. Ackland, out of nearly 425 cases only 21 deaths 
 occurred. In France, See declared that “ we may promise with almost certainty the cure 
 of febrile or apyretic acute rheumatism in from two to four days.” Like other physi- 
 cians, Blachez (1878) met with cases in which, under this medicine, the pains ceased “in 
 from thirty-six to forty-eight hours.” But he cautioned against suspending its adminis- 
 tration when the pains subside, and insisted that relapses are common, although not severe. 
 On the other hand, Gueneau de Mussy expressed a general dissent from these conclu- 
 sions ; and that eminent clinician, Jaccoud, while admitting that in febrile articular rheu- 
 matism, unaccompanied by any complication, it produces a cure more rapidly than any 
 other medicine, denied that a uniform duration can be assigned to the treatment, or that 
 it tends at all to prevent or modify complications; and he held that when these exist the 
 medicine ceases to influence the rheumatic element of the attack. So, too, Dr. V. Y. 
 Bowditch (1879) concluded from a series of records that the medicine is not a specific, 
 yet that in acute cases, if used at the outset of the disease, pushed vigorously, and not 
 abruptly suspended, “ the most satisfactory results may be obtained.” In 1879 and 
 1880, Drs. Andrew Clark and R. Southey fully corroborated the judgment of Jaccoud, 
 the latter by analysis of 51 cases (St. Bart's Hosp. Rep., xv. 6). Findlay and Lucas, by 
 a like study of 158 typical cases, in 60 of which the salicylous treatment was used, in 
 60 the alkaline, and in 38 a combination of alkalies and quinine, found that although the 
 duration of the primary attack was rendered shorter by the first-named than by the other 
 methods, yet it was attended with far more cardiac complications, relapses three times as 
 frequently, and a more usual return of pain without pyrexia ( Lancet , Sept. 20, 1879). 
 Dr. Greenhow concluded, from a careful analysis of 50 recorded cases, that although the 
 pain and distress of the patient are undoubtedly assuaged, for a time, by the salicylate 
 of sodium, the duration of his illness is not shortened, neither is his recovery as rapid as 
 under other modes of treatment. He moreover called attention to the marked weaken- 
 ing of the first sound of the heart observed in so many cases, and suggested its immediate 
 
A CID UM SA LICYLTCUM. 
 
 93 
 
 danger, as well as its remoter significance, as showing a degenerative influence on the 
 structure of that organ (Clin. Soc. Trans., xiii. 346). With clinical results so ample and 
 positive on record (consult, further, “ Summary ” in Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., April, 
 1882, p. 315 ; Epliemeris , i. 56; Brit. Med. Jour., Feb. 25, 1888) one is obliged to regret 
 the errors of statements like those first quoted, and of such as these, that “ by the brev- 
 ity of the febrile condition the chances of the occurrence of cardiac complications are 
 immensely diminished ” (Moore), or that the medicine “ immensely lessens the chances 
 of heart disease or other complication ” (Paul). As we have seen, the heart-compli- 
 cations form a special danger of the salicylous method of treatment. On the whole, it 
 may be concluded that this method is antipyretic and analgesic, rather than antirheu- 
 matic. That in certain cases it should have appeared to be “ prompt and decisive,” or to 
 have “ acted like a charm,” or to be “ the only radical remedy for acute rheumatism,” 
 leaves out of view entirely the natural history of the disease, which in thousands of 
 cases runs its course to cure within a week without any specific treatment. It also over- 
 looks the well-known clinical fact that in one form the disease advances steadily toward 
 cure, and in another is broken up into a succession of remissions and relapses. The 
 observation of Marrot, that under the administration of sodium salicylate the excretion of 
 urea and uric acid, which is so excessive in articular rheumatism, immediately declined, 
 and the proportion of water was greatly augmented, suggests that the sodium base of 
 the medicine had a share in this result. The treatment by salicylic acid may be com- 
 pared to that by opium, which was once in vogue, and which was vaunted to control the 
 pain and fever of rheumatism, but, as was soon discovered, at the expense of the heart’s 
 integrity. It is useless in chronic rheumatism. 
 
 A case of rheumatic tetanus is alleged to have been cured by salicylic acid. Accord- 
 ing to Abadie, salicylate of sodium greatly excels all other medicines in the rapidity of 
 the cure of rheumatic irido-choroiditis and sclerotitis. He recommended the dose of 15 
 grains four times a day (Bull, de Therap ., xcvii. 385). In gout Barclay (1878) claimed 
 that it was second in value to colchicum alone, and the salicylates were said by See to 
 display even more wonderful powers than in rheumatism, and to promptly arrest even the 
 most painful paroxysms, as well as to prevent relapse and promote the removal of topha- 
 ceous deposits. Apparently, other physicians — Murchison, for example — have been less 
 fortunate, for their results prove nothing in its favor. 
 
 If we cannot say that authors are unanimous in asserting the uselessness of salicylic acid 
 in intermittent fever, we can at least declare that there is no proof of its utility, either by 
 authority or by demonstration. In this case is presented an apt illustration of the error of 
 deducing the therapeutical uses of a medicine from its apparent physiological action ; for this 
 acid and its compounds, whose physiological operation seems so closely to resemble that 
 of quinine, is powerless to cure the disease for which quinine is a specific remedy. 
 Salicylate of quinine has been recommended as an antiperiodic medicine, and doubtless 
 it is so far as it contains quinine. In scarlatina salicylic acid neither mitigates the 
 disease nor tends to prevent its complications or sequelae, although it is alleged to have 
 done both. As to typhoid fever, in which a full trial of the medicine has been made, the 
 general result appears to be that it does not improve the typhoid state, nor reduce the 
 splenic swelling, nor diminish the stools nor alter their qualities, nor lessen the customary 
 debility and emaciation, nor improve the patient’s feelings, nor shorten the attack, nor 
 lessen the mortality of the disease. On the other hand, it is charged with causing haem- 
 orrhage from the bowels. Reporters are not agreed even as to its influence upon the 
 pulse and temperature, and some among them charge that it excites or exaggerates 
 delirium, and produces nausea, prostration, albuminuria, and even suppression of urine 
 (See ; Murchison). These conclusions have been substantially confirmed by Filatow and 
 by Weiss (1880), and no doubt remains of the inefficacy of this medicine, as of all 
 others, in controlling typhoid fever. In intermittent fever, like many other agents, it 
 may, as already stated, prevent or mitigate a paroxysm, but it has no influence on the 
 disease. The medicine has been used in relapsing fever, with the alleged effect of lessen- 
 ing the duration and severity of the relapse (Reiss, 1880) ; but as in one case the patient 
 died with cerebral symptoms, a very rare occurrence in the disease, the share of the 
 medicine in the catastrophe is open to suspicion. A claim, without sufficient support, 
 has been made for the efficacy of the medicine in epidemic meningitis. Dr. Bowyer 
 claims that about 3 grains of salicylic acid every six hours aborts the eruption of small- 
 pox / (Practitioner, xxvi. 456) ; another reporter states that it is peculiarly efficacious, 
 topically and internally, in erysipelas (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Jan. 1882, p. 255); and 
 a third, that it is a prophylactic against yellow fever ! 
 
94 
 
 ACIDUM SALICYLICUM. 
 
 In acute inflammations the evidence respecting the medicine in question is very contra- 
 dictory ; for while, on the one hand, they are affirmed to he “ wholly uninfluenced by it,” 
 that it does “ not in the least degree prevent the supervention of fresh inflammation,” and 
 that, “ while it reduces the temperature, it does not in the least modify the local pro- 
 cesses,” it is alleged, on the other hand, to be the “ surest antiphlogistic.” It is true 
 that the latter judgment is qualified by the statement that it even -‘excels quinine;” 
 which is quite conceivable, since it is now well settled that there is no constant relation 
 between the reduction of the pulse in febrile affections and the cure of the disease which 
 renders the pulse frequent. In regard to diphtheria , while one reports that in thirty-one 
 cases it was “ uniformly curative,” and another that it “ modifies favorably the exuda- 
 tion,” and a third that it also “ arrests the fever,” a fourth (Abelin) “ derived none of the 
 advantages from its use which various physicians ascribe to it, and found that, except in 
 reducing the temperature and the pulse-rate, its results were entirely negative, or else 
 that it irritated the throat and occasioned diarrhoea, albuminuria, or congestion of the 
 lungs ; and See could discern no appreciable influence exerted by it on the disease, the 
 more so because, while one experimenter declares that only salicylic acid in substance is 
 competent to arrest the development of certain disease-germs (Samter, Ceytralbl. f Med., 
 vi. 376 ; U E 'spine , Med. News, liv. 520), and a practitioner so treats nasal diphtheria 
 {Med. Record , xxx. 435), another declares that a solution of 1 : 350 is very serviceable 
 (. Practitioner , xli. 138). On the whole, there is no ground whatever for believing in its 
 efficacy. Even in th'e case of aphthae . which some declare that it causes to heal rapidly, 
 and of thrush , for which it has been vaunted as a specific, others allege that it is neither 
 better nor worse than chlorate of potassium or than alkaline solutions in general. Enemas 
 containing 1 part of the acid to 300 parts of water, with a little alcohol to perfect solu- 
 tion, are said to lessen the frequency, correct the fetor, and improve the quality of the 
 stools in dysentery. Salicylic acid and its compounds may be added to the number of 
 agents that tend to prevent putrefactive fermentation and flatulence in the digestive canal, 
 and hence to counteract the crapulous diarrhoea which attends this state. It has been 
 proposed as a prophylactic against cholera. Ridder (1879) and Tlyin (1880) have 
 reported the expulsion of tsenise, by salicylic acid. A purgative dose of castor oil was 
 given, the patient kept on low diet for twenty-four hours, and a second dose of oil admin- 
 istered, followed by one of 12 grains of the acid, which was repeated hourly until 60 
 grains had been taken. Finally, half an hour later another half ounce of castor oil was 
 given. The method is not recommended by its simplicity or its pleasantness. Experi- 
 ence has not determined its value. The medicine has been used in the hectic fever of 
 phthisis , because it is capable of reducing the temperature, without regard to the serious 
 injury it causes by deranging the digestion and its absolute nullity as a palliative of any 
 symptom peculiar to pulmonary consumption. Very probably it may be profitable in 
 correcting the fetor of the breath in certain cases of this disease ; for it does so in fetid 
 bronchitis , and even in gangrene of the lung , when administered by the stomach, and still 
 better when inhaled from an atomized solution. Sachse recommends a solution of 2 
 parts of borax, 24 parts of salicylic acid, and 100 or 150 parts of hot water for an inha- 
 lation in ulcerating phthisis. It is scarcely necessary to say that as a stimulant and 
 deodorizing agent this mixture, if useful at all, is not so through the salicylic acid only 
 which it contains. V. Toeplitz has vaunted the application of this acid to the larynx in 
 whooping cough. Various stimulants and irritants have been used for the same purpose, 
 including nitric acid, nitrate of silver, ammonia, etc., but have obtained little permanent 
 credit. It has been found efficient in preventing the development of acute coryza when 
 given in doses of from 20 to 40 grains, and also in mitigating the symptoms of hay fever 
 and of influenza. It has been thought to moderate the pain of lumbago. In neuralgia 
 of a periodical type, and not amenable to quinine, it is said to have been very efficient 
 in doses of from 20 to 40 grains, given every hour for three or four hours. Abbott 
 (1879) has reported several cases of sciatica and of trifacial neuralgia in which its effects 
 were prompt and permanent, and Labbe still others (1881), but he was of opinion that 
 the medicine is only useful in cases of rheumatic neuralgia. Others regard its effects as 
 very uncertain, and large doses of sodium salicylate as unsafe (Dujardin-Beaumetz). 
 Neuralgic headache may frequently be controlled by this medicine given in doses of 5 to 
 10 grains at intervals of an hour or less, and in like manner the neuralgic pains of 
 herpes zoster. One or two cases of chorea of rheumatic origin appear to have been cured 
 by this medicine. Schaetzke in 1879 published three cases of the rapid cure of diabetes 
 by salicylic acid, given in doses of from 15 to 30 grains three times a day, and Sawyer (1881) 
 three others with nearly as favorable an issue in which sodium salicylate was associated 
 
A Cl I) UM SA LICYLCICUM. 
 
 95 
 
 with laudanum. In 1885, Dr. Yarrow reported four cases in which the diabetes seemed 
 to be entirely controlled by this medicine ( Therap. Gaz ., ix. 446) ; and in the following 
 year Dr. Holden opined that it was beneficial only in cases of rheumatic origin (Edinb. 
 Med. Jour., xxxii. 79). Dr. Holden prescribed the following mixture : K. Salicylic acid, 
 gij ; Sodium bicarbonate, gij ; Ammonium carbonate, £j ; Water fHy. When the efferves- 
 cence has subsided add water to fgxij. Sig. From one to two tablespoonfuls three times 
 a day. 
 
 As a topical remedy salicylic acid has been employed in a powder mixed with silicate 
 of magnesia (1 : 10), with which the skin is dusted to prevent night-sweats ; and a 
 powder made with 1 part of the acid to 6 or 8 of burnt alum, or with 5 parts of starch, 
 has been found efficient in correcting fetid sweating of the feet when freely applied several 
 times a day to the part, previously washed with soapsuds and wiped very dry. It is said 
 that in the Russian and Italian armies a powder is used to prevent sweating and chafing 
 of the feet , which is composed of salicylic acid 3 parts, starch 10 parts, and powered talc 
 87 parts. A 1 percent, mixture of the acid with tallow has been employed for the same 
 purpose. An alcoholic solution of this acid (1 : 16) is recommended for removing the scales 
 of psoriasis , for the treatment of chloasma and freckles , and as an antipruritic remedy. 
 A solution of 1 part of the acid in 6 of glycerin has been found an efficient application 
 to ulcerating lupus. Plasters containing salicylic acid have been used with great advan- 
 tage to soften and remove various forms of epidermal thickening, including corns , icarts, 
 etc. A plaster especially recommended is composed of the acid incorporated with gutta- 
 percha. Collodion has also been used as an excipient for the acid. Under the name of 
 “ plaster-mull ” Unna has introduced into the treatment of lupus mixtures of salicylic 
 acid and creasote of various strengths, mixed with some adhesive substance, and spread 
 upon thin sheets of gutta-percha. The combination cauterizes the morbid nodules, and 
 finally causes them to be discharged. Pain is mitigated or prevented by cocaine. 
 (Compare Med. News , xlix. 437 ; Therap. Gaz., x. 760.) An ointment recommended 
 by Hager as an innocent cure for scalledhead ( favus tinea tonsurans') and an exterminator 
 and preventive of lice is made by reducing salicylic acid 10.0 Gm. and borax 3.3 to a 
 fine powder, adding yellow wax 50.0 and lard 250 Gm., previously melted together and 
 colored with alkanet, balsam of Peru 10 Gm., oil of bergamot 50 drops, oil of star-anise 
 20 drops, and rose-water Gm. 30, and stirring until the ointment solidifies. Eczema and 
 intertrigo may be cured by a 4 per cent, ointment of this acid. A lotion made with 1 
 grain of the acid to an ounce of water has removed the eruption and ulcers that some- 
 times are produced by bromide of potassium. Three cases of urticaria are recorded 
 which were cured by about 20 grains of salicylate of sodium three times a day. The 
 following mixture has been recommended in ozsena : Borax ^iij ; salicylic acid gij ; 
 glycerin giiss ; water to giij : 1 or 2 drachms of this mixture to half a pint of water 
 may be used as a nasal douche and as a gargle. As an external application the acid has 
 also been a good deal used in dressing tvounds and ulcers, and especially such as tend to 
 gangrene. Sometimes it is applied as a fine powder, sometimes in a 1 per cent, solution. 
 Indeed, a claim has been made that it is a perfect substitute for carbolic acid, over which 
 it has the advantage of being inodorous, unirritating, and, when absorbed, not poisonous. 
 It is, however, very irritating unless in a weak solution. Its somewhat styptic qualities 
 have caused it to be used topically in uterine catarrh, leucorrhoea , and chronic dysentery, 
 and even to arrest slight haemorrhages. A salicylate of iron has been employed for like 
 purposes. A saturated solution of the acid applied on a tampon of carbolized cotton- 
 wool has been used with alleged efficiency in menorrhagia and in bleeding cancer of the 
 iderus (Med. News, liii. 300). Pedieuli are said to be destroyed by a solution composed 
 of salicylic acid 2 or 3 parts, vinegar 25 parts, and alcohol 75 parts, and applied on a 
 flannel cloth with friction (Med. News, li. 425). The acid has been applied with alleged 
 advantage to soft chancres. Salicylate of lime has been particularly recommended for 
 chancres and syphilitic sores (Am. Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1880, 'p. 286). An ointment 
 made with vaseline, and containing from 2 to 4 per cent, of salicylic acid, is recommended 
 by Lassar as the best of all applications in eczema. If this ointment is found to be too 
 soft, it can be stiffened with oxide of zinc (Centralbl f Ther ., i. 389). Given by the 
 mouth or rectum, the acid tends to diminish fetor of the stools in diarrhoea and dysentery. 
 It has been used to deodorize various decomposing substances, and amongst them the 
 bodies of the dead. For this purpose a powder composed of salicylic acid and some 
 moist substance, such as talc, has been employed. The addition of salicylic acid to 
 vegetable infusions, solutions of bromide of potassium, quinine, atropine, morphine, etc. 
 prevents the formation in them of fungous growths. Dr. J. G. Richardson recommends 
 
96 
 
 ACIDTJM STEARICUM. 
 
 for hypodermic injection the following solution of morphine : R. Morphinae acet. vel 
 sulph. gr. xvj ; Acid, acetic. (No. 8) gtt. ij ; Acid, salicylic, gr. iss ; Aquae destillat. fgj. 
 If, on standing in a conical glass, any sediment is observed, the clear liquid should be 
 decanted. 
 
 It is probable that salicin, salicylic acid, and salicylate of sodium are equally active 
 physiologically, but the sodium salt is more suitable for certain diseases, and especially 
 for inflammatory rheumatism. Salicin, although not very soluble, may be given in 
 water in the dose of Gm. 0.60-2.60 (gr. x-xl), and salicylic acid in wafers and in 
 similar doses. It is better, except in acute articular rheumatism, to give the smaller 
 dose and repeat it frequently than to administer a full dose at once. These substances 
 may also be administered in powdered liquorice extracts. 
 
 Various formulae for administering salicylic acid are really solutions of its salts: e. g. 
 R. Salicylic acid 120 grs. ; Solution of acetate of ammonium fgij ; Water f^vj. — M. 
 Each fluidounce contains 15 grs. of the salt. Or, R. Salicylic acid 100 grs.; Borax 80 
 grs.; Water f^xvj. — M. Or, R. Salicylic acid 120 grs.; Borax 60 grs.; Glycerin q. s. 
 Mix the acid and borax with i'^iv of glycerin, heat until solution is complete, and add 
 glycerin to make the whole measure fj§j. It contains 25 per cent, of the acid. Or, 
 again : R. Peppermint-water, f§iv ; Acetate of potassium, giss ; Salicylic ac., ^ss ; Lemon 
 syrup, f^ij. Dissolve the acetate of potassium in the peppermint- water, introduce the 
 acid gradually with agitation until dissolved, and then add the syrup. Of this solution 
 each dessertspoonful contains 10 grains of salicylic acid, free or combined. For external 
 use a solution of 1 part of the acid in 300 parts of water is recommended. Cotton satu- 
 rated with a hot solution of the acid, from 3 to 10 per cent, strong, and properly dried, 
 has been used as a surgical dressing. 
 
 Salicylate of Calcium has been stated on very insufficient evidence to be useful in 
 the intestinal disorders of children. 
 
 ACIDUM STEARICUM, U. 8.— Stearic Acid. 
 
 Acide stearique , Fr. ; Stearinsaure , G. 
 
 Formula HC 18 H 35 0 2 . Molecular weight 283.38. 
 
 Origin. — Stearic acid occurs widely diffused throughout the animal kingdom, com- 
 bined with glycerin in the form of stearin (glyceryl tristearate), and constitutes the bulk of 
 the more solid fats, such as suet and tallow. It is also found in many vegetable fats, 
 notably in palm oil. 
 
 Preparation. — When tallow and similar fats are saponified by boiling with soda- 
 lye, the stearin is decomposed, sodium stearate being formed with liberation of glycerin ; 
 thus C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 35 0 2 ) 3 + 3NaOH = C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 4- 3NaC 18 H 35 0 2 . The soap formed is 
 decomposed by heating with water and sulphuric or hydrochloric acid ; by this means 
 the fatty acids are set free, and will float on the aqueous liquid, whence they are removed 
 and purified by solution in hot alcohol. Upon cooling, stearic acid will separate, while 
 oleic acid remains in solution. Stearic acid is obtained on a large scale in the manufac- 
 ture of candles, either by the foregoing process or by treating the fats with sulphuric 
 acid and superheated steam, the latter decomposing the fatty compounds readily ; the 
 glycerin enters into solution in the condensed water, the acids floating on top. 
 
 Properties. — Pure stearic acid occurs in white glistening needles or leaflets, is odor- 
 less and tasteless, and does not appear greasy to the touch. It dissolves in all propor- 
 tions in boiling alcohol and ether, from which it separates on cooling. It melts at 69.4° 
 C. (157° F.) to a colorless oil, which on cooling solidifies to a white crystalline mass. The 
 commercial acid should have a melting-point not lower than 56° C. (132.8° F.), and on 
 cooling should congeal at 54° C. (129.2° F.) It is soluble in 45 parts of alcohol at 15° 
 C. (59° F.). The presence of undecomposed fat is ascertained by boiling 1 Gm. of the 
 acid with an equal weight of sodium carbonate in 30 Cc. of water ; the resulting solution 
 while hot should not be more than faintly opalescent. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Stearic acid is used in the manufacture of glycerin sup- 
 positories, where it is combined with sodium carbonate to give body to the mass. 
 
 ACIDUM SUCCINICUM.— Succinic Acid. 
 
 Sal succini volatile. — Acide succinique , Fr.; Bernsteinsaure , G.; Acido succinico , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Formula H 2 C 4 H 4 0 4 = (CH 2 ) 2 .(COOH) 2 . Molecular weight 117.72. 
 
 Origin. — Succinic acid exists in amber, in unripe grapes, in different species of Lac- 
 
ACIDUM SUCCINICUM. 
 
 97 
 
 tuca, Artemisia, and other plants, and in many animal liquids. It is formed in the oxida- 
 tion of wax, spermaceti, butyric, stearic, and some other fatty acids ; of valerianic acid, 
 benzoic acid, and other organic compounds; in the vinous fermentation of sugar; by the 
 deoxidation or under the influence of casein as a ferment from asparagin, tartrates, 
 malates, aconitates, fumarates, etc. It was observed by Agricola (1550), and recognized 
 as an acid by Lemery (1675). 
 
 Preparation. — For medicinal use, succinic acid is prepared by the dry distillation 
 of coarsely-powdered amber from a glass retort, which is entirely imbedded in sand and 
 the short neck of which is connected with a large receiver. The heat is gradually 
 increased to about 280° C. (536° F.), and kept at this temperature as long as white 
 vapors are evolved. The distillate consists of succinic acid crystallized in the neck of 
 the retort, while the receiver contains oil of amber and an aqueous liquid which, accord- 
 ing to Marsson (1850), contains, besides succinic acid, also acetic, propionic, butyric, 
 valerianic, and caprionic acids. On concentrating this solution more succinic acid is 
 obtained. (See Oleum succini.) 
 
 Properties. — The impure acid is in yellowish or brownish prismatic crystals, which 
 have the odor of oil of amber and an acid, empyreumatic taste. It begins to volatilize 
 at 100° C. (212° F.), fuses between 160° and 180° C. (320° and 356° F.), and boils at 
 23.5° C. (455° F.), giving off acrid vapors, dissolves in 2 parts of boiling and 28 parts 
 of cold water, and is freely soluble in warm alcohol, slightly in ether, and insoluble in 
 oil of turpentine. The pure acid is inodorous, is scarcely affected by oxidizing agents, 
 and by fusing potassa is converted into oxalic acid. With the alkalies and magnesia it 
 forms salts which are readily soluble in water ; the salts with most other metals are less 
 freely or not at all soluble in water, but dissolve in solution of potassium acetate. The 
 neutral solutions produce, with ferric chloride, red-brown precipitates. 
 
 Tests. — A concentrated aqueous solution of the acid should not produce a precipitate 
 with potassium-acetate (absence of tartaric acid), nor with barium chloride (sulphuric 
 acid), calcium chloride (oxalic acid), hydrogen sulphide, nor, after neutralization, with 
 ammonium sulphide (metals). When treated with soda in excess an ammoniacal odor 
 should not be generated, and when heated upon platinum-foil the odor of caramel should 
 not be observed (sugar), nor should finally any fixed residue be left (salts). 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — It is employed for preparing 
 
 Liquor ammonii succinatis (succinici, P. G . 1872), s. Liq. cornu cervi succinici. — 1 
 part of succinic acid is dissolved in 8 parts of warm water, and neutralized by 1 part or 
 a sufficient quantity of pyro-oleous ammonium carbonate ; the solution is set aside 
 for twenty-four hours and then filtered. It has a brownish or brown color, remains clear 
 when mixed with three times its weight of alcohol, and when evaporated and ignited 
 leaves no residue. Pure ammonium succinate is sometimes used for estimating the iron 
 in ferric salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is no reason to believe that this acid possesses any 
 active properties or medicinal virtues. It has been taken in doses of from 60 to 120 
 grains without any definite effects. It is excreted partly by the skin, but chiefly with the 
 urine, either unchanged, or, as has been asserted, in the form of hippuric acid. It has 
 been alleged to raise the pulse, promote diaphoresis and the bronchial secretion, and aug- 
 ment the activity of the nervous centres ; and has been prescribed in rheumatism , hron- 
 chitis , and hjjsteria and various other spasmodic affections. Even if its apparent utility 
 had been demonstrated, the objection may fairly be made that the acid was not used 
 alone, but as a succinate of ammonium and with empyreumatic oils, etc. The dose of 
 the acid may be stated to be between Gm. 0.30-1.00 (5 and 15 grains). 
 
 Solution of succinate of ammonium has long been used in Germany as a stimulant of 
 the nervous system in spasmodic disorders, low fevers , hysterical affections, etc. Dose, 
 from 10 to 30 drops in an aromatic vehicle. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM, 77. S ., Br .— Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 Acidum sulfuricum , P. A., P. G. — Oil of vitriol , E. ; Acide sulfurique , Iluile de vitriol , 
 Fr. ; Schwefelsaure, Vitriolol. G. ; Acido solforico , It. ; Acido sulfurico, Sp. 
 
 Formula H 2 S0 4 . Molecular weight 97.82. Strength not less than 92.5 per cent., 
 spec. grav. 1.835 at 15° C. (59° F.), U. S. ; 98 per cent., spec. grav. 1.843, Br. ; 94-98 
 per cent., spec. grav. 1.836-1.84, P. G. 
 
 Diluted Sulphuric Acid. Strength 10 per cent. U. S., 13.65 per cent. Br., about 16 
 
 7 
 
98 
 
 A CID UM S ULPHURICUM. 
 
 per cent. P. G. Spec. grav. 1.070 U. S., 1.094 Br., 1.110-1.114 P. G., 1.12 P. A., 1.134 
 P. It. 
 
 Origin. — Sulphuric acid is found in the free state in certain springs emanating from 
 volcanoes and in the salivary glands of some mollusks, but it mostly occurs combined 
 with various bases both in the mineral and organic kingdoms. At an early date the acid 
 was known to the alchemists, but its preparation from “ calcined vitriol ” (ferrous sul- 
 phate) was first described by Basilius Valentinus in the fifteenth century. Lavoisier 
 (1777) determined it to be composed of sulphur and oxygen, and Richter (1795) ascer- 
 tained the percentage of the two elements nearly correct. In the manufacture of sul- 
 phuric acid Roebuck and Garbett (1746) replaced the glass vessels by a lead chamber, 
 and Lafolie (1774) introduced the use of steam. Polony (1888) suggested its manufac- 
 ture from calcium (or similar) sulphate and steam at a temperature exceeding 600° C. 
 (1112° F.). 
 
 Preparation. — 1. Sulphuric Aciil Sulphur or iron pyrites is burned in a furnace 
 arranged in such a manner that the sulphur dioxide is mixed with atmospheric air ; in the 
 same furnace, by the heat of the burning sulphur, nitric acid is generated from a mixture 
 of sodium nitrate and sulphuric acid, the vapors of nitric acid being carried with the 
 mixed sulphur dioxide and air into large leaden chambers where the current of these 
 gases comes in contact with a jet of steam. The nitric acid reacts with the sulphur 
 dioxide and steam as follows: 2HN0 3 2S0 2 -f II 2 0 = 2H 2 S0 4 -f- N 2 0 3 ; the newly- 
 
 generated nitrogen trioxide causes the formation of nitrosyl-sulphuric acid, as shown by 
 the equation 2S0 2 -j- N 2 0 3 -j- 0 2 -f- H 2 0 — 2S0 2 0HN0 2 , which latter is decomposed by 
 water, yielding sulphuric acid, and again liberating nitrogen trioxide, thus: 2S0 2 0IIN0 2 - 
 -j- H,0 = 2H 2 S0 4 -(- N 2 0 3 . The nitrogen trioxide now again combines with sulphur 
 dioxide, oxygen, and water to form nitrosyl-sulphuric acid, which again undergoes decom- 
 position by water. Some other reactions no doubt are also involved, but the foregoing 
 are the principal ones. The sulphuric acid formed condenses and dissolves in the water, 
 which covers the floor of the lead chambers to the depth of about 2 inches. The gases 
 finally escaping from the third or last chamber, still containing nitrogen compounds, are 
 denitrated in a so-called Gay-Lussac tower filled with coke, over which a finely-divided 
 stream of sulphuric acid trickles, by which the nitrous fumes are dissolved. The acid 
 thus charged is made to descend in a tall tower, known as the Glover tower, over coke and 
 fire-brick, and at its exit meets the current of sulphur dioxide and air, whereby the nitro- 
 gen compounds are liberated and utilized for oxidation. It will be observed that, theo- 
 retically, a given quantity of nitric acid is capable of oxidizing an unlimited amount of 
 sulphur dioxide ; the limit in practice is occasioned by the loss of the nitrogen compounds 
 which remain dissolved in the diluted sulphuric acid finally drawn from the chambers. 
 If used once only, the nitric acid from 170 parts or 2 molecules of the sodium nitrate 
 would be sufficient merely to oxidize the sulphur dioxide resulting from 96 parts or 3 
 atoms of sulphur, while practically about 5 or 6 parts of sodium nitrate are sufficient. 
 
 When the acid in the chamber, often designated as chamber acid , has attained the spe- 
 cific gravity 1.52 to 1.58, and contains about 64 per cent, of H 2 S0 4 , it is evaporated in 
 shallow leaden pans until it has reached a density of 1.70 to 1.75. In this operation sul- 
 phurous, nitrous, and nitric acids are expelled, and iron lead, and calcium sulphates, 
 deposited, the salts resulting from the corrosion of the vessels and the impurities of the 
 water. The final concentration must be effected in platinum stills or glass retorts placed 
 in a sand-bath, the distillation being continued as long as a weak acid passes over or until 
 the residue has the desired density, For the preparation of a pure sulphuric acid, how- 
 ever, the commercial acid must be distilled from a glass retort, which is placed in a 
 deep sand-bath surrounded by sand and covered with a metallic hood; the neck of the 
 retort is connected without luting with a suitable receiver, which is changed when about 
 one-eighth or one-sixth of the acid has come over ; the subsequent portion will have the 
 required specific gravity. It is important that an acid free from arsenic should be selected 
 for distillation. 
 
 2. Nordhausen Oil of Vitriol, so named because it was first manufactured near 
 Nordhausen in Saxony, is obtained from ferric sulphate, which is made by allowing ferrous 
 sulphate to oxidize in the air. It is distilled from small earthen retorts, the dry salt 
 yielding about 50 per cent, of acid, which consists of about 1 molecule each of sulphuric 
 anhydride and hydrogen sulphate, S0 3 .H 2 S0 4 . Ferric oxide remains behind, and is used 
 under the name of colcothar or rouge for polishing glass and metals. 
 
 3. Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum, U. /S'., Br. Diluted Sulphuric Acid, E. ; Acide 
 sulfurique dilue, Fr. ; Verdiinnte Schwefelsaure, G. Take of Sulphuric Acid, 100 
 
4 CID UM S ULPIT URIC UM. 
 
 99 
 
 Gm., Distilled Water, 825 Gm. Pour the acid gradually, with constant stirring, into the 
 distilled water, U. N. Mix 1350 grains of sulphuric acid with sufficient distilled water 
 until the mixture at 15.5° C. (60° F.) measures an imperial pint, Br. Mix sulphuric 
 acid 1 part and water 5 parts, P. G. 
 
 In place of using metric weights, 1 ounce (av. or troy) of sulphuric acid may be carefully 
 mixed with S\ ounces (av. or troy) of distilled water, and when cool sufficient distilled 
 water should be added to bring the weight of the diluted acid up to 91 ounces (av. or troy). 
 
 The direction of the Pharmacopoeias to add the acid to the water must be observed in 
 all cases, and more particularly if large quantities of acid are to be diluted. During the 
 mixing of the two liquids, which is best performed in a porcelain dish or beaker-glass, 
 a considerable elevation of temperature takes place, causing a portion of the water to 
 evaporate; the weight of the cooled mixture should therefore be made up to 925 Gm. by 
 the addition of distilled water. Filtration through paper or decantation is necessary only 
 when pure sulphuric acid has not been used, to remove the lead sulphate, which is 
 deposited from the commercial acid on diluting with water. 
 
 Purification. — To remove nitrogen compounds from strong sulphuric acid, Maxwell 
 Lyte recommends (1864) the addition to it of I or i per cent, of oxalic acid, and then 
 exposure to heat until this compound is completely decomposed. To remove arsenic, 
 Busy and Buignet (1863 and 1864) oxidize this metal, if present as arsenous acid, to 
 arsenic acid, and then distil nine-tenths of the sulphuric acid after having previously 
 added some ammonium sulphate. A. Buchner (1863) avoids distillation in such a case 
 by reducing the arsenic, if present as arsenic acid, to arsenous acid by heating the sul- 
 phuric acid with a little charcoal. Hydrochloric acid gas is then passed through the 
 liquid, and the arsenic is entirely eliminated from the hot acid as arsenic chloride. 
 
 Properties. — 1. Sulphuric Anhydride or Anhydrous Sulphuric Acid. This dis- 
 tils first when Nordhausen oil of vitriol is heated. At a low temperature it forms long, 
 colorless prisms having in quantity somewhat the aspect of asbestos. It fuses at about 
 20° C. (68° F.) to a colorless liquid, boils above 35° C. (95° F.), and dissolves in all 
 proportions of oil of vitriol. When kept at a temperature below 25° C. (87° F.), it is 
 gradually converted into a modification which is slightly soluble in oil of vitriol, and 
 melts slowly above 50° C. (122° F.), at the same time passing into the former kind. 
 Both kinds attract moisture with great avidity, and in contact with the air give off white 
 fumes. Its composition is S0 3 . 
 
 2. Nordhausen Oil of Vitriol. This was officinal in Germany under the name of 
 Acidum sulfuricum famans. It is an oily liquid, emitting white suffocating fumes, and 
 having a specific gravity of from 1.860 to 1.896. It is usually of a brownish color, due 
 to organic matter. Near 0° C. (32° F.) it forms colorless flat crystals, and at about 50° 
 C. (122° F.) it commences to boil, sulphuric anhydride distilling over ; on continuing 
 the heat an acid is finally obtained which boils at 338° C. (see below). 
 
 Pyrosnlphuric acid is a similar compound, which is solid below 15° C,, and is either 
 distilled from thoroughly exsiccated ferric sulphate or from sodium pyrosulphate, or 
 it is prepared by passing sulphur dioxide and oxygen over red-hot asbestos. The acid 
 is used in the manufacture of tar colors. 
 
 3. Commercial Sulphuric Acid, Acidum Sulfuricum Crudum, P. G. It forms 
 a colorless or brownish, inodorous, oily liquid, intensely acid and corrosive, and having a 
 specific gravity of not less than 1.830 (j P. G i). It holds a small quantity of lead sulphate 
 in solution, which, however, does not render it unfit for pharmaceutical purposes if it is 
 otherwise pure, more particularly free from arsenic, since that salt is precipitated when the 
 acid is diluted with water or alcohol. It is also liable to contain small quantities of nitric, 
 hydrochloric, and sulphurous acid, iron and other metals, lime, ammonia, and other alkalies. 
 
 4. Pure Sulphuric Acid. It resembles the colorless crude acid in its physical properties, 
 and. like it, is very hygroscopic. When cooled to about — 35° C. ( — 31° F.) it congeals, 
 and heated to 338° C. (640° F.) it boils, yielding a colorless gas producing dense white 
 fumes when in contact with the atmosphere, and finally evaporates without leaving any 
 residue. The boiling is usually accompanied with violent concussions. Weaker acids 
 boil at a lower temperature, the strength and density being increased until the boiling- 
 point mentioned above has been reached, when the acid contains 1.5 per cent. H 2 0 and 
 98.5 per cent. H 2 S() 4 (Marignac, 1853). Pure hydrogen sulphate melts, according to 
 Marignac, at 10.5° C. (51° F.), and has at 0° C. (32° F.) the density 1.854, and at 
 12° C. (53.6° F.) 1.842, in both cases compared with water of the same temperature. 
 The affinity of concentrated sulphuric acid for water is so great that organic compounds 
 left in contact with it are charred, while the acid at the same time acquires a brown color. 
 
100 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 
 
 The specific gravities of sulphuric acid of different strengths, as ascertained by Vau- 
 quelin, Darcet, Bineau, Dalton, Ure, and Kolb, vary in some cases considerably. The 
 following table is a condensation of the one by Lunge, which has been adopted by the 
 
 U. S. P. 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 Specific j 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 1 5° C. I 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. | 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 so 3 . 
 
 h 2 so 4 . j 
 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 S0 3 . 
 
 H 2 S 0 4 . 
 
 1 
 
 S 0 3 . 
 
 . 
 
 h 2 so 4 . 
 
 1.0008 
 
 0.07 
 
 0.09 ! 
 
 1.261 
 
 28.22 
 
 34.57 
 
 1.522 
 
 ! 
 
 50.28 i 
 
 61.59 
 
 1.0059 
 
 0.68 
 
 0.83 1 
 
 1.265 
 
 . . 
 
 35.00 
 
 1.527 
 
 50.66 
 
 62.06 
 
 1.0109 
 
 1.28 ! 
 
 1.57 1 
 
 1.266 
 
 28.69 
 
 35.14 
 
 1.532 
 
 51.04 
 
 62.53 
 
 1.0159 
 
 1.88 
 
 2.30 
 
 1.271 
 
 29.15 
 
 35.70 
 
 1.537 i 
 
 51.43 j 
 
 63.00 
 
 1.021 
 
 2.47 
 
 3.03 
 
 1.276 
 
 29.62 
 
 36.29 
 
 1.542 
 
 51.78 
 
 63.43 
 
 1.026 
 
 3.07 
 
 3.76 
 
 1.280 
 
 30.00 
 
 
 1.547 
 
 52.12 
 
 63.85 
 
 1.031 
 
 3.67 
 
 4.49 
 
 1.281 
 
 30.10 
 
 36.87 
 
 1.552 
 
 52.46 
 
 64.26 
 
 1.0345 
 
 
 5.00 
 
 1.286 
 
 30.57 
 
 37.45 
 
 1.557 
 
 52.79 
 
 64.67 
 
 1.036 
 
 4.27 
 
 5.23 
 
 1.291 
 
 31.04 
 
 38.03 
 
 1.561 
 
 . „ 
 
 65.00 
 
 1.041 
 
 4.87 
 
 5.96 
 
 1.296 
 
 31.52 
 
 38.61 
 
 1.562 
 
 53.12 
 
 65.01 
 
 1.042 
 
 5.00 
 
 
 1.301 
 
 31.99 
 
 39.19 
 
 1.5670 
 
 53.46 | 
 
 65.49 
 
 1.046 
 
 5.45 
 
 6.67 
 
 1.306 
 
 32.46 
 
 39.77 
 
 1.572 
 
 53.80 
 
 65.90 
 
 1.051 
 
 6.02 
 
 7.37 
 
 1.308 
 
 
 40.00 
 
 1.577 
 
 54.13 
 
 66.30 
 
 1.056 
 
 6.59 
 
 8.07 
 
 1.311 
 
 32.94 
 
 40.35 
 
 1.582 
 
 54.46 
 
 66.71 
 
 1.061 
 
 7.16 
 
 8.77 
 
 1.316 
 
 33.41 
 
 40.93 
 
 1.587 
 
 54.80 
 
 67.13 
 
 1.066 
 
 7.73 
 
 9.47 
 
 1.3215 
 
 33.88 
 
 41.50 
 
 1.5896 
 
 55.00 
 
 
 1.0697 
 
 • • 
 
 10.00 
 
 1.327 
 
 34.35 
 
 42.08 
 
 1.592 
 
 55.18 
 
 67.59 
 
 1.071 
 
 8.32 
 
 10.19 
 
 1.332 
 
 34.80 
 
 42.66 
 
 1.597 
 
 55.55 
 
 68.05 
 
 1.076 
 
 8.90 
 
 10.90 
 
 1.334 
 
 35.00 
 
 
 1.602 
 
 55.93 
 
 68.51 
 
 1.081 
 
 9.47 
 
 11.60 j 
 
 1.337 
 
 35.27 
 
 43.20 
 
 1.607 
 
 56.30 
 
 68.97 
 
 1.0856 
 
 10.00 
 
 
 1.342 
 
 35.71 
 
 43.74 
 
 1.612 
 
 56.68 
 
 69.43 
 
 1.086 
 
 10.04 
 
 12.39 
 
 1.347 
 
 36.14 
 
 44.28 
 
 1.617 
 
 57.05 
 
 69.89 
 
 1.091 
 
 10.60 
 
 12.99 
 
 1.352 
 
 36.58 
 
 44.82 
 
 1.618 
 
 
 70.00 
 
 1.096 
 
 11.16 
 
 13.67 
 
 1.354 
 
 
 45.00 
 
 1.622 
 
 57.40 
 
 70.32 
 
 1.101 
 
 11.71 
 
 14.35 
 
 1.357 
 
 37.02 
 
 45.35 
 
 1.627 
 
 57.75 
 
 70.74 
 
 1.1058 
 
 
 15.00 
 
 1.362 
 
 37.45 
 
 45.88 
 
 1.632 
 
 58.09 
 
 71.16 
 
 1.106 
 
 12.27 
 
 15.03 
 
 1.367 
 
 37.89 
 
 46.61 
 
 1.637 
 
 58.43 
 
 71.57 
 
 1.111 
 
 12.82 
 
 15.71 
 
 1.372 
 
 38.32 
 
 46.94 
 
 1.642 
 
 58.77 
 
 71.99 
 
 1.116 
 
 13.36 
 
 16.36 
 
 1.377 
 
 38.75 
 
 47.47 
 
 1.647 
 
 59.10 
 
 72.40 
 
 1.121 
 
 13.89 j 
 
 17.01 
 
 1.382 
 
 39.18 
 
 48.00 
 
 1.652 
 
 59.45 
 
 72.82 
 
 1.126 
 
 14.42 
 
 17.66 
 
 1.387 
 
 39.62 
 
 48.53 
 
 1.657 
 
 59.79 
 
 73.23 
 
 1.131 
 
 14.95 
 
 18.31 
 
 1.3914 
 
 40.00 
 
 
 1.661 
 
 60.00 
 
 
 1.1315 
 
 15.00 
 
 
 1.392 
 
 40.05 
 
 49.06 
 
 1.662 
 
 60.11 
 
 73.64 
 
 1.136 
 
 15.48 
 
 18.96 
 
 1.397 
 
 40.48 
 
 49.59 
 
 1.667 
 
 60.46 
 
 74.07 
 
 1.141 
 
 16.01 
 
 19.61 
 
 1.401 
 
 
 50.00 
 
 1.672 
 
 60.82 
 
 74.51 
 
 1.144 
 
 
 20.00 
 
 1.402 
 
 40.91 
 
 50.11 
 
 1.677 
 
 61.20 
 
 74.97 
 
 1.146 
 
 16.54 
 
 20.26 
 
 1.407 
 
 41.33 
 
 50.63 
 
 1.6773 
 
 
 75.00 
 
 1.151 
 
 17.07 
 
 20.91 
 
 1.412 
 
 41.76 
 
 51.15 
 
 1.682 
 
 61.57 
 
 75.42 
 
 1.156 
 
 17.59 
 
 21.55 
 
 1.417 
 
 42.17 
 
 51.66 
 
 1.687 
 
 61.93 
 
 75.86 
 
 1.161 
 
 18.11 
 
 22.19 
 
 1.422 
 
 42.57 
 
 52.15 
 
 1.692 
 
 62.29 
 
 76.30 
 
 1.166 
 
 18.64 
 
 22.83 
 
 1.427 
 
 42.96 
 
 52.63 
 
 1.697 
 
 62.64 
 
 76.73 
 
 1.171 
 
 19.16 
 
 23.47 
 
 1.432 
 
 43.36 
 
 53.11 
 
 1.702 
 
 63.00 
 
 77.17 
 
 1.176 
 
 19.69 
 
 24.12 
 
 1.437 
 
 43.75 
 
 53.59 
 
 1.707 
 
 63.35 
 
 77.60 
 
 1.179 
 
 20.00 
 
 
 1.442 
 
 44.14 
 
 54.07 
 
 1.712 
 
 63.70 
 
 78.04 
 
 1.181 
 
 20.21 
 
 24.76 
 
 1.447 
 
 44.53 
 
 54.55 
 
 1.717 
 
 64.07 
 
 78.48 
 
 1.1829 
 
 
 25.00 
 
 1.4517 
 
 
 55.00 
 
 1.722 
 
 64.43 
 
 78.92 
 
 1.186 
 
 20.73 
 
 25.40 
 
 1.452 
 
 44.92 
 
 55.03 
 
 1.727 
 
 64.78 
 
 79.36 
 
 1.191 
 
 21.26 
 
 26.04 
 
 1.453 
 
 45.00 
 
 
 1.730 
 
 65.00 
 
 
 1.196 
 
 21.78 
 
 26.68 
 
 1.457 
 
 45.31 
 
 55.50 
 
 1.732 
 
 65.14 
 
 79.80 
 
 1.201 
 
 22.30 
 
 27.32 
 
 1.462 
 
 45.69 
 
 55.97 
 
 1.734 
 
 
 80.00 
 
 1.206 
 
 22.82 
 
 27.95 
 
 1.467 
 
 46.07 
 
 56.43 
 
 1.737 
 
 65.50 
 
 80.24 
 
 1.211 
 
 23.33 
 
 28.58 
 
 1.472 
 
 46.45 
 
 56.90 
 
 1.742 
 
 65.86 
 
 80.68 
 
 1.216 
 
 23.84 
 
 29.21 
 
 1.477 
 
 46.83 
 
 57.37 
 
 1.747 
 
 66.22 
 
 81.12 
 
 1.221 
 
 24.36 
 
 29.84 
 
 1.482 
 
 47.21 
 
 57.83 
 
 1.752 
 
 66.58 
 
 81.56 
 
 1.222 
 
 
 30.00 
 
 1.487 
 
 47.57 
 
 58.28 
 
 1.757 
 
 66.94 
 
 82.00 
 
 L 226 
 
 24.88 
 
 30.48 
 
 1.492 
 
 47.95 
 
 58.74 
 
 1.762 
 
 67.30 
 
 82.44 
 
 1.227 
 
 25.00 
 
 
 1.497 
 
 48.34 
 
 59.22 
 
 1.767 
 
 67.65 
 
 82.88 
 
 1.231 
 
 25.39 
 
 31.11 
 
 1.502 
 
 48.73 
 
 59.70 
 
 1.772 
 
 68.02 
 
 83.32 
 
 1.236 
 
 25.88 
 
 31.70 
 
 1.505 
 
 
 60.00 
 
 1.777 
 
 68.49 
 
 83.90 
 
 1.241 
 
 26.35 
 
 32.28 
 
 1.507 
 
 49.12 
 
 60.18 
 
 1.782 
 
 | 68.98 
 
 84.50 
 
 1.246 
 
 26.83 
 
 32.86 
 
 1.512 
 
 49.51 
 
 60.65 
 
 1.786 
 
 l 
 
 • • 
 
 85.00 
 
 1.251 
 
 27.29 
 
 33.43 
 
 1.517 
 
 49.89 
 
 61.12 
 
 1.787 
 
 i 69.47 
 
 85.10 
 
 1.256 
 
 27.76 
 
 34.00 
 
 1.5184 
 
 50.00 
 
 1 • • 
 
 1.792 
 
 1 69.96 
 
 85.70 
 
A CID UM S ULPHl TRICVM. 
 
 101 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts ol 
 
 I Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° < \ 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 Specific 
 Gravity 
 15° C. 
 
 100 parts contain 
 — parts of 
 
 at 15° C. 
 in air. 
 
 so 3 . 
 
 H 2 S0 4 . 
 
 at 15°C. 
 in air. 
 
 S0 3 . 
 
 h 2 so 4 . 
 
 at 15°C7~ 
 
 in air. 
 
 S0 3 . 
 
 h 2 so 4 . 
 
 1.7924 
 
 70.00 
 
 
 1.830 
 
 74.69 
 
 91.50 
 
 1.841 
 
 77.23 
 
 94.60 
 
 1.797 
 
 70.45 
 
 86.30 
 
 1.831 
 
 74.86 
 
 91.70 
 
 1.842 
 
 77.55 
 
 95.00 
 
 1.802 
 
 70.94 
 
 86.90 
 
 1 1.8318 
 
 75.00 
 
 ■ • 
 
 1.843 
 
 78.04 
 
 95.60 
 
 1.8075 | 
 
 71.50 
 
 87.60 1 
 
 1.832 
 
 75.03 
 
 91.90 
 
 1.8431 
 
 78.33 
 
 95.95 
 
 1.813 
 
 72 . 08 ' 
 
 88.30 
 
 1.833 
 
 75.19 
 
 92.10 
 
 1.8436 
 
 79.19 
 
 97 . 
 
 1.818 
 
 72.69 
 
 89.05 
 
 1.834 
 
 75.35 
 
 92.30 
 
 1.8441 
 
 79.76 
 
 97.70 
 
 1.8227 ! 
 
 
 90.00 
 
 1.835 
 
 / 5.53 
 
 92.52 
 
 1.8438 
 
 80.00 
 
 
 1.823 
 
 73.51 
 
 90.05 
 
 1.836 
 
 75.72 
 
 92.75 
 
 1.8436 
 
 80.16 
 
 98.20 
 
 1.824 
 
 73.63 
 
 90.20 
 
 1.837 
 
 75.96 
 
 93.05 
 
 1.8431 
 
 80.57 
 
 98.70 
 
 1.825 
 
 73.80 
 
 90.40 
 
 1.838 
 
 76.27 
 
 93.43 
 
 1.8426 
 
 80.98 
 
 99.20 
 
 1.826 
 
 73.96 
 
 90.60 
 
 1.839 
 
 76.57 
 
 93.80 
 
 1.8421 
 
 81.18 
 
 99.45 
 
 1.827 
 
 74.12 
 
 90.80 
 
 1.8396 
 
 76.90 
 
 94.20 
 
 1.8416 
 
 81.39 
 
 99.70 
 
 1.828 
 
 74.29 
 
 91.00 
 
 1.840 
 
 76.99 
 
 94.31 
 
 1.8411 
 
 81.59 
 
 99.95 
 
 1.829 
 
 74.49 
 
 91.25 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Pure sulphuric acid unites with water and alcohol in all proportions, forming trans- 
 parent liquids ; a white turbidity indicates lead sulphate, which becomes black with 
 hydrogen sulphide. Arsenic would be indicated by a yellow precipitate occurring in the 
 diluted acid with hydrogen sulphide, or more rapidly by silver nitrate in applying 
 Marsh’s test or by Fleitmann’s method (see page 27). A cold concentrated solution of 
 ferrous sulphate poured upon the surface of the concentrated acid does not develop a 
 purplish-brown color where the two liquids unite, showing the absence of nitrogen oxides. 
 
 The acid should contain not less than 92.5 per cent, of H 2 S0 4 ; 0.48 Gin. of it will be 
 exactly neutralized by not less than 9.25 Cc. of the volumetric solution of potassa ( V. 
 S .). The British Pharmacopoeia requires for 1000 grain-measures of the latter 50 
 
 grains of the acid, which corresponds to 98 per cent, of H 2 S0 4 , equal to 80 per cent. S0 3 . 
 
 Sulphuric acid is one of the strongest of acids. It is bibasic, and forms normal and 
 acid salts, which are generally crystallizable and soluble in water. The barium and lead 
 sulphates are entirely insoluble in water and diluted acids ; hence their soluble salts 
 furnish the best reagents for sulphuric acid in its uncombined and combined state. 
 
 5. Diluted Sulphuric Acid. It has the general properties of the strong acid, but 
 is not of an oily consistence, and is less caustic. 4.89 Gm. of it are neutralized by 10 
 Cc. of normal potassa solution. The British Pharmacopoeia requires the diluted acid to 
 contain 11.14 per cent, of S0 3 , equal to 13.65 per cent, of H 2 S0 4 ; of it 359 grains are 
 neutralized by 1000 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of soda. Other authori- 
 ties direct 10 (Fr. Cod.), 16.66 (P. A.), and 18.8 ( F '. It.) per cent. H 2 S0 4 . 
 
 Impurities. — The most important impurities, arsenic, lead, and nitrogen oxides, 
 have been mentioned before. Saline additions made to increase the specific gravity of 
 weaker acids are recognized by the fixed residue left on evaporating a small quantity 
 from a platinum dish or crucible. Sulphurous and nitrous acid rapidly decolorize potas- 
 sium permanganate. Arsenic is found principally in sulphuric acid manufactured from 
 pyrites, more rarely if made from sulphur ; for this reason the sulphuric acid manufac- 
 tured in the United States is often free from this contamination. The purity of sulphuric 
 acid is determined as follows : 1 vol. of acid diluted with 5 vol. of alcohol must remain 
 clear and free from precipitate after one hour (absence of lead sidphate , or other salts). 
 The mixture of 1 Cc. of sulphuric acid and 5 Cc. of water should not at once discharge 
 the color of 0.1 Cc. potassium permanganate (absence of sulphurous or nitrous acid). 
 2 Cc. of the acid, upon which a layer of ferrous sulphate solution has been carefully 
 poured, should not cause a brown or reddish color at the zone of contact (absence of 
 nitric or nitrous acid). In sulphuric acid diluted with 20 volumes of water no precipi- 
 tate should be formed by the addition of silver nitrate T. S. (absence of hydrochloric 
 acid), or of hydrogen sulphide T. S. (absence of lead, arsenic, copper) ; nor by super- 
 saturation with ammonia-water (iron) ; nor should the acid thus supersaturated leave 
 any fixed residue on evaporation and ignition (absence of non-volatile impurities), or 
 yield any precipitate on addition of ammonium sulphide T. S (iron, thallium, etc.). 
 When 1 Cc. of a mixture of 1 volume of sulphuric acid with 2 volumes of water is 
 mixed with 1 Cc. of stannous chloride T. S., and a small piece of pure tin-foil added, no 
 coloration should appear within one hour (limit of arsenic, U. S.). These tests are 
 nearly identical with those adopted by the German Pharmacopoeia, which requires also 
 
102 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 
 
 that on carefully pouring a solution of a small fragment of sodium sulphide in 2 Cc. of 
 hydrochloric acid upon 2 Cc. of sulphuric acid, the zone of contact should not acquire 
 a reddish color, nor should, on warming, a red compound be separated, showing the 
 absence of selenium. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Sulphuric acid is largely used in numerous pharmaceu- 
 tical processes for the liberation of acids (hydrocyanic, hydrochloric, nitric, citric, tartaric) ; 
 in the preparation of alkaloids, pyroxylon, ether, and oil of wine ; for generating hydro- 
 gen with zinc and water ; for decomposing certain organic compounds, as in the purification 
 of chloroform ; and for the preparation of sulphurous acid, the medicinal sulphates, and 
 of Acidum sulphuricum aromaticum. 
 
 Mixtura sulfurica acida, P. G ., s. Elixir acidum Halleri.^— It is prepared by drop- 
 ping 1 part of pure sulphuric acid into 3 parts (1 pt. F. It.') of alcohol, and stirring con- 
 tinually ; it is a colorless liquid, having the spec. grav. 0.993 to 0.997. It is an alcoholic 
 solution of ethylsulphuric acid, into which the sulphuric acid is gradually converted. 
 Acid and alcohol in the proportion of 1 : 3 is acqua de Rabel ( F '. It.). The same, but 
 colored by red poppy-petals, is Eau de Rabel , ( F . Cod.). 
 
 Mixtura vulneraria acida, s. Aqua vulneraria Thedenii. — Theden’s vulnerary 
 water, E. ; Eau d’arquebusade, Fr. ; Theden’s Wundwasser, G. It is a mixture of 
 diluted sulphuric acid 1 part; vinegar 6 parts; alcohol (sp. grav. .892) 3 parts; and 
 clarified honey 2 parts. — A. D. A. 
 
 Michel’s paste is a mixture of powdered asbestos 1 part and concentrated sulphuric 
 acid 3 parts. It should be freshly prepared when needed. Similar are the caustic pastes 
 of Rust, Velpeau, and Ricord, in which the asbestos is replaced by saffron, liquorice-root, 
 and powdered charcoal respectively. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In a concentrated state sulphuric acid abstracts water from * 
 organized matter, turning it black and exposing its carbonaceous elements in the form 
 of charcoal. Injected into the veins, it coagulates the blood and carbonizes it. When 
 swallowed in a concentrated form it destroys all the tissues it touches, and in this con- 
 dition, as well as when somewhat less strong, it produces whitish scalds of the lips and 
 mouth, followed by ulcers, severe burning pain in the throat, oesophagus, and stomach, 
 with violent efforts at vomiting, and collapse. The urine is sometimes albuminous or 
 bloody. The mind remains clear. Even when death does not directly occur, it often 
 does so at a later period, owing to stricture of the oesophagus or intestine resulting from 
 ulceration of the mucous membrane. (For cases, see Times and Gaz., Mar. 1877, p. 320 ; 
 Virchows Archiv , lxxxiii. 198; Zeitch. f Min. Med., xiv. 490.) In medicinal doses it 
 diminishes thirst, restrains sweats depending on debility, improves the appetite, probably 
 by stimulating the stomach, acidifies the secretions, and reduces the frequency of the 
 pulse. Its action upon the teeth, even when it is greatly diluted, is exceedingly injuri- 
 ous, and by continued use it exhausts the digestive functions and causes diarrhoea, with 
 debility and emaciation. 
 
 The corrosive action of sulphuric acid has been made use of to correct inversion and 
 also eversion of the eyelid ( ectropion and entropion) by forming an eschar upon the con- 
 vex or projecting surface of the part, which in cicatrizing contracts the tissues and cor- 
 rects the deformity. It has sometimes been employed as an escharotic application to 
 various infecting or ill-conditioned ulcers , particularly in gangrene of the mouth and in 
 caries of the bones, and also for the extirpation of cancers. In the last case a paste is 
 applied to the tumors formed of asbestos and powdered sulphate of zinc, or saffron sat- 
 urated with sulphuric acid. The operation is tedious, very painful, and as uncertain as 
 any other for the same purpose. An ointment composed of 1 part of the acid to 8 parts 
 of lard has been recommended for tinea capitis ; and in the treatment of scabies it is often 
 successful either in ointment or lotion, and has the advantage over sulphur ointment of 
 being free from any unpleasant smell. Internally, sulphuric acid in the diluted or aro- 
 matic form is much used in chronic diseases with a tendency to a dissolution of the 
 blood, such as scurvy and purpura , as well as in other and especially uterine passive haem- 
 orrhages. It is thought to be particularly useful in mucous haemorrhages and fluxes, 
 because the acid is eliminated by the mucous membranes ; but this explanation would 
 not apply to blood diseases, whether chronic or acute, and especially to fevers of a low 
 type, in which it is reputed to be efficient. Still less would it apply to colliquative sweat- 
 ing , for which this medicine is one of the very best remedies. It has been assumed to 
 explain the efficacy of the acid in diarrhoea . , cholera morbus , and even epidemic cholera. 
 In the last-mentioned cases the most probable view is that its operation is local and in its 
 nature astringent. So far as it acts by being taken into the blood, it probably does so in 
 
ACIDUM SULPHURICUM AROMATICUM. 
 
 103 
 
 the same manner, but from within instead of from without. Its apparent power of pre- 
 venting as well as of curing epidemic cholera appears distinctly to be owing to the astrin- 
 gent influence by which it prevents the absorption of the cholera poison from the aliment- 
 ary canal, the ordinary channel of its introduction, and at the same time limits the 
 transudation of the contents of the blood-vessels into the bowels. Its value as a pro- 
 phylactic against cholera is not so well authenticated. Its efficacy in painter's colic is 
 generally admitted. It is administered with water in the proportion of about Gm. 8 
 (fgij) in 3 pints of water in the course of twenty-four hours. If it is useful, as alleged, 
 in curing gravel and stone , its utility is probably due to a tonic action upon the stomach. 
 It has sometimes appeared to remove tape-worms , perhaps by its physical action upon 
 these parasites. 
 
 As antidotes to poisoning by sulphuric acid, chalk, magnesia, carbonate of magnesia, 
 and the alkaline carbonates may be administered. 
 
 The dose of the strong acid is Gm. 0.06-0.13 (1 or 2 drops), dissolved in not less than 
 Cc. 128 (f^iv) of water ; of the diluted acid, from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (10 to 30 drops) may 
 be given in the same way. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM AROMATICUM, U. 8., Br.— Aromatic 
 
 Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 Tinctura aromatica acida , Elixir vitrioli Mynsichti. — Elixir of vitriol , E. ; Elixir 
 vitriolique , Teinture ( Alcoolie ) aromatique sulfurique , Fr. ; Saure aromatische Tinctur , 
 Mynsicht's Elixir , G. 
 
 Strength of H 2 S0 4 : 20 per cent. U. S., 12.5 per cent. Br. : Spec. grav. 0.939 U. S ., 
 0.911 Br. 
 
 Preparation. — Add gradually Sulphuric acid 100 Cc. to Alcohol 700 Cc., and 
 allow the mixture to cool. Then add to it Tincture of Ginger 50 Cc., Oil of Cinnamon 
 1 Cc., and enough of alcohol to make the product measure 1000 Cc. U. S. (In the absence 
 of metric measures the following proportions will correspond to the official formula : Sul- 
 phuric Acid 1 fluidounce, Tincture of Ginger 4 fluidounce, Oil of Cinnamon 5 minims, 
 Alcohol sufficient to make 10 fluidounces.) 
 
 Take of Strong Tincture of Ginger 2 fluidounces ; Spirit of Cinnamon 2 fluidounces ; 
 Rectified Spirit 36 fluidounces ; Sulphuric Acid 3 fluidounces (or 2419 grains). Mix the 
 sulphuric acid gradually with the spirit, and add the spirit of cinnamon and tincture of 
 ginger. — Br. Spec. grav. 0.911 : contains about 12.5 per cent, of H 2 S0 4 . 
 
 This preparation has been dismissed from both the French and German Pharma- 
 copoeias. 
 
 Properties. — The formula is essentially that suggested by T. N. Jamieson in 1867 
 as a substitute for one directing, the maceration of the aromatics in the mixture of 
 alcohol and sulphuric acid, whereby a preparation of a deep brown-red color is obtained, 
 which in the course of time deposits an unsightly precipitate, due perhaps to modified 
 tannin. The preparation obtained by the new pharmacopoeial process is of a light-straw 
 color, and, while it yields only a slight precipitate, has about the same aromatic prop- 
 erties as the former. 
 
 On mixing sulphuric acid with alcohol the temperature rises, and some ethylsulpliuric 
 (sulphovinic) acid is produced, the quantity of which slowly increases with the age of 
 the preparation. For the same amount of sulphur this acid has only one-half the sat- 
 urating power of sulphuric acid ; the acidimetric test must therefore vary with the age 
 of this preparation, and when fresh and made at a low temperature 9.8 Gm. of the acid, 
 properly diluted with water, will require for complete neutralization 37. ( /X S .) Cc. of 
 the volumetric solution of soda. The British Pharmacopoeia requires 500 grain-measures 
 of the soda solution for the neutralization of 195 grains by weight of its aromatic sul- 
 phuric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is preferable to any other form of sulphuric 
 acid for internal administration. It is peculiarly adapted to the treatment of gastro- 
 intestinal disorders , for which the simple acid is also appropriate, and of the colliquative 
 sweats of phthisis and other hectical affections. The cure of a case of exophthalmic 
 goitre (Magruder, Med. News , liii. 499) has been attributed to it. Dose, Gm. 0.60-1.30 
 (gtt. x-xx). 
 
104 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHUROSVM. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHUROSUM, U . $., Br.— Sulphurous Acid. 
 
 Sulphurous anhydride , Sulphur dioxide , E. ; Acide sulfureux , F. ; Schweflige Secure, (1. 
 
 Formula, S0 2 . Molecular weight 63.9. Strength 6.4 per cent. U. S., 5 per cent. Br. 
 Specific gravity, 1.035 U. S., 1.025 Br. 
 
 Origin and Production. — Sulphurous acid was first distinguished from sulphuric 
 acid by Stahel (1697) ; its properties in the gaseous state were studied by Priestly (1775), 
 and Lavoisier (1777) showed that it contains less oxygen than sulphuric acid. It is met 
 with in the exhalations of active volcanoes, and is produced on the burning of sulphur 
 and when concentrated sulphuric acid is heated with charcoal or with organic matters, with 
 copper, mercury, or other metals. The official process is as follows : 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sulphuric Acid 80 Cc. ; Charcoal in coarse powder 20 Gm.; 
 Distilled Water 1000 Cc. Pour the acid upon the charcoal previously introduced into a 
 glass flask, and mix the two well together. By means of a glass tube and well-fitting 
 corks connect the flask with a 200 Cc. wash-bottle, which is one-third filled with water and 
 fitted with a cork having three perforations. Into one of these perforations insert a safety- 
 tube, which should reach nearly to the bottom of the bottle ; into the remaining perforation 
 fit a glass tube and connect it with a bottle which is about three-fourths filled by the dis- 
 tilled water. This tube should dip about an inch below the surface of the water. By 
 means of a second tube connect this bottle with another bottle containing a dilute 
 solution of sodium carbonate, to absorb any gas which may not be retained by the dis- 
 tilled water. Having ascertained that all the connections are air-tight, apply a moderate 
 heat to the flask until the evolution of gas has nearly ceased, and during the passage 
 of the gas keep the bottle containing the distilled water at or below 10° C. (50° F.) 
 by surrounding it with cold water or ice. Finally, pour the sulphurous acid into 
 glass-stoppered, dark amber-colored bottles, and keep them in a cool and dark place. — U. S. 
 
 If a safety-tube be inserted in the apparatus, the delivery-tube may be allowed to reach 
 to near the bottom of the distilled water. The gas which is not absorbed must, to avoid 
 inconvenience, be conveyed either into the open air, into a flue, or, as directed above, into 
 an alkaline solution, where it will be absorbed. 
 
 The process of the British Pharmacopoeia is essentially the same: the gas evolved from 
 4 fluidounces of sulphuric acid and 1 ounce of wood charcoal is washed by passing it 
 through 2 ounces of water and conducted into 20 fluidounces of distilled water. 
 
 The charcoal acts as a reducing agent upon the sulphuric acid, generating carbon 
 dioxide and sulphurous anhydride and water ; thus : C 2 -f- 4H 2 S0 4 = 2C0 2 -f- 4S0 2 + 
 4H 2 0. The gas is therefore contaminated with carbon dioxide, which will likewise be 
 retained by the distilled water to a slight extent. A purer acid is obtained by heating 
 copper clippings with concentrated sulphuric acid, when copper sulphate and sulphurdi- 
 oxide will be produced ; Cu 2 + 4H 2 S0 4 = 2CuS0 4 + 2S0 2 -(- 4H 2 0. Double the quantity 
 of sulphuric acid will be necessary to produce the same amount of sulphurous acid as is 
 produced by the official process. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Sulphur dioxide consists of 1 measure of gaseous sul- 
 phur and 2 of oxygen, condensed to 2 measures ; it is a colorless, irrespirable gas, has a 
 pungent and suffocating odor, and condenses to a liquid at — 17.8° C. (0° F.) or under a 
 pressure of 4 or 5 atmospheres ; this liquid boils briskly on coming into contact with ice. 
 Water dissolves at 10° C. (50° F.) 51 volumes, and at 20° C. (68° F.) 36 volumes, of 
 sulphur dioxide ; the solution contains sulphurous acid, H 2 S0 3 = (OH) 2 SO, and when sat- 
 urated at ordinary temperature has, according to Anthon (1860), the density 1.046 and 
 contains 9.54 per cent. S0 2 . The density of sulphurous acid of different strength has 
 been ascertained as follows : 
 
 1 
 
 Per ct. 
 
 Specific gravity. 
 
 Per ct. 
 
 Specific gravity. 
 
 Per ct. 
 
 Specific gravity. 
 
 S0 2 . 
 
 Anthon, 
 
 Scott, Hager, 
 
 S0 2 . 
 
 Anthon, 
 
 Scott, 
 
 Hager, 
 
 S0 2 . 
 
 Anthon, 
 
 Scott, 
 
 Hager, 
 
 
 med. temp. 
 
 15° C. ; 17.5° C. 
 
 
 med. temp.. 
 
 15° C. 
 
 17.5° C. 
 
 
 med. temp. | 
 
 15° C. 
 
 17.5° C. 
 
 10.00 
 
 
 1.052 1.044 
 
 6.68 
 
 1.027 
 
 
 
 3.82 
 
 1.016 
 
 
 
 9.54 
 
 1.046 
 
 
 6.50 
 
 
 1.035 
 
 1.027 
 
 3.50 
 
 
 1.019 
 
 1.014 
 
 9.50 
 
 
 1.049 1.041 
 
 6.00 
 
 
 1.033 
 
 1.025 
 
 3.00 
 
 
 1.017 
 
 1.012 
 
 9.00 
 
 
 1.047 1.039 
 
 5.72 
 
 1.023 
 
 
 
 2.86 
 
 1.013 ! 
 
 
 
 8.59 
 
 1.036 
 
 
 5.50 
 
 
 1.030 
 
 ! 1.023 
 
 2.50 
 
 
 
 1.014 
 
 1.010 
 
 8.50 
 
 
 1.045 1.037 
 
 5.00 
 
 
 1.027 
 
 1.021 
 
 2.00 
 
 
 ; 1.011 
 
 1.008 
 
 8.00 
 
 
 1 . 042 ; 1.035 
 
 4.77 
 
 1.020 
 
 
 
 1.90 
 
 i 1.009 
 
 
 
 7.63 
 
 1.031 
 
 
 4.50 
 
 
 
 1.025 
 
 i 1.019 
 
 1.50 
 
 
 1.008 
 
 i 1.006 
 
 7.50 
 
 
 1.040 1 1.033 
 
 1 4.00 
 
 
 1.022 
 
 1.017 
 
 0.95 
 
 1 1.005 
 
 
 
 7.00 
 
 
 I 1.037 i 1.030 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ! 
 
 
 
A LTD U3I SULPHVROSVM. 
 
 105 
 
 Strength and density, as given by the IT. S. Pharmacopoeia, correspond with the above 
 table; those given by the Br. Pharm. also very nearly. Both authorities determine 
 the strength by iodine, 1 atom of which will be converted into hydriodic acid by •> mole- 
 cule of sulphur dioxide ; hence 2 Gm. of the pharmacopoeial sulphurous acid, properly 
 diluted, will not acquire a permanent blue color with starch-paste, until at least 40 Cc. 
 of the volumetric solution of iodine have been added ( U. 8.), or 1000 grain-measures of 
 the latter should oxidize 64 grains of sulphurous acid (i?r.) ; I 2 -f- H 2 SO ;( -+- H 2 0 yield 
 H 2 S0 4 + 2HI. 
 
 The aqueous solution of sulphurous acid evaporates by heat without leaving any residue ; 
 in contact with air it is oxidized to sulphuric acid, and when exposed to light it acquires 
 the property of precipitating silver sulphide from silver nitrate. Barium chloride, slightly 
 acidulated with hydrochloric acid, yields no precipitate with it, or only a slight turbidity. 
 The gas remains with the water when the solution freezes, and at the boiling temperature 
 some time must elapse before it is entirely expelled. 
 
 Sulphurous acid is a powerful deoxidizing agent, abstracting oxygen from permanganic, 
 chromic, iodic, arsenic, nitric, and other acids, from ferric, mercuric, argentic, and other 
 salts, and from most vegetable colors, thereby bleaching the latter. It yields hydrogen 
 sulphide and water when in contact with nascent hydrogen. It displaces carbon dioxide 
 from carbonates, and yields salts which generally are sparingly soluble in water, 
 except the alkali sulphites ; they are inodorous, have a somewhat acrid taste, and on igni- 
 tion are converted into sulphate and sulphide, or sulphur dioxide is given off, the metallic 
 oxide remaining. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Sulphurous acid is employed in the preparation of 
 sodium, calcium, and other sulphites, and of calomel by the wet process, and serves as a 
 powerful reducing agent. In pharmacy and the arts it is used for bleaching sponges, 
 bones, straw, and other organic matters, for removing fruit-stains, and for arresting or 
 preventing fermentation and putrefaction. 
 
 Action and Uses. — As stated elsewhere (v. Sulphur ), the fumes of burning 
 sulphur were, from a remote antiquity, employed to disinfect temples and houses (as 
 Homer, Ovid, and Pliny relate), and for this purpose and for bleaching woollen 
 cloths they continued to be used until they were superseded by chlorine. It seems prob- 
 able that the irritating quality of the vapors caused greater virtues to be ascribed to 
 them than they possess. In the last and early part of the present century sulphurous 
 acid was used in the treatment of scabies and other contagious affections, as well as of 
 rheumatism, neuralgia, and paralysis. From about 1875 experiments made by Petten- 
 koffer and others led to the use of sulphur fumes for disinfecting ships and hospitals. 
 It seemed to be admitted that, except in the presence of water, they were of little use ; 
 yet under official pressure they were generally employed in Europe (Dujardin-Beaumetz, 
 Bull, de Therap., cxv. 390, etc.). It was admitted that in watery solution the acid could 
 destroy insects, including fleas, lice, and bedbugs, and also the contagious power of vaccine, 
 glanders. Oriental plague, and cattle plague ( Practitioner , xxxiii. 189), but that in this 
 form its corrosive action upon woven fabrics and various articles of furniture was more 
 injurious than when perfectly dry. The study of the subject by Sternberg ( Med . News, 
 xlvi. 343) led him to conclude that the acid does really deprive vaccine matter of its 
 activity when the latter is retained in an atmosphere containing 1 per cent, of the acid, 
 and also that in comparatively weak aqueous solutions it destroys the vitality of various 
 micrococci ; but that the conditions of its success on a large scale in practice render 
 much of the “ disinfection ” ascribed to it illusory. Even admitting that “ in the absence 
 of spores, micro-organisms suspended in the atmosphere or attached to the surface of 
 objects may be destroyed by sulphur dioxide when generated in a sufficient quantity in 
 a well-closed apartment and in the presence of moisture, the question remains whether 
 the same object may not be as well accomplished by thorough ventilation and by wash- 
 ing all surfaces with a 1 : 1000 solution of mercuric chloride.” Experiments made by 
 Dr. Biggs led him to conclude that sulphurous acid gas in 100 volume per cent, under 
 pressure will destroy most forms of micro-organisms except the spores of bacilli ; it will 
 not destroy, but retard the growth of, permanent spores (. Med . Neics, li. 706 ; compare 
 Edson, Med. Record, xxxvi. 533 ; Aubert, Bull, de Therap., cxviii. 54). 
 
 Favus of the scalp and other hairy parts has been successfully treated by means of 
 lotions containing 1 part of the acid to 3 of water, after removal of the crusts by means 
 of emollient poultices. As already stated, it has been used to cure scabies. Whooping 
 cough is said to have been cured by keeping the patients in rooms where sulphur had 
 been burned ( Practitioner , xxxviii. 372 ; xli. 120). The acid has been used in a gargle for 
 
106 
 
 ACIDUM TANNICUM. 
 
 ulcerated and gangrenous pharyngitis, and for diphtheria when diffused through the air 
 of the patient’s room and in conjunction with warm-water vapor ( Edinb . Jour., xxxiv. 
 724). Pulmonary phthisis has also been treated by confining patients affected with it for 
 a certain space of time every day to a room filled with sulphurous acid vapor. Dujardin- 
 Beaumetz, Sollaud, and Balbaud ( Bull . de Therap., cxiii. 165, 276; Bull, et Mem. Soc. 
 Therap., 1887, p. 200) have testified that in non-febrile cases, under its influence, the 
 cough and expectoration diminish, while the appetite, strength, flesh, and sleep improve. 
 These statements have not been confirmed. Hypodermic injections made in the tro- 
 chanterian notch of a saturated solution of sulphurous acid in vaseline have been employed 
 for the same purpose, but with no demonstrable benefit ( Bull . de Therap., cxiii. 132 : 
 cxiv. 160). As a lotion for recent wounds the acid has been said to allay pain, diminish 
 suppuration, and promote cicatrization, and it has been recommended in a gargle for 
 ulcerated and gangrenous pharyngitis. In many other local affections requiring an anti- 
 septic and stimulant medication it is stated to be useful, as well as internally in the 
 treatment of urticaria and dyspeptic flatulence ; but for the latter the sulphites are pre- 
 ferable. It may also be employed to disinfect the dejections of the sick, and in lotions to 
 diminish the contagiousness of eruptive fevers. 
 
 The dose of sulphurous acid is Gm. 4-12 (f^j-iij), largely diluted. For inhalation 
 the following method is suggested by Dujardin-Beaumetz : Select a small room of known 
 capacity ; close perfectly all openings into it ; burn within it flowers of sulphur ignited 
 by means of alcohol poured upon their surface ; begin by small quantities, such as Gm 
 5 (gr. lxxv), and daily increase the amount by Gm. 5 (gr. lxxv) until it reaches Gm. 
 20 (3v). Let this be done two hours before the patient enters the room, and let him 
 remain therein for four hours. “ The fumes do not change the color of paper-hangings 
 or woven fabrics.” 
 
 ACIDUM TANNICUM, U . Br B . G .— Tannic Acid. 
 
 Acidum gallo-tannicum, Tanninum. — Digallic Acid, Tannin, E. ; Acide tannique, Tannin, 
 Fr. ; Gerbsdure , Tannin, G. ; Acido tannico , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula C 14 H 10 O 9 = (C 6 H 2 ) 2 .(OH) 5 .OCO.COOH. Molecular weight 321.22. 
 
 Origin and Varieties. — Compounds having acid properties and an astringent taste, 
 producing dark-colored solutions or precipitates with salts of iron, and precipitating gela- 
 tin and albumen from their solutions, are called by the generic name of tannins. The 
 reaction of tannins with metallic salts, and one of their principal products, leather, were 
 known in ancient times; but Deyeux (1793) and Seguin (1795) first proved tannin to be 
 a distinct compound. The tannins are conveniently arranged into two groups, according 
 to the color produced with ferric salts, which is either dark-green or dark-blue. A large 
 number of plants contain tannin of the latter group, differing, however, from the official 
 tannic acid in not furnishing gallic acid or pyrogallol. The tannin obtained from nutgalls 
 is, for this reason, distinguished from the others by the prefix gallo. Gallotannic acid has 
 been found in the official galls, in Chinese and Japanese galls, in the cups of the fruit 
 of some oaks, and in the leaves of Italian sumach, Rhus Coriaria, Linne. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Nutgall in fine powder, Ether, each a sufficient quantity. 
 Expose the nutgall to a damp atmosphere for 2 or 3 days, and afterward add sufficient 
 ether to form a soft paste. Let this stand in a well-closed vessel for 24 hours ; then, 
 having quickly enveloped it in a linen cloth, submit it to strong pressure in a suitable 
 press, so as to express the liquid portion. Reduce the pressed cake to powder, mix it with 
 sufficient ether, to which one-sixteenth of its bulk of water has been added to form again 
 a soft paste, and express as before. Mix the expressed liquids, and expose the mixture 
 to spontaneous evaporation until, by the aid subsequently of a little heat, it has acquired 
 the consistence of a soft extract ; then place it on earthen plates or dishes and dry it in a 
 hot-air chamber at a temperature not exceeding 212° F. — Br. 
 
 The process is that proposed by Domine in 1844, and based upon that of Leconnet, 
 first published in 1836, the important modification being the exposure of the powdered 
 galls to a damp atmosphere, and the addition of water to the ether in order to supply 
 the water requisite for rendering the tannin soluble in the ether. That water is abso- 
 lutely necessary was noticed by Pelouze (1834), who percolated powdered nutgalls with 
 commercial ether containing water — a process suitable for preparing tannin on a small 
 scale ; the percolate separates into two slightly-colored layers, the lower of which is a 
 very concentrated solution of tannin. Domine’s plan brings about the same result in 
 
A C1D UM TA NNICUM. 
 
 107 
 
 less time and with much less ether. Mohr, Guibourt, and others used a mixture of ether, 
 alcohol, and water. 
 
 Gallotannic acid is insoluble in absolute ether, but in the presence of a little water a 
 definite compound appears to be formed of tannin and ether, or with water in addition 
 thereto, which is insoluble in ether, but may be dissolved in water ; the ether retained in 
 this syrupy liquid is larger in quantity than would be dissolved by the same amount of 
 water. The complete drying of the tannin is effected at a somewhat elevated tempera- 
 ture, by which the volatile ingredients of the syrupy liquid cause the latter to froth up, 
 leaving the tannin behind in loose, porous masses somewhat sponge-like in appearance. 
 It is scarcely necessary to state that during the entire process contact with most metals, 
 notably with iron, must be avoided ; the operations are best performed in glass, porcelain, 
 or earthen vessels. 
 
 For the manufacture of tannin on a large scale other and better methods are now fol- 
 lowed ; for instance, moderately finely powdered- galls are treated with water heated to 
 40° or 60° C. (104°— 140° F.) until the powder is exhausted and a concentrated solution 
 obtained ; this is allowed to settle, and then filtered into a churn-like vessel provided 
 with numerous paddles. To the liquor is now added about one-fourth of its volume of 
 ether (sp. gr. 0.750), and the mixture thoroughly agitated; when the resulting emulsion 
 is allowed to stand for ten or twelve days it separates into two distinct layers, the upper 
 ethereal layer being a solution of resin, fat, gallic acid, and coloring matter, while the 
 lower aqueous layer contains the tannin with some few impurities. After separation the 
 tannin solution is concentrated in a still to a syrupy consistence, and then spread on 
 plates of sheet tin, which are warmed, so that the tannin may be obtained as dry, spongy 
 masses; the syrupy liquid may also be spread on glass plates, which are then heated in 
 drying ovens to 110° C. (230° F.). This ether-tannin will be nearly white and contain but 
 very slight impurities. Two other varieties, less pure, are met with, known as alcohol- 
 tannin and water-tannin ; the former is made by extracting nutgall with 50 per cent, 
 alcohol, carefully filtering, and concentrating the solution, which is finally evaporated in 
 a vacuum. Water-tannin is extracted similarly to ether-tannin, but instead of adding 
 ether the solution, after filtration, is concentrated to dryness in a vacuum apparatus 
 (Trimble, The Tannins , 1892). Pure tannic acid has been obtained by Gartenmeister 
 by exhausting powdered galls with acetic ether, and a patent has been granted for the 
 process in Germany. The acetic-ether solution is concentrated, and thoroughly agitated 
 with water, which forms an emulsion from which the impurities are removed by cen- 
 tifrugal action and admixture of charcoal or pumice-stone. Finally, the aqueous solution, 
 almost free from color, is evaporated to dryness by appropriate means. The so-called 
 crystallized tannic acid offered by E. Schering is simply finely-spun tannin obtained in 
 thin threads by forcing a concentrated solution through finely-perforated sieves, and 
 allowing the mass to fall from a height of fifteen feet or more on to rapidly-revolving 
 wood cylinders. 
 
 Properties. — Tannic acid, thus prepared, has a yellowish-white color, frequently of 
 a slight greenish tint. It has a strongly astringent taste, and is freely soluble in water, 
 alcohol (0.6 part), acetone, oil of bitter almond, and in 1 part of glycerin, when 
 moderately heated; but remains pulverulent when in contact with anhydrous ether 
 which is free from alcohol, and is likewise insoluble, or nearly so, in absolute alcohol, 
 chloroform, petroleum benzin, benzene, carbon disulphide, and in most fixed and volatile 
 oils. The solutions have an acid reaction. Tannin being less soluble in acidulated water 
 and in solutions of certain salts than in pure water, its aqueous solution is precipitated 
 by mineral and certain organic acids, by the chlorides and several other salts of the 
 alkalies, these precipitates being again soluble in water. Tannin renders iodine soluble 
 in water, and prevents the reaction of the latter upon starch ; this behavior has been 
 recommended by F. Jean for the estimation of tannin. It yields precipitates with the 
 alkaloids and many so-called neutral principles, with lime-water, most metallic salts, with 
 starch, albumen, and gelatin. The latter precipitate is soluble in solutions of gelatin 
 and of tannin, but insoluble in water and aqueous solutions of certain salts (see Gela- 
 tina) ; this tannate of gelatin is formed in the tanning of hides, and is an important 
 constituent of leather. With solutions of pure ferrous salts no change takes place in 
 the absence of oxygen, but ferric salts give at once in diluted solutions a deep-blue 
 color, and in more concentrated solutions a bluish-black precipitate, with a reduction to 
 ferrous compounds. In the presence of alkalies and in contact with air solutions of tannin 
 rapidly assume a brown color. On the application of heat tannic acid is decomposed, and 
 pyrogallol sublimes at 212° C. (419° F.), leaving metagallic acid behind, which is a black, 
 
108 
 
 ACIDUM TANNICUM. 
 
 tasteless substance, insoluble in water, soluble in alkalies, and by heat finally consumed 
 without leaving any residue. The odor adhering to tannic acid may, according to Procter 
 (1864), be removed by benzin, together with some coloring matter. 
 
 Composition. — The impossibility of obtaining tannic acid in the crystallized state 
 has rendered the determination of its composition very difficult. A brief review of the 
 widely-differing views held by various chemists will be found under Acidum Gallicum. 
 The latest investigations on the subject appear to furnish conclusive proof that chemically 
 pure tannin must be viewed as an anhydride of gallic acid, and that 1 molecule of it rep- 
 resents 2 molecules of the latter, minus 1 of water. This relation is seen from the follow- 
 ing equation: 2(C 6 H 2 (OH) 3 .COOH), gallic acid, — H 2 0=(C 6 H 2 ) 2 .(0H) 5 .0C0.C00H, tannin 
 = C 14 H 10 O 9 , which is the formula of Mulder (1848). The official tannin is contaminated 
 with an odorous principle, some coloring matter, and variable quantities of glucose coim 
 bined with tannin. 
 
 Tannin dissolved in water or in diluted alcohol is gradually converted into gallic acid ; 
 occasionally ellagic odd , C 14 H 8 0 9 , is also formed. The latter is insoluble in ether, only 
 sparingly soluble in hot water and alcohol, and in contact with excess of potassa becomes 
 dark-red, and finally black. 
 
 Impurities. — -Tannic acid should burn from platinum-foil without leaving more than 
 0.2 per cent, of ash, and be completely soluble in 5 parts of alcohol (dextrin insoluble) 
 and the same proportion of warm water (resin insoluble), both solutions being nearly 
 transparent. The latter solution should not be precipitated on mixing it with twice its 
 volume of alcohol. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Tannin is employed in the preparation of various proxi- 
 mate principles. 
 
 Estimation. — The estimation of tannin and the valuation of the various tanning 
 materials is connected with considerable difficulty, and often requires to be modified 
 according to the nature of other organic compounds present. 
 
 Yon Schroder's modification of Lowenthal’s method, although by no means free from 
 defects, is looked upon as the most reliable for technical analysis : it was adopted by a 
 committee of German chemists in 1885. The method combines Hammer’s suggestion 
 for the use of hide-powder with Lowenthal’s for potassium permanganate in presence of 
 indigo ; the value of the permanganate solution for a known quantity of pure tannin 
 before and after treatment with hide-powder must first be established, solution of sodium 
 sulphindigotate being used as indicator ; it is assumed that when the color of the indigo 
 solution changes to a pure golden-yellow (evidence of complete oxidation) all the tannin 
 present will also have been oxidized by the permanganate. The necessary reagents are 
 (1) a solution of pure potassium permanganate of the strength of 10 6m. to 6000 Cc. 
 of distilled water ; (2) a solution of 30 Gm. of pure sodium sulphindigotate in 3000 Cc. 
 of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 vol. acid, 5 vols. water) — after filtration 3000 Cc. more of 
 water are added ; (3) white woolly hide-powder, which yields to distilled water nothing 
 capable of reducing the permanganate solution ; (4) strictly pure tannin. The indigo 
 solution should be tested separately, and 20 Cc. of the same, when diluted with 750 Cc. 
 of water, should require about 10.7 Cc. of the permanganate solution for oxidation. 
 
 To standardize the tannin value of the permanganate solution, 10 Cc. of a solution of 
 pure tannin (2 Gm. to 1000 Cc.) are added to 20 Cc. of indigo solution and 750 Cc. 
 of water ; the KMn0 4 solution is cautiously added until the color changes to pure 
 yellow. 50 Cc. of tannin solution are now macerated with 3 Gm of hide-powder, pre- 
 viously well moistened and expressed, for eighteen or twenty hours with frequent agita- 
 tion, filtered, and 10 Cc. of the filtrate added to 20 Cc. indigo solution and 750 Cc. of 
 water ; the mixture is titrated with KMn0 4 solution as before, the difference between 
 the first and second titrations representing the tannin or oxidizable matter removed by 
 the hide. From these data the tannin value per cubic centimeter of permanganate solu- 
 tion is readily calculated. For subsequent estimation of tannin in infusions or otherwise 
 the same reagents must be employed, and the liquid to be tested should contain a 
 quantity of tannic acid corresponding to not less than 4 nor more than 10 Cc. of perman- 
 ganate solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When administered in moderate doses tannic acid causes con- 
 stipation, at least at first, but the state is not made permanent by a continuance or even 
 an increase of the dose, nor does it seem to derange the digestive function, as a general 
 rule. Occasionally, however, it excites pain in the stomach and bowels, thirst, and eruc- 
 tation, and causes a coated tongue, with tenesmus in defecation. The stools are gener- 
 ally without faecal odor. Tannic acid appears not to be absorbed, and not to circulate as 
 
ACIDUM TARTARICUM. 
 
 109 
 
 such, but to be converted into gallic acid. In this form alone is it found in the blood 
 and urine. Indeed, it could not remain in the blood without coagulating it, as experi- 
 ments on animals demonstrate. But as gallic acid is not an astringent, and as one of the 
 best uses of tannic acid is to control internal haemorrhages, it is difficult, while admitting 
 the conversion of the one acid into the other, to explain the therapeutic operation of the 
 latter in the affections named. It would appear that the haemostatic and analogous qual- 
 ities of tannic acid are due, not to an action upon the blood, but upon the blood-vessels, 
 by which they become constringed and the flow of the blood through them is checked. 
 Tannic acid has been known to occasion extreme dyspnoea, cyanosis, and an erythematous 
 eruption ( Practitioner , xxxvii. 37). Its application to the fauces and nostrils has pro- 
 duced swelling, oppression, and a diffused itching and eruption on the skin ( Therap . 
 Monatsh ., iv. 141, 313). 
 
 The astringent property of this substance renders it useful in relaxed states of the 
 gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, such as exist in certain forms of dyspepsia (with 
 excessive acid, mucous, or watery secretion, or with flatulence), but still more in chronic 
 diarrhsea, dysentery , lientery , etc. It has even been supposed, when administered in warm 
 enemas, to check the diarrhoea of typhoid fever and the development of cholera ; but in 
 the absence of adequate and direct clinical proof it should be remembered that these 
 diseases are not localized in the lower portion of the intestinal canal. The presence of 
 fever usually contraindicates it. It is less used, although hardly less efficient, in chronic 
 fluxes of other organs, which, when taken internally, it can influence only through the 
 blood, as chronic bronchitis , whooping cough , and phthisis { Lancet , Mar. 1889, p. 493) ; and 
 even in influenza it has seemed to palliate the symptoms (Alison, Archives gen., Aug. 
 1889, p. 159). It often moderates, or even suspends, the night-sweats pulmonary consump- 
 tion and those of other hectical states. But it is in haemorrhages that tannic acid espe- 
 cially shows its power. Employed originally to restrain menorrhagia , it was afterward 
 used successfully in other forms of uterine haemorrhage, including those produced by 
 organic diseases of the womb. The more passive forms are the most improved by it. 
 In hsematuria, even of organic origin, in passive haemorrhage from the stomach and bowels , 
 in some cases of haemoptysis, and also of haemophilia, it has displayed remarkable efficacy. 
 In haemoptysis it is best employed in an atomized solution. Not only in forms of albu- 
 minuria with copious urination, but in those in which the secretion is scanty, or perhaps 
 chiefly in these, it is said to have been useful. Hiller, who tested the tannate of sodium 
 in these cases, found it to be quite unavailing to lessen the albuminuria ( Zeitsch . Min. 
 Med., vi. 489). 
 
 It is very efficient as a direct or local haemostatic when finely powdered and applied to 
 a bleeding part. It is neither painful nor irritating. It is, therefore, a convenient appli- 
 cation in haemorrhage from the nose, vagina, or rectum, from leech-bites, varicose veins, 
 etc. Its constringing operation is of great value in producing the contraction of various 
 soft tissues. A concentrated solution, made with an ounce of fresh tannin and 6 drachms 
 of water, has a syrupy consistence, and is preferable to tannin itself for many topical 
 applications. It is adapted to the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and mucous surfaces. In 
 1866, Dr. Richardson suggested styptic colloid, which consisted of a saturated solution of 
 tannin in alcohol, to which ether and then gun-cotton were added to saturation, and when 
 applied to a part rapidly condensed and grew firm, so as to arrest the discharge of blood, 
 serum, or pus. It was also used after the surfaces of wounds, fractures, etc. had been 
 coaptated, to keep their edges from being displaced. More recently ( Asclepiad , July, 
 1885), he had prepared, with ether boiling at 90° F., a saturated solution of tannin, which 
 was afterward treated with collodion nearly to saturation. It was applied as a spray, and 
 its purpose was to maintain by its astringency the contraction of the tissues begun by 
 cold. It was found to be very efficient, whether in this form or as a liquid. Tannin 
 forms a good dressing for burns. {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., viii. 487). A solution of 
 tannic acid in tincture of benzoin (1 part to 4) tends to repress the development of vari- 
 olous pustules. A powder made with 1 grain of tannin and 30 grains of orris- or marsh- 
 mallow-root has been used as a snuff to arrest acute coryza in its forming stage ; and an 
 ointment containing 1 grain of tannin and 2 drachms of simple ointment, has been 
 applied to the nostrils, on a roll of soft linen or paper, for the same purpose in infants. 
 Powdered tannin may be used as a spuff in chronic coryza, and in the treatment of nasal 
 polypi a 10 per cent, solution in water has also been employed. B. W. Richardson recom- 
 mended tannin-wool (made by soaking cotton-wool in water at 140° F. ; saturated with 
 tannin, and drying the wool) for treating ozaena and other diseases attended with factor 
 {Med. News, lii. 411). A watery solution is a useful application to sore nipples , and an 
 
110 
 
 ACID UM TARTARICUM. 
 
 ointment of tannin, or suppositories containing it, is a palliative in anal fissure, haemor- 
 rhoids, and prolapsus ani. A solution of from 15 to 60 grains of tannin in about 4 fluid- 
 ounces of water, injected into the bladder, has sometimes cured obstinate vesical catarrh. 
 Aphthous ulcers of the mouth , mercurial salivation , spongy gums , and a relaxed condition of 
 the mucous membrane of th e pharynx, are all benefited by this astringent. Introduced 
 into a carious cavity, it often allays toothache. In coryza and the other forms of chronic 
 mucous inflammation mentioned the glycerite of tannin has been employed, but it is prob- 
 ably less efficient than the watery solution. Injections of a solution of tannic acid have 
 been successfully used in gleet and leucorrhoea ; in the latter disease they are very useful, 
 but less so than the more prolonged application of tampons or sponges saturated with the 
 solution. Tannic-acid hip-baths have been recommended as more eligible than these 
 injections, etc. The latter method often cures prolapsus of the uterus due to relaxation 
 of the vagina. Chronic inflammations of the conjunctiva, especially the granular form, 
 and pannus, have been successfully treated with very finely-powdered tannin ; and injec- 
 tions of a solution of this substance into vascular erectile tumors have been followed by 
 their permanent contraction. A concentrated solution of tannin is one of the best appli- 
 cations to ingrown toe-nail, especially when there are fungous growths. A dentifrice con- 
 taining tannin and charcoal in equal proportions is very efficient in removing the discol- 
 oration of the teeth produced by preparations of iron. 
 
 The dose of tannic acid is from Gm. 0.20-0.60 (gr. iij-x), repeated according to the 
 urgency of the case. It is best administered in pill, except in cases of haemorrhage, 
 when it should be dissolved in pure water sweetened and flavored. Lewin recommends, 
 in order to lessen the tendency of tannic acid to disorder the digestive organs, that it be 
 given as follows : R. Solut. tannic acid in water (2 per cent.), fj§v ; the white of one egg. 
 Incorporate by shaking. The energy of this mixture appears to be very slight if a 
 prompt astringent action is desired ; it may be useful in the few cases which call for a 
 continuous administration of the medicine. Externally, tannic acid is employed in a 
 watery solution containing Gm. 0.20—0.60 to Gm. 30 (gr. iij-x to the ounce). Its incor- 
 poration in an ointment or with glycerin impairs its astringent action ; but it is said that 
 2 parts of tannic and 1 part of gallic acid in water are more astringent than tannic acid 
 alone. 
 
 ACIDUM TARTARICUM, U. 8., Br., P. G.—' Tartaric Acid. 
 
 Sal essentiali tartari. — D ioxy succinic acid, E. ;. Acide tartrique, Acide du tarfre, Fr. ; 
 Weinsdure, Weinstein s'dure, G. ; Acido tartarico, It., Sp. 
 
 Formula II 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 = (CHOH) 2 .(COOH) 2 . Molecular weight 149.64. 
 
 Origin. — It is met with either free or in combination with bases in grapes, sumach- 
 berries, tamarinds, pineapples, and other acidulous fruits ; also in other parts of many 
 plants. It was first isolated by Scheele (1769), and by Retzius (1770) obtained in 
 crystals. 
 
 Preparation. — The British Pharmacopseia gives the following directions . Take of 
 Acid Potassium Tartrate 45 ounces ; Distilled Water a sufficiency; Prepared Chalk 
 12J ounces ; Calcium Chloride 13J ounces ; Sulphuric Acid 13 fluidounces. Boil the 
 acid potassium tartrate with 2 gallons of the water, and add gradually the chalk, con- 
 stantly stirring. When the effervescence has ceased add the calcium chloride dissolved 
 in 2 pints of the water. When the calcium tartrate has subsided pour off the liquid 
 and wash the tartrate with distilled water until it is rendered tasteless. Pour the sul- 
 phuric acid, first diluted with 3 pints of the water, on the calcium tartrate ; mix thor- 
 oughly, boil for half an hour with repeated stirring, and filter through calico. Evap- 
 orate the filtrate at a gentle heat until it acquires the specific gravity 1.21 ; allow it to 
 cool, and then separate and reject the crystals of calcium sulphate which have formed. 
 Again evaporate the clear liquor until a film forms on its surface, and allow it to cool 
 and crystallize Lastly, purify the crystals by solution, filtration if necessary, and recrys- 
 tallization. 
 
 This process is the one' which in its main features is followed in preparing tartaric acid 
 on the large scale. An excess of sulphuric acid is necessary for the decomposition of the 
 calcium tartrate to ensure the complete removal of the calcium, since tartaric acid does 
 not crystallize properly from a solution of acid calcium tartrate. Boiling the precipitate 
 with the sulphuric acid is avoided, and digestion for two or three days substituted. After 
 concentration in the vacuum-pan the liquid is heated with wood charcoal or pure animal 
 charcoal to remove coloring matter, filtered, and crystallized. The last crystallizations 
 
A CID UM TA R TA RICTJM. 
 
 Ill 
 
 are more or less colored, and, like the mother-liquor, are purified by digestion with wood 
 charcoal. Should the free sulphuric acid accumulate in the mother-liquor, its partial 
 removal with milk of lime will be necessar}\ Where calcium chloride cannot be used as 
 a waste product for the decomposition of the potassium tartrate, the cheaper calcium sul- 
 phate is used for the purpose. 
 
 The rationale of this process is as follows : Acid potassium tartrate yields with 
 calcium carbonate insoluble calcium tartrate and soluble potassium tartrate. The solu- 
 tion of the latter reacts with the calcium chloride or sulphate, furnishing an additional 
 quantity of insoluble calcium tartrate and soluble potassium chloride or sulphate, which 
 is removed by washing. The calcium tartrate, when digested with sulphuric acid, yields 
 sparingly soluble calcium sulphate, which precipitates, and tartaric acid, which, being 
 freely soluble in water, remains in solution and is recovered by crystallization. Large 
 clear and colorless crystals are best obtained in the presence of a minute quantity of free 
 sulphuric acid. 
 
 A process was patented by Goldenberg in 1878, according to which 226 parts of nor- 
 mal potassium tartrate, dissolved in 1800 parts of water, are mixed with 112 parts of 
 burned lime previously slaked with 16 parts of water ; the decomposition is effected at 
 ordinary temperatures, the greater part of the calcium tartrate being deposited as a 
 powder, from which the potassa solution is easily filtered ; the filtrate retains calcium 
 tartrate, which on boiling is separated in flocks. 
 
 The decomposition of argols by lime is effected by heat, when the nitrogenous prin- 
 ciples present are decomposed, with the evolution of ammonia, and the calcium tartrate 
 is separated in a gelatinous form, changing, however, to finely pulverulent on neutralizing 
 the alkaline liquid with hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. The brown calcium tartrate is 
 collected on a filter, washed, expressed, and decomposed by sulphuric acid, and the solu- 
 tion of tartaric acid treated with boneblack, or once more converted into the calcium salt 
 by boiling with lime and chalk, whereby a much lighter-colored precipitate is obtained. 
 
 Tartaric acid is now largely manufactured in the United States; in 1867 over 212,000 
 pounds were imported ; in 1882, only 8 pounds. 
 
 Properties. — Tartaric acid crystallizes in colorless, oblique, rhombic prisms or tables, 
 which are inodorous and have a strongly acid but agreeable taste. They have the specific 
 gravity 1.764. dissolve at 15° C. (59° F.) in about 0.8 part of water, and in 2.5 parts of 
 alcohol ; in about 0.5 part of boiling water, and in about 0.2 part of boiling alcohol ; also 
 soluble in 250 parts of ether, but nearly insoluble in chloroform, benzene, or benzin ( U. S.). 
 
 We found (1863) the density of aqueous solutions of tartaric acid at 16° C. (60.8° F.) 
 to be as follows : 
 
 i'artaric acid, 
 per cent. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Tartaric acid, 
 per cent. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Tartaric acid,! 
 per cent, j 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Tartax-ic acid, 
 per cent. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 1.00 
 
 1.0044 
 
 15.00 
 
 1.071 
 
 30.00 
 
 1.153 
 
 45.00 
 
 1.240 
 
 2.50 
 
 1.0114 
 
 17.50 
 
 1.083 
 
 32.50 
 
 1.167 
 
 47.50 
 
 1.255 
 
 5.00 
 
 1.023 
 
 20.00 
 
 1.097 
 
 35.00 
 
 1.181 
 
 50.00 
 
 1.271 
 
 7.50 
 
 1.035 
 
 22.50 
 
 1.111 
 
 37.50 
 
 1.195 
 
 52.50 
 
 1.287 
 
 10.00 
 
 1.047 
 
 25.00 
 
 1.125 
 
 40.00 
 
 1.209 
 
 55.00 
 
 1.304 
 
 12.50 
 
 1.059 
 
 27.50 
 
 1.139 
 
 42.50 
 
 1.224 
 
 57.75 
 
 1.325 
 
 The crystals contain no water of crystallization, are not deliquescent in the air, and 
 may be heated to 135° C. (275° F.) without losing weight (see below), but they melt, 
 and on heating the mass to about 200° C. (392° F.) it is decom- 
 posed, with disengagement of water, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, 
 and other compounds, gives off the odor of burning sugar, and 
 leaves a charcoal which ultimately burns without leaving any 
 residue. In American commerce tartaric acid is usually found 
 in the state of powder. The aqueous solutions of tartaric acid 
 and of its salts deviate the plane of polarized light to the right ; 
 hence the name of dextrotartaric acid. Some grapes appear to 
 contain naturally an acid isomeric with the foregoing, which is 
 called racemic , uvic, or paratartaric acid. The same acid is 
 obtained by heating for several days in closed vessels tartaric 
 acid with about 15 per cent, of water to 175° C. (347° F.) ; its 
 solutions do not affect polarized light, but some of its salts 
 crystallize in two distinct hemihedric forms, one of which con- 
 tains the ordinary or dextrotartaric acid, while the other contains 1st votartaric acid , another 
 
 Fig . 9. 
 
 Crystal of Tartaric Acid. 
 
112 
 
 ACIDUM TARTARICUM. 
 
 isomeric form, turning the plane of polarized light to the left. When dextrotartrate of 
 cinchonine is heated to 170° C. (338° F.), it is converted into paratartrate, but at the 
 same time a fourth isomeric modification is obtained, the calcium salt of which crystal- 
 lizes after the calcium paratartrate. This new acid is meso - (or inactive ) tartaric acid , so 
 called because its solutions have no effect upon polarized light, and the acid cannot be 
 resolved into dextro- and laevotartaric acids under the same circumstances as racemic 
 acid. Finally, a fifth isomeric acid may be obtained from tartaric acid by fusion, which 
 occurs between 170° and 180° C. (338° and 356° F.), when without loss in weight 
 metatartaric acid is formed, whose solution has the same influence upon polarized light 
 as that of the acid from which it was made ; but it is deliquescent, and its salts dissolve 
 more freely in water and crystallize in forms different from the dextrotartrates. L. 
 Pasteur was engaged during the years 1847 to 1853 in investigating most of these facts. 
 These isomeric compounds are, however, little known. 
 
 Tartaric acid is a strong bibasic acid, forming normal and acid salts, most of which are 
 readily obtained in crystals ; all are blackened by heat, and evolve an odor similar to that 
 of burning sugar. 
 
 The normal tartrates, with the exception of those with an alkaline base, are nearly all 
 insoluble or slightly soluble in water, but dissolve in diluted nitric acid. Calcium tartrate 
 is almost insoluble in water, but dissolves in ammonium chloride, acetic acid, and cold 
 potassa solution, being precipitated from the latter on boiling. Tartaric acid, added to 
 the concentrated solution of a potassium salt, produces a precipitate of acid potassium 
 tartrate ; a similar precipitate, which is rather more soluble in water, is produced with 
 ammonium salts ; the same precipitates are obtained with solutions of acid tartrates or 
 with neutral tartrates dissolved in diluted hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Impurities. — Tartaric acid, heated upon platinum-foil, should be consumed without 
 leaving more than a trace of ash (mineral impurities). It should completely dissolve in 
 3 parts of alcohol (saline impurities). Its solution in 10 parts of water is not precip- 
 itated or colored dark by hydrogen sulphide (lead, copper, etc.), and is not precipitated 
 by barium chloride (sulphuric acid), by calcium sulphate (oxalic or racemic acid), or by 
 ammonium oxalate (calcium salts). 1.50 Gm. of tartaric acid dissolved in alcohol, and 
 the solution mixed with half its bulk of water and of concentrated solution of potassium 
 tartrate, yields a precipitate of potassium bitartrate, which, after washing with diluted 
 alcohol and drying, weighs 1.88 Gm. A mixture of solutions of 1 part each of tartaric 
 acid and of potassium acetate, in 3 parts of cold water, on being mixed with an equal bulk 
 of alcohol, yields a precipitate which, if collected after two hours and washed and dried 
 as stated before, should weigh between 1.25 and 1.26 parts. A solution of 0.75 Gm. of 
 tartaric acid requires for exact neutralization 10 Cc. of the volumetric solution of soda, 
 or 75 grains of the former need 990 grain-measures of the latter (Bri). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Given to dogs in large and concentrated doses, it acts poison- 
 ously, quickening the pulse and respiration, and causing debility, spasm, paralysis, and 
 death, after which the blood remains liquid, but the stomach is not inflamed. It is in 
 part excreted unchanged with the urine. It has been given to cats in large doses with- 
 out striking consequences. In man, an ounce of tartaric acid dissolved in half a pint of 
 warm water is said to have acted like a corrosive poison, causing violent burning pain in 
 the throat and stomach, followed by obstinate vomiting, and death at the end of nine 
 days. Nearly the whole of the alimentary canal was found highly inflamed. But in 
 another case 6 drachms of the acid were taken within twenty-four hours without the 
 least inconvenience. The alleged poisonous action in the first case is therefore open to 
 doubt. 
 
 Tartaric acid is hardly ever prescribed alone, but generally in combination with alka- 
 lies or their carbonates or with carbonate of magnesium. It may be used to prepare 
 whey, which is thought to be febrifuge and diuretic ; and it is said to modify the unpleas- 
 ant taste of the liquid preparations of cinchona, senna, and rhubarb. Associated with 
 sugar, mucilage, and some flavoring extract, it serves to moisten the throat in pharyngitis 
 and pulmonary catarrh; and it is even alleged to be capable of dissolving the false 
 membranes of diphtheria (Med. News and Abstract, Sept. 1881, p. 536). It is said to 
 correct the foetor of the feet to which some persons are subject,, when it is strewn as a dry 
 powder in the stockings. Dose, Gm. 0.60-2.00 (gr. x-xxx). 
 
ACIDUM VALERIANICUM. 
 
 113 
 
 ACIDUM VALERIANICUM, F. It.— Valerianic Acid. 
 
 Acidum valericum. — Acide valerianique , Acide valerique , Fr. ; Baldriansaure , Valerian- 
 sdure , G. ; Aci.do valerianico , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Formula HC 5 H 9 0 2 - (CH 3 ) 2 .CH.CH 2 .COOH. Molecular weight 101.77. 
 
 Origin and Formation. — Valerianic acid has received its name from valerian-root, 
 from which it was obtained and recognized as a distinct acid by Grote (1830) ; it has been 
 found in the flowers of Anthemis nobilis, in wormwood, angelica-root, etc., and in dolphin 
 oil, obtained from Delphinus globiceps, Cuvier , by Chevreul (1817)*, who named it dcl- 
 phinic acid ; it is found among the products of oxidation of a large number of organic 
 substances, and is prepared for medicinal purposes almost exclusively by oxidizing 
 amylic alcohol with potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid, a process recommended by 
 Balard (1845). 
 
 Preparation. — Valerian-root is distilled with water, the oil is removed from the acid 
 distillate, the latter neutralized with soda, and evaporated to dryness. 5 parts of this 
 residue are, according to Wittstein (1845), dissolved in 5 parts of water, and distilled 
 with 4 parts of sulphuric acid diluted with 8 parts of water. The oily portion of the 
 distillate is purified by fractional distillation. The yield is increased if potassium dichro- 
 mate and sulphuric acid are added to the water distilled with the root (Lefort, 1846). 
 
 In the preparation of valerianic acid from fusel oil sodium valerianate is prepared as 
 the first step (for details, see Sodii Valerianas), and this is then distilled with sul- 
 phuric acid. To obtain a concentrated acid B. J. Crew (1860) manipulates as follows : 
 8 parts of sodium valerianate and 3 parts of water are mixed, and 31 parts of sulphuric 
 acid gradually added to the mixture. Sodium sulphate is formed, and the liberated 
 valerianic acid rises as an oily layer to the surface. The latter is separated, and repeat- 
 edly agitated with small portions of oil of vitriol to deprive it of water, which cannot be 
 separated by distillation. When the specific gravity of the oily layer has been reduced 
 to below 0.950, it is distilled, and that portion of the distillate having the specific gravity 
 0.940 or more is collected by itself, to be dehydrated by sulphuric acid as before. The 
 remaining portion of the distillate, rather more than half the quantity of the whole, will 
 have the required specific gravity, 0.935. The weaker but heavier acid comes over first, 
 and may be readily brought to the specific gravity 0.945 by oil of vitriol, when it is again 
 ready for fractional distillation (F. C. Musgiller, 1868). 
 
 Properties. — Valerianic acid is a colorless, thin oily liquid, of a disagreeable odor 
 resembling that of valerian and of old cheese, and has a sour, acrid, unpleasant taste, pro- 
 ducing upon the lips and tongue the sensation of burning ; diluted with water, the taste 
 is less disagreeable, with a sweet after-taste. When heated, valerianic acid evaporates 
 without residue, and ignited burns with a luminous flame. It is soluble at 15° C. in 30 
 parts of water, and by agitation with a small quantity of that liquid takes up about 20 
 per cent, of its weight, without losing its oily consistence. It dissolves in all proportions 
 in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon bisulphide, and volatile oils, the hydrated acid, how- 
 ever, producing a turbid mixture with the last-named liquids. The specific gravity is 
 0.935, which increases if the acid becomes more hydrated; its boiling-point is 175° C. 
 (347° F.). Musgiller ascertained that an acid of 0.933 specific gravity boils between 
 177.2° and 178.9° C. (351° and 354° F.) ; if of greater density the boiling-point is lower. 
 The hydrate, C 5 H 10 O 2 .H 2 O, has the density 0.945, and requires only 25 parts of cold water 
 for solution. 
 
 The composition of valerianic acid, C 5 H 10 O 2 , bears to amylic alcohol, C 5 H 12 0, the same 
 relation as acetic acid does to ordinary alcohol. (See Acetum.) Hydrogen being elimi- 
 nated from the alcohol in the form of water under the influence of oxidizing agents, the 
 remaining molecule is oxidized to the acid ; C 5 H 12 0 + 0 2 yields HC 5 H 9 0 2 + H 2 0. The 
 officinal acid is isopropylacetic acid. Three other acids of the same ultimate composition 
 may be prepared, which, however, differ from the preceding in their specific gravities, 
 boiling-points, behavior to polarized light, and the solubility in water of their barium and 
 silver salts. 
 
 The normal salts of valerianic acid, when perfectly dry, are inodorous ; in the presence 
 of moisture, and still more in contact with carbonic acid, they have the odor of the acid ; 
 their taste is decidedly sweet. Most of the salts are soluble in water, several dissolve 
 also in alcohol ; from these solutions valerianic acid is liberated by nearly all the mineral 
 and organic acids, even by acetic acid. 
 
 Impurities. — The solubility of valerianic acid, in not less than twenty-six and not 
 over thirty times its weight of water, affords a ready means of discovering the presence 
 8 
 
114 
 
 ACONITINA. 
 
 of certain impurities. Alcohol decreases, and water, acetic acid, and butyric acid increase, 
 the density of valerianic acid, and render it more soluble in water, while it becomes less 
 soluble and of less density through the presence of amylic alcohol, amylic aldehyd. amyl 
 valerianate, and fixed oils. On adding ammonia-water slightly in excess to valerianic acid 
 a clear solution should be produced ; this is turbid or separates an oily layer in the pres- 
 ence of one or more of the four compounds last mentioned. Butyric acid, if present, will, 
 according to Laroque and Huraut, produce with concentrated solution of acetate of copper 
 pale-blue scales of copper butyrate, while pure valerianic acid mixed with the same solu- 
 tion yields a mixture which is transparent for several minutes, then separates oily drops 
 of copper valerianate, which are gradually converted into a greenish-blue crystalline pow- 
 der. Acetic acid is readily detected by neutralizing the acid with ammonia and adding 
 to the cold clear liquid a slight excess of diluted ferric chloride or subsulphate, when ferric 
 valerianate will be precipitated and ferric acetate form a deep brown-red solution. Admix- 
 tures of hydrochloric or sulphuric acid are detected in the aqueous solution of valerianic 
 acid, after adding a little nitric acid, by the nitrates of silver and of barium. 
 
 Action and Uses. — According to Beissner’s experiments on animals, it coagulates 
 albumen, blood-serum, and milk, and is slightly irritating to the integuments. Its odor 
 is not imparted to the urine or the blood, but may be perceived in the peritoneal cavity. 
 It quickens but weakens the heart’s action and the respiration, produces debility and then 
 paralysis of the limbs, and spasms before death ; after which, if it takes places rapidly, 
 the gastric mucous membrane is pale, but if slowly this membrane and that of the intes- 
 tine are inflamed, the kidneys congested, and the urine is turbid and bloody. The acid 
 is not used in medicine except in combination, but it is very doubtful if it gives any 
 special properties to the bases with which it is associated, unless it does so in valerianate 
 of ammonium. Amylo-valerianic ether is said to possess all the peculiar virtues of 
 valerianic acid, besides being anaesthetic, and therefore indicated in a variety of nervous 
 and neuralgic disorders ; e. g. gastralgia , dgsmenorrhoea , asthma , etc. 
 
 ACONITINA, Br. F. Cod.— Aconitine. 
 
 Aconitia , Aconitinum. — Aconitine , Fr. ; Aconitin , Gr. ; Aconitina , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula C 33 H 45 NOJ .2 (Dunstan 1891). Molecular weight 645.54. 
 
 Preparation.— The outlines of the process recognized by the British Pharmacopoeia 
 are as follows : Coarsely-powdered aconite-root is exhausted with alcohol by heat- 
 
 ing to ebullition, then cooling, and finally percolating; the tincture is completely freed 
 from alcohol by distillation and evaporation ; the extract is mixed with twice its weight 
 of boiling distilled water ; the mixture allowed to cool and filtered ; the filtrate is pre- 
 cipitated by ammonia in slight excess, and the mixture heated gently over a water-bath, 
 whereby the precipitate forms a mass which is readily separated by a filter, and after dry- 
 ing reduced to a coarse powder, which is exhausted with pure ether ; the ethereal liquid 
 is distilled, the impure alkaloid dissolved in warm distilled water acidulated with sul- 
 phuric acid, and when the solution is cold ammonia diluted with four times its bulk of 
 distilled water is cautiously added ; the precipitate is collected on a filter, washed with a 
 small quantity of distilled water, and dried by slight pressure between folds of filtering- 
 paper. 
 
 The process proposed by Prof. Procter (1861) as a modification of that previously 
 suggested by Headland, and adopted by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia previous to 1880, 
 yielded a less pure product. 
 
 Duquesnel (1872) showed that the use of mineral acids in the preparation of aconitine 
 causes the production of amorphous alkaloids, while aconitine is not decomposed by tar- 
 taric acid ; his process is recognized by the French Codex, and, modified by Wright (1876, 
 1880), is as follows: Powdered aconite-root is exhausted with alcohol containing 0.5 
 per cent, of tartaric acid ; the alcohol is distilled and evaporated at a low temperature or 
 in vacuo ; the extract is diluted with its own bulk of water, filtered from the oil and resin, 
 agitated with ether or petroleum naphtha, whereby more resin is removed, and then pre- 
 cipitated by excess of potassium carbonate ; the alkaline liquid retains the amorphous 
 bases in solution, while the washed precipitate, after dissolving in ether, mixing this 
 solution with petroleum naphtha, and evaporating, yields crystallized aconitine, which 
 still retains a small proportion of the amorphous alkaloids, from which it can be com- 
 pletely freed only by a tedious and very wasteful process. 
 
 In Hottot and Liegeois’s process (1864) sulphuric acid is used and the alkaloids are 
 precipitated by magnesia. 
 
ACONITINA. 
 
 115 
 
 In order to avoid the possibility of any change during the process of preparation, 
 Professor Dunstan (1892, 1893) has devised the following method : Exhaust the 
 powdered drug with cold rectified fusel oil ; shake the liquids with water containing 1 
 per cent, of H 2 S0 4 ; agitate the acid solution with chloroform to remove resin ; make 
 alkaline with ammonia and shake with ether, which extracts aconitine together with some 
 isaconitine and other bases, while aconine , the greater part of isaconitine, and other bases 
 may be extracted from the watery solution by chloroform. The impure aconitine is puri- 
 fied by recrystallization as hydrobromide. 
 
 Wright (1876) obtained from aconite-root .03 to .04 per cent, of his nearly pure aconi- 
 tine, or about one-third of the total yield of alkaloid (Groves). Dunstan (1893) states 
 that the quantity of aconitine is subject to considerable variation. 
 
 Properties. — Aconitine, as obtained by the process of the British Pharmacopoeia, is 
 a white, usually amorphous solid, soluble in 150 parts of cold and 50 of hot water, and 
 much more soluble in alcohol and in ether, and in chloroform ; it is strongly alkaline to 
 reddened litmus, neutralizing acids ; its salts are precipitated by the caustic alkalies, 
 but not by ammonium carbonate or sodium or potassium bicarbonate. It melts with 
 heat and burns with a smoky flame, leaving no residue when burned with free access 
 of air. When rubbed on the skin it causes a tingling sensation, followed by prolonged 
 numbness. Commercial aconitine is usually colored orange-yellow by sulphuric acid, 
 changing to brown and colorless , and previously mixed with sugar, it becomes rose-red 
 with sulphuric acid. But pure aconitine gives no characteristic color reactions with 
 acids or oxidizing agents (Groves). 
 
 From his researches, reported to the British Pharmaceutical Conference (1866 to 1874), 
 Mr. T. B. Groves concluded that pure aconitine occurs in two modifications, a crystalline 
 and an amorphous, differing mainly in their behavior to solvents. But C. B. Alder 
 Wright (1875 to 1880) showed that the physiologically active and crystallizable aconi- 
 tine when heated with water to 140° or 150° C. (284° or 302° F.), or saponified with an 
 alkali, is decomposed into benzoic acid (18.92 per cent.) and amorphous aconine , which 
 is bitter, not acrid, almost insoluble in ether, dissolves readily in water, alcohol, and 
 chloroform, and is identical with acolyctine. That much of the commercial aconitine 
 both amorphous and crystalline, is more or less contaminated with isaconitine and aconine 
 has been again shown by Dunstan and Carr (1893). These and other amorphous bases 
 are with great difficulty removed by repeated crystallization from ether or ether and 
 petroleum naphtha, and are best eliminated by crystallization as nitrate or hydrobromide. 
 The pure alkaloid has an acrid, benumbing taste, is nearly insoluble in benzin, dissolves 
 at 22° C. in 4430 parts of water or in 37 of alcohol, is soluble in ether, and more freely in 
 chloroform and benzene ; it melts at 188° to 189° C., and its hydrobrornide at 163°, the 
 melting-point being lowered and the color more darkened by the presence of amorphous 
 bases. When heated with aqueous alkalies or mineral acids aconitine is readily decom- 
 posed. On being dissolved in ether, and the solvent allowed to evaporate spontaneously, 
 the last drop of it should dry up to crystals ; the acid obtained on saponification, on being 
 fused at 250° C. with potassa, the mass treated with hydrochloric acid and ether, and 
 the ethereal solution evaporated, should not give a green color to ferric chloride 
 (absence of pseudaconitine). 
 
 Pseudaconitine, C 36 H 49 N0 12 (see Aconitum), which has been sometimes sold for 
 aconitine, closely resembles the latter base in appearance and behavior, but may be dis- 
 tinguished from it by requiring about 230 parts of chloroform, 100 parts of boiling ether, 
 and 1508 to 2600 parts of diluted ammonia of If per cent, strength for solution ; by its 
 lower melting-point (104° to 105° C.) ; and by yielding on saponification with alcoholic 
 potassa 26.49 per cent, of veratric acid. Its nitrate crystallizes only from strongly acid 
 solutions (Groves). 
 
 Liegeois and Hottot found that aconitine precipitated from cold solutions contains 25 
 per cent, of water, which is given off at 85° C. (185° F.), and Hager (1875) has directed 
 attention to this as one source of the variable strength of commercial aconitine. 
 
 Dr. Squibb ( Ephemerh , i. 135) suggests that no aconitine should be accepted which, 
 will not give within fifteen minutes a distinct aconite sensation, not amounting to tingling 
 but very suggestive of it, from of a grain (.00008 Gm.) diluted to the measure of 1 
 fluiddraehm (3.7 Cc.), after holding the solution for 1 minute in the anterior part of the 
 previously well-rinsed mouth. Tested in this manner, he found 1 grain of good aconite- 
 root to be represented by 1, g-. ^ (Merck’s pseudaconitine), and -yj-y (Duquesnel’s crys- 
 tallized aconitine) grain of different commercial samples of aconitine. The last-named 
 
116 
 
 ACONITINA. 
 
 sample (Huquesnel’s) was ascertained ( JEphemeris , i. 167) to be a nitrate containing not 
 over 80.7 per cent, of the hydrated alkaloid. 
 
 Owing to the variable composition of the commercial article, and the difficulty of ob- 
 taining it quite pure, aconitine has not been admitted in the U. S. and other pharmaco- 
 poeias. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When applied to the sound skin in an ointment or in alcoholic 
 solution aconitine produces itching and prickling, followed by anaesthesia of the part with- 
 out redness or heat. In contact with the derm it causes an intense and prolonged burn- 
 ing, and it violently irritates the conjunctiva. Its action on the tongue, fauces, and 
 stomach produces burning and tingling sensations. The order in which the different 
 organs are paralyzed by aconitine is said to be the sensory, and then the motor nerves, 
 the sympathetic nerve, and finally the muscles. The respiratory apparatus arid the heart 
 are affected through the nervous system, and death is due to a suspension of the respira- 
 tion caused by the action of the poison upon the medulla oblongata. These results have 
 been substantiated by Mackenzie. They also agree essentially with those of Harley’s, 
 the most interesting and lucid of all. His experiments were performed on the horse, 
 dog, cat, and on man. Their results in the lower animals were, summarily, these : 
 Paralysis of the external muscles of respiration which dilate the chest ; intermittent 
 spasm of the muscles attached to the upper part of the chest, and of those of the respira- 
 tory passages ; incomplete paralysis of the diaphragm ; increased frequency of the heart- 
 beat proportioned to the impediment to the circulation ; persistence of the heart-beat 
 after respiratory death ; spasm of the pharynx and oesophagus ; and general debility, 
 but no muscular paralysis. Those conclusions were confirmed by Ringer (1880). On 
 dissection the lungs are collapsed and pale ; the heart retains its irritability for some time ; 
 its left cavities are empty and contracted ; and the right side, as well as the large veins 
 leading to it, is distended with dark blood. 
 
 Fothergill’s experiments on rabbits, guinea-pigs, and cats show that a lethal dose of 
 aconitine ceases to be so if the animals have had an appropriate dose of digitalin from 
 five to nine hours previously. In like manner, the lethal effects of aconitine are pre- 
 vented by atropine and also by strychnine. “ While aconitine kills by paralyzing the 
 respiration, atropine and strychnine, which act very powerfully on the respiratory 
 centres, are potent to prevent death.” According to Oulmont, aconitine displays physi- 
 ological and therapeutical action in the dose of a quarter of a milligram (gr. -^d-g-), but 
 may be gradually increased to 1 and even 2 milligrams (gr. ^ to -g 1 ^) a day without 
 
 injury- 
 
 The action of aconitine upon man is illustrated by Harley’s observations. One-two-hun- 
 dredth of a grain of aconitine taken internally caused slight tingling in the mouth and 
 face, lasting for several hours. (Hr. Squibb observed a like effect from ^ grain dis- 
 solved in a fluidrachm of distilled water.) The one-hundred-and-fiftieth of a grain 
 occasioned also a sense of glowing and numbness and a tendency to sleep. One-fiftieth 
 of a grain produced the following effects : languor, giddiness, sleepiness, hazy vision, 
 nausea in the erect posture, dysphagia, pain in the back of the neck and behind the 
 jaws, a glowing, tingling feeling over the whole body, and burning heat in the gullet. 
 The sense of numbness and muscular weakness is comparable to that induced by conium. 
 A physician who took an over-dose of the alkaloid mentions among the symptoms “ a 
 feeling as if a bar of iron extending from head to foot rendered the body rigid” 
 (. Bull . de Therap., cvii. 30). To these symptoms may be added colic, spasmodic vomiting, 
 and dysphagia ; in some cases darting pains in the branches of the fifth nerve ; dilatation 
 of the pupils ; acceleration, followed by progressive irregularity and debility, of the 
 heart ; and a corresponding infrequency of the respiratory movements and lowering of 
 the temperature. In fatal cases the pulse is small, weak, and, above all, irregular; the 
 rate and rhythm of the respiratory movements are similarly affected ; the skin is cold 
 and clammy ; the pupils contracted ; vision is impaired ; there is a burning pain in the 
 mouth, extending along the gullet ; a swollen tongue, dysphagia, and great prascordial 
 anxiety ; vomiting usually occurs, and convulsions, and consciousness is more or less 
 impaired. Post-mortem examination shows hypermmia of the stomach and small intes- 
 tines, and the viscera generally are charged with blood. Cases of fatal poisoning by 
 aconitine are very rare (Stevenson, Guy's H. R., xli. 307 ; Laborde et Huquesnel, Des 
 Aconits et de V Aconitine, 1883; Med. News , lii. 345). Oleate of aconitine, 2 per cent, 
 strong, applied to the skin of the upper eyelid, occasioned, in the course of an hour, a 
 sense of heat in the part, and profuse lachrymation from the eye and nostril of the same 
 side (Heyl). Napelline appears to be nearly identical with aconitine in the nature of its 
 
A CONITUM. 
 
 117 
 
 effects, but their intensity is “ incomparably less ” than those of crystallized aconitine. 
 It is alleged to be a soporific. 
 
 The internal employment of this alkaloid ought rarely to be resorted to, on account of 
 its dangerous activity as a poison. Aconitine has been administered in febrile diseases 
 for the same reason that aconite and other sedatives of the heart have been employed, 
 and the result has been that, although the medicine lessened the frequency of the pulse, 
 it exerted no appreciable influence upon the course or issue of the disease. Such was a 
 result of Harley’s use of the medicine in scarlet and typhus fevers , although it appeared 
 to him that in typhus treated by this medicine the crisis occurred early. It has also 
 been administered advantageously for the cure of neuralgia in the dose of Gm. 0.0005 
 (gr. and probably in neuralgia of the fifth pair there is no remedy more efficient. 
 
 It is said to have arrested the paroxysms in cases which had resisted all other reme- 
 dies. The cure of some extremely aggravated cases of facial neuralgia has been accom- 
 plished by doses of aconitine, beginning with Gm. 0.0004 (gr. y^-y), and gradually 
 increased to Gm. 0.007 (gr. Jg-) three times a day ( e . g. Weir, Philad. Med. Times, x. 48). 
 But it is chiefly in recent cases produced by cold that its efficacy is displayed, and particu- 
 larly in neuralgia of the superficial nerves, including those of the scalp and face, and the 
 branches of the spinal nerves. The topical use of the remedy should be tried before it 
 is given internally. According to Oulmont and Gubler, the pain and fever of acute 
 articular rheumatism are rapidly reduced by aconitine given daily to the amount of Gm. 
 0.0005 (gr. yJo'). The efficacy of the medicine is not, however, accepted as proven, and 
 its dangerous qualities should deter from its unnecessary use , which we hold the treatment 
 of rheumatism by its means to be. Owing to the varying degrees of strength of the 
 alkaloid as found in the shops, the primary dose should not exceed Gm. 0.0002 (gr. ^q'). 
 It may be repeated two or three times a day, and given less or more frequently, and in 
 smaller or larger doses, according to its effects. The maximum dose is stated to be Gm. 
 0.001 (gr. -£f). Its efficiency is, however, much greater in the form of an ointment, 
 which may contain Gm. 0.13—0.30 in Gm. 4 (2, or from that to 5, grains in a drachm) of 
 lard, or in the form of a solution made by dissolving 1 grain of aconitine in 2 fluidrachms 
 of alcohol, Gm. 0.06 in Gm. 8.00. Its mixture or solution is facilitated by chloroform. 
 Either preparation should be applied with a soft brush or with the finger protected by a 
 glove. Gubler used the medicine hypodermically in the dose of Gm. 0.0005 (gr. y^-g) 
 twice a day. 
 
 ACONITUM, TI. S.— Aconite. 
 
 Monkshood, Wolfsbane, E. ; Aconit napel, Fr. Cod.; Coqueluchon, Fr. ; Eisenhut , Sturm- 
 hut, G. ; Aconito , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Aconitum Napellus, Linne, s. Ac. variabile, Hague, s. Ac. vulgare, De Candolle. Bent- 
 ley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 5, 6, and 7. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Ranunculacese, Helleboreae. 
 
 Official Parts. — 1. Aconitum, U. S.,s. Aconiti radix, Br., P. A.; Tubera aconiti, 
 P. G . — Aconite-root, E . ; Racine d’ aconit, Fr. ; Akonitknollen, G. The tuberous root. 
 — 2. Aconiti Folia, Br., s. Herba aconiti . — Aconite-leaves, E. ; Feuilles a’aconit, Fr. ; 
 Akonitblatter, G. The leaves and tops, gathered when about one-third of the flowers 
 are expanded. — Br. 
 
 Origin. — The plant, which attains a height of about 1 M. (40 inches), and is very 
 variable in appearance, as indicated by one of its specific names, is met with throughout 
 the greater portion of Asia and Europe, mostly in mountainous regions. It grows in the 
 Himalaya Mountains at an altitude of from 3000 to 5000 M. (10,800 to 16,400 feet), 
 and from there north and west in Siberia, and in Europe south to the Alps and Pyre- 
 nees. It is frequently cultivated for ornament and for medicinal use, but Schroff (1853) 
 found the cultivated plant far less active than the one grown wild. The poisonous 
 properties of aconite had been known in ancient times, when the Greek name, ahoniton, 
 was applied to several species. Aconite was introduced into medicine by Stoerck (1762). 
 
 Description. — 1- Aconite-root. The subterraneous portion of the plant consists 
 of a tuber, which is contracted below into a conical root ; from a lateral bud of the tuber 
 a short rhizome is produced, developing at its end again into a tuber, bearing a bud at 
 its top from which the stem for the succeeding year will be produced. This second 
 tuber is fully developed in the fall of the first year, and withers a year afterward, by 
 which time it has produced fruit and developed another (the third) tuber. The parent 
 tuber and its offspring are often met with in the commercial article still united by the 
 
118 
 
 ACONITUM. 
 
 Tubers of Aconitura napellus, Linne, with a transverse 
 section. 
 
 short, rhizome, or, if detached, showing the scar and often a portion of this branch. As 
 met with in commerce, it is of a conical shape, 50 to 75 Mm. (2 to 3 inches) in length, and 
 10 to 20 Mm. (J- to | inch) in thickness at the crown ; the numerous rootlets are mostly 
 
 broken off, giving the tuber a tuberculated 
 Fig. 10. appearance from the remnants of the radi- 
 
 cles. At the top it is crowned with a short 
 portion of the stem or with the terminal 
 bud. It is of a dark-brown color externally, 
 longitudinally wrinkled, and breaks with a 
 short, non-fibrous fracture ; internally, it is 
 compact and whitish if of latest growth, or 
 brownish, porous, and often hollow if of the 
 previous year’s growth. The transverse 
 section shows a thick bark, enclosing a star- 
 shaped six to eight-rayed axis, having a 
 thin, vascular bundle in each ray. The 
 radish-like odor of the fresh root disap- 
 pears on drying ; the taste is at first sweet- 
 ish, then acrid and burning, with a persist- 
 ent sense of numbness ; which effect fur- 
 nishes a good criterion of the quality of 
 aconite-root ; the shrivelled and porous 
 tubers are usually less efficient. The de- 
 gree of impression produced upon the 
 tongue by aconite-roots taken at random 
 from a larger quantity is regarded by Dr. 
 Squibb as an approximate test of its value. 
 Dr. A. B. Lyons (1882) has modified this 
 test by preparing a tincture representing 10 per cent, of the root, and applying a single 
 drop of this to the tongue. By the intensity and the duration of the effect produced one 
 can judge pretty correctly of the value of a given sample. 
 
 Admixtures. — Dr. Stoerck appears to have used the two following blue flowering 
 species of aconite, which are still collected with the typical form. The tubers of Aconi- 
 tum Cammarum, Jacquin (s. Ac. varie- 
 
 gatem , Linne), are globular-ovate, smaller Fig. 11. 
 
 than the preceding, the central axis about 
 five-rayed and the rays rounded. Those 
 of Aconitum Stoerckeanum, Reichenbach 
 (s. Ac. Cammarum, Linne , s. Ac. Napel- 
 lus, Stoerck ), are often 3 to 5, attached 
 to the parent tuber, of a slender conical 
 shape, and have the centre roundish pen- 
 tagonal in outline. The root of Impera- 
 toria Ostruthium, Linne, or European 
 masterwort, resembles aconite-tubers in 
 shape, but has an aromatic odor and 
 pungent taste, and exhibits upon trans- 
 verse section numerous oil-cells arranged 
 in several circles. 
 
 2. Aconite-leaves. They are al- 
 ternate, smooth, petiolate, 5 to 10 Cm. 
 
 (2-4 inches) in length, nearly orbicular 
 in outline, somewhat heart-shaped at 
 the base and divided to the base, the 
 lower into five, the upper into three, 
 segments, each of which is again three 
 or sometimes five-cleft ; the last divisions 
 are linear-lanceolate, often toothed, and 
 show a prominent rib beneath and a 
 
 furrow above, which extends into the petiole, this being of about the length of the leaf. 
 The texture of aconite-leaves is somewhat leathery, their color rather bright-green, and 
 somewhat shining above and paler beneath. In the dry state they have a slight herb- 
 
A CONITUM. 
 
 119 
 
 aceous odor and a taste which soon becomes bitter and acrid, producing tingling upon the 
 tongue. The leaves are usually mixed with a portion of the handsome purplish-blue 
 flowers, which grow in terminal racemes, have the upper sepal helmet-shaped, ending in 
 a short point curved upward, and enclosing two long-stalked but short-bladed petals, and 
 contain numerous hypogynous stamens and three short, slightly divergent ovaries. 
 
 The leaves of Aconitum Stoerckeanum, Reichenb are similar in appearance, but the 
 segments are broader ; those of Ac. Cammarum, Jacq., are less deeply incised and have 
 nearly rhomboid segments. 
 
 Other Species of Aconite. — Bish or Bikii Root, ( aconit feroce , F. Cod., also called Nepaul acon- 
 ite-root, obtained from Aconitum ferox, WaUich, s. A. virosum, Don, and perhaps from other species 
 of aconitum indigenous to the Himalayas, is occasionally met with in commerce. It is conical 
 in shape, (2 to 4 inches) 5-10 Cm. long, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) in its upper diameter, longitudi- 
 nally wrinkled, externally of a brownish-black color, internally somewhat spongy or compact, 
 and either farinaceous or of a reisnous or hoary, somewhat translucent appearance upon the short 
 fracture. Its taste is intensely acrid. 
 
 Aconitum Heterophyllum, WaUich. The conical or fusiform roots of this Himalayan 
 species have a mucilaginous bitter taste without acridity, and are used in India, under the 
 name of atis, for their tonic and antiperiodic properties. They are of a yellowish-gray color, 
 rough from the numerous root-scars, internally white and mealy, and contain about ^ P er cent, 
 of a bitter non-poisonous alkaloid, atisine, which appears to be combined with aconitic acid, and 
 acquires a purple color with sulphuric acid. It was discovered by Broughton, and further exam- 
 ined by Wright (1878) and Wasowicz (1879). 
 
 Aconitum Palmatum, Don. The tubers, which are occasionally met with in India, are called 
 bishma or biklima , resemble the bish tubers, but are branched, light-brown, and not acrid, but 
 persistently bitter ; they appear to be tonic in doses of 0.5 Gm. 
 
 Aconitum Lycoctonum, Linne. Von Schroff (1875) recalled attention to the fact that the 
 aconite-leaves which are used in Lapland as a potherb are from a blue-flowering variety of this 
 species, the Ac. septentrionale of Koelle, which contains only a very minute quantity of bitter 
 alkaloid in the leaves, though more in the rhizome and rootlets. 
 
 Aconitum Anthora, Linne, a yellowish and white-flowering species of Europe, has bitter roots, 
 which were formerly used as a "tonic, and, according to Hooker, the roots of the allied Aeon, 
 multijidum , as also those of Aeon, rotundifolium , indigenous to India, are eatable. 
 
 Aconitum Chinense, Siebold, Ac. Japonicum, Thunberg , and perhaps other species yield Chi- 
 nese and Japanese aconite-root, which vary in shape, size, and poisonous properties, and appear 
 in the Eastern market in the dried and salted condition and preserved by steeping in vinegar. 
 Their poisonous properties and their constituents vary according to origin and mode of preserva- 
 tion. Geerts (1880) states that the most toxic Japanese aconite-root consists of the young tubers 
 of Ac. Fischeri, Reich. Paul and Kingzets have isolated japaconitine , which was found by 
 Wright to closely resemble his aconitine, and by Mandelin (1885) as being identical with benzoyl- 
 aconine. 
 
 Constituents. — The important medicinal constituent of both aconite-root and leaves 
 is the acrid alkaloid aconitine or napaconitine, combined in the herb with aconitic acid, and 
 associated with bitter amorphous alkaloids, one of which, napelline, was discovered by 
 Hiibschmann (1857), and subsequently (1867) found by him to be identical with acolyc- 
 tine, one of the alkaloids obtained by him from Aconitum Lycoctonum, Linne, which 
 plant contains a second alkaloid, lycoctonine, but no aconitine. AVright has shown (1877) 
 that these two alkaloids should be regarded as decomposition-products— namely, acolyc- 
 tine from aconitine, and lycoctonine from the principal acrid alkaloid of bikh-tubers, which 
 has been named pseudaconitine. The last-named alkaloid is also present in very small 
 quantity in aconite-root, from which T. and H. Smith obtained (1864), by almost neu- 
 tralizing the acid solution of crude aconitine with carbonate of sodium, a crystallizable 
 non-poisonous alkaloid, bearing in its behavior a close resemblance to narcotine, and for 
 which the name of aconelline has been proposed. Groves failed (1866) to obtain it, and 
 Al right did not observe it ; but the latter proved the existence of two amorphous alka- 
 loids which are soluble in solution of potassium carbonate. One of these, picraconitine, 
 has a bitter taste free from acridity ; its composition is represented by the formula 
 C 31 H 45 NO 10 , and upon saponification with an alkali it splits into benzoic acid and picraco- 
 nine, C 24 H 41 N0 9 , the latter resembling the analogous derivative of aconitine. The salts 
 of picraconitine are crystallizable. AVright determined the formula of aconitine to be 
 C 33 H 43 N0 12 , and its saponification product to be benzoic acid and aconine, C 2 oH 39 NO n . 
 Ehrenberg and Purfiirst (1892), by boiling aconitine, C 32 H 43 NO n , with water, obtained 
 benzoic acid and picraconitine , C 25 H 39 NO„, the latter being ultimately converted into methyl 
 alcohol and napelline, C 24 H 37 NOi 0 ; on saponifying the latter acetic acid and aconine, 
 C 22 H 35 N0 9 , were obtained. Dunstan and Ince adopted (1891) for aconitine the formula 
 C 33 H 45 N0 12 ; the products of hydrolysis are benzoic acid and aconine, C 26 H 41 NO u . Picra- 
 
120 
 
 ACONITUM. 
 
 conitine, for which also the name napelline has been suggested, when pure, was found by 
 Dunstan and Harrison (1893) to have the same composition as aconitine ; hence the 
 name aconitine is proposed for it. Though it yields also the same decomposition products, 
 it is not poisonous like aconitine, and the' cause of this difference is still to be ascertained. 
 
 Wright’s total yield of crystalline and non-crystalline alkaloids from 200 cwt. of acon- 
 ite-root was 0.07 per cent. Hottot (1864) obtained 0.06, and Hager (1863) between 0.64 
 and 1.25 per cent. Proctor (1863), by testing with Mayer’s solution, showed a total of 
 0.93 per cent, of alkaloids from aconite-root cultivated at Lebanon, N. Y., and 0.44 
 per cent, from commercial European aconite-root, but by actual experiment he obtained 
 only 0.42 and 0.20 per cent, respectively. 
 
 The herb from which Geiger and Hesse (1833) first isolated the mixed alkaloids usually 
 contains a small percentage thereof, the fresh herb yielding to Wright 0.011 per cent., 
 equal to about 0.05 per cent, of total alkaloids from the dry herb. 
 
 Aconite-leaves contain also albumen, gum, chlorophyll, extractive matter, and salts. 
 In aconite-tubers, resin, fat, mannit, cane- and grape-sugar have been found ; the absence 
 of a volatile alkaloid was demonstrated by Groves (1866). 
 
 Aconitic acid , H 3 C 6 H 3 0 6 , is also a constituent of larkspur, yarrow, sorghum, equisetum, 
 etc., and is prepared from citric acid by heating it rapidly in a retort until oily streaks 
 have appeared in the neck, when the residue is exhausted with ether to free it from the 
 undecomposed citric acid. C 6 H 8 0 7 (citric acid) yields H 2 0 and H 3 C 6 H 3 0 6 . Aconite acid 
 crystallizes in colorless laminae, or warts, which are easily soluble in water, alcohol, and 
 ether. Its calcium salt, on fermentation with cheese, yields succinic acid. 
 
 Nepaul aconite contains an alkaloid which was at first supposed to be identical with 
 aconitine, but was afterward described under various names, like acraconitine (Ludwig, 
 1869), napelline (Wiggers, 1857), and nepaline (Fliickiger, 1869). The name pseudaconi- 
 tine or fer aconitine is now given to this substance, which, according to Groves (1870-74), 
 exists in two modifications, one crystalline, but yielding uncrystallizable salts, the other 
 amorphous ; the latter becomes sticky in boiling water, while the former coheres and 
 becomes plastic only if treated with boiling water immediately after having been pre- 
 cipitated by ammonia. Another alkaloid, resembling Hiibschmann’s napelline, but prob- 
 ably differing from it, is likewise met with in bikh-root. Duquesnel (1871) and Patrouil- 
 lard (1872) regarded pseudaconitine and aconitine as identical, differing from each other 
 merely in the amount of other inert constituents contained in them. C. R. A. Wright 
 (1875-80), however, proved the former to have the composition C 36 H 49 N0 12 , and when 
 acted upon by alcoholic solution of soda at 100° C. (212° F.) observed it to be decom- 
 posed into dimethyl-protocatechuic ( veratric ) acid , C 9 H 10 O 4 , and an uncrystallizable base, 
 pseudaconine , C 27 H 4 iN0 9 , which prevents also the crystallization of pseudaconitine ; the 
 latter is closely related to the opium alkaloids narceine and narcotine, which give rise to 
 derivatives of dimethyl-protocatechuic acid. The same author regards Hubschmann’s 
 lycoctonine merely as a mixture of these two alkaloids, pseudaconine predominating. 
 According to Mandelin (1885), aconine and pseudaconine are poisonous, but far less so 
 than aconitine and pseudaconitine. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Emplastrum Aconiti (U. S. 1870). Exhaust 16 ozs. of 
 aconite-root with alcohol, evaporate the tincture to a soft extract, and mix with sufficient resin 
 plaster to obtain 16 ozs. of plaster. 
 
 Glyceritum Aconiti. Extract of aconite 1 part ; glycerite of starch 9 parts. Mix thor- 
 oughly. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man the following effects have been noted, chiefly in the 
 very numerous cases in which aconite has been prescribed in an overdose or been taken 
 by mistake : After a dose of 5 minims of the tincture there is felt a tingling, numb 
 sensation in the lips and tongue and in the tips of the fingers, with a sense of muscular 
 weakness and depression ; the pulse falls in frequency and force and the breathing is 
 somewhat slower. A dose of 10 minims produces the same symptoms, greatly intensified 
 and more prolonged. Beyond this dose the effects become poisonous ; besides tingling 
 of the skin, there may be lancinating pains in the joints ; there is vertigo with dimness 
 of vision, alarming debility, and a pulse of between 30 and 40 in a minute, which after- 
 ward grows frequent and irregular. The skin is cool and moist, nausea and vomiting 
 occur, and the sickness and depression may last for several days. (For illustrative cases 
 see Edinb. Med. Jour., xxviii. 653; Reichert, Phila. Med. Times , xii. 105; Med. Record , 
 xxxii. 761). In poisonous doses which yet have not proved fatal the preceding symp- 
 toms occur in an intensified degree. If the dose is a fatal one, there is complete loss of 
 sight, hearing, and speech, yet consciousness may still be retained; the pupils are dilated, 
 
ACONITUM. 
 
 121 
 
 the muscles are tremulous or convulsed, the pulse is imperceptible at the wrist, and may 
 be so even in the axilla ; the skin is cold, and death usually takes place by syncope. 
 No characteristic lesions are found after death, but the heart is generally arrested in 
 diastole, and most frequently is filled with dark blood. Large doses of aconite are 
 said to leave behind them general debility, tremulousness, photophobia, feverishness, 
 impaired digestion, and sometimes a tendency to jaundice. Experiments made to deter- 
 mine the influence of aconite on the secretion of urine (Mackenzie, Practitioner, xxiv. 1) 
 appear to show that in obstructive heart or kidney disease it neither maintains the action 
 of the kidneys nor evacuates dropsical fluid, but that where these conditions do not exist, 
 and in certain febrile states, it has a tendency to increase the urinary secretion. (Further 
 information regarding the action of this drug will be found under Aconitia.) A case 
 has been published of nearly fatal poisoning by the application of tincture of aconite to 
 the skin; but its statements have been controverted ( Med . Record , xxiv. 243,451). 
 
 Aconite has been proclaimed by not a few writers of authority to be a potent remedy 
 for rheumatism ; it may be admitted to possess some value as a sedative of arterial action, 
 and even as a direct anodyne, but it is in no proper sense a remedy for the disease. 
 Indeed, it falls so far short of alkalies in the articular, and of iodide of potassium in the 
 muscular, variety of rheumatism that its practical value is next to nothing, and it does 
 not enter into the catalogue of remedies which are prescribed for the disease by judicious 
 practitioners. It is of still less utility in gout than in rheumatism, But in both affec- 
 tions it may be employed as a topical application for mitigating pain. So far as the 
 internal use of aconite in neuralgia is concerned, a somewhat analogous judgment may 
 be given. Undoubtedly it sometimes palliates severe suffering in this disease affecting 
 the nerves of the face or the chest, especially when it is at the same time applied, in the 
 form of a strong tincture over the superficial and painful nervous branches. Aconite 
 plaster, which is no longer officinal, may be used in similar manner, and as a sedative of 
 local pain in chronic rheumatism , white swelling , etc. In the greater number of cases of 
 neuralgia, not the direct effect of external causes, the affection depends upon states of 
 the system which must be remedied by quinine, arsenic, iron, etc., and in which the sole 
 indication for aconite is fulfilled by its local application. It may, however, conspire with 
 them to secure relief. So in sciatica , and in gouty and rheumatic neuralgia of the axillary 
 and brachial nerves, it has been used with success when associated with colchicum, 
 belladonna, and cimicifuga (Metcalfe, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Jan. 1887, p. 87). 
 It is sometimes very efficient in relieving toothache when introduced into a carious cavity. 
 But the risk of poisoning in such cases outweighs the advantages of the medicine. The 
 same reflection is suggested by its use in the vomiting of pregnancy, and in palpitation 
 of the heart, whether nervous or arising from organic disease of that organ, in dysentery , 
 amenorrhoea, etc. In traumatic tetanus a like consideration should forbid its use, in spite 
 of certain cases in which it seems to have been advantageous. 
 
 The statements which have been made respecting the virtues of aconite in purely 
 inflammatory affections and fevers — e. g. pneumonia , tonsillitis , rheumatism , erysipelas , 
 typhoid fever , puerperal fever, remittent fever, and traumatic fever — have not been sup- 
 ported by concurrent experience. Probably the medicine is more efficient in acute tonsil- 
 litis than in the other diseases enumerated, But if certain reports of its use in pneumonia 
 (e. g. Spark, Practitioner, xxii. 196 ; Dobie, ibid., p. 401) were to be taken as a guide, it 
 has effected what no other medicine can do. It is said to have cut short the disease within 
 from one to four days of its commencement. Evidently, the reporters have overlooked 
 the fact that pneumonia sometimes does not go beyond the first or congestive stage. Like 
 various other sedatives and more numerous stimulants, aconite will sometimes prevent 
 the development of certain diseases, such as coryza, tonsillitis, laryngeal and bronchial 
 catarrhs, and even nervous asthma. Walshe commended the use of aconite in pericar- 
 ditis when the general conditions are sthenic and the disease is at its onset ; and yet he 
 admited that an overdose of it will dangerously accelerate the heart’s action and lessen 
 its power. The risks greatly outweigh the benefits of its administration in this as in all 
 other internal diseases. The action of aconite in inflammations has been compared to 
 that of venesection ; but the analogy is not a real one. Venesection relieves the engorged 
 organ, and at the same time enables the heart to act with more freedom and vigor; but 
 aconite and its congeners weaken the heart, without in the least lightening the labor it 
 has to perform. The above remarks are particularly applicable to the use of this agent 
 in the diseases of children. It should be banished from them as unnecessary and unsafe. 
 When employed in fevers and inflammations, it should always be given in very small and 
 frequently repeated doses, such as half a minim of the fluid extract every quarter or 
 
122 
 
 ACTJEA s. pic at a. 
 
 half hour until some of its characteristic effects appear, when the dose should be dimin- 
 ished or given at longer intervals. 
 
 The treatment of poisonmg by aconite consists in evacuating the stomach with mechan- 
 ical emetics and the stomach-pump, and sustaining vitality by means of the galvanic bat- 
 tery and by the administration of stimulants, including alcoholic liquids, coffee, and 
 external heat. Oxygen has apparently tended to revive failing life, and hence artificial 
 respiration is indicated. Strychnine is regarded as indicated physiologically ; and digi- 
 talis, or, preferably, digitalin and atropine, may be given for their sustaining operation 
 upon the heart. (For the use of these agents in poisoning by aconite see Atropina and 
 Digitalis.) Two cases occurred (O’Brien, Med. Record , xv. 128 ; Clark, ibid., xvii. 6) 
 which demonstrate the power of morphine , hypodermically administered, to rescue from 
 impending death persons poisoned by aconite, and others have been recorded. To assist 
 in preventing syncope the patient’s head should be kept low. According to Harley, 
 death results from asphyxia and progressive collapse of the lung, the former being due 
 to the spasmodic closure of the respiratory passages and paralysis of the muscles of 
 inspiration, and notably of the diaphragm. 
 
 The dose of the powdered leaves or root, is Grm. 0.06-0.13 (gr. j-ij) as a minimum, 
 but aconite is seldom employed in this form. The fluid extract and tincture are pre- 
 ferable for internal administration ; and for the local effects of the medicine either the 
 tincture, fluid extract, aconite plaster, or aconitine may be employed. It must not be 
 forgotten that alarming symptoms have been produced by a dose of Grm. 0.02 (rrpiij) 
 of the saturated tincture of aconite-root. 
 
 Aconitum ferox appears to possess only the virtues of the officinal plant, but in a far 
 higher degree. A. heterophyllum it said to be destitute of poisonous qualities, but to be 
 tonic and aphrodisiac. A. lycoctonum resembles the officinal species in all essential par- 
 ticulars, but the action of its alkaloid, acolyctine, identical with napelline, is much milder. 
 Lycoctonine is said to resemble curare in its action. A. Chinense s. Japonicum acts much 
 more mildly, both topically and internally. A. Fischeri , an American species, examined 
 by Dr. Bartholow, differs essentially from A. napellus in not affecting the sense of touch 
 or pain, although it produces a sensation of tingling, and in causing death by arresting 
 respiration through the motor centres of the cord ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., Jan. 1886, p. 
 261). 
 
 Napelline (probably Hiibschmann’s) is alleged by Laborde to produce essentially the 
 same effects as aconitine, but only when given in a much larger dose than the latter. 
 Thus, while half a milligram (gr. T |^) of aconitine fatally poisons a dog, it requires 3 
 or 4 centigrams (gr. £ to f) of napelline to produce any effect on a similar animal. It 
 is also asserted that napelline induces a calm and refreshing sleep, like that occasioned 
 by narceine ( Bull . de Therap., ciii. 94). It would be a singular fact if a derivative of 
 aconite should possess soporific qualities that do not belong to the drug itself. In doses 
 of half a grain napelline is said to have been a very efficient palliative of neuralgia of 
 the fifth nerve. It has also been given for the relief of this affection in doses of one- 
 twenty-fourth of a grain every two hours (ibid., cv. 220). Glrognot claims to have 
 relieved toothache in many cases by the internal administration of Grm. 0.005 (gr. T L) 
 of napelline (Laborde’s) every fifteen minutes (ibid., cix. 64). 
 
 ACT^EA SPICATA, Linne . — Baneberry. 
 
 Radix Christophoriande. — Racine de Saint Christophe, Fr. ; Christophswurz, Wolfswurz, 
 Gr. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Banunculacese, Helleboreae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is a native of Central Asia and Europe, and a variety with red 
 berries (A. rubra, Bigelow ) is indigenous to the Northern United States and Canada. 
 The leaves are twice or thrice ternately compound, with ovate or oblong, sharply cleft or 
 toothed leaflets. The whitish flowers are in short, dense racemes. The fruit of the 
 European variety is glossy black. Another American species, A. alba, Bigelow, is taller 
 and has longer racemes and white berries. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome and rootlets closely resemble the corresponding parts of 
 cimicifuga, but are shorter, thinner, and of a blackish-gray color. When dry they are 
 nearly inodorous ; their taste is bitter, afterward acrid and sweetish. The constituents 
 are similar to those of cimicifuga. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A. spicata, or baneberry, and A. alba and A. rubra, are some- 
 times used in domestic medicine where they flourish — the first in Europe, the others in 
 
ABAXSOXIA DIGITATA—ADEPS. 
 
 123 
 
 this country. They are probably very analogous, if not identical, in their mode of action, 
 which is that of an irritant emeto-cathartic. The berries of the European species are 
 said to occasion violent and even fatal delirium, as well as gastro-intestinal disorder. 
 They destroy the life of hens and ducks, but sheep, asses, and goats devour the green 
 leaves without injury. The powder and decoction are used to kill fleas and lice. The 
 fresh root of the plant has been used in veterinary medicine, and was formerly regarded 
 as a remedy for asthma. Whatever virtues belong to either of these species probably 
 exist more perfectly in cimicifuga. A. spicata is administered in an infusion made with 
 Gm. 2 (gr. xxx), to be taken in one day. 
 
 ADANSONIA DIGITATA, Linne.— Baobab. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Malvaceae, Bombaceae. 
 
 Description. — The tree is indigenous to tropical Africa, and has been introduced 
 and naturalized in various parts of the East and West Indies. It is remarkable for its 
 enormous size, the trunk being about 4.5 M. (15 feet) high up to the branches, but 
 attaining a circumference of 30 M. (100 feet) and more, and being divided into branches 
 15-21 M. (50 to TO feet) long. It has a smooth, gray bark ; palmate leaves, with 5 to 
 7 obovate or elliptic rather acute and somewhat dentate leaflets. The flowers are about 
 10 Cm. (4 inches) long and wide, have 5 thickish, obovate, white petals and numerous 
 stamens, with the lower half of the filaments united into a tube, and produce a roundish, 
 oblong fruit about 25-30 Cm. (10 to 12 inches) long, and containing about 50 blackish, 
 subreniform seeds, which are covered with a whitish, acidulous pulp. The bark, leaves, 
 and flowers have a mucilaginous taste. The fruit is known as monkey-bread ( Pain de 
 singes , Fr. ; Affenbrot , G.), Ethiopian soar-gourd , and in Southern Africa as cream-of- 
 tartar fruit; the latter is probably the smaller fruit of A. Madagascariensis , Baillon. The 
 pulp surrounding the seeds contains, according to F. L. Slocum (1880), acid potassium 
 malate, pectin, and glucose ; Millard (1890) found also a little tartaric acid, and Heckel 
 and Schlagdenhauffen (1889) no malates. 
 
 The Australian species, A. Gregorii, F. v. Mueller, is of smaller dimensions. 
 
 Action and Uses.— The bark of the baobab does not appear to affect any of the 
 functions, except perhaps by increasing the appetite. The natives of Senegal are said to 
 use it for its emollient qualities, and to mix the powder of its leaves with their food. It 
 at first attracted attention in consequence of its alleged power of curing intermittent 
 fever , but no confirmation of the original assertion is accessible, and it is quite improb- 
 able that a mucilaginous plant should possess such a virtue. A decoction is made with 
 Gm. 32 in 1000 (an ounce of baobab-bark and a quart of water), reduced by boiling to 
 a pint and a half. 
 
 ADEPS, U. S.— Lard. 
 
 Adeps prseparatus, Br. ; Adeps suillus, P. G. ; Axungia , Axungia pored s. porcina. — Pre- 
 pared lard , Hog's lard , E. ; Axonge, Graisse de pore, Saindoux , Fr. ; Schweineschmalz, G.; 
 Manteca de cerdo , Sp. ; Grasso suino , It. 
 
 The prepared or purified internal fat of the abdomen of the hog, Sus scrofa, Linne. 
 
 Class Mammalia ; order Pachydermata. 
 
 Preparation. — For medicinal purposes the fat attached to the mesentery, omentum, 
 and kidneys of the hog killed during the winter or spring should be selected, as this has 
 a higher fusing-point than if obtained during the summer or from other parts of the 
 body. It is that portion which is ordinarily called the “ leaves,” and should be as free 
 from blood as possible. Hogs which have been fed on corn and similar amylaceous food 
 appear to yield a more solid lard than hogs fed on the refuse of the kitchen. The 
 British Pharmacopoeia gives the following directions for preparing lard : Take of the 
 internal fat of the abdomen of the hog, perfectly fresh, any convenient quantity. Remove 
 as much of the external membranes as possible, and suspend the fat so that it shall be 
 freely exposed to the air for some hours ; then cut it into small pieces, and beat these in 
 a stone mortar until they are thus, or by some equivalent process, reduced to a uniform 
 mass in which the membranous vesicles are completely broken. Put the mass thus pro- 
 duced into a vessel surrounded by warm water, and apply a temperature not exceeding 
 130° F. (54.4° C.) until the fat has melted and separated from the membranous matter. 
 Finally, strain the melted fat through flannel. — Br. 
 
 Perfumers obtain it inodorous, or nearly so, by adding to every pound of the fused 
 lard about 15 grains of powdered alum and 30 grains of table-salt, and continuing the 
 
124 
 
 AD EPS BENZOINATUS. 
 
 heat until a scum rises, which is to be carefully removed, and the fat is uniform in 
 appearance ; it is then allowed to cool, and worked upon a slab or in a mortar while a 
 slow stream of clear water passes over it, whereby the salts are completely removed. 
 The fat is then remelted and the heat maintained until the water has completely separated 
 or evaporated. 
 
 Properties. — Lard is a soft white fat, having a faint odor, entirely free from rancidity, 
 a bland taste and a neutral reaction ; like other fats it dissolves completely in ether, 
 benzin, benzene, carbon disulphide, chloroform, and volatile oils. It has a density of 
 about 0.932 at 15° C., fuses at 38° to 40° C. (100.4° to 104° F.) to a clear, nearly color- 
 less liquid, and at or below 30° C. (86° F.) is a soft solid. In contact with the air, par- 
 ticularly when exposed to the light, it speedily oxidizes and becomes rancid, acquiring an 
 acid reaction, a disagreeable odor, and an acrid taste ; this change is accelerated by the 
 presence of alkalies. 
 
 As met with in commerce, lard often has a rancid odor, and is then unfit for medicinal 
 use. Salt is often added to prevent it from becoming rancid, but should be carefully 
 removed by fusing the lard and stirring it in hot water, and afterward washing it until the 
 fat is tasteless or silver nitrate ceases to produce a precipitate with the washings. Potas- 
 sium carbonate is used to impart an artificial whiteness to commercial lard and to 
 incorporate with it considerable proportions of water ; such lard is to be purified by 
 remelting and washing with water. Adulterations with mucilaginous jellies are removed 
 in the same manner. 
 
 Constituents. — Lard is a mixture of olein, palmitin, and stearin, the last two fats 
 being obtainable to the amount of 30 to 40 per cent, by subjecting the lard to pressure 
 near the freezing-point of water. The expressed liquid is known in commerce as lard oil , 
 and is extensively used for various purposes ; it furnishes a cheap adulterant for some of 
 the more costly non-drying oils. The solid portion is called stearin , and is employed for 
 making candles, soap, etc. When melted lard is allowed to cool slowly a portion of the 
 solid fats separates in granules ; hence lard and all its preparations should be constantly 
 stirred while cooling, to obtain them of uniform smoothness. 
 
 Preservation and Tests. — Lard should be preserved in glass, porcelain, or other 
 well-glazed vessels, which must be entirely impervious to fat ; the vessels should be well 
 filled and protected from the access of air and light. Rancidity is readily ascertained by 
 the acid reaction which alcohol acquires on being agitated with melted lard. On melting 
 lard in a narrow test-tube, the oily liquid should be perfectly transparent and not separate 
 a stratum of water. The adulterations mentioned above are detected by ether or chloro- 
 form, in which they are insoluble ; distilled water, on being boiled with lard, should not 
 acquire an alkaline reaction (alkali carbonates), and after separating the fat the liquid 
 should not form a precipitate with silver nitrate (sodium chloride) or assume a blue 
 color on the addition of compound solution of iodine (absence of starch). The pharma- 
 copoeial limit of free fatty acids is ascertained in a chloroform solution of 10 Gm. of lard, 
 to which 10 Cc. of alcohol and 1 drop of phenolphtalein solution have been added; 0.2 
 Cc. of normal potassa solution should produce a pink tint after shaking. An admixture 
 of more than 5 per cent, of cotton-seed oil is readily detected by mixing 5 Cc. of melted 
 and filtered lard, while warm, with 5 Cc. of alcoholic solution of silver nitrate (1 Gm. 
 AgN0 3 , 100 Cc. deodorized alcohol, and 0.5 Cc. nitric acid), shaking the tube well and 
 heating in a water-bath for five minutes : the liquid fat should not acquire a reddish or 
 brown color (V. $.). 
 
 ADEPS BENZOINATUS, U. S.— Benzoin ated Lard. 
 
 Adeps benzoatus, Br., P. G. ; Unguentum benzoini , Axungia balsamica s. benzoinata s. 
 benzoata.—Benzoated lard , Ointment of benzoin , E. ; Axonge (Grouse') benzoinee (bal- 
 samique ), Fr. ; Benzoe Schmalz, G. ; Grasso con benzoino, F. It.; Manteca con benjui, Sp. 
 
 Hog’s lard impregnated with benzoic acid and the odorous principle of benzoin. 
 
 Preparation. — Benzoin, in coarse powder, 20 Gm. ; Lard, 1000 Gm. Melt the 
 lard by means of a water-bath, and, having loosely tied the benzoin in a piece of coarse 
 muslin, suspend it in the melted lard, and, stirring them together frequently, continue 
 the heat for two hours, covering the vessel and not allowing the temperature to rise above 
 60° C. (140° F.). Lastly, having removed the benzoin, strain the lard, and stir while 
 cooling. When benzoinated lard is to be kept or used during warm weather, 5 per cent, 
 of the lard should be replaced by white wax. — U. S. 
 
A I) EPS BENZOIN AT US. 
 
 125 
 
 Take of prepared Lard 1 pound ; Benzoin, reduced to coarse powder, 160 grains. Melt 
 the lard by the heat of a water-bath, add the benzoin, and, frequently stirring them 
 together, continue the application of heat for two hours ; finally, remove the residual 
 benzoin by straining. — Br. Dissolve 1 part of benzoic acid in 99 parts of lard, previously 
 melted on a water-bath. — P. G. 
 
 The result of the U. S. and Br. processes is practically identical, though the first 
 formula directs for 1 pound avoirdupois only 140 grains of benzoin. By enclosing the 
 latter in a muslin bag and regulating the temperature the benzoin is more thoroughly 
 exhausted than if it was allowed to melt, and empyreuina is prevented. As prepared by 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1870, by mixing 2 fluidounces of tincture of benzoin with 
 16 troyounces of melted lard, it was necessary to strain after the evaporation of the 
 alcohol, so as to remove the resin, which has an irritating effect on tender surfaces. 
 
 Fixed oils dissolve the benzoic acid and odorous principles contained in benzoin. Pure 
 benzoic acid is said to have no preservative influence on lard ; that property appears to 
 be due solely to the balsamic principle of benzoin and similar bodies. Hence the 
 rancidity of lard may be prevented by impregnating it with the balsamic principles of 
 storax, Peru or Tolu balsam, in the proportion of 1 or 2 parts of balsam to 100 parts of 
 lard : the latter constitutes the so-called balsamic lard (Proctor, 1863). In a similar 
 manner populinated lard ( Unguentum populi s. populeum ) is obtained by digesting 1 part 
 of poplar-buds and 2 parts of lard until the moisture has evaporated, when the undis- 
 solved matter is removed by expressing and straining. B. F. Scholl (1883) ascertained 
 that for the preservation of fats a larger amount of storax is required than of benzoin. 
 Groves found (1866) that volatile oils generally preserve fats from rancidity to some 
 extent, and that the oils of cloves, allspice, and sassafras are best adapted for this pur- 
 pose, in the proportion of 4 drops to 1 ounce of fat. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparations.— Lard and benzoinated lard are 
 used as ingredients in ointments, cerates, and sometimes also in plasters, as a substitute 
 for olive or other oil. ’ 
 
 Action and Uses. — Lard is used in medicine chiefly on account of the property it 
 possesses in common with all unctuous substances of facilitating manual and mechanical 
 operations by its lubricating qualities, and also because it shares the same property of 
 protecting exposed tender surfaces from the action of the air. That lard is absorbed by 
 the skin is not proven ; but if, as it is believed by some, lanolin is so absorbed when 
 applied with friction, there would seem to be a probability that other fats and oils may 
 be absorbable in the same manner. Like, them, it is difficult of digestion, and therefore 
 is sometimes used as a laxative for children and for its protective power in diarrhoea , 
 dysentery , etc. Enemata of melted fresh lard are extremely soothing in acute dysentery. 
 It has been proposed as a substitute for cod-liver oil in the treatment of phthisis, but its 
 indigestible nature unfits it for this purpose. It has been employed externally in the 
 same disease by inunction of the chest, and probably with the advantage of protecting 
 the lungs from the external impression of cold. In the treatment of bronchial and 
 laryngeal catarrh in children, and indeed of all pulmonary affections of early life, this 
 simple application is valuable, not only for the reason assigned, but because it seems, 
 when the cough is dry and urgent, to render expectoration freer. The same may be said 
 of its use in coryza , in which the ointment should be applied on the bridge of the nose. 
 In scarlet fever inunction of the whole body protects the skin from the atmosphere, and 
 thereby lessens the burning and itching, and both directly and indirectly lowers the 
 temperature and the pulse-rate. It also tends to prevent a sudden chill on exposure to 
 the air, and hence diminishes the occurrence of scarlatinous dropsy. The application 
 must be continued for some time after the fever has disappeared. It is thought that the 
 anginose symptoms of scarlet fever may be palliated by keeping the neck enveloped in 
 well-greased flannel cloths, but of this the evidence is slender. In measles it is probable 
 that the bronchitis may be moderated by similar applications upon the chest. The best 
 form in which lard can be used for the above purposes is simple ointment. The strongest 
 objections to its use are the necessity of soiling much body- and bed-clothing, and the 
 repugnance which is generally manifested by patients to its frequent repetition. Ben- 
 zoated lard, especially with a modicum of glycerin, is preferable to prepared lard or 
 simple ointment when a mild stimulant action is desired besides the protective influence. 
 
126 
 
 ADEPS LAN^E HYDROSUS. 
 
 ADEPS LANiE HYDROSUS, U . S., Br ., Add .— Hydrous Wool Fat. 
 
 Lanolin , E. ; Wollfett , Lanolin , G. ; Lanolina, It. 
 
 The purified fat of the wool of the sheep, mixed with not more than 30 per cent, of 
 water. U. S. 
 
 Melt 7 ounces of Wool Fat in a warm mortar, gradually stir in 3 ounces of Water, 
 and mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Origin. — The wool of sheep contains a natural grease known as suint, which con- 
 sists largely of insoluble soapy matter and a soluble salt containing variable propor- 
 tions (15-35 per cent.) of potash ; this wool fat is readily removed in the process of 
 washing the wool, and in an impure condition was used centuries ago under the name 
 of oesypum. As first obtained, it contains about 30 per cent, of free fatty acids besides 
 numerous fatty-acid ethers of glyceryl and cholesterin ; the latter are the constituents 
 sought for the production of commercial lanolin. 
 
 Preparation. — Although lanolin is manufactured by processes never as yet fully 
 published, it is known that the chief treatment consists in emulsionizing the crude fat 
 with weak alkaline solutions and then separating the creamy mixture in centrifugal 
 machines : the upper layer will contain the cholesterin fats, while the lower layer consists 
 of a soap solution of the impure fatty acids. By treating the upper creamy layer with 
 calcium chloride crude lanolin mixed with calcium soap is precipitated ; by repeatedly 
 melting and washing the precipitate, and finally extracting it with acetone, pure lanolin 
 is obtained in an anhydrous condition : this is the wool fat (adeps lanae) of the British 
 Pharmacopoeia. Anhydrous wool fat is of a yellowish-brown color, characteristic odor, 
 readily soluble in ether, acetone, chloroform, and benzene, but only partly soluble in 
 alcohol. When mixed with 30 per cent, of water (by kneading process) it constitutes 
 the hydrous wool fat of the Pharmacopoeia. Its chemical composition is a mixture of 
 fatty acid ethers, of two isomeric alcohols, cholesterin, and isocholesterin ; it contains 
 no glycerin and is saponified with difficulty. 
 
 Properties. — Hyurous wool fat occurs as a nearly white ointment-like mass of 
 faint peculiar odor ; although insoluble in water, it can be readily mixed with twice its 
 weight and more of water ; it forms neutral turbid mixtures with chloroform and ether. 
 It melts at about 40° C. (104° F.), and when heated on a water-bath to constant weight 
 should leave not less than 70 per cent, of residue. When heated with five times its 
 weight of water the latter should yield no glycerin upon evaporation, nor should it emit 
 ammonia if heated with potassium hydroxide. If 0.1 Gm. be dissolved in 3 or 4 Cc. of 
 acetic anhydride (not anhydrous acetic acid), and to the solution be added 6 drops of 
 concentrated sulphuric acid, a pink coloration will ensue, soon changing to green or blue 
 ( Lieber mann’s cholestol reaction). If deprived of water, a solution (1 in 50) in chloro- 
 form will gradually develop a deep brown color if allowed to flow on the surface of con- 
 centrated sulphuric acid. Free alkalies and free fatty acids can be detected with phe- 
 nolphtalein ; the former in a 20 per cent, solution in ether should remain colorless, and 
 the latter in the same solution, upon addition of 1 drop of normal potassa solution, 
 should become pink. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Hydrous wool fat is employed as a base for ointments 
 where it is desired to incorporate large quantities of water or aqueous solutions of other 
 medicinal agents. 
 
 Thilanin. — Under this name a sulphurated lanolin has been placed before the medical 
 profession : it contains about 3 per cent, of sulphur, and is made by allowing sulphur 
 to act on anhydrous lanolin with the aid of heat. It is a yellowish-brown substance and 
 free from irritating properties. According to Saalfeld, thilanin relieves the itching of a 
 number of' skin diseases, and is particularly beneficial in cases of sycosis, herpes, acne, 
 and psoriasis ; for use upon the scalp thilanin should be diluted with oil or aqueous 
 liquids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal employment of the fat obtained from sheep’s 
 wool is very ancient. Pliny says that its uses are numberless, and he describes the 
 manner of procuring it from the wool beneath the forelegs and thighs of the animal by 
 boiling the wool in water and skimming off the floating fat {Hist. Nat., xxix. 10). These 
 directions were rehearsed from age to age. In the seventeenth century they were 
 repeated by Culpepper. More recently, according to Strumpf ( Handbucli , i. 128), this 
 fat had a place in the Spanish Pharmacopoeia, and uncleansed wool was employed as a 
 dressing for scrofulous and other swellings and also in gout and rheumatism. In 1853, 
 Simpson contended for the absorption of animal oils by the skin, citing cases of rapid 
 
ADIANTUM. 
 
 127 
 
 increase of weight through the external application of oil ; and his contention was con- 
 firmed by Thompson. In 1885 the therapeutical qualities of lanolin were pointed out by 
 Liebreich. The value of lanolin in medicine is due to its power of absorbing its own 
 weight of water and nearly twice its weight of glycerin. It does not tend to grow rancid, 
 is not at all irritating to the skin, but it does not render it as supple as some other 
 emollients do. The former property makes it a valuable excipient for many medicines 
 which are applied to the skin, including metallic mercury and mercurial salts, iodoform, 
 potassium iodide, clirysarobin, etc. After friction with a lanolin ointment containing 
 of corrosive sublimate a metallic taste may be perceived in the mouth ; and a 5 per 
 cent, carbolic-acid ointment prepared with it occasions a sense of numbness in the skin 
 in the course of a few minutes, but does not irritate it. Rubbed with the finger upon 
 the back of the hand, it promptly disappeared, leaving the skin dry and with a feeling 
 of tension. Similar observations have been made by many, including I)oyon {Med. 
 Record , xxx. 603), Baratinisky {Med. News, xlix. 289), and Guttmann {Zeitschr. f hlin 
 Med., xii. 276), who, however, conclude that lanolin has no superiority over other animal 
 fats in promoting the cutaneous absorption of medicines. There are some, however, who 
 hold that lanolin is more rapidly taken up by the skin than any other fat (Stelwagon). 
 (Compare Unna, Ther. Monath., iv. 79. 173, 387 : Liebreich, ibid, iv. 341 : Paschkis, Cent, 
 f. Therap. viii. 578). 
 
 Lassar {Berlin, hlin. Wochenschrift, 1886, No. 5) made use of lanolin ointments in 400 
 cases of diseases of the skin. Eczema of the scalp and face has been cured in a week 
 by a 2 per cent, lanolin-salicylic ointment, and the same disease of other parts is bene- 
 fited by an ointment of boracic acid ^ij and lanolin £j. A case of contagious impetigo 
 was cured in ten days by means of a paste composed of salicylic acid 2 parts, lanolin 50 
 parts, and oxide of zinc and starch, of each 24 parts. Pityriasis versicolor with extreme 
 itching was successfully treated by means of an ointment containing salicylic acid 2, 
 sulphur 10, and lanolin 88 parts. In many cases of inveterate scabies, in tylosis, and 
 especially in sycosis and other acneiform eruptions, it is often of great service, and in 
 all affections in which the epidermis is thickened or hard it lessens this obstacle to cure. 
 The following paste is particularly recommended in scabies: Naphthol 5-10, green soap, 
 chalk, sulphur, and lanolin, of each 25 parts ; and in psoriasis an ointment made with 
 lanolin and 25 per cent, of chrysarobin. In many other cutaneous diseases, including 
 sebarrhcea, favus, herpes tonsurans, acne, prurigo, etc., it has been found the best vehicle 
 for curative remedies, as well as in itself a palliative. Lanolin forms the most appropri- 
 ate excipient for ointments of iodine, potassium iodide, etc., to be applied by friction to 
 glandular swellings ; for all such as are applied to the hairy scalp ; and also for those 
 employed in seborrhcea, rheumatism , chilblain , chapped hands, pruritus ani ant vulvse , etc. 
 If the object be to render the skin softer, it may be desirable sometimes to dilute the 
 thicker ointment with 20 per cent, of vaseline ; but in superficial affections and where a 
 lenitive and protective action is desired, lanolin may be applied alone after thoroughly 
 cleansing the skin with warm water and soap, bran, or Indian corn meal. 
 
 The results obtained by Lassar have been fully confirmed by those of O. Liebreich, 
 who tested the virtues of lanolin clinically. He recommends it, on account of its unirritat- 
 ing qualities, as the best unguent for massage. It appears to form the best excipient for 
 chrysarobin in the treatment of favus. A number of formulae for the use of this prep- 
 aration have been published by Liebreich {Brit. Med. Jour., Feb. 1886, p. 282 ; and 
 Braithwaite s Retrospect, xciii. 159). One by Helbing consists of anhydrous lanolin 65 
 parts, liquid paraffin 30 parts, cerisin 5 parts, melted and kneaded in water 30 parts. 
 Paschkis gives the following : lanolin 66 parts ; liquid paraffin 6 ; cerisin 1 ; water 65. 
 Thilanin has been used as a substitute for lanolin {adeps lanse ) as an application in 
 various forms of skin disease. 
 
 ADIANTUM. — Maidenhair. 
 
 Herba capillorum veneris. — CapiUaire , Fr. Cod.; Frauenhaar, Venushaar, G. ; Capel- 
 venere, It. ; Culantrillo , Sp. 
 
 The frond of Adiantum capillus Veneris, Linne, and A. pedatum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Filices, Polypodiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The first species is indigenous to Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and 
 the southern part of North America, westward to California, and grows in moist rocky 
 places ; the second is common in rich moist woods of North America, from Carolina 
 northward, and is recognized by the French Codex as Capillaire du Canada, the former 
 species as Capillaire de Montpellier. 
 
128 
 
 ADONIS. 
 
 Description. — Maidenhair has a polished, blackish-brown stipe about 30 Cm. (a foot) 
 high. The first species has the fronds tri- or bipinnate below, pinnate above, and the 
 leaflets short-stalked, irregular, roundish wedge-shaped, oblique at the base, obtusely 
 lobed, and with linear marginal fruit-dots. The second species is forked at the summit, 
 each branch recurved and with 6 or 7 pinnate branches ; the leaflets are triangular 
 oblong on the lower margin, entire, the upper margin cleft and fruit-bearing ; otherwise 
 resembling the preceding. Both have a faintly astringent, sweetish, and slightly bitter 
 taste ; the American maidenhair has also a faint aromatic odor. Their constituents are 
 a small quantity of tannin, a bitter principle, mucilage, sugar, and a trace of volatile 
 oil. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Syrupus adianti, s. capillorum veneris. — Syrup of maidenhair, E. 
 Make an infusion with 1 part of the drug and 15 parts of boiling water, and dissolve in 10 
 parts of the strained liquid 18 parts of sugar. — F. Cod. 
 
 Allied Species. — Other species indigenous to Mexico and South America are employed there 
 for similar purposes. Asplenium Adiantum nigrum, Linne , was formerly known in Europe as 
 black maidenhair , and Aspl. ruta muraria, Linne , as white maidenhair ; the latter is also a native 
 of the United States. 
 
 Uses. — The indigenous species of maidenhair is reputed to be useful in the same 
 affection for which its European congener has long been celebrated — viz. in pulmonary 
 catarrh ; and a syrup made with the latter species is, in France, an ordinary flavoring 
 addition to expectorant mixtures. It is demulcent and slightly stimulant. 
 
 ADONIS.— Adonis. 
 
 Pheasant's eye , E. ; Adonide, Fr., It. ; Adonisroschen , G. 
 
 The herb of Adonis vernalis, A. aestivalis, and A. autumnalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Banunculaceae, Anemoneae. 
 
 Origin. — The first two species are met with in most parts of Europe, and also in 
 Asia ; the last-mentioned species is indigenous to Southern Europe, and, like A. aestivalis, 
 is an annual plant, while A. vernalis is perennial. 
 
 Description. — These plants attain a height of about 25 Cm. (10 inches), and have 
 the light-green leaves repeatedly pinnatifid, the final divisions being quite narrow and 
 almost capillary. On the lower part of the stem of A. vernalis the leaves are reduced 
 to oblong membranous scales, and, like the calyx, are pubescent ; its flowers are of a 
 golden-yellow color. The other two species are nearly glabrous, and have yellowish-red 
 (A. aestivalis) or crimson flowers (A. autumnalis). These plants have but little odor 
 and a somewhat acrid and bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — F. Linderos obtained (1876) from the herb nearly 10 per cent, of 
 aconitic acid, combined with potassium and calcium. The medicinal principle, adonidin , 
 was isolated by Cervello (1882) from the precipitate produced by tannin. Mordagne 
 (1885) obtained 2 Gm. from 10 kilos of the herb. Adonidin is a whitish crystalline 
 powder, having a purely bitter taste, and acquiring a yellow color when kept over sul- 
 phuric acid, and a brown color on being heated in a water-bath. It is nearly insoluble 
 in chloroform, benzene, and oil of turpentine ; sparingly soluble in ether, but freely solu- 
 ble in water and alcohol. Placed upon moistened blue litmus-paper, it changes the color 
 to red. The watery solution is precipitated by tannin and basic lead acetate, but not by 
 normal lead acetate. Sulphuric acid imparts a brown color, changing to violet. This 
 medicinal adonidin was ascertained by Podwissotzki (1888) to be a mixture of yellow 
 adonidoquercitrin , adonidodulcit. adonitic. acid , and a brown glucoside with the active 
 principle picradonidin , which is an amorphous glucoside, soluble in water, alcohol, and 
 ether, strongly bitter, and a powerful heart-poison ; its solution is not disturbed by lead 
 salts, but is precipitated by tannin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Adonis vernalis acts upon the frog’s heart very much like 
 digitalis, producing a tonic contraction of the organ and a diminished pulse-rate 
 (Bubnow, 1880 ; Cervello, 1882). Clinical observation leads to a similar conclusion, 
 for the medicine restores its rhythm to the arhythmical heart, rendering the pulse slower, 
 fuller, and stronger. It augments the urinary secretion by increasing the proportion of 
 water in it while diminishing its solid ingredients. In cardiac dropsy it therefore palliates 
 all the symptoms depending upon obstruction of the heart — viz. those due to the heart 
 itself and those occasioned by the dropsy — and measurably it has analogous effects in 
 renal dropsy, unless the effusion is very large and the kidney lesion very general. The 
 same is true of it in hepatic and splenic dropsy. Adonis is useless in functional disease 
 
JETHER. 
 
 129 
 
 of the heart. The infusion is made with from Gm. 2-8 (| drachm to 2 drachms) in Gm. 
 150 (6 fluidounces) of water. Dote, a tablespoonful every one, two, or three hours 
 (Botkin, Centralblatt f g. Ther ., i. 361). 
 
 JETHER, U. S., Br., P. G.— Ether. 
 
 jEther sulphuricus , Naphtha vitriol i . — Sulphuric ether , E. ; Ether liydrique s. vinique s. 
 sulfurique , Fr. ; JEther , Schwefeldther , G. ; Etere , F. It ; Eter sidfurico , Sp. 
 
 Ether of the specific gravity 0.725-0.728 (£/. $.), 0.735 {Br.), 0.720 (.P. 6r.), 0.720- 
 0.725 (P. Cod., F. It.). 
 
 Formula (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0. Molecular weight 73.84. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bectified Spirit 50 fluidounces; Sulphuric Acid 10 fluid- 
 ounces; Chloride of Calcium 10 ounces; Slaked Lime \ ounce; Distilled Water 13 fluid- 
 ounces. Mix the sulphuric acid with 12 fluidounces of the spirit in a glass matrass 
 capable of containing at least 2 pints, and, not allowing the mixture to cool, connect the 
 matrass, by means of a bent glass tube, with a Liebig’s condenser, and distil with a heat 
 sufficient to maintain the liquid in brisk ebullition. As soon as the ethereal fluid begins 
 to pass over, supply fresh spirit through a tube into the matrass in a continuous stream, 
 and in such quantity as to equal the volume of the fluid which distils over. For this 
 purpose use a tube furnished with a stopcock to regulate the supply, connecting one end 
 of the tube with a vessel containing the spirit raised above the level of the matrass, and 
 passing the other end through a cork fitted into the matrass. When the whole of the 
 spirit has been added and 42 fluidounces have distilled over the process may be stopped. 
 Dissolve the chloride of calcium in the water, add the lime, and agitate the mixture in a 
 bottle with the impure ether. Leave the mixture at rest for 10 minutes, pour off the 
 light supernatant fluid, and distil it with a gentle heat until a glass bead of specific gravity 
 0.735, placed in the receiver, begins to float. The ether and spirit retained by the chloride 
 of calcium and by the residue of each rectification may be recovered by distillation and 
 used in a subsequent operation. — Br. 
 
 A detailed account of the process of ether manufacture in this country will be found 
 in Squibb’s Ephemeris , vol. ii. fol. 590 et seq. In outline it may be stated as follows : 
 A mixture of alcohol and sulphuric acid is heated in a suitable still to about 130° C. 
 (266° F.), and when the distillation of ether has begun, a continuous supply of fresh 
 alcohol is turned into the still, and so regulated as to keep the mixture at a constant 
 quantity and temperature. The vapors are passed through two purifiers, the first con- 
 taining a solution of potassa for the purpose of thoroughly washing the vapors in alka- 
 line liquid ; the second purifier is provided with a bed of pebble-stones, and here the 
 alcoholic and other vapors having a higher boiling-point than ether are condensed and 
 removed. In order that no ether may be lost, both purifiers are kept heated, and the 
 purified ether vapor is finally condensed in a large worm surrounded by water. 
 
 The theoretical yield of absolute ether is never wholly obtained, and the quantity 
 will vary with the care and attention bestowed. It is important that the temperature 
 be carefully kept between 130° and 138° C. (266° and 280° F.) ; if it fall below 130° 
 C., an excess of alcohol vapor will distil over, and if it rises above 138° C., the defi- 
 ciency of alcohol in the still causes other products to be formed. Since in the forma- 
 tion of ether sulphuric acid is continually regenerated, its power of etherification is 
 theoretically unlimited, but in practice it will be found that the impurities in the alcohol 
 will set a limit, and gradually the acid becomes dark and tarry, and the mixture in the 
 still liable to frothing. According to Squibb, a charge of 360 pounds of sulphuric acid 
 will etherify about 120 barrels of alcohol, provided the latter be clean and of good 
 quality. 
 
 Etherijication. — When alcohol and sulphuric acid are mixed, 1 molecule of each com- 
 pound unites to form ethylsulphuric (sulphovinic) acid and water ; C 2 II 6 0 + II 2 S0 4 yields 
 C 2 H 5 HS0 4 (ethylsulphuric acid) + H 2 0. On the application of heat and in the presence 
 of a fresh portion of alcohol a further reaction takes place, whereby sulphuric acid is 
 reproduced and ether formed, the latter distilling over ; C 2 H 5 HS0 4 -f- C 2 H fi O yields 
 H 2 S0 4 and (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0. The apparent result of the entire reaction, it will be noticed, con- 
 sists in the abstraction of 1 molecule of water from 2 molecules of alcohol, the remain- 
 ing elements forming 1 molecule of ether, while the sulphuric acid remains free, merely 
 determining by its affinity for water the decomposition of the alcohol. The incorrect- 
 ness of such an explanation of etherification is readily demonstrated by the different 
 products of decomposition obtained in case the supply of alcohol is insufficient or the 
 
130 
 
 JETHER. 
 
 sulphuric acid is used in excess, when oil of wine, sulphurous acid, olefiant and other 
 gases, are generated. (See Oleum ^ethereum.) 
 
 The crude ether obtained by the usual process consists of ether, alcohol, and water, 
 but contains, besides these, variable proportions of other decomposition-products, 
 among which sulphurous acid, oil of wine, and occasionally acetic acid, are found. The 
 acids are removed by agitating the crude product with an alkali — potassa or lime— in the 
 presence of water, the latter serving also the purpose of abstracting much of the alcohol 
 from the ethereal liquid. To avoid the loss of too large a quantity of ether, the potassa 
 is dissolved in a small quantity of water, or, as directed by the British Pharmacopoeia, a 
 larger proportion of a nearly concentrated solution of calcium chloride containing slaked 
 lime is used, which dissolves the alcohol, but only a small quantity of ether. When the 
 aqueous liquid after sufficient agitation has subsided, the ether is drawn off and rectified 
 until the distillate has the proper specific gravity, which is conveniently ascertained, 
 according to the British Pharmacopoeia, by keeping in the receiver a glass bead of the 
 proper density, which will begin to float as soon as the density of the distillate is the 
 same. This rectification is best performed by placing the retort in a water-bath, then 
 heating the bath and carefully regulating the heat, so that the ebullition never becomes 
 violent, in which case the vapors are apt to escape condensation and to become ignited. 
 The condenser should be capacious and well cooled whenever ether is distilled. 
 
 Older Theories. — Ether, or a mixture of ether and alcohol, was probably obtained by 
 the alchemists in the thirteenth century, but a process for its preparation from equal parts 
 of oil of vitriol and alcohol was first devised, in the sixteenth century, by Valerius Cordus, 
 who called it oleum vitrioli dulce verum. The name “ ether ” (spiritus sethereus) was first 
 used for this liquid by Frobenius in England (1730). Fourcroy and Vauquelin (1797) 
 regarded ether as alcohol deprived of water by the action of sulphuric acid, and Valentin 
 Bose proved (1800) that ether contains neither sulphur nor an acid. Berzelius explained 
 the action of sulphuric acid upon alcohol by catalytic force. Liebig regarded sulphovinic 
 acid as a double sulphate of water and ethylic oxide (ether), which is decomposed by heat, 
 with the liberation of ether. Bose explained this decomposition by water displacing the 
 ether from the compound mentioned. Graham ascribed the result, to the polymerizing 
 power of sulphuric or sulphovinic acid, whereby alcohol = C 2 H 2 4- HO (old notation) is 
 converted into ether — C 4 H 4 + HO. According to Bobiquet (1854), carbylic sulphate = 
 C 2 H 4 2S0 3 and water are first formed, and these, with alcohol, yield ether and sulphuric 
 acid ; thus : C 2 H 4 2S0 3 + 2H 2 0 + C 2 H e O C 4 H 10 O + 2H 2 S0 4 . The theory explained at 
 the beginning of this article was first advanced by Williamson (1850-54), and is supported 
 by the discovery of ethers containing two distinct alcohol radicals. 
 
 Pure ether. — iEther purus, Br. ; Pure ether, E. ; Ether hydrique pur, Fr. ; Beiner 
 .Ether, G. 
 
 Take of Ether and Distilled Water, each 2 pints ; Lime recently burned ? ounce ; 
 Calcium Chloride 4 ounces. Put the ether with 1 pint of the water into a bottle, and 
 shake them together ; allow them to remain at rest for a few minutes, and when the two 
 liquids have separated decant off the supernatant ether ; mix this with the remainder of 
 the water, and again, after separation, decant as before. Put now the washed ether, 
 together with the lime and calcium chloride, into a retort to which a receiver is closely 
 attached ; let them stand for twenty-four hours, then distil with the aid of a gentle 
 heat. — Br. This ether has a specific gravity not exceeding 0.720 at 60° F. 
 
 The process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1870 differed from the preceding one in this, 
 that the ether was agitated with an equal bulk of water, then decanted, agitated with 
 calcium chloride and lime in powder, set aside for twenty-four hours, decanted, and dis- 
 tilled until about one-half had been recovered, the remainder yielding a weaker distillate. 
 
 The object of these processes is the removal of alcohol by agitating the ether with water, 
 the last portions of which, together with nearly the whole of the remaining alcohol, are 
 afterward separated by the calcium chloride and lime, the latter of which should be used 
 unslaked. The distillation may be continued as long as ether of the proper specific gravity 
 is obtained. The weaker ether, recovered by continuing the distillation, may be reserved 
 for a subsequent operation. 
 
 Properties.— 1. Absolute Ether. It is a colorless, very limpid, not solidifiable 
 liquid, of a strong refractive power, and having a specific gravity 0.710 at 20° C. (68° 
 F., Bichter), to 0.712 at 25° C. (77° F., Gay-Lussac), of 0.7188 at 15° C. (59° F., Squibb). 
 It has a peculiar penetrating odor and a sweetish, pungent taste. It boils at 34° to 35° C. 
 (93° to 95° F.), the vapors having a specific gravity of 2.58, and volatilizes very rap- 
 idly at ordinary temperature, thereby producing a considerable diminution of tempera- 
 
.ETHER. 
 
 131 
 
 ture. It is easily ignited, and burns with a bright flame, yielding water and carbon diox- 
 ide. Its vapor, mixed with a large quantity of air. if ignited, explodes with great violence. 
 In consequence of this property and of the great density of its vapor great care should be 
 exercised in handling ether or manipulating with it in the vicinity of a flame. It dissolves 
 phosphorus, sulphur, iodine, bromine, some metallic sulphides, chlorides, bromides, and 
 iodides, bromoform. iodoform, chloroform, alcohols, benzene, benzin, fats, volatile oils, 
 many resins, most alkaloids, and some organic acids. W. H. Greene (1879) observed 
 that on mixing 20 Gm. of absolute ether with 43 Gm. of chloroform the temperature 
 rises 15° C. and little contraction in volume takes place; the mixture begins to boil at 
 50° C. and may be separated into its constituents by repeated fractional distillation. 
 When shaken with an equal bulk of water, absolute ether loses one-fourteenth of its vol- 
 ume, which is dissolved by the water, a little of this liquid being dissolved by the ether 
 (Boullay). The presence of water and alcohol is detected by mixing the ether with an 
 equal bulk of carbon disulphide, which should result in a perfectly clear liquid ; a piece 
 of potassa kept in the ether for twenty-four hours becomes coated with a yellowish film 
 and imparts a yellowish color to the liquid if alcohol be present (Boettger, 1872). Aniline- 
 violet is insoluble in absolute ether, but in the presence of 1 per cent, of alcohol colors the 
 liquid distinctly (Stefanelli, 1875). Well-dried powdered tannin remains pulverulent in 
 absolute ether, but in the presence of water forms a tough mass or thick solution. Fred- 
 erking (1870) recommended glycerin for the detection of water and alcohol. 
 
 Ether has a neutral reaction to test-paper, but when kept for a long time in partly-filled 
 bottles acquires an acid reaction from free acetic acid ; this is regarded as the result of 
 oxidation, facilitated by the presence of moisture, or, as suggested by X. E. Henry, to the 
 decomposition of a little acetic ether assumed to be present in ether. According to Lieben 
 (1873), alcohol is very slowly regenerated when ether is left in contact with water. That 
 ether is capable of forming a hydrate was shown by Tanret (1878), who on filtering an ethe- 
 real liquid observed on the upper part of the filter a frost-like congelation having the tem- 
 perature — 3.5° C. (25.7° F.) and after removing adhering ether by blowing upon it, yield- 
 ing 17 to IS parts of water for 37 of ether ; the formula (C 2 H 5 ). 2 0.2H 2 0 requires 18 parts. 
 
 2. U. S. P. Ether has a density of 0.725 to 0.728 at 15° C. (59° F.), or 0.714 to 
 0.717 at 25° C. (77° F.), and is composed of about 96 per cent, of ethyloxide (absolute 
 ether) and about 4 per cent, of alcohol containing a little water ; it boils at 37° C. (98.5° 
 F.), and dissolves in 10 times its volume of water at 15° C. (59° F.). The specific 
 gravity of ether required by other pharmacopoeias is not exceeding 0.735 at 60° F. (Z?/\), 
 0.720 to 0.725 at 15° C. (F. Cod.), 0.720 at 15° C. (P. G.). 
 
 If a piece of pale-blue litmus-paper moistened with water be immersed ten minutes in 
 a portion of the ether, the color should not change. On evaporating at least 50 Cc. in 
 a glass vessel no fixed residue should appear, and on evaporating a portion dropped upon 
 blotting-paper no foreign odor should be developed. Ether shaken occasionally, within 
 one hour, with one-tenth of its volume of normal potassium hydroxide solution should not 
 develop any color, showing the absence of aldehyde, etc. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia recognizes but one variety of ether, as does also the German, 
 the British Ph. still continuing two varieties, differing from each other only to the ex- 
 tent of about 4 per cent. (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0. The commercial varieties known as “ washed” and 
 “ concentrated ” ether will no doubt continue in the market, but should never be em- 
 ployed for medicinal purposes, as their composition and degree of purity are not stated ; 
 there is surely no pharmaceutical use to which ether can be put for which the pharma- 
 copceial ether could not be employed. 
 
 Hager gives the following table, showing the percentage by weight of ether of the 
 specific gravity 0.7185. contained in the alcoholic distillates obtained in the rectification 
 of ether; temperature 17.5° C. (68.5° F.) : 
 
 Per ct. 
 ether. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per ct. 
 ether. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per ct. 
 ether. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per ct . 
 ether. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per ct. 
 ether. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 99 
 
 0.7198 
 
 89 
 
 0.7296 
 
 79 
 
 0.7397 
 
 69 
 
 0.7516 
 
 59 
 
 0.7640 
 
 98 
 
 0.7206 
 
 88 
 
 0.7300 
 
 78 
 
 0.740S 
 
 68 
 
 0.7528 
 
 58 
 
 0.7653 
 
 97 
 
 0.7215 
 
 87 
 
 0.7310 
 
 1 1 
 
 0.7420 
 
 67 
 
 0.7540 
 
 i 57 
 
 0.7666 
 
 96 
 
 0.7224 
 
 86 
 
 0.7320 
 
 76 
 
 0.7432 
 
 66 
 
 0.7552 
 
 56 
 
 0.7680 
 
 95 
 
 0.7233 
 
 85 
 
 0.7331 
 
 75 
 
 0.7444 
 
 65 
 
 0.7564 
 
 55 
 
 0.7693 
 
 94 
 
 0.7242 
 
 84 
 
 0.7342 
 
 74 
 
 0.7456 
 
 64 
 
 o. ( 676 
 
 54 
 
 0.7707 
 
 93 
 
 0.7251 
 
 83 
 
 0.7353 
 
 73 
 
 0.7468 
 
 63 
 
 0.7588 
 
 53 
 
 0.7721 
 
 92 
 
 0.7260 
 
 82 
 
 0.7364 
 
 72 
 
 0.7480 
 
 62 
 
 0.7601 
 
 52 
 
 0.7735 
 
 91 
 
 0.7270 
 
 81 
 
 0.7375 
 
 71 
 
 0.7492 
 
 61 
 
 0.7614 
 
 51 
 
 0.7750 
 
 90 
 
 0.7280 
 
 80 
 
 0.7386 
 
 70 
 
 0.7504 
 
 60 
 
 0.7627 
 
 50 
 
 0.7764 
 
132 
 
 JETHER. 
 
 According to the same author, 100 measures of water dissolve the following measures 
 of ether of the densities stated : 8 meas. ether, sp. gr. 0.719-0.721 ; 10 meas. ether, sp. gr. 
 0.724-0.726 ; 13 meas. ether, sp. gr. 0.729-0.731 ; 16 meas. ether, sp. gr. 0.733-0.735 ; 20 
 meas. ether, sp. gr. 0.738-0.741 ; 23 meas. ether, sp. gr. 0.743-0.746 ; 26 meas. ether, sp. 
 gr. 0.748-0.750. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — JEther Formicicus, Formic ether, E. ; Ameisenather, G. — C 2 II 5 
 CH0 2 . Mol. weight 73.83. It was first obtained by Bucholz (1782), and may be prepared by 
 distilling a mixture of 8 parts of dry sodium formate, 7 parts of alcohol (88 per cent.), and 11 
 parts of strong sulphuric acid. Usually sufficient heat is produced upon addition of the acid to vola- 
 tilize the ether, and the distillate, if acid, is shaken with milk of lime or magnesia, and finally 
 rectified from calcium .chloride. Formic ether is a thin, colorless, inflammable liquid of strong 
 agreeable odor and pungent taste. Its spec. grav. is 0.918 at 17° C. (62.80 F.), and its boiling- 
 point 55° C. (131° F.) ; it is soluble in 9 parts of water and in all proportions in alcohol, ether, 
 fixed and volatile oils. When inhaled, it lowers the temperature as much as 3.5° C. (6.3° F.), 
 inducing signs of asphyxia, and causes muscular relaxation and anaesthesia. In man 6 or 8 Gm. 
 occasion no other symptom than drowsiness. 
 
 JEther Methylicus. — Methylic ether, Methyl oxide, E. ; Methylather, Holzather, G. — 
 (CH 3 ) 2 0, Mol. weight 45.90. It was discovered by Dumas and Peligot (1835), and is prepared 
 by distilling a mixture of 1 part of methylic alcohol and 4 parts of sulphuric acid ; the vapors 
 are washed by passing through potassa solution or milk of lime, whereby carbon and sulphur 
 dioxides, as well as methyl sulphuric ether, are removed. The latter body, having a garlic-like 
 odor, is decomposed. Methylic ether is a colorless, inflammable gas, heavier than air, of an 
 ethereal odor and aromatic taste. At — 36° C. ( — 32.8° F.) it forms a colorless liquid which 
 boils at — 21° C. ( — 5.8° F.). Water dissolves 35 volumes of the gas, acquiring its odor and taste, 
 and evolving it again at a moderate heat. It is more soluble in sulphuric acid, and still more 
 freely in alcohol, methylic alcohol and ether. A solution in the latter liquid saturated at 0° C. 
 (32° F.), has been recommended by Dr. B. W. Richardson under the name of methylic-ethylic 
 ether (see below) as a safe, rapidly-acting anaesthetic ; it should be kept in well-corked bottles in 
 a cool place. 
 
 JEther Methylethylicus. — Methyl-ethyl ether, Methyl-ethyloxide, E. ; Methylaethylather, 
 G. CII 3 C 2 H 5 0. This compound, which must not be confounded with the solution of Dr. 
 Richardson mentioned above, was first obtained by Williamson by the action of ethyl iodide 
 upon sodium methylate, and this has proven to be the best method since. The two substances 
 are made to react in a retort, and the vapors made to pass through a weak soda solution cooled to 
 15° C. (59° F.), whereby volatile by-products are removed, the methyl-ethyl ether being finally 
 condensed in a well-cooled receiver. It is a colorless liquid, very inflammable, of peculiar 
 characteristic odor, boiling at 1 1° C. (51.8° F.). Its use as an anaesthetic has been very limited. 
 
 Methylal, Methylen-dimethyl ether. — CH 2 (OCH 3 ) 2 . This body, belonging to the group 
 known as “acetals, was first obtained pure by Malaguti (1839). It is prepared by acting on 
 methyl alcohol with a mixture of manganese dioxide and sulphuric acid, the resulting distillate 
 being purified by fractional distillation and dehydration. It is a colorless, limpid liquid, of 
 penetrating ethereal odor, boiling at 42° C. (106.6° F.), and having a specific gravity of 0.855. 
 It is soluble in 13 parts of water, also in alcohol, ether, and fixed and volatile oils. Sulphuric 
 acid decomposes it, but alkalies are without effect. Methylal has been used as an anaesthetic and 
 as a hypnotic in doses of 1 or 1 1 drachms mixed with syrup and water. The information re- 
 garding its actions is meagre. 
 
 Action and Uses. — On man the primary impression of ether, even when smelled, 
 is that of an agreeable nervous stimulant. On the skin it excites coolness if allowed to 
 evaporate, but irritates if confined. When swallowed, it creates burning heat in the throat, 
 oesophagus, and 'Stomach, and a rapid intoxication like that of alcohol, but more intense 
 and of shorter duration. When inhaled, pure ether excites at first cough and dyspnoea, 
 and then a prickling of the hands and feet and exhilaration of the spirits, with a peculiar 
 perception of lightness, while all the senses become perverted or blunted : that of touch 
 much less so than the sense of pain, so that severe injuries may be received without 
 their being felt, and brief operations may at this stage be advantangeously performed. 
 The muscular system gradually becomes relaxed, while consciousness is growing more per- 
 verted or obscured. Meanwhile, the pulse and respiration are generally quickened, the 
 skin becomes warm and moist, and the pupils are contracted; but as complete uncon- 
 sciousness and anaesthesia supervene, general relaxation is more or less rapidly displayed, 
 the pupils are dilated, the respiration is slow and deep, the pulse infrequent and feeble, 
 the skin cool and moist, and sometimes cyanotic. Drs. Leidy, Jr., and Hare have found 
 that during various surgical operations under ether the temperature fell several degrees 
 ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 317). This state continues only for a few moments after the vapor 
 ceases to be inhaled ; consciousness returns almost suddenly, but numbness and weakness 
 remain for some time longer. Of occasional after-effects of ansesthesia from ether may 
 be mentioned vomiting, congestion of the brain or lungs, various hysterical phenomena, 
 
JETHER. 
 
 133 
 
 and more rarely epileptiform or tetanoid symptoms, but these effects are exceedingly rare 
 when the ether is pure and skilfully given. The first, vomiting, is less usual than after 
 chloroform. The sensory and psychical effects of ether are various : rushing and roar- 
 ing noises are heard, phantasmagorial visions are beheld, and these seem to prompt cer- 
 tain unconscious acts, for sometimes a pugnacious disposition is developed, sometimes an 
 amorous, and even a lascivious, tendency, and, again, an irrepressible tendency to say 
 things which under normal circumstances would have been kept profoundly secret, or to 
 use indecorous and even indecent language. Several cases of mania following upon the 
 surgical use of ether have been reported by Dr. Shepard (. Amer . Jour. Med. Sci ., Dec. 
 1888, p. 591) ; and one by Dr. Homans in which dementia was attributed to this cause 
 ( Boston Med and Surg. Jour. Aug. 1889, p. 110). Ether drunkenness, like chloral 
 intoxication, numbers a great many victims, most of whom, but for fanatical notions of 
 temperance, would have become the prey of alcohol. It appears to be less permanently 
 injurious than the more usual and brutal vice, for if some deaths are attributed to it, 
 there are instances of its habitual indulgence without serious injury. In the case of a 
 lad addicted to it the usual doses at last amounted to between 1 and 2 pints daily, with- 
 out apparently impairing his mind (Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., Sept. 1881, p. 262; 
 May, 1889, p. 522 ; Med. Record , xxiv. 459). 
 
 In appropriate cases, and properly administered, we believe pure sulphuric ether to be 
 beyond all comparison the safest of the anaesthetic agents employed in general surgery, 
 and that when these conditions have been observed there is not a single authenticated exam- 
 ple of its having destroyed life. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine 
 beforehand in what cases this anaesthetic is appropriate. The danger may lie in a special 
 susceptibility of the heart or of the central nervous system. The practical superiority 
 of ether over chloroform is that in cases suitable for the anaesthetic use of either agent 
 the pulse early gives warning of danger from ether, but in death by chloroform no such 
 signal can be relied on. In 1880 a committee of the British Medical Association pre- 
 sented a report upon anaesthetics, in which the following statements occur: “The danger 
 with ether approaches from the pulmonary rather than the cardiac side, so that by estab- 
 lishing artificial respiration we have a means of warding off death;” and again: “The 
 advantages which chloroform possesses over ether are more than counterbalanced by its 
 additional dangers.” This verdict is supported by the testimony of competent witnesses. 
 In November, 1884, Mr. Braine of London made a comparative study of the several 
 surgical anaesthetics, and awarded to ether a superiority over all except for very short 
 operations (Times and Gaz., Nov. 1884, p. 758). In the following year Dr. Brunton 
 reached substantially the same conclusion, even while addmitting that in rare instances 
 ether might cause death by syncope (ibid., Aug. 1885, p. 251). The testimony of Dr. 
 Squire of the use of ether during the English campaign in Egypt is very pertinent. He 
 found that in the climate of that country chloroform depressed the patients, but ether 
 stimulated them, so that they suffered little from the shock of operations. He used an 
 inhaler and gave the ethereal vapor without any admixture of atmospheric air (ibid., 
 Nov. 1885, p. 631). Among later testimony upon the subject may be cited that of 
 Dumont in Berne, Switzerland, who maintains the practical superiority of ether on the 
 grounds that it is not more unpleasant than chloroform, nor is its administration more 
 complicated (especially if a mask is used) ; it is not so apt to occasion vomiting, and its 
 effects are as prolonged as those of chloroform, and are less dangerous, because the former 
 primarily and as a rule affects the lungs, but the latter the heart (Therap. Monatshefte, 
 Feb. 1889, p. 87 ; compare Stockwell, Therap. Gaz., xiv. 590 ; Wood, Med. News, lvii. 
 121 ; Silex, Centralbl. f. Therap ., viii. 229 ; Butter, ibid. p. 294). There is no doubt 
 that ether is more liable than chloroform to occasion pulmonary congestion and renal 
 irritation (Med. Record, xxxi. 122, 199, 254), but these are not direct effects of its adminis- 
 tration ; yet it should be cautiously used when the lungs or the kidneys are not sound. 
 It is not eligible for very fat persons whose breathing capacity is restricted. It may be 
 mentioned that the convenience afforded by ether (or other anaesthetic) may tempt sur 
 geons to operate too soon when the shock of an accident has been sustained, and too 
 deliberately as well, so that the physical depression of the system is unduly prolonged 
 (Cheever, Boston Med. and, Surg. Jour., Sept. 1888, p. 293). 
 
 The statement must not, however, be omitted that within a comparatively recent period 
 deaths from ether have occurred with precisely the same phenomena as those caused by 
 chloroform (Med. Neivs, xliv. 78 ; xlv. 345 ; *1. 89, 109, 166 ; Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., 
 July, 1884, p. 3 ; Lancet, Apr. 1889, p. 800 ; ibid., Sept. 1890, pp. 584, 587 ; Med. Record , 
 xxxvii. 71). 
 
134 
 
 jETHER. 
 
 The inhalation of the vapor of ether has in a great measure supplanted its earlier 
 administration in a liquid form, but the latter should not be neglected. It may be given 
 to alleviate nervous headache and the pain of flatulent, renal, and hepatic colic , spasmodic 
 vomiting , including that of pregnancy and sea-sickness, and asthma , and also to prevent or 
 subdue the paroxysms of hysteria. Even puerperal mania has been held in check by ethereal 
 snemata. It is occasionally indicated as an adjuvant to alcohol in the typhoid state of 
 febrile affections, particularly when some temporary exhaustion calls for a transient but 
 vigorous stimulation. In comparatively recent years ether has been administered hypo- 
 dermically as a stimulant in cases of exhaustion from haemorrhage,. in the adynamic stage 
 of fevers ( Bull . et Mem. de la Soc. de Therap ., 1882, p. 127) ; but it is not quite clear that 
 its administration by the mouth or the rectum would not have been as efficient. In 
 urgent cases the ordinary hypodermic syringeful has been injected, and the operation 
 repeated at intervals of several hours. It would appear that abscesses are very apt to 
 follow this operation. In the treatment of tape-worm a full dose of ether to benumb the 
 parasite, so as to facilitate its expulsion by means of castor oil, given directly afterward, 
 is sometimes successful ; and so are enemata of ether in destroying ascarides of the rec- 
 tum, and lotions of it for removing crab-lice (pedictdi pubis'). Ether has been used for 
 
 a long time in conjunction with oil of turpentine and also with castor oil with a view of 
 removing biliary calculi by dissolving them. The efficacy of the treatment, if real, may 
 depend in part upon the local anaesthetic action of the medicine, but some authorities 
 entitled to respect maintain the reality of its solvent operation also. Whatever view of 
 its mode of action may be entertained, it is certain that ether very frequently removes 
 the symptoms of biliary calculi. The difficulty of digesting cod-liver oil and other forms of 
 fatty food in pulmonary phthisis has been supposed to depend upon a deficiency of pancreatic 
 juice and the crude condition in which such food is brought into contact with that secre- 
 tion. It is claimed that ether, by emulsifying the oil, and also stimulating the stomach 
 and duodenum, and thereby increasing the flow of pancreatic juice, renders the aliment 
 much more assimilable than it would otherwise be. It is also claimed that these views 
 have received the confirmation of experience, and that by the use of ether after taking 
 the food in question it is fully and easily digested, and that the objects of its adminis- 
 tration, the increase of the patient’s weight and the abatement of the pulmonary symp- 
 toms, are secured. The scientific adaptation of the medicine to the purpose in view is 
 very complete, but, like other remedies proposed on similar ground, and by their pro- 
 posers regarded as fulfilling their object, this one does not appear to have been found 
 successful. On the contrary, the unpleasant taste of ether, whether given separately or 
 combined with oil, and the offensive eructations to which it gives rise, render a continued 
 use of it difficult, if not impossible, and evidence is wanting to confirm the results at one 
 time attributed to it. The rectal administration of ethereal vapor has been claimed as 
 a successful method of treating cholera ; but this extravagant pretension has not been 
 sustained. In small doses it may sometimes be advantageous as a diffusible stimulant. 
 Similar enemas have been found useful in the treatment of lead colic. 
 
 Besides being taken internally, ether in its liquid form is applied externally to produce 
 anaesthesia or by the cold it occasions in evaporating to cause a contraction of the tissues. 
 With the former object it is familiarly used to relieve the pain of neuralgic headache , and 
 also when applied over the superficial portions of nerves to palliate neuralgia. It affords 
 prompt relief in toothache from carious cavities, especially when associated with camphor, 
 and also in earache when applied on cotton with oil or in the form of vapor. In some 
 cases of deafness due to a rheumatic condition of the auditory canal it is said to have been 
 curative. In irritative congestion of the retina, and photophobia generally, a little ether 
 allowed to evaporate from cotton-wood, so placed in the hollow of the hand as to cover 
 the eye at the distance of an inch or two, affords decided relief. The refrigerant action 
 of ether is best shown in some cases of hernia strangulated by a mere excess of blood 
 in the tumor; it contracts the tissues, expels the blood, and permits the reduction of the 
 bowel. The vomiting of pregnancy , which, as above stated, has sometimes been arrested 
 by the inhalation of ether, is also said to have been subdued “ by freezing the pneumo- 
 gastric nerve under the sterno-mastoid on both sides of the neck alternately ” (Lester). 
 A similar application “ first to the epigastrium, and then for five minutes on both sides of 
 the throat,” is stated to have relieved obstinate hiccup (Regoni). It is claimed that ether 
 spray can arrest the development of malignant pustule and carbuncle (Zimberlin), and 
 also of tonsillitis (Concato). 
 
 Ethereal inhalation is employed to produce anaesthesia, and thereby, according to its 
 degree, to relieve pain, relax muscular tension and spasm, or produce unconsciousness. In 
 
jETHER. 
 
 135 
 
 surgery it permits the performance of operations which would without it be inexpedient 
 or impracticable, both by abolishing the sense of pain and preventing the struggles of the 
 patient, and hence it has probably diminished the mortality of grave surgical operations. 
 It has been successfully administered for this purpose while the patient remained asleep 
 (Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., i. 244). Age is no contraindication to its use, but it should 
 rarely be employed when there is disease of the kidneys, lungs, brain, or heart, or when 
 the sensations of the patient are needful to guide the surgeon’s hand. Operations upon 
 the fauces and nasal passages involving the flow of blood are embarrassed, and may be 
 rendered dangerous, by anaesthesia ; it is unfavorable to success whenever the voluntary 
 muscular action of the patient is required ; it is unnecessary when the duration of an 
 operation is short or its severity is insignificant. In general, the severer the operation the 
 less danger of accident is there from inhaling ether ; in the greater number of cases 
 when alarming symptoms have occurred the operation was trivial, as in extracting teeth, 
 opening abscesses, etc. In obstetrics the inhalation of ether robs the throes of labor of 
 their acutest pain, and hence lessens the exhaustion of the patient ; and in tedious and 
 complicated labors, in cases of great tenderness or rigidity of the maternal organs, of 
 unusual susceptibility to pain and great nervous irritability, in labors requiring manual 
 or instrumental interference, and in puerperal convulsions , anaesthesia by ether has long 
 been and continues to be a precious remedy. It does not involve any risk of injury 
 either to child or mother if judiciously employed, while, by lessening the rigidity of the 
 os uteri and perineum without impairing the strength of the expulsive efforts, it facili- 
 tates and shortens labor. For these purposes it is most valuable in the first and in the 
 last stages of labor. It is seldom necessary or proper to maintain its action throughout 
 this process. It is the best palliative for after-pains. For all of the purposes mentioned 
 except those which involve operations on the interior of the uterus, it is unnecessary 
 to produce the narcotic degree of anaesthesia. It is proper, however, to observe that 
 during childbirth a degree of anaesthesia, by any of the agents employed, may be pro- 
 duced without danger which, under other circumstances, and especially in surgical opera- 
 tions, might be attended with risk. This peculiar immunity of the parturient woman is 
 probably due to the high nervous tension which her state involves. 
 
 The diseases which call for anaesthesia include all painful and spasmodic affections ; 
 e. g. dysmenorrhcea , gout in the stomach, biliary and nephritic colic , tetanus , hydrophobia, 
 chorea , hysteria, puerperal and other reflex convulsions, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, 
 laryngismus stridulus , delirum tremens, mania, etc. In all of these it eliminates one or 
 the other, or both, of the symptoms which tend to exhaust the patient. In some local 
 affections of a painful nature, such as lumbago, sciatica, and other forms of neuralgia, 
 ether has been employed hypodermically with advantage. The dose at first should not 
 usually exceed 10 or 15 minims ; subsequently it may be increased. 
 
 Local anaesthesia may be produced by projecting upon the skin a stream of atomized 
 pure ether or of ether and chloroform. The former is preferable, from the rapidity of 
 its action and the complete congelation it produces, so that a variety of surgical opera- 
 tions may be performed by its aid without inflicting pain. Among them are not only 
 such minor ones as opening abscesses, the evulsion of nails, the excision of naevi, haemor- 
 rhoids, and other small tumors, and the amputation of fingers, the incision of carbuncles, 
 fistulae, etc., but this method has also been applied to the removal of large tumors of the 
 skin, breast, etc., to amputations, ovariotomy, Caesarean section, etc. The latter uses 
 indicate rather the extreme limits of its application than its practical utility. Local 
 anaesthesia of the lumbo-sacral region by ethereal vapor has been used to mitigate the 
 throes of labor ; of the hypogastric region to arrest uterine haemorrhage and promote 
 contraction of the uterus ; to facilitate the reduction of hernia ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., 
 Nov. 1889, p. 527 ; Lancet , April, etc. 1889, pp. 836, 910, 1031) ; of intestinal obstruction 
 (Bull, de Therap., cxvii. 574) and of paraphimosis ; to relieve the pain of neuralgia by 
 a direct action, and the spasms of chorea and other spasmodic affections by its application 
 to the spine. The local use of ether as an anodyne antedates the discovery of anaes- 
 thesia by the inhalation of ether. 
 
 The hypodermic use of ether has been largely extended. About 1 Ccm. has been 
 generally injected at a time, and the operation repeated as often as necessary. It causes 
 a smarting and burning pain for a short time, but usually no further ill effects, provided 
 the instrument does not penetrate beyond the subcutaneous connective tissue. -Deeper 
 wounds have sometimes occasioned paralysis of parts beyond the point of puncture, 
 which has been attributed to a solvent action upon the nerve-structure (Practitioner , 
 xxxix. 62 ; Centralbl. f. Therap., vi. 484 ; Univers. Med. Mag., iii. 42). This method 
 
136 
 
 MT1IER. 
 
 has been found singularly efficient in cases of collapse, however arising, when the patient 
 is unable to swallow ; e. g. in cholera , typhoid fever , pneumonia , pulmonary oedema , capil- 
 lary bronchitis , infantile and puerperal convulsions , post-partum and other haemorrhages, the 
 collapse of opium- and chloral-poisoning , etc. Bamberger used for subcutaneous injec- 
 tion a syringeful of ether in cases of venous stasis and dropsy due to feeble heart and 
 threatening death by asphyxia. Not only were the cardiac distress and the pulmonary 
 congestion promptly relieved, but the secretion of urine was immediately increased while 
 the dropsy declined ( Centralbl. f Tlier ., vi. 526). The last-named effect had already 
 been described by Zuelzer {ibid., i. 472). The same expedient was equally successful in 
 the hands of Heitler and of Hoegerstedt {ibid., p. 641). Sebaceous tumors of the scalp 
 have been successfully treated by injecting into them with a hypodermic syringe from 5 
 to 10 drops of ether three or four times, at intervals of several days, until the contents 
 of the cyst were liquefied and its walls inflamed, when the dissolved sebaceous matter 
 and the pus were pressed out {Bull, de Therap., cv. 454). 
 
 Administration. — The average dose of sulphuric ether is a fluidrachrn (Gm. 4). 
 It may be administered upon powdered sugar and rapidly swallowed with a mouthful of 
 water. Smaller doses may be given by incorporating it with syrup or spermaceti, and 
 diluting the mixture with water or mucilage, which should be made cold by ice if possi- 
 ble. It has also been administered in gelatin capsules. For producing anaesthesia ether 
 should be administered by some one familiar with it, and who will attend to nothing else. 
 Artificial teeth and all other foreign bodies should be removed from the mouth. Ether 
 should not be used while the stomach contains food ; no alcoholic drink of any kind 
 should be given to the patient before the operation, nor should he be kept under the 
 influence of the anaesthetic longer than is absolutely necessary. According to Mr. 
 Osborn, chloroformist to St. Thomas’s Hospital, London, “ Valvular disease of the heart, 
 shown by cardiac murmurs, need be no hindrance to the administration of ether, a fatty 
 heart which is not diagnoscible by any auscultatory signs being the form of heart disease 
 which is the most dangerous.” Feebleness of pulse also is not a contraindication to the 
 inhalation of ether; indeed, a depressed pulse frequently acquires strength and volume 
 under its influence. Ether should not be given to the production of narcotism in per- 
 sons whose urine is albuminous. It is most conveniently employed by means of a sponge 
 saturated with ether and enclosed in a cone made of a napkin or of coarse paper, large 
 enough to cover the nose and mouth of the patient and open at the smaller end. Or 
 if the napkin alone be employed, the ether may be poured freely upon its internal surface. 
 It has been held that a capital precept in etherization is to produce anaesthesia as rapidly 
 as possible by overwhelming the patient with as much of the vapor as he can possibly 
 inhale. This method has been generally preferred by American surgeons, but Mr. Osborn, 
 above referred to, would apply to all anaesthetics the same law, that the first inhalations 
 of the vapor should be freely diluted with air, for large quantities of it suddenly placed 
 over the patient’s mouth and nostrils occasion gasping, choking, and struggling for breath. 
 The use of an inhaler is to be recommended, but it is less commonly employed than it 
 should be. It not only economizes ether, but protects the operator and assistants from 
 the nauseating and intoxicating influence of the vapor. It also greatly hastens the 
 anaesthetic state. If during the initial stage the patient breathe through the nostrils 
 only, he will be less apt to cough or to have laryngeal spasm than if he breathed by the 
 mouth, and for this purpose he should be taught how to breathe regularly before any 
 ether is introduced into the inhaler. At first its vapor should be mixed with air, but as 
 soon as the anaesthetic action begins only the pure ethereal vapor should be inhaled. 
 (For fuller details compare Parkinson, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., April, 1885, p. 406 ; 
 ibid., Feb. 1889, p. 154 ; Muller, Med. News, April, 1885, p. 374 ; Lovett, Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., Dec. 1888, p. 548 ; Shrady, Med. Record, xxxv. 204.) Care must be taken 
 not to allow the contact of flame with the ethereal vapor. 
 
 A mixture of one part of alcohol, two parts of chloroform, and three of ether has been 
 widely used, but has not fulfilled the expectations entertained of its superiority, which 
 were based on the supposed antagonism of alcohol and ether to chloroform. It has 
 occasioned death, and apparently in the same manner as undiluted chloroform {Med. 
 News, 1. 38). 
 
 F,rom an experimental study of arrested breathing under ether, Drs. Martin and Hare 
 {Med. News, liv. 236) concluded that drawing the tongue forward by the tip is a very 
 insufficient mode of rendering free the opening of the larynx, and that traction-pressure 
 should be applied to the dorsum of the tongue behind the anterior half-arches while the 
 head is extended on the neck at an angle of 45° and the horns of the hyoid bone are 
 
JETHER ACETIC US. 
 
 137 
 
 thrust forward. This manipulation appears not to apply to the “ spasmodic apnoea ” which 
 Dr. Silk describes as peculiar to the first stage of etherization ( Lancet , Feb. 1889, p. 
 319), but to that which he denominates “ paralytic apnoea, ” due to paresis of the larnyx 
 itself or of the nerve-centres controlling it. It is generally gradual in its approach. 
 Evidently, the spasmodic form may be controlled by suspending the use of the anaesthetic, 
 and both forms by a dash of cold water or by the evaporation (Hare) of ether from the 
 surface of the abdomen. 
 
 .Ether Formicicus. — Byasson made experiments with formic ether compound upon 
 dogs, rats, and guinea-pigs. He regarded it as readily undergoing decomposition into alco- 
 hol and alkaline formiates through the alkali of the blood. When inhaled, it lowers the 
 temperature as much as 31° C., induces signs of asphyxia, but not so marked as those 
 caused by chloroform, and causes muscular relaxation and anaesthesia. The effects per- 
 sist for several hours. Hypodermic injections of Gm. 1-2 in guinea-pigs and rats, and 
 of Gm. 4—6 in dogs, produce a less degree of asphyxia, but more somnolence, lower- 
 ing of temperature, and a diminution, but not a complete suppression, of sensiblility. 
 In man 6 or 8 Gm. occasion no other symptom than drowsiness. The urine contains 
 formic acid. 
 
 .Ether Methylicus. — Being gaseous and only feebly held in solution by alcohol, 
 methylic ether is more readily absorbed than this liquid into the blood. Its anaesthetic 
 operation is somewhat peculiar. A pigeon under a bell-glass filled with the vapor of 
 methylic ether, or made to inhale it from a kind of respirator, falls into a quiet sleep with- 
 out agitation or convulsion. Dr. Bichardson, experimenting upon himself, observed that 
 there was no preliminary spasm excited by it in the larynx or elsewhere — no rigidity, 
 lividity, or other change of color. The pulse rose to 96 ; the anaesthesia was perfect, and 
 was not preceded by convulsion or followed by nausea. In some further experiments 
 (upon guinea-pigs) the anaesthesia was carried as far as possible, and the respiration ceased 
 several minutes before the heart stopped. After death the lungs were not congested, but 
 the pulmonary veins and both sides of the heart were filled with fluid blood, which was 
 dark on the left side. In death by bichloride of methylene the blood in the same cavity 
 is light red. The repletion of the heart contrasts with the emptiness of its cavities in 
 death by chloroform. According to Bichardson, it is a safe anaesthetic, yet is objection- 
 able because it rapidly volatilizes from its solution, and its odor is more unpleasant than 
 that of ether, chloroform, or bichloride of methylene. 
 
 Methylal. — Dr. B. W. Bichardson originally described this compound as anaesthetic 
 and narcotic, and suggested that it might be used with alcohol or ether to relieve colic , 
 asthma , angina pectoris , or tetanus. Mairet and Combermale used it for the insane 
 in daily doses of Gm. 1-8 (15 grs. to 120 grs.), but it was efficient only in the later 
 periods of the acute attack, and rapidly created tolerance. They found it inoperative 
 in mania a pot u and syphilitic mania. Lemoine testified to the same effect ( Ga.z. Med. 
 de Paris , No. 18, 1887), and so did Kraft-Ebing, who, however, thought it useful in 
 delirium tremens ( Centralhl. f. Ther., vi. 275) ; but since the latter disease nearly always 
 subsides spontaneously, if not aggravated by unwise treatment, and as the doses of the 
 medicine used by the last named-reporter (one or two grains) could not have been opera- 
 tive, although given hypodermically, the claim in behalf of the medicine can hardly be 
 sustained. Personali advised it for neuralgic and other pains of the bowels. Bichardson 
 prescribed methylal as follows: R. Methylal £vj ; Syr. of orange-flower water f^iv ; dis- 
 tilled water, to Tfvj. S. One to four tablespoonfuls in a wineglassful of water. Personali 
 suggested an ointment or liniment 1 : 6 as an analgesic ; but the rapid evaporation of the 
 anodyne ingredient renders this an ineligible form. 
 
 EITHER ACETICUS, TJ. S,, T>r F, Cod ,, F, G. — Acetic Ether. 
 
 Naphtha aceti. — Ethyl acetate, E. ; Ether acetique, Acetate d'ethyle, Fr. ; Essigdther, 
 Essignaphtha, G. ; Etere acetico, F. It. 
 
 Formula C 2 H 5 C 2 H 3 0 2 . Molecular weight 87.8. 
 
 Preparation. — Add slowly 323 fluidounces of sulphuric acid to 321 fluidounces of 
 rectified spirit ; cool, add 40 ounces of sodium acetate, and distil 45 fluidounces. Digest 
 the distillate three days with 6 ounces of well-dried potassium carbonate ; separate the 
 fluid ; distil all but about 4 fluidounces. Preserve in a well-closed bottle in a cool 
 place. — Br. 
 
 Acetic ether is also prepared on a large scale by causing a mixture of equal volumes 
 of 96 per cent, alcohol and 94 per cent, acetic acid to flow into a mixture of 15 parts of 
 
138 
 
 JETHER ACETIC US. 
 
 sulphuric acid and 6 parts of alcohol contained in a retort and heated to 130°-135° C. 
 (266°-275° F.), and subsequently purifying the distillate by appropriate means, as 
 stated below. Hager recommends the following plan, which we have tried with marked 
 success ; it is easily followed, and admirably adapted to the manufacture of acetic ether 
 in small lots: 63 parts by weight of alcohol (U. S. Ph. spec. grav. 0.820) are carefully 
 mixed with 109 parts by weight of 94 per cent, sulphuric acid, and the mixture set aside 
 for a day or two in a well-closed flask, so that ethyl-sulphuric acid may be formed ; 
 having prepared anhydrous sodium acetate by heating at 130° C. (266° F.) to constant 
 weight, 82 parts of the powdered acetate are put into a retort and the acid alcohol 
 mixture carefully added. The retort is heated in a water-bath, and the vapors are con- 
 densed in a well-cooled receiver as long as reaction continues brisk : the final distillate is 
 collected separately, as it is apt to contain more acetic acid. 46 parts of absolute alcohol 
 with 98 parts of absolute sulphuric acid theoretically will suffice for 82 parts of anhy- 
 drous sodium acetate, but in practice a slightly increased amount has been found advan- 
 tageous. 
 
 Crude acetic ether usually contains acetic acid, alcohol, and water, and to remove these 
 it is first well shaken with one-third of its volume of an aqueous solution containing 20 
 per cent, sodium chloride and 2 per cent, sodium carbonate ; caustic alkalies or milk of 
 lime are inadmissible. The washing is repeated two or three times, and the ether is 
 then freed from water by shaking with freshly ignited potassium carbonate, and is finally 
 distilled ; calcium chloride is not suitable for dehydration, as it is apt to combine chemi- 
 cally with the acetic ether. 
 
 Some years ago a method was suggested for preparing acetic ether by passing carbon 
 dioxide into an alcoholic solution of potassium acetate : while, theoretically, a simple 
 and perfect plan, it has been found impracticable, owing to the sparing solubility of 
 potassium acetate in absolute alcohol, which latter is necessary to ensure a good yield of 
 ether and perfect precipitation of the newly-formed potassium carbonate. 
 
 In the above manipulations ethyl-sulphuric acid is first formed (see page 129), 1 mole- 
 cule of which reacts with 1 molecule of sodium acetate, producing acid sodium sulphate 
 and acetic ether, according to the equation C 2 H 5 HS0 4 + NaC 2 H 3 0 2 = NaIIS0 4 + C 2 H 5 C 2 - 
 H 3 0 2 , (acetic ether.) 
 
 The weights of the different ingredients given in the formula of the British Pharmaco- 
 poeia are very nearly the theoretical proportions. An excess of sodium acetate would 
 cause the distillate to be contaminated with free acetic acid, while an excess of sulphuric 
 acid and alcohol would result in the production of ethyl oxide (ether). Any other 
 acetate in an equivalent proportion may be substituted for the sodium acetate. 
 
 In acetic ether the basylous H of acetic acid is replaced by the basylous radical C 2 H 5 , 
 forming a compound having the above formula. 
 
 Properties and Tests.— -Acetic ether is a colorless, limpid, volatile liquid having 
 an agreeable, refreshing, ethereal and somewhat acetous odor and taste. The pure ether 
 has a density of 0.9104 at 0° C. (Kopp), and of 0.8981 at 15° C. (Mendelejeff ; water at 
 4° C.) ; the densities given by the Pharmacopoeias are : 0.893 to 0.895 at 15° C. (59° 
 F.) ( U. S .), 0.900 to 0.904 (P. G .), and 0.900 (i?r.). The density is no evidence of purity, 
 since acetic ether dissolves ether, alcohol, and chloroform in all proportions, and at 15° 
 C. one-twenty-fourth of its volume of water. It is also soluble in water, requiring of 
 that menstruum, at 0° C., 8 volumes, and at 15° C. 9 volumes, or 10 parts by weight 
 (Clark), about 10 parts, Br ., about 8 parts, U. S. It boils between 74° and 76° C. 
 (165° and 168.8° F.), P. G., at 74.5° C. (166° F.), Br ., at about 76° C., U. S. It is 
 very inflammable, though less so than ether, and burns with a yellowish-white flame and 
 the odor of acetic-acid vapors. It has a neutral reaction to test-paper, but if kept in 
 contact with the air, and particularly in the presence of water, free acetic acid is formed. 
 Solutions of potassa, soda, and other oxides decompose it gradually or rapidly, if heated, 
 into acetic acid and alcohol ; but metallic sodium does not act upon acetic ether in the 
 cold, except in the presence of water or alcohol (Wanklyn ; Ladenburg). It dissolves a 
 little phosphorus and sulphur, and is a good solvent for volatile and fixed oils, many 
 resins, cantharidin, and other organic compounds. 
 
 The purity of acetic ether is determined by its neutral reaction, its specific gravity, its 
 volatility without residue, and its behavior to water: when 10 Cc. of it are agitated 
 with an equal volume of water in a graduated tube, the ethereal layer, after its separa- 
 tion, should not measure less than 9 Cc. If acetic ether is allowed to flow carefully 
 upon an equal volume of concentrated sulphuric acid, no dark color should be formed 
 at the line of contact of the two liquids. U. S. : P. G. 
 
JSTHYL EXT BICHL ORIB IDT. 
 
 139 
 
 Action and Uses. — According to Dr. II. C. Wood, in pigeons and rabbits acetic 
 ether produces unconsciousness, without as much previous struggling as when sulphuric 
 ether is used, and lias the advantage over that compound of being less inflammable. On 
 the other hand, its volatility is less. On accounts of its pungency and agreeable odor and 
 its stimulant and antispasmodic qualities it is used for several of the minor purposes of 
 sulphuric ether, and especially to stimulate the nasal passages in cases of syncope and nerv- 
 ous agitation. Its vapor may also be inhaled under similar circumstances, and to allay 
 laryngeal and bronchial irritation and nervous cough. It may be given internally for the 
 relief of colic and flatulence in the dose of Gm. 2 (npxxx), or more, properly diluted. 
 Externally, it may be applied in all the cases in which sulphuric ether is appropriate. 
 
 gETHYLENI BICHLORIDUM.— Ethylene Bichloride. 
 
 jEthylenuni chloratum. Elaylum chloratum , Liquor Hollandicu s. — Ethrne chloride , 
 Dutch Liquid , E. ; Liqueur des Hollandais , Huile du gas olefiant , F. ; jEthylenchlorid , 
 Elaylchlorid , Gr. 
 
 Formula C 2 H 4 C1 2 or CH 2 C1.CH 2 C1. Molecular weight 98.68. 
 
 Preparation. — Olefiant gas and Dutch liquid were discovered by Dieman, Troost- 
 wyk, Bondt, and Lauwernburgh (1795). The latter is produced on bringing the former 
 in contact with chlorine gas. 1 part of strong alcohol is mixed with 3 or 4 parts of sul- 
 phuric acid and sufficient sand to form a thick mixture, which is heated, and the gas 
 passed successively through sulphuric acid, solution of potassa, and sulphuric acid, 
 whereby it is deprived of alcohol, ether, and sulphur and carbon dioxides. The gas 
 thus purified is conducted into a retort containing a mixture of 2 parts of manganese 
 dioxide, 3 of common salt, 4 of water, and 5 of sulphuric acid. The retort is at first 
 very moderately warmed, and afterward heated and the liquid distils. The distillate is 
 washed with water and rectified over calcium chloride. 
 
 Properties. — It is a colorless, thin, oily liquid, having an ethereal odor resembling 
 that of chloroform, and a sweetish ethereal taste; it has the specific gravity 1.27 at 0° 
 C. (32° F.) or 1.253 at 15° C. (59° F.), boils at 85° C. (185° F.), is sparingly soluble in 
 water and freely soluble in alcohol and ether. It is inflammable, and burns with a yel- 
 lowish flame having a green border, and giving off vapors containing hydrochloric acid. 
 When agitated with water the latter does not acquire an acid reaction to litmus-paper, 
 and when agitated with sulphuric acid the mixture is not blackened. On being mixed 
 with alcoholic solution of potassa, water and potassium chloride are formed, and gaseous 
 chlorethyline , CH 2 CHC1, is given off at a moderate temperature ; this gas condenses at 
 - 18° C. (— .4° F.). 
 
 Allied Compounds. — By the action of chlorine upon Dutch liquid a number of chlorinated 
 compounds may be obtained, which are isomeric with the chlorinated compounds produced 
 under similar circumstances from ethyl chloride , chlorethane , or, as it is frequently termed, muri- 
 atic ( hydrochloric ) ether 
 
 Ethyl Chloride, C 2 II 5 C1 or CII 3 .CII 2 C1 (molecular weight 64.4), is obtained by passing dry 
 hydrochloric acid gas into cold strong alcohol, distilling at a very moderate heat, washing the 
 distillate with water and a weak alkaline solution, and rectifying. It is a thin, colorless, inflam- 
 mable liquid, having an ethereal odor and a sweetish aromatic afterward somewhat alliaceous 
 taste. It dissolves in about 50 parts of water, boils at 12.5° C. (53.6° F.), and at 0° C. (32° F.) 
 has the density 0.9214. If chlorine, not in excess, acts upon it, 
 
 Moxochlorinated Hydrochloric Ether ( ethylidene chloride , ethydene chloride ), C 2 II 4 C1 2 or 
 CII 3 .CTIC1 2 , is produced. It is isomeric with ethylene bichloride, which it resembles in odor, 
 but its density is only 1.198 ; it boils at 57.5° C. (135.5° F.), is decomposed by strong sulphuric 
 acid, and when heated with alcoholic solution of potassa distils almost without change. 
 
 On continuing the action of chlorine, the following isomeric compounds are obtained from 
 
 Ethyl chloride. Ethylene chloride 
 
 C 2 H.,C1 3 . Sp. gr. 1.372 ; boiling-point 75° C. (167° F.). Sp. gr. 1.442 ; boiling-point 115° C. (239° F.). 
 
 C 2 H 2 C1 4 . “ 1.530; “ “ 127.5° C. (261.5° F.). “ 1.576; “ “ 147° C. (296.6° F.). 
 
 C 2 HC1 5 . “ 1.644; “ “ 158° C. (316.4° F.). “ 1.663; “ “ 158° C. (316.4° F.). 
 
 C 2 C1 6 . Prisms ; fuse at 160° C. (320° F.), boil at 182° C. (360° I'.) ; odor aromatic, camphoraceous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When bichloride of ethylene was tested by Simpson, he found 
 
 that although it was capable of producing anaesthesia without excitement of the pulse 
 or subsequent headache, yet it caused so great irritation of the throat that few persons 
 could persevere in breathing it long enough to induce the anaesthetic state. Other experi- 
 menters have reached the same conclusions, but it is generally agreed that the liquid 
 does not tend to induce the dangerous collapse which constitutes the chief objection to 
 chloroform. This conclusion has been fully sustained by the experiments of Dr, 
 
140 
 
 jETHYLENI bichloridum. 
 
 Reichert ( Phila . Med. Times , xi. 492), which prove that death from this agent invariably 
 takes place from failure of the respiration, and not from any direct action upon the 
 heart. In regard to its administration, Dr. Reichert insists that while it does possess 
 irritant properties, and does cause distress when first inhaled, the distress is not much, 
 if any, worse than that caused by the inhalation of ether. As a local anaesthetic this 
 preparation has been applied to the seat of pain in neuralgia and other limited painful 
 parts, such as exist in cancer , etc. The dose required to produce anaesthesia is about the 
 same as that of chloroform. 
 
 Chloride of ethyl has been used to congeal tissues, to render painless certain minor 
 operations, and relieve local pains ; e. g. the opening of abscesses , the curetting of lupoid 
 tumors , the extraction of teeth , the excision of small tumors , the relief of neuralgia , etc. 
 For such uses the liquid is contained in a small bulb furnished with a tube having a 
 capillary opening. The warmth of the hand suffices to cause a fine jet of the liquid 
 which rapidly congeals the skin upon which it falls. Drs. Wood and Cerna showed by 
 experiments on animals that it has a directly depressing action upon the heart ; and it 
 has occasioned threatening effects when accidentally inhaled ( Tlierap . Gaz., xvii. 251). 
 Its volatility and inflammability render its use near an open flame dangerous. Internally 
 it has been given in the dose of Grin. 0.60—2.00 (gtt. x-xxx) in sweetened water or in a 
 little wine or spirit and water. 
 
 E thy dene chloride was employed by a committee of the British Medical Association in 
 six experiments. Its odor is agreeable, it produces rapid narcosis without much previous 
 excitement, and its use is rarely followed by nausea and vomiting. It appears to render 
 the pulse more, and then less, frequent. In from eight to twelve minutes complete 
 anaesthesia and muscular relaxation are produced, the respiration going on regularly, but 
 slowly, the pulse being full and slow. There is neither pallor nor blueness of the face. 
 Such results were also obtained by Bird ( Times and Gaz., Jan. 1879, p. 62) in patients 
 operated upon for disease 8 of the eye. The phenomena were those occasioned by a 
 strong stimulant of the heart’s action, and the reporter’s only apprehension was lest, “if 
 it always proved such a stimulant,” the reaction might be excessive. But Ringer 
 declares, without qualification, that “ethydene dichloride affects the ventricle just like* 
 chloroform ” ( Practitioner , xxvii. 13). If this declaration refers to degree as well as to 
 kind, it is discordant with the statements just made, and also with the latest result 
 obtained by the committee of the British Association, among which the following are 
 included: vomiting is occassioned by ethydene as well as by chloroform, but is more 
 persistent after chloroform ; 'with both the pulse falls as the respirations increase, but 
 with chloroform the effect is more frequent and more marked, and chloroform retards the 
 heart-beats more, and oftener produces dicrotism ; chloroform and ethydene reduce the 
 blood-pressure in animals, but chloroform more rapidly, irregularly, and to a greater 
 degree ; in no single experiment with ethydene was there an absolute cessation of the 
 heart’s action or of respiration ; as regards comparative danger to life, chloroform stands 
 first, and then ethydene, and lastly ether (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., April, 1881, p. 555). 
 The final judgment of the same committee is, that ethydene is free from the disadvan- 
 tages of ether and the dangers of chloroform. The use of this anassthetic by Macphail 
 in minor surgical operations led him to analogous conclusions ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxxv. 
 220 ). 
 
 Clinical experience with ethydene has quite reversed the judgment concerning it based 
 almost exclusively upon physiological experiments. Reichert finds a record of about 
 3000 administrations with a list of 3 deaths, and 4 cases in which the most alarming 
 symptoms ensued. In all of these cases, except one of which no details are given, death 
 took place by failure of the heart. He also states that ethydene was abandoned by Snow 
 on account of its danger, and that it is probably more dangerous than chloroform, notwith- 
 standing the views entertained of its physiological action (Med. News , xl. 206). As 
 lately as 1883 a death from it occurred in England during a very slight surgical opera- 
 tion (Phila. Med. Times, xiii. 420). It is administered by pouring the liquid on a piece 
 of lint placed in a tumbler which is held over the mouth and nose, or by “ Junker’s 
 apparatus,” employed for inhaling chloroform. From Gm. 4-30 (f^j— f^j) has been 
 employed in several operations. 
 
.ETHYL BROMIDE M. 
 
 141 
 
 iETHYL BROMIDUM— Ethyl Bromide. 
 
 JEther bromatus , P. G. ; JEther hydrobromicus. — Monobromo ethane , Hydrobromic ether , 
 E. ; Bromine d’ethyle , Ether hydrobromique ( bromhydriqice ), Fr.; jEthylbromid . Bromdthyl, 
 Bi'omwasserstojf either, G. 
 
 Formula C 2 H 5 Br. Molecular weight 108.70. 
 
 Preparation. — : Serullas (1827), the discoverer of this ether, recommended its prepa- 
 ration by the action of bromine upon alcohol in the presence of phosphorus. Personne 
 (1861) replaced the latter by amorphous phosphorus. The German Pharmacopoeia gives 
 the following directions for its manufacture : To a well-cooled mixture of 12 parts of sul- 
 phuric acid and 7 parts of alcohol (spec. grav. 0.816), 12 parts of potassium bromide in 
 powder form are gradually added, and the mixture then distilled on a sand-bath ; the 
 distillate is well washed by agitation, first with a 5 per cent, solution of potassium car- 
 bonate, and then three or four times with an equal volume of water ; finally, it is dehy- 
 rated with calcium chloride and redistilled on a water-bath. This process involves a 
 double reaction : first, the formation of ethylsulphuric acid, C 2 H 5 OH -f H 2 S0 4 = C 2 H 5 HS0 4 
 4- H.,0 ; and secondly, the formation of ethyl bromide, C. 2 H 3 HS0 4 -f KBr = C 2 H 5 Br -f 
 KHS0 4 . 
 
 Properties. — Ethyl bromide is a colorless, highly refractive, very volatile liquid 
 of a strong ethereal odor and a sweetish and warm taste. It has the density 1.445—1.450 
 at 15° C. (59° F.), boils at 38°— 40° C. (100.4°-104° F.), burns with some difficulty with 
 a green, non-sooty flame, is sparingly soluble in water, and dissolves in all proportions in 
 alcohol and ether. 
 
 It has a neutral reaction, and if shaken with an equal volume of pure concentrated 
 sulphuric acid, no color should be produced after twenty-four hours (absence of ethylene 
 and amyl compounds). 
 
 Ethyl bromide is easily decomposed by light and air, turning brown, and then contain- 
 ing hydrobromic acid and free bromine. The presence of 1 per cent, of alcohol or 3 per 
 cent, of ether renders the liquid more stable. 
 
 This preparation should not be confounded with ethylene bromide , C 2 H 4 Br 2 , a faintly 
 brown-colored liquid, with chloroform-like odor and a sweet taste, followed by a burning 
 sensation. Its spec. grav. at 21° C. (69.8° F.) is 2.163, and boiling-point at 131° C. 
 (267.8° F.) ; at 0° C. (32° F.) it solidifies to a snow-white crystalline mass. When 
 inhaled, marked poisonous effects have been produced. Ethylene bromide has been used 
 successfully for epilepsy. 
 
 Action. — The taste of this liquid is rather sweet and pleasant, but it is irritating to 
 mucous surfaces. Internally, in doses of from 5 to 30 drops, well diluted, it produces 
 only a slight drowsiness, and, inhaled, it is represented as “ the most agreeable and rapid 
 anaesthetic yet brought before the medical profession.” Similar virtues were attributed 
 it by Dr. Levis, to whom its vogue as a surgical anaesthetic was chiefly due. According 
 to Turnbull, its advantages are a rapid elimination by the lungs and an “ increase of pulse 
 and respiration.” In 1880 he pronounced it safe when used with care, claiming that the 
 heart and respiration are but slightly affected by it unless it is employed in excessive quan- 
 tities, and that it is rapidly eliminated by the kidneys, as well as by the lungs ; he dwelt 
 upon the advantage due to its agreeable odor, its non-inflammability, its slight tendency 
 to cause vomiting or headache, salivation, or bronchial flux, as compared with chloroform 
 or ether, and noted the rapidity with which its effects pass off (Trans. Amer. Med. Assoc., 
 xxxi. 261). It is true that some surgeons, like Prof. Agnew, found it even more liable 
 than chloroform to cause vomiting ( Phila . Med. Times , x. 372). This tendency was also 
 noted by Terillon. Describing its anaesthetic properties, he says that “ it cases relaxa- 
 tion rapidly, without asphyxia and without excitement, if largely administered from the 
 first. During the anaesthetic stage, unlike chloroform, it causes suffusion of the face and 
 neck, frequency of the pulse, and dilatation of the pupils; consciousness returns 
 promptly. On the whole, although its seems to require less careful supervision than 
 chloroform, yet it certainly ought not to be used by unskilful hands ” (Bull, de Therap., 
 xcviii. 402). ' Yet Terillon expressly states that he witnessed no tendency to suspension 
 of the heart’s action, and only apprehended danger from respiratory embarrassment. 
 Some reporters have declared that its action upon the circulation is similar to that of 
 ether, and that it causes increased frequency and strength of the pulse. One assures us 
 that no greater toxic effects are produced upon the system than would result from the 
 administration of ether or alcohol (Med. Record xviii. 67). The frequency of the pulse 
 under its use has also been pointed out by Reeve (Med. News , xlii. 317). Getz found 
 
142 
 
 jETHYL bromidum. 
 
 it less efficient and more disturbing than chloroform in ordinary obstetrical practice, and 
 in prolonged operations not so good as ether (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., v. 401). The 
 garlicky odor it gives to the breath of the patient, and even to the infant during delivery, 
 is objectionable. 
 
 Deplorable experience has shown how unreliable are all such judgments. Several 
 cases of death occurred under the administration of this agent so much lauded for its 
 superior safety, and many other cases in which death was certainly imminent. (Compare 
 Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 385, 390; Lancet , Mar. 1890, p. 717 ; Sept. 1890, p. 631 ; Med. 
 Record , xxxviii. 412). In the fatal cases the result was usually due to syncope, but in 
 in one of them did not take place for several days, and then by exhaustion from vomiting. 
 In cases that did not terminate fatally the phenomena were usually those of cardiac 
 syncope or obstruction. In one instance pleasant intoxication, excitement, and spasm 
 were followed by sleep, and then by a sudden cessation of the pulse (Med Record, xvii. 
 554). In another the pulse suddenly failed, the face grew cyanotic, the respiratory 
 movements imperceptible, the eyes upturned and fixed, the jaws locked, and the whole 
 body stiffened (Philo t. Med. Times , x. 430) In a third case the head was jerked back and 
 spasms affected all the muscles, the breathing was rapid, and the pulse small (Med. 
 Record, xvii. 469). In a fourth case, several hours after the extraction of teeth the 
 patient turned deathly pale, vomited, and had severe headache with noises in the ears 
 Therap. Monatsh eft., Dec. 1888, p. 556). 
 
 It appears probable that bromide of ethyl may be dangerous in two ways : first, as a 
 compound, and then by its decomposition in the body. In the former of these modes of 
 action it resembles chloroform, and destroys life by arresting the heart. The possibility 
 of the latter operation has been suggested by Dr. Squibb ( Trans. Amer. Med. Assoc., 
 xxxi. 285), who pointed out that the danger from anaesthetics is in proportion to the 
 noxiousness of their radicals. Those which are the most readily tolerated are so in pro- 
 portion to the simplicity and innocuousness of the elements of which they are composed. 
 Bromine is an irritant poison, and bromide of ethyl is very easily decomposed, and its 73 
 per cent, of bromine, an active irritant, is disseminated through the system. According to 
 Squibb, chloroform, although it contains 89 per cent, of chlorine, does not produce as 
 toxic effects as ethyl bromide, simply because 2 atoms of chlorine are not as poisonous 
 as 1 atom of bromine. The danger from either anaesthetic is by no means passed when 
 consciousness returns ; the chlorine in the one case and the bromine in the other remains 
 behind, and may still induce grave and even fatal effects. In some cases the remote phe 
 nomena are disnctly those of irritant poison. In corroboration of the last statement may 
 be quoted Ileichert’s reference to Nunnelly’s experiments with ethylene bibromide and 
 ethyl iodide, in which the animals appeared perfectly well after the experiments, but some 
 hours later perished from blood-poisoning (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., July, 1881, p. 556; 
 Falk, Therap. Monatsch ., iv. 463). 
 
 Uses. — When first introduced, this anaesthetic was cordially welcomed by many sur- 
 geons as being more agreeable and prompt than ether and less dangerous than chloro- 
 form ; and one of its leading but still cautious advocates declared that his “ continued 
 experience with it in the surgery of a large general hospital and in private practice 
 impressed him with the conviction that it is the best anaesthetic known to the profession ” 
 (Phila. Med. Times, x. 247). The disasters that followed soon after this and similar 
 declarations seem to have discouraged its advocates and led to its disuse in general sur- 
 gery. Even in parturition , for which it was declared peculiarly adapted, it did not find 
 acceptance, although it continued to be used by some accoucheurs (Med. News , xlii. 329 ; 
 Amer. Jour. Obstetr., June, 1885) ; but in epilepsy, hysteria , and angina pectoris, for which 
 it at first was employed, it has almost ceased to be recommended as a remedy. In neur- 
 algic headache it has the same advantages as other anaesthetics, with the special dis- 
 qualifications that have been named. As a local anaesthetic, applied with a hand-ato- 
 mizer, it was used by Terillon and others in operations for opening abscesses, extraction of 
 teeth, removing vegetations, for circumcision , fistula and forcible dilatation of the anus, flexion 
 of ankylosed joints, etc. This method appears to be preferable to inhalation in such 
 cases. 
 
 Bromide of ethyl may be administered in the same manner as sulphuric ether and 
 chloroform. Those most active in promoting its use urged that unless the first portions 
 “ were crowded on the patient ” it was not apt to act promptly ; one also said, u I prefer 
 always to make a rapid and decided impression, with the lint and napkin held closely 
 over the nose and mouth of the patient.” After it became known that its mode of 
 action, and therefore its dangers, are of the same kind as those of chloroform, such 
 
jETHYL iodidum. 
 
 143 
 
 advice could hardly have been given. It has been proposed to induce the first stage of 
 anaesthesia by means of this agent, and then to maintain its effects by means of ether or 
 chloroform. In this manner, at least, the dangers of its prolonged inhalation may be 
 greatly reduced. The quantity used has varied from 1 fluidrachin in short and trivial 
 operations to 11 fluidrachms in an operation of forty minutes’ duration. The same precau- 
 tions should be used as in the case of other anaesthetics relating to repletion of the stomach, 
 the position of the patient, his breathing deeply, and preventing pressure on his neck or 
 chest. Quite as important, if not more so, is it that the surgeon should be certified by 
 a competent physician that the patient is not affected with any organic disease tending 
 to increase his risk. It has happened that, for want of such a precaution, patients have 
 been allowed to take this agent or chloroform while laboring under disease of the brain 
 or lungs or a convulsive disorder. (Compare Medical News, lxi. 667.) In using it to pro- 
 duce a local anaesthesia the orifice of the atomizer should be large and not nearer than 
 about three inches from the skin, and the spray should not be very fine. About three 
 minutes are required to produce congelation. 
 
 Bromide of Ethylene is stated by Bonome and Mazza to produce narcotic and anaes- 
 thetic effects, but very slowly, whether inhaled or given hypodermically. Others deny 
 that it possesses anaesthetic powers. 
 
 METHYL. IODIDUM —Ethyl Iodide. 
 
 JEther hydriodicus, Hydriodic ether , E. ; lodure d'ethyle, Ether hydriodique , Fr. ; Jod- 
 dthyl, Jodwasserstofjf 'cither , G. 
 
 Formula C 2 H 5 I. Molecular weight 155.47. 
 
 Preparation. — This compound was prepared by its discoverer, Gay-Lussac (1815), 
 by distilling a mixture of absolute alcohol and concentrated hydriodic acid, and sepa- 
 rating the ether from the distillate by means of water. Much better results are obtained 
 by distilling a mixture of alcohol, phosphorus, and iodine, as proposed by Serullas (1827) ; 
 and the substitution of amorphous for ordinary phosphorus, first used by Personne (1861), 
 affords still greater advantages. Reith and Beilstein (1863) obtained the best results by 
 macerating for twenty-four hours a mixture of 10 parts of amorphous phosphorus, 50 parts 
 of alcohol, specific gravity 0.83, and 1 00 parts of iodine, the latter added in small quantities ; 
 the mixture is then distilled, the distillate decolorized by a little solution of soda, and freed 
 from water by rectification over calcium chloride. The residue in the retort from the 
 first distillation consists of phosphoric acid, the reaction occurring according to the fol- 
 lowing equation : 5I 2 + P 2 4- 10C 2 H 6 O yields 10 C 2 H 5 I -(- 2 H 3 PO 4 -f 2H 2 0. 
 
 Properties. — Ethyl iodide is a colorless, non-inflammable liquid having a peculiar 
 penetrating odor. It is freely soluble in alcohol, nearly insoluble in water, does not react 
 upon litmus, boils near 72° 0. (161.6° F.)j and has at 15° C. (59° F.) the specific grav- 
 ity 1.93. Exposed to air and light, it liberates iodine, and is gradually colored red and 
 brown ; the presence of metallic mercury, or preferably silver, prevents the coloration, 
 but not the decomposition. Iodine is also liberated by chlorine gas, nitric acid, and 
 strong sulphuric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — More than forty years ago (1849) Nunnelly reported as a result 
 of experiment that three out of four animals were rendered insensible by this preparation, 
 and that all of them died. He even declared that, although the animals were not made 
 insensible, the effect of the inhalation was generally fatal. For these reasons, probably, 
 the use of the compound was for a long time suspended, and, as it now appears, unneces- 
 sarily. Iodide of ethyl has been used by inhalation to bring the system speedly under 
 the influence of iodine, and especially in chronic bronchitis and pulmonary phthisis. It 
 doubtless contributes to diminish the bronchial secretions, though, according to some, it 
 increases them. But its more demonstrable and useful property consists in its rendering 
 the act of breathing deeper and easier, while it exhilarates somewhat, but has no soporific 
 or anaesthetic effect, nor does it depress any of the functions. Of the different forms of 
 dyspnoea in which it gives more or less relief, spasmodic asthma is the one in which it is most 
 efficient (Lawrence, Med. Record, xvii. 688 ; xxiii. 58). Tf the iodine contained in the 
 compound has a share in its action, it is probably a subordinate one. It has been used 
 with benefit in chronic laryngitis. Gm. 0.60—1.00 (10 or 15 drops) maybe inhaled several 
 times a day from a handkerchief or an appropriate respirator. It is conveniently per- 
 served in glass capsules, which may be crushed in a handkerchief when used. 
 
144 
 
 AGARICINUM. 
 
 AGARICINUM, P. G.— Agaricin. 
 
 Agaric acid , Laricin, E. ; Agaricinsdure , G. 
 
 A principle obtained from white agaric, Polyporus officinalis, Fries , s. Boletus laricis, 
 Jacquin , s. B. purgans, Persoon (Fungi, Polyporei). 
 
 Preparation. — White agaric, when treated with alcohol, yields to it four resinous 
 principles, which are separated by evaporation of the alcohol, when three white resins 
 are precipitated, the other, red-colored resin, remaining in solution. The precipitate is 
 collected, and treated with alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution, which dissolves only the 
 a- resin. The residue, containing the ft and the y resin, is treated with water, when 
 only the former as potassium salt is dissolved. This aqueous solution is precipitated 
 with barium chloride, the precipitate collected, dissolved in boiling dilute alcohol, and 
 the resin freed by sulphuric acid. The alcoholic filtrate yields on cooling agaricin, which 
 may be obtained in the crystalline state from 30 per cent, alcohol, which the P. G., how- 
 ever, does not require. 
 
 Properties. — Agaricin forms either a white amorphous or crystalline powder ; the 
 microscope shows the latter to be made up of quadrangular plates. It fuses near 140° 
 0. (284° F.) to a yellow liquid, which, when heated to a higher temperature, throws out 
 white fumes and chars with a caramel-like odor ; lastly, it burns, leaving no or only a 
 trace of residue. It is soluble in 130 parts cold and 10 parts warm alcohol, more solu- 
 ble in warm acetic acid, and only slightly soluble in ether, chloroform, benzene, and cold 
 water ; in hot water it swells, and when boiled dissolves, forming an opalescent and 
 strongly-foaming solution, which shows an acid reaction with litmus-paper, and on cool- 
 ing becomes turbid. Ammonia and potassium-hydroxide solution should dissolve agaricin. 
 0.1 Gm. agaricin, dissolved in 15 Cc. absolute alcohol, yields with alcoholic potassium 
 solution a white precipitate which should be soluble in water. According to Schmieder, 
 agaricin has the formula C 16 H 30 O 5 + H 2 0, and represents a bivalent hydroxyacid. 
 
 White agaric , E. ; Agaric blanc, Fr. ; Ldrchenschivamm, G. ; Agarico bianco , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Polyporus officinalis, Fries , s. Boletus laricis, Jacquin , s. B. purgans, Persoon. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Fungi, Polyporei. 
 
 Origin. — This fungus grows on old trunks of the European larch in Central and Southern 
 Europe, and on Larix sibirica, Ledebour , in the northern section of Asia, whence it is brought 
 into commerce. It is without a stalk, hoof-shaped or irregularly conical, 10-20 Cm. (4 to 8 inches) 
 broad, 5-10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) thick, and sometimes 20-30 Cm. (8 to 12 inches) high, exter- 
 nally grayish or yellowish : the hymenium on the lower side is in the form of small yellowish 
 pores. It is collected in autumn and winter, and deprived of the firm outer rind. In commerce 
 it occurs in irregular pieces of the size of a fist, and frequently much larger. It is white, light, 
 somewhat spongy, very friable, but not readily pulverizable ; has a faint odor and a sweetish 
 afterward acrid and lastingly bitter taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The ancients used agaric as a purgative in large doses and as 
 an astringent in small doses. In the former way, and owing probably to its resin, it is 
 said to have produced watery stools and colic, with nausea and vomiting in some cases ; 
 and in the latter it was employed to check diarrhoea and restrain sweating. It is for the 
 last-mentioned purposes that it is now occasionally used, as well as to diminish excessive 
 bronchial secretions. These three indications are often associated in pulmonary consump- 
 tion, and it undoubtedly is one of the best palliatives that can be used of the symptoms 
 mentioned. Murrell (. Practitioner , xxix. 321) traces its use to DeHaen in 1767, who 
 learned it from an old woman. From that time it has been employed successfully to 
 check colliquative sweating, and in pulmonary phthisis it also palliates the cough and 
 promotes sleep, perhaps indirectly. In 1826, Toel advocated its use for this purpose, 
 and pointed out that the arrest of sweating by its means was apt to imply the increase 
 or the production of a diarrhoea (Richter, Ausfurlich. Arzneim., ii. 76). It is said to 
 hasten the drying up of the milk in weaning. Agaric may be given in pill in the dose 
 of Gm. 0.12-0.20 (gr. ij-iij), and repeated hourly or less frequently, according to the 
 urgency of the case. Wolfenden ( Times and Gaz ., Oct. 1881, p. 442) recommends 20- 
 grain doses of powdered agaric, but owing to its dryness, lightness, and bitterness it is 
 taken with difficulty in this form. Murrell gave pills made of the extract, each pill of 
 3 grains being equivalent to 9 grains of powder. A tincture and a fluid extract have 
 also been found efficient. Prepared agaric is useful as an application to leech-bites and 
 similar wounds to arrest haemorrhage, and formed into cylinders it serves for moxas. 
 
 Agaric acid is a local irritant, and in doses of Gm. 0.50-1 (gr. vij-xv) occasions 
 diarrhoea and vomiting. In cold-blooded animals it depresses the central nervous system 
 
AG A VE.—A GRIMONIA. 
 
 145 
 
 and the heart. In the rabbit it induces somnolence, debility, and retarded circulation 
 and respiration (Hoffineister, Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 50, 267, 536). In 1883, Seifert tested 
 the virtues of agavidne (agaric acid) in counteracting colliquative sweats , and found it 
 very efficient in doses of Gm. 0.004—0.02 (gr. ^). The associated symptoms, thirst, 
 diarrhoea, cough, etc., were also ameliorated ( Centralbl . f d. g. Ther ., i. 524). Riegel 
 estimated that Gm. 0.01 (gr. i) of agaricine had the antihydrotic power of Gm. 0.05 (gr. 
 f) of atropine. He also noted that when continuously used it did not derange the 
 nervous or the digestive system ( ibid ., ii. 165). Pribram remarked that the first doses 
 were less efficient than the subsequent ones, and that their influence was maintained for 
 several days after they were suspended (ibid., ii. 499). Seifert, and also Pribram, 
 thought that five or six hours were required for the full development of the effects of 
 the medicine, but Riegel believed that its action was almost immediate. Agaricine, if 
 used continuously, tends to cause diarrhoea ; therefore Lauschmann associated it with small 
 doses of Dover’s powder, and others have used sulphuric acid to reinforce its action. 
 
 AGAVE. — American Aloe. 
 
 Century -plant, E. ; Maguey, E., Fr. Sp. ; Agave , G-, Sp. 
 
 Agave americana, I/inne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Amaryllidaceae. 
 
 Description. — The plant is indigenous to the tropical portion of America, has been 
 introduced and naturalized in Southern Florida, and is frequently met with in cultivation 
 in all parts of the globe, and to some extent naturalized in the warmer portions thereof. 
 The leaves are all radical, curving backward, about 6 feet (5.4 M.) long, thick and fleshy, 
 lanceolate in shape, and at the apex and margins armed with sharp spines. The plant 
 flowers in its native localities usually in about 10 years, but attains a considerable age 
 before flowering in temperate climates, hence the name “ century -plant the rapidly- 
 growing flowering scape reaches a height of 30 to 40 feet (9—12 M.). 
 
 Agave mexicana, Lamarck , and A. vivipara, Linne , are closely-allied Mexican species. 
 
 Uses. — A translucent gum is obtained from it, known as gum-maguey, which is partly 
 soluble in water, the solution containing malate of calcium, besides a substance resem- 
 bling arabin. The fibres of the leaves, known as pita, are strong and valuable for cord- 
 age. The juice of the plant, aguamiel, or honey-water, is saccharine, and is either evapo- 
 rated to the consistence of honey, or more frequently fermented to yield a vinous acidu- 
 lous beverage, which in Mexico is called pulque , and by distillation a kind of brandy 
 known as mezcal or aguardiente de maguey. The roots are regarded as possessing alter- 
 ative properties. (For papers on the uses of Agave the reader is referred x o Amer. Journ. 
 Pharm., 1875, p. 78, and 1876, p. 301.) 
 
 Agave virginica, I/inne, of the Southern United States, produces a scape about 4 or 5 
 feet (1.2-1. 5 M.) high. Its roots are very bitter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The fresh juice of this plant is acidulous or acrid, and is said 
 to be laxative and diuretic. Like all such plants, its juice is an admirable remedy for 
 scurvy. G. Perin, Asst. Surg.-Gen. U. S. A., published (1886) illustrations of its value 
 to the army on the Mexican frontier. A decoction of the root was formerly used as a 
 depurative in scrofulous and syphilitic diseases, and the juice is said to be efficacious in 
 “Bright’s disease” ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 425), but the testimony in its favor is not conclu- 
 sive. A nearly-allied species furnishes a juice from which, as above stated, the Mexican 
 alcoholic drink pulque is prepared ; and in the Southern States of this country a tincture 
 is made from the roots of A. Virginica and used for the relief of colic and as an antidote 
 to the rattlesnake's bite. The plant is known as the rattlesnake' s master, 
 
 AGRIMONIA. — Agrimony. 
 
 Herba agrimonise. — Aigremoine, Eupatoire des Grecs , Fr. ; Odermennig , Leberklette, G. 
 
 Agrimonia Eupatoria, Linm. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rosaceae, Roseae. 
 
 Description. — An herbaceous perennial, about 2 feet (60 Cm.) high, indigenous to 
 Europe and North America, and growing along roadsides and the border of woods. The root 
 is fibrous, several-headed, and brown ; the stem almost simple ; the leaves about 5 inches 
 (13 Cm.) long below, pinnate, with 4 to 8 pairs of elliptic-oblong, coarsely-toothed leaflets, 
 intermixed with several pairs of minute ones ; the stipules semi-cordate, clasping, and 
 coarsely serrate. The yellow flowers are rather small, in slender spicate racemes, and have a 
 10 
 
146 
 
 AILANTHUS. 
 
 persistent top-shaped calyx, which is covered with hooked bristles. The plant is collected 
 while flowering from June to September and deprived of the coarse stems. It has a very 
 faint aromatic odor and a bitterish, mildly astringent taste, which is stronger in the root. 
 
 The closely-allied Agr. parviflora, Alton, indigenous to the United States, is distinguished 
 by smaller flowers and by crowded lanceolate leaflets, of which there are 11 to 19 pairs, 
 intermixed with smaller ones. 
 
 Constituents. — H. K. Bowman (1869) determined agrimony to contain 4.75 per 
 cent, of tannin ; the other constituents are unknown. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Common agrimony is astringent and stimulant, and is chiefly 
 employed in popular medicine in gargles for sore throat , as a wash for ulcers in man and 
 beast, and internally for the cure of intermittent fever , chronic fluxes of the bowels, 
 bladder, vagina, etc., and for passive haemorrhages. It is said to be used instead of 
 Chinese tea by the peasantry of the north of France. It may be given in an infusion 
 made with from Gm. 4-16 (1 to 4 drachms) in a pint of water. Externally, it may be 
 employed in fomentations, poultices, injections, or gargles, and in the last form with the 
 addition of honey, vinegar, borax, or chlorate of potassium. According to Nicholson, it is 
 an efficient tseniacide, when given pounded to a pulp and followed several hours after- 
 ward by a dose of jalap, and also an active diuretic and antiscorbutic ( Times and Gaz ., 
 Sept. 1879, p. 367). 
 
 AILANTHUS. — Tree of Heaven. 
 
 Chinese sumach , E. ; Gbtterbaum , G. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Simarubaceae. 
 
 Description. — Three species are medicinally employed, of which two are natives of 
 India, and one, indigenous to China, is much cultivated in the United States and Europe 
 as an ornamental tree. The latter is Ailanthus glandulosa, Desfontaines. It is of rapid 
 growth, producing a straight trunk, which is covered with a nearly smooth, brown-gray, 
 internally yellowish, fibrous bark. The leaves are .9-1.2 M. (3 or 4 feet) long, oddly 
 pinnate, with about 15 pairs of leaflets, which are shortly petiolate, oblong or ovate-lan- 
 ceolate, with a few teeth near the base. The greenish polygamous flowers are in terminal 
 panicles, and exhale an odor which is disagreeable to many persons. The pistillate flowers 
 produce 3 to 5 linear-oblong, one-seeded samaras. This tree is known in France as vernis 
 des japon , which name is also used for Rhus Vernix, Linne. 
 
 The leaves are the favorite food of the silk-worm, Bombyx cynthia ; the barks of the 
 trunk and of the root have been employed medicinally ; both have a persistently bitter 
 taste. 
 
 Ail. excels a, Roxburgh , is a similar tree, with larger and broader leaflets. The bark, 
 which is used as a tonic and febrifuge in India, is of a reddish or orange color internally, 
 and has a very bitter taste. 
 
 Ail. malabarica, De Candolle, has obliquely oblong and entire leaflets and obtusely 
 winged fruits. When incised the bark yields a gum-resin which has an aromatic odor 
 and is used as incense in India and medicinally in dysentery. 
 
 Constituents. — An analysis by Alonzo Lilly (1861) of the bark of the first species 
 determined the presence of tannin and a trace of volatile oil, besides the widely-dis- 
 tributed vegetable principles ; the bitter principle was not isolated. The bark of the 
 second species was analyzed by Marayan Daji (1870), who found the bitter taste to be 
 due to the calcium salt of ailanthic acid , which like the lead salt is yellow and soluble in 
 water. The acid is uncrystallizable, freely soluble in water, insoluble in other solvents, 
 of a waxy consistence and reddish-brown color. 
 
 Action and Uses- — The infusion, decoction, and tincture of the bark are stated 
 (Daji)to be useful in anorexia, dyspepsia, and atonic conditions generally of the digestive 
 organs, such as those for which gentian, quassia, etc. are prescribed. The acid is said to 
 provoke the secretion of bile when it is deficient. An infusion of the leaves has been 
 employed in dysentery. Ailanthus has been used in the treatment of taenia in dogs, and also 
 in man under the form of a powder of the bark or leaves, and also as a watery or an alco- 
 holic extract of the bark, a resin, and an oleo-resin. It has caused the expulsion of the 
 parasite when given in substance in the dose of Gm. 0.50 (gr. viii) or Gm. 0.25 (gr. iv) 
 of the watery extract, or Gm. 0.20 (gr. iij) of the oleo-resin. The resin alone is nearly 
 inert. The extract occasions slight colic and moderate purging, and does not exhaust or 
 depress like pomegranate or kousso. 
 
ALBUMEN OVI.— ALCOHOL. 
 
 147 
 
 ALBUMEN OVI, Br.— Egg Albumen. 
 
 White of egg , E. ; Blanc cPoeuf Fr. ; Eiweiss , (4. 
 
 The liquid white of the egg of Gallus Bankiva, var. domesticus, Temminck. (See 
 VlTELLUS.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — It forms insoluble and inert compounds with corrosive subli- 
 mate and sulphate of copper, and is therefore a convenient and efficient antidote in 
 poisoning by these substances. Agitated with powdered alum, it coagulates, and thus 
 forms a convenient and very grateful poultice for local erythemas , burns , contusions, 
 excoriations , bites and stings of insects, etc. ; and, confined in a thin bag, it is a popular 
 and useful application for acute inflammations of the conjunctiva. Diluted with water or 
 added to milk, it forms a valuable article of food in the acute and chronic diarrhoeal 
 complaints of children and adults. It is an appropriate article of food in albuminuria, 
 being very nutritious and not tending to increase the proportion of albumen in the urine 
 (Loewenmeyer, Zeitschrift f Min. Med,, x. 254). It should be remembered that for some 
 persons eggs are an irritant poison ( British Med. Jour., May, 1886, p. 1018). According 
 to Ewald, the yolk of egg in emulsion, and slightly salted, and administered by enema, has 
 a high nutritive value ( Annuaire de Therap., 1888, p. 272). The injection should not 
 exceed half a pint, and should be administered cautiously through a rectal tube an hour 
 after cleansing the bowel by a simple enema. 
 
 ALCOHOL, TJ. S . — Alcohol. 
 
 Spiritus, P. G. ; Spiritus rectificatus , Br. ; Spiritus vini rectificatissimus , Alcohol vini. — 
 Rectified spirit , E. ; Alcool, F. It., Fr. ; Weingeist , Alkohol, G. 
 
 Spirit of the specific gravity 0.820 at 15° C. (59° F.) or 0.812 at 25° C. (77° F.) TJ. 
 S., 6.838 Br., 0.830 to 0.834 P. G. Containing per cent., by weight, of absolute alcohol 
 91 U. S., 84 Br., 87.2 to 85.6 P. G. Containing per cent., by volume, of absolute 
 alcohol 94 U. S., 88.7 Br., 91.2 to 90 P. G. 
 
 Diluted alcohol has the specific gravity 0.938 at 15° C. (59° F.) TJ. S., 0.920 Br., 
 0.892 to 0.896 P. G. Contains per cent., by weight, of absolute alcohol 41 U. S., 49 
 Br., 61 to 60 P. G. Contains per cent, by volume, of absolute alcohol 48.6 TJ. S., 57 
 Br., 69 to 68 P. G. 
 
 Absolute alcohol, TJ. S. P., has a specific gravity not higher than 0.797 at 15° C. 
 (59° F.) or 0.789 at 25° C. (77° F.). 
 
 Ethylic alcohol, Br. P., has a specific gravity from 0.797 to 0.800 at 60° F. The 
 former contains not less than 99 per cent, by weight of ethylic hydroxide (C. 2 H 5 OH), 
 while the latter contains 98 or 99 per cent. 
 
 Deodorized alcohol, U. S. P., has a specific gravity of about 0.816 at 15° C. (59° 
 F.) or 0.808 at 25° C. (77° F.), and contains 92.5 per cent., by weight, or 95.5 per cent., 
 by volume, of absolute alcohol. 
 
 Formula of absolute alcohol, C 2 H 5 OH. Molecular weight 45.9. 
 
 Origin. — Alcohol may be obtained synthetically by first preparing acetylene, C 2 H 2 , by 
 direct union of its elements, converting this into ethene, C 2 H 2 , and by combination with 
 the elements of water forming alcohol. It has been detected by Dr. Gutzeit (1875) in the 
 juice of a number of plants ; Bechamp (1880) proved its presence in the urine and in the 
 muscles of animals, and in putrid meat ; and Muentz (1882) showed it to be contained in 
 minute quantities in air, river-water, and cultivated soil. It is extensively prepared by 
 the fermentation of saccharine liquids. 
 
 Fermentation. — Although the knowledge of various fermented alcoholic liquids 
 dates back to remote antiquity, alcohol does not appear to have been separated from the 
 spirituous beverages until about the eighth century of the present era, and soon afterward 
 its strength was increased by repeated distillation. Under the name of fermentation 
 various processes of decomposition are embraced, apparently depending upon the mere 
 presence of a certain substance or compound, called the ferment, which does not enter into 
 chemical composition with the fermenting substance or its products, and is capable of 
 producing a large, if not unlimited, quantity of the latter. The several varieties of fermen- 
 tation are distinguished from each other by the products obtained. Accordingly, we speak 
 of saccharine fermentation when starch is converted into dextrin and sugar by diastase ; 
 of lactic fermentation when milk-sugar is transformed into lactic acid by casein ; of butyric 
 fermentation when milk-sugar and lactic acid yield butyric acid in the presence of the 
 same compound ; of mucic fermentation when cane-sugar is changed into mucus and mannit 
 
148 
 
 ALCOHOL. 
 
 by protein compounds ; of alcoholic or vinous fermentation, when grape-sugar, or fruit-sugar, 
 is split into alcohol and carbon dioxide under the influence of yeast ; and of acetic fermen- 
 tation when alcohol is oxidized to acetic acid, for which process some investigators consider 
 the appearance of My coderma aceti as a ferment necessary. The decomposition of the 
 numerous class of organic compounds known as glucosides by the action of emulsin, 
 myrosin, and similar protein compounds, and the action of ptyalin upon starch, of pan- 
 creatin upon fat, and of pepsin upon albumen, etc., are other instances of fermentation 
 induced and completed by the substances named, which are the ferments. 
 
 The exact manner in which these ferments act has not yet been determined, and with 
 respect even to the vinous fermentation is still a subject of controversy, notwithstanding the 
 numerous experiments performed with the view of solving the problem. When, in 1810, 
 Gay-Lussac demonstrated that sugar solutions would ferment only in the presence of 
 atmospheric air, the process was regarded as depending upon the action of oxygen. 
 Although the presence of organisms in yeast was afterward demonstrated (see Fer- 
 mentum), their connection with the process itself was not ascertained. Liebig (1839) 
 perfected and enlarged the theory which was advanced by Stahl during the preceding 
 century, and regarded fermentation as a metamorphosis induced by nitrogenized sub- 
 stances in a state of decomposition or putrefaction. Chiefly through Pasteur’s investi- 
 gations, which have been continued since 1858, it is now generally conceded that under 
 ordinary circumstances the ferment of alcoholic fermentation is of vegetable origin, and 
 consists of the so-called yeast-cells or yeast-plant, Saccharomyces (Torula, Turpin ) cere- 
 visiae, Meyen , the sporules of which are widely diffused in the air, and are thus easily 
 supplied to all liquids capable of vinous fermentation ; hence, if these spores are destroyed 
 by boiling the liquid, and if their further supply is arrested by admitting only air which 
 has been filtered or passed through sulphuric acid, vinous fermentation does not take 
 place. Alcohol and the other compounds formed during fermentation are not merely 
 regarded as decomposition-products of sugar, but they result from the growth and multi- 
 plication of the yeast-plant, the existence of which depends upon the presence of sugar 
 and protein, and by whose cells the new compounds are generated. 
 
 The formation of alcohol from sugar is expressed by the equation C 6 H 12 0 6 (grape- 
 sugar) = 2C0 2 -f 2C 2 H 6 0 (alcohol) ; but the process does not appear to be so simple, 
 since small quantities of succinic acid (about 0.6 per cent.), glycerin (3 per cent.), and 
 cellulose (1 per cent.) are always formed, according to Pasteur. Amylic and other homol- 
 ogous alcohols are likewise produced in vinous fermentation. 
 
 Berthelot observed that mannit, glycerin, milk-sugar, and other carbohydrates yield 
 alcohol very slowly when in contact with water, chalk, and casein. 
 
 Preparation. — Cane-sugar is not directly fermentable until after it has been inverted, 
 either by the action of a ferment or of a diluted acid. (See Saccharum.) Nearly all the 
 ordinary alcohol is obtained from starchy substances, such as corn, rye, potatoes, etc., 
 which require to be mashed , during which process, by the gluten contained in grain or by 
 the diastase of the malt added with this object in view, the starch is converted into maltose 
 (see Amylum), and finally completely changed into dextrose, or grape-sugar, when it 
 becomes fermentable. This being accomplished, fermentation will speedily set in on the 
 addition of yeast if the temperature is kept at 22° C. (71.6° F.) or within the limits of 
 18° and 28° C. (64.4° and 82.4° F.). At a lower temperature fermentation proceeds 
 slowly, and at a higher temperature mucilage and lactic acid are apt to be formed. If 
 too large a quantity of sugar is present, the fermentation will be arrested after some time, 
 in consequence of the destruction of the vitality of the yeast-plant by the alcohol formed. 
 A very favorable proportion is 1 part of sugar to 4 of water. It is obvious that grape-sugar 
 or fruit-sugar, from whatever source obtained, may be used in the manufacture of alcohol. 
 
 On subjecting the fermented liquid to distillation a weak spirit is obtained, w r hich 
 requires rectification and contains small quantities of homologous alcohols or ethers, 
 varying with the source from which the spirit has been obtained. Potato spirit contains 
 amylic alcohol ; whiskey , obtained from grain, contains, besides amylic alcohol, some 
 cenanthic and other ethers ; brandy , the distillate of wine, owes its odor to oenanthic and 
 perhaps propylic and allied ethers ; rum, from fermented molasses, to butyric ether ; and 
 arrack , from fermented rice, to an unknown compound. The odor of gin is imparted by 
 distilling spirit with juniper-berries; that of the so-called Jcirsch , or kirschwasser , by the 
 seeds of cherries or plums added before fermentation: in this case it is due to hydrocyanic 
 acid and oil of bitter almonds. 
 
 The purification of spirit is effected by percolating it through recently burned and 
 granulated charcoal, by which the fusel oil is retained ; this process is called leaching , and 
 
ALCOHOL. 
 
 149 
 
 is most effectually accomplished if the spirit has been previously diluted. Distillation 
 with various chemicals, with the view of destroying the fusel oil, has been suggested, and 
 small quantities of manganates and permanganates have been used with success (manga- 
 nate of sodium for Atwood’s alcohol). A small quantity of silver nitrate (not more 
 than from 2 to 5 Gm. for 1000 litres of crude spirit) has been recommended for the same 
 purpose ; the silver may obviously be recovered without difficulty. Usually, however, the 
 purification and concentration of the spirit are effected in one operation by distilling it 
 and passing the vapors through a series of condensers kept at different temperatures, or 
 through an upright column in the lower part of which the fusel oil and water are con- 
 densed at a temperature at which the alcohol is not liquefied, but this is recovered sub- 
 sequently in an ordinary condenser. The apparatus is constructed so as to permit an 
 uninterrupted distillation until the water finally has accumulated in the still. 
 
 Naudin (1882) has devised a process by means of which the odorous compounds, par- 
 ticularly the aldehydes, are changed into alcohols through nascent hydrogen, generated 
 by electrolysis. 
 
 The last traces of foreign odor are difficult to remove by re-rectification, but are said 
 to be completely separated by pure sodium acetate, on distilling the alcohol over about 
 2 per cent, or less of this salt which has been previousl} 7 deprived of water by fusion. 
 
 Alcohol ethylicum, Br. — Ethylic alcohol, Absolute alcohol. 
 
 The Br. Pharm. directs that 2 oz. of anhydrous potassium carbonate be added to 1 pint 
 (imperial) of rectified spirit, and the mixture macerated in a stoppered bottle for twenty- 
 four hours, with frequent agitation. Decant the spirit into a flask containing 1 pound of 
 recently ignited and cooled calcium chloride in small pieces, and again set aside for 
 twenty-four hours, with frequent agitation. Finally, distil about 2 fluidounces. which 
 should be returned to the flask, and then continue distillation until 15 fluidounces have 
 been recovered. 
 
 The spirit, as obtained by the different processes of distillation, contains water, the 
 first distillate being stronger, the later portions weaker, in alcohol ; the strongest spirit 
 obtainable from an ordinary still with a single condenser has the specific gravity 
 0.825 ; with a system of condensers alcohol of the density 0.815 to 0.817 is obtainable. 
 The last portions of water can be removed only by treating the alcohol with a substance 
 having great affinity for water, for which purpose calcium chloride and other deliques- 
 cent salts, anhydrous copper sulphate, burned lime, etc. have been proposed. If cal- 
 cium chloride is used, the distillation must be slow and repeated two or three times. 
 Lime is better adapted for the purpose if broken into pieces and digested with the alcohol 
 for a day or two, or boiled with it for an hour previous to distillation. The distillate, the 
 first part of which is weaker than the subsequent portions, contains lime which has been 
 mechanically carried over, and will be left in the retort if the alcohol is again rectified 
 with the addition of a little tartaric acid. The recommendations of Mendelejeff for the 
 use of recently-burned lime in the dehydration of alcohol are followed by the manufac- 
 turers of absolute alcohol in this country. By careful treatment with lime and subse- 
 quent distillation in a partial vacuum it is possible to remove all water but a small frac- 
 tion of 1 per cent. For some practical observations on the rectification of alcohol by 
 means of lime the reader is referred to the Amer. Jour, of Pharmacy , 1872, p. Ill and 
 1874, p. 184). 
 
 Alcohol dilutum, U. S. ; Spiritus tenuior, Br. ; Spiritus dilutus, s. Spiritus vini 
 rectificatus, P. G. — Diluted alcohol, Proof spirit, E. ; Alcool dilue, Fr. ; Verd linn ter 
 Spiritus, G. 
 
 Alcohol 500 Cc., Distilled water 500 Cc. Mix them. Or Alcohol 410 Gm., Distilled 
 water 500 Gm. Mix them. — U. S. When alcohol and water are mixed the liquid suf- 
 fers contraction of volume, which amounts to about 2.9 per cent, at a temperature of 
 15.6° 0. (60° F.) ; for instance, if 32 fluidounces each of alcohol and water be measured 
 at 60° F. and then mixed, the resulting liquid will measure only 62| fluidounces at the 
 same temperature. The mixture must be allowed to cool to the original temperature, as 
 some heat is invariably developed whenever condensation of volume results from a mix- 
 ture of two or more liquids. 
 
 The rise in temperature when alcohol and water are mixed will be greatest if 30 parts 
 by weight of absolute alcohol be mixed with 70 parts by weight of water; it amounts to 
 9° C. (16.2° F.) ; contraction of volume will be greatest if 58 parts of absolute alcohol 
 be mixed with 54 parts of water, both by volume ; this mixture will yield at 15° C. (59° 
 F.) 108 volumes instead of 112, having suffered a loss of 4 volumes (3.57 -j- percent.) 
 by condensation (Fliickiger;. 
 
150 
 
 ALCOHOL. 
 
 Rules for making an alcohol of any required lower percentage from an alcohol of any 
 given higher percentage : 
 
 I. By Volume. — Designate the volume-percentage of the stronger alcohol by V, and 
 that of the weaker alcohol by v. 
 
 Rule. — Mix v volumes of the stronger alcohol with pure water to make Fvolumes of 
 product. Allow the mixture to stand until full contraction has taken place and until it 
 has cooled, then make up any deficiency in the V volumes by adding some more water. 
 
 Example. — An alcohol of 30 per cent, by volume is to be made from an alcohol of 94 
 per cent, by volume : Take 30 volumes of the 94 per cent, alcohol, and add enough pure 
 water to produce 94 volumes. 
 
 II. By Weight. — Designate the weight-percentage of the stronger alcohol by IF, and 
 that of the weaker by w. 
 
 Rule. — Mix w parts by weight of the stronger alcohol with pure water to make IF 
 parts by weight of product. 
 
 Example. — An alcohol of 50 per cent, by weight is to be made from an alcohol of 91 
 per cent, by weight : Take 50 parts by weight of the 91 per cent, alcohol, and add enough 
 pure water to produce 91 parts by weight. 
 
 Properties. — Spirit containing 50 per cent, by volume of absolute alcohol and water, 
 and having the specific gravity 0.936 at 15.55° C. (60° F.), has been adopted as the standard 
 proof spirit of the United States custom-house and internal revenue service. The terms 
 second proof (52£ per cent, alcohol, spec. grav. 0.931), third proof (551 per cent., spec, 
 grav. 0.925), and fourth proof (58 per cent., spec. grav. 0.920), are at present less fre- 
 quently used than formerly. The British proof spirit has the specific gravity 0.920 
 (.9198), and contains 49.24 per cent, by weight of absolute alcohol. Spirits stronger than 
 this standard are lighter, and are said to be over proof ; they are 20 over proof if 100 
 measures require to be diluted with water to 120 measures to become reduced to proof 
 strength. 100 measures of .rectified spirit, sp. gr. .838, when mixed with 60 measures of 
 water yield 156 measures of proof spirit; rectified spirit is therefore said to be 56 per 
 cent, over proof. A spirit which is weaker than the standard is heavier, and is said to be 
 under proof ; it is 20 under proof if 100 measures require the addition of alcohol sp. gr. 
 .825 (the strongest obtainable by simple distillation) to make 120 measures of proof spirit. 
 
 The strength of alcoholic liquids is conveniently determined by their specific gravities. 
 A modification of the hydrometer, called the alcoholometer, has been constructed by which 
 the percentage strength by volume or by weight may be directly ascertained. As the 
 density increases appreciably with a diminution of temperature, and decreases in about 
 the same ratio with an elevation of temperature, alcoholometers are constructed with ref- 
 erence to a standard temperature, which is either 15° C. or 60° F. ; every degree of varia- 
 tion indicates a difference of .27 for the former and .15 for the latter scale, wdiicli must 
 be added if the alcohol tested was below, or subtracted if it was above, the standard 
 temperature. 
 
 In the United States and Germany the scale of Tralles, and in France that of Gay- 
 Lussac, are in use. Both instruments are practically identical ; they sink in distilled 
 water to 0 and in absolute alcohol to 100, each intervening division indicating a volu- 
 metric percentum of absolute alcohol. Bichter’s alcoholometer is essentially that of 
 Tralles combined with a scale indicating also the percentage by weight of absolute 
 alcohol. The alcoholometer employed in the British revenue system is that of Sykes ; 
 its stem is divided into 10 parts, but by means of nine accurately adjusted weights which 
 may be attached to the lower part of the instrument the scale is practically very con- 
 siderably extended ; the indications thus obtained are by means of tables converted into 
 the percentage strength over proof or under proof. 
 
 The table on pp. 151-152 is a condensation of the one by Dr. E. B. Squibb, as found 
 in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 1. Alcohol absolutum, XJ. S. ; Alcool assoluto, F. It . — This is a colorless lim- 
 pid liquid, which does not congeal, but acquires an oily consistence when cooled to 
 — 90° C. ( — 130° F.). It has a refreshing odor and a very pungent taste, a burning 
 impression being produced upon the palate by the union with water, for which it has 
 great avidity. Its specific gravity at 15.55° C. (60° F.) is 0.7938, and it boils at 78.3° 
 C. (174° F.) (Mendelejeff). It has a neutral reaction to test-paper, and does not cause 
 anhydrous copper sulphate to assume a blue color when left in contact with it (absence 
 of water). It dissolves iodine, bromine, a little phosphorus and sulphur, the alkalies 
 and alkaline earths, the chlorides, iodides, and nitrates of many metals, many organic 
 acids, and nearly all alkaloids, resins, volatile oils, camphor, and fixed oils. With water 
 
ALCOHOL. 
 
 151 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 (Pure water at 
 15f° C.=60° F. 
 taken as unity.) 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Weight of 
 one pint at 
 15|° C. = 60° F. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 (Pure water at 
 15§° C. = 60° F. 
 taken as unity.) 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Weight of 
 one pint at 
 15|° C. = 60° F. 
 
 By weight. 
 
 By volume. 
 
 Of proof spirit. ! 
 (U. S. Revenue.) 
 
 i By weight. 
 
 By volume. 
 
 Of proof spirit. 
 (U. S. Revenue.) 
 
 At 
 
 15f° C. 
 = 60° F. 
 
 At 
 
 25° C. = 
 77° F 
 
 In 
 
 Grms. 
 
 In 
 
 Grs. 
 
 At 
 
 15|° C. 
 = 60° F. 
 
 At 
 
 25° C. = 
 77° F. 
 
 In 
 
 Grms. 
 
 In 
 
 Grs. 
 
 0.99S5 
 
 0.9970 
 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 471.68 
 
 7279 
 
 0.9314 
 
 0.9237 j 
 
 44 
 
 
 103 
 
 439.99 
 
 6790 
 
 0.9981 
 
 0.9966 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 471.49 
 
 7276 
 
 0.9303 
 
 0.9226 
 
 
 52 
 
 104 
 
 439.47 
 
 6782 
 
 0.9970 
 
 0.9953 
 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 470.98 
 
 7268 
 
 0.9292 
 
 0.9214 
 
 45 
 
 
 105 
 
 1 438.95 
 
 6774 
 
 0.9965 
 
 0.9948 
 
 2 
 
 
 5 
 
 470.74 
 
 7264 
 
 0.9283 
 
 0.9205 
 
 
 53 
 
 106 
 
 438.52 
 
 6767 
 
 0.9956 
 
 0.9938 
 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 470.31 
 
 7258 
 
 0.9270 
 
 0.9192 
 
 46 
 
 
 107 
 
 | 437.91 
 
 6758 
 
 0.9947 
 
 0.9927 
 
 3 
 
 
 7 
 
 469.89 
 
 7251 
 
 0.9262 
 
 0.9184 
 
 
 54 
 
 , 108 
 
 ( 437.53 
 
 6752 
 
 0.9942 
 
 0.9922 
 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 469.66 
 
 7248 
 
 0.9249 
 
 0.9171 
 
 47 
 
 
 109 
 
 436.92 
 
 6742 
 
 0.9930 
 
 0.9909 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 469.09 
 
 7239 
 
 0.9242 
 
 1 0.9164 
 
 
 55 
 
 110 
 
 436.58 
 
 6737 
 
 0.9914 
 
 0.9893 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 468.33 
 
 7227 
 
 0.9228 
 
 0.9150 
 
 ! 48 
 
 
 111 
 
 435.93 
 
 ! 6727 
 
 0.9898 
 
 0.9876 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 467.58 
 
 7216 
 
 0.9221 
 
 i 0.9143 
 
 
 56 
 
 112 
 
 ! 435.60 
 
 , 6722 
 
 0.9890 
 
 0.9868 
 
 
 8 
 
 16 
 
 467.19 
 
 7210 
 
 0.9206 
 
 ! 0.9128 
 
 49 
 
 
 
 1 434.88 
 
 6711 
 
 0.9884 
 
 0.9862 
 
 7 
 
 
 17 
 
 466.91 
 
 7205 
 
 0.9200 
 
 0.9122 
 
 
 57 
 
 114 
 
 434.60 
 
 6707 
 
 0.9878 
 
 0.9855 
 
 
 9 
 
 18 
 
 466.63 
 
 7201 
 
 0.9184 
 
 0.9106 
 
 50 
 
 
 
 433.85 
 
 6695 
 
 0.9869 
 
 0.9846 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 466.21 
 
 7194 
 
 0.9178 
 
 0.9100 
 
 
 58 
 
 116 
 
 433.56 
 
 6691 
 
 0.9855 
 
 0.9831 
 
 9 
 
 11 
 
 22 
 
 465.54 
 
 7184 
 
 0.9160 
 
 j 0.9081 
 
 ' 51 
 
 59 
 
 118 
 
 432.71 
 
 6678 
 
 0.9841 
 
 0.9816 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 24 
 
 464.89 
 
 7174 
 
 0.9135 
 
 0.9056 
 
 : 52 
 
 60 
 
 120 
 
 431.53 
 
 i 6659 
 
 0.9828 
 
 0.9801 
 
 11 
 
 13 
 
 27 
 
 464.27 
 
 7165 
 
 0.9113 
 
 1 0.9034 
 
 53 
 
 61 
 
 122 
 
 430.49 
 
 6643 
 
 0.9821 
 
 0.9793 
 
 
 14 
 
 28 
 
 463.94 
 
 7159 
 
 0.9090 
 
 ! 0.9011 
 
 54 
 
 1 62 
 
 124 
 
 429.41 
 
 1 6627 
 
 0.9815 
 
 0.9787 
 
 12 
 
 15 
 
 29 
 
 463.65 
 
 7155 
 
 0.9069 
 
 0.8989 
 
 55 
 
 1 63 
 
 126 
 
 428.41 
 
 i 6611 
 
 0.9802 
 
 0.9773 
 
 13 
 
 16 
 
 32 
 
 463.04 
 
 7146 
 
 0.9047 
 
 0.8969 
 
 56 
 
 | 64 
 
 128 
 
 427.37 
 
 ' 6595 
 
 0.9789 
 
 0.9759 
 
 14 
 
 17 
 
 34 
 
 462.42 
 
 7136 
 
 0.9025 
 
 0.8947 
 
 ! 57 
 
 65 
 
 129 
 
 426.34 
 
 6579 
 
 0.9778 
 
 0.9746 
 
 15 
 
 18 
 
 36 
 
 461.90 
 
 7128 
 
 0.9001 
 
 0.8923 
 
 58 
 
 ! 66 
 
 132 
 
 425.20 
 
 6562 
 
 0.9766 
 
 0.9733 
 
 16 
 
 19 
 
 39 
 
 461.34 
 
 7119 
 
 0.8979 
 
 0.8901 
 
 59 
 
 
 
 424.17 
 
 6546 
 
 0.9753 
 
 0.9719 
 
 17 
 
 21 
 
 41 
 
 460.72 
 
 7110 
 
 0.8973 
 
 0.8895 
 
 
 ! 67 
 
 134 
 
 423.88 
 
 ! 6541 
 
 0.9741 
 
 0.9706 
 
 18 
 
 22 
 
 44 
 
 460.16! 
 
 7101 
 
 0.8956 
 
 0.8878 
 
 60 
 
 
 135 
 
 423.07 
 
 ! 6529 
 
 0.9728 
 
 0.9692 
 
 19 
 
 23 
 
 47 
 
 459.55 
 
 7092 
 
 0.8949 
 
 ! 0.8870 
 
 
 68 
 
 136 
 
 422.75 
 
 6524 
 
 0.9716 
 
 0.9678 
 
 20 
 
 24 
 
 49 
 
 458.98! 
 
 7083 
 
 0.8932 
 
 1 0.8853 
 
 61 
 
 
 
 421.94 
 
 j 6511 
 
 0.9709 
 
 0.9668 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 458.65 
 
 7078 
 
 0.8925 
 
 0.8846 
 
 
 69 
 
 138 
 
 421.62 
 
 6506 
 
 0.9704 
 
 0.9661 
 
 21 
 
 
 51 
 
 458.41 
 
 7074 
 
 0.8908 
 
 | 0.8829 
 
 62 
 
 
 
 420.81 
 
 6494 
 
 0.9698 
 
 0.9655 
 
 
 26 
 
 52 
 
 458.13 
 
 7070 
 
 0.8900 
 
 0.8821 
 
 
 j 70 
 
 140 
 
 420.43 
 
 6488 
 
 0.9691 
 
 0.9646 
 
 22 
 
 27 
 
 54 
 
 457.80 
 
 7065 
 
 0.8886 
 
 1 0.8807 
 
 63 
 
 
 141 
 
 419.77 
 
 ! 6478 
 
 0.9678 
 
 0.9631 
 
 23 
 
 28 
 
 56 
 
 457.18 
 
 7055 
 
 0.8875 
 
 0 8796 
 
 
 71 
 
 142 
 
 419.25 
 
 6470 
 
 0.9665 
 
 0.9617 
 
 24 
 
 29 
 
 58 
 
 456.57 
 
 7046 
 
 0.8863 
 
 ! 0.8784 
 
 64 
 
 
 143 
 
 418.68 
 
 6461 
 
 0.9652 
 
 0.9603 
 
 25 i 
 
 30 
 
 60 
 
 455.95 
 
 7036 
 
 0.8850 
 
 0.8771 
 
 
 72 
 
 144 
 
 418.07 
 
 1 6452 
 
 0.9643 
 
 0.9594 
 
 
 31 
 
 62 
 
 455.53 
 
 7030 
 
 0.8840 
 
 1 0.8761 
 
 65 
 
 
 145 
 
 417.60 
 
 6444 
 
 0.9638 
 
 0.9590 
 
 26 
 
 
 63 
 
 455.30 
 
 7026 
 
 0.8825 
 
 j 0.8746 
 
 
 73 
 
 146 
 
 416.88 
 
 6433 
 
 0.9631 
 
 0.9582 
 
 
 32 j 
 
 64 
 
 454.96 
 
 7021 
 
 0.8816 
 
 0.8736 
 
 66 
 
 
 
 416.46 
 
 6427 
 
 0.9623 
 
 0.9574 
 
 27 
 
 
 65 
 
 454.58 
 
 7015 
 
 0.8799 
 
 ! 0.8719 
 
 
 74 
 
 148 
 
 415.66 
 
 6414 
 
 0.9618 
 
 0.9567 
 
 
 33 ; 
 
 66 
 
 454.35 
 
 7011 
 
 0.8793 
 
 0.8713 
 
 67 
 
 
 149 
 
 415.38 
 
 6410 
 
 0.9609 
 
 0.9556 
 
 28 
 
 34 
 
 67 
 
 453.93 
 
 7005 
 
 0.8769 
 
 0.8689 
 
 (is 
 
 75 
 
 150 
 
 414.25 
 
 6393 
 
 0.9593 
 
 0.9538 
 
 29 
 
 35 
 
 70 i 
 
 453.17 
 
 6993 
 
 0.8745 
 
 0.8665 
 
 69 
 
 76 
 
 152 
 
 413.13 
 
 6375 
 
 0.9578 
 
 0.9521 
 
 30 
 
 36 
 
 72 
 
 452.46 
 
 6982 
 
 0.8721 
 
 0.8641 
 
 70 
 
 77 
 
 154 
 
 411.98 
 
 6358 
 
 0.9565 
 
 0.9507 
 
 
 37 
 
 
 451.84 
 
 6973 
 
 0.8696 
 
 0.8616 
 
 71 
 
 78 
 
 
 410.7!) 
 
 6339 
 
 0.9560 
 
 0.9500 
 
 31 
 
 
 74 
 
 451.61 
 
 6969 
 
 0.8672 
 
 0.8591 
 
 72 
 
 
 158 
 
 409.66 
 
 6322 
 
 0.9550 
 
 0.9489 
 
 
 38 
 
 76 
 
 451.14 
 
 6962 
 
 0.8664 
 
 0.8583 
 
 
 79 
 
 
 409.28 
 
 6316 
 
 0.9544 
 
 0.9482 
 
 32 
 
 
 77 
 
 450.86 
 
 6958 
 
 0.8649 
 
 0.8568 
 
 73 
 
 
 159 
 
 408.57 
 
 6305 
 
 0.9535 
 
 0.9473 
 
 
 39 
 
 78 
 
 450.43 
 
 6951 
 
 0.8639 
 
 0.8558 
 
 
 80 
 
 1 160 
 
 408.10 
 
 6298 
 
 0.9528 
 
 0.9465 
 
 33 
 
 
 79 
 
 450.09 
 
 6946 
 
 0.8625 
 
 0.8544 
 
 74 
 
 
 
 407.44 
 
 6288 
 
 0.9519 
 
 0.9456 
 
 
 40 
 
 80 
 
 449.67 
 
 6939 
 
 0.861 1 
 
 0.8530 
 
 
 81 
 
 162 
 
 406.78 
 
 6277 
 
 0.9511 
 
 0.9446 
 
 34 
 
 
 81 
 
 449.29 
 
 6933 
 
 0.8603 
 
 ! 0.8522 
 
 ' 75 
 
 
 163 
 
 406.40 
 
 6272 
 
 0.9503 
 
 ! 0.9438 
 
 
 41 
 
 82 
 
 448.91 
 
 6928 
 
 0.8581 
 
 0.8500 
 
 76 
 
 82 
 
 164 
 
 405.36 
 
 6255 
 
 0.9490 
 
 i 0.9424 
 
 35 
 
 42 
 
 84 
 
 448.30 
 
 6918 
 
 0.8557 
 
 0.8476 
 
 77 
 
 | 83 
 
 
 404.22 
 
 6238 
 
 0.9470 
 
 ! 0.9402 
 
 36 
 
 , 43 
 
 86 
 
 447.36 
 
 6904 
 
 0.8533 
 
 0.8452 
 
 78 
 
 
 > 
 
 403.09 
 
 6220 
 
 0.9452 
 
 0.9382 
 
 37 
 
 44 
 
 88 
 
 446.51 
 
 6890 
 
 0.8526 
 
 0.8444 
 
 
 84 
 
 168 
 
 402.77 
 
 6215 
 
 0.9434 
 
 j 0.9363 
 
 38 
 
 45 
 
 90 
 
 445.66 
 
 6877 
 
 0.8508 i 
 
 0.8426 ' 
 
 79 
 
 
 169 
 
 401.92 
 
 6202 
 
 0.9416 
 
 0.9343 
 
 39 
 
 46 
 
 92 
 
 444.81 
 
 6864 
 
 0.8496 
 
 0.8414 
 
 
 85 
 
 
 401.35 
 
 6194 
 
 0-9396 
 
 ! 0.9323 
 
 40 
 
 47 
 
 94 
 
 443.86 
 
 6850 
 
 0.8483 
 
 0.8401 
 
 80 
 
 
 171 
 
 400.73 
 
 6184 
 
 0.9381 
 
 ! 0.9307 
 
 
 48 
 
 96 
 
 443.15 
 
 6839 
 
 0.8466 
 
 0.8384 
 
 
 86 
 
 172 
 
 399.93 
 
 6172 
 
 0.9376 
 
 0.9302 
 
 41 
 
 
 
 442.92 
 
 | 6835 
 
 0.8459 i 
 
 0.8377 
 
 81 
 
 
 
 ! 399.60 
 
 6167 
 
 0.9362 
 
 ; 0.9288 
 
 
 49 
 
 98 
 
 442.25 
 
 ! 6825 
 
 0.8434 
 
 0.8352 
 
 82 
 
 87 
 
 174 
 
 1 398.42 
 
 6148 
 
 0.9356 
 
 0.9280 
 
 42 
 
 
 
 441.97 
 
 6820 
 
 0.8408 
 
 0.8326 
 
 83 
 
 88 
 
 
 397.19 
 
 6129 
 
 0.9343 
 
 0.9267 
 
 
 50 
 
 100 
 
 441.35 
 
 ! 6811 
 
 0.8382 
 
 0.8300 | 
 
 84 
 
 
 
 ! 395.96 
 
 6110 
 
 0.9335 
 
 0.9259 
 
 43 
 
 
 101 
 
 440.98 
 
 ! 6805 
 
 0.8373 
 
 0.8291 
 
 
 89 
 
 178 
 
 395.53 
 
 6104 
 
 0.9323 
 
 0.9246 
 
 
 i 51 
 
 102 
 
 440.42 
 
 6796 
 
 0.8357 
 
 0.8275 
 
 85 j 
 
 
 179 i 
 
 394.78 
 
 6092 
 
152 
 
 ALCOHOL . 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 (Pure water at 
 15jj° C. = 60° F. 
 taken as unity.) 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 We 4 
 
 1 
 
 r ht of 
 nt at 
 = 60° F. 
 
 Specific Gravity 
 (Pure water at 
 I5|° C. = 60° F. 
 taken as unity.) 
 
 Percentage. 
 
 Weight of 
 one pint at 
 
 1 5|° C. = 60° F. 
 
 By weight. 
 
 By volume. 
 
 Of proof spirit. 
 (U. S. Revenue.! 
 
 1 
 
 one p 
 15f° C. 
 
 J By weight. 
 
 By volume. 
 
 Of proof spirit. 
 (U. S. Revenue.) 
 
 At 
 
 15f° C. 
 = 60° F. 
 
 At 
 
 25° C. = 
 77° F. 
 
 In 
 
 Grms. 
 
 In 
 
 Grs. 
 
 At 
 
 1 15|°C. 
 j = 60° F. 
 
 At 
 
 25° C. = 
 77° F. 
 
 In 
 
 Grms. 
 
 In 
 
 Grs. 
 
 0.8340 
 
 0.8258 
 
 
 90 ! 
 
 180 
 
 393.98 
 
 6080 
 
 0.8125 
 
 0.8044 
 
 
 96 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 383.82! 
 
 5923 
 
 0.8331 
 
 0.8249 
 
 86 
 
 
 
 393.55 
 
 6073 
 
 0.8118 
 
 0.8037 
 
 94 
 
 
 J 192 
 
 ! 383.49| 
 
 5918 
 
 0.8305 
 
 0.8223 
 
 87 
 
 91 
 
 182 
 
 392.33 
 
 6054 
 
 0.8089 
 
 0.8008 
 
 95 
 
 1 
 
 
 ! 382.12! 
 
 5897 
 
 0.8279 
 
 0.8197 i 
 
 88 
 
 
 
 391.09 
 
 6035 
 
 0.8084 
 
 0.8003 
 
 
 97 
 
 194 
 
 ! 381.88! 
 
 5893 
 
 0.8272 
 
 0.8191 | 
 
 
 92 
 
 184 
 
 390.76 
 
 6030 
 
 0.8061 
 
 0.7980 
 
 96 
 
 
 ! 195 
 
 ! 380.79 
 
 5876 
 
 0.8254 
 
 0.8173 
 
 89 
 
 
 185 
 
 389.91 
 
 6017 
 
 0.8041 
 
 0.7960 
 
 
 98 
 
 196 
 
 I 379.85 
 
 5S62 
 
 0.8237 
 
 0.8156 
 
 
 93 
 
 186 
 
 389.11 
 
 6005 
 
 0.8031 
 
 0.7950 
 
 97 
 
 
 j 
 
 ; 379.38 
 
 5855 
 
 0.8228 
 
 0.8147 
 
 90 
 
 
 
 388.69 
 
 5998 
 
 0.8001 
 
 0.7920 
 
 98 
 
 
 
 ! 377.96 
 
 ! 5833 
 
 0.8199 
 
 0.8118 I 
 
 91 
 
 94 
 
 188 
 
 387.32 
 
 5977 
 
 0.7995 
 
 0.7914 
 
 
 99 
 
 
 ! 377.68 
 
 5828 
 
 0.8172 
 
 0.8091 | 
 
 92 
 
 
 
 386.04 
 
 5957 
 
 0.7969 
 
 0.7888 
 
 99 
 
 
 199 
 
 376.45 
 
 5809 
 
 0.8164 
 
 0.8083 
 
 
 95 
 
 190 
 
 385.66 
 
 5951 
 
 ! 0.7946 
 
 0.7865 
 
 
 100 
 
 ! 200 
 
 375.37 
 
 5793 
 
 0.8145 
 
 0.8064 | 
 
 93 
 
 
 
 384.77 
 
 5938 
 
 I 0.7938 
 
 0.7858 
 
 100 
 
 
 
 ! 374.98 
 
 5787 
 
 and ether it unites in all proportions without becoming turbid. It is entirely volatilized 
 by heat, is readily inflammable, and burns with a non-luminous blue flame and without 
 smoke, yielding carbon dioxide and water. Commercial absolute alcohol generally con- 
 tains a minute quantity of water, to detect which Debrunner (1879) proposed crystal- 
 lized potassium permanganate, which he found to be totally insoluble in anhydrous alco- 
 hol, but to impart a red tinge to it in the presence of .05 per cent, of water. Ethylic 
 alcohol, Br ., should have the spec. grav. 0.797 to 0.800. 
 
 2. Absolute alcohol, U. S., and Deodorized alcohol, U. S., differ from each 
 other chiefly in the amount of water present, the former having a specific gravity not 
 higher than 0.797 at 15° C. (59° F.), and containing not more than 1 per cent, by 
 weight of water, while the latter has a specific gravity of about 0.816 at 15° C. (59° 
 F.), and contains about 7.5 per cent, by weight of water. 
 
 3. Alcohol of the present Pharmacopoeia is the Stronger alcohol of the Pharmaco- 
 poeia of 1870. It has all the properties of absolute alcohol except the specific gravity, 
 which is .820 at 15° C. (59° F.) and .812 at 25° C. (77° F.), and it contains 9 per cent, 
 by weight of water, the presence of which is shown by the tests mentioned above. 
 Castor oil is freely soluble in it, but most of the other fixed oils dissolve only to a lim- 
 ited extent. It boils at 78.2° C. (172.4° F.). 
 
 Alcohol, Br ., has the density 0.838, and dissolves a smaller quantity of castor oil, oil 
 of turpentine, various resins, and other compounds than the preceding. 
 
 For use in the arts and for various laboratory purposes methylated spirit is not subject 
 to taxation in Great Britain. It is a mixture of 90 per cent, of alcohol and 10 per cent, of 
 wood-spirit or methylic alcohol, which addition renders it unfit for internal administration. 
 
 4. Diluted alcohol of the different Pharmacopoeias varies in density between 0.892 
 ( P 6r.), .920 (i?r.,), and 0.938 (Z7. Si). Its solvent powers for iodine, most of the alka- 
 loids, the volatile oils, resins, and fixed oils are inferior to those of alcohol. Its free- 
 dom from impurities is ascertained in the same manner as for a stronger spirit ; its boil- 
 ing-point is 82° C. (179.6° F.). 
 
 The French Codex gives for every preparation the volumetric strength of the alcohol 
 to be employed. 
 
 Composition. — Alcohol has the empirical formula C 2 H 6 0, and is the hydroxide of 
 the univalent radical ethyl , C 2 H 5 ; its rational formula is therefore C 2 H 5 OH. It is the 
 most common, and may be regarded as the type of a homologous series of alcohols which 
 are distinguished by prefixing the name of the radical contained in them ; hence, ethylic 
 or ethyl alcohol for the alcohol under consideration. Under the influence of oxidizing 
 agents the alcohols first part with 2 atoms of hydrogen, being converted into aldehydes , 
 and by combining afterward with 1 atom of oxygen are converted into a monobasic acid 
 — in this case acetic acid. The ethers derived from these alcohols contain 1 molecule 
 of the radical in place of the single atom of hydrogen in the above formula; the follow- 
 ing will explain this relation : 
 
 Ethyl. Ethyl oxide (ether). Ethylhydroxide (alcohol). Aldehyde. Acid (acetic). 
 
 C 2 H 5 (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0 c 2 h 5 oh c 2 h 4 o c,h 4 o 2 . 
 
ALCOHOL. 
 
 153 
 
 Tests. — The purity of the different official alcohols is determined by their odor, 
 specific gravity, miscibility with water, complete volatility, neutral reaction, and their 
 behavior to silver nitrate. If a portion of at least 50 Cc. be evaporated to dryness in a 
 glass vessel, no residue or color should appear. If mixed with one-third of its volume of 
 water, a piece of blotting-paper, on being wet with the mixture, after the vapor of alco- 
 hol has wholly disappeared, should give no irritating or foreign odor (fusel oil). And if 
 a portion be evaporated to one-fifth its volume, the residue should not turn reddish upon 
 the addition of an equal volume of sulphuric acid (amyl alcohol). When treated in a 
 test-tube with one-third its volume of solution of potassa there should not be an immediate 
 darkening of the liquid (methyl alcohol, aldehyde, and oak tannin). If 20 Cc. are 
 shaken in a glass-stoppered vial, previously well rinsed with the same alcohol, with 1 
 Cc. of test-solution of silver nitrate, the mixture should not be rendered more than 
 faintly opalescent during six hours’ exposure to diffused sunlight (absence of more than 
 traces of foreign organic matters, fusel oil, etc.) — U. S. 
 
 Potassium permanganate is also readily decolorized by aldehyde and many other 
 organic compounds. Fusel oil is readily detected by adding 10 drops of potassa solution 
 to 50 Gm. of the alcohol, evaporating in a water-bath to about 5 Gm., and acidulating 
 with sulphuric acid, when the odor of fusel oil will be plainly observed. Marquardt 
 (1882) proposed to dilute the alcohol to about .980, agitate with pure chloroform, and 
 evaporate the chloroformic solution spontaneously, when the residue, treated with oxi- 
 dizing agents, will give the odor of valerianic acid ; by combining this with baryta the 
 fusel oil may be determined quantitatively. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparation. — Alcohol is employed on account 
 of its solvent properties in the manufacture of alkaloids and other proximate principles, 
 of resins, numerous extracts, some plasters and chemicals, and is a permanent ingredient 
 of all tinctures, spirits, most fluid extracts, some mixtures, liniments, solutions, a few 
 infusions, syrups, wines, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Experiments and observations made to determine the mode of 
 action of alcohol in the economy have too generally referred to excessive doses rather 
 than to such as are employed in dietetics and in medicine. Hence a dispute has arisen 
 whether alcohol raises or depresses the animal temperature, when it is of daily experience 
 that moderate doses augment the heat and excessive doses diminish it. In febrile 
 disease it is quite possible that the dose which in health would have been excessive, and 
 even destructive of life, may, by limiting heat-production, tend to preserve the tissues 
 upon which life depends. If, as is altogether probable, this effect is due to a power in alco- 
 hol of stimulating the exhausted nervous system, and thereby exciting the distended 
 capillary blood-vessels to contract, it is evident that less blood will reach the tissues, that 
 less heat will be developed, and less waste of tissue result. This diminished waste is 
 represented by the smaller amount of carbonic acid exhaled from the lungs and of urea 
 excreted by the kidneys. Simanowsky has shown experimentally that alcohol diminishes 
 tissue-waste at least one-half ( Centralbl. f d. g. Therap ., ii. 232) and Bodliinder that it 
 restrains perspiration due to debility (Zeitsch. f. Min Med., xiii. 402). These conclusions 
 have been abundantly confirmed by Mohilausky (Amer. Jour. Phar ., lxi. 622), and Reichert 
 (Therap. Gaz ., xiv. 73; University Med. Mag., ii. 638). The special effect of alcohol in 
 a given case depends upon its dose and upon the time during which it has been ope- 
 rating. The primary effect may be stimulating, and be indicated by an increased activity 
 of cerebration ; it corresponds to the turgescence and throbbing noted by Hr. M. P. 
 Jacobi in her experiments in a case of exposed brain ; but the secondary effect is the 
 very opposite of this, and is accompanied by passive venous congestion. It is probable 
 that alcohol reduces febrile temperature partly by lessening the oxidizing power of the red 
 corpuscles. The use of alcohol in every age and by every nation in the world demon- 
 strates that it satisfies a natural instinct, that it literally refreshes the system exhausted 
 by physcial or mental labor, and that it not only quickens the appetite for food and aids 
 in its digestion, but that it spares the digestive organs by limiting the amount of solid 
 food which would otherwise be required, while it relieves pain and disposes to sleep. But 
 in accomplishing this salutary end it does not act as a mere condiment. It is also food — 
 in this sense at least, that it offers itself in the blood as a substitute for the tissues which 
 would otherwise be destroyed. “ Alcohol,” says Moleschott, “is the savings bank of the 
 tissues. He who eats little and drinks alcohol in moderation retains as much in his blood 
 and tissues as he who eats more and drinks no alcohol.” It is certain that of any 
 amount of alcohol ingested, not in excess of what the system requires, only a minute 
 fraction can be recovered from any of the secretions ; the remainder undergoes meta- 
 
154 
 
 ALCOHOL. 
 
 morphosis and is eliminated in a new form. The notion that alcohol is unassimilable, 
 and is chiefly eliminated through the lungs, rested upon the familiar fact that all alcoholic 
 beverages contain ethereal elements which are so eliminated, and thus infect the breath. 
 But it results from the careful observations and experiments of Anstie, Binz, and others 
 that alcohol is not exhaled by the lungs and skin or excreted with the urine unless the 
 body be supersaturated with it. In that case it may be found in the blood, in exhaled 
 serum, etc. These views which we have from time to time expressed have been amply 
 confirmed by investigation and experience ( e . g. Warren, Boston Jour ., July, 1887, 
 p. 1 and p. 25). According to some experimenters, a portion of alcohol in the blood 
 is transformed into acetic acid, which forms acetates that are subsequently decom- 
 posed into water and carbonic acid. The doctrine that alcohol is food is probably true, 
 not only indirectly by its preventing tissue-waste, but in the more literal sense of its 
 favoring the formation of fatty products, especially by increasing the amount of adipose 
 tissue, and in a morbid sense by tending to produce fatty liver and kidney, gall-stones, 
 and atheroma. This, in fact, is the only sense in which itself is food ; it does not add a 
 single fibre to muscle nor a single cell to the brain and nerve-centres. The practical 
 value of alcohol as food has been illustrated by the experience of Arctic explorers. All 
 of these conclusions have been so amply confirmed by a continuous succession of observers 
 and experimenters as to leave no doubt of their correctness. 
 
 In the form of wine or distilled spirits alcohol is the universal and familiar remedy for 
 debility of every kind, whether it be due to exhaustion produced by shock , fatigue , or 
 prolonged sickness , or shown by syncope arising from a nervously feeble or an exhausted 
 heart, to wasting chronic disease, or to the tissue-destruction of acute febrile affections. 
 In typhus fever and typhoid fever, and in the typhoid state of numerous diseases, including 
 pyaemia, pneumonia , erysipelas, etc., the usefulness and appropriateness of the medicine 
 are demonstrated, not only by its diminishing the frequency and increasing the strength 
 of the pulse, and by the decline of the symptoms which denote capillary stasis, but also 
 by the very large quantities of it which may be taken without producing intoxicating 
 effects. This tolerance may be added to the facts already stated to confirm the doctrine that 
 alcohol is consumed in the body and subserves some of the purposes of food (Bodl'ander, 
 Zeitsch. f. klin. Med., xi. 548). The special conditions which call for the use of alcohol, 
 and without which, or some of which, it is apt to be injurious rather than useful, are the 
 following : constitutional debility , and especially that which is due to advanced life ; a 
 compressible, slow, or irregular pulse, with a feeble impulse and first sound of the heart ; 
 a tendency to syncope ; a sluggish capillary circulation and a dry tongue; wandering 
 delirium, febrile stupor, tremor , or subsultus, and involuntary dejections. In the fevers above 
 mentioned there are both loss of power and nervous disorders (adynamia and ataxia) ; in 
 some other diseases there is adynamia alone, or, as it is more specifically termed, asthenia — 
 diseases in which the spinal nervous system appears exhausted, and debility and even 
 paralysis of the muscles, both voluntary and involuntary, may occur. These accidents 
 happen in the fevers already mentioned, and also, but less frequently, in the eruptive fevers, 
 in relapsing fever, and in diphthey'ia , in all of which the first threatening of their 
 approach should be met with alcoholic and other stimulants. It should always, in acute 
 febrile disease, be administered in divided doses and its effects upon the symptoms noted. 
 If it moderate such as have been enumerated, it may be regarded as useful, and may be 
 continued in doses varied by its effects. The essential point in its administration is that 
 it shall never be allowed to produce intoxication, even by abnormally exciting, and still 
 less by stupefying. It is absolutely contraindicated in febrile diseases with scanty and 
 albuminous urine of low specific gravity. Alcohol in any of its forms is seldom necessary 
 in diseases affecting children, and then only in very small quantities and as a transient 
 stimulant. In old age, on the other hand, its utility is very great, and, indeed, it is often 
 indispensable. Of the several forms of alcohol appropriate in low and asthenic diseases, 
 the best is usually the one to which (if to any) the patient is accustomed. In general, 
 sound wine is preferable to distilled liquors, and, of the latter, brandy, when pure, is far 
 better than whiskey. Sparkling are superior to still wines for this purpose, and white to red 
 wines, except during convalescence. In these cases alcohol is to be used as a stimulant, 
 and not for its alleged antipyretic action, which is wholly a secondary effect. 
 
 The rules just stated should govern the use of alcohol in pulmonary consumption. If 
 it improves digestion, increases the weight and strength, reduces the fever, and lessens the 
 cough, expectoration, and sweating, it may be regarded as exerting its most favorable 
 influences. But, unfortunately, these salutary effects cannot be confidently anticipated ; 
 too often it increases fever, diminishes appetite, and impairs digestion. Two conditions 
 
ALCOHOL. 
 
 155 
 
 appear to be essential to its utility : first, that the phthisis shall be primary and chronic, 
 and not the consequence of a previous pleurisy or lobar pneumonia ; and secondly, that 
 the patient shall use muscular exercise in the open air proportioned to his strength. 
 Under these circumstances it is the best adjuvant of cod-liver oil, which, indeed, so far as 
 alcohol is a nutrient, it resembles in its mode of action. In delirium tremens alcohol in 
 the form of malt liquor, wine, or distilled liquor is a direct antidote to this peculiar effect 
 of intemperance. As the morning dram steadies the tremulous hand and tottering gait 
 of the sot, so alcohol reduces to co-ordination the distracted ideas, perceptions, and move- 
 ments of the victim of delirium tremens ; and the more certainly, speedily, and with a 
 smaller dose in proportion as it is aided in its operation by physical fatigue produced by 
 walking. It must not be forgotten that this delirium is usually the result of an abrupt 
 cessation of the habit of drinking, either by the stomach giving out or by some suddenly 
 depressing influence, such as a surgical injury. In poisoning by venomous serpents and 
 by narcotics alcohol is often used to sustain life until the elimination of the poison has 
 been accomplished. In some cases of the former kind very large doses of alcohol have 
 been tolerated — whether owing to the poison itself or to the patient’s excitement may be 
 questioned. Alcohol is not a direct antidote to serpent poison. The full effects of this 
 liquid have proved sufficient for the cure of traumatic tetanus ; its slightly stimulant 
 action, on the other hand, has been resorted to for preventing epileptiform attacks, and by 
 the same mechanism doubtless it prevents, and even arrests, reflex convulsions , such as 
 occur during dentition , the vomiting of pregnancy, and the paroxysms of neuralgia , when 
 thus admisistered in small doses. 
 
 As an external application alcohol, either in its natural or its distilled form, has always 
 been used as a dressing for wounds: The ancient use of oil and wine for this purpose is 
 
 well known. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries alcohol was applied as a dress- 
 ing to incised and other clean wounds, and also to those attacked with gangrene. Recent 
 observations attest its excellence in arresting haemorrhage, coagulating the albumen of 
 exuded plasma, preventing the putrefaction of discharges, and promoting cicatrization. 
 
 In 1870, Dr. Blair, a Scottish physician, published an account of the use of strong 
 whiskey as a popular dressing for wounds among his countrymen, and of his having then 
 recently seen it employed in the Parisian hospitals ( Glasgow Med. Jour., ii. 204). From 
 1872, Perrin employed alcoholic dressings, and proclaimed their superiority in compound 
 and comminuted fractures, especially when complicated with contusion of the soft parts ; 
 also in wounds of whatever kind which tended to putrefaction, and he held them to be more 
 efficient, as well as more convenient, than carbolic-acid dressings. He found that alcohol 
 protected such injuries from gangrene, excessive suppuration, and usually from erysip- 
 elas, while they rapidly acquired a healthy aspect and the traumatic fever accompanying 
 them was slight. He gave the preference to alcohol over all other applications as a 
 dressing for surgical wounds, including amputations (Bull, de Therap ., xcvi. 308). In 
 1874, and again in 1880 and in 1882, the whiskey dressing was highly recommended by 
 Suesserott ( Phila . Med. Times , ii. 774; xi. 138; xii. 872); and in 1882, Gosselin used 
 diluted alcohol to promote the cure of abscesses. Having been opened by a small incis- 
 ion, they were evacuated as far as possible, and washed out with alcohol, and also dressed 
 with it. The purulent discharge rapidly became serous, the abscess contracted, and 
 healed more rapidly than by any other method ( Times and Gaz ., March, 1882, p. 311). 
 Plessing injected with good results a superficial aneurism of the occipital artery. He 
 used at first a 30 per cent., and afterward a 75 per cent., dilution ( Therap. Gaz., xi. 
 103). Holgate employed the same method of treating vascular nsevus (Med. Record, 
 xxxvi. 346). In dressing wounds, after removing foreign substances and clotted blood, 
 the part is bathed with the alcoholic liquid and covered with compresses saturated with 
 the same and protected by some impermeable covering. It should be kept moist with 
 the liquor for several days, during which it should, if possible, remain undisturbed. 
 Afterward the dressing may be changed daily or less frequently, according to circum- 
 stances. It is an efficient dressing for atonic ulcers and gangrenous lesions, tends to pre- 
 vent and heal fissure of the nipples and excoriation of the feet, by walking, and is the best 
 of all applications to recent bruises and sprains and superficial inflammations, and as a 
 vehicle for other agents fitted for this purpose and for stimulating paralyzed limbs. 
 Alcohol has been used to remove polypi of the nostrils and of the middle and external 
 ear. It does so by abstracting the water of which they largely consist and coagulating 
 their albumen. In the case of the ear it is recommended that the auditory canal should 
 be filled with the liquid two or three times a day, allowing it to remain in place from five 
 to fifteen minutes ; but to this expedient it is objected that the tympanum becomes perrna- 
 
156 
 
 ALCOHOL AMYLICUM. 
 
 nently dry and the hearing impaired; It has been injected into angiomatous and other soft 
 tumors to cure them by hardening them ( Yirch . Arch., lxxxv. 172); hypodermic injec- 
 tions of alcohol have been used to cure varicocele. The anaesthetic power of alcohol has 
 long been known, as exhibited by the greater or less insensibility of intoxicated persons 
 who meet with accident and of women who unconsciously give birth to children while 
 drunk. It was even employed to diminish the shock of surgical operations and to facilitate 
 the reduction of dislocations. It was formerly the custom before operations to administer 
 a draught of alcohol and laudanum ; and even since the introduction of anaesthetics it has 
 often been found that their depressing effects are in this manner prevented, while their 
 soporific action is more decided and occurs more promptly (Mason, Jour, of Inebriety, Oct. 
 1882). 
 
 In the treatment of alcoholic poisoning the stomach should first be emptied by means 
 of a mustard emetic, administered by the stomach-pump if necessary. Cold water may 
 be dashed against the breast and spine and applied to the head, while various mechanical 
 expedients are employed to keep the patient awake. In some cases, even of dead-drunk- 
 enness, a few drops of water of ammonia instilled into the throat or held under the 
 patient’s nostrils will suffice to dissipate the stupor. 
 
 ALCOHOL AMYLICUM, ^.-Amyl Alcohol. 
 
 Fusel oil, Primary amyl alcohol , Pentyl alcohol, E. ; Alcool amylique, Huile de grain, 
 Fr. ; Amyl-alkohol, Fuselol , Gr. ; Alcool isoamilico, F. It. 
 
 Formula C 5 H u OH. Molecular weight 87.81. 
 
 A peculiar alcohol obtained from fermented grain or potatoes by continuing the process 
 of distillation after the ordinary spirit has ceased to come over. 
 
 Preparation. — During the alcoholic fermentation of grain and potatoes some amylic 
 alcohol is produced, the great bulk of which passes over with the last portions of the 
 first distillation, which are milky, and contain besides amylic some ethylic alcohol and 
 water, and variable quantities of propyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, and other compounds, 
 differing with the source of the fusel oil. The portion remaining in solution with the 
 distilled spirit is obtained in purifying the latter, either by the process of distillation or 
 leaching. (See Alcohol.) Commercial amylic alcohol contains variable quantities 
 (between 20 and 30 per cent.) of ordinary (ethylic) alcohol, of which it cannot readily 
 be completely deprived by fractional distillation and washing with water. Distillation 
 over calcium chloride, after previous washing with water, removes most of this alcohol, 
 a portion of which will, however, again pass over with the distillate. An effectual and 
 economical method has been proposed by B. Hirsh (1861), who advises crude amylic 
 alcohol to be repeatedly agitated with concentrated aqueous solutions of table-salt until 
 a diminution of its volume is no longer noticed ; it still contains a little alcohol, from 
 which it is freed by distilling it with three or four times its volume of water. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — It is a colorless, thin, oily liquid, having a penetrating 
 and oppressive odor and a burning, acrid taste. It congeals at — 134° C. ( — 209° F.), 
 crystallizing in laminae, and has no effect on polarized light when pure. It boils at 132° 
 C. (269.6° F.), and evaporates without leaving any residue. Its specific gravity is 0.818. 
 It is very sparingly soluble in water, to which it imparts its odor and taste. It unites in 
 all proportions with alcohol, ether, glacial acetic acid, benzene, petroleum benziri, fixed 
 and volatile oils. It dissolves iodine freely, a little phosphorus, camphor, many resins, 
 and most alkaloids, yielding the latter again, on agitation, to water acidulated with sul- 
 phuric acid. In contact with sulphuric acid it acquires a deep-red color, and reacts 
 violently with concentrated nitric acid. Exposed to air in contact with platinum-black, it 
 is slowly oxidized, yielding valerianic acid. It takes fire with difficulty unless heated to 
 about 55° C. (131° F.), when it burns with a bright flame. As met with in commerce, 
 it contains variable quantities, sometimes 12 per cent., of active amyl alcohol, which has 
 the same elementary composition, but turns polarized light to the left and boils at 127° 
 C. (260.6° F.) ; its barium amyl sulphate is much more soluble in water than the corre- 
 sponding salt obtained from inactive amyl alcohol. In addition to this, five other amyl 
 alcohols have been prepared artificially, varying in their boiling-points between 97° and 
 137° C. (206.6° and 278.6° F.). 
 
 The purity of amyl alcohol is ascertained by its specific gravity, its boiling-point, its 
 volatility without residue, and by its not diminishing in volume when agitated with an 
 equal bulk of solution of calcium or SQdium chloride. 
 
 Composition. — Amyl aloohol is amyl hydroxide , C 5 H n OH, and yields a series of 
 
ALCOHOL METHYLICUM. 
 
 157 
 
 compounds homologous with those of ethyl alcohol — namely, amyl ether, (C 5 H n ) 2 0, 
 amyl aldehyde, or valer-aldehyde C 5 H I0 O, and valerianic acid, C 5 Hi 0 O 2 - 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Amyl alcohol is the source of valerianic acid and of 
 various compound ethers (fruit-essences), and may be used as a solvent in the manufac- 
 ture of alkaloids and other proximate principles. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The adulteration of alcoholic drinks with fusel oil has been 
 supposed to explain the rapid and peculiar intoxication they sometimes produce and the 
 dyspeptic and nervous disorders which follow their habitual use. It is certain that the 
 oil itself will cause, even in small doses, tension and pain in the head, and in large doses 
 insensibility or a profound and death-like sleep. A case is on record ( Lancet , Dec. 1889, 
 p. 1225) in which about four ounces of the oil were swallowed. The respiration ceased, 
 but the heart continued to beat. Life was revived by stimulants, including hypodermic 
 injections of ether. The breath, etc. exhaled a strong fruity odor. In small doses, on 
 the other hand, it acts as a direct nervous stimulant, and has been employed for the pur- 
 pose of controlling the nervous weakness and irritability to which confirmed drunkards 
 are subject. We have known it to be habitually prescribed by skilful physicians for the 
 relief, apparently, of some of the symptoms of chronic phthisis , but without obvious 
 benefit. 
 
 ALCOHOL METHYLICUM.-Methyl Alcohol. 
 
 Spiritus pyroxylicus rectificatus. — Pyroligneous ( ' Pyroxylic ) spirit or alcohol ; Wood 
 naphtha , E. ; Alcool methylique , Alcool formique , Alcool de hois , Esprit de hois , Esprit 
 pyroligneux , Fr. ; Holzgeist , Methylalcohol , G\ 
 
 Formula CH 3 OH. Molecular weight 31.93. 
 
 Preparation. — Methyl alcohol was first noticed by Boyle (1661) ; its difference from 
 ordinary alcohol was observed by P. Taylor (1812), but it was not correctly characterized 
 until investigated by Dumas and Peligot (1834). The aqueous portion of the distillate 
 resulting from the destructive distillation of wood contains about 1 per cent., together 
 with acetic acid, acetone, aldehyde, allyl alcohol, empyreumatic oils, and other com- 
 pounds ; on the addition of chalk, calcium acetate is produced, and the portion distilling 
 below the boiling-point of water furnishes the crude methyl alcohol. To obtain it pure, 
 fused calcium chloride is dissolved in it to saturation, whereby a crystallizable compound, 
 CaCl 2 .4CH 4 0, is formed, which is not decomposed by the heat of a water-bath, but 
 acetone, lignone, and other impurities are found in the distillate. The residue is after- 
 ward diluted with water and heated, when dilute methyl alcohol passes over, which is 
 left in contact with burnt lime and then rectified. 
 
 Properties. — Pure wood-spirit is a colorless, limpid liquid, of a peculiar odor, 
 resembling alcohol and acetic ether, and of a warm taste. Its density is 0.814 at 0° C. 
 (32° F.), and 0.798 at 20° C. (68° F.) ; it boils at about 65° C. (149° F.) ; burns with a 
 pale-blue, scarcely luminous flame ; is soluble in all proportions in water, alcohol, and 
 ether ; dissolves volatile oils, fats, many resins, and particularly calcium chloride, where- 
 by, as well as by its boiling-point, it is readily distinguished from acetone. Crystallized 
 copper sulphate is insoluble in absolute methyl alcohol, but the anhydrous salt yields a 
 blue-green solution, from which, on the addition of a small quantity of water, the crystal- 
 line salt is precipitated (Klepl, 1882). The derivatives corresponding with those men- 
 tioned under Ethyl Alcohol are methyl ether, (CH 3 ) 2 0 (see page 132), methaldehyde 
 or formaldehyde, CH 2 0, and formic acid. CH 2 0 2 (see page 53). It is easily oxidized by 
 solution of potassium permanganate in the cold, while the color of the latter is more 
 slowly altered by ethyl alcohol. For determining the presence of one or both of these 
 alcohols Riche and Bardy (1875) proposed a process depending upon the differently- 
 colored solutions obtained by the limited oxidation of ethyl and methyl aniline. Berthe- 
 lot (1876) proposed to mix the alcohol with twice its bulk of concentrated sulphuric 
 acid, when methyl alcohol will yield methylic ether, and ethyl alcohol ethylene gas, 
 which is almost insoluble in water and sulphuric acid, but is readily absorbed by 
 bromine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The vapors of methyl alcohol, diffused in the air, give rise to 
 headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite. It was at one time employed as a 
 stimulant in pulmonary consumption , chronic catarrh , dyspepsia , and verminous affections , 
 but is now entirely disused. It was given in doses of from 10 to 20 drops several times 
 a day. 
 
158 
 
 ALETRIS.— A LTSMA. 
 
 ALETRIS — Colic-Root. 
 
 Starwort , Star-grass, Blazing star, E. ; Aletris farineux, Fr. ; Mehlige Aletris , G. 
 
 The rhizome of Aletris farinosa, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Haemodoracese. 
 
 Origin. — The plant, grows in grassy places and sandy woods in the United States, 
 and flowers in July and August. It has a circular cluster of lanceolate, sessile, radical 
 leaves, which are about 125 Mm. (5 inches) long and spread star-like upon the ground, 
 and from the centre of them rises the nearly naked scape, about 60 Gm. (2 feet) high, 
 and bearing a spiked raceme of whitish flowers having a mealy appearance. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, about 25-88 Mm. (lor 1J inches) long, 
 3 Mm. (i inch) thick at the lower end, and about 1 Cm. (-J inch) at the upper end, 
 flattish or concave on the upper surface, and densely tufted with the fibrous or scaly rem- 
 nants of the leaves ; on the lower surface convex and beset with numerous simple root- 
 lets 50-75 Mm. (2 or 3 inches) long, the older ones being wiry and glossy-blackish or 
 brown, the recent ones softer and whitish. The rhizome consists of four to six rather 
 indistinct joints, is brown-gray externally, white internally, breaks with a mealy fracture, 
 with protruding scattered wood-bundles, is inodorous, and has an amylaceous afterward 
 persistently bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The rhizome appears to be from tannin, and to contain starch and 
 a bitter principle which is more freely soluble in alcohol than in water. 
 
 Adulterations- — We have occasionally seen it adulterated with upright and hori- 
 zontal rhizomes of other monocotyledonous plants, from which, however, it is easily dis- 
 tinguished. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This humble plant, if we may credit the published accounts of 
 its virtues, is at once tonic, emetic, purgative, diuretic, carminative, sialagogue, and anti- 
 rheumatic, besides being “ the most powerful of uterine stimulants,” and a remedy for 
 “ spermatorrhoea.” It is probably little more than a simple bitter, and as such produces 
 various effects according to its dose and mode of administration — in substance, in warm 
 or cold infusion, in tincture, etc. The infusion is made with Gm. 32 (gj) to a pint of 
 water, and may be given in doses of a tablespoonful. The average dose of the powder 
 is about Gm. 0.60 (gr. x). 
 
 ALISMA. — Water Plantain. 
 
 Plantain d'eau, Pain de grenouilles, Fr. ; Froschloffel, Wasserwegericli, G. 
 
 Alisma Plantago, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Alismaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to Europe and North America, grows in swampy 
 places and on the edges of ponds and rivers, and flowers from July to September. The 
 American plant is regarded as a variety, Alisma americanum, Gray. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome consists of two or three united fleshy tuberous pieces, 
 which vary in shape from oblong to subglobular, are externally of a blackish color and 
 beset with numerous radicles, internally white and with scattered wood-bundles, and in the 
 fresh state of a disagreeable sharp odor and taste. The leaves are on long petioles, ovate 
 oblong or lanceolate, acute, frequently with a heart-shaped base, five- to nine-nerved, 
 light-green, and of an acrid taste. The scape is about 2 feet (60 Cm.) high, three-edged, 
 and bears a loose panicle of whitish perfect flowers, having six stamens and numerous pis- 
 tils upon a flattish receptacle. The rhizome and leaves have been used medicinally. 
 
 Constituents. — Water plantain contains a butyraceous pungent volatile oil, of 
 which Zuch (1818) obtained .6 per cent. Neljubin found in it also an acrid resin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A singular commentary on the virtues of this plant may be 
 found in the statement that it was once regarded as an infallible cure for hydrophobia. 
 Whatever powers it possesses are probably due to an acrid principle which exists in the 
 fresh leaves and is strong enough to irritate the skin. It has been supposed to be useful 
 in calculous renal affections, in dysentery, diarrhoea, chorea, and epilepsy, and as an appli- 
 cation to recent bruises, swellings, and sores. The powder of the leaves may be prescribed 
 in doses of about Gm. 4 (^j) ; the powder of the root has been used in half that quan- 
 tity, and a decoction of the leaves is made with “ a handful ” in a pint of water, and 
 may be given in doses of a wineglassful. 
 
A L KEKENGI. -A LLIUM. 
 
 159 
 
 ALKEKENGL— ' Winter Cherry. 
 
 Alkekenge , Coqueret , Fr. ; Judenkirsche , iSchlutte, G. ; A7&e/ienyes, Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Physalis Alkekengi, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Solanaceae. 
 
 Origin. — It is a perennial herb, indigenous to Middle and Southern Europe, and to 
 some extent cultivated and naturalized in this country under the name of strawberry 
 tomato. It is more or less soft-hairy, has a nearly simple stem, broadly ovate and pointed 
 leaves with a somewhat wedge-shaped base, and bell-shaped greenish-white unspotted 
 flowers. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is spherical, of the size of a cherry, scarlet-red, shining, 
 and remains enclosed in the inflated orange-colored permanent calyx. It is two-celled, 
 and contains numerous white flattish ovate seeds attached to a central placenta. In the 
 fresh state the fruit is very juicy and has a sweet and acidulous taste ; it shrivels con- 
 siderably on drying. 
 
 Constituents. — Dessaignes and Chautard (1852) found sugar and citric acid in the 
 berries, and in the leaves and calyx an amorphous bitter principle pliysalin , C 14 Hi 6 0 5 , 
 which is obtained as a whitish powder on agitating the cold aqueous infusion with chloro- 
 form, and is soluble in chloroform and alcohol, but sparingly so in ether, cold water, and 
 diluted acids. 
 
 Allied Species. — -Physalis viscosa, Linne, a clammy, pubescent North American plant, with 
 ovate or oblong, slightly cordate and somewhat toothed leaves, and purplish-brown flowers. The 
 fruit is an orange-colored or reddish berry, remaining in the inflated calyx. 
 
 Phys. Pennsylvania, Linn6. Tt resembles the preceding, but is not clammy, the leaves are 
 usually entire, the corolla is veined in the centre, and the berry has a red color. 
 
 Phys. peruviana, Linne, Ph. pubescens, Linne , and Nicandra physaloides, Gcertner , are 
 indigenous to South America, and in Mexico are known as tomate. The last-named species is 
 occasionally found wild in the United States, where it is known as apple of Peru. 
 
 Witiiania coagulans, Dun., is indigenous to India, and is there often confounded with alke- 
 kengi. The fruit, or a decoction of the same, is used for coagulating milk. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The herb is used in Europe as tonic, antiperiodic, and depur- 
 ative, and the fruit as febrifuge and diuretic. Like many other bitter plants, this one is 
 sometimes successful in arresting the paroxysms of intermittent fever , and is used for 
 that purpose by the peasantry. The berries eaten when ripe and fresh, and when dried 
 and used to prepare a decoction, and also their expressed juice, are regarded as having 
 decided diuretic virtues, and are frequently employed in jaundice, gravel, dysury , retention 
 of urine, and dropsy. It is recommended to give the fresh berries to the extent of several 
 ounces a day; of the expressed juice, 2 or 3 fluidounces ; and an infusion of the dried 
 berries, made with an ounce Gm. 32 (§j) in a pint of hot water, to the extent of 2 or 
 more pints a day. The powder of the plant is used in doses of Gm. 4 (gj) or more. The 
 allied species appear to resemble winter cherry in their qualities. 
 
 Withania coagulans contains a principle which possesses strong coagulating powers, 
 and has been used in India as a substitute for animal rennet in the preparation of cheese 
 (.four. Amer. Med Assoc., ii. 346). 
 
 ALLIUM, U. S . — Garlic. 
 
 Bulbus allii. — Ail, Fr. ; Knoblauch , G. 
 
 The bulb of Allium (Porrum, Rewhenhach ) sativum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 280. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliaceae. 
 
 Origin. — All the plants belonging to this genus are bulbous, resemble each other in 
 their odor and taste, and contain similar if not identical volatile oils. The officinal species 
 is indigenous to Central Asia, and perhaps also to the basin of the Mediterranean, but is 
 cultivated for culinary purposes in other sections of Europe and North America. By 
 cultivation and hybridization several varieties have been formed, one of which, of fre- 
 quent occurrence here, was proved by K. P. Thomas (1860) to be a hybrid of A. sativum 
 and A. Porrum, Linne , which is distinguished by its larger bulb, higher stem, and the 
 absence of proliferous bulbs from the flowering heads. 
 
 Description. — Garlic is a sub-globular compound bulb, surrounded by a few dry 
 membranaceous scales, which cover the remnant of the upright stem and the 5 to 8 small 
 bulbs or cloves arranged in a circle around its base. These bulblets are oblong in outline. 
 
160 
 
 ALLIUM. 
 
 compressed from both sides, wedge-shaped toward the stem, and rounded upon the back, 
 They consist of a few thick fleshy scales and a short fleshy axis. Garlic has a peculiar 
 pungent and disagreeable odor and an acrid, burning taste. It is used in the fresh state 
 only. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides the cellular tissue, garlic contains between 50 and 60 per 
 cent, of water, 35 per cent, of mucilage, some albumen, sugar, starch, and about \ per 
 cent, of volatile oil, to which its odor and taste are due. In its crude state oil of garlic 
 is of a dark brown-yellow color, heavier than water, of a very repulsive taste, and con- 
 sists of oxide and sulphides of allyl. The rectified oil consists mainly of the sulphide, 
 (C 3 H 5 ) 2 S, is colorless, lighter than water, and may be obtained artificially by treating an 
 alcoholic solution of potassium sulphide with allyl iodide. It dissolves easily in alcohol 
 and ether, and sparingly in water; with silver nitrate, mercuric chloride, and other 
 metallic salts it forms crystalline compounds. Garlic, macerated in water or vinegar, 
 yields its virtues to these liquids. 
 
 Allyl Tribromide. — Tribromhydrin C 3 H 5 Br 3 = CII 2 Br.CHBr. CH 2 Br, a body closely allied to 
 oil of garlic, is made by allowing bromine (1J parts) to act on allyliodide, C 3 H 5 I. (1 part) which 
 is cooled by a freezing mixture. The liquid is filtered after twenty-four hours and the filtrate 
 purified by distillation, the tribromide boiling at 217° C. (422° F.). It has the sp. gr. 2.407 
 (Henry). On subjecting to cold the tribromide congeals in the form of prisms fusing at 16-17° 
 C. (60-61.5° F.). 
 
 Preservation. — Garlic is best preserved in a dry place at a moderate temperature, 
 in which it slowly parts with its water. A. P. Sharp proposed (1864) to put the fresh 
 and clean bulblets into a jar and add a small quantity of alcohol — about 2 ounces to a 
 quart jar. The vitality of the bulbs is destroyed, and they retain their properties in the 
 closed vessel for a long period, but change in color, acquiring a brownish somewhat 
 diaphanous appearance. 
 
 Allied Species. — The following species of Allium are more or less cultivated for culinary 
 purposes ; their bulbs and leaves possess a garlic-like but mostly milder odor, which is depend- 
 ent upon similar volatile oils. Medicinally, they appear to have the same properties, though 
 in a milder degree : 
 
 Allium Cepa, Linne; Onion, E. ; Oignon, Fr. ; Zwiebel, G. 
 
 Al. Porrum, Limit; Leek, E. ; Porreau, Fr. ; Lauch, G. 
 
 Al. Ascalonicum, Linnt ; Shallott, E. ; Echallotte, Fr. ; Schallotte, G. 
 
 Al. Schoenoprasum, Linne ; Chives, E. ; Civette, Fr. ; Schnittlauch, G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Garlic, as well as leek and onion, is a stimulant to the part to 
 which it is directly applied and to the whole system. Its odorous element may be per- 
 ceived on the breath and its taste in the mouth when the briused bulb has been applied 
 to the skin. When eaten raw its odor exhales from many parts of the body, and, given 
 to nursing women, it taints their milk, so that their infants refuse the breast. It reddens 
 the skin, and may even vesicate it. Internally, it stimulates the digestive organs, and is 
 everywhere used, but principally in southern countries, as a condiment for various kinds 
 of food. Excessive quantities of it produce nausea, vomiting, colic, and diarrhoea. The 
 odor of garlic is popularly employed to revive persons from a swoon or from hysterical 
 insensibility. It is a vermifuge not to be neglected in the treatment of lumbricoid worms 
 when given by the mouth, and for destroying ascarides when administered by the rectum. 
 Many cases of dropsy , particularly of anasarca produced by cold, have been cured by a 
 diet of bread and raw onions. This regimen will sometimes produce copious diuresis. 
 Onions boiled in milk have been used successfully for a like purpose. Anciently, bruised 
 cloves of garlic were applied to wounds made by venomous serpents and insects and mad 
 dogs (Adams, Comm, on Paulus FEgineta ; Ebn. Baithar), and their prescriptions were 
 repeated by mediaeval physicians. Poultices of boiled onion are admirable remedies for 
 chronic bronchitis in children. They should be applied over the whole front of the chest. 
 Internally, garlic is a very useful agent in the same affection. It is also a domestic remedy 
 for whooping cough. Onion poultices are particularly applicable to abscesses ; the core of 
 a roasted onion relieves earache when introduced into the auditory canal. Onion and 
 garlic cataplasms applied to the perineum relieve strangury. The dose of bruised or 
 chopped garlic or of the expressed juice is about Gm. 2 (gr. xxx). 
 
 Allyl tribromide has been administered in capsules, each containing 5 drops, for the 
 relief of various spasmodic disorders, including agina pectoris , asthma , hysteria , and 
 in fa ntile con vulsions. 
 
A L XUS.— ALOE. 
 
 161 
 
 ALNUS. — Alder-Bark. 
 
 Black Alder , E. ; Ecorce d'aune , Aune noir , Fr. ; Erlenrinde , Schwarzerle , Eller , G . ; 
 
 Sp. 
 
 The bark of Alnus glutinosa, Gsertner , s. Betula Alnus, Linn 6, and of Alnus serrulata, 
 Alton. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cupuliferae. 
 
 Origin. — The first species is a tree about 9 M. (30 feet) high, indigenous to Europe 
 and Northern Asia; the second is a native of the United States, and attains a height of 
 about 3 M. (10 feet). Both grow in moist localities. 
 
 Description. — The bark is in quillsor curved pieces about 1.2 Mm. (^ inch) thick, 
 smooth on both sides, of a brownish ash-gray color externally, the young bark with reddish- 
 brown dots, brownish-orange on the inner surface, inodorous, and of an astringent some- 
 what bitter taste. It is brittle, and breaks with an uneven, not splintery, fracture. The 
 bark of the American species, which is called black alder , resembles the preceding, but is 
 of a blackish-gray externally ; has small suberous warts, which become somewhat confluent 
 transversely, and is marked with a few coarse longitudinal striae upon the orange-brown 
 inner surface. 
 
 Constituents. — Alder-bark contains tannin, that of the black alder about 4 per cent, 
 and the aments of the same species 1.5 per cent. (Bowman, 1*869). These results were 
 obtained by precipitation with gelatin. According to Stenliouse (1843), the tannin of the 
 European alder-bark is precipitated by gelatin, but not by tartar emetic ; ferric acetate 
 yields a purplish-blue, and ferrous chloride a dark olive-green, precipitate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The American species of alder is said to be “ astringent and 
 diuretic," which may be doubted, since astringents are seldom diuretics. Its astringency 
 resides in the leaves, as well as in the bark, with both of which decoctions are prepared 
 for the treatment of diarrhoea and hsematuria ; and the former, when bruised, are applied 
 to contusions , sprains , and ulcers. The inner bark is said to be emetic. The European 
 species possesses almost identical virtues. Its decoction is employed for the purposes 
 above mentioned, and as a gargle in sore throat , as a mouth-wash for ulceration of the gums, 
 etc., as an injection in leucorrhoea, etc. ; and the bruised leaves are sometimes applied to 
 the mammae to lessen the secretion of milk or dissipate indurations during lactation. 
 Internally, the bark has been used in intermittent fever. The dose of the powdered bark 
 is Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) several times a day. The decoction or infusion may be made with 
 Gm. 16 (gss) to Gm. 500 (Oj) of water. 
 
 The bark of Alnus viridis is said to be used as a remedy for dropsy by the Indians 
 living near Hudson’s Bay (Spaydon, Therap. Gaz ., viii. 398). 
 
 ALOE, V. S., Br., F. G ., F. It.— Aloes. 
 
 Alohs, Fr. ; Aloe, G. ; Acibar , Sp. 
 
 The inspissated juice of the leave* of different species of Aloe. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 282, 283, 284. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliaceae. 
 
 Official Varieties. — 1. Aloe Barbadensis, Br., U. S. — Barbadoes aloes, He- 
 patic aloes, E. ; Alo6s hepatique des Barbades, Fr. ; Barbadoes Aloe, G . — From Aloe 
 vera ( Linne ), Webb, s. A. vulgaris, Lamarck. 
 
 2. Aloe Capensis, U. S. 1870 ; Aloe, P. G., Aloe lucida.— Cape aloes, E . ; Alo4s du 
 Cap, Aloes lucide, Fr. ; Capaloe, G . — From Aloe ferox, Lamarck, A. spicata, Thunberg , 
 A. Lingua, Linne, s. Gasteria Lingua, Willdenow, and of other species of Aloe. 
 
 3. Aloe Socotrina, Br., U. S. — Aloe, U. S. 1878, Aloe socotrina.— Socotrine aloes, 
 E . ; Aloes sucotrin, A. sucotrin, Fr . ; Socotora Aloe, Socotrinische Aloe, G . — From 
 Aloe Perry i, Baker. 
 
 Origin. — In aspect these plants resemble the so-called century-plant, or American 
 aloe, Agave americana, Linne. Of the above-named species, Aloe vera has yellow flowers, 
 and is indigenous to India and North-eastern Africa, and has been naturalized along the 
 shores of the Mediterranean and in the West Indian Islands ; A. indica, Royle, A. littoralis, 
 Koenig, and several other forms described as distinct species, are now regarded as mere 
 varieties of this. A. socotrina, with orange-red flowers, belongs to the east coast of 
 Africa, near the southern shore of the Red Sea, and to the neighboring islands of the 
 Indian Ocean. A. purpurascens, Haworth, A. rubescens, De Candolle , and A. officinalis, 
 Forskal, which are indigenous to tropical or Southern Africa, have been referred to this 
 11 
 
162 
 
 ALOE. 
 
 species as varieties. A. spicata, with yellowish and orange-colored flowers, and A. ferox, 
 with reddish or yellowish flowers, are indigenous to the southern part of Africa, together 
 
 with A. africana, Miller , A. linguae- 
 ^ IG - 11- formis, Linne , A. aborescens, Miller , 
 
 and other species, which are used in 
 preparing some of the commercial 
 aloes. The aloes-plant of the island 
 of Socotra, according to Balfour 
 (1882), is Aloe Perryi, Baker, a 
 species quite distinct from A. soco- 
 trina. Aloe abyssinica, Lamarck , is 
 probably the source of Jafferabad aloes, 
 met with in commerce in Bombay. 
 
 Preparation.— The large fleshy 
 leaves of these plants contain in their 
 central part an insipid, thick, muci- 
 laginous juice, and a bitter yellowish 
 juice in distinct, elongated, thin- 
 walled ducts situated near the sur- 
 face. To obtain this bitter juice the 
 leaves are cut off near their base, and 
 then placed in suitable vessels, into 
 which their cut ends project. The 
 vessel used in Barbadoes and other 
 West Indian Islands is an inclined 
 trough from which the juice flows 
 into other vessels, where it is pre- 
 served until it can be evaporated. In 
 the Cape Colony a shallow ditch is dug into the ground and covered with a goat-skin, 
 which, when nearly filled, is emptied at once into an iron kettle, and without much atten- 
 tion boiled down to the proper consistence. Greater care is bestowed upon the evapora- 
 tion of the juice in Barbadoes and Cura§ao, the impurities being removed during the 
 evaporation, and when of sufficient consistence the juice is poured into boxes or gourds, 
 where it solidifies on cooling. Socotrine aloes seems to be mostly derived from Zanzibar 
 and other places farther north on the east coast of Africa. It enters commerce by way 
 of Bombay. Nothing is known of the method pursued in its manufacture, except that 
 the juice appears to be inspissated by spontaneous evaporation. The importation of all 
 kinds of aloes into the United States varies between 96,500 pounds in 1876 and 230,624 
 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Aloe Purificata, U. S . — Purified aloes, E. ; Aloes depure, Fr. ; Gereinigte Aloe, G. 
 
 Socotrine Aloes 1000 Gin. Alcohol 200 Cc. Heat the aloes, by means of a water- 
 bath, until it is completely melted. Then add the alcohol, and, having stirred the mix- 
 ture thoroughly, strain it through a No. 60 sieve which has just been dipped into boiling 
 water. Evaporate the strained mixture by means of a water-bath, constantly stirring, 
 until a thread of the liquid becomes brittle on cooling. Lastly, break the product, when 
 cold, into pieces of convenient size, and keep it in well-stopped bottles. — U. S. 
 
 The process remains the same as heretofore ; its object is the removal of fragments of 
 leaves, wood, stones, pieces of skin, and other extraneous matter, which are always found 
 in larger or smaller proportion in Socotrine as well as in Cape aloes. If the heat is reg- 
 ulated by means of a water-bath, there is no danger of impairing the virtues of aloes by 
 ovei heating. The melted aloes is rendered sufficiently fluid, by the addition of the alcohol, 
 to pass without difficulty through the sieve, if this has been previously warmed. The 
 impurities remain upon the sieve, and the strained liquid may be at once evaporated. If 
 the operation has been carefully performed, purified aloes will be dull-brown or reddish- 
 brown, brittle, of the peculiar aromatic odor of Socotrine aloes, and will yield a bright 
 brownish-yellow powder. 
 
 Description. — 1. Barbadoes Aloes. It is usually imported in gourds, and has a 
 deep-brown or orange-brown color, which in thin pieces has a decidedly yellow or reddish- 
 yellow tinge ; it is opaque in mass, translucent in thin splinters, and breaks with a smooth 
 scarcely conchoidal, waxy fracture. When breathed upon it has a strong saffron-like 
 odor, which is, however, distinct from that of Socotrine aloes. With nitric acid it ac- 
 quires a red color, and on mixing with sulphuric acid, and then blowing the vapor of 
 
ALOE. 
 
 63 
 
 j nitric acid over the mixture, it should remain colorless or assume only a greenish-blue 
 tint (difference from Natal aloes). Ether dissolves about 10 percent, of Barbadoes aloes. 
 
 Similar in appearance, but rather darker and more glossy, are Curacao and Bonaire 
 aloes ; their fracture is more conchoidal and their odor less agreeable. 
 
 2. Cape Aloes. This is readily distinguished from the other kinds by its dark, 
 blackish-brown color (which is frequently of an olive tint), its glossy appearance, and its 
 large conchoidal fracture. It is transparent on the edge, with a red-brown color, and has 
 a saffron-like but disagreeable sourish odor. It affords a light yellowish-brown or greenish- 
 brown powder, and yields to ether from 1.5 to 6.5 per cent, of soluble matter. It is 
 imported in cases, and varies more or less in the shade of color and in the brilliancy of 
 its fracture. 
 
 3. Socotrine or Zanzibar Aloes. This is put up in skins, and of late years also 
 in kegs and tin-lined boxes. It is sometimes met with in the liquid state, and separates 
 then into two distinct layers, of which the upper one is transparent, while the lower con- 
 sists of a brown-yellow crystalline mass. Even when quite hard externally the interior 
 of the packages is often found in a soft or semi-fluid state. When carefully dried it has 
 a conchoidal, dull fracture, and is of a yellowish orange-brown color, destitute of the 
 greenish hue of Cape aloes. On exposure the color darkens considerably upon the surface. 
 The powder is of a bright brownish yellow, and when dried and then heated to 100° C. 
 (212° F.) it should not cake. When breathed upon it emits an aromatic saffron-like 
 odor, more pleasant than that of the other varieties. From 4 to 5.5 per cent, of Soco- 
 trine aloes is soluble in ether. Socotrine aloes assumes with nitric acid a reddish-brown 
 color, and on blowing the vapor of nitric acid over a mixture of this aloes and sul- 
 phuric acid, it should not become blue. 
 
 4. Other Varieties of Aloes. Under the name of hepatic aloes a variety of Soco- 
 trine aloes was formerly known in Europe, which came into commerce from the East 
 Indies. The name was afterward applied to any opaque liver-colored variety. In the 
 United States this name has been used to designate Barbadoes aloes. Natal aloes is an 
 opaque variety of a brownish-gray or light brownish-yellow color, differing very consid- 
 erably in appearance from the preceding varieties. It is prepared from an undetermined 
 species in the interior of Natal, the juice being concentrated by careful boiling. Jafferabad 
 aloes is of a black pitch-like color and lustre, a glassy somewhat porous fracture, and, in 
 powder, of a pale-brown hue ; its odor and taste are less agreeable than those of Socotrine 
 aloes. An inferior kind, known in European commerce as Molm aloes , comes from the 
 interior of Arabia ; it is opaque, almost black, of irregular fracture and disagreeable odor, 
 and yields a pale reddish-brown powder. By the name of Caballine or horse aloes European 
 writers used to designate the inferior, impure, and fetid kinds of different origin. 
 
 The difference in the sensible properties of the different varieties of aloes must in part 
 be referred to the species from which they are derived, and to the climate and soil in 
 which the plants grow ; and it must depend to a considerable extent upon the care 
 bestowed upon obtaining the bitter juice free from the insipid mucilaginous contents of 
 the cells of the interior parenchyma, upon the manner in which concentration is effected, 
 and upon its freedom from accidental impurities. These latter are perhaps never absent, 
 but are sometimes present in considerable proportion, although not readily observable on 
 the examination of the aloes ; hence the U. S. Pharmacopoeia orders the purification of 
 Socotrine aloes. The opaqueness of some sorts of aloes is due to the crystallization of 
 one of the principles. The glossy and transparent kinds do not contain such a crystallized 
 principle, but are nearly homogeneous. The odor of aloes is best observed when a sample 
 is breathed upon ; it resembles strongly saffron, associated with another odor, which is 
 distinct for each kind. The taste of aloes is disagreeably bitter and very persistent. 
 
 Aloes dissolves almost completely in alcohol and in boiling water, the latter solution sep- 
 arating, on cooling, about 40 to 60 per cent, of the so-called resin of aloes , which is taken 
 up by alkalies and reprecipitated by acids. Chloroform in contact with aloes remains 
 uncolored even when heated to boiling ; pure ether acquires only a slight yellowish color. 
 
 Constituents. — None of the older analyses have thrown any light upon the compo- 
 sition of aloes beyond establishing the degree of solubility of different samples in several 
 solvents and the behavior of these solutions with different reagents. T. and II. Smith of 
 Edinburgh succeeded (1851) in isolating from Barbadoes aloes a crystalline principle, 
 which was then named a Inin , but is now called barbaloin , to distinguish it from the crys- 
 talline principles of other varieties. Socotrine aloes, containing a large number of 
 crystals, was noticed by Pereira in 1852, and the crystalline principle was isolated by 
 Groves (1856), but then regarded as being identical with barbaloin, until their difference 
 
164 
 
 ALOE. 
 
 was shown by Histed (1871). Groves’s process consists in dissolving 1 part of aloes in 
 10 parts of boiling water, decanting after cooling from the sediment, and acidulating 
 slightly with hydrochloric acid. Tilden (1870) prefers acidulating the water with sul- 
 phuric, sulphurous, or hydrochloric acid before dissolving the aloes, and allowing to rest 
 overnight ; the clear liquid is then rapidly evaporated to about 2 parts, and set aside in 
 a cool place to crystallize ; the crystals are purified by recrystallization from very dilute 
 alcohol. Nataloin was obtained by Fliickiger (1871) by triturating Natal aloes with an 
 equal weight of alcohol at a temperature not exceeding 48° C. (118° F.), when the 
 amorphous portion will be dissolved ; the residuary crystalline mass, after washing with 
 cold alcohol, is recrystallized from hot methylic or ethylic alcohol. Socaloin, being soluble 
 in cold spirit almost as freely as the amorphous constituents, cannot be obtained in the 
 same manner ; but Histed succeeded in preparing it with little loss by mixings powdered 
 Socotrine aloes with a little alcohol (sp. gr. .9 # 60), expressing strongly between calico, and 
 crystallizing the press-cake from warm weak alcohol. The same process yields also the 
 aloin of Jafferabad aloes (Shenstone, 1882). 
 
 Aloinum , U. S ., Br., is barbaloin or socaloin. 
 
 Barbaloin , C 17 H 20 O 7 , occurs in small yellow prismatic needles, which dissolve at 15° C. 
 (59° F.) in 60 parts of water, 20 parts of alcohol, and 470 parts of ether. Bromine- 
 water produces in its solution a yellow precipitate of hromaloin, which crystallizes in 
 needles. Heated with nitric acid, barbaloin yields chrysammic, aloetic, picric, and oxalic 
 acids. Barbaloin, added to a drop of nitric acid, produces a crimson color, which rapidly 
 fades. According to Hanausek (1881), the aloin from Curagao aloes has the same be- 
 havior to reagents, but its composition is C 15 H 17 0 7 . 
 
 Socaloin or Zanaloin , C 15 H 16 0 7 , crystallizes in small yellow needles, which dissolve in 
 30 parts of absolute alcohol, 60 of water, 380 of ether, 9 of acetic ether, and freely in 
 methylic alcohol. Cold nitric acid has little effect upon socaloin, but upon heating 
 imparts to it an orange-red color, and oxidizes it to the same acids which are obtained with 
 barbaloin. Precisely the same effect was observed by Shenstone with the aloin from 
 Jafferabad aloes ; hence these three aloins form a well-defined group quite distinct from 
 nataloin. An aqueous solution of aloin is colored greenish-black by ferric chloride and 
 slowly precipitated by basic lead acetate. 
 
 Nataloin , C 16 H 18 0 7 , crystallizes best from methylic alcohol in thin pale-yellow rec- 
 tangular scales, which dissolve at 15.5° C. (60° F.) in 35 parts of methylic alcohol, 50 
 of acetic ether, 230 of absolute alcohol, and 1236 of ether. It is sparingly soluble in 
 hot and cold water and in about 60 parts of alcohol. Nitric acid does not convert it into 
 chrysammic acid, but yields oxalic and picric acids. Nataloin, added to a drop of nitric 
 acid, produces a crimson color, which is more permanent than the similar color produced 
 with barbaloin. If nataloin is added to a drop of sulphuric acid and the vapor of fuming 
 nitric acid is passed over the surface, the orange-colored liquid will assume a fine green 
 color, quickly changing to red and blue (Histed, Transac. Br. Pharm. Conf 1871 , p. 580). 
 
 Aloetic acid , C 7 H 2 (N0 2 ) 2 0, is an orange-red powder. Chrysammic acid , C u H 4 (N0 2 ) 4 - 
 (OH) 2 0, forms bright golden-yellow laminae, yields crystallizable salts having a metallic 
 lustre, and by nascent hydrogen and other deoxidizing agents is converted into hydrochrys- 
 amide , which is sublimable, and crystallizes in indigo-colored needles. 
 
 The above formulas for the three aloins are those of Sommaruga and Egger (1874), 
 and if correct would prove these principles to be homologous. Stenhouse’s formula for 
 crystallized barbaloin is C 34 H 36 0i 4 .H 2 0 ; Tilden’s formula for nataloin = C 25 H 28 O n ; Fliicki- 
 ger’s formula for socaloin = C 34 H 38 0i 5 + 5H 2 0. Tilden (1875) considers barbaloin and 
 socaloin, although differing in chemical and some physical properties, to have the compo- 
 sition C 16 H 18 0 7 , but to unite with different proportions of water of crystallization. These 
 results were confirmed by E. Schmidt (1876). On pouring a solution of aloin into an 
 excess of bromine-water, a precipitate of hromaloin , C 16 H 15 Br 3 0 7 , is obtained, which crys- 
 tallizes from alcohol in beautiful yellow needles. Nataloin does not yield a similar bro- 
 mine compound. 
 
 Kosmann did not succeed (1863) in obtaining a crystallizable body from Cape aloes ; 
 he assigned to the yellow amorphous portion, soluble in water and alcohol, the formula 
 C 34 H 22 O 20 , and stated that the insoluble portion had nearly the same composition, and that 
 both were glucosides. 
 
 Tilden and Bammell examined (1872) the so-called resin from Barbadoes and Socotrine 
 aloes, and observed that by continued boiling a portion of it can be rendered permanently 
 soluble in water. This and the insoluble portion are nearly alike in composition, and 
 appear to differ from barbaloin merely by the elements of water, and, for the insoluble 
 
ALOE. 
 
 165 
 
 resin also, by containing less hydrogen. This view is somewhat supported by the change 
 into an amorphous substance when aloin is boiled for a long time with water, or more 
 rapidly in the presence of a little alkali, while small quantities of acid prevent this change. 
 The amorphous aloetin , aloeresin , and aloebitter of older investigators must have been aloin 
 similarly modified. 
 
 By continued boiling of Socotrine aloes with alkali, Czumpelick (1861) obtained, among 
 other compounds, crystals of an acid which Hlasiwetz (1865) procured by boiling aloes 
 with dilute sulphuric acid, and named paracumaric acid ; on fusing this with potassa, 
 para-oxybenzoic acid is formed. The latter is also yielded by the same process from aloes, 
 together with oxalic acid, volatile fatty acids, and orcin, and, according to Weselsky 
 (1872), alorcinic acid. The latter is soluble in alcohol and ether, sublimable, and acquires 
 a transient purplish-violet color with chlorinated soda. 
 
 On distilling aloes with zinc-dust, Graebe and Liebermann (1868) obtained anthracene , 
 C 14 H ]0 , and E. Schmidt also metliylanthracene. On distilling aloes with lime, Robiquet 
 (1846) separated a colorless or yellowish oil, aloisol , of an odor resembling that of amyl 
 alcohol and oil of bitter almond. Rembold (1866) ascertained this aloisol to be a variable 
 mixture of acetone, xylenol, and other compounds. When incinerated, aloes yields from 
 1 to 4 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Pul vis Aloes et Canella, Hiera Picra. — Rub together and mix thoroughly Soco- 
 trine Aloes 4 ounces, Canella 1 ounce. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Aloes is presumed to act decidedly upon the lower bowels, 
 since it causes an increase of the hsemorrhoidal flux when it exists, and tends to bring 
 on or augment the menstrual flow. Genital irritation is sometimes manifested. The 
 general belief that aloes tends to produce haemorrhoids is contradicted by the results of 
 experience : these bodies probably arise from the constipation which aloes is given to 
 relieve. The evident stimulation of the pelvic organs by aloes has led to its use as an 
 abortifacient, but there is no case on record which conclusively proves it to be so. 
 Associated with sodium bicarbonate in watery solution and exposed to the air, aloes 
 loses, in a great degree, its bitterness and its purgative properties. It is held by some 
 that aloin is two or three times as active as good aloes. Its cathartic action is said to 
 be uniform, rather more speedy than that of crude aloes, and unattended by griping. 
 
 The action of aloes upon the stomach and indirectly on the liver, and its slow and 
 moderate operation as a purgative, have led to its use in habitual constipation; and it 
 enters into numberless compounds devised for the relief of that condition, especially as 
 it presents itself in persons of sedentary habits, on the approach of old age, as an effect 
 of repeated pregnancy, etc. It is said to be contraindicated by a plethoric, bilious, or haem- 
 orrhagic constitution, when the liver is congested, during pregnancy, and when haemor- 
 rhoids exist ; but these statements are not justified by experience. As regards haemorrhoids , 
 those attended with a mucous discharge are most apt to be benefited by aloes. Ascarides 
 of the rectum may often be destroyed by enemas of aloes, of which the best consists of 
 aloes dissolved in an infusion of quassia. Jaundice from “hepatic torpor ” or congestion 
 may be successfully treated with purgative doses of aloes combined with blue pill. The 
 condition so called, however, usually depends on constipation. In simple amenorrhoea 
 of the torpid sort aloetic purgatives are very efficient, especially in the form of tincture, 
 or of the pill of aloes and myrrh, or of the powder of aloes and canella. Aloes and 
 iron are equally valuable in cases of menorrhagia arising from debility, and enemas of 
 aloes and soap have been found serviceable in curing atonic uterine catarrh. Aloetic 
 laxatives will sometimes arrest gleet. Powdered aloes, which is used in veterinary sur- 
 gery, has been of great service in treating lacerated wounds (Millett). The other local 
 applications of aloes are described in connection with the tinctures into which it enters. 
 
 Aloes in pilular form is best administered alone, or simply associated with soap or with 
 an alkaline carbonate to promote its solution. As a laxative it may be given in the dose 
 of from Gm. 0.20-.0.60 (gr. iij-x). Custom has, however, sanctioned its use in combina- 
 tion with mastic for this purpose ; or one of the pills alluded to above, so compounded 
 that its several constituents shall be fitted to act upon the several divisions of the intesti- 
 nal canal. In these preparations the proportion of aloes should not exceed two or three 
 grains in each dose. The tincture and the wine of aloes are occasionally used as purga- 
 tives. Its combinations with myrrh, with asafoetida, and with cannella are especially 
 adapted to the treatment of derangements of the catamenia, and those with benzoin are 
 used as internal and also as local stimulants. Aloin may be substituted for aloes in the 
 various pills containing the latter. As a prescription for the relief of habitual constipa- 
 tion due to sluggishness of the bowels or torpor of the liver the following formula? have 
 
166 
 
 ALSTON I A. 
 
 been recommended; R. Aloes gr. I ; Ferri sulph. exsic. gr. iss ; Quiniae sulpb. gr. j ; Cap- 
 sici gr. i ; Ext. nucis vomic. gr. ss ; Ext. gentianae q. s. ut ft. pil. To be taken two or 
 three times a day, after *meals. R. Aloes gr. l; Strychninae gr. -gL ; Ext. belladonnae 
 gr. i ; Ipecacuanhas gr. M. ft. pil. S. at bed-time. 
 
 ALSTONIA. — Dita-Bark. 
 
 Scarce de dita , Fr. ; Ditarinde , Gr. 
 
 The bark of Alstonia (Echites, Linne ) scholaris, R. Brown. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 173. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Apocynaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Dita-bark comes from a stately forest tree indigenous to the East Indies, 
 Eastern Australia, the Philippines, and other neighboring islands. The wood is soft and 
 white, and the greenish-white flowers have, in the night, a strongly aromatic odor. 
 
 Description. — The bark is in thick curved pieces, usually about 2 or 4 inches 
 (5 to 10 Cm.) long, % an inch (12 Mm.) broad, and £ to i inch (3 to 8 Mm.) thick. It 
 is externally of a leather color, has a scaly appearance from its longitudinal and trans- 
 verse fissures, and is not unfrequently marked with small black spots. Internally it is 
 light yellowish-brown, the inner surface brown-gray and longitudinally striate. The bark 
 breaks with a short, or rather horny, somewhat porous fracture, showing in the outer layer 
 groups of yellow stone-cells, and in the inner layer narrow wavy medullary rays, and yields 
 a yellowish-gray powder, which is inodorous and has a slightly bitter not unpleasant taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Gr. Gruppe of Manilla obtained from dita-bark about 2 to 5 per 
 cent, of ditaine , which was uncrystallizable, very hygroscopic, and bitter. Jobst 
 and Hesse (1875) obtained from the aqueous solution of the alcoholic extract by 
 lead acetate a precipitate containing a crystalline and an oily acid, by lead subatetate 
 a precipitate containing resin-like bodies, and by phosphotungstic acid a precipitate 
 containing the alkaloid ditamine , C 16 H 19 0 2 , which is a white bitter powder soluble in 
 ether, alcohol, chloroform, and benzene, and by sulphuric acid is colored red, on warm- 
 ing violet-red ; by nitric acid yellow, on warming dark-green to violet. Only .02 per 
 cent, of the alkaloid was obtained, which yields very bitter salts. The bark yields to 
 petroleum benzin several fatty and resinous substances, named echicaoutchin , echiretin , 
 echicerin , echitin , and echitein , and the three last of which are crystallizable. Harnack 
 (1877) isolated a crystalline alkaloid, ditaine , which Hesse (1881) named echitamine , 
 C 22 H 28 N 2 0 4 . It forms glossy prisms containing 4H 2 0, is a strong base, is almost insol- 
 uble in benzene and benzin, and dissolves readily in water, alcohol, and, if freshly pre- 
 cipitated, also in ether and chloroform. Its hydrochlorate is sparingly soluble in cold 
 water and nearly insoluble in hydrochloric acid and in alkali chlorides. Sulphuric acid 
 imparts a deep purplish-red color, changing to green. Hesse obtained also a third alka- 
 loid, echitenine , C 20 H 27 NO 4 , which is amorphous, brown, easily soluble in alcohol, less so 
 in water, and is colored reddish-violet by sulphuric acid, and purple, afterward green and 
 yellow, by nitric acid. 
 
 Allied Drug. — The closely allied poele-bark of Java, which comes from Alstonia spectabilis, R. 
 Brown , yielded to Hesse 0.8 per cent, of echitamine, or fully six times the quantity contained in 
 dita-bark ; it contains also the other alkaloids in larger proportion than the latter ; and in addi- 
 tion thereto alstonamine , which resembles ditamine in behavior, but is crystallizable ; it was iso- 
 lated by A. Scharlee in 1862, and then named alstonine , but this name is now used for one of the 
 alkaloids of Australian alstonia-bark. 
 
 Alstonia-bark, from Alstonia constricta, F. Mueller , a native of Australia, differs greatly in 
 appearance from the dita-bark in being 3 to 5 Cm. (11 to 2 inches) thick, deeply furrowed, 
 externally brown-gray, or after abrasion ochrey-yellow, and ridged upon the inner surface ; 
 the bast-layer is about 6 Mm. (1 inch) broad, yellow, tough and fibrous, and is covered by 
 the thick, spongy, and friable corky layer, which is composed of alternating bands of lighter 
 and darker ochre color, these bands being present also in the much thinner bark from young 
 wood, with a relatively thin periderm ; the powder is grayish-yellow, odor slight, taste persist- 
 ently bitter. 
 
 The bark was described and its origin determined by Charles Mohr (1879). Palm (1863) found 
 in it a neutral bitter principle, alstonia ; Hesse (1865) two alkaloids, chlorogenine and porphy- 
 rine ; Mueller and Rummel described an alkaloid, alstonine; and Oberlin and Schlagdenhauffen 
 (1879) a second uncrystallizable alkaloid, alstonicine. The alkaloids characterized by Hesse in 
 1881 are : alstonine (chlorogenine), O 21 II 20 N 2 O 4 , brownish-yellow, amorphous, readily soluble in 
 alcohol, and, when freshly precipitated, also in chloroform and water, sparingly soluble in ether ; 
 its salts are insoluble in dilute acids : porphyrine . C 21 H 25 N 3 0 2 , white, amorphous, soluble in 
 petroleum naphtha, freely soluble in ether, alcohol, and chloroform, the acid solutions of a 
 
ALTHAEA. 
 
 167 
 
 blue fluorescence : sulphuric or nitric acid dissolves it with a purple color, that with nitric 
 acid changing to yellowish and brownish green ; alstonidine crystallizes from its solutions in 
 chloroform, ether, alcohol, acetone, and hot petroleum naphtha ; is not colored by sulphuric or 
 nitric acid, but its solutions show blue fluorescence. One or more other alkaloids are present 
 in minute quantity. 
 
 Allied Species. — In the East Indies the root of Echites malabarica, Lamarck, is used as a febri 
 fuge, and the leaves as an application to carbuncles ; the leaves of Ech. caryophyllata, Roxburgh, 
 in arthritic fevers ; and the bark of Ech. pubescens, Buchanan , and Ech. antidysenterica, Rox * 
 burgh , like the Brazilian Ech. Cururu, Martins , Ech. insignis, Sprengel , and Ech. longiflora, Des- 
 fontaines , in diarrhoea and dysentery. Ech. syphilitica, Linnt filius , of Surinam, is used there in 
 syphilitic complaints. 
 
 Under the name of conessi-bark the bark of one or two of the above species has sometimes 
 been used ; but true conessi-bark is referred to Wrightia (Holarrhena) antidysenterica, R. Brown. 
 It contains an alkaloid which was discovered by Haines ( 1858 ), but obtained pure by Stenhouse 
 ( 1864 ), and has been named cones sine, wrightine, and kurchicine ; it is white, amorphous, bitter, 
 and readily soluble in alcohol, ether, and dilute acids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dita-bark and also its alkaloid are reported to have been used 
 successfully in intermittent fever in the East Indies, where also curare is employed for the 
 same purpose. According to Cathcart, “ the bitter bark of Alstonia constricta, some- 
 times called native quinine, is in common use by the shepherds in the interior of Southern 
 Australia as a domestic remedy for malarial fevers” (Amer. Jour. Phar., Aug. 1879, p. 
 405). Anderjoia or Concassi bark has long been used in the East Indies in the treat- 
 ment of dysenteric affections, and generally as a bitter tonic. In the disorders named it 
 has been compared with ipecacuanha. It has also been employed to cure periodical fevers, 
 and locally the fresh juice of the tree was applied as a dressing to wounds. 
 
 AL.TH-5HA, TJ. S . — Marshmallow-Root, Althea. 
 
 Radix althsese, P. A., P. G. — Guimauve , Fr. Cod. ; Althee , Eibisch , G. ; Altea , Malva- 
 visco, Sp. 
 
 The root of Althrna officinalis, Linn Woodville, Med. Bot., 198 ; Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants, 35. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Malvaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial herb is indigenous to the temperate portion of Northern and 
 Western Asia and to the greater part of Europe, and has been naturalized in the salt- 
 marshes along the coast of New England and New York. For medicinal purposes the 
 root of the cultivated plant is generally employed ; and in Europe the leaves, and occa- 
 sionally the flowers, are likewise used. 
 
 Description. — The root is fit for use when 2 or 3 years old ; of older roots only the 
 fleshy branches are used, the woody main root being rejected. It is collected early in the 
 spring or in autumn, and deprived of the radicles and of its brown-yellow cork and outer 
 bark by peeling. It forms nearly cylindrical or obtusely angular and furrowed, somewhat 
 tapering, pieces about 7 to 20 Cm. (3-8 inches) long, and about 12 Mm. (£ an inch) 
 thick. It is of a white color externally and yellowish-white internally, and breaks with 
 a short and granular fracture, which is fibrous only in the cortical portion from the long- 
 slender bast-fibres, visible also upon the surface of the commercial article and imparting 
 to it a somewhat hairy appearance. The surface is marked with the brownish circular 
 scars of the radicles ; the internal bark, in diameter about one-tenth of the root, contains 
 bast-fibres in small groups and arranged somewhat in concentric circles, and is separated 
 by the brown cambium-line from the slightly radiate meditullium, having narrow medul- 
 lary rays and small vascular bundles indistinct to the naked eye, and consisting of a few 
 wood-cells and 3 or 4 duets marked with circular or elongated dots. The thin-walled paren- 
 chyma contains starch, with scattered cells containing crystalline clusters of calcium oxa- 
 late, and larger cells filled with mucilage. Marshmallow-root has a faint, peculiar aro- 
 matic odor and a sweetish mucilaginous taste. 
 
 Young and peeled belladonna- roots bear some resemblance to marshmallow, but are 
 readily distinguished by the absence of the hair-like bast-fibres upon the surface and by 
 the yellowish wood-bundles which are plainly visible. Old and discolored roots have been 
 sometimes whitened by lime or calcium sulphate, which is readily recognized in the sedi- 
 ment resulting on leaving the root in contact with water. The infusion of the root is 
 yellowish, mucilaginous, somewhat aromatic, and of an insipid taste ; the cooled decoction 
 (but not the cold infusion) is colored blue by solution of iodine. 
 
 Powdered marshmallow-root, being very absorbent, is advantageously used to impart to 
 soft pill-masses the proper consistence. 
 
168 
 
 ALTHAEA. 
 
 Constituents. — A. Buchner obtained (1832) from marshmallow-root 37.5 per cent, 
 starch, 35.6 mucilage, 11 pectin, also asparagin, sugar, fixed oil, glutinous matter, cellulose, 
 and salts. Cold water will take up the mucilage, sugar, and asparagin, while the decoction 
 will, in addition thereto, contain starch. 
 
 Asparagin , C 4 II 8 N 2 0 3 H 2 0, was discovered (1805) by Yauquelin and Robiquet in aspar- 
 agus, by Bacon (1826) in marshmallow-root, and more recently in many other plants. L. 
 A. Buchner obtained it (1862) in a convenient manner by dialyzing the mucilaginous 
 infusion in water and concentrating this solution to the crystallizing point. The yield is 
 about 2 per cent. (Plisson). It forms colorless, inodorous, and nearly tasteless crystals, 
 which are insoluble in strong alcohol and ether. It unites with both acids and alkalies, 
 and when boiled with them is converted into aspartic or amid o- succinic acid, C 4 FI 7 N0 4 , and 
 ammonia ; hence asparagin is amido-succinamide. Nitrous acid converts it into malic acid, 
 C 4 H 6 0 4 , water, and nitrogen. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Folia althaeae, P. A., P. G.; Feuillesde Guimauve, F. Cod. Marshmallow-leaves 
 are petiolate, 5 to 8 Cm. (2-3 inches) long, roundish-ovate or subcordate, three- or five-lobed, 
 irregularly crenately toothed, of a grayish-green color, and both sides velvety-downy with stellate 
 hairs ; their taste is mucilaginous. 
 
 Fleurs de Guimauve, F. Cod . — The medium-sized flowers have a nine-leaved downy involucre, 
 5 sepals and petals, the latter rose-colored and retuse above ; stamens numerous, united in a 
 column and with the short claws of the petals ; taste mucilaginous. 
 
 Allied Species. — Most plants of the order Malvaceae possess mucilaginous properties, and many 
 are employed in their native countries in regular or domestic practice. The following appear to 
 deserve a passing notice : 
 
 Althaea (Alcea, Limit ) rosea, Cavanilles , Hollyhock, E. ; Rose-tremikre, Passe-rose, Fr. ; 
 Stockrose, Stockmalve, G., is indigenous to the Levant, frequently cultivated in gardens. The 
 flowers, Flores malvce arborece , are nearly sessile, 7 to 10 Cm. (3 or 4 inches) in diameter, have 
 a tomentose calyx, a six-cleft involucre, and 5 broad or retuse petals, which are connected 
 at the base with the column of the united stamens. The purple-colored flowers are generally 
 preferred. 
 
 Malva sylvestris, Limit , High mallow, E. ; Mauve sauvage, Grande mauve, Fr. ; Kasepappel, 
 Waldmalve, G. It is a native of Europe, somewhat naturalized in North America, has an erect 
 or decumbent stem .75 M. (about 2£ feet) high, roundish-reniform, five- or seven-lobed and cre- 
 nately-toothed leaves, and purplish, dark-veined flowers, which resemble the preceding, but are 
 only 25 Mm. (1 inch) wide, and have a pubescent three-leaved involucre. The dried flowers, 
 Flores malvce {vulgaris), P. A., P. G., are bluish, and turn green with ammonia and red with 
 acids. 
 
 Malva vulgaris, Fries , s. M. neglecta, Wallroth , resembles the preceding, but the stem is pro- 
 cumbent, the leaves are smaller and obtusely lobed, and the petals rose-colored or whitish. The 
 leaves of this and the preceding species constitute the Folia ( herba ) malvce , (P. A.) P. G. ; Mallow- 
 leaves, E. ; Feuilles de mauve , Fr. ; Malvenblatter , G. ; Malva , Sp. 
 
 Malva rotundifolia, Linnt , Common mallow, E. ; Petite mauve, F. Cod. ; Kasekraut, G. ; 
 is indigenous to Europe, extensively naturalized in America; has a procumbent stem, round, 
 heart-shaped somewhat lobed and crenate leaves, whitish flowers with slightly retuse rather short 
 petals, and numerous wrinkled one-seeded carpels circularly arranged. 
 
 Hibiscus (Abelmoschus, Guillemin et Perrottet) esculentus, Linn 6 (cancellatus, Roxburgh , 
 variety), Okra or Gombo. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 36. — It is indigenous to tropical 
 Africa, and cultivated in most tropical and subtropical countries. The heart-shaped about five- 
 lobed toothed leaves and the unripe capsules are used. The latter are about 6-25 Cm. (2j and 
 sometimes 10 inches) long, about five-angled, narrow cylindrical, tapering above, hairy, often 
 curved, and contain one row of roundish reniform seeds in each cell. The pericarp abounds in 
 mucilage. 
 
 Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Linn 6, Abelmoschus moschatus, Moench , indigenous to India and 
 Egypt, naturalized in tropical America, yields Semen abelmoschi s. Gratia moschata — Musk-seed , 
 E. ; Ambretta , Graine de muse , Fr. : Moschuskoerner , Bisamkoerner, G. — These seeds are flattish 
 reniform, about 3 Mm. (-J inch) long, grayish-brown, concentrically striate, blackish at the hilum, 
 internally whitish and oily, and have a thin endosperm and curved embryo. The strong musk- 
 like odor resides in the testa, and becomes more apparent on rubbing or warming. The seeds 
 are used in perfumery as a substitute for musk. The distilled oil contains acetic and palmitic 
 acids, and when freed from the fat aqid remains liquid at 0° C. 
 
 Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Linne , Red sorrel, Rozelle, E. ; Oseille de Guinee, Ketrnie acide, Fr . — It 
 is indigenous to Africa, and cultivated and naturalized in the tropics. The yellow and red calyx 
 is provided with a twelve-cleft light-red involucre, and is used on account of its mucilage and free 
 tartaric and malic (or oxalic?) acids. In Mexico and in Texas it is known as Jamaica. 
 
 Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis, Limit, China rose, E., G . : Rose de Chine, Fr. — Cultivated. The root 
 is used in the East like marshmallow. The stein-bark is said to be emmenagogue. 
 
 Abutilon avicennas, Gcertner, s. Sida Abutilon, Linne , indigenous to India, naturalized in 
 America, and known as velvet leaf , The roundish-cordate leaves and yellow flowers are muci- 
 laginous. Abutilon indicum, Don, is employed in India. 
 
A LUMEN. 
 
 161 ) 
 
 Several species of Hibiscus yield valuable textile fibres ; also several species of Sida, of which 
 genus S. cordifolia, S. spinosa, Limit, and others are medicinally used in India, and S. floribunda, 
 S. rhombifolia, Limit , and others in South America. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — S pecies altha^e. Althea-leaves 100; althea- 
 root 50; glycyrrhiza 25; mallow-flowers 10 parts — P. A. 
 
 Species emollientes. Althea-leaves, mallow-leaves, melilot, German chamomile, and 
 flaxseed, in coarse powder, equal parts. — P. G. Chamomile is omitted and flaxseed 
 doubled in quantity by P. A. 
 
 Species pectorales, P. G . ; Pectoral tea, E. ; Especes pectorales, Fr . ; Brustthee, G. 
 A mixture of cut althea-root 8 parts, peeled liquorice-root 3, orris-root 1, colt’s-foot leaves 
 4, mullein-flowers 2, and anise 2 parts. — P. G. Althea-leaves 200 ; glycyrrhiza 150 ; 
 althea-root 50; pearl barley 50; mullein-flowers 10; mallow-flowers 10; red poppy 10; 
 star-anise 10 parts. — P. A. Equal parts of the flowers of mallow, marshmallow, mouse- 
 ear, colt’s-foot, red poppy, violet, and mullein. — F. Cod. Although composed of seven 
 flowers, it is known in France as quatresfleurs. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Marshallow is an emollient protective, and is somewhat nutri- 
 tious. It is employed in Europe as a demulcent in all inflammatory and irritable condi- 
 tions of the mucous membrane of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary organs, and 
 poultices formed of the bruised or powdered root are applied to inflammations of the skin 
 and local eruptions — e. g. herpes, palmar psoriasis. An ointment prepared with the fresh 
 leaves is well adapted to these purposes. The decoction has been used as an injection 
 to allay irritation of the vagina and of the rectum. It is prepared by adding the sliced 
 root to hot water, to the production of a mucilage of the required thickness. The root 
 is made use of in France, as orris-root is elsewhere, for teething children to bite upon. 
 The so-called marshmallow paste contains no marshmallow. All the other plants above 
 enumerated may be used, like marshmallow, as demulcents. 
 
 Sida floribunda was found by Martinet of Lima to possess vermicidal properties, which 
 he attributes to the mechanical action of the minute stiff spines that beset its leaves. 
 He was indebted for this alleged discovery to the instinct of a dog (. Nouveaux Remedes , 
 Juill. 1887). 
 
 ALUMEN, V. S., JP. G.- Alum. 
 
 Aluminii etpotassii sulphas , U. S. 1870; Sulphas aluminico-po l assicus. — Potassium alum , 
 Aluminum and potassium sulphate , E. ; Alun , Sulfate cValumineet de pofasse, Fr. ; Alann, 
 Ralialaun, G. : Solfato di alluminio e di potassio, F. It. ; Alumbre , Sp. 
 
 Formula K 2 A1 2 (S0 4 ) 4 24H 2 0. Molecular weight 946.46. 
 
 Alumen , Br. ; Alumini et ammonii sulphas , Sulphas aluminico-ammonicus. — Alum , Am- 
 monium alum , E. ; Alun ammonia cal, Fr. ; Ammoniakalaun, G. 
 
 Formula (NH 4 ) 2 A1 2 (S0 4 ) 4 24H 2 0. Molecular weight 904.42. 
 
 Origin. — Alums are compound sulphates, readily crystallizing in cubes and octahe- 
 drons of the regular system, and containing 24 molecules of water of crystallization, and 
 2 atoms each of a univalent and trivalent basylous radical. The most important trivalent 
 radicals which are capable of forming alums are aluminum, chromium, and iron, and the 
 univalent radicals potassium, sodium, aud ammonium. Ordinarily, the name alum is indis- 
 criminately used for the alumino-ammonium and for the alumino-potassium alum, both 
 kinds being recognized as such by the British Pharmacopoeia, while the United States, 
 French, and German Pharmacopoeias recognize the latter only. 
 
 Salts possessing a styptic taste (among them alum) were known and employed in ancient 
 times. In the Lipari Islands it appears to have been found as the product of disintegra- 
 tion of alum-stone and alum-slate, and in the sixth century B. c. it was employed by the 
 Phoenicians in dyeing. But the ancient Greek name, stypteria , and the Latin, alumen, were 
 given alike to various minerals and different products, and afterward the latter were insuffi- 
 ciently distinguished for many centuries. The earthy constituent of alum was first shown 
 by Marggraf (1754) to be distinct from lime. Agricola and Libavius in the sixteenth 
 century had recognized the necessity of using putrid urine (ammonia compounds) for the 
 production of alum. Marggraf had observed that alumina and sulphuric acid would not 
 produce alum until after the addition of potash ; but the existence of alkali in alum was 
 first proven by Lavoisier (1777), and by Chaptal and Vauquelin (1797 ), the latter show- 
 ing that either potash or ammonia may be present. Soda alum was first prepared by 
 Macintosh at the beginning of the present century. The exact composition of alum was 
 further determined by Vauquelin, Thenard, Berzelius, and others. 
 
170 
 
 A L U MEN. 
 
 The minerals most largely used in the manufacture of alum are alum-stone , or alunite , 
 and alum-slate. The former contains aluminum and potassium sulphates and aluminum 
 hydroxide; the latter consists mainly (about two-thirds) of clay or aluminum silicate, the 
 remainder being pyrites (iron sulphide) and bituminous matter, together with small quan- 
 tities of lime, manganese, etc. 
 
 Preparation. — When calcined clay containing but little iron (pipe-clay) is treated 
 with sulphuric acid until a pasty mass is obtained, this, on exposure to the air, will be 
 gradually converted into aluminum sulphate, which needs merely to be mixed, while 
 in solution, with ammonium or potassium sulphate to obtain crystals of alum. Previous 
 to calcination the clay is often mixed with 12 to 15 per cent, of charcoal or coke, after 
 which the combination with the sulphuric acid is more readily effected. This is one of 
 the processes employed in the United States, where alum is also made from cryolite by 
 heating it with strong sulphuric acid, washing with a little cold water, dissolving the 
 aluminum sulphate in hot water, and adding potassium or ammonium sulphate. 
 
 To prepare alum from alum-stone, this is calcined and then made into heaps, which are 
 kept moist ; after several months it has become disintegrated and converted into alum, 
 which is extracted by water and crystallized. 
 
 Alum-slate or shale is broken up and made into heaps, which are exposed to the air for 
 several months or years ; or, if the mineral be very hard, it is first subjected to a process 
 of slow roasting by stratifying it with wood or coal, setting fire to the heaps, and covering 
 it more or less in order to prevent too great a rise of temperature. During the exposure 
 the sulphur of the pyrites is oxidized to sulphuric acid, aluminum and iron sulphates 
 being formed, which are obtained in solution by lixiviating the heaps with water. This 
 solution is concentrated, and while hot mixed with potassium chloride, which, reacting 
 with the ferric sulphate, yields potassium sulphate and ferric chloride, the latter remain- 
 ing in solution in the mother-liquor, from which the alum separates on cooling as a crys- 
 talline powder. If the lixivium of the alum-heaps does not contain sufficient ferric sul- 
 phate, the potassium chloride is partly replaced by the sulphate. It is obvious that by 
 this process potassium alum is obtained, or ammonium alum if the corresponding am- 
 monium compound is substituted for the potassium salt. The alum is purified by one or 
 two recrystallizations, the last one being performed in large vats which can be taken apart. 
 
 The potassium chloride necessary in this process is obtained as soap-boiler’s waste and 
 as the refuse of saltpetre-refineries. The ammonium sulphate is cheaply obtained from 
 the liquor of gas-works. 
 
 Alum is extensively manufactured in the United States, but its consumption in the arts 
 is so great that over 8,500,000 pounds of the different commercial kinds were imported 
 in 1878, the importation having been reduced since 1880 to less than 2,500,000 pounds. 
 
 Properties. — The two official alums are similar in every respect, except that the 
 ammonium alum gives the odor of ammonia on the addition of an excess of potassium 
 hydroxide or carbonate, and, when heated to full redness, leaves finally alumina. Potas- 
 sium alum, at a white heat, leaves a mixture of alumina and potassium sulphate; but if 
 mixed with one-third its weight of sugar or similar organic matter, the mixture carbon- 
 ized and afterward heated to redness in a flask, contact with air being avoided, a powder 
 known as Homberg' s pgrophorus is obtained, which consists of an intimate mixture of 
 alumina, charcoal, and potassium sulphide, and which ignites spontaneously on exposure 
 to the air. 
 
 Alum crystallizes in colorless, inodorous, transparent regular octahedrons, which are 
 usually combined with the cube. Its specific gravity is 1.724 — of ammonium alum, only 
 1.631. It has an acidulous sweetish and astringent taste, and an acid reaction to test- 
 paper. Its aqueous solution dissolves iron, zinc, and other metals which are soluble in 
 diluted sulphuric acid, with the evolution of hydrogen. It is insoluble in alcohol or ether, 
 effloresces slightly on exposure to the air, losing at 40° C. (104° F.) 2.7 per cent., and 
 at 47° C. (116.6° F.) 9.6 per cent, of water; when heated to about 92° C. (197.6° F.) 
 it fuses, and loses all of its water of crystallization (45.52 per cent.) at 200° C. (392° F.), 
 leaving a voluminous white mass. (See Alumen exsiccatum). Ammonium alum 
 loses all its water of crystallization (47.6 per cent.) at above 205° C. (401° F.). At a 
 full red heat both are decomposed, but to effect the complete decomposition of potassium 
 alum a white heat is required, when sulphuric and sulphurous anhydride and oxygen 
 are given off. According to Poggiale (1843), 100 parts of water dissolve at — 
 
 0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 80° 100° C. 
 
 Ammonium alum, 5.22 9.16 13.66 19.29 27.27 36.51 103.08 421.9 parts. 
 
 Potassium alum, 3.9 9.52 15.13 22.01 30.92 44.11 134.47 357.48 “ 
 
.4 L U MEN. 
 
 171 
 
 Tlie determinations made by Mulder (1864) closely agree with those of Poggiale for 
 ammonium alum, but differ considerably for potassium alum. 1 part of the latter, accord- 
 ing to Redtenbacher (1865), dissolves at 17° C. (62.6° F.) in 7.41 parts, and, according 
 to Poggiale, at 20° C. (68° F.) in 6.61 parts, and at 10° C. (50° F.) in 10.5 parts of 
 water ; this last figure is given by both the British and German Pharmacopoeias as the 
 solubility of alum at 15° C. (59° F.), while Mulder’s results at the same temperature are 
 10.9 parts. 
 
 The U. S. Pharm. gives the solubility of potassium alum at 15° C. (59° F.) at 1 in 9 
 parts of water, and as 3 in 1 part of boiling water ; it is also freely soluble in warm 
 glycerin. 
 
 Tests. — The alkalies and alkali carbonates precipitate white gelatinous aluminum 
 hydroxide, which is insoluble in ammonia and the carbonated alkalies, but dissolves in 
 an excess of caustic soda and potassa. Commercial alum always contains a little iron, 
 from which it cannot be completely freed by recrystallization. It is owing to its presence 
 that solutions of alum become blue on the addition of potassium ferrocyanicle. and yield a 
 grayish precipitate with ammonium sulphide. The limit of this impurity is thus ascer- 
 tained : A solution of 1 6m. of alum in 20 Cc. of water should not at once assume a 
 blue color on the addition of 5 drops of test-solution of potassium ferrocyanide. — U. S. 
 The German Pharmacopoeia requires the same limit. The solution of alum in caustic 
 potassa or soda should not give off the odor of ammonia (absence of more than traces of 
 ammonium alum), nor should it yield a precipitate with hydrogen or ammonium sulphide 
 (absence of zinc and other metals). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Primarily, alum constringes all organic fibres, and hence tends 
 to diminish blood-supply and secretion in living parts ; but, secondarily, it increases both 
 as a result of its continued use. This operation it is of the utmost importance to 
 remember in its therapeutical applications. It is said to exert a destructive action upon 
 the enamel of the teeth. Alum is absorbed from the stomach, and is found in the urine, 
 liver, and spleen (Orfila) ; but its local action is that of an irritant, whereby it readily 
 excites vomiting when freely administered. Its operation is not violent, however, and it 
 does not occasion nausea. In other words, it is a mechanical emetic. 
 
 Alum is of advantage in severe haemorrhages, and particularly in those of a passive 
 type. Thus, in gastric and intestinal haemorrhages its efficacy will depend upon whether 
 the blood is rapidly or slowly extravasated ; in pulmonary haemorrhage, which is generally 
 active, its efficiency is not very great ; while in menorrhagia and haematuria it is appro- 
 priately and beneficially employed. In various fluxes its astringent operation is advan- 
 tageous. In gastric and intestinal catarrh it represses the secretion of mucus and the 
 vomiting or diarrhoea that results therefrom. The diarrhoea of typhoid fever is better 
 treated by alum than by any other astringent, except, perhaps, acetate of lead. In chronic 
 dysentery it is a valuable remedy for occasional use, and even in the acute form of the 
 disease alum enemata have been found efficient. In other fluxes it may lessen the dis- 
 charge, as in diabetes , but its utility is not very great. In diabetes insipidus or polyuria 
 it would probably be more useful. Formerly, it had much repute in chronic bronchial 
 fluxes , and it is still found advantageous in diminishing excessive secretion from the 
 air-passages, and not merely in chronic but also in acute bronchitis, and especially in that 
 form which occurs as an element of whooping cough and is attended with a profuse 
 expectoration of ropy mucus. Probably its utility is due to its action in constringing the 
 mucous membrane at the orifice of the larynx and blunting its sensibility. Strangely 
 enough from a rational point of view, some forms of constipation are favorably affected 
 by alum, as. that in which the condition depends upon atony of the bowels maintained by 
 habitual distension of them by flatus. It is still more singular that in lead colic , a dis- 
 ease in which the intestine is spasmodically contracted, alum has been proved efficient in 
 overcoming the constipation. For this purpose it should be given in doses of from Gm. 
 4-12 (3j-iij) daily, dissolved in a large quantitity of water slightly acidulated with sul- 
 phuric acid. As an emetic alum may be employed whenever mechanical emetics are 
 indicated, and particularly in pseudo-membranous laryngitis , or true croup , a disease in 
 which such emetics are pecularly indicated, but in which nauseants are exceedingly mis- 
 chievous. In narcotic poisoning similar evacuants are indicated, and none is better than 
 alum, especially in children. It probably operates not only as an emetic, but by its 
 astringent action on the gastric mucous membrane it checks the absorption of the poison. 
 Alum is one of the many remedies that occasionally cure intermittent fever , even after 
 the failure of quinine. It is still used in India, where burnt alum is preferred, and 
 given by some in doses of Gm. 0.50 (gr. viij) three hours before the expected paroxysm, 
 
172 
 
 ALU MEN. 
 
 while others prescribe powdered alum, from 50 to 100 grains a day, divided into six doses 
 (Uhle, Bull, de Therap ., cix. 229). 
 
 The topical uses of alum are numerous. It is extensively employed to arrest hemor- 
 rhage. As a local haemostatic it is used to check bleeding from the nostrils, gums, anus, 
 vagina, bladder, and rectum, from leech-bites and from the sockets of extracted teeth, 
 etc. In all such cases it may be applied in powder or in a strong solution upon sponge 
 or lint. The solution should be used warm, and allowed to cool where it is applied. 
 Lotions of alum-water are useful in repressing local and general sweats , and particularly 
 the fetid secretions of the feet, armpits, etc. ; the solution should not be strong, and 
 should be applied warm ; it is improved by the addition of salicylic acid. In oph- 
 thalmia a solution of Gm. 0.25 (gr. iv-v) to the ounce of water may be instilled into 
 the eye, but a much better method is to apply a poultice made by stirring finely powdered 
 alum and white of egg together, and enclosing the coagulated albumen in a cambric bag. 
 This application is a most excellent one for recent ecchymoses. Aphonia from laryngeal 
 atony is diminished by gargles of a drachm of alum or Gm. 4 in Gm. 100 (gj in f^iij) of 
 barley-water ; and the same remedy is of constant use for the relief of sore throat , espe- 
 cially of that form of tonsillitis in which the soft parts are tumid. In the graver forms 
 of angina , and especially in diphtheria and gangrenous pharyngitis , gargles, insufflations, 
 and atomized solutions of alum have been much employed ; they probaby tend to promote 
 the separation of the exudation, if not to check its formation. As far as the local treat- 
 ment of the diseases in question goes, alum is useful, although less so than other agents ; 
 but they, and especially diphtheria, are not merely local affections, and cannot be cured 
 by such treatment alone. Alum washes are useful in all the forms of stomatitis , but 
 especially in the ulcerative form. In subacute, in mild acute, and in chronic laryngitis 
 gargles containing alum are of decided advantage, but the medicine is still more useful 
 when it is applied to the interior of the larynx in an atomized solution. Finely- 
 powdered alum or burnt alum is one of the best applications for ingrowing teeth, as when 
 a posterior molar tooth of the lower jaw becomes partially covered by the gum, subject- 
 ing it to contusion and irritation and producing a very painful sore. The overhanging 
 flesh should be first cut away with a gum-lancet. In the analogous affection, ingrown 
 toe-nail , the same application is of great use if ulceration with granulation has already 
 taken place ; but it is essential that scraped lint should be introduced between the nail 
 and the sore, and that the movement of the parts should be restricted by a narrow roller 
 of adhesive plaster. The stimulant and astringent action of alum makes it a useful 
 application in chilblains. In all cases of morbid and exuberant action of mucous mem- 
 branes besides those above noticed alum renders important services. For indolent 
 ulcers , whether arising from burns or otherwise, and for- all profuse mucous and purulent 
 discharges from mucous membranes, when the inflammatory element is not active and the 
 parts are relaxed, it is one of the best remedies. Its efficacy is shown conspicuously in 
 cases of relaxation of the gnms , uvula , pharynx , vagina , and anus. In vaginal leucorrhoea 
 alum injections are better than any others, and washes of the same in leucorrhoea of the 
 vulva. In the former of these two affections a tampon of cotton coated with finely- 
 powdered alum may be applied by means of a speculum, or a cylinder of cotton cloth 
 saturated with a solution of alum, of which the strength should vary with the grade of 
 inflammation present. Injections of a solution of alum may be used in the treatment of 
 gonorrhoea and gleet in the male, a weak solution being generally the most efficient. Some 
 physicians, however, give a preference to a saturated solution. A mixture of alum, 
 mucilage, and sulphuric ether has been applied to carious cavities for the relief of 
 toothache. 
 
 Administration. — Alum may be administered internally in doses of Gm. 0.30- 
 2.60 (gr. v-xl), mixed with powdered sugar or with syrup. A few grains of some 
 aromatic prevent its nauseating effects. The emetic dose is Gm. 4-8 (3j-ij) given in 
 syrup ; when retching commences vomiting may b'e promoted by warm water. Alum 
 whey is made by boiling Gm. 8 (^ij) of powdered alum in a pint of milk, and straining; 
 the curd left behind is applicable to the purposes already mentioned, and may be prepared 
 with white of egg instead of milk. Alum gargles are made with Gm. 15-30 (^ss-j) 
 of alum in a pint of water, which may be sweetened with honey. Vaginal injections 
 may be used of about the same strength. As in the case of other irritants employed in 
 this manner, care must be taken not to throw the injection into the uterus. For collyria 
 a solution of Gm. 0.10-0.20 (gr. ij-iij) of alum in an ounce of water is usually suf- 
 cient ; for hemostatic uses a hot saturated solution is preferable. 
 
 Aceto-tartrate of aluminum is caustic and disinfectant. It has been employed in watery 
 
A LUMEN EXSICCA TUM.—A L UMTNT HYDRAS. 
 
 173 
 
 solution in various affections of the face, nostrils, and pharynx. It may be applied on a 
 mop in a 25 per cent, watery solution, or mixed with an equal quantity of some inert 
 powder (Holste). 
 
 ALUMEN EXSICCATUM, U . S ., Br .— Dried Alum. 
 
 Alumeii iistum, P. G. — Burnt alum , E. ; Alun calcine, A. desseche , A. brule , Fr. ; Ge- 
 brannter Almui , G. ; Allumeusto , It. 
 
 Formula K 2 A1 2 (S0 4 ) 4 . Molecular weight 515.42. 
 
 Preparation. — Alum, in small pieces, 100 Gin. ; to make 55 Gm. Place the alum 
 in a shallow porcelain capsule, so as to form a thin layer, and heat it on a sand-bath 
 until it liquefies. Then continue the application of a moderate heat, with constant stir- 
 ring, until aqueous vapor ceases to be disengaged, and a dry, white, porous mass is 
 obtained, weighing 55 grammes. When cold, reduce the product to a fine powder, and 
 preserve it in well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 The British Pharm. gives the same process, simply adding that the temperature shall 
 not be allowed to rise above 204.4° C. (400° F.). 
 
 Properties. — After exsiccation, dried alum forms a light porous mass which is easily 
 rubbed into a white granular powder. It is very slowly (but completely) soluble in cold 
 water, 20 parts, U. S., 30 parts P. G., at 15° C. (59° F.), but dissolves in a short time 
 in seven-tenths of its weight of boiling water (£ 7 ! $.), these tests being sufficient to prove 
 its faultless preparation. Owing to its slow solubility, its taste is at first slight, but soon 
 becomes more styptic than that of crystallized alum. Impurities may be detected in the 
 same manner as in alum. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dried alum is a powerful astringent and stimulant, and when 
 applied to tissues in process of growth may become escharotic. Hence, as was more 
 particularly pointed out in the preceding article, it is used to repress fungous granulations 
 and stimulate indolent and sanious ulcers , as well as mucous membranes tending to 
 hypertrophy, and with morbid secretions. Powdered dried alum is peculiarly fitted for 
 insufflation. 
 
 ALUMINI HYDRAS, U. -Aluminum Hydrate. 
 
 Alumina hydrata, P. G. 1872 ; Argilla pura s. hydrata . — Aluminum hydroxide f 
 Hydrated alumina , E. ; Hydrate d'alumine, Fr. ; Thonerdehydrat, G. 
 
 Formula Al 2 (OH) 6 . Molecular weight 155.84. 
 
 Origin. — Aluminum hydroxide is occasionally found native, forming the rare crys- 
 talline mineral gibbsite , Al 2 (OH) 6 , of North America, and diaspore , A1 2 (0H) 2 0 2 , of 
 Eastern Europe. For use in medicine it is prepared by precipitating the solution of an 
 aluminum salt with an alkali or alkali carbonate. Alumina is more frequently found in 
 the ashes of cryptogamous plants than those of phaenogams. 
 
 Preparation. — Alum ioo Gm. ; Sodium Carbonate 100 Gm. ; Distilled Water a 
 sufficient quantity. Dissolve each salt in 1000 cubic centimeters of distilled water; 
 filter the solutions and heat them to boiling. Then, having poured the hot solution of 
 sodium carbonate into a capacious vessel, gradually pour in the hot solution of alum 
 with constant stirring, and add an equal volume of boiling distilled water. Let the pre- 
 cipitate subside, decant the clear liquid, and pour upon the precipitate 2000 Cc. of hot 
 distilled water. Again decant, transfer the precipitate to a strainer, and wash it with 
 hot distilled water until the washings give but a faint cloudiness with test-solution of 
 barium chloride. Then allow it to drain, dry it at a temperature not exceeding 40° C. 
 (104° F.), and reduce it to a uniform powder. — U. S. 
 
 On mixing solutions of sodium carbonate and alum a decomposition takes place, result- 
 ing in the formation of sodium sulphate and potassium sulphate, which remain in solu- 
 tion ; aluminum hydroxide, which is precipitated; and carbon dioxide, which escapes ; 
 3Na 2 C0 3 + A1 2 K 2 (S0 4 ) 4 -f 3H 2 0 yields 3Na 2 S0 4 + K 2 S0 4 + A1 2 (0H) 6 + 3C0 2 . If 
 ammonium alum be used, ammonium sulphate remains in solution in place of potassium 
 sulphate ; the sodium carbonate may be replaced by an equivalent quantity of potassium 
 or ammonium carbonate. On adding the alkali carbonate to the alum solution the pre- 
 cipitated aluminum hydroxide persistently retains sulphuric acid and alkali ; but on slowly 
 adding the alum solution to the alkali carbonate, so that the latter remains continually 
 in excess, only a minute amount of basic sulphate will enter into the precipitate, and will 
 be almost completely decomposed by digesting the latter with the alkaline liquid. In 
 
174 
 
 A L IT MINI HYDRAS. 
 
 order to obtain it absolutely free from sulphate, Berzelius found it necessary to redissolve 
 the washed aluminum hydroxide in hydrochloric acid, and to precipitate this solution 
 with an excess of ammonia. For the washing of the precipitate hot (not boiling) water 
 is directed — a precaution necessary to avoid decomposition of the hydroxide. Sainte- 
 Gille (1855) determined that by prolonged contact with boiling water the hydroxide, 
 A1 2 (0H) 2 0 2 , is formed, which is insoluble in dilute acids. Drying the aluminum hydrox- 
 ide at a low temperature leaves it in a smooth condition and prevents it from becoming 
 gritty. Most of the details of the above process were elaborated by Prof. Lloyd (1879). 
 The yield is 1.8 parts. 
 
 Nearly pure aluminum hydroxide is prepared from cryolite. The sodium aluminate 
 obtained in the manufacture of sodium carbonate (see Sodii Carbonas) is treated with 
 milk of lime, resulting in the production of sodium hydroxide and a precipitate of calcium 
 aluminate (see Soda) ; on dissolving a portion of the latter in hydrochloric acid, chlorides 
 of aluminum and calcium are formed, and this solution, on being digested with another 
 portion of the precipitate, yields more calcium chloride, which remains in solution, and 
 aluminum hydroxide : A1 2 C1 6 + Al 2 (0 2 Ca) 3 + 6H 2 0 yields 3CaCl 2 + 2A1 2 (0H) 6 . 
 
 Properties. — Aluminum hydroxide is “ a white, light, amorphous powder, permanent 
 in dry air, odorless, and tasteless and insoluble in water or alcohol ; soluble without 
 residue, in (dilute) hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, and also in solution of potassa or of 
 soda. When heated to redness it loses 34.6 per cent, of water of hydration.” — U. S. 
 A portion of the water is given off already at a temperature a little above 100° C. (212° 
 F.), but for expelling the last 10 or 12 per cent, of it a full red heat is required, when 
 aluminum, oxide , A1 2 0 3 , is obtained. Its solution in a mineral acid is not precipitated or 
 colored by hydrogen sulphide, and shows toward alkalies and alkali carbonates the 
 behavior described under Alumen. When added to a turbid or colored liquid the 
 impurities suspended and the coloring matter contained therein are precipitated ; freshl}’- 
 precipitated aluminum hydroxide ( alumine enyelee , Fr.) is best adapted for this purpose; 
 hence its use for the clarification of vegetable juices and the preparation of lakes, which 
 consist of aluminum hydroxide united with and tinged by pigments. 
 
 Tests. — Aluminum hydroxide is liable to be contaminated with alkali carbonate or 
 sulphate and a trace of iron derived from the alum ; zinc and other metals can only be 
 present through great carelessness. The allowable limits of these impurities are thus 
 ascertained : A solution of 1 Gm. of aluminum hydroxide in 20 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric 
 acid should not be colored blue by a drop of test-solution of potassium ferrocyanide 
 (iron), and should not give more than a faint cloudiness with test-solution of barium 
 chloride (limit of sulphate). When dissolved in solution of potassa or of soda it should 
 yield no precipitate with hydrogen sulphide (zinc or lead). When boiled with 20 parts 
 of water and filtered, the filtrate should not leave more than a slight residue on evapor- 
 ation (limit of salts of alkalies). — U S. The presence of calcium compounds is deter- 
 mined by dissolving the aluminum hydroxide in diluted hydrochloric acid, precipitating 
 the solution with an excess of ammonia, adding to the filtrate ammonium carbonate, and 
 boiling, when carbonate of calcium and of other alkaline earths will be precipitated. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Corundum, E., Corindon, Fr ., Korund, G., is a mineral consisting of 
 A1 2 0 3 . It varies in color, forms rhombohedric crystals, is nearly as hard as diamond, and has 
 the specific gravity 3.9. Transparent varieties of it are the gems ruby (rubis, Fr., Rubin, G .), 
 which is colored red by chromium ; the sapphire (saphir, Fr., G.), which is blue, or if yellow is 
 known as Oriental topaz , if green as Oriental emerald , and if violet-colored as Oriental amethyst. 
 A coarse variety of corundum is known as — 
 
 Lapis smiridis, s. smyris ; Emery, E. ; Emeril, Corindon granuleux ferrifkre, Fr. ; Smirgel, 
 Schmirgel, G. Its English and French names are derived from Cape Emeri on the island of 
 Naxos, where the mineral has been mined from ancient times. It is also found in other parts 
 of Europe and in the United States. Owing to its hardness, it is largely employed for cutting 
 and polishing glass, metals, and other hard substances, and is prepared for this purpose by 
 crushing under stampers, sifting, and, for delicate operations, by elutriation. Its color varies 
 between gray, bluish, and brown. 
 
 The metal aluminum was first obtained by Woehler (1827) by fusing aluminum 
 chloride together with potassium. St. Claire-Deville (1854) was enabled to prepare it 
 in larger quantities by heating a mixture of 100 parts of aluminum sodium chloride, 35 
 parts of sodium, aud 40 parts of cryolite. Of late years, metallic aluminum has been 
 prepared by electrolysis of the double chloride before mentioned (AlCl 3 .NaCl) ; and 
 recently a still more promising process has been patented, which consists in the elec- 
 trolysis of aluminum oxide, in the form of corundum, in a bath of molten cryolite con- 
 tained in carbon crucibles. Pure aluminum resembles tin in appearance ; its specific 
 
ALUMISI SULPHAS. 
 
 175 
 
 gravity varies between 2.50 and 2.79. It is very ductile, melts at about 700° C. (1292° 
 F.), is not volatile, and is not tarnished on exposure, even at an elevated temperature ; 
 but in the form of powder or thin foil it burns to alumina when heated in oxygen, and 
 slowly evolves hydrogen with boiling water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Hydrate of aluminum appears to resemble the oxide of bismuth 
 and also magnesia in its action and uses. Like the former, it is absorbent and protective, 
 and, like the latter, antacid. It is suitable for the treatment of dyspepsia and of diarrhoea 
 when they depend upon an excess of acid in the digestive canal. In Germany it is 
 used in infantile disorders of the stomach and bowels. It may be given in doses of from 
 Grm. 0.20-0.40 (gr. iij-vj). It may be applied externally as a substitute for oxide of 
 zinc, oxide of bismuth, and similar protectives in cases of intertrigo , superficial hums, etc. 
 
 ALUMINI SULPHAS, 77. S. — Aluminum Sulphate. 
 
 Aluminium sulfuricum , P. G. — Sulfate d'alumine, Fr. ; Aluminiumsulfat , Schwefel- 
 saure Thonerde , G. 
 
 Formula (crystallized) A1 2 (S0 4 ) 3 + 16H 2 0. Molecular weight 628.9. 
 
 Preparation. — Aluminum sulphate is occasionally found as an efflorescence near 
 volcanoes and upon alum-slate. For medicinal use it should be prepared from alumi- 
 num hydroxide, which need not be previously dried, by dissolving it in the requisite 
 quantity of dilute sulphuric acid. 6 parts of strong sulphuric acid, diluted with 35 to 
 40 parts of water, will be sufficient for combining with the aluminum hydroxide obtained 
 by the process described under Alumini Hydras from 19 parts of ammonium alum or 
 20 parts of potassium alum ; the gelatinous hydroxide will dissolve quite readily. The 
 solution is filtered, and evaporated until a pellicle begins to form, when the vessel should 
 be removed to a water-bath and the evaporation continued until a dry salt remains. 
 Several soluble and insoluble basic aluminum sulphates being known to exist, an excess 
 of aluminum hydroxide should be avoided. Quite as objectionable, or still more so, is 
 an excess of sulphuric acid ; the total absence of uncombined acid is readily ascertained 
 by testing the clear solution with sodium thiosulphate, when it should not become tur- 
 bid by the separation of sulphur, and should not evolve sulphur dioxide. 
 
 For use in the arts aluminum sulphate is prepared by heating ammonium alum to a 
 dull-red heat, when the ammonium sulphate is decomposed and expelled, leaving anhy- 
 drous aluminum sulphate ; or it is made from shale and other aluminous silicates, and is 
 known to dyers as concentrated alum or cake-alum. 
 
 Properties. — Aluminum sulphate may, with some difficulty, be obtained in thin 
 pearly lamellar crystals, but usually forms a white crystalline mass or granular powder. 
 It melts readily in its water of crystallization, and loses it completely when heated to 
 about 200° C. (392° F.), leaving 54.3 per cent, of a light porous mass, consisting of the 
 anhydrous salt, A1 2 (S0 4 ) :{ . When heated to bright redness, oxygen and sulphuric acid 
 are given off, and alumina is finally left. The salt is quite freely soluble in water, 1.2 
 parts at 15° C. (59° F.), U. S., and P. G., the solution having an acid reaction to test- 
 paper ; according to Poggiale (1843), 100 parts of water dissolve — 
 
 At 0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 80° 100° C. 
 
 86.85 95.8 107.35 127.6 167.6 201.4 262.6 467.3 1132 parts. 
 
 Anhydrous aluminum sulphate is less freely soluble in water. The dilute aqueous solution 
 of the crystallized salt is precipitated by alcohol in pearly flakes, having the composition 
 Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 10H 2 O, which, according to Hauer (1854), attract water on exposure to a 
 damp atmosphere and are converted into the official salt. This has an acid, styptic, and, 
 at the same time, sweetish taste. Its aqueous solution shows the presence of sulphuric 
 acid by barium chloride ; it is precipitated by caustic potassa or soda, the precipitate 
 being soluble in an excess, but is again separated upon addition of sufficient ammonium 
 chloride solution. 
 
 Tests. — The salt generally contains a small quantity of sodium or other alkali sul- 
 phate, and often a trace of iron, derived from the alum. The allowable limit of the 
 latter impurity is thus determined : A solution of 1 Gm. of the salt in 20 Cc. of water 
 should not at once give a blue color with 5 drops of test-solution of potassium ferro- 
 cyanide. A 10 per cent, solution of the salt should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide 
 (absence of zinc, lead, or copper), nor should it show more than a slight opalescence 
 
176 
 
 ALUM INI SULPHAS. 
 
 within five minutes with an equal volume of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution 
 (limit of free acid). 1 Gm. of the salt gently heated with 5 Cc. of solution of soda or 
 potassa should not evolve the odor of ammonia. — U. S. 
 
 Other Preparations of Aluminum. — Alumini Acetas. — Aluminum acetate, E. ; Acetate 
 d’ alumine, Fr. ; Aluminium acetat, G ., A1 2 (C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 6 -|-Aq.— Prepared by dissolving aluminum 
 hydroxide in cold acetic acid ; or by decomposing aluminum sulphate with lead acetate, and 
 evaporating at a low temperature, it is obtained as a gum-like mass having an acid reaction and 
 a styptic taste. The solution, heated in the presence of other salts, is decomposed, with the 
 separation of basic aluminum acetate. 
 
 An impure solution of the salt, containing also potassium or ammonium sulphate, obtained by 
 mixing the aqueous solutions of 6 parts of sugar of lead and 5 parts of alum, and filtering from 
 the precipitated lead sulphate, is extensively employed in dyeing as a mordant and is service- 
 able as a disinfectant. 
 
 Alumini aceto-tartras, Aluminum acetico-tartaricum — Aluminum aceto-tartrate, E. ; 
 Essig-weinsaure thonerde, G. — This compound was first prepared by Athenstadt, and the pro- 
 cess for its manufacture has been patented in Germany. 5 parts of basic aluminum acetate are 
 dissolved in a sufficient quantity of water by aid of 2 parts of tartaric acid, and the solution 
 evaporated to dryness. It occurs in shining almost colorless amorphous masses, with faint 
 acetous odor and an acidulous astringent taste. It forms with water an acid solution, but is 
 insoluble in alcohol. According to Fresenius, it is a true chemical compound, having the fol- 
 lowing average composition : Alumina 23.67; acetic anhydride 30.77 ; tartaric acid 27.17 ; 
 water 18.08. The salt has been used in aqueous solution as a non-toxic reliable antiseptic and 
 astringent. 
 
 Liquor Alumini Acetatis ( Acetici , P. G.). Solution of aluminum acetate, E. ; Solute 
 d’acetate d’alumine, Fr. ; Aluminiumacetat-Losung, G. — Dissolve aluminum sulphate 30 parts 
 in water 80 parts; add acetic acid (sp. gr. 1.041) 36 parts; triturate calcium carbonate 13 parts 
 with water 20 parts, and add this mixture slowly and with continued stirring to the first solu- 
 tion ; set the whole aside for twenty-four hours without applying heat, and stir occasionally ; 
 then strain, press the precipitate without washing it, and filter the liquid. It is a clear colorless 
 liquid, having the spec. grav. 1.044 to 1.046, a faint odor of acetic acid, an acid reaction, and a 
 sweetish, astringent taste. On adding to it one-fiftieth of its weight of potassium sulphate and 
 heating it in a water-bath, it coagulates, but after cooling becomes clear again in a short time. 
 The solution is not colored by hydrogen sulphide, and on being mixed with twice its volume of 
 alcohol becomes opalescent, but does not produce a precipitate. On precipitating 10 Gm. of the 
 solution with ammonia, 0.25 to 0.30 Gm. of alumina should be obtained, proving 7.5 to 8 per 
 cent, of basic aluminum acetate. — P. G. 
 
 The formula of this compound is A1 2 (0H) 2 (C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 4 ; its molecular weight 323.44. The above 
 process is more simple, and yields more uniform results, than the one devised by Hager (1871), 
 in which aluminum sulphate was decomposed by basic lead acetate. 
 
 Alumini Nitras. Aluminum nitrate, E. ; Azotate d’alumine, Fr, ; Salpetersaure Thonerde, 
 G. Formula A1 2 (N0 3 ) 6 .18H 2 0. Molecular weight 748.70. The gelatinous aluminum hydroxide 
 obtained from 33 parts of potassium alum or from 31.5 parts of ammonium alum, when dissolved 
 in 20 parts of official nitric acid, yields a solution containing 26 parts of this salt ; diluted with 
 water to 260 parts, the solution contains 10 per cent, of the salt, which is with difficulty obtained 
 in deliquescent crystals, soluble also in alcohol. 
 
 Aluminum Chloride, in an impure state, has been used to some extent. A solution sufficiently 
 pure for disinfecting purposes is obtained by mixing the solutions of 2 parts of alum and 1 part 
 of anhydrous calcium chloride and filtering from the precipitated calcium sulphate. The pure 
 salt, A1 2 C1 6 , is best prepared by dissolving aluminum hydroxide in hydrochloric acid and evap- 
 orating carefully, when crystals containing 12H 2 0 are obtained, which are readily soluble in 
 water and alcohol and are decomposed by heat. In the anhydrous state, however, aluminum 
 chloride is volatile. 
 
 Ultramarine, E ., Fr. ; Outremer, Fr. ; Ultramarin, G., is a pigment which was formerly 
 obtained from lapis-lazuli or lazulite , a mineral found chiefly in Asia, and composed of sulphur 
 compounds and silicates of aluminium and sodium. The preparation of artificial ultramarine 
 was first made known by C. Gmelin in 1828, and about the same time discovered by Guimet. 
 Shortly afterward it was manufactured on a large scale, and its consumption, which was 3,500,000 
 kilos in 1862 and 8,500,000 kilos in 1872 (R. Hoffmann), was estimated by R. Wagner in 1880 to 
 be 30,000,000 kilos. It is prepared by heating in crucibles a mixture of clay, sodium sulphate, 
 and charcoal nearly to a white heat for several hours. A white compound is first formed, called 
 white ultramarine ; this passes into green ultramarine, which is employed in the arts to a certain 
 extent, but mostly converted into blue ultramarine, usually by roasting it in the presence of sul- 
 phur. By increasing the amount of silica in the first operation the product acquires a more 
 purplish tint, and by treating these products at an elevated temperature with acids violet and red 
 ultramarines are prepared. All these compounds are decomposed by acetic acid, which does not 
 affect lazulite. Mineral acids decompose them, separating gelatinous silicic acid, sulphur, and 
 hydrosulphuric acid •, red ultramarine evolves sulphurous acid gas on being treated with acids. 
 The exact composition is still unknown. Ultramarine blue is largely used for whiting — that is, 
 neutralizing — the yellow tint of sugar, starch, paper, etc. 
 
AMBRA G RISE A. 
 
 177 
 
 Action and Uses. — On account of the acid taste of this preparation it is seldom 
 used alone internally, but is either combined with zinc or is saturated with gelatinous 
 hydrate of aluminium and mixed with the soluble constituents of benzoin. As a topical 
 application a solution of 1 part of the sulphate in about 20 parts of water has been used 
 to promote the healing of ulcers and to correct the fetor of discharges, especially in cer- 
 tain cases of leucorrhcea and chronic dysentery, and to cure ulcers of the cervix uteri. The 
 addition of benzoin to the solution for these purposes also has been recommended. In a 
 concentrated state sulphate of aluminium is a powerful astringent, and in some degree a 
 caustic also. It has been used for destroying exuberant growths, and even cancerous 
 tumors. Its free acid corrodes textile fabrics and metals. To mitigate this effect the 
 excess of acid has been neutralized by zinc, and a sulphate of aluminium and zinc formed, 
 which in a pure state acts as a caustic, and either in this condition or mitigated with gly- 
 cerin may be used to repress fungous granulations, to destroy imperfectly organized 
 tissues and certain hypertrophies, such as cancers , vascular nsevi, and polypoid growths, 
 and to stimulate tissues chronically inflamed , as those of the nostrils, throat, vagina, rec- 
 tum, urethra, etc. This double salt has been used for injecting dead bodies, which it 
 preserves unchanged for a long time. 
 
 Acetate of aluminium resembles alum in its general astringent action, contracting the 
 tissues and restraining secretion. When 30 or 40 drops of a solution of 1 part of the 
 salt to 8 of water are taken internally, a sense of warmth is excited in the stomach, and 
 if the doses are reiterated some fulness of the head and confusion of the senses result. 
 Added to putrescible mixtures, it restrains or prevents putrefaction, and it has been used 
 to deodorize fetid secretions of sweat, pus, mucus, etc. It has been used in solution 
 (1:4) to abort furuncles of the auditory canal. The liquid was instilled into the passage 
 every four hours. As a lotion or injection 1 part of a 10 per cent, solution mixed with 
 100 or 200 parts of water may be employed. It is said to have been the agent employed 
 by Gannal for embalming the dead, and more recently its preservative power has been 
 attributed to its germicide virtue. Burow found it admirably adapted to the treatment of 
 gangrenous parts, destroying their fetor and renovating the injured tissues and preventing 
 pyaemia. These earlier results have been confirmed by the more recent statements of 
 Rose, who recommends a 3 per cent, solution prepared by Bruns — viz.: R. Alum, 72 
 parts; Acetate of lead, 115 parts; Water, 1000 parts. Mix and filter. This solution 
 may be diluted according to circumstances ( Therap . Gaz ., ix. 727). An aceto-tartrate and 
 an aceto-glycerinate of aluminium are reported to possess analogous properties, and to have 
 proved useful in ozaena and kindred diseases (Am. Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1886, p. 258). 
 
 The chloride is said to be closely analogous to the acetate of aluminium in its action, 
 and may be used for the same purposes. Under the name of chloralum a preparation 
 which contains from 10 to 15 per cent, of chloride of aluminium, besides arsenic and 
 copper as impurities, and which also is said to be a compound of the sulphate and 
 chloride, has been much used of late years as a disinfectant and deodorizer, and as a 
 haemostatic when applied on cloth or cotton impregnated with it. The cheapness of 
 chloride of aluminium and its freedom from odor fit it well for use in hospitals and pri- 
 vate houses. 
 
 Nitrate of aluminium has been used in a solution containing Gm. 1 in Gm. 30 (gr. 
 xv in f^j) of water as a lotion for the relief of pruritus vulvas. 
 
 AMBRA GRISEA. — Ambergris. 
 
 Ambra cinerea. — Ambre, Ambre gris , Fr. ; Amber , Graue Ambra , G. 
 
 Origin. — Ambergris is regarded as a morbid product of the sperm whale, Physeter 
 macrocephalus, Linne, and is found in its intestines as well as floating on the sea. One 
 whale has been known to yield 750 pounds of this product (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1859, 
 p. 183). 
 
 Description. — It comes in irregular pieces, varying considerably in size, is opaque, 
 of a gray or gray-brown color, with lighter and darker-colored streaks and spots, lighter 
 than water, friable in the cold, but softening when held in the hand. It is of a waxy 
 appearance, fusible in hot water, mixing with melted fats, and soluble in volatile oils, 
 ether, and hot alcohol. It has a peculiar fragrance, is nearly tasteless, and on ignition 
 leaves but little ash. 
 
 Composition. — Ambergris consists mainly (about 85 per cent.) of a fatty substance 
 resembling cholesterin, which Pelletier and Caventou have named ambre'in. It crystal- 
 lizes from hot alcohol in white, shining, tasteless, and inodorous needles, which fuse near 
 12 
 
178 
 
 A MBROSIA . — A MMONIA C UM. 
 
 35° C. (95° F.). The remaining constituents, according to John (1818), are some bal- 
 samic matter, chloride of sodium, benzoic acid (?), and coloring matter. 
 
 Adulterations. — Adulterated and fictitious ambergris can be readily recognized by 
 different physical properties. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Tinctura ambree of the French Codex is prepared by 
 macerating 10 parts of ambergris, which, according to Stanislas Martin, should be finely 
 powdered by trituration with washed sand, in 100 parts of 80 per cent, alcohol. It is 
 often used for fixing very volatile delicate perfumes. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Ambergris, like other strongly odoriferous animal products, 
 has been believed to possess a stimulant action upon the nervous and circulatory systems, 
 with a special direction to the generative organs. It was used in low fevers and in spas- 
 modic disorders, especially of the hysterical sort, and often associated with musk, castor, 
 and valerian. It was prescribed in substance in the dose of from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v 
 xx), or more frequently in ethereal solution. It is seldom if ever employed at the pres- 
 ent day as a medicine, but it enters into various perfumes. 
 
 AMBRO SI A . — Ragweed . 
 
 Ambrosie , Fr. ; Traubenkraut , Gr. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Composite, Senecionidese. 
 
 Description. — This genus comprises coarse-looking rough or hairy weeds, with 
 mostly opposite leaves, and with inconspicuous, yellowish, staminate flower-heads 
 arranged in elongated racemes or spikes, at the base of which one to three staminate 
 flowers are situated in the axils of the leaves. The following two, growing in waste 
 places in North America, have been used : 
 
 Ambr. trifida, Linne , attains a height of 8 feet (2.4 M.) or more, and has entire oval 
 or usually deeply-trilobed leaves with the lobes oval lanceolate and serrate. 
 
 Ambr. artemisi^efolia, Linne , also known as bitterweed , hogweed , Roman wormwood , 
 is about 3 feet (.9 M.) high : its leaves are thinner, smoother, and of a lighter green than 
 the preceding, and twice pinnatifid, with the divisions lanceolate. It grows southward to 
 Brazil. 
 
 Both species have a slight and rather fetid odor and a bitter and slightly astringent 
 taste. Ambr. maritima, Linne , of Southern Europe, which resembles the last, but is 
 grayish-pubescent, has an agreeable odor and an aromatic bitter taste. 
 
 The constituents of these plants have not been investigated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The two species of Ambrosia, like other bitter herbs, have 
 been employed in the cure of intermittent fever. Ambrosia’s astringency has caused 
 it to be used to moderate discharges of the blood and mucus and to palliate mercurial 
 salivation; the stimulant qualities attributed to it are supposed to be shown in the 
 typhoid state of febrile affections. An infusion of the tops may be made with Gm. 10- 
 15 in Gm. 500 (giij-iv in water 1 pint). 
 
 AMMONIACUM, V. S., Br P. G.— Ammoniac. 
 
 Gummi-resina ammoniacum. — Ammoniacum , E. ; Ammoniaque , Gomme-resine ammo- 
 niaque , Fr. ; Ammoniakgummi , G. ; Gomma ammoniaco , F. It., Sp. 
 
 A gum-resinous exudation from Dorema Ammoniacum, Don. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 129, 130. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Umbellifene, Orthospermse. 
 
 Origin — The plant, which is of a striking appearance, grows to the height of 2 M. (6 
 or 7 feet) ; its leaves are all radical ; the hollow stem bears a few long leaf-sheaths, 
 and divides toward the apex into about sixteen ascending branches, upon which the 
 small globular short-stalked umbels are borne, the inflorescence forming a paniculate 
 raceme. The root is rich in milk-juice, which rapidly diminishes in quantity when, in 
 about the fifth year, the stem is produced, after which the plant perishes. The gum- 
 resin exudes from the stem and flowering branches from punctures produced by insects ; 
 an inferior kind exudes near the base of the stem among the remnants of the leaf- 
 sheaths, and in the soil considerable quantities of hardened milk-juice are often found 
 which has exuded from fissures in the root produced during the hot season. 
 
 This species of Dorema prefers a silicious soil, and occurs abundantly in the deserts 
 and barren regions of Persia and Tartary, usually accompanied by Ferula Scorodosma, 
 the Persian asafetida-plant, but growing farther north and north-east than the latter, 
 extending to the southern shore of the Sea of Aral and nearly to the south-eastern 
 
AMMONIACUM. 
 
 179 
 
 extremity of the Caspian Sea, while its southern limits are near Bahziran, in Southern 
 Khorassan (Borszczow, 1860). 
 
 It is not impossible that Dorema Aucheri, Boissier, a West-Persian plant, but less fre- 
 quent than the former may yield some of the commercial ammoniac; but D. robustum, 
 Loftus , which is united with the species mentioned by Boissier, aifords a gum-resin dis- 
 tinct from ammoniac (Pharmacograpliid) . 
 
 Description. — The best quality of ammoniac exists in dry tears from 1.5-12 Mm. 
 (_i_ to I inch) in diameter, which are globular or irregularly roundish in shape, often more 
 or less flattened, externally of a pale brownish-yellow and internally milk-white. Their 
 fracture is somewhat conchoidal and of a waxy lustre. The tears sometimes coalesce and 
 form irregular masses, which when broken show the outlines of the individual grains, 
 without any intervening darker-colored mass. 
 
 Cake-ammoniac is an inferior quality, and consists of the tears imbedded in the brown 
 gum-resinous mass obtained from the base of the stem ; and a kind is occasionally seen 
 in which the tears are not larger than a pin’s head and few in number, the greatest bulk 
 consisting of a plastic brown or greenish-brown mass mixed with vegetable fragments and 
 earthy matter. 
 
 Ammoniac softens by the heat of the hand and when triturated in a mortar. It has a 
 peculiar odor, which becomes stronger after heating, and a bitter, acrid, and nauseous 
 aromatic taste. Chlorinated lime imparts to it an orange and potassa a yellowish color. 
 On being triturated with water it readily yields a white emulsion, which, on the addition 
 of caustic soda, acquires a yellow, and finally a brown, color. In contact with hydro- 
 chloric acid, ammoniac is not changed in color even when heated to 60° C. (140° F.). 
 Warm concentrated sulphuric acid dissolves ammoniac with a blood-red color, and the 
 solution shows no fluorescence on dilution with water and on the addition of alkali 
 (Schlickum). For medicinal purposes the tears only should be used. 
 
 African ammoniac , obtained from Ferula tingitana, Linne , is not found in our market; 
 it has a faint but more agreeable odor, somewhat like that of benzoin, and an acrid but 
 not bitter taste. Moss (1873) found in it 68 per cent, of resin, 9 per cent, of soluble 
 gum, 19 per cent, of insoluble matter, and 4 per cent, of moisture and volatile principles. 
 Umbelliferon was obtained from it by Hirschsohn (1875). Goldschmiedt (1878), by 
 fusing with potassa, prepared resorcin and an acid, C 10 lI ]0 O 6 , the aqueous solution of 
 which strikes a beautiful red color with ferric chloride ; officinal ammoniacum does not 
 yield such a compound. 
 
 Composition. — According to the analyses of Bucholz, Hagen, and Braconnot, 
 ammoniac contains from 1.8 to 4 per cent, of volatile oil, 70 to 72 per cent, of resin, 
 18 to 22 per cent, of gum, 11 to 4 per cent, of bassorin or gluten, and about 6 per cent, 
 of moisture. The volatile oil, of which usually only between 1 and 2 per cent, is 
 obtained, is free from sulphur (Moss, 1873), and its solution in alcohol acquires a reddish 
 hue with ferric chloride ( Pharmacogr aphid ). According to Przeciszewki (1861) the 
 gum is nearly identical with gum-arabic, and the resin is a mixture of an acid and an 
 indifferent resin, of which the one insoluble in ether dissolves readily in volatile and 
 fixed oils. 
 
 Fused with caustic potassa, Hlasiwetz and Barth obtained (1864) resorcin and oxalic 
 and a volatile fatty acid. On the dry distillation of ammoniac Sommer failed to obtain 
 umbelliferon. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparations. — Ammoniac may be powdered after 
 exposure to cold, or, after having been dried over lime, in the same manner as asafetida, 
 the powder should be preserved over lime. It forms an ingredient in Emplast. ammo- 
 niaci, U. S. ; Empl. ammoniaci cum hydrargyro, IT. S ., Br. ; Empl. galbani, Br. ; Mis- 
 tura ammoniaci, IT. S ., Br. ; Pil. scillac comp., Pil. ipecacuanha cum scilla, Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Ammoniac has always been regarded as a stimulant of the 
 circulation and nutrition. Large doses of it have been said to produce an eruption on 
 the skin, besides vomiting, colic, and diarrhoea. In a plaster it occasions a papular erup- 
 tion. The above effects have been questioned, but are too well established clinically to 
 be set aside by any experiments upon healthy subjects. It is probable that they depend 
 chiefly upon the volatile oil and partly upon the resin of ammoniac. 
 
 The most important internal use of ammoniac is in the treatment of chronic pulmonary 
 catarrh, or bronchitis , in which the secretion is excessive and expectoration difficult, and 
 there is an absence of fever. The condition of the bronchia in such cases includes 
 passive congestion, excessive secretion, and feeble action of the circular muscles; all 
 stimulants tend to remove this condition, and those especially which are excreted through 
 
180 
 
 AMMON If BENZOAS. — A M MO Nil BROMIDUM. 
 
 the lungs, including the whole resinous class. The alleged benefits of ammoniac in asthma 
 are probably most demonstrable in asthma associated with pituitous and other analogous 
 forms of bronchitis. It tends to remove the exciting cause of the nervous paroxysm, 
 but probably has a minor influence upon the spasmodic element itself. There is a certain 
 acrimony about ammoniac which perhaps explains the fact that its continued use is apt 
 to render the bronchial and laryngeal mucous membrane dry and irritable, and therefore 
 the medicine, if long continued, may increase coughing after having lessened it. It is 
 said to be very useful in hysterical asthma , but with the qualification that it should be 
 associated with asafoetida. This gives the credit of the cure to the asafoetida, which is 
 alone entitled to it. Ammoniac has sometimes been employed in chronic catarrh of the 
 urinary passages. Externally, it is used as a rubefacient in plasters for the relief of 
 chronic rheumatism , especially of the muscular form, for promoting the cure of bronchial 
 catarrh , chronic pleurisy, and various other affections requiring a superficial and sustained 
 irritation of the skin. In some of these cases the plaster of ammoniac with mercury is 
 eligible on account of the specific action of the metal, which is very apt to display itself. 
 The dose of ammoniac is usually stated to be from Gm. 0.60—2.00 (gr. x-xxx) ; but 
 doses of Gm. 0.12-0.20 (gr. ij-iij) are sufficient if frequently repeated. The acrid taste 
 of the mixture of ammoniac is offensive, and hence the drug should perferably be admin- 
 istered in pill. The compound pill of squill is a convenient and efficient preparation. 
 
 AMMONII BENZOAS, U. S., Br. — Ammonium Benzoate. 
 
 Benzoas ammonicus, F. Cod. ; Ammoniac henzoas, Ammonium benzoicum. — Benzoate 
 d' ammoniaque, Fr. ; Ammoniumbenzoat, Benzoesaures Ammonium , G. 
 
 Formula NH 4 C 7 H 5 0 2 . Molecular weight 138.72. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Benzoic Acid 2 ounces ; Solution of Ammonia 3 fluidounces 
 or a sufficiency ; Distilled Water 4 fluidounces. Dissolve the benzoic acid in 3 fluid- 
 ounces of the solution of ammonia, previously mixed with the water; evaporate at a 
 gentle heat, keeping ammonia in slight excess, and set aside that crystals may form. — Br. 
 
 The formula of the U. S. P. 1870 was identical with the foregoing. During the evap- 
 oration of the solution considerable ammonia is given off, and an acid ammonium benzoate 
 would be left. To obtain the neutral salt it is necessary to add sufficient ammonia until 
 an alkaline reaction is obtained, when the liquid is set aside to crystallize, and to avoid 
 heat while drying the crystals. 
 
 Properties. — Ammonium benzoate crystallizes in colorless or white thin four-sided 
 laminae, having a slight odor of benzoic acid, and a saline somewhat bitter taste, with a 
 slight acrid after-taste ; it is readily soluble in alcohol and water, requiring 5 parts of 
 water or 28 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.) and 1.2 parts of boiling water or 7.6 parts 
 of boiling alcohol ( U. S.). On being strongly heated it fuses, gives off vapors of ben- 
 zoic acid and ammonia, and finally evaporates without leaving any residue. Its neutral 
 solution gives, with ferric salts, a bulky light brownish-yellow (yellowish, Br.. flesh-col- 
 ored, U. Si) precipitate, evolves ammonia when heated with potassa, and, if it be not too 
 dilute, deposits benzoic acid when acidulated with hydrochloric acid. The acid salt is 
 less soluble, requiring about 60 parts of water and 12 parts of alcohol. 
 
 The purity of the salt is ascertained by its not yielding any carbonaceous mass when 
 heated or leaving a non-volatile residue when ignited. A 10 per cent, solution, acidulated 
 with nitric acid, and filtered, should not be precipitated by barium chloride or silver 
 nitrate (absence of sulphate and chloride). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of benzoate of ammonium in the system appears 
 to be much the same as that of benzoic acid alone, and the salt possesses over the acid 
 only the advantage of greater solubility. Its chief uses are treated of in the article on 
 Benzoic Acid. In addition it may be stated that this preparation has been used in 
 chronic gout and gravel. Dose , Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx), but doses of Gm. 0.60-1.20 
 (gr. x-xxx) have been recommended. It is best given in a mixture. 
 
 AMMONII BROMIDUM, TJ. S,, Br. — Ammonium Bromide. 
 
 Ammonium bromatum , P. G. — Bromure di ammonium, Fr. ; Bromammonium , Ammo- 
 nium bromid , G. ; Bromuro di ammonio , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Formula NH 4 Br or AmBr. Molecular weight 97.77. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium bromide may be prepared by neutralizing hydrobromic 
 acid with ammonia or ammonium carbonate, and evaporating the solution. It may also 
 
AMMONII BR0M1DUM. 
 
 181 
 
 be obtained by first preparing ferrous bromide from 4 parts of bromine, 2 parts of iron, 
 and 16 parts of water, and precipitating the greenish solution with a slight excess (about 
 9 parts) of ammonia-water, when bulky ferrous hydroxide is deposited. Or the above solu- 
 tion of ferrous bromide is mixed first with 1 part of bromine, and afterward with ammo- 
 nia in excess (about 11 parts), when a dense ferroso-ferric hydroxide is precipitated, which 
 may be readily washed with water ; the filtrate is evaporated and allowed to crystallize 
 or the salt is granulated. 
 
 But, according to Charles Rice (1873), ammonium bromide prepared by tbe processes 
 just mentioned is prone to decomposition, bromine being gradually liberated. This change 
 does not occur if the salt is prepared as follows : The solutions of 4 troyounces of potas- 
 sium bromide in 6 fluidounces of boiling water, and of 3 troyounces of ammonium sul- 
 phate in 41 fluidounces of boiling water, are mixed while boiling hot, and when cool 11 
 fluidounces of alcohol are added. After twenty-four hours the clear liquid is decanted from 
 the crystalline deposit of potassium sulphate, the latter washed with a little 18 per cent, 
 alcohol, and the filtrate evaporated as before. Prepared in this manner, the salt contains 
 minute quantities of ammonium and potassium sulphate, the presence of which is avoided 
 by sublimation. For this purpose an intimate mixture of well-dried potassium bromide 
 (20 parts) and exsiccated ammonium sulphate (11 parts) is introduced into a retort with 
 a wide and rather short neck, and heated in a sand-bath. 
 
 Properties. — It is either in white granular, cubical, or in larger colorless prismatic 
 crystals, which have a neutral reaction to test-paper and a pungent saline taste. On 
 exposure to air the salt gradually becomes damp and acquires a yellow color and acid 
 reaction. When heated it sublimes without melting. It is soluble in 1.5 parts of water 
 and in 30 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in .7 part of boiling water and in 15 parts 
 of boiling alcohol ( U. S .). Ether dissolves a minute quantity of the salt. Chlorine- 
 water, carefully added so as to avoid an excess, liberates from the aqueous solution of the 
 salt bromine, which dissolves in carbon disulphide or in chloroform with a yellow, red- 
 dish-yellow, or yellowish-brown color, which is free from violet tint (iodine). 
 
 Tests. — It may be regarded as pure if, on being heated upon platinum-foil, a non- 
 volatile residue is not left behind. A small portion of the salt placed upon a porcelain 
 tile should not at once acquire a yellow color on the addition of a few drops of diluted 
 sulphuric acid (absence of bromate). Its solution should not be precipitated by barium 
 chloride (absence of sulphate and phosphate), nor by hydrogen sulphide (absence of 
 metals). The solution, mixed with a little mucilage of starch, should not show a blue 
 color (which would indicate iodine) if a drop of chlorine or bromine-water be added on 
 top. If 10 grains of the salt are dissolved in water, and the solution is well mixed with 
 a solution of 17 grains of silver nitrate, a curdy yellowish precipitate will appear, and the 
 clear liquid should be merely rendered cloudy on the further addition of silver nitrate. A 
 white precipitate would indicate the presence of ammonium chloride, which requires a 
 larger quantity of silver nitrate for complete precipitation than the bromide ; and if no 
 cloudiness is produced, ammonium iodide may probably be present, which, from its greater 
 molecular weight, is completely precipitated by less silver nitrate. The precipitate of 10 
 grains of ammonium bromide by sufficient silver nitrate, after washing with water acidu- 
 lated with nitric acid and drying, will weigh 19.17 grains (1.917 Gm. from 1 Gm. 
 Am.-Br.). The presence of ammonium chloride would increase the weight of the silver 
 precipitate. The allowable limits of the impurities are thus determined: “If3Gm. of 
 the well-dried salt be dissolved in distilled water to 100 Cc., and 10 Cc. of this solution 
 treated with a few drops of test-solution of potassium chromate, and then volumetric 
 solution of silver nitrate be added, not more than 30.9 Cc. of the latter should be con- 
 sumed before the red color ceases to disappear on stirring (absence of more than 1 per 
 cent, of chloride). 20 Cc. of a 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt should not at once 
 assume a blue color on the addition of 5 drops of potassium ferrocyanide test-solution 
 (limit of iron).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — “ Bromide of ammonium in almost every respect has the same 
 action as bromide of potassium.” It does not appear to restrain the movements of the 
 heart. According to Cheron and Fouques, this salt moderates reflex action and stimu- 
 lates the periphery of the nervous system. It has a more acrid taste and is more irritating 
 than potassium bromide. It obtunds the sensibility of the mouth and pharynx, as well as 
 general reflex sensibility. It produces a papular eruption upon the skin, and its prolonged 
 use brings on a sort of hebetude or intellectual dulness. Its unpleasant taste and irritat- 
 ing qualities render it less convenient for administration than bromide of potassium. 
 
 Bromide of ammonium, in conjunction with potassium bromide, has been used exten- 
 
182 
 
 AMMONII CARBONAS. 
 
 tensively in the treatment of epilepsy ; but while it is held by some authorities that this 
 association diminishes the bad while it increase the good effects of the combination, 
 other observers have failed to recognize in it any advantage, while they object to the 
 unpalatable taste of the bromide of ammonium — a grave defect in a medicine which 
 must be continuously used for a long time in the treatment of disease. The weight of 
 authority, however, appears to be in favor of the opinion that 10 grains of bromide of 
 potassium with 3 to 5 grains of bromide of ammonium produce a greater sedative influence 
 than 12 or 15 grains of either of them administered separately. Erlenmeyer states that 
 the association of the bromides of potassium, sodium, and ammonium in the proportion 
 of 1 : 1 : \ is more efficient than either one alone, and is not so apt to produce acnei- 
 form eruptions. This salt has been successfully employed in some cases of delirium 
 tremens. It has also been recommended as possessing remarkable virtues iri whooping 
 cough during the spasmodic stage of the disease, and the success of bromide of potassium 
 in the same affection supports the recommendation. It has been particularly eulogized 
 by Kormann in Germany ( Med . Mews, etc., xxxix. 473) and Grinnell in this country 
 (ibid., xl. 294), but without any statement of the duration of the disease under its use. 
 Probably a combination of the two salts would be more efficacious than either alone. In 
 acute articular rheumatism this medicine has been supposed to exert a favorable influ- 
 ence ; but since it was first proposed eight or ten years have elapsed without eliciting 
 any confirmatory experience. The intolerable itching of prurigo is sometimes strikingly 
 diminished by it when it is given in doses of 10 grains three times a day. It has been 
 recommended to prevent menorrhagia. The fumes of this salt have been used in the 
 treatment of chronic diseases af the naso-pharynx ( Dublin Jour. Med. Sci ., Mar. 1.889. 
 
 Dose, for adults from Gm. 0.30-2.00 (gr. v— xxx) three times a day ; for children, from 
 1 to 5 grains. It is conviently administered as a bitter infusion, and especially in hop 
 tea. 
 
 Bromide of Rubidium and Ammonium has been proposed by Laufenauer as a substitute 
 for the bromides of sodium, potassium, and ammonium, on the ground that it contains a 
 larger percentage of bromine than the other salts named. In daily doses Gm. 4-7 (gr. 
 lx-c) he conceived it to be more efficient than the related bromine compounds ( Therap . 
 Monatsch., iii. 348 ; iv. 45). 
 
 AMMONII CARBONAS, U. S Br. — Ammonium Carbonate. 
 
 Ammoniac sesquicarbonas ; Ammonium carbonicum, P. G. ; Carbonas ammonicus, Sal 
 volatile siccum , Alkali volatile . — Volatile salt , E. ; Carbonate d’ammon ia q ue , Alkali vola- 
 tile concret, Sel volatile d’ Angleterre, Fr. ; Ammoniumcarbonat , Kohlensaures Ammonium, 
 Fliichtiges Laugensalz , Reines Hirschhornsalz, G. ; Carbonato di ammonio , F. It., Sp. 
 Formula NH 4 HC0 3 NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 = N 3 H n C 2 0 5 . Molecular weight 156.77. 
 
 Origin. — Ammonium carbonate was first prepared by Raymund Lull, in the thirteenth 
 century, by the distillation of putrid urine, which contains the normal carbonate, (NH 4 ) 2 - 
 C0 3 , formed from urea, CON 2 H 4 and 2HLO, water. It was subsequently obtained by the 
 dry distillation of horn, bone, blood, and other animal matters, and for a long time puri- 
 fied by resubliming this crude product in the presence of animal charcoal. In the fifteenth 
 century Basilius Valentinus observed its production from sal ammoniac and potassium 
 carbonate, in place of which afterward chalk was employed. At present it is largely 
 manufactured by modifications of this process. 
 
 Preparation. — A mixture of powdered sal ammoniac with twice its weight of chalk, 
 or of 4 parts each of ammonium sulphate and chalk with 1 part of charcoal, is gradually 
 heated to dull redness in an iron or earthen retort, the vapors being passed through an 
 iron pipe into a leaden chamber, where they condense. The chalk is used in excess to 
 prevent sublimation of undecomposed ammonium chloride, which would otherwise be 
 apt to contaminate the product. It is then purified by resublimation from iron vessels. 
 The reaction results in the formation of calcium chloride (or sulphate) and neutral 
 ammonium carb.onate, which on condensation is converted into a salt of the above com- 
 position, water and ammonia being given off ; 4NH 4 C1 + 2CaC0 3 yield 2CaCl 2 + N 3 H U - 
 C 2 0 5 + NH 3 -f- H 2 0. The ammonia is utilized either by passing the uncondensed vapors 
 into water or through a cylinder filled with coke which is impregnated with dilute sul- 
 phuric acid, resulting in the formation of ammonium sulphate. Barium carbonate may 
 be employed in the place of chalk, and is advantageously used with ammonium chloride, 
 when barium chloride is obtained at the same time. The ammonium salts used being 
 almost exclusively those obtained from coal-gas liquor, the first sublimate contains tarry 
 
.4 MM ON 1 1 CA JR B ON A S. 
 
 183 
 
 products, from which it is freed by resublimation. Nearly 600,000 pounds were annually 
 imported into this country previous to 1878; since that time, between 300,000 and 
 500,000 pounds. 
 
 Properties. — Ammonium carbonate is found in commerce in white crystalline trans- 
 lucent masses, having a strong ammoniaeal odor, an alkaline reaction, and a pungent 
 saline and caustic taste. Exposed to the air, it parts with ammonia and carbon dioxide, 
 becomes opaque, and falls into a white powder of acid ammonium carbonate, NH 4 HC0 3 ; 
 this salt is likewise obtained by washing the powdered official carbonate with a little cold 
 water, which dissolves chiefly ammonium carbamate. The U. S. Ph. states that the salt 
 is slowly but completely soluble in 5 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) ; it is decomposed 
 by hot water, with the elimination of ammonia and carbon dioxide, and is completely 
 dissipated by prolonged boiling with water. Alcohol dissolves ammonium carbamate, 
 and on being heated yields a sublimate of this salt. 
 
 Composition. — Of the formula given above, the last one is purely empirical, while 
 the first represents the salt as a compound of 1 molecule of acid ammonium carbonate 
 with 1 of ammonium carbonate, from which a molecule of water has been separated. 
 The last-mentioned compound is regarded as the ammonium salt of carbamic acid (which 
 is unknown in the isolated state), and hence is called ammonium carbamate , the formula 
 of which is NH 4 NH. 2 C0 2 . In its pure state this forms tabular crystals, is deliquescent, 
 volatilizes completely at. 59° C. (138.2° F.), with decomposition into ammonia and car- 
 bon dioxide, and in aqueous solution is soon converted into normal ammonium carbonate : 
 the solution of the official salt, therefore, contains a mixture of neutral and acid ammo- 
 nium carbonate. 
 
 The salt formerly in the market, which was prepared from animal matters, closely 
 resembled the official salt, but had the composition N 4 H 16 C 3 O g = 2NH 4 HC0 3 .NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 ; 
 according to Divers, it was a mixture of the above salt with acid ammonium carbonate. 
 
 Tests. — Ammonium carbonate should be completely volatilized without charring when 
 heated upon platinum-foil (absence of organic matters and non-volatile salts). It should 
 dissolve in diluted acids without residue, and this solution should be free from empyreu- 
 matic odor. 1 Gm. of the salt, on being supersaturated with nitric acid and evaporated 
 to dryness by means of a water-bath, should leave a colorless (white) residue, which at a 
 higher heat volatilizes completely. U. S. — P. G. Empyreumatic products impart a yellow 
 or brown color to the residue. Ammonium hyposulphite, which may be present from 
 the decomposition of the sulphate during sublimation, is detected by the brown color 
 produced on adding to the aqueous solution of the salt first an excess of solution of 
 silver nitrate and afterward of nitric acid. After dissolving the salt in a slight excess 
 of diluted nitric acid, it should not be precipitated by barium chloride (sulphate), silver 
 nitrate (chloride), or hydrogen sulphide (metals). Traces of iron may frequently be 
 detected in this solution by potassium ferrocyanide or sulphocyanate. The presence of 
 ammonium bicarbonate is indicated by the change of the translucent mass into an opaque 
 pulverulent condition. Occasionally the bicarbonate has been observed (see American 
 Journal of Pharmacy , 1874, p. 540) in translucent solid masses mixed with the official 
 article. In this condition it has but a faint odor of ammonia, and dissolves slowly in 
 water at the ordinary temperature, giving off carbon dioxide. 
 
 52.3 grains of ammonium carbonate dissolved in 1 ounce of distilled water will be 
 neutralized by 1000 grain-measures (B)-.') or 2.613 Gm. of the salt by 50 Cc. of the 
 normal volumetric solution of oxalic acid ( U. S.). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparations. — Ammonium carbonate reacts with 
 salts of nearly all inorganic and organic bases, with the exception of sodium and potas- 
 sium, and is therefore incompatible with such salts. Prescribed with syrup of squill or 
 similar preparations, the annoyance caused by the evolution of carbon dioxide is best 
 overcome by triturating in a mortar the carbonate with a little of the syrup, adding the 
 latter gradually, if admissible, alternately with water or a tincture. The generation of 
 carbon dioxide in many reactions renders it necessary to triturate the ingredients of 
 pill masses containing ammonium carbonate with some strong alcohol until the reaction 
 has been completed, when the excipient may be added. The salt is used in making 
 Liquor ammon. acetat., Spir. amnion, arom., U. S ., Br. 
 
 Ammonii bicarbonas, NH 4 HC0 3 , is obtained by treating the powdered official ammo- 
 nium carbonate with about twice its weight of water, when carbamate will be dissolved, 
 or by keeping the former for two weeks under a bell-glass over sulphuric acid and 
 slaked lime, when the carbamate will evaporate, being decomposed into carbon dioxide, 
 CO..,, and ammonia, NH 3 . Ammonium bicarbonate is a white powder, when perfectly 
 
184 
 
 A MM ONI I CARBON AS. 
 
 dry free from ammoniacal odor, of a cooling saline taste, insoluble in alcohol, but soluble 
 in 8 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) ; the solution, heated to 36° C. (96.8° F.) begins 
 to give off carbon dioxide. From a concentrated solution clear rhombic prisms of the 
 salt may be obtained. Yogler (1878) ascertained that the salt is not permanent in the 
 air, but is slowly volatilized, with the production of an ammoniacal odor. 
 
 Liquor ammonii carbonici and Liquor ammonii carbonici pyro-oleosi, P. G., 
 1872, are solutions of 1 part of ammonium carbonate or pyro-oleous carbonate in 5 parts 
 of distilled water. 
 
 Ammonii carbonas pyro-oleosus, s. Ammonium carbonicum pyro-oleosum , P. G., 
 1872, Sal volatile cornu cervi . — 32 parts of ammonium carbonate are thoroughly incor- 
 porated with 1 part of ethereal animal oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The direct effect of carbonate of ammonium when taken in 
 doses of from 5 to 10 grains is to cause some increase of the fulness and force of the 
 pulse and a sense of tightness about the head, sometimes with throbbing. It is also said 
 to increase the temperature of the body during health and excite the secretions of the 
 skin, kidneys, and bronchia. It readily enters the blood, increasing its alkaline reaction, 
 and escapes by the breath and sweat, and still more by the urine. In doses of from 
 10 to 20 grains it excites vomiting. In still larger doses it occasions symptoms of 
 inflammation in the throat, gullet, and stomach, tetanoid convulsions, and death. In a 
 case which proved fatal intense inflammatory lesions were found in the organs last men- 
 tioned, and also congestion of the lungs, with oedema. Long-continued use of the salt 
 deranges the stomach, causes diarrhoea, emaciation, and a dissolution of the blood, with 
 symptoms resembling those of scurvy. The last-mentioned effect it displays in common 
 with the other alkaline salts, especially those of sodium. 
 
 This medicine has been used in typhus fever and in the typhoid state of various febrile 
 affections ; that is to say, in which nervous disorder is associated with a tendency to dis- 
 solution of the blood. Thus it has been found beneficial in the fever just named, in low 
 forms of typhoid fever , typhoid scarlatina , , measles , erysipelas , pneumonia , etc. There is no 
 reason to suppose that it is, in any sense, a specific for those affections, or that a continu- 
 ous administration of it throughout an attack is beneficial or even justifiable. Like 
 other stimulants, it urges the organs to perform their functions until the poison which is 
 the cause of their debility is eliminated and the tissue-repair advanced, and probably it 
 also quickens their performance of this work. In appropriate doses it has the advantage 
 over alcohol that it leaves no depression behind it, and over turpentine that it is not apt 
 to occasion any local derangements. It is possible that the antifermentative action of 
 ammonia illustrated by Gottbrecht (il led. News , lv. 697) may be a factor in this opera- 
 tion. In excessive doses it is perturbative and irritant, and if long continued, even in 
 doses which the stomach will tolerate, it impairs nutrition in the manner stated above. 
 Its efficacy in the treatment of bites of venomous serpents and insects and in alcoholic 
 intoxication is, in a great degree, due to its stimulant action ; but the extraordinary 
 rapidity with which, when applied locally, it arrests the pain and inflammation of insect- 
 bites, and when taken internally suspends even a high degree of drunkenness, seems to 
 shows that it exerts also a more direct antidotal power. In various forms of bronchitis , 
 both primary and secondary, it may be employed, the cases in which it is most useful being 
 those which have passed the acute stage and which tend to become chronic, with dilata- 
 tion of the bronchia or with consolidation of the vesicular tissue, constituting the so- 
 called broncho-pneumonia. When this form of disease arises, as it often does, as a con- 
 sequence of measles, ammoniacal medicines ought never to be neglected. The dyspepsia 
 of drunkards is said to be favorably modified by this medicine, probably by its combined 
 antacid and stimulant properties, which counteract the acidity of the stomach and dis- 
 solve the tenacious mucus that coats the organ. The antacid property of the salt has 
 led to its use in cases of excessive secretion of uric acid ; and in diabetes it sometimes 
 diminishes the quantity, as well as the saccharine condition, of the urine. Dr. Beale has 
 drawn attention to the great utility of this salt in cystinuria , and shown that large 
 doses of it may be safely taken for a long time ( Lancet , Aug. 30, 1884). Like other 
 volatile ammoniacal preparations, it is useful in alleviating headache , whether dependent 
 upon acidity of the stomach or upon exhaustion of the nervous system. Its stimulant 
 quality renders it useful in faintness, syncope , nervous spasm , etc. ; and when mixed with 
 sal ammoniac and scented with an aromatic oil it forms the usual smelling-salts employed 
 to relieve the symptoms just referred to, and also to dissipate congestion of the nostrils 
 in commencing coryza. Externally, it is sometimes applied to promote the resolution of 
 glandular swellings. It has also been administered internally for the same purpose. 
 
AM MON I I CHLORIDUM. 
 
 185 
 
 Carbonate of ammonium is generally given in a watery solution, and its acrimony is 
 blunted by the use of mucilage, sugar, or liquorice. As a stimulant expectorant its dose 
 is Gm. 0.10-0.15 (gr. ij-iij) or more, repeated every two or three hours. In low fevers 
 Gm. 0.30—0.60 (gr. v— x) should be given every hour or two, until five or six doses are 
 taken, but much larger doses, such as from 20 to 40 grains, have been given several 
 times a days for months together without injury. An emetic effect is said to be pro- 
 duced by Gm. 2 (gr. xxx). 
 
 AMMONH CHLORIDUM, U. 8., Br.— Ammonium Chloride. 
 
 Ammonium chloratum , P. G. ; Ammonium muriaticum s. hydroch lo ra turn depuratum, 
 Chloruretum Ammonicum, Sal ammoniacum, Ammoniac hydrochloras s. murias. — Purified 
 ammonium chloride , Muriate of ammonia , Sal ammoniac , E. ; Ghlorure d’ ammonium, 
 Sel ammoniac , Chlorhydrate d’ ammoniaque, Fr. ; Salmiak, Ghlor ammonium, Ammonium 
 chlorid, Reiner Salmiak, G. ; Gloruro di ammonia, F. It. ; Glorhidrato de amoniaco , Sp. 
 
 Formula NH 4 C1 or AmCl. Molecular weight 53.38. 
 
 Origin. — The sal ammoniacum of ancient writers was perhaps in all cases rock-salt. 
 In the eighth century Geber prepared sal ammoniac from urine. Subsequently it was 
 manufactured in Egypt from camel’s dung and urine, and exported to Europe, where its 
 manufacture was begun in Venice in the seventeenth century, in Great Britain in 1756, 
 and soon after in Germany and France. At present it is obtained from the products of 
 the dry distillation of bones and other animal matters, and of coal. It is frequently met 
 with in the neighborhood of volcanoes, and is a constituent of several mineral springs, 
 such as Hall, Homburg, Wiesbaden, and others. 
 
 Preparation. — The so-called coal-gas liquor is a watery liquid condensed in the 
 preparation and purification of illuminating gas from coal, and contains principally am- 
 monium carbonate, besides some sulphide, cyanide, and empyreumatic products. This 
 is either neutralized by hydrochloric acid or decomposed by calcium chloride, in both 
 of which cases a solution of ammonium chloride is obtained, w r hich is evaporated and the 
 dry salt afterward sublimed. In order to avoid the expense attending the evaporation of 
 such dilute solutions the gas-liquor is now frequently treated with lime and the generated 
 ammonia gas conducted into a more concentrated acid. If the gas-liquor is neutralized 
 by sulphuric acid, the resulting solution will yield more or less brown-colored crystals of 
 ammonium sulphate, which are mixed with sodium chloride (table-salt), and the mixture 
 is sublimed from iron pots, the vapors being condensed upon the inside of leaden or iron 
 domes. On the application of heat a mutual decomposition of the ammonium sulphate 
 and sodium chloride occurs, resulting in the formation of ammonium chloride, which sub- 
 limes, and sodium sulphate, which remains behind ; (NH 4 ). 2 S0 4 + 2NaCl yields 2NH 4 C1 
 + Na 2 S0 4 . From the corrosive action of the vapors upon iron the product is always con- 
 taminated with chloride of iron. 
 
 Instead of using sulphuric acid, the gas-liquor may be digested with powdered gypsum 
 (calcium sulphate), when ammonium sulphate and insoluble calcium carbonate are pro- 
 duced, the latter retaining a considerable amount of the tarry products. Any liquid con- 
 taining ammonia or ammonium carbonate, like the aqueous liquor obtained on the destruc- 
 tive distillation of bones or other animal matter, may be employed in the same manner as 
 coal-gas liquor. The annual importation of sal ammoniac has increased from less than 
 800,000 pounds previous to 1879 to nearly 1,500,000 pounds in 1882. 
 
 When the crude article is refined by carefully resubliming it, ammonium chloride may 
 be obtained sufficiently pure for medicinal use. Commercial sal ammoniac contains, usu- 
 ally, variable quantities of ferrous and ferric chloride, and should be purified by dissolv- 
 ing 2 parts of it in 3 parts of hot water, adding a small quantity of chlorine-water to 
 convert the ferrous into ferric chloride, and afterward ammonia-water in slight excess, 
 then filtering the hot solution from the precipitated ferric hydroxide. If the sal ammoniac 
 has been otherwise pure, the filtrate may be evaporated to dryness, and the salt gran- 
 ulated by stirring it continually. If, however, it contains other saline impurities besides 
 the iron, it is best to allow the filtrate to cool, stirring it occasionally, and to collect the 
 crystalline powder upon a muslin strainer. The impurities will remain in the mother- 
 liquor. 
 
 Properties. — Sal ammoniac is imported in casks, and consists of colorless or whit- 
 ish translucent masses which are of a fibrous crystalline structure, very tough and diffi- 
 cult to powder. It is free from odor and has a cooling and strongly saline taste. Its 
 specific gravity is 1.53, and it is soluble in about 3 parts of cold and in little more than 
 
186 
 
 AMMONII CHLORIDUM. 
 
 its own weight of boiling water. During the solution of the salt in water a considerable 
 reduction of temperature is observed. When the solution is heated with potassa or lime 
 gaseous ammonia is given off, and when treated with silver nitrate a curdy white precipi- 
 tate soluble in ammonia is produced. It is less freely soluble in spirituous liquids, requir- 
 ing 14 parts of boiling alcohol for solution. The salt is permanent in the air, but its solu- 
 tion on being boiled evolves a little ammonia and acquires an acid reaction. Ammonium 
 chloride evaporates completely without melting at an elevated temperature, and on cool- 
 ing is condensed again unchanged. Metals which are dissolved by hydrochloric acid are 
 likewise attacked by the hot solution or the vapor of this salt ; hence commercial sal 
 ammoniac contains iron, derived from the vessels in which it has been prepared, and its 
 solution turns blue on the addition of potassium ferrocyanide. 
 
 Purified ammonium chloride forms a snow-white granular crystalline powder, the 
 hot solution of which has a faint acid reaction, and does not acquire a bluish -black 
 color by tannin or a blue coloration on the addition of potassium ferrocyanide. The solu- 
 bility of pure ammonium chloride in water has been ascertained by Alluard (1864) for 
 the following temperatures, and a barometric pressure of 718 Mm., at which 100 parts of 
 water will hold in solution 
 
 28.40 32.84 37.28 41.72 46.16 50.60 55.04 59.48 63.92 68.36 72.80 77.24 parts of NH 4 C1. 
 at 0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 100° 110° C. 
 
 The TJ. S. and Germ. Pharmacopoeias state that the salt is soluble in 3 parts of 
 water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in its own weight of boiling water. 
 
 Gerardin gives (1865) the following figures, indicating the solubility of ammonium 
 chloride in 100 parts of alcohol, specific gravity 0.939: At 4° C., 11.2 ; at 8°, 12.6; at 
 27°, 19.4; at 38°, 23.6; and at 56° C., 30.1 parts of NH 4 C1. 
 
 Tests. — The salt should be completely volatilized from platinum-foil (non-volatile 
 salts), and should yield a clear solution with 4 parts of water (barium sulphate, lead 
 salts). The solution, in 20 parts of water, should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide 
 (metals), diluted sulphuric acid (barium), barium chloride (sulphate), nor, after acidulat- 
 ing with hydrochloric acid, by ferric chloride ; a red color produced with the last test 
 would indicate the presence of sulphocyanate, observed by Warington. The limit of iron, 
 according to the U. S. and Germ. Ph., is to be tested by solution of potassium ferrocyan- 
 ide (10 per cent.), 5 drops of which should not at once produce a blue color if added to 
 20 Cc. of a 5 per cent, solution of the salt. Empyreumatic and non-volatile impurities 
 may be detected by moistening 1 Gm. of the salt with nitric acid and drying at the heat 
 of a water-bath, when it should not acquire a brown tint, and on heating to a higher tem- 
 perature the residue should be completely volatilized. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Ammonium chloride is used for generating ammonia in 
 preparing aqua aminoniae. 
 
 Ammonii et ferri chloridum s. Ammonium chloratum f erratum , P. G., s. Ferrum 
 ammoniatum ; Ammonio-chloride of iron, ammoniated iron, E. ; Sel ammoniac martial, 
 Fr. ; Eisensalmiak, G. — 32 parts of ammonium chloride are mixed with 9 parts of solu- 
 tion of ferric chloride (P. 6r.), and evaporated with constant stirring to dryness. It is 
 an orange-colored, somewhat deliquescent powder, having a strongly saline and ferrugi- 
 nous taste, and containing 7.25 per cent, of ferric chloride, Fe 2 Cl 6 , equal to 12.1 per cent, 
 of crystallized ferric chloride or to 2.5 per cent, of metallic iron. It should yield a clear 
 solution with water, and, being decomposed in the sunlight, should be kept in a dark place. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The effects of from 5 to 20 grains of ammonium chloride, 
 given at intervals of several hours, are a sense of oppression, warmth, and uneasiness in 
 the stomach, some fulness of the head, and an increased tendency to urinate. If it is 
 used for many days together in full doses, it disturbs the digestion, coats the tongue, 
 and impairs the appetite ; it may even occasion gastric pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Its 
 prolonged use is said to cause emaciation. Its action upon the blood has frequently been 
 illustrated clinically. In one case there were bloody blebs upon the skin and in the 
 mouth, besides haematuria and bloody stools (Isham, Med. News , xl. 454) ; in another 
 there was profuse haemorrhage from the nose, eyes, fauces, and bowels (Lucas, Med News , 
 xl. 587) ; and in the third instance inhalations of the fumes of the salt seem to have 
 occasioned haemorrhage from the pharynx (Fuller, Med. Record , xix. 474). 
 
 Chloride of ammonium is sometimes used with a view of promoting the cutaneous 
 efflorescence in eruptive fevers ; but it is of more value in the cure of obstinate intermittent 
 fevers , doubtless through its influence upon the function of nutrition. This value is, 
 however, very uncertain and restricted. In bronchitis that has passed its inflammatory 
 stage few medicines are more efficient than this ; and in all the chronic forms of the 
 
AM MO Nil CHLORIDUM. 
 
 187 
 
 affection occurring in persons of a feeble and relaxed habit of body it is a most valuable 
 remedy when giveu alone or associated with stimulant expectorants. Whooping cough is 
 benefited by its use when the sputa are tenacious and excessive. Its wholesome stimu- 
 lation is manifested in cases of chronic pharyngitis accompanied with a flaccid state of 
 the mucous membrane and a glairy secretion. Inhalation of the fumes or vapors of the 
 salt has been recommended in these diseases by Franks ( Lancet , Jan. 1887, p. 167). A 
 similar secretion from other mucous membranes, constituting gleet , leucorrhcea , etc., is 
 often modified favorably by it. The alterative action of the medicine — i. e. its slow but 
 steady modification of the nutrition of tissues — is exhibited by its beneficial action in 
 amenorrhcea and dysmenorrhcea when the former depends upon torpor of the uterine sys- 
 tem, and the latter upon chronic engorgement of the uterus, with or without catarrh. 
 This action is doubtless exerted by it in those cases of cure which it brings about in the 
 various general disorders that arise from sympathy with the uterine system at the meno- 
 pause. It is also in this manner that it appears to be useful in certain cases of fibrous 
 tumors of the uterus. To a similar mode of action may be referred its utility in chronic 
 glandular enlargements, as in those of the thyroid body ( goitre ), the prostate, fhe liver, etc. 
 In regard to its utility in goitre there can be little doubt. Among many illustrations may 
 be mentioned six cases in which the disease began at puberty, and which were cured after 
 about three months of treatment (Stevens, Med. Record ', xvii. 429). In the case of the 
 liver its administration has been alleged to diminish the tendency to hepatic abscess , but 
 such an assertion must be difficult to substantiate. According to the first and the only 
 physician who has attributed this virtue to the medicine, and whose field of observation 
 was in the East Indies, it should be prescribed in the dose of Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) as soon 
 as pain in the hepatic region gives warning of the danger of suppuration (Stewart, Lancet , 
 May, 1870, p. 726; ibid., Oct. 1887). 
 
 The forms of neuralgia in which chloride of ammonium is beneficial are not easily 
 defined. According to certain statements, it is equally useful in rheumatic and idiopathic 
 neuralgias, in those depending upon local congestions, and those associated with anaemia, 
 as well as those of less easy definition which are connected with uterine, gastric, and 
 other functional disorders. We have no doubt that it is chiefly serviceable in neuralgia 
 depending upon cold, in which, indeed, especially in neuralgia of the fifth pair, the inter- 
 costal nerves, and the sciatic nerve, it sometimes exerts a very prompt and salutary 
 action. In those cases of diffused neuralgic headache known as hemicrania, and often 
 associated with gastric acidity, this medicine is sometimes beneficial, but less so than the 
 carbonate or the liquid preparations of ammonia. In the muscular aches which are pro- 
 duced by the prolonged and repeated use of the same set of muscles, and which have 
 been styled myalgia , this medicine is of service if the tired organs are allowed repose. 
 A somewhat analogous condition obtains in chronic muscular rheumatism, for which also 
 this salt may be advantageously prescribed. Like other ammoniacal preparations, it has 
 been used with alleged benefit for snake-bites , but associated with such other active 
 remedies that a judgment of its share in the result is impossible ( Practitioner , xl. 291). 
 It has also been recommended in the treatment of haemorrhage from the stomach, the 
 uterus, and the lungs ; but except in the case of the uterus the tendency of bleeding to 
 cease spontaneously is so well known that the influence of a medicine in controlling it 
 demands a clearer demonstration than is offered in this case. This salt is alleged to 
 reduce the proportion of sugar voided in saccharine diabetes , but clinical observation does 
 not favor its use in that disease (Guttmann, Zeitsch. f klin. Med., i. 610 ; ii. 473; Adam- 
 kiewicz, ibid., ii. 195). 
 
 The stimulant action of this salt has been employed to stay the progress of gangrene, 
 especially of the senile variety. It should be applied in cataplasms or in local baths, 
 according to the situation of the disease. The same action is very usefully resorted to 
 in the treatment of contusions and lacerated and contused wounds. In local inflamma- 
 tions the cold produced by it while dissolving may sometimes be taken advantage of. A 
 mixture of 5 parts of it with as many of nitrate of potassium and 16 parts of water will 
 lower the thermometer from 50° to 10° F. Such a mixture, contained in a bladder, has 
 been used to promote the reduction of hernial tumors and in various cutting operations 
 of minor surgery. Chloride of ammonium forms a useful ingredient of errhine powders, 
 gargles, dentifrices for whitening the teeth, cosmetic preparations for removing the pimples 
 of acne from the face, plasters for the treatment of enlarged bursae and joints, and atom- 
 ized solutions for the cure of pharyngeal and laryngeal affections requiring direct stimula- 
 tion. Among the last are nervous aphonia and chronic bronchitis. 
 
 The dose of chloride of ammonium varies from Gm. 0.30-2.00 (gr. v-xxx), but a 
 
188 
 
 AMMON 1 1 10 DID UM. 
 
 larger dose than Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) is seldom necessary. It is best administered in 
 solution, and its taste may be disguised by the addition of extract of liquorice or the 
 syrup of liquorice-root. In bronchial diseases its virtues are increased by this 
 association. In neuralgia it may be necessary to repeat hourly the dose of Gm. 0.30- 
 0.60 (gr. v-x) for three or four consecutive hours. In affections of the air-passages it 
 may be given by the stomach, and also by the inhalation of an atomized saturated solu- 
 tion of the salt in water. The ammonio-cliloride of iron is credited by some German 
 therapeutists with special virtues due to its non-metallic constituent, in scrofula, anaemia, 
 and other states involving general debility. There is no sufficient ground for this opinion, 
 and the taste of the preparation is so disagreeable that the use of it may well be dis- 
 pensed with. Its dose is said to be from Gm. 0.20-0.60 (gr. iij-x). It may be given in 
 a solution of extract of liquorice. 
 
 AMMONII IODIDUM, TJ. S. — Ammonium Iodide. 
 
 Ammonium jodatum, Ioduretum ammonicum. — Iodure d' ammonium, Fr.; Jodammonium , 
 Ammonium jodid, G. ; Yodhidrato de amoniaco, Sp. 
 
 Formula NH 4 I or Ami. Molecular weight 144.54. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is most advantageously prepared by the process recom- 
 mended by Jacobsen in 1863, and which, with some modifications, was adopted by the 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1870. ikfter correcting the errors in the latter this process is as 
 follows : Mix potassium iodide in coarse powder 2 £ troyounces, and ammonium sulphate 
 in coarse powder 1 troyounce ; add to the mixture 2 fluidounces of boiling water ; stir 
 well, allow to cool slowly, add 2 fluidounces of alcohol, and place the mixture in a bath 
 of iced water, stirring occasionally ; throw the mixture into a glass funnel stopped with 
 moistened cotton, collect the clear liquid, and wash the crystalline salt with diluted 
 alcohol ; lastly evaporate the filtrate rapidly to dryness, stirring constantly. Contact 
 with iron or other metals is to be avoided. 
 
 1 molecule of ammonium sulphate (132 parts) and 2 molecules of potassium iodide 
 (331.2 parts) decompose each other when mixed in solution, with the formation of ammo- 
 nium iodide and potassium sulphate ; 2KI -j- (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 forms 2NH 4 I + K 2 S0 4 . The 
 latter salt, being insoluble in alcohol, will separate from the solution as a crystalline pow- 
 der on adding alcohol and cooling the mixture, after which the filtrate may be evaporated 
 to dryness, yielding rather more than 2& troyounces of the iodide. The minute quantity 
 of potassium sulphate contained in it does not interfere with its medical properties. 
 If a still purer salt is desired, the product may be dissolved in alcohol, filtered from the 
 insoluble potassium sulphate, and evaporated as before. 
 
 Other processes have been proposed, of which the following may be mentioned : 
 Hydriodic acid is neutralized with ammonia or ammonium carbonate. Ferrous iodide is 
 decomposed by ammonium carbonate, and the filtrate evaporated (Ch. Ellis, 1835). 
 Potassium iodide and ammonium bitartrate are made to react upon each other in hot 
 solutions ; on cooling, potassium bitartrate crystallizes, and the evaporated filtrate, still 
 containing a little of this salt, is treated with 70 per cent, alcohol, which dissolves only 
 the ammonium iodide (W. H. Pile, 1862). Iodine is treated with ammonium sulphide 
 until the brown color has completely disappeared, when the solution is boiled, filtered 
 from the liberated sulphur, and evaporated (Spencer, 1852.) 
 
 When iodine is added to ammonia-water, ammonium iodide is produced, but at the same 
 time the extremely explosive compound nitrogen iodide results. Mixtures of the two 
 substances named should therefore be made with great caption. 
 
 “ Ammonium iodide should be preserved in small, well-stopped vials, protected from 
 light. When deeply colored it should not be dispensed, but it may be deprived of free 
 iodine by adding to its concentrated aqueous solution sufficient ammonium sulphide test- 
 solution to render it colorless, then filtering, and evaporating on a water-bath to dry- 
 ness.”— U. S. 
 
 Properties. — Ammonium iodide is in white granular crystals, and on the slow evap- 
 oration of its solution, which should be kept slightly alkaline by ammonia, is obtained in 
 colorless and inodorous cubes having the specific gravity 2.498. If the air is excluded, 
 the salt sublimes undecomposed ; in contact with the atmosphere it acquires a yellowish- 
 brown color and a slight odor of iodine. The salt is very deliquescent, and dissolves 
 freely in water and alcohol, requiring 1 part of water and 9 parts of alcohol at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), .5 part of boiling water, and 3.7 parts of boiling alcohol for solution ( U. S .) ; 
 the solutions have a slight acid reaction and become yellow on exposure. Iodine is 
 
AMMONII NITRAS. 
 
 189 
 
 liberated on the addition of nitric acid and ammonia by potassa or lime. On the addition 
 of a little chlorine-water to the aqueous solution of the salt, iodine is set free, which will 
 dissolve in chloroform or in carbon disulphide with a violet color, and will impart a blue 
 color to mucilage of starch ; excess of chlorine will prevent these color-reactions through 
 the formation of colorless compounds. 
 
 Tests. — The purity of the salt is recognized by its complete volatility, and by its 
 solution yielding not any, or only a slight, turbidity with barium chloride (sulphate). 
 Ammonium bromide and chloride are recognized by precipitating the solution with silver 
 nitrate and adding ammonia in excess, in which silver iodide is very sparingly soluble, 
 so that the ammoniacal liquid will yield merely a slight turbidity on the addition of ni- 
 tric acid. If a precipitate occurs, this is agitated with chlorine-water gradually added in 
 the presence of chloroform, which will be colored red if bromine be present ; if the chloro- 
 form is not colored, the impurity is a chloride. The limits of impurities are thus ascer- 
 tained : “ On adding to 1 Gm. of the salt, dissolved in 20 Cc. of water (with a few 
 drops of dilute hydrochloric acid), 5 or 6 drops of test-solution of barium nitrate, no 
 immediate cloudiness or precipitate should make its appearance (limit of sulphate). If 
 0.25 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of ammonia-water, then shaken with 7.6 Cc. 
 of decinormal silver nitrate solution, and the filtrate be supersaturated with 5 Cc. of ni- 
 tric acid, no cloudiness should make its appearance within ten minutes (absence of more 
 than about 0.5 per cent, of chloride or bromide). A 1 per cent, aqueous solution should 
 not at once be colored blue by test-solution of potassium ferrocyanide (limit of iron), 
 nor, after being mixed with gelatinized starch, should it assume a deep-blue color (limit 
 of free iodine).” — U S. The solution of 10 grains of ammonium iodide, treated with 
 sufficient silver nitrate, yields a precipitate of silver iodide, which, after washing and dry- 
 ing, weighs about 182 grains (or 1.618 Gm. from 1 Gm. Ami). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Iodide of ammonium resembles the other alkaline iodides, but 
 is more active as well as more transient in its effects. It is said that Gm. 0.50 (gr. 
 viij) (Bocker), and even Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) (Gamberini), may be taken at a dose without 
 other effect than some warmth and irritation of the throat and stomach. It was first 
 used in an ointment for psoriasis, tinea capitis, and other scaly affections of the skin, par- 
 ticularly those due to a syphilitic infection, and it was afterward administered internally 
 for the same class of affections and for rheumatism with success. As a topical applica- 
 tion in ointments and poultices it reduces enlarged glands , and, being more irritating 
 than iodide of potassium, is probably superior to the latter salt for this purpose, but it is 
 inferior to the iodide of lead. A solution of Gm. 2.00-2.60 (gr. xxx-xl) of the salt in 
 a fluidounce of glycerin has been used with the same object, and also as an application to 
 enlarged and indurated tonsils. It is sometimes added to volatile, camphorated, and 
 other liniments used for the relief of rheumatic and other local pains. The dose of this 
 iodide is from Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr. j-v) and upward. It should be dissolved in water 
 with syrup, and dispensed in bottles of blue glass to prevent its decomposition by the 
 light. An ointment containing from Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx) of the salt in an ounce of 
 lard should be freshly prepared when required. 
 
 AMMONII NITRAS, U . S ., IZr . — Ammonium Nitrate. 
 
 Ammoniac nitras , Br. ; Ammonium nitricum , Nitrum flammans. — Nitrate of ammonia , 
 E. ; Azofate di ammoniaque, Nitre inflammable, Nitre ammoniacal, Sel ammoniacal Nitreux, 
 Fr. ; Salpetersaures Ammon ( Ammonium , Ammonialc), Ammoniumnitrat , G. Nitrato de 
 amoniaco, Sp. 
 
 Formula NH 4 N0 3 or AmN0 3 . Molecular weight 79.9. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium nitrate exists in small quantity in the atmosphere and 
 in rain-water, particularly after thunder-storms ; likewise in the water of several springs. 
 On dissolving iron in nitric acid the same salt is formed through the action of nascent 
 hydrogen upon a portion of the acid ; many other metals have the same effect. 
 
 For preparing ammonium nitrate, nitric acid is neutralized with ammonia or ammonium 
 carbonate, or, in place of the latter, the pulverulent bicarbonate which accumulates in 
 the shops may be advantageously employed ; the solution is concentrated by evaporation 
 and crystallized, or until it congeals on cooling. On the large scale it is manufactured 
 from ammonium sulphate and potassium nitrate, the mixed solutions of which yield, first, 
 crystals of the less freely soluble potassium sulphate, afterward crystals of ammonium 
 nitrate, which require to be purified by recrystallization. 
 
 Properties. — Ammonium nitrate crystallizes in colorless hexagonal prisms, or on the 
 
190 
 
 AMMON 1 1 PHOSPHAS. 
 
 rapid refrigeration of the concentrated solution in long, flexible, thread-like needles; after 
 fusion it forms colorless crystalline, inodorous masses. It has the specific gravity 1.70, 
 and possesses a sharp bitterish taste. It deliquesces in contact with moist air, and dis- 
 solves at ordinary temperatures in about half its weight, and in much less of boiling 
 water. It dissolves in 2.20 parts of alcohol, specific gravity 0.880, at 25° C. (77° F.) 
 (Pohl); in 1.1 parts of boiling alcohol (Wenzel); in 20 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° 
 F.), and in 3 parts of boiling alcohol ( U. S. P.'). The solutions on exposure or on heat- 
 ing lose ammonia and acquire an acid reaction. The salt deliquesces in ammonia gas, 
 forming a solution in liquefied ammonia, as observed by Divers (1872); at 23° C. (73.4° 
 F.) and the pressure of the atmosphere the liquid consists of 4 parts, and at 0° C. (32° 
 F.) of 2 parts, by weight, of the nitrate to 1 part of ammonia; but under greater pressure 
 or at lower temperatures much more ammonia can be condensed by the nitrate. Like an 
 aqueous solution, the liquid boils when heated, and may crystallize on cooling or become 
 supersaturated with the salt without crystallizing; at 80° C. (176° F.) the whole of the 
 ammonia is expelled. Ammonium nitrate softens on the application of heat, and fuses 
 at 165°-166° C. (329°-330.8° F.) (U. S.), 160° C. (320° F.) (Br.) 108° C. (226.4° F.) 
 (Pleischl), at 152° C. (305.6° F.) (Berthelot,1872), at 165° to 166° C. (329°-330.8° F.) 
 (Pickering, 1878), the difference in these observations being doubtless due to the presence 
 of moisture and other impurities. The same causes affect also the temperature at which 
 the salt is decomposed, and which has been determined at 185° C. (365° F.) by Picker- 
 ing, at 190°-200° C. (374°— 392° F.), by Legrand, at 210° C. (410° F.) by Berthelot, and 
 at near 240° C. (464° F.) by Pleischl, the U. S. P. requiring a salt which decomposes 
 between 230° and 250° C. (446° and 482° F.), (U. S .), 176.7° C. to 232.2° C. (350° 
 to 450° F.) (Br.). A portion of the salt is volatilized unaltered. When rapidly heated 
 it is decomposed into water, nitrogen trioxide, and nitrogen, or into nitrous and nitric 
 oxides, ammonium nitrite, and ammonia ; but if gradually heated it is decomposed into 
 water and nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, N 2 0. This decomposition is effected according 
 to the following equation : NH 4 NO ;! = N 2 0+2H 2 0. It is evident from this that in the 
 
 preparation of nitrous oxide gas to be used for inhalation the heat should be carefully 
 regulated and the gas pass through solutions of potassa (or lime-water) and ferrous sul- 
 phate, whereby all the gaseous impurities, except the nitrogen which may be present, are 
 completely removed, even if chlorine should have been evolved in consequence of the 
 presence of ammonium chloride in the nitrate. 
 
 The salt detonates when thrown upon red-hot charcoal or when mixed with powdered 
 charcoal and heated to 170° C. (338° F.). When mixed with sulphuric acid, nitric acid 
 vapors are given off, and potassa or lime evolves ammonia when heated with the aqueous 
 solution. 
 
 Tests. — The salt should be completely volatilized without charring when heated upon 
 platinum-foil, and a 10 per cent, aqueous solution acidulated with nitric acid should not be 
 precipitated either by silver nitrate or barium chloride (absence of chloride and sulphate). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Nitrate of ammonium is seldom used, but its dose is stated at 
 Gm. 0.05-1.5 (gr. j-xx). It is generally regarded as having properties analogous to 
 those of potassium nitrate. It is made officinal chiefly as the source from which nitrous 
 oxide gas is derived by means of heat. It is also used to prepare freezing mixtures and 
 artificial cold applications. 
 
 AMMONII PHOSPHAS, Br.— A mmonium Phosphate. 
 
 Ammonise phosphas, Ammonium phosphoricum , Phosphas ammonicus. — Phosphate of 
 ammonia , jDiammonium orthophosphate , E. ; Phosphate <f ammoniaque, Fr. ; Ammonium- 
 phosphat, Phosphorsaures Ammon ( Ammonium , Ammoniak ), G. 
 
 Formula (NH 4 ) 2 HP0 4 . Molecular weight 131.82. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Diluted Phosphoric Acid 20 fluidounces ; Strong Solution 
 of Ammonia a sufficiency. Add the ammonia to the phosphoric acid until the solution 
 is slightly alkaline, then evaporate the liquid, adding ammonia from time to time, so as to 
 keep it in slight excess, and when the crystals are formed on the cooling of the solution, 
 dry them quickly on filtering-paper placed on a porous tile, and preserve them in a 
 stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 This process yields the salt by the direct union of tribasic phosphoric acid and 
 ammonia. Since the salt has a distinct alkaline reaction and heat expels a portion of the 
 ammonia, it becomes necessary to add ammonia-water from time to time, and particularly 
 when the solution is set aside to crystallize, in order to preserve the alkaline reaction, 
 
. I MMONII SULPHAS. 
 
 191 
 
 otherwise this so-called neutral salt will be mixed in variable proportions with the acid 
 phosphate, having the composition NH 4 H 2 P0 4 . The salt may also be obtained from 
 bones calcined to whiteness by the process for Sodium Phosphate (which see), if 
 the sodium carbonate there directed is replaced by ammonium carbonate, and the result- 
 ing liquid, after suitable concentration, is rendered alkaline by the addition of some 
 ammonia. If necessary, the salt obtained is to be purified by recrystallization from dis- 
 tilled water, with the addition of a little ammonia, until the crystals are free from sul- 
 phate. If the crystallizing liquid should have been rendered strongly alkaline by 
 ammonia, the salt would consist of or contain triammonium (the so-called basic) ortho- 
 phosphate of the formula (NH 4 ) 3 P0 4 . 
 
 Properties. — Ammonium phosphate crystallizes in transparent, colorless, mono- 
 clinic prisms having the specific gravity 1.678 (Buignet, 1861). It has a cooling and 
 sharply saline taste, effloresces superficially in a damp atmosphere through loss of 
 ammonia, is insoluble in alcohol, but dissolves in 4 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 
 .5 part of boiling water, yielding a solution which is at first slightly alkaline, but on 
 exposure becomes neutral through loss of ammonia, and by continued boiling loses one- 
 half of it. The solution yields a yellow precipitate with silver nitrate, soluble in nitric 
 acid and ammonia, and evolves ammonia when heated with potassa. The salt, when 
 heated, fuses and is gradually decomposed into metaphosphoric acid, ammonia, and 
 water, and at a bright red heat is finally completely volatilized. 
 
 Tests. — 20 grains of the salt, dissolved in water and precipitated by a solution of 
 ammonio-magnesium sulphate, yield a crystalline precipitate, which, when well washed 
 with diluted ammonia-water, dried, and ignited, weighs 16.8 grains. The solution should 
 not be affected by ammonium sulphide, or, after being acidulated with nitric acid, by 
 hydrogen sulphide (absence of metals), and should yield no precipitate with barium 
 chloride (sulphate) or silver nitrate (chloride). 10 grains of the salt, gradually heated 
 upon platinum-foil to redness, should leave a residue weighing 6.1 grains. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Ammonium phosphate was proposed as a remedy for gout, 
 upon the theoretical ground that it would produce, with the uric acid in the system, 
 more soluble salts than those of soda and lime, which form the bases of gouty concre- 
 tions. By a singular perversion of logic the samd condition was assumed to exist in 
 rheumatism , which is a totally different disease, essentially as well as clinically. It was 
 indeed pointed out that, even from a chemical point of view, the administration of the 
 medicine would be apt to favor the formation of ammoniaco-magnesian calculi. However, 
 it was alleged that during the use of the medicine uric acid rapidily disappeared from 
 the urine, and that the pains and other local phenomena in the joints during acute gout 
 and rheumatism subsided, just as they do in the latter disease under the use of the car- 
 bonates of the alkalies. No general concurrence in the results of observation has con- 
 firmed the special if not specific advantages ascribed to this medicine at its introduc- 
 tion, and which are neither greater than those of the other alkalies nor different from 
 them. Like them, phosphate of ammonium has been found very serviceable in many 
 cases of diabetes by maintaining a highly alkaline condition of the blood, and thereby 
 diminishing the amount of sugar eliminated with the urine. The dose is from Gm. 
 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx) three times a day, dissolved in water or in some mild liquid, such 
 as barley- or rice-water. 
 
 AMMONII SULPHAS. — Ammonium Sulphate. 
 
 Ammonium sulphuricum , Sulphas ammonicus , Sal ammonium secretum Glauberi. — Sul- 
 fate cFammoniaque, Sel secret de Glauber , Fr. ; Schwefelsaures Ammon (Ammonium, Am- 
 monialf), Ammoniumsulfat , G. 
 
 Formula (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 or Am 2 S0 4 . Molecular weight 131.84. 
 
 Origin. — Ammonium sulphate was observed by Libavius (1595), and first prepared 
 from oil of vitriol and volatile alkali by Glauber (1667), after which time it was much 
 employed as a purgative. The salt is a constituent of a few minerals, and is sometimes 
 found in the neighborhood of volcanoes. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium sulphate is largely obtained from coal-gas liquor (see 
 Ammonii Chloridum) by neutralizing it with sulphuric acid or by digesting it with 
 calcium sulphate. A convenient process is to percolate the gas-liquor through powdered 
 gypsum, whereby calcium carbonate is left in the percolator and ammonium sulphate is 
 found in the filtrate CaS0 4 + (NH 4 ) 2 C0 3 yields CaCO ;! + (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 . The solution is 
 evaporated ; the resulting crystals are gradually heated to about 240° C. (464° F.) to 
 
192 
 
 AMMONII VA LERI A NAS. 
 
 expel tarry compounds, and then recrystallized from water. Nearly all that is con- 
 sumed in the United States is manufactured here. 
 
 Properties. — It forms colorless rhombic prisms isomorphous with potassium sul- 
 phate, free from odor, and of a sharp saline and bitterish taste. It has the specific gravity 
 1.76, fuses at 140° C. (284° F.), and is decomposed at a heat exceeding 260° C. (500° F.), 
 yielding ammonia, water, nitrogen, and a sublimate of ammonium sulphite with a little 
 ammonium sulphate. 100 parts of water dissolve, according to Alluard (1864), 
 
 71.00 73.65 76.30 78.95 81.60 84.25 86.90 89.55 92.20 94.85 97.50 parts of Am 2 S0 4 
 at 0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 100° C. 
 
 The solution in cold water has a neutral reaction to test-paper, but on exposure or on 
 boiling evolves a little ammonia and acquires a faint acid reaction (Debbits, 1872). It is 
 insoluble in absolute alcohol, requires for solution about 500 parts of alcohol (spec. grav. 
 .88), but dissolves more freely in weaker alcohol. Its solution evolves ammonia when 
 heated with potassa or lime, and chloride of barium produces in it a white precipitate 
 insoluble in diluted nitric acid. 
 
 Tests. — When gradually heated to redness the salt should not be blackened, and 
 should finally leave no residue upon platinum-foil. Metals, chlorides, and other impuri- 
 ties are detected in the same manner as in other ammonium salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Ammonium sulphate is used in the manufacture of ammonia- 
 water, chloride of ammonium, and ammonia alum ; also for sulphate of iron and ammon- 
 ium. It is not used as a medicine. 
 
 AMMONII VALERIANAS, 77. Ammonium Valerianate. 
 
 Valerianae ammonicus. — Ammonium Valerate , E. ; Valerianate dJ ammoniaque, Fr. ; 
 Ammoniumvaleriaiiat, Baldriansaures Ammonium , G. ; Valerianato de amoniaco , Sp. 
 
 Formula NH 4 C 5 H 9 0 2 . Molecular weight 118.78. 
 
 Preparation. — The practical details of the process recognized by the U. S. Pharma- 
 copoeia of 1870 were published by B. J. Crew (1860), and are based upon Chevreul’s 
 observations that concentrated valerianic acid, placed in an atmosphere of ammonia, 
 yields this salt in crystals. A convenient quantity of valerianic acid (spec. grav. .935) is 
 placed in a tall, narrow glass vessel and saturated with dry ammonia gas, which is gener- 
 ated from a mixture of equal weights of ammonium chloride and slaked lime, the gas 
 being dried by passing it through a bottle filled with pieces of burned lime. On the com- 
 bination of the dry ammonia gas with the acid much heat is produced, and after neutral- 
 ization has been attained the salt crystallizes readily on cooling ; after several hours it is 
 broken into pieces, drained, if necessary, in a glass funnel, dried on bibulous paper, and 
 preserved in a well-stopped bottle. Valerianic acid, which is weaker than the above 
 and of higher specific gravity, yields few or no crystals by this process. 
 
 Properties. — Ammonium valerianate, thus prepared, forms colorless or white quad- 
 rangular plates having the odor of valerianic acid and possessing a sharp and sweet 
 taste. It effloresces when placed in a dry atmosphere, and deliquesces in moist air. On 
 the application of heat it fuses, giving off ammoniacal and acid vapors, and is finally dis- 
 sipated without leaving any residue. It dissolves freely in water and alcohol, the solu- 
 tions being neutral, and on evaporation acquiring an acid reaction from the loss of 
 ammonia. Alkalies decompose it with the evolution of ammonia, and the stronger acids 
 with the separation of oily valerianic acid, floating upon the aqueous solution. Should 
 the salt have an acid reaction, its solution, when dispensed, should be neutralized by the 
 careful addition of ammonia, whereby the disagreeable odor and taste of valerianic acid 
 are masked to a considerable extent. 
 
 Tests. — Heated to redness upon platinum-foil, the salt should leave no residue (potas- 
 sium, etc. salts). A 5 per cent, aqueous solution, after having been acidulated with 
 nitric acid, should not be precipitated by barium chloride (sulphate) or silver nitrate 
 (chloride), or, after having been rendered alkaline by ammonia, by magnesium sulphate 
 (phosphate). When the aqueous solution is treated with an excess of sulphuric acid, 
 and the clear watery liquid is nearly neutralized with ammonia, a deep-red coloration 
 should not be produced on the addition of ferric sulphate or chloride (absence of ace- 
 tate). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The experiments of Parke on the frog ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 167) 
 led him to conclude that valerianate-of' ammonium in small doses probably stimulates the 
 
A MPEL OPS IS.— A MYGDA LA . 
 
 193 
 
 spinal cord, and in large doses depresses it. Like several other medicines, including valerian 
 itself, its influence is exhibited chiefly in certain morbid conditions due to exhaustion of 
 the nervous system. It was first employed successfully for the relief of neuralgia of 
 this description, and it continues to be used as a convenient palliative for that affection, 
 for nervous headache , nervousness , insomnia, hysterical disorders , palpitation of the heart , etc. 
 
 It would be a waste of time to prescribe it in cases of epilepsy, chorea, and fully-formed 
 hysterical convulsions. Dose, from Gm. 0.10-0.60 (gr. ij-x) dissolved in water, with the 
 addition of a flavoring tincture, which also preserves the salt from decomposition. 
 
 AMPELOPSIS. — Virginia Creeper. 
 
 American ivy, E. ; Vigne vierge, Fr. ; Wilder Wein , Amerikanischer Epheu , G. 
 
 The young branches and bark of Ampelopsis (Cissus, Persoon, Vitis, Moench ) quinque- 
 folia, Michaux, s. Vitis (Cissus, Barton ) hederacea, Willdenow. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Vitaceae. 
 
 Description. — The Virginia creeper is a woody vine, climbing extensively by adven- 
 titious roots and by tendrils ; it has digitate leaves composed of five oblong lanceolate 
 somewhat dentate leaflets, and cymose clusters of greenish flowers with five unconnected 
 deciduous petals, and produces two-celled and two- or four-seeded acidulous blue-black 
 berries of the size of a pea. The young branches and bark are employed, and collected 
 in autumn. The plant is indigenous to North America, and is often cultivated here and 
 in Europe as a covering for walls. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves were analyzed by Wittstein (1845) and by Gorup-Besanez 
 (1872 and 1874). Collected in June, they contain albumen, sugar, pyrocatechin, free 
 tartaric acid, potassium bitartrate, and calcium tartrate ; when collected in September no 
 potassium bitartrate or free tartaric acid was found, and in addition to the other constit- 
 uents pectin and glycolate of calcium were obtained. The berries contained the same 
 principles except glycolic acid. 
 
 The root of Amp. Botrya, De Candolle, of South-eastern Africa, is reputed to possess 
 diuretic properties. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There appears to be nothing recently added to the scanty state- 
 ments long ago made regarding this plant. A decoction or infusion of the bark was said 
 to be useful in dropsy, and “ to act rather by stimulating absorption than as a diuretic.” 
 The therapeusis of this statement is as crude as its physiology. 
 
 AMYGDALA— Almond. \| 
 
 Amandes, Fr. ; Mandeln, G. ; Almendras, Sp. ; Mandorle, F. It. 
 
 The seed of the almond tree, Amygdalus communis, Linne, s. Prunus Amygdalus, 
 Stokes. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 99. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bosaceae, Amygdaleae. 
 
 Officinal Varieties. — 1. Amygdala amara, U. S., Br. ; Amygdala amarse, P. G. ; 
 Semen Amygdali amarum. — Bitter Almond, E. ; Amandes ameres, Fr. ; Bittere Mandeln, 
 
 G. ; Almendras amargas, Sp. 
 
 The seed of Amygdalus communis, Linne, var. amara, De Candolle. 
 
 2. Amygdala dulcis, U. S., Br. ; Amygdalae dulces,P. G. ; Semen amygdali dulce. — 
 Sweet- Almond, E. ; Amandes douces, Fr. ; Siisse Mandeln , G. ; Almendras dulces, Sp. 
 
 The seed of Amygdalus communis, Linne, var. dulcis, De Candolle. 
 
 Origin. — The almond tree is probably indigenous to Western Asia, but at an early 
 period was introduced into Northern Africa and southern Europe, where by long culti- 
 vation numerous varieties have been produced, differing mainly in the size and shape of 
 the fruit and in the hardness of the shell (endocarp). It has also been introduced in the 
 warmer parts of the United States and in other countries of the warmer temperate and 
 subtropical regions; in California, according to M. J. Murphy, about 100 trees are 
 planted to the acre, and begin to yield fruit when three years old of an average value of 
 $50, increasing to $2000 in the eighth year. The tree attains a height of 5 to 6 M. 
 
 (15 to 20 feet,) and with its bright green foliage and large rose-colored or white flowers 
 presents a handsome appearance. The fruit is a short-stalked, ovate drupe about 38 
 Mm. (21 inches long), 25 Mm. (1 inch broad), somewhat flattened, with a groove on one 
 side, covered with a greenish leathery sarcocarp, which is whitish, velvety, hairy, splits 
 at maturity, and falls away from the putamen ; this constitutes the commercial almond, 
 which, at least in California, is bleached and rendered of uniform appearance by exposure 
 13 
 
194 
 
 AMYGDALA. 
 
 Fig. 13. 
 
 to the vapors of burning sulphur, whereby insects present are also destroyed. The 
 putamen, deprived of its hard shell, the thick or papery endocarp, furnishes the officinal 
 almond. The bitter and sweet almond trees do not differ from each other botanically, and 
 even the fruits and seeds of the two varieties resemble each other closely. 
 
 Description. — The sweet and bitter almonds cannot be distinguished from each 
 other except by one of their constituents and their taste. Bitter almonds are usually 
 thinner, broader, and shorter than the larger variety of the sweet almond, which is ordered 
 by the British Pharmacopoeia, and which is known in our commerce by the name of Jor- 
 dan almonds. They are cultivated in Spain ; the best are exported from Malaga, and are 
 a hard-shelled variety, but are frequently seen in commerce deprived of the shell. The 
 soft-shelled sweet almonds (variety fragilis, De Candolle ) are cultivated largely in the 
 Balearic Isles (Majorca), and are exported from Valencia and the Mediterranean ports of 
 France and Italy. The cheapest variety are the Barbary almonds, which are small and 
 unsightly in appearance. 
 
 Jordan or Malaga almonds are about 25 Mm. (an inch) in length and 15 Mm. (-J inch) 
 broad, flattened, and ovate-lanceolate in shape. The testa is of a cinnamon-brown color 
 and scurfy upon its surface from detached cells ; it adheres to the whitish tegmen, and 
 the two integuments are easily detached from the white embryo or kernel (blanched) 
 after the seed has been soaked in lukewarm water fora short time. The hilum is just 
 below the pointed end and upon one edge of the almond, the raphe running along this 
 edge to the broad end, where it forms the broad chalaza, and divides into about sixteen 
 
 branches, which pass in plainly visible lines 
 Fig. 12. toward the pointed end. The embryo 
 
 consists of two plano-convex white and oily 
 cotyledons of the size and shape of the 
 seed, between which, near the pointed end, 
 the flat plumule is placed, with the short 
 thick radicle somewhat projecting. The 
 tissue of the embryo is made up, besides a 
 small number of delicate fibro-vascular bun- 
 dles, of thin-walled, irregularly angular par- 
 enchyma-cells filled with fixed oil and gran- 
 ules of different size. Almonds are inodor- 
 rous, and have a sweetish bland, nutty taste, 
 that of the bitter variety being decidedly 
 bitter and aromatic. 
 
 The embryo of both varieties of almonds 
 yields, on being triturated with water, a milk- 
 Aimond. white emulsion, which is either inodorous and 
 sweet or aromatic and bitter, according to the 
 variety used. 
 
 Constituents. — Both varieties of almonds have qualitatively the same composition, 
 except that amygdalin is found in bitter but not in sweet almonds. The fixed oil (see 
 Oleum Amygdalae Expressum) is present to the amount of 45 to 56 per cent., the 
 sweet almonds yielding usually from 5 to 10 per cent, more than the bitter. About 3 per 
 cent, of mucilaginous matter, 6 per cent, of sugar, and 24 to 30 per cent, of protein com- 
 pounds, besides water and cellular tissue, are found in almonds. On keeping almonds for 
 several days in absolute alcohol they become covered with minute crystals, which Portes 
 (1876) recognized as asparagin. Ludwig and Scheitz (1872) found in unblanched almonds 
 tannin, giving a green reaction with ferric salt, green resin, and a bitterish acrid yellow 
 substance, which is possibly a glucoside ; the three compounds seem to be contained only 
 in the integuments; the last two yield with caustic soda a cherry-red color, which, with 
 more alkali, turns dingy-green. The sugar of almonds is mostly glucose, but Pelouze 
 obtained (1855) also cane-sugar. The two protein compounds are, according to Bitthausen 
 (1872), modifications of vegetable casein. Both are soluble in cold water; one, the con- 
 glutin of Bitthausen and amandin of Comaille (1866), being precipitated by acetic acid, 
 while the second compound, known as emnlsin or synaptase , may afterward be precipitated 
 by alcohol, together with some inorganic salts. Both protein compounds act as emulsion- 
 izing agents in suspending the fixed oil when the almonds are triturated with water ; but 
 it appears to be the emulsin only which is capable of decomposing the amygdalin of bitter 
 almonds into hydrocyanic acid and benzaldehyd. (See Oleum Amygdalae Amar^e.) 
 
 Amygdalin , C 2 oH 27 NO u , was discovered by Bobiquet and Boutron-Charlard (1830) by 
 
 Almond : section through seed-coats 
 and portion of cotyledon. Magni- 
 fied 190 diameters. 
 
AMYL NIT R IS. 
 
 195 
 
 exhausting bitter almonds, deprived of their fixed oil, by alcohol ; they also observed that 
 the residue would not yield oil of bitter almonds in contact with water. Liebig and 
 Wohler found (1837) that amygdalin, on being decomposed by emulsin, yields, besides oil 
 of bitter almonds and hydrocyanic acid, also grape-sugar ; it was the first glucoside dis- 
 covered. Amygdalin is obtained from bitter almonds to the amount of from 1 to 3 per 
 cent., and is also contained in the bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds of many trees and shrubs 
 of the sub-orders Amygdaleae and Pomeae ; according to Henschen (1872), also in minute 
 quantity in sweet almonds, and, according to Ritthausen and Kreussler (1870), in the 
 vetch. It occurs sometimes in an amorphous condition, but as obtained by alcohol from 
 bitter almonds, peach-kernels, etc. it crystallizes with 2H 2 0, the water being expelled at 
 120° C. (248° F.). It is soluble in about 15 parts of water, has no odor, but a bitter 
 taste, and is not poisonous unless decomposed by emulsin. Henschen found that this 
 decomposition is also effected by rye-, wheat-, and pea-flour, but it is uncertain whether by 
 the agency of emulsin or another proteid. 17 grains of anhydrous amygdalin yield 1 
 grain of hydrocyanic acid. On boiling amygdalin with an alkali it is decomposed into 
 ammonia and amygdalic acid , C 2 oH 28 0 13 , the latter, on being boiled with dilute acids, yield- 
 ing glucose and mandelic or phenylgly colic acid , C 8 H 8 0 3 or C 6 H 5 .CHOH.COOH. 
 
 Almonds yield from 3 to 5 per cent, of ash, consisting mainly of potassium, calcium, 
 and magnesium phosphates. 
 
 Preservation. — Bitter almonds should be kept unbroken and in a dry atmosphere, 
 to prevent the decomposition of amygdalin and of the fixed oil. Almonds the embryo 
 of which has become discolored or acquired a rancid odor and taste, or has been partly 
 converted into gum (bassorin), as described by Vulpius (1878), are unfit for medicinal 
 purposes. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Both varieties are employed for obtaining Oleum amyg- 
 dalae and in preparing Syrupus amygdalae. Sweet almonds enter into the composition of 
 Mistura amygdalae, Syrupus amygdalae, U. S., and Pulv. amygdalae comp., Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sweet almond is used to prepare an emulsion, and also an oil, 
 which are treated of elsewhere. With it a kind of bread is made which is a tolerable 
 substitute for wheaten bread in the treatment of diabetes. Bitter almonds and their 
 essential oil are excessively poisonous in large doses, owing to the quantity of hydro- 
 cyanic acid developed in the former by admixture with water and by the presence 
 of the same acid in the latter. A drachm of bitter-almond pulp will kill a pigeon or a 
 kitten The symptoms produced in man by an overdose of this substance are great 
 debility and depression, cyanosis, collapse, convulsions or muscular rigidity (see Acid 
 Hydrocyanicum), and, if the dose is fatal, insensibility occurs suddenly, with frothing 
 at the nose and mouth, and after death the eyes remain fixed and glistening. Non-pois- 
 onous doses are apt to produce an eruption of urticaria — an effect which sometimes 
 follows the ingestion of sweet almonds. 
 
 In preparing the almond for food in cases of diabetes , it is first blanched, then sub- 
 jected to a strong pressure to expel a portion of the oil, treated with boiling water 
 slightly acidulated with tartaric acid to remove the sugar, and then ground to a fine 
 powder, which can be made into cakes and puddings with eggs and cream. These prod- 
 ucts have a pleasant taste and are said to be quite digestible. 
 
 The proper treatment of poisoning by bitter almonds consists in evacuating the stomach 
 by means of the finger in the throat or the administration of a mechanical emetic, such 
 as sulphate of zinc. If the patient is unable to swallow, the stomach-pump should be 
 used. If respiration fails, the galvanic battery should be resorted to without delay. Re- 
 action may be promoted by small but repeated doses of brandy or whiskey and the appli- 
 cation of ammonia to the nostrils. 
 
 AMYL NITRIS, V. S., Br.— Amyl Nitrite. 
 
 Amylium nitrosum, P. Gr. ; Amylsether nitrosus. — Amylo-nitrous ether , E. ; Azotite d'amyl , 
 Ether amylazoteux , Fr. ; Amylnitrit , Gr. ; Etere isoamil nitroso , F. It. ; Nitrito de amilo , Sp. 
 
 Formula C 5 H u N0 2 . Molecular weight 116.78. 
 
 A liquid containing about 80 per cent, of amyl (chiefly isoamyl) nitrite, together with 
 variable quantities of undetermined compounds. — U S. 
 
 A liquid produced by the action of nitric or nitrous acid on amylic alcohol, which 
 volatilizes between 128° and 132° 0. (262° and 270° F.). It consists chiefly of amyl 
 nitrite. — Br. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified amylic alcohol is introduced into a capacious glass retort 
 
196 
 
 AMYL NITRIS. 
 
 with about an equal bulk of nitric acid ; a gradually increasing heat is applied until the 
 mixture approaches boiling, when the reaction will proceed spontaneously. The distillate 
 is collected until the temperature in the retort rises above 100° C. (212° F.), the portion 
 distilling at a higher temperature containing much amyl nitrate and ethyl amylic ether. 
 The distillate obtained below 100° is agitated with water and an alkali (potassa, lime, or 
 their carbonates) to remove hydrocyanic, nitric, and nitrous acids ; and the oily layer, 
 which separates, is rectified from a clean retort by a gradually-increased heat, amylic 
 aldehyde coming over in the first portion ; that distilling between 95° and 100° C. is col- 
 lected separately. (See Airier. Jour, of Pharmacy , 1871, p. 147.) If not carefully 
 rectified it requires to be purified by fractional distillation. This is Balard’s process 
 (1844), with some modifications. 
 
 The process now generally followed is identical with the one prescribed in the Phar- 
 macopoeia for the manufacture of ethyl nitrite in the preparation of spirit of nitrous 
 ether, except that amylic alcohol is substituted for common or ethylic alcohol. A mixture 
 of sodium nitrite, amylic alcohol, and diluted sulphuric acid is subjected to distillation 
 in a retort, that portion being collected which vaporizes between 95° and 100° C. ; the 
 distillate is well washed with a solution of sodium carbonate, dehydrated with pure 
 potassium carbonate, and redistilled below 100° C. (212° F.). The reaction occurring is 
 explained by the following equation : 2C 5 H u OH 2NaN0 2 + H 2 S0 4 = 2C 5 H U N0 2 -f 
 Na 2 S0 4 + 2H.,0 ; theoretically, 138 parts of sodium nitrite are capable of producing 
 234 parts of amyl nitrite ; this yield, however, is never obtained, owing to impurities in 
 the amylic alcohol and sodium salt, as well as possible carelessness during the process. 
 
 Properties. — Amyl nitrite is an ethereal liquid of a yellowish color, a neutral reac- 
 tion, a peculiar not disagreeable fruit-like odor, and a pungent aromatic taste. The U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia requires its spec. grav. to be 0.870-0.880, while Rieckher has determined 
 it to be .877 and Bunge .905 at 14.5° C. (58° F.). Amyl nitrite boils constantly and 
 without being decomposed at 96° C. (205° F.) (W. H. Greene, 1879), or, according to 
 Chapman (1867), between 98° and 99° C. ; the vapor is orange-colored and has the density 
 4.03. Amyl nitrite burns with a bright fawn-colored and sooty flame. It is insoluble in 
 water, but dissolves in all proportions in rectified spirit and other alcohols, in ethers, carbon 
 disulphide, benzene, benzin, and other hydrocarbons. It dissolves fixed oils, fatty acids, 
 phosphorus, and a small proportion of sulphur, caoutchouc, and gutta-percha. On expos- 
 ure to air and light it acquires an acid reaction, and should therefore be preserved in small 
 glass-stoppered vials kept in a cool and dark place — according to P. G. with a few crys- 
 tals of potassium tartrate, whereby an undue amount of free acid will be prevented. In 
 contact with potassa solution it is gradually decomposed, with the formation of amyl 
 alcohol and potassium nitrite, the decomposition being accelerated by warming and in the 
 presence of alcohol ; the presence of nitrite is shown by adding to the alkaline liquid a 
 little potassium iodide, then acetic acid to an acid reaction ; an immediate separation of 
 iodine will take place, and on the addition of gelatinized starch a deep-blue color will 
 appear (distinction from nitrate). If it be added drop by drop to caustic potassa heated 
 to fusion, potassium valerianate will be formed, frequently with the production of flame. 
 
 The commercial product is frequently very impure. Sixteen samples, European and 
 American products, examined by Curtmann (1892), contained, respectively, 27.14, 33.9, 
 37.68, 39.6, 59.33, 65.35, 66.36, 67.83, 71.32, 73.81, 76.24, 81.37, 83.03, 84.23, 86.13, 
 and 93.71 per cent, of true amyl nitrite. 
 
 Tests. — Amyl nitrite should remain transparent or nearly so when exposed to the 
 temperature of melting ice (absence of water). — U. S. and P. G. On shaking 10 Cc. 
 of amyl nitrite with 2 Cc. of a mixture of 1 part of water of ammonia and 9 parts 
 of water, the liquid should not redden blue litmus-paper (limit of free acid). — U. S. and 
 P. G. If equal volumes of amyl nitrite and test-solution of potassa be shaken together, 
 the aqueous layer should not acquire a deeper tint than pale yellow (limit of aldehyde). 
 — U. S. The Br. Ph. requires at least 70 per cent, of distillate between 90° and 100° 
 C. (194° and 212° F.). The amount of amyl nitrite present is directed by the U. S. Ph. 
 to be estimated gasometrically as follows : If 0.26 Gm. of amyl nitrite, diluted with 5 
 
 Cc. of alcohol, be introduced into a nitrometer, followed by 10 Cc. of potassium iodide 
 test-solution, and afterward by 10 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid, the volume of nitric 
 oxide generated, measured at the ordinary indoor temperature (assumed to be at or near 
 25° C. or 77° F.), should be about 40 Cc.” The pharmacopoeial requirement is no doubt 
 sufficiently accurate for general purposes, but the equation, C 5 H n N0 2 + KI H 2 S0 4 = 
 C 5 H n OH + NO -(- I -f KHSO4, shows that 116.78 Gm. of amyl nitrite, upon oxidation, 
 yield 29.97 Gm. of nitric oxide; 1 Cc. of nitric oxide, therefore, at 25° C. (77° F.), 
 
AMYL NITRI8. 
 
 197 
 
 weighing 0,0012297 Gtn, must he equal to 0.0047923 Gm of amyl nitrite, and nearly 
 43.5 Go. of NO ga s should be generated at 25° C. (77° F.) instead of 40, as stated in the 
 Pharmacopoeia to indicate 80 per cent, of arnvl nitrite in the official test; 80 percent, of 
 0.26 Gm. is 0.208, and 0.0047923 X 43.5 = 0.208465. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — A mvi. Nitras, amyl nitrate, C 6 H,.\0 2 . — It was discovered by W. 
 Hofmann ( 1848 ), and is most advantageously prepared, according to Chapman and Smith (1807). 
 by dropping through a long tube, and with mnniant stirring , 50 Cc. of arnylic alcohol into 150 
 Cc. of a mixture made of 1 volume of nitric and 2 volumes of sulphuric acid, and kept cool by 
 ice and table-salt. Without any visible reaction an oily layer of amyl nitrate separates on the 
 surface, which is obtained pure by washing with dilute potassa solution and water, drying with 
 calcium chloride, and rectifying. It is a colorless oily liquid of a peculiar odor and sweet and 
 burning taste. Its density at 15° O. is 0.902, and it boils at 147° G. (296.6° F.) It dissolves in 
 glacial acetic acid, benzene, and in ethylic, methylic, and arnylic alcohol, but not in water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When 5 or 6 drops of nitrite of amyl are inhaled the heart 
 becomes excited, the pulse rising from 70 to 160 ; its force, as measured by the sphygmo- 
 graph, diminishes, hut practically is increased, for all clinical observation proves that it 
 directly or indirectly enables the heart to overcome embarrassment; the skin, especially of 
 the face, turns crimson ; some vertigo is experienced, and the breathing is hurried as it is 
 after rapid walking. If the dose is large the sight may be dimmed, and in the field of vision 
 sometimes a yellow circle appears, surrounded by a violet border. It neither increases nor 
 lessens general sensibility. In full doses it depresses the normal temperature by from 
 1° to 3° F. Sanders has recorded cases in which sudden collapse followed upon its 
 administration, and Samclsohn one in which the usual flush was succeeded by deadly 
 pallor, the pulse becoming thread-like and slow, the skin cold and clammy, and respira- 
 tion difficult and gasping, although consciousness was retained. Others are referred to 
 by Jastrowitz. Dugau (1879) relates that after continuing to breathe the vapor for a 
 considerable time he suffered from distressing and irregular palpitation of the heart, with 
 pallor, debility, vertigo, and loss of appetite. During the inhalation the patient is gen- 
 erally conscious of giddiness, a feeling of the head being inordinately large, a diffused 
 glow, and throbbing of the heart and large arteries. It is alleged that the action of this 
 medicine is exceedingly capricious — that while some persons can without injury inhale 
 30 or 40 drops, others are sensibly affected even by a fraction of a drop. It does not 
 appear, as has been alleged, to increase the acidity of the urine, but it does augment its 
 amount. 
 
 Dr. Senter has reported the case of a lady who swallowed a dessertspoonful (f%ij) of 
 nitrite of amyl. Twenty-five minutes later she was vomiting, her face grayish white, the 
 pupils widely dilated, and the eyes glassy and rolling. The mouth was open, the breath- 
 ing alternately rapid and slow, arid then was almost suspended. The pulse, irregular and 
 jerking at first, become very slow and hardly perceptible. The muscles were all relaxed; 
 the skin, cold and sweating, exhaled an odor of amyl. The patient recovered under the 
 use of coffee, laudanum, heat, friction, and flagellation (Amer. Jour, of Phar., Mar. 1881, 
 p. 137). In the case of a man affected with pulmonary phthisis death followed the inha- 
 lation of 7 drachms of nitrite of amyl (Boston Mad. and Burg. Jour., May, 1883, p. 
 526.) Ringer has related several cases in which very small and even minute doses 
 produced unconsciousness, and Strahan one in which thp hypodermic administration of 
 10 minims of a 10 per cent, solution of the compound occasioned pallor, and then 
 epileptiform convulsions ( Practiti/mer , xxxiii. 452). 
 
 The power of nitrite of amyl to dilate the capillaries is said to have suggested its use 
 in angina pectoris , epilepsy, and other spasmodic diseases. It is certain that in many 
 cases of the first-named disease the inhalation of 2 or 3 drops suffices to arrest the 
 paroxysm of pain or materially to mitigate it. The various lesions which may give rise 
 to angina render these differences of effect intelligible. In some cases, probably those 
 which are either purely functional or connected with the less serious organic lesions of 
 the heart and aorta, the habit of using the medicine appears to render the attacks both 
 less frequent and less severe. This result may ensue even when organic softening of the 
 heart exists, with atheroma of its arteries; for the medicine dilates the blood-vessels, 
 and therefore relieves them from the tension of the blood within them. But in course 
 of time, like other nervines, its influence declines. The mode of action of the medi- 
 cine in this disease appears to he anodyne, and at the same time antispasmodic. It 
 should be very cautiously used, and most of all when there is reason to suspect 
 degeneration of the arteries of the brain. In pure neuralgia, especially of the fifth 
 nerve, it sometimes relieves the pain promptly ; and the same may be said of neu- 
 
198 
 
 AMYL NITRIS. 
 
 ralgic headache and of gastralgia. In spasmodic asthma also it frequently brings 
 prompt relief in proportion as the character of the attack is nervous. In several 
 cases it appears to have suspended dyspnoea produced by fatty degeneration and other 
 debilitating lesions of the heart. It has also been used in whooping cough. In 1877 
 ten cases of the disease were reported by D. Bayles, who claimed for the nitrite a 
 positive value “in allaying the violence and limiting the duration of the cough.” (Trans. 
 JSF. Y. State Med. Soc ., 1877, p. 181). A striking case is reported by Dr. T. M. Lewis 
 ( Tlierap . Gaz ., x. 231). In persistent hiccup occuring without known cause nitrite of 
 amyl has arrested the attack after the failure of cautery, atropine, and chloroform (Med. 
 Record , xxii. 231). It has relieved infantile spasm of the glottis (Williams) and the 
 vomiting of pregnancy. In syncope from post-partum haemorrhage it has restored con- 
 sciousness and saved life (Kohler ; Kerr), and dissipated the dizziness and faintness 
 caused by anaemia or by such severe pain as hepatic and renal colic produce (Kurz). It 
 may be believed that these effects are due to the power which the nitrite has of dilating 
 the blood-vessels, for they are observed in other affections to which this explanation 
 applies. One is sea-sichness , in which the subjective symptoms seem due to cerebral 
 anasmia, and are promptly relieved by this medicine (Clapham, Lancet , June, 1879); 
 another is the vertigo and syncope which accompany various obstructive or asystolic 
 lesions, such as mitral insufficiency, dilatation, and softening of the heart. It may be 
 added that this preparation has been used to distinguish anaemia from congestion of the 
 brain — conditions which are often very much alike in their phenomena. The nitrite 
 palliates the former, but aggravates the latter state. In pneumonia involving a large 
 portion of both lungs, and therefore producing a relative debility of the heart and imper- 
 fect supply of blood to the brain, it has been given by the stomach with marked advan- 
 tage (Keating). It is said that the chill of intermittent fever has been abruptly arrested 
 by the inhalation of this vapor, while the febrile stage was correspondingly shortened ; 
 and also that a like effect has been produced in the paroxysm of dysmenorrhoea (Boston 
 Med. and Surg. Jour., Dec. 1881, p. 597). The medicine has been used to combat the 
 nightsweats of phthisis, but in the reported cases (Murrell, Practitioner , xxiii. 97) the 
 dose employed was too insignificant to be efficient and the results were mainly negative. 
 There appears to be good reason for believing that it sometimes cures chorea , but for 
 this purpose it must be administered two or three times daily for several days. Several 
 cases of traumatic tetanus have recovered under its use ; and since, in experiments upon 
 frogs tetanized by strychnine, death was prevented by the use of nitrite of amyl until the 
 elimination of the poison, it is probable that the same effect might ensue, and even more 
 promptly, in man. In the cases of tetanus successfully treated by the nitrite it was 
 administered two or three times a day, and in doses of only 5 drops. In trismus nascen- 
 tium it has also been found to control the spasms. The same statement is true of puer- 
 peral eclampsia. In one such case the use of the medicine was followed by relaxation 
 of the uterus and profuse haemorrhage. In infantile convulsions its utility has been 
 shown, even when the child was brought to death’s door by a farrago of medicines, 
 including chloral, chloroform, and morphine ; and in hydrophobia , although incapable of 
 staying the advance of death, it has enabled the patient to take food and drink and 
 lessened the horror of impending dissolution. In hysterical convulsions it has also arrested 
 the paroxysm, but in no degree modified the general course of the disease or lessened 
 the frequency of the attacks. If we may trust the published reports, its influence upon 
 epilepsy is more permanent and radical : it would seem not only to prevent the develop- 
 ment of the paroxysms when applied early, but also to render their occurrence less fre- 
 quent. This is particularly true of cases in which several successive convulsions make 
 up the paroxysm. Necessarily, it must be most useful when the fit is preceded by an 
 aura or other warning symptom ; but even in those cases in which the fits are subintrant 
 the remedy usually produces a very sensible amelioration. It is to be noted that when 
 it it is employed during the fit, and when the face is very livid, this color is gradually 
 replaced by a vivid flush as consciousness returns, Epilepsy cannot be cured by this 
 medicine. It has been employed to relieve pain of a more or less spastnodic nature 
 occurring in the oesophagus, diaphragm, stomach, bowels, bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, 
 etc., including pains during and after labor , dysmenorrhoea , etc, A case of blepharospasm 
 is recorded in which the patient is said to have been cured by its inhalation in very 
 unusual doses — viz. from f^ss to f^j from one to three times a day for four successive days. 
 A case of strychnine-poisoning in which the tetanic phenomena were very severe was cured 
 by the repeated inhalation of nitrite of amyl, which effectually averted or greatly modi- 
 fied the fits as often as it was administered (Barnes, British Mecl. Jour., Apr. 1, 1882). 
 
AMYL NITRIS. 
 
 199 
 
 Dr. H. A. Hare has shown, by experiments on rabbits that the fleeting influence of amyl- 
 nitrite inhalations cannot be relied upon to counteract the continuous operation of strych- 
 nine ( Boston Med. and Sun/. Jour ., Nov. 1884, p. 481). It may be supplemented by 
 administering amyl nitrite by the mouth. Nitrite-of-amyl inhalation has relieved chordee. 
 It has arrested the paroxysm of intermittent fever when inhaled during the cold stage in 
 the dose of 4 drops. In a case of exophthalmic goitre 2 drops were found to be an 
 excessive dose, and “ one-tenth of a drop ” was directed to be taken half an hour before 
 eating, with complete relief of all the subjective symptoms (Blake). The patient was a 
 nervous female. 
 
 One of the most important qualities of nitrite of amyl consists in the antagonism of 
 its primary action to chloroform syncope. It is certain that chloroform contracts, and 
 that nitrite of amyl dilates, the capillaries of the brain and of the skin of the face ; 
 under the former the patient grows pale, under the latter he is flushed. In experiments 
 upon animals, if the nitrite be used in an excessive dose, cyanosis arises in consequence 
 of venous engorgement. Experiments have also shown that if it is given in full 
 doses to an animal already narcotized by chloroform, it deepens instead of relieving 
 the narcotism, while if it be administered in moderate quantities, either by inhalation 
 or hypodermically, it revives the heart’s action and removes the pallor caused by 
 the chloroform. These effects have been happily illustrated in at least eight cases of 
 chloroform-poisoning. In all of them the patients were rescued from imminent death. 
 The salutary or pernicious effects of the nitrite being due to the amount of it admin- 
 istered, we may explain why Testa should have fallen into the error of declaring that it 
 intensifies the dangers which chloroform creates. Besides the cases just mentioned of 
 its remedial power in chloroform syncope, others might be cited to show that it is equally 
 efficacious when injected hypodermically in the dose of 3 minims (Med. Record , xxi. 
 335). The nitrite has also been used with advantage in poisoning by chloral ( British 
 Med. Jour., June, 1879). Like alcohol and other excitants of the heart and nervous 
 system, it has been found of service in various states of exhaustion and typhoid depression. 
 As its action is fugitive, its adminstration must in such cases be frequently repeated. 
 It has been successfully employed in several cases of carbonic-acid poisoning and to 
 relieve insomnia produced by the opium habit. A case of prompt restoration from opium 
 coma by means of this agent is recorded (Med. Record, xxvi. 13), and also one of threat- 
 ening death from the hypodermic use of a very small dose of cocaine ( Gentralbl. f. d. g. 
 Therap ., iv. 88). Imperfect vision due to insufficient blood-supply to the retina 
 (amblyopia'), and which strychnine has failed or ceased to profit, has sometimes improved 
 under this medicine ; and in many cases of subjective noises in the ear the repeated use 
 of it has afforded great relief when the tinnitus has not been due to a mechanical cause. 
 Applied locally, it is anodyne, relieving the pain of headache, toothache, earache, neuralgia, 
 dysmenorrhcea , etc. Fetor from gangrene, the decomposition of morbid growths, the 
 putrefaction of secretions and exudations, etc., may be corrected by solutions of this 
 preparation. 
 
 Nitrite of amyl may be given in the dose of from Gm. 0.12-0.30 (3 to 5 drops) by 
 the mouth, dissolved in a little aromatic spirit. Dr. Bichardson recommends the follow- 
 ing : Amyl nitrite (pure) n^xxv ; Ethylic alcohol (sp. gr. 830) £v ; Pure glycerin to ^iss. 
 To make a mixture of twelve doses. One fluidrachm to be taken in a wineglassful of 
 warm water (Asclepiad,, July, 1884). Like most other medicines which act directly upon 
 the nervous system, it rapidly becomes tolerated in increased doses. Dugau relates that 
 in experiments on himself he could at first inhale no more than 5 drops, but he gradually 
 became able to inspire the vapor largely without occasioning symptoms which in the 
 beginning seemed alarming. Bourneville frequently gave it in doses of 20 drops. We 
 have found but one case recorded of its fatal use, and that was from an excessive 
 dose. It has sometimes been injected hypodermically in cases of chloroform-poison- 
 ing, and without occasioning any local irritation. Usually, nitrite of ayml is admin- 
 istered by inhalation, about* 5 drops being poured upon the palm of the hand, a piece 
 of sponge, or a folded napkin ; or else it is carried in a well-stopped bottle (especially by 
 epileptics), to be used when the fit threatens. Tubes and (still better) “ tears ” of glass 
 containing about Gm. 0.30 (n^v) each are also employed by the same class of patients, 
 the glass being crushed in a handkerchief and its contents inhaled. It should rarely be 
 used when syncope is produced by profuse haemorrhage or when there is organic disease 
 of the heart or brain. 
 
200 
 
 AMYLENUM HYDRA TUM. 
 
 AMYLENUM HYDRATUM, G .— Amylene Hydrate. 
 
 Dimethyl-ethylcarbinol , Tertiary amylic alcohol , E. ; Hydrate d? amylene, Fr. ; Amylen- 
 hydrat , G. 
 
 Formula 2CH 3 .C 2 H 5 .C.OH. = C 5 H 12 0. Molecular weight 87.81. 
 
 Origin. — Of the alcohols corresponding to the general formula C 5 H n OH no less than 
 eight are theoretically possible, and of this number seven have been actually prepared. 
 The best known of the amylic alcohols is that produced in the fermentation of grain, 
 potatoes, etc. (see page 156), and designated as isobutyl carbinol. Tertiary amylic alco- 
 hol was first prepared by Wurtz. 
 
 Preparation. — A mixture of 100 measures each of sulphuric acid, water, and com- 
 mercial amylene is exposed to a low temperature with frequent agitation ; the amyl-sul- 
 phuric acid formed is separated after a lapse of thirty minutes, and added to twice its vol- 
 ume of ice-cold water, filtered, and neutralized with milk of lime or solution of soda, after 
 which it is distilled. The distillate is dehydrated with potassium carbonate, and subjected 
 to fractional distillation, that portion being collected which comes over between 100° and 
 102.5° C. (212° and 216.5° F.). 
 
 Properties. — Amylene hydrate is a limpid, colorless, volatile, neutral liquid of pecu- 
 liar penetrating odor which reminds of camphor and peppermint, and a burning taste ; 
 its specific gravity is 0.815 to 0.820, and its boiling-point when pure at 102.5° C. (216.5° 
 F.). It is soluble in 8 parts of water, and miscible in all proportions with alcohol, chloro- 
 form, benzin, glycerin, and fixed oils. 
 
 Tests. — Besides solubility in 8 parts of water, the Germ. Ph. requires of amylene 
 hydrate that 20 Cc. of a 5 per cent, aqueous solution, after addition of 2 drops of potas- 
 sium permanganate test-solution, shall not become decolorized within ten minutes (absence 
 of amylic alcohol, etc.) ; also, that, if ammonium silver nitrate be added to the aqueous 
 solution and the mixture heated for ten minutes in a water-bath, no reduction to metallic 
 silver shall take place (absence of aldehyde). 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Amylenum , Amylene, Yalerene, Pentene, C 5 H 10 . — This hydrocarbon 
 was obtained by Balard (1844) by distilling amylic alcohol with a concentrated solution of zinc 
 chloride. It is a thin volatile, inflammable liquid with disagreeable cabbage-like odor, and 
 consists of varying proportions of two or three isomeric compounds boiling between 32° and 40° 
 C. (89.6° and 104° F.). Amyl hydride , C 5 H 12 , which is contained among the most volatile pro- 
 ducts of petroleum and in the light tar-oil of cannel coal, resembles amylene, but has a more 
 agreeable, ethereal odor, resembling chloroform, and boils at 30° C. (86° F.). 
 
 Penial , tri-methyl ethylene, beta-isoamylene. This is a somewhat purer form of amylene, 
 and like it is prepared from amylic alcohol by digestion with zinc chloride for twenty-four 
 hours and subsequent fractional distillation. It is a colorless liquid, very volatile and inflam- 
 mable, insoluble in water, and with a mustard-like odor. Its specific gravity is 0.620, and its 
 boiling point at 38° C. (100.4° F.). It is administered like chloroform, and requires only 20 Cc. 
 (about 5J fluidrachms) to produce in two or three minutes an anaesthesia which, though not 
 deep, is complete enough for minor operations. It has been found perfectly free from danger 
 and safer than ethyl bromide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Amylene hydrate is a relatively safe anaesthetic, because it 
 does not depress the heart. The effects of an overdose of this compound are prolonged 
 sleep, muscular relaxation, loss of tactile and reflex sensibility, dilatation of the pupils 
 with feeble reaction to the light, shallow and irregular respiration, a slow and small pulse, 
 and reduced temperature. It has been employed chiefly for promoting sleep. Y. Mer- 
 ing and others used it in doses of from Gm. 3-5 (grs. xlv-lxxv) for insomnia arising 
 from many different causes, but chiefly for those independent of pain and due to general 
 nervousness, (neurasthenia), mental strain, old age, convalescence from acute affections, 
 anaemia, phthisis, dyspnoea from emphysema and cardiac disease, acute bronchitis, alcoholic 
 excitement, itching from jaundice, rheumatism, typhoid fever, etc., etc. ( Centralbl . Therap ., 
 vi. 205; Bostoyi Med. and Burg. Jour., Feb. 1888, p. 176; Med. News , lii. 549). It is 
 of little use in spasmodic affections. Its soporific action is generally manifested within 
 half an hour, and often in five or ten minutes, and the sleep is nearly always natural, and 
 not like stupor from a narcotic. The awakening is usually prompt and complete. In 
 general, the pulse-rate, rhythm, and force are unaffected. It occasions neither loss of 
 appetite nor nausea, seldom vomiting, and no disorder of the bowels, nor headache. In 
 exceptional cases it has seemed to excite some hysterical phenomena. Even where it fails 
 to bring on sleep, it induces a certain calm and restful condition, which renders it serviceable 
 in nervous forms of insanity (J\Ied. News, lii. 99). It appears to occupy a position between 
 
AMYLUM. 
 
 201 
 
 chloral and paraldehyde. “ It has,” says Laves ( Centralhl. f Therapy vi. 531), “neither 
 the unpleasant and persistent taste and smell of the latter nor the same uncertanity of 
 action. It seems to have about half the strength of chloral ; and, although its hypnotic 
 action is perhaps less certain, the sleep it causes is more refreshing and the mind remains 
 clearer after its use.” It acts in smaller doses than paraldehyde. Scharsclimidt (; ibid ., 
 v. 695), indeed, estimates it as four or five times stronger. It is said by Avelli that the 
 habitual use of opiates does not lessen its operation {ibid, vi. 94). 
 
 Amylene hydrate is generally prescribed in water or red wine, thickened and flavored 
 with extract (or syrup) of liquorice or some fruit syrup. Before each dose the mixture 
 should be shaken. The dose is from Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx) ; for an enema, 6m. 3-5 (grs. 
 xlv-lxxv) suspended in mucilage. It has been given hypodermically (amylene hydrate 
 8 parts, alcohol 4 parts), about Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) under the skin of the back. The injec- 
 tion is said not to occasion an abscess. If the stomach is diseased (by simple or cancer- 
 ous ulcers), the medicine should be administered by enema. 
 
 Pental , from it first introduction (1892), was, on the one hand, said to be exceedingly 
 safe and prompt, although transient in its action, but on the other hand, it was described 
 as being tedious and depressing in its operation, and several deaths were charged to it. 
 It was advocated as being readily inhaled, gradual in its action, as not wholly destroying 
 consciousness, and as leaving no unpleasant effects behind it ; and condemned as giving 
 rise to albuminous and even bloody urine, as becoming congealed by its own rapid evap- 
 oration, as causing a very transient anaesthesia, and a depression of the heart’s power 
 “ more dangerous than the chloride of ethyl, and much more dangerous than chloro- 
 form.” It seems less adapted to inhalation than to the production of local anaesthesia. 
 
 Trimethycarbinol and dimethycarbinol have been studied by Boris Chapiroff. They 
 are said to be identical in action, but the latter is the more powerful of the two. It is 
 stated that doses of 2 to 15 drops of the former, repeated several times a day, less- 
 ened greatly nervous excitability without first increasing it, and produced a deep, calm, 
 and dreamless sleep. It is recommended in all cases of hyperexcitability of the nervous 
 system, such as is found in hysteria , delirium tremens , etc. Only the purest preparation 
 can be relied upon {Bull, et Mem. Soc. therap., 1887, p. 175). 
 
 Amylene, which was introduced by Snow in 1856, was shown by him to produce 
 unconsciousness and anaesthesia in animals very rapidly, but not in proportion to the 
 amount inhaled, since a very large part of it was expelled without having been absorbed. 
 It produced death suddenly by causing arrest of the heart. In the surgical operations 
 in which it was used anaesthesia was observed to be complete in many instances before 
 consciousness was lost, while under ether or chloroform unconsciousness precedes com- 
 plete anaesthesia. Its action occurs more promptly than even that of either of the sub- 
 stances just named, but its effects pass off with like rapidity. It does not cause sickness 
 of the stomach as readily as they do. But, whatever its advantage may have been, the 
 occurrence of several cases of sudden death during its use caused it to be laid aside {e. g. 
 St. Georges Hosp. Rep., iii. 230). 
 
 AMYLUM, U. S., Br. — Starch. 
 
 Corn Starch, E. ; Fecule ( Amidon ) de maize, Fr. ; Starke, Kraftmehl, Maisstdrke , G. ; 
 Almidon , Sp. ; Amido, It. 
 
 Composition C 6 H, 0 O 5 . Molecular weight 161.62. 
 
 The fecula of the seed of Zea Mays, Linne , s. Z. cryptosperma, Bonafous. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants, 296 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Graminaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Starch is found in most vegetables at some period of their growth, and 
 exists in different plants in very different proportions. It is nearly always deposited in 
 the cellular tissue, but is found suspended in the milk-juice of some plants. In many 
 plants a considerable amount of starch is deposited in the root, rhizome, or tuber, or in 
 the seed ; in some cases, as in certain palms, it is largely found in the trunk previous to 
 flowering. The mode of preparation must necessarily vary to a certain extent, but always 
 consists in the comminution of the part of the plant by grinding or rasping, and in remov- 
 ing the coarse particles of tissue by sieves, and by subsidence from water, in which the 
 starch remains suspended for some time. (For remarks on the origin and composition of 
 wheat see Farina Tritici.) 
 
 Description. — From whatever source obtained, starch appears to the naked eye in 
 the form of a fine white powder, the particles of which frequently adhere together super- 
 
202 
 
 AMYLUM. 
 
 ficially, so as to form irregular columnar masses. Undei; the microscope the powder is 
 observed to consist of distinct grains of a peculiar shape and size, which vary with the 
 plant from which the starch has been obtained. The smallest starch-granules observable 
 with the aid of a microscope are globular in appearance, but the form of the larger gran- 
 ules, such as potato starch, arrow-root, etc., is quite characteristic, so that the origin of 
 starch may by this means be detected with tolerable certainty. 
 
 Schleiden classified the starches thus : 
 
 1. Without distinct shape (non-mealy sarsaparilla, Carex arenaria). 
 
 2. Mostly single grains : a , roundish, and without or oftener with a small nucleus ; 
 layers indistinct (maize, rice) ; layers distinct and grains ovate (potato, arrow-root), con- 
 choidal (lily) or subconical (bletia) ; nucleus elongated (pea, bean) or cup-shaped (orris) ; 
 b , lenticular, layers more or less distinct (wheat, rye, barley) ; c , very flat, layers distinct 
 (Zingiberaceae) ; stick-like, and layers distinct or nucleus elongated, or shape irregular 
 (euphorbia). 
 
 3. Compound grains : a, without nucleus (bryony, sarsaparilla) ; 6, with nucleus, and 
 this small (manihot), large and radiate (colchicum), or cup-shaped (anatherum), forming 
 irregular groups (arum), or several small grains united with a large one (sago). 
 
 The granules are evidently made up of layers, apparently differing somewhat in den- 
 sity, and more or less concentrically arranged around a nucleus or hilum, which in many 
 cases is not in the centre, but near the margin or one end of the granule. With respect 
 to the relative age of the different layers, the fact that the innermost ones are softer or 
 less dense is regarded by Schleiden, Payen, Nageli, and others as conclusive evidence 
 that the outer ones were first deposited, and that those near and around the hilum origi- 
 nated later ; while Fritzsche, Berg, and others, on the contrary, find that this condition is 
 a proof of the external growth of the granules by deposits of fresh and denser layers 
 around the more or less gelatinous nucleus. All these layers are considered by many 
 investigators to be of the same composition, and to differ from each other mainly in the 
 amount of moisture retained by them. Opinions, however, in relation to the existence 
 of an enveloping membrane differing in composition are considerably at variance with one 
 another. Those investigators who explain the formation of the starch-granules by exter- 
 nal additions reject its existence, and, according to Schleiden, the denser outer layer of 
 the granule which is first deposited is uniform and of precisely the same chemical behavior 
 as the remainder. Payen, Persoz, and Nageli, on the other hand, find that the starch 
 proper has been deposited within a very thin membrane which has some of the character- 
 istics of cellulose. If starch is acted upon by being digested with saliva, pepsin, or bile, 
 it is dissolved, according to Nageli, with the exception of a minute residue which does 
 not swell on being boiled with water and requires to be treated with sulphuric acid before 
 it is colored blue by iodine, but dissolves in ammoniacal solution of cupric oxide. For 
 this outer membrane the name amylin has been proposed, while the portion soluble in hot 
 water has been named granulose and amidin. The chlorides of zinc and calcium dissolve 
 starch completely without leaving any residue. 
 
 Wheat starch , when viewed under the microscope, is found to consist of nearly circular 
 and flat or lenticular granules, the largest of which are about yoVo * n diameter, an d 
 are mixed with many minute granules, but with a few of an intermediate size. The 
 hilum, if observable, is near the centre of the circle, the indistinct layers forming nearly 
 uniformly concentric rings. 
 
 Rye starch , from Secale cereale Linne (Seigle (fruit), F. Cod. ; Roggen, G. ; Centeno, 
 Sp. ; Segala, It .), consists of small and large granules, the latter varying between 
 oblong-ovate and lenticular in shape. The layers are concentric and rather indistinct ; 
 the hilum is near the centre, and mostly with three to five or six rays. 
 
 Preparation. — Wheat or other grain is soaked in warm water, to which sometimes 
 an alkali is added, until the outer coating has become soft; it is then ground under water, 
 and washed upon suitable sieves with pure water, with which the starch passes through 
 and is collected by subsidence in suitable tanks, the alkaline water retaining the gluten ; 
 or the latter is removed by allowing it to undergo decomposition, when acetic, butyric, or 
 lactic and other acids are produced. The gluten need not be destroyed, but may be 
 obtained as a by-product ; for this purpose wheat flour is made with water into a stiff 
 dough ; this is set aside for 2 hours, and then placed upon a fine wire sieve, where it is 
 kneaded under a thin stream of water until the latter no longer becomes milky ; nearly 
 the whole of the gluten will remain upon the sieve. After sufficient washing with pure 
 water the starch is drained in boxes, cut into cubical blocks, and dried in properly con- 
 structed drying-chambers. 
 
AMYLUM. 
 
 203 
 
 Properties. — Starch forms a white, inodorous, and tasteless powder, with a peculiar 
 slippery feel between the fingers. Exposed to the atmosphere, it contains from 10 to 13 
 per cent, of moisture, which is given off 1 at 100° C. (212° F.), and is reabsorbed on exposure. 
 The spec. grav. of starch is about 1.5, but after complete drying is increased to 1.56. It 
 is insoluble in ether, alcohol, and cold water ; the last-mentioned liquid, however, when 
 triturated with starch, so that some of the granules are ruptured, evidently dissolves a 
 little, since it acquires, after filtration, a blue color on the addition of iodine. Soluble 
 starch is obtained, according to Maschke, by the prolonged heating of starch to 100° C. 
 (212° F.). When heated to between 160° and 200° C. (320° and 392° F.) it 
 is gradually converted into dextrin (see below). Starch becomes soluble in cold 
 water in the presence of the chlorides of zinc and of calcium and of other deli- 
 quescent or freely soluble salts. Its solution in hot water gelatinizes on cooling, the 
 jelly of wheat starch being milk-white — that of potato starch, particularly when made with 
 much water, being more translucent. On heating starch with glycerin a solution is 
 obtained which, according to Zulkowski (1875, 1880), contains soluble starch, obtainable 
 by diluting with water and precipitating the clear filtrate with alcohol. Potato starch is 
 easily converted into the soluble form, but wheat starch requires a prolonged heating, and 
 rice starch is thus changed with still greater difficulty. 
 
 Fig. 14. 
 
 Fig. 15. 
 
 Fig. 16. 
 
 Corn Starch. 
 
 Each magnified 250 diameters. 
 
 Mucilage of starch, when heated to about 160° C. (320° F.), or when boiled with very 
 dilute sulphuric acid, or when digested with diastase at about 70° C. (158° F.), is con- 
 verted, according to Musculus (1860), first into maltose , C 12 H 22 O n , which is probably a 
 compound of dextrin , C 6 H 10 O 5 , and dextrose , C 6 H 12 0 6 , the former passing finally likewise 
 into glucose. Iodine imparts to starch in the presence of water, and to starch-mucilage, 
 a blue color which disappears on the application of heat, but reappears on cooling. Bro- 
 mine colors the starch brown-yellow. Fuming nitric acid transforms starch into xyloidin , 
 C 6 H 9 (N0 2 )0 5 , which is a white, tasteless powder, insoluble in alcohol, but softening in 
 boiling water. A filtered solution of starch in water yields w T ith tannin a flocculent pre- 
 cipitate which is soluble in boiling water. When incinerated, starch should leave not over 
 1 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Preservation. — All starches and farinaceous substances should be kept in a dry 
 place. When confined in a damp atmosphere they acquire a musty odor, which may be 
 removed by repeated washing with pure water and rapid drying. 
 
 Other Starches. — 1. Amylum Maydis. — Corn starch, E. ; FScule de ma'is, Fr. ; Maisstarke, G. 
 From the seed of Zea Mays, Linn6. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Pl., 296. Nat. Ord. Graminacese. — 
 The plant known as maize and Indian corn was found in extensive cultivation at the time of the 
 discovery of America, and was from here introduced into Europe ; it is said to have been intro- 
 duced into China from Central Asia. The starch-granules are more uniform in size, but only 
 about two-thirds as large as those of wheat starch ; they are irregularly angular, rounded on the 
 edges, and occasionally obrong muller-shaped, with a usually slit hilum and indistinct layers. 
 
 2. Amylum Oryz,e. — Rice starch, Rice flour, E. ; Farine de riz, Fr. ; Reisstarke, G. From 
 the seed of Oryza sativa, Linn6. Bentley and Trimen, Med. PL, 291. Nat. Ord. Graminacese. — 
 The rice-plant is a native of India, has been cultivated from a very early period, and has been 
 introduced into the most tropical and subtropical countries. Rice (Riz, F. Cod. ; Aroz, Sp.) 
 of commerce consists of the seeds deprived of the persistent palese and of the integuments ; it is 
 oblong or subcylindrical in shape, about 3 Mm. (£ inch) or more in length, translucent, and fur- 
 rowed on one side. Rice starch consists of polygonal granules less than one-fifth the diameter 
 of wheat starch, and smaller than all other commercial starches, but mostly united to larger 
 grains. 
 
 3. Amylum Solani. — Potato starch, E. ; Fecule de pomme de terre, F. Cod.; Kartoffelstarke, 
 G. ; Fecula de patata, Sp. — From the tubers of Solanum tuberosum, Linn6. Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 
 
204 
 
 AMYLUM. 
 
 Potato Starch. 
 
 Fig. 17. The potato plant grows wild in the mountainous districts 
 
 of Peru and Chili, and several tuber-hearing species of 
 Solanum are indigenous to the mountains of New Mexico 
 and Arizona. The potato was brought to England from 
 Virginia in 1586, and is at present extensively cultivated in 
 many varieties in most countries of the temperate zones ; its 
 starch is largely manufactured and used in Europe, and is 
 sometimes substituted for arrow-root or used for adulterating 
 it. The granules are of two sizes, a portion being small and 
 subspherical, another portion larger than maranta starch, of 
 an ovate or irregular oval shape, marked with rather coarse 
 concentric lines, and with an inconspicuous hilum at the 
 narrow end. 
 
 4. Amylum Maranta. — Arrow-root, E., F. Cod.. G ., Sp.; 
 Salep des lndes occidentales, Fr. ; Marantastarke, G. ; 
 Arroru, Sp. From the rhizome of Maranta arundinacea, 
 IAnne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. PI. , 265. Nat. Ord. Marantaceae. — The plant is indigenous 
 to the West Indies and tropical America, and is largely cultivated in the Bermudas, in Georgia, 
 Jamaica, St. Vincent, and in Brazil. It is a perennial herb, with a 
 branching, fleshy, cylindrical rhizome covered with whitish scales or 
 annulate with their scars. The slender branching stem is 5 to 6 feet 
 high, has thickened nodes, ovate lanceolate leaves with long sheaths, 
 and small whitish flowers, usually in pairs at the ends of the branches. 
 M. indica, Tussac, is now regarded by botanists as being a smooth 
 and narrower-leaved variety of the preceding •, it is found in Bengal, 
 Java, and the Philippines, and has been introduced into tropical 
 Africa ; the Natal and East-India arrow-root is obtained from it, but 
 the latter sometimes consists of the starch of Curcuma leucorrhiza and 
 C. angustifolia, Roxburgh , which is in flattened elliptic or elongated ovate 
 granules marked with numerous fine lines and at the narrow end with a 
 hilum. When about a year old the rhizomes of maranta are dug up, care- 
 fully cleaned from the scales, well mashed, and either ground in a mill or 
 rasped until reduced to a pulp, which is suspended in water, the fibrous 
 portion being either separated by hand or by sieves. The starch 
 which settles from the water is repeatedly stirred with fresh portions 
 of clean water, finally allowed to setttle, and dried with a gentle heat. The rhizomes yield from 
 13 to 20 per cent, of fecula. (See papers by Robert Battey in Proceedings of the Amer. Pharm. 
 
 Fig. 18. 
 
 Maranta Starch. 
 
 Fig. 19. 
 
 Curcuma Starch. 
 
 Assoc., 1858, p. 332, and by W. Eberhard in Archiv d. Pharm., 1868, vol. 
 clxxxiv. p. 257.) The importation of arrow-root into the United States 
 amounted to over 1,500,000 pounds in 1876, and decreased to 69,206 
 pounds in 1881 and 77,192 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Arrow-root is pulverulent or in small irregular lumps, less than \ inch 
 thick, white, opaque, tasteless, and inodorous. Under the microscope it 
 is seen to consist of ovate or somewhat oval granules, the layers of which 
 are marked by fine but distinct lines, and have usually upon the broader 
 end a small nucleus or a transverse fissure ; the granules are nearly 
 uniform in size. 
 
 Tests. — According to the German Pharmacopoeia of 1872, 1 part of 
 arrow-root gives with 96 parts of boiling water a moderately thin, pellucid 
 mucilage ; and when it is agitated for 10 minutes with a mixture of 2 
 parts of hydrochloric acid and 1 part of water, nearly the whole of the 
 starch should separate unchanged and without the formation of a mucilage 
 or the production of an herbaceous odor. Schaer (1875) showed that 
 some samples of maranta starch yield in a short time a turbid jelly which gradually 
 becomes limpid, while in most cases it separates unchanged, but is partly dissolved within 
 
 twenty-four hours. This difference is probably due to 
 climatic influences. The starches of manihot and curcuma 
 have a similar behavior*, wheat starch yields no jelly, but 
 after several hours a strongly opalescent solution. Potato 
 starch, however, is readily transformed into a thick, almost 
 clear jelly, forming a complete solution in a few hours, and 
 having a strong herbaceous or bean-like odor. 
 
 5. Amylum Cannes, Canna, TJ. S. 1870. — Canna starch, 
 Tous-les-mois, Toulema, E. ; Amidon de canne, Fecule de 
 Tolomane, Fr.; Cannastarke, G. From the rhizome of 
 (probably) Canna edulis, Ker. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 PL, 266. Nat. Ord. Marantaceae, Canneae— This showy 
 plant is indigenous to Peru and Brazil, and is cultivated in 
 St. Kitts and other West Indian Islands. Canna starch is 
 a white powder having a satiny lustre ; its granules are the 
 largest among the commercial starches, flattish, usually 
 
 Fig. 20. 
 
 Canna Starch. 
 
AMYLXJM. 
 
 205 
 
 Fig. 21. 
 
 Cassava Starch. 
 
 Altered Starch -granules 
 from Tapioca. 
 
 oblong or ovate, but variable in outline, with the inconspicuous nucleus or hilum mostly near 
 the narrowed end, and with numerous concentric rings. Canna starch contains about one-sixth 
 of its weight of hygroscopic water, and yields with 20 parts of boiling water a jelly which is 
 considerably more tenacious, but less clear and transparent, than that of arrow-root. 
 
 6. Amylum Manihot. — Brazilian arrow-root, Tapioca meal, E. ; Cassava, E ., Fr., G. From 
 the root of Manihot utilissima, Pohl, s. Janipha (Jatropha, LinnS) Manihot, Kunth. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. FI. , 235. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. — The plant also known as mandiuc 
 and manioc , is probably indigenous to Brazil, where it has been culti- 
 vated from a remote period. It has been introduced into other parts 
 of tropical America, into Florida, Africa, and the East Indies. Its 
 fleshy, tuberous roots attain a length of 1 M. (40 inches) and contain a 
 milky juice which is poisonous from the presence of hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 E. Francis (1882) found cassava-root to yield on an average .0275 per 
 cent., and the sweet cassava .0168 per cent., HCy. The sweet cassava 
 is Manihot palmata, J. Mueller , s. M. Aipi, Pohl , s. Jatropha dulcis, 
 
 Gmelin. This and another species, Manihot carthaginensis, J. Mueller , 
 s. Jatropha Janipha, Linn£, are used like the preceding. On grating 
 the roots, expressing the poisonous juice, drying the residue and grind- 
 ing it, cassava meal is obtained, which, when baked in thin cakes, furnishes cassava bread. 
 From the expressed juice, and by washing the meal with water, on standing the starch is deposited. 
 On drying this starch while still moist on heated plates tapioca is 
 obtained. 
 
 Cassava starch forms a white powder, which under the microscope 
 is seen to consist of muller-shaped granules ; these, viewed from 
 one end, have the appearance of spherical grains. The nucleus is 
 small, circular, or often elongated, sometimes radiate, and the differ- 
 ent layers are indistinctly marked. The grains were originally united 
 in groups of two to four, but in the commercial articles are mostly 
 separate. Their size is usually less than half that of potato starch. 
 
 Tapioca, Tapioka, F. Cod.; is in irregular opaque or somewhat translu- 
 cent pieces, which consist of the same starch granules partly distended, 
 ruptured, and agglutinated. It is inodorous, has an insipid taste, and 
 agrees in chemical behavior and composition with other starches. 
 
 7. Sago, U. S. 1870. — Sago, E ., G. ; Sagou, F. Cod. ; Sagti, Bp. 
 
 From the pith of Metroxylon Sagu, Rottboell (s. M. Sago, Koenig , M. laeve, Martins , Sagus 
 laevis, Blume ), Metr. Rumphii, Martins , (s. Sagus Rumphii, Wildenow , S. genuina, Blume ), 
 Sagus farinifera, Lamarck , Arenga saccharifera, Labillardiere (s. Saguerus Rumphii, Roxburgh ), 
 and of other palms. Bentley and Trimen, Med. PL, 278. Nat. Ord. Palmse. — The sago-palms 
 inhabit the East Indian and Polynesian islands, and are extensively cultivated. They are mostly 
 trees of medium height, but with a thick stem, containing a large amount of parenchyma-tissue, 
 the cells of which are filled with starch. When of sufficient size 
 the tree is cut down, split lengthwise, and the pith removed, pow- 
 dered, and washed with water to remove woody tissue and other 
 impurities. The dry starch is known as sago meal. This is 
 granulated by passing the sufficiently damp meal through a sieve, 
 the globular pieces dropping into a shallow pot suspended over a 
 fire, where they are dried with constant stirring. While flower- 
 ing the Arenga furnishes a juice rich in sugar. 
 
 Sago is occasionally seen in the form of whitish glistening 
 powder or irregular grains, varying somewhat in tint, and being 
 distinguished as white and brown sago. More frequently it is 
 seen as pearl sago , in the form of globular grains, pearl-like in 
 appearance, with a smooth surface, and occasionally two or three 
 grains adhering together. From the heat employed in its prepara- 
 tion it is somewhat diaphanous, and when examined under the microscope some of the starch- 
 granules are seen to be distended and partly ruptured. Sago starch consists of irregularly ovate, 
 oval, or elliptical grains, often with a roughish surface ; the hilum is located near one end, and 
 is naturally small and circular, but in sago is often slit in one or more directions from the effect 
 of heat. The end opposite the hilum is always more or less truncate or flat and muller-shaped. 
 Factitious sago , which is made in Europe of potato starch, is best recognized by means of the 
 microscope. 
 
 The granules of Tahiti arrow-root , which is obtained from Tacca pinnatifida and oceanica, 
 Forster, and which is now rarely seen in commerce, are of about the same size as those of cassava 
 starch, but are flattened and angular. 
 
 Derivative of Starch. — D extrinum, Dextrin , C 6 II 10 O 5 . — Heat in a steam-bath, with frequent 
 stirring, a mixture of 150 parts of starch, 750 parts of distilled water, and 4 parts of oxalic acid, 
 until starch can no longer be detected by solution of iodine ; then neutralize the acid with pure 
 calcium carbonate, and after two days filter, evaporate, and dry at a gentle heat. — P. G., 1872. 
 On a large scale dextrin is prepared by heating starch in a cylinder or flat vessel to a tempera- 
 ture between 225° and 260° C. (437° and 500° F.) : the yellowish product thus obtained is known 
 in commerce as British gum. White dextrin, resembling starch in appearance, is manufactured 
 
 Fig. 23. 
 
 Sago Starch. 
 
206 
 
 AMYLUM. 
 
 by Heuze’s process: 1000 parts of starch are mixed with diluted nitric acid, made from 2 parts 
 of nitric acid sp. gr. 1.4 and 150 parts of water; the mixture is formed into cakes; these are 
 .dried in the air, then slowly heated to about 80° C. (176° F.) until the acid has been expelled, 
 and powdered; on exposing the powder for from sixty to ninety minutes to a temperature 
 between 100° and 1 10° C. (212° and 230° F.) the conversion into dextrin will be completed. It 
 may be purified and freed from sugar, according to Hager (1870), by dissolving 10 parts of it in 
 18 parts of distilled water by agitation, straining if necessary, and mixing the solution with 
 about 2 volumes of alcohol ; the doughy precipitate is redissolved in a little distilled water and 
 the solution dried upon glass. Dextrin is granular or a whitish or pale-yellowish amorphous 
 gummy mass, readily soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol and ether ; its solution is dex- 
 trogyre and does not reduce an alkaline solution of copper. 
 
 Amylum Iodatum, Iodized starch, E. ; Iodure d’amidon, Fr. ; Iodstarke, G. — The U. S. Ph., 
 1880, directed this preparation to be made by triturating 5 parts of iodine with a little distilled 
 water, adding 95 parts of starch gradually, and continuing the trituration until the compound 
 assumes a uniform blue color, approaching black. It must be dried at a temperature not 
 exceeding 40° C. (104° F.), rubbed to a fine powder, and preserved in glass-stoppered vials. 
 
 That starch produces a blue or violet-blue color with iodine was observed by Colin and 
 Gaultier de Claubry in 1814, and that the color of starches of different origin and age may vary 
 to some extent was subsequently shown by N'ageli and others. Liebig regarded iodized starch 
 as a mere mixture of starch with finely-divided iodine, and this view is now generally adopted. 
 Payen and Fritzsche, however, believed it to be a definite compound, (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) 10 I, and Bondonneau 
 gives it the formula (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) 5 I, equal to 13 per cent, of iodine, the latter being dissolved by 
 alcohol, but not by potassium iodide, benzin, carbon sulphide, or other solvents. According to 
 the process adopted the amount of iodine varies, and, though generally about 7.5 percent., may 
 be as low as 3.2 per cent. (Sonstadt), or, as obtained by Lassaigne, as high as 41.75 per cent. 
 Fritzsche obtained his supposed definite compound by adding tincture of iodine to a filtered 
 solution of starch in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Bondonneau (1878) dissolved the starch 
 first in caustic soda, and precipitated the slightly acidulated solution with tincture of iodine. 
 According to Quesneville (1868), it may be obtained both in a soluble and an insoluble state as 
 follows : 1050 parts of starch and 100 parts of iodine, both in fine powder, are well mixed, and 
 then triturated with a mixture of 400 parts of water and 100 of alcohol, the liquid to be added 
 gradually ; the whole is left in contact for fifteen or twenty days, and afterward carefully dried. 
 Thus prepared, it is a dark blackish-blue powder, has no odor of iodine, and contains 10 per 
 cent, of this element. To obtain it soluble it is heated in a porcelain or enamelled dish over a 
 slow fire and with continued agitation until a pungent odor commences to be given off. It may 
 be still further purified by making a concentrated solution in warm water, precipitating the clear 
 liquid by alcohol, drying, and powdering the precipitate. 
 
 Properties. — Iodized starch is a dark-blue powder having the odor of iodine in a mild degree. 
 Exposed to the sunlight, it is decolorized ; when heated with water to 65° C. (149° F.) it becomes 
 colorless, and blue again on cooling ; but when heated to boiling, iodine is given off, and may 
 be completely expelled by continuing the heat for a sufficient length of time. 
 
 The production of iodized starch is one of the most delicate tests for the recognition of starch 
 as well as of iodine, the limits of the reaction being influenced by the temperature. Fresenius 
 (1857) ascertained that 1 part of iodine may thus be detected at 0° C. (32° F.) in 660,000 parts of 
 water, at 13° C. (55.4° F.) in 330,000 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) in 264,000 parts, and at 30° C. 
 (86° F.) in 132,000 parts of water. For detecting minute quantities of starch or iodine the test 
 should obviously be applied at as low a temperature as possible. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Starch is applied in dilute decoction as a demulcent to protect 
 irritated surfaces upon the skin and in the digestive canal. As a powder it is extensively 
 employed to shield the skin from the action of the air, to diminish the friction of contig- 
 uous surfaces, and to promote the healing of excoriations. Thus it may be used to allay 
 the itching and burning of the skin in erythema , uticaria , erysipelas , and small-pox. In 
 the form of a thick mucilage it has been employed to prevent pitting in the last-named 
 disease. Bandages saturated with starch mucilage made with hot water are used in 
 dressing fractures and other injuries and diseases of the bones in which absolute rest of 
 the injured part is required; or the mucilage is smeared on the outer surface of the 
 bandage as it is applied to the affected part. This dressing dries slowly, and should be 
 kept at perfect rest for nearly twenty-four hours. Starch-mucilage is constantly employed 
 as a lenitive injection in inflammation of the rectum and the bladder and as a vehicle for 
 applying narcotic and other substances to those parts. Mixed with water, starch is the 
 best antidote to the caustic action of iodine upon the stomach, as it forms with this 
 substance a bland compound. It also forms the surest test of the presence of iodine 
 in the urine and other secretions by striking with it a characteristic blue color. Starchy 
 food is to be avoided in fermentative dyspepsia , in consequence of its liability to undergo 
 fermentation. 
 
 The fecula of canna, has the nutritious and demulcent qualities of starch in general. As 
 the purest natural form of starch, arrow-root is nutritious and demulcent, and does not, 
 like potato starch, irritate the bowels. Hence it is extensively used in febrile affections , 
 
ANACARDIUM. 
 
 207 
 
 especially in those involving the stomach and bowels, and is also a favorite food for 
 infants at weaning-time. It is prepared by mixing a tablespoonful of arrow-root with 
 sufficient cold water to reduce it to a paste, and then gradually adding a pint of boiling 
 water or milk, or a due proportion of each, stirring the mixture the while. It may then 
 be sweetened. Cream is sometimes mixed with the watery mucilage when the stomach 
 or bowels are irritable. In exhausting diseases a little wine may be added, with cin- 
 namon or nutmeg. Sago is demulcent and nutritious, and forms an excellent food for 
 the sick when the digestive organs are feeble or fever contraindicates the use of a stimu- 
 lant diet. It is more generally acceptable to the palate than arrow-root or tapioca, and 
 is more digestible than rice. The demulcent and nutritive properties of tapioca , as well 
 as the poisonous properties of the juices of the plant that yields it, were known in the 
 seventeenth century. The qualities of the juice are due to the prussic acid it contains. 
 The symptoms it produces are identical with those of prussic acid, as spasmodic constric- 
 tion of the throat, convulsions, coma, and death with dilated pupils. Tapioca is chiefly 
 used for making puddings and as a simple mucilaginous food for the sick and for infants. 
 A palatable form of it is prepared as follows : Take a tablespoonful of tapioca ; macerate 
 it in a pint of warm water for an hour, and then boil it for ten minutes, stirring all the 
 time. Sugar, lemon-juice, or some fruit syrup, nutmeg, wine, etc., may be added for 
 flavoring and to neutralize the pasty and mawkish taste of the starch. 
 
 Amylum Iodatum. — I odized starch serves as a means of introducing a large amount 
 of iodine into the system without irritating the stomach. Buchanan, who proposed it, 
 gave as much as an ounce of it three times a day without any unpleasant symptoms. In 
 In 1879, Bellini recommended it as an antidote for poisons generally, stating that it 
 formed insoluble compounds with many of them, and that in cases of poisoning by salts 
 of lead or mercury it aids in their elimination ( Boston M. and S. Jour., Aug. 1879, p. 
 267). McCall Anderson used it with advantage in lupus erythematodes , giving a heaped- 
 up teaspoonful several times a day. 
 
 ANACARDIUM. — Cashew-nut. 
 
 Acajou a pommes, Fr. ; Caschunuss, G. ; Anacardo, Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Anacardium occidentale, Linne , s. Cassuvium pomiferum, Lamarck. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Terebinthaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This is the fruit of a small tree with coriaceous, shining, oval, entire, and 
 very obtuse leaves, and loose racemes of small whitish or purplish flowers. After fructifi- 
 cation the pedicels of the pistillate flowers become large, fleshy, pear-shaped, and edible, 
 having an acidulous taste, and bear upon their summits the nut-like fruit. The plant is 
 indigenous to tropical America, and has been naturalized in some portions of Africa and 
 the East Indies. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is about an inch (25 Mm.) long, somewhat less broad, and 
 about one-third of an inch (8 Mm.) thick. It is kidney-shaped, convex on the back, with 
 a scar on one of the rounded ends, of a gray-brown color, and inodorous. The shell is 
 hard and brittle, and contains in the mesocarp a very acrid oily liquid which in contact 
 with air turns black. The single white seed has the shape of the fruit and a mild oily 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The cotyledons contain some bland fixed oil. Vieira de Mattos 
 (1831) found in the pericarp tannin, gallic acid, soft acrid resin, etc. The brown oil was 
 found by A. Basiner (1881) to be soluble in potassa, with a red color, darkening on 
 exposure, and its alcoholic solution to yield a red precipitate with basic lead acetate. 
 Staedeler (1847, 1848) separated the vesicating principle, cardol , C 2 ,H 30 O 2 , as a yellowish 
 or reddish oil, evolving, when heated, a faint aromatic odor, and readily soluble in alcohol 
 and ether. It is obtained from the ethereal extract, which is washed with water to remove 
 tannin, dissolved in alcohol, and digested, and afterward boiled with hydrate of lead to 
 remove anacardic add and ammonia salt. The remaining color is removed by a little 
 basic lead acetate. Cardol may be separated from mixtures by extraction with glacial 
 acetic acid and subsequent agitation of the latter with benzol (Basiner). Anacardic acid, 
 when pure, is white and crystalline, has an aromatic afterward burning taste, but is not 
 vesicating. Cazeneuve and Latour (1875) found catechin in the wood of the cashew tree. 
 
 The Oriental cashew-nut , known as Anacardium orientale, is the fruit of Semecarpus 
 Anacardium, Linne Jilius , s. Anacardium, latifolium, Lamarck, a tall tree of India. The nut 
 is about an inch (25 Mm.) long, nearly heart-shaped, flattish, obtuse, smooth, glossy, and 
 black. The pericarp and cotyledons have the same properties and probably the same 
 
208 
 
 AN DIR A. 
 
 constituents as the preceding ; but Basiner (1881) ascertained that the brown oil of the 
 mesocarp dissolves in potassa with a green color, and its alcoholic solution turns black 
 with basic lead acetate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The kernel of anacardium when roasted, and even when raw, is 
 edible, but the juice furnished by the rind of the cashew-nut is acrid and almost caustic, 
 and has been used for destroying corns, warts, and vegetations and as an epispastic. But 
 the latter application of it is very objectionable, not only because it is slow in its opera- 
 tion, but because the juice is apt to be carried by the patient’s fingers to the genitals and 
 other parts and give rise to a very painful and persistent eczematous eruption. The 
 liquid contained in the blisters has a similar property. A like effect is produced by the 
 fumes arising from the nuts while roasting. The remedies for it are such as are employed 
 in poisoning by toxicodendron. A weak solution of tincture of iodine may also be ap- 
 plied with advantage. A case in which this topical remedy was successfully employed was 
 caused by using heat to reduce a liquid extract of the drug to a solid consistence (Am. 
 Jour. Phar., June, 1881, p. 281). It is stated (Buchheim) that the oil has a very faint 
 and hardly acrid taste, and that 3 or 4 drops of it may be swallowed without marked 
 effects. This contrast with its action upon the skin is attributed to its total insolubility 
 in the fluids of the digestive canal, while upon the dry skin nothing interferes with 
 its irritant action. It has been used as a vermifuge. According to Basiner, the sub- 
 cutaneous injection of small doses of cardol produces on cold-blooded animals paresis, 
 increasing to paralysis, of the extremities, stupor, arrest of respiration, and tetanic 
 spasms. In warm-blooded animals large doses are not lethal, but stupor, paralysis of the 
 extremities, and diarrhoea occur, and after death congestion of the intestinal membrane 
 is found. Cardol seems to be excreted chiefly with the urine, but partially also with the 
 feces. Applied on a small piece of lint to the skin of the breast, it raised a watery 
 blister in fourteen hours. The brown-black oil of the Oriental cashew-nut occasioned 
 within twelve hours a black blister, and on the following day eczematous vesicles appeared 
 in the neighborhood, and afterward extended to the arms, hands, face, abdomen, and penis, 
 the poison no doubt being carried thither by the fingers. On the sixth day scales began 
 to form on the breast and forehead ; micturition was painful, the urine red-brown ; the 
 stools bloody and very painful. More than two weeks elapsed before the sores were 
 healed (Basiner, Am. Jour. Phar., Mar. 1882, p. 131). This oil has been used with 
 advantage in distroying the cutaneous tubercles of leprosy, which it causes to soften and 
 disappear (Peters, Edinb. Med. Jour., xxviii. 814). 
 
 ANDIRA. — Cabbage Tree Bark. 
 
 Ecorce de geoffree , Fr. ; Kohlbaumrinde , Wurmrinde, G. 
 
 The bark of Andira (Geoffroya, Swartz) inermis, Kunth, and of Andira (Geoffroya, 
 Lamarck) retusa, Kunth. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionacese. 
 
 Origin. — Both species are medium-sized trees, with impari-pinnate leaves, terminal 
 racemes of red flowers, and roundish hard one-seeded pods. The first-named species is a 
 native of Jamaica and other West Indian islands, the second is found in Surinam and 
 Cayenne. 
 
 Description. — Jamaica cabbage tree bark occurs in long pieces about one-eighth of 
 an inch (3 Mm.) thick, gray or whitish, and fissured externally, upon the inner surface 
 brownish and striate, internally brown or brownish, radially striate, and with yellowish 
 bast-fibres in tangential rows, which cause the laminated fibrous appearance of the bark 
 when broken transversely. It yields a grayish powder, and has a feeble but disagreeable 
 odor and a mucilaginous bitter taste. 
 
 Surinam cabbage tree bark resembles the preceding, but is internally dark red-brown, 
 has a checkered and glossy appearance on transverse section, yields a cinnamon-colored 
 powder, is nearly inodorous, and has a bitterish acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Huttenschmid (1824) discovered in each of the cabbage tree barks 
 an alkaloid, which he named jamaicine and surinamine , the former of which was proved 
 by Gastell (1866) to be identical with berberine. The latter is described as being in fine 
 white needles, scarcely soluble in cold water, alcohol, and ether, but readily soluble in 
 boiling water. The other constituents are those commonly occurring in plants ; the bark 
 from Surinam contains also notable quantities of tannin. 
 
 Allied Species. — And. anthelmintica, Bentham, s. Geof. vermifuga, St. Hilaire, is a tall forest 
 tree of Brazil. The seeds, known there as angelim amargosa , are of the size of a nutmeg, oblong, 
 
A NETHI FR UCT US.— A NGELICA . 
 
 209 
 
 somewhat horny, yellowish, usually in transverse or longitudinal sections, whitish internally, 
 inodorous, and almost tasteless. They are regarded as anthelmintic. According to Peckolt 
 (1858), the wood contains andirin , a brown-yellow coloring principle, soluble in water and fixed 
 and volatile oils, but insoluble in alcohol and ether. The drastic and anthelmintic principle is 
 an acrid resin soluble in ether and alcohol. (See also Araroba.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — In medium doses andira is said to occasion nausea, vomiting, 
 diarrhoea, fever, and delirium, especially when given in cold infusion. Sometimes it 
 augments the urinary secretion. It was used in the West Indies as a remedy for lumbri- 
 coid worms. The dose is stated to be from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x) for children, and 
 from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (gr. x-xxx) for adults. An infusion or decoction was made with 
 Gm. 30 in Gm. 250 (an ounce of the bark in 8 fluidounces of water), and was given in 
 tablespoonful doses until nausea began to be felt. 
 
 ANETHI FRUCTUS, Br.— Dill-Fruit. 
 
 Aneth , Fenouil puant , Fr. ; Dill, G. ; Eneldo , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Anethum (Peucedanum, Hiern ) graveolens, Limit. 
 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. PI. , 132. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Umbelliferas, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to Southern Europe and Asia 
 Minor, and is cultivated in other parts of Europe and in this country. 
 
 It is an annual, with finely-divided glaucous leaves, growing to the 
 height of about 2 feet (60 Cm.) and bearing yellow flowers. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is oval, about one-eighth to one-fifth of 
 an inch (3 to 5 Mm.) long, dorsally compressed, of a brown color, and 
 separates when ripe into two mericarps, which are flat upon their face 
 and somewhat convex upon the back. The three dorsal ribs are fili- 
 form and rather sharply keeled, while the two lateral ones are extended into a light-colored 
 broad membranous margin. The fruit cultivated in India is narrower, more convex on 
 the back, and is less winged than the European fruit. Of the six dark-colored vittae, two 
 are found on the commissure, the remaining four in the furrows of the back. The odor 
 and taste of dill are aromatic. 
 
 Constituents and Uses. — The fruit contains a fixed and 3 to 4 per cent, of an 
 oxygenated volatile oil (see Oleum Anethi), to which its medicinal properties are due. 
 It is used for preparing dill-water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pill is not much used in this country. It has the properties 
 of the aromatic stimulants generally, and is employed to relieve flatulent colic and hiccup 
 occasioned by gastric indigestion and flatulence. Pill-water, the usual form of exhibit- 
 ing it, may be given in doses of Gm. 4 (f^j) or more. The essential oil may likewise 
 be used in the dose of from Gm. 0.10-0.30 (npij-v) with sugar or incorporated with 
 magnesia. 
 
 Fig. 24. 
 
 Anethum : fruit, 3 
 
 diameters ; trans- 
 verse section, 5 di- 
 ameters. 
 
 ANGELICA, F. It. — Angelica-Root. 
 
 Racine d' ang clique, Fr. ; Engelwurzel , G. ; Angelica , Sp. 
 
 The root of (1) Archangelica officinalis, Hoffmann , s. Angelica Archangelica, Linne, s. 
 Ang. officinalis, Moench , and of (2) Arch. (Angelica, Linne) atropurpurea, Hoffmann , s. 
 Ang. triquinata, Michaux. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — These plants attain a height of 6 feet (1.8 M._). The former is indigenous to 
 Northern Europe, and the latter to North America, from Pennsylvania northward. The 
 European angelica-root is solely obtained from plants cultivated in Germany, which differ 
 in some respects from the wild species named, of which they are regarded by some bot- 
 anists as a variety merely, and by others as a distinct species, Archan. (Angelica, Miller) 
 sativa, Fries. 
 
 Description. — European or garden angelica-root consists of a short, thick root-stock, 
 which is closely annulated above, and below abruptly divided into a large number of nearly 
 simple branches, which are about \ inch (6 Mm.) thick and 6 inches (15 Cm.) long, longi- 
 tudinally wrinkled, of a grayish-brown color externally, yellowish inside, with a spongy, 
 radiated meditullium and numerous shining resin-cells in the thick bark. It has a strong 
 aromatic odor and a sweetish, pungently aromatic, and bitter taste, and breaks with a 
 smooth somewhat waxy fracture. 
 
 American angelica-root is similar, but smaller, has a longer main root, few branches, a 
 14 
 
210 
 
 ANGUSTURA. 
 
 lighter color, fewer resin-dots in the bark, and is less strongly aromatic. The very similar 
 but rather smaller root of Archan. (Angelica, Michaux ) hirsuta, Toney and Gray , which 
 grows southward to Florida, is not unfrequently collected with it. 
 
 The root of the European Ang. sylvestris, Linne , is light gray-yellow, internally white, 
 and more woody. 
 
 All the above roots are readily attacked by insects. 
 
 Constituents. — Garden angelica contains about i per cent, of yellowish volatile oil, 
 a white waxy matter crystallizing from hot alcohol in wart-like masses ; angelicin , which 
 is a somewhat acrid acid resin, soluble in alkalies and crystallizing from alcohol in color- 
 less needles ; volatile angelic acid; an amorphous bitter principle ; some tannin, pectin, and 
 other common principles (Buchner, 1842). The volatile oil was examined by F. Beil- 
 stein and E. Wiegand (1882), who, by fractional distillation and rectification over sodium, 
 obtained three terpenes, of which one distilled at 158° C. (316.4° F.), the second near 
 175° C. (347° F.), and the third near 250° C. (482° F.). The first one is present in 
 largest quantity ; the second yields a crystallizable hydrochloride having the properties 
 of the so-called artificial camphor, and melting at 127° C. (260.6° F.). Naudin (1883) 
 showed that by distillation in vacuo a hydrocarbon of a peppery odor and the boiling-point 
 166° C. is obtained, and that at 160° C. (320° F.) it becomes thick and polymerized ; the 
 volatile oil of the fruit, examined in 1881, boils at 175° C. (347° F.), but becomes thick 
 already at 100° C. (212° F.) ; these hydrocarbons have been named terebangelene. The 
 composition of the American roots is probably similar. 
 
 Angelic acid , C 5 H 8 0 2 , crystallizes in colorless prisms, melts at 45° C. (113° F.), boils S,t 
 190° C. (374° F.), has a peculiar aromatic odor and a strongly acid taste, and when melted 
 with potassa yields propionic and acetic acids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Angelica is tonic, stimulant, and diaphoretic, and in large 
 doses and in warm infusion may act as an emetic or a diaphoretic. It was formerly 
 employed in the treatment of typhoid conditions to meet the same indications for which 
 serpentaria and valerian are now generally administered. It appears to have been bene- 
 ficial in chronic bronchitis under conditions similar to those in which senega is recom- 
 mended. It has also been used in chronic rheumatism and gout and in intermittent fever. 
 Angelica-root may be given in powder in doses of from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (gr. x-xxx), or 
 an infusion made with Gm. 32 (§j) of the root to Gm. 500 (Oj) of water or white wine 
 may be used in the dose of 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls. Externally it is sometimes applied in a 
 decoction to foment painful parts. 
 
 AN GU STUR A.— Angustura-B ark. 
 
 Cusparise cortex , Br. ; Cortex angusturse. — Angusture, Fr. ; A ngustura-Rinde, G. 
 
 The bark of Galipea Cusparia, St. Hilaire , s. Gal. officinalis, Hancock, s. Gal. febrifuga, 
 Baillon , s. Cusparia febrifuga, Humboldt , s. Bonplandia trifoliata, Willdenow. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 43. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutaceae, Cusparieae. 
 
 Origin. — The tree attains a height of 20 feet (6 M.), and is found abundantly in the 
 mountains near the Orinoko River. 
 
 Description. — The bark is met with in commerce in flat or curved pieces, usually 
 between 1 and 3 inches (about 5 Cm.) in length, rarely longer, about 1 to 1 $ inches (25-38 
 
 Mm.) wide, and J-g- to £ inch (1.5-3 Mm.) 
 Fig. 25. thick. Its color is reddish-brown, the 
 
 inner surface smooth and lighter than 
 the outer surface, which is uneven, and, 
 if carefully preserved, covered with an 
 ochrey-gray, scurfy, and friable cork. It 
 breaks readily with a smooth, somewhat 
 granular fracture, which is of a reddish- 
 brown color, resinous in appearance, and 
 displays to the naked eye numerous 
 white, glistening striae of crystals of cal- 
 cium oxalate. The latter are more 
 plainly visible with a lens, whereby also 
 the radiating medullary rays and bast- 
 The odor of the bark is aromatic, not agreeable ; its taste is aro- 
 
 An gust ura-bark : transverse section, magnified 10 diameters. 
 
 wedges are revealed, 
 matic and bitter. 
 
ANILINA. 
 
 211 
 
 Substitutions. — The so-called false angustura-bark obtained from Strychnos Nux 
 vomica, Linne , was found in Europe, early in the present century, mixed with the former, 
 to which it bears no resemblance. The trunk-bark is of an irregular shape, rather thick 
 and hard, externally gray, with bright rust-colored patches of cork, and white warts ; the 
 inner surface brown ; the fracture smooth and destitute of white striae ; the branch-bark 
 is more or less quilled, externally gray, with whitish warts. It has a bitter taste, and con- 
 tains strychnine and brucine. 
 
 Another substitution appears to be frequently met with in France, and has also been 
 noticed in this country ( Amer . Jour. Pharm ., 1874, pp. 50, 414). This bark, now some- 
 times called Brazilian angustura , comes from Brazil, from Esenbeckia (Evodia, St. Hilaire ) 
 febrifuga, Martins, and consists of dark -brown inner layers, covered with patches of a soft, 
 brownish-gray cork, which is of a pale-orange rust-brown within ; it breaks with a short 
 fibrous fracture, is without the white striae, and has a purely bitter not aromatic taste. 
 Copalchi, guaiacum, and other more or less bitter barks have likewise been observed as 
 adulterations. 
 
 Constituents. — The latest analysis of angustura-bark is by Oberlin and Schlagden- 
 haulfen (1878), who found 9.2 per cent, moisture, .27 fat, wax, and stearic acid, soluble 
 in benzin, .47 fat soluble in alcohol and yellow bitter matter, 3.86 resin, .19 volatile oil, 
 7.8 ash. The bitter matter contained an alkaloid, angosturine , CuJT^NOh, which melts at 
 85° C. (185° F.), is crystallizable, and is turned red by pure sulphuric acid and green by 
 the same acid containing nitric acid or other oxidizing agent. The volatile oil, according 
 to Herzog (1858), has the composition C 1:J H 24 0, and boils at 266° C. (511° F.). Cusparin 
 was obtained by Saladin (1833) by spontaneously evaporating the tincture prepared with 
 strong alcohol. It crystallizes in the cold in needles and tetrahedrons, fuses at a moderate 
 heat, is inflammable, insoluble in ether and volatile oils, soluble in 100 parts of boiling 
 water, but readily soluble in alcohol ; it is neutral in behavior and has a bitter taste. 
 Herzog was unable to obtain it. Tannin is not present, but the infusion yields a red-brown 
 precipitate with ferric chloride and several other metallic salts. 
 
 The Brazilian angustura-bark contains the alkaloid evodine or esenbeckine, C 6 H 18 N0 6 , 
 which is colored yellowish-green by sulphuric acid (Oberlin and Schlagdenhauflen). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Angustura has a tonic operation without astringency, and a 
 slightly stimulating action. It was at one time supposed to be a valuable antiperiodic, 
 but experience has proved it to have no more claim to this virtue than the simple bitters. 
 It is probably of more use in the typhoid state of fevers and inflammations, and 
 especially in that of tropical dysentery, in which its highest reputation has been gained. 
 In ordinary cases of atonic dyspepsia, and especially in those in which flatulence predom- 
 inates, it has been found of service. But it has no special superiority over numerous 
 other tonic and aromatic stimulants which can be more readily procured. The dose of 
 angustura in powder is from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (gr. x-xxx). An infusion may be made by 
 percolation, containing Gm. 16 in Gm. 500 (^ss in Oj) of water. Dose, Gm. 32-64 
 
 (faj-ij)* 
 
 ANILINA, F. It. — Aniline. 
 
 Amidobenzene, Phenylamine, E. ; Aniline , Fr. ; Anilin, G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 7 N or C 6 H 5 NH 2 . Molecular weight 92.83. 
 
 Origin. — Aniline was discovered by Unverdorben (1826) among the products of the 
 dry distillation of indigo, and was found by Bunge (1833) in the heavy oil of coal-tar. 
 Zinin (1842) introduced the method of preparing it from nitrobenzene by the action of 
 hydrogen sulphide in the presence of alcohol and ammonia, and A. W. Hofmann (1845) 
 by nascent hydrogen from the action of dilute sulphuric acid upon zinc. The name 
 aniline (from anil, the Portuguese name for indigo) was proposed by Fritzsche (1841). 
 Unverdorben had called it crystalline , and Runge kyanol on account of the deep violet- 
 blue color which it gives with chlorinated lime. The identity of these bodies was proven 
 by Erdmann and Hofmann. Aniline has also been named benzidam and phenamid. 
 
 Preparation. — Aniline is prepared from nitrobenzene by the reducing action of 
 nascent hydrogen, by digesting with a mixture of iron filings and acetic acid, as sug- 
 gested by Bechamp, in which case the deoxidizing action of ferrous acetate, Fe(C 2 H,(U) 2 , 
 first produced, materially assists the change. Nitrobenzene is thereby converted into 
 aniline and water ; C 6 H 5 (N0 2 ) -f 3H 2 yields C 6 II 7 N -f- 2H 2 0. The acetic acid has been 
 replaced, by Brimmeyr, by hydrochloric acid. When, after several days, the reaction 
 
212 
 
 ANILINA. 
 
 is completed, milk of lime is added and the aniline is distilled off, the receiver being 
 changed toward the close of the distillation ; the temperature then rises, and a red oil, 
 azobenzid , C 12 H 10 O 2 , passes over, which congeals to a crystalline mass. The separation of 
 aniline from the heavy oil of coal-tar is effected by a complicated process depending upon 
 its solubility in hydrochloric acid, the insolubility of this compound in ether, the libera- 
 tion of the bases by an alkali, and their separation from each other by fractional distilla- 
 tion. 
 
 Properties. — Aniline is a colorless, limpid, oily, inflammable liquid of a peculiar 
 wine-like odor and burning aromatic taste. It has the spec. grav. 1.0245 at 15° C.(59° 
 F.), congeals at a low temperature, melts at — 8° C. (17.6° F.), boils at 184.5° C. (364.1° 
 F.), acquires in contact with air a yellow and brown color, is sparingly soluble in cold 
 water and in all proportions of wood-spirit, alcohol, ether, aldehyde, acetone, and fixed 
 and volatile oils. It dissolves phosphorus, camphor, several resins, and by the aid of 
 heat much sulphur; coagulates albumen ; precipitates the salts of iron, zinc, and alumi- 
 num ; and unites with acids to form salts, which are mostly crystallizable, readily solu- 
 ble in water, inodorous and colorless, but acquire a red color in contact with the air; 
 alkalies decompose them, with the separation of aniline. Commercial pure aniline 
 usually contains about 1 per cent, of toluidine : other grades contain more of this base. 
 
 Toluidine or amidotoluene , C 7 H 9 N or C 7 H 7 NH 2 , exists in three modifications, of which 
 two are present in the product of the above process. Parcttoluidine forms colorless tab- 
 ular crystals, melts at 45° C. (113° F.), and boils at 198° C. (288.4° F.). Orthotoluidine 
 or pseudotoluidine is a colorless liquid of the same density as water at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 boiling at 199.5° C. (390.2° F.), and not solidifying at — 20° C. ( — 4° F.). 
 
 Toluidine gives a reddish color with chlorinated lime, but aniline is characterized by 
 the production of a violet color with the same reagent — a reaction which has led to its 
 application in the production of coal-tar dyes , the more important of which are the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 Aniline-purple, or mauve, is obtained by acting upon aniline with sulphuric acid 
 and potassium dichromate or other oxidizing agents, whereby the alkaloid mauveine, 
 c 26 h 24 n 4 , is produced. 
 
 Safranine, C 21 H 20 N 4 , is a red compound obtained from aniline containing toluidine 
 by treatment with nitrous and arsenic acid. 
 
 Aniline-red, or magenta,, is formed by heating a mixture of aniline and toluidine 
 with corrosive sublimate or arsenic acid, and is a salt of rosaniline , C 20 Hi 9 N 3 , or of para- 
 rosaniline, C 19 H 17 N 3 , the alkaloids being colorless. Roseine, fuchsine, and azaleine are the 
 acetate, hydrochloride, and nitrate of the same base. If obtained by the action of arsenic 
 acid the dyes usually contain arsenic. To obtain the dyes free from arsenic the oxida- 
 tion is now often effected by nitrobenzene or nitrotoluene. 
 
 Aniline-yellow, or chrysaniline , C 20 H 17 N 3 , is a yellow secondary product of the pre- 
 ceding process ; its hydrochloride has a scarlet color, and its nitrate is ruby-red and very 
 sparingly soluble in water. 
 
 Aniline-blue is a salt of triphenyl-rosaniline, C 20 H 16 (C 6 H 5 ) 3 N 3 , obtained by boiling a 
 salt of rosaniline with aniline, and by treatment with iodide of methyl, ethyl, and similar 
 compounds a large variety of blue, violet, and green ( iodine-green , methyl-green, etc.) dyes 
 are obtained. 
 
 Aniline-black, or jetoline, a salt of Ci 2 H 10 N 2 , is very dark-green, and is obtained by 
 the slow oxidation of aniline. Nigrosine , C 30 H 29 O 3 HCl, is a similar compound of a dark- 
 blue tint. 
 
 The aniline colors are largely employed in dyeing, and are used in the preparation of 
 colored inks, which consist of aqueous solutions of the dyes, to which a small quantity 
 of gum-arabic may be added. Ink for stamping is made by dissolving 5 parts of the 
 dye in 75 parts of hot water, and adding 1 part of syrup and 2 parts of glycerin. On 
 exposure to light all aniline dyes fade more or less rapidly. 
 
 Most of the aniline dyes used in the United States are imported from Europe, the 
 importation having increased from 210,500 pounds in 1877 to 1,103,864 pounds in 1882. 
 
 During the last few years several of the aniline dyes have been proposed for medical 
 use, both internally and externally, on account of their reputed antiseptic and analgesic 
 qualities ; they are also employed as valuable staining agents in histological and bacterio- 
 logical work. The following are deserving of special notice : 
 
 Fuchsine, or rosaniline hydrochloride, C 20 H 19 N 3 HC1, occurs in bright iridescent crys- 
 tals, which are soluble in 10 parts of alcohol, but require 300 parts of water for solution ; 
 in pure essential oils fuchsine is insoluble, and can therefore be used to detect the 
 
ANILINA. 
 
 213 
 
 presence of alcohol in oils. Although commercial fuchsine is frequently contaminated 
 with arsenic, it is possible to obtain it entirely free from this impurity if prepared by 
 Jegel’s process, which consists in heating together aniline nitrate and hydrochloride in 
 proper proportions : the resulting mass is treated with water, which removes the fuchsine, 
 leaving a peculiar blue compound behind ( Proc . A. P. A., 1875). Fuchsine has been 
 used in albuminuria, and externally (in form of a 1 per cent, alcoholic solution) with 
 success in traumatic erysipelas. It has also been employed with marked benefit in 
 throat affections. The maximum adult dose according to Fischer is 4 grains. 
 
 Methylene blue , or Tetramethyl thionin-chloride, C ]6 Hj 8 N 3 SC1, is prepared by treating 
 dimethylparaphenylenediamine (NH 2 C 6 H 4 N2CH 3 ) in acid solution with hydrogen sul- 
 phide and ferric chloride ; formerly the commercial form only was to be had, which con- 
 sisted of a double chloride of zinc and tetramethylthionin, but the zinc was removed 
 by purification, and the pure article alone should be employed. It occurs in small blue 
 scaly crystals with a copper-bronze tinge, and is readily soluble in water. Methylene 
 blue has been used with more or less success in neuralgic and rheumatic affections, and 
 also in intermittent fevers, the average adult dose being II grains five or six times a day. 
 It has proved the best stain for the plasmodia found in the blood-corpuscles of malarial 
 patients. In the form of a 10 per cent, solution it has been used successfully as a local 
 application in diphtheria and chronic cystitis. It must not be confounded with methyl 
 blue , the sodium salt of triphenylpararosaniline-trisulphonic acid, C 37 H 26 N 3 S 3 0 9 Na 3 , which 
 is made by treating pararosaniline with aniline, and the resulting product with sul- 
 phuric acid. Sodium hydroxide, added to a solution of methylene blue, causes the blue 
 color to change to violet, while in the case of methyl blue it changes to reddish-brown. 
 
 Pyoktanin — Two varieties, blue and yellow pyoktanin, have been brought to notice, 
 the former -intended for general surgery, the latter more especially for ophthalmic 
 practice. Only the blue pyoktanin, methyl violet, appears to have been employed to 
 any extent ; it is probably of variable composition, tetra-, penta-, or hexamethyl para- 
 rosaniline, while yellow pyoktanin is one of the group of dyes known as auramines. 
 Pyoktanin has been used with varying results by oculists and laryngologists, but the 
 reports are often confusing and conflicting. 
 
 Apyonin was brought forward as a rival to pyoktanin, and has been claimed to be 
 identical with the yellow variety of that substance, but it has failed to attract much 
 attention. 
 
 Benzo-phenoneid is said to be equal to pyoktanin in germicidal properties ; it is soluble 
 in 100 parts of water, and is neither caustic nor irritant. The discoverers of it claim 
 that it is a definite compound produced by the decomposition of an aniline dye. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Workmen exposed to the vapors evolved in the manufacture 
 of aniline acquire a cyanotic hue of the face, lips, and mouth, and suffer from giddiness, 
 headache, chilliness, weakness of the lower limbs, and sometimes epileptiform convul- 
 sions. They are subject also to bronchial irritation, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and 
 cutaneous eruptions. A carboy of aniline oil breaking, the man engaged in moving it 
 fell into a stertorous sleep of many hours’ duration, with complete insensibility of the 
 skin. For three days he suffered pain in the bladder and had haematuria ( Med . News , 
 xlvii. 464). A woman who swallowed f^iiss of aniline oil fell into coma, with cyanosis, 
 collapse, and jaundice with ecchymoses (Med. News , lii. 409). An infant has been poi- 
 soned by wearing a diaper marked with aniline ink (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Nov. 
 1886, p. 473), and a man by using the point of an aniline pencil to dislodge the fang of 
 a broken tooth from his gum (Med. Record, Nov. 1886, p. 571). Stockings, cravats, 
 gloves, etc. dyed with aniline have** occasioned eczematous eruptions upon the skin in 
 contact with them, and patients affected with psoriasis have been poisoned by the appli- 
 cation of bandages wet with a solution of muriate of aniline. In the case of a woman 
 who had attempted suicide by swallowing about six fluidrachms of aniline oil, and who 
 died in a few hours, there were found many haemorrhagic nodules or effusions in the heart- 
 muscles, the lungs, and kidneys, and aniline was detected in the urine (Archives gen., 
 Juin, 1885, p. 735). 
 
 Aniline has been used in chorea. Six inveterate cases are reported to have been speedily 
 cured by this agent in doses of 1 or 2 grains three times a day (Turnbull) ; while in 
 another group of five cases, in which aniline was given persistently until the doses 
 reached (5m. 0.40-0.45 (gr. vj-vij) three times a day, not the slightest impression was 
 made upon the symptoms (Fraser, etc.). It has also been administered in epilepsy with- 
 out apparent advantage. The use of fuchsine (a derivative of aniline) to color wines was 
 claimed to be innocuous, and when employed as a medicine it caused the disappearance of 
 
214 
 
 ANISUM. 
 
 albumen from the urine while increasing the proportion of phosphates in this secretion 
 ( Gaz . hebdomadaire, June 23, 1876). Divet observed that it removed albuminuria with- 
 out regard to its cause (Bull, de Therap ., xcviii. 89). Bouchut found it an efficient 
 remedy for scarlatinous dropsy, and not productive of injury ( Practitioner , xxiii. 203). 
 Similar results were obtained by Sawyer in England ( Practitioner , xxvi. 41) and De 
 Benzi in Genoa ( Virchows Archiv , lxxx. 510). It seems, however, that it has only been 
 conspicuously useful in tubular nephritis, and Dieulafoy denies that it diminishes renal 
 dropsy or its attendant thoracic and pulmonary symptoms ( Bull . de Therap ., xcvii. 478). 
 It has been claimed, on very insufficient grounds, to be a remedy for phthisis {Med. News, 
 1. 346). It appears, therefore, that neither the conditions nor the nature of its influence 
 is at present understood. Moreover, a longer clinical experience has rendered it prob- 
 able that the aniline colors are of no value in therapeutics {Centralbl. f. Therap., viii. 
 495 ; Therap. Gaz., xiv. 533). The daily portion of fuchsine has varied between Gm. 
 0.10-0.20 (gr. iss-iij), given in divided doses, and it is said that it may be prescribed to 
 the extent of from gr. iij-v without causing nausea. 
 
 Pyoctanin (methyl violet) was stated in 1890 {Therap. Monatsh., iv. 294) to be a 
 valuable remedy in certain diseases of the eye by arresting inflammation, suppuration, 
 and ulceration, and that it was superior to other antibacillar agents when applied in a 
 solution of 1 : 2000-1 : 5000, or in powder, pencil, or ointment, or was administered in 
 pastilles. These claims, were, in the main, supported by Bresgen {ibid., p. 479), who 
 concluded that the preparation allayed pain, inflammation, and suppuration, but were 
 rather discredited by other reporters, as Liebreich made manifest {ibid., p. 344). Indeed, 
 it seemed that its application to the eye and nostrils often aggravated the existing inflam- 
 mation of those parts. Braunschweig reached a similar conclusion {Centralbl. f. Therap., 
 viii. 496). As the preparation consists of various, and perhaps varying, ingredients, an 
 accurate estimate of its virtues is at present impracticable. 
 
 ANISUM, 77. S.— Anise. 
 
 Anisi fructus , Br. ; Fructus Anisi, P. G. ; Fructus ( Semen ) Anisi vidgaris. — Aniseed, 
 E. ; Anis , Anis vert , Fr. ; Anis, G. 
 
 The fruit of Fimpinella Anisum, Linne, s. Anisum vulgare, Moench . Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants, 122. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is an annual which is indigenous to the eastern portion of the 
 basin of the Mediterranean, and extensively cultivated in Southern and Central Europe, 
 and occasionally in this country. It grows to about 1 foot (30 
 Cm.) in height, has the radical leaves roundish-cordate, lobed, 
 and serrate, the stem leaves pinnate with lanceolate lobes, and 
 the upper ones trifid or undivided and linear. The flowers are 
 small and white, in numerous small and long-stalked umbels. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is about £ to ^ inch (4-5 Mm.) 
 long, ovate, tapering above toward the thick stylopode, somewhat 
 compressed at the sides, of a grayish or greenish-gray color, and 
 covered with short appressed hairs. The two mericarps are su- 
 ally united. Each has five light-brownish filiform ridges, and 
 Anisum: Fruit and longitu- from 12 to 20 oil-tubes situated on the flat commissure and in 
 
 dmai section, magnified 3 f urr0 ws. The fruit has an agreeable aromatic odor and a 
 diameters ; transverse sec- . . ° . 
 
 tion, magnified 8 diameters, sweet spicy taste. Ihe importation of anise and star-anise in 
 
 1877 was 93,485 pounds, and 367,186 pounds in 1881. 
 
 Impurities. — Anise of commerce is not unfrequently mixed with earthy matters 
 resembling the fruit in color. This adulteration is readily detected and the amount 
 thereof determined, according to Hager, by agitating a known weight of anise for a 
 short time with a saturated solution of table-salt ; the anise will rise to the surface of 
 the liquid, and after rapidly washing with water and drying is again weighed ; earthy 
 matter and sand will subside. Accidental admixtures of conium-fruit have been repeat- 
 edly reported. This is easily distinguished from anise by the mericarps, when ripe, being 
 separate, smooth, grooved upon the face, with the ribs prominent and crenate, and by 
 being destitute of oil-cells. 
 
 Constituents. — The fruit contains, according to Brandes and Reimann, 3 per cent, 
 of volatile oil, 3.38 per cent, of fixed oil, some gum, sugar, resin, malates, phosphates, 
 and other salts. The volatile oil represents the medical properties of the fruit. (See 
 Oleum Anisi.) 
 
 Fig. 
 
ANTHEM IS. 
 
 215 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Anise is used for preparing Oleum anisi and Aqua anisi. 
 
 Off. Prep. — Tinct. Rhei dulcis, U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although it imparts a peculiar taste to the milk of nurses, it 
 probably does not augment the secretion (Dolan). Anise is an aromatic stimulant and 
 carminative; its oil and infusion are habitually employed to relieve flatulent colic , and the 
 seeds enter into the composition of many culinary products as a condiment which tends to 
 render them less indigestible. It has been imagined to have some special influence upon 
 the bronchial tubes , modifying their secretions and promoting expectoration. But all 
 volatile oils and resins are exhaled by the bronchia, and all have more or less repute as 
 stimulant expectorants. In infantile catarrh , when the acute stage has passed, infusion of 
 anise may be given with advantage. It may be made with Gm. 8-12 (sij-iij) of the 
 bruised seeds in half a pint of boiling water, and given in teaspoonful doses to infants 
 at the breast. The dose of bruised anise is from Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx). According 
 to Curci, the anisates of the alkalies are closely analogous in their action to the salicy- 
 lates (j Bull, de Therap., cviii. 140). 
 
 ANTHEMIS, U. S.— Anthemis. 
 
 Anthemidis flores, Br. ; Flores Chamomillse romanse . — Chamomile-flowers , Roman or 
 English chamomile , E. ; Camomille romaine , F. Cod. ; Romische Kamille , G. ; Manzamlla 
 romana , Sp. ; Camomilla romana , F. It. 
 
 The flower-heads of Anthemis (Chamo- 
 milla, Godr.') nobilis, Linne , collected from 
 cultivated plants. Bentley and Trimen, 
 
 Med. Plants , 154. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Compositae, Senecionidese. 
 
 Origin. — -A low perennial plant indige- 
 nous to Southern and Western Europe as 
 far north as England, and cultivated in 
 Germany, Great Britain, France, and Bel- 
 gium. The small oblique rhizome produces 
 numerous prostrate or ascending and radi- 
 ating stems, with alternate sessile grayish- 
 green leaves, which are hairy and twice or 
 thrice pinnately divided into acute linear 
 segments. The flower-heads terminate the 
 branches, and appear from June to Septem- 
 ber. Anthemis-flowers have been dismissed 
 from the German Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Description. — The flower-heads of the 
 wild plant, which have a single row of white 
 ligulate ray-florets and numerous yellow 
 tubular disk-florets, are not met with in commerce. In the cultivated plant the tubular 
 florets are more or less changed into white ligulate florets, and therefore the heads have 
 either a smaller yellow centre or are entirely white. The heads are about f inch (2 Cm.) 
 broad, and consist of an involucre composed of numerous imbricated oblong ovate scales 
 with a scarious margin, of a solid convex finally conical receptacle with narrow concave 
 chaff*, and of numerous white strap-shaped and three-toothed florets, which are pistillate. 
 The yellow disk-florets, if present, are tubular, five-toothed, and hermaphrodite, with the 
 two branches of the style projecting. The tapering achene is destitute of a pappus. 
 Since the oil-glands are found mainly on the tubular portion of the florets, the so-called 
 single chamomile , with one or a few rows of ray-florets, appears to be better adapted for 
 medicinal use, and has a stronger and more agreeable odor. 
 
 Adulterations. — The flower-heads of several Compositae, like Anthemis arvensis, 
 Linne , Maruta Cotula, De Candolle , Matricaria Chamomilla, Linne , Pyrethrum Parthe- 
 nium, Linne , and Achillea Ptarmica, Linne , have been named as occasional adulterations, 
 but they are much smaller than Roman chamomile. The first-named three species, not 
 being cultivated, have the heads ahvays with a single row of ray-florets, while the last 
 two are frequently double in cultivation. Of these, the feverfew (Pyrethrum) has a flat 
 or merely convex and nearly naked receptacle, and the Achillea flowers have shorter and 
 rounded rays, are inodorous, and of an acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — According to J. P. Wyss (1833), chamomile-flowers contain volatile 
 
 Fig. 27. 
 
 Anthemis nobilis, LinnL 
 
 Ray- and disk-floret, Section through single flower- 
 mag. 4 diam. head, nat. size. 
 
216 
 
 ANTIARIS. 
 
 oil (see Oleum Anthemidis), traces of tannin, 5.25 per cent, resin, 1.50 per cent, wax, 
 albumen, gum, bitter principle, fixed oil, chlorophyll, extractive, and salts. From the 
 investigations of Camboulises (1871) it seems probable that the bitter taste is due to 
 anthemic acid (see Matricaria) ; fat, grape-sugar, and 6 per cent, of ash were found in 
 the flowers. The bitter principle is soluble in water and alcohol. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — For preparing Oleum anthemidis, Extract, anthemidis, 
 and Infusum anthemidis, Br. 
 
 Oleum Anthemidis infusum, Oleol of chamomile, E. ; Huile de camomille, Ft. ; 
 Gekochtes Rbmisch-Kamillenbl, G . — Digest for .2 hours chamomile-flowers 10 parts in 
 olive oil 100 parts ; express and filter. — F. Cod. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Chamomile is stimulant and tonic. The former property is 
 due to its essential oil, the latter to its bitter principle. In substance or strong infusion it 
 occasions a sense of warmth in the stomach ; it expels flatus, improves digestion, does 
 not constipate, and, like other aromatic stimulants, is reputed to possess emmenagogue 
 virtues. In large doses it occasions nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain and fulness of the 
 head, and sometimes a degree of somnolent intoxication. In medicinal doses the infusion 
 is tonic if cold, but emetic if warm. 
 
 Chamomile is commonly used as a mild stimulant tonic to improve the digestion during 
 convalescence from acute diseases and in many states of general debility. It is par- 
 ticularly indicated when the gastric digestion is laborious and accompanied with flatu- 
 lence, and also when the latter stage of the process is attended with colic. Hence its 
 use, like calumba, in various diarrhoeal conditions. It is an excellent preventive remedy 
 for periodical sick headache, and its warm infusion is a salutary emetic during the attack. 
 It is reputed also to be emmenagogue , to cure neuralgia , and to diminish chronic suppu- 
 ration. Evidently, it exerts these powers indirectly and only by its power of improving the 
 nutrition of the whole system. In the same way, probably, it sometimes cures intermittent 
 fever. Many bitter tonics have a similar operation, but cinchona alone exhibits a direct 
 curative control over periodical fevers. These remarks apply only to their use as tonics ; 
 camomile and its associate bitterk often cure mild intermittents when administered in the 
 form of a hot infusion immediately before the paroxysm. This is a physiological mode 
 of cure, and may be practised with the aid of whatever will equally well excite copious 
 diaphoresis. In forms of malarial fever distinguished by biliary derangement warm 
 chamomile tea is often used to produce both vomiting and diaphoresis, and thereby not 
 only to moderate the general severity of the paroxysm, but also to lessen hepatic conges- 
 tion and the evils which ensue thereon. As an emetic chamomile is peculiarly appro- 
 priate whenever it is desired to empty the stomach without depressing the system, and 
 hence in those numerous cases of crapulous indigestion occurring in coarse feeders and 
 in drunkards. It often will put an end to an attack of delirium tremens in the forming 
 stage. Subsequently, nothing excels a cold infusion of chamomile in repairing the 
 exhausted condition of the digestive organs. 
 
 Externally, fomentations made with chamomile-flowers saturated with hot water or 
 with hot vinegar and water form a most soothing application for local pains , whether 
 neuralgic or congestive, in intestinal and uterine colic , toothache , earache , abscess, sprains , 
 etc. It is believed by high authorities that the odor of chamomile is destructive of the 
 itch-insect , the gnat , etc. Oil of chamomile has been applied to painful rheumatic parts 
 and to the abdomen in flatulent colic. 
 
 Chamomile is never prescribed in substance except as a masticatory, and in this 
 manner it is often useful in 'slight dyspeptic disorders. The extract ( Br . Ph.') is a good 
 simple bitter tonic in the dose of from Gm. 0.20-0.60 (gr. iij-x). A fluid extract is pre- 
 pared, a fluidrachm of which represents 30 grains of chamomile. The oil is sometimes 
 prescribed internally in doses of 5 or 6 drops upon sugar, in ether, in Hoffmann’s 
 anodyne, or in pills made with crumb of bread. An infusion is made with half a troy- 
 ounce of chamomile to a pint of boiling water. When cold it is used as a tonic in doses 
 of Gm. 30-60 (f^j-ij)- When warm it acts as an emetic if freely drunken. 
 
 ANTIARIS. — Upas Antiar. 
 
 Upas antiar , Fr., G. 
 
 A gum-resinous exudation of Antiaris toxicaria, Leschenault. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Urticaceae, Artocarpeae. 
 
 Origin. — The upas tree is one of the largest trees of the forests of Java and of some 
 of the neighboring islands. When wounded it yields a milk-white or yellowish exudation, 
 
ANTIMONII ET POTASSII TARTRAS. 
 
 217 
 
 which on exposure turns brownish, and constitutes the principal ingredient of the Upas 
 antiar, or Javanese arrow-poison. 
 
 Description. — Upas antiar is reddish-brown, of a waxy consistence, and has an 
 extremely bitter and at the same time acrid taste. Triturated with water, it yields an 
 emulsion. It is partly soluble in alcohol and ether. 
 
 Constituents. — It contains gum, sugar, albumen, wax, resin, and antiarin , the poison- 
 ous principle discovered by Pelletier and Caventou (1824). The latter is obtained by 
 exhausting the alcoholic extract with boiling water. Mulder obtained from the dry juice 
 3.5 per cent, of antiarin, the composition of which is Ci 4 H 20 O 5 . It crystallizes from water 
 in silvery scales containing 11. 8G per cent. (2H 2 0) of water, and is soluble in 70 parts of 
 alcohol, yery slightly in ether, more freely in dilute acids and alkalies. The resin is 
 readily soluble in ether, sparingly in cold alcohol, and is not poisonous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Under the name “ upas,” which in the Malay language signifies 
 poison, or, specifically, arrow-poison, several quite different products are included. Upas 
 Tieute contains strychnine, and the symptoms it occasions are more or less distinctly 
 tetanic, but Upas antiaris, as well as its active principle, antiarin, produces very different 
 effects. However introduced into the system, it impairs or suspends voluntary move- 
 ments without causing convulsions. It is a paralyzing poison to the heart as well as to 
 the voluntary muscles, and appears to act directly upon these organs and upon the great 
 nervous trunks, but not upon the brain or spinal marrow. A specimen of arrow-poison 
 has been found to contain both a convulsing and a paralyzing agent, which could be sepa- 
 rated and both made to display their peculiar effects. 
 
 We are unacquainted with any instances of the therapeutical use of this product, but 
 the remarkable analogy of its operation with that of physostigma would seem to indicate 
 its application to similar conditions. 
 
 ANTIMONII ET POTASSII TARTRAS, TJ . S * — Antimony and Potas- 
 sium Tartrate. 
 
 Antimonium tartaratum , Antimonii potassio-tartras, Antimonium tartarisatum , Br. ; Tar- 
 tarus stibiafus, P. G. — Tartarated antimony , Tartar emetic , E. ; Tartrate de potasse et d'anti- 
 moine , Emetique , Tartre stibie, Fr. ; Brechiceinstein , G. ; Tartrato di antimonio e di potas- 
 sio, F. It. ; Tartrato de potassa y antimonio , Sp. 
 
 Formula 2KSb0C 4 H 4 0 6 . -f- H 2 0. Molecular weight 662.42. 
 
 Origin. — A process for the preparation of tartar emetic from cream of tartar and 
 crocus of antimony was first published in 1631 by Adrian van Mynsicht. Glauber (1648) 
 used flowers of antimony or antimonial glass. At present the salt is generally prepared 
 with oxychloride or with pure oxide of antimony. The British Pharmacopoeia recognizes 
 two synonyms besides the official title. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oxide of Antimony 5 ounces ; Acid Potassium Tartrate in 
 fine powder 6 ounces ; Distilled Water 2 pints. Mix the oxide of antimony and acid 
 potassium tartrate with sufficient water to form a paste, and set aside for twenty-four 
 hours. Then add the remainder of the water and boil for a quarter of an hour, stirring 
 frequently. Filter and set aside the clear filtrate to crystallize. Pour off the mother- 
 liquor, evaporate to one-third, and set aside, that more crystals may form. Dry the crys- 
 tals on filtering-paper at the temperature of the air. — Br. 
 
 The process formerly recognized by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia consisted in boiling for 
 one hour 18 fluidounces of water containing a mixture of 2 troyounces of oxide of anti- 
 mony and 2\ tioyounces of acid potassium tartrate, water being added from time to 
 time to supply the loss by evaporation. This long-continued application of heat is apt 
 to produce a change whereby the liquid becomes colored and a portion of the salt is 
 converted into an uncrystallizable compound ; the mother-liquor from the first crystalliz- 
 ation yields, on further evaporation, crystals which are colored and require to be recrys- 
 tallized. By the British process heat is avoided, except for a much shorter time, the 
 combination being effected at the ordinary temperature ; or digestion at a gentle heat 
 may be resorted to with little danger of inducing the changes alluded to. The compounds 
 are made to react upon each other in the presence of a little water, a slight excess of anti- 
 monous oxide being used ; and the subsequent boiling with a larger quantity of water 
 mainly aims at bringing the tartar emetic already formed into solution, so that it may 
 be freed by filtration from the excess of the oxide used, and obtained in crystals. It is 
 of importance that the antimonous oxide should be free from oxychloride, otherwise the 
 mother-liquor will become acid, and more or less of the salt will be lost by refusing to 
 
218 
 
 AN TIM ON 1 1 ET POT A SSI I T A ETNAS. 
 
 crystallize. The acid potassium tartrate should be free from calcium tartrate which 
 would contaminate the crystals of tartar emetic, necessitating their recrystallization, and 
 thus occasioning loss. 
 
 The reaction between the antimony trioxide and acid potassium tartrate is a very simple 
 one, the univalent radical (SbO), antimonyl. displacing hydrogen, with the formation of 
 water, as follows : Sb 2 0 3 + 2KHC 4 H 4 0 6 = 2(KSb0C 4 H 4 0 6 ) -f H 2 0. 
 
 Other processes have been recommended, and are perhaps followed by some manufac- 
 turers : they agree in this, that an impure oxide of antimony, which may be obtained in 
 various ways, is used. While the trouble of its purification is thus avoided, a subsequent 
 loss cannot be prevented, as explained above. Operating on a large scale, such a course 
 is probably the cheapest, but for the pharmacist the use of pure materials is by far more 
 advantageous, since with proper and careful manipulation the entire solution may be made 
 to crystallize. 
 
 Properties. — Antimony and potassium tartrate produces colorless transparent crys- 
 tals, which have the form of a rhombic octahedron, become white and opaque on exposure 
 to the air, and have a sweetish afterward disagreeable strongly metallic taste. In com- 
 merce it is usually seen in the form of a white finely-granular powder. Heated to 110° 
 C. (230° F.), the salt loses its water of crystallization, 2.71 per cent. ; at 200° C. (392° 
 F.) parts with more water, and is converted into metatartrate ; at a higher heat it decom- 
 poses, becomes brown and black, giving off empyreumatic products having the odor of 
 burning sugar, and finally leaves a black or gray residue having an alkaline reaction. 
 Tartar emetic is soluble in 17 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and 3 parts of boiling 
 water (£ 7 . S. and P. G.) ; in 15 parts of water at 60° F. (. Br .). 
 
 According to Brandes, 1 part of the salt 
 
 Dissolves in 19.0, 12.6, 8.2, 7.1, 5.5, 4.8, 3.2, 3.0, 2.8 parts of water 
 
 at 8.7°, 21°, 31°, 37.5° 50°, 62.5°, 75°, 87.5°, 100° C. 
 
 The aqueous solution is precipitated on the addition of alcohol in the form of a crys- 
 talline powder ; in this manner a pure powder of tartar emetic is readily and most advan- 
 
 tageously obtained for pharmaceutical purposes. The solution yields with hydrochloric 
 and other mineral acids a white precipitate of an oxy-salt of antimony, which is soluble 
 in hydrochloric acid, and does not occur if tartaric acid has been previously added to the 
 solution. The aqueous solution, even if largely diluted, at once becomes turbid on the 
 addition of a little potassium carbonate. Hydrogen sulphide causes an orange-red pre- 
 cipitate, which, when obtained from 20 grains of the salt after washing and drying at 
 100° C. (212° F.), weighs 10.12 grains. A solution of tartar emetic which is not too 
 dilute produces a flocculent precipitate on the addition of infusion of galls ; an excess of 
 the latter redissolves the precipitate. The salts of most metals and earths, being pre- 
 cipitated by normal tartrates, are incompatible with tartar emetic ; also the alkalies, tan- 
 nin, and tinctures containing tannin. 
 
 Tests. — Chlorides and sulphates, if present, are detected in the solution, previously 
 acidulated with acetic acid, by silver nitrate and barium chloride, calcium by ammonium 
 oxalate, and copper, iron, and other metals by potassium ferrocyanide. “A 1 per cent, 
 solution of the salt should not be clouded by the addition of a few drops of the reagents 
 named.” — TJ. S. Arsenic may be detected by carefully heating 20 or 30 grains of the 
 salt until a black residue remains ; on gradually increasing the temperature to redness a 
 garlic-like odor will be evolved. More delicate tests are the following: “ If 1 Gm. of the salt 
 be dissolved, with the aid of heat, in hydrochloric acid, and to this solution 1 Cc. of test- 
 solution of stannous chloride be added, together with a small piece of pure tin-foil, no 
 turbidity or coloration should ensue within one hour (limit of arsenic).” — U. S. “ If 1 
 Gm. of tartar emetic, in powder, be shaken with 3 Cc. of solution of stannous chloride, no 
 coloration should ensue within one hour.” — P. G. The impurity which is likely to be 
 met with in consequence of faulty preparation is cream of tartar, the presence of which 
 cannot be detected by its behavior to test-paper, since the solution of tartar emetic has an 
 acid reaction ; but a permanent precipitate will not appear with potassium carbonate until 
 after this impurity has been neutralized. By dissolving 24 grains of the salt in a fluid- 
 ounce of warm water and cooling the solution to 10° C. (50° F.) it should remain clear. 
 A crystalline deposit will occur if more than 8 per cent, of cream of tartar is present. 
 The U. S. Pli. demands that if sodium carbonate solution be added to crushed crystals 
 of tartar emetic, no effervescence should take place, to show absence of this impurity. A 
 more delicate test, which, however, does not indicate the nature of the impurity, consists 
 
ANTIMONII ET POTASSII TARTU AS. 
 
 219 
 
 in preparing antimony sulphide from a given weight of the salt, as stated above. As the 
 U. S. Ph. demands absolute purity for tartar emetic, the salt should respond to the fol- 
 lowing volumetric test: “If 0.331 Gm. of the crystallized salt, or 0.322 Gm. of the salt 
 dried at 110° C. (230° F.), be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and about 20 Cc. of a cold 
 saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, and a little test-solution of starch added, it should 
 require not less than 20 Cc. of decinormal iodine solution to produce a permanent blue 
 color (corresponding to 100 percent, of the pure salt).” — V. S. The following equation 
 will explain the reaction taking place in the test: 2(KSb0C 4 II 4 0 6 )H 2 0 -f- 6NaOH -j- X 4 = 
 2NaSb0 3 (meta-antimonate) + 4NaI + 2(KHC 4 H 4 0 6 ) -f- 6C0 2 + 3H 2 0. Now, since 
 506.12 (126.53 X 4) parts of iodine are necessary to completely oxidize the antimony 
 contained in 662.42 parts of crystallized tartar emetic, it follows that 20 Cc. of iodine 
 solution, representing 0.25306 Gm. of iodine, are required for 0.331 Gm. of the salt, for 
 662.42 : 506.12 : : 0.331 : 0.25306. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparations. — Tartar emetic is a convenient test 
 for distinguishing different kinds of tannin, some of which yield no precipitate with it. 
 
 Emplastrum Antimonii, U. S. 1870 ; Emplastrum stibiatum s. antimoniale. — 
 Antimonial plaster, E. ; Emplatre (Poix) emetisee, Emplatre antimonial, Fr. ; Brech- 
 weinstein-Pflaster, G . — Take of Antimony and Potassium Tartrate in fine powder a troy- 
 ounce ; Burgundy Pitch 4 troyounces. Melt the pitch by means of a water-bath and 
 strain ; then add the powder, and stir them well together until the mixture thickens on 
 cooling. The finely-powdered tartar emetic should not be added until the fused mass 
 almost begins to thicken ; the addition of 2 or 4 drachms of wax would improve the 
 adhesive qualities of the plaster. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When tartar emetic in strong solution or in ointment is ap- 
 plied to the skin it produces a pustular eruption almost identical in appearance with that 
 of small-pox, forming scabs and leaving indelible scars. If the skin is very delicate, it 
 may ulcerate or slough. The pustulation is less apt to occur in persons of a naturally 
 tough integument and also during high febrile action. Occasionally the constitutional 
 operation of the medicine has been developed by its endermic employment. A solution 
 of tartar emetic has been injected into the veins for the purpose of dislodging foreign 
 bodies from the stomach by vomiting. This effect has also followed its administration 
 by enema. 
 
 Taken internally, even in such doses as the y-J-yth of a grain frequently repeated, it 
 occasions malaise and nausea, with colic and looseness of the bowels, loss of appetite, a 
 pasty state of the mouth, debility and depression, and sometimes a pustular eruption on 
 the skin. When the dose is large enough to excite vomiting it produces a sense of sink- 
 ing, nausea, copious salivation, violent and prolonged retching, and often liquid stools, 
 coldness of the hands and feet, and a cool perspiration. The matters vomited usually 
 contain bile before the end of the operation. If the salt is given with but little fluid, 
 the evacuations may be confined to vomiting : if the liquid is abundant, there may be 
 copious purging without emesis. The more depressing the operation of the medicine, 
 as indicated by the preceding symptoms, the more frequent and feeble does the pulse 
 become. In the case of a boy whose brain membranes were exposed, Dr. Mary Putnam 
 Jacobi observed that in two and a half hours after the administration of a quarter of 
 a grain of tartar emetic, which did not occasion vomiting, the intracranial blood-pressure 
 was diminished and the walls of the arteries relaxed. This peculiarity was not noticed 
 under the action of sedative doses of quinine, and was produced only by nauseating 
 doses of tartar emetic. 
 
 In poisoning by this substance the symptoms mentioned are greatly intensified. The 
 patient is attacked with pain in the stomach, followed by incessant retching, prsecordia! 
 cramps and burning heat, distension of the epigastrium, severe colic, watery and frequent 
 stools, dryness of the throat, difficult deglutition, and salivation. The muscles are some- 
 times rigid, but generally relaxed ; the skin pale, cool, and clammy ; the pulse feeble and 
 at first infrequent, but subsequently rapid and thready ; respiration is slow. The dose 
 required to produce such symptoms cannot be precisely stated. It may be but the fraction 
 of a grain which occasions them, and that with a fatal result. In other instances several 
 drachms of the salt have been taken without fatal consequences. In one case, followed 
 by prompt recovery, the estimated quantity of the salt swallowed was 170 grains ( Med . 
 Record , xxiv. 401). Its continued use generally establishes a tolerance of its operation, 
 as was formerly shown by its employment in the treatment of pneumonia — a method 
 which is now forgotten except as a monument of rashness and folly. The use of this 
 method illustrated the local action of the salt by the inflammation and ulcers which it 
 
220 
 
 ANTIMONII ET POTASSII TARTRAS. 
 
 sometimes produced in the mouth, fauces, oesophagus, and stomach. It is to be noted 
 that after fatal acute poisoning by tartar emetic gastric lesions are not always found — 
 a fact which further illustrates the previous proposition, that it causes death by its 
 action upon the heart and lungs through the nervous system, and not merely by it's local 
 operation on the stomach. 
 
 The idea that fever must be combated by means of agents which directly tend to 
 lessen the frequency and lower the force of the pulse, and which was formerly carried 
 out by venesection and purgation, and more recently by veratrum viride, aconite, and 
 digitalis, was at one period sought to be realized by means of tartar emetic. The mis- 
 chief wrought by the last-named agent was one of the medical scandals of the sixteenth 
 century, when it was employed as an emeto-cathartic ; but it reached its extreme devel- 
 opment when Rasori, an Italian theorist, demonstrated that it was possible to administer 
 24 grains of this salt in as many hours to a pneumonic patient, and as much as 2 ounces 
 in the course of an attack of pneumonia , without occasioning such a mortality as might 
 reasonably have been expected. Indeed, many of the most distinguished clinical observ- 
 ers recorded their eulogies of this treatment, and if it were to be compared with those 
 alone which approach it in their perturbative effects, it might still maintain the claims 
 which once were made in its behalf. But since it has been demonstrated that the most 
 successful by far of all methods of treating pneumonia is simply to place the patient in 
 the most favorable conditions for the exertion of his natural powers of cure, a discus- 
 sion of the relative values of different active medications has greatly declined in interest 
 as well as utility. Even in 1882, and again in 1887-88, some indications existed of a 
 desire to return to this obsolete method, which seemed to have been finally condemned and 
 abandoned by the physicians of all countries. But we trust that the number of those who 
 are acquainted with its martyrology will prove sufficient to check this dangerous tendency. 
 The proposed revival did not, indeed, contemplate the use of the original sedative doses, 
 but only the administration of divided doses until vomiting and purging had occurred 
 three or four times. That such a method may be useful in exceptionally robust persons 
 and in the early stages of the disease may be admitted, but its dangers, as well as its 
 needlessness, in all other cases we cannot for a moment doubt. Even less than this 
 degree of action has been deemed sufficient by some advocates of the revival of the use 
 of tartar emetic who employed it like one of the antipyretics that happened to be in 
 vogue, and sought, not an emetic or cathartic, but a sudorific and sedative effect. In 
 this manner it is less harmful, yet quite superfluous. 
 
 A confusion produced by ignorance of the essential differences between pseudo-mem- 
 branous laryngitis and spasmodic laryngitis led to the use of tartar emetic in the former 
 disease, although clinical observation and analogy are strong against it, for it tends to 
 produce a sudden and extreme prostration, and thereby to lessen the chances of the 
 removal of the false membrane by coughing. On the other hand, the spasmodic affec- 
 tion, which involves also a superficial inflammatory element, is beneficially treated by 
 nauseants and emetics, which relieve at once the congestion and the spasm of the larynx 
 and terminate the attack. It is not generally necessary to excite vomiting with this 
 object; nanseant doses of the medicine are usually sufficient. This statement is indi- 
 rectly illustrated by the usually prompt effect of opiates and revulsives in the same 
 affection. Among inflammatory diseases acute bronchitis is most decidedly modified by 
 nauseant doses of this medicine, and even by smaller ones than produce any sensible 
 effect besides an increase of the bronchial secretion and a greater facility of expectora- 
 tion. Acute articular rheumatism was at one time treated by sedative doses of tartar 
 emetic, but the evidence in its favor, which was originally small, is less than nothing at 
 the present day. It has been said that nauseating and depressing doses of it will some- 
 times cut short various local inflammations in their forming stage, such as tonsillitis, 
 mammary abscess, hernia humoralis, acute ophthalmia, mumps, etc. There is very little 
 doubt of the fact, but the uncertainty of action of the medicine and its distressing ope- 
 ration have, for the present at least, rendered its use in these affections quite excep- 
 tional. Undoubtedly such minute doses as will, without nauseating, tend to bring on 
 diaphoresis are often serviceable in the forming stage of such affections. And it is pos- 
 sible that those which neither nauseate nor depress may, under particular conditions, 
 favorably modify inflammations which, although more or less chronic as to duration, 
 have something of the symptomatic activity of an acute disease. Cases often occur of 
 erythema , urticaria, eczema, and psoriasis which present these characters, and which may 
 be benefited, and even cured, by the persistent use of small and repeated doses of tartar 
 emetic, associated with a diet of milk and vegetables and abstinence from alcoholic and 
 
ANT1M0NII OXIDTJM. 
 
 221 
 
 other stimulants. (Compare Morris, Brit. Med. Jour., Sept. 22, 1883, and Spender, 
 Practitioner , xxxiv. 160.) It has been employed in dropsy produced by cold (renal 
 dropsy); to arrest mercurial salivation ; in acute meningitis ; in epilepsy , chorea, mania, 
 convulsions , mania-d-potu , etc. ; but in none of these diseases does the good it effects out- 
 weigh the inconveniences arising from its depressing and exhausting operation. Its 
 power of overcoming rigidity of the os uteri during labor has been attested by the highest 
 authorities, but owing to the superior advantages of anaesthetics it is now seldom 
 resorted to. The same remark applies to its use for producing relaxation in strangulated 
 hernia and dislocations. Locally, it has been applied to excite inflammation and thereby 
 destroy nsevi, and also to produce the constriction and closure of varicose veins. The plaster 
 and the ointment of tartar emetic, which are no longer officinal, were used to pustulate 
 the skin. But the severity of their action and the scars they frequently left behind 
 them have led to their disuse. 
 
 Tartar emetic should seldom be administered to the very young or very old, or to those 
 who from any cause are feeble. If it produces poisoning by being swallowed, the stom- 
 ach should be emptied as soon as possible by large draughts of tepid water containing or 
 followed by vegetable astringents, such as green tea, galls, tannic acid, etc. Its sedative 
 effects may be moderated by strong coffee, by wine, alcohol, ether, or opium. 
 
 The average emetic dose of tartar emetic is Gm. 0.06, (gr. j), or Gm. 0.20 (gr. iij) 
 maybe dissolved in Gm. 32 (f^j.) of water, of which one-half maybe administered; 
 if this have no effect, half of the remainder may be given in fifteen minutes, and in 
 fifteen minutes more the rest. Warm water should be freely administered. As a nau- 
 seant sudorific the dose is from to Gm. 0.0j-0.03 (gr. ^~j) every hour or more. As a 
 diaphoretic and expectorant from Gm. 0.005-0.01 (gr. J) may be given at intervals 
 of from one to three hours. Pustulation may be produced by means of tartar-emetic 
 ointment, by a strong watery solution applied on a compress, or by inoculation of a 
 paste made with the salt and by means of a fine lancet, or by the antimonial plaster 
 (U. S. P. 1870). The last is a painful and unmanageable preparation. 
 
 ANTIMONH OXIDUM, U . S ., Br . — Antimony Oxide. 
 
 Stibium oxydatum, Oxydum antimonicum s. stibicum. — Antimony Trioxide, Antimo- 
 nous oxide, E. ; Oxyde J antimoine, Fr. ; Antimonoxyd, G. ; Oxido de antimonio, Sp. 
 
 Formula Sb 2 0 3 . Molecular weight 287.08. 
 
 Origin. — Oxide of antimony in an impure form was known to the alchemists of the 
 Middle Ages. The term flores antimonii was at first chiefly applied to the product 
 obtained by the burning of the black sulphide, but subsequently to the purer white 
 powder resulting from the burning of metallic antimony in air. The mineral valentinite 
 or white antimony consists of this oxide ; antimony ochre or cervantitb is antimonous- 
 antimonic oxide. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Solution of Chloride of Antimony 16 fluidounces; Sodium 
 carbonate 6 ounces; Water 2 gallons; Distilled Water a sufficiency. Pour the anti- 
 monial solution into the water, mix thoroughly, let the precipitate settle, remove the 
 supernatant liquid by a siphon, add 1 gallon of distilled water, agitate well, let the pre- 
 cipitate subside, again withdraw the fluid, and repeat the process of affusion of dis- 
 tilled water, agitation, and subsidence. Add now the sodium carbonate, previously dis- 
 solved in 2 pints of distilled water, leave them in contact for half an hour, stirring 
 frequently, collect the deposit on a calico filter, and wash with boiling distilled water 
 until the washings cease to give a precipitate with a solution of silver nitrate acidu- 
 lated by nitric acid. Lastly, dry the product at a heat not exceeding 100° C. (212° 
 F.) — Br. 
 
 The process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia (1870) was essentially the same as the above, 
 except that directions were also given for preparing a solution of antimonous chloride 
 by digesting black antimony sulphide 4 parts with hydrochloric acid 18 parts. By this 
 treatment Sb 2 S 3 + 6HC1 yields 2SbCl 3 , which remains dissolved in an excess of the acid, 
 ^.nd 3H 2 S, which escapes ; the solution contains also ferrous chloride, resulting from the 
 iron usually contained in the black antimony. The subsequent step of adding nitric 
 acid was an unnecessary complication ; it will oxidize any hydrogen sulphide that may 
 have remained in solution to sulphuric acid, and convert the ferrous into ferric chloride; 
 but the former can be expelled more expeditiously and with less cost by boiling the 
 solution, and the ferrous chloride will not be precipitated on the addition of water, which 
 will also retain in solution the chlorides of the other metals occasionally present. On 
 
222 
 
 ANTIMONII OXIDUM. 
 
 adding the solution to water, antimonous oxychloride, or powder of Algaroth , is pre- 
 cipitated and obtained of the composition 2SbCl 3 .5Sb 2 0 3 . By washing this with water the 
 chlorine is gradually but not completely removed as hydrochloric acid, a more basic 
 oxychloride remaining. The conversion into the oxide is more readily effected by an 
 alkali or alkali carbonate, for which purpose ammonia may be used or sodium carbonate, 
 as directed above. In the one case ammonium chloride, in the other case sodium chlo- 
 ride and carbon dioxide, are formed, antimonous oxide remaining behind in both 
 instances ; 2SbCl 3 5Sb 2 0 3 + 3Na 2 C0 3 yields 6Sb 2 0 3 + 6NaCl + 3C0 2 . The resulting anti- 
 monous oxide must be dried at a not too elevated temperature, to avoid the formation 
 of higher oxides of antimony. A contamination with arsenous acid, resulting from the 
 arsenic sulphide frequently present in the black antimony, need not be apprehended ; 
 the greater part of it will be expelled during the first part of the operation as arsenic 
 chloride, and what little may be left in the liquid will remain in solution on precipitating 
 with water. The large quantity of noxious gases given off renders it necessary to 
 operate under a hood or to dispose of the gases by consuming them in a furnace. 
 
 On heating metallic antimony in a loosely-covered crucible the metal burns at a red 
 heat when in contact with air to antimonous oxide, and this sublimes in glossy, trans- 
 parent, or white needles, intermixed with octahedrons ; this product was formerly distin- 
 guished as fores antimonn ( flowers of antimony). 
 
 Properties. — Antimonous oxide is a dense white or grayish-white powder, which is 
 very sparingly soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, ether, and nitric acid, but dissolves 
 readily in hydrochloric acid ; it is also soluble in a warm solution of tartaric acid or in a 
 boiling solution of acid potassium tartrate. It is without odor and taste, and when 
 heated in closed vessels turns yellow, and on cooling* becomes white again ; melts at a 
 dull red heat to a yellowish liquid, which on cooling congeals to a crystalline mass of a 
 pearly color, and at a full red heat sublimes in crystals, as stated above ; slow sublimation 
 gives mainly octahedrons, while rhombic prisms are obtained by rapid heating. But 
 when the oxide is slowly heated in contact with air it is converted into grayish, infusible, 
 and non-volatile tetroxide, or antimonous-antimonic oxide , Sb 2 0 4 or Sb 2 0 3 .Sb 2 0 5 . When 
 heated with soda upon charcoal by means of the blowpipe, very brittle metallic globules 
 are obtained. Its solution in hydrochloric acid dropped into water yields a white precip- 
 itate, and this is at once changed to orange-red by hydrogen sulphide. 
 
 Tests. — A solution of antimony oxide in hydrochloric acid, diluted with water to 
 incipient permanent turbidity, will yield with hydrogen sulphide a precipitate which 
 when thoroughly washed must be perfectly soluble in ammonium sulphide solution, to 
 indicate the absence of lead and copper. In a dilute (1 per cent.) aqueous solution 
 made with aid of tartaric acid, sulphates would be detected by barium chloride solution, 
 chlorides by silver nitrate, and iron and other metals by potassium ferrocyanide. The 
 allowable limit of arsenic may be detected by adding 1 Cc. of stannous chloride test- 
 solution and a piece of pure tin-foil to a solution of 1 Gm. of the oxide in hydrochloric 
 acid ; no turbidity or coloration should ensue within one hour. — U. S. 
 
 Pharmceutical Uses. — Oxide of antimony is employed in preparing tartar emetic, 
 and is a constituent of Pulv. antimonialis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Other oxides of antimony, more or less pure or combined with antimony sulphide, 
 were formerly employed in medicine, and are occasionally, though very rarely, called for. 
 When black antimony sulphide is gradually heated to redness in contact with the air, it 
 is partly oxidized to antimonous antimonate, Sb 2 0 3 Sb 2 0 5 , and constitutes then an ash- 
 gray powder known as cinis antimonn ( antimony ash). When this is fused with a little 
 black antimony, a transparent garnet-red mass known as vitrum antimonn (a.ntimonial 
 glass) is obtained. When a mixture of equal parts of black antimony and potassium 
 nitrate is deflagrated by igniting it in small quantities, it yields hepar antimonn ( liver of 
 antimony ), and when this is exhausted with water to remove potassium sulphate and 
 sulphantimonate crocus of antimony is left behind, which is mainly a mixture of antimony 
 oxide and sulphide. Antimonium diaphoreticum ( diaphoretic antimony) is prepared like 
 liver of antimony, except that more (2 parts) of potassium nitrate is used, so that the 
 preparation contains, besides antimony oxide, antimonate, sulphate, nitrate, and nitrite of 
 potassium in varying proportions. By washing this with water the residue consists 
 mainly of jwfassium antimonate , which is recognized by the French Codex. The other 
 preparations described were formerly employed in medicine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The oxide of antimony is rarely used in medicine. It is 
 stated to possess the general properties of antimonial preparations, with a less tendency 
 to excite nausea and vomiting, owing to its inferior solubility. Its dose is from Gm. 
 0,10-0.20 (gr. ij-iv). 
 
ANTIMONII SVLPHIDTJM. 
 
 223 
 
 ANTIMONII SULPHIDUM, U. Antimony Sulphide. 
 
 Antimonii sulphuretum, U. S. 1870 ; Antimonium nigrum, Br. 1867 ; Stibium sulfuratum 
 nigrum, P. G. ; Antimonium crudum, Sulfuretum stibicum.— Black (crude) antimony , Anti- 
 mony trisulphide, Antimonous sulphide , E. ; Sul/ure d'antimoine , Antimoine cru, A. sul- 
 fure, Fr. ; Sch icefelspiessgla nz, Spicssglanz, Schicefelantimon, G. ; Trisulfuro di antimonio, 
 F. It. ; Sulfuro de antimonio, Sp. 
 
 Formula Sb_,S 3 . Molecular weight 335.14. 
 
 Origin. — It is found native as stibnite, gray antimony ore. or black antimony, and 
 associated with galena, iron pyrites, quartz, and heavy spar, in various parts of Europe, 
 Borneo, New Brunswick, Nevada, and in Sevier co., Ark. It was known to the ancients 
 as “ stimmi,” and was early employed as an external remedy in cutaneous diseases and 
 for darkening the eyebrows and eyelashes. From the infusible ores with which it is 
 associated it is freed by fusion in pots arranged in such a manner that the fused sul- 
 phide runs off into earthen vessels, where it cools. It is afterward powdered. 
 
 Properties. — Thus purified, it is known in commerce as crude antimony, and con- 
 tains variable small quantities of iron, and often traces of arsenic, lead, and copper, all in 
 the state of sulphides. From the shape of the pots in which it has cooled it usually is in 
 the form of blunt cones, which are of a blackish color externally, and when broken steel- 
 gray, of a metallic lustre and a radiated crystalline texture, friable, soft, and leaving a 
 black mark upon harder bodies. Its specific gravity varies between 4.6 and 4.7, it being 
 but little lighter than black oxide of manganese, from which it is readily distinguished 
 by the ready fusibility of splinters of antimony sulphide when held in the flame of a 
 candle. It is inodorous and tasteless, and insoluble in simple solvents. At a temperature 
 below a red heat it fuses to a dark brown liquid. It is frequently seen as a heavy black 
 or grayish-black and somewhat shining powder This, “ when boiled with 10 parts of 
 hydrochloric acid, dissolves without leaving more than 1 per cent, of residue. The solu- 
 tion, completely deprived of hydrogen sulphide by boiling, when added to water gives a 
 white precipitate which is soluble in a solution of tartaric acid. After separation of the 
 precipitate by filtration the filtrate gives an orange-red precipitate with hydrogen sul- 
 phide test-solution.” — U. S. 
 
 Purification. — Antimonii sulphidum purificatum, U. S. ; Antimonium nigrum 
 purificatum, Br. ; Purified antimony trisulphide, Purified black antimony, E. — Sulfure 
 d’antimoine depure, Fr. ; Gereinigtes Schwefelantimon, G. — Antimony sulphide 100 Gm. ; 
 Ammonia Water 50 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity. Reduce the antimony sulphide 
 to a very fine powder. Separate the coarser particles by elutriation, and, when the 
 finely-divided sulphide has been deposited, pour off the water, add the ammonia-water, 
 and macerate for five days, agitating the mixture frequently. Then let the powder settle, 
 pour off the ammonia water, and wash the residue by repeated affusion and decantation 
 of water. Finally, dry the product by the aid of heat. — U. S. The Br. P. process is 
 identical with this. 
 
 Similar processes have been long in use with the object of freeing antimonous sul- 
 phide from arsenic ; but it has long since been proven that antimonous sulphide is like- 
 wise dissolved to a large extent ; and Garot has shown that the ammoniacal liquid, when 
 evaporated, leaves a red residue which contains very little arsenic. Arsenous sulphide 
 is, however, freely soluble in ammonium carbonate, which dissolves but little antimonous 
 sulphide. The process devised by Hager is as follows : Mix in a high vessel 1000 parts 
 of levigated antimony sulphide with 100 parts of ammonia-water, sp. gr. .960, and suf- 
 ficient warm water to permit the mixture being readily stirred ; digest for a day at 
 between 30° and 40° C. (86° and 104° F.), add 50 parts of official ammonium carbonate, 
 again digest with frequent agitation for forty-eight hours, then dilute with* water, and 
 wash thoroughly. It forms a dark-gray or grayish-black lustreless powder having the 
 properties mentioned above. 
 
 Tests. — Commercial antimony sulphide is sometimes adulterated with coal-dust, or mix- 
 tures of powdered coal and chalk are soid in place of it. The latter effervesce briskly with 
 dilute hydrochloric acid, forming a solution containing calcium chloride. “ If 2 Gm. of the 
 salt be mixed and cautiously ignited in a porcelain crucible with 8 Gm. of pure sodium 
 nitrate, and the fused mass boiled with 25 Cc. of water, there will remain a residue which 
 should be white or nearly so, and not yellowish nor brownish (absence of other metallic 
 sulphides). On boiling the filtrate w 7 ith an excess of nitric acid until no more nitrous 
 vapors are evolved, then dissolving in it 0.1 Gm. of silver nitrate, filtering again if neces- 
 
224 
 
 ANTIMONTUM SULPHUR A TUM. 
 
 sary, and cautiously pouring a few drops of water of ammonia on top, not more than a 
 whi&e cloud, but no red nor reddish precipitate, should appear at the line of contact of 
 the two liquids (absence of more than about 0.1 per cent, of arsenic).” — IT. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses.— Antimony trisulphide, being the commonest and cheap- 
 est antimony ore, is employed for preparing the metal and as the source of all compounds 
 of antimony. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sulphide of antimony is seldom employed in medicine. It 
 was formerly prescribed along with drastic cathartics in the dose of Gm. 6.30-1.00 
 (gr. v-xv). 
 
 ANTIMONIUM SULPHURATUM, U. 8 Br .— Sulphurated Antimony. 
 
 Antimonii oxy sulphur etum (Lond.) ; Antimonii sulphuretum aureum (Edinb.) ; Antimonii 
 sulpliuretum prsecipitatum (Dubl.), Br. — Kermes mineral , E. ; Sulfure di antimoine pre- 
 cipite , Fr. ; Gefalltes Schwefelantimon , G. ; Sidfuro de antimonio liidratado. Sp. 
 
 Chiefly antimonous sulphide (Sb 2 S 3 ; 335.14), with a very small amount of antimo- 
 nous oxide. — U. S. 
 
 Origin. — Both antimonial kermes and golden sulphur appear to have been first 
 obtained by Basilius Valentinus in the fifteenth century. The latter was called sulphur 
 auratum by Quercetanus (1603). The former was prepared by Glauber by dissolving 
 black antimony in potash and cooling, and was lauded by Simon (1719) under the name 
 of alkermes minerale. Numerous processes for obtaining these preparations have been 
 published, nearly all of them resulting in mixtures of one or both sulphides of antimony 
 with more or less antimonous oxide. The U. S. and Br. Pharmacopoeias now recognize 
 a nearly pure Sb 2 S 3 , which, from the synonyms given by the Br. Phar. of 1867, may also 
 be dispensed as golden sulphur. The German Pharmacopoeia recognizes only pure 
 Sb 2 S, 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Antimony Sulphide in very fine powder 100 Gm. ; Solution 
 of Soda 1200 Cc. ; Distilled Water, Diluted Sulphuric Acid, each a sufficient quantity. 
 Mix the antimony sulphide with the solution of soda and 3000 Cc. of distilled water, 
 and boil the mixture over a gentle fire for two hours, constantly stirring, and occasionally 
 adding distilled water, so as to preserve the same measure. Strain the liquid imme- 
 diately through a double muslin strainer, and drop into it, while yet hot, diluted sul- 
 phuric acid so long as it produces a precipitate. Wash the precipitate with hot distilled 
 water until the washings are at most but very slightly clouded by test-solution of barium 
 chloride, then dry the precipitate and rub it to a fine powder. — U. S. If avoirdupois 
 weight be used, 3^ oz. of antimony sulphide will require 401 fluidounces of solution of 
 soda and 61 pints of distilled water. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia follows a similar process, but employs a weaker soda solu- 
 tion and a larger amount of antimony sulphide, the proportion being 4| Imperial 
 pints of the former to 10 ounces of the latter, mixed with 10 ounces of sublimed 
 sulphur. 
 
 Amorphous antimony sulphide dissolves readily in cold alkaline liquids, but for 
 effecting the solution of the crystalline sulphide the application of heat is required. The 
 solution contains both sulphantimonite and antimonite of the alkali, the formation of 
 which is seen from the following equation : Sb 2 S 3 -f- 4NaOH = NaSb0 2 (meta-antimonite) 
 + Na 3 SbS 3 (ortho-sulphantimonite). On adding sulphuric acid both the compounds 
 named are decomposed and, antimonous sulphide is precipitated without the evolution of 
 hydrogen sulphide : NaSb0 2 -f Na 3 SbS 3 + 2H 2 S0 4 = Sb 2 S 3 + 2Na 2 S0 4 + 2H 2 0. The 
 precipitate, however, is likely to retain a portion of undecomposed antimonite, which, if 
 remaining in the hot acidulated liquid, is gradually decomposed ; to ensure this decom- 
 position, Liebig suggested to pour the hot alkaline solution into an excess of diluted sul- 
 phuric acid and to boil the moist precipitate with a fresh portion of such acid. 
 
 1 part of sodium hydroxide is theoretically able to form sodium antimonite and sulphan- 
 timonite with 4.2 parts of Sb 2 S 3 . In practice, however, a much smaller amount of the 
 sulphide should be used, the pharmacopoeias ordering 1.66 (£7 Si) and 2.55 (Br.) parts. 
 Using larger proportions would result in the formation of sodium sulphantimonate and 
 antimonate, and finally of antimonic sulphide, Sb 2 S 5 . The reaction is likewise influenced 
 by the concentration of the alkaline liquid and by its exposure to air. The adopted pro- 
 cesses should therefore be strictly followed in order to obtain as nearly as possible uniform 
 results. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Sulphurated antimony is a reddish-brown (orange-red, 
 
ANTIMONIUM SULPHUR A TUM. 
 
 oo 
 
 Br.) powder, without odor and taste, and insoluble in water and other simple solvents. 
 Heated in a dry test-tube, it emits moisture and leaves a black residue. When heated 
 with ten times its weight of official hydrochloric acid it is nearly all dissolved, with 
 evolution of hydrogen sulphide. The residue, after having been washed and dried, 
 burns with the characters of sulphur and leaves a scanty ash. The solution in hydro- 
 chloric acid, when added to water, deposits a white powder. The liquid filtered from this 
 powder yields an orange-red precipitate with hydrogen sulphide. Water in which the 
 preparation has been boiled should not yield a white precipitate with ammonium oxalate. 
 A mixture of 1 part of sulphurated antimony and 20 parts of hot water, well shaken, 
 should yield a filtrate which is neutral to test-paper, and which should not be rendered 
 more than slightly opalescent by barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate) or 
 silver nitrate test-solution (limit of chloride) ( U. S .). The limit allowed by the Phar- 
 macopoeia for arsenic is the same as prescribed in the case of purified black antimony. 
 (See page 223.) The precipitate which falls w T hen a solution of 60 grains of sulphurated 
 antimony in sufficient hydrochloric acid is dropped into water should, after washing and 
 drying, weigh not less than 51 grains, or 85 per cent. (£ 7 ! $.). Boiled in water with 
 acid potassium tartrate, the resulting solution is precipitated orange-red with hydrogen 
 sulphide, thus showing the presence of antimonous oxide. Oxidized with nitric acid, 60 
 grains give a white residue of 40 grains (BrS). 
 
 Allied Compounds. — 1. Antimonii oxysulphuretum, U. S. 1870. — Stibium sulfuratum 
 rubeum. P. G. 1872; Sulphur stibiatum rubeum, Kermes minerale, Alkermes aurificum min- 
 erale. — Oxysulphuret of antimony, Kermes mineral, E. ; Sulfure d’antimoine hydrate, Kermes 
 mineral, Poudre des Chartreux, Fr. ; Mineralkermes, G. 
 
 The name “ Kermes mineral” is now applied by the U. S. Ph. to the official sulphurated anti- 
 mony. (See above.) 
 
 Composition, a mixture of Sb 2 S 3 and Sb 2 0 3 . 
 
 This was prepared by boiling for one hour 1 part of black antimony with 250 parts of water 
 containing 23 parts of sodium carbonate, filtering and cooling ; after twenty-four hours the pre- 
 cipitate was collected, washed with cold water previously boiled, and dried. The process was 
 proposed by Cluzel, and received the prize of the Paris Pharmaceutical Society in 1806. The 
 reaction is similar to that described above, except that carbon dioxide is given off. On cooling, 
 a mixture of Sb 2 S 3 and Sb 2 0 3 is deposited, varying with the relative proportion of the sulphide 
 and carbonate, and with the concentration of the liquid. The solution decanted from the pre- 
 cipitate, on being boiled with a fresh portion of antimonous sulphide, yields again a precipitate 
 of similar appearance, but containing a much larger amount of oxide. Sonnenberg obtained 
 by four successive boilings kermes containing 8, 33, 43, and 67 per cent, of antimonous 
 oxide. 
 
 Oxysulphuret of antimony is a purplish-brown, tasteless powder, soft and velvety to the touch, 
 wholly and readily soluble in hot hydrochloric acid, with evolution of hydrogen sulphide, and 
 partly soluble in a hot solution of potassa, leaving a residue soluble in tartaric acid. On exam- 
 ination with the microscope it is found to be a mixture of amorphous globules of the sulphide 
 with minute transparent prisms of antimony oxide, which latter is dissolved by solution of tar- 
 taric acid. 
 
 2. Antimonii pentasulphidum. — Antimonii sulphuretum aureum s. prsecipitatum, Stibium 
 sulfuratum aurantiacum, P. G. ; Sulphur stibiatum aurantiacum, Sulphur auratum antimonii. — 
 Antimonic sulphide, Golden sulphuret of antimony, Golden sulphur, E. ; Soufre dore d’antimoine, 
 F. ; Goldschwefel, Sulfaurat, G. 
 
 This was originally prepared by precipitating an aqueous solution of liver of antimony (see 
 Antimonii OxiDUM)with an acid, and contained, besides Sb 2 S 5 , also variable amounts of Sb 2 S 3 
 and Sb 2 0 3 . Instead of such mixtures the German and other pharmacopoeias now recognize the 
 pure antimonial sulphide, which is prepared as follows : 
 
 A solution of 70 parts of crystallized sodium carbonate in 250 parts of water is boiled, and 
 mixed with milk of lime containing 26 parts of lime and 80 parts of water. 36 parts of levi- 
 gated antimony sulphide and 7 parts of sublimed sulphur are added, and the whole boiled until 
 the gray color has disappeared, when the liquid is filtered and crystallized. 24 parts of these 
 crystals, which, from the discoverer Schlippe (1821), are known as Schlippe' s salt , and have the 
 composition Xa 3 SbS 4 4- 9II 2 0, are dissolved in 700 parts of water, and added to a mixture of 9 
 parts of sulphuric acid and 200 parts of water. The precipitate, having the composition Sb 2 S 5 , 
 is washed and dried. The reactions involved in this process may be illustrated by the following 
 equations: (1) 4Sb 2 S 3 + 9(Xa 2 CO 3 10H 2 O) 4- S 8 + 9CaO = 5(Xa 3 SbS 4 9H 2 0) -f 3(NaSbO„) 4- 
 9CaC0 3 + 45H 2 0. (2) 2(Xa 3 SbS 4 9II 2 0) -f 3H 2 S0 4 = Sb 2 S 5 + 3(Xa 2 S0 4 ) 4- 311., S + 1811,0. 
 
 It is an orange-colored, inodorous, and tasteless powder, which on being slowly heated in a 
 test-tube, gives a sublimate of sulphur, leaving a residue of black antimonous sulphide ; at a red 
 heat it is completely volatilized. 
 
 The absence of arsenic is indicated if 1 part of the powder be boiled with 100 parts of water 
 to 10 parts, when cool filtered and evaporated to 1 part, the addition of 3 parts of stannous 
 chloride solution not causing any coloration within one hour. The limits of sulphate and 
 15 
 
226 
 
 ANTIPYRINUM. 
 
 chloride are tested for bj adding silver nitrate and barium nitrate solutions respectively to water 
 which has been shaken with the powder ; no turbidity should occur immediately. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sulphurated antimony and the oxysulphuret have essentially 
 the same medicinal properties, and may be prescribed in the same doses. The former is 
 very rarely employed, and kermes mineral, although it does not differ essentially from 
 other antimonials in its action, is generally described as being “ alterative, diaphoretic, 
 and emetic.” Its dose as an alterative may be stated to be Gm. 0.05-0.10 (gr. j-ij) 
 twice a day, and as an emetic from Gm. 0.30—1.20 (gr. v-xx). 
 
 ANTIPYRINUM, JP. G.— Antipyrine. 
 
 Phenazonum , Br. Add. ; Phenazone , Metliozine , Analgesine , Dimethyl-phenylpyrazolon , 
 Dehydrodimethyl-plienylpyrazine , E. ; Antipyrine , Anodynine , Parody ne, Fr. ; Antipyrin, 
 G. ; Antipirina , F. It. 
 
 Formula C G H 5 N.CO.CH.NCH 3 .CCH 3 = C n H 12 N 2 0. Molecular weight 187.65. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Antipyrine was first prepared by L. Knorr (1883), 
 and afterward introduced to the medical profession by Filehne. When aniline hydro- 
 chloride or sulphate is treated with sodium nitrite, diazobenzene hydrochloride or sulphate 
 will be formed, and if this salt be further treated with reducing reagents (alkali sulphite 
 and stannous chloride), the corresponding salt of phenylhydrazine will be obtained ; from 
 this the ba-se phenylhydrazine, C 6 H 5 HN.NII 2 , is set free by means of caustic soda. By 
 acting on phenylhydrazine in the cold with di-acetic ether, Knorr obtained phenylhydra- 
 zine di-acetic ether, with elimination of water, the former an oily liquid, which when 
 heated to 100° C. parts with the elements of alcohol and is converted into phenylmethyl- 
 pyrazolon (formerly called methyloxychinizin). Its formula is C 10 H 10 N 2 O, containing 
 still 1 atom of displaceable hydrogen ; it possesses both acid and basic properties, but loses 
 the former when heated with methyl iodide in the presence of methylic alcohol, and is 
 converted into phenyldimethyl pyrazolon iodide. The mass is next decolorized by boil- 
 ing with sulphurous acid solution, the alcohol is distilled off, and on the addition of strong 
 solution of soda the base is separated as a heavy oil, and recrystallized from toluene or 
 ether. y • 
 
 Recently (1891) a new process has been patented for manufacturing antipyrine under 
 the name of dehydrodimethylphenylpyrazine. It consists of three successive operations, 
 as follows : 1st. Equivalent quantities of a compound ether, containing beta-bromo or 
 chlorobutyric acid, and of phenylhydrazine, are dissolved, the solution being rendered 
 slightly alkaline, and then gently heated on a steam-bath until the odor of the compound 
 ether has disappeared. On pouring the product into water methylphenylpyrazine sepa- 
 rates. 2d. The dried product is dissolved in benzene, and then shaken with some slow 
 oxidizing agent, such as mercuric oxide. The result is dehydromethylphenylpyrazine. 
 3d. This product is finally dissolved in methylic alcohol, and heated with methyl 
 iodide to 100° C., which results in the formation of dehydrodimethylphenylpyrazine 
 or antipyrine. (Compare above.) Still more recently (1892), Knorr and Duden have 
 announced that antipyrine may also be produced by heating a mixture of equal mole- 
 cules of crotonic acid and phenylhydrazine in an oil-bath to 115° C. ; as the reaction 
 slackens the heat is gradually increased to 160° C., where it is kept until a sample of the 
 mass when rubbed with a glass rod solidifies. The new body, phenylmethylpyrazoli- 
 done, is then further treated with oxidizing agents to convert it into phenylmethylpy ra- 
 zolon, from which antipyrine is prepared as stated above. 
 
 Properties. — Antipyrine crystallizes readily in laminae, or from water in rhombic 
 prisms. The commercial article is a voluminous crystalline white or whitish powder ; it 
 is almost inodorous, and has a mild bitter taste. At 15° C. (59° F.) it dissolves in about 
 two-thirds its weight of water, in about 1 part of alcohol or chloroform, and in about 
 50 parts of ether, and is freely soluble in benzene, but slightly soluble in benzin. The 
 aqueous solution yields precipitates with basic lead acetate, mercuric chloride, and most 
 reagents for alkaloids, and reduces Fehling’s solution. 2 Cc. of a 1 per cent, solution 
 acquire with 2 drops of fuming nitric acid a green color, changing to red on the addition 
 of another drop of the acid to the previously boiled liquid. One drop of ferric chloride 
 solution, added to 2 Cc. of a y^th per cent, solution of antipyrine, causes a deep-red 
 color, changing to pale yellow on the addition of 10 drops of sulphuric acid. The solu- 
 tion of antipyrine in water should have a neutral reaction, should be colorless, should not 
 have an acrid taste, and should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide. It should volati- 
 lize completely when heated — P. G. On the addition of nitrous acid or nitroso-nitric acid to 
 
ANTIP'YRINUM. 
 
 227 
 
 a cold concentrated aqueous solution of antipyrine, green crystals are separated. Antipy- 
 rine melts at 113° C. (235.4° F.), and when further heated turns red, then brown, and 
 acquires an empyreumatic odor resembling oil of amber, the residue being soluble in alco- 
 hol, and with a red color in chloroform. Antipyrine dissolved in wine causes the gradual 
 precipitation of the coloring-matter from the latter. Syrup, or a fruit syrup with an 
 aromatic spirit, has been" found to be a suitable adjuvant for the solution. The 
 powder as well as the solution should be carefully protected from contact with iron 
 compounds. 
 
 Acetanilid has been found mixed with antipyrine ; its detection is easy, for although 
 both compounds have approximate melting-points (113° 0.) a mixture of equal parts 
 melts at 45° C. (113° F.) (Helbing). Antipyrine is a well-characterized base, and forms 
 salts with the acids by direct addition. Many drugs have been found incompatible with 
 it, among which may be mentioned sodium bicarbonate and salicylate in solid form, 
 chloral hydrate and croton chloral hydrate, hydrocyanic acid, spirit of nitrous ether, and 
 all acid nitrites in solution, tinctures containing tannin, etc. 
 
 Composition. — Antipyrine is phenyldimethylpyrazolon, and has the formula C n H 12 - 
 X.,0. It is isomeric with methyl derivatives of tolylhydrazines, which, however, have an 
 acid character. These compounds were discovered by Knorr ( Berichte d. Chem. Ges ., 
 1884, pp. 546, 2032). 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Agathin (salicylaldehyde-alpha methylphenylhydrazone). It is pre- 
 pared by direct union of salicyl-aldehyde with alpha-methylphenylhydrazine, and occurs in 
 small faintly green plate-like crystals, without odor and taste and insoluble in water. 
 
 Antithermin. — This name was given by Nicot (1887) to a compound which he obtained as a 
 white precipitate upon mixing an acetic-acid solution of 108 parts of phenylhydrazine with an 
 aqueous solution of 116 parts of levulinic acid. The precipitate is dissolved in boiling water, 
 decolorized with animal charcoal, and crystallized. Antithermin occurs in shining, colorless 
 crystals, with a very faint taste and sparingly soluble in cold water or alcohol. Its aqueous 
 solution is neutral. It melts at 108°C. (226.4° F.), and if heated to 170° C. (338° F.) is converted 
 into phenylhydrazine levulinic anhydride (C n H 12 N 2 0). Little is known regarding its effects and 
 proper dosage. 
 
 Derivatives of Antipyrine. — Benzopyrine or antipyrine benzoate. According to S. Cressati, 
 this compound is obtained when antipyrine is added to a boiling solution of benzoic acid ; it 
 melts below the boiling-point of water, forming a yellow liquid which solidifies to an opaque 
 crystalline mass. It is almost insoluble in hot or cold water, but quite soluble in alcohol or 
 ether. 
 
 Iodopyrine. — When a hot solution of 1 equivalent of iodine in 12 parts of alcohol is mixed 
 with a solution of 1 equivalent of antipyrine in 4 parts of alcohol, the mixture after several days 
 will separate crystals of iodopyrine (Duroy’s patent), which consist of colorless silky needles, 
 only slightly soluble in water and practically free from odor and taste. Antipyrine di-iodide is 
 obtained if 2 equivalents of iodine be used instead of 1. Iodopyrine melts at 160° C. (320° F.), 
 and is readily soluble in hot water. 
 
 Phenopyrine , an oily, colorless, inodorous liquid, crystallizing after a time ; it is insoluble in 
 cold water. It is obtained by triturating together equal parts of pure and well-dried phenol (car- 
 bolic acid) and antipyrine. 
 
 Picropyrine occurs in fine yellow needles, and may be obtained by adding a concentrated solu- 
 tion of antipyrine drop by drop to a concentrated aqueous solution of picric acid, and recrystal- 
 lizing the precipitate from boiling water. 
 
 Naphtopyrine and Pyrogallopyrine are obtained when antipyrine is triturated with twice its 
 weight of beta-naphtol and pyrogallol respectively ; both are insoluble in cold water, but soluble 
 in alcohol and ether, and to some extent in boiling water. By mixing solutions of antipyrine 
 and pyrogallol beautiful prismatic crystals may be obtained after four or five hours. 
 
 Salipyrine , or antipyrine salicylate, has been more extensively employed than any other salt 
 of the base. It may be prepared by heating antipyrine and salicylic acid together in molecular 
 proportions, with or without water, on a steam-bath ; the mixture melts to an oily liquid, which 
 upon cooling solidifies, and is recrystallized from alcohol. Another method is to shake 
 together an aqueous solution of antipyrine and an ethereal solution of salicylic acid ; the com- 
 pound will separate slowly in the form of handsome crystals, being practically insoluble in 
 water and only with difficulty in ether. Salipyrine melts at 91.5° C. (196.7° F.), and is readily 
 soluble in alcohol and in benzene. The solutions manifest a faintly acid reaction aud a sweet 
 taste, which is bitter afterward. It has been used with good results in sciatica, epidemic 
 influenza, and acute and chronic rheumatism ; its advantages over antipyrine are claimed to be 
 freedom from cardiac influence and unpleasant after-effects. The usual dose is 15 grains at 
 intervals of one-quarter to one hour until 2 drachms have been taken in cases of articular rheuma- 
 tism ; 8 grains is often sufficient to arrest neuralgia; it is administered either in powder form 
 or mixtures. (The reaction between sodium salicylate and antipyrine, thought to be due to 
 chemical change, is simply due to deliquescence.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Neudorfer asserts that antipyrin is antiseptic, preventing 
 
228 
 
 ANTIPYRINUM. 
 
 putrefaction and destroying bacteria ; also that it not only is anodyne, but that it neither 
 irritates the skin nor corrodes steel instruments. When antipyrin was first introduced 
 little allusion was made to the vomiting it is apt to occasion. But afterward depression 
 verging on collapse, with coldness, profuse sweating, irregular pulse, feeble voice, and 
 vomiting, especially in females, were found to be ordinary consequences of what were 
 then held to be efficient doses. To counteract them, cordial and nervine stimulants were 
 administered. It often happened that the pulse and temperature did not fall in an equal 
 ratio, and sometimes, indeed, the pulse-rate was increased instead of being slightly 
 lowered, as it usually is. In healthy persons the temperature is but little if at all 
 reduced by antipyrin ; but in fever it begins to decline soon after the medicine is admin- 
 istered, and its subsidence is most marked within from four to six hours after the admin- 
 istration of Gm. 1 (15 grains), and by a repetition of the dose or the administration of a 
 smaller one may be prevented from rising again. It appears that in children the sedative 
 action on the pulse is insignificant. In all cases sweating is apt to be provoked by an 
 excessive dose. Antipyrin is eliminated slightly with the milk and largely with the 
 urine, but it does not irritate the urinary tract. According to Jacubowitsch, the quantity 
 of urea, sodium chloride, and acids is notably diminished in children, and sometimes the 
 urine itself is so to the extent of one-half. These conclusions were confirmed by Bobin 
 and by Elvey. In many cases antipyrin produces an erythematous, measly eruption 
 upon the trunk and limbs. It has been described as consisting of “ irregularly rounded 
 pimples lying close together and forming patches,” and followed by a slight desquama- 
 tion. It is symmetrical, lasts about five days, abounds most on the extensor surface, and 
 may present a few vesicles, and occasion itching. In some cases blebs and bloody vesi- 
 cles have occurred. Its contact with the teeth discolors them. Among the occasional 
 effects of antipyrin the following may be noted: Laache ( Centralbl . f. d. g. Ther., iv. 
 453) observed, along with the exanthem, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, 
 and coryza; Umbach saw analogous effects in healthy persons ( Arch, f exp. Pathol ., xxi. 
 1886) ; and Sturge likewise, with the addition of a sense of suffocation, violent cough, 
 ringing in the ears, and a copperish taste in the mouth (Brit. Med. Jour., Feb. 4, 1888). 
 Bernouilli relates an analogous case ( Deutsche Med. Zeit ., Nov. 24, 1887). According 
 to Jaksch, antipyrin tends to render eruptions haemorrhagic ( Boston Med. and Surg. 
 Jour., Oct. 1888, p. 357). Sometimes the skin becomes cyanotic, and in one case 75 
 grains are said to have occasioned gastro-enteritis and mental hebetude. In typhoid 
 fever, epistaxis, purpura, and death have been charged to it, and in presumed kidney 
 disease fatal eclampsia. In the case of a woman who took an ounce of antipyrin at one 
 dose, insensibility of fourteen hours’ duration ensued. Sometimes poisoning has been 
 caused by doses of 7 and even 3^ grains (Med. News , li. 166. (See also Med. Record , 
 xxxi. 95 ; xxxiii. 14 ; Med. News , lii. 32 ; Therap. Gaz ., xii. 283 ; Gaz. Hebdom., Mar. 23, 
 1888; Bull, de Therap., cxv. 134; Practitioner, xl. 375; Brit. Med. Jour., June 15, 
 1889). Henderson (Med. Record, xxxi. 95) has reported two cases of poisoning by anti- 
 pyrin, one of which was fatal, and it is stated (Lancet, Jan. 1890, p. 35) that in Vienna 
 seventeen deaths from arrest of the heart were attributed to this medicine. Whitehouse 
 (ibid., xxxii. 706) mentions one which, besides the usual symptoms, was attended with 
 excruciating gastric pains ; and Huchard (Centralb. f. d. g. Ther., v. 695) a case of hyper- 
 pyrexial typhoid fever in which the temperature was not lowered, but raised. Among 
 the less frequent untoward effects may be enumerated diarrhoea, dysury, vomiting, sopor, 
 convulsions, paralysis, dyspnoea, swelling of the mouth and fauces and diphtherial 
 exudation, and severe and general neuralgia. (Compare Lancet, Feb. 1888, p. 364; 
 Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xiii. 922; Med. News, liv. 461 ; Therap. Monatsh., iii. 385 ; 
 Lancet , Aug. 1889, p. 813; ibid., Jan. 1890, p. 35 ; British Med. Jour., June 15, 1889 ; 
 Med. Record, xxxvii. 409. See also Drasche, Centralb. f Therap ., vii. 19 ; Schwabe, 
 ibid., viii. 552 ; Falk, Therap. Monatsh., iv. 97, 151.) On the other hand, excessive 
 doses have sometimes been taken without serious injury, as in the case of a woman 
 suffering from osteoscopic pains, who in five days consumed 1J ounces of the prepara- 
 tion. She became cyanotic and her legs were swollen (Therap. Gaz., xii. 684). Also the 
 case of a man who recovered after taking Gm. 8 (gij) of antipyrin (Centralb. f. Therap ., 
 viii. 134). 
 
 We have on many occasions protested against the use of merely antithermic medicines 
 in the treatment of fevers. The study of antipyrin offers an occasion for renewing 
 the protest, and declaring that the reduction of temperature in healthy animals by poi- 
 sons affords no warrant for employing such poisons in treating the fevers of human 
 beings. The conditions in the two cases are neither identical nor analogous. All anti- 
 
antipyrin um. 
 
 229 
 
 thermic agents agree in demonstrating that behind its high temperature each febrile dis- 
 ease presents a specific element, be it a definite morbid poison, an alteration of the con- 
 stitution of the blood, or some change in the solid tissues. The fever of phthisis, for 
 instance, has a different nature from that of malarial fever, and the fevers of both these 
 from that of an acute exanthem. To lower the temperature merely, even if it were 
 possible at will to reduce it to the normal degree, is therefore a very different thing from 
 removing the cause upon which the fever depends. But a true cure involves the latter. 
 Huchard, and after him Arduin, have insisted that a high temperature alone does not 
 call for antipyretic interference, and that a temperature which is essentially normal in 
 one disease is excessive in another, but only to such an extent as it exceeds the ordinary 
 temperature in that disease. The tendency to heart-failure in all protracted febrile dis- 
 eases, and the special liability to this accident in tender age, are additional and special 
 reasons against the use of this class of medicines. The worst mischiefs of antipyretics 
 are due to a disregard of such laws and precepts. These views and conclusions both 
 experiment and clinical observation have increasingly supported. They have shown that 
 antipyrin and its congeners retain in the blood the very morbid agents which the febrile 
 process in the course of nature tends to eliminate, and that the extent of their advan- 
 tage consists in palliating the functional disturbances, such as insomnia and delirium, 
 and lowering the temperature in many cases. They neither reduce the mortality nor 
 abridge the course nor lessen the complications of acute frebrile diseases, and they 
 offer no advantages which are not attainable by remedies more naturally adapted to 
 fevers, among which cold water by ablution or in baths is the most powerful as well as 
 the most efficient when skilfully applied in suitable cases ; that is, when a high febrile 
 temperature involves danger to the life of persons of average robustness, and that not, 
 as we have elsewhere insisted, merely by extracting caloric from the body, but by pow- 
 erfully stimulating all the functions, including those of the heart and eliminating 
 glands. In this connection it should not be overlooked that antipyrin and its congeners, 
 by lowering the animal temperature in persons exposed to atmospheric influences, may 
 render them more liable to be chilled. Antipyrin has been compared with other agents 
 of the same class. Huchard has pointed out the following contrasts : Quinine is tran- 
 sient in its action ; salicylic acid and its salts are uncertain, and, if haemorrhage already 
 exists, are apt to increase it; carbolic acid causes sweating, pulmonary congestion, and 
 collapse ; resorcin does not moderate hectic fever ; it causes vertigo and auditory disor- 
 der, and but slightly modifies the temperature in typhoid fever ; while kairin, although 
 inducing a transient subsidence of fever, also occasions profuse sweat and chills, and, 
 indeed, acts only after having brought about serious blood-lesions ( Bull . de Therap ., cvii. 
 511). This is a succinct and emphatic condemnation of the antithermic agents enume- 
 rated, but it is nearly as applicable in degree, and quite as much so in kind, to antipyrin. 
 (See W. II. Porter, Med. Record , xxxiv. 87.) If, too, kairin is to be rejected because it 
 induces sweating, then antipyrin is quite as open to the same objection, for Frankenberg 
 relates a case in which the loss of weight in this way amounted to a pound and a quar- 
 ter in two hours ; and yet it is in the hectic fever of phthisis that antipyrin is emphati- 
 cally recommended, even while the advice is given that its tendency to promote sweating 
 should be combated with atropine or agaricine ! 
 
 Typhoid fever has been extensively treated by means of antipyrin. It moderates 
 delirium and dryness of tongue in proportion as it reduces the temperature, whether the 
 pulse-rate fall or not. It also palliates the restlessness, wakefulness, and excitement. 
 But it does not shorten the course or lessen the mortality of the disease. In- 
 deed, relapses seem to increase under its use. The main indication for it in this as 
 in other febrile diseases is hyperpyrexia, and hence the necessity for it cannot be very 
 frequent. It has been noted that in these affections the urea and the sulphates and the 
 water diminish in the urine under its use, and for this reason some leading clinicians 
 reject antipyrin absolutely. The best clinicians do not employ it. Dujardin-Beaumetz 
 declared that it in no way modifies the gravity of the disease or lessens the nervous 
 symptoms {Bull, de Therap., cxiii. 496) ; Robin found that by reducing elimination and 
 depressing the nervous system it is unsafe in typhoid fever ( Archives yen., Jan. 1888, p. 
 21) ; Guiteras concluded that it has no power to control the disease ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 
 462) ; and its use in typhoid fever is generally abandoned. In intermittent fever antipyrin 
 is valueless, notwithstanding the plausible reasons assigned for its use. It has been used with 
 alleged advantage in the treatment of puerperal metroperitonitis, but the cases published to 
 illustrate its virtues did not sustain the claim, and it is now abandoned. In pneumonia it 
 seems to have been less injurious than its action upon the heart would lead one to appre- 
 
230 
 
 ANTIPYRINUM. 
 
 hend. It reduces the pulse-rate and temperature, and has been thought sometimes to 
 bring about a critical sweat. But on the duration and mortality of pneumonia it exerts 
 no favorable influence. Indeed, Posadski, who treated two series of cases, the one with 
 antipyrin and the other with calomel, concluded that the latter was the superior remedy, 
 in that it was followed by an earlier recovery. Moreover, of the 25 patients treated with 
 antipyrin, no less than 5 suffered collapse, and 4 vomiting ; 2 presented the specific erup- 
 tion, and 11 the characteristic dark-red urine. These patients lost weight more than 
 those of the parallel series, and their convalescence was slower ( Centralblatt f. Therapie , 
 iv. 495). Its virtues in the hectic fever of phthisis have been highly lauded ; but expe- 
 rience has shown that only moderate doses of it should be used, such as Gm. 0.25-0.50 
 (gr. v-10) every hour or two. Sometimes, when the proper dose has been learned, the 
 medicine renders more tolerable the sweats that beset the consumptive in the advanced 
 stages of his disease. Beyond this it has no good influence. Longer experience has 
 shown that whatever slight gain may attend its use in lessening fever and cough is more 
 than counterbalanced by its tendency to cause prostration, nausea and vomiting, and 
 profuse sweating. In acute articular rheumatism antipyrin has appeared to reduce the 
 pain and swelling in the joints. Neumann inclined to admit iFalmost to an equality with 
 salicylic acid and the salicylates ( Centralblatt f. d. g. Med., iii. 542), and even claimed effi- 
 ciency for it in the treatment of chronic rheumatism and rheumatic [neuralgia. Bam- 
 berger, whose authority is very high, expressly excludes antipyrin from the treatment 
 of rheumatism ( Therapeut . Gaz ., x. 277). But later on (1886) Eich found it equal to 
 salicylic acid, as did also Golebiewski, Clement of Lyons, Bernheim (who, however, 
 noted that it was more efficient in diffused than in fixed articular rheumatism , and held 
 it to be a palliative only, and not specific), and Hirscli {Centralbl. f. Med., vi. 724), who 
 vaunted it chiefly in muscular rheumatism. Sarda extolled it in every variety of 
 rheumatism for its relief of pain (j Bull, de Therap ., cxiv. 433), when given hypoder- 
 mically, yet Tullio {ibid., cxv. 236) accused the medicine of favoring complications by 
 the sweating and debility it occasions. In diphtheria the natural tendency of the dis- 
 ease to syncope is increased by antipyrin. Demme reports the case of a boy in which 
 its administration was followed by fluttering of the heart, dilated and fixed pupils, and 
 spasms of the limbs. Some recorded cases seem to indicate that antipyrin may be found 
 useful in sunstroke or “ thermic fever,” but not in heat-exhaustion. But it should be 
 used cautiously, and by the hypodermic method. Even then it has been found inopera- 
 tive {Med. Record, xxx. 344). Huchard, Henocque, and others ascribe haemostatic 
 virtues to antipyrin, which are also claimed for its internal as well as its topical use by 
 Casati, who employed 5- and 6-per-cent, solutions. But the porous dressing on which it 
 was applied suffices to explain its action locally ; and of its haemostatic virtues internally 
 there is no sufficient proof. 
 
 The estimate we have expressed of the medicinal value of antipyrin in febrile diseases 
 received stronger confirmation the longer the medicine was submitted to clinical tests. 
 Reihlen’s {Deutches Archiv fur klinische Medicm, April, 1886) conclusion was that, except 
 in reducing temperature, it exerted no favorable influence on any fever. Its analgesic or 
 anodyne virtue is its most valuable quality. 
 
 Functional disorders of the nervous system afford the most profitable field for the use 
 of antipyrin, especially those in which spasm or pain is present. It has been used, like 
 potassium bromide, to counteract insomnia and acute mania , but with inferior results. 
 Its use by Legroux in 1888, according to his reports, proved it to be one of the surest, 
 safest, and quickest remedies for chorea. He began by giving 15 grs. daily in divided 
 doses, and gradually raised the dose to 45 grains a day {Annuaire de Tlierap., 1888, p. 
 48). Dr. II. C. Wood, and also Simon, Grim, and Lilienfcld, have reported similar 
 results, but with much smaller doses. In epilepsy it appears to have been useful when 
 the paroxysm occurred about the menstrual period. Bokenham favored its use when 
 there was a marked aura, and McLane Hamilton when the disease was purely functional. 
 J. Leidy, Jr., found it beneficial in only 3 out of 36 cases. On the whole, therefore, it 
 cannot inspire confidence. According to Mendel, it is more injurious than useful in 
 hysteria {Centralb. f d. g. Tlier., v. 515). In spasmodic laryngitis it appears to have 
 resolved the spasm. Wendelband, and also Sonnenberger, among the first, found that it 
 palliated the paroxysms of whooping cough and abridged the duration of the disease. 
 For infants and children they prescribed doses from a fraction of a grain to 3 or 4 grains 
 several times a day. Such results were also obtained by Griffith {Therap. Gaz., xii. 84; 
 Med. News , lvii. 624), Genser, {Med. News , lii. 576; liv. 241), and Dubousquet Labor- 
 derie {Bull, de Iherap., cxiv. 385 ; Bull, et Mem. Soc. Ther., 1889, p. 37 ; 1890, p. 91), 
 
ANTIPYRINUM. 
 
 231 
 
 who gave from Gm. 0.30-1 (5 to 15 grs.) a day for infants under two years of age, and 
 from Gm. 1-4 (15 to 60 grs.) for older persons, in divided doses. These results have in 
 the main been confirmed, among others by Leubuscher and by Windelschmidt, who 
 treated about 350 cases of the disease ( Centralb . f Therap ., viii. 49) ; but some have 
 held it to be only a palliative, while still others (Loewe, Therap. Monats., iii. 169 ; Schnirer, 
 ibid., iii. 377; Tuczeck, Ann. de Ther ., 1889, p. 298; Buisson, They. Gaz ., xiv. 288) 
 have asserted that it acted poisonously, or, again, was quite inert. Beyond all doubt it 
 lessens pain and reflex irritability or spasm, for it has been found efficient in mitigating 
 the pains of labor and of gravel , of dgsmenorrhoea , migraine , otalgia , sciatica , tetanus , and 
 locomotor ataxia. Bruen used it advantageously in various forms of spasmodic cough 
 { University Med. Mag., i. 223). A case of spasmodic asthma cured by antipyrin has been 
 reported by Dodge ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 262), and its efficacy in hag fever is claimed by 
 Cheatham {Med. Record ., xxxii. 485). Analogy has suggested the use of antipyrin in 
 strychnine-poisoning , and it is said to have been found useful in epidemic cerehro-spinal 
 meningitis {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xi. 17). Doubtless by a similar sedative action it 
 has been used with advantage in certain cases of hallucination of sight and hearing, and 
 in sun-stroke of the congestive form ; in sea-sickness when administered in advance in doses 
 of about Gm. 0.65 (10 grs.) three times a day {Med. News , li. 711 ; Med. Record , xxxiv. 
 633) ; to suppress the secretion of milk {Bull, de Therap ., cxiv. 554) ; to diminish polyuria 
 of cerebral origin {Bull, de la, Soc. de Therap ., 1888, pp. 46, 62), though it does not control 
 saccharine diabetes with equal certainty. It has been found to check nocturnal seminal 
 emissions when given at bed-time in the dose of from Gm. 0.50-1 (gr. viij-xv) {Med. 
 Record , xxxiii. 708). See ascribed partly to its sedative action on the heart the benefit 
 he believed it to confer in cases of aortic aneurism; but it also assuaged the pains that 
 often exist in such cases. He gave it along with potassium iodide ( Practitioner , xli. 376). 
 
 Although early experimenters on animals perceived an anaesthetic virtue in antipyrin, 
 no clinical use was made of this observation until the antipyretic uses of the medicine 
 had been established. Then it was employed for the relief it gave in migraine , but its 
 efficacy was attributed to its sedative, and not to its anodyne, virtues. One of the first 
 to call attention to its use in headache was Dr. J. B. White {Med. Record , xxx. 293), 
 and about the same time Ungar made similar observations {Centralb. f. Therap ., v. 18), 
 which were confirmed by Mendel, {ibid., v. 514), Sprimer {Lond. Med. Gaz., Jan. 5, 1887), 
 Robertson {Med. Record, xxxi. 517), Lyman {Med. News , 1. 535), and many others. 
 These or similar results were speedily generalized by See, who, with Gley, determined 
 experimentally the analgesic virtues of the preparation, and showed clinically that it 
 was an anodyne for nearly every form of pain, although it was most efficient in neural- 
 gic pain {Union Med., Avr. 26, 1886). The series of cases noted include gout, rheuma- 
 tism (articular and muscular), rheumatoid arthritis, locomotor ataxia, angina pectoris, 
 cancer , syphilitic pains {University Med. Mag., i. 106), biliary and renal colic, the neu- 
 ralgia of zona, dgsmenorrhoea , etc. {Med. Record, xxxiv. 477 ; Med. News, liii. 420 ; 
 Boston Med. and. Sury. Jour., Dec. 1887, p. 558; Archives gen., Oct. 1887, p. 497); 
 and the itching, burning, etc. of various skin diseases ( Practitioner , xlii. 371 ; Med. 
 News, lvii. 220). In general terms, neuralgia, and especially neuralgic headache, was 
 most amenable to its influence, which in both its hypnotic and depressing powers seemed 
 distinct {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xi. 196), even with very small doses such as 3 or 4 
 grains (Bokenham, Practitioner, xl. 99, 266). Its action is by no means uniform, how- 
 ever, and not a few observers seem to have missed it altogether {Boston Med. and Surg. 
 Jour., Dec. 1887, p. 560). In 1887, See suggested that the efficacy of the medicine 
 depended wholly on its analgesic power {Med. Record, xxxii. 31), while others claimed its 
 antipyretic action as a factor in the result (Davis, Jour. Amer. Med. Asso., ix. 13; 
 Bernheim and Simon, Centralb. f. d. g. Med., v. 687), and Hamilton maintained its espe- 
 cial virtues in “ angiospastic migraine ” and other cases of cerebral excitement ( Therap. 
 Gaz., xi. 485 ; Wright, Med,. Record, xxxii. 814). But, as TJngar pointed out in 1886, 
 its success or failure cannot be counted upon. In two successive attacks the same person 
 may be greatlyrelieved or not at all benefited. Antipyrin, like other anaesthetics, relieves 
 neuralgia without very definite regard to the cause producing it ; yet it palliates the 
 severe lancinating pains of locomotor ataxia and others of organic origin with more 
 certainty than the pains of hysterical or nervous neuralgia (See ; Suckling ; Mendel). 
 So, too, in diseases of the eye Kacovurow, Post, Dujardin and others have observed that 
 the pains most readily controlled by the medicine were due to material lesions {Annuaire 
 de Therap., 1887, p. 88). On the other hand, Fischer met with the best results in func- 
 tional neuralgia {Med. News , liii. 420). 
 
232 
 
 ANTIPYRTNUM. 
 
 Windelschmidt found that enemas containing antipyrin relieved dysmenorrhcea, and his 
 observations have been confirmed (Dellenbaugh, Med. Record , xxxi. 379). Queirel 
 relieved the pain of parturition by injections of 5 grains, repeated, if necessary, in two 
 hours (Archives gen., Avr. 1888, p.489), while Laight, Chouppe (British Med. Jour., Dec. 
 17, 1887), and others agree that it does not lessen the vigor of the expulsive action. 
 Auvard and Lefebre, however, declare that in the majority of cases the medicine displays 
 no such powers, and that it is not to be compared to chloral or chloroform in this respect. 
 According to Milne, it relieves after-pains in the dose of 15 to 20 grains (M<-d. Record, 
 xxxiii. 39). Miraschi (Annuaire de Ther., 1890, p. 246) also found that it allayed after- 
 pains (especially when caused by ergot), as well as the pains occuring during dilatation 
 of the os uteri, but not the expulsive pains of labor. It palliates the pain of dysmenor- 
 rhoea, but without lessening the menstrual flow. Phillips has confirmed these and simi- 
 lar conclusions ( Lancet , Sept. 1890, p. 605). 
 
 Applied locally, antipyrin in fine powder has been used to relieve the pain and pro- 
 mote the healing of ulcers (Bosse ; Neudorfer), and the hsemostatic properties ascribed 
 to it by Henoque (Annuaire de Therap., 1888, p. 75), which were not confirmed by 
 Glinsky (Med. Neu:s, lii. 695), are stated by Hinkel to be equal to those of cocaine 
 when a solution of it is sprayed into the nostrils to control epistaxis (ibid., liii. 473). 
 See, Berdach, and others have found a 50 per cent, solution an efficient hypodermic 
 analgesic. 
 
 Although nearly identical with antifebrin in the nature of its action, antipyrin is 
 generally regarded as less eligible on account of the larger dose of it required and the 
 untoward effects it is more liable to produce ; nevertheless, the two agents are different 
 in the degree rather than the nature of their operation, and even moderate doses of anti- 
 febrin have occasioned alarming symptoms. Dujardin-Beaumetz has pronounced it the 
 most dangerous preparation of its class (Bull. et. Mem. Soc. Therap ., 1888, p. 204). 
 Thallin, according to Johnson, has a less prolonged action than antipyrin, and is less apt 
 to produce toxical effects ( Lancet , Aug. 1886, p. 388). A discussion by the Association 
 of American Physicians in 1888 showed that at that meeting the preponderance of opin- 
 ion was distinctly on the side of antifebrin. 
 
 Doses of antipyrin of Gm. 5-6 (gr lxxv-xc) a day, advised by some, or of Gm. 1-5 
 (gr. xv— lxxv), by later authorities, are seldom given at the present time. In articular 
 rheumatism Gm. 1-1.30 (gr. 15-20) every 4 or 6 hours need not be exceeded. Mendel 
 gave Gm. 2 (gr. xxx) four times a day in a severe case of articular rheumatism, but it 
 caused great depression and gastric disturbance. For infants the dose should not exceed 
 2 or 3 grains. Smaller doses than the above should be used to procure the anodyne or 
 hypnotic action of the medicine — e. g. Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x) every hour or half hour. 
 It may be given in an aromatic water, or in coffee with milk and sugar, or in a wafer. 
 By enema it is thought by some to act as well as by the mouth, but others condemn 
 the method as inefficient. Suppositories containing from Gm. 0.50-1 (gr. viii-xv) have 
 been employed. For hypodermic administration a solution containing equal parts, by 
 weight, of water and antipyrin (of each about 5 grs. (Gm. 0.30)) has generally been 
 used for a single dose. Ilirsch advises the addition of a small proportion of glycerin. 
 According to him, the hypodermic is the most eligible method (Centrabl. f. d. g. Ther., 
 vi. 724), but a number of reporters relate that it causes excessive pain and haemorrhagic 
 infarctions, abscesses, or sloughing (Bach, Therap. Gaz., Nov. 1889, p. 747 ; Hess, 
 Centrabl. f. Ther., vii. 85 ; Dujardin-Beaumetz, Bull, de Ther., cxvii. 343). These effects 
 are said to be diminished when the puncture is made deeply, and also by mixing with 
 the injection a solution of cocaine or using the latter in advance. Tn case, of threatening 
 collapse alcoholic stimuli and hypodermic injections of atropine may be employed. 
 
 Agathin is reported to be useful in neuralgia and rheumatism, when it is given in 
 doses of Gm. 0.50 (gr. viii) three times a day, and to occasion no bad symptoms. 
 
 Antithermin, as its name implies, is used as an antipyretic, and in the dose of about 
 Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
 Iodopyrin, like most of its congeners, reduces febrile heat without modifying the 
 course of any febrile disease. It sometimes occasions profuse sweating. Dose, Gm. 
 0.06-0.30 (gr. i-v). 
 
APOCYNUM. 
 
 233 
 
 APOCYNUM, U. S.— Apocynum. 
 
 Canadian Hemp , E. ; Chanvre dn Canada , Fr. ; Canadische Hanfwurzel , G. 
 
 The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linn 6. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Apocynaceae, Echitideae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial herb grows in fields and grassy places and on the border of 
 woods throughout a large portion of the North American continent from Florida north- 
 ward. The smooth often purplish stem is about 1 M. (40 inches) high, has rather erect 
 branches, opposite oblong or linear-oblong acute and mucronate leaves and many-flowered 
 cymes, the corolla being greenish-white or reddish, having five erect lobes and a tube of 
 the length of the calyx ; the fruit fconsists of a pair of slender follicles containing 
 numerous narrow silky-tufted seeds. All parts of the plant, which flowers in July 
 and August, contain a white adhesive milk-juice. Its popular name of Indian hemp 
 refers to the strong fibres of the stem-bark, which somewhat resemble the bast-fibres of 
 hemp. 
 
 Description. — The root is horizontal, several feet long, 6 to 12 Mm. (| to 4 inch) 
 thick, slightly branched and beset with a very few fibres ; when dry, longitudinally 
 wrinkled, and the thinner portions somewhat annulated by deep transverse fissures. It 
 has a brownish-gray or pale-brown color externally, and under the thin corky layer a 
 fleshy whitish bark, which is about as thick as the woody layer, contains laticiferous ves- 
 sels, and encloses a yellowish or whitish porous wood composed of several rings and 
 finely radiate by medullary rays ; in the centre is a thin pith. The root breaks with a 
 short fracture, is inodorous, and the wood tasteless, but the bark, which constitutes about 
 60 per cent, of the drug, develops gradually a very persistent bitter and rather disagree- 
 able taste; its parenchyma-cells are filled with starch. It is usually mixed with the lower 
 portion of the stem, which has a smoother and tougher bark and harder wood, the latter 
 enclosing a larger pith. 
 
 Constituents. — The earlier analyses of Dr. Knapp and Dr. Griscom (1833) proved 
 the presence of tannin, gallic acid, gum, starch, resin, and wax. J. U. Lloyd (1879) 
 obtained from a fluid extract of this root, on standing, crystals of cane-sugar and a pre- 
 cipitate of white, tasteless, waxy matter. Schmiedeberg (1883) has isolated two principles 
 resembling digitalin in their properties. Apocynin is resin-like, amorphous, easily soluble 
 in alcohol and ether, nearly insoluble in water, and becomes inert on being boiled with 
 hydrochloric acid. Apocynein is a yellowish glucoside, easily soluble in water and alcohol, 
 insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzin, and, like apocynin, gives no characteristic 
 reaction with sulphuric acid and bromine. The glucoside recognized by Poppenhusen 
 (1888) in the ether extract was probably apocynin; the ash amounts to about 11 per 
 cent. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Apocynum andros^emifolium, Linm *, known as dog ' sbane , grows in similar 
 localities as the preceding northward from North Carolina, and appears to be more frequent in 
 
 Fig. 28 . Fig. 29 . 
 
 Apocj Dum cannabinum : transverse seciiou ; magnified 25 diameters. Apocynum androsaemifolium : transverse 
 
 section ; magnified 25 diameters. 
 
 the northern section of the continent. It differs from Canadian hemp chiefly by the spreading 
 stem and branches, the relatively broader leaves, and the bell-shaped, rose-colored corolla with 
 reflexed lobes and a tube longer than the calyx. The long rhizome and roots are from 3 to 6 
 u • 1 l nc 'h) thick, and have a pale-brownish, wrinkled, transversely fissured, thickish bark, 
 ’which is about half the thickness of the woody layer, contains groups of stone-cells in the mid- 
 
234 
 
 APOMORPHINE HYDROCHLORAS. 
 
 die part, is of an unpleasantly bitter taste, and separates easily from the tough, white, finely- 
 porous, and delicately rayed wood, enclosing a rather large pith. The starch of this species is 
 much smaller than that of the preceding. Canadian hemp-root has been frequently sold in 
 place of dog’sbane-root. (For microscopical descriptions of both drugs see E. B. Stuart in Pro- 
 ceedings Amer. Phar. Assoc., 1881, p. 468, and E. A. Manheimer, in Amer. Jour. Phar., 1881, 
 p. 554.) Bigelow found in dog’sbane a red coloring matter soluble in water and insoluble in 
 alcohol, a trace of volatile oil, and a caoutchouc-like body. The bitter principle was obtained 
 as an extract-like mass. The active constituents are probably identical with those of the pre- 
 ceding drug. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Apocynum is a powerful emetic and cathartic, and when 
 it produces vomiting is diaphoretic also. It also promotes expectoration, causes a 
 tendency to drowsiness, increases the urinary secretion, and diminishes the frequency and 
 force of the pulse. Its evacuant properties have sometimes been made available in 
 dropsy, but it does not always appear in what forms of dropsy its efficacy has been 
 chiefly shown. Probably it is, in large doses, a mere evacuant of dropsical effusions. 
 But the observations of Murray appear to prove that, even in small doses, it acts as a 
 tonic of the heart and directly or indirectly as a diuretic. There can be little doubt of 
 its possessing the latter value in common with jalap and other hydragogue cathartics. 
 The experiments made by Skoboloff appear to show that an aqueous infusion of apocy- 
 num-root acts as a depressant of the heart ( Amer . Jour. Plmr., lx. 581) — an observation 
 confirmed and defined by Murray ( Therap . Gaz., xiii. 585), who compares the drug with 
 digitalis, and contends that, without acting purgatively, it causes diuresis in dropsy 
 depending upon cardiac obstruction. Possibly it has the advantage of exciting diapho- 
 resis and diuresis while it purges and vomits. In the crudely-reported cases intended to 
 demonstrate its efficacy it is seldom clear whether it acted as a diuretic or as a cathartic, 
 or with what associated phenomena (e. g. Therap. Gaz., xi. 29). It is said to destroy 
 intestinal worms. An infusion and a tincture of the root have both been regarded as 
 tonic and alterative in dyspeptic derangements, and as curative of mild cases of inter- 
 mittent fever. These properties are doubtless owing to the bitter principle which it con- 
 tains. The dose of the powdered root is about Grin. 0.30 (gr. v) as an antiperiodic, 
 and Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) as an emetic. The decoction is usually made with Gm. 32 
 (3j) of the root in Gm. 750 (Oiss) boiled down one-third, and may be given in doses of 
 a wine-glassful three times a day. Some physicians recommend as a diuretic in dropsy 
 an infusion made with Gm. 4 (^j) of the bark of the root in Gm. 250 (^viij) of water, 
 of which Gm. 16 (f^ss) may be given once in six hours. A fluid extract is in use and is 
 administered in doses of from 5 to 10 drops. 
 
 Dog'sbane is said to be diaphoretic and emetic, without causing much nausea, and to 
 operate more gently and certainly than ipecacuanha ; but it deteriorates by keeping. It 
 is also reputed to be tonic, cathartic, and alterative, and to possess antisyphilitic powers. 
 In reality, its virtues, if it have any that entitle it to a place in the materia medica, are 
 not well defined. The powder of the recently-dried root is emetic in the dose of Gm. 2 
 (gr. xxx). From Gm. 0.60—1.20 (gr. x— xx) may be given as a tonic or alterative in 
 substance, infusion, decoction, or tincture. 
 
 APOMORPHINiE HYDROCHLORAS, U . S ., Ur. — Apomorphine 
 
 Hydrochlorate. 
 
 Apomorphinum hydrochloricum , P. G. — Chlorhydrate d' apomorphine, Fr. ; Apomorphin- 
 Hydrochlorat, G. ; Chloridrato di apomorfina, F. It. 
 
 The hydrochlorate of an artificial alkaloid prepared from morphine. — IT. S. 
 
 Formula C 17 H n N0 2 .lICl. Molecular weight 302.79. 
 
 Preparation. — 1 part of pure morphine and 20 parts of pure hydrochloric acid are 
 introduced into a strong glass tube having at least fifteen times the capacity of the mix- 
 ture ; the open end is securely sealed, the glass tube introduced into a strong metallic 
 tube closed by a screw-cap, and the whole immersed for 3 hours in an oil-bath heated to 
 between 140° and 150° C. (284° and 302° F.). After cooling, the tube is opened, the 
 liquid diluted with water, and sodium bicarbonate added in excess. The liquid is 
 decanted from the precipitate, and this is agitated with ether. To the ethereal solution 
 a few drops of hydrochloric acid are added, whereby amorphine hydrochlorate is sepa- 
 rated ; this is recrystallized from boiling water and rapidly dried over concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid. In this process chloroform may be used in the place of ether. 
 
 This process is the one devised by Matthiessen and Wright (1869). The hydrochloric 
 acid, acting upon the morphine at the temperature stated above, merely abstracts 1 mole- 
 
APOMORPHINE hydrochloras. 
 
 235 
 
 cule of water from the molecule of morphine, and on opening the cooled tube no pressure 
 is observed in it and no gas escapes. During the heating, however, there is considerable 
 pressure in the sealed tube from the volatile acid, and to guard against accidents its 
 enclosure in a strong metallic tube, as directed above, is advisable. A portion of morphine 
 may possibly not undergo the change, and will be precipitated with the apomorphine by 
 the bicarbonate. Morphine being insoluble in ether, it is left behind when the precipitate 
 is treated with this solvent, which readily dissolves apomorphine. On the addition of a 
 little hydrochloric acid apomorphine hydrochlorate is produced, and, being insoluble in ether, 
 separated in a crystalline condition. The recrystallization of the salt from boiling water 
 renders it perfectly pure. Since apomorphine is soluble in aqueous liquids, the mother- 
 liquor decanted from the precipitate contains notable quantities of the alkaloid, which 
 may be recovered by agitation with ether or chloroform and by treating these solutions 
 with a little hydrochloric acid. The salt as well as the alkaloid should be rapidly dried 
 upon bibulous paper or over sulphuric acid under a bell-glass, and kept in small well- 
 stopped bottles protected from moisture and light. 
 
 Matthiessen and Wright have obtained the same compound from codeine and hydro- 
 chloric acid, which yield at first chlorocodid , C 18 H 20 ClNO 2 , and on continuing to heat in a 
 sealed tube this compound is split into methyl chloride, CH 3 C1, and apomorphine, 
 
 c 17 h i: no 2 . 
 
 Mayer (1871) noticed that morphine hydrochlorate is more rapidly and* at a lower 
 temperature converted into apomorphine by heating it to 120° C. (248 F.) with a solution 
 of zinc chloride of such strength that its boiling-point is at 200 (392° F.) ; the change 
 is then effected in 90 minutes, and the apomorphine or its salt may be obtained pure by 
 the above process, the zinc carbonate, which is precipitated at the same time, being insol- 
 uble in ether. 
 
 In 1845, Arppe had obtained sulphomorphid, by heating morphine sulphate with an 
 excess of sulphuric acid and water to 150° C. ) 302 F.). This is white, nearly insoluble 
 in water, and was proved by Matthiessen and Wright to be apomorphine sulphate. Arppe 
 had given it the formula C 17 H 18 NS0 4 . Nadler (1873) separated from it the alkaloid and 
 converted it into hydrochlorate. 
 
 Properties. — Apomorphine hydrochlorate is in “ minute, colorless, or grayish-white, 
 shining crystals, turning greenish on exposure to light and air, odorless, having a bitter 
 taste and a neutral or faintly acid reaction ; soluble in 6.8 parts of water and in 50 
 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.) ; slowly decomposed by boiling water or boiling alco- 
 hol ; almost insoluble in ether or chloroform, and should it impart color to either of these 
 liquids it should be rejected, or it may be purified by thoroughly agitating it with either 
 liquid, filtering, and then rapidly drying the salt on bibulous paper in a dark place. The 
 aqueous solution on gentle warming rapidly turns green, but retains a neutral reaction. 
 Solution of sodium bicarbonate, added to an aqueous solution of the salt, throws down 
 the white, amorphous alkaloid, which soon turns green on exposure to air, and forms a 
 bluish-green solution with alcohol, a purple one with ether or pure benzene, and a violet 
 or blue one with chloroform. Addition of test-solution of silver nitrate to an aqueous 
 solution of the salt produces a white precipitate insoluble in nitric acid, but instantly 
 reduced to metallic silver by water of ammonia.” — U. S. “ It turns blood-red with nitric 
 acid, dissolves in an excess of solution of soda, the liquid kept in an open vessel becoming 
 in a short time purple, and finally black.” — P. G. Its concentrated solution yields with 
 potassium permanganate a dingy-green precipitate, soluble brown-yellow in potassa, and 
 brick-red in nitric acid ; potassium iodide yields a white gelatinous precipitate insoluble 
 in excess, but soluble in ammonia (Anneessens, 1882). 
 
 The jlure alkaloid is a white, or more generally a grayish, amorphous powder, rather 
 freely soluble in water, ether, benzene, and chloroform. On exposure to the air while still 
 moist it rapidly turns green, and then dissolves in chloroform with a blue color. Nadler 
 observed that on being precipitated from its solution in sulphuric acid by ammonia it 
 speedily acquires a reddish-brown color, and yields with chloroform a rose-colored solution. 
 Apomorphine is colored red by nitric acid, brown by iodic acid, and rose-red or amethyst- 
 red by ferric chloride, this last reaction being quite distinct from the blue color produced 
 by the same reagent with morphine. 
 
 The salts of apomorphine appear to be slightly soluble in cold water, but more freely 
 so in warm and in acidulated water. The aqueous and alcoholic solutions of the alkaloid 
 and its salts acquire an emerald-green color on exposure to air, at the same time losing 
 their medical properties ; apomorphine should therefore not be kept in solution. In order 
 
236 
 
 APOMORPBINJE BYDROCHLORAS. 
 
 to preserve it for a week or two, Hager recommends the addition of a drop of ether to 
 2 Gm. (half a drachm) of the solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Some persons appear to be readily poisoned by apomorphine, 
 which then produces, usually, a degree of sedation which may reach full collapse. This 
 has happened even in robust subjects. In one nausea occurred at the end of ten min- 
 utes ; in three minutes more the patient grew very giddy and pale, and fell to the ground ; 
 he then broke into a cold sweat and appeared to be dying, but he vomited copiously and 
 recovered. One-thirty-second of a grain was very unwisely injected in the case of a 
 child affected with capillary bronchitis. Violent and repeated vomiting took place, the 
 the patient grew deadly pale and had a tracheal rattle, but it survived. A drunkard 
 affected with albuminuria had injected one-sixth of a grain of muriate of apomorphine. 
 Vomiting presently took place, and then sudden syncope; the pulse was extinct and 
 respiration hardly perceptible ; the skin was pale and livid arid covered with a cold sweat ; 
 there was complete extinction of consciousness and sensibility. Under electrical stimulus 
 the man was saved (Dujardin-Beaumetz). Very similar effects occurred in the following 
 case : A middle-aged woman, suffering from sore throat, received a hypodermic injection 
 of one-sixteenth of a grain of muriate of apomorphine. Besides the symptoms last 
 mentioned there occurred convulsive twitchings of the corners of the mouth. For some 
 hours after the return of consciousness she was inclined to faint. In a case of quinsy 
 one-sixth of’ a grain was injected subcutaneously. In ten minutes the patient suddenly 
 threw himself backward and flexed his arms rigidly ; the pulse was very small, the skin 
 cool, and the heart-sounds feeble. Opisthotonos followed, the man supporting himself 
 on the neck and heels. In a few minutes the rigidity disappeared and the patient sank 
 into a deep sleep. A man fifty-two years old, suffering from bronchitis, received a sub- 
 cutaneous injection of one-fifteenth of a grain of muriate of apomorphine. He did not' 
 vomit, but in seven minutes he became collapsed and died. The autopsy threw no light 
 upon the immediate cause of his death (Ungar). 
 
 Pecholier, a professor of Montpellier, has published a detailed history of the poisonous 
 effects produced in himself by the hypodermic injection of about one-sixth of a grain 
 of this substance. He lay with his limbs extended, inert, and unconscious, his face 
 livid, his tongue protuding, and his breathing suspended. Strange to say, however, the 
 pulse was full and firm and the temperature natural. Another injection like the first was 
 administered ! It brought on copious vomiting, immediately followed by complete col- 
 lapse, in which, besides the phenomena just mentioned, the pulse grew feeble and irregular 
 and the limbs cold. From this state of imminent death the patient was rescued by 
 hypodermic injections of sulphuric ether and sinapisms, after which reaction took place 
 rapidly (Bull, de Therap., cii. 353). 
 
 The sedative, or rather the depressing, action of apomorphine has been occasionally 
 invoked. Thus in the case of a boy in maniacal delirium , with dilated and insensible 
 pupils, one-tenth of a grain given hypodermically produced in a few minutes calmness, 
 and then vomiting, after which he slept, and the next morning was well. Several cases 
 of hystero-epilepsy are recorded in which the same method was successfully employed 
 ( Times and Gaz ., Dec. 1883, p. 655 ; Therap. Gaz ., ix. 255). In chorea it has produced 
 subsidence of the agitation and arrested persistent hiccup. In India sunstroke has been 
 treated in the same way, one-sixteenth of a grain producing emesis, followed by a speedy 
 reduction of temperature and return of consciousness ( Practitioner , xxiv. 456). It is 
 said to have produced relaxation of a rigid os uteri , and it has been given hypodermically 
 with negative or only palliative results in true epilepsy. In a case of attempted suicide 
 by a man who took the estimated quantity of 6 grains of strychnine, one-third of a grain 
 of apomorphine was injected hypodermically within half an hour. Immediately the 
 spasms subsided, vomiting took place, and the patient recovered (Glisan). It has also 
 been given hypodermically in the convulsions of children, with the effect of arresting them 
 (Med. News , 1882, p. 391). It has been administered similarly in cases of opiumpoi- 
 soning and alcoholic intoxication , and dissipated their effects rapidly after free vomiting 
 had taken place ( Practitioner , xxx. 211). In a case of poisoning with oil of hitter almond 
 it acted as a prompt and sufficient emetic in the dose of one-eighth of a grain hypoder- 
 mically. Half a grain administered in the same manner in three minutes produced 
 copious emesis in a case of poisoning with carbolic acid , and the patient recovered. 
 Further illustrative eases have been furnished by Dr. Tait ( Therap . Gaz., xiii. 242). A 
 similar result occurred when a man had been poisoned by swallowing 1 i pints of kerosene. 
 The like expedient has been used to cause the expulsion of a foreign body from the 
 oesophagus. In quinsy, when swallowing is very difficult, this medicine may be used 
 
A QUA. 
 
 237 
 
 hypodermically to excite vomiting with the intention of breaking the abscess. It is 
 generally thought to be contraindicated in affections of the air-passages, on account of 
 its tendency to produce a profuse watery secretion in the bronchia; yet it has sometimes 
 been given in emetic doses, and with advantage, in cases of suffocative catarrh , bronchor- 
 rhcea ."and foreign bodies in the larynx or trachea, and has been recommended in mem- 
 branous croup. ‘ Smidowitsch used it in the latter disease and in spasmodic croup with 
 alleged advantage, giving large doses, such as 1 grain in the course of a day for several 
 successive days {Med. Record , xvii. 346). In minute doses it appears to be applicable to 
 the conditions which antimony is used to remove, especially when, in laryngitis or bron- 
 chitis , the mucous membrane is dry and irritable. Kormann, Kushel, and others have 
 found it serviceable in bronchitis and catarrhal pneumonia. It was given in minute doses 
 of from T 4r, T to ^ of a grain, and, without causing vomiting or interfering with digestion, 
 it converted the dry into moist rales, facilitated expectoration, and reduced the fever 
 (j Med. Record , xx. 290). 
 
 The use of this product is very limited. Fortunately, the cases for which it is adapted 
 hypodermically are few indeed. * The difficulty of preserving it forms another obstacle 
 to its employment, although it is alleged not to lose its special mode of action when its 
 color changes to a green or olive tint. Even this change is said to be preventible by 
 adding glycerin or glucose to its solution, while the former renders muriate of apomor- 
 phine more soluble. The dose of this compound is variously stated. By the German 
 Pharmacopoeia the maximum is Gm. 0.02 (gr. ^), and the minimum daily quantity Gm. 
 0.10 (gr. 11). In the British Pharmacopoeia (extra), gr. to Jg as an expectorant; 
 gr. y V to i as an emetic by the mouth ; to i gr. hypodermically are the doses recom- 
 mended. For young children the dose by the mouth or subcutaneously should not 
 exceed Gm. 0.002 (gr. ^ ? ). 
 
 AQUA, U. S., Br . — Water. 
 
 Eau, Fr. ; Trb.sser, G. ; Agua , Sp. ; Acqua , It. 
 
 Natural water in its purest attainable state (( 7 . S.), cleared, if necessary, by filtra- 
 tion (Br.). 
 
 Composition H.,0. Molecular weight 17.96. 
 
 Properties. — Water is often combined in nature, as in many crystalline compounds, 
 and is very abundant in the free state. Natural water is an excellent solvent for most 
 gases and many salts, but it is rarely found pure; B. M. Brackenridge and Dr. E. 
 Stieren observed (1860) chemically pure water in the spring of a ravine known as “ the 
 Dark Hollow ” in Allegheny county, Pa. With few exceptions spring-water contains 
 carbon dioxide in solution, and by its agency dissolves some calcium carbonate and 
 sulphate and magnesium carbonate from the soil. Such water precipitates an insoluble 
 lime-soap from solution of ordinary soap, and is called hard. This • hardness may be 
 removed by expelling the excess of carbonic acid by heat ; the carbonate and a portion 
 of the calcium sulphate, also magnesium carbonate if present, are thus precipitated A 
 similar precipitation takes place in rivers, from the water of which, owing to its extended 
 surface, the carbon dioxide is mostly given off ; hence river-water is usually soft. Both 
 spring- and river-waters contain variable quantities of salts of alkalies in solution, of 
 which they cannot be deprived except by distillation. 
 
 Rain- and snow-water are free from such saline compounds, except the portions falling 
 first ; these contain particles of dust and various organic and inorganic matters which 
 had been suspended or dissolved in the air. Among them, ammonia, iodine, chlorine, and 
 nitric acid have been found, the latter more particularly during a thunder-storm, the for- 
 mer two elements occasionally, while ammonia or allied compounds are always present in 
 inhabited regions. It is advisable, therefore, to collect rain-water only some time after 
 the rain has commenced falling, and as far removed from dwellings as possible ; it will 
 then contain a little carbonic acid, which has been dissolved from the air. 
 
 The purity of running and well-water is affected by the nature of the surrounding soil 
 and the proximity of decaying animal or vegetable matter, the decomposition-products of 
 which may find an outlet into the former by natural drainage, sometimes from a consid- 
 erable distance, and render such water unwholesome and unfit for many purposes. The 
 refreshing taste of spring-water is mainly due to the carbonic acid dissolved therein. Of 
 secondary importance is the small quantity of saline compounds contained in it. When 
 the latter is permanently increased beyond a certain quantity the spring is called a min- 
 eral spring. (See Aqta: Miner ales.) 
 
238 
 
 AQUA. 
 
 Most spring waters are unfit for chemical and pharmaceutical uses, hut may often 
 become adapted therefor after boiling and filtering. River-water, if not naturally bright 
 and transparent, is improved by filtration through sand and charcoal, and may then be 
 employed if nearly free from organic matter, the amount of which may be approximately 
 ascertained by a dilute solution of potassium permanganate, which will permanently 
 impart its color to the water as soon as the organic matter and other deoxidizing agents 
 accidentally present have been destroyed or oxidized. But distilled water is best for all 
 the purposes indicated. It taste is insipid, owing to the absence of carbonic acid or to 
 the minute quantity of this gas absorbed by contact with air. 
 
 At the temperature of 0° C. (32° F.) water freezes, forming transparent crystals of 
 ice ; if entirely undisturbed, it may be cooled to several degrees below this point without 
 freezing, and if now slightly agitated will at once congeal, the temperature rising to the 
 freezing-point in consequence of the liberation of latent heat. Water impregnated with 
 salts, particularly such as are readily soluble in it, freezes at a lower temperature, the ice 
 being free from the compounds which were dissolved in the water. Hence, water equal 
 in purity to distilled water may be obtained by melting perfectly clear and transparent 
 ice under conditions which preclude the admixture of dust and other impurities. Sea- 
 water , which has the specific gravity 1.027 and contains about 3J per cent, of salts, yields 
 ice of as great purity as river-water. 
 
 The boiling-point of water is 100° C. (212° F.), and rises beyond this temperature if . 
 notable quantities of salts, etc. are dissolved in it or if the pressure is increased ; on the 
 reduction of pressure water boils at a lower temperature. 
 
 The density of distilled water at 15° C. (59° F.) or at 15.5° C. (60° F.) is by general 
 consent regarded as the unit by which the density of liquid and solid bodies is measured. 
 In Europe, however, this unit is sometimes taken from water at its greatest density, and 
 several of the tables published in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia (1880) are based upon this 
 unit. The specific gravity of water decreases with the rise of temperature, and increases 
 gradually as the temperature is lowered until -f- 4° C. (39° F.) is reached, when it has its 
 maximum density, becomes lighter again toward the freezing-point, and expands very 
 considerably when passing into the solid state, ice having the specific gravity 0.91G. 
 When converted into vapor, water expands to nearly seventeen hundred times its bulk, 
 and forms a transparent and colorless gas having the specific gravity 0.455 at 100° C. 
 (212° F.) ; it has therefore less than one-half the density of atmospheric air. When 
 mixed with air it condenses into minute drops, to which the opaqueness of steam is due ; 
 the over-saturation of air with aqueous vapor causes a similar condensation in the atmo- 
 sphere, hence the appearance of clouds. 
 
 Tests Of Purity. — Water is “ a colorless limpid liquid, without odor and taste at 
 ordinary temperatures, and of a perfectly neutral reaction, remaining odorless while 
 being heated to boiling. The transparency or color of water should not be affected by 
 hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide test-solutions (absence of metallic impurities). 
 The limits of impurities are prescribed as follows : It should remain unaffected by mer- 
 curic chloride test-solution (limit of ammonia). On evaporating 1000 Cc. of water on a 
 water-bath, it should not leave a residue weighing more than 0.5 Gm. (limit of soluble 
 salts), and this residue, when ignited, should not carbonize nor evolve ammoniacal or acid 
 vapors. If 200 Cc. of water be acidulated with hydrochloric acid and heated to boiling 
 and 0.5 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution added, the liquid, cooled and filtered, should 
 give no further precipitate on the addition of a few drops of barium chloride test-solution, 
 even on standing (limit of sulphates). If 100 Cc. of water be acidulated with nitric acid, 
 and 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution be added, the filtered liquid should not 
 be affected by the subsequent addition of a few drops of silver nitrate test solution (limit 
 of chlorides). If 5 Cc. of water mixed with a few drops of diphenylamine test-solution, 
 be carefully poured upon about 5 Cc. of sulphuric acid contained in a test-tube, so 
 as to form a separate layer, no blue color should be formed at the line of contact of the 
 two liquids (limit of nitrates). If 100 Cc. of water be acidulated with diluted sulphuric 
 acid, and a few drops of zinc-iodide starch test-solution subsequently added, the liquid 
 should not at once assume a blue or violet color (absence of nitrites). On heating 100 
 Cc. of water, acidulated with 10 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid, to boiling, and subsequently 
 adding 0.5 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution, the color of the liquid 
 should not be completely destroyed by boiling it for ten minutes (limit of organic or other 
 oxidizable matters). — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The utility of water as a solvent and vehicle is well 
 known ; it is employed in preparing most chemicals, constitutes the solvent of the medi- 
 
AQUA. 
 
 239 
 
 cated waters, decoctions, and infusions, and most solutions and syrups, and as an addition 
 to alcohol is present in many of the fluid extracts, tinctures, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses Of Cold Water. — Water constitues by far the larger portion 
 of the bulk of all organized beings, and is essential to their organic constitution as well as 
 to the molecular actions and movements by which life is manifested. It is important, 
 therefore, as an article of food which directly supplies one constituent of the body ; it is 
 not less so as a means of promoting the solution of solid food in the digestive organs and 
 facilitating its absorption : it is equally the solvent of all the secretions and excretions, and 
 the chief vehicle by which the latter are carried out of the body. But all natural water is 
 not adapted for food. The greater part of the water in the world is contained in the ocean ;* 
 another large portion consists of spring- and river-waters which are so mineralized as to 
 be unfit for ordinary drinking, or of other waters in certain sluggish rivers and in 
 marshes which contain too large a portion of animal or vegetable matter to be whole- 
 some. The purest natural waters are rain-water, which is, however, insipid and contains 
 but little air, and certain springs which are remarkable for their purity as well as the 
 vivacity of their taste. For pharmaceutical, and indirectly for medicinal, purposes 
 water must be deprived, as far as possible, of its foreign constituents — an object which 
 is most perfectly attained by distillation. But for many of such purposes water that has 
 been boiled or filtered rain- or snow-water has been found sufficiently pure. 
 
 In a general way, water acts chiefly as a direct means of modifying the temperature 
 of the body. But the mechanism by which the temperature is raised or lowered is iden- 
 tical with that which quickens or retards organic processes, for it is chiefly upon the 
 degree of activity of the latter that the animal temperature depends. Water at a tem- 
 perature higher than that of the body is a direct stimulant of the circulation, and there- 
 fore of all the functions ; cold water, on the other hand, robs the body of a portion of its 
 caloric, and therefore is a direct sedative of the circulatory and the other functions. But 
 cold may indirectly become a physiological stimulant, since it is a property of living- 
 organisms to react against whatever powerfully tends to depress them, and this the more 
 vigorously and abruptly the depressing influence has been exerted. Therefore, cold 
 applied to the body in a certain measure and for a given time produces a diminished activity 
 of the function, which is followed by a degree of activity greater than which originally 
 existed. In this manner the primary effect of heat and the secondary effect of cold 
 resemble one another, and the same purpose may be accomplished by either or by 
 both successively. But cold and heat are conventional terms ; they do not designate 
 definite temperatures. The normal animal temperature being about 98° F., whatever is 
 higher than this may be described as heat, whatever is lower as cold. Hence different 
 degrees of heat may be expected to produce different grades of effect, from a mild to a 
 powerful stimulation, and even to the destruction of vitality ; and in like manner cool- 
 ness, cold, congelation, etc. are terms applied to the different degrees in which caloric 
 has been abstracted. It is evident, therefore, that the action of water, and consequently 
 its use in medicine, will vary between very remote extremes — that it may stimulate 
 moderately or violently, and soothe gently or depress more or less profoundly, according 
 to the conditions which have been pointed out. The effects of cold water upon the living 
 body are complex : they comprise the direct abstraction of caloric, the diminished pro- 
 duction of it, and a multitude of reflex effects due to the relations between the skin and 
 the internal organs. The loss of caloric by the contact of cold water with the skin is 
 more or less completely balanced by the generation of caloric through the organic 
 changes which are incessantly active in every tissue. Hence the interior of the body in 
 health maintains a certain average temperature, or within two or three degrees of it, 
 whatever may be the temperature of the surrounding medium. With the abstraction of 
 caloric all the vital processes are depressed, the skin grows pale and shrivelled, and the 
 internal organs are overloaded with blood ; the pulse beats slowly, the secretions are dim- 
 inished, and the muscles torpid. Taken internally, cold water occasions a sense of cool- 
 ness in the throat and stomach, and afterward in the rest of the body ; but if the water 
 be very cold and taken in large quantity, it may produce in the stomach severe pains 
 which radiate to the chest and abdomen and give a violent shock to the whole nervous 
 system — effects which are accompanied by spasm or by collapse, or by both in succession. 
 If these effects are not fatal, reaction with fever is apt to occur. The transient applica- 
 tion of cold to the skin is so quickly followed by reaction that the effects seem to be 
 those of direct stimulation ; the cutaneous circulation becomes more active, a sense of 
 warmth with gentle perspiration ensues, and through this reflux and flux of the blood and 
 the excitation of the nervous system all the functions are quickened. Indeed, the chief 
 
240 
 
 AQUA. 
 
 
 value of cold water applied to the entire skin in disease consists less in its direct action 
 as cold than in its indirect action as a functional stimulant. Yet the abstraction of 
 caloric may in certain exceptional cases be useful. The topical effects of cold water as 
 distingished from those of cold applied in other ways are diminished local circulation and 
 calorification, followed by a more or less distinct reaction whenever the action of the 
 cold is suspended. 
 
 According, then, to the circumstances under which it acts, cold water may be refriger- 
 ant, excitant, sedative, astringent, tonic, debilitating, or perturbating. It may be used 
 to check febrile and inflammatory processes, to stimulate a torpid and oppressed nervous 
 •system, to arrest spasm, to relieve congestion and pain, to abate excessive secretions, 
 haemorrhage, etc. Among the diseases in which it has proved most useful are continued 
 fevers in which the temperature is extremely high, and provided no intercurrent inflam- 
 mation complicates them. Cold water in the form of douche, baths, sponging, and wet 
 wrappings has been employed with decided benefit in many cases of typhus fever , typhoid 
 fever , scarlet fever , variola , etc. ; and the douche or other similar shock with cold water has 
 proved curative in various forms of intermittent fever. It may be used in either of 
 several conditions: (1) To reduce hyperpyrexia; (2) to provoke a reaction in the 
 rapidly adynamic forms of these diseases; and (3) to lessen the delirium, stupor, spasm, 
 and other cerebral and spinal symptoms at the height of the attack. Of these stupor 
 is by far the most important in relation to the use of cold water. But apart from 
 quite exceptional cases, we believe that all the benefits derivable from cold immersion 
 or the douche bath may be obtained by simply sponging the skin repeatedly with cold water 
 and giving cool water to drink as much as the patient desires or tolerates, for the use of 
 cold water as a drink in fevers is prescribed by instinct as well as reason. Much atten- 
 tion has been given to this subject. Naunyn, after lengthened observation of its use, had his 
 confidence strengthened in the hydriatic treatment of typhoid fever { Arcliiv f exper. 
 Pathol etc., xviii. 116). In cases adapted to it — i. e. where the axillary temperature 
 exceeded 103° F. — he applied the cold bath (72° to 82° F.) as often as eight times, and 
 occasionally even twelve times, in twenty-four hours, and each bath lasted from five to 
 ten minutes. But only such temperature and duration of the bath were permitted when 
 the patient’s condition plainly warranted them. In other cases baths at 90° to 95° F. 
 were preferred, and in others, again, at a temperature intermediate between these 
 extremes. The frequent repetition of the bath just mentioned does not harmonize with 
 the explanation given by this author of the utility of lukewarm and warm baths, for he 
 attributes it to their increasing the activity of the skin, by which the brain and other 
 internal organs are relieved and cutaneous and renal elimination is quickened. But the 
 method now described is less vigorous than that of Brand, its chief apostle, which 
 requires that the patient should every three hours be bathed for fifteen minutes in water 
 at 60° F. ; and this rule is not allowed on any account to be relaxed {Med. Record , xxxv. 
 436). V. Ziemssen’s views are more in harmony with those of Naunyn, for he recom- 
 mends that the sudden shock of very cold water should be avoided ; that the bath at 
 first should have a temperature of 86° to 90° and be gradually reduced by the addition 
 of cool water to 71° or 72° ; that the immersion should not last longer than fifteen 
 minutes, and the repetition be from two to six times a day ; and that after the bath the 
 patient should be allowed to rest for a quarter of an hour wrapped in a warm blanket, then 
 rubbed dry, clothed in clean linen, and allowed to sleep {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc ., viii. 
 533). The use of cold baths in typhoid fever has, however, been amply discussed at home 
 and abroad, and the weight of testimony is opposed to it as an ordinary treatment. Even 
 in the cases most favorable to its use no adequate comparison has been made of its results 
 with those of warm baths ; and its alleged superiority to ordinary measures cannot be 
 admitted unless a comparison be also made with cases treated expectantly — a method 
 which has hitherto afforded the lowest mortality-rate. This, it is true, has been done by 
 Brand {Centralbl. f. Ther., v. 510), who (incorrectly) alleges that the mortality under 
 the expectant treatment varies between 13 and 32 per cent., while under the hydriatic 
 method it is between 0 and 5 per cent. Baruch, in this country, adopted similar conclu- 
 sions {Med. Record , xxxi. 34; xxxv. 176, 434, etc.), and so did Yogi in Munich 
 {Therap. Monatscheft ., 1889, p. 129), and Josias in Paris {Amer. Med, Jour. Sci ., Jan. 
 1890, p. 73). But, as we have said, the fever is not the whole of any febrile disease, 
 nor is an artificial reduction of temperature a cure of the affection in which fever 
 occurs. As Dujardin-Beaumetz insists, the treatment by cold water “is and must con- 
 tinue to be suited only to exceptional cases. To abstract animal heat by physical means 
 does not hinder the generation of caloric.” Still less can good be expected from the 
 
AQUA. 
 
 241 
 
 barbarous expedient that has been proposed of controlling the febrile action of the heart 
 by applying over it a bag of pounded ice or of cold water. The shower-bath or spray- 
 bath, which has been suggested as a more powerful antipyretic than the immersion bath 
 (Placzek, Therap. Monatsch 1887, p. 133), may be ranked as only a shade less cruel 
 than the expedient just dismissed. Many years ago (1867) Skoda used ice-poultices in 
 the treatment of pneumonia , but they were soon discarded. The application of ice-bags 
 to the chest in this disease has been lately advocated by Lees ( Lancet , Nov. 1889, p. 
 890), but does not appear to have commanded the confidence of physicians. Among its 
 dangers is the occurrence of syncope. 
 
 Cool drinks are essential in inflammation of the stomach. Pounded ice mixed with bran 
 forms a most efficient poultice for sore throat , including tonsillitis and diphtheria, , and its 
 efficacy is increased by ice melting in the mouth. The same or any other convenient mode 
 of applying cold has often been successful in preventing the formation of abscesses , 
 mammary, inguinal, and others. Some physicians have been bold enough to treat pneu- 
 monia by cold baths at 68°, and even at 59° F., repeated several times a day, and to claim 
 for the method an exceptionally low rate of mortality. They have at least demonstrated 
 the marvellous power of the animal economy to resist the injurious assaults of those who 
 prefer heroic measures to the spontaneous evolutions of nature. The application of wet 
 compresses around the inflamed joints in acute articular rheumatism has not produced 
 the bad consequences which it was supposed would follow from a repercussion of the 
 morbid fluxion, and such applications, when made with an alkaline liquid, have often 
 proved extremely salutary. The general cold bath has been used in this disease with 
 hyperpyrexia, but sometimes with the result of inducing inflammatory complications of 
 the heart and lungs, and sometimes of causing death ( Practitioner , x. 79; xi. 263). But 
 in a certain number of cases of hyperpyrexia with symptoms of cerebral rheumatism — a 
 complication of the gravest description — cold baths have appeared to mitigate the gravity 
 of the attack and bring about a cure (Woillez, Bull, de Tlier., xcix. 344 ; Baynaud, Arch, 
 gen., Jan. 1881, p. 105). The average temperature of the baths used in these cases may 
 be stated as 68° F., and the extremes as 60° and 75° F. On reviewing the cases the 
 relation between the cerebral symptoms and the hyperpyrexia is far from being apparent, 
 and the benefit derived from cold baths appears to have been due far more to the calm- 
 ing influence of the low temperature upon the nervous system than upon the mere 
 abstraction of caloric. (Compare Carrington, British Med. Jour., Mar. 5, 1887.) Cold 
 water is one of the best applications for a variety of local inflammations, such as burns, 
 scalds, intertrigo, and the stings of insects. Its use in a foot-bath or in a douche is famil- 
 iar as a means of preventing cold feet and chilblains. Cold is one of the most potent 
 means of arresting lisemorrhage, whether from the nose, lungs, stomach, bowels, or uterus, 
 or from wounds. In such cases it should be applied as nearly as possible to the source 
 of bleeding. In uterine haemorrhage ice and iced water have been introduced into the 
 uterus with complete success and without injury. But it is less generally efficient than 
 hot water. Scrofula, chlorosis , and anaemia are diseases which have some elements in 
 common, chief among which is impoverishment of the blood. Whether this condition be 
 primary or secondary, the use of cold water internally and externally improves nutrition, 
 and thereby tends more or less to moderate or to remove the defects of nutrition upon 
 which the diseases depend. It is in this way — that is, by its direct stimulant and indirectly 
 corroborant action — that cold water in the forms of baths, and especially salt and surf baths, 
 tends to remedy nervous exhaustion produced by mental or physical excesses. A state of 
 debility, here as elsewhere, requires that so powerful an agent as this should be cautiously 
 applied. In most of the diseases last referred to cold water is used as a stimulant or as 
 an indirect agent for promoting perspiration, but in some others its aid is sought for its 
 direct and continuous agency in repressing vascular action and its consequences. Thus in 
 all cases of hyperaemia of the brain, whether arterial or venous, the excitement of the one 
 and the stupor of the other condition may be mitigated by cold water duly applied to the 
 head. No medicinal remedy for insomnia is so certain and, at the same time, so harmless 
 as cold water poured upon the scalp and back of the neck. Irrigation with cold water, or 
 the constant application of an ice-poultice to the scalp, with the hair closely clipped, 
 and, still more powerful, the cold douche, will often succeed in securing sleep, allaying 
 violent delirium, or restoring consciousness in deep coma. Insanity, when acute and 
 accompanied with heat of head, yields to the same method, especially if the body be at 
 the same time immersed in a bath at 95° F. and the treatment be continued daily for 
 several hours at a time. In these various affections a water-proof pillow containing ice' 
 or iced water is very convenient. The same method is entirely applicable to the treat- 
 
242 
 
 AQUA. 
 
 ment of mania-a-potu in violent patients and for the relief of narcotism in poisoning/ by 
 opium. In congestive sunstroke the brain symptoms are due not only to an excess of 
 blood within the cranium, but also to the excessive heat of the blood itself, which is 
 denoted by a surface temperature of 109° to 111° F. Cold water and ice frictions 
 appear to be the most successful, as they are plainly the most natural, remedies for this 
 fatal affection, but their efficacy depends greatly upon their prompt application. (Com- 
 pare Packard, Am. Jour. Med. Sci., June, 1888, p. 554.) Cold affusions have also been 
 used to restore a person struck by lightning ( Therap . Gaz ., xi. 707). 
 
 Most of the spasmodic affections may be treated by cold water. Hysteria is favorably 
 modified by cold bathing, as by all influences that strengthen the system generally and 
 the nervous functions in particular. Convulsions of whatever sort, attended with fulness 
 of the cerebral blood-vessels, should be treated by cold applications to the head and 
 the nape of the neck ; coma with stertor, and also spasms induced by anaesthetics in very 
 nervous women, have been relieved by applying ice over the side of the neck. Epilepsy 
 has been favorably affected by the use of ice-bags to the cervical spine, and tetanus of 
 the idiopathic form has been repeatedly cured in ancient and in modern times by cold affu- 
 sions. Even traumatic tetanus has got well under the direct application of ice to the 
 spine. A number of cases of anomalous paralytic and spasmodic affections, caused by 
 fatigue, fright, and other mental impressions, have been cured by a course of hydropathic 
 regimen after the failure of other remedies (Friedmann, Monthly ALst ., vi. 540). Chorea 
 was formerly treated with cold affusions on the spine and by the ice-bag, but the former 
 was apt to affright the timid children who are often the subjects of the disease, and the 
 latter was difficult of application. Sulphuric ether applied to the spine in spray is per- 
 haps more efficient, but is only palliative. Cold bathing, and especially sea-bathing, is 
 of great value in this disease. Chronic nervous affections, whether neuralgic or purely 
 functional, are so generally associated with anaemia, a state that implies debility, and imper- 
 fect calorification and mental depression, that the subjects of them are rarely tolerant 
 of a treatment by cold water. This is emphatically true of nervous disorders that 
 involve a chronic and substantial lesion of the brain or spinal cord. It is, however, true 
 that to distinguish a substantial from a functional disease, of the nervous system espe- 
 cially, is extremely difficult, and the treatment by cold, as by other remedies, must be 
 tentatively employed. Cold ablutions, and also ice-poultices, have been found efficient in 
 arresting spasmodic croup. Among diseases of the digestive organs amenable to treat- 
 ment by cold water is constipation , as the oldest and most recent records demonstrate. 
 It has often been employed successfully by causing the patient to walk upon a cold 
 stone pavement, by dashing cold water over the limbs, or by applying it to the abdo- 
 men by means of wet compresses, while copious draughts of the same liquid were taken. 
 Friction of the abdomen with lumps of ice has been particularly recommended in such 
 cases ( Centralbl . f. Therap ., vi. 19). These methods have been successfully employed to 
 overcome the obstinate constipation of lead colic. Apparently hopeless intussusception of 
 the bowel appears to have been overcome by large enemata of ice-water (Kormann, Prac- 
 titioner , xxv. 212). 
 
 In surgery the applications of cold water are important and numerous. It is the most 
 convenient as well as the most efficient remedy for sprains and contusions , including those 
 to which a joint has been subjected by its dislocation or the soft parts by fractures of 
 bones, etc. The full benefit of the treatment is best secured by its earliest possible 
 application after the injury, for then it prevents the excessive exudations which 
 embarrass and retard the cure. The utility and the mode of action of the remedy are 
 just the same in the treatment of wounds which are not likely to unite directly or by the 
 first intention ; and, indeed, even these heal more readily under its use, provided that 
 the several surfaces are maintained in close apposition ; while contused and lacerated 
 wounds, whose union is usually hindered by inflammation, close all the more readily 
 when this process is abated by cold water. The repressive action of cold water is well illus- 
 trated by its power of preventing the development of local non-traumatic inflammations, 
 such as boils , carbuncles , whitlow , acute orchitis , etc. In all of these affections, if steadily 
 maintained, it arrests their development, but its intermittent application is useless or 
 worse. Ulcers , especially of an indolent and ill-conditioned sort, are often cured by cold 
 and moisture combined, by which the nutrition of the part is rendered more active and 
 normal. The water may be applied on compresses, by washing, and, above all, by the 
 douche. The two former are the most appropriate for irritable, and the last for indolent, 
 ulcers. The repressive power of cold water is well exhibited in the treatment of burns 
 and scalds ; provided that it be applied immediately after the injury and steadily kept in 
 
AQUA. 
 
 243 
 
 operation, it will tend to prevent ulterior changes of tissue dependent upon inflamma- 
 tion. The more extensive the injury the less appropriate does this method become. The 
 strangulation of hernia is often due to a distension of the blood-vessels of the tumor, 
 and in so far the reduction may be facilitated by whatever tends to disgorge the swell- 
 ing of its blood ; cold water has proved efficient for this purpose in many cases. Even 
 ice and freezing mixtures have been applied with the same object, but they are not free 
 from the danger of producing mortification. In like manner, certain venous dilatations have 
 been diminished, particularly those of the rectum , the uterus , and the penis. No better 
 palliative for haemorrhoids exists than frequent ablution with cold water, especially after 
 stool. It is most efficiently applied with a sponge. Acting in a similar manner, pellets of 
 ice have been administered to produce contraction of the oesophagus above and around a 
 foreign body impacted in it, and render the use of the probang more efficient (Bull, de 
 Therap.. cii. 374). Ice has been extensively and efficiently employed to produce anaes- 
 thesia and local congelation, and facilitate the performance of many minor surgical 
 operations, such as opening abscesses, removing tumors, evidsion of toe-nails, and even the 
 destructions of cancers by chloride of zinc and their obliteration by systematic pressure 
 (Arnott, Times and Gazette , 1879, i. 347, 396, 533). The hypodermic injection of cold 
 water has been used as an anodyne in neuralgia, toothache , and articular rheumatism, and 
 as a substitute for morphine injections where it was desired to cure the habit of using the 
 latter. That the mitigation or the suspension of pain by this operation is real in many 
 cases cannot be doubted, but it is almost certain that such relief is due, chiefly if not 
 entirely, to expectant attention. (See Med. News, xii. 258, 361). This opinion is 
 strengthened by the fact than the effect has been obtained by the injection of warm as 
 well as if cold water. Cold water or ice may be used to relieve various local pains, 
 whether inflammatory or neuralgic. Abscesses are examples of the first, and neuralgia 
 of the face is an instance of the second. Sciatica has been cured by congealing the 
 integuments over the ischiatic notch by means of a freezing mixture, or by the spray of 
 chloride of methyl (Jacoby. Med. Record, xxxii. 473). But two hundred years ago 
 snow was applied by Bartholini for the relief of neuralgia, and nearly forty years ago 
 freezing mixtures were employed by Arnott (Stille, Therapeutics, 4th ed., ii. 237). 
 
 The internal use of cold water requires to be cautiously guarded ; the risk of drinking 
 it too freely when the system is exhausted by heat has been pointed out. It is not 
 readily absorbed from the stomach in other atonic states of this organ, and if largely 
 taken during or too near a meal it is very apt to interfere with digestion. It should not 
 be used freely during pulmonary, and especially bronchial inflammations, nor in diar- 
 rhoea. It is better tolerated and is often salutary in acute dysentery. Baths at a lower 
 temperature than 50° F. are unsafe for children and old persons at all seasons, and when 
 serious disease exists of any organ essential to life the temperature should not be lower 
 than 75°. In any case cold baths should be of very short duration, and active or passive 
 exercise used during and after them. If local applications of cold water occasion chill- 
 iness, they ought not to be continued. Cold baths should not be taken immediately 
 after a meal, nor when the air is chilly, nor when the mind is distressed. Early morn- 
 ing baths are invigorating, but cold baths before bedtime are of great utility in summer 
 by rendering sleep sounder and more refreshing. In cold bathing the head should 
 always be wetted before the rest of the body, and after the bath the skin should be 
 stimulated by rubbing it with coarse cloths. 
 
 Local cold baths, applied to the head, the pelvis, and the feet, are employed to relieve 
 congestion and stimulate the circulation in these parts, and thus prevent or remove the 
 effects of vascular stagnation. Their sedative or their stimulant operation will be deter- 
 mined by their duration, the temperature of the water, the manipulations employed at 
 the same time, etc. Silva found (Centralb. f. Ther ., v. 183) that ice applied over the heart 
 increased the tone of that organ and of the arteries and lowered the temperature of the 
 blood. He used it efficiently in low fevers and functional heart disorders, in the collapse 
 of alcoholic intoxication, in congestion of the lungs, and in venous congestions generally, but 
 found it contraindicated by muscular degeneration of the heart, in advanced stages of val- 
 vular disease with imperfect compensation, and in diabetes and nephritis. Walter, who 
 confirmed these statements (Bull, de Therap., cxiv. 28) applied the ice-bag with great 
 advantage in cases of hyperpyraemia in typhoid fever. Cold water is often employed by 
 irrigation — that is, by directing a stream of it over some portion of the body ; in an 
 epithem or mass of lint, sponge, or other porous material kept saturated with the liquid, 
 or by means of pounded ice, which is sometimes mixed with flaxseed or Indian meal or 
 bran, and enclosed between woollen cloths, and sometimes also with nitrate of potas- 
 
244 
 
 AQUA. 
 
 sium and chloride of ammonium in order to form a freezing mixture ; by ablution , which 
 consists in applying cold water, with more or less friction, to the surface of the body in 
 order to allay the heat of the skin and promote diaphoresis in febrile states, etc. ; by affu- 
 sion, in which large quantities of cold water are poured over the body, previously 
 washed or not with hot water and soap, by which means the functions of the skin are 
 quickened and sometimes a salutary crisis is brought about. The douche is a form of 
 affusion in which a continuous stream of water falls from a height upon the body, 
 adding a mechanical stimulus to that produced by the cold water ; the shower-bath is a 
 modification of the same method, in which the stimulus is very gentle, and therefore 
 adapted to persons who are comparatively feeble. The so-called hydropathic measures, 
 which consist essentially in enveloping the body in wet wrappings, which are in turn 
 surrounded by dry ones, while the patient drinks abundantly of cold water, have for 
 their chief effect the production of profuse perspiration, by means of which the blood 
 is purged of deleterious matters circulating with it. The purification may become gen- 
 eral or be made local by restricting the application of wet compresses to the ailing parts. 
 This last-named method is of very general application, and is useful in all injuries of 
 joints and other local injuries, as well as in almost all internal inflammations, including 
 those of the brain, lungs, and abdominal and pelvic viscera. The sweats produced by 
 topical as well as by general wet applications have sometimes an offensive smell, which 
 probably shows that effete, and therefore deleterious, substances are eliminated by means 
 of them. Potter’s clay, instead of wet compresses, has been employed in the treatment 
 of burns , sprains, insect bites, and swelled testicle. 
 
 Action and Uses Of Warm Water. — Water of a higher temperature than 
 that of the body may be applied in the form of vapor or of liquid. A vapor-bath at 
 120° F. may increase the pulse-rate to 145 or more, rendering the respiration difficult, 
 causing haemoptysis, producing fulness of the head, congestion of the brain, and even 
 apoplexy. The more fully the atmosphere is charged with moisture, the greater is 
 the suffering of the system in proportion to the elevation of the temperature, because 
 less caloric is lost by radiation ; under the same circumstances, however, the body 
 rapidly loses weight by perspiration. The internal secretions, and the urine particularly, 
 are notably diminished. These conditions are carried to an extreme limit in the Rus- 
 sian vapor-bath, and are intensified by other methods of stimulating the skin, such as 
 violent frictions and flagellation with softened rods. It has been found that a person 
 unaccustomed to such baths may lose nearly a pound in weight by the operation of a 
 single one. For domestic and medical purposes a vapor-bath may be constructed by 
 merely surrounding the patient, seated in a chair, with a tent of blanket or other imper- 
 meable stuff and introducing steam within the enclosure. The head should not be includ- 
 ed in the covering. Very soon active diaphoresis will commence. The vapor of warm 
 water may also be diffused throughout an apartment by boiling a kettle or other conve- 
 nient vessel or by slaking lime in the neighborhood of the patient. The latter expedient 
 is to be recommended in cases of membranous croup ; the others are usually employed in 
 the treatment of acute and chronic muscular rheumatism, in chronic articular rheuma- 
 tism and gout, and in cases of paralysis that require muscular stimulation. This vapor- 
 bath is also beneficial in dropsy, especially when it is produced by cold or as a scar- 
 latinous sequela; in eruptive fevers when the eruption is tardy and imperfect; in all 
 chronic diseases of the shin in which the integument is torpid, dry, and hard ; and in 
 cases of profuse sweating due to a relaxed state of the skin. 
 
 As the capacity of water for caloric is three thousand times greater than that of air, 
 the former is capable of producing the phenomena of heat much more energetically than 
 the latter. When water warmer than the body (99° to 113° F.) is swallowed, it excites 
 a local and diffusive warmth, quickens the pulse, and increases the perspiration and 
 urine. The hotter the water the more decided are these effects. The warm bath (100° 
 to 105°) tends to check exhalation from the parts of the body immersed, but increases 
 it from the surface exposed to the air ; but before this effect takes place the exposed 
 parts become congested and a sense of fulness and discomfort is experienced in the head 
 and face. The skin grows red, the pulse and respiration are quickened, but the tension ot 
 the pulse is diminished, and syncope may occur if the heart is weak. Sweating follows 
 the bath, especially if encouraged by warm bed-clothing, and there is a general sense of 
 relaxation, and usually an inclination to sleep. Diaphoresis by means of warm baths is 
 useful in relieving general dropsy, but less so than when it is incited by hot-air baths. The 
 same remark applies to rheumatism. The local action of water of the temperature men- 
 tioned is to relax the tissues and allow the blood to accumulate in them, thereby tending 
 
AQUA. 
 
 245 
 
 to withdraw it from remoter parts. Hence the utility of this measure in lessening con- 
 gestions of the brain and other internal organs, and relieving pain , muscular spasm , and 
 fever. The greater the surface exposed to the action of the bath the more efficient is its 
 operation, particularly in relaxing spasm and allaying internal pain, as is familiarly 
 exhibited by the efficacy of this agent in cases of dislocations oj joints , in spasm of the 
 gall-ducts , ureters, intestines, uterus, etc. If the body, after the action of a hot-bath, is 
 subjected to the sudden contact'of cold water, a reaction occurs which is usually accom- 
 panied with profuse perspiration. 
 
 The internal administration of warm and hot water has long been employed at the 
 thermal springs of Europe as a means of quickening tissue-change and promoting 
 diaphoresis and diuresis. It is most efficient when the water has a temperature of about 
 110° F. and the patient remains well covered in bed. In this manner it benefits rheu- 
 matic and gouty dyscrasiae. Water at about this temperature is sometimes beneficial in 
 constipation, chronic diarrhoea, and gastralgta. The general warm bath is an important 
 hygienic instrument, by means of which the skin is cleansed of its accumulation of 
 effete secretions and its functional activity is augmented. It is also an almost indispen- 
 sable agent in modifying the nutrition of the skin, and thereby promoting the cure of 
 many cutaneous diseases in their chronic forms. Warm baths have long been used in the 
 treatment of fevers, whether in the eruptive fevers in which the exanthem appears tardily 
 or imperfectly, cr in these and also in typhus and typhoid fevers for the purpose of mod- 
 erating delirium, diminishing stupor, or calming nervous symptoms, such as spasm, twitch- 
 ing, etc. It has even been claimed that when the last named of these fevers is treated 
 bv " permanent ” warm baths the temperature is rapidly lowered, the course of the attack 
 is shorter and milder, and the mortality diminished (Reiss, Zeitsch.f. Min. Med., iii. 389). 
 If even these statements were accepted literally, the difficulties of employing the method, 
 especially in diarrhceal cases, are sufficient to render it practically unavailable in them. 
 (Compare Riess, Centralbl. f Iherap., vi. 622 ; Anuschat, ibid., viii. 603.) In pneumonia 
 baths of from 86° to 90° F., and prolonged for several hours, have been asserted by 
 Bozzolo to be superior to any other treatment {Centralbl. f. d. g. Tlier., i. 368), but the 
 method is impracticable as a general one, and the evidence in its favor is inadequate. 
 Benevolsky has claimed a like success for hot half-baths (from the feet to the waist) at 
 108°-111 F. of a half-hour’s duration, which he regards as efficiently revulsive during 
 the first stage of the disease {Bull, de Therap. cxi. 278). The warm bath is one of the 
 most efficient agents in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, especially in the form of 
 sulphurous mineral waters. It is an important adjuvant in all the varieties of albumin- 
 uria and of diabetes. Prolonged warm baths are most efficient auxiliaries in all excito- 
 motor derangements, but especially in convulsion and muscular spasm, and also in insanity 
 of nearly every type. Among these diseases albuminuria and convulsions due to renal 
 obstruction are most conspicuously benefited, as they also are by purgation or whatever 
 else relieves the circulatory tension without impoverishing the blood. In certain cases 
 of paralysis, and particularly in rheumatic paraplegia, the efficiency of the warm bath is 
 sometimes remarkable. Its stimulant and revulsive operation is valuable in various 
 intestinal disorders, and notably in cholera infantum and acute dysentery. Its depurative 
 action is frequently sought in scrofula , chlorosis , and constitutional syphilis. According 
 to Mosler, enemata of hot water stimulate the discharge of bile in catarrahal jaundice. 
 The hot bath tends to relieve extreme muscular exhaustion, and is available in cases of 
 apparent death from apnoea, asphyxia, strangidation , and intoxication, and when the new- 
 born child fails to breathe, or does so imperfectly, owing to debility and not to cerebral 
 congestion. 
 
 Partial warm baths are applied to the feet, the hips, and sometimes to the hands. 
 Warm foot-baths or hand-baths, if much above the temperature of the blood, are power- 
 ful stimulants, exciting the heart and brain, preventing sleep, etc., but at about 98° to 
 100° F. draw the blood away from the brain, and thereby promote sleep and relieve pain 
 and congestion of the head and trunk. They are very efficient in arresting the formation 
 of coryza , sore throat, pulmonary catarrh , laryngitis , especially of the spasmodic form, and 
 muscular rheumatism , and in promoting the menstrual flow. If the water is hot enough 
 to produce a painful impression on the skin, it stimulates the whole system, and is more 
 apt to occasion a sense of fulness than relief, and to prevent sleep instead of promoting 
 it. The warm hip-bath is used at about the same temperature (98° to 101° F.), and is 
 especially adapted to allay painful abdominal and pelvic disorders, such as biliary, renal , 
 and uterine colic and strangury , to relieve retention of urine , and bring on retarded menses 
 and the hsemorrhoulal flow . Fomentations with warm water by means of cloths, sponges, 
 
246 
 
 AQU^E MEDIC AT JE. 
 
 spongio-piline, poultices, etc. may be regarded as partial warm baths, and are used to 
 relieve the tension of the skin in local phlegmonous inflammations, and at the same time, 
 by increasing the amount of blood in the part, to promote suppuration. Such fomenta- 
 tions of the mammae favor the secretion of milk , and, through the sympathy of these 
 glands with the uterine system, sometimes excite the menstrual flow. This last effect 
 has been secured by prolonged douches of warm water in the vagina, which are also 
 useful in recalling suppressed lochia and allaying pain in the pelvis. Enemas of warm 
 water are habitually used to evacuate the bowels. It is alleged that irrigation of the 
 rectum with water at from 100° to 110° F., and repeated every two hours during the 
 active stage of dysentery , has a marked influence, not only in palliating the tenesmus, 
 but in shortening the attack (Reid, New York Jour, of Med., xxiv. 603). Enemas of 
 about two pints of water at 110° F. have been used advantageously for congestions and 
 infarctions of the uterus , bladder, prostate gland, and other organs of the pelvis. Hofler 
 states that enemas (varying from 104° to 113° F.), if thrown into the empty bowel 
 through a long tube, directly increase the flow of urine ( Centralbl . f Therap., vi. 478). 
 Warm sand- or mud-baths are often employed at thermal springs in the treatment of 
 chronic rheumatism, gout , general dropsy, etc. Water so hot that its contact can just be 
 borne without scalding acts as a stimulant, and is sometimes used to arrest certain inflam- 
 mations in debilitated parts, such as panaris, frost-bite, the effects of local contusions, 
 etc. ; to check local perspirations and general colliquative sweats, epistaxis, and capillary 
 haemorrhage ; and to relieve various pains, such as earache, toothache , neuralgia, colic, 
 uterine pain, etc. Its power is familiar in arresting the bleeding from leech-bites and 
 similar small wounds. Following a German method, Dr. F. H. Hamilton applied success- 
 fully, in the treatment of lacerated and contused wounds, local baths of warm water, and 
 also fomentations of cotton batting soaked in water at 95° to 110° F. and renewed every 
 half hour. Subsequently, he employed the same method successfully in arresting 
 traumatic gangrene (Trans. Med. Soc. of State of New York, 1875 and 1879). Water at 
 160° F. has been used to check the capillary haemorrhage which is apt to follow the 
 removal of Esmarch’s tourniquet. But Dr. C. T. Hunter found that similar haemor- 
 rhages are efficiently checked by water at 125° or 130° F. ( Phila . Med. Times, x. 89). 
 Hot-water injections have been used with prompt effect to arrest uterine haemorrhage 
 (Emmett, Barker), and that variety of it produced by laceration of the cervix or haemor- 
 rhage from a like injury of the vulva has been controlled by means of water at 110° to 
 115° F. A stream of such water directed upon the undilated cervix uteri at term will 
 bring on labor, or thrown into the cavity of a relaxed and bleeding uterus will induce its 
 contraction (A. H. Smith). The hot bath prolonged for a half hour or more has 
 repeatedly been used to bring on labor delayed by inertia of the uterus. In various 
 inflammatory and congested states of the eye the stimulant action of hot water is at 
 once the simplest and most efficient remedy. It should be as hot as the patient can 
 comfortably bear with the hand, and should be applied by drenching or by being thrown j 
 against the eye with the hand while the face is bent over a basin containing the water. I 
 
 This operation should be repeated every hour or two or only two or three times a day, as j 
 
 may be required (Connor, Am. Jour, of Med. Sci., Oct. 1881, p. 466). Still better, the 
 face may be immersed in the water while the eye is kept open. According to Petrequin, 
 warm water is a better solvent for cerumen than oil, glycerin, etc. Boiling water may be 
 employed to produce a powerful stimulant or revulsive action, as in cases of asphyxia and 
 prolonged syncope. Its use requires great caution, and is not as safe as the application 
 of a hammer or similar metallic instrument previously immersed in boiling water. 
 
 AQUiE MEDIC ATiE.— Medicated Waters. 
 
 Aquae destillatae , P. G. ; A quae stillatitiae. — Distilled waters, E. ; Eaux distillees, Hydrolats , 
 Fr. ; Destillirte Wdsser, G. ; Acquae distillate, F. It. 
 
 Preparation and Properties. — The above names are applied to waters which 
 have been impregnated with volatile substances. All odorous plants and parts of plants 
 impart their odor, and to a certain extent also their taste, to water which is distilled there- 
 from. This is due to a considerable extent to the volatile oils passing over with the vapor 
 of water ; but in many instances the flavor of such distilled waters differs more or less 
 from that of the aqueous solutions of the corresponding volatile oils, and we must there- 
 fore assume that besides the volatile oils other volatile compounds, acids, and probably 
 ethers, pass over and remain dissolved in the water, whereby the flavor is modified and 
 
AQILE MEDICATJ2. 
 
 247 
 
 nearly always becomes more agreeable. Tn preparing medicated waters distillation should 
 be resorted to whenever practicable. 
 
 The drugs are preferably used in the fresh state if they can be thus obtained, since 
 during the drying process more or less of the volatile constituents are lost by evaporation, 
 and, in common with the others, often modified in composition. In some cases where the 
 oil-cells are well protected, as in cinnamon-bark, or the oil is produced only by contact 
 with water, as in bitter almonds, the material may be preserved in the dry state for a long 
 time without deterioration. In all cases where the oil-cells are not situated on the sur- 
 face, as they are in many leaves, the drug should be suitably comminuted, so that it may 
 be easily penetrated by the hot water and the oil-cells ruptured. 
 
 In distilling medicated waters over a naked fire great care should be taken to prevent 
 the material from being burned, otherwise an cmpyrcumatic odor and taste will be im- 
 parted to the distillate ; this is obviated by placing the drug upon a diaphragm, or 
 setting within the still another vessel perforated on the sides and bottom,- so that the 
 vapors will pass through it without unnecessary obstruction. If steam is used the danger 
 of burning is avoided ; in this case a jet of steam may be conducted to the bottom of the 
 still, the contents of which are thereby heated to the boiling-point. If dry material is 
 used, allowance must be made for its swelling on becoming thoroughly permeated by the 
 water, as it might otherwise fill the still and pass into the condenser. Some materials 
 when boiled in water foam considerably, and portions of the decoction arc then apt to be 
 carried over mechanically, rendering the distillate colored and otherwise impure. This 
 tendency to foam over will be lessened by adding to the contents of the retort a small 
 quantity of a fixed oil. 
 
 The rapidity with which medicated waters are distilled is of importance, since it has a 
 considerable influence on their flavor and stability. In all cases the waters should be 
 rapidly and thoroughly cooled in the condenser, to prevent the action of the hot water and 
 of the acids which are frequently present upon the tin. arid to avoid changes in the volatile 
 oil, which, in its finely-divided condition, are apt to occur. Waters which have been 
 insufficiently cooled very frequently become ropy in keeping. It is advisable, therefore, 
 to distill them slowly and cool the condenser well with a sufficient supply of water. 
 
 A peculiar odor is observed in some waters immediately after they have been distilled 
 from tin vessels or condensed in tin worms, but not when glass vessels have been used. 
 If the waters are exposed to the air in loosely-closed vessels for a few days, this still-odor 
 disappears and the natural odor of the water becomes apparent. 
 
 Distilled waters which, like orange-flower and rose-water, are not completely saturated 
 with volatile oil, are advantageously prepared of double or triple strength, either 
 by distilling off only one-half or one-third of the necessary quantity of water, or by 
 having recourse to the process of cohobation, in which case the proper quantity of water 
 is distilled off and a second or third time distilled from fresh portions of the same material. 
 When wanted for use they are diluted with distilled water in the proper proportions. The 
 German Pharmacopoeia (1872) directed concentrated medicated waters to be prepared of 
 German chamomile, melissa, sage, elderflowcrs, and linden-flowers, by distilling from 10 
 parts of the drugs 100 parts of water, adding to the distillate 2 parts of alcohol, and 
 again distilling 10 parts. For use 1 part of these waters was diluted with 0 parts of 
 distilled water. 
 
 Distilled waters are best preserved in well-corked bottles, which should be completely 
 filled and protected from the light. Exposed to air and light, they gradually turn sour 
 and lose their agreeable odor. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia allows most medicated waters to be prepared by dissolving 
 the volatile oil in distilled water. To facilitate the solution the oils are now directed to 
 be triturated with twice their weight of precipitated calcium phosphate, after which the 
 distilled water is gradually added under constant trituration ; the mixture is finally fil- 
 tered through paper. Thorough trituration with an insoluble powder causes the divis- 
 ion of the oils into very minute particles, in which condition they are more readily dis- 
 solved by water. The method of distributing the oil over purified cotton, and then bring- 
 ing it into aqueous solution by slow percolation with distilled water, as advocated in the 
 Pharmacopoeia of 1880, did not meet with much approbation, on account of the possible 
 bad effects arising from the continued contact of the oils with the fingers of the operator. 
 The division of the volatile oils was formerly accomplished by triturating them with 
 magnesium carbonate ; but a minute quantity of this salt is always dissolved and the 
 acids which may be naturally contained in the oils are neutralized. In some cases, as in 
 cinnamon-water, a yellow or brownish color is also produced. One of the most import- 
 
248 
 
 AQUA AMMON IJE. 
 
 ant objections to the use of magnesia or magnesium carbonate is found in the action 
 upon the salts of poisonous alkaloids and metals, which are decomposed thereby, with 
 the precipitation of the alkaloids or metallic oxides, unless some acid be added to 
 neutralize the magnesia (T. H. Powers, 1833). Other substances which are completely 
 insoluble in water have been recommended for this purpose, such as powdered silica, 
 kaolin, glass, pumice-stone, paper-pulp, and purified animal charcoal. G. G. Percival 
 recommends the dissolving of the volatile oils directly in hot distilled water, filtering 
 after cooling, whereby a strong and otherwise pure medicated water is obtained. 
 
 Tests for Purity. — Medicated waters should evaporate in a clean porcelain capsule 
 without leaving any appreciable residue. The water should not acquire a brown or black 
 color by ammonium sulphide or hydrogen sulphide (metals), or yield with the former a 
 white sediment after having been previously rendered alkaline by the addition of ammo- 
 nia (zinc). 
 
 AQUA AMMONITE, 1 . Ammonia water. 
 
 Liquor ammonise , Br. ; Liquor ammonii caustici, P. G. ; Spiritus sails ammoniaci cans- 
 ticas , Ammonia aqua soluta. — Ammoniaque liquide , Eau ( Solution Liqueur ) dAmmoni- 
 aque , Fr. ; Salmiakgeist. Aetzammoniak , Ammoniak- d Hiss igkeit, G. ; Ammoniaca , F. It. ; 
 Amoniaco liquido , Sp. 
 
 An aqueous solution of ammonia having the specific gravity 0.959 (A/-.), 0.960 (£7. $., 
 P. G .), and containing 10 per cent, by weight of the gas. 
 
 Stronger water of ammonia has the specific gravity 0.891 (Ar.), 0.901 (£7 $.), and 
 contains 32.5 (Br.), 28 ( U. S.) percent, by weight of the gas. 
 
 Formula of ammonia gas NH 3 . Molecular weight 17.01. 
 
 Production. — Ammonia is produced during the putrefaction of all organisms and 
 of many organic compounds containing nitrogen ; it exists in the air and in the soil in 
 the free state, mostly in combination with acids in the air, as carbonate and nitrite. 
 Ammoniacal salts are met with in most plants and animals. The products of the dry 
 distillation of many nitrogenated compounds contain ammonia, and it is from such a 
 source — namely, from the so-called gas-liquor, a by-product of the manufacture of illumi- 
 nating gas — that ammoniacal salts are principally obtained. (See Ammonii Chlori- 
 dum and Ammonii Sulphas.) 
 
 Preparation. — 1. Ammonia-water. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1890, like its 
 predecessor, not stating an official method for preparing ammonia-water, the method of 
 1870 is here published ; it will be found to yield an excellent product on a small scale: 
 Take of Ammonium Chloride in small pieces, Lime, each 12 troyounces ; Water 6 pints; 
 Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Pour a pint of the water upon the lime in a con- 
 venient vessel, and after it has slaked stir the mixture so as to bring it to the consistence 
 of a smooth paste. Then add the remainder of the water and mix the whole thoroughly 
 together. Decant the milky liquid from the gritty sediment into a glass retort of the 
 capacity of 16 pints, and add the ammonium chloride. Place the retort on a sand- 
 bath, and adapt to it a washing-bottle, previously connected with a two-pint bottle, by 
 means of a glass tube reaching nearly to the bottom of the bottle, containing a pint of 
 distilled water. Surround the bottle with ice-cold water and apply heat, gradually 
 increased until ammonia ceases to come over. Remove the liquid from the bottle, and 
 add to it sufficient distilled water to raise its specific gravity to 0.960. Lastly, keep the 
 liquid in small bottles, well stopped. 
 
 According to the British Pharmacopoeia, 1 pint of strong solution of ammonia is mixed 
 with 2 pints of distilled water. 
 
 2. Aqua Ammonia: Fortior, TJ. S . ; Liquor ammoniae fortior, Br . — Stronger water 
 (Strong solution) of ammonia, E. ; Eau d’ammoniaque forte, Fr. ; Starker Salmiakgeist, 
 G . — Take of Ammonium Chloride in coarse powder 3 pounds ; Slaked Lime 4 pounds : 
 and Distilled Water 32 fluidounces. Mix the lime with the ammonium chloride, and 
 introduce the mixture into an iron bottle placed in a metal pot surrounded by sand. 
 Connect the iron tube, which screws air-tight into the bottle in the usual manner, by 
 corks, glass tubes, and caoutchouc collars, with a Woulf’s bottle capable of holding a 
 pint ; connect this with a second Woulf’s bottle of the same size ; the second bottle with a 
 flask or other vessel of the capacity of 3 pints, in which 22 ounces of the distilled water 
 are placed, and connect the vessel, by means of a tube bent twice at right angles, with an 
 ordinary bottle containing the remaining 10 ounces of distilled water. Bot tles Nos. 1 and 2 
 are empty, and the latter and the vessel which contains the 22 ounces of distilled water are 
 
AQUA AMMONITE. 
 
 249 
 
 furnished each with a siphon safety-tube charged with a very short column of mercury. 
 The heat of a fire, which should be very gradually raised, is now to be applied to the 
 metal pot, and continued until bubbles of condensable gas escape from the extremity of 
 the glass tube which dips into the water of the vessel. The process being terminated, 
 the vessel will contain about 43 fluidounces of strong solution of ammonia. 
 
 Bottles 1 and 2 will now include, the first about 16, the second about 10, fluidounces 
 of a colored ammoniacal liquid. Place this in a flask closed by a cork, which should be 
 perforated by a siphon safety-tube containing a little mercury, and also by a second 
 tube bent twice at right angles and made to pass to the bottom of the terminal bottle 
 used in the preceding process. Apply heat to the flask until the colored liquid it con- 
 tains is reduced to three-fourths of its original bulk. The product now contained in the 
 terminal bottle will be nearly of the strength of solution of ammonia, and may be made 
 exactly so by the addition of the proper quantity of distilled water or of strong solution 
 of ammonia. — Br. 
 
 When ammonium salts are treated with the hydroxide of a metal of the alkalies or 
 alkaline earths, the corresponding salts of the metals are formed and ammonia and water 
 are set free. In both of the above processes ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide 
 are used, the reaction resulting in the production of calcium chloride, ammonia, and 
 water, as follows : 2NH 4 C1 -f CaOH 2 yields CaCl 2 + 2NH S + 2H 2 0. But, while the 
 two processes are identical as far as the chemical reaction is concerned, they differ very 
 considerably in the manipulation. In the first process the materials react upon each 
 other in the presence of much water, resulting, even at the ordinary temperature, in the 
 liberation of much ammonia, and permitting the completion of the process, including the 
 disengagement of the ammonia, at the boiling temperature and in glass retorts. It is 
 important to heat the mixture gradually, so that much of the gas may be given off before 
 the boiling temperature is reached. A rapid heating is apt to cause the extrication of the 
 gas with such violence that the contents of the retort will boil over. 
 
 In the British process the materials act upon each other in the dry state, requiring a 
 higher heat, and, in consequence thereof, the employment of an iron retort. This pro- 
 cess is mostly followed in the preparation of ammonia on the large scale, when ammo- 
 nium sulphate is often substituted for the chloride on account of the cheapness of the 
 former salt. The dry process necessitates greater care in the purification of the gas, 
 which is indicated already by the dark color acquired by the liquid in the wash-bottle. 
 The impurities in the gas are chiefly decomposition-products, resulting from the impuri- 
 ties contained in the ammonia salt and lime. Although the latter is used in excess, 
 ammonium carbonate may form either from calcium carbonate possibly present or from 
 the decomposition of organic matter. If the wash-bottle is charged with milk of lime, 
 the organic decomposition-products are better retained, and any ammonium carbonate 
 contained in the gas will be decomposed, yielding ammonia and calcium carbonate. In 
 preparing ammonia on the large scale it is advantageous to connect the wash-bottle with 
 a series of stoneware receivers shaped like Woulf’s bottles, so that the gas which is not 
 absorbed in the first will pass into the second receiver, and soon. 
 
 The employment of a considerable excess of calcium hydroxide has been found 
 advantageous to ensure the complete decomposition of the ammonium salt. On account 
 of this excess the residue in the retort will contain a basic calcium chloride having the 
 composition CaCl 2 .3CaO, which, after having been filtered from the lime, may be neutral- 
 ized by hydrochloric acid and evaporated to dryness, to be utilized as calcium chloride. 
 
 On the large scale ammonia-water is usually made with common water, the natural 
 impurities of which it contains, together, frequently, with notable quantities of iron 
 derived from the iron delivery-tubes employed. Chemically pure ammonia-water may 
 be obtained from this by heating it, or, preferably, the commercial stronger ammonia- 
 water, in a glass flask or retort, and conducting the gas, a considerable amount of which 
 is evolved below the boiling-point of water, by means of glass tubes, into distilled 
 water. 
 
 Gaseous ammonia is obtained by passing the gaseous products in the above processes 
 over dry potassa or calcium chloride. 
 
 Properties. — 1. Gaseous Ammonia. — Ammonia is a colorless gas having a strong 
 penetrating odor and an acrid alkaline taste. In pure oxygen it burns, forming water 
 and free nitrogen. It has the specific gravity 0.593. By a pressure of seven atmo- 
 spheres at 15° C. (59° F.), or when cooled to — 40° at the ordinary atmospheric pres- 
 sure, it condenses into a colorless liquid much lighter than water, which boils a few 
 deg rees above this temperature and crystallizes when placed in a mixture of solid carbon 
 
250 
 
 AQUA A MM ONI M 
 
 dioxide and ether at about — 75° C. ( — 102° F.). Water dissolves about 700 times 
 its volume of ammonia gas. 
 
 2. Ammonia-water. — The aqueous solutions of ammonia constitute colorless, trans- 
 parent liquids possessing the odor and taste of the gas, being lighter than distilled water 
 and having a lower freezing-point than this liquid. They impart a brown color to tur- 
 meric-paper, a blue color to red litmus-paper, and a green color to the juice of violet- 
 flowers, and evolve dense white fumes when a glass rod moistened with hydrochloric or ace- 
 tic acid is held over the liquid. Ammonia neutralizes all acids, forming salts which are 
 mostly colorless and crystallizable, possess a sharp saline taste, and when heated to red- 
 ness are entirely volatilized, without leaving any residue unless the acid be non-volatile ; 
 even the solutions of most ammonium salts, when evaporated or heated to boiling, lose a 
 portion of the ammonia. For the neutralization of 3.4 Gm. of ammonia-water 20 Cc. of 
 normal sulphuric acid should be required ( U. $.), or 85 grains by weight require 500 
 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid (i?r.), or 28 to 28.5 Cc. of volu- 
 metric hydrochloric acid for 5 Cc. of ammonia -water (P. 6r.). 
 
 3. Stronger Ammonia-water. — It has the properties of ammonia-water, from 
 
 which it differs chiefly in specific gravity and greater strength. To neutralize 3.4 Gm. 
 of it should require 56 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid ( U. $.). 5.23 Gm. require 100 
 
 Cc. (i?r.), corresponding, the former to 28 per cent., the latter to 32.3 per cent. 
 NH 3- 
 
 The following table gives the specific gravities of ammonia-waters of different strengths 
 at 14° C. (57.2° F.), as ascertained by Carius, 1856 : 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 nh 3 . 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 nh 3 . 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 nh 3 . 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 nh 3 . 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 36 
 
 0.8844 
 
 27 
 
 0.9052 
 
 18 
 
 0.9314 
 
 9 
 
 0.9631 
 
 35 
 
 0.8864 
 
 26 
 
 0.9078 
 
 17 
 
 0.9347 
 
 8 
 
 0.9670 
 
 34 
 
 0.8885 
 
 25 
 
 0.9106 
 
 16 
 
 0.9380 
 
 7 
 
 0.9709 
 
 33 
 
 0.8907 
 
 24 
 
 0.9133 
 
 15 
 
 0.9414 
 
 6 
 
 0.9749 
 
 32 
 
 0.8929 
 
 23 
 
 0.9162 
 
 14 
 
 0.9449 
 
 5 
 
 0.9790 
 
 31 
 
 0.8953 
 
 22 
 
 0.9191 
 
 13 
 
 0.9484 
 
 4 
 
 0.9831 
 
 30 
 
 0.8976 
 
 21 
 
 0.9221 
 
 12 
 
 0.9520 
 
 3 
 
 0.9873 
 
 29 
 
 0.9001 
 
 20 
 
 0.9251 
 
 11 
 
 0.9556 
 
 2 
 
 0.9915 
 
 28 
 
 0.9026 
 
 19 
 
 0.9283 
 
 10 
 
 0.9593 
 
 1 
 
 0.9959 
 
 Tests. — The solutions of ammonium salts yield orange-colored crystalline precipi- 
 tates with platinum chloride and sodium cobaltic nitrate, and, if not too dilute, white 
 ones with tartaric acid or acid sodium tartrate. The most delicate tests for ammonia 
 are those of Einbrodt (1852) and of Nessler (1856). Einbrodt's reagent is an aqueous 
 solution of corrosive sublimate, rendered slightly alkaline by the addition of a minute 
 quantity of potassium carbonate. The test is applied to an alkaline solution, or if the 
 solution has an acid reaction it should be rendered faintly alkaline by the addition of 
 potassa or soda, when the test-liquid will produce a white cloudiness if only -g-o^Vtro °f 
 ammonia is contained in the solution. 
 
 Nessler's reagent is a solution of potassium iodo-hydrargyrate, made either by satu- 
 rating a solution of potassium iodide with mercuric iodide, and rendering this alkaline by 
 potassa, or it is prepared from potassium iodide and mercuric chloride. (See Hydrarg. 
 Iodidum Rubrum.) With solutions of ammonia or ammoniacal salts it gives a brown- 
 red precipitate, or if very dilute an orange color. It may be used for the quantitative 
 determination of minute quantities of ammonia by diluting the liquid so far that with 
 Nessler’s solution only an orange tint is produced, which is compared with that obtained 
 from a solution of ammonium chloride of known strength by diluting the latter until the 
 same coloration is produced with the test liquid. 
 
 Test Of Purity. — Water of ammonia should evaporate at the temperature of boil- 
 ing water without leaving any residue (salts). “ On slightly supersaturating 10 Cc. of 
 Ammonia Water with diluted sulphuric acid, no empyreumatic odor or red color should 
 be developed, and if to this liquid 1 Cc. of centinormal potassium permanganate solution 
 be added, the pink color should not be completely destroyed within ten minutes (absence 
 of readily oxidizable matters). “If Ammonia Water be mixed with 4 times its volume 
 of lime-water, it should not afford an immediate turbidity (only minute traces of car- 
 bonic acid) ; and if it be diluted with twice its volume of water, it should not be affected 
 by ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium), nor should it be affected by 
 hydrogen sulphide test-solution either before or after neutralization with hydrochloric 
 
AQUA AMMONIA. 
 
 251 
 
 acid (absence of metallic impurities). “ If Ammonia Water be slightly supersaturated 
 with nitric acid, it should not be affected by barium chloride test-solution (absence of 
 sulphates), nor by silver nitrate test-solution (chloride) ; and if a third portion of the 
 acidulated liquid be evaporated on a water-bath to dryness, it should afford a colorless 
 residue, which, on ignition, should be completely volatilized (absence of coal-tar bases 
 and of fixed impurities).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparation. — Ammonia-water is extensively 
 employed as a precipitant in the manufacture of most alkaloids, of calcium phosphate, 
 iron hydroxide, and purified ammonium chloride ; it is used for nearly neutralizing solu- 
 tions in preparing digitalin and bismuth subcarbonate and subnitrate, and as a solvent 
 for impurities in the process for santonin. Combined with citric acid as ammonium 
 citrate, it acts as a solvent for certain salts of iron and bismuth which are insoluble in 
 water ; it is employed in the preparation of ammonium benzoate, phosphate, and citrate, 
 and of hydrargyrum ammoniatum. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The vapor of ammonia causes plants to fade and shrivel and 
 asphyxiates animals immersed in it. Water of ammonia given to animals occasions dis- 
 tress, frequent pulse and respiration, prostration, and rigid spasm before death, after which 
 the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane is injected, softened, and covered with bloody 
 mucus, while the blood in the vessels coagulates imperfectly and its corpuscles are dis- 
 integrated. It does not appear to increase the alkalinity of the blood or of the secre- 
 tions, and it is found in the urine oxidized. When ammonia-water is injected into the 
 veins of an animal exhausted by loss of blood and exposure of the viscera, and the con- 
 gested heart has almost ceased to beat, immediately the heart resumes its action and 
 normal color and the aorta is filled with bright-colored blood (Griswold, Med. Record , xv. 
 532 ; compare Talma and v. d. Weyde, Zeitsch. f k. Med., ix. 311). Applied to the 
 human skin, caustic ammonia excites a sense of warmth, followed by burning pain and 
 more or less vesication, or, if the application be excessive and prolonged, by gangrene 
 of the part. Blisters caused by ammonia are very painful and slow to heal. Ammoni- 
 acal vapors in contact with the eye occasion severe pain and inflammation. Inhaled 
 through the nose, they produce sneezing, lachrymation, and burning. In the air-pas- 
 sages they excite violent irritation unless greatly diluted, and if inhaled during a state 
 of insensibility fatal asphyxia may result. The passage of the vapor through the 
 mouth under such circumstances may produce severe inflammation of its lining mem- 
 brane. Internally, its action upon the healthy system is slight and transient, but in 
 states of nervous exhaustion it is very prompt and distinct. A sense of tension in the 
 temples, exhilaration of the feelings, a consciousness of increased strength, greater 
 warmth of the skin, and an augmented secretion of sweat, urine, and bronchial mucus, 
 are among its most sensible effects, which are not, as in the case of alcohol, followed by 
 a corresponding depression. The action of large doses is not uniform. Sometimes death 
 follows in a few minutes, with symptoms of cauterization of the fauces and larynx, 
 sometimes later with those of gastro-enteritis, accompanied or not with delirium, stupor, 
 and spasm. A drunkard, having swallowed nearly 2 fluidounces of “aqua ammoniae,” 
 survived four and a quarter days (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Aug. 1880, p. 1G6). 
 After death may be found inflammation and oedema of the fauces and larynx, sometimes 
 of the bronchia also, and generally of the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine. 
 The mucous membrane may even look charred. In other cases, in spite of large doses 
 of the poison and violent symptoms denoting local irritation and nervous exhaustion, the 
 patients recover, although it may be after a long time. A man who inhaled the fumes 
 of strong water of ammonia suffered from dyspnoea, the inside of his mouth and the 
 tongue were covered with white patches, he had burning at the epigastrium and frontal 
 headache, lost his appetite, and suffered from pulmonary oedema. lie recovered within 
 six weeks, (ibid., May, 1884, p, 497). 
 
 Externally, ammonia is commonly employed both as an ingredient of stimulating lini- 
 ments and as a caustic. In the former it is a very popular palliative for the pains of 
 muscular rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular spasm, etc., and for relieving congestion, par- 
 ticularly of the larynx, lungs, throat, and bowels. As the latter its greatest utility is 
 limited to the first period of the attack. In neuralgia its caustic is more important than 
 its stimulant action, and is best secured by vesicating the skin wherever the affected 
 nerve is found to be tender, either at its point of emergence from bones, muscles, etc. or 
 where it is ultimately distributed to the skin. The vesication must be superficial for 
 superficial nerves, and deeper for profound ones. It is best effected by saturating a disk 
 of cloth with ammonia, applying it accurately to the skin, and holding it there, covered 
 
252 
 
 AQUA AMMONIA. 
 
 with some solid substance, until vesication has been accomplished. A salt of morphine 
 dissolved in the ammonia used renders the relief more certain. Amenorrhoea has been 
 successfully treated by vaginal injections of a weak solution of ammonia, and the same 
 is true of vaginal leucorrhoca. Other cases in which the local substitutive irritation of 
 ammonia is available are — a tendency to amaurosis from exhaustion of the retina, in 
 which case the vapor may be cautiously allowed to come in contact with the conjunc- 
 tiva ; superficial burns and frost-bite; and a general exhaustion or depression of the 
 nervous system in low fevers , when a weak solution of ammonia in hot water may be 
 applied by sponging to the whole skin. Ammonia enters into most of the liniments and 
 washes that are used to prevent the hair from falling out or to stimulate its growth. 
 Vulvar pruritus is said to be benefited by vaginal injections consisting of half a fluid- 
 drachm or more of stronger water of ammonia in half a pint of common water. This 
 may possibly be true of pruritus connected with amennorrhoea, but the remedy is useless 
 in most of the other forms, except as a very transient palliative. 
 
 By inhalation the vapor of ammonia has been used to arrest the development of catar- 
 rhal affections of the throat and air-passages ( bronchitis , coryza , and pharyngitis). It is 
 recommended to employ a weak solution. The most successful application of this mechod 
 is, perhaps, to chronic dryness of the pharynx and to chronic hoarseness. Ammonia has 
 been used as an antidote to chlorine and to bromine. Acidity of the stomach from feeble 
 digestion is benefited by this medicine, and so is the tympanites which is often asso- 
 ciated with it. In two affections in which spasm of the larynx is a more or less promi- 
 nent symptom, whooping cough and epilepsy , the inhalation of ammoniacal fumes has 
 been known to delay or prevent the paroxysm. The same means are popularly em- 
 ployed to relieve syncope from all causes, and the various conditions which lead to it and 
 to which nervous women are subject. Hence it is the basis of most of the “smelling- 
 salts.” It may be cautiously used in all cases of suspended animation, whether from 
 syncope or asphyxia. In these and various analogous conditions the utility of ammonia 
 is due to its indirect stimulation of the heart. It has been manifested in the advanced 
 stage of many exhausting diseases. Its power is strongly exhibited when disordered 
 action of the heart depends upon either its positive or its relative debility — i. e. in mus- 
 cular wasting or valvular obstruction. It has been proposed to employ it in cholera con- 
 jointly with large aqueous or saline intravenous injections. Ammonia is, if promptly 
 employed, an antidote to hydrocyanic acid and to alcoholic intoxication. The best mode 
 of administering it in the former case is by intravenous injection. For this purpose 
 the officinal ammonia-water, which is a 10 per cent, by weight solution, is diluted with 
 an equal quantity of pure water, and about a fluidrachm at a time is cautiously inject- 
 ed. The revival of the insensible and apparently lifeless patient is sometimes very prompt. 
 (Compare Glasgow Med. Jour., iv. 493; Lancet, 1879, p. 158; Med. Record, xv. 532.) 
 This expedient has been employed successfully in poisoning by privy-gas ( Boston Med. 
 and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1882, p. 309). Trusewitz has reported a case of attempted 
 suicide by muriatic acid in which, after its apparent extinction, life was restored by the 
 hypodermic injection of solution of ammonia. The caustic produced a circumscribed 
 slough ( Centralbl. f. Ther., iii. 163). Locally applied, ammonia-water relieves the pain 
 of the stings and bites of bees, wasps, spiders, mosquitoes, etc., and a large amount of 
 evidence exists to prove its antidotal power against the bites of serpents, both when 
 administered by the stomach and when injected into voins. The latter method is 
 alleged to be by far the most efficient. The median cephalic vein is the one generally 
 selected for the operation, and from 5 to 20 drops of a strong solution of ammonia in a 
 fluidrachm of water is thrown into the vein with a hypodermic syringe. The clinical 
 facts relied upon for establishing the efficacy of the method are numerous, but the 
 experiments on animals by Fontana in the last century and by some recent observers 
 gave only negative or doubtful results ( Times and Gaz., Dec. 1873, p. 712; Lancet , 
 Sept. 19, 1874 ; Practitioner, xl. 292). Ammonia has been administered in large doses 
 for the purpose of causing resolution of fibrin in the right side of the heart and in 
 the great vessels. In three out of four cases the treatment was apparently successful. 
 It is found experimentally that ammonia mixed with blood preserves it fresh and fluid 
 for a long time. Richardson, who proposed this treatment, insists on the perfect repose 
 of the patient during its progress (Med. News, xlix. 630). Van Wyck recommends the 
 use of ammonia to hasten the removal of cerebral clots after apoplexy, with the caution 
 that it should not be given until ten days or a fortnight after the attack (Med. News, 
 xlvi. 673; compare Munoz, Bull, de Therap., cxiv. 184). 
 
 The dose of water of ammonia is from Gtn. 60-2.00 (n^x-xxx), largely diluted. The 
 
AQUA AMYGDALAE AM ARM 
 
 253 
 
 stronger prepartion is for external use. It may be applied to the skin on some porous 
 tissue saturated with it and covered with an impermeable substance. In from three to 
 ten minutes the desired effect may be expected. Gondret’s paste is formed by adding 
 concentrated water of ammonia to a mixture of melted lard and tallow. It may be 
 applied in a disk-shaped layer an inch or two in diameter. It is apt to cauterize the 
 skin too deeply. As a rubefacient ammonia is generally associated with oil or some 
 unctuous substance, and should be applied with gentle friction to the skin. 
 
 As an antidote any mild vegetable acid (vinegar, lemon-juice) may be employed to 
 neutralize the uncombined ammonia in the stomach. The local irritant effects require 
 demulcent and protective remedies. 
 
 AQUA AMYGDALAE AMAR^E, 77 Bitter- Almond Water. 
 
 Aqua amygdalarum amararum , P. G. — Eau d’amandes ameres, Fr. ; Bittermandel- 
 wasser , G. ; Acqua distillata di mandorle amare , F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Bitter Almonds 1 Cc. ; Distilled Water 999 Cc. Dissolve 
 the oil in the distilled water by agitation and filter through a well-wetted filter. — U. S. 
 (16 minims of oil of bitter almonds, dissolved in 2 pints of distilled water, will yield a 
 preparation of official strength.) 
 
 Made by this process, bitter-almond water is a very unreliable preparation, owing to 
 the variable amount of hydrocyanic acid contained in the oil of bitter almonds. The 
 following will yield a water of definite strength in hydrocyanic acid ; and, since in this 
 form the latter is scarcely prone to decomposition, such or a similar preparation deserves 
 to take the place of the officinal hydrocyanic acid and of the present bitter-almond water 
 (see Amer. Jour, of Pharmacy , 1874, p. 217) : 
 
 Bruise Bitter Almonds 12 parts, and express as much fixed oil as possible without the 
 aid of heat. Powder the press-cake, mix it thoroughly with water 20 parts and distil 
 off 9 parts into a receiver containing alcohol 3 parts, determine the amount of hydro- 
 cyanic acid in the distillate, and then dilute with a mixture of alcohol 1 part and distilled 
 water 3 parts, so that 1000 parts of the mixture contain 1 part of hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 Thus prepared, bitter-almond water is nearly clear, and has a strong odor of hydro- 
 cyanic acid and oil of bitter-almonds, the latter remaining after the hydrocyanic acid has 
 been removed by means of silver nitrate. — P. G. 
 
 In making bitter-almond water by the latter process the fixed oil is removed, because 
 it hinders the reaction between the amygdalin and emulsin, to complete wliicfi maceration 
 of the expressed almonds with water for about ten or twelve hours is advisable at a 
 temperature of about 30° or 35° C. (86° or 95° F.). The almond mixture is then 
 placed upon a perforated diaphragm and heat applied to the still. Pettenkofer’s process, 
 which has been adopted by the Austrian Pharmacopoeia, differs in this: that 11 parts of 
 the powdered bitter almonds are twice mixed with hot water and boiled to dissolve the 
 amygdalin ; the expressed decoctions, when cold, are mixed with 1 part of powdered 
 bitter almonds, macerated and distilled as before ; the emulsin contained in 1 part of the 
 almond is sufficient to decompose the whole of the amygdalin, and, there being only a 
 small amount of insoluble matter in the still, the distillation proceeds without difficulty 
 even over a naked fire. 
 
 When the requisite quantity of water has distilled over, 27 Gm. of the distillate are 
 diluted with 54 Gm. of distilled water, mixed with sufficient magnesia, previously rubbed 
 with water to render it milky, and with a few drops of solution of potassium chromate; 
 decinormal (volumetric) solution of silver nitrate is then added until the red color 
 produced by the latter ceases to disappear on stirring ; each Cc. of the silver solution 
 represents .01 per cent, of HCy. A bitter-almond water containing .1 per cent, of hydro- 
 cyanic acid will require 10 Cc. of the silver solution. The strength may also be deter- 
 mined gravimetric-ally by adding to 1000 grains of the water first a little ammonia, then 
 a slight excess of nitric acid, and finally solution of silver nitrate until a precipitate 
 ceases to appear ; this, when washed and dried, should weigh exactly 5 grains ; if it 
 weighs more the distillate must be diluted ; should it weigh less, which may happen if 
 the almond-powder has not been macerated with water or if the bitter almonds have been 
 mixed with sweet almonds, it is best to redistil the water, adding, if necessary, some com- 
 mon water to the retort, and recovering a quantity calculated beforehand from the weight 
 of the precipitate. 
 
 This bitter-almond water has exactly one-twentieth the strength of the diluted hydro- 
 cyanic acid, but is much stronger than that of the U. 8. Pharmacopoeia, the latter corre- 
 
254 
 
 A Q UA A NETIII.—A QUA AURA NTH FL OR UM FOR TIOR. 
 
 sponding perhaps better with the Aqua amygdalarum amararum, diluta (vel Aqua cera- 
 sorum ) which the German Pharmacopoeia (1872) prepared by mixing 1 part of the above 
 almond-water with 19 parts of distilled water. If the oil of bitter almonds has been 
 previously deprived of its hydrocyanic acid, the bitter-almond water prepared from it 
 will possess no virtues except for imparting flavor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This uncertain — and unsafe as well as uncertain — preparation, 
 as directed by U. S. P., is not officinal in the British Pharmacopoeia. If hydrocyanic 
 acid must be given internally, it may be administered with less risk in the form of 
 potassium cyanide. The dose of the concentrated German preparation is Gm. 1-2 
 (npx-xxx), and of the American Gm. 10-15 (3 or 4 teaspoonfuls). 
 
 AQUA ANETHI, Br . — Dill- Water. 
 
 Eau d' aneth , Fr. ; Dillwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Dill-Fruit bruised 1 pound; Water 2 gallons. Distil 1 
 Imperial gallon ( = 10 pounds). — Br. 
 
 The water, which is at first slightly milky if prepared by this process, possesses the 
 odor and taste of dill-fruit. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It does not increase the lacteal secretion, but imparts to it an 
 aromatic flavor, which renders its administration to the nursing mother convenient in 
 cases of infantile colic. It, however, has no advantage in taste or action over anise- 
 water, which it in all respects resembles. It is seldom used in this country. 
 
 AQUA ANISI, U . Br. — Anise-water. 
 
 Eau d'anis , Fr. ; Aniswasser, G. ; Acqua distillata, di anice, F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Anise 2 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 4 Gm. ; Dis- 
 tilled Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the oil with the calcium 
 phosphate, add the water gradually under constant trituration, and filter. — U. S. 
 
 (32 minims of oil of anise may be triturated with 60 grains of calcium phosphate, and 
 will require 2 pints of distilled water.) 
 
 Anise-fruit bruised 1 pound ; water 2 gallons. Distil 1 Imperial gallon (= 10 
 pounds). — Br. Distilled from the fruit, anise-water has a more pleasant odor and taste 
 than that made from the oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Anise-water is an agreeable and useful vehicle for medicines 
 intended to expel flatus and to allay colic and the pain of laborious digestion. It is often 
 used to mitigate the griping of senna, rhubarb, jalap, and other purgatives, and as a 
 suitable vehicle for magnesia. It is thought also to be an appropriate excipient for 
 expectorant medicines. Dose, Gm. 16-32 (f^ss-i) and upward. 
 
 AQUA AURANTII FLORUM, JJ . S . — Orange-flower Water. 
 
 Aqua aurantii florisj Br. ; Aqua florum naphse. — Eau ( Hydrolat ) de fleur di or anger, Eau 
 de naphe, Fr. ; Orangenbliithenwasser , G. ; Acqua distillata di arancio , F. It.; Agua de 
 azaliar , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Stronger Orange-flower Water, Distilled Water, of each 1 volume. 
 Mix them immediately before use. — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Orange-flower water is more remarkable for its delicate and 
 refreshing perfume than for active medicinal properties. It forms a pleasant flavoring 
 ingredient of many potions, and may be prescribed for nervous persons during attacks 
 of neuralgic headache , palpitation of the heart, and a variety of minor hysteroidal dis- 
 orders, the offspring of indolence and self-indulgence. 
 
 AQUA AURANTH FLORUM FORTIOR, U . Stronger Orange- 
 flower Water; Triple Orange -flower Water. 
 
 Water saturated with the volatile oil of fresh Orange-flowers, obtained as a by-product 
 in the distillation of the oil of orange-flowers. It should be kept in loosely-stoppered 
 bottles in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 The French Codex directs the distillation, by means of steam, of twice the weight of 
 the fresh orange-flowers used. Thus prepared, it is called in commerce double orange- 
 flower water , and if it is diluted with its own weight of distilled water it is known as 
 
AQUA AURA NTH FLORUM FORT I OR. 
 
 255 
 
 simple orange-flower water. The so-called triple and quadruple orange-flower waters are 
 also met with in commerce, the former being obtained bv distilling 3 parts, the latter by 
 distilling 2 parts, of water from 2 parts of fresh orange-flowers. 
 
 Distilled orange-flower water is a clear and colorless or slightly opalescent liquid of a 
 very agreeable odor and aromatic taste, which cannot be imitated by preparing the water 
 from the oil of orange-flowers (neroli). As distilled from the flowers, it possibly contains 
 some volatile ethers, which are freely soluble in water and not contained in the volatile 
 oil. Occasionally, commercial orange-flower water has separated mucilaginous flocks, 
 which may be removed by agitation with powdered kaolin and filtration. If it has 
 acquired an acid reaction, it is advisable to distil it over magnesia. The total absence of 
 metallic salts, resulting from the use of a metallic condenser or from keeping the water 
 in metallic vessels, is proved by its remaining unaffected by hydrogen sulphide and by 
 ammonium sulphide. Occasionally distilled, orange-flower water has been met with which 
 acquires a red color on the addition of an acid ; the cause of this abnormal behavior has 
 not been ascertained, but may perhaps be due to some accidental impurity. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Stronger orange flower-water is only used for the preparation 
 of aqua aurantii florum. 
 
 AQUA CAMPHORS, U. $., Br — Camphor-water. 
 
 Aqua camphorata. — Eau campliree , Fr. ; Kamplierwasser , G. ; Aqua alcavforada , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Camphor 8 Gm. ; Alcohol 5 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 5 
 Gm. ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the camphor 
 with the alcohol, afterward with the calcium phosphate, and with the water gradually 
 added. Finally, filter. — U. S. 
 
 (120 grains of camphor, 80 minims of alcohol, and 80 grains of calcium phosphate 
 may be used in making 2 pints of camphor-water.) 
 
 Take of camphor broken in pieces half an ounce ; distilled water 1 gallon. Enclose 
 the camphor in a muslin bag, and attach this to one end of a glass rod, by means of 
 which it may be kept at the bottom of a bottle containing the distilled water. Close 
 mouth of the bottle, macerate for at least two days, and then pour off the solution when 
 it is required. — Br. 
 
 This is intended to be a saturated solution of camphor in water. R. Rother (1871) 
 has shown that very cold water dissolves more camphor than can be retained in solution 
 at the ordinary temperature, the excess crystallizing out, leaving, after filtration, such a 
 saturated solution as is intended by the pharmacopoeias. In preparing camphor-water by 
 the above processes cold water should therefore be used. Prepared with the aid of mag- 
 nesium carbonate by the process of the U. S. P. 1870, camphor-water contained, according 
 to G. F. II. Markoe (1865), 2 grains of camphor in the fluidounce; that of the British 
 Pharmacopoeia, only 1 grain. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The proportion of 1 grain of camphor which is contained in 
 each 1 fluidounce of this preparation is not sufficient to develop the more potent effects 
 of the drug, yet quite enough to sustain the nervous system in the minor grades of 
 exhaustion and prostration into which it is apt to fall in low fevers on the one hand, and 
 in states of nervous debility and disorder on the other. Its anodyne and antispasmodic 
 influence is shown in mild attacks of neuralgia , of nervous headache , of colie , of dys- 
 meuorrhsea depending upon an irritable state of the uterus, in after-pains, in hiccup , and 
 in nervous palpitation of the heart. The average dose is about Gm. 16 (f^ss), which may 
 be repeated at intervals of an hour or two. 
 
 AQUA CARUI, Hr. — Caraway-water. 
 
 Aqua carui. — Eau distillee de carvi , Fr. ; Kiiminelwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Caraway Fruit bruised 1 pound (avoirdupois) ; Water 20 
 pounds. Distil 10 pounds (avoirdupois) (1 gallon Imperial). — Br. 
 
 This water has the flavor of the fruit in a marked degree. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The properties of carawav-water are almost identical with 
 those of anise-water ; it may be given in the dose of a fluidrachrn (Gm. 4) or more. 
 
256 
 
 AQUA CHLORL 
 
 AQUA CHLORI, TJ. S . — Chlorine-water. 
 
 Liquor cfilori , Br. ; Aqua chlorata , P. G. ; Aqua clilorinii , U. S. 1870 ; Chlorum solutum , 
 Aqua oxymuriatica. — Solution of chlorine , E. ; Eau chloree , Chlore liquid e, Fr. ; Chlor- 
 wasser , Gr. ; Acqua di cloro , F. It. 
 
 An aqueous solution of chlorine containing at least .4 per cent. (£7. >8., P. 6r.), not less 
 than .6 (ih\), of the gas. 
 
 Symbol of chlorine Cl. Atomicity univalent. Atomic weight 35.37. 
 
 Origin. — Chlorine was discovered by Scheele (1774), and was at first called dephlo- 
 gisticated muriatic acid, afterward oxymuriatic acid, under the supposition that it was a 
 compound of muriatic acid with oxygen. Gay-Lussac and Thenard (1809) showed that 
 from its behavior it might be regarded as an element, a view which was strengthened by 
 the researches of Humphry Davy (1810), who called it chloric gas, which name was 
 changed to chlorine by Gay-Lussac (1813). Chlorine is widely distributed in nature, 
 but owing to its affinity for other elements it is never found in the isolated state. It 
 exists in many minerals, in most spring-waters, in sea-water, in plants, and in animals, 
 and is liberated from the chlorides by the combined action of sulphuric action and an 
 oxidizing agent. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Manganese Dioxide 10 Gm. ; Hydrochloric Acid 35 
 Cc. ; Water, 75 Cc. ; Distilled Water 400 Cc. Place the oxide in a flask connected by a 
 suitable tube with a small wash-bottle containing 50 Cc. of water, and connect this with 
 a bottle having a capacity of 1000 Cc., and containing 400 Cc. of distilled water which 
 has previously been boiled and allowed to cool. Add to the oxide in the generating flask 
 the hydrochloric acid, previously diluted with 25 Cc. of water, and by means of a sand- 
 bath apply a gentle heat. Conduct the generated chlorine through the water contained 
 in the wash-bottle to the bottom of the bottle containing distilled water, which should 
 be loosely stopped with cotton and kept during the operation at a temperature of about 
 10° C. (50° F.). When the air has been entirely displaced by the gas, disconnect the 
 bottle from the apparatus, and, having inserted the stopper, shake the bottle, loosening 
 the stopper from time to time, until the gas ceases to be absorbed. If necessary, recon- 
 nect the bottle with the apparatus, and continue passing the gas and agitating, until the 
 distilled water is saturated. Finally, pour the chlorine-water into small, dark amber- 
 colored, glass-stoppered bottles, which should be completely filled therewith, and keep 
 them in a dark and cool place. Chlorine-water, even when kept from light and air, is 
 apt to deteriorate. When it is required of full strength it should be freshly pre- 
 pared. — U. S. 
 
 (When it is desired to make chlorine-water by the pharmacopoeial method, 150 grains 
 of manganese dioxide, 14 fluidounces of hydrochloric acid, 24 fluidounces of water, and 
 134 fluidounces of distilled water may be used, and the official directions then followed.) 
 
 This process is identical with that of the British Pharmacopoeia, except as to weights 
 and measures, but both aim at a saturated solution of chlorine in water with the simplest 
 manipulation. In following the Pharmacopoeia the best corks should be used for the 
 generating-flask and wash-bottle, since porous corks are readily penetrated and destroyed 
 by chlorine gas. This gas is generated by the action of hydrochloric acid upon man- 
 ganese dioxide, manganese chloride, chlorine, and water being produced; Mn0 2 -(-4HCl 
 yields MnCl 2 -f- Cl 2 -f- 2H 2 0. If the undiluted acid of the Pharmacopoeia is employed, 
 the evolution of chlorine gas will commence without heat being applied, and will con- 
 tinue for some time. Diluted as directed, the application of heat is necessary from 
 the beginning. A strong heat should not be used at first, since hydrochloric acid gas 
 would be carried over into the wash-bottle. The loss of acid may be entirely avoided 
 if the manganese oxide is used in small lumps instead of in powder, and in sufficient 
 quantity so as not to be covered by the acid. Although chlorine is soluble in water to 
 a considerable extent, it does not dissolve very readily ; hence gas-bubbles will soon pass 
 through the water without being much diminished in size. The pharmacopoeias direct the 
 use of receiving-bottles which are but partially filled with water. The atmosphere in the 
 upper part of the bottle will gradually be displaced by the heavier chlorine, and when the 
 latter begins to escape from the mouth of the bottle, this is disconnected from the appa- 
 ratus, loosely corked, and agitated, when the gas will be absorbed. The bottle, which 
 should be protected from the light, is then replaced, and the operation repeated until no 
 further diminution of the pressure is observed in the bottle on being gently agitated when 
 filled with chlorine. The British Pharmacopoeia directs the agitation of the bottle only 
 
AQUA CHLORI. 
 
 257 
 
 after the evolution of chlorine gas has ceased ; much of the gas may be lost by not 
 repeating the agitation several times. 
 
 The temperature best suited for dissolving the chlorine in water is 10° C. (50° F.). 
 Near the freezing-point of water a solid chlorine hydrate, C1.5H 2 0, is formed, which is 
 less soluble in water than the gas. At the temperature indicated water dissolves, accord- 
 ing to Schonfeld, 2.585 times its volume of gas, the solubility being gradually lessened 
 as the temperature rises. When the operation is finished it is well to pour the chlorine- 
 water at once into small glass-stoppered vials, which should be completely filled and kept 
 in a cool and dark place. The stoppers should be secured by twine, or, as suggested by 
 Hager, by bladder which has been previously coated with a mixture of collodion and 
 paraffin. 
 
 For the preparation of chlorine on the large scale, as in the manufacture of chlorinated 
 lime, sulphuric acid is sometimes used in addition to the manganese dioxide and hydro- 
 chloric acid, when all the chlorine contained in the latter is obtained and manganous 
 sulphate is left in solution. Or the generation of hydrochloric acid and of chlorine is 
 effected in one operation by the use of sulphuric acid, sodium chloride, and manganese 
 dioxide, in which case the sulphates of sodium and of manganese remain behind. 
 
 For special purposes chlorine maybe prepared by the action of hydrochloric acid upon 
 potassium dichromate ; 14HC1 4- K 2 Cr 2 0 7 yield 3C1 2 + 2KC1 + Cr 2 Cl 6 + 7H 2 0, the result 
 being chlorine, potassium chloride, chromium chloride, and water. Or pptassium chlo- 
 rate may be decomposed by hydrochloric acid, with the formation of chlorine, potassium 
 chloride, and water; 6HC1 + KC10 3 yields 3C1 2 + KC1 -f- 3H 2 0, but the gas is in this 
 case apt to be contaminated with hypochlorous acid. 
 
 During the preparation and handling of chlorine-water the operator should be careful 
 not to inhale the gas, on account of its irritating and poisonous properties. Should its 
 effects be perceived, it is advisable to carefully inhale a little ammonium sulphide, which 
 is decomposed by the chlorine into ammonium chloride and sulphur. It should, how- 
 ever, be cautiously used, since an excess of this compound is likewise poisonous. A 
 little ammonia, sufficiently diluted, may also be taken with advantage. 
 
 Properties. — Chlorine is a greenish-yellow, irrespirable, corrosive gas, having the 
 spec. grav. 2.45 as compared with air, and becoming liquid at 15° C. (59° F.) under a 
 pressure of four atmospheres. Liquid chlorine is dark yellow, congeals at — 102° C. 
 ( — 152° F.), and boils at — 33.6° C. ( — 28.5° F.). Chlorine is not inflammable, but 
 is capable of supporting combustion. 
 
 Chlorine-water is a clear, greenish-yellow liquid possessing the suffocating odor and 
 acrid, irritating taste of chlorine, evaporating without leaving any residue, but separating 
 crystals of chlorine hydrate when cooled to the freezing-point of water. Its specific 
 gravity is 1.003 ( Br .) when saturated at 6° C. (42.8° F.) (Berthollet). It instantly 
 discharges the color of diluted solutions of indigo and litmus, and bleaches vegetable 
 coloring-matters generally. Exposed to light, it is decomposed into hydrochloric acid 
 and oxygen. It is a powerful oxidizing agent, and this property serves to readily ascer- 
 tain its strength. A fluidounce of it, mixed with a solution of 14 grains of pure ferrous 
 sulphate, does not produce a blue precipitate with potassium ferricyanide, indicating that 
 the salt has been completely oxidized to ferric sulphate, and proving that the water 
 contains 0.4 per cent, of chlorine. 
 
 Tests. — Chlorine-water should evaporate without leaving any residue. Agitated 
 with an excess of mercury until the odor of chlorine has disappeared, the remaining 
 liquid reddens litmus-paper but faintly, if at all (limit of hydrochloric acid) ( U \ S.~). 
 The test of the British Pharmacopoeia indicates a strength of 0.6 per cent. It is applied 
 as follows : A solution of 20 grains of potassium iodide in an ounce of water yields 
 with 439 grains of chlorine-water a deep red-colored liquid, which requires for the dis- 
 charge of its color 750 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of sodium thiosul- 
 phate, corresponding to 2.66 grains of chlorine. 
 
 On mixing 17.7 Gm. of chlorine-water with a solution of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide 
 in 10 Gm. of water, the resulting deep-red liquid should require for complete decolora- 
 tion at least 20 Cc. of decinorraal solution of sodium thiosulphate (corresponding to at 
 least 0.4 percent, of chlorine.) — U. S. The requirements of the# German Pharmaco- 
 poeia are identical with these, 25 Gm. of chlorine-water, 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, and 
 28.2 Cc. of the thiosulphate solution being used. 
 
 The volumetric determination of the chlorine is indirectly accomplished, and is based 
 upon the fact that chlorine is capable of displacing iodine and bromine in equivalent 
 17 
 
258 
 
 AQUA CHLOROFORM!. 
 
 proportions ; thus, 2KI 4- Cl 2 = 2KC1 + I 2 . In the pharmacopceial test the chlorine 
 which should be present in 17.7 Gm. of chlorine-water will liberate 0.251 + Gm. of 
 iodine (this being kept in solution by the remainder of the potassium iodide), and hence 
 20 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution, containing (0.024764 X 20) 0.49528 
 Gm. Na 2 S 2 0 3 5H 2 0, will be required to discharge the color according to the equation- 
 I 2 + 2(Na 2 S 2 0 3 5H 2 0) = 2(NaI) + Na 2 S 2 0 6 + 10H 2 O. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of chlorine-water in large doses and internally is 
 that of an irritant poison. In a diluted state it acts locally as a stimulant and disinfect- 
 ant, and on absorption is supposed to quicken all the functions and purify the blood in 
 typhoid forms of disease depending upon an animal poison generated within the system 
 or absorbed from without. It is highly probable that this view of its operation is 
 derived chiefly from its power of neutralizing the foul odors of decomposition. The 
 efficacy of chlorine in typhus fever , in scarlet fever , in diphtheria, in small-pox , etc. is 
 wholly undemonstrated, except in so far as it is a palliative of certain local and subor- 
 dinate symptoms, such putrid angina and a burning heat of the skin. In all forms of 
 sore throat attended with fetid discharges and an ulcerated or torpid condition of the 
 mucous membrane, washes and gargles of chlorine-water may be used with the same 
 advantage as other stimulant disinfectants. A like statement may be made regarding 
 other forms of disease in which the intestinal discharges are peculiarly fetid, as in certain 
 cases of typhoid fever and of typhoid types of dysentery , small-pox , etc. Chlorine-water 
 is to be commended as a wash or dressing for all forms of sores which have a fetid dis- 
 charge, even for cancerous ulcers, and as a lotion for the skin when the crusts formed by 
 small-pox pustules become offensive. Chlorinated water has been reputed to have the 
 power of preventing the infection of syphilis and of puerperal fever — in the one case by its 
 use in washing the genitals after impure coition, and in the other by cleansing the hands 
 of accoucheurs after attendance upon cases of the disease. Supposing the alleged effect 
 to be real, which is by no means proven, it is not quite clear that an equally diligent use 
 of soap would not have been followed by an equal degree of immunity. Chlorinated 
 oil, made by passing chlorine gas through olive oil, has been found efficient in scabies and 
 as a parasiticide generally. At one time chlorine gas was used by inhalation in various 
 bronchial affections, and especially in phthisis and fetid bronchitis , but atomized chlorine- 
 water is preferable. 
 
 Since the belief began to prevail that every infectious and contagious disease is repre- 
 sented b} 7 a specific germ through which it is disseminated, and the discovery was made 
 that chlorine ranks highly among germicides, it has been held not only that the diseases 
 in question are preventive and curable by chlorine, but also that it possesses this virtue 
 through its" germicide powers. The germ theory, when strictly examined, is seen to be 
 little more than an hypothesis, and hence the manner and degree of the efficiency of 
 chlorine cannot be regarded as established. As local and general stimulants, as deodor- 
 izers, and disinfectants, its preparations are valuable. Dr. Squibb has pointed out that 
 the chlorides are not available disinfectants, while the hypochlorites are so because they 
 give off chlorine during their reduction to chlorides. 
 
 The dose of chlorine-water is from Gm. 4-16 (fgj-iv), largely diluted. For inhalation, 
 when atomized, a solution of Gm. 0.30-0.60 (npv-x) in water may be used. Antidotes: 
 After emesis with warm water, albumen in the form of milk, white of egg, veal-broth, 
 etc., flour and water, or lime-water. 
 
 AQUA CHLOROFORMI, 77. S., Br. — Chloroform-water. 
 
 Eau de chloroforme , Fr. ; Chloroformwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Add enough Chloroform to a convenient quantity of Distilled Water, 
 contained in a bottle, to have a portion remaining undissolved, after the contents have 
 been repeatedly and thoroughly agitated. 
 
 When Chloroform Water is required for use, pour off a sufficient quantity of the solu- 
 tion, refill the bottle with Distilled Water, and saturate it by thorough agitation, taking 
 care that there be always an excess of Chloroform present. — U. S. 
 
 Take of chloroform 1 fluidrachm ; distilled water 25 fluidounces. Put them into a 
 two-pint stoppered bottle, and shake them together until the chloroform is entirely dis- 
 solved in the water. — (JBr.) A fluidounce represents about 2 minims of chloroform. 
 
 Both pharmacopoeias aim to produce a saturated aqueous solution of chloroform, the 
 solubility of the latter substance in water being considered as about 1 in 200. 
 
AQUA CINNA M OMI. — AQ U A CREOSOTI. 
 
 259 
 
 Action and Uses. — The dose prescribed by the British Pharmacopoeia is from £ 
 fluidounce to 2 fluidounces. 
 
 The wonderful preservative properties of chloroform-water make it a desirable solvent 
 for many organic substances in cases where an aqueous menstruum is wanted. 
 
 Beurmann claims that chloroform remains unchanged for a long time in its watery 
 solution {Bull, de Th&rap ., cv. 97). It is convenient as an anti-fermentative solution of 
 chloroform. It is well adapted for a mouth-wash or gargle, both to relieve the pain of 
 toothache and sore throat and to stimulate the mucous membrane of the mouth and 
 pharynx, and internally to relieve all abdominal pains, but especially those of gastralgia. 
 It is also useful as a haemostatic , especially in operations upon the mouth, throat, 
 vagina, rectum, etc. The acrid taste of the preparation may be removed by mint-water, 
 orange-flower water, etc. On the other hand, it may be used to mask the taste of vari- 
 ous medicines or to render the stomach more tolerant of them. It is a convenient adju- 
 vant to other anodynes, such as morphine, the bromides, etc., and to purgative mix- 
 tures that tend to occasion griping, and as a vehicle for hypodermic solutions that tend 
 to undergo decomposition. 
 
 AQUA CINNAMOMI, U* S; Br,, JP. (2.- -Cinnamon-water. 
 
 Eau de canelle , Fr. ; Zimmtwasser , G. ; Acqua distillata di cannella, F. It., Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Cinnamon, 2 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 4 Grin. ; 
 Distilled Water, a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the oil with the 
 calcium phosphate, add the water gradually under constant trituration, and filter. — 
 
 u. s. 
 
 (32 minims of oil of cinnamon may be triturated with 60 grains of calcium phos- 
 phate, and will require 2 pints of distilled water.) 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs the distillation of 1 Imperial gallon (10 pounds) of 
 cinnamon-water from 20 ounces of bruised Ceylon cinnamon, or in proportion of 8 parts 
 of water from 1 part of bark. The present German Pharmacopoeia recognizes as Aqua 
 cinnamomi a distilled water formerly called Aqua cinncimomi spirituosa (s. vinosa ), and 
 made by distilling 10 parts from a mixture of sufficient water, 1 part of alcohol specific 
 gravity 0.832, and 1 part of Chinese cinnamon. 
 
 Properties. — Obtained by any one of these processes, cinnamon-water is somewhat 
 turbid, but gradually becomes clear. * Made from the oil, it has the odor and a some- 
 what harsh taste of cinnamon, but if distilled from the bark its odor is more fragrant 
 and its taste decidedly sweet. Cinnamon-water made with magnesia has a yellowish 
 color, unless carbon dioxide gas is passed through it or a small quantity of some other 
 acid is added. In contact with the air the volatile oil is oxidized, and crystals of cin- 
 namic acid and small particles of a brownish resin are frequently separated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cinnamon-water possess the stimulant and carminative prop- 
 erties of the bark from which it is derived, but is seldom used except as a vehicle for 
 other medicines with which it can co-operate. It is most commonly employed in mix- 
 tures for flatulent colic and diarrhoea, and in the latter affection as a vehicle for chalk, 
 astringents, and opiates. 
 
 AQUA CREOSOTI, U. >S'.— Creosote- Water. 
 
 Eau creosotee , Fr. ; Kreosotwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Creosote, 10 Cc. ; Distilled Water, 990 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Agitate the creosote with the distilled water until dissolved, and filter through a well- 
 wetted filter. — U. S. 
 
 (1 fluidrachm of creosote agitated with 99 fluidrachms of distilled water, and filtered, 
 will furnish 12£ fluidounces of official creosote-water.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation contains in every 2 fluidrachms rather more 
 than 1 minim of creasote, and is a convenient form of that medicine for all the cases in 
 which it should be given diluted, and also as a topical application in leucorrhoea, gleet , 
 burns, chilblains, ulcers (especially such as are attended with an excessive, thin, or fetid 
 discharge), gangrene, arid various cutaneous eruptions, particularly prurigo, eczema, sycosis , 
 etc. Dose, Gm. 4-16 (fgj-iv). 
 
260 
 
 AQUA DESTILLATA.—AQUA FCENICULI. 
 
 AQUA DESTILLATA, U. 8., Br., B. G.— Distilled Water. 
 
 Eau distillee , Hydrolat simple , Fr. ; Destillirtes Wasser , G. 
 
 Composition H 2 0. Molecular weight 17.96. 
 
 Preparation. — Water 1000 volumes ; to make 800 volumes. Distil the water from 
 a suitable apparatus provided with a block-tin or glass condenser. Collect the first 100 
 volumes and throw them away. Then collect 800 volumes, and keep the distilled 
 water in glass-stoppered bottles, rinsed with hot distilled water immediately before being 
 filled. — U. S. 
 
 Take of water 10 gallons. Distil from a copper still connected with a block-tin worm; 
 reject the first half gallon and preserve the next 8 gallons. — Br. 
 
 When ordinary water is heated to ebullition the gases and volatile compounds dissolved 
 therein are also vaporized and carried off with the vapors of the water, which, if con- 
 densed, would then be more highly charged with these volatile compounds ; hence the 
 necessity of rejecting the first portion of the distillate, as directed by the pharmacopoeias. 
 On the other hand, if the distillation is continued until all the water is vaporized from 
 the still, the last portions are apt to be contaminated with volatile products resulting 
 from the decomposition of ammonia compounds and organic matter. The pharmacopoeias 
 avoid this possibility by discontinuing the distillation when 15 per cent, of the water is 
 left in the still. 
 
 The material of which the distillatory apparatus used for this purpose is constructed 
 is of considerable importance, but more particularly in relation to the condenser. Iron, 
 copper, and lead condensers must not be used, since the water corrodes these metals, 
 traces and sometimes larger quantities of which will always be found in the distillate. 
 Where a glass condenser is available it may be regarded as the most desirable, apparatus 
 made of metals (silver and platinum) which are not in the least corroded during distilla- 
 tion being too costly for general use. The material best adapted for practical purposes 
 is block-tin, of which the condenser and all those portions of the apparatus should be 
 made from which the vapors are made to descend. A minute quantity of tin is nearly 
 always dissolved, but separates again on standing for a few days in contact with the air. 
 The occasional appearance of confervae in distilled water depends upon its direct contact 
 with the air, and may be prevented by keeping it in vessels arranged in such a manner 
 that the air can enter only after having passed through a layer of cotton, by which the 
 spores are retained. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Distilled water is a colorless, limpid liquid, without odor 
 or taste, and of a neutral reaction. On evaporating 1 liter of distilled water no fixed 
 residue should remain. The transparency or color of distilled water should not be 
 affected by hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide (absence of metals), by test-solu- 
 tions of barium chloride (sulphate), silver nitrate (chloride), ammonium oxalate (cal- 
 cium), or mercuric chloride, with or without the subsequent addition of potassium car- 
 bonate (ammonia and ammonium salts). On heating 100 Cc. of distilled water acidu- 
 lated with 10 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid to boiling, and adding 1 Cc. of a centi-normal 
 solution of potassium permanganate, the color of the liquid should not be entirely 
 destroyed by boiling for 10 minutes, nor by afterwards setting the vessel aside well cov- 
 ered, for 10 hours (absence of organic or other oxidizable matters). Distilled water 
 should not be affected by solution of lime (absence of carbonic acid). — U. S. On con- 
 tinued exposure to the air distilled water will dissolve carbonic acid gas, and then 
 become cloudy with clear lime-water. 
 
 AQUA FCENICULI, U. S., Br B. G.— Fennel Water. 
 
 Eau de Fenouil , Fr. ; Eenchelwasser , G. ; Acqua distillata di Jinocchio , F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Fennel, 2 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 4 Gm. ; 
 Distilled Water, a suflicient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the oil with the 
 calcium phosphate, add the water gradually under constant trituration, and filter. — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 (32 minims of oil of fennel may be triturated with 60 grains of calcium phosphate, 
 and will require 2 pints of distilled water.) 
 
 Take of bruised fennel 1 pound av. ; water sufficient ; distil 1 gallon Imperial measure 
 or 10 pounds av. (2?r.), 30 pounds av. ( P . G.) If a good fennel is employed the water 
 last mentioned separates a small portion of oil on standing, and is therefore a saturated 
 solution. 
 
AQUA HA MA MEL ID IS.— A Q U A HYDROGENII DIOXIDI. 
 
 261 
 
 Action and Uses. — Fennel-water is stimulant and carminative, and, like its asso- 
 ciates, is used as a vehicle for medicines intended to correct acidity and relieve flatulence 
 and colic. Dose , Gm. 4 (a teaspoonful) or more, according to the age of the patient and 
 the degree of the derangement. 
 
 AQUA HAMAMELIDIS, AT. F.— Hamamelis Water. 
 
 Witchhazel Water, Witchhazel Extract. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Hamamelis, shoots and twigs, 10 pounds ; Water 21 gal- 
 lons ; Alcohol, 1£ pints. Place the hamamelis in a still, add the water and alcohol, and 
 allow the mixture to macerate during twenty-four hours. Distil 10 pints by applying 
 direct heat, or, preferably, by means of steam. Note. — This preparation should be made 
 only from the fresh young twigs of hamamelis, collected for this purpose, preferably, 
 when the plant is in flower, in the late autumn of the year. 
 
 Action and Uses. — See Hamamelis. 
 
 AQUA HYDROGEN1I DIOXIDI, 77. & -Solution of Hydrogen 
 
 Dioxide. 
 
 Solution of Hydrogen Peroxide, E. ; Solute de peroxide d' hydrogen, F. ; Wasserstoff hy- 
 per oxidlosung , G. ; Acgua ossigenata, F. It. 
 
 A slightly acid aqueous solution of hydrogen dioxide, containing when freshly pre- 
 pared, about 3 per cent., by weight, of the pure dioxide, corresponding to about 10 
 volumes of available oxygen. 
 
 Formula of hydrogen dioxide H. 2 0 2 . Molecular weight 33.92. 
 
 Origin. — Thenard (1818) discovered hydrogen dioxide, which has also been called 
 oxygenated water and oxygen hydrate, by acting with dilute acids upon barium peroxide. 
 Meissner (1863) proved its presence in the rain-water collected during thunder-storms, 
 and this observation has since been corroborated by Schonbein (1869), Struve, and others. 
 Houzeau (1868) did not succeed in finding it. 
 
 Preparation. — Barium Dioxide, 300 Gm. (about 10 \ av. ozs.) ; Phosphoric Acid, 
 Diluted Sulphuric Acid, Distilled Water, of each a sufficient quantity. Pour 500 
 Cc. (about 16 fl. ozs.) of cold distilled water into a suitable bottle, add to it the 
 barium dioxide in such a way that it shall not form lumps, and shake vigorously so that 
 a uniform mixture may result. Provide suitable means of refrigeration, so that the 
 bottle and contents may be kept at a temperature below 10° C. (50° F.), and shake it 
 thoroughly every few minutes during half an hour. Afterward, continuing the refrigera- 
 tion. shake it occasionally, but vigorously, until the dioxide has become fully hydrated, 
 which may be recognized from the fact that only a small portion of the water separates 
 from it on standing, -and that it may be mixed with the separated water without great 
 effort by shaking. Having introduced 150 Cc. (about 5 fl. ozs.) of phosphoric acid into a 
 bottle having the capacity of about 2000 Cc. (about 67 fl. ozs.) add to it 320 Cc. (about 
 10| fl. ozs.) of distilled water, cool the mixture and remove 50 Cc. (about If fl. ozs.) as a 
 reserved portion. Now add the well-mixed magma to the acid liquid, and mix them inti- 
 mately by frequent stirring and shaking, cooling the bottle if necessary. From time to 
 time test the reaction of the liquid and, when it becomes alkaline, add to it, cautiously, a 
 little of the reserved phosphoric acid, until the liquid has again acquired an acid 
 character. Repeat the agitation or stirring from time to time, and also the cautious 
 addition of phosphoric acid, until the liquid, after standing for some time, no longer 
 turns alkaline, without containing more than a slight excess of the acid. If necessary, a 
 further quantity of phosphoric acid should be diluted with distilled water, in the propor- 
 tion above given, and a portion of this liquid used for acidification. Having finally 
 shaken the bottle again very thoroughly, set it aside until the precipitate occupies only 
 about one-third of the volume of the contents, and pour the supernatant liquid upon a 
 wetted, double, rapidly-acting, white filter, of a diameter of 30 Cm. Then transfer the 
 semi-liquid precipitate to the filter, rinse the bottle with 100 Cc. (about 3f fl. ozs.) of 
 distilled water, transfer this to the filter, and when the liquid has drained off, wash the 
 barium phosphate on the filter with distilled water, until the filtrate measures 1000 
 Cc. (about 34 fldozs.). Now add to it, first, 20 Cc. and afterward, if necessary, further, 
 smaller quantities of diluted sulphuric acid, until a small portion of the liquid, after 
 filtration (which may be assisted by a little starch) is no longer rendered cloudy by 
 diluted sulphuric acid. Mix the cloudy liquid with about 10 Gm. (150 grains) of starch 
 
262 
 
 AQUA HYDROGENII DIOXIDI. 
 
 by agitation, so that the starch may be thoroughly distributed throughout the liquid, and 
 then filter it through a well-wetted, white filter of a diameter of 25 Cm., returning the 
 first portions until it runs through clear. When all the liquid has passed, ascertain the 
 percentage of hydrogen dioxide contained in it by the method of assay given below and 
 dilute the remaining liquid if necessary, so that it will contain 3 per cent, of absolute 
 hydrogen dioxide. Keep the product in loosely-stoppered bottles, in a cool place. 
 
 Since solution of hydrogen dioxide will gradually diminish in strength, even when 
 carefully kept, it should either be freshly made when wanted or kept on hand only in 
 such quantity as will probably be consumed within a short time. Any solution which 
 has become weaker need not, for this reason, be thrown away, but may be reserved for 
 an occasion when a weaker or diluted solution is prescribed or demanded. Or it may be 
 employed, when making a fresh supply, as a diluent of the stronger solution. — U. S. 
 
 Properties. — Solution of hydrogen dioxide is a colorless, odorless liquid, having at 
 15° C. (59° F.) a specific gravity of 1.006 to 1.012. It has a slightly acidulous taste, 
 and produces a peculiar sensation and soapy froth in the mouth. Its acid reaction is 
 due to the small amount of acid purposely added for preservation. It deteriorates by 
 age, exposure to heat, and protracted agitation. Exposed to the air or cautiously heated 
 on a water-bath to a temperature not above 60° C. (140° F.), it loses chiefly water, but 
 if rapidly heated it is apt to decompose with explosive violence. If a few Cc. of ether 
 be poured on top of a mixture of 10 Cc. of distilled water, 1 drop of potassium chromate 
 test-solution, and 10 drops of diluted sulphuric acid, a blue color will appear at the line 
 of contact upon addition of a few drops of hydrogen dioxide solution. After shaking 
 the ethereal layer will separate with a blue color. 
 
 Solutions of official strength may be concentrated by freezing the last portions of 
 water being evaporated in vacuo over sulphuric acid at a temperature not exceeding 20° 
 C. (68° F.). This concentrated liquid is colorless and of a syrupy consistency, having 
 the spec. grav. 1.452, and does not congeal at — 30° C. ( — 22° F.). It volatilizes 
 slowly in vacuo and without decomposition at ordinary temperatures. When exposed to 
 sunlight, or when heated, or when brought into contact with charcoal, silver, gold, the 
 platinum metals, the oxides of manganese, alkalies, or various other compounds, the 
 dioxide is decomposed, often with explosive violence, and in presence of the oxides of 
 the metals mentioned these are reduced to the metallic state. A number of other 
 bodies act less energetically and are oxidized. Litmus- and turmeric-paper are gradually 
 bleached. The dioxide is odorless and has a harsh and bitter taste ; applied externally 
 it colors the skin white and causes violent itching. 
 
 Tests. — When evaporated to dryness on a water-bath, 50 Cc. should not yield more 
 than 0.25 Gm. of residue. The presence of barium is detected by addition of dilute 
 sulphuric acid to the solution, no turbidity should occur. The limit of free acid is 
 ascertained by means of normal potassa solution, 0.5 Cc. of which, if added to 50 Cc. of 
 hydrogen-dioxide solution, should show an alkaline reaction ( U. S .). When neutral- 
 
 ized with soda solution and evaporated to dryness, the residue, moistened with sulphuric 
 acid, should have no corroding action on glass if left in contact with the same for a few 
 hours, (absence of hydrofluoric acid). The value of a solution of hydrogen dioxide may 
 be ascertained as follows : “Dilute 10 Cc. of the solution with water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Transfer 17 Cc. of this liquid (containing 1.7 Cc. of the solution) to a beaker, add 5 
 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid and then, from a burette, decinormal potassium perman- 
 ganate solution, until the liquid just retains a faint pink tint after being stirred. 
 Each Cc. of the decinormal potassium permanganate solution corresponds to 0.0017 Gm- 
 of absolute hydrogen dioxide. To express the strength of any solution of hydrogen 
 dioxide approximately in volume of available oxygen (that is in volumes of oxygen given 
 off by 1 volume of the solution upon decomposition), multiply the number of Cc. of 
 decinormal permanganate solution decolorized by 1 Cc. of the solution by 0.56 (0.5594); 
 or those decolorized by 1.7 Cc. of the solution, by 0.33. To express the strength in 
 percentage (by weight) of absolute hydrogen dioxide, multiply the number of Cc. of 
 decinormal permanganate solution decolorized by 1 Cc. of it, by 0.17 ; or divide the 
 number of Cc. of permanganate solution decolorized by 1.7 Cc. of it, by 10.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The virtues of hydrogen dioxide appear to depend chiefly 
 upon its readiness to yield oxygen to all oxidizable substances, including tissues devital- 
 ized by disease. At the same time, it appears, when taken internally, to stimulate the 
 nervous system and increase the secretion of urine. Upon theoretical grounds it was 
 introduced as a cure for diabetes , but it signally failed after a sufficient trial by competent 
 judges. It would seem to have had a favorable influence on some forms of atonic 
 
AQUA LA UROCERASI. 
 
 263 
 
 dyspepsia. It was also supposed to act as a palliative in various cases of dyspnoea due to 
 an impeded circulation of blood through the heart and lungs. Dr. B. W. Richardson 
 found, in many cases of epilepsy , benefit from a drachm of the ten-volume solution given 
 in half a tumbler of water, the dose being gradually increased to two or three drachms 
 {Asclepiad, Oct. 1885). He also stated that he never saw whooping cough cut short so 
 quickly by any other mode of treatment except change of air {Med. Mews, 1. 320). More 
 recently very favorable results have been reported from its use in asthma, whooping cough, 
 pulmonary phthisis, angina pectoris, in diabetes (especially when associated with codeine), 
 anaemia and chlorosis , in the chronic forms of syphilis as a succedaneum for mercury and 
 potassium iodide, and locally in the treatment of ulcers and purulent exudations ( Lancet , 
 March, 1891, pp. 707—719 ; compare Solis Cohen, Med. News, lxii. 596). Greene {Med. 
 Record, xxxvi. 66) claims that it is efficient in acute pneumonia when given in half tea- 
 spoonfuls, diluted, every hour. In various cases of asthma it is said to have given relief. 
 It has been used in an ointment (1 part to 7 of lard) to anoint the skin of scarlet- 
 fever patients, with the alleged results of diminishing the mortality and preventing the 
 spread of the disease. There is no sufficient ground for this opinion. Hydrogen diox- 
 ide may be given in tablespoonful doses of a solution of 1 part of the peroxide in 20 of 
 water. 
 
 In 1878, Day claimed that the numerous hydrocarbons used in dressing wounds, etc. 
 owed their utility to their faculty of absorbing oxygen and giving it up to the tissues, 
 and hence that the aqueous solution of hydrogen dioxide, or any of the above sub- 
 stances capable of generating it, must prove valuable as a surgical dressing {Times and 
 Gaz., Aug. 1878, p. 193). Goolden also, and others, testified to the powers of the com- 
 pound to limit ulceration ( Practitioner , xxiv. 47). And in 1882, Fean and Baldy drew 
 the following conclusions from their clinical experience : Water containing from two to 
 six times its volume of oxygen appears to be a fit substitute for alcohol and carbolic acid. 
 It can be used as a dressing for every sort of wound and ulcer by injection and in vapor ; 
 in some cases, partly surgical, it may be given internally. It greatly hastens the cicatri- 
 zation of fresh or of old wounds, even when covered with gangrene. It lessens traumatic 
 fever ; it neither offends by its smell nor acts poisonously, as carbolic acid does ; and it 
 occasions no pain. It seems adapted to ulcers of every description, deep abscesses, ozsena, 
 and purulent cystitis , purulent ophthalmia , chancres, gonorrhoea , and leucorrhoea, otorrhoea 
 with fetid suppuration, diphtheria with putrid false membranes, fetid bronchitis, fetid 
 breath from diseased tonsils {Bull, de Therap., ciii. 122; Morton, Med. News, lv. 716). 
 Bleyer recommends the spray from 2 ounces of a 15-volume solution dissolved in 14 
 ounces of water ; for a gargle, 2 ounces of the same diluted solution ; for other local uses, 
 from 3 to 10 ounces of the peroxide to 15 or 16 ounces of water. For internal use, from 
 one to three teaspoonfuls of the 15-volume solution in one half-glass of water, three times 
 daily, after meals. For diphtheria, a teaspoonful every hour or two hours of a mixture 
 of 200 parts of a 10-volume solution with 3 parts of pure glycerin. The spraying 
 instrument should be made of hard rubber, and the dioxide should be kept at a temper- 
 ature of 60°-65° F. This spray is said to have instantly relieved the pain and inflam- 
 mation of a hornet’s sting {Med. Record , xxxvii. 148). 
 
 AQUA LAUROCERASI, JBv . — Cherry-laurel Water. 
 
 Eau distillee de laurier -cerise , Fr. ; Kirschlorbeerwasser, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of fresh leaves of Cherry Laurel 1 pound ; Water pints 
 (50 ounces). Chop the leaves, crush them in a mortar, introduce them with the water 
 into a retort, and distil 1 pint of liquid. Shake the product, filter through paper, and 
 adjust the strength of the finished product cither by addition of hydrocyanic acid or by 
 diluting the filtrate with distilled water, so that 810 grains of it, tested as described 
 under Hydrocyanic Acid, shall require 150 grain measures of the volumetric solution of 
 silver nitrate to be added before a permanent precipitate begins to form, which corre- 
 sponds to 0.1 per cent, of real hydrocyanic acid. — Br. 
 
 To facilitate distillation, Pettenkofer suggests for this water the process recommended 
 by him for bitter-almond water. (See Aqua Amygdala: Amaraj.) The distillate con- 
 tains oil of bitter almonds and hydrocyanic acid, and is similar to bitter-almond water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation has no virtues which it does not owe exclu- 
 sively to the hydrocyanic acid it contains in the proportion of 0.1 per cent. Like all 
 distilled waters, its strength is very uncertain, and it is altogether less eligible than a 
 definite solution of hydrocyanic acid or of oil of bitter almonds in water, not only 
 
264 
 
 AQUA MENTHJE PIPEBITM—AQUA PIMENTJE. 
 
 because its strength is variable, but because the inequality of its effects may lead to 
 disastrous results. The dose is stated to be from 2-8 Gm. (fzss-ii), very cautiously 
 administered. 
 
 AQUA MENTHLE PIPERITA, IT. S., Br., P. G. — Peppermint-water. 
 
 Eau de menthe poivree, Fr. ; Pfefferminzwasser , G. ; Acqua distillata di menta piperita , 
 
 F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Peppermint 2 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 4 Gm. ; 
 Distilled Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the oil with the cal- 
 cium phosphate, add the water gradually, under constant trituration, and filter. — U. S. 
 
 (32 minims of oil of peppermint may be triturated with 60 grains of calcium phos- 
 phate, and will require 2 pints of distilled water.) 
 
 Take of Oil of Peppermint 1% fluidrachms ; Water 1^ gallons; distil 1 gallon (10 
 pounds). — Br. 
 
 P. G. distils 10 parts of water from 1 part of the herb ; Fr. Cod. 1 part from 1 part 
 of the fresh herb. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Peppermint-water is used as a vehicle for many medicines 
 which are unpleasant to the taste or which occasion nausea or griping. It is the most 
 common domestic remedy for flatulent colic, and in hot water is frequently resorted to 
 for relief from the pains of dysmenorrhoea. Like other diffusible and aromatic stimu- 
 lants, it palliates headache, palpitation, hiccup, etc. produced by laborious digestion. Dose, 
 Gm. 16 (U;ss) or more. 
 
 AQUA MENT1LZE VIRIDIS, IT. S., Br. — Spearmint-water. 
 
 Eau de menthe verle , Fr. ; Rbmisch-Muizwasser, G. ; Agua de yerba buena , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Spearmint 2 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 4 Gm. ; 
 Distilled Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the oil with the cal- 
 cium phosphate, add the water gradually under constant trituration and filter. — IT. S. 
 
 (32 minims of oil of spearmint may be triturated with 60 grains of calcium phosphate, 
 and will require 2 pints of distilled water.) 
 
 Take of Oil of Spearmint 1£ fluidrachms; Water 11 gallons. Distil 1 gallon (10 
 pounds). — Br. 
 
 On the continent of Europe curled-mint water is used instead. Aqua menthse crispse 
 is prepared by mixing curled-mint leaves 1 part with sufficient water, and distilling 10 
 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Spearmint-water has the same virtues as peppermint-water, 
 but is much milder in its action. It is particularly appropriate in cases of infantile colic, 
 for which it may be prescribed with a little bicarbonate of sodium or magnesium in doses 
 of a teaspoonful. The average dose for an adult is Gm. 16 (fgss). 
 
 AQUA PICIS, j P. G.— Tar-water. 
 
 Theerwasser , G. ; Acqua di catrame, F. It. ; Agua de alquibran, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — 1 part of tar is mixed with 3 parts of powdered pumice-stone which 
 has been previously washed with water and dried, and of this mixture 2 parts are added 
 to 5 parts of water, well shaken for five minutes and filtered. — P. G. Tar 1 part, water 
 46 parts. — F. It. 
 
 Tar-water should be clear, of yellowish or brownish-yellow color, and possess the odor 
 and taste of tar. It is best prepared fresh when wanted. 
 
 Action and Uses. — See Pix liquida. 
 
 AQUA PIMENTOS, Br. — Pimento- Water. 
 
 Eau de piment de la Jamaique, Fr. ; Nelkenpfeffer-Wasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Pimento, bruised, 14 ounces; Water 2 gallons. Distil 1 
 gallon (10 pounds). — Br. 
 
 On standing it separates a brownish resin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pimento-water is a stimulant carminative. Its effects are less 
 transient than those of fennel- and anise-water, for example, and more like such as are 
 produced by an infusion of cloves. Dose, Gm. 16-32 (fgss-^j). 
 
AQUA ROSjE.—AQXJJE MINER ALES. 
 
 265 
 
 AQUA ROSiE, U. S. 9 Br., B. G.— Rose-water. 
 
 Aqua Rosarum. — Eau distilUe de rose, Fr. ; Rosenwasser, G. ; Acqua distillata di rose, 
 F. It. ; Agua rosada, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Stronger Rose-water, Distilled Water, of each, 1 volume. Mix them 
 immediately before use. — U. S. 
 
 Take of fresh petals of the hundred-leaved rose (or an equivalent quantity of the 
 petals preserved while fresh with common salt) 10 pounds ; water 5 gallons (Imperial). 
 Distil 1 gallon (10 pounds). — Br. 
 
 Add 4 drops of oil of rose to 1000 Cc. (about 34 fluidounces) of lukewarm water, agi- 
 tate for some time and filter. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Rose-water has no strictly medicinal virtues. It is an agree- 
 able excipient for collyria, urethral injections, and lotions. 
 
 AQUA ROSiE FORTIOR, U. S . — Stronger Rose-water. 
 
 Triple rose-water, E. ; Starkeres Rosenwasser, G. 
 
 Water saturated with volatile oil of rose petals, obtained as a by-product in the dis- 
 tillation of oil of rose. 
 
 Strong rose-water should be kept in well-stoppered bottles, in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 Like orange-flower water, the finest rose-water is obtained by distillation of the fresh 
 petals ; it should be clear and colorless, not mucilaginous, and free from metallic impuri- 
 ties, which latter may be detected by hydrogen sulphide and ammonium sulphide, neither 
 of which should produce turbidity in the water. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — It is only used for preparing Aqua Rosae. 
 
 AQUA SAMBUCI, Br. — Elderflower- Water. 
 
 Eau distillee de sureau , Fr. ; Fliederblumen- ( Ho l lunderbliithen-') Wasser , G. 
 
 Preparation.— Take of Fresh Elderflowers, separated from the stalks, 10 pounds (or 
 an equivalent quantity of the flowers preserved while fresh with common salt) ; Water 5 
 gallons. Distil 1 gallon (10 pounds). — Br. 
 
 Elderflowers 1 part; Water sufficient. Distil 10 parts. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 On standing it is inclined to separate a mucilaginous sediment, which must be removed 
 by filtration. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Elderflower-water is used in England as a excipient for more 
 active medicines. It possesses no definite virtues. Dose , Gm. 32 (^j) or more. 
 
 AQUA SEDATIVA, JST. J^.-Sedative Water. 
 
 Eau sedative de Raspail, Lotio ammoniacalis camphor ata, Fr. Cod. 
 
 Take of Ammonia Water 2 fluidounces ; Spirit of Camphor 90 minims ; Sodium 
 Chloride 1 troyounee ; Water enough to make 16 fluidounces. Dissolve the sodium 
 chloride in about 8 fluidounces of water, add the ammonia-water and spirit of camphor, 
 and finally enough water to make 16 fluidounces. Shake the liquid when it is to be 
 dispensed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The anodyne, sedative, and stimulant qualities of this mixture 
 have been found useful in palliating nervous and congestive headaches ; and in promoting 
 the resolution of contusions and sprains. It should be applied to the painful parts on 
 saturated compresses, with or without friction. 
 
 AQU^E MINERALES.— Mineral Waters- 
 
 Eaux miner ales, Eaux medicinales naturelles , Fr. ; Miner alwiisser, G. 
 
 These are spring-waters which are charged with certain gases or salts to such a degree 
 that they are unfit for ordinary use, and exert a peculiar operation on the economy. 
 
 The following summary gives the composition of a few of the most important mineral 
 waters, which may be divided into the following classes : 
 
 1. Sulphuretted waters contain sulphides and hydrogen sulphide, in consequence 
 of which they possess a more or less fetid odor : 
 
 Bareges . — The Source de Ventrie contains in 10,000 parts : 0.360 sodium sulphide, 
 0.219 sodium chloride, 0.240 alkali carbonates, 0.300 sodium sulphate, and traces of 
 iodine and organic matter (Henry). 
 
*266 
 
 AQUJE MINER ALES. 
 
 Baden (Austria), Leopold squelle. — 10,0u0 Gm. contain 0.065 sodium carbonate, 0.800 
 calcium carbonate, 1.780 sodium sulphate, 3.467 calcium sulphate, 0.610 potassium sul- 
 phate, 0.700 magnesium chloride, 0.030 silica, 0.013 magnesium sulphate, 1.705 sodium 
 chloride, 1340.19 Cc. carbon dioxide, 2836.09 nitrogen, 335.19 oxygen, and 232.73 
 hydrogen sulphide (Keller). 
 
 Harrowgate. Old Sulphur Well. — 10,000 parts contain 0.26 calcium sulphate, 1.75 cal- 
 cium carbonate, 11.55 calcium chloride, 7.86 magnesium chloride, 9.14 potassium chloride, 
 122.38 sodium chloride, 2.19 sodium sulphide, 0.03 silica, and traces of sodium, calcium, 
 ammonium, iron, and manganese fluoride, bromide, iodide, and carbonate, and organic 
 matter. Also the following gases in 1 Imperial gallon: 22 cubic inches carbon dioxide, 
 5.3 hydrogen sulphide, 5.8 carburetted hydrogen, and 2.9 nitrogen (A. W. Hofmann.) 
 
 Massena, St. Regis. — 1 U. S. gallon contains 79.692 grains sodium chloride, 0.508 
 potassium chloride, 29.927 magnesium chloride, 0.673 magnesium bromide, 4.852 cal- 
 cium bicarbonate, 0.4888 ferrous bicarbonate, 60.931 calcium sulphate, 3.501 sodium 
 sulphate, 1.320 sodium phosphate, 4.205 sodium hyposulphite, 1.405 sodium sulphide, 
 11.176 sodium silicate, and organic matter; total, 198.678 grains, and 5.307 cubic inches 
 of hydrogen sulphide (F. F. Mayer). 
 
 2. Alkaline waters. — Sodium carbonate predominates and free carbonic acid is 
 often present in considerable quantity : 
 
 Ems, Krdnchen. — 10,000 parts contain the following carbonates : 13.651 sodium, 
 1.559 calcium, 1.292 magnesium, 0.016 iron, 0.007 manganese. 0.001 barium ; 9.224 
 sodium chloride, 0.004 aluminum phosphate, 0.494 silica, traces of sodium iodide and 
 lithium carbonate, and 9991 Cc. carbon dioxide (Fresenius). 
 
 Vichy , Source Lucas. — 10,000 parts contain the following bicarbonates : 50.04 sodium, 
 
 2.82 potassium, 2.75 magnesium, 0.05 strontium, 5.45 calcium, and 0.04 iron ; 2.91 
 sodium sulphate, 0.70 sodium phosphate, 0.02 sodium arsenate, 5.18 sodium chloride, 
 0.50 silica, and 17.51 carbon dioxide; total solids, 70.46 (Bouquet). 
 
 The water of the Grande Grille spring has nearly the same composition with 70.33 
 solids, but contains only 9.08 parts of carbon dioxide. Tichborne found in 16 ounces of 
 the bottled water 44.408 grains of solids. 
 
 Gettysburg. — 4 Imperial gallon contains 46.05 grains sodium bicarbonate with lithium, 
 76.05 magnesium bicarbonate, 81.00 calcium bicarbonate, 53.20 calcium sulphate, 10.00 
 silica, with traces of potassium and iron chlorides and phosphates ; total 266.30 grains 
 (Mayer). 
 
 3. Saline waters contain various salts of alkalies and alkaline earths, occasionally 
 bromides and iodides. Dieulafait (1881) believes that the saline waters of Western 
 Europe are mineralized in the salt-bearing strata of the Trias and Tertiary formation, 
 and that the mineralizing compounds were formerly contained in ordinar} 7 seas, and have 
 been deposited by simple evaporation. 
 
 Bedford Springs , Pa. — 1 pint contains calcium sulphate 11.274 grains, magnesium 
 sulphate 3.974 grs., aluminum and iron sulphates 1.280 grs., sodium sulphate 3.092 grs., 
 sodium chloride 0.343gr., calcium carbonate 2.120 grs., sulphuric acid (?) 0.128 gr., 
 organic matter and silica trace (J. C. Morris). 
 
 Cheltenham Royal Old Wells. — 10,000 parts contain 34,202 sodium chloride, 1.141 
 magnesium chloride, 13,541 sodium sulphate, 0.970 magnesium carbonate, 1.433 calcium 
 carbonate, 0.436 magnesium bromide, 0.069 magnesium iodide, 0.381 silica, 1.473 crenic 
 acid, 2.574 organic matter, and 92 Cc. carbon dioxide (Abel and Bowney). 
 
 Carlsbad (Bohemia), Sprudel. — 10,000 parts contain 24.05 sodium sulphate. 18.612 
 sodium bicarbonate, 10.223 sodium chloride, 4.638 calcium bicarbonate, 2.537 magne- 
 sium bicarbonate, 1, 862 potassium sulphate, .141 lithium chloride, .715 silica, .051 sodium 
 fluoride, .041 ferrous bicarbonate, .040 sodium borate, and much smaller quantities 
 of sodium phosphate, strontium, manganese, and alumina, besides carbon dioxide; total 
 solids, 62.928 (Ludwig). The numerous other Carlsbad springs analyzed by Ludwig 
 (1879) have a similar composition, the total solids decreasing to 60.798 parts in the 
 water of the Schlossbrunnen. 
 
 Friedrich shall (Saxe-Meiningen) Bitter-water. — 16 ounces contain 61.102 sodium 
 chloride, 46.510 sodium sulphate, 39.533 magnesium sulphate, 30.252 magnesium chloride, 
 3.992 magnesium carbonate, .876 magnesium bromide, 1.523 potassium sulphate, 10.341 
 calcium sulphate, .113 calcium carbonate; total salts, 194.242 grains; carbon dioxide 
 5.322 cubic inches (Liebig). The bottled water contains in 16 ounces 99.722 grains 
 sodium chloride, 71.535 sodium sulphate, 64.138 magnesium sulphate, 50.114 magnesium 
 chloride, 2.102 magnesium carbonate, .275 magnesium bromide, 2.518 potassium sul- 
 
AQUjE miner ALES. 267 
 
 phate, 17.130 calcium sulphate,. 440 silica; solids, 307.974 grains, and carbon dioxide 
 (Tichborne). 
 
 Hunyadi Janos. — 16 ounces of the bottled water contain free carbonic acid and 337.- 
 066 grains of solids, consisting of 157.957 sodium sulphate, 156.350 magnesium sul- 
 phate, .716 potassium sulphate, 10.531 sodium chloride, 6.051 calcium carbonate, 5.152 
 sodium carbonate, .20 strontium carbonate, and .029 iron and alumina (Tichborne). 
 
 Seidlitz. — 16 ounces contain 104 grains sulphate, 3 grains carbonate, and 3 grains 
 magnesium chloride, 8 grains carbonate and 8 grains calcium sulphate, total, 126 grains 
 (Naumann). 
 
 4. Acidulous saline waters contain various salts and are sparkling from the large 
 amount of carbonic acid contained in them : 
 
 Neuenahr, Apollinaris. — 16 ounces of the bottled water contain free carbonic acid and 
 25.868 grains of salts, consisting of 10.621 sodium bicarbonate, 5.023 sodium chloride, 
 2.402 sodium sulphate, .141 potassium sulphate, 4.50 magnesium carbonate, 2.880 calcium 
 carbonate, .10 ferric oxide, .080 alumina, .121 silica, and traces of sodium phosphate, 
 lithium, ammonia, and nitric acid (Tichborne). 
 
 Grosskarben , Taunus. — 16 ounces of the bottled water contain 32.403 grains of free 
 carbonic acid and 31.262 grains of solids, consisting of 18.004 sodium chloride, 1.890 
 potassium chloride, 9.590 calcium carbonate, 1.232 magnesium carbonate, .140 sodium 
 carbonate, .406 calcium sulphate, and traces of calcium phosphate, silica, and alumina 
 (Taylor, Tichborne). 
 
 Pyrmont, Hauptquelle . — 160 ounces contain the following sulphates : 0.023 grain barium, 
 0.280 strontium, 60.897 calcium, 1.266 potassium, 3.220 sodium, and 34.813 magnesium ; 
 the following chlorides: 12.202 sodium, 0.161 ammonium, and 0.076 lithium ; the follow- 
 ing bicarbonates: 86.832 calcium, 6.160 magnesium, 5.919 iron, and 0.344 manganium ; 
 0.001 sodium iodide, 0.007 sodium bromide, 0.012 sodium nitrate, 0.006 aluminium phos- 
 phate, 0.004 calcium phosphate, 2.441 silica, 183.956 grains carbon dioxide and a trace 
 of hydrogen sulphide (Fresenius). 
 
 Selters. — 16 ounces contain 0.248 grain sodium sulphate, 16.285 sodium chloride, 
 5.855 sodium carbonate, 1.595 magnesium carbonate, 1.867 calcium carbonate, 0.154 
 ferrous carbonate, 0.281 sodium phosphate, 0.289 silica, and 31 cubic inches carbon 
 dioxide (Bischof ). 
 
 Saratoga Empire Spring. — 1 U. S. gallon contains 506.63 grains sodium chloride, 
 4.292 potassium chloride, 0.266 sodium bromide, 0.006 sodium iodide, 2.769 potassium 
 sulphate, 0.023 sodium phosphate, 1.458 silica, 0.418 alumina, with the following bicar- 
 bonates: 42.953 magnesium, 109.656 calcium, 2.080 lithium, 9.022 sodium, 0.070 barium, 
 0.793 iron, and trace of strontium ; also traces of calcium fluoride, borax and organic mat- 
 ters ; total, 680.436 grains, and 344.67 cubic inches carbon dioxide (Chandler and Cairns). 
 
 The acidulous saline waters of the numerous other springs of Saratoga have a similar 
 composition ; in the following table they are arranged according to the abundance of car- 
 bonic acid gas, in addition to which we give, in grains, the total solids and the weight of 
 the most important saline constituents contained in one gallon : 
 
 Name. 
 
 C0 2 , cub. 
 inch. 
 
 Total 
 
 solids. 
 
 NaCl. 
 
 NaHC0 3 .| 
 
 Mg0(C0 2 ) 2 . 
 
 1 
 
 Ca0(C0 2 ) 2 . j 
 
 Fe0(C0 2 ) 2 . 
 
 LiHC0 3 . 
 
 Champion 
 
 465.458 
 
 1195.583 
 
 702.236 
 
 17.624 
 
 I 193.912 
 
 227.070 
 
 0.647 
 
 6.247 
 
 Geyser 
 
 454.082 
 
 991.546 
 
 562.080 
 
 71.232 
 
 149.343 
 
 168.392 
 
 0.979 
 
 9.004 
 
 High Rock 
 
 409.458 ; 
 
 628.039 
 
 390.127 
 
 34.888 
 
 54.924 
 
 131.739 
 
 1.478 
 
 
 Star 
 
 407.650 ! 
 
 617.397 
 
 398.361 
 
 2.662 
 
 61.912 
 
 124.459 
 
 1.213 
 
 1.586 
 
 Congress 
 
 392.289 | 
 
 700.859 
 
 400.440 
 
 10.775 
 
 121.757 
 
 143.399 
 
 0.340 
 
 4.761 
 
 Union 
 
 384.969 
 
 701.174 
 
 453.299 
 
 17.010 
 
 1 109.685 
 
 96.703 
 
 0.269 
 
 2.605 
 
 Vichy 
 
 383.071 
 
 315.176 
 
 128.629 
 
 82.873 
 
 41.503 
 
 45.522 
 
 0.052 
 
 1.760 
 
 Hathorn 
 
 375.747 
 
 888.403 
 
 509.968 
 
 4.288 
 
 176.463 
 
 180.646 
 
 1.128 
 
 11.447 
 
 Washington 
 
 363.770 
 
 350.227 
 
 182.733 
 
 
 65.973 
 
 84.096 
 
 3.800 
 
 
 Kissingen 
 
 361.500 
 
 644.627 
 
 338.500 
 
 67.617 
 
 70. 170 
 
 140.260 
 
 1.557 
 
 5.129 
 
 Putnam 
 
 348.880 
 
 361.010 
 
 214.000 
 
 14.320 
 
 51.600 
 
 68.800 
 
 7.000 
 
 
 Pavilion 
 
 ’ 332.458 
 
 687.275 
 
 459.903 
 
 3.764 
 
 76.267 
 
 120.169 
 
 2.570 
 
 9.486 
 
 Seltzer 
 
 324.080 
 
 302.017 
 
 234.291 
 
 29.428 
 
 40.339 
 
 89.869 
 
 
 1.703 
 
 Crystal 
 
 317.452 
 
 537.155 
 
 328.468 
 
 10.064 
 
 75.161 
 
 101.881 
 
 2.038 
 
 4.326 
 
 Hamilton 
 
 316.000 
 
 460.326 
 
 297.300 
 
 27.036 
 
 35.200 
 
 92.400 
 
 5.390 
 
 
 Excelsior 
 
 250.000 
 
 514.746 
 
 370.642 
 
 15.000 
 
 32.333 
 
 77.000 
 
 3.215 
 
 
 United States 
 
 245.734 
 
 331.837 
 
 141.872 
 
 4.666 
 
 72.888 
 
 93.119 
 
 0.714 
 
 4.847 
 
 Eureka 
 
 239.000 
 
 258.365 
 
 166.811 
 
 8.750 
 
 29.340 
 
 41.321 
 
 3.000 
 
 
 Saratoga, A 
 
 212.000 
 
 656.911 
 
 565.300 
 
 6.752 
 
 20.480 
 
 56.852 
 
 
 1.724 
 
268 
 
 AQUAE MINE RALES. 
 
 The temperature of these springs is between 45° F. (Washington) and 52° F. (High 
 Rock and Star) ; the water of the Kissingen springs is 40° F. 
 
 Whitehall (N. Y.) Adirondack Springs . — 1 Imperial gallon contains 14.340 grains 
 sodium chloride, 11.134 calcium sulphate, 18.543 calcium carbonate, 16.618 magnesium 
 carbonate, 5.040 ferrous carbonate, 5.317 potassium carbonate, 5.135 sodium carbonate, 
 0.023 lithium carbonate, traces of magnesium carbonate and alumina, 7.42 insoluble 
 residue, and 67.3 cubic inches of carbon dioxide (Collier). 
 
 Kissingen , Rakoczy . — 16 ounces contain 0.242 grain ferrous carbonate, 0.131 magne- 
 sium carbonate, 8.148 calcium carbonate, 0.043 calcium phosphate, 0.099 silica, 2.990 
 calcium sulphate, 44.713 sodium chloride, 4.509 magnesium sulphate, 2.203 potassium 
 chloride, 2.333 magnesium chloride, 0.064 sodium bromide, 0.071 sodium nitrate, 0.153 
 lithium chloride, 0.007 ammonium carbonate; total, 65.706 grains, and 41.77 cubic 
 inches of carbon dioxide (Liebig). 
 
 5. Chalybeate Waters. — This name is applied to those mineral waters which con- 
 tain iron in sufficient quantity to impart to them a ferruginous taste. The iron is pres- 
 ent either as sulphate or frequently as ferrous carbonate, held in solution by excess of 
 carbonic acid, hydrogen sulphide being also occasionally present. Iron being found in 
 several of the waters named before in larger quantities than mere traces, it is evident 
 that the classification must be somewhat arbitrary. 
 
 Homburg Stahlbrunnen . — 16 ounces contain 0.937 ferrous carbonate, 7.534 calcium 
 carbonate, 10.667 calcium chloride, 5.330 magnesium chloride, 79,864 sodium chloride, 
 0.176 potassium sulphate, 0.146 calcium sulphate, 0.315 silica ; total, 104.969 grains, 
 and 46.90 cubic inches carbon dioxide (Liebig). 
 
 Spa , Source du Pouhon. — 10,000 parts contain the following bicarbonates : 1.266 sodium, 
 0.105 potassium, 1.730 calcium, 1.674 magnesium, and 0.714 iron ; 0.203 sodium sul- 
 phate, 0.256 sodium chloride, 0.629 silica, and 21.409 carbon dioxide (Plateau). 
 
 Pgrmont , Trinkquelle . — 16 ounces contain 0.490 ferrous carbonate, 1.126 magnesium 
 chloride, 0.323 magnesium carbonate, 0.048 manganese carbonate, 5.988 calcium carbo- 
 nate, 0.014 aluminum phosphate, 0.496 silica ; and the following sulphates : 2.697 
 magnesium, 7.221 calcium, 0.020 strontium, 0.009 lithium, 0.042 potassium, and 2.145 
 sodium ; total, 20.619 grains, and 1.68 volumes of carbon dioxide (Struve). 
 
 Cheltenham ( chalybeate ). — 1,000 parts contain 0.066 ferrous carbonate, 0.159 calcium 
 carbonate, 0.735 calcium chloride, 0.484 magnesium chloride, 0.390 potassium chloride, 
 22.62 sodium chloride, 0.020 silica, 0.040 organic matter; total 4.156. 1 gallon contains 
 
 also 1.95 cubic inches carbon dioxide and 5 cubic inches carburetted hydrogen (A. W. 
 Hofmann). 
 
 Church Hill Alum- Water . — 1 U. S. gallon contains 24.991 grains ferrous sulphate, 
 51. 270. ferric sulphate (neutral), 83.355 ferric sulphate (one-third basic) 72.928 aluminum 
 sulphate, 86.064 magnesium sulphate, 88.836 calcium sulphate, 0.643 ammonium sulphate, 
 2.444 potassium sulphate, 1.943 sodium sulphate, 4.627 sodium chloride, 10.429 silica, 
 and a trace of phosphoric acid ; total, 427.530 grains (J. C. Booth). 
 
 6. Thermal Springs. — Their temperature is above that of the locality in which they 
 are situated, and they serve an important use for baths, although most of these waters are 
 also used internally. In the following we give some of the best known, arranged according 
 to their temperature : 
 
 Carlsbad , Sprudel . — Temperature 73.5° C. (172.4° F.). (See above, under Saline 
 Waters.) The temperature of eight other hot springs ranges between 60.2° and 43° C. 
 (140.4° and 109.4° F.), and the average amount of solids is 61.966 in 10,000 parts. 
 
 Wiesbaden , Kochbrunnen . — Temperature 68.8° C. (155.8° F.). 10,000 parts of the 
 
 water contain 68.356 sodium chloride, 1.458 potassium chloride, .002 lithium chloride, 
 ,167 ammonium chloride, 4.710 calcium chloride, 2.039 magnesium chloride, .035 magne- 
 sium bromide, .902 calcium sulphate, .004 calcium phosphate, 4.180 calcium carbonate, 
 .104 magnesium carbonate, .056 ferrous carbonate, .006 manganum carbonate, .001 calcium 
 arsenate, .604 silica and alumina, and .34 volumes carbon dioxide, total solids, 82.624(Frese- 
 nius). The temperature of other springs range from 66° to 49.5° C. (150.8° to 120.2° F.) 
 
 Baden-Baden . — The temperature of nine springs ranges between 68.63° and 44.4° C. 
 (156° and 112° F.), and the solid constituents of 10,000 parts between 29.528 and 
 27.0213, of which between 22.244 and 18.892 parts are sodium chloride. 
 
 Hot Springs , Arkansas. — The fifty-seven springs range in temperature between 65.5° 
 and 33.9° C. (150° and 93° F.) ; the solid constituents amount to a little over a grain in 
 the pint. 
 
 Aix-la- Chapelle (Aachen ). — Four springs range in temperature between 55° and 45.4° 
 
AQUjE miner ales. 
 
 269 
 
 C. (131° and 113.7° F.), and the solids in 10,000 parts between 44.4815 and 40.1446, of 
 which 60 per cent, is sodium chloride and 20 per cent, sodium bicarbonate. 
 
 Bath , King's Spring . — Temperature 46.2° C. (115° F.). 10,000 parts contain 20.597 
 
 solids, consisting of 11.425 calcium sulphate, 0.662 potassium sulphate, 2.744 sodium 
 sulphate, 1.259 calcium carbonate, 0.047 magnesium carbonate, 0.152 ferrous carbonate, 
 1.802 sodium chloride, 2.081 magnesium chloride, 0.425 silica, with traces of lithia, man- 
 ganese, and iodine ; carbonic acid not determined (Merck and Galloway). 
 
 Gastein , Wildbad . — Temperature 49° to 25° C. (120.2° to 77° F.) ; salts, 3.483 in 
 10,000 parts. 
 
 Ems . — Thirteen springs range in temperature between 46.64° and 27.9° C. (116° and 
 82.2° F.). 10,000 parts of water contain 31.74 to 38.194 solids, mostly carbonates with 
 
 chlorides. 
 
 Idaho Springs , Colorado. — Range of temperature 46.1° to 29.5° C. (115° to 85° F.). 
 A gallon contains 107 grains of salts, mostly sulphates with carbonates. 
 
 Vichy . — Eight springs range in temperature between 43.5° and 22° C. (108.5° and 
 71.6° F.). (See above, under Alkaline Waters.) 
 
 Hot Springs , Virginia. — Temperature between 43.3° and 25.5° C. (110° and 78° F.). 
 A gallon of water contains 18 to 33 grains of salts, mostly carbonates with chlorides and 
 sulphates. 
 
 Artificial mineral waters have been manufactured and used for many years both 
 in Europe and the United States ; many of these are close imitations of the natural waters. 
 Works giving instructions on the manufacture of such waters have been published by 
 (among others) Dr. H. Hager, Dr. Graeger, and recently (1883) by Dr. F. Raspe. We 
 append here a few formulas which have been recommended as yielding tolerably good 
 substitutes for the waters of the springs named : 
 
 Baden ( chalybeate ). — Sodium chloride 28 grains, magnesium chloride 2 grains, calcium 
 chloride 13 grains, sodium sulphate 11.5 grains, iron and potassium tartrate £ grains, 
 water 21 fluidounces ; dissolve and impregnate with carbon dioxide gas (Soubeiran). 
 
 Carlsbad . — Sodium sulphate 54 grains, magnesium sulphate 5? grains, sodium car- 
 bonate 36f grains, sodium chloride 7 grains, calcium chloride 7 grains, potassium and 
 iron tartrate 4 grain, water 21 fluidounces ; proceed as before (Soubeiran). 
 
 Seidlitz . — Magnesium sulphate 74 drachms, water 22 fluidounces ; proceed as before ; or 
 
 Dissolve 74 drachms magnesium sulphate and 1 drachm of sodium bicarbonate in 22 
 fluidounces of water ; add 1 drachm of crystallized tartaric acid, and cork the bottle well 
 ( Fr . Cod). 
 
 Sulphur-water. — (to imitateiforeyes, St. Sauveur , etc.). Crystallized sodium sulphide 
 and sodium chloride 2 grains, water previously boiled to deprive it of air 22 fluidounces; 
 dissolve (Fr. Cod). 
 
 Vichy . — Sodium carbonate 112 grains, potassium carbonate 24 grains, magnesium sul- 
 phate 5 grains, fused calcium chloride 44 grains, sodium chloride 1 4 grains, sodium 
 arsenate grain, powdered iron Jg- grain, water 21 fluidounces ; dissolve and impreg- 
 nate with carbon dioxide gas (Lefort). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The use of spring-waters more or less inpregnated with sub- 
 stances imbibed by them in the bowels of the earth has existed in all ages. A know- 
 ledge of their virtues, as of many other useful medicines, was very probably learned by 
 observing the instinctive use of them by the lower animals. Tradition runs that some 
 of the most famous of German springs owe their reputation originally to their use 
 by sick animals, and that others were eagerly visited by the kine at certain seasons 
 of the year. It is certain that our own Saratoga, which is now annually crowded by 
 gay votaries of fashion as well as by the dejected victims of a morbid civilization, was 
 long resorted to by the aboriginal savages for the 6ure of their infirmities. In ancient 
 Greece temples were in many places erected near mineral springs, whose waters were 
 used under the direction of the priests, who thus became the earliest physicians, and who 
 taught that hygiene and medicine must go hand in hand, and proved that faith has no 
 small share in the cure of disease. But the “ scientific medicine ” of the present day 
 treats the human body as if it were so much brute matter to be subjected to analytical 
 and synthetical reagents for the purpose of evolving definite results : the true physician, 
 on the other hand, never neglects the vital and psychical elements of man, and saga- 
 ciously enlists in behalf of his patients all the power of external nature as well as the 
 quickening influences of faith and hope. Formerly, mineral waters could be made use of 
 by those persons only who were able to visit the springs, but now they are carried to 
 great distances, and even across the ocean, for those who require them ; their saline 
 
270 
 
 AQUJE MINER ALES. 
 
 residue, after evaporation of the water, has equally become an article of commerce ; and 
 chemical ingenuity has imitated the solid constituents of the most important springs, 
 without, however, securing the effects produced by the natural combinations. 
 
 Attempts to explain the action of medicines exclusively by scientific methods have not 
 resulted satisfactorily. Upon this subject we are entirely in accord with Trousseau, who 
 addressed his clinical class in these words : “ Distrust medical theories that originate in 
 the laboratory. Although Chemistry may be the handmaid of Medicine, she goes beyond 
 her sphere when she applies the conclusions of the laboratory to the treatment of the 
 sick. Chemistry stands no nearer to Medicine because she teaches us how to prepare or 
 to analyze medicines, than she does to the art of painting because she prepares the 
 
 painter’s colors Say what the chemist may, mineral waters do not operate alone 
 
 by means of their predominant mineral constituent. It is associated with many others 
 which they have demonstrated, and probably with others still that have escaped their 
 research ; and nature has done for this element what we attempt every day to do in 
 pharmacy when we seek to enhance or to mitigate the power of a medicine by associating 
 it with others.” Then, referring to the well-known fact that the therapeutical reputation 
 and efficacy of mineral waters does not depend upon the amount of their mineral constit- 
 uents, this sagacious teacher in substance observed : “ The malarial cachexia , for instance, 
 is wonderfully modified by springs whose mineral elements really elude discovery, and are 
 far less than those which impregnate the drinking-water of Paris ; and certain intract- 
 able dyspeptic disorders are cured by them in a manner which I neither can nor seek to 
 explain. Under their salutary influence the appetite revives, the constitution becomes 
 reorganized; patients affected with dropsy or visceral engorgements arrive at Plombieres 
 or Bigorre in a deplorable condition, and after a single season have been greatly improved 
 and often most unexpectedly cured.” Even anciently it was understood that the medi- 
 cinal virtues of a spring do not depend altogether upon the degree of its mineralization, 
 for Pliny refers to the Paduan waters as having neither taste nor smell. It would, how- 
 ever, be unjust to these natural medicines to suppose that they are not, on the whole, 
 valuable in proportion to their mineralization ; indeed, we may go further, and measure 
 and define their value by the proportion of their predominant ingredient, be it saline, 
 alkaline, sulphurous, or chalybeate, for if we subtract this one element the special virtues 
 of the water vanish. On the other hand, it is notorious that the medicinal use of such 
 elements isolated from their natural associations no longer produce the effects of the 
 original mineral waters. In these facts again we perceive the excellence of nature and 
 the insufficiency of self-sufficient art. 
 
 There are, indeed, two classes of patients who require the use of very different mineral 
 waters. The first is composed of that large body of invalids in whom there exists no 
 organic change of structure, but whose functions are merely weakened or clogged by the 
 strain of business, the exhaustion of pleasure, sensual excesses in eating or drinking, or, 
 in this country especially, by the manifold errors committed in the preparation and con 
 sumption of food and the disregard of hygienic rules in the habits of living. The 
 second consists of that smaller hut still numerous class of persons who, besides being 
 more or less injured by the causes of ill-health just enumerated, have been affected with 
 definite diseases, and especially rheumatism, gout, calculous disorders, cutaneous erup- 
 tions, scrofula, syphilis, diabetes, paralysis, uterine disorders, etc. Of these two classes, 
 the former are benefited most by a visit to the less mineralized springs, while the latter 
 require a course of active medicinal treatment such as the stronger mineral waters afford. 
 In both classes of patients, but particularly in the first, the action of the water is only 
 one out of many influences that combine to restore the health. Toward that end a total 
 change of habits is one of the most influential agencies in very many cases. Escape 
 from the anxieties and fatigues of business, from the excitement of fashionable life, the 
 mental tension of political and professional pursuits, the worrying annoyances of domestic 
 affairs, endured perhaps in a large city with all its enervating social duties, its Babel-like 
 sounds, and its polluted atmosphere, — escape from these alone often suffices to restore 
 the disturbed balance of health. When we consider how much more probable must this 
 result become when fatigue, anxiety, contention, wearisome routine, and foul air are 
 exchanged for repose and peace in the midst of novel scenes and new associates, and 
 freedom from the onerous conventionalities of fashionable life, for different apartments, 
 food, and occupation, it may even seem doubtful whether, after all, some other new resi- 
 dence would not profit the invalid as much as the frequented springs. But there are two 
 reasons against this conclusion : the one is, that with many persons relief would be 
 impossible without an exercise of the faith which gives potency to waters as well as to 
 
AQUjE min era les. 
 
 271 
 
 other remedial agents ; and the other is, that even the purest of these waters, systematic- 
 ally used, especially in conjunction with bathing and regular exercise, does in a greater 
 or less degree depurate the system through the kidneys, bowels, and skin, and by 
 a gentle but sustained action gradually remove effete products of tissue-change from 
 the system and free the organs from the burdens that oppressed and the poisons that 
 tainted them. Judiciously used under the advice of a competent physician, these almost 
 neutral waters and the milder saline springs are capable in a few weeks of changing the 
 languid, indifferent, pale, and feeble invalid into the lively and energetic leader of the 
 gay crowd. Such rapid transformations are frequently witnessed, especially at the hot 
 springs of Virginia and Arkansas, and certain European spas, such as Wildbad, Gastein, 
 and Pfeffers, none of which contain any considerable proportion of mineral ingredients. 
 But these waters, whether drunk warm or cold, if they are largely used act as organic 
 purgatives, and increase materially the total amount of solids, and especially of urea, 
 excreted with the urine, without causing the debility which an equal discharge from the 
 bowels would occasion. 
 
 Waters of the other class, rich in mineral ingredients, have a more direct relation to 
 certain special forms of disease. Alkaline waters, for example, are particularly adapted 
 to the treatment of gout and rheumatism; sulphurous waters to that of the same diseases 
 and of scaly eruptions of the skin ; ferruginous waters to the cure of anaemic disorders ; 
 salines to that of chronic dyspepsia , constipation , haemorrhoids , etc. But as these several 
 waters are classed only according to their predominant ingredient, and each one contains 
 several others of real even if of secondary importance, it is evident, as before intimated, 
 that neither their physiological nor their curative operation can be regarded as the effect 
 of only one of their constituents, although it may happen to be the principal one. More- 
 over, it cannot be assumed that the same water or class of waters has but a single mode 
 of action ; for, although it is probably true that alkaline waters cure both gout and 
 rheumatism in virtue of their alkalinity, yet sulphurous waters which cure rheumatism, 
 but do not cure gout, must necessarily produce their effect in a different manner. It is 
 evident, therefore, that while it may be possible to determine a certain scientific relation 
 between particular mineral waters and the diseases they generally relieve, we are as far 
 from comprehending their modus operandi as we are from understanding the actions of 
 mercury, iodine, opium, quinine, or colchicum in the several conditions which they palliate 
 or cure. 
 
 The temperature at which mineral waters are used materially influences their effects, 
 whether they are taken internally or employed as baths. Indeed, as above stated, some 
 hot springs which have for ages maintained their fame are but faintly or not at all min- 
 eralized ; but there is hardly an instance of a cold spring destitute of active medicinal 
 properties that enjoys much credit as a medicine. The operation of warm and hot water 
 is described elsewhere (v. Aqua). The highest reputation belongs, perhaps, to those 
 mineral waters which are both hot and strong, and which modify nutrition in every part 
 and quicken depuration through the bowels, the kidneys, and the skin. The energy with 
 which they act is shown by the occurrence of phenomena which are known as “crises” when 
 they are caused by the internal use of thermal waters, and as the “ bath fever ” when due 
 to their external application. Both have in common a feverish condition, attended by 
 languor, debility, and lightness of the head — symptoms which appear to be due to a rapid 
 and excessive loss of tissue, for they are identical with the effects of over-fatigue. When 
 this state is induced by bathing it is usually accompanied with papular, vesicular, or ery- 
 thematous eruptions upon the skin, which may be ascribed in part to the copious sweat- 
 ing induced, but partly also to the irritating action of the caloric and of the mineral con- 
 stituents of the waters. 
 
 It may be proper to add that the use of mineral waters by persons suffering from 
 organic heart disease, obstruction of the glandular portion of the kidneys (Bright’s dis- 
 ease) ; a tendency to cerebral disease, the advanced stages of pulmonary consumption, etc., 
 should be very cautiously advised and very watchfully conducted. 
 
 To describe in detail the application of mineral waters to the cure of diseases is here 
 impossible ; we shall only endeavor to sketch an outline of the subject, which is deserving 
 of far more attention than it generally receives : 
 
 1. Sulphur Springs are extremely numerous in the United States and Canada, 
 and are found from the Eastern to the Western limits of the continent. The most fre- 
 quented are the Red and White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, Blue Lick, Ky., Sharon 
 and Richfield, N. Y. In Europe they also abound. Their virtues vary greatly accord- 
 ing to the qualties of the waters themselves, and particularly according to their 
 
272 
 
 A Q UJE MINER ALES. 
 
 purgative action and their internal or external employment. That they affect the 
 whole system is proved by the elimination of hydrogen sulphide during their use, 
 so that silver articles worn near the skin are blackened. They differ from other 
 mineral waters in having a sedative operation when applied externally, especially when 
 their sulphurous element exceeds their saline or calcareous in energy. They are employed 
 in a great variety of disorders, both internally and externally. The more purgative varie- 
 ties have a great vogue in almost all forms of chronic dyspepsia , but especially in those 
 which result from high living and are attended with congestion of the liver, constipation, 
 and jaundice. In such cases the non-purgative sulphur-waters are more injurious than 
 useful, causing plethora and its consequences. Indeed, the dyspeptic cases held to be 
 profited by these waters are much more so by the non-sulphurous salines. Sulphur 
 waters, on the other hand, are more useful in chronic skin diseases , including eczema, 
 psoriasis, pityriasis, lichen, and acne, and they are most so when used in baths. Their 
 internal use, apart from special indications, is superfluous. Such indications may be 
 presented by scrofula , especially of the glandular sort, in which a long-continued but 
 moderate use of the waters is most profitable. In this affection the baths should be pro- 
 longed as much as possible. When gout is connected with the above conditions these 
 waters are less serviceable than the saline and alkaline. Probably, in the cure of chronic 
 rheumatism more than in that of any other disease sulphur-waters stand pre-eminent — in the 
 muscular forms first, and in the articular less conspicuously. They probably act as diapho- 
 retics and diuretics, and hence as eliminants when taken internally ; while in warm baths, 
 which is the best mode of using them, they both promote elimination and by their local 
 action remove the pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. The hotels at sulphur 
 springs often contain museums of crutches, wheel-chairs, etc. left behind by patients who 
 arrived as cripples and departed with supple limbs. In ancient times such articles would 
 have formed ex-voto offerings in the temples. As syphilis is a specific poison in the sys- 
 tem, it might be supposed that the searching operation of sulphur-waters, in their 
 several modes of application, would tend to remove it, but such is seldom the result ; and, 
 indeed, very often the use of these waters revives the signs of the disease in persons who 
 have been regarded as entirely cured. On the other hand, when there is a cachectic con- 
 dition present, induced by an excessive mercurial treatment, such waters may greatly 
 contribute to improve the health. Lead-poisoning , it is well known, in its chronic and 
 constitutional forms, is more successfully treated by sulphur-baths than by any other 
 agent except potassium iodide. They form a most important adjuvant to the latter 
 medicine. Their utility in paralysis will depend upon its nature, as whether it be of 
 central origin with substantial lesions or due to imperfect nutrition, or else wholly pe- 
 ripheral. In the first they can only be adjuvants ; in the other cases they may effect a 
 cure. But it is probable that they act in no other way than by promoting the general 
 health through their internal use, and stimulating the paralyzed muscles externally in 
 the same way as friction, electricity, etc. In paralysis following cerebral or spinal apo- 
 plexy there is great danger in using thermal sulphur-waters to excess. Of local diseases 
 for which the waters are useful may be mentioned — first, chronic pharyngitis , especially 
 of that granular form, which is so often associated with dyspepsia, and was formerly 
 known as “ clergyman’s sore throat.” Saline sulphur- waters internally and also applied 
 by atomization are very successful in relieving it. The same may be. said of chronic 
 bronchitis, especially when it occurs in gouty or rheumatic persons and with dilatation of 
 the bronchia, and in a less degree of chronic laryngitis of the simple form. Yet the tuber- 
 cular and the syphilitic forms may sometimes be improved by them. Sulphur-waters 
 have been much used in diseases of the uterine system, especially in sterility, amenorrhcea, 
 and leucorrhoea ; but little is to be expected from them in such affections unless they are 
 used as baths, warm or cold according to the patient’s condition. The feebler sulphur- 
 waters, if they contain iron, may be drunk with advantage. Enemas of sulphur-water 
 have been used for ascarides of the rectum. Finally, sulphur-waters are useful in various 
 surgical diseases, but chiefly waters of the thermal variety, which operate by their heat 
 rather than by the sulphurous compounds they contain. It may be admitted, however, 
 that the latter elements increase their stimulating power. 
 
 2. Alkaline Waters. — The dominant part which the chemical reaction of the animal 
 humors plays in vital processes explains the extraordinary potency of alkaline, and in 
 some degree of saline, mineral waters; for the functions of digestion, respiration, etc. 
 depend in a great measure upon the relative degrees of acidity or alkalinity of the animal 
 fluids. Alkaline mineral waters, then, may be used so as to neutralize or diminish this 
 acidity, and thereby produce a corresponding change in the physiological action. In 
 
AQUsE MINER ALES. 
 
 point of fact, these waters have long been known as the most efficient in chronic gout 
 and rheumatism and the numerous disorders which depend on them ; and the form of 
 dyspepsia most successfully treated by their use is attended with excessive acidity of the 
 gastro-intestinal secretions, with sour or rancid eructations and regurgitations, flatulent 
 distension of the abdomen, tenderness of the epigastrium, etc. ; and all the more so if it 
 is connected with a gouty diathesis. The waters are most efficient when they are highly 
 charged with carbonic acid gas. If there is gastric irritability, they must be taken in 
 small doses. Skin diseases are not favofably influenced by alkaline waters internally or 
 in baths, and the same is true of scrofula. Among all the known alkaline springs, there 
 is only one which can be regarded as pre-eminently curative in yout, and that is at Vichy 
 in France. The waters are most usefully as well as conveniently employed internally, 
 but care must be taken not to drink of them too copiously, lest plethoric phenomena 
 arise, nor to run the risk of impoverishing the blood by using them for too long at a 
 time. In this country there is no alkaline spring, properly so called ; the nearest approach 
 to belonging to the category of such springs is made by the St. Louis Spring, Mich., but 
 its water contains only 7.684 grains of sodium carbonate to the pint, while the Grande 
 Grille Spring at Vichy contains nearly three times as much. Moreover, the former 
 spring holds calcium carbonate and sulphate in large amount, while the latter contains a 
 very small proportion of the former, and of the latter none at all. Gastralgia , occurring 
 paroxysmally, is reputed to be frequently cured by these waters taken hot and in the 
 intervals between the paroxysms. It may be doubted whether the heat does not act 
 curatively — as much, at least, as the mineral constituents of the water. Certainly, solu- 
 tions of sodium bicarbonate will not relieve gastralgia unless great acidity of the 
 stomach is also present. In chronic rheumatism (which is the only form of rheumatism 
 in which the medication by alkaline mineral waters can conveniently be tried), whether 
 muscular or articular, alkaline waters are very highly esteemed, but they are chiefly used 
 in warm baths. No doubt can exist in regard to the efficacy of alkaline waters in remov- 
 ing the symptoms of gall-stones. Some persons suppose that these concretions are dis- 
 solved by the waters, but of this there is no proof whatever. Others believe that the 
 bile itself is rendered more watery by their use. It is certain that the salts of Vichy 
 and of Carlsbad waters even in this country relieve the symptoms of this affection, pro- 
 vided they are administered in hot water and so as to represent nearly the strength of 
 the natural springs. In the treatment of acid urinary concretions and their effects alkaline 
 waters are of great value. They operate as diuretics, and also by neutralizing the excess- 
 ive acidity of the urine. In the former way they often cause a copious discharge of 
 acid sand. By removing the chief cause of irritation in the urinary passages they tend 
 to cure the catarrh which may affect their mucous membrane. The usefulness of alka- 
 line waters in diabetes does not admit of any doubt, however difficult it may be to explain 
 their mode of action. It has been remarked that they are more efficacious when the 
 patient is stout than when he is thin. In favorable examples the progress of the disease 
 may be stayed by them for years. But “ diabetes mellitus is an incurable disease,” even 
 by Carlsbad water. (See Mayer, Med. Record , xvii. 120.) 
 
 3. Alkaline-saline mineral waters, which form some of the most famous European 
 springs, including those of Carlsbad (Leclerc, Med. Record , xxxv. 113; Hofmeister, 
 Centralbl. f. Therap., vii. 15), are represented in this country chiefly by the Gettysburg 
 Springs, Pa., the St. Louis Spring, Mich., Capon Springs, Va., and the so-called Lithia 
 Springs of that State and of Arkansas ; Sheldon Springs, Vt., and several in Colorado 
 and California (Denison, Med. News , lv. 284). They are more or less purgative and 
 diuretic, and are used with great advantage in the same diseases for which alkaline waters 
 proper are employed, but especially in chronic dyspepsia , disorder of the liver , gall-stones , 
 gout, rheumatism , gravel, and morbid mental conditions associated with digestive derange- 
 ments. They are very useful in uterine engorgements and irritability. They are 
 palliatives of saccharine diabetes and of Bright's disease, especially those of them which 
 contain a considerable proportion of iron ; they have also some repute in the treatment 
 of chronic inflammation of the pharynx and larynx. According to the purpose for which 
 they are used, the dose should be large or small — the former when a purgative opera- 
 tion is desired, the latter when an alterative action is sought. In the laryngeal and 
 pharyngeal affections named these waters are very useful in the form of an atomized 
 spray. 
 
 4. Acidulous saline waters are employed in almost the same diseases as the last-men- 
 tioned class. Above all others, they are to be preferred to cure constipation or irregular- 
 ity of bowels in persons of sedentary habits who eat and drink largely and neglect the 
 
 18 
 
274 
 
 ARALIA SPINOSA. 
 
 calls of nature, or whose digestion is impaired by mental causes. Loss of relish for 
 food ; a pasty tongue ; flatulent bowels ; haemorrhoidal swelling ; suspension or irregular- 
 ity of the stools, which are apt to be alternately diarrhoeal and scybalous or pale and 
 dark ; a high-colored and sedimentary urine ; a dusky or even a jaundiced complexion ; 
 hypochondria, sleeplessness, distressing dreams, — these are the most notable symptoms 
 which are removed by natural purgative mineral waters better than by any other cathar- 
 tics. They wash out the loaded cells of the colon without impairing the appetite or 
 strength or confirming the constipated habit, as many other purgatives do. It is this 
 array of symptoms that is apt to be called “ liver complaint.” Their usefulness is 
 notably increased by the carbon dioxide gas with which many of them are charged, and 
 which serves to mask the taste of the sulphates of sodium and magnesium or of the 
 sodium chloride which they contain, and to make them more acceptable to the stomach. 
 Their mode of action is through a gradual elimination of the accumulated tissue-waste, 
 and the increased activity which is thereby communicated to the whole glandular system. 
 The most celebrated of American springs of this class are those of Saratoga. They are 
 said to attract more than eighty thousand persons annually. Although they are not 
 identical in composition, they differ so little from one another as to exert essentially the 
 same influence on the system. It is so far from negative or indifferent that the use of 
 such waters at unseasonable times and in improper quantities, and by persons who do not 
 need them at all, has been the cause of incalculable mischief. Every one who requires 
 them is also in need of judicious advice in using them. This is seldom to be obtained 
 from the resident physicians or from those who are casual visitors. On the continent of 
 Europe every mineral spring is provided with one or several physicians who are entitled 
 by their knowledge and skill, as well as by their official station, to give wholesome advice 
 regarding the use of the waters. Medical advisers of like competency are greatly needed 
 at the popular watering-places of this country. 
 
 5. Chalybeate mineral waters are the best representatives of ferruginous medicines, 
 because they not only enter the system more readily, and therefore improve the blood 
 more rapidly, than artificial preparations of iron, but because the hygienic conditions 
 attending their use are of the most salutary effect. When they contain sulphate of iron 
 (as in the Rockbridge Alum Springs and several others in Virginia), they are especially 
 serviceable in profluvia, as chronic diarrhoea , dysentery, diabetes , bronchorrhsea , lev.cor- 
 rhoea , etc. 
 
 ARALIA SPINOSA. — Aralia-Bark. 
 
 Angelica tree , Toothache bush, Prickly ash, Prickly elder, Hercules' club, E. ; Ecorce d'ara- 
 lie epineuse, Fr. ; Dornige Aralienrinde , Gr. 
 
 The bark of Aralia spinosa, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Araliaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — This shrub grows in swampy localities from Florida 
 to Mississippi, and northward to Southern Pennsylvania and Indiana. It attains the 
 height of 3.5 to 9 M. (12-30 feet), and has the large leaves crowded toward the summit, 
 and bi- or tri-pinnately decomposed, with ovate pointed, serrated, and sessile leaflets, 
 which are glaucous beneath. All parts of it are medicinal, but the bark is usually 
 employed. It is in thin quills or curved pieces, the inner surface of which is nearly 
 smooth and yellowish ; the outer surface gray, scarcely fissured, smooth or with slight 
 longitudinal ridges, and beset with slender prickles in transverse rows or marked with 
 some short transverse ledges. The layer beneath the thin cork is green or brownish- 
 green ; the inner bark whitish, composed of concentric layers, and breaks with a rather 
 tough but nearly smooth fracture. The bark has a slight aromatic odor and a bitterish, 
 pungent, and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The acrid taste of aralia-bark is due to a resinous compound which 
 is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in ether. A saponin-like glucoside, araliin, was pre- 
 pared by Holden (1880), and obtained pure by Lilly (1882) by exhausting the bark with 
 boiling alcohol, from which it separates on cooling ; it is soluble in water and diluted 
 alcohol, insoluble in ether and chloroform, precipitated by basic lead acetate, and on boil- 
 ing with dilute acids yields glucose and tasteless white araliretin , which is insoluble in 
 water. The bitter principle was obtained as an extract-like mass, soluble in water, alco- 
 hol, and ether. An astringent principle colors ferric salts green and precipitates lead 
 acetate, but not gelatin. The alcoholic extract, on being treated with water, yielded the 
 bitter compound and crystals possessing a slight astringency. A little volatile oil, glu- 
 
ARALIA SPIXOSA. 
 
 275 
 
 cose, starch, pectin, albuminoids, chlorophyll, fixed oil, and tasteless resin have also been 
 found. 
 
 Allied Drugs.— A ralia nudicaulis, Limit.— False or wild sarsaparilla, Small spikenard, Wild 
 liquorice E. : Aralie it tige nue, Petit nard, Fr.; Nackte Aralienwurzel, G.— It is a perennial 
 plant indigenous to Canada and the United States, where it grows in rich and rocky woodlands 
 as far south as Carolina and Tennessee, and west to the Rocky Mountains. The rhizome sends 
 up a single petiole about 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, and three-parted at the summit, each division 
 bearing five ovate or oval, serrate, and subsessile leaflets. The scape is divided into three or five 
 peduncles, each bearing a globose umbel of many greenish flowers. The rhizome, which is the 
 part employed, is several feet long, horizontal, with some slender branches, and sparingly beset 
 with a few radicles. The internodes are indistinct and the undeveloped buds alternate. The 
 drv rhizome is about 0 Mm. (I inch) in diameter; the few scape-scars are shallow cup-shaped, 
 and approximate at the upper annulated end of the branches ; the bark is longitudinally 
 wrinkled, of a somewhat glossy pale brownish-gray color externally, the corky layer being 
 easilv removed from the white inner bark, which does not firmly adhere to the cylindrical wood. 
 The latter is about 3 Mm. (£ inch) in diameter, of a yellowish color, and encloses a spongy white 
 amylaceous pith. The rhizome breaks with a short fracture, is somewhat aromatic, has a mawk- 
 ish taste, and contains a little volatile oil, resin, sugar, pectin, and starch. 
 
 Aralia racemosa. Limit. — American spikenard, Spignet, Pettymorrel, E. ; Nard americain, 
 Fr. : Amerikanische Narde, G.— This plant grows in similar localities as the preceding, but is 
 found southward to Georgia. It has an herbaceous stem about 1 M. (40 inches) high, and ter- 
 nately and quinately divided leaves with ovate or heart-ovate doubly serrate leaflets ; the flowers 
 are in small umbels arranged in branching racemes. The rhizome with the roots was, like the 
 preceding drug, formerly known as Nardus americanus. The rhizome is oblique, 10 to 15 Cm. 
 (4-6 inches) long, and half as wide ; the nodes are approximate, and the stem-scars prominent, 
 about 25 to 38 Mm. (1-H inches) in diameter, the older ones deeply concave. The roots are 
 numerous, from 50 to 75 Cm. (20-30 inches) long, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) thick near the rhizome, 
 and little branched below. It has a stronger aromatic odor and taste than the preceding, and 
 has similar constituents. 
 
 The California spikenard, Aralia californica, Watson, resembles the preceding, but the plant 
 and the root are much larger. 
 
 Aralia edulis, Siebold, is indigenous to -Japan and cultivated there. In appearance and size 
 the rhizome resembles Solomon's seal, but the circular stem-scars are somewhat spirally arranged, 
 about half an inch apart, and the wood is in radiating bundles. 
 
 Aralia papyrifera, Hooker, indigenous to Formosa, contains a thick white pith, which, cut 
 into thin layers, constitutes the so-called Chinese rice-paper. 
 
 Aralia (Panax, Linnt ) quinquefolia, Decaisne et Planchon ; Ginseng, E., Fr., G. — This per- 
 ennial herb is indigenous to cool woodlands from New England to Minnesota and south to the 
 mountains of Georgia. The stem bears at the summit three large palmately five-foliate leaves, 
 with long-stalked, obovate-oblong, pointed, doubly serrate leaflets. The greenish-white flowers 
 are in a terminal subglobular umbel, and produce globular scarlet-red two-celled and two-seeded 
 berries. The root is fusiform, 5-10 Cm. (2-4 inches) long, with a rounded head, closely annu- 
 late, and with few wrinkles above, dividing below into two, or occasionally three, branches of 
 even size, and when dry longitudinally wrinkled. It is of a light brownish-yellow color, inter- 
 nally white, breaks with a short and mealy fracture, and has a faint sweetish odor and a sweet 
 slightly aromatic taste. The transverse section shows a thick bark, with numerous scattered 
 brown-red resin-cells, and in older roots is radially striate from the bast-wedges ; it is separated 
 by a brown cambium-line from the central portion, which consists of linear wedge-shaped yel- 
 lowish wood-bundles and broad medullary rays. Besides starch, gum, albumen, and resin, S. S. 
 Garrigues (1854) isolated a sweet principle, paiiaquilon, C 12 II 25 0 9 , by adding to the syrupy infu- 
 sion a concentrated solution of sodium sulphate and dissolving the precipitate in alcohol. It is 
 yellow, amorphous, sweet, insoluble in ether, and precipitated by tannin. Concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid dissolves it with a purple-red color, converting it at the same time into panacon, 
 CnIIiA. which is white, tasteless, and insoluble in water and ether, but soluble in alcohol. 
 
 Aralia (Pan'ax, Nees) Ginseng, A. Meyer , is indigenous to Eastern Asia, and much culti- 
 vated. It furnishes the Chinese ginseng, which is larger than the preceding, but otherwise 
 resembles it; it is often scalded while fresh, and then has a yellowish translucent appearance 
 after drying. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The name of “ false sarsaparilla ” applied to Aralia nudicaulis 
 denotes the qualities which have been attributed to it — viz. of beipg stimulant, dia- 
 phoretic, and alterative. But the proofs of its virtues are unsatisfactory. It is used in 
 decoction and infusion, both internally and externally. 
 
 Aralia spinosa is thought to be more stimulating than A. nudicaulis, but its uses arc 
 nearly the same. In South Carolina it was reputed to be a valuable remedy for chronic 
 rheumatism and diseases of the skin, and it is said to be implicitly relied upon by the 
 negroes as an antidote to the rattlesnake' s bite. The bark is used for this purpose both 
 internally and externally. A saturated tincture is said to have been given in the dose 
 
276 
 
 ARECA .—ARGEMONE. 
 
 of 16 Gm. (f^ss) three times a day, and a decoction was used prepared with 32 Gm. (gj) 
 of the bark and a quart of water. 
 
 It is unsettled whether or not the American and Chinese species of ginseng are iden- 
 tical. It is at least certain that while the former is only agreeable in taste, and perhaps 
 useful as a mild stomachic, the latter enjoys in its native country the reputation of a 
 panacea, and especially of being aphrodisiac. The affections for whose cure it is most 
 esteemed are such as are usually treated by aromatic stimulants, including dyspepsia , 
 vomiting , and nervous disorder. It is used as a masticatory, and also in infusion. 
 
 ARECA, JBr, Add . — Areca-Nut. 
 
 Semen Arecse. — Betel-nut , E. ; Noix d'arec , Fr. ; Arekanuss, Betelnuss, G. 
 
 The seed of Areca Catechu, Linne. the betel-nut tree. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 276. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Palmse. 
 
 Origin. — This elegant palm, which attains a height of about 50 feet (15 M.), is 
 indigenous to the East Indies and the East Indian Islands, and is extensively cultivated 
 there and in the Philippine Islands. The orange-colored fruit is of about the size and 
 shape of a hen’s egg, and contains under a fibrous pericarp a single seed. 
 
 Description. — The seed, which is the so-called areca- or betel-nut, is about an inch 
 (25 Mm.) in length, roundish-conical in shape, and somewhat depressed at the base. It 
 is of a brown color externally, with numerous reddish veins, originating at the hilum 
 and forming a network which penetrates into the white albumen, and gives to the latter 
 internally a marbled appearance ; the small embryo is situated near the base of the seed. 
 Areca-nuts are heavy, very hard, and have, when recently broken, a feeble somewhat 
 cheese-like odor and an astringent and slightly acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Areca-nuts contain about 14 per cent, of fixed oil, which is solid 
 and crystalline at the ordinary temperature, and about the same amount of a red tannin 
 which is insoluble in ether, slightly soluble in water, and resembles catechu-tannic acid 
 in producing a green and afterward a brown color with ferric salts. According to E. 
 Jahns (1889), areca-nuts contain three alkaloids : arecoline ( arekane , Bombalon, 1885), 
 0.07-0.1 per cent. ; arecaine , 0.1 per cent. ; and the third only in small quantity. Are- 
 coline , C 8 II 13 N0 2 , is a strongly alkaline colorless oily liquid, miscible with water, alcohol, 
 ether, and chloroform. It boils at or near 22° C. Its salts are mostly crystallizable, 
 easily soluble, and some deliquescent. Arecaine , C 7 H n N0 2 . H 2 0, forms colorless crys- 
 tals which are permanent in air, freely soluble in water and dilute alcohol, and nearly 
 insoluble in absolute alcohol ; ether, chloroform, and benzine do not dissolve it. At 
 100° C. (212° F.) it loses its water of crystallization, and melts with frothing at 213° 
 C. (415.5° F.). The salts are crystalline, possess an acid reaction, are freely soluble 
 in water, and less so in alcohol. Catechin is not present. The nuts yield 2.26 per 
 cent, of ashes containing ferric oxide and magnesium phosphate (Fliickiger and Han- 
 bury). The aqueous extract of these seeds yields a kind of catechu. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Areca is astringent, and is chiefly used for the expulsion of tape- 
 worms. From Gm. 8-12 (sij-^iij), powdered and mixed with syrup, is stated to be the 
 proper dose. Before being used to destroy these parasites in man it was largely 
 employed for a similar purpose in dogs. Bombelon procured from it an alkaloid which 
 increased the salivary secretion, slowed the pulse, and had a purgative action {Bond. 
 Med. Record , Apr. 15, 1886). Another alkaloid, arecoline, was found to reduce both 
 respiration and pulse, proving fatal through arrest of the former ( Lancet , Mar. 1889, p. 
 496). 
 
 ARGEMONE.— Prickly Poppy. 
 
 Argemone , F. ; Stachelmohn , G. 
 
 Argemone mexieana, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Papaveraceae. 
 
 Description. — This annual is indigenous to Mexico, Colorado, and the West Indies, 
 but has been introduced and naturalized in most tropical and subtropical countries. It 
 is about 2 feet (60 Cm.) high, has alternate sessile, sinuate-lobed leaves with prickly teeth 
 and white spots, and yellow or white flowers, about 1 } inches (38 Mm.) in diameter, with 
 6 petals and many stamens. The ovate prickly capsule is about an inch (25 Mm.) thick, 
 crowned with the nearly sessile radiate stigmas, and contains numerous blackish finely- 
 
ARGENT I CYANIDE M. 
 
 277 
 
 pitted seeds. The plant has a bitter and acrid taste, and when wounded exudes a yellow- 
 ish milky juice. 
 
 Constituents. — Charbonnier (1868) claims to have found a small proportion of 
 morphine in the leaves and capsules ; like several allied plants, it probably contains san- 
 guinarine. (See Chelidonium.) The seeds yielded him 36.2 per cent, (by pressure 18 per 
 cent., Lepine, 1861) of a drying fixed oil of a light-yellow color and bland taste. O. 
 Frolich (1871) obtained from the oil a pretty hard soda-soap, and found in the soap- 
 liquor butyric, valerianic, acetic, and a little benzoic acid. According to Fliickiger 
 (1871), the oil has the spec. grav. .919 at 16.5° C. (61.8° F.), remains clear at — 6° C. 
 (21.2° F.), dries slowly and incompletely, is not soluble in 6 volumes of 90 per cent, 
 alcohol, as stated by Charbonnier, and has a mild purgative effect in doses of 4 or 5 
 grains. 
 
 Action and Uses.— The principal quality of this plant appears to be its acrimony, 
 in which, as well as in the physical properties of its inspissated juice, it resembles gam- 
 boge. In Mexico and in Java its fresh juice is applied to irarts and indolent ulcers and 
 in psor ophthalmia and opacities of the cornea. The fresh leaves are also bruised and 
 used as a dressing for ulcers. The juice is employed as a hydragogue cathartic in 
 dropsy. Charbonnier states that the fatty oil of the seeds is used in the West 
 Indies and in Mexico to relieve headache, and that twenty drops of it occasion vomiting 
 and watery stools. Some narcotic virtue has been ascribed to the seeds, which are said 
 to be used for smoking when mixed with tobacco. But while one authority describes 
 them as suitable, like opium, for checking diarrhoea, another compares them to ipecac- 
 uanha, a third holds them to be purgative, and a fourth as purgative and anodyne also. 
 The oil, derived by expression from the seeds, is reported to purge in the dose of dm. 2 
 (gtt. xxx). An infusion of the herb is stated to be used in Mexico as a sudorific. 
 
 ARGENTI CYANIDUM, U . Silver Cyanide. 
 
 Argentum cyanatum . — Cyanure d’ argent, Fr. ; Silbercyanid, Cyansilber , Gr. 
 
 Formula AgCN = AgCy. Molecular weight 133.64. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Silver Nitrate, Potassium Ferrocyanide, each 2 troyounces; 
 Sulphuric Acid 1J troyounces; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the 
 silver nitrate in a pint of distilled water and pour the solution into a tubulated glass 
 receiver. Dissolve potassium ferrocyanide in 10 fluidounces of distilled water, and pour 
 the solution into a tubulated retort previously adapted to the receiver. Having mixed 
 the sulphuric acid with 4 fluidounces of distilled water, add the mixture to the solution 
 in the retort, and distil by means of a sand-bath, with a moderate heat, until 6 fluid- 
 ounces have passed over or until the distillate no longer produces a precipitate in the 
 receiver. Lastly, wash the precipitate with distilled water and dry it. — V. JS. 
 1870. 
 
 On distilling potassium ferrocyanide, with sulphuric acid, hydrocyanic acid passes 
 over (see Acidum Hydrocyanicum), which reacts with silver nitrate, forming nitric 
 acid, and silver cyanide, which precipitates; HCy -f- AgN0 3 = HN0 3 + AgCy. To 
 avoid loss of silver the distillation should be continued as long as a precipitate is pro- 
 duced in the solution. 
 
 Properties. — Silver cyanide may also be conveniently prepared by adding a solu- 
 tion of silver nitrate to a solution of pure potassium cyanide as long as a precipitate 
 continues to be formed, and then filtering and washing the precipitate well with dis- 
 tilled water. When silver nitrate solution is first added, no precipitate occurs, owing to 
 the formation of a soluble compound, KAg(CN) 2 ; but this is decomposed by further addi- 
 tion of the silver solution, and silver cyanide is then precipitated. About 170 grains of 
 silver nitrate will require 65 grains of potassium cyanide, producing about 133 grains of 
 silver cyanide, the two reactions taking place being as follows: (1) 2KCN -f- AgN0 3 = 
 KAg (CN) 2 + KNO ;} ; (2) KAg (CN) 2 + AgNO ;s - 2AgCN + KN0 3 . Silver cyanide, 
 when dry, forms a white amorphous inodorous and tasteless powder, which gradually 
 turns brown on exposure to the light, and is best preserved in amber-colored or black 
 vials. When heated it fuses, giving off one-half of its cyanogen, and suffering further 
 decomposition by a higher heat, leaving finally metallic silver amounting to 80.56 per 
 cent, of the original weight. It is insoluble in simple solvents and in diluted acids, but 
 is decomposed by chlorine-water, by warm solutions of chlorides and iodides, and by 
 boiling concentrated acids, with the evolution of hydrocyanic acid, furnishing with boiling 
 nitric acid silver nitrate, but crystallizing from hot diluted nitric acid, partly in minute 
 
278 
 
 ARGENTI IODIDUM.— ARGENTI NITRAS. 
 
 prisms. It is readily soluble in ammonia and sodium thiosulphate, somewhat soluble in 
 ammoniacal salts, and forms soluble double salts with the alkali cyanides. Dilute hydro- 
 chloric acid decomposes it, yielding silver chloride/ and hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 The only use of this salt in medicine is to serve for the extemporaneous preparation 
 of diluted hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 ARGENTI IODIDUM, U . S .— Silver Iodide. 
 
 Argentum iodatum. — Iodure d 1 argent, Fr. ; Either jodid, Jodsilber , G. 
 
 Formula Agl. Molecular weight 234.19. 
 
 Preparation. — Dissolve 1 part each of silver nitrate and potassium iodide separately 
 in 10 or 12 parts of water ; pour the silver solution gradually and w T ith continued stirring 
 into the solution of potassium iodide ; collect the precipitate upon a filter ; wash it well 
 with distilled water and dry it upon bibulous paper. 1 ounce of silver nitrate yields 
 1.34 to 1.37 ounce of silver iodide. By mutual decomposition of the two salts silver 
 iodide and potassium nitrate are produced; AgN0 3 -j- KI yields Agl + KN0 3 . The 
 former salt being insoluble in water, is freed from the latter by washing with distilled 
 water. The use of a slight excess of the potassium salt ensures the stability of the 
 silver iodide in the light (H. Vogel). Should the potassium iodide be contaminated 
 with chloride, the precipitate will likewise contain silver chloride, which, being freely 
 soluble in ammonia, is readily removed by adding to the mother-liquor before decanta- 
 tion 1 or 2 parts of ammonia-water, stirring well and allowing to settle. -It is advisable 
 to keep the salt in amber-colored vials, protected from the light. 
 
 Properties. — Silver iodide is “ a heavy, amorphous, light-yellowish powder, unal- 
 tered by light if pure, but generally becoming somewhat greenish-yellow, without odor 
 and taste, and insoluble in water, alcohol, diluted acids, or in solution of ammonium 
 carbonate, soluble in about 2500 parts of stronger ammonia-water. When heated to 
 about 400° C. (752° F.) it melts to a dark-red liquid, which on cooling congeals to a 
 soft, yellow, slightly translucent mass. When mixed with ammonia-water it turns 
 white, but regains its yellowish color by washing with water. It is dissolved by an 
 aqueous solution of potassium cyanide, and also by a concentrated aqueous solution of 
 potassium iodide, and the resulting solutions yield a black precipitate with hydrogen 
 sulphide or ammonium sulphide. If a small quantity of chlorine-water be agitated 
 with an excess of the salt, the filtrate acquires a dark-blue color on the addition of gela- 
 tinized starch.” — U. E. The color of melting silver iodide varies according to the tem- 
 perature between yellow, red, and dark red-brown. At a white heat the salt may be 
 sublimed, but when heated before the blowpipe upon charcoal it burns with a green 
 flame and white smoke, leaving a little silver behind. Warm potassa solution imparts 
 a brownish color to the salt and decomposes it on continued boiling. A concentrated 
 solution of potassium iodide dissolves the salt, which is reprecipitated on dilution with 
 water. 
 
 Tests. — “If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be digested with 10 Cc. of a cold 15 per cent, solu- 
 tion of ammonium carbonate the resulting filtrate, on being supersaturated with nitric 
 acid, should not be rendered more than faintly opalescent (absence of chloride.) On 
 digesting a portion of the salt — which has been found to be free from chloride, or from 
 which the latter has been completely removed by repeated digestion with ammonium 
 carbonate — for five minutes with 10 Co. of ammonia-water, and supersaturating the 
 filtrate with nitric acid, only a slight opalescence, but no yellowish-white precipitate, 
 should be produced (absence of bromide).” — U. E. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This appears to be a superfluous addition to the Pharmacopoeia. 
 Long since obsolete, it was at one time vaunted in the treatment of syphilis , of visceral 
 neuralgia , asthma , chorea (Guibert, Nouveaux Medicaments , p. 427), and even of whoop- 
 ing cough ( Practitioner , iv. 373). The dose prescribed varied from Gm. 0.008-0.13. (i 
 grain to 2 grains). 
 
 ARGENTI NITRAS, U . S., Br, — Silver Nitrate. 
 
 Argentum nitricum crystallisatum , Azof as (. Nitras ) argenticus. — Nitrate ( Azotate ) d' ar- 
 gent, Nitre lunaire , Fr. ; Eilhernitrat , Saltpetersaures Either oxyd, Silhersalpeter , G. ; Ni- 
 trato di plata, Sp. ; Nitrato di argento cry stall izzato , F. It. 
 
 Formula AgN0 3 Molecular weight 169.55. 
 
 Preparation. — Take Purified Silver 3 ounces ; Nitric acid 2i fluidounces ; Dis- 
 
ARGENTI NITRAS. 
 
 279 
 
 tilled Water 5 ounces. Add the nitric acid and the water to the silver in a flask, and 
 apply a gentle heat till the metal is dissolved. Decant the clear liquid from any black 
 powder which may be present into a porcelain dish, evaporate and set aside to crystal- 
 lize ; pour off the liquor and again evaporate and crystallize. Let the crystals drain in 
 a glass funnel, and dry them by exposure to the air, carefully avoiding the contact of 
 all organic substances. Silver nitrate must be preserved in bottles carefully stop- 
 pered. — Br. 
 
 When silver is dissolved in nitric acid, silver nitrate is formed and hydrogen set free ; 
 the latter reacts with another portion of nitric acid, forming water and nitric oxide, 
 which is a colorless gas, but on contact with the atmosphere is oxidized, so as to form 
 red vapors of nitrogen tetroxide. These reactions are explained by the following equa- 
 tions : 6HN0 3 -f 3Ag 2 yields 6AgN0 3 + 3H 2 ; 3H 2 + 2HN0 3 yields 4H 2 0 + 2NO ; 
 2NO -f 0 2 yields N 2 0 4 or 2N0 2 . The results of the process under the circumstances 
 stated are therefore water, silver nitrate, which remains in solution, and nitrogen tetrox- 
 ide, which escapes. If insufficient heat is applied during the reaction the nitric oxide 
 generated remains wholly or in part in solution, reducing the excess of nitric acid to 
 nitrogen trioxide and tetroxide. Should the solution be made in a porcelain capsule, it 
 will be found of advantage to invert, a glass funnel over the mixture, whereby not only 
 some nitric acid, which would otherwise escape, is condensed and flows back into the 
 dish, but the loss of silver solution by sputtering is likewise prevented. Since the best 
 refined silver usually contains minute quantities of other metals, particularly copper, 
 their removal becomes necessary, and is effected either by crystallization, when the 
 impurities, together with some silver, will remain in the mother-liquor, or the solution is 
 evaporated to dryness and the crystalline or granular mass further heated until it is 
 fused and cease's to give off acid vapors. The copper nitrate and other metals are 
 decomposed by heat before the silver nitrate is affected, and the fused mass acquires a 
 more or less dark-gray color in proportion to the amount of cupric oxide contained in it. 
 The latter, being insoluble in water, is easily removed by dissolving the cooled salt in 
 distilled water and decanting or filtering the solution before evaporating it. The purifi- 
 cation of silver nitrate by fusion was the process recommended by the Lb S. P. 1870. 
 In following it, unless the heat be very carefully regulated, some silver nitrate will be 
 reduced to nitrite, and contact with organic matter will tend to deoxidize it. It is 
 therefore advisable to acidulate the solution with a little nitric acid. 
 
 Both processes are applicable in cases where the metallic impurities are small in quan- 
 tity. If silver coin is used, the first crystallization will not be pure, and if evaporated 
 to dryness and fused a portion of silver oxide will be separated. In such a case it is 
 advisable either to treat the first crop of crystals by fusion or to purify the silver by one 
 of the processes given elsewhere. (See Argentum.) 
 
 Properties. — Silver nitrate exists in colorless shining tabular crystals of the 
 rhombic system, which are inodorous and have a caustic and strongly metallic taste and 
 a neutral reaction. It is soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 0.6 part of water and in 26 parts 
 of alcohol (£/! S.) ; in 0.6 part of water and in 10 parts of alcohol, spec. grav. 0.832 
 (P. G.) ; also in 0.1 part of boiling water and in 5 parts of boiling alcohol (IT. S .). 
 Kremers (1854) ascertained that 1 part of silver nitrate dissolves at 0° C. (32° F.) in 
 0.82 parts, at 11° C. (51.8° F.) in 7.83 parts (Schnauss), at 19.5° C. (67° F.) in 0.44 
 parts, at 54° C. (129.2° F.) in 0.20 parts, and at 110° C. (230° F.) in 0.09 parts of 
 water. Eder found the salt soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 26 parts, at 50° C. (122° F.) 
 in 13.7 parts, and at 75° C. (167° F.) in 5.5 parts of alcohol (sp. gr. .817). It is like- 
 wise, though less freely, soluble in ordinary ether, but nearly insoluble in absolute ether, 
 freely soluble in diluted, but sparingly soluble in strong nitric acid. It melts at 200° C. 
 (392° F.) to a faintly yellow liquid, and on cooling congeals to a white crystalline mass; 
 at a higher temperature nitrous vapors are given off, leaving silver oxide and nitrate ; 
 heated to a dull-red heat, metallic silver is left. The crystals and the aqueous solution 
 are permanent in the air and light, except in the presence of organic matter, whereby 
 they acquire a dark color. The alcoholic solution when exposed to the light is gradually 
 reduced, silver being separated. Hydrochloric acid produces in the solution a white 
 curdy precipitate of argentic chloride, which is insoluble in dilute nitric acid, but dis- 
 solves readily in ammonia. Stains produced by silver nitrate upon the skin are removed 
 by rubbing them with a strong solution of potassium cyanide, or by moistening them 
 first with a solution of iodine and afterward with sodium thiosulphate. The solution of 
 silver nitrate acidulated with nitric acid and heated with alcohol produces the violently 
 explosive compound known as fulminating silver. 
 
280 
 
 ARGENTI NITRAS DILUTES. 
 
 Silver nitrate contains no water of crystallization. 
 
 Tests. — 10 grains of silver nitrate yield 8.44 grains of chloride. — Br. The salt 
 should yield with ammonia a clear and colorless solution (absence of copper, lead, etc.), 
 and its aqueous solution, when precipitated by an excess of hydrochloric acid, should 
 yield a filtrate which is not colored by hydrogen sulphide, and when evaporated leaves 
 no residue (absence of other salts). A 10 per cent, aqueous solution, mixed with four 
 times its volume of diluted sulphuric acid and heated to boiling, should not become 
 turbid. — U. S., P. G. This test indicates the absence of lead, the sulphate of which is 
 insoluble, while silver sulphate is soluble in 68.6 parts of boiling water. ^ 0.3391 Gm. 
 of silver nitrate, dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, should require, for complete precipita- 
 tion, 20 Cc. of decinormal sodium chloride solution (corresponding to 100 per cent, of 
 the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Silver nitrate is used in the preparation of the other 
 medicinal compounds of silver and of indelible ink. 
 
 Indelible ink is frequently made of silver nitrate. From the numerous formulas 
 recommended we select the following : Dissolve 2 drachm’s of silver nitrate in 7 fluid- 
 drachms of distilled water, and add 1 fluidrachm of mucilage of gum-arabic colored with 
 sap-green or other coloring matter. This ink is used after a mordant, which is a solution 
 of sodium carbonate and gum in water, of the strength of 1 part of the former to from 
 5 to 10 of the latter (Cooley). 
 
 1 part of silver is dissolved in 6 parts each of distilled water and mucilage of gum. 
 It is to be used with a mordant composed of 1 part of sodium hypophosphite, 2 of gum- 
 arabic, and 16 of distilled water (Ruhr). 
 
 The following indelible inks are used without mordant : 
 
 8 parts of silver nitrate and 3 parts of tartaric acid are triturated together.; a little 
 water is then added, and afterward a sufficient amount of ammonia-water to neutralize 
 the free acid and dissolve the silver tartrate ; lastly, a little gum and coloring matter is 
 added (Reade). 
 
 Silver nitrate and potassium bitartrate, of each 8 drachms, are rubbed together and 
 dissolved in 4 ounces of ammonia-water ; 4 drachms of archil, 6 of white sugar, and 10 
 of powdered gum are added, and when solution has taken place sufficient water to make 
 the whole measure 6 fluidounces (Redwood). 
 
 ARGENTI NITRAS DILUTUS, U . Diluted Silver Nitrate. 
 
 Argenti et potassii nitras , Br. ; Argentum nitricum cum Icalio-nitrico , P. G. ; Argentum 
 nitricum fusum mitigatum , Lapis inf emails nitratus. — Nitrate of silver and potassium, Miti- 
 gated caustic , E. ; Azotate di argent mitige , Pierre infernale dilute, Fr. ; Salpeterlialtiger 
 Hollenstein , G. ; Nitrato di argento fuso con nitrato di potassio, F. It. 
 
 Preparation. — Silver Nitrate 30 Gm. ; Potassium Nitrate 60 Gm. Melt the salts 
 together in a porcelain crucible at as low a temperature as possible, stirring the melted 
 mass well until it flows smoothly. Then cast it in suitable moulds. Keep the product 
 in dark amber-colored vials, protected from light. — U. S. 
 
 Silver nitrate 1 part, potassium nitrate 2 parts. — P. G ., Br. 
 
 Properties. — “ A white, hard solid, generally in form of pencils or cones of a finely 
 granular fracture, becoming gray or grayish black on exposure to light in presence of 
 organic matter ; odorless, having a caustic metallic taste and a neutral reaction. Each 
 of its constituents retains the solubility in water and in alcohol, mentioned respectively 
 under Argenti Nitras and Potassii Nitras.” — U. S. The pencils are less fragile and 
 more opaque than those made of pure silver nitrate. They will contain silver nitrite, 
 and blacken on exposure to light if the salts had been melted at too high a heat. If 
 made with sodium nitrate they become superficially moist in a damp atmosphere. 
 
 Tests. — “ An aqueous solution of diluted silver nitrate yields with a slight excess 
 of hydrochloric acid, a white precipitate, which is readily soluble in ammonia-water. 
 The filtrate from the precipitate, when evaporated to dryness, yields a white residue 
 which is completely soluble in water, and this solution affords a yellow, crystalline pre- 
 cipitate with platinic chloride test-solution, and a white crystalline precipitate with 
 sodium bitartrate test-solution. If to an aqueous solution of diluted silver nitrate a 
 slight excess of ammonia-water be added, it should neither assume a blue color (absence 
 of copper ) nor afford any turbidity (absence of lead and bismuth). If 1 Gm. of diluted 
 silver nitrate, dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, be mixed with 20 Cc. of decinormal sodium 
 chloride solution, and then a few drops of potassium chromate solution added, not more 
 
ARGENTI NITRAS FUSUS. 
 
 281 
 
 than 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution should be required to impart to the 
 liquid a permanent red color (corresponding to at least 33 per cent, of pure silver 
 nitrate. — IT. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is merely a mitigated form of moulded silver nitrate, and 
 may sometimes be found convenient when a slight caustic action is intended. 
 
 ARGENTI NITRAS FUSUS, XT. Moulded Silver Nitrate. 
 
 Argentum nitricum (fusum), P. G. ; Lap is-in fern alls, Azotas ( Nitras ) argenticus fusus. 
 — Fused nitrate of silver , Lunar caustic , E. ; Nitrate ( Azotate ) d' argent fondu , Pierre 
 infemale, Fr. ; HdUenstein, Geschmolzenes salpetersaures Silberoxgd, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Silver Nitrate 100 Gm. ; Hydrochloric Acid 4 Gm. To the silver 
 nitrate contained in a porcelain capsule, add the hydrochloric acid, and melt the mixture 
 at as low a temperature as possible. Stir well, and pour the melted mass into suitable 
 moulds. Keep the product in dark amber-colored vials, protected from light. — U. S. 
 
 To obtain the nitrate in rods, fuse the crystals in a capsule of thin porcelain or plat- 
 inum. and pour the melted salt into proper moulds. — Br. 
 
 The reasons for the cautious application of heat when fusing silver nitrate have been 
 pointed out above. (See Argenti Nitras.) The salt being decomposed by nearly all the 
 metals when heated with them, capsules of platinum or of the best porcelain are the 
 only vessels suitable for this operation. When fused it has the appearance of a color- 
 less, transparent, oily liquid, and is then ready to be poured into the moulds, which 
 should he faced with pure silver. Brass moulds are sometimes used, but they are liable 
 to contaminate the product with copper. Steel or porcelain moulds may be used after 
 they have been rubbed with some powdered French chalk, which prevents the fused salt 
 from adhering to the mould. If the moulds have been previously warmed to about 40° 
 or 50° C. (104° or 122° F.), the fused mass will not congeal too rapidly. Oiling the 
 moulds should be avoided, lest a reduction of the salt should take place. 
 
 Properties. — Moulded pure silver nitrate is met with in nearly colorless thin cylin- 
 ders or pointed cones, which when broken show a crystalline texture upon the fractured 
 surface ; in solubility, chemical behavior, and composition it agrees with the crystal- 
 lized nitrate. It is not affected by light unless it has been partly reduced by too high a 
 heat to silver nitrite or been in contact with organic matter ; wrapping the sticks in 
 paper or handling them with the fingers should therefore be avoided. The pencils are 
 rather brittle, but the addition of a little silver chloride, as proposed by Dr. Squibb 
 (1858), renders the sticks more opaque and tough. This is now recognized by the 
 U. S. P., and contains about 5 per cent, of silver chloride, which is left undissolved on 
 treatment with water ; it is likewise insoluble in dilute nitric acid, but is completely solu- 
 ble in ammonia-water. “Toughened caustic,” Br., consists of silver nitrate 95 parts, and 
 potassium nitrate 5 parts. 
 
 Tests. — For the pure lunar caustic the same tests may be applied as for the crystals. 
 Oxide or metallic silver in very fine division is occasionally present, either in consequence 
 of too high a heat having been employed or because the sticks have been in contact with 
 organic matter ; it will be left behind as a black powder on treating the sticks with 
 distilled water. “If 0.34 Gm. of moulded silver nitrate, dissolved as completely as pos- 
 sible in 10 Cc. of water, be mixed with 20 Cc. of decinormal sodium chloride solution, 
 and then a few drops of potassium chromate test-solution added, not more than 1 Cc. of 
 decinormal silver nitrate solution should be required to impart to the liquid a permanent 
 red color (corresponding to 95 per cent, of pure silver nitrate).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied to a mucous membrane or to the raw skin, nitrate 
 of silver causes a severe smarting and burning pain, and forms a white pellicle, by 
 coagulating the albumen and fibrin of the part, which speedily dries. Repeated appli- 
 cations may occasion permanent stains. Upon the sound skin its prolonged application 
 occasions vesication with a surrounding red border, but it does not cause ulceration of 
 the chorion, and the superficial loss of substance is rapidly restored. The cauterized 
 surface, by exposure to the light, gradually turns brown, and even black. The case is 
 recorded of a man who for the space of a year was accustomed to dye his hair and beard 
 with a solution of nitrate of silver. He suffered from general depression, giddiness, men- 
 tal debility, hardness of hearing and tinnitus, spasm of the muscles of the eyes and face ; 
 all of which symptoms speedily disappeared on ceasing to use the hair-dye. Taken inter- 
 nally, by far the larger portion of the salt is discharged as a chloride of silver with the 
 feces, but that a portion also is retained is certain, partly from the therapeutical effects, 
 
282 
 
 ARGENT I NITRAS FUSES. 
 
 but more evidently from tlie peculiar violet discoloration of the exposed portions of the 
 skin produced by its prolonged use, as well as from its detection in the kidneys, choroid 
 plexuses, etc. An analogous stain is sometimes observed on the gums and inner surface 
 of the cheeks before the skin is affected. As long ago as 1814, Roget reported the case 
 (. Med.-Chir . Trans., vii. 290) of a lady who, after taking nitrate of silver for some time, 
 “ observed that the tongue and fauces had acquired a dark color as if stained with ink,” 
 and that subsequently the complexion grew dark. A recent case has been reported by 
 Shellenberger (Med. News, 1. 417). Several cases are recorded in which the characteristic 
 stain followed repeated applications of lunar caustic to the throat, but doubtless the salt 
 was swallowed ( Phila . Med. Times ix. 479; Therap. Gaz ., xii. 711 ; Med. News, li. 735). 
 Nitric acid and also iodide of potassium taken internally are reported to lessen the inten- 
 sity of the discoloration caused by the absorption of this salt. It is worthy of notice 
 that when discoloration of the skin is produced by the prolonged use of small doses of 
 the salt, no other symptoms occur which can be attributed to its operation. 
 
 Doses of one-half a grain occasion no special symptoms, but larger quantities are apt 
 to cause gastric heat, pain, and nausea. But much depends upon whether the stomach 
 contains food or not. In poisonous doses it occasions gastric irritation and diarrhoea as 
 direct effects, and indirectly loss of consciousness, anaesthesia, convulsions, muscular 
 exhaustion, a faint pulse, and a cold, clammy skin. In some cases of chronic poisoning 
 by it a scorbutic condition is'alleged to have been observed, resembling that produced by 
 this salt in animals. Nitrate of silver by its long-continued use has ulcerated the 
 stomach, and a portion of fused nitrate has been arrested in the fauces and caused 
 swelling of the glottis, in both instances destroying life. 
 
 In various disorders of the stomach, including morbid sensibility of that organ from 
 chronic inflammation, neuralgia, and chronic ulcer, the use of nitrate of silver has some- 
 times relieved pain, checked vomiting and acid eructations, and restored health by promot- 
 ing healthy digestion. The difficult diagnosis of such cases renders the application of the 
 remedy uncertain, but its benefits are sometimes striking. Diarrhoea , whether depend- 
 ent upon debility of the intestine or upon ulceration due to tuberculosis, or chronic dys- 
 entery, or prolonged typhoid fever, is favorably modified by nitrate of silver. In dysen- 
 tery which is either subacute or has not entirely passed into the chronic stage enemata 
 containing the salt are to be preferred. They should consist of two or three pints of 
 water in which are dissolved from 20 to 60, and sometimes even 80 grains, Gm. 1.30- 
 1.45 and the solution should be introduced through a long rectal tube from an irri- 
 gating vessel, and more or less slowly or rapidly according to the sensibility of the patient. 
 Even in Asiatic cholera the medicine may be advantageously exhibited both by mouth 
 and rectum. There is some evidence of its utility in chronic jaundice from an accumu- 
 lation of thick bile in the ducts. Its sedative action upon the heart, demonstrated by 
 experiments upon animals, receives a confirmation from experience, which shows it to 
 be a palliative of abnormal action of the heart in organic as well as functional disease of 
 that organ. In like manner, its action upon the lungs is illustrated by its beneficial 
 effects in some cases of bronchitis with muco-purulent expectoration and hectic fever. 
 But its efficacy in nervous diseases is still more evident in the apparent cures of epilepsy 
 attributed to its use. The special forms of the disease which it most favorably influ- 
 ences are undetermined. It must be given for a long time, commencing with doses of Gm. 
 0.016 (gr. i) three times a day, and gradually increased. Every three or four weeks 
 its administration should be suspended for a few days in order to diminish the risk of 
 staining the skin. Since the introduction of the bromides this medicine has, like many 
 other anti-epileptic remedies, been almost entirely neglected. In that form of paralysis 
 known as locomotor ataxia (sclerosis either disseminated or limited to the lateral columns) 
 nitrate of silver is reported to have effected cures ; but a close scrutiny of the matter 
 shows that the cases cured were not examples of this disease, but of congestion of the 
 cord, generally associated with rheumatism, but sometimes resulting from concussion 
 (St. Bart's Hosp. Rep., xv. 176; Bokai, Centralb. f. Ther., ii. 64; Rosenbaum, Therap. 
 Monatsh ., iv. 232). In not a few instances this salt, in doses of Gm. 0.006—0.013 (gr. 
 -J-q-^) several times a day, has effected cures when other methods failed. Relief of dys- 
 menorrhoea has been attributed to the internal use of this medicine in doses of Gm. 0.008 
 (gr. -1-) three times a day (Blackwood, Phila. Med. Times, xii. 518). 
 
 Lunar caustic has been extensively employed in the treatment of diphtheritic exuda- 
 tions of all kinds, in diphtheria, croup, etc., and there is no doubt that it sometimes 
 appears to modify favorably the affected surfaces and to prevent the increase and exten- 
 sion of false membranes. In the case of laryngeal croup it was at one time the custom 
 
ARGENTI NITRAS FUSES. 
 
 283 
 
 to introduce into the larynx a strong solution of the salt (40 grains to the ounce of 
 water) by means of a sponge or brush, but more recently an atomized solution of the 
 same strength has been substituted. In pharyngeal diphtheria, in which the existence 
 and condition of the false membrane are more demonstrable, as well as the influence of 
 treatment upon it, the tendency of opinion among the most judicious physicians is less 
 favorable than formerly to any form of local cauterization. It is alleged — and our own 
 observation leads us to believe — that this method, which was at one time regarded as 
 essential, is often injurious by the irritation it causes and the extension of the deposit 
 which follows its use. In laryngeal croup the results of the treatment appear to be more 
 favorable, but it must not be forgotten that the diagnosis of the disease from simple 
 laryngitis is often obscure, and also that the immediate dependence of life upon the 
 freedom of the larynx and trachea from obstruction must modify the conclusions arrived 
 at in regard to the laryngeal as compared with the pharyngeal affection. The advan- 
 tages of nitrate of silver in chronic ulceration and simple inflammation of the larynx and 
 trachea are unequivocal. It exerts here the same stimulant and protective influence that 
 it does over similar lesions elsewhere, and thus promotes the restoration of the parts 
 to health as far as possible. Ulcers of the larynx are never primary, but always 
 dependent upon a diathetic influence (tubercle, syphilis, cancer), a cure of them by local 
 treatment alone is not to be expected ; but this method is invaluable for the relief it 
 affords to suffering by palliating the symptoms which the local lesions occasion. In simple 
 chronic laryngitis the same treatment may suffice for a permanent cure. Many cases of 
 aphonia depending upon this affection may thus be permanently cured. The stimulant 
 action of solutions of nitrate of silver, applied by sponge, brush, syringe, or atomizer, is 
 most efficient in the various forms of simple laryngitis, and also in nervous aphonia and 
 in whooping cough. In the last-mentioned affection the pharynx as well as the larynx 
 should be impressed by means of an atomized solution of the salt. In all inflammations 
 of the pharynx , whether acute or chronic, solutions of nitrate of silver have been used, 
 diluted in the more acute and superficial forms, and stronger in the chronic follicular and 
 ulcerous affections of the part. They are signally useful in that form known as clergy- 
 man's sore throat , and are the best palliatives of tubercular and syphilitic ulcers of this 
 part. A comparatively weak atomized solution is more efficient in these cases than a 
 strong solution applied with a sponge or brush. Caution must be used in applying the 
 caustic to the auditory canal. A case in which this was done after the loss of a portion 
 of the tympanum presented alarming symptoms ( Lancet , Feb. 4, 1888). 
 
 If in any case it is possible to prevent tonsillitis from passing into quinsy , this end may 
 be most securely reached by the application of lunar caustic freely to the swollen gland. 
 But the termination in suppuration can never, in a particular case, be predicted with 
 certainty. It sometimes happens also that this use of the caustic appears to promote 
 and not to hinder suppuration. Local vesication by means of a saturated solution of 
 the crystallized salt or with the fused nitrate is an efficient means of treating various 
 local ailments. It may be [used over the superficial portions of nerves in various neur- 
 algia ; superficially also over lymphatic vessels and glands in the first stage of inflamma- 
 tion ; paronychia and other forms of local inflammation, such as abscesses , may be 
 treated in the same way. It has been used to blister the brow in iritis. It has been also 
 applied by deep injection in sciatica. The value of this treatment may be measured by the 
 fact that a precisely similar result ensued upon the injection of pure water. The silver salt 
 so injected causes severe pain, followed by abscess. The substitutive action of nitrate 
 of silver is pre-eminently useful in ophthalmia or conjunctivitis. In different degrees of 
 strength it may arrest the development of a mild inflammation or so modify the mem- 
 brane as to cure the most chronic forms of this affection. It is by no means the stronger 
 solutions that are most efficacious. A solution of one grain to the ounce, applied every 
 hour or two, is preferable to one of twice the strength used at intervals of two or four 
 hours. The case is recorded of wellnigh fatal haemorrhage caused by applying a 2 
 per cent, solution of the salt to the eyes of a new-born child {Med. Record , xxxii. 213). 
 The disused practice of producing counter-irritation in these affections by blistering the 
 brow with this caustic has been recommended anew ( Med . Times and Gaz., Dec. 1879, 
 p. 635). In treating ulcers of the cornea care should be taken lest the undissolved or 
 precipitated salt should permanently stain the structure and form an obstacle to distinct 
 vision. Blepharitis , or inflammation of the follicles of the edges of the lids, is said to 
 be well treated with an ointment of nitrate of silver (gr. iij to Jj), but it is better to 
 touch the parts with a strong solution of the salt and then cover them with simple oint- 
 ment. Of all agents for modifying ulcers , none is so frequently applied as nitrate of 
 
284 
 
 ARGENTI NITRAS FUSUS. 
 
 silver. Its internal use for this purpose has already been noticed, but it is still more 
 commonly applied to ulcers of the external integument — to the irritable in weak solu- 
 tion as an astringent, stimulant, and protective, and to the indolent in caustic form to 
 destroy inert tissue, or rather to revive its dormant vitality. Probably no other single 
 agent is so useful in the treatment of ulcers, and none whose effects can be so readily 
 modified by the degrees of action allowed in its application. Thiersch has used a solu- 
 tion of 1 part of the salt to 1000 of water to make subcutaneous injections around and 
 beneath indurated ulcers, with the effect of curing some which resisted all other methods. 
 The operation is painful and should be performed during anaesthesia ( Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., May, 1881. p. 500). Fused nitrate of silver, in the form of a fine point, 
 is an efficient means of arresting haemorrhage from leech-bites. This caustic has been 
 used with advantage in treating punctured and lacerated ivounds, and especially poisoned 
 wounds. In the former case it produces a protective film, and in the latter probably tends 
 to destroy the virus. It is one of the best remedies for mercurial sore mouth in its 
 ulcerative stage. Its stimulant and protective actions combined make it a useful appli- 
 cation to ulcers of the skin, and especially to those of an indolent character ; and these, 
 as well as its action upon the specific virus of chancres , render it a valuable agent in 
 their first stage. It is generally held that if induration have already taken place this 
 treatment will not prevent constitutional infection, but some maintain that it is useless, 
 no matter how early it is employed. A similar ectrotic method has been used to pre- 
 vent pitting in small-pox , and often with apparent success. The application of a strong 
 solution of the salt during the papular, or early in the vesicular, stage sometimes arrests 
 the development of the pocks. The same method has been used in zona, herpes , and 
 intertrigo, but in the last-named affection the solution should be weak (gr. v to f|j). In 
 the treatment of sore nipples the caustic pencil may be applied to the fissures or ulcers 
 or the part may be enveloped with lint wet with a weak solution of the salt. A case is 
 recorded in which a vascular nsevus of the hand was injected with a few drops of a con- 
 centrated solution of the salt. Intense pain immediately followed and coldness of the 
 limb, and two fingers became black and dry up to the second joint, and subsequently 
 were amputated ( Phila . Med. Times, xi. 795). It is claimed that sebaceous cysts may 
 be cured' by puncture with a cataract knife, evacuation of the contents, and the intro- 
 duction of a small piece of silver nitrate. The capsule, it is said, may be withdrawn 
 with the forceps at the end of twenty-four hours (Brit. Med. Jour., June, 1888, p. 1160). 
 
 Burns, if superficial, may be treated with the fused nitrate or brushed over with a 
 strong solution of the crystallized salt, and then closely enveloped in lint or carded 
 cotton. The same method has been much employed in erysipelas when it affects the face 
 alone, and also when it involves the scalp. A strong solution is to be preferred, and the 
 earlier in the attack it is used the more apt are its effects to be beneficial. It must, 
 however, be remembered that erysipelas of the face is not usually a local inflammation 
 merely, and it is by no means proven that its treatment by nitrate of silver shortens its 
 duration or mitigates its symptoms (Polatebenoff, Therap. Gaz., xii. 251). Nitrate of 
 silver is of great value in treating several diseases with purulent discharges, as otorrhoea, 
 gonorrhoea , and leucorrhoea. In the second of these affections it should be cautiously 
 used, at least in the male, during the acute stage ; too strong a solution has been known 
 to cause violent inflammation of the urethra and bladder, orchitis, etc. Theoretical notions 
 of the dependence of the affection upon gonococci have caused the old and disused prac- 
 tice of employing very strong injections to be revived by Neisser, Picard, and others. 
 The former custom of treating inflammation of the neck of the bladder by means of Lal- 
 lemand’s porte-caustique has been imitated by injecting a solution (1 part to 50) from a 
 hypodermic syringe with a very long nozzle enclosed in a fenestrated bougie with an 
 olive-shaped extremity (Bulletin de Therap., xcvii. 580). It is the best application in 
 gonorrhoea of the glans penis, or balanitis ; if the prepuce cannot be withdrawn, a solu- 
 tion of the salt may be injected. It should be of the strength of gr. xx— xxx to f^j, and 
 a similar one may be used for gonorrhoea in the female and for leucorrhoea. If the latter 
 affection has its source in the neck or body of the uterus, the solution or the solid caustic 
 may be introduced into that organ. But this is an operation attended with serious risks 
 unless performed with the utmost caution. It has been successfully employed to cure 
 amenorrhoea from uterine torpor, a solution of 1 or 2 grains to the ounce being injected 
 into the cavity of the uterus. Braun of Vienna, who is opposed to the production 
 of abortion to relieve the vomiting of pregnancy, states that he has arrested this symp- 
 tom completely by applying to the vaginal portion of the neck of the uterus a 10 per 
 cent, solution of nitrate of silver (Practitioner, xxviii. 447). 
 
ARGENT I OXIDUM. 
 
 285 
 
 A solution of 1 or 2 grains to the ounce injected into the bladder is efficient in the 
 treatment of vesical catarrh. Solutions containing from 20 to 30 grains of the nitrate to 
 an ounce of water have been employed, but in general weaker ones are preferred. They 
 are best administered in large bulk by means of a gravity syringe. Strictures of the 
 urethra are habitually treated with the solid [nitrate applied by means of the caustic- 
 holder of Lallemand. This method is most applicable to linear and spasmodic strictures. 
 The same treatment, applied to the prostatic portion of the urethra, has been much in 
 vogue as a remedy for involuntary seminal emissions , and is often efficient where these 
 discharges depend upon debility, and therefore morbid excitability, of the sexual organs, 
 induced by prolonged self-abuse. This method, which fell into disuse, doubtless owing 
 to an improper use of it, has been revived with advantage by Keyes {Med. Record , 
 xxxv. 598) and by Hall, who treated by its means enlarged prostate gland (. Boston Med. 
 and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1887, p. 9). Nitrate of silver may assist in removing corns after 
 the hardened and thickened cuticle has been removed by prolonged maceration in warm 
 water or by a poultice. As often as the blackened lamina exfoliates the operation should 
 be repeated. Ascarides of the rectum are said to be destroyed by injections of nitrate 
 of silver containing about 3 grains of the salt to an ounce of water. 
 
 By the mouth nitrate of silver is nearly always given in a pill, which should be 
 made with some bitter vegetable extract, but not with bread-crumb, which contains 
 salt. But even such precautions do not long prevent its decomposition. It should 
 be administered when the pills are freshly made and the stomach is empty, in order 
 to delay this result. Such, at least, is the usual direction, but it is pretty certain that 
 under no circumstances is the nitrate of silver absorbed unchanged. For this reason 
 Curci has proposed to use in its stead the double hyposulphite of sodium and silver, 
 which is very soluble and absorbable, does not coagulate albumen, and is not irritant. 
 The dose is from Gm. 0.01-0.06 (A grain to 1 grain) three times a day. A convenient 
 mode of preserving fused nitrate of silver is to dip the stick into melted sealing-wax, 
 which gives it a coating that protects it from the air and prevents its staining the fingers. 
 A tougher preparation than the fused nitrate is prepared by mixing with the latter a 
 portion of oxide of silver: 5 parts of nitrate of silver melted with 1 part of nitrate of 
 lead form another compound, of which cylinders are made not liable to fracture and that 
 can be cut like a lead-pencil. The stick of lunar caustic may be pointed by rotating it 
 upon a hot silver coin. The stain of nitrate of silver upon the skin, clothing, etc. may 
 be removed by a solution of cyanide, and somewhat less perfectly by a solution of iodide, 
 of potassium ; or the stain may be moistened with tincture of iodine, and then with 
 ammonia, and the colorless residue removed with water. A solution of 1 part each of 
 ammonium chloride and corrosive sublimate in 10 parts of distilled water will remove 
 the stains from the skin, and from woven stuffs without injuring the fabric. It must be 
 kept in glass-stoppered bottles (Kaetzer). Flaxseed mucilage is also recommended for 
 the same purpose. The proper antidote to nitrate of silver in the stomach is a large 
 draught of a weak solution of table-salt, so as to decompose the nitrate and induce 
 vomiting. The resulting irritation may be allayed by milk, which should also serve for 
 food until the stomach is restored. The excessive action of the nitrate upon the fauces, 
 vagina, skin, etc. may also be checked by salt and water. 
 
 ARGENTI OXIDUM, TJ. S., Br.— Silver Oxide. 
 
 Oxidum argenticum, Argentum oxydatum. — Argentic oxide, E. ; Oxyde d’ argent, Fr. ; 
 Silberoxyd , G. 
 
 Formula Ag 2 0. Molecular weight 231.28. 
 
 Silver oxide should be kept in dark amber-colored vials, protected from light. It 
 should not be triturated with readily oxidizable or combustible substances, and should 
 not be brought in contact with ammonia. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Silver Nitrate in crystals I ounce ; Solution of Lime 70 
 fluidounces; Distilled Water 10 fluidounces. Dissolve the silver nitrate in 4 ounces of 
 the distilled water, and, having poured the solution into a bottle containing the solution 
 of lime, shake the mixture well and set it aside to allow the deposit to settle. Draw off 
 the supernatant liquid, collect the deposit on a filter, wash it with the remainder of the 
 distilled water, and dry it at a heat not exceeding 100° C. (212° F.). Keep it in a 
 stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 A similar process, but using a sufficient amount of solution of potassa in place of the 
 lime-water, was recognized by the U. S. P. 1870. In both cases the silver nitrate is 
 
286 
 
 ARGENTI OXIDUM. 
 
 decomposed, yielding silver oxide, water, and potassium or calcium nitrate, 2AgN0 3 -f- 2K 
 OH yields Ag 2 0 + H 2 0 + 2KN0 3 , and 2AgN0 3 + Ca(OH) 2 yields Ag 2 0 + H 2 0 + Ca 
 (NO}) 2 . It is important that these alkaline solutions, in place of which solution of soda 
 may be used, should be free from chlorides, which would precipitate a portion of the 
 metal as silver chloride, and the presence of carbonate in the potassa or soda solution 
 would cause the oxide to be contaminated with silver carbonate. Silver oxide may be 
 likewise obtained, according to Gregory, by boiling recently precipitated moist silver 
 chloride with an excess of potassa solution, specific gravity 1.25 to 1.3, until a portion of 
 the sediment is completely soluble in diluted nitric acid. To prevent the chloride from 
 caking together, Mohr recommended the diffusion of it in some water and its gradual 
 addition to the boiling potassa solution. . 
 
 Properties- — Prepared by precipitation from the nitrate, silver oxide is an inodor- 
 ous olive-brown or blackish powder, having the spec. grav. 7.52 and a disagreeable metal- 
 lic taste. Obtained by Gregory’s process, it is black or bluish-black. It is slightly solu- 
 ble in 3000 parts (Bineau) of water, the solution having an alkaline reaction and a metal- 
 lic taste ; the solution acquires a reddish tint in the light, and in the presence of car- 
 bonic acid becomes at first turbid and afterward clear again. The oxide is insoluble in 
 alcohol and ether, forms carbonate when kept moist, and is slowly decomposed by 
 exposure to light, and rapidly and completely by heating it to 300° C. (572° F.), into 
 silver and oxygen ; it should therefore be well dried and kept in dark amber-colored bot- 
 tles, protected from light. Freshly-prepared silver oxide is wholly, after drying and 
 keeping only partly, soluble in ammonia-water, leaving a black powder, Berthollet' s ful- 
 minating silver, and the solution depositing black crystals of the same compound, which 
 is violently explosive. The oxide, moistened with creosote or when mixed with tannin, 
 amorphous phosphorus, precipitated sulphur, the sulphides of arsenic and antimony, or 
 with other readily oxidizable or combustible substances, renders these spontaneously 
 inflammable. 
 
 Silver oxide is soluble in solution of barium nitrate, and yields with solutions of 
 chlorides, bromides, and iodides the corresponding silver salts. It combines with acids, 
 forming salts, many of which are colorless or white, and become dark-colored on exposure 
 to light, some only in the presence of organic matter. Many metals, like zinc, lead, iron, 
 copper, etc., precipitate metallic silver from the solutions of its salts, and a similar reac- 
 tion takes place with phosphorus, phosphorous acid, many organic compounds, and deox- 
 idizing agents. 
 
 The most characteristic reactions of silver salts are obtained with potassium chromate, 
 which produces a deep purplish-red precipitate soluble in nitric acid. Chlorides and 
 cyanides yield white curdy precipitates insoluble in dilute nitric acid, soluble in ammonia 
 and potassium cyanide ; bromides give a yellowish-white precipitate little soluble in 
 ammonia ; and with iodides a yellowish precipitate is obtained which is nearly insoluble 
 in ammonia. The lemon-yellow precipitate obtained with sodium orthophosphate is 
 readily soluble in ammonia and nitric acid. 
 
 Tests. — Silver oxide should be completely dissolved without effervescence in dilute 
 nitric acid, (absence of carbonate), and the solution, when precipitated by an excess of 
 hydrochloric acid, should yield a filtrate leaving no residue on evaporation to dryness. 
 29 grains of the oxide, when heated to redness, leave a residue of metallic silver weighing 
 27 grains. — Br. “ 0.5 Gm. of the oxide when ignited in a porcelain crucible should 
 yield 0.465 Gm. (or 93.1 percent.) of metallic silver.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Silver oxide appears to possess the virtues which belong 
 to the nitrate, but in a much less degree. It is slightly caustic, and its prolonged 
 internal use occasions a purplish color of the skin. It was at one time supposed to pos- 
 sess a peculiar power over passive haemorrhages, particularly from the uterus, but it is 
 not to be compared with several salts of iron, or even with certain vegetable astringents, 
 in this respect. It has also been used to check profuse sweats. Owing to its less caustic 
 qualities it may possibly be preferable to the nitrate in gastralgia, simple gastric nicer, 
 and painful dyspepsia depending upon irritability of the mucous membrane of the 
 stomach. In all local affections which call for a mild stimulant and astringent, such as 
 catarrhal affections of the nostrils, throat, larynx, vagina, urethra, etc., a weak solution 
 of the silver nitrate is greatly to be preferred. Dose, from 0.03-0.13 Gm. (gr. 1-2) 
 two or three times a day, incorporated with a vegetable extract. An ointment is used 
 containing from 2.60-5.20 Gm. (40 to 80 grains) of the oxide to 32 Gm. (^j) of lard. 
 
ARGENTUM. 
 
 287 
 
 ARGENTUM. — Silver. 
 
 Argentum purificatum , Br. — Refined Silver , E. ; Argent , Argent r affine, Fr. ; Silber , 
 Raffinirtes Silber , G. ; Argento , F. It. 
 
 Symbol Ag. Atomicity univalent. Atomic weight 107.60. 
 
 Origin. — This metal was known and in use in the earliest historic period, and was 
 called Luna or Diana by the alchemists. It is found pure and in combination with 
 various metals, and with sulphur, chlorine, bromine, iodine, etc., the richest silver ores 
 being in the Western United States, Mexico, Peru, Norway, Russia, Germany and 
 Spain . 
 
 Preparation. — The extraction of the metal is effected by different processes, the 
 details varying considerably with the richness and the composition of the ore. The 
 process of amalgamation is based upon the formation of an alloy between metallic mer- 
 cury and silver. The finely-powdered ore is intimately mixed with sodium chloride 
 and then roasted, when the mass contains, besides metallic silver, its chloride, the latter 
 being converted to the metallic state by agitation in a revolving cylinder* with water and 
 iron. Mercury is now added and the agitation continued, when the silver, gold, and cop- 
 per unite with the mercury, the amalgam being obtained by subsidence and washing, and 
 afterward separated into a liquid and solid portion by subjecting it to pressure in strong 
 linen or leather bags. By distilling the solid portion the mercury is evaporated off and 
 recovered, while the silver remains behind, containing copper and gold. 
 
 In the process of cupellation the galena containing silver is first reduced and the metallic 
 lead allowed to cool slowly, when almost pure lead crystallizes, and is removed by means 
 of a ladle or by carefully draining off the liquid portion, which is rich in silver. This is 
 exposed to a red heat, and air directed upon it by means of a blast, whereby the lead is 
 oxidized and the litharge blown off, leaving silver containing some lead. This is now 
 transferred to a dish made of bone-ash and heated to redness ; the plumbic oxide formed 
 is absorbed by the porous vessel, and finally almost chemically pure silver is left. 
 
 By the careful roasting of the ore containing the metals as sulphides these are converted 
 into sulphates, which are treated with hot water; from this solution the silver is precipi- 
 tated by metallic copper, the latter being subsequently recovered by precipitation with 
 iron. 
 
 Many modifications of these and some other processes are employed, the silver obtained 
 on the large scale always retaining a small portion of other metals. 
 
 Chemically pure silver is obtained in various ways from the chloride, which is readily 
 prepared free from other chlorides by precipitating the solution in nitric acid with hydro- 
 chloric acid and washing it thoroughly with water. The silver chloride is then reduced 
 by boiling it with glucose and sodium carbonate ; the powdered silver thus obtained is 
 well washed with acetic acid and water and then fused. Or the chloride is mixed with 
 acidulated water and a rod of zinc introduced, the silver being afterward fused with 
 borax and saltpeter. Or a mixture of the chloride with sodium and potassium carbonate 
 is heated, whereby silver, alkali chlorides, carbon dioxide, and oxygen are formed ; 
 2AgCl + KNaCO., yields Ag 2 + KC1 -j- NaCl -f- C0 2 -f O. 
 
 Properties. — Silver is a brilliant white metal, very ductile and malleable, having 
 the specific gravity 10.47 when obtained by fusion ; the pressed and the distilled silver 
 have a density of 10.57. It may be drawn into very fine wire and beaten into very thin 
 silver-leaf. \ Argentum foliatum. — (P. G.). It melts at about 1000° C. (1832° F.), absorbs 
 oxygen, which on cooling is again given off, but it does not oxidize in contact with the 
 air or at a red or white heat, and distils at the heat of the oxyhydrogen blast. It tarnishes 
 superficially through the hydrogen sulphide contained in the atmosphere, and dissolves 
 completely in diluted nitric acid. 
 
 Various allotropic modifications of metallic silver have been obtained by treating solu- 
 tions of silver salts with different reducing agents ; some of these have been found soluble 
 in water, and nearly all of them can be reduced to powder by moderate trituration. The 
 particular allotropic form appears to depend upon the reducing agent employed and the 
 conditions under which reduction takes place ; thus blue, lilac, green, gold-colored, and 
 reddish-brown silver have been obtained. The usual methods followed are (1) reduction 
 of silver citrate or tartrate by ferrous citrate or tartrate ; (2) action of dextrin and fixed 
 alkali hydroxides on silver nitrate or oxide ; (3) action of tannin and fixed alkali car- 
 bonates on silver nitrate or carbonate. More complete accounts of this interesting sub- 
 ject will be found in the papers by M. Carey Lea. (See Proceed. A. P. A. for 1890, 
 1891, 1892). * * j v. 
 
288 
 
 A RM ORA CIJE RADIX. 
 
 Tests. — The solution of chemically pure silver in hot diluted nitric acid, when pre- 
 cipitated by hydrochloric acid, yields a filtrate which is not darkened by hydrogen sul- 
 phide, and on evaporation to dryness leaves no residue. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Metallic silver is employed for making the official silver 
 compounds, and in the form of silver-leaf serves occasionally as a coating for pills. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In its metallic form silver possesses no direct medicinal virtues. 
 Its ductility, malleability, and slight susceptibility to oxidation fit it peculiarly for a vast 
 number of uses in surgery. 
 
 ARMORACL33 RADIX, Br.— Horseradish-Root. 
 
 Raifort , Oran de Bretagne , Moutarde des moines , Fr. Cod. ; Meerrettig , G. ; Rabano 
 rusticano , Sp. 
 
 The fresh root of Cochlearia (Nasturtium, Fries ) Armoracia, Linne , s. Armoracia 
 (Cochlearia, Lamarck') rusticana, Gsertner. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 21. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cruciferse, Alyssineae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial plant is indigenous to Eastern Europe, and is naturalized in 
 Western Europe and North America. It has large oblong crenate or sometimes pinnatifid 
 root-leaves on long channelled petioles, lanceolate stem-leaves, and a long racemose inflor- 
 escence ; the flowers are white and the ascending pods roundish. 
 
 Description. — The root attains a length of from 30 to 75 Cm. (1-2-t feet) and a thick- 
 ness of 12 to 25 Mm. (-|— 1 inch) ; it is cylindrical in shape and crowned with several some- 
 what conical annulated heads. It is covered with a light yellowish-brown corky layer, is 
 internally white and fleshy, and breaks with a short fracture. The bark is thin, and contains 
 a number of yellow thick-walled cells. The cambium forms a dark-colored line ; the medi- 
 tullium shows a radiate arrangement of the small vascular bundles, and consists mainly 
 of parenchyma. A large central pith is found in the head. In its unbroken state it is 
 nearly inodorous, but when broken or bruised it has a very pungent odor and a sharp 
 acrid taste. It is employed in the fresh state only. 
 
 Constituents. — The volatile oil to which the odor and taste of horseradish are due 
 has the same chemical composition as oil of mustard, CSN.C 3 H 5 , though it differs from it 
 somewhat in odor ; the crude oil, of which about P er cent, of the weight of the fresh 
 root is obtained, is of a light-yellow color ; the rectified is nearly colorless, of 1.01 specific 
 gravity, and becomes dark-colored by age. It does not pre-exist in the root, but, accord- 
 ing to Boutron and Fremy (1840), is formed in a manner similar to that of the volatile 
 oil of mustard. Besides the volatile oil, Gutret (1792) ascertained the presence of some 
 bitter resin, extractive, sugar, starch, gum, albumen, acetates and other salts, 12.5 per 
 cent, of lignin, and 78.1 per cent, of water. Mutschler (1878) found the fresh root to 
 lose 83.45 per cent, on drying, and then to yield 11.75 per cent, of ash, consisting mainly 
 of potassium and calcium salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Horseradish, in the fresh state or pickled, has a very pungent 
 and acrid taste, irritates the fauces and the nostrils, and causes a flow of tears. It is 
 a familiar condiment, especially for beef. It excites a sense of warmth in the stomach, 
 stimulates the appetite, and promotes digestion. In excessive doses it occasions burning 
 at the epigastrium, nausea, and vomiting. It augments the urine, and probably the 
 perspiration also, and gives to the former a peculiar odor. Externally applied, it 
 reddens and sometimes blisters the skin. These qualities depend upon its volatile 
 oil, which has at first a sweetish and then an extremely acrid taste and a pungent and 
 very diffusive odor. Horseradish has had great renown as a remedy for scurvy , and the 
 resemblance of its taste to that of scurvy-grass (Cochlearia officinalis) is noteworthy. In 
 the treatment of dropsy it has been replaced by more potent drugs. Nevertheless, it 
 deserves its reputation as a diuretic in all forms of cardiac, renal, hepatic, and splenic 
 dropsy which are characterized by a feeble, atonic condition of the system. It is advan- 
 tageous as a condiment in many cases of dyspepsia with feeble appetite, oppression after 
 eating, and flatulence, and in gastric debility attended w T ith vomiting even when excited 
 by reflex irritation. As a local irritant it is sometimes used to relieve toothache , to stim- 
 ulate the fauces , to correct relaxed states of the mucous membrane, and to remove the 
 hoarseness produced by congestion of the larynx. For these purposes it may be employed 
 as a masticatory or a strong infusion of it may be used as a gargle. It may be resorted 
 to as a counter-irritant in all the cases in which mustard is appropriate, to arouse sensi- 
 bility, to relieve pain, excite motility, etc. A mixture of the juice with vinegar has been 
 applied to remove freckles and tan ( eplielis ). The compound spirit of horseradish is a 
 
ARNICA. 
 
 289 
 
 convenient addition to diuretic infusions and mixtures. An infusion may be made with 
 Gm. 32 (^j) each of freshly-grated horseradish and bruised mustard-seed in Gm. 480 (Oj) 
 of hot water, macerated for two hours. A wine-glassful may be taken three or four times 
 a day. 
 
 ARNICA.— Arnica. 
 
 Antique, Arnica , Fr. ; Wohlverleih, Fallkraut, Arnika , G. ; Arnica , F. It., Sp. 
 
 Arnica montana, Linne. Woodville, t. 17 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 158. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Compositae, Senecionideae. 
 
 Officinal Parts. — 1. Arnica: Flores, U. S. ; Flores arnicae, P. G. ; Arnica-flow- 
 ers, E. ; Fleurs d’arnica, Fr. ; Arnikabliithen, G. The flowers. 
 
 2. Arnica Badix, U. S. ; Arnicae rhizoma, Br. — Arnica-root, E. ; Bacine d’arnica, 
 Fr. ; Arnikawurzel, G. — The rhizome and rootlets. 
 
 Origin. — This species of arnica is indigenous to Europe, growing upon the mountains 
 of Switzerland and Germany and farther north in the plains. It is likewise met with in 
 Northern Asia and in the northwestern part of America. It bears a tuft of ovate or 
 oblong-obtuse radical leaves with a nearly entire and ciliate margin, and produces a stem 
 about 25 to 30 Cm. (10 to 12 inches) high, with a few lanceolate leaves and a few 
 branches, each of which bears one flower. The flowers appear in May, and on drying 
 lose about 80 per cent, of their weight. 
 
 Fig. 31. 
 
 Arnica: transverse section of rhizome, nat- Arnica montana, Linne: ray- and Arnica: section through rootlet 
 ural size and magnified 10 diam. disk-floret. magnified 25 diam. 
 
 Description. — 1. The Bhizome. It is horizontal, somewhat contorted, 5 to 7 Cm. 
 (2 or 3 inches) long, and 3 or 4 Mm. (£ or £ inch) or less in diameter, longitudinally 
 wrinkled, uneven, and rough from the scars of the decayed stems and leaves. Its color 
 externally is dark-brown ; the rather thick bark has about one-eighth the diameter of the 
 rhizome, is internally whitish, and contains a circle of brown-yellow resin-cells. The 
 yellowish wood forms broad wedge-shaped bundles and encloses a large central spongy 
 pith. The numerous rootlets issue from the lower side of the rhizome, are 5 to 10 Cm. 
 (2 to 4 inches) long, thin and fragile, and consist of a thick bark and a thin cylindrical 
 cord of yellowish wood, which is surrounded by a circle of resin-cells. 
 
 Arnica root is collected in the spring, and is occasionally found in the market with the 
 radical leaves, which should be removed when used for medicinal purposes. It has a 
 faintly aromatic odor and a rather persistent acrid taste. 
 
 2. The Flowers. The heads, which are from 25 to 50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) in diam- 
 eter, are surrounded by a campanulate cylindrical involucre consisting of a double row 
 of imbricated equal and hairy scales. The slightly convex, finely-pitted, and chaffy 
 receptacle is about 6 Mm. (I inch) in diameter, and bears one row of fifteen to twenty 
 pistillate bright yellow, parallel, ten-veined, and three-toothed ligulate ray-florets about 
 25 Mm. (one inch) in length, and many perfect tubular five-toothed disk-florets. The 
 brown and hairy akenes are slender, spindle-shaped, obtusely five-angled, brown, short- 
 hairy, about 6 Mm. (I inch) long, and are crowned by a pappus consisting of a single 
 row of denticulate gray hairs about 8 Mm. (£ inch) in length. The odor of the flowers 
 
290 
 
 ARNICA. 
 
 is feebly aromatic and their taste acrid and bitter. The German Pharmacopoeia directs 
 the removal of the involucre and receptacle. The flowers, and more particularly the 
 receptacle, are often attacked by the black larvae of the arnica-fly, Trypeta arnicivora, 
 Loew ., which must be removed. The powder of arnica-flowers is irritant and sternu- 
 tatory. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides gum, wax, and salts the root and flowers contain two differ- 
 ent volatile oils. The dry root yields about J to 1 per cent, of volatile oil, of nearly the 
 density of water, and isobutyric acid, with small quantities of formic and angelic acid ; 
 old root yields more acids and less volatile oil than fresh root. The volatile oil, which 
 boils between 214° and 263° C. (417° and 505° F.), is remarkable for containing at least 
 three rare ethers — phloryl-isobutyrate, a phlorol-methylic ether, and, in largest proportion, 
 the dimethylic ether of thymo-hydroquinone (Sigel, 1873). The name of arnicin has 
 been applied to different principles found in the root and flowers. Pavesi’s arnicin (1859), 
 obtained by the process for preparing santonin, is a dark-yellow, sticky resin of a dis- 
 agreeable bitter taste, which is not freely soluble in alcohol and ether, but readily in 
 alkalies, from which solutions it is again precipitated by acids. Bastick’s arnicine (1851) 
 was obtained by exhausting the flowers with alcohol acidulated with sulphuric acid, treat- 
 ing the tincture with an excess of lime, adding to the filtrate sufficient sulphuric acid, 
 evaporating, diluting with water, filtering, neutralizing with potassium carbonate, again 
 filtering, treating the liquid with excess of potassium carbonate, and agitating with 
 ether, on the evaporation of which arnicine is left. It is stated to have a bitter taste 
 and alkaline reaction, and to yield with acids crystallizable salts. The arnicin of Walz 
 (1861) is a golden-yellow amorphous acrid mass, which is slightly soluble in water and 
 soluble in alkaline liquids, in alcohol, and in ether. It may be prepared from the flowers, 
 which contain it in larger proportion than the root, by passing the tincture through 
 animal charcoal, evaporating, and treating the residue with ether, which dissolves arnicin 
 and fat, the former of which is afterward dissolved by alcohol of 0.85 specific gravity. It 
 is also obtained by precipitating the watery decoction with tannin, exhausting the pre- 
 cipitate with alcohol, and removing the tannin by oxide of lead, and the lead by hydrogen 
 sulphide. By decomposition with alkalies and acids, resin, oil, and a volatile acid have 
 been obtained. 
 
 Arnica root and flowers appear also to contain several resins, at least one of which is 
 insoluble in ether and has an acrid taste. The root contains 10 per cent, of inulin, 
 according to Dragendorff (1870). 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The flowers are said to be occasionally 
 adulterated with other yellow composite flowers, but are easily distinguished by the 
 characters given above : those of calendula and anthemis are destitute of pappus ; those 
 of inula, doronicum, and senecio have a naked receptacle ; and those of scorzonera and 
 tragopogon have all the florets ligulate. The rhizomes and roots of other Composite 
 which are said to be occasionally collected by mistake for arnica-root differ from it in 
 physical characters ; there is no difficulty in distinguishing the latter from the root of 
 Geum urbanum, noticed as an adulteration by E. M. Holmes (1874). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The local action both of the root and the flowers of arnica is 
 irritant, but that of the flowers is the more powerful. The tincture, used for insignif- 
 icant injuries, has occasioned inflammation and vesication. Fayrer relates that six days 
 after having applied it to his wrist for a sprain the part was slightly stung by a nettle ; 
 immediately an inflammation of the skin arose, limited accurately to the previous contact 
 of the arnica, but causing inflammation of the lymphatics of the limb (. Practitioner , xvi. 
 52). Numerous analogous examples might be cited. (Compare, Practitioner , xxxiii. 45 ; 
 Cartier, Therap. Gaz ., viii. 477 ; Cagny, ib ., ix. 52.) Internally, a strong infusion irri- 
 tates the throat, produces a burning pain in the stomach, tends to excite vomiting, 
 increases the frequency of the heart’s action and respiration, and the secretions of the 
 skin, bronchia, and kidneys, and occasions headache, giddiness, inability to stand or 
 walk, and disturbed sleep. These symptoms are followed by depression and exhaustion. 
 After excessive doses the phenomena of stimulation are not observed, but in their stead 
 vomiting, purging, giddiness, oppression, debility, cold extremities, frequent pulse, dilated 
 pupils, muscular spasms, and collapse, with infrequent pulse. Death is reported to have 
 occurred in the case of a man who drank from 2 to 2\ ounces of the tincture ( Lancet , 
 July 10, 1880). The nauseant properties are said to belong to the flowers rather than to 
 the root. 
 
 The conclusions respecting the operation of arnica to be drawn from the foregoing 
 phenomena are essentially the same as those which its use as a medicine indicates. Its 
 
ARNOTTA. 
 
 291 
 
 vogue has always been greatest in the treatment of affections that require stimulation. 
 Especially has it been reputed to be an efficient stimulant in all diseases presenting the 
 typhoid state, in the continued fevers which most frequently assume that condition, and 
 in the various inflammations which it may complicate. As a disease which partakes 
 of both natures, and which often presents the typhoid type, dysentery may be mentioned, 
 and arnica is said to have been efficient in its treatment. Its stimulant local action has 
 been thought sufficiently powerful to suggest its use in liniments and tinctures applied by 
 friction to paralyzed muscles. In Germany this action has long been popularly employed 
 for the relief of local paralyses, bruises, sprains, abrasions, slight wounds , etc.; whence its 
 name Fallkraut , which may be translated accident-plant. It is alleged that only the infu- 
 sion or decoction, and not the tincture, should be used for these purposes — a statement 
 which popular experience would seem to contradict. Frictions with the tincture need 
 not, however, prevent the more permanent influence of fomentations made with the 
 flowers steeped in water or vinegar. Powdered arnica-flowers are said to limit the prog- 
 ress of mortification. 1 part of an extract of fresh arnica-flowers and 2 parts of honey, 
 thickened with an inert powder if necessary, and kept applied to boils, is said to arrest 
 their development at any stage (Planat, Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci ., April, 1878, p. 545). 
 The watery preparations are, however, more suitable internally in the cases above alluded 
 to of febrile disease, and also in those of exhaustion from shock ; but their use should 
 not prevent the more serviceable employment of alcoholic stimulants. The dose of the 
 powdered root may be stated to be from Gm 0.60-2.00 (10 to 30 grains). A decoction 
 may be made with Gm. 8 (^ij) of the root in Gm. 288 (f§ix) of water, reduced by boiling 
 to Gm. 192 (f^vj). Of this the dose is a tablespoonful or more every two hours. An 
 infusion is made with Gm. 4—30 (3j-,^j) of the flowers in Gm. 192 (f^vj) of water. Dose , 
 a tablespoonful or more. 
 
 ARNOTTA. — Annota. 
 
 Orellana, Orleana. — Rocou, Terre de la Nouvelle- Orleans, F. ; Orlean, G. ; Achiotillo, Sp. 
 
 A coloring matter obtained from the seeds of Bixa Orellana, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bixacese. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — This medium-sized tree is indigenous to tropical 
 America, and produces roundish, heart-shaped, or subreniform capsules, containing 
 numerous obovate, angular, whitish seeds, which are about 3 Mm. (4 inch) long 
 and are covered with a dark-red pulp. The seeds are soaked or allowed to ferment in 
 water, rubbed between the hands and upon a sieve, crushed, and finally completely 
 mashed and again washed with water. The coloring matter subsides and is formed into 
 cakes ; the water likewise contains a coloring matter. (See paper by Th. Peckolt, in 
 Amer. Jour. Phar., 1859, p. 360.) The importation of annotta-cake and seed into this 
 country has increased from 160,500 pounds in 1876 to 412,610 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Description. — Annotta, also called annatto, exists in cakes which are either plastic 
 or hard, of a nearly blood-red color, becoming red-brown on exposure, of a peculiar odor 
 and disagreeable saline and bitter taste. It is nearly insoluble in water, but colors it 
 yellow, and dissolves almost completely in alcohol, ether, fixed oils, and alkalies, with an 
 orange-red or dark-red color. 
 
 Constituents. — According to the investigations of John Kerndt (1849), Piccard 
 (1861), Mylius (1864), and W. Stein (1867), annotta contains orellin, a yellow coloring 
 matter soluble in water, and bright red bixin, which is not freely soluble in cold alcohol 
 and ether, but readily dissolves in alkalies. The latter is colored blue by strong sul- 
 phuric acid, and with nitric acid produces a yellow body of a musk-like odor. Its com- 
 position is, according to Stein, C 15 H 18 0 4 , according to Etti (1878), C 28 H 34 0 5 . Annotta 
 contains also a fatty acid, a turpentine-like body, and various other compounds. A. E. 
 Ebert (1868) obtained from the air-dry seeds 5.15 per cent, of ash, the chief constituents 
 of which are potassa, silica, and phosphoric acid. 
 
 Uses. — It is to some extent employed as a dyestuff for silk and other fabrics, and for 
 the coloring of plasters and ointments, as well as of butter and cheese. For butter- 
 cobring annotta is digested with alcohol until completely disintegrated, and then heated 
 with four or five times its weight of olive or other bland oil, or 1 part of extract is used 
 to 10 parts of oil ; for cheese-coloring a little turmeric is used. 
 
 Adulterations with ochre, brickdust, sand, gypsum, and the like are discovered by their 
 insolubility in hot alcohol. 
 
292 
 
 ARSENI IODIDUM. 
 
 ARSENI IODIDUM, Z7. -Arsenic Iodide. 
 
 Arsenii iodidum , Br. ; Ioduretum arseniosum , Arsenicum ( Arsenum ) jodatum ; Arsenici 
 iodidum, U. S. 1870. — Iodide of arsenium, Arsenous iodide , E. ; Iodure d 1 arsenic, Fr. ; 
 Arsentrijodid , G. 
 
 Formula Asl 3 . Molecular weight 454.49. 
 
 Preparation. — Triturate in a mortar finely-powdered metallic arsenic 75 grains and 
 iodine 380 grains until they are thoroughly mixed. Put the mixture into a small flask 
 or test-tube loosely stoppered, and heat it very gently until liquefaction occurs. Then 
 incline the vessel in different directions, in order that any portion of the iodine which 
 may have condensed on its surface may be returned into the melted mass. Lastly, pour 
 the melted iodide on a porcelain slab, and when it is cold break it into pieces and keep it 
 in a well-stoppered bottle. This is the process of the U. S. P. 1870, with the iodine 
 slightly increased in quantity, so as to correspond with the combining weights of the two 
 elements, the union of which is readily effected by the aid of heat. The salt may be 
 prepared in an ordinary prescription-vial placed in a sand-bath ; after the fused mass has 
 cooled the vial is broken to obtain the compound ; loss of iodine is thereby avoided. 
 Although sufficiently pure for medicinal purposes, it is difficult to produce in this way a 
 uniform chemical compound, which, according to Berzelius, is obtained on subjecting the 
 mechanical mixture to sublimation from a retort the body of which is completely imbed- 
 ded in sand. Or the iodine is dissolved in carbon disulphide ; the solution is gently 
 heated, and, after the gradual addition of the powdered arsenic, is digested until the purple 
 color of free iodine has disappeared ; the clear solution is decanted if necessary, and the 
 solvent distilled or evaporated, when the arsenous iodide is obtained in crystals and may 
 be recrystallized from alcohol. Or, according to Bamberger and Phillip, it may be made 
 by mixing a hot solution of arsenous acid in hydrochloric acid with a concentrated solution 
 of potassium iodide, and washing the precipitate with hydrochloric acid. sp. gr. 1.12. 
 
 Properties. — Obtained by fusion, arsenic iodide is a glossy orange-red crystalline 
 mass ; if made by sublimation or crystallization it appears in shining brick-red or orange- 
 red hexagonal scales, It has an iodine-like odor and taste, and slowly gives off iodine on 
 exposure to the air. Its density is 4.39. It is soluble, with a neutral reaction and with- 
 out decomposition, in water, alcohol, ether, and carbon disulphide, but is gradually decom- 
 posed on being boiled with water or alcohol. It is soluble in 7 parts of water and in 30 
 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.) It is difficultly soluble in hydrochloric acid. “ The 
 aqueous solution has a yellow color, is neutral to litmus paper, and on standing gradually 
 decomposes into arsenous and hydriodic acids. On passing hydrogen sulphide through 
 the solution a lemon-yellow precipitate is thrown down. If the salt be heated with 
 diluted nitric acid vapor of iodine - is given off.” — U. S. 
 
 Tests. — The purity is ascertained by the complete solubility of the salt in water and 
 alcohol, and by its volatilizing on the application of heat without leaving any residue. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of this compound in small doses may be called 
 alterative ; in large doses it is an irritant poison. 
 
 The continued use of from Gm. 0.004-0.005 (gr. -JL. to T?) twice a day occasions per- 
 spiration, with dryness of the throat and intestines ; sometimes headache is complained 
 of, but neuralgic pain in the head, if it previously existed, may disappear. At one time 
 it was supposed on very good authority to possess the power of preventing the devel- 
 opment of scirrhous tumors of the breast, but continued observation has not confirmed 
 the belief, although it has shown that when such tumors affect persons of a feeble and 
 cachectic constitution their progress may be retarded by the improvement of the general 
 health under the use of this medicine. Its influence upon certain cutaneous diseases is 
 more demonstrable, particularly upon psoriasis, lepra, chronic eczema, and tinea capitis ; 
 but as identical results are obtained from arsenic alone, the influence of the iodine in the com- 
 bination is very questionable. The same remark applies to its use in lupus and tuberculosis . 
 The quantity of iodine in the small dose of the compound administered (Jq to ^ grain) 
 is too minute to be considered efficient. Indeed, most of the benefits said to have been 
 derived from it were in reality obtained from mixtures of Fowler’s arsenical solution 
 with iodide of potassium in true medicinal doses. (See Acidum Arseniosum.) The 
 dose of iodide of arsenic should at first not exceed Gm. 0.003 ( ^ grain) three times a 
 day, and it should gradually be increased until derangement of the stomach or dryness 
 of the throat denotes it full effect. It is best given in solution. An ointment contain- 
 ing Gm. 0.20 (gr. iij) in Gm. 32.00 (gj) of lard has been used as a local application in 
 the disease above mentioned. Where the skin is broken it should not be employed. 
 
ARSEN UM. 
 
 293 
 
 ARSENUM. — Arsenic. 
 
 Arsenium , Arsenicum. — Arsenic, Fr. ; Arsen, ArseniJc , G. 
 
 Symbol As. Atomicity trivalent and quinquivalent. Atomic weight 74.9. 
 
 Origin. — Arsenic, which is classed by some chemists with the metals, by others with 
 the non-metallic elements, is widely diffused in nature, but is found usually in small 
 quantities. It exists in the uncombined state as native arsenic , known also under the 
 name of cobaltum or flystone , but more frequently in combination with sulphur and sul- 
 phides, as red orpiment or realgar , As 2 S 2 ; yellow orpiment, As 2 S 3 ; arsenical py rites or mis- 
 pi.ckel , FeS 2 .FeAs 2 ; cobalt-glance , CoS 2 .CoAs 2 ; tin-white cobalt , CoAs 2 ; and in other min- 
 erals. It was first obtained in the metallic state by Albertus Magnus in the thirteenth 
 century by heating together white arsenic and soap. 
 
 Preparation. — On heating arsenical pyrites in earthen cylinders most of the arsenic 
 volatilizes and is collected in iron receivers, where it congeals. FeS 2 .FeAs 2 yields 
 As -|- 2FeS. A portion of the arsenic remains behind with the iron sulphide, and may 
 be recovered as arsenous acid by roasting. The crude metallic arsenic should be purified 
 by mixing it with charcoal and subliming at the heat of a sand-bath. It is obtained on 
 a small scale by mixing arsenous acid with half its weight of powdered charcoal, intro- 
 ducing the mixture into a crucible, covering it with a layer of granular charcoal 2 or 3 
 inches thick, and cementing over the crucible in an inverted position another one having 
 a small hole drilled through the bottom ; on heating the crucible the arsenous acid is 
 reduced to arsenic, which sublimes, carbon monoxide escaping ; As 2 0 3 + C 3 yields As 2 + 
 3CO. 
 
 Properties. — It is a brittle, steel-gray, crystalline mass having a bright metallic 
 lustre, gradually changing on exposure to the air to a grayish-black color devoid of gloss. 
 Its specific gravity is 5.73 to 5.96. Heated in a sealed tube, it fuses, but if heated in 
 the open air it volatilizes, without melting, at a temperature of 180° C. (356° F.), a 
 portion of it being oxidized to arsenous acid. Its vapor has a yellow color and a garlic- 
 like odor. On immersing the metal in water the air dissolved in the latter oxidizes a 
 portion to arsenous oxide, which explains the use of cobaltum as a fly-poison. Metallic 
 arsenic is insoluble in simple solvents, but dissolves on heating in some fixed oils, and 
 unites readily with most of the metals, with sulphur, chlorine, iodine, and other elements. 
 
 Compounds of Arsenic. — Hydrogen arsenide or arsine, AsH 3 , is a colorless 
 gas of a garlic-like odor and the density 2.695, and when ignited burning with a bluish 
 flame, yielding water and arsenous oxide ; but on cooling the flame, by holding in it a 
 piece of porcelain or glass, metallic arsenic is deposited. Arsenous hydride is generated 
 in applying Marsh’s and several other tests for arsenic. (See pages 27, 28.) 
 
 Arsenic oxide, As 2 0 5 , is a white mass melting at a low-red heat, and at a higher 
 heat decomposed into arsenous oxide and oxygen ; in damp air or in contact with water 
 it deliquesces to an oily-looking liquid, which is a concentrated solution of arsenic acid , 
 II 3 As 0 4 . This is poisonous, however, in a less degree than arsenous oxide ; the concen- 
 trated solution is corrosive. It is much employed in the manufacture of certain aniline 
 colors and for other purposes in the arts. Pyroarsenic and meta-arsenic acids are anal- 
 ogous to the corresponding phosphoric acids, but on dissolving in water yield at once the 
 above ortho-arsenic acid. 
 
 Arsenous chloride, As 2 C1 3 , is a colorless, oily, very poisonous liquid, which has the 
 specific gravity 2.205, boils at 134° C. (273.2 F.), and is by water decomposed into HC1 
 and As 2 0 3 . (See Liquor Acidi Arsenosi.) 
 
 Arsenous bromide, As 2 Br 3 , is formed from the two elements in the presence of car- 
 bon disulphide, like the iodide. It is colorless, crystalline, of a peculiar odor, has the 
 density 3.86, melts at above 20° C. (68° F.), and boils at 202° C. (428° F.). It is 
 deliquescent, and by water decomposed into As 2 0 3 and HBr. 
 
 Three sulphides of arsenic are known, but the pentasulphide, As 2 S 5 , is of no practical 
 importance. 
 
 -Realgar, or red orpiment, As 2 S 2 , is a mineral which consists of handsome orange- 
 red scales. It is made by fusing together 5 parts of arsenous acid and 3 parts of sul- 
 phur, when sulphur dioxide is given off. It burns with a blue flame, but when mixed 
 with potassium nitrate with a white flame ; a mixture for fireworks and signal-lights con- 
 sists of red orpiment 2 parts, sulphur 7 parts, potassium nitrate 24 to 26 parts. 
 
 Orpiment, King’s yellow, or auripigmentum, As 2 S 3 , is likewise a mineral, crystal- 
 lizes in prisms or scales, and is artificially obtained by fusing together 5 parts of arsenous 
 acid with 4 to 5 parts of sulphur. It was formerly much employed as a pigment ; at 
 
294 
 
 ARUM. 
 
 present it is used in fireworks, and occasionally, mixed with considerable lime, as a 
 depilatory. 
 
 The medicinal action and uses of arsenic are treated of under Acidum Arsenosum. 
 
 ARUM. — Indian Turnip. 
 
 Wake-robin, Dragon-root , E. ; Gouet a feuilles , Fr. ; Dreiblattriger Aron , G. ; Aro, Sp. 
 
 The tuber (corm) of Arisaema (Arum, Linne ) triphyllum, Torrey. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Araceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to North America, produces one or two leaves, 
 which are divided into three elliptical-ovate acuminate leaflets, and a green or dark-purple 
 often striped spathe which is convolute at the base, bent hood-like at the apex, and 
 encloses the club-shaped spadix, having the flowers sessile at the base. The fruit is a 
 scarlet berry. 
 
 Description. — The tuber is of a depressed globular shape, with a flat and rugose 
 base and slightly conical above. The numerous simple rootlets are attached to the upper 
 half of the tuber, leaving the base free. It is of a brown-gray color externally, and 
 internally white, with scattered vascular bundles. It is inodorous, and has a burning 
 acrid taste, which it retains, to some extent, for a long time if carefully dried and 
 preserved. 
 
 The tuberous rhizome of the European Arum maculatum, Linne , or cuckoo-pint , is sim- 
 ilar in appearance, but of an oblong shape, and larger than the former ; in commerce it is 
 usually found in transverse slices or pieces which are of a mealy aspect. The starch was 
 formerly prepared from it on the isle of Portland on the south coast of England, and 
 used as Portland arrow-root. 
 
 Constituents. — The two tubers are most likely similar in composition, but their 
 acrid principle has not been obtained in an isolated state. The European arum has been 
 analyzed by Bucholz and Enz, and the American by I). S. Jones, who proved the presence 
 of starch, sugar, gum, albumen, resin, fat, and extractive, besides the volatile acrid prin- 
 ciple, which is soluble in ether. Enz (1858) obtained also saponin, and Bird believes 
 that a volatile alkaloid may be present. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Colocasia esculenta, Schott , s. Caladium (Arum, Linn£) esculentum, Ventenat , 
 and Colocasia antiquorum, Schott , s. Arum Colocasia, Linne , are extensively cultivated in many 
 tropical and subtropical countries under the name of cocco or eddoes , the thick starchy rhizomes 
 being used for food. These and several other species are often seen under cultivation in our 
 gardens for their ornamental foliage. All are more or less acrid in the fresh state. 
 
 Richardia (Calla, Linne ) .ethiopica, Kunth, Egyptian calla, a well-known ornamental plant, 
 has likewise an acrid and farinaceous tuber. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Tonga. A drug introduced under this name from the Fiji Islands was found 
 by A. IV. Gerrard (1880) to be a mixture of bark, leaves, and woody fibre tied into bundles by 
 means of the inner bark of the cocoanut tree. E. M. Holmes (1880) referred the fibrous material 
 to Rhaphidophora vitiensis, Seemann ; F. von Mueller ascertained this to be correct. The plant 
 belongs to the natural order of Araceae, and is a creeper having a stem from the size of a quill 
 to an inch or more in diameter. The scraped stem is used, and contains prismatic rhaphides 
 and starch, the latter resembling arum starch. Gerrard found potassium chloride and a volatile 
 alkaloid, tongine, which has not been further examined. 
 
 The bark comes from Premna taitensis, Be Candolle, nat. ord. Verbenacese, which is shrubby or 
 a large tree ; the inner bark is sweet and slightly astringent, and, according to Gerrard, contains 
 a little volatile oil, sugar, pectin, and fat. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The juice of the fresh plant applied to the skin may cause 
 vesication, and when a portion of the corm is chewed, it leaves in the mouth and fauces a 
 burning and acrid taste. The acrid principle, however, is dissipated by drying and by heat. 
 In a partially dry state the corm has been used to relieve flatulence and colic and as a 
 remedy for chronic bronchitis , but its virtues are not very decided. Its powder made into 
 a paste with honey or syrup has been used for aphthous sores of the mouth, and an 
 ointment formed by stewing the fresh root with lard has been applied to ringworm and 
 other local cutaneous affections. The dose of the powder is stated to be Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) 
 or more. It may be administered in honey or syrup. 
 
 In 1880, Ringer and Murrell employed a liquid extract of tonga in the treatment of 
 neuralgia with “ gratifying results.” They gave half-ounce doses at intervals of half an 
 hour, and repeated them again in two hours, without producing any effect except slight 
 drowsiness ( Lancet , March 6, 1880). One or two cases reported by Wallace gave similar 
 results, although he prescribed only half-drachm doses of the fluid extract (Med. Record , 
 xxii. 91); and a like report was made by Berger ( Therap . Gaz ., viii. 161). Further 
 evidence of its virtues is desirable. 
 
ASAFCETIDA. 
 
 295 
 
 ASAFCETIDA, U. S., Br.— Asapetida. 
 
 Assa/oetida, Br. ; Asa fcetida, P. G., F. Cod. ; Gummi-resina Asafcetida. — Asafcetida, 
 E. ; Asefetide , Fr. ; Asant, Stinkasant , Teufelsdreck , G. ; Asafetida Sp.; Mssa fetida, F. It. 
 
 A gum-resin obtained by incision from the living root of Ferula foetida ( Bunge ) Regel , 
 s. Ferula Scorodosma, Bentley et Trimen. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 127. 
 
 Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae, Ortliospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is a large perennial herb. It was found by Lehmann (1841) in 
 Turkestan and Bokhara, and by Bunge (1858) in Western Afghanistan. It is largely 
 cultivated in Northern and Western Afghanistan, and grows wild in the barren regions 
 between the Sea of Aral and the Persian Gulf, south to Laristan. Its stem is from 1.5 to2 
 M. (5 to 7 feet) high, and has but few bipinnate leaves, which are very much smaller 
 than the large radical leaves. The numerous umbels are long-stalked and crowded at 
 the summit of the stem, and the flat and winged fruit has very inconspicuous vittae. 
 Ferula alliacea, Boissier , of North-eastern Persia, has likewise a strong asafetida odor. 
 
 Collection. — Asafetida is obtained from the roots of the plant, which attain a con- 
 siderable size, being several inches in thickness. In April, after the leaves commence to 
 wither, a pit about 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep is dug around the root, so as to bare 
 its upper portion, which is protected against the sun by a layer of leaves and earth, and 
 left in this condition for about 40 days. Near the latter end of May the covering is 
 removed, a slice of the root is cut off, and the exuded juice scraped off on the third day. 
 The cutting of the root, which is in the mean time sheltered from the sun, is repeated 
 twice, after which the root remains undisturbed for a week, when the same operation is 
 repeated and a much thicker milk-juice is obtained. After another rest of several weeks 
 the root, early in July, is again cut, and this operation is continued until the root is 
 exhausted. 
 
 This is substantially the account of K'ampfer, who witnessed the collection of asafetida 
 in Laristan in 1687. Br. H. W. Bellew gives a similar account of the collection of asafet- 
 ida, which he observed in 1857 near Kandahar, but it differs from the former account in 
 the statement that the newly-sprouted radical leaves and the withered stem of the previous 
 year are cut olf from the root, in the upper bare part of which deep incisions are made, 
 where the milk-juice concretes in tears, or, if very abundant, flows into the trench dug 
 around the root. 
 
 Commerce. — Asafetida enters commerce by way of Bombay, to which port it is 
 shipped from Persia and from Afghanistan, the Afghanistan drug being probably derived 
 in part from Narthex, and the Persian chiefly from Scorodosma. It comes packed in 
 skins and in boxes, the purest kind, which is called king , being often soft, but gradually 
 becoming hard and translucent and of a yellowish-brown or golden-yellow color. The 
 brown variety, which comes principally from Abushaher and Bunder Abbas, is, according 
 to W. Bymock (1875), the produce of Ferula alliacea, Boissier. The yellow variety is 
 brought from Kandahar and is principally consumed in Northern India. The asafetida 
 which reaches Bombay from Laristan is known as angkuzek i Lari , and is mostly shipped 
 abroad. The inferior qualities, the hingra of the Bombay market, are more or less 
 adulterated at the place of collection, and constitute the varieties which are found 
 in the European and American markets. The transparent king may probably be 
 obtained from the stem. In the fiscal year 1866-67, 51,869 pounds of asafetida were 
 imported into the United States, against 173,000 pounds in 1879-80 and 78,010 pounds 
 in 1882. 
 
 Description. — Occasionally asafetida is met with in a fluid or semi-fluid condition of 
 a uniformly whitish color, which gradually becomes darker. Mostly, however, it forms 
 masses of larger or smaller opaque tears of a white color internally, which are imbedded 
 in a yellowish- or brownish-gray sticky and more or less granular mass, in which gypsum, 
 sand, and other earthy admixtures are found. It has a strong garlicky odor and an allia- 
 ceous, acrid, and bitter taste. The tears, separated from the granular mass, are some- 
 times met with in the market, and should alone be used in medicine ; they are externally 
 brownish, internally milk-white ; they break with a conchoidal fracture, and the surface 
 acquires in a few hours a bright-pink color, which changes gradually to brown. Incin- 
 erated, they leave rather less than 1 per cent, of ash. When triturated with water they 
 readily form a milk-white emulsion, which becomes yellow on the addition of potassa or 
 soda. Ether dissolves the volatile oil and a little resin. Rubbed with strong sulphuric 
 acid, then diluted with water and neutralized with an alkali, a slightly colored liquid is 
 obtained which exhibits a bluish fluorescence. Exposed to cold, asafetida becomes quite 
 
296 
 
 ASAFCETIDA. 
 
 brittle and readily pulverizable, and when broken into small pieces and dried for a week 
 or two over unslaked lime in a close box it may likewise be powdered on cool days. 
 The powder should be preserved in paper bags kept over lime, when it will retain its pul- 
 verulent condition (Hager). 
 
 A very impure asafetida is occasionally met with, which consists altogether of earthy 
 matter mixed with a very small proportion of the milk-juice. For medicinal uses asafetida 
 consisting of well-defined and large tears, and containing but little of the intervening 
 sticky mass, should be selected. Asafetida should yield to alcohol at least 60 per cent, 
 of soluble matter ( TJ. S.). In contact with hydrochloric acid only slight effervescence 
 should be produced, and after 6 hours the acid should remain almost uncolored ; when 
 incinerated, asafetida should leave not over 10 per cent, of ash (/*. G .). 
 
 Constituents. — The odor is due to a volatile oil which is obtainable to the amount 
 of from 6 to 9 per cent. (Fliickiger), and is a mixture of several sulphides of ferulyl or 
 laseryl, C 6 H U . It is of a light-yellow color, and becomes darker on exposure to the air, 
 acquiring at the same time an acid reaction and changing in odor. Spread upon water, it 
 acquires a violet-red color with the vapor of bromine, at the same time becoming heavier 
 than water ; dissolved in disulphide of carbon, it is colored red by sulphuric acid (Fliicki- 
 ger). The gum amounts to between 20 and 30 per cent., and from 45 to 65 or 7 1 per cent, 
 of the asafetida is resin, a small portion of which is insoluble in ether. It contains ferulaic 
 acid, Ci 0 H 10 O 4 , which was obtained by Hlasiwetz and Barth (1866) in iridescent, inodor- 
 ous, and tasteless needles soluble in boiling water, and yielding, when fused with potassa, 
 among other products, acetic and protocatechuic acids. It dissolves in alkalies with a 
 yellow color, and gives with ferric chloride a brown precipitate. It is chemically related 
 to vanillin, eugenol, and cinnamic acid. The amorphous red-brown resin is likewise acid, 
 but when fused with potassa yields resorcin, C 6 H 6 0 2 , and on dry distillation furnishes a 
 small quantity of unbelliferon, C 9 H 6 0 3 , and blue-colored oils. The so-called gum of 
 which, in Kandahar hing, Fliickiger found 47.9 per cent, with only 10.8 per cent, of resin, 
 is but little soluble in water ; the insoluble portion dissolves in alkalies and is reprecipi- 
 tated by acids ; both portions differ in their behavior from gum-arabic. According to 
 older analyses, asafetida contains also formic, acetic, valerianic, and malic acids. 
 
 Impurities. — Besides the earthy admixtures mentioned above, pieces of a translucent 
 gum are sometimes found in asafetida ; they do not yield an emulsion with water. The 
 amount of earthy admixtures in commercial asafetida of good appearance sometimes 
 reaches 40 per cent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Asafetida in substance, or its volatile oil, acts as a general 
 and local stimulant, but during health the former operation is scarcely perceptible. This 
 stimulation seems to be due entirely to the oil, and so is the peculiar garlicky or alli- 
 aceous odor exhaled by the breath and discharges of wind from the stomach and rectum. 
 But in appropriate disorders, those especially connected with a depressed and therefore 
 excitable condition of the nervous system, and in cases of gastro-intestinal flatulence 
 aasociated with atony of the bowels, it displays incontestable and highly salutary 
 powers. Its use as a condiment in Persia for the very same purposes for which garlic is 
 employed in European cookery proves it to be a stimulant of the bowels and a promoter 
 of digestion. 
 
 Asafetida is generally regarded as a nervine and as remarkable for its usefulness in 
 hysteria. In two ways it may influence this disease : by allaying the nervous disorders 
 of the paroxysm when it is announced by premonitory symptoms or by moderating its 
 violence when fully formed ; and, on the other hand, by tending to correct some of the 
 derangements which predispose to the attacks. In the former way, however, its influ- 
 ence is most distinct. For this purpose it is best exhibited in enema. It is also of use 
 in preventing or in mitigating the tympanites which is so common in hysteria. In the 
 allied disorder, hypochondriasis , the medicine is often of service in removing the digestive 
 ailments with which the mental disorder is apt to be associated. In chronic bronchitis 
 attended with spasmodic dyspnoea it is probable that asafetida both diminishes the secre- 
 tion in the lungs and controls the spasmodic element. The latter action is sometimes 
 evident in whooping cough , and possibly both actions may concur. When constipation 
 and tympanites are met with, as they often are, in persons of a feeble and nervous habit, 
 this medicine is one of the very best that can employed, either as a temporary remedy 
 for the latter symptom or as a more permanent cure for the former when combined with 
 appropriate purgatives, of which aloes is the best. Asafetida suppositories (U. S. P. 
 1870) are very convenient and efficient under the circumstances, and also during hysterical 
 attacks, as are also the compound pills of galbanum, which contain myrrh and 
 
AS ARUM. 
 
 297 
 
 asafetida. In tympanites a large enema of asafetida mixture often gives prompt and 
 complete relief. This condition, when it occurs in typhoid fever, may he greatly reduced 
 by such an enema, which also acts favorably upon the typhoid element of the disease. 
 The exhausted condition of the nervous system and the partial paralysis which often 
 follow a nervous apoplexy may be removed more or less by the same means, as well as by 
 administering the drug by the mouth. Asafetida should not be neglected in chorea 
 occurring in" feeble, nervous girls about the age of puberty, particularly when the 
 nervous disorder is accompanied with tardy or irregular menstruation. 
 
 In substance the dose of asafetida is from Gm. 0.20-1.00 (gr. iij-xv). It should be 
 given in pill or in the official mixture. For prompt effects the latter form or the tinc- 
 ture is to be preferred. 
 
 ASARUM.— Wild Ginger. 
 
 Radix asari Canadensis. — Canada snakeroot , E. ; Asaret , Fr. ; Hazelwurzel , G. ; Azaro , 
 
 Sp. 
 
 The rhizome with rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Aristolochiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to North America, growing in rich woodlands as 
 far south as South Carolina, but is more frequent in the States farther north and in 
 Canada. The creeping rhizome sends up a very short stem, bearing at its summit two 
 broad reniform leaves upon petioles about 15 or 20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) in length, from 
 the fork of which a single brownish-purple nodding flower is produced. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome, which is in some places known as colt'sfoot root , is from 
 7 to 15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long and about 3 Mm. (i inch) thick, somewhat bent and 
 curved and with few branches. It is finely wrinkled longitudinally ; the inernodes are 
 about 12 Mm. (half an inch) or more in length, the nodes often of a jointed appearance 
 from the remnants of leaves, and beset with several thin nearly simple radicles 50 to 75 
 Mm. (2 or 3 inches) in length. Externally the color is deep purplish-brown, internally 
 whitish. The bark is about one-sixth the diameter of the rhizome, and contains a volatile 
 oil in many of its parenchyma-cells : the wood is in about twelve small wedge-shaped 
 bundles, forming an interrupted circle and enclosing a large pith. The rootlets have a 
 thick bark and a thin, soft woody cord. Wild ginger has an aromatic odor and a warm, 
 pungent, and bitterish taste. 
 
 Allied Species. — Asarum europium, Linng, asarabacca. The rhizome and rootlets of this 
 plant resemble the above ; are, however, thinner, 1.5 — 2 Mm. or ^ inch) in diameter, and 
 usually quadrangular in the dry state. 
 
 Asarum Sieboldii, Miquel. This plant grows in Japan, where it is known as to-sai-shin. 
 The slender rhizome somewhat resembles serpentary, is marked by numerous stem-scars , and 
 has dense tufts of pale-brown simple rootlets attached, which are about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, 
 and are internally mealy, white, and with a thin yellow ligneous cord. The drug has a slight 
 aromatic odor and a taste which is at first aromatic, resembling a mixture of nutmeg and sas- 
 safras, and afterward very pungent and irritating. 
 
 Constituents. — Wild ginger contains a yellowish volatile oil and an acrid bitter 
 resin, to which its medicinal properties are probably due. Van Gorder (1876) obtained 
 2 per cent, of aromatic volatile oil and a neutral resin having a different agreeable odor 
 and a pungent, warm, and lasting taste. It also contains starch, gum, fixed oil, coloring 
 matter, and salts. F. B. Power (1880) ascertained also the presence of a yellow color- 
 ing matter corresponding to Graeger’s asarin , which is precipitated by basic lead acetate 
 and colored dark-green by ferric salts, but not precipitated by tannin. A minute quantity 
 of a body was found giving precipitates with most group-reagents for alkaloids. The 
 volatile oil, of which Dr. Squibb obtained 3.12 per cent., had the specific gravity .953 at 
 17° C. (62.6° F.). It is of a yellowish- or greenish-amber color, and consists of a very 
 small amount of asarene , C 10 H 16 , of the acetic and a small amount of the valerianic ether 
 of asarol , C 10 H 18 O, of an indifferent neutral body, asarin , C 12 H 16 0 2 , and of a small amount 
 of dark-blue azulene. The volatile oil has been introduced for use in perfumery, and, 
 according to Boerner (1878), is also adapted for the preparation of a medicated water 
 and for flavoring elixirs. The fully-dried root yielded 13.43 per cent of ash. 
 
 The impure bitter principle of asarabacca has been named asarin. The camphor-like 
 bodies asaron and asarit appear to be chemically identical, differing only in the latter 
 separating from the watery distillate in fine crystals, while asaron or asarum camphor 
 separates first in an oily condition before it crystallizes. It is inodorous and tasteless, 
 has the composition CwTI^Oj, and volatilizes with the production of irritating vapors. 
 
298 
 
 ASCLEPIAS. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Canada snakeroot is an aromatic and tonic stimulant. In hot 
 infusion it is diaphoretic ; it palliates colic, and is sometimes used in low forms of febrile 
 disease as a substitute for serpent aria. An infusion may be made with Gm. 16 (§ss) of 
 the root and a pint of boiling water, and given in doses of a wineglassful. A decoction 
 of it is reported to have acted as an irritant poison, and to have produced extensive ery- 
 thematous and vesicular inflammation of the skin {Med. News , lviii. 283). The 
 European species of asarum is not officinal. It is much more irritating than the native 
 plant, producing violent vomiting and purging. The powder of its root is employed as 
 an errhine. 
 
 ASCLEPIAS, U. So — Asclepias. 
 
 Pleurisy -root, E.; Racine d'asclepiade tuber euse, Fr. ; Knollige Schwalbenwurzel , G. 
 
 The root of Asclepias tuberosa, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Asclepiadeae, Cynancheae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial plant, which is known also as butterfly -weed and orange swal- 
 low-wort, is a native of Canada, and the United States south to Florida and west to Texas 
 and Southern Colorado, and grows in sandy fields. The large fusiform, tuberous root 
 sends up several rather weak and branching hirsute stems, with alternate lanceolate or 
 lance-linear leaves and a corymb of numerous umbels with handsome bright orange-red 
 flowers. 
 
 Description. — The root is usually found in the market cut into pieces from 2 to 15 
 Cm. (1-6 inches) in length and 12 to 25 Mm. (J-l inch) or more thick. The head is 
 irregular, knotty, and slightly but closely annulate, and, like the longitudinally wrinkled 
 root, externally of a brownish-orange color and white or yellowish-white within. It has 
 an irregular, tough fracture, a very thin bark (composed of an outer brownish and an inner 
 white layer) and a distinctly striate meditullium composed of yellowish ligneous and 
 broader white medullary rays. It is inodorous and has a slightly bitterish, acrid taste. 
 When long kept it acquires a gray color externally and internally. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides starch, which is present in considerable proportion, the 
 root contains, according to Elam Bhoads (1861), tannin, albumen, pectin, gum, two resins, 
 fixed oil, an odorous volatile matter, and a peculiar principle possessing the taste of the 
 root, which is precipitated by tannin from the concentrated infusion. This precipitate, 
 if decomposed by oxide of lead and exhausted by alcohol, yields the principle as a yel- 
 lowish-white powder which is soluble in alcohol, ether, and much water. Alton Clabaugh 
 (1881) observed that this principle is colored brown by sulphuric acid, and pink, chang- 
 ing to purple, by nitric acid. The stearopten melted at 41° C. (106 F.), and was sublim- 
 able in prismatic needles. The air-dry root yielded 5.4 per cent, of ash, of which 21.5 
 per cent, was soluble in water. The principle referred to was obtained by Quackenbush 
 (1889) in crystals, and ascertained to be a glucoside, and to crystallize also- from chlo- 
 roform ; tannin could not be detected, but the presence of a fluorescent principle was 
 noticed. 
 
 Allied Plants. — 1. Asclepias incarnata, Limit}. — Flesh-colored asclepias, Swamp milkweed, 
 E. ; Asclepiade incarnate, Fr. ; Fleischfarbige Schwalbenwurzel, G. — The plant is indigenous 
 to Canada, and to the United States as far south as Georgia. It grows in wet grounds, and has 
 a smoothish or pubescent stem, bearing petiolate oblong-lanceolate and acute leaves, umbels of 
 rose-purplish flowers, and smooth pods. The variety named pulchra has shorter petioles and 
 broader hairy leaves. The rhizome is irregularly globular, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) in diameter, 
 above with several more or less elongated branches, bearing the scars of the over-ground stems 
 and frequently remnants of the same. Externally the color is yellowish-brown, internally 
 whitish. The bark is thin, and covers a firm wood having fine medullary rays. The rhizome 
 is surrounded on all sides with nearly simple light-brownish rootlets about 10 to 15 Cm. (4-6 
 inches) long, having a thick white bark, and a thin ligneous cord in the centre. In the fresh 
 state the rhizome has a somewhat heavy odor, which is but slightly apparent after dicing ; the 
 taste is sweetish, somewhat acrid, and afterward bitter. 
 
 Examined by Jos. Y. Taylor (1875), the root contains a trace of volatile oil, two acrid resins, 
 an alkaloid which was not obtained in the pure state, fixed oil, albumen, pectin, starch, glucose, 
 and yields 8.25 per cent, of ash. C. Gram (1886) isolated the emetic principle asclepiadin (see 
 below). 
 
 2. Asclepias Cornuti, Decaisne , s. A. syriaca, Li.nn4. — Milkweed, Common silkweed, Wild 
 cotton, E. ; AscEpiade a la soie, llerbe a la ouate, Fr. ; Seidenflanze, G. ; Soliman vegetal, Sp . — 
 The rather stout and smoothish stem of this common plant, which is indigenous to Canada, and 
 the United States southward to North Carolina, has oval-oblong acute and shortly petiolate 
 
ASCLEPIAS. 
 
 299 
 
 opposite leaves, which are about 15 to 20 Cm. (6-8 inches) long, and bears three or four axillary 
 umbels with numerous sweet-scented, light greenish-purple flowers. It grows along roadsides 
 and in waste places. The rhizome is horizontal, 30 Cm. (1 foot) or more in length, slightly 
 branched, 6 to 25 Mm. (4-1 inch) thick, externally grayish-brown, finely wrinkled longitudi- 
 nally, beset with few simple rootlets or marked with their scars, but often tuberculated or knotty 
 from undeveloped branches or stem-scars. When dry it breaks with a short fracture, exhibiting 
 a thick white bark containing slender milk-vessels, and a soft, brittle, porous, yellowish wood dis- 
 sected by rather broad medullary rays. It is without odor and has a bitterish, unpleasant taste. 
 The parenchyma contains starch. John found in the milk-juice of the plant caoutchouc and 
 resin, and List separated from it (1849) a white, crystalline, tasteless principle, asclepion , having 
 the composition C 20 H 34 O 3 , by exhausting the congealed milk-juice with ether. Sultz found (1845) 
 in 80 parts of the milk-juice 69 water, 3 4 wax and fat, 5 caoutchouc, 4 gum, and 2 sugar and 
 salts. W. L. Hinchman (1881) ascertained also the presence in the rhizome of a little volatile 
 oil, tannin, gummy matter, and a bitter principle, and in the fresh rhizome probably a volatile 
 acrid compound. Quackenbush found no tannin, but isolated crystals identical with those from 
 A. tuberosa (Am. Jour. Phar., 1889, p. 114); the ash amounts to about 5.4 per cent. Kassner 
 (1886) procured from the plant in September 1.61 per cent, of caoutchouc ; the extract, prepared 
 with benzol, contains about 50 per cent, of wax and 20 to 25 per cent, of caoutchouc, the remain- 
 der being chlorophyll and yellow and brown coloring matters. 
 
 3. Asclepias currasavica, Linne. — This perennial herb, known as bastard ipecacuanha , is indig- 
 enous to Central and South America and the West Indies. The root consists of a very short root- 
 stock, which is abruptly divided into numerous thin, pale yellowish-brown, and internally whitish 
 rootlets. The leaves are petiolate, 5 to 10 Cm. (2-4 inches) long, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 
 acute at both ends, and smooth. The flowers are bright-red, occasionally white. The glossy 
 seed-hairs, sometimes called vegetable silk, are firmer than those of the preceding species. Gram 
 (Arch. f. exper. Pathol., xix. 389) prepared asclepiadin from the herb by treating the alcoholic 
 extract with water, precipitating the solution with basic lead acetate and ammonia, and, after 
 washing the filtrate with ether, precipitating it with tannin ; on decomposing this precipitate 
 with lead oxide, alcohol dissolves the glucoside, which is sparingly soluble in ether, and is read- 
 ily altered, yielding the less active asclepin, this being contained in the ether used for washing. 
 The inactive asclepion is a decomposition product, melting at 104° C., readily'soluble in chloro- 
 form, and less soluble in ether. In Central America the plant is called cancerillo or ponchishuiz. 
 
 4. Cynanchum (Asclepias, Linne ) Vincetoxicum, Per soon, s. Yincetoxicum officinale, Moench . — 
 Swallow- wort, E. ; Dompte-venin, Hirundinaria, Fr. ; Schwalbenwurz, Giftwende, G. — This plant, 
 indigenous to the greater part of Europe, has nearly sessile cordate-ovate leaves, and small umbels 
 of about nine white and yellowish flowers. The root, which is the part used, consists of a very 
 knotty, many-headed horizontal root-stock, with cup-shaped stem-scars, and with numerous nearly 
 simple pale-brownish rootlets, which are about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long, and show upon the trans- 
 verse fracture a rather thick brownish bark with white dots and a finely porous yellowish medi- 
 tullium. The peculiar odor of the fresh root, which resembles that of valerian, disappears nearly 
 altogether on drying ; the taste is sweet, bitterish, and acrid. 
 
 Feneulle (1825) obtained from the root volatile oil, fat, pectin, and resinous asclepin , which C. 
 Gram (see above) ascertained to be a derivative of the emetic principle asclepiadin. This seems 
 to be identical with Tanret’s vincetoxin (Jour, de Phar. et de Chim., 1885, xi. 210), which is amor- 
 phous, soluble in alcohol and chloroform, insoluble in ether, and exists in two modifications — one 
 insoluble and the other soluble in water ; this solution is precipitated by sodium chloride, by 
 tannin, and by ammoniacal lead acetate, in the presence of acids also by potassio-mercuric iodide ; 
 it has a sweet and bitter taste, is a glucoside, and is not emetic. 
 
 5. Calotropis (Asclepias, Willdenow) gigantea, Rob. Brown , and Cal. procera, R. Brown , s. 
 Cal. Hamiltonii, Wight (Bentley and Trimen, Med. PL, 176), are shrubs, the former being indig- 
 enous to Southern India and the East Indian islands, the latter to Northern India and west- 
 ward through Asia and tropical Africa. Both species yield mudar-bark, which consists of irreg- 
 ular fragments 5 Mm. (^ inch) or less thick, externally yellowish-gray, fissured, or after separa- 
 tion of the corky layer whitish, and upon the transverse section striate with the narrow brown 
 bast-rays. The bark is brittle, of a slight odor, and of a mucilaginous bitter and acrid taste, and 
 has often attached to it fragments of the light-yellow fibrous wood. It contains starch, an acrid 
 acid resin soluble in alcohol and ether, and a colorless bitter principle soluble in alcohol, ether, 
 and chloroform and precipitated by tannin, but not by lead acetate (Pharmacographia). War- 
 den and Waddell obtained a principle in nodular crystals resembling asclepion, caoutchouc, and 
 several resins. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — The qualities of the three species of Asclepias are 
 practically identical, but those of A. tuberosa are best known. Like many other medi- 
 cines, it has been alleged to possess specific powers in the cure of particular diseases, but 
 a comparison of the reports concerning it show that it is one of the numerous class of 
 vegetable products which under certain conditions act as emetics, and even purgatives, 
 and more commonly as sudorifics, expectorants, carminatives, and anodynes. Being an 
 irritant, it has not escaped being ranked as a cholagogue. A. incarnata is reported by 
 J. H. F raser (Birmingham Med. Rev., April, 1884) to affect She heart and arteries like 
 digitalis, but without disturbing the stomach and bowels'S-it frequently acts as a stoma- 
 
300 
 
 ASPARAGUS. 
 
 chic. He administered it in an infusion and also in a fluid extract, giving from Cc. 2 to 4 
 (f^ss-f^j) of the latter every three hours, and declared it to be “ a speedy, potten, and reli- 
 able diuretic.” A. syriaca is said to be diuretic. Its general qualities account for the repu- 
 tation of the officinal plant as a diaphoretic in the forming stage of fevers. It is, however, 
 thought to produce sweating, not by stimulating, but by lowering, the action of the heart. 
 The same characteristic renders it useful in acute rheumatism , bronchitis , pneumonia , and 
 pleurisy , so far as sedation of the nervous and circulatory systems can be so ; that is, by 
 lessening local congestions. The “ pleurisy ” it is credited with relieving was most prob- 
 ably muscular rheumatism of the walls of the chest. Flatulent colic and dyspepsia are 
 affections to which it has been regarded as peculiarly appropriate. The milky juice of 
 A. syriaca , applied to the skin, soon becomes a tough, adhesive pellicle, and has been 
 used to coat recent wounds and superficial ulcers and promote their cicatrization. The 
 dose of the powdered root of the officinal plant is from Gm. 1.30-4.00 (20 to 60 grains). 
 A decoction is made with Gm. 32 (an ounce) of pleurisy-root to a quart (Cc. 1000) of 
 water, and is given in doses of 4 fluidounces every 2 hours as a diaphoretic. A fluid 
 extract has also been prepared. 
 
 In 1881, Dr. Guimaraes described the physiological action of A. currasavica , a native 
 of Brazil. He found it to act directly upon the organic muscular system, and especially 
 upon the heart and blood-vessels, causing great constriction of the latter and distension 
 of the larger arteries. Secondarily, it occasioned great dyspnoea, vomiting, and diarrhoea 
 ( Times and Gaz., Dec., 1881, p. 661). 
 
 Mudar-barh is used in India as a tonic and alterative medicine, and in full doses as a 
 diaphoretic and emetic, in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery, and diseases of the 
 skin. The dose of the powdered bark is stated to be Gm. 0.18-20 (gr. iij-iv) as a tonic, 
 and Gm. 2-4 (gr. xx-lx) as an emetic. The inspissated juice is used by the natives as 
 an abortifacient. 
 
 ASPARAGUS.— Asparagus. 
 
 Asperge , Fr. ; Spargel , G, ; Esparraguera , Sp. ; Asparago , F. It. ( Rhizoma et turi- 
 ones). 
 
 Asparagus officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lilliaceae, Asparagineae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — This herbaceous perennial is indigenous to Europe, and 
 is extensively cultivated. Its stem is 1.5 M. (4 or 5 feet) high, has the thread-like leaves 
 (branchlets, Gray) clustered in the axil of a short, ovate sheathing bract (leaf, Gray), and 
 small, greenish, axillary, nodding flowers, producing red berries. The following parts have 
 been medicinally employed : 
 
 1. Asparagi radix consists of a short horizontal rhizome about three-quarters of an 
 inch (19 Mm.) thick, on the upper side marked by stem-scars, and below by numerous long, 
 whitish, nearly simple roots, which on drying become deeply wrinkled longitudinally. It 
 is inodorous and has an insipid sweetish taste. 
 
 2. Asparagi turiones, the well-known young shoots which are used as food. 
 
 Constituents. — Examined by Dulong, the root was found to contain yellow resin, 
 
 sugar, gum, albumen, chlorides, phosphates, malates, and acetates. Vauquelin and Bobi- 
 quet (1805) discovered asparagin in the shoots, which has since been found in many other 
 plants (see p. 162). Beinsch (1870) found in the berries considerable grape-sugar and 
 spargancin , an orange-red sublimable coloring matter soluble in ether and crystallizing in 
 scales. The seeds contain fixed oil, aromatic resin, crystallizable sugar, and a crystalliz- 
 able bitter principle, spargin. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Syrupus asparagi, which is employed in France, is pre- 
 pared by dissolving 190 parts of sugar in 100 parts of the clarified juice of asparagus- 
 shoots. 
 
 The tubers of Asparagus ascendens, racemosus, and sarmentosus, Linne , are employed 
 in India like salep. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The offensive odor given to the urine of persons who eat 
 the voung asparagus-plant is well known ; some attribute to it a diuretic virtue which 
 there is not sufficient reason to accept ; others have reported that it may cause urethritis ; 
 and one, at least, that it renders the urine saccharine. If any part of the plant is diu- 
 retic, it is probably the root. It has no true medicinal virtues. Asparagin, in doses of 
 from 2 to 5 grains, is said to cause headache, fulness of the eyes, and general depression, 
 with some slowing of the pulse (Dendrick) ; but other experimenters produced no such 
 
ASPIDIUM . 
 
 301 
 
 effects even with much larger doses (Husemann and Hilger, Die Pflanzenstojfe , p. 270). 
 An infusion of the wild herb has been credited with controlling metrorrhagia ( Bond . Med . 
 Record , Jan. 1888, p. 30). 
 
 Fig. 33. 
 
 ASPIDIUM, 17. — Aspidium. 
 
 Filix mas, Br., U. S. 1870; Rhizoma filicis, P. G. ; Radix filicis mavis. — Male fern, 
 Male shield fern, E. ; Fougere male , Fr. ; Wurmfarn, Waldfarn, Johanniswurzel, G. ; Del- 
 echo macho, Sp. ; Felce maschio, F. It. 
 
 The rhizome, covered with portions of the stipes, of Dryopteris (Aspidium, Swartz , 
 Nephrodium, Brown, Polypodium, Linne') Filix mas, Schott, and of Dryopteris (Aspi- 
 dium, Willdenow, Nephrodium, Michaux , Polypodium, Linne ) marginale, Asa Gray 
 Woodv. Med. Bot., plate 271 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 300. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Filices. 
 
 Origin. — Male fern is indigenous to Canada westward to the Pacific Ocean, thence 
 south along the Rocky Mountains to Mexico and a considerable portion of South Amer- 
 ica ; to some of the Polynesian Islands ; 
 
 to the greater portion of Asia north of Fig. 34. 
 
 the Himalaya Mountains; and to Europe 
 and some parts of Africa. The marginal 
 shield fern grows in rich rocky woods in 
 Canada and the United States. The fronds 
 of both species are from 30 to 60 or 90 
 Cm. (1 to 2 or 3 feet) high, bipinnate, at 
 the tip pinnate or pinnatifid, lanceolate, 
 or the latter ovate-lanceolate in outline 
 and evergreen ; the circular fruit-dots are 
 situated on the veins — in the male fern 
 near the midrib of the lower half of the 
 pinnules, or in the marginal shield fern 
 at the base of the serratures along the 
 lower side of the pinnules, and are covered j^ dium : 
 with an orbicular heart-shaped indusium. 
 
 The fronds arise from the living some- 
 what ascending end of the horizontal 
 
 rhizome, which is 15 to 30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches) long, and the old portion densely 
 covered with the remnants of the stipes. It is collected early in autumn or in summer, 
 as directed by the British Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Description. — As found in commerce, it is 7 to 15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, and 
 with the closely imbricated and slightly curved remnants of the stipes 50 to 75 Mm. 
 (2 to 3 inches) thick. The latter remain green in their lower portion for several years, 
 and are, like the rhizome itself, densely covered with a ‘brown, glossy, and soft chaff’ 
 consisting of thin transparent scales ; between the stipes are the black wiry rootlets. 
 The rhizome itself is fleshy, 12 to 25 Mm. (£ to 1 inch) in diameter, externally 
 dark-brown, internally of a pale green color and spongy texture, and shows upon the 
 transverse section near the surface eight or twelve larger fibro-vascular bundles arranged 
 in an interrupted circle, outside of which are a number of smaller ones. The stipes 
 have about eight small vascular bundles in a loose circle. The rhizome of the marginal 
 shield fern corresponds with this description in all respects, except that it has about six 
 fibro-vascular bundles and does not fully attain the diameter of the thickest male fern 
 rhizomes. The spongy texture is due to the thin-walled parenchyma and to the large 
 intercellular spaces, into which stalked glands project which exude a green liquid. 
 These glands were observed in male fern by Herman Schacht (1863), and in marginal 
 shield fern by Fliickiger (1880) ; many allied species do not contain such glands. As- 
 pidium has a slight disagreeable odor and a sweetish afterward somewhat bitter astrin- 
 gent and nauseous taste. For medicinal purposes the dead portions of the stipes and 
 rhizome must be removed, and the green part only retained, which should be at once 
 dried, powdered, and exhausted by ether for preparing the oleoresin. 
 
 Constituents. — Male fern has been frequently analyzed. Geiger (1826) obtained 
 6.9 per cent, of green fixed oil, which Luck (1851) found to consist of the glycerides of 
 filixolic and filosmylic acids, the last of which is volatile. The tannin of older authors 
 was separated by Luck into two acids, tannaspidic and pteritannic acids, the last only 
 
 surface of Dryopteris Filix mas, Schott: transverse sec- 
 peeled rhi- tion of rhizome ; /. fibro-vascular bun- 
 
 zome. dies. 
 
302 
 
 ASPIDOSPERMA. 
 
 being soluble in ether, both coloring ferric salts green. Malin (1867) found only one 
 tannin, filitannic acid , which, with fusing potassium hydroxide, yields phloroglucin and 
 protocatechuic acid, and on being boiled with dilute sulphuric acid is split into sugar and 
 filix-red , the latter in an impure condition, being Luck’s tannaspidic acid. Peschier 
 (1826) obtained from the ethereal extract granular crystals, which Luck named filicic 
 acid. Grabowski (1867) gave it the formula C u H 18 0 5 , and found it to be dibutyryl-phlo- 
 roglucin , which is decomposed by potassa near the fusing-point into phloroglucin and 
 butyric acid. Pavesi’s aspidin (1861) is a very impure filicic acid, which is probably the 
 main active ingredient. Bock (1851) determined the tannin to amount to 10 per cent., 
 and found also a trace of volatile oil, wax, chlorophyll, gallic acid, albumen, pectin, starch, 
 gummy matter, sugar, and 2 to 3 per cent, of inorganic salts. J. L. Patterson (1875) 
 obtained from the rhizome of the marginal shield fern filicic acid and a tannin similar 
 to, if not identical with, that of filix mas ; and C. H. Cressler (1878) found the oleoresin 
 effectual in several cases of tape-worm. 
 
 Action and Uses- — Male fern was anciently known to be a remedy for taenia and 
 other intestinal worms, but its reputation was more firmly established in the last century. 
 It is more efficacious in removing the unarmed than the armed taenia, unless the latter 
 be young. The methods employed by different physicians in the treatment of taenia by 
 male fern are for the most part very complicated, and seem devised more in a spirit of char- 
 latanism than of art. It is, as a rule, essential that the bowels should contain no accumu- 
 lation of partially-digested food or of feces, and that the vigor of the parasite should be 
 reduced by as low and simple a diet as can well be borne, and chiefly in a liquid form, as 
 milk or broth. Early in the morning, fasting, the patient should take from Gm. 2-6 (gr. 
 xxx-xc) of powdered male fern at a single dose or in divided doses at short intervals. 
 The oleoresin of male fern, in the dose of from Gm. 0.60-1.30 (npx-xx), may be 
 administered along with the powdered root or in feeble persons by itself. About an 
 hour after either preparation an active purge of calomel with jalap or gamboge is sometimes 
 administered, but generally an ounce of castor oil will suffice. Some prefer Epsom salts. 
 It is by certain authorities recommended to give a full dose of sulphuric ether shortly 
 after the specific medicine, for the purpose of rendering the detachment of the parasite 
 easier. The oleoresin is conveniently administered in gelatin capsules. (See Oleoresina 
 Aspidii). The dose of filicic acid is about Gm. 2 (gr. xxx). 
 
 Aspidium marginale appears to posses the same properties as male fern. Suesserott 
 employed a fluid extract of it in the treatment of taenia with entire success (Trains. Med. 
 Soc. Penna., 1875, p. 637), and Cressler, who gave the oleoresin in capsules containing 
 each about 10 minims, caused the expulsion of taeniae on two occasions. The usual asso- 
 ciated treatment of abstinence from food before the medicine and a purgative after its 
 administration was also carried out (Am. Jour. Phar ., June, 1878). 
 
 Polypodium incanum is stated to possess emmenagogue qualities. The negro women 
 of Alabama are reported to have used it before menstruating and to prevent conception ; 
 and the ladies of that region to relieve dysmenorrhoea (Mastin, Phila. Med. Times , xi. 
 607). Osmunda regalis is astringent and tonic. 
 
 ASPIDOSPERMA, U. S. — Aspidosperma. 
 
 Quebracho , E., Fr., G., F. It. 
 
 The bark of Aspidosperma Quebracho, Schlechtendal. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Apocynaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The term quebracho (quebrar hacho ) signifies “ breaking the axe,” and is 
 applied in South America to trees having a very hard wood. The above species is called 
 quebracho bianco , on account of its light-colored wood. It is a large evergreen tree, hav- 
 ing thin drooping branchlets. The leaves are small, opposite, or in whorls of three, 
 nearly sessile, elliptic-lanceolate, sharply pointed, and with an entire and callous margin ; 
 the small yellow flowers are in axillary cymes, and produce woody somewhat compressed 
 capsules with broadly-winged seeds. The plant was discovered by Burmeister (1860) ; 
 specimens of the bark were sent to Europe by Schickedanz (1878), and chemically 
 examined by Fraude and Hesse. A thorough histological examination of the bark was 
 made by A. Hansen (1880). The bark is collected from old trees after the corky layer 
 has been well developed ; though it contains only 3.48 per cent, of tannin, according to 
 Paschkins, it is used in the Argentine Republic to some extent for tanning. 
 
 Description. — Quebracho bark is seen in flattish or curved pieces varying in size 
 and having a thickness of 12-30 Mm. (£ to 1^ inches). The outward surface is deeply fis- 
 
A SPID OS PER M A . 
 
 303 
 
 sured and warty, dingy ochre-colored or pale -brownish, or, after abrasion of this layer, 
 brownish-red or of a bright orange-brown color ; the inner surface is usually deep-brown, 
 but occasionally pale-colored. The bark is nearly inodorous, has a bitter and slightly aro- 
 matic taste, and breaks in the outer layer with a short granular, and in the inner layer 
 with a fibrous, fracture. Upon transverse section about one-half or more of the bark is 
 seen to consist of an irregular corky layer, orange-brown in the interior, marked with 
 irregular tangential lines of alternating suberous bands and parenchyma, and in the latter 
 with numerous whitish dots formed by groups of stone-cells. The inner bark forms a 
 brown (or yellowish) layer nearly uniform in thickness, having narrow medullary rays, 
 numerous whitish dots of stone-cells in groups, and scattered bast-fibres, each being 
 almost completely enveloped in a sheath of small crystal-cells. 
 
 Constituents. — Schickedanz isolated a crystalline alkaloid, which Fraude named 
 aspidospermine ; Hesse found in addition five other alkaloids, one of which ( quebracha - 
 mine) appears to be sometimes wanting. The extract, prepared with hot alcohol, is 
 treated with soda and chloroform, the latter solution evaporated, the residue taken up 
 with diluted sulphuric acid, and the filtrate precipitated by soda. On dissolving the 
 mixed alkaloids in a little boiling alcohol, aspidospermine, quebrachine, and quebrachamine 
 will crystallize on cooling, and are separated by crystallization from diluted hydrochloric 
 acid, aspidospermine remaining in the mother-liquor. The alcoholic mother-liquor contains 
 the remaining three bases, which are combined with acetic acid ; from this solution ammo- 
 nia precipitates aspidosamine ; aspidospermatine and hypoquebrachine are precipitated by 
 soda and separated by boiling benzin, in which the latter is nearly insoluble. All these 
 alkaloids are more or less soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Aspidospermine , 
 C 22 H 30 N 2 O 2 , melts at 205° C. (401° F.), and is a weak base, forming mostly amorphous 
 salts ; warm perchloric acid colors the solution permanently deep-red ; platinic chloride 
 gives a blue precipitate ; sulphuric acid and lead peroxide (or potassium bichromate) color 
 the alkaloid brown, afterward cherry-red or purplish. Aspidospermatine , C 22 H 28 N 2 0 2 . 
 melts at 162° C. (324° F.), is a strong base, and yields amorphous salts ; it is colored, 
 like the preceding, by perchloric acid, but not by sulphuric acid and chromate. Aspid- 
 osamine , C 22 H 28 N 2 0 2 , melts near 100° C. (212° F.), is a strong base, is colored blue 
 by sulphuric acid and chromate, and gives with boiling perchloric acid a fuchsine-red 
 liquid. Quebrachine, C 21 H 26 N 2 0 3 , melts at 215° C. (419° F.), yields crystallizable salts, 
 is colored yellow by sunlight, also by warming with perchloric acid, and gives with sul- 
 phuric acid a colorless solution becoming blue on standing or more rapidly by lead per- 
 oxide or potassium chromate, the color produced by the latter changing to red-brown. 
 Quebrachamine resembles the preceding, but melts at 142° C. (288° F.), and is freely 
 soluble in cold alcohol and ether. Hypoquebrachine is yellow, amorphous, melts near 
 80° C. (176° F.), and gives in solution a cherry-red color with ferric chloride. 
 
 Tests. — For recognizing quebracho-bark Fraude recommends the following : Boil 5 
 Gm. of the bruised bark with 25 Gm. of benzin ; filter while hot, agitate the liquid 
 with 10 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid, separate the aqueous solution, supersaturate with 
 ammonia, agitate with ether, evaporate the ethereal solution, and boil the residue with 
 perchloric acid ; or, dissolve it in a little water with 4 drops of sulphuric acid, add a 
 minute crystal of potassium chlorate, and boil ; the solution should acquire a fuchsine- 
 red color. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Tinctura quebracho. Quebracho-bark 1 
 part ; diluted alcohol sufficient for obtaining 5 parts of tincture. 
 
 Vinum quebracho. Quebracho-bark 1 part ; diluted alcohol 2 parts ; white wine 
 sufficient for obtaining 15 parts of liquid. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Loxopterygium Lorentzii, Grisebach (nat. ord. Terebinthaceae, Anacardiese). 
 This tree is known in the Argentine Republic as quebracho Colorado , the wood of which is red- 
 brown and contains about 20 per cent, of tannin. Hansen (1880) describes the bark as being 
 externally dingy-yellow or brown, usually covered with lichens ; the transverse section is light- 
 brown, and shows numerous parallel dark-colored corky bands, which are traversed at right 
 angles by many fine light-colored medullary rays ; between the latter are regular tangential 
 rows of groups of stone-cells, imparting to the tissue a checkered appearance ; the bast-fibres 
 are the same as in white quebracho-bark, surrounded by a sheath of crystal-cells, but they are 
 always much smaller, and are arranged in nearly rectangular groups. Hesse considers its 
 tannin to be very similar to that of catechu, and has obtained two bitter alkaloids: loxopterygine 
 is very soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and is colored blood-red by nitric acid ; the 
 second alkaloid is very easily decomposed, and yields with diluted sulphuric acid a beautiful blue 
 solution. The resinous exudation of the bark resembles kino in appearance and taste, and, 
 according to Arate (1878), is soluble in alcohol, anodic alcohol, acetone, acetic ether, acetic acid, 
 and hot water. 
 
304 
 
 ASPIDOSPERMA. 
 
 Iodina rhomb i folia, Hooker et Arnott (nat. ord. Aquifoliaceae), is known as quebracho fiojo, 
 and Mach^erium fertile, Grisebach (nat. ord. Leguminosse), as tipa. The wood and bark of 
 both species are used like the preceding, and occasionally collected with it. 
 
 Copalchi-bark has been sold as quebracho. 
 
 (See also paytine and Geissospermum.) 
 
 Action and. Uses. — In 1879, Penzoldt described quebracho as a medicine that 
 without any injurious collateral effects promptly diminishes or removes sundry forms of 
 dyspnoea in diseases of the respiratory and circulatory apparatus. He observed a reduc- 
 tion of the respiration-rate under its influence, without any corresponding lowering of 
 the pulse-rate. It seemed to produce a sense of warmth in the head, but neither vertigo 
 nor somnolence. Sometimes it excited diaphoresis, sometimes also salivation, and in 
 some cases of pulmonary disease the cough and expectoration grew less. Penzoldt saw 
 no bad consequences from its use, but other physicians have noted its disagreeable taste 
 and the nausea it is apt to occasion. According to Laquer, if the use of the medicine is 
 prolonged it is apt to cause headache, dulness of the senses, vertigo, and salivation, and 
 the patients acquire an extreme disgust for it (Bull, de Therap ., xcviii. 379). Picot 
 assures us that it enabled him to ascend a mountain without shortness of breath — a feat 
 which he could not otherwise accomplish (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 379). 
 
 Penzoldt states that of all diseases asthma with emphysema is most benefited by it, and 
 that it does not fail of its effects even when pleurisy or bronchitis is also present. In phthisis, 
 bronchial asthma , and some diseases of the heart its palliative action was marked, and was 
 also evident in a case of pulmonary embolism ; but when the heart-muscle was weak the 
 influence of the medicine was not salutary, nor indeed in any case in which the condition 
 of that organ was the primary cause of the dyspnoea. In this respect it is no substitute 
 for digitalis. In a case. of uraemic asthma it was very efficient. In opposition to one of 
 these statements, Berthold reports two cases of fatty degeneration of the heart in which 
 the dyspnoea was greatly relieved by the medicine (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 379), but it 
 is probable that the dyspnoea arose from some other cause added to the degeneration of 
 the heart-tissue. In a word, the medicine appears to be a palliative for the symptom 
 dyspnoea ; the degree and the duration of the relief which it affords will in each case 
 depend upon the nature and the degree of the physical cause of that symptom. In this 
 country we have the statement that the late I)r. Austin Flint tried quebracho in several 
 cases of dyspnoea from phthisis and pneumonia without avail, but that in extreme cases 
 of dyspnoea from mitral regurgitation it was very efficacious (Med News, May, 1881, p. 
 273). Dr. Andrew H. Smith has reported the results of his use of the medicine in 
 thirty-two cases of various diseases, including eleven of spasmodic asthma. Of the latter, 
 nine cases were relieved, and of the total number of cases, including diseases of the 
 lungs, heart, and kidneys, twenty-two were benefited more or less (Med. Record, xx. 559). 
 Quite a similar result is reported by Gottheil (ibid., xxiv. 259), by Mariasi (Bull, de 
 Therap., cv. 311), by DaCosta (Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., Dec. 1883, p. 620), and by 
 Maragliano (Centralblatt f. d. g. Therapie , ii. 63). It is difficult to assign to the medicine 
 its precise clinical value, but the general impression conveyed by a study of its effects 
 is ; that the more nearly the symptom dyspnoea is independent of an organic cause the 
 better will be the influence of the medicine upon it. Harnack and Hoffmann attribute 
 the relief afforded by it in part to its sedative and nauseating action, and point to the 
 analogy of similar effects produced by various emetics. The close functional and 
 mechanical relations of the lungs and heart are here to be taken into account. Fluid 
 extract of quebracho has been, like compound tincture of benzoin, applied to protect 
 and stimulate wounds. 
 
 The preparation recommended by Penzoldt is as follows : Take 10 parts of the powdered 
 bark ; treat for several days with 100 parts of alcohol ; evaporate the latter, and dissolve 
 the extract in 20 parts of warm water. Dose , 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls three times a day. 
 The solution, he says, is of a clear sherry color, has a slightly astringment and aromatic 
 taste, and is not hard to take. Huchard states that commercial aspidospermine really 
 contains all the alkaloids of quebracho. According to Maragliano, quebrachine and 
 aspidospermine act in about half an hour by the mouth and in from 5 to 10 minutes 
 hypodermically. For the latter purpose he employed the sulphate in doses of Gm. 0.05— 
 0.10 (gr. j-ij), and a solution of 1 grain in 15 grains of water caused neither local nor 
 general disturbance. The muriate has also been employed. 
 
A TROPIN A. 
 
 305 
 
 ATROPINA, U. S., B)\, F. Cod.— Atropine. 
 
 Atropia , Atropinum. — Atropia , E. ; Atropine , Fr. ; Atropin , G. 
 
 Formula C 17 H 23 N0 3 . Molecular weight 288.38. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Belladonna-Root, recently dried and in coarse powder, 2 
 pounds ; Rectified Spirit 10 pints ; Slaked Lime 1 ounce ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, Potas- 
 sium Carbonate, each a sufficiency ; Chloroform 3 fluidounces ; Purified Animal Charcoal 
 a sufficiency ; Distilled Water 10 fluidounces. Macerate the root in 4 pints of the spirit 
 for twenty-four hours, with frequent stirring. Transfer to a displacement apparatus, and 
 exhaust the root with the remainder of the spirit by slow percolation. Add the lime to 
 the tincture placed in a bottle and shake them occasionally several times. Filter, add the 
 diluted sulphuric acid in very feeble excess to the filtrate, and filter again. Distil off 
 three-fourths of the spirit, add to the residue the distilled water ; evaporate at a gentle 
 heat, but as rapidly as possible, until the liquor is reduced to one-third of its volume and 
 no longer smells of alcohol ; then let it cool. Add very cautiously, with constant stirring, 
 a solution of the potassium carbonate, so as to nearly neutralize the acid, care, however, 
 being taken that an excess is not used. Set to rest for six hours, then filter, and add potas- 
 sium carbonate in such quantity that the liquid shall acquire a decided alkaline reaction. 
 Place it in a bottle with the chloroform, mix well by frequently-repeated brisk agitations, 
 and pour the mixed liquids into a funnel furnished with a glass stopcock. When the 
 chloroform has subsided, draw it off by the stopcock, and distil it by a water-bath from a 
 retort connected with a condenser. Dissolve the residue in warm rectified spirit ; digest 
 the solution with a little animal charcoal ; filter, evaporate, and cool until colorless crys- 
 tals are obtained. — Br. 
 
 The British process is that proposed by Mein, except that the alkaloid, instead of being 
 simply precipitated from the watery solution of its sulphate, is removed by agitation with 
 chloroform, in accordance with the suggestion of Rabourdin (1850). The lime, on being 
 agitated with the tincture of the root, removes considerable resin and fat, the little lime 
 which enters into solution being afterward precipitated by sulphuric acid as calcium 
 sulphate, while the atropine remains in the liquid as sulphate, which is readily soluble in 
 alcohol and water. On neutralizing the free acid with potassium carbonate another 
 quantity of resin is separated, and on rendering the liquid alkaline the atropine is set free, 
 and is taken up by the chloroform on being agitated with it. Treatment with alcohol and 
 animal charcoal is resorted to for the purpose of removing the last traces of coloring mat- 
 ter and obtaining the alkaloid crystallized. 
 
 A process similar to the preceding was proposed by Prof. Wm. Procter, Jr., in 1860, 
 who, after treating the tincture with lime and sulphuric acid and evaporating the alcohol, 
 as described above, removed most of the remaining oil and resin by diluting the residue 
 with water, filtering, and agitating with chloroform, in which the sulphate of atropine is 
 insoluble ; after the addition of caustic potassa, chloroform was used for extracting the 
 alkaloid, of which 0.39 per cent, was obtained in a crystalline condition and of a fawn 
 color, which was removed by treating the alcoholic solution with animal charcoal. The 
 process of the U. S. P. 1870 arrived at the same result by converting the alkaloid con- 
 tained in the tincture of belladonna-root into a sulphate. After most of the alcohol had 
 been distilled off, the residuary liquid was poured into water, which retained the sulphate 
 of atropine in solution, while nearly all the resin and oil was separated and removed by 
 filtration. By means of potassa and chloroform the alkaloid was obtained, on evaporat- 
 ing the latter, in yellowish crystals, which, although then considered sufficiently pure for 
 medicinal purposes, contain variable amounts of impurities ; these, however, are removed 
 without much trouble and loss by recrystallization from alcohol of 50 per cent. 
 
 In all the above-mentioned processes it is of importance that the treatment with the 
 alkalies and alkali carbonate should take place at a low temperature and not be unne- 
 cessarily prolonged, since potassium carbonate alters the atropine and renders it inert 
 when acting upon its aqueous solution at an elevated temperature ; caustic potassa effects 
 a similar decomposition already in the cold during a contact for 24 hours. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Pure atropine is in colorless or white, glossy acicular crys- 
 tals without odor, and has a disagreeably bitter and acrid taste. It melts at 113.5° C. 
 (236.3° F.), according to Ladenburg (1880) ; at 115.5° C. (240° F.), according to E. 
 Schmidt (1881); when carefully heated it volatilizes at 140° C. (284° F.), partly 
 unchanged, and at a higher heat is completely decomposed, leaving no residue. It is solu- 
 ble in 300 parts (Von Planta), 500 parts (Geiger), 130 parts ( U . S. P.), of water at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), and on continued, boiling in 30 parts of boiling water (Geiger and Hesse). 
 
306 
 
 A TROPIN jE SULPHAS. 
 
 It is very freely soluble in alcohol (3 parts, U. £.), dissolves in warm oil of turpen- 
 tine ; according to Geiger and Hesse, in 63 parts (16 parts, U. S. P.) of ether, in 4 parts 
 of chloroform, 38 parts of olive oil, also in 50 parts of glycerin. It has a strong alkaline 
 reaction and neutralizes acids, forming salts which are crystallizable with difficulty and 
 are soluble in water and alcohol, but insoluble in ether and chloroform. The solutions of 
 the salts are not precipitated by platinic chloride except when very concentrated ; their 
 characteristic reactions, according to Ladenburg, are the following : With tannin, a white 
 precipitate soluble in diluted acids ; with iodine, a brown oily precipitate, becoming 
 crystalline ; with potassio-mercuric iodide, a white curdy precipitate ; with picric acid, 
 a crystalline precipitate ; with chloride of gold, a yellow oily precipitate, crystallizing 
 after some time, the dry crystals melting at 135° C. (275° F.), and when recrystallized 
 from boiling diluted hydrochloric acid are again deposited in minute crystals, and after 
 drying form a dull, lustreless powder (difference from hyoscyamine) ; the alcoholic solu- 
 tion of atropine, on passing cyanogen gas through it, becomes blood-red (Hinterberger, 
 1851) ; warmed with sulphuric acid and potassium bichromate after the addition of water, 
 atropine develops a pleasant benzoin-like odor, the liquid becoming green (Ludwig, 1861) ; 
 with cold sulphuric acid it yields a colorless solution, and on warming gives an odor 
 resembling orange-flowers (Gulielmo, 1863). The sulphuric acid solution is not colored 
 red by nitric acid (difference from morphine, narcotine, etc.), nor blue or purple by man- 
 ganese dioxide or potassium bichromate (difference from strychnine) ; the last-named 
 reagent causes a green color. 
 
 When heated with baryta-water, soda, or strong hydrochloric acid, atropine is decom- 
 posed, yielding tropic acid, C 9 H 10 O 3 (by continued action atropic and isatropic acids, 
 C 9 H 8 0 2 ), and tropine, which is a crystallizable, strongly alkaline compound having the 
 formula C 8 H 15 NO (Kraut, 1863; Lossau, 1864); it crystallizes in white hygroscopic 
 needles or plates, is freely soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, and may be distilled in a 
 current of hydrogen. Tropine tropate has no effect on the eye, but when heated with 
 excess of dilute hydrochloric acid in a water-bath separates at first an oil, and when now 
 treated with potassium carbonate yields atropine (Ladenburg, 1879). 
 
 According to Hiibschmann (1858), commercial atropine frequently contains an uncrys- 
 tallizable alkaloid, belladonnine , which is sparingly soluble in water and has a faintly bit- 
 ter, burning, acrid taste. It may be removed from atropine by adding to the watery 
 solution of the salt a small quantity of carbonate of potassium, when it is precipitated 
 before any atropine is liberated ; its identity with hyoscyamine has been suggested by 
 Ladenburg. But Buchheim (1876) stated that it is decomposed by alcoholic potassa 
 (not by barium hydrate) into tropine and belladonnic acid. In 1850, Yon Planta stated 
 atropine to be chemically identical with daturine, the alkaloid of stramonium ; and since 
 that time it is said the latter alkaloid has not unfrequently been manufactured and sold 
 as atropine, notwithstanding the researches of Yon Schroff and others have proved it to 
 exert a more powerful physiological action than the latter. Ladenburg (1880) has shown 
 that after the removal of belladonnine the product from belladonna consists of atropine, 
 described above, and a small quantity of light atropine or hyoscyamine, while daturine is 
 a mixture of the same two alkaloids, but hyoscyamine predominating. 
 
 Apatropine , C 17 H 21 N0 2 , according to Pesci (1882), is obtained by treating atropine 
 with fuming nitric acid, and is converted into hi/ dro-apoa tropine, C 17 H 13 N0 2 , by treatment 
 with sodium-amalgam. 
 
 ATROPINES SULPHAS, 77. S., Br.— Atropine Sulphate. 
 
 Sulfas atropinse , F. Cod. ; Atropimmi sulfuricum , P. G. — Sulphate of atropia , E. ; Sul- 
 fate dl atropine, Fr. ; Atropinsulfat , Schwefelsaures Atropin , G. 
 
 Formula (C 17 H 23 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 . Molecular weight 674.58. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Atropine 120 grains ; Distilled Water 4 fluidrachms ; Diluted 
 Sulphuric Acid a sufficiency. Mix the atropine with the water and add the acid gradually, 
 stirring them together until the alkaloid is dissolved and the solution is neutral. Evap- 
 orate it to dryness at a temperature not exceeding 37.7° C. (100° F.). — Br. 
 
 In preparing this salt it is important that the acid be very carefully neutralized, and 
 that in evaporation the heat be cautiously applied. The salt is left behind in an amor- 
 phous condition, but may be obtained crystalline by dissolving it in absolute alcohol and 
 evaporating spontaneously, or by pouring this solution into anhydrous ether. Ch. Maitre 
 (1856) proposed a process which was rec.ognized in the U. S. P. 1870. The atropine is 
 dissolved in anhydrous ether, and sulphuric acid diluted with strong alcohol is carefully 
 
A TROPIN JE SULPHAS. 
 
 307 
 
 dropped in until the liquid just acquires a permanent acid reaction; the precipitate is 
 washed with a little ether and dried at a low temperature. 
 
 Properties. — Atropine sulphate is “ permanent in the air, colorless, having a very 
 bitter, nauseating taste and a neutral reaction ; soluble in 0.4 part of water and in 6.5 
 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.) ; 2270 parts of ether, or 694 parts of chloroform. 
 When heated on platinum-foil the salt is decomposed and wholly dissipated, emitting 
 acrid vapors. On adding test-solution of sodium carbonate to a concentrated aqueous 
 solution of the salt a white precipitate is obtained, which answers to the reactions of 
 atropine. (See Atropina.) The salt or its solution when applied to the eye strongly 
 dilates the pupil. An aqueous solution of the salt yields with test-solution of barium 
 chloride a white precipitate insoluble in hydrochloric acid.” — U. S. “It is soluble in 3 
 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 832, in 1 part of water, and is insoluble in ether and in chloro- 
 form. Heat .01 Grin, of it in a test-tube until white vapors are visible; then add 1.5 
 Cc. sulphuric acid ; heat again until the mixture begins to turn brown, and dilute with 
 2 Gm. of water; a characteristic very agreeable odor should be given off; now add a 
 small crystal of potassium permanganate, when the odor of oil of bitter almonds should 
 be developed. The aqueous solution should be rendered turbid by solution of soda, but 
 not by ammonia-water; 1 part of the salt dissolved in 1000 parts of water should have 
 a distinct acrid and bitter taste.” — P. G. 
 
 Allied Salt. — Atropine salicylas, Atropine salicylate , is prepared by Tichborne (1877) 
 by dissolving 289 grains of atropine and 1 38 grains of salicylic acid in about 20 ounces of 
 water, and evaporating, when 432 grains of the salt will be obtained as an uncrystallizable 
 colloidal mass, which it is difficult to powder, and which is soluble in alcohol and in 20 parts 
 of water at 15° C. (59° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Herbivorous animals and birds are but little affected by doses 
 of atropine or. its salts, which are fatal to carnivora ; pigeons will often recover after the 
 hypodermic injection of 2 grains of the alkaloid, and their pupils are not dilated by any 
 dose of it. Even upon dogs the toxical action of atropine is relatively slight. The 
 injection of 2 or 3 grains into the connective tissue of these animals may produce a stag- 
 gering gait and agitation ; and the same quantity thrown into the crural vein, although 
 it may cause rigidity and apparent death, will not necessarily destroy the animal’s life. 
 In a few hours it may appear entirely well. The action upon the several physiological 
 systems varies with the dose of atropine. In non-poisonous doses it raises the tempera- 
 ture, causes great acceleration of the heart’s action with a tonic contraction of the 
 ventricles, and also a primary contraction followed by dilatation of the blood-vessels, 
 while a general quieting effect on the cerebro-spinal system is observed. Poisonous doses 
 seem to render morbidly acute the general and the special senses, although the percep- 
 tions do not appear to be normal, and there is no tendency to narcotism. Heath, appa- 
 rently, is due to exhaustion of the forces which move the heart and the respiratory 
 organs, and is preceded by general muscular paralysis. On examination the heart, 
 lungs, and brain are found surcharged with blood. The experiments of Cavazzani on 
 frogs seem to show that the action of atropine on the circulation is to weaken, and then 
 paralyze, the heart, while it constricts the capillaries, and that either in this manner or 
 more directly the red blood-corpuscles lose their power of absorbing oxygen ( Phila . Med. 
 
 Times , ix. 623). Experimenters are generally agreed that the action of moderate doses 
 of atropine upon the heart is nearly the same as that of cocaine. 
 
 The pupils of a nursing infant are dilated by the milk of its mother using belladonna 
 or atropine ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1886, p. 242). In man the hypodermic 
 injection of one-twentieth of a grain of atropine causes the pulse in twenty minutes to 
 rise from 72 to 110, the mouth to grow dry, and the pupils to begin to dilate; the 
 sight grows indistinct, and usually there are grotesque hallucinations, and sometimes 
 actual delirium ; there is giddiness, with an inclination to sleep, and the dryness of the 
 mouth and throat may last for twenty-four hours, with dysphagia, anaesthesia, aphonia, 
 more or less nervousness and instability in walking. An erythematous eruption of 
 the skin closely resembling that of scarlatina is generally observed (e. g. Med. Record , 
 xxiii. 457), but occasionally there is an “ erythematous and pseudo-erysipelatous swell- 
 ing of the face and neck” ( Times and Gaz., April, 1880, p. 431). Epistaxis has fol- 
 lowed the instillation of a solution of atropine into the eye ( Centralbl. f. Therap., viii. 
 169). Homatropine is not free from the risk of causing glaucoma, as atropine does, of 
 which an illustration may be found in Quart. Epit. Amer. Med. and Surg., vi. 366. 
 (Compare Stewart, Med. News, Hi. 234.) 
 
 For the relief of pain atropine is, next to opium, of the highest valine, and especially 
 
308 
 
 ATROPINJE SULPHAS. 
 
 for two of its severest forms, the pain of neuralgia and the pain of spasm. It should be 
 employed for both hypodermically. Sciatica is the most unyielding, and intercostal 
 neuralgia the most amenable, to this medicine. Neuralgia of the trigeminus holds in 
 this respect a middle position. In sciatica the dose must be large. One-sixteenth of a 
 grain has been used with curative effect. For the pain of cancer and other local pains 
 of analogous origin a solution of 1 part of atropine in 1000 of water has been applied 
 with great advantage on compresses covered with oiled silk or sheet rubber (Auger). A 
 1 per cent, solution instilled into the ear is one of the most efficient remedies for earache , 
 especially when due to inflammation of the middle ear. If given early in the attack, it 
 is often successful in arresting coryza. Spasm itself, as it occurs in tetanus and in poison- 
 ing by strychnine , has been successfully combated by the hypodermic use of atropine. 
 In such cases the dose must be large, being not less then one-twentieth of a grain 
 repeated at intervals of not more than an hour until its characteristic effects are 
 developed. In a case of traumatic tetanus the dose, varying from to -fa of a grain, was 
 given from two to four times a day for eleven days, when convalescence was established. 
 The usual physiological effects of the drug were not developed ( Practitioner , xxiii. 209). 
 Hypodermic injections of atropine have repeatedly been used to relieve or cure wryneck 
 since they were first proposed by Hr. DaCosta ( Penna . Hosp. Rep., 1868, p. 391). As 
 more convenient for administration than belladonna, atropine may be used in the treat- 
 ment of whooping cough , in the dose of yl^- grain once a day or oftener, and avoiding 
 the production of its physiological effects. Various other forms of spasm are more or 
 less subject to the power of this medicine. They will be found more fully described in 
 connection with Belladonna, but it may be stated that almost every spasmodic affection 
 may be influenced by that medicine or by atropine. Sulphate of atropine administered 
 hypodermically in the dose of from y-J-^ to fa of a grain has prevented the full develop- 
 ment of the epileptic paroxysm and lessened the frequency of its occurrence. Indeed, it 
 has been claimed to be more certain in its results, and attended with less inconvenience 
 to the patients, than bromide of potassium (Weiss, Centralbl. f. Therapie, i. 268). In 
 the following spasmodic disorders it may also be employed : spasm of the anus, the 
 urethra, the bladder , the ureter, the uterus, the vagina, the rectum, the large and small intes- 
 tine, the biliary ducts , the bronchia , the larynx, the oesophagus, etc. In all of these 
 affections the hypodermic injection of atropine may be substituted for the use of any 
 preparation of belladonna, internal or local. In the very opposite condition which occurs 
 in poisoning by Calabar bean it has been proved that atropine is a true antidote in nearly 
 the whole range of its action. But atropine counteracts or prevents the lethal action of 
 physostigma when given in doses which are far below the minimum fatal doses of the 
 former. Sulphate of atropine should be injected subcutaneously in doses of from fa to 
 fa of a grain, and repeated until the pupils become dilated, the pulse-rate increased, and 
 the secretion of bronchial mucus is checked. The therapeutical antagonism of bella- 
 donna and atropine to opium and morphine is confirmed by many cases of opium-poisoning 
 treated by the hypodermic injection of atropine. Johnson of Shanghai is. said to have 
 used this treatment successfully in upward of three hundred cases ( Practitioner , xxvi. 
 138). The hypodermic dose of atropine and the frequency of its repetition have varied in 
 different cases between remote extremes. In one case, for example, five doses, each of y 1 ^ 
 grain, were given within as many hours, and the case was of a desperate character, but 
 ended in recovery ( Med . News, xl. 318). In another instance with a like termination y 1 ^ 
 grain of atropine was injected, and afterward \ grain ( Practitioner , xxiii. 123). It is 
 evident that the dose must be determined by the exigencies of each case. Among the 
 most striking of recent cases in which atropine proved an antidote to morphine in enor- 
 mous doses are these : A woman who took 15 grains of sulphate of morphine (King, 
 Med. News, xl. 68) ; one who took 10 grains of morphine sulphate (Stuver, Med. News. 
 xli. 592) ; a man who in the course of four hours took 30 grains of sulphate of mor- 
 phine (Clarke, Med. Record, xxvi. 514) ; a pregnant woman who had taken a like quan- 
 tity of the acetate of morphine (Forster, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Mar. 1885, 
 p. 267) ; and another woman, who took about 30 grains of acetate of morphine and half 
 an ounce of tincture of opium (Javorsky, Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., vi. 517). It has 
 been proposed to use atropine as a physiological antidote to chloroform by administering 
 a hypodermic injection of jfa to grain of atropine with § or fa grain of a morphine 
 salt before the inhalation of the anaesthetic is commenced (Fraser). An important 
 advantage of this expedient is that the senses of the patient are blunted and he is not 
 apt to become excited, as when the anaesthetic is administered without such prepara- 
 tion. A less quantity of the latter is required, and its influence is prolonged, and the 
 
ATROPINJE SULPHAS. 
 
 309 
 
 patient therefore remains passive for a longer time. Dr. J. C. Reeve, who advocated this 
 method, stated that the amount generally used by him “ was seven to ten minims of a 
 
 solution of 16 grains of morphine and 2 grain of atropine to the ounce of water 
 
 Fifteen to twenty minutes should elapse between the administration of the hypodermic 
 injection and the beginning of the administration of the anesthetic.” (Jour. Amer. Med. 
 Assoc., ii. 233.) A similar use of atropine has been advocated in ether narcosis by 
 Amidon, except that he would have it administered to overcome the symptoms when 
 they arise (Med. Record , xxvii. 477). The effects of he at -exhaust ion (one of the forms 
 of sunstroke) have been treated with alleged success by the hypodermic injection of 
 atropine, strengthening the heart, stimulating the brain, restoring consciousness, and 
 preserving life ; and so have those of nervous shock. 
 
 In various diseases of the eye the use of atropine is appropriate ; it was formerly 
 employed for dilating the j pupil, so as to permit the inspection of the parts behind the 
 iris, and to facilitate operations for cataract , etc., but owing to its more transient action, 
 homatropine is to be preferred for this purpose, and also because it is less irritating than 
 atropine. When prolapse of the iris takes place through a corneal ulcer, or when adhe- 
 sion occurs between the two, the action of atropine, by contracting the iris toward its 
 periphery, tends to prevent permanent deformity of the organ and impairment of the sight. 
 Myopia , or short-sightedness, being often produced by an excessive strain of the eyes 
 through spasm of accommodation, may sometimes be prevented from reaching its full 
 development by resting the organs and maintaining for several weeks a paralysis of 
 accommodation by means of atropine. By a similar method it is claimed that a number 
 of cases of strabismus in its early stage have been cured (Phila. Med. Times , xi. 144). 
 Atropine should never be used in glaucoma. It has, indeed, been objected to atropine 
 in all diseases of the eye that it irritates the conjunctiva, causing oedema of this tissue 
 and of the eyelids, and that the tension it produces of the eyeball in certain cases endangers 
 the safety of the organ. It is probably through the power involved in its various actions 
 that atropine has been found efficient in profuse sweating and also in sialorrlioea, galac- 
 torrlioea , and metrorrhagia. The power of sulphate of atropine to control the night-sweats of 
 phthisis and other debilitating diseases is well established. About grain hypoder- 
 mically is the. average commencing dose required. The condition of the patient in other 
 respects need not influence the use of the medicine — not even the fact of perspiration 
 having already commenced. Sometimes existing profuse perspiration is checked by the 
 medicine within a few minutes. Its effects may also extend over several nights, but 
 occasionally they are not immediate, but are developed at the end of twenty-four hours 
 or more. It is not essential to give the injection at bed-time. It may be administered 
 hypodermically, or by the mouth in camphor-water, or in pill. In the latter way the 
 commencing dose should be about grain ( Practitioner , xxiii. 93). Atropine is a 
 physiological antidote to jaborandi and pilocarpine, and arrests the profuse sweats they 
 cause. Homatropine, used for the same purpose, is decidedly inferior not only to atro- 
 pine, but also to “ Dover’s powder, picrotoxin, and other means ” (Murrell). Fronmiil- 
 ler, however, states that in a case of profuse sweating and salivation produced by pilo- 
 carpine these symptoms disappeared within two minutes after the injection of gr. ^ of 
 hydrobromate of homatropine (Med. News , xlii. 556). Atropine has been found useful 
 in serous diarrhoea; in the salivation of the insane; in the forming stage of coryza, 
 when given in very minute doses (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Aug. 1883, p. 151) ; and in 
 incontinence of urine and oesophagism (Girard, Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 481). In regard to 
 the former affection, it should be observed that the infirmity is only suspended while the 
 action of the medicine is maintained ; when this ceases the eneuresis, in most cases, 
 returns. In spermatorrhoea , due to atony and morbid irritability of the genital system, 
 erections may be produced by the use of atropine and the passive seminal discharges 
 arrested. Menorrhagia, has been controlled by injecting hypodermically grain of 
 atropine twice a day (Tacke). A similar hypodermic dose is one of the means which 
 may be used to check pulmonary haemorrhage (Ilausmann, Therap. Monatsch., Jan. 1887; 
 Sterling, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 101), and also to control non-mercurial ptyalism (Bull, de 
 Therap., cxi. 470). A like dose, given internally and repeated until its specific effects 
 appear, has been found useful in hay fever (Med. News., liii. 305). Urticaria has been 
 cured, temporarily at least, by means of y 1 ^ grain of sulphate of atropine taken twice a day 
 (Schwimmer). The antagonism of atropine and prussic acid has been both maintained and 
 denied; but even if it were real in a physiological sense, it would practically be of little 
 importance, since the rapid action of a lethal dose of prussic acid cannot be overtaken 
 by the slower operation of atropine. This alkaloid, used along with morphine in hypo- 
 
310 
 
 A URANTIUM AM A RUM. 
 
 dermic injections, tends to prevent the nausea and vomiting which are apt to be caused 
 by morphine alone. 
 
 Atropine has also been used hypodermically in chloroform syncope (Reeve). Ilom- 
 atropine hydrobromate , which is, on the whole, inferior to atropine, is claimed by Jackson 
 (. Med . News, xlix. 88) to be a perfectly reliable mydriatic when applied in a sufficient 
 quantity by cumulative instillation. Atropine santonate is recommended by Bombelon 
 as perfectly unirritating, and not liable, in solution, to fungoid growths. Its action is 
 said to be mild, like that of homatropine, while as a mydriatic it is equal to atropine sul- 
 phate ; “ one drop of a solution of 0.01 grain in 20 grains (1 : 2000) of water is suffi- 
 cient to dilate the pupil in six minutes, the dilatation disappearing in from ten to twen- 
 ty-four hours” ( Edin . Med. Jour ., xxxii. 79; Practitioner , xxxviii. 458). 
 
 Except where otherwise stated, a solution of atropine used for any of the above pur- 
 poses, including hypodermic injection, should not exced the strength of 1 part in 100 of 
 water. Dr. Squibb recommends a solution of 2 grains of the sulphate in a fluidounce 
 of water. Of this each fluidrachm contains one-quarter of a grain of the salt. About 
 Gm. 0.01 (n^iv) of this solution is regarded as the maximum dose for an adult to begin 
 with. Either solution may be applied to the eye by means of a fine camel’s-hair brush, 
 while the lower punctum lachrymale is compressed to prevent the passage of the solution 
 into the nasal passages and its consequent absorption. Several cases of atropine-poison- 
 ing have arisen in this manner. Klein recommends a mixture of 1 part of sulphate of 
 atropine to 200 parts of vaseline as preferable to a solution. Thin gelatin disks, imbued 
 with a solution of the salt, 1 : 100, are sometimes inserted between the lower lid and the 
 eyeball, in order to prevent the accident just alluded .to. A solution of homatropine 
 hydrobromate containing Gm. 1 to Gm. 32 (gr. xv to f^j) of distilled water is con- 
 venient for ophthalmological purposes. An ointment of atropine may be used contain- 
 ing Gm. 0.06 to Gm. 4.00 (gr. i-^j) of lard). 
 
 Scopoline, an alkaloid discovered in Scopolia japonica , dilates the pupil more rapidly 
 than atropine, and for a longer time. On the third day the pupils are more dilated than 
 after the instillation of atropine. It appears not to irritate the conjunctiva, and is a 
 strong antagonist to eserine. 
 
 Ephedrin, the alkaloid of E. helvetica, (or according to others, of E. monostachya), 
 in combination with muriatic acid, has been proposed by Nagai of Tokio, Japan, as a 
 superior mydriatic. It killed frogs in the dose of Gm. 0.008-010 (i to £ gr.), gradually 
 producing paralysis, arrest of breathing, dilatation of the pupils, and death with dilated 
 heart. Mammalia were similarly affected. In man one or two drops of a 10 per cent, 
 solution occasioned dilatation of the pupil in from five to twenty hours, but was in no 
 case complete. The advantages of this preparation are denied by Konigstein, who 
 declares that ephedrin is an inconvenient mydriatic on account of the long time required 
 to develop its effects ( Gentralbl. f d. Therap., v. 649.) On the other hand, its cheap- 
 ness, easy preparation, and innocuousness are thought to give it a superiority over hom- 
 atropine. Wreise alleges that ephedra contains two alkaloids, ephedrin and pseudo-ephe- 
 drin, of which the latter is the more efficient as a mydriatic (Med. Mews, lv. 11). 
 
 AURANTIUM AMARUM, U. S,, Br P. G. — Bitter Orange. 
 
 Orange amere , Fr. ; Pomeranze , G. ; Arancio amaro , A. forte, It. ; Naranjo , Sp. 
 
 Citrus vulgaris, Risso, s. C. Aurantium, var, amara, Linne , s. C. Bigaradia, Duhamel. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 50. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Aurantiaceae. 
 
 Official Parts. — 1. Aurantii amari cortex, U. S. ; Aurantii cortex, Br. ; Cortex 
 fructus aurantii, P. G. ; Cortex aurantiorum, Cortex pomorum aurantii. — Bitter orange- 
 peel, E. ; Ecorce ( zestes ) d' orange amere , Ecorce de higarade, Fr. ; Pomeranzenschale , G. ; 
 Corteccia arancio amaro , F. It. ; Curazao , Sp. 
 
 The rind of the fruit. 
 
 2. Aurantii fructus, Br. ; Poma aurantiorum, Aurantia. — Seville Orange, Bitter Orange , 
 E. ; Orange amere, Bigarade, Fr. ; Pomeranzen, G. ; Naranjo agrio, Sp. 
 
 The ripe fruit. 
 
 Origin. — The bigarade orange is a small tree which is indigenous to the northern 
 portion of India, but is largely cultivated near the Mediterranean, and in some of the 
 West India Islands, and in that part of the United States which borders on the Gulf of 
 
A URANTIUM AMARU M. 
 
 311 
 
 Mexico. It closely resembles tlie sweet orange, excepting in the fruit, leaves, and flowers, 
 the latter being more fragrant. 
 
 Description. — 1. The Fruit. The unripe fruit falling from the tree is collected 
 and extensively used on the continent of Europe, where it is known as orange-berries (E.), 
 orangettes or petits grains (Fr.), Unreife Pomeranzen (G.), and is officinal as Fructus 
 
 Fig. 35. 
 
 Fig. 36. 
 
 Citrus vulgaris, Risso. Orange-peel ; transverse section ; mag. 65 diam. 
 
 ( Baccse ) aurantii immatnri vel Aurantia immatura , P. G. They are globular or ovate- 
 globose, 3—15 Mm. to f inch) in diameter, with a circular depressed scar at the base 
 surrounded by eight to twelve smaller depressions, and with a slightly projecting rem- 
 nant of the style at the apex. They are greenish to brownish-black in color, densely 
 rugose, and consist of eight to ten or twelve cells having a central placenta, and two 
 rows of ovules in each cell. Their odor is agreeably aromatic, their taste aromatic and 
 bitter, the aromatic properties being due to a volatile oil which is contained in large oil- 
 cells situated in the pericarp near the epidermis. 
 
 The ripe fruit is of the size and shape of a sweet orange, but is rougher externally, 
 and of a reddish-orange color, the spongy parenchyma underneath being white, and the 
 juice having an acid and bitter taste. It has been made official in the British Pharma- 
 copoeia for the purpose of preparing the Tinctura aurantii recentis. 
 
 2. The Peel. Orange-peel is dried in narrow, thin bands or in quarters, the epidermis 
 being glandular and of a dark brownish-green color ; it has a fragrant odor and an aromatic 
 bitter taste. It should have very little of the spongy, white inner layer adhering to it. In 
 commerce it is usually found in flat or curved elliptical pieces, about 37 Mm. (3 inches) long 
 and 3 Mm. (& inch) or more in thickness, the surface being of an uneven somewhat glandu- 
 lar appearance, covering the numerous large oil-cells and the spongy white parenchyma. 
 This latter is directed to be removed by most pharmacopoeias, only the yellowish rind 
 (flavedo aurantii ) being used. The Curagoa orange-peel is obtained from a variety of 
 the bitter orange cultivated in the island of Curagoa. It is scarcely half the thickness of 
 the ordinary orange-peel, and externally of a dark-greenish color. The commercial article 
 sold under this name frequently consists merely of thin slices or spiral bands cut from 
 the fully-developed but still unripe fruit grown elsewhere. The white parenchyma is 
 colored yellow by alkalies and black by ferric salts. 
 
 3. The leaves, Folia aurantii , are smooth, ovate, or ovate-oblong, entire or slightly 
 crenate on the margin, pellucid-punctate, aromatic, and have a jointed petiole, with a 
 broadly obovate or obcordate wing. 
 
 Constituents. — The white parenchyma of orange- and lemon-peel, but more particu- 
 larly the unripe bitter orange, contains a crystalline bitter principle which was named hes- 
 peridin by Lebreton, its discoverer (1828). Hilger (1876) obtained from 5 to 8 per cent, 
 of it from orange-berries by exhausting them first with water, afterward with diluted 
 aicohol containing 1 per cent, of potassa, and precipitating the tincture with hydrochloric} 
 
312 
 
 A UBANTII DULCIS CORTEX . 
 
 acid. Crude hesperidin is purified by Ed. Hoffman (1876) by recrystallization from hot 
 alcohol, when it is obtained in white needles requiring about 5000 parts of hot water for 
 solution ; it is insoluble in ether, benzene, fats, and volatile oils, but is readily soluble 
 in alcohol and hot acetic acid ; its solutions in alkalies become yellow and orange-colored ; 
 the potassa solution, evaporated and the residue warmed with dilute sulphuric acid, shows 
 a red and violet color. Hesperidin, C 22 H 26 0 12 , melts at 245° C. (473° F.), becomes brown- 
 red (dingy blackish-brown on warming, Fliickiger) with ferric chloride, and by dilute acids 
 is split into glucose and hesperetin , which melts at 223° C. (433.4° F.) and is soluble in 
 alcohol and ether. Orange-peel also contains gum, albumen, some fixed oil, resin, volatile 
 oil (see Oleum Aurantii Corticis), and a principle resembling tannin in its behavior to 
 iron salts. 
 
 The volatile oil obtained by the distillation of orange-berries with water was formerly 
 known as essence de petit grain , but much of that which is now found in commerce is 
 obtained from the leaves and young shoots. In chemical composition it resembles the oil 
 of orange, but differs from it in odor, which varies even to some extent in the different 
 cultivated varieties of the bitter orange. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Elixir aurantiorum compositum, s. Elix. 
 viscerale Hoffmanni, P. G. Macerate for 8 days bitter orange-peel 50 parts, cinnamon 
 10 parts, and potassium carbonate 2.5 parts in sherry wine 250 parts ; express, and dissolve 
 in the liquid 5 parts each of the extracts of gentian, wormwood, buckbean, and cascarilla ; 
 set aside and filter. 
 
 Elixir amarum, P. G ., Bitter Elixir. Dissolve extract of absinth 2 parts and oil sugar 
 of peppermint 1 part in water 5 parts, and add bitter tincture and aromatic tincture of each 
 1 part. 
 
 Tinctura amara, P. G ., Bitter tincture. Digest for a week centaury, gentian, of each 
 3 parts, bitter orange-peel 2 parts, orange-berries and zedoary of each 1 part, in alcohol 
 (spec. gr. .894) 50 parts , express and filter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The simple and compound infusions of orange-peel ( Br .) are 
 used as vehicles for other medicines and to allay indigestion, flatulence, and colic. They 
 may be taken in doses of Gm. 32-64 (f&j-ij). 
 
 AURANTII DULCIS CORTEX, JJ. S. — Sweet Orange-Peel. 
 
 Cortex aurantiorum dulcium. — Ecorce (zest.es) d' orange douce, Fr. ; Apfelsinen- 
 sckalen, G. 
 
 The rind of the fruit of Citrus Aurantium, Pisso, s. Cit. dulcis, Link. Woodville, 
 Med. Bot., 188; Bisso, Hist. Orang., 3, 39; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 51. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Aurantiacese. 
 
 Origin. — This variety of the orange tree, known as the sweet or Portugal orange, is 
 extensively cultivated in warm countries ; it differs from the preceding in the leaves 
 having the petioles more narrowly winged, and in the fruit having an agreeable sweetish 
 acidulous taste ; many varieties have been produced by cultivation. 
 
 Description. — Sweet orange-peel agrees in structure and in most of its physical 
 properties with bitter orange-peel ; it is, however, always of a lighter and more yellow 
 color, of an agreeable sweetish aromatic odor, and of a slightly bitter taste. Its com- 
 position is the same as that of the bigarade orange, except the bitter principle, which is 
 present in much smaller proportion. (See also Oleum Aurantii Corticis.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Confectio aurantii corticis, U. S. 1870; 
 Conserva aurantii. — Confection of orange-peel, E. ; Conserve d’ecorce d’orange, Fr. ; 
 Apfelsinenschalen-conserve, G . — Take of sweet orange-peel, recently separated from the 
 fruit by grating, 1 part, and beat it with sugar 3 parts, gradually added, until they are 
 thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Orange-peel is a mild stimulant of digestion, because it con- 
 tains an essential oil which, in the fresh bitter orange, is endowed with very active irri- 
 tant properties and acts upon the nervous system, in small doses stimulating it, but in 
 large doses or by continued use depressing and deranging all the nervous functions. 
 Dried-orange-peel and its preparations are employed along with pure bitters, to render 
 them stimulant and more acceptable to the stomach, as well as to improve their taste. 
 They are also associated with purgatives which tend to gripe and when the bowels are 
 flatulent. Orange-peel is prescribed as an addition to many infusions and decoctions. 
 It should not be added to the latter until ebullition has terminated. The confection 
 of orange-peel (Pharm. 1870) may be used for disguising the taste and qualifying the 
 
A URANTII FLORES.— A URL ET SODII CHLORIDUM. 
 
 313 
 
 acrid action of various medicinal powders, especially those of the cathartic class. The 
 orange fruit has had attributed to it a gcilactagogiie power, but the statement needs con- 
 firmation. 
 
 AURANTII FLORES.— Orange-Flowers. 
 
 Flores naphse. — Fleurs dor anger, Fr.; Orangenbluthen, Pomeranzenbluthen, G. ; Azahar , 
 Sp. ; Aranelo amaro , F. It. 
 
 The partly expanded flowers of Citrus Aurantium and of C. vulgaris, Risso. 
 
 Origin. — See Aurantii Fructus. 
 
 Description. — The flowers grow singly in the axils of the upper leaves, and consist 
 of a small cup-shaped five-toothed calyx, and of five oblong, obtuse, fleshy, and glandular 
 punctate petals, which are white, or in the dried state pale brownish-white, and about 12 
 Mm. (£ inch) long. The numerous (about twenty) stamens are united by the lower 
 part of their filaments into three or more bundles. The globular ovary rises from a 
 small fleshy disk, and bears a cylindrical style with a globular stigma. Orange-flowers 
 have a highly fragrant odor, the bitter variety being more aromatic than the sweet ; 
 their taste is aromatic and bitterish. 
 
 When it is desired to keep fresh orange-flowers for some time, they may be preserved 
 by mixing them well with half their weight of sodium chloride, pressing the mixture 
 in a suitable jar and keeping it, well closed, in a cool place. — U. S. 
 
 Lemon-flowers are externally of a reddish color and have a different odor. 
 
 Constituents. — Boullay found (1828) in orange-flow r ers, beside the volatile oil (see 
 Oleum Aurantii Florum), gum, bitter extractive, acetic acid, and salts. The bitter 
 taste is probably due to the presence of hesperidin. (See Aurantii Amari Cortex.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Orange-flowers are chiefly used to prepare a distilled water 
 which is an agreeable vehicle for some medicines, and is believed to stimulate the nervous 
 system slightly, allaying its superficial disorders in very susceptible persons. 
 
 AURI ET SODII CHLORIDUM, V . S — Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
 
 Auro-natrium chloratum, P. G, ; Chloruretum aurico-sodlcum . — Chloraurate de sodium , 
 Ghlorure dor et de sodium , Fr. ; Natriumgoldchlorid , G. ; Chloruro di oro e di sodio , 
 F. It., Sp. 
 
 A mixture composed of equal parts of dry gold chloride, [AuC 1 3 ; 302.81] and sodium 
 chloride [NaCl; 58.37].— U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Dissolve with the aid of a gentle heat pure gold 13 parts in a mix- 
 ture composed of nitric acid 16 parts and hydrochloric acid 48 parts ; dilute the solution 
 with water 40 parts, add pure dry sodium chloride 20 parts, and evaporate in a water- 
 bath, with constant stirring, to dryness. Result 40 parts. — P. G. 
 
 This is an improvement on the process of the former German Pharmacopoeia, accord- 
 ing to which the gold solution was evaporated nearly to dryness before it was mixed with 
 the sodium chloride. Constant stirring is necessary during the final evaporation, in order 
 to secure a uniform mixture, which persistently retains from 6 to 7 per cent, of water. 
 
 Properties. — This preparation is “an orange-yellow powder slightly deliquescent in 
 damp air, odorless, and having a saline and metallic taste. The compound is very soluble 
 in water; at least one-half of it should be dissolved by cold alcohol. When exposed to a 
 red heat it is decomposed and metallic gold is separated. A fragment of the compound 
 imparts an intense, persistent yellow color to a non-luminous flame. Its aqueous solution 
 has a slightly acid reaction and yields with test-solution of silver nitrate a white pre- 
 cipitate insoluble in nitric acid. — U. S. 
 
 The French Codex orders the crystallized double salt, NaCl.AuCl 3 ,2H 2 0 (mol. weight 
 397.1), to be prepared by dissolving the auric chloride prepared from 10 parts of gold in 
 sufficient distilled water, adding 3 parts of sodium chloride and evaporating to crys- 
 tallization. It forms orange-colored rhombic prisms or plates which are soluble in water 
 and alcohol, not deliquescent, fusible, and at a red heat are gradually decomposed, 49.4 
 per cent, of metallic gold being separated. It is known in France as sel de Chrestien and 
 set de Figuier. 
 
 Tests. — “On bringing a glass rod dipped into water of ammonia close to a portion of 
 the compound no white fumes should make their appearance (absence of free acid). If 
 0.5 Gm. of gold and sodium chloride be dissolved, in a porcelain capsule, in 50 Cc. of 
 water, the solution acidulated with 5 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid, and, after the addition 
 
314 
 
 All RUM. 
 
 of 1 Gm. of pure oxalic acid, heated for about two hours, on a water-bath, a precipitate 
 of metallic gold will be obtained, which, when washed, dried and ignited, should weigh 
 not less than 0.15 Gm. (corresponding to at least 30 per cent, of metallic gold). The 
 filtrate from the precipitated gold should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide test- 
 solution, nor after being supersaturated with ammonia water, by ammonium sulphide 
 test-solution, (absence of metallic impurities).” — U. S. If 0.5 Gm. of it be slowly 
 heated to redness and afterward washed with water, the residue after drying should 
 weigh not less than .150 Gm., corresponding to 30 per cent, of gold. — P. G. This test 
 corresponds to 46.27 per cent, of AuC 1 3 and to 60.67 per cent, of NaCl.AuCl 3 .2H 2 0. 
 
 AURUM.— Gold. 
 
 Or , Fr. : Gold , G. ; Oro, F. It. ; Sp. 
 
 Symbol Au. Atomicity univalent and tri valent. Atomic weight 196.7. 
 
 Origin and Properties. — This well-known metal is chiefly found in the metallic 
 state, always associated with other metals and frequently in various native sulphides. 
 It is the most ductile of all metals, softer than silver, fuses at nearly 1200° C. (2200° 
 F.), has the density 19.3, and is of a reddish-yellow color and metallic lustre, but when 
 powdered of a brown color, acquiring lustre by pressure. It is not altered by exposure 
 to air and water, and does not dissolve in acids, but is soluble in liquids containing or 
 generating chlorine. The following preparations of gold have been used : 
 
 Aurum foliatum, gold-leaf \ is used for coating pills ; is transparent, with blue or green 
 color ; it should not be attacked by nitric acid nor become tarnished by ammonia. 
 
 Auri pulvis, powdered geld, may be prepared by triturating gold-leaf with crystals 
 of milk-sugar, potassium sulphate, or other hard soluble substance, until the metallic 
 lustre has completely disappeared, when the compound is washed out with water. A 
 solution of gold chloride yields the metal in a finely-divided condition when added to 
 solution of ferrous sulphate, oxalic acid, or other oxidizable compound. 
 
 Auri chloridum, gold chloride or auric chloride , AuC 1 3 . On dissolving pure gold in 
 nitro-muriatic acid and crystallizing, yellow hydrogen-gold chloride , AuHCl 4 .4H 2 0, is 
 obtained, which in a dry atmosphere loses 1H 2 0 (Julius Thomsen, 1878, 1883). But 
 on evaporating the solution to dryness, dissolving in water, filtering from some aurous 
 chloride, AuCl, and again evaporating, auric chloride is obtained as a dark -red or red- 
 brown salt. It is decomposed above 150° C. (302° F.), dissolves readily in water, and 
 is also soluble in alcohol, ether, and volatile oils, which solutions are gradually reduced. 
 Its solution yields with stannous chloride a dark-brown or purple precipitate known as 
 purple of Cassius, the exact composition of which is still unknown. J. A. Koenig (1882) 
 ascertained that an aqueous solution of gold chloride in contact with charcoal previously 
 deprived of all foreign constituents is slowly reduced to metallic gold, hydrochloric acid 
 and carbon dioxide being formed at the same time. 
 
 Auri et ammonii chloridum, gold-ammonium chloride. Equal parts of auric 
 chloride and ammonium chloride are dissolved in water, acidulated with hydrochloric 
 acid, and the solution evaporated to dryness (Dorvault). It resembles the preceding. 
 
 Auri cy anidum, gold cyanide is best prepared, according to Figuier (1874) by dis- 
 solving pure auric chloride in water, and adding a solution of an equivalent weight of 
 pure potassium cyanide, when a lemon-yellow precipitate will be obtained ; a larger 
 quantity of the latter solution would change the color to brownish or orange-yellow. It 
 is inodorous and tasteless, and contains 75 per cent, of gold. With an excess of potas- 
 sium cyanide, used in a concentrated hot solution, auro-potassium cyanide, containing 55 
 per cent, of gold, is obtained in colorless tabular crystals, which on exposure become 
 white from loss of water of crystallization. 
 
 Auri iodidum, gold iodide, Aul 3 , is obtained by precipitating a solution of auric 
 chloride with potassium iodide, avoiding an excess of the latter, washing with water, and 
 drying carefully. It is a dark-green powder, which is soluble in solution of potassium 
 iodide, and on exposure loses iodine, being first converted into yellow aurous iodide , Aul, 
 and finally into metallic gold. 
 
 Auri oxidum, auric acid, gold hydroxide, Au(OH) 3 . Pelletier directs the boiling of 
 a solution of auric chloride with an excess of magnesia or zinc oxide, collecting the precip- 
 itate upon a filter, and washing it first with dilute nitric acid (which must be free from 
 chlorine), and afterward with water. Fremv (1850) adds to auric chloride sufficient 
 solution of potassa until the precipitate is redissolved, the solution is boiled for fifteen 
 minutes, or until its dark-brown color has changed to light-yellow, when it is acidulated 
 
AURUM. 
 
 315 
 
 with sulphuric acid and the precipitate washed and dried ; it retains a trace of potassium. 
 Gold hydroxide is a blackis v erown powder which is readily soluble in hydrochloric and 
 hydrobromic acids, and wh^n heated to 245° C. (473° F.) or boiled with alcohol yields 
 metallic gold. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of gold, has to some extent, an analogy with that 
 of mercury, its salts producing local effects varying between irritation and causticity, 
 and internally developing a state of erethism which resembles strongly mercurial fever. 
 Within this limit it is represented as stimulating the functions generally, and in man 
 especially the genital activity, while in women it is said to augment the menstrual flux. 
 The virtues anciently attributed to this metal were imaginary, since it was used in sub- 
 stance, and therefore in an insoluble form. The alchemists Paracelsus and Basil Valen- 
 tine proclaimed its excellence in chronic nervous diseases, in hypochondriasis, insanity, 
 and convulsive affections, and also in syphilis, salivation, etc., especially when given in 
 the solution known as aurum potabile, etc. Many zealous apostles of the faith in gold 
 flourished in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, and attributed to it cures of 
 uterine and lingual schirrus, chronic induration of the testes and liver, elephantiasis 
 (Arabian), goitre, osteosarcoma, chlorosis, amenorrhaea, amaurosis, paralysis of the 
 bladder, dropsy, and, above all, syphilis, in which it was for a time regarded as a valuable 
 succedaneum of mercury (Richter). In 1857, Rouault conceived that the salt of gold 
 and sodium had an elective potency in the treatment of glandular tumors , generally more 
 energetic and certain than the preparations of iodine, and also that it was beneficial in 
 certain benignant and even malignant tumors of the breast ( Brit . and For. Med.-Chir. 
 Rev. July, 1857, p. 228). 
 
 It appears that gold compounds, when persistently employed, may, through the febrile 
 erethism above referred to, tend to eliminate the syphilitic poison from the system and 
 arouse the sluggish vital forces as they exist in scrofula. Indeed, it is said that this 
 action sometimes goes so far as to give a destructive energy to tbe morbid process. In 
 1884, Dr. Bartholow reported that he found the double chloride of gold and sodium, in 
 the dose of one-twentieth of a grain three times a day, exhibit as it primary action an 
 increased vigor of nutrition, but if its use was kept up for some time it occasioned a 
 waste of the tissues, and especially of the connective tissue. Hence he conceived it 
 should be useful in chronic sclerosis of the spinal cord, of the liver, and the kidney , and 
 believed that clinical observation justified this prevision. He also found it useful in some 
 forms of hypochondriasis, asthma, laryngismus stridulus, singidtus, dysmenorrhcea , and 
 sexual debility ( Med . News , xlv. 118). These expectations and results have not been con- 
 firmed. But Goubert used the bromide of gold for migraine, epilepsy, chorea, and Base- 
 doirfs disease, in most of which affections he prescribed it until the characteristic head- 
 ache produced by the medicine was experienced. He gave it to adults in daily doses of 
 Gm. 0.008—0.01 (gr. jt) ( Centralbl . f Therap., viii. 120). Meerheevski, Rosenbach,* 
 and Danillo have applied it to the treatment of epilepsy, and hysteria with favorable 
 results, especially in the latter affection. It was given in doses of Gm. 0.016-0.03 (gr. 1- 
 J). It has been estimated that bromide of gold is ten times more active than the bro- 
 mides commonly used ( Lancet , Aug. 1890, p. 869), but this estimate appears to be far 
 too low. It will be observed that originally gold compounds were employed almost 
 exclusively in the treatment of nervous diseases ; more recently in those comprehended 
 under the general title of “ obstructions and then once more its original application 
 was revived. The most novel uses of the chloride of gold and sodium have been in the 
 treatment of pulmonary consumption, for w r hich it was vaunted as a specific, and in that 
 of habitual inebriety. In neither case, any more than in earlier instances, has it made 
 good the claims that were set up for it. (Compare Med. News, lx. 559, 581 ; Proceedings 
 of Amer. C limatolog. Soc., 1892, p. 76.) It has been used with apparent advantage by 
 Martineau in a case of inveterate syphilis, thus: Water, Gm. 1000 ; chloride of gold and 
 chloride of sodium, of each 1 Gm. ; dose, 1 to 3 teaspoonfuls daily (Bull, et Mem. Soc. de 
 Therap., 1883, p. 52). Powdered gold or its oxide is applied by friction upon the sides 
 of the tongue in the dose of Gm. 0.01.-0.20 (gr. iii— iv) daily. The oxide is given 
 internally in pill, and in the dose of Gm. 0.006 (gr. y L) after meals, and gradually aug- 
 mented. Chloride of gold and sodium is a caustic, but in a diluted condition may be 
 applied to the interior of the mouth, as above mentioned. The salivation which follows 
 this manoeuvre is due to a local and not to a constitutional action of the metal. The 
 dose of this preparation is about Gm. 0.003 (gr. Chloride of gold is also a caustic, 
 
 resembling in its action nitrate of silver. It has been applied to lupoid , cancerous , and 
 other ulcers. 
 
316 
 
 AVENGE farina.— azedarach. 
 
 AVENGE FARINA, U. S. 1870.— Oatmeal. 
 
 Farine d'avoine , Fr. ; Hafermehl , G-. 
 
 The meal prepared from the seed of Avena sativa, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 PI , 292. 
 
 Nat Ord. — Graminacese. 
 
 Origin. — -The native country of oat has not been ascertained, though it is supposed 
 to have originated from one of the wild species indigenous to Europe. It is cultivated in 
 most civilized countries, even in the subarctic regions, and many varieties or species are 
 known, all having a loose panicle and two- or occasionally three-flowered spikelets. The 
 kinds more rarely found in cultivation, except in certain localities, are A. orientalis, 
 Schreber , A. strigosa, Schreber , A. nuda, Linne , and A. brevis, Roth. The fruit is closely 
 invested by the paleae, lanceolate, pointed, and grooved on the inner side. Oats deprived 
 of the paleae or husk are called groats. By grinding the grains 
 oatmeal is obtained. 
 
 Description. — Oatmeal is a grayish- white not uniform powder, 
 in which fragments of the tissue are observed by the naked eye ; 
 it has a slight odor and a somewhat bitterish taste. Viewed under 
 the microscope, the starch consists of medium-sized polyhedral or 
 muller-shaped granules, with a rather distinct hilum, but without 
 observable laminae. Frequently two or three are united, or even 
 a larger number, forming a nearly spherical mass with a checkered 
 surface, and readily separating by pressure into the separate 
 granules. 
 
 Constituents. — Oats consist on an average of 25 per cent, 
 of husks and 75 percent, of grain; the former contain 1 to H 
 per cent, of fixed oil, i to f per cent, of sugar and gum, nearly 2 
 per cent, of protein compounds, and 6J to 7 per cent, of ash, the remainder being cellulose. 
 The grain contains 64^ to 66 per cent, of starch, 5 to 7 of fat, 18 to 21 per cent, of 
 protein compounds, 1 to 3 per cent, of salts, the remainder being sugar, gum, and cellu- 
 lose. The largest portion of the protein compounds is avenin , which may be obtained 
 from oatmeal by treating it in the cold with a weak solution of potassa, decanting from 
 the sediment, and precipitating by acetic acid ; the impure avenin is washed with diluted 
 and strong alcohol and ether, redissolved in weak potassa solution, and precipitated by 
 acetic acid (Kreusler, 1869). Avenin closely resembles legumin in its behavior to solv- 
 ents ; it contains 17 per cent, of nitrogen and f to 1 per cent, of oxygen. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oatmeal is an excellent article of food, but is apt to undergo 
 fermentation in the stomach, producing flatulence and sour eructations. It is more 
 nutritious than purely starchy articles, such as arrow-root and sago; and, being some- 
 what laxative, in consequence partly of its usually containing a portion of bran, it forms 
 an appropriate article of diet in cases of habitual constipation and inertia of the intestines. 
 The insoluble bran is, however, prone to accumulate, and sometimes forms concretions. 
 Oatmeal gruel is prepared by slowly boiling from 6m. 32-64 (^j-ij) of oatmeal with 3 
 pints of water until reduced to 2 pints, straining the decoction, allowing it to stand until 
 cool, and then rejecting the supernatant liquid. Its flavor may be improved by the 
 addition of slit raisins toward the end of the boiling, and also by means of sugar and 
 nutmeg. 
 
 AZEDARACH —Azedarach. 
 
 Pride of India , Pride of China , E. ; Ecorce d' azedarach , Ecorce de margousier, Fr. ; 
 Zedrachrinde , G. 
 
 The bark of the root of Melia Azedarach, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Meliaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Azedarach is a handsome tree which is indigenous to China and India, and 
 cultivated as an ornamental tree in Southern Europe and in the United States from Vir- 
 ginia southward ; in the Gulf States it has been completely naturalized. It grows 
 rapidly to the height of 9 to 12 M. (30 or 40 feet) has large deciduous and glabrous 
 bipinnate leaves, the leaflets being lance-ovate, acuminate, and serrate, and bears pan- 
 icles of lilac-colored fragrant flowers and yellowish globular drupes of the size of a 
 cherry, which by fermentation yield considerable alcohol. In the East Indies the bark 
 of the nim tree or margosa , Melia Azadirachta, Linne (Azadirachta indica, Jussieu), is 
 used as a tonic and febrifuge ; the simply pinnate leaves are employed as a local stimu- 
 
 Fig. 37. 
 
AZEDARACH. 
 
 317 
 
 lant, and a fixed oil which is expressed from the fruit has a strongly bitter taste and is 
 employed as an anthelmintic, and externally in rheumatic complaints. — Bentley and Tri- 
 men, Med. Plants , 62. 
 
 Description. — The bark is met with in irregular curved pieces and quills, 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) or more long and 6 Mm. (1 inch) or more in diameter. The first layer of corky 
 tissue is thin, of a blackish-brown color, somewhat glossy, and forms irregular longitudinal 
 ridges or patches upon the bright red-brown cork underneath. In older barks the corky layer 
 is rust-brown and two or three times thicker than the remaining portion of the white 
 inner bark, which contains a few scattered pale-yellow bast-fibres and is tangentially 
 striate. The inner surface is whitish or pale-brownish, uneven, and longitudinally striate. 
 The bark breaks with a short and smooth, and in the inner portion more or less fibrous, 
 fracture. The cork has very little taste, but the inner bark is at first sweetish, afterward 
 bitter and nauseous. It should be collected from the smaller roots or deprived of the 
 thick rust-brown nearly tasteless corky layer. It yields its virtues to hot water and 
 diluted alcohol. 
 
 Constituents. — The bitter principle was isolated by Jacobs (1879) in the form of 
 a yellowish-white resin which is almost insoluble in water, oil of turpentine, and petro- 
 leum benzin, slightly soluble in carbon bisulphide, and freely soluble in alcohol, ether, 
 and chloroform. The inner bark contains no tannin. Its constituents may be analogous 
 to those of nim- bark , in which Broughton (1873) found a bitter, dark-brown resin-like 
 principle, C 36 H 50 On, which is slightly soluble in water, but dissolves in alcohol, benzol, 
 carbon bisulphide, and ether. Another amorphous principle, more soluble in water, and 
 a crystalline fatty substance, were likewise obtained. Cornish (1856) had separated a 
 bitter crystalline principle, margosin , besides volatile oil, resin, and other widely-diffused 
 constituents. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The bark and other parts of different species of Guarea and Moschoxylon, 
 indigenous to the West Indies and tropical America, possess the odor of musk. The bark of 
 several species of Trichilia, met with in India, Africa, and South America, is purgative and 
 emetic. Carapa guianensis, Aublet , and Car. Touloucouna, Guillemin et Perrottet , yield anthel- 
 mintic bark and a bitter fixed oil, known as crab oil, kundah, or callicoonah oil, the latter 
 being expressed from the seeds. Swdetenia Mahagoni, Linnt, indigenous to the West Indies 
 and tropical America, particularly Mexico, yields the well-known mahogany-wood, and a similar 
 wood is obtained in Western Africa from Khaya senegalensis, Guillemin et Perottet; both 
 species have a bitter and strongly astringent bark. Cedrela odorata, Linnt, is the Jamaica red 
 cedar ; all parts of it are bitter and unpleasantly odorous, but old wood is fragrant. Soymida 
 (Swietenia, Willdenow) febrifuga, Jussieu, yields the East Indian rohun-bark, a useful astringent 
 tonic. Mahogany-wood contains catechin, according to Cazeneuve and Latour (1875). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Even from the period of Arabian medicine the poisonous prop- 
 erties of azedarach have been known, and then, as now, it was stated to have produced 
 faintness, giddiness, dimness of sight, mental confusion, and vomiting ; later observers 
 have added to these symptoms stertorous breathing, stupor, dilatation of the pupils, cold 
 sweat, and purging. All of these effects resemble those produced by spigelia. The 
 active properties appear to reside in the bark of the root. The berries are often eaten 
 without injury by children, and also by birds. Cows and horses are not injured by the 
 leaves. Indeed, they are said to be given to horses infested with “ bots,” and the 
 berries have been found an attractive and nutritious food for horses. In India and the 
 southern portions of the United States azedarach-bark is stated to be the most popular 
 vermifuge for lumbricoid ascarides. It is usually administered in a decoction made by 
 boiling Gm. 64 (§ij) of the bark (fresh, if possible) in a pint of water until reduced 
 one-half. For a child the dose is a tablespoonful every two or three hours until it affects 
 the stomach and bowels. It should be followed by a cathartic. A tincture has also been 
 used both as vermifuge and a tonic in doses of from Gm. 2-8 (f^ss-f^ij). 
 
 Margosin is obtained from Aradirachata Indica bark, and an oil expressed from its 
 almonds is used in India. The bark is regarded as antiperiodic and tonic, and the leaves 
 are applied as stimulants to indolent ulcers, etc. The oil is used as an anthelmintic and 
 insecticide, and as an embrocation in rheumatism (Amer. Jour. Phar., lx. 629). 
 
 Naregamia is said to be in use by the natives of the Malabar coast as an emetic in 
 bilious and dyspeptic disorders and in rheumatism, as well as in dysentery and bronchitis 
 ( Tlierap . Gaz., xiii. 720). Employed by Schoengut, it seemed to benefit bronchial affec- 
 tions by rendering the sputa thinner and less tenacious, and therefore acting after the 
 manner of ipecac and senega. The tincture was prescribed to the extent of Gm. 1-3 
 daily ( Cent . f Therap., viii. 129). 
 
318 
 
 BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM. 
 
 BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM, XT. S., Br., JP. G.— Balsam of Peru. 
 
 Balsamum peruvianum nigrum , Balsamum indicum. — Bourne de Perou, Baume des 
 Indes , Fr. ; Perubalsam, Gr. ; Balsamo negro , B. de San Salvador , Sp. ; Balsamo peru- 
 viano , F. It. 
 
 A balsam obtained from Toluifera (Myroxylon, Klotzsch, Myrospermum, Royle ) Pereirae, 
 Baillon. Bentley and Trimen, Med Plants , 83. 
 
 AW. Ore?. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Balsam of Peru was for a long time supposed to be derived from Myrox- 
 ylon peruiferum, Linne Jilius, a tree growing in Brazil and near the west coast of South 
 America. Pereira (1850) showed that the drug produced in the state of San Salvador 
 in Central America comes from an apparently different species, which he provisionally dis- 
 tinguished as Myrospermum Sonsonate. Carson regarded the two species as identical*, 
 but, according to Boyle, Klotzsch, and others, they are specifically distinct. (See Am. 
 Jour. Pharm ., 1860, pp. 296 and 411 ; 1864, p. 145.) The plant in question is a tree 
 attaining a height of about 15 M. (50 feet), and branching from 2 to 3 M. (7 to 10 
 feet) above ground. It has imparpinnate leaves with the leaflets oval-lanceolate, some- 
 what attenuate above, and slightly emarginate, the flowers in subaxillary racemes, and 
 oblanceolate indehiscent one-seeded legumes about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long. 
 
 Collection. — According to Dorat (1860, 1863) and Wyss (1878), at the beginning 
 of the dry season, early in November or December, the bark for some distance up the 
 trunk is beaten with the back of an axe or other blunt instrument until it has separated 
 from the wood without breaking, This is done on four sides, leaving four intermediate 
 strips untouched, so as not to destroy the vitality of the tree. Five or six days later the 
 loosened bark is charred by means of torches, and in the course of another week the 
 charred pieces fall off, when the bare wood is covered by rags, which absorb the exuding 
 balsam, and which, when saturated, are gently boiled in water until most of the heavy 
 balsam sinks to the bottom, the remainder being obtained by wringing the partly- 
 exhausted rags in a bag made of stout rope. The wounds of the tree are covered with 
 fresh rags as long as any balsam exudes during the dry season. The strips left untouched 
 in one season are similarly treated the following year, and the tree will thus yield an 
 annual supply of balsam for 30 years, but it is allowed to rest for some time after 5 or 6 
 years in order not to exhaust its productiveness. The balsam obtained from the rags by 
 boiling and pressing is on the following day separated from the water and put into suitable 
 vessels. 
 
 Commerce. — Balsam of Peru comes to us in earthen jugs and metallic drums, and 
 is principally exported from the port of Acajutla on the Pacific coast and from Balize on 
 the Atlantic side. Formerly it reached Europe by way of Peru, and was supposed to be 
 a product of that country. The importation into the United States amounted in 1876 to 
 1271 pounds, and in 1878 reached 8924 pounds. 
 
 Description. — The balsam is a thick liquid of the consistence and appearance of 
 molasses, of a dark brown-black color when examined in bulk ; in thin layers, red-brown 
 and perfectly transparent. It has an acid reaction, an agreeable, fragrant, slightly smoky 
 odor and a warm bitterish taste, followed by a burning sensation in the fauces. Its spe- 
 cific gravity is 1.135 to 1.150 (1.137 to 1.145, P. G .). Exposed to the air, it is but little 
 changed and scarcely thickened in the course of several years, but ultimately forms a 
 soft solid. It is readily soluble in all proportions in pure acetone, absolute alcohol, chlo- 
 roform, and glacial acetic acid, and with an equal bulk of alcohol and ether yields a clear 
 solution, which on the further addition of the solvent becomes turbid and deposits a little 
 resin. It yields a clear mixture with one-third its volume of carbon disulphide, but with 
 more of the latter separates a blackish-brown resin. Petroleum benzin agitated with 
 Peru balsam does not permanently mix with it, and remains colorless, but on evaporation 
 leaves a colorless or pale-yellow oily liquid (cinnamein). Diluted alcohol and fixed and 
 volatile oils dissolve only a small proportion of the balsam, but the latter takes up from 
 12 to 15 per cent, of castor oil, forming a clear solution. 
 
 By subjecting the fruit to pressure white Peru Balsam is obtained. It forms a thick 
 yellowish-white liquid having an odor resembling that of tonka, and containing a crystal- 
 lizable resin named myroxocarpin. 
 
 The tree exudes a gum-resin which, according to Attfield (1864), contains 77.4 per 
 cent, of resin, but no aromatic principle or cinnamic acid. 
 
 Constituents. — The balsam has (1869 and 1870) been examined by K. Kraut and by 
 J. Kachler, from whose analyses it appears to contain a little benzylic alcohol, benzylic 
 
BALSA M UM PER U VIA N UM. 
 
 319 
 
 benzoate and cinnamate (about 60 per cent.), cinnamic and benzoic acids, and resin (32 
 per cent., Kachler). Kraut obtained in the distillate also stilbene. After complete saponi- 
 fication with potassa, Kachler obtained 20 per cent, of benzalcohol and 46 per cent, of 
 cinnamic acid. Delafontaine’s statement (1868), that stryacin (cinnamylic cinnamate) is 
 also present, was not corroborated by Kraut. 
 
 Benzylic cinnamate , or cinnamein , the principal constituent, has the composition C 9 II 7 - 
 (C 7 H 7 )0. 2 , and is when pure a colorless oily liquid of a faint agreeable odor and an 
 aromatic sharp taste. Its specific gravity is about 1.095, and its boiling-point somewhat 
 above 300° C. (572° F.). By caustic alkalies it is decomposed into benzylic alcohol and 
 cinnamic acid. 
 
 Benzalcohol , or benzylic alcohol , C 7 H 8 0, is a colorless, faintly aromatic oil heavier than 
 water and boiling at 204° C. (399.2° F.), and by oxidizing agents is converted first into 
 oil of bitter almonds, and finally into benzoic acid. It is considered to be the peruvin of 
 Fremy in a pure state ; as obtained by that author it was lighter than water. 
 
 Benzylic benzoate , C 7 H 5 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 , is a colorless oil which crystallizes at a low tempera- 
 ture and boils at about 340 C. (674° F.). 
 
 Stilbene, C U H I2 , forms colorless and inodorous pearly scales or prisms which are fusible 
 and boil above 290° C. (554° F.). 
 
 Adulterations. — Balsam of Peru is frequently adulterated with alcohol, fixed oils, 
 copaiba, Canada turpentine, rosin, etc. If 10 drops of the balsam be triturated with 20 
 drops of sulphuric acid, a tough, homogeneous, brownish-red mixture should result. If 
 this should be washed after a few minutes with cold water, it should be converted into a 
 resinous mass which is brittle when cold (absence of fixed oils and oleoresins). — U. S., 
 P. G. (For modifications in manipulation see Am. Jour. Phar., 1870, p. 404 and 1876, 
 p. 166). According to Schlickum (1882), the resin left on applying this test should be 
 perfectly soluble in ether, an insoluble residue indicating the presence of benzoin or 
 storax : treated with acetone or alcohol, such a residue will completely dissolve unless 
 storax was present, which will leave a small amount of a white powder undissolved, and 
 yield it from chloroform in minute crystals. A mixture of 3 Cc. of the balsam with 1 
 Cc. of carbon disulphide should be clear, but on adding 8 Cc. more of carbon disulphide 
 it separates about 15 per cent, of resin, which adheres to the sides of the vessel. The 
 liquid poured off from the latter should be transparent, should not have a deeper color 
 than light-brownish, and should not exhibit more than a faint fluorescence (absence of 
 gurjun balsam). — U. S., P. G. Fliickiger states that the resin separated sometimes 
 amounts to 38 per cent. ; it is insoluble in ether, but dissolves in alcohol and alkalies, 
 and according to Kachler (1869), yields protocatechuic acid when fused with potassium 
 hydroxide, and on dry distillation yields styrolene, toluene, and benzoic acid. When dis- 
 tilled with water no volatile oil should pass over (absence of volatile oil, copaiba, etc.). — 
 U. S. The addition of volatile oils lessens the specific gravity of Peru balsam ; on distil- 
 ling it with water in a flask its volatile constituents remain behind owing to their high 
 boiling points, while volatile oils distil with the vapors of water. If 2 Cc. of the balsam be 
 shaken in a dry test-tube with 8 Cc. of benzin, so that the balsam may be spread on the 
 walls of the tube, the same should adhere to the walls, and subside only very slowly if 
 the liquid is poured off immediately. The filtered liquid should be colorless or only 
 slightly yellow, and show no deposit on standing (absence of appreciable quantities of 
 storax, turpentine, copaiba, etc.). — U. S. If 2 Gm. of the balsam be agitated with 8 
 Gm. of benzin, and the filtrate be evaporated on the water-bath, a residue should be left, 
 which when mixed with 5 drops of nitric acid should assume a pure yellow color (absence 
 of turpentines, storax, copaiba, fixed oils, etc.). — P. G. Benzin, particularly when 
 warmed with Peru balsam, takes up cinnamein, which after repeating the treatment 
 may amount to 63 per cent. (Fliickiger). The use of nitric acid in the above test was 
 suggested by Doescher (1881) ; pure balsam gives a yellow color, but in the presence of 
 storax the color is greenish-blue, and finally dingy green-yellow, and in the presence of 
 rosin the same but brighter colors are produced. If 5 drops of the balsam be well 
 agitated with 3 Cc. of ammonia-water, only a slight, rapidly-disappearing foam should be 
 produced, and the mixture should not form a stiff jelly (absence of rosin, etc.). — P. G. 
 By this test, which was proposed by Grote, turpentines and their resins are readily 
 detected. If 2 parts balsam be triturated on a water-bath with 1 part slaked lime, the 
 mixture should not solidify, nor should it have a fatty odor (absence of rosin, fatty oils, 
 etc.). — P. G. This is Fliickiger’s test (1881), and depends on the formation of a solid 
 calcium salt in presence of rosin and the evolution of acrolein vapors on heating to a 
 higher temperature if castor oil or other fats are present. 
 
320 
 
 BALSA MUM TOL UTANUM. 
 
 Alcohol is best detected, according toGavalowski (1875), by adding some of the sus- 
 pected balsam to a solution of potassium bichromate, followed by concentrated sulphuric 
 acid, when the characteristic odor of aldehyde, suggesting that of rotten apples, will be 
 perceived. Or some of the balsam may be distilled with water and the distillate treated 
 while warm with a little iodine, followed by caustic soda or potassa until decolorized. On 
 cooling crystals of iodoform will separate (Lichen's alcohol test , 1869). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Balsam of Peru is mixed with lard to preserve it from 
 becoming rancid. A syrup is made of this balsam (see Syr. Tolutanus). 
 
 Mistura oleoso-balsamica, s. Balsamum vitae Hojfmanni , P. G. Three parts of 
 balsam of Peru and 1 part each of the volatile oils of lavender, cloves, cinnamon, thyme, 
 lemon, mace, and orange-flowers are dissolved in 240 parts of alcohol; after .several days 
 the brownish-yellow liquid is filtered. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Balsam of Peru is a general stimulant, with a special tendency 
 to the mucous membranes. In large doses it may irritate the digestive canal and cause 
 vomiting and diarrhoea ; but in medicinal doses it occasions some heat of skin, increased 
 frequency of pulse, and an augmented action of the kidneys without, however, irritating 
 them (Stockman, Therap. Gaz ., xiv. 615). Locally, it hastens repair of tissue, and is 
 reputed to be a germicide and antiseptic. As an internal medicine it is most useful in 
 checking bronchial secretion, and hence as a remedy in chronic bronchitis occurring alone 
 or as a complication of pulmonary consumption. It should not be used if much fever 
 exists: it may be prescribed for these purposes by inhalation, and also for the alleviation 
 of chronic laryngitis. In 1889—90 much attention was paid to the use of this balsam in 
 scrofulous sores and diseases of the bones and in pulmonary phthisis. This was a revival 
 of a former practice. As we have elsewhere stated ( Therapeutics , 4th ed., i. 573), it 
 “ has been much employed to promote the healing of wounds in parts of inferior vitality.” 
 Strumpf remarks that it cures them without suppuration or scar ; and recently Bockwell 
 has confirmed these statements (Med. Record , xxxiv. 423.) These old-established 
 methods have been, in recent times, explained by attributing to the balsam an anti- 
 bacillar virtue. It has been used as a dressing for external sores, and internally by the 
 mouth, by inhalation, and also by subcutaneous injection. Undoubtedly it is a protective, 
 a stimulant, and a tissue conservative. (Compare Brautigam, Centralbl. f Med., vii. 
 505 ; Joris, ibid., p. 586 ; Opitz, ibid., viii. p. 14 ; Szohner, ibid., p. 308 ; Landerer, 
 Therap. Monatsch ., iv. 88.) Special virtues have been ascribed to it in diphtheria (Ofner, 
 Centralbl. f Therap ., iii. 395). In chronic dysentery its action is often extremely salutary ; 
 and the same may be said of its use in the diarrhoea which is apt to persist in some cases 
 of prolonged typhoid fever. As a dressing for various ulcers , especially those of the 
 indolent sort, it promotes their cure by stimulation and by its protective agency. It is 
 well suited for treating sore nipples, applied pure or in an ointment or liniment ; for 
 moderating the discharge of pus in chronic catarrh of the nostrils, ears, vagina, etc. ; and 
 as a application to chilblains. In some cases of obstinate local eczema its healing virtues 
 are conspicuous. According to circumstances it may be applied pure or diluted with 
 glycerin, almond or olive oil, lard, etc. It speedily kills itch-insects and destroys their 
 eggs. In Germany it is much used in the treatment of scabies, as being no less efficient, 
 and much more agreeable, than sulphur for this purpose. It causes but little smarting 
 or irritation of the skin. Before applying it the patient takes a prolonged warm bath, 
 with or without green soap, after which, and three times a day for about two days, all the 
 body, and the seats of the eruption particularly, are rubbed with about 40 drops of the 
 balsam. At the end of the time mentioned the cure is complete (Husemann). Balsam 
 of Peru is one of the most useful of all applications for pruritus vulvse and other forms 
 of pruritus, especially the senile. It is best applied pure with the finger or with a soft 
 brush. The addition of catechu improves its healing qualities in some instances. 
 Internally it may be given in the doses of Gm. 2 (%ss) in an emulsion of almonds, gum- 
 arabic, or yelk of egg, with sugar or dissolved in glycerin. 
 
 Hoffmann's balsam is used in Germany as a nervine in doses of from Gm. 0.60-3.00 
 (gtt. x-xxx) on sugar, in wine, or in appropriate mixtures. 
 
 BALSAMUM TOLUTANUM, U. S., Br.— Balsam of Tolu. 
 
 Baume de Tolu, Baume de Cartliaghie , Fr. ; Tolubalsam, G. ; Balsame de Tolu, B. 
 Blanco, Sp. ; Balsamo Tolutano, F. It. 
 
 A balsam obtained from Toluifera Balsamum, Linne, s. Myroxylon toluifera, Kunth, 
 
BALSAMVM TOLUTANTJM. 
 
 321 
 
 s. Myrospermum toluiferum, A. Richard. Woodville, t. 215 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants, 84. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This evergreen tree attains a height of 21 to 24 M. (70 to 80 feet), rising 
 usually to about 12 or 18 M. (40 or 60 feet) from the ground without branching. Young 
 trees always have a larger foliage than old ones, in which it is small and quite thin if 
 they have been much bled. The leaflets are obovate, the flowers axillary-racemose, and 
 the legume oblong-linear, not narrowed at the base. The tree is found in the high rolling 
 country of Venezuela and New Granada. Prof. Baillon regards the tree yielding Peru 
 balsam as identical with this, and the difference of the two products as due to the manner 
 in which they are extracted ( Am . Jour. Pharm., 1874, p. 14). 
 
 Collection. — Two sloping notches are cut through the bark, meeting at their lower 
 ends in a sharp angle, below which the bark and wood are hollowed out a little to receive 
 the calabash cup into which the balsam flows. Similar cuts are made as high up as a man 
 can reach, until often as many as twenty cups are found on one tree. When the lower 
 part of the trunk is too full of scars a rude scaffold is sometimes made around the tree 
 and new incisions made higher up. The balsam-gatherer collects the contents of the cups 
 in flask-shaped bags made of raw-hide, a pair of them being slung over the back of a 
 donkey. When filled these bags are sent to the ports of exportation on Magdalena River, 
 where their contents are transferred into cylindrical tins (John Weir, Am. Jour. Pharm., 
 1864, p. 449). 
 
 Commerce. — Tolu balsam is exported from the Venezuelan ports in tins holding 10 
 (and occasionally 25) pounds. The amount imported into the United States varies con- 
 siderably. In 1876 it was 9221 pounds, and in 1880, 52,085 pounds. 
 
 Description. — Recently imported, Tolu balsam forms a semi-liquid mass which grad- 
 ually hardens, becoming quite brittle in the cold, but softening between the teeth and 
 fusing readily at a somewhat elevated temperature. In thin layers it is perfectly trans- 
 parent and of a yellowish- or reddish-brown color. Viewed under the microscope, crystals 
 of cinnamic acid are observed. It has an acid reactiftn, an agreeable aromatic odor, sug- 
 gesting that of vanilla, which becomes more apparent on warming it, and a mild aromatic 
 taste. It is readily soluble in alcohol, chloroform, potassa solution, and acetone ; also in 
 ether. Petroleum benzin, benzene, and carbon bisulphide scarcely act upon it. 
 
 Constituents. — The main constituent of Tolu balsam is an amorphous resin which, 
 according to Kopp (1849), consists of a portion very soluble, and another but slightly 
 soluble, in alcohol. Cinnamic acid, to the exclusion of benzoic acid, was found by Kopp 
 (1849), Carles (1844), but Busse (1876) proved also the presence of benzoic acid and 
 8.5 per cent, of benzylic ethers of cinnamic and benzoic acids. On distillation with water 
 about 1 per cent, of tolene is obtained, which is a colorless, thin, volatile oil boiling at 
 160° C. (170°, Deville), having a specific gravity of .858, an agreeable odor, an acrid 
 peppery taste, and the composition C 10 H 16 . Dry distillation yields, in addition to the 
 ethers and acids named above, also styrol (see Storax), phenol (see page .39), and 
 toluol. 
 
 Toluene, or toluol, C 7 H 8 , is methylbenzene, C 6 H 5 .CH 3 . It is found in coal-tar and among 
 the products of destructive distillation of wood, various resins, and many organic com- 
 pounds. It is a colorless, oily, strongly refractive liquid, of the spec. grav. .86, boiling at 
 111° C. (231.8° F.), and not congealing at — 20° C. ( — 40° F.). Its odor is similar to 
 that of benzene. By suitable treatment it is converted into benzoic acid. (See page 35.) 
 
 Adulterations. — Turpentines are sometimes added, and may be detected by their 
 solubility in carbon bisulphide. Concentrated sulphuric acid imparts to pure Tolu balsam 
 a cherry -red color ; in the presence of turpentine the acid becomes black. Naylor (1878) 
 met with a spurious balsam of Tolu, which had a warm acrid taste, and was completely 
 soluble in carbon bisulphide, benzene, chloroform, ether, and hot alcohol ; its origin is 
 unknown. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Myroxylox puxctatum, Klotzsch, s. Myrospermum balsamiferum, Ruiz et 
 Pavon , s. Toluifera punctata, Baillon , is the quino-quino tree of Peru, and by Bentley, Fliick- 
 iger, and others is regarded as not being distinct from the tolu balsam tree. 
 
 Myroxylox peruiferum. Linn 6 jilius, s. M. pedicellatum, Klotzsch , s. Toluifera peruifera. 
 Baillon. Peckolt (1879, 1880) showed that a balsam resembling Peru balsam may be obtained 
 from it, which, however, has only the spec. grav. 1.031, an aromatic, astringent, and slightly pun- 
 gent taste, yields clear solutions with alcohol and castor oil in all proportions, and with sul- 
 phuric acid does not yield a brittle resin, but a sticky, somewhat greasy mass. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The general properties of balsam of Tolu resemble those of bal- 
 sam of Peru, but are much less decided. Its agreeable flavor renders it an eligible ingredient 
 21 
 
322 
 
 BAPTTSTA.-BARII DIOXIDUM. 
 
 of mixtures, lozenges, vapors, etc. intended to modify subacute and chronic inflammations 
 of the mucous membrane, especially the bronchial. It is much used by perfumers in 
 the manufacture of burning pastilles. It may be administered in emulsion in doses of 
 from Gm. 0.60—2.00 (10 to 30 grains). Its most usual form in medicine is the syrup. 
 
 Bowdichia major , known in Brazil as sebipira guacu, is said to be used in that country 
 in the treatment of fevers and of rheumatic and gouty pains (Med. Record ’, xxviii. 
 697.) 
 
 BAPTISIA —Wild Indigo. 
 
 Indigo sauvage , Fr. ; Baptisie, G. 
 
 The root of Baptisia (Sophora, Linne , Podalyria, Michaux ) tinctoria, R. Brown. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Wild indigo is a common, smooth, perennial herb growing in dry sandy 
 ground in the United States and Canada. The branching stem is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) 
 high ; the leaves are trifoliate, the leaflets roundish-obovate and wedge-shaped at base ; the 
 stipules minute and caducous ; the yellow flowers are in small, loose racemes. On drying 
 the herb becomes bluish-black. 
 
 Description. — The root consists of a short, knotty head which is 50 to 75 Mm. (2 to 
 3 inches) broad, with irregular and broad stem-scars above, and below divided into 
 several long cylindrical branches about 12 Mm. (£ inch) in diameter, which are sparingly 
 beset with branching fibres. The bark is externally of a dark-brown color, with small 
 warts somewhat arranged in transverse rows or with a soft and friable corky layer ; inter- 
 nally whitish, radially striate, thick and covering a whitish, tough, and tasteless wood 
 with indistinct medullary rays. Boots of one year’s growth are smaller, of a light-brown 
 color externally, and have the ligneous meditullium about as thick as the bark. The 
 root is nearly inodorous and has a bitterish, acrid, and nauseous taste residing in the 
 bark. 
 
 Constituents. — Wild indigo-£Oot contains resin, but no volatile or fixed oil (Smed- 
 ley, 1862). An alkaloid, of which the hydrochlorate has a nauseous and acrid taste, 
 was obtained by J. A. Weaver (1871). Dr. F. V. Greene (1879) found the alkaloid to 
 be insoluble in chloroform, benzin, and benzene, but to dissolve in water, alcohol, and 
 ether. According to Yon Schroeder (1885), the root contains baptisin a bitter glucoside 
 which is insoluble in water; baptin , a glucoside crystallizing in needles and soluble in 
 water ; and baptitoxin , a poisonous alkaloid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The y^ung shoots of baptisia, like those of phytolacca, have 
 been eaten in the same manner as asparagus. When more mature the stalks and roots 
 are violently emetic and cathartic, especially when fresh. A decoction of the bark has 
 like effects. Butherford’s experiments led him to conclude that the extract, baptisin, “in the 
 dog is an hepatic and also an intestinal stimulant of moderate power.” Analogous results 
 have been obtained by Desnos (Ball, de Therap ., cx. 55.) Baptisia would seem to be a 
 general stimulant, since it has been held in great repute as a remedy in scarlatina , typhus , 
 and epidemic dysentery , and also as a topical application in aphthse , mercurial sore mouth , 
 and various ulcers , especially those affected with gangrene. For the last-mentioned pur- 
 pose it has been applied in a poultice or an ointment. The leaves possess the same virtues 
 as the root, but in a less degree. A tincture of the root, in the dose of from 1 to 5 
 drops every one to four hours, is credited with “ almost entirely preventing delirium and 
 diarrhoea, diminishing the heat, and soon effecting a cure ” of typhoid fever. But as it was 
 associated in the treatment with “ cool lotions, milk, and stimulants,” the alleged results 
 cannot be ascribed to it ; they indeed, are incompatible with the laws of typhoid fever 
 (Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1. 89). Wild indigo is given in decoction made with an ounce of 
 the recent root to a pint of boiling water ; the dose is about Gm. 16 (f^ss) every three or 
 four hours ; its tendency to occasion vomiting and purging may be diminished by lessen- 
 ing the dose or adding laudanum to the liquid. Baptisin may be given in pill and in 
 the dose of Gm. 0.10-0.40 (gr. ij-vj). 
 
 BARII DIOXIDUM, 77. S. — Barium Dioxide. 
 
 Barium Peroxide , E. ; Peroxyde debaryum , Fr. ; Bariumhyperoxyd , G. 
 
 Formula Ba0 2 . Molecular weight 168.82. 
 
 Commercial anhydrous barium dioxide. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Barium dioxide is prepared by conducting oxygen or atmospheric 
 air over barium oxide or hydroxide heated to full redness. 
 
BARIUM. 
 
 323 
 
 Properties and Tests. — “ A heavy, grayish-white, or pale yellowish-white, amor- 
 phous solid, odorless and tasteless, and permanent in the air. Almost insoluble in cold 
 water, with which, however, it forms a definite hydrate, and to which it imparts a decid- 
 edly alkaline reaction. Hydrochloric, phosphoric, and most other mineral acids decom- 
 pose it, producing the corresponding barium salts, and hydrogen dioxide which remains 
 in solution for a considerable time, if the reaction has taken place in the cold and an 
 excess of the acid is present. When heated to a bright-red heat, barium dioxide fuses, 
 loses oxygen and is reduced to barium oxide. Barium dioxide should be dissolved by 
 diluted hydrochloric acid without leaving more than a trace of residue. If 0.422 Gm. of 
 barium dioxide, in powder, be dissolved, as completely as possible, in 10 Cc. of ice-cold 
 water, with the aid of a sufficient quantity of phosphoric acid, it should require not less 
 than 40 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution to impart to the liquid a 
 permanent pink tint, corresponding to not less than 80 per cent, of pure barium dioxide 
 (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 2 percent, of the latter).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Barium dioxide is employed in making the official 
 hydrogen dioxide solution. 
 
 BARIUM.— Barium. 
 
 Barium, E., G. ; Baryum , Fr. 
 
 Symbol Ba. Atomicity bivalent. Atomic weight 136.9. 
 
 Origin. — Tile mineral heavy spar first attracted attention about 1602 through the 
 discovery of a phosphorescent compound obtained by igniting a mixture of the mineral 
 and organic substances. The presence in the mineral of sulphuric acid was demonstrated 
 by Marggraf (1750), and of a peculiar earth by Scheele (1774) and Gahn (1775.) 
 Crawford (1787) first used the barium chloride medicinally. An amalgam of barium 
 was obtained (1808) by Berzelius and Pontin, and in the same year Davy isolated the 
 metal by distilling the mercury from the amalgam. 
 
 Properties. — Barium is a lustrous, light-yellow metal of the spec. grav. 3.6, and is 
 rapidly oxidized on exposure to air and in water. The following compounds are more or 
 less employed in medicine, in chemistry, or in the arts : 
 
 1. Barii hydroxidum. — Barium hydroxide, E. \ Hydrate de baryte, Fr. ; Barythy- 
 drat, G. Formula Ba(OH) 2 . Mol. weight 170.82. — Barium oxide is first prepared by 
 calcining barium nitrate, or a mixture of this salt with barium sulphate ; the oxide is 
 dissolved in water, the solution decanted, if necessary, from the insoluble matter, then 
 evaporated to dryness and heated to redness. It forms a white crystalline mass or a 
 white powder, has the spec. grav. 4.5, a strong alkaline reaction, and is freely soluble in 
 water. It is employed for the decomposition of sulphates, carbonates, etc. Its purity 
 is determined in the same manner as that of barium carbonate ; it does not effervesce 
 with acids. 
 
 2. Barii carbonas, U. S. 1870; Barium carbonicum, Barya carbonica, Carbonas 
 
 baryticus. — Barium carbonate, E. ; Carbonate de baryte, Fr. ; Kohlensaures Barium, 
 Kohlensaurer Baryt, G. Formula BaCO s . Mol. weight 196.85. — Barium carbonate is 
 found native, as witherite , in large quantities in the lead-mines at Alston Moor and at 
 Anglesark in Lancashire, England. It is also met with in Scotland and Sweden. It may 
 be obtained artificially by precipitating a soluble barium salt with an alkali carbonate, or 
 by heating to redness and fusion a mixture of 10 parts of heavy spar (barium sulphate), 
 2 of carbon, and 5 of potash, and washing the fused mass with water, when barium car- 
 bonate is left behind. Its formation is explained by the following equation : BaS0 4 4- 
 
 C 2 4- 2KOH - BaC0 3 + K 2 S + C0 2 + H 2 0. 
 
 Witherite is found in pale-yellowish or grayish fibrous masses or in rhombic crystals 
 varying in specific gravity between 4.3 and 4.56. The artificially-prepared barium car- 
 bonate forms a soft, white, amorphous or crystalline, tasteless powder. Its specific 
 gravity is 4.22 to 4.307. It requires over 15,000 parts of boiling water for solution, but 
 dissolves more readily in solution of chloride and some other salts of ammonium, and is 
 also slightly soluble in some carbonates, and even sulphates. When recently precipi- 
 tated it decomposes the solutions of many salts, precipitating the metals either as 
 hydroxides or carbonates. Owing to its solubility in hydrochloric and other acids, it 
 acts as a poison when taken internally. 
 
 Barium carbonate should be completely soluble, with effervescence, in dilute hydro- 
 chloric acid (absence of barium sulphate). The solution is not colored or precipitated 
 by ammonia or hydrogen sulphide (absence of lead and other metals). When the solu- 
 
324 
 
 BARIUM. 
 
 tion is precipitated by excess of sulphuric acid the filtrate, on being evaporated, should 
 leave no fixed residue (absence of alkalies), and should yield no precipitate with sodium 
 carbonate (absence of calcium and other earths). 
 
 3. Barii sulphas, Heavy spar, E. ; Spath pesant, Fr. ; Schwerspath, G. Formula 
 BaSO*. Mol. weight 232.72. — This is a mineral from which other barium compounds 
 are prepared by converting it first into soluble sulphide in the manner indicated below ; 
 on treating its solution with dilute sulphuric acid, barium sulphate is again formed, and 
 this is used under the name of permanent white or hlanc fix for glazing cards and by 
 painters in place of white lead. 
 
 4. Barii chloridum, U. S. 1870; Baryum chloratum, Baryta muriatica. — Barium 
 chloride, E. ; Chlorure de baryum, Fr. ; Chlorbaryum, Chlorbarium, G. Formula BaCl 2 . 
 2H 2 0. Mol. weight 243.56. — It is prepared by dissolving barium carbonate in diluted 
 hydrochloric acid, evaporating the solution, and crystallizing. On the large scale it is 
 obtained sometimes as a secondary product, as in the preparation of ammonium carbonate 
 (see page 182), or is made from native barium sulphate (heavy spar) by igniting its 
 mixture with charcoal, so as to form barium sulphide, and carbon dioxide according to the 
 equation BaS0 4 + C 2 — BaS + 2C0 2 . The barium sulphide thus obtained is then dis- 
 solved in water and boiled with some excess of hydrochloric acid, whereby hydrogen 
 sulphide is given off, barium chloride remaining in solution ; BaS + 2HC1 yields BaCl 2 
 4- H 2 S. By evaporating the solution the salt is obtained in crystals. 
 
 Barium chloride exists in colorless, translucent rhomboidal tables or lamellae. It is 
 permanent in the air at the ordinary temperature, but loses one-half of its water above 
 55° C. (131° F.), and becomes anhydrous at 121° C. (249.8° F.). 100 parts of water 
 
 retain at 105° C. (221° F.) 60 parts, at 40° C. (104° F.) about 41, at 20° C. (68° F.) 
 35.7, and at 10° C. (59° F.) 34.3 parts of the salt in solution (Molder). The aqueous 
 solutions are partly precipitated by strong hydrochloric and nitric acids, in which the 
 salt is less soluble than in water. It is insoluble in absolute alcohol, but dissolves in 
 spirit containing water, and imparts to the alcohol-flame a yellow color. It possesses 
 the persistently bitter and disagreeable astringent taste of the soluble barium salts. Its 
 solution yields with silver nitrate and with potassium sulphate or dilute sulphuric acid 
 copious white precipitates, which are insoluble in nitric acid. Phosphates, carbonates, 
 and the salts of most organic acids yield with barium chloride precipitates which are 
 insoluble in water, but dissolve in nitric or hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Barium chloride should be entirely soluble in water (absence of barium carbonate and 
 sulphate), and the solution should not be colored or precipitated by ammonia or hydro- 
 gen sulphide (absence of lead and other metals). When precipitated by an excess of 
 sulphuric acid the filtrate should leave no fixed residue on evaporation (absence of alka- 
 lies), and should yield no precipitate with sodium carbonate (absence of calcium and 
 other earths). Alcohol shaken with the powdered salt, then poured off and ignited, 
 should not burn with a red flame (absence of strontium chloride). 
 
 5. Liquor barii chloridi. — Solution of barium chloride, E. ; Solute de chlorure de 
 baryum, Fr. ; Chlorbarium-Losung, G. — Dissolve barium chloride 1 troyounce in dis- 
 tilled water 3 fluidounces, U. iS. 1870. 
 
 6. Barii bromidum. — Barium bromide, E. ; Bromure de baryum, Fr. ; Brombarium, 
 G. BaBr 2 .2H 2 0. Mol. weight 332.34. — It is obtained on dissolving barium carbonate 
 in hydrobromic acid, and crystallizes in colorless rhombic plates, which dissolve in their 
 own weight of cold water and are freely soluble in alcohol. The salt has a very disagree- 
 able taste. 
 
 7. Barii iodidum. — Barium iodide, E. ; Iodure de baryum, Fr. ; Jodbarium, G. 
 BaI 2 .2H 2 0. Mol. weight 425.88. — It is conveniently made by boiling a solution of 
 iodide of iron with excess of barium carbonate, filtering, and crystallizing. It forms 
 large transparent rhombic prisms which are very freely soluble in water and alcohol, and 
 when heated melt and become anhydrous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — An overdose of chloride of barium may produce the symptoms 
 common to the irritant poisons — abdominal pain, vomiting, purging, collapse with 
 thready pulse, general muscular asthenia, coma, convulsions, and death. The most 
 characteristic symptoms are labored respiration and bronchial effusion. After death the 
 lesions in the stomach consist of vascular injection and extravasation, and even ulcera- 
 tion. The carbonate is said to have destroyed life in at least three cases. Of four 
 persons who were poisoned by this compound, three suffered from weakness of the lower 
 limbs ; the fourth had paralysis of the legs and trunk, and death occurred on the second 
 day. No lesions whatever were found in the stomach or bowels (Ileincke, Practitioner , 
 
BEBERINJE SULPHAS. 
 
 325 
 
 xx ii. 49). In a case which ended in recovery the patient complained of dimness of sight, 
 double vision, headache, tinnitus, and cramps, with occasional vomiting and purging. 
 In another case the principal symptoms were numbness of the feet, cramps in the legs, 
 and general coldness of the body ( Edinb . Med. Jour ., xxviii. 651). 
 
 Hufeland claimed that in glandular scrofula its virtues “ do not yield either to mer- 
 cury or antimony;” which might very well be the case even if it were more injurious 
 than useful. Yet a large number of writers might be cited who attribute to it a pecu- 
 liar efficacy in this disease, for which it was one of the approved remedies in the first 
 quarter of this century (Richter, op. cit.'). More recently Phillips held that as a local 
 discutient it is not inferior to iodine, and that in cases where “ the tallow-like complexion, 
 the pale tongue, and the languid circulation, accompanied by irritability of the mucous 
 surfaces, are present, its virtues are remarkably demonstrated.” A later and a better 
 authority, Lebert, declares that he has “ never obtained the slightest advantage from its 
 use ” in glandular scrofula. And this experience, we apprehend, is more weighty than 
 that of a multitude of less competent judges. In other forms of scrofula affecting the 
 joints, eyes, etc. the evidence of its utility is, if possible, still less. Dujardin-Beaumetz, 
 however, attributes real antiscrofulous virtues to the medicine. Dr. F. Flint ascribes 
 the apparent cure of an aneurism of the abdominal aorta to the administration of chloride 
 of barium in doses of from 4 to f grain three times a day for nearly five months. This took 
 place after the diet-and-rest cure had been tried for an equal period without benefit (. Prac- 
 titioner , xxiii. 37). Dr. DaCosta (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Nov. 1888, p. 451) found it 
 “ both a general tonic and a cardiac tonic, a remedy that increases the tone of the blood- 
 vessels, a fairly good diuretic, and one that can be taken for a long time without disor- 
 dering the stomach ; ” and he particularly noted its virtues in cardiac pain or uneasiness 
 caused by defective compensation. These conclusions were confirmed by the clinical 
 observations of Dr. II. A. Hare, in which the pulse-rate was notably reduced, its tone 
 improved, and its volume and duration increased (Med. News , liv. 183 ; University Med. 
 Mag., i. 366). The virtues attributed to natural mineral waters containing barium salts 
 in the treatment of cutaneous diseases are no doubt more or less real, but that they are 
 in any degree due to the minute proportion of those salts present in the waters is a 
 groundless hypothesis. The dose originally was about i grain (Richter). It may be 
 stated at from 6m. 0.03-0.12 (gr. |-2) dissolved in a large quantity of water and taken 
 after meals. Dr. DaCosta mentions y 1 ^ grain as the proper dose. 
 
 Of the remaining salts of barium, the sulphate, and nitrate have not been used in 
 medicine; the oxide was formerly employed as a caustic, and the carbonate as an anti- 
 parasitic in certain diseases of the shin. The iodide, like the chloride, is an irritant poison 
 when taken in large doses, but small doses of it are said to have the same virtues as the 
 chloride in scrofula. Poisoning by barium salts should be treated by non-irritant emetics 
 and draughts of weak solutions of sulphate of magnesium or sodium, followed by albu- 
 minous drinks and diffusible stimulants. 
 
 BEBERIILE SULPHAS, Br. — Beberine Sulphate. 
 
 Sulfate dr bebeerine , Fr. ; Schwefelsaures Bebirin , Gr. ; Sulfato de bibirina , Sp. 
 
 Prepared from nectandra- or bebeeru-bark. 
 
 Preparation. — Bebeeru-bark is exhausted by percolation with water acidulated with 
 sulphuric acid ; the percolate is concentrated ; when cool, mixed with milk of lime, taking 
 care that the fluid still retains a distinct acid reaction ; after 2 hours it is filtered through 
 calico, and the filtrate precipitated with ammonia ; the precipitate is washed, dried, pow- 
 dered, and exhausted with boiling rectified spirit; the spirituous solution, mixed with 
 some distilled water, is distilled ; the residue is slightly acidulated with diluted sulphuric 
 acid, evaporated to complete dryness on the water-bath, the dry product powdered and 
 mixed with cold distilled water ; the solution filtered through paper, evaporated to the 
 consistence of syrup, spread on flat porcelain or glass plates, and dried at a heat not 
 exceeding 57° C. (140° F.). — Br. 
 
 The percolate obtained with acidulated water contains, besides the alkaloidal sulphates, 
 beberic acid, which is almost completely removed by the lime. Ammonia precipitates 
 from the filtrate impure beberine, together with some lime compounds. From this mix- 
 ture alcohol takes up the alkaloids still contaminated with coloring matter, which is not 
 removed by the subsequent treatment with sulphuric acid. But, after evaporating to 
 dryness and redissolving in cold water, some foreign matters which are soluble in the acid 
 solution remain on the filter. 
 
326 
 
 BELM FRUCTUS. 
 
 Properties. — Thus prepared, sulphate of heherine (or bibirine') forms dark -brown, 
 thin, translucent scales, yielding a brownish-yellow powder having a bitter taste and being 
 completely soluble in water and in alcohol. The commercial salt yields with from 6 to 8 
 parts of water a clear solution, but on further dilution a precipitate is sometimes occa- 
 sioned which J. Nesbit (1881) found to be due to a deficiency of sulphuric acid ; on sup- 
 plying this only a slight amount of oxidation-product remains undissolved. Dott (1881) 
 found the scaly salt to contain about 15 per cent, of water, 7.8 per cent, of S0 3 , and 
 about 60 to 64 per cent, of mixed alkaloids, the remainder being extractive and coloring 
 matter, Beberine, C 36 H 42 N 2 0 6 , is considered to be identical with buxine, paricine, and 
 pelosine. Whether Maclagan’s sipirine (1843) is identical with his nectandrine , obtained 
 (1869) from nectandra-wood, has not been proved, though this is probable. That solu- 
 tions of the salts of these mixed alkaloids are precipitated by certain acids and neutral 
 salts has been repeatedly observed ; Palm (1883) recommends the separation of beberine 
 from the other alkaloids by precipitating its solution with sodium chloride. (See also 
 Nectandra and Pareira Brava.) 
 
 Tests. — The official salt yields a white precipitate with barium chloride, and with 
 caustic soda a yellowish-white precipitate which is soluble in ether, and on evaporating 
 the solvent is again left as a yellow translucent residue entirely soluble in dilute acids. 
 When ignited with free access of air, it should burn without leaving any fixed residue. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Administered hypodermically to frogs, it produces 
 tetanic rigidity without exaggerated reflex excitability, in which respect it resembles 
 quinine, caffeine, and theine, and differs from strychnine. Internally, it does not pro- 
 duce the headache, tinnitus, deafness, gastric irritation, etc. which quinine sometimes 
 occasions, while it equals that alkaloid in its tonic influences upon the appetite and 
 digestion. Introduced as a substitute for quinine, it has not confirmed the estimate 
 originally made of its efficacy : for although, like the greater number of vegetable bitters, 
 it displays anti-periodic virtues, and like some of them also it will occasionally effect a 
 cure of intermittent fever, yet on the whole its powers must be rated much lower than 
 those of the cinchona salts. It has been found curative in some cases of periodical head- 
 ache and neuralgia of the same type, and as a useful tonic in the general debility of pul- 
 monary phthisis and of prolonged suppuration with hectic fever. In strumous ophthalmia , 
 atonic dyspepsia , certain cases of menorrhagia , leucorrhoea , etc. it may be used as a substi- 
 tute for quinine. The dose as a tonic is from Gm. 0.06 to 0.20 (gr. 1—3) ; as an anti- 
 periodic, from Gm. 0.30 to 0.60 (gr. 5-10). It may be given, like sulphate of quinine, 
 in a watery solution with an excess of aromatic sulphuric acid. 
 
 BELiE FRUCTUS, Br.— Bael-Fruit. 
 
 Indian bael , Bengal quince, E. ; Coing du B eng ale, Fr. ; Bengalische Quitte , G. 
 
 The dried, half-ripe fruit of iEgle Marmelos, Correa , s. Crataeva Marmelos, Linne , s. C. 
 religiosa, Ainslie. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 55. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Butacese, Aurantieac. 
 
 Origin. — The bael tree (also known as hel and held) is of medium size, thorny, has 
 ternate leaves and large white flowers, and is indigenous to the Himalaya Mountains and 
 much cultivated throughout India. The leaves yield an aromatic volatile oil. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is from 5 to 10 Cm. (2-4 inches) in diameter, more or less 
 globular in shape, and resembles an orange of large size in appearance and internal 
 arrangement, it being divided into about twelve cells, containing in the ripe state a pleasant- 
 flavored, highly mucilaginous juice, while the rind is quite aromatic. As found in com- 
 merce, the fruit is mostly broken, a portion of the dried pulp and seeds still adhering to 
 the fragments of the rind. The latter is smooth and of a brownish-gray color externally, 
 about 3 Mm. (-i- inch) thick, hard, and destitute of aromatic properties. The exposed 
 portion of the dried pulp is of a deep-orange, red-brown, or bright brownish -red color, 
 whitish within, hard, of a mucilaginous very slightly acidulous taste, and encloses in 
 each cell about eight oblong, flat, and woolly seeds. 
 
 Constituents. — These have not been well ascertained. The rind contains mucilaginous 
 and pectin compounds, but appears to be free from tannin, which, according to Collas 
 (1856), is found in the ripe fruit to the amount of 5 per cent. The infusion of bael is 
 scarcely affected by iron salts. The pulp yields 3.72 per cent, of ash (Warnecke). 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Feronia elephantum, Correa. Its fruit is the elephant-apple or wood-apple of 
 India, and resembles bael, but is externally scurfy, granular, and gray-green ; is divided into 
 about five cells, and contains several hundred seeds. The dry pulp contains mucilage and 15 
 per cent, of citric acid ( Pharmacogr . Indica). 
 
BELLADONNA. 
 
 327 
 
 Action and Uses. — Bael is, and long; has been, used in India, where the British 
 practitioners ascribe to it astringent, aromatic, and demulcent qualities. It enjoys in 
 that country great repute, especially in the treatment of some forms of bowel com- 
 plaint. The pulp of the fresh ripe fruit is used with sugar to make a draught (sherbet) 
 which, according to Waring, “is not only astringent when diarrhoea exists, but possesses 
 the singular property of being also aperient if the bowels are costive .” The rind of the 
 unripe fruit and the bark of the root and of the trunk of the tree are tonic and astringent, 
 and the first named is employed as a topical astringent ; the expressed juice of the leaves 
 “ is commonly given in colds and incipient fevers when the patient complains of general 
 dulness, pains in his limbs, and a sense of fulness in the stomach ;” the young leaves are 
 applied warm to the eyes in ophthalmia; and a decoction of the unripe fruit is prescribed 
 in diarrhoea and dysentery. In chronic diarrhoea following typhoid fever Christison found 
 it singularly efficient. He says: “ It is an incomprehensible remedy — has neither aroma 
 nor taste, and certainly no astringency, ” in the dried state. The liquid extract appears 
 to be the best preparation of bael. It has been given in doses of Gm. 4 to 8 (f^i-ij). 
 (Fayrer, Times and Gaz ., June, 1878, pp. 661, 645; July, 1878, p. 86.) 
 
 Folia (s. Herba) 
 Fr .; Belladonna- 
 
 BELLADONNA, TJ. S., Br., P. G., F. It.— Belladonna. 
 
 Deadly nightshade , Dwale, E. ; Belladone , Morelle furieuse, Fr.; Tollkirsche , Wolfskirsche, 
 Tollkraut , Belladonna , G. ; Belladona , Sp. 
 
 Atropa Belladonna, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 193. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solanaceae, Atropeae. 
 
 Official Parts. — 1. Belladonna folia, U. S., Br ., F. It.; 
 belladonnae, P. G. — Belladonna-leaves, E. ; Feuilles de belladone, 
 
 Blatter, G. 
 
 The leaves. 
 
 2. Belladonna radix, V. S., Br ., F. It. — Belladonna-root, E. ; Bacine de belladone, 
 Fr. ; Belladonnawurzel, G. 
 
 The root. 
 
 Origin. — Belladonna is a nearly glabrous, herbaceous, perennial plant, attaining a 
 height of from 1.2 to 1.8 Mm. (4 to 6 feet), and has dark-purple bell-shaped flowers and 
 glossy purplish-black berries of the size of a cherry. It is found in the woods, chiefly in 
 mountainous districts, of Central and Southern Europe, and as far east as Asia Minor, 
 
 Caucasia, and Central Asia. It is cultivated in 
 Fig. 38. Europe and in this country to a certain extent. 
 
 Description. — 1. Belladonna-root. As 
 collected from plants several years old, the roots 
 are 30 Cm. (a foot) or more long, 12 to 25 Mm. 
 
 Fig. 39. 
 
 Belladonna- root. : transverse section. 
 
 (I inch to 1 inch) thick, cylindrical above and 
 gradually tapering, fleshy, and in the dry state 
 with deep longitudinal wrinkles. The head is 
 frequently crowned with the hollow bases of the 
 overground stems ; the bark is covered with a 
 brownish-gray cork, or, after its removal, is of a 
 light gray or grayish-white color externally and 
 somewhat lighter internally. A fine blackish 
 cambium-line separates the bark from the meditullium in which the small yellow wood- 
 bundles, with large vessels, are arranged in radiating wedges, separated by rather broad 
 
 Atropa belladonna, LAnnfr, branch, fruit, seed, 
 and section of seed, the last two magnified. 
 
328 
 
 BELLADONNA. 
 
 medullary rays ; near the centre and in the young branches the wood bundles are loosely 
 scattered around a central ligneous cord, while in the old roots the woody tissue pre- ' 
 dominates considerably. When fresh the root has a disagreeable, heavy odor, which 
 disappears on drying, leaving merely a faint earthy smell. The taste is not very 
 marked, being at first sweetish, with a bitterish and somewhat acrid after-taste. The 
 fracture of young roots is nearly smooth and mealy, of old roots woody and tough. 
 Young branches, peeled and dried, have some resemblance to marshmallow-root. (See 
 Althea.) Belladonna-root is best collected at or shortly after the flowering period ; 
 from old plants only soft root-branches should be preserved, but tough woody roots, which 
 are sometimes 5 Cm. (2 inches) and more thick, should be rejected for pharmaceutical use. 
 The former German Pharmacopoeia directed the root to be kept not more than one year. 
 
 2. Belladonna-leaves. — The forking stem bears above numerous bright-green 
 broadly ovate or ovate-oblong leaves, with the margin entire, and arranged in unequal 
 pairs, one being about one-half the size of the other. They attain a length of 10 to 15 
 Cm. (4 to 6 inches; not over 20 Cm. P. G.'), are about one-half as wide, tapering 
 toward the apex and narrowed at the base into the petiole, 12 to 25 Mm. (i to 1 inch) 
 in length. The leaves are entirely smooth, a slight downiness on the nerves beneath 
 excepted. They lose about 85 per cent, and become thin and papyraceous in drying, the 
 upper surface readily assuming a brownish tint, the lower becoming grayish-green ; they 
 show, particularly on the lower surface, a whitish granular appearance under the magni- 
 fying-glass. Circular holes, resulting from the separation of suberous warts, are fre- 
 quently observed. The heavy odor of the fresh leaves disappears on drying almost 
 completely, but it is somewhat restored by moisture ; the taste is slightly saline, bitterish, 
 and nauseous. 
 
 Admixtures. — The root of Medicago sativa, Linne , has been observed as an adul- 
 teration of belladonna-root ; it resembles the latter, but branches of the crown are solid,' 
 the bark is thinner, and the meditullium is tough, woody to the centre, and traversed by 
 numerous fine medullary rays. Leaves of digitalis, hyoscyamus, verbascum, and other 
 plants, occasionally met with in carelessly-gathered belladonna, are easily distinguished 
 by their characters, particularly the hairs. The leaves of Solanum nigrum, Linne 
 (Black night shade, E. ; Morelle, F. Cod. ; Schwarzer Nachtschatten, G. ; Yerba mora, 
 Sp.), are smaller, with the margin repand-dentate. In some parts of Southern Europe the 
 oblong-obovate leaves of Scopolia atropoides, Schultes (s. Hyoscyamus Scopolia, Linne), 
 are said to be collected with belladonna. They possess the same medicinal properties. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important principle contained in both belladonna-root and 
 herb is atropine, the complex nature and chemistry of which have been described above. (See 
 Atropina.) Estimated by potassium iodohydrargyrate, Lefort (1872) found young roots 
 to contain 0.6, old roots 0.25, and dry leaves, both cultivated and wild-grown, collected in 
 the flowering period, 0.44 per cent, of atropine. Buddel (1882) obtained from amyla- 
 ceous belladonna-root from .41 to 1 per cent., and from n on-amylaceous root between .143 
 and .625 per cent., of alkaloid. The alkaloids are probably combined with malic acid. 
 Besides the usual vegetable constituents, albumen, gum, etc., the root contains atrosin , a 
 red coloring principle found also in the berries, according to Htibschmann. Young roots 
 contain a considerable amount of starch, which is present to a more limited extent in 
 older and more woody roots, and, according to W. Merz, is almost entirely wanting 
 during summer ; the young roots are said to contain more starch in autumn than in 
 spring. A comparative examination of air-dry tough and soft roots, made by E. M 
 Holmes (1882), gave — 
 
 Moisture. Ash, soluble 
 
 Woody roots, 7.94 3.43 
 
 Soft roots, 10.28 2.20 
 
 The herb contains asparagin, which sometimes crystallizes in the extract (Biltz, 1839). 
 By dialysis Attfield (1862) obtained crystals of potassium nitrate and of an organic 
 magnesium salt. Fliickiger found the ash of dry leaves to amount to 14.5 per cent., 
 and to consist mainly of calcium and alkaline carbonates. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Atropa mandragora, Linn£, s. Mandragora officinalis, Miller , s. M. vernallis, 
 Bertero, and M. autumnalis, Bertero. — Mandrake, E. ; Mandragora, Fr. ; Alraunwurzel, G . — 
 These acaulescent plants are indigenous to Southern Europe, where their roots are employed, 
 which have a sharp and bitter taste and a narcotic action. They are rarely met with in this 
 country. 
 
 Scopola carniolica, Jacquin, s. Hyoscyamus Scopolia, Linn 6, is indigenous to Southern Cen- 
 
 Ash, 
 
 insoluble in water. 
 
 4.60 
 
 3.68 
 
 Alcohol extract. 
 
 22.53 
 
 29.87 
 
 Water extract. 
 
 15.96 p. ct. 
 10.50 “ 
 
 Mayer’s test, 
 proportion. 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
BELLADONNA. 
 
 329 
 
 tral Europe. The rhizome is horizontal in growth about 2-4 Cm. (1-1| inches) thick, and is 
 almost jointed with few annulations. The tissues are similar to those of belladonna-root, but are 
 not as distinctly marked. Alcohol, 94 per cent, yielded 13.15 per cent, extract containing 4.1 
 alkaloids — the same as in belladonna. . 
 
 Scopola japonica, Maximowicz , Japanese belladonna , has appeared in commerce, and was 
 described by Holmes (1880). It is a nearly cylindrical oblique rhizome about 10 Cm. (4 inches) 
 long and 12 Mm. (£ inch) thick, on the upper surface marked with circular slightly alternate stem- 
 scars. and below, on the node, with one or more rows of root-scars ; it is externally brown, in- 
 ternally pale-brown, horn-like in appearance and with numerous whitish dots : has a mousy and 
 narcotic odor and a slight bitter taste. It contains an alkaloid which Langgaard (1881) found 
 to belong to the atropine group. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although it is impossible to present a clear and consistent 
 rationale of the mode of action of belladonna in producing its characteristic effects, it 
 may be proper to state the most plausible views upon the subject. Like all other medi- 
 cines which act directly through the nervous system, small and large doses of belladonna 
 produce opposite effects, the former stimulating, the latter paralyzing it. The direct 
 action of small doses upon the heart is to increase the vigor and the frequency of its 
 contractions ; but large doses render the pulse still more frequent, but more and more 
 feeble and thready. Under moderate stimulant doses the number of visible capillary 
 vessels is increased, owing, it is alleged, to the greater force with which the blood is pro- 
 pelled ; but the individual vessels are said to undergo such a contraction (?) at the same 
 time that the amount of blood in the part is diminished rather than increased. The 
 continued use of such doses or the immediate administration of larger ones produces 
 general dilatation of the capillary vascular system. Mr. T. W. Jones seeks, as had been 
 often done before (Bartholow, Trans. Amer. Med. Assoc., 1869, p. 662), to explain this 
 effect by saying that constriction of the small arteries is the cause of the venous engorge- 
 ment, and that the latter occasions the cerebral and muscular disturbance (Amer. Jour, 
 of Med. Sci., Apr. 1881, p. 362). This blood-stasis accounts for the dryness of the 
 mouth and the redness of the skin, but it is not quite easy to explain by its means the 
 absence of dryness of the external integument, nor the increased secretion of urine and 
 bile, nor the greater facility of defecation, which are effects of medicinal doses of the 
 medicine. The alleged hypnotic power of medicinal doses of belladonna has been referred 
 to the diminution of blood which it occasions in the cerebral vessels ; but more probably 
 the insomnia, hallucinations, blindness, etc. which large doses induce may be attributed 
 to the hyperaemia which they cause in the brain. The anodyne and anaesthetic powers 
 of belladonna appear to be inherent, and not the indirect result of changes in the blood- 
 supply. On the other hand, the spinal symptoms, as shown after toxical doses by the 
 suspension of mental control over movements and their co-ordination, seem to result 
 from impaired sensibility and motility. 
 
 Belladonna is probably powerless to remove any sort of malignant tumor , but it very 
 certainly does retard the growth and lessen the pain even of cancers , and promote the 
 removal of some other tumors, especially the glandular, which are susceptible of absorp- 
 tion. It may be presumed to do this by lessening the blood-supply, and thereby restrict- 
 ing the nutrition of the morbid growth and its pressure upon the sensitive nerves. The 
 virtues of belladonna in certain forms of neuralgia illustrate the folly of too rapidly 
 generalizing. The relations of opium to pain of all descriptions are so nearly identical 
 that it was naturally to be inferred that the same was true of belladonna ; and yet there 
 is only one form of uncomplicated pain, neuralgia, in which this medicine is of much 
 service as a direct anodyne, and one variety of that form chiefly. It is a powerful 
 remedy for neuralgia, but almost exclusively for neuralgia of the face and head. It is 
 next most useful in intercostal neuralgia, then in visceral neuralgia, and least of all in 
 sciatica. It should be given internally to the production of slight constitutional effects, 
 while local applications of belladonna in ointment or liniment are made upon the sound 
 or blistered skin, or atropine is hypodermically employed. The application of a bella- 
 donna plaster — or, still better, of a plaster of belladonna and conium — over the heart is 
 of signal service in many cases of the pain which is usually felt near the apex and is 
 associated with palpitation, depending upon functional oftener than upon organic disease, 
 and which is probably due to intercostal neuralgia. 
 
 The physiological action of belladonna, as revealed by experiments is far from point- 
 ing clearly to one of the most useful applications of the drug in relaxing sjiasm, which 
 has long been well known as a clinical fact. Sometimes, doubtless, it is difficult to 
 disengage from this symptom the often-associated element, pain, wTiich by turn excites 
 and is produced by spasm. This is evidently the case in spasm of the sphincter ani and 
 
330 
 
 BELLADONNA . 
 
 of the urethra , and probably in spasm of the gall-ducts , the ureters , the bladder, the 
 intestines , and the uterus. It is probably so in pain depending upon muscular spasm in 
 rheumatism and in that caused by the irritation of wounded and inflamed nerves. But 
 the consideration of other cases of spasm without pain shows that the direct antispas- 
 modic power of the medicine is very great. It will not be pretended that spasm of the 
 os uteri during labor is the effect of the pain which accompanies it, and yet belladonna 
 overcomes the rigidity in question, probably in the same manner in which it may be 
 overcome by venesection. It is said to control nocturnal seminal emissions depending 
 upon an over-excited state of the genital organs, and not on their mere debility. It is 
 alleged that the medicine relieves jaundice supposed to be caused by the presence of 
 inspissated bile in the ducts, but not necessarily occasioning pain ; strangulated hernia is 
 said to have been cured by local applications of belladonna, as it also has by the internal 
 use of the drug ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Nov. 1882, p. 419), and also phimosis and 
 paraphimosis ; and its relaxing influence on the bowels has frequently been resorted to 
 successfully in cases of obstinate constipation , and especially in lead colic. The purely 
 antispasmodic operation of the medicine is still more clearly seen in whooping cough. It 
 should not be used until the inflammatory stage of the disease has declined, and then in 
 doses not exceeding, at first, the eighth of a grain twice a day. The dose should be 
 gradually increased until the pupils exhibit its effects. In other nervous coughs it is 
 equally available, especially in such as depend upon laryngeal irritation. In hay fever 
 or summer catarrh it is a valuable palliative, both when taken internally and when 
 applied in watery solution to the nasal cavity. In spasmodic asthma it is one of the most 
 reliable remedies, provided it be given in doses sufficient to produce its characteristic 
 operation. For the purpose the hypodermic injection of atropine is to be preferred, and 
 when the paroxysm occurs regularly its approach may be prevented by this remedy. 
 The inhalation of an atomized preparation of belladonna may also be used. It is not 
 without utility in spasmodic and membranous croup, and even in laryngismus stridulus, 
 by moderating the laryngeal spasm. The nervous vomiting of pregnancy may be palliated 
 by the internal use of the drug or by rubbing a solution of the extract upon the epigas- 
 trium. In tetanus the medicine has occasionally produced a cure, and also in cases of 
 poisoning by strychnine , and in others of epilepsy, especially in children. It forms a 
 valuable addition to the bromides in cases of epilepsy that resist the use of the latter 
 alone. 
 
 The supposed power of belladonna to limit the amount of blood in the spinal cord has 
 been invoked with apparent advantage in the treatment of epidemic meningitis. As it 
 was given along with ergot, to which the same operation is attributed, the share of the 
 former medicine in the cure is difficult to determine. These two medicines were orig- 
 inally associated in the treatment of paraplegia due to myelitis, ergot being at first 
 administered alone, after which belladonna was given internally and applied in a plaster 
 to the spine. Subsequently, iodide of potassium was prescribed in addition to the other 
 remedies. It is a question, What was the value of the elements time and rest in this 
 method of treatment? 
 
 One of its most useful applications is in the treatment of non-paralytic incontinence 
 of urine, an affection presenting neither evident spasm nor pain, but in which probably 
 the former state exists. By blunting the organic sensibility of the neck of the bladder 
 it allays the spasm of this part, and prevents a call of nature until a due amount of 
 urine has accumulated. It is best administered in suppositories or associated with 
 bromide of potassium. In an ointment it allays the pain of haemorrhoids. The power 
 of belladonna to dilate the pupil is most valuable in permitting a thorough exploration 
 of the interior of the eye by means of the ophthalmoscope or otherwise, in obviating the 
 unnatural adhesions which are so apt to occur in iritis, and also in preventing or in 
 remedying prolapse of the iris. It was first applied to facilitate the operation for cataract 
 in 1795. It is probable that the medicine lessens the congestive process in the eye 'by 
 diminishing the calibre of the blood-vessels and by lowering the sensibility of the retina 
 to light. Both locally and internally it is one of the most efficient remedies for photo- 
 phobia. Where the eye is concerned the action of belladonna may be obtained by 
 smearing its extract, softened with water, around the orbit, but the use of atropine is 
 both more cleanly and more efficient. The dryness of the skin produced by belladonna 
 has been proved clinically to render it an efficient remedy for all forms of passive perspira- 
 tion. The hectic sweats of phthisis, of profuse suppuration, of articular rheumatism, 
 are all more or less under its control, and local and unilateral sweats have been arrested 
 by its topical application. It is curious that in some cases the suspension of the cutane- 
 
BELLADONNA. 
 
 331 
 
 ous exhalation was followed by a compensatory diarrhoea. The requisite dose for check- 
 ing perspiration is one that will produce a commencing dilatation of the pupil and a very 
 slight dryness of the throat. A similar control over excessive salivation has been exerted 
 by this medicine when the symptom in question followed hemiplegia. The dryness of 
 the nostrils and throat produced by it has been employed to prevent the coryza which 
 iodide of potassium frequently causes. The control of belladonna over the mammary 
 secretion has long been known, and liniments containing it have been used for drying up 
 the milk or for diminishing it when excessive. It should be applied before inflammation 
 has set in. It does not appear to be secreted with the milk. It has been thought to 
 increase the power of opium in the treatment of diabetes; and Mingot claims for it a 
 directly stimulant action upon the female organs of generation. The similar action of 
 belladonna upon the heart has been taken advantage of in typhoid fever. Under its use 
 the pulse and temperature rather decline. Dr. Harley says : “ My own impression is, 
 that the stimulant action of belladonna on the heart is converted in the pyrexial state 
 into a tonic, and, if not pushed too far, even a sedative, influence on the heart and blood- 
 vessels generally ; in other words, that it is a tonic and sedative to the sympathetic 
 system generally. By this action the capillary circulation is accelerated, the contraction 
 of the vessels promoted, and the arterial tension which attends congestion of the paren- 
 chymatous organs is relieved, and a load at once removed from the heart.” There is 
 reason to think that in some cases of cardiac dropsy , with feeble action of the heart 
 through valvular obstruction or muscular degeneration, belladonna may be serviceable. 
 In several instances also it appears to have rescued patients from fatal collapse (in endo- 
 carditis, diarrhoea, bronchitis) by sustaining the heart’s action (Weber). The protective 
 power of belladonna against the contagion of scarlatina has been both firmly maintained 
 and vehemently denied. A careful examination of the evidence bearing upon the ques- 
 tion has led us to the conclusion that so long as persons are under the influence of bella- 
 donna, as indicated by the state of the pupils, the throat, and the skin, the liability to 
 contract scarlatina is very much diminished. Nor does there seem to be wanting a good 
 reason why it should be so, since the mucous membrane of the throat and larynx is 
 maintained by the drug in a condition unfavorable to absorbing the scarlatinous or any 
 other morbid agent that enters the body through these channels. 
 
 The antagonism of belladonna and opium has long been known and practically tested 
 in cases of poisoning by the one or the other of those agents. Doubtless their antidotal 
 action was suggested by their opposite actions upon the pupil. More recent observa- 
 tions have shown other points of opposition, thus : opium tends to produce coma, bella- 
 donna cerebral excitement; opium diminishes the internal and increases the cutaneous 
 secretions, while belladonna increases the secretions of the gastro-intestinal tract and 
 diminishes those of the skin ; opium lessens the secretion of urine, but belladonna aug- 
 ments it ; and, above all, opium exerts a depressing action upon the lungs and heart, 
 but the functions of these organs are stimulated by belladonna. These opposite actions 
 of the two medicines may surely be described by the single word antagonism, and nei- 
 ther experiments upon animals, however numerous, nor any amount of reasoning, how- 
 ever ingenious, can diminish their significance or importance. Harley has shown, experi- 
 mentally, that by removing the "restraint due to partial collapse of the lungs, and by 
 direct stimulation also, belladonna relieves the distended heart ; and clinical observation 
 demonstrates that this special stimulant operation is the very one that is needed to pre- 
 serve life in opium-poisoning. Indeed, electricity, the cold dash, coffee, and other agents 
 employed with success to combat the effects of opium can have no other mode of action. 
 Every one who has witnessed the use of electricity or of flagellation in the successful 
 treatment of opium-narcotism must have been convinced that these agents stimulate the 
 lungs and heart, and so preserve life until the excess of the poison is eliminated or 
 destroyed. It is evident that belladonna and its preparations can act in no other man- 
 ner ; and indeed clinical observation proves it, for unless the condition of the patient is 
 such as to allow him to be impressed by the physiological antidote, it can do no good ; 
 and, on the other hand, unless the dose of the antidote is such as to attain, without 
 exceeding, the due degree of stimulation, it may do serious harm. It results from expe- 
 rience that repeated and small doses of belladonna or of its alkaloid, Gm. 0.0010-0.0016 
 (gr. to)’ (lh e latter hypodermically is preferable) should be administered at inter- 
 vals until the pulse and respiration acquire more force and the pupil begins to be dilated, 
 but care must be taken not to substitute the narcotic action of belladonna for that of 
 opium. By observing these rules a great many cases of opium-poisoning have termi- 
 nated favorably which without treatment would probably have ended fatally. In poison- 
 
332 
 
 BENZENUM. 
 
 ing by belladonna the appropriate antidote is morphine, and the test of its efficiency is 
 the degree of contraction it occasions in the dilated pupils. Inhalations of oxygen have 
 also been employed. 
 
 Although poisoning by physostigma (Calabar bean) is uncommon, it should be known 
 that belladonna (in the form of atropine) is the appropriate antidote for its effects. Its 
 administration should be conducted upon the principles just set forth, and the guide for 
 its dose and the frequency of its administration are to be found also in the dilating effect 
 produced by it upon the contracted pupil. 
 
 Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) is the the primary dose of the powder of belladonna, root or leaf. It 
 should be gradually increased until the pupil begins to be affected. An infusion may be 
 made with Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) of the leaves in half a pint of water, of which the dose is 
 half a fluidounce every four or five hours. The tincture, fluid extract, and alcoholic 
 extract, and atropine, are more frequently prescribed than belladonna in substance. For 
 external use the ointment and plaster, and various liniments containing these prepara- 
 tions, are employed. 
 
 Atropa mandragora, or mandrake, which has such a resemblance to A. belladonna 
 as to call for some notice here, is chiefly interesting from its anaesthetic virtues. It was 
 fully described in the first century of our era by Dioscorides, and after him by Pliny, 
 and their descriptions were handed down by the Arabians to modern times. Of these 
 writers, the first particularly mentions that wine of mandrake was administered to per- 
 sons about to suffer amputation or the actual cautery. He speaks also of its juice being 
 used in a suppository to induce sleep, and states that the fruit of the plant, and even 
 the emanations from it, have the same effect. Indeed, he describes two species, but attrib- 
 utes the same qualities to them both. In 1848, Sylvester drew attention to the ancient 
 uses of this plant as an anaesthetic. For many centuries, said Dr. Richardson (1873 
 and 1888), Atropa mandragora was employed as a general anaesthetic, and poets and 
 historians, not less than physicians, descanted on its singular efficacy. According to 
 Crouzel, Mandragora officinalis furnishes an alkaloid which dilates the pupil. 
 
 Scopoline, when first announced in 1885, was said to exceed atropine in the degree and 
 persistency of its mydriatic action, and at the same time not to irritate the conjunctiva. 
 This statement was confirmed, among others, by Dunn, who also found it a sedative of 
 the inflammation and pain in rheumatic iritis ( Med . Record , xxxi. 132), and by 
 Duckworth, according to whom it does not, like belladonna, cause dryness of the throat, 
 nor, when taken internally, dilatation of the pupil ( Therap . Gaz., xiv. 101). Meanwhile, 
 Schmidt and others have proved that the active principle of the plant is compound, and 
 contains atropine, hyoscine, and hyoscy amine (ibid, xi. 767 ; xii. 200). 
 
 Ephedrin, originally (1887) used in Japan as a mydriatic, appears to be uncertain in 
 its action, and much slower than atropine. A 6-7 per cent, solution has been em- 
 ployed. 
 
 BENZENUM. — Benzene (sometimes called Benzol). 
 
 Benzole , Benzene , Fr. ; Benzol, Benzen , G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 6 . Molecular weight, 77.82. 
 
 The term benzol is still often used for this liquid, and has been retained by the U. S., 
 Br., and Germ. Pharmacopoeias in order to distinguish it readily from benzin or petro- 
 leum ether ; at present, however, the ending “ ol is confined to the names of alcohols 
 and phenols, while the more appropriate ending “ ene ” is used for hydrocarbons proper. 
 
 Preparation. — Benzene is obtained by the dry distillation of benzoic acid mixed 
 with excess of lime, and by agitating the oily distillate with potassa solution and recti- 
 fying. It is largely obtained from coal-tar , one of the secondary products of the coal- 
 gas manufacture: on subjecting it to distillation water and ammonia pass over, accom- 
 panied by a brown oily liquid (8 or 10 per cent, of the tar), known as light oil , because 
 it floats on water. Subsequently dead oil is obtained as an oily liquid heavier than water, 
 and containing aniline, quinoline, naphthaline, carbolic acid, etc.; the residue in the retort 
 constitutes pitch, and is used in place of asphaltum. The light oil contains mainly benzene, 
 toluene (C 7 H 8 ), xylene (C 8 H 10 ), and isocumene (C 9 H 12 ), and after rectification to free it from 
 some dead oil is known in commerce as coal-naplitha , which owes most of its disagreeable 
 odor to volatile bases removable by agitation with dilute sulphuric acid. The hydro- 
 carbons are separated from one another by repeated fractional distillation until liquids of 
 a nearly constant boiling-point are obtained. The fraction boiling near 80° C. (176° F.) 
 consists chiefly of benzene, that with the boiling-point 110° C. (230° F.) of toluene, that 
 
BENZINUM. 
 
 333 
 
 distilling near 140° C. (284° F.) of xylene, and the portion coming over near 170° C. 
 (337° F.) of isocumene. The benzene may be further purified by exposing it to a low tem- 
 perature and expressing the portion remaining liquid. 
 
 Properties. — At the ordinary temperature benzene is a thin, colorless, very inflam- 
 mable liquid, of considerable refractive power and strong odor of coal-gas ; but when 
 obtained from benzoic acid it has a peculiar aromatic odor and a sweetish aromatic taste. 
 It has the density .899 at 0° C. (32° F.) and .878 at 15° C. (59° F.), congeals at the 
 freezing-point of water, melts again at 5.5° C. (42° F.), and boils at 80.5 (177° F.). 
 It is nearly insoluble in water, but readily soluble in 4 parts of alcohol, in methylic 
 alcohol, ether, and acetone ; it dissolves some phosphorus, sulphur, and iodine, and 
 considerable quantities of fats, volatile oils, caoutchouc, gutta-percha, and some resins. 
 W. Smith and G. W. Davis (1882) obtained a colorless crystalline compound with anti- 
 mony trichloride, having the composition 3SbCl 3 .2C 6 H 6 , and on exposure becoming opaque 
 and liquefying. The name benzin was formerly given, and is still used to some extent for 
 benzene, but is best discarded as a synonym for the latter. 
 
 Composition. — Benzene is the hydride of phenyl. HC 6 H 5 ; the hydroxide of the 
 same radical, C G H 5 OH, is carbolic acid. 
 
 Tests. — To distinguish it readily from petroleum benzin , Pusch (1875) recommends 
 iodine, which dissolves in the latter with a raspberry-red and in benzene with a violet-red 
 color ; the former color is so intense that a small admixture of benzin can be recognized 
 by neutralizing the violet tint. Commercial benzene obtained from coal-tar always con- 
 tains variable quantities of the hydrocarbons mentioned above ; it should boil and evap- 
 orate completely between 80° and 85° C. (176° and 185° F.). Agitated with sulphuric 
 acid, it should not acquire a dark color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Benzene is useful as a solvent for some alkaloids and the sub- 
 stances mentioned above, but is chiefly employed in the manufacture of Nitrobenzene 
 and Aniline (which see). It has been recommended as a remedy for whooping cough 
 {Med. Record , xxxiii. 15). The application of benzol, followed by that of calomel, is 
 said to have cured epithelioma ( A 7 . Y. Med. Jour., Sept. 26, 1885). 
 
 BENZINUM, U. S . — Benzin. 
 
 Benzinum petrolei, P. G.; YEther petrolei. — Petroleum benzin , Petroleum ether , E. ; Ben- 
 zine , Esprit ( Naphte , Ether ) de petro/e , Petr oleine, Fr. ; Petroleumbenzin , Petroldther , Ben- 
 zin, G. 
 
 Preparation, — The lower hydrocarbons present in American petroleum are separated 
 from the heavier compounds by fractional distillation and from all the lightest hydrocar- 
 bons by fractional condensation. (See Petroleum.) 
 
 Purification. — The disagreeable odor of crude benzin is to a considerable extent 
 removed by agitation with sulphuric acid. Fairthorne (1880) recommended quicklime 
 for the purpose, which removes the peculiar sulphurous odor. Grazer (1883) obtained 
 the best results with a mixture of solution of potassium bichromate and sulphuric acid. 
 The adhering acid is removed by washing. 
 
 Properties. — Benzin is a transparent, colorless, diffusive liquid of a strong, character- 
 istic odor slightly resembling that of petroleum, but much less disagreeable ; neutral in 
 reaction ; insoluble in water, soluble in about 6 parts of alcohol, and readily so in ether, 
 chloroform, benzene, and fixed and volatile oils. It is highly inflammable, and its vapor, 
 when mixed with air and ignited, explodes violently. It has a sp. gr. from 0.670 to 0.675 
 (0.640 to 0.670, P. £.), and boils at 50° to 60° C. (122° to 140° F.) (55° to 75° C.= 
 131° to 167° F., P. G.'). Benzin should be carefully kept in well-stopped bottles or 
 cans, in a cool place, remote from lights or fire. — U. S. 
 
 Constituents. — Pentane , C 5 H 12 , boils at 38° C. (100.4° F.), hexane, CJI 14 , at 70° C. 
 (158° F.). The benzin of the U. S. P. should therefore consist chiefly of the former, 
 while that of P. G. consists mainly of hexane, with variable quantities of pentane and 
 heptane , C 7 H 16 , the latter boiling at 98° C. (208.4° F.) ; this also agrees with the density, 
 which is for pentane .60, for hexane .63, and for heptane .71. 
 
 Tests. — Benzin when evaporated upon the hand should leave no odor, and when 
 evaporated in a warm dish should leave no residue (absence of heavy hydrocarbons). 
 When boiled a few minutes with one-fourth its volume of spirit of ammonia and a few 
 drops of test-solution of silver nitrate, the ammoniacal liquid should not turn brown 
 (absence of pyrogenous products and sulphur compounds), and it should require 6 parts 
 of official alcohol to dissolve it (difference from benzene). If 5 drops are added to a 
 
334 
 
 BENZOINTJM. 
 
 mixture of 40 drops of sulphuric acid with 10 drops of nitric acid in a test-tube, the 
 liquid warmed and set aside for half an hour, and then diluted in a shallow dish with 
 twice its volume of water, it should not have the bitter-almond-like odor of nitro-benzene 
 (difference from and absence of benzene. — U S. On agitating 2 parts of benzin with a 
 cold mixture of 1 part of sulphuric acid and 4 parts of fuming nitric acid, the liquid 
 should not become colored, and should not acquire a bitter-almond-like - odor. — P. G. 
 Benzene being much higher in price than benzin, an adulteration of the latter with the 
 former is not likely to occur ; but these tests are useful for distinguishing the two liquids. 
 (See also Benzenum.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Benzin is directed in the preparation of Charta sinapis, 
 U. S., for depriving powdered mustard-seed of fat. It may be used for the extraction of 
 fixed oils, and has been recommended by Dr. Wolff for the preparation of volatile oils. 
 It is employed in the arts as a solvent for fats, for caoutchouc, and for certain resins. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Husemann states that the vapors of benzin are destructive to 
 insects, but that pigs tolerate very large doses of it ; e. g. 3 or 4 drachms. According to 
 Gabalda, the poisonous action of benzin differs from that of nitrobenzin only in degree. 
 It produces confusion of the senses, vertigo, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma, or some- 
 times only a sort of intoxication, like that of alcohol. As much as 50 drops has been 
 given to trichina patients without injury, but the continued use of the oil produces some 
 of the effects just mentioned, and without mitigating the disease. It has been employed 
 locally in the treatment of scabies , but, although it destroys the itch-insects, it does not 
 affect their eggs. It has also been used in herpes tonsurans, favus, sycosis , etc., and as an 
 anaesthetic for the relief of pain in rheumatism and neuralgia. Like creosote and carbolic 
 acid, it restrains fermentation in certain forms of dyspepsia. As a substitute for the 
 emanations from gas-works it has been used by inhalation in whooping cough. The 
 ordinary dose is Gm. 0.60-1.00 (npx-xv). It may be prescribed on sugar, in emulsion, 
 or, preferably, in capsules. 
 
 BENZOINUM, U. S. Br.— Benzoin. 
 
 Benzoe , P. G. ; Resina, benzoe , Asa dulcis . — Gum benjamin , E. ; B enjoin, Fr. ; Benzoe, G. ; 
 Benjui, Sp. ; Benzoino , F. It. 
 
 A balsamic resin obtained from Styrax Benzoin, Dryander. Philos. Trans., vol. lxxvii. 
 plate 12; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 169. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Styraceae. 
 
 Origin. — The tree yielding benzoin is of medium height, has a hard dense wood, 
 large branches forming a beautiful crown, a handsome dark-green underneath white 
 hairy foliage, and reddish or white flowers in axillary racemes. It is indigenous to 
 Borneo, Java, and Sumatra, and probably also to Cochin China and Siam, though it is 
 not unlikely that the benzoin coming from the latter country may be produced by a 
 different species. 
 
 Collection. — The tree is cultivated in Sumatra to a considerable extent, but benzoin 
 is also obtained from wild trees. When about six or seven years old the trunks are about 
 as many inches in diameter, and incisions are then made through the bark, when a white 
 liquid resin commences to exude slowly. According to Tschirch (1890), the tree con- 
 tains no resin-receptacle, and while in a healthy condition does not yield any resinous 
 exudation, which he regards as a pathological result of injury. When sufficiently hard 
 this is scraped from the bark. During the first three years the resin contains a large 
 number of white tears, and is then called by the Malays head benzoin. During the next 
 seven or eight years the white tears decrease in number, and the product is termed belly 
 benzoin. At the expiration of this time the exudation is considerably diminished, the 
 tree cut down and an inferior quality, called foot benzoin, scraped from the wood. 
 
 Siam benzoin is likewise collected from incisions, but the tree yielding it is not 
 known. 
 
 Commerce. — At the ports of Sumatra benzoin is received in the form of cakes 
 wrapped in matting, and after having been softened by heat is packed in chests and sent 
 to Penang and Singapore, whence it finds its way into general commerce. In Siam ben- 
 zoin is carried on bullocks’ backs to the Menam River, and then shipped to Bangkok, 
 whence it is exported to other countries. Tn the year 1866—67, 5827 pounds of ben- 
 zoin were imported into the United States. In the recent statistical reports benzoin is 
 enumerated with other resins and gum-resins. 
 
 Description. — Sumatra benzoin is met with in commerce usually in the form of 
 
BENZOIN UM. 
 
 335 
 
 large rectangular blocks, which consist of milk-white opaque tears, varying in size and 
 frequently quite small, always agglutinated by a brown-gray resin. In the interior it is 
 often porous, presents a mere mottled or variegated but no distinct, amygdaloid appear- 
 ance. It has an agreeable odor, distinct from and weaker than that of Siam benzoin. 
 The tears melt at 85° C. (185° F.), the grayish-brown portion at 95° C. (203° F.) 
 (Pharmacographia). It is always mixed with fragments of bark, of which the inferior 
 kinds almost exclusively consist. 
 
 Penang benzoin is usually identical with Sumatra benzoin, but occasionally it differs 
 from it in color, and more so in odor, which then suggests that of storax. 
 
 Siam benzoin has mostly a similar appearance, the inferior varieties consisting mainly 
 of a grayish-red resin, which upon a fresh fracture is brown-red, glossy, translucent, and 
 mottled with lighter spots, but containing few or no tears. The better quality is dis- 
 tinctly amygdaloid in appearance, on account of the milk-white tears, which are up to 12 
 Mm. (£ inch) and more in diameter. The resin is often porous, and crystals of benzoic 
 acid are observed in the cavities. In the finest amygdaloid variety the tears largely 
 preponderate over the red-brown translucent resin, which is nearly entirely absent in the 
 benzoin in tears. This variety is met with in separate or loosely-agglutinated, roundish, 
 or flattened pieces, 25 to 50 Mm. (1 or sometimes 2 inches) in diameter, which are of a 
 reddish-yellow color externally, internally white or striped, and melt at 75° C. (167° F.). 
 The odor of Siam benzoin is pleasantly balsamic, somewhat like that of vanilla. 
 
 Impurities , consisting of fragments of wood, bark, etc., are present to a larger or 
 smaller extent in all varieties of cake benzoin, and remain behind on treatment with 
 alcohol. With the exception of these impurities, benzoin should dissolve in five times 
 its weight of alcohol ; this solution gives with water a milky liquid having an acid 
 reaction. — P. G. The tincture of Siam benzoin has a distinct red color ; that of the 
 other varieties is more of a brown or yellowish-brown color ; rendered milky by the addi- 
 tion of water, the peculiar fragrance of the different varieties is best perceived. 
 
 False benzoin , from Terminalia benzoin, Linne Jilius , s. T. angustifolia, Jacquin , s. 
 Catappa Benzoine, Gaertner , consists of white and brown fragments, which easily break 
 in the hand. Dried, it yields a white powder which is used as a cosmetic. It is obtained 
 from the tree by making incisions. 
 
 Constituents. — Benzoin contains several resins, a trace of volatile oil, and from 12 
 to 20 per cent, of benzoic acid. In addition to these, Siam benzoin contains vanillin, 
 which was obtained by Rump (1878) from the mother-liquor of benzoic acid prepared by 
 Scheele’s process (see page 32) by agitating it with ether and evaporating. Kolbe and 
 Lautemann (1860) found in Siam and Penang benzoin also cinnamic acid, and the same 
 acid was observed in Sumatra benzoin by Aschoff (1861). The quantity of cinnamic 
 acid varies considerably, and it is often altogether absent. The cause of its presence has 
 not been ascertained. The white tears often contain less benzoic acid than the resin. 
 This portion consists of about four resins, which dissolve partly in ether, but are alike, or 
 nearly so, in their composition and behavior to alcohol, in which they are soluble, and to 
 caustic potassa ; by treating them with fused potassa, paraoxybenzoic acid, C 7 H 6 0 3 , and 
 protocatechuic acid are obtained, besides products of secondary decomposition. 
 
 Tests. — When benzoin is boiled with milk of lime the hot filtrate should not give off 
 the odor of oil of bitter almond on the addition of test-solution of potassium perman- 
 ganate (absence of cinnamic acid). For determining the presence of cinnamic acid 
 the tincture of benzoin may be precipitated by hot water, filtered from the resin, and 
 the filtrate treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or chlorinated lime ; 
 or the benzoin may be triturated with peroxide of lead and the mixture boiled with 
 water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The internal action of benzoin has been considered in connec- 
 tion with benzoic acid, upon whose presence the virtues of the balsam chiefly depend ; 
 but the resin and volatile oil which it also contains communicate to it other qualities 
 which assimilate it with the resins in general. Like these, it is a general and local 
 stimulant, tending to elimination by the mucous membranes. (Vid. Tinct. Benzoini and 
 Tinct. Benzoini c.) This fact accounts for its established reputation in the treatment 
 of chronic bronchitis , chronic diarrhoea , and dysentery. In the first of these affections 
 the compound tincture of benzoin, or Turlington’s balsam, has long been famous, and no 
 medicine of its class excels it. Locally, the tincture is a most excellent stimulant and 
 protective for wounds , and, like various other stimulants and protectives, may be used to 
 arrest coryza in its forming stage. The dose is stated to be from Gm. 0.60-2.60 (gr. x- 
 xl), but benzoin is never administered in substance. 
 
336 
 
 BERBERIS. 
 
 BERBERIS. — Barberry. 
 
 Berberide , Epine-vinette, Vinettier , Fr.; Berberitzen , Saurach , Sauer dorn, G.; Berberos , Sp. 
 
 The bark of the root of Berberis vulgaris, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 16. 
 
 JVa£. Grd. — Berberidaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The barberry is a shrub 1.8 to 2.4 M. (6 to 8 feet) high, with three-parted 
 spines, fascicles of obovate-spatulate and bristly serrulate leaves, yellow flowers in pen- 
 dulous racemes, and oblong one-eelled scarlet berries of an acidulous bitter taste. It is 
 indigenous to Western Asia and the greater part of Europe, and has been naturalized in 
 thickets and waste grounds in New England and other parts of North America. The 
 bark of the root is the part mostly used in North America, while in Europe the entire 
 root is usually employed, also the fruit and the juice expressed from it. 
 
 Description. — The thick and branching root has a tough wood of a pale lemon-yellow 
 color, distinctly porous from the rather large vessels, which are arranged in concentric 
 circles and with plainly-visible medullary rays. The rather thin bark is found in small 
 irregular pieces, is externally of a yellowish-gray, and upon the nearly smooth inner 
 surface of an orange-yellow color ; the corky layer is soft, and the deep-yellow bast-fibres 
 are in tangential rows imbedded in a yellow parenchyma which is striate by medullary 
 rays. The nearly inodorous bark has a strongly bitter taste, and imparts to the saliva a 
 yellow color ; its infusion does not yield a black precipitate with ferric salts. 
 
 Constituents. — According to the analysis of Poles (1836), barberry-bark contains 
 berberine, oxyacanthine, some starch, and tannin, producing dark green precipitates with 
 iron salts, besides the usual constituents of vegetables. Besides these principles, V. Hesse 
 (1886) isolated a third alkaloid, berbamine. 
 
 Berberine , or berberia, was first discovered by Chevallier and Pelletan (1826) in the 
 bark of Xanthoxylum clavae Herculis, Linne, and named xanthopicrit ; its identity with 
 berberine was proved by Perrins (1862). A. Buchner obtained it (1835) crystallized 
 from barberry -root, believed it to possess acid properties, and named it berberin. It had 
 been previously separated in an impure condition by Brandes (1825) and by Buchner 
 (1830). G. Kemp (1841) noticed that it forms crystallizable compounds with various 
 mineral and organic acids, but its alkaloidal nature was first proven by Fleitmann (1846). 
 Since then it has been discovered in numerous plants of the orders Berberidaceae, Banuri- 
 culaceae, Menispermaceae, etc. (See papers in Am. Jour, of Pharm., 1863, pp. 97, 301, 
 and 456.) 
 
 For the preparation of berberine Procter (1864) gives a process which is based upon 
 those of Buchner and Fleitmann : The root of hydrastis is exhausted with boiling water, 
 the decoction evaporated, the soft extract exhausted by strong alcohol, some water is 
 added, most of the alcohol distilled off, and then an excess of sulphuric acid added, when, 
 on cooling, berberine sulphate crystallizes, requiring recrystallization from hot water 
 for purification. Its solution in hot water is then decomposed by freshly-precipitated 
 lead oxide (caustic baryta, Fleitmann) and the filtrate allowed to crystallize. It forms 
 fine yellow needles, which lose at 100° C. (212° F.) nearly 19.5 per cent, of water, fuse 
 at 120° 0. (248° F.), are insoluble in ether, petroleum benzin, and carbon disulphide, 
 and dissolve slightly in cold water and benzene, and more freely in alcohol and alkalies. 
 Its composition is C 20 H 17 NO 4 (Perrins), and crystallizes with 6H 2 0 (Schreiber, 1889). 
 By adding to its hot solution an excess of acid, crystals of neutral or acid salts are 
 obtained, which are usually of a bright or golden yellow color, have a bitter taste, and 
 are very slightly soluble in acidulated water. Berberine dissolves in strong sulphuric 
 acid with a dingy-green, and in nitric acid with a dark brown-red color. Solutions of its 
 salts are precipitated greenish-brown by potassium ferrocyanide, and yellow by picric 
 acid, phosphomolybdic acid, or chloride of gold, platinum, or mercury ; the precipitates 
 are mostly crystalline or crystallize readily ; the phosphomolybdate dissolves in ammonia 
 with a blue color. Dissolved in hot alcohol, the salts of berberine yield, with solution 
 of iodine in potassium iodide, dark-green scales of a metallic lustre and appearing red- 
 dish-brown in transmitted light ; if an excess of iodine be employed, the crystals are of 
 a red-brown color in reflected light. This behavior is recommended by Perrins as a 
 convenient test for this alkaloid. Berberine hydrochlorate assumes with chlorine a 
 blood-red color (Buchner). This behavior furnishes a delicate test, by means of which, 
 according to Klunge (1875), berberine may be detected in over 200,000 parts of solution ; 
 brucine, which gives a similar color with chlorine, yields with acids colorless solutions. 
 L. Henry ascertained (1859) that berberine and its salts are colored blood-red by bromine, 
 and that after the deposition of hydrobromate the solution gives a black precipitate with 
 
BETULA. 
 
 337 
 
 ammonia. Fused with potassium hydroxide, berberine is decomposed, yielding two acids, 
 one of which is sublimable, and vapors having the odor of quinolin (Hlasiwetz and Gilm). 
 Berberine forms two well-characterized addition-products with chloroform, acetone and 
 alcohol, containing 1 and 2 molecules of each of the latter respectively (Schreiber). 
 
 Oxyacanthine , C 32 H 46 N 2 O u , remains in the mother-liquor from which the berberine salt 
 has been precipitated by an acid. To avoid confusion with principles in Cratasgus Oxya- 
 cantha, Berzelius proposed to call it berbine , and Wacker suggested the name of vinetine. 
 It is a white alkaloid, turning yellow in sunlight, nearly insoluble in water, and has a 
 bitter taste and an alkaline reaction ; it dissolves in 30 parts of cold and in 1 part of boil- 
 ing alcohol, in 125 parts of cold and 4 parts of boiling ether, and is easily soluble in 
 chloroform, benzene, fats, and volatile oils. It reduces iodic acid. Sulphuric acid colors 
 it brown-red, the color changing on heating to bright-red and brown. Nitric acid imparts 
 a yellow and, when heated, a purple color. Its salts give white precipitates with alkalies, 
 soluble in excess, with alkali carbonates, potassium iodide, potassium ferrocyanide, potas- 
 sium sulphocyanate, or mercuric chloride, and yellow precipitates with picric acid or 
 potassium ferricyanide. 
 
 Berbamine , C 18 H 19 N0 3 -j- 2H 2 0, can be isolated from the mother-liquor in the prepara- 
 tion of berberine hydrochlorate by precipitation with soda. The precipitate is dissolved 
 in acetic acid, and after removal of oxyacanthine with Glauber salt, berbamine can be 
 precipitated with sodium nitrate ; the solution of the nitrate yields with ammonia a crys- 
 talline precipitate of berbamine. The salts crystallize easily and dissolve readily in 
 water ; with platinum chloride berbamine yields a yellow crystalline precipitate. 
 
 The first two alkaloids are also contained in the wood and, according to Lenssen (1870), 
 in the flowers ; the latter contain, in addition, volatile oil, and 3.57 per cent, of sugar 
 and 6.62 per cent, of malic acid were found in the berries. 
 
 Allied Species. — In India the root-bark of Berberis aristata, Be Candolle , B. asiatica, 
 Roxburgh , and B. eycium, Royle , is employed as a tonic ; it contains berberine in abundance. 
 
 Several species of Berberis, belonging to the section of Mahonia, are indigenous to the Pacific 
 coast of North America, growing as far north as Vancouver Island, and are known as Oregon 
 grape. Berberis repens, Lindley, is about 20 to 25 Cm. (8 or 10 inches) high ; B. aquifolium, 
 Pursh , attains a height of 1.2 to 1.8 M. (4 to 6 feet), and B. nervosa, Pursh , of about 10 Cm. (4 
 inches). The rhizomes and roots of these low shrubs resemble each other closely, those of the 
 first species being thinnest. Oregon grape-root varies in size from that of a quill to 25 or 
 50 Mm. (an inch or two) in diameter, is more or less knotty and crooked, has externally a 
 yellowish-brown color, and is internally of a brighter yellow ; the bark is thin, the wood 
 tough, yellow, striate with fine medullary rays, and encloses a distinct pith. The bark has a 
 bitter taste, and as obtained from B. nervosa was found by P. Neppack (1870) to contain 
 berberine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Berberis-bark, or that of an allied species, has long been used 
 in India as a tonic and febrifuge. All parts of the plant are employed medicinally in 
 Europe — the bark as a tonic and aperient, and the leaves as antiscorbutic, and as a 
 depurative in low fevers. The juice, diluted with water, is used as a drink, and the bark 
 is recommended in dysentery and dropsy. The experiments of Curci (Bull, de Therap., 
 ci. 329 ; Centralbl. f. Therap ., v. 42) and others with berberine throw no light upon its 
 alleged virtues. It is supposed to act as a stomachic tonic and to increase the secretion 
 of bile. It has been given in atonic dyspepsia , and especially in that condition following 
 cholera, in diarrhoea from the same cause, in infantile and tuberculous diarrhoea, etc. 
 In a word, it seems to be adapted to such cases as are usually treated with calumba. It 
 has also been used with alleged success in reducing the spleen enlarged by malarial 
 poisoning. It may be given in doses from 0.10-0.30 Gm. (2 to 5 grains), in pill or 
 powder, or in alcoholic solution. Berberis aquifolium is used in the Western States as a 
 tonic and antiperiodic, particularly in the form of the fluid extract, which is also alleged 
 to have cured inveterate cases of psoriasis and eczema. It is also recommended in dys- 
 peptic disorders with constipation (Med. News, lvii. 418). 
 
 BETULA . —Birch. 
 
 Bouleau , Fr. ; Birlce, G. ; Abedul , Sp. 
 
 The bark, leaves, and saccharine juice of different species of Betula. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cupuliferae. 
 
 Origin. — The genus comprises shrubs and trees which are indigenous to the northern 
 hemisphere, have alternate simple and straight-veined leaves, drooping staminate catkins, 
 22 
 
338 
 
 BETULA. 
 
 and shorter cylindrical fertile catkins, producing broadly-winged nutlets. The young 
 twigs and leaves of most species are pungently aromatic ; the bark is more or less com- 
 pletely separable into thin concentric layers, and when wounded in the spring exudes a 
 juice having a sweet and somewhat acidulous taste. 
 
 Description and Constituents. — Betula alba, Linne, is a slender and graceful 
 tree indigenous to Northern Asia, Europe, and America, in the latter continent as far 
 south as Pennsylvania. There are several varieties, varying in height from 4.5 to 22.5 M. 
 (15 to 75 feet). The bark of the branches is brownish and verrucose, of the trunk white, 
 smooth, separating in thin sheets, and of an astringent somewhat bitterish taste. The leaves 
 are triangular-deltoid, acuminate, doubly serrate, light-green, shining, and of an astringent 
 taste ; when young, glandular and pungent. The buds and young twigs yield by distillation 
 i per cent, of a colorless volatile oil having a balsamic and pungent odor, and by the dry 
 distillation of the wood and bark dark red-brown birch-tar or daggett is obtained, which 
 has a strong and persistent odor of Russia leather, and yields on distillation brown-red 
 empyreumatic oil of birch , known as oleum rusci. The bark contains also a camphoraeeous 
 body, betulin , C 86 H G0 O a , which forms light, flocculent, crystalline, tasteless masses fusible 
 at about 258° C. (496° F.), subliming when heated with care, and soluble in ether, volatile 
 oils, hot alcohol, and alkalies. On oxidation one or more acids are obtained, and on dry 
 distillation an oily body, which, according to Hausmann (1878), has the characteristic 
 odor of Russia leather. The whitish powder covering the young shoots and leaves is 
 betulo-resinic acid , C 36 H 26 0 5 , which, according to Kosmann (1854), has a bitter taste in 
 alcoholic solution and dissolves in sulphuric acid with a red color. 
 
 Betula papyracea, Aiton , the canoe birch , grows in Canada and the northern part of 
 the United States, has ovate, heart-shaped, taper-pointed leaves, and a tough white bark 
 splitting into thin papery layers, which are used by the Indians in making canoes. 
 
 Betula lenta, Linne , Sweet, black or cherry-birch. It is indigenous to Canada and 
 the northern part of the United States, but grows in the mountains as far south as 
 Georgia ; has oblong heart-shaped and acuminate leaves, which are pubescent on the veins 
 beneath, and a glossy brown bark, the outer layers of which are slightly laminate and 
 the inner layers close and reddish-brown. The bark and leaves yield a volatile oil, which 
 Procter (1843) found to be identical with oil of gaultheria, and which Kennedy showed 
 (1882) is largely sold in place of the latter. Pettigrew (1883) found it to be pure 
 methyl salicylate, and to have the spec. grav. 1.180 at 15° C., and the boiling-point to be 
 constant at 218° C. (424.4° F.). It does not pre-exist in the plant, but is formed by the 
 action of water and an unknown compound of the bark upon gaidtherin. This principle 
 is syrupy, colorless, soluble in alcohol and water, insoluble in ether, and when distilled 
 with sulphuric or hydrochloric acid yields the volatile oil. The bark contains 3.3 per 
 cent, of tannin (Bowman, 1869). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Experiment and observation show that oil of birch acts 
 like oil of wintergreen, and is in fact identical with it. A man swallowed a half-pint 
 of oil of birch, after which for several hours he walked about town on business and 
 returned to his home by rail. Only late in the evening he fell into a drunken stupor; 
 his face was flushed, and he was bathed in perspiration smelling of the oil. He vomited, 
 but was not purged. His stupor increased during the night, and the next morning he 
 died (Ott, Therap. Gaz ., ix. 302.) In the dose of 10 to 15 minims three or four times a 
 a day it will usually cause some ringing in the ears. White birch is a popular remedy in 
 the north of Europe. The sap is held to be a purifier of the blood, and is in general use 
 for the cure of scaly diseases of the slcin, rheumatic and gouty disorders, chronic affec- 
 tions of the bladder , scurvy , and intermittent fever. The fresh leaves are used to form a 
 bed in which rheumatic patients lie, and which excites profuse sweating. Reduced to a 
 pulp and mixed with gunpowder and cream, the bark is thought to be a sovereign remedy 
 for the itch. A similar pulp mixed with oil is reputed to be efficient in discussing 
 scrofulous enlargements of the glands. The oil of birch is likewise employed to cure 
 chronic cutaneous eruptions , and is taken internally for the relief of gonorrhoea. It is said 
 to have a more unpleasant odor than kindred oils, and when used should be scented with 
 oil of rosemary or lavender. The American species (sweet birch) also appears to 
 possess stimulant qualities ; the bark and leaves are sometimes used to prepare diapho- 
 retic infusions, and the oil is stated to have cured subacute articular rheumatism. The 
 white rotten wood of this tree is sometimes boiled in a decoction of Ledum latifolium for 
 an hour, and then, dried and powdered, is said to be useful as a dusting powder for 
 children, and in intertrigo generally (Amer. Jour. Phar ., lvi. 620). 
 
BIDENS. — BISM U TH I ET AM MO Nil CITRAS. 
 
 339 
 
 BIDENS— Spanish Needles. 
 
 The herb of Bidens bipinnata, Linni . 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Senecionideae. 
 
 Description. — This annual smooth weed is indigenous to the United States, and 
 attains a height of about 3 feet (90 Cm.). The stem is quadrangular; the leaves are oppo- 
 site, broadly ovate in outline, bipinnately dissected, the divisions lanceolate, mostly wedge- 
 shaped at the base ; the flower-heads are small, on long peduncles, have a double involucre, 
 three or four short, yellow, and dark-veined ray-florets, and slender quadrangular three- or 
 four-awned akenes. The plant has a disagreeable odor when rubbed, and a herbaceous 
 afterward acrid taste. Its constituents have not been investigated. 
 
 Allied Species. — Bidens tripartita, Linne — Chanvre aquatique, F. ; Wasserhanf, G. — indig- 
 enous to Europe, has three-lobed serrate leaves, yellow tubular florets, and two-awned akenes. 
 It was employed like the preceding. The same common names are applied in Europe to Bidens 
 oerxua, hiring Burmarigold, E ., which is also indigenous to Canada and the United States 
 south to Virginia : it is known by its lanceolate, serrate, somewhat connate leaves, its 
 nodding flower-heads with or without pale-yellow rays, and its flat, retrorsely-barbed, two- 
 awned akenes. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A statement was long ago made respecting this plant that its 
 roots and seeds have a popular reputation as emmenagogues and as a remedy for acute 
 laryngeal and bronchial affections; more recently they have been used for the relief of hay 
 asthma. Bidens is probably a stimulant, and, when suitably administered with hot water, 
 a diaphoretic. 
 
 BISMUTHI CITRAS, V . S. 9 Br.— Bismuth Citrate. 
 
 Bismuthum citricum , Citras bismuthicus . — Citrate de bismuth , Fr. ; Wismuthcitrat , Cit- 
 ronsaures Wismuthoxyd , G. 
 
 Formula BiC 6 H 5 0 7 . Molecular weight 397.44. 
 
 Preparation. — Bismuth Subnitrate 100 Gm. ; Citric Acid 70 Gm. ; Distilled Water 
 a sufficient quantity. Boil the bismuth subnitrate and the citric acid with 400 Cc. of 
 distilled water for about fifteen minutes or until a drop of the mixture yields a clear 
 solution with ammonia water. Then add 5000 Cc. of distilled water, allow the suspended 
 matter to deposit, wash the precipitate (first by decantation, and afterward on a strainer) 
 with distilled water until the washings are tasteless, and dry the residue at a gentle 
 heat. — U. S. 
 
 This is the process of R. Bother, first proposed in 1876, and consists simply in the 
 decomposition at the boiling temperature of the bismuth subnitrate by the citric acid, 
 anhydrous bismuthous citrate being formed, which is nearly insoluble in water and in the 
 diluted nitric acid produced at the same time. The decomposition is ascertained to be 
 completely by means of ammonia, which will then yield a clear solution with a drop of 
 the turbid mixture. The yield is about 135 Gm. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Bismuth citrate is a white, amorphous or micro-crystal- 
 line powder, odorless and tasteless, and permanent in the air, insoluble in water or alco- 
 hol, but soluble in ammonia water, and in solutions of the citrates of the alkalies. When 
 strongly heated the salt chars, and on ignition leaves a more or less blackened residue 
 having a yellow surface, and soluble in warm nitric acid. This solution, when dropped 
 into water, occasions a white turbidity. The ammoniacal solution, when treated with 
 hydrogen sulphide in excess, yields a black precipitate. If the filtrate from the latter be 
 deprived by heat of the excess of hydrogen sulphide and cooled, a portion of it, boiled 
 with lime-water, produces a white precipitate. If another portion of the filtrate be 
 mixed with an equal volume of concentrated sulphuric acid and cooled, no brown or 
 brownish-black color should appear around a crystal of ferrous sulphate dropped into the 
 liquid (absence of nitrate). ” — U. S. 
 
 BISMUTHI ET AMMONII CITRAS, U . S ., Br. — Bismuth and Ammonium 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Bismuthi ammonio-citras, Bismuthum citricum ammoniatum . — Citrate de bismuth ammo- 
 niacal, Fr. ; Wismuthammoncitrat , Citronensaures Wismnthammonium , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bismuth Citrate 100 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, Distilled Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix the bismuth citrate with 200 Cc. of distilled water to a smooth 
 paste, and gradually add ammonia-water until the salt is dissolved and the liquid has a 
 neutral or only faintly alkaline reaction. Then filter the solution, evaporate it to a 
 
340 
 
 BISMUTHI OXIDUM. 
 
 syrupy consistence, and spread it on plates of glass, so that on drying the salt may be 
 obtained in scales. Keep the product in small, well-stoppered vials, protected from 
 
 light.— U S. 
 
 Rother (1876) states that dry bismuth citrate yields with ammonia-water a syrupy 
 liquid and a hard white mass, the latter being unaffected by excess of ammonia, hut dis- 
 solving on the application of a gentle heat ; this solution crystallizes on cooling, and the 
 crystals, after being dried on a water-bath, are again soluble in water, and may be 
 regarded as a compound of triammonium citrate with bismuthous hydroxide, having the 
 formula (NH*) 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 Bi(0H) 3 . Since the Pharmacopoeia makes no provision for supply- 
 ing the ammonia lost during the concentration of the liquid, the salt will have a more or 
 less variable composition, probably approaching that determined by N. Gray Bartlett 
 (1865) for a salt prepared by a similar process — namely, BiC 6 H 5 0 7 NH 4 0H.2H. 2 0 (mole- 
 cular weight 470). The yield by the official process is about 120 Gm. 
 
 Properties. — Bismuth and ammonium citrate is in small, shining, pearly or translu- 
 cent scales, odorless, having a slightly acidulous and metallic taste, and becoming opaque 
 on exposure to the air, very soluble in water, and but very sparingly soluble in alcohol. 
 When strongly heated, the salt fuses, then chars, and finally leaves a more or less black- 
 ened residue, having a yellow surface and soluble in warm nitric acid. This solution, 
 when dropped into water, occasions a white turbidity. The aqueous solution of the 
 salt is neutral or faintly alkaline to litmus-paper. When boiled with potassium or 
 sodium hydroxide test-solution, it evolves the vapor of ammonia, and when treated with 
 hydrogen sulphide it yields a black precipitate. If the filtrate from the latter be 
 deprived by heat of the excess of hydrogen sulphide and cooled, a portion of it, boiled 
 with lime-water, produces a white precipitate. If another portion of the filtrate be 
 mixed with an equal volume of concentrated sulphuric acid and cooled, no brown or 
 brownish-black zone should appear around a crystal of ferrous sulphate dropped into the 
 liquid (absence of nitrate).” — U. S. 
 
 The dry salt slowly loses ammonia on keeping, thereby becoming partly insoluble in 
 water ; the cautious addition of a few drops of ammonia-water to such a turbid mixture 
 will then usually make a perfect solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — If the virtues of subcarbonate and subnitrate of bismuth 
 depend upon the insolubility of these salts, as appears to be the case, then its soluble 
 salts must act in quite a different manner ; but of their special action we possess no evi- 
 dence except that derived from experiments upon animals, in which they occasion the 
 common symptoms of irritant poisons. The dose of the citrate of bismuth and 
 ammonium is said to be Gm. 0.10-0.20 (gr. ij-iv), but if used at all this compound should 
 only be applied locally as an astringent. 
 
 BISMUTHI OXIDUM, .Br.— Bismuth Oxide. 
 
 Bismuthum oxy datum , Oxydum bismuthicum . — Oxyde de bismuth , Fr. ; Wismuthoxyd , G. 
 
 Formula Bi 2 0 3 . Molecular weight 465.68. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bismuth Subnitrate 1 pound ; Solution of Soda 4 pints. 
 Mix and boil for five minutes ; then, having allowed the mixture to cool and the oxide 
 to subside, decant the supernatant liquid, wash the precipitate thoroughly with distilled 
 water, and finally dry the oxide by the heat of a water-bath. — Br. 
 
 In this process the bismuth subnitrate is decomposed by the soda, sodium nitrate, and 
 white bismuth hydroxide being formed, the former of which remains dissolved in the 
 water ; 2(Bi0N0 3 .H 2 0) + 2NaOH yields 2Bi(OH) 3 or Bi 2 0 3 .3H 2 0 + 2NaN0 3 . On dry- 
 ing the precipitate without heat it loses water and leaves bismuthyl hydroxide , BiO.OH, 
 but at the temperature of boiling water the anhydrous oxide is left. 
 
 Properties. — Bismuth oxide forms a dull-yellow more or less crystalline powder, 
 which dissolves in mineral acids without effervescence, and these solutions are colorless 
 and yield black precipitates with hydrogen sulphide, and white ones with alkalies, alkali 
 carbonates and much water, the precipitates being insoluble in an excess of the precip- 
 itants. When heated to incipient redness the oxide is not diminished in weight. At a 
 higher temperature it fuses to a brown mass, which becomes yellow again on cooling. 
 The oxides of lead and silver are likely to be present as impurities, and are detected by 
 dissolving in nitric acid and testing as described under Bismuthi Subnitras. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oxide of bismuth would appear to be nearly insoluble in the 
 stomach ; for in a woman with gastric cancer, to whom it was given, a mass of it 
 weighing a pound, which must have remained there for at least two months, was found 
 in the stomach after her death ( Practitioner , xxviii. 293). It has been used for the same 
 
BISMUTHI SUBCARBONAS. 
 
 341 
 
 purposes as the subcarbonate and the subnitrate, and has been particularly recommended, 
 when mixed with powdered gum-acacia and muriate of morphia, as a snuff in post-nasal 
 catarrh and ozsena. It may be prescribed in the dose of 0.20 Gm. (gr. iij) and upward. 
 
 BISMUTHI SUBCARBONAS, 77. S. — Bismuth Subcarbonate. 
 
 Bismuthi carhonas , Br. ; Bismuthum subcarbonicum , Subcarbonas bismuthicus . — Car- 
 bonate of bismuth , Bismuthyl carbonate , E. ; Sous-carbonate de bismuth , Fr. ; Wismuthsub- 
 carbonat , Basisches kohlensaures Wismuthoxyd, G. 
 
 Formula (Bi0) 2 C0 3 .H 2 0 ? Molecular weight 527.53.? 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Purified Bismuth in small pieces 2 ounces ; Nitric Acid 4 
 fluidounces ; Ammonium Carbonate 6 ounces ; Distilled Water a sufficiency. Mix the 
 nitric acid with 3 ounces of distilled water and add the bismuth in successive portions. 
 When the effervescence has ceased, apply for ten minutes a heat approaching that of 
 ebullition, and afterward decant the solution from any insoluble matter that may be 
 present. Evaporate the solution until it is reduced to 2 fluidounces, and add this in 
 small quantities at a time to a cold filtered solution of the ammonium carbonate in 2 
 pints of distilled water, constantly stirring during admixture. Collect the precipitate on 
 a calico filter, and wash it with distilled water until the washings pass tasteless. Remove 
 now as much of the adhering water as can be separated from the precipitate by slight 
 pressure with the hands, and finally dry the product at a temperature not exceeding 
 150° F. — Br. 
 
 In this process a solution of bismuthous nitrate is first formed and concentrated by 
 evaporation, when it is added to a cold solution of an alkali carbonate. Most metallic 
 bismuth contains some arsenic, which is also oxidized by the nitric acid, so that bismuth 
 arsenate is found in the solution. In order to remove nearly the whole of the arsenic, 
 the nitric acid solution may be diluted with sufficient distilled water until it remains 
 faintly milky after stirring ; on being set aside for a day most of the arsenate will be 
 found deposited as a white crystalline precipitate. The clear solution, still retaining a 
 small proportion of arsenic, may be almost completely deprived of it by pouring it into 
 an excess of ammonia-water, whereby soluble ammonium nitrate and arsenate are formed, 
 while bismuthous hydroxide is precipitated ; this may then be converted into sub- 
 carbonate by dissolving in sufficient nitric acid, pouring the liquid slowly and with constant 
 stirring into a solution of sodium carbonate, draining the precipitate upon a strainer, and 
 washing it with distilled water. This process was originally proposed by Dr. Squibb, and 
 adopted in the U. S. P. 1870 with the following working quantities : Bismuth 2 troy- 
 ounces is dissolved in a mixture of nitric acid 4^ troyounces and water 4 fluidounces ; 
 the solution is diluted with water 10 fluidounces; on the next day decanted and filtered, 
 diluted with water 4 pints, and mixed with ammonia-water 5 fluidounces ; the precipitate 
 is drained, washed, and dissolved in nitric acid 4 troyounces ; the solution is mixed with 
 water 4 fluidounces, next day filtered and slowly poured into a cold solution of sodium 
 carbonate 10 troyounces in water 12 fluidounces ; the precipitate is collected on a strainer, 
 drained, and washed until the washings pass tasteless. In following this process it is 
 important that the dilution with water should be carried far enough until a turbidity is 
 observed which does not disappear completely on stirring ; this solution should be set 
 aside for a sufficient length of time, as indicated ; the acid solutions should be added 
 slowly and with continual stirring to the alkaline solutions, in order to ensure the com- 
 plete decomposition of the acid salt ; and the washing should not be continued for too 
 long a time, in order to avoid gradual decomposition of the subcarbonate into hydrate. 
 If the final precipitation be effected at a boiling temperature, an anhydrous subcarbonate 
 would be precipitated. 
 
 The final reaction is explained by the equation 2Bi(N0 3 ) 3 -f- 3Na 2 C0 3 -f H 2 0 = (BiO) 2 , 
 C0 3 .H 2 0 -f- 6NaN0 3 -j- 2C0 2 , showing that carbon dioxide is given off. 
 
 Properties. — “Bismuth subcarbonate is a white or pale yellowish-white powder of 
 somewhat varying chemical composition, odorless and tasteless, and permanent in the air. 
 It is insoluble in water or alcohol, but completely soluble in nitric or hydrochloric acid, 
 with copious effervescence. When heated to redness the salt loses water and carbon 
 dioxide, and leaves from 87 to 91 per cent, of a yellow residue which is soluble in nitric 
 or hydrochloric acid and blackened by hydrogen sulphide.” — U. S. 
 
 Tests. — If 3 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in just a sufficient quantity (about 4 Cc.) 
 of warm nitric acid, and the solution poured into 100 Cc. of water, a white precipitate 
 is produced. After filtering, and evaporating the filtrate on a water-bath to 30 Cc., 
 
342 
 
 BISMUTHI SUBNITRAS. 
 
 again filtering, and dividing this filtrate into portions of 5 Cc., these should respond to 
 the following tests : On mixing one portion with an equal volume of diluted sulphuric acid 
 it should not become cloudy (absence of lead). If another portion be precipitated with 
 a slight excess of ammonia-water, the supernatant liquid should not exhibit a bluish tint 
 (absence of copper). Other portions should not be affected by silver nitrate test-solu- 
 tion (absence of chloride), or barium nitrate test-solution (sulphate), nor yield, with 
 hydrochloric acid, a precipitate which is insoluble in a slight excess of the latter (silver). 
 If 1 Gm. of the salt be boiled with 10 Cc. of a mixture of equal parts of acetic acid 
 and water, and the cold filtrate freed from bismuth by hydrogen sulphide, the new filtrate 
 should leave no fixed residue on evaporation (absence of alkalies and alkaline earths). 
 On boiling 1 Gm. of the salt with 10 Cc. of sodium hydroxide test-solution, it should not 
 evolve the odor of ammonia. If 1 Gm. of the salt be heated with 10 Cc. of a mixture 
 of equal parts of concentrated sulphuric acid and water, tinged slightly blue with indigo 
 test-solution, the color of the latter should not be discharged (absence of nitrate). If 1 
 Gm. of the salt be ignited in a porcelain crucible, the residue, when cold, dissolved in 5 Cc. 
 of stannous chloride test-solution, and a small piece of pure tin-foil added, no dark color- 
 ation or precipitate should be produced within fifteen minutes (limit of arsenic). — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Introduced as a substitute for subnitrate of bismuth, this 
 preparation was claimed to possess the advantages of greater solubility in the gastric 
 juices, and therefore to be less likely than the subnitrate to confine the bowels and color 
 the stools. But these effects, so far from being advantages, would unfit the salt more or 
 less for use in the class of cases in which the subnitrate has been found advantageous 
 because it is nearly insoluble. Dose , Gm. 0.60-4.00 (gr. x-lx), suspended in water. 
 
 BISMUTHI SUBNITRAS, U . 8 ., Br .— Bismuth Subnitrate. 
 
 Bismuthum subnitricum , P. G. ; Bismutkum hydrico-nitricum, Magisterium bismuthi , sub- 
 azotas (s. Subnitras ) bismuthicus. — Bismuthyl nitrate , E. ; Sous-azotate ( Sous-nitrate ) de 
 bismuthyBr. ; Basisches Wismuthnitrat ( salpetersaures Wismuthoxyd ), Wismuthsubnitrat , G. 
 Formula Bi0N0 3 H 2 0? Molecular weight 304.71? 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Purified Bismuth in small pieces 2 ounces ; Nitric Acid 4 
 fluidounces ; Distilled Water a sufficiency. Mix the nitric acid with 3 ounces of distilled 
 water, and add the bismuth in successive portions. When effervescence has ceased, .apply 
 for ten minutes a heat approaching that of ebullition, and decant the solution from any 
 insoluble matter that may be present. Evaporate the solution until it is reduced to 2 
 fluidounces, and pour it into half a gallon of distilled water. When the precipitate which 
 forms has subsided, decant the supernatant liquid, add half a gallon of distilled water to 
 the precipitate, stir them well together, and after two hours decant off the liquid, collect 
 and drain the precipitate in a calico filter, press it with the hands, and dry it at a tem- 
 perature not exceeding 150° F. — Br. 
 
 By dissolving the metal in nitric acid the latter is partly decomposed, nitric oxide 
 being evolved and water generated, while the bismuth dissolves, forming normal bismuth 
 nitrate ; thus : Bi 2 + 8HN0 3 = 2Bi(N0 3 ) 3 -f- 2NO + 4H 2 0. Other metals likely to be 
 present are dissolved with the formation of nitrates, except arsenic, which is oxidized to 
 arsenic acid. The bismuth having been previously purified, the solution practically should 
 contain only bismuth nitrate. The latter requires now to be converted into the sub- 
 nitrate, which is accomplished by water. The most uniform results are obtained by add- 
 ing the acid solution to a definite quantity of cold water ; the decomposition taking place 
 may be explained by the following equation : 6Bi(N0 3 ) 3 ~|- 10H 2 O == 5Bi0N0 3 H 2 0 -f- 
 Bi(N0 3 ) 3 -j- 10HNO 3 . The nitric acid which is liberated will retain a portion of normal 
 bismuth nitrate in solution. Ditte ascertained that water containing in each liter 83 Gm. 
 of N 2 0 5 == 96.83 Gm. of HN0 3 will dissolve both normal and basic nitrate, forming with 
 the latter the normal salt, so that no decomposition will take place on the further addi- 
 tion of the acid liquid. But if the precipitate is left for too long a time in contact with 
 the acid mother-liquor, an oxynitrate of the formula 4Bi0N0 3 .Bi(0H) 3 .3H 2 0 is gradually 
 formed ; by precipitating the solution with water of about 50° C. (122° F.) an oxynitrate 
 is obtained having the composition 5 Bi0N0 3 .Bi(0H) 3 .3H 2 0 ; and by washing the official 
 or the above compounds for some time with water thev are decomposed into still more 
 basic salts of the formulas 3Bi0N0 3 .Bi(0H) 3 .3H 2 0 and 3Bi0N0 3 .2Bi(0H) 3 .H 2 0. It 
 is obvious from the foregoing that even with the most careful manipulation the product 
 obtained is not likely to be of a definite composition, but to consist of a mixture of the 
 above two salts or of intermediate basic salts. 
 
BISMUTH! SUBNITRAS. 
 
 343 
 
 The U. S. P. 1870 used commercial bismuth, which was freed from the contaminating 
 metals by a process analogous to that described for the subcarbonate ; the diluted and fil- 
 tered solution in nitric acid was first precipitated by pouring it into an excess of solution 
 of sodium carbonate ; the bismuthous carbonate was redissolved in sufficient nitric acid, 
 diluted with water, filtered and poured into a definite quantity of water, to which subse- 
 quently ammonia was added to partly neutralize the nitric acid, so as to precipitate also 
 the greater part of the bismuth still held in solution. 
 
 The following is the process of the German Pharmacopoeia : 5 parts of nitric acid sp. 
 gr. 1 .20, are heated to 75°-90° C. (167°-194° F.), and to this is then added, small portions 
 at a time, 1 part of coarsely-powdered bismuth, and solution facilitated by further appli- 
 cation of heat. After several days of rest the clear solution is decanted, evaporated, and 
 crystallized ; the crystals are washed with water acidulated with nitric acid. 1 part of 
 the crystallized bismuth nitrate is rubbed up into a uniform mixture with 4 parts of 
 water, and the whole is then added to 21 parts of boiling water ; the precipitate is sepa- 
 rated by filtration, washed with an equal volume of cold water, and finally dried at 30° 
 C. (86° F.). In this process the arsenic is gotten rid of as bismuth arsenate by allowing 
 the first solution to subside for some days, and finally crystallizing the bismuth ternitrate, 
 which salt is afterward decomposed by boiling water. 
 
 With the view of obtaining the salt of definite composition, Lalieu (1878) proposed 
 its preparation from the well-washed and still moist oxide obtained from 200 Gm. of the 
 metal by treating it with nitric acid equal to 48.5 Gm. of nitric anhydride, adding it in 
 small quantitieSj and then heating until the mixture becomes limpid and white ; after 
 the addition of a little water the subnitrate is thrown upon a filter, washed w T ith twice 
 its bulk of water, expressed, and dried; the yield is 265 Gm. 
 
 Properties. — Bismuth subnitrate is a heavy white powder in minute crystalline 
 scales and of a somewhat satiny appearance. It is not altered on exposure to air or 
 light, is inodorous, has a faintly acid taste, and when moistened on litmus-paper has a 
 slight but decided acid reaction. It is insoluble in water and alcohol, but dissolves com- 
 pletely and without effervescence in mineral acids. “ When heated to 120° C. (248° F.) 
 it loses between 3 and 5 per cent, of moisture, and at a red heat it gives off yellowish-red 
 vapors and leaves between 79 and 82 per cent, of a yellow residue, which is soluble in 
 nitric or hydrochloric acid, and is blackened by hydrogen sulphide.” — U. S. The formula 
 given above requires 76.5 per cent, of Bi 2 0 3 . This difference may be due to loss of 
 water by drying at too high a temperature, but is usually owing to changes in its com- 
 position occurring during its preparation under the circumstances described above. The 
 loss by ignition of these non-official oxynitrates ranges between 16 and 20 per cent. 
 
 Tests. — “ On dissolving 3 Gm. of salt in 3 Cc. of warm nitric acid no effervescence 
 should occur (absence of carbonate), and no residue should be left (absence of insoluble 
 foreign salts). If this solution be poured into 100 Cc. of water, a white precipitate is 
 produced, and, after filtering, evaporating the filtrate on a water-bath to 30 Cc., again 
 filtering, and dividing the filtrate into portions of 5 Cc. each, these should respond to the 
 tests for purity described under Bismuthi Subcarbonas. When further tested as 
 described under Bismuthi Subcarbonas, the salt should be found free from alkalies 
 and alkaline earths, and should give no reaction for ammonia. If 1 Gm. of the salt 
 be heated in a porcelain crucible until nitrous vapors cease to be evolved, the residue, 
 when cold, dissolved in 5 Cc. of stannous chloride test-solution, and a small piece of 
 pure tin-foil added, no dark coloration or precipitate should be produced within fifteen 
 minutes (limit of arsenic).” — U. S. 
 
 Bismuth and Bismuth Salts. — 1. Bismuthum, Br. ; Bismuth, E ., Fr. ; Wismuth, G. Symbol 
 Bi. Atomicity trivalent and quinquivalent Atomic weight 208.9. — The supply of bismuth is 
 chiefly derived from the mines in Saxony, where it exists in the metallic state associated with 
 cobalt, nickel, and silver ores. It is likewise found oxidized as bismuth ochre, in combination 
 with sulphur and with tellurium, and in gold ores. Deposits of bismuth ore have been dis- 
 covered in Hungary, France, Cornwall, and other parts of Europe, in Texas, California, Mexico, 
 Bolivia, and other parts of America, and in Australia. Bismuth appears to have been first 
 recognized as a distinct metal by Basilius Valentinus in the fifteenth century, but was afterward 
 frequently confounded with antimony, tin, and zinc until Pott (1739), and afterward Bergmann; 
 Davy, and others, proved its distinct properties. The metal is extracted by a simple process of 
 smelting, advantage being taken of its low melting-point, and run into hot iron receiving-pots, 
 where it congeals. The bismuth sulphide requires to be roasted ; it is thus converted into oxide, 
 which is reduced to the metallic state by being heated with charcoal. The crude metal thus 
 obtained contains variable quantities of arsenic, copper, iron, and other metals. 
 
 Bismuthum purificatum, Br, — Purified bismuth. — Take of Bismuth 10 ounces ; Potassium 
 
344 
 
 BISMUTHI SUBNITRAS. 
 
 Cyanide 4 ounce ; Sulphur 80 grains ; Potassium Carbonate and Sodium Carbonate, recently 
 ignited, of each a sufficient quantity. Melt the bismuth in a crucible. Add the potassium 
 cyanide and sulphur, previously mixed. Heat the whole to low redness for fifteen minutes, con- 
 stantly stirring. Remove the crucible from the fire, and let it cool until the flux has solidified 
 to a crust. Pierce two holes in the crust and pour the still fluid bismuth into another crucible. 
 Remelt this partially purified bismuth with about 5 per cent, of a mixture of dried potassium 
 and sodium carbonate, heating to bright redness and constantly stirring. Remove the crucibles 
 from the fire, and pour out the bismuth into suitable moulds. 
 
 The flux of potassium sulphocyanate removes some of the impurities, while the remainder are 
 removed by the alkali carbonates. 
 
 A method proposed by Mr. Mehu (1873) aims at the formation of an alloy with potassium by 
 heating to redness a mixture of powdered crude bismuth, potassium carbonate, charcoal, and 
 soap under a layer of well-washed charcoal ; the metallic button obtained at the end of an hour 
 is then fused in a capsule, for the purpose of oxidizing the potassium to potassa, which is accom- 
 plished when a yellow-brown layer of bismuth oxide begins to form. It is claimed that arsenic 
 and sulphur are completely removed by this process. 
 
 Properties. — Bismuth is a brilliant grayish-white metal with a distinct roseate tinge and a 
 crystalline lamellate texture. When fused bismuth is cooled until a crust has formed, and the 
 liquid portion is then poured out, the crucible will be found lined with rhombohedral crystals 
 resembling cubes. Its specific gravity is 9.83, which is diminished by high pressure. It fuses 
 at 268.3° C. (515° F.), and when congealing expands considerably, like water under similar cir- 
 cumstances, the density of the liquid metal being more than 3 per cent, greater than that of solid 
 bismuth. It boils above 1100° C. (2012° F.), and may be distilled in a current of hydrogen. It 
 is superficially tarnished at the ordinary temperature by exposure to the air, but at a red heat 
 decomposes the vapor of water and burns in the air with a bluish flame to brown oxide, becom- 
 ing yellow on cooling. It has the peculiar property of lowering the fusing-point of metals ; an 
 alloy of 2 parts of bismuth and 1 part each of lead and tin fuses at 93.75° C. (200.75° F.). It is 
 but slightly attacked by boiling hydrochloric or dilute sulphuric acid ; but nitric acid dissolves 
 it readily, the solution on concentrating yielding crystals of bismuth nitrate (see Bismuthi Sub- 
 nitras) ; the mother-liquor or the original solution in nitric acid, suitably diluted with water 
 and separated from the white precipitate of subnitrate, should not yield a wnite precipitate with 
 sulphuric acid (lead), or a blue one with potassium ferrocyanide (iron), or with the same 
 reagent a reddish-brown one (copper). The presence of arsenic is ascertained by adding sul- 
 phuric acid to the solution, evaporating it to complete dryness, and applying Marsh’s or Fleit- 
 mann’s test (see pages 26 and 27). Silver, which is occasionally present, will be indicated by 
 the white precipitate which takes place in the nitric-acid solution, previously diluted with water 
 as much as possible, on the addition of hydrochloric acid. The fetid breath following the admin- 
 istration of bismuth preparations has been attributed by C. Ekin (1876) to the presence of some 
 tellurium •, but from observations made by Dr. Squibb (1882) this appears to be doubtful, or at 
 least not the sole cause. 
 
 The salts of bismuth are colorless, except those formed with a colored acid or acidulous radi- 
 cal. The nitrate, sulphate, and chloride dissolve in a small quantity of acidulated water, but 
 are decomposed by a large quantity of water, with the formation of insoluble basic salts. The 
 solutions of bismuth salts yield with hydrogen sulphide a black precipitate insoluble in ammo- 
 nium sulphide, with alkalies white precipitate insoluble in an excess, and with zinc, cadmium, 
 or copper a dark-gray spongy mass consisting of metallic bismuth. The solutions give with 
 potassium iodide a yellowish-brown precipitate, becoming red on the addition of water ; this 
 coloring being so intense that a minute quantity of bismuth may be detected in lead if the acetate 
 is precipitated by an excess of potassium iodide and the mixture heated to boiling ; on cooling, 
 the golden-yellow color of the lead iodide will be tinged crimson, orange, or brown, according 
 to the proportion of bismuth present (Field and Abel, 1877). 
 
 2. Bismuthi nitras s. ternitrate, Bismuthum trisnitricum. — Bismuth nitrate, Normal bis- 
 muth nitrate, E. ; Azotate (nitrate) de bismuth neutre, F. : Wismuthnitrat, G. Bi(N0 3 ) 3 .5H 2 0. 
 Mol. weight 584.37. — The manner in which this salt may be obtained free from arsenic has been 
 described above. Normal bismuth nitrate crystallizes in large colorless prisms having a strongly 
 acid taste, melting at about 80° C. (176° F.) in its water of crystallization, parting with a por- 
 tion of its acid near 120° C. (248° F.), and with the whole of it at 260° C. (500° F.), leaving 
 Bi 2 0 3 behind. Water decomposes the salt, forming a basic nitrate. Mr. Balmanno Squire (1876) 
 found the normal bismuth nitrate to be soluble in glycerin, and this solution, when recently 
 made, is miscible with water without being precipitated. Mr. J. Williams observed that 
 heat must be avoided in preparing the solution and after diluting it with water, and that 
 potassa and soda cause in it a white precipitate, which is dissolved by an excess of the alkali, 
 the alkaline solution being miscible with water, but not with alcohol. Mr. W. W. Moorhead 
 (1877) proposed a glycerite of bismuth nitrate , using 2 troyounces of the crystals to sufficient 
 glycerin to make 8 fluidounces. The salt may thus be prescribed in a perfect solution, which 
 may be diluted by the patient when using it. 
 
 3. Bismuthi oxychloridum. — Bismuth oxychloride, Bismuthyl chloride,^.; Oxychlorure de 
 bismuth, Fr. ; Wismuthoxychlorid, G. BiOCl. Mol. weight 260.23. — It is prepared by slowly 
 pouring a solution of bismuth in nitric acid into a solution of sodium chloride. It is a white 
 powder known as pearl white , and in France, like bismuth subnitrate, as blanc defard. When 
 heated in closed vessels it turns yellow and melts without decomposition, but on being heated in 
 
BISMUTH! SUBNITRAS. 
 
 345 
 
 the air chlorine is thrown off and bismuthous oxide left. The salt is insoluble in water, but 
 readily soluble in acid. It has occasionally been sold as oxide of bismuth. 
 
 4. Bismuthi subiodidum.— Bismuth subiodide, Bismuthyl iodide, E. ; Oxyiodure de bismuth, 
 Fr.; Basisches Wismuthjodid, G. BiOI. Mol. weight 351.39— Bismuth subiodide is obtained 
 when an aqueous suspension of bismuth subnitrate is boiled with potassium iodide, or when a 
 solution of bismuth nitrate, in just sufficient water to prevent precipitation, is warmed with potas- 
 sium iodide. In the first case the resulting compound will be of a crystalline character, while in 
 the second it is obtained as a bulky amorphous powder. The exact composition of bismuth 
 subiodide of course depends upon the method employed ; Moerk claims to produce a pure article 
 by boiling 20 Gm. of bismuth subnitrate with 200 Cc. of water and 1 Cc. of nitric acid (sp. gr. 
 L42) for ten minutes, in order to convert all oxide present into subnitrate ; then add 12 Gm. of 
 potassium iodide dissolved in 100 Cc. of water ; boil the mixture for half an hour, filter and wash 
 until the washings cease to react with silver nitrate. Finally, dry below 100° C. (212° F.). Greene 
 claims that by his method the powder obtained contains 99.44 per cent, of true bismuth sub- 
 iodide and only traces of subnitrate ; it is as follows : Dissolve 409 grains of bismuth subnitrate 
 in 1 fluidounce of nitric acid with aid of heat, and dilute the solution carefully with water until 
 a faint opalescence remains; add to this 221 grains of potassium iodide dissolved in 16 fluid- 
 ounces of cold water ; agitate well and apply heat, but not to the boiling-point (about 80° or 85° 
 C.?) ; the precipitate formed is washed by decantation, drained, and dried at or below 100° C. 
 (212° F.). Bismuth subiodide occurs as a bright-red or brownish-red powder, and is used either 
 plain for dusting purposes or in form of an ointment. 
 
 5. Bismuthi phosphas. — Bismuth phosphate is prepared by dissolving 5 parts of the subnitrate 
 in sufficient nitric acid, and pouring this solution slowly into a solution of 6 parts of sodium 
 phosphate. It is a white powder, resembling the oxychloride. 
 
 6. Bismuthi lactas. — Bismuth lactate is prepared by boiling 10 parts of the subnitrate with 
 an excess of caustic soda, washing the oxide well with water, and while still moist mixing it 
 with 9 parts of lactic acid ; the mixture is digested, and dried in the water-bath. 
 
 7. Bismuthi salicylas. — Bismuth salicylate , which was formerly prepared by precipitating a 
 solution of bismuth nitrate in glycerin with a concentrated solution of sodium salicylate is best 
 made, according to Nagelvoort, by following Duyk’s process, slightly modified as to temperature : 
 5U0 Gm. of pure bismuth subnitrate are digested with 1000 Cc. of distilled water for two days, 
 with frequent stirring, in a warm place ; 50 Cc. of strong ammonia-water are now added, the 
 liquid drawn off, and the residue, Bi 2 0 3 , washed until free from nitric acid ; the moist oxide is 
 transferred to a wide-mouthed bottle, a little distilled water and 125 Gm. of salicylic acid are 
 added, and the mixture digested at ordinary room temperature, with frequent stirring, for at 
 least forty-eight hours. The bismuth salicylate is then washed with small quantities of cold 
 water until all free acid has been removed, and the product finally dried at a low temperature 
 and kept in a dark place. As thus prepared the salt occurs as a cream-colored, odorless, and 
 tasteless amorphous powder, free from uncombined salicylic acid and from bismuth subnitrate. 
 It is a basic compound, having the composition Bi(C 7 H 5 0 3 ) 3 .Bi 2 0 3 . 
 
 8. Bismuth subgallate (Dermatol) is prepared by dissolving 15 parts of bismuth subnitrate 
 in 30 parts of glacial acetic acid, adding 200 to 250 parts of water, and filtering. To the filtrate 
 add with constant stirring a warm solution of 5 parts of gallic acid in 200 or 250 parts of water. 
 The resulting precipitate is separated by decantation and washed until free from nitric acid ; it 
 is then dried at 100° C. (212° F.). Bismuth subgallate occurs as an impalpable saffron-yellow, 
 odorless powder, permanent in the air and insoluble in all ordinary solvents. It w r as introduced 
 as a substitute for iodoform, and has been used as a dusting powder and in various forms of 
 ointments alone or combined with zinc oxide. 
 
 9. Bismuthi tannas. — Bismuthum tannicum, Tannas bismuthicus. — Bismuth tannate, E.; Tan- 
 nate de bismuth, Fr. ; Wismuthtannat, G . — 14 parts of crystallized bismuth nitrate are dis- 
 solved in the least possible quantity of nitric acid, previously diluted with half its w eight of 
 water ; the solution is poured into an excess of solution of soda, the precipitate well w T ashed 
 with water until the w r ashings cease to have an alkaline reaction, and the moist precipitate trit- 
 urated w'ith 20 parts of tannin diluted with w r ater, strained through muslin, and dried with the 
 aid of a moderate heat. This is Cap’s process, proposed in 1860 ; in the first part of it bismuth 
 hydroxide is formed from the nitrate by decomposing it with sodium hydroxide ; the precipitate 
 is then directly combined wfith tannic acid, with wfiiich it should be left in contact for an hour or 
 two before being washed and dried. It forms a light-yellow powder which is insoluble in w r ater 
 and alcohol, and is entirely tasteless. When thoroughly dried its composition represents 53 per 
 cent, of bismuth oxide and 47 of tannin. 
 
 10. Bismuthi valerianas. — Bismuthum valerianicum, Yalerianus bismuthicus. — Bismuth vale- 
 rianate, E. ; Valerianate de bismuth, Fr. ; Wismuthvalerianat, G . — A solution of bismuth nitrate 
 in the smallest quantity of nitric acid, previously diluted wfith half its weight of w r ater, is pre- 
 cipitated by a rather concentrated solution of sodium valerianate ; the precipitate is washed with 
 water, to which some valerianic acid has been added, until the wrashings, on evaporation, 
 leave no residue, and afterward dried. Or 50 parts of bismuth subnitrate are digested for four 
 hours with 150 parts of ammonia diluted with the same weight of water ; the sediment, consist- 
 ing of bismuth hydroxide, is well washed with w r ater, drained, transferred to a mortar, and well 
 triturated with 15 parts of concentrated valerianic acid, 30 parts of alcohol being gradually 
 added during the trituration. It is afterw T ard collected upon a filter and dried at the ordinary 
 temperature. Prepared by either process, it is a white amorphous pow r der having a decided 
 
346 
 
 BISMUTH 1 SUBRITBAS. 
 
 odor of valerianic acid, insoluble in water and alcohol, soluble in nitric and in sulphuric acid ; 
 the latter solution does not acquire a black color on the addition of ferrous sulphate (absence of 
 nitrate). Other impurities may be detected by the same tests as in the bismuth subnitrate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is no doubt that, practically, subnitrate of bismuth is 
 insoluble in the gastro-intestinal juices. It appears to act upon the stomach and bowels 
 simply by coating their mucous membrane with a virtually insoluble and at the same 
 time perfectly unirritating substance, which protects it against the action of the contents 
 of these viscera, and at the same time probably restrains their secretion and absorbs the 
 excess of free acids present. Pure subnitrate of bismuth, taken internally, occasions no 
 morbid symptoms, but confines the bowels and blackens and deodorizes the feces. It is 
 not, properly speaking, an astringent, and it does not coagulate mucus. After death in 
 persons who have been using it freely the gastric mucous membrane presents no peculiari- 
 ties, but that of the small intestine is in parts bluish, and the colon and rectum are 
 stained black by a reaction of the bismuth with the sulphurous compounds present. 
 
 Subnitrate of bismuth was originally employed to relieve certain chronic and painful 
 affections of the stomach, which appear to have been gastralgia and simple ulcer of that 
 organ. It is probable that the latter was the disease most commonly treated successfully, 
 and that it was sometimes associated with neuralgia of the stomach. It is certain that 
 pure gastralgia is not peculiarly benefited by bismuth, and that simple ulcer is signally 
 improved by it. If the pain is greatest upon taking food, there is probably ulcer ; if 
 the paroxysms occur when the stomach is empty, they are probably neuralgic. Ulcerated 
 cancer of the stomach is favorably influenced by subnitrate of bismuth, which, as in 
 simple ulcer, forms a covering to the raw and irritable surface, and thereby lessens pain 
 and vomiting. It is beneficial in cases of chronic gastric catarrh due to coarse food or 
 excessive eating, and which are attended by a feverish condition, a coated tongue, and an 
 enlargement of the papillae. In almost every form of diarrhoea caused by irritation or 
 ulceration of the intestinal coats this medicine is of the utmost service — in all cases, 
 indeed, for which chalk has for a long time been employed. The premonitory diarrhoea 
 of cholera is generally under its control when it is given in doses of not less than 30 or 
 40 grains, and the same is true of smaller doses in cholera infantum. There is no better 
 agent for controlling the diarrhoea of typhoid fever when it becomes excessive at any 
 period of the disease, but especially during its decline ; and it is useful in tuberculous 
 diarrhoea — provided that the doses of the medicine are large — and in all forms indeed of 
 chronic diarrhoea and chronic dysentery. In acute as well as in chronic dysentery enemas 
 composed of mucilage in which bismuth is suspended are very soothing to the inflamed 
 and ulcerated bowel. 
 
 As a topical application subnitrate of bismuth is useful whenever a neutral protective 
 and absorbent, and by the latter quality made somewhat astringent, powder is required. 
 Nothing is superior to it as an application to superficial abrasions and ulcerations, as in 
 intertrigo , slight and even blistered burns , confluent variola , eczema , zona, fissures of the 
 anus, prolapsus ani or p. vaginae , chapjied. nipples , lips, and hands , and leucorrhoea. The 
 virtues exhibited by it in these affections has also been shown when it was used as a 
 dressing for surgical and other wounds , for which purpose it was employed by Kocher in 
 1883, and afterward by See, Gosselin, Heret, and others (Archives gen., Jan. 1886, p. 1). 
 It was applied suspended in water or by insufflation as a dry powder, with the addition 
 of the usual antiseptic dressing. But the cases of poisoning produced by it have caused 
 this mode of treatment to be abandoned for large wounds. In vaginal leucorrhoea 
 powdered bismuth on a roll of charpie should be introduced into the vagina through a 
 speculum, and withdrawn after six or eight hours. Cancrum oris following an epidemic 
 of measles was found to improve under the use of subnitrate of bismuth better than 
 after any other topical measures (Macguire, Med. Record, xxxiii. 113), showing the 
 advantage of a protective treatment. A similar result is stated to have attended this 
 method in the management of recent wounds (Riedel, Am. Jour, of Med. Sci., July, 
 1883, p. 250). It is an efficient remedy for acute coryza when repeatedly and thoroughly 
 snuffed into the nostrils. Its efficacy may be increased by associating with it morphine 
 and powdered gum arabic ; e. g. muriate of morphine gr. j, powdered gum arabic gj, sub- 
 nitrate of bismuth giij. In chronic coryza the following powder has been strongly 
 recommended as a snuff : subnitrate of bismuth 4 parts, liquorice-powder 8 parts, iodide 
 of sulphur 30 parts. In most of these affections the cure will be hastened by associat- 
 ing with the bismuth oxide of zinc in the proportion of about one-fourth. In some cases 
 of scrofulous ozaena cures have been effected by forcibly snuffing the finely-powdered 
 subnitrate into the nostrils and daily cleansing the passages by means of the douche. 
 
BISMUTH I SUBNITRAS. 
 
 347 
 
 Sometimes it is topically applied suspended in water, which appears to be irrational ; and 
 sometimes in glycerin, which is less so, since the glycerin, if pure, tends to deprive the 
 tissues of their moisture. The powdered salt is an efficient palliative of excessive or 
 fetid sweats of the feet and other parts. A mixture of 2 parts of this preparation and 
 1 part of powdered benzoin has been proposed for the treatment of whooping cough by 
 insufflation. Like other protectives and sedatives, it may lessen the frequency of the par- 
 oxysms when used in this manner. 
 
 A modification of Bbttger’s test for diabetic sugar has been proposed by W. L. Dud- 
 ley, as follows : “ Dissolve subnitrate of bismuth in the least possible quantity of chem- 
 ically pure nitric acid, and add to it an equal amount of acetic acid of ordinary strength ; 
 dilute to eight or ten times its volume, and filter if necessary. To the solution to be 
 tested add sufficient sodium hydrate to render it strongly alkaline, then add a drop or 
 two of the bismuth solution ; heat to boiling, and continue the boiling for twenty or 
 thirty seconds. If sugar is present, the white flocculent precipitate which is formed on 
 the addition of the bismuth solution to the alkaline liquid will become gray or black ” 
 (Amer. Chem. Jour., 1880). Loewe employs the following formula for the test solution : 
 “ Subnitrate of bismuth 15 Gm. ; dissolve in pure glycerin 30 Gm. ; solution of sodium 
 hydrate (sp. gr. 1.34) 60 to 70 Ccm. ; dilute with water 150 to 160 Ccm. ; heat to 212° 
 F.” ( Practitioner , xxvi. 291). 
 
 The dose of subnitrate of bismuth varies from Gm. 0.20—0.25 (gr. iij-iv) in infantile 
 cases to a teaspoonful for adults, but the average dose for adults may be stated at Gm. 
 0.60 (gr. x). It is best given with water alone and when the stomach is empty. Milk, 
 soup, and similar liquids as vehicles tend to envelop the medicine, and to that extent 
 neutralize its action. 
 
 Phosphate of bismuth has been proposed (by Tedenat) as superior to all the other 
 bismuth compounds, because it is more insoluble than they are. It may be given in 
 somewhat smaller doses than the subnitrate (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 427). 
 
 Salicylate of bismuth has been credited not only with moderating and curing, but 
 even with aborting, typhoid fever (Huchard), but upon insufficient grounds. No doubt it 
 moderates the diarrhoea and corrects the fetor of the stools in this disease, and if largely 
 given may reduce the temperature and pulse-rate ; but that it shortens the disease or 
 lessens its mortality no proof exists. It has also been lauded in various diarrhoeal and 
 painful disorders of the digestive tube by Solger ( Deut . med. Wochensch., No. 22, 1886; 
 and Ehring. Therap. Gaz ., xii. 1840), but nothing has been adduced to show its superior- 
 ity to the subnitrate. 
 
 Sub-benzoate of bismuth is stated to be a mild escharotic (Med. News , li. 653). 
 
 Subiodide of bismuth has been recommended by Dr. Reynolds (Med. News , xlix. 
 393), Chassaignac (N. Orleans Med. and Surg. Jour., July, 1887), as an efficient substi- 
 tute for the subnitrate in all of the affections mentioned in this article, and as of pecu- 
 liar value in the treatment of chronic ulcers. A writer who claims that there is no danger 
 from its absorption, because it is harmless even when taken by the mouth, overlooks 
 the facts which have been established respecting the subnitrate. Anaesthetic virtues 
 have been attributed to it. 
 
 Subgallate of bismuth (dermatol), like its congeners, has been found useful as an 
 absorbent, protective, and astringent for many secreting surfaces, such as are presented 
 in eczema , herpes , ulcers , burns , wounds , abscesses , etc., when their inflammatory stage has 
 passed and the affected parts require only protection for their cure. It is non-poisonous 
 and is entirely unirritating, and, like other salts of bismuth, has been found useful in chronic 
 diarrhoea and dysentery. As an internal medicine its dose need not be strictly measured. 
 (Compare Stone, Med. Comment. Mass. Med. Soc., xv. 687.) 
 
 Tannate of bismuth is astringent, and was at one time used internally in diar- 
 rhoea, and topically in gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, ophthalmia , etc. It is now very seldom 
 employed. 
 
 There is not sufficient reason for believing that valerianate of bismuth is of the 
 least therapeutical value. 
 
 BOLDUS.— Boldo. 
 
 Boldo, Fr., G. 
 
 The leaves of Peumus Boldus, Molina , s. Ruizia (Peumus, Persoon, Boldoa, C. Gay') 
 fragrans, Ruiz and Pavon. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 217. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Monimiaceae, 
 
348 
 
 BOLD US. 
 
 Origin. — Boldo- or boldu-leaves are derived from a tall evergreen dioecious shrub 
 which is a native of Chili, and is there frequently cultivated in gardens. It has lax 
 cymes of sweet-scented, apetalous, greenish-yellow flowers, the pistillate ones producing 
 about three yellowish drupes of the size of a pea and containing a single albuminous 
 seed. The bark is used in tanning and the wood is esteemed for charcoal-making. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are opposite, on short petioles, coriaceous, about 5 Cm. 
 (2 inches) long, broadly oval or oval-oblong, very obtuse at the apex, entire or somewhat 
 undulate on the margin, rough on both sides, glossy above and pale and hairy beneath. 
 The dried leaves are often reddish-brown, and have a fragrant odor and a refreshing aro- 
 matic pungent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Claude Yerne (1875) obtained from the leaves 2 per cent, of volatile 
 oil, which after rectification is yellow, colored hyacinth-red by sulphuric acid, violet by 
 nitric acid, red by potassa, and is decolorized by hydrochloric acid ; it is freely soluble in 
 alcohol, commences to boil at 185° C. (365° F.), and contains no aldehyde. Boldo-leaves 
 also contain about per cent, of the alkaloid boldine , discovered by Bourgoin and Yerne 
 (1873) ; it is best extracted with acetic acid, imparts to water a bitter taste, is soluble in 
 alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene, and caustic alkalies, and is colored red by nitric and 
 sulfuric acids. Besides some tannin and aromatic resinous 
 compounds the other constituents do not possess any medicinal 
 importance. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Yerne has proposed a tincture of 
 boldo , made with 20 parts of the leaves and 100 parts of 60 per 
 cent, alcohol ; wine of boldo , made with 3 parts of the leaves and 
 100 of Madeira wine ; an aqueous and an alcoholic extract of boldo, 
 the latter prepared by evaporating the tincture. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Atherosperma moschata, Labillardi&re , an Austra- 
 lian tree, known there as sassafras tree , has in all parts an odor resem- 
 bling somewhat that of nutmeg ; the bark, which is used as an antiscor- 
 butic and tonic, contains tannin and the bitter alkaloid atherospermine, 
 which is a white amorphous powder readily soluble in alcohol and 
 chloroform, but dissolving sparingly in ether ; its colorless solution in 
 sulphuric acid becomes green with potassium chromate (Zeyer, 1861). 
 The allied South American genera, Citrosma and Laurellia, are highly 
 aromatic. The bark of these trees is used for tanning. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like all plants which contain an 
 essential oil, boldo has been regarded as an active stimulant of 
 the nervous and circulatory systems. Experiments upon him- 
 self by Yerne (1882) showed that boldo affects neither the 
 circulation, the temperature, nor the secretion of urine, but 
 that it augments the discharge of urea {Bull, de Ther., cii. 286). 
 
 Boldo has been recommended, in alcoholic or vinous solution, for anaemia , dyspepsia , 
 and general debility , and the oil has been proposed for the relief of catarrh , especially of 
 the urino-genital organs. The tincture has been prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.30—1.00 
 (npv-xv). Magnan and Juranville have alleged that in doses of Gm. 2 (gr. xxx) boldo 
 or boldo-glucine occasions a tranquil sleep in persons of excited brain and in some cases 
 of insanity {Ther. Gaz ., xii. 55) ; and Campenon attributes remarkable efficacy to it in 
 cases of cirrhotic enlargement of the liver {ibid., xiii. 756). But the evidence in all of 
 these cases is very inadequate and lacks confirmation. 
 
 Atherospermia moschata. — According to Graves {Lancet, Feb. 1, 1862, p. 134), 
 under the name of “ native sassafras ” it has long been used by the early settlers and 
 Bushmen of Australia for making a sort of diet-drink in rheumatic and secondary syphilitic 
 affections. He used it in his own person in chronic bronchitis , and in less than twenty- 
 four hours his pulse fell from 120 to 80, and the expectoration from being excessive 
 and difficult became moderate and easy. Other physicians employed it with equal advan- 
 tage, and subsequently administered the oil in drop-doses as a sedative of excessive and 
 irregular action of the heart. A decoction made with an ounce of the bark to a pint 
 of water and boiled for ten or fifteen minutes was administered every three or four 
 hours in doses of an ounce or two. 
 
 Daphnandra ripandula and D. mirantha have been studied by Bancroft. Their 
 actions appear to be identical. The extract of the bark of the former plant is very pois- 
 onous. It furnishes an alkaloid which is, to some extent, antagonistic to strychnine. 
 Applied topically, it paralyzes all muscles, voluntary and involuntary ; it retards putrefac- 
 
 Fig. 40. 
 
 Boldo-leaf, natural size. 
 
BOLUS.— BORAGO. 
 
 349 
 
 tion and deodorizes putrid meat ; it checks the growth of Torula cerevisiae and kills some 
 water-plants ( Phar . Jour, and Trans., Oct. 1, 1887). 
 
 BOLUS.— Bole. 
 
 Bo/, Fr. ; Bolus , G. 
 
 Description. — This term is applied to certain native aluminum silicates, which 
 are soft and unctuous to the touch, readily adhere to the moist tongue, and are easily 
 scraped with the knife; they break with a conchoidal fracture, are insoluble in water, 
 with which they gradually form a pasty mass, do not effervesce with acids, and for 
 medicinal use are powdered and elutriated with water. They contain alumina and 
 silica in the approximate proportion of 3 to 5. According to color they have been 
 distinguished as — 
 
 Bolus alba, P. G., known also as Argilla and terra alba ; it is of a white color, and 
 contains small quantities of magnesia and traces of iron. 
 
 Bolus armena, s. rubra, Argilla ferruginea, or Armenian bole , was formerly 
 brought from Armenia, but is at present obtained in different parts of Europe. Its 
 brown-red color is due to the presence of a considerable proportion of ferric oxide. 
 Terra lemnia , formerly employed, differed from it merely in being of a yellowish color 
 and containing less iron. After having been formed into flattish circular pieces and 
 impressed with a seal these boles constituted the terrae sigillatse which were formerly in 
 high repute. 
 
 Creta rubra, Rubrica fabrilis, red chalk or reddle , is firmer than the preceding, 
 contains more iron, and is used for marking on wood and stone. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Bole was very generally used in Greek and Roman medicine, 
 and in Europe until a quite recent date, in numberless cases requiring astringent and 
 absorbent medicines. Of internal affections for which it was employed may be mentioned 
 menorrhagia , haemoptysis , chronic bronchitis , diarrhoea , and dysentery. Topically, it was 
 applied in leucorrhoea , prolapsus ani , sore nipples , aphthae , intertrigo , burns , ulcers , erysipelas , 
 etc. The small proportion of iron contained in it may have increased its efficacy. Dose, 
 Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v— x). 
 
 BORAGO.— Borage. 
 
 Bourrache , Fr. ; Borasch , Boretsch , G. ; Borraja , Sp. 
 
 Borago officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Boraginaceae. 
 
 Description. — Borage is an erect hispid annual indigenous to the Levant, but natu- 
 ralized in Southern and Middle Europe and frequently cultivated in gardens. It has a 
 white fleshy root and an erect branching stem .3-6 M. (1 or 2 feet) high. The leaves 
 are oval or obovate, alternate — the lower ones petiolate, entire, or wavy on the margin, 
 the upper side and the veins beneath with stiff hairs. The flowers are in terminal racemes 
 with ovate bracts, have a five-parted calyx, and a sky-blue or reddish corolla, which is 
 rotate, closed in the throat by five emarginate appendages, and has five stamens. The 
 fruit consists of four brownish-black ovate roughish nutlets, which are excavated at the 
 base. The fresh plant has a slight cucumber-like odor and a saline taste. The herb is 
 used as a salad and occasionally employed in medicine ; the root and flowers have like- 
 wise been used. 
 
 Constituents. — Borage has been analyzed by Lampadius and Braconnot, who found 
 considerable mucilage, a little resin, and potassium and calcium combined with organic 
 and mineral acids. Braconnot obtained from the inspissated juice 30 per cent, of salts; 
 AValtl (1829) from the dry herb 2 to 3 per cent, of potassium nitrate. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Cynoglossum officinale, Linnt. — Hound’s tongue, E. ; Langue de chien, Fr.; 
 Ilundszunge, G. — A biennial European plant naturalized in North America. The stem is 2 feet 
 (.6 M.) high ; the leaves are hairy, elliptic, and petiolate, the upper ones lanceolate, sessile, 
 and somewhat clasping ; the flowers are brownish-red and have a short, white tube ; the ovate 
 nutlets are covered with short, hooked prickles. The fresh plant has a disagreeable odor ; the 
 taste is mucilaginous and slightly bitter. 
 
 Pulmonari a officinalis, Limit:. — Lungwort, j E. ; Pulmonaire, Fr. ; Lungenkraut, G . — A 
 perennial European plant with a simple hairy stem and rough hairy entire leaves, often 
 marked with white spots, and with reddish or purple nodding flowers. The radical leaves 
 are ovate-cordate, pointed, and petiolate ; the stem-leaves are spatulate or ovate, the upper 
 ones spgsile. The herb is inodorous, and has a mucilaginous somewhat astringent taste. 
 
350 
 
 BROMUM. 
 
 Mertensia (Pulmonaria, Linn4 ) virginica, De Candolle. — Virginia lungwort, Cowslip, E. — 
 It grows from New York westward, and southward to Texas, is a smooth herb 1 or 2 feet (.3 or 
 .6 M.) high, and has obovate-oblong or elliptical sessile leaves, the lower ones narrowed into a 
 petiole, and corymbose racemes of flowers, with a purple-blue or white corolla about an inch 
 (25 Mm.) in length and four times as long as the calyx. 
 
 Echium vulgare, Linnt. — Viper’s bugloss, Blueweed, E. ; Viperine, Fr.; Natterkopf, G . — 
 It is a common European perennial, and is naturalized in North America. It is rough-hairy, 
 about 2 feet (.6 M.) high, and has linear-lanceolate leaves and showy blue flowers in axillary clusters, 
 forming an elongated terminal raceme. It has very little odor and a mucilaginous taste. Both 
 the herb and the long, nearly simple, brown, and internally white fleshy root have been 
 employed. 
 
 Onosma echioides, Lamarck. — Lotwurz, G. — A perennial plant indigenous to Southern 
 Europe. The stem is rough hairy and about 45 Cm. (1-1 J feet) high ; the leaves vary from 
 linear lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, the latter being placed toward the top of the stem. The 
 flowers are first white, and later yellow. The conical root is internally w r hitish, and the bark is 
 dark-red, externally black. The root is used for coloring in place of alkanet. 
 
 Alkanna (Anchusa, LinnS) tinctoria, Tausch. — Alkanet, E. ; Orcannette, Fr. ; Alkanna- 
 wurzel, G. — This perennial herb, indigenous to Western Asia and South-eastern Europe, is 
 about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, has nearly sessile flowers with a whitish corolla-tube, purplish 
 throat, and blue margin. The root as found in the market is 30- Cm. (a foot) or less in length, 
 and about as thick as a finger, several-headed, and often crowned by whitish leaf-remnants. 
 The soft bark easily separates into three layers, has a dark purplish color like the medullary 
 rays, and covers a harder, yellowish, irregularly twisted, and spongy wood. It is principally 
 used for coloring oils and pomades, due to the coloring-matter, anchusic acid, which it con- 
 tains. 
 
 Anchusa officinalis, Linn 6. — Ox-tongue, Bugloss, E . — The plant is about 45 Cm. (1 J feet) 
 high, rough hairy. The leaves are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, sessile or petiolate. The 
 almost sessile flowers are arranged in a cyme and possess a purplish-blue corolla. The root 
 resembles alkanet in shape, but is externally blackish-brown, internally white. The herb and 
 root, which was formerly used medicinally, have an insipid, mucilaginous taste. 
 
 Lawsonia alba, Lamarck (Lythrarieae), is the plant yielding the Oriental dyestuff alhenna. 
 In Oriental countries an infusion of the broadly lanceolate or elliptical leaves is used for dyeing 
 the finger- and toe-nails orange-red. 
 
 Action and. Uses. — The virtues of borage, which are chiefly those of an 
 emollient and protective, it owes to the mucilage it contains, while its saline elements 
 render it somewhat diuretic when its infusion is freely used. In France especially it is 
 much employed in acute febrile affections and in pulmonary catarrhs. The infusion is 
 made with from Gm. 4-12 (^j-iij) in a pint of water. A decoction of the whole plant 
 and a fomentation prepared with the flowers are used in local inflammations. 
 
 Cynoglossum in a fresh state gives off an exhalation which has produced acro-narcotic 
 effects, and the leaves are a popular remedy for superficial burns , bruises , abrasions , etc., 
 and for glandular and other local swellings. Pulmonaria is a lenitive and expectorant, 
 and its dried leaves are somewhat astringent. It is extensively used in France as an 
 ingredient of tisanes for coughs in various pulmonary affections. Its name is, indeed, 
 derived from such uses of the plant. Mertensia has similar properties, and Echium vul- 
 gare is, at the same time, diuretic by means of its potassium and other salts. 
 
 Bugloss is said to have the same medicinal properties as borage (Borago officinalis), 
 which are simply those of an emollient which becomes diaphoretic or diuretic according 
 to the temperature and the quantity of the infusion in which it is administered. It is 
 not used in this country. Alkanet-root has no medicinal virtues ; its coloring matter is 
 harmless. 
 
 BROMUM, 77. 8 ., Br ., B . G .— Bromine. 
 
 Brominium. — Brome , Fr. ; Brom. G. 
 
 Symbol Br. Atomicity univalent. Atomic weight 79.76. 
 
 A liquid, non-metallic element obtained from sea-water and from saline springs. 
 Origin and Preparation. — Bromine was discovered by Balard (1826) in the 
 mother-liquor obtained in the preparation of common salt from the water of the Mediter- 
 ranean ; he also investigated its chemical properties, and proved its close analogy to 
 chlorine and iodine. Bromine does not exist in the free state, but is found widely dis- 
 tributed in nature, the bromides usually accompanying chlorides. It is more particularly 
 found in sea-water, in the waters of Kreuznach, Kissingen, and other mineral springs, but 
 is now obtained in considerable quantities from the mother-liquors of many salt-works in 
 the United States and at Stassfurth, Germany. These mother-liquors, which have been 
 freed by crystallization as much as possible from other salts, chlorides, and sulphates, 
 
BROMTJM. 
 
 351 
 
 contain the bromine, usually in combination with magnesium or calcium. These com- 
 pounds are decomposed either by heating their solution with black manganese oxide and 
 hydrochloric acid, or by warming it to between 45° and 50° C. (113° and 122° F.) while 
 chlorine gas is being passed into it ; the bromides are at once decomposed ; MgBr 2 -f Cl 2 
 forms MgCl 2 -f- Br 2 . The bromine volatilizes, and is condensed under a small quantity 
 of water, which is contained in a deep Woulf’s bottle kept cool by water, while that por- 
 tion of bromine which escapes condensation is conducted into a solution of caustic 
 potassa contained in an open bottle ; this solution, when it has nearly lost its alkaline 
 reaction, is subsequently utilized for the preparation of potassium bromide. The moth- 
 er-liquors, as obtained in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, yield about 2 per 
 cent, of bromine, or the brine about 1 pound of bromine to 13 bushels of salt. The 
 production of the Ohio and Kanawha valleys amounts to about 130,000 pounds of bro- 
 mine annually, in addition to which from 800 to 1000 pounds are manufactured in 
 Pennsylvania (S. S. Garrigues, 1873). According to Wellcome (1877), about 1000 
 pounds are daily manufactured in the United States. W. J. M. Gordon (1883) gives 
 the annual production in this country at between 450,000 and 500,000 pounds. 
 
 Properties. — It is a heavy, brownish-red, mobile and very volatile liquid, exhaling 
 at the ordinary temperature deep orange-red vapors, which are highly irritating to the 
 eyes and lungs, and on being conducted into a flame impart to it a green color. Its odor, 
 which is suggestive of chlorine and iodine, is suffocating and disagreeable, hence its 
 name (from / 3pa>fws , a stench). It boils at 63° C. (145.4° F.) (Pierre) ; Balard and 
 others gave the boiling-point as low as 47° C. (117° F.). At 15° C. (59° F.) its spe- 
 cific gravity is 2.99, and at the freezing-point of water 3.187. It congeals at about 
 — 25° C. ( — 12° F.), at the same time increasing its volume about 6 per cent. It destroys 
 cork, wood, etc., bleaches litmus and other coloring principles, and alters or destroys 
 most odorous organic compounds. It dissolves in 30 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 and in less of alcohol and ether, with gradual decomposition of these liquids, the brown- 
 red, or if diluted brown-yellow, solutions are bleached rapidly in the sunlight, hydro- 
 bromic acid being formed. Potassium bromide increases the solubility of bromine in 
 water. Carbon disulphide, benzene, and chloroform dissolve bromine freely with an 
 orange-red color, and, like ether, take it up from the aqueous solution on being agitated 
 with the latter. When in contact with water at a low temperature, bromine forms a 
 deep-red hydrate, Br 2 .10H 2 O, crystallizing in octahedrons or in scales, which at 15° C. 
 (59° F.) are decomposed into bromine and water. Bromine and its solutions color 
 starch-paste brown-yellow. 
 
 Impurities. — Iodine does not now often form an impurity of bromine, but chlorine 
 is frequently present, and causes a lowering of the boiling-point. Carbon bromide is 
 occasionally present in crude bromine, and may be removed by careful rectification, its 
 boiling-point being considerably higher than that of bromine. 
 
 Tests. — Bromine should completely volatilize by exposure to air or to heat (absence 
 of salts, etc.). “If bromine be added to an excess of sodium hydroxide test-solution, it 
 should combine to form a permanently clear liquid, without the separation of oily drops 
 or the development of an odor resembling that of chloroform (absence of bromoform or 
 other organic bromine compounds). If an aqueous solution of bromine be shaken with a 
 slight excess of reduced iron until it becomes nearly colorless, the filtered liquid, on the 
 addition of a small amount of ferric chloride and of starch test-solution, should not 
 assume a blue color (absence of iodine). If 1 Cc. of a saturated aqueous solution of 
 bromine be diluted with 9 Cc. of water, then mixed with 3 Cc. of ammonium carbonate 
 test-solution and 5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution, and the whole actively 
 shaken, the filtered liquid, when supersaturated with nitric acid, should not become more 
 than opalescent, nor separate a flocculent precipitate within three minutes (absence of 
 more than 3 per cent, of chlorine).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — In the manufacture of most of the medicinal bromine 
 compounds free bromine is or may be employed. 
 
 Derivative Compounds. — Bromal, C 2 HBr 3 0. Mol. weight, 280.18. This compound resem- 
 bles chloral in its chemical nature, and like it forms a hydrate when brought in contact with 
 water or an alcoholate with alcohol. It is obtained when bromine is slowly added to absolute 
 alcohol, the mixture kept cool, and after twenty hours distilled ; bromal comes over between 
 172° and 180° C. (341.6° and 356° F.), and condenses as an oily liquid, which does not congeal 
 at —20° C. ( — 4° F.). It has a peculiar penetrating odor and a sharp, burning taste ; its vapors 
 are irritating to the eyes. On exposure to moist air it is converted into a white crystalline mass 
 of bromal hydrate, C 2 HBr 3 0.II 2 0, which can be obtained in large transparent crystals from its 
 
352 
 
 BROMUM. 
 
 solution in water ; the hydrate has the odor and taste of bromal and fuses at 53.5° C. (128.3° 
 F.). The alcoholate fuses at 44° C. (111.2° F.), is slightly soluble in water, and is decomposed 
 by heat. Bromal is decomposed by alkali hydroxides, forming bromoform and alkali formate. 
 A mixture of bromal hydrate and strong sulphuric acid separates oily bromal, but is not colored 
 brown. Bromal hydrate forms with distilled water a clear solution which is not precipitated 
 by silver nitrate. 
 
 Bromoform. Tribromomethane. CHBr 3 . Mol. weight, 252.25.- — This compound is analogous 
 to chloroform, and is obtained when bromine is allowed to act on alcohol in the presence of alka- 
 lies or alkaline earths. It is now made almost exclusively by Denig’s process, which consists in 
 the action of sodium hypobromite on acetone ; bromine is added to solution of sodium hydroxide, 
 yielding sodium bromide and hypobromite ; and when acetone is brought in contact with this 
 mixture, reaction takes place (even in the cold), resulting in the formation of bromoform, 
 together with sodium acetate and hydroxide. Bromoform is a clear colorless liquid of peculiar 
 odor and sweetish .taste ; its spec. grav. is 2.9, and its boiling point 147-148° C. (296.6°- 
 298.4° F.). It is sparingly soluble in water, but readily in alcohol, and must be kept pro- 
 tected against sunlight. Caution is necessary in the selection of this article : for medicinal use 
 only that free from color and acid should be chosen. The chief value of bromoform has been as 
 an abortive agent in the paroxysms of whooping cough, although it has also been used success- 
 fully by inhalation in the treatment of diphtheria. The usual dose for children is from 5 to 20 
 drops daily, preferably given in solution. Owing to the insolubility of bromoform in water, 
 the following combination, suggested by Prof. Bedford, appears very desirable ; each fluid- 
 drachm will contain about 3 drops of bromoform : Bromoform 16 minims, alcohol 2 fluidrachms, 
 glycerin 12 fluidrachms, compound tincture of cardamom 2 fluidrachms ; mix in the order named. 
 
 Bromol. Tribromophenol. C 6 H 2 Br 3 OH. Mol. weight 330.06. — This is a well-known com- 
 pound produced by the action of bromine upon phenol (carbolic acid) in aqueous solution. It 
 occurs in the form of white crystals melting at 95° C. (203° F.), with an unpleasant odor and sweet- 
 ish, astringent taste. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, glycerin, and fixed and volatile 
 oils, but is insoluble in water. Bromol possesses strongly antiseptic properties and is said to be 
 non-toxic. It has been given internally in doses of to ^ of a grain in cholera infantum ; 
 externally it is used in diphtheria in form of a 4 per cent, glycerin solution. Bromol must not 
 be confounded with Bromal (which see above). 
 
 Bromine blocks for disinfecting purposes have been recommended by Frank (1882), and con- 
 sist of a porous mass formed by incinerating a mixture of diatom aceous earth with crude tartar 
 or with calcium saccharate ; cut into cubes of 45 Cc., these weigh about 30 Gm. and absorb 100 
 Gm. of bromine, which is very gradually given off on exposure. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When dogs are confined in an atmosphere of bromine vapor 
 they suffer a profuse secretion from the eyes, nostrils, and fauces, with cough, hoarse- 
 ness, and dyspnoea. It is a corrosive irritant of the stomach, producing vomiting, pain, 
 diarrhoea, and death by exhaustion. On dissection the mucous membrane of the stom- 
 ach and bowels is found softened. Applied to the shaven hide, bromine acts as a caustic 
 and produces gangrenous sores. As it is extremely volatile, care must be taken not to 
 allow its vapor to reach the eyes, nostrils, or mouth. A case of death from bromidia is 
 reported ( Med . News , xlix. 305). The caustic action of bromine may be arrested by a 
 1-2 per cent, solution of carbolic acid (Schrwald, Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 384). 
 
 Formerly bromine was employed in the class of cases in which the use of iodine after- 
 ward became general — viz. glandular and other forms of scrofula , chronic diseases of the 
 skin, constitutional syphilis, chronic enlargement of the internal lymphatic and mesenteric 
 glands, the liver , spleen, ovaries , uterus, etc. — but in all of these uses it has been super- 
 seded by iodine. During the Civil War of the United States it was extensively applied 
 to the treatment of hospital gangrene , according to the method of Dr. Goldsmith, which 
 consisted essentially in cleansing the wound as far as possible of gangrenous tissue, and 
 then applying pure bromine by means of a cotton or lint swab attached to a long wooden 
 handle. Lint moistened with a weak solution of bromine in water was then laid on, 
 covered with oiled silk or other impermeable tissue, and secured with a bandage. After 
 a few hours a poultice was substituted, under which the eschar separated, leaving a 
 healthy wound. The operation was severe, and the patient while undergoing it was 
 etherized. According to Frank and others, bromine is one of the best agents for deo- 
 dorizing and disinfecting the atmosphere of hospitals, etc. Berlin sanitary officials 
 declare that three and a half ounces of bromine can disinfect a space of 918 cubic feet, 
 and deodorize a space of 7000 cubic feet {Med. News, xli. 514). Cancer of different 
 forms and of various external organs has been treated by tissue injections of a strong 
 solution of bromine in alcohol, 1 part to 3 ; but owing either to its inefficiency or its 
 painfulness the method does not appear to have been generally adopted. A weaker solu- 
 tion (lpart in 8) has, been used with some advantage as a local application to the skin 
 for the purpose of allaying pain. Bromine is one of the numerous remedies proposed 
 as specifics for poisoning by Rhus radicans . 
 
BRYONIA. 
 
 353 
 
 Recently the topical use of bromine, which was advocated by Goldsmith in 1887 
 {Med. Record , xxxvii. 138), has been revived in the treatment of diphtheria. Hiller 
 claims almost uniform success from pencilling the affected parts of the fauces with a 
 solution of equal parts of bromine and bromide of potassium, Gm. 0.5-1 (gr. viij-xv) 
 in Gm.200 (f§vj.) of water. He also employs inhalations of bromine from a solution of 
 10 grains each of the two agents in from 10 to 15 ounces of water ( Gentralbl. f. d. ges. 
 Therap ., i. 341). These results are confirmed by Hesse, who, moreover, warns against 
 the use of bromine in laryngeal diphtheria and in bronchial and pulmonary disease 
 ( Centralbl. f. Med,, v. 86). 
 
 Bromal. — B romal hydrate is a powerful and almost caustic irritant ; applied to the 
 skin in an ointment, it occasions redness and swelling, with subcutaneous infiltration, 
 and therefore should not be used hypodermically. Unless greatly diluted it cannot be 
 taken internally, and even then it soon gives rise to burning in the throat, vomiting, and 
 diarrhoea. It has been tried in epilepsy ineffectually, and there is no reason why it should 
 be used at all as a medicine. 
 
 Bromoform. — I n 1884, V. Horoch inferred from his experiments with bromoform 
 that it is anaesthetic and narcotic. In surgical operations on man the effects were 
 the same. Its poisonous action is manifested by collapse and coma ( Therap . Monatsh ., 
 iv. 641 ; Med. News , lviii. 18). The compound appeared to possess antiseptic pow r ers 
 ( Centralbl. f. d. g. Ther., ii. 93). Bonome and Mazza substantially confirmed these results ; 
 they observed, however, that bromoform acted more slowly than either chloroform or ether, 
 and was apt to irritate the eyes and nostrils. No excitement preceded its narcotic action 
 ( Phila . Med. Times , xv. 46). Stepp claimed for it remarkable efficacy in the treatment 
 of whooping cough, giving to a child three or four weeks old one drop three or four times a 
 day, and to older children proportionately larger doses. It was prescribed in water only, 
 although it does not mix with this liquid. It tends readily to be decomposed, especially 
 under the action of light ( Lancet , Aug. 1889, p. 397 ; Dec. 1889, p. 1192). Neumann 
 found it only a palliative of the disease ( Therap . Monatsh ., iv. ,321) while Fischer 
 claims it to be “ the best known remedy ” {Med. Record , xxxviii. 257). 
 
 BRYONIA, 77. S. — Bryonia, Bryony. 
 
 Bryone blanche , F. Cod. ; Couleuvree, F. ; Zaunriibe , Gichtriibe , G. ; Brionia, Sp. 
 
 The root of Bryonia alba, Linne , and Br. dioica, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cucurbitaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Both plants are climbing monoecious and dioecious perennials and indigenous 
 to Europe, Br. alba being more frequent in the northern, and Br. dioica in the southern 
 section of that continent. They have rough, cordate, five-lobed, and toothed alternate 
 leaves, and cymes of four to six small greenish-yellow flowers. Br. alba has black, Br. 
 dioica red, globular berries, which are \ inch (6 Mm.) in diameter ; hence the names black 
 and red bryony. The root is collected in spring, and on drying loses from 85 to 88 per 
 cent, in weight. 
 
 Description. — The roots are 18 inches to 2 feet (45 to 60 Cm.) long and 2 to 4 
 inches (5 to 10 Cm.) thick, nearly simple, in the fresh state fleshy and somewhat lactes- 
 cent. Both are externally pale grayish-brown, transversely wrinkled, the root of Br. 
 alba with numerous transversely elongated suberous warts or ridges. Internally they are 
 white, have a thin bark, a brown cambium line, broad medullary rays, and numerous 
 small narrow wood-bundles arranged between the medullary rays in radiating lines, and 
 concentrically in circles separated by rather broad circles of parenchyma. This latter 
 tissue shrinks considerably in drying, and, the root being usually dried in transverse 
 slices, these show an irregular radiating and concentric arrangement from the projecting 
 wood-rays. Dried bryony-root is inodorous and has a disagreeable bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The bitter principle bryonin appears to have been first obtained pure 
 by Walz (1859), though Schw T erdtfeger had previously separated pearly crystals of a 
 bitter and acrid taste, which, however, contained nitrogen. The aqueous solution of the 
 alcoholic extract is precipitated by lead subacetate, the filtrate treated with hydrogen 
 sulphide, neutralized with soda, and precipitated by tannin ; this precipitate is dissolved 
 in alcohol, the solution treated with lime, the filtrate decolorized with animal charcoal, 
 evaporated, and washed with ether. Bryonin forms a white powder having the composi- 
 tion C^HgoOjg, of an intensely bitter taste, insoluble in ether and soluble in water and 
 alcohol. When boiled with dilute sulphuric acid, bryonin is split into glucose and amor- 
 phous bryoretin and hydrobryoretin, the former of which is soluble, and the latter insolu- 
 23 
 
354 
 
 BUCHU. 
 
 ble in ether. Bryony-root contains also starch, gum, sugar, albumen, waxy and fatty 
 matter, malates and other salts. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Bryonia Americana, Lamarck , and Br. africana, Thuriberg , are employed in 
 their native countries like European bryony. The former species is indigenous to the West 
 Indies, the latter to Southern Africa. 
 
 Br. epig^ea, Rottl. , of India has a mucilaginous and slightly bitter root, which is used by the 
 natives as an alterative in syphilis and as a remedy in snake-bites. 
 
 Tayuya-root of Brazil, which has been recently recommended as a remedy for syphilis and 
 scrofula, is said to come from a species of Bryonia. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The fresh plant applied to the skin produces vesication. 
 Taken accidentally by man, bryony-root has occasioned profuse watery stools, violent 
 colic and vomiting, collapse, and death. Three fatal cases of its use are referred to by 
 Dixson, who also relates one in which grave symptoms were followed by recovery 
 ( Therap . Gaz., x. 35). 
 
 In the Hippocratic writings bryonia-root prepared with wine was recommended for 
 tetanus, prolapsus of the rectum, and uterine ulcers. Dioscorides in addition speaks of 
 the young sprouts as purgative and diuretic, and of the root applied in poultices, etc. for 
 the cure of various cutaneous eruptions, abscesses, etc. One species, the black, was 
 especially recommended in affections of the spleen and kidneys and as a remedy for 
 epilepsy. Later ancient writers speak of it as an emmenagogue and abortifacient, and as 
 a remedy for the bites of venomous animals and insects. In modern medicine it has 
 been principally employed as a hydragogue cathartic in dropsy in the same manner as 
 jalap. In certain cases of epilepsy depending upon intestinal worms it has effected a 
 cure. It has been used in chronic intermittent fever with enlargement of the spleen , 
 and in chronic bronchitis with serous effusion in the air-tubes. It has also been recom- 
 mended in the catarrhal stage of whooping cough. Externally, it has been employed as 
 a rubefacient or vesicant in cases of hydrarthrosis, chronic articular and muscular rheu- 
 matism , and glandular engorgements. Slices of the fresh root have been applied behind 
 the ears of children as a substitute for suppressed eruptions during dentition, and the 
 juice has been used topically in scabies. A Roumanian physician claims for B. alba a 
 decidedly anti-haemorrhagic virtue, especially in post-partum haemorrhage ( Annuaire de 
 Therap., 1888, p. 327). 
 
 The dose of the powder is from Gm. 0.60-4.00 (gr. x-lx). An infusion made with 
 Gm. 8 in Gm. 250 of water (gij in Oss) may be prescribed in doses of a wineglassful. 
 
 Tayuya-root has been sufficiently tested in Europe to prove that it is a very feeble 
 remedy for syphilis and scrofula. In a few cases only did it seem to be useful in super- 
 ficial and glandular forms of either disease, and then only when reinforced by other 
 medicines or a severe regimen. 
 
 BUCHU, TJ . S .— Buchu-leaves. 
 
 Buchu folia, Br. ; Folia bucco, Folia diosmse, s. barosmae. — Feuilles de bucco ( booko , 
 buchu), Fr. ; Buckubldtter, Buccoblatter, G. 
 
 The leaves of — 1. Barosma betulina ( Thunberg), Bartling et Wendland ; 2. Barosma 
 crenulata ( Linne ), Hooker. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , PI. 45, 46. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutacese. 
 
 Origin. — The three plants are shrubs attaining a height of several feet ; the short- 
 stalked or nearly sessile leaves are opposite or subalternate ; the flowers, which are hand- 
 some, have the calyx deeply five-lobed ; the five petals white or pinkish, longer than the 
 calyx, and glandular punctate on the back, and the five hypogynous stamens alternating 
 with the petals. The fruit consists of five carpels, which are united by the inner margin, 
 are dehiscent above by their ventral suture, and contain each one smooth, glossy, and 
 black seed. The shrubs are indigenous to the southern portion of Africa, more particu- 
 larly to various parts of Cape Colony. 
 
 Much uncertainty has prevailed in relation to the diagnosis of the two first-named 
 species, due to the great variation of the leaves. At the present time the following 
 synonyms appear to be generally admitted : 
 
 1. Barosma betulina, Bartl . ; Diosma betulina, Thunb . ; D. crenata, D. C., Lindl., and 
 others; 2. B. crenulata, Hook; B. crenata, Kunzc ; D. crenata, Lin. ; D. crenulata, Lin. ; 
 D. odorata, D. C. ; D. latifolia, Lodd. 
 
 Description. — The leaves of the first species constitute most of the so-called 
 short buchu of the market; they are 12 to 19 Mm. (£ to f of an inch) long, obovate or 
 
BUCHU. 
 
 355 
 
 rhomboid-obovate, cuneate below, usually obtuse, and with the apex recurved ; margin 
 sharply serrate, each serrature containing a gland ; base almost entire ; texture carti- 
 laginous. 
 
 The second species likewise contributes to the short buchu, the larger leaves being 
 occasionally held as an intermediate variety between the short and the long. The leaves 
 
 Fig. 41. 
 
 Buchu-leaves : a, b, Barosma creuata, Kze . ; c, d, Bar. betulina, Bartl. ; g, h , Bar. serratifolia, Willd . ; e,/, Empleurum 
 
 serrulatum, Ait. — b, c,f, g , natural size. 
 
 vary between 19 and 31 Mm. (f and 1? inches) in length, and between oval and ovate 
 or obovate in shape, obtuse above, margin serrulate or crenate, each crenature with a 
 gland. 
 
 The leaves of Barosma serratifolia, Willdenow , differ materially in shape from the pre- 
 ceding ; they constitute the long buchu of our commerce, are rather thinner than the two 
 preceding kinds, 25 to 38 Mm. (1 to 1? inches) long, linear-lanceolate in outline, taper- 
 ing toward both ends, obtuse, margin serrulate, with a gland in each serrature, midrib 
 prominent, with four lateral veins running nearly parallel to the margin. 
 
 Buchu-leaves are smooth, have a dull-green color, are paler on the lower surface, and 
 have numerous large oil-cells, which render the leaves pellucid-punctate when held up to 
 the light ; they have a strong peculiar odor and a bitterish and aromatic taste. Prof. 
 Fliickiger (1873) has observed a layer of colorless cells between the epidermis of the 
 upper side and the green tissue, which cells yield a large quantity of mucilage to 
 water. 
 
 The leaves of Barosma Eckloniana, Berg , seem to be occasionally imported ; they are 
 nearly an inch long, oval, rounded at the base, strongly crenate, and grow from pubescent 
 shoots ( Pharmacographia ). 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves of the first species yield from I per cent. (Fliickiger, 
 1880) to 1.21 (Bedford, 1863) or 1.63 (Fliickiger and Hanbury, 1874) per cent., those 
 of the third species 0.66 per cent., of volatile oil (Bedford). The two oils agree with each 
 other in sensible properties, and probably also in composition. In odor they resemble 
 peppermint ; exposed to a low temperature, they separate barosma camphor or diosphenol , 
 a stearopten which, after recrystallization from alcohol, is in colorless needles which fuse 
 at 83° C. (181.4° F.), sublime at the heat of a steam-bath, and boil at 233° C. (451.4° F.), 
 but cannot be distilled without partial decomposition. Pure diosphenol has a slightly 
 aromatic odor and a peculiar taste ; its composition is C 14 H 22 0 3 . Its alcoholic solution is 
 colored dingy black -green by ferric chloride ; its solution in alkalies is precipitated by 
 carbon dioxide. It is probably this camphor which was described by Landerer (1844) as 
 diosmin, and observed in a tincture of buchu three years old. The diosmin of Brandes 
 was an extract-like body of a bitterish taste. Prof. Wayne (1876) obtained salicylic acid 
 from the distillate of a lot of buchu-leaves ; recent investigations having failed to detect 
 this acid, its presence may probably be accounted for by an accidental admixture of the 
 leaves. Buchu-leaves possibly contain a body similar to rutin (Fliickiger). Besides the 
 constituents mentioned, resinous, gummy, albuminous, and coloring matters and saline 
 compounds have been observed. B. crenulata yields 4 to 5.4 per cent, of ash ; B. betu- 
 lina, 4.4 to 4.7 per cent. ; and B. serratifolia, 5 to 5.5 per cent, (H. W. Jones, 1879). 
 
 Impurities and Substitutions. — The short buchu is sometimes mixed with the 
 flowers and the non-aromatic capsules, which must be separated. The long buchu is 
 
356 
 
 CACTUS. 
 
 usually cleaner, but is occasionally mixed with or replaced by the leaves of Empleurum 
 serrulatum, Alton , nat. ord. Rutaceae, indigenous to Southern Africa ; they are 1 to 3 
 inches (25 to 75 Mm.) long, have a narrow linear shape, a serrulate margin, and an acute 
 glandless apex ; their odor is different from buchu. From other leaves buchu is readily 
 distinguished by the characters given above. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Buchu excites a sense of warmth in the stomach which 
 diffuses itself over the whole body. It quickens the appetite and digestion, and favors 
 the secretion of urine, giving it a peculiar aromatic smell. Large doses excite vomiting 
 and purging. The Hottentots, from whom a knowledge of this medicine was derived, 
 employed an ointment made from it as a vulnerary, and a vinous tincture as a remedy 
 for various disorders of the stomach and the urinary organs. It is chiefly in the last- 
 named affections that it is used — viz . chronic pyelitis , cystitis , and urethritis. It is most 
 commonly, perhaps, resorted to as a remedy for catarrh of the bladder caused by an 
 extension of urethral irritation, but catarrh of the whole urinary passage is favorably 
 influenced by it, as well as vesical tenesmus and atony of the bladder when they are 
 attendant symptoms. Like other bitter plants containing a volatile oil, it may sometimes 
 be useful in feeble digestion with flatulence. It may be administered in substance, Gm. 
 1.30-2.00 (gr. xx-xxx), or in the infusion or fluid extract. The former is prepared with 
 Gm. 32 in Gm. 500 (^j in Oj) of boiling water. Dose , Gm. 32-64 (gj — ij ). An infusion 
 made with buchu and the analogous plant, uva ursi, is generally preferable to one con- 
 taining either alone : R. Buchu, uvse ursi, aa. Gm. 4-16 ( 3 j-iv) ; hot water, fl. Gm. 500 
 (Oj). Digest for half an hour in a covered vessel and strain. Dose , from I fluidounce 
 to 2 fluidounces three times a day. 
 
 CACTUS.— Cactus. 
 
 Gactier , Fr. ; Kaktus , Fackeldistel , G. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cactaceae. 
 
 Description. — Of the numerous species of these American plants which are more or 
 less medicinally employed in their native country the following has recently attracted 
 attention : 
 
 Cactus (Cereus, Miller) grandiflorus, Linne . — Night-blooming cereus, E. ; Cierge h 
 grandes fleurs, Fr. ; Konigin der Nacht, G. — It is indigenous to tropical America, and 
 frequently cultivated for ornament. The stem is weak, branching, fleshy, green, and five- 
 or six-angled, the angles being beset with clusters of five or six short radiating spines. 
 The numerous imbricate calyx-lobes are linear, acute, brownish, the inner ones yellow. 
 The lanceolate petals are of a white color. The flowers, which open in the evening and 
 wither by the following morning, are very fragrant and produce an orange-colored, inter- 
 ternally white, berry of the size of an egg. The fleshy branches, with the flowers, are 
 imported preserved by alcohol. The juice has an acrid taste. The plant has not been 
 analyzed. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Cactus (Cereus, De Candolle ) fimbriatus, Lamarck. — The stem is erect, 
 eight- to ten-angled, with clustered spines, and bears rose-colored flowers and red fruits. The 
 juice is acrid*, the berries are acidulous. 
 
 Cactus (Cereus, De Candolle ) paniculatus, Lamarck. — It is tall, tree-like, with a quadran- 
 gular stem and numerous crenate and spiny branches. The large yellowish berries have a sweet 
 and acidulous taste. 
 
 Cactus (Cereus, Miller) flagelliformis, Linnt. — Stem and branches are weak, thin, several 
 feet long, ten-angled, warty, spiny, and bear red flowers and small woolly berries. The acid- 
 ulous juice is reputed to be anthelmintic. It contains, according to L. A. Buchner (1836), acid 
 calcium malate, potassium acetate, albumen, mucilage, etc. 
 
 Opuntia vulgaris, Miller , s. Cactus Opuntia, Linnt. — Prickly pear, E. ; Figue de Barbarie, 
 Fr. ; Indische Feige, G . — It is indigenous to the West Indies and near the coast of North 
 America northward to Massachusetts. The branches are broadly obovate, green, fleshy, bristly, 
 and have small appressed subulate leaves, yellow flowers, and red bristly berries with an acid- 
 ulous sweet pulp. 
 
 Mammillaria simplex, Haworth , s. Cactus mammillaris, Limit. — The stem is simple, obovate- 
 oblong, about 8 inches (20 Cm.) high, mammilar-tuberculate, spiny, and produces small white 
 flowers and bright-red berries. 
 
 Mamillaria simplex, Haworth, s. Cactus mamillaris, Limit. — The stem is simple, obovate- 
 oblong, about 20 Cm. (8 inches) high, mammilar-tuberculate, spiny, and produces small white 
 flowers and bright-red berries. 
 
 Anhalonium lewini, Hennings. — This plant is indigenous to Mexico, where it is used under 
 the name of muscale buttons as a narcotic. The plant contains anhalonine, which seems to have 
 physiological properties similar to those of strychnine (Lewin, 1889). 
 
C ADMIT IODIDUM. 
 
 357 
 
 Melocactus communis, Link et Otto , s. Cactus Melocactus, Linn6. — The stem is sub- 
 globular, about sixteen-furrowed, the ridges beset with clustered brown spines, flowers and 
 berries red. 
 
 The succulent stems of the last-named three species and of many others are bruised and em- 
 ployed as discutient applications. The red-juiced berries when eaten are stated to color the 
 urine red. 
 
 Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Linn6 (nat. ord. Ficoideae) (Ice-plant, Diamond fig, E. ; 
 Glaciale, Cristalline, Fr. ; Eiskraut, G.), is well known under cultivation, is covered with glit- 
 tering vesicles, has roundish ovate fleshy leaves, bears white or reddish odorless flowers, and has 
 a saline taste. The juice contains oxalates and other salts. Brandenburg obtained from the dry 
 plant 42 per cent, of ash, one-third being sodium salts ; but II. Mangon (1882) found it to be 
 very rich in potassium salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Long ago cactus (grandiflorus) juice was known to be 
 extremely acrid, producing vesicles and pustules, and when taken internally causing vomit- 
 ing, colic, and bloody stools. In substance and in tincture it was employed as a vermifuge 
 (Richter, Arzneimittellehre , ii. 290). In 1868 it was stated that the tincture of the plant 
 had been used advantageously by Rubini in functional palpitation of the heart (Med. 
 Record , iii. 299); in 1879, Dr. N. S. Davis confirmed the earlier statement ( Phila . Med. 
 Times , x. 26) ; and in 1883, Dr. Byrd reported that it palliated the abnormal action and 
 the pain in rheumatic disorders of the heart, and was even beneficial to the rheumatism 
 itself (ibid., xii. 811) The general agreement of opinion in recent years regarding it 
 may be expressed as follows : Cactus, like digitalis, slows the heart, while increasing its 
 energy and raising the arterial tension, but, unlike the latter drug, it displays no cumu- 
 lative action, nor does it tend, like digitalis, to produce extreme contraction of the heart, 
 resulting in sudden arrest of its action. As formerly pointed out, it is useful chiefly in 
 functional disorders of the heart with or without simple dilatation, and occurring in 
 exhausted states of the system. It fails when the feeble action of the organ depends 
 upon extreme dilatation, and also in mitral obstruction, but is useful in aortic regurgita- 
 tion. The medicine is usually employed as a tincture or fluid extract in the dose of Gm. 
 0.30-0.60 (itlv-x) two or three times a day. 
 
 Opuntia vulgaris, cut transversely, is applied to swellings as a discutient. A decoc- 
 tion of it forms a mucilaginous drink (Porcher). 
 
 Anhalonium Lewinii, or “ muscale buttons,” has been studied by Lewin, who pro- 
 cured from it a basic substance named by him anhalonine. Experiments with it and 
 with a watery extract of the plant showed that in the lower animals it occasioned a 
 sedative or paralyzing action on the spinal cord, augmenting its reflex excitability even 
 to the production of tetanus. Smaller doses caused only vomiting (Therap. Gaz ., xii. 
 231.) The fruit is reported to possess an exhilarating or intoxicating power whose 
 effects last for several days. Its primary effect is to quicken the pulse- and respiration- 
 rates, and is followed by unconsciousness and collapse (Briggs). An extract prepared 
 from it is alleged to produce depression primarily, which is followed by excitement, and 
 this in its turn by repose and sleep. A single drop of the fluid extract is said to relieve 
 dyspnoea from various causes, and also the paroxysms of angina pectoris (Landry, ibid., 
 xiii. 16), besides exhibiting various incompatible virtues. Another reporter calls it “ a 
 heart-tonic, pure and simple ” (Gregory, Med. News , liii. 682). 
 
 Mesembryanthemum is an obsolete medicine which once had a certain vogue in Europe, 
 especially for the relief of disorders of the bladder attended with dysury or incontinence 
 of urine. The expressed juice was used in the dose of Gm. 16 (a tablespoonful) daily. 
 
 C ADMIT IODIDUM, Br. 1867.- Cadmium Iodide. 
 
 Cadmium iodatum , Iodidum cadmicum. — Iodure de cadmium , Fr. ; Jodkadmium , Kad- 
 miumjodiir , G. 
 
 Formula Cdl 2 . Molecular weight 364.56. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is generally prepared by digesting an excess of metallic 
 cadmium with iodine and water until a colorless solution is obtained, which is filtered and 
 evaporated. It may also be obtained by dissolving 20 parts of potassium iodide and 15 
 parts of cadmium sulphate in water, evaporating the solution to dryness, exhausting the 
 residue with warm absolute alcohol, and filtering and crystallizing (A. Vogel, 1863). 
 
 By the first process a direct combination of the metal and iodine is effected, while in the 
 second process a mutual decomposition of the two salts takes place, with the formation of 
 cadmium iodide and potassium sulphate. The latter, being insoluble in alcohol, remains 
 upon the filter : CdS0 4 + 2KI yields Cdl 2 -f K 2 S0 4 . 
 
358 
 
 CAD Mil SULPHAS. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Cadmium iodide exists in white, flat, micaceous crystals 
 of a pearly lustre, inodorous, of a nauseous metallic taste, permanent in the air, soluble 
 in alcohol and at the ordinary temperature in a little more than its own weight of water. 
 Heated at about 310° C. (600° F.), it forms an amber-colored liquid, and at a dull-red 
 heat is decomposed, vapors of iodine being given off. The aqueous solution, which red- 
 dens litmus, yields with hydrogen sulphide a yellow precipitate of CdS, which is insoluble 
 in ammonium sulphide (differences from arsenic), and the filtrate from this precipitate is 
 not affected by ammonia, ammonium sulphide or carbonate (absence of the metals of the 
 zinc group and of the earths and alkaline earths), and after applying these tests leaves 
 no residue when evaporated to dryness and ignited (absence of alkalies). The presence 
 of heavy metals would be indicated by the brown or blackish discoloration in the yellow 
 color of the precipitated sulphide. Ammonia would be detected by the odor given off on 
 the addition of an excess of potassa solution. Most other cadmium salts differ consider- 
 ably from the iodide in appearance. Their possible presence, however, may be inferred 
 by applying the following test of the British Pharmacopoeia : 10 grains dissolved in water, 
 and silver nitrate added in excess, give a precipitate which, when washed with water 
 and afterward with half an ounce of solution of ammonia, and dried, weighs 12.5 grains.” 
 Any deviation from this weight indicates the presence of foreign salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — According to Garrod, it has the same action and may be 
 employed in the same cases as yellow iodide of lead, particularly in scrofulous enlarge- 
 ment of the glands and chronic skin diseases. It does not stain the skin. An ointment 
 may be used containing Gm. 4-32 (gr. lx-^j) of lard. 
 
 OADMII SULPHAS.- Cadmium Sulphate. 
 
 Cadmium sulfuricum , Sulfas cadmicus. — Sulfate de cadmium , Fr. ; Schwef elsaures 
 Cadmiumoxyd, Kadmiumsulfat , G. 
 
 Formula 3CdS0 4 .8H 2 0. Molecular weight 765.64. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is readily prepared by dissolving 2 parts of metallic cad- 
 mium in 2 parts of sulphuric acid which has been diluted with 10 or 12 parts of water 
 and mixed with 1 part or \\ parts of nitric acid. Cadmium dissolves slowly in diluted sul- 
 phuric acid, with the liberation of hydrogen, but in the presence of nitric acid it is 
 readily dissolved, with the evolution of nitric oxide, according to the equation 3Cd 2 -f- 
 6H 2 S0 4 + 4HN0 3 = 6CdS0 4 -f 8H 2 0 -f- 4NO. Sufficient heat will be generated to 
 cause the reaction to proceed briskly. When it slackens heat is applied, and the whole 
 evaporated to dryness to expel excess of acid ; the residue is dissolved in three times 
 its weight of water, the solution filtered, evaporated to one-half, and set aside to crys- 
 tallize. The crystals are collected upon a filter and dried at a moderate heat. The 
 mother-liquor may be made to yield more crystals by further evaporation. From the 
 last portions the cadmium may be obtained by precipitation with zinc. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Cadmium sulphate crystallizes in colorless rhombic 
 prisms, which effloresce somewhat in the air, have an astringent and strongly metallic 
 taste, and change the color of blue litmus-paper to red. It dissolves at 23° C. (73.4° F.) 
 in 1.6 parts of water, is somewhat more soluble in hot water, and is insoluble in alcohol ; 
 at 100° C. (212° F.) it loses 11.8 per cent. (5 molecules) of water, and the remainder 
 when heated to redness ; at a full red heat one-half of the acid is also expelled. Its 
 purity may be ascertained by precipitating the solution of 10 grains of the salt with 
 dilute potassa solution, and after washing the precipitate igniting it ; it should weigh 
 5 grains; or, 10 grains of cadmium sulphate dissolved in water, and barium nitrate 
 added in excess, yield a precipitate which after washing and heating should weigh 9.1 
 grains. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sulphate of cadmium is astringent and irritant, like sulphate 
 of zinc, but is much more powerful. A grain taken internally has occasioned profuse 
 salivation, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea, and tenesmus. Injected subcutaneously, it has 
 caused giddiness, retarded pulse and respiration, fainting, and sometimes spasms. It 
 has been chiefly used in conjunctivitis , ulcers and opacities of the cornea , otorrhoea , and 
 gleet , in solutions containing from Gm. 0.06-0.50 (gr. j-viij) of the salt in Gm. 64 (2 
 ounces) of water. Bromide of cadmium is employed by photographers, and is sometimes 
 found in commerce labelled bromide of ammonium. In a published case two ladies, 
 misled by this error, took a small but uncertain dose of the former salt. It occasioned 
 violent vomiting and a severe burning pain in the throat, oesophagus, and stomach, fol- 
 lowed by purging and collapse. No cerebral symptoms were present. For several days 
 
CADMIUM.— CA FFEA. 
 
 359 
 
 both patients were confined to bed and their stomachs continued irritable (Wheeler, Bos- 
 ton Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1876, p. 434). Roux employed it in epilepsy, but pro- 
 duced only excessive vomiting. 
 
 CADMIUM— Cadmium. 
 
 Cadmium , Fr., G. ; Kadmium, G. 
 
 Symbol Cd. Atomicity bivalent. Atomic weight 111.5. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — This metal is found near Bishopstown, Scotland, in 
 the form of sulphide as the mineral greenockite, but it is more frequently present in small 
 quantities in some kinds of calamine, blende, and other zinc ores. It was discovered by 
 Stromeyer and Hermann in 1817. Cadmium being more volatile than zinc, it is con- 
 tained in the first portions o btained in the distillation of the latter metal, and its pres- 
 ence is indicated by the appearance of a brown flame (the so-called “ brown blaze ”) 
 before the greenish-white flame of burning zinc is noticed. To obtain cadmium the 
 zinc, or the zinc, oxide containing it, is dissolved in dilute sulphuric or muriatic acid, and 
 the cadmium precipitated by metallic zinc ; or the acid solution is treated with hydro- 
 gen sulphide to precipitate the cadmium as yellow sulphide, which is used as a pigment 
 under the name of cadmia ; the sulphide is dissolved in strong hydrochloric acid, the 
 solution precipitated by an excess of ammonium carbonate to remove copper and traces 
 of zinc, and the washed and dried precipitate mixed with lampblack and distilled. 
 
 Properties. — Cadmium is a malleable and ductile metal having the color of tin, and 
 like the latter it emits a crackling sound when bent. It crystallizes readily in octahe- 
 drons, is superficially tarnished on exposure to the atmosphere, becomes brittle at 82° 
 C. (180° F.), fuses near 315° C. (592° F.) (B. Wood, 1862), and volatilizes, according 
 to Becquerel (1863), at 720° C. (1319° F.), and according to Deville and Troost at 860° 
 C. (1580° F.). Its density varies between 8.60 and 8.69 ; its vapor is dark-yellow, has 
 a nauseous taste, and burns with a dark-red flame to brown oxide. In the presence of 
 acids cadmium slowly decomposes water, hydrogen being given off ; but nitric acid dis- 
 solves the metal readily. The salts of cadmium are mostly white ; those soluble in 
 water have an acid reaction and a disagreeable metallic taste. Their solutions, treated 
 with hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide, afford orange-yellow precipitates of CdS, 
 which is insoluble in an excess of the precipitant and in dilute acids and alkalies. Caus- 
 tic alkalies produce white precipitates of Cd(OH) 2 , which is soluble in ammonia, but 
 not in potassa or soda. The soluble carbonates, phosphates, and oxalates and potas- 
 sium ferrocyanide produce white precipitates. 
 
 Tests. — The impurities likely to be present in metallic cadmium are mainly zinc and 
 copper, the former of which is recognized by precipitating the solution in nitric acid 
 with hydrogen sulphide, when the filtrate from the bright orange-yellow precipitate will 
 yield a white precipitate on the addition of ammonia and ammonium sulphide. When 
 the solution in nitric acid is precipitated by slight excess of ammonium carbonate, the 
 filtrate will have a blue color if copper be present. 
 
 CAFFEA. — Coffee. 
 
 Semen Coffese . — Cafe, Fr. ; Kaffee, G. 
 
 The fruit of Coffea arabica, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 144. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rubiaceae, Coffeineae. 
 
 Origin. — Coffee is indigenous to tropical Africa, more particularly to Abyssinia ; pos- 
 sibly also to Southern Arabia, but this is denied by some authors. It grows wild in Central 
 Africa and on the coast of Mozambique, and was introduced into Java near the close of the 
 seventeenth century, and into the West Indies and South America during the eighteenth 
 century. At present it is very extensively cultivated in most tropical and subtropical 
 countries. The Liberian coffee-plant is a distinct species, C. liberica, Hiem (1877), which 
 seems to be less subject to disease, and has been successfully introduced in the East 
 Indies. The seeds of several other species of Coffea are used in their native countries, 
 but do not appear to be of commercial importance. 
 
 In its wild state the coffee tree attains the height of from 6 to 9 M. (20 to 30 feet), and 
 has somewhat the aspect of a cherry tree, but its bark is whitish and furrowed and its 
 numerous branches are opposite. In cultivation it is trimmed down to the height of 
 1.8 M. (about 6 feet). The smooth evergreen leaves are ovate-oblong, rather accuminate, 
 10 to 15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, 37 to 50 Mm. (II to 2 inches) wide, dark -green and 
 
360 
 
 CAFFEA. 
 
 glossy above, paler beneath, and somewhat glandular near the midrib. Flowers in clusters 
 of three to five or seven, with a small five-lobed calyx, a white tubular five-lobed corolla, 
 five stamens, and one pistil with a bifid style. The fruit is an oval, deep-purple, two- 
 seeded drupe, the parchment-like endocarp enclosing two plano-convex seeds, which are 
 placed together by their flat sides and constitute the raw coffee of commerce. The 
 Liberian coffee-plant has the corolla six- to nine-lobed and the fruit globular. 
 
 When the berries are ripe they are gathered and freed from the pericarp and scanty 
 pulp by suitable apparatus and washing ; the seeds are then dried, and subsequently 
 freed from the parchment-like testa by passing them between wooden rollers and by 
 winnowing. The seeds constitute one-third the weight of the ripe berries. 
 
 The use of coffee as a beverage appears to have spread from Abyssinia first to Arabia 
 early in the fifteenth century, to Constantinople in 1554, and to France and England 
 after 1640. Until the beginning of the eighteenth century the supply was exclusively 
 obtained from Arabia, where, in the district of Yemen, the plant is cultivated and yields 
 the small seeds so highly valued as Mocha coffee. The East Indian coffees consist usually 
 of the largest seeds ; West Indian and South American coffees are generally intermediate 
 between the two varieties previously named. 
 
 Description. — The seeds are oval, longitudinally grooved upon the flat side, usually 
 almost completely deprived of the parchment-like, finely-wrinkled testa, fragments of 
 which remain in the groove and sometimes upon the back. The horny albumen is of the 
 shape of the seed, according to the variety of a yellowish, brownish, bluish, or greenish 
 tint, and is folded, or rather rolled up, whereby the groove is produced. The embryo is 
 situated under the convex side near one end, is slightly curved, and occupies about one- 
 fourth the length of the seed. Raw coffee has a very faint odor and a sweetish, slightly 
 astringent, and bitterish taste. The commercial varieties vary considerably in flavor, in 
 size, and in the shade of color. On keeping, coffee loses during the first year about 8 
 per cent, in weight, principally moisture ; during the second, 5 per cent., and during the 
 third year 2 per cent., the flavor being at the same time greatly improved. 
 
 Constituents. — The sweetish pulp of the pericarp contains several sugars, of which 
 Boussingault (1881) found 2.37 per cent, cane-sugar, 8.73 per cent, invert-sugar, and 2.21 
 per cent, mannit. According to Payen’s analysis (1849), coffee contains 13 per cent, of 
 fat, 15.5 of glucose, dextrin, and an undetermined vegetable acid, 10 of vegetable casein, 
 5 of chlorogenate of caffeine and potassium, 3 of nitrogenized principle, 0.8 of caffeine, 
 0.001 of solid volatile oil, 0.002 of liquid aromatic principle soluble in water, 6.7 of ash, 
 and 12 of moisture, the remainder being cellulose. The fat consists of palmitin and olein. 
 The acids contained in coffee have been the subject of repeated investigations. These 
 render it probable that, besides a little citric acid, the principal one is caffeo-tannic acid, 
 which, according to Rochleder, is Payen’s chlorogenic acid ; its precipitate with gelatin is 
 soluble in the tannin solution ; tartar emetic does not precipitate it, but it yields with 
 lead salts and baryta solution yellow precipitates. Vlaanderen and Mulder (1858) sep- 
 arated this principle under the name of caffeic acid , and regard the other acids of coffee 
 ( caffeanic , ccerulic , and caffeelic ) as products of oxidation ; and they believe the various 
 colors of raw coffee to be due to mixtures of these derivatives. They consider chloro- 
 genic as a mixture of their caffeic and coerulic acids ; Rochleder’s viridinic acid (1848) 
 may be a similar mixture. The caffeic acid of Hlasiwetz (1867) is obtained by con- 
 tinued boiling of caffeo-tannin with excess of potassa solution and separation by sul- 
 phuric acid. When pure it has the composition C 9 H 8 0 4 , is in straw-yellow crystals, forms 
 mostly yellow-colored salts, and, like the amorphous gum-like caffeo-tannin, yields with 
 fusing potassa protocatechuic acid, C 7 H 6 0 4 . By dry distillation pyrocatechin is obtained. 
 Zwenger and Siebert (1861) obtained from Java coffee 0.3 per cent, of kinic acid, which 
 is most likely the coffeic acid of Stenhouse, obtained (1854) from coffee-leaves, and 
 which readily yielded kinone when treated with manganic deutoxide and sulphuric acid. 
 (For a description of Caffeine see below.) 
 
 The roasting of coffee, which is best accomplished at a temperature of about 250° C. 
 (482° F.), renders the seeds pulverizable, and at the same time gives them a more agree- 
 able taste and enables them to yield more of their constituents to water. The coffee 
 thus acquires a chestnut-brown color and loses about 18 per cent, of its weight. The 
 generation of gaseous compounds ruptures the cells, and a peculiar and agreeable aroma 
 is produced, probably through the decomposition of the fat and tannin. But Payen’s (as 
 well as Rochleder’s) investigations failed to point out the principle to which the changes 
 are due. Very probably they depend upon the decomposition of several of the organic 
 compounds, and unquestionably upon the production of a pyrogenated volatile oil, to 
 
CAFFEA. 
 
 361 
 
 which the grateful aroma is due. Caffeine does not partake of these changes, except that 
 it is slowly volatilized at the temperature stated ; hence the roasting of coffee ought to 
 be effected in closed vessels. Bernheimer (1880) found nearly one-half of the products 
 of roasting to consist of palmitic acid, the remainder being acetic acid, carbonic acid, 
 probably acetone, hydroquinone, pyrrol, methylamine, .18 to .28 per cent, caffeine, and 
 .04 or .05 coffeol , C 8 H 10 O 2 , to which the aroma of coffee is due ; it is an oil boiling at 
 195° C. (383° F.), and is probably a methylether of saligenin. 
 
 Coffee yields 4 to 5 per cent, of ash — Mocha coffee as much as 7.84 per cent. — consist- 
 ing chiefly of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium carbonates and phosphates, 
 the earth salts amounting to one-seventh or one-sixth of the weight. 
 
 Adulterations. — Inferior qualities of coffee are sometimes mixed with or sold for 
 the better varieties, and the brown, yellow, or discolored seeds are occasionally artifi- 
 cially colored with indigo, Prussian blue, and other substances. These pigments usually 
 adhere merely superficially, and may be removed by washing with water. Fictitious 
 coffee-seeds, made of clay and other plastic material, are easily recognized by the absence 
 of fragments of the testa and of the deep groove upon the flat side of the seed. Ground 
 coffee is frequently adulterated with roasted amylaceous seeds and bitter roots, 
 chiefly chicory and occasionally dandelion. Boasted coffee yields with cold water a 
 brownish-yellow infusion, while that of the adulterants is dark-brown or red-brown. F. 
 M. Bimmington (1880) suggests the following process for the detection of adulterations : 
 The coffee is boiled with water and a little sodium carbonate, then washed with water and 
 macerated in a weak solution of chlorinated lime for two or three hours, when the ground 
 coffee will form a dark stratum and the ground chicory a nearly white layer ; the micro- 
 scope will reveal other admixtures. 
 
 The pericarp of coffee fruit, which has been recommended as a cheap substitute for 
 coffee, is free from caffeine ; but the pericarp of the seed (husks), which have to some 
 extent been used under the name of sultan coffee and sacca coffee , and are said to improve 
 the flavor of coffee, contain .082 per cent, of caffeine, according to Peckol. The roasted 
 flattish ovate seeds of Cassia occidentalis, Linne , are used in the tropics as a substitute 
 for coffee under the name of negro coffee or Mogdad coffee , and have been met with as an 
 adulteration in Europe ; they do not contain caffeine, and are best detected by the micro- 
 scope. Mogdad coffee yields 4 to 5 per cent, of ash ; roasted chicory, 10 to 11 per cent. ; 
 roasted rye and wheat, 2 to 3 per cent. 
 
 Caffeina, U JS., Br ., It.; Coffeinum, P. G . — Caffeine, Caffeia, Theine, Guaranine, 
 E. ; Cafffine, Theine, Fr. ; Koffein, Kaffein, The'in, G. Formula C 8 HpN 4 0 2 .H 2 0. Mol. 
 weight 211.68. — This, the most important constituent of coffee, is obtained by precipitat- 
 ing the decoction of coffee with lead acetate, removing the excess of lead from the filtrate 
 by hydrogen sulphide, neutralizing by ammonia, evaporating, and recrystallizing 
 (Garot). Prof. E. S. Wajme (1875) recommended the following process, which has been 
 found tery serviceable : 2 parts of powdered coffee or tea are boiled with 3 parts of levi- 
 gated litharge and sufficient water ; the acids combine with the lead ; the nearly colorless 
 filtrate is freed from lead by hydrogen sulphide, and on concentration will yield most of 
 the alkaloid in colorless crystals ; the yellowish mother-liquid requires to be treated with 
 animal charcoal, when the remainder of the alkaloid is likewise obtained colorless. Good 
 coffee yields between 0.8 and 1.0 per cent., coffee-leaves .3 per cent., mate or Paraguay 
 tea and Chinese tea between 1.1 and 1.25, kolanuts 2.13, and guarana about 5 per cent, 
 of caffeine. Caffeine crystallizes in colorless or white, flexible, silky needles or thin long 
 prisms, which are inodorous, of a faintly-bitter taste, fusible, and sublimable without 
 decomposition. It is soluble in 80 parts (£/! S ., P. G.) of water, and in 33 parts ( U /S'.), 
 about 50 parts (P. 6r.), of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.) ; in 160 parts of absolute alcohol ; 
 in about 7 parts (P /S'.), 9 parts ( P . G .), of chloroform ; in 9.5 parts ( IT. /S'.), 2 parts 
 (P 6r.), of boiling water. It is soluble in 555 parts of ether, slightly soluble in carbon 
 disulphide, and dissolves freely in boiling alcohol. These solutions have a neutral reac- 
 tion to test-paper. Benzene, chloroform, or amyl alcohol, when repeatedly agitated with 
 its solution in acidulated water, dissolves the whole of the caffeine (JDragendorff). Crys- 
 tallized from alcohol or ether, it is anhydrous ; crystallized from water, it contains 8.5 
 per cent. (1 molecule) of water, with which it parts at above 100° C. (212° F.) ; when 
 heated to 229° C. (444° F.) it melts to a colorless liquid, and when ignited burns without 
 leaving any residue. The anhydrous crystals have the composition C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 , and con- 
 tain 28.8 per cent, of nitrogen. Caffeine, moistened with strong nitric acid or dissolved 
 in chlorine-water and evaporated at the heat of a water-bath, leaves a reddish-yellow 
 residue, which becomes purple by ammonia from the formation of murexoin (Schwarzen- 
 
362 
 
 CAFFEA. 
 
 bach). “ If a small quantity of caffeine is dissolved in about 1 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, 
 a little potassium chlorate added, the whole evaporated to dryness on the water-bath and 
 the capsule then inverted over a vessel containing a few drops of ammonia-water, the 
 residue will acquire a rich purple color, which is destroyed by alkalies.” — U. S. Con- 
 centrated aqueous solutions of caffeine give with silver nitrate a white granular, crystal- 
 line precipitate ; with mercuric chloride, long needles soluble in hydrochloric acid ; with 
 palladium chloride, yellow scales j with picric acid, no precipitate ; the alkaloid dissolves 
 in sulphuric and in nitric acid, and the solution remains colorless for several hours 
 (Dragendorff). On adding to a solution of a small quantity of caffeine in concentrated 
 sulphuric acid a minute fragment of potassium dichromate, it will acquire a yellowish- 
 green color, which gradually becomes green. 
 
 Caffeine is methyl-theobromine , and may be formed by heating theobromine silver with 
 methyl iodide in sealed tubes. According to Mulder and Gunther, it dissolves more or 
 less readily in solutions of citric, tartaric, oxalic, and acetic acids, and on cooling caffeine 
 crystallizes. Hager, and afterward Haaxman (187V), ascertained that commercial citrate 
 and valerianate of caffeine consist merely of the alkaloid with some acid adhering. Lloyd 
 (1881) and Biedermann (1882) showed that caffeine salts with organic acids may be 
 obtained from chloroform, and that they are easily decomposed by water. Tanret (1882) 
 regards the solutions of caffeine in sodium benzoate, cinnamate, and salicylate as definite 
 compounds suitable for hypodermic use ; these solutions may be made so as to contain 
 in each Cc. (15 minims) 0.20 Gm. (3 grains) of caffeine, and with sodium salicylate 
 0.30 Gm. (41 grains). The salts with mineral acids have an acid reaction to test-paper, 
 and are decomposed by water or alcohol. Their concentrated solutions yield with 
 mercuric-potassium iodide a precipitate which soon crystallizes in needles. Similar 
 precipitates obtained with other alkaloids remain amorphous (Delffs, 1854). Diluted 
 acidulated solutions of caffeine are not precipitated by mercuric-potassium iodide (Mayer’s 
 test). 
 
 When caffeine is heated with alcoholic potassa or with solution of barium hydroxide, 
 water is assimilated, barium carbonate is precipitated, methylamine and a little 
 ammonia are given off ; and from the residue Strecker obtained (1861) a strong and 
 uncrystallizable base, caffeidine , C 7 H 12 N 4 0, which is easily soluble in water and alcohol, 
 but to a slight degree in ether. The decomposition takes place mainly according to the 
 equation C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 -j- H 2 0 = C 7 H 12 N 4 0 -f- C0 2 . 0. Schultzen (1867) and F. Rosengarten 
 (1871) proved that by prolonged boiling a further decomposition takes place, affecting 
 chiefly the caffeidine, and resulting in the production of sarkosine, formic acid, methyl- 
 amine, and ammonia; thus: C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 -f- 6H 2 0 = C 3 H 7 N0 2 + CH 2 0 2 + 2CH 3 H 2 N -f- 
 NH 3 + 2C0 2 . 
 
 Caffeine triiodide — or, properly speaking, caffeine diiodide-hydi'o-iodide — (C 8 H, 0 N 4 O 2 I 2 - 
 HI) 2 .3H 2 0, forms long, dark-green prisms, which are readily soluble in alcohol, and is 
 given in doses of 2-4 grains. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Semen (Nuces) col^e. — Cola-nut, Guru-nut, E. ; Noix de cola, Noix de gourou, 
 Cafe du Soudan, Fr. ; Kolanuss, G. — The tree, Cola (Sterculia, Beauvois ) acuminata, R. Brown 
 (nat. ord. Sterculiaceas), is indigenous to tropical Africa, and is also found in tropical America ; the 
 yellow flowers produce five follicles, each containing one seed. The latter in the fresh state are 
 brown externally and purplish or violet-colored internally ; after drying, reddish or brown, some- 
 what mottled on the surface. They are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, oblong-ovate, flattish on one 
 side, and have a slight nutmeg-like odor and a mild somewhat aromatic taste ; in the fresh state 
 they are bitter. Daniell showed the presence of caffeine, and Attfield (1865) obtained 2.13 per 
 cent, of this alkaloid, besides 1.5 fat and volatile oil, 42.5 starch, 10.7 sugar and gum, 6.3 pro- 
 tein compounds, and 3.2 ash. Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen (1882) obtained similar results, 
 and found also .023 theobromine and 1.62 tannin. The seeds are said to be used for clearing 
 muddy water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Since coffee was introduced into Arabia from Africa in the 
 fifteenth century numerous opinions have been expressed of its salutary and of its mis- 
 chievous effects. The consequences of an abuse of tea were declared to be similar to 
 those of coffee long before chemistry had demonstrated the identity of theine and caffeine. 
 Among their evil effects were enumerated the following : indigestion, acidity, heart-burn, 
 watchfulness, tremors, debility, irritability of disposition, and dejection of spirits. By 
 some persons both tea and coffee were accused of producing paralysis. Most of these 
 effects are more likely to follow the habitual use of tea than of coffee, perhaps because, 
 as a general rule, more of the former than of the latter is consumed ; and the spinal 
 symptoms, such as painful muscular tension and cramp and persistent wakefulness, are 
 more apt to be produced by tea (v. Thea). The habit of taking coffee at breakfast and 
 
CAFFE A. 
 
 363 
 
 after dinner is explained by the stimulant action (whether direct or indirect) which it 
 exerts not only upon the nervous system generally, but especially upon the stomach and 
 bowels : there can be no doubt that it quickens gastric digestion and relieves the sense 
 of plenitude in the stomach, stimulates the secretion of bile, and by augmenting 
 the peristaltic action of the intestine promotes defecation. It is quite as certain that, 
 used to excess, it paralyzes the digestive function in all its steps, and leads to further 
 disorders, of which the chief are congestion of the liver, constipation, and haemorrhoids. 
 Whether these effects are to be ascribed to a power in coffee to produce contraction of 
 the capillary blood-vessels may be uncertain, but their reality is beyond doubt. To such 
 an operation has also been ascribed an aphrodisiac action of coffee which is alleged by 
 Willis, Linnaeus, and by numerous French writers, one of whom cites a Persian tale to 
 the same effect. It would be singular if such were the case, when, as is well known, 
 the consumption of coffee is greatest by the very nations most notorious for sexual 
 excesses. It is not, however, without interest to remember that the use of coffee is uni- 
 versal and excessive in France, and that the smallness of the families of that country is 
 quite exceptional. 
 
 The poisonous action of coffee may be illustrated by the following statements : Liell 
 reports the case of a woman, thirty years old, who in the course of an hour and a half 
 took 18 grains of citrate of caffeine. The leading symptoms were delirium, semi- 
 consciousness, absence of headache ; pulse 55 and irregular ; cold extremities and general 
 clammy perspiration, normal temperature (?) ; anaesthesia, slight paresis of hands and 
 feet, rigid flexure of the muscles of the arms ; cramps of the legs ; tremor of the hands, 
 feet, and tongue, and a reeling gait ; convulsions followed of a tetanoid character ; the 
 pupils were normal, the vision dim ; some vomiting took place ; there was abdominal 
 colic, but no opening of the bowels, and urination was frequent and copious (N. York 
 Med. Jour., Sept. 19, 1885). Curschmann ( Deutsch . Klinik, 1873) reports that a woman 
 who had taken a decoction of 8 ounces of coffee suffered chiefly from a sense of impend- 
 ing death and muscular weakness. The respiration was hurried (24-25 a minute) and 
 the pulse 112, firm and strong. Subsequently diarrhoea occurred ; the urine was fre- 
 quently voided, its quantity increased, and its specific gravity 1014. These examples, as 
 well as those that follow, demonstrate that the toxical effects of coffee and caffeine are 
 far from uniform. Thoroughgood refers to a case in which, after 60 grains of nitrate of 
 caffeine were taken by mistake, muscular tremors, vomiting, etc. were relieved by digi- 
 talis ; in another instance a single grain of the same preparation relieved an attack of 
 asthma, but “ soon there came on a deadly faintness, from which the patient was with 
 difficulty restored ” {Med. Press and Circular , Oct. 1884, p. 348). In a third case a lady 
 took 200 grains of this preparation. The chief symptoms were great depression, semi- 
 consciousness, and somnolence, extreme pallor and muscular relaxation, a slow, soft pulse, 
 and sighing respiration. Recovery occurred after vomiting induced by apomorphine 
 (Geraty, Lancet , Feb. 1889, p. 219). Other cases are reported by Glogauer ( Therap . 
 Monatsch ., April, 1888), and by Cohn (ibid., Mars, 1889, p. 139). Guilliot (Med. News , 
 lii. 71) describes the effects of chronic coffee-poisoning as follows : The skin is pale or 
 dusky, the expression is dull, and the features have the look of premature old age, and 
 sometimes are slightly swollen. The flesh wastes, the eyes have a glassy look, the pupils 
 are somewhat dilated, the lips and tongue are tremulous ; the appetite is lost ; there is 
 insomnia or else disturbed sleep ; dyspepsia accompanies constipation or diarrhoea ; 
 neuralgia affects the stomach and other parts ; headache and vertigo are common, and 
 spasms or general convulsions may occur. According to the same writer, habitual excess 
 in coffee induces in men sexual apathy and even impotence, and in women leucorrhoea 
 (ibid., xlvii. 708). Sometimes it occasions pruritus ani aut vulvse. Later illustrations 
 have been furnished by Mendel (Centralb. f. Ther., vii. 727). Lapicque and Parisot 
 (Annuaire de therap., 1890, p. 36); S6e (ibid., p. 126) ; Muller Therap. Monatsch., iv. 
 314) ; Liideritz (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., 1890, p. 66). The physiological action of coffee 
 has been illustrated by Reichert (Med. News, lvi. 476 ; Iherap. Gaz., xiv. 294). 
 
 The mode in which coffee assists digestion has been described, and the popular use made 
 of it to prevent or to relieve indigestion ; but it is useful in other forms of the affection 
 than are associated with exhaustion or debility, and which directly result from excesses 
 in eating and drinking or depend upon weakness due to sedentary habits, acute disease, 
 old age, etc. Gastro-intestinal atony may be associated on the one hand with con- 
 stipation, or on the other with diarrhoea, and in either case pure strong coffee in small 
 quantities will often afford relief. In constipation the coffee should be taken early 
 in the morning before the first meal. Partly with a view to promote digestion, 
 
364 
 
 CAFFE A. 
 
 coffee has been much used during convalescence from acute diseases ; but in this 
 condition, and also in acute febrile diseases of a typhoid type , it had long been employed 
 with advantage before the present rationale of its operation was proposed, according to 
 which it restrains tissue-change, and thus becomes a conservator of force. Caffeine is by 
 no means an adequate substitute for strong coffee under such circumstances. Coffee may 
 take the place of alcohol in the adynamic conditions for which that stimulant is prescribed, 
 or may be associated or exhibited alternately with it. It has been found that in typhus 
 fever coffee increases the elimination of urea, and in so far purifies the blood without 
 increasing the destructive metamorphosis of tissue, and that it lessens coma and low 
 delirium, which it possibly does by contracting the capillaries of the brain. In this and 
 all other typhoidal conditions it appears to act immediately as a stimulant of the heart as 
 well as a conservator of force. It has an advantage over alcohol in that it stimulates 
 and sustains, as well as cheers, without inebriating. (Compare Huchard, Bull, de Soc. de 
 Ther ., g. 1889 p. 145). Coffee, and also caffeine, have been used in the treatment of inter- 
 mittent fever , and have cured it, as almost everything else has done, occasionally. The 
 power of coffee to prevent and to moderate alcoholic intoxication is well known ; one may 
 drink more wine when taking coffee than without this association, and actual intoxication 
 is often arrested by a cup of strong coffee. These effects tend to confirm what has been 
 said above of the action of coffee on the brain. Delirium tremens is an indirect effect of 
 alcohol, and comes on, it may be, days after intoxication has ceased, and involves an 
 opposite state of the brain — one of anaemia, not of congestion. In this affection coffee 
 is only an adjuvant; what good it does is through its primary stimulant impression upon 
 the nervous system and the stomach, and perhaps by its limiting the waste which the 
 exorbitant excitement and muscular effort attendant upon the disease entail. For these 
 purposes it should be given in small and repeated doses. In opium-narcotism the condi- 
 tion is much the same as in acute alcoholic intoxication, and in it coffee is equally efficient 
 in preventing coma and its consequences. Experiments upon animals have also shown 
 that coffee and tea are direct physiological antidotes to morphine. Coffee should be given 
 in the manner just recommended, and by the rectum as well as by the mouth, but not to 
 the neglect of other stimulants of the nervous system, such as flagellation and electricity. 
 “ Fluid extract of coffee,” and also “ strong coffee,” have been used hypodermically in 
 cases of opium-poisoning. According to Litti, coffee is an antidote to strychnine in rabbits 
 (Med. Record , xxviii. 264). The stimulant action of strong coffee sometimes prevails 
 against obstinate hiccup. The utility of coffee in spasmodic asthma has long been 
 established. A competent authority in regard to this disease (Salter) says : “ I should 
 think, from my own experience, that coffee relieves asthma in two-thirds of the cases in 
 which it is tried. The relief is very unequal, often merely temporary, and sometimes 
 very slight ; sometimes it is complete and permanent.” It should be given in a very 
 strong and hot infusion, either an hour in advance of the paroxysm if it occurs periodi- 
 cally, or as soon as the first symptoms are felt. Its mode of action is not accurately 
 known. It must be borne in mind, however, that the attack usually comes on at night, 
 and especially during sleep — that is to say, at a time when all convulsive diseases except 
 hysteria are most apt to break out — and that the action of coffee is directly opposed to 
 sleep ; that the paroxysm may be relieved either by stimulants or by sedatives (belladonna, 
 lobelia) ; and therefore it seems probable that the cure of the attack depends upon the 
 removal of the congestion of the nervous centre which was, its immediate cause. A 
 similar mode of action probably explains certain cases in which chordee and also dysury 
 were terminated by the same means. Some forms of nervous headache are apt to be 
 relieved by coffee, by tea, and by Paraguay tea. It would seem that the most appropri- 
 ate cases are those in which the face is flushed and other signs exist of cerebral congestion ; 
 those, on the other hand, in which the face is pale and the pain appears to be simply 
 neuralgic, and not congestive, are thought to be aggravated by the medicine. Caffeine in 
 two-grain doses is sometimes used, but a well-prepared infusion of coffee is preferable. It 
 has long been known that certain strangulated hernias have been reduced under the 
 influence of coffee after the failure of the taxis. In many the reduction was spontaneous, 
 in others easy. They were cases in which the protrusion was recent, and when there was 
 no sign of gangrene or of inflammation in the hernial tumor. The mode of action may 
 be inferred, from what was said above, to be, that coffee stimulates the intestinal muscles, 
 by which the gas contained in the loop is expelled, and contracts the blood-vessels, by 
 which the serous transudation is diminished. In favorable cases these two agencies 
 suffice to lessen the bulk of the tumor and permit its reduction. Despr^s has used strong 
 coffee with decided benefit in uterine haemorrhage occurring after delivery and also in the 
 
CAFFE A. 
 
 365 
 
 form of metrorrhagia (Bull, de TIUrap ., xcvi. 201). Pulverized roasted coffee is a 
 familiar domestic deodorizer. When prepared from the half-carbonized seed it may be 
 applied, like charcoal, to gangrenous and otherwise foetid lesions. 
 
 In 1725, Zwenger recommended coffee as a remedy for dropsy (Bull, de Ther. , ciii. 146). 
 It has been stated above that caffeine is a diuretic. Clinically, it has been proved by 
 Gubler and others to act very promptly in this manner, and to reduce the pulse-rate 
 simultaneously. These effects are ascribed to a direct action upon the nerves of the 
 kidney. In several cases of cardiac dropsy “ citrate of caffeine ” in the dose of 3 grains 
 three times a day promptly produced copious diuresis, even when digitalis had failed or 
 ceased to have any effect (Shapter). The cases most benefited are those in which cardiac 
 irregularity exists as an effect of muscular debility rather than of valvular obstruction. 
 Leech, who found it useful as a diuretic in cardiac dropsy , judged that it exerted a direct 
 action upon the kidneys, causingthe elimination of water ( Practitioner , vols. xxiv. xxv.) ; 
 and Brakenridge, localizing its action still further, pronounced it to be “ a stimulant of 
 the renal glandular epithelium, and very slightly, if at all, a vascular diuretic ” (Edin- 
 burgh Med. Jour ., xxvii. 4, 100). That coffee and caffeine are primary and direct stimu- 
 lants of the whole nervous system seems proved by daily experience, and that their 
 effects are comparable, not to those of digitalis, but rather to the action of alcohol. 
 Unlike digitalis, which affects only certain involuntary muscles, caffeine, like alcohol, 
 stimulates the entire muscular and vascular systems. It has been repeatedly said that 
 caffeine and digitalis cannot be substituted therapeutically for one another — that the former 
 acts where the latter ceases to act; and the explanation of this fact resides in their very 
 dissimilar mode of action. When digitalis fails, it is because the heart is either positively 
 or relatively incompetent to propel the blood, and the medicine has no power of strength- 
 ening except by tonically contracting it; but coffee or caffeine stimulates the nervous 
 centres which are the source of the heart’s power, and temporarily restores the regu- 
 larity and efficiency of its function, and so permits the removal of the dropsies, etc. 
 which immediately threaten the extinction of life. Cases illustrating this singular rescue 
 from imminent death have been published by Milliken (Phila. Med. Times , xii. 344), 
 Brakenridge, Huchard, and others, who agree that under the conditions mentioned the 
 hypodermic administration of caffeine is the best remedy. The explanation given affords 
 a satisfactory reason for the failure of caffeine in dropsy that is not due to cardiac 
 disease. (Compare Lepine, Huchard, Dujardin-Beaumetz, Centralblatt f. Therapie , i. 
 229.) We have nothing to modify in this explanation, offered some years ago, of the 
 utility of caffeine in cardiac dropsy, but may confirm it by a reference to the cases of 
 Bruen (Med. Mews , xlvi. 120) and Dumas (Bullet, et Mem. Soc. de Therap., Sept. 1886, 
 p. 141). Sansom, however, maintains that it is most efficient in dropsy caused by mitral 
 insufficiency ( Lancet , March and April, 1886). Caffeine, and also strong coffee, have 
 been found useful in atonic diarrhoea , “ in melancholia, in the brain disorders of over- 
 workers, in the sleeplessness and depression of spirits of drunkards, in asthenic mania ” 
 (Shapter, Times and Gaz., July, 1881, p. 33), and as a means of curing the opium and 
 the alcohol habit. This is only another form of the familiar fact that coffee tends to 
 dispel intoxication caused by opium and alcohol, as well as the exhaustion or collapse that 
 follows their abrupt withdrawal, as we have, indeed, already remarked. It is probable 
 that the use of coffee in the southern and of alcohol in the northern countries of Europe 
 shows that the one is better adapted to a dry and the other to a damp climate, and also 
 that an intellectual stimulant is more grateful to the excitable nature of Southern, and 
 one that blunts perception to the cooler temperament of Northern, races. 
 
 The dose of caffeine may be said to range from Gm. 0.016-0.20 (gr. £-2-3) in pow- 
 der, mixed with sugar. Huchard maintains that the ordinary doses are too small. He 
 begins with 5 or even 10 grains during a day, and then gradually increases the dose 
 until 15 grains, or even two or three times that quantity, are taken in the same space of 
 time. If, like coffee, it sometimes causes uncertainty of sight and gait, nausea, head- 
 ache, palpitation, etc., the dose must be lessened. Owing to its imperfect solubility it 
 should not be prescribed in pill, but it may be rendered more soluble by the addition of 
 salicylate or benzoate of sodium or antipyrine. The most convenient mode of adminis- 
 tering caffeine hypodermically is that proposed by Tanret, who has published the follow- 
 ing formula: R. Benzoate of sodium, Gm. 3.60; Caffeine, Gm. 3; Distilled Water, q. s. 
 to make 10 Ccm. Of this solution each Ccm. contains Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) of caffeine (Med. 
 Record , xxiii. 440). The same solution, diluted and flavored, may be administered 
 internally. 
 
 The so-called valerianate of caffeine appears in some cases to have been of service in 
 
366 
 
 CAFFE IN A CITRA TA. — CAHINCA. 
 
 the treatment of hysterical vomiting and of whooping cough. In the latter disease it was 
 given twice a day in doses of about Gm. 0.03 (gr. £) to children of two years and 
 upward. 11 Citrate of caffeine” appears to be a compound of variable and uncertain 
 strength. 
 
 A derivative of caffeine, ethoxy-caffeine, seems to act on the brain and spinal 
 cord, causing palpitation of the heart, flushing of the face, sweating, diuresis, somnolence, 
 and even coma. Like caffeine, it may excite nausea and vomiting, to prevent which it 
 has been given along with sodium salicylate or cocaine muriate. It has been found 
 efficient in relieving neuralgic headache. It may be prescribed in divided doses amount- 
 ing to from Gm. 0.25-1 (gr. iv-xv) a day. 
 
 Kola or Gourou nut was thoroughly investigated by Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen 
 ( Amer . Jour. Phar ., March, 1884). It is used throughout Equatorial, and especially 
 Western, Africa as a masticatory and in powder, in the belief that it renders the gums 
 firm, strengthens the digestion, and, like coca, enables persons to endure prolonged exer- 
 tion without fatigue. It is thought to cleanse foul waters and render tainted meat edible, 
 and also to be aphrodisiac. Its qualities appear to be derived from the caffeine it con- 
 tains. The above statements have been substantially confirmed by Barrickman ( Therap. 
 Gaz ., viii. 335), as well as by Smith {Amer. Jour. Phar., lviii. 391), and by Firth 
 (. Practitioner , xliii. 27) ; the last of whom, however, denies the allegation of the first 
 that kola, like coffee, dissipates alcoholic intoxication. Kola has been used by Monnet 
 and others {Bull. d,e Therap ., cviii. 12; Dictionnaire de Therapeutique , art. “Kola”) in 
 the treatment of various states of debility due to nervous prostration or to exhausting 
 discharges ; to relieve irregularity of the heart , neuralgia , migraine , etc. ; and, in a word, 
 all the conditions for which coffee and caffeine are employed. The most efficient man- 
 ner of using kola nut is by slow mastication and swallowing the saliva ; but various 
 pharmaceutical formulae for its administration have been proposed, (See Monnet. Therap . 
 Gaz., ix. 223.) 
 
 CAFFEINA CITRATA, JJ . S , — Citrated Caffeine. 
 
 Caffeinse Citras, Br. ; Caffeine citrate, E. ; Citrate de Cafeine , Fr. ; Koffein citrat, G. 
 Preparation. — Caffeine, 50 Gm. ; Citric Acid, 50 Gm. ; Distilled Water, hot, 100 
 Cc. Dissolve the citric acid in the hot distilled water, add the caffeine, and evaporate 
 the resulting solution on a water-bath to dryness, constantly stirring toward the end of 
 the operation. Reduce the product to a fine powder and transfer it to well-closed 
 bottles. — U. S., The process of the British Pharmacopoeia is equivalent to the above, 
 the quantities, however, being expressed in parts. 
 
 Citrated caffeine is a white powder having a purely acid (slightly bitter, Br.) taste, 
 and an acid reaction, readily soluble in a mixture of 2 parts of chloroform and 1 of 
 rectified spirit. With 3 parts of water it forms a syrupy liquid, and this, when diluted, 
 gives a precipitate (caffeine), which is redissolved when 25 (10, Br.) parts of water have 
 been added. — U. S. 
 
 CAFFEINA CITRATA EFFERVESCENS, U , S .— Effervescent 
 
 Citrated Caffeine. 
 
 Preparation. — Caffeine, 10 Gm. ; Citric Acid, 10 Gm. ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 330 
 Gm. ; Tartaric Acid, 300 Gm. ; Sugar, in very fine powder, 350 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity. To make 1000 Gm. 
 
 Triturate the solid ingredients, previously well dried, to a fine, uniform powder. Mix 
 this with alcohol to a soft paste and rub it through a No. 6 tinned-iron sieve or enam- 
 elled colander. Then dry it, and reduce it to a coarse, granular powder. Keep the 
 product in well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 CAHINCA. — Cahinca Root. 
 
 Radix caincse , s. cainanse . — Cainga, Fr. ; Caincawurzel , G. 
 
 The root of Chiococca racemosa, Jacquin. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rubiaceae, Coffeineae. 
 
 Origin, — The plant is a native of Southern Florida, the West Indies, Central Amer- 
 ica, and a portion of South America. It is a shrub with opposite shining, oval, ovate- 
 oblong, or elliptic leaves, racemes of fragrant yellowish flowers, and small white berries 
 with flattish ovate seeds. 
 
CALAMUS. 
 
 367 
 
 Description, — The woody root exists in pieces 7 to 15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, 
 about 2 to 6 Mm. to I inch) thick, more or less bent, externally blackish- or gray- 
 ish-brown, finely wrinkled longitudinally, with narrow transverse corky ridges and 
 fissures, with a thin brown bark of a resinous lustre internally, and with a whitish wood. 
 It is usually mixed with portions of the lower stem, which are 12 to 25 Mm. (? to 1 
 inch) thick, and have deep longitudinal furrows, with intervening rounded often very 
 prominent ridges produced by separated wood-bundles which have not been developed 
 into separate branches ; the porous wood encloses a thin pith and is radiate by medul 
 lary rays. The bark has a nauseous, bitter, and acrid taste. 
 
 The roots of Chiococca densifolia, Martius , and Ch. anguifuga, Martius, are of a red- 
 dish-brown color, often transversely fissured, and destitute of longitudinal ridges. The 
 shrubs are indigenous to Brazil, and are known there as cainana or caninana. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent of cahinca-root is cahincin or 
 cahincic acid, which, according to Rochleder (1867), has the composition C 40 H 64 O 18 . It 
 exists in the root partly free and partly as a calcium salt (Frangois, Pelletier, and 
 Caventou, 1829), forms white, silky, very bitter needles, is soluble in about 600 parts 
 of cold water and ether, and crystallizes from its solution in hot alcohol. When boiled 
 with hydrochloric acid it is split into sugar and cahincetin, C 2 2 H 34 03 , the alcoholic solu- 
 tion of which gelatinizes on the addition of water. Fused together with potassium 
 hydroxide, cahincetin yields butyric acid and cahincigenin, C 14 H 24 0 2 . Rochleder and 
 Hlasiwetz (1851) regard the tannin of cahinca-root as being identical with caffeo-tannic 
 acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When first introduced into American and European medicine 
 cahinca was reputed to be an efficient diuretic, as well as a tonic, emmenagogue, and 
 laxative. There is no doubt of its diuretic virtues in dropsy independent of acute renal 
 disease. But it is now very rarely employed. By some it is stated to be a hydragogue 
 cathartic. It is best administered in a decoction made with Gm. 8 (gij) of the root to 
 a pint of water, or an electuary may be formed with powdered gum and syrup contain- 
 ing about Gm. 1 (gr. xv) of the powdered root. 
 
 CALAMUS, JJ. So— Calamus. 
 
 Rhizoma calami , P. G. ; Radix calami aromatici , Radix acori. — Sweet flag, E. ; Acore 
 vrai, Acore odorant , Fr. ; Kalmuswurzel , G. ; Acorro vero, It. ; Calamo aromatico , It., 
 Sp. 
 
 The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linne. Woodville, Med. Rot. 248; Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 279. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Aracese, Acoroideae. 
 
 Origin. — An herbaceous perennial, with leaves resembling those of the flag (iris), 
 and green triangular flowering stems termi- 
 nating with a cylindrical spadix of small 
 sessile flowers, and a long two-edged bract 
 resembling the leaves. The plant is indig- 
 enous to North America and Northern Asia, 
 but has spread throughout Central Asia 
 to India, and throughout Europe to the 
 Pyrenees. In Burmah and Ceylon it is 
 
 cultivated. It grows in the muddy mar- 
 gins of streams and swamps. 
 
 Descrmtion — The rhizome grows to Transverse section of rhizome of. Calamus; magnified 
 V y , n . . ,1 three diameters, 
 
 the length of several feet, is horizontal, 
 
 subcylindrical, about 2 Cm. (f inch) in diameter; reddish-brown, longitudinally wrinkled, 
 distinctly annulate from the transverse and obliquely-directed leaf-scars, which are 
 crowded near the over-ground stems; in other parts 9 to 12 Mm. (f to 5 inch) or more 
 distant, and some of them fringed by projecting wood-bundles ; the lower surface of the 
 rhizome shows the circular root-scars arranged in a wavy single or sometimes double 
 line, branching alternately to the right and left. It has a spongy texture, due to nume- 
 rous air-passages, and breaks with a short corky fracture, showing a white or pale red- 
 dish-white color internally. Upon the transverse section a fine darker line (nucleus 
 sheath) separates an elliptical central portion from an outer layer, the latter being in 
 width about one-fifth the diameter of the rhizome. The wood-bundles are irregularly 
 scattered, most numerous within the nucleus sheath ; the oil-cells, which become more 
 
368 
 
 CALCII BROMIDTJM. 
 
 conspicuous on being moistened by an alkali, are likewise scattered and more numerous 
 in the outer portion. 
 
 Calamus has an agreeable aromatic odor, which is best preserved by keeping the rhi- 
 zome unpeeled, as directed by the present Pharmacopoeia. Peeled calamus when fresh 
 is white, but turns pinkish on drying, and is less aromatic and bitter than the unpeeled. 
 It should be collected early in spring, and deprived of the far less aromatic and 
 bitter rootlets, which are 10 to 15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, unbranched, but near the 
 tip beset with soft thin fibres. On drying it loses from 70 to 75 per cent, in weight. 
 It is not subject to adulteration, and cannot easily be confounded with other rhizomes. 
 
 Constituents.— The rootlets contain little of the volatile oil ; the rhizome yields 
 from li to 2 percent.; Bartels obtained from the fresh-peeled rhizome I per cent., 
 Martius 1 per cent, from the peelings. The yellowish or brown-yellow oil (Oleum 
 calami, P. G.') has an agreeable odor, turns red-brown by ferric chloride, and contains, 
 according to A. Kurbatow (1873), a hydrocarbon, ‘C 10 H 16 , of a terebinthinate odor, boiling 
 at 159° C. (318.2° F.). and yielding with chlorine a crystalline mass which melts at 
 65° C. (149° F.). The portion boiling at a higher temperature is of a deep-blue color, 
 and not of a constant boiling-point. Faust (1867) named the bitter principle acorin. 
 It was obtained from the concentrated decoction by precipitating it successively with 
 alcohol and lead acetate and subacetate, removing the lead by hydrogen sulphide, 
 neutralizing with soda, and agitating with ether, which leaves it as a soft brown-yellow- 
 ish mass, soluble in ether and alcohol, having a faint alkaline reaction, and being precip- 
 itated from its solution in hydrochloric acid by tannin, sodium phosphomolybdate, 
 and potassium iodohydrargyrate. It contains nitrogen, and when boiled with dilute 
 sulphuric acid or baryta-water yields sugar and a resin-like body. Fliickiger obtained a 
 small quantity of crystals from its tannin precipitate by treatment with lead oxide and 
 chloroform. Thomas (1887) purified the acorin as obtained by Faust by shaking the 
 aqueous solution with freshly-burned animal charcoal, then washing and drying this 
 and extracting it with 90 per cent, alcohol. This was recovered, remnants of volatile 
 oil being removed on a water-bath ; the liquid was shaken with ether, and on evaporation 
 this left the acorin entirely free from nitrogen. By long boiling with dilute acids or alkalies 
 an odor of ethereal oil becomes perceptible; this formed in larger quantity by heating 
 acorin with aqueous soda solution in a current of hydrogen. This oil consists of two 
 bodies, one boiling at 158°-159°, as above, and the other between 255° and 288°, and 
 is blue in color, but becomes colorless on boiling with sodium metal. This reaction 
 also yields sugar; if carried on in the air, a resin-like body, acoretin, appears, which 
 by reduction in alkaline solution yields ethereal oil and sugar. Trommsdorff obtained 
 from the fresh drug 1.6 of starch, 5.5 of gum, 2.3 per cent, of soft resin, and 21 per 
 cent, of cellulose. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Tinctura calami. — Digest 1 part of bruised calamus 
 with 5 parts of alcohol spec. grav. .892 for eight days ; express and filter. It has a 
 brownish-yellow color. — P. G. 
 
 Extractum calami. — Bruised calamus is exhausted by digestion with a mixture of 
 3 parts of water and 2 parts of alcohol, and the filtered tincture evaporated to the con- 
 sistence of a thick extract. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Calamus excites a sense of warmth in the stomach, promotes 
 the appetite, and improves the digestion. It is said to quicken the pulse and increase the 
 secretion of urine and perspiration. In excessive doses it may cause headache. It is 
 added to bitter tonic infusions in atonic dyspepsia and other disorders producing abdomi- 
 nal flatulence. It may be used for the relief of flatulent colic and as a very mild stimulant 
 in some cases of the typhoid condition. It is often eaten prepared with sugar as a con- 
 serve, and it may be habitually chewed to relieve slight dyspeptic disorder. It is said to 
 be used for coughs by the Indians of the Hudson’s Bay territory (Amer. Jour. Phar lvi. 
 617). An infusion made with Gm. 32 (^j) of calamus and Gm. 500 (Oj) of hot water 
 may be prescribed in the dose of a wine-glassful. 
 
 CALCII BROMIDUM, IT. Calcium Bromide. 
 
 Calcium hromatum. — Bromure de calcium , Fr. ; Bromcalcium , Calciumhromid , Gr. 
 
 Formula CaBr 2 . Molecular weight 199.43. 
 
 Preparation. — Calcium bromide is readily prepared by dissolving pure calcium 
 carbonate in hydrobromic acid and evaporating the solution. Bodeker has used a method 
 which was described by Faust (1867), and is based upon the decomposition of sulphur 
 
CALCII BROMIDUM. 
 
 369 
 
 bromide, SBr 6 , by lime, whereby calcium bromide and sulphate are formed ; SBr 6 + 
 4Ca(OH) 2 yields 3CaBr 2 -f CaS0 4 -f 4H 2 0. 20 parts of sulphur are dissolved in 240 parts 
 of bromine (300 parts are required by calculation), and the solution added to thin milk 
 of lime, which contains 140 parts of pure lime. After the mixture has become colorless 
 the liquid is filtered, treated with carbon dioxide, and heated to remove excess of lime ; 
 the filtrate is concentrated, mixed with twice its bulk of alcohol to precipitate calcium 
 sulphate, is again filtered, and evaporated. 
 
 Properties. — Thus obtained, calcium bromide is a whitish, granular, or pulverulent, 
 neutral, very deliquescent salt, having a pungent bitter and saline taste. It is freely 
 soluble in alcohol (1 part, U. S .) and water, the latter solution yielding with difficulty 
 colorless needles. According to Kremers (1857, 1858), 1 part of the salt dissolves at 0° 
 C. (32° F.) in .80 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) in .70 parts, at 40° C. (104° F.), in .47 parts, 
 and at the boiling-point 105° C. (221° F.) in .32 parts of water, and solutions having at 
 19.5° C. (67° F.) the specific gravity 
 
 1.044 1.089 1.139 1.194 1.252 1.315 1.385 1.461 1.594 1.641 
 contain 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 per cent. CaBr 2 . 
 
 The salt melts at a red heat, giving off bromine ; treated with strong sulphuric acid, 
 hydrobromic acid is evolved, afterward bromine and sulphur dioxide. The aqueous solu- 
 tion yields with ammonium oxalate a white precipitate insoluble in acetic acid, but soluble 
 in hydrochloric acid ; with silver nitrate, a curdy precipitate insoluble in nitric acid and 
 in diluted ammonia-water ; and with a few drops of chlorine-water liberates bromine, 
 which dissolves in carbon disulphide with a yellow or brown-yellow color free from violet 
 tint. 
 
 The solution left in contact with lime forms calcium oxybromide, which has a strong 
 alkaline reaction, and on evaporation is left behind as a very white salt. 
 
 Tests. — The neutral reaction of the salt and its ready solubility in water and alcohol 
 exclude most impurities. “ If to 5 Cc. of a 5 per cent, aqueous solution, slightly acid- 
 ulated with hydrochloric acid, an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution be 
 added, neither coloration nor turbidity should be perceptible (absence of arsenic, lead, 
 etc.). The addition of ammonium sulphide test-solution to the aqueous solution should 
 not produce any color or turbidity (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.). If 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution (1 in 20), slightly acidulated with acetic acid, be completely precipitated 
 with ammonium oxalate test-solution, the filtrate should, on evaporation, leave not more 
 than a trace of fixed residue (limit of magnesium and alkalies). If diluted sulphuric 
 acid be dropped upon the salt, the latter should not at once assume a yellow color 
 (absence of bromate). If to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) a few drops of 
 starch test-solution be added, and then chlorine-water, drop by drop, no blue color should 
 appear (absence of iodide). No turbidity should be produced if 0.2 Cc. of barium chlo- 
 ride test-solution be added to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (absence of sulphate). If 
 1 Gm. of the salt be mixed with 0.5 Gm. of iron filings and 0.5 Gm. of powdered 
 zinc, and heated in a test-tube with 5 Cc. of sodium hydrate test-solution, no ammoniacal 
 vapors should be evolved (absence of nitrate or nitrite). If 0.25 Gm. of the w T ell-dried 
 salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and 2 drops of potassium chromate test-solution 
 added, it should require 25. Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution to produce a perma- 
 nent red color (corresponding to 99.7 per cent, of the pure salt, a greater amount indi- 
 cating presence of chloride, a smaller amount other impurities).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1871 this salt was stated by Dr. Hammond to produce 
 the characteristic effects of the bromides more promptly than the analogous compounds, 
 and also to induce sleep where they failed to do so. He regarded it as peculiarly 
 appropriate for relieving the insomnia caused by mental labor or excitement, and the 
 exhausted and irritable states of the nervous system met with in hysterical women, and 
 accompanied by headache, vertigo, insomnia, and extreme mental excitability. He also 
 found that it cured epilepsy in very young infants when bromide of potassium failed. 
 The best mode of administering was said to be according to the following formula : R. 
 Calcii bromid. gj ; Syrupi calcis lactophos. f^iv. — M. S. A teaspoonful three times a 
 day in a little water in epileptic cases. As a hypnotic for adults the dose is from Gm. 
 1.30 to 2.00 (gr. xx-xxx). 
 
 It has been objected to this as well as to the other bromine salts that their sedative 
 action is due not to the bromine they contain, but to their alkaline or earthy bases. This 
 strange notion is sufficiently condemned by the fact that uncombined bromohydric acid 
 produces the same effects as its salts. 
 
 24 
 
370 
 
 CALCIl CARBON AS PRjECIPITATUS. 
 
 Iodobromide of calcium is reported to have maintained in quiescence the distressing 
 symptoms of a case of exophthalmic goitre ) and at last reduced the thyroid gland to its 
 natural size. 
 
 CALCIl CARBONAS PR^CIPITATUS, U. S.— Precipitated Calcium 
 
 Carbonate. 
 
 Calcii carbonas prsecipitata , Br. ; Calcium carbonicum prsecipitatum , P. G. ; Calcaria 
 carbonica prsecipitata, Carbonas calcicus prsecipitatus, Greta prsecipitata. — Precipitated car- 
 bonate of lime , E. ; Carbonate de chaux precipite , Craie precipitee, Fr. ; Calciumkarbonat , 
 Pracipitirter Jcohlensaurer Kalk, G. ; Carbonato di calcio precipitato , It. ; Carbonato de 
 cal , Sp. 
 
 Formula CaC0 3 . Molecular weight 99.76. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Calcium Chloride 5 ounces; Sodium Carbonate 13 ounces; 
 boiling Distilled Water a sufficiency. Dissolve the calcium chloride and sodium car- 
 bonate each in 2 pints of the water ; mix the two solutions and allow the precipitate to 
 subside. Collect this on a calico filter, wash it with boiling distilled water until the wash- 
 ings cease to give a precipitate with silver nitrate, and dry the product at the tempera- 
 ture of 100° C. (212° F.). — Br. 
 
 In this process a mutual decomposition of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate takes 
 place, resulting in the formation of sodium chloride, which remains in solution, and 
 calcium carbonate, which precipitates. The decomposition is illustrated by the equation 
 CaCl 2 + Na 2 C0 3 = 2NaCl -f- CaC0 3 . The precipitate retains, even after prolonged wash- 
 ing, a small portion of sodium salt; made with ammonium carbonate, it is much more 
 readily freed from the latter by washing. If calcium carbonate is precipitated in the cold, 
 it is flocculent and quite voluminous, and with difficulty deprived of the mother-liquor 
 by washing; hence it is advisable to heat the solutions before mixing them. 
 
 Properties. — Thus prepared, it is a white, impalpable, inodorous, and tasteless 
 powder consisting of microscopic rhombohedric crystals, but entirely free from grittiness. 
 It has the specific gravity 2.72, is without action upon moistened test-paper, and is not 
 altered in the air, but above 400° C. (752° F.) begins to evolve carbon dioxide, and at a 
 red heat is entirely converted into calcium oxide. “ The salt is nearly insoluble in 
 water ; the solubility is increased by presence of ammonium salts, and especially by car- 
 bonic acid ; alkali hydroxides diminish it. It is insoluble in alcohol, but dissolves with- 
 out residue in dilute hydrochloric, nitric, or acetic acid, carbon dioxide being copiously 
 given off. — U. S. 
 
 Tests. — “ For applying tests of identity and purity, boil 6 Gm. of calcium carbon- 
 ate with a mixture of 50 Cc. of diluted acetic acid and 50 Cc. of water ; allow the liquid 
 to cool, and filter. In this solution ammonium oxalate test-solution produces a white 
 precipitate insoluble in acetic, but soluble in hydrochloric acid. If from 20 Cc. of this 
 solution the calcium be completely precipitated by a slight excess of ammonium oxalate 
 test-solution, the filtrate should, on evaporation, leave only a trace of fixed residue 
 (limit of magnesium and alkalies). If 10 Cc. of the solution be slightly acidulated 
 with acetic acid, no immediate turbidity should be produced by the addition of 0.5 Cc. 
 of barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate). If to 10 Cc. of the solution, slightly 
 acidulated with nitric acid, 0.1 Cc. of silver nitrate solution be added, and the precipitate, 
 if any, removed by filtration, the filtrate should remain perfectly clear upon addition of 
 more silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). Addition of ammonia-water should not 
 produce any turbidity in the solution (absence of iron, aluminum, phosphate, etc.). If 
 to the solution, slightly acidulated with acetic acid, an equal volume of hydrogen sul- 
 phide test-solution be added, neither color nor turbidity should be produced (absence of 
 arsenic, lead, etc.). If 1 Gm. of the salt be agitated with 50 Cc. of water, the filtrate 
 should not show an alkaline reaction with litmus-paper, and, on evaporation, should not 
 leave more than a trace of fixed residue (limit of soluble impurities).” — V. S. 
 
 A substitution of calcium sulphate for the carbonate, wholly or partly, has been occa- 
 sionally observed ; this will not readily dissolve in diluted hydrochloric acid, with little 
 or no effervescence ; boiled with distilled water and allowed to cool, then filtered, a liquid 
 will be obtained giving a white precipitate with barium chloride. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation differs in no essential particular from pre- 
 pared chalk ( v . Greta prseparata'). 
 
CALCII CHLORIDUM. 
 
 371 
 
 CALCn CHLORIDUM, TJ . S ., Br — Calcium Chloride. 
 
 Calcium chloratum, Calcaria muriatica , Chloridum calcicum. — Chlorure de calcium , Fr. ; 
 Chlorcalcium, Calciumchlorid , G. ; Cloruro di calcio , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula CaCl 2 . Molecular weight 110.65. 
 
 Calcium chloride deprived of its water by fusion at the lowest possible temperature. 
 It should be preserved in a well-stopped bottle. 
 
 Preparation. — This compound is a by-product in many chemical processes, among 
 others that for solution of ammonia. It may be formed by neutralizing hydrochloric 
 acid with marble or other calcium carbonate ; CaC0 3 -j- 2HC1 yields CaCl 2 + C0 2 + H 2 0. 
 Iron being usually contained in these native carbonates, it is removed by digesting the 
 solution with chlorinated lime and slaked lime, by which the iron is first converted into 
 ferric chloride and then precipitated as ferric hydroxide. The filtrate, which will be 
 found to have an alkaline reaction, is neutralized with hydrochloric acid, evaporated, and 
 dried at a temperature of 200° C. (392° F.). The whole of the water of crystallization 
 is expelled at 200° C. ; the Br. P. directs the salt to be dried at 204.5° C. (400° F.), and 
 regards its composition to be CaCl 2 .2H 2 0 (mol. weight 146.57). 
 
 Properties. — Calcium chloride is in white, dry, but very deliquescent inodorous 
 masses, and has a hot, saline, and bitterish sharp taste. When the salt is overheated in 
 fusing, a small quantity of chlorine is expelled as hydrochloric acid ; hence the anhydrous 
 salt usually has a faint alkaline reaction, which is increased at a red heat, According to 
 Kremers (1858), 1 part of the anhydrous salt dissolves at 10° C. (50° F.) in 1.58 parts, 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) in 1.46 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) in 1.35 parts, at 40° C. (104° F.) in 
 .83 part, at 60° C. (140° F.) in .72 part of water; the solution, saturated at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), has the specific gravity 1.41104. The concentrated solutions, exposed to a low 
 temperature, deposit transparent crystals of the salt containing 6H 2 0, and these melt in 
 the neighborhood of 30° C. (86° F.) ; when evaporated to dryness at a temperature not 
 exceeding 150° C. (302° F.) a crystalline powder, CaCl 2 .2H 2 0, is obtained, which, on 
 being mixed with two-thirds its weight of snow, produces a temperature of — 45° C. 
 ( — 49° F.). The anhydrous salt dissolves in about 8 parts of cold absolute alcohol, and 
 at 78.3° C. (174° F.) in 1.43 parts; it is more freely soluble in alcohol containing water. 
 These solutions are precipitated by an excess of ether, and on concentration and cooling 
 yield soft white crystals of calcium chloride, combined with alcohol (2C 2 H 5 OH) or with 
 alcohol and water. The aqueous solution yields with ammonium oxalate a white pre- 
 cipitate insoluble in acetic acid, but soluble in hydrochloric acid, and with silver nitrate 
 a white precipitate readily soluble in ammonia and reprecipitated by nitric acid. 
 
 Tests. — “ The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should remain clear upon addition of am- 
 monia-water (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.), or of barium chloride test-solution 
 (absence of sulphate). If from 20 Cc. of the solution the calcium be completely pre- 
 cipitated by ammonium oxalate test-solution, the filtrate should, on evaporation, leave 
 not more than a trace of fixed residue (limit of magnesium and alkalies). If 5 Cc. of 
 the aqueous solution, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, be mixed with an equal volume 
 of hydrogen sulphide test-solution, neither color nor turbidity should appear (absence of 
 arsenic, lead, etc). No turbidity should be produced by the addition of 0.5 Cc. of potas- 
 sium dichromate test-solution to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (absence of barium).” — 
 U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Calcium chloride is used for the drying of gases and 
 certain liquids and in the preparation of various calcium salts. For the latter purpose it 
 is directed only in the process for Calcii carbonas praecipitata. 
 
 Liquor calcii chloridi, Br . — Dissolve calcium chloride 88 grains in distilled water 
 1 ounce. Spec. grav. 1.145. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Chloride of calcium is an active irritant, and in excessive 
 doses may occasion gastro-intestinal inflammation. In medicinal doses it is supposed to 
 have a special action upon the glandular system, increasing secretion, removing infarc- 
 tions, etc. It has been used very successfully to reduce scrofulous swellings of the exter- 
 nal lymphatic glands, of the mesenteric glands, etc., and in strumous diseases of the skin, 
 particularly lupus. In the latter cases it should be associated with iodine, applied locally. 
 Some attempts have been made to revive this method. In 1885 ( Practitioner , xxxv. 160) 
 Dr. Crighton claimed for it curative powers “ in glandular enlargements of the neck in 
 children, where the glands seem massed together and are almost of a stony hardness ;” 
 in similar cases in which suppuration had occurred ; in tabes mesenterica ; and in scrofulous 
 caries. Similar results were reported by Mr. Davies (ibid., xxxvi. 12). The dose 
 
372 
 
 CALCII H Y POPH OS PHIS. 
 
 employed by Crighton was Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx), or more, of the crystallized chloride 
 of calcium for adults, and Gm. 0.13-0.20 (gr. ij-iij) for children. Davies found that 
 very much larger doses, such as Gm. 2.50 (gr. xl) three times a day, could be taken 
 beneficially. It is said to exhibit peculiar virtues in the dyspeptic disorders to which 
 scrofulous children are subject, and which are popularly supposed to be of verminous 
 origin, such as restless sleep, capricious appetite, irregular stools, foul breath, and enlarged 
 tonsils. (For full details see W. Begbie, Works, Sydenham Soc. ed., p. 307.) Physicians 
 of authority have affirmed its curative power in cases of uterine and ovarian tumors. The 
 only “ tumors ” which contract under this or any other medicinal treatment are the so- 
 called muscular tumors, which may be reduced by the loss of their liquid constituents. 
 The use of the medicine is not unattended with risk. If persisted in fora length of time, 
 it is apt, according to Wells, to bring about calcareous degeneration of the arteries 
 generally. Whatever action it may possess in arresting the growth of fibroids probably 
 depends upon this property. Dose, from Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx), taken in milk or 
 dissolved in a large quantity of water. The old “ solution of muriate of lime ” (PA. 
 Edin. ) contained 8 ounces of the crystallized salt in 12 fluidounces of water. Dose 
 for an adult, from 20 to 50 minims, in water or milk. A syrup has been prepared which 
 contains 5 ounces of the crystallized salt in 12 fluidounces of the excipient. Dose , a 
 teaspoonful. 
 
 CALCn HYPOPHOSPHIS, U. S., Br.- Calcium Hypophosphite. 
 
 Calcium hypophosphorosum, Calcaria hypophosphorosa, Dypophosphis caldcus. — Hypo- 
 phosphite of lime, E. ; Hypophosphite de chaux, Fr. ; Calciumhypophosphit, Unterphos- 
 phorigsaurer Kalk, G. 
 
 Formula Ca(H 2 P0 2 ) 2 or CaH 4 (P0 2 ) 2 . Molecular weight 169.67. 
 
 Preparation. — Calcium hypophosphite is obtained by heating phosphorus with 
 milk of lime, inflammable hydrogen phosphide being given off — namely, 3Ca(OH) 2 -}- 
 6H 2 0 + 4P 2 yields 3Ca(H 2 P0 2 ) 2 + 2PH 3 . Proctor (1858) uses a deep boiler, in which a 
 uniform milk is made with 4 pounds of burned lime and 5 gallons of water; 1 pound of 
 phosphorus is added, and the whole boiled, boiling water being added from time to time 
 to preserve the measure, until the phosphorus has been all oxidized and the strong odor 
 of hydrogen phosphide has disappeared. The mixture is filtered, the residue washed 
 with water, the mixed filtrate evaporated to 6 pints, filtered from the calcium hydroxide 
 and carbonate, and again evaporated and crystallized or granulated. Nearly half the 
 phosphorus is oxidized to phosphoric acid, probably by the decomposition of water, since 
 the escaping gas contains free hydrogen (Wurtz) and remains with the excess of lime as 
 calcium phosphate. E. Scheffer (1858) succeeded in avoiding much of this loss by using 
 phosphorus which had been previously burned under water by passing atmospheric air 
 into it, whereby it assumed a spongy appearance. It unites then with the lime even at 
 the ordinary temperature, but more readily at 55° C. (about 130° F.), and very little 
 spontaneously inflammable gas is generated. The salt is prepared on the large scale by 
 adding granulated phosphorus to milk of lime and exposing the mixture to the air, and 
 agitating frequently until the phosphorus has disappeared. A small portion of hydrogen 
 phosphide is evolved (Gmelin-Kraut’s Chemie). It is well to precipitate the dissolved 
 lime by passing carbon dioxide through the warm filtrate and by filtering again. The ob- 
 servation previously made by Wurtz, that hypophosphites boiled with an excess of alkali 
 are decomposed into hydrogen and phosphite or phosphate, has been recently confirmed 
 by W. F. Short (1882) for the calcium salt prepared by boiling with excess of lime. 
 
 Properties. — Calcium hypophosphite crystallizes in transparent, thin, flexible scales 
 composed of flat monoclinic prisms, but is usually met with as a white crystalline pow- 
 der with a pearly lustre, of neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, inodorous, and of a 
 bitter, nauseous taste. In the dry state it is permanent in the air, but when dissolved in 
 w r ater it is gradually oxidized to calcium phosphate. Heated to redness in a retort, it 
 decrepitates, evolves water, spontaneously inflammable hydrogen phosphide, and a little 
 phosphorus, and leaves nearly 80 per cent, of a reddish residue containing a little amor- 
 phous phosphorus and calcium pyrophosphate. The salt dissolves in 6 parts (6.8 parts, 
 U. S .) of cold and in a slightly less amount of boiling water ; it is insoluble in strong 
 and but slightly soluble in dilute alcohol (H. Bose). The solution yields white precipi- 
 tates with silver nitrate and with mercuric chloride, both turning dark when heated, 
 from a reduction to the metallic state. Metallic gold is precipitated from the chloride, 
 and the soluble copper salts yield with the solution, particularly on heating, metallic 
 
CALCII TODAS. 
 
 373 
 
 copper. Ammonium oxalate produces in the solution a white precipitate which is insol- 
 uble in acetic acid, but dissolves in hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 20 Cc. of water, no insoluble residue 
 should be left (absence of phosphate, sulphate, and other insoluble impurities). In this 
 solution no precipitate should be produced by the addition of lead acetate test-solution 
 (absence of soluble phosphate) ; nor after acidulation with hydrochloric acid, by barium chlo- 
 ride test-solution (absence of soluble sulphate) ; or by an equal volume of hydrogen sul- 
 phide test-solution (absence of arsenic, etc.). On adding to 5 Cc. of the solution (1 in 20) 
 1 Cc. each of ammonium chloride test-solution and ammonia-water, and 3 Cc. of ammo- 
 nium carbonate test-solution, applying a gentle heat for a few minutes, and then filter- 
 ing, not more than a very slight turbidity should be produced by the addition to the 
 filtrate of a few drops of sodium phosphate test-solution (limit of magnesium). If 0.1 
 Gm. of calcium hypophosphite be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, then mixed with 10 
 Cc. of sulphuric acid and 50 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution, and 
 the mixture boiled for fifteen minutes, it should require not more than 3 Cc. of deci- 
 normal oxalic acid solution to discharge the red color (corresponding to at least 99.68 per 
 cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 In the official volumetric test for the quality of the salt the potassium permanganate 
 converts the hypophosphite into an acid phosphate, according to tbe equation 5CaH 4 (P0 2 ) 2 
 + 8KMn0 4 + 12H 2 S0 4 = 5CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 + 4K 2 S0 4 -f 8MnS0 4 + 12H 2 G ; the excess of 
 permanganate solution added is determined by oxalic acid, and hence the exact quantity 
 consumed by any sample of hypophosphite is readily ascertained. Each Cc. decinormal 
 permanganate solution corresponds to 0.0021209 Gm. calcium hypophosphite ; and as 
 each Cc. decinormal oxalic acid solution will exactly decolorize 1 Cc. of the perman- 
 ganate solution, the Pharmacopoeia really demands 50 — 3 = 47 Cc. of decinormal per- 
 manganate solution for the oxidation of 0.1 Gm. calcium hypophosphite, 47 Cc. = 
 (0.0021209 X 47) 0.0996823 of calcium hypophosphite, which is equal to 99.68 per cent. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Syrupus calcii hypophosphitis. Calcium hypophos- 
 phite 1 ounce; Water 9£ fluidounces ; Sugar 12 ounces; Essence of Vanilla £ fluid- 
 ounce. Dissolve and mix (Procter). 
 
 Action and Uses. — On theoretical grounds the combinations of phosphorus with 
 lime have been supposed to possess a power of stimulating and regenerating the nervous 
 system and those tissues which contain phosphorus and lime. The experiments of Perl 
 ( Virchow's Archiv, lxxiv. 54) led him to conclude that the soluble salts of lime are in a 
 slight degree absorbable, and therefore capable to that extent of acting therapeutically 
 when the normal lime compounds of the body are deficient. According to Dysart, the 
 lacto-phosphate is the only salt of lime that is readily appropriated by the economy 
 (. Practitioner , xxii. 375). These views have led to the use of the lime salts in anaemia , 
 scrofula , caries , tuberculosis , and other cachectic conditions ; in chlorosis and menorrhagia ; 
 in fractures uniting slowly or imperfectly ; in rickets and in Pott's disease ; and in various 
 chronic projluvia connected with a feeble and often strumous state of the system. The 
 claims made for these preparations, independently of other and more efficient medicines 
 (iron, cod-liver oil) and hygienic influences, consist largely of assertion without evidence, 
 and are too slender to be seriously entertained. Nevertheless, as the preparations of 
 lime in question are innocuous, there is no reason why the degree of benefit they confer, 
 however slight, should not be taken advantage of in the various cachexiae mentioned. 
 Dose , Gm. 0.30-0.40 (gr. v-vj) or more at meal-times. The syrup of the hypophosphite 
 of calcium may be used in doses Gm. 4 (F^j ) . 
 
 CALCII IODAS.— Calcium Iodatb. 
 
 Iodate de chanx , Fr. ; Jodsaurer Kalk , G. 
 
 Formula Ca(I0 3 ) 2 .6H 2 0. Molecular weight 496.49. 
 
 Preparation. — The following process was proposed by W. Flight (1864) : An 
 alcoholic solution of iodine is gradually mixed with an excess of a filtered aqueous solu- 
 tion of chlorinated lime, care being taken to prevent the increase of temperature, so that 
 the formation of iodine chloride shall not be permitted. The chlorinated lime oxidizes 
 the iodine, calcium iodate being precipitated, while calcium chloride and hydrochloric 
 acid remain in solution ; 5Ca(C10) 2 + 2I 2 + 2H 2 0 yields 2Ca(I0 3 ) 2 + 3CaCl 2 + 4HC1. 
 Reichardt (1874) directs the use of iodine with an excess of chlorinated lime diffused 
 in water. After decolorization the mixture is slightly acidulated with hydrochloric 
 acid, heated to boiling, and the filtered solution crystallized. 
 
374 
 
 CALCII IODID UM. — CALCII PHOSPHAS PR^CIPITATUS. 
 
 Properties. — Calcium iodate crystallizes from water in flat, colorless, shining 
 needles, which are slowly efflorescent on exposure, require at 15° C. (59° F.) about 300 
 parts of water for solution, and are nearly insoluble in alcohol. The aqueous solution 
 yields a white precipitate with ammonium oxalate, and liberates iodine on the addi- 
 tion of sulphurous acid. 
 
 CALCH 10 DIDUM.— Calcium Iodide. 
 
 Calcium Iodatum. — lodure de calcium , Fr. ; Jodcalcium , Calciumjodid , G. 
 
 Formula Cal 2 . Molecular weight 292.97. 
 
 Preparation. — The salt is obtained on dissolving slaked lime in hydriodic acid and 
 evaporating ; or, 3 parts of iodine are digested with sufficient iron and water until a 
 green solution of ferrous iodide is obtained. The liquid is filtered and mixed with 1 
 part of iodine, and after this has been dissolved it is boiled with milk of lime prepared 
 with 1 part of burnt lime, until the iron has been precipitated ; the liquid is then filtered 
 and evaporated. 
 
 Properties. — Calcium iodide is a white salt which crystallizes with difficulty in 
 pearly scales. It is freely soluble in alcohol and water, and is very deliquescent. 100 
 parts of water dissolve at 0° C. (32° F.) 192, at 20° C. (68° F.) 204, and at 92° C. 
 (197.6° F.) 435 parts of the salt. On exposure to the air the solution is partly decom- 
 posed, calcium carbonate being precipitated. The solution yields a white precipitate 
 with ammonium oxalate, and a bright red one with corrosive sublimate. 
 
 Tests. — On mixing the solution with sulphurous acid and cupric sulphate in excess 
 and heating the mixture, a grayish precipitate of cuprous iodide is produced, and the 
 filtrate yields no precipitate on the addition of silver nitrate (absence of chloride and 
 bromide). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Experiments seem to show that this salt arrests putrefactive 
 fermentation, deodorizes fecal matter, and acts as an irritant upon the living tissues. 
 Given internally, in doses of from Gm. 0.06-0.20 (gr. j-iij) three times a day, it is alleged 
 to arrest erysipelas , diminish and deodorize suppurative discharges , and promote the cure 
 of scrofulous ulceration. These statements call for confirmation, and even more do its 
 claims to extraordinary efficacy in pulmonary phthisis. 
 
 CALOII PHOSPHAS PR^IOIPITATUS, U. Precipitated Calcium 
 
 Phosphate. 
 
 Calcii phosphas, Br. ; Calcium phosphoricum , P. G. ; Calcaria phosphorica, Phosphas 
 calcicus prsecipitatus.— -Precipitated 'phosphate of lime , E.; Phosphate de chaux hydrate , Fr. ; 
 Calciumphosphat , Phosphorsaure Kalkerde , G. 
 
 Formula Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 . Molecular weight 309.33. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bone-ash 4 ounces ; Hydrochloric Acid 6 fluidounces ; 
 Water 2 pints; Solution of Ammonia 12 fluidounces or a sufficiency; Distilled water 
 a sufficiency. Digest the bone-ash in the hydrochloric acid, diluted w r ith a pint of water, 
 until it is dissolved ; boil for a few minutes ; filter ; add the remainder of the water, 
 and afterward the solution of ammonia, until the mixture acquires an alkaline reaction ; 
 and, having collected the precipitate on a calico filter, wash it with boiling distilled water 
 as long as the liquid which passes through occasions a precipitate when dropped into 
 solution of nitrate of silver acidulated with nitric acid. Dry the washed product at a 
 temperature not exceeding 100° C. (212° F.). — Br. 
 
 The process of the U. S. P. 1370 was identical with the above. By dissolving the 
 bone-earth in hydrochloric acid, acid calcium phosphate, CaH 4 (P0 4 ). 2 , and calcium chloride, 
 CaCl 2 , are formed ; on the addition of ammonia the result is ammonium chloride, water, and 
 tricalcium phosphate, the latter of which precipitates ; CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 -f- 2CaCl 2 -j- 4NH 4 OH 
 yields 4NH 4 C1 4- 4H 2 0 + Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 . The ammonium chloride is removed by washing 
 with water. If the precipitation is effected in the cold the calcium phosphate is very volu- 
 minous and the washing is quite difficult. The calcium phosphate of the German Pharma- 
 copoeia is prepared by precipitating a solution of calcium chloride with sodium phosphate, 
 has the composition CaHP0 4 .2H 2 0, is more readily soluble than the above salt, and when 
 heated to redness loses 26 per cent, of water. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — This preparation is often called hone phosphate to distin- 
 guish it from other calcium phosphates ; it forms a light white, amorphous, permanent 
 powder, which at an intense white heat fuses without decomposition and on cooling yields 
 
CALC1I SULPHAS EXSICCA TUS. 
 
 375 
 
 a porcelain-like mass. When fused with sodium carbonate or digested with a solution of 
 this salt it is partly decomposed, with the formation of calcium carbonate. It is insolu- 
 ble in water and other simple solvents ; almost insoluble in acetic acid, but somewhat 
 soluble in solutions of sodium chloride and other neutral alkali salts. Continued boiling 
 with water induces decomposition, with the formation of basic phosphate, Ca 5 (P0 4 ) 3 0H, 
 and of hydrophosphate, CaHP0 4 . “ When moistened with silver nitrate test-solution a 
 yellow color is assumed by the salt either before or after ignition (distinction from acid 
 calcium phosphate, which, after ignition, remains white when moistened with silver 
 nitrate). For applying tests of identity and purity, shake 2 Gm. of the salt with 20 Cc. 
 of water, and add nitric acid, drop by drop, until solution is effected ; then add water to 
 make the liquid measure 40 Cc. No effervescence should occur on adding the acid 
 (absence of carbonate). From a portion of this solution the salt is precipitated unchanged 
 by a slight excess of ammonia-water. From another portion ammonium molybdate 
 test-solution precipitates yellow ammonium phosphomolybdate ; the reaction is accelerated 
 by a gentle heat. If to 5 Cc. of the solution, acidulated with nitric acid, 0.5 Cc. of silver 
 nitrate test-solution be added, not more than a slight turbidity should result (limit of 
 chloride). The clear solution should not be rendered turbid by barium chloride test-solu- 
 tion (absence of sulphate) ; nor by potassium sulphate test-solution (barium) ; nor by an 
 equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution (arsenic, lead, etc.) ; nor should it be 
 colored blue by potassium ferrocyanide test-solution (iron). If 5 Cc. of the solution be 
 mixed with 1 Cc. of sodium acetate test-solution, and then with ammonium oxalate test- 
 solution, until the calcium is completely precipitated, the filtrate should not be rendered 
 very turbid by adding ammonia-water in slight excess (limit of magnesium).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Syrupus calcii phosphatis. 1 troyounce of calcium 
 phosphate dissolved with sufficient hydrochloric (or preferably phosphoric) acid, avoiding 
 excess of acid, and sufficient syrup to make 1 pint (Wiegand, 1854). The syrups of 
 chlorhydrophosphate and of acid calcium phosphate, as used in France, are little more 
 than one-fourth the strength of the preceding. 
 
 Action and Uses. — If this compound and its preparations possess medicinal 
 virtues, they are chiefly those of the hypophosphite of lime, which is treated of else- 
 where. There is, however, sufficient reason for believing that they are not assimilated 
 at all. Yet they have been used with reputed advantage in mollities ossium , and also to 
 promote the consolidation of fractures in which the formation of callus is slow or imper- 
 fect. The dose of the phosphate is from Gm. 0.60-1.60 (gr. x-xxx), and may con- 
 veniently be given in carbonic-acid water. Phosphate of lime has also been used to 
 check the colliquative sweats of phthisis ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci.. Apr. 1887, p. 530), and 
 topically for the treatment of tubercular disease of the joints ( Centralbl. f. M ’, v. 383— 
 385). 
 
 “ Physiological phosphate of lime ” is the name given to the residue of bones when 
 their animal matter has been removed by caustic soda. Reduced to a fine powder and 
 mixed with bread in the proportion of 1 per cent., it has been thought useful in the 
 conditions above named. 
 
 CALCn SULPHAS EXSICCATUS, U. S.— Dried Calcium Sulphate. 
 
 Calcii sulphas, Br. ; Calcium sulfuricum ustum , P. G. ; Dried gypsum, Plaster of Paris, E.; 
 Pldtre, Fr. ; Gebrannter Gyps , G. 
 
 A powder containing about 95 per cent, of calcium sulphate (CaS0 4 , mol. weight 
 135.73) and about 5 per cent, of water. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Native calcium sulphate is carefully heated until about three-fourths 
 of its water has been expelled. — U. S. 
 
 It should be preserved in well-closed vessels, to prevent the gradual absorption of 
 moisture from the atmosphere. 
 
 Properties. — “ Dried gypsum occurs as an amorphous white powder, without taste 
 or odor, and when mixed with half its weight of water it forms a smoofffi paste which 
 rapidly hardens. It is soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in about 410 parts of water, at 38° C. 
 (100.4° F.) in 388 parts, and at 100° C. (212° F.) in 476 parts. It is insoluble in 
 alcohol, but dissolves readily in diluted nitric or hydrochloric acid, also in saturated solu- 
 tions of potassium nitrate, sodium thiosulphate, and of various ammonium salts. 
 Heated to above 204° C. (399.2° F.), dried gypsum becomes anhydrous, and loses the 
 property of forming a paste with water and hardening rapidly. Its saturated solution 
 in water should be neutral to litmus-paper, and forms white precipitate with alcohol and 
 
376 
 
 CALCII SULPHIS. 
 
 with solutions of ammonium oxalate and of barium chloride. The addition of diluted 
 acids to dried gypsum should not cause effervescence (absence of carbonate).” — U. S. 
 
 Calcii sulphas. — Native calcium sulphate. CaS0 4 -f 2H,0. Mol. weight 171.65. 
 Gypsum, E. ; Solfate de chaux, Fr. ; Calciumsulfat, Schwefelsaurer Kalk, Gyps, G . — 
 This compound is met with in nature in the form of transparent prisms known as 
 selenite, and in semi-opaque masses which are called alabaster and gypsum. The same 
 compound is precipitated on adding sulphuric acid or a sulphate to a solution of a cal- 
 cium salt. It is a white, crystalline powder, insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in 380 
 parts of cold or 450 parts of boiling water. 
 
 Surgical Uses. — Plaster of Paris is used for making casts of deformities and sur- 
 gical injuries, and as one of the articles adapted for applying the so-called immovable 
 apparatus intended to retain broken bones in a fixed position. “ A roller of coarse, soft 
 muslin must have dry plaster of Paris thoroughly rubbed into its meshes ; some cold 
 water is then to be poured upon either end of it, so as to moisten it through. A dry 
 roller having been previously applied to the limb, the wetted plaster bandage must be 
 
 smoothly rolled upon it, the surgeon taking care that no reverses are made It 
 
 hardens in the course of a few minutes, and as it dries forms a solid, hard, and light 
 casing to the limb. It has the advantage over the starch apparatus of being lighter, and 
 especially of drying and hardening quickly ” (Erichsen). Some surgeons recommend 
 “ crinoline,” and others “ cheese-cloth,” in preference to muslin as a material for the 
 bandages, on account of the larger meshes of their web ; and it is suggested to impreg- 
 nate the fabric with the powdered plaster of Paris by passing it through a box contain- 
 ing this substance ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1887, p. 204). To render the 
 plaster less brittle it is sometimes mixed with mucilage, which however, causes it to dry 
 more slowly. The chest-bandage may be converted into a jacket by cutting it, when dry, 
 down the middle of the front and finishing the edges with eyelet-holes and lacings. (See 
 Med. Record, xvi. 487). 
 
 This bandage has been regarded as peculiarly suited to the treatment of simple, com- 
 pound, and comminuted fractures of the limbs, ribs, and pelvis, and of Pott’s disease of 
 the spine. It is employed by surgeons as the best form of immovable apparatus, provided 
 that it be judiciously and skilfully applied ; but some object that, owing to the conceal- 
 ment of the seat of injury, cures with shortening, deformity, etc. are more common 
 with the use of the immovable than with other apparatus. In treating angular curvature 
 of the spine the patient is partially suspended by the head and shoulders, or is lying 
 prone in a canvas hammock, while the bandage is applied. But full extension is held to 
 be dangerous. It is used in lateral curvature also, in the various deformities of the 
 ankle and knee-joints , and to sustain the dressings after Pirogoff’s amputation. (For 
 further information compare Med. Record, xxi. 11, xxvi. 428; Med.-Chir. Trans., lxiv. 
 295 ; Therap. Gaz., xvi. 297). 
 
 CALCII SULPHIS. — Calcium Sulphite. 
 
 Sulfite de chaux , Fr. ; Sehwefligsaurer Kalk, G. 
 
 Formula CaS0 3 . 2£TjO. Molecular weight 155.69. 
 
 Preparation. — 4 parts of slaked lime are intimately mixed with 1 part of water ; 
 the mixture is spread out in thin layers, and sulphur dioxide passed into the vessel or 
 chamber as long as it is absorbed ; or the gas is passed into milk of lime and the result- 
 ing precipitate dried. 
 
 Properties. — Calcium sulphite is a white powder requiring 800 parts of cold water 
 for solution : it dissolves readily in aqueous sulphurous acid, and crystallizes from this 
 solution in hexagonal prisms. It has a slight sulphurous taste, and on exposure is gradu- 
 ally converted into calcium sulphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The local action of this sulphite appears to be very slight, 
 since when administered to dogs in very large doses it does not occasion any signs of 
 gastro-intestinal irritation. This fact is referable, in part at least, to the great insolu- 
 bility of the compound. It appears to be absorbed and excreted without change in the 
 urine. It limits fermentation and putrefaction in the digestive organs, like other com- 
 pounds of sulphurous and hyposulphurous acids (see Acidum Sulphurosum), and may 
 be applied externally for the same purposes and to stimulate indolent ulcers, etc. The 
 very large quantities which are considered necessary for securing its effects render its 
 internal administration as difficult as it is indeed superfluous, considering the number of 
 soluble sulphites and hyposulphites available. 
 
CA LEND ULA . — CA LL I TRICHE. 
 
 377 
 
 CALENDULA, U. Calendula. 
 
 Marigold , E. ; Souct , Fleur de tous les mois , Fr. ; Ringelblume , Todtenblume, G. 
 
 The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Cynareae. 
 
 Origin. — The garden marigold is an annual plant, a native of Southern Europe and 
 the Levant, and is frequently cultivated for ornament. It has a spreading somewhat 
 angular and roughish-hairy stem, 3 to 6 M (a foot or two) high, and alternate, sessile, 
 rather fleshy, hairy, and entire or few-toothed leaves, of which the lower ones are spatulate 
 or obovate, and the upper ones varying between oblanceolate and lance-oblong. The 
 flower-heads are terminal, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) broad, have a fiattish, hemispherical 
 involucre, with two rows of nearly equal linear-lanceolate scales, enclosing a flat recep- 
 tacle without chaff, one or several rows of ray-florets, varying in color from light-yellow 
 to orange, and numerous disk-florets, which are tubular, five-cleft, yellow, staminate, and 
 barren. The akenes are strongly incurved or coiled, and more or less muricate, those of 
 the outer row distinctly winged, those of the inner rows with slight or no wings. The 
 fresh plant has a rather strong and heavy somewhat narcotic odor and a bitter some- 
 what saline taste. After drying the plant has but little odor and a weaker taste. 
 
 Description. — The florets as found in commerce are about 12 Mm. (£ inch) long 
 and 3 Mm. (| inch) wide, and are the ray florets of the flower-heads. They are linear and 
 strap-shaped, three-toothed above, and possess a delicate longitudinal venation. The 
 florets contain in the short hairy tube remnants of a filiform style, which is terminated 
 by two elongated branches. In color they vary from yellow to orange, but on exposure 
 to sunlight they become of a whitish tint. The taste is somewhat bitter and slightly 
 saline, and the odor is slight and somewhat heavy. 
 
 Substitution. — In 1867 we called attention to the fact that the flower-heads of 
 Tagetes erecta, Linne , were sold as calendula, and we believe that much of the fluid 
 extract of calendula at present in the market is really obtained from the species named 
 and from Tag. patula, Limit. These two plants are indigenous to Mexico and tropical 
 America, but are often cultivated under the names of French or African marigold. 
 They have pinnatifid leaves and showy flowers, with the scales of the involucre united 
 to form a tube, the receptacle naked, and the ray-florets broadly ligulate, toothed, light 
 or deep orange-colored, sometimes (T. patula) striped with red ; the akenes are fiattish, 
 slender, and crowned with a few chaffy or awned scales. 
 
 Composition, — Calendula was analyzed by Geiger (1818), who, besides the usual 
 constituents of herbs, found in it an amorphous bitter principle and calendulin , which is 
 yellowish, tasteless, insoluble in ether, soluble in alcohol, and swelling with water into a 
 transparent jelly. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The leaves and the unexpanded flowers were at one time 
 supposed to possess stimulant and resolutive virtues, and were used in congestions of the 
 liver, jaundice, amenorrhoea, scrofula , and even in typhoid febrile states. Both internally 
 and externally marigold was employed in the treatment of cancer, and was thought to 
 dispose cancerous ulcers to heal. A solution of the extract and a decoction of the herb 
 were employed for this purpose. A saturated tincture of the flowers is said to promote 
 the cure of contusions, wounds, and simple ulcers; but alcohol under various forms has 
 done the same. A tincture of calendula has (1881) been recommended in suppurative 
 otitis , but as it was mixed with boracic acid, which was alone competent to the cure, the 
 efficacy of the tincture may be doubted ( New York Med. Record, xx. 729). The extract 
 is alleged to have been very efficient in allaying chronic vomiting, as well as for the 
 purposes above enumerated. It was given in doses of Gm. 0.10 (gr. ij) several times a 
 day. 
 
 C ALLITRICHE. — W ater-Starwqrt. 
 
 Callitriche verna, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Halorageae. 
 
 Description. — The plant is a native of Europe, and of North America from Penn- 
 sylvania and New Jersey northward. It grows in stagnant waters, and sluggish rivulets, 
 has a stem .3 to .6 M. (1 or 2 feet) long, radiating at the nodes, and nearly sessile, 
 obovate, entire, and three-nerved floating leaves, which are crowded in a tuft and about 
 8 Mm. (£ inch) long ; the submerged leaves are longer and linear, the flowers monoecious 
 and inconspicuous. 
 
378 
 
 CALUMBA. 
 
 A closely-allied species, Call, heterophylla, Pursh , which is common in the Southern 
 United States, has broadly spatulate and petiolate floating leaves, and is used for the 
 same purpose as the Northern water-starwort. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Water-starwort is esteemed in the Southern States as a diuretic 
 in dropsy , and is administered in the form of a tincture or in spirits saturated with the 
 plant. In decoction it is given to horses to promote diuresis. 
 
 CALUMBA, U. S. — Calumba. 
 
 Calumbse radix , Br. ; Radix Colombo , P. Gr. ; Radix columbo . — Columbo , E. ; Colombe , 
 Fr., Sp. ; Kolombowurzel, Gr. ; Colombo , F. It. 
 
 The root of Jateorrhiza palmata ( Lamarck ) Miers , s. Cocculus palmatus, De Can- 
 dolle. Bot. Mag. 2970, 2971 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 13. 
 
 Nat, Ord. — Menispermacese. 
 
 Origin. — Besides the plant named above, Jateorrhiza Calumba, Miers, s. Cocculus 
 palmatus, Wallich, has been named as the source of the drug. The distinctive charac- 
 ters, supposed to depend upon the shape of the basal lobes of the leaves and the 
 presence or absence of hairs in the male inflorescence, were proven by Hanbury to be 
 unimportant and to exist on the same stem ; hence he suppressed the name of a sup- 
 posed species, retaining that of J. palmata. Bentley agrees with these views, but 
 retains the name of J. Calumba. The name is derived from kalurnb , the African name 
 of the root. 
 
 The plant is indigenous to the forests of Mozambique, in the southern portion of 
 Eastern Africa, quite abundant along the lower Zambesi Biver, and cultivated in some 
 African and East Indian islands. It is a hairy perennial climber, which reaches the 
 summits of lofty trees, has large nearly orbicular, cordate, and palmately-lobed leaves, and 
 dioecious flowers. It grows from a short, thick, and irregular rhizome, and this gives off 
 numerous fusiform roots, which are the portion collected during the dry season, cut into 
 transverse slices, and dried in the shade. 
 
 Description. — Columbo-root exists in commerce in nearly circular disks, having a 
 diameter of 25 to 63 Mm. (1 to 2J inches), and a thickness of about 6 to!2 Mm. (? to 
 
 I inch). From the considerable shrinking of the parenchyma the 
 central portion is quite depressed, but the meditullium shows two or 
 three circles of projecting and radiating vascular bundles, and upon a 
 fresh section the dark-colored cambium line becomes plainly discern- 
 ible, together with the numerous radiating dark-colored and narrow 
 bast-wedges. The fresh section is of a light or grayish-yellow color, 
 more yellowish-brown in the outer bark, which externally show r s a 
 gray-brown cork. The root breaks very readily in all directions with 
 a short and mealy fracture ; its odor is slight, more prominent and 
 characteristic on powdering or moistening ; the taste is slightly aromatic, 
 persistently bitter, and at the same time mucilaginous. As imported 
 it is often more or less worm-eaten. 
 
 Fig. 43. 
 
 • stop 
 
 Fig. 44. 
 
 
 Calumba: transverse section, natural size. 
 
 Colombo-root enters commerce directly from Zanzibar or through 
 
 Bombay and other Indian ports. 38,115 pounds were received in 
 
 the United States in 1882 ; during the preceding year only 8336 pounds 
 
 Calumba : trans. section 
 through the outer por- 
 tion ; mag. 25 diam. 
 
CALX. 
 
 379 
 
 Constituents. — Columbo-root has been analyzed by Planche, Wittstock, Buchner, 
 Lebourdais, and Boedeker. Columbin was obtained by Wittstock (1830) by evaporating 
 the ethereal tincture of the root. Boedeker (1849) prefers to obtain it by shaking the 
 turbid aqueous solution of the alcoholic extract with ether. It forms colorless, inodorous, 
 and very bitter prisms and needles, and is soluble in alkalies and hot alcohol, and in acetic 
 acid, less so in cold alcohol and ether, and nearly insoluble in water. Boedeker found the 
 yellow color of the cell-walls due to berberine , which exists probably in combination with 
 the straw-yellow bitter columbic acid; the latter is almost insoluble in cold water, spar- 
 ingly soluble in cold ether, freely in alkalies and alcohol ; the last two principles are prob- 
 ably formed from the first. Columbin is C 4 ,H 44 0, 4 ; the addition of ammonia, NIB, may 
 result in the formation of berberine, C 20 H n NO 4 , columbic acid, C 22 H 24 0 7 , and 3H 2 0. Buch- 
 ner (1831) found in columbo-root also 35 per cent, of starch, 17 of pectin, 4.7 of gum, 5 
 of yellow resin, and a little wax. The root yields about 6 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Substitutions. — The roots of bryonia and of Frasera Walteri, which have been 
 occasionally sold as columbo, have scarcely any resemblance to it, and are readily dis- 
 tinguished by their color and by the absence of the dark cambium zone and radiating 
 lines. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Colombine is said, in small doses, to augment the secretion of 
 the liver and gastro-intestinal glands, but in large doses to act as an emeto-cathartic 
 (Boux). Calumba is a pure stimulant stomachic tonic, increasing the appetite and 
 improving the digestion, It does not constipate. The experiments of Tschelzoff led 
 him to conclusions regarding the action of vegetable bitters, including calumba, which 
 are opposed to universal experience (Bull, de Therap ., cxi. 90). He found that they 
 lessen the secretion of the gastric juice as well as its digestive power; that they have no 
 influence on the secretion of bile ; that they rather promote than restrain gastric fermen- 
 tation, etc. These conclusions have been corroborated by the careful experiments of 
 Reichmann, who, however, concluded that bitters are especially indicated when the 
 secretion of the gastric juice is diminished ( Archives gen., Nov. 1888. p. 614), but 
 they do not seriously impair the value of the opposite testimony of physicians in every 
 age. In India calumba has long been used in the treatment of diarrhoea , cholera morbus , 
 and dysentery , and in Europe it has been found an efficient remedy for the vomiting and 
 purging incident to teething, for atonic dyspepsia , the vomiting of pregnancy, etc. Its 
 special mode of action appears to depend chiefly upon its constituted, berberine (see 
 Berberis), although the associated colombine, which is intensely bitter, probably enhances 
 the tonic power of the medicine. In order to preserve the infusion it may be prepared as 
 follows : Take 1 ounce of powdered columbo, 1 ounce of powdered orange-peel, 2 ounces 
 of brandy, and 14 ounces of water. Macerate for twelve hours and filter. Or it may be 
 prepared more quickly by displacement. If a laxative operation is desired, rhubarb may 
 be added to the materials. The dose of columbo in powder is from Gm. 0.60—2.00 (gr. 
 x-xxx). In this form it may be associated with carbonate of iron and a little ginger 
 or orange-peel. The simple infusion, which is no longer officinal, is made with Gm. .16 
 (1 troyounce) of columbo to Gm. 250 (a pint) of water. Dose , Gm. 32-64 (fgj— ij). 
 
 CALX, V. S., Bv, — Limb. 
 
 Calcaria usta , P. G. ; Calcii oxidum , Calcaria, Calx viva , Calx vsta , Oxydum calcicuin. 
 — Burned lime , E. ; Chaux , Chaux vive, Fr. ; Kalk , Aetzkalk , Gebrannter Kalk , G. ; Ossido 
 di calcio , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula CaO. Molecular weight 55.87. 
 
 Lime prepared by burning white marble, oyster-shells, or the purest varieties of 
 natural calcium carbonate. It should be kept in well-closed vessels in a dry place. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Lime is an alkaline earth which is obtained by calcining native cal- 
 cium carbonate, such as chalk, limestone, or marble, by which carbon dioxide is given 
 off, calcium oxide remaining behind ; CaC0 3 is decomposed into C0 2 + CaO. Prepared 
 on the large scale from native carbonates, it contains also the impurities naturally exist- 
 ing therein, such as magnesia, ferric oxide, alkali salts, silica, and clay. If the latter 
 is present in sufficient quantity, it will slake feebly or not at all, and is then called poor 
 or over-burnt. To obtain pure lime, pure calcium carbonate should be employed, and if 
 the calcining has been done in a crucible the resulting mass should be moistened with 
 water and again calcined to expel the carbon dioxide completely. The same effect is pro- 
 duced on the large scale by constructiug the lime-kiln in such a manner that the products 
 of combustion pass over the limestone. 
 
380 
 
 CALX. 
 
 Calcii hydras, Br. ; Calcaria hydrica. — Slaked lime, Calcium hydroxide, Calcium 
 hydrate, E. ; Chaux eteinte, Chaux hydratee, Fr. ; Kalkhydrat, Geloschter Kalk, G. — 
 Formula Ca(OH) 2 . Molecular weight 73.83. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia gives the following directions for preparing it : Take of 
 Lime 2 pounds; Distilled Water 1 pint (Imperial). Place the lime in a metal pot, pour 
 the water upon it, and when the vapor ceases to be disengaged cover the pot with its lid 
 and set it aside to cool. When the temperature has fallen to that of the atmosphere, put 
 the slaked lime on an iron wire sieve and by gentle agitation cause the fine powder to 
 pass through the sieve, rejecting what is left. Put the powder into a well-stopped bottle 
 and keep it excluded as much as possible from the air. Slaked lime should be recently 
 prepared. 
 
 Properties. — Burnt lime is in hard white or grayish-white, porous masses of the 
 specific gravity 3.1 to 3.2. It is fusible with difficulty only before the oxyhydrogen 
 blowpipe, giving off a splendid red light, but is not otherwise altered. It is inodorous, 
 and has an alkaline reaction and a caustic, burning taste. When mixed with about one- 
 half its weight of water it absorbs the latter, the air being at the same time expelled from 
 the pores with a hissing noise ; it then becomes heated and is converted into slaked lime, 
 particles of this being mechanically carried up by the vapors ; moistened with a small 
 quantity of water, lime becomes luminous in the dark. At 15° C. (59° F.) it requires 
 about 750 parts of water for solution, but at 100° C. (212° F.) over 1300 parts are 
 necessary ; hence a solution of lime saturated in the cold becomes turbid on being heated. 
 Exposed to the air, it absorbs water and carbon dioxide and is converted into calcium 
 hydroxide and carbonate. 
 
 Slaked lime forms a soft white powder of spec. grav. 2.08 and of a strong alkaline taste 
 and reaction. It does not part with its water at 100° C. (212° F.), and becomes com- 
 pletely anhydrous only at a dull red heat, without melting previously. On exposure to 
 the air it is converted into calcium carbonate. When lime is slaked, or slaked lime is 
 mixed with about 3 or 4 parts of water to form a thin magma, the mixture is called milk 
 of lime. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 part of lime be slaked, and then thoroughly mixed with 50 parts of 
 water, and the greater portion of the milky liquid decanted, no hard, gritty particles 
 should be found in the residue, nor should the addition of hydrochloric acid to this 
 residue cause much effervescence (limit of carbonate) nor leave more than a slight, 
 insoluble residue. If the decanted portion be dissolved in acetic acid and filtered, if 
 necessary, a portion of the filtrate should not be rendered turbid by potassium dichromate 
 test-solution (absence of barium). In another portion of the filtrate the addition of 
 ammonia-water should not produce more than a slight turbidity (limit of aluminum, etc).” 
 
 — U. S. 
 
 Salts. — Slaked lime decomposes most of the alkali and metallic salts by combining 
 with their acids and forming calcium salts , which are colorless unless the acid be colored, 
 have a neutral reaction upon test-paper, and impart to the flame of the blowpipe a yel- 
 lowish-red color. Lime salts soluble in water are not precipitated by ammonia, but yield 
 white precipitates with ammonium carbonate, phosphate, and oxalate, and with sulphuric 
 acid, the latter precipitate being soluble in a large quantity of water, and the former 
 ones in acetic acid, with the exception of the oxalate. Those salts which are insoluble 
 in water are dissolved by dilute hydrochloric acid, and this solution is not disturbed (that 
 of calcium oxalate excepted) when solution of sodium acetate is added in excess ; but if 
 to this liquid a solution of ammonium oxalate is added, all the calcium will be precipi- 
 tated as calcium oxalate. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — On account of its affinity for water, lime is employed in 
 preparing absolute alcohol and strong ether ; its affinity for acids renders it useful in the 
 preparation of alkalies (ammonia, potassa, soda), alkaloids (quinine, strychnine, etc.), and 
 certain organic acids and allied compounds (santonin). It is employed in preparing pre- 
 cipitated sulphur, in the manufacture of chlorinated lime and potassium chlorate, and in 
 many other chemical processes. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Owing to its strong affinity for organic elements, unslaked 
 lime causes the decomposition of organized matter, and thus favors the solution of the 
 animal and vegetable constituents of soils. With albumen it forms a horny mass. In 
 like manner it is employed to arrest putrefactive fermentation in the stools of infective 
 diseases, such as cholera , typhoid fever , and dysentery ; in cesspools, sewers, slaughter- 
 houses, dissecting-rooms, etc. It is used by tanners to remove the hair and cuticle from 
 hides. It has a less affinity for water than the alkalies, and is therefore a less energetic 
 
CALX CHLORATA. 
 
 381 
 
 caustic, but in forming a hydrate it evolves a large amount of heat, so that when taken 
 internally in large doses it inflames the mucous membrane of the throat, oesophagus, etc., 
 and even causes ulceration and gangrene of these organs and of the stomach, and death, 
 As a caustic, quicklime has been employed from time immemorial. It was usually 
 mixed with sulphuret of arsenic in the treatment of indolent and unhealthy ulcers and 
 for removing superfluous hair from the skin. Quicklime may also be used to destroy 
 nsevi and to establish issues , for which purposes a fragment of freshly-prepared lime 
 should be laid upon the skin, protected by adhesive plaster with a proper opening in it, 
 and moistened with a few drops of water. The heat produced is estimated at 350° F., 
 and so rapidly destroys the organization of the skin that the lime ought to be removed 
 before it is entirely exhausted in order to prevent too deep an eschar. Mixed with wood- 
 ashes, it has been employed in the treatment of favus , and in an ointment containing 1 
 part of lime to 20 or 30 of lard for the cure of psoriasis and indolent ulcers. The caustic 
 action of lime may be limited by vinegar or other dilute vegetable acid. 
 
 CALX CHLORATA, 77. Chlorinated Lime. 
 
 Calx chlorinata, Br., U. S. 1870 ; Calcaria chlorata, P. G. ; Chloris calcicus , Chloruretum 
 calcis , Calcii hypochloris . — Chloride of lime , Calcium hypochlorite , Bleaching -powder, E. ; 
 Chlorure de chaux , Poudre de Tennant ou de Knox , Fr. ; Chlorhalh , Bleichkal/c , G. 
 
 A compound resulting from the action of chlorine upon calcium hydroxide, and con- 
 taining at least 35 per cent. U. 8. (33 per cent. Br ., 25 per cent. P. G .) of available chlo- 
 rine. Chlorinated lime should be preserved in well-closed vessels in a cool and dry 
 place. This preparation is often improperly called “ Chloride of Lime.” 
 
 Preparation and Composition. — Chlorinated lime was first prepared on an 
 extensive scale by C. Tennant and Knox of Glasgow in 1799, and is manufactured in 
 essentially the same manner at the present time, the improvements introduced at various 
 times consisting in perfecting the apparatus and the production of chlorine. Well-slaked 
 lime, free from dampness, is rubbed through a sieve, and the powder thus obtained is 
 spread upon shelves which are placed in several tiers in boxes or chambers, into which 
 dry chlorine gas is conducted from the top as long as it is absorbed, care being taken to 
 regulate the current of gas in such a manner that the temperature within the chambers 
 does not rise higher than 25° C. (77° F.), in order to avoid the formation of calcium 
 chlorate. According to Lunge (1881), in the presence of an excess of about 4 per cent, 
 of moisture, in the calcium hydroxide, and at a temperature of about 40° C. (104° F.), 
 a product containing 43 per cent, of available chlorine may be obtained. 
 
 The oldest view concerning the composition of chlorinated lime admits of a direct com- 
 bination and the formation of CaOCl 2 , and since the whole amount of slaked lime cannot 
 be thus converted, a portion of it was supposed to form a double compound with it, 
 having the composition 2(Ca0Cl 2 .H 2 0) + Ca(OH) 2 . But it is now generally admitted 
 that a decomposition takes place, the precise nature of which is, however, by no means 
 fully established. It has been assumed that the reaction occurs between two molecules 
 each of calcium hydroxide and chlorine. 2Ca(OII) 2 -f- 2C1 2 may form CaCl 2 + Ca(C10) 2 
 + 2H 2 0 ; that is, calcium chloride, calcium hypochlorite, and water, which have been 
 by some supposed to be merely mixed together ; but since alcohol does not dissolve one- 
 half of the chlorine as CaCl 2 , others have regarded them to be combined, forming CaCl 2 .- 
 Ca(C10) 2 .2H 2 0. Schorlemmer (1873) adopted the view previously suggested by Odling, 
 that chlorinated lime is calcium hypochlorite, in which 1 CIO is replaced by Cl ; that its 
 formula is therefore Ca(C10)Cl, and that with water this compound yields calcium hypo- 
 chlorite and chloride. If either of the above be the true composition of chlorinated 
 lime, it should contain about 49 per cent, of available chlorine, while in fact it contains 
 much less. This deficiency has been ascribed to various causes, but mainly to the diffi- 
 culty or impossibility of exactly forming calcium hydroxide without excess or deficiency 
 of water, both of which causes act injuriously; the formation of some calcium chlorate 
 under certain circumstances likewise accounts for a part of the loss. Fresenius and 
 F. Rose (1861) regarded dry chlorinated lime as a compound of calcium hypochlorite 
 and oxychloride with 4H 2 0, formed according to the equation 4Ca(OII) 2 -f- 2C1§ = Ca- 
 (C10) 2 .Ca 3 0 2 Cl 2 4H 2 0, and that this compound is decomposed by water into calcium 
 hypochlorite, chloride, and hydroxide. C. Stahlschmidt (1876) expressed the view that 
 chlorinated lime may be considered as a calcium hydroxide in which 1 atom of hydrogen is 
 replaced by Cl, and that its formation is explained by the equation 3Ca(OH) 2 -j- 2Cl 2 — 
 2CaHC10 2 .CaCl 2 .2H 2 0, which requires an amount of active chlorine equal to nearly 39 
 
382 
 
 CALX CHLORATA. 
 
 per cent, of the product ; which result may he attained in practice. In certain cases, 
 however, nearly 43 per cent, of chlorine has been reached, and this is accounted for by 
 the presence of some moisture, by which the above calcium chlorohydrate, as it may he 
 called, is decomposed into calcium hypochlorite and hydroxide, Ca(C10) 2 + Ca(OH) 2 , 
 the latter of which, with more chlorine, yielding again chlorohydrate ; but to complete 
 the conversion into calcium hypochlorite (and chloride) a much larger amount of water 
 seems to be necessary than could he retained by dry chlorinated lime. That aqueous 
 solutions of chlorinated lime contain calcium hypochlorite was proven by Kingzett, who 
 obtained this salt from concentrated solutions of the former placed in a freezing mixture 
 or evaporated in a vacuum over sulphuric acid. Schorlemmer, Lunge, and others have 
 shown that with nitric or sulphuric acid carefully added, avoiding excess, a distillate 
 containing hypochlorous acid is obtained ; that carbonic acid liberates in the solution 
 hypochlorous acid ; and that, after exhausting chlorinated lime with little water, the 
 subsequent solutions contain calcium and chlorine uniformly in the proportion required 
 by the formula Ca(C10)Cl. 
 
 Properties. — Chlorinated lime is a. white or whitish powder or in friable lumps, dry 
 or but slightly damp, with a feeble odor of chlorine and a disagreeable bitter and saline 
 taste. Under various circumstances it may undergo decomposition on keeping, either 
 with the evolution of oxygen or by conversion into a mixture of calcium chloride and 
 chlorate. On exposure to the air it absorbs and combines with carbon dioxide and 
 becomes moist. It has an alkaline reaction, but finally bleaches test-paper. It is partly 
 soluble in water and in alcohol, wholly soluble in dilute acetic acid (not more than a tri- 
 fling residue of insoluble matter should be left, U. S.)> with the evolution of chlorine and 
 the production of calcium chloride ; 2Ca(C10)Cl or Ca(C10) 2 .CaCl 2 + 4HC1 yields 2C1 2 
 -j- 2CaCl 2 + 2H 2 0. If chlorinated lime contains a larger percentage of calcium chloride 
 than is indicated by one of the above formulas, its chlorine will not be liberated, and is 
 therefore not available chlorine for bleaching purposes. The same decomposition is 
 effected by an excess of all acids except carbonic, which liberates hypochlorous acid. 
 The solution in diluted acetic acid shows the presence of lime by yielding with ammo- 
 nium oxalate a white precipitate soluble in hydrochloric acid. The aqueous solution, 
 mixed with manganese dioxide, mercuric, ferric, and other oxides, evolves oxygen 
 (Mitscherlich), and if ammonium sulphate be added nitrogen is given off (Calvert, 1870). 
 The solution in the presence of carbonic or other acid rapidly destroys vegetable colors, 
 and this property finds extensive application in the arts. Distilled with alcohol, wood- 
 spirit, some volatile oils, etc., chlorinated lime generates chloroform, and when it is 
 mixed with certain organic substances in the dry state a gradual decomposition and 
 development of heat take place, and may result at last in an explosion. The sponta- 
 neous explosions of chlorinated lime which are on record may probably be referred to 
 such a cause. 
 
 Tests. — The solution of chlorinated lime in diluted hydrochloric acid may be tested 
 for impurities in the same manner as a solution of calcium carbonate. The most import- 
 ant determination, however, is that of the amount of available or active chlorine present, 
 and depends upon its oxidizing power. The methods in use are oxidation of arsenous 
 oxide or of ferrous sulphate or of sodium thiosulphate, in the last case preceded by the 
 liberation of iodine. The process adopted is as follows : “ If 0.35 Gm. of chlorinated 
 lime be thoroughly triturated with 50 Cc. of water and carefully transferred, together with 
 the washings, into a flask, and then 0.8 Gm. of potassium iodide and 5 Cc. of diluted 
 hydrochloric acid added, the reddish-brown liquid, to which, toward the end of the titra- 
 tion, a few drops of starch test-solution are added, should require, for complete decol- 
 oration, not less than 35 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution (each Cc. cor- 
 responding to 1 per cent, of available chlorine).” — U. S. “10 grains, mixed with 30 
 grains of potassium iodide and dissolved in 8 fluidounces of water, produce, when acidu- 
 lated with 2 fluidrachms of hydrochloric acid, a reddish solution which requires for the 
 discharge of its color at least 934 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of sodium 
 thiosulphate, corresponding to not less than 33 per cent, of chlorine.” — Br. 11 If 
 0.5 Gm. of chlorinated lime be triturated with 20 Cc. of water, and to this liquid be 
 added 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, 20 drops of hydrochloric acid, and a little starch solu- 
 tion, the mixture should require for decoloration at least 35.2 Cc. of decinormal solu- 
 tion of sodium thiosulphate.” — P. G. In the first part of these processes iodine is 
 liberated from the potassium salt, thus causing the red color of the solution or a blue 
 color in the presence of starch ; the addition of the thiosulphate causes the formation 
 of sodium tetrathionate and iodide, the red or blue color disappearing as soon as all the 
 
CALX CHLORATA. 
 
 383 
 
 free iodine has been converted into the latter salt. By a slight modification the test 
 may be used to ascertain the true percentage of available chlorine. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparations. — Chlorinated lime is largely 
 employed in the arts for bleaching purposes; it is used in preparing chloroform and 
 Liquor sodas chlorinatas, U. S. ; as Vapor chlori, Br., it is used in the moist condition ; 
 and Liquor calcis chloratae, Br ., is a solution of it in water. 
 
 Fumigatio chlori, P. G. 1872. For stronger fumigation use a mixture of table-salt 
 and manganese dioxide, each 1 part, sulphuric acid 2 parts, previously diluted with 
 1 part of water. The milder fumigation is made of chlorinated lime mixed with water 
 to a soft mass, vinegar being afterward added. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of chlorinated lime resembles that of chlorine, 
 with a superadded causticity derived from the lime in its composition. In moderate 
 doses it appears sometimes to act as an irritant of the stomach and bowels, and if the 
 quantity taken be large it produces heat in these organs, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. 
 If used in a mouth-wash, it removes acid, bitter, or metallic tastes. Externally, it is an 
 active irritant, and is sometimes moderately caustic. It dries suppurating surfaces and 
 prevents gangrenous ulceration. 
 
 In solutions of the strength of Gm. 1.50 (gr. xx), or more, to the ounce of water, it has 
 been regarded as a useful stimulant in purulent ophthalmia. This solution on lint is 
 efficacious in frost-bite and also as an injection in gonorrhoea. In various forms of ulcera- 
 tion of the mouth , scorbutic, gangrenous, or arising merely from debility, chlorinated lime 
 promotes cicatrization, and is useful for this affection in scarlatina. Indolent and spe- 
 cific ulcers of other parts, and burns , are favorably modified by its use. It may be 
 included among the means of curing itch when applied on cloths in a solution containing 
 from to part of chlorinated lime. But care must be taken lest it irritate the skin 
 unduly. 
 
 In typhus fever it has been thought to moisten and cleanse the tongue, allay delirium, 
 and revive the functions of the skin. It tends to reduce excessive mucous secretions, 
 and has been used with marked advantage in the treatment of phthisis and chronic bron- 
 chitis with profuse purulent expectoration. When this is fetid the action of the medi- 
 cine is peculiarly efficient; and it may be prescribed in atomized inhalations as well as 
 by the stomach. It has been used with success in the treatment of scrofulous glands , 
 both internally and in an ointment. Even in some cases of enlarged mesenteric glands 
 its action has appeared to be salutary. 
 
 As a disinfectant chlorinated lime has been employed under a great variety of circum- 
 stances to suspend the decomposition of organic matter and neutralize the resulting foul 
 effluvia. Besides being used for this purpose in privies, close-stools, dissecting-rooms, 
 sewers, etc., it has proved to be very efficacious in correcting the foul odors connected 
 with putrefaction in the living body, as in cases of retained placenta or uterine clots, can- 
 cer of the uterus and of other parts, ozsena , mercurial salivation , foul breath due to the de- 
 composition of glandular secretions in the fauces, the fetor exhaled by the armpits , feet , 
 etc. A false anology led to its use for preventing contagion by the sick and by infected 
 fomites, but there is no reason to believe that its influence exceeded that of the various 
 measures of purification which were associated with it. Chlorinated lime decomposes 
 hydrosulphuric acid, hydrosulphuret of ammonia, sulphuret of potassium, and hydrocy- 
 anic acid, and may therefore be used as a chemical antidote to these poisons. Persons 
 poisoned by privy and by sewer gases have been restored by holding a cloth wet with a 
 solution of this substance before the nostrils. A similar expedient has been used to pro- 
 tect persons in an atmosphere saturated with sulphuretted hydrogen. 
 
 The dose of chlorinated lime is from Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr. j-v) in solution. From Gm. 
 0.50—4.00 (gr. x-lx), dissolved in from 4 to 8 ounces of water and filtered, may be given 
 in twenty-four hours. As a mouth-wash 1 part dissolved in 100 of water may be used. 
 For external use the most energetic form of the preparation is that of a semi-fluid paste ; 
 the feeblest, to be at all useful, may contain Gm. 4 (gj) of chlorinated lime in Gm. 250 
 (8 ounces) of water. An ointment for dry atonic ulcers may be made with equal parts 
 of this preparation and lard; for enlarged glands, etc. the proportion of Gm. 4 (3j) to 
 Gm. 32 (^j) of lard is sufficient. 
 
334 
 
 CALX SULPHUR AT A. 
 
 CALX SXJLPHURATA, IT . S ., Br .- Sulphurated Lime. 
 
 Calcaria sulfur ata, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Hepar calcis . — Crude calcium sulphide , 
 E. ; Sulfur e de chaux, F. ; Kalkschwefelleber , G. 
 
 A mixture containing at least 60 per cent, of calcium monosulphide [CaS = 71.89], 
 together with unchanged calcium sulphate [CaS0 4 = 135.73], and carbon, in varying pro- 
 portions. — U. S. 
 
 A mixture containing not less than 50 per cent, of calcium sulphide (CaS). — Br. 
 
 Preparation. — Pried gypsum, in fine powder, 70 Gm. ; Charcoal, in fine powder, 
 10 Gm. ; Starch, 2 Gm. Mix them thoroughly, pack the mixture lightly into a crucible, 
 cover this loosely, and heat it to bright redness until the contents have lost their black 
 color. Allow the crucible to cool, reduce the product to powder, and at once transfer it 
 to small, glass-stoppered vials. — U. S. 
 
 In place of metric weights the following proportions may be used in avoirdupois 
 weight : dried gypsum 3? ounces, charcoal £ ounce, starch 44 grains. 
 
 The reaction taking place when the mixture is heated consists in the oxidation of the 
 charcoal at the expense of the calcium sulphate, a part of the latter being converted 
 into calcium sulphide, CaS0 4 + C 3 = CaS C0 2 + 2(CO) ; the resulting carbon monox- 
 ide and dioxide pass off as gases. The starch assists in the reduction. 
 
 The Br. process is very similar : Calcium sulphate (nearly anhydrous) 7 oz., wood- 
 charcoal 1 oz., both in fine powder; mix thoroughly; heat to redness in an earthen cru- 
 cible until the black color has disappeared ; cool, and at once place the whitish residue in 
 a stoppered bottle. 
 
 Properties. — Sulphurated lime is a pale-gray powder, gradually altered by expo- 
 sure to the air, exhaling a faint odor of hydrogen sulphide, having an offensive alkaline 
 taste and an alkaline reaction, very slightly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol ; 
 boiling water partially decomposes it. On dissolving sulphurated lime with the aid of 
 acetic acid, hydrogen sulphide is abundantly given off and a white precipitate (calcium 
 sulphate) is thrown down. The filtrate yields, with test solution of ammonium oxalate, 
 a white precipitate soluble in hydrochloric, but insoluble in acetic acid. — U. S. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 Gm. of sulphurated lime be gradually added to a boiling solution of 
 2.08 Gm. of cupric sulphate in 50 Cc. of water, the mixture digested on a water-bath 
 for fifteen minutes and filtered when cold, no color should be imparted to the filtrate by 
 1 drop of test solution of potassium ferrocyanide (presence of at least 60 per cent, of 
 pure calcium monosulphide).” — U. S. The equation, CuS0 4 .5H 2 0 -f- CaS = CuS -f- 
 CaS0 4 -f- 5H 2 0, shows that 248.8 parts of cupric sulphate require 71.89 parts of cal- 
 cium sulphide for complete decomposition and 2.08 Gm. will therefore require 0.601 + 
 Gm., which is practically 60 per cent, of 1 Gm. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Calcii sulphidum, s. sulphuretum, s. sulfuratum. — Calcium sulphide, 
 E. ; Sulfure de calcium, Fr. ; Schwefelcalcium, G. Formula CaS. Mol. weight 71.89. — 
 Nearly pure calcium sulphide is obtained by intimately mixing 12 parts of powdered gypsum 
 with 3 or 4 parts of lampblack or powdered charcoal, and heating the mixture in a covered cru- 
 cible as long as gas is given off. The charcoal, combining with the oxygen of the calcium sul- 
 phate, escapes as carbon monoxide or dioxide, and leaves calcium sulphide, CaS, having a gray- 
 ish, yellowish, or reddish color from impurities naturally present. It is inodorous, has an 
 alkaline and a sulphurous taste, dissolves completely in 500 parts of water, and is gradually 
 decomposed by water into calcium hydroxide and hydrosulphide. 
 
 Calcii oxysulphuretum, known in France as sulfure de calcium or foie de soufre calcaire. 
 Mix sulphur 100 parts ; slaked lime 300 parts ; water 500 parts ; boil, stirring frequently, until 
 a portion when dropped on a cold slab will solidify ; then pour out on a marble slab, and when 
 cold keep the mass in well-stopped bottles. — F. Cod. It has a gray or greenish-gray color, and 
 is a variable mixture of calcium oxysulphide and thiosulphate or sulphate. 
 
 A solution known in France as sulfure de chaux liquide is made by boiling for an hour 2 
 parts of lime previously slaked, 5 of sublimed sulphur, and 20 of water, water being added to 
 preserve the original amount; the filtrate has the density 1.16. 
 
 A soft mass, containing calcium hydrosulphide, Ca2HS, and used as a depilatory, is prepared 
 from 2 parts of slaked lime and 3 of water by passing into the mixture hydrogen sulphide 
 as long as it is absorbed. The mass, known as Martin's depilatory , has a strong sulphurous 
 odor, and on standing separates into two portions, which are to be mixed when used ; if proper- 
 ly prepared, an application for eight or ten minutes is sufficient for removing the hair. 
 
 Phosphorescent Powder or Paint. Calcined oyster-shells or cuttlefish-bone 100 parts ; 
 caustic lime 100 parts ; calcined sodium chloride 25 parts ; mix and thoroughly incorporate 
 from 20 to 25 per cent, (about 55 parts) of sulphur and from 3 to 7 per cent, (about 8 to 18 
 parts) of calcium, barium, strontium, or magnesium sulphide ; the luminosity may be increased 
 
CAMBOGIA. 
 
 385 
 
 bj adding incinerated marine algrn. The powder is rendered adhesive by means of varnish, 
 collodion, etc. After exposure to the sunlight it will be luminous in the dark. A similar 
 compound is Canton's phosphorus (1768), prepared from burnt oyster-shell 2 parts and sulphur 
 1 part. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sulphurated lime acts as an irritant and corrosive, and is seldom, 
 if ever, used internally. It is decomposed in the stomach, liberating sulphuretted hy- 
 drogen gas. The dose of it internally is variously stated to be from Gm. 0.006-0.03 (gr. 
 J^-l) and from Gm. 0.20-0.40 (gr. iij-vj). Externally, it is sometimes employed in 
 baths containing from Gm. 32-128 (3j-iv) of the salt in the treatment of itch and certain 
 obstinate scaly diseases of the skin. (See Sulphur.) It has also been used in an ointment 
 (1 to 10 parts in 15 parts of lard) for similar purposes, and as an ingredient of depilatory 
 preparations. 
 
 Calcium sulphide has been used, like potassium sulphide, in local and general baths 
 for chronic diseases of the skin, chronic rheumatism , etc., and internally for chronic bron- 
 chitis, and even in pulmonary phthisis. It was given internally in doses of one-tenth of 
 a grain, gradually increased to a grain (Gm. 0.004-0.06), in the treatment of acne, and 
 with alleged success. But as milk of sulphur and other topical applications, as well as 
 other internal treatment, were employed at the same time, the share of the sulphide in 
 the result may have been, and probably was, very small. Its use in the treatment of 
 scabies is described under Sulphur ; and the same preparation is said to be an efficient 
 remedy for ringworm ( Tricophyton tonsurans'). 
 
 In 1869, Dr. Ringer claimed for the sulphides generally, but especially for this prepa- 
 ration, the power of arresting suppuration ( Therapeutics , p. 48; ibid., 1888, p. 94), 
 directing 1 grain of calcium sulphide to be dissolved in half a pint of water, and a tea- 
 spoonful of the solution to be taken every hour. Thus, to one-sixty-fourth of a grain of 
 this compound, so administered, was ascribed the cure of scrofulous and tuberculous 
 abscesses ! After years of oblivion this method was revived by Dr. F. N. Otis ( New 
 York Med. Jour., May, 1880), who claimed for it the power of arresting the suppuration 
 of buboes, furuncles, and other abscesses; and a case was published in which the cure was 
 attributed to it of a gastro-pulmonary fistula (. Phila . Med. Times, xi. 73). Ultimately, 
 a much more moderate estimate of its virtues was furnished in a report to the Therapeu- 
 tical Society of New York. It concluded “ that in many cases of suppurative affections, 
 ranging from the small pustules of acne to extensive suppurating surfaces, an appre- 
 ciable, and often a very marked, benefit is derived from the use of calcium sulphide. 
 
 . . . . At the same time, its action is not uniform, and in many apparently favorable cases 
 it will fail entirely. It is somewhat prone to irritate the stomach.” One-tenth of a 
 grain every two hours, it is stated, is the full dose, although some patients will bear a grain 
 three or four times a day. “ It will occasionally produce headache and more or less 
 eructation of sulphuretted hydrogen” ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci ., July, 1882, p. 268). 
 More recently it has been vaunted as a remedy for leucorrhoea, rhinitis, and glandular 
 enlargements ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 366); and the prompt cure of diphtheria has even been 
 attributed by Hubbard to the use of a spray from a solution made from lime, 1 part ; 
 sulphur, 2 parts ; water, 20 parts. Slake the lime with part of the water, add the re- 
 mainder and the sulphur; boil to 12 parts, and filter ( Med . Record, xxxiv. 703). 
 
 CAMBOGIA, U. S., Br.— Gamboge. 
 
 Gambogia, U. S. 1870; Gutti, P. G. ; Gummi-resina guttse , s. gutti, Gutta gamba, Cam- 
 bodia . — Gutte, Gomme-gutte, Fr. ; Gummigutt , Gutti, G. ; Gomma gotta, F. It. ; Goma guta, 
 Guta gamba, Sp. 
 
 A gum-resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii, Hooker filius. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 33. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Guttiferae (Cluciaceae). 
 
 Origin. — A medium-sized tree with glossy laurel-like leaves and small yellow dioecious 
 flowers, the pistillate ones being on short pedicles. It was formerly regarded merely as 
 a variety (pedieellata) of Garc. Morelia, Desroussea.ux (s. G. pictoria, Roxburgh ; G. 
 Gutta, Wight; G. cambogioides, Royle ; Hebradendron cambogioides, Graham ), and is 
 indigenous to Siam, Cambodia, and Cochin China. Fliickiger and Hanbury observed 
 that the yellow milk-juice is secreted in unbranched ducts, which are principally located 
 in the middle bark, and to a less extent in the dotted vessels of the alburnum, in the 
 pith, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Gamboge is obtained by incisions made into the bark, 
 the latex being collected in the joint of a bamboo, occasionally also in other vessels, 
 where it is allowed to harden. 
 
 25 
 
386 
 
 CA M PH OR A. 
 
 Description. — Gamboge is in cylindrical, either solid or hollow, straight or bent, 
 sticks, 15 to 20 Cm. (6 to 8 inches) long and 25 to 50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) in diameter, 
 called “ pipes the surface is striated longitudinally from impressions of the bamboo, 
 and occasionally contains some splinters of it. Gamboge breaks easily with a fiattish 
 conchoidal, smooth fracture of a a deep orange-red tint and in a waxy, somewhat resinous 
 lustre ; thin splinters are slightly translucent. It yields a bright-yellow powder, and on 
 being triturated with water a uniform bright-yellow emulsion is readily obtained. This 
 emulsion forms with ammonia-water a clear deep-red afterward brown solution, and with 
 potassium or sodium hydrate an orange-red solution, the liquid becoming colorless on the 
 addition of acids, the yellow resin being precipitated. Gamboge is inodorous, but the 
 dust is sternutatory, and it has a disagreeable acrid taste. Inferior qualities of pipe 
 gamboge are of a brown or gray tint, harder, of a dull earthy or irregular fracture, and 
 less inclined to produce a uniform emulsion. 
 
 Cake gamboge has been collected in flat vessels, and is met with in irregular lumps, 
 which otherwise resemble pipe gamboge, but are more liable to be adulterated. 
 
 Constituents. — Aside from accidental impurities, like cellular tissue, gamboge con- 
 tains about 4 per cent, of moisture, the remainder being resin, and 16 to 20 per cent, of 
 gummy matter, which is not identical w r ith gum-arabic. The resin is called cambogic 
 acid , is soluble in alcohol, ether, and with a deep-red color in dilute alkalies, and from the 
 latter solution is precipitated unaltered by acids ; its solutions yield a yellow precipitate 
 with lead acetate, and brown ones with iron and copper salts. By fusing it with caustic 
 potassa, Hlasiwetz and Barth (1866) observed the disengagement of vapors having the 
 odor of lemon and melissa, and found in the residue, besides acetic and volatile fatty acids, 
 also phloroglucin and pyrotartaric and two other acids. Gamboge is free from starch, and 
 if adulterated with it an emulsion made with hot water will turn green by solution of 
 iodine, or it may be recognized in the residue left after treatment with alcohol and cold 
 water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man, applied to the raw skin, gamboge acts as an irritant. 
 Internally, in small doses, it appears to increase the glandular secretions, but in large 
 doses causes vomiting, colic, and tenesmus. But there is no evidence of its increasing 
 the secretion of bile. In doses of Gm. 0.20—0.25 (gr. iij-iv) it occasions liquid stools, 
 with little or no colic. Rutherford’s experiments led him to conclude that gamboge is 
 not a cholagogue, although it violently irritates not only the duodenum, but the whole 
 of the small intestine. He remarks that colchicum, which is equally irritant, is decid- 
 edly cholagogue, and infers, therefore, that duodenal irritation alone is not sufficient to 
 increase the excretion of bile. The purgative virtue of gamboge appears to reside in 
 its resinous element. When given in small and repeated doses it is said to cause diuresis. 
 There is no evidence of its ever having produced fatal effects. 
 
 Gamboge is seldom employed unless associated wdth other purgatives. It is reputed 
 to be well adapted for relieving such congested states of the liver as arise from malarial 
 causes. In these cases it is usually associated with calomel. As a hydragogue , acting 
 by the kidneys as well as the bowels, its merits appear to be well established. For this 
 purpose it should be given in small and repeated doses, such as Gm. 0.01 (gr. -^) every 
 hour, dissolved in sweetened water. It is often associated with jalap and with bitar- 
 trate of potassium. Its want of taste fits it for use by children. It is sometimes em- 
 ployed as a vermifuge , and is then usually prescribed with vermicide medicines. 
 
 Gamboge is administered in substance in the average dose of Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr. j— v). 
 It is most efficient when mixed with water and sugar. A convenient formula is the 
 following : R. Gamboge gr. x ; Carbonate of potassium £j ; Cinnamon-water fSij- — Mix. 
 S. — 30 drops three times a day in water. 
 
 CAMPHORA, U. S., Br., B. G.-Camphor. 
 
 Camphre , Fr. ; Kampfer , Campher , G. : Canfora, F. It. ; Alcanfor , Sp. 
 
 Formula C 10 H 1(J O = C 8 H 14 .CH 2 .CO. Molecular weight 151.66. 
 
 A stearopten or concrete volatile oil, having the nature of a ketone, obtained from 
 Cinnamomum Camphora, F. Nees et Ebermaier , s. Laurus Camphora, Linn&, s. Cam- 
 phora officinarum, C. Bauhin , and purified by sublimation. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 222. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Laurineae. 
 
 Origin. — The camphor laurel is a handsome tree 7.5 to 9 M. (25 to 30 feet) high, 
 with thin reddish or yellowish branches, and alternate evergreen, smooth, and shining 
 
CAMPHOR A. 
 
 387 
 
 leaves, which are glaucous beneath. The flowers are small, yellowish, in pedunculate 
 axillary cymes, and produce oblong-globular dark-purple berries about £ inch (8 Mm.) 
 long and containing a single seed. It is indigenous to Eastern and South-eastern Asia 
 from Cochin China north through China, and in Japan and Formosa. It grows very 
 readily in tropical and subtropical countries, and is cultivated in Italy as an ornamental 
 tree. All parts of the tree have a camphoraceous odor and taste, but the camphor is 
 obtained from the root, trunk, and branches by chipping the wood, and either boiling it 
 with water in an iron vessel which is covered with a rude earthen or wooden head lined 
 on the inside with straw, in which the camphor condenses, or as in Formosa, where the 
 chips are merely exposed to the vapor of water, which is boiled in a wooden trough, lined 
 on the outside with clay, earthen pots, ten in number, serving as the heads of the rude 
 still. The camphor is scraped out from time to time, placed in suitable vats to drain off 
 much of the adhering oil, and then packed. Camphor appears to have been used as a 
 medicine in Europe in the twelfth century. The kind first known was Dryobalanops 
 camphor, which is now seen only as a curiosity outside of Southern Asia. 
 
 Commerce. — Japan or tub camphor , formerly also called Dutch camphor, is imported 
 in tubs containing about 125 pounds, covered by matting and surrounded by another tub. 
 It is in white granular masses, usually with a reddish tint and dry to the touch. Formosa 
 or Chinese camphor , generally imported in lead-lined chests, is occasionally as handsome 
 in appearance as the preceding, but frequently is in smaller granules, darker, sometimes 
 even blackish in color, or damp from adhering oil or moisture. Crude camphor dissolves 
 completely in alcohol, with the exception of from 1 to 5 or 6 per cent, of foreign matters, 
 sand, etc. In the fiscal year 1866-67, 432,075 pounds of crude and 30,526 pounds of 
 refined camphor passed through the custom-houses of the United States. Since 1876 
 very little refined camphor has been imported, it varying between 208 pounds in 1877 
 and 11 pounds in 1882, while in the same period the importation of crude camphor 
 fluctuated between 986,292 pounds in 1879 and 2,542,830 pounds in 1880. 
 
 Refining 1 . — This was formerly done exclusively in Europe, but it has for some years 
 been successfully carried on in the United States. It is stated that the apparatuses used in 
 Europe are still the old-fashioned bombaloes , large somewhat depressed glass globes with a 
 short neck and an aperture through which the watery vapors find egress ; some charcoal or 
 lime is introduced with the crude camphor into the vessels, which are placed in a sand-bath, 
 and this is rapidly heated, first to expel the water, after which the sand is lowered and the 
 heat gradually increased to between 200° and 205° C. (392° and 401° F.) ; after the cam- 
 phor has sublimed and condensed at the top the vessels must be broken in order to recover 
 the purified camphor. Similar subliming-vessels are in use in the United States, but they 
 are so arranged that they can be taken apart and used over again, and provision has even 
 been made by a firm in Philadelphia to recover the volatile oil contained in the camphor. 
 The operation requires a careful regulation of the heat for subliming and judicious pro- 
 vision for cooling the top, so as to obtain the camphor in solid crystalline cakes. Another 
 Philadelphia firm sublimes the crude camphor slowly from retorts and condenses the 
 vapors in a large chamber, whereby the camphor is obtained in a fine crystalline powder, 
 which is afterward, by hydraulic pressure, formed into solid cakes, thus lessening the sur- 
 face of exposure and the rapidity of evaporation. 
 
 Properties. — Refined camphor forms orbicular slightly convex cakes, with a circular 
 hole in the centre, corresponding to the aperture of the subliming-vessel. It is white, 
 translucent, crystalline in texture, fissured in the interior, tough, and not pulverizable, 
 except after moistening it with alcohol, ether, chloroform, or a volatile oil. It evaporates 
 slowly at the ordinary temperature, and condenses in partly-filled bottles in the form of 
 glossy hexagonal plates or prisms. Various contrivances have been suggested to keep 
 camphor in the powdered condition, such as precipitation by water in the presence of 
 magnesia, trituration with a fixed oil, glycerin, or sugar ; but the most satisfactory method 
 appears to be that proposed by J. C. Lowd (1871), of condensing the hot camphor vapors 
 in a large chamber. The powder thus obtained, which has been called flowers of camphor, 
 may be preserved for some years if kept in a cool place, and even if it should cake 
 together may readily be reduced to the pulverulent condition. Another method is that 
 proposed by Dr. Bruno Hirsch, pouring a hot concentrated alcoholic solution of 
 camphor into ten times its volume of distilled water, stirring constantly, collecting the 
 precipitate on a strainer, and after it has drained drying it over lime, calcium chloride, or 
 sulphuric acid, without subjecting the powder to any pressure. 
 
 Camphor fuses at 175° C. (347° F.), boils at 204° C. (399° F.), sublimes without leav- 
 ing any residue, and when ignited burns with a luminous sooty flame ; its specific gravity 
 
388 
 
 CAMPHOR A. 
 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) is 0.990 ; its solutions are dextrorotatory. It is sparingly soluble in water 
 (see Aqua Camphors), dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 0.7 parts of alcohol, and is freely 
 soluble in ethers, chloroform, glacial acetic acid, wood spirit, acetone, carbon disulphide, 
 benzene, benzin, and volatile and fixed oils ; its solutions in alcohol and ether increase the 
 solubility of corrosive sublimate, and the presence of this salt renders camphor more 
 soluble in these liquids. (See Hydrarg. Chlor. Corros.) Camphor dissolves by trit- 
 uration in 10 parts of milk, and the solution may be diluted with water without causing 
 precipitation. When rubbed together with powdered chloral or resins the mixtures 
 gradually become soft or liquid, and in the fused state resins dissolve a considerable pro- 
 portion of camphor. It has a peculiar penetrating odor and an aromatic somewhat cool- 
 ing taste. The odor of camphor is destroyed by Tolu balsam, asafetida, and similar 
 umbelliferous resins. Thrown upon water, camphor shows a peculiar rotatory motion, 
 which is probably caused by its rather rapid evaporation and slow solubility. 
 
 Its composition is represented by the formula Ci 0 H 16 O. When distilled with zinc chloride 
 or phosphoric anhydride it is gradually converted into cymene, C 10 H 14 , and by oxida- 
 tion with nitric acid into camphoric acid, C 10 H 16 O 4 , and finally into camphor onic acid , 
 C 9 H 12 0 5 . Schwanert’s camphresinic acid (1863) is a mixture of these two. Nitroso- 
 camplior, C 10 H 15 O.NO, was prepared by Claisen and Manasse (1889) by treating camphor 
 and amyl nitrite, dissolved in ether, with sodium ethylate ; it melts at 153° C., and is 
 readily soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and chloroform. By the action of hypochlorous 
 acid on camphor, Wheeler (1868) obtained several chlorine substitution-products, and by 
 acting upon these with alcoholic solution of potassa, oxy camphor, CioHi 6 0 2 , is formed, 
 which crystallizes in needles, has the odor and taste of camphor, and sublimes without 
 change, but melts at 137° C. (278.5° F.). Camphor combines and forms also substitu- 
 tion-compounds with iodine and bromine. 
 
 Other Camphors and Camphor Oils. — The crystallizing stearoptens of volatile oils are some- 
 times designated as camphors. 
 
 Oleum camphors, U. S. 1870. — Oil of camphor, Camphor oil of Formosa, E. ; Huile vola- 
 tile de camphre, Fr. ; Fliichtiges Kampferol, G. — The oil is obtained in the preparation of crude 
 camphor, and a portion also in refining this product. It is a dark wine-yellow or yellowish- 
 brown liquid, having a camphor-like odor and taste and the specific gravity .940. At a low 
 temperature it deposits a considerable quantity of camphor in the form of crystals, and at about 
 180° C. (356° F.) it begins to boil. It turns the plane of polarized light to the right. By care- 
 ful fractional distillation a considerable portion of camphor is left in the retort, but cannot be 
 completely removed by this means. The liquid distillate has, according to Martius, the odor of 
 camphor and cajeput, and, according to Mulder, is a solution of laurel camphor, C 10 H 16 O, in a 
 hydrocarbon of the composition C 10 H 16 ; the latter, according to Lallemand (1859), resembles oil 
 of lemon in its chemical behavior. 
 
 Sumatra, s. Borneo Camphor, or Barus Camphor, is found in fissures of the wood of Dry- 
 obalanops Camphora, Colebrook (D. aromatica, Gaertner). Nat. Ord. Dipterocarpaceae. Its odor 
 is somewhat different from that of ordinary camphor *, its crystals are slightly heavier than 
 water, and but sparingly volatilized at ordinary temperatures. It is borneol or camphyl alcohol , 
 C 10 II 18 O, and by treatment with nitric acid it is converted into ordinary camphor. The stately 
 tree yielding this drug is indigenous to Sumatra and Borneo, and requires cutting down to 
 obtain the camphor, which in the East is sold at a high price, and therefore never enters com- 
 merce at large. This camphor is dextrogyre. 
 
 Camphor oil of Borneo is obtained from the same tree by tapping or felling it. It is a rather 
 viscid brown-yellow or reddish oil, which is a solution of resin and a little borneol in a hydro- 
 carbon, C 10 II 1G 5 the latter has a terebinthinate odor, and is identical with the hydrocarbon of oil 
 of valerian ; hence the names borneene and valerene. Lallemand (1859) could not obtain borneol, 
 but isolated two terpenes boiling respectively at 180° and 255° C. (356° and 491° F.). The crude 
 oil is dextrogyre, begins to boil at about 175° C. (347° F.), and deposits little or no camphor when 
 placed in a freezing mixture. It is rarely, if ever, met with in commerce. 
 
 Ngai Camphor is obtained in Burmah and China by the distillation of Blumea balsamifera, 
 De Candolle ; Nat. Ord. Composite — a tall weed of South-eastern Asia, and commands there a 
 higher price than ordinary camphor. It has the composition of the Borneo camphor, C 10 H lg O, 
 but turns polarized light to the left, and yields with nitric acid a camphor having the composition 
 of ordinary camphor, but levogyre in optical behavior. It was examined in 1874 by Hanbury, 
 Plowman, and Fliickiger. 
 
 Vinum camphoratum, P. G. — Wine of camphor, E. ; Yin camphre, Fr. ; Kampfer- 
 wein, G . — Dissolve camphor 1 part in alcohol 1 part, and add gradually and with agita- 
 tion mucilage of acacia 3 parts and white wine 45 parts. It is a whitish, turbid liquid, 
 which requires to be well shaken when dispensed. — P. G. 
 
 Camphora carbolisata, s. phenolata. — Camphorated phenol, Phenol-camphor, E. ; 
 Camphre phenole, Fr. ; Phenolkampfer, G. — Camphor 2 parts ; carbolic acid 1 part ; 
 
CAMPHOR A. 
 
 389 
 
 allow to liquefy (Bufalini, 1875). Camphor 100 parts, carbolic acid 36 parts, alcohol 4 
 parts ; dissolve (Hager). A colorless or oily liquid having the odor of camphor, soluble 
 in fixed oils, alcohol, and ether, nearly insoluble in water and glycerin. 
 
 Camphora salicylata. — Salicylated camphor, E. ; Camphre salicyle, Fr. ; Salicylirter 
 Kampfer, G. — Camphor 84 parts, salicylic acid 65 parts; heat in a water-bath to 90° C. 
 (194° F.) until liquefied (Prota Giurleo, 1881). A colorless oily liquid, solidifying to an 
 opaque crystalline mass, becoming unctuous on being triturated ; slightly soluble in water 
 and glycerin, more soluble in fats and volatile oils, and crystallizing from hot benzol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The local action of camphor upon the living tissues is that 
 of a stimulant and irritant. A piece of it held in the mouth irritates, and may even 
 ulcerate, the lining membrane ; the same effect is possible in the stomach. Internally, 
 its action varies with the dose. In large doses it causes a burning pain along the 
 oesophagus and at the pit of thetstomach, vomiting, diminished frequency and force of 
 the pulse, followed by its intermission, by giddiness, dimness of vision, muscular debility, 
 paleness and coolness of the skin, with a cyanotic hue in grave cases, spasms and ridigity 
 of the muscles, and general convulsions. These phenomena, which show that camphor 
 in such doses is a direct and powerful sedative, are followed by a reaction in which there 
 is more or less excitement and fever. A man swallowed two pieces of camphor, each as 
 large as a nutmeg, and presented the characteristics just described (Bull, de Ther., cix. 
 563). In no instance does camphor seem to have directly caused the death of a healthy 
 adult. As supplementary to the cases referred to in the previous edition of this work 
 the following may be cited : 150 grains of camphor dissolved in oil occasioned in a 
 healthy adult general convulsions with stupor, followed by confusion of mind. Dr. 
 Brothers, the reporter of this case, referred to several others, including one of a female 
 who took 200 grains of camphor in alcohol, became convulsed and comatose, but was 
 convalescent on the following day; and also five fatal cases, all but one of which 
 occurred in children. The exception was a pregnant woman, who swallowed 184 grains 
 of camphor, aborted, and died (Med. Record , xxxii. 734). The fatal result cannot 
 fairly be attributed to the camphor alone. In another case a girl said to have been in the 
 habit of eating camphor was found unconscious, and so died (Med. News , liii. 241). In this 
 case the meagerness of the details forbids a positive judgment as to the cause of death. 
 In medicinal doses Gm. 0.12 to 1.0 (gr. ij-xv) camphor stimulates the nervous and 
 vascular systems, and through them all the functions ; the pulse becomes stronger and 
 more frequent, the skin grows warmer and moister, and there is a consciousness of more 
 or less exhilaration. Such effects are of short duration, and are not succeeded by ex- 
 haustion or depression. Small doses appear to irritate the genital organs, but full 
 medicinal doses allay morbid excitement in them. It appears, then, that camphor stimu- 
 lates in small and depresses in large doses, and that its operation is very transient — 
 almost as much so as that of alcohol, which in some other respects it resembles. 
 According to physiological experimenters, the spinal cord is not influenced by camphor, 
 for convulsions do not occur after the separation of the medulla oblongata from the 
 medulla spinalis. Owing to the rapid disappearance of the smell of camphor from the 
 urine and feces of animals poisoned by it, it is held that the drug is decomposed in the 
 organism. 
 
 The ancients do not appear to have used camphor in febrile affections, but in the 
 eighteenth century it acquired a reputation in the treatment of typhoid conditions which 
 it has never lost. It was held to be less heating than ammonia, less stupefying than 
 opium, and, along with the latter, to act as a powerful sudorific. It was considered — 
 and is, in fact — an appropriate remedy for the condition which includes exhaustion, 
 stupor, and nervous derangement, shown by muscular trembling and subsultus and low 
 delirium, the phenomena belonging to the malignant or typhoid state in which the 
 nervous system tends to collapse because the blood has become impure. In this condi- 
 tion stimulants sustain nervous power until the depuration and reorganization of the 
 blood are accomplished ; and camphor in small and repeated doses has the advantage, over 
 some other appropriate remedies, of inducing no injurious secondary effects. The typhoid 
 state, it should be remembered, may be an incident of inflammatory affections as well as 
 of idiopathic fevers. A French army surgeon claims that in the treatment of an eph 
 demic of typhoid fever marked by unusual ataxia he was very successful after he began 
 the administration of enemas containing 8 grains of crystallized carbolic acid, 15 grains 
 of camphor, 1 ounce of alcohol, and about 6 ounces of water (Bull, de Therap ., ciii. p. 
 465). The share of the carbolic acid in the result may perhaps be disregarded. In 
 spasmodic diseases camphor has been largely employed in whooping cough, chorea, and 
 
390 
 
 CAMPHORA. 
 
 even epilepsy, but its power in these affections is of very subordinate importance. In 
 typhoid states of continued fevers and of inflammations its hypodermic use has been 
 found useful when the drug was dissolved in almond oil, and injections, each con- 
 taining 2 or 3 grains of camphor, were administered every two to four hours. The same 
 method has been employed successfully in poisoning by illuminating gas. In minor dis- 
 orders of the nervous class, such as headache, palpitation , hiccup , spasmodic dysphagia , 
 etc., camphor in small and repeated doses shows the same power as other nervous 
 stimulants. In small doses, and even as a topical application, it seems to afford 
 marked relief in that distressing occipital headache which arises from severe and pro- 
 longed mental strain. In full sedative doses it has proved an antidote to strychnine. 
 The Arabians and their followers in Europe were familiar with the power of camphor in 
 large doses to repress sexual excitement , and they, as well as nearly all successful imi- 
 tators of them, prescribed from 20 to 60 grains a # day. The doses of 2 or 3 grains 
 sometimes directed for this purpose are worse than useless. They are perhaps more 
 efficient in certain cases of genital excitement produced by local irritation — by canthar- 
 ides, for example. It is usual to incorporate powdered camphor with blistering plasters 
 to prevent strangury , but the evidence of the efficiency of this expedient is not very 
 strong. A poultice saturated with camphor and applied to the perineum will relieve this 
 symptom, and also prevent chordee. In some cases of mania large doses of camphor 
 have proved efficient, particularly in the puerperal form ; it very probably would be 
 more eligible than the excessive doses of opiates which are sometimes employed. It is 
 stated that equal parts of chloral hydrate and camphor form a much more powerful 
 sedative and soporific than a like dose of either substance alone (Simmons, Amer. Jour, 
 of Med. Sci ., Jan. 1880, p. 89). Camphor has been employed to expel lumbricoid worms , 
 and by enema to destroy ascarides of the rectum. It has been resorted to internally 
 and locally with good effect in hospital gangrene. Ulcers that are slow to heal, owing to 
 a depressed state of the system, are benefited by camphor in powder ; the same may be 
 said of specific ulcers of the genitals. Camphor dissolved in ether or chloroform, or even 
 alcohol, and applied on cotton within the cavity of a carious tooth, mitigates toothache 
 materially. This is one of the most ancient uses of the medicine. Snuffed into the 
 nostrils, the fumes of camphor, like other local irritants, will sometimes arrest a forming 
 coryza. They may be employed by simply smelling a lump of camphor, or they may be 
 disengaged from camphor mixed with hot water in a vessel and conveyed to the nostrils 
 through a funnel. In an ointment or liniment it forms one of the best cures for scabies, 
 and is said to prevent the maturation of variolous pustules. 
 
 Camphor may be administered in substance in the pilular form when the dose is small, 
 but larger doses are best given in emulsion, which should be flavored with the extract or 
 the syrup of liquorice. As a stimulant the dose is from Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr. j-v), re- 
 peated every three or four hours in mild cases, but in low fevers it should be from Gm. 
 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx), and repeated according to the indications. In maniacal nervous 
 excitement not less than Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) should be given, and repeated as often as may 
 be required. In cases of poisoning by camphor alcohol may be administered in small 
 and repeated doses. 
 
 Carbolized or phenol camphor has been applied with a brush to the false mem- 
 branes of diphtheria, and is stated to have caused a rapid subsidence of the inflammatory 
 swelling and a removal of the exudation (Bull, de Therap ., xciv. 18 ; xcviii. 529). In 
 1885 it was stated by Schaeffer to be a local anaesthetic in toothache from caries and for 
 the pain of ingrown toe-nail ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1885, p. 32). In 1887, 
 Cochran applied it to the treatment of herpes, of wounds , boils , idcers, and uterine leu- 
 corrhoea. Dissolved in olive oil, it is alleged to have not only palliated but arrested 
 erysipelas. He also found it useful in gastric catarrh. He stated that in 10-drop doses 
 it occasioned a not unpleasant sense of warmth in the stomach, and that upon the skin 
 or applied hypodermically it caused anaesthesia of the immediate neighborhood 
 ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 805). In a word, its action is principally due to the carbolic acid in 
 its composition. 
 
 Salicylated camphor, mixed with from 10 to 20 parts of vaseline, with the addi- 
 tion of paraffin, can be made into suppositories. It is stated to exhibit remarkable 
 healing powers when applied to phagedenic and atonic ulcers , especially those of a 
 syphilitic nature (Bull, de Therap ., xcvii. 143.) 
 
 Wine of camphor is used for the same purposes as spirit of camphor. 
 
 Camphoric acid has been alleged by Reichert (Therap. Gaz., xii., 632), Hosier 
 (Med. News , lii. 558), and Nussel (Am. Jour. Med. Sci., Dec. 1888, p. 641) to be a 
 
CA MPHORA MONOBR OMA TA. 
 
 391 
 
 profitable application to the larynx in phthisis , and to the skin in eczema and acne , etc., but 
 the clinical proofs of its value are defective. Mosler did not find it superior to the more 
 usual remedies in laryngitis and bronchitis, but recognized its virtues in chronic cystitis , 
 when used as an injection as well as when given by the mouth. He, and also Fiirbinger, 
 found it efficient in the night-sweats of phthisis. As a gargle or lotion a £— 1 per cent, 
 solution in water or glycerin may be used. To check night-sweats it was given in the 
 dose of Gm. 1-2 (15 to 30 grains). 
 
 CAMPHOR A MONOBROMATA, TJ , S . — Monobromated Camphor. 
 
 Bromated camphor , E. ; Camphre monobromi , Fr. ; Monobromkampfer , G. ; Can/ora 
 monobromata , F. It. ; Bromuro de alcanfor, Sp. 
 
 Formula C 10 H 15 BrO. Molecular weight 230.42. 
 
 Preparation. — Laurent obtained (1840) camphor dibromide, Ci 0 H 16 OBr 2 , by 
 uniting bromine with camphor, and stated that on distillation it afforded bromine, cam- 
 phor, a little hydrobromic acid, and a bromated oil. Swarts (1861) heated camphor 
 dibromide in sealed tubes and obtained monobromated camphor. W. H. Perkins (1865) 
 subjected the oily bromide of Laurent to distillation, and found the distillate, collected 
 above 265° C. (509° F.) after crystallization from alcohol, to be monobromated camphor. 
 We have found (1872) the following process to give satisfactory results : Break 13 
 ounces of camphor into small pieces ; put these into a quart retort, first filling the neck ; 
 raise the latter somewhat, and then introduce through the tubulure, by means of a fun- 
 nel-tube, 4 ounces of bromine, washing the last down with 20 or 30 minims of alcohol. 
 A brisk reaction will commence in about fifteen or twenty minutes ; after it has sub- 
 sided and the retort has become cool introduce 8 to 9 ounces of bromine in four portions, 
 waiting after each addition until the reaction has ceased. The addition of alcohol .is not 
 requisite, but facilitates the reaction, and the bromine may be added in larger quantities 
 if provision be made for condensing the vaporized bromine and returning it to the retort. 
 This is now slowly heated to about 132° C. (270° F.), allowed to cool, the contents dis- 
 solved in warm petroleum benzin, the solution allowed to crystallize, and the crystals 
 purified by recrystallization from hot alcohol or petroleum benzin. On evaporating the 
 mixed mother-liquors an oily mass is obtained, which, heated to 260° C. (500° F.), 
 becomes black, and contains monobromated camphor, to be obtained by recrystallization 
 as before. Gault (1874) heats at first in a water-bath, crystallizes from strong alcohol, 
 and heats the oily mass contained in the mother-liquor to not over 220° C. (428° F.). 
 A similar process is recommended by Dubois, who states that by confining the heat to 100° 
 C. no by-products of any consequence are formed. J. U. Lloyd (1875) recommends the 
 camphor dibromide to be heated with water in a retort placed in a sand-bath, and the 
 product to be crystallized from alcohol. T. C. Linthicum (1876) considers the reaction 
 very unsatisfactory at 100° C. 
 
 In the above processes camphor dibromide, C 10 H u OBr 2 , is first formed, and this, on 
 being heated, is decomposed into hydrobromic acid, IIBr, and monobromated camphor, 
 C 10 H 15 BrO, the latter representing a molecule of camphor in which 1 atom of hydrogen 
 is replaced by 1 of bromine. During the operation one-half of the bromine used is 
 given off as hydrobromic acid, and may be collected in water or combined with a base. 
 
 Properties. — Monobromated camphor crystallizes from alcohol in thin white or 
 colorless prisms and needles, and from petroleum benzin in long flat prisms or glossy 
 scales. It has a weak but persistent camphoraceous odor, a mild camphoraceous taste, 
 and a neutral reaction. It is permanent in the air and not affected by direct sunlight. 
 It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in glycerin, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 
 form, fixed oils, and in less than its own weight of hot petroleum benzin, from which 
 solution the greater part crystallizes on cooling. It melts at 76° C. (168.8° F.), and 
 evaporates slowly with the vapors of boiling water, condensing in fine white interlaced 
 needles; at 274° C. (525° F.) it boils and volatilizes completely, with partial decomposi- 
 tion. It dissolves without decomposition in cold sulphuric acid, and is again precipitated by 
 water. When boiled with silver nitrate and nitric acid it is decomposed, and yields 81.2 
 per cent, of silver bromide. Heated with zinc chloride to near 160° C. (320° F.), it 
 yields a hydrocarbon, C 8 Hi 6 , and liquid thymol, C 10 H u O (Schiff, 1880). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — If a liquid preparation is desired, monobromated cam- 
 phor is conveniently given in the form of emulsion, after dissolving it in six or eight 
 times its weight of expressed oil of almond or other bland oil. Monday (1877) proposed 
 
392 
 
 CA NELLJE CORTEX. 
 
 an elixir of monobromated camphor containing 1 per cent, by weight of the latter, by 
 dissolving with the aid of a gentle heat 3 Gm. of it in a mixture composed of 120 Gm. 
 of 90 per cent, alcohol, 80 Gm. of water, and 100 Gm. of glycerin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — From a number of experiments upon animals Bourneville 
 drew the following conclusions : 1. Monobromated camphor diminishes the number of 
 the heart-beats and contracts the blood-vessels of the ears and eyelids. 2. It renders 
 the inspirations less frequent. 3. It lowers the temperature steadily, and in fatal cases 
 until death ; in those animals which recover the temperature rises to its original point, 
 but more slowly than it fell. 4. It is unquestionably hypnotic, and seems to act chiefly 
 upon the brain. 5. It does not appear to induce tolerance, and cats and guinea-pigs 
 lose flesh rapidly while using it. The experiments of Mr. Lawson upon man tend to 
 confirm the conclusions of Bourneville in regard to its influence upon the pulse and tem- 
 perature, both of which were depressed under the action of the compound, but in doses 
 of 10 grains it did not show any soporific influence. In subsequent trials of the medi- 
 cine he found that its great liability to produce gastric irritation, and the excitability 
 and wasting following thereon, formed a strong objection to its use. 
 
 Monobromated camphor may take the place of camphor alone in the ataxic forms of 
 the typhoid state. It has been used with alleged advantage in epilepsy , not only in the 
 convulsive form of the disease, but in epilepsia minor and in cases of epileptic delirium 
 in females. But, according to Dr. Gowers, it in his hands produced no good results. 
 It has appeared to arrest convulsions depending upon dentition. In several cases of 
 inveterate chorea and of paralysis agitans it is reported to have mitigated the convulsive 
 movements in a notable degree, and to have controlled the excitement of hysteria and 
 also of delirium tremens. In insomnia connected with cerebral hyperaemia or with heart 
 lesions it has proved beneficial, and palpitation of the heart due to either cause has been 
 relieved by it. The same is true of its use in headache occasioned by over-stimulation 
 of the brain by mental excitement. It has also palliated nervous cough and nocturnal 
 incontinence of urine , relieved anal and vesical tenesmus , especially when this symptom 
 depended upon nervous irritability and not upon substantial disease of the affected 
 organs, and it has also subdued priapism. It will be observed that all these affections 
 are such as are apt to be benefited by the alkaline bromides ; and it is more than proba- 
 ble that a solution of one of them in camphor-water, if not in simple watery solution, 
 would answer the same, if not a better, purpose. After a sufficient trial of the prepara- 
 tion, Dr. Lawson concluded ( Practitioner , xiv. 262) that its insolubility and the gastric 
 derangement it causes render it ineligible as a medicine, and that its therapeutic value 
 does not entitle it to rank with the other soporific and calmative medicines which are 
 analogous to it. It has usually been administered in sugar-coated pills, and in doses of 
 from Gm. 0.10-0.30 (gv. ij — v). repeated several times a day or oftener. Its insolubility 
 and unpleasant taste and smell render any other liquid vehicle than oil inappropriate for 
 its administration. A formula for an elixir is given above. 
 
 CANELL^E CORTEX, Br.— Canella-Bark. 
 
 Canella . — Canelle blanche , Fr. ; Weisser Zimmt , Weisser Canel, G. ; Canela blanca , Sp. 
 
 The bark of Canella alba, Murray , s. Winterania Canella, Linne , s. Canella Winterana, 
 Gaertner. Woodville, Med. Bot. 237 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 26. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Canellaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The white wood or wild cinnamon tree is indigenous to many of the West 
 Indian islands and the southern section of Florida. It grows to about 12 M. (40 feet), 
 has evergreen, blunt, lanceolate leaves, pale violet-colored, highly aromatic flowers in 
 terminal corymbs, and bluish-black subglobular berries, about 1 Cm. (-§ inch) long, and 
 containing two to four angular and roundish reniform seeds. The silver-gray corky layer 
 of the bark is mostly removed by beating, and subsequent cutting before the bark is col- 
 lected. The drug became first known in Europe in 1605. 
 
 Description. — The bark is in quills or half-quills, varying in length from a few deci- 
 meters to .6 or .9 M. (2 or 3 feet), and in diameter from 6 to 38 Cm. (£ to 1| inches). 
 The external surface is of a pale yellowish-red color, with transversely elongated scars 
 of the suberous warts, and occasionally with fragments of the gray corky layer and with 
 whitish patches of the inner bark laid bare by the removal of the reddish layer ; inner 
 surface white, finely striate ; fracture short, white., with numerous bright orange-yellow 
 
CA NX A BIS INDICA. 
 
 393 
 
 dots of resin-cells. The odor is agreeably aromatic, cinnamon-like ; the taste aromatic, 
 somewhat bitter, and biting. 
 
 Substitutions. — The bark of Cinnamodendron corticosum, Miers (Bentley and Tri- 
 men, Med. Plants , 27). a small tree of the same natural order as the preceding, is indi- 
 genous to Jamaica, and is there employed like Canella alba. It has oblong-lanceolate, 
 acute leaves and red flowers in axillary clusters of two to four. The bark is of a ferru- 
 ginous gray-brown, darker upon the outer surface, spotted by scars of the nearly circular 
 suberous warts, smooth and finely striate upon the inner surface, and agreeing in odor 
 and pungent taste nearly with the preceding. Both barks have been frequently sold as 
 "Winter's bark. Cinnamodendron macranthum, Badlon , of Porto Bico, yields a similar 
 bark. 
 
 Constituents. — The analyses of Henry (1821) and of Petroz and Robinet (1822) 
 proved the existence of volatile oil, resin, bitter principle, mucilage, starch, albumen, and 
 salts. The canellin of the last-named chemists is identical with mannit, according to 
 Meyer and Yon Reiche (1843), who obtained 8 per cent, of it, and separated from the 
 volatile oil eugenol, an oil having the odor of cajuput, and another fraction not further 
 examined. From 0.5 to 0.94 per cent, of volatile oil and about 6 per cent, of ash, con- 
 sisting mainly of calcium carbonate, have been obtained from the bark. The bitter prin- 
 ciple has not yet been isolated. The cinnamodendron-bark has probably similar constit- 
 uents, but contains in addition some tannin, which is not present in Canella alba. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Canella is tonic and stimulant, and may be employed to 
 relieve simple gastric debility. It is seldom used alone, but rather along with bitter 
 tonics and with purgatives that tend to debilitate, as scammony and jalap, or that have 
 a local action which it is designed to increase, as in the case of aloes when given for 
 uterine disorders; it is also used in chlorotic menorrhagia and metrorrhagia following 
 parturition or depending upon cancer of the uterus. It is a constituent of pulcis aloes 
 cum canella , long a valued remedy for amenorrhoea , and formerly an officinal preparation. 
 The dose in powder is from Gm. 0.60-2.50 (gr. x-xl.) 
 
 CANNABIS INDICA, TJ. S., Br. — Indian Cannabis. 
 
 Hemp ) E. ; Chanvre , Fr. ; Hanf G. ; Canama , Sp. 
 
 Cannabis sativa, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 231. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticacese, Cannabineae. 
 
 Official Kinds. — 1. Cannabis Indica, U. S., Br.; Herba cannabis Indicae, P. G . — 
 Indian cannabis, Indian hemp, E. ; Chanvre indien, Fr. ; Indischer Hanf, G. — The 
 flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, grown in the East Indies. — 
 U. S. 
 
 2. Cannabis Americana, U. S. 1880. — American cannabis, American hemp, E. ; 
 Chanvre americain, Fr. ; Amerikanischer Hanf, G. — Cannabis sativa, grown in the 
 Southern United States, and collected while flowering. 
 
 Origin — The hemp-plant is indigenous to Asia, from India north to Western China 
 and the Caspian Sea ; it grows likewise in tropical Africa. Having been cultivated from 
 a very early period for its textile bast-fibres and its oily fruit, the cultivation has extended 
 to most civilized countries. The plant grows spontaneously in Europe and North America, 
 and has been naturalized in some parts of Brazil. It is an annual, with an angular 
 roughish stem, 1.2, 2.4, and 3 M. (4 to 8 and even 10 feet) high, with opposite or the 
 upper ones alternate petiolate and digitate leaves, composed of five to nine lanceolate or 
 linear-lanceolate, acute, and serrate leaflets, and with dioecious flowers. The Indian plant 
 has the lower leaves alternate, the stem is more branched, and the bast-fibres are coarser; 
 but the characters vary and are not sufficiently important to constitute it a distinct spe- 
 cies. The plant richest in resin grows at an altitude of 1800 to 2400 M. (6000 to 8000 
 feet). 
 
 Description. — The Indian hemp found in the market is that known in India as 
 gunjah or ganja, and in London and elsewhere as gauza ; as collected it consists of the 
 tops of branches, which are 50 to 75 Min. (2 to 3 inches) long, compressed, of a 
 brownish-green color, with few leaves, a large number of female flowers, and some 
 ripe or nearly ripe fruits, the whole more or less agglutinated by resin, but neverthe- 
 less quite brittle ; odor narcotic, not unpleasant ; taste bitter and slightly acrid. In 
 
394 
 
 CANNABIS IN LIC A. 
 
 the bazars it is also seen in bundles, which are composed of the upper branches, .6 to 
 .9 M. (2 to 3 feet) long, several inches in diameter, and showing more or less of the 
 resinous exudation. 
 
 Another form is used in India under the name of bhang or siddhi , the hashish of the 
 Arabs, which consists of leaves and small stalks coarsely broken and mixed with few 
 fruits ; it is smoked with or without tobacco, and is chiefly employed in the preparation 
 of various electuaries and beverages. The resin is collected in India in a very primitive 
 manner and impure condition, and is known as charas or churrus. It is either the dusty 
 powder obtained on storing the dry plant, or by rubbing the fresh tops between the 
 hands and scraping off the adhering resin, or by removing it from the leather garments 
 of men who run through the hemp-fields brushing against the plants. The plants grown 
 at an altitude of from 6000 to 8000 feet are stated to produce this resin, while those 
 grown in the plains yield little or none. 
 
 The American hemp consists usually of the barren plant, which has the character given 
 above ; the staminate flowers are in loose pedunculate, axillary panicles crowded near the 
 summit, and composed of clusters of pedicillate greenish flowers having a deeply five- 
 cleft perianth. The fertile plant has the pistillate flowers single or in pairs, sessile, 
 bracteate, and with slender protruding stigmas, the inflorescence forming erect, short, and 
 compact spikes. The odor of the dry plant is heavy, the taste bitter and somewhat 
 acrid. 
 
 Fructus cannabis. — Hempseed, E. ; Semences de chanvre, Chenevis, Fr. ; Hanf- 
 samen, G. — It is an akene, about 3 Mm. (i inch) long, ovate, somewhat flattened, and 
 somewhat two-edged; the pericarp is thin, hard, smooth, greenish or brownish, delicately 
 veined, and contains a single greenish seed, the embryo of which has the radicle bent 
 upon one of the cotyledons. The fruit is inodorous, and has an unpleasant, sweetish, and 
 oily taste. By trituration with water it yields an emulsion. 
 
 Constituents. — G. Martius (1856) obtained from this plant, besides gum and sugar, 
 nitrate of potassium and other salts and resinous matter; dried at 100° C. (212° F.), the 
 herb yielded 18 per cent, of ash containing silica and phosphates as the main constituents. 
 European hemp had been previously examined by Schlesinger and Bohlig (1840) ; both 
 found considerable malic acid, and the latter 0.3 per cent, of a yellow aromatic oil hav- 
 ing faintly narcotic properties. Personne (1857) claimed the volatile oil obtained from 
 Indian hemp to be the sole active principle ; he separated it into liquid cannabene , C 18 H 20 , 
 and solid cannabene hydride , C 18 H 22 . According to Bohlig, the essential oil contains oxy- 
 gen. After rectification over sodium it was found by L. Yalente (1881) to have the 
 spec. grav. .9292 at 0° C., to boil at 256° to 258° C. (493° and 496.4° F.), to be readily 
 soluble in alcohol, and to be violently acted upon by bromine. The hashiscin of Gastinel 
 is merely the alcoholic extract of gunjah deprived of the principles soluble in water. The 
 cannabin of T. and H. Smith (1846) is much purer ; it is obtained by exhausting the 
 gunjah with water and solution of sodium carbonate, then washing the residue with water, 
 drying, exhausting with alcohol, treating the tincture with milk of lime, precipitating the 
 iime with sulphuric acid, treating the filtrate with animal charcoal, filtering, concentrating, 
 and precipitating by water ; it constitutes a brown amorphous resin which burns without 
 leaving any ash. Procter (1864) observed that the resin is converted by hot nitric acid 
 into an orange-red substance resembling gamboge, and Bolas and Francis (1871) obtained 
 from this residue oxy cannabin , C 20 H 20 N 2 O 7 , which crystallizes from methylic alcohol in 
 large prisms. Preobraschensky (1876) claimed to have obtained nicotine from^Bucha- 
 rian hashish and from gunjah. Siebold and Bradbury (1881) failed, like other investi- 
 gators, to obtain nicotine, but isolated from 10 pounds of gunjah about 2 grains of a vol- 
 atile alkaloid, cannabinine , which forms a varnish-like mass of a coniine-like but less 
 nauseous odor, sparingly soluble in water, and in this solution yielding with chlorine- 
 water a white turbidity. Matthew Hay (1883) showed that Cannabis indica contains 
 several alkaloids ; the sulphate of one of these is soluble in alcohol. The alkaloid itself 
 is easily soluble in water and in alcohol, more slowly soluble in chloroform and ether, 
 and from the latter solution obtainable in needles. It does not show the color-reactions 
 of strychnine, but resembles it in its physiological effects ; hence the name tetanocan* 
 nabine is proposed for it. 
 
 The analysis of Bucholz, and the later one by Anderson (1855), failed to find in hemp- 
 seed any other constituents than those common to oily seeds. The small quantity of 
 resin has not been further examined ; the protein compounds amount to 22 or 24 per 
 cent, and the fixed oil to about 30 per cent. Berjot (1860) obtained 28, Cloez (1865) 
 
CANNABIS INDICA. 
 
 395 
 
 31.5, and Munch (1866) 35.5 per cent, of oil. Oil of hempseed is a drying oil, and has 
 a greenish- or brownish-yellow color, a peculiar odor, and a mild taste ; it is readily sol- 
 uble in boiling alcohol, and when heated with one-fifth of its measure of soda solution 
 spec. grav. 1.34 it acquires a yellowish-brown color and a thick consistence. 
 
 Extractum cannabis Americana, Extract of American hemp. An alcoholic tincture 
 of American cannabis evaporated to the consistence of an extract, U S. P. 1870. 
 
 Cannabine tannate, for which no formula has been published, is a yellowish-brown 
 permanent powder, insoluble in water and ether, slightly soluble in alcohol, of a not 
 unpleasant odor, and of a bitterish astringent taste ; it is stated to be the tannate of a 
 glucoside. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of cannabis upon man varies with the individual’s 
 temperament. Some it inspires with pugnacity, and others it inclines to dreamy con- 
 templation, to motiveless merriment, or to maudlin sensibility ; some it makes unnatu- 
 rally ^active and restless, and plunges others in a drowsy stupor ; but more than any 
 other agent, not even excepting belladonna, it perverts the natural perception of objects 
 and their normal condition and relations. At the same time it dilates the pupils. Dur- 
 ing its influence the physical condition of the experimenter exhibits changes in the rate 
 and rhythm of the pulse, warmth of the skin, restless muscular movements, more or less 
 insensibility to touch and pain, and sometimes impaired power of locomotion, the limbs 
 feeling as if weighted with lead. In one reported case a diffused vesicular eruption was 
 attributed to this medicine (Hyde). It does not increase, but, on the contrary, impairs, 
 the venereal propensity and power. One of its immediate sequences is a voracious 
 desire for food. A vivid and detailed description of the effects of this preparation upon 
 himself is furnished by Dr. Beane (Ther. Gaz ., viii. 278). Among them he notes a 
 sinking feeling at the praecordium, a sensation of spasmodic contraction of all the blood- 
 vessels, and a rapid action of the heart. The cardiac oppression and rapid pulse have 
 been noted by others (ibid., ix. 18 ; x. 618 ; Centralbl. f. d. ges. Ther., iv. 449 ; Med. Record, 
 xxviii. 55). But in the case of a consumptive patient “ the pulse was full, regular, 
 and not noticeably accelerated” (Times and Gaz., June, 1885, p. 817.) The varying 
 action of the drug upon the same person is exhibited by Mr. Fielde in his vivid nar- 
 rative of the experiments tried upon himself in China ( Therap. Gaz., xii. 449). Its 
 stimulant action is illustrated by its influence upon a Persian sect, Haschischin (whence 
 the French and English word assassin), who, under its influence, ran amuck, slaying or 
 wounding all they met (Stille. Therapeutics , 4th ed. i. 956). Similar occurrances even 
 now occasionally take place in India (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1885, p. 239). 
 The habitual use of cannabis in excessive doses causes the face to become bloated, the 
 eyes injected, and the limbs weak and tremulous ; the mind grows imbecile, and ulti- 
 mately death by marasmus is apt to occur. Acute poisoning by large doses is marked 
 by various and dissimilar symptoms in different cases. In some there is loss of con- 
 sciousness, with collapse or stupor, insensible pupils, a pale, clammy, and insensible skin, 
 extreme debility, and a small, feeble pulse. A case in which the drug was taken with a 
 suicidal intent presented the grave symptom of paralysis of the respiratory muscles of 
 the thorax, and the patient’s recovery was attributed to the use of the electrical battery 
 (Therap. Gaz., viii. 514). But it does not appear that cannabis has unequivocally 
 caused death in any case. In other cases a cataleptic condition, spasms, or convulsions 
 occur, and in all there is marked anaesthesia. The last-named effect led to the use of 
 cannaW^.by the Chinese in certain surgical operations. (For a fuller account of its effects, 
 see Stille, Therapeutics , 4th ed. i. 958.) 
 
 The effects of cannabis as just described would not suggest its employment in 
 tetanus, and yet in the traumatic variety of a disease notoriously of fatal issue its vir- 
 tues have been demonstrated by physicians entirely competent to test them. In India 
 it has been successfully employed by causing the patient to smoke gunja, or else the 
 dried leaves of cannabis, almost continuously. It is of comparatively little use in neur- 
 algia, rheumatism , epilepsy, or chorea. Yet in the first of these affections its efficacy is 
 claimed by several recent authors, including Hare, McConnell ( Practitioner , xl. 95), 
 Reynolds (loc. inf. cit ). In a case of chorea following concussion of the spine it seemed 
 to promote the cure (Siegfried, Hygien. and Med. Rep. U. S. Navy , 1879). Its anaes- 
 thetic virtues are shown by its allaying the intense itching of eczema, so as to permit 
 the patient to sleep ; it is said to have been used with advantage to diminish hallucina- 
 tions of sight and hearing in certain forms of insanity and in delirium tremens ; but in 
 such sensorial aberrations its action is by no means uniform. Its use in the treatment 
 
396 
 
 CANTHARIS. 
 
 of the morphine habit has furnished some encouraging results. It is alleged that 
 extract of cannabis, used habitually in the dose of one-third of a grain twice a day, will 
 prevent or greatly mitigate recurrent headache or migraine. During the attacks the 
 dose should be increased to Gm. 0.03 (gr. ^-) or more. Among the later reporters of its 
 success in this disorder are MacKenzie ( Practitioner , xxxviii. 294) and Greene (ibid., 
 xli. 35), who agree that the medicine should be continued for several months in doses 
 of Gm. 0.02-0.03 (gr. £ to $) three times a day, and gradually increased, while its 
 action is kept within the physiological limit. It seems to be "peculiarly efficient in 
 various conditions of the brain involving a positive or relative anaemia of that organ, 
 such as delirium during fever and in delirium tremens, and sleeplessness after fever, soften- 
 ing of the brain, thickening of the meninges, obstinate nervous vomiting, etc. Reynolds 
 (Lancet, March, 1890, p. 637) has furnished the special indications for the medicine in 
 several of these diseases: viz. senile insomnia, facial neuralgia, locomotor ataxia, chronic 
 spasms (not epileptic) ; and Germain See has recommended it in various forms of gastric 
 irritation of an atonic character and attended with flatulence, and vomiting, giddiness, 
 migraine, palpitation, etc. (ibid. Sept. 1890, p. 631). He suggests doses of 4 grain 
 three times a day. Cannabis appears capable, directly or indirectly, of causing uterine 
 contraction, as in many cases of uterine haemorrhage ; and it is also said to provoke this 
 act during labor with as much energy as ergot, but that its effects are less persistent. Mac- 
 connell attributes to it the virtue of overcoming anorexia following exhaustive fevers and 
 other diseases, and states that in India those who use it habitually have voracious appe- 
 tites. He also speaks of its control over dyspeptic diarrhoea (lientery), and in this con- 
 nection refers to the constipating effect of its habitual use ( Practitioner , xl. 95). Bond 
 and Edwards had previously written of its value in diarrhoea (ibid., xxxix. 8), and Ren- 
 nie in dysentery (Therap. Gaz ., xi. 196), but, as they associated with it morphine or 
 astringents, the part played by cannabis in the treatment does not appear to be very 
 definite. Birch has reported cases of the chloral habit and of the morphine habit which 
 were successfully treated by extract of cannabis (Lancet, March, 1889, p. 625). The 
 dose of extract of cannabis is from Gm. 0.013-0.06 (\ to 1) grain, but since this prepa- 
 ration is often quite inert, none should be used medicinally that has not previously been 
 tested. It should also be remembered that the susceptibility to its action is very unequal, 
 and that therefore the primary should be a minimum dose. Lemon-juice is said to neu- 
 tralize its effects, and tobacco and coffee to increase them ; but, on the other hand, coffee 
 has been recommended as an antidote, and so have ammonia, strychnine, and even atro- 
 pine. There is no clinical evidence in favor of those last named. Fronmiiller alleges 
 that tannate of cannabine is a reliable hypnotic in the dose of from 2 to 10 grains; and 
 this statement is repeated by Pusinelli and Findler, but is questioned by Ewald, Leyden, 
 and others. It seems to be agreed that the hypnotic effect of the drug is manifested 
 chiefly when wakefulness is d.ue to mental excitement, and especially in persons of a 
 nervous temperament, and also when it is caused by long confinement without due exer- 
 cise. The dose varies from 5 to 15 grains. Dr. H. C. Wood, however, reports that he 
 gave Merck’s tannate of cannabine to a number of patients in doses of 20 grains a day, 
 and produced no distinct effect beyond a slight drowsiness (Therap. Gaz., ix. 379). Rich- 
 ter pronounces this preparation uncertain and untrustworthy, and a similar judgment has 
 been given by Prior (Centralbl. f. Therap ., vi. 607). 
 
 Cannabinon. — At a meeting of the Berlin Society for Psychiatry and Nervous Dis- 
 eases (Centralbl. f. d. g. Therap. iii. 94), Richter stated that in doses of 1J grs. this 
 preparation acts like cannabis, but may induce collapse ; Yogelgesang had given it to 
 insane patients in 6-8-grain doses, but with little advantage, for its benefits were very 
 transient, and sometimes it brought on a semi-paralytic attack ; Blumenthal had seen 
 analogous effects from doses of 1 J-3 grains, and in one instance from the smaller dose ; 
 Gnauk had a similar experience where 5 grains of the medicine had been taken, and 
 with 2 grains he failed to secure sleep. Mendel noted dryness of the throat and vomiting 
 among its effects, and Roux, after an elaborate experimental study of the subject (Bull, 
 de Therap., cxi. 492), declared the preparation unsafe as well as uncertain. 
 
 CANTHARIS, U. S., Br.— Cantharides. 
 
 Cantharides, P. G. ; Muscse Hispanicse. — Spanish flies, E. ; Cantharides, Fr. ; Spanische 
 Fliegen, Canthariden, Kanthariden, G. ; Cantaride, Cantarella , Mona di Spagna , It. ; Can- 
 tar ulas, Sp. 
 
CANTII ARTS. 
 
 397 
 
 Cantharis vesicatoria, De Geer ( His . des Insectes ), s. Lytta vesicatona, Fabricius , s. 
 Meloe vesicatorius, Linne. The beetle collected chiefly in Hungary and Southern Russia. 
 
 Class Insecta ; Order Coleoptera — Beetles. 
 
 Description. — The so-called Spanish fly is indigenous to Southern and Central 
 Europe, and is found eastward as far as Western Asia; it frequents chiefly trees and 
 shrubs of the Oleaceae and Caprifoliaceae, such as the ash, lilac, elder, 
 and honeysuckle. The beetle is from 15 to 30 Mm. (-§ — l-g- inch) long 
 and 5 to 8 Mm. Q- to ^ inch) broad, flattish cylindrical in shape, of 
 a shining brass or copper-green color above and below, and finely 
 punctate above. Head obtusely triangular and subcordate, with a 
 longitudinal furrow ; eyes two, lateral ; antennae filiform, of eleven 
 joints, the lowest three green, the upper black ; thorax of the same 
 width as the head, obtusely quadrangular, longitudinally channelled ; 
 wing-cases covering the body, with two fine longitudinal ridges ; 
 wings ample, membranous, brownish-transparent; tarsi of the hinder 
 legs with four, and of the others with five, joints; claws bifid. 
 
 Cantharides have a strong and disagreeable odor and a slight taste 
 becoming strongly acrid. They yield a brown-gray powder inter- 
 mixed wih green shining particles. 
 
 Oollection and Commerce. — Cantharides are collected early in the morning by 
 spreading cloths under the trees and shrubs, which are then shaken or beaten with poles ; 
 the insects are plunged into hot water, afterward spread out and dried. A better 
 method for killing them is by means of a little chloroform, ether, oil of turpentine, or 
 carbon disulphide after enclosing them in a tight vessel. They are collected for exporta- 
 tion in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Southern Russia, and packed in boxes and casks. 
 Those coming from Russia are of a copper color, larger than those of Western Europe, 
 and are most esteemed. 6000 pounds of cantharides were imported in the year 1867, and 
 5000 pounds in 1879, but the importation usually reaches 14,000 to 19,000 pounds per 
 annum, including Chinese blistering-beetles. 
 
 Allied Species. — Several of the American species allied to the Spanish flies have been found 
 to possess efficient vesicating properties, and among these may be mentioned : Cantharis vittata , 
 or potato-fly, which has a black thorax and wing-cases, with three yellow stripes upon the 
 former, and the latter margined with yellow and with a yellow stripe down the middle ; C. cinerea , 
 black, closely punctured, and covered with ash-gray hairs ; C. marginata , elytra black, with the 
 margin ash-colored ; C. atrata, only about 4 inch long, uniformly black. Attention has also 
 been called among others to C. Nuttalli , which resembles the Spanish fly, but has golden-purple 
 wing-cases striped with green ; it is very abundant in Kansas and Colorado. (An interesting 
 paper, treating of many of the North American blistering-beetles and of the development of 
 Meloe, by Mr. W. Saunders, may be found in the Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical 
 Association , 1876, p. 505.) 
 
 Mylabris cichorii, Fabricius , and M. phalerata, Pallas , two vesicating insects indigenous 
 to Eastern and Southern Asia and to some parts of Africa, have recently been imported as 
 Chinese blistering-flies ; the insects are black, 
 with two orange-colored bands and two spots 
 of the same color upon the w r ing-cases. They 
 yield a blackish-gray powder destitute of the 
 green glossy particles observable in powdered 
 cantharides, and are quite efficient as a vesi- 
 cant. The East Indian Lytta Gigas, Fabri- 
 cius , which is longer than cantharides and 
 of a purplish-blue color, has likewise been 
 occasionally met with in commerce. 
 
 Preservation. — All blistering-bee- 
 tles should be kept in a well-dried condi- 
 tion and in close vessels, the drying to be 
 effected at a temperature not exceeding 
 40° C. (104° F.), so as to avoid loss of cantharidin. If they cannot be kept in this con- 
 dition, they may be protected from the attacks of mites and of small beetles and their 
 larvae by the addition of a little camphor, ether, chloroform, oil of turpentine, benzene, or 
 carbon disulphide. W. E. Saunders (1883) finds the vapors of chloroform to afford 
 better protection than camphor. The blistering principle resides mainly in the soft parts 
 of cantharides; the idea which has been sometimes advanced, that they increase in 
 strength when thus attacked, is erroneous. 
 
 Adulterations. — Cantharides are occasionally mixed with beetles of a similar color 
 
 Fig. 45. 
 
 Cantharis vesicatoria. 
 
398 
 
 CAN TH ARTS. 
 
 which have been collected with them, but evidently not for fraudulent purposes. The 
 shape and color of the insects prevent them from being adulterated. But powdered can- 
 tharides are said to be sometimes ground together with euphorbium. Adulterations are 
 best recognized by determining the amount of cantharidin by the modifications of Procter’s 
 process mentioned below, sometimes also by the amount of ash. “ When incinerated, can- 
 tharides should yield not over 8 per cent, of ash.” — P. G. 
 
 Constituents. — Robiquet’s analysis (1810) indicated the presence of cantharidin, 
 free acetic and uric acids, fatty matters (stearin, palmitin, and olein, according to Goess- 
 mann), yellow viscid matter soluble in water and alcohol, a yellow substance soluble in 
 ether and alcohol, black extractive, and magnesium and calcium phosphates. E. Dietrich 
 (1883) found also notable quantities of formic acid. Pocklington (1873) regards the 
 green coloring matter as chlorophyll. Cantharidin , C 10 H 12 O 4 , is most readily obtained by 
 Procter’s process (1851), as modified by Mortreux (1864) and Fumouze (1867) : this 
 method consists simply in exhausting the powder with chloroform, evaporating sponta- 
 neously, and freeing the residuary crystals from fat and coloring matter by washing them 
 with bisulphide of carbon. Galippe (1875) recommends the substitution of acetic ether 
 for the chloroform. Beguin gives preference to the same menstruum, and believes that 
 the solvents mentioned completely extract the cantharidin, and that therefore it cannot 
 be contained in the beetles partly in combination, as was stated by Bluhm (1865), Ren- 
 nard (1871), and others. But Dragendorff (1867, 1872) showed that the yield of can-, 
 tharidin may be increased by treating the powder first with an alkali, and supersaturating 
 afterward with hydrochloric acid before exhausting the cantharidin ; and E. Dietrich 
 (1880) found it of advantage to subject the alkaline liquid to dialysis. The experiments 
 of R. Wolff (1877), made with Lytta aspersa of South America, indicate that ammonium 
 compounds may be present and gradually increase in quantity through the agency of 
 moisture and the magnesium salts of the beetles, whereby sparingly soluble compounds 
 are formed ; all of which, as far as examined, are decomposed by acetic ether, with the 
 liberation of cantharidin ; hence the larger yield when old cantharides are treated with 
 this menstruum. The amount of cantharidin found by different authors in cantharides 
 varies between 0.17 and 0.57. Boiraux and Leger (1875) obtained as much as 1 per 
 cent, by using hot coal-oil (boiling between 80° and 120° C.). W. R. Warner (1856) 
 obtained from C. vittata 0.40, L. Fahnestock (1879) from the same species by Dragen- 
 dorff ’s method 1.3 per cent.; R. Wolff from Lytta aspersa 0.85, Prestat (1876) from 
 Mylabris interrupta of Algiers 0.858, Maisch (1872) by Fumouze’s process from Chinese 
 beetles 1.016 per cent., and L. Fahnestock (1879) 1.25 per cent, from the same lot of 
 beetles after they had been kept for six years, and with the use of Dragendorff ’s process ; 
 Warner obtained only 0.43 per cent. That cantharidin is with difficulty obtained pure 
 from old cantharides was also shown by Fahnestock (1879). According to Nentwich 
 ~ (1871), full-grown cantharides only are vesicating. 
 
 Cantharidin crystallizes in colorless prisms and scales, and is soluble in alcohol, 
 methylic alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetic ether, glacial acetic acid, and fixed and volatile 
 oils, but insoluble in carbon disulphide and in petroleum benzin. Dietrich considers 
 formic acid the best solvent, and states that cantharidin dissolved in this acid may be 
 distilled. It is rendered soluble in water through the yellow viscid matter in cantharides 
 (Robiquet), which we find to be partly precipitated by basic lead acetate and mercuric 
 chloride. But, according to Rennard, hot and cold water dissolves nearly and per 
 cent, of cantharidin, and this vaporizes when distilled with water, more particularly with 
 the first portions — with chloroform even at 60° C., and in the dry state at and above 85° C. 
 (185° F.). When dry it fuses near 210° C. (410° F.), and sublimes more freely at that 
 temperature, condensing again in glossy prisms or needles. It unites with bases after 
 assimilating H 2 0, forming salts, cantharidic acid having the composition C )0 H u O 5 , but on 
 being decomposed by an acid cantharidin is again separated (Dragendorff, 1867). Krafft 
 (1877) gives the formula C 20 H 24 O 8 to cantharidin, and states that the latter, heated with 
 hydriodic acid spec. grav. 1.8, is gradually converted into the monobasic cantharic acid , 
 which has the same composition, is crystalline, soluble in 120 parts of cold and 12 of 
 boiling water, sparingly soluble in ether, and not vesicating when its glycerin solution is 
 applied to the skin. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Linimentum Cantharidis, U. S. 1880. Digest 15 parts or cantharides 
 in No. 60 powder with 100 parts of oil of turpentine in a close vessel by means of a water-bath 
 for 3 hours ; strain and add enough oil of turpentine through the strainer to make the liniment 
 weigh 100 parts. Oleum Cantharidatum, P. G. — Digest 3 parts of coarsely-powdered canthar- 
 ides in 10 parts of olive oil for 10 hours and filter. 
 
CANTU ARTS. 
 
 399 
 
 Other Insects. — Only two insects are now officinal in the U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias, 
 Cantharis and Coccus. ” Some European pharmacopoeias recognize also the red ant, Formica rufa, 
 Linnt, which belongs to the order Formicidae, and is used in preparing a spirit (see Acidum 
 Formicicum) and a tincture. The latter, tinctura formicarum , is made by digesting 2 parts of 
 fresh and bruised ants in 3 parts of alcohol, and has a brown color. 
 
 Recently an insect of the order Orthoptera has been recommended — Blatta (periplaneta, 
 Burmeister) orientalis, Linnt; Cockroach, E. ; Bete noir, Panetiere, Cafard, Fr. ; Schabe, G. — 
 It is a native of Asia, but now found in most parts of the civilized world. It is dark-brown, 
 about 1 inch (25 Mm.) long, has a flat broad body, the extremity of which is furnished with two 
 conical appendages; the antennae are long and filiform, the legs thin but strong, and the wings 
 lie straight on the back, covering the greater part of the body of the male, but being quite short 
 in the female. The cockroach is nocturnal in its habits and has a disagreeable sickening odor. 
 Bogomolow (1876) announced the isolation of the active principle antihydropin in a crystalline 
 form, but has not published the process for obtaining it. 
 
 Action and Uses. —Internally, if the quantity be large, cantharides occasion a 
 burning heat in the throat, stomach, and bowels, cause nausea and vomiting, often of 
 blood, and produce fibrinous and sometimes bloody stools, griping, and tenderness of the 
 abdomen. With such symptoms death may take place. If there is time for the absorp- 
 tion of the cantharidin, there is also strangury, with burning pain in the kidneys and 
 bladder ; the urine may at first be increased, but soon grows scanty, albuminous, or 
 bloody ; the local irritation is apt to occasion erection of the penis : sometimes, though 
 rarely, erotic excitement and seminal emissions occur, and in the female genito-urinary 
 excitation, which may induce abortion. Gangrene sometimes attacks the genitals. It is 
 said that venereal excitement is more apt to follow the action of cantharides in substance 
 than that of cantharidin, and the difference is ascribed to an essential oil which the for- 
 mer contains, and which gives them their characteristic nauseous and pungent odor. The 
 general symptoms of cantharidal poisoning consist of a frequent and small pulse, hurried 
 breathing, vascular injection of the face, heat of skin, thirst, pain in the head, delirium, 
 trembling, tetanic spasm, and coma. The smallest fatal dose of cantharides on record is 
 24 grains, but the patient was a pregnant female, who aborted. An ounce of the tincture 
 has been fatal to a boy of seventeen. Camba relates that several members of a family 
 were poisoned by eating small birds in whose alimentary canal were found fragments of 
 Spanish flies ( Therap . Monatsheft , iii. 186). After death from cantharides the gastro- 
 intestinal and urinary mucous membranes are congested, bloody, inflamed (with exuda- 
 tion), or gangrenous. The kidneys are sometimes enlarged and engorged, and offer the 
 signs of parenchymatous and desquamative nephritis, but chiefly of the latter (Eliaschoff, 
 Virchow's Archiv , xciv. 323 ; Aufrecht, Pathologisch'e Mittheil ., ii. 32 ; E. Lahousse, 
 1885). The Malpighian bodies, the secreting tubules, and the interstitial tissue are 
 involved ; the blood-vessels become choked with blood-cells ; albuminous exudations into 
 the tubules take place, forming casts ; and the cells of the uriniferous canals perish. The 
 bladder contains blood, while its lining membrane is red, and presents blebs, pseudo- 
 membranes, and sometimes ulcers. Applied to the skin in cerates, ointments, etc. or as 
 cantharidin, this agent produces a stinging and burning pain, with redness, followed by 
 vesication. The serum contained in the elevated cuticle is pale yellow, alkaline, and 
 albuminous ; the chorion is pale red, and its papillae are prominent, or, if the action has 
 been energetic, the chorion is highly inflamed and may be coated with a fibrinous layer. 
 When a blister is very large and long applied, it is apt to produce strangury, and the urine 
 is then covered with an albuminous pellicle. It may also cause general nervous excite- 
 ment and fever, inflammation of the lymphatics and their glands, or a diffuse erythema, 
 and even gangrene of delicate parts or of such as are weakened by blood diseases. Hence 
 a blistering plaster of large size should rarely be kept upon the skin until complete vesi- 
 cation occurs. Cantharidin does not appear to cause toxical effects as readily as canthar- 
 ides, yet it is estimated (Ewald) as being 200 times stronger. 
 
 Cantharides in the form of the tincture have been given in low forms of fever , and in 
 cases of exhaustion from protracted hectic , with alleged advantage, but there is nothing 
 to render this method eligible. The same is true in regard to dropsy and chronic 
 bronchitis. In scaly diseases of the skin they have been found very useful, and should 
 not be forgotten when arsenic and the application of tar, etc. have failed. In various 
 forms of debility of the bladder , such as produce incontinence of urine in children and old 
 men, and in the latter dysury, this medicine has been often efficient. Sometimes, indeed, 
 when directly injected into the urethra, long-standing gleets have been cured by it, and 
 also by its internal administration. In chronic vesical catarrh it deserves more confi- 
 dence than it is apt to receive. Diabetes insipidus has been arrested by it, In all of 
 
400 
 
 CANTHARIS. 
 
 these cases, except the last, it acts by producing a substitutive irritation. Before the 
 pathological conditions which produce dropsy were recognized a certain number of cases 
 of this affection were recorded as having been cured by cantharides. Richter restricted 
 the use of the medicine to cases distinguished by a torpid state of the system ; Ferrier 
 applied it to the cure of scarlatinous dropsy ; and it was recommended by Lieutaud and 
 by Blackwall (Stille, Therapeutics , 4th ed. i. 427). More recently, Grainger Stewart 
 (1871) mentioned the tincture of cantharides as a good stimulant diuretic in the later 
 stages of the inflammatory form of Bright’s disease ; but Dickinson (1868) spoke of it 
 unfavorably. E. Wagner (1882) referred to it, along with sabina, as possibly dilating 
 the renal capillaries. In 1884, Dr. Bruen claimed that the tincture of cantharides acts 
 favorably in chronic catarrhal nephritis combined with some interstitial process and 
 associated with more or less cardiac hypertrophy, especially when given along with digi- 
 talis. He also stated that in several cases of cardiac dropsy “ it very constantly increased 
 the urinary secretion, forming a valuable adjuvant to digitalis” ( Phila . Med. Times , xiv. 
 275). These statements are confirmed by Fifield in relation to complete snppression 
 occurring in a hard drinker with albuminous urine. The tincture of cantharides was 
 given hourly in drop doses ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Mar. 1884, p. 271). It has 
 usually been held that digitalis is not adapted to the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy, 
 except when it is associated with predominant dilatation. The irritant action of cantharides 
 upon the pelvic organs is illustrated by its use in amenhorrhoea depending upon atonic 
 conditions, and in passive seminal emissions of the same nature. The old but long 
 obsolete use of cantharides for hydrophobia has been proposed anew, but upon no sub- 
 stantial ground (Med. News , xlix. 596). 
 
 In 1891, Liebreich was led by experiments on animals with cantharidin to conclude that 
 if this substance could in due proportion be introduced into the blood it might bring 
 about the elimination of tuberculous deposits. He accordingly, in certain cases of tuber- 
 cular laryngytis , injected into the back 1 cc., containing T 2 ^ of a milligram (g|p- gr.), but 
 thought that 4 decimilligram (y-J-g- to y^Vo g r ) m most cases sufficient when given every 
 other day. The rapidity of its action he described as extraordinary (Amer. Jour. Phar., 
 lxiii. 295). These statements were in a degree confirmed by Germonic, but Forlaniniand 
 Devoto failed to do so ( Therap . Gaz ., xv. 483, 763), and this a-priori remedy for phthisis 
 failed, as others had done before. 
 
 Externally , the uses of cantharides, especially in blisters, are very numerous. They 
 are employed — 1st, to stimulate the whole or a particular part of the system ; 2d, to 
 promote the absorption or prevent the accumulation of inflammatory exudations ; 3d, to 
 recall suppressed discharges ; 4th, to act as a depletory ; 5th, to promote the cure of 
 internal diseases by counter-irritation of the skin. Their direct remedial iufluence by 
 stimulation is seen in cures of indolent ulcers, fstulse, and several inveterate diseases of 
 the skin, as lepra, psoriasis , alopecia furfuracea , and lupus, and even of certain acute ones, 
 as zona and erysipelas. Liniments containing tincture of cantharides are among the best 
 means of curing alopecia. Blisters have been used with striking effect to prevent the 
 increase and hasten the cure of boils and carbuncles , by applying them so as to cover the 
 whole indurated spot and allowing them to vesicate fully. To be successful this method 
 must be employed early. The revulsive operation of blisters is the one most usually 
 invoked, and, on the whole, the most useful. Wherever there is a local tendency to con- 
 gestion the timely and due application of a blister modifies and may arrest it ; thus it 
 may prevent serious congestion of the brain, or its increase if already existing, or its 
 consequences through effusion if this have occurred, by depleting the neighboring skin, 
 and probably by a reflex action upon the vaso-motor nerves. These consequences include 
 paralysis and other effects of congestion, haemorrhage, and allied conditions of the brain 
 and spinal cord. Evidently, vesication should not be made in their acutest stage, and its 
 benefits are relatively small when the state has become chronic ; in the former it over- 
 stimulates, in the latter its stimulation is useless. Harkin claims to have frequently 
 cured nocturnal eneuresis by blistering the upper part of the back of the neck (Jour. 
 Am. Med. Assoc., viii. 266). Many cases of dropsy of the brain have been palliated by 
 blistering the scalp ; many of (general dropsy by blisters cautiously applied to the legs ; 
 many also of hydrocele, of hydrarthrosis, and, most of all, of chronic pleurisy, in which no 
 medical means are more efficient than a succession of large blisters. A similar action is 
 no doubt exerted by blisters when applied along the under surface of the penis for gleet 
 and to the sacrum for leucorrhoea, to prevent abortion, to relieve dysmenorrhoea, and to 
 hinder the suppuration of deep-seated buboes and other glandular inflammations. In the 
 last-mentioned cases, if the inflamed organ is very superficial or the action of the blister 
 
CANTIIARIS. 
 
 401 
 
 is deep, suppuration will be hastened. Abscesses of various sorts may be conveniently 
 evacuated by blistering, and especially cold abscesses, if the skin over them is already 
 thin. 
 
 The action of blisters in fevers is probably both stimulant and revulsive, and to a certain 
 extent depletory. The clinical facts of the matter are simply these : that blisters, es- 
 pecially on the nape of the neck, are generally useful in typhus and typhoid fevers, 
 whether the condition be one of excitement or of coma or denote a tendency to the one 
 or the other state. They are not equally beneficial under analogous conditions in scar- 
 latina or variola, or during acute inflammation of the lungs, heart, or bowels. Their 
 stimulant action is the one most frequently sought — i.e. when the symptoms are moder- 
 ately comatose — in which case the vesicant should not remain applied longer than from 
 two to four hours, its fuller effect being secured by a dressing of simple ointment or a 
 poultice. In cases of profound stupor a more sustained operation is necessary. When 
 coma is due to an apoplectic condition, whether haemorrhagic or only congestive, the 
 active depletory operation is to be secured by a more prolonged application of the blister, 
 and, if necessary, to the scalp as well as to the back of the neck. In such cases also 
 the discharge should be maintained by means of stimulant dressings. In all forms of 
 inflammation of the eyes blisters are invaluable as revulsives, applied to the nuchae, be- 
 hind the ear, or on the forehead. The utility of blisters in acute inflammation of the 
 pleura and of the lungs ( pleurisy and pneumonia') depends upon their being applied long 
 enough only to vesicate superficially and so as to cover a large portion of the affected 
 lung. Smaller blisters may relieve a stitch in the side, but will not so distinctly influ- 
 ence the progress of the inflammation within, as denoted by a diminution of the cough, 
 oppression, and fever. Small blisters are of essential use in those limited pleurisies 
 which occur during chronic phthisis, and they should not be disregarded in analogous 
 pneumonias. In pericarditis blisters should seldom be omitted; they allay pain, probably 
 limit the effusion, and certainly promote its absorption. The revulsive action of blisters 
 is also a precious resource in the treatment of phlegmasia alba, of phlebitis , and espe- 
 cially of chronic fluxes of the bowels. Nothing is more efficient in the last than a succession 
 of large and superficial blisters. The treatment of acute articular rheumatism by blisters 
 applied upon the affected joints has been attended with a large degree of success, but it 
 is doubtful whether the benefit is due so much to a revulsive or counter-irritant operation 
 as to the alkalinity of the secretions induced by blistering. As the use of alkalies in- 
 ternally and locally usually cures acute articular rheumatism, it does not seem worth 
 while to employ a remedy which accomplishes no more than they, while it inflicts much 
 pain. In cases of retrocedent rheumatism or gout it has been advised to blister the 
 joints last affected, but less severe revulsives are doubtless as useful. Of all the local 
 methods of treating neuralgia , that by blisters is the most efficient. It consists in apply- 
 ing small blisters over the superficial portions of the affected nerves, especially where 
 they emerge from bony or tendinous openings or distribute their terminal branches to 
 the skin. The vesication should be slight when the nerves are superficial, energetic 
 when the trunks lie deep. The nerves of the head, face, and chest require the former 
 method — the sciatic nerve the latter. In cases suitable for superficial vesication the 
 operation should be repeated as often as the skin heals if the pain continues to return ; 
 when the nerves lie deep, the discharge from the blistered surface should be constantly 
 maintained until the cure is perfect. Spinal irritation , so called, is most frequently a 
 true neuralgia, but is sometimes also a constant aching of the muscles along the spine, 
 produced by nervous exhaustion. It may be relieved by superficial blistering, and by 
 other local stimulants, including electricity, provided a suitable regimen by rest and nu- 
 tritious food are at the same time employed. The revulsive action of blisters is also 
 employed in convulsive disorders for the purpose of reducing the morbid irritability of the 
 cerebro-spinal centres. It has long been used upon the spine in tetanus , and with une- 
 quivocal advantage, and in all diseases attended with tetanoid rigidity or convulsions. 
 Its advantages are hardly inferior in all cases of paralysis that depend upon congestion 
 or inflammation of the spinal cord or its membranes. It is notably a valuable element 
 of the treatment in epidemic meningitis when the phenomena dependent upon nervous 
 disorder exceed those which depend upon alterations of the blood. The blisters should 
 cover the occiput and extend along the spine to the end of the cervical vertebrae at least, 
 and should vesicate thoroughly. Spasms of particular muscles may be moderated by 
 blistering the affected part, as in scrivener s spasm , and the nutrition of wasting muscles 
 after rheumatism, injuries, etc. is generally improved by a course of blistering. Vomiting 
 is often arrested by blistering the epigastrium, 
 
402 
 
 CA NTH A BIS. 
 
 A blister should, in general, be applied as near as possible to the part which it is in- 
 tended to benefit. It is usually undesirable to allow it to remain upon the skin until 
 vesication has been accomplished. Usually from three to six hours , or until vesication 
 commences , will he long enough. It will act more promptly if the part has first been 
 cleansed with warm water and soap and bathed with vinegar. Fever renders the action 
 of blisters more rapid, and coldness and nervous insensibility of the skin retard it, and 
 .so, too, does a perspiring skin. They act more promptly when the skin is delicate, hence 
 more so in children and females than in other persons ; consequently, especial care should 
 be used to prevent their excessive action in such patients, either by diluting the blistering 
 cerate or by interposing a piece of tissue-paper or fine muslin between the plaster and 
 the skin. If it is desired to heal a blister soon, the raised cuticle should be cut freely, 
 so as to evacuate the serum, and a dressing of absorbent cotton applied and secured with 
 a roller. If it is intended to maintain the discharge, the cuticle should be removed, and 
 a dressing, first of simple cerate, and within twenty-four hours one of basilicon oint- 
 ment, applied. Under such stimulation the discharge grows purulent, and may be main- 
 tained by savine cerate or mezereon ointment. As a general rule, blisters should be very 
 cautiously employed in old and in young persons ; in the former they act slowly and 
 often leave intractable sores ; in the very young they are prone to excite excessive reac- 
 tion and occasion gangrene. During epidemics of diphtheria blisters are very apt to be- 
 come covered with false membrane ; during other epidemics they are likely to be attacked 
 with erysipelas or with gangrene, or to be followed by abscesses or by an eruption of 
 boils. To prevent the strangury which plasters of cantharides frequently cause, the 
 most usual method is to sprinkle the surface of the plaster with finely-powdered camphor 
 or to brush it over with tincture of camphor. The efficacy of this method is very doubt- 
 ful. It has been alleged that if the plaster be sprinkled with bicarbonate of sodium 
 mixed with coarsely-powdered cantharides, the apprehended effect will not take place. 
 Blisters should never be used when the urine is albuminous. For internal administra- 
 tion the tincture is the only preparation of cantharides which it is prudent to use. 
 
 Poisoning by cantharides recently taken should be treated by a vegetable emetic, with 
 copious draughts of warm water, and afterward by the free use of mucilaginous or albu- 
 minous liquids. But chloroform and the fixed oils, which dissolve the active principle of 
 cantharides, should not be administered. General warm baths and emollient cataplasms 
 on the abdomen should be used, and opiate enemata. 
 
 Mylabris bifasciata, M. lunata, M. cicorii, and other species of Mylabris all 
 contain cantharidin, and differ from the officinal insects chiefly in the amount they fur- 
 nish of the vesicating principle. Mylabris cichorii is now believed to represent the 
 medicinal cantharis of the ancients (Adams, Paulas CEgineta , iii. 154), by whom several 
 species or varieties of it were employed in medicine, which all owe their virtues to can- 
 tharidin. It is said to have been regarded by the inhabitants of Salamis as a specific 
 for hydrophobia ( Dublin Quart. Jour., March, 1862, p. 193). 
 
 Blatta orientalis, or common cockroach, was anciently employed in medicine. An 
 oily decoction of these insects was used to cure warts, scaly eruptions, indolent ulcers, 
 contusions, boils, etc. Internally, they were given along with resin for the relief of 
 dyspnoea (Pliny). Quite recently (1878) in Russia they have been employed in albu- 
 minuria. They are said to diminish the quantity of albumen, increase the perspiration 
 and urine, remove the attendant dropsy, and neither to impair the digestion nor irritate 
 the kidneys. In other forms of dropsy they are reported to have exhibited remarkable 
 diuretic powers. More recent statements of the use of this agent in Russia appear to 
 confirm the belief in its diuretic powers in dropsy (Med. Record , xvii. 682). But Paul, 
 having fully tested it clinically, concluded that it has no medicinal effect whatever (Bull, 
 de Therap., xcvi. 429, 473). Stanislas Martin endeavored to discern in the insect the 
 cause of the virtues attributed to it, but he could extract from it only a stinking fat 
 (Bull, de Therap., xcii. 168). The daily dose was from G-m. 0.25-9.30 (gr. iv— v) of the 
 powder obtained from the dried insect. 
 
 jFjNAS afer, a coleopterous insect that abounds in Spain, is claimed to possess over 
 cantharides the following advantages : it is cheaper ; it acts without appreciable pain ; it 
 is equally powerful, and does not irritate the urinary organs (British Med. Jour., May 
 20, 1882). 
 
 Red ants were formerly used medicinally. A large number of them, enclosed in a 
 linen bag, were infused in boiling water, which, with the bag, was then added to local or 
 general baths in the treatment of chronic gout and rheumatism. The affected foot or 
 hand was sometimes subjected for several hours to the action of the ants by being thrust 
 
CA PPARIS.—CA PSTCUM. 
 
 403 
 
 into their hills. Internally, a tincture of domestic manufacture was given, and which 
 was made by the prolonged infusion of a large amount of ants in an equal quantity of 
 brandy. An officinal spiritus formicarum was formerly in common use, and was retained 
 in the German Pharmacopoeia for 1890. It was given internally, in doses of from 20 to 
 50 drops, in nervous and paralytic affections, and also applied by friction. An oil made 
 by macerating living ants in almond oil was used for similar external purposes. 
 
 CAPPARIS. — Caper. 
 
 Caprier , Fr. ; Kapper, G. ; Alcaparro , Sp. 
 
 Capparis spinosae, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Capparideae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The caper-bush is indigenous to the countries near 
 the Mediterranean and eastward, and is cultivated for its flower-buds, which, preserved 
 with salt and vinegar, constitute the commercial capers (Capres, Fr. ; Kappern, G. ; 
 Alcaparra, Sp.). The buds are of the size of a pea, have 4 sepals, 4 petals, numerous 
 stamens, and a stalked ovary, are of a gray-green color, and have a pungent taste. 
 The leaves are roundish-oval, entire, bluish-green, and rather fleshy, and have a bitter 
 and acrid taste, which is stronger in the bark, particularly in the thick root-bark. The 
 oval fruit is of the size of a plum, and contains a number of flattish bitter seeds. 
 
 Constituents. — The buds contain a volatile oil having an alliaceous odor, and a 
 yellow coloring matter identical with rutin. (See PtUTA.) The pungent principle of the 
 root-bark is a saponin-like body (Rochleder). The tannin and bitter principle have not 
 been examined. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Capparis cynophallophora, C. ferruginea, Linn6, and other West Indian * 
 species, have vesicating root-barks, which are also employed for their diuretic properties ; their 
 fruit is antiscorbutic, and all parts are regarded as possessing more or less anthelmintic and 
 antihysteric properties. C. coriacea (Simulo), C. ^Egyptiaca, Lamarck , and many other Eastern 
 species are similarly employed. 
 
 C. lodada, R. Brown. The fruit is used like pepper in Africa. Many other species yield 
 similar fruits. 
 
 Polanisia graveolens, Rafinesque , a North American annual, clammy-pubescent, with trifo- 
 liate leaves, small whitish flowers, and linear-oblong, many-seeded pods, has an unpleasant odor 
 and is pungent and irritant. 
 
 Gynandropsis pentaphylla, De Candolle , an East Indian plant, naturalized in the Southern 
 United States, has whitish flowers with long-clawed petals, and stalked linear capsules with 
 many seeds ; odor unpleasant. The seeds have been used in the place of mustard. 
 
 Reseda odorata, Linn6 (Nat. Ord. Resedaceae’), is the well-known mignonette, cultivated lor 
 its sweet-scented flowers. Its root contains allyl sulphocyanate (oil of mustard). 
 
 Reseda luteola, Linni. — Dyer’s weed, Weld, E. ; Herbe jaune, Gaude, Fr. ; Wau, Gelb- 
 kraut, Harnkraut, G . — It has been naturalized to some extent in the eastern part of the United 
 States. Its conical root has a radish-like odor and taste. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, the 
 upper ones sessile. The flowers are in dense racemes, and have four pale-yellowish narrow 
 petals. The ovate capsule terminates with four short horns. The herb has a persistently bitter 
 taste, and contains luteolin , C 20 H u O 8 , yellow, silky, volatile needles of a faintly bitter and slightly 
 astringent taste, sparingly soluble in water and ether, more soluble in alcohol ; acetate of lead 
 precipitates it yellow, and ferric chloride is colored by it green, and afterward red-brown. 
 Fused with potassium hydroxide, it yields phloroglucin and protocatechuic acid. The seeds con- 
 tain a green drying oil. 
 
 CAPSICUM, V. S , — Capsicum. 
 
 Capsid fructus , Br ; Fructus capsici, P. G. ; Piper Hispanicum . — Capsicum fruit , 
 Cayenne ( African or Pod) pepper, E. ; Capcique , Piment des jar dins, Piment rouge. 
 Poivre de Cayenne, Fr. ; Spanischer Pfejfer, Schlotenpfeffer, G. ; Chile, Pimiento, Sp. 
 
 The dried fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum, Blurne. Woodville, t. 80; Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 188, 189. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solanaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Several species have long since been cultivated in tropical countries, and 
 since the early part of the sixteenth century also in Europe ; the’y are supposed to be 
 indigenous to South and Central America, and to have been introduced into the East 
 Indies by the Portuguese ; also in Africa. The plants of this genus are herbaceous or 
 shrubby, have the leaves alternate or on the flowering branches sometimes opposite, 
 petiolate, entire or wavy-margined, and produce from the forks of the branches from one 
 to three pedunculate flowers with a rotate, five-lobed, yellowish, whitish, or reddish corolla, 
 
404 
 
 CAPSICUM. 
 
 and yielding an incompletely two- or three-celled berry containing numerous flat seeds. 
 In the course of time many varieties have been produced through cultivation. The 
 average annual importation into the United States during seven years ending 1882 
 was 81,977 pounds of the fruit and 13,295 pounds of powdered capsicum, the highest 
 being of the former 353,683 pounds in 1876, and of the latter 25,352 pounds in 
 1881. 
 
 Description. — C. FASTIGIATUM, Bl., is a small shrub bearing in each fork two or 
 three fruits which are 12 to 18 Mm. (I to f inch) long, about 5 Mm. (-| inch) thick, of 
 a conical-oblong shape, supported by a flattish cup-shaped five-toothed calyx, bright- 
 scarlet in color ; become shrivelled on drying, and consist of a thin, translucent, and 
 fragile pericarp enclosing two cells containing, attached to the thick central placenta, 
 numerous flat reniform, yellowish seeds, which are about 3 Mm. (£ inch) in diameter 
 and have a semicircular embryo enclosed in a fleshy albumen. The odor of the fruit is 
 peculiar, its taste extremely hot and biting. This kind is known in commerce as Afri- 
 can or bird pepper, and in Great Britain as chillies and Guinea pepper. It is the only 
 kind permitted by the British and the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 C. frutescens, Linne , has a similar fruit, which is ovate-oblong, 8 to 12 Mm. (£ to J 
 inch) long and 3 or 4 Mm. (i or £ inch) thick. 
 
 C. annuum, Linne , is an herbaceous annual, and is extensively cultivated in the tem- 
 perate zone. The fruit grows singly in the forks of the stem, is much larger than the 
 preceding, and varies in shape between straight or curved, conical, erect, or pendu- 
 lous, and more or less globular; it attains a length of 5 to 10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches), a 
 thickness of 25 to 38 Mm. (1 to 1J inches), is sometimes yellow, but generally red, and 
 after drying brownish ; otherwise it resembles the preceding. The fruit is known in 
 England as pod pepper , but also sold as chillies , and is the kind recognized by the Ger- 
 man Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 C. LONGUM, Fingerhuth , C. grossum, Willdenow, C. cordiforme, Miller , and other nominal 
 species, are now usually regarded as varieties. Some cultivated varieties, like much of 
 the paprika used in Hungary, were shown by H. B. Brady (1880) to be almost destitute 
 of pungency. 
 
 The fruits of C. cerasiforme, Willdenow , of the size and shape of a cherry, and of C. 
 chlorocladum, De Candolle , small and oblong, are occasionally, though not often, met 
 with. 
 
 The outer layer of the pericarp 'of capsicum-fruit consists of several rows of tangen- 
 tially elongated cells with irregularly thickened walls, and containing the granular red or 
 yellow coloring matter. This is followed by a thicker layer of thin-walled parenchyma 
 and thin spiral vessel, and by the inner membrane, consisting of a single row of flat irreg- 
 ularly thick-walled cells. 
 
 Powdered capsicum is of a dark orange-red color, is very sternutatory and irritating, 
 and, particularly when prepared from the second species, is not unfrequently attacked by 
 insects. 
 
 Constituents. — Since the analysis made (1816) by Bucholz and Braconnot the 
 name of capsicin has been given to various liquid or soft preparations, all of which were 
 more or less impure, though containing the fiery principle, which at last was isolated by 
 J. C. Thresh (1876), who found it to be a crystallizable body which has been called cap- 
 saicin, is with difficulty obtained pure, and, according to Dr. Buri, has the composition 
 C 9 H u 0 2 . A. Meyer (i889) isolated capsaicin from Capsicum annuum by extracting 
 with boiling ether, evaporating, and taking up the residue with oil of sweet almonds. 
 This was then extracted with 70 per cent, alcohol, evaporated, and the residue dissolved 
 in solution of potassium hydroxide which was free from carbonate, filtered, and the solu- 
 tion saturated with carbon dioxide. After standing some days the capsiacin crystallized ; 
 it was then washed with cold water and cold benzin. It is present in small quantities 
 only, and intimately associated with a red fatty matter which consists chiefly of palmitic 
 acid. Buchheim’s capsicol (1873) is a red oily liquid containing the active principle, 
 which may be isolated by treating the oleoresin prepared with ether or benzin with weak 
 potassa solution, passing carbon dioxide through the watery liquid, and purif} T ing the 
 precipitate by recrystallization. Capsaicin is colorless, melts at 59° C. (138.2° F.), vola- 
 tilizes at 115° C. (239° F.) with extremely irritating vapors, and dissolves in alcohol, 
 fixed oils, ether, amylic alcohol, benzene, and alkalies, but slowly in turpentine, carbon 
 disulphide, and petroleum. It yields crystalline compounds with barium, calcium, and 
 mercury, and when oxidized with nitric acid produces an oily body, oxalic and succinic 
 acids, and another crystalline acid whose nature has not been determined. The red 
 coloring matter of capsicum is but slightly soluble in boiling alcohol, but dissolves read- 
 
CAEBO ANIMALIS. 
 
 405 
 
 ily in oils, carbon disulphide, petroleum, amylie alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Felle- 
 tar (1868) isolated from capsicum a volatile alkaloid which has the odor of coniine, but 
 was found to differ from this alkaloid by Dragendorff (1871) in the different shape of 
 the crystals of its hydrochlorate, and from lobeline in not being colored by Frohde’s 
 reagent. The odor of capsicum is in part due to a volatile oil consisting chiefly of 
 stearopten and having a parsley-like odor; from 100 pounds of capsicum Fliickiger 
 obtained only .02 Gm. ( Pharmacographia ). 
 
 Infusum Capsici. — Infusion of capsicum, E. ; Tisane de capsique, Fr. ; Spanisch- 
 pfeffer-Aufguss, G . — Macerate for two hours capsicum, 240 grains in boiling water a pint, 
 and strain. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Capsicum is an irritant and a local stimulant. Applied to the 
 skin, it causes redness, and if continuously applied may ultimately produce vesication. 
 In proper quantities it excites a grateful warmth in the throat and stomach and quickens 
 the appetite and digestion. It tends to prevent the flatulence occasioned by vegetable 
 food, and for this purpose is largely used as a condiment in hot climates. In large doses 
 it causes a general glow, with thirst, but does not raise the temperature or accelerate the 
 pulse. If too lavishly used, it sometimes brings on torpor of the digestive functions, but 
 often it seems not to be injurious. 
 
 Capsicum is of use by enabling feeble stomachs to digest food, as is shown by its 
 efficacy in atonic dyspepsia. Freely taken, it is said to cure haemorrhoids , as black pepper 
 and still other stimulants are known to do. It perhaps sometimes cures intermittent fever , 
 and in obstinate cases is a good stimulant to conjoin with quinine. Cheron attributes to 
 capsicum the power of controlling menorrhagia. In common with other agents of the 
 same nature, it tends to prevent or to relieve sea-sickness. In delirium tremens it is bene- 
 ficial by enabling the patient to retain and digest food ; indeed, we have seldom in this 
 disease found it necessary to employ other internal remedies than a strong soup well 
 seasoned with red pepper. As a local stimulant it is particularly efficient in tonsillitis. 
 The simple form may sometimes be arrested in its first stage by a capsicum gargle ; and 
 in the sore throat of scarlet fever and in diphtheria no application is so efficient as a 
 strong gargle or wash made with this substance. 
 
 The dose of powdered capsicum is from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). An infusion is made 
 by adding Gm. 2.50 (gr. xl.) of capsicum to half a pint of boiling water ; of this a table- 
 spoonful may be given at a dose. An infusion used with remarkable success in an epi- 
 demic of angina maligna (diphtheria ?) is thus described : Take 2 tablespoonfuls of red 
 pepper and the same quantity of fine salt ; beat them into a paste, and add half a pint 
 of very sharp vinegar. Of this the dose for an adult is said to be a tablespoonful every 
 hour. It is excessively acrimonious, but it is alleged to hasten the separation of the 
 false membranes and sloughs from the fauces. Tincture of capsicum is a familiar addi- 
 tion to liniments used to relieve muscular rheumatism , neuralgia , nervous headache , flatu- 
 lent colic, etc., when applied on cloths or by friction. A plaster made of Burgundy pitch 
 (or the officinal capsicum plaster), with which powdered capsicum or its oleoresin has 
 been incorporated, is a very efficient stimulant in cases of chronic lumbago and other 
 forms of muscular rheumatism , neuralgia , etc. Analogous to this is an 11 extract of red 
 pepper” mixed with resin plaster and spread upon paper. These preparations excite a 
 sense of warmth in the skin, and redden but do not vesicate it. 
 
 CARBO ANIMALIS, U. S., JBr. — Animal Charcoal. 
 
 Carbo ossium, Ebur ustum , Spodium. — Boneblack, Ivory black , E. ; Gharbon animal , 
 Noir d’os, Fr. ; T hierkohle, Knochenkohle , Beinschwarz , G. ; Carbone animale , Nero di 
 ossa, It. ; Carbon de hueso, Sp. 
 
 Charcoal prepared from bone. 
 
 Preparation. — Boneblack of commerce is obtained by roasting bones deprived of 
 fat in iron cylinders until vapors cease to be given off, when charcoal is left intimately 
 mixed with about ten times its weight of the inorganic constituents of bone, and con- 
 taining a little nitrogen, probably as nitrogen carburet. The volatile products of the 
 dry distillation are various gases, an ammoniacal aqueous liquid called bone-spirit , and a 
 blackish-brown tar called bone-oil. 
 
 Carbo animalis purificatus, U. S., Br . — Purified animal charcoal, E. ; Charbon 
 animal purifie, Fr. ; Gereinigte Knochenkohle, G. 
 
 Animal Charcoal, in No. 60 powder, 100 Gm. ; Hydrochloric Acid, 300 Gm. ; Boiling 
 Water, a sufficient quantity. Introduce the animal charcoal into a capacious flask, add 
 
406 
 
 CARBO ANIMALIS. 
 
 200 6m. of hydrochloric acid and 100 Cc. of boiling water, and connect the flask with 
 an upright condenser. By means of a sand-bath keep the mixture gently boiling during 
 eight hours. Then add 500 Cc. of boiling water, transfer the mixture to a muslin 
 strainer, and when the liquid has run off return the charcoal to the flask. Add to it 
 100 Cc. each of hydrochloric acid and of boiling water, boil for two hours, again add 
 500 Cc. of boiling water, transfer the whole to a plain filter, and, when the liquid has 
 run off, wash the residue with boiling water until the washings give only a faint cloud- 
 iness with silver nitrate test-solution. Dry the powder in a drying-oven and immediately 
 transfer it to well-stoppered vials. — U. S. 
 
 The process of the British Pharmacopoeia is very similar to that given above, 16 ounces 
 of boneblack, 10 fluid-ounces of hydrochloric acid, and 20 fluidounces of water being 
 used. 
 
 Carlo carnis , or meat charcoal, is prepared by cutting 3 parts of veal freed from fat 
 in small pieces, mixing it with 1 part of small bones, and roasting in a covered vessel 
 until inflammable vapors cease to escape ; the residue when cold is powdered. 
 
 Properties. — Boneblack, like purified animal charcoal, is a dull black, rather dense, 
 inodorous, and nearly tasteless mass, which for uses in the arts is either granulated or 
 powdered. It is entirely insoluble in all simple solvents ; the purified animal charcoal 
 also in hydrochloric acid, which dissolves a portion of the boneblack. The compounds 
 removed in its purification are the inorganic constituents of the bones, and consist mainly 
 of calcium phosphate, with some calcium carbonate and magnesium compounds. When 
 ignited with free access of air, boneblack leaves a white ash, amounting to at least 86 per 
 cent, of the original weight, which should be completely soluble in hydrochloric acid with 
 the aid of heat. It has the remarkable property of removing organic coloring matters 
 from their neutral or somewhat acid solutions, and is employed for that purpose in the 
 refining of sugar and in many chemical operations, for many of which its previous puri- 
 fication is requisite to avoid contamination with earthy matters which would be dissolved 
 by the organic acids. 
 
 Tincture of litmus diluted with twenty times its bulk of water, agitated with purified 
 animal charcoal and thrown upon the filter, passes through colorless. — Br. When ignited 
 at a high temperature with a little red mercuric oxide and free access of air, purified 
 animal charcoal leaves not more than about 2 per cent, of residue (Br.). If 1 part of 
 it be digested with 2 parts of hydrochloric acid and 6 parts of water, no effervescence 
 should take place (absence of carbonates), and the filtrate should not yield a precip- 
 itate on being supersaturated with ammonia (absence of earthy phosphates) ; boneblack 
 yields a voluminous white or whitish precipitate. The clear ammoniacal liquid or 
 filtrate should not be precipitated by solution of barium chloride or test-mixture of 
 magnesium (absence of alkali sulphate and phosphate), and on being evaporated to 
 dryness and ignited should leave no fixed residue (absence of potassium and sodium 
 salts). “ If 2 Gm. of the powder be ignited at a red heat with free access of air in a 
 broad shallow porcelain or platinum dish, it should not leave a residue weighing more 
 than 0.08 Gm. or 4 per cent, of the original weight (limit of silicates and other fixed 
 inorganic matter). If 1 Gm. be boiled with a mixture of 3 Cc. of potassium hydroxide 
 test-solution and 5 Cc. of water for several minutes, the filtrate should be colorless 
 (evidence of complete carbonization).” — U. S. 
 
 Purified animal charcoal removes from their aqueous solutions tannin, alkaloids, bitter 
 principles, basic lead and other metallic salts, iodine, lime, etc. — a property which it 
 shares more or less with boneblack, and which was first observed by Figuier (1810). 
 This property is due to the finely-divided state of the carbon and the surface attraction 
 resulting therefrom, and may be imparted to wood charcoal if, previous to charring, the 
 vegetable substances are intimately mixed with flint, lime, or other earthy matters ; a mix- 
 ture of 10 parts of pipe-clay, 50 parts of finely-powdered coal, and 2 of tar yields, after car- 
 bonization, a charcoal possessing excellent decolorizing properties, depending in part upon 
 the presence of alumina. By reheating purified animal charcoal with potassium carbo- 
 nate its decolorizing power, which was impaired by the treatment with acid, is greatly 
 increased, and similar active charcoals are obtained from blood, horn, leather, etc. by mix- 
 ing them with the salt mentioned, carbonizing the mixtures, and exhausting the residues 
 with water. 
 
 The value of animal charcoal as a decolorizer is best ascertained by treating known 
 weights of it with diluted solutions of indigo or litmus, and ascertaining the bulk which 
 may be completely decolorized by slow percolation. Corenwinder (1853) proposed treat- 
 ment of the charcoal with diluted solutions of lime and sugar, and determining by titra- 
 
CARBO L1GNI. 
 
 407 
 
 tion the amount of lime remaining in solution. The decolorizing property, however, does 
 not appear to be strictly proportional to the lime- or salt-absorbing power of animal char- 
 coal. When the decolorizing power of the charcoal has been exhausted it cannot be 
 restored by heating to redness, because a dense charcoal, resulting from the absorbed 
 substances, will then be deposited in the pores ; but if allowed to ferment this substance 
 will be destroyed, and by washing the charcoal with water, drying, and igniting it becomes 
 again a good decolorizer. Pelouze (1854) proposed to effect the revivification of spent 
 animal charcoal by treating it with caustic alkalies or alkaline carbonates ; according to 
 Renner (1862), the process is a tedious one. Placing the decolorizing power of bone- 
 black =1, Bussy ascertained that of purified animal charcoal to be =1.6; purified 
 animal charcoal ignited with potassium carbonate = 20 ; blood ignited with potassium 
 (or calcium) carbonate = 20 ; glue ignited with potassium carbonate = 15.5. 
 
 Composition. — Animal charcoal consists of amorphous carbon intimately mixed 
 with the inorganic compounds of bone (see Os), chiefly calcium phosphate and carbonate, 
 which are partly or wholly removed in purification with hydrochloric acid. 
 
 CARBO LIGNI, U. S., Br.— Charcoal. 
 
 Carbo ligni pidveratus, P. G. ; Carlo prseparatus, Carbo e ligno , Carlo vegetabilis. — 
 Wood charcoal , E. ; Charbon vegetal , Fr. ; Holzkohle , Prdparirte Kohle , G. ; Carbone di 
 legno, It. ; Carbone vegetal , Sp. 
 
 Charcoal prepared from soft wood and very finely powdered. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Wood heated to about 300° C. (572° F.) leaves charcoal as a residue. 
 On a large scale this is effected in iron cylinders (see Acidum Aceticum Pyrolignosum), 
 in closed chambers of brick, or by the method of pile-burning, in which the heat devel- 
 oped by the combustion of a portion of the wood effects the charring of the rest. Two, 
 and sometimes three, stacks of billets of wood of even length are piled up around some 
 stakes driven into the ground until a flattish cone of from 30 to 70 feet in diameter has 
 been formed, which is covered by sod and earth, openings being left near the base for the 
 escape of the water which is at first expelled. After the heap has been kindled in the 
 centre the top opening is closed, and when the wood has become perfectly dry the open 
 space at the base is likewise closed and the pile left to smoulder for several weeks. The 
 charcoal is finally withdrawn and extinguished by water, dry sand, or charcoal-dust. The 
 yield varies with the kind and dryness of the wood. Karsten found that a wood which 
 lost at 100° C. 57 per cent, and at i50° C. (302° F.) an additional 10 per cent, of its weight, 
 would yield only 14 per cent, of charcoal, while the same wood dried yielded 25 per cent. 
 The difference is explained by the formation of carburetted hydrogen on the passing of 
 aqueous vapors over red-hot charcoal, and the same cause accounts for the smaller yield 
 in the dry distillation of wood when the cylinders are rapidly heated, so that the wood 
 near the iron is charred while the pieces in the centre still contain water. 
 
 Properties. — Charcoal has the shape and shows the texture of the wood from which 
 it was obtained : it is black, inodorous, tasteless, very porous and brittle, insoluble and 
 infusible. Alcohol in which charcoal has been digested should not become colored, and 
 on evaporation should leave no residue. When charcoal is heated in the air it is con- 
 verted into carbon monoxide or dioxide, but it should not burn with flame (absence of 
 organic compounds). Ordinary wood charcoal is usually incompletely carbonized, and 
 requires to be again ignited in nearly-closed vessels until it ceases to give off inflam- 
 mable vapors, and to be reduced to a uniform, fine, non-gritty, dull-black powder before 
 it is adapted for medicinal use. “ If 1 Gm. of charcoal be boiled with a mixture of 3 
 Cc. of potassium hydroxide test-solution and 5 Cc. of water for several minutes, the filtrate 
 should be colorless or nearly so (evidence of complete carbonization).” — U. 8. Pre- 
 pared by pile-burning, charcoal is considerably denser than when obtained in retorts ; 
 the latter kind is therefore preferable, particularly that made from soft wood, which is 
 more porous than that obtained from hard wood. Charcoal made from young shoots of 
 the willow, poplar, or linden is for these reasons most esteemed. It contains the inor- 
 ganic constituents present in the wood, and these amount in well-prepared charcoal to 
 about 1 per cent. 
 
 Like other porous bodies, wood charcoal possesses the property of absorbing gases ; 
 this was first observed (1777) by Fontana and by Scheele, and Lowitz (1785) discovered 
 the clarifying and decolorizing property of wood charcoal, in consequence of which it was 
 used in the refining of sugar until animal charcoal was found to be better adapted for 
 this purpose. The volumes of gases absorbed by recently-ignited wood charcoal are not 
 
408 
 
 CARBO LIGNI. 
 
 uniform, but vary with the nature of the gas and of the charcoal, as was shown by 
 Morozzo (1783), the absorbing power being for oxygen 10, for carbon dioxide 35, for 
 hydrogen sulphide 55, and for ammonia about 100 volumes, to 1 of the charcoal. 
 Considerable heat is generated thereby, as also by the oxidation of some of the gases by 
 the absorbed oxygen, and may increase to spontaneous ignition ; and the increase in 
 weight of pile-burned charcoal may amount to from 10 to 15 per cent, by absorption of 
 watery vapors. This property explains the uses of charcoal as a deodorizer, for which 
 purpose it should be freshly burned or reheated to expel the gases condensed in its pores. 
 Odorous principles are not only absorbed by it from the atmosphere, but likewise from 
 solutions in water and weak alcohol ; its employment for the removal of the fusel oil 
 from spirits is well known. (See Alcohol.) It acts in a manner similar to animal 
 charcoal in precipitating from their aqueous solutions metallic salts, or even the metals, 
 most bitter principles, and coloring matters ; but for the latter purpose is much inferior to 
 the former. 
 
 Composition. — Wood charcoal is amorphous carbon mixed with the inorganic con- 
 stituents of the wood from which it has been prepared. If insufficiently burned it is 
 also contaminated with empyreumatic products resulting from the partial decomposition 
 of the organic principles. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Wood charcoal is an ingredient of certain dentifrices, 
 and is employed in some chemical processes for its deoxidizing action, as in the prepara- 
 tion of sulphurous acid and in the reduction of bromates and iodates to bromides and 
 iodides. It is used in making Cataplasma carbonis, Br. 
 
 Carboneum, Carbonium. — Carbon, E. ; Carbone, Fr. ; Kohlenstoff, G. — Symbol C. Atomicity 
 quadrivalent or bivalent. Atomic weight 11.97. — Carbon is extensively diffused in nature; 
 combined with oxygen as carbonic anhydride, C0 2 , usually called carbon dioxide, it exists to a 
 small extent as a constant ingredient of the atmosphere ; it is found in the mineral kingdom in 
 the free state as well as in various combinations, most notably as carbonates ; and it is invari- 
 ably present in all organized beings and organic compounds, which, when heated with a limited 
 access of air, usually become black from carbonization — i. e. the separation of carbon. 
 
 Carbon exists in the following three allotropic modifications : 
 
 1. Diamond is found chiefly in India near Golconda, Borneo, Southern Africa, and Brazil, and 
 is in colorless and variously colored octahedrons of 3.5 to 3.6 specific gravity. It is a non-con- 
 ductor of electricity and the hardest substance known. Lavoisier proved it to be pure carbon ; 
 when burned it usually leaves between 0.05 and 0.2 per cent, ash ; amorphous diamond, which 
 is used for polishing the crystalline, may leave up to 2 per cent. The value of crude diamonds 
 exported in 1881 from the Cape of Good Hope is estimated to exceed £4,500,000. 
 
 2. Graphite, Plumbago or black lead (Plombagine, Crayon noir, Fr. ; Wasserblei, Beissblei, 
 G.) has been found in many countries, crystallizes in hexagonal plates varying in specific grav- 
 ity between 1.8 and 2.5, is of a black-gray color, fatty to the touch, quite soft, and a good con- 
 ductor of electricity, and leaves between 0.2 and 5 per cent., occasionally even as much as 46 
 per cent., of ash. 
 
 3. Amorphous carbon exists in nature as coal . of which there are three principal varieties — 
 namely, lignite, bituminous coal , and anthracite ( lithanthrax ) — which contain respectively about 
 66, 80, and 90 per cent, of carbon, partly in the form of organic compounds. Artificially pre- 
 pared, it constitutes wood charcoal , animal charcoal , coke , and lampblack , the latter being obtained 
 by the incomplete combustion of resinous matters ; after it has been heated in covered vessels to 
 expel the volatile organic compounds it constitutes a nearly pure carbon. 
 
 Coke is the residue left from the dry distillation of coal, and consists of amorphous carbon 
 contaminated with the mineral constituents of the coal. 
 
 When burned with an insufficient supply of oxygen, carbon is converted into carbon monoxide , 
 CO ; with a full supply of air it yields carbon dioxide , C0 2 . The chemistry of carbon in its 
 various combinations constitutes what is known as organic chemistry. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Charcoal in the stomach absorbs more or less of the gases and 
 liquids contained in that organ. Unlike alcohol, salt, and some other substances, it does 
 not retard — but, on the contrary, hastens — the decomposition of organic matter, while it 
 renders latent the gases evolved during the process. That a portion of this action is 
 owing to the minute subdivision of the charcoal is shown by the analogous effects of dry 
 earth, sand, and gravel upon decomposing organic matters ; and whether the action is due 
 to any other cause is more than doubtful. It is not determined absolutely whether char- 
 coal derived from ivory or bone or box-wood, or that which is prepared from poplar or 
 other light porous wood, is the more efficient, but it is certain that charcoal of any kind 
 is most active when freshly made. 
 
 For all forms of flatulence charcoal is one of the most certain remedies, and at the 
 same time for those other dyspeptic phenomena which sometimes attend it, particularly 
 nausea, fetid breath, foul taste in the mouth, constipation, palpitation of the heart, etc. 
 
CAR BON El DISULPHIDUM. 
 
 409 
 
 It is remarkable that charcoal does not tend to produce constipation , but rather to mod- 
 erate it when it exists. The cases in which it is said to accumulate in the bowels and 
 obstruct them are not well authenticated. If, however, an obstruction already exists, 
 charcoal by accumulation will aggravate it. (Comp. Richardson, Asclepiad , Oct. 1884.) 
 Its power of relieving flatulence is not confined to that of the stomach and small intes- 
 tine ; it has proved efficient when the colon was alone distended and a stricture existed 
 near the sigmoid flexure. It has seemed to be a remedy for intestinal worms in some 
 cases of intestinal indigestion with colic, flatulence, and irregular stools. Jules Guerin, 
 Maurel, and others (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 279 ; xcix. 274) found finely-powdered 
 charcoal a very efficient remedy for choleriform diarrhoea both in adults and children. It 
 was administered with milk diluted with water and sweetened. In epidemic dysentery it 
 has proved very serviceable when administered by the stomach and also by the rectum, 
 allaying the tormina and tenesmus and correcting the fetor of the stools, while it lessened 
 their frequency and rendered them more feculent. It has been recommended for lessen- 
 ing tympanites in typhoid fever, but its administration does not produce this result, and 
 has occasioned intestinal haemorrhage. If this objection to its use did not exist, it would 
 be found one of the best internal remedies for the fetor of the stools in that disease. As 
 an application to gangrenous and foul ulcers , incorporated largely in a poultice made with 
 flaxseed, bread-crumb, or yeast, it is very efficient in correcting the smell and hastening 
 a separation of the dead tissue. As an ingredient of dentifrices for cleansing the teeth 
 and purifying the breath the use of charcoal is familiar. Its deodorizing power has 
 caused it to be employed in the arts and for sanitary purposes, as for preventing the gen- 
 eration of putrid gases in graves, vaults, sewers, privies, and innumerable analogous 
 places, and notably for the filtration of foul drinking-water, which it not only deprives of 
 its smell, but also of its organic constituents, and renders it pure and clear. 
 
 The dose of charcoal is one or more teaspoonfuls. It should be as freshly prepared as 
 possible. If intended to correct digestive fermentation, it should be taken directly after 
 meals, and is best administered in water, the portion adhering to the mouth being washed 
 down by a mouthful of water alone. It has been prepared and given in gelatin capsules. 
 This method ensures a more active preparation than one which has been exposed to the air. 
 
 CARBONEI DISULPHIDUM,?/, Carbon Disulphide. 
 
 Carhoneum sulfur atum, P. G. ; Alcohol sulfuris, Carhonei bisulpliidum . — Carbon bisul- 
 phide, E. ; Sulfure de carbone, Fr. ; Schwefelkohlenstoff , Schwefelalkohol, G. ; Sidfuro di 
 carbonio, It. 
 
 Formula CS 2 . Molecular weight 75.93. 
 
 Origin. — Scheele (1777) noticed the production of a very fetid gas on heating a 
 mixture of sulphur and charcoal, but Lampadius (1796) by accident first obtained the 
 compound in a liquid state. Clement and Desormes (1802) elaborated a process for its 
 preparation, and stated it to be a compound of carbon and sulphur ; its exact composition, 
 however, was first proven by Vauquelin (1811) and by Berzelius (1812). 
 
 Preparation. — Carbon disulphide is made on the large scale by heating in a cylin- 
 der fragments of charcoal or coke to redness and adding through a tube, near the bottom, 
 pieces of sulphur, which is vaporized and unites with the red-hot charcoal. The con- 
 densed liquid contains sulphur in solution, from which it is freed by distillation in a 
 water-bath, and the compounds, having a disagreeable odor, are removed by prolonged 
 agitation with milk of lime, litharge, chlorinated lime, powdered corrosive sublimate, or 
 copper sulphate, decanting, adding about 2 per cent, of a bland fixed oil or beeswax, and 
 rectifying in a water-bath. E. Allary (1881) uses for the same purpose water and potas- 
 sium permanganate, the latter added in small quantities, until after agitation the liquid 
 retains its violet color ; redistillation is not necessary. Carbon disulphide should be kept 
 in well-stopped bottles in a cool place, remote from lights or fire. 
 
 Properties. — Thus obtained, it is a very mobile colorless liquid having a high 
 refracting power, and when quite pure a rather agreeable ethereal odor and a pungent 
 aromatic and cooling taste ; but often it is of a more or less fetid odor from the presence 
 of other volatile compounds. It has the specific gravity 1.290 at 0° C. (32° F.) and 
 1.268-1.269 at 15° C. (59° F.), U. S. It boils at 46° or 47° C. (114.8° or 116.6° 
 F.), U. S. It evaporates rapidly at the ordinary temperature, and on passing a rapid 
 current of dry air over its surface partly congeals. It is very inflammable — more so 
 than ether — and burns with a blue flame, yielding sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide 
 or monoxide. It requires about 1000 parts of water for solution, is soluble in almost all 
 
410 
 
 CARBONEI DISULPHIDUM. 
 
 proportions of absolute alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed and volatile oils, and in 1 1 
 to 2 parts of official alcohol. It dissolves freely phosphorus, sulphur, bromine, iodine, 
 fats, volatile oils, caoutchouc, and other compounds, and unites with some of the sulphur 
 bases, forming sulphocarbonates , which correspond to the carbonates, containing sulphur 
 in place of oxygen. Dissolved in alcohol and heated in the presence of ammonia, 
 ammonium sulpho-cyanate and hydrogen sulphide are produced ; CS 2 -J- 2NH 3 yields 
 
 nh 4 cns + h 2 s. 
 
 Tests. — Carbon disulphide should not change the color of moistened litmus-paper 
 (absence of sulphurous acid), and when agitated with solution of lead acetate should not 
 produce a brown or black color (absence of hydrogen sulphide). A portion evaporated 
 spontaneously in a glass or porcelain vessel should leave no solid residue (absence of 
 sulphur). 
 
 Uses. — In the arts it is largely employed for the extraction of fats and in the vulcan- 
 ization of caoutchouc, and has been proposed as a solvent for obtaining the delicate per- 
 fumes of flowers. 
 
 Potassium sulphocarbonate, K 2 CS 3 , is prepared by agitating potassium monosul- 
 phide, K 2 S, with carbon disulphide. and c evaporating at about 30° C. (86° F.). It forms 
 yellow deliquescent prisms, which are sparingly soluble in alcohol, have a peppery and 
 sulphurous taste, and above 60° C. (140° F.) are converted into the red-brown anhy- 
 drous salt. A solution containing also potassium carbonate, but sufficiently pure for 
 destroying the phylloxera and other insects, is made by agitating potassa solution with 
 carbon disulphide as long as the latter is dissolved ; and if alcohol be present potassium 
 xanthogenate, K(C 2 H 5 )CS 2 0, is also formed. Both salts are slowly decomposed in the 
 soil, with the liberation of carbon disulphide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Bisulphide of carbon was described in 1826 by Lampadius, 
 who discovered the compound in 1796. He noted its rubefacient and also its refrigerant 
 action upon the skin, and recommended its vapor in syncope, and the use of liniments 
 containing it for frost-bite, rheumatism, and local paralyses, as well as its internal admin- 
 istration. Mansfield and others employed it in gouty and rheumatic disorders and for 
 quickening uterine contractions. Pellingahr wrote of it as a cardiac stimulant, diuretic, 
 and emmenagogue, but found it useless in gout and rheumatism (Richter, Ausfurlich. 
 Arzneimittel ., iii. 464; Supl. Bd., p. 457). Tiedemann described its effects upon animals, 
 and Kaaf upon himself, confirming the observation of Pellingahr (Strumpf, Arzneim., ii. 
 533). Krimer used it to produce cold by evaporation in the reduction of strangulated 
 herniae. Turnbull employed a sponge saturated with the liquid and contained in a wide- 
 mouthed bottle, which he applied over indurated lymphatic glands. Page of Boston 
 found that its vapor relieved local pains ; and Schiel of St. Louis used it in a liquid form 
 with alcohol in similar cases, and especially in neuralgia ( U. S. Dispensatory , 1830). 
 A similar application of it was made by Nessley of Ohio in 1872. Michaelson applied 
 it to burns on cotton wadding. It appears to have been first used as a general anaesthetic 
 by Harold Tanlow in 1848 (Gruibert, Nouveaux medicaments , p. 604), and soon afterward 
 it was tried on man by Dr. Simpson of Edinburgh, and by Snow on mice (Pereira, Mater. 
 Med., 1848, Amer. ed., i. 377). Simpson described it as a very rapid and powerful 
 anaesthetic, but in several instances it produced depressing and disagreeable visions, and 
 was followed by headache, giddiness, and obstinate vomiting. It rendered the pulse very 
 frequent. Its anaesthetic effect also was very transient ; and another objection to its use 
 was found in its very unpleasant odor, which was compared to that of putrid cabbage. 
 When pure it loses this peculiarity. Applied topically, it blunts the sensibility of the 
 skin. 
 
 This anaesthetic has been found useful for producing insensibility of the skin in limited 
 surgical operations, such as opening abscesses, the evulsion of nails, etc. It has also been 
 applied locally for the relief of headache, neuralgia, and toothache. It has been found to 
 relieve the neuralgic pains of locomotor ataxia when applied along the spine ; and Sanders 
 (Med. News, xl. 371 ; xlii. 201) has stated that he found it very efficient as a topical remedy 
 in pure neuralgia, especially of the occipital, cervical, intercostal, and sciatic nerves. In 
 other words, its action, like that of chloroform, is counter-irritant and anaesthetic. It has 
 been made use of, but not very successfully, to lessen the swelling of enlarged lymphatic 
 glands , of goitre, and of lupoid and syphilitic growths. For the latter purposes it may 
 be applied in an ointment containing 1 part of the preparation to from 5 to 10 of lard. 
 It has been used with alleged benefit in elephantiasis Arabum, (Brit. Med. Jour., Dec. 24, 
 1887). For producing local ansesthesia it may be employed as an atomized vapor, and 
 as a local anodyne the lotion described below may be employed. It is alleged to be a 
 
CARBONEI TETRA CHLORID UM. 
 
 411 
 
 very efficient application for indolent ulcers when slightly brushed over their surface, 
 which should then be dusted with subcarbonate of bismuth and supported by a bandage. 
 The liquid causes severe pain for a few moments. Tincture of iodine is said to correct 
 its objectionable odor when mixed with it in the proportion of one-fourth. The mixture 
 may also be scented with mint, bergamot, etc. Bisulphide of carbon may be administered 
 internally in doses of from 2 to 6 or more drops. It may be taken in an alcoholic liquor, 
 in mucilage, or in milk. 
 
 Dujardin-Beaumetz and some other physicians have exalted the antiseptic and rube- 
 facient and anodyne action of this preparation, For the latter purposes it may be 
 applied on a wad of cotton covered with oiled silk. In half a minute severe pain is 
 produced, but it rapidly subsides on the removal of the dressing. For the former object 
 it has been used in the treatment of typhoid fever , and has been thought to prevent the 
 absorption of the septic products contained in the intestine. It certainly deodorizes, and 
 perhaps disinfects, the stools. The following is the mode of administration recom- 
 mended : R. Pure bisulphide of carbon, Gm. 25 (%vj) ; Spirit of peppermint, 50 drops; 
 Water, Gm. 500 (1 pint). Keep in a well-stoppered bottle of the capacity of a pint and 
 a half, agitating occasionally, and renew the water as often as the solution is used. It is 
 given in tablespoonful doses mixed with milk or wine and water. Its influence on the 
 course and issue of the disease has not been demonstrated. (Compare Lancet , Mar. 1889, 
 p. 596.) 
 
 CARBONEI TETRACHLORIDUM— Carbon Tetrachloride. 
 
 Carbonii tetrachloridum , Carboneum chloratum . — Chlorocarbon , Tetr achlor -methane ) E. ; 
 Bichlorure de carbone , Formene perchlore , Fr. ; Chlorkohlenstoff , G. 
 
 Formula CC1 4 . Molecular weight 153.45. 
 
 Preparation. — Chlorocarbon was discovered by Begnault in 1839, and is produced 
 by the action, in sunshine, of chlorine upon marsh-gas, CH 4 , or upon chloroform, CHC1 3 , 
 hydrochloric acid being also formed in both cases. It is best prepared by passing well- 
 dried chlorine gas through carbon disulphide, and afterward through a porcelain tube 
 wrapped in sheet copper and filled with fragments of porcelain maintained at a red heat, 
 whereby carbon tetrachloride and sulphur chloride are produced ; CS 2 -f- 3C1 2 yields 
 CC1 4 -f S 2 C1 2 . The vapors are condensed by the aid of ice or a refrigerating mixture, 
 and the liquid thus obtained is slowly added to an excess of potassa solution or milk of 
 lime, whereby the sulphur chloride is decomposed and dissolved. The chlorocarbon 
 separates at the bottom and is purified by distillation. 
 
 Properties. — It is a colorless, thin, oily liquid of an agreeable aromatic odor, insol- 
 uble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether, and not decomposed by contact with aqueous 
 solution of potassa, which, however, will remove any carbon disulphide that may be 
 present. Chlorocarbon has the spec. grav. 1.599, and boils at 77° C. (170.6° F.). Geuther 
 (1858) observed that by the action of nascent hydrogen it is gradually converted into 
 hydrochloric acid and chloroform or dichlor-methane, CH 2 C1 2 , according to the temper- 
 ature at which the reaction takes place. . 
 
 It is regarded as a chlorinated derivative of marsh-gas (see Methyleni Bichlor- 
 IDUM) ; according to its elementary composition it is carbon tetrachloride, or, according 
 to the old notation, bichloride of carbon , CC1 2 or C 2 C1 4 , which name is still occasionally 
 used. 
 
 Allied Compound. — Carbon trichloride, IIexachloretiiane, C 2 C1 6 . Mol. weight 236.16. — 
 It is prepared by passing, in sunshine, dry chlorine gas into ethyl chloride or ethydene chloride 
 (see page 139) until the liquid congeals, when the mass is recrystallized from alcohol. Carbon 
 trichloride forms colorless or white rhombic prisms, is brittle and easily pulverizable, has an 
 aromatic camphoraceous odor, and is nearly tasteless. Its specific gravity is about 2.0. It is 
 insoluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, fats, and volatile oils, burns in the presence 
 of alcohol with a red flame, melts at 160° C. (320° F.), boils at 182° C. (359.6° F.), subliming in 
 crystals, and volatilizes slowly at ordinary temperatures. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When inhaled by man it produces a sense of coolness in the 
 fauces and of general warmth, followed promptly by anaesthesia and a complete return 
 of consciousness. It has been used with success in relieving neuralyia and various local 
 pains, including dysmenorrhoea and the throes of parturition. As its primary, or at least 
 proximate, action is upon the heart, and as several deaths are laid to its charge, it ought 
 never to be employed internally. The experiments of Regnauld and Villejean in 1866 
 also led them to conclude that this anaesthetic is “extremely dangerous” ( Bull . de 
 Therap., cx. 490). 
 
412 
 
 CARDAMOMUM. 
 
 CARDAMOMUM, U. S., Br.— Cardamom. 
 
 Cardamomi semina , Br. ; Fructus (semen) Cardamomi ( minoris ), P. G-. ; Cardamomum 
 minus , s. Malabaricum. — Malabar cardamoms, E. ; Gardamomes , Fr. ; Oardamomen , Kleine 
 Kardamomen, Gr. ; Cardamomo menor , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Elettaria repens, Baillon, s. E. Cardamomum, Maton , s. Amomum repens, 
 Sonnerat , s. Alpinia (Amomum, TFAfte, Matonia, Smith , Benealmia, Roscoe) Cardamo- 
 mum, Roxburgh. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 267. The dried ripe seeds kept in 
 their pericarps, Br. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scitamineae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial plant is indigenous to Hindostan, more particularly to the 
 mountainous region of the Malabar coast, where it is also extensively cultivated in clear- 
 ings made in the forests, so that the plants will enjoy sufficient shade, or in the betel-nut 
 plantations, as in Mysore. It grows to the height of 1.8 to 3 M. (6 to 10 feet) from a 
 thick horizontal rhizome, has lanceolate leaves which are .3 to .6 M. (1 to 2 feet) long,, 
 and almost sessile upon the long hairy sheaths, and produces three or four nearly hori- 
 zontal scapes which bear several short racemes of greenish-white flowers. It flowers 
 during the rainy season, and the inferior capsules are collected from and after October,, 
 before they are quite ripe, to avoid their splitting, and dried by artificial heat. The drug 
 is exported in chests from Bombay, Madras, and other East Indian ports. 29,000 pounds 
 of cardamom were imported into the United States in 1876, and 65,000 pounds in 1880. 
 
 Description. — Cardamom-fruits vary in length from 1 to 2 Cm. (J to i inch), and 
 are commercially divided into shorts and short-longs or mediums and longs. They are ovoid 
 or oblong, obtusely triangular, rounded at base, beaked above, of a pale-buff color, longi- 
 tudinally striate, and three-celled. The capsular integuments are thin, leathery, the three 
 cell-partitions starting from the centre of the valves. The seeds are attached to a central 
 placenta in two rows, brown, slightly glossy, about 5 Mm. inch) long, and 3 Mm. (i 
 inch) broad, angular, transversely rugose, with a depressed hilum and a channelled raphe 
 on one side, and contain a club-shaped embryo, the radicle projecting toward the hilum, 
 and the upper part completely surrounded by the horny endosperm, and this by a thicker 
 saccate layer of granular perisperm. Each seed is enclosed in a thin membranous nearly 
 colorless arillus. The integuments are nearly inodorous and tasteless ; the seeds have an 
 agreeable odor and a warm aromatic and pungent taste. The seed-coat consists of three 
 distinct layers, each one formed of a single thickness of cells, those of the outer layer 
 being brownish, rather thick-walled, and upon transverse section square in outline and 
 small ; those of the second layer, much larger, thin-walled, square ; and those of the 
 inner layer, radially elongated, dark-brown, and with a small cavity near the outer end. 
 The outer albumen contains minute starch-granules and crystalloid proteids ; the inner 
 
 Fig. 48. Fig. 50. 
 
 Cardamom-seed; transverse and longitudinal section of capsule;' c, seeds: d, section of 
 
 section ; magnified 5 diameters. seed with embryo ; magnified. 
 
 albumen and embryo are filled chiefly with fixed oil and mucilage; the volatile oil is. 
 mostly contained in the large thin-walled cells of the testa. 
 
CARDUUS BENEDICTTJS. 
 
 413 
 
 Good cardamoms should be full and plump, and yield 75 per cent, of their weight in 
 seeds. Malabar and Aleppy cardamoms are usually ovoid and have a short beak ; Madras 
 cardamoms are more oblong and acuminate. 
 
 Other Varieties of cardamoms are used in the East Indian islands and China, but are rarely 
 met with in our commerce. The Ceylon or long cardamoms are occasionally seen in commerce ; 
 they are obtained from Elettaria major, Smith , which is now usually regarded as a variety of the 
 officinal plant, and is indigenous to Ceylon. The fruit is about 4 Cm. (1£ inches) long, lanceo- 
 late oblong, acutely triangular, with flat sides and a long, attenuated apex. It is usually of a 
 darker color, and the seeds are less agreeable in odor and taste. The round cardamoms of Siam, 
 Java, and other islands are the fruits of Amomum cardamomum, Linnt, of the size of a cherry, 
 globular or somewhat ovate in shape, the three sides convex ; the taste of the seeds is more 
 camphoraceous. The Bengal cardamoms , obtained from Am. aromaticum, Roxburgh , are an inch 
 long, oblong or oval, rounded below, terminated by a short nipple, and near the apex provided 
 with nine wings. Similar in appearance, but terminating above in a long beak-like calyx, is the 
 Nepal cardamom , the origin of which is not known. The large or winged Java cardamom is the 
 nearly globular capsule of Am. maximum, Roxburgh , about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, obtusely tri- 
 angular, each side provided with three or four firm, short membranaceous wings, which are best 
 observed after soaking the fruit in water. The round Chinese cardamoms , which are rounded on 
 the side, are probably produced by Am. globosum, Loureiro. 
 
 Constituents. — Trommsdorff (1834) obtained 4.8 per. cent, volatile oil, 10.4 fixed 
 oil, and smaller quantities of starch, malate (?) of potassium, gummy extractive, and 
 coloring matter. The volatile oil has a spec. grav. of .93 to .94 and the odor and taste of 
 the seeds, is colorless or yellowish, dextrogyre, and contains oxygen. Fliickiger (1872) 
 found nearly 11 per cent, of moisture and 15 per cent, of ash in air-dry Ceylon car- 
 damoms, and in the ash 0.79 per cent, of manganese, which he also observed to be present 
 in the leaves and fruits of other Zingiberaceae. Warnecke (1886) obtained 6.12 per 
 cent, of ash from air-dry cardamoms. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cardamom is a warm and agreeable carminative and stomachic. 
 It may be added to tonic and stimulant preparations. An infusion made with Gm. 4.00 
 (3j) of the bruised seeds in half a pint of boiling water may be given in doses of a 
 wineglassful. The officinal tinctures are more commonly employed. 
 
 CARDUUS BENEDICTUS.— Blessed Thistle. 
 
 Hcrba cardui benedicti , P. G. — Chardon benit , Fr. ; Benedict endist el, G. ; Cardo bene- 
 detto , It. ; Cardo santo, It., Sp. 
 
 The leaves and flowering tops of Cnicus benedictus, Gaertner , s. Centaurea benedicta, 
 Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Cynareae. 
 
 Description. — The “blessed thistle” is an annual woolly plant which is indigenous 
 to Western Asia and South-eastern Europe, and has been naturalized in other parts of 
 Europe, and sparingly so in the United States. It is about 45 Cm. (18 inches) high, has 
 a reddish angular branching stem, and alternate, oblong or ovate-lanceolate, sinuately pin- 
 natifid, find dentate leaves, each tooth bearing a soft spine. The lowest leaves are 20 
 Cm. (8 inches) or more long, and narrowed into an angular winged petiole ; the upper 
 ones are smaller, sessile, and somewhat decurrent. The flower-heads are terminal, ovate 
 in shape, about 31 Mm. (1£ inches) long, surrounded by large bracts, have the imbricate 
 scales of the involucre prolonged into a yellowish spine, and contain numerous tubular 
 yellow florets and terete many-ribbed akenes, which are crowned with ten short teeth and 
 with a pappus consisting of ten long and ten alternate short bristles, the latter forming 
 an inner row. The leaves and flowering tops are collected mostly from cultivated plants, 
 and lose on drying about 75 per cent. The dry leaves have a grayish-green color. The 
 taste is saline and strongly bitter. In Mexico, Circium mexicanum, I)e Candolle , is 
 employed. 
 
 Constituents. — Analyzed by Morin, the widely-diffused constituents of herbs were 
 found associated with a brown-yellow amorphous bitter principle. The latter was obtained 
 pure by Nativelle (1839), and ascertained by Scribe (1842) to be present in allied plants. 
 This cnicin is prepared like salicin, crystallizes in colorless needles, is very bitter, freely 
 soluble in alcohol and wood-spirit, slightly so in cold water and ether, and dissolves in 
 strong hydrochloric acid with a green, and in sulphuric acid with a red, color. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The Extractum cardui benedicti of European pharmaco 
 poeias is made by exhausting the herb with hot water and evaporating. 
 
414 
 
 CAROTA. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Centaurea calcitrapa, Linnt *. — Star-thistle, E. ; Chardon 6toile, Fr. ; Stern- 
 distel, G. — A European annual which is sparingly naturalized in some places of the United 
 States near the coast. The pinnately-lobed leaves have the teeth prolonged into a thin spine, 
 the involucre is spinous in the middle, the flowers are tubular and purple, and the akenes with- 
 out pappus ; the herb has a bitter taste. 
 
 Centaurea cyanus, Linne. — Bluebottle, E. ; Bluet, Fr. ; Kornblume, G. — A European annual 
 somewhat naturalized in North America, also cultivated. It has a globular involucre, with 
 appressed fringed scales and bright blue-colored tubular florets, the marginal ones being largest. 
 The nearly tasteless florets are employed in fumigating-powders. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The “ blessed thistle” was anciently, and even until quite 
 recent times, held in high esteem as a remedy for all manner of diseases, including fevers 
 and pulmonary, urinary, hepatic, and digestive disorders. It appears to have acted 
 mainly as a bitter tonic, but in large doses it produced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. 
 Its active principle, cnicin, in the dose of 5 or 6 grains, causes a burning sensation and 
 constriction in the pharynx and oesophagus, warmth in the stomach, and sometimes nausea, 
 vomiting, colic, and diarrhoea. It has really no virtues differing materially from those 
 of numerous other bitter tonics, and it most nearly resembles dandelion and Colombo in 
 its operation. It may be used in atonic dyspepsia— preferably, perhaps, in cases attended 
 with hepatic congestion. The infusion is prepared with from Gm. 15-30 (Jss-j) of the 
 herb to Gm. 250 (f^viij) of water. The decoction is apt to nauseate. An extract has 
 been employed in doses of from Gm. 0.05-1 (gr. v-xv). Star-thistle has virtues similar 
 to those of “ blessed thistle,” and blue-bottle (corn-flower) florets are slightly astringent 
 and have been used in collyria. Milk-thistle (Carduus marianus) is alleged to have 
 arrested haemoptysis (Med. Record , xxii. 625), but the evidence in its favor is inade- 
 quate. A writer in the Edinburgh Med. Journal (xxix. 284) identifies “ Carmedik” with 
 Kardenbenedikt, or “ blessed thistle,” stating that the popular name is a corruption of 
 the Dutch botanical title. It is an aromatic bitter, which possesses also a slight degree 
 of astringency. (See Carthamus.) Cnicin has been given in doses of from Gm. 0.30- 
 0.60 (gr. v-x) as an antiperiodic. 
 
 Cynara scolymus, or burr artichoke, anciently used as a salad, and reputed even in 
 modern times to be a purifier of the blood, has been extensively employed in South 
 Carolina as a diuretic and also in jaundice (Porcher. Resources of the Southern Fields, 
 etc., p. 470). 
 
 CAROTA.— Carrot. 
 
 Carotte , Fr. ; Mohre, Gelbe Riibe , G. ; Zannahoria , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Daucus Carota , Linne. Woodville, t. 50; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants, 135. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — A biennial plant indigenous to Northern Asia and the greater part of 
 Europe, and naturalized in this country, growing in dry fields and along roadsides, and 
 cultivated to a considerable extent for its fleshy root. The furrowed stem is bristly, 30 
 to 90 Cm. (1 to 3 feet) high, branching ; the leaves are bi- or tri-pinnatifid, the segments 
 with lanceolate or linear incisions ; the involucre consists of nine to twelve long pinnatifid 
 leaves ; the umbels are on long naked peduncles, at first level, finally concave ; the flowers 
 are white or whitish, the central one dark-purple, and commonly sterile, except in the 
 first umbel, which, according to Meehan (1882), usually has a fertile central flower; the 
 fruit is very hispid. 
 
 Description. — The fruit ( Fructus dauci, s. carotse), which for medicinal purposes is 
 collected from the wild plant, is about 3 Mm. (i inch) long, oval, dorsally compressed, 
 and gray-brownish ; each mericarp has five hispid filiform primary ribs, two of which are 
 lateral, the remaining three upon the back ; between these are four secondary ribs, two 
 lateral and two upon the back, each beset with long spiny bristles, and covering one small 
 oil-tube, two additional oil-tubes being upon the nearly flat face. The fruit has a slight, 
 aromatic odor and a pungent aromatic taste. 
 
 The root ( carotte , F. Cod.) of the wild plant is thin, spindle-shaped, woody, white, of 
 an aromatic odor and a pungent bitter taste ; but cultivated it becomes conical, thick, 
 fleshy, red or yellow, and acquires an agreeable odor and a pleasantly sweet taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The fruit contains a small quantity of oxygenated volatile oil ; 324 
 grains of it were obtained from 100 pounds of the fruit. The root has been analyzed by 
 Vauquelin, Wackenroder, and C. Schmidt, who found a little volatile oil (0.011 per cent.), 
 uncrystallizable sugar, mannit, starch, pectin, albumen, fixed oil, malic acid, and a color- 
 ing principle named carotin, which exists in the root in red crystals, is tasteless, insoluble 
 
CA R THA M US. — CA R UM. 
 
 415 
 
 in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, freely soluble in carbon bisul- 
 phide, benzene, and the fixed and volatile oils ; its formula is C 18 H 24 0 Husemann 
 ( 1860) found it to be accompanied in the root by hydrocarotin , C 18 H 30 O, which is colorless, 
 tasteless, and obtained from boiling alcohol in silky crystals. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Carrot-fruit is diuretic and stimulant, and has long been used 
 for exciting the menstrual flow, for the cure of dropsy , and for the relief of strangury. 
 Its medicinal properties appear to depend upon its volatile oil. The fresh root, reduced 
 to a pulp by scraping or grating, forms a clean and stimulating poultice for indolent, 
 gangrenous, and cancerous ulcers. The juice, used as a wash, is said to relieve itching in 
 several diseases of the skin. The powdered fruit may be given in the dose of from Gm. 
 2—4 (gr. xxx-lx). Gm. 32 (an ounce) of the bruised fruit to a pint of hot water forms 
 an infusion which may be taken within twenty-four hours. 
 
 C ARTH AMU S . — Safflower . 
 
 Flores carthami. — African or dyers sajfron. False ( American ) saffron. E. ; Carthame , 
 Fr. ; Saflor , G. ; Cartamo , Azafrancillo, Alazor , Sp. 
 
 The florets of Carthamus tinctorius, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Compositae, Cynareae. 
 
 Origin. — An annual plant which is indigenous to India and extensively cultivated 
 there, in Eastern and Western Asia, Northern Africa, and Southern and Central Europe. 
 It is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, with sessile or clasping spinulous leaves, and rather large 
 ovate flower-heads terminating the branches. The florets are collected after the shedding 
 of the pollen and are freed from the ovaries. 
 
 Description. — The florets of safflower are about 2 Cm. (£ inch) long, tubular, with 
 the limb divided into five nearly linear lobes ; the tube of the anthers is about 5 31 m. (4 
 inch) long, protrudes from the throat, and is surmounted by the long filiform yellow style. 
 The florets are at first yellow, but become red, and after drying of a brown-red color. They 
 have a faint, peculiar, rather disagreeable odor and an insipid bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The analysis of Dufour and Salvetat proved the presence of the 
 usual constituents of plants, and in addition a yellow and a red coloring principle, the 
 former being exhausted by water, after which the latter is obtained in solution by treat- 
 ment with solution of sodium carbonate and precipitated by acids. Schlieper (1846) gives 
 to this carthamin or carthamic acid the formula C 14 H, 6 0 7 . The value of safflower as a dye- 
 stuff depends upon the carthamin, which in the dry state is red-brown, has a green metal- 
 lic lustre, is insoluble in ether, but dissolves in alcohol with a handsome purple color, the 
 solution becoming yellow by heat. The alkaline solutions of carthamin decompose and 
 decolorize rapidly. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Safflower passes for being diaphoretic if administered in a 
 warm infusion made with Gm. 8 (3 ij) of the flowers and a pint of boiling water. It 
 may be used to dissipate commencing catarrh and muscular rheumatism , and to favor the 
 efflorescence of eruptive fevers. In large doses it is said to be laxative. Its action and 
 uses closely resemble those of chamomile. Carmedik, from the Cape of Good Hope, is 
 said to be closely related to Carthamus tinctorius, but, unlike it, is extremely bitter as 
 well as aromatic and astringent. It is used at the Cape as a stomachic bitter, infused in 
 water or in brandy ( Edinh . Med. Jour., xxviii. 1073). 
 
 CAR/UM, U. S . — Caraway. 
 
 Carui fructus, Br. ; Fructus carvi , P. G. — Caraway-fruit (seed), E. ; Carvi, Cumin des 
 pres, Fr. ; Kiimmel, G. ; Alcaravca, Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Carum Carvi (Carui), Linne. Woodville, Med.Bot., Plate 45; Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants, 121. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — A biennial plant which is indigenous to the Western Himalayas and the 
 Caucasus, and is found throughout Siberia and the greater portion of Europe, but is 
 scarce in the southern part of that continent. It is extensively cultivated in Norway, 
 Ilussia, Germany, Holland, England, Morocco, and also in the United States ; the yield 
 of fruit per acre is between 8 and 10 cwt. The holiow cylindrical stem is 30 to 90 Cm. 
 (1 to 3 feet) high, branched ; the leaves bi- and tri-pinnate, with the ultimate divisions 
 linear; involucre filiform ; involucel none ; umbels numerous ; flowers small, white. The 
 fruit is oblong, laterally compressed, splits when mature into the two mericarps, and finds 
 its way into commerce from the countries named above. During the fiscal year 1866-67, 
 
416 
 
 CARY OPH YLL US. 
 
 216.000 pounds of caraway were imported into the United States; at present about 
 1,000,000 pounds, including coriander, are annually imported. 
 
 Description. — The half-fruits are from 3 to 4 Mm. (| to i inch) long, brown and 
 smooth, somewhat curved, slightly narrowed at both ends, with a rounded stylopod 
 above five pale-colored filiform ridges, and between them on the 
 back four grooves of a dark-brown color, which contain four large 
 oil-tubes, two additional vittae being on the flat face. Mogador 
 caraway corresponds with this description, except that it is larger, 
 attaining a length of fully 6 Mm. (i of an inch). Caraway has an 
 agreeable aromatic odor and a sweetish and spicy taste. 
 
 Constituents. — -Besides volatile oil (see Oleum Carui), 
 TrommsdorfF found in caraway a green fixed oil, a little wax, 
 resin, sugar, mucilage, and some tannin, the latter being particu- 
 larly present in the green fruit. The medicinal properties are 
 due to the volatile oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Anciently, caraway was held to be diuretic and carminative. 
 It is used at present chiefly to expel wind and allay pain in the flatulent colic of infants. 
 An infusion is prepared with Gm. 4-8 (3j-ij) of the bruised seeds and half a pint of 
 boiling water, of which the dose is a teaspoonful for infants and a tablespoonful for 
 adults. 
 
 CARYOPHYLLUS, U. Cloves. 
 
 Caryophyllum, Br. ; Caryopliylli , P. G. ; Caryophylli aromatici . — Giro fie, Gerofle , Clous 
 aromatiques , Fr. ; Gewilrznelken , N'dgelein , G. ; Glavos de especia, Sp. ; Garofani , It. 
 
 The unexpanded flowers of Eugenia aromatica, O. Kuntze, s. Eug. caryophyllata, Thun - 
 berg, s. Eug. aromatica, Willdenow , s. Myrtus Caryophullus, Sprengel, s. Caryophillus 
 aromaticus. Linne. Bot. Mag., vol. liv., plates 2749, 2750; Woodville, Med. Bot., 193; 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 112. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This handsome evergreen tree is supposed to have been indigenous only to 
 the five small islands near the island of Jilolo, to which the name of Molucca or Clove 
 Islands was formerly exclusively applied. The tree has been entirely destroyed there, 
 but it is now cultivated in many of the islands of the Indian Ocean, in tropical Africa, 
 Brazil, and the West Indies. It attains a height of 9 or 12 M. (30 or 40 feet), and is 
 considerably branched, the branches forming an elegant pyramidal crown, and being ter- 
 minated by cymes composed of fifteen to twenty-five flowers producing berry-like fruits. 
 
 Collection. — As soon as the buds change in color from green to red they are either 
 picked by hand or detached from the trees by beating the branches with long bamboos, 
 the buds being gathered upon cloths spread beneath the trees ; they are afterward dried 
 by exposure to the sun, whereby the color changes to brown. Between 1,000,000 and 
 
 1.500.000 pounds of cloves are annually consumed in the United States. 
 
 Description. — Cloves consist of a dark-brown, solid, nearly cylindrical calyx, some- 
 what tapering below, and above divided into four ovate lobes ; these lobes clasp the four 
 
 lighter-colored arched and imbricate petals, which form a glob- 
 ular head and cover the numerous bent stamens. The ovary is 
 contained in the upper part of the adherent calyx, is divided into 
 two cells, each containing about twenty ovules, and is crowned 
 by a quadrangular disk, in the centre of which the simple style 
 is placed. Cloves are \ to f inch (12 to 16 Mm.) long, and, as 
 obtained from different localities, vary somewhat in the shade of 
 their brown color ; the large, plump, and deep-brown cloves, as 
 obtained from the Moluccas, Zanzibar, etc., are preferred, the 
 smaller, shrivelled, and light-colored varieties, such as are often 
 exported from Cayenne and the West Indies, being considered 
 inferior. Cloves have a somewhat fatty appearance, a strong 
 and highly aromatic odor, and a very pungent, warm, and aro- 
 matic taste. A large number of oil-cells are observed in the 
 petals and in the outer tissue of the calyx ; the latter are placed 
 in two or three irregular circles beneath the epidermis, and yield 
 some of their oil upon pressure with the finger-nail. Cloves 
 partly deprived of their volatile oil are said to be occasionally used for adulteration ; they 
 are quite moist and usually without heads. 
 
 Fig. 52. 
 
 Clove : a, natural size ; b, lon- 
 gitudinal section, magnified. 
 
 Fig. 51. 
 
 Carum: fruit and longi- 
 tudinal section, 3 diam- 
 eters ; transverse sec- 
 tion, 8 diameters. 
 
CASCARILLA. 
 
 417 
 
 Other Parts. — Clove-stalks (Griffe de girofle ( Fr .) ; Nelkenstiele, Nelkenholz ( G .) ; Festucae 
 caryophyllorum, s. Fusti) are sometimes met with, and consist of the branching 
 flower-stalks, about 2 Mm. inch) in thickness, which are of a light-brown color, Fig. 53. 
 
 and have a distinct though not strong odor and taste of cloves ; they contain 4 to 
 5 per cent, of volatile oil, and are sometimes employed for adulterating powdered 
 cloves and sometimes for distilling the volatile oil. The importation of clove- 
 stalks into this country has increased from 15,128 pounds in 1877 to 184,464 
 pounds in 1880. 
 
 Mother Cloves (Meres de girofle, Clous matrices (Fr.) ; Mutternelken (G.) : 
 
 Anthophylli) are the clove-fruits, generally collected before they are quite ripe ; 
 they are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, oval, crowned with the four-lobed calyx, 
 have one or two seeds in each cell, and resemble cloves somewhat in appearance Mother Clove, 
 and properties, but are thicker, lighter, and weaker in odor. 
 
 Constituents. — Trommsdorff found in air-dried cloves 18 per cent, of volatile oil, 
 13 of tannin (which has not been further investigated), 13 of gum, 18 of water, 6 of 
 tasteless resin, and 4 of extractive. Bonastre (1833) obtained from the watery distillate 
 eugenin, in white pearly scales of a slight clove odor, having the composition C 10 H 12 O 2 , 
 and which is colored red by nitric acid. Ostermeyer isolated a green wax, and Lodibert 
 (1825) inodorous and tasteless silky needles, caryophyllin , of the composition Ci 0 H 16 O, 
 which are deposited from the concentrated tincture of cloves ; they are colored blood-red 
 by cold sulphuric acid, and, according to Mylius (1873), yield with fuming nitric acid 
 crystals of caryopihillinic acid , C 20 H 32 O 6 . (For the composition of oil of cloves see 
 Oleum Caryophylli.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cloves are general stimulants. They were formerly described 
 as emmenagogue and aphrodisiac, and as suitable for expelling wind, allaying vomiting, 
 and assisting digestion. They continue to be used for most of these purposes, but less 
 as a medicine than as a condiment that promotes the digestion of fatty and crude food. 
 Clove tea, made by infusing Gm. 8-12 (gij— iij) of bruised cloves in half a pint of boil- 
 ing water, may be given in tablespoonful doses for the relief of colic. Powdered or 
 bruised cloves wet with alcohol may be applied between cloths upon the epigastrium to 
 allay nausea or vomiting and expel flatus , and upon the abdomen to relieve colic ; but for 
 these purposes the aromatic powder is preferable. 
 
 CASCARILLA, TJ . S,— Cascarilla-bark. 
 
 Cascarillse cortex , Br. ; Cortex cascarillse , P. G. ; Cortex eluteriae , s. thuris. — Sweetwood 
 bark, E. ; Cascarille , Ghacrille , JFcorce eleutherienne , Fr. ; Kaskarillrinde, G. ; Cascar- 
 iUa, G., It., Sp. 
 
 The bark of Croton Eluteria, Bennett, s. Clutia Eluteria, Linne. Jour. Proc. Lin. Soc. ; 
 Pharm. Jour., 2d ser. vol. iv. p. 150; Woodville, Med. Bot., 223; Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med, Plants, 238. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Euphorbiacese. 
 
 Origin. — This plant is a low or even a tree-like shrub with alternate, ovate-lanceolate, 
 on the lower surface bronzed-silvery, leaves, and producing small white, monoecious, 
 highly-odorous flowers in terminal and axillary spikes. The fruit is globular-ovate, scaly, 
 silvery-gray, three-furrowed and three-celled, each cell containing a glossy orange-brown 
 seed. The plant is indigenous to the Bahama Islands, where also Croton Cascarilla, Ben- 
 nett (s. Clutia Cascarilla, Linne), and some other species of the same genus are met with, 
 the barks of which may possibly sometimes be collected and sold as cascarilla. It is 
 shipped in bags from Nassau, Bahamas, and has been known in Europe since the latter 
 part of the seventeenth century. 
 
 Description. — It is in quills or channeled pieces 25 to 75 Mm. (1 to 3 inches) in 
 length, about 12 Mm. (? inch) in diameter, and about 2 Mm. (y 1 ^ inch) thick, mostly, 
 however, in small fragments. It is covered with a thin, 
 grayish, easily-detached corky layer, upon which are Fig. 54. 
 
 smaller or larger white patches of a minute lichen (Ver- -iwr ^ 
 rucaria albissima, Acharius), the perithecia of which N'r*;' _ T "7 
 
 appear as black dots ; the external layer, particularly of §T? ; V ■« 
 the older barks, is longitudinally and transversely fis- § 
 
 sured, presenting rectangular spaces with elevated edges, SBfc- iBBBBISH 
 
 Or is partly wanting. The inner bark is somewhat Cascarilla-bark : transverse section, mag- 
 thicker, and has a brownish color and a smooth, brown- mfied. 
 
 gray, inner surface. The bark breaks with a short somewhat resinous or horny fracture, 
 27 
 
418 
 
 CASSIA FISTULA. 
 
 exhibiting in the outer layer some scattered oil- or resin-cells, and presenting a radially 
 striate bast-layer in which but very few true bast-fibres are observed. It is rather fra- 
 grant when examined in bulk, but emits a strongly aromatic somewhat musk-like odor 
 when burned ; its taste is warm, aromatic, and very bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — Trommsdorff obtained from cascarilla 1.6 per cent, of volatile oil, 
 15.1 per cent, of resin, besides gum, potassium chloride, etc. The volatile oil consists of 
 a hydrocarbon, C 19 H 1B (Gladstone, 1872), and of an oxygenated portion. The resin is 
 partly soluble in alkalies. Duval (1845), who isolated the bitter principle, cascarillin , in 
 a crystalline state, announced also the presence of a little tannin, pectin, wax, fat, starch, 
 and albumen. Cascarillin is obtained by concentrating the filtrate from the precipitate 
 which is produced in an infusion by sugar of lead ; it forms colorless needles or scales, is 
 inodorous, bitter, fusible at 205° C. (401° F.), not precipitated by lead salts or tannin, 
 freely soluble in ether and hot alcohol, sparingly soluble in cold alcohol and chloroform, 
 and very sparingly in water ; nitric acid converts it into a yellow resinous mass ; sulphuric 
 acid gives a red solution, from which water precipitates green floccules. C. and E. 
 Mylius observed it (1873) in an extract separated in granules, and give its composition as 
 
 C I 2 II,A- 
 
 Allied Barks. — Malambo-bark is obtained in Venezuela from Croton Malambo, Karsten. It 
 is in quills 12 to 25 Mm. (1 to 1 inch) in diameter and 15 to 20 Cm. (6 to 8 inches) long. It has 
 a thin, soft, whitish, longitudinally-fissured cork, which is easily removed, exhibiting a brown 
 surface with fine transverse furrows ; the inner surface is gray-brown, finely striate, the fracture 
 short-splintery, the odor aromatic, and the taste unpleasantly aromatic and bitter, resembling 
 that of cascarilla. 
 
 Copalchi-bark is obtained from Croton Pseudochina, Schlechtendal (C. niveus, Jacquin), indig- 
 enous to Mexico. It resembles the preceding, is about 5 Mm. (4 inch) thick, hard and dense, 
 has a grayish or yellowish corky layer, and beneath this is transversely fissured ; the bast is 
 reddish-brown, is coarsely striate in a radial direction, and breaks with a short, irregular fracture. 
 
 Barks differing considerably from those described, which are occasionally found in commerce 
 as malambo- and copalchi-bark, are obtained from different plants. The composition of both 
 barks is probably similar to that of cascarilla. Holmes (1874) described a bark which was 
 probably derived from Croton lucidus, Linnt, and was found as an admixture in cascarilla ; it had a 
 fawn-colored, firmly-adhering corky layer, was reddish and closely ridged upon the inner surface, 
 had an astringent, slightly bitter taste, and yields a darker-colored tincture and infusion than 
 cascarilla. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Extractum cascarilla, P. G. The coarsely- 
 powdered bark is exhausted by digestion with hot water and the infusion evaporated. 
 When prescribed in mixtures, Mylius recommends the extract to be dissolved in a little 
 hot alcohol and the solution to be added to the watery liquid, whereby the cascarillin 
 becomes finely divided and remains in suspension. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cascarilla is stimulant rather than tonie, and its fumes when 
 inhaled are intoxicating. The infusion occasions a sense of warmth in the stomach, but 
 in excessive doses nauseates and purges. Cascarilla was originally used to enhance the 
 febrifuge power of cinchona, and independently in the typhoid state of various diseases, 
 especially epidemic dysentery. It is now chiefly employed in the treatment of dyspeptic 
 conditions due to gastric or intestinal atony and attended with flatulence or vomiting. 
 The dose in powder is about Gm. 2 (gr. xxx). The infusion, made with an ounce of 
 cascarilla to a pint of water, is preferable. It may be given in wineglassful doses. 
 
 Malambo-bark, says Strumpf, resembles Winter’s bark in its action. In its native 
 country it is used in atonic dyspepsia and in dysentery. The natives of Brazil have a 
 superstition that the tapir cures itself of diarrhoea by eating this bark. It is also used 
 by these people in asthma, spasms, and rheumatism, intermittent and yellow fevers, 
 trismus nascentium, and worms. Copalchi-bark , according to the same authority, is 
 employed as an antiperiodic-fever remedy, and tends to confine the bowels as well as to 
 oppress the stomach. It is said to partake of the qualities of quassia, valerian, and 
 menyanthis. 
 
 CASSIA FISTULA, U . S .— Purging Cassia. 
 
 Fructus cassise Jistulse . — Casse officinale, Casse en batons , Fr. ; Purgiercassie , Fistelkassie , 
 Rohrencassie, G. ; Cassia , It. ; Cana fistula , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Cassia Fistula, Linnt, s. Cathartocarpus (Bactyrilobium, Willdenow ) Fis- 
 tula, Persoon. Woodv. t. 260 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 87. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Leguminosse, Csesalpineae. 
 
CASSIA FISTULA. 
 
 419 
 
 Origin. — A tree 9 to 15 M. (30 to 50 feet) high, with large pinnate leaves appearing 
 simultaneously with the long pendulous racemes of fragrant, golden-yellow, dark-veined 
 flowers. Indigenous to the East Indies, it is now met with, spontaneously and under 
 cultivation, in Egypt and other parts of Africa, the West Indies, and Brazil. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is an indehiscent, nearly cylindrical, woody legume, 45 to 
 60 Cm. (1? to 2 feet) long and nearly 25 Mm. (an inch) thick, blackish-brown, with fine 
 transverse veins and two bands running from the short thick stalk to the blunt apex. 
 These bands are 3 to 4 Mm. (i to ^ inch) broad, somewhat paler in color, smooth, and 
 correspond to the dorsal and ventral sutures, the former being marked by a fine ridge, the 
 latter by a shallow groove in the centre of the bands. The seeds are numerous, 8 to 10 
 Mm. (i to | inch) long, flattish, ovate or oval, orange-brown, glossy, 
 with a long filiform funiculus, a firm albumen, and fleshy-veined 
 cotyledons ; each seed is imbedded in a blackish-brown sweet pulp, 
 and separately enclosed in a cell, the thin woody dissepiments 
 being formed by the transverse distension of the placenta after 
 fructification. The odor suggests that of prunes. 
 
 Other Varieties. — A lighter-colored purging cassia is occasionally 
 met with, which is from 30 to 45 or 50 Cm. (12 to 18 or 20 inches) 
 long, about 12 Mm. (J inch) in diameter, slightly pointed, and has a 
 reddish-brown sweet and somewhat astringent pulp, but otherwise re- 
 sembles the official drug. It is usually referred to Cassia bacillaris, 
 
 LinnS Jilius (Cathartocarpus bacillus, Persoon ), a tree indigenous to 
 Surinam : but Hanbury’s investigations (1863) render it certain that it 
 is partly if not wholly obtained from Cassia moschata, Kunth (Cathar- 
 tocarpus moschatus, Don ), a tree found in Panama and the northern 
 part of South America. 
 
 Cassia brasiliana, Lamarck (C. mollis, Vahl , C. grandis, Linne Jilius , 
 
 Cathartocarpus, Persoon ), yields a large purging cassia, sometimes known 
 as horse cassia , which is 60 Cm. (2 feet) and more long, often curved, 
 laterally compressed 38 Mm. (1£ inches) broad, rather coarsely veined, 
 and has the dorsal suture indicated by one convex band and the ventral 
 suture by two prominent obtuse ridges. 
 
 Constituents. — Purging cassia, treated with water, should yield about 30 per cent, 
 of pulp, which, according to the analyses by Vauquelin and Henry, consists principally 
 of sugar (about 60 per cent.), with some mucilage, pectin, salts, etc. In view of this 
 composition it is difficult to understand why the drug should be unfit for medicinal use 
 when the pulp has become dry and the seeds remain loose in their cells ; it would seem, 
 however, to be not indispensable. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Cassia pulpa, Br. — Cassia-pulp, E. ; Pulpe 
 de casse, Casse monde, Fr. ; Cassienmus, G. — It is extracted from the fruit by diffusing 
 the pulp in water, straining, and evaporating. Cassia-pulp of British commerce, which 
 has been imported from the East Indies, usually contains the seeds and dissepiments, and 
 requires to be purified by softening with water and straining. It is blackish-brown, vis- 
 cid, sweet, and of a somewhat sickly odor. 
 
 Confection of cassia, made by mixing cassia-pulp 100 Gm., syrup of violets 75 Gm., 
 and sugar 20 Gm., evaporating to the consistence of a soft extract, and flavoring with a 
 drop of oil of neroli, is known in France as Casse cuite. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Fructus ceratonice , Siliqua dulcis. — St.John’s bread, E. ; Carouge, Caroube, 
 Fr. Cod.; Johannisbrot, Karobe, G. ; Algarroba de Valencia, Garrobo, Sp. — Ceratonia siliqua, 
 Linnt, is a medium-sized evergreen tree, grows in the basin of the Mediterranean, and bears 
 purple-colored racemes of polygamous apetalous flowers. The fruit is 10 to 20 Cm. (4 to 8 
 inches) long, nearly 25 Mm. (1 inch) broad, about 3 or 4 Mm. (£ or 4 inch) thick, obtuse, linear, 
 much flattened, and with somewhat elevated edges, causing the transverse section to be nar- 
 rowly and obtusely rectangular. The epicarp is leathery, brown, glossy, finely striate, and 
 encloses a light-brown softer sarcocarp of a pleasantly sweet taste. The seeds, six to twelve in 
 number, are flattish ovate and polished brown, and are contained in separate transverse cells 
 formed by the papery inner layer of the pericarp. The fruit contains 40 to 50 per cent, of cane- 
 and grape-sugar, besides mucilage, protein compounds, a little tannin, and butyric acid, to 
 which the odor is due. The presence of free butyric acid was observed by Redtenbacher (1846). 
 St. John’s bread is frequently used in Southern Europe as an addition to expectorant and 
 demulcent medicines. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Anciently used as a laxative to which special cooling virtues 
 were attributed, and as a cleansing gargle for ulcerated sore throat, purging cassia is still 
 esteemed as a mild and certain laxative , tending to promote the secretion of bile. It 
 
420 
 
 CASTANEA. 
 
 p;ives a brownish or greenish tint to the urine. It is seldom used alone, owing partly to 
 its tendency to occasion colic and flatulence. With manna it forms an active but mild 
 laxative, and in hot climates and seasons it is usefully associated with tamarinds or with 
 mild salines, especially in the treatment of boivel complaints. As a laxative the dose is 
 from Gm. 4-8 (^j-ij) ; as a purgative, Gm. 30-60 (|j-ij). The sweet and acidulous 
 pulp of the seeds of Ceratonia siliqua is used as a laxative in bronchitis and in the gas- 
 tric and biliary derangements that are common in the south of Europe. 
 
 CASTANEA, 77. S . — Chestnut. 
 
 Folia castanese. — Feuilles de chataignier , Feuilles de marronier, Fr. ; Kastanienblatter , 
 G. ; Castano, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Castanea dentata (Marshall), Ludworth , s. C. vesca, Gaertner , (C. vul- 
 garis, Lamarck , C. sativa, Miller , Fagus Castanea, Linne ), collected in September or 
 October while still green. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cupuliferae. 
 
 Origin. — A stately tree 24 to 30 M. (80 to 100 feet) high, indigenous to Western 
 Asia, Southern Europe, and to the United States from Maine to Michigan southward. 
 The wood, though light, is very durable. The whitish staminate flowers, which appear 
 in May and June, form slender, pendulous aments 15 to 20 Cm. (6 to 8 inches) long ; the 
 pistillate flowers form clusters of three or four in an ovoid involucre, which finally 
 becomes globose and covered with sharp prickles, and encloses two or three one-seeded 
 nuts. These chestnuts (chataignes, F. ; Kastanien, Maronen, G. ; castanas, Sp.), are 
 flattish-hemispherical or somewhat triangular, brown, glossy, silky-pubescent at one end, 
 and contain a firm white embryo having a sweet taste. American chestnuts are smaller 
 and sweeter than those of Southern Europe. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are from 15 to 25 Cm. (6 to 10 inches) long, about 5 
 Cm. (2 inches) wide, upon petioles less than 25 Mm. (1 inch) in length, oblong-lance- 
 olate, acuminate, mucronate, sinuate-serrate, smooth throughout, shining above, neatly 
 feather-veined beneath. The leaves of the American chestnut (Cast, americana, Rafin- 
 esque ) differ from those of the Oriental only in being rather acute at the base. They are 
 nearly inodorous and have a somewhat astringent taste. They should be collected in the 
 fall, in September or October, while still green ; on drying they lose from 50 to 60 per 
 cent, in weight. 
 
 Constituents. — Chestnut-leaves, examined by J. B. Turner (1879) and L. J. Stelt- 
 zer (1880), were found to have the ordinary constituents of leaves — chlorophyll, fat, a 
 little resin, gum, albumen, and extractive ; the tannin, which gives a green-black precip- 
 itate with iron, was estimated at 9 per cent, by weighing the gelatin precipitate. The 
 ash amounts to 5 or 6 per cent., and consists of carbonate, phosphate, and chloride of 
 potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. The fruit contains nearly 50 per cent, of 
 water, the remainder being starch 30 to 40, proteids 3 to 4, fat about 2, sugar i to 1 or 
 2 per cent., some mucilaginous matter and organic acids, and in the integuments resin, 
 tannin, and bitter principle. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Castanea (Fagus, Linne ) pumila, Michaux , is indigenous to the United States, 
 from Southern Pennsylvania and Ohio to Florida and Eastern Texas. It is shrubby, or in the 
 Southern States a tree 12 or 15 M. (40 or 50 feet) high. The leaves are oblong or somewhat 
 obovate, acute, pointedly serrate, and white-downy beneath. The prickly involucre contains a 
 single ovoid, acute, and dark-brown nut, called chinquapin , which is smaller than the chestnut 
 and very sweet. The bark, like that of the chestnut, is astringent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Judging from its apparent action in whooping cough , its seda- 
 tive influence upon the respiratory nerves may be inferred. In the disease just men- 
 tioned it appears to control the paroxysms in a remarkable manner, in some cases sus- 
 pending them entirely after the lapse of a few days. It may be given without limit in 
 the form of an infusion made with Gm. 30 (,^j) of the dried leaves in a pint of boiling 
 water, or, more accurately, in the dose of from Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j) of the fluid extract 
 every three or four hours. Its taste is not unpleasant, and its administration requires no 
 special circumspection. 
 
CASTOREUM. 
 
 421 
 
 Castor Fiber, Linne : b, scales of the tail. 
 
 CASTOREUM.— Castor. 
 
 Castoreum , Fr. ; Bibergeil , G. ; Castor eo , It., Sp. 
 
 The dried preputial follicles and their secretion obtained from the beaver, Castor Fiber, 
 Linne (Castor americanus, Cuvier , s. C. canadensis, Kuhl ), and separated from the some- 
 what shorter and smaller oil-sacs which are frequently attached to them. 
 
 Class Mammalia. Order Rodentia. 
 
 Origin. — This animal inhabits the continents of the northern hemisphere between 33° 
 and 68° N. lat., but is disappearing in the southern parts of those regions. It is from GO 
 to 75 Cm. (2 to 2J feet) long, with horizontally- 
 flattened tail, which is about 25 Cm. (10 inches) 
 long and 7 to 10 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) wide, hairy 
 at the base and scaly above. The head resembles 
 that of a rat, with no canine teeth, but with two 
 incisors, and on each side four molars in the upper 
 and lower jaw. The fur consists of two kinds of 
 hair — one rather bristly, the other denser and 
 downy ; its color is brown, but black, white, and 
 spotted beavers are also met with. The feet have 
 five toes, the anterior being short and close, the 
 posterior longer and palmated ; the hind feet are 
 webbed close to the toes. Anus, genitals, and fol- 
 licles communicate in both sexes with one canal or 
 cavity located near the tail. In the male a pair of oil-sacs, containing the formerly offici- 
 nal axungia castoris , terminates in the cloaca ; the castor-sacs, located near the former, 
 open by a common aperture in the preputial canal. The female has the castor-sacs 
 below the os pubis on each side of the vagina. The European and Siberian beaver 
 closely resembles the American in appearance and habits, but is somewhat larger and has 
 a paler-colored fur. 
 
 The beaver feeds on roots and barks, and builds houses about 3 M. (10 feet) wide and 
 1.8 M. (6 feet) high, the entrance being under the water, the depth of which is increased 
 by the building of dams composed of billets of wood and earth ; in more densely-pop- 
 ulated districts, where they are disturbed, the beavers burrow on the banks of rivers and 
 creeks. 
 
 Description. — When fresh, castor-sacs are flesh-colored, soft, more or less pyriform ; 
 they are dried by being suspended over fire, when they become brown. They consist of 
 four distinct coats : the outer one is cellular, resembles hog’s bladder in texture, and 
 encloses a fibrous layer, which is followed by a vascular, and this by an iridescent gland- 
 ular coat, with many folds and numerous semilunar scales upon the inner surface, the 
 whole being covered by a thin epithelium. According to E. H. Weber (1849), castor is 
 mainly secreted by the prepuce of the penis and clitoris, but J. Fuchs (1881) states that 
 it is altogether separated from glands contained in the inner coat of the sac. The con- 
 tents of the recent follicles are an unctuous, yellowish, odorous mass, which, after drying, 
 becomes brown and friable, but is not fusible. Castor is commercially distinguished by 
 the countries from which it is obtained, the most highly valued being obtained from Rus- 
 sia and Siberia. 
 
 Castoreum sibiricum, s. Castoreum moscoviticum, rossicum, germanicum, europasum. 
 The sacs are oval or globular pyriform, united at the narrowed end in pairs, the con- 
 tents of a dull rather light-brown color and a strong peculiar odor. The sacs vary in 
 weight from about 3 to 8, or occasionally even 14, ounces, and if not too dry the two 
 outer coats may be readily separated. This kind is mostly collected in Siberia and East- 
 ern Russia, the sacs from Western Russia and Germany being usually smaller and rarer. 
 It is now rarely met with in commerce. 
 
 Castoreum canadense, s. castoreum americanum, anglicum. This is the variety 
 generally met with in commerce. The sacs are more elongated, flatter, and usually more 
 wrinkled and folded, than those of the preceding ; they vary from club-shaped to narrow 
 pyriform, are united in pairs, mostly between 1 and 4 ounces (rarely 8 ounces) each in 
 weight ; the outer coats adhere pretty firmly ; the contents are often slightly glossy ; the 
 odor is aromatic, but weaker than the preceding ; the taste about the same, pungent, 
 bitter, and rather nauseous. 
 
 Russian and American castor are distinguished from each other by the characters indi- 
 cated ; the former yields 60 to 68 per cent, of its weight to alcohol, the latter between 
 
422 
 
 CAT ALP A. 
 
 45 and 50 per cent. The tincture of the former yields with much water a milky mix- 
 ture, which becomes nearly clear on the addition of ammonia. The mixture obtained 
 from the tincture of American castor is brownish, the precipitate being only partly solu- 
 ble in ammonia. 
 
 Adulterations. — Castor is said to be occasionally adulterated with artificial mix- 
 tures of blood and earthy and resinous matters enclosed in some animal tissue ; such sub- 
 stitution is easily detected by the absence of nearly all the characters described above. 
 
 Constituents. — The numerous older investigations have not thrown much light 
 upon the composition of castor. The volatile oil of castor, present to the extent of 1 to 
 2 per cent., has the odor of that substance, and is of a pale-yellow color; according to 
 Woehler (1844), it contains carbolic acid. The same chemist noticed also (1848) the 
 presence of salicin and benzoic acid. Pereira (1851) believes the volatile oil to be mainly 
 derived from the salicin, and observed that distilled castor-water gradually acquired the 
 odor of salicyl-aldehyde (oil of Spiraea ulmaria). The bitter and acrid taste of castor is 
 due to a dark-brown resinous substance which is insoluble in water and ether, but readily 
 soluble in alcohol ; it has not been further investigated. A peculiar crystalline body, 
 castor in, was obtained by Bizio on cooling the strong alcoholic decoction. Valenciennes 
 (1861) prepared it by boiling castor with milk of lime and treating the dried precipitate 
 with hot alcohol ; it forms colorless, readily fusible needles having a slight odor of castor 
 and little taste ; it volatilizes slowly with boiling water, is soluble in concentrated potassa, 
 ether, benzin, and hot olive oil and oil of turpentine. Lehmann believes that the car- 
 bolic acid, if present, is obtained only from the smoke of the fire by which castor is 
 dried ; he found also derivatives of bile , chlolesterin , and & protein compound , the last two 
 of which had already been obtained by Brandes. The inorganic constituents are carbo- 
 nates, with some phosphates and sulphates of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and ammo- 
 nium. Pereira obtained from Canadian castor 3.6 per cent, of ash. Castor-sacs contain- 
 ing a large proportion of calcium carbonate have been sometimes met with, and are said 
 to be obtained from diseased animals. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It seems doubtful whether castor, any more than musk, has a 
 definite action upon the healthy nervous system, but both are certainly stimulants of the 
 nervous system disordered through exhaustion, direct or indirect. Hysterical spasms , 
 those associated with uterine colic , scanty menstruation , and tympanites , and the muscular 
 twitchings, tremblings, etc. which occur in the typhoid state , are palliated by this medi- 
 cine. But for all purposes it is less efficient than musk, and scarcely superior to valerian, 
 camphor, ammonia, ether, and some forms of alcohol. The dose of castor varies from 
 Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) to ten times that amount, according to the strength of the preparation 
 employed. The variable quality of the drug restricts its use. 
 
 CATALPA. — Bean Tree. 
 
 Catalpa , Fr., Gr., Sp. 
 
 Catalpa bignonioides, Walter , s. Bignonia Catalpa, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bignoniacese. 
 
 Description. — The tree is indigenous to the southern portion of the United States 
 from Georgia and Florida westward, and is cultivated or wild farther north. It attains 
 a height of 9 to 15 M. (30 to 50 feet), produces a light, close-grained, and very durable 
 wood, and has spreading branches, large heart-shaped leaves, and compound racemes of 
 showy flowers, which have the calyx two-lipped, the corolla bell-shaped, white, and in 
 the throat dotted with purple and yellow. The fruit is capsular, nearly cylindrical, 
 about 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, longitudinally striate and two-celled, and contains numer- 
 ous very thin, long, and flat seeds which are enclosed in a delicate silky envelope, pro- 
 longed at both ends into finely-fringed wings. The bark, fruit, and seeds have been 
 employed. The bark is externally gray-brown, smooth, somewhat glossy, with numerous 
 small circular warts ; in the middle layer green, and in the thick, tangentially arranged 
 bast-layer white, becoming yellowish on drying ; the inner surface is smooth. The bark 
 of the trunk is about 6 Mm (1 inch) thick, one-half consisting of the scaly cork, the 
 other half of the bast-layer. It has a strongly bitter taste. The catalpa of the Western 
 States is regarded as a distinct species, Catalpa speciosa, Warder ; it is found in South- 
 ern Indiana and Western Kentucky, westward and south-westward, and has a rather 
 heavier but equally durable wood. 
 
 Constituents. — The bark was analyzed by E. A. Bau (1870), who ascertained the 
 presence of tannin in it. On dissolving the ethereal extract of the alcoholic extract in 
 
CA TA PLASMA TA .—CA TA PLASMA FERMENTI. 
 
 423 
 
 diluted alcohol, and boiling with lead oxide, the liquid retained an amorphous bitter 
 principle in solution, and hot alcohol dissolved from the lead precipitate a principle having 
 an intensely nauseous, bitter taste, and crystallizing in micaceous scales, which were very 
 soluble in ether, chloroform, and hot alcohol. Sugar and tasteless resin were also found. 
 
 The seeds were examined by F. K. Brown (1887), and yielded, besides tannin, fixed 
 oil, resin, and sugar, two crystalline bodies. These latter were obtained by extracting 
 the seeds with a mixture of ether, alcohol, and ammonia. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Bignonia capreolata, Linn6 , a native of the Southern United States, is a 
 tall, climbing shrub, with orange-colored, bell-shaped, and somewhat two-lipped flowers, which 
 are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long. The root and stem have been used in place of sarsaparilla. A 
 transverse section of the stem shows the wood in the shape of a cross. This plant, like the closely- 
 allied Tecoma radicans, Jussieu , which bears large scarlet flowers, is known as trumpet creeper. 
 
 Several East Indian species of Bignonia are medicinally employed in their native country. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is rather an ornamental tree than one useful in medicine. 
 The bark, indeed, is said to be vermifuge, the wood emetic, and the leaves emollient and 
 anodyne, yet the emanations of the tree are reported to be poisonous. A decoction of 
 the pods, and the dried seeds also, have been used with alleged advantage in chronic 
 bronchitis and in nervous asthma , especially when associated with senega ; of which latter 
 statement there need be no serious doubt. The juice of the root is also stated to be an 
 efficient local remedy for chronic scrofulous ophthalmia. 
 
 “ The root and vine of Bignonia capreolata in infusion or decoction answer the purpose 
 of sarsaparilla. They are detergent and alterative, diuretic and sudorific, used in syphilis, 
 chronic rheumatism, and in derangements arising from impurities of the blood” (Porcher, 
 Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests ). Catalpa speciosa has been alleged to exert 
 a sedative action on the heart, slowing the pulse and weakening it (Med. News, lvi. 624), 
 but the evidence in favor of this statement is inadequate. 
 
 CATAPLASMATA. — Cataplasms. 
 
 Poultices, E. ; Cataplasmes , Fr. ; Umschldge , Breiumschldge , G. 
 
 These are topical applications, of a soft, pasty consistence which are prepared from 
 coarse or fine powders, mixed with water, various solutions, or fixed oils. In this country 
 the ingredients are usually furnished by the pharmacist, but the poultice is prepared for 
 use at the patient’s house. 
 
 CATAPLASMA CARBONIS, Br.— Charcoal Poultice. 
 
 Cataplasme au charbon, Fr. ; Kohlenumschlag , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Wood Charcoal in powder 1 ounce ; Crumb of Bread 2 
 ounces; Linseed Meal 1£ ounces; Boiling Water 10 fluidounces. Macerate the bread 
 in the water for 10 minutes near the fire, then mix, and add the linseed meal gradually, 
 stirring the ingredients, that a soft poultice may be formed. Mix with this half the 
 eharcoal, and sprinkle the remainder on the surface of the poultice. — Br. 
 
 Medical Uses. — Charcoal poultice is used as an emollient and disinfecting applica- 
 tion to gangrenous and fetid sores. 
 
 CATAPLASMA CONII, Br.— Hemlock Poultice. 
 
 Cataplasme avec la cigue, Fr. ; Schierlingumschlag , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Juice of Hemlock 1 fluidounce ; Linseed Meal 4 ounces; 
 boiling Water 10 fluidounces. Evaporate the juice to half its volume, add this to the 
 linseed meal and water previously mixed, and stir them together. — Br. 
 
 Medical Uses. — Hemlock poultice is employed especially to relieve the pain of 
 cancerous and other sores. Extract of conium may be substituted for fresh hemlock- 
 leaves in its preparation. 
 
 CATAPLASMA FERMENTI, Br.— Yeast Poultice. 
 
 Cataplasme avec le levUre de biere , Fr. ; Hefenumschlag, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Beer Yeast 6 fluidounces ; Wheaten Flour 14 ounces ; Water 
 
424 
 
 CATAPLASMA LINT.— CAT ARIA. 
 
 heated to 100° F. 6 fluidounces. Mix the yeast with the water, and stir in the flour. 
 Place the mass near the fire till it rises. — Br. 
 
 The rising of the mass takes place in consequence of fermentation, which speedily com- 
 mences, and whereby carbon dioxide is generated. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Yeast poultice or fermenting poultice is of great service to 
 unhealthy, and especially gangrenous, ulcers , whether of a cancerous nature or not, in 
 preventing fetor and hastening the removal of devitalized tissues. Its activity is indi- 
 cated by the pain it sometimes causes. 
 
 CATAPLASMA LINI, Br, — Linseed Poultice. 
 
 Cataplasma emolliens s. communis. — Flaxseed poultice , E. ; Cataplasme de farine de lin , 
 Cataplasme simple ( commuri ), Fr. ; Leinsamen-Umschlag , Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Linseed Meal 4 ounces ; boiling Water 10 fluidounces. Mix 
 the linseed meal gradually with the water with constant stirring. — Br. 
 
 The linseed meal of the British Pharmacopoeia of 1867 was the cake meal of American 
 commerce, and in preparing with this the linseed poultice the addition of J ounce of olive 
 oil was deemed necessary. In the present Pharmacopoeia the meal contains all the oil 
 of the seed, and the further addition of oil is therefore not required. A mixture of 
 ground flaxseed and cake meal is sometimes preferred for poultices. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Linseed or flaxseed poultice is usually employed in hospital 
 practice as an emollient and protective to inflamed and painful parts. Owing to its tend- 
 ency to ferment, it is apt to occasion an eruption of vesicles or pustules, and more than 
 any other poultice to render the skin white, wrinkled, and sodden. To prevent these 
 effects and preserve its moisture, its surface should be covered with fresh lard, sweet oil, 
 linseed oil, or glycerin, or else one or the other of these articles should be mixed with 
 the poultice. 
 
 CATAPLASMA SINAPIS, Br,— Mustard Poultice. 
 
 Sinapismus ; Cataplasma rubefaciens. — Sinapisme , Cataplasme de moutarde, Cataplasme 
 rubeflant , Fr. ; Senfteig, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Mix Mustard in powder 2i ounces with 2 to 3 ounces of lukewarm 
 Water; mix Linseed Meal 2\ ounces with 6 to 8 ounces of boiling Water; add the 
 former to the latter and stir them together. — Br. 
 
 Mix recently prepared black mustard meal, 200 Grm., with scarcely tepid water in 
 sufficient quantity to obtain a mass of the consistence of a poultice. — F. Cod. 
 
 Mustard of the British Pharmacopoeia is a mixture of ground black and white mustard 
 seeds, though the proportion of the two is not indicated. It is now very properly mixed 
 with lukewarm water, but on incorporating this with the hot flaxseed poultice a portion 
 of the rubefacient volatile oil is necessarily volatilized. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This poultice is convenient for maintaining a moderately 
 stimulant action upon the skin, and at the same time protecting it. It is very useful in 
 local muscular rheumatism , in thoracic and abdominal inflammations , in colic, and for 
 exerting a derivative action upon the feet in congestive affections of the head. The 
 preparation and uses of the preparation usually called sinapism or mustard plaster are 
 described under Sinapis. 
 
 CATAPLASMA SOD^E CHLORINATA, Br,— Chlorine Poultice. 
 
 Cataplasme chlorine , Fr. ; Chlornatron - XJmschlag, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Solution of Chlorinated Soda 2 fluidounces ; Linseed Meal 
 4 ounces; Boiling Water 8 fluidounces. Mix the linseed meal gradually with the water, 
 and add the solution of chlorinated soda, with constant stirring. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The chlorine poultice is useful in the same cases in which the 
 yeast poultice is appropriate ; that is to say, for correcting the fetor of foul and slough- 
 ing ulcers and for stimulating them. 
 
 CAT ARIA.— Catnep. 
 
 Herba nepetse s. catarise . — Catmint , E. ; Cataire, Cliatavre , Herbe aux chats , Menthe de 
 chats , Fr. ; KatzenmUhze, Katzenkraut , Gr. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Nepeta Cataria, Linne, s. Cataria vulgaris, Moench. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants , 209. 
 
CATECHU. 
 
 425 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatse. 
 
 A perennial herbaceous plant 0.6 to 1.2 M. (2 to 4 feet) high, indigenous to many parts 
 of Asia and Europe and naturalized in the United States, where it grows near dwellings, 
 in waste places, and along roadsides. 
 
 Description. — The stem is quadrangular, gray -hairy, and branched ; leaves opposite, 
 petiolate, 25 to 75 Mm. (1 to 3 inches) long, triangular ovate, cordate or rounded at base, 
 pointed at apex, the margin strongly crenate-serrate, grayish-green, soft hairy above and 
 velvety beneath. The flowers are in terminal panicles, the lower stalked, the upper ses- 
 sile, with a gray, hairy, obliquely five-toothed calyx and a whitish, purple-spotted corolla, 
 which is hairy on the outside, has the three-lobed lower lip crenately toothed, and four 
 stamens inserted in its tube. The stem and larger branches are rejected, the leaves and 
 flowering tops only being collected in June and July. It has a peculiar mint-like, rather 
 disagreeable odor, and a bitterish, aromatic, and pungent taste. A variety, N. citriodora, 
 Becker , has an agreeable lemon-like or melissa-like odor. On drying, the fresh drug loses 
 from 75 to 80 per cent, in weight. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical constituents resemble those of other Labiatse. The 
 plant contains a small quantity of oxygenated volatile oil, some tannin, a bitter principle 
 which has not been isolated, and other medicinally unimportant constituents. II. It. Gil- 
 lespie (1889) found volatile and fixed oils, a crystalline wax, mucilage, dextrin, sugar, 
 and small quantities of a bitter principle which is neither alkaloid nor glucoside, but pos- 
 sesses an acid reaction. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Catnep is stimulant and slightly tonic, and, like the mints and 
 some other plants containing a volatile oil, it is prescribed in various disorders attended 
 with debility of the nervous system and of the functions immediately depending upon it. 
 It is most commonly used for the relief of flatulent colic in infants and to promote mens- 
 truation when it is retarded or painful. Its local application excites a sense of warmth 
 and causes partial anaesthesia, for which reason it is used to relieve toothache and other 
 local pains. Cats are fond of it, hence the name catnep (cat-nepeta). It is given in an 
 infusion made with Gm. 15—30 (^ss-j) in Gm. 500 (a pint) of water, and in the dose of 
 from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 
 
 CATECHU, U. S., r. G. — Catechu. 
 
 Terra Japonica, Catechu nigrum . — Cutch , E. ; Cachou de Pegu , Fr. Cod.; Katechu , 
 Pegu- Catechu, (A.) Catecu , It., Sp. 
 
 An extract prepared principally from the wood of Acacia (Mimosa, Linne fllius ) 
 Catechu, Willdenow. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 95. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Mimoseae. 
 
 Origin. — A tree about 9 to 12 M. (30 to 40 feet) high, with a pair of hooked brown 
 prickles at the base of the numerous abruptly bipinnate leaves, which are 15 to 30 Cm. 
 (5 to 12 inches) long, and with pale-yellow flowers arranged in dense cylindrical spikes 
 about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long; the legume is brown, veined, flattened, and pointed. 
 
 The glabrous and pubescent varieties have formerly been regarded as distinct species, 
 Mimosa Sundra and M. catechuoides, Roxburgh. The tree is indigenous to the East 
 Indies and Ceylon, and is completely naturalized in Jamaica, where it is common in dry 
 localities. 
 
 Preparation. — The wood, which is heavy and very durable, is covered by a dark- 
 brown fibrous bark, and consists of the whitish alburnum and of the dark-colored heart- 
 wood, varying in color from red-brown to blackish-brown. This latter portion is cut into 
 chips, which are boiled with water in earthen pots arranged over a rude fireplace, the 
 decoction when sufficiently strong being decanted or strained into other vessels, in which 
 the evaporation is continued until the extract is of sufficient consistence to be poured into 
 clay moulds, into cups formed of leaves, or upon mats covered with the ashes of cow- 
 dung. 
 
 In Southern India the wood of Acacia (Mimosa, Roxburgh) Suma, Kurz , whose bark is 
 externally white, is employed in the same manner, the bark of both species being removed 
 and used for tanning. The last-named species is also common in the forests of tropical 
 Eastern Africa, and has been introduced into South America. 
 
 The importation of catechu and gambir into the United States increased from 2,645,000 
 pounds during the fiscal year 1866-67 to over 47,750,000 pounds in the year 1879-80; in 
 1882 but little over 15,000,000 pounds were imported. 
 
 Description. — Catechu is chiefly exported from Pegu and Calcutta, packed in mats, 
 
426 
 
 CATECHU. 
 
 chests, or boxes. It forms several layers of dark-brown masses, in which remnants of tbe 
 matting and of leaves are observed, and which are frequently soft near the centre. When 
 dry it is hard and brittle, breaking into irregular, somewhat porous and glossy fragments, 
 which are scarcely translucent on the edges, almost wholly soluble in alcohol, partly sol- 
 uble in water, and have but little odor and a strongly astringent and sweetish taste. The 
 solutions have a slight acid reaction. Examined by the microscope under water or glycerin, 
 catechu is somewhat crystalline. The catechu in balls and in quadrangular cakes, made 
 in moulds as above described, is rarely met with in our commerce. A fourth variety, 
 which is never exported, is made in Kumaon in Northern India by stopping the evapora- 
 tion before the liquid becomes too thick ; it bears a closer resemblance to gambir than to 
 the ordinary catechu. Good catechu yields between 1.5 and 4.5 per cent, of ash ; Fliick- 
 iger .obtained from Pegu catechu 0.6 per cent. 
 
 Catechu digested with ten times its weight of alcohol should leave an insoluble portion, 
 which should not, after being dried at 100° C. (212° F.), amount to more than 15 per cent. 
 The tincture, diluted with 100 parts, on the addition of solution of ferric chloride acquires 
 a green color. If 2 parts of catechu be boiled with ten times the quantity of water, a 
 brownish-red liquid results which turns blue litmus-paper red. — U. S. 
 
 The Areca catechu , obtained from the so-called betel-nuts, the seeds of Areca Catechu, 
 Linne , does not form an article of commerce ; it is said to be inferior to true catechu, and 
 is known in India, in part at least, as cata-cambu. (See Areca). 
 
 Constituents. — The relation to one another of the principal constituents of catechu 
 has been satisfactorily explained by the researches of Neubauer (1859), Hlasiwetz (1867), 
 Etti (1877), and others. When catechu is treated with cold water mainly catechu-tannic 
 acid is found in the brown solution, which yields precipitates of a grayish color with 
 gelatin and of an olive-brown with ferric salts. The aqueous solution contains also some 
 catechin and quercetin , the latter having been obtained by Lowe (1873) by treating the 
 solution with ether. Most of the catechin or catechuic acid is, however, left undissolved 
 by the treatment with cold water, and may be obtained pure by repeated crystallization 
 and decolorizing with animal charcoal, or removing the adhering tannin by adding lead 
 acetate until a dark-colored precipitate is no longer obtained. Catechin forms white silky 
 needles which are sparingly soluble in cold water, but more readily in cold alcohol and 
 ether ; it requires for solution less than 4 parts of boiling water, about 3 parts of boiling 
 alcohol, and 6 parts of boiling ether. It has a sweetish taste, imparts a green color to 
 ferric salts, gives a violet color on being agitated with water and powdered iron, the 
 color changing to green on exposure to air, and yields precipitates with most metallic 
 salts, but not with tartar emetic nor with gelatin. Its formula, according to Bochleder 
 (1869), is C 13 H 12 0 5 . Subjected to dry distillation, it yields pyrocatechin, and when 
 fused with potassa is converted into phloroglucin (see Phlorozinum) and protocate- 
 chuic acid. Gautier (1878) gives to catechin the formula C 2 iH 18 0 8 , and found among 
 the products of decomposition by potassa, besides the two mentioned, also the hydro- 
 carbon, CH 4 , and carbonic and formic acids. By the action of dilute sulphuric acid 
 at 140° C. an amorphous orange-colored body, protocatechuic acid, and a polyatomic 
 phenol, probably C 14 H I6 0 7 , were obtained. Etti adopts Hlasiwetz’s formula, Ci 9 H 18 0 8 , for 
 catechin ; this is partly decomposed at 110° C. (230° F.), and when heated to 160° C. 
 (320° F.) yields an anhydrid, C 38 H 34 0 15 , which is catechu-tannic acid, and has also been 
 called catechu-red ; it is a dark-red amorphous powder, soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. 
 Below 180° C. (356° F.), or by continued boiling with dilute sulphuric acid, the anhydride, 
 C 38 H 32 0 14 , which is likewise a tannin, is obtained. By continuing the action of sulphuric 
 acid the catechuretin , C 38 H 28 0 12 , of previous investigators, and the anhydride, C 38 H 30 O ]3 , are 
 obtained, which are insoluble in simple solvents and weak alkalies. H. K. Bowman (1869) 
 determined the quantity of tannin in three samples of catechu, and found it to vary 
 between 32.8 and 49.4 per cent. More than 30 samples examined by Lehmann (1880) 
 yielded tannin varying between 22.6 and 50.8 per cent, and catechin varying between 
 13.8 and 33.8 per cent. 
 
 Protocatechuic acid , C 7 H 6 0 4 , is formed from certain tannins, numerous resins, gum- 
 resins, and other substances by adding them to melted potassa. It crystallizes in color- 
 less shining needles or scales containing a molecule of water, dissolves readily in ether, 
 alcohol, and hot water, melts at 199° C. (390.2° F.), and at a higher heat is decomposed 
 into carbon dioxide and pyrocatechin. Its solution is colored dark -green by ferric chlo- 
 ride, the color changing to blue, and subsequently to red, on the gradual addition of a very 
 dilute solution of sodium carbonate. 
 
 Pyrocatechin or catechol , C 6 H 6 0 2 , is contained among the products of destructive distil- 
 
CATECHU PALLIDUM. 
 
 427 
 
 lation of several tannins and vegetable extracts. It crystallizes in short rectangular 
 prisms, melts at 104° C. (219.2° F.), and boils at 245° C. (473° F.). It sublimes in 
 thin laminae, and dissolves easily in water, alcohol, and ether. Its aqueous solution is 
 colored dark-green by ferric chloride, the color changing to violet on the addition of 
 ammonia, sodium bicarbonate, or tartaric acid. The methylic ether of pyrocatechin is 
 guaiacol. 
 
 Impurities. — Fragments of leaves, mats, or cloth are usually found in the commercial 
 article. An artificial catechu , proposed by Rave (1873), may be obtained by slightly roast- 
 ing powdered mahogany or allied woods, and then boiling with water ; it is said to be service- 
 able in dyeing. 
 
 Astringent Products of Other Species. — The bark of many species of acacia contains so 
 much tannin as to render it valuable for tanning purposes. The babul-bark of India is obtained 
 from Ac. arabica, Willdenow , the fruit of which contains about 22 per cent, of tannin, and is 
 also known under the name of neb-neb or bablah ; the aqueous extract of the latter, known as 
 akakia , is used in India like catechu. The Australian wattle-bark is produced by A. decurrens, 
 Willdenow, and other species. 
 
 Cortex adstringens brasiliensis, which was used in Europe during the first half of the present 
 century, is obtained from Stryphnodendron polyphyllum, Martins , a tree known in Brazil as bar- 
 batimao or barbimao. The bark is covered with a thick fissured blackish red-brown cork, has a 
 light-brown bast-layer readily separating in bands, possesses a strongly astringent and somewhat 
 mucilaginous taste, and contains about 30 per cent of tannin, which yields with ferric salts a 
 blackish gray-green precipitate. Pithecollobium Avaremotemo, Martius , s. Acacia virginalis, 
 Pohl , and Acacia J urema, Martius, yield similar barks. 
 
 CATECHU PALLIDUM.— Pale Catechu. 
 
 Catechu , Br., P. G. ; Terra japonica , Gambir, Gambier, E. ; Gambir cubique, Fr. ; 
 Gambir, Gambir- Catechu, G. 
 
 An extract of the leaves and young shoots of Uncaria Gambier, Roxburgh , s. Nauclea 
 Gambir, Hunter. Trans. Linn. Soc., vol. ix. plate 22 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 139. 
 
 Mat Ord. — Rubiacese, Naucleae. 
 
 Origin. — This is a shrubby climber having opposite leaves, and bearing globular 
 heads of pinkish flowers upon axillary laterally compressed peduncles, which taper toward 
 the apex, are articulated above, and after the fall of the whole inflorescence curve back- 
 ward and form stout and hard hooks, by which the plant supports itself in climbing. It 
 is indigenous to Ceylon, Sumatra, and the countries about the Straits of Malacca, and is 
 extensively cultivated near Singapore. Uncaria (Nauclea, Hunter) acida, Roxburgh , indig- 
 enous to Pulo Penang and neighboring islands, is nearly allied to the preceding species, 
 and perhaps merely a variety of it ; it appears also to be used in the preparation of 
 gambir. 
 
 Preparation. — The fresh leaves and young shoots are boiled in water for an hour, 
 after which the decoction is decanted and the residue expressed with the hands. The 
 liquid is now evaporated to the consistence of a thin syrup, poured into buckets, and 
 stirred by working a stick of soft wood up and down in a sloping direction, when it grad- 
 ually sets into a soft mass ; this is placed in shallow square boxes, and when sufficiently 
 firm is cut into cubes and dried in the shade. 
 
 Gambir is principally exported from Singapore, packed in boxes. Catechu, P. G ., applies 
 to gambir as well as to cutch. 
 
 Description. — It is met with in cubes or in large irregular masses, the latter having 
 an external resemblance to, but are mostly of a lighter-brown color than, catechu, and 
 presenting upon the irregular fracture a dull brown-gray appearance, with some streaks 
 of a darker brown. The cubes are 25 Mm. (about an inch) square on each side, exter- 
 nally light or deep brown, internally brownish gray. Both varieties are friable, inodor- 
 ous, of a bitterish, astringent finally sweet taste, and show under the microscope numerous 
 small acicular crystals. Gambir is only partially soluble in cold water, but yields with 
 hot water a turbid solution, and with hot alcohol a clear dark-brown solution, leaving only 
 the impurities undissolved, and these should not exceed 15 per cent, in weight ( P . G.). 
 On incineration gambir yields 21 to 41 per cent, (not over 6 per cent., P. G.) of ash, con- 
 sisting mostly of earthy salts. 
 
 Constituents. — Gambir contains the same constituents as catechu, but less tannin 
 than the latter ; the crystalline structure observed under the microscope is due to catechin. 
 Hlasiwetz (1867) detected quercetin in gambir. Be Vrij (1865) avers the presence of 
 quinovic acid in many species of Nauclea, and it is not impossible that it may also be 
 found in gambir. Gautier (1878) regards the catechin of gambir as differing in composi- 
 
428 
 
 CAULOPHYLLUM. 
 
 tion from that of catechu. Twelve samples of gambir examined by Lehmann (1880) yielded 
 between 25.5 and 37.8 per cent, of tannin and between 19.96 and 28.69 per cent, of catechin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Catechu is astringent by virtue of the tannic acid it contains, 
 and was originally used to constringe relaxed tissues, arrest fluxes, and for similar pur- 
 poses. It is harsher but more energetic than kino in its action. It continues to be one 
 of the most commonly employed of astringent medicines for checking diarrhoea produced 
 by cold or by irritating ingesta, after their removal by purgation. It is best adminis- 
 tered for this purpose in the officinal chalk mixture. It is alleged to check the bronchial 
 secretion in chronic phthisis and bronchitis , and to moderate uterine hsernorrhage and 
 leucorrhcea. It is of greater utility as a local astringent, applied to the nostrils in 
 epistaxis, to the mouth in case of spongy and bleeding gums, to the vagina in relaxation 
 and leucorrhoea of this canal, and to the throat and larynx in cases of flaccidity of these 
 parts. Lozenges containing it are used to correct hoarseness and roughness of the voice 
 due to this cause. They sometimes are made with catechu, cascarilla, amber, orris, 
 peppermint, etc., to conceal the odor of the breath caused by fetid follicular secretions , by 
 tobacco , etc. The astringency of catechu renders it a useful ingredient of dentrifices. 
 In gargles it relieves sore throat unattended with active inflammation ; in lotions it forms 
 a valuable application to ulcerated nipples and other ulcers after the acute state has 
 passed ; such lotions may contain catechu alone, or, in addition to it, borax, alum, 
 sulphate of copper, etc. Gambir catechu has the same medicinal properties, but its astrin- 
 gency is rather less. The dose of catechu is from Gm. 0.05-2.0 (gr. i-xxx). A com- 
 pound infusion of catechu is made with 1 troyounce of this drug, 60 grains of powdered 
 cinnamon, and a pint of boiling water. It is especially useful in the diarrhoea of chil- 
 dren, to whom it may be given in doses of a tablespoonful or more. 
 
 CAULOPHYLLUM, U. S. — Blue Cohosh. 
 
 Pappoose-root , Squaw-root, Blueberry -root. 
 
 The rhizome and rootlets of Caulophyllum (Leontice, Linne) thalictroides, Michaux. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Berberidaceae. 
 
 Origin. — A smooth and glaucous perennial with a simple stem, bearing near its apex 
 a large sessile triternately compound leaf, with obovate three-or five-toothed or lobed 
 leaflets ; the greenish-yellow flowers, about twelve in number, form a terminal raceme, and 
 produce capsules which are soon ruptured by the two globular seeds, these remaining 
 enclosed in a blue fleshy integument. The plant is found in rich woodlands from Canada 
 south to Carolina and Kentucky. It flowers in April and May. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is nearly horizontal, somewhat matted, 10 Cm. (4 inches) 
 long, about 6 to 10 Mm. (1 to § inch) thick, more or less bent, knotty from the numer- 
 ous concave approximate stem-scars on the upper side, and from the short branches, 
 externally brown-gray, internally whitish, the tough ligneous rays narrow and many. 
 The numerous radical fibres are mostly on the lower side, 75 or 100 Mm. (3 or 4 inches) 
 long and about 1 Mm. inch) thick, rather tough, pale yellowish-brown externally, 
 and white internally. Blue cohosh is nearly inodorous and has a sweetish-bitter after- 
 ward somewhat acrid taste. As met with in commerce, it is sometimes mixed with a large 
 proportion of the rhizome of hydrastis, which is easily recognized by its different shape 
 and its bright-yellow color internally. 
 
 Constituents. — F. F. Mayer (1863) found blue cohosh to contain saponin and a 
 body with alkaloidal reactions. Ebert (1864) corroborated this statement, proved also 
 the presence of two resins, starch, gum, and other common principles, and obtained 21 
 per cent, of ash, but could not obtain the alkaloid reactions. Lloyd (1887) isolated the 
 alkaloid, caulophylline, and in 1893 studied it at some length. He extracted the pow- 
 dered root with dilute alcohol (3 alcohol, 2 water), evaporated to drive off the alcohol, 
 diluted with water, filtered, evaporated to a syrupy consistency and extracted with chlo- 
 roform in the presence of ferric hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate. It was then taken up 
 after evaporating the solvent with dilute sulphuric acid, made alkaline with ammonia, 
 treated with chloroform, this evaporated to a small bulk and hydrochloric acid carefully 
 added. The hydrochlorate thus obtained forms a crystalline magma, while the alkaloid 
 itself on evaporation of its solutions forms a glass-like film. With Mayer’s solution, a 
 white precipitate ; iodo-potassic iodide, heavy brown precipitate ; sodium phospho- 
 molybdate, heavy precipitate. On concentrating the alcoholic tincture and pouring it into 
 water a precipitate of the resins is obtained amounting to about 12 per cent, of the root; 
 it has the peculiar taste of blue cohosh and constitutes the so-called caulophyllin. 
 
CEANO THUS.— CEL A STR US. 
 
 429 
 
 Action and Uses. — Nothing has recently been added to our knowledge of its 
 reputed virtues. It is said to be demulcent, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, and diuretic. 
 It is not proved to possess medicinal powers. A decoction made with Gm. 30 (5j) 
 of the root to a pint of water may be given in the dose of 1 or 2 ounces. 
 
 CEANOTHUS.-Red Root. 
 
 New Jersey tea , E. ; Ceanothe , Fr. ; Seckelblumen- 1 Vurzel, G. 
 
 The root of Ceanothus americanus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rhamnese. 
 
 Origin. — This is a shrubby plant indigenous to the greater part of North America, 
 growing in pine barrens and dry woodlands. It is about 90 Cm. (3 feet) high, and has 
 alternate ovate or oblong-ovate, serrate leaves, which are sometimes heart-shaped at the 
 base, downy underneath, and three-veined. The small white flowers are in axillary pani- 
 cles and produce three-lobed capsules containing three seeds. 
 
 Description. — The root is about 30 Cm. (a foot) long, nearly cylindrical, 25 Mm. 
 (an inch) or more thick, with a knotty head and a few branches, and covered with a 
 firmly adhering rust-colored bark, which is about 2 Mm. (yL inch) thick, with some longi- 
 tudinal ridges, hard, breaks with a short granular fracture, and when cut with a knife has 
 a brown-red and waxy appearance. The wood is very tough, of a light red-brown color 
 and of a waxy lustre upon the recently-cut surface. The branches have a rather lighter- 
 colored bark and a whitish wood. The root is without odor and has a bitterish-astringent 
 taste, which is strongest in the bark. 
 
 Constituents. — Red root lias not been analyzed, but is known to contain tannin. 
 Rowman (1869) estimated the tannin of the leaves to amount to 9.21 per cent. 
 
 Other Species. — Ceanothus ovalis, Bigelow , which has narrow oval leaves, is indigenous from 
 Vermont to the Rocky Mountains. 
 
 Cean. coeruleus, Lagasca, s. C. azureus, Desfontaines , a native of Mexico, has been employed 
 there as a febrifuge. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The leaves of this plant were used during the American War 
 of Independence as a substitute for Chinese tea, and in the late Civil War it was 
 employed in the same manner, and pronounced “ a good substitute for indifferent black 
 tea.” The root is astringent, and was applied locally by the Cherokee Indians in gonor- 
 rhoea and cancer , and given internally in syphilis. A decoction of the leaves and seeds 
 has been used in xdceration of the mouth and throat, and internally in dysentery. In the 
 West Indies and Mexico it is said that a species of Ceanothus (C. reclinatus, De Candolle') 
 is used for the purposes mentioned (Bull, de Therap ., xcvii. 119). 
 
 CELASTRUS. — Stafftree-Bark. 
 
 False bittersweet , Feverticig, Staff-vine , E. ; Celastre , Fr. ; Celaster , G. 
 
 The bark of Celastrus scandens, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Celastraceae. 
 
 Origin. — The staff tree is a native of Canada, and of the United States southward 
 to North Carolina, growing in woods and thickets and twining about trees, ascending to a 
 considerable height. The leaves are alternate, ovate-oblong, acuminate, and serrate ; the 
 flowers are in small axillary racemes, greenish-white, and produce orange-colored three- 
 valved capsules containing from three to six seeds, which are covered with a scarlet-red 
 arillus. 
 
 Description. — The root-bark, which is usually preferred, is in irregular thin quills 
 or double quills, is nearly smooth, externally brown or dark orange-brown ; the outer 
 layer, which is rather tough, separates concentrically and shows another layer of a bright 
 orange-red color, which covers the white, fragile, likewise concentrically-arranged liber. 
 The internal surface is whitish and finely striate. The bark of the stem resembles the 
 root-bark, but is externally of an ash-gray or brown-gray color. It is without odor and 
 possesses a bitterish-sweet taste. The tough white wood is occasionally found adhering 
 to the bark as met with in commerce. 
 
 Constituents. — The bark has not been analyzed, but Prof. Wayne (1872) obtained 
 from it a principle in white minute crystals resembling chloral hydrate in appearance. 
 The process for obtaining this celastrin has not been published. 
 
 Action and Uses. — “ The bark has considerable reputation in domestic practice as 
 an emetic, discutient, and anti-syphilitic ; it also appears to possess some narcotic powers ” 
 (Griffith). It is popularly supposed capable of “ removing hepatic obstructions,” what- 
 ever that may mean. 
 
430 
 
 CEPHALANTHUS. -CERA. 
 
 CEPHALANTHUS.— Buttonbush. 
 
 Buttonwood , Crane willow , Swamp dogwood , E. 
 
 The bark of Cephalanthus occidentals, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rubiaceas, Cinchoneae. 
 
 Origin. — The buttonbush grows in wet places in Canada and the United States, 
 attains a height of 3 to 4.5 M. (10 to 15 feet), has ovate, acuminate, and entire leaves, 
 which are opposite or in whorls of three, and the white flowers are aggregated in dense 
 globular terminal and axillary heads. 
 
 Description. — Buttonbush-bark, as found in commerce, is in narrow curved pieces 
 25 Mm. (an inch) or more in length. The outer surface is somewhat glossy, gray-brown, 
 finely striate longitudinally, or when older covered with a scaly and fissured ash-colored 
 or brown-gray soft cork. The inner bark is white and smooth, after drying light rust- 
 brown, rather tough, and breaks with a fibrous fracture. The bark is inodorous and has 
 a slightly astringent and somewhat bitter taste. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Sarcocephalus esculentus, Afzel. — This plant is the doundake of the West 
 Coast of Africa, in the neighborhood of Senegambia and Sierra Leone. In large quantities the 
 fruit acts as an emetic. The grayish bark is used by the negroes as a febrifuge ; experiments 
 show, however, that it is a tonic astringent, and is of use in anorexia, atonic dyspepsia, and in 
 anaemia following malarial fever. 
 
 Constituents. — Examined by E. M. Hattan (1874), the bark was found to contain 
 tannin, a principle analogous to saponin, an uncrystallizable bitter principle freely soluble 
 in alcohol and water, two resins, fat, gum, glucose, and starch. A fluorescent body was 
 obtained from the precipitates occasioned by lead acetate and subacetate; it crystal- 
 lizes in needles, is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, yields a yellow precipitate with 
 lead subacetate, and has in alkaline solutions a yellow color which in reflected light 
 appears blue. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is no evidence to prove that this plant possesses medici- 
 nal virtues sufficient to entitle it to consideration. It is reputed to have been useful in 
 paralysis , coughs , and constitutional syphilis. In decoction and applied as a lotion it is 
 one of the innumerable remedies for poisoning by Rhus toxicodendron. 
 
 CERA, 77. S., Br., F. G ., F. It.— W ax. 
 
 Wachs, G. ; Cire, Fr. ; Cere , It., Sp. 
 
 The prepared honeycomb of the hive-bee or honey-bee, Apis mellifica, Linne. 
 
 Class Insecta. Order Hymenoptera. 
 
 Official Varieties. — 1. Cera flava, U. S., Br., P. G. ; Cera ,F.It.; Yellow 
 wax (Cera citrina). — Beeswax, E. ; Cere jaune, Fr. ; Gelbes Wachs, G. ; Cera virgine, 
 Cera gialla, It. ; Cera amarilla, Sp. 
 
 2. Cera alba, U. S., Br., P. G. ; White wax, E. ; Cire blanche, Fr.; Weisses 
 Wachs, G. ; Cera bianca, It. ; Cera blanca, Sp. Yellow wax bleached by exposure to 
 moisture, air, and light. 
 
 Origin. — The insect has been domesticated from an early period, and several varieties 
 are known ; but the Apis fasciata of Egypt, A. unicolor of Madagascar, and A. pal- 
 lida of South America may perhaps be all distinct species. The bees live in societies 
 called swarms , which are composed of one female or queen hee, several hundred males or 
 drones , and ten thousand or more working bees, which are females with undeveloped ovaries. 
 The wax is secreted in thin scales between the rings of the belly, and is used in the 
 construction of the hexagonal cells which form the comb and are filled with honey. 
 To obtain the wax the honey is drained off, the comb expressed, melted in water, and 
 after the impurities have subsided the wax is allowed to cool or run into suitable 
 moulds. By filtering the crude wax through paper at a sufficiently elevated tempera- 
 ture a very handsome product is obtained. Beeswax is largely produced in the United 
 States, particularly in some of the Western and Southern States, and its importation from 
 the West Indies has decreased to 6000 or 7000 pounds annually. 
 
 Wax-Bleaching . — Melted beeswax is solidified in thin ribbon-like sheets by passing it 
 over wet revolving cylinders, or it is finely granulated and then exposed to the light and 
 air, being moistened from time to time and occasionally turned. It is then remelted, and 
 the process repeated until the desired degree of whiteness has been attained. Wax 
 may also be deprived of its color by chlorine, but such a product is much inferior to 
 the sun-bleached wax. 
 
CERA. 
 
 431 
 
 Properties. — Beeswax is a solid body, having a more or less deep-yellow, or some- 
 times a brownish-yellow, color, a slight lustre, a somewhat unctuous touch, a finely 
 granular fracture, a peculiar aromatic honey-like odor, and a slight balsamic taste. Its 
 specific gravity varies between about .955 and .967, and its fusing-point between 63° and 
 64° C. (145.4°-147.2° F.). The density of wax is, according to Hager, most con- 
 veniently determined by melting a small portion, dropping it upon a slightly dampened 
 glass or porcelain tile, and immersing the solidified drops in alcohol of known density, 
 in which they must float without rising to the surface or sinking to the bottom. Wax 
 is brittle in the cold, becomes plastic by the heat of the hand, and when melted forms a 
 clear reddish-yellow liquid, which congeals with a smooth and level surface and appears 
 irregularly crystalline under the microscope. Wax is insoluble in water and slightly 
 soluble in cold alcohol, but dissolves in 300 parts of boiling alcohol, leaving only a 
 small-brownish-yellow residue, and depositing on cooling a whitish crystalline mass, 
 while the filtrate is yellowish and not rendered turbid by water. Wax is wholly soluble 
 in chloroform, ether, benzin, oil of turpentine, and other volatile oils, and in fixed oils, 
 and partially soluble in cold benzene or carbon disulphide, and completely in these liquids 
 at 25°-30° C. (77°-86° F.). According to Hager, ether dissolves only about one-half 
 of the wax at 15° C. (59° F.), and benzene or benzin about 27 per cent. On dry distilla- 
 tion wax yields an aqueous liquid, a butyraceous oil, a scaly crystalline body, and empy- 
 reumatic products, but no acrolein. 
 
 White wax is usually met with in yellowish-white thin circular cakes, which are about 
 10 Cm. (4 inches) in diameter, slightly translucent, of a somewhat splintery fracture in 
 the cold, have a specific gravity of about .965 to .975 at 15° C. (59° F.) and fuse near 
 65° C. (149° F.). Its slight odor suggests that of rancidity ; its taste is insipid. In 
 other respects it has the characteristics and answers to the tests of yellow wax. 
 
 Constituents. — Yellow wax contains some aromatic and coloring matters, which 
 vary somewhat in wax from different localities, and are destroyed by the bleaching 
 process ; they are partly dissolved by cold alcohol, together with a very small quantity 
 of cerolein , which resembles a fat in appearance. Boiling 90 per cent, alcohol dissolves 
 10 to 20 per cent, of cerin or cerotic acid, C 27 H 54 0 2 , which exists likewise in Chinese 
 wax, is crystalline, and fuses in its pure state at about 81° C. (177.8° F.). Schal- 
 feief (1876) succeeded, by fractional precipitation with lead acetate, in separating it into 
 several acids, one having the composition C 34 H 68 0 2 . Repeated boiling of wax with alcohol 
 leaves yellow myricin behind, which is myricyl-palmitate , C 30 H 61 .C 16 H 31 O 2 ; when pure it 
 forms feathery crystals, has the fusing-point at 72° C. (161.6° F.), is very sparingly 
 soluble in alcohol, more freely in ether and oil of turpentine, and is with difficulty saponi- 
 fied by boiling with concentrated solution of potassa. The principle to which bleached 
 wax owes its rancid odor has not been ascertained. 
 
 Vegetable wax is obtained in different countries from various species of Myrica, Rhus, 
 Corypha, etc. Some of them are glyceryl compounds of fatty acids, and therefore true 
 fats, but the exact composition of most of them has not been ascertained. 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The coarse adulterations with flour, white 
 lead, and similar substances are perhaps rarely practised at the present time, since they 
 are so readily detected by their insolubility in ether, chloroform, and oil of turpentine, 
 and by subsiding or mixing with hot water on fusing the wax with it. The materials 
 most frequently employed are resin, commercial stearin (the residue left on expressing 
 lard oil), suet, and similar fats, and paraffin and the closely-allied ceresin or ozokerite 
 of Gallicia. The latter, which has also been termed mineral- or earth-wax , is found in 
 nearly black masses, but is obtained in the process of purification of various shades of 
 color varying between dark-yellow and white. This and paraffin may be readily detected 
 and their quantity estimated by their stability when heated with concentrated sulphuric 
 acid, by which the beeswax is completely destroyed, while they are not affected, and 
 may be recovered nearly pure by fusing the residuary mass repeatedly with fresh portions 
 of water. If the adulterated wax be previously exhausted with light petroleum benzin, 
 which dissolves but little of the beeswax, the solution will contain the paraffin, together 
 with any fat present, and the residue left on evaporation may be treated with sulphuric 
 acid; this will destroy the fat and leave the paraffin. The determination of the specific 
 gravity and fusing-point has been recommended for detecting adulterations, paraffin and 
 tallow being lighter, while resins, stearin, Japan wax, etc. are heavier, than wax ; but 
 mixtures of the adulterants may be prepared which agree pretty well in these respects 
 with the natural product. It must also be remembered that resins, like beeswax itself, 
 are destroyed by the influence of hot sulphuric acid. But most resins and fatty acids are 
 
432 
 
 CERATA. 
 
 soluble without difficulty in cold strong alcohol, which takes up but minute quantities of 
 beeswax ; and this behavior affords a means of detecting such adulterations. Fats, how- 
 ever, are not dissolved by alcohol. With few exceptions they are readily soluble in cold 
 petroleum benzin, and their quantity may be estimated. To apply these tests the wax 
 should be cut into very thin pieces and digested for some time near the boiling-point. 
 After cooling the liquid is decanted, and will then contain fatty acids and resin should 
 alcohol have been used, or fats and paraffin if petroleum benzin should have been 
 employed as the solvent. Advantage may also be taken of the behavior of Japan wax 
 and other fats to form a milky emulsion on being boiled with an aqueous solution of 
 borax, from which on cooling pure wax separates completely. When melted wax is 
 allowed to congeal without being disturbed, it presents a level surface, but the surface of 
 paraffin is concave ; and A. W. Miller (1874) has observed this distinctly even in mixtures 
 of pure wax and paraffin ; the translucent appearance of the latter is even noticed on the 
 edges of the mixture, while pure yellow wax is almost opaque. Another perhaps still more 
 deceptive fraud has been practised in coating adulterated with a thin layer of pure wax 
 of the same color ; and completely artificial wax has been made (1876) by fusing together 
 rosin and paraffin or rosin, soap, and stearic acid ; the solubility in cold strong alcohol, 
 and in the former case the indestructibility of the undissolved portion by hot sulphuric 
 acid, serve to detect these frauds. The admixture of fats may also be detected by the 
 acrid odor of the vapors given off on throwing the suspected wax upon red-hot charcoal. 
 (See paper on white wax and its adulterations by Prof. Bedford in Proc. Amer. Phar. 
 Assoc., 1877, p. 444.) 
 
 Tests. — If 1 Gm. of wax be boiled for half an hour with 35 Cc. of a 15 per cent, 
 solution of sodium hydroxide, the volume being preserved by the occasional addition of 
 water, the wax should separate on cooling, without rendering the liquid opaque, and no 
 precipitate should be produced in the filtered liquid by hydrochloric acid (absence of fats 
 or fatty acids, Japan wax, resin) ; nor should the same reagent produce a precipitate in 
 water which has been boiled with a portion of the wax (absence of soap). If 5 Gm. of 
 wax be heated in a flask for fifteen minutes with 25 Cc. of sulphuric acid to 160° C. 
 (320° F.), and the mixture diluted with water, no solid, wax-like body should separate 
 (absence of paraffin). If wax be ignited on platinum, it should not emit the odor of 
 acrolein (absence of tallow and other fats).— TJ. S. If 1 Gm. of wax be boiled for a 
 quarter of an hour with 10 Cc. of water and 3 Gm. of sodium carbonate, and cooled, the 
 wax must congeal on the surface of the liquid, and the latter must not appear turbid 
 (Japan wax, resin, stearic acid). — P. G. Boiling alcohol dissolves more or less of wax, 
 leaving a yellow residue, 1 part of which should be entirely soluble in 10 parts of chlo- 
 roform (absence of starch, mineral substances, etc.). On cooling the alcoholic solution, 
 the wax should be precipitated in the form of a white crystalline magma, and after cool- 
 ing the solution to 15° C. (59° F.) the almost colorless filtered liquid should become 
 only opalescent with water, and should have at most only a slight acid reaction on blue 
 litmus-paper (absence of curcuma or other yellow coloring-matters, stearic acid, and 
 resins). — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Wax is simply a protective. Its use in ancient times as a 
 remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery was doubtless due to this property. Quite recently 
 it has been similarly employed. Propolis , a resinous matter with which bees cover the 
 bottom of their hives, has been used for the same purpose. Until the introduction of 
 caoutchouc, wax was generally employed for preparing impermeable tissues, and in the 
 treatment of rheumatism , gout , neuralgia , and other local diseases to protect the affected 
 parts from cold and favor cutaneous transpiration. 
 
 CERATA. — Cerates. 
 
 Cerats , Cereoles , Elseocereoles , Fr. ; Cerate , Wachssalben , G. 
 
 The term cerate is applied to a class of unctuous preparations which in consistence are 
 about intermediate between ointments and plasters, sufficiently soft to be spread at the 
 ordinary temperature, and at the same time firm enough to adhere to the skin without 
 melting. They are composed of wax, united with a fatty or oleoresinous substance, and to 
 obtain them of proper consistence 2 parts of wax require about 3 parts of fixed oil, 4 
 parts of lard, or 1 part of soft turpentine. In preparing cerates the wax or resin should 
 be melted first by the aid of a water-bath or otherwise carefully-regulated heat. When 
 thoroughly melted, the warm oil or lard should be added in quantities small enough not 
 
CERA TUM.—CERA TUM CA MPIIOR/E. 
 
 433 
 
 to congeal the melted portion, and after all the ingredients have been liquefied and the 
 vessel removed from the fire the mass should be well stirred or beaten with a spatula, to 
 prevent the partial separation of the least fusible substances and ensure the perfect 
 homogeneousness of the preparation. It is well to continue this manipulation until the 
 temperature has been reduced to that of the room, but artificial refrigeration should not 
 be applied until after the mass has thickened, and then only if vigorous stirring (or, better 
 still, trituration) is kept up. With this in view, the soft cerate may be transferred to a 
 mortar previously warmed by hot water, or the whole process may be completed in a well- 
 enamelled iron vessel with a rounded bottom if a pestle fitting the curve of the latter be 
 used. Straining is best avoided, and all the materials should therefore be free from dust 
 and other foreign bodies. Powders, cantharides excepted, are gradually added while the 
 cerate is merely soft enough to permit the whole to be uniformly mixed, and liquids 
 should be previously warmed to 40° or 45° C. (about 110° F.). In dispensing cerates 
 with extracts the latter should be previously rubbed with water in a warm mortar to a 
 uniform thin paste, which should then be mixed with the cerate, added in small portions 
 until the extract has been thoroughly incorporated ; the remaining cerate may then be 
 added in larger quantities. 
 
 Cerates should be kept in a cool place, where the temperature is not likely to rise much 
 above 15° C. (59° F.), but even then those made with white wax, owing to its incipient 
 rancidity, are liable to become rancid, while such as contain yellow wax keep unaltered 
 for a much longer period. Some cerates, which are sufficiently firm, may be conveniently 
 kept and dispensed in the form of square cakes, which are easily made by pouring the 
 fused and nearly cool cerate into square moulds made of oiled or paraffin-paper and placed 
 upon a flat slab. After the cerate has solidified it is without difficulty removed from the 
 paper and cut into smaller pieces of any desired size or weight. 
 
 The name steatina, steatins, has been suggested by Mielck (1881) for a class of prep- 
 arations which are of about the same consistence as cerates, but the base of which is 
 suet, combined with either expressed oil of nutmeg, with wax, or with lead plaster 
 deprived of glycerin and water. 
 
 CERATUM, U. S . — Cerate. 
 
 Ceratum simplex , U. S. 1850 ; Ceratum adipis , U. S. 1860 ; Unguentum cereum , F. G. 
 — Simple (lard) cerate , E. ; Cerat simple , Fr. ; Einf aches Cerat , Wachssalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — White Wax 300 Gm.; Lard 700 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Melt 
 them together, and stir the mixture constantly until cool. — U. S. 
 
 If 3 ozs. of white wax and 7 ozs. of lard be used, the official proportions will be pre- 
 served. The simple cerate of the French Codex is composed of 1 part of white wax to 
 3 parts of expressed oil of almonds, and the wax ointment, P. G., of 3 parts of yellow 
 wax to 7 parts of olive oil. 
 
 CERATUM CAMPHORS, V. S.— Camphor Cerate. 
 
 Unguentum ( Pomatum , F. Cod.) camphor atum. — Pommade camphree, Fr. ; Kampfer- 
 salbe , G. ; Cerata alcan/orada, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Camphor Liniment, 100 Gm. ; White Wax, 300 Gm.; Lard, 600 
 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Melt the white wax and lard with the aid of gentle heat ; then 
 add the camphor liniment and stir the mixture occasionally until it has become cold. — 
 
 V S. 
 
 If 3 ounces of white wax, 6 ounces of lard, and 1 ounce of camphor liniment be used 
 in place of the prescribed metric weights, the proportions will not he changed. 
 
 Melt at a moderate heat white wax 1 part and lard 9 parts ; add powdered camphor 3 
 parts, and stir until the camphor is dissolved and until the ointment becomes cool. — 
 F. Cod. 
 
 The consistence of the camphor cerate, U. S. P., is softer than that of most other 
 cerates. The camphor pommade of the French Codex contains 12 per cent, of camphor, 
 but the cerate of the U. S. P. only 2 per cent. ; it was made so weak solely for the pur- 
 pose of preparing the ceratum plumbi subacetatis extemporaneously. 
 
 Ceratum Camphors Compositum, N. F. — Compound Camphor Cerate, Camphor 
 Ice. — Take of camphor in coarse powder 1£ troyounces, white wax 2 troyounces, castor 
 oil 4 troyounces, spermaceti 7 troyounces, carbolic acid, liquefied by warming, 10 min- 
 ims, oil of bitter almond 6 minims, benzoic acid 60 grains. Melt the wax and sperma,- 
 28 
 
434 
 
 CERATUM CANTHARIDIS. 
 
 ceti on a water-bath, add the castor oil, and afterward the camphor, and continue heating 
 and stirring until the camphor is dissolved. Withdraw the heat, cover the vessel, and 
 when the mixture has somewhat cooled add the remaining ingredients and thoroughly 
 incorporate them by stirring. Lastly, pour the cerate into suitable moulds. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The only active ingredient of this apparently superfluous 
 preparation is camphor. If intended as an antipruriginous application, it is no better 
 than camphorated oil. If proposed as an anodyne, it is vastly inferior to the ancient 
 opodeldoc, which, it appears to us, should not have been laid aside. 
 
 CERATUM CANTHARIDIS, U. ^.-Cantharides Cerate. 
 
 Emplastrum cantharidis , Br. ; Emplastrum vesicans , F. Cod ; Emplastrum cantharidum 
 ordinarium , P. G. ; Emplastrum epispasticum s. vesicatorium. — Blistering cerate or plaster , 
 
 E. ; Empldtre de cantharules , Empldtre vesicatoire , Fr. ; Spanischfliegen-Pjlasfer, Blasen- 
 pjlaster , G. ; Pomatum di cantaridi , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Cantharides in No. 60 powder 320 Gm. ; Yellow Wax 180 Gm.j 
 Resin 180 Gm. ; Lard 220 Gm. Oil of Turpentine 150 Cc. ; to make 1000 Gm. 
 Moisten the cantharides with the oil of turpentine, and set the mixture aside, well 
 covered, for forty-eight hours. Then add it to the yellow wax, resin, and lard, pre- 
 viously melted and strained through muslin, and keep the mixture in a liquid condition 
 by means of a water-bath, stirring occasionally until its weight has been reduced to 1000 
 Gm. Then remove it from the bath and stir it occasionally until it is cool. — U S. 
 
 If avoirdupois weight is more convenient, the following quantities should be used : 
 Cantharides in No. 60 powder 4 ounces, yellow wax 2? ounces, resin 21 ounces, lard 2f 
 ounces, oil of turpentine 2 fluidounces ; to make 121 av. ounces. 
 
 Take of Cantharides in powder 12 ounces; Yellow Wax, Prepared Suet, each 71 
 ounces ; Prepared Lard 6 ounces ; Resin 3 ounces. Liquefy the wax, suet, and the lard 
 together by a water-bath, and add the resin, previously melted; then introduce the can- 
 tharides, mix the whole thoroughly, and continue to stir the mixture while it is allowed 
 to cool. — Br. 
 
 The object of previous treatment of the cantharides with oil of turpentine is to facil- 
 itate the subsequent solution of cantharidin in the fats, as oil of turpentine is known to 
 exert a ready solvent effect upon the active blistering agent. The process of the U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia always ensures an effectual blistering cerate, provided the cantharides are 
 of good quality. It is important that the heat be not raised above 100° C. (212° F.), 
 since cantharidin would volatilize with the watery vapors extricated from the powder, 
 and, while weakening the cerate, vesication of the operator’s face and hands would be 
 apt to occur. Dragendorff (1872) recommended a process for increasing the efficacy of 
 the cerate by treating the powdered cantharides first with solution of potassa or soda, 
 heating the mixture in a water-bath for half an hour, supersaturating with hydrochloric 
 acid, drying rapidly in a water-bath, and powdering the residue. Rother (1872) obtained 
 by this process an ineffectual preparation, unless the powder was finally kept moist for 
 several days with chloroform or oil of turpentine, whereby, however, the activity of 
 cantharides powder was likewise increased. II. G. Greenish (1880) again recommended 
 the process. 
 
 The blistering cerate of the U. S. P. contains 32 per cent., that of the Br. P. and 
 
 F. Cod. 331 per cent., and that of the P. G. 25 per cent, of powdered cantharides. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — The following preparations are occasionally used : 
 
 Ceratum extracti cantharidis, U . S . 1880 ; Cerate of extract of cantharides, E . ; C£rat 
 d’extrait de cantharides, Fr. ; Cantharidenextract-Cerat, G. — Cantharides, in No. 60 powder, 
 30 parts (6 oz. av.) ; Resin 15 parts (3 oz. av.) ; Yellow Wax 35 parts (7 oz. av.) ; Lard 35 parts 
 (7 oz. av.) ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity. Moisten the cantharides with 18 parts (3f oz. av. or 
 4f fluidounces) of alcohol, and pack firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then gradually pour on 
 alcohol until 180 parts (36 oz. av., or nearly 2J pints) of percolate are obtained, or until the 
 cantharides are exhausted. Distil off the alcohol by means of a water-bath, transfer the residue 
 to a tarred capsule, and evaporate it on a water-bath until it weighs 1 5 parts (3 oz. av.). Add to 
 this the resin, wax, and lard, previously melted together, and keep the whole at a temperature 
 of 100° C. (212° F.) for fifteen minutes. Lastly, strain the mixture through muslin and stir it 
 constantly until cool. 
 
 This was proposed by W. R. Warner (1860). The cantharidin is completely extracted by the 
 alcohol, and again dissolved from the resulting soft extract by the lard, the solution in the latter 
 being facilitated by the prolonged digestion. A quantity of blackish extractive matter, insolu- 
 ble in fats, separates, and is removed by straining. The finished cerate is of a yellow or 
 greenish-yellow color. 
 
CERATUM CETACEI. — CERATUM PLUMB I SUB ACE TATIS. 
 
 435 
 
 Camphorated cantharides plastei *, E. ; Vtsicatoire camphree, Fr. — It is made by diffusing 
 upon the surface of the spread cerate a concentrated solution of camphor in ether or 
 chloroform. As either solvent evaporates readily, a thin film of finely-divided camphor 
 is left behind. 
 
 Vesicating cloth or taffetas , E. ; Sparadrap ( Toile , Taffetas) vesicant , Fr. — Melt together 100 
 parts each of purified elemi and resin, 375 of yellow wax, 225 of basilicon ointment, and 40 of 
 olive oil ; add 420 parts of finely-powdered cantharides and spread the mass over waxed cloth. 
 Dubuisson proposed a substitute for this, made by forming a thick solution of 1 part of gelatin 
 in sufficient water, adding 4 parts of hydro-alcoholic extract of cantharides, and applying three 
 layers of the mixture upon waxed cloth, allowing each one to dry before the next is applied. 
 
 Various proprietary articles of a similar nature are in the market ; but the above, in addition 
 to blistering-paper (see Ciiarta Epispastica), will probably meet all necessities. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cantharides cerate forms the most usual blistering plaster. 
 Its mode of action and remedial application are sufficiently explained under Cantharis. 
 The other preparations described are used, the first under the impression that it tends to 
 prevent strangury ; and the second because it is convenient for applying to limited and 
 uneven surfaces. 
 
 CERATUM CETACEI, U. S. — Spermaceti Cerate. 
 
 Emplastrum spermatis ceti, Ceratum labiale album . — Cerat de blanc de baleine, Onguent 
 blanc , Fr. ; Walrat- Cerat, G. ; Cerato de Bell, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Spermaceti 100 Gm. ; White Wax 350 Gm. ; Olive Oil 550 Gm. ; 
 to make 1000 Gm. Melt together the spermaceti and wax ; then add the olive oil, pre- 
 viously heated, and stir the mixture constantly until cool. — U. S. 
 
 If 1 ounce of spermaceti, 31 ounces of white wax, and 51 ounces of olive oil be used, 
 the official proportions will not be disturbed. 
 
 It should be white and free from rancidity. The preparation of the P. G. 1872 was 
 similar, but firmer, so as to form a convenient application to chapped hands and lips. For 
 the latter purpose it is usually colored red by carmine or by previously steeping some 
 alkanet-root in the oil and scenting it with some volatile oil. 
 
 The following preparations are used for similar purposes : 
 
 Ceratum rosatum, F. Cod. — Rose cerate, Lip salve, F . ; Cerat a la rose, Pommade 
 pour les levres, Fr. ; Lippenpomade, G. — Melt together at a moderate heat white wax 50 
 Gm. and expressed oil of almond 100 Gm. ; when partly cooled add carmine 0.5 Gm. pre- 
 viously rubbed up with a little of the oil ; stir well, and finally add essential oil of rose 
 0.5 Gm. — F. Cod. , 
 
 Medicated cacao-butter. — Melt together 4 ounces of yellow wax and 28 ounces of 
 cacao butter ; add 1 drachm each of balsam of Peru and benzoic acid. Mix and pour 
 into moulds (Ferris Bringhurst, 1867). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Spermaceti cerate forms a very bland dressing for blisters , 
 superficial abrasions , and ulcers after their primary stage. It is less apt than simple oint- 
 ment to grow rancid. Camphor ice and medicated cacao-butter are very useful both in 
 preventing and in curing chilblains. 
 
 CERATUM PLUMBI SUBACETATIS, U. S.— Cerate of Lead Sub- 
 acetate. 
 
 Unguentum glycerini plumbi subacetatis, Br. ; Unguentum plumbi, P. G. ; Ceratum cum 
 subacetate plumbico , F. Cod. — Goulard's cerate , Ointment of glycerin of lead subacetate, 
 E. ; Cerat de saturne, C. saturne , C. de Goulard , Fr. ; Blcisalbe, Bleicerat, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Lead Subacetate 200 Gm. ; Camphor Cerate 800 Gm. ; to 
 make 1000 Gm. Mix them thoroughly. This cerate should be freshly prepared when 
 wanted for use. — U. S. 
 
 Goulard’s cerate may be conveniently prepared by mixing 120 grains (100 minims) of 
 solution of lead subacetate with one troyounce of camphor cerate. 
 
 The preparations of the Br. and Germ. Pharmacopoeias are less liable to spoil, owing 
 to the entire absence of fat ; the former is made by adding 3 parts of glycerin of lead 
 subacetate to a previously melted mixture of 4 parts of hard paraffin and 12 parts of 
 of soft paraffin ; the latter consists of a mixture of 2 parts of solution of lead subace- 
 tate, sp. gr. 1.240, and 19 parts of paraffin ointment. 
 
 The official formula will yield an unobjectionable preparation, provided the camphor 
 cerate is free from rancidity, but it should never, to avoid deterioration, be made up in 
 large quantities. 
 
436 
 
 CERATUM RESIN2E. — CERE VISIJE FERMENTTJM. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This cerate is astringent and protective, and is employed to 
 promote the healing of suppurating surfaces, such as excoriations , blisters , ulcers , etc. It 
 is objectionable from its tendency to become rancid, and therefore irritating; and it must 
 he cautiously applied upon extensive raw surfaces, lest it cause lead-poisoning. 
 
 CERATUM RESINJE, TJ. S . — Resin Cerate. 
 
 TJnguentum resinse , Br. ; Unguentum. basilicum , P. G. ; Unguentum tetrapharmacum. — 
 Ointment of resin , Basilicon ointment , E. ; Cerat de resine anglais , Onguent basilicum,, Fr.; 
 Harzsalbe , Konigssalbe , Zugsalbe, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Resin 350 6m. ; Yellow Wax 150 6m.; Lard 500 Gm. ; to make 
 1000 Gm. Melt them together at a moderate heat, strain the mixture through muslin, 
 and allow it to cool without stirring. — U. S. 
 
 If 7 ounces of resin, 3 ounces of yellow wax, and 10 ounces of lard he melted together, 
 the official proportions will be preserved. 
 
 Take of Resin in coarse powder 8 ounces; Yellow Wax 4 ounces; Simple Ointment 16 
 ounces ; Almond oil 2 fluidounces. Melt with a gentle heat, strain the mixture while 
 hot through flannel, and stir constantly while it cools. — Br. 
 
 The impurities always present in the resin necessitate the straining of this and the fol- 
 lowing cerate. By melting and straining the resin alone the purified resin may be kept 
 on hand and subsequent straining avoided. The formulae of the French and German 
 Pharmacopoeias differ considerably from the foregoing, the former ordering black pitch, 
 the latter turpentine, among the ingredients. 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Ceratum resins compositum, U . S . 1870. — Compound resin cerate, 
 Deshler’s salve, E . — Take of resin, suet, yellow wax, each 12 troy ounces ; turpentine 6 troy- 
 ounces, flaxseed oil 7 troyounces. Melt them together, strain the mixture through muslin, 
 and stir it constantly until cool. 
 
 This cerate, which was recognized by the U. S. P. until 1880, gradually becomes tough in con- 
 sequence of the oxidation of the flaxseed oil — an alteration prevented by substituting for the 
 flaxseed oil either a non-drying oil or paraffin oil, as suggested by S. A. D. Sheppard (1878). 
 
 Action, and Uses. — Resin cerate is one of the most common and useful of the 
 dressings employed for slowly-healing and indolent sores, particularly when they have 
 followed a local shock, such as a burn or scald produces. 
 
 Compound resin cerate is rendered more stimulant than resin cerate by the turpentine 
 it contains, and may be applied where that preparation appears to act too feebly. 
 
 CERATUM SABINiE.— Savine Cerate. 
 
 Unguentum sabinse, Br. — Ointment of savin, E. ; Cerat de sabine , Fr. ; Sadebaum- 
 salbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Savin 25 parts (5 oz.) ; Resin Cerate 90 parts 
 (18 oz.). Melt the resin cerate by means of a water-bath, add the fluid extract of savin, 
 and continue the heat until the alcohol has evaporated ; then remove the heat and stir 
 constantly until cool. — U. S. 1880. 
 
 Take of Fresh Savin Tops, bruised, 8 ounces; Yellow Wax 3 ounces; Benzoated Lard 
 16 ounces. Melt the lard and the wax together on a water-bath, add the savin, and 
 digest for twenty minutes. Then remove the mixture and express through calico. — Br. 
 
 Of the two preparations, we prefer the first, which was first suggested by Prof. 
 Grahame (1858), and which contains all the soluble principles of savin. It is difficult to 
 imagine that the brief digestion of the fresh savin ordered by the second formula should 
 extract enough of the principles to render the cerate equally efficient. Both are, how- 
 ever, in point of elegance, improvements over the old method of incorporating the 
 powder. 
 
 Action and Uses. - It is used exclusively as a stimulant of suppurating surfaces, 
 whose discharges it tends to increase. Hence it is applied to prolong the discharge from 
 issues, setons, and blisters, and has the advantage over preparations of cantharides that it 
 does not tend to occasion strangury. Its application produces a white pellicle of coagu- 
 lable lymph, which should be from time to time removed, lest the part heal prematurely. 
 
 CEREVISLE FERMENTUM, Br.— Beer Yeast. 
 
 Yeast, Brewer' s yeast, E. ; Lev are de biere, Fr. ; Bierhefe, G. ; Levadura de cerveza , Sp. 
 
 The ferment obtained in brewing beer. 
 
CEREVISIM FEUMENTUM. 
 
 437 
 
 Origin and Description. — It has been previously stated (see Alcohol) that alco- 
 holic fermentation depends upon the development of a minute fungoid vegetable, Sac- 
 charomyces cerevisise, Schwann et Meyen , which has also 
 been named Torula (Cryptococcus, Kutzing , s. Hormiscium, 
 
 Bail ) cerevisise, Turpin. Leuwenhoek (1680) noticed 
 already, under the microscope, the spherical granules in 
 yeast, but their nature as vegetable organisms was not rec- 
 ognized until after 1820. Persoon, Desmazieres, Kutzing, 
 and others determined their unicellular condition ; Latour 
 observed their budding ; and Schwann studied their devel- 
 opment. Besides the one named above, Reess (1870) has 
 distinguished a number of other forms which are met with 
 in fermenting liquids only under certain conditions. The 
 possible vegetation of these organisms in the absence of 
 free oxygen seems to have been proven, but the exact con- 
 ditions have not been determined. 
 
 There are two varieties of brewer’s yeast — the upper or top yeast , and the lower or bottom 
 yeast ( Oberhefe and Unterhefe of the Germans). The former is the kind most generally 
 met with in the United States, and is a viscid, semi-fluid, frothy mass of a peculiar odor 
 and bitter taste, and containing oval or globular microscopic cells from which smaller 
 ones are developed by budding ; it appears upon the surface of the fermenting liquid, 
 kept at a temperature ranging between about 15° and 20° C. (59° and 68° F.). But 
 wort fermented with top yeast at a temperature near or below 10° C. (50° F.) will pro- 
 duce both top and bottom yeast, the latter being solely reproduced by the fermentation 
 from below (Untergahrung, G.) at a temperature of about 9° C. (48° F.) and less. It 
 consists of various-sized cells, differing from those of the top yeast in not having any small 
 cells attached, and appears to be reproduced from isolated spores instead of by budding. 
 The cell-membrane consists of a kind of cellulose, and encloses protein compounds. 
 
 At a temperature less than 5° C. (41° F.) the yeast-plant ceases to vegetate, but it 
 may be exposed to a cold of — 60° C. ( — 76° F.) without being killed. At an elevated 
 temperature of 75° C. (167° F.), and above it loses its vitality unless water be absent, 
 when it will not be destroyed by a temperature of 100° C. (212° F.) or more. On remov- 
 ing most of the water by pressure the dry yeast of commerce is obtained, which may be 
 kept in this condition without material alteration. Vienna yeast is the same article, and 
 is stated by Dr. Yigla (1871) to be made by fermenting a wort obtained from a mixture 
 of maize and rye with barley malt, skimming off the froth, draining, and subjecting it to 
 pressure. So-called artificial or patent yeast is either made of flour dough with the addi- 
 tion of a little yeast, or of an infusion of hops to which malt is subsequently added. 
 Soxhlet and Pasteur (1876) proved that the only effect of hops, when thus used, is to 
 impart some bitterness to the mass and somewhat delay the spoiling of the product. 
 
 When yeast is added to a solution of pure sugar, active fermentation takes place, the 
 yeast being gradually rendered inert, but in the presence of albuminous matters in the 
 saccharine liquid the yeast-plant is continually reproduced and augmented. 
 
 Some investigators have assumed the presence in yeast of a peculiar fermenting prin- 
 ciple, inverting which is prepared by Barth (1878) by expressing the water from yeast, 
 drying it completely, heating for six hours to between 100° and 105° C. (212° and 
 221° F.), macerating with water at 40° C. (122° F.), and pouring the filtrate into six 
 times its bulk of alcohol. The precipitate consists of the ferment and albumen, of which 
 the latter is rendered insoluble by prolonged treatment with strong alcohol. Invertin is 
 then dissolved by water, the solution precipitated by alcohol, and the precipitate dried, 
 when it constitutes a brown horn-like mass, which is reduced to powder with difficulty. 
 
 Medical Uses. — As a topical remedy yeast has been spoken of under Cataplasma 
 Fermenti. It is generally described as nutritive and antiseptic when used internally. 
 The former it can be only in a slight degree, from the fermented malt liquor which may 
 he mixed with it. It is antiseptic through the carbonic acid which it evolves. There 
 is no doubt that it has appeared to be serviceable in the typhoid states of febrile diseases, 
 and that it really is so when applied as a dressing to gangrenous and phagadenic sores , 
 whose fetor it corrects while it stimulates the nutritive processes in the affected tissues. 
 That its action is stimulant is shown by the pain it sometimes causes and by its pop- 
 ular use in the treatment of recent bruises. Through its carbonic acid it must also be 
 anodyne. The power of yeast to convert starch directly into alcohol has been invoked in 
 the treatment of diabetes , and in a few cases has caused the total disappearance of sugar 
 
438 
 
 CERII OXALAS. 
 
 from the urine. Some patients show signs of alcoholic intoxication while undergoing this 
 treatment. The yeast may be given in doses of Gm. 32 (2 tablespoonfuls) immediately 
 before meals. It has also been used in scurvy , purpura , dysentery , infantile diarrhoea , and 
 diphtheria ( Centralbl. f Therap ., vii. 90). 
 
 CERII OXALAS, TJ. S . 9 Hr. — Cerium Oxalate. 
 
 Cerium oxalicum , Oxalas cericus . — Oxalate de cerium , Fr. ; Oxalsaures Ceroxydul , 
 Ceroxalat, G. 
 
 Formula Ce 2 (C 2 0 4 ) 3 .9H 2 0. Molecular weight 704.78. 
 
 Origin. — The metal cerium was discovered in 1803 in a Swedish mineral simul- 
 taneously by Klaproth and by Berzelius and Hisinger. The last-named chemists called 
 the mineral cerite , after the planet Ceres, then recently discovered, and the metal cerium. 
 Mosander (1839 and 1840) observed in the supposed pure cerium oxide the oxides of 
 ;two other hitherto unknown metals, which received the names of lanthanum and didymium. 
 The three metals exist together as silicates in the cerite and allanite, thedatter mineral 
 being found in Scandinavia and in the States of New York and Pennsylvania. Mendel- 
 ejeff (1870) first showed the atomicity of cerium in ceric compounds to be quadrivalent 
 = C IV , and in cerous compounds trivalent = Ce m ; its atomic weight was afterward 
 determined to be 139.9. 
 
 Preparation. — To obtain cerium oxalate F. F. Mayer (1860) recommended the 
 following process : The powdered mineral is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid to 
 decompose the silicates, the dry mass ignited, then dissolved in dilute nitric acid, and 
 treated with hydrogen sulphide to remove copper, etc. A little hydrochloric acid is 
 added to prevent the precipitation of calcium salt, and the cerite metals are precipitated 
 as oxalates by oxalic acid. The precipitate is mixed with magnesium carbonate, the 
 mixture calcined to decompose the oxalates, the residue dissolved in a small portion of 
 concentrated nitric acid, and the solution thrown into a large quantity of water contain- 
 ing about | per cent, of sulphuric acid. Lanthanum and didymium remain in solution, 
 together with the magnesium and a little cerium, most of which is precipitated as yellow 
 ceric sulphate ; the latter is dissolved in sulphuric acid and reduced to cerous sulphate by 
 sodium thiosulphate, when the oxalate may be precipitated by oxalic acid. Ouvrard 
 has succeeded in freeing cerium entirely from lanthanum and didymium by fusing the 
 nitrates with ten times their weight of saltpetre. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Cerium oxalate is a white granular, inodorous, and taste- 
 less powder, permanent in the air, insoluble in the simple solvents, but soluble in diluted 
 sulphuric and hydrochloric acids without effervescence (absence of carbonates) ; and this 
 solution is not precipitated or colored by hydrogen sulphide (absence of heavy metals). 
 “ When heated to redness it is decomposed, leaving a residue of reddish-yellow ceric 
 oxide (a brown color would indicate the presence of didymium). On boiling the salt 
 with potassium hydroxide test-solution, white cerous hydroxide is left as insoluble residue, 
 while in the filtrate, supersaturated with acetic acid, calcium chloride test-solution will 
 produce a white precipitate insoluble in acetic, but soluble in hydrochloric, acid. If the 
 yellow residue left after heating be dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid, and a small 
 crystal of strychnine added, a deep-blue color appears, which rapidly changes to purple 
 and then to red. From the solution in diluted hydrochloric or sulphuric acid potassium 
 hydroxide test-solution precipitates white cerous hydroxide, which does not redissolve in an 
 excess of the reagent, and gradually turns yellow in contact with air. Ammonium car- 
 bonate test-solution precipitates white cerous carbonate, which is somewhat soluble in an 
 excess of the reagent. If 0.1 Gm. of cerium oxalate be dissolved in 1 Cc. of sulphuric 
 acid, and 2 Cc. of potassium sulphate test-solution be added, small, colorless crystals of 
 cerium potassium sulphate will be deposited after some time. On boiling the salt with 
 potassium hydroxide test-solution and filtering, no precipitate should be produced in the 
 filtrate either by ammonium chloride test-solution (absence of aluminum) or by ammo- 
 nium sulphide test-solution (absence of zinc }.” — U iS. When incinerated 10 grains 
 lose 5.2 grains in weight. — Br. 
 
 Other Salts of Cerium. — C erii carbonas, Ce 2 (C0 3 ) 3 .9H 2 0 (mol. weight 620.99), is prepared by 
 precipitating cerous sulphate (see above) with ammonium carbonate. The white flocculent pre- 
 cipitate changes to scales of a silvery lustre, which are insoluble in water and contain 52.4 per 
 cent, of cerous oxide and 26.2 per cent, of water of crystallizatiou. 
 
 Cerii bromidum. On dissolving cerous carbonate in hydrobromic acid and evaporating the 
 solution, Bullock (1871) obtained a chocolate-colored, sweet, styptic mass which is freely soluble 
 in alcohol, but leaves an insoluble residue of cerous compound on treatment with water. Cerium 
 
CETACEUM. 
 
 439 
 
 chloride and iodide are likewise readily decomposed, the former becoming yellow, the latter 
 brown, on exposure to the air. 
 
 Cerii nitras, Ce(N0 3 ) 3 .6H 2 0 (mol. weight 433.51). It is conveniently made by the mutual 
 decomposition of cerous sulphate and barium nitrate, and filtering the cerous nitrate from the 
 insoluble barium sulphate. The salt is very deliquescent, crystallizes in colorless prisms or scales, 
 contains 37.9 per cent, of cerous oxide, and is freely soluble in water and alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oxalate of cerium was presumed to be a sedative of dis- 
 ordered nervous action, because it seemed to be an efficient remedy for the vomiting of 
 pregnancy. Valerianate of cerium has been successfully employed by Blondeau for the 
 same disorder (Bull, de Soc. de. Therapy 1884, p. 59). It has less frequently been used 
 for vomiting due to irritable conditions of the stomach itself. This statement has been 
 amply confirmed by general experience since it was first made. In proportion as vomit- 
 ing is of reflex origin it is under the control of this medicine. This explanation is sug- 
 gested also by its alleged efficacy in sea-sickness. Gardner, and also Waldron (Med. 
 Record , xxxiii. 608, 704) found that in doses of Gm. 0.6-1.20 (10 to 20 grs) it 
 controlled the vomiting. It is far less efficient, or fails altogether, when the symptom 
 is the result of material gastric disease, such as simple or cancerous ulcer, or the wast- 
 ing of the mucous membrane which sometimes causes habitual vomiting in advanced 
 phthisis. Many cases designated as “ dyspepsia ” present material lesions of the stomach, 
 and in these oxalate of cerium is as useless as bismuth is useful ; the one generally fails, 
 the other usually succeeds, in relieving the irritability of the organ. Some have even 
 attributed to it curative virtues in epilepsy and chorea, but experience has not confirmed 
 these statements. In 1880 (Med. Record , xvii. 492, 664) attention was drawn to this 
 preparation as an efficient palliative of the cough of phthisis. It was represented, how- 
 ever, to be by no means uniform in its effects, and as soon losing its primary control 
 over the symptom. It was thought to have over other cough medicines the advantage 
 of not deranging the digestion. It was administered in 10-grain, and even in 20-grain, 
 doses, without injury, and some specimens of it were found to be quite inert. It has 
 also been used in chronic bronchitis or asthma , in neither of which can it be recommended. 
 It may be prescribed in doses of from Gm. 0.05-0.20 (gr. j — iv) three times a day, but 
 if these doses prove inoperative they may be increased even to twice or thrice as much. 
 It may be given in pill or in powder, the latter being preferable. Simpson, who first 
 used the preparations of cerium in medicine, regarded the oxalate as “ almost a specific 
 in choreaf and the nitrate as a nervine tonic “ useful in chronic intestinal eruption, irri- 
 table dyspepsia with gastrodynia and pyrosis, and chronic vomiting generally, as well as 
 in that of pregnancy. The dose is the same as that of the oxalate.” 
 
 CETACEUM, U. S., Br., B. G.— Spermaceti. 
 
 Spermaceti. — Spermaceti , Fr., G. ; Blanc de baleine , Cetine , Ambre blanc , Fr.; Walrat , G.; 
 Cetina , Bianco di balena , It. ; Esperma de ballena, , Sp. 
 
 Nearly pure cetin, obtained from the head of the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, 
 Linne. 
 
 Class Mammalia. Order Cetacea. Family Physeteridac. 
 
 Origin. — The sperm whale, or great-headed cachalot, is principally met with in the 
 Pacific and Indian Oceans and the seas of Australia. It is 15 to 21 M. (50 to 70 feet) 
 long, with a head fully one-third of its entire length and correspondingly thick. Anterior 
 to the cranium the upper jaw has a large cavity containing an oily liquid, which is 
 removed with buckets soon after the animal has been killed, and then congeals into a yel- 
 low mass. This is drained in suitable bags, and then strongly expressed to remove the 
 oil ; the pressed cake is purified by melting it in water, skimming off the impurities, 
 boiling with weak potassa solution, and washing with water ; it is finally allowed to con- 
 geal. 
 
 Description. — Spermaceti is in white, translucent, scaly-crystalline masses somewhat 
 unctuous to the touch, of a slight fatty odor, a mild bland taste, a laminated pearly frac- 
 ture, and of a neutral reaction. Its specific gravity is 0.943 (0.945, U. S.) at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), melts near 50° C. (122° F.) (between 50° and 54° C., P. G.) to a clear and 
 nearly colorless liquid, and congeals at about 45° C. (113° F.). It contains variable but 
 small quantities of oil, which causes spermaceti to become yellowish on exposure to air 
 and to acquire a rancid odor and acid reaction. It is insoluble in water and nearly so 
 in cold alcohol, is slightly soluble in cold benzin and benzene, but dissolves in chloro- 
 form, ether, carbon disulphide, warm methyl and ethyl alcohol, and in fixed and volatile 
 oils. On dry distillation an oily liquid, a solid fatty compound, and various gases and 
 
440 
 
 CETRARIA. 
 
 volatile acids are obtained. Spermaceti is readily inflammable, and burns with a bright 
 somewhat sooty flame. 
 
 Spermaceti oil is yellow, has an unpleasant odor, a density of .910, remains liquid at 
 — 18° C. ( — 0.4° F.), and is difficult to saponify. 
 
 Constituents. — When repeatedly recrystallized from boiling alcohol the fat is 
 removed and Chevreuil’s cetin is obtained, which crystallizes in soft white pearly scales, 
 melts between 50.5° and 53.5° C. (123° and 128.3° F.), and is slowly decomposed by 
 aqueous solution of potassa, but readily saponified on fusion with potassium hydroxide or 
 on boiling with its alcoholic solution. It consists mainly of cetyl palmitate, C 16 H 3 3.C 16 H 31 .02, 
 which melts between 54.5° and 55° C. (130° and 131° F.), and yields on saponification 
 palmitic acid and cetyl alcohol, or ethal , C 16 H 34 0. Heintz (1854) obtained also small 
 quantities of myristic, lauric, and stearic acids, and of the alcohols methal, C h H 30 O, and 
 stethal, C j 8 H 38 0. When boiled with nitric acid spermaceti is slowly oxidized, oenanthylic, 
 succinic, and other acids being found among the products. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — Rancid spermaceti may be restored by boiling 
 it with a weak solution of potassa, and afterward with water. The admixture of fats 
 deprives it of its pearly lustre. “ 1 part of spermaceti should be completely dissolved 
 by 50 parts of boiling alcohol spec. grav. .832 (absence of fats) ; after cooling the solu- 
 tion and filtering from the crystalline mass the filtrate should not have an acid reaction, 
 and should yield at most a slight precipitate on the addition of water (absence of fatty 
 acids).” — P. G. “ On boiling 1 Gm. spermaceti with 1 Gm. exsiccated sodium carbonate 
 and 50 Cc. alcohol, the cold filtrate, on being acidulated with acetic acid, should merely 
 become turbid, but should not afford a precipitate (absence of stearic acid).” — U. S., P. G. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — When needed in the form of powder, sperma- 
 ceti is triturated in a mortar, a little alcohol being added from time to time; or, better 
 still, it is fused, and then well triturated until cold. 
 
 Cetaceum saccharatum s. PRiEPARATUM. — Prepared or saccharated spermaceti, E. ; 
 Blanc de baleine sacchare, Fr. ; Walratzucker, G. — Spermaceti 1 part and white sugar 3 
 parts are rubbed together to a very fine powder. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Spermaceti, like other fatty substances, is a lenitive and pro- 
 tective. In the form of a fine powder and mixed with sugar (1 part to 3), it is a pop- 
 ular and useful remedy for commencing sore throat and catarrhal inflammation of the 
 air-passages. Alvine and urinary irritations are also reputed to be benefited by its use. 
 For these affections it is best administered in emulsion with the yolk of egg or with 
 almond oil. 
 
 CETRARIA, U. S., JBr . — Cetraria. 
 
 Lichen Islandicus , P. A., P. G. — Iceland moss , E. ; Lichen ( Mousse ) d' Island e, Fr. Cod. ; 
 Isldndisches Moos , Islandische Flechte , Lungenmoos , G. ; Liquen islandica, Sp. 
 
 Cetraria islandica, Acharius , s. Lichen islandicus, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants, 302. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Lichenes, Cetrariei. 
 
 Origin. — -The plant is indigenous to the northern hemisphere ; in its southern limits 
 it is found in mountainous regions, and farther north in the plains. In North America it 
 is met with southward to the mountains of North Carolina, north- 
 ward throughout British America, and westward to the Rocky 
 Mountains as far south as Colorado ; in Europe it grows as far 
 south as Spain and Italy, and in Asia throughout Siberia and in 
 the Himalaya Mountains ; it is plentiful in Iceland, from which 
 island its name is derived. 
 
 Description. — It is from 5 to 10 Cm. (2-4 inches) high, 
 foliaceous, irregularly branched, with smooth somewhat chan- 
 nelled, nearly linear, obtuse, toothed, and ciliate lobes ; the upper 
 surface is greenish-gray or olive-brown and toward the base red; 
 lower surface whitish, with depressed spots ; the apothecia or so- 
 called fruits, when present, are situate near the margin, round or 
 oval, chestnut-brown, and flattish with an elevated margin. When 
 dry it is brittle and inodorous, but immersed in water it becomes 
 soft, leathery, and cartilaginous, and has a slight odor ; its taste is 
 mucilaginous and bitter. Boiled with 20 parts of water, it yields 
 a liquid which on cooling forms a bitter jelly ; and on diluting 
 
 Fig. 58. 
 
 Cetraria islandica. 
 
CETRARIA. 
 
 441 
 
 this with an equal weight of water and adding alcohol a flocculent precipitate is obtained, 
 which while moist is colored blue by iodine. 
 
 Impurities , such as pine-leaves and mosses and other lichens, are usually found in the 
 commercial article, ajid the drug frequently requires garbling. Adulterations are not 
 likely to be intentional, but the lichen, as collected from different localities, is apt to vary 
 somewhat in size and color and in the shape and width of the divisions. 
 
 Constituents. — Iceland moss was last analyzed by Knop and Schnederinann (1845). 
 The principal constituent is lichenin or lichen starch , C 12 H 20 O I0 , which is present to the 
 amount of 70 per cent. It separates from the decoction as a jelly ; on washing this fre- 
 quently with pure water, T. Berg (1873) removed a carbohydrate called isolichenin 
 (Errera, 1882), which is colored blue by iodine, is precipitated by alcohol, insoluble in 
 ammoniated copper, soluble in zinc chloride, and is not altered by boiling potassa solu- 
 tion. Lichenin is not colored by iodine, is soluble in zinc chloride and in ammoniated 
 copper, combines with potassa, and swells in cold water without dissolving. The bitter 
 taste is due to about 2 per cent, of cetraric acid or cetrarin , C 18 tl 16 0 8 , which is contained, 
 in an uncombined state, mainly in the outer layer of the tissue. It forms colorless fine 
 needles, nearly insoluble in water, but soluble in boiling alcohol and alkalies, and yields 
 with ammonia a yellow very bitter solution, which on exposure turns brown. The other 
 constituents of Iceland moss are lichen-stearic acid , C 14 H 24 0 3 (about 1 per cent., soluble in 
 alcohol, ether, volatile oils, and fats, fusible at 120° C.), thallochlor (a variety of chloro- 
 phyll, not soluble in hydrochloric acid), fumaric (formerly called lichenic ) and oxalic acids , 
 sugar, etc., and 16.7 per cent, of cellulose. The production of alcohol from Iceland moss, 
 as proposed by Sten. Stenberg (1870), depends upon the formation of glucose from lich- 
 enin by boiling with a dilute acid. Iceland moss yields about 2 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Lichen islandicus ab amaritie liberatus 
 is Iceland moss freed from bitterness, for use in decoction or jelly, by maceration in solu- 
 tion of potassium carbonate, and afterward well washing in cold water. 
 
 Gelatina lichenis islandici, Iceland-moss jelly. “ Boil 3 parts of Iceland moss for 
 half an hour with 100 parts of water, express, strain, and, after adding 3 parts of white 
 sugar, evaporate to 10 parts.” The French Codex adds about 3 per cent, of orange- 
 flower water. 
 
 Gelatina lichenis islandici saccharata sicca. — Saccharure (Gelee seche) de 
 lichen, Fr. — 10 parts of Iceland moss are deprived of bitterness by heating to boiling 
 with a small quantity of water, expressing, and washing with cold water (or as stated 
 above) ; the residue is exhausted by boiling with water for 1 hour ; the decoctions are 
 strained and decanted, mixed with 10 parts of sugar, evaporated, dried, and powdered. — 
 F. Cod. It has a gray-brown color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Iceland moss is nutritious, demulcent, and tonic. The first 
 two properties it owes to the starch in its composition, the last to its bitter principle, 
 cetrarin. It increases the appetite, promotes digestion, and improves nutrition. It does 
 not excite the circulation nor constipate, but in excessive doses may occasion nausea 
 and diarrhoea. Its bitterness is said to be perceptible in the milk of nursing women 
 who use it. 
 
 This medicine has been chiefly employed as a remedy for chronic pulmonary affections 
 attended with profuse expectoration and cough and with more or less of the other symp- 
 toms belonging to consumption. It acts in these by its nutritious qualities in part, but 
 more usefully by reducing the bronchial secretion, and thereby lessening both the waste 
 of tissue and the fatigue of coughing. The amount of good which the medicine can 
 effect will depend upon how far the bronchitis , which it chiefly influences, is simple. If 
 this is accompanied by compression of the lung originating in pleurisy, or consolidation 
 of the lung produced by pneumonia or by tubercle, etc., the influence of the remedy must 
 necessarily be subordinate, or even null. Chronic diarrhoea and dysentery are sometimes 
 greatly benefited by it. Robert found cetrarin to increase the richness of the blood, and 
 thereby quicken all the nutritive processes. In this manner it relieves constipation caused 
 by debility. Iceland moss is usually administered in decoction, but an infusion is some- 
 times prepared by steeping Gm. 90 (^iij) of bruised cetraria in Gm. 750 (f^xxiv) of 
 boiling water for three hours, evaporating the liquid with gentle heat to the consumption 
 of one-half, and adding Gm. 4 (gr. lx) of extract of liquorice. Of this a fluidounce may 
 be taken every three or four hours in chronic bronchitis with urgent cough. A decoction 
 made with milk is less bitter, and may be employed as food. Either of the pharmaceu- 
 tical preparations mentioned above will be found convenient. Cetrarin has been given in 
 doses Gm. 0.1 (gr. iss). 
 
442 
 
 CHA MJELIRIUM.—CHA R TJZ. 
 
 CHAMiELIRIUM. — Starwort. 
 
 Blazing star , Devil's bit , False unicorn-root y E. 
 
 The rhizome of Chamaslirium (Veratrum, Linne ) luteum, Gray , s. Cham, carolinianum, 
 Walter , s. Helonias lutea, Aiton , s. Hel. dioica, Pursh. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Melanthaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to Canada and the United States, where it grows in 
 low grounds west to the Mississippi. The stem is about 45 Cm. (18 inches) high ; the 
 leaves are alternate, spatulate below, lanceolate above, smooth ; and the small whitish 
 flowers are in a dense terminal raceme, which is rather slender on the barren plant, about 
 15 Cm. (6 inches) in length. It flowers in May and June. 
 
 Description. — The oblique rhizome is about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long and 6 Mm. (1 
 inch) in diameter, somewhat curved, of a dark gray-brown color, closely annulated from 
 the leaf-scars, on the upper side with a few circular stem-scars, on the lower side 
 with wiry rootlets or their scars in lines parallel with the leaf-scars. The rhizome breaks 
 with a nearly smooth and horny fracture, and shows on a transverse section the fibro- 
 vascular bundles crowded together near the centre, with a few scattered near the surface, 
 passing into the rootlets. The drug is destitute of odor and has a strongly bitter taste. 
 We have repeatedly found it as an admixture with the commercial rhizome of Aletris, 
 from which it is easily distinguished. 
 
 Constituents. — Ur. F. V. Greene (1878) extracted from it the bitter principle, which 
 he proposed to call chamselirin , and of which over 9 per cent, was obtained. It is pre- 
 pared by evaporating the cold aqueous infusion with magnesia, washing the dry mass 
 with ether to remove fatty acid, and extracting with absolute alcohol, concentrating, 
 diluting with water, treating with animal charcoal, and evaporating. It is a yellowish- 
 white neutral powder, freely soluble in water and alcohol, the solutions frothing like those 
 of saponin, but insoluble in other simple solvents. With sulphuric acid an orange color 
 is produced, changing to crimson, brown, green, and purple, after which it fades. Chamselirin 
 is also soluble in and colored reddish by strong hydrochloric acid, and yellowish-brown by 
 Frohde’s reagent. It has a very bitter taste, and is split by dilute acids into glucose and 
 a resinous body, chamseliretin , which is soluble in alcohol and ether, insoluble in water, 
 and is colored brown by sulphuric acid. The so-called helonin of the eclectics is the 
 hydro-alcoholic extract of the rhizome. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Starwort is reputed to be tonic, diuretic, and anthelmintic. An 
 infusion of the rhizome has been found useful in atonic dyspepsia and for checking 
 nausea and vomiting. It is also claimed by certain pseudo-physicians to be a “ uterine 
 tonic,” “removing abnormal conditions and imparting tone to the reproductive organs.” 
 “ It has been somewhat extensively used in the treatment of leucorrhoea, amenorrhoea, 
 and dysmenorrhoea, and likewise with a view of correcting the tendency to repeated mis- 
 carriage.” All of these ailments are usually associated with dyspepsia, constipation, and 
 anaemia, and have from time immemorial been cured with bitter tonics, and for a long 
 while with iron and cinchona. It is incredible that a medicine which depresses the heart 
 and the nervous system should remove ailments that depend essentially upon the debility 
 of exhaustion. An infusion of chamaelirium may be prepared with an ounce of the 
 rhizome, Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (a pint) of water, and given in doses of a wine glassful. 
 
 CHARTiE. — Medicated Papers. 
 
 Papiers sparadrapiques , Fr. ; Medicamentirte Papier e, G. 
 
 This class of preparations was introduced into the 1880 edition of the United States 
 and 1867 edition British Pharmacopoeias ; they resemble plasters spread upon non- 
 absorbent paper, the process necessarily varying with the nature of the material. Simi- 
 lar preparations have been long in use on the continent of Europe ; one which enjoys 
 considerable popularity is — 
 
 Charta antirheumatica, s. antarthritica, s. resinosa, Sparadrapum antharthriti- 
 cum. — Antirheumatic paper, E. ; Papier antirhumatique, P. antiarthritique, Fr.; Gicht- 
 papier, G. — Melt together 10 parts of resin, 6 parts each of black pitch and turpentine, 
 and 4 parts of yellow wax ; strain and spread upon paper. — P. G. 1872. The same prep- 
 aration of the Belgian Pharmacopoeia is a cerate containing 1 per cent, of ethereal extract 
 of mezereon. The Papier au garou of the French Codex is spread with a cerate con- 
 taining 3 per cent. (No. 1) or 4 per cent. (No. 2) of ethereal extract of mezereon. 
 
 The process of coating such papers is sufficiently described by the pharmacopoeial 
 
CHART A EPISPASTICA.— CHART A POTASSII NIT&ATtS. 
 
 443 
 
 directions. It is, however, sometimes convenient to spread certain cerates or plasters 
 directly upon paper, which may he accomplished by fastening the latter upon a smooth 
 table by means of thin iron ledges attached lengthwise to the margin, then pouring the 
 melted and partly-coaled material upon the paper and spreading it rapidly, using a warm 
 smooth iron which is long enough to rest upon both ledges ; a very uniform and quite 
 thin coating may thereby be obtained. If the material melts to a uniform mass a flat 
 brush may be employed, and care should be taken to apply it in one direction only. 
 Should it be desirable to render the paper more impervious, it may be coated first with 
 well-boiled linseed oil, and then exposed to the air until perfectly dry, after which the 
 material is applied in the manner described. In most cases, however, the intention is to 
 impregnate the paper to some extent with the plaster-like material, which is most readily 
 effected by placing two sheets of the paper upon smooth sheet iron, which is kept warm 
 by means of a low fire or of a sand-bath ; some of the melted mass is poured upon the 
 upper sheet, and spread with some pressure by means of a pad about 3 inches in diameter 
 and formed of cotton or tow, which is first covered with tin-foil and then with two or 
 three layers of flannel. When the upper sheet has been thoroughly and uniformly 
 impregnated, it is replaced by another, and this is repeated until the desired quantity 
 of paper has been obtained. The lower sheet of paper is used merely to protect the 
 others from becoming soiled. 
 
 The last-described method is followed in making wax paper, Charta cerata , thin, well- 
 sized paper being impregnated with white wax. It is very convenient for dispensing 
 odorous substances, powders containing volatile oil, etc., for covering soft plasters, and 
 for various other purposes. Paraffin paper , prepared in the same way, is employed in a 
 similar manner. 
 
 Of an entirely different nature is the potassium nitrate paper which was admitted into 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1880, and which consists of unsized paper containing minute 
 crystals of potassium nitrate uniformly distributed through the pulp. 
 
 CHARTA EPISPASTICA, Br, — Blistering Paper. 
 
 Charta cantharidis , U. S. 1880 ; Charta vesicatoria . — Cantharides paper , E. ; Papier 
 vesicant , P. epispastique , Papier d vesicatoire aux cantharides , Fr. ; Spanischfliegen- 
 Papier , GT. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of White Wax 4 ounces; Spermaceti II ounces; Olive Oil 2 
 fluidounces; Resin f ounce; Canada Balsam £ ounce ; Cantharides, in powder, 1 ounce; 
 Distilled Water 6 fluidounces. Digest all the ingredients, excepting the Canada balsam, 
 in a water-bath for two hours, stirring them constantly ; then strain and separate the 
 plaster from the watery liquid. Mix the Canada balsam with the plaster melted in a 
 shallow vessel, and pass strips of paper over the surface of the hot liquid, so that one 
 surface of the paper shall receive a thin coating of plaster. It may be convenient to 
 employ paper ruled so as to indicate divisions, each of which is 1 square inch. — Hr. 
 
 White Wax 8 parts ; Spermaceti 3 parts; Olive Oil 4 parts; Canada Turpentine 1 
 part; Cantharides, in No. 40 powder, 1 part; Water 10 parts. Mix all the substances 
 in a tinned vessel and boil gently for two hours, constantly stirring. Strain through a 
 woollen strainer without expressing, and by means of a water-bath keep the mixture in a 
 liquid state in a shallow, flat-bottomed vessel with an extended surface. Coat strips of 
 sized paper with the melted plaster, on one side only, by passing them sucessively over 
 the surface of the liquid ; when dry, cut the strips into rectangular pieces. — U. S. 1880. 
 
 The second formula is that of the French Codex. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cantharides paper forms a neat and efficient blistering agent, 
 and is very convenient when the vesicant action is to be accurately limited, as in blister- 
 ing over nerves and veins, near the eye, etc. It is, however, less efficient than cantharides 
 cerate when a full and prolonged vesicant operation is desired. Before applying it the 
 skin should be cleansed with warm soap-and-water. 
 
 CHARTA POTASSII NITRATIS, JJ. S.— Paper of Potassium Nitrate. 
 
 Charta nitrata , P. G. — Saltpetre paper, E. ; Papier nitri, Fr. ; Salpeterpapier, G. ; Carta 
 
 nitrata, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Potassium Nitrate 200 Gm. ; Distilled Water 800 Cc. Dissolve the 
 potassium nitrate in the distilled water. Immerse strips of white, unsized paper in the 
 solution and dry them. Preserve the paper in securely-closed vessels. — U. S. 
 
444 
 
 CHARTA SIN A PIS. 
 
 If 4 av. ozs. and 75 grains of potassium nitrate be dissolved in 1 pint of distilled 
 water, the solution will be of the strength directed by the Pharmacopoeia, which is very 
 nearly saturated. 
 
 This is the formula of the P. G. 1872 ; in the recent edition of this work the salt is to 
 be dissolved in 5 parts of water. 
 
 Ordinary saltpetre will answer if the paper is to be used for moxas, but for the prep- 
 aration of medicated cigarettes potassium nitrate free from chloride should be used, 
 and the paper should also be free from chlorine compounds. Such cigarettes are either 
 made in the same manner as ordinary cigars, except that stramonium, belladonna, hyos- 
 cyamus, or other leaves are substituted for tobacco, or the nitrated paper is impregnated 
 with other solutions, or simply rolled into a thin tube having the edges fastened with a 
 trace of gelatin ; the substance whose smoke is to be inhaled is then introduced and the 
 paper tube ignited at one end, when combustion without flame takes place. The follow- 
 ing is a formula for cigarettes antiasthmatiqv.es which is much employed in France : A 
 decoction is made of 5 Gm. each of the leaves of belladona, stramonium, digitalis, and 
 sage with 1000 G-m. of water, and strained. 75 Gm. of potassium nitrate and 40 Gm. 
 tincture of benzoin are added, and into this solution is then introduced, sheet by sheet, 
 one quire of red-tinted absorbent paper, the whole remaining in contact for 24 hours ; 
 after which time the paper is dried and cut into rectangular pieces of 10 by 7 Cm., 
 which are formed into tubes by rolling them around a thin cylinder about 1 or 1J Mm. 
 in diameter and fastening the edge with gelatin. 
 
 For forming moxas of nitrated paper it is rolled into pretty firm cylinders having a 
 diameter of about i inch, which are afterward cut into pieces of suitable lengths. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Under Potassii Nitras the uses of this medicated paper are 
 described. It is intended to be burned and its fumes inhaled. Since the investigations 
 of Reichert on potassium nitrite (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., July, 1880, p. 158) there is 
 some reason to think that, besides relieving nervous asthma, by its irritant action on the 
 bronchial mucous membrane, potassium nitrate may be converted during combustion into 
 potassium nitrite, which, like nitrite of amyl, has an anaesthetic action. 
 
 CHARTA SINAPIS, V. S., Br., F. Cod.— Mustard Paper. 
 
 Charta sinapisata , P. G. ; Papier sinapise , Moutarde en feuilles , Fr. ; Sen f papier, G. ; 
 Carta senapata , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Black Mustard, in No. 60 powder 100 Gm. (about 31 ozs.) ; Caout- 
 chouc, 10 Gm. (about 155 grains) ; Benzin, Carbon Disulphide, each. a sufficient quantity. 
 Pack the black mustard in a conical percolator, and gradually pour benzin upon it until 
 the percolate ceases to produce a permanent greasy stain upon blotting paper. Remove 
 the powder from the percolator and dry it by exposure to the air. Having meanwhile 
 dissolved the caoutchouc in a mixture of 100 Cc. (about 31 fluidounces) each of benzin 
 and carbon disulphide, mix the purified mustard with a sufficient quantity of the solution 
 to produce a semi-liquid magma, and apply this, by means of a suitable brush, to one 
 side of a piece of rather stiff, well-sized paper, so as to cover it completely, and then 
 allow the surface to dry. A surface of sixty square centimeters should contain about 4 
 Gm. of black mustard deprived of oil. Before it is applied to the skin mustard paper 
 should be dipped in warm water for about fifteen seconds. 
 
 Take of Mustard (black and white), in powder, 1 ounce ; Solution of Gutta-percha 2 
 fluidounces or a sufficiency. Mix the mustard with gutta-percha solution so as to form a 
 semi-fluid mixture, and having poured this into a shallow flat-bottomed vessel, such as a 
 dinner-plate, pass strips of cartridge-paper over its surface, so that one side of the paper 
 shall receive a thin coating of the mixture. Then lay the paper on a table with the 
 coated side upward, and let it remain exposed to the air until the coating has hardened. 
 Before being applied to the skin let the mustard paper be immersed for a few seconds in 
 tepid water. — Br. 
 
 The mustard, previous to powdering, should be deprived of most of its fixed oil by 
 pressure, or the powdered mustard may, with the same end in view, be treated with ben- 
 zin, as above directed, or with carbon disulphide. Rigollot (1867), who introduced this 
 preparation, already called attention to the removal of the oil to prevent rancidity, and 
 gave preference to a solution of caoutchouc as the adhesive agent. Hager (1867) 
 regarded a solution of resin as equally useful, and recommended the paper to be first 
 covered with the solution, and the powder to be sifted upon the adhesive layer and 
 pressed, preferably by passing between cylinders suitably adjusted so as to make the 
 
CHELID ONIUM. 
 
 445 
 
 stratum uniform and the surface smooth. Following the pharmacopoeial directions, by 
 spreading the soft mixture upon paper a layer more uniform in thickness is obtained than 
 by merely passing it over the surface of the former. If the paper has been properly 
 prepared the mustard will adhere well without peeling off on bending. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mustard paper forms a very convenient means of obtaining the 
 effects of a sinapism. Before being applied it should be immersed for a few seconds in 
 warm (not hot) water. 
 
 CHELIDONIUM, 77. S.— Chelidonium. 
 
 Herbci chelidonii . — Celandine , Tetter wort, E. ; Chelidoine , Herbe a V hirondelle, Fr. ; 
 Scholl kraut, G. ; Celidonia mayor , Sp. 
 
 The herb of Chelidonium majus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Papaveraceae. 
 
 Origin. — A perennial herb indigenous to Europe and introduced on this continent. 
 It grows in waste places, and flowers from May to September. 
 
 Description. — The root is several-headed, fusiform, about 15 Mm. (| inch) in diam- 
 eter, branching, somewhat scaly, and of a red-brown color externally, deeply wrinkled, 
 and internally whitish. The stem is 30, 60, or 90 Cm. (1, 2, or 3 feet) high, light- 
 green, hairy, obtusely angled, with thickened joints, brittle and branching ; the leaves are 
 15 or 20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) long, and petiolate, the upper ones sliort-petiolate or sessile, 
 alternate, oblong or oval in outline, lyrately pinnatifid or pinnate, the terminal segment 
 obovate and mostly three-lobed, the others ovate, cut-toothed, or lobed, obtuse, somewhat 
 hairy, light-green above and glaucous underneath. The flowers are in small four- to eight- 
 rayed auxiliary umbels on long peduncles, have a calyx of two caducous sepals, four 
 obovate yellow petals, about twenty stamens, and produce long linear one-celled and two- 
 valved capsules containing many crested seeds. All parts of the plant contain a bright 
 saffron-colored milk-juice. In the fresh state the odor is rather unpleasant, disappearing 
 almost completely on drying ; the taste is bitter and acrid. The herb should be gathered 
 when it begins to flower. 
 
 Constituents. — Probst (1838), and shortly afterward Polex, isolated from celandine 
 two alkaloids, chelidonine and chelerythrine or pyrrhopine ; the latter Probst (1840) declared 
 to be identical with sanguinarine, which was proven by Shiel (1855). Chelidonine, 
 C 19 H 17 N 3 0 3 , is separated from chelerythrine by ether, in which it is insoluble ; it crystal- 
 lizes in colorless shining plates, has a bitter, afterward acrid taste, and yields with acids 
 colorless salts having an acid reaction and a strongly bitter taste. Probst isolated also 
 chelidoxanihin, which crystallizes in small yellow needles, has a bitter taste, is insoluble in 
 ether, sparingly soluble in alcohol, and freely soluble in hot water ; it is not altered by 
 acids or alkalies. E. Schmidt (1890) isolated from the raw alkaloids of commerce, 
 besides the two mentioned above, also a- and /3- chelidonine and protopine. The last 
 alkaloid is said to be identical with protopine of sanguinaria and opium. The alkaloids 
 are combined with malic and ehelidonic acid, C 7 H 4 0 6 (Lerch, 1846). The latter is slightly 
 soluble in cold water and alcohol, crystallizes from hot water in colorless silky needles 
 having a strongly acid taste and becoming opaque on exposure, is bibasic, decomposes 
 carbonates, dissolves metallic iron and zinc, and yields white-lead salts insoluble in 
 water and acetic acid. When boiled with an alkali, acetone and oxalic acid are produced. 
 By an excess of cold alkali it is converted into a yellow acid yielding yellow lead salts 
 and red ferric salts (Lieben and Haitinger, 1873) ; this new acid is doubtless identical 
 with Z wenger’s (1860) chelidoninic acid , which was regarded as succinic acid by Walz 
 (1860). The other constituents are those of common occurrence — gum, extractive, 
 albumen, chlorophyll, etc. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Extractum chelidonii. The expressed 
 juice is freed from albumen by heating to 80° C. (176° F.), evaporated to a small bulk, 
 mixed with an equal weight of alcohol, strained from the gummy precipitate, and the fil- 
 trate evaporated to the proper consistence. — P. G. 1872. It has a dark-brown color. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Glaucium luteum, Scopoli , s. Chelidonium Glaucium, Linnt. — Horn poppy, 
 E. ; Pavot cornu, Fr. : Hornmohn, G. — A biennial plant, a native of Europe and to some extent 
 naturalized in the United States. It grows mainly near the sea-coast, has pale-green, glaucous, 
 clasping pinnatifid or sinuate toothed leaves, yellow flowers, and linear capsules which are beset 
 with numerous short projections. It is less acrid than celandine; the juice, particularly of the 
 root, is saffron-yellow, and contains, besides sanguinarine, the white alkaloids glaucine and glau- 
 copicrine ; the former is in the herb, the latter in the root. Glaucium corniculatum, CurtiuSy 
 has similar properties ; the petals are scarlet-red, with a black spot near the base. 
 
446 
 
 CHEL ONE. — CHEN OPODI UM. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The yellow juice which exudes from this plant when wounded 
 was formerly employed, according to the doctrine of signatures, as a remedy for jaundice ; 
 and it justified the superstition in so far that by violent purging it relieved cases of the 
 disease depending upon obstruction of the gall-ducts with inspissated bile. In experi- 
 ments upon animals, and in certain cases of poisoning in man, its effects were those of a 
 violent local irritant, with a special narcotic action upon the nervous system. The fresh 
 plant, as well as the juice, irritates the skin, and the latter is in popular use as a remedy 
 for warts. In many rural districts of Europe the fresh juice is employed as a purgative 
 in jaundice , abdominal dropsy , and inveterate intermittent fever , as well as in scrofula and 
 chronic diseases of the skin. Like other drastic cathartics, it is sometimes used as a 
 vermifuge. When the fresh juice can be obtained it is given in doses of Gm. 2-3 (gtt. 
 xxx-xl), or more, in sweetened water or in whey. An extract is used in doses of about 
 Gm. 0.60 (gr. x), and an infusion is made with half an ounce of the plant, Gm. 16 to 
 Gm. 500 (a pint) of water. 
 
 Glaucium luteum is stated by Cazin to be a narcotic poison, and he refers to a case in 
 which, having been eaten by mistake, it occasioned delirium and made all objects appear 
 yellow. It is said to be used by the peasants in Provence for the cure of ulcers, bruises, 
 stings, etc., both in man and animals, and to act as an anodyne when applied to haemor- 
 rhoids and spasmodic stricture of the anus. The juice, mixed with white of egg, is 
 employed for the latter purposes. 
 
 CHELONE. — Balmony. 
 
 Snakehead , Turtlehead , Shell flower ^ E. ; Chelone , Fr., G. 
 
 The herb of Chelone glabra, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scrophulariaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is perennial, a native of Canada and the United States south-west- 
 ward to Texas, grows in wet places, and flowers from July to September. The white corolla 
 is inflated, two-lipped, with the upper lip arched and the mouth a little open ; hence the 
 botanical and some of the popular names. 
 
 Description. — The stem is 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 Cm.) high, nearly simple and smooth ; 
 the leaves are opposite, nearly sessile, oblong-lanceolate, pointed, serrate, smooth, and 
 shining above. The flowers are in a short, dense terminal spike, and have the lower lip 
 bearded in the throat and the four stamens with woolly filaments and woolly heart-shaped 
 anthers. The plant is inodorous and has a decidedly bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The bitter principle appears to be soluble in alcohol and water, but 
 has not been isolated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The extreme bitterness of the leaves of this plant probably 
 led to its medicinal use by the American aborigines. It is not, however, tonic, but laxa- 
 tive or purgative according to the dose of it employed. Like other active cathartics, it is 
 reputed to “ act upon the liver.” It is sometimes used as a purgative in jaundice and as 
 an anthelmintic. The dose of the powder is Gm. 4(5j). A decoction made with Gm. 60 
 to Gm. 500 (gij in Oj) may be given in the dose of Gm. 64 (2 fluidounces ). 
 
 CHENOPODIUM, 77. S.— Chenopodium. 
 
 Fructus chenopodii anthelmintici. — American worm-seed , E. ; Anserine vermifuge , 
 (pi ante fleurie) , F. Cod. ; Amerikanischer Wurmsamen , G. ; Epazote , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Chenopodium ambrosioides, Linne, var. anthelminticum, Gray; Ambrina 
 anthelmintica, Spach ; Orthosporum (Chenopodium, Linne) anthelminticum, R. Brown. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 216. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Chenopodiacese. 
 
 Origin. — The genus Chenopodium is characterized by alternate leaves and bractless 
 flowers with a five-cleft calyx, five stamens, two or three styles, and bearing a one-seeded 
 utricle as fruit. The plants are frequently covered with a white mealiness. The officinal 
 species is never mealy, but viscid glandular. The stem is angular and branched ; the 
 leaves are short petiolate, oblong or ovate, narrowed at both ends, remotely toothed ; the 
 small greenish flowers are in dense and leafy spikes ; the fruit is enclosed in the calyx. 
 The variety differs from the typical form by having usually a perennial root, the leaves 
 more deeply toothed, the lower being often deeply incised, and the dense raceme# usually 
 leafless. Both forms are indigenous to the West Indies, Central and South America, and 
 have become completely naturalized in this country, the typical form having also estab- 
 
CHIMAPHILA. 
 
 447 
 
 lished itself in some portions of Europe and Southern Africa. The variety is cultivated 
 in Maryland with a view of obtaining the oil, and is quite frequent in waste places in the 
 Southern and in some of the Middle States. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is about inch (2 Mm.) in diameter, depressed or irregular 
 globular, glandular when viewed with a magnifier, of a dull-green color, assuming a 
 brownish tint on exposure ; the thin, friable, hut not brittle integuments enclose a vertical 
 seed which is lenticular in shape, obtuse at the edge, brownish-black and glossy, and has 
 the embryo strongly curved around the albumen. The fruit has a peculiar aromatic 
 somewhat terebinthinate odor and a bitterish and pungent taste. The fruit of Chen 
 ambrosioides cannot be distinguished from the official, except by its weaker and rather 
 pleasanter odor. 
 
 Constituents. — American wormseed has not been analyzed ; its medicinal importance 
 is due to volatile oil (see Oleum Chenopodii), which is the only preparation for which 
 the fruit is used. 
 
 Allied Species. — Several European pharmacopoeias recognize the herb of Chen, ambrosioides, 
 Limit, which is known as Herba botryos mexicanae ; Mexican tea, E. ; Ambroisie du Mexique, 
 The des Jesuites, F. Cod.; Mexikanisches Traubenkraut, G. ; Te de Espana, Sp. 
 
 Chex. botrys, Limit. — Jerusalem oak, Feather geranium, i?. ; Chenopode £ grappes, Fr. ; 
 Traubenkraut, G. — It is indigenous to Asia and Europe, and naturalized to some extent in North 
 America. It is glandular pubescent, has oblong sinuate-pinnatifid leaves and leafless cymose 
 racemes of greenish flowers, and is strongly aromatic. 
 
 Chex. Boxus-Hexricus, Linnt. — Good King Henry, E. ; Bon Henry, Fr. ; Guter Heinrich, 
 G. ; Zeniglo, Sp. — A European plant somewhat naturalized here. It is slightly mealy, and 
 has triangular halberd-shaped leaves which have a mucilaginous saline taste. 
 
 Chex. album, Limit . — Pigweed, Lamb’s quarters, E. ; Anserine sauvage, Fr. ; Weisser Gan- 
 sefuss, G. — A variable mealy annual, common in cultivated ground. The leaves vary between 
 rhombic-ovate and lanceolate, and are angulate-toothed, the upper ones often entire. The taste 
 is mucilaginous and saline. 
 
 Chex. vulvaria, Linnt. — Fetid Goosefoot, E. ; Stinkender Gansefuss, G. ; Anserine puante, 
 Vulvaire, F. Cod. — It is indigenous to Western Central Europe; the leaves are covered with a 
 whitish mealiness, and the plant smells strongly of fish-brine, due to trimethylamin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — All parts of the plant producing worm-seed possess anthelmin- 
 tic properties, and were long used by the Southern negroes and others as a vermifuge for 
 lumbricoid worms , the expressed juice and the seeds being most commonly employed. 
 These have been supplanted by the oil (oleum chenopodii). The fresh expressed juice 
 may be given in doses of Gm. 16 (a tablespoonful) two or three times a day. A decoc- 
 tion made by boiling an ounce of the leaves, Gm. 30 in Gm. 500 (a pint) of milk or water 
 has also been used. The bruised or pulverized seeds may be given in an electuary in 
 doses of Gm. 1.30 (20 or more grains) three times a day. Carbonate of iron may be 
 advantageously added to this preparation. After the anthelmintic has been used for 
 days a purgative dose of castor oil should be administered. 
 
 Chenopodium ambrosioides and C. vulvaria are used in Europe for various nervous 
 derangements, both internally and topically. C. Bonus-Henricus is a popular remedy in 
 Europe for many local pains. The contused plant, mixed with butter, is applied. C. 
 botrys is reputed to be a stimulant expectorant and antispasmodic, and C. olidum to have 
 similar properties. 
 
 CHIMAPHILA, U. S.— Chimaphila. 
 
 Pipsissevoa , Prince's pine , Wintergreen , E. ; Herbe de pyrole ombellee , Fr. ; Doldenbliithiges 
 Harnkraut , Wintergriin , G. 
 
 The leaves of Chimaphila umbellata, Nuttall , s. Chim. corymbosa, Pursh , s. Pyrola 
 umbellata, Limit. Bigelow, Med. Bot., ii. 21 ; Woodville, Med. Bot., v. ; Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 165. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ericaceae, Pyroleae. 
 
 Origin. — The genus is characterized by flowers having five petals, ten stamens with 
 the filaments enlarged in the middle and the anthers conspicuously two-horned ; the short 
 style, with the disk-like and five-lobed stigma, is nearly immersed in the top of the ovary ; 
 the capsule is five-celled and many-seeded. The officinal species is a low shrub, 10 to 20 
 Cm. (4 to 8 inches) high, bearing the leaves near the summit of the stem, and a terminal 
 peduncle with five or six wax-colored flowers in a corymbose umbel. It is indigenous 
 to North America, Northern Asia, and Northern and Central Europe ; is found in dry 
 woods, and flowers in June and July. 
 
448 
 
 CHINOIDINUM. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are 25 to 50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) long, on very short 
 petioles, oblanceolate and sharply serrate above, with the base wedge-shaped and entire, 
 leathery, upper side dark -green and glossy, paler beneath. They are nearly inodorous, 
 and have a sweetish afterward astringent and bitterish taste. 
 
 The closely-allied Chim. maculata, Pursh , spotted wintergreen or pipsissewa, with 
 lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate and toothed leaves, which are variegated with white on the 
 upper surface, is indigenous to North America, and is used like the preceding. The 
 leaves have the same constituents as the Pyrolas. but contain citric instead of malic acid 
 (E. N. Smith). 
 
 Constituents. — Besides the widely-dilfused principles sugar, gum, etc., S. Fairbank 
 (1860) found tannin, and obtained 5.24 per cent, (of the dry leaves ?) of ash. The tannin 
 amounts to 4.15 per cent. (Bowman, 1869). On distilling the stems with water, golden- 
 yellow crystals of chimaphilin are obtained in the neck of the retort ; these are inodorous 
 and tasteless, slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and 
 the fixed and volatile oils. It may also be obtained from the tincture (of the leaves 
 alone ?) made with diluted alcohol by agitating it with water. Zwenger and Himmel- 
 mann (1864) isolated from the leaves arbutin , which, together with tannin, was found by 
 J. Oxley (1872) and E. N. Smith (1881) in several other ericaceous plants. (See 
 Epig^ea, GtAULTHEria, and Uva Ursi.) It does not contain andromedotoxin. 
 
 Allied Plants. — 1. Pyrola rotundifolia, Linn6; 2. P. chlorantha, Swartz; and 3. P. 
 elliptica, Nuttall. — Shinleaf, Wintergreen, E. ; Pyrole, Fr. ; Waldmangold, G. — These species 
 are indigenous to North America, the first one also to Europe and Asia. They have thin 
 rhizomes, a cluster of radical petiolate leaves, and simple racemes of nodding wax-like flowers. 
 The leaves are leathery, orbicular, and glossy (in 1), short-petiolate, suborbicular, and dull-green 
 (in 2), or thin, not glossy, elliptic or oval-obovate (in 3) ; in odor and taste they resemble the 
 preceding. E. N. Smith (1881) showed them to contain arbutin, ericolin, urson, tannin, malic 
 acid, gum, sugar, albumen, and a trace of volatile oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The fresh bruised leaves of pipsissewa applied to the skin 
 cause redness, and even vesication. Internally, it is diuretic, tonic, and astringent, and, 
 like uva ursi, darkens the urine by means of the tannin it contains. Indeed, in all its 
 operations it closely resembles uva ursi. It was used by the natives and by the early 
 settlers of this country for rheumatism and nephritic disorders. The former disease in 
 the joints was treated with fomentations or poultices of the leaves, while a hot decoction 
 of them was administered internally, to the production of sweating. In cases of scanty 
 or suppressed secretion of urine it was often resorted to, as well as in gravel and hsema- 
 turia from various causes. The cure of many cases of dropsy was attributed to its use, 
 and the evacuation of the fluid through the kidneys in other cases depending upon incur- 
 able organic lesions. Physicians of sound judgment have testified to its usefulness in 
 scrofula of the glands and skin, both as an internal remedy and as an application to 
 scrofulous ulcers. In the treatment of dropsy and of scrofula the generally superior 
 efficacy of other medicines should not cause this one to be overlooked. Chimaphila has 
 also been prescribed in the treatment of intermittent fever , chronic diarrhoea , leucorrhoea , 
 and gleet , and Pyrola rotundifolia has been similarly employed. The best form of the 
 medicine is the decoction or the fluid extract. 
 
 CHINOIDINUM -Chinoidine. 
 
 Chinioidinum , Chinoidina , Quinoidina. — Quinoidine , E., Fr. ; Amorphous quinine , 
 E. ; Quinine amorphe , Fr. ; Chinoidin, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — In the preparation of quinine sulphate, cinchonine, and the other 
 alkaloids from cinchona-bark there remains finally a mother-liquor from which crystal- 
 lizable salts cannot be readily prepared ; this mother-liquor, on being precipitated with 
 soda, yields chinoidine, which is further purified by redissolving it in diluted hydrochloric 
 acid, precipitating by ammonia, washing, and drying. Blews (1874) proposed to effect 
 the purification by adding sodium thiosulphate to the neutralized solution in dilute sul- 
 phuric acid, then filtering, warming, and finally precipitating by soda. 
 
 Properties. — Chinoidine is met with in commerce in cylindrical rolls or in masses 
 having a more or less deep-brown (brownish-black or almost black) color and a resin-like 
 appearance. At a low temperature it is brittle and breaks with a glossy conchoidal 
 fracture ; exposed to the summer heat, it gradually assumes the shape of the vessel in 
 which it is kept. When heated it becomes plastic, then melts, and at a still higher heat 
 burns with a bright flame. It has only a slight taste, faintly bitter on mastication, and 
 
CH IN OIDIN UM. 
 
 449 
 
 is almost insoluble in water ; should alkaloidal salts be present, they would give a pre- 
 cipitate if the aqueous solution be treated with ammonia-water. It is freely soluble in 
 alcohol, the solution showing an alkaline reaction, dissolves in chloroform and in diluted 
 acids, and also more or less in ether and benzene. The solutions have a very bitter taste 
 and are dextrogyre. The alcoholic solution is precipitated by water; the solution in 
 diluted acids on being treated with chlorine-water in excess and ammonia assumes an 
 emerald-green color, and with chlorine-water, potassium ferrocyanide, and ammonia, added 
 successively, a red color closely resembling quinine in these tests. 
 
 Composition. — The alkaloidal nature of chinoidine was first observed by Serturner. 
 Subsequently, Henry and Delondre, Duflos, Winckler, and others showed that this amor- 
 phous mass still contained quinidine (then confounded with quinine) and cinchonine. 
 Freed from the crystallizable alkaloids, Liebig regarded chinoidine as quinine rendered 
 amorphous by the influence of heat and of chemicals. Hesse (1877) has shown that 
 aside from the crystallizable bases which may be present chinoidine has been formed by 
 the condensation or polymerization of their molecules. 
 
 Diconchinine , C 40 H 46 N 4 O 3 , is the principal constituent of chinoidine, of barks containing 
 much quinine, and quinidine ; it is amorphous and does not yield quinicine, but resembles 
 the two cinchona alkaloids in the fluorescence of the sulphuric acid solution and in its 
 behavior to chlorine and ammonia (green coloration). The chinoidine of barks yielding 
 much cinchonine or cinchonidine contains amorphous dicinchonine , C 38 H 44 N 4 0 2 , which is 
 not easily freed from diconchinine. Dihomocinchonine , C 38 H 44 N 4 0 2 , like diconchinine, 
 has also a right rotation. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Chinoidini boras, Chinoidine borate. 
 De Vrij (1881) gives the following directions : Heat 20 parts of chinoidine, 10 parts of 
 boric acid, and 200 parts of water to incipient boiling and filter through moist cotton ; 
 heat the clear liquid to boiling, again filter from the resinous matter, and repeat this 
 operation until no more matter is separated on boiling ; evaporate to 20 parts, set aside 
 over night at a temperature not exceeding 15° C. (59° F.), filter from the boric acid, and 
 evaporate. It forms brown-yellow transparent scales or a yellowish powder, becomes 
 damp on exposure, has an alkaline reaction and a bitter taste, and yields with 3 parts of 
 cold water a perfectly clear dark-yellow solution. Dissolved in 10 parts of water, the 
 solution becomes cloudy on boiling, but clear again on cooling. 
 
 Chinoidini citras, Chinoidine citrate, made by dissolving chinoidine in an 
 aqueous solution of citric acid and evaporating, forms transparent red-brown scales sol- 
 uble in water. 
 
 Chinoidini hydrochloras, Chinoidine hydrochloride, is prepared by saturating 
 warm diluted hydrochloric acid with chinoidine, filtering, and evaporating ; it is a yellow 
 or brown yellow hygroscopic powder. 
 
 Chinoidini tannas, Chinoidine Tannate. — Reiher and Klamann give the following 
 directions for this compound : 100 Gm. tincture of chinoidine (see below) are diluted 
 with 500 Gm. of water and a solution of 50 Gm. tannin in 1000 Gm. of water, and sub- 
 sequently a solution of ammonium acetate. After ten hours the precipitate is washed 
 and dried at a temperature not exceeding 30° C. (86° F.). It forms a yellowish-brown 
 powder, which yields with water and hydrochloric acid a dark-yellow solution. The dose 
 for small children is from 0.5 to 1.0 Gm. (gr. viij to xv). 
 
 Tinctura chiniodini, Tincture of chinoidine. — Dissolve 10 parts of chinoidine in 
 a mixture of 85 parts of alcohol sp. gr. .894 and 5 parts of hydrochloric acid. It is 
 dark-brown, transparent in thin layers, very bitter, and without distinctive odor ; on mix- 
 ing it with an equal bulk of water and of ammonia the chinoidine is precipitated and the 
 liquid becomes yellowish. — P. G. 1882. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation was first employed in Philadelphia (1824) 
 in the treatment of intermittent fever , and regarded as not less efficacious in the cure of 
 that disease than quinine, provided it were given in larger doses. In 1878, Vinkhuysen 
 ( Practitioner , xx. 81) drew the following conclusions regarding it from his own observa- 
 tions : 1. “The only malarious disease in which chinoidine cannot be employed in place 
 of quinine is pernicious fever, for it requires more time to act than quinine. 2. In all 
 forms of pure malarial intermittent fever it is no less powerful than quinine, but acts 
 more slowly. It must therefore be given in larger doses and at longer intervals before 
 the paroxysm than quinine. 3. It may be taken during the fit without exciting any 
 unpleasant feeling. 4. It never causes noises in the ears. 5. Persons liable to suffer 
 from the toxic effects of quinine can take chinoidine without discomfort, and yet obtain 
 a similar therapeutical result. 6. In chronic cases its influence is greater than that of 
 29 
 
450 
 
 CHINO LIN A. 
 
 quinine. 7. Its tonic action is similar to, and perhaps greater than, that of quinine. 8. 
 Its action in cases of masked or larval malarial disease, and especially in rheumatic 
 affections due to malarial influences, is incomparably greater than that of quinine.” In 
 1882, Hagens of Dantzic, in an exhaustive examination of the various surrogates for 
 quinine (. Zeitschrift. f. Min. Med., v. 242), and from a clinical point of view, reached 
 almost identical conclusions respecting the citrate of chinoidine, admitting, however, that 
 it is apt to provoke vomiting unless associated with proper correctives. According to 
 Nothnagel and Rossbach, its dose must be two or three times greater than that of 
 the quinine salts ; and Bernatzik states the dose at one-half greater than that of quinine. 
 Burdel, whose field of practice was in a very malarial region, states the dose for an adult 
 at from Gm. 0.45-1 (7 to 15 grains), and for very young children Gm. 0.13-20, (2 or 3 
 grains), recommending it to be given in strong coffee highly sweetened. He points out 
 that its special merits are exhibited in mild and also in chronic cases of the disease, 
 especially where the malarial cachexia is marked ( Bull . de Therap., c. 142). Similar 
 testimony abounds. There can be no doubt that this preparation might be very usefully 
 substituted in many cases in which the bitterness of quinine or its cost renders it objec- 
 tionable. 
 
 C HIN OLIN A . — Quinoline . 
 
 Quinoline , Fr. ; Chinolin , G. 
 
 Formula C 9 H 7 N. Molecular weight 128.74. 
 
 History and Source. — Gerhardt (1842) obtained an impure base by distilling 
 quinine with potassa, to which he gave the name chinoleine ; Runge had previously 
 (1834) separated a basic body from coal-tar, called by him leucoline, the identity of 
 which with quinoline has since been established. Williams (1855) first obtained quino- 
 line in a pure state. Numerous methods were published for producing quinoline syn- 
 thetically, but to Skraup belongs the credit of having suggested a process by which it is 
 now cheaply manufactured on a large scale. A mixture of nitrobenzene, aniline, glycerin, 
 and concentrated sulphuric acid is heated (gently at first to avoid violent reaction), then 
 diluted with water, and distilled to remove nitrobenzene ; the residue is made alkaline 
 with sodium hydroxide, and the new base distilled in a current of steam. The crude 
 product is purified by fractionation, and quinoline is precipitated as an acid sulphate 
 from its alcoholic solution by addition of sulphuric acid. The reactions in Skraup’s pro- 
 cess are, briefly stated, as follows : Glycerin is converted into acrolein by the sulphuric 
 acid, and this combines with aniline under the oxidizing influence of nitrobenzene, form- 
 ing quinoline. About 60 per cent, of the theoretical yield is obtained by this method. 
 
 Quinoline is a tertiary amine, and may be looked upon as naphtalene, C 10 H 8 , in which 
 an atom of N has displaced one of the groups CH. 
 
 Properties. — Pure quinoline is a colorless or faintly yellow, mobile, highly refrac- 
 tive liquid, with a peculiar aromatic odor and bitter pungent taste ; its spec. grav. at 15° 
 C. (59° F.) is 1.084, and its boiling-point is 237° C. (458.6° F.). It volatilizes at ordinary 
 temperatures, and when exposed to a freezing mixture of solid carbon dioxide and ether 
 congeals to a crystalline mass. It is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, benzin, and chloro- 
 form, and to some extent in hot water. Quinoline is hygroscopic, and if exposed to a 
 damp atmosphere forms a hydrate, C 9 H 7 N + 1 sH. 2 0, which becomes turbid at 40° C. 
 (104° F.). By the action of light and air it is rapidly turned brown, but may be decolor- 
 ized by shaking with solid potassa and slow rectification. Quinoline is converted into 
 quinoline sulphonic acid by fuming sulphuric acid, and this, when fused with potassa, 
 yields oxyquinoline, C 9 H G NOH. (See Kairin.) 
 
 The salts of quinoline when pure are odorless, mostly crystallizable, and precipitated 
 by most alkaloidal reagents ; those of the mineral acids are very hygroscopic. 
 
 Tests. — A higher or lower boiling-point would indicate the presence of homologous 
 compounds and water. Aniline, if present, causes a violet coloration with chlorinated 
 lime, and nitrobenzene will separate as oily drops if quinoline is mixed with an excess 
 of sulphuric acid and cooled. 
 
 Quinoline is largely used in the manufacture of cynnin , a golden-green product obtained 
 by acting on quinoline with amyl iodide and afterward with soda ; it dyes wool blue. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Axalgen, Ortho-oxyethylana-monobenzoyl-amidoquinoline. — This new 
 antipyretic is the result of an endeavor to produce a compound having high physiological power ; 
 its synthetic composition was thought out before actual production of the substance. The 
 chemical formula for analgen is CgilsNOC^IIgNIICOCpIG ; the process for its manufacture is 
 
CHIBA TA. 
 
 451 
 
 complicated. It occurs as a white crystalline powder, slightly soluble in cold, but more readily 
 in hot "water, and soluble in alcohol and dilute acids. Its melting-point is 155° C. (311° F.). 
 It has been used in doses of 1.0 Om. (15 grains) with gratifying results to relieve rheumatic 
 pains. 
 
 Orexine hydrochloride, Phenyldihydroquinazoline hydrochloride. — This complex derivative 
 of quinoline was introduced in 1890 as a stomachic of remarkable activity. It is prepared by 
 starting from formanilid, making sodium fonnanilid, then orthonitrobenzyl-formanilid, and 
 finally orexinehydrochloride. It forms a white powder, melting at 80° C. (176° F.), or colorless 
 acieular crystals. It is soluble in 13 parts of water, also in alcohol, but insoluble in ether. Its 
 taste is bitter and pungent, and it exerts a powerful irritant effect on the mucous membrane of 
 the nose. Orexine is usually administered in doses of 4 to 8 grains ; it should never be given 
 in pill form, but always in wafers, followed by a large draught of some liquid to prevent local 
 irritant action. The reports regarding its efficacy are conflicting. Its chemical formula is 
 
 c 6 ii 4 .ncii.ch 2 nc 6 h 5 hci. 
 
 Diaphtherin, Oxyquinaseptol. — As its name indicates, this new antiseptic is a compound of 
 oxyquinoline and aseptol. It is obtained by first preparing oxyquinoline phenolsulphonate, and 
 introducing into this a second molecule of oxyquinoline. Its chemical formula is C 6 H 4 .OIINC 9 - 
 II 6 0H.S0 2 0HNe 9 H 6 0H. Diaphtherin is a brightly-yellow powder, readily soluble in water ; on 
 the addition of weak alkalies and blood active oxyquinoline is separated. A 1 per cent, solu- 
 tion is said to be sufficiently strong for wounds. It is said to be non-toxic and non-caustic. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although quinoline tartrate and salicylate have been fre- 
 quently recommended for medicinal use, they have been employed only to a limited 
 extent, and by some are considered useless, and even irritating to the stomach ; both salts 
 occur in the form of permanent white crystals (the tartrate requiring 8 parts and the 
 salicylate about 75 parts of water for solution), and are given in the same dose, 0. 5-1.0 
 Gm. (7^-15 grains). 
 
 Laborde and others assert that cinchonine is rather a convulsive agent than an anti- 
 periodic. It is used to cure 'periodical fevers , but whether its dose should be greater or 
 less than that of quinine is undetermined. The therapeutical value of chinolin , of 
 whose use the most important effects were predicted, has not fulfilled the anticipations of 
 its usefulness. Like many other agents, it is an antipyretic, and must, therefore, be 
 credited with sometimes interrupting the course of simple intermittent fevers. Brieger 
 employed it without the slightest benefit in typhus, pneumonia, rheumatism, and remit- 
 tent fever; in some cases it was vomited, and thereby reduced the temperature very 
 slightly. In Philadelphia, Harrington found it valueless as an antiperiodic ( Phila . Med. 
 Times , xii. 392). It had also bad effects, such as disturbed digestion, vomiting, and 
 nausea. The observations of Hiller, which extended to phthisis and typhoid fever, gave 
 like results. He therefore abandoned its use (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci. , July, 1882 p. 
 246). Seifert claims that a 5 per cent, solution of chinolin is an efficient solvent of 
 diphtherial membranes ; and Marcell makes a similar statement (Centralbl. f. Therap 
 i. 540). Donath and also Unruh proclaimed its efficiency, but it has ceased to be relied 
 upon ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 29; Med. News , xlvi. 293). Brieger pointed out anew that the 
 similarity of composition of chinolin and quinine led physicians into the common error 
 of concluding that the therapeutical action of the two were identical, but that when the 
 former was subjected to the only legitimate test, clinical experience, it proved to be 
 worthless as a medicine ( Zeitschrift f. hlin. Med., iv. 206). 
 
 Orexin ( hydrochlorate ) was alleged to have a remarkable property of stimulating the 
 appetite for food (whence its name, which means hunger) ; but the original statements 
 concerning it have not been confirmed. 
 
 CHIRATA, U. S., JBv , — Chirata. 
 
 Chiretta , U. S. 1870. — Chireita , E., Gr. ; Chirette , Fr. ; Ostindisclier Enzian , Gr. 
 
 The entire plant Swertia (Ophelia, Grisebach) Chirata, Hamilton , s. Agathotes (Gen- 
 tiana, Roxburgh) Chirayta, Don. Wallich, Plant. Asiat., iii. 252; Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 183. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Gentianeae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is an annual, and indigenous to the mountainous portions of 
 Northern India, where it grows at an elevation of from 5000 to 9000 feet, and is col- 
 lected when the fruit begins to form. It has long been in use in India, and became 
 known in England as a medicine about 1839. 
 
 Description. — It is met with in flattened bundles about 90 Cm. (3 feet) long, tied 
 with a thin slip of bamboo, and has a pale purplish-brown color. The simple and taper- 
 ing root is about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long. The stem is 0.9 to 1.5 M. (3 to 5 feet) long, 
 
452 
 
 CHIRA TA .—CHL ORAL. 
 
 cylindrical below, slightly quadrangular above, much branched, smooth, and slightly 
 thickened at the nodes, and containing a narrow wood-circle and a large yellowish pith 
 The leaves are opposite, closely sessile, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, entire at the margin, 
 and five-nerved ; in the outer layer of the bundles they are usually broken off, leaving 
 the stems almost bare. The flowers are numerous and small, in loose axillary racemose 
 cymes, on the upper branches often single, stalked, with a deeply four-lobed calyx and 
 corolla, the latter upon each acute lobe with a pair of fringed scales ; stamens four. The 
 fruit is an ovate capsule, tapering above into the two styles and projecting but little from 
 the persistent calyx and corolla. The seeds are very numerous, minute, and angular. 
 The drug is inodorous and has a purely and persistently bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The older analyses failed to isolate the active principles of chirata, 
 and demonstrated only the presence of the common constituents of plants and the almost 
 total absence of tannin. Henry Hohn (1869) succeeded in isolating two distinct bit- 
 ter principles — ophelic acid, Ci 3 H 2 o0 10 , and chiratin, C 26 H 48 0 15 , the former of which was 
 obtained as a brown, very hygroscopic, amorphous mass which is readily soluble in water, 
 alcohol, and ether, has a slightly acidulous afterward intensely bitter taste, precipitates 
 cuprous oxide from Trommer’s solution, and produces with the lead acetates yellow pre- 
 cipitates ; a crystalline salt could not be obtained. Chiratin forms a pale-yellow powder, 
 which, though hygroscopic, is not freely soluble in cold water, but dissolves readily in 
 alcohol and ether, and has a neutral reaction to test-paper and an intensely bitter taste. 
 Its aqueous solution produces a flocculent white precipitate with tannin, and is not 
 affected by Trommer’s solution. When boiled with diluted hydrochloric acid it is split 
 into ophelic acid and chiratogenin, Ci 3 H., 4 0 3 , which is yellowish-brown, amorphous, bitter, 
 nearly insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, not precipitated by tannin, and not affected 
 by Trommer’s solution. It is not improbable that chiratogenin may exist in the drug. 
 The presence of a yellow crystalline wax-like substance and of some tannin was also 
 observed. Dried at 100° C., the stems yielded 3.7 and the leaves 7.5 per cent, of ash. 
 which is mainly composed of potassa, lime, and magnesia, combined with carbonic and 
 phosphoric acids. 
 
 Substitutes. — Several species of Ophelia and allied genera are known in India as 
 chirata, and are distinguished from the official drug as puharee (hill), dukhunee (south- 
 ern), ooda (purple), and meetha (sweet) chirata ; they appear to be indiscriminately 
 collected and sent to Bombay, where, according to Dymock, the drug is garbled. Prof. 
 Bentley (1874) met with such a substitution (probably Ophelia angustifolia or 0. pul- 
 chella, Don), which had the stem obscurely quadrangular below and evidently four-sided 
 and winged above, the leaves narrow and tapering to both ends, the leaf-scars not prom- 
 inently marked, the flowers larger, the woody circle of the stem thicker, and the infusion 
 less bitter than the true chirata. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In Hindostan this medicine is held to be stomachic , tonic, 
 antiperiodic, cholagogue, and deobstruent, as well as efficient in chronic bronchitis. In 
 truth, it possesses virtues very similar to those of gentian and other simple bitters. But 
 in India the natives are said “ to attribute almost miraculous properties to the plant” 
 (Hunter, Lancet, Dec. 1890, p. 1975). The dose of chirata is about Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx). 
 An infusion may be made with Gm. 16 (gss) of chirata to Gm. 500 (Oj) of boiling 
 water, or this preparation may be reduced by boiling for twenty minutes. Dose, 
 Gm. 30-60 (f^i-ij), three times a day. 
 
 CHLORAL, V. S . — Chloral. 
 
 Chloral hydras, Br., F. Cod. ; Chloralum hydratum , P. G. ; Aldehydum trichloratum. — 
 Chloral Hydrate, Hydrous Chloral, Trichloraldehy de-hydrate, E. ; Hydrate de chloral , Fr. ; 
 C Morality dr at, G. ; Cloralio idrato, It. ; Cloral hidratado, Sp. 
 
 Formula C 2 HC1 3 0.1I 2 0. Molecular weight 164.97. 
 
 A crystalline soiid, composed of trichloraldehyde or chloral with one molecule of water. 
 It should be kept in glass-stoppered bottles, in a cool and dark place. — U. S. 
 
 It is unfortunate that the new Pharmacopoeia has continued the title of 1880 for this 
 preparation ; since the hydrated condition distinguishes the official crystalline compound 
 from the liquid anhydrous chloral, it seems to us this fact should have been recognized 
 in the official title, as has been done in European pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Formation and Preparation. — Chloral was discovered by Liebig (1832), and 
 its production and composition were soon after determined. by him and by Dumas, As a 
 
CHLORAL. 
 
 453 
 
 result of these investigations it was stated that when dry chlorine is passed into absolute 
 alcohol, aldehyde and hydrochloric acid are first formed : C 2 H 5 OH + Cl 2 — C 2 H 4 0 -j- 
 2HC1 ; by the continued action of dry chlorine gas 3 atoms of hydrogen are abstracted 
 from the aldehyde, with the formation of hydrochloric acid, and are replaced by 3 atoms 
 of chlorine, producing chloral ; the reaction was explained by the following equation : 
 C 2 H 4 0 -|- 3C1 2 = 3HC1 + C 2 HC1 3 0. The fact that when chlorine is brought in contact 
 with aldehyde, trichlorbutylaldehyde, a condensation product, is formed instead of chloral, 
 renders the substitution theory above stated untenable. According to Lieben, the nas- 
 cent aldehyde produced by action of chlorine on alcohol acts upon the alcohol present, 
 forming acetal or ethidene diethyl ether; thus, C 2 H 4 0 + 2C 2 H 5 OH = CH 3 .CI1(0C 2 H 5 ) 2 - 
 -f H 2 0. The acetal is converted into trichloracetal, and this by the hydrochloric acid 
 into ethyl chloride and chloral alcoholate ; thus, CC1 3 .CH(0C 2 H 5 ) 2 + HC1 = CCl 3 .CHO- 
 HOC 2 H 5 + C 2 H 5 C1. The chloral alcoholate upon addition of sulphuric acid yields chloral 
 and ethyl sulphuric acid, as shown by the following equation : CCl 3 .CHOHOC 2 H 5 -j~ 
 H 2 S0 4 = C 2 HC1 3 0 + C 2 H 5 HS0 4 + H 2 0. Other products of decomposition are formed in 
 smaller quantities, and necessitate the subsequent purification of the chloral. The yield 
 is very materially reduced if water be present, in which case a portion of the aldehyde 
 at first produced is converted into acetic acid (C 2 H 4 0 + H 2 0 -f Cl 2 = C 2 H 4 0 2 -f- 2HC1), 
 and this acid, reacting with some alcohol, forms acetic ether, which is not transformed 
 into chloral by the action of chlorine. In preparing chloral, therefore, the materials 
 reacting upon one another must be as nearly free from water as they can be obtained. 
 Chlorine gas is generated in the usual manner, and passed first into a Woulf’s bottle, 
 where some of the moisture is condensed ; then over calcium chloride or through sul- 
 phuric acid, by which it is completely dried ; and finally into the absolute alcohol, which 
 is kept cool as long as the chlorine gas is rapidly absorbed, but after a few days requires 
 to be warmed, the heat being slowly increased, until at the end of the process it has 
 reached 60° to 70° C. (140° to 158° F.). The whole process requires about two weeks 
 (for 600 Gm. of alcohol three days, Dumas) ; but if larger quantities of alcohol be ope- 
 rated upon a longer time is required. In the experience of Dr. Squibb (1870), 92 
 pounds of alcohol required the continuous generation of chlorine gas for twenty-eight 
 days, using about 11 tons of a mixture of manganese dioxide and common salt, and 
 yielded about 160 pounds of crude chloral. Large quantities of hydrochloric acid gas 
 containing some chloral escape during the latter part of the process, and if passed 
 through a reversed condenser the vapors of the latter will be condensed and returned to 
 the vessel. Kraemer observed (1874) that the ethereal liquid which accumulates 
 beneath the hydrochloric acid is a mixture of the chlorides of ethylene and eihylidene. 
 
 Crude chloral for its purification should be treated first with about its own weight of 
 strong sulphuric acid, by which the chloral hydrate and alcoholate are decomposed and 
 colorless chloral separates as an oily layer, which is at once rectified over some burned 
 lime. To avoid combustion the lime must be completely covered by the liquid. Dr. 
 Squibb prefers to distil the chloral directly from the sulphuric acid, to combine the distil- 
 late partly with water, rectifying it over a mixture of lime and calcium carbonate, and 
 hydrating this second distillate completely by adding the necessary quantity of water, 
 ascertained by calculation from the weight of the first distillate (82 parts require 10 parts 
 of water) ; while still hot the mass is poured upon plates covered with a bell-glass and 
 allowed to crystallize. 
 
 Properties. — Chloral (anhydrous) is a colorless, thin, oily liquid of a peculiar pun- 
 gent, irritating odor and caustic taste. It has the density 1.502 at 18° C. (64.4° F.), 
 boils at 99.1° C. (210.4° F.), and is gradually, or sometimes rapidly, converted into insol- 
 uble chloral or metachloral, which is a white mass or powder of the same elementary com- 
 position as chloral, but of a much weaker odor, and at about 180° C. (356° F.) distils 
 without melting, and becomes again liquid and soluble in water. The change into the 
 insoluble condition is prevented by the addition of a little chloroform (Markoe, 1870). 
 
 Chloral hydrate is met with in white crystalline masses or in separate colorless, oblique- 
 rhombic crystals of a saccharoid aspect, and attracts moisture in a damp atmosphere, but 
 in a nearly dry atmosphere evaporates slowly without liquefying. It has a peculiar aro- 
 matic and somewhat irritating odor, the pungency of which is increased with the temper- 
 ature, and a bitterish caustic taste. Its vapors are but slightly affected by the vapors of 
 ammonia, except at a somewhat elevated temperature, when white clouds are produced. 
 It fuses at about 58° C. (136° F.) to a clear, colorless liquid having the spec. grav. 1.575. 
 and congealing again to a crystalline mass at about 50° C. (122° F.) (between 35° and 
 50° C. = 95° and 122° F., U. $.). At about 78° C. (172° F.) it begins to yield vapors 
 
454 
 
 CHLORAL. 
 
 of water and of anhydrous chloral, and it boils near 95° C. (203° F.), and evaporates 
 without leaving any residue. It is soluble in 4 parts of chloroform and in less than its 
 own weight of water, alcohol, or ether. Chloral which has been insufficiently hydrated 
 contains the insoluble modification, and is therefore not completely soluble in water. It 
 dissolves in petroleum benzin, benzene, and carbon disulphide, and may be readily 
 obtained in crystals from the hot solutions. It is soluble in glycerin, liquefies in contact 
 with camphor and carbolic acid (see below), and forms solutions with fats and volatile 
 oils (Jehn, 1874). The solution of chloral hydrate in strong alcohol has and retains a 
 neutral reaction, but when dissolved in water it slightly reddens blue litmus-paper ; it is, 
 however, not precipitated by silver nitrate (absence of hydrochloric acid) ; exposed to a 
 damp atmosphere or when kept in aqueous solution, it acquires a permanent acid reac- 
 tion. Treated with warm soda or other alkali hydroxide, chloral is decomposed into 
 chloroform and alkali formate : C 2 HC1 3 0 + KOH yields CHC1 3 + KCH0 2 . 
 
 On adding to the aqueous solution of chloral contained in a test-tube water of ammonia 
 and a few drops of test-solution of silver nitrate, a silver mirror will be obtained upon 
 the glass. An aqueous solution, treated with test-solution of ammonium sulphide, 
 gives a reddish-brown precipitate. Chloral hydrate which has acquired an acid reaction 
 may be purified by recrystallization from hot benzin or carbon disulphide ; should the 
 decomposition have proceeded further, it is best to treat with strong sulphuric acid, etc., 
 as in the purification of crude chloral. 
 
 Tests. — The presence of chloral alcoholate is indicated by the combustion which takes 
 place on heating a sample upon platinum-foil over a flame. Smaller quantities are detected 
 by the turbidity resulting from the production of iodoform if a strong aqueous solution is 
 warmed with a slight excess of potassa solution, iodine being then added as long as it is 
 decolorized. On cooling, microscopic crystals of iodoform will separate. The presence 
 of various organic impurities is detected by warming the chloral hydrate with sulphuric 
 acid, which will then acquire a brown color. If decomposition has set in, the aqueous 
 solution of chloral hydrate on being acidulated with sulphuric acid will readily decolorize 
 a weak solution of potassium permanganate and cause a white precipitate with silver 
 nitrate. The decomposition of chloral hydrate by alkalies affords a means of estimating 
 its value: when perfectly pure, 100 grains of it, dissolved in an ounce of water and 
 mixed with 30 grains of slaked lime and distilled, yield not less than 70 grains of chloro- 
 form. Moist chloral hydrate yields less in proportion to the excess of moisture ; chloral 
 alcoholate produces only 60 per cent, of chloroform. V. Meyer and Heffter (1873) 
 estimate the purity of chloral from the amount of formic acid produced by warming the 
 solution of chloral hydrate with an excess of normal solution of soda and determining 
 the excess of soda volumetrically by an acid. Pure sodium hydroxide will decompose 
 4.1375 times its weight of pure chloral hydrate. “ Chloral should be dry, and should 
 not readily attract moisture in ordinarily dry air; when dissolved in diluted alcohol, 
 acidulated with nitric acid, it should remain unaffected by test-solution of silver nitrate 
 (absence of hydrochloric acid and chlorides). If 1 Gm. be dissolved in 2 Cc. of warm 
 distilled water, and about 8 Cc. (or a slight excess) of solution of potassa added, the 
 mixture filtered clear through wet filter-paper, and the filtrate treated with test-solution 
 of iodine until it is yellowish, no yellow crystalline precipitate (iodoform) should appear 
 even after standing half an hour (absence of chloral alcoholate).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Chloral hydrate and camphor. In 1873 
 attention was drawn to the fact that if powdered camphor be triturated with an equal 
 weight of chloral hydrate, a colorless liquid of syrupy consistence is obtained, which has 
 since been used under the name of camphorated chloral. E. C. Saunders (1876) regards 
 it as a simple solution, camphor being the solvent; but from its optical behavior Caze- 
 neuve and Imbert (1880) consider it a true chemical compound. It is soluble in alcohol, 
 ether, chloroform, glycerin, fixed oils, and in aqueous solutions of chloral ; but it is decom- 
 posed by water, chloral hydrate being dissolved and camphor precipitated. 
 
 Chloral camphoratum, N. F. — Camphorated Chloral, Chloral and Camphor. — Take 
 of chloral, 50 parts ; camphor, 50 parts. Mix them by agitation in a bottle, or by trit- 
 uration in a warm mortar until they are liquefied and combined. 
 
 Chloral hydrate as a solvent. — R. F. Fairthorne (1874) observed that solu- 
 tions of chloral hydrate in water or glycerin will dissolve morphine, veratrine, and other 
 alkaloids, and suggested a class of preparations which he named chloral-gh/cerites, the 
 basis of which is a solution of 1 drachm of chloral hydrate in half a fluidounce of 
 glycerin. 
 
CHLORAL. 
 
 455 
 
 Derivatives and Allied Compounds. — IIvpnal. — This name has been given to a compound of 
 chloral and antipyrine known as monochlorantipyrine. It is prepared by mixing in a separa- 
 tory funnel a solution of 47.0 Gm. of chloral hydrate in 50 Cc. of distilled water, and a solution 
 of 53.0 Gm. of antipyrine in 50 Cc. of distilled water ; after an hour the oily-looking liquid is 
 drawn off into a capsule, and in twenty-four hours will be found to have congealed to a mass of 
 transparent rhombic crystals, which should be drained and dried in a desiccator (Demandre). 
 The crystals are odorless and tasteless, melt at 58°-60° C. (136.4°-140° F.), and dissolve in 5-6 
 parts of water. Hypnal is said to combine analgesic and hypnotic properties, 1. 0-2.0 Gm. (15- 
 30 grains), relieving pain and producing quiet sleep in troublesome coughs (Bardet). 
 
 Somnal, Ethylated chloral-urethane. — Under this name a new hypnotic was introduced in 
 1889, which is made by union of chloral, alcohol, and urethane; it has the formula C 7 H 12 C1 3 0 3 N, 
 differing in formula from ural by containing C 2 I1 4 additional. It melts at 42° C. (107.6° F.), 
 does not react with silver nitrate, and is not acted upon by acids. It is administered in doses of 
 2.0 Gm. (30 grains) in aqueous solution flavored with syrup. Half an hour after its administra- 
 tion a sound sleep, lasting from six to eight hours, is produced without any unpleasant after- 
 effects. 
 
 Ural, Chloral-urethane, Uralium. — Melted chloral hydrate is capable of dissolving urethane ; 
 if to such a solution concentrated hydrochloric acid is added, it solidifies within twenty-four 
 hours to a mass insoluble in water. This is then treated with concentrated sulphuric acid and 
 washed with water, by which an oily liquid results, which subsequently crystallizes. The 
 product, C 5 H 8 C1 3 0 3 N, is insoluble in cold and decomposed by boiling water ; it is abundantly 
 taken up by alcohol and ether, and reprecipitated by water; its melting-point is 103° C. (217.4° 
 F.). The average dose as a hypnotic is 1.0 Gm. (15 grains), but its sparing solubility has 
 operated against its use. 
 
 Chloralcyanhydrin, Chloral Hydrocyanin, Chloral Hydrocyanate. — This compound was first 
 obtained in 1872 by treating chloral with anhydrous hydrocyanic acid at an elevated temperature. 
 Pinner (1884) suggested to prepare it by dissolving chloral hydrate in a 10 or 12 per cent, solu- 
 tion of hydrocyanic acid obtained from potassium ferrocyanide, equal in weight to that of the 
 chloral hydrate ; the solution after twenty-four hours is digested for several hours, and finally 
 evaporated on a water-bath. It crystallizes from water in white rhombic plates, melts at 61° C. 
 (141.8° F.), boils with some decomposition between 215° and 220° C., has an odor recalling that 
 of hydrocyanic acid and chloral, and is readily soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Its chemi- 
 cal formula is CCl 3 .CHOIICN. An aqueous solution of chloralcyanhydrin will remain 
 unchanged for some time, and is not precipitated by silver nitrate, except after heating ; alkalies 
 decompose the salt, yielding chloroform, hydrocyanic and formic acids. It has been recom- 
 mended as a substitute for hydrocyanic acid, of which it yields 15.5 per cent. ; 1.29 Gm. chloral- 
 cyanhydrin dissolved in 9 Gm. distilled water furnishes a solution equal in strength to the official 
 2 per cent, hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 Chloral-ammonium, or Trichloramidoethylic Alcohol, has been suggested as a hypnotic in 
 doses of 15-30 grains. It may be obtained by passing a rapid current of dry ammonia through 
 a solution of anhydrous chloral in chloroform as long as it is absorbed, pouring off the chloro- 
 form from the crystalline deposit, pressing this between bibulous paper, and drying in vacuo. 
 It occurs as small needle-shaped crystals, which melt at 62°-64° C. (143.6°-147.2° F.) and are 
 soluble ; the aqueous solution is prone to change. 
 
 Chloralose — This name has been proposed by Hanriot and Richet for a new hypnotic 
 obtained by heating equal quantities of anhydrous chloral and dry glucose together, to 100° C. 
 (212° F.) for one hour; upon cooling the mass is treated with a little water, and then boiling 
 ether. After distilling the ether-soluble portions five or six times with water to remove chloral, 
 the new compound is obtained by crystallization ; it is soluble in hot water and alcohol. Para- 
 chloralose is produced at the same time. Very little is known thus far regarding this new 
 body. 
 
 Chloral-phenol is made by triturating equal weights of chloral hydrate and carbolic acid ; 
 it forms a colorless viscid liquid, sp. gr. at 20° C. (68° F.) 1.289 ; it possesses prominently the odor 
 of chloral hydrate, has a sweet caustic taste, and produces blisters when placed upon the skin. It 
 is miscible with alcohol, acetic acid, chloroform, carbon disulphide, and ether. Chloral-phenol 
 in small quantities coagulates albumen ; an excess redissolves it. Cotton impregnated with it, 
 has been recommended for relief in toothache. J. B. Garrison (1881) prefers for this purpose 
 the firm and short cotton from the cottonwood tree, Populus canadensis, Michaux ; w r hen satu- 
 rated with the liquid it is known as chloro-carbolated cotton. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied in its pure state to the sound skin, chloral occasions 
 a slight redness, but it acts as a powerful irritant upon the derma and upon w T ounds, even 
 occasioning eschars, and it excites pain in healthy mucous membranes. A warm satu- 
 rated solution of chloral in water is said to have acted as a caustic upon the skin of the 
 temple, and a paste composed of chloral and finely-powdered tragacanth to have vesi- 
 cated the skin of the forearm. It has been used to produce vesication when applied on 
 adhesive plaster after being melted. The operation is said to be painless. Its taste, 
 even in a watery solution, is somewhat acrid and bitter, causing a sense of burning in 
 the throat, and sometimes in the stomach also, and producing more or less salivation. 
 
456 
 
 CHLORAL. 
 
 In enema it occasions heat and irritation in the rectum, and its subcutaneous injection is 
 not only painful, but is apt to be followed by sloughing. 
 
 Chloral allays pain and produces sleep, but less perfectly, than opiates. It seldom 
 produces the untoward effects of opium, such as nausea, dryness of the fauces, constipa- 
 tion, anorexia, dysury, headache, giddiness, or malaise ; nor, except in very large doses, 
 does it occasion anaesthesia. Indeed, the effects of occasional and appropriate doses 
 closely resemble natural sleep, except that the face is flushed and the pupils are more or less 
 contracted ; the patient may sometimes even be temporarily awakened to take food or to obey 
 a call of nature without interfering permanently with its soporific action. As in natural 
 sleep, respiration and circulation are retarded and the temperature is slightly lowered. 
 The pupils are contracted and insensible to light. Exceptions to these statements may 
 be found in certain cases in which the sleep is restless or unrefreshing, or in which a 
 state of delirious excitement exists, and in which the conjunctiva becomes injected and 
 the eyelids swollen, or in which there is subsequently experienced a degree of dulness or 
 headache or sick stomach, or a partial loss of power in the limbs. Numerous cases are 
 reported of violent delirium produced by this preparation (Kane, Phila. Med. Times , xi. 
 225). According to Bouchut, children can take chloral with much less danger than 
 adults. 
 
 Like chloroform, chloral sometimes produces poisonous, and even fatal, effects without 
 its being possible to explain them by its excessive dose or by any special condition of the 
 patient. Death has resulted from the use of even 10 grains of the drug. The phe- 
 nomena of acute chloral-poisoning usually denote failure of the heart’s action. They 
 include faintness, feeble pulse, fluttering heart, paralyzed and cold extremities, a sense 
 of sinking, pallor, and partial lividity of the face ; in a word, the phenomena of 
 syncope. 
 
 A state of chronic disorder, which may be called chloralism, and is sometimes very 
 persistent, comprises many of the following phenomena: mental hebetude and irritability, 
 hallucinations, insanity, emotional excitability and obstinate insomnia, loss of memory, 
 with physical incapacity for exertion, and extreme prostration on attempting it; uncer- 
 tainty of movement and a tendency to fall forward, or absolute inability to stand or walk 
 or perform various co-ordinated movements, as writing, articulation, etc. 
 
 Chloral appears to be indicated when sleeplessness is dependent upon a vascularity due 
 to exhaustion rather than to primary excitement of the brain ; thus it has been found 
 useful where loss of sleep follows severe and prolonged mental application or excitement 
 of feeling, or accompanies the general debility following acute diseases attended with 
 delirium or severe pain, or is associated with acute mania , especially of the puerperal 
 form. The somewhat analogous condition which exists in delirium tremens is very 
 amenable to this medicine, especially in the forming stage of the affection known as “ the 
 horrors,” and which so frequently follows surgical injuries in drunkards ; it is useful also 
 when great nervous excitement and restlessness are associated with extravagant phan- 
 tasms. Nevertheless, its depressing effects are to he guarded against in this affection as 
 well as in the different forms of insanity. “ The tide of opinion seems to have set 
 directly against its use, save in certain cases and under certain conditions ” of the latter 
 disease. The weight of authority is opposed to it, partly upon the ground that it 
 tends to suddenly depress the heart and the nervous system, and partly because it 
 aggravates the delirium in many cases. (Compare Kane, Med. Record , xix. 60.) The 
 grounds of this condemnation are distinctly and emphatically set forth by Weiss (Cen- 
 tralblatt f Therapie , i. 119), who from a large experience shows that the medicine does 
 more harm by its depressing than good by its hypnotic influence in all protracted 
 maniacal seizures, and by its continued use induces a cachectic condition that prolongs 
 and even perpetuates the disease. He charges it with the production of numerous lesions 
 from decubitus (ulcers, etc.) in the paralytic and chronic insane, and, in a word, as a 
 double-edged sword that, while it overcomes maniacal manifestations, tends to undermine 
 the powers of life. In a case of poisoning by g 1 ^ gr. of hydrochloraie of hyoscine , chloral 
 in 10-grain doses repeated every quarter of an hour, seems to have arrested the convul- 
 sions and secured recovery ( Practitioner , xxxvii. 370). 
 
 Although far inferior for the relief of pain , chloral is a very useful substitute for 
 opium and its preparations in many cases in which the pain is of moderate intensity or 
 when an idiosyncrasy exists which renders these medicines ineligible. Pain in nervous 
 trunks and extremities, particularly in neuralgia, whether of central or peripheral origin, 
 in toothache, lead-colic, cancer, and tumors compressing nerves, is more or less palliated 
 by chloral. But its anodyne influence is very transient, and when it passes off the pain 
 
CHLORAL. 
 
 457 
 
 appears to be intensified. This remark applies also to the use of chloral in nervous 
 headache. It has been employed with advantage in cases of angina pectoris unconnected 
 with obstructive disease or degeneration of the heart ; but it should be used with 
 extreme caution, if at all, whenever, from these or other causes, the action of the heart 
 is irregular, feeble, or tumultuous. Chloral is very efficient during labor in producing 
 those effects for which chloroform and ether are commonly employed ; that is to say, for 
 allaying fruitless and excessive pains and permitting rhythmical contractions of the 
 uterus to occur ; for promoting dilatation of the os uteri ; for procuring repose for the 
 mother during prolonged labor ; and for quieting alarm and allaying nervous irritability. 
 It should be given in doses of not less than Gm. 2 (30 grains), repeated every half-hour 
 until the desired effect is produced. The vomiting of pregnancy, originating in uterine 
 irritation, may be allayed or arrested by enemas of from Gm. 1.30-4 (20 to 60 grains) 
 of chloral. 
 
 Among spasmodic affections, tetanus, especially of the subacute form, has proved very 
 amenable to this remedy, administered hypodermically and also by the mouth and rectum. 
 Statistics appear to show that the mortality under its use is rather less than under that 
 of curare, Calabar bean, and other medicines. It is said that in the more acute and 
 active forms of the disease its efficacy is less demonstrable, but in three acute cases out 
 of four occurring in the Pennsylvania Hospital cure followed the use of chloral. The 
 tetanic spasm produced by strychnine-poisoning is equally under its control ; it seems to 
 reduce the force and frequency of the paroxysms, but a lethal dose of strychnine cannot 
 be combated by an adequate dose of chloral, for the latter would be equally dangerous to 
 life. A summary may here be given of Th. Husemann’s conclusions after a thorough 
 rational and experimental investigation of this subject in animals: There is no reciprocal 
 antagonism between chloral and strychnine. But an animal under the influence of 
 chloral will escape the effects of five or six times the minimum lethal dose of strychnine, 
 or even of much larger doses of the latter, so long as the proper toxical effects of the 
 chloral are not developed. In this way, even when it does not prevent death, it may 
 greatly delay it. In animals, and also in man, its power of saving life in strychnine- 
 poisoning depends very much upon its ability to prevent or to moderate the spasms 
 which, if unchecked, hasten so greatly the fatal issue by exhausting the nervons centres 
 and lowering the temperature. (Compare Faucon, Archives generates , Jan. 1883, pp. 
 74, 153, who advises that chloral should be administered hypodermically as well as by 
 the mouth, and even by the veins.) In some instances of tonic spasm its effects have 
 been beneficial. It has been used to mitigate the fits of epilepsy by giving it before their 
 regular hour of recurrence when they are periodical. It may lessen the movements in 
 paralysis agitans. Puerperal convulsions are perhaps more amenable to the influence 
 of chloral than any other form of spasmodic disease, although it is far from being a 
 certain remedy. To ensure its favorable action it should be given in doses of not less than 
 Gm. 1—1.30 (gr. xv-xx), repeated every fifteen minutes until its appropriate effects appear. 
 Its use in infantile convulsions is common, but its utility is not clearly proved. In a 
 case of hydrophobia the medicine was found to control the active symptoms completely, 
 but the patient died by syncope (Gunning). A case of supposed hydrophobia, reported 
 by Broadbent as recovering under the use of chloral, was considered by some members 
 of the Clinical Society of London as being of a different nature ( Times and Gaz., March, 
 1883, p. 308). The treatment of chorea, with chloral has not been encouraging, and the 
 same may be said of insanity , and, indeed, of all diseases in which the medicine must 
 continue to be used for a long time. In chorea, however, it displays a decided control 
 over the spasmodic element of the disease, and must be regarded as a valuable adjuvant 
 in the cure of cases depending upon definite blood-disorder, nervous shock, or reflex 
 irritation. In some uncomplicated cases it suffices for the cure, especially if given in 
 full doses. It appears to have been very serviceable in laryngismus stridulus when taken 
 by children six months old in doses of 2 grains three times a day. It has been recom- 
 mended in the form of an atomized solution of 10 grains to the ounce as a remedy for 
 the “ winter cough ” of old persons. In whooping cough it is of service by mitigating the 
 violence of the paroxysms and preventing the loss of strength occasioned by their 
 occurrence at night. It sometimes also appears to shorten the duration of the attack. 
 In other varieties of cough it is a useful palliative, but is not to be compared with opium. 
 The paroxysms of nervous asthma are sometimes very favorably modified by this medi- 
 cine, but it is unsuited for the continuous treatment of so chronic a disease It is one 
 of the best remedies for obstinate hiccup. There is an alleged physiological antagonism 
 between chloral and Calabar bean , but it is exhibited only when the doses of the two 
 
458 
 
 CHLORAL. 
 
 agents are fully proportioned and the chloral is administered within a very few minutes 
 after the bean. Organic diseases of the heart , and especially of the aortic orifice and 
 muscular degeneration, are contraindications to the use of chloral, because it tends to 
 lessen the vigor of that organ. It should rarely be used in substantial diseases of the 
 stomach, the pharynx, or the larynx on account of its irritant properties, nor in any case 
 of pulmonary obstruction. 
 
 A mixture of chloral and morphine has been used by Trelat to produce partial anaes- 
 thesia for surgical purposes, and either exclusively for minor operations or as prepara- 
 tory to the use of chloroform in graver ones. It is contended that in this manner the 
 dangers of the latter agent are diminished, both by the action of the morphine and by the 
 smaller quantity of the anaesthetic required (Choquet, 1880). Equal parts of camphor 
 and chloral form an excellent topical anodyne in neuralgia. Chloral hydrate, sprinkled 
 on adhesive plaster and melted with a gentle heat, acts as a vesicant within ten minutes 
 when applied to the skin. It has been said that healing takes place underneath the 
 plaster, but, on the other hand, ulceration, and even gangrene, may ensue if the action is 
 too long maintained. This mode of vesication is convenient and efficient when applied 
 over the tender parts of a neuralgic nerve. A 50 per cent, solution of chloral has been 
 applied in pharyngeal diphtheria by means of a brush at intervals of half an hour, with 
 the effect of loosening the false membrane. After the separation of the latter a weaker 
 solution, applied at longer intervals, appeared to hasten the cure. This efficacy of 
 chloral has been alleged by Mercier, who, however, gave the medicine in a syrup 
 containing 20 per cent, of the drug (Amer. Journ. Med. Sci ., April, 1888, p. 396). 
 The combined deodorizing, antiseptic, and stimulating qualities of chloral have caused 
 various applications of it, especially as a surgical dressing. A solution of 1 part in 100 
 of water has been found sufficiently strong. This is applied on lint to unhealthy sur- 
 faces, such as gangrenous, indolent, erysipelatous, diphtheritic, cancerous, mercurial, 
 and carious ideers, or as an injection for parts not so easily reached, as in cases of 
 dysentery. It has been recommended internally (Curci) in acute dysentery and in 
 typhoid fever , but should unequivocally be condemned, as well as in the treatment of 
 the acute gastro-enteritis of children. It corrects the fetor and lessens the discharge 
 in ozsena, for which purpose a solution of 1 part in 200 to 300 may be applied by 
 a syringe or the nasal douche. A solution of 1 or 2 parts in 100 corrects fetor of the 
 feet. A solution of 7 grs. to an ounce of brandy and water is said to be an efficient 
 lotion in the night-sweats of phthisis. Stronger solutions, containing from Gm. 1.30-2 
 (gr. xx-xxx) of chloral to Gm. 32 (fjj) of water, have been used to prevent the decom- 
 position of animal tissues immersed in them, which they are stated to do without injur- 
 ing the color or the texture. They have also been successfully employed to inject dead 
 bodies used for dissection. A solution of 1 part in 20 of water forms an excellent lotion 
 in pityriasis of the scalp, and sometimes cures the disease if it is recent. Such a solu- 
 tion has been applied to chapped nipples. A 10 per cent, solution of chloral injected into 
 an erectile tumor has effected its cure, and a like result has followed in varicocele. A 
 1 or 2 per cent, solution has been found an efficient injection in gonorrhoea. 
 
 Poisoning by chloral should be treated by the same general method which is applicable 
 to other forms of narcotism, including cold to the head and neck, the use of coffee or 
 caffeine, galvanism applied to the diaphragm, mechanical stimulants, such as friction and 
 flagellation, etc. Atropine and digitalis have been employed to stimulate and tonify 
 the heart, and nitrite of amyl for an analogous purpose. Carbonate of ammonium has 
 been injected into the veins. Strychnine has also been used as a physiological antidote 
 to chloral. It would seem to be appropriate, so far as it tends to rouse the activity 
 of the spinal cord, but it does not tend to diminish the action of chloral upon the brain. 
 But clinical evidence leaves no doubt of the efficacy of strychnine in chloral-poisoning. 
 Its first effect is to reduce the abnormal frequency of the pulse and increase its volume, 
 while it causes the respiratory act to be fuller (Moore, Med. News , xli. 566; DaCosta, 
 Phila. Med. Times , xiii. 421). A hypodermic injection of 2 minims of “ solution of 
 strychnine,” Br. Ph. (gr. -gL-), may be given at intervals of about half an hour. It is 
 of the utmost importance to combat the singular coldness which the poison tends to 
 produce by means of artificial heat, such as hot cloths, bottles, sand, etc., applied over 
 the heart, to the spine and extremities, and by small and repeated doses of alcohol, which 
 may be administered by the mouth or rectum or hypodermically. The treatment of the 
 chloral habit must consist in the withdrawal of the noxious agent and the use of hygienic 
 and medicinal tonics. It is alleged that Indian hemp appeases the desire for the drug 
 and improves the appetite ( Lancet , Mar. 1889, p. 625). 
 
CHLORAL. 
 
 459 
 
 Chloral is too irritating for ordinary hypodermic use, but in strychnine-poisoning it 
 may be so administered in the dose of from Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx). This operation 
 is apt to be followed by abscess. Its injection into the veins may be mentioned only to 
 be condemned. By the mouth the average dose for an adult is between Gm. 0.60-2.00 
 (gr. x-xxx), which may be repeated at intervals of one or two hours. In convulsive 
 disorders much larger doses may be required. For children about Gm. 0.05 (gr. j) may 
 be prescribed for each year of the child’s age. The solution should be flavored with an 
 agreeable syrup ; peppermint-water masks its taste effectually. Enemas of chloral may 
 be prepared by dissolving from Gm. 1-4 (gr. xv-lx) of the compound in a little water, 
 rubbing up the solution with the yelk of egg, and mixing it with a sufficient quantity of 
 milk. Suppositories may be made as follows: Cocoa-butter, spermaceti, of each 2? Gm.; 
 powdered chloral, ^ Gm.: or, cocoa-butter 2 Gm. ; spermaceti, powdered chloral, of each 
 3 Gm., for one suppository (Mayet). The ready solubility of chloral hydrate in fatty 
 excipients has led to the preparation of the following for external use : Chloral 6 parts, 
 almond oil 30 parts ; or chloral 7 parts, lard 27 parts, white wax 3 parts ; or, for a plaster, 
 chloral 1 part, white wax 2 parts, cocoa-butter 2£ parts. 
 
 Dr. Markoe has shown that chloral hydrate should not be associated with bromide of 
 potassium or of sodium, unless in diluted mixtures. In a concentrated alcoholic mixture 
 the chloral will rise to the surface as an alcoholate. The addition of more water or 
 alcohol *will render the solution perfect. Dr. Sherwin ( Boston Med. and Surg. Join'., 
 Nov. 1886, p. 487) states that chloral will reduce the copper when added to Fehling’s 
 test for diabetic sugar, and hence may lead to grave errors. 
 
 Hypnal. — Dujardin-Beaumetz, who introduced this preparation in 1885, regarded 
 it as soporific rather than anodyne. Its action was compared to that of chloral and also 
 of paraldehyde. In the dose of 6-8 drops it usually caused tranquil sleep, but many 
 persons did not feel its influence. Some immediately after swallowing it complained of 
 heat in the throat and stomach, pricking in the nostrils, a slight cough, and even nausea 
 or retching. Offensive eructations (of acetone) were apt to follow. Headache and slow- 
 ing of the pulse were noted among its remoter effects. The sleep produced by it is said 
 to be calm, and the awaking not attended with unpleasant feelings. These conclusions, 
 were more or less confirmed by Yigier, Limousin, Lailler, Van Schuder (1887), and Pensato, 
 who also assigned to the medicine antiseptic powers, and denied that it depressed the 
 heart. They were opposed by those of Hirt, who found it absolutely null in its action when 
 employed by him in hospital practice (Centralbl. f. d.g. Ther iv. 260). Already in 1886 
 its effects were said to be illusory, and itself doomed to oblivion ( Therap . Gaz., x. 699), 
 and Mairet and Combemale found it a feeble hypnotic with a tendency to induce coma 
 and paralysis of the heart and lungs ( Am . Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1887, p. 528), while in 
 1889, Jastrowitz declared it unsafe and unreliable, and that it had fallen into disuse 
 ( Therap. Gaz. xxii., 647). But a more recent experimenter declares it to combine the 
 virtues of chloral and antipyrine, and to be appropriate for sleeplessness caused by pain 
 (Frankel, Bull, de Therap., cxix. 249). 
 
 Hypnal cannot be relied upon to secure sleep for those who cough or suffer pain, but 
 only when wakefulness is due to nervous exeitement. 
 
 It is best administered in capsules each containing about 4 drops dissolved in 
 almondoil. 
 
 Somnal, which belongs to the same group of compounds, has been condemned as a 
 very uncertain hypnotic, and as exerting a dangerous action on the heart. 
 
 Ural exhibits hypnotic qualities in doses of Gm. 1-3 (gr. xv-xlv), but has no special 
 advantages. 
 
 CHLORAL BUTYLICUM. — Butylchloral Hydrate. 
 
 Butyl-chloral hydras, Br. ; Croton-chloral Hydrate , wrongly so called. — Hydrate de 
 chloral butylique, Fr. ; Bufylchloralhydrat, G. 
 
 Formula C 4 H 5 C1 3 0.H 2 0. Molecular weight 192.91. 
 
 Preparation. — It is prepared by passing chlorine gas into acetic aldehyde, C 2 H 4 0, 
 which should be placed in a refrigerating mixture to lessen the violence of the reaction. 
 The apparatus is connected with a reversed condenser, which carries the condensable 
 products back into the flask, while the uncondensable gases are allowed to escape. Grad- 
 ually the temperature is permitted to rise until the hot liquid ceases to absorb the chlo- 
 rine gas. The mass is now subjected to repeated fractional distillation until a product 
 is obtained boiling uniformly between 163° and 165° C. (325.4° and 329° F.), which is 
 
460 
 
 CHLORAL BUTYLICUM. 
 
 butylchloral, and by dissolving in water and crystallizing the hydrate is obtained. That 
 portion of the crude product distilling at a lower temperature requires treatment with 
 sulphuric acid to decompose the hydrate contained in it, and subsequent, fractional 
 distillation. 
 
 Properties. — Butylchloral is a colorless oil heavier than water, of a peculiar odor 
 somewhat like that of ordinary chloral. The hydrate crystallizes from water in thin 
 white scales of a silky lustre, a peculiar somewhat fruit-like odor, a warm bitterish taste, 
 and a neutral reaction. It melts at 78° C. (172.4° F.) to a colorless clear liquid, and at 
 a higher heat vaporizes without leaving any residue. It is freely soluble in alcohol and 
 ether, from which it crystallizes unaltered, is soluble in cold water with difficulty, freely 
 soluble in glycerin and hot water, and volatilizes with the vapors of boiling water. By 
 soda and other alkalies it undergoes decomposition in a manner analogous to the official 
 chloral under the same conditions, but does not yield chloroform, yielding bichlorallylene , 
 C 3 H 2 C1 2 , sodium formate and chloride. The alcoholic solution of butylchloral acidulated 
 with nitric acid does not yield a precipitate with silver nitrate. Its solutions gradu- 
 ally undergo decomposition, and should therefore not be kept on hand except for a 
 short time. 
 
 Composition — When Kramer and Pinner first obtained this body (1870) they con- 
 sidered it to be crotonchloral , C 4 H 3 C1 3 0, but have since (1875) ascertained that it is tri- 
 chlorbutylaldehyde , which is butylaldehyde, C 4 H 8 0, with 3H replaced by 3C£ The 
 hydrate contains a little over 9 per cent, of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In the dose of from 10 to 30 grains butyl chloral occasions, in 
 the course of from five to ten minutes, a sense of heaviness, confusion of ideas, and 
 dulness of the senses ; cutaneous sensibility is blunted, in the face first, and afterward in 
 the limbs, motility being at the same time more or less impaired. In from ten to thirty 
 minutes sleep sets in ; it is deep and tranquil, and while it lasts neither respiration, cir- 
 culation, temperature, nor muscular tone is greatly affected. On the return of conscious- 
 ness some dulness or lightness of the head may be experienced, but it soon passes off. 
 The most striking peculiarity of these symptoms is the conservation of muscular tone. 
 It was pointed out by Liebreich in his original communication respecting “ croton-chloral 
 hydrate. ” He described two maniacs to whom it was administered as “ remaining quietly 
 sitting on their chairs in a deep sleep for two whole hours together.” In medicinal doses 
 it does not appear to derange the stomach, but its acrid taste, which persists in the throat, 
 may excite nausea, and even vomiting. Very large doses may cause both vomiting and 
 diarrhoea, and the former effect has been induced by the hypodermic administration of 
 the medicine. 
 
 Butyl-chloral hydrate is anodyne or anaesthetic rather than narcotic. The indications 
 for its employment were originally stated to be — 1, its substitution for chloral hydrate 
 in cases of heart disease ; 2, in neuralgia of the trigeminus ; 3, when very large doses 
 of hydrate of chloral are necessary to produce sleep. In the last case it was recom- 
 mended to associate the two hypnotics. Experience has proved that it is of little use 
 even in neuralgia unless the pain affect the fifth pair. In that form of the disease, how- 
 ever, it is a most useful anodyne. If doses of Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx) are given 
 at intervals of fifteen or thirty minutes, the pain is apt to be palliated even before sleep 
 is induced. In this manner it has proved very useful in cases of painful spasm (tic dou- 
 loureux) of the face. In ordinary facial neuralgia occuring in young persons, and especially 
 in anaemic women and girls, it is peculiarly efficient. It is also serviceable in nervous 
 headache , and is a palliative of dysmenorrhoea. In soms cases of insomnia — such, for 
 instance, as are frequent in chronic phthisis — a dose at bedtime of from Gm. 0.30-1.0 
 (gr. v— xv) is useful, but its primary effect is not maintained, and larger doses become 
 necessary. Butyl chloral is contraindicated by hypersemia of the brain, by an irritable 
 condition of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, and by diseases which impair the 
 vigor of the heart. 
 
 It may be given as a soporific in doses of from Gm. 0.20-0.60 (gr. iij — x) but the 
 smaller dose is preferable, and may be repeated at intervals of an hour or less until the 
 due effect is obtained. Females are much more readily than men affected by small 
 doses. Much larger doses have been recommended, as from 8 to 15 grains, and even 
 from Gm. 0.40-1.00, 2.00-4.00 (gr. xxx-lx) ; but they can rarely be necessary or safe. 
 The extreme bitterness of the medicine requires it to be administered in a solution capa- 
 ble of masking its taste, such as glycerin and syrup flavored with essence of peppermint, 
 or, still better, in syrup of liquorice-root. It may also be given in a mixture of the fol- 
 lowing description : butyl-chloral hydrate 5 to 10 parts ; glycerin 20 parts ; distilled 
 
CHLORALUM FORM AMID ATUM. 
 
 461 
 
 water 130 parts; the mixture to be shaken before it is used. The dose of this prepa- 
 ration is half an aunce, followed in five minutes by a second, and in ten minutes by a 
 third. It is well to begin with a small dose, so as to avoid hypnotism, when the anaes- 
 thetic effect alone is desired ; but to produce sleep, from Gm. 1-3 (gr. xv-xlv), accord- 
 ing to the patient’s constitution, may be given at bedtime. As a topical application for 
 the relief of neuralgia a mixture of equal parts of butyl chloral and tincture of camphor 
 may be applied. Its hypodermic use is not recommended, on account of the abscesses 
 it occasions. If poisonous effects result from an overdose, it is advised to combat them 
 with artificial respiration and electricity along the spine at the superficial portion of the 
 pneumogastric nerves, while stimulants are applied to the extremities. 
 
 CHLORALUM FORMAMIDATUM, T. G.— Chloral Formamide. 
 
 Chloral formaniidum. — Chloralamide , E., Fr. ; Chloral formamid, Chloralamid , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chloralamide is obtained as the result of interaction between anhy- 
 drous chloral and formamide, and must be looked upon as an addition product of the two 
 bodies; thus, chloral CCl 3 CHO + formamide CHONH 2 = chloral formamide CC1 3 CH.- 
 OH.CONH 2 . 
 
 Properties. — The German Pharmacopoeia describes chloral formamide as occurring 
 in white lustrous crystals, without odor and having a faintly bitter taste. It melts at 
 115° C. (239° F.), and is slowly soluble in 20 parts of cold water and in 1? parts of 
 alcohol. By water heated to over 60° C. (140° F.) it is decomposed into chloral hydrate 
 and ammonium formate, the same effect being produced by alkalies, but not by dilute 
 acids. 
 
 Tests. — “ A 10 per cent, alcoholic solution should not redden blue litmus-paper, nor 
 be at once affected by addition of silver-nitrate solution. When heated, chloral forma- 
 mide should volatilize without evolving inflammable vapors.” — P. G. 
 
 Chloralimide , a chloral derivative obtained by the action of heat on chloral ammonium, 
 must not be confounded with the above. Its chemical formula is CC1 3 CHNH, and it 
 occurs in long crystalline needles, without color, taste, and odor, melting at 166° C. 
 (330.8° F.), and insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed 
 oils. Chloralimide is very stable, being unaffected by light, air, and moisture. Its use 
 has been almost entirely discontinued. 
 
 Action and Uses. — As a medicine, Kny (Therap. Monatsh., iii. 345), and many 
 others more recently, who employed chloralamid in various forms of insanity (including 
 mania and delirium tremens), found that it always failed to overcome active excitement, 
 but that in the abscence of this symptom it acted favorably as a soporific. A like con- 
 clusion was reached bty Strahan ( Lancet , Feb. 1890, p. 339) and by Kinneir ( Med . Record , 
 xxxviii. 41). In various moderately painful affections it was equally efficient — e. g. in 
 asthma , muscular rheumatism , and spinal diseases — while in chorea and diseases of the 
 heart (Alt) its action was also favorable. In the insomnia of the aged it was very 
 useful unless severe pain existed. It induces sleep in from fifteen to forty minutes, 
 which continues for six or more hours, and is rarely followed by any unpleasant effects. 
 It does not derange the digestion nor irritate the mucous membrane, and its taste is but 
 slightly and transiently bitter. These conclusions have been confirmed by many 
 observers, including Hagen and Hafter ( Lancet , Aug. 1889, p. 397), Reichmann ( Therap . 
 Gaz ., xiii. 612), Peiper (Centralbl. f Therap ., vii. 602), Paterson ( Lancet , Oct. 1889, p. 
 849), and Schaffer ( Centralbl . f. Tlierapie , viii. 89). Occasionally giddiness, slight 
 delirium, nausea, and dry mouth have followed its use, and in rare instances it has seemed 
 to render the pulse small and frequent, according to Robinson (7 herap . Monatsh ., iv. 45), 
 Umpfenbach (ibid., p. 66), and Mairet ( Annuaire de Therap ., 1890, p. 227). Cholral- 
 amid, in doses of Gm. 1.5-4 (gr. xx-lx), may be admimistered in beer, sweetened wine, 
 or whiskey and water. It may also be given by enema. It is said not to create toler- 
 ance as readily as other members of its class. On the whole, however, it seems to 
 possess no superiority over chloral hydrate, and to be less reliable in its action than that 
 medicine. 
 
 CHLOROFORMUM, U. S., Br.— Chloroform. 
 
 Chloroformum purifcatum, U. S. 1880 ; C hloroformium, P. G. ; Formylum trichloratum. 
 — Chloroforme , Fr. ; Chloroform. G. ; Cloroformio , It. ; Cloroformo , Sp. 
 
 Formula CHC1 3 . Molecular weight 119.08, 
 
462 
 
 CHLOROFORMUM. 
 
 A liquid containing at least 99 per cent., by weight, of absolute chloroform, and not 
 more than 1 per cent, of alcohol. It should be kept in dark amber-colored glass- 
 stoppered bottles in a cool and dark place. — U. S. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Chloral is f#rmed from alcohol and chlorine, and, on 
 decomposing chloral by an alkali, chloroform and a formate of the alkali are produced ; 
 the conditions for these two reactions are present on bringing together alcohol and chlori- 
 nated lime, the chlorine of which converts the former into chloral, which is at once 
 decomposed by the calcium hydroxide, yielding chloroform and calcium formate, Ca2CH0 2 
 (see Chloral). Calcium formate is, however, not found in the residue of the distillation, 
 but is decomposed by another portion of the chlorinated lime into calcium carbonate and 
 chloride and water. Omitting all intermediate reactions, and using for chlorinated lime 
 the formula of Odling or of Stahlschmidt (see page 361), the final result is expressed by 
 the equations : 
 
 2C 2 H 5 OH-bl0CaOCl 2 =2CHCl 3 +7CaCl 2 +2CaCO 3 -fCa(OH) 2 4 4H 9 O, 
 or 2C 2 H 5 0II + llCaHC10 2 =CIICl 3 -l-4CaCl 2 +3CaC0 3 +4Ca(0Il) 2 +7H 2 0. 
 
 The theoretical quantity of chloroform obtainable according to the first of these equa- 
 tions would be 33.6 per cent., according to the second 30.6 per cent., of the weight of 
 available chlorine contained in the chlorinated lime ; by working on the large scale the 
 yield of chloroform ranges between 22 and 24 per cent. 
 
 To prepare chloroform, 6 parts of the assayed chlorinated lime are mixed with about 
 24 parts of water, and the mixture strained into a still ; 1 part of stronger alcohol is added, 
 and the whole heated to 40° C. (122° F.). With the further application of very little heat 
 the reaction now proceeds rapidly, the temperature rises, and the chloroform, mixed with 
 some alcohol, distils over. The distillate is washed with water ; the subsiding layer con- 
 stitutes crude chloroform. The washings are preserved and employed in a subsequent 
 operation. (For papers on the manufacture of chloroform consult Amer. Jour. Phar., 
 1862, pp. 25, 42 ; and 1868, p. 289.) 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia gives a process for preparing chloroform in which less water 
 (18 parts for the above quantities) is used, and slaked lime is put into the still with the 
 chlorinated lime — an addition which has been recommended by Siemerling, Larocque, and 
 others, but seems superfluous ; otherwise, the process scarcely differs from the one given, 
 except that the water is mixed with the alcohol and the solid ingredients are mixed with 
 the liquid in the still. 
 
 Thus prepared, crude chloroform varies in specific gravity between 1.45 and 1.49, and 
 imparts to strong sulphuric acid, after having been agitated with it, a brownish or brown 
 color, the degree of coloration depending upon the amount of impurities present. 
 
 Considerable quantities of chloroform are obtained on a commercial scale by the action 
 of sodium hydroxide on chloral hydrate, and, as the following equation shows, 1 65 parts 
 of the latter are capable of yielding 119 parts of chloroform, sodium formate being pro- 
 duced at the same time: C 2 HC1 3 0.H 2 0 -f- NaOH = CIIC1 3 + NaCH0 2 + H 2 0. 
 
 Since 1885 chloroform has been made on a large scale by what is known as the acetone 
 process. Liebig (1832) pointed out that chloroform could be made from acetone by 
 treatment with bleaching powder, as well as from alcohol. Large quantities of pure 
 acetone are now made by destructive distillation of calcium acetate, and although the 
 statement appears in Watt’s Dictionary of Chemistry that acetone will yield but 33 per 
 cent, of chloroform, it has in practice been found to yield as much as 200 per cent., 
 making it the richest chloroform-yielding substance known. When acetone is distilled 
 with chlorinated lime, chloroform is produced, together with calcium acetate, hydrox- 
 ide, and chloride, as may be seen from the following equation : 2(C 3 H 6 0) -f- 6(CaOCl 2 ) 
 = 2(CHC1 3 ) + Ca(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 + 2Ca(OH) 2 + 3CaCl 2 . The chloroform obtained by this 
 method (for a full account see Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1889) is quite free from the chlor- 
 inated by-products frequently found in chloroform made from alcohol. 
 
 Chloroform may likewise be prepared by distilling wood-spirit (methylic alcohol) 
 with chlorinated lime. Chautart proposed to prepare chloroform from oil of turpen- 
 tine, but Soubeiran proved that chlorinated lime diffused in water acts violently 
 upon the oil, and that but a little chloroform having a turpentine odor is obtained. 
 Damoiseau (1881) thinks that pure chloroform may be advantageously prepared by pass- 
 ing a mixture of methyl chloride, CH 3 CI, and chlorine in proper proportion through a 
 long tube containing animal charcoal and heated to between 250° and 350° C. (482° and 
 662° F.). 
 
CHLOROFORMUM. 
 
 4(33 
 
 Purification. — Crude chloroform is purified by treatment with strong sulphuric 
 acid during twenty-four hours, subsequent washing with a solution of alkali carbonate, 
 and final rectification over lime ; at a moderate temperature the acid removes certain by- 
 products which usually accompany the crude chloroform, especially if made by the 
 alcohol process. 
 
 Chloroform which fails to respond to the pharmacopoeial tests the U. S. P. directs to 
 be purified by the following process: Chloroform, 400 Gm. ; sulphuric acid, 80 Gm. ; 
 dried sodium carbonate, 20 Gm. ; deodorized alcohol, 4 Cc. 
 
 Add the sulphuric acid to the chloroform, contained in a glass-stoppered bottle, and 
 shake them together occasionally during twenty-four hours, avoiding exposure to bright 
 daylight. Separate the lighter chloroform layer, add to it the dried sodium carbonate, 
 previously rendered anhydrous by heating it in a porcelain capsule on a sand-bath, until 
 it ceases to give off aqueous vapor, and shake them together frequently and thoroughly 
 during half an hour. Then transfer the chloroform to a dry retort, add to it the alcohol, 
 and distil, by means of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 67.2° C. (153 F.), 
 into a well-cooled tared receiver, until the distillate weighs 380 Gm. — V. S. 
 
 Special methods have recently been proposed for tbe preparation of chemically pure 
 chloroform, notably that of Pictet by means of refrigeration to — 82° C. ( — 147.6° F.), 
 at which point the pure chloroform is obtained in solid form, to be subsequently distilled 
 at a low temperature under reduced pressure. II. Anschutz (1892) proposed the for- 
 mation of a salicylide-chloroform, to be obtained in crystallized form by allowing salicylide, 
 C 6 H 4 COO, and also ortho-homosalicylide, CH 3 C 6 H 4 COO, to remain in contact with chloro- 
 form for twenty-four hours ; the compounds, which contain 33.24 and 30.8 per cent, 
 chloroform respectiuely, can be kept in closed vessels for a long period, and yield the 
 chloroform by distillation very readily, the union being a feeble one and comparable with 
 water of crystallization. None of the impurities have been found to form crystallizable 
 compounds with salicylide or ortho-homosalicylide, and the latter substances may be used 
 over and over in this process. 
 
 Properties. — The U. S. P. chloroform is a heavy, colorless, mobile, and diffusible 
 liquid, not inflammable, of an agreeable ethereal odor, a hot saccharine taste, and of a 
 neutral reaction. It is soluble in about 200 parts of water, to which it imparts its taste, 
 and in all proportions in alcohol and ether; also in benzene, benzin, and fixed or volatile 
 oils. Sp. gr. 1.490 at 15° C. (59° F.) or 1.473 at 25° C. (77° F.). It boils in a dry 
 flask at 60° to 61° C. (140° to 141.8° F.), corresponding to the presence of f to 1 per 
 cent, of alcohol. It is a solvent for paraffin, gutta-percha, caoutchouc, many resins, 
 most alkaloids, iodine, bromine, etc. 
 
 Pare ( absolute ) chloroform has at 15° C. (59° F.) the density 1.499 (Ilirsch), is very 
 prone to change when in contact with air and diffused light ; it keeps, however, entirely 
 unaltered in direct sunlight if the air has been completely expelled from the vessel. 
 Chloroform below the density 1.475 is not affected by light. This behavior explains the 
 necessity of keeping chloroform of 1.49 protected from the light, which is not required 
 if the density is lowered to about 1.48 by tbe addition of 11 per cent, of alcohol. The 
 products of decomposition have the suffocating odor of phosgene gas , COCl 2 , redden 
 and often bleach moistened blue litmus, and liberate iodine from potassium iodide; 
 even an incipient decomposition is detected by evaporating spontaneously a drachm of 
 chloroform with a drop of neutral solution of litmus, which will thereby acquire a red 
 color. Regarding the stability of pure chloroform and the effect of light upon the same, 
 the latest investigations of Drs. Schacht and Biltz ( Phar . Jour, and Trans., June, 1893) 
 have clearly established the fact that the purer the chloroform and the less alcohol pres- 
 ent, the more readily does it undergo decomposition when exposed to light in the pres- 
 ence of air. The decomposition-products formed are free chlorine and carbonyl chloride 
 (COCl 2 , phosgene gas), but in the presence of alcohol the chlorine set free will react 
 with the same and yield hydrochloric acid ; the presence of free chlorine may therefore 
 escape detection as long as alcohol is present as such. Chloroform can only be freed 
 absolutely from alcohol by repeated shaking with twice its volume of fresh water, and 
 this operation must be repeated at least ten times ; when thus rendered absolutely pure 
 it has the specific gravity 1.502 at 15° C. (59° F.), and its boiling-point is 62.5° C. 
 (144.5° F.). Absolutely pure chloroform will readily decompose when exposed to day- 
 light, the time varying from one to ten hours, dependent upon the intensity of the sun- 
 light ; the presence of atmospheric air (oxygen), however, is requisite to induce decom- 
 position, as it has been proven by Brown (Phar. Jour, and Trans., March, 1893) that 
 when oxygen is rigidly excluded direct sunlight cannot effect decomposition ; absolute 
 
464 
 
 CHL OROFORM UM. 
 
 chloroform has been exposed to sunlight in a Torricellian vacuum for five months, equal 
 to one hundred and fifty-three hours of sunshine, without change. That the presence 
 of alcohol retards, and even prevents, the decomposition of chloroform has been repeat- 
 edly shown, and, according to the above-named investigators, ? of 1 per cent, is sufficient 
 to prevent recognizable decomposition for a month or longer, J per cent, for nearly 
 twelve months, and 1 per cent, for several years. Recent experiments made by Dr. 
 Squibb (spring of 1893) have shown that chloroform containing 0.625 per cent, of 92 
 per cent, alcohol (but otherwise pure) may be exposed in half-filled bottles, cork- or 
 glass-stoppered, to daylight (including frequent direct sunshine) for forty-eight days 
 without suffering decomposition. The preservative influence of alcohol is due to the 
 fact that it chemically combines with the deleterious decomposition-products, rendering 
 them harmless. 
 
 Partially-decomposed chloroform may be restored to its original purity by agitating it 
 with solution of sodium carbonate and rectifying it afterward over a little lime. Pre- 
 vious treatment with strong sulphuric acid will be necessary only when it becomes colored 
 on being agitated with the chloroform. 
 
 When chloroform is shaken in a perfectly clean glass-stoppered vial with an equal 
 bulk of sulphuric acid, no color should be imparted to either liquid after remaining in 
 contact for twenty-four hours. Should a coloration appear, the chloroform must be 
 regarded as unfit for inhalation, and should be purefied by the official process. When 
 it is agitated with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate a white precipitate of silver 
 chloride is not produced. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 20 Cc. of chloroform be poured upon a round paper filter laid flat upon a 
 warmed porcelain or glass plate, and the plate be rocked from side to side until the liquid 
 is all evaporated except what is held by the paper, no foreign odor should become per- 
 ceptible as the last portions disappear from the paper, and the paper should be left odor- 
 less. If 10 Cc. of chloroform be well shaken with 20 Cc. of water, and the liquid be 
 allowed to separate completely, the water should be neutral to litmus-paper, and should 
 not affect silver nitrate test-solution (absence of chlorides), potassium iodide test-solu- 
 tion (absence of free chlorine), or barium hydroxide test-solution (absence of decomposition- 
 products from chloroform). If 40 Cc. of chloroform be shaken with 4 Cc. of colorless, 
 concentrated sulphuric acid (absolutely free from chlorine compounds) in a 50 Cc. glass- 
 stoppered cylinder during twenty minutes, and the liquids be then allowed to separate 
 completely, so that both are transparent, the chloroform should remain colorless, and the 
 acid should appear colorless or very nearly colorless when seen in a stratum of not less 
 than about 1 Cm. in thickness (absence of impurities decomposable by sulphuric acid). If 
 2 Cc. of the sulphuric acid, separated from the chloroform, be diluted with 5 Cc. of water, 
 the liquid should be colorless and clear, and, while hot from the mixing, should be odor- 
 less or give but a faint vinous or ethereal odor (absence of odorous decomposition-prod- 
 ucts). When further diluted with 10 Cc. of water, it should remain clear, and should 
 not be affected by silver nitrate test-solution (absence of chlorinated compounds.) If 10 
 Cc. of the chloroform separated from the acid be well shaken with 20 Cc. of water, and 
 the liquid be allowed to separate completely, the watery portion should not be affected 
 by silver nitrate test-solution (absence of chlorinated compounds).” — U. S. 
 
 Detection of Chloroform. — Chloroform has sometimes been used for the adul- 
 teration of volatile oils ; in these and in other liquids it may be detected by distilling 
 them with a little alcohol at a temperature of about 65° C. (149° F.). Hager (1868) 
 recommended the treatment of this distillate with zinc and sulphuric acid, when the 
 chloroform will be decomposed and hydrochloric acid recognized in the liquid by silver 
 nitrate. Lustgarten (1882) suggested as a reliable test the transient blue-green color 
 which is produced on warming chloroform with naphthol and soda solution. A. W. Hof- 
 mann (1870) recommended the addition of the alcoholic liquid to a mixture of aniline and 
 alcoholic solution of soda and warming, when the characteristic odor of isocyanides will be 
 developed ; 1 part of chloroform in 5000 to 6000 parts of alcohol may thus be detected, 
 and it may be readily distinguished from chlorethylidene , which closely resembles chloro- 
 form in physical properties. All compounds, however, which on treatment with an alkali 
 produce chloroform, iodoform, or bromoform give the same reaction. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Chloroform is used as a solvent in the preparation of 
 atropine and other alkaloids. 
 
 Chloramyl, recommended by Dr. Sanford (1879), is a mixture of chloroform 1 pound 
 and amyl nitrite 2 drachms. There being a chloride and several chlorine substitution- 
 products of amyl, the name does not appear to be a proper one, 
 
CIILOIiOFORMUM. 
 
 465 
 
 Action and Uses. — Chloroform is an irritant, producing redness of the skin when 
 topically applied, and even vesication if its evaporation is prevented. When from 10 to 
 20 minims of pure chloroform are injected subcutaneously, very considerable pain is 
 experienced, which, however, presently subsides, and is succeeded by a feeling of numb- 
 ness and by anaesthesia of the adjacent parts ; a puffy swelling forms at the seat of the 
 injection, and an induration which remains for several days. The numbness may continue 
 for a week or more, and in the case of the leg may affect all the region to which the 
 nerve is distributed near which the injection was made (Bartholow). Other observers 
 have noted the persistent induration following the puncture, and have also described gan- 
 grene as an effect of it, but they have not spoken of the numbness just referred to. The 
 local phenomena of swelling and inflammation appear to have been due to an imperfect 
 manipulation of the syringe ; indeed, one reporter (Fereol) declares that the operation 
 causes no more pain than if water instead of chloroform were injected. The soporific 
 action of chloroform used in this manner comes on slowly, but is curiously prolonged. 
 At least 4 Gm. (f^j), and sometimes more, of chloroform are necessary to cause sleep even 
 at the end of several hours ; it is not accompanied by anaesthesia, the least disturbance 
 sufficing to arouse the patient, but it may last for six or seven hours. The temperature 
 is reduced by 1° or 2° C., and the pulse by perhaps ten beats. The tardy and feeble sleep 
 can only be explained by the very gradual absorption of the chloroform into the blood. 
 Chloroform when taken into the stomach in a moderate dose produces effects very much 
 like those of alcohol, such as a general sense of stimulation, fulness of the head, of 
 giddiness and confusion of thought, followed by sleep. Gm. 4 (a fluidrachm) may be 
 given as an average dose, provided it be administered as an emulsion. Otherwise it may 
 irritate, and even seriously inflame, the stomach. Many cases of poisoning by chloroform 
 taken into the stomach are recorded ( Amer . Jour, of Med. Sci ., July, 1881, p. 277 ; 
 Eliot, Med. Record, xxviii. 29 ; Niemann, Centralbl. f. Therap., v. 405; Dunlap, Ed in. 
 Med. Jour., xxiii. 523). In a case of recovery a weakly man had swallowed 3 ounces of 
 chloroform (. Practitioner , xxx. 47). Doses of half an ounce or more produce general con- 
 vulsions, insensibility, partially dilated pupils, trismus, foaming at the mouth, slow and 
 stertorous respiration, and lividity of the face. The pulse is feeble and sometimes 
 irregular. The stools may be bloody and blood may be vomited. Death may result from 
 pulmonary asphyxia alone, or from this together with gastritis. After death the brain is 
 found greatly congested, and the mucous membrane of the air-passages and of the ali- 
 mentary canal are in a similar condition. The bronchia are filled with mucus tinged with 
 blood or mixed with pus. The blood in the vessels is fluid. A similar condition of the 
 bronchia has been met with in persons who died with suffocative symptoms one or two 
 days after inhaling chloroform, especially in the old and obese (Richet). A case of 
 alleged homicide by chloroform swallowed occurred in England in 1886 (Amer. Jour. 
 Med. Sci., July, 1886, p. 303). 
 
 The vapor of chloroform when inhaled slowly is apt to produce excitement, usually of 
 an agreeable sort, with extravagant gayety and gesticulation. In fuller anaesthetic doses 
 it occasions a sense of warmth and stimulation, radiating from the chest to the extremities, 
 followed by whirring noises in the ears and a sense of numbness throughout the body, 
 soon followed by a complete loss of consciousness. Sometimes consciousness is more or 
 less preserved, while the sense of touch and that of pain are abolished. But, as a rule, 
 sensibility is first suspended, then perception, and finally motility. Sensibility to pain is 
 lost before the sense of temperature or tactile sensibility is greatly impaired. Dur- 
 ing the full anaesthetic sleep the respiration is at first soporose and quickened, but soon 
 becomes tranquil and slow ; the pupil presents all degrees of dilatation ; the pulse is at 
 first fuller and more frequent, but subsequently nearly normal ; the voluntary muscles 
 are relaxed, but sometimes rigid or even cataleptic ; and in females hysterical phenomena 
 occasionally appear. 
 
 The question has been raised whether a person could be chloroformed during sleep, the 
 numerous alleged instances of its having been done with criminal intent being naturally open 
 to doubt, and even to suspicion. It is certain that on various occasions the experiment has 
 been tried with the result of awaking the sleepers (Girdner, Med. Record , xxiv. 454), but it 
 is equally certain that when conducted with due precautions it has been successful, espe- 
 cially with children. In a girl eight years old an abscess was opened under such circum- 
 stances by Curtis in 1873 (Med. Record ', xxiii. 595). Schauffler ( Kansas City Med. Jour., 
 June, 1875, p. 106) removed a pebble from the nostrils of a child that he had chloroformed 
 while sleeping. The experiments of Cerceuil in France, although for the most part negative, 
 were in several instances affirmative ( Ohio Med. Recorder , Jan. 1877, p. 338), and the editor 
 30 
 
466 
 
 CHL OR OFORM UM. 
 
 of the journal just referred to says: “ Of three attempts at chloroforming during natural 
 sleep of which we were personally cognizant, two were successful.” Dr. Quimby also 
 not only accomplished it upon a person forewarned of the intention, but also upon two 
 lads, on one of whom he performed evulsion of the toe-nail, and in the other case opened 
 an abscess in the mouth and extracted several teeth. In both of the latter cases the 
 anaesthetic was administered during the first sleep at night, and neither patient awoke 
 until the usual hour the next morning ( Trans . Amer. Med. Assoc., 1880, xxxi. 519). 
 Halderinan reports two successful cases as well as several failures {Med. Record , xxiii. 
 594), and Neilson a complete chloroform narcosis obtained during sleep in a boy of ten 
 years, during which the operation of circumcision was performed (ibid., p. 595). (For addi- 
 tional illustrations see Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., June, 1883, p. 595 ; Med. Record , 
 xxiv. 23, 613; ibid., xxxvi. 262 ; xxxvii. 41, 352: Journ. Amer. Med. Assoc., i. 244. 
 
 The advantages of chloroform over other anaesthetics consist in its agreeable odor, the 
 small quantity of it required, its non-inflammability, and the rapidity and completeness 
 of its effects. Its one disadvantage is that it often destroys life. The number of deaths 
 caused directly and exclusively by the inhalation of chloroform, independently of any error 
 in the mode of its administration or in the quality of the agent or any unfitness of the 
 patient, may now be counted by hundreds. A large proportion of them took place dur- 
 ing operations which under other circumstances are considered trifling. It seems proba- 
 ble that many of these operations, such as that for strabismus, the extraction of teeth, 
 the opening of abscesses, etc., were performed while the patient was in a sitting posture, 
 and therefore most exposed to the danger of syncope, which it has been shown is the 
 chief cause of death in chloroform inhalation. No other solution is so plausible of the 
 otherwise singular fact that the danger of chloroform is in an inverse proportion to the 
 severity of the operation performed. Again, the most complete safety of chloroform 
 inhalation during natural labor lends itself to a similar explanation. The gravid uterus 
 restricts the circulation of the blood in the lower limbs and increases it in the upper por- 
 tion of the body, and this condition is mechanically exaggerated by the throes of labor, 
 as well as by the mental excitement of the parturient female. On the other hand, in 
 the state of exhaustion and terror which accompanies most of the serious accidents of 
 labor and of operative obstetrics the conditions of safety are reversed, and chloroform 
 becomes peculiarly dangerous. It is maintained by some of those who admit the dan- 
 gers of chloroform that they do not exist when this agent is employed in operations 
 upon children. It is alleged that their immunity is owing to the absence of that dread 
 of the possible consequences of the inhalation which older persons experience, and to 
 the much greater rapidity with which they fall into the anaesthetic condition. These 
 reasons may be valid in favor of using a safe anaesthetic in operations upon infants and 
 children, but they do not appear to be sufficient to warrant the selection of chloroform 
 for this purpose. It is not improbable that the generally favorable action of chloroform 
 anaesthesia in children is due in part to ignorance of their danger, and in part to the 
 rapid elimination of the medicine by the kidneys. But confidence in this belief may be 
 carried too far. As a leading medical journal has remarked, “It is likely to aid in 
 increasing the number of victims who are yearly sacrificed to chloroform ” ( Lancet , Apr. 
 14, 1888). In some cases the effect, though short of being fatal, was alarmingly near it, as 
 in the case of a strong girl between three and four years old, who inhaled a very mode- 
 rate amount of chloroform to facilitate the extraction from her arm of a very large pin 
 (Med. News , liii. 195). There has been adduced in favor of chloroform the interesting 
 statement that in operations performed on the field after battle and in military hospitals 
 chloroform has been generally used without any fatal action of the anaesthetic. In this 
 case must be considered the generally robust condition of the patients and their state of 
 mental excitement, both of them exceptionally salutary influences. In the Surgical His- 
 tory of the Civil War in the United States it is stated that 37 cases of death by chloro- 
 form were reported (Part III. p. 890), but it cannot be assumed that this number rep- 
 resents the totality that occurred. It may be stated that the preference given to chloro- 
 form or other anaesthetics by European surgeons has been sensibly modified since the 
 death of its introducer, Sir James Y. Simpson, and that professional opinion tends to the 
 point occupied by Schiff, who “ considered that chloroform should be banished from 
 practice as an anaesthetic agent, except in cases in which extraordinary resistance to the 
 action of ether shows itself, in which instances it might be allowed to mix a little chlo- 
 roform with it in order to produce the commencement of anaesthesia, which should after- 
 ward be continued with pure ether.” Long ago (1858) Snow declared, “ I believe that 
 ether is altogether incapable of causing the sudden death by paralysis of the heart which 
 
CHLOROFORMTJM. 
 
 467 
 
 has caused the accidents which have happened during the administration of chloroform 
 and Perrin, one of the most earnest advocates of the latter anaeesthetic, admits that its 
 dangers are “ the result of an accident arising most frequently during an incomplete or 
 untimely administration of it.” In 1872, Dr. Thomas Jones, who was for eleven years 
 administrator of anaesthetics in St. George’s Hospital, London, wrote: “I have adminis- 
 tered chloroform in more than six thousand cases.” . . . . “ I confess experience has 
 taught me that chloroform, even when most carefully administered, is more dangerous 
 than is generally supposed. If I was unfortunately compelled to take an anaesthetic, 
 nothing would induce me to take chloroform.” In 1880, Mr. Osborne, chloroformist to 
 St. Thomas’s Hospital, stated in his report on anaesthetics, “ Ether is given in all possi- 
 ble cases because of its undoubted greater safety.” And in 1881 it was declared that 
 “ there have been reported an average of about a death [from chloroform] for every 
 month since the time of its introduction ” (Reichert). At a meeting of the Medical 
 Society of London in 1884, Mr. Braine, reviewing the subject of surgical anaesthesia, 
 concluded that — 1. For short operations nitrous oxide is the best agent. 2. For long 
 operations (with certain exceptions) ether answers perfectly. 3. Nitrite of amyl is the 
 best cardiac stimulant. ( Times and Gaz., Nov. 1884, p. 758). Chloroform was not 
 even mentioned by the speaker. The Practitioner , in 1889 stated that experienced 
 London anaesthetists were then almost wholly employing nitrous-oxide gas and ether, and 
 using chloroform for only exceptional cases (vol. xlii. p. 44). Already, in 1887, Dr. 
 Hewitt, administrator of anaesthetics at Charing Cross Hospital, stated as a result of 
 his experience that ether is practically free from danger to life, whereas he had on seve- 
 ral occasions been obliged to rescue patients from a condition induced “ simply and 
 solely by the administration of chloroform ” ( Practitioner , xxxix. 94). In the same 
 year a leading medical journal ( Med . News. 1. 468) remarked that “ the increasing em- 
 ployment of ether and the corresponding disuse of chloroform during several years past 
 are the result of a conviction that the former is far safer.” Among the many in the 
 United States who were driven to substitute ether for chloroform by the alarming effects 
 of the latter may be named Dr. H. Knapp {Med. Record , xxxi. 473) and Dr. R. F. Weir 
 {Med. News, 1. 442). Citations like these might be multiplied to show that in England 
 and Ireland and on the continent of Europe the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic in 
 surgery is much less general than it was formerly. The deaths directly due to its use — 
 occurring, with one exception, in London alone, and published in the Medical Times and 
 Gazette during the four years from 1875 to 1878 — amounted to 15, and in every case 
 but one the mode of death was by syncope. Between 1885 and 1887 nine persons died 
 in Australia while under the influence of chloroform {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xi. 576). 
 Mr. Wilson, anaesthetist to the Manchester Infirmary, found reported “ 20, if not more, 
 cases of death under chloroform ” ( Lancet , Sept. 1889, p. 564) ; and Mr. Hewitt found 
 that in a total of 139 chloroform deaths, 54 took place in connection with minor surgical 
 operations {ibid., Mar. 1890, p. 515). Charpentier collected 40 cases of death attributed 
 to obstetrical anaesthesia by chloroform {Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Aug. 1889, p. 208. 
 Compare x\llwright, Lancet, 1889, i. 93; 1241, ii. 589). Such deplorable results ought 
 certainly to be considered seriously by surgeons before they add to the ordinary 
 and inevitable risks of an operation one which no sagacity can foreknow and no skill 
 prevent. 
 
 In the fourth edition of this work (p. 441) it was stated that “ the Committee on 
 Anaesthetics of the British Association (1879) found that chloroform may cause death 
 in dogs by primarily paralyzing either the heart or the respiratory organs, and that its 
 action on the former is sometimes unexpected, and apparently capricious, as it is found 
 to be in surgical operations performed with chloroform.” In 1889 a report from the 
 Hyderabad Medical School combated this doctrine, on the ground of experiments upon 
 animals, and maintained the innocuousness of chloroform anaesthesia ; but it was severely 
 criticised ( Lancet , 1889, i. pp. 394, 438, 949, 952). The causes of death by chloroform 
 have been variously explained by different investigators. En 1870, Richardson stated 
 them to be several, including “ syncopal apnoea, epileptiform syncope, paralysis of the 
 heart, or chloroform combined with surgical shock” {Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., xeix. 507). 
 Ungar, and later Strassmann, attributed it to fatty degeneration of the heart and liver 
 {Lancet, July, 1889, p. 127) ; and this view was adopted by Ostertag, who placed cardiac 
 paralysis first among the causes. A similar view was entertained by Dastre, who classi- 
 fied the deaths from chloroform under “primary syncope, respiratory or cardiac, secondary 
 syncope, and toxaemic anaemia” {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xiii. 559). More recently 
 {Lancet, Aug., 1890, p. 302) Prof. McWilliam assigned paralysis of the heart in diastole 
 
468 
 
 CITL OB OFORMUM. 
 
 as the primary cause of death, and arrest of the lungs as a secondary cause. In 1890, 
 however, the second Hyderabad Commission reached a diametrically opposite conclusion 
 from their experiments on animals, and assigned the place of first importance to the 
 lungs ; a member of the commission declaring that u chloroform has never, under any 
 circumstances whatever, a direct action on the heart” ( Lancet , Dec. 1890, p. 587). 
 These statements encountered a prompt opposition and protest from experimenters, sur- 
 geons, and chloroformists (compare Lancet , 1889, 1890, passim), one of whom did not 
 scruple to call them “ preposterous” (Jan. 1890, p. 317). Dr. Richardson renewed his 
 former protest against applying to man the results of the action of chloroform upon 
 animals (. Asclepiad , No. 1, 1890), and the error was vigorously combated and exposed 
 by Drs. Wood and Hare ( Med . News , lvi. 190), Laborde ( Archives gen., July, 1890, p. 
 108) and Franck (ibid., p. 235), who endeavored to prove that the arrests of the lungs 
 and of the heart are independent of each other, and that either may take place primarily. 
 This conclusion is nearly the same that Dr. Wood arrived at in his paper presented to 
 the International Congress at Berlin, Aug. 6, 1890, in which he showed that chloroform 
 “ is capable of causing death by primanl arresting the respiration or primarily stopping 
 the heart ;” that ether usually acts much more powerfully upon the respiration than 
 upon the circulation, but that occasionally .... ether is capable of acting as a cardiac 
 paralyzant ; . . . . and that “ chloroform kills, as near as can be made out, proportion- 
 ately four or five times as frequently as ether” ( Med . News, lvii. 121). These conclu- 
 sions have received the confirmation of many surgeons, and, amongst others, of Dr. 
 Reeve (ibid., lvii. 381) and Dr. Dunlop, professor of surgery in Glasgow, who having 
 demonstrated that chloroform death may occur either by asphyxia or by syncope, and 
 that experiments upon animals are of little practical importance as guides to the surgical 
 administration of chloroform, concludes that “ under all circumstances it cannot be 
 administered without some risk to the patient’s life” ( Lancet , Sept., 1890, p. 659). These 
 conclusions might be reinforced by the published opinions of many surgeons at home 
 and abroad. (Compare Therap. Monatsh., iv. 244, 247, 249.) The witnesses of the 
 dangers of the anaesthetic use of chloroform might be multiplied, but it must suffice to 
 cite only two or three of the latest : Dr. Kirk, in his commentary on the report of the 
 second Hyderabad Commission, expresses his conviction that asphyxia “ has nothing to 
 do with the fatalities due to chloroform narcosis in the human subject” (Glasgow, 1890). 
 Dr. McWilliams (British Med. Jour., Oct. 25, 1890) concludes a review of the matter 
 by asserting that “ chloroform is fatal by paralyzing the heart ;” and Dr. B. W. Richardson 
 declares that “ no other narcotic approaches it for danger” (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., ciii. 
 696). 
 
 When chloroform is repeatedly used, or employed, as it frequently is, to produce in- 
 toxication, it occasions cerebral disorders resembling those caused by alcohol and by 
 morphine. According to Svetlin, this occurs in two forms, of which the most usual may 
 continue indefinitely, as hypochondriasis, melancholy, irritability, moral depravity, the 
 delirium of persecution, or intellectual decay. (Compare Med. Record, xxvii. 297, 452 ; 
 Therap. Gaz., ix. 792.) More rarely the symptoms are acute, lasting for about a week, 
 and characterized by violent delirium, maniacal fury, and hallucinations of sight or 
 hearing. Similar effects have been produced by chloral (Archives gen., Juill. 1883, p. 96). 
 The chloroform habit is as inveterate as the opium habit, and far more pernicious. 
 
 What has been said above indicates the limits of the uses of chloroform in surgery 
 which, in our judgment, experience has established. If the patient is robust and not 
 exhausted, if the anaesthetic is administered to him in a recumbent position, and if its 
 action is restrained within the limits of complete narcotism, its dangers are diminished, 
 but they are not removed, and they cannot always be foreseen. 
 
 During pregnancy chloroform has been given with advantage, both by the stomach and 
 by inhalation, to arrest obstinate vomiting, but its tendency to relax the mouth of the 
 uterus should restrict its use to cases in which other remedies have failed, and also to the 
 production of the first stage of narcotism only. During labor chloroform is indicated by 
 the presence or the imminence of convulsions, by excessive sensitiveness of the maternal 
 soft parts, by irregular and efficient pains, and by the necessity of manual and instru- 
 mental interference. In all operations for the success of which the contraction of the 
 uterus is essential the full anaesthetic action of chloroform is unsafe. Chloroform is con- 
 traindicated during labor by great relaxation of the uterus, with a tendency to flooding, 
 and when there is persistent vomiting or acute or chronic disease of the lungs or heart, 
 and especially degenerative changes in the latter. It is worthy of notice that in France 
 chloroform-anaesthesia was far from being accepted by obstetricians, the two professors 
 
CHLOROFORMZJM. 
 
 469 
 
 of obstetrics in the Medical Faculty of Paris, among others, having warmly opposed it 
 (1878). As regards its use for palliating the ordinary pains of labor, its action ought 
 not to go beyond the production of the first, or analgesic, stage, not only because it is 
 sufficient, but also because in the stage of complete anaesthesia the contractile power of 
 the uterus is very apt to be suspended. 
 
 Various spasmodic diseases have been favorably influenced by chloroform inhalation. 
 Of these, spasmodic asthma is very speedily relieved, but the habit of using the medicine 
 soon lessens its influence. The same remark applies to cough , whatever may be its im- 
 mediate cause. Tetanus , traumatic as well as idiopathic, has been cured by it in many 
 instances, and in the tetanoid spasms produced by the s^rycAmVie-poisoning its influence 
 is salutary and has often saved life ( Philada . Med. Times , xiv. 504). It has been used 
 beneficially in chorea by subjecting the patient to its moderate operation for an hour or 
 two every day, but in this disease its virtues do not counterbalance its dangers. 
 
 In puerperal convulsions the advantages of chloroform are very decided. Its inhalation 
 should be commenced as soon as the indications of an impending paroxysm appear, such 
 as restlessness, rigidity of the muscles, a staring expression, etc. Infantile convulsions , 
 excited by a reflex irritation proceeding from the teeth, the digestive apparatus, etc., may 
 be promptly allayed by chloroform inhalation, and its use for this purpose does not 
 appear to have been injurious. All pains due to spasms are readily relieved by it, as in 
 colic , including biliary , nephritic , and painter's colic, dysmenorrhoea , spasms of the bladder , 
 rectum , etc. 
 
 It affords prompt relief in paroxysms of angina pectoris , but when this affection is 
 associated with heart disease chloroform vapor must be very circumspectly employed. 
 
 Asa local anodyne the applications of chloroform are as numerous as the seats and 
 varieties of pain. It is very efficient in ointments or liniments made with lard, vaseline, 
 or camphorated oil, or used hypodermically. It may also be applied as an atomized 
 vapor or on wads of cotton at the bottom of a cupping-glass or wineglass, etc. As a top- 
 ical anodyne and revulsive, chloroform with aconite is particularly useful in neuralgia 
 when applied over the neuralgic points upon compresses protected by an impermeable cov- 
 ering. In 1873, Dr. Barth olow published three cases of tic doloureux , two of which were 
 alleviated by the deep injection of chloroform, and not temporarily, but for weeks or months. 
 In 1874, Dr. Mattison reported a case with a like issue ; in 1877, Dr. Doe related a 
 case of intercostal neuralgia accompanying herpes zoster which was relieved by the same 
 method ; and Dr. Stedman treated eight cases of different forms of neuralgia and pro- 
 duced a suspension or a marked mitigation of the paroxysms. These cases, all of which 
 occurred in the United States, appear to have suggested a trial of the method in Europe, 
 where it seems to have been first used in Switzerland by Cerenville, and afterward by 
 Besnier in Paris. The latter judged it to be no less efficient than hypodermic morphine 
 as an anodyne. It has been suggested that the chloroform dissolves the affected nerve 
 (Batzer) or causes its necrosis. Dujardin-Beaumetz (1879) concluded that chloroform 
 is not comparable to morphine as a local anodyne in cancer ; that, moreover, nervous 
 patients and those addicted to alcohol experience no general impression from it ; and, 
 finally, that in unskilled hands it is apt to cause serious local mischief. Cotton satu- 
 rated with a solution of camphor in chloroform is one of the best applications for the 
 pain of an aching hollow tooth , and rheumatic toothache is palliated by bathing the gum 
 with chloroform. Among the many affections for which chloroform is topically useful 
 are headache , rheumatism , dysmenorrhoea , painful parturition , swelled testicle , the use of 
 the moxa and the cautery , painful haemorrhoids, etc. In the case of a woman affected 
 with an accumulation of the larvae of the house-fly in her nostrils, insufflations of calo- 
 mel and of salt water proving ineffectual, the vapor of chloroform caused the maggots 
 to be discharged {Med. Record , xvi. 326). Chloroform has been introduced upon a 
 sponge into the uterus to arrest haemorrhage after delivery, but the well-known power 
 of lemon-juice, etc., and even of mechanical irritation, to produce a like effect deprives 
 chloroform of any claim to special power in the case. It should, however, be stated that 
 chloroform-water (1 per cent.) is alleged by Spaak to arrest surgical haemorrhage without 
 coagulating the blood. Like ether, chloroform has been used successfully in the treat- 
 ment of taenia. From half a drachm to a drachm of it should be administered, followed 
 within an hour by half an ounce or an ounce of castor oil. The internal administration 
 of liquid chloroform has been resorted to to assuage inflammation of the tonsils, 
 pharynx, etc., various abdominal pains, and especially of gastric ulcer, gastralgia, dys- 
 pepsia, colic, the pain caused by biliary and urinary calculi , etc. (See Spiritus Chloro- 
 formii) It has also been recommended in drachm doses as a potent remedy in conges- 
 
470 
 
 CHLOROFORMUM. 
 
 tive periodical fevers , in convulsions , infantile or puerperal, by Dr. D. Scott ( Therap . Gaz ., 
 x. 20). 
 
 Chloroform should never be administered to persons afflicted with feeble or obstructed 
 hearts, or brain or lung disease, or obstructive disease of the kidneys. It is com- 
 paratively safe in parturition and in childhood, but hazardous for delicate females, 
 especially when of a nervous temperament, and for old persons of both sexes. No 
 food should be taken by the patient for four hours previous to the inhalation of 
 chloroform, and then in small quantity and of a digestible nature. Immediately before 
 the chloroform is inhaled a draught of wine or of brandy or whiskey and water 
 should be given. It is recommended by Prof. Zweifel that when chloroform inhalation 
 is practised at night, the air should be allowed to circulate freely around the patient, for 
 a peculiarly noxious atmosphere he thought was created by the mixture of chloro- 
 form emanations and those of burning gas, etc. ( Lancet , May, 1889, p. 903). A more 
 definite opinion is that the coughing and choking are produced by a pungent and acrid 
 gas, which is said to be carbon oxychloride (Paterson, Practitioner , xlii. 420). The first 
 portion of vapor should be largely diluted with air, or, in other words, the full effect of 
 the anaesthetic should be reached gradually in this manner, and not by intermitting its 
 administration. A too rapid inhalation of it tends to produce symptoms of asphyxia. 
 It should always be given by some one who in the habit of using it and who will attend 
 to it alone (Osborn). Chloroform vapor should be administered by means of a napkin 
 folded into a funnel-shape, and held over the nostrils and the mouth during inspiration, 
 yet so as to admit a sufficient supply of atmospheric air, or by means of an appropriate 
 inhaler; and in every case the patient should be in a recumbent position. To protect 
 the skin of the face from irritation it should first be anointed. The quantity of chloro- 
 form used must vary with numerous conditions, but in surgery chiefly with the duration 
 and painfulness of the operation. An intermittent administration prolongs unduly the 
 ante-anaesthetic stage. The best guide is the condition of the pulse and the respiration ; 
 if the latter is normal and unembarrassed, not intermittent, shallow, gasping, or sighing, 
 the administration may be continued, provided the pulse warrants it by its strength and 
 regularity. No more chloroform should be administered than is necessary to produce 
 and preserve the requisite degree of anaesthesia. W. R. Williams ( British Med. Jour., 
 1883) lays down as the most important rules : 1. In chloroformization too much air 
 cannot be admitted ; in etherization as much as possible should be excluded. 2. The 
 full effects of chloroform cannot be obtained in less than fifteen minutes ; those of ether 
 are secured in five minutes. 3. The epigastrium should be bared, so that the respiratory 
 movements may be accurately watched. 4. The indications furnished by the pulse 
 appear too late to be practically useful. An earlier warning is sometimes given by the 
 pupil. If it contracts under the full influence of the anaesthetic (as it should do), no 
 more should be given until it begins to relax again. Its sudden and complete dilatation 
 is a sign of imminent danger. 
 
 Chloroform may be preferred before ether when the latter fails to produce uncon- 
 sciousness and muscular relaxation ; also in operations about the nostrils, mouth, or 
 brain, and in persons suffering from pulmonary, renal, or cerebral disease. On the other 
 hand, ether is preferable to chloroform where from any cause, material or nervous, there 
 exists great debility, and where the heart is affected with muscular debility or with 
 valvular disease. In 1864, Claude Bernard found that morphine intensified and pro- 
 longed the action of chloroform, so that a given effect could be produced by a much 
 smaller dose of chloroform than when morphine had not been previously administered. 
 He stated that, in 1863, Nussbaum, in performing surgical operations, was able to pro- 
 long the chloroform anaesthesia by means of morphine previously administered subcu- 
 taneously, and that Guibert, in 1869, had employed the same expedient successfully. He 
 illustrated these propositions by numerous experiments and cases (Les Ansesthesiques, etc., 
 1875). Labbe also administered hypodermically £ grain morphine fifteen or twenty 
 minutes before the inhalation of chloroform was commenced, and concluded that this 
 method dispensed with the use of a large amount of chloroform and avoided its dangers 
 (. Annuaire de Therap., xxxiii. 56). In 1879, Bossis contended that complete analgesia was 
 thus produced without altogether suspending consciousness or the sense of touch, sight, 
 and hearing (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 476). In 1868, Harley spoke of the use of atropine 
 “in failure of the heart’s action from chloroform” ( Old Vegetable Neurotics, p. 244). 
 Finally, Dr. Crombie reported the results of his extensive use of the method in India, 
 where, however, he did not administer the morphine until the inhalation of chloroform 
 had commenced. He fully concurred with previous reporters in regarding it as safer 
 
CHONDRUS. 
 
 471 
 
 and more convenient than the use of chloroform alone. (For details see Practitioner , 
 xxv. 401.) In 1880, Fraser advised the hypodermic injection of to grain of 
 sulphate of atropine and D— to i grain of acetate or hydrochlorate of morphine fifteen or 
 twenty minutes before the administration of chloroform is commenced (ibid. , xxvi. 201. 
 The same method was employed in 1876, by Dr. J. C. Reeve, in this country, and more 
 recently was recommended by Aubert ( Centralbl . f They-apie ., iii. 470). The hypo- 
 dermic use of chloroform is certainly efficient, but there are two dangers associated with 
 it : the first is of throwing the liquid into a vein ; the second is the production of local 
 inflammation and abscess, and even gangrene. These dangers may be lessened, the 
 former by puncturing the skin with the tube unattached, and waiting to see that no 
 blood escapes from it; the other by avoiding to wound the lower surface of the skin. 
 The dose thus administered has varied from Gm. 1-4 (15 to 60 grains). The danger of 
 causing gangrene by hypodermic injections within the mouth, and especially into the 
 gums, is very great. 
 
 There is no medicinal antidote to chloroform. It destroys life more or less gradually 
 by asphyxia or more or less rapidly by syncope. For the former condition artificial res- 
 piration is the appropriate remedy, and should not be abandoned until death is certain. 
 For the latter the essential treatment consists in instantly placing the patient in such a 
 position as will cause the blood to flow into the brain, but not with the head absolutely 
 dependent, and the hypodermic use of atropine. It has been proposed by Dr. G. E. 
 Sanford (1878) to counteract the dangers of chloroform by administering it mixed with 
 nitrite of amyl, in the proportion of 1 pound of the former to 2 drachms of the latter. 
 After having employed it in a number of surgical operations and obstetrical cases, he 
 arrived at the conclusion that “ it seems to be fully as safe as sulphuric ether, and far 
 more pleasant in its administration, possessing all the advantages of pure chloroform, but 
 without its dangers.” Burrall refers to nine cases, in all of which impending death 
 seems to have been averted by nitrite of amyl inhaled or injected hypodermically (Med. 
 Record , xxi. 235). If time and the circumstances permit, the sedative tendency of the 
 chloroform may be counteracted by alternating its use with that of ether. In some 
 cases the symptoms have been removed by titillating the nostrils with a feather or by 
 the emanations of ammonia (Schirmer) ; and a case is reported of reaction from alarm- 
 ing syncope induced by swallowing a fluidounce of chloroform “after four half-drachm 
 injections of liquor ammoniae (B. P.)” had been introduced into the veins of the arm. 
 The patient, however, died ( Times and Gaz ., May, 1871, p. 616). Billroth and many 
 other surgeons endeavor to prevent the dangers of chloroform by diluting it with ether 
 and alcohol. A mixture of 3 parts of chloroform, 1 of sulphuric ether, and 1 of alcohol 
 is often employed. But a death under the use of this mixture occurred to Billroth him- 
 self in a case ef attempted reduction of a dislocation of the hip-joint ( Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., Dec. 1880, p. 649), and others have since then been met with. A mixture 
 of oxygen and chloroform vapor has been recommended by Neudorfer and employed by 
 Kreutzmann ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 847). 
 
 Chlorodyne is the name given to a popular nostrum which is much used for the 
 relief of flatulent colic, and generally as an anodyne. According to E. Smith (1870), 
 its composition is as follows: R. Chloroformi giv ; morphiae mur. gr. xx ; aether, rect. 
 ,^ij ; ol. menthae pip. n^viij ; acid, hydrocyan. dil. giv ; tinct. capsici ^vj ; mucil. acaciae 
 Jjj ; theriacae [syr. fusci] ad giv. — M. Such a combination is often useful, but is too 
 dangerous to be entrusted to ignorant persons. A girl of twenty-three years drank about 
 eight ounces of “ chlorodyne,” and died comatose in about eight hours. Her lungs 
 and liver were congested, and the left heart contained a soft white clot ( Times and 
 Gaz., May, 1881, p. 575). Another case occurred in 1889 ( Lancet , March, 1889, p. 
 647). 
 
 Acetone Chloroform is said not to be poisonous when taken internally, but to lower 
 febrile temperatures and to be mildly narcotic ( Ther . Gaz., xi. 471). 
 
 CHONDRUS, V. S. — Irish Moss. 
 
 Carrageen, P. A., P. G. ; Fucus crispus. — Carragaheen, Mousse perlee, Fr. Cod. ; Irl'dnd- 
 isches Moos, Perlmoos, Knorpdtang , G. ; Fuco carageo, F. It. ; Caragaheen, Sp. 
 
 The entire plant, Chondrus (Sphaerococcus, Agardh, Fucus, Linne ) crispus, Lyngbye, 
 and Chondrus (Sphaerococcus, Agardh, Mastocarpus, Kiitzing ) mamillosus, Greville, s. 
 Gigartina mamillosa, J. G. Agardh. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 305. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Algae, Florideae, Gigartineae. 
 
472 
 
 CHONDRUS. 
 
 Origin. — These plants grow on rocks of the American and European shores of the 
 Atlantic Ocean, and are collected in the spring on the coasts of New England and Ireland ; 
 on the coast of Massachusetts about 15,000 barrels are stated to be annually procured. 
 
 Description. — Both plants are attached to the rocks by means of a small disk. The 
 frond, about 15 to 20 or 30 Cm. (6-8-12 inches) long, is cylindrical below, repeatedly 
 forked above, flattened, and gradually dilated, acquiring a width varying at the forks 
 between 3 and 25 Mm. (-^ and 1 inch), and across the branches between 2 and 6 Mm. 
 (tV and \ inch) ; the final lobes are linear or more or less broadly wedge-shaped, emargi- 
 
 Fig. 60. 
 
 nate or two-lobed, and ragged or crisp at the rounded margin from newly-forming seg- 
 ments. The capsules (cystocarps) of Ch. crispus are imbedded near the end of the seg- 
 ments and project slightly above the surface ; those of Ch. mamillosus are scattered along 
 the channelled branches of the frond, are oval or elliptic, and raised upon a short stalk. 
 In the fresh state both plants are cartilaginous, of a brownish or purple, or frequently 
 yellow or green, color. After drying in the sun they turn whitish or yellowish, and 
 become somewhat translucent and of a horny appearance. The drug has a slight seaweed- 
 like odor and a mucilaginous somewhat saline taste and becomes soft and slippery in 
 water. Boiled with 30 parts of water, it yields a thick mucilaginous liquid which is not 
 colored blue by iodine ; and with 10 parts (or 1 part of the well-dried drug with 15 parts) 
 of water the solution gelatinizes on cooling. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent is mucilage, of which Herberger (1834) 
 obtained near 90 per cent., 9.5 of which were soluble in cold water. The mucilage is 
 insoluble in ammoniated copper, is precipitated by lead acetate, and yields mucic acid on 
 being treated with nitric acid. Fliickiger found the mucilage to contain 0.88 per cent,., 
 and the whole plant 1.012 per cent., of nitrogen. The same author obtained over 15 per 
 cent., Herberger only 8.8 per cent., of ash, which consists of chlorides, sulphates, and 
 phosphates of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. G-rosse detected also traces 
 of iodine and bromine. Church (1877) determined in the air-dry drug 6.4 per cent, of 
 sulphur, a portion of which is present as sulphates ; also 9.38 albuminoids, 55.54 muci- 
 lage, 2.15 cellulose, 14.15 ash, and 18.78 water. Starch is absent; but after treating 
 thin sections of the drug for a day with alcoholic solution of potassa, and then washing 
 with water, the cell-contents, but not the cell-walls, acquire a dark-blue color on being left 
 in contact with solution of iodine (Fliickiger). 
 
 Admixtures. — Other algae are not unfrequently collected with the officinal species, 
 and are in most cases readily distinguished from the latter : those of similar appearance 
 are Gigartina acicularis, Lamouroux , with slender cylindrical branches, and Gig. pistillata, 
 Lamouroux , with prominently stipitate capsules. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Dulse is the name given to Halymenia (Fucus, Lining, Rhodomenia, Greville , 
 Sphaerococcus, Kutzing) palmatus and edulis, Agardli , two florideous algae growing on the coasts 
 of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Both are of a deep blood-red, or after drying dark-purple, 
 color, and have flattened fronds, that of the first species being palmately divided into oblong, 
 
CHR YSAROBJNUM. 
 
 473 
 
 wedge-shaped lobes. Stenhouse (1844) found it to contain mannit, and Magin-Bonet proved the 
 presence of bromine and iodine. 
 
 Helminthochorton, Corsican moss ; Mousse de Corse, Fr. Codex. — This consists partly of 
 Sphaerococcus (Fucus, Linn 6, Ceramium, Willdenow , Gigartina, Lamouroux , Alsidium, Kutzing) 
 Helminthochorton, Agardh , which grows in the Mediterranean, but as found in commerce is 
 always a mixture, sometimes of twenty or thirty different species of algae. The drug is cartilagi- 
 nous, filiform, repeatedly forked, varies in color between brown, yellowish, and whitish, and has 
 the odor of sea-weeds and a strongly saline and mucilaginous taste. It contains mucilage and 
 various salts, among them bromides and iodides, but its anthelmintic principle, if any, is 
 unknown. 
 
 Fucus amylaceus, Ceylon moss, also called Jaffna and edible moss , comes from the Indian 
 Ocean, and consists of Sphaerococcus (Plocaria, Montag , Gracilaria, Greville) lichenoides, Agardh. 
 It is about 10 Cm. (4 inches) or more long, about 1.5 Mm. inch) thick, cylindrical, irregularly 
 forked, filiform above, and has in the fresh state a reddish color, but on drying becomes nearly 
 white and rather brittle. It has a slight seaweed odor and a mucilaginous taste. H. G. Green- 
 ish (1882) found in it moisture 15, ash 10.2, albuminoids 7.5, and matter soluble in alcohol 0.1 
 per cent., and determined the absence of mannit and the presence of various carbohydrates differ- 
 ing in their behavior to water and alkalies and in the sugar they yield with acids — namely, 
 metarabin 1.32, and others soluble in soda 3.12; gelose and others soluble in hot water 36.7 ; 
 paramylon 6.5, wood-gum 3.2, and cellulose 10.2 per cent. 
 
 Agar-agar consists of Eucheuma spinosum, E. gelatinae, Agardh , and other florideous algae of 
 the Indian Ocean ; is of a brownish-white color, and has short projections on the branches. The 
 so-called Japanese or Chinese gelatin or isinglass is prepared from these algae, and forms irregular 
 thin and soft pieces, or rectangular, nearly colorless, light and spongy cakes about 4 Cm. (1£ 
 inches) wide. It consists mainly of gelose, or, according to Scheibler (1875), of pararabin. 
 
 Edible birds’ nests are the nests of Collalia (Hirundo) esculenta and several other swallows 
 of the Indian Archipelago, and consist of different species of Gelidium and allied seaweeds 
 after they have been altered in the crop or gizzard of the bird. They contain a large amount of 
 gelatinous matter. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Gelatin a de fuco-crispo, Fr. Cod. — Irish- 
 moss jelly, E. — Boil 60 Gm. of Irish moss for half an hour in 250 Gm. of water ; express, 
 strain, add 25 Gm. of sugar, evaporate to 250 Gm., and add 10 Gm. of orange-flower 
 water. 
 
 Carrageen gelatin dried in sheets has been used as a substitute for other fomentations 
 and poultices. A piece of convenient size is placed between two pieces of cotton cloth 
 or flannel, then dipped in hot water, pure or medicated, until it is saturated, and then 
 applied to the skin and covered with waterproof cloth. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Irish moss is demulcent and slightly nutritious. Its nutritious 
 elements exist in an exceedingly minute proportion. It once had an extensive repu- 
 tation in the treatment of chronic bronchial and intestinal fluxes and irritations of the 
 urinary passages. The degree of its efficacy in these affections was probably due to its 
 protective qualities, and possibly also to the influence of its iodic constituent upon nutri- 
 tion, which Jias generally been admitted, but not demonstrated. The following preparation 
 is agreeable and useful : Irish moss, macerated and washed, gr. xxx ; pure water, ^xvj ; 
 boil down to one-half and strain with expression, and add white sugar, §iv ; gum-arabic, 
 3j ; powdered orris-root, gr. xxx ; heat to dryness with a gentle temperature, stirring 
 constantly so as to obtain a pulverulent mass, to which 3 ounces of arrowroot should be 
 added with trituration. To prepare a jelly with this powder, rub a teaspoonful of it with 
 a little cold water and then pour a cupful of boiling water on it (Neligan). 
 
 Helminthochorton , as its name indicates, is used as a vermifuge , and is given in coarse 
 powder, mixed with honey or milk, in the dose of from Gm. 1 to 10 (gr. xv-cl.). It is 
 also used, in decoction, for induration of the lymphatic glands. 
 
 OHRYSAROBINUM, U. S., Br., B. G.— Chrysarobin. 
 
 Chrysarobine, Fr. ; Chrysarobin , G. ; Crisarobina , It. ; Chrysarobina, Sp. 
 
 A neutral principle in its impure, commercial form, extracted from Goa powder, a 
 substance found deposited in the wood of Andira Araroba, Aguiar. 
 
 Hat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionacese. 
 
 Origin. — The Pd de Bahia , araroba or arariba tree, is closely allied to the West In- 
 dian cabbage tree (see page 208), and is common in the damp forests of Bahia, Brazil, where 
 it is locally known as angelim amargoso. It attains a height of about 30.5 M. (100 feet), 
 has long petioled paripinnate leaves and paniculate racemes of purple flowers with a one- 
 ovuled ovary. It was first described by Aguiar (1879), but Monteiro (1878) had recog- 
 nized it already as being distinct from Andira anthelmintica, Bentham , and from And. 
 
474 
 
 CHR YSAROBINUM. 
 
 vermifuga, Martius , known in Brazil as angelim doce. According to Peckolt (see Andira). 
 the former, and according to F. M. de Mello Oliveira (1878) both species named, are 
 known in Brazil as angelim amargoso. Oliveira gives urarema as the common name of 
 And. spectabilis, and Martius mentions in his Materia Medica of Brazil that the name 
 araroba is given to two species of Centrolobium (C. robustum and C. tomentosum). 
 
 Araroba is contained in the large porous vessels and in clefts or cavities which traverse 
 the wood in the direction of the diameter and are prolonged through the entire trunk ; it 
 is obtained by cutting down the tree, splitting the trunk, and scraping the powder from 
 the clefts, and is seen in commerce as a rough powder or in small irregular pieces, orig- 
 inally of a light-yellow color, but usually darkened by exposure to light and moisture to 
 a dull-ochrey, pale-brown, or even umber-brown or deep-purple, color. It has a bitter 
 taste. When carefully heated it yields a moss-like sublimate, which is colored red by 
 alkalies. Formerly it was largely exported from Brazil to Portugal, whence it appears 
 to have been shipped to the Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia, and from the settle- 
 ment Goa on the Malabar coast it became known in East Indian pharmacy, and subse- 
 quently in European and American, as Goa-powder; its identity with araroba was first 
 pointed out by Dr. Da Silva Lima (1875) ; the wood to which the powder is attached was 
 found by E. M. Holmes to be very similar to that of Csesalpinia echinata, Lamarck ; but 
 J. L. Macmillan (1879) observed that this wood yields its coloring matter to water, while 
 araroba does not. Examined by Prof. Attfield (1875), araroba was found to be free from 
 starch, to leave only .43 per cent, of ash, and to yield to boiling water about 7 per cent, 
 of gum, a glucoside precipitable by lead subacetate, and a bitter principle precipitated 
 by lead subacetate ; from the residue hot benzene dissolves over 80 per cent, of chrysa- 
 robin, and alcohol afterward takes up 2 per cent, of resin, leaving 5£ per cent, of red 
 wood-fibre. 
 
 Properties. — Chrysarobin is “a pale orange-yellow, crystalline powder, odorless and 
 tasteless, and turning brownish-yellow on exposure to air ; very slightly soluble in cold 
 water or alcohol ; soluble, without leaving more than a small residue, in 150 parts of boil- 
 ing alcohol ; also soluble in 33 parts of boiling benzene and in solutions of the alkalies. 
 When heated to 151° C. (304° F.) it fuses, forming a dark, opaque mass; and, when 
 ignited, it is partly sublimed, and finally consumed without leaving a residue.” — U. S. 
 The dust of chrysarobin is irritating to the eyes and nostrils. 
 
 As obtained from araroba by hot benzene chrysarobin was by Attfield supposed to be 
 chiefly chrysophanic acid, until Liebermann and Seidler (1878) showed it to be mainly a 
 hitherto unknown compound, C 30 H 26 O 7 , for which they retained the name chrysarobin pro- 
 posed by Attfield. It is a pale-yellow powder, consisting of small wart-like crystals and 
 acquiring on exposure a darker tint. By repeated crystallization from glacial acetic acid 
 it is obtained pure in the form of small yellow scales, which are fusible and partly sub- 
 limable, nearly insoluble in water and ammonia, sparingly soluble in alcohol, more freely 
 soluble in amylic alcohol, ether, collodion, chloroform, and various hydrocarbons. It is 
 inodorous and, on account of its insolubility in water, tasteless. Chrysarobin dissolves in 
 concentrated sulphuric acid with a yellow color, is nearly insoluble in very diluted potassa 
 solution, and yields with melted potassa a brown mass. Chrysophanic acid, on the other 
 hand, dissolves in concentrated sulphuric acid and in very dilute potassa solution with a 
 red color, and on being melted together with potassa yields a blue mass. The solution 
 of chrysarobin in strong potassa solution has a yellow color and a strong green fluores- 
 cence, and on being agitated with atmospheric air rapidly acquires a red color, through 
 the formation of chrysophanic acid ; C 30 H 26 O 7 (chrysarobin) + 20 2 yields 2C 15 H 10 O 4 (chrys- 
 ophanic acid) + 3H 2 0. 
 
 Tests. — If boiled with 2000 parts of water, chrysarobin should not be completely 
 dissolved; the filtrate should be pale reddish-brown, tasteless, neutral to test-paper, and 
 should not be colored by ferric chloride. — U. S., P. G. In concentrated sulphuric acid 
 it is soluble with a deep-red color ; on pouring this solution into water the substance is 
 again deposited unchanged. On adding 0.1 Gm. of chrysarobin to 10 Cc. of potassium 
 hydroxide test-solution, in a test-tube and shaking the latter, the solution, which is at first 
 yellow or yellowish-red, will gradually acquire a deep-red color. — U. S. Chrysarobin 
 should be almost wholly soluble in 150 parts of hot alcohol. If .001 Gm. (-fa grain) 
 of chrysarobin be sprinkled upon a drop of fuming nitric acid, the red solution extended 
 to a thin layer, and a little ammonia added by means of a glass rod, a violet color should 
 be produced. — P. G. If sprinkled on concentrated sulphuric acid, chrysarobin should 
 give a reddish-yellow solution. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Chrysarobin, having been at one time mistaken for 
 
CHRYSAROBINTJM. 
 
 475 
 
 chrysophanic acid, is still occasionally prescribed by the latter name. It is an ingre- 
 dient of Unguentum chrysarobini, U. >S. 
 
 Acetum ararobje, vinegar of araroba, is prepared by Da Silva Lima by digesting for 
 a week 25 parts of araroba in 100 parts of diluted acetic acid. When used it may be 
 mixed with glycerin. 
 
 Allied Compounds.— Anthrarobin, Desoxyalizarin, C u II 10 O 3 . — This substance, obtained 
 from alizarin, a coal-tar product, by action of nascent hydrogen, is prepared as follows : Com- 
 mercial alizarin is dissolved in warm ammonia-water, zinc dust is added, and heat applied until 
 the blue color is changed to yellow 5 the solution is filtered into water strongly acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, and the precipitate formed is washed by decantation until free from acid, and 
 then dried on porous tiles at 100° C. (alizarin C 14 H 8 0 4 -f- hydrogen H 4 = anthrarobin C U II 10 - 
 0 3 + water II 2 0). The commercial article occurs as a yellowish-white powder, practically 
 insoluble in water and dilute acids, but readily soluble in cold aqueous solutions of the hydrox- 
 ides of alkalies and alkaline earths ; it is soluble in glycerin, readily in 5 parts of alcohol, but 
 difficultly soluble in chloroform and benzene. Its alkaline solutions greedily absorb oxygen 
 from the air, and the color changes to green, and finally to blue, alizarin being again formed. 
 0.1 Gm. of anthrarobin should yield a clear yellow solution with 1 Cc. of soda solution, which 
 assumes a violet color if air be forced through it. It should not leave more than 1 or 2 per cent, 
 of residue upon ignition. Although weaker than chrysarobin in its action, it has been used 
 as a substitute for the same on account of the absence of irritating properties and its greater 
 solubility. 
 
 Hydroxylamine hydrochloride, NH 2 OHHCl. — The base hydroxylamine is only known in 
 the free state in solution 5 the hydrochloride is obtained from the sulphate by treatment 
 with barium chloride. By a rather complicated process hydroxylamine sulphate is obtained by 
 the interaction of sodium nitrite and acid sodium sulphite at a temperature of 0° C. (32° F.). 
 The hydrochloride occurs as colorless hygroscopic crystals, soluble in an equal "weight of water, 
 also in glycerin and in 15 parts of alcohol. The solutions redden blue litmus-paper. It pos- 
 sesses strong reducing properties, precipitating metallic gold, silver, and mercury from solutions 
 of their salts ; it also reduces Fehling’s solution in the cold. The salt must be kept in well- 
 closed bottles. On account of its non-staining properties hydroxylamine hydrochloride has been 
 suggested as a substitute for other reducing bodies, chrysarobin, pyrogallol, and anthrarobin, 
 in the treatment of skin diseases ; but by some authorities it is pronounced dangerous if 
 absorbed, being a powerful blood-poison and generally destructive to vegetable and animal life 
 (Helbing). 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is stated that the irritating effects of chrysarobin on the 
 skin and mucous membranes are such that the workmen employed in cutting up and 
 pounding it are obliged to protect the face, nostrils, and throat against its dust. Gas- 
 koin relates that in treating ringworm of the scalp he first wetted the part thoroughly 
 with lemon-juice or carbolic-acid water, and for a few minutes rubbed in the powder, 
 after which the face was apt to become swollen and covered with an ugly brown stain, 
 accompanied by considerable inflammation. This effect was observed oftenest in chil- 
 dren. The usual experience with chrysarobin is that when applied to the face or scalp it 
 is very apt to occasion redness of the eyes and erythema, with swelling of the skin, 
 followed by desquamation of the cuticle. The inflammation is sometimes intense and 
 painful, producing a crop of boils and lasting for several weeks. Applied to the broken 
 skin, as in psoriasis, it has been known to excite vomiting. £ 
 
 Internally, chrysarobin is by some alleged to be purgative in the dose of Gm. 0.50 
 (gr. vij). It is stated, however, to be very slow in its operation, which begins only at 
 the end of twenty-four hours, but may continue for several days without griping. It is 
 more apt to act at first as an emetic when given to children of twelve years in doses of 
 Gm. 0.35 (6 grains) and to adults in doses of Gm. 1.60 (25 grains), according to Thomp- 
 son, who adds that chrysarobin is likely to purge and chrysophanic acid to vomit ( British 
 Med. Jour., May, 1877, p. 607). The urine of persons using chrysarobin turns red on 
 the addition of alkalies. A case is reported in which after Gm. 0.20 (3 grains) of chrys- 
 sophanic acid a woman was seized with burning pain in the stomach, vomiting, pain in 
 the bowels, diarrhoea, haematuria, and pain over the bladder, with tenesmus (Glasgow 
 Med. Jour., Oct. 1881). It is probable that the substance taken was not chrysophanic 
 acid merely. 
 
 The use of Goa-powder in ringworm of the scalp is thus described by Dr. Fayrer : A 
 few grains of the powder are mixed with common vinegar or lemon-juice to about the 
 consistence of cream, and with it the eruption is painted over, as well as the skin a little 
 distance beyond its margin. It causes no pain at first, but in the course of a few hours 
 there is a sensation of a dull, heavy nature, the eruption becoming white, while the 
 surrounding skin is stained of a dark color. The sense of uneasiness soon passes away, 
 the integument resumes its natural color, and all traces of the disease disappear at the 
 
476 
 
 CHE YSAROBINUM. 
 
 same time. Unna’s method differs from this in the application of the following oint- 
 ment : Chrysarobin, 5.0 ; salicylic acid, 2.0 ; ichthyol, 5.0 ; simple ointment, 100.0 
 ( Therap. Monatsh ., iv. 302). In chronic cases the process of cure is necessarily more 
 gradual. Da Silva Lima has verified these statements, and also tested the virtues of the 
 application in an obstinate case of mentagra , in which he twice a day applied to the 
 roots of the affected hairs, by means of a camel’s-hair pencil, an ointment composed of 
 20 grains of araroba-powder, 10 drops of acetic acid, and an ounce of benzoin ointment. 
 
 Chrysarobin has been oftener used in the treatment of psoriasis than of any other dis- 
 ease of the skin. When Goa-powder was employed, 1 part of it was mixed with 3 of 
 lard, and applied with friction twice a day for six successive days. An ointment made 
 with from Gm. 0.60-4 (gr. x-lx) of chrysarobin to Gm. 32 (an ounce) of lard may be 
 applied to the patches only with a mop night and morning, after removing the scales 
 with warm water. It should not be used on the face and head, on account of the dis- 
 coloration of the skin it produces, but which may be removed by alkaline solutions. 
 
 To prevent irritation of the sound skin, a paste made by adding only a small quantity 
 of water to the acid may be applied to the patches alone, and when dry it may be covered 
 by a film of collodion, which will preserve it for several days (Fox). Continued experi- 
 ence in the use of chrysarobin has not increased confidence in its virtues. Besides the 
 objectionable discoloration and inflammation of the skin produced by it, the eruption, 
 after being cured, is apt to break out anew and more extensively (Jarisch, Centralbl. f. 
 Therap., i. 14). These conclusions are confirmed by Morrow ( ' Arner . Jour, of Med. Sci., 
 Apr. 1883, p. 565). Napier claims that cases of psoriasis which had resisted arsenic and 
 external applications were cured by chrysophanic acid administered in pills containing 
 half a grain each of the preparation. At first, one was given after each meal, and the 
 dose gradually increased until signs of gastro-intestinal disturbance occurred. In one 
 case 9 grains a day were taken without trouble. In nearly all the cases the improvement 
 of the skin disease was marked and rapid ( Practitioner , xxiv. 132). Externally, the 
 medicine has proved its efficacy in the treatment of contagious or parasitic ringworm , and 
 is more or less useful in that of herpes tonsurans, herpes circinatus , chronic lichen, and the 
 ephelides of pregnancy. Dr. Metcalfe ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1887, p. 88) 
 reports remarkable success in the treatment of acne by an ointment containing 3 grains 
 of chrysophanic acid to an ounce of vaseline. It seems to possess no special virtue in 
 pityriasis, eczema, or tinea versicolor. It has been applied to haemorrhoids. 
 
 Originally, Goa-powder was made into a paste with a little vinegar or lemon-juice and 
 smeared over the eruption daily for several days. Afterward an ointment was used con- 
 taining from Gm. 0.60-4 (gr. x-lx) of the powder or of chrysophanic acid (chrysarobin) 
 melted together with an ounce of lard. The officinal chrysarobin ointment is preferable. 
 Better still is probably the gelatin mixture proposed by Pick, containing from 5 to 15 per 
 cent, of chrysarobin, or a solution of 20-40 grs. of chrysarobin in an ounce of gutta- 
 percha solution {Br. Phi). Its action can be confined to the affected spot (Jarisch, loc. 
 cit.). Alexander has apparently improved upon these methods in the trestment of tinea 
 tonsurans ; after shearing and epilation he applied to the areas a saturated solution of 
 chrysarobin in liquid gutta-percha, renewing it as often as it became loose or fissured 
 {Jour. Cutan. Dis., 1885, No. 2). 
 
 According to Liborius, a tincture made from the fibres of a Siamese plant, Rhinacan- 
 thus communis, which contains chrysarobin, may be used to cure ringworm. 
 
 Anthrabobin was introduced as a substitute for chrysarobin and pyrogallic acid. It 
 resembles the former in its deoxidizing power, and acts essentially in the same manner 
 as chrysarobin, but less intensely and more gradually ; but it stains the skin more deeply. 
 It was also found by Behrend an efficient remedy for psoriasis , etc. His results were 
 corroborated by Bronson {Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 31). But Bosenthal, Kobner, and others 
 found that it was not curative, and that it was open to the serious objection of staining 
 the skin and the linen. 
 
 Hydroxylamin. — Experiment has shown that this compound produces a brown color 
 of the blood, and, like nitrite of amyl, a fall of the blood-pressure. In medicine the 
 hydrochlorate is used as a substitute for pyrogallic acid, chrysarobin, etc., dissolved in a 
 mixture of equal parts of glycerin and spirit of wine, in the proportion of 1 to 1000. 
 It has been used in the treatment of lupus, ringworm , parasitic sycosis , psoriasis , etc. by 
 means of a brush, care being taken not to apply it at one time over a large surface. 
 Some observers, however, question its efficiency, and dwell upon the poisonous effects it is 
 liable to cause. 
 
CICUTA. 
 
 477 
 
 CIOUTA. — Water-Hemlock. 
 
 Coiobane, E. ; Oigue vireuse , Fr. ; Wasserch ierling , G. ; Cicuta, virulenta , Sp. 
 
 The herb of Cicuta virosa, Linne , s. Cicutaria aquatica, Lamarck. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 110. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — Water-heinlock is a native of the northern section of the northern hemisphere, 
 and is found in America from Canada northward. It grows in swamps and wet places, 
 has a short, thick, rather ovate, hollow rhizome beset with circles of thin rootlets, and 
 flowers from July to September. 
 
 Description. — The stem is about 40 inches (1 M.) high, hollow, often purplish. The 
 leaves are on sheathing petioles, bright-green, and smooth, triangular-oblong in outline, 
 twice or thrice pinnate, the leaflets opposite, narrow lanceolate, narrowed at both ends, 
 sharply serrate, and the teeth with whitish points. The umbels are large, compound, the 
 flowers small, white, and the fruit subglobose, laterally flattened, with thick corky ribs, 
 and six oil-tubes in each mericarp, the two on the face being very thin. The herb has a 
 slight aromatic odor and a somewhat aromatic and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Polex, Wittstein, and Buignet have observed the presence of a vola- 
 tile alkaloid ,cicutine, which, however, according to Van Ankum (1868), does not exist in 
 the root. The fruit yields about 11 per cent, of a volatile oil which was proved by Trapp 
 (1858) to be identical with oil of cumin. Cicutoxin is a tenacious, non-drying, amorphous, 
 resinous principle in bright-yellow drops, which is contained in the resinous cortical zone 
 of the rhizome. It was isolated by Van Ankum (1868), and further examined by Boehm 
 and Trojanowski (1876); it is insoluble in petroleum benzin, but dissolves readily in 
 alcohol, ether, and chloroform ; also in hot water and in alkalies. The dried root yields 
 about 3.5 per cent, of it. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Cicuta maculata, Linnt — Spotted water hemlock, Spotted parsley — is a common 
 perennial of North America, and is distinguished by its elongated, fleshy, tuberous roots, the 
 purplish spotted stem, and the broader leaflets. Its properties are similar to those of the preced- 
 ing species. J. E. Young (1855) obtained from the fruit a volatile alkaloid which he regarded 
 as being identical with conine. 
 
 Sium latifolium, Linnt — Water-parsnip — is a European perennial, probably indigenous to Cal- 
 ifornia ; the nearly-allied S. lineare, Michaux, which is a native of North America, has been 
 often mistaken for it. Another poisonous species, S. angusti folium, Linnt, is indigenous to 
 Europe and North America. The subterraneous portion of the California plant was examined 
 by A. R. Porter (1876), who found in it an aromatic volatile oil, and attributed its poisonous 
 properties to a resinous body. These results were in the main confirmed by N. Rogers (1876), 
 who in addition obtained a non-poisonous volatile alkaloid resembling Wittstein’s pastinacine ; 
 but according to Porter, this is probably ammonia. 
 
 GEnanthe crocata, Linn6 (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 124) — Water-dr opwort or dead- 
 tongue, also known as water-hemlock — is a European perennial, with fleshy fusiform roots contain- 
 ing a yellow juice, round ish-obovate, wedge-shaped, lobed, or toothed leaflets, and oval-oblong 
 fruits, which are crowned with the long erect style, have thickened lateral ribs and six oil-tubes 
 in each mericarp. (Enanthin, an acrid and emetic principle, was observed by Gerding (1849) in 
 (Enanthe fistulosa, Linnt, and is probably an impure alkaloid. 
 
 Am mi Visxaga, Lamarck. — Ilerbe-aux-cure-dents, Fr., is indigenous to Southern France, 
 the Orient, and Northern Africa. The leaves are bi- or tripinnatifid, with linear segments. 
 Corolla is composed of five unequal, obovate, and emarginate petals. The fruit is compressed 
 from the side. The plant possesses an aromatic odor. I. Mustapha (1875) isolated the crystal- 
 line glucoside, kelline, which is colorless, bitter, and soluble in alcohol and chloroform. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Administered to dogs, the root is found to cause salivation, 
 vomiting, diarrhoea, and tetanoid convulsions, followed by resolution. A boy eight years 
 old, who had eaten of the root, became insensible, with dilated pupils, pallid face, saliva- 
 tion, cold limbs, frequent and stertorous breathing, irregularity and intermission of the 
 heart, and anaesthesia of the skin. Later on he grew restless, was convulsed, tetanically 
 rigid, and cyanotic. At the end of twelve hours these symptoms subsided ( Berlin . Min. 
 Woch., 34, 1885). In various fatal cases it is reported that the gastro-intestinal mucous 
 membrane was inflamed, and even ulcerated and gangrened ; but it is possible that these 
 appearances, if they existed, were due to the mechanical irritation of the ingested root. 
 
 This plant, in consequence partly of its poisonous qualities, and partly because its 
 efficacy is not established, is hardly ever used internally. It is said to be employed by 
 the Kamschatdales as a topical anodyne in rheumatism , and others have applied it for a 
 similar purpose in gout, and neuralgia. 
 
 Cicuta maculata. — A case is reported of poisoning with the root of this plant, mis- 
 
478 
 
 CIMICIFUGA. 
 
 taken for angelica. The symptoms were delirium ; cold skin ; pulse 46, thready, and 
 scarcely perceptible ; vomiting of blood and mucus ; a haggard and pale countenance : 
 and complete prostration. Recovery took place after the internal and external use of 
 stimulants and the hypodermic injection of morphine {Med. News , xl. 524). Linnaeus 
 ascribed narcotic qualities to Sium latifolium , and it has been used to treat diseases of 
 the skin. (Enanthe crocata has been the cause of a great many cases of poisoning in 
 Europe, where its root is apt to be eaten by mistake for that of parsnip, celery, radish, 
 carrot, etc. Hogs, cows, and horses have frequently been killed by it. It excites a 
 burning pain in the throat and stomach, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes purging, 
 vertigo, delirium, coma, and violent convulsions, with trismus and bloody foam on the 
 lips, while consciousness and sensibility are lost. Respiration is labored, the face cyanosed, 
 the pupils dilated, the pulse small. Death occurs in asphyxia, with convulsions. The 
 bruised root has been applied to haemorrhoidal swellings. In poisoning by any of these 
 plants the stomach should be emptied at once by a vegetable emetic, and anaesthetics 
 and narcotics used to control the spasm. (Compare Leme, 1857, and Falck, 1880.) 
 
 El Kellah is the Moorish name applied to Ammi visnaga , or toothpick plant. It is 
 alleged to contain a glucoside, kelline, which in animals occasions vomiting, usually slow- 
 ing of the respiration, and irregular action of the heart. A decoction of the seeds (8 
 per cent.) is recommended as a lotion for ulcerated states of the mouth and for painful 
 rheumatic joints. Internally it is said to cure rheumatism, and to relieve uric-acid ail- 
 ments by its diuretic action and its obtunding action on the urinary passages {Bull, de 
 Therap., cxii. 315). 
 
 CIMICIFUGA, U. S.— Cimicifuga. 
 
 Cimicifugse rhizoma , s. Actsese radix , Br. — Black snakeroot , Black cohosh , E. ; Racine 
 d'actee d grappes , Fr. ; Schwarze Schlangenwurzel , Gr. 
 
 The rhizome and rootlets of Cimicifuga racemosa, Nuttall, s. Cim. Serpentaria, Pursh , 
 s. Actsea racemosa, Linne , s. Macrotys actseoides, Rafinesque. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 8. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Actese. 
 
 Origin. — A perennial herbaceous plant growing in rich woodlands of the United 
 States and Canada. The slender stem is 1.8 to 2.4 M. (6 to 8 feet) high, is leafless below 
 and above, and bears near the middle several large, petiolate, thrice-ternate leaves, with 
 ovate-oblong, acute, and deeply-toothed leaflets. The white flowers are in terminal racemes 
 20 to 30 Cm. (8 to 12 inches) long, have small clawed two-horned petals, numerous 
 stamens on slender filaments, and usually one pistil, producing a dry capsular fruit con- 
 taining many flat seeds. It flowers in June and July and ripens its fruit in September, 
 after which time the rhizome should be collected. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, and 25 Mm. (1 inch) 
 thick, horizontal, somewhat flattened, with distinct nodes and numerous stout branches, 
 the remains of overground stems, which are upright or curved upward, and increase the 
 length of the underground portion to 15 Cm. (6 inches) or more. These branches are 
 somewhat annulate by the prominent nodes, and are, according to their age, either hollow 
 
 or have a cup-shaped, flat, or even convex, termination like 
 the rhizome, they are hard and tough, and break with a 
 slightly fibrous nearly smooth fracture. The rootlets orig- 
 inate mainly from the nodes, are 15 to 25 Cm. (6 to 10 inches) 
 long, the older ones 6 Mm. (i inch) in diameter near their 
 place of attachment, mostly about 2 Mm. inch) thick ; 
 when dry of a wiry appearance, obtusely quadrangular, and 
 longitudinally wrinkled ; brittle, and break with a short frac- 
 ture. The color of the fresh rhizome and root is dark-brown, 
 becoming purplish-black or brown-black after drying, the 
 stem-remnants of a grayish tint. It has a slight but heavy 
 odor and a bitterish and acrid taste. As met with in commerce, the rootlets, and often 
 also the rhizomes, are much broken. 
 
 The transverse section of the branches shows a large central usually dark-colored pith, 
 which is surrounded by numerous almost linear wood-bundles, the whole being covered 
 by a rather thin, firm bark. The rhizome itself has irregular-shaped wood-bundles and 
 a thicker bark. The rootlets have a thick dark-colored bark and a white woody meditul- 
 lium, projecting with from five to two rays into the former; the largest number of rays is 
 near the base, and gradually diminishes toward the tip of the rootlets. 
 
 Fig. 62 . 
 
 Cimicifuga racemosa: transverse 
 section through a branch of 
 the rhizome and through root- 
 lets. 
 
CINCHONA. 
 
 479 
 
 Constituents. — Tilghman (1834), J. S. Jones (1843), and G. H. Davis (1861) 
 analyzed black snakeroot, finding starch, some tannin, gallic acid (?), resin, a little volatile 
 oil, and other widely-diffused principles. F. II. Trimble (1879) found tannin to be absent ; 
 a principle which is colored green-black by ferric chloride is not a glucoside, and the white 
 precipitate of the aqueous infusion, after having been washed with water, is not colored 
 by ferric salts ; the portion of the resin which is precipitated by lead acetate yields a 
 crystallizable acid. T. E. Conard (1871) obtained a crystalline principle which is insol- 
 uble in benzin, oil of turpentine, and carbon disulphide, slightly soluble in ether and 
 water, and freely in chloroform and diluted and strong alcohol ; its alcoholic solution has 
 an intensely acrid and sharp taste. It was obtained from the fresh root by exhausting it 
 with alcohol, precipitating the tincture with lead subacetate, removing excess of lead by 
 hydrogen sulphide, evaporating the alcohol, washing the residue with benzin and water, 
 and crystallizing the undissolved portion from alcohol after decolorizing with aluminum 
 hydroxide. It appears to be a neutral principle. It was isolated by L. F. Beach (187G) 
 from the so-called cimicifugin or macrotyn , which is prepared by precipitating a concen- 
 trated tincture of cimicifuga with water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cimicifuga appears to depress the nervous and vascular sys- 
 tems, in that it occasions, in large doses, vertigo, dimness of vision, nervous tremors, 
 depression of the pulse, and more or less nausea, with increased pulmonary and cutaneous 
 secretion. It was originally employed in the treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases, 
 and particularly of chronic bronchitis with profuse purulent expectoration. In chorea 
 independent of definite local disease there is no doubt of its efficacy when administered 
 so as to produce its specific effects. Probably it is most useful in rheumatic chorea, since 
 it has proved to be an efficient remedy for acute articular rheumatism when freely admin- 
 istered. It is also excellent in muscular rheumatism, and especially in lumbago and 
 rheumatic neuralgia. That it exerts a powerful impression upon the uterine system is 
 rendered probable by the relief it affords in dysmenorrhoea and to the symptoms of pelvic 
 congestion which often are present during the decline of the menstrual function ( Lancet , 
 March, 1889, p. 476; Practitioner , xlvii. 265), and by its curing many cases of atonic 
 amenorrhoea when its administration is duly prolonged. It is also alleged to be useful 
 in the treatment of seminal emissions. Exceptional virtues have been claimed for it as 
 an antidote to nearly all the ills that attend the later stages of pregnancy , and to the 
 pains and weariness of labor ; but these claims have not been allowed ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 
 336). 
 
 The average dose of cimicifuga is represented by Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) of its powder. 
 This form is seldom used, a decoction or the fluid extract being preferred. The latter is 
 officinal ; the former may be prepared by boiling for a short time Gm. 32 (an ounce) of 
 the bruised root in Gm. 500 (a pint) of water ; one or two fluidounces may be given at 
 a dose. The tincture is the least eligible of its preparations, but may be given in the 
 dose of 30 to 60 minims. 
 
 CINCHONA, V. S., Br., JP. G.— Cinchona. 
 
 Peruvian bark, E. ; Quinquina, Fr. ; Ghinarinde , G. ; China, It.; Quina, Sp. 
 
 The bark of several species of Cinchona. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rubiaceae, Cinchoneae. 
 
 Official Kinds. — 1. Cinchona, U. S.', Cinchonae cortex, Br. ) Cortex Chinae, P. G. 
 The bark of Cinchona Calisaya, Weddell, Cinchona officinalis, Linne , and of hybrids of 
 these and of other species of Cinchona (of cultivated Cinchonas principally Cinchona 
 succirubra, Pavon, P.G. ), containing not less than 5 per cent, of its peculiar alkaloids, 
 at least one-half of which should be quinine, — U. S., P. G., from which the characteris- 
 tic alkaloids of the bark may be obtained, Br. 
 
 A. Cinchona Calisaya, Weddell . — Cinchona flava, U. S., 1880 ; Cinchonae flavae cor- 
 tex ; Cortex chinae calisayae ; Cortex chinae regiae ; China regia. — Yellow cinchona, 
 Calisaya-bark, E. ; Quinquina calisaya, Quinquina jaune royal, Fr.; Calisayarinde, 
 Kbnigschina, G. ; China gialla, It. ; Quina Calisaya, Bp. 
 
 Weddell, Hist. Nat. des Quinq., Plates 3, 3 bis, and 28; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 141. 
 
 B. Cinchona officinalis, Linne. — Cinchona pallida ; Cinchonae pallidae cortex ; Cortex 
 chinae fuscus ; China fusca, s. grisea s. pallida s. cinerea. — Pale Peruvian bark, Loxa bark, 
 Crown bark, E . ; Quinquina gris de Loxa, Fr. ; Braune (Graue) Chinarinde, Loxarinde, 
 Kronchina, G. ; Quina gris de Loja, Quina charhuarguera, Sp. 
 
480 
 
 CINCHONA. 
 
 Humboldt and Bonpland, Plant. JPquinoct. i. 33 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 140. 
 
 2. Cinchona rubra, U. S., Br. — The bark of Cinchona succirubra, Pavon, contain- 
 ing not less than 5 per cent, of its peculiar alkaloids, U. S. ; containing between 5 and 
 6 per cent, of total alkaloids, of which.not less than half shall consist of quinine and cin- 
 chonidine (the bark of the stem and branches of cultivated plants being directed). — Br. 
 
 Cortex chinas ruber, China rubra. — Bed cinchona, Bed Peruvian bark, Bed bark, 
 E. ; Quinquina rouge, Fr. ; Bothe Chinarinde, G. ; China rossa, It. ; Quina roja, Sp. 
 
 Pavon, Nueva Quinologia ; Howard’s Illustrations , plate 9; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 142. 
 
 Origin. — The genus Cinchona, as at present constituted, consists of about thirty-one 
 or thirty-six species, all of which are indigenous to South America, from 10° north lat- 
 itude to 19°, or probably 22°, south latitude. It follows the eastern slope of the central 
 chain of the Andes from the southern limits, beginning in Bolivia, through Peru ; and 
 from about 2° south latitude in Ecuador, it occupies also the eastern slope of the west- 
 ern chain of the Cordilleras until by two narrow belts it enters the highlands of New 
 Granada, whence it spreads north-east and northward into Yenezuela, to the neighborhood 
 of Caracas and in proximity to the Caribbean Sea. The climate in which the most val- 
 uable species are found is, according to Karsten (1858), characterized by a rainy season 
 lasting for 9 months, heavy rains falling principally during the night and alternating 
 with sunshine and fog through the day ; during the remaining 3 months the tempera- 
 ture frequently sinks in the night to below the freezing-point, but reaches in the day- 
 time 25° C. (77° F.), producing dense fogs. The mean annual temperature of these 
 regions is 12° to 13° C. (about 55° F.). The less valuable species are found in regions in 
 which the moisture is less evenly distributed throughout the year, and in which the mean 
 temperature is higher, rising, according to Martius (1863), to about 20° C. (68° F.). 
 
 The cinchonas are not met with in the valleys ; the lowest altitude observed by Kars- 
 ten was at the northern limits of the cinchona region, where the valueless Cinch, barba- 
 coensis, which is not a true cinchona, is at an elevation of 100 M. (330 feet). Caldas 
 gives the highest limits at 3270 M. (10,700 feet), Karsten at 3500 M. (11,500 feet). The 
 really valuable species, however, according to Weddell, grow at an altitude of 1600 to 
 2400 M. (5300 to 7900 feet) ; an exception is C. succirubra, which descends to about 700 
 M. (2300 feet). They are confined within about 11° to the north and south from Loxa, 
 beyond which limits the barks are of little or no value. The most southern species is 
 Cinch, australis, Weddell , the most northern ones Cinch, tucujensis, Karsten , and C. cor- 
 difolia, Mutis. All grow in the primeval forests either singly or with but few specimens 
 together. 
 
 The cinchonas are evergreen trees or shrubs, most of the valuable species attaining a 
 height of from 12 to 24 M. (40 to 80 feet). Their laurel-like opposite leaves have decid- 
 uous stipules, are entire at the margin, and vary in shape between lanceolate and round- 
 ish obovate, occasionally with a heart-shaped base. The petiole and the leaves are often 
 purplish or red while young or before falling, and most of the valuable species (Cinch, 
 succirubra is an exception) are pitted (scrobiculate) on the lower side in the angles 
 formed by the prominent midrib with the lateral veins. The fragrant flowers form term- 
 inal panicles, and have a tubular often soft-hairy corolla, with the margin divided into 
 five spreading lobes, and of a white-rosy or purplish color. The small five-toothed calyx 
 crowns the ovate or oblong two-celled capsular fruit, which splits from the base upward 
 to the persistent short calyx margin, and contains many flat and winged seeds. With 
 several allied genera they constitute the tribe Eucinchonese, which is characterized hy 
 the valvate pragfloration, and with the two genera Cascarilla and Bemijia they form a 
 group in which the dehiscence of the fruit is septicidal and the placentas are found upon 
 the middle of the dissepiments, the principal distinction of the two genera being the 
 dehiscence of their capsules from the apex downward. Most of the species are variable 
 in their foliage and in other characters, and easily produce hybrids ; hence the species 
 form more or less distinct varieties, and are connected with one another by intermediate 
 forms. The most important medicinal species are — 
 
 Cinch, calisaya, Weddell ', discovered by Weddell (1847), a stately tree, is found in 
 Bolivia and Peru, between 17° and 13° S. lat., at an altitude of 1500 to 1800 M. (5000 
 to 6000 feet), and has an ovate smooth capsule about 10 Mm. ( inch) long. At a 
 higher elevation it forms the shrubby variety Josephiana, and in Bolivia is seen the 
 variety boliviana, which has the lower surface of the leaves purplish. Several other 
 varieties are distinguished, including C. Ledgeriana, which by some botanists is regarded 
 
CINCHONA. 
 
 481 
 
 as a hybrid or even as a species, and the bark of which has attracted much attention for 
 its richness in alkaloids. 
 
 C. officinalis, Hooker films, the first species discovered by La Condamine (hence the 
 name Condaminea), is a tree of about 15 M. (50 feet), and is found in Ecuador and Peru, 
 principally near Loxa ; its oblong capsules are ribbed and 12 to 20 Mm. (1 to -|inch) long. 
 
 C. succirubra, Pavon, 15 to 25 M. (50 to 82 feet) high, has oblong smooth capsules 
 25 to 31 Mm. (1 or If inches) long, and is chiefly confined to the western declivity of 
 Chimborazo, but is found south to Northern Peru. 
 
 The barks of the above species constitute the officinal cinchona-barks. Several other 
 species yield barks which are consumed in the manufacture of the cinchona alkaloids. 
 
 From his observations made in the cinchona-plantations of Java and the Himalayas, 
 0. Kuntze (1878) endeavored to reduce the numerous recognized species of cinchona to 
 four typical forms, regarding all others as hybrids ; and he finds this view supported by the 
 fact that hybrids capable of perpetuation by seed are known to exist in the plantations ; 
 his four species are named: I. C. Weddelliana = C. Calisaya, Weddell, in part (and per- 
 haps C. glandulifera, Ruiz et Pavon ) ; II. C. Pavoniana = C. micrantha, Weddell (and 
 perhaps C. nitida, Ruiz et Pavon ) ; III. C. Howardiana = C. succirubra, Pavon (and per- 
 haps C. purpurea, Ruiz et Pavon ) ; and IY. C. Pahudiana (as characterized by Howard). 
 
 Regarding Kuntze’s views of the other species, we indicate here the supposed deriva- 
 tion of the best-known ones only : C. pubescens, Yald, is a hybrid of III. and IY. ; C. 
 officinalis, Hooker , of II. and I. ; C. pitayensis, Weddell, of II. and I. ; C. cordifolia, 
 Mutis, of III. and IY. ; C. lancifolia, Mutis, of III. and I. ; and C. scrobiculata, Hum- 
 boldt et Bonpland, of II., I., and II. 
 
 Ivarsten unites Cascarilla, Buena, and Remijia with the genus Cinchona as a sub-genus, 
 Ladenbergia, and groups nearly all true cinchonas in the sub-genus Quinquina, the two 
 sub-genera being united by his sub-genus Heterasca, in which the capsules are dehiscent 
 both from the base and apex, and which, among others, contains Cin. micrantha. 
 
 Cultivation and Commerce. — The cinchona barks found in commerce at the 
 present time are derived from cultivated trees, the bark of wild trees rarely entering 
 commerce, principally because it was found that by cultivation of the trees, and collec- 
 tion of the bark in certain ways the percentage of alkaloids, especially quinine, could be 
 increased. Formerly the barks were collected entirely from wild-growing plants, and on 
 account of the great distance from populous districts at which they grew it was neces- 
 sary to undertake expeditions of several months duration. A number of collectors, 
 named cascarilleros, united in gangs under the direction of a magistral or mayor-domo, 
 undertook the journey across the mountains during the dry season. A shed or hut was 
 constructed in which to dry the bark. The bark of the trunk and of the large roots 
 just beneath the surface was loosened by beating with a mallet and then removed. The 
 tree was then felled and the stripping completed. The bark of the branches was dried 
 in the sun and rolled either in single or double quills, while the bark of the trunk, after 
 being partly dried, was placed in layers crossing each other at right angles, and heavy 
 weights placed on top. After drying completely the bark was superficially examined, 
 and enclosed in rough canvas in bundles weighing about 150 pounds. In this shape it 
 was shipped to the coast, where the bundles w r ere enclosed in fresh hides, thus making, 
 after drying, a firm and compact package, the so-called seroon. The bark was also 
 shipped in bales and wooden boxes. The only South American country of any interest 
 commercially in this line at the present time is Bolivia, as it is the only country of 
 that continent where cinchona cultivation is carried on. 
 
 La Condamine (1738) noticed the reckless destruction of the cinchona in South 
 America, and others have since corroborated his statements. As early as 1792, Ruiz 
 suggested the cultivation of cinchonas, and since 1837, Fritze, Blume, Miquel, and 
 others have advocated their transplantation to Java, while Royle (1839) pointed out 
 several districts in India as suitable. In 1848. Weddell obtained considerable quantities 
 of seeds, mostly C. Calisaya, which germinated at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, the 
 seedlings being sent to Algeria and to Java. 
 
 Weddell’s Histoire naturelle des Quinquinas (1849) directed the attention of the Dutch 
 government to this subject. Carl Hasskarl, previously director of the botanical garden 
 at Buitenzorg, Java, was selected by Pahud, the colonial minister of Holland, to procure 
 plants and seeds from Peru, and left Holland Dec. 4, 1852. His first collection of 50 
 plants remained through an oversight in Panama, but the seeds reached Holland, and 
 yielded a number of seedlings, which were sent to Java. A collection of 400 plants of 
 C. Calisaya was transported amid many difficulties to the sea-coast, and shipped Aug. 21, 
 31 
 
482 
 
 CINCHONA. 
 
 1854, from Callao 'to Batavia, where, notwithstanding every care, only 46 plants arrived 
 Dec. 13 in a good or partly sick condition. They were planted a short distance from 
 Batavia at an elevation of 4700 feet. In 1855, Junghuhn arrived there from Holland 
 with 139 seedlings, nearly half of which perished, and when Hasskarl resigned in 1856 
 there were only 251 living cinchonas in the plantations. Junghuhn (died 1864) estab- 
 lished plantations in more favorable localities, but ripe seeds were not obtained until 1858. 
 Propagating from seeds and cuttings, there were toward the close of 1863 nearly 1,160,000 
 cinchonas in the plantations, not quite one-half of which number had been planted in the 
 open air. Only 1.1 per cent, of the plants belonged to the more valuable species. In 
 1865 the value of the cinchona plantations of Java was decidedly increased by a chance 
 purchase of a lot of cinchona-seeds which had been sent to Georges Ledger by his 
 brother, then travelling in Bolivia. When the seeds arrived in London, Hooker was sick 
 and Markham was absent, so, in order to save at least half of the seeds, Ledger offered 
 the same to the Dutch government. The seeds were shipped to Java, and by the follow- 
 ing year Gorkum could report that 20,000 plants had grown from them. These are the 
 mother-plants of Cinchona Ledgeriana, which plant is now being cultivated more and 
 more in that country. Since De Vrij had undertaken frequent assays of the barks of the 
 different species grown under different conditions, the cultivation of the less valuable 
 ones was abandoned by K. W. Van Gorkum, who succeeded Junghuhn, and by the close 
 of 1876 nearly 2.000,000 cinchonas, not counting C. Pahudiana, were planted in the 
 open air in the government plantations, and of this number 1,142,715 were C. Calisaya 
 (including C. Hasskarliana). At present the plantations are in charge of Van Romunde. 
 
 In the mean time, Boyle, Falconer, and others having again urged the introduction of 
 the cinchonas into India, the British government decided in 1859 to organize an expedi- 
 tion under the direction of Clements Robert Markham, embracing all the districts of the 
 most valuable species. Aided by John Weir, Markham explored the border-land of 
 Peru and Bolivia, April and May, 1860, and collected 529 plants, 497 of which belonged 
 to different varieties of C. Calisaya, the remainder to C. ovata and C. micrantha. Of 
 these, 456 were shipped from Islay June 24. Owing to the jealousies of the population 
 and the obstacles raised by the Bolivian government, he was unable to return to the dis- 
 tricts for the purpose of collecting seeds, which do not ripen before August. (See Mark- 
 ham’s interesting work, Peruvian Bark , London, 1880.) 
 
 Richard Spruce undertook the collection of plants and seeds from the red-bark districts 
 (C. succirubra) in Ecuador, in the forests of Chimborazo, where he arrived in June, and 
 was joined near the end of July by Robert Cross, who collected a large number of cut- 
 tings and young plants, and with these and the seeds gathered by Spruce embarked at 
 Guayaquil Jan. 2, 1861. Plants and seeds in the neighborhood of Huanuco were col- 
 lected by G. J. Pritchett, who embarked from Lima in Sept., 1860, mainly with specimens 
 of C. micrantha and nitida. The government having neglected to provide for their direct 
 transportation to India, the shipments were made by way of Panama to England, and 
 thence through the Red Sea to Bombay. The plants, and particularly those collected by 
 Markham, suffered considerably from various delays and from the hot weather encoun- 
 tered during a part of the journey ; but those in charge of Cross mostly arrived in good 
 condition, as also did the seeds collected by the explorers mentioned, and those obtained 
 on a second journey undertaken by Cross in 1861 to the neighborhood of Loxa. 
 
 The first cinchona-plantation in India was established in the south-west, in the Neil- 
 gherry Mountains, near Ootacamund, at an elevation of 7000 feet. Under the care of 
 William Graham Mclvor (died 1876) this was soon extended, so that in this district 
 alone there were in 1866 over 1,500,000 cinchonas, besides those which had been dis- 
 tributed to or raised by private parties. While here C. officinalis appears to be the most 
 valuable, C. succirubra and Calisaya succeed better in the Himalaya Mountains in Sikkim, 
 where the cultivation was commenced in 1862. Plantations were also formed in Ceylon 
 (1861), in Punjab (1864), and other portions of India. The packages of the Indian 
 bark are always made up from the same species cultivated under the same circumstances, 
 so that the unmossed , ?noxsed , and renewed, barks are never mixed. This distinction is 
 due to Mclvor, who proved that under an artificial covering of moss the bark of certain 
 species becomes thicker and richer in alkaloids, and also that trees which have been 
 partly peeled will under a covering of moss rapidly renew the bark. The Ceylonese bark, 
 principally in the form of the shaved bark, is packed in bales, into which the shavings 
 have been pressed by hydraulic presses. 
 
 Attempts at the cultivation of cinchonas have been made in many countries and islands, 
 and have been partly abandoned. Of some importance is the experiment made in Jamaica, 
 
CINCHONA. 
 
 483 
 
 where the plants were introduced late in 1861 ; the cultivation on a large scale, however, 
 was not commenced until 1868, and under the care of Robert Thomson had in 1876 
 extended over 300 acres, the plantations being situated in the Blue Mountains at an ele- 
 vation of from 4000 to 6000 feet, with a variation of temperature between about 50° 
 and 70° F. The official species, C. Calisaya, succirubra, and officinalis, are mainly culti- 
 vated here, and since 1880 cinchona-bark has been sent into the market from Jamaica. 
 The same species appear also to be cultivated to some extent near Cordova, Mexico, where 
 seeds were distributed in 1866; at least, Hugo Fink exhibited (1876) handsome speci- 
 mens of these barks and sections of the trees. In the last twelve or fifteen years cin- 
 chona plantations have been started in Bolivia, especially in the department of La Paz. 
 In Western Africa plantations have been started in 1882, and 2,500,000 trees were under 
 cultivation a few years ago. 
 
 In the beginning of 1892 the estimate of the number of trees under cultivation in 
 different parts of the world was as follows: Ceylon, 19,000,000; India: Sikkim, 
 
 4.000. 000; Darjeeling, 1,500,000; Neilgherry, 6,000,000 ; Travancore, Mynad, Mysore, 
 
 7.000. 000; Straits Settlements, North Borneo, Australia, 1,000,000; Java, 30,000,000 ; 
 Africa, 2,500,000 ; Jamaica, 500,000 ; Mexico, 40,000 ; Central America, 2,000,000 ; 
 Bolivia, 2,000,000, — altogether a grand total of 75,540,000 trees. 
 
 It is not unlikely that the cultivation of several valuable species of Remijia men- 
 tioned further on may be extended to many countries where the cinchonas cannot be 
 profitably raised. 
 
 For the collection of cinchona-barks several methods are in use. One, known as 
 mossing, originally recommended by Karsten ( Deutsche Flora , p. 1201), and introduced 
 by Maclvor, consists in removing rather narrow longitudinal strips of the bark, and 
 then covering the trunk with moss, when the bared portion will again become covered 
 with bark, frequently richer in alkaloids than the unmossed bark. Another method is 
 that of coppicing ; the trees are cut down above the root and deprived of the bark, while 
 the remaining stumps again produce shoots, from which bark may be collected after the 
 lapse of about eight years ; a portion of the roots may then also be used for the collection 
 of bark ( uprooting ). The method of coppicing is practised also on the cinchona planta- 
 tions of Bolivia. A third method is that of shaving , introduced by Moens in 1880, and 
 consisting in the removal and collection of the outer layers, leaving a sufficiently thick 
 layer of the inner bark to preserve the vitality of the tree. Shaved cinchonas have 
 been attacked in Ceylon by a stag-beetle, a species of Lucanus, and mossed trees in Ben- 
 gal have suffered from the destruction of the young bark by ants and other insects. 
 
 Commercial Terms. — The word quina (pronounced ghcena ) in the language of the 
 Peruvian Indians signifies bark, and quina-quina a medicinal bark, the term being orig- 
 inally applied to other barks. It is equivalent to the Spanish ca scar ilia, the diminutive 
 of cascara, by which name the cinchona, with many other barks, is known in South 
 America and Spain. From the former word come the French quinquina and the 
 German china , by which terms the cinchona-barks are known in those countries. As the 
 barks of different species are collected, they are in the first place distinguished as quilled 
 or flat according to the manner in which they were dried; and, secondly, by some striking 
 peculiarity, principally the color. The color of the external layer necessarily varies with 
 the age of the bark and with the presence or absence of lichens and other cryptogamous 
 plants. The fresh inner surface is always light-colored, but becomes darker on drying ; 
 it is always distinct in color from the natural surface, and in the bark of branches is 
 invariably lighter than in the trunk-bark. Since the cultivated cinchonas in India and 
 other countries have commenced to yield valuable bark, this is now almost exclusively 
 found in the market, and is, as a rule, distinguished by the botanical name of the species 
 and the manner of production. (See above under Cultivation and Commerce.) 
 
 General Physical Description. — The shape of the commercial bark depends 
 upon its treatment during the drying process, as described above. The cultivated bark 
 is generally seen in rather uniform quills. The corky layer of the branch-bark, unless 
 this is quite young, is usually more or less cracked. The surface of the bark of old 
 wood is influenced in appearance by the presence or absence of the corky layer, which 
 in some species is easily detached. The inner surface, if not torn, always presents a 
 striate appearance, which is coarser or finer according to the relative thickness of the 
 bast-fibres and their arrangement ; the immature barks of very young branches have a 
 slimy appearance upon the inner surface. The size, arrangement, and relative number 
 of the bast-fibres impart to the transverse fracture its peculiar character, and the almost 
 complete absence of these in younger barks causes them to break with a smooth fracture. 
 
484 
 
 CINCHONA. 
 
 The density of cinchona-barks varies considerably, but, according to Arnaud (1881), is in 
 most cases less than that of water ; Calisaya bark, however, is slightly heavier than water. 
 
 General Structural Characters. — The most important characteristics of cin- 
 chona-barks are due to their bast- or liber-fibres, which are never branched, are rather 
 short, with their ends obtusely pointed, of a rather quadrangular appearance upon the 
 transverse section under the microscope, showing the secondary deposits of the cell-walls, 
 by which the central cavity has been almost closed. They present some distinctions in 
 their arrangement as seen upon the transverse section. In some species they are grouped 
 together to the number of four to six, rarely more ; in others they form single or double 
 radial rows, four to ten in number ; in others, notably in Calisaya, nearly every bast-cell 
 is entirely distinct from the others, and is separately imbedded in the bast-parenchyma, 
 
 Fig. 63. 
 
 Calisaya bark : radial longitudinal section through 
 liber, showing cinchona bast-tibres ; magnified (50 
 diameters 
 
 Fig. 64. 
 
 Quilled Calisaya bark: trans- 
 verse section ; magnified 30 
 diameters. 
 
 Fig. 65. 
 
 Bark of Cinchona lanci- 
 
 folia, with numerous 
 thick-walled cells in 
 the outer bark and 
 outer bast-layer ; mag- 
 nified 30 diameters. 
 
 forming with the others not very regular interrupted lines. The medullary rays are dis- 
 tinct, but usually narrow ; together with the preceding they form the liber (endophloeum 
 
 or inner bark). The liber is covered by the 
 Fig. 66. Fig. 67. primary layer (middle bark, mesophloeum, 
 
 cellular envelope, and green layer of authors) 
 or outer bark , which consists of parenchyma ; 
 in some of the species (C. Calisaya, succi- 
 rubra, scrobiculata, officinalis) one or two 
 irregular rows of latidferom ducts (or ves- 
 sels — lacunae of Pereira) are found just out- 
 
 Flat Calisaya bark : section 
 through inner layer ; mag- 
 nified 30 diameters. 
 
 transverse section subcircular, and occasion- 
 ally more or less filled with delicate cells, 
 and they are observable even in old barks, 
 unless the primary bark has been destroyed 
 by secondary cork. Some species have in 
 the primary bark laterally-elongated cells 
 with thickened walls, either scattered or in 
 Flat Calisaya bark : section groups ; some of these stove-cells contain a 
 
 through outer layer, show- b rown mass of resinous aspect ; others are 
 mg secondary cork ; mag- ......... , , r , . . i 
 
 nified 3o diameters. filled with granular crystals containing cal- 
 
CINCHONA. 
 
 485 
 
 cium oxalate ; hence they have been sometimes distinguished as re in -cells and crystal- 
 cells. The epidermis is never present in the commercial bark ; its place has been taken 
 by a thinner or thicker corky layer , the primary cork (or epiphloeum). In some species, 
 like Calisaya, bands of thin -walled suberous tissue, or secondary cork , penetrate into the 
 primary, and even into the bast-layer, of the bark, throwing off the outer tissues and 
 remaining as the outer covering of the bark — Motifs rhytidoma, the periderm of Wed- 
 dell and others. The distinction between these tissues is neglected by some authors, 
 but the formation of secondary cork evidently tends to obliterate characteristics observed 
 in young barks. 
 
 General Chemical Characteristics. — All cinchona-barks contain astringent 
 and alkaloidal principles, but they are present in very variable proportions. Grahe ( 1858 ) 
 showed that if about 10 grains of the bark are heated in a test-tube characteristic red 
 vapors are evolved, which condense in an oily carmine-red liquid. Cinchona-barks which 
 have been deprived of their alkaloids by treatment with dilute acids do not show this 
 reaction, but ligneous tissue which has been impregnated with a solution of cinchona 
 alkaloids yields the sublimate ; and the reliability of the reaction is increased, according 
 to Hesse, by incorporating an alcoholic tincture of cinchona with powder of the same 
 bark. This reaction, in connection with the presence of cinchona bast-fibres, noticed 
 above, may be regarded as conclusive proof of the genuineness of cinchona-barks, in the 
 absence of the peculiar bast-fibres, merely as evidence of the presence of cinchona alka- 
 loids ; for Fliickiger ( 1871 ) observed a white bark which contained cinchona bast-fibres 
 and an alkaloid ( paytine ), but yielded a brown tarry instead of a red oily sublimate ; and 
 the latter is obtained from cuprea-bark (see below), which contains cinchona alkaloids, 
 but is destitute of cinchona bast-fibres. 
 
 Description Of the Official Barks. — 1. Under the head of Cinchona the 
 U. S. P. now admits barks of any species of Cinchona, mentioning two, C. Calisaya and 
 C. officinalis, the only requirement being that they contain at least 5 per cent, of alka- 
 loids. As found in commerce at the present time, calisaya bark consists largely, if not 
 wholly, of the quilled bark. The quills vary in length, being usually 30 Cm. (12 
 inches) or more long. The quills are either single or double, and from 1 to 5 Cm. (£ to 
 2 inches) in diameter, the bark varying in thickness from 2 to 3 and 5 Mm. (y 1 ^ to -i and 
 1 inch). The outer surface of the bark, where it is not covered by variously colored 
 lichens, consists of a gray or brownish-gray, with C. officinalis occasionally blackish- 
 brown cork. This on Calisaya bark is usually wrinkled and longitudinally and trans- 
 versely fissured. The fissures are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) apart, forming irregular 
 meshes with raised edges, and often enclosing shorter transverse and oblique cracks. 
 The corky layer when removed leaves the impressions of the 
 meshes on the cinnamon-colored primary bark as slightly elevated 
 lines corresponding to the deeper fissures. The older and thicker 
 bark of C. officinalis is marked by at first rather distant, later more 
 approximate, transverse sometimes annular fissures, and with longi- 
 tudinal wrinkles or slight wart-like, corky ridges. The inner sur- 
 face of the bark is cinnamon-brown, somewhat darker than the 
 primary bark, and finely striate from the bast-fibres. Occasionally 
 quills of Calisaya bark are observed with the outer surface formed 
 of secondary cork, which is brown, rather smooth, and has fine 
 transverse fissures. 
 
 Calisaya bark was formerly met with in commerce, now, how- 
 ever. never as the so-called flat bark. It came in pieces often 38 
 Cm. (15 inches) long, 7 to 12 Cm. (3 to 5 inches) broad, and from 
 4 to 10 Mm. (1 to § inch) thick. The external layer of secondary 
 cork was rarely present, except as small, irregular dark-brown 
 patches lining the shallow longitudinal depressions, the so-called 
 conchas of the cascarilleros or digital furrows of Pareira and others. 
 
 Otherwise the entire bark consisted only of bast-layer, and was of 
 a bright cinnamon-brown color, and had the inner surface closely 
 and uniformly marked with fine, often wavy, striae. 
 
 The fracture of the barks, short in the outer layer and fibrous 
 in the inner, is easily explained by examining the structure. The 
 structural characteristics (see Figs. 63, 64, 67) of Calisaya bark 
 
 are found in the one or two rows of large laticiferous ducts which are found in the 
 parenchyma outside of the bast-layer. Stone-cells are almost entirely absent, and the 
 
 Fig. 68. 
 
 Calisaya bark: showing 
 digital furrow and short 
 fibrous fracture. 
 
486 
 
 CINCHONA. 
 
 Fig. 69. 
 
 Bark of Cinch, scrobicu- 
 lata. 
 
 Fig. 70. 
 
 bast-fibres are, with occasional exceptions, located singly in the bast-parenchyma, and 
 show radially, still more so tangentially, an imperfect arrangement in rows. Secondary 
 cork is soon formed, penetrating obliquely into the bast, thereby 
 throwing off the primary bark and laticiferous ducts, and on re- 
 moval leaving the conchas. The disposition of the bast-fibres, their 
 I jij:™ n'|, fineness and brittleness, permit them to be easily detached, and to 
 I; penetrate the skin on handling, especially the flat bark; in like 
 
 IiIIiUjIIp manner may the fibrous fracture of the latter bark be explained. 
 
 The flat Calisaya bark was occasionally found mixed with flat 
 pieces of the bark obtained from the variety Boliviana (see Origin'). 
 It is thinner, with the conchas more shallow and numerous, and 
 shows on longitudinal and transverse fracture large whitish spots 
 It agrees with the bark of the typical form in anatomical structure, 
 but occasionally the secondary cork penetrates the primary bark-layer 
 only, leaving the laticiferous ducts present; and it has a portion 
 of the bast-fibres arranged in but slightly interrupted radial lines ; 
 its transverse fracture is therefore more fibrous. Similar in phys- 
 ical appearance to Calisaya bark, but breaking with a long fibrous 
 fracture, are the barks of Cinch, scrobiculata and C. lancifolia ; 
 they have for this reason been known as fibrous Calisaya bark. 
 The tissue of both barks is of a reddish-yellow tint, and contains 
 in the outer portion numerous large stone-cells. The scrobiculata 
 bark has the inner bast-fibres in nearly uninterrupted radial lines, 
 and contains on the margin of the bast-layer a circle of laticiferous 
 ducts. The lancifolia bark has the bast-fibres in interrupted single 
 or double radial li-nes, often forming groups, and accompanied by 
 axially elongated but transversely narrow stone-cells, called staff-cells ; laticiferous ducts 
 are absent ; the cork, if present, is soft and scaly, gray or whitish. 
 
 2. Cinchona rubra is now found in commerce mostly in the form of quills or incurved 
 pieces varying in length, and from 12 to 25 Mm. (J to 1 inch) 
 in diameter, with the bark 2 to 4 or 5 Mm. (y 1 ^ to ^ or ^ inch) 
 in thickness. The outer surface, even of very young bark, is 
 more or less rough from corky warts and longitudinal warty 
 ridges, the latter being formed by the confluence of the former, 
 thus producing long meshes, and from a few mostly short trans- 
 verse fissures. These markings become more prominent in the 
 older barks. The subserous layer of young barks is grayish- 
 brown, and that of the older as dark as rust-l?rown in color. 
 The inner surface and inner layers of the 
 bark are cinnamon-brown in young and more 
 or less deep reddish-brown in older barks, the 
 surface being distinctly striate. The bark 
 breaks with a short fibrous fracture, espe- 
 cially in the inner layer. The bark possesses 
 a slight odor, a bitter and astringent taste, 
 and forms a reddish-brown powder. 
 
 The bark of old wood is termed flat, but 
 is often in curved pieces 5 to 10 Mm. (2 to 
 4 inches) in width and 12 Mm. (? inch) or 
 less in thickness. It shows the characteristics 
 described, except that the bark throughout 
 is of a deeper red color, the inner surface 
 more closely striate, and the subserous layer 
 thicker, very warty and firm, sometimes lon- 
 gitudinally fissured, more or less scaly, rather 
 soft and spongy. This flat bark is now rarely 
 seen in commerce. 
 
 The structural characteristics are a row of 
 laticiferous ducts, and in the inner bast-layer 
 narrow medullary rays and bast-fibres forming interrupted radial lines. 
 
 The structure of the cultivated barks differs according to which methods of cultiva- 
 tion and collection are practised. With coppicing the structure of the bark is not dis- 
 
 Fig. 71. 
 
 Cinch, succirubra : trans- 
 
 verse section of bark ; 
 magnified 30 diameters. 
 
 Bark of Cinchona 
 pubescens. 
 
CINCHONA. 
 
 487 
 
 turbed, and only slightly so by shaving, if this is not carried deep enough. However, if 
 the bark is shaved close to the cambium, a bark is obtained which in the outer layer con- 
 sists principally of parenchyme tissue, while the inner layer is made up of secondary bast. 
 In the outer portion we find laticiferous ducts which are not anastomosing, and can be 
 distinguished from the parenchyme cells by being larger. In mossed bark we find the 
 arrangement of the tissues differing according to whether we have the mossed bark or 
 the renewed bark. The mossed bark — that is, the portion remaining on the trunk — has 
 a layer of parenchyme close to the cambium, from which the callus closing the open 
 space takes its origin. In case the cambium is uninjured and is sufficiently protected 
 against drying out, it also takes part in the formation of the callus. In the renewed 
 bark we have a similar arrangement of tissues as found in the bark described above. 
 
 The structural characteristics of the most important cinchona-barks, may be briefly 
 stated as follows : 
 
 1. Bast-fibres single, occasionally in groups of two, or rarely more: 
 
 C. Calisaya. — No stone- (or resin-) cells, but laticiferous ducts in young bark. 
 Secondary cork in old bark ; bast-fibres of medium thickness ; medullary rays narrow. 
 
 2. Bast-fibres occasionally single, more frequently in groups of three or more : 
 
 C. micrantha. — Few or no stone-cells; no laticiferous ducts; medullary rays nar- 
 row ; bast-fibres of medium thickness, in groups of two and three, and in older barks of 
 five to eight. 
 
 3. Bast-fibres in interrupted single, or occasionally double, radial lines : 
 
 C. succirubra. — No stone-cells ; laticiferous ducts in one row, in old bark often filled 
 with cells; bast- and medullary rays narrow ; bast-fibres medium, in lines of two to five, 
 and occasionally eight. 
 
 C. officinalis. — No stone-cells ; laticiferous ducts thin, soon obliterated ; medullary 
 rays narrow ; bast-fibres medium, in somewhat irregular lines of two to four. 
 
 C. lancifolia. — Stone-cells numerous ; laticiferous ducts none; medullary rays large 
 celled ; bast-rays rather narrow, the fibres medium and thicker, in single and double lines 
 of two to four, intermixed with incomplete fibres (staff-cells). 
 
 4. Bast-fibres in nearly uninterrupted radial lines : 
 
 C. scrobiculata. — Stone-cells numerous ; laticiferous ducts in one or two rows ; medul- 
 lary rays large celled ; bast-fibres very numerous, in but little interrupted single, or occa- 
 sionally double, lines. 
 
 The structural peculiarities of cinchona-barks are, to some extent, influenced by the 
 local conditions of growth, more particularly as regards exposure to or protection from 
 the sunlight. This influence becomes more marked in the artificially-protected ( mossed ) 
 bark of the Eastern plantations, and still more in the second and third crops of ( renewed ) 
 barks, in which the modifications of the parenchymatous tissue are very considerable, while 
 the arrangement and characteristics of the bast-fibres are likewise subject to 'striking 
 changes. 
 
 Allied Barks. — So-called spurious cinchona-barks are now rarely if ever met with in commerce. 
 They were mostly obtained from trees belonging to the genera Cascarilla, Ladenbergia, Nauclea, 
 and Exostemma ; some of these ard quite similar to cinchona-barks in appearance, while others 
 have not the slightest resemblance to them. In those barks most nearly allied to the cinchona 
 a cinchona bastdibre is occasionally met with, but nearly all the bast-fibres have large central 
 cavities. Others (Nauclea) have the thin fibres nearly filled up, but regularly arranged in radial 
 and tangential rows. Grahe’s test — and, more reliable still, the microscope — will at once prove 
 their distinctiveness. 
 
 Spurious cinchona-barks — which, however, are very valuable for the manufacture of quinine — 
 are the cuprea or copper-colored barks, a name given to them by Fluckiger (1870) on account of 
 their dull copper-red color. Samples of this bark were noticed in London in 1820, and occasion- 
 ally it was observed as an admixture to the soft bark of Cinchona lancifolia ; at the present time 
 it is imported in large quantities, both from the central and southern parts of Colombia, along 
 the eastern chain of the Andes. The bark from the former region was ascertained by Triana 
 (1882) to be derived from Remijia Purdieana, Weddell , and R. (Cinchona, Karsten) pedunculata, 
 Triana. It is in quills or curved pieces with a brown-red inner surface, externally with fragments 
 of gray or brownish cork, and copper-red in the interior ; the transverse fracture is coarsely 
 granular, the longitudinal fracture rather splintery ; the transverse fracture shows thick-walled 
 cork-cells ; sometimes scattered laticiferous ducts, many transversely elongated stone-cells, both 
 in the outer bark and bast-layer, and in the latter numerous wavy medullary rays and radial 
 lines of closely-packed, thin, elongated, obtuse bast-fibres, with the central cavity usually large; 
 these bast-rays are less numerous in the inner than in the outer portion of the liber. The bark 
 is very compact, hard, and heavier than water ; that from Southern Colombia is denser, more 
 compact, and shows a more horny fracture. Cuprea-bark varies considerably in the amount of 
 alkaloids, which in bark from high elevations sometimes reaches 3 per cent, or 2 per cent, of 
 
488 
 
 CINCHONA. 
 
 quinine, the balance being quinidine and cinchonine; De Vrij (1882) obtained even 5.9 per cent, 
 of alkaloids (Fliickiger). llesse first pointed out the entire absence of cinchonidine ; and his 
 observations have been confirmed by Howard and others. Cuprea-bark from Southern Colombia 
 contains cinchonamine ; Planchon (1882) found this bark to be free from laticiferous ducts and 
 stone-cells, and the inner layer of the outer bark to be formed of laterally-elongated parenchyma. 
 
 Fraudulent red barks have been offered which had been made by exposing inferior cinchona- 
 barks to ammonia, whereby cinchona-red is produced. Such barks were found by Thomas and 
 Guignard (1882) to.be deep-red in the parenchyma, to have pale-yellow bast-fibres, to yield red- 
 colored infusions and decoctions, and these to give brown-red precipitates with Nessler’s reagent, 
 while the infusion of normal cinchonas gives a white precipitate with the same reagent • the 
 chloroplatinate precipitate was found to contain 22 per cent. Pt, while that with the cinchona 
 alkaloids contains only between 16.8 and 17.8 per cent, of this metal. 
 
 Pinckneya pubens, Michaux , s. Cinchona caroliniana, Biret, is a small tree growing in swampy 
 localities from South Carolina to Florida. The bark is employed as a tonic and febrifuge under 
 the name of Georgia bark. Dr. Farr claims having detected a considerable amount of cinchonine 
 in the bark (Porcher, Resources , p. 442), which is probably incorrect, though the plant is likely 
 to contain an alkaloid. 
 
 Crossopteryx febrifuga, Bentham , s. Cross. Kotschyana, Fenzl, is a tree of tropical Africa 
 having febrifuge properties, and, like the preceding, belonging to the sub-order Cinchoneae. 
 Hesse (1879) isolated from the bark .018 per cent, of an amorphous white alkaloid, crossopterine , 
 which is easily soluble in alcohol, ether, and ammonia, and yields bitter salts. The aqueous 
 infusion of the bark shows blue fluorescence, which disappears on acidulation with sulphuric acid, 
 and even after boiling reappears on the addition of an alkali. 
 
 Unofficial Cinchona-bark. — A large number of commercial varieties have appeared in the 
 market, made up frequently of the barks of different species, and therefore difficult to charac- 
 terize. This difficulty is greater with the small quills, but even the old barks of botanical 
 varieties of the same species often present considerable differences in their physical and histo- 
 logical characters. 
 
 Constituents. — (1) Alkaloids. Cinchona-barks contain one or more of four alka- 
 loids, which, according to their composition, form two groups — namely, quinine and quini- 
 dine = C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 , and cinchonine and cinchonidine = C iy H 22 N 2 0 Gomes of Lisbon (1812) 
 obtained a crystalline body without recognizing its chemical relations ; its basic proper- 
 ties were discovered by Houton-Labillardiere (1820), and Pelletier and Caventou found 
 in its two alkaloids, which they named quinine and cinchonine. Henry and Delondre 
 (1833) obtained from a red-colored bark a distinct alkaloid, which they named quinidine , 
 and which constituted, most likely, the greater portion of Van Heijningen’s betaquinine ) 
 obtained (1849) from chinoidine, and of the cinchotine , which Hlasiwetz (1850) found in 
 the alcoholic mother-liquor of cinchonine. Quinidine is identical with the conchinine of 
 Hesse (1869), but the latter considers Henry and Delondre’s alkaloid to have been chiefly 
 cinchonidine. F. L. Winckler (1847) separated from Maracaibo bark an alkaloid which 
 he likewise called quinidine, but which Pasteur (1853) proved to be distinct from the 
 former and named cinchonidine. Pasteur’s nomenclature has been adopted not only in 
 France, but also in England and America ; until recently several German writers, how- 
 ever, followed Winckler, and to some extent Hesse’s nomenclature is employed in Ger- 
 many. 
 
 Pasteur observed that by fusing the alkaloids of either group in the presence of acids 
 they are converted into the amorphous bases quinicine and cinchonicine , which have the 
 composition of the alkaloids from which they are obtained. 
 
 The bark of C. succirubra, cultivated in Sikkim, was found by Hesse (1872 and 1877) 
 to contain also two other alkaloids, quinamine , C 19 H 24 N 2 0 2 , and paricine, C 16 H 18 N 2 0. The 
 latter is pale-yellow, amorphous, when fresh soluble in ether, and converted into a dark- 
 green resinous mass by strong nitric acid. The same acid yields a dark-green solution 
 with aricine , C 23 H 36 N 2 0 4 , discovered in Arica bark by Pelletier and Coriol (1829). It 
 is crystallizable, and its oxalate and acetate are sparingly soluble. Winckler (1842) 
 regarded it as identical with an alkaloid, cusconine , obtained by Leverkohn (1829) from 
 Cusco bark, and with the cinchovatine of Manzini (1842), from Jaen bark, and the pro- 
 duction of a green color by nitric acid due to the presence of impurities. But cusconine, 
 though of the same composition as aricine and in the same bark, differs from all cinchona 
 alkaloids in the gelatinous form of many of its salts, including the sulphate, which is not 
 soluble in sulphuric acid. The same bark contains also the yellow amorphous alkaloid 
 cusconidine , discovered by Hesse in 1877, and amorphous cuscamidine and crystalline cus- 
 camine , discovered by the same chemist in 1880; the last two alkaloids are insoluble in 
 nitric acid, cuscamine also in oxalic acid ; both are readily soluble in ether, chloroform, 
 and hot alcohol, and melt at 218° C. (424.4° F.). The pitoyine of Peretti (1835) does 
 not exist, according to Kerner (1872) and Hesse (1873); it had been obtained from 
 
CINCHONA. ' 
 
 489 
 
 so-called Pitoya bark, or Cinchona bicolorata, the bark of a species of Ladenbergia, cha- 
 racterized by the gray and fawn-colored patches of its external surface. 
 
 Quinamine (chinamine), together with its isomer conquinamine , is found in the bark of 
 Cinch, succirubra, rosulenta, and other species ; both are crystalline, dextrogj^re ; their 
 solutions are not fluorescent, do not produce thalleioqu ne, are precipitated by platinum 
 chloride only when in concentrated solutions, and yield with gold chloride yellow pre- 
 cipitates changing to purple. Their hydriodates are slightly soluble in cold water and 
 crystallizable. Quinamine melts at 172° C. (341.8° F.), conquinamine at 123° C. (253.4° 
 F.). The former is dextrogyre, is soluble in 32 parts of ether, and on boiling with 
 dilute sulphuric acid is converted into amorphous quinamidine, isomeric with the former 
 and having a similar behavior to gold chloride ; its hydrochlorate crystallizes in prisms 
 and is sparingly soluble in water. On heating quinamine sulphate to 100° C. (212° F.) 
 it is converted into the isomeric quin arnicine, which is white, amorphous, fusible in boil- 
 ing water, and precipitated from acid solutions by sodium bicarbonate. When quinamine 
 sulphate, however, is heated to 120° C. (248° F.), proto-quinamicine , C n H 20 N 2 O, is 
 formed, which is insoluble in ether, and the sulphate of which is nearly insoluble in cold 
 water. By treating quinamine or conquinamine with concentrated hydrochloric acid, 
 FLO is eliminated, and apoquinamine , C 19 H 22 N 2 0, is formed, which is white, amorphous, 
 very soluble in ether ; its hydrochlorate is amorphous and freely soluble in water; the 
 precipitate with gold chloride does not turn purple. 
 
 The last-named alkaloid is isomeric with homocinclionidine , homocinchonine , and homo- 
 cinchonicine , the first of which forms the bulk of Winckler’s cinchovatine ( aricine ), from 
 Cinch, ovata, has a left rotation, and forms a sulphate crystallizing with 6H 2 0 in delicate 
 needles of a gelatinous aspect which fuse near 30° C. (86° F.). It resembles magnesia 
 when anhydrous, and in this condition forms with chloroform a jelly-like mass. On melt- 
 ing, the anhydrous monobasic sulphate of this alkaloid, homocinchonicine, is formed. 
 Homocinchonine is present in the bark of Cinch, rosulenta, which contains also dihomo- 
 cinchonine , C 38 H 44 N 4 0 2 ; it has a right rotation and is amorphous, like its salts. 
 
 Commercial cinchonidine sometimes contains the preceding alkaloids, and in addition 
 thereto hydrocinchonidine or cinchamidine , C 19 H 24 N 2 0, which was isolated (1881) by 
 Hesse and by Forst and Boehringer ; it melts near 230° C. (446° F.), is levogyre, and 
 sparingly soluble in chloroform, ether, and water. 
 
 The same chemists have shown (1881, 1882) in commercial quinidine the presence of 
 hydroquinidine or hydroconchinine , C 20 H 26 N 2 O 2 , which melts near 167° C. (332.6° F.), is 
 dextrogyre, dissolves freely in hot alcohol and chloroform, and with some difficulty in 
 ether, and yields fluorescent solutions and thalleioquine, like quinine. This base has been 
 found by Hesse also in cuprea-bark. 
 
 Hesse (1882) isolated also from cuprea-bark hydrocinchonine , C 19 I1 24 N 2 0, which differs 
 in some of its properties from Skraup’s cinchotine (see Cinchonine Sulphas), and 
 hydroquinine , C 20 H 26 N 2 O 2 , which melts at 168° C. (334.4° F.), is easily soluble in ether, 
 and yields fluorescent solutions and thalleioquine, like quinine. The above hydro-bases 
 are not oxidized by potassium permanganate in the cold. 
 
 Homoquinine , C 19 H 22 N 2 0 2 , was observed in cuprea-bark by Tod (1880), and further 
 studied by Howard, Paul, Whiffen, and others. It melts at 177° C. (350.6° F.), is freely 
 soluble in alcohol and chloroform, sparingly in ether, and shows fluorescence and thalleio- 
 quine reaction, like quinine. It is Whiffen’s ultraquinine. Arnaud’s cinclwnamine , C 19 H 24 N 2 0, 
 discovered (1881) in a Colombian cinchona-bark, is soluble in ether, melts at 195° C. 
 (383° F.), and yields crystallizable salts which, with the exception of the sulphate, are 
 sparingly soluble in cold water and in diluted acids. 
 
 Diconchinine , C 40 H 46 N 4 O 3 , and dicinchonine , C 38 H 44 N 4 0 2 are the principal constituents of 
 chinoidine. (See Chinoidinum.) 
 
 The white cinchona-bark of Payta contains, according to Hesse (1870), crystallizable 
 pay tine , C 21 H 24 N 2 0 4- H 2 0, and amorphous paytamine, which resemble quinamine in 
 their behavior to gold chloride and solubility in ether, but differ in being levogyre and 
 readily precipitated by platinum chloride. This bark, however, has been ascertained 
 by Hesse (1883) to come from a species of Aspidosperma. 
 
 Hesse (1877) obtained from a young Bolivian Calisaya bark a liquid alkaloid having a 
 penetrating odor suggesting that of quinoline, and from Java Calisaya bark crystallizable 
 javanine , which is very easily soluble in ether and dissolves in dilute sulphuric acid with 
 an intense yellow color. From the mother-liquors of the preparation of quinine, Hesse 
 (1882) obtained a volatile base, cincholine , as a pale-yellow oil, freely soluble in ether, 
 alcohol, and chloroform, and nearly tasteless in neutral solutions. Fliickiger (1883) sug- 
 
490 
 
 * CINCHONA. 
 
 gests that it may have originated from the hydrocarbons used in the process. Howard’s 
 liquid alkaloid (1871) had the composition C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 , and yielded thalleioquine and a 
 crystallizable freely-soluble oxalate. 
 
 The relation of the cinchona alkaloids to each other in regard to their ultimate compo- 
 sition will be observed from the following : 
 
 C 23 H 26 N 2 0 4 : cusconine and aricine. 
 
 C 21 H 24 N 2 0 : pay tine. 
 
 C 20 H 26 N 2 O 2 : hydroquinine, hydroquinidine (hydroconchinine). 
 
 C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 : quinine, quinidine, quinicine, and 2(C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) — H 2 0 : diconchinine. 
 
 C 19 H. 24 N 2 0 2 : quinamine, conquinamine, quinamidine, and quinamicine. 
 
 C 49 H 24 N 2 0 : hydrocinchonine (cinchotine), hydrocinchonidine (cinchamidine), and cin- 
 chonamine. 
 
 C 19 H 22 N 2 0 2 : homoquinine, apoquinine. 
 
 C 19 H 22 N 2 0 : cinchonine, cinchonidine, cinchonicine, apoquinamine, homocinchonine, 
 homocinchonidine and homocinchonicine, and 2(C 19 H 22 N 2 0) : dicinchonicine. 
 
 C 17 H 20 N 2 O : protoquinamine. 
 
 C 16 H 18 N 2 0 : paricine. 
 
 Not analyzed: cusconidine, cuscamine, cuscamidine, javanine, cincholine. 
 
 The characteristic properties of the four principal cinchona alkaloids may be compared 
 as follows : 
 
 Rotary power, 
 Soluble in water, 
 Soluble in 80 per 
 cent, alcohol, 
 Soluble in ether, 
 Sulphuric acid solu- 
 tions, 
 
 Chlorine-water and 
 ammonia, 
 
 Chlorine-water, fer- 
 rocyanide of po- 
 tassium, and am- 
 monia, 
 
 Anhydrous sulphate, 
 soluble in chloro- 
 form, 
 
 Hydriodate, 
 
 Iodosulphate, 
 
 QUININE. 
 
 Levogyre. 
 167 parts. 
 6 “ 
 
 QUINIDINE. 
 
 Dextrogyre. 
 2000 parts. 
 26 « 
 
 CINCHONINE. 
 
 Dextrogyre. 
 3740 parts. 
 133 “ 
 
 CINCHONIDINE. 
 
 Levogyre. 
 1680 parts. 
 20 “ 
 
 23 “ 30 “ 
 
 Are fluorescent, 1 in 200,000. 
 
 Emerald-green thalleioquine. 
 
 Dark-red solutions. 
 
 371 “ 76.4 “ 
 
 Not fluorescent. 
 
 White precipitates. 
 
 No coloration. 
 
 1000 parts. 19.5 parts. 
 
 60 parts. 
 
 1000 parts. 
 
 More soluble than 
 next. 
 
 Green in reflected, 
 colorless in trans- 
 mitted light ; sol- 
 uble in 1000 parts 
 boiling water. 
 
 Soluble in 1270 parts 
 water, or 110 parts 
 alcohol. 
 
 Similar to preceding, 
 but different tint. 
 
 Readily soluble in 
 chloroform, alcohol, 
 ether, and water. 
 
 Purplish-black ; in 
 transmitted light 
 yellow or reddish. 
 
 Slightly in water, 
 readily in alcohol. 
 
 Purplish garnet-red ; 
 in transmitted light 
 like preceding. 
 
 The iodosulphates are obtained by dissolving the sulphates in weak alcohol, acidulating 
 with sulphuric acid, precipitating with tincture of iodine, and crystallizing the precipitate 
 from alcohol. 
 
 A mixture of the more or less purified alkaloids obtained from red and other cinchona- 
 barks has been used in India and other countries under the designation of quinetum , cin- 
 chona febrifuge , etc. In this country several secret preparations have been introduced 
 
 under various names, consisting either wholly or chiefly of cinchonine or chinoidine. 
 
 Other Constituents. — The alkaloids are combined with one or more of the following acids : 
 kinic, kinovic, and cinchotannic acids. 
 
 Kinic or quinic acid (Chinasaure), C 7 H 12 0 6 , is found in cinchona-barks and in many plants of 
 the natural orders Rubiacese, Yaccineae, etc. The calcium salt was first prepared by De Legaraye 
 (1745)5 the acid was recognized by Ilermbstaedt (1785) as being organic, and supposed to be 
 tartaric acid. But F. C. Hoffmann (1790) proved it to be distinct, and named it kinic acid. The 
 investigations of Deschamps (1795), Vauquelin (1806), and others corroborated these results, and 
 Liebig (1830) and others determined its composition. According to Ilesse, it is not present in 
 euprea-bark. In the preparation of quinine it is contained in the filtrate from the precipitated 
 alkaloids. It appears to be present to the amount of 5 to 7, or even 9, per cent., and when pure 
 forms transparent colorless oblique rhombic prisms which fuse at 162° C., are readily soluble in 
 water, less in strong alcohol, and slightly in ether. On treating it or one of its salts with 
 manganese peroxide and sulphuric acid, it yields, besides carbon oxide and formic acid, a 
 golden-yellow crystalline sublimate of kinone or quinone , C 6 II 4 0 2 . On being heated with hydri- 
 odic acid it is converted into benzoic acid, and when fused with potassium hydroxide it yields 
 protocatechuic acid. 
 
CINCHONA. 
 
 491 
 
 Kinovic or quinovic add , C 24 II 38 0 4 , is met with in the East Indian harks, and forms a tasteless 
 shining crystalline powder which is insoluble in water and chloroform, slightly soluble in ether 
 and cold alcohol, but soluble in alkalies and alkaline carbonates. It was discovered by Illasiwetz 
 (1859) as a product of the decomposition of kinovin. 
 
 Kinovin or quinovin , C 30 II 48 O 8 , was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou (1821), and at first 
 named quinovic acid , afterward quinova bitter; its glucoside nature was determined by Illasiwetz 
 (1859). It is an amorphous mass of a disagreeable bitter taste, sparingly soluble In cold water, 
 soluble in ether, acetone, chloroform, fixed and volatile oils, and freely soluble in alcohol. Its 
 compounds with the alkalies, lime, and magnesia are soluble in water. Its solution in alcohol, 
 treated with hydrochloric acid gas, yields kinovic acid and uncrystallizable mannitan (kinovin 
 sugar), C 6 II 12 0 5 . It has been found in different cinchona-barks in quantities varying between 
 0.11 and 1.74 per cent., and is also contained in the barks of Esenbeckia febrifuga and Buena 
 magnifolia (China, s. Quina nova , hence its name). 
 
 Cinchotannic (or qninotannic ) acid appears to be present in the best cinchona-barks to the 
 amount of 2 to 4 per cent. By treating the decoction with magnesia, precipitating the filtrate 
 with lead acetate, decomposing with hydrogen sulphide, and repeating this process, it is 
 obtained as a pale-yellow mass of an acidulous and astringent taste, readily soluble in water, 
 alcohol, and ether, turning greenish with salts of iron, and yielding cinchona-red with alkalies 
 or on being boiled with water. According to Rembold (1867), by boiling with dilute sulphuric 
 acid it is split into sugar and 
 
 Cinchona-red , C 28 II 22 0 14 , which is nearly insoluble in water and ether, but dissolves readily in 
 alkaline solutions and alcohol. It yields protocatechuic acid when treated with fusing potassa. 
 Though contained in all cinchona-barks, those having a red color contain it in largest proportion 
 — thick red bark over 10 per cent. 
 
 The odor of cinchona-barks is due to a minute quantity of a butyraceous volatile oil , 
 which was first obtained by Fabbroni. Trommsdorff obtained 2 grains from 20 pounds 
 of pale bark. The remaining constituents are of no importance either medicinally or 
 pharmaceutically ; they comprise starch, gum, sugar, resin, fat, wax, ammonium salts, 
 and calcium oxalate, all in small quantities. Kerner’s cinchocerotin , C 27 H 48 0 2 , according 
 to Helms (1883), appears to be related to betulin. The ash amounts to between 1 and 
 3 per cent., and consists mostly of the carbonates of calcium and potassium. 
 
 Variation of Alkaloids. — The distribution of the various constituents, and more 
 especially of the alkaloids, is a matter of as great importance to the physician and phar- 
 macist as to the manufacturer of quinine. It has been amply demonstrated that barks 
 obtained from the same species grown in different localities, according to Karsten, even 
 in their native forests, may vary greatly, not only in the total amount of the alkaloids 
 contained therein, but likewise in the relative proportion of the alkaloids. Cultivated 
 barks have been found to contain from 9 to 12 per cent, of alkaloids, and Cinch. Ledger- 
 iana is often very rich in quinine, containing sometimes 13 per cent. ; yet these same 
 species yield frequently much smaller amounts. While there can be no doubt that this 
 variation is caused by external influences, the proper course to be pursued in cultivation 
 for increasing the percentage of alkaloids, of quinine in particular, has as yet not been 
 discovered. More or less shade has an effect on the percentage of alkaloids of the bark ; 
 it has been found that quinine and quinidine are present in larger quantity in the bark 
 of trees growing in the interior of the woods — in other words, in the shade — than in 
 those growing on the border. With quinine the difference may amount to % to lh per 
 cent. The opposite is the case with cinchonidine, cinchonine, and the amorphous alka- 
 loids — i. e. the largest yield being from trees growing in the sun. Hooper (1888) has 
 studied the variation of alkaloidal strength in Cinchona succirubra and C. officinalis and 
 their hybrids, which is of importance in view of the fact that although C. officinalis is 
 rich in quinine, it ip a rather slow grower, while C. succirubra is of rapid growth, but 
 contains less quinine. The hybrids resemble their parent-plants in being of a rapid 
 growth, like the former, being near to the latter in alkaloidal strength. Young barks 
 are known to yield, as a rule, a smaller percentage of alkaloids than the bark of older 
 wood, and attention has been directed to the frequently large yield from the root-bark. 
 Investigations by D. Howard (1877) point to the general tendency of the root-barks 
 obtained from different species of Cinchona to augment very materially the amount 
 of dextrogyrate alkaloids (quinidine and cinchonine), while the levogyrate alkaloids (qui- 
 nine and cinchonidine) are produced in much smaller proportion. The bark of the root- 
 fibres usually contains a still smaller percentage of these alkaloids. 
 
 That a certain protection is beneficial for the production of the alkaloids has been 
 shown by experiments made in the East Indies. Howard (1871) demonstrated the pres- 
 ence of 9.75 per cent, of quinine (or a total of 11.40 per cent, of alkaloids) in bark from 
 Cinch, officinalis, var. lanceolata, and Broughton (1870), a total of 13.5 with 9 per cent. 
 
492 
 
 CINCHONA. 
 
 of quinine. The variety pubescens, of the same species, yielded to Howard (1878) 12.90 
 per cent, of alkaloids, of which 6.94 was quinine and 4.48 cinchonidine. Indian red bark 
 in quills often yields from 9 to 11 per cent, of alkaloids, one-sixth to one-third of which 
 is quinine (He Vrij, 1873), and from the bark of C. officinalis, grown at Ootacamund, 
 between 3.72 and 10.86 per cent, of alkaloids, one-fifth to two-thirds of which is quinine; 
 the extraordinary yield of some of this bark has been referred to above. 
 
 The wood of the root and trunk contains kinovin, and occasionally about i per cent, 
 of alkaloids, according to Moens (1880). A minute amount of alkaloid has also been 
 found by Broughton (1870) in the leaves , the bitter taste of which is mainly due to 
 about 2 per cent, of kinovin ; while Happersberger (1883) reports having obtained 0.5 
 per cent, of alkaloids from the leaves of C. officinalis, 1.5 per cent, from those of C. suc- 
 cirubra, and 2 per cent, from those of C. Calisaya. The bitter taste of the flowers , accord- 
 ing to Broughton, is due to kinovin, and the fruit , which is likewise bitter, contains mere 
 traces of alkaloid. 
 
 Valuation of Cinchona-bark. — Cinchona should contain not less than 5 per cent, of alka- 
 loids, at least one-half of which should be quinine. — U. S. This last requirement is not made of 
 Cinchona rubra. A definite percentage of alkaloids for yellow and pale cinchona is not 
 required by the British Pharmacopoeia ; red cinchona, on the other hand, should contain between 
 5 and 6 per cent, of total alkaloids, quinine and cinchonidine making up more than half of this 
 amount. Cinchona should contain at least 5 per cent, of alkaloids. — P. G. 
 
 Process of U. S. P. — I. For total alkaloids: Cinchona, in No. 80 (or finer) powder, and com- 
 pletely dried at 100° C. (212° F.) 20 Gm. ; Alcohol ; Ammonia-water ; Chloroform ; Ether ; 
 Normal Sulphuric Acid ; Normal Potassium Hydroxide solution each, a sufficient quantity. To 
 20 Gm. of cinchona, in very fine powder, and contained in a bottle provided with an accurately- 
 ground glass stopper, add 200 Cc. of a previously prepared mixture of 19 volumes of alcohol, 5 
 volumes of chloroform, and 1 volume of ammonia-water ; stopper the bottle, and shake it 
 thoroughly and frequently during four hours. Then separate the liquid by pouring it into 
 another bottle through a funnel containing a pellet of cotton, in such a manner that no material 
 loss may result from evaporation. Transfer 100 Cc. of the clear filtrate (representing 10 Gm. of 
 cinchona) to a beaker, and evaporate it to dryness. Dissolve the residue of crude alkaloids thus 
 obtained in 10 Cc. of water and 4 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid with the aid of a gentle heat, 
 filter the cooled solution into a separatory funnel, and wash the filter until the filtrate no longer 
 has an acid reaction, using as small a quantity of water as possible. Now add 5 Cc. of normal 
 potassium hydroxide solution, or such an amount as will render the liquid decidedly alkaline, 
 and extract the alkaloids by shaking the mixure, first with 20 Cc., and then repeatedly with 10 
 Cc. of chloroform, until a drop of the last chloroform extraction, when evaporated on a watch- 
 glass, no longer leaves a residue. Evaporate the united chloroform extracts in a tared beaker, 
 dry the residue at 100° C. (212° F.), and weigh. The weight found, multiplied by 10, will give 
 the percentage of total alkaloids in the specimen of cinchona tested. 
 
 II. For quinine: Transfer 50 Cc. of the clear filtrate remaining over from the preceding pro- 
 cess (and representing 5 Gm. of cinchona) to a beaker, evaporate it to dryness, and proceed as 
 directed in the assay for total alkaloids, using, however, only one-half the amounts of volumetric 
 acid and alkali there directed. Add the united chloroformic extracts containing the alkaloids 
 in solution, gradually and in small portions at a time, to about 5 Gm. of powdered glass con- 
 tained in a porcelain capsule placed over a water-bath, so that, when the contents of the capsule 
 are dry, all or nearly all of the dry alkaloids shall be in intimate mixture with the ground glass. 
 Now moisten the residue with ether, and, having placed a funnel containing a filter of a diam- 
 eter of 7 Cm. and well wetted with ether, over a small graduated tube (A), transfer to the filter 
 the ether-moistened residue from the capsule. Rinse the latter several times, if necessary, with 
 fresh ether, so as to transfer the whole of the residue to the filter ; then percolate with ether 
 added drop by drop, until exactly 10 Cc. of percolate has been obtained. Then collect another 
 volume of 10 Cc., by similar slow percolation with ether, in a second gradulated tube (B). 
 Transfer the contents of the two tubes completely (using ether for washing) to two small, tared 
 capsules, properly marked (A and B) so as to avoid confusion, evaporate to a constant weight, 
 and weigh them. (The residue in A will contain practically all the quinine, together with a 
 portion of the alkaloids less soluble in ether ; the residue in B will consist almost entirely of 
 these alkaloids.) From the amount of residue obtained in capsule A deduct that contained in 
 B, and multiply the remainder by 20. The product will represent, approximately, the percent- 
 age of quinine in the specimen of cinchona tested. 
 
 Process of the Br. P. — Cinchona in No. 60 powder 200 gr. ; mix intimately with calcium 
 hydroxide 60 gr., then with water | oz. and set aside for an hour or two. Transfer the moist dark- 
 brown powder to a six-ounce flask, add 3 fl. oz. of benzolated amylic alcohol (benzene 3 vol., amyl 
 alcohol 1 vol.) ; boil for half an hour ; decant and drain off the liquid on to a filter, leaving the 
 powder in the flask ; repeat boiling and decanting ; then boil a third time ; turn the contents of 
 the flask on to the filter, and percolate with benzolated amylic alcohol until the bark is exhausted. 
 (During the boiling a convenient condenser is formed by placing a funnel in the mouth of the 
 flask, and in the funnel a flask with cold water.) Mix in a stoppered glass separator the still 
 warm filtrate with 20 minims of diluted hydrochloric acid and 2 fluidrachms of water ; shake 
 
CINCH ONIDINJE S ULPHA S. 
 
 493 
 
 well, let separate, draw off the acid liquid, and repeat this process with slightly acidulated water 
 until the alkaloids have been removed. Neutralize while warm exactly with ammonia-, evap- 
 orate to 3 fluidrachms, add solution of tartarated soda 15 gr. in water 30 gr. ; stir, after an hour, 
 filter, and dry the precipitated tartrates ; eight-tenths of their weight, divided by 2, represents 
 the percentage of quinine and cinchonidine. To the mother-liquor add ammonia in slight 
 excess ; collect, wash, and dry the precipitate ; its weight, divided by 2, represents the percent- 
 age of the other alkaloids , and this, added to the preceding, gives the percentage of total alka- 
 loids. 
 
 Process o f the P. G . — Agitate powdered cinchona 20 Gm. with ammonia-water 10 Cc., alcohol 
 20 Cc., and ether 170 Cc., and macerate for a day ; decant off the clear liquid 100 Gm., add to 
 it 3 Cc. normal hydrochloric acid ; distil and evaporate the ether, and, if necessary, acidulate 
 the residue with normal hydrochloric acid ; filter, and, without heating, add 3.5 Cc. 
 normal potassa solution, or sufficient to redden phenolphthalein solution; collect the precipi- 
 tate upon a filter, and wash it repeatedly with small portions of water until the filtrate ceases to 
 produce a red color with solution of phenolphthalein ; drain the precipitate, press it between 
 bibulous paper, and dry it first in the air, next over sulphuric acid, and finally in the water-bath, 
 when it should weigh at least 0.5 Gm. A small quantity boiled with 300 parts of water, and 
 filtered while hot, should on cooling separate floccules of ‘quinine, and on adding to 5 parts of 
 the clear cold liquid 1 part of chlorine-water, and afterward a little ammonia-water, a bright- 
 green color should be produced. 
 
 De Yrifs Process (1885). — -20 gr. of finely-powdered bark are mixed with a previously pre- 
 pared mixture of 3.4 Gm. of strong hydrochloric acid (30 per cent.) and 20 Cc. of water, so as 
 to form a thick paste, and then macerated for some hours. In case the bark contains more than 
 10 per cent, of alkaloids, the quantity of acid must be increased, as the quantity of acid speci- 
 fied is for a bark of this strength. More water is then stirred in until the whole is sufficiently 
 fluid to pour freely. As soon as the foam has disappeared the whole is placed into a cylindrical 
 glass percolator which has been closed by a plug of charpie. As soon as the percolate runs 
 clear it is collected, percolation being continued by pouring on water until an excess of sodium 
 hydroxide fails to produce a precipitate in the percolate, which will happen when 180 or 200 Cc. 
 have been collected. This is then precipitated by a large excess of solution of sodium hydroxide, 
 collected on a double filter, and the precipitate washed until the water runs off nearly colorless. 
 The whole filtrate is then measured, and 0.0585 Gm. for every 100 Cc. added to the weight of 
 alkaloid found. The drained filter is carefully dried on blotting-paper until the precipitate 
 ceases to adhere, when it may be easily detached without loss. It is transferred to a tared dish 
 and dried over a water-bath until it ceases to lose weight. Add to this the compensation for the 
 dissolved alkaloids, multiply the sum by 5, and the product is the percentage of alkaloids in the 
 bark. Or after precipitating with caustic soda the liquid can be shaken with one litre of ben- 
 zene, and allowed to stand not longer than five minutes, the benzene decanted on to a filter pre- 
 viously moistened with benzene, and the red-colored aqueous liquid put into a separatory funnel 
 for complete separation. The aqueous liquid is drawn off and shaken with 200 Cc. benzene, 
 which latter, after filtration, is mixed with the other benzene solution. The benzene solution is 
 shaken with 30 Cc. very dilute nitric acid, this drawn off and replaced by 20 Cc. water, which 
 after shaking is drawn off and mixed with the first. The liquids are then heated to drive off all 
 odor of benzene ; when cool are transferred to a separatory funnel and shaken with 200 Cc. 
 ether and an excess of caustic soda. After separating the ethereal solution, another 100 Cc. of 
 ether is shaken with the alkaline liquor and added to the first. The ether is then distilled and 
 the alkaloids obtained in a state of purity. 
 
 The alkaloids can be estimated volumetrically by using in place of the nitric acid 70 Cc. deci- 
 normal sulphuric acid, and subsequently 30 Cc. water. The aqueous solutions are then heated 
 and accurately neutralized with decinormal solution of caustic soda until the color of reddened 
 litmus is affected by it. The quantity of soda solution used is deducted from 70, the quantity 
 otherwise necessary: the difference, multiplied by .031, is the weight of alkaloid in 20 Gm. of 
 bark. The product, multiplied by 5, gives the percentage. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action and uses of cinchona will be more conveniently 
 studied in connection with its several preparations and those of its constituents, to the 
 articles upon which the reader is referred. A brief account of its introduction into 
 medicine is given under Quininse Sulphas. 
 
 CINCHONIDINE SULPHAS, U. S., Br.— Cinchonidine Sulphate. 
 
 Cinchonidinum sulfuricum. — Sulphate of cinchonidine , E. ; Sulfate de cinchonidine , Fr. ; 
 Cinchonidin-Sidfut, G. ; Solfato di cinconidina } It., Sp. 
 
 Formula (C^ILa^O^HaSCLSILO. Molecular weight 738.5. 
 
 The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid prepared from certain species of Cinchona, chiefly 
 red bark. 
 
 Origin. — Certain cinchona-barks, notably those obtained from Cinch, succirubra, Pavon , 
 and Cinch, officinalis, Hooker , cultivated in India, and the South America barks from 
 Cinch, lancifolia, Mutis, and Cinch, tucujensis, Karsfen , contain cinchonidine. A very 
 
494 
 
 Cl NCH ONIDINJE SULPHAS. 
 
 similar alkaloid, called homocinchonidine , is rarely, and then only in minute quanti- 
 ties, found in these barks ; but in certain lots of South American red barks the second 
 alkaloid named is present in considerable proportion, wholly or partly replacing the 
 former (Hesse, Berichte , 1881, p. 1890). These alkaloids were at first described by 
 Winckler (1847) and others as quinidine or chinidine , a name which was retained for them 
 long after Pasteur’s investigations in 1853 (see Cinchona, Constituents ) by several chem- 
 ists, and until recently by several manufacturers in Germany and Austria. 
 
 Preparation. — In the process of manufacturing quinine sulphate, and while recrys- 
 tallizing this salt, mother-liquors are obtained containing mainly cinchonidine sulphate. 
 On concentrating the solutions the salt crystallizes, and requires purification by recrys- 
 tallization from water in order to obtain it free from quinine and quinidine sulphate. 
 Formerly, it could be prepared from commercial chinoidine, which sometimes contained 
 notable quantities of this alkaloid. 
 
 Properties. — Like the corresponding salts of the other cinchona alkaloids, cinchoni- 
 dine sulphate is colorless, inodorous, very bitter, and has a neutral or faintly alkaline 
 reaction. It crystallizes from alcohol in handsome prisms containing 2H 2 0, but from 
 water it may be obtained in two forms — eithe.r in colorless square glossy prisms, or in 
 less lustrous fine and silky needles, the formation of either crystals depending upon both 
 the concentration and the quantity of the solution. The commercial salt resembles 
 quinine sulphate in appearance. The anhydrous salt dissolves, according to Hesse, at 
 22° C. (71.6° F.) in 97.5 parts, and the crystallized salt in 67 parts (70 parts at 15° C., 
 U. S. P.), of water; it is soluble in 66 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 1.42 parts 
 of boiling water, and in 8 parts of boiling alcohol ( U. S. Pi) ; it dissolves readily and 
 freely in diluted acids, the solutions being free from fluorescence, is very sparingly 
 soluble in ether and benzene, becomes gelatinous from the separation of its water of 
 crystallization when immersed in chloroform, and dissolves in 1316 parts of that liquid 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 300 parts at 63.5° C. (146.3° F.), but more freely in chlo- 
 roform containing alcohol. The solubility in ether and chloroform is increased 
 by the presence of the sulphates of other cinchona alkaloids. On exposure to air 
 the salt effloresces ; at 100° C. (212° F.) it loses its water of crystallization, and 
 in moist air absorbs again 2H 2 0 ; at 215° C. (419° F.) it fuses, and on ignition 
 it is decomposed and volatilized, without leaving any residue. The aqueous solution 
 yields with barium chloride a white precipitate insoluble in diluted hydrochloric acid ; it 
 is precipitated by potassio-mercuric iodide and other regents for alkaloids, by neutral 
 tartrates, and by ammonia. The latter precipitate dissolves in about seventy-five times 
 its weight of ether, and requires about twelve times more ammonia-water for solution 
 than the precipitate from a corresponding solution of quinine sulphate (Kerner, 
 1862). On mixing a drop of an aqueous solution of the salt with a drop of solution of 
 potassium sulphocyanate, microscopic crystals are formed, which are either feathery and 
 
 Fig. 72. Fig. 73. 
 
 stellately arranged around a centre, or are spike-like and united in star-like or fan-shaped 
 groups. According to Hesse (1878), cinchonidine sulphate is so completely precipitated 
 by an excess of potassium sulphocyanate that the filtrate is not rendered turbid by 
 ammonia. 
 
 Homocinchonidine sulphate has the composition and properties described above, but 
 crystallizes either in dull-white prisms or in delicate white needles, requires at 22° C. 
 (71.6° F.) 69 parts of water for solution, and its aqueous solution, saturated at 50° C. 
 
CINCH ON ID INJE SULPHAS. 
 
 495 
 
 (122° F.), congeals on cooling to a gelatinous mass consisting of delicate crystals and 
 enclosing the mother-liquor, while under the same conditions the cinchonidine salt yields 
 glossy needles, from which the mother-liquor may be readily drained. Both salts on 
 being treated with potassium permanganate yield cinchotenidine , C 18 II 20 N. 2 O :i , which was 
 discovered by Skraup (1879), crystallizes with 3H. 2 0 in colorless prisms, melts at 256° C., 
 and is not fluorescent in acid solutions (Hesse, 1881). 
 
 Tests. — The solution of the salt (1 in 1000) in dilute sulphuric acid should not show 
 more than a slight blue fluorescence (absence of more than traces of sulphate of quinine 
 or of quinidine). The salt should not be colored by the addition of sulphuric acid 
 (absence of foreign organic matters) ; on adding to this solution a crystal of potassium 
 dichromate the liquid should become yellowish-green, gradually changing to grass-green 
 in color. If 1 6m. be dried at 100° C. (212° F.) until it ceases to lose weight, the 
 residue, .cooled in a desiccator, should weigh not less than 0.92 Gm. (loss is equivalent 
 to 3H 2 0, water of crystallization ; absence of an undue amount of water.) If 0.5 Gm. 
 of the salt be digested with 20 Cc. of cold distilled water, 0.5 Gm. of potassium sodium 
 tartrate added, the mixture macerated, with frequent agitation, for 1 hour at 15° 0. 
 (59° F.), then filtered, and a drop of ammonia-water added to the filtrate, not more 
 than a slight turbidity should appear (absence of more than small proportions of sul- 
 phates of cinchonine or quinidine). — U S. 
 
 Composition. — Pasteur (1853) gave to cinchonidine the formula C 20 H 24 N 2 O ; Skraup 
 (1879) corrected it to C, 9 H. 22 N. 2 0, which has been verified by Hesse and Claus (1881), 
 although the latter states that commercial cinchonidine occasionally corresponds better with 
 the first formula. Skraup and Claus regard homocinchonidine as slightly impure cincho- 
 nidine. Besides the differences given above, Hesse states that the alkaloid cinchonidine 
 melts at 200° to 201° C. (392° to 393.8° F.), while homocinchonidine melts between 
 205° and 206° C. (401° and 402.8° F.). The sulphate crystallizes with 6H. 2 0, according 
 to Goddefroy (1878), from hot concentrated solutions with 3H.,0. The U. S. P. has 
 adopted the formula of Skraup, requiring 7.31 per cent., and for the salt with 6H 2 0 
 13.6 per cent, of water of crystallization. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In a number of experiments made with this alkaloid Cerna 
 found that “its effects are more or less similar to those produced by quinine,” but larger 
 doses of it are required to produce the same results ( P/iila . Med. Times , x. 495). This 
 conclusion has been confirmed by See, Rochefontaine, and Doureleurs. In regard to its 
 action on man, it would seem to occasion less disturbance of the nervous system than 
 quinine, less ringing in the ears, and less disturbance of vision, and vertigo. Like qui- 
 nine, it reduces the febrile pulse. 
 
 Repeated and extended observation of the use of cinchonidine in the treatment of 
 intermittent fever , remittent fever , and malarial neuralgia, made both in this country (e. g. 
 Sinkler, 1874) and in British India, proves conclusively its equal or nearly equal efficacy 
 with quinine in these diseases, both as a prophylactic and as a remedy. Yet Marty, who 
 had a large clinical experience of its use, declares that its action is extremely uncertain, 
 and that it is apt to occasion toxical effects when used in doses necessary for its curative 
 operation (Bull, de Therap., cvi. 458). In typhoid fever it has been found to induce the 
 same subsidence of the pulse as quinine, and its equal advantages as a tonic have been 
 fully shown. It has seemed to be well borne where quinine could not be tolerated, and 
 to be especially favorable in its action upon children. Hydrobromide of cinchonidine has 
 been used in the summer complaint of children, in various malarial diseases, inflamma- 
 tions, and organic affections. The chief result of these experiments is, that it may be 
 administered hypodermically without causing local irritation, and that it is a more efficient 
 antipyretic agent than quinine in an equal dose (Med. Record , xviii. 10, 153). Salicylate 
 of cinchonidine has been found useful by Prosser James “ as a tonic and antiperiodic ” in 
 doses of from 5 to 10 grains (British Med. Jour., 1881, i. 428). 
 
 The modes of administration of sulphate of cinchonidine are the same, in general, as 
 are employed for sulphate of quinine, but it does not appear to have been given hypo- 
 dermically ; the hydrobromide, however, has been so employed in the dose of Gm. 0.20 
 (gr. iv) twice a day. As an antiperiodic either preparation should, like quinine, be pre- 
 scribed in doses of from Gm. 0.60—1.30 (gr. x— xx) five or six hours before the expected 
 paroxysm. In mild cases Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) in divided doses may be given during the 
 day, 
 
496 
 
 CINCHONINA. 
 
 CINCHONINA, U. S, — Cinchonine, Cinchonia. 
 
 Cinckoninum. — Cinchonine , Fr. ; Cinclionin , G, ; Cinconina , It., Sp. 
 
 Formula C 19 H 22 N 2 0. Molecular weight 293.41. 
 
 An alkaloid prepared from the bark of different species of Cinchona. 
 
 Origin. — This alkaloid was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou in 1820, and 
 has been found in most cinchona-barks, in largest proportion in some of the pale cin- 
 chonas. 
 
 Preparation. — It is best, prepared by precipitating the aqueous solution of cincho- 
 nine sulphate with ammonia-water, washing the precipitate with water until free from 
 ammonium sulphate, and crystallizing from alcohol. 
 
 Properties. — Cinchonine is in transparent “ white, somewhat lustrous prisms or nee- 
 dles, permanent in the air, odorless, at first nearly tasteless, but developing a bitter after- 
 taste, and having an alkaline reaction; soluble in 3760 of water, and in 116 parts 
 (84.3 parts, Prunier, 1879) of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 3500 parts of boiling water, 
 in 26.5 parts of boiling alcohol, 526 parts of ether, 163 parts (101.6 parts, Prunier) of 
 chloroform, and readily soluble in diluted acids, forming salts of a very bitter taste. At 
 240° C. (464° F.) the crystals fuse together, and at 258° C. (496.4° F.) they melt, 
 forming a brown liquid. On ignition the alkaloid is dissipated without leaving a resi- 
 due.” — U. S. Cinchonine is insoluble in ammonia and potassa, but dissolves in 108 
 parts of amylic alcohol, in warm fixed oils, volatile oils, benzene, and benzin. Its solu- 
 tions are dextrogyrate ; its acid solutions are not fluorescent, and do not give the thal- 
 leioquine reaction, but with chlorine-water and ammonia yield a white precipitate. Its 
 alcoholic solution gives a yellow precipitate with picric acid which is insoluble in acids. 
 The aqueous solutions of its salts are not precipitated by bicarbonates in the presence of 
 tartaric acid, but yield precipitates with ammonia and other alkalies, their carbonates, 
 with tannin, potassio-mercuric iodide, gold chloride, platinum chloride, phospho- 
 molybdic acid, picric acid, and other reagents for alkaloids ; also, by potassium ferro- 
 cyanide (Dollfus. 1848). This last reaction, according to the Pharmacopoeia, is to be 
 applied in the following manner : If enough solution of potassium ferrocyanide be added 
 to a neutral or not more than faintly acid solution of cinchonine, or of any of its salts, 
 to redissolve the precipitate first formed, and afterward an acid, a golden-yellow precip- 
 itate will occur, which when slightly warmed will dissolve in the liquid, and on cooling 
 separate in minute scales or needles. 
 
 By the action of potassa on cinchonine Gerhardt (1842) obtained quinoline, and 
 Greville Williams (1855, 1864) showed that in addition to this base the distillate also 
 contained lepidine, cryptidine, and other bases. By long-continued boiling of its chlo- 
 ride with alcohol and potassa, Koenigs (1881) produced from cinchonine a crystallizable 
 volatile base, cinchene , C 19 H 20 N 2 . Michael (1886) obtained an oily, non-volatile base, 
 C 20 H 26 N 2 , by exposing sodium hydroxide, cinchonine, and absolute alcohol to a temperature 
 of 130° C. (266° F.) in a closed tube. On oxidizing cinchonine or its salts by the 
 action of lead dioxide and sulphuric acid, E. Marchand (1844) obtained cinchotenine , 
 which is more readily obtained, according to Caventou and Willm, by the action of 
 potassium permanganate, formic acid being formed at the same time. Cinchotenine, 
 C 18 H 20 N 2 O 3 , by the further action of oxidizing agents yields Weidel’s (1874) cinchonic 
 (quinoline-carbonic acid), C 10 II 7 NO 2 , cinchomeronic, C 7 H 5 N0 4 , and other acids. 
 
 Tests, — A solution of the alkaloid (1 in 1000) in diluted sulphuric acid should not 
 exhibit more than a faint blue fluorescence (absence of more than traces of quinine or 
 quinidine). On precipitating the alkaloid from this solution by water of ammonia it is 
 very sparingly dissolved by the latter (difference from and absence of quinine), and 
 requires at least 300 parts of ether for solution (difference from quinine, quinidine, and 
 cinchonidine). It should not be colored, or but very slightly colored, by the addition 
 of sulphuric acid (absence of readily carbonizable, organic impurities).” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — The formula given above is that of Laurent (1848), which has 
 been corroborated since 1877 by Skraup and others and has been adopted by the Phar- 
 macopoeia. The alkaloid crystallizes anhydrous. As found in commerce, it contains a 
 very similar alkaloid, which is not affected by cold potassium permanganate, is freely 
 soluble in alcohol, yields a sulphate crystallizing in sharp needles, and is freed from cin- 
 chonine by fractional precipitation ; Skraup proposed to call it cinchotine , and found it 
 to be identical with Caventou’s and Willm’s hydrocinchonine. C 19 H 24 N 2 0. 
 
CINCHONINE SULPHAS. 
 
 497 
 
 CINCHONINE SULPHAS, U. S., Br.— Cinchonine Sulphate. 
 
 Cinchoniae, sulphas, U. S. 1870; Cinchonium sulfuricum. — Sulfate de cinchonine, Fr. ; 
 Schwefelsaures Cinchonin, Ginchoninsulfat, G. ; Solfato di cinconina, It., Sp. 
 
 Formula (Ci 9 H 22 N 2 0) 2 .H 2 S0 4 .2H 2 0. Molecular weight 720.54. 
 
 Preparation. — The first mother4iquors obtained in the preparation of quinine sul- 
 phate are precipitated with soda, and the precipitate is washed first with water to free it 
 from sodium sulphate, afterward with small quantities of cold alcohol, in which the other 
 cinchona alkaloids are more readily soluble than cinchonine. The residue is then mixed 
 with about eight times its weight of water, the mixture heated, and sulphuric acid is 
 dropped in until a clear neutral solution is obtained, which is treated with animal char- 
 coal, filtered while hot, and set aside to crystallize; the crystals are drained and dried. 
 
 Properties. — Cinchonine sulphate crystallizes in hard, transparent and colorless, 
 or semi transparent and white clinorhombic prisms, which have a glassy lustre, are per- 
 manent in the air, inodorous, lose their (4.98 per cent.) water of crystallization at 100° 
 C. (212° F.), fuse like wax at a somewhat higher temperature (at about 215° C. =419° 
 F., forming a brown liquid, TJ. S. P .), then acquire a handsome red color, and finally burn, 
 giving olf a peculiar empyreumatic odor and leaving no residue. It is apt to form super- 
 saturated solutions with water, of which it requires 13.50 
 parts to dissolve it at the boiling temperature; its solu- 
 bility in cold water has been variously determined: 1 part 
 of the salt was found to be soluble in 66 parts of water at 
 15° C. {V. /S'.), in 54 parts (Kerner), in 65.5 parts (Hesse), 
 and in 75 parts (Schwabe) at 13° C. (55.4° F.) ; these 
 solutions have a neutral, or frequently a slight alkaline, 
 reaction. The salt is very readily soluble in dilute acids, 
 requires 3.25 of boiling and 10 parts of cold alcohol for 
 solution, dissolves in 78 parts of chloroform, readily in 
 dilute acids, and is insoluble in ether, benzin, and benzene. 
 
 Its solutions have a very bitter taste and are destitute of 
 fluorescence. They yield a white precipitate with barium 
 chloride (sulphate), are insoluble in dilute hydrochloric 
 acid, and are precipitated by the reagents mentioned above, 
 the precipitate by ammonia being so sparingly soluble in 
 an excess that this reagent may be employed for the quan- 
 titative determination of the alkaloid. When a drop of the saturated aqueous solution 
 of the salt is mixed with a drop of solution of potassium sulphocyanate, crystals will be 
 formed which under the microscope will appear long, radiating, and considerably branched, 
 resembling antlers or equisetum. 
 
 Composition. — The formula as given above is that of Laurent (1848), which has 
 been adopted by most writers since Skraup’s investigations (1877, 1879) ; it requires 
 82.8 per cent, of cinchonine. Skraup found that by repeated fractional precipitation the 
 commercial salt will yield cinchotine, Ci 9 H 24 N 2 0, an alkaloid very similar to cinchonine, 
 and identical with Caventou’s and Willm’s (1869) hydrocinchonine. It is more freely 
 soluble in alcohol than cinchonine, yields a sulphate crystallizing in sharp needles, and is 
 not affected by a cold solution of potassium permanganate. 
 
 Tests. — “A solution of the salt (1 in 1000) in diluted sulphuric acid should not 
 show more than a faint blue fluorescence (limit of sulphate of quinine or of quinidine). 
 If 1 Gm. be dried at 100° C. (212° F.) until it ceases to lose weight, the residue, cooled 
 in a desiccator, should weigh not less than 0.95 Gm. If 1 part of the salt, reduced to 
 powder, is macerated, with frequent agitation, with 80 parts of chloroform at ordinary 
 temperature, it should wholly, or almost wholly, dissolve (limit of sulphate of quinine or 
 cinchonidine). The salt should not impart more than a faintly yellowish tinge to con- 
 centrated sulphuric acid (limit of readily carbonizable organic impurities).” — U. S. 
 
 Other Salts of Cinchonine. — Acid cinchonine sulphate — C 19 IT 22 N 2 0.H 2 S0 4 .3II 2 0, mol. 
 weight 445.15 — obtained by dissolving the official sulphate in dilute sulphuric acid and crystalli- 
 zing, forms octahedral crystals, which become opaque in dry air, and dissolve in about half their 
 weight of water and in 90 parts of alcohol. They are insoluble in ether, and contain 59.2 per 
 cent, of cinchonine. 
 
 Cinchonine hydrochloride — G\ 9 Ii 22 N 2 0.TIC1.2H 2 0, mol. weight 365.7 — made by treating 
 an excess of cinchonine with dilute hydrochloric acid, crystallizes in needles closely resembling 
 sulphate of quinine, dissolves in 24 parts of water at 10° C (50° F.), in 3.2 parts of boiling water, 
 32. 
 
 Fig. 74. 
 
 Cinchonine sulphate with KSCy 
 microscopic crystals. 
 
498 
 
 CINNAMOMUM. 
 
 in 22.2 parts of chloroform, in 1.3 parts of 80 per cent, alcohol, and in 273 parts of ether spec, 
 grav. .730, at 15° C. The salt melts above 130° C. (266° F.). It has been occasionally used for 
 adulterating, or fraudulently sold for, quinine sulphate, from which it is readily distinguished 
 by the absence of fluorescence of its acidulated solution, by the white precipitate occasioned with 
 silver nitrate, and by the sparing solubility in ether of the white precipitate with ammonia. It 
 contains 80.24 per cent, of cinchonine. 
 
 Action and Uses- — Sulphate of cinchonine is more poisonous to frogs and dogs 
 than sulphate of quinine The former in full doses does not so speedily produce buzzing 
 in the ears and disordered vision, but, on the other hand, it is more apt to occasion a 
 peculiar pain and sense of oppression in the frontal region of the head. It is also prone 
 to excite prsecordial pain, jerking of the tendons, muscular exhaustion, and faintness 
 when freely used. Laborde, indeed, denies to this alkaloid and to cinchonidine an 
 equality with quinine, alleging that they belong to the class of convulsing poisons 
 ( Archives gen., Mar. 1880, p. 368). 
 
 Its therapeutical application is generally regarded as identical in nature with that of 
 quinine, at least in the treatment of periodical fevers. But the certainty of its curative 
 effects is by no means so well established. It has the advantage over quinine of being 
 less bitter and much more soluble in water, as well as cheaper ; but it has the dis- 
 advantage of being less reliable. The dose of sulphate of cinchonine is variously stated 
 to be from one-third to twice as large as that of quinine. 
 
 CINNAMOMUM, U. S., Br I\ G., F. ^.-Cinnamon. 
 
 Candle, Fr. ; Zimmt, G. ; Canella, It., Sp. 
 
 The bark of several species of Cinnamomum. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Laurineae. 
 
 Official Kinds. — 1. Cinnamomum Cassia, U. S. ; Cortex Cinnamomi, P. G. ; 
 Cortex cinnamomi chinensis, Cortex cinnamomi cassia, Cinnamomum chinense, Cassia 
 cinnamomea. — Cassia cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon, Cassia bark, Cassia lignea, E . ; 
 Canelle de Chine, Fr . ; Zimmtkassie, Chinesischer (Gemeiner) Zimmt, G . ; Canella, It., 
 % 
 
 The bark of the shoots of one or more species of Cinnamomum, grown in China (Chi- 
 nese cinnamon). 
 
 2. Cinnamomum saigonicum, U. S. ; Cortex cinnamomi saigonici. — Saigon cinnamon, 
 E. ; Canelle de Saigon, Fr. ; Saigonzimmt, G. 
 
 The bark of an undetermined species of Cinnamomum. 
 
 3. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, U. B. ; Cinnamomi cortex, Br. ; Cortex cinnamomi zey- 
 lanici, Cinnamomum acutum, s. verum. — Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamon-bark, E. ; Canelle 
 de Ceylon, Fr. ; Zeylonzimmt, G . ; Canella del Ceylon, It. 
 
 The inner bark of the shoots of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Breyne , s. Laurus Cinna- 
 momum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 224. 
 
 Origin. — The tree mentioned above is variable in size, but usually of small stature, 
 and is met with in forest districts of Ceylon, reaching an elevation of 920 M. (3000 feet). 
 It has opposite coriaceous three- to five-nerved leaves, w'hich are bright-green and glossy 
 above and glaucous beneath ; the small flowers are in terminal panicles, producing a 
 somewhat fleshy ovoid fruit, which at the base is surrounded by the enlarged perianth. 
 Not less than seven or eight well-marked varieties are distinguished, some of which are 
 regarded by some botanists as distinct species. 
 
 Cinnamon was known and highly esteemed as a spice in the most remote times of his- 
 tory, but the kind first used appears to have been that derived from China, while Ceylon 
 cinnamon is first mentioned about the year 1275. Cinn. zeylanicum is now cultivated in 
 many tropical countries, without, however, producing a bark equal in aroma to that 
 obtained in Ceylon. 
 
 Collection. — Ceylon cinnamon, the cultivation "of which is gradually declining 
 through the extension of coffee-culture, is produced in the south-western part of that 
 island in the vicinity of Colombo, where the plants are pruned so as to cause them to 
 form stools, from which four or five shoots are raised for eighteen months or two years, 
 until the bark begins to turn brown by the production of a corky layer. The shoots, 
 which are now about 2.4 M. (8 feet) high and 5 Cm. (2 inche’s) or less thick, are cut off 
 and deprived of their leaves and thin portions, which are sold as cinnamon chips. The 
 bark is cut transversely, either obliquely or in a straight line, at distances of about a 
 foot, after which two or more longitudinal incisions are made and the strips of bark 
 
CINNA MOMUM. 
 
 499 
 
 removed by inserting beneath it the peeling-knife called mama. The pieces are put one 
 within the other, and the sticks thus formed tied together into bundles. After about 
 twenty-four hours the external layers of the bark are carefully removed by placing each 
 piece upon a suitable stick of wood and scraping with a knife. The small quills are then 
 placed in the larger ones in such a manner as to form congeries of quills about 1 M. 
 (40 inches) long. These sticks are kept one day in the shade, then dried in the sun, and 
 finally made into bundles of about 30 pounds each. Cinnamon produced in Senegal, 
 Brazil, and the West Indies is inferior in quality ; that from Tellichery and Java comes 
 nearest to Ceylon cinnamon. 
 
 The trees yielding Cassia cinnamon are a number of species of Cinnamomum cultivated 
 in India and also South-eastern China. Among the former can be named Cinnamomum 
 Tamala, Mes , and C. iners and nitidum, considered by some botanists to be only coarse 
 forms of C. zevlanicum which had been transplanted from Ceylon to India. The bark 
 yielded by these trees is the Indian cassia. The true Chinese cassia-bark is cultivated 
 in Kwangsi and Kwangtung, the south-eastern provinces of China, and is obtained from 
 C. Cassia, Blume , according to Charles Ford {Jour. Linn. Society , Dec. 1882). This tree 
 is cultivated in the Chinese cinnamon plantations along with Machilus velutina, Champ., 
 Laurineae, the bark of which is used for preparing a glutinous extract. The facts about 
 Chinese cassia were ascertained through personal observation by Charles Ford, who 
 gives the following description of the collection of cinnamon : “ When the trees are about 
 six years old the first cut of bark is obtained. The season for barking commences in 
 March and continues until the end of May, after which the natives say the bark loses its 
 aroma, and is therefore not removed from the trees. The branches, which are about 
 an inch thick, being cut to within a few inches of the ground, are carried to houses or 
 sheds in the vicinity of the plantations. All the small twigs and leaves being cleared 
 off, a large-bladed knife, with the cutting edge something like the end of a budding- 
 knife, is used to make two longitudinal slits and three or four incisions, at 40 Cm. (16 
 inches) apart, round the circumference through the bark ; the bark is then loosened by 
 passing underneath it a kind of slightly-curved horn knife with the two edges slightly 
 sharpened. Pieces of bark 40 Cm. (16 inches) long and half the circumference are thus 
 obtained. The bark, after its removal and while it is still moist with sap, is then 
 laid with the concave side downward, and a small plane passed over it and the epidermis 
 removed. After this operation the bark is left to dry for about twenty-four hours, and 
 then tied up in bundles about 45 Cm. (18 inches) in diameter, and sent into the mer- 
 chants’ houses in the market-towns.” 
 
 Cassia cinnamon must not be confounded with the true Chinese cinnamon, which is not 
 cultivated in China, but grows wild in Annam. It never reaches our commerce, but is 
 entirely exported to China on account of the high price there paid for it. The bark is 
 collected from old trees, which are entirely denuded, and consequently die. 
 
 Java and Sumatra also yield a Cassia-bark, which has been ascribed to C. Cassia, 
 Blume , and C. Burmanni, Blume. C. Cassia is cultivated in Java ; indeed, the original 
 specimen which Blume describes was obtained from Java, and had been introduced there 
 from China, as he also mentions. 
 
 A kind of Chinese or Saigon cinnamon is now official under the name of Cinna- 
 momum Saigonicum. The trees yielding the bark have not been determined. This 
 variety appeared in our commerce early in the seventies, and since then has been found 
 in increasing quantities. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia recognizes three varieties of cinnamon — Cassia, Ceylon, and 
 Saigon; the British Pharmacopoeia recognizes only the Ceylon; and the German Phar- 
 macopoeia the Cassia cinnamon. 
 
 The importation into the United States of the Ceylon cinnamon has decreased from 
 20,600 pounds in 1877 to about 5000 to 10,000 annually, while little over 1,000,000 
 pounds of Chinese cinnamon were imported in 1877, against nearly 2,500,000 pounds in 
 1880. J ^ 
 
 Description— Cassia cinnamon, or cassia-bark, comes loose or packed in bundles 
 with bands of bamboo. The pieces vary considerably in length, and are either curved, 
 double quilled, or in quills of 6 to 25 Mm. (} to 1 inch) in diameter. The bark is 1 Mm. 
 0?V inch) or more thick, and has a smooth or finely-wrinkled reddish-brown outer surface, 
 marked with some dark leaf-scars, occasionally with lighter-colored lines, and very 
 generally covered with larger or smaller irregular patches of cork. It breaks with a 
 short, nearly smooth fracture, and when of good quality has a strong though less delicate 
 cinnamon odor and taste. 
 
500 
 
 CINNAMOMUM. 
 
 Ceylon cinnamon is in sticks about 1 M. (40 inches) long and nearly 12 Mm. 
 inch) thick, formed of eight or ten layers of very thin bark, which are together 
 spirally rolled up from both edges. The bark itself has the thickness of stout 
 writing-paper, is brittle and splintery, and has the external surface of a dull light 
 yellowish-brown, smooth, marked with faint longitudinal wavy lines of bast-bundles, and 
 with a few scars or holes left by the leaf-stalks or branches. The inner surface is 
 smooth, scarcely striate, and of a somewhat darker brown. The odor is fragrant, pecu- 
 liar ; the taste sweetish, aromatic, and pungent. Inferior kinds of cinnamon are usually 
 somewhat thicker, darker in color, of less agreeable fragrance, and occasionally of a 
 bitterish taste. Cayenne cinnamon has a reddish tinge and is quite mucilaginous. Java 
 cinnamon is often very similar to Ceylon cinnamon in appearance, though hardly equal to 
 it in flavor ; sometimes it is of a darker color, resembling Chinese cinnamon, but thinner 
 4nd of better flavor. 
 
 Saigon cinnamon comes in the form of unscraped quills about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long 
 and 10 to 15 Mm. (-J to § inch) in diameter. The bark is 2 to 3 Mm. ( T L to -J- inch) in 
 thickness, having a gray or grayish-brown outer surface, which has whitish patches and 
 more or less rough from numerous warts and some transverse ridges and fine longitudinal 
 wrinkles. The inner surface is cinnamon-brown or dark-brown in color, is granular, and 
 slightly striate. The bark breaks with a short granular fracture, which is cinnamon- 
 colored in the outer layer, and shows near the cork an almost uninterrupted line of 
 numerous whitish striae. The bark possesses a sweet, warmly aromatic, and somewhat 
 astringent taste, a fragrant odor, and yields a darker-colored powder than Cassia cin- 
 namon. 
 
 Under the microscope Ceylon cinnamon is seen to consist of the bast-layer only, the 
 
 outer surface being formed by a continuous circle 
 Fig. 75. of stone-cells intermixed with bundles of bast- 
 
 fibres ; the narrow medullary rays separate the 
 broad bast-wedges, consisting of regularly-arranged 
 small groups or single bast-fibres and of bast-paren- 
 chyma, containing starch-granules and mucilage and 
 scattered oil-cells. Cassia cinnamon, aside from 
 the cork, consists of primary bark and of the bast- 
 layer, in which the bast-fibres, groups of stone- 
 cells, and oil-cells are scattered, and which con- 
 tains more mucilage and starch than the preceding 
 kind. Saigon cinnamon resembles the Cassia cin- 
 namon in that the commercial article consists of 
 the cork, primary bark, and bast-layer. In the 
 thinner barks there is a great similarity be- 
 tween it and Ceylon cinnamon, with this exception, 
 that the primary bark, which contains a large 
 number of oil-cells, is present. The older and 
 thicker barks resemble in structure the Cassia 
 cinnamon. 
 
 The term cassia lignea is sometimes applied indis- 
 criminately to Chinese cinnamon or it is used only 
 for the inferior varieties. Some writers have 
 restricted it to a thicker bark, of a slight cinnamon 
 odor and a mucilaginous, faint cinnamon taste. 
 The origin of these barks is not positively known. 
 
 Constituents. — The two kinds of cinnamon 
 agree in the main in their chemical constituents, 
 the most important of which is volatile oil. (See 
 Oleum Cinnamomi.) They also contain a con- 
 siderable amount of tannin, some sugar, mannit, 
 starch, and mucilage. Fliickiger and Hanbury 
 noticed that the infusion made with cold water becomes turbid on the addition of iodine 
 or potassium iodide, and the decoction of both cinnamons discharges the color of a 
 considerable quantity of iodine before it permanently assumes the blue color of iodide 
 of starch. The body producing this reaction with iodine appears to be insoluble in 
 alcohol and ether, but its nature has not been ascertained. A strong tincture of cinna- 
 mon gradually becomes gelatinous and loses its astringent taste. 
 
CLEMATIS. 
 
 501 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Syrupus cinnamomi, P. G. Macerate for two days 
 cinnamon 10 parts, cinnamon-water 50 parts, and dissolve in 40 parts of the filtered 
 infusion 60 parts of sugar. — P. G. 
 
 Tinctura aromatica, P. G. Macerate Cassia cinnamon 5 parts, ginger 2 parts, car- 
 damom, cloves, and galanga, each 1 part, in alcohol, sp. grav. .893, 50 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Allied Products. — Cassia-buds, Flores cassice , s. Clavelli cinnamomi , are the small, pedicel- 
 late, unripe fruits of one or more species of Cinnamomum ; they bear some resemblance to 
 cloves, but are smaller, and consist of the thick perianth, the six small lobes of which are folded 
 over the depressed ovary. They have a cinnamon-like but less agreeable odor and taste, and 
 contain a volatile oil and tannin. The average importation of cassia-buds into the United 
 States is about 40,000 pounds annually. 
 
 The following barks, which resemble cinnamon in some respects, are similarly employed in 
 their native countries, and are occasionally met with in commerce : 
 
 Culilawan-bark is obtained from Cinn. Culilawan, Fees, indigenous to the Moluccas. It is 
 in flat or curved pieces, 2.5 to 6 Mm. (y 1 ^ to \ inch) thick, grayish or brownish externally, dark 
 cinnamon-brown internally, with the fracture corky and short fibrous. The odor resembles cin- 
 namon with a mixture of cloves and sassafras ; taste mucilaginous and aromatic. 
 
 Cassia caryophyllata, s. Cortex caryophyllatus , the clove-bark (Nelkenzimmt, G.), from 
 Dicypellium caryophyllatum, Nees , of Brazil. It usually comes in quills 2 to 4 Cm. (f to 
 inches) thick, and about 60 Cm. (2 feet) long, which are made up of from six to ten pieces of 
 bark rolled up together. The bark is about 1.5 Mm. (y\ inch) thick, smooth or slightly wrin- 
 kled, chestnut-brown, often with a bluish tinge, fracture short, showing a whitish line near the 
 outer margin. ; odor clove-like ; taste mucilaginous, resembling cinnamon. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The oil of cinnamon, like that of other aromatics, first stimu- 
 lates, and then exhausts and depresses, the nervous system. Locally, it is a rubefacient 
 and stimulant. The water and the oil of cinnamon are used to impart an agreeable 
 flavor to medicines, and the former is associated with astringents in the treatment of 
 diarrhoea. Cinnamon was anciently believed to stimulate the uterus, and recently has 
 been used in conjunction with more powerful medicines, such as borax, ergot, cotton 
 root, etc., to promote parturition and to check uterine haemorrhage after labor and during 
 menstruation or depending upon disease of the womb. Powdered cinnamon may be pre- 
 scribed in doses of from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (gr. x-xxx). An infusion may be made with 
 Gm. 4.0 (^j) of the bruised bark to half a pint of boiling water, and administered in 
 doses of a tablespoonful or two every hour. 
 
 CLEMATIS. — Virgin’s Bower. 
 
 Clematite , Fr. ; Waldrebe , G. ; Barbas de chivo , Sp. 
 
 The herb of different species of Clematis. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Clematidese. 
 
 Description. — The genus consists of perennial herbs or woody vines climbing by 
 the aid of the bending petioles of their opposite pinnate leaves. The flowers have four 
 to six colored sepals, minute or no petals, numerous stamens, and many akenes, which are 
 prolonged into a feathery or rarely naked tail, consisting of the permanent style. The 
 following species have been used : 
 
 Clem, erecta, Linne , indigenous to Europe. The leaflets are five to nine in number, 
 oblong, narrowed below or usually cordate at the base, acute, entire, pale-green beneath, 
 three- to five-nerved. The white flowers are in cymose clusters. It was formerly known 
 as Herba flammulse Jovis. 
 
 Clem. Yitalba, Linne , indigenous to Europe. The leaflets are about five in number, 
 ovate, heart-shaped at the base, acute, coarsely serrate or entire, three- to five-nerved, 
 pubescent when young. The white flowers are in cymose clusters and have the sepals 
 clothed with felt-like hairs. 
 
 Clem. Flammula, Linne , indigenous to Southern Europe. The leaves are twice 
 pinnate, the leaflets small, varying between lanceolate and oblong, entire, but two- or 
 
 three-lobed. 
 
 Clem, virginiana, Linne, common in Canada and the United States. Leaflets three, ovate, 
 rounded or heart-shaped at base, lobed and cut-dentate, with mucronate teeth. Flowers 
 white, iA cymose panicles. 
 
 Clem Yiorna, Linne — Leather flower — indigenous to the Southern States. Leaflets 
 three to seven, ovate, acute, smooth. Flowers single, nodding, with dark-purple leathery 
 
 sepals. 
 
502 
 
 COCA. 
 
 Clem, cylindrica, Sims, resembles the preceding, but has single bell-shaped, bluish-pur- 
 ple flowers, with the sepals dilated and often crisped above. 
 
 Constituents. — The above species possess in the fresh state a very acrid taste, which 
 is gradually lost. Braconnot observed that the acrid principle may be distilled with water 
 and is soluble in fixed oils. 
 
 Action and Uses. — All the numerous species of clematis possess essentially the 
 same properties, which are those of an acrid irritant. The juice or the bruised plant 
 applied to the skin is apt to cause blisters, and even ulcers, and its emanations when it is 
 crushed readily make the eyes water and inflame them. In Europe beggars avail them- 
 selves of these properties to produce ulcers upon their limbs for the purpose of exciting 
 compassion. Hence, clematis is known as beggar’s weed (Vherbe a gueux). These irri- 
 tant properties are very feeble in the dried plant. The American appear to be less acrid 
 than the European species. 
 
 An infusion of the flowers and leaves of clematis has been used internally in chronic 
 rheumatism , syphilis, scrofula , dropsy, and quartan ague. An infusion of the fresh buds 
 of C. vitalba, Gm. 1.00-3.00, in water Gm. 200-250 (gr. xv to gr. xlv in water f^vj-viij), 
 with the addition of anise or other carminative, when taken in three doses at intervals of 
 an hour, is said to act as an efficient hydragogue cathartic. The dried leaves in weak 
 infusion have been used with advantage as a diuretic in some cases of dropsy following 
 intermittent fever. In Europe the peasantry employ the fresh leaves as vesicants, and 
 physicians have applied them in the same manner to relieve local pains, and also in 
 chronic rheumatism , gout, and paralysis. Even in ancient times this plant was used in 
 the substitutive treatment of chronic skin diseases , and much more recently an infusion 
 of it in oil was employed to cure the itch. The affected parts, it is said, having been 
 subjected to several frictions, became violently inflamed, but with the subsidence of the 
 inflammation the itch was cured. 
 
 COCA, U. S., Br., It.— Coca. 
 
 Erythroxylon, U. S. P. 1880. — Coca-leaves, E. ; Feuilles de coca , Fr. ; Cocablatter, G. 
 
 The leaves of Erythroxylon Coca, Lamarck. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 40. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Linese. 
 
 Origin. — Coca is a small shrub 1.2-1. 8 M. (4 to 6 feet) high, with numerous spread- 
 ing purplish-brown branches. It has small, yellowish, five-petalous flowers in axillary 
 clusters of three or four, ten hypogynous stamens, and an oblong, scarlet-red, pointed, 
 and smooth drupaceous fruit containing a single albuminous seed. It is indigenous to 
 the mountains of Peru and Bolivia, and is cultivated in both these countries on the 
 eastern slope of the Andes in damp warm valleys at an altitude of 1524 or 1829 M. 
 (5000 or 6000 feet) ; also in some parts of Colombia, Brazil, and the Argentine Bepublic. 
 The leaves of the plant cultivated in Bolivia, although smaller, are nevertheless more 
 highly esteemed than the Peruvian variety. The plants are partly stripped of leaves 
 three times annually after the third year. After carefully drying in the sun to preserve 
 their green color, the leaves are packed in cestos weighing 30 pounds ; three of these are 
 tied together, forming a tarnbor, a load for the beast of burden. 
 About 40,000,000 pounds are annually produced. 
 
 Coca-leaves cultivated in Java and India are considered inferior 
 to those of South America, and are stated to be derived from E. 
 Coca var. Spruceanum, Burck. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are alternate 2 to 5 or 7 Cm. 
 (f to 2 or 2f inches) long, 25 to 37 Mm. (1 to 1? inches) broad, 
 ovate, lanceolate or obovate-oblong, rather obtuse, and frequently 
 emarginate, somewhat narrowed into the short petiole, entire on 
 the margin, rather thin, smooth, the lower surface pale bluish- 
 green, reticulate on both sides, with a prominent midrib, on each 
 side of which is a curved line running from the base to the apex, 
 Bolivian coca Reaves, natural w j 1 j c | 1 j g due to s t ra nds of collenchyme cells. The leaves have 
 
 a slight but agreeable odor, similar to that of tea, and a some- 
 what astringent, bitter, and aromatic taste. 
 
 There are in commerce two kinds of South American coca-leaves, known as the 
 Iluanuco and the Truxillo varieties. The latter is light-green, thin, fragile, and brittle, 
 while the former is darker in color, thicker, and of a leathery texture. They differ 
 also in the shape of the fibro-vascular bundles, those of the Huanuco variety being, 
 
 Fig. 76. 
 
COCA. 
 
 503 
 
 spread out and flat, while those of the other variety are more circular in arrangement. 
 The Truxillo variety is identical with E. Coca v. Spruceanum, Burch. 
 
 Constituents. — Wackenroder (1853) showed the presence in coca-leaves of a 
 peculiar tannin, which reacts with a green color upon iron salts, and has since been called 
 coca-tannic acid. Gaedeke (1855) isolated a crystalline alkaloid, which was provisionally 
 named erythroxyline , and further examined by A. Niemann (1860), and W. Lossen 
 (1865), the name being changed to cocaine. Cocaine, C 17 H 21 N0 4 , when boiled with 
 hydrochloric acid is split into methylic alcohol, CH 4 0, benzoic acid, C 7 H 6 0 2 , and ecgo- 
 nine, C 9 Hi 5 N0 3 . Gin n amyl-coca ine, C 19 H 23 N0 4 , was isolated by Geisel : it forms needle- 
 shaped crystals which fuse at 121° C., and on boiling with hydrochloric acid yields 
 methyl alcohol, ecgonine, and cinnamic acid (sometimes also isocinnamic acid). Truxil 
 cocaine ( truxilline or cocamine , Hesse) yields, on saponification with hydrochloric acid, 
 truxillic acid, C 9 H 8 0 2 , in several modifications, which are possibly polymeric with cin- 
 namic acid. From Java coca-leaves benzoyl-pseudo-tropeine, C 15 H 19 N0 2 , was obtained 
 by Liebermann ; it melts at 49° C., and is easily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, 
 benzene, and benzin ; when boiled with hydrochloric acid it yields .benzoic acid and 
 pseudo-tropine, C 8 H 15 NO, deliquescent rhombic crystals, which are sparingly soluble in 
 ether and freely in chloroform. Hygrine , obtained by Maclagan and named by Lossen, 
 is volatile, oily, and readily soluble in water, alcohol, and ether ; according to Lieber- 
 mann, it is a mixture from which can be separated by distillation C 8 H 15 NO and C 14 H. 24 NO. 
 Hesse, however, claims that this is not a constituent of coca, but is obtained from the 
 solvent used in the isolation of the alkaloids. 
 
 History. — Coca was used by the aborigines of South America long before their con- 
 quest by the Spaniards. They regarded it as a divine gift, employed it in religious cere- 
 monies, and spoke of it as “ that heavenly plant which satisfies the hungry, strengthens 
 the weak, and makes men forget their misfortunes.” These reasons were sufficient to 
 render it abominable in the sight of the fanatical invaders, who forbade its use and cul- 
 ture. But when they discovered that it enabled the conquered people to perform the 
 work of their taskmasters, they winked at its diabolical origin and virtues. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Owing to the small quantity of coca, and that often impaired 
 in activity, which is to be procured in countries where physiological research is practised, 
 the conclusions in regard to its action are somewhat deficient in fulness and precision. 
 Its principal effects are manifested in enabling those who use it to remain for a long time 
 without food, to endure unusual fatigue, and to preserve a cheerful temper. Some of 
 the first historians of its use, as Yon Bibra, state that it suspends the appetite for food 
 for some hours, and at the same time greatly increases the muscular strength and endur- 
 ance. Schroff found that it quickened the pulse and occasioned an agreeable sense of 
 lightness and activity of mind and body, followed by some lassitude and an inclination to 
 sleep. When the proper quantity has been chewed the laborer goes cheerfully to his 
 work and gives no heed to meal-times while the influence lasts. By repeated doses ab- 
 stinence from food can be maintained for three or four days. In some persons it pro- 
 duces an exhilarating effect. The celebrated traveler Tschudi and more recent observers 
 found that when taken in infusion it conferred a singular immunity from suffering, and 
 prevented the haemorrhages which are apt to occur in the elevated passes of the Andes, 
 some of which are 17,000 feet high. Christison, who tested its action among the High- 
 lands of Scotland, observed that it entirely prevented the fatigue which follows severe 
 pedestrian exercise, and suspended hunger and thirst during its action. It had no effect 
 upon the mental faculties beyond liberating them from the dulness and drowsiness which 
 fatigue occasions. The most recent testimony quite confirms these statements. 
 
 So far as experiments have been undertaken, they do not agree in their physiological 
 results. Ott found that during the use of coca for five days the solid elements of the 
 urine diminished, while the weight of the body slightly increased. During the experi- 
 ment the urine contained oxalate of lime. Christison states that it increased the saliva 
 and probably lessened the secretion of the urinary solids. Gazeau, on the other hand, 
 observed that it augmented the excretion of urea and lessened the weight. According 
 to him, its power consists in its sustained excitation of the vital functions, along with an 
 anaesthetic power which lessens the sense of fatigue and hunger. The first and the last 
 conclusions are reasonable, and seem to be confirmed by the experiments of Mason, who 
 inferred from them that the effects of coca include stimulation of the nervous system and 
 retardation of metamorphosis. 
 
 In its native country, Colombia, coca is used, precisely as Chinese tea is elsewhere, as 
 a mild stimulant and diaphoretic and an aid to digestion. These are mainly the purposes 
 
504 
 
 COCA IN JE IIYDROCHLORAS. 
 
 of coffee, chocolate, and guarana ; and experiment has proved that the active constituents 
 of all these productions, “ although unlike one another and procured from totally different 
 sources, possess in common prominent principles which are not only almost identical in 
 chemical composition, but also appear similar in physiological action ” (Bennett). 
 
 Coca has been gravely suggested as a means of appeasing hunger and thirst in armies 
 on forced marches and on voyages with insufficient food and water ; but the fact is over- 
 looked that hardly enough of it has hitherto been procurable for laboratory experiments, 
 and that tobacco, coffee, and tea, which are abundant, have closely analogous virtues. It 
 has also been proposed for allaying the canine hunger observed in some cases of epilepsy 
 and insanity , and to appease the thirst in diabetes. Opium has generally been used to 
 fulfil these indications. In melancholia it may be employed as opium and also cannabis 
 have been, and probably with as little real advantage. Like tea and coffee, it has been 
 found useful in nervous headache and in the typhoid state of fevers. It is one of the 
 stimulants that may be substituted for opiates in treating the opium habit. It is said to 
 have been used in South America to overcome uterine inertia and to allay pain and the 
 discharges in cholera morbus. It is reported to have been useful in spermatorrhoea and 
 generative debility , but no proof exists of so improbable a statement. According to one 
 reporter, it is of use in granular pharyngitis and in relaxation of the vocal cords. 
 
 The Indian coca-chewer always carries a bag of the leaves hanging from his neck and 
 a small flask filled with ashes or lime. After having withdrawn the filaments from a hand- 
 ful of leaves, he chews them until they are reduced to a pulp ; this he forms into a ball, 
 which he pierces with a splinter wetted and covered with adhering ashes. The mass has 
 then acquired a pungent taste which excites copious salivation ; a part of the saliva is 
 ejected and a part swallowed. The ball is retained in the mouth for about an hour, and 
 then is renewed with a fresh handful of leaves. For medicinal purposes the most con- 
 venient form is an infusion made with about Gm. 8 (^ij) of the leaves in Gm. 120 (f^iv) 
 of water. 
 
 COCAINES HYDROCHLORAS, U, S., Br.— Cocaine Hydrochlorate. 
 
 Cocainum hydrochloricum , P. G. — Chlorhydrate de cocaine , Fr. ; Cocainhydrochlorat , G. 
 Formula C 17 H 21 N0 4 .HC1. Molecular weight 338.71. 
 
 The hydrochlorate of an alkaloid obtained from coca. 
 
 Preparation. — Niemann’s process (1860) consists in preparing a tincture with 
 alcohol acidulated with sulphuric acid, treating this with milk of lime to remove wax 
 and coloring-matter, neutralizing the filtrate with sulphuric acid, distilling off the alcohol, 
 diluting the residue with water, filtering, adding sodium carbonate, and agitating with 
 ether. The impure alkaloid left on evaporation of the ether is again treated with acid- 
 ulated water, sodium carbonate, and ether, then decolorized, neutralized with hydrochloric 
 acid, and recrystallized. Lossen’s process (1865) differs from Niemann’s in that an 
 infusion of the drug is used from which the tannin is separated by lead acetate and the 
 alkaloid taken up with ether. The purification is carried on in the same manner as in 
 the former process. By these processes a mixture of other alkaloids, as are described 
 under Cooa, is also obtained. Since Liebermann and Geisel have shown that these 
 can readily be converted into cocaine, they have become rather important. The two pro- 
 cesses, which are covered by patents, depend primarily on the decomposition of the 
 alkaloids into ecgonine. and the acids and the alcohols by boiling with strong hydro- 
 chloric acid. On cooling the organic acids separate ; the solution is then filtered and 
 evaporated to dryness. The residue is washed with warm alcohol and the alkaloid ecgo- 
 nine liberated with a carbonate or hydroxide. The ecgonine is boiled with benzoic anhy- 
 dride for a short time, the benzoic acid formed extracted with ether, and the solution 
 allowed to crystallize. These crystals, benzoyl-ecgonine, are dissolved in methylic alco- 
 hol, and hydrochloric-acid gas led into the solution, which converts the compound into 
 cocaine or methyl-ben zoyl-ecgonine. According to another process the methyl ether of 
 ecgonine is first formed, and this then treated with benzoyl-chloride, yielding cocaine. 
 
 Properties. — The salt crystallizes from water in delicate radiating groups of needles, 
 and from alcohol in short and thin prisms. It usually is seen as a white crystalline 
 powder, which is nearly inodorous, has a slight acid reaction and a bitter taste, and pro- 
 duces on the tongue a tingling sensation followed by numbness. At 15° C. (59° F.) it 
 is soluble in 0.48 parts of water and in 3.5 parts of alcohol ; very soluble in boiling 
 water and boiling alcohol. It is soluble in 2800 parts of ether and in 17 parts of 
 chloroform, but is insoluble in fixed oils. Cold mineral acids dissolve the salt without 
 
COCAINjE hydrochloras. 
 
 505 
 
 color. A small quantity of the salt rubbed on a dry porcelain slab with an equal 
 bulk of mercurous chloride and then breathed on should assume a dark gray or grayish- 
 black color. If a small quantity of the powdered salt be heated for twenty minutes 
 to 100° C. (212° F.), it should suffer no material loss (absence of water of crystal- 
 lization). — U. S. Heating the salt or its solution for a longer time, decomposition will 
 set in. At 193° C. (379.4° F.) the salt melts, forming a light brownish-yellow liquid, 
 and when ignited burns .without leaving a residue. The aqueous solution yields yellow 
 or light-yellow precipitates with gold chloride, platinum chloride, and picric acid, and 
 white precipitates with mercuric chloride, stannous chloride, tannin, and with the alkalies 
 and alkali carbonates, the latter precipitates being soluble in ammonia and ammonium 
 carbonate. A solution of the salt yields a white precipitate with solution of silver nitrate 
 which is insoluble in nitric acid. Giesel (1886) observed that the solution of the salt in 
 water if not too dilute gives with solution of potassium permanganate a violet-purple 
 crystalline precipitate of cocaine permanganate. “ If 1 drop of a mixture of 1 volume 
 of decinormal potassium permanganate solution and 2 volumes of water be added to 5 
 Cc. of a 2 per cent, solution of cocaine hydrochlorate mixed with three drops of diluted 
 sulphuric acid, and contained in a small, clean, glass-stoppered vial, the pink tint pro- 
 duced by the permanganate should not entirely disappear within half an hour (absence 
 of cinnamyl-cocaine and some other bases derived from coca).” — U. S., P. G. If 5 
 drops of a 5 per cent, solution of chromic acid be added to 5 Cc. of a 2 per cent, solu- 
 tion of cocaine hydrochlorate, a yellow precipitate is produced which dissolves on shak- 
 ing ; if 1 Cc. of hydrochloric acid is now added, a permanent orange-yellow precipitate 
 will be formed. — U. S. If a few drops of an aqueous cocaine solution are mixed 
 with 2 to 3 Cc. of chlorine- water, and then with 2 or 3 drops of a 5 per cent, solu- 
 tion of palladium chloride, a red colored precipitate, which is slowly decomposed by 
 water, is formed. The precipitate is insoluble in alcohol and ether, but is dissolved by 
 solution of sodium thiosulphate. 
 
 Alkaloid and Salts. — The alkaloid cocaine when pure forms colorless prismatic crystals of a 
 strongly alkaline reaction. It has a bitterish taste and produces a transient numbness on the 
 tongue. It dissolves in 704 parts of water at 12° C. (53.6° F.) (Liebermann), in 1300 parts of 
 cold water (Paul), and in much less alcohol and ether; it is also soluble in fixed oils. Its com- 
 position is C 17 H 21 N0 4 , and on being kept in solution for some time or by boiling with acids or 
 alkalies it is split into methylic alcohol, CII 4 0, benzoic acid, C 7 II 6 0 2 , and ecgonine, C 9 H 15 N0 3 , 
 the latter having a sweetish taste, and is soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. 
 
 Cocaine benzoate may be obtained by combining 2 parts of benzoic acid and 5 parts of 
 cocaine with water and crystallizing at a low temperature. A solution of the salt may be 
 readily prepared from the acid and alkaloid in the proportion given. The salt crystallizes with 
 difficulty in needles, and is very freely soluble in water ; its solution yields with ammonia a 
 precipitate of cocaine, and with hydrochloric acid a precipitate of benzoic acid. These reagents 
 do not affect a solution of benzoyl-ecgonine , which Paul (1886) observed has been sold in the place 
 of the benzoate ; it crystallizes more readily than the latter, is less freely soluble in cold water, 
 and is formed from cocaine by the influence of water and heat, more particularly under increased 
 pressure. 
 
 Cocaine phenate forms a yellow viscid mass which is insoluble in water, but soluble in 
 alcohol. It was recommended by Von Oefele as a substitute for the hydrochlorate because it is 
 not absorbed as readily as this, and could be used with better effect on the mucous membrane 
 where simply a local anaesthetic action is desired. 
 
 Cocaine nitrate forms large colorless crystals which are readily soluble in water. It was 
 recommended by Lavaux to be used in combination with silver nitrate for rendering the action 
 of the latter painless if used as a caustic. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like many other nervines, cocaine in sufficient dose first 
 excites and then benumbs general sensibility — an effect exhibited by the mouth and 
 throat when the medicine has been applied in a liquid form. If water is taken imme- 
 diately afterward, it produces an impression of coldness upon these parts, such as is felt 
 after they have been touched with oil of peppermint. General numbness is not observed 
 unless the dose is large, and does not usually follow the primary stimulation as rapidly 
 as in the case of opium or alcohol. The action of cocaine upon the nervous system was 
 first described by Schroff as resembling that of Indian hemp. It occasioned indistinct- 
 ness or confusion of thought and of the senses, a glow throughout the body, and at first 
 a general sense of cheerfulness and well-being, but later on giddiness, disorder of the 
 senses, buzzing in the ears, dilatation of the pupils with impaired accommodation of the 
 eye, paleness of the skin and conjunctivae, headache, restlessness, a sense of walking 
 upon air, quickened and then retarded movements of the chest and heart, eructations, 
 occasional vomiting, and sometimes sleep. The comparatively cheerful intoxication pro- 
 
506 
 
 CO CAINjE H Y DR 0 CHL ORA S. 
 
 duced by moderate doses was associated with a singular endurance of fatigue and insen- 
 sibility to hunger. The effects of an internal dose of about 2 grains of the substance 
 may last four or five hours, during which time, says Frend, the muscular power is notably 
 increased ( Lancet , April 4, 1885). An analysis of 16 cases of cocaine-poisoning which 
 recovered has furnished the following conclusions : The most conspicuous symptom is 
 collapse, in which the skin is pale, cold, and generally moist, especially upon the limbs. 
 In the graver cases it is usually cyanotic. The pulse is always feeble and thready, 
 becoming more so as the case advances, and generally is very frequent, running to 120- 
 200, or else failing entirely. In exceptional cases it is slow, and may fall to 38, and the 
 respiration to 5, as it did in one case ( Practitioner , xli. 288). The respiration is very 
 characteristic, being shallow, slow, and labored — a condition which is partly explained by 
 the congested state of the lungs, which also accounts for the cutaneous cyanosis. A 
 physician, describing his personal experience, states that he could under cocaine suspend 
 respiration for two minutes without inconvenience ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 516). In extreme 
 cases consciousness appears to be lost, but this is sometimes only apparent and due to 
 general anaesthesia. A patient stated that he knew he was being pinched, but he felt no 
 pain. Headache and vertigo are often felt, and occasionally throbbing of the carotid 
 arteries. Delirium, if it occurs, is generally during the reaction, but hallucinations are 
 not unusual. To one patient every object appeared white {Med. Mews, liv. 44). The 
 pupils are generally dilated and insensible, the eye has sometimes a glistening look, 
 blindness occasionally is noted, and almost always the vision is dim. Pain is seldom 
 complained of. The limbs are often tremulous, but are rarely affected by spasm. 
 Formication has been noted. Unless the patient is unconscious he complains of thirst, 
 and the mouth and fauces are very dry. Vomiting is not unusual. Diuresis has 
 several times been observed. Such symptoms as the foregoing may come on 
 immediately after the administration of cocaine, but a case is recorded in which thirty- 
 five minutes elapsed before their appearance (Med. News , xliii. 208 ; for additional cases 
 of cocaine-poisoning see Mattison, Therap. Gaz., xii. 16; and editorial, ibid., p. 373). 
 Mattison {loc. cit .) in Nov., 1887, estimated the reported deaths from cocaine at six in 
 number. Since that date one followed the injection of 1 drachm of a 20 per cent, solu- 
 tion of muriate of cocaine into the urethra. The symptoms were muscular twitching, 
 convulsions, staring eyes, dilated pupils, congested face, impeded respiration, followed by 
 slowness and irregularity of the heart, general cyanosis, and death at the end of twenty 
 minutes. After death the brain, lungs, and left side of the heart were filled with blood 
 {Med. News, liii. 70). Another was caused by the internal use of Gm. 1.3 (gr. xx) of 
 cocaine {Lancet, Feb. 1889, p. 292). During 1889 and 1890 at least 40 cases of poison- 
 ing by this preparation were published, of which 2 {Therap. Gaz., xiii. 791 ; Med. 
 Record, xxxvii. 427) were fatal : for later examples see {Therap. Gaz., xv. 202; xvi. 
 188, 206, 288, 405, 625 ; xvii. 200. 
 
 The chief purpose of cocaine is to prevent or relieve pain by its anodyne or anaes- 
 thetic action. It is evident that the number of cases in which these indications may 
 exist is almost endless. We shall enumerate the most important of them. First in 
 point of time, and perhaps in relation to the usefulness of the medicine, are diseases of 
 the eye requiring operations, including strabismus, cataract , iridectomy, wounds of the eye, 
 etc. It certainly renders general anaesthesia superfluous in operations on the eye, and 
 by preventing pain lessens the patient’s alarm and agitation. Therefore it renders many 
 operations easy which were formerly embarrassing to the surgeon and painful to the 
 patient, including all involving the use of cutting instruments, the application of caustics, 
 stimulants, astringents, etc. It does not tend to occasion vomiting, which ether and 
 chloroform are apt to do. The use of this agent in operations for cataract has, however, 
 been charged with certain untoward effects by several oculists, including ulceration and 
 exfoliation, or opacity, of the cornea, tardy healing of the wound made in operating, and 
 flaccidity, and even destructive inflammation, of the globe. These alleged effects are attrib- 
 uted to the constringing action of cocaine, which lowers the vitality of the tissues. But 
 it is denied, on the other hand, that such results are attributable to cocaine when a fresh 
 solution of it is employed, and certainly they are not more frequent than such as attend 
 the use of general anaesthetics. Among the other operations in which this agent has 
 been found valuable are the following : incision of the lachrymal ducts , growths on the 
 conjunctiva and cornea , and all operations on the interior of the eye, including paracentesis, 
 iridectomy , prolapse of the iris, enucleation and evacuation of the eyeball. In the two 
 operations last mentioned it is necessary to inject the solution behind the globe. The 
 operations for staphyloma, pterygium , tenotomy, annoying foreign bodies , cautery, and 
 
COCAINJE HYDROCHLORAS. 
 
 507 
 
 trachoma have been greatly facilitated by its use. It has been suggested that its asso- 
 ciation with atropine, so as to obtain a maximum dilatation along with the greatest 
 anaesthesia, is to be preferred in iritis, and is indicated in operating for cataract by 
 extraction (atropine gr. 5^0 and cocaine gr. in solution or in gelatin disks). If the 
 dilating action is excessive, it can be corrected by eserine. This agent has also been used 
 to combat the injurious effects of cocaine in glaucoma , as it had already been for a similar 
 purpose when atropine was employed to dilate the pupil. But the dominant opinion is 
 that cocaine is not adapted to the operation for glaucoma. Objection has also been made 
 to introducing it into the anterior chamber of the eye to blunt the sensibility of the iris : 
 it is charged with having in this way caused panophthalmitis. Cocaine is incomparably 
 the best application for relieving photophobia in cases of ulcer of the cornea or conjunc- 
 tiva, and for facilitating ophthalmoscopic examinations. An East Indian surgeon states 
 that a 2 per cent, solution reduced greatly the size of hypopion. In a word, the most 
 important indication for the use of cocaine is the spontaneous existence or the mechanical 
 production of pain. It is thought by some that the oleate is superior to the muriate of 
 cocaine, especially in ophthalmic surgery, on the ground that it is a more powerful 
 anaesthetic, that it causes more prolonged mydriasis, and that it is less liable to be washed 
 away by the tears ( Med . Record , xxvii. 264). 
 
 Cocaine is of singular utility in affections of the nasal cavity , owing not only to its 
 anaesthetic virtues, but also to its power of contracting or constringing the Schneiderian 
 membrane and thereby enlarging the nostrils. In ordinary coryza , whether acute or 
 chronic, this action is of marked advantage. A roll of fine and soft cambric saturated 
 with a 5-10 per cent, solution of cocaine muriate has been introduced into the nostril, 
 but the mechanical irritation thus produced is very objectionable. Absorbent cotton is 
 preferable to any woven tissue for this purpose. Cocaine mixed with an inert powder 
 and used as a snuff has also been employed, especially in hay fever , but it also is irritating 
 to the inflamed membrane. An atomized solution has also been applied. Dr. DaCosta 
 has recognized the truth that in this disease cocaine is rather a palliative than a cure, 
 but still a very valuable remedy. He recommends that from 5 to 8 drops of a 4 per 
 cent, solution should be injected into each nostril with a syringe while the head is thrown 
 backward and care is taken not to irritate the nasal membrane with the instrument 
 (Trans. Coll, of Phys. Philadelphia , 3d Ser. viii. 197). Some persons have advised that 
 the solution be applied to the eyes and allowed to reach the nostrils through the lachrymal 
 ducts. But this is an indirect and unpractical method. The constringing and anaesthetic 
 action of the preparation facilitates all examinations within the nose, pharynx, or larynx, 
 the removal of polypi and other tumors , the reduction of hypertrophy of the lining mem- 
 brane, the overcoming of nasal stenosis , the use of caustics , etc. It is also valuable as a 
 means of arresting epistaxis. 
 
 The application of cocaine to the pharynx has been of great value in facilitating the 
 use of instruments employed in treating affections of this region and of the larynx , in- 
 cluding the use of the rhinoseope and the laryngoscope , and also the introduction of the 
 stomach-tube. In removing tumors of the larynx the previous great impediments to the 
 operation have in a great measure been overcome by its use. It has also rendered more 
 tolerable the difficulties of deglutition which occur in certain cases of pulmonary tubercu- 
 losis , syphilis , cancer , etc. Strong solutions are here to be preferred, such as from 4 to 6 
 per cent., but some German operators have used even 20 per cent, solutions. It has been 
 •claimed that a 4 per cent, solution will dissolve the false membranes of diphtheria (Med. 
 Mews, xlvi. 455 ; Therapeutic Gaz., ix. 657). A 20 per cent, solution applied to the 
 tonsils in acute tonsillitis has relieved the pain, permitted deglutition, and hastened the 
 cure ( Practitioner , xli. 47). Tonsillotomy and uvulatomy are said to be painless after the 
 enlarged organs are well painted with a 3 per cent, solution. The operation for cleft 
 palate is greatly facilitated by it. In hydrophobia it is alleged to have enabled the 
 patients to swallow liquids (Therap. Gazette , ix. 395). Before the introduction of cocaine 
 infusions of coca were used as gargles, and also as atomized' liquids, in various affections 
 of the air-passages and throat, and particularly in the treatment of whooping cough ; the 
 alkaloid and its preparations have been applied to the same purposes, and with good effect, 
 in palliating the paroxysms and preventing vomiting, but not in shortening the disease. 
 The application of cocaine solutions has been found useful in arresting or palliating in- 
 flammatory action in the nostril, pharynx, fauces, and larynx, and their hypodermic 
 injection around the anus facilitates the forcible dilatation of this opening and the opera- 
 tions that interest it. It may also be used to prevent the pain of paracentesis of the 
 pleura or abdomen. 
 
508 
 
 COCAINE llYDROGTILORAS. 
 
 Various painful affections of the ear are mitigated by cocaine, such as inflammation , 
 neuralgia , tumors of various sorts, etc. It greatly facilitates specular examination of the 
 auditory canal , the use of instruments in this part, the catheterism of the Eustachian 
 tube, and all operations upon either. Dr. Burnett (Med. News , xlvii. 100) enumerates as 
 follows the limits of its usefulness: “ It is not efficient when the pain is due to inflamma- 
 tion in the dense tissues of the external auditory canal, as in furuncles of the part, nor 
 when acute inflammation occurs in chronically-thickened periosteal and mucous tissues in 
 the tympanic cavity. It is, however, efficient to induce local anaesthesia, as a 4 per cent, 
 solution, in cases of not excessive congestion of the skin of the fundus of the auditory 
 canal, and in the membrana flaccida of the drum membrane as it is observed in acute 
 
 coryza But solutions of cocaine are not competent to produce local anaesthesia in 
 
 the external auditory canal profound enough to permit painless incisions into it.” Para- 
 centesis of the membrana tympani is not painful enough to require local anaesthesia. It 
 
 is, however, very difficult to anaesthetize this membrane : Kircher found that nothing 
 short of a 20 per cent, solution would have this effect ; but Zauful, confirming this state- 
 ment, also mentions that in large perforations the mucous membrane can be reached and 
 anaesthetized ( Philada . Med. Times, xvi. 4). Tinnitus is palliated by cocaine, but, as this 
 symptom usually depends on permanent conditions, palliation is of little value. 
 
 A 10 to 20 per cent, solution of hydrochlorate of cocaine is a palliative of the pain 
 and swelling of the lining membrane of the mouth in mercurial salivation. It is certain 
 that toothache due to exposure of the pulp in a carious tooth is greatly mitigated by fill- 
 ing the cavity with cotton-wool saturated with a solution of cocaine ; it is also certain 
 that rheumatic toothache and the pains of dentition are palliated by painting the painful 
 gum with the same solution. The severe aching in the socket of a molar tooth which 
 had just been extracted was at once relieved by filling the cavity with cocaine solution 
 on cotton-wool. On the other hand, its claim to prevent the pain caused by excavating 
 sensitive teeth is denied by some dental surgeons, and it has been suggested that in these 
 cases and in the extraction of teeth the expectation of the patients must be given due 
 weight ( Ephemeris , i. 762). Dr. Marshall of Chicago, having failed to prevent pain by 
 using muriate of cocaine in excavating carious teeth, employed instead the citrate, which 
 had been applied to this purpose in Germany. He found it much more efficient than the 
 muriate, although when first applied it occasioned a stinging pain. The application usu- 
 ally made by him was of Jg- grain (Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., v. 290). Martindale and Tut- 
 tle report that a 5 per cent, solution of the oleate of cocaine rubbed into the gum, and 
 the hypodermic injection of 2 or 3 minims of a 4 per cent, solution of it, enabled him to 
 extract a tooth with little or no pain, and that a carious maxillary bone was painlessly 
 removed after a similar procedure. In extracting teeth about eight minutes should 
 elapse between the application and the operation (Med. Record, xxviii. 651). Dr. Mar- 
 shall, above quoted, on the other hand, did not find the oleate as efficient as the muriate 
 or the citrate. Undoubtedly, the only way of rendering this method efficient is by inject- 
 ing the solution into the gum in two doses. Viau, Lebrun, and Andina have approved 
 
 it. They injected about grain into both surfaces of the gum (Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., 
 viii. 572 ; Med. Record , xxx. 475) ; but toxical effects have often followed ( Lancet , Mar. 
 17, 1888). They may be prevented by using a compound injection of cocaine and anti- 
 pyrine, 1:10. In one case, which ended fatally, there was profuse haemorrhage after 
 the extraction of a large number of loose stumps (Centralbl. f. Ther., vi. 632). In 
 another case the effects only threatened to be serious (Therap. Gaz., xii. 859). Partial 
 or superficial staphylorraphy is more conveniently performed under cocaine than with 
 ether or chloroform (Archives gen., Dec. 1886, p. 752). It has succeeded also in the 
 operation for hare-lip (Med. Record, xxxiv. 479), and in that for hernia (Med. Record, 
 xxx i. 124). In diseases of the skin cocaine is a valuable palliative of itching and other 
 morbid sensations, such as exist in eczema, scabies, erysipelas, herpes, etc. For this 
 purpose it is best applied in an ointment or liniment with lanolin. Pruritus ani, vaginae, 
 etc. may be treated with cocaine ointments or suppositories. External neuralgia may be 
 palliated by muriate of cocaine applied upon the superficial and painful points of the 
 affected nerve, and probably better still by hypodermic injections. 
 
 In the various painful affections and operations involving the urethra and the bladder 
 cocaine is incomparably the best anaesthetic. It renders the passage of all appropriate 
 instruments painless, and therefore lessens the shock of operations requiring this proce- 
 dure. In some cases, also, its anaesthetic and constringing action renders the urethra 
 pervious to the urine and the use of instruments unnecessary. Hence it has greatly 
 facilitated the treatment of urethral strictures by dilatation or by cutting, and operations 
 
CO CA 1XAE IlYDR 0 CHL ORA S. 
 
 509 
 
 for removing stone in the bladder by crushing it. In one reported case the bladder was 
 injected with half an ounce of a 4 per cent, solution of cocaine, and the operation was 
 begun and completed painlessly in a quarter of an hour ( Lancet , Jan. 17, 1885). In 
 another case the solution was only i per cent, strong, and yet perfectly efficient (Bull, 
 de Therap., cxiv. 384). Settier has employed it in various operations on the genito- 
 urinary organs with entire success ( Lancet , Feb. 25, 1888), but other surgeons have met 
 with alarming effects from it, and, as we have noted above, one instance is recorded of 
 death apparently caused by it. In the operation for hydrocele a solution of cocaine has 
 been used before the injection of iodine or corrosive sublimate to palliate the pain caused 
 by the latter agents. It is the most efficient agent in promoting the reduction of phimo- 
 sis and paraphimosis , and in preventing pain in surgical operations for their cure. The 
 operation of circumcision may be rendered painless by its use (Med. Record , xxx. 345). 
 Suppositories or enemata containing it are very serviceable in cases of enlarged prostate 
 causing vesical or rectal tenesmus, and also for irritable bladder. Spasm in the female 
 as well as in the male urethra has been completely overcome by injections of this prepa- 
 ration ; and there is no better remedy for chordee than it is when applied by the urethra 
 or the rectum. In that most painfully distressing affection, vaginism , this preparation 
 has repeatedly overcome a spasm that had recurred again and again for years, and has 
 permitted the full and painless accomplishment of the generative act. In like manner it 
 has been used in a 4 per cent, ointment, or preferably in a watery solution, to mitigate 
 the pains of labor, and especially of its first stage, and in appropriate forms to relieve 
 dysmenorrhcea and other uterine pains, such as depend upon endometritis, lacerated 
 cervix, etc. It is best applied with vaseline and glycerin, forming a 10 per cent, mixture, 
 and injected into the uterine end of the vagina ; suppositories and tampons may also be 
 used. They are most efficient during the first stage of labor (Boston Med. and Surg. 
 Jour., Feb. 1888, p. 196). It has been employed with like advantage in many opera- 
 tions upon the vagina and uterus, as in those for lacerated cervix , vesico-vaginal fistida, 
 extraction of a vesical calcidus through the vagina (Med. News , xlvi. 602), etc. This 
 preparation renders all exploratory examinations of the vagina and rectum painless, as 
 well as such operations as those fbr fissure, idcer, haemorrhoids, fistula, etc. It is even 
 claimed that it removes the chief objections to the operation of excision of piles. 
 A 4 per cent, solution may be painted over the swellings, and a minim of the same 
 injected into each one at the muco-cutaneous junction. The rectal symptoms of dysen- 
 tery may be greatly palliated by cocaine enemata or suppositories, and cocaine ointments 
 or solutions (1 : 20) are useful palliatives of the pain of rectal cancer. Various small 
 tumors have been removed without pain under the action of cocaine, which, as in the 
 case of haemorrhoids, have first been rendered insensitive by injecting a solution of it 
 into the substance of each tumor and around its base. In a like manner foreign bodies 
 lodged in the nostrils, in the ears, or in the tissues have been removed ; it causes the 
 swollen tissues to shrink as well as to become insensible. It has also been applied to 
 removing epithelioma by means of the curette. In January, 1885 (Med. News, xlvi. 49), 
 Drs. Randolph and Dixon found that when a saturated solution of cocaine muriate in 
 strong nitric acid was applied to the skin, it produced an eschar such as the acid alone 
 would occasion, but more slowly than usual, and that the process was almost entirely 
 painless. In October of the same year they applied this method to destroying cancerous 
 growths by means of a paste formed by cocaine muriate, fused potassa, and vaseline, 
 after having previously bathed the parts with a 10 per cent, solution of the cocaine salt. 
 Gilliam observed that a mixture of cocaine and salicylic acid rendered friable a supposed 
 epithelioma of the face, and permitted the curette to be applied painlessly, Doubtless 
 the action was in this, as in other cases, anaemiating as well as anaesthetic. In the ope- 
 ration for hydrocele, after the withdrawal of the liquid from the sac, a drachm, more or 
 less, of a 5 per cent, solution of a cocaine salt is injected, which is allowed to bathe the 
 interior during from five to ten minutes, after which the usual iodic solution may be 
 employed. The pain of burns is greatly mitigated by a 2 per cent, solution of this 
 preparation ; ivounds of the eye and other delicate parts may in like manner be so 
 benumbed as to bear the necessary manipulation without difficulty ; and fractures with 
 displacement of the fragments belong to the same category. A strong solution of 
 cocaine is said to neutralize the pain and inflammation of insects' stings ; injected in the 
 course of a nerve, it controls neuralgia beyond the point of injection ; sciatica has been 
 removed by it when other remedies failed (Med. Record, xxx. 544). Fenwick ( Lancet , 
 May 5, 1888) claims that the milder forms of neuralgia of the urinary organs may be 
 relieved by injecting a 20 per cent, solution into the urethra ; and the statement is con- 
 
510 
 
 COCAINJE HYDROCHLORAS. 
 
 firmed by Rosenthal ( Med . News, liii. 43). According to Dunn, it relieves migraine 
 ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 516). In a word, it may be used whenever a local anodyne or 
 anaesthetic is required. Irritable tumor , or caruncle, of the female urethra may be 
 also rendered insensible before excision or destruction by cautery. Abscesses may be 
 treated in like manner before puncture, and especially that very painful variety, whitlow. 
 Even amputations have been performed with its aid. Dr. Mott has reported two cases 
 of amputation of the finger treated hypodermically with cocaine, and also by means of 
 Esmarch’s bandage; and Dr. Yarick, a case of amputation of the thigh, which in this 
 manner was rendered nearly painless ( Med . Record , xxix. 94 ; Amer. Jour, of Med Sci., 
 April, 1886, p. 622; for later cases see Boston M. and S. Jour., Jan. 1887, p. 7 ; 
 Med. Record, xxxi. 268, 634). The excruciating pain caused by the operation for 
 ingrown toe-nail has been entirely annulled by this anaesthetic applied in a 10 per cent, 
 solution, so as to saturate the raw portions of the part (Med. Record , xxvii. 627 ; xxviii. 
 257 ; Med. News , xlvii. 34). A 2 per cent, solution of cocaine injected into the urethra 
 renders painless caustic injections and the introduction of the catheter and other instru- 
 ments into the urethra and bladder. Vaccination may be rendered altogether painless by 
 painting a small area of skin with a strong solution of muriate of cocaine, and after a 
 few minutes scraping away the epidermis from the spot and reapplying the anaesthetic. 
 Pruritus vulvse and other analogous affections are greatly palliated by this agent. Pro- 
 fuse epistaxis has been arrested by a 20-30 per cent, solution applied on cotton in the 
 nostrils (Med. News , Hi. 16). In a case of spontaneous haemorrhage from the gums, 
 with ecchymoses elsewhere, bleeding was arrested by a 4 per cent, solution of cocaine 
 after various styptics had failed (Philada. Med. Times , xv. 380). 
 
 The application of cocaine to the treatment of internal diseases has not hitherto been 
 very extensive, because its action has appeared to be almost entirely local except when 
 it is taken in toxical doses. But for this reason it must have appropriate uses in cancer , 
 simple ulcer, neuralgia , and hemorrhage of the stomach, and in the vomiting occurring in 
 sea-sickness and in pregnancy. In sea-sickness it has been employed with excellent 
 results, according to Manassein (Med. News, xlvii. 320). He used the following formula : 
 Muriate of cocaine 0.15 parts, rectified spirits of wine q. s., distilled water 150 parts; of 
 which a teaspoonful was to be taken on starting for sea, and every two or three honrs 
 subsequently until the danger of sickness ceased. It seemed to act both as a prophy- 
 lactic and a remedy. These results were confirmed by Wicherkiewicz (ibid., p. 626) 
 and by Mason (Med. Record, xxix. 706). Otto, who employed 1 to ^ grain two or three 
 times a day, was not so uniformly successful (ibid., xxviii. 656) ; and Bissell, who 
 seems to have fairly tested the medicine, condemned it as worthless, and even injurious 
 (ibid., p. 683). The vomiting of pregnancy has been arrested by this medicine 
 administered by the mouth or the rectum, applied as an ointment to the uterus or given 
 hypodermically. It has been found to control the vomiting of yellow fever (Med. Record, 
 xxxii. 678) and that occasioned by an irritant poison (arsenic) (Med. Record, xxxi. 296). 
 Laschkewitch found that the internal use of from one-third to one-half of a grain of 
 cocaine three or four times daily palliated the paroxysms of angina pectoris, and some- 
 times suspended them. He observed that under its use the pulse became slower and 
 stronger, and the urine more copious (Med. News, xlix. 352) ; also Van Noorden (Bull, de 
 Therap ., cxii. 325). Dr. DaCosta has shown the virtues of cocaine as a heart tonic in 
 low forms of fever (Phila. Med. Times, xvii. 302). A case of idiopathic tetanus cured 
 by hypodermic injections of cocaine is reported (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., July, 
 1887, p. 21). In mental disorder, which it was supposed peculiarly fitted to cure, cocaine 
 has not been successful (Med. News, li. 241). Cocaine has been employed, both locally 
 and internally, to reinforce the anaesthesia of chloroform, and thereby diminish the 
 vomiting and the dangers of the latter agent by reducing the quantity of it administered 
 (Obalinski, Centralbl. f. Therap., vii. 61). It has been employed to promote a cure of 
 the alcohol habit, and also of the opium habit, and success has been claimed for it when 
 it was administered hypodermically as well as by the stomach. But Smidt and Rank 
 (Med. News, xlvii. 454) state that when given hypodermically, even in doses of % gr., it 
 sometimes caused maniacal excitement. It would seem from the cases above cited that 
 this effect is peculiarly liable to occur in the slaves of opium and alcohol. Accurate 
 observers generally agree with Erlenmeyer and Obersteiner that the action of cocaine is 
 too fugitive to be permanently useful to these persons. Moreover, the cocaine habit is 
 not less hurtful than the morphine habit. Mosler claims to have cured a number of 
 cases of asthma by the hypodermic use of salicylate of cocaine. As coca was originally 
 employed to prevent or relieve excessive fatigue , so cocaine has been found to counteract 
 
coccus. 
 
 511 
 
 the exhaustion experienced by loss of sleep and anxiety ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., 
 March, 1885, p. 287) ; but it may be doubted whether coffee or tea would not have 
 answered equally well. It has also been known to dissipate the gloom of hypochondria 
 due to mental or physical causes of a temporary sort. In chronic melancholy with 
 delusions it is useless. If the diuretic action which Drs. DaCosta, Penrose, and Bignon 
 observed should be confirmed to this medicine, it may be added to the several remedies 
 for dropsy and other disorders depending upon debility of the heart; and in ursemia, 
 with scanty secretion of urine, it may be worth a trial. 
 
 For the hypodermic use of cocaine a solution of from 2 to 10 per cent, should be 
 preferred, and as a rule the equivalent of 1 grain only administered at a time; the 
 punctures should not be made very close together, nor in an inflamed tissue, nor 
 into a vein. The dose should be smaller in females and children and in persons 
 with diseased heart. When a solution is applied, the part should be cleansed of 
 any secretion or deposit it may hold. For this purpose, especially in operations upon 
 the eye, a solution of boric acid, 1 : 26, has been recommended. The strength of the 
 solutions of cocaine salts employed has varied greatly. In ophthalmic surgery a 4 per 
 cent, solution is the most usual one, and it should be instilled at intervals of three or 
 four minutes during a quarter of an hour. The portion of the solution used should be 
 held in a vessel apart, to prevent contamination of the body of the liquid, and it should 
 be applied with a dropping-tube rather than with a brush. All acid solutions are to be 
 discarded. Some European ophthalmic surgeons have recommended 8—10 per cent, 
 solutions, but they are generally unnecessary. To economize and concentrate the anes- 
 thetic, small disks, either of filtering-paper or fine linen or cotton fabric, or of gelatin, 
 have been made use of. The last have been made each to hold grain of cocaine 
 muriate. They are objectionable from their liability to grow mouldy. In Vienna solu- 
 tions applied within the larynx have usually had a strength of from 15-20 per cent. A 
 4 per cent, solution in almond oil has been used to annoint urethral instruments. A 
 vaseline 2 per cent, ointment may be applied with advantage to the eye when lachryma- 
 tion is profuse. It is alleged (Corning) that by compressing the veins above the point 
 at which the solution of cocaine is employed its local action may be intensified and pro- 
 longed. Absorbent cotton has been used as a vehicle for applying solutions of cocaine. 
 
 In poisoning by cocaine, nitrite of amyl is the best antidote, but chloroform and ether 
 are both efficient ; chloral is less so. Ether is best when given subcutaneously. Strychnine 
 has proved a physiological antidote to chloral. Ammonia inhalation and caffeine inter- 
 nally have also been used. 
 
 COCCUS, 77. S., Bv — Cochineal. 
 
 Coccionella. — Cochenille , Fr., Gr. ; Cochinilla , Sp. 
 
 The female insect, Coccus cacti, Linne. 
 
 Class Insecta ; Order Hemiptera. 
 
 Origin and Collection. — The cochineal insect is indigenous to Mexico and Central 
 America, and has been introduced into and is cultivated in some of the West Indian 
 Islands, the Canaries, Algiers, and Southern Spain. It feeds on different species of cactus, 
 particularly on Opuntia cochinillifera, Miller , O. ficus indica, Haworth , 
 
 0. Hernandezii, I)e Candolle, and others. The male insect is very small, 
 has the rostrum or snout in the breast, tw T o large wings, and the red IHV' 
 
 body terminated by two long bristles. The female is nearly twice as 
 large, is furnished with a rostrum, and has a bluish-red body, flattened 
 below, convex above, wingless, and without terminal bristles ; they attach 
 themselves firmly to the plant, wffiere they couple, after which they in- 
 crease considerably in size and lay several thousand eggs ; the insect 
 then dies, and the body dries up. still enclosing the eggs, from which the 
 young soon escape. During the rainy season in Mexico the insects are 
 kept under cover upon cactus-branches, and when the v r eather begins to be 
 favorable they are sov:n upon the plants, and the young ones allowed to develop until the 
 females become fecundated and enlarged, when they are brushed off from the branches, 
 killed bv dipping them into hot water, and aftenvard dried in the sun or near a fire. This 
 process yields the black cochineal, while the silver-gray is obtained by killing and drying 
 the insects by exposure to the hot sun or in suitable ovens. Some females are left upon 
 the plants, and in this way three harvests are made before the rainy season again sets in. 
 
 Coccus cacti : fe- 
 
 male insect, nat- 
 ural size ; a , before, 
 and b, c, after, im- 
 pregnation ; dry, 
 and soaked in wa- 
 ter. 
 
512 
 
 COCHLEA RIA. 
 
 Description. — Commercial cochineal is about 5 Mm. (J inch) long, nearly hemi- 
 spherical, somewhat oblong and angular in outline, convex above, flat or concave on the 
 lower side, transversely wrinkled, readily pulverizable, yielding a dark-red powder of a 
 faint odor and slightly bitterish taste. Immersed in water, it imparts to it a red color, 
 and swells up so that the ringed structure of the insect can be readily examined. There 
 are two varieties met with in commerce — the silver-gray and the black. The former is 
 of a purplish-gray, the latter of a purplish-black, color ; it differs from the former in the 
 absence of the white wool from the furrows between the rings which imparts to the other 
 kind the gray color. Gray cochineal, consisting of young insects, when pure, contains a 
 larger amount of coloring-matter than the black variety. An inferior kind, called gra- 
 nilla or grana sylvestra , consists of the uncultivated, mostly very small, insects, but is 
 rarely seen in commerce. The United States import annually about 1,500,000 pounds 
 of cochineal. 
 
 Adulterations. — Adulterated cochineal is not uncommon, the black being weighted 
 with black lead, ferro-ferric oxide, or manganese dioxide, while the weight of the silver- 
 gray variety is increased by barium or lead salts, talcum, and similar substances. The 
 adulteration is now effected by exposing the cochineal to steam until the insects have 
 attained their normal size without becoming wet, adding the powder, rotating the mixture 
 in a drum, and finally drying by heat, when the adulterant will adhere between the 
 wrinkles. Or an inferior quality of cochineal, moistened with warm water, is superficially 
 colored by a mixture of barium sulphate or lead carbonate and ivory-black. Such frauds 
 are readily detected by macerating some of the insects in water, when the powder is 
 soaked off and the insect may be examined, or the cochineal is incinerated and the 
 adulterant determined in the ash. 
 
 Factitious cochineal is said to have been occasionally met with, and to have been made 
 of gums, starch, and various coloring and mineral matters. 
 
 A similar product is the kermes, chermes , or alkermes , which consists of the fully- 
 developed females of Coccus ilicis, Fabricius , indigenous to the basin of the Mediter- 
 ranean and living upon Quercus coccifera, Linne. By moistening with vinegar and 
 drying in the sun they acquire a brown-red color. They are of the size of a pea, nearly 
 globular, almost smooth, yield a carmine-colored powder, and produce with tin salt, like 
 cochineal, a fine scarlet-red. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides fat, about 6 per cent, of moisture, a small amount of volatile 
 acid, mucilaginous and glutinous compounds, cochineal contains carminic acid , C ]7 H 18 Oi 0 , 
 which Belhomme believes to be also met with in the blossoms of Monarda didyma. It 
 is readily soluble in water, alkalies, and alcohol, little in ether, and insoluble in the fixed 
 and volatile oils. I*ts alcoholic solution is precipitated by alkalies, but the crimson color 
 of its aqueous solution is succeeded by a purplish-red and precipitated on the addition of 
 alkaline earth. Most metallic salts yield colored precipitates with it ; the deposit with 
 aluminum hydroxide is called lake. On incineration pure cochineal leaves 0.5 (J. Loewe, 
 1882), 3 to 6 per cent. (01. Mene, 1869) of ash ; the British Pharmacopoeia requires the 
 ash to weigh not much more than 3 per cent., and the U. S. Pharmacopoeia not more 
 than 5 per cent. When decoctions of cochineal containing a little alum, cream of tartar, 
 or salt of sorrel are set aside, they will deposit carmine , which in commerce is often 
 found adulterated with starch and other substances ; pure carmine should be entirely 
 soluble in ammonia-water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is very doubtful if cochineal possesses any medicinal vir- 
 tues. It has indeed been reputed to be stimulant, antispasmodic, and diuretic, and cases 
 are not wanting, especially of whooping cough and neuralgia , to prove its curative virtues. 
 In Australia the medicine is alleged to have been efficacious during an epidemic of the 
 former disease. Gm. 0.06 (a grain) was given for every year of the patient up to Gm. 
 0.50 (8 grains) for adults ( Times and Gaz ., Apr. 1877, p. 418). The beautiful carmine 
 color which it imparts to various medicinal preparations is its only substantial title to a 
 place in the Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 COCHLEARIA.— Scurvy-Grass. 
 
 Herba cochlear /as, P. G. — Spoonwort , E. ; Cochlearia, Ilerbe au scorbut, Fr. Cod ; Lbffd- 
 kra.ut , G. ; Coclear ia, F. It., Sp. 
 
 Cochlearia officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cruciferae, Allyssineae. 
 
 Description, — A native of Northern and Central Europe, where it grows in saline 
 
COCHLEARTA. 
 
 513 
 
 soil and is occasionally cultivated, having the radical leaves on long petioles, roundish, 
 heart-shaped, or almost reniform, very obtuse and nearly entire ; the stem-leaves ovate 
 with few angular teeth, the lower ones petiolate, the upper ones clasping; the flowers 
 white, in terminal racemes ; the pods globular-ovate ascending, slightly flattened laterally, 
 and containing four red-brown seeds in each cell. The fresh plant is pungent, acrid, and 
 bitterish. 
 
 Constituents. — The plant has been analyzed by Tordeux, Braconnot, Gutret, Wink- 
 ler, Geiseler. and others; it contains tannin, bitter principle, salts, and other common 
 principles, and yields a volatile oil which does not pre-exist in the tissues, and, according 
 •to A. W. Hofmann, is butylsulphocyanide, CSN.C 4 H 9 ; its ammonia compound melts at 
 135° C. (275° F.). An oil obtained synthetically from butylamine had the composition 
 of oil of scurvy-grass, but a different odor, and yielded an ammonia compound fusing at 
 90° C. (192° F.). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Spiritus cochleari.®, P. G. Macerate 8 parts of bruised 
 fresh flowering scurvy-grass in 3 parts each of alcohol and water, and distil off 4 parts. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The following Cruciferae (see also Armoracia and Sinapis) have sensible 
 properties similar to those of the preceding plant, and have been occasionally used for similar 
 purposes : 
 
 Cardamine pratensis, Linnt (tribe Arabideae) ; Herba nasturtii pratensis. — Cuckoo-flower, 
 E. ; Cresson des pres, Fr. ; Wiesenkresse, Kukukskraut, G. — A perennial plant, rather scarce in 
 North America from New Jersey northward, more common in Europe and Northern Asia. 
 Leaves pinnate, with 7 to 13 leaflets, the terminal one being nearly reniform, and the lateral ones 
 either short-stalked and roundish or linear and mostly entire ; flowers showy, white or rose- 
 colored ; pods linear, flattish, and veinless ; taste pungent and bitterish, due to a volatile oil. 
 
 Cardamine hirsuta, Linne. — Small bitter-cress, common in Europe and North America; 
 resembles the preceding, but is smaller ; has small white flowers and slender, ascending pods. 
 
 Card, amara, Linnt. — Bitter-cress, indigenous to Europe, has pinnate leaves, with seven or 
 nine roundish-ovate, stalked leaflets, showy white flowers, and purplish-blue anthers. It is less 
 pungent and more bitter. 
 
 Barbarea vulgaris, R. Brown. — Wintercress, Yellow scurvy-grass, E. ; Ilerbe de Sainte- 
 Barbe, Fr. ; Winterkresse, G. — This biennial herb, like the very similar Bar. prsecox, R. Brown , 
 is sometimes cultivated for salad, and is common in Europe and North America ; it has lyrate 
 leaves, with large round or ovate sometimes heart-shaped terminal lobes, the upper leaves obovate, 
 toothed ; flowers numerous, yellow ; pods somewhat spreading. 
 
 Dentaria. — Pepper-root, Tooth wort, E. ; Dentaire, Fr. ; Zahnwurz, G. — The rhizomes have a 
 very pungent taste, and are cylindrical in D. diphylla, Linnt (North America), and D. bulbifera, 
 Linnt (Europe), but composed of several tubers in D. enneaphylla, Linnt (Europe), and in the 
 North American species, D. maxima, Nuttall , D. heterophylla, Nuttall , and I). laciniata, Muhlen- 
 berg. 
 
 Nasturtium officinale, R. Broicn, s. Sisymbrium Nasturtium, Linnt . — Watercress, E.; Cres- 
 son de fontaine, Fr. Cod. ; Brunnenkresse, G. ; Crescione, F. I. ; Berro, Sp. — This perennial herb 
 grows near springs and brooks throughout a large portion of the northern hemisphere, has spread- 
 ing, angular, hollow stems, and pinnate leaves with obliquely ovate or roundish leaflets, the ter- 
 minal one being largest and rather wedge-shaped at the base ; the white flowers are in racemes, 
 and the pods are linear and on spreading pedicles. The fresh plant is somewhat pungent and 
 bitterish, and yields a sulphuretted volatile oil, probably identical with that of mustard. 
 
 Nast. palustre, De Candolle . — Marsh-cress, with oblong or ovoid pods, pinnatifid toothed 
 leaves, and small yellow flowers, has similar properties, and grows in wet places. 
 
 Anastatica hierochuntica, Linnt , an annual plant of the Levant, where it is in high repute as 
 a medicine, is occasionally seen as a curiosity. After the seeds are ripe the branches become 
 woody and curl inward, forming a kind of ball, which when soaked in water unfolds like a flower ; 
 hence the popular name, rose of Jericho. 
 
 Sisymbrium (Erysimum, Limit) Alliaria, Scopoli , s. Alliaria officinalis, Andrews (tribe Sisym- 
 bryeae). — Hedge-garlic, E. ; Alliaire commune, Fr. ; Knoblauchkraut, G. — Pless (1846) obtained 
 from the herb and seeds a mixture of mustard and garlic oil, to which the alliaceous odor is due ; 
 they contain also a bitter principle. 
 
 Sisymbrium (Erysimum, Limit) officinale, Scopoli. — Hedge-mustard, E. ; Erysimum, V61ar, 
 Herbe aux chantres, Tortelle, Fr. Cod. ; Wilder Senf, Hederich, G. ; Erisimo, Sp. — A common 
 annual herb with runcinate leaves, small yellow flowers in terminal spicate racemes, and linear 
 appressed pods. The seeds have a sharp mustard-like taste, and yield oil of mustard ; the herb 
 
 is milder. 
 
 Capsella (Thlaspi, IAnnt ), Bursa pastoris, Moench (tribe Lepidineae). — Shepherd ; s purse, E. ; 
 Bourse & pasteur, Molette, Fr. ; Hirtent'aschlein, G. — A native of Europe, but extensively nat- 
 uralized in most civilized countries. Root-leaves clustered, more or less deeply serrate or pin- 
 natifid ; stem-leaves arrow-shaped, sessile; flowers numerous, small, white, in terminal corymbs, 
 which become much elongated ; fruit a triangular obcordate flattened pouch, containing numer- 
 ous minute brown seeds. It flowers from early in spring to autumn, and has, particularly in 
 summer, an acrid and bitter taste. Daubrawa (1854) found in the herb, besides the ordinary con- 
 stituents of herbs, 6 per cent, of soft resin, a little sulphuretted volatile oil, and 9 per cent, of 
 
514 
 
 CODE IN A. 
 
 ash. The volatile oil obtained from the seeds was proven by F. Pless (1846) to be identical with 
 oil of mustard. Mulder (1858) obtained from the seeds 28.8 per cent, of fixed oil and 26.5 per 
 cent, of protein compounds. 
 
 Lepidium sativum, Linne. — Garden cress, Pepper-grass, E. ; Cresson alenois, Cresson des 
 jardins, Fr. ; Gartenkresse, G. — This annual is indigenous to Western Asia, and is frequently 
 cultivated for salad. The bitterish and slightly acrid herb and seeds, like those of Lep. ruderale, 
 Linn6, and Lep. campestre, Linne , contain myrosin, but, according to Pless, not myronic acid ; 
 they yield, however, a sulphuretted volatile oil which dissolves in sulphuric acid with a red color. 
 Lep. virginicum, Linne , and Lep. intermedium, Gray , the wild pepper-grasses of North America, 
 probably yield a similar volatile oil. 
 
 Lepidium Iberis, Linn£. — Pepper-grass, E. ; Passerage iberide, Fr. ; Iberiskresse, Pfeffer- 
 kraut, G . — This plant is found from Southern Europe to Siberia ; has a branching stem about 2 
 feet high ; petiolate, pinnatifid, or incisely serrate radical leaves about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long ; 
 smaller linear-lanceolate or linear entire somewhat grass-like stem-leaves, and minute white 
 flowers in racemose cymes ; the fruit is small, ovate, and acute. The plant is smooth and rather 
 glaucous, and has a pungent taste, due to a sulphuretted volatile oil. Leroux (1837) obtained 
 from the flowering-tops and seeds an amorphous bitter principle which he named lepidin. 
 
 The broad-leaved pepperwort, Lepidium latifolium, Linn6, has similar properties. 
 
 Thlaspi arvense, Linnt, and Thl. campestris, LinnS (tribe Thlaspidese). — Pennycress, Mithri- 
 date mustard, E. ; Thlaspi champetre, Fr. ; Bauernsenf, Feldkresse, G . — The small, compressed, 
 roughish, brown seeds have an acrid alliaceous taste, and yield a volatile oil which Pless found 
 to be a mixture of the oils of garlic and mustard. 
 
 Besides the plants named above, the following more or less pungent plants are likewise known 
 as cress, namely : 
 
 Wart-cress or swine-cress , Senebiera didyma, Persoon ; wall-cress or rock-cress , Arabis lyrata, 
 Linn£, of the order Cruciferae; and Para cress , Spilanthes oleracea, Jacquin , order Composite. 
 The well-known garden plants Tropseolum majus and Tr. minus, Linn£, order Geraniaceae, are 
 indigenous to Peru, and known as Indian cress or garden nasturtium, E. ; Cresson des Indes, 
 Capucine, Fr. ; Kapuzinerkresse, G. ; Mastuerzo, Sp. ; the buds and unripe fruits are sometimes 
 used like capers. 
 
 V 
 
 Action and Uses. — Common scurvy-grass is stimulant, diuretic, and antiscor- 
 butic, in virtue chiefly of its acrid essential oil. Its bitter principle also contributes 
 to its medicinal qualities. When chewed it excites the secretion of saliva, and when 
 swallowed a sense of warmth in the stomach ; it also tends to relax the bowels. It is 
 everywhere eaten as a salad, generally mixed with water-cresses, and has great popular 
 reputation as a purifier of the blood. It is justly celebrated for its efficacy in scurvy , and 
 is either eaten fresh, which is preferable, or its expressed juice is administered. It has 
 also been used with reputed advantage in scrofula , chronic intermittent fever, and dropsy 
 depending upon the latter disease. Externally, the bruised herb has been applied in 
 poultices to stimulate scrofulous and other atonic ulcers; and the juice, diluted with 
 water, has been used as a mouth-wash for spongy gums and ulcers of the mouth. 
 
 Shepherd’s purse is astringent, acrid, and aromatic. The herb and the seeds were 
 anciently employed as stimulants to promote menstruation, and more recently in dysury, 
 diarrhoea, dysentery, and intermittent fever. It is also credited with haemostatic powers in 
 various hsemorrhages ( Lancet , June, 1889, p. 1157). It is administered in an infusion, 
 Gm. 32 to Gm. 400 (^j-^xij), reduced by heat to Gm. 250, or half a pint; a wine-glass- 
 ful may be given at a dose. 
 
 Iberis was known to the ancients, who employed it as a rubefacient in rheumatic and 
 other local affections. Pliny ascribes the discovery of its virtues to a certain physician 
 named Damocrates. Even in recent times its powdered seeds were incorporated in an 
 ointment for purposes like those above mentioned. Internally, it is said to have acted as 
 an irritant, producing nausea and diarrhoea, and to have been useful in bronchitis , dropsy, 
 gravel, squamous skin diseases, and intermittent fever. It is one of the numerous plants 
 popularly known as purifiers of the blood, and with this belief is eaten as a salad in the 
 spring. Cardamine and Nasturtium have analogous virtues. The former is also reputed 
 to be vulnerary and antiscorbutic, and some of its allied plants (e. g. Sisymbrium) have 
 been applied to cancerous and other sores and given internally for laryngeal and bron- 
 chial catarrhs. 
 
 CODEINA, V. S., Br F. Cod.— Codeine. 
 
 Codeinum . — Codeia Methyl morphine, E. ; Codeine , Fr. ; Codein , Kodein, G. ; Codeina, 
 It., Sp. 
 
 Formula C 18 H 21 N0 3 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 316.31. 
 
 An alkaloid prepared from opium. 
 
CODEIN A. 
 
 515 
 
 Origin. — Codeine is one of the constituents of opium, and was discovered by Robiquet 
 in 1832. Grimaux (1881) succeeded in preparing it artificially by heating an alcoholic 
 solution of morphine with soda and methyl iodide, thus showing that codeine is the methyl 
 ether of morphine. 
 
 Preparation. — In preparing morphine by Gregory’s process (see Morphina), after 
 precipitating with calciuni chloride, the chlorides of morphine and codeine crystallize 
 together, and on redissolving them in water and adding ammonia, morphine alone is pre- 
 cipitated. The ammoniacal filtrate is concentrated, the crystallizing codeine chloride freed 
 from ammonium chloride, then dissolved in hot water, and decomposed by potassa, when 
 a portion of the codeine will crystallize on cooling, but the greater part separate as an 
 oily liquid, which gradually solidifies. The mother-liquor yields a further quantity of 
 the same alkaloid, contaminated with some morphine. The alkaloid is washed with cold 
 water, then dissolved in ether, the ethereal solution mixed with water, and evaporated to 
 crystallize. 
 
 Properties. — Codeine is in white or nearly translucent, rhombic prisms or octa- 
 hedral crystals, somewhat efflorescent in warm air, odorless, having a slightly bitter taste 
 and neutral reaction to litmus-paper, soluble in 80 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 and in 17 parts of boiling water, soluble in 3 parts alcohol and in 2 parts chloroform ; 
 also soluble in 30 parts of ether and in 10 parts of benzene, but almost insoluble in ben- 
 zin. When heated to 100° C. (212° F.) codeine loses its water of crystallization, 
 amounting to 5.67 per cent. It melts in boiling water to a transparent oily liquid, but 
 when heated alone it fuses at 155° C. (311° F.). and on ignition is completely dissipated. 
 “ Codeine is dissolved by cold concentrated sulphuric acid (free from nitrous) without 
 producing a color. If about 2 Cc. of this solution are poured into a small porcelain cap- 
 sule, and 1 drop of highly diluted nitric acid (made by adding 1 drop of nitric acid to 
 100 Cc. of water) added, a bluish or blue tint will be developed. Another portion of 
 this solution, of about 2 Cc., gently warmed, and mixed with 1 drop of a mixture of 1 
 volume of ferric chloride test-solution and 19 volumes of water, likewise assumes a bluish 
 or blue tint (difference from morphine). On adding to 5 Cc. of an aqueous solution of 
 codeine (1 in 100) 10 drops of bromine-water, and shaking so as to redissolve the pre- 
 cipitate formed, the liquid will gradually develop a light claret-red tint. This tint may 
 be developed at once by the addition of ammonia-water. On sprinkling 0.05 Gm. of 
 codeine upon 2 Cc. of nitric acid (spec, grav. 1.200), the crystals will turn red, but the 
 acid, even when warmed, will acquire only a yellow color (difference from and absence 
 of morphine).” — U. S. Codeine crystallizes readily from its solutions, the crystals, fre- 
 quently rhombic octahedrons, being of considerable size when slowly formed. In addi- 
 tion to the solvents mentioned above, the alkaloid dissolves freely in amylic alcohol, 
 methylic alcohol, and carbon disulphide, and in about 85 parts of ammonia-water, but is 
 nearly insoluble in potassa and soda. Its aqueous solution produces precipitates in solu- 
 tions of the salts of iron, copper, lead, and other metals. Codeine does not separate 
 iodine from iodic acid, and is not colored blue by ferric chloride (difference from mor- 
 phine). Its solution in absolutely pure sulphuric acid remains colorless for several days, 
 but on heating to 150° C. (302° F.) becomes brown-green, and after cooling reddish ; in 
 the presence of traces of nitric acid or of iron the cold solution gradually changes to 
 green and blue, and deposits a blue precipitate. Erdmann 1 s reagent , used for this test, 
 consists of 20 Gm. of pure sulphuric acid and 10 drops of a mixture made with 6 drops 
 of nitric acid spec. grav. 1.25 and 100 Gm. of water. Codeine is dissolved by sulphuric 
 acid containing sodium molybdate ( Frohde's reagent) to a liquid having at first a dirty- 
 green color, which after a while becomes pure blue, and gradually fades within a few 
 hours to pale yellow. For the testing of alkaloids Frohde's reagent is best prepared by 
 adding 1 Mg. of sodium molybdate to 1 Cc. of pure sulphuric acid. The yellow solu- 
 tion of codeine in nitric acid when heated contains nitro-codeine , C 18 H. 20 (NO 2 )NO 3 . 
 Codeine yields with chlorine-water a colorless solution, which changes to red brown on 
 the addition of ammonia. If codeine is added to a solution of a morphine salt, precipi- 
 tation of morphine occurs, and if the former alkaloid in powder be added to a solution of 
 ammonium chloride, solution takes place and the odor of ammonia becomes perceptible. 
 
 Salt of Codeine. — Codeinum phosphoricum, P. G. — Codeine phosphate, E. ; phos- 
 phate de codeine, Fr. ; Kodeinphosphat, G. — This forms white, bitter needles, which are 
 very soluble in water, and difficultly soluble in alcohol. At 100° C. (212° F.) it loses 
 about 8 per cent. It should show the reactions both of codeine, given above, and of 
 phosphoric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Codeine is generally represented as exerting a special influence 
 
516 
 
 COLCHICUM. 
 
 upon the sympathetic nerve. Its action seems to vary greatly with its dose and mode of 
 administration. Given to man in the dose of 1| grains, it may create marked gastric 
 disturbance, congestion of the head, dulness of the mind, and tremor ; hut in the dose 
 of J grain it usually produces calm and refreshing sleep, and does not cause sweating, 
 eruptions on the skin, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. In the case of a child affected 
 with diabetes and albuminuria it occasioned an inert and drowsy condition (St. Bari's 
 Hosp. Rep., xv. 224). It is probable that the preparation is not of uniform strength or 
 purity, and that it may sometimes contain morphine. 
 
 Codeine has been chiefly employed to allay sleeplessness , restlessness , cough , and other 
 symptoms for which opium is generally prescribed and when the latter medicine is not 
 tolerated. In phthisis it seems to appease the cough without deranging the digestion 
 (Fischer, Ther. Gaz., xiii. 40). In like manner it has been found to lessen the irrita- 
 bility of the stomach in cancer of that organ. In diabetes it has been recommended, 
 especially upon the ground that it does not produce the narcotic effects of opium or mor- 
 phine ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xvii. 461). But it is well known that in that disease narcotism 
 is not apt to be produced by those remedies. Apparently under the use of codeine and 
 an appropriate regimen diabetes may be greatly benefited in some instances, but in quite 
 as many it entirely fails. Its power of diminishing the urine and its saccharine contents 
 appears sometimes to be marked (St. George s Hosp. Rep., ix. 679). Bruce (. Practitioner , 
 xl. 1) has shown that in diabetes morphine is “ unquestionably the more powerful of the 
 two drugs,” even in one-fourth of the dose of codeine ; and Fraser (British Med. Jour., 
 Jan., 1889, p. 118) concluded that in this disease codeine is nothing more than a weak 
 or diluted morphine. Such efficacy as it possesses is exhibited in simple as well as in 
 saccharine diabetes. It has been used as an anodyne and antispasmodic in several diseases 
 attended with paroxysmal pain or disordered muscular action. Beurmann, who used it 
 internally and hypodermically in neuralgia and rheumatism in doses of from to 1 grain, 
 saw no effects produced by it, and his statement was confirmed by Yvon (Bull, de Therap ., 
 cvi. 496, 548). Brunton found ( Practitioner , xli. 49) that in the dose of from J grain 
 to 1 grain it was distinctly anodyne, without being soporific or constipating, in various 
 painful diseases of the abdomen , including obstruction , organic disease, enter algia, etc. This 
 observation has been confirmed and extended by Freund (Therap. Monatsh., iii. 399), and 
 Lowenmeyer (ibid. iv. 207), but it is agreed that it is inferior to morphine as an analgesic. 
 Codeine has been employed with advantage as a substitute for opium or morphine in the 
 treatment of the opium habit. The dose may be stated at about Gm. 0.03 (i grain), to 
 be gradually increased according to its effects. It may be given in pill, powder, mixture, 
 or in suppositories. In a case of diabetes, above referred to, the daily dose attained to 
 from 10 to 15 grains. The muriate and the sulphate of codeine may be given in similar 
 doses. One-sixth of a grain has often been administered hypodermically. A phosphate 
 of codeine has been prepared whose solubility and unirritating quality adapt it to hypo- 
 dermic use. Its dose is said to be about double that of the morphine salts. 
 
 COLCHICUM, U. S., Br., B. ^.—Colchicum. 
 
 Meadow-saffron, E. ; Colchique , Safran batard, Fr. ; Herbstzeitlose , Wiesensafran, G. ; 
 Colchico , It., Sp. 
 
 The corm and seeds of Colchicum autumnale, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants, 287. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Liliaceae. 
 
 Official Parts. — 1. Colchici radix, U. S. ; Colchici cormus, Br. ; Bulbus, s. 
 Tuber colchici. — Colchicum-root or corm, E. ; Bulbe de colchique, Fr. ; Zeitlosen- 
 knollen, G. 
 
 The corm (tuber). 
 
 2. Colchici semen, U . S. ; Colchici semina, Br.; Semen colchici, P G . — Colchicum- 
 seed, E. ; Semences de colchique, Fr. ; Zeitlosensamen, G. 
 
 The seeds. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to Europe, in the southern and central parts of which 
 it is frequently found in pastures and meadows, flowering in September or October and 
 ripening its seeds in June following. In the autumn the subterraneous portion consists 
 of the fully-developed tuber (corm of many writers), bearing at its apex the scar left by 
 the fruit-stem of the preceding summer. A tuft of root-fibres is attached to a lateral 
 projection of the base, above which there is a shallow groove running to the apex of the 
 tuber. In the lower part is a short conical axis with three or four rudimentary leaves, 
 
COLCHICUM. 
 
 517 
 
 and bearing upon the apex one or more flowers, with the lower part of their long perianth- 
 tubes resting in the groove. The whole is surrounded by a few brown leaves, forming a 
 sheath above. After flowering the tuber gradually diminishes in size, until by the fol- 
 lowing summer it is completely absorbed and decayed. In the mean time the upper 
 internode of the short conical axis is gradually developed into a stem rising above 
 ground with the capsules, ^and at the base is enlarged to an ovoid fleshy tuber, as yet 
 without the lateral groove, but showing in the lower axil the bud, which by the following 
 autumn will be developed into a short conical flowering axis, while in the mean time the 
 lateral groove on the fruit-bearing tuber will have been formed. The development and 
 duration of the tuber embrace, accordingly, a period of 2 years, in the first half of which 
 the tuber produces flowers and fruit, and afterward serves for developing and nourishing 
 its successor. 
 
 The flowers resemble those of crocus, have a whitish tube about 12.5 Cm. (5 inches) 
 long, and a six-parted pale lilac or rose-colored border. The ovary remains under- 
 ground during the winter, and is afterward formed into an obtusely-triangular, oblong- 
 ovate, and inflated capsule, which is three-celled, bears the numerous seeds in the centre, 
 and is surrounded by four or five linear lanceolate leaves. The tubers are collected in 
 July and August, before the appearance of the flowers ; but Schroff (1856), and after- 
 ward Maclagan, concluded from physiological experiments the proper time for the collec- 
 tion to be the period of flowering and immediately afterward. 
 
 Description. — 1. The Tuber. It preserves its properties best if dried entire by 
 exposure to the sun and air, and is then of an ovoid shape, 25 to 38 Mm. (1 to 11 inches) 
 long, and nearly as thick at the thickest portion, convex on one side, flattened, and with a 
 
 Fig. 78. 
 
 Tuber of Colchicuui. 
 
 Fig. 79. 
 
 Colchicuui ; transverse section. 
 
 groove on the other. After the removal of the brown membranous teguments the sur- 
 face is of a brownish or ash color, longitudinally wrinkled and internally white. In our 
 commerce it is usually met with in transverse slices about 3 Mm. (1 inch) in thickness, 
 somewhat reniform in shape, and notched on one side, of a white mealy appearance, and 
 breaking with a short and mealy fracture. In the fresh state it has a radish-like odor, 
 which is completely lost on drying. The taste is sweetish, then bitter and somewhat 
 acrid. The tissue is formed of regular parenchyma, filled with more or less angular, 
 mostly compound starch-granules, and of rather delicate scattered fibro-vascular bundles 
 with spiral ducts. The Pharmacopaeia of 1880 directed colchicum-tubers exhibiting a 
 blackish color upon the recent fracture to be rejected. From the investigations of T. F. 
 Beckert (1877), however, it appears that the amount of colchicine is scarcely influenced 
 by the color, but decreases in old colchicum-root. In the present revision this require- 
 ment is not made. 
 
 The Oriental hermodactyls resemble this tuber, but have a smooth surface, and vary 
 in color between whitish and blackish, and in taste between insipid 
 and bitter. They have been referred to Colch. variegatum, Linni , 
 which is found in Southern Europe and Asia Minor, but are prob- 
 ably obtained from different species indigenous to Asia. Orphanides 
 (1875) enumerates not less than forty -three distinct species. 
 
 2. The Seeds. They are about 2 Mm. (J^ inch) in diameter, 
 nearly spherical, slightly pointed at the hiluin by a crest-like 
 appendage, of a reddish-brown color, finely pitted, somewhat 
 glutinous when fresh, and with a powdery surface when older. 
 
 They are entirely inodorous, and have a bitter, acrid taste. The 
 finely-punctate testa adheres closely to the whitish-thick horny 
 albumen, which renders the seeds very difficult to powder, and encloses a very small 
 embryo nearly opposite the hilum. 
 
 Fig. 80. 
 
 Colchicum-seed : a, natu- 
 ral size ; b, section mag- 
 nified. 
 
518 
 
 COLCHICUM. 
 
 The powdering is effected by grinding them in a mill with hardened plates; or if done 
 in a mortar they should be well dried, or else previously soaked in the menstruum to 
 be used for exhaustion, and while still moist crushed beneath the pestle in small quan- 
 tities. Rosen wasser (1877) proved that unbroken colchicum-seeds yield to solvents less 
 than one-third the amount of colchicine contained in them ; Hiibler’s observation, that 
 warm solvents extract all the active principle from the unbroken seed, was corroborated 
 by L. I. Morris (1881) and by Hertel. 
 
 Constituents. — The important constituent of the tuber, flowers, and seeds of col- 
 cliicum is colchicine , which is converted by acids into colchiceine. Pelletier and Caventou 
 (1820) supposed it to be veratrine, but Geiger and Hesse (1833) proved it to be distinct. 
 Owing to a case of poisoning by wine of colchicum which occurred in Berlin in 1855, it 
 again attracted attention, and was examined (1857) by Aschoff, Bley, John E. Carter, 
 and others. Oberlin (1856) denied the alkaloidal nature of this body, and regarded 
 (1857) the crystalline colchiceine as the poisonous principle of colchicum. The majority 
 of investigators, including Ludwig (1862), Diehl (1867), and Hertel (1881), regarded it 
 as a nitrogenated, non-alkaloidal bitter principle, which is readily altered by chem- 
 ical reagents, though it is not a glucoside, as was asserted by Walz. But Carter’s 
 colchicine (a specimen of which is in the cabinet of the Philadelphia College of Phar- 
 macy) is unmistakably though feebly alkaline, as we have shown in 1867 ; it affords also 
 precipitates with the usual reagents for alkaloids. Similar results were obtained by 
 Eberbach (1874), who succeeded in crystallizing it from chloroform in silky needles, and 
 by Johanny and Zeissel (1888), who substituted the formula C 22 H 25 N0 6 for the Hiibler 
 formula, C 17 H 19 N0 5 , and proved the same by the decomposition products. Rosen wasser 
 (1877) obtained crystals from benzene, which became amorphous after exposure to the 
 air for several months. According to Hertel, colchicine prepared in the usual manner 
 contains fruit-sugar and other impurities, notably two resins, and also colchiceine ; these 
 principles are thus characterized : Colchicine , C 22 H 25 N0 6 , is colorless or yellow, amorphous, 
 soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform, less soluble in ether, of a saffron-like odor and 
 bitter taste, precipitated by tannin, turns moist litmus-paper slowly blue in consequence 
 of incipient decomposition, with formation of ammonia, and its aqueous solution is 
 colored yellow by hydrochloric acid. Colchicine is not affected by cold sodium hydrox- 
 ide solution : if, however, it be boiled with it or with dilute sulphuric acid, decomposition 
 takes place, methyl alcohol being formed and colchiceine. Colchicine is the methyl 
 ether of colchiceine. Colchiceine , C 21 H 23 N0 6 4H 2 0, is in white crystals, inodorous, soluble 
 in alcohol, chloroform, and hot water, colored green by ferric chloride, and, after several 
 days’ standing, precipitated by tannin ; it has a slight acid reaction, and combines with 
 bases, the compounds being mostly insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and chloro- 
 form. It is easily converted into colchicine by treating a methyl-alcoholic solution of it 
 with hydrochloric acid gas, or by digesting colchiceine with methyl iodide and sodium in 
 methyl alcohol. By treatment with hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and colchicinic acid 
 with its di- and tri- methyl homologues are formed. Colchicoresin , C 5 iH 60 N 2 O 15 ; is brown, 
 amorphous, soluble in chloroform and alcohol, insoluble in ether, and very sparingly 
 soluble in cold water. Betacolchico-resin, C 34 H 39 NO 10 , is blackish-brown, soluble in strong 
 alcohol and chloroform and insoluble in water and ether. The last two principles are not, 
 or but slightly, affected by tannin, are colored brown-green by ferric chloride, and dissolve 
 in potassa with a brown color. Colchicine and colchiceine yield with potassa a yellow 
 solution. The four principles yield with sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate a deep- 
 blue or purplish-blue color, and when this has disappeared concentrated potassa solution 
 produces a more permanent brick-red color. By heating colchiceine with hydrochloric 
 acid at 115° C. (239° F.), Zeissel (1883) obtained methyl chloride and apocolchiceine, 
 which he has since shown to be the colchicic acids noted above, and the hot aqueous or 
 dilute alcoholic solutions of which solidify on cooling to a gelatinous mass. Its salts are 
 amorphous ; its solutions in acids are intensely yellow, and are precipitated by the group- 
 reagents for alkaloids. Ferric chloride gives a brown-green precipitate soluble with a 
 green color in hydrochloric acid. The behavior to sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate 
 is similar to that described above. 
 
 Colchicine is usually prepared by exhausting with alcohol, evaporating, diluting with 
 water, filtering, precipitating coloring-matter with lead subacetate, removing excess 
 of lead by sodium phosphate, and precipitating colchicine with tannin ; the washed 
 tannate is digested with lead oxide and dried, when alcohol dissolves the colchicine. 
 Eberbach’s process is a modification of that of Geiger and Hesse : he exhausts with 
 alcohol containing $ per cent, sulphuric acid ; to the tincture calcium hydroxide is added, 
 
COLCHICUM. 
 
 519 
 
 and to the filtrate, if necessary, sulphuric acid, to exact neutralization ; the alcohol is 
 distilled off, the residue diluted with water, filtered, the filtrate treated with ammonia, 
 and then agitated with chloroform. Hertefs pure colchicine is made by adding magnesia 
 to the tincture of the unbroken seeds, distilling off the alcohol, diluting the cold residue 
 with water, separating the fat, and extracting the principle with chloroform ; the yield is 
 0.4 per cent. Zeissel’s method is as follows : Colchicum-seeds are exhausted with 90 
 per cent, alcohol, evaporated, mixed with water, and then extracted with chloroform. 
 The residue left after the evaporation of the chloroform after again treating with water 
 and chloroform, is treated with absolute ether as long as the precipitate formed is redis- 
 solved, and then subjected to a temperature of 0° C. (32° F.). The compound of chloro- 
 form and colchicine thus formed is readily freed from the former by distillation with 
 steam. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When moderate doses of colchicum have been repeated for 
 several days or a single large dose has been taken, some heat is felt in the epigastrium, 
 with eructations and perhaps nausea. Under its continued action the appetite fails, the 
 tongue becomes coated, and there is some colic, with gurgling and diarrhoea. In doses 
 of from 1 to 4 drachms within twenty-four hours it occasions bilious vomiting, with colic 
 and straining, heat in the anus, and bloody and mucous stools. It is said that the abdo- 
 men is not tender under pressure, and cases of colchicum-poisoning indicate that the 
 statement is true. 
 
 Poisonous doses of colchicum, apart from the symptom just alluded to, occasion all the 
 signs of violent gastro-intestinal irritation, a true cholera morbus, with griping, vomiting, 
 diarrhoea, prostration, and painful spasms of the limbs and trunk, followed by resolution 
 and collapse, in which death may occur without delirium or coma. It probably is due at 
 last to cardiac syncope. 
 
 The chief use of colchicum is in the treatment of gout , for which disease it was 
 anciently employed, and only fell into neglect through the prevalence of absurd medical 
 theories which condemned it because their authors could not comprehend its operation. 
 Only within the first quarter of the present century was it revived, after the discovery 
 that the virtues of an unquestionably efficient quack remedy for the cure of gout were 
 due to colchicum. As a general rule, it acts much more favorably upon acute than 
 chronic gout, and upon first attacks than upon those which are frequently repeated ; it 
 does not agree with old persons as well as with the young or the middle-aged ; and 
 usually, although by no means uniformly, its favorable operation is attended with an in- 
 creased secretion of bile and urine, free alvine discharges without diarrhoea, and a moist 
 state of the skin. Its curative effects are not to be secured by allowing it to excite vom- 
 iting or purging, but are retarded and rendered incomplete by such evacuations. These 
 evils should be avoided by commencing the administration with small doses of the drug. 
 A repetition of the gouty attacks renders larger doses necessary, and in course of time 
 they are apt to resist the medicine completely. Before commencing the use of colchicum 
 in this disease it is profitable to remove the contents of the alimentary canal by means 
 of a purgative. A draught containing sulphate of magnesia, with magnesia or its car- 
 bonate, in an aromatic water, is the most appropriate form of prescribing it. 
 
 Much has been written of the virtues of colchicum in rheumatism , and some reputable 
 physicians have estimated them highly; but a close inquiry leaves no doubt that what- 
 ever good may have been achieved was due either to the violent purgative operation of 
 the medicine or to the agents with which it was associated. The recent hypodermic use 
 of colchicine for the same disease is mentioned only to be condemned. The local action 
 of the alkaloid is very irritating. The same remark applies with equal force to the use 
 of the medicine in cholera , tetanus, neuralgia, diseases of the skin , etc., but it is possible 
 that it may exert a salutary diuretic action in dropsy depending upon congestion or infarc- 
 tion of the kidneys. Its importance in this affection compared with that of digitalis is 
 almost null. Colchicin has been used with alleged advantage in various inflammatory 
 diseases of the eye by Darier, in doses of gr. -fa from one to six times a day ( Med . News, 
 liv. 350). 
 
 The dose of the dried cormus of colchicum may be stated at from Gm. 0.10-0.40 (gr. 
 ii-viij), and, according to some persons, this form of the medicine is the most efficient. 
 But the wines or the extracts are usually preferred. Colchicin is a powerful poison. If 
 used at all, its dose should not exceed gr. two or three times a day. 
 
520 
 
 COLLINSONIA.- COLL ODIUM '. 
 
 COLLINSONIA. — Horsebalm. 
 
 Richweed , Stone-root , Knob-root , Heal-all , E. ; Guerit-tout , Baume de cheval , Fr. ; Cob 
 linsonie, G. 
 
 Collinsonia canadensis, Linne. Meehan, Native Flowers , ii. 165. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae. 
 
 Description. — A perennial herb about .9 or 1.2 M. (3 or 4 feet) high, growing in 
 rich woodlands in North America from South Carolina northward. It has a nearly hori- 
 zontal and irregularly-branched rhizome, having, together with the branches, a length and 
 width of 7 to 15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches), and on the upper side a very knotty and tubercu- 
 lated appearance from the numerous short projecting branches and the many shallow con- 
 cave stem-scars ; the lower surface is much less knotty, and bears many thin nearly simple 
 rootlets or their remnants. It is externally of a grayish- or yellowish-brown color, has a 
 very thin bark of a slight nauseous taste, and a very hard, whitish wood. The stem is 
 quadrangular and hairy above ; the leaves are opposite, petiolate, 7 to 20 Cm. (3 to 8 
 inches) long, thin, nearly smooth, ovate, pointed, sometimes rather heart-shaped at the base, 
 coarsely serrate, and somewhat dotted beneath. The flowers are in loose racemes, of a 
 greenish-yellow color, the lower lip of the corolla fringed and with two exserted stamens. 
 The herb has when rubbed a strong and usually disagreeable odor, but occasionally it is 
 more pleasant and anise-like. Its taste is pungent. Like other Labiatse, it contains a 
 volatile oil, but it has not been chemically examined. 
 
 Action and Uses. — From the fact that this plant contains an acrid volatile oil 
 which it loses in drying, and that it has been popularly regarded as a remedy for various 
 forms of debility or oppression, it must be held to possess stimulant virtues. Its 
 special action appears to be upon the urinary organs, since it is esteemed most in 
 dropsy , gravel , and vesical catarrh ; and upon the skin, since it is employed as a diapho- 
 retic in rheumatism and fevers. Doubtless, the latter object is best secured by a hot, and 
 the former by a cold, infusion of the plant. The essential oil has been used separately, 
 and probably contains all the curative virtues of the herb. The fresh-bruised herb has 
 been employed for the relief of the eruption produced by poison sumach , as a vulnerary, 
 and as an anodyne for colic and other local pains, especially in hot fomentations. Next 
 to the essential oil, an infusion of the bruised fresh plant is to be preferred, which in 
 dropsical affections may be prepared with cider. 
 
 COLLODIUM, U. S., Br., P. G.— Collodion. 
 
 Collodion , Fr. ; Collodium, Kollodium , G. ; Collodio , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Pyroxylin 30 Gm. ; Ether 750 Cc. ; Alcohol 250 Cc. To the 
 pyroxylin, contained in a bottle, add the alcohol, and let it stand for fifteen minutes ; then 
 add the ether, and shake the mixture until the pyroxylin is dissolved. Cork the bottle 
 well and set it aside until the liquid has become clear. Then decant it from any sedi- 
 ment which may have formed and transfer it to bottles, which should be securely corked. 
 Keep the collodion in a cool place, remote from lights or fire. — U. S. 
 
 Collodion prepared from 220 grains of pyroxylin, 12 fluidounces of ether, and 4 fluid- 
 ounces of alcohol will correspond to the official article. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs the solution of 1 ounce of pyroxylin in a mixture 
 of 36 fluidounces of ether and 12 fluidounces of rectified spirit. The proportions of the 
 German Pharmacopoeia are — 1 part of collodion-cotton to 21 parts of ether and 3 parts of 
 alcohol. The Pharmacopoeias order the solution to be poured off from any sediment which 
 may form, and which by the U. S. P. 1870 was ordered to be reincorporated by agitation 
 before using the collodion. 
 
 Properties. — If the pyroxylin — or, more correctly, colloxylin — has been properly 
 made, there is no difficulty in preparing collodion by simply agitating it occasionally with 
 the liquid. It forms a neutral, nearly clear, or slightly opalescent, either colorless or 
 slightly yellowish, liquid having a syrupy consistence and ethereal odor. On evaporation 
 it forms a colorless, glossy, and contractile film, which is more or less white and opaque 
 if applied with the insoluble sediment. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Collodion and flexible collodion may be used as an excel- 
 lent vehicle for the local application of medicinal substances soluble in ether, such as 
 aconitine, atropine, tannin, ferric chloride, carbolic acid, the oleoresins of capsicum, pep- 
 per, etc., camphor, corrosive sublimate, red mercuric iodide, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These are treated of under Collodium flexile. 
 
COLLODIUM CA NTH A RIDA TUM.—COLL ODIUM FLEXILE. 
 
 521 
 
 COLLODIUM CANTHARIDATUM, 77. 8., P. G.—G antharidal 
 
 Collodion. 
 
 Collodium vesicant, Br. ; Collodium cantharidale. — Blistering collodion , E. ; Collodion 
 vesicant (s. cantharide , cantharidal ), Fr. ; Blasenziehendes Collodium , Kanthariden-Kollo- 
 dium, G\ 
 
 Preparation. — Cantharides, in No. 60 powder, 60 Gm. ; Flexible Collodion 85 Gm. ; 
 Chloroform, a sufficient quantity. Pack the cantharides firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator, and gradually pour chloroform upon them, until the cantharides are exhausted. 
 Recover the chloroform by distillation on a water-bath, and evaporate the residue in a 
 capsule, by means of a water-bath, until it weighs 15 grammes. Dissolve this in the 
 flexible collodion, and let it stand at rest for forty-eight hours. Finally, pour off the clear 
 portion from any sediment which may have been deposited and transfer it to bottles, 
 which should be securely corked. Cantharidal collodion should be kept in a cool place, 
 remote from lights or fire. — U. S. 
 
 If 4 av. ozs. of cantharides be exhausted with chloroform, the resulting tincture evap- 
 orated (as directed above) to 1 av. oz., and sufficient flexible collodion then added to 
 make the mixture weigh 6£ av. ozs., the finished product will be about of pharmacopoeial 
 strength. 
 
 Chloroform is a better solvent for cantharidin or the cantharidin compound contained in 
 old Spanish flies ; but if such be used it would seem to be of advantage to treat the 
 powder by DragendorfFs process (see page 398), when cantharidin will be set free, as 
 shown by Fahnestock (1879). Powdered cantharides being much lighter than chloro- 
 form, their percolation with this menstruum presents some difficulty unless pressed down 
 by a layer of washed sand. Owing to the volatility of the chloroform, percolation should 
 be performed with an apparatus such as is used for the percolation of ethereal liquids 
 (see Oleoresin^e), and the greater part of the menstruum remaining absorbed in the 
 powder may be recovered by judicious percolation with water. If the proper precautions 
 be observed in distilling the chloroformic tincture, the loss of chloroform will be insig- 
 nificant. The present formula is similar to that of Procter (1852), in which, however, 
 ether was used for exhausting the cantharides ; the inflammability of this liquid and its 
 vapor requires additional precautions in distilling the tincture. 
 
 The U. S. P. 1870 directed the exhaustion of the cantharides by means of ether and 
 alcohol, a portion of the ethereal percolate being reserved, while the remaining percolate 
 was evaporated, the residue mixed with the reserved portion, and the preparation finished 
 by adding the requisite amount of pyroxylin, castor oil, and Canada turpentine. For 
 reasons stated under Cantharides their exhaustion is better accomplished by acetic 
 ether than by ether. 
 
 Collodium vesicans, Br ., is made from blistering liquid 20 fluidounces and pyroxylin 1 
 ounce. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia directs this collodion to be made by exhausting coarsely- 
 powdered cantharides with a sufficient quantity of ether, evaporating the tincture to a 
 syrupy consistence and adding sufficient collodion to make the total weight of the fin- 
 ished product equal the weight of the cantharides used. 
 
 Properties. — Cantharidal collodion has the same physical properties as flexible collo- 
 dion, except that it is of a brownish-green color, which becomes yellowish on exposure 
 to light ; it is therefore best kept in amber-colored vials. The film left on evaporation 
 has also a greenish color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — See the following article. 
 
 COLLODIUM FLEXILE, 77. S. 9 Hr . — Flexible Collodion. 
 
 Collodium elastic um, P. G. — Collodium elastique , Fr. ; Elastisclies Collodium , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Collodion 920 Gm.; Canada Turpentine 50 Gm. ; Castor Oil 30 Gm. ; 
 to make 1000 Gm. Mix them and keep the mixture in a well-corked bottle in a cool 
 place, remote from lights or fire. — U. S. 
 
 This is nearly identical with the formula of the British Pharmacopoeia : the German 
 Pharmacopoeia directs the dissolving of 1 part of castor oil and 5 parts of turpentine in 
 94 parts of collodion. 
 
 Flexible collodion may also be made by weighing successively, into a tared bottle, 4 
 av. ozs. of collodion, 95 grains of Canada turpentine, and 57 grains of castor oil. 
 
522 
 
 COLLODIUM FLEXILE. 
 
 Properties. “This preparation has the same appearance as collodion, hut on evapo- 
 ration it forms an elastic and scarcely contractile film. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Collodium Iodatum, N. F. — Iodized Collodion. Take of Iodine, 
 reduced to powder, 5 parts ; Flexible Collodion 95 parts ; introduce the iodine into a tared 
 bottle, add the flexible collodion, and agitate until the iodine is dissolved. (400 grains of the 
 finished product will about equal 1 fluidounce.) 
 
 Collodium lodoformatum , N. F. — Iodoform Collodion. Take of Iodoform, 5 parts ; Flexible 
 Collodion, 95 parts. Dissolve the iodoform in the flexible collodion by agitation. (400 grains 
 of the finished product will about equal 1 fluidounce.) 
 
 Collodium Tiglii , N. F. — Croton Oil Collodion. Take of Croton Oil 10 parts ; Flexible Collo- 
 dion 90 parts ; mix them. (400 grains of the finished product will about equal 1 fluidounce.) 
 
 Collodium Salicylatum Compositum , N. F. — Compound Salicylated Collodion ; Corn Collodion. 
 Take of Salicylic Acid 1 1 parts ; Extract of Indian Hemp 2 parts ; Alcohol 10 parts ; Flexible 
 Collodion, enough to make 100 parts ; dissolve the extract in the alcohol, and the salicylic acid 
 in about 50 parts of flexible collodion contained in a tared bottle. Then add the former solution 
 to the latter, and finally add enough flexible collodion to make 100 parts. (400 grains of the 
 finished product will about equal 1 fluidounce.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — When collodion is spread upon the skin the evaporation of 
 its ether causes its dissolved constituents to solidify and contract. As it then becomes 
 very adhesive, the parts to which it is applied are constringed during the process, and 
 therefore are measurably rendered anaemic, so that congestion, inflammation, and pain in 
 them are prevented or reduced. The film formed by collodion in drying is impermeable 
 to air and water, and therefore protects the parts underneath it, while its transparency 
 permits them to be seen. The adhesive, protective, and contractile powers of collodion 
 have been variously applied. In wounds of the scalp it serves to attach to the shaven 
 skin slips of parchment, between whose opposite edges sutures are inserted to draw 
 them together. In other simple incised wounds it is applied while the edges of the 
 wounds are kept accurately coaptated, the skin being first made perfectly dry. Collo- 
 dion is often serviceable as a coating to ulcers which will not heal in consequence of the 
 moisture of the locality or its liability to mechanical irritation. Of the former sort are 
 ulcers of the neck of the uterus ; of the latter, various ulcers of the skin. The appli- 
 cation should be made first at some distance around the sore, and gradually advance to its 
 centre, which ought to be left open for the escape of the secretions. Its protective and con- 
 stringing properties are sometimes employed in the treatment of carbuncles. As in the case 
 just mentioned, the application should be made widely around the swelling, while its 
 centre should be left free. The same qualities render it available in preventing and in 
 treating bed-sores and sore nipples. Its protective action has been employed to prevent 
 abrasions and other wounds from becoming infected during surgical and obstetrical opera- 
 tions and in dissections. Its constringing operation enables it to control hsemorrhage 
 from leech-bites and other small wounds, to diminish the inflammation produced by the 
 stings of insects and the local phenomena of erysipelas , burns , and small-pox , in the last 
 of which it is thought to prevent pitting. For these three purposes it is necessary to 
 modify the action of the collodion so as to render it less rigid when hardened. A mix- 
 ture of 1 part of castor oil with 15 of collodion is said to have this effect, or the offici- 
 nal flexible collodion may be used. With a similar object collodion has been applied 
 with more or less success to the treatment of a variety of limited cutaneous eruptions, 
 such as intertrigo , acne , eczema , and herpes zoster. In the last-named affection it certainly 
 lessens the pain. It is probable that a death in discrete small-pox following the appli- 
 cation of collodion {Med. Record , xxx. 295) was due to the non-flexible preparation, 
 and perhaps to its excessive use. In several of these disorders a preparation of 
 collodion has been used containing vegetable and mineral astringents, as tannic acid 
 in the officinal styptic collodion. Collodion may be employed to reduce the swelling 
 of gonorrhoeal orchitis , the skin of the swollen testicle being tensely drawn before the 
 application is made. It has also been used with advantage in the treatment of varicocele. 
 Applied halfway around the finger affected with felon , it relieves the pain and sometimes 
 arrests the suppuration. In retracted nipple a zone of this liquid, applied so as to 
 encircle the nipple at the distance of a quarter of an inch, will sometimes cause it to 
 protrude. Its constringing action and its mechanical support render it efficient in pre- 
 venting protrusion of the bowel in umbilical hernia , and even in some cases of inguinal 
 hernia ; and the same is true of its use in cases of spina bifida , vascular nsevi, and ceph- 
 alhematoma after puncture. It may be used for a similar purpose in the treatment of 
 sprains and fractures of the nasal or other small bones, its application being renewed as 
 fast as the existing film becomes loose ; or cotton saturated with collodion may be applied 
 
COLLODIUM S TYPTICUM. — COL OCYJS THIS. 
 
 523 
 
 and secured with a bandage. It has been employed with alleged success to prevent noc- 
 turnal urination in children, by closing the orifice of the urethra with it at bed- 
 time ; but this is a clumsy expedient. In applying the actual cautery its action may 
 he limited by including the skin about to be burned within a broad and thick circle of 
 collodion. 
 
 Various substances of a caustic nature, such as cantharides, croton oil, iodine, corrosive 
 sublimate, iodide of zinc, chromic acid, etc., and certain astringents, such as tannin, the 
 salts of iron and copper, etc., have been associated with collodion for local application. 
 Cantharidal, flexible, and styptic collodions are officinal. Some of these compounds 
 require cautious use. Iodine collodion applied to a frostbitten finger caused the loss of 
 this member ; painted over a large surface, it produced gangrene of the skin and slough- 
 ing ; and applied to a swollen gland, it caused sloughing and an ulcer ( Edinb . Med. Jour., 
 xxxii. 568). 
 
 Before applying collodion the skin should be perfectly dry, and, the liquid having 
 been laid on with a soft brush, the first layer should be allowed to harden before a second 
 is applied. For protective purposes a thin film will suffice ; for constriction a thicker 
 coating is required. In dressing wounds a piece of patent lint or of linen cambric satu- 
 rated with the liquid should be laid upon the part after the edges of the wound are accu- 
 rately coaptated. If a firm dressing without constriction is desired, flexible collodion 
 is to be preferred. 
 
 Phytoxylin, 5 per cent., dissolved in equal parts of alcohol and ether, is said to be 
 preferable to collodion through its adhesiveness, its impermeability to liquids, and its 
 equable compression of the tissues. It is recommended as a dressing for small wounds 
 of the face, the genitals, etc. (Penzoldt), and also as a means of closing perforation of 
 the tympanum (Guranowski). 
 
 COLLODIUM STYPTICUM, U. Styptic Collodion. 
 
 Collodium hsemostaticum. — Styptic colloid , Xylosfyptic ether , E. ; Collodion au tannin , 
 Col. sfyptique , Fr. ; Tannin- Collodium, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tannic Acid 20 Gm. ; Alcohol 5 Cc. ; Ether 25 Cc. ; Collodion, a suf- 
 ficient quantity ; to make 100 Cc. Introduce the tannic acid, alcohol, and ether into a 
 graduated bottle, agitate until the tannic acid is thoroughly incorporated and partially 
 dissolved, then add enough collodion to make up the volume to 100 Cc., and shake occa- 
 sionally, until the acid is completely dissolved. Keep the product in cork-stoppered 
 bottles, in a cool place, remote from lights and fire. — U. S. 
 
 Styptic collodion of pharmacopoeial strength may also be prepared by using 620 grains 
 of tannic acid, 160 minims of alcohol, 13J fluidrachms of ether, and sufficient collodion to 
 bring the volume up to 6f fluidounces. 
 
 This preparation was originally suggested by Dr. Benjamin W. Richardson (1867), 
 who added a small quantity of tincture of benzoin. A somewhat similar but much 
 stronger preparation is the one recommended by Pavesi, consisting of tannin 5 parts, 
 carbolic acid 10 parts, benzoic acid 3 parts, and collodion 100 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is difficult to understand how tannic acid enclosed in an 
 insoluble matrix (which the solution becomes directly it is applied) can operate as an 
 astringent. Such, however, is the purpose supposed to be accomplished by this prepara- 
 tion, already referred to under Collodium Flexile. 
 
 COLOCYNTHIS, U. S . — Colocynth. 
 
 Poma colocynthidis. — Bitter apple, E. ; Coloquinthe , Fr. ; Koloquinten , G. ; Colloquin- 
 tide , It., Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Citrullis (Cucumis, Linne) Colocynthis, Schrader. Woodville, Med. Bot 
 plate 175; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 114. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Cucurbitaceae. 
 
 Official Parts. — L Colocynthis, U. S. ; Fructus colocynthidis, P.G. — Colocynth, 
 E . ; Coloquintes, Fr. ; Koloquinten, G. — The fruit deprived of its rind. 
 
 2. Colocynthidis pulpa, Br . — Colo cy nth-pulp. E. ; Pulpe de coloquinte, Fr. ; Kolo- 
 quintenmark, G. The decorticated fruit freed from the seeds. 
 
 Origin. — The colocynth-plant has a perennial root, an herbaceous, angular, hispid 
 stem, with many-lobed hairy leaves, short branching tendrils, and solitary axillary uni- 
 
524 
 
 COLOCYNTHIS. 
 
 Peeled Colocynth : 
 longitudiual and transverse section. 
 
 covered with a smooth and thin but firm, 
 
 sexual flowers with a yellow corolla. 
 Fig. 81 . It is said to be indigenous to Japan, 
 
 and is met with abundantly from the 
 sandy lands of Coromandel north-west- 
 ward to the Caspian Sea, and west- 
 ward throughout Western Asia to 
 Greece, throughout Northern Africa, 
 and as far south as Nubia, Senegam- 
 bia, and the Cape of Good Hope. 
 It is cultivated and naturalized in 
 Spain. 
 
 Description. — The fruit, called 
 gourd or pepo, resembles an orange in 
 size and appearance, is globular, 5 to 
 10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) in diameter, and 
 parchment-like rind of a light brownish-yellow 
 color. The rind is usually removed, sometimes from the fresh, hut more frequently from 
 the dried, fruit. In the former case the white or yellowish-white pulp is considerably 
 shrunk, so as to closely envelop the seeds ; in the latter case the fruit has retained its 
 original size and shape, but shows upon the surface of the spongy pulp the smooth cuts 
 with a sharp knife. It is destitute of odor, but has an intensely bitter taste, is very 
 light, and divided into three easily separable cells by the parietal placentae, which project 
 to near the centre, are then branched, turned back toward the rind, and here curved 
 inward again, so that by the development of each placenta three slightly-united wedges 
 are formed, each being again divided into two parts. The naturally one-celled fruit 
 has therefore the appearance of being six-celled, and the seeds being borne on the 
 incurved ends of the placentae in two, or sometimes three, rows, there are at least four 
 rows of seeds in each wedge or twelve rows in the fruit. The seeds are flat ovate, with 
 a rounded edge, brownish or yellowish, and contain an oily embryo with two thick cotyl- 
 edons. The pulp consists of roundish, thin-walled, loosely-united parenchyma-cells, 
 containing a little granular matter and becoming larger toward the centre ; the thin fibro- 
 vascular bundles form in the outer layer an irregular circle and are scattered in the 
 interior. Good colocynth yields from 65 to 72 per cent, of seeds and from 28 to 35 per 
 cent, of pulp, the latter alone being employed in medicine. The oily and slightly bitter 
 seeds, freed from the adhering bitter pulp and from the integuments, are used as food in 
 some parts of Africa. According to Fliickiger, the dried pulp yields 11 per cent, of ash, 
 and the seeds 2.7 per cent, of ash and 17 per cent, of fixed oil. 
 
 Colocynth reaches commerce from Syria, Egypt, Morocco, and Spain. The Syrian 
 variety is often peeled while fresh, and when dry is of a very shrivelled and unsightly 
 appearance, but is rarely met with in our commerce. 27,555 pounds of colocynth were 
 imported into this country in 1867. 
 
 Some other cucurbitaceous fruits have a very bitter taste, and are reputed to be purga- 
 tive, like Cucumis trigonus, Roxburgh , Cue. Hardwickii, Royle, of the East Indies, Cue. 
 prophetarum, Linne , of Arabia, and Luffa operculata, Cogin. 
 
 Constituents. — Colocynth has been analyzed by Braconnot, Vauquelin, Herberger, 
 Meissner, Bastick, and others. The medicinally unimportant constituents are pectinaceous, 
 mucilaginous, and gummy matter, fixed oil, and salts. Walz (1858) first published a 
 process for obtaining the bitter principle colocynthin in a pure state by exhausting the 
 alcoholic extract with cold water, precipitating the filtrate with lead acetate and sub- 
 acetate, removing excess of lead with hydrogen sulphide, precipitating with tannin, dif- 
 fusing the precipitate in alcohol, and decomposing with plumbic hydroxide. Any lead 
 taken up by the liquid is removed by hydrogen sulphide, the clear liquid evaporated, and 
 the residue washed with ether. The undissolved portion is colocynthin, C50II84O23 (?), an 
 amorphous yellow mass which appears to become crystalline on the slow evaporation of 
 its alcoholic solution. On boiling with dilute acids it splits into sugar and resinous colo- 
 cynthein. The portion of the alcoholic extract remaining undissolved by cold water 
 contains a tasteless crystalline principle, eolocynthitin , which is soluble in ether, alcohol, 
 and hot water. Hiibschmann (1858) obtained nearly 3 per cent, of colocynthin by treat- 
 ing the alcoholic extract of colocynth with hot water, concentrating the liquid, precipi- 
 tating it with excess of potassium carbonate, dissolving the dried precipitate in alcohol, 
 adding 8 volumes of ether, decanting, agitating with animal charcoal, filtering, and evap- 
 orating. Henke (1883) prepared apparently a purer colocynthin by precipitating with 
 
COL OCYNTHIS. 
 
 525 
 
 strong tannin solution and decomposing with lead carbonate ; the yield was only 0.6 per 
 cent, of the pulp. It is a pale-yellow uncrystallizable powder, soluble in 20 parts of cold 
 and 16 parts of hot water, readily soluble in alcohol, sparingly soluble in absolute alcohol, 
 and insoluble in ether, chloroform, benzene, benzin, and carbon disulphide. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Fructus colocyntiiidis pr^eparati, s. Trochisd 
 alhandal , P. G., 1872. It is prepared by triturating 5 parts of colocynth-pulp and 1 
 part of powdered gum-arabic with sufficient water to form a paste, which is dried and 
 reduced to a fine powder having a yellowish color. 
 
 Tinctura colocynthidis, P. Gr. Tincture of colocynth is made by macerating for 
 8 days 1 part of colocynth-fruit, with the seeds, with 10 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.832, 
 expressing, and filtering. It is of a yellowish color, very bitter, and becomes opalescent 
 when mixed with water. 
 
 For medicinal purposes an impure colocynthin has been proposed, to be made by treating 
 the alcoholic tincture with animal charcoal or by mixing the powdered colocynth with 
 and packing it upon some animal charcoal, and then displacing with alcohol ; on evap- 
 orating, a garnet-colored mass is obtained soluble in water and alcohol and insoluble in 
 ether. It has been used in doses of I to ? grain. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The experiments of Rutherford and Vignal led them to the 
 following conclusions : 1. Colocynth is an hepatic stimulant of considerable power ; it ren- 
 ders the bile more watery, but increases the secretion of biliary matter. 2. It is also a 
 powerful stimulant of the intestinal glands. In man small doses of it appear to quicken 
 intestinal peristalsis and augment the mucous and biliary secretions. The stools are gene- 
 rally mucous and watery, and are attended with colic. In excessive doses it operates as 
 a violent emeto- cathartic, causing vomiting and serous or bloody stools, severe burning 
 and colicky pains, and muscular spasms, such as are apt to occur in all severe gastro- 
 intestinal irritation. It has been known to cause death with these symptoms or with 
 the addition of peritonitis. Long ago Linnaeus declared that the mere emanations from 
 colocynth purged and vomited. A person powdering the dried fruit suffered for ten days 
 with loss of appetite and a bitter taste in the mouth, but had no diarrhoea. It is related 
 that a woman who had made a decoction of a single fruit in urine for destroying bed- 
 bugs was poisoned by its emanations, suffering from diarrhoea and most of the above- 
 mentioned symptoms, and, in addition, swollen face and feet, albuminous urine, and loss 
 of flesh (Jansen, Tker. Monatsheft ., Jan. 1889, p. 39). Solutions of colocynth applied to 
 the unbroken skin of the abdomen have occasioned purging, and still more readily when 
 the cuticle was removed. 
 
 Colocynth is used as a purgative when it is intended to produce a copious secretion and 
 rapid evacuation from the bowels, and at the same time a derivative operation upon 
 other organs. Thus, it is employed simply as an evacuant when fecal or other accu- 
 mulations obstruct the intestine, and in this way also it becomes a vermifuge. In a 
 similar manner, partly, it is used to promote indirectly the absorption and discharge of 
 dropsical effusions , these collections being absorbed in proportion as the blood-vessels lose 
 their watery contents through the bowels. It is one of the drastic cathartics which were 
 anciently employed to cure melancholia , and which for this purpose are probably under- 
 valued at the present day. In many cases of the affection the scybalous dejections, 
 muddy skin and eye, foul tongue, tender liver, and loaded urine are speedily modified by 
 active purgation, and with their abatement the mental torpor is removed. In coma, apo- 
 plexy , and recent paralysis of congestive origin colocynth will often prove a valuable 
 revulsive. On the other hand, its irritation of the bowel, by extending to the bladder, 
 urethra, or uterus, sometimes serves to cure vesical paralysis , chronic urethritis , and 
 amenorrhcea, depending upon torpor of the uterine system. Colocynth has been used as 
 a diuretic in dropsy, but the proof of its efficacy is insufficient. 
 
 Neither colocynth nor its simple extract is, at the present day, often administered alone, 
 but usually in combination with rhubarb, aloes, scammony, and mercurials. As a laxative 
 the dose may be stated at from Gm. 0.10-0.30 (2 to 5 grains), and as a drastic purgative 
 at from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (5 to 10 grains), three or four times a day. The tincture (P. G.) 
 is an efficient preparation. Colocynthin has been found to purge in doses of \\ to 6 
 grains, and hypodermically i to \ gr. It is painful by the latter method, and should be 
 associated with cocaine. 
 
 Luffa operculata, a Brazilian plant, bears a fruit as drastic as colocynth, and used in 
 analogous affections. For dropsy a fruit is boiled for a time, strained, and beaten until 
 cold into a froth like white of egg. A tablespoonful is given until vomiting or purging 
 
526 
 
 COLUTEA.— CONDURANGO CORTEX. 
 
 takes place. In some parts of Brazil it is much used by the common people, and some, 
 times with bad results ( Am . Jour. Phar ., lvi. 623). 
 
 Cucumis myriocarpus, or cacur, is used as an emetic by the natives of South Africa, 
 who heat the fruit, squirt its contents into their mouths, and swallow the pulp. Mr. 
 Armstrong states that he was nauseated after taking 20 grains of the fresh pulp, and four 
 or five hours afterward suffered some griping, and two or three hours later was purged. 
 He administered a pepo weighing 69 grains to a large fasting dog; no sickness followed 
 immediately, but after eight or nine hours a watery diarrhcea began which lasted twenty- 
 four hours. Two pepoes produced very free emesis in twenty minutes, and the last vomit 
 was tinged with blood. Considerable salivation also occurred. In the latter case there 
 was no purging ( Edinb . Med. Jour ., xxxii. 56). The action of this product is therefore 
 analogous to that of colocynth. 
 
 COLUTEA. — Bladder Senna. 
 
 Baguenaudier , Sene indigene. Fr. ; Falsche Senna , G. ; Espanta-lobos, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Colutea arborescens, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionacese. 
 
 Origin. — The bladder senna is a South European shrub about 3 M. (10 feet) high, 
 with small racemes of yellow flowers and greenish inflated legumes containing many 
 roundish blackish-brown seeds. 
 
 Description. — The leaflets are in four or five pairs, oval or elliptic, obtuse or emar- 
 ginate at the apex, regular at the base, thin, smooth, and dark-green above, pale-green 
 beneath, and clothed with appressed hairs. They have a feeble odor and a nauseous 
 and bitter taste. They have occasionally been used for adulterating senna-leaves. 
 
 Constituents. — Bladder senna has not been analyzed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The leaves and seeds of this plant are slightly purgative, and 
 the latter were formerly regarded as emetic also. It has been used chiefly as a domestic 
 purgative in some parts of Europe, in an infusion prepared with Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (,%j 
 to Oj), with the addition of liquorice-root and anise-seed, and taken in divided doses in 
 the morning, fasting. The powder and the extract have also been used, but the former 
 is not tolerated, owing to its offensive taste, and the same objection lies against the infu- 
 sion. The smoke of the dried leaves is said to act powerfully as an errhine. It is 
 employed in the same cases as senna. 
 
 COMPTONIA.— Sweet Fern. 
 
 Fern gale, Meadow fern, E. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Comptonia (Myrica, Blume) asplenifolia, Alton , s. Myrica 
 Comptonia, De Candolle. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myricaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Sweet fern is a branching shrub about 0.9 M. (3 feet) high, growing in 
 sandy or sterile places in Canada and the United States southward to Virginia, and flow- 
 ering in April. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are scattered, linear-lanceolate, pinnatifid, with alternate, 
 roundish, obtuse lobes, stipulate, resin-dotted, pubescent, thin, and 5 to 10 Cm. (2 to 4 
 inches) long ; the two stipules are small and acuminate. They have a peculiar resinous, 
 aromatic odor, and an aromatic and astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — A. K. Bowman (1869) determined the amount of tannin contained 
 in the leaves to be 8.20 per cent. B. T. Chiles (1873) found in sweet fern a principle 
 analogous to saponin, resin, volatile oil, gallic acid (?), fat, and other common vegetable 
 principles. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sweet fern is stimulant and astringent ; it probably owes the 
 former property to its essential oil, which is also the cause of its grateful fragrance, and 
 the latter to gallic acid. A decoction of it is sometimes used to relieve colic and check 
 diarrhoea and as a fomentation in rheumatism. 
 
 CONDURANGO CORTEX, JP. G., F. It.— Condurango. 
 
 The bark of Gonolobus Cundurango, Triana , s. Marsdenia Cundurango, Reichenbach. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Asclepiadacese. 
 
 Origin. — The drug which first attracted attention under the above name is known in 
 
CONDURANGO CORTEX. 
 
 527 
 
 Peru as cundurango hlanco, also as mata perro , or« “ dog-killer,” and comes from an ascle- 
 piadaceous climber, for which Dr. Ruschenberger proposed the name Pseusmagennetus 
 equatoriensis, and which grows in localities from 900 to 1500 M. above the level of the 
 sea. The shrub is from 3 to 9 M. (10 to 30 feet) high, and has a smooth ash-gray bark, 
 which is more or less mottled with greenish or blackish lichens. The bark is prepared 
 for market by pounding the stem with a mallet to detach it, and then drying it in the 
 sun, generally on skins, during eight or ten days. 
 
 Description. — Condurango-bark forms quills and semi-cylindrical pieces, which are 
 about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, 2 to 6 Mm. (yL to \ inch) thick, but are often much 
 broken ; the outer surface is brownish-gray, and somewhat wrinkled and warty ; the 
 inner surface is grayish or pale brownish-white ; the transverse fracture is granular and 
 slightly fibrous, and shows under the thin brown cork a whitish or yellowish-white amy- 
 laceous tissue, which is radially marked by wavy bast-wedges and dotted with numerous 
 brownish or yellow stone-cells. When dry it is without odor ; its taste is bitter and 
 somewhat aromatic and acrid. A clear infusion (1 to 5) prepared with cold water 
 becomes turbid on heating and clear again when cooled. 
 
 Constituents. — Dr. Antisell (1871) ascertained the bark to contain, besides 8 per 
 cent, of moisture, 12 of mineral salts and 80 of vegetable matter, the latter consist- 
 ing of 0.7 fat, 2.7 yellow resin, 0.5 starch, gum, and glucose, and 12.6 tannin, coloring- 
 matters, and extractive, the remainder being cellulose ; the bitter principle was not iso- 
 lated. G. Vulpius (1872) found a small quantity of a bitter principle, and in 1882 a 
 glucoside, condurangin , on which depends the peculiar behavior of the infusion. Robert 
 (1888) showed that the glucoside of Vulpius was a mixture of at least two glucosides. 
 Carrara (1891) isolated another glucoside, which differs from condurangin especially in 
 regard to solubility. F. A. Fluckiger (1882) found in minute quantity an alkaloid pos- 
 sessing a strychnine-like action. 
 
 Other Condurangos. — Dr. Jos. G. Ayers, U. S. N. (1871), ascertained that there are at least 
 ten .different shrubby vines designated as condurango, said to mean eagle-vine; of the majority 
 of these he was unable to collect the flowers and fruit. The origin of the following, however, 
 has been determined : 
 
 Gonolobus tetragonus, De Candolle , yields cundurango de paloina , from Malacatos. It is of a 
 dark-gray or brown color, and on the dry stem is slightly wrinkled longitudinally. 
 
 Echites hirsuta, Ruiz et Pavon (Apocynaceae), yields cundurango de paloma , from Zaruma. 
 The bark has a soft, pale-yellow, or white corky layer, which is a line or more thick. 
 
 Echites acuminata, Ruiz et Pavon , yields cundurango de pldtano. The bark is thin and pale- 
 gray on the outside. 
 
 (Most of the above facts have been taken from the valuable Report on the Origin and Thera- 
 peutic Properties of Cundurango , by W. S. W. Ruschenberger, 31. 1)., U. S. N., Washington, 
 
 Action and Uses. — Brunton states that it does not seem to have any definite 
 physiological action, but according to Robert ( Therapeut. Monatsheft ., iii. 128) condurangin 
 acts upon the central nervous system, producing in animals, according to the dose, weak- 
 ness or paralysis of the limbs or violent clonic convulsions. Among the other symptoms 
 were noted impairment or loss of appetite, salivation, and vomiting. The circulatory 
 system seemed unaffected. In 1871-72 it was proclaimed to be a cure for cancer , and 
 for a short time attracted professional notice. It, however, speedily lost its ephemeral 
 reputation when it was proved to possess no medicinal virtues in cancer or in any other 
 disease, except such as belonged to various aromatic bitters, allaying vomiting and 
 improving the appetite. It was particularly credited with the cure of cancer of the 
 stomach , and the observations of Riess in 1887 gave some weight to this opinion {Cen- 
 tralbl. f. Ther ., v. 238), for the medicine seems to have palliated the digestive derange- 
 ments attending that disease as well as of non-malignant obstruction and dilatation of 
 the stomach. As Oser remarked ( Lancet , May 19, 1888), there is every reason to believe 
 the cases of apparent cure were really instances of mistaken diagnosis ; and, more 
 recently {Bull, de Therap., cxix. 166), Guyenot showed that condurango in powder 
 relieves gastric pain, but exerts no curative action on gastric diseases. According to him, 
 condurangin is a poisonous agent, irritating the stomach and producing nervous disorder 
 in animals. According to some writers, it has been useful in rheumatism and neuralgia. 
 It may be administered in a decoction made with half an ounce of the bark in a pint 
 of water, Gm. xvi in Gm. 500, reduced to half a pint, of which a tablespoonful is given 
 three or four times a day. The same decoction has been used topically. Robert states 
 that the decoction must be inert, since boiling water coagulates the glucosides on which 
 the virtues of condurango depend. 
 
528 
 
 CONFECTION ES. — CONFECTI 0 OPII. 
 
 OONPEOTIONES.— Confections. 
 
 ( Conserve and Electuaria). — Electuaries, E. ; Conserves, Electuaires, Saccharoles mous, 
 Fr. ; Conserven , Latwergen, G. 
 
 These preparations are now but little employed medicinally, compared with the exten- 
 sive use made of them during the past century, when many medicinal substances were 
 preserved and exhibited in the form of soft solids sweetened by sugar or honey. A dis- 
 tinction was then, and in some countries is still, made between conserves and electuaries , 
 which in the British and U. S. P. Pharmacopoeias are now comprised under the title 
 of confections. 
 
 Conserves were made by covering fresh drugs with a layer of sugar ; afterward by 
 beating fresh vegetable substances with sufficient sugar until the whole was converted 
 into a uniform soft mass. As indicated by the name, the primary object in view was to 
 preserve the medicinal virtues of the plants thus treated, and incidentally their adminis- 
 tration was rendered more agreeable. Fresh plants not being at all seasons attainable, 
 it became customary to use some in their dried condition, either in the form of powder 
 or unpowdered, and to beat them with the requisite quantity of water and sugar. Medici- 
 nal roots not containing enough moisture were usually steeped in hot water before the 
 sugar was added. 
 
 Electuaries differ from conserves mainly in being mixtures of powders with pulps, 
 syrups, or honey, and are made by triturating the ingredients together in a mortar. The 
 powders should be very fine ; when extracts are to be added they are previously liquefied 
 by trituration with a little water or other suitable menstruum, and gum-resins, if not pul- 
 verizable, are best converted into an emulsion to ensure their uniform distribution. Sol- 
 uble as well as insoluble salts may be given in this form, but of the latter kind only the 
 lighter ones should be used, since heavy insoluble salts are apt to gradually subside in the 
 soft mixture. Of other insoluble substances, volatile oils should first he rubbed with a 
 portion of the sugar or an absorbent powder, and fixed oils are suspended in mucilage 
 before they are incorporated. 
 
 If intended to be kept on hand, electuaries are made of such a consistence that they 
 are rather soft, but at the same time firm enough to prevent the separation of the ingre- 
 dients. For immediate use they are made somewhat softer, so that the mixture, when 
 taken upon a spatula, will gradually drop off ; they are then in a condition to be swallowed 
 Without mastication, and if partial separation should have occurred on standing, a uniform 
 mixture is readily obtained again by stirring. 
 
 If the main excipients of electuaries are pulps and honey, they will for a long time 
 ensure a proper consistence and prevent the preparation from becoming hard and dry. 
 With sugar as the principal constituent, as in the case with conserves, the gradual evap- 
 oration of water will often cause it to become hard and the sugar to crystallize ; it should 
 then he worked over, if necessary, with the addition of a little water or glycerin, but the 
 substitution of common for refined sugar should not he resorted to. 
 
 Two confections only have been admitted in the U. S. P., and one in the P. Gr. Formu- 
 las for those which have been dismissed will be found under the head of the principal 
 drug contained therein. 
 
 CONFECTIO OPH, Br . — Confection of Opium. 
 
 Electuarium theriaca. — Electuaire opiace , Theriaque, Fr. ; Opiumlatwerge, Theriak, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Compound Powder of Opium 100 grains (or 1 part), Syrup 
 300 grains (or 3 parts). Mix. — Br. 40 grains of this confection represent 1 grain 
 of opium. The same quantity is contained in 80 grains of confection made by the 
 French Codex, which orders not less than sixty ingredients. The latter resembles 
 the Mithridatum and Confectio Damocratis of the past century, which preparations con- 
 tained about one-fourth of the above proportion of opium. Confection of opium has 
 very properly been dismissed from the U. S. P. and P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Introduced as a substitute for the ancient compound, theriaca, 
 it is peculiarly useful in simple diarrhoea affecting persons of a debilitated and especially 
 a gouty habit of body, and feeble digestion associated with flatulent colic, and during 
 the exhausting heat of summer. 1 grain of opium is contained in 36 grains of the 
 mass, Gm. 0.06 in Gm. 2.40, and therefore, as the bulk of the medicine may be objec- 
 tionable where a strong anodyne impression is desired, the proportion of the narcotic 
 may be increased extemporaneously. 
 
CONFECTIO PIPER IS. — CONFECTI 0 SENNsE. 
 
 529 
 
 CONFECTIO PIPERIS, Br . — Confection of Pepper. 
 
 Electuarimn piper is. — Electuaire ( Confection ) de poivre, Fr. ; Pffferlaticerge , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Black Pepper, in fine powder, 2 ounces; Caraway-Fruit, 
 in fine powder, 3 ounces ; Clarified lloney, 15 ounces. Rub them well together in a 
 mortar. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This confection was prepared in imitation of Ward’s paste, 
 which acquired great vogue in the treatment of haemorrhoids with ulceration or a dis- 
 charge of mucus. A piece of the size of a nutmeg may be taken two or three times a 
 day. 
 
 CONFECTIO ROS^E, U. S . — Confection of Rose. 
 
 Confect io rosse, gallicse, Br. ; Conserva r osar um.-*- Conserve de rose rouge , Fr. ; Rosen- 
 conserve, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Red Rose, in No. 60 powder, 80 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 640 
 Gm. ; Clarified Honey 120 Gm. ; Stronger Rose-water, 160 Cc. Rub the red rose with 
 the rose-water heated to 65° C. (150° F.), then gradually add the sugar and honey, and 
 beat the whole together until thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 Confection of rose may also be prepared of pharmacopoeial strength by using — of red 
 rose, in No. 60 powder, £ av. oz., sugar 4 av. ozs., clarified honey f av. oz., and stronger 
 rose-water 1 fl. oz. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs 1 pound of fresh red-rose petals to be beaten in a 
 stone mortar with 3 pounds of sugar. 
 
 The formula of the French Codex is similar to the first one, but omits the honey. 
 
 With a good quality of powdered red-rose petals a very good confection is obtained. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — It is used as an excipient in Pilula aloes barbad., Pil. 
 aloes et assafoetidae, Pil. aloes et ferri, Pil. aloes et myrrhse, Pil. aloes socotr., Pil. ferri 
 carbonatis, Pil. hydrargyri, Pil. plumbi cum opio, Br., and is occasionally serviceable for 
 the same purpose in extemporaneous pill-masses. 
 
 CONFECTIO ROS-£E CANIN^E, Br. — Confection of Hips. 
 
 Confectio cynosbati, Conserva cynorrhodi, F. Cod. — Conserve de cynorrhodon , Fr. ; Ham- 
 butten- Conserve, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Hips, deprived of tneir seeds, 1 pound ; Refined Sugar 2 
 pounds. Beat the hips to a pulp in a stone mortar, and rub the pulp through a sieve ; 
 then add the sugar and rub them well together. — Br. 
 
 It is used as an excipient in Pilula quiniae, Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Confection of rose or of hips is used only as an excipient 
 for substances given in pilular form, and which it is desired to have promptly diffused in 
 the stomach. 
 
 CONFECTIO SCAMMONH, Br. — Confection of Scammony. 
 
 Electuaire ( Confection ) de scammonee , Fr. ; Scammonium-Laticerge , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Scammony, in fine powder, 3 ounces; Ginger, in fine pow- 
 der, 1J ounces; Oil of Caraway 1 fluidrachm ; Oil of Cloves \ fluidrachm ; Syrup 3 
 fluidounces ; Clarified Honey 1 \ ounces. Rub the powders with the syrup and the 
 honey into a uniform mass, then add the oils and mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This confection is intended, by the stimulants and carmina- 
 tives which it contains, to moderate the drastic operation of the associated scammony. 
 The dose is from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (10 to 30 grains). 
 
 CONFECTIO SENN^E, TJ. S., Br. — Confection of Senna. 
 
 Electuarium e senna, P. G. ; Electuarium de senna compositum , Electuarium lenitivum. 
 — Lenitive electuary, E. ; Electuaire de sene compose, Electuaire lenitif ‘ Fr. ; Senna- Lat- 
 werge, G. ; Elettuario lenitivo, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Senna, in No. 60 powder, 100 Gm. ; Cassia Fistula, bruised, 160 
 Gin.; Tamarind, 100 Gm. ; Prune, sliced, 70 Gm. ; Fig, bruised, 120 Gm. ; Sugar, in 
 fine powder, 555 Gm. ; Oil of Coriander, 5 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity; to make 
 1000 Gm. Place the cassia fistula, tamarind, prune, and fig in a close vessel with 500 
 34 
 
530 
 
 CONFECTIO S ULPU URIS. — CONIUM. 
 
 Cc. of water and digest for three hours by means of a water-bath. Separate the coarser 
 portions with the hand, and rub the pulpy mass, first through a coarse hair-sieve, and 
 then through a fine one, or through a muslin cloth. Mix the residue with 150 Cc. of 
 water, and, having digested the mixture for a short time, treat it as before, and add the 
 product to the pulpy mass first obtained. Then, by means of a water-bath, dissolve the 
 sugar in the pulpy liquid, and evaporate the whole, in a tared vessel, until it weighs 895 
 Gm. Lastly, add the senna and the oil of coriander, and incorporate them thoroughly 
 with the other ingredients while they are yet warm. 
 
 To make 20 av. ozs. of confection of senna the following quantities should be used: 
 Senna, in No. 60 powder, 2 oz. ; cassia fistula, bruised, 3 oz. and 88 grains ; tamarind, 
 2 ozs.; prune, sliced, 1 oz. and 175 grains; fig, bruised, 2 oz. and 175 grains; sugar 
 
 11 oz. ; oil of coriander 46 minims ; water a sufficient quantity. For the first treatment 
 with water 10 fl. oz. may be used, and for the second treatment 31 fl. oz. Before add- 
 ing the senna and oil of coriander the pulpy mass should be evaporated to 18 av. oz. 
 
 Take of senna, in fine powder, 7 ounces ; coriander-fruit, in fine powder, 3 ounces ; figs 
 
 12 ounces; tamarind 9 ounces ; cassia-pulp 9 ounces; prunes 6 ounces; extract of licor- 
 ice 1 ounce ; refined sugar 30 ounces ; distilled water a sufficiency. Boil the figs and 
 prunes gently with 24 ounces of distilled water in a covered vessel for four hours; then, 
 having added more distilled water to make up the quantity to its original volume, mix 
 the tamarind and cassia-pulp, digest for four hours, and rub the softened pulp of the 
 fruits through a hair-sieve, rejecting the seeds and other hard parts. To the pulped prod- 
 uct add the sugar and extract of licorice, and dissolve them with a gentle heat ; while 
 the mixture is still warm add to it gradually the mixed senna and coriander powders, 
 and mix the whole thoroughly, making the weight of the resulting confection 75 ounces 
 either by evaporation or by addition of more distilled water. — Br. 
 
 Mix powdered senna 1 part ; simple syrup 4 parts ; purified tamarind-pulp 5 parts, 
 and warm by means of a steam-bath. It is greenish-brown. — P. G. 
 
 The last formula is the simplest, and yields a less pleasant but equally effectual prep- 
 aration. That of the French Codex is of more complex composition. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This confection forms an eligible basis for various purgative 
 compounds, and is itself a mild and efficient laxative in the dose of Gm. 8 (120 grains). 
 
 CONFECTIO SULPHURIS, Confection of Sulphur. 
 
 Electuarium sulphuris. — Elect uaire ( Opiat ) de soufre , Fr. ; Schwefel-Latwerge , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sublimed Sulphur 4 ounces; Acid Tartrate of Potassium, 
 in powder, 1 ounce; Syrup of Orange-Peel 4 fluidounces ; Tragacanth, in powder, 18 
 grains. Bub them well together. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like confections of senna, this preparation is well adapted to 
 procure copious semi-solid stools without actively purging or causing irritation of the 
 rectum. These qualities adapt it for use as a laxative in haemorrhoidal cases. The dose 
 is from Gm. 4-8 (1 to 2 drachms). 
 
 CONFECTIO TEREBINTHHNLE, 1 3r. — Confection of Turpentine. 
 
 Electuarium terebinthinatum. — Electuaire ( Opiat ) terebenthine , Fr. ; Terpentinbl-Lat- 
 werge , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Turpentine 1 fluidounce ; Liquorice-Root, in powder, 
 1 ounce ; Clarified Honey 2 ounces. Rub the oil of turpentine with the liquorice, add 
 the honey, and mix to a uniform consistence. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In this mixture the repulsive taste of the oil of turpentine is 
 masked by the liquorice-powder more thoroughly than can be effected in an emulsion. It 
 is used occasionally for passive haemorrhage , flatulence, lumbricoid worms , rheumatism, 
 etc. The dose is Gm. 4-8 (1 or 2 drachms). 
 
 CONIUM. U. S.,Br JP. G.— Conium. 
 
 Hemlock , Poison or spotted hemlock , E. ; Grand cigue , Cigue officinale , Fr. ; Schierling , 
 Gefleckter Schierling , G. ; Cicuta maggiore. It. ; Cicuta. mayor , Sp. 
 
 Conium maculatum, Linne , s. Cicuta maculata, Lamarck. Bentley and Trimen, Med, 
 Plants , 118. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Campylospermse. 
 
CONIUM. 
 
 531 
 
 Official Parts. — 1. Conii folia, Br. ; Herba conii, P. G. ; Herba cicutae majo- 
 ris.— Hemlock-leaves, E . ; Feuilles de grande cigue, Fr. ; Schierlingskraut, Schierlings- 
 Blatter, G. 
 
 The leaves, also fresh leaves and young branches, Br. 
 
 2. Conium, U. S. ; Conii Fructus , Br. — Hemlock-fruits, E.; Fruits de grande cigue. Fr. ; 
 Schierlingsfriichte, G. 
 
 The full-grown fruit, gathered while yet green. 
 
 Origin. — Spotted hemlock is indigenous to the temperate countries of Asia, Europe, 
 and Northern Africa, and has been naturalized in some portions of New England and 
 New York and in South America. It grows in waste places and 
 along streams. It has a biennial, whitish, nearly simple or some- Fig. 83. 
 
 what branched root, and a round furrowed stem, which is 1.8 to 
 2.4 M. (6 to 8 feet) high, hollow except at the joints, smooth, 
 glaucous, and covered with numerous brown or brown-red spots. 
 
 The numerous branches are terminated by umbels of ten or twenty 
 rays, with the one-sided involucels of three or four ovate or lan- 
 ceolate bracts united at the base, and with small white flowers. 
 
 Description. — 1. The Leaves. The lower leaves are about 
 30 Cm. (1 foot) long, upon long, hollow, and sheathing petioles 
 broadly ovate or triangular in general outline, pinnately decom- 
 pound, with the pinnae oblong-lanceolate, pinnatifid, or incised, the 
 upper ones toothed, each lobe or tooth terminating with a small eters . magmfied 8 diam ' 
 whitish point. The upper leaves are smaller, almost sessile, and 
 
 less decompound ; all are smooth. In the fresh state they are of a dull dark-green color 
 above, paler and somewhat glossy beneath, and acquire on drying a dull grayish-green 
 color and a characteristic odor, which has been likened to that of the urine of mice ; 
 their taste is nauseous, saline, somewhat bitter and acrid. They are collected from plants 
 in full bloom when the fruit begins to form ; on drying they lose about 85 per cent, in 
 weight. 
 
 The leaves of iEthusa Cynapium, Linne (Bentley and Trimen, Med Plants , 125), 
 Anthriscus sylvestris, Hoffmann , and different species of Chaerophyllum, have been 
 occasionally collected in place of conium ; but the plants have only a superficial resem- 
 blance to the latter, and the leaves do not agree with all the characters given above. 
 The first plant is known as Fool’s parsley, Small hemlock, E. ; Ethuse, Petite cigue, 
 Ache des chiens, Fr. ; Hundspetersilie, Gartenschierling, G. It is indigenous to Europe 
 and Northern Asia, and is somewhat naturalized in North America. The leaves resemble 
 conium-leaves in outline and subdivision, but the secondary pinnae are rhomboid-ovate 
 and pinnatifid or bipinnatifid, with narrow lanceolate acute segments ; they are dark- 
 green above, somewhat paler and glossy beneath, and when bruised have a disagreeable 
 somewhat leek-like odor. The other plants mentioned have pubescent or ciliate leaflets. 
 
 2. The Fruit. The fruit is about 3 Mm. (£ inch) long, broadly ovate, somewhat 
 compressed at the sides, crowned with the short stylopodium, and readily separating into 
 the two mericarps, each one marked on the back with five wavy crenate ribs, which 
 become nearly smooth in the ripe fruit. The furrows are faintly wrinkled longitudinally, 
 and, like the face, destitute of oil-tubes. The integuments of the fruit are convex upon 
 the face and penetrate into the albumen, which upon a transverse section shows a round- 
 ish heart-shaped or reniform outline. The fruit has a green or gray-green color, or is 
 grayish if collected as directed by the British Pharmacopoeia. It is nearly inodorous 
 and has but a slight taste : when triturated with an alkali, it evolves the disagreeable 
 I odor of the leaves. Conium-fruit has been occasionally observed as an adulteration of 
 anise, to which, when ripe, it bears some resemblance. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent of both drugs is the volatile alkaloid 
 coniine, or ermine , which, according to A. W. Hofmann (1881), has the formula C 8 II 17 N. 
 Giseke (1827) obtained it as an impure sulphate; Geiger (1831) prepared it pure. It is 
 contained in the distillate, prepared with an alkali from the drug or its extract, and freed 
 from ammonia by converting it into sulphate and exhausting this with a mixture of strong 
 alcohol and ether, which leaves ammonium sulphate undissolved ; coniine may then be lib- 
 erated by treatment with an alkali and distillation, bat, though colorless, is accompanied 
 by conhydrine or conydrine , and often by methylconiine, the former of which is left in the 
 retort on the careful distillation of the colorless crude coniine. Conhydrine forms pearly 
 iridescent laminae which fuse at 120.6° C. (249° F.), sublime above 150° C. (302° F.), 
 boil at 226° C. (438.8° F.), and have a slight odor of coniine. It was discovered by 
 
 Conium : fruit and longitu- 
 dinal section, magnified 3 
 diameters; transverse sec- 
 
 
532 
 
 CONIUM. 
 
 Wertheim (1856). Examined by A. W. Hoffmann (1882), it was found to have the 
 composition, C 8 H 17 NO, assigned to it by Wertheim ; but on treatment with phosphoric 
 anhydride or strong hydrochloric acid it yields an oily distillate of a coniine-like odor, 
 containing several bodies not identical with this base. Coniine is a colorless, inflamma- 
 ble, oily liquid, specific gravity 0.88 to 0.89, has a strong alkaline reaction, a penetrating 
 suffocating odor, and when pure the boiling-point is 168° to 169° C. (334.4 to 336.2° F.). 
 It is soluble in all proportions in alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene, benzin, and fixed oils, 
 is less freely soluble in carbon disulphide, and requires 100 parts of cold water for solu- 
 tion, this solution becoming turbid on warming. Like ammonia, it forms dense white 
 fumes with volatile acids, precipitates most metallic salts, some of the precipitates, like 
 silver, being soluble in excess, and it neutralizes acids, forming salts which are freely 
 soluble in water and alcohol, are usually deliquescent, and occasionally uncrystallizable, 
 and are not precipitated by platinic chloride. Its hydrochlorate and hydrobromate are, 
 according to A. W. Hoffmann (1881), easily obtained by dissolving coniine in anhydrous 
 ether and passing into the solution dry hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid gas. The salts, 
 being insoluble in ether, are precipitated in a white crystalline form ; both are very 
 soluble in water and alcohol, are not deliquescent, and may be dried at 100° C. (212° 
 F.) without decomposition. Coniine is dextro-rotatory, while paraconiine, C 8 H 15 N, so 
 called from the supposed identity of its formula with that of coniine, is optically indif- 
 ferent. This alkaloid was artificially prepared by Ladenburg (1889), it being shown by 
 Hoffmann to be a-propylpiperidine. 
 
 Conium-fruit contains, besides the usual principles, also a fixed oil, a minute portion 
 of non-poisonous volatile oil having the odor of cumin, and probably malic acid in com- 
 bination with the alkaloids. The herb contains acetates and malates, and a non-poison- 
 ous volatile oil of a disagreeable odor, and yields about 12 per cent, of ash. The amount 
 of alkaloid in the herb is minute, but appears to vary ; the mature but still green fruit 
 contains about 0.8 per cent, or less of coniine ; conhydrine is always present in very 
 minute proportion. 
 
 The herb of fool’s parsley was stated by Ficinus to contain a crystallizable poisonous 
 alkaloid, cynapine , said to be soluble in water and alcohol, but insoluble in ether. But 
 Walz (1859) and Bernhardt (1880) obtained from the fruit a volatile oily base resem- 
 bling coniine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is no apparent relation between the physiological and 
 the toxical effects of conium on the one hand and its medicinal operation on the other, 
 and in this it resembles a very large number of medicines. It occasions no mental disorder 
 nor drowsiness, the mind remaining calm but active. Dr. John Harley, who studied this 
 subject with peculiar thoroughness, states the following as the effects of a full dose of 
 conium-juice given to palliate chronic muscular spasm : “ The whole muscular system is 
 completely relaxed. The orbicularis is incapable of resistance. The movements of the 
 eyeball are very sluggish, and there is more or less complete ptosis. The muscles of 
 mastication and deglutition are nearly paralyzed. Speech is slow and effected with exer- 
 tion ; the voice is gruff, from relaxation of the laryngeal muscles. Withal, the heart 
 and breathing are normal, sensation and intelligence are perfect, and the mind is calm.” 
 Even in fatal cases the pulse and respiration may be natural until the approach of death, 
 which often is preceded by convulsions. The face is apt to be pale, and the hands and 
 feet are cold and either pale or bluish. In the case of an infant, aged eight months, 5 
 grains of extract of conium, 5 grains of potassium bromide, and a teaspoonful of chloro- 
 form-water were given in one dose. The lower limbs were paralyzed, the pupils dilated, 
 the face livid, and the breathing diaphragmatic. Death occurred in seven hours 
 (Lancet, July 25, 1885). Doubtless the associated medicines modified the operation of 
 the conium, but increased, rather than lessened, its action. The case is related by 
 Schulze of a student who was poisoned by smelling at an open bottle of conium 
 ( Tlierap . Gaz., xi. 572). In this case the headache and the diaphoresis were very 
 great. After death from conium-poisoning no lesions are uniformly found. 
 
 Conium has had a wide reputation for its virtues in the treatment of cancer , and there 
 is no doubt that it has removed tumors supposed to be cancerous, both when used 
 as a dressing and when given internally. That when applied locally it mitigates the 
 pain and improves the condition of sores regarded as open cancer is certain. It is there- 
 fore a medicine not to be lightly neglected in cases of this kind. In scrofulous glandular 
 sores similar good effects are sometimes observed. Enlargement and induration of the 
 liver by simple engorgement or by a degree of hyperplasia, with the attendant symptoms, 
 jaundice and ascites, appear tQ have been cured by a prolonged use of the medicine. 
 
 \ 
 
CON IV M. 
 
 533 
 
 During a like use of it the mammary gland has been known to become atrophied and its 
 secretion to have been gradually suspended. Conium plasters were formerly used to dry 
 up the milk. Dolan has praised it for chronic inflammation of the womb and as an 
 “ excellent sedative for backache and for the sexual organs.” Cutaneous affections , 
 especially those of a strumous nature, appear to be favorably modified by this medicine. 
 The reputed benefits of conium in melancholy seem to be attributable rather to the asso- 
 ciated treatment, except where the mental disorder depended upon one of the visceral 
 infarctions above alluded to. In mania, its sedative operation has been used to control 
 violence, and in erotic insanity it appears to lessen the evidences of sexual excitement. 
 For the latter purpose it was anciently employed. A plaster containing equal propor- 
 tions of conium and belladonna extracts is an efficient palliative of intercostal neuralgia 
 and of palpitation of the heart. An ointment made by mixing the inspissated juice of 
 conium with lanolin is related by Whitla ( Practitioner , xl. 250) to have palliated pain 
 and itching in various affections of the anus. In many neuralgic affections conium is 
 reputed to be efficacious, but it is probably in those only in which the paroxysm is due 
 to congestion or other pressure upon nervous trunks. The same may be said of its use 
 in ophthalmia with photophobia , in toothache , whooping cough , asthma , spasmodic laryn- 
 gitis , laryngismus stridulus , and epilepsy due to congested conditions of the motor centres. 
 Wolfenden has proposed hydrobromate of coniine in epilepsy. He administered it in 
 doses of from Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr. j— ij) a day to children. It tends to cause giddiness 
 and congestion of the eyes ( Practitioner , xxxii. 431). Its efficiency in some aggravated 
 cases of chorea is still more striking. In this and other spasmodic affections the full 
 development of its physiological operation is essential to the cure. It would seem to be 
 indicated in puerperal and infantile convulsions and tetanus. In the last-named disease it 
 is said to have effected a cure in four out of six cases (Chew, Med. Record , xix. 38), and 
 a case of traumatic and one of idiopathic tetanus had a similar issue under the care of 
 Demme ( Centralb . f. Ther., v. 218; vi. 180). Conium has been used to advantage as 
 an adjuvant to quinine in malarial diseases (Newton, Med. Record , xxv. 63). Dr. 
 Harley has called attention to the utility of conium-juice in trismus , in spasm of the 
 orbicularis and of the gullet , in dislocations of the joints where the action of powerful 
 muscles resists the efforts made to reduce them, and in cases of the impaction of artificial 
 teeth in the oesophagus. He dwells upon the important circumstance that patients under 
 its influence are not prevented from assisting the surgeon by their efforts and guiding 
 him by their sensations. 
 
 Conium and its preparations are contraindicated in cases of great exhaustion and 
 debility. Diseases interfering with the rhythm of the heart suggest a cautious use of 
 the medicine. 
 
 The proper antidotes to conium-poisoning are evacuation of the stomach and the use 
 of alcoholic stimulants, with external warmth. 
 
 Supposing the preparation to be good — which it seldom is — the extract of conium may 
 be given in doses of Gm. 0.06 (gr. j), repeated at intervals of an hour or more until its 
 physiological operation begins to appear. The commencing dose of coniine is stated by 
 different physicians at Gm. 0.001 (gr. ^), or even less, and the hypodermic dose of 
 bromohydrate of coniine, Gm. 0.01 (gr. J). According to Tuloup, Audhouin, and 
 others, no smaller amount than Gm. 0.10 (gr. ij) of the salt in twenty-four hours will 
 have much effect, and this quantity should be used in two doses, and pretty rapidly 
 increased until 5 or 6 grains a day are given. For hypodermic use may be employed a 
 solution of 1 Gm. of bromohydrate of coniine in 18 Gm. of distilled water. Each Gm. 
 will contain about 5 Cgm. of the salt, of which one-eighth may be used for a first injection, 
 but subsequently the quantity may be rapidly increased to 1 Gm., or even 2 or 3 Gm. 
 “ The initial dose for hypodermic injections does not differ much from what is necessary 
 by the stomach.” By the latter way it is said that if the doses are gradually increased, 
 5 or even 6 grains of the salt may be given in the course of twenty-four hours without 
 injury (Tuloup, Annuaire de Therap ., 1880, p. 15). 
 
 iETHUSA CYNAPIUM, fooFs parsley , has generally been alleged to be poisonous, like 
 conium or aconite (Taylor’s Med. Jurisp., 1865, p. 351), and Harley collected a number 
 of cases and statements which were supposed to prove its poisonous action ; but an 
 extended series of experiments led him to conclude that the plant is not in any degree 
 poisonous (St. Thomas's Hosp. Rep ., N. S. iv. 63 ; x. 257). In 1882 this conclusion was 
 fully confirmed by Tanret, who believes the erroneous statements referred to arose from 
 confounding iEthusa cynapium with Conium maculatum, which it closely resembles in 
 appearance {Bull, de Therap. , ciii. 22). 
 
534 
 
 CONTRA YERVA.—CONVALLARIA. 
 
 CONTRAYERVA.— Contrayerva. 
 
 Contrayerve , Br. ; Bezoarwurzel , Giftwurzel , G. ; Contrayerba , Sp. 
 
 The root of Dorstenia Contrayerva, Linne , and D. brasiliensis, Lamarck. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticacene, Artocarpeae. 
 
 Origin. — The first species is indigenous to the West Indies, Central America, and 
 southward to Peru ; the second, to Brazil and other parts of South America. Both are 
 acquiescent perennials, with a fleshy quadrangular or circular inflorescence, in which the 
 minute nutlets are imbedded. 
 
 Description. — The root has one or two short annulate heads, is fusiform, about 
 12 Mm. (I inch) thick, 50 or 75 Mm. (2 or 3 inches) long, and below divided into fine 
 fibres ; that of the second species is globular-ovate, about f inch long, annulate, and beset 
 with fine fibres. The color is reddish-brown, internally whitish. The bark is thick, with 
 the inner portion of a punctate appearance, and encloses a brownish-yellow wood which 
 is radiately marked by the medullary rays. The root has a rather unpleasant odor and a 
 bitter and acrid taste. 
 
 Dorstenia dracena, Linne , D. opifera, Martius , D. tubicina, Ruiz et Pavon , and perhaps 
 other species, yield similar roots. 
 
 Constituents. — Geiger obtained from the root some volatile oil, resin, starch, and an 
 amorphous bitter principle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Contrayerva (meaning “ antidotal plant ”) appears to be a 
 stimulant bitter tonic ; in its native country it is used in low fevers, very much as ser- 
 pentaria is elsewhere, and also as a remedy, both internal and local, for the bites of 
 serpents. The dose of the powdered root is stated to be Gm. 2 (1 drachm). 
 
 CON VALL ARIA, XI. S . — Convallaria. 
 
 Lilium convallium. — Lily of the Valley , E. ; Muguet , Fr. ; Maiblumen , G. ; Mu ghetto, 
 It. ; Liris de los valles, Sp. 
 
 The rhizome and rootlets of Convallaria majalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliaceae, Asparaginese. 
 
 Origin. — This stemless perennial is indigenous to Europe, Northern Asia, and to the 
 Alleghany Mountains of the United States from Virginia southward. It is frequently 
 cultivated in gardens, and has spontaneously appeared in several places. It has a creep- 
 ing, whitish, much-branching rhizome of the thickness of a quill, two, or occasionally 
 three, elliptic and smooth radical leaves, and a one-sided raceme of about ten nodding 
 white flowers, which are about 6 Mm. (4 inch) long, bell-shaped, six-lobed, with the lobes 
 recurved, have six stamens inserted near the base of the perianth, and produce globular, 
 few-seeded red berries. The cultivated flowers are somewhat larger. They are very 
 fragrant and have a bitter and acrid taste. The flowers lose on drying about 85 per cent, 
 of their weight. 
 
 Description.— The rhizome is of horizontal growth, cylindrical, about 3 Mm. (4 
 inch) thick, and somewhat branched ; externally it is whitish and wrinkled. The inter- 
 nodes are from 2 to 6 Cm. (-| to 24 inches) long, and are marked with a few circular 
 scars ; the joints are annulate, and are beset with a circlet of eight or ten rootlets, which 
 are long, branched, and about 1 Mm. (J-5 inch) in thickness. The fibrous fracture shows 
 a white interior. The rhizome contains a small number of fibro-vascular bundles enclosed 
 in a thick-walled nucleus sheath, and imbedded in thin-walled parenchyme. Convallaria 
 has a peculiar pleasant odor and a sweetish, bitter, and somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The odorous principle of the flowers was obtained by Herberger 
 (1835) in the form of volatile crystals possessing a strong odor, occasioning headache, 
 but very fragrant when largely diluted. The bitter principle of the plant is the glucoside 
 convalla.marin , C 23 Il4 4 0 12 , which was isolated by Walz (1858) as a white somewhat crys- 
 talline powder, has a bitter-sweet taste, is soluble in water, alcohol, and methylic alcohol, 
 and insoluble in ether, chloroform, and amylic alcohol (S£e) ; but tbe last two solvents, 
 according to Dragendorff (1871), take it up from the acidulated solution. It dissolves in- 
 sulphuric acid with a brown color, and, after previous moistening with water, with a violet 
 color, the solution becoming colorless by more water. Its aqueous solution is precipitated 
 by tannin, but not by lead salts, and when boiled with dilute acids it yields sugar and 
 convallamaretin. See (1882) obtained the best results with the plant collected in August ; 
 on precipitating the alcoholic tincture with basic lead acetate, evaporating, diluting with 
 water, neutralizing with sodium carbonate, precipitating wdth tannin, dissolving the pre- 
 
CONVALLARIA. 
 
 535 
 
 cipitate in 60 per cent, alcohol, and decomposing with zinc oxide, 0.6 per cent, of conval- 
 lamarin was obtained. He also isolated the acrid principle convallarh , C 34 H 6 ,0 11 . in the 
 form of rectangular prisms, which are soluble in alcohol, insoluble in ether, and sparingly 
 soluble in water, but foaming with it like saponin. On being boiled with dilute acids it is 
 split into sugar and convallaretin. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum convallaria. The most effica- 
 cious extract is prepared with water from the flowers and scapes, mixed with one-third 
 of their weight of roots and leaves, collected in August (See). 
 
 Allied Plants. — Polygonatum multiflorum, Allioni (Convallaria multiflora, Linne ), and Pol. 
 officinale, Allioni (Conv. Polygonatum, Linne). — Solomon’s seal, E.; Sceau de Salomon, 
 Genouillet, Fr. ; Weisswurzel, Salomon's Siegel, G. — The plants are indigenous to Europe and 
 Northern Asia, and have simple stems with alternate sessile leaves, the axils of which contain 
 one to five cylindrical flowers. The rhizome is horizontal, brownish-yellow, about 6 inches long, 
 nearly cylindrical, jointed, and bears on the upper side of each joint a circular concave stem-scar; 
 internally it is whitish, rather spongy, and has a zone of many scattered wood-bundles near the 
 centre. Walz found in the rhizome and herb convallarin, asparagin, mucilage, sugar, starch, 
 pectin, etc. 
 
 Polygonatum giganteum. Dietrich (Conv. canaliculata, Willdenow), and Pol. biflorum, Elliott 
 (Conv. biflora, Walter ), which are North American species, have rhizomes agreeing with the 
 description just given, and are collected here as Solomon’s seal. 
 
 Smilacina racemosa, Desfontaines , likewise indigenous to North America, has a similar rhi- 
 zome, but with shorter and thicker joints, and is known as false Solomon's seal. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Convallaria acts upon the heart in nearly the same manner as 
 digitalis, and upon the digestive canal as an emetic or a purgative. The dried flowers of 
 convallaria have been used in powder as a. sternutatory and errhine, and in fomentations 
 for the removal of bruises , ecchymoses , and freckles , and they, as well as the root, for the 
 cure of worms , intermittent fever , and epilepsy. In Russia several species of convallaria 
 are used as local anodynes, and in that country it was first employed in the removal of 
 dropsy. The thorough and systematic observations of competent physicians have 
 demonstrated that convallaria as a remedy for dropsy is indicated in the same cases 
 for which digitalis is commonly employed — cases of dropsical effusion depending upon 
 a positive or a relative inability of the heart to carry on the circulation of the blood 
 through its own cavities, and which are clinically denoted by its palpitation and 
 arhythmical movements, and by signs of obstruction in other organs, such as dyspnoea, 
 hepatic distension, gastric disorder, a diminished secretion of urine, with an excess 
 of solids, oedema of the feet, etc. The diuretic action of this medicine, affirmed by 
 some and denied by others, can hardly be considered as established. Stiller admits 
 only its occasional, and as it were accidental, occurrence ( Times and Gazette , Jan. 1883, 
 p. 14) ; Leyden and Pel both deny it (Centralbl. f. Therap ., i. 68, 189), Moutard-Martin 
 could not discern it (Bull, et Mem. Soc. Ther., 1882, p. 148) ; Beverley Robinson did 
 not find convallaria a renal stimulant ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Apr. 1883, p. 374); 
 and Dujardin-Beaumetz declared that it failed oftener than it succeeded. 
 
 It is remarked by See that convallaria is not liable to the objections that exist against 
 digitalis, of having an acrid taste, impairing the appetite, and occasioning nausea or 
 vomiting. Nor does it appear to have caused any of those alarming, and even fatal, 
 results which are chargeable to foxglove. On the contrary, it seems to improve the 
 appetite and digestion and render the stools soluble. The irregularity of the heart, which 
 it seems peculiarly fitted to correct, arises from mechanical impediments to the circu- 
 lation, and especially from mitral lesions, more than from tissue-degradation. In these 
 cases it calms the hurry of the heart and renders its movements rhythmical, and some- 
 times, although less uniformly, reduces the pulse-rate, unless its acceleration has arisen 
 as compensatory for an insufficient supply of blood. In that case the pulse falls to, el- 
 even below, its normal standard. In aortic stenosis or insufficiency convallaria, like 
 digitalis, is of less advantage than in mitral disease. The conclusions of Dr. Pel of 
 Amsterdam may here be quoted, viz. : “As a heart tonic (and diuretic) the medicine 
 seems to be inoperative in failure of the left ventricle as it occurs in chronic renal dis- 
 ease ; on the other hand, it displays in special cases of organic heart lesion, as mitral 
 insufficiency with imperfect compensatory changes, a power of stimulating the heart 
 and also of causing diuresis. Nevertheless, digitalis has a more distinct and durable 
 action, and convallaria is not able to rival it.” Germain See places convallaria and digi- 
 talis on nearly the same level, but assigns a superiority to the former, in that it does not 
 suspend the action of the heart like the latter (Bull, de Therap ., cv. 489). It may con- 
 veniently be employed when in the course of treatment by digitalis that medicine has 
 
536 
 
 COPAIBA. 
 
 to be suspended. Gottheil {Med. Record , xxiv. 226) used this medicine with, to him, 
 inconclusive results, but it does not appear whether in his cases valvular disease existed 
 or not. It is alleged that even when palpitation is due to other than organic causes, 
 irregularity of the heart and its consequences are removed by the medicine ; and, 
 although the evidence upon this point is incomplete, the statement appears to be sus- 
 tained {Med. Record , xxiii. 133; also Bruen, Ther. Gaz ., ix. 20; Roberts, Practitioner , 
 xxxii. 265). It is also claimed that convallaria has been proved clinically to relieve 
 dyspnoea by deepening the inspiratory act ; but in cases of valvular or muscular disease 
 of the heart the action of the medicine upon the heart alone is sufficient to explain the 
 relief felt in breathing. A similar remark may be made concerning its diuretic action. 
 It is altogether secondary, and is manfested only when the dropsy, wherever situated, is 
 of cardiac origin. But in such cases, and especially when the kidneys and the heart- 
 muscle are sound, its influence in removing dropsy by diuresis is at least as salutary as 
 that of digitalis, and does not involve the dangers incident to the use of that drug. As 
 might be expected from its mode of action, the diuresis to which it gives rise does not 
 cease abruptly on the suspension of the medicine, but is maintained for several (from 
 five to nine) days longer. It causes no change in the constitution of the urine ; a slight 
 cloudiness in it, produced by heat and nitric acid, is due not to albumen, but to the 
 resin of the plant ; and, indeed, it affects no other function directly than that of the heart. 
 A decoction of the fresh root of C. multiflora in milk has been given internally for the 
 relief of haemorrhoids with constipation (Hamer). 
 
 In the cases which drew attention to the special virtues of convallaria the Russian 
 physicians employed an infusion of the flowers varying in strength from 10 grains to 2 
 drachms in 6 ounces of water, which was given in tablespoonful doses twice a day, and also 
 an infusion of the whole plant, made with Gm. 8 fej-ij) in Gm. 128-192 (f§iv-vj) of 
 water, of which “ 3 or 4 spoonfuls ” a day were prescribed. See found an infusion of 
 the flowers inert. According to him, watery extracts are preferable, the least active 
 being that of the leaves, then the extract of the flowers, and finally the extract made 
 from the flowers, stems, and root. He prescribed for a daily portion from 15 to 20, or 
 even 30, grains of the watery extract of the flowers or of the whole plant, or twice 
 these quantities of extract of the leaves. According to Langlebert and Tanret, the 
 best results are produced by the watery extract of the flowers and stems, along with 
 one-third of their weight of the root and leaves. Of this preparation the average dose 
 is stated to be Gm. 0.50 (8 grains). It is conveniently given in simple syrup flavored 
 with tincture of orange-peel {Bull, de Therap.,o,\\\. 74, 179). A fluid extract prepared in 
 this country is said by some to be efficient in doses of from 5 to 12 drops every four 
 hours {Med. Record, xxii. 281), or, as others say, in doses of not less than 15 or 20 drops. 
 It has been proposed to substitute convallamarin for the preceding preparations, in 
 the daily dose of Gm. 0.10 (gr. 1?), and gradually increased. 
 
 Convallaria poly gonatum is represented to be emetic and cathartic, and mildly astrin- 
 gent and stimulant when applied topically. It was formerly used as a vulnerary, and 
 more recently to relieve the irritation of the skin produced by poison-sumach , etc. 
 
 COPAIBA, V. S., Br. — Copaiva. 
 
 Balsamum copaivse , P. G . — Balsam copaiva , Balsam capivi, E. ; Copahu, Oleo-resine 
 { Baume ) de copahu , Fr. ; Copaivabalsam , G. ; Bdlsamo di copaive, It., Sp. 
 
 The oleoresin of Copaiba Langsdorffi ( Desfontaines ), O. Kuntze, and of other species of 
 Copaiba. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 93. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Caesalpineae. 
 
 Origin. — With the exception of two African species, the genus Copaiba is indigenous 
 to the tropical part of South America, and there consists of ten species, the majority of 
 which are medium-sized or large trees, with mostly abruptly pinnate coriaceous leaves 
 and racemose whitish apetalous flowers, producing coriaceous obliquely elliptical or obovate 
 one-seeded legumes. The following may be enumerated as having been mentioned as 
 sources of copaiva : Cop. officinalis, Linne (C. Jacquini, Desfontaines'), indigenous to 
 Venezuela, New Granada, and some West Indian islands; Cop. guianensis, Desfontaines , 
 found in Guiana and in Northern Brazil near the Rio Negro. Cop. Langsdorffii, Des- 
 fontaines , Cop. coriacea, Martins , and others occur in various parts of Brazil. Cop. multi- 
 juga, Hayne , is a doubtful species; Cop. bijuga, Hayne , is probably identical with Cop. 
 guianensis. Copaiva has been medicinally employed in Europe since the beginning of 
 the seventeenth century. 
 
COPAIBA. 
 
 537 
 
 Collection. — In the interior of the stem ducts, sometimes of large dimensions, are 
 formed, in which the oleoresin collects in such quantities that old stems not unfrequently 
 hurst from the internal pressure exerted by the liquid. This is gained from bore-holes or 
 incisions made into the trunk near its base, from which the oleoresin exudes at once so 
 abundantly that 12 pounds are sometimes obtained in the space of 3 hours. If, however, 
 no copaiva should flow, the wound is closed with wax or clay and reopened in a fortnight, 
 when an abundant discharge takes place. Old trees occasionally yield it two or three 
 times a year. 
 
 Copaiva is imported in barrels principally from Para, to which place it is brought from 
 the northern tributaries of the Amazon. It is, perhaps, in part obtained from C. guianensis. 
 Notable quantities are brought from Maranham, and some from Rio de Janeiro, the latter 
 supposed to be procured from C. Langsdorffii and coriacea. The copaiva exported from 
 Maracaibo and Carthagena appears to be chiefly procured from C. officinalis. 
 
 Description. — Copaiva is a more or less viscid and transparent or translucent liquid, 
 varying in color from very light yellow, to brownish-yellow, having a peculiar aromatic 
 odor and a bitterish, persistently acrid, and nauseous taste. Its specific gravity ranges 
 between 0.94 and 0.99 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; Fliickiger gives the limits between .935 and 
 .998 ; by keeping it becomes thicker and denser. Unlike gurjun balsam, it is not gelat- 
 inized on being heated to 130° C. It is insoluble in water, dissolves in three or four 
 times its weight of strong alcohol, and freely in absolute alcohol, carbon disulphide, 
 ether, volatile and fixed oils, acetone, and petroleum benzin ; the latter solution becomes 
 opalescent on the addition of more (3 to 5 volumes) petroleum benzin, and deposits on 
 standing a little resinous matter, at the same time becoming transparent again. With 
 one-third its volume of ammonia-water it yields a transparent mixture. Benzene yields 
 with some varieties a turbid solution. The optical behavior of copaiva varies, as has 
 been shown by Buignet (1861) and Fliickiger (1867). 
 
 The different kinds are commercially distinguished by their ports of exportation, but 
 even as obtained from the same places are not always identical in every particular. Para 
 copaiva is the most limpid and the lightest kind, and frequently contains from 65 to 85 
 per cent, of volatile oil. Maranham copaiva is a little denser, has about the consistence 
 of olive oil, differs somewhat in odor from the preceding, and contains from 40 to 50 per 
 cent, of volatile oil. Rio Janeiro copaiva resembles the last. These Brazilian copaivas 
 yield, with one-third to one-half their weight of ammonia, compounds which form per- 
 fectly clear solutions in the volatile oils contained in them ; a larger quantity of ammonia 
 renders the solution quite milky, but in the presence of a fixed oil clear solutions are not 
 obtained. Maracaibo copaiva is the thickest variety, usually of a dark-yellow color and 
 not quite transparent. It contains less volatile oil, and does not always yield a clear 
 mixture with a little ammonia-water ; but it solidifies readily with magnesia, and is well 
 adapted for making the officinal Massa copaibae. According to the German Pharmaco- 
 poeia, thick copaivas are to be preferred. 
 
 Adulterations. — The variable conditions of commercial copaiva, depending on its 
 origin from different species, renders a detection of adulterations by no means an easy 
 task. A copaiva which dissolves clear in strong alcohol, yields with one-third ammonia a 
 transparent mixture, is on heating free from turpentine odor, and on evaporation of the 
 volatile oil from a flat dish, and subsequent cooling, leaves a transparent, hard, and brittle 
 resin, may be considered pure. Fixed oils are left behind with the resin, and render it soft 
 and sticky ; if other than castor oil is present, neither the copaiva nor the residuary resin 
 will yield a clear solution with alcohol. Castor oil, being nearly insoluble in petroleum ben- 
 zin, may be detected by shaking the suspected copaiva with 4 to 5, or even 10, volumes of 
 that solvent, when the adulterant will separate, but the volatile oil present exerts a marked 
 solvent power on the castor oil. Fliickiger and Hanbury recommend heating the sample 
 of copaiva with 4 parts of 85 per cent, alcohol and allowing the mixture to cool ; the upper 
 layer is then evaporated to expel the alcohol and volatile oil and the remaining castor 
 oil, recognized by heating it with caustic soda and lime, when oenanthol will be formed, 
 recognizable by its peculiar smell ; even 1 per cent, of castor oil is stated to be thus 
 detected. 
 
 When a drop of pure copaiva is evaporated from a piece of filtering-paper, it will leave 
 a sharply-defined transparent spot of resin behind, which, if a fixed oil is present, will 
 be surrounded by a greasy areola. Tomlinson (1864) has recommended the examination 
 of the cohesion-figures produced by a drop upon water, which are said to be quite charac- 
 teristic for pure copaiva. 
 
 The presence of other volatile oils and turpentines usually becomes quite evident by a 
 
538 
 
 COPAIBA. 
 
 different odor on slowly heating a little of the copaiva. Turpentine, oil of turpentine, 
 resin, rosin oil, etc. are said to be detected by a test admitted into the P. G. : 1 part of 
 copaiva, on being strongly shaken with 5 parts of water of 50° C. (122° F.), should yield 
 a turbid mixture, and this, on being warmed in a water-bath, should separate again into 
 two clear layers. Copaiva mixed with 10 per cent, of gurjun balsam yields by this 
 treatment a permanent emulsion (Fliickiger). The U. S. P. gives the boiling-point 
 of the volatile oil (200° C. == 392° F.) as a test. The German Pharmacopoeia adds the 
 following determination: To 1 Gm. of copaiva, dissolved in 10 Cc. of absolute alcohol, 
 10 drops of phenolphthalein solution are added, then sufficient normal potassium hydrox- 
 ide solution, diluted with three volumes absolute alcohol, until the red color just makes its 
 appearance. After noting the number of Cc. used, 20 Cc. more of the latter are added, and 
 the mixture heated on a warm bath for fifteen minutes, when the amount of free alkali 
 is titrated with normal hydrochloric acid. The amount of acid necessary to effect neu- 
 tralization should not be very much less than would be required by the 20 Cc. of potas- 
 sium hydroxide solution last added. 
 
 The presence of gurjun balsam in copaiva is stated to be detected by shaking together 
 in a test-tube 19 drops of carbon disulphide and 1 drop of the oleoresin, and adding, 
 with some agitation, 1 drop of a cold mixture of equal parts of concentrated sulphuric 
 and nitric acids ; copaiva assumes a faint reddish-brown color and deposits resin on the 
 side of the tube ; in the presence of gurjun balsam an intense purplish-red color is 
 produced, changing to violet, the reaction being due to the volatile oil of the adulterant. 
 The oleoresin of Hardwickia pinnata, Roxburgh , will under the same circumstances pro- 
 duce a pale greenish-yellow color ( Pharmacographia ). 
 
 Constituents. — Copaiva owes its limpidity to the presence of volatile oil (see Oleum 
 Copaibye), but the acrid and bitter taste is partly due to the brittle resin, partly also to a 
 bitter principle, as shown by Fliickiger ( Ph armakognosie) . On boiling copaiva with water, 
 concentrating the aqueous liquid, and filtering from the floccules which are separated, a 
 transparent very bitter solution is obtained, which reddens litmus and yields a copious 
 precipitate with tannin solution. The resin possesses acid properties, and is occasionally 
 deposited from copaiva in a crystalline form, also from a clear mixture of copaiva and 
 ammonia-water when exposed to a low temperature. The crystals are freed from adher- 
 ing oleoresin by washing with ether, and afterward recrystallized from absolute alcohol, 
 when, according to Schweitzer (1830), copaivic acid is obtained free from ammonia. 
 Rush (1879) agitated 1 part of copaiva with 3 parts of solution of soda sp. gr. 1.30; 
 the mixture separates into three layers, consisting of volatile oil, an aqueous alkaline 
 liquid, and the compound of resin ; the two upper layers are decanted, the resin com- 
 pound well washed, dissolved in petroleum benzin, agitated with dilute hydrochloric acid, 
 washed with water, and the benzin solution evaporated. Copaivic acid has the composition 
 C 20 H 32 O 2 , and crystallizes in small soft prisms, which are soluble in alcohol, ether, carbon 
 bisulphide, and in fixed and volatile oils ; its salts are uncrystallizable. A deposit from 
 Para copaiva was recognized by Fehling (1841) as distinct from the above ; it is oxyco- 
 paivic acid , C 20 H 28 O 3 . Strauss’s (1865) metacopaivic acid , C 22 H 34 0 4 , is contained in Mara- 
 caibo copaiva, from which it is obtained by agitation with ammonium carbonate and by 
 precipitating the aqueous liquid with hydrochloric acid. When copaiva is kept on hand 
 it gradually becomes thicker, through the alteration of the volatile ail and its conversion 
 into a soft resinous body. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses and Preparations. — Copaiva is readily emulsified by 
 the aid of yelk of egg or gum-arabic. It is sometimes given in the form of electuary, 
 and requires then some absorbent for the volatile oil, for which purpose powdered marsh- 
 mallow, liquorice-root, or gum-arabic is adapted ; or the copaiva may be preferably fused 
 together with some wax, spermaceti, or cacao-butter, the quantity of which will vary 
 with the amount of volatile oil, between £ and 1 part. (See also Oleum Copaibye and 
 Massa Copaiba.) 
 
 Allied Products. — Hardwickia pinnata, Roxburgh (nat. ord. Leguminosae, Caesalpineae), is 
 a large East Indian tree, yielding from incisions a thick, dark-brown oleoresin, which in thin 
 layers is greenish or wine-red, transparent, but not fluorescent, and resembles copaiva in both 
 odor and taste. Broughton (1872) obtained from it between 25 and 40 per cent, of volatile oil 
 having the composition C 10 H 16 , the remainder consisting of several resins, but copaivic acid was 
 not obtained. 
 
 Dipterocarpus alatus, Roxburgh , D. turbinatus, Gaertner (s. D. lsevis, Hamilton ), D. incanus, 
 Roxburgh (s. D. costatus, Gaertner ), and several other species of the same genus (nat. ord. Dip- 
 terocarpaceae) which are indigenous to various parts of India, the East Indian and the Philip- 
 pine islands, yield gurjun balsam or wood-oil, obtained by cutting large holes into the lower part 
 
COPAIBA. 
 
 539 
 
 of the stem and charring the wood, after which the oleoresin flows abundantly. It is a viscid 
 liquid, varying in color from greenish-gray to brownish, opaque in reflected light, but transparent 
 and of a dark brownish or reddish tint when viewed in transmitted light : its odor is similar to 
 but weaker than that of copaiva, and its taste is more bitter and somewhat aromatic, but not 
 acrid. It is freely soluble in chloroform, carbon bisulphide, and volatile oils, but only partly 
 soluble in alcohol, fusel oil, ether, and petroleum benzin. When strongly agitated with water, 
 gradually added until 5 parts have been used, gurjun balsam furnishes a very thick emulsion, 
 which does not become clear on warming, but on the addition of the same bulk of water the 
 balsam separates, and the clear watery liquid has a bitter taste and an acid reaction (Fliickiger). 
 When heated in a stoppered vial to near 130° C. (266° F.) it has the curious property of becoming 
 gelatinous, the fluidity not being restored on cooling. The amount of volatile oil present in 
 gurjun balsam varies considerably: Werner (1862) obtained 15 per cent., Fliickiger 45.5 per 
 cent., and from one specimen even 72 per cent. : it is strongly laevogyre, and has the composi- 
 tion C 15 H 24 , the density 0.9044 to 0.91 8 at 15° C.. and the boiling-point 255° C. (491° F.). The resin 
 left after distillation of the volatile oil yields to caustic potassa gurjunic acid , c 22 h,A, 
 which may be obtained pure by adding to the potassa solution an excess of ammonium chloride, 
 filtering, and decomposing with hydrochloric acid. Gurjunic acid dissolves readily in ether and 
 strong alcohol, slowly in benzene, and with difficulty in carbon disulphide : it melts at 220° C. 
 (418° F.). and congeals again at 180° C. (356° F.). A crystalline neutral resin of gurjun balsam, 
 which had been sold as copaivic acid, was found by Fliickiger (1878) to have the composition 
 C'jsH 46 0 2 , to melt at 126° C. (258.8° F.), and to dissolve in sulphuric acid with an orange color. 
 
 Lagam balsam,* mix .jak-lagam, comes from an unknown tree in Sumatra, and closely resem- 
 bles gurjun balsam. Examined by Haussner (1883), it was dingy-green in reflected and yellow- 
 ish transparent in transmitted light, had a bitterish and lastingly acrid taste, and was complete- 
 ly soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform, and carbon disulphide ; it yields about 33 per 
 cent, of laevogyre volatile oil of the composition C 20 H 32 , and boiling at about 250° C. (482° F.). 
 The acid resin is uncrystallizable, and has the composition C 7 H u 0 3 ; the neutral resin, fused 
 with potassa, yields phenols and formic, acetic, butyric, and aromatic acids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In continued or excessive doses copaiva deranges the digestion, 
 impairs the appetite, and causes eructations, nausea, and diarrhoea. It appears to 
 augment the watery element of the urine, rendering this secretion dark, bitter, and some- 
 what fragrant, as well as more or less turbid from the resin of copaiva which also forms 
 an iridescent pellicle upon its surface. The addition of nitric acid to the urine gives a 
 turbid precipitate which, unlike albumen, is soluble in alcohol. Large doses or the long- 
 continued use of copaiva irritate the bladder, causing micturition and sometimes hae- 
 maturia with feverishness. It appears also to be excreted by the pulmonary and the 
 cutaneous surfaces ; the former is shown by the odor it gives to the breath, and the 
 latter by the eruptions of roseola, urticaria, etc. which it occasionally excites. A very 
 peculiar eruption has been attributed to copaiva and cubeb taken together ( Amer . Jour, 
 of Med. Sci ., Jan. 1881, p. 289). Copaiva impregnates the milk of nursing women, so 
 that their infants refuse the breast. Its diuretic action fails in cases of renal dropsy 
 depending upon tubular nephritis, acute or chronic — a fact which renders it almost 
 certain that the diuresis produced by copaiva is due to its action upon the secreting 
 elements of the kidneys. 
 
 The most important uses of copaiva are in the treatment of mucous profluvia, especially 
 of the urinary and the air-passages. There can be no doubt that it acts by modifying the 
 urine in the first, and the bronchial mucous membrane itself in the second, of these cases, 
 and that in both it cures by a substitutive operation. It is well known that copaiva given 
 internally does not often cure vaginal gonorrhoea , while it arrests the urethral form of 
 the disease in the female as readily as in the male. It is also known that in hypospadic 
 males affected with gonorrhoea the internal administration of copaiva will arrest the 
 discharge from behind the urethral aperture, but not from that part over which the urine 
 does not flow. Hence an explanation of the clinical rule, to administer as much copaiva 
 as can be taken without disordering the stomach or irritating the urinary organs. In 
 this manner it exerts a stimulant and moderately substitutive action upon the inflamed 
 membrane and causes a diminution of the discharge. According to some, the agent 
 in this operation is exclusively copaivic acid, but, since the resin abundantly appears 
 in the urine, this constituent cannot be denied its share in the cure. It is probable 
 that the essential oil is the most active agent when copaiva cures bronchitis , since it is 
 largely eliminated through the bronchia. During the acute stage of gonorrhoea, and 
 also of bronchitis, copaiva is contraindicated, for in the former disease it tends to 
 cause strangury, swelling of the testicle, and other local disturbances, while in bronchitis 
 it is apt to arrest the bronchial secretion and thereby occasion fever and dyspnoea. 
 Besides administering copaiva by the mouth for the cure of gonorrhoea and gleet, it 
 has sometimes been thrown into the rectum — a clumsy, uncertain, and injurious method. 
 
540 
 
 COPAIBA . 
 
 It has also been injected as an emulsion into the urethra, but seldom with advantage, 
 since the urine remaining unmodified continued to irritate the inflamed mucous mem- 
 brane. The urine passed by the patient taking copaiva has been used as a urethral 
 injection for the cure of gonorrhoea — an unnecessary and barbarous expedient when so 
 many more appropriate injections are available. Vesical catarrh is often greatly bene- 
 fited, and may sometimes be cured by means of this medicine perseveringly administered 
 in moderate doses. Sometimes an emulsion of it injected into the bladder has been 
 serviceable. It is an efficient remedy in many cases of irritability of the bladder 
 depending upon previous gonorrhoea or excessive sexual indulgence. In some cases 
 of leucorrhoea it is reputed to have been curative, but there is more evidence of its 
 favorable action in the treatment of inflamed and ulcerated haemorrhoids and chronic 
 dysentery. In 1863 it was announced as a specific for membranous croup , and even 
 in 1875 the same deceptive statement was repeated. In various inflammations of the 
 eye it is reputed to have an almost “ specific ” influence, especially in iritis , sclerotitis , 
 and purulent ophthalmia. In the two first-named diseases it was given internally 
 in drachm doses, but in the last applied upon the skin around the orbit and instilled 
 between the lids {Med. Record , xxx. 401). There is more clinical proof of its 
 curative power in cutaneous scaly diseases , and its efficacy is rendered more 
 probable by the well-known action of the medicine upon the skin. It has even 
 been alleged to be an efficient remedy in leprosy (Simmons). Although the ordinary 
 use of copaiva does not denote its action upon the nervous system, yet the occasional 
 effects attributed to it seem to point in that direction. In corroboration of this view 
 it may be mentioned that, like other terebinthinates, it has produced cures of sciatica , 
 even after the failure of numerous other medicines (March, Times and Gaz., Feb., 
 1881, p. 237). The diuretic operation of copaiva appears to be very decided in 
 certain cases of dropsy. This operation has been described in a previous paragraph. 
 A careful examination of the clinical records touching the matter shows that the 
 medicine is of little use in any form of dropsy depending upon renal disease, and least 
 of all in the cases which most require it — viz. those of a scanty secretion of urine 
 due to tubular nephritis. In cardiac dropsy the influence of the medicine is more 
 favorable, but only in proportion as the effusion is due to general causes rather than 
 to mechanical obstruction in the heart. The cases in which copaiva and its resin have 
 produced the most remarkable results are those of hepatic dropsy. In the most 
 successful of them the nature of the hepatic obstruction was only conjectural, but was 
 probably a condition analogous to that of commencing cirrhosis. Certain it is that in 
 many cases of ascites which improved but slightly, or did not improve at all, under the 
 use of the medicine, and which ultimately proved fatal, advanced cirrhosis of the liver 
 was found after death. The dose of copaiva used in hepatic dropsy is about 20 grains 
 three times a day. 
 
 Externally, copaiva, like other terebinthinates, serves to stimulate, and at the same time 
 protect, parts to which it is applied. It forms an excellent dressing for chilblains , sore 
 nipples , anal and other fissures , etc. 
 
 Copaiva is most commonly administered in gelatin capsules, each containing about 
 6m. 0.60 (gtt. x), which is the minimum dose. The maximum dose ordinarily given is 
 about Gm. 4 (fgj). Much larger quantities, even as much as an ounce, have been 
 prescribed, but without necessity or advantage. The medicine is sometimes mixed with 
 magnesia, with which it forms a solid and very insoluble mass. Equal quantities of 
 copaiva and liquor potassae make a perfect solution, which can be diluted and flavored. 
 Next to the capsules, emulsions of copaiva are to be preferred. They are made with 
 the yelk of egg or mucilage and some aromatic water, to which a small proportion of 
 laudanum is usually added. Each tablespoonful should contain from Gm. 0.60-3.0 (gtt. 
 x-xl) of copaiva. 
 
 Copal varnish has been recommended to arrest the development of felons by applying 
 it previous to the suppurative stage (Isham, Med. News, x\. 97). No doubt it acts as 
 other terebinthinates (copaiva, benzoin, oil of turpentine) do in the treatment of frost-bite 
 and various local inflammations, by protecting, and the same time stimulating, the affected 
 part. 
 
 Gurjun oil of balsam, which resembles copaiva closely in its constitution, has, like 
 it, been used for the cure of gonorrhoea. In 1873 it was applied in one of the British 
 Oriental possessions, the Andaman Islands, to the treatment of leprosy. Twenty-four 
 cases were submitted to this method, with the effect of healing the ulcers, while the anaes- 
 thesia greatly improved and the tubercles softened and disappeared. It was most efficient 
 
COPTIS. — COR ALL 0RRH1ZA . 
 
 541 
 
 when employed externally in the form of an emulsion made with 3 parts of lime-water 
 to 1 of the oil, with which the affected parts were diligently rubbed twice a day, and 
 each time for the space of two hours. At the same time the oil was administered inter- 
 nally in doses varying from Gm. 0.40-4.0 (gtt. vj— lx), and finally in tablespoonful doses 
 of an emulsion made of equal parts of the oil and lime-water. 
 
 Reports of a later date confirm the statements just made. One comes from India, and 
 summarizes the results of using gurjun oil in leprosy thus : “ It rapidly heals chronic, 
 leprous ulcers, softens the skin, prevents the collection of flies, and is cheap ” (Peters, 
 Practitioner , xxiv. 122). The other is by Dr. Milroy, who treated the disease in British 
 Guiana. “Gurjun oil,” he says, “ is laxative, diuretic, and alterative, and produces per- 
 spiration in the anaesthetic parts, followed by a return of sensation. It softens the tuber- 
 cles. Internally, it purges and acts on the kidneys and urine like copaiva. Of 32 
 patients under its use, great improvement occurred in 16, and 9 more were benefited ” 
 ( Times and Gazette , June, 1879, p. 643). Like copaiva, it is useful ia chronic bronchitis. 
 
 COPTIS. — Gold Thread. 
 
 Cop tide, Fr. ; Gelbe ( Kleinste ) Niesswurz , G. 
 
 Coptis trifolia, Salisbury , s. Helleborus trifolius, Linne. Bigelow, Med. Bot. i. t. 5 ; 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 3. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Helleboreae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to the northern half of this continent, from Penn- 
 sylvania northward to Greenland and Labrador, and also from the northern portion of 
 Europe and Siberia to Kamtchatka. 
 
 Description. — Gold-thread has a filiform creeping rhizome of a golden-yellow color, 
 with very thin fibrous rootlets. The radical leaves originate from a scaly base, are peti- 
 olate and trifoliate ; the leaflets are about 12 Mm. (£ inch) long, ovate with a wedge- 
 shaped base obtusely three-lobed, and mucronately crenate ; the scape is 50-75 Mm. (2 
 or 3 inches) long, exceeding the petioles, and bears a single yellowish-white flower pro- 
 ducing about seven oblong follicles, which are acuminate with the persistent style and 
 contain a few oblong black, and glossy seeds. The whole plant is glabrous, without 
 odor, and has a strongly bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Mayer (1862) found in gold-thread berberine and a white alkaloid. 
 Analyzed by E. Z. Gross (1873), the absence of tannin and gallic acid was established ; 
 besides some sugar, albumen, fat, and resin, two alkaloids were isolated, berberine and 
 coptine ; the latter is colorless, insoluble in alkalies, neutralizes acids, dissolves in strong 
 nitric and hydrochloric acids without change, and produces with warm concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid a purplish color, similar to that of hydrastine. The acids naturally com- 
 bined with the alkaloids have not been ascertained. The herb yielded between 4 and 5 
 per cent, of ash, about one-tenth of which was silica. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Coptis Teeta, Wallich. The rhizome has the thickness of a quill, contains 
 8£ per cent, of berberine, and is used in India as a pure bitter tonic. 
 
 C. anemon^efolia, Siebold. The rhizome of this Japanese plant is about 3 Mm. (4 inch) 
 thick, bristly, with short wiry rootlets, externally brown, and internally bright-yellow, and has 
 a bitter taste ; it probably contains berberine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Coptis has no ascertained virtues beyond those of other simple 
 bitters, for which, if necessary, it may be substituted. An infusion of it may be made 
 with an ounce of the root to a pint of water, Gm. 32 to Gm. 500, and given in the dose 
 of 1 or 2 ounces. It is used as a wash for aphthous sore mouth. A tincture is made with 
 alcohol, a pint to an ounce of the bruised root. Dose, Gm. 4 (f^j). Bufalini found that 
 Coptis teeta reduced the rate of the frog’s heart, and finally arrested it in systole. He 
 classed it with digitalis and squill ; but Paschkis regarded it as more analogous with 
 berberin ( Centralb . f. Therap., v. 154). 
 
 CORALLORRHIZA. — Coral-root. 
 
 The rhizome of Corallorrhiza odontorrhiza, Nuttall. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Orchideae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is a parasite, of a purplish-brown color, has a slender stem about 
 25 Cm. (10 inches) high, and bears from eight to twenty flowers, with their lips nearly 
 entire. It is indigenous to North America east of the Mississippi. It is not unlikely 
 that the more common Corallorrhiza multiflora, Nuttall, may furnish some of the com- 
 
542 
 
 COR DIALE RUBI FR UCTUS. — CORTA NDR CJM. 
 
 mercial coral-root ; it is stouter, and has from fifteen to thirty flowers, which are spurred 
 at the base and have the lip deeply three-lobed. It is found westward to the Rocky 
 Mountains. 
 
 Description. — Coral-root consists of numerous small fleshy tubers, which are united 
 by their broader sides and form many branches of different length, but of the same 
 articulated appearance, resembling coral in arrangement. It is of a brown color exter- 
 nally, whitish within, and has particularly in the fresh state, a peculiar odor and a bit- 
 terish and astringent taste. Its proximate constituents have not been ascertained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There appears to be nothing to be added to the stereotyped 
 account of this plant, to the effect that it is an active diaphoretic and useful in fevers 
 and inflammations. It is administered in powder in the dose of Gm. 2 (30 grains) every 
 two hours. 
 
 CORDIALE RUBI FRUCTUS, JV. F. — Blackberry Cordial. 
 
 Preparation. — Blackberry Juice, 3 pints; Cinnamon, in coarse powder, 2 troy 
 ounces ; Cloves, in coarse powder, 4 troy ounce ; Nutmeg, in coarse powder, 4 troy 
 ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, 2 pints ; Syrup, 3 pints. Digest the spices with the diluted al- 
 cohol for eight days, then mix with the blackberry juice, and strain ; lastly, add the syrup. 
 
 Our experience with this popular remedy (extending over several years and the manu- 
 facture of many gallons of the cordial) justifies the statement that the preparation will 
 be much improved and time saved by percolating the spices, in moderately fine powder, 
 with diluted alcohol to obtain 2 pints of tincture; to this add the blackberry juice and 
 about 4 oz. of precipitated calcium phosphate : set the mixture aside for forty-eight 
 hours, with occasional agitation, and filter; to the clear filtrate add the syrup. Black- 
 berry cordial is apt to become slightly turbid after standing for some time, and should 
 then be again filtered before dispensing. 
 
 CORIANDRUM, U. Coriander. 
 
 Coviandri fructus , Br. — Con cinder -fruit , E. ; Coriandre, Fr. ; Koriander , G. ; Cilantro , 
 Culantro , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Coriandrum sativum, Linne. 
 
 Nat . Ord. — Umbelliferse, Coelospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is probably indigenous to China and to the eastern portion of the 
 northern shore of the Mediterranean, but is now extensively naturalized in the fields of 
 temperate Asia and Europe, where it is also cultivated. It is 
 occasionally cultivated in the United States and in some parts, 
 of South America. It is a smooth annual about 60 Cm. (2 
 feet) high, and of a very offensive odor, somewhat like that of 
 bedbugs. The leaves are decompound, the segments of the 
 lower ones broadly cuneate, and of the upper ones narrow and 
 linear; the umbels are three- to five-rayed, without involucre; 
 the umbellets six- to fifteen-rayed, with an involucel of three 
 linear bracts. The flowers are white or rose-colored. 49,133 
 pounds of coriander were imported in 1866-67 ; in the recent 
 returns coriander is included with caraway. 
 
 C Tud hi^sectfon ^magn i H ed ^ Description. — Coriander-fruit is a cremocarp nearly glob- 
 
 diameters; transverse sec- ular, about 4 Mm. Q- inch) in diameter, smooth, crowned with 
 
 tion : magnified 8 diameters. the unequa i ca ly X -teeth and stylopodium, and of a buff or pale 
 
 brownish-yellow color. Each of the two mericarps forms a thin hemispherical shell, the 
 two being united at the edge by the thin pericarp, thus enclosing a flattish lenticular 
 cavity and separating only by slight pressure. The five primary ribs of each half-fruit 
 are obsolete, forming merely raised wavy lines ; the four secondary ribs are more prom- 
 inent as straight ridges, and similar ridges are formed at the junction of the mericarps. 
 The longitudinal and transverse sections of each mericarp show the albumen to be of a 
 semilunar shape ; upon the latter two oil-tubes are seen on the face and none on the back. 
 On ripening the fruit becomes gratefully aromatic. 
 
 Constituents. — Trommsdorff obtained from coriander nearly 4 of 1 per cent, of 
 volatile oil (see Oleum Coriandri) and 13 per cent, of fatty matter, besides a small 
 amount of mucilage, malic acid, and traces of tannin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Coriander is aromatic and stimulant, and is chiefly employed 
 to promote the digestion of certain kinds of pastry, and in medicine to correct or assist 
 the action of purgatives, such as rhubarb, senna, and jalap. 
 
 Fig. 82. 
 
CORIA RIA.— CORNUS. 
 
 543 
 
 CORIARIA. — Currier’s Sumach. 
 
 Redoul , Sumac des corroyeurs , Fr. ; Gerber strauch, G. 
 
 Coriaria myrtifolia, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coriariacea). 
 
 Origin. — It is a shrub -about 1.8 M. (6 feet) high, growing in Southern Europe and 
 Northern Africa. 
 
 Description. — The branches are quadrangular ; the leaves opposite, 25 to 38 Mm. 
 (1 to If inches) long, on short petioles, ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire, even at the base ; 
 smooth, bluish-green, and shining above, pale-green beneath, with a strong mid- ^ 
 rib and two lateral nerves running to near the apex. The flowers are in small T ' ‘ ’ 
 terminal racemes, have a bell-shaped calyx, five fleshy, scale-like petals, five 
 long linear stigmas, and produce each five blackish-brown obliquely ovate 
 nutlets, which are surrounded by the enlarged scales and have a berry-like 
 appearance. The leaves have a strongly astringent, bitter, and somewhat acrid 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves contain tannin, which produces blue-black pre- 
 cipitates with salts of iron. The poisonous principle, coriamyrtin , has been 
 isolated and studied by Riban (1864-66), who precipitates the decoction with 
 subacetate of lead, removes the lead from the filtrate, and evaporates to a 
 syrupy consistence ; from this residue the principle is dissolved by ether. It is 
 in white or colorless very bitter prisms, which dissolve in 70 parts of water, in 
 50 of alcohol, and in less ether, chloroform, and benzene. Its composition is C 30 H 36 O 10 . 
 It is rendered brown by alkalies, and on being boiled with dilute hydrochloric acid yields 
 a body which reduces Fehling’s solution, but differs from sugar. 
 
 Action and Uses.- — -Accidental poisoning has occurred by mistaking the leaves of 
 this plant for senna and the fruit for blackberries. Snails that lived on its leaves have 
 poisoned those who ate thorn. The toxical phenomena generally consisted of nausea, 
 vomiting, colic, trismus, and general convulsions, ending fatally in some cases within 
 twenty-four hours. Experiments upon various animals gave the same general results, 
 but rabbits were usually unaffected. But the latter animals were destroyed by coriamyr- 
 tin in the dose of Gm. 0.10 (If grains) given internally, and Gm. 0.008 (l grain) 
 administered hypodermically. Gm. 0.20 (3 grains) of this substance sufficed to bring on 
 fatal convulsions in dogs in periods varying from twenty to seventy-five minutes. The 
 phenomena of poisoning by the plant and its extract resemble those induced by picro- 
 toxin, including spasm, frothing at the mouth, and contraction of the pupils; and the 
 lesions after death present a similar analogy, for they consist of a normal appearance of 
 the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, congestion of the meninges, rapid occurrence of 
 rigor mortis, distension of the heart with dark blood, and ecchymoses. in the lungs. The 
 toot poison of New Zealand has been proved to be furnished by one or more species of 
 Coriaria. C. ruscifolia, eaten by animals, renders them “ stupid and lethargic until roused 
 into a fit of frenzy by any trivial circumstance/’ Death takes place by exhaustion. The 
 goat, however, has an immunity from these effects (Am. Jour. Phar., lvi. 439). 
 
 CORNUS, U. S. — Cornus. 
 
 Dog wood-bar 7c, E. ; Eeorce de cornouiller d grandes Jleurs , Fr. ; Grossbl'dthige Kornel- 
 rinde , Hornbaumrinde , G. 
 
 The bark of the root of Cornus florida, Linne. Bigelow, Med. Flora , t. 28 ; Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants , 136. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cornaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The tree is found in woodlands from Canada and Southern New England 
 southward throughout the United States, and westward to Minnesota, Eastern Kansas, 
 and Texas : it is usually from 4.5 to 6 M. (15 to 20 feet) high, and in favorable localities 
 attains double that height. The opposite leaves are ovate, pointed, about 10 Cm. (4 
 inches) long, and become crimson in autumn ; the small greenish flowers are in capitate 
 clusters surrounded by four large involucral leaves, which are notched at the apex, of a 
 white color, sometimes tinged with purple, and quite showy. The drupaceous fruit is 
 bright red. Cornus Nuttallii of the Pacific States resembles this species, and probably 
 has similar properties. 
 
 Description. — The bark of the root, which is preferred, is usually met with in com- 
 merce, and is in broken somewhat curved pieces, about 3 Mm. (f inch) thick and rarely 
 
544 
 
 COE YD A LIS. 
 
 over 5 Cm. (2 inches) long and wide. The furrowed corky layer is dark ash-colored or 
 brown-gray, in the young bark smooth and marked with small oblong white spots. The 
 Pharmacopoeia directs the corky layer to be removed, when the outer surface is of a pale 
 reddish- or light reddish-brown color, and rather darker than the inner surface, which is 
 of a rusty rose-color and striate ; the longitudinal as well as the transverse fracture is 
 short, of a whitish color, and with brown-yellow striae of stone-cells. It is almost with- 
 out odor and has an astringent and bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents .■ — Geiger (1836) separated the bitter principle, cornin or comic add , 
 by treating the cold infusion with plumbic hydroxide, evaporating the filtrate, treating 
 the extract with absolute alcohol, adding ether, and crystallizing. Frey (1879) found it 
 difficult to obtain the principle pure without loss. It is in white, silky bitter needles, 
 readily soluble in water and alcohol, slightly soluble in ether, colored dark by alkalies, and 
 precipitated by silver nitrate and basic lead acetate, but not by other normal salts. We 
 observed (1859) that the bitter principle when in aqueous solution containing a little 
 ammonia is altered and destroyed by exposure to air and heat. Geiger separated also a 
 tasteless resinous body crystallizing in shining needles. Cockburn (1835), besides some 
 unimportant principles, recognized the presence of gallic acid and tannin, producing a 
 bluish-black color with iron. Bowman (1869) obtained only 3 per cent, of tannin. 
 Frey, in addition to these principles, isolated a bland inodorous orange-colored fixed oil, 
 and ascertained that the resin dissolves with an orange color in cold sulphuric acid. 
 
 Allied Plants. — 1. Cornus circinata, L 1 Heritier. — Round-leaved dogwood,!?.; Cornouiller, 
 a feuilles arrondies, Fr. ; Oanadischer (Rundblatteriger) Kornel, G. — This shrub is met with 
 in Canada, and in the United States as far south as Virginia and west to Iowa, growing in 
 copses in rich soil. It attains a height of 1.8 to 3.0 M. (6 to 9 feet), has greenish wafty 
 dotted branches and orbicular or broadly ovate opposite leaves, which are 12 Cm. (5 inches) 
 or less long, abruptly pointed and white woolly beneath. The white flowers are in flat cymes ; 
 the fruit is drupaceous, light bjue. The bark is in thin, irregular pieces or short quills, which 
 are externally greenish and warty when from young branches, or from older branches of a 
 brownish-gray color, with the warts confluent in slightly-raised longitudinal lines of a glossy 
 brown. The inner surface is cinnamon-brown, even, and very finely striate. The bark breaks 
 with an even scarcely fibrous fracture through the pale-reddish inner layer. The odor is slight, 
 the taste not unpleasant, somewhat astringent, and bitter. Rob. Gibson (1880) found it to agree 
 in composition with the official bark. 
 
 2. Cornus sericea, Linn£. — Swamp dogwood, Silky cornel, Red hosier, Kinnikinnick, E. ; 
 Cornouiller soyeux, Fr. ; Sumpf kornel, G . — This common shrub is found in moist woods, on 
 the margins of streams and swamps, from Canada south to Florida, and westward to Texas and 
 Dakota. It is 1.8 to 3 M. (6 to 10 feet) high, has purplish branches and opposite, elliptic-ovate, 
 and pointed leaves, which are covered underneath with rust-colored silky down. The yellowish- 
 white flowers, having conspicuous calyx teeth, are in close, flat, and woolly pubescent cymes, 
 followed by pale-blue fruits. The bark is usually in much-broken pieces, resembling the pre- 
 ceding, but having a distinct purple tint and being less warty. Its constituents are probably 
 the same. 
 
 3. Cornus mascula, Linne. — Cornelian cherry, E. ; Cornouille, Fr. ; Kornelkirsche, Durlitze, 
 Herlitze, G. ; Corniolo, It. — A shrub or small tree indigenous to Southern and Central Europe, 
 and somewhat cultivated in the United States for ornament. It is 3 to 6 M. (10 to 20 feet) high, 
 and produces, preceding the leaves, capitate umbels of yellow flowers surrounded by a four- 
 leaved dingy-yellow or greenish involucre. The bright-red glossy elliptic drupe is about 2 Cm. 
 (f inch) long, in the green state strongly astringent, but when ripe of an acidulous sweet and 
 slightly astringent taste, and edible. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dogwood is tonic, astringent, and slightly stimulant, and in 
 the recent state is apt to produce nausea. Like other vegetable bitters, it has been 
 popularly used as a remedy for intermittent fever. Its virtues as a stomachic tonic are 
 more demonstrable. The dose of the powdered bark as a tonic is about Gm. 1.30 (gr. 
 xx), and three times that quantity, repeated six or seven times during the apyrexia, 
 may be given in intermittent fever. A decoction or the officinal fluid extract is to be 
 preferred. 
 
 Swamp dogwood (C. sericea) is less, and round-leaved dogwood (C. circinata) more, 
 bitter than this species, while the first-named excels in astringency. The former is stated 
 to be used medicinally in decoction as an emetic and expectorant by the Indians of the 
 Pacific North-west (Holmes ; Spaydon). 
 
 CORYDALIS. — Turkey Corn. 
 
 Squirrel corn, Turkey pea , E. 
 
 The tubers of Dicentra canadensis, De Candolle , s. Dielytra eximia, Pursh, 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Fumariaceae, 
 
CORYLTJS. 
 
 545 
 
 Origin. — The plant is a perennial, has bi-ternate somewhat glaucous radical leaves, 
 with the leaflets dissected into linear-oblong segments and several scapes bearing about 
 four greenish-white flowers, which are tinged with purple, nearly 12 Mm. (1 inch) long, 
 heart-shaped, and have two short and rounded spurs. It grows in rich rocky woods as 
 far south as Kentucky, but is more frequent farther north and in Canada. 
 
 Description, — -The thin subterranean shoots bear small tubers, which are collected. 
 They are depressed globose, 6 to 10 Mm. (I to £ inch) thick, of a tawny-yellow color, 
 nearly smooth, with a scar on each of the depressed sides, internally yellow or yellowish- 
 white. The tuber breaks with a somewhat horny or slightly mealy fracture, is nearly 
 inodorous, and has a bitterish and rather persistent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — W. T. Wenzell (1855) obtained from it corydaline, fumaric acid, 
 yellow bitter extractive, an acrid resin, starch, and other common principles of plants. 
 The alkaloid was obtained by evaporating the tincture, separating the resin by filtration, 
 precipitating the filtrate with ammonia, and exhausting the precipitate with alcohol. 
 This solution was evaporated, the residue treated with dilute hydrochloric acid, the salt 
 thus formed again precipitated by ammonia, and the alkaloid purified by repeated crystal- 
 lization. Corydaline was discovered by Wackenroder (1826) in the tubers of Corydalis 
 tuberosa and fabacea. It is a white amorphous powder, crystallizing from alcohol in 
 colorless prisms and scales, its solution having a very bitter taste. It is soluble in alco- 
 hol, ether, chloroform, and in the fixed and volatile oils, fuses at about 70° C. (158° F.), 
 yields mostly amorphous salts, and is colored dark-red by sulphuric acid and yellow by 
 nitric acid, or, if it contains resin, blood-red by the last-named agent. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Corydalis tuberosa, Re Candolle. — Fumeterre bulbeuse, Fr. ; Hohlwurzel, 
 Helimvurzel, G. — It is indigenous to the hilly woodlands of Europe. The tubers vary from 1 
 to 4 Cm. (J to 2 inches) in thickness, are roundish, gray-brown, internally greenish-yellow or 
 whitish, firm ; when old, hollow and frequently lobed. 
 
 Cor. fabacea, Persoon , another European plant, has small tubers which are never hollow. 
 
 Dicentra eximia, De Candolle , s. Corydalis formosa, Pursh , indigenous to the United States, 
 has a scaly rhizome and a compound raceme of oblong purplish flowers, which are about 18 
 Mm. (f inch) long and have two very short saccate spurs. 
 
 Action and Uses. — As long ago as 1855 it was stated that “ the root of C. formosa 
 is supposed to be tonic, diuretic, and alterative, and is given in syphilitic, scrofulous, and 
 cutaneous affections in the dose of from 10 to 30 grains.” Since then there appears to 
 have been nothing more definite made known respecting the virtues of this plant. The 
 resin which it contains, and on which depend whatever virtues it may possess, is probably 
 worthy of being suitably tested. Numerous species of Corydalis occur in Europe, from 
 one of which a resin is obtained, by precipitation from a tincture, which is alleged to 
 have cured intermittent fever; and another, C. tuberosa, is regarded as emmenagogue, 
 anthelmintic, etc. 
 
 CORYLUS.— Hazel. 
 
 Noisetier , Fr. ; Hasel , G. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cupuliferae. 
 
 Description. — The following species have been used : 
 
 Corylus ayellana, Linne , is a shrub 3 to 4.5 M. (10 to 15 feet) high, common in 
 woodlands and thickets in Europe and Northern Asia, and cultivated to some extent in 
 the United States. It has somewhat hairy, roundish-ovate, and pointed leaves, with 
 a heart-shaped base, flowers in March, and ripens its fruit in autumn. It has bony nuts, 
 which are enclosed in a bell-shaped involucre, are nearly 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, and have 
 a smooth, light-brown, woody shell enclosing a white, oily, and sweetish kernel. The nut 
 is known as filbert. The seeds contain over 50 per cent, of fixed oil. Hazelnut oil is 
 pale-yellow, inodorous, has a mild nutty taste, and congeals at about — 17.8 C. (0° F.) ; 
 it consists of olein, arachin, palmitin, and stearin. By nitric acid it becomes greenish, 
 and by sulphuric acid bluish-green and gray. 
 
 Corylus Americana, Walter , is common in thickets in North America, has obovate- 
 cordate and acuminate leaves, and yields a fruit about 13 Mm. (£ inch) long and wide, 
 which is enclosed in an open involucre of about twice the length of the fruit. 
 
 Corylus rostrata, Alton , grows in Canada, in the northern part of the United 
 States, and along the Alleghanies, and is about 0.6 to 1.5 M. (2 to 5 feet) high. The 
 leaves are oblong-ovate, pointed, and somewhat heart-shaped. The fruit is enclosed in 
 a long hirsute involucre, which above is contracted into a long tubular beak. 
 
 35 
 
546 
 
 COTTJLA.— COTYLEDON. 
 
 Action and Uses.— The spiculae which cover the involucre of C. rostrata have 
 been used with alleged effect as a substitute for those of mucuna in the treatment of 
 intestinal worms. 
 
 COTULA. — May- weed. 
 
 Herba chamomillse foetidse . — Wild chamomile. Dog chamomile. E. ; Chamomille puante, 
 Herhe de mar ante, Fr. ; Hundskam illen , G. 
 
 The herb of Maruta Cotula, De Candolle, s. Maruta foetida, Cassini, s. Anthemis 
 Cotula, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Anthemidese. 
 
 Description. — This nearly smooth annual is originally indigenous to Europe, but is 
 now a very common weed in many parts of North America, growing along roadsides, in 
 neglected fields, and in waste places. The stem is about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, with 
 ascending branches from the base, cylindrical, furrowed, somewhat hairy above. The 
 sessile leaves are obovate in outline, thrice pinnately divided, with linear subulate lobes, 
 pale-green, and slightly hairy beneath. The flower-heads terminate the branches upon 
 soft hairy peduncles. The numerous involucral scales are somewhat imbricate, ovate, 
 with whitish scarious margins. The receptacle is conical, not hollow ; chaff nearly sub- 
 ulate, shorter than the florets ; ray-florets white, ligulate, three-toothed, neutral ; disk- 
 florets tubular, yellow ; akenes obovoid, ribbed, and without pappus. The plant begins 
 to flower in June, and has an unpleasant aromatic odor and a bitterish acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The flowers were analyzed by Wm. H. Warner (1858), and found 
 to contain a little volatile oil, some tannin, valerianic and oxalic acids, an acrid fatty sub- 
 stance, bitter extractive, etc. Pattone (1859) announced the discovery of an alkaloid, 
 anthemidine , and of a crystallizable bitter acid, anthemidic acid, the latter of which is 
 dissolved from the aqueous extract by alcohol and is also soluble in ether. The undis- 
 solved portion of the extract, taken up with water and treated with ammonia, is said to 
 yield the alkaloid, which, however, has not been obtained since. 
 
 Action and Uses. — May-weed, or wild chamomile, resembles officinal chamomile 
 in most of its qualities and uses, but its smell is different in being fetid, and its juice is 
 capable of blistering the skin. Its rank odor and acrid qualities probably led to its being 
 used as a nervine stimulant in such cases as those for which valerian is usually 
 employed, and especially for the relief of flatulent colic and dysmenorrhoea. Its excitant 
 properties adapted it to popular use as a sudorific and antispasmodic. The leaves are 
 commonly applied externally, but an infusion of the flowers is preferable for internal use. 
 
 COTYLEDON. — Navelwort, Pennywort. 
 
 Cotylct, Nombril de Venus , Fr. ; Nabelkraut, G. ; Ombligo de Venus, Sp. 
 
 Cotyledon Umbilicus, Linne, s. Umbilicus pendulinus, De Candolle. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Crassulaceae. 
 
 Description. — A perennial herb of Southern and Western Europe, growing on 
 rocks and old walls. It has a fleshy, tuberous root and an erect stem about 15 Cm. 
 (6 inches) high. The leaves are smooth, fleshy, peltate, concave, roundish, and repand- 
 crenate, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) broad, the upper ones smaller, roundish, wedge-shaped, 
 and on shorter petioles. The numerous small flowers are greenish-yellow and tubular, 
 bell-shaped, with a five-parted corolla, ten stamens, and five many-ovuled ovaries. The 
 dry plant is inodorous and has a mucilaginous taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Navelwort was analyzed by Hetet (1864) with the following results : 
 The fresh plant contains 95 per cent, of water, 0.001 per cent, of salt of trimethylamine, 
 the same quantity of ammonia salt, 0.9 per cent, potassium nitrate, 2.063 per cent, of 
 other salts, the remaining 2.035 per cent, being sugar, mucilage, starch, cellulose, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Between 1849 and 1855 several English practitioners 
 abounded in eulogies of this plant as a remedy for epilepsy. They were, for the most 
 part, gentlemen of good, and even of eminent, professional standing, and their opinions 
 for a time led physicians astray ; but when the medicine had been tried by experts both 
 in England and upon the Continent, it was adjudged to be utterly worthless. Against 
 this sentence there has been no appeal. Formerly the mucilaginous leaves of the plant 
 were applied to contusions. 
 
CIIEOSOTUM. 
 
 547 
 
 CREOSOTUM, U. S.— Creosote. 
 
 Creasotum , Br. ; Kreosotum , P. G. — Creosote , Fr. ; Kreosot, G. ; Creosoto, It. 
 
 A mixture of phenols, chiefly guaiacol and creosol, obtained during the distillation of 
 wood-tar, preferably of that derived from the beech, Fagus sylvatica, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Cupuliferse.- 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Creosote, which was prepared by Reichenbach (1830), 
 is one of the numerous products resulting from the dry distillation of wood. According 
 to Voelckel, it is not produced from cellulose, but rather from the incrusting layers of 
 the wood-cells. Crude wood vinegar is stated to contain about 1 per cent., but beech- 
 wood tar occasionally 25 per cent, of it ; the latter is therefore the best material for its 
 preparation. To obtain it the tar is distilled until about one-half is passed over and dense 
 vapors of paraffin, etc. make their appearance. The distillate separates into a heavy and 
 light oily layer, with an intervening aqueous stratum of an acid reaction. The light oil 
 contains eupion. The heavy oil is treated with a concentrated solution of sodium carbo- 
 nate, and the separated oily liquid is distilled, that portion of the distillate only being 
 collected which is heavier than water. This distillate is treated with potassa solution 
 spec. grav. 1.12, whereby the creosote is dissolved and eupion separated. The potassa 
 solution is now supersaturated with sulphuric acid, and the precipitated creosote well 
 washed with water and rectified, the product distilling at and above 203° C. (397° F.) 
 being collected. The treatment with potassa and sulphuric acid is repeated until the 
 potassium creosote solution does not turn brown on being heated in the air. 
 
 To obtain it from crude pyroligneous acid the oily constituents are first separated by 
 saturating the crude acid with sodium sulphate at about 70° C. (158° F.), and while 
 warm skimming off the supernatant layer. The cold thick oil is distilled, treated with 
 sodium carbonate, and further purified as above. 
 
 Properties. — Creosote is a colorless oily liquid ; age renders it slightly yellowish, 
 but even exposure to direct sunlight should scarcely render it brown (P. G .) ; but the 
 U. S. P. permits it to turn reddish-yellow or brown by exposure to light from the pres- 
 ence of tar-oils. It is very refractive to light, neutral to test-paper, of a peculiar pene- 
 trating smoky odor, and of a caustic and burning taste. Its specific gravity should not 
 be below 1.070 at 15° C. (59° F.), TJ. S., P. G. ; 1.071 Br. “Soluble in about 150 
 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), but without forming a perfectly clear solution. With 
 120 parts of hot water it forms a clear liquid, which becomes turbid on cooling and sep- 
 arates oily droplets. The filtrate from this yields a reddish-brown precipitate with 
 bromine test-solution (distinction from carbolic acid). It is also soluble, in all propor- 
 tions, in absolute alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzin, carbon disulphide, acetic acid, fixed 
 and volatile oils. It begins to boil at about 205° C. (401° F.), and most of it distils 
 over between 205° and 215° C. (401° and 419° F.). When it is cooled to — 20° C. 
 ( — 4° F.) it becomes gelatinous, but does not solidify (difference from carbolic acid.). 
 It is inflammable, burning with a luminous, smoky flame. It is neutral or only faintly 
 acid to litmus-paper.” — (J. S. It takes up 50 per cent, of glycerin or 15 per cent, of 
 ammonia sp. gr. 0.940. When agitated with an equal bulk of ammonia-water it separates 
 unchanged on standing, but it dissolves in potassa solution, the liquid giving off creosote 
 when heated to boiling. It causes precipitates with solutions of gum and albumen, but 
 not with gelatin, and does not render collodion gelatinous (difference from carbolic acid). 
 It preserves meat, probably in consequence of its behavior with albumen, and is present 
 in the smoke of burning wood. Creosote is decomposed by strong nitric and sulphuric 
 acids, and in contact with silver nitrate the latter is reduced. 
 
 Composition. — That creosote is a mixture of a number of different compounds has 
 been long known, but their isolation has been a matter of great difficulty. In 18G7, 
 Gorup- Besanez recognized the presence of guaiacol, C 7 II 8 0 2 , and creosol , C 8 H, 0 O 2 , in beech- 
 wood tar creosote ; both are oily liquids of the general properties of creosote, the former 
 boiling at 200° C. (392° F.), the latter between 220° and 224° C. (428° and 435° F.) 
 (Tiemann and Koppe, 1881). Heated with hydriodic acid, both yield methyl iodide, 
 and in addition thereto pyrocatechin, C 6 II 6 0 2 , is produced by the former, and by the latter 
 a non-crystallizing body isomeric with orchin, C 7 H 8 0 2 . Tiemann and Mendelssohn (1876) 
 proved also the presence of phlorol , C 8 II 10 O, which had been previously supposed to exist 
 in it and in impure carbolic acid, the so-called coal-tar creosote. They dissolved the por- 
 tion obtained by fractional distillation near 220° C. (428° F.) in ether, and added con- 
 centrated potassa solution, whereby its compound with creosol was separated, while the 
 phlorol remained in the mother-liquor. Reimer observed (1876) that guaiacol, treated 
 
548 
 
 CREOSOTUM. 
 
 with chloroform and soda, and afterward with an acid, is converted into vanillin , the 
 aldehyde of vanillic acid , which latter was obtained from creosol by converting it first into 
 acetyl-creosol and oxidizing this with potassium permanganate (Tiemann and Mendelssohn, 
 
 1877). 
 
 Besides the three principles named, others are likely to be present in creosote from 
 different sources, such as methyl-creosol , C 9 H 12 0 (boiling-point 215° C. = 419° F.), and 
 metliyl-guaiacol , C 8 H 10 O 2 (boiling-point 205° C., 401° F.) The creosols and phenols boil- 
 ing below 200° C. (392° F.) should be absent (see page 40). 
 
 Tests. — “On mixing equal volumes of creosote and collodion in a dry test-tube, no 
 coagulum should form. If 1 volume of creosote be mixed with 1 volume of glycerin, a 
 nearly clear mixture will result, from which the creosote will be separated by the addi- 
 tion of 1 or more volumes of water. On adding to 10 Cc. of a 1 per cent, aqueous solu- 
 tion of creosote 1 drop of ferric chloride test-solution, the liquid will aquire a violet-blue 
 tint which rapidly changes to greenish and brown, with formation, usually, of a brown 
 precipitate. (The preceding three tests show difference from and absence of notable 
 quantities of carbolic acid.) On mixing 2 Cc. of creosote with 8 Cc. of a 71 per cent, 
 solution of sodium hydroxide, a clear, pale yellowish liquid results, which becomes turbid 
 when diluted with water, but clears up after 50 Cc. have been added (absence of neutral 
 oils). If 1 Cc. of creosote be mixed with a 20-per-cent, solution of potassium hydroxide 
 in absolute alcohol, a solid crystalline mass will form upon cooling. If 1 Cc. of creosote 
 is shaken with 2 Cc. of benzin and 2 Cc. of freshly prepared barium hydroxide test-solu- 
 tion, upon separating, the benzin should not be blue or muddy, and the aqueous layer 
 should not have a red tint (absence of coerulignol and some other high-boiling constituents 
 of wood-tar.” — U. S. 
 
 Frohdds reagent , prepared by dissolving 1 part of molybdic acid in 100 parts of sul- 
 phuric acid, has been found by E. W. Davy (1878) to be a reliable test for detecting an 
 admixture of carbolic acid in creosote, the former producing with the reagent a yellowish 
 or brownish tint, passing into maroon or reddish-brown, and finally into beautiful purple; 
 the latter causes a brown or reddish-brown color, which becomes fainter, and finally light 
 yellowish-brown. The test is applied by adding 1 or 2 drops of the aqueous solution of 
 the substance to 3 or 4 drops of the reagent ; warming the mixture gently will hasten 
 the production of the final coloration. If the creosote contains but a small quantity of 
 carbolic acid, 10 drops of it are dissolved in J ounce of water and the solution distilled. 
 The first portion of the distillate will give the creosote reaction, and the last portion that 
 of carbolic acid. 
 
 It should be stated that much of the commercial creosote is coal-tar creosote, and 
 readily recognizable as such by its behavior with ferric chloride. 
 
 Action and Uses.* — Applied pure to a mucous membrane or to the raw cutis, it 
 excites severe burning pain, coagulates the albumen of the secretion, and may even pro- 
 duce ulceration. Its taste is very penetrating and peculiar, and may be detected in a 
 solution of 1 part of creasote in 1000 of water. In doses of 1 or 2 drops it causes 
 burning in the throat and oesophagus. Larger medicinal doses, if continued, are apt to 
 occasion a sort of intoxication, with giddiness, dulness, debility, frequent pulse, and 
 dyspnoea. The urine is increased and blackened, and exhales the odor of the medicine ; 
 sometimes there is strangury. The vapor, when inhaled, is soporific. Applied exter- 
 nally to an ulcer, creasote has occasioned faintness, palpitation, etc. The case is 
 reported of a man who applied to his hair creasote instead of oil, and changed its color 
 to gray (Mmer. Jour. Pkar ., lix. 114). Excessive doses may cause severe abdominal 
 pain and bloody stools. A case in which 2 drachms were taken ended fatally. Another 
 case is reported in which an infant a year old is said to have taken a teaspoonful of 
 creasote, and recovered after having exhibited great debility, pallor, a hoarse, croupy 
 cough, and stertorous breathing (Grinnell, Med. News, xl. 344). A fatal case occurring 
 in an infant was remarkable for the severe lesions of the mouth, throat, etc. ( Edinb . 
 Med. Jour., xxviii. 655). 
 
 The first medicinal use of creasote was to check vomiting in cholera, and subsequently 
 it was found to relieve this symptom produced by reflex irritation by exhaustion in 
 alcoholism, by sea-sickness, by Bright’s disease, by malignant disease of the stomach, 
 and by certain forms of dyspepsia, probably of the fermentative sort. It is alleged to 
 have cured tapeworm , as carbolic acid has also been. Its manifest haemostatic powers 
 
 * The almost complete substitution in commerce of carbolic acid for creasote, and the very close 
 analogy in their operation, render unnecessary a more detailed account of the latter than is given in 
 the text. 
 
CREOSOTUM. 
 
 549 
 
 in external haemorrhage led to its use in bleeding from the lungs, stomach, bowels, 
 kidneys, bladder, and uterus, and its analogous operation was employed to correct exces- 
 sive secretion in diabetes , polyuria , broncliorrhoea . chronic bronchitis , and laryngitis. 
 When first introduced by Reichenbach in 1833, it was reputed by him to be a remedy 
 for phthisis , and Elliotson, in the following year, published cases of its efficacy in this 
 disease (. Med.-Chir . Trans., xix. 221). In 1836, Carmack confirmed the previous state- 
 ments, and added a long list of diseases in which the virtues of creasote were displayed. 
 It soon, however, fell into discredit, and so remained until 1876, when Imlay recom- 
 mended its use in an atomized solution for the relief of phthisis ( Lancet , Nov. 1876, p. 
 514). The following year Bouchard renewed the vogue of the medicine, and cited Ver- 
 beck as having Ci cured ” consumption by its internal use (j Bull, de Therap ., xciii. 289). 
 Thenceforth it attracted more attention in Germany than elsewhere, where it was 
 extolled by Sommerbrodt (Cent r alb. f. Therap., v. 255; Therap. Monatsh., iii. 298), 
 Fraentzel ( Centralb . f. Therap., v. 440), Lublinski (ibid., v. 631), Engel (Centralb. f. 
 Therap., iii. 501), and many others. In Great Britain it seems to have inspired little 
 confidence, and in the United States to have met with a very limited acceptance (Robin- 
 son, Trans. Asso. Amer. Physicians, iii. 365; Flint, Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Jan. 1889, p. 
 75; Nov. 1890, p. 500). Indeed, a survey of the reports made by its advocates show 
 — 1. That the percentage of cures attributed to it is exceedingly small. 2. That its 
 virtues were displayed only in the forming stage of the disease. 3. That the patients 
 said to have improved were using, besides creasote, cod-liver oil and other medicines, as 
 well as undergoing various dietetic and hygienic modes of treatment. 4. That the 
 hypothetical rational ground of its use — viz. that it destroyed the bacilli of tubercle — 
 was proved a delusion by Bogdonovitch (Med. News, Iii. 401), since they abounded in 
 the sputa of patients using the medicine. Moreover, Dr. Driver, after three years’ use 
 of the medicine, concluded that it had little to do with the improvement of patients who 
 were taking it (Centralb. f. Therap., vi. 604). It was also found that its assiduous use 
 frequently inspired the patient with an invincible disgust, and occasioned anorexia, nau- 
 sea, retching and vomiting, gastric irritability and oppression, and diarrhoea. There is no 
 better agent for the relief of toothache due to caries and inflammation of the dental pulp. 
 For this purpose it should be applied upon a small and dense wad of cotton or lint. 
 Creasote-water is sometimes used as an injection to cure leucorrhcea and gleet ; it is an 
 excellent application to burns and chilblains and to all forms of ulcers requiring stimula- 
 tion, but especially to such as present flabby and bloody granulations and a fetid dis- 
 charge, as in cancer, gangrene, mercurial stomatitis, chronic glanders, ozsena, etc. Like 
 other stimulants, it has been used, in a diluted form, as a lotion in erysipelas. It is a 
 useful stimulant in certain cases of deafness due to dryness of the external auditory 
 canal. The antiputrescent power of this substance has caused it to be used to preserve 
 dead animal matter for dissection, etc. Creasote has been given, like carbolic acid, for its 
 antizymotic virtues in the treatment of typhoid fever , but, however it may seem to be 
 theoretically fitted for the cure of that disease, its efficacy has not been generally 
 admitted. Indeed, if it act in the manner supposed, its advantages are not very explica- 
 ble when it is administered by enema, as Dujardin-Beaumetz advises. If given at all. it 
 should be in the form of creasote-water, and by the mouth in the dose of a fluidrachm. 
 It has been applied as a means of allaying itching in numerous diseases of the skin, but 
 in a concentrated form it is more efficient in causing the shrivelling and destruction of 
 lupus, warts , condylomata, and nsevi materni. Among these affections lupus is claimed to 
 be most efficiently treated by plasters containing salicylic acid and creasote in various 
 proportions (Unna, Lancet , Sept. 25, 1886). If carbolic acid were not so universally used 
 instead of creasote, it would still be preferable as having a less persistent and disagree- 
 able smell. This may be removed from the body or clothing by chlorinated lotions. 
 The poisonous effects of creasote may be combated with wine, coffee, and other stimu- 
 lants and by magnesium sulphate. 
 
 The close of creasote is Gm. 0.05-0.10 (gtt. j-ij). It may be given in pill or emulsion 
 or in the form of creasote-water. It is rendered more miscible with water by the addi- 
 tion of an equal quantity of solution of potassa. Its taste may be disguised by 
 aromatic waters. It may also be used by inhalation, dissolved in from 1 to 3 parts of 
 rectified spirit. When applied to carious teeth, etc. it may be solidified with collodion. 
 
 Probably the least offensive way of administering it is in capsules containing Gm. 0.05 
 (1 grain) of creasote and Gm. 0.02 (A grain) of Tolu balsam, and gradually increasing 
 the quantity until in the fourth week six capsules a day are taken. Fraentzel preferred 
 a mixture as follows: Creasote, 13.5 parts; tinct. of gentian, 30 parts; spirit of wine, 
 
550 
 
 CUEOLINUM. 
 
 250 parts ; sherry wine to make 1000 parts. Others have given it with cod-liver oil. 
 Schetelig administered it hypodermically in almond oil (Cent. f. Therap ., vii. 278), and 
 Rosenbach (Med. News , lii. 462) and Stachiewicz [Med. Record , xxxiv. 508) ventured 
 to inject it through the cliest-walls into the tissue of the lung. Neudorfer holds that 
 creasote is “of equal value in cancer and phthisis” (Med. Record , xxxv. 95 — a judg- 
 ment that does not encourage its use in either disease. 
 
 CREOLINUM.-Creolin. 
 
 Creoline , Fr. ; Kreolin , G. 
 
 Composition and Properties. — Creolin, which was first introduced about 1887, 
 is a product of the dry distillation of coal, and is said to be obtained by freeing that por- 
 tion of coal-tar boiling between 180° and 220° C. (356° and 428° F.) from carbolic acid. 
 The composition of commercial creolin varies considerably, two different preparations 
 being sold under the same name — Pearson’s creolin in England (probably identical with 
 Jeyes’ disinfectant) and Artmann’s creolin in Germany. The latter variety is but little 
 soluble in ether in which Pearson’s creolin is perfectly soluble, and also differs from it in 
 depositing upon standing for some time, particularly when cooled with ice, hard, white 
 crystals of naphtalene, which are sublimable and melt at 79°-80° C., boiling at 216°- 
 218° C. Published analyses by Weyl, Fischer, Beckurts, and Otto point to the presence 
 in the English creolin of about 60 per cent, of hydrocarbons boiling between 190° and 
 350° C., from 10 to 22 per cent, of phenols boiling between 200° and 300° C., about 0.8 
 per cent, of pyridine bases, 2 to 4 per cent, of soda, and variable quantities of abietic 
 acid and water. Artmann’s creolin was found to contain less phenols, but a much 
 larger percentage (85 per cent.) of hydrocarbons. In both preparations the phenols are 
 combined with soda and it is probable that the hydrocarbons are held in solution by the 
 compounds thus formed. The method of preparing both products is kept secret by the 
 manufacturers. Creolin occurs as a dark-brown syrupy alkaline liquid, miscible with 
 water and soluble in alcohol, fixed oils, and chloroform ; mixed with water it forms milk- 
 like emulsions. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Thomesco noted no injury after doses of Gm. 0.50 (gr. viij), 
 and Spaeth and two associates each took as much as Gm. 8 (^ij) in a day without injury 
 (Bull, de Ther ., cxv. 552). Yet it is certainly poisonous in excessive doses. Eight 
 ounces of it taken with suicidal intent caused unconsciousness, followed by vomiting, and, 
 after treatment, by recovery. Thirst was suffered, but not pain, and there was no caustic 
 action. The urine smelled of carbolic acid, and contained albumen and blood. Later on 
 there was slight jaundice (Berlin. Min. Wochensch , Aug. 1889). A 1 to 2 per cent, 
 uterine douche after delivery has caused collapse and death ( Therap. Monatshefte , Oct. 
 1889). A 2 per cent, solution applied to the wound made in operating for strangulated 
 hernia has occasioned a scarlatinoid eruption, thirst, fever, a small and rapid pulse, and a 
 discharge of urine smelling of carbolic acid (Cramer). A drop or two of a 2 per cent, 
 solution placed on the tongue or in the nasal passages or throat occasions a burning irri- 
 tation, and its taste clings to the mouth and pharynx. (For cases of poisoning by creolin 
 see Therap. Monatsh., iii. 434, 578 ; Lancet , Oct. 1889, p. 811). When taken internally 
 it deodorizes the stools, but is apt to provoke diarrhoea. It neutralizes the fetor of gan- 
 grenous ulcers, which it also stimulates and heals. Its application to such sores and to 
 open wounds does not usually occasion toxical phenomena ; but some exceptions have 
 been noticed above. It also sometimes causes eczema. It does not corrode metallic 
 instruments, but it acts rapidly on caoutchouc and gutta-percha. It has been pronounced 
 the best deodorant yet discovered (Otis). ' Objections to its use are that it makes an 
 opaque mixture with water, and that instruments dipped in it become slippery. It also 
 within wounds retards their healing. Moreover, it discolors the hands and makes the 
 skin rough. In 1887, when a veterinary professor brought into notice the antiseptic 
 action of creolin, it was employed in surgery by Y. Esmarch, who pronounced it superior 
 to carbolic acid as a deodorizing, disinfecting, and antiseptic agent, and found that in a 
 soap it was more efficient than corrosive sublimate for these purposes ( Lancet , Oct. 15, 
 1887), and did not burn or smart. His observations were soon confirmed by Kortiim 
 (Centralb. f Ther., v. 708), who employed a 1 per cent, watery solution to correct the 
 fetor of puerperal discharges and of foul ulcers. For the latter he employed a 1-2 per 
 cent, solution on gauze compresses, and also used it to repress suppuration and promote 
 healing, and, in fact, for all the similar purposes to which corrosive sublimate was then 
 applied, with equal advantage and less danger. These results were confirmed by 
 
CREOLIN UM. 
 
 551 
 
 Neudorfer ( Centralb. f Ther ., vi. 227), who also found that creolin relieved pain, checked 
 haemorrhage, and limited suppuration. He applied a I per cent, solution on thick gauze 
 compresses, which were allowed to remain until cicatrization. Eisenberg’s experiments 
 (i ibid ., p. 372) proved that a 2—5 per cent, solution destroyed various morbid germs more 
 rapidly and thoroughly than carbolic acid. These results have been confirmed by Otis 
 and others ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., June, 1889, p. 599). A disadvantage attend- 
 ing its use as a dressing for wounds, especially in children and in females with a delicate 
 skin, is its tendency to produce an eczematous eruption, with swelling of the lymphatic 
 glands and fever (Wackez, Tlierap. Monatsliefte , iii. 264). In veterinary medicine it has 
 been used in 5 per cent, alcoholized solutions, in baths and lotions, to cure the itch of 
 hogs and sheep, and also to destroy vegetable parasites. 
 
 Among the various applications of creolin the following may be mentioned : One of 
 its earliest uses was in the treatment of vesical catarrh by the injection of a \ per cent, 
 solution. It caused a transient burning sensation, but speedily destroyed the fetor of 
 the secretion and removed its turbidness ( Lancet , Jan. 14, 1888). In cases of putrefac- 
 tion within the uterus from retained placenta, membranes, foetus, etc. — cases in which 
 tympanites existed and blood-infection was imminent — the danger was prevented by irri- 
 gating the uterus with solutions containing 1 to 2 per cent, of creolin. A stronger solu- 
 tion (according to Baumm) is apt to painfully irritate the vagina and render its walls 
 rigid. In chronic metritis and vaginitis a 4 per cent, solution has been used or a weaker 
 one applied by means of a double canula. Minapoulos used a i to 2 per cent, solution 
 to irrigate the vagina during and after labor ( Med . Neivs , liii. 718). Others have consid- 
 ered such injections objectionable. Rosni reported a case of death (referred to above) 
 with symptoms of carbolic-acid poisoning in a woman who had used a 2 per cent, emul- 
 sion of creolin as a uterine douche ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1889, p. 8), and 
 Hiller thought the apparent harmlessness of the preparation was due to its slight solu- 
 bility in water. 
 
 One per cent, solutions of creolin are alleged by Amon to be useful in various forms of 
 ophthalmia ; but Kazaouroff and others found that sometimes they either quite failed or 
 else acted as irritants (Bull, de Therap ., cxv. 375). Mergel declared it to be most effi- 
 cient in acute conjunctivitis , but also to act well in trachoma. In ulcerated cornea its 
 effects seemed uncertain (Med. News , liii. 590). One reporter (University Med. Mag., i. 
 117) stated that the results he obtained with it were inferior to those furnished by ordi- 
 nary methods ; Grossmann, Purtscher, and others were about equally divided in opinion ; 
 and some regarded the application as so painful that they suggested its being made only 
 along with or after the use of cocaine. A solution of from 2 to 10 drops in a pint of 
 water has been injected into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, but is not to be 
 recommended. Injections into the auditory canal, it has been claimed, are well borne, 
 and are useful in various forms of otorrhcea, but in the Halle clinic only unfavorable 
 results were observed (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., 1889, i. 527). The chronic and fetid sort 
 are benefited by solutions of 1 : 100-1 : 1000. In follicular tonsillitis with fetid breath, in 
 ulcerated pharynx, in diphtheria, etc. gargles and injections (1 : 100-500) containing creolin 
 are of service. Koehler states that for diphtheria he used 2-3 per cent, solutions with 
 advantage (Med. Record, xxxv. 65), and these or even weaker preparations are preferable 
 for various fetid affections of the nostrils and throat. The solution may be applied by 
 swabbing, irrigation, spray, or vapor. The inhalation of a 1 per cent, atomized solution 
 is recommended by Amon in phthisis. Like a great many other substances similarly 
 administered, it palliates cough and may heal existing ulcers. It has been injected into 
 the pleural cavity after the operation for empyema. Hiller states that he cured a case of 
 taenia solium and one of oxyuris vermicularis by doses of Gm. 1 (xv. grs.) three times a 
 day, enclosed in capsules ; and others have recommended it for flatulence (gastric or intes- 
 tinal). Enemas containing it have been found useful in dysentery. Neudorfer applied 
 pure creolin to erysipelas of the face, arresting its development and causing the general 
 symptoms to subside (Brit. Med. Jour., xxi. 88). A 2 per cent, ointment of creolin has 
 been applied to local eruptions of eczema and impetigo ; and an alcoholic solution or a 
 vaseline ointment containing it (1 : 10-20) has been used successfully in parasitic diseases 
 of the skin. 
 
 Creolin is but little used internally, but, as above stated, its dose need not be very 
 small. It may be given in pill or capsule in the primary dose of 2 or 3 drops. Its smell 
 is not offensive to all persons, but may be masked by other odorous substances, among 
 which peppermint has been recommended. For topical uses, as for injections into mucous 
 cavities and wounds, a watery solution of 2-2 per cent, may be employed ; for disinfect- 
 
552 
 
 CRETA PRJEPARATA. 
 
 ing the hands and wounds a solution of 3-5 per cent. An ointment containing 2 per 
 cent, of the preparation has been used. Creolin gauze, cotton, vaseline, etc. are usually 
 prepared with a solution of 1 : 200. As already stated, the opacity of the liquid is a 
 hindrance to its use, especially in surgical operations. If the instruments are immersed 
 in it, it covers them with a soapy film, which lessens the firmness of the grasp upon 
 them. 
 
 CRETA PR^EPARATA, TI . S ., Prepared Chalk. 
 
 Creta laevigata . — Craie preparee , Crate lavee , Fr. ; Praparirte Kreide , Schlammkreide , 
 G. ; Creta preparada , Sp. 
 
 Formula CaC0 3 . Molecular weight 99.76. 
 
 Native friable calcium carbonate freed from most impurities by elutriation. 
 
 Origin. — Neither the U. S. nor the Br. Pharmacopoeia now gives a process for the 
 preparation of prepared chalk, but the last-named authority adds to the above definition 
 that it is “ afterward dried in small masses, which are usually of a conical form,” and, 
 mainly for the purpose of producing carbon dioxide gas, recognizes 
 
 Creta, Br. ; Chalk, E. ; Craie, Fr. ; Kreide, G. 
 
 Chalk is a mineral found in many parts of the world and very abundantly on the coasts 
 of the English Channel. It consists mainly of the microscopic shells of Foraminifera, 
 and, chemically, is calcium carbonate, generally containing a little silica, aluminum, iron, 
 magnesium, and organic matter. It is usually soft and earthy, but occasionally compact 
 and rather hard, often of a yellowish-white, or even red, color, due to ferric oxide ; as met 
 with in commerce it is nearly white. Its specific gravity is about 2.5. It is much used 
 for making marks which are readily effaced. Freed from the hard, silicious portions by 
 pulverization and diffusion in water, it constitutes whiting , and if prepared from very 
 white and soft chalk it is known as Spanish or Paris white (Blanc d’Espagne, Blanc de 
 Troyes, Fr.'). The latter, mixed with coloring matters and moulded into pencils, forms 
 the main ingredient in pastil colors. Being very rapidly and almost completely dis- 
 solved by hydrochloric acid, chalk is not adapted for generating a continuous stream of 
 carbon dioxide. To be suitable for medicinal purposes it requires to be purified or 
 prepared. 
 
 Preparation. — “ Take of chalk a convenient quantity. Add a little water to the chalk 
 and rub it into fine powder. Throw this into a large vessel nearly full of water, stir briskly, 
 and after a short interval decant into another vessel the supernatant liquid while yet turbid. 
 Treat the coarser particles of chalk remaining in the first vessel in a similar manner, and 
 add the turbid liquid to that previously decanted. Lastly, let the powder subside, and, 
 having poured off' the water, dry it.” — U. S. 1870. 
 
 The directions given here explain the process of elutriation, which consists in separating 
 the finer and lighter from the coarser and heavier particles by suspending them in water, 
 and, after the latter have subsided, pouring off the water, holding the former still in sus- 
 pension, which are then allowed to subside. The powder, while still moist, is then often 
 dried in the form of small nodules, which are usually made by putting the sediment, still 
 moist, into a funnel-shaped vessel and depositing it in small quantities upon the surface 
 prepared for it, either by striking the lower end of the funnel against it or by pushing 
 the soft mass through the funnel-tube by the aid of a suitable rod. The surface used 
 for drying is either glass or a smooth calcareous stone, the latter serving for the rapid 
 absorption of the moisture ; the dry powder adheres loosely in the form of small cones. 
 The heavy portion, which subsided first, is again triturated, levigated with some water, 
 and again subjected to elutriation. 
 
 Bismuth subcarbonate and subnitrate and other pulverulent mineral salts are some- 
 times dried in the same manner. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Prepared chalk is in conical nodules, forming a white, 
 amorphous, insipid powder, and, being nearly pure calcium carbonate, has all the physical 
 properties of that compound (see page 370), except that the color is usually of a less 
 bright tint, and that, viewed under the microscope, the particles do not present a crystal- 
 line appearance. The chemical behavior is likewise the same, except that on dissolving 
 prepared chalk in diluted hydrochloric, nitric, or acetic acid a trifling insoluble residue is 
 usually left, and that the rapid and copious effervescence of carbon dioxide gas produces 
 a more permanent foam. “ When heated to redness, prepared chalk loses carbon dioxide 
 and is converted into lime. The solution in diluted acetic acid yields, with ammonium 
 oxalate test-solution, a white precipitate insoluble in acetic, but soluble in hydrochloric, 
 
CHET A PRjEPARATA. 
 
 553 
 
 acid. If from the solution in diluted acetic acid the calcium be completely removed by 
 precipitation with ammonium oxalate test-solution in slight excess, the filtrate should not 
 be rendered very turbid on addition of sodium phosphate test-solution and a little 
 ammonia-water (limit of magnesium). Another portion of the solution in acetic acid 
 should not assume more than a slight bluish tint upon addition of potassium ferrocyanide 
 test-solution (limit of iron): Another portion of the same solution should not be ren- 
 
 dered turbid by the addition of barium chloride test-solution (absence of sulphate). In 
 another portion no precipitate should occur upon the addition of potassium dichromate 
 test-solution (absence of barium).” — U. S. 
 
 Substitution , — Powdered gypsum , calcium sulphate, has been during the past thirty 
 years repeatedly sold in place of prepared chalk. It is of a whiter color, does not effer- 
 vesce with acids, and yields with a large quantity of distilled water a neutral solution 
 giving white precipitates with barium chloride and ammonium oxalate, the latter being 
 soluble in diluted hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — 1. Corallium. — Coral, E ., Sp. ; Corail, Fr. ; Koralle, G. — Oculina virginea, 
 Lamarck , and Corallium rubrum, Lamarck (s. Isis nobilis, Pallas). Class, Polypiphera. — Corals 
 are polypipherous animals inhabiting the sea, and consisting of a skeleton and a fleshy portion. 
 Those which were formerly, and are still occasionally, employed in medicine have a calcareous 
 skeleton which branches considerably, assuming the form of a tree or shrub, on the branches of 
 which the individual animals are located in tube-like apertures. Of the numerous species which 
 have been distinguished, the skeletons of only two have been used. The first one mentioned 
 above has a milk-white color, the second is of a dull-red. Besides a small quantity of organic 
 matter, coral consists almost exclusively of calcium carbonate, with a little magnesium carbonate. 
 The color of red coral is due to about 4.25 per cent, of ferric oxide. 
 
 2. Lapides (s. Oculi, s. Calculi, s. Lapilli) cancrorum. — Crabs’ eyes, Crabs’ stones, E. ; 
 Yeux (Pierres) d’ecrevisses, Fr. ; Krebsaugen, Krebssteine, G. ; Ojos de cangrejos, Sp . — They 
 are concretions contained in the stomach of the crawjish , Astacus fluviatilis, Fabricius , class 
 Crustacea, and are obtained in Russia by allowing the animals to putrefy and washing the mass 
 with water. They are circular, 3 to 9 Mm. (£ to f inch) in diameter, plano-convex, with a con- 
 centric groove on the flat side, consist of several layers, acquire in boiling water a rose-red color, 
 and dissolve partly with effervescence in hydrochloric acid, leaving a cartilaginous mass of the 
 shape of the crabs’ stones. They contain about 63 per cent, of calcium carbonate and 17 per 
 cent, of calcium phosphate, the remainder being various animal matters with small quantities of 
 other salts. Factitious crabs’ stones, wdrich are sometimes met with, are completely dissolved or 
 disintegrated by hydrochloric acid. 
 
 3. Os sepi^e. — Cuttlefish-bone, E. ; Os de seche, Fr. ; Sepie, Weisses Fischbein, G. ; Hulsas 
 de Xibia, Sp . — It comes chiefly from the Mediterranean, from Sepia officinalis, Limit, class 
 Cephalopoda, and is the calcareous bone contained in the mantle of the animal. It is oval- 
 oblong in shape, both sides slightly convex, the rear surface being smooth, hard, and glossy, the 
 remainder porous in texture and friable. It is of a white color, and consists of SO to 85 per 
 cent, of calcium carbonate, with traces of phosphates, 12 to 16 per cent, of animal matter, and 
 about 4 per cent, of moisture. 
 
 4. Testa pr^eparata, U. S. 1870; Conch/e pr^eparat^e, P. G. 1872. — Prepared oyster- 
 shell, E. ; Magistere de coquilles (d’ecailles) d’hftitres, Fr. ; Praparirte Austerschalen, G. — From 
 the shell of Ostrea edulis, Limit. Class Acephala (Conchifera), ord. Lamellibranchia, Fam. 
 Ostracea. — The oyster inhabits the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and adjacent seas in the neigh- 
 borhood of the coasts, and is abundant in the bays and on the coast of North America. It con- 
 sists of a soft, fleshy, suborbicular body, which is enclosed in a calcareous shell opening by two 
 valves, the deeper one being adherent to the rock. Oysters are caught by dredging, and are 
 often planted in creeks and rivers near the sea-shore. The flesh is a nutritious article of food, 
 but the officinal parts of oysters are the shells. Oyster-shells are of an irregular shape, and vary 
 between roundish, obovate, and oblong in outline. The lower valve is deeper than the upper 
 one, which is nearly flat, the two being united by a toothless hinge. The shells are composed of 
 imbricate foliaceous layers, are externally rough, uneven, and of a gray or brownish color, and 
 have their internal surface smooth and white. The principal constituent of oyster-shells is cal- 
 cium carbonate, which, according to Schlossberger, varies in the different layers between 88 and 
 98 per cent., the pearly inner layer containing the largest quantity. The analyses of Bucholz 
 and Brandes, Phipson (1860), How (1866), and others indicate that the organic matter present 
 in oyster-shells may vary between 0.5 and 4.5 per cent. The remaining inorganic constituents 
 are small amounts of calcium phosphate and sulphate, magnesium, silica, oxide of iron, and 
 alumina. 
 
 For medicinal use oyster-shell is freed from extraneous matter by washing it with boil- 
 ing water, removing the colored external layer with a knife, and rubbing the clean white 
 inner layer into a powder, either in a mortar or upon a slab by means of a muller ; the 
 finest powder is then separated from the coarser particles by elutriation, and dried like 
 prepared chalk. It has a close resemblance to the latter, but is rather rough as compared 
 
554 
 
 CROCUS. 
 
 with it when taken between the teeth, and under the microscope is seen to consist of min- 
 ute irregular and angular but not crystalline fragments. 
 
 Coral, crabs’ eyes, crabs’ claws, etc. consist essentially of chalk or carbonate of lime, 
 hut their action is modified, and perhaps rendered somewhat gentler, by the animal mat- 
 ter which they contain. Powdered cuttlefish-bone is used as an ingredient of dentifrices 
 on account of its hardness. 
 
 Action and Uses. — All of these medicines are antacid and absorbent, and thereby 
 astringent. Externally, they are applied as dusting powders to absorb and neutralize the 
 cutaneous secretions and those of superficial ulcers , and to protect erythematous inflam- 
 mations. , including burns, scalds, abrasions, etc. An ointment made with chalk is 
 sometimes used, but the combination in some degree defeats the purpose of the chalk. 
 Sir D. Duckworth advises for erysipelas an ointment made by mixing equal weights of 
 melted lard and precipitated chalk ( Practitioner , xxxviii. 1). Internally, prepared chalk 
 is in common use, and is a most valuable remedy for the cure or palliation of almost 
 every form of diarrhoea, but especially of those forms in which the intestinal discharges 
 are acid. As a rule, its use in these cases should be preceded by an evacuant to remove 
 undigested food or other irritating substances. There is no better remedy for the pre- 
 monitary diarrhoea of cholera than this simple preparation. It is usual to associate chalk 
 with opiates and astringents ; thus, to chalk mixture ( Mistura cretse) are added the tinc- 
 tures of opium, kino, catechu, ete. Richter, in noticing the general substitution of min- 
 eral for animal preparations of lime, expresses a doubt of its expediency. Prepared 
 chalk, he remarks, is by no means a substitute for cretaceous preparations derived from 
 the animal kingdom, which contain phosphate as well as carbonate of lime, are more 
 acceptable to the stomach in moderate doses, constipate less, and are more readily absorbed 
 into the system. This writer ascribes a diaphoretic virtue to crabs’ eyes, and alleges that 
 they may produce urticaria, and that they tend to excite haemorrhage. The latter qual- 
 ities may perhaps be hypothetical, but the belief that the animal carbonates in general 
 derange the stomach less than other cretaceous medicines, and are on that account prefer- 
 able for infants and delicate persons generally, cannot, it is believed, be successfully 
 controverted. 
 
 The dose of prepared chalk or of prepared oyster-shell is Gm. 0.30-4.00 (gr. v-lx), 
 according as its antacid or its astringent operation is chiefly sought. 
 
 CROCUS, 77. S., Br ., jP. G.— Saffron. 
 
 Stigmata croci. — Safran , Fr., G. ; Azof ran, Sp. 
 
 The stigmas (and top of the style, Bri) of Crocus sativus, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants, 274. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Iridese. 
 
 Origin. — The saffron-plant is indigenous to Oriental countries, probably from Greece 
 and Asia Minor eastward to Persia ; it has been cultivated from an early period, and 
 grows spontaneously in some parts of Southern Europe. At the present time commerce 
 is supplied with saffron chiefly from Spain (Alicante and Valencia) and France (Gatinais). 
 It is also grown in Austria, and to a limited extent in some of the south-eastern counties 
 of Pennsylvania. Asia Minor, Persia, Cashmere, and China are the principal countries 
 which supply the Oriental regions with it. The plant has a depressed tuberous bulb or 
 corm, which, in the latter part of summer or early in autumn, produces about nine grass- 
 like, keeled, and dark-green leaves, and afterward a few pale-purplish, red-veined, six- 
 lobed flowers with three stamens and a filiform style, which is whitish below, yellow 
 above, and divided into three orange-red stigmas. 
 
 Description. — Each stigma is 25 to 31 Mm. (1 to 11 inches) long, flattish-tubular, 
 almost filiform below, gradually enlarged above, slit on the inner side, and with several 
 roundish teeth on the edge. The three stigmas are usually united, and occasionally are 
 collected with a considerable portion of the yellow style. Dried saffron is flexible and 
 tough, of a brownish-red or orange-brown color, somewhat unctuous to the touch, of a 
 peculiar aromatic odor and a bitter, aromatic, and warm taste. After the moisture is 
 expelled it becomes friable and more readily pulverizable. When chewed it tinges the 
 saliva deep orange-yellow. 
 
 Cake-saffron is now not met with in commerce. In its loose condition it is sometimes 
 called hay-saffron. Several varieties are distinguished. Spanish saffron is usually col- 
 lected with considerable portions of the styles, which are easily distinguished by their 
 yellow color. French or Gatinais saffron is mostly of a better quality. The handsome 
 
ctioctis. 
 
 555 
 
 saffron collected in Austria is rarely if ever seen in our markets. The excellent saffron 
 collected in Eastern Pennsylvania is known there as American saffron — a term which in 
 other parts of the United States is used to designate the florets of Carthamus tinctorius. 
 Heinitsh (1866) calculated that 33 to 36 pounds of saffron may be raised to an acre, and found 
 300 stigmas to weigh 13 to 14 grains, which requires over 50,000 flowers to obtain a pound. 
 
 Constituents. — Saffron contains gum, albumen, wax, fat, about 1 per cent, of vola- 
 tile oil, and coloring matter, called polychroit , or by some authors crocin. Weiss (1867) 
 prepared polychroit, C 48 H 60 O 18 , by exhausting saffron first with 
 ether, afterward with water. The infusion is precipitated by Fi<3. 85. 
 
 strong alcohol, and the filtrate by ether. The precipitate con- 
 tains a little sugar, is very deliquescent, and dries over sul- 
 phuric acid to a hard ruby-colored mass, which is inodorous, 
 of a sweetish taste, readily soluble in water and dilute alcohol, 
 slightly in absolute alcohol, and insoluble in ether and benzene. 
 
 On being treated with dilute sulphuric acid in an atmosphere 
 of hydrogen, polychroit is decomposed into a volatile oil having 
 the composition of carvol, C 10 H u O, sugar, C 6 H 12 0 6 , and cro- 
 cin ( crocetin of some authors), C 16 H 18 0 6 . The latter is a red 
 powder insoluble in ether, scarcely soluble in water, and 
 freely soluble in alcohol and diluted alkalies. Warm con- 
 centrated potassa evolves from it vapors of a pungent odor ; 
 concentrated sulphuric acid produces a deep-blue color, 
 changing to violet and brown ; nitric acid colors it green, 
 then yellow and brown. The same colors are produced by 
 sulphuric and nitric acids with polychroit. The volatile oil 
 obtained by the decomposition of polychroit has the odor and 
 general properties of the volatile oil obtained from saffron by 
 distillation with water. Quadrat (1851) observed that poly- 
 chroit (his crocin) yielded with concentrated solution of 
 alkalies a neutral volatile oil which was lighter than water 
 and had an odor distinct from saffron. Lagrange and Vogel 
 (1811) obtained from saffron 7.5 (Aschoff (1818) 1.4 and 
 Hagan 1.25) per cent, of volatile oil ; the first result must have been mostly the volatile 
 oil formed from the polychroit. Saffron contains about 12 per cent, of moisture (14 per 
 cent, limit of U. S. P.), and yields from 5 to 6 per cent, of ash (7.5 per cent. JJ. Si). 
 
 Adulterations. — The occasional admixture in true saffron of considerable portions 
 of the yellow' style has been noticed above. The appearance of inferior saffron is some- 
 times improved by oil or by glycerin ; it then leaves a greasy stain on being slightly 
 pressed between paper. Partially exhausted (mixed with good) saffron is recognized by 
 the lighter and more uniform color of the stigmas. The tubular florets of Carthamus 
 are easily distinguished by their five-toothed corolla and the projecting an fhers with 
 style. The styles of crocus, suitably dyed, have appeared in commerce as feminelle , a 
 name also given to the dyed ligulate florets of Calendula officinalis, Linne ; the latter are 
 strap-shaped, with a three-toothed margin, and are easily distinguished from true saffron 
 after soaking in water, or in dilute ammonia should the coloring matter of the dye be 
 insoluble in water. The cut petals of the pomegranate, and the stamens of crocus and 
 perhaps other flowers, are by the same means easily recognized from their different shape. 
 About 1860, and again since 1870, Spanish (Alicante) saffron has often appeared adul- 
 terated with chalk, gypsum, or heavy spar, the powders having been rendered glutinous 
 by some honey and mixed with the saffron ; they then become yellowish and of the 
 appearance of pollen. Powdered emery is said to be used in the same manner. The 
 amount of such adulteration is sometimes 20- per cent., and may be estimated by incin- 
 eration. Adrian (1889) noticed saffron heavily adulterated with soluble alkali salts and 
 yielding 26 per cent, of ash ; and Holmes observed saffron similarly weighted, which 
 deflagrated when ignited and yielded a readily fusible ash. The adulteration is detected 
 without difficulty by throwing a pinch upon water, when the mineral matter will subside, 
 and may be identified by appropriate tests. “ On agitating 1 part of saffron with 100,000 
 parts of water the liquid acquires a distinct yellow color. No color is imparted to ben- 
 zin agitated with saffron (absence of picric acid and some other coal-tar colors .)” — U S. 
 “ If 1 part of saffron be macerated in 10 parts of water, a yellow-red liquid is obtained 
 free from sweet taste, and which, diluted with 10,000 parts of water, has a distinct yel- 
 low color. Saffron on being dried at 100° C. (212°F.) should lose less than 14 per cent. 
 
 Crocus sativus, Linne : a, stigma, 
 upper part, magnified four diam- 
 eters ; 6, style with stigmas ; c, 
 papillose margin of stigma, 
 magnified 120 diameters. 
 
556 
 
 CUBEBA. 
 
 of moisture, and on being now incinerated should leave not over 7.5 per cent, of ash.” — 
 P. G. These two tests will probably answer for determining the genuineness of saffron. 
 The first, based upon its tinctorial power, requires that 22 fluidounces of water be colored 
 yellow by 1 grain of saffron ; a single grain of saffron rubbed to a fine powder with sugar 
 will impart a distinct tint of yellow to 700,000 grains (10 galls., Br., or 12 galls., U. S.) 
 of water {Pharmacogr aphid). 
 
 An article has sometimes (1872) been offered as African saffron; it is mostly safflower, 
 but occasionally it consisted of the corolla of Lyperia crocea, Ecklon , a scrophulariaceous 
 plant indigenous to Southern Africa. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Syrupus croci, Syrup of saffron. — 25 parts 
 of saffron are exhausted with sufficient Malaga wine to obtain 440 parts of tincture in 
 which 560 parts of sugar are dissolved. — F. Cod. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Gardenia grandiflora, Loureiro , G. Florida, Limit and G. radicans, Than- 
 berg . — Nat. ord. Rubiacese. — These shrubs are indigenous to Eastern and Southern Asia, and 
 produce obconical four- or six-sided somewhat winged berries, which attain a length of 4 Cm. 
 (If inches) and contain numerous flat and finely-pitted seeds imbedded in a red pulp. The col- 
 oring matter of the latter, according to Rochleder and L. Mayer (1858), is identical with that of 
 crocus. The fruits are regarded as possessing demulcent and refrigerant properties, and are 
 largely used in the East for dyeing yellow. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Saffron is generally regarded as a stimulant aromatic. Like 
 other powerfully odorous vegetable substances, its emanations occasion headache, sleep, 
 stupor, and even death. It also displays anodyne and antispasmodic properties. Its 
 aromatic quality is exhibited in its general use as a condiment in tropical countries, 
 where the heat enfeebles digestion and vegetable food is chiefly used. Like other agents 
 of its class, it sometimes appears to stimulate the pelvic organs, as shown by its em- 
 ployment from remote periods as an emmenagogue and also as an aphrodisiac. During 
 its use the urine is colored yellow. 
 
 As just indicated, it is most commonly employed to prevent or relieve flatulent dys- 
 pepsia and its accompanying colic, for by expelling the gaseous contents of the digest- 
 ive canal it enables that organ to perform its functions more perfectly. It may be pre- 
 scribed, like other aromatics, to allay the pain of dysmenorrhoea. Hot infusions of saf- 
 fron are sometimes given to promote exanthematous eruptions. It has long been reported 
 to be efficacious in spasmodic coughs and asthma, but its value in these affections is very 
 slight. Yet the preparations of saffron may be conveniently employed as vehicles for 
 more powerful drugs. Like the flowers of other plants containing a volatile oil, those 
 of saffron have long entered into various compounds in popular use to relieve rheumatic 
 and neuralgic pains, to remove the soreness and discoloration of bruises, and to promote the 
 healing of abrasions and superficial sores. A collyrium of saffron has been employed in 
 subacute and chronic inflammations of the conjunctiva , and saffron ointment has been 
 reputed to be anexcellent palliative of haemorrhoids. A strong infusion of saffron 
 applied to the gums is said to allay the pain of dentition. 
 
 Saffron has been omitted from most of the officinal preparations into which it for- 
 merly entered — a change justifiable, if at all, upon economical rather than upon medical 
 grounds. 
 
 The dose of saffron is from Gm. 0.30-2.00 (gr. v-xxx), the former quantity sufficing 
 as a gastric, the latter as a general, stimulant. But the dose should be repeated at short 
 intervals. Only pure and well-preserved, s pecimens can be depended upon. An infu- 
 sion may be made with Gm. 8 (^ij) of saffron to Gm. 500 (a pint) of boiling water, of 
 which Gm. 125 (f^iv) may be given at intervals of half an hour or an hour. 
 
 CUBEBA, U. S., Pv, — Cubeb. 
 
 Cubebse, P. G. ; Fructus (s. Baccae ) cuhebae , Piper caudatum . — Ciibebs, E. ; Cubebe , Poivre 
 a queue, Fr. ; Kubeben, G. ; Pepe cubebe, It. ; Cubebas, Sp. 
 
 The unripe fruit of Cubeba officinalis, Miquel , s. Piper Cubeba, Linne filius. Steph. 
 and Church, Med. Bot ., plate 175 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 243. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Piperaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The cubeb-plant, which is indigenous to Java and some of the adjacent 
 islands, is a climbing dioecious shrub about 6 M. (20 feet) high, with ovate or ovate- 
 lanceolate, leathery, and shining leaves upon short petioles about as long as the pedun- 
 cles of the spikes. The pistillate spikes are about 4 Cm. (If inches) long, cylindrical, 
 with the fruit at first sessile, afterward stalked. The plant is cultivated chiefly in coffee 
 plantations, and the fruit collected before it is ripe. 
 
CUBEBA. 
 
 557 
 
 Description. — Cubebs are of the size and 
 general appearance of black pepper, about 4 or 
 5 Mm. (-J or i inch) in diameter, at the base con- 
 tracted into a kind of stalk 8 or 10 Mm. (A or -J 
 inch) long, very slightly pointed at the apex 
 from the remnants of the -stigmas, of a brown- 
 gray to blackish-gray color, and a reticulately 
 wrinkled surface. The integuments of the fruit 
 consist of a thin, dried, fleshy layer and a smooth 
 lighter-colored shell, surrounding a globular 
 cavity with an undeveloped whitish seed at the 
 base. The epicarp and endocarp consist of 
 stone-cells, those of the former being cubical in 
 one interrupted row, those of the latter radically 
 elongated, and in two or three rows. The 
 mesocarp is formed of thin-walled parenchyma 
 and larger oil-cells, both containing crystals of 
 cubebin, the former also starch-granules in the 
 outer layer. The fruit has a strong spicy odor 
 and a pungent aromatic and bitterish taste, is 
 frequently mixed with, and should be freed 
 from, the nearly inodorous rachis or common 
 axis, which is from 25 to 40 Mm. (1 to If inches) long and has a pitted surface. 
 
 Constituents. — Cubebs contain from 5 to 15 per cent, of volatile oil (see Oleum 
 Cubeb.e), fixed oily, waxy matter, resin, cubebin, gum, malates, etc. The medicinally 
 most important constituents are the indifferent resin and cubebic acid ; they were isolated 
 by Bernatzik (1863), and further examined by E. A. Schmidt (1870), 1873). Gubeb resin 
 is amorphous, slightly soluble in ether, carbon disulphide, or chloroform, but dissolves 
 freely in caustic alkalies and alcohol ; it is not precipitated from the spirituous solution 
 by lead acetate. Cubebic acid , C 14 H 16 0 4 , is an amorphous, yellowish mass, soluble in 
 alkali, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzene, and petroleum benzin, and is pre- 
 cipitated from its alcoholic solution by lead acetate ; its sodium salt crystallizes from hot 
 alkaline liquids and from alcohol. Both resinous compounds are colored red by sulphuric 
 acid. The indifferent resin has been obtained in quantities of 2.5 to 3.5 per cent., and 
 the cubebic acid in amounts of 0.96 to 3.4 per cent. 
 
 Cubebin . C 10 H 10 H 3 , according to Weidel (1877), was first obtained pure by Soubeiran 
 and Capitaine (1839), and forms the principal portion of the deposit in the ethereal 
 extract. It crystallizes in tasteless and inodorous white needles or pearly scales, which 
 melt at 128° C, (257° F.), are colored red by sulphuric acid, and dissolve in 26.6 parts of 
 ether, readily in benzene and in chloroform, and in 30 parts of cold and in 10 parts of 
 boiling alcohol ; the alcoholic solution has a bitter taste. By melted potassa cubebin 
 yields carbon dioxide, acetic, and protocatechuic acids. Medicinally, it appears to be 
 inactive ; its percentage varies between 0.4 and 2.5. 
 
 Potassium chloride has been found among the saline constituents of cubebs. 
 Impurities and Substitutions. — The presence of cubeb-stems (the rachis) has 
 been alluded to before. Black pepper and other piperaceous fruits occur sometimes as 
 accidental, rarely if ever as intentional, impurities. The fruit of Bhamnus catharticus 
 has only a very superficial resemblance, and is at once distinguished by the true pedicel 
 and its four seeds. Allspice is much larger, has no pedicel, contains two seeds, and is 
 crowned with the calyx limb. 
 
 The following two species are mentioned in Pharmacoe/raphia as yielding fruits 
 extremely cubeb-like : Cubeba Lowong, Miquel (Piper Lowong, Blume ), and Cub. 
 
 Wallichii, Miquel (Pip. ribesioides, Wallich). The fruit of Cub. canina, Miquel (Pip. 
 caninum, Dietrich ), is smaller than cubeb, and contracted below into a stalk of only half 
 *the length of the globular portion. In 1863 a fruit was sold as cubeb which by Grcene- 
 wegen was referred to Piper anisatum, Humboldt et Bonpland ; it is probably the same 
 which Fliickiger and Hanbury refer to Cubeba crassipes, Miquel (Pip. crassipes, Korthals). 
 The fruit of Cub. Clusii, Miquel, of Western Africa, resembles cubeb, but, according to 
 Stenhouse (1855), it contains piperine instead of cubebin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cubeb is a local irritant. Taken into the stomach, it stimu- 
 lates the whole intestinal tract, after the manner of black pepper, thereby exciting more 
 or less irritation of the rectum and other pelvic organs. At the same time, its active 
 
 Fig. 86. 
 
 Cubeba officinalis, Miquel. 
 
558 
 
 CUCUMIS. 
 
 principle is absorbed, causing flushing of the face and diffused warmth, and increasing 
 the urinary secretion as well as giving it a peculiar odor. It does not derange the diges- 
 tion like copaiva. Its direct and indirect operation upon the genito-urinary apparatus 
 may be attended with painful irritation of those parts if the medicine is given when 
 they are actively inflamed. Excessive doses may occasion vomiting, gastro-intestinal 
 irritation, and a general feverish condition. Cubeb sometimes produces an erythematous 
 eruption on the skin (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Jan. 1881, p. 289). 
 
 The chief medicinal application of cubeb is to relieve inflammation of the urinary pas- 
 sages. It has long been used for the cure of gonorrhoea , but at present, like copaiva, it is 
 in a great degree superseded by the local treatment of that affection. In efficacy it is infe- 
 rior to copaiva, but it is more readily tolerated by the digestive organs. The cases of 
 gonorrhoea to which it is most appropriate are those in which the attack is recent and 
 the inflammation moderate, but more inflammatory conditions, accompanied by chordee, 
 scalding urine, and even swelled testicle, do not contraindicate the medicine, although 
 they call for caution in its use — that is to say, for the administration of small, rather 
 than large, doses. The former may be represented by about Gm. 1 (gr. xv) three times 
 a day ; the latter, which usually should be reached by gradual increase, may be stated 
 to be Gm. 2 (gr. xxx) or more. Few persons can long tolerate so large a dose, which is 
 apt to cause vomiting and diarrhoea, besides inspiring invincible disgust, It should not 
 be continued longer than a week or ten days, unless the gonorrhoeal discharge declines, 
 in wdiich case the dose should be gradually reduced. It is asserted that the efficient 
 element of cubeb in the cure of gonorrhoea is cubebic acid, which appears capable of 
 curing the acute affection "when given in doses of Gm. 0.10-0.15 (gr. ij-iij) every two 
 or three hours ; but, on the whole, it seems to be less successful than cubeb itself. 
 
 Irritability of the urethra in females, with accompanying vesical tenesmus and scalding 
 of the urine — a condition often associated with catamenial congestion — is apt to be miti- 
 gated by cubeb in doses of from 20 to 30 grains two or three times a day. Vesical irri- 
 tability and tenesmus produced by cold or by cantharidal irritation, and nocturnal inconti- 
 nence of urine , may often be cured in the same manner. Chronic cystitis and vaginal 
 discharges are favorably influenced by cubeb, and, like copaiva, but less surely, this 
 medicine may be used in chronic bronchitis. Its local stimulant action seems to have 
 been advantageous in certain cases of pseudo-membranous angina , when cubeb was given 
 finely powdered in the dose of Gm. 8-12 (gij-iij), mixed with syrup. It was also adminis- 
 tered with powdered sugar, which itself was probably not without influence on the 
 result. But, while stimulating the fauces and the system generally, it also prevented 
 the meddlesome medication which has not a little to answer for in this disease. A like 
 remark may be applied to the use in this disease of inhalations of watery vapor 
 charged with cubeb. Cubeb has been thought to be efficacious in certain nervous dis- 
 orders, comprising headache , vertigo, fainting , impaired memory , and even paralysis; 
 doubtless, such symptoms, depending upon exhaustion of the nervous centres, may be 
 ameliorated by whatever stimulates them primarily, while it secondarily improves the 
 digestion, and therefore the composition of the blood. 
 
 Cubeb is administered in doses of Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) and upward, either mixed with 
 water or with powdered sugar or enclosed in wafers. In the last case it should be fol- 
 lowed by a mouthful of water. 
 
 CUCUMIS.— Cucumber. 
 
 Concombre Fr. ; Gurhe „ G. ; Cohombro , Sp. 
 
 The fruit and seed of Cucumis sativus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cucurbitaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The cucumber is indigenous to Southern and Central Asia, but is now exten- 
 sively cultivated in most civilized countries. It has a roundish hispid stem, climbing by 
 simple tendrils, alternate, heart-shaped, and somewhat five-lobed rough leaves, and uni- 
 sexual yellow flowers. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is at first rough and somewhat verrucose, but becomes 
 smooth on ripening. It is cylindrical-oblong, somewhat triangular, obtuse at both ends, 
 sometimes curved, and varies considerably in size and color. It has a slight but quite 
 characteristic odor and a slightly saline and rather harsh taste. 
 
 The seeds are about £ inch (8 Mm.) long, oblong-ovate, flat, rather acute on the edge, 
 and with a short point above. They are white, inodorous, and of an oily taste. The 
 embryo is of the shape of the seed, and consists of two plano-convex white cotyledons, 
 
CUMINUM. 
 
 559 
 
 with a short radicle in the pointed end. The seeds contain about 30 per cent, of a bland 
 light-yellow fixed oil. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Prof. Procter (1853) gave a formula for cucumber oint- 
 ment , which is prepared by grating 7 pounds of green cucumbers, expressing the juice, 
 and incorporating it, about one-third at a time, with 15 ounces of suet and 24 ounces of 
 lard, the fats having been previously fused together and allowed to cool until the mixture 
 commences to thicken. x\fter all the juice has been in contact with the fat, the latter is 
 melted, strained, and preserved in glass jars covered with a layer of rose-water; the jars 
 should be well closed. When intended for use a portion of the ointment is triturated 
 with a little rose-water until it becomes white and creamy. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The following plants are indigenous to Southern Asia, and at present cultivated 
 in many warm countries : 
 
 Cucumis Melo, Linn6. — Muskmelon. — The seeds resemble cucumber-seeds, but are somewhat 
 larger and rather more blunt on the edge; they contain an inodorous yellowish fixed oil. 
 
 Cucumis (Cucurbita, I>mn£) Citrullus, Springe, s. Citrullus vulgaris, Schrader. — Watermelon. 
 — The seeds are about 12 Mm. (J inch) long, blackish or brown and marbled, broadly ovate, 
 flat, blunt on the edge, near the pointed end with two thin converging ridges. They yield by 
 pressure about 30 per cent, of a thin light yellow bland oil. 
 
 Lagexaria vulgaris, Springe, s. Cucurbita Lagenaria, Linn6. — Gourd. — The seeds are 18 Mm. 
 (| inch) long, oblong, obtuse at both ends, thickened and with two furrows near the margin, 
 the surface yellowish-white and soft felt-like. 
 
 Momordica balsamixa, Linne. — Balsam-apple. — The fruit is ovate in shape, narrowed at both 
 ends, somewhat angular, warty, bright-red or orange-colored, and separating laterally. It contains 
 numerous flat, oval, and wrinkled brownish seeds, which are surrounded with a fleshy red arillus. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The ointment prepared with cucumber-juice is supposed to be 
 peculiarly mild, emollient, and healing when freshly made and applied to abrasions and 
 other analogous lesions. 
 
 The juice of the watermelon increases somewhat the secretion of urine — an effect 
 which is perhaps due to the sugar it contains. An infusion of the whole seeds is decid- 
 edly diuretic, and that of the bruised seeds is also demulcent. No better drink than the 
 latter infusion can be used in all cases of irritation of the kidneys or bladder , and espe- 
 cially in those of retention of urine produced by cold. A syrup made with the inspis- 
 sated juice is alleged by Popoff to be powerfully diuretic ( Med '. News , xlix. 289). 
 
 The root as well as the fruit of balsam-apple is an active purgative. Gm. 8 (^ij) of 
 the latter given to a dog are said to have killed it within sixteen hours. In the Philip- 
 pine Islands a decoction of it is employed as an emetic. An infusion of the seeds in 
 olive or almond oil has been used as a vulnerary and also to relieve haemoptysis (Strumpf 
 Handbuch, ii. 214). 
 
 CUMINUM.— Cumin. 
 
 Fructus cumini s. cymini . — Cumin, Fr. ; Kreutzkiimmel , Mutterkummel, Romischer gan- 
 ger, scharfer) Kiimmel, G. ; Comino, Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Cuminum Cyminum, Linne . 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The cumin-plant is indigenous to Egypt and other parts of Africa, and is 
 cultivated in various parts of Asia and Europe, in the latter continent chiefly in South- 
 ern Italy and the neighboring islands. It is an annual about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high; the 
 leaves are divided into narrow linear segments ; the umbels are small, and the umbellets 
 have about five white or purplish flowers. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is about G Mm. (] inch) long, oblong, narrowed at both 
 ends, slightly compressed laterally, and of a yellowish-brown color. The two mericarps 
 are usually united ; each has five light-colored filiform ribs, 
 which are beset with soft short hairs and are separated by Fig. 87. 
 
 broad brown furrows, each containing a pale-brown rather 
 broad, rough, hairy, secondary rib and covering one oil-tube. 
 
 Two oil-tubes (vittse) are contained on the face or six in each 
 mericarp. The strong aromatic odor and taste somewhat resem- 
 ble those of caraway. Cumin is very prone to the attacks of 
 insects, which eat the entire seed, leaving only the fruit-shell. 
 
 Constituents. — Examined by Bley (1829), cumin was 
 found to contain 7.7 per cent, of fat, 13.5 of resin, 15.5 of 
 protein compounds, 8 of gum, and Only 0.24 of volatile oil. Cumin : fruit and longitudinal 
 
 -it- c . 7 , , J . , . . „ ’ section, 3 diameters; trans- 
 
 tne remainder being extractive, salts (mainly malates), cellu- verse section, 8 diameters*. 
 
560 
 
 CUPRl ACETAS. 
 
 lose, and 9 per cent, of moisture. Raybaud obtained nearly 3 per cent, of volatile oil. 
 The latter consists of several hydrocarbons — one having the composition C 10 H 16 , another 
 being cymol or cymene, C 10 H 14 , which at 15° C. (59° F.) has the specific gravity 0.860, 
 boils at 175° C. (347° F.), and has a lemon-like odor (Gerhardt and Cahours) — and of an 
 oxygenated body, cuminol or cumin-aldeliyde , C 10 H 12 O, which has the density 0.972, boils 
 at about 230° C. (446° F.), has a caraway-like odor, and yields with nitric acid crystal- 
 lizable cuminic acid , Ci 0 H, 2 O 2 . Volatile oils identical with oil of cumin have been obtained 
 by Trapp (1858) from the fruit of Cicuta virosa, Linne , and by Haines (1856) from the 
 fruit of Ptychotis (Carum, Bentley) Ajowan, De Candolle ; the latter, however, was 
 shown by Stenhouse to contain thymol. 
 
 The ajowan (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 120) is largely cultivated in Oriental 
 countries ; the fruit is about 1.5 Mm. (Jg- inch) long, ovate, laterally flattened, rough, 
 gray-brown, has broad ribs, and in each mericarp six oil-tubes. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cumin is mildly stimulant and carminative in the same manner 
 as anise and caraway, and may be used for the same purposes. It has been regarded as 
 a galactagogue, but Dolan failed to detect any such action in it ( Practitioner , xxvii. 164). 
 It is, however, very seldom employed. The dose may bs stated at from Gm. 1-2 
 (gr. xv-xxx). Ajava, or ajowan, seeds are stated by Waring to combine stimulant, 
 antispasmodic, and tonic qualities, and to mitigate the desire for alcoholic drinks 
 
 CUPRl ACETAS.— Copper Acetate. 
 
 Cuprum aceticum , acetas cupricus , jErxuja crystallisata s. destillata, Flora virides aeris. 
 — Copper verditer , Crystallized verdigris, E. ; Acetate de cuivre , Verdet crystallise, Crystaux 
 de Venus , Fr. ; Kupferacetat, Gereinigter ( krystallisirter , destillirter) Gr unspan, G. 
 
 Formula Cu(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 198.86. 
 
 Origin. — Verdigris was already known to Theophrastus about 300 b. c., when it was 
 prepared from copper and various refuse products obtained in making wine. Crystal- 
 lized copper acetate was probably first prepared by the Arabian chemists in the eighth 
 century by dissolving verdigris in vinegar. At present it is manufactured in the same 
 manner, or from copper sulphate and lead or calcium acetate. 
 
 Preparation. — Verdigris is dissolved in about 4 parts of warm wood vinegar; the 
 clear decanted liquid is concentrated by evaporation in copper vessels and allowed to crys- 
 tallize in wooden tanks ; or, solutions of 2 parts of copper sulphate and 3 parts of lead 
 acetate are mixed, the liquid decanted from the insoluble lead sulphate, acidulated with 
 a little acetic acid, and evaporated to crystallize. 
 
 Properties. — This salt is met with in deep blue-green rhombic prisms, which are 
 nearly opaque or somewhat translucent, glossy, superficially efflorescent on exposure to 
 the atmosphere, and have the spec. grav. 1.914, an acetous odor, 
 and a disagreeable metallic taste. The effloresced surface is dull 
 and of a light bluish-green color, the powdered crystals of a bright 
 blue-green-, resembling verdigris. When kept over sulphuric acid 
 the crystals turn white from the loss of water, but become blue- 
 green again in the air. On the application of heat water is given 
 off, and at 110° C. (230° F.) also traces of acetic acid, the loss in 
 weight up to 140° C. (284° F.) amounting to about 10 per cent. ; 
 the water of crystallization is 9.04 per cent. The residue left is of 
 a blue-green color, soluble in water, and on being heated to between 
 240° and 260° C. (464° and 500° F.) yields about 36 per cent, of 
 glacial acetic acid, and above 270° C. (518° F.) acetone, carbon 
 dioxide, and other products of decomposition, while chiefly metal- 
 lic copper is left behind. Th£ salt dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 
 15 parts of water and in 135 parts of alcohol, and at the boiling 
 temperature in 5 parts of water and in 14 parts of alcohol. The 
 aqueous solution is blue-green, gives off acetic acid on boiling, 
 depositing at the same time a basic salt, and changes to a deep- 
 blue color with excess of ammonia or ammonium carbonate. Sulphuric and other strong 
 acids decompose the salt, liberating acetic acid. 
 
 Tests. — The salt should be completely soluble in excess of solution of ammonium 
 carbonate (absence of lead, calcium, etc.). If dissolved in diluted nitric acid, no precip- 
 itate should be produced with silver nitrate or barium nitrate (absence of chloride and 
 sulphate). If the aqueous solution of the salt be treated with hydrogen sulphide until 
 
 Fig. 88. 
 
 Crystal of Copper 
 Acetate. 
 
CUPRI SULPHAS. 
 
 561 
 
 all the copper is precipitated, the filtrate should leave no residue on evaporation (alka- 
 lies, alkaline earths, and iron). If the aqueous solution be heated to boiling with solu- 
 tion of soda in excess, it yields a filtrate which should not be clouded by hydrogen sul- 
 phide (absence of lead, zinc). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Tinctura cupri acetici rademacheri. Dis- 
 solve 1 part of copper acetate in 10 parts of warm water, and add 8 parts of alcohol. 
 
 Allied Salt. — Cupri subacetas, U . S . (1870) ; iErugo, Viride aeris, Subacetas cupricus. — 
 Verdigris, Copper subacetate, E. ; Acetate basique de cuivre, Vert-de-gris, Verdet gris, Fr. ; 
 Griinspann, Spagriin, Basischessigsaures Kupfer (lvupferoxyd), G . — Formula of pure verdigris 
 Cu 2 0(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 . Molecular weight 260.04. — In the wine districts of Southern Europe, and partic- 
 ularly in the neighborhood of Montpellier, verdigris is prepared by the aid of the marc of the 
 wine-press. These grape-husks are allowed to undergo the acetic fermentation, and are then 
 stratified in earthen vessels with sheets of copper, which, if new, have been previously super- 
 ficially corroded by a solution of copper acetate. After having been thus kept at a temperature of 
 8° or 10° C. (46° or 50° F.) for three or four weeks, the plates are removed, placed upright to dry, 
 and for the following six or eight weeks are occasionally dipped into water and exposed, until 
 the neutral acetate at first formed has been converted into a thick layer of verdigris, which is 
 scraped off. The sheets are then replaced in the grape-husks, and the process repeated until the 
 copper has been completely corroded. The scrapings are formed with water into cakes of con- 
 venient size and dried. Verdigris of inferior quality is said to be made in the cider districts of 
 England in a similar manner from pommage or apple-marc, and in some places it is obtained by 
 exposing the copper to the vapors of vinegar or pyroligneous acid or by treating impure cupric 
 oxide with the latter. The annual importation of verdigris into the United States during seven 
 years averages about 203,902 pounds ; in 1880 it reached 305,792 pounds. Verdigris is met with 
 in commerce in heavy and hard bluish-green masses containing a considerable number of small 
 crystals and breaking with an earthy somewhat crystalline fracture. It varies in composition, 
 but always consists mainly of hydrated oxyacetate of copper, and contains between 45 and 50 
 per cent, of cupric oxide. It is decomposed by, and but partially soluble in, water, insoluble in 
 alcohol, but completely soluble, the impurities excepted, in ammonia and dilute sulphuric, acetic, 
 and hydrochloric acids. Acids should produce but little effervescence, showing the absence of 
 carbonate. The presence of chalk as an impurity is determined by the copious effervescence 
 when dissolving a sample in warm acetic acid, and by the precipitate occurring in the solution 
 on the addition of ammonium oxalate. 
 
 Cupri nitras, Br ., Cu(N0 3 ) 2 .3II 2 0, a deep-blue deliquescent salt, is made by dissolving copper 
 in diluted nitric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Acetate of copper has been used in lotions for various local 
 inflammations, including gonorrhoea , in solutions of to 1 per cent., and internally, in 
 pill or potion in doses of to 1 grain, in several chronic shin diseases , scrofula , inter- 
 mittent fever, and epilepsy; but in the latter affection it is now quite obsolete, and in 
 the former is superseded by the sulphate. Acetate of copper has been employed, like 
 acetate of zinc, in colly ria and for stimulating aphthous ulcers of the mouth. 
 
 Subacetate of copper is very rarely used internally, and seldom as a local application. 
 Its stimulant or escharotic action, according to the strength of the solution employed, is 
 sometimes taken advantage of in the treatment of indolent ulcers and chronic tubercu- 
 lated affections of the skin, and to remove condylomata and warts , especially the soft 
 warts due to syphilis. These excrescences, and also condylomata, may be destroyed by a 
 mixture of equal parts of verdigris and powdered savine. 
 
 CUPRI SULPHAS, 77. S., Br.— Copper Sulphate. 
 
 Cuprum sulfur icum, P. G. ; Sulfas cupricus , Cuprum vitriolatum . — Cupric sulphate , 
 Blue vitriol , Blue stone, E. ; Vitriol bleu , Sulfate de cuivre, Fr. ; Kupfervitriol, Blauer 
 Vitriol, Schwefelsaures Kupfer ( ' Kupferoxyd ), G. ; Solfato di rame, It. ; So/fato de cobre, Sp. 
 Formula CuS0 4 .5H 2 0. Molecular weight 248.8. 
 
 Preparation. — Blue vitriol is obtained on a large scale from the native (copper 
 pyrites ) or artificially-prepared sulphide by converting it through oxidation into the sul- 
 phate ; for this purpose the sulphide is obtained by heating sheet copper to redness and 
 throwing sulphur upon it. The water accumulating in copper-mines contains the sul- 
 phate in solution, formed by the oxidation of the native sulphide. The iron contained in 
 this is removed either by digesting with copper oxide or carbonate or by evaporating 
 to dryness and heating until the iron salt is decomposed. The same salt is also formed 
 in the preparation of sulphurous acid from copper and hot oil of vitriol, and in the 
 extraction or purification of silver by precipitating this metal from its sulphuric acid 
 solution by means of copper ; also by dissolving the black scales obtained in coppersmith- 
 ing in weak sulphuric acid (chamber acid). 
 
 36 
 
562 
 
 CUPRI SULPHAS. 
 
 Purification. — Copper sulphate cannot by recrystallization be separated from the 
 sulphates of the allied and of the alkali metals, owing to the formation of double salts. 
 The so-called double vitriol (vitriol de Salzbourg, Fr. ; Doppelvitriol, G.) contains 70 to 
 80 per cent, of ferrous sulphate, and the vitriol mixte de Chypre contains zinc sulphate ; 
 these were formerly, but now are rarely, employed in the arts. If iron alone is present, 
 it may be conveniently removed by oxidizing with nitric acid and digesting the solution 
 with barium carbonate ; ferric hydroxide and barium sulphate will be precipitated with 
 the excess of the carbonate, and the filtrate will yield pure crystals. If contaminated 
 with other metals its purification will be difficult, and it is more convenient to prepare 
 the salt directly by heating 3 parts of copper with 10 parts of sulphuric acid, or with 5 
 parts of sulphuric acid, 50 of water, and 4 or 5 of nitric acid. 
 
 Properties. — Copper sulphate crystallizes in transparent azure-blue oblique tri- 
 clinic short prisms, which are without odor, and have a disagreeable styptic metallic taste, 
 
 the specific gravity 2.274, and an acid reaction. On tritura- 
 tion they yield a whitish-blue powder, and on exposure to a 
 dry atmosphere they effloresce superficially. “ When care- 
 fully and continuously heated to 30° C. (86° F.), the salt 
 loses 2 of its 5 molecules of water (14.43 per cent.), and is 
 converted into a pale-blue, amorphous powder. Two more 
 molecules of water are lost at 100° C. (212° F.), while the 
 fifth is retained until 200° C. (392° F.) is reached, when a 
 white, anhydrous powder remains (63.9 per cent.). At a 
 still higher temperature sulphur dioxide and oxygen are 
 given off, and a residue of black cupric oxide is left.” — U. S. 
 The salt is insoluble in alcohol, but dissolves in 400 parts of 
 diluted alcohol sp. grav. .940. 1 part of the crystallized 
 salt dissolves in about 2.6 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 U. S. (3.5 parts P. G .), and in 0.5 part of boiling water, 
 U. S. (1 part, P. G.). The solution has a pale-blue color, which is changed to green on 
 the addition of a soluble chloride, and yields a white precipitate with barium chloride 
 and a blue one with ammonia-water, soluble in excess of the latter. Commercial blue 
 vitriol (Cuprum sulfuricum crudum, P. G .) is sometimes quite impure, but there is no 
 difficulty in finding in our market very good and pure copper sulphate. 
 
 Tests. — “ If ammonia-water be added to the solution, drop by drop, a pale-blue pre- 
 cipitate of cupric hydroxide is formed, which redissolves in an excess of ammonia-water, 
 forming a deep azure-blue solution, leaving no trace of residue undissolved (absence of 
 iron, aluminum, etc.). If the aqueous solution (1 in 20) be heated to boiling with an ex- 
 cess of sodium hydroxide test-solution, until all the copper has been converted into black 
 cupric oxide, it will yield a filtrate which, after acidulation with acetic acid should not be 
 colored or rendered turbid by an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence 
 of arsenic, lead, zinc, etc.) If hydrogen-sulphide gas be passed through 10 Cc. of the 
 solution slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid, until all of the copper is precipitated 
 as sulphide, the filtrate should, on evaporation, leave not more than a trace of fixed 
 residue (limit of iron, aluminum, alkaline earths, etc.).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Cuprum aluminatum. P. G., s . Lapis divinus . 
 Kupferalaun, G. It is prepared by powdering 17 parts each of pure cupric sulphate, 
 potassium nitrate, and alum, fusing the mixture in a porcelain capsule at a moderate 
 heat, adding a previously prepared mixture of finely-powdered camphor and alum each 
 1 part, stirring well, and immediately pouring upon a porcelain slab or plate to cool and 
 harden, when it is broken into pieces and preserved in well-stoppered bottles. The pierre 
 divine or pierre ophthalmique of the French Codex contains a trifle less of camphor. In 
 dispensing the aluminated copper it should be well triturated in a mortar with a few 
 drops of water before the remaining ingredients are added, to facilitate the solution of 
 the camphor. A collyrium, Collyre de pierre divine (F. Cod.), is made by dissolving 4 
 parts of aluminated copper in 1000 parts of water, and filtering. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — C uprum ammoniatum, Cuprum sulfuricum ammoniatum. — Ammoniated 
 copper, Ammonio-sulphate of copper, E. ; Sulfat de cuivre ammoniacal, Cuivre ammoniacal, Fr. ; 
 Schwefelsaures Kupferroxyd-Ammoniak (Kupfer- Ammonium, Cuprammonium) G . — Formula 
 of crystals Cu(NH 3 ) 4 S0 4 .H 2 0 ; molecular weight 245. — Rub together in a glass mortar copper 
 sulphate 4 parts and ammonium carbonate 3 parts until effervescence ceases ; wrap the product 
 in bibulous paper, dry it with a gentle heat, and keep it in a well-stoppered bottle. — U. S. 1870. 
 This preparation contains an excess of ammonium carbonate. It is obtained pure and in crys- 
 
 Fig. 89. 
 
 Crystal of Copper Sulphate. 
 
CVPRI SULPHAS. 
 
 563 
 
 tals by dissolving copper sulphate 1 part in ammonia-water 3 parts, filtering, and pouring upon 
 the solution 6 parts of alcohol ; in proportion as the latter abstracts the water from the solution, 
 prismatic crystals will be deposited. The salt will be at once separated as a crystalline powder 
 on mixing the alcohol with the aqueous solution. Ammonio-sulphate of copper has a deep 
 azure-blue color and an ammoniacal odor ; exposed to the air, it loses ammonia and gradually 
 changes to light blue. It dissolves in 1 b parts of cold water ; the solution has an alkaline reac- 
 tion and metallic taste, and on the addition of more water becomes turbid and produces a sedi- 
 ment. With a solution of arsenous acid a green precipitate (Scheele’s green) is produced. When 
 the salt is heated to 150° C. (302° F.) ammonia and water are given off, and an apple-green 
 powder remains having the composition Cu(NH 3 ) 2 S0 4 , being a cupro-diammonium sulphate, 
 while the medicinal salt is a cupro-tetrammonium sulphate ; this contains 27.10 per cent of am- 
 monia and 32.38 oxide of copper. Berzelius obtained 26.40 and 34.0 per cent. 
 
 Cupri oxidum, Cuprum oxydatum. — Cupric oxide, E . ; Oxyde de cuivre, Safran de Venus, 
 Fr. ; Kupferoxyd, G. — CuO ; mol. weight 79.14. — Dissolve copper sulphate 10 parts and sodium 
 carbonate 15 parts each in hot water 50 parts ; mix the solutions, and continue the heat until 
 the voluminous precipitate becomes dense ; collect this, wash it well, and expose it to a moderate 
 red heat. It is a soft, black, amorphous, heavy powder, which dissolves in dilute nitric acid 
 without effervescence (absence of carbonate) ; this blue solution may be tested for iron and other 
 metals by ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in the same manner as copper sulphate. If to 1 
 Gin. of copper oxide be added 1 Cc. of solution of ferrous sulphate, and afterward, without 
 mixing, 1 Cc. of strong sulphuric acid, a brown color should not be produced between the 
 liquids (absence of nitrate). By precipitating a solution of copper sulphate with an excess of 
 potassa or soda, and boiling, a brownish-black powder is obtained having the composition 
 Cu(OH) 2 -f- CuO (molecular weight 255.38) ; by red heat it is converted into anhydrous oxide, CuO. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Taken in small doses by man, sulphate of copper may be re- 
 garded as astringent and tonic. It does not act on healthy tissue as a caustic. In 
 emetic doses its action is prompt and rapid, and it leaves no nausea or depression behind 
 it. Even in very large (and in what may be called poisonous) doses it is rarely fatal to 
 life, and recovery is usually rapid and complete, although in some cases derangement of 
 the digestive function, with diarrhoea, may for a time continue. The symptoms of acute 
 poisoning by this substance are headache, convulsions, colic, vomiting, collapse, suppres- 
 sion of urine, and sometimes jaundice. In the rare cases of death following directly 
 upon poisoning by sulphate of copper congestion of the gastro-intestinal mucous mem- 
 brane was the only discoverable lesion ; in some instances of death occurring at a later 
 period ulceration, and even sloughing and perforation, of the bowel have been found. 
 
 The power of copper to neutralize the infectious agent of cholera , which was sup- 
 posed to have been proved by the immunity from this disease of workers in the metal, 
 has not been sustained by experience. The emetic operation of sulphate of copper is 
 peculiarly appropriate to the treatment of pseudo-membranous croup , on account of its 
 sustained mechanical and expulsive action, unaccompanied by nausea or other cause of 
 depression. It has no specific operation whatever upon the seat of the plastic exudation, 
 and therefore it can only be useful when the membrane has become spontaneously loose 
 or been loosened by other agents — such, for instance, as mercury, inhaled lime-water or 
 lactic acid, and possibly in some cases by depletion. In malignant sore throat a solution 
 of 2 grains to the ounce has been given in tablespoonful doses every ten or fifteen min- 
 utes with alleged success. It is probable that the local application by means of a sponge 
 of this or of a stronger solution would be, at the least, as efficient. There is some reason 
 to think that quartan agues have been cured by sulphate of copper in doses of \ grain 
 three times a day. It has been alleged that sulphate of copper is a more certain remedy 
 than mercury for constitutional syphilis , but this claim of Martin and Oberlin does not 
 appear to have been confirmed. Solutions of the salt form efficient injections for gleet 
 and leucorrhoea,. They should have a strength of 1 or 2 grains to the ounce. In leu- 
 corrhoea they may be applied on tampons. Dysentery and diarrhoea in their chronic 
 forms, but especially the former disease, are often materially benefited by enemas of a 
 pint of tepid water holding in solution from 10 to 20 grains of sulphate of copper. All 
 forms of ulcers are very advantageously modified by it, as ulcers of the cornea, nostrils, 
 mouth, vagina, and general surface, especially when they present an indolent aspect or 
 arise in vitiated states of the system ; for example, in ulcerative stomatitis , gangrene of 
 the pharynx, mercurial sore mouth , etc. In conjunctivitis , especially of the chronic, and 
 most of all of the granular, form, this salt is of great service. When the granulations 
 are large a crystal of sulphate of copper should be used. The same agent will sometimes 
 suffice to arrest haemorrhage from bleeding surfaces ; for this purpose also it is sometimes 
 used in the form of a powder, which may be mixed with an equal quantity of powdered 
 gum arabic. The stimulant and astringent action of the salt has been applied to the cure of 
 
564 
 
 CUPRI SULPHAS. 
 
 various local affections of the skin, such as acne rosacea , ichthyosis , alopecia, etc. In 
 1866, Bamberger proposed sulphate of copper as an antidote to acute poisoning by phos- 
 phorus, upon the ground that the phosphorus reduces the metal, which coats the remain- 
 ing phosphorus and renders it innocuous. He recommended that sulphate of copper 
 should be given first in an emetic dose, and then continued in smaller quantities. A critic 
 of this method (1872) remarked that it was certainly very ingenious, but there was no 
 proof of its efficiency ; and Eulenberg and Landois, who used carbonate of copper for 
 the same purpose in experiments upon animals, found that the alleged antidote delayed 
 their death, but did not prevent it. Charpentier claimed that a 1 per cent, solution of 
 sulphate of copper made an efficient antiseptic solution for vaginal injection after child- 
 birth. Sternberg’s observations on various bacilli led him to conclude that this agent 
 has but little effect on spore-bearing pathogenic organisms, but that it is a valuable 
 germicide and disinfectant of material not containing spores {Med. News , xlvii. 204). 
 
 Sulphate of copper is the basis of the most usual and convenient tests for diabetic sugar. 
 They all essentially consist of oxide of copper, held in solution by an alkali through the 
 medium of organic matter which, unlike sugar, has not the property of deoxidizing copper 
 salts during ebullition (Pavy). The most usual form of the solution is as follows : Sulphate 
 of copper 320 gr. ; neutral tartrate of potash 640 gr. ; caustic potash or soda 1280 gr. ; 
 distilled water 20 f£. Dissolve the sulphate of copper in 10 ounces of the water, and 
 the tartrate of potash and the caustic potash or soda in the remainder. If on being boiled 
 any deposit occurs, a little excess of potash or soda must be added. When this solution 
 is heated in a test-tube and a drop or two of diabetic urine is added, a more or less 
 copious deposit of suboxide of copper forms as a yellow, orange-yellow, orange-red, or 
 brownish-red precipitate. It is said that 1 grain of sulphate of copper dissolved in an 
 ounce of glycerin forms a solution of which 1 drachm will reduce 1 grain of grape-sugar 
 in a caustic alkali : 2 or 3 drops of the mixture are put into a test-tube and half an 
 ounce of liquor potassse added ; the whole is then boiled, a few drops of urine added, and 
 the whole boiled again ” (Oppenheimer, Med. Record , xix. 27). 
 
 Ammoniated copper in medicinal doses does not produce any immediately sensible effects 
 upon the healthy system, but in large doses it occasions nausea, giddiness, confusion or dim- 
 ness of sight, vomiting, colic, constipation, or diarrhoea, and, if persisted in, is said to cause 
 muscular spasms or paralysis, wasting of the body, and death. It was once reputed to be 
 an efficient remedy for epilepsy , but more accurate and continued observation has not sus- 
 tained its character. It is one of the many medicines to which cures of chorea have been 
 ascribed, and sometimes with such emphasis and detailed proofs that some faith in its 
 efficacy cannot easily be withheld. If employed in this disease, it should be given at first 
 in doses of Gm. 0.03 (J grain) three or four times a day in an aromatic vehicle, with a 
 small proportion of laudanum, and rapidly but gradually increased until it begins to 
 disturb the stomach. It should be administered when the stomach contains food. It 
 is stated by Fereol to have cured trigeminal neuralgia that had resisted all the most 
 accredited medicines. The medium dose employed by him was about 2 grains, and was 
 given after meals for ten or fifteen days ( Monthly Abstract , Aug. 1879, p. 349). 
 Locally, it has been employed for the same purposes as sulphate of copper in solution 
 and in ointments. 
 
 Oleate of copper , from one to 6 parts in an ounce of cosmoline, is stated to have been 
 very efficient in the various forms of tinea , even the most obstinate. 
 
 Arsenite of copper (Scheele’s green) has been used in minute doses with apparent 
 advantage by Reed {Med. Register , Sept. 1888, p. 230) and by Aulde and others ( Therap . 
 Gaz., xiii. 459 ; Med. News , lv. 517) in the treatment of cholera infantum and diarrhoea. 
 The dose suggested is grain dissolved in 4 to 6 ounces of water, of which a tea- 
 spoonful is given at intervals of ten minutes at first, and later of an hour. 
 
 As an emetic, sulphate of copper may be given in doses of from Gm. 0.10-0.60 (gr. 
 ij— x) of the powdered salt mixed with pulverized sugar, and repeated every ten or fifteen 
 minutes if necessary. As a tonic or astringent the dose is from Gm. 0.016-0.12 (gr. 
 1-ij) in pill. For local application solutions containing Gm. 0.6-0.60 (gr. j-x) to the 
 ounce of water may be used. Pencils of sulphate of copper are made by fusing together 
 2 parts of this salt with 1 of alum. They are also produced by first depriving the 
 sulphate of its water of crystallization, reducing it to a fine powder, and then, after 
 placing it in paper moulds, surrounding them with wet cloths, which restores the water of 
 crystallization. 
 
CUPRUM. 
 
 565 
 
 CUPRUM, Hr. — Copper. 
 
 Cupreum jilum. — Copper ivire, E.; Cuivre , Ft l de cuivre, Fr.; Kupfer , Kupferdraht , G. 
 Rome, It.; Cobre, Sp. 
 
 Symbol Cu. Atomicity bivalent. Atomic weight 63.18. 
 
 Fine copper wire, about No. 25. 
 
 Origin. — Copper, which has been known from the earliest times, is often found in the 
 metallic state as native copper, notably near Lake Superior ; occasionally it is met with 
 in the oxidized state as black and red copper ore or as a carbonate in malachite, and fre- 
 quently as sulphide in copper pyrites, copper glance, and gray copper ore, etc. It is a 
 natural constituent in minute quantities of some mineral springs and of many vegetable 
 and animal organisms. The smelting process is rather complicated for many ores, and 
 depends mainly upon the oxidation of the sulphurets by roasting and the reduction of 
 the metal by means of charcoal or by fusing a mixture of oxide and sulphide of copper. 
 Arsenic and antimony, which are often present, are expelled by the repeated roastings, 
 together with the sulphur, and the iron is made to enter the slag. 
 
 Properties. — Copper is a very sonorous, malleable, and ductile metal of a reddish 
 color, having the specific gravity 8.92 or when hammered 8.95. It melts at a bright-red 
 heat, first becoming brittle, and expands in volume on congealing. It is inferior to iron 
 in tenacity or strength and in hardness, but superior to it as a conductor of electricity 
 and heat and in resisting the chemical action of moist air. Copper is not acted upon by 
 cold concentrated or hot dilute sulphuric acid, but it dissolves readily in nitric acid. The 
 most important of the numerous alloys of copper are brass , containing about 28 to 36 
 per cent, of zinc ; bronze , containing 8 to 12 per cent of tin, and sometimes a little zinc 
 and lead ; bell-metal , containing 20 to 25 per cent, of tin ; and German silver , composed 
 of 8 copper, 31 zinc, and 3 or 4 nickel. 
 
 Chemical Characteristics. — Copper forms two series of salts — cuprous and cupric , 
 the former of which are of little importance. The anhydrous cupric salts are usually 
 white, the hydrated green or blue ; the soluble ones have an acid reaction, and their 
 solutions are decomposed by iron, zinc, and the earth metals, with the precipitation of 
 copper. Potassa precipitates voluminous blue hydroxide, Cu(OH). 2 , which when boiled 
 turns to black, Cu(OH) 2 -f- CuO. Potassium carbonate precipitates green oxycarbonate 
 of copper, the precipitate turning black on boiling. Ammonia-water and ammonium 
 carbonate occasion bluish-green precipitates which dissolve in an excess, forming deep 
 azure-blue solutions. Potassium ferrocyanide yields a brown-red precipitate, which is 
 insoluble in dilute acids. Hydrogen sulphide separates from acid solutions brown- 
 black copper sulphide. Potassium iodide produces a grayish-white precipitate of cuprous 
 iodide, one-half of the iodine being at the same time liberated. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Copper wire is employed in the preparation of Spiritus 
 aetheris nitrosi for generating nitrous acid. — Br. 
 
 Copper Pigments. — Bremen blue or Bremen green is cupric hydroxide, prepared by pre- 
 cipitating a copper salt with an alkali and drying the precipitate below 40° C (104° F.) Used as 
 abater-color, it remains blue, but if used as an oil-color it becomes green from the formation of 
 a copper soap. Basic cupric carbonate is sometimes sold under the same name. 
 
 Brunswick green is either copper oxycarbonate or oxychloride. 
 
 Mountain green or Mineral green is powdered green malachite or artificially-prepared cop- 
 per oxycarbonate. 
 
 Scheele’s green. Copper sulphate is precipitated by a solution of arsenous acid in sodium 
 carbonate ; its composition, according to Sharpies (1877), is Cu 3 As 2 0 6 .2II 2 0. 
 
 Schweinfurt Green or Paris green is copper aceto-arsenite, prepared by boiling the mixed 
 hot solutions of cupric acetate and arsenous acid. 
 
 Most of these pigments are also sold under other names than those given above. As met with 
 in commerce, they are frequently mixed with alumina or calcium and barium compounds, and 
 thus constitute lower grades. Mixtures of chrome-yellow and Prussian blue are likewise sold 
 under several of the above names. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Copper in the metallic state is not known to exercise any 
 specific action upon the economy. Workers in the metal, although constantly covered with 
 its dust and receiving such large quantities of it into the system through the lungs and 
 digestive apparatus that it is readily detected in the urine, do not appear to be liable to 
 any special disease, although they have a more or less anaemic appearance and are subject 
 to giddiness, lassitude, and dyspepsia. They are apt to lose their teeth early, and their 
 gums present a green or olive-colored line, and the teeth are discolored in the same manner. 
 In 1869, Dr. Clapton pointed out the absolute freedom of the workmen in copper from 
 
566 
 
 CURARE. 
 
 cholera or choleraic diarrhoea (Trans. Clin. Soc., iii. '7). And in 1880, Dr. Burq (Bull, 
 de Ther ., xcviii. 330) not only maintained this opinion, but also alleged that these work- 
 men are equally insusceptible of contracting typhoid fever, and that musicians who play on 
 brass instruments are not liable to either disease. On the other hand, there can be no 
 doubt that persons who work at trades in which copper-leaf is employed in the form 
 of “ bronze powder ” may suffer from it. The symptoms do not seem to be uniformly 
 alike, for diarrhoea or constipation may exist ; but in all cases there are abdominal pain 
 and tenderness, nausea and vomiting, an anaemic appearance of the skin, and a purplish 
 discoloration of the gums. Copper has been found in the faeces. In one case death was 
 ascribed to peritonitis. The treatment of such poisoning should be by gentle but 
 repeated purgation with salines, warm baths, and a milk diet (British Med. Jour., July 
 24, 1880 ; Phila. Med. Times , xi. 457). 
 
 CURARE, J Fr. Cod. 
 
 Urari, Wourari , Wourali, Woorara . 
 
 Preparation. — Dr. Jobert, writing from Belen de Para to the French Academy 
 (1878), made the following statement concerning the preparation of this South American 
 arrow-poison : The principal ingredients are urari u va (probably Strychnos Castelnseana, 
 Weddell) and eko, also called pani du mahardo (probably Cocculus toxiferus, Weddell), 
 The young bark of these plants is well scraped, and the scrapings are mixed in the pro 
 portion of 4 parts of the former and 1 part of the latter ; the mixture is well kneaded with 
 the hands, and, in a funnel made of palm-leaf, exhausted with cold water, the liquid being 
 returned seven or eight times. The red infusion is boiled with fragments of taja (an 
 Aroidea) and mucura-ea-ha or eone (probably Didelphys cancrivora). After about 6 
 hours the liquid has acquired a thick consistence, and is mixed with the scrapings of 
 three species of pepper (Artanthe ?) and tauma-gere , and again boiled and allowed to 
 cool, when it will have the consistence of a thick paste. 
 
 Dr. Bichard Schomburgk (1879) observed the following ingredients to be used in the 
 preparation of usari or urati in British Guiana : Bark of Strychnos toxifera, Schomburgk. 
 2 pounds; Str. Schomburgkii, Klotzsch , Str. cogens, Bentham (aurimaru), and wakarimo , 
 of each \ pound ; roots of tariteng and tararemu , of each 1 ounce ; four small pieces of 
 wood of a species of Xanthoxyleae called manuea. An extract is made by boiling these 
 articles with water, straining, and adding to the thick liquid the slimy juice pressed out 
 of the fleshy root of a species of Cissus, called muramu; the mixture is further evap- 
 orated by exposing it to the sun. 
 
 Planchon (1879) added to the above-named species Strychnos Gubleri, Planchon, which 
 is used on the Bio Negro; Str. Crevauxii, Planchon , in Upper French Guiana; and Str. 
 Yapurensis, Planchon, on the Yapura Biver. In addition to these, Bouhamon (Strychnos, 
 Martins) guianensis, Aublet , Str. cogens, Bentham, Paullinia Cururu, Linne, and other 
 plants have been named as being used in the preparation of this poison in different parts 
 of South America. 
 
 Properties. — Curare is a blackish-brown extract, brittle or hygroscopic, of a v<^ r 
 bitter taste, and almost completely soluble in dilute alcohol ; cold water dissolves about 
 75 per cent. ; this portion contains the poisonous alkaloids, and is insoluble in ether and 
 very sparingly soluble in absolute alcohol. 
 
 Constituents. — Boussingault and Boulin (1828) separated from curare some fat, 
 brown resin, red coloring matter, gum, clay, and the alkaloid curarine, which was pre- 
 viously discovered by A. Buchner (1827). It was examined by Preyer (1865), Dragen- 
 dorff, Koch (1870), and Sachs (1878), and appears to exist in curare as sulphate and to 
 have the composition Ci 8 H 35 N. It has a very bitter taste, but less persistent than strych- 
 nine ; is freely soluble in alcohol and water, less soluble in chloroform and amylic alco- 
 hol, insoluble in absolute ether, carbon disulphide, and benzol ; colored deep-red by nitric 
 acid, and by concentrated sulphuric acid acquires a carmine-red color, which, on the addi- 
 tion of potassium bichromate, becomes violet, the reaction being very similar to that pro- 
 duced by strychnine under the same treatment, but the coloration is more permanent. 
 It yields precipitates with all the group-reagents for alkaloids, and is precipitated yellow 
 by potassium ferricyanide, and white by potassium ferrocyanide, sulphocyanate, and 
 iodate, and by sodium phosphate and arsenate. B. Bohm (1887) found curarine to have 
 a neutral reaction ; to not neutralize acids ; to be non-deliquescent, amorphous, and yel- 
 low ; to yield a greenish fluorescent solution in water, and on evaporating this with a 
 mineral acid to form needles which are not poisonous. Curare contains a non-toxic alka- 
 
CURCAS. 
 
 567 
 
 loid, curine , which crystallizes from ether, is precipitated by metaphosphoric acid, and on 
 treatment with methyl iodide yields an alkaloid having the effects of curare. It seems 
 probable that the composition of the active principle may vary with the origin of curare. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The effect of curare and curarine on animals is mainly to pro- 
 duce paralysis, first of the voluntary and then of the involuntary muscles, and to cause 
 death by asphyxia. On man it acts locally as a powerful irritant of the denuded cutis. 
 Internally, it may cause sweating and saccharine urine ; but its most characteristic effect 
 is to occasion general paralysis of the voluntary muscles by its action upon the ends 
 rather than upon the origins of the motor nerves. Lehmann produced such effects in 
 himself by Gm. 0.007 (gr. i) of curarine sulphate, given hypodermically, but they were 
 slight and transient ( Therap. Gaz ., ix. 542 ; compare Lancet , Apr. 1889, p. 739). 
 Curare has been employed chiefly in the treatment of several grave diseases attended 
 with nervous spasms, and especially tetanus, epilepsy, chorea, and hydrophobia. It is 
 well known that tetanus , even of the traumatic form, has been treated successfully with 
 various medicines which control muscular action, and this one is reported to have cured 
 thirteen out of thirty-three cases (Demme ; Busch). Other persons have published sim- 
 ilar results, but in isolated cases. There can be no doubt that, appropriately administered, 
 it effectually controls the spasms, probably by its direct action upon the muscles, and 
 thereby spares the patient the exhaustion which the spasms produce. Practically, how- 
 ever, curare is seldom employed in the treatment of tetanus. Vulpian even comes to the 
 conclusion that it does not favorably influence the termination of that disease ( Lcgons sur 
 les Substances toxiques , p. 396) ; and the later observations of Karg do not modify his 
 conclusion. In epilepsy Kunze claims to have cured nine out of thirty-five cases by this 
 medicine, but in a later report only six cases out of eighty {Med. Times and Gaz., Nov. 
 1878, p. 523) ; and Eddlefsen three out of thirteen cases, using hypodermic injections with 
 a primary dose of ^ grain ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxvii. 842). Bourneville and Bricou, after 
 sufficient trial, concluded that it was worthless in the treatment of epilepsy ( Med . News , 
 xlvii. 8). In chorea it also appears to be useless. It has been tried in rabies , uniformly 
 with the result of appeasing or suspending the spasms, and in at least three cases it is 
 said to have cured the disease. A critical examination of these leaves a doubt as. to their 
 nature. The reporters do not always seem to have been aware of the distinction between 
 rabies canina and hydrophobia, nor of the alleged cure of the disease by various remedies, 
 such as Xanthium spinosum, the hot vapor-bath, oxygen, etc. It should also be noted 
 that in several cases the medicine appears to have been thoroughly employed without the 
 least advantage. At the same time, its possible inertness in these instances should not 
 be lost sight of, and in no case should any of it be used that has not first been tested upon 
 an animal. Curare is best administered hypodermically in a filtered watery solution of the 
 strength of 1 per cent., each injection containing about Gm. 0.006 ( r ^ grain). But in a 
 remarkable case of cure (Offenburg, 1877) about Gm. 0.02 (-J grain) was administered as 
 often as the spasms threatened to return. Within 4 hours seven injections, amounting to Gm. 
 0.19 (2^- gr.) were given hypodermically in a 5 per cent, solution ( Arch . f. Exp. Pathol., 
 xi. 308). In all cases it must be repeated so as to maintain complete muscular relaxation. 
 It has also been used endermically and by the rectum. Curarine has been employed as a 
 sulphate in from one-twentieth to one-tenth of the dose of curare, but according to Sachs 
 this pretended curarine is really phosphate of lime. 
 
 CURCAS. — Purging-Nut. 
 
 Semen ricini majoris. — Pliysic-nut, Barbadoes-nut , E. ; Pignon d’ Inde. (des Barbades ), 
 Sentence du medicinier, Fr. ; Purgirnuss, Schwarze Brechnuss , G. 
 
 The seed of Curcas purgans, Adanson, s. Jatropha Curcas, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — A medium-sized monoecious shrub indigenous to the West Indies and South 
 America, but naturalized in other tropical countries. It has smooth, angularly three- or 
 five-lobed, cordate leaves, paniculate cymes of greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers, the 
 pistillate ones few and largest, and tricoccous, obtusely triangular, and blackish capsules, 
 each cell containing one seed. 
 
 Description. —The seeds are about 2 Cm. (f inch) long, ovate-oblong, flattened from 
 the back, with a broad whitish hilum and caruncle at one end, black, not glossy, some- 
 what rough, and marked with numerous small cracks. The kernel has the shape of the 
 seed, and consists of an oily albumen which encloses the embryo. The seeds are inodor- 
 ous ; the kernels have a sweetish and oily taste, which gradually becomes acrid and 
 burning. 
 
568 
 
 CURCUMA. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent is the fixed oil, of which Arnaudon and 
 Ubaldini (1858) obtained 37.5 per cent. It is light yellow or colorless, of spec. grav. 
 0.92, congealing to a butyraceous mass at — 8° C. (17.6° F.), inodorous, and nearly 
 insoluble in alcohol. When distilled with potassa, caprylic alcohol is obtained. Bouis 
 (1854) separated a liquid and solid fatty acid, and named the latter isocetic acid , C 15 H 30 O 2 . 
 Cadet de Gassicourt (1824) found in the seeds also an acrid resin. 
 
 Allied Seeds. — Anda Gomesii, Jussieu , s. Anda brasiliensis, Raddi , s. Joannesia principis, 
 Vellozo. A large tree of Brazil, known there as anda-assu , bearing a heart-shaped, obtusely 
 quadrangular drupe, the seeds with a white fleshy arillus. The seeds resemble chestnuts, are 
 somewhat reniform, dark-brown, and of an almond-like taste ; they yield about 50 per cent, of a 
 reddish inodorous crude drying oil, which is an active purgative in doses of 10 Gm., and is more 
 limpid than, and free from the mawkish odor and unpleasant taste of, castor oil. One or two 
 seeds act as a violent cathartic, often also as an emetic. 
 
 Curcas multifidus, Endlicher , s. Jatropha multifida, Linn6 , is a South American shrub, the 
 seeds of which resemble the purging-nut, but are smoother and brown. According to Soubeiran, 
 the oil of these seeds is very similar to, if not identical with, that of the latter. 
 
 Euphorbia lathyris, Linne , s. Tithymalus Lathyris, Scopoli. — Caper spurge, Garden spurge, 
 E.; Epurge, Catapuce, Ft. ; Wolfsmilch, Springkraut, G . — A South European herb, cultivated 
 in gardens and somewhat naturalized in North America, the seeds of which w r ere formerly 
 officinal as semen cataputice minoris . They are about 3 Mm. (4 inch) long, oval, obtuse, on one 
 end with the hilum and caruncle, brown, marbled with gray and rugose. The oil separates a 
 crystalline mass on standing. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is said that the expressed oil of curcas-seeds acts chiefly 
 as a purgative, and that in the dose of about 12 drops it produces effects like those of 
 an ounce of castor oil. It is more like croton oil in its operation. The acrid emetic 
 principle resides chiefly in the embryo. It is stated that if the embryo is wholly 
 removed, four or five of the seeds may be used as a purgative without producing either 
 vomiting or griping. A number of cases have occurred of poisoning by eating the seeds 
 entire. In one case a man who had eaten five of them soon complained of burning in 
 the mouth and throat, and the whole abdomen felt distended and sore. In a few min- 
 utes vomiting occurred, and was repeated five times in the course of an hour, accom- 
 panied with active purging. The pain continued ; the patient complained of feeling hot 
 and giddy ; he then became delirious, and afterward insensible. On regaining conscious- 
 ness several hours later his face was pale, his hands cool, the pulse 110 and weak. He 
 recovered. In 1854, at Birmingham, Eng., more than thirty boys were poisoned by 
 eating these seeds. In some of them, besides the symptoms just mentioned, there was 
 a hot skin and an appearance of drowsiness, which may, however, have been due to 
 exhaustion produced by the evacuations. They all made good recoveries. The oil 
 applied to the skin irritates it. 
 
 In the East Indies the juice of the plant and the oil are said to be used locally in the 
 treatment of cutaneous eruptions , rheumatism , and haemorrhoids , and in liniments to stim- 
 ulate the secretion of milk. The freshly-prepared juice has been used topically to con- 
 trol haemorrhages. The oil has been employed internally in constipation , dropsy , worms , 
 etc., and externally in the diseases mentioned, and also in paralysis , pain in the ears, 
 deafness , etc. In a word, it has, in a less degree, the qualities and medical virtues of 
 croton oil, and appears to be purgative in about the same dose. 
 
 The uses of the oil of Anda Gomesii are stated under Oleum Bicini. The oil 
 obtained by expression from Euphorbia Lathyris , and the seeds themselves, were for- 
 merly used in the south of France and in Italy as purgatives. Five seeds caused vom- 
 iting and diarrhoea in one experiment, but ten were required to produce a like effect 
 in another. The expressed oil acted purgatively, and the seeds which furnished it 
 were no longer purgative in the same degree as at first (Husemann, Torikologie , p. 
 447). 
 
 CURCUMA. — Turmeric. 
 
 Rhizoma curcumse . — Curcuma , Fr., Sp. ; Souchet des Indes, Fr. ; Kurkuma, Gelb- 
 wurz , G. 
 
 The rhizoma of Curcuma longa, LinnS, s. Amomurn Curcuma, Jacquin, s. Curcuma 
 rotunda, Linne. Woodville, Med. Bot ., 252 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 267. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scitamineae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant yielding turmeric is a perennial indigenous to India, and is exten- 
 sively cultivated throughout Southern Asia and in many islands of the Indian Ocean. 
 It produces a tuft of radical leaves, which are about 90 Cm. (3 feet) long, and have a 
 
CURCUMA. 
 
 569 
 
 prominent midrib ; the scape bears a few sheathing bracts below, and terminates with a 
 spike of 15 Cm. (6 inches), bearing orange-colored flowers in pairs from the axils of 
 spreading bracts. The United States import annually about 1,000,000 pounds of tur- 
 meric. 
 
 Description. — The central portion of the rhizome of the different species of cur- 
 cuma is tuberous, and sends out nearly cylindrical branches, some of which become 
 
 Ftg. 90. 
 
 Round Turmeric. 
 
 Fig 91. 
 
 Long Turmeric. 
 
 fusiformly thickened toward their ends, 
 and then contain a very pure starch. 
 Aside from these spindle-shaped, amyl- 
 aceous tubers, the subterraneous stem 
 is of two forms, and the commercial 
 turmeric must vary as one or the other 
 or both forms are collected, which were 
 formerly supposed to have been pro- 
 duced by two distinct species. 
 
 Fig. 92. 
 
 Curcuma : transverse section, magnified 3 diam. 
 
 Curcuma rotunda, or round turmeric, attains a length of 38 to 50 Mm. (11 to 2 inches) 
 with a diameter of 25 Mm. (1 inch) or more ; it varies in shape between globular, 
 oblong, and pyriform, has annular marks from the scars of the leaf-sheaths, and is 
 beset with root-scars, and a few fibres or their remnants. Curcuma longa, or long tur- 
 meric, is 25 to 50 Mm. long (1 to 2 inches), 6 to 12 Mm. (i to 1 inch) thick, straight or 
 curved, mostly simple, nearly cylindrical, and somewhat annulated b} r the leaf-scars. The 
 two varieties are externally covered with a yellowish-gray, soft, and friable corky layer, 
 and break with a short and smooth fracture of a horny or resinous lustre. The interior 
 is of a gamboge- to brown-yellow color, the centre usually of a deeper tint, and separated 
 from the outer portion by a circular line, indicating the nucleus-sheath. The fibro-vas- 
 cular bundles are scattered throughout the entire rhizome, and are more numerous near 
 the nucleus-sheath ; the polyhedric parenchyma-cells of the cortical and inner layer con- 
 tain starch, resin, and drops of volatile oil. The nearly uniform color and glossy appear- 
 ance of the interior are due to the scalding of the rhizomes previous to drying, whereby 
 the starch has been converted into a pasty mass. The quality of turmeric is approxi- 
 mately judged by the brightness of the tint and the degree of lustre upon the fracture. 
 Turmeric has a peculiar aromatic odor and a warm, aromatic, and bitterish taste. 
 
 The principal commercial varieties are — Chinese turmeric , which consists of many 
 central rhizomes with well-developed branches ; Bengal turmeric , mostly in slender 
 branches of a deep reddish tint ; Madras turmeric , in thick lateral branches, mixed with 
 transversely-cut tubers of a gamboge tint ; Java, turmeric , which consists of rather small 
 tubers and branches that are often transversely and longitudinally cut ; and Cochin tur- 
 meric , in sections or slices of a larger tuber, some being marked with rather large 
 depressed stem-scars ; they are probably derived from another unknown species. 
 
 Constituents. — The investigations of Bolley, Suida, Lange (1868), Gajewsky (1870, 
 1872), Kachler (1870), and Fliickiger (1876) have been supplemented and partly modi- 
 fied by C. L. Jackson and A. E. Menke {Am. Chem. Jour., 1882-83, iv.). By distilla- 
 tion with water about 1 per cent, of volatile oil is obtained. Treatment with cold ligroin 
 yields 11 per cent, of viscid oil, a small portion of which distils, under diminished pres- 
 sure of 60 Mm., under 193° C., and a second portion, turmerol , C 19 H 28 G, between 193° and 
 198° C. (379° and 388° F.), leaving a viscous body. Turmerol is pale-yellow, agreeably 
 aromatic, dextrogyre, of the density .9016 at 17° C., and boils under ordinary pressure at 
 285°— 290° C. (545°— 554° F.), with partial decomposition. The curcumol of other chemists 
 was stated to have the formula Ci 0 Hi 4 O and the boiling-point 245° C. (473° F.). 
 
 The coloring matter, curcumin, is best obtained pure after removing the oil by exhaust- 
 ing the powder with ether and recrystallizing from alcohol ; the yield, involving much 
 loss, was only 0.3 per cent. The yellow crystals, C 14 H u 0 4 , have a vanilla-like odor, fuse 
 at 165° €. (329° F.), are readily soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether, very little in 
 
570 
 
 CUSSO. 
 
 cold benzene and benzin, and freely and with a red-brown color in alkalies. Oxidation 
 by potassium permanganate or other weak oxidizing agents yields vanillin (melting-point 
 79° C.) ; by chromic acid the products are carbonic and acetic acids ; and with nitric acid 
 oxalic acid is obtained. The carmine-colored potassium compound is insoluble in strong 
 alcohol and ether ; the zinc compound is soluble in water ; the insoluble lead and silver 
 compounds are easily altered. By boiling an alcoholic solution of curcumin with boric 
 acid and decomposing the compound with hot water, Schomberger (1866) obtained 
 yellow pseud o-curcumin, which is not reddened by boric acid, and is soluble in alkalies 
 with a greenish-gray color. Boiling as before, but in the presence of sulphuric acid, 
 rosocyanin is formed, which is crystalline, insoluble in water, benzene, and ether, and 
 soluble with a beautiful red color in alcohol. Alkalies color it blue ; the solution on 
 boiling turns blood-red, then yellow, and now contains pseudo-curcumin. 
 
 The other constituents of turmeric are starch, gum, resin, and others of no medicinal 
 importance. Kachler (1870) separated from the infusion a notable quantity of acid 
 potassium oxalate. Tincture of turmeric shows a blue fluorescence, due to curcumin. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Turmeric is employed for the detection of alkalies and 
 of borates. Paper saturated with the tincture is colored brown-red by alkalies, the 
 yellow color being restored by acids. Soluble borates likewise produce a brown-red 
 color, which is not altered on the addition of dilute acids. It is occasionally employed 
 for coloring pomades and ointments, as in the Unguentum jlavum s. Ung. althaese (P. G. 
 1872), which is made by digesting for half an hour 1 part of turmeric with 50 parts 
 of lard, fusing together with yellow wax and Burgundy pitch, each 3 parts, and straining. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Turmeric has no medicinal properties that require notice. 
 Its sole use is to prepare a test-paper. In India and China it is employed as a con- 
 diment. 
 
 CUSSO, U, S., Br. — Kousso. 
 
 Bray era, U. S. 1880 ; Flores koso, P. G. — Kusso , E. ; 
 Cusso, G. ; Cosso, It. 
 
 Fig. 93. 
 
 Hagenia abyssinica, Gmelin : A, lowest branch of panicle, 
 % size; B , staminate flower; C, section of pistillate 
 flower ; raagn. 4 diameters. 
 
 Kousso , Fr. ; Koso , Kusso, 
 
 The female inflorescence (flowers and 
 tops, Br.') of Hagenia abyssinica, Gme- 
 lin, s. Banksia abyssinica, Bruce, s. Bray- 
 era anthelmintica, Kunth. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants, 102. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bosaceae, Bosese. 
 
 Origin. — This is a handsome tree, 
 attaining a height of 12 to 18 M. (40 to 
 50 feet) ; it produces an abundance of 
 large oddly pinnate leaves, at the base 
 with a sheath formed by the large adnate 
 stipules ; the inflorescence is abundant, 
 axillary, unisexual, and paniculate. The 
 tree, which flowers in October and ^No- 
 vember, is indigenous to the table-land 
 and mountainous districts of Abyssinia, 
 and is generally planted near towns and 
 villages. 
 
 Description. — The panicles are about 
 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, much branched; 
 axis and branches zigzag, hairy, and 
 glandular, each branch supported by a 
 ciliate sheathing bract; flowers very nu- 
 merous, 6 to 8 Mm. (| to i inch) broad, 
 each with two large roundish membranous- 
 veined bracts at the base, which are green 
 in the staminate flowers, but become pur- 
 plish-red in the pistillate flowers ; calyx 
 shortly stalked, top-shaped, hairy, and 
 with ten membranous and veined seg- 
 ments arranged in two alternating whorls. 
 The sepals of the outer whorl of the male 
 flowers are greenish-yellow, small, and 
 
cusso. 
 
 571 
 
 nearly linear ; but in the female flowers they are finally about 10 Mm. (f inch) long, and 
 much larger than the inner row of sepals, and when fully developed are obovate and of 
 a red color. The five linear petals are inconspicuous and much shorter than the inner 
 sepals, with which they alternate. Stamens between fifteen and thirty, very small and 
 shrivelled in the female flowers, equalling the petals in the male flowers, inserted in the 
 contracted throat of the calyx. Carpels two, or occasionally three, distinct, enclosed in 
 the calyx-tube ; styles projecting from the tube ; fruit a small membranous akene, pointed 
 by the persistent short base of the style, and containing a straight fleshy embryo with 
 two plano-convex cotyledons. 
 
 The female inflorescence being most frequently collected, the commercial article should 
 have a pale brownish-red hue, and is often distinguished as red kousso. [t is collected 
 before the fruit has ripened, and either the entire inflorescence is dried loosely, or before 
 quite dry a number of pannicles are formed into cylindrical rolls, measuring about 25 to 
 50 Cm. (10 to 20 inches) in length weighing about 120 to 240 Gm. (4 to 8 ounces) 
 and tied by split culms of Cyperus articulatus ; the loose panicles are usually much 
 broken. The male inflorescence has in the dry state a light greenish-brown color, and is 
 sometimes known as kousso-esels. The odor of both varieties is not strong, but pleasant 
 and tea-like ; the taste is gradually developed, mucilaginous, bitterish, acrid, and disagree- 
 able. 
 
 The drug reaches commerce mostly by way of Aden and Bombay, or partly through 
 Egypt to Southern Europe. It should be kept in a dark and dry place. “ For medici- 
 nal use the drug should be freed from the stalks.” — P. G. 
 
 Constituents. — According to Wittstein (1840), kousso contains as principal con- 
 stituents 6.25 per cent, of a bitter acrid resin and 24.4 per cent, of tannin, consisting of 
 two kinds ; he also obtained 15.71 per cent, of ashes and some tasteless resin, besides the 
 common constituents, chlorophyll, wax, sugar, and gum. The acrid resin appears to be 
 the medicinally active principle, and has been variously called brayerin , kwosein , koussin , 
 and kosin. As prepared by Dr. C. Bedall (1872) by Pavesi’s process, it was found to be 
 an efficient tsenifuge. Kousso is repeatedly treated with alcohol to which slaked lime 
 has been added ; the residue is boiled with water, the different liquids mixed, filtered, and 
 distilled, and the remaining liquid treated with acetic acid, which separates about 3 per 
 cent, of koussin as a white flocculent precipitate, becoming denser and resin-like, and on 
 drying yellowish or at a higher temperature brown ; in larger quantities it has a peculiar 
 odor of Russian leather, a persistent bitter and acrid taste, and is of a distinct crystalline 
 appearance when viewed under the microscope. Dr. E. Merck has subsequently further 
 purified it, probably by crystallizing it from boiling alcohol. Fliickiger and E. Bury 
 (1874) describe it as forming yellow rhombic crystals, which are readily soluble in ben- 
 zene, carbon disulphide, chloroform, and ether, less freely in glacial acetic acid, sparingly 
 in cold alcohol, and are insoluble in water ; alkalies dissolve it readily, and acids pre- 
 cipitate it again ; it fuses at 142° C. (287.6° F.), and congeals to a transparent yellow 
 mass, which when touched with a trace of alcohol is converted into stellate tufts of crys- 
 tals ; its composition is C 31 H 3 8 O 10 , and it is probably an ether of isobutyric acid. Prof: 
 Buchheim found this pure kosin to be very inferior in its anthelmintic action. 
 
 By distillation with water, kousso yields traces of valerianic and acetic acids and a little 
 solid volatile oil having the odor of the drug. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cusso has been employed from time immemorial in Abyssinia 
 for the expulsion of tape-worms, which there prevail extensively. But it is stated by 
 Johnson that the operation of it is so severe that it often produces miscarriages, and 
 even death, in pregnant women. In Europe it is said sometimes to have occasioned 
 severe colic, but generally its operation is not distressing, and consists only of slight 
 nausea, followed by feculent and then by liquid stools. According to Arena, these 
 differences depend upon an alteration which the resin undergoes by time. Of all the 
 remedies for tape-worm (Taenia solium, T. bothriocephalus), none is more efficient or 
 certain, provided that the flowers are fresh, but they deteriorate rapidly. The parasite 
 is generally discharged dead. 
 
 The Abyssinian mode of using it is thus described : An infusion is made with water 
 or beer, or the flowers are mixed with honey to the amount of from Gm. 16-24 (^iv-vj), 
 and the whole is taken in the morning, fasting, and no food is eaten during the day. 
 Generally, the worm is discharged in the course of twenty-four hours without purging, 
 pain, or colic. This description by Aubert and by Engleman contradicts the one given 
 above. In Europe and in this country an infusion is prepared with Gm. 8 (gij) of the 
 powdered drug in Gm. 128 (f^iv) of boiling water, which, when cold, is drunk without 
 
572 
 
 CYCLA MEN. — CYD ONI UM. 
 
 having been strained. Kraus recommends Gm. 25 (^vj) in lemonade on an empty 
 stomach, and followed an hour later by castor oil. As its taste and smell are disagree- 
 able, resembling somewhat those of senna tea. it has been proposed to administer the 
 powder in granules made with sugar and swallowed with some aromatic infusion. The 
 following mode of preparing the dose has been recommended : Treat by displacement 
 i ounce of cusso in powder with 6 drachms of boiling caster oil and 1J ounces of boiling 
 water. Express the liquid, and make an emulsion with it and the yelk of egg; add 
 40 drops of sulphuric ether, sweeten, and flavor with oil of anise. This emulsion should 
 be taken, fasting, at one dose. In all cases the patient should fast the day before using 
 the medicine. 
 
 CYCLAMEN.-Cyclamen. 
 
 Sow-bread , E. ; Arthamte , Pain de pourceau , Fr. ; Erdscheibe , Erdbrot , Schweinebrot, 
 G. ; Pan de Puerco, Sp. 
 
 The tuber of Cyclamen europseum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Primulaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The species grows in shady places and rocky woodlands of Southern Europe, 
 and is met with in cultivation. It has a few roundish, heart-shaped leaves of a dark -green 
 color, marked with white above and purplish beneath, and several stalks, each bearing a 
 nodding, fragrant, pink-colored flower, and coiling up after flowering so as to bring the 
 capsule to the ground. 
 
 Description. — The tuber is 25 to 50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) thick, flattish circular or 
 depressed globose, dark-brown externally, internally white, mealy, with a rather thin 
 bark, and with narrow and short fibro-vascular bundles arranged in irregular circles. In 
 the fresh state it has a burning, acrid taste ; after drying this is milder. 
 
 The similar tubers of Cyclamen hederaefolium, Alton , and C. persicum, Miller (s. C. 
 latifolium, Sibthorp ), which are indigenous to Southern Europe and the Levant, have 
 similar properties ; these plants are also cultivated for ornament. 
 
 The pyriform or spindle-shaped tubers of Lathyrus tuberosus, Linne , which are of the 
 size of a walnut, are said to be occasionally substituted for those of cyclamen ; they have 
 a mucilaginous taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Aside from starch, gum, pectin, and other common principles, Sala- 
 din (1830) isolated cyclamin or arthanitin , C 2 oH 24 O io . It is white, amorphous or in 
 minute crystals, of a bitter and acrid taste, soluble in carbon disulphide, chloroform, 
 alcohol, and in water, and insoluble in ether and fixed and volatile oils. Its aqueous 
 solution foams like soap-water, is precipitated by tannin, and when boiled with dilute 
 acids yields glucose and resinous cyclamiretin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Experiments made by Claude Bernard led him to the conclu- 
 sion that cyclamin resembles curarin in its action ; Schroff compared it rather with 
 smilacin, senegin, and saponin. Cyclamen-root loses much of its acrimony by keeping, 
 and has been recommended under such circumstances as a purgative in the dose of 
 Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) triturated with powdered gum. On the other hand, the fresh root has 
 sometimes occasioned alarming effects. Bulliard states that “ in the north of France, 
 where it is much used as a purgative, it often produces violent vomiting, followed by 
 cold sweats, vertigo, ringing in the ears, and gyratory or convulsive movements; often 
 blood is ejected by vomiting or purging, and sometimes there is even fatal hypercathar- 
 sis.” Formerly it entered, with other drastic purgatives, into a liniment which caused 
 purgation when applied to the abdomen in cases of worm. s and of dropsy. Externally, 
 the fresh tuber has been proposed as a stimulating cataplasm for carbuncles , abscesses, 
 enlarged glands, etc. Dose, Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). A decoction is prepared with Gm. 4-12 
 ( 3 j-iij) in Gm. 500 (a pint) of water. 
 
 OYDONIUM. — Cydonium. 
 
 Semen cydonise. — Quince-seed, E. ; Semences ( Pepins ) decoing, Fr.; Quittensamen, Quit- 
 tenherne, G. ; Membrillo , Sp. 
 
 The seed of Cydonia vulgaris, Per soon, s. Cyd. europaea, Sam, s. Pyrus Cydonia, Linne, 
 s. Sorbus Cydonia, Crantz. Woodville, Med. Pot., 182 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 
 106. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bosaceae, Pomeae. 
 
 Origin. — The quince tree, which attains a height of 6 M. (20 feet) or remains 
 
CYPRIPEDIUM. 
 
 573 
 
 shrubby, is probably indigenous to Asia Minor and Persia, but was anciently cultivated, 
 and is now naturalized, in the Mediterranean basin, and cul- 
 tivated in the temperate parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and 
 America. It has shortly petiolate, entire, ovate orobovate 
 leaves, which are woolly beneath ; ovate, glandular, and 
 denticulate stipules ; handsome, pale rose-colored flowers ; 
 and a pyriform or subglobular golden-yellow fragrant 
 fruit, with five cells, each containing about twelve closely- 
 packed seeds. 
 
 Description. — The seeds are 6 to 10 Mm. (-J- or f 
 inch long, of an oblong or oval shape, but flattened and 
 three-sided by mutual pressure ; the somewhat pointed 
 hilum at the narrow end is connected by the ridge-like 
 raphe along the sharper edge with the chalaza at the 
 other slightly-beaked end. The testa is of a 
 Fig. 94. brown color, covered with a mucilaginous epithe- 
 lium, by which the seeds of one cell are united 
 
 (SI into a mass. The embryo is of the size and 
 
 ||r shape of the seed, consists of two plano-convex 
 
 oily cotyledons, with a thick straight radicle 
 pointing toward the hilum, and possesses the 
 taste of bitter almonds. The unbroken seeds 
 andsectfon. are mucilaginous. The mucilage is contained 
 in the epithelial cells, which form the grayish 
 or whitish covering of the seed, and when immersed in water swell up considerably, 
 forming a thick jelly-like mass with 40 parts of water to 1 of seeds. 
 
 Constituents. — Quince-seeds yield about 20 per cent, of dry mucilage, which has 
 the composition C 12 H 20 O 10 and contains some calcium salts and albumen. Treated with 
 nitric acid, it yields oxalic acid. The mucilage has little adhesive power, is not affected 
 by solution of borax, and is precipitated by alcohol and by metallic salts. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Cydonia (Pyrus, Thunberg ) japonica, Persoon. This frequently-cultivated 
 ornamental shrub is smooth throughout, has oval serrate leaves and bright-red flowers, and bears 
 globular fruits of an aromatic acidulous taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The pulp, and especially the rind, of the fruit have a certain 
 astringency, which has caused them to be used in cases of mucous profluvia and passive 
 haemorrhages , but particularly in leucorrhcea and uterine haemorrhage, and also in diarrhoea. 
 They are rather domestic than officinal medicines. 
 
 CYPRIPEDIUM, U. Cypripedium. 
 
 Rhizoma cypripedii. — Ladies' -slipper root , E. ; Racine de cypripede jaune , Valeriane 
 americaine , Fr. ; Gelbfrauenschuh-Wurzel , Gr. 
 
 The rhizome and rootlets of Cypripedium pubescens, Swartz , and of Cypripedium 
 parviflorum, Salisbury. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Orchidaceae. 
 
 Origin. — These herbaceous plants are indigenous to Canada, and to the United States 
 as far south as North Carolina ; they grow in low woodlands and boggy localities and 
 flower in May and June. The two plants are distinguished from each other by their 
 size, Cypr. pubescens being the taller, growing about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, and by their 
 flowers, which in the species named have lanceolate sepals and a laterally-flattened lip 
 which is arched above, while the flowers of Cypr. parviflorum are smaller, with lance- 
 ovate sepals and the lip flattened from above. In both species the lip of the yellow 
 flowers forms an inflated obtuse sac which is likened to a slipper. 
 
 Description. — The rhizomes are horizontal, bent up and down, nearly cylindrical, 
 about 3 to 5 Mm. (i to J inch) in diameter, nearly 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, above beset 
 with broad, circular cup-shaped scars of the overground stems, the more recent ones with 
 fibrous tufts of ligneous tissue ; the numerous simple rootlets are mainly attached on the 
 lower half of the rhizome, attain a length of 15 to 20, occasionally even 45 or 50, Cm. 
 (6 to 8, even 18 or 20 inches). The rhizomes and rootlets of Cypr. parviflorum are 
 rather slender and shorter, and after drying of an orange-brown color, while the coarser 
 parts of Cypr. pubescens dry of a black-brown. Both are brittle and break with a short 
 
 Fig. 95. 
 
 Quince-seed : section through epi- 
 thelium, testa, tegmen, and por- 
 tion of cotyledon ; magnif. 150 
 diam. 
 
574 
 
 DAMIANA. 
 
 fracture, which is white with scattered wood-bundles, have a peculiar slight but heavy 
 odor, and a sweetish, bitter, and pungent taste. 
 
 The rhizome of Hydrastis canadensis is not unfrequently mixed with the commercial 
 
 Fig. 96. Fig. 97. 
 
 Cypripedium pubeseeus. Cypripedium parviflorum. 
 
 Portion of rhizome and rootlets, natural size. 
 
 cypripedium ; it is readily distinguished by its different shape, its yellowish-gray color 
 externally, and by its transverse section, which is bright-yellow and shows a circular 
 arrangement of the wood-wedges. 
 
 Constituents. — Cypripedium was analyzed by H. C. Blair (1866), who found a 
 minute quantity of volatile oil, a volatile acid, two resins, tannin, starch, etc. The 
 rhizomes of both species deserve to be again carefully analyzed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cypripedium was among the medicinal plants used by the 
 aborigines of this country, and subsequently it was resorted to by the country-people 
 for the relief of nervous affections, such as chorea and hysteria. It is one of the 
 numberless agents said to cure epilepsy. In its action and uses it is generally supposed 
 to resemble valerian. The dose is stated to be Gm. 1 (gr. xv) of the powdered root, or 
 the equivalent of that quantity in tincture or infusion, three times a day. The oleoresin 
 precipitated from the tincture by water may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.06 (gr. j). 
 
 D AMI AN A . — Damiana . 
 
 Origin and Description. — Since 1874 the leaves of two or three Mexican plants 
 have appeared in commerce under the above name, attention to the difference being called 
 by Wellcome (1875). According to E. M. Holmes (1876), they come from the following 
 species : 
 
 Turnera microphylla, Be Candolle (Fig. 98). Nat. Ord. Turneraceae. This species is 
 common in Western Mexico and Lower California, and is found also in Starr Co., Texas. 
 
 The leaves are alternate, obovate, entire at the base, 
 and above on each side with three or four teeth, light- 
 green, rather rough, and nearly smooth, or along the 
 midrib covered with short, whitish hairs. They readily 
 fall off the much-branched stems, which, if present, 
 have some resemblance to broom-tops. The calyx of 
 the flowers has five three-nerved lobes, and bears in the 
 throat five yellow obovate petals and five stamens ; the 
 ovary has three styles, and ripens to a globular or oval 
 one-celled and many-seeded capsule. The leaves have 
 an aromatic taste, suggesting that of confection of 
 senna. Leaves of the shape seen in Fig. 97 belong 
 either to a variety of the same or to a closely-allied 
 species. They are usually of a darker green, smooth, and have a somewhat mint-like 
 flavor. Turnera aphrodisiaca, Ward, is the name given to the plant, in allusion to its 
 asserted properties. Turnera diffusa, Ward , has rather shorter leaves, which are finely 
 hairy above and tomentose beneath. 
 
 Aplopappus (Haplopappus) discoideus, De Candolle. Nat. Ord. Composite. The 
 leaves are lanceolate above, with about three sharp teeth on each side, the lower half 
 entire, rather coriaceous, roughish on the surface, light-green, with occasional black dots, 
 and with minute resin-like granules or scales. The flowers, which are usually present, 
 have an imbricated involucre, yellow florets, and a white hairy pappus. The drug has a 
 distinct balsamic odor and taste. Dr. Rothrock (1876) gives the following synonyms 
 for this plant: Linosyris mexicana, Schlechtendal ; Baccharis veneta, Kunth ; and Bige- 
 lovia veneta, Gray. 
 
DECOCTA. 
 
 The two genera mentioned above belong to Western North America and parts of South 
 America. A species of Turnera, T. ulmifolia, Linne , grows in the West Indies, where its 
 aromatic leaves and flowers have been used for their tonic properties. 
 
 Constituents. — Turnera damiana yielded to H. B. Parsons 8 per cent, of volatile 
 oil, with soft resin and chlorophyll, 7 per cent, of a bitter substance, 6.4 per cent, of hard 
 resin, and 3.5 per cent, of tannin, the remainder being sugar, gum, albuminoids, etc., with 
 8.4 per cent, of ash. In making a fluid extract of the Aplopappus damiana, and using 
 76 per cent, alcohol, crystals of potassium chloride were obtained by Prof. Wayne 
 (1876). 
 
 Action and Uses. —Damiana appears to have stimulant, tonic, and laxative prop- 
 erties, and has been supposed by the inhabitants of Western Mexico to be a specific 
 stimulant of the pelvic organs. In support of this statement it has been affirmed that 
 the use of damiana occasions haemorrhoids. It has been widely and shamelessly adver- 
 tised as a remedy for sexual impotence or indifference in either sex, but there is not the 
 slightest reason for confiding in this statement of its virtues. Still less can it be credited 
 with the restoration of an atrophied testis to its normal size and function, which has 
 been set to its account. It is best administered in a fluid extract, of which the average 
 dose is Gm. 2 (f^ss). 
 
 DECOCTA, U. S., P. G. 
 
 Decoctions , E ; Decodes , Tisanes par decoctions , Fr. ; Abkochungen , G. ; Decotti , It. 
 
 When the active principles of vegetable drugs are exhausted by boiling with water 
 decoctions are obtained. Such preparations are obviously not adapted to drugs the 
 activity of which depends upon principles of a resinous nature which are insoluble in 
 water, nor to such as contain volatile oils or other volatile substances which would be 
 dissipated with the vapor of water, and should be restricted to those drugs the active 
 constituents of which cannot be extracted by water below 100° C. (212° F.) Formerly, 
 decoctions were usually made by using a large quantity of water and boiling it down to 
 one-half or even to a less amount. No obvious advantage was gained by this method, 
 and in many instances it proved to be decidedly disadvantageous, owing to the alteration 
 and darkening of the extractive matters, and in some cases to changing the nature of the 
 active principles. The pharmacopoeias have very properly, in nearly all cases, reduced 
 the time of boiling to 10 or 15 minutes, the general directions given by the present U. 
 S. P. being as follows : “An ordinary decoction, the strength of which is not directed by 
 the physician nor specified by the pharmacopoeia shall be prepared by the following for- 
 mula : Take of the substance, coarsely comminuted, 50 Gm. ; water a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 1000 Cc. Put the substance into a suitable vessel provided with a cover, pour 
 upon it 1000 Cc. of cold water, cover it well, and boil for fifteen minutes ; then let it cool 
 to about 40° C. (104° F.) strain the liquid, and pass through the strainer enough cold 
 water to make the product measure 1000 Cc. This represents about 23 grains of drug 
 in each fluidounce. Caution. — The strength of decoctions of energetic or powerful sub- 
 stances should be specially prescribed by the physician. 
 
 By following the directions of the P. G., to keep the mixture of drug and cold water 
 for half an hour in a bath of steam arising from boiling water, the time is practically 
 still more reduced ; the proportion of very mucilaginous drugs to be used in a decoction 
 is left to the dispenser ; but the physician is required to state the quantity of such drugs 
 for which a maximum dose is given by the pharmacopoeia ; other drugs may be used in 
 the proportion of 1 part for 10 parts of decoction. 
 
 The use of cold water to begin with ensures the complete exhaustion from the drug 
 of all its soluble principles by the gradually-heated water, the albuminous principles 
 being subsequently coagulated as the heat is increased to near the boiling-point. If, on 
 the other hand, the drug be at once immersed in boiling water, the albumen contained in 
 cells would be coagulated, and thus seriously interfere with the extraction of the other 
 principles. In preparing compound decoctions all the drugs may be added to the cold 
 water, with the exception of those which, like senna, are injured by long-continued heat 
 or which contain aromatic or other volatile principles. Such should be added when the 
 decoction is ready to be removed from the fire or steam-bath, and allowed to digest until 
 it is sufficiently cooled for straining. The material should in all cases be cut or bruised, 
 the degree of fineness depending upon the nature of its tissue. Woody drugs may be 
 
576 
 
 DECOCTUM ALOES COMPOSITE M. -DECOCTUM CETRARIJE. 
 
 reduced to a moderately fine powder ; leaves, however, and other drugs consisting mainly 
 of loose parenchyma, are better used in the form of a moderately coarse or very coarse 
 powder. 
 
 Unless the liquid is to be considerably boiled down, decoctions are best prepared in a 
 vessel provided with a cover which may be loosely put on until the boiling is completed, 
 when the vessel should be well closed, particularly if additions have been made at the 
 close of boiling. Porcelain is undoubtedly the best material for vessels used for prepar- 
 ing decoctions, since it is not acted upon by the various vegetable principles ; for similar 
 reasons glass flasks will answer a useful purpose in making small quantities of these 
 preparations. As a rule, it is best to avoid metallic vessels, except when made of block- 
 tin and used in connection with a steam-bath. As many drugs contain tannin, vessels 
 made of iron are not adapted for preparing their decoctions, and the usually imperfect 
 covering of galvanized (or zinc) or tinned sheet iron renders the vessels lined with such 
 material but little better suited for this purpose, and still inferior to properly-enamelled 
 iron vessels. 
 
 As a rule, decoctions should be allowed to cool to below 50° C. (122° F.) before they 
 are strained ; principles which are soluble only in hot water are then mostly precipitated, 
 and removed without, in most cases, weakening the medicinal effects of the preparations. 
 But even with this precaution the strained liquid may become unsightly in appearance 
 by the further deposition, on cooling, of apotheme or matter soluble only in hot water. 
 In such cases the pharmacist should be guided by the directions of the pharmacopoeia or 
 by the intentions of the physician, and not sacrifice effect to elegance. With some 
 exceptions, decoctions which were formerly made at the house of the patient have grad- 
 ually fallen into disuse through the introduction of fluid extracts and similar permanent 
 preparations, by which the medicinal properties can be preserved unaltered for months, or 
 even years, while decoctions cannot be depended upon for more than one or, at the 
 utmost, a few days. 
 
 DECOCTUM ALOES COMPOSITUM, Br — Compound Decoction of 
 
 Aloes. 
 
 Tisane ( Decode ) d' aloes composee, Fr. ; Zusammengesetztes Aloedecoct , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Extract of Socotrine Aloes J ounce; Myrrh, Saffron, Potas- 
 sium Carbonate, of each i ounce ; Extract of Liquorice 2 ounces ; Compound Tincture of 
 Cardamoms 15 fluidounces ; Distilled Water a sufficiency for 50 fluidounces. Reduce the 
 extract of aloes and myrrh to coarse powder, and put them together with the potassium 
 carbonate and extract of licorice, into a suitahle covered vessel with a pint of distilled 
 water ; boil gently for five minutes, then add the saffron. Let the vessel with its con- 
 tents cool, then add the tincture of cardamoms, and, covering the vessel closely, allow the 
 ingredients to macerate for two hours ; finally, strain through flannel, pouring as much 
 distilled water over the contents of the strainer as will make the strained product meas- 
 ure 50 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 The alkali carbonate is added for the purpose of aiding the solution of the resinous 
 principles of aloes and myrrh; the tincture of cardamom, saffron, and licorice act as cor- 
 rectives, the latter serving more especially for partially covering the nauseous taste of 
 the aloes. The air should be excluded from this preparation as far as possible. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The active agents in this preparation are essentially the same 
 as in the tincture of aloes and myrrh. It is a useful purgative in numerous cases 
 for which the alcoholic preparation just named would be too stimulating; and it is 
 probable that the permanent solution of its ingredients renders its purgative operation 
 milder — an effect which is enhanced by the liquorice and cardamom it contains. It is an 
 appropriate medicine when purgation is indicated in amenorrhcea due to an atonic state 
 of the system, or simply in constipation with a tendency to hsemorrhoidal engorgement. 
 Like the tincture, it is much less used than the corresponding pill ( Pilula aloes et myrrhse), 
 but it may be prescribed in doses of dm. 15-60 (f^ss-ij). 
 
 DECOCTUM CETRARIJE, U. S., Br. Decoction of Cetraria. 
 
 Decoction of Iceland moss, E. ; Tisane ( Decode ) de lichen d'Islande, Fr. ; Isldndisch-Moos- 
 Ahsud ( Decoct ), G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cetraria 50 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. 
 
DECOCT UM CIX CH ONjE. — DECO CT UM IEEMATOXYLI. 
 
 on 
 
 Cover the cetraria, in a suitable vessel, with 400 Cc. of cold water ; express after half an 
 hour, and throw away the liquid. Then boil the cetraria with 1000 Cc. of water for half 
 an hour, strain, add enough cold water, through the strainer, to make the product meas- 
 ure 1000 Cc. — U. S.‘ 
 
 Decoction of cetraria, of official strength, may also be prepared by macerating 365 
 grains of cetraria with 6 ounces of cold water for half an hour, expressing and boiling 
 the cetraria with 1 pint of water as directed above. 
 
 The maceration with cold water is intended to remove at least a portion of the bitter 
 principle present ; this treatment is denounced by many. 
 
 The decoction of the Br. P. is identical with this, 1 ounce av. of Iceland moss being 
 used for 1 Imperial pint of decoction ; the boiling is continued for ten minutes only, which 
 is ample for the purpose. The tisane of the Fr. Cod. is made in the proportion of 1 to 
 1000. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is the best form for administering Iceland moss. It 
 retains the bitter principle as well as the demulcent elements of the moss, and it is on 
 the former that the therapeutical qualities of that substance chiefly depend. It should 
 be taken in doses of from Grin. 60-130 (f^ij-iv) three or four times a day. 
 
 DECOCTUM CINCHONA, Br.— Decoction of Cinchona. 
 
 Decoctum de cinchona, Decoctum chinse . — Thane ( Decode ) de quinquina rouge , Fr. ; 
 Chinaabsud , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bed Cinchona Bark, in No. 20 powder, II ounces; Dis- 
 tilled Water 1 pint. Boil for 10 minutes in a covered vessel. Strain the decoction 
 when cold, and pour as much distilled water over the contents of the strainer as will 
 make the strained product measure 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 If strained while hot, a turbid preparation is obtained from the deposition, after cool- 
 ing, of cinchonic red and cinchotannate of the alkaloids ; these insoluble compounds are 
 removed by straining when cold. The whole of the alkaloids may be kept in solution by 
 the addition of some acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dose, Gm. 60 (f gij). to be repeated every two, three, or four 
 hours in acute diseases, and three times a day before meals as a tonic. 
 
 DECOCTUM GRANATI RADICIS, Br.— Decoction of Pomegranate- 
 
 Root. 
 
 Decoctum corticis radicis granati . — Tisane {Decode) d'ecorce de la racine de grenadier , 
 Fr. ; Granaf-Wurzel-Rinden-Absud, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Pomegranate-Root Bark, sliced, 2 ounces ; Distilled Water 
 2 pints. Boil down to a pint and strain, making the strained product up to a pint 
 (Imperial), if necessary, by pouring distilled water over the contents of the strainer. 
 —Br. 
 
 The tissue of the bark is not firm enough to require so long-continued a boiling. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This decoction may be used for all the purposes to which 
 vegetable astringents of moderate power are applied, such as passive haemorrhages and 
 mucous and serous profluvia, as a wash for open sores accompanied with a profuse dis- 
 charge, for relaxed states of the mouth, vagina, rectum, etc. It is, however, most useful 
 as a taeniafuge. (For the mode of employing it see Granati Radicis Cortex.) 
 
 DECOCTUM HiEMATOXYLI, Br. — Decoction of Logwood. 
 
 Tisane ( Decode ) de bois de Campeche , Fr. ; Blauholz-A bsud, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Logwood, in chips. 1 ounce; Cinnamon-Bark, in coarse 
 powder. 55 grains; Distilled Water 1 pint. Boil the logwood in the water for 10 minutes 
 in a covered vessel, adding the cinnamon toward the end. Strain the decoction, and pour 
 as much distilled water over the contents of the strainer as will make the strained product 
 measure a pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 A longer-continued boiling of logwood in chips would improve the result of this 
 formula. 
 
 37 
 
578 
 
 DECOCTUM HORDE!.— DECO CT UM QUERCUS. 
 
 Action and Uses. —Although this decoction may be used for most of the dis- 
 orders for which vegetable astringents are indicated, it is chiefly employed internally for 
 the relief of diarrhoea, but much less so than the cognate medicines. Its mildness 
 adapts it to the treatment of infantile diarrhoea. The dose for an adult is about Gin. 
 60 (f^ij) 5 for infants and children, Gm. 4-8 (faj-ij). 
 
 DEOOOTUM HORDEI, Br . — Decoction of Babley. 
 
 Barley-water , E. ; Tisane ( Ean ) d'orge perle, Fr. ; G erstenschleim , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Pearl Barley 2 ounces; Distilled Water II pints (30 
 ounces). Wash the barley in cold water, and reject the washings; boil the washed 
 barley with the distilled water for 20 minutes in a covered vessel, and strain. — Br. 
 
 The washing of the barley with cold water is intended for the removal of extraneous 
 matters and of any unpleasant odor and taste. Mustiness is still better removed by 
 washing with hot water, or by boiling the barley with the water for 1 or 2 minutes and 
 throwing this liquid away. By this time the barley will be considerably swollen, and the 
 decoction, when completed, will be mucilaginous, and measure about 20 fluidounces. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Barley-water, the most ancient of fever-drinks, continues to be 
 the most generally employed. Highly nutritious, extremely digestible, unirritating, 
 tending to promote the intestinal and urinary secretions, and soothing irritation in the 
 throat and air-passages , barley seems better adapted to these purposes than rice or any 
 other cereal. According to the state of the patient the decoction may be rendered more 
 or less nutritious by longer or shorter boiling. If no contraindication exists, it should 
 be sweetened and flavored with the juice of lemon or other acidulous fruit. 
 
 DECOCTUM PAPAVERIS, Br . — Decoction of Poppies. 
 
 Tisane de pavot, Fr. ; Mohnkapseln-Ahsud , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Poppy-Capsules, bruised, 2 ounces; Distilled Water II 
 pints. Boil for 10 minutes in a covered vessel, then strain, and pour as much distilled 
 water over the contents of the strainer as will make the strained product measure a pint 
 (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia does not direct the removal of the seeds, the oil of which will to 
 some extent remain suspended in the mucilaginous liquid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation possesses slight anodyne virtues, and is also 
 emollient in consequence of the oil and mucilage it contains. It has, however, no 
 demonstrable advantage over preparations of flaxseed, slippery elm, and many mucilag- 
 inous substances to which oil or glycerin and laudanum have been added. This remark 
 applies particularly to its use in poultices and fomentations. 
 
 DECOCTUM PAREIR^E, Decoction of Pareira. 
 
 Tisane de pareira hrava , Fr. ; Pareirawurzel-Absud , Grieswurzel-Absud , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Pareira-Root, sliced, II ounces; Distilled Water 1 pint. 
 Boil for 15 minutes in a covered vessel, then strain, and pour as much distilled water 
 over the contents of the strainer as will make the strained product measure a pint (Impe- 
 rial).— 5/-. 
 
 Action and Uses. — (For the action and uses of this preparation see Pareira.) 
 The dose of the decoction is Gm. 30-60 (f gj— ij) three or four times a day. 
 
 DECOCTUM QUERCUS, Br . — Decoction of Oak-Bark. 
 
 Tisane ( Decode ) d'ecorce de chene, Fr. ; Eichen rinden-A bsud, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oak-Bark, bruised, 11 ounces; Distilled Water 1 pint. Boil 
 for 10 minutes in a covered vessel, then strain and pour as. much distilled water over the 
 contents of the strainer as will make the strained product measure a pint (Imperial). 
 —Br. 
 
 The tannin is readily extracted by the boiling water, and the strained liquid will cause 
 precipitates with most salts of the heavy metals, with solutions of alkaloids, etc. Alkaline 
 liquids will hasten the decomposition of the astringent principles. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is seldom administered internally, but may 
 be used to restrain passive haemorrhages and chronic Jinxes of the bowels and bronchia. 
 
DECOCTUM SARSAI.— DECOCTUM SARSAPARILLA! COMPOSITUM. 579 
 
 Externally, it is sometimes employed to control bleeding and also suppuration , and to 
 diminish excessive local sweats , but more frequently to constringe relaxed mucous mem- 
 branes and lessen their secretion, as in cases of flaccidity of the uvula , pharynx , or larynx , 
 prolapsus of the rectum , haemorrhoids , and leucorrhoea. It may be used to promote con- 
 traction of the relaxed skin of the abdomen, scrotum, etc. ; to prevent the formation of 
 bed-sores and the chafing of surgical apparatus ; to heal flabby and ill-conditioned ulcers ; 
 to restrain gangrene and prevent its fetor ; and finally, in a bath, to counteract extreme 
 relaxation of the general integument. The dose of this decoction is Gm. GO (f^ij). For 
 external purposes a decoction of twice the officinal strength is preferable. 
 
 DECOCTUM SARSAE, Br, — Decoction of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Decoctum sarsaparillae . — Tisane de salsepareille , Fr. ; Sarsaparilla- Absud , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Jamaica Sarsaparilla, cut transversely, 2 \ ounces ; boiling 
 Distilled Water 1J pints. Digest the sarsaparilla in the water for an hour, then boil for 
 10 minutes in a covered vessel, cool and strain, pouring distilled water, if required, over 
 the contents of the strainer, or otherwise making the strained product measure a pint 
 (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The formula is an improvement on the older ones, by which long-continued boiling was 
 directed. The French preparation is made from 6 parts of sarsaparilla to 100 of liquid, 
 by first macerating, then heating to boiling, and finally digesting for 2 hours. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The purpose of this preparation is the administration of sar- 
 saparilla without the associate ingredients in the compound decoction. It is, however, 
 very little used. Its dose is from Gm. 60-120 (f 3ij— iv) three or four times a day. 
 
 DECOCTUM SARSAPARILLAE COMPOSITUM, U. S., B. G,— Com- 
 pound Decoction of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Decoctum sarsse compositum Br. ; Tisane ( Apozeme ) sudorifique , decode de salseparielle 
 compose Fr. ; Zusammengesetztes Sarsaparilla-Decoct , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sarsaparilla, cut and bruised, 100 Gm. ; Sassafras, in No. 20 pow- 
 der, 20 Gm. ; Guaiacum-wood, rasped, 20 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza, bruised, 20 Gm. ; Meze- 
 reum, cut and bruised, 10 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Boil 
 the sarsaparilla and guaiacum-wood for half an hour in a suitable vessel with 1000 Cc. 
 of water ; then add the sassafras, glycyrrhiza, and mezereum ; cover the vessel well, and 
 macerate for two hours; finally strain and add enough cold water, through the strainer, 
 to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of this decoction will require 730 grains of sarsaparilla, 146 grains 
 each of sassafras, licorice and guaiacum-wood, and 73 grains of mezereum. 
 
 Take of Jamaica sarsaparilla, cut transversely 2\ ounces; Sassafras-root in chips, 
 Guaiacum-wood turnings, Dried Licorice-root, each 4 ounce ; Mezereon-bark 4 ounce ; 
 boiling Distilled Water 11 pints. Digest the solid ingredients in the water for an hour, 
 then boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, cool and strain, pouring distilled water, 
 if required, over the contents of the strainer, or otherwise making the strained product 
 measure a pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The P. G. directs that 20 parts of sarsaparilla cut moderately fine, shall be digested 
 with 520 parts of water at a temperature of 35°-40° C. for twenty-four hours ; 1 
 part each of sugar and alum are then added, and the mixture exposed to the heat of 
 a boiling water-bath for three hours, after which 1 part each of bruised anise and bruised 
 fennel, 5 parts of senna, cut moderately fine, and 2 parts of licorice-root, crushed, are 
 added, and the heat continued for fifteen minutes longer. After settling the liquid is 
 decanted and the weight brought up to 500 parts by addition of water. 
 
 Much of the oil of sassafras is lost by boiling; the first formula has been constructed 
 upon that of the French Codex, which directs boiling 3 parts of sarsaparilla and 6 parts 
 of guaiacum-wood with 100 parts of water, then adding 1 part of sassafras and 2 of 
 licorice-root, and macerating for two hours. It will be observed that this last is much 
 the weaker preparation, and that mezereon-bark is not used in it. The first two are 
 simplified formulae for the Lisbon diet-drink or Decoctum lusitanicum , which was formerly 
 much employed. The latter may also be said of Zittmann’s decoction, of which a stronger 
 and a milder one are used together. Decoctum Zittmanni fortius : Take sarsaparilla-root, 
 cut, 100 parts; digest in water 2600 parts for twenty-four hours, and add enclosed in a 
 linen bag, powdered sugar and alum, each 6 parts, calomel 4 parts, and cinnabar 1 part; 
 
580 
 
 DECOCTUM SCOP ARII— DIGITALIS. 
 
 then heat in a covered vessel placed in a steam-bath for three hours, stirring frequently, 
 and near the end of the boiling add anise and fennel, bruised, each 4 parts, senna, cut, 
 24 parts, and licorice-root, cut, 12 parts. Express, strain, set aside for some time, and 
 decant to obtain 2500 parts of clear liquid. 2500 Gm. of this are to be divided into 8 
 parts. Decoctum Zittmanni mitius : Take the residue left from the preceding and 50 
 parts of sarsaparilla, heat with water 2600 parts for three hours in a covered vessel 
 placed in a steam-bath, stirring frequently, and when near the end of boiling add lemon- 
 peel, Chinese cinnamon, cardamom, and licorice-root, each cut and bruised, 3 parts. 
 Express and operate as before to obtain 2500 parts. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The virtues of this preparation are chiefly due to sarsaparilla 
 and mezereon, slightly reinforced by the sassafras, which, with the liquorice, serves to 
 mask the acrid flavor of the mezereon. It is chiefly employed in the treatment of chronic 
 rheumatism , scrofula of the bones, chronic cutaneous diseases , and, above all, constitutional 
 syphilis. Whatever good it effects is mainly due to its promoting the secretions of the 
 skin and kidneys. (See Sarsaparilla.) The dose is Gm. 130-160 (f^iv-v) three or 
 or four times a day. 
 
 DECOCTUM SCOPARII, Hr. — Decoction of Broom. 
 
 Tisane de genet d balais , Fr. ; Besenginster-Absud , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Broom-Tops, dried, 1 ounce ; Distilled Water 1 pint. Boil 
 for 10 minutes in a covered vessel, then strain, and pour as much distilled water over the 
 contents of the strainer as will make the strained product measure a pint (Imperial). 
 —Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The decoction of broom is apt to excite irritation of the 
 kidneys and urinary passages, and decidedly to increase the quantity of urine. It is the 
 best form in which broom can be administered for the removal of dropsical effusions. It 
 should be given in doses of Gm. 60 (f^ij), repeated at intervals, so that from Gm. 250- 
 500 (f^viij— xvj) may be taken during the day. A compound decoction may be prepared 
 by boiling broom-tops, dandelion, and juniper-berries, of each §ss in Oiss of water to a 
 pint. Dose, Gm. 30-60 (fj§j— ij). 
 
 DECOCTUM TAR AX A Cl, Br. — Decoction of Dandelion. 
 
 Tisane de pissenlit, Fr. ; Lowenzahnwurzel-Absud, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of dried Dandelion-Root, sliced and bruised, 1 ounce ; Distilled 
 Water 1 pint. Boil for 10 minutes in a covered vessel, then strain, and pour as much 
 distilled water over the contents of the strainer as will make the strained product measure 
 a pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Dandelion-root, if properly cut and bruised, is readily extracted by hot water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation represents all the virtues of taraxacum, and 
 is the most suitable mode of exhibiting the medicine. As it is apt to ferment, it should 
 be freshly made when used. The dose is Gm. 60—90 (f^ij-iij), and should be taken 
 about half an hour before meals. Its efficacy is increased by simple bitters, such as 
 gentian and columbo, or by a little orange-peel added near the end of ebullition. 
 
 DECOCTUM ULMI. — Decoction of Elm-Bark. 
 
 Decode diorme , Fr. ; Ulmenrinden-Decoct , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Elm-Bark, cut in small pieces, 2? ounces; Distilled Water 
 1 pint. Boil for 10 minutes in a covered vessel, then strain and pour as much distilled 
 water over the contents of the strainer as will make the strained product measure a pint 
 (Imperial). — Br. 1867. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The decoction of this elm-bark is mucilaginous, bitter, and 
 astringent. It is probably not much used in this country. The dose is from Gm. 60- 
 
 120 (faij-iv). 
 
 DIGITALIS, U. S. — Digitalis. 
 
 Digitalis folia , Br. ; Folia digitalis , P. G. — Foocglove-leaves , E. ; Feuilles de digitate 
 pourpree (de grande digit ale f Fr. ; Fingerliut kraut, G. ; Digitate , It. ; Dedalera, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linne (D. tomentosa, Li)dc et Hoffmann ), collected 
 
DIGITALIS. 
 
 581 
 
 of plants of the second year’s growth. Woodville, Med. Bot., plate 24 ; Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants, 195. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scrophulariaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Foxglove is a biennial plant indigenous to Southern and Central Europe, 
 particularly in the western section, and grows wild as far north as Norway, likewise in 
 Madeira and the Azores. It is found on the edges of woodlands and thickets in rather 
 sandy soil, and is generally absent from calcareous districts. It is well known as an 
 ornamental garden-plant. The stem is 0.6 to 1.5 M. (2 to 5 feet) high, has alternate 
 leaves, and a long terminal raceme of handsome purplish-crimson and tubular bell-shaped 
 flowers, producing an ovoid glandular pubescent capsule with numerous small seeds. The 
 leaves, which on drying diminish in weight about 75 per cent., should be collected from 
 wild plants growing in mountainous regions when in the second year, and about two- 
 thirds of the flowers are expanded; the leaves of plants grown in plains proved to be 
 less active, according to W. Mayer (1880) and others. F. Schneider (1869) found the 
 radical leaves collected in September of the first year to be very efficacious. 
 
 Description. — The radical leaves are 15 to 30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches) long, ovate or 
 oblong-ovate, rather obtuse, at the base 
 
 contracted into a winged petiole 10 to 15 Fig. 101. 
 
 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long. The margin 
 is rather irregularly doubly crenate, the 
 upper surface is wrinkled, dull-green, 
 and soft-downy ; the lower surface is of 
 a grayish color, densely pubescent and 
 prominently reticulate ; the midrib is 
 broad toward the base, and of a slight 
 purplish tint. The stem-leaves are grad- 
 ually reduced in size, and upon shorter 
 petioles, the uppermost being sessile, 
 oblong-lanceolate, and obscurely crenate. 
 
 The dried leaves have a faint tea-like 
 odor and a bitter rather disagreeable 
 taste. In cultivation the plant usually 
 becomes less hairy, and the radical leaves 
 of the first year’s growth are usually nar- 
 rower and more oblong-lanceolate in out- 
 line. The following reactions may be 
 used for determining the absence of 
 leaves containing tannin, and the pres- 
 ence of a proper amount of digitalin : 
 
 “ An infusion prepared with 1 part of 
 digitalis and 10 parts of boiling water (should be of a brownish color, of an acid reac- 
 tion, of a peculiar odor, and of a nauseously but not aromatic taste. — P. G.) and allowed 
 to cool, has a peculiar odor, turns blue litmus-paper red, and upon the addition of a few 
 drops of ferric-chloride test-solution acquires a darker tint, a brown precipitate appearing 
 after several hours (absence of leaves containing tannin, giving blue-black or black-green 
 precipitates.) The infusion, diluted with 3 parts of water, becomes turbid on the addi- 
 tion of a few drops of tannic-acid test-solution. — U. S ., P. G. In the undiluted infusion 
 tannic-acid solution should produce a copious precipitate, which is dissolved only with 
 difficulty by an excess of tannin (digitalin-tannin). — P. G. 
 
 Constituents. — The medicinally active principle has been named digitalin, and is 
 described below. 
 
 Digitalinum. — Digitalin, E., G. ; Digitaline, Fr. — The following directions are given 
 for its preparation : Take of Digitalis-leaf, in coarse powder, 40 ounces ; Rectified Spirit, 
 Distilled Water, Acetic Acid, Purified Animal Charcoal, Ammonia-Water, Tannic 
 Acid, Lead Oxide, in fine powder, and Pure Ether, of each a sufficiency. Digest the 
 digitalis with a gallon of the spirit for twenty-four hours at a temperature of 48.8° C. 
 (120° F.) ; then put them in a percolator, and when the tincture has ceased to drop 
 pour a gallon of spirit on the contents of the percolator, and allow it slowly to percolate 
 through. Distil off the greater part of the spirit from the tincture, and evaporate the 
 remainder over a water-bath until the whole of the alcohol has been dissipated. 31 ix 
 the residual extract with 5 ounces of distilled water, to which £ ounce of acetic acid has 
 been previously added, and digest the solution thus formed with £ ounce of purified 
 
 Digitalis purpurea Linne: leaf of the first and of the second 
 year’s growth. 
 
582 
 
 DIGITALIS. 
 
 animal charcoal ; then filter, and dilute the filtrate with distilled water until it measures 
 a pint. Add ammonia-water nearly to neutralization, and afterward add 160 grains 
 of tannic acid dissolved in 3 ounces of distilled water. Wash the precipitate that will 
 be formed with a little distilled water ; mix it with a small quantity of the spirit and l 
 ounce of the lead oxide, and rub them together in a mortar. Place the mixture in a 
 flask, and add to it 4 ounces of the spirit; raise the temperature to 71.1° C. (160° F.), 
 and keep it at this heat for about an hour ; then add l ounce of purified animal charcoal ; 
 put it on a filter, and from the filtrate carefully drive otf the spirit by the heat of a water- 
 bath. Lastly, wash the residue repeatedly with pure ether. — Br. 1867. 
 
 The process of the U. S. P. 1870 was nearly identical with the foregoing. Thus pre- 
 pared, digitalin forms a white or yellowish-white powder, or it may be obtained in porous 
 mammillated masses or scales. It is inodorous and has an intensely bitter taste ; is solu- 
 ble in alcohol, but almost insoluble in water and in ether. It dissolves slightly in dilute 
 acids without neutralizing them ; its solution in concentrated hydrochloric acid is yellow- 
 ish, but rapidly becomes green, and after some time deposits a green powder. Its dust is 
 irritating and sternutatory. Heated upon platinum-foil, it burns with a sooty flame, 
 finally leaving no residue. The readiness with which the active principle of digitalis as 
 it exists in the plant is altered has been repeatedly pointed out. The properties given by 
 both the former British and United States Pharmacopoeias are those mentioned by Ho- 
 molle (1844) and Quevenne. and by the French Codex for a digitalin prepared, according 
 to Homolle’s process, by precipitating gummy and coloring matter from the cold prepared 
 aqueous infusion with lead subacetate, removing the excess of lead by sodium carbon- 
 ate, precipitating with tannin, and treating further in a manner somewhat similar to the 
 preceding process. But the process as described above is that of 0. Henry (1845), which 
 yields a different product. Lefort (1864) pointed out that two kinds of digitalin are in the 
 market — namely, French or insoluble digitalin , which is that of Homolle ; and German or 
 soluble digitalin , which is readily soluble in water, also in concentrated hydrochloric acid, 
 the solution becoming yellow, brown, and finally a dull green ; exposed to the vapor of 
 hydrochloric acid, it turns brown, while insoluble digitalin turns green. Soluble digitalin 
 is made in Germany by processes analogous to that of Henry, and by modifications as 
 suggested by G. F. Walz in his investigations of digitalis (1851 to 1858). Kosmann 
 (1875) endeavored to explain the discrepant results as follows: The active principle of 
 digitalis, which is freely soluble in water, has been named by various authors digitasolin, 
 digitaletin , digit olein , and digitalin; it exists in the leaves and seeds, is C 27 H 4 50 15 , a com- 
 pound of 1 molecule of digitalretin and 2 of glucose, and is readily altered even in the 
 plant by saline and acid bodies, and converted into glucose and insoluble digitalin ( digita- 
 letin of Walz), which is C 21 H 33 0 9 , and represents 1 molecule each of digitalretin and glu- 
 cose. Both digitalins are very bitter and energetic medicinal agents. By the further 
 action of hot dilute acids insoluble digitalin is split into glucose, and digitalretin ( para - 
 digitalretin ), Ci 5 H 25 0 5 , which is slightly bitter, is soluble in alcohol, slightly so in ether, 
 but insoluble in water and alkalies. The continued action of dilute acids results in the 
 production of dehydrated digitalretin , C 15 H 21 0 3 , which is resin-like, insoluble in water, 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, and ammonia-water, and has an acrid taste ; it has likewise been 
 called paradigitalein. Kosmann considers Nativelle’s crystallized, digitalin as being inter- 
 mediate in composition between insoluble digitalin and digitalretin. 
 
 Nativelle’s process (1874) is as follows: 1000 Gm. of powdered digitalis-leaves are 
 macerated for 24 hours in a solution of 250 Gm. of lead acetate in 1000 Gm. of water, 
 then displaced with 50 per cent, alcohol, the percolate treated with 20 Gm. of sodium 
 bicarbonate, and distilled and evaporated to 2000 Gm. ; when cool it is mixed with 2000 
 Gm. of water, and after several days decanted. The precipitate is drained, pressed, mixed 
 with 1000 Gm. of 80 per cent, alcohol, and heated to boiling ; 10 Gm. of neutral lead acetate 
 are added, the boiling continued for a few minutes, and when cool the liquid is filtered. 
 The filtrate is mixed with 50 Gm. of powdered wood-charcoal, and distilled, the charcoal 
 exposed to expel the alcohol, drained, dried, and percolated with chloroform. The impure 
 digitalin left on evaporation is dissolved in 100 Gm. of 90 per cent, alcohol, the solution 
 mixed with a concentrated solution of 1 Gm. of lead acetate and with 10 Gm. of granular 
 animal charcoal, boiled for a few minutes, cooled, filtered, and distilled. The granular 
 crystals are drained, dissolved in 10 Gm. of hot alcohol ; 5 Gm. of ether and 15 Gm. 
 of water are added, and the whole well shaken together. The ether removes a colored 
 fixed oil, and crystalline digitalin is deposited, which, if necessary, is again subjected to 
 the same process of purification. It crystallizes from hot alcohol in the form of white 
 slender brilliant needles. This is the Digitalina cristallisata, F \ Cod. 
 
DIGITALIS. 
 
 583 
 
 A digit alin obtained from the seeds was found by Delffs (1858) to have the com- 
 position C ]7 H ;i0 O 7 , and to be colorless, crystalline, readily soluble in alcohol, ether, or 
 chloroform, and not colored by concentrated mineral acids. Schmiedeberg (1875) obtained 
 digitoxin, another active principle, from the leaves previously exhausted by water ; it is 
 entirely insoluble in water, benzene, or carbon disulphide, very sparingly soluble in ether, 
 slowly soluble in chloroform, and readily in alcohol, and crystallizes from the saturated 
 solution in hot spirit of chloroform ; its solutions are intensely bitter ; its composition is 
 C 3 ,H ;{3 0 7 . It is not a glucoside, but acids convert it into toxire&in , which, like digitoxin, 
 has a powerful action on the heart. Schmiedeberg examined also a commercial digitalin 
 made from the seeds, and found in it digitonin , digitalin (Kosmann’s insoluble digitalin ?), 
 and digita/ein. The latter is yellowish, not colored red by boiling hydrochloric acid, and 
 freely soluble in water, yielding a frothing solution ; otherwise it resembles digitalin. This 
 compound is C 5 H 8 0 2 , forms soft colorless grains, is nearly insoluble even in boiling water, 
 sparingly soluble in ether and chloroform, dissolves freely in alcohol, spirit of chloroform, 
 and acetic acid, and with warm sulphuric acid strikes.a yellow or yellowish-green color, 
 turning red with potassium bromide. Digitonin, C 31 H 52 0 17 , Schmiedeberg (C 27 H 44 0 13 , 
 Kiliani, 1890), is colored red by boiling dilute sulphuric acid, and dissolves in alcohol, 
 spirit of chloroform, and water, this last solution being frothing and precipitated by 
 baryta-water, like saponin. By heating digitonin with dilute hydrochloric acid it is split 
 into galactose, dextrose, and digitogenin, which is insoluble in water and has the formula 
 C 15 H 24 0 :i . Oxidized with chromic acid it forms digitogenic acid, C 14 H 22 0 4 ; oxydigitogenic 
 acid C 14 H., 0 O 4 , and digitic acid C 10 H 16 O 4 . Duffield (1868) obtained by the official process 
 0.8 to 0.9 per cent, of digitalin from European and American digitalis leaves. 
 
 Schmiedeberg’s digitalin is regarded by Kiliani (1892) as a distinct substance and 
 gives it the formula C 29 H 46 0 ]2 . It is in the market as digitalinnm verum , and forms a white 
 amorphous powder, the particles of which swell up when placed in water. It is soluble 
 in about 1000 parts of water, and 100 parts of alcohol. When an almost saturated solu- 
 tion in hot 80 or 90 per cent, alcohol is allowed to cool, it becomes almost solid from 
 separated granules of digitalin. It melts toward 217° C. (422.6° F.) and becomes 
 yellow. 2 Cc. of a 10 per cent, solution of caustic potash should not color a few 
 granules when placed in it. Hydrochloric acid splits it into digitaligenin, glucose, and 
 digitalose. 
 
 W. Engelhardt (1862) obtained a physiologically active volatile alkaloid from the leaves ; 
 it was also noticed by F. F. Mayer in the leaves, but not in the extract of digitalis. An 
 acrid principle, scaptin , was obtained by Radig (1835) in a very impure state, and purer 
 by Walz (1858) as digitalacrin. Walz (1852) separated digit alosmin, a pearly acrid 
 stearopten of the odor of digitalis. Morin’s (1845) antirrhinic arid likewise possesses 
 some odor. The digit oleic acid of Kosmann and digitaloic acid of Walz are volatile and 
 
 fatty, and probably identical. Schmiedeberg observed a yellow coloring matter which is 
 probably identical with chrysophan. 
 
 The other constituents of digitalis are not of medicinal or pharmaceutical importance ; 
 they comprize chlorophyll, mucilage, albumen, various salts, and inosite , observed by 
 Marm6 (1864). 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions are said to have occasionally occurred, but the 
 physical characters of digitalis-leaves are so marked that they cannot easily be confounded 
 with other leaves, even if they are in a broken condition ; the rugose upper surface, the 
 crenate margin, and the densely-pubescent lower surface, with its well-defined meshes of 
 white prominent veins, are not met with in any other officinal leaf. As accidental impu- 
 rities have been mentioned the nearly smooth leaves of Digitalis ochroleuca, Jacquin , the 
 stellately hairy and mucilaginous leaves of species of Verbascum, and the nearly entire, 
 obscurely reticulate, and (upon the upper side) rough leaves of Conyza squarrosa, Liune 
 (s. Inula Coniza, De Candolle ), and Symphytum officinale, Linne. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The symptoms produced by digitalis have been described in 
 substantially the same terms by nearly all observers. The following summary, by 
 Koppe, is complete in its details : In about an hour after taking 2 Mg. (^ gr.) of 
 digitoxin he began to experience malaise, depression, faintness, nausea, and repugnance 
 to food ; in three or four hours the pulse fell from 80 to a point varying between 30 and 
 58 ; nausea was intense and indescribably distressing, and only momentarily relieved by 
 a profuse vomiting of dark-green bile, and later of yellow bile ; the pulse was intermit- 
 tent, the features pale and collapsed. In seven or eight hours prostration was so 
 extreme that without assistance it was impossible to stand ; vision was so confused by 
 an indefiniteness of outline that familiar objects and persons were not recognized, but 
 
584 
 
 DIGITALIS. 
 
 the latter were known by their voices and the whole field of vision was yellow. During 
 the night bilious vomiting recurred at intervals, and was excited even by iced cham- 
 pagne. The following day the same symptoms continued ; the pulse was 54 and inter- 
 mittent, with a sense of praecordial sinking, and the sphygmographic tracing showed 
 diminished force of the pulse, with inequality. The second night was disturbed with rest- 
 lessness and nightmare. On the third day small quantities of water were retained, but 
 the vision and the pulse remained as before. It was not until the fourth day that the 
 experimenter was able to walk leaning on a friend’s arm, and that the disorder of vision 
 gradually subsided ; sleep, which now was refreshing, and an almost .voracious appetite, 
 enabled him speedily to renew his strength ( Archiv f. Exp. Pathol ., iii. 289). In other 
 cases in which digitalis or digitalin has been taken in excessive doses the symptoms 
 were essentially the same as these ; and even in medicinal doses it sometimes causes 
 cloudy vision {Med. Record , xxvii. 432). The reduction of the pulse-rate has also been 
 illustrated by Dr. Joseph Leidy, Jr., Therap. Gaz ., xii. 661). 
 
 As regards the heart, digitalis and its preparations in small doses primarily increase 
 the pulse-rate and tension, and, if continued, lower the rate without diminishing the ten- 
 sion. It is an error to suppose that the increased force of the arterial blood-currents, as 
 measured by the dynamometer, denotes an increased volume of that current ; on the con- 
 trary, the arteries and the heart both experience tonic contraction under the influence of 
 digitalis, and the supply of arterial blood is everywhere diminished. That digitalis does 
 not give a real increase of power to the heart is shown by the fact that when the pulse- 
 rate is slowest a comparatively slight muscular exertion, such as changing the recumbent 
 for the erect posture, will sometimes cause the pulse to rise from the lowest point reached 
 under the influence of the medicine to one far above the normal rate. This effect, how- 
 ever, is said to be produced only when the tonic action of the medicine is about to be 
 replaced by exhaustion. The tendency to rigid contraction does not affect all the heart- 
 muscles in an equal degree, but chiefly those of the left ventricle. It is this power 
 which in certain cases of positive or relative debility of that ventricle renders the medi- 
 cine a valuable remedy while its action is maintained within certain bounds, but beyond 
 them it tends to obstruct the cardiac circulation, and by suddenly preventing the free 
 passage of blood through the heart to cause death by syncope. The so-called cumulative 
 action of digitalis, by which its sedative poisonous effects are suddenly developed, appears 
 to be due to the sudden or rapid diminution of the blood-supply to the brain when the 
 contraction of the heart and arteries has reached its maximum. The study of digitaline 
 by Vulpian, Lafon, and others (Bull, et Mem. Soc. de Therap ., 1887, p. 14) appears to 
 show that this substance does not adequately represent digitalis, and is therefore not 
 reliable as a medicine. 
 
 Digitalis is totally destitute of direct diuretic properties. The cases which led to a 
 belief in its possessing them were those in which a diminished secretion of urine was 
 produced by obstructive heart disease, with positive or relative debility of that organ. 
 In a healthy state of the heart digitalis diminishes the amount of urine secreted, as well 
 as the proportion of solid excrementitious matter contained in it. There is no reason to 
 suppose that by its direct operation it stimulates any one of the functions. It certainly, 
 in doses which exhibit its physiological operation, depresses the entire nervous system, 
 impairs the digestion, diminishes urination, lowers the animal temperature, retards the 
 respiration, and may for a time annihilate the activity of the genital organs. Its diuretic 
 action, which, along with its power of regulating the asystolic heart, is the strongest 
 ground of its claim to merit as a medicine, appears, then, to be altogether indirect. 
 
 As was just stated, the diuretic virtues of digitalis are the most conspicuous, and 
 long before its mode of action had been experimentally investigated it was established 
 as the most efficient remedy for dropsy depending directly upon disease of the heart and 
 upon that form of renal disease which consists of congestion, and tubal obstruction de- 
 pending upon obstacles to the cardiac circulation. On closer examination the affections 
 which produce dropsy by hindering the cardiac circulation, particularly valvular obstruc- 
 tion, and notably stenosis of the mitral valve , and positive or relative weakness of the 
 heart-muscle , were found to be most readily relieved by this medicine. By rendering the 
 action of the heart stronger, as well as more tranquil and regular, and perhaps by pro- 
 ducing contraction of the capillary arteries, the venous congestions which directly occa- 
 sion dropsy are removed, degeneration of the liver or kidneys is retarded, and the absorp- 
 tion of the effused liquid necessarily follows. When dropsy depends upon a congested 
 state of the kidneys, and to the prevented escape of water through these emunctories, 
 and is cured by digitalis, the medicine probably acts by contracting the renal capillaries, 
 
DIGITALIS. 
 
 585 
 
 and thereby lessening the engorgement which prevented their normal secretion from 
 taking place. In general dropsy of whatever form debility of the circulation, whether 
 it be due to cardiac embarrassment or to renal obstruction, is the essential condition for 
 securing the diuretic operation of digitalis. 
 
 No particular lesion of the heart is by itself an indication or a contraindication for the 
 use of digitalis ; it is the phenomena which accompany, and usually are caused by, cer- 
 tain lesions that furnish an indication for the medicine. Nor is it indicated by mere 
 irregularity of action due to nervous disorder of the heart itself, or to disease elsewhere 
 acting by a reflex operation upon the heart. Dilatation , slight muscular degeneration , and 
 mitral obstruction and insufficiency are the lesions whose effects are favorably influenced 
 by digitalis, which increases the blood-supply to the heart itself, thereby improving its 
 nutrition, renders the irregular heart rhythmical in its movements, and gives a tonic con- 
 tractility to its flaccid muscles. But this very power is not without its danger if the 
 weakness of the heart is excessive, especially through fatty degeneration. To slow the 
 heart when its muscular structure is greatly impaired is to increase its embarrassment. 
 To slow it when its muscle is simply hypertrophied is tc counteract the conservative 
 agency by which the hypertrophy was established, as in cases of aortic obstruction or 
 insufficiency, or of bbth united. But even in these cases Balfour contends that digitalis 
 is beneficial ( British Med. Jour., Jan. 4, 1892). So long as the heart’s movements are 
 not arhythmical, or do not tend to become so during excitement of the organ, there is no 
 indication for the use of digitalis. Whenever the rhythm of the heart is .perverted, es- 
 pecially when its impulse is irregular in force as well as time, and this irregularity is 
 associated with a corresponding irregularity in the duration and intensity of the mur- 
 murs and of the pulse, and when at the same time the arterial system is deficient in 
 blood, while the veins are overloaded with it, as shown by the feeble and usually irregular 
 pulse, the dropsical limbs, the difficult breathing, the discolored face, and perhaps bloody 
 expectoration and scanty urine, digitalis is clearly indicated. By its means the 
 hurried pulsations are reduced to the normal rate, and gain in regularity what they lose 
 in frequency, and the dropsy, if that is present, begins to decline along with the disorder 
 of the circulation. According to Fernet, it is usually on the third or fourth day that 
 diuresis begins, especially in persons who have not become habituated to the drug, and 
 continues for several, or indeed many, days after the medicine has been discontinued. 
 It should not be resumed until either the heart falls again into disorder or the dropsical 
 symptoms recur. (Compare Wood, Med. News , lvi. 109; Huchard, Bull, et Mem. Soc. 
 Therap., 1890, p. 138.) 
 
 The false and absurd theory according to which the treatment of fever should consist 
 of means tending directly and solely to reduce the pulse-rate has been illustrated by the 
 use of digitalis in typhoid fever. Even its advocates have not shown that it abridges the 
 disease or lessens its mortality, while it certainly tends to impair the digestion and 
 reduce the strength, and may even occasion sudden death. The use of digitalis in 
 other forms of fever is equally unsatisfactory, and justifies the judgment of Traube, that 
 the true field of action for digitalis is not fever. That it is practically useful in febrile 
 conditions with a feeble heart, as in typhoid pneumonia and relapsing fever , has been 
 asserted (Fothergill), but has not been proved. Indeed, Liebermeister condemns digitalis 
 in fever, both because its antipyretic operation is uncertain, and because, when it does 
 take place, it is apt to be accompanied by disquieting symptoms. He even remarks that 
 it can do no harm while the heart is strong (a case in which it is not indicated) unless it 
 brings on vomiting, as it often does, and should then be discontinued, but that where the 
 heart is feeble it must be very circumspectly used. Indeed, the more frequent the pulse 
 is in fever the less indication is there for digitalis. “ A tendency to heart-paralysis is 
 not neutralized, but rather promoted, by digitalis. It is only in an advanced stage of the 
 attack, when the fever has subsided, and yet the pulse continues frequent and the heart 
 weak, that an indication for digitalis arises similar to that in heart disease, and then it 
 will reduce the frequent pulse and strengthen the heart for its work.” Upon which it is 
 sufficient to remark that food and cordials have always been found efficient in such con- 
 ditions, and that they expose the patient to no possible risk, as digitalis does. The recent 
 use of digitalis in fever is only a revival of the old application of it by Rasori to the 
 treatment of inflammations ; it has also been employed by some who were perhaps 
 ignorant of the history of its vogue and of its condemnation. The results of its revival 
 have been to prove, in spite of contrary affirmations ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 684), 
 that digitalis does not in the least modify favorably any acute inflammation, and espe- 
 cially pneumonia , pleurisy , and pericarditis , but that, on the contrary, it exposes the 
 
586 
 
 DIGITALIS. 
 
 patient to tlie risk of sudden death. The only inflammatory affection in which it may he 
 advantageously used is chronic bronchitis with profuse secretion, which is often confounded 
 with consumption. There is no doubt that in this disease it has been found to lessen the 
 pulmonary congestion and secretion, and thereby the dyspnoea, sweating, and wasting of 
 strength which they cause. Doubtless cases of this kind were formerly reported by 
 Beddoes and others as of pulmonary consumption benefited by digitalis. Recently one 
 eminent physician at least, who knows well what he says, has declared that “ the local 
 and general effects of digitalis are invaluable in all the stages of phthisis ” ( Med . Record , 
 xxv. 199). His experience seems to have been exceptional. There is good reason for be- 
 lieving that certain forms of haemorrhage may be controlled by digitalis, more particularly 
 uterine haemorrhage, whether due to congestion, to vascular relaxation, or to organic dis- 
 eases of the uterus. Its utility in pulmonary haemorrhage is less demonstrable. The 
 mode of action of digitalis in these cases may he presumed to be analogous to that of 
 ergot — viz. it causes a contraction of the arteries. The same mode of action may be 
 attributed to the medicine in delirium tremens , in which it is reputed to be highly efficient 
 if given in large doses, such as Gm. 16 (f^ss) of the tincture, and even as much as Gm. 
 100 (f^iij). More frequently, however, doses of Gm. 4-8 (fi^j-ij), repeated every 
 three or four hours, have been employed. It would appear that fliere is something in 
 this affection which ensures a singular toleration of the medicine. But the necessity of 
 using it at all, and thereby incurring a risk which experience has shown to be occasion- 
 ally a fatal one, is not apparent in relation to a disease 'which nearly always recovers 
 under judicious hygienic treatment when the patient’s constitution is sound. Digitalis 
 was formerly esteemed as a remedy for epilepsy , and recently it has been used by Gowers 
 along with belladonna to reinforce the action of the bromides, and was found by him dis- 
 tinctly more useful than the bromides alone ( Times and, Gaz., April, 1880, p. 447 ; com- 
 pare Wiggins, Phila. Med. Times , xvii. 181). The anaphrodisiac virtue of digitalis has 
 been found useful in preventing erections of the penis due to local irritation, and also noc- 
 turnal semin al emissions and other effects of genital excitement. In poisoning by aconite 
 digitalis is physiologically indicated, and published cases are supposed to furnish clinical 
 evidence of its value. A man had taken an ounce of strong tincture of aconite, had 
 cold hands and feet, a dusky and moist skin, frothed at the mouth and nose, and was 
 pulseless. An emetic caused vomiting and purging ; 20 drops of tincture of digitalis 
 were injected subcutaneously, and galvanism applied to the cardiac region and kept up for 
 twenty minutes. The patient being now able to swallow, some ammonia and brandy, with 
 a teaspoonful of tincture of digitalis, was given, and he recovered perfectly (Brit. Med. 
 Jour., Dec. 1872, p. 680). The use of galvanism, emetics, and diffusible stimulants in 
 this case lessens the value of the evidence in favor of digitalis. In a later case ( Boston 
 Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1879, p. 544) of recovery under similar treatment it is stated 
 that the hypodermic injection of 15 drops of tincture of digitalis was “ followed at once 
 by quite a decided increase in the volume of the pulse,” and the patient recovered. 
 
 Digitalis has been used as a local application to promote the resolution of enlarged 
 glands , and also in infusion or tincture applied to the abdomen, especially in cases of 
 renal dropsy. In the former case iodine is preferable, and in the latter the medicine 
 should rather be given internally. 
 
 Digitalis is given in doses of Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr. j — ij ) twice or thrice daily until its 
 effects begin to appear, when it should be at once suspended or diminished The infusion 
 or the fluid exract or the tincture is preferable, and of these the first is by far the most 
 efficient. Besides the officinal infusion, one may be prepared daily with about Gm. 0.20 
 (gr. iij) of digitalis in about Gm. 200 (f3 vj) of hot water, sweetened, and flavored with 
 tincture of cinnamon, bitter orange, or mint. This quantity should be given in three or 
 four doses at regular intervals. There is no doubt that small are preferable to large 
 doses, for if they produce their proper medicinal effects a little later, it is without risk. 
 And it should be understood that these effects are not to be expected for several days. 
 Poisonous effects are to be combated by distilled alcoholic liquors, wine, ether, .carbonate 
 of ammonium, opium, and strong coffee. Strychnine has been recommended as a physi- 
 ological, and tannin as a chemical, antidote. If a poisonous dose has been recently 
 swallowed, ipecacuanha, mustard, and other prompt emetics should be administered. It 
 has been suggested to precede their use by a copious draught of milk. The variable 
 strength of digitalin requires that it should be used very cautiously, beginning with the 
 minimum dose, which may be stated at Gm. 0.001 (gr. -$f). This dose may be repeated 
 at intervals of six or more hours, and gradually and continuously increased, but so as not 
 to exceed Gm. 0.01 (gr. 1) during twenty-four hours. 
 
DIOSCOREA . — D 10 SP YR OS. 
 
 587 
 
 Echujin, an African arrow-poison, belongs to the digitalis group. It slows the heart 
 and arrests it in systole, producing general convulsions. It does not raise the blood- 
 pressure in cats and rabbits ( Therap. Monatsch ., iv. 361). 
 
 Coronilla (scorpioides) furnishes a glucoside which is alleged to act like digitalis in 
 slowing the heart and causing diuresis, but for a much briefer period. Its efficient dose 
 is not determined. (Compare Iherap. Gaz ., xiii. 516 ; xvi. 179 ; Practitioner , xliv. 379 ; 
 University Med. May., xvi. 179.) 
 
 DIOSCOREA. — Wild Yam, Colic-root. 
 
 The rhizome of Dioscorea villosa, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Dioscoreacese. 
 
 Origin. — Wild yam is a dioecious climbing perennial growing in thickets in moist 
 localities of the United States south to Florida and west to the Mississippi. The leaves 
 are alternate, opposite or whorled, broadly ovate-cordate, acuminate, nine- to eleven-ribbed, 
 nearly smooth above, downy and paler beneath. The fruit is a triangular winged capsule 
 growing in pendulous bunches. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, about 13 Mm. (? inch) thick, somewhat 
 flattened above, repeatedly forked or branched and bent, 15 Cm. (6 inches) or more in 
 length, on the lower side with distant simple wiry rootlets from 5 to 10 Cm. (2 to 4 
 inches) long. The rhizome is externally of a pale yellowish-brown color, and breaks with 
 some difficulty, showing internally a compact white tissue with numerous scattered yel- 
 lowish wood-bundles. It is inodorous, and has a taste at first insipid, and afterward 
 strongly acrid. In Virginia it is known as rheumatism-root. 
 
 Constituents. — Wild yam contains much starch. The acrid principle, allied to 
 saponin, appears to be gradually altered on boiling the rhizome with water. 
 
 Other Species. — Most species of Dioscorea which are indigenous and cultivated in the East 
 and West Indies and in other tropical countries have large farinaceous edible tubers, which are 
 known as yam , E., G. ; igname , Fr. The following are the most important: D. alata, Limit , 
 White negro yam; D. triphylla, Limit, Buck yam; D. trifida, Limit, Indian yam; D. bul- 
 bifera, Limit, Ceylon white yam ; and D. sativa, Linnt, Common yam. 
 
 The smaller cylindrical tuberous rhizomes of D. japonica, Thunberg , and D. quinqueloba, 
 Thunberg , are eaten in -Japan. The former is about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, farinaceous and 
 white ; the latter is smaller, externally pale-brown, internally dingy-white, and has a bitterish 
 taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Time has not increased our knowledge of the medicinal quali- 
 ties of wild yam more than it has that of many other indigenous plants which were long 
 ago reputed to be valuable medicines. We are therefore compelled to repeat, with little 
 addition or modification, the old-time statement that, according to Riddell, “ a decoction 
 of it is eminently beneficial in bilious colic,” and that Dr. Neville “places much reliance 
 on the tincture as an expectorant, and also that it acts as a diaphoretic, and in large doses 
 as an emetic.” In Iowa it is known as “ colic-root.” If the “ bilious colic ” referred to 
 signifies the pain caused by biliary concretions in passing through the ducts of the liver, 
 then the claims made for dioscorea as a specific cure (Shoemaker, Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., 
 xiii. 407) for this affection have not been substantiated by any published record. The 
 same may be said of the statement that it has “ an especial effect upon the liver.” The 
 resin precipitated by water from the tincture is said to produce effects analogous to those 
 above enumerated, and has been prescribed in doses of from Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr.j-v). A 
 fluid extract and also a decoction have been employed. 
 
 DIOSPYROS. — Persimmon, Date-plum. 
 
 Fruits de plaqueminier de Virginie, Fr. ; Persimmon friichte, Dattelpjlaumen , G. 
 
 The unripe fruit of Diospyros virginiana, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ebenaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The persimmon tree is indigenous to the United States, and grows in wood- 
 lands, in low grounds, and along streams from the New England States west to Illinois, 
 and in the Southern States. It attain.s a height of 15 to 18 M. (50 to 60 feet), is irreg- 
 ularly branched, has nearly smooth, subcoriaceous, ovate-oblong leaves, and produces in 
 May and .June axillary and solitary fertile flowers with eight stamens and clustered ster- 
 
588 
 
 DR A CONTIUM. 
 
 malic acid, and sugar. 
 
 Fig. 102. 
 
 ile flowers with sixteen stamens. The fruit ripens in November, but should be collected 
 not later than October, while green. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is a globular berry about 25 Mm. (one inch) in diameter, 
 with a short foot-stalk, and the permanent four-lobed calyx at the base, green, smooth, 
 and four- to six-celled, each cell containing a single flat ovate-oblong seed. The unripe 
 persimmon has a short remnant of the style attached, is of a pleasant but weak odor, 
 and contains a viscid juice of a very astringent taste, which is retained when carefully 
 dried, but becomes acidulous-sweet after the fruit has been exposed to the frost. 
 
 Constituents. — B. R. Smith (1846) found the unripe fruit to contain tannin, 
 J. E. Bryan (1860) detected also pectin, and regards the tan- 
 nin as distinct from the tannin of galls. Char- 
 ropin (1873), however, considers it identical with 
 the latter, and isolated also a yellow coloring mat- 
 ter which is insoluble in water, but readily soluble 
 in ether. 
 
 The ripe fruit is edible. Mixed with flour, a 
 pleasant bread or cake is made of it. When 
 kneaded with half its measure of wheat-bran and 
 well baked in an oven, a bread is obtained which in 
 the Southern States is preserved for making per- 
 simmon beer by fermenting it with some hops. 
 Such beer is also made from the fresh fruit, and 
 by distillation alcohol may be obtained. 
 
 Diospyros virginiana : fruit and transverse 
 section, natural size. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Diospyros obtusifolia, Willdenow , of Mexico, is called Zapote prieto or Z. 
 negro ; the leaves and bark are astringent and tonic. Diospyros embryopteris, Persoon (Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants , 168). The orange-yellow fruit is about 5 Cm. (2 inches) in diameter, 
 about ten-celled, very astringent in its unripe state, and is used in India like persimmon. 
 
 Diospyros kaki, Linn6 filius , a medium-sized tree of China and Japan, has a sweet, reddish 
 fruit, which, preserved with sugar, is occasionally seen in our market, being sold as Chinese or 
 Japanese persimmon. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The unripe fruit, and also the inner bark, are astringent and 
 bitter, and are used, like other products of the same nature, in the treatment of chronic 
 and subacute diarrhoea , leucorrhoea , sore throat , and uterine haemorrhage. It is also some- 
 times employed as a tonic and febrifuge. The most convenient preparation is an infusion 
 or a vinous tincture, which may be made by percolation with an ounce of the dried unripe 
 fruit or of the bark to half a pint or less of the menstruum. It may be prescribed in 
 doses of from Gm. 15-60 (fgss-ij). 
 
 DRACONTIUM. — Dracontium. 
 
 Skunk-cabbage , Skunk-weed , Polecat-weed , E. 
 wurz , G. 
 
 Pothos fetide , Fr. ; Stinkende Drachen- 
 
 The rhizome and roots of Dracontium foetidum, Linne , s. Ictodes foetidus, Bigelow . 
 Fig. 103. s. Symplocarpus foetidus, Salisbury , s. Pothos foetida, Michaux. 
 
 Meehan, Native Flowers , i. pi. 15. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Araeeae. 
 
 Origin. — This common North American perennial grows 
 in bogs and moist grounds, and flowers in April and the early 
 part of May. The spathe, which precedes the leaves, is 
 hooded-shellform, pointed, rather fleshy, of a variegated pur 
 Dracontium foetidum: section plish-brown and yellow color, and encloses a short oval spadix 
 
 througii one-half of upper part w hich is densely tessellated with fleshy flowers, and enlarges 
 finally to a spongy mass superficially covering the globular 
 seeds. The leaves are radical, 45 to 60 Cm. (li to 2 feet) long, on short petioles, smooth, 
 ovate, and heart-shaped. All parts have a very fetid odor, which on bruising is mors 
 decided. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome, which should be collected early in the spring, is tuber- 
 ous, truncate above and below, 7 to 10 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) long, and about 5 Cm. (2 
 inches) in diameter, of a gray-brown color, the upper half beset with numerous long 
 fleshy rootlets, which in drying become much shrivelled and longitudinally wrinkled, and 
 are of a lighter color and weaker taste than the rhizome. The latter is white internally, 
 or gray when old, has the fibro-vascular bundles scattered, but rather crowded within the 
 
DROSERA. 
 
 589 
 
 nucleus-sheath, and possesses a very acrid and biting taste, which is gradually lost when 
 long kept. 
 
 Constituents. — The root was analyzed by J. M. Turner (1836) who did not succeed 
 in isolating the acrid principle, which appears to be altered by heat, and who obtained 
 from it a volatile fatty matter, a little volatile oil, resin, wax, fixed oil, sugar, gum, and 
 starch. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dracontium, when chewed, produces irritation of the mouth, 
 and, applied to a freshly-blistered surface, augments its secretion. Internally, it occasions 
 vertigo, nausea, and frequently vomiting. Its fetid smell probably suggested its employ- 
 ment as an antispasmodic, and reports are not wanting of its having cured hysteria , 
 chorea , and spasmodic asthma , and even chronic bronchitis, chronic rheumatism, and dropsy. 
 The dose is from Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx) of the recently-dried root. An infusion 
 made with Gm. 32 (§j) of the dried root to a pint of water may be prescribed in doses 
 of 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls. A saturated tincture made in the same manner may be given 
 in the dose of 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls. 
 
 DROSERA. — Sundew. 
 
 Herba r or elide. — Rossolis, Rosee du soleil, Fr. ; Sonnenthau, G. 
 
 The entire plant, Drosera rotundifolia, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Droseraceae. 
 
 Description. — This little perennial is frequently met 
 with in peat-bogs and near swamps in Europe and North 
 America, particularly in the northern section of this continent. 
 
 It has a tuft of petiolate radical leaves which are nearly 
 orbicular, fleshy, and upon the upper surface covered with 
 numerous whitish or, toward the margin, purplish glandular 
 bristles. The scape is about 10 Cm. (4 inches) high, and 
 bears a circinate one-sided raceme of small flowers with five 
 white petals, five stamens, and three styles. The plant flowers 
 in July and August, is inodorous, and has an acidulous, bit- 
 terish, and acrid taste. According to Yigier (1878), the plant 
 loses on drying 85 per cent, of moisture, and when dry yields 
 25 per cent, of extract with 60 per cent, alcohol. 
 
 The nearly-allied D. longifolia, IAnne , s. D. intermedia, 
 
 Hayne , likewise a native of both continents, is chiefly distin- 
 guished by its spatulate-oblong leaves. 
 
 Constituents. — The juice of sundew was examined by 
 TrommsdorfF (1833), who found in it free malic acid, various 
 salts, and a red coloring matter, which is precipitated by 
 lead acetate. Hager believed the acid to be a mixture of 
 citric and malic acids. Lugan (1878) succeeded in crystallizing 
 it, and regards it as peculiar; but G. Stein (1879) showed it 
 to be citric acid. By treatment with chloroform, Lugan 
 extracted a greenish-brown, odorous, and very acrid resin ; the juice contains also glucose, 
 and the viscous exudation of the glands has a neutral reaction, and does not contain 
 formic and butyric acids, the presence of which was reported by Reiss and Will. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Two species which have been used in medicine, D. rotundifolia 
 and 1). longifolia, appear to be identical in their qualities. In Europe for several centu- 
 ries they had a popular reputation as remedies in chronic bronchitis and asthma, and 
 externally the juice was applied to remove warts. In 1860 some attempts were made to 
 revive the use of this medicine by employing its expressed juice, which, however, it was 
 found, might be taken to the extent of 3 or Jounces daily without producing any distinct 
 effects. Some cases of bronchitis were reported to be benefited by it, and in ichooping 
 cough it appeared sometimes to exert a palliative influence, particularly by lessening the 
 tendency to vomit during the paroxysms. This effect has been very plausibly attributed 
 to the preparation employed — viz. one made by macerating the plant in alcohol. Murrell, 
 however, alleges that while 5-drop doses of a “ one-in-ten tincture ” aggravated the cough 
 in a case which he treated, i-drop doses palliated, and then arrested, the cough ( Lancet , 
 Apr. 17, 1880). 
 
 Fig. 104. 
 
590 
 
 DULCAMARA. 
 
 DULCAMARA, U. S.— Dulcamara. 
 
 Stipites dulcamara. — Bittersweet , Woody nightshade , E. ; Tiges de douce-amere (de morelle 
 grimpante ), Fr. ; Bittersuss- Stengel, G. ; Dulcamara, Gloria , Sp. 
 
 The young branches of Solanum Dulcamara, Linne (s. Dulcamara flexuosa, Moencli). 
 Woodville, Med. Bot., plate 33; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 190. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Solanaceae, Solaneae. 
 
 Origin. — The bittersweet is a somewhat shrubby and climbing plant which grows 
 throughout the greater part of Europe, in Northern Africa, and from Asia Minor east to 
 North-western India and to China. It is naturalized in North America, and in many places 
 is abundant. It grows around dwellings and in hedges and thickets on moist banks. The 
 stem, when supported by shrubs, is sometimes 4.5 to 6 M. (15 to 20 feet) long, woody at 
 the base, and divided into many flexuose branches dying back during the winter; the 
 leaves are alternate, petiolate, and slightly pubescent beneath, the lower ones ovate with 
 a heart-shaped base, the upper ones halberd-shaped or with two ear-like lobes at the base; 
 the flowers are in small cymes, and have a deeply five-lobed, purple, sometimes whitish, 
 corolla. The berries are oval, bright-red. and contain many minutely-pitted seeds. 
 
 Description. — The branches which are one or two years old are collected in the autumn 
 after having shed their leaves, or in the spring before the leaves appear. They are 5 Mm. 
 (1 inch) and less thick, cylindrical or somewhat angular, longitudinally striate or furrowed, 
 
 and more or less'warty. The corky layer is pale 
 greenish- or yellowish-brown, separates easily, and 
 covers a dark-green bark, which is lighter-green in 
 the bast-layer ; and this consists of thin-walled 
 parenchyma, containing in the inner layer minute 
 crystals of calcium oxalate, and in the outer zone 
 a circle of tough bast-fibres, either single or in 
 small groups. The greenish (afterward yellowish) 
 wood is porous, striate by the fine medullary rays, 
 and consists of one or two annual rings ; the whit- 
 ish pith has been usually absorbed. The odor is 
 unpleasant, somewhat narcotic, weak in the dried 
 
 Fig. 106. 
 
 Solanum Dulcamara, Linni. 
 
 Transverse section of branch. 
 
 stalks ; the taste is bitter, afterward sweet. Bittersweet is generally met with in the 
 market cut into short sections. 
 
 Constituents. — The bittersweet principle has been variously named picroglycion, dul- 
 carin, and dulcamarin. Desfosses (1821) separated from the drug sola, nine, an alkaloid 
 previously discovered by him in Solanum nigrum, and he, as well as Pelletier, regarded 
 the picroglycion as solanine mixed with glucose. Winckler (1841), Moitessier (1856), 
 and others considered the alkaloid of dulcamara as distinct from the solanine of potatoes ; 
 but since the discovery of the glucoside nature of solanine in 1859 the supposed solanine 
 from bittersweet does not appear to have been again examined. 
 
 Wittstein (1852) isolated from bittersweet dulcamarine , an alkaloid having a resinous 
 appearance and the odor and taste of the plant. E. Geissler (1875) obtained this product, 
 but recognized it as a mixture. He obtained dulcamarin, C^H^O^, by digesting the 
 aqueous infusion of bittersweet with granular animal charcoal, washing the latter, and 
 exhausting it with boiling alcohol, evaporating, dissolving in water, precipitating with 
 ammonia, and the filtrate therefrom with lead subacetate, digesting the washed precip- 
 itate with alcohol, and decomposing it with hydrogen sulphide. It forms a yellowish 
 powder of a strongly bitter and then sweet taste, is soluble in alcohol and water, insolu- 
 ble in ether, chloroform, benzene, carbon disulphide, and petroleum benzin, and is decom- 
 posed by diluted acids into sugar and brown, tasteless dulcamaretin. 
 
DULCAMARA. 
 
 591 
 
 The other constituents, gummy, resinous, and waxy matters, are not of medicinal 
 importance. 
 
 Admixtures. — The cut stems of Humulus Lupulus, Linne , and Lonicera Pericly- 
 menum, Linne , are said to be occasionally mixed with dulcamara in Europe ; they have 
 none of the characteristics of the latter. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Lyeium vulgare, Dunal , s. L. barbarum, Linni. Nat. Ord. — Solanaceae. 
 Matrimony-vine, E. This shrub is indigenous to the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, 
 and is cultivated and wild in the United States. It is from 3-6 M. (10 to 20 feet) high, and has 
 numerous slender, recurved branches, which are covered with a smooth brownish-gray bark and 
 armed with few thorns. The leaves are 2-5 Cm. (1 or 2 inches) long, alternate, oblong-lance- 
 olate, entire, smooth, shortly petiolate, and often clustered. The greenish-purple flowers have 
 a tubular five-lobed corolla and produce oval red two-celled berries containing many reniform 
 seeds. The bark and leaves have a sweetish and slightly bitter and acrid taste. Husemann 
 and Marme (1863) obtained an alkaloid, lycine , C 5 NH u 0 2 . in white prisms, which are deliques- 
 cent, sparingly soluble in ether, and have an acrid taste free from bitterness. Husemann (1875) 
 proved it to be identical with betaine , an alkaloid isolated by Scheibler (1866) from beet-root 
 juice, and, like it, not preexisting in the plant, but formed from it during the process by the 
 action of free acid. The leaves of lyeium yielded a larger proportion than the branches. 
 
 Lyeium Afrum, Linne , of Northern Africa, and L. umbrosum, Humboldt et Bonpland , of 
 South America. The infusion of the leaves is used in erysipelas and skin diseases. Berberis 
 Lyeium, Royle , contains berberine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In large doses dulcamara is stated by some reporters to cause 
 dryness, heat, and constriction and stinging in the throat, thirst, and sometimes diarrhoea. 
 Feeble persons, it is said, are apt to experience twitching of the eyelids and lips, with 
 tremulousness of the limbs ; the head is heavy and giddy, and a cyanotic hue of the face 
 and hands may be observed, and sometimes an erythematous eruption of the skin, with 
 a tendency to diaphoresis. The action of dulcamara upon the heart is not definitely 
 determined, but it probably renders the circulation slower and more languid. Dulcamara, 
 it has been alleged, produces itching and heat in the female organs of generation, with 
 painful strangury, and sometimes even venereal desires ; while, on the other hand, to it 
 has been attributed a power of subduing the morbidly-active sexual appetite. It is 
 proper to state that Dr. John Harley experimented upon man with the expressed juice, 
 and also with the tincture, in small and large doses, without any appreciable physiologi- 
 cal effect. 
 
 So-called scientific therapeutists have denied any curative virtues to dulcamara, because 
 they were unable to explain those it is alleged to possess according to their notions of its 
 mode of action. Such a reason may, in a logical sense, be called impertinent. The 
 claims of dulcamara rest on the same grounds as those of opium, mercury, and cinchona — 
 the ground of clinical experience. It was long used as a popular remedy, and subse- 
 quently by physicians, for cutaneous eruptions , both internally and externally, and 
 especially for psoriasis and other scaly diseases of the skin, and also for acne, impetigo, 
 chronic eczema, and ecthyma. It is said to be most apt to cure those diseases when 
 they occur in persons of a strumous habit. It has had considerable repute as a remedy 
 for chronic muscular rheumatism , and also in chronic bronchitis , whooping cough , and 
 other chronic pulmonary affections in which cough is a prominent symptom. An 
 anaphrodisiac property was ascribed to dulcamara by Dr. W. P. Dewees, who observed 
 that a patient who was taking it for a disease of the skin lost his venereal desire. On 
 discontinuing the use of the medicine the patient’s normal function was restored, but on 
 resuming its use again the original effect was repeated. In five cases in which Dr. 
 Thomas Harris employed it the venereal appetite was suspended during its use. Dr. 
 Dewees prescribed it successfully in cases of nymphomania and satyriasis ( Amer . Cyclo- 
 paedia of Med. and Surg., ii. 23). 
 
 Dulcamara is best used in decoction, which is made from the fresh young branches 
 Clj to 9- s. of water, reduced by boiling for fifteen minutes, then adding water to make a 
 pint). The infusion and the fluid extract may also be employed. It must be long con- 
 tinued to produce its curative effects. 
 
 Solanine has been alleged to control the vomiting of pregnancy, to lessen the cough 
 and expectoration in chronic bronchitis, and to palliate spasmodic asthma and the pain of 
 muscular rheumatism. As an analgesic it has been recommended by Geneuil and others in 
 various neuralgiae, including those due to spinal disease ; but the greater number pro- 
 nounce its action uncertain or valueless (Guinard, Bull, de Therap ., cxiii. 21). An 
 exception to this statement occurs in Sarda’s conclusions from clinical observation. He 
 asserts that solanine is an excellent analgesic, especially in chronic neuralgiae following 
 
592 
 
 ECBALLII FRUCTUS. 
 
 neuritis; that it allays gastric pains and those of locomotor ataxia and other motor 
 disorders of spinal origin, such as tremor due to insular sclerosis of the cord, and the 
 exaggerated reflex movements of epileptoid tremor (ibid., cxiv. 433). Muriate of 
 solanine may be given internally in doses of Gm. 0.5-0.10 (gr. j-ij) in pill, wafer, or in 
 liquid vaseline. The dose may be rapidly increased to Gm. 0.40-0.50 (6 or 8 grs.) a day. 
 It has been given hypodermically, but with less advant.ge ; the sulphate so administered 
 has proved very irritating. 
 
 Solanum PANICULATUM is said to be used by South American physicians as a tonic, 
 antiblennorrhagic, antisyphilitic, diuretic, antiperiodic medicine, but particularly in vesical 
 catarrh and as a drastic. Other species are also employed medicinally. A conclusive 
 examination of the subject has not yet been made (Therap. Monatsheft , iii. 125). 
 Solanum carolinense was once reputed to be useful in idiopathic tetanus, and Porcher 
 states that it has some reputation among the negroes of South Carolina as an aphrodisiac. 
 According to Napier ( Virginia Med. Monthly , Sept. 1889), it has cured convulsions of 
 different sorts when given in a tincture to the production of drowsiness. 
 
 ECBALLII FRUCTUS, Br . — Squirting-Cucumber Fruit. 
 
 Cucumis asininus, Oucumis agrestis . — Wild cucumber, 
 d' Cine), Fr. ; Springgurke, Esels-Kiirbis , Spritzgurke, G. 
 
 E. ; Concombre sauvage (purgatif 
 ; Cohambrillo amargo, Sp. 
 
 The fruit of the squirting cucumber, Ecballium (Momordica, Linne ) Elaterium, A- 
 
 3ste, Reichenbach, s. Elaterium cordifolium, 
 plate 34; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 115. 
 
 Richard, s. 
 
 Ecb. officinale, Nees , s. Ecb. 
 
 Fig. 107. 
 
 Moench. Step, and Church, Med. Bot., 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Cucurbitaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is a common weed in dry and waste places in Southern Europe, 
 and eastward thence to Persia. It has a perennial, fleshy, white root, a trailing, succu- 
 lent, bristly stem 0.6 to 1.2 M. (2 to 4 feet) long, alternate, bristly, bluntly-triangular, 
 and cordate leaves, and unisexual monoecious flowers with deeply five-lobed, yellow, and 
 veined corollas. The plant is cultivated to a small extent for medicinal purpose in Ger- 
 many, France, and at Mitcham and Hitchin in England, the seeds being sown about 
 March, the seedlings planted out in June, and the nearly ripe fruit collected in August 
 or early in September. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is nodding from the recurved stalk, 5 Cm. (2 inches) or less 
 in length, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) thick, oblong, and somewhat tapering above, pale-green, 
 
 beset with fleshy prickles, three-celled, and contains 
 a bitter watery, mucilaginous juice in which the 
 numerous oblong, compressed, polished, light-brown 
 seeds are immersed. When mature the fruit be- 
 comes yellowish, and separates suddenly from the 
 stalk, at the same time violently expelling the juice 
 and seeds from the orifice formed at the base. The 
 fruit is collected with the stalk when almost ripe for 
 preparing elaterium. 
 
 Elaterium, Br. — Elaterium, E., Fr., G.; Ela- 
 terio, Sp. The following process is given for its 
 preparation : Take of Squirting-Cucumber fruit, 
 very nearly ripe, 1 pound. Cut the fruit length- 
 wise and lightly press out the juice. Strain it 
 through a hair-sieve and set it aside to deposit. 
 Carefully pour off the supernatant liquor, pour the 
 sediment on a linen filter, and dry it on porous tiles 
 with a gentle heat. The decanted fluid may de- 
 posit a second portion of sediment, which can be 
 dried in the same way. — Br. 
 
 This is essentially the process recommended by 
 Dr. Clutterbuck (1820), except that he directs the 
 surface of the fruit to be moistened with cold water, 
 thus preventing the juice from adhering, and the 
 split fruit to be rinsed in cold water for recovering the juice adhering to the inside. 
 With an increased pressure a larger amount of juice and of deposit is obtained, but the 
 latter is then of inferior quality. The deposited elaterium may be dried with a very 
 moderate heat, but exposure to the sunshine should be avoided. Clutterbuck obtained 
 
 Ecballium officinarum, Richard. 
 
ELASTIC A. 
 
 593 
 
 only 6 grains of elaterium from forty specimens of squirting cucumber ; with slight 
 pressure 40 pounds of the fruit will generally yield \ ounce, and in warm, dry seasons 
 even f ounce, of elaterium. 
 
 Elaterium is in light, friable, flat, or slightly incurved, cake-like fragments, frequently 
 marked on their surfaces with the impression of the linen or paper on which the} 7 were 
 dried. When fresh it has a pale-green color, changing by age to gray, and then often 
 containing minute sparkling crystals on the surface. It breaks with a fine granular 
 fracture, and has a slight tea-like odor and an acrid and bitter taste. It does not effer- 
 vesce with acids ; a cooled decoction of it is not colored blue or is but slightly tinged by 
 solution of iodine, showing the neirly complete absence of starch. It yields half its 
 weight to boiling rectified spirit ; and this solution, on being concentrated and added to 
 warm solution of potassa, deposits on cooling not less than 20 per cent, of elaterin in 
 colorless crystals. — Br. 
 
 Constituents. — The analyses of Braconnot, Paris, Marquart, Landerer, and Koehler 
 indicate the presence in the fruit of resin, pectin, and albuminous and gummy matters, 
 but besides elaterin no compound of importance* (See Elaterinum.) According to 
 Koehler (1869), the juice contains only 3.5 per cent, of organic and 1.5 per cent, of inor- 
 ganic constituents. 
 
 Walz (1859) obtained from the entire plant collected with the root the following prin- 
 ciples, which are stated to be present likewise in elaterium : 
 
 Prophetin , also found in the fruit of Cucumis prophetarum, LinnS , a yellowish powder, 
 slightly soluble in water, more in alcohol, freely in ether ; precipitated by tannin ; is a 
 glucoside ; ecbalin or elateric acid , resin-like, bitter, and acrid, soluble in alkalies, alcohol, 
 ether, and in 20 parts of water; hydro-elaterin , amorphous, soluble in water, alcohol, ether, 
 and alkalies ; is not a glucoside ; elaterid, very bitter, insoluble in w T ater and ether, soluble 
 in alcohol and alkalies, also in concentrated acids. 
 
 ELASTICA, 77, S. — India-rubber. 
 
 Resina s., Gummi elusticum . — Caoutchouc , E , Fr. Cod.; Kautschuk, Federharz , G. ; 
 Cahuchu , Goma elastica , Sp. 
 
 The prepared milk-juice of various species of Hevea, known in commerce as Para rubber. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Caoutchouc exists in the milk-juice of a very large number of plants in the 
 form of minute or larger granules, frequently associated with starch-granules, and kept 
 in suspension by mucilage. Plants capable of yielding caoutchouc are found in all parts 
 of the world, and belong mostly to the natural orders of Euphorbiaceae, Urticaceae, Apo- 
 cynaceae, and Asclepiadaceae, but only species growing in the tropics yield the product in 
 large quantity. 
 
 Hevea guyanensis, Aublet , s. Siphonia, ( Jatropha, Linne JUius ) elastica, Persoon. 
 This is a handsome tree about 18 M. (60 feet) high, with alternate trifoliate leaves, 
 the leaflets being obovate, about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, dark green and glossy 
 above and whitish-green beneath. It is a native of Guiana and Northern Brazil, and 
 yields the Para rubber, which is regarded as one of the best varieties. Manihot 
 Glaziovii, Muller , is the source of Ceara rubber ; flancornia speciosa, Gomez (Apocynaceae), 
 yields Mangabeira rubber. Similar products are obtained from Hevea (Siphonia, K unfit ) 
 brasiliensis, Muller , Hevea discolor, M idler, and other euphorbiaceous trees of Brazil, and 
 in Central America from Castilloa elastica, Cervantes , Cast. Markhamiana, Collins (Arto- 
 carpeae), and others. 
 
 Ficus (Urostigma, MiqueT) elastica, Roxburgh (Urticaceae, Artocarpeae). It is a hand- 
 some East Indian tree, and is not unfrequently seen here in hot-houses. It has large, 
 leathery, oval, and entire leaves, which are dark-green and glossy above. Ficus indica, 
 Linne , F. religiosa, Linne , and several other species also furnish caoutchouc which is con- 
 sidered inferior to that of the preceding and following species : 
 
 Urceola elastica, Roxburgh (Apocynaceae). It is a large climbing shrub indigenous 
 to the Malayan Archipelago, and has opposite, ovate-oblong, and pointed leaves. Together 
 with Urceola (Chavanesia, De Candolle) esculenta, Be.ntha.rn , and other species, it viclds 
 Penang and Borneo caoutchouc, while Chittagong caoutchouc is prepared from Willugh- 
 beia edulis, Roxburgh , and allied Apocynaceae. 
 
 Landolphia gummifera, Lamarck: (Apocynaceae), of South-eastern Africa, Landolphia 
 florida, Bentham , Urostigma Vogelii, Miquel (Artocarpeae), and other plants of Western 
 Africa, yield also caoutchouc. 
 
 38 
 
594 
 
 ELASTIC A. 
 
 Preparation. — In South America the white milk-juice, obtained from incisions made 
 through the bark, is dried upon clay moulds which are dipped into the liquid, and sus- 
 pended over a fire ; the dipping is repeated until the layer of caoutdhouc has the desired 
 thickness, when it is removed from the mould. In India the juice is allowed to dry in 
 masses or is formed into balls. 
 
 Description. — Occasionally the natural exudation is seen as a white or yellowish 
 milk-like liquid, having a cream-like consistence and an unpleasant odor ; it contains 
 about 32 per cent, of caoutchouc. This is more generally met with either in the form 
 of hollow clavate or hollow-shaped pieces, or in layers 5 or 8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) thick, 
 externally of a blackish or dark-brown color, and internally pale-brownish or whitish, 
 and somewhat porous. In this condition it is tough and very elastic, the elasticity being 
 increased at a somewhat elevated temperature, aud considerably lessened near the freez- 
 ing-point, though caoutchouc does not thereby become brittle. Its density varies between 
 0.92 and 0.96. When heated to 125° C. (257° F.) or a little higher India-rubber melts, but 
 on cooling remains soft and adhesive, and ultimately congeals to a brittle mass ; heated to 
 a still higher temperature, it is decomposed, and in the open air burns with a luminous 
 sooty flame. India-rubber has a faint, peculiar odor, and is nearly tasteless. It is 
 insoluble in water and in dilute acids and alkalies; it softens and swells when treated 
 with hot alcohol or with amylic alcohol, and dissolves to a soft jelly-like mass in carbon 
 disulphide, stronger ether, oil of turpentine, and other hydrocarbons, notably in petro- 
 leum benzin, benzene, and in the empyreumatic oils obtained in the destructive distilla- 
 tion of India-rubber ; it dissolves more readily and completely in chloroform, and may be 
 melted together with fats and fixed oils. When pure or nearly so India-rubber floats on 
 water. Rubber tubing is apt to become brittle by use and on exposure — a change which 
 Mareck (1881) found can be prevented by keeping the -tubing underwater, which is to be 
 occasionally renewed; the outer layer of the rubber assumes a fatty appearance, becomes 
 lighter, then darker, and is improved for practical purposes. A strong solution of India- 
 rubber or an ammoniacal solution of shellac may be employed as a cement for fastening 
 rubber upon other material. 
 
 When finely divided, mixed with sulphur, and afterward heated vulcanized rubber is 
 obtained ; this, however, is more generally prepared by softening or dissolving India- 
 rubber and combining it with sulphur. Vulcanized rubber is insoluble in the ordinary 
 solvents of India-rubber, and its elasticity is not materially affected by a low temperature. 
 Compounds of India-rubber and sulphur, with which tar, white lead, chalk, or other sub- 
 stances have been incorporated, form hard rubier and ebonite , which at an elevated tem- 
 perature may be moulded or rolled into sheets. 
 
 Composition. — India-rubber is a hydrocarbon, C. 20 H 32 , and on destructive distillation 
 yields caoutchoucin , which consists of two or more polymeric volatile oils. C 9 H 8 . 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — As an addition to plasters. 
 
 Uses. — The utility of this substance in medicine depends chiefly upon its elasticity 
 and impermeability to air and liquids, and, in the vulcanized condition, upon the numer- 
 ous mechanical purposes which it subserves. Its elasticity, especially when woven into 
 textile fabrics, adapts it to exert a modified pressure upon various parts of the body, 
 limiting their enlargement and their movements, as in cases of varicose veins, pendulous 
 abdomen, hydrocele, varicocele, prolapsus ani, umbilical hernia , etc. Dr. Wm. Barton 
 Hopkins recommends the use of narrow strips of “ bandage gum ” to compress sicelled- 
 testicle in a manner devised by himself ( Phila . Med. Times, xv. 350). “ Rubber cloth ” 
 
 and thin sheets of caoutchouc are very commonly used to protect bedding and clothing 
 from the discharges of the sick, and, when worn next the skin, to prevent the exhalation 
 of the perspiration, and thus keep the skin constantly moist or to restrain the evapora- 
 tion of liquids applied to it. In this manner, caoutchouc has been extensively used in 
 treating eczema and psoriasis and various cutaneous diseases, as well as burns , ulcers, and 
 other analogous lesions, and in protecting parts liable to neuralgia or rheumatism from 
 the influence of vicissitudes of weather. It is unnecessary to enumerate the various 
 surgical instruments constructed with this material in its more or less flexible and elastic 
 and its hard or vulcanized condition — the bougies, catheters, pessaries, nipple-shields, 
 specula, syringes, stomach, rectal, drainage, and other tubes, and countless instruments 
 which combine lightness, firmness, durability , insusceptibility to corrosion, and at the 
 same time cheapness, in a degree unequalled by any metal. A similar statement might 
 be made of numerous articles of surgical apparatus, orthopaedic and others, including 
 artificial ears, noses, hands, etc. Caoutchouc can scarcely be used for any strictly 
 medicinal purpose ; even the application of it dissolved in chloroform to prevent the 
 
ELATER1NUM. 
 
 595 
 
 development of small-pox pustules is really mechanical in its action, and, moreover, is 
 less efficient than it # was claimed to be. 
 
 ELATERINUM, U. S., Br.— Elaterin. 
 
 Elaterine , Elatine , Fr. ; Elaterin , G. ; Elaterin a , Sp. 
 
 Formula C 20 H 28 O 5 . Molecular weight 347.20. 
 
 Preparation. — Elaterin is a neutral principle prepared from elaterium, and dis- 
 covered by Hennell and by J. D. Morries (1831). The latter prepared it by evaporating 
 the tincture of elaterium to an oily consistence, and, while still warm, pouring it into a 
 warm solution of potassa ; in place of which he afterward recommended boiling water. 
 The chlorophyll adhering to the crystals was recommended by Marquart (1833) to be 
 removed by careful washing with ether, or by Power (1875) preferably by agitating the 
 alcoholic solution with benzin. It is not unlikely, however, that in this way a portion of 
 the principle may be lost, for Buchheim (1872) observed that on adding potassa to a hot 
 alcoholic solution of elaterin a compound soluble in water is formed. According to him, 
 elaterin is the anhydride of elateric acid, and converted into the latter by heat alone ; 
 hence the importance of avoiding heat in the preparation of elaterium. The best method 
 of obtaining elaterin is to exhaust elaterium with chloroform, from which solution white 
 crystals will be immediately deposited on the addition of ether ; after washing with a 
 little ether and recrystallizing from chloroform pure elaterin will be obtained (Pharma, - 
 cographia'). The yield varies to some extent ; Morries (1831) obtained between 15 and 
 26 per cent. ; Fliickiger and Hanbury (187X), 27.6 and 33.6 ; Walz (1859), even 50 
 per cent. It was observed by Marquart (18§3), Walz (1859), and Kohler (1869) that 
 the amount of elaterin diminishes very considerably in the fruit as the season 
 advances. 
 
 Properties. — Elaterin is in colorless, shining, hexagonal scales or prisms, which are 
 not altered on exposure, are inodorous, and have a somewhat acrid and extremely bitter 
 taste. They have a neutral reaction to test-paper, are soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 
 4250 parts of water, in 1820 parts of boiling water, in 337 parts (over 120 parts of 
 alcohol, Golding Bird 1840) of alcohol, and in 34 parts of boiling alcohol, also in 543 
 parts (290 parts, Hennell) of ether and in 2.4 parts of chloroform, and insoluble in ben- 
 zine. Elaterin is likewise soluble in amylic alcohol, carbon disulphide, hot olive oil, and 
 oil of turpentine. The effect of potassa has been referred to above; the acid body thereby 
 produced is inert, since 1.0 Gm. of it produced no effect. Elaterin is not a glucoside, and 
 its solutions are not precipitated by tannin. At 190° C. (374° F.) the crystals begin 
 to agglutinate, and at 209° C. (408.2° F.) they melt to a grayish-brown transparent 
 liquid, which on cooling congeals to an amorphous mass; at a higher heat it gives off 
 white somewhat acrid vapors, and burns with a sooty flame, leaving no residue. Accord- 
 ing to Power (1875), elaterin is not changed by chlorinated alkalies. Solutions of the 
 alkalies dissolve it, but on the addition of an acid it is precipitated. Nitric acid pro- 
 duces, after several hours, a pinkish tinge, but when heated at once a red coloration. 
 Sulphuric acid dissolves it with a deep-red color, the solution yielding a brown precipi- 
 tate with water ; the color of the solution gradually changes to deep-brown, and ulti- 
 mately to light-green, on the addition of a fragment of potassium bichromate ; when dis- 
 solved in cold concentrated sulphuric acid, it causes the latter to become yellow at first, 
 which color gradually changes to a scarlet. — U. S. Elaterin added to a few drops of 
 melted carbolic acid, followed by sulphuric acid, produces a magnificent crimson color, 
 changing to orange and scarlet. 
 
 An alcoholic solution of elaterin should not be precipitated by tannic acid, mercuric 
 chloride, or platinic chloride test-solutions (absence of and difference from, alkaloids).” — 
 U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Elaterium, however it may be given to dogs and rabbits, does 
 not vomit or purge them, but destroys them with tetanoid phenomena. In some other 
 animals the subcutaneous use of elaterium produces profound and fatal exhaustion. In 
 man its internal use causes more or less vomiting, severe griping, and profuse watery 
 stools, with a sense of great debility. It is used as a purgative in those cases only in 
 which a drastic operation, with profuse serous discharges, is desired. Hence it may be 
 prescribed with great effect to relieve the brain or the lungs threatened with the dangers 
 of congestion, provided no contraindication exists in the patient’s debility or in diseases 
 of the digestive canal. It was one of the most renowned of the ancient remedies for 
 dropsy , and in recent times it has shown its power by evacuating serous collections which 
 
596 
 
 ELEMI. 
 
 other purgatives and all diuretics failed to remove. It is, however, most frequently used 
 in primary abdominal dropsy. Yet it is not less useful in dropsy of cardiac or renal 
 origin (provided that the strength of the patient suffices) to remove the accumulations 
 of fluid in the connective tissue or in the serous cavities. 
 
 The variable strength of elaterium suggests caution in its use. Gm. 0.004 (gr. yL) 
 may be given in a pill made with the extract of hyoscyamus or confection of roses, and 
 repeated every hour until the effects begin to appear. Elaterin is more active in alco- 
 holic solution, or it may be given in the officinal (1882) trituration of elaterin. The 
 dose is Gm 0.002-0.005 (gr. 
 
 Mormordica huchu , a curcubitaceous plant of Brazil, is said to resemble M. elaterium 
 in its action, which, however, is much harsher ( Brit . Med. Jour., May 28, 1887). 
 
 ELEMI, Br. — Elemi. 
 
 Resina ( s . Giimmi ) Elemi. — Elemi , Resine elemi , F. ; Elemi , G. ; Goma de limon , 
 
 s P . 
 
 A concrete resinous exudation, the botanical source of which is undetermined, but is 
 probably Canarium commune, Linne ( Rumph . Amb., vol. ii. plate 47). Chiefly imported 
 from Manilla. Br. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 61. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Burseracese. 
 
 Origin. — Tile name of elemi has been given to various resinous products which have 
 from time to time appeared in commerce, and which, it is believed, are all derived from 
 trees of the Nat. Ord. Burseraceee. The British Pharmacopoeia refers Manilla elemi, a 
 product of the Philippine Islands, to the species named above, a tall tree indigenous to 
 the Moluccas and to other parts of tropical Asia, while Blanco (1845) states that it is 
 obtained from Icica abilo, a tree scarcely known. Perrottet (1821) sent specimens of 
 the elemi tree to Paris and to Senegambia, and stated (1823) that the tree is scari- 
 fied twice a year, and the flow of the oleoresin promoted by kindling a fire near the tree. 
 Baup (1851) believed Canarium album, Rsenschel, to be Perrottet’s tree (Fliickiger, 
 Pharma kognosie. Elaphrium (Bursera) elemifera, Royle , is the source of Mexican 
 elemi. 
 
 Description. — Manilla elemi is in soft granular, transparent masses when fresh, but 
 is generally met with in the shops in solid pieces, which are externally pale lemon-yellow 
 and clear, internally opaque, nearly white, and mixed with chips and other impurities. 
 
 It breaks with a dull granular fracture and readily fuses to a transparent liquid. Moist- 
 ened with alcohol, it disintegrates and shows a large number of small acicular crystals. It 
 has a strong aromatic somewhat terebinthinate odor and a warm, aromatic, and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Fliickiger and H anbury ( Pharmacographia ) obtained from the drug 
 
 10 per cent, of a colorless, neutral, fragrant, and strongly dextrogyre volatile oil. An 
 
 011 of elemi obtained by H. St. Claire-Deville (1849) had a strong rotatory power to the 
 left and the composition C I0 H 16 . 
 
 On treating elemi with alcohol, Maujean (1823) obtained a soluble amorphous resin, 
 which Baup (1851) named bre'in, and succeeded in crystallizing by the very slow evap- 
 oration of its alcoholic solution. Maujean’s insoluble resin was by Bonastre (1824) crys- 
 tallized from its solution in boiling strong alcohol ; it is Baup’s amyrin , and, like brein, 
 is readily soluble in ether and insoluble in water. The same author obtained also bry- 
 oidin and breidin , both fusible, the former having a bitter and acrid taste ; it is easily 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, and volatile and fixed oils, slightly soluble in cold water, but 
 crystallizes from boiling water, from alkaline solutions, or from dilute acetic acid in silky 
 threads or in moss-like masses. Breidin is likewise crystalline, readily soluble in alcohol, 
 less in water or ether. E. Buri (1876) gives to amyrin the formula (C 5 H 8 ) 5 .2H. 2 0. He 
 found it to be soluble in ether, chloroform, and carbon bisulphide, to be fusible at 177° 
 C. (350.6° F.), and to sublime when carefully heated in thin layers. The mother-liquors 
 of amyrin yielded him (1878) elemic acid , (C 5 H 8 ) 7 0 4 , the potassium salt of which crys- 
 tallizes from its strong alkaline solution in needles. 
 
 Varieties. — The following resinous products are sometimes met with as distinct varieties of 
 elemi : 
 
 Mauritius Elemi, obtained from Colophonia mauritiana, Commerson , a large tree of Mauri 
 tius ; it is at first liquid, and resembles the Manila elemi. 
 
 Mexican Elemi, is in light- or dark-yellow somewhat greenish masses, of a waxy lustre, trans- 
 lucent or opaque, friable, but readily softening in the mouth. 
 
 Brazilian Elemi, collected from Icica Icicariba, De Candolle , and other species of the same 
 genus ; it forms soft yellowish-white or solid pale or greenish-yellow masses. 
 
ELIXIRIA.— ELIXIR AROMATICUM. 
 
 597 
 
 All these varieties have a similar though not identical odor, and disintegrate when treated 
 with cold alcohol, with the separation of small crystals, which are probably identical with 
 amyrin. 
 
 The decamalee resin of India, which resembles elemi, is the exudation of Gardenia gummifera, 
 Linni, and G. lucida, Roxburgh , Nat. Ord. Rubiacese. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The qualities of elemi are analogous to those of the turpen- 
 tines, and it might probably be used for the same purposes internally. It is, however, 
 only employed as an external application, in plaster or ointment, as a dressing for blis- 
 ters , issues , indolent ulcers , etc. In this country it is rarely prescribed. Oil of elemi is 
 analogous in its action to oil of turpentine. 
 
 ELIXIRIA. — Elixirs. 
 
 Elixirs , Fr. ; Elixir e, G. 
 
 The word “elixir” is of ancient origin, and according to Dr. Rice, was derived by the 
 Arabs from the Greek word grjpiov : it was formerly used by alchemists to designate 
 the wonderful transformation-powder, a pinch of which would suffice to convert large 
 quantities of base metal into silver and gold. Gradually the term was also applied to 
 liquids claimed to possess the same magical powers, and still later the word “elixir” was 
 used to designate certain compound tinctures possessing rare medicinal properties, as for 
 instance, Elixir ad longam vitam, which was supposed to induce longevity. In this lat- 
 ter sense the term elixir is still used to some extent in continental Europe, and, as a rule, 
 such preparations are characterized by an unpleasant taste. In modern American phar- 
 macy the word has come to mean an entirely different class of preparations, the distin- 
 guishing features of which are a pleasantly aromatic sweet taste and the presence of alco- 
 hol, varying from 20 to 25 per cent, by volume. Prior to 1865 only two elixirs of this 
 kind were used to any extent in this country — namely elixir of calisaya and elixir of 
 ammonium valerianate. Through the efforts of enterprising manufacturers the list of 
 elixirs was rapidly augmented, and reached its height between 1870 and 1875. Grad- 
 ually, however, a reaction set in, and at the present day many once-popular elixirs have 
 fallen into disuse. There can be no doubt that a sweet, aromatic, and slightly alcoholic 
 liquid forms a pleasant vehicle for many remedies, but the presence of alcohol in some 
 instances is positively injurious, and moreover the active ingredients are frequently pres- 
 ent only in minute quantities. The U. S. Ph. recognizes but two elixirs- — the aromatic 
 elixir and elixir of phosphorus, the former chiefly as a base for the ready preparation of 
 many others. In the National Formulary, published by the American Pharm. Associa- 
 tion (a book which every physician and pharmacist should have), will be found no less 
 than 86 formulas for elixirs, and a still larger number (nearly 275) have been published 
 by J. U. Lloyd in his Elixirs and Flavoring Extracts (1892). 
 
 As it is desirable in many instances to impart a color to the elixir, it should be borne 
 in mind that not all coloring agents are equally well suited for acid and alkaline liquids ; 
 for the former class as well as for neutral liquids, the National Formulary recommends 
 the simple or compound tincture of cudbear, of either of which 2 drachms will suffice to 
 color a pint of elixir. For alkaline liquids it is best to use a solution made as follows: 
 Carmine No. 40, 60 grains ; Glycerin and Distilled Water, each 4 fluidounces ; Ammonia- 
 water, a sufficient quantity ; triturate the carmine with the water, gradually adding ammo- 
 nia-water until the carmine has all been dissolved and a dark-red liquid is obtained; to 
 this add the glycerin and mix (Lloyd). 
 
 ELIXIR AROMATICUM, U. S.- Aromatic Elixir. 
 
 Simple Elixir , E. ; Elixir aromatique , Fr. ; Aromatisches Elixir , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Compound Spirit of Orange. 12 Cc. ; Syrup, 375 Cc. ; Precipitated 
 Calcium Phosphate, 15 Gm. ; Deodorized Alcohol, Distilled Water, each of a sufficient 
 quantity to make 1000 Cc. To the compound spirit of orange add enough deodorized 
 alcohol to make 250 Cc. To this solution add the syrup in several portions, agitating 
 after each addition, and afterward add in the same manner 375 Cc. of distilled water. 
 Mix the precipitated calcium phosphate intimately with the liquid, and then filter through 
 a wetted filter, returning the first portions of the filtrate until it passes through clear. 
 Lastly, wash the filter with a mixture of 1 volume of deodorized alcohol and 3 volumes 
 of distilled water, until the product measures 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 2 pints of aromatic elixir will require 3 fluidrachms of compound spirit of 
 
598 
 
 ELIXIR PHOSPHOR!— EMPLASTRA. 
 
 orange, 12 fluidounces of syrup, 8 fluidounces of deodorized alcohol, £ an oz. of calcium 
 phosphate, and sufficient distilled water to make the volume 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is an aromatic flavoring agent, and may be used as a car- 
 minative. 
 
 ELIXIR PHOSPHORI, ZJ. S , — Elixir of Phosphorus. 
 
 Preparation. — Spirit of Phosphorus, 210 Cc. ; Oil of Anise, 2 Cc. ; Glycerin, 550 
 Cc. ; Aromatic Elixir, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. To the spirit of phos- 
 phorus, contained in a graduated bottle, add the oil of anise and glycerin, and mix them 
 by repeatedly inverting the bottle until they form a clear liquid. Then add enough aro- 
 matic elixir, in several portions, gently agitating after each addition, until a clear mixture 
 results. Keep the product in dark amber-colored, well-stoppered bottles in a cool and 
 dark place. Each Cc. of elixir of phosphorus represents about 0.00025 Gm. of phos- 
 phorus. — V. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of elixir of phosphorus will require 3J fluidounces of spirit of 
 phosphorus, 16 minims of oil of anise, 9 fluidounces of glycerin, and sufficient aromatic 
 elixir to make the volume 16 fluidounces. Each fluiarachm of the finished elixir will 
 contain about -fa grain of phosphorus. 
 
 Uses. — This aromatised alcoholic solution of phosphorus may be prescribed in doses of 
 G m - 4 ( f 33)- 
 
 EMPLASTRA. — Plasters. 
 
 Empldtres , Fr. ; Pflaster , G. ; Empiastri , It. ; Emplastos, Sp. 
 
 Plasters are solid tenacious preparations intended for external use, considerably harder 
 than cerates, so that they cannot be spread at the ordinary temperature, yet of such a 
 composition that they will be pliable and adhesive at the temperature of the body. 
 According to their composition they are distinguished into two classes — namely, plasters 
 properly so called (stearates of the French), the base of which consists of a fusible and 
 insoluble lead soap ; and resinous plasters , which owe their adhesiveness to a resin mixed 
 with some wax or fat, and for this reason are called ointment-plasters (pnguents-empldtres 
 by the French) ; they are the retinoles solides , or hard resin-fats, of Guibourt. 
 
 The preparation of all plasters containing more than one ingredient is effected in a 
 manner similar to that of the cerates, with such modifications as are necessitated by their 
 greater firmness and higher fusing-point. The simple plaster or the resin is first liquefied, 
 care being taken to avoid too high a heat ,* the wax, fat, or other fusible substances are 
 then added, and lastly oleoresins and aromatic products which would be injured by long- 
 continued heat, and gum-resins or other substances which are infusible and must be 
 mechanically incorporated with the solidifying plaster. The latter may be accomplished 
 in several ways, according to the nature of the substances to be added : they are either 
 rubbed fine and to a perfectly smooth paste with some fat, volatile oil, or oleoresin, or 
 they are finely powdered and passed through a sieve into the cooling plaster, which is 
 then to be stirred until firm enough to prevent the mechanical admixtures from separat- 
 ing. If extracts are to be incorporated, they should, if possible, be prepared with strong 
 alcohol, so as to be fusible with the other ingredients of the plaster. Most gum-resins 
 are not completely fusible or readily pulverizable, and are therefore best converted into a 
 smooth paste in the manner indicated above. The use of some petroleum benzin during 
 the trituration will often be found advantageous for accomplishing the object in view. 
 
 Straining is best avoided in preparing plasters. Should it be found necessary, it is 
 never to be deferred until the infusible ingredients have been added, but performed, with 
 the smallest possible bulk and with those portions of the material having the lowest 
 fusing-point. On the whole, however, it will be found more advantageous and expedi- 
 tious, more particularly for the extemporaneous preparation of plasters, to use only 
 purified ingredients, so that straining may not be required. 
 
 For convenience in handling and dispensing plasters are rolled into cylinders of con- 
 venient thickness. A slab or thick board is suitable for the purpose. The melted plaster 
 is allowed to cool until it is of a soft, pliable consistence, when a convenient quantity is 
 transferred to the slab previously moistened with water, and then kneaded with the 
 moistened hand and rolled out to the desired thickness ; when larger quantities are thus 
 
EM PL ASTRA. 
 
 599 
 
 to be rolled out a smooth and straight board will be convenient as a roller, with its ends 
 supported by ledges, whereby uniform thickness is secured. Plasters which contain 
 vegetable powders or other substances soluble in water are treated in the same manner 
 except that the water is replaced by olive or a similar bland and non-drying oil. The 
 most convenient size of such rolls or sticks is, for dispensing purposes, about the thickness 
 of a finger or even smaller. They keep well if they are wrapped in wax- or paraffin- 
 paper. The soft plasters are sometimes poured into boxes or kept in square cakes, the 
 latter being cast in tin or paper moulds, as described under Cerates (see page 432). 
 
 Plasters are usually spread upon white sheepskin ; for particular purposes chamois- 
 skin, linen, muslin, or even paper (see Charts, page 442), may be used. The leather is 
 extended and fastened upon a smooth board, and the desired size and shape are marked 
 upon it either by pasting strips of paper on it or using tin frames of the requisite size 
 and shape. Sometimes an apparatus is used consisting of a block of hard wood with an 
 even or somewhat convex surface, over which a sheet-iron frame is fitted, cut out to the 
 dimensions and shape of the plaster to be spread, and covering sufficient leather to 
 serve for a margin. For rectangular plasters it is convenient to have two L-shaped 
 pieces of sheet tin, each side of which is graduated in inches, commencing from the 
 angle ; by bringing the angle of one diagonally opposite to that of the other piece a rect- 
 angular or square outline of any desired size may be formed. When the leather has 
 been properly prepared, a sufficient quantity of the plaster is to be fused by a moderate 
 heat and with frequent stirring to avoid burning, and while still liquid is poured upon 
 the leather and spread by means of a warm stout pallet-knife, with sufficient pressure to 
 obtain a smooth and even surface. Various plaster-spreaders, with long and short, 
 straight and curved handles, have been constructed, the spreader generally being a solid 
 square or triangular piece of iron, which, once heated, will remain warm for a sufficient 
 length of time to soften such portions of the plaster as may become hard until the whole 
 has been evenly spread. Sometimes the spreader or blade is made hollow, for the pur- 
 pose of introducing boiling water or a heater to maintain the necessary temperature. 
 But with some practice the pallet-knife will be found quite sufficient for the ordinary 
 sizes of plaster. The consistence at which the fused mass should be poured upon the 
 leather is of importance ; if it be too thin, it will partly pass through the material and 
 stain the outer surface ; if too thick, it w ill congeal before it can be spread out, and 
 require reheating by means of the plaster iron, and is then apt to become too fluid For 
 true plasters a temperature of 50° to 55° C. (120° to 130° F.) will be found to give the 
 proper consistence; resinous plasters containing wax or fats should be cooled to a still 
 lower degree. So-called porous planters have been used for some years past. To per- 
 forate spread plasters extemporaneously, Prof. Remington (1878) devised a tool consisting 
 of a brass wheel f inch wide, and studded with sixteen punches in two alternating rows 
 ? inch apart. The wheel revolves around a steel axle, which is connected with a handle 
 9 inches long, by means of which the requisite pressure is obtained. 
 
 The amount of plaster necessary for spreading a given area will depend partly upon 
 the nature of the plaster and partly upon the thickness to which it is spread ; on an 
 average, 10 grains will be found sufficient for 1 square inch of surface To prevent the 
 clothes from becoming soiled, and to facilitate the removal of the plaster, a margin of 
 about l inch is left around the spread surface. 
 
 In European pharmacy the term sparadrap is used to designate plasters which, like 
 adhesive, court, and similar plasters, consist of adhesive substances thinly spread upon 
 certain kinds of muslin, silk, or paper. They are prepared in various ways, according to 
 the nature of the adhesive material ; tw T o of these, capsicum plaster and court plaster, 
 have now been admitted into the U. S. P. True plasters, to be made into sparadraps, 
 require an apparatus generally consisting of a smooth board, upon which rests in an 
 upright position a kind of trough into which the melted plaster is put ; the trough is 
 provided below with a slit through which the plaster escapes ; the cambric or other 
 material is guided by rulers while being drawn underneath the trough, which must be 
 kept sufficiently warm to prevent the plaster from becoming too firm, and should be so 
 constructed as to act not merely as a scraper, but likewise to press upon the material 
 beneath sufficiently for spreading the plaster thinly but evenly. Paper sparadraps are 
 made in the same manner. (See also Charta, page 442.) (For a figure and description 
 of an apparatus suitable for the purpose see Amer. Jour. Pharmacy , 1869, p. 455.) 
 
 When kept for a long time plasters are apt to become brittle. With rolled plasters the 
 cause may be found partly in the removal of the glycerin. If not otherwise injured, 
 they may be usually restored by fusing them carefully over a little water and incorpor- 
 
600 
 
 EMPLASTR UM AMMONIAC I CUM HYDRARGYRO. 
 
 ating with the melted mass ^ to 1 per cent, of olive oil. To restore the adhesiveness of 
 spread plasters is often a difficult matter, and must in all cases depend upon the nature 
 of the plaster. Heating the surface of the plaster until it becomes soft, covering the 
 softened surface with a solution of turpentine or Canada balsam, and then laying aside 
 the plaster for a day, will usually accomplish the object. Manufacturers of plasters on 
 a large scale make use of rubber or caoutchouc as a base, which has the tendency to keep 
 the plasters pliable and adhesive. For this purpose the crude rubber is first freed from 
 foreign matters by continuous washing for several days with warm water, after which it 
 is repeatedly passed between steel rollers kept at a temperature of about 95° F. ; during 
 this kneading process the rubber gradually softens and assumes that plastic condition 
 which fits it admirably for the subsequent incorporation of very finely powdered olibanum 
 and rosin or Burgundy pitch, this being also effected between warm rollers. The plaster- 
 base thus prepared is ready for future medication as required. Chicle is likewise used 
 for this purpose, and is incorporated by melting it with the plaster. (See Gutta- 
 percha.) 
 
 If non-resinous extracts and fixed or volatile oils are ordered in such quantities as to 
 interfere with the adhesive properties of the plaster, Shael (1873) recommends them to 
 be incorporated with powdered tragacanth. This mixture is spread upon adhesive plaster, 
 of which a sufficient margin is left uncovered. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM AMMONIACI CUM HYDRARGYRO, TI. S., Br.— 
 
 Ammoniac Plaster with Mercury. 
 
 Ammoniacum. and mercury plaster , E. ; Empldtre de gomme ammoniaque mercvriel, Fr. ; 
 Quechsilber und A mmonialc- Pjlaster, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammoniac, 720 Gm. ; Mercury, 180 Gm. ; Oleate of Mercury, 8 
 Gm. ; Diluted Acetic Acid, 1000 Cc. ; Lead Plaster, a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 
 Gm. Digest the ammoniac with the diluted acetic acid in a suitable vessel, avoiding 
 contact with metals, until it is entirely emulsified ; then strain, and evaporate the strained 
 liquid by means of a water-bath, stirring constantly until a small portion taken from the 
 vessel hardens on cooling. Triturate the oleate of mercury with the mercury gradually 
 added until globules of the metal cease to be visible. Next add gradually the ammo- 
 niac while yet hot ; and, finally, having added enough lead plaster, previously melted by 
 means of a water-bath, to make the mixture weigh 1000 Gm., mix the whole thoroughly. 
 
 — u. s. 
 
 To make one pound of the plaster the following quantities should be used : Ammo- 
 niac, 11 J av. ozs. ; mercury, 2 av. ozs. and 385 grains ; mercuric oleate, 56 grains ; diluted 
 acetic acid, 1 pint ; and finally sufficient lead plaster to bring the finished product up to 
 the desired weight. 
 
 Take of ammoniacum 12 ounces; mercury 3 ounces; olive oil 56 grains; sublimed 
 sulphur 8 grains. Heat the oil, and add the sulphur to it gradually, stirring till they 
 unite. With the mixture triturate the mercury until globules are no longer visible ; and, 
 lastly, add the ammoniacum, previously liquefied, mixing the whole carefully. — Br. 
 
 The use of mercuric oleate in place of olive oil and sulphur for the purpose of extin- 
 guishing the globules of mercury seems to be a decided improvement on the formula of 
 1880. If the official directions be closely followed a good plaster will result, but some 
 care is necessary to insure the proper evaporation of the ammoniac emulsion. Water- 
 bath heat only should be used, so as to avoid overheating. In the British formula the 
 directions are incomplete, as the method of liquefying the ammoniac is omitted. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The mercury in this plaster is supposed to add to its discutient 
 effects, and to render it a suitable application to swellings of a syphilitic nature. The 
 presence of a syphilitic element is not necessary to render it more efficient than the 
 simple plaster of ammoniac. Its prolonged application sometimes excites ptyalism. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM ARNICA, U. S.— Arnica Plaster. 
 
 Empldtre d’arnique, Fr. ; Arnikapjl aster , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Arnica-root, 330 Gm. ; Besin Plaster, 670 Gm. Add 
 the extract to the plaster, previously melted by means of a water-bath, and mix them 
 thoroughly. — XJ. S. 
 
 If avoirdupois weight is preferred, the extract and plaster may be mixed in the pro- 
 portion of 5 ozs. of the former to 10 ozs. of the latter. If the extract of arnica-root is 
 
EMPLASTR UM BELLADONNA.— EMPLASTRUM CAPSICI. 
 
 601 
 
 very tough it should be softened down with a small quantity of water before mixing it 
 with the resin plaster, so as to insure a perfectly smooth mass. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Among the plasters which are more frequently procured with- 
 out the prescription of a physician than with it, this is in popular use as a remedy for a 
 variety of local which are generally muscular. It serves to protect, support, and 
 
 mildly stimulate. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM BELLADONNA, U . S ., Br — Belladonna Plaster. 
 
 Empldtre tie belladone , Fr. ; Belladonna- P 'flaster , G. ; Emplasto de belladonna , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Alcoholic Extract of Belladonna Leaves, 200 Gm. ; Resin Plaster, 
 400 Gm. ; Soap Plaster. 400 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Mix the plasters on a water- 
 bath ; then add the extract of belladonna, and continue the heat, stirring constantly, 
 until a homogeneous mass results. — U. 8. 
 
 Belladonna plaster may be conveniently prepared of official strength by incorporating 
 
 1 av. oz. of alcoholic extract of belladonna leaves with a previously-melted mixture of 
 
 2 av. ozs. each of resin plaster and soap plaster ; to insure a perfectly smooth plaster it 
 may be necessary to soften the extract with a small quantity of water if it appears to 
 have become tough. 
 
 Take of alcoholic extract of belladonna-root 4 ounces (or 1 part) ; resin plaster, soap 
 plaster, each 8 ounces (or 2 parts). Melt the plasters by the heat of a water-bath ; then 
 add the extract, and mix the whole thoroughly together. — Br. 
 
 The return of the Pharmacopoeia to the use of an extract of belladonna-leaves seems 
 to us eminently proper, as the advantage of the root extract was purely imaginary, and 
 most excellent results have always followed the use of the extract made from the leaves. 
 The addition of soap plaster is advantageous, and brings the formulas of the U. S. and 
 Br. Ph. into close correspondence. The plaster is often used in the form of sparadrap. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Belladonna plaster diminishes the circulation of the blood in 
 the part to which it is applied, and thereby, as well as by a direct action on the nerves, 
 lessens pain. It is habitually employed to allay neuralgic and rheumatic pains , over 
 inflammatory swellings in their congestive stage, and especially upon engorged glands , as 
 the mamma and the testicle. Care must be taken that the skin is sound where it is applied, 
 as the characteristic symptoms of belladonna-poisoning of a high grade have resulted 
 from a neglect of this precaution. A very striking case of this kind is reported by Mather 
 (Med. Record , xxiii. 82). The symptoms in a mild form, such as dilatation of the pupils, 
 dryness of the throat, and a papular eruption on the skin, are common even when the 
 plaster has been applied to the unbroken skin ( ibid ., xxxiii. 244 ; Jour. Amer. Med. 
 Assoc., x. 686). 
 
 EMPLASTRUM CAPSICI, V . S .— Capsicum Plaster. 
 
 Sparadrapum capsid. — Sparadrap de capsique , Fr. ; Capsicump flaster, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Resin Plaster, Oleoresin of Capsicum, each a sufficient quantity. 
 Melt the resin plaster at a gentle heat, spread a thin and even layer of it upon muslin, 
 and allow it to cool. Then, having cut off a piece of the required size, apply a thin 
 coating of oleoresin of capsicum by means of a brush, leaving a narrow blank margin 
 along the edges. A space of 10 Cm. (4 inches) square should contain 0.25 Gm. (4 grains) 
 oleoresin of capsicum. — U. S. 
 
 Allied Plasters. — Emplastrum Aromaticum, N. F. Aromatic Plaster, Spice Plaster. — Take 
 of cloves, Saigon cinnamon, ginger, each 10 parts ; capsicum, camphor, each 5 parts 5 cottonseed 
 oil, 35 parts; lead plaster, 25 parts. Melt together the lead plaster and cottonseed oil with the 
 aid of heat. Cool the mixture, and, while it is still soft, thoroughly incorporate with it the 
 aromatic ingredients, previously reduced to a very fine pow'der. 
 
 Aromatic plaster, P. G. 1872, was composed of yellow w r ax 32 parts, suet 24 parts, common 
 turpentine 8 parts, melted together and incorporated with expressed oil of nutmeg 6 parts, pow- 
 dered olibanum 16 parts, pow r dered benzoin 8 parts, oil of peppermint and oil of cloves, each 1 
 part. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Capsicum plaster is mildly counter-irritant and decidedly 
 stimulating. It is a convenient and efficient application to parts affected with muscular 
 rheumatism or neuralgia, and to palliate some internal pains. 
 
 Spice plaster is popularly used in Germany to palliate rheumatic and other local pains, 
 and deserves to be made officinal in this country. 
 
602 
 
 EMPLASTRUM FERRI.— EMPLASTRUM HYDRARGYRI. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM FERRI, U, S., Br. — Iron Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum. roborans ; Emplastrum /erratum s. marliale . — Chalybeate plaster, Strength- 
 ening plaster, E. ; Empldtre dioxide rouge de fer, Empldtre de Canet , Fr. ; Eisenp/laster, 
 Stdrkendes P/aster, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferric Hydroxide, dried at a temperature not exceeding 80° C. (1 7 6° 
 F.), 90 Grin. ; Olive Oil 50 6m. ; Burgundy Pitch 140 Gm. ; Lead Plaster 720 Gm. ; to 
 make 1000 Gm. Melt the lead plaster and Burgundy pitch by means of a water-bath 
 and add the olive oil ; then add the oxide of iron, and stir constantly until the mixture 
 thickens on cooling. — XJ. S. 
 
 Iron plaster may also be made of official strength by melting together 9 av. ozs. of lead 
 plaster and If av. ozs. of Burgundy pitch, then adding 273 grains of olive oil, and finally 
 incorporating 492 grains of ferric hydroxide properly dried. 
 
 Peroxide of iron 1 ounce ; Burgundy pitch 2 ounces ; lead plaster 8 ounces. — Rr. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is no reason for believing that the iron in this plaster 
 exerts any special therapeutic influence. Its protective, supporting, and stimulant 
 action renders it a useful application to parts affected with chronic muscular and articular 
 rheumatism , to the chest during the decline of acute pleurisy, to enlarged glands , etc. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM GALBANI, Br, — Galbanum Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum galbani compositum, Emplastrum lithargyri (vel plumbi) compositum, P. G. ; 
 Emplastrum diachylum gummatum, F. Cod. ; Emplastrum diachylon compositum . — Com- 
 pound galbanum plaster, E. ; Empldtre diachylon gomme, Fr. ; Mutterhartz-Pjlaster , Gum- 
 mipjlaster, Zugpjlaster , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Galbanum, Ammoniacum, and Yellow Wax each 1 ounce ; 
 Lead Plaster 8 ounces. Melt the galbanum and ammoniacum together, and strain ; then 
 add the mixture to the lead plaster and wax, also previously melted together, and mix 
 the whole thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 To a mixture of 3 parts of yellow wax and 24 parts of lead plaster, previously melted 
 and partly cooled, add a mixture of 2 parts each of galbanum, ammoniac, and common 
 turpentine, previously melted, with addition of a little water, and strained. — P. G. 
 
 Galbanum plaster is no longer recognized in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia ; the formula of 
 1880 directed that 6 parts of Burgundy pitch and 76 parts of lead plaster be added to 
 a mixture of 16 parts of galbanum and 2 parts of Canada turpentine, previously melted 
 and strained. 
 
 The corresponding plaster of the F. Cod. contains also elemi and sagapenum. 
 
 By rubbing; 30 grains of powdered saffron with sufficient alcohol to produce a pulpy 
 mass, and mixing this intimately with 4 troyounces of galbanum plaster (U. S. P. 1880), 
 previously fused, a good substitute for Emplastrum galbani crocatum , used in Europe, is 
 obtained. 
 
 Emplastrum oxycroceum, s. Empl. galbani rubrum. This compound galbanum 
 plaster is frequently used by our German population ; it is prepared as follows : Take of 
 yellow wax, resin, Burgundy pitch, each 6 parts. Melt them together with a moderate 
 heat, and to the strained mass add of ammoniac, powdered, and galbanum, each 2 parts, 
 previously liquefied with turpentine 3 parts. Then add an intimate mixture consisting 
 of mastic, myrrh, olibanum, each, in powder, 2 parts, and saffron, powdered, 1 part, 
 and mix the whole together. — P. G. 1872. The plaster is reddish-brown and very 
 tenacious. 
 
 Action and Uses. — As a more stimulant application than most of the other plasters 
 used for the same purposes, it may be preferred before them in the treatment of various 
 local affections named in the preceding articles. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM HYDRARGYRI, U. S., Br.,B. G.— Mercurial Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum mercuriale. — Empldtre mercumel , F. ; Quecksilber-Pflaster , G. ; Empiastro 
 mercurial , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury, 300 Gm. ; Oleate of Mercury, 12 Gm. ; Lead Plaster, a 
 sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Gm. Triturate the mercury with the oleate of mercury 
 in a tared capsule until the globules of metal are no longer visible. Then place the cap- 
 sule on a water-bath, add enough lead plaster, previously melted, to make the contents 
 weigh 1000 Gm., and mix the whole thoroughly. 
 
EMPLASTRUM 1 CHTII YOCOLLJE. 
 
 603 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of mercurial plaster, triturate 525 grains of mercury with 21 grains 
 of mercuric oleate, and after the globules have all been extinguished, incorporate with 
 1204 grains of lead plaster previously melted. 
 
 The use of mercuric oleate in place of the resin and olive oil of the last Pharmacopoeia 
 appears to be an improvement. 
 
 Take of mercury 3 ounces ; olive oil 56 grains ; sublimed sulphur 8 grains ; lead 
 plaster 6 ounces. Heat the oil and add the sulphur to it gradually, stirring until they 
 unite ; with this mixture triturate the mercury until globules are no longer visible ; then 
 add the lead plaster, previously liquefied, and mix the whole thoroughly. — By. 
 
 The P. G. directs that 2 parts of mercury shall be triturated with 1 part of common 
 turpentine until uniformly mixed, and then added to 6 parts of lead plaster and 1 part of 
 yellow wax previously melted together. 
 
 The French Codex gives a formula for Emplastrum de Vigo cum mercurio ( Empla - 
 tre mercuriel dit de T ago'), which is occasionally used here. It is made by fusing together 
 lead plaster 200 parts ; yellow wax and resin, each 10 parts ; add thereto the following 
 powders : olibanum, ammoniac, bdellium, and myrrh, of each 3 parts, and saffron, 2 parts ; 
 also 60 parts of mercury extinguished by 10 parts of turpentine, and finally 30 parts of 
 liquid storax and 1 part of oil of lavender. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The virtues of mercurial plaster depend upon its being not 
 only a mechanical support to the affected parts and a mild counter-irritant, but also upon 
 the specific operation of its mercury, whereby it tends to promote the absorption of 
 exudation-matter, both by its direct local action and by its producing on the system a 
 greater or less mercurial impression. Indeed, it not unfrequently occasions soreness of 
 the gums and a degree of salivation. It is frequently employed for the removal of 
 syphilitic nodes and glandular engorgements produced by the same cause, including those 
 of the liver. It appears also to reduce that organ and the spleen when enlarged by mala- 
 rial disease. The Vigo plaster of the French Codex, which is described above, has been 
 applied as a mask to the face during the papular stage of small-pox, with the effect of 
 preventing a full development of the pustules and the consequent pitting. The simpler 
 mercurial plaster appears to have been used with equally good results. In both cases the 
 influence of mechanical compression and of the exclusion of light should not be over- 
 looked. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM IOHTH YOCOLLJE, U . S .— Isinglass Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum adhsesivum anglicum, Sparadrapum s Taffetas adhsesivum, Sericum ang- 
 licum. — Court plaster, E. ; Spar ad ap de colie de poisson, Taffetas d’ An gleterre, Fr. ; Eng- 
 lisches Pjlaster, Klebtaffet, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Isinglass 10 Gm. ; Alcohol 40 Gm. ; Glycerin 1 Gm. ; Water, Tinc- 
 ture of Benzoin, each a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the isinglass in a sufficient quantity 
 of hot water to make the solution weigh 120 Gm. Spread one-half of this, in successive 
 layers, upon taffeta (stretched on a level surface) by means of a brush, waiting after 
 each application until the layer is dry. Mix the second half of the isinglass solution 
 with the alcohol and glycerin, and apply it in the same manner. Then reverse the taffeta, 
 coat it on the back with tincture of benzoin, and allow it to become perfectly dry. Cut 
 the plaster in pieces of suitable length and preserve them in well-closed vessels. Substi- 
 tuting 15.5 gr. for 1 Gm., the above quantities are sufficient to cover a piece of taffeta 
 38 Cm. (15 inches) square. — U. S. 
 
 This formula has been taken from the German Pharmacopoeia of 1872. The taffeta 
 should be stretched upon a frame, so as to present a level surface. For the first two 
 applications the isinglass solution should be warmed merely to above its congealing-point, 
 so that when spread out it may rapidly solidify, and at the same time firmly adhere to, 
 but not pass through, the fabric. The air having access to both sides of the taffeta, each 
 coating will dry readily and uniformly in a dry and moderately warm atmosphere, and 
 should be quite hard before a new application is made. The addition of glycerin to the 
 last portion of the isinglass solution prevents the plaster from breaking and preserves its 
 flexibility for a long time. The tincture of benzoin applied to the reverse side leaves a 
 thin layer of resin, which, in a measure, renders this plaster waterproof; it is, however, 
 advisable to repeat this application once or twice. The plaster should only be removed 
 from the frame when thoroughly dry. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Isinglass plaster is in very common use to cover slight cuts 
 and abrasions of the skin. It should never be moistened with saliva, but only with 
 pure water, before application. 
 
604 EM PL A STB TJM MENTHOL.- EMPLASTRUM PICIS CA NTH A R IDA T UM. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM MENTHOL, Br. Add.— Menthol Plaster. 
 
 Emplatre de menthol , Fr. ; Mentholpflaster , Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Menthol, 2 ounces; Yellow Wax, 1 ounce; Resin, 7 
 ounces. Melt the wax and resin together, and, as the mixture cools, stir in the menthol 
 until dissolved. — Br. Add. 
 
 This is a new preparation introduced into the additions to the Br. P. in 1890. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Menthol plaster has been successfully employed to relieve 
 migraine and general neuralgic pains. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM OPII, U. S., Br.— Opium Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum opiatum s. cephalicum s. odontalgicum. — Emplatre d? opium, Emplatre ceplial- 
 ique ( temporal , odontalgique , calmant. Fr. ; Opiumpjlaster , Hauptpjiaster , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Opium 60 Gm. ; Burgundy Pitch 180 Gm ; Lead Plaster 
 760 Gm. ; Water, 80 Cc. ; to make 1000 Gm. Rub the extract of opium with the water 
 until a uniformly smooth paste results, and add it to the Burgundy pitch and lead plaster, 
 melted together by means of a water-bath ; then continue the heat for a short time, stir- 
 ring constantly, until the moisture is evaporated. — U. S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of official opium plaster, 105 grains of extract of opium may be 
 rubbed into a smooth paste with 2\ fluidrachms of water, and then added to 315 grains 
 of Burgundy pitch and 1330 grains of lead plaster, melted together on a water-bath; 
 the water is driven off as directed above. 
 
 Take of opium, in finest powder 1 ounce ; resin plaster 9 ounces. Melt the resin plas- 
 ter by means of a water-bath ; then add the opium by degrees and mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Both these formulas yield good and efficient plasters, the first being preferable on 
 account of the absence of the insoluble and non-adhesive constituents of opium, and 
 for being rather stronger as far as opium is concerned. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This plaster is a convenient form for the local application of 
 opium to painful parts of limited extent — e.g. to the face in toothache. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PICIS BURGUNDICiE, U. Burgundy Pitch 
 
 Plaster. 
 
 picatum , F. Cod . — Emplatre de poix de Bourgogne , Fr. ; Burgunder Pech- 
 
 Preparation. — Burgundy Pitch 800 Gm. ; Olive Oil 50 Gm. ; Yellow Wax 150 
 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Melt together the Burgundy pitch and yellow wax, then 
 incorporate the olive oil, and stir constantly, until the mass thickens on cooling. — U. S. 
 If avoirdupois weight be preferred, 4 ozs. of Burgundy pitch may be mixed with 1 oz. 
 of olive oil and f oz. of yellow wax, according to directions given above. 
 
 The present formula is an improvement on the former one, in that the proportion of 
 wax has been increased, and olive oil added, thus diminishing the brittleness of the plas- 
 ter. The French Codex directs 1 part of yellow wax to 3 parts of Burgundy pitch. 
 
 The formula of the British Pharmacopoeia for Emplastrum picis , or pitch plaster, is as 
 follows : Take of Burgundy pitch 26 ounces ; common frankincense 13 ounces ; resin and 
 yellow wax, each 4£ ounces ; expressed oil of nutmeg 1 ounce ; olive oil and water, each 
 2 fluidounces. Add the oils and water to the frankincense, Burgundy pitch, resin, and 
 wax, previously melted together ; then, constantly stirring, evaporate to a proper con- 
 sistence. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Burgundy pitch plaster, besides giving mechanical support, is 
 useful through its stimulant and mildly counter-irritant action. The British preparation 
 is the more efficient of the two. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PICIS CANTHARIDATUM, V. S.— Cantharidal 
 
 Pitch Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum calefaciens , Br. — Warm or warming plaster , E. ; Emplatre de poix cantha- 
 ride , Fr. ; Pechpflaster mit Canthariden , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cerate of Cantharides 80 Gm. ; Burgundy Pitch, a sufficient quan- 
 tity to make 1000 Gm. Melt the cerate of cantharides on a boiling water-bath, and 
 continue the heat for fifteen minutes ; then strain it through a piece of muslin of close 
 
 Emplastrum 
 Pflaster , G. 
 
EMPLASTRUM PLUMB I. 
 
 605 
 
 texture, so that the cantharides will be retained on the muslin. To the strained liquid 
 add a sufficient quantity of Burgundy pitch to make the whole weigh 1000 Gm., render 
 the mixture homogeneous by stirring, remove the heat, and stir the mass until it thickens 
 on cooling. — U . S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of warming plaster use 140 grains of cerate of cantharides, treat 
 as above directed, and add to sufficient Burgundy pitch to make the weight of the finished 
 product 4 ounces. 
 
 As this plaster is apt to become very brittle when cold, we would suggest the addition 
 of some hot water or olive oil, say 2 drachms, in place of a like quantity of the pitch. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This plaster maintains a mild counter-irritant action greater 
 than that of the simple pitch plaster, but less than is caused by a blister. It is often of 
 signal advantage in chronic affections of the joints , chronic muscular rheumatism , and 
 chronic diseases of the chest. Of the last, chronic bronchitis is often greatly benefited by 
 its use, and next to this is chronic pleurisy. It is of service in the treatment of chronic 
 pulmonary engorgement due to the presence of tubercle , or in that of broncho-pneumonia , 
 which so often tends to pulmonary phthisis. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PLUMBI, U. S., Br.— Lead Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum lithargyri (simplex), P. G. ; Emplastrum simplex , F. Cod. ; Emplastrum 
 diachylon simplex. — Diachylon plaster , Litharge plaster , E. ; Emplatre simple , Empldtre 
 de plomb (de litharge ), Fr. ; Bleipjlaster , Diachylon- Pjlaster, Gr. ; Empiastro diachilon , 
 It. ; Emplasto de la Vireina , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Lead Oxide 3200 Gm. ; Olive Oil 6000 Gm ; Water, a sufficient 
 quantity. Mix the lead oxide, previously passed through a No. 80 sieve, intimately with 
 about one-half of the olive oil, by trituration, and add the mixture to the remainder of 
 the oil contained in a bright copper boiler of a capacity equal to at least four times the 
 bulk of the ingredients. Then add 1000 Cc. of boiling water, and boil the whole to- 
 gether, over a fire, constantly stirring with a wooden spatula, until a homogeneous plaster 
 is formed, adding from time to time a little water to replace that lost by evaporation. 
 When the contents of the boiler have acquired a whitish color and are perfectly homo- 
 geneous, transfer them to a vessel containing warm water, and as soon as the mass has 
 sufficiently cooled, knead it well with the water so as to remove from it the glycerin, 
 renewing the water from time to time as long as it may be necessary. Finally, divide 
 the mass into rolls of suitable size. — U. S. 
 
 If avoirdupois weight is preferred, the following quantities may be used, and in other 
 respects the Pharmacopoeia directions should be observed: lead oxide 16 ounces, olive oil 
 30 ounces, water 5 ounces. 
 
 The French and German Pharmacopoeias used equal parts of olive oil and lard in place 
 of olive oil alone, which is directed by the British and United States Pharmacopoeias. 
 A much greater discrepancy, however, exists in the proportion of the fat to the other 
 ingredients. Calculated for 100 parts of fat, there are ordered of water 100 ( F . Cod.), 
 50 (Br.), 16.7 (U. S.) parts, and sufficient (D. G.) ] of litharge 53.33 (U. /S'.), and 50 
 (Br., F. Cod., and F. G.) parts. A much smaller amount is decidedly insufficient, and 
 yields a plaster which is and remains sticky. The litharge should be not less than 
 half the weight of the fat used, and in view of its variable quality may very prop- 
 erly be increased somewhat beyond that proportion, as directed by the United States 
 Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 The U. S. and G. Pharmacopoeias provide for the removal of all glycerin by subsequent 
 kneading of the plaster with water ; the Br. P. allows the glycerin to remain mixed with 
 the plaster, and this accounts for the softer condition of the English article. 
 
 In view of the importance of this plaster as a basis for many others, it is usually pre- 
 pared in larger quantities, and an expeditious and successful manipulation is therefore to 
 be preferred to methods which may involve more labor and time. The lead oxide may 
 be triturated in the kettle in which the plaster is to be made, with a portion of the oil 
 gradually added until a thin, smooth, and uniform pasty mass is obtained, when the oil 
 may be added more rapidly, the trituration being continued. But if the litharge is in 
 very fine powder, as directed by the Pharmacopoeia, there is no necessity for such tritura- 
 tion ; the litharge, however, may be sifted directly into the mixture of oil and water, 
 which may at the same time be heated. The whole is then boiled, and frequently stirred 
 to prevent the litharge from settling to the bottom, and a little hot water is added from 
 time to time to supply that which may have evaporated. The mixture has at first a 
 
006 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PLUMB I. 
 
 reddish color, which gradually changes until it finally becomes white. From the time it 
 commences to boil the mixture foams, on account of the extrication of the watery vapors, 
 and as the saponification proceeds the foaming increases. Now it requires additional 
 attention to keep up the supply of water, the proportion ordered by the U. S. P. being 
 ample for all purposes, and to prevent the mass from becoming overheated, which would 
 interfere with the adhesive qualities of the plaster and more or less darken its color. 
 The temperature may be allowed to rise to about 120° C. (248° F.), but it will be below 
 that point if sufficient water be present. Instead of boiling the mixture, it may be 
 digested in a water-bath, but the formation of the plaster will then require 2 or 3 days 
 while by the pharmacopceial process it will be completed in little more than as many 
 hours, depending upon the quantity worked. Without the addition of water, litharge will 
 decompose fats, uniting with the fatty acids, but a much higher temperature will be 
 required, and in the absence of water glycerin cannot be separated, but is decomposed. 
 Plumbic hydroxide, the hydrated lead oxide, contains enough water for the separation 
 of glycerin, and its combination with the acids of the oil is effected more readily and at 
 a lower temperature. The relations are similar if the official directions are followed, but 
 the saponification of the fat requires more time, as plumbic hydroxide is slowly formed ; 
 however, with sufficient attention no secondary decomposition-products are formed. To 
 increase the saponifying action of the litharge a small quantity of lead acetate is some- 
 times added, by which the oxide is more readily dissolved, but the addition is not neces- 
 sary. Since lead carbonate saponifies fat with greater difficulty than the oxide, the latter 
 should be as free from the former as possible ; the carbonic acid is gradually evolved as 
 the saponification proceeds. 
 
 The chemical reactions involved in the manufacture of lead plaster are clearly the same 
 as are noticed whenever a fat is saponified by means of alkali hydroxides or moist 
 metallic oxides ; the presence of water is essential for chemical action, although it also 
 aids in keeping down the temperature, and thus prevents decomposition of the fat. In 
 order to demonstrate the formation of lead plaster (lead oleate or lead soap), olive oil 
 may be looked upon as olein or glyceryl trioleate, leaving out of consideration the 
 presence of very small quantities of palmitin ; the following equation then will show the 
 reaction : 2 C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 0 2 ) 3 + 3PbO + 3H. 2 0 = 3Pb(C 18 H 33 0 2 ) 2 + 2C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 . The 
 basylous radical C 3 H 5 is trivalent, and is known as propenyl or glyceryl ; being displaced 
 from its combination with oleic acid by the lead, it readily unites with the oxygen and 
 hydrogen present to form the alcohol glycerin or propenyltrihydroxide, C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 . 
 
 Lead plaster may also be obtained by precipitating a solution of soap by sugar of lead, 
 but the plaster thus obtained soon becomes hard and dark-colored. Similar objections 
 exist against the substitution of many other fats for olive oil. As we have seen, the 
 French and German Pharmacopoeias sanction the use of equal weights of olive oil and 
 lard. 
 
 The process is known to be finished when, after dropping a little of the plaster in 
 cold water and kneading it between the fingers, it is found to be pliable, but not sticky. 
 When this point has been reached the vessel is removed from the fire and allowed to cool 
 somewhat. The temperature may then be reduced by the addition of cold water, and 
 the mass kneaded and rolled out, as described above (see Emplastra), into cylinders 
 of any convenient size. The yield is but little more than the weight of the ingredients 
 used. 
 
 Lead plaster is of a uniform grayish-white color, but not yellowish-white, as stated by 
 the U. S. P. and P. G. At a low temperature the plaster breaks with a finely-granular 
 fracture. On keeping, it becomes of a more dingy tint ; and superficially changes to 
 yellowish or pale-brownish. As stated above, it should, when warm, be pliable and not 
 sticky, due to unsaponified fat, and it should be entirely free from uncombined litharge, 
 the presence of which is easily recognized by its reddish color, or may be detected as 
 follows : u On treating 5 Gm. of lead plaster with 25 Cc. of benzene, a somewhat viscid 
 
 and slightly turbid solution will result, which will separate into a clear and a gelatinous 
 layer after some time, but which should not deposit any sediment (absence of vncombined 
 lead oxide'). ” — U. S. Chemically, lead plaster is a mixture of lead oleate and palmitate, 
 containing also stearate if lard has been used in its preparation. 
 
 Zinc plaster, in which zinc oxide is substituted for litharge, has been occasionally 
 recommended ; it is most expeditiously prepared by mixing concentrated solution ot 2 
 parts of white Castile soap and 1 part of zinc sulphate, digesting the mixture until 
 the decomposition has been completed, and washing out the salt by kneading the mass 
 under water. 
 
EMPLASTR UM PLUMBT IODIDI. — EM PL A STR UM SAPONIS. 
 
 607 
 
 Action and Uses. — The oxide of lead in this plaster is its only active ingredient, 
 and hence it is used as a discutient as well as a protective. Owing to the possibility of 
 absorption of the lead, it should not be applied to raw surfaces. It is frequently used to 
 prevent bed-sores and the abrasions which many forms of surgical apparatus tend to pro- 
 duce. Zinc plaster inay be used instead of lead plaster where a large surface is to be 
 covered or the skin is delicate. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PLUMBI IODIDI, Br.— Lead Iodide Plaster. 
 
 Empldtre d'iodure de plumb , Fr. ; Jodblei-PJlaster , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of lead Iodide 2 ounces (or 1 part) : Lead Plaster 1 pound 
 (or 8 parts) ; Resin 2 ounces (or 1 part). Add the lead iodide in fine powder to the 
 plaster and resin, previously melted at as low a temperature as possible, and mix them 
 intimately. — Br. 
 
 The present formula was proposed by A. W. Gerrard (1874), who showed that the 
 plaster, as formerly prepared with soap plaster, contained very little lead iodide, which 
 was nearly all decomposed by the soap. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is perhaps the best form in which lead iodide can be 
 employed topically for promoting the resolution of indurations resulting from inflamma- 
 tion, and especially from articular rheumatism. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM RESINAE, U. S. Br. — Resin Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum adhsesivum , P. G. — Adhesive plaster , E. ; Empldtre resineux ( adhesif ), Fr. ; 
 Heftpflaster, G. ; Empiastro adesivo, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Resin, in fine powder, 140 Gm. ; Lead Plaster, 800 Gm. ; Yellow 
 Wax, 60 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. To the lead plaster and wax, melted together over a 
 gentle fire, add the resin, and mix them. — If. S. 
 
 To make 25 av. ozs. of resin plaster will require 11 ozs. of yellow wax, 31 ozs. of resin 
 and 20 ozs of lead plaster. 
 
 Take of resin 4 ounces ; lead plaster 2 pounds ; curd soap 2 ounces. To the lead 
 plaster, previously melted with a gentle heat, add the resin and soap, first liquefied, and 
 stir them until they are thoroughly mixed. — Br. 
 
 This is the plaster which, spread upon muslin, forms the sparadrap commonly known 
 as adhesive plaster or sticking plaster. About 2 per cent, more of resinous matter is con- 
 tained in the plaster of the P. G., which is made by melting lead plaster 100 parts until 
 all the water has evaporated; then adding yellow wax 10 parts and a previously melted 
 mixture of dammar 10 parts, colophony 10 parts, and turpentine 1 part. This plaster is 
 more pliable and adhesive at a low temperature, a quality possessed also by that of the Br. 
 P. For the latter, A. W. Gerrard (1874) suggests that for use in summer one-fourth 
 the quantities of soap and resin ordered should be used ; in the spring one-half the quan- 
 tity will answer, but in cold weather the official proportions are preferable. The sparadrap 
 commun used in France is compound galbanum plaster. 
 
 Good adhesive plaster should not be sticky at the ordinary temperature ; when spread 
 upon muslin it should be pliable without cracking, and when applied to the skin should 
 adhere firmly. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Adhesive plaster is chiefly employed for the support of mobile 
 parts, for exerting pressure, for securing the coaptation of wounds and fractures , for. 
 supporting surgical dressings, etc. It is sometimes used for maintaining the immobility 
 of parts, such as the chest, the abdomen, etc. It is apt to irritate delicate skins. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM SAPONIS, V. S., Br.— Soap Plaster 
 
 Emplastrum saponatum, P. G. ; Emplastrum cum sapone , F. Cod. — Empldtre de savon , 
 Fr. ; Seifenp faster, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Soap, dried and in coarse powder 100 Gm. ; Lead Plaster 900 Gm. ; 
 Water a sufficient quantity. Rub the soap with water until brought to a semi-liquid 
 state ; then mix it with the lead plaster, previously melted, and evaporate to the proper 
 consistence. — U. S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of soap plaster would require 175 grains of powdered soap and 
 1575 grains of lead plaster. 
 
 It is important that the soap be used in form of powder, so as to insure a smooth mix- 
 
608 
 
 EMPLASTRUM SAPONIS FUSCUM. 
 
 ture with water, and that subsequently the water be again expelled by evaporation, 
 otherwise the plaster loses its adhesive properties. 
 
 Take of curd soap 6 ounces ; lead plaster 24 pounds ; resin 1 ounce. To the lead 
 plaster, melted by a gentle heat, add the soap and the resin, first liquefied ; then, con- 
 stantly stirring, evaporate to a proper consistence. — Br. 
 
 The proportion of soap directed is 5.6 (F. Cod'), 5.8 (7 J . G.), 10 (77. S.), and 14 {Br.) 
 per cent. The French Codex orders also 4.5 per cent, of white wax, while the German 
 Pharmacopueia uses yellow wax 11.5 and camphor 1.15 per cent. The U. S. P. alone 
 requires the soap to be rubbed up with water ; the F. Cod. and P. G. order the soap to 
 be powdered, when it may be uniformly incorporated with the melted plaster by sifting. 
 Soap plaster has a whitish color and should be nearly free from water, which renders the 
 soap slippery. 
 
 Action, and Uses. — Soap plaster is generally used to prevent abrasions, bed-sores, 
 etc., and, like other plasters containing lead, it possesses some discutient powers. Owing 
 to the thickness of the layer as it is usually spread, it is apt to be moved from its orig- 
 inal position, and is therefore less efficient than adhesive plaster in preventing bed-sores. 
 Soap cerate applied upon appropriate tissues affords mechanical support to joints, while 
 it acts as a sedative of inflammation by promoting transpiration, and possibly by the 
 direct operation of the lead in its composition. It is used to envelop sprained, gouty, 
 rheumatic, and scrofulous joints, and as an application to glandular swellings and local 
 hypertrophies. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM SAPONIS FUSCUM, Br.— Brown Soap Plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum Cerati Saponis, Br., 1867. — Soap cerate plaster, E. ; Empldtre de savon 
 saturne, Fr. ; Seif encer at- E faster , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Curd Soap, in powder, 10 ounces ; Yellow Wax, 12| ounces; 
 Olive Oil 1 pint; Lead Oxide 15 ounces; Vinegar 1 gallon. Boil the vinegar and 
 lead oxide together by the heat of a steam-bath, constantly stirring them until the 
 oxide has combined with the acid ; then add the soap, and boil again until most of the 
 moisture has evaporated ; finally, add the wax and oil melted together, and stir the whole 
 continuously, maintaining the heat until by the evaporation of the remaining moisture the 
 product has acquired the proper consistence of a plaster. — Br. 
 
 A similar preparation was formerly (1850) official in the United States, but has been 
 replaced by Empl. Saponis (which see). To avoid the prolonged unnecessary boil- 
 ing, A. W. Gerrard (1874) proposed to substitute for the vinegar 18 ounces of acetic acid, 
 which is sufficient to dissolve the lead oxide ; the lead acetate formed reacts with the 
 soap forming lead plaster. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Soap cerate plaster is used for the general purposes of adhe- 
 sive plaster, and for supporting and protecting enlarged joints and other swollen parts. 
 
 NON-OFFICIAL PLASTERS. 
 
 Among the unofficial plasters, more or less employed in different sections, the follow 
 ing deserve to be mentioned in this place : 
 
 Emplastrum picis liqud^e compositum. — Compound Tar Plaster. — Take of Resin, 25 
 parts ; Tar, 20 parts ; Podophyllum, in No. 60 powder, 5 parts ; Phytolacca root, in No. 60 
 powder. 5 parts ; Sanguinaria, in No. 60 powder, 5 parts. Melt the resin and tar 
 together, then stir in the mixed powders, and as the mass cools mould it into rolls or pour 
 it into boxes. — N. F. 
 
 Emplastrum cerussas, s. Empl. album coctum. — White lead plaster, E. ; Emplatre 
 de ceruse, Empl. blanc cuit, Fr. ; Bleiweisspflaster, G. — Melt together lead plaster 60 
 parts and olive oil 1 0 parts ; add finely-powdered lead carbonate 35 parts, and boil witli 
 the occasional addition of a little water until a plaster is formed. — P. G. The plaster 
 may be obtained in one operation by using in place of the lead plaster the requisite 
 quantities of fat and litharge. A similar composition, containing a little wax and pow- 
 dered orris-root, is known as Malty s plaster. 
 
 Emplastrum fuscum, s. Empl. matris fuscum, Empl. nigrum, s. noricum, s. minii 
 adustum, s. universale. Finely-powdered red oxide of lead 2 parts and olive oil 4 parts 
 are boiled, with constant stirring, until the mass assumes a dark-brown color, when 1 part 
 of yellow wax is added. For some purposes 1 per cent, of camphor is added, when it 
 
EMULSA. 
 
 609 
 
 is known as Emplastrum fuscuvn camphoratum , P. G. The plaster is put up in square 
 cakes and in boxes, and is also sold in some parts of the Unit ed States as universal plaster 
 and breast plaster , and as a secret preparation under different names. It is extensively 
 employed by the German population, and known to them as Mut ter p faster, Universalpflas- 
 ter , etc. A very similar preparation, but boiled with litharge and twice the above amount 
 of fat, is known in France as Onguent de la mire Thecle and Empldtre brun. 
 
 Emplastrum matris album, s. Empl. lithargyri molle. Melt together lead plaster 
 3 parts, lard 2 parts, yellow wax and suet each 1 part. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Emplastrum (ceratum) minii rubrum. Triturate 100 parts of powdered red oxide 
 of lead and 3 parts of camphor with 60 parts of olive oil. Add the mixture to yellow 
 wax and suet each 100 parts and olive oil 40 parts, previously heated together, and stir 
 well until it has congealed. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Logan’s Plaster. Boil together over a slow fire olive oil 21 pints, fresh butter 4 
 ounces, Castile soap 12 ounces, litharge 16 ounces avoirdupois, until the mass has a pale- 
 brown color; then add lead carbonate 16 ounces, and continue the heat until the plaster 
 is farmed ; lastly, add 2 drachms of powdered mastich. 
 
 The following preparations have been dropped from the U. S. P. 1890 : 
 
 Emplastrum ammoniaci. — Ammoniac Plaster. Digest 100 parts of ammoniac with 
 150 parts of diluted acetic acid in a suitable vessel, avoiding contact with metals, until it 
 is emulsionized ; then strain and evaporate on a water-bath to the proper consistence. — 
 U S. 1880. 
 
 Emplastrum asaf(ETID^e. — Asafoetida Plaster. Digest 35 parts of asafoetida and 
 15 parts of galbanum with 120 parts of alcohol on a water-bath, so as to thoroughly dis- 
 integrate them, strain while hot, evaporate to the consistence of honey, and add 35 parts 
 of lead plaster and 15 parts of yellow wax, previously melted together ; stir the mixture 
 well, and evaporate to the proper consistence. — U. $., 1880. 
 
 Emplastrum picis canadensis. — Canada Pitch Plaster, Hemlock Plaster. Melt 
 together 90 parts of Canada pitch and 10 parts of yellow wax; strain the mixture, and 
 stir constantly until it thickens on cooling. — U. S. 1880. 
 
 EMULSA. — Emulsions. 
 
 Emulsiones , P. Gr. ; Emulsions , Fr. ; Emulsionen , Gr. ; Emulsiones, It., Sp. ; Ilorchatas , Sp, 
 
 The term “ emulsions ” is used to designate mixtures of liquids insoluble in one another, 
 where one is suspended in the other in the form of minute globules, as fat in milk, and 
 also mixtures in which solid particles of substances are suspended in liquids in which they 
 are insoluble, as in the case of camphor or resin emulsions. Formerly emulsions were 
 included under the general head of mixtures, u Misturae,” but a distinction is now very 
 properly made, so as to restrict the term emulsion to such mixtures mentioned above as 
 have a milk-like appearance, and in which the suspension of the insoluble liquid or solid 
 is more or less permanent. Nature provides types of emulsions in the form of milk, the 
 natural food of all young mammalia, and the milk-like juices of certain plants from 
 which the official and other gum resins are obtained. Fixed and volatile oils, as well as 
 ethereal liquids and resinous substances, are suitable for exhibition in the form of emul- 
 sion, and the suspension in water is accomplished by the use of appropriate excipients, 
 such as acacia, tragacanth, yolk of egg, etc., etc. ; many oil-yielding seeds, as well as the 
 natural gum-resins, contain gummy and albuminous matter by means of which the oil 
 and resin can be brought into perfect suspension in water. The theory of emulsificatiori 
 is as follows : The insoluble liquid or solid in a state of minute division is completely 
 surrounded or enveloped by the vehicle consisting of water and excipient, and thus an 
 opaque mixture is produced from which the particles cannot separate by mere force of 
 cohesion ; the stability of the emulsion depends to some extent upon the density of the 
 vehicle, and it will be found that the presence of sugar or glycerin increases the sus- 
 pending power of gum, whilst the addition of alcohol or glycerin will prevent fermenta- 
 tive changes likely to arise in vegetable solutions if kept on hand for some time. As a 
 rule, emulsions should be prepared in unglazed wedgewood or porcelain mortars having a 
 flat bottom, and in the case of seed or gum-resin emulsions mortars of deep shape and 
 provided with hard wood pestles are preferable. When not otherwise specified, seed 
 emulsions are made in the proportion of 1 part of seed to 10 parts of water, and the seed, 
 as well as gum resins, should never be used in the shape of fine powder, but, after having 
 been freed from dust and dirt, the material should be crushed into coarse powder, when 
 a few drops of water should be added and the whole beaten into a smooth pasty mass, 
 39 
 
610 
 
 EMULSUM AMMONIACI. 
 
 after which the remainder of the water is gradually added with constant trituration and 
 keeping the mass well scraped down from the sides and bottom of the mortar by means 
 of a spatula. Finally, the emulsion is passed through a well-wetted strainer of flannel 
 or cheesecloth to remove the inert woody fibre. In the case of emulsion of lycopodium 
 the seed is first triturated with some pressure by itself in a mortar, so as to rupture the 
 hard seed envelope ; when the powder becomes adhesive, a little water is added, with 
 which a smooth soft paste can be formed, and afterward the balance of the water is added 
 under continuous stirring. This emulsion should never be strained. When fixed oils are 
 to be emulsionized it is essential that definite proportions of gum, water, and oil be used 
 to prepare the primary emulsion, which can then be further diluted as wanted. Now that 
 acacia of choice quality and moderate price has again come into the market, it may be 
 looked upon as the best emulsifying agent for fixed and volatile oils, and the simplest 
 plan to follow for fixed oils is to place one-quarter as much finely powdered acacia into a 
 dry mortar as will be used of oil ; then add the oil and triturate well together into a 
 smooth mixture. Now add, all at once , twice as much water as has been used of acacia, 
 and triturate thoroughly until a perfect emulsion has been formed, which is evidenced by 
 the appearance of a white pasty mass and a peculiar crackling noise as the pestle is drawn 
 through the adhesive mixture. Having scraped the primary emulsion well down with a 
 spatula, the diluent may be slowly added with constant stirring. Not less than one-quar- 
 ter nor more than one-half as much acacia as oil should be used. The above plan will not 
 answer if granulated acacia is used, as it dissolves in water more slowly than the fine 
 powder : in the case of granulated acacia it will be found more advisable to take one-half 
 as much acacia as oil ; place the acacia in the mortar, add the oil and one-half as much 
 water as has been taken of oil and acacia together (for instance, oil 1 fluidounce, acacia 
 4 drachms, water 6 fluidrachms) ; then triturate well until a perfect emulsion results, 
 which dilute gradually as desired. Both of the preceding methods are equally well 
 adapted for liquid oleoresins, such as copaiba. If Peru balsam is to be emulsionized, 
 the addition of a little alcohol to the same will facilitate the process. Some prefer to 
 emulsionize the oil by adding it to a previously prepared mucilage of acacia, but in our 
 experience the two methods above stated, if strictly followed, will invariably result in 
 success, and require less skill in manipulation than any other method. It is desirable to 
 use separate graduates for oil and water, to avoid the possibility of carrying oil-globules 
 with the water used for dilution, as these might fail to be fully incorporated, and after- 
 ward would rise to the surface. If yolk of egg is to be used as the excipient, an ounce 
 of oil will require one yolk, and this should be triturated by itself first until it becomes 
 adhesive, when a portion of oil may be added, then a part of the water, and after thorough 
 trituration more oil and water alternately, until the emulsion has been completed; in place 
 of yolk of egg the official glycerite of yolk of egg (glyconin) has been employed with 
 decided advantage. When solid fats, camphors, some volatile oils, resinous extracts, and 
 even oleoresins, are to be emulsified, it will be found advantageous to dissolve them in a 
 small quantity of fixed oils (oil of almond or olive oil), and then treat as directed above 
 for fixed oils : the emulsions thus prepared will be more desirable in every way and 
 surely far more stable. Volatile liquids, such as ether, chloroform, and oil of turpentine, 
 are best emulsionized by what is known as Forbes’s plan : this consists of placing in a 
 perfectly dry bottle the liquid to be emulsionized, then adding for each fluidounce of the 
 liquid 20 grains of powdered acacia, mixing well by agitation, adding £ fluidounce of 
 water, and thoroughly incorporating by continued agitation until the emulsion is com- 
 plete, and then diluting by adding the remaining water gradually. On standing, a dense 
 cream-like layer is apt to separate, which can be readily reincorporated by simple agita- 
 tion. Although this method will yield a perfect mixture, the stability of the emulsion will 
 be improved by using at least 120 grains of acacia for each fluidounce of the oil or ether. 
 
 Mucilage of Irish moss, dextrin, and tincture of soap-bark, which have been suggested 
 as substitutes for acacia, will be found inferior to it as emulsifying agents, and the tinc- 
 ture of soap-bark moreover possesses toxic properties. 
 
 The emulsio oleosa of continental Europe is composed of 2 parts of oil of sweet 
 almond, 1 part acacia, and 17 parts of water, all by weight. 
 
 EMULSUM AMMONIACI, TJ . S . — Emulsion of Ammoniac. 
 
 Mistura ammoniaci , U. S. 1880, Br. ; Emulsio ammoniaci , Lac ammoniaci. — Ammo- 
 niacum mixture , Milk of ammoniac , E. ; Emulsion ( mixture ) de gomme ammoniaque , 
 Lait ammoniacal , Fr. ; Ammoniak- Emulsion, Gr. 
 
EMULSUM AMYGDA LJS.—EMULS UM ASAFCETIDJE. 
 
 611 
 
 Preparation. — Ammoniac 40 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Rub the ammoniac, in a warmed mortar, with 900 Cc. of water, at first very gradually 
 added, until a uniform emulsion results. Then strain the mixture into a graduated ves- 
 sel, and wash the mortar and strainer with enough water to make the product measure 
 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 The foregoing formula corresponds to 18.24 grains of ammoniac for each fluidounce of 
 water; the British preparation is slightly weaker, being nearly 13.7 grains for 1 fluid- 
 ounce (Imperial measure). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Emulsion of ammoniac is employed chiefly in the treatment 
 of chronic bronchitis and bronchorrhoea. The dose is Gm. 16-32 (f^-i). 
 
 EMULSUM AMYGDALAE, 77. S, — Emulsion of Almond. 
 
 Mistura amygdalae , U. S. 1880, Br. ; Emulsio amygdalae s. amygda larum , Emulsio 
 simplex. — Milk of almonds , Almond mixture , E. ; Emulsion simple , Lait d’ amandes, 
 Fr. ; Mandelemulsion , Mandelmilch , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sweet Almond, 60 Gm. ; Acacia, in fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Sugar, 30 
 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Having blanched the almond, 
 add the acacia and sugar, and beat them in a mortar until they are thoroughly mixed. 
 Then rub the mass with 900 Cc. of water, at first very gradually added, until a uniform 
 mixture results. Strain this into a graduated vessel, and wash the mortar and strainer 
 with enough water to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix the whole thoroughly. — 
 U S. 
 
 To make one pint of emulsion of almond will require 460 grains of sweet almond, 77 
 grains of acacia, and 230 grains of sugar. 
 
 Take of compound powder of almonds 2£ ounces ; distilled water 20 fluidounces. Rub 
 the powder with a little of the water into a thin paste, then add the remainder of the 
 water, and strain through muslin. — Br. 
 
 The presence of acacia in both preparations is unnecessary, as it does not increase the- 
 stability of either or the amount of oil suspended. 
 
 Emulsio am ygd alarum composita. — T ake of sweet almonds 4 parts ; hyoscyamus- 
 seed 1 part ; diluted bitter-almond water 64 parts. Make an emulsion, and add of white 
 sugar 6 parts, calcined magnesia 1 part. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Looch album. — W hite linctus, E. ; Looch blanc, Fr . — 30 parts of sweet and 2 parts 
 of bitter almonds are blanched, triturated with 20 parts of sugar and 120 parts of water, 
 and the emulsion strained and gradually added, with continued trituration, to a mixture 
 of 10 parts of sugar and J part of powdered tragacanth. Finally, add 10 parts of orange- 
 flower water. The finished preparation weighs 150 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Almond emulsion is an excellent demulcent in acute laryngeal 
 and bronchial inflammations, dysentery , and irritations of the urinary passages. It should 
 be administered freely. The white linctus of the French Codex is an excellent palliative 
 of pharngeal, laryngeal, and bronchial irritation. 
 
 EMULSUM ASAFCETID7E, 77. S. — Emulsion of Asafcetida. 
 
 Mistura asafoetidse , U. S. 1880 ; Lac asafoetidac. — Asafoetida mixture , Milk of asafoetida , 
 E. ; Mixture (Lait) d' asafoetida, Fr. ; Asafoetida- Emulsion, Stinkasantmilch, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Asafoetida, in selected tears, 40 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Rub the asafoetida, in a warmed mortar, with 900 Cc. of water, at 
 first very gradually added, until a uniform emulsion results. Then strain the mixture 
 into a graduated vessel, and wash the mortar and strainer with enough water to make the 
 product measure 1000 Cc. Mix the whole thoroughly. — TJ. S. 
 
 This formula corresponds to 18.24 grains of asafoetida for each fluidounce of water. 
 
 A syrup of asafoetida , , of the same strength as the emulsion, may be prepared by tritu- 
 rating 150 grains of selected tears with small quantities of water, decanting the concen- 
 trated emulsion until 4 fluidounces are obtained, in which 6 troyounces of sugar are dis- 
 solved by agitation. While at first milk-white, it acquires after exposure a pinkish color ; 
 the resin, which partially separates on standing, is easily incorporated by agitation. If 
 desired, the asafoetida odor may be covered by the addition of a little oil of bitter 
 almonds. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Asafoetida emulsion is the most prompt and decided in its 
 action of all the forms of administering asafoetida by the mouth. It is frequently given 
 
612 
 
 EMULSUM CHLOROFORMI.— EMULSUM SC AMMON II. 
 
 as an enema, but for the latter purpose a mixture of an ounce of tincture of asafoetida 
 with half a pint of water is more convenient and efficient. The dose of emulsion of 
 asafoetida is 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls — Gm. 16-32 (fgss-i). 
 
 EMULSUM CHLOROFORMI, U. Emulsion op Chloroform. 
 
 Mistura chloroformi, U. S. 1880; Emulsio chloroformi. — Emulsion de chloro forme, Fr. ; 
 Chloroform- Emulsion, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chloroform, 40 Cc. ; Expressed Oil of Almond, 60 Cc. ; Tragacanth, 
 in very fine powder, 15 Gm. ; Water, in sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Intro- 
 duce the tragacanth into a perfectly dry bottle of sufficient capacity, add the chloroform, 
 and shake the bottle thoroughly, so that every part of the surface may become wetted. 
 Then add about 250 Cc. of water, and incorporate it by vigorous shaking. Next add the 
 expressed oil of almond in several portions, shaking after each addition, and when the oil 
 has been thoroughly emulsified, add enough water, in divided portions, shaking after each 
 addition, until the product measures 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 Since the Pharmacopoeia directs 4 and 6 per cent, by volume of chloroform and oil of 
 sweet almond respectively, ^ pint of the emulsion may be conveniently prepared by shaking 
 154 minims of chloroform with 55 grains of tragacanth, adding 2 ounces of water, then 
 230 minims of expressed oil of almond, and finally sufficient water to bring the volume 
 of the finished product up to 8 fluidounces. 
 
 This formula differs radically from that of the Pharmacopoeia of 1880, which directed 
 40 grains of chloroform and 10 grains of camphor in each fluidounce and yolk of egg to 
 be used as the emulsifying agent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This emulsion forms a stable preparation which may sometimes 
 be convenient for the administration of chloroform in cases of gastralgia , flatulent , biliary , 
 renal , and uterine colic , and in nervous or hysterical paroxysms. The dose is 1 or 2 table- 
 spoonfuls (Gm. 16-32 (f^ss-i). 
 
 EMULSUM GUAIACI. — Gu ala cum Emulsion. 
 
 Mistura guaiaci , Br. — Guaiacum mixture , E. ; Emulsion de resine de ga'iac, Lait de 
 ga'iac, Fr. ; Guajak- Emulsion , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Guaiacum Resin, in powder, Refined Sugar, each I ounce; 
 Acacia, powdered, \ ounce ; Cinnamon-water, 1 pint (imperial). Triturate the guaiacum 
 with the sugar and the gum, adding gradually the cinnamon-water. — Br. 
 
 This is a partial emulsion of guaiac resin, which, on exposure, changes in color. (See 
 Resina Guaiaci.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although unpleasant to the taste, it is perhaps less repulsive 
 than the tincture of guaiac. Very probably, also, the guaiacum in it, being thoroughly 
 divided by sugar and gum, is more readily acted upon and absorbed by the stomach than 
 the solid mass precipitated from the tincture would be. Dose , from 16-64 Cc. (f^ss-ij) 
 several times a day. 
 
 EMULSUM SCAMMONII.— Scammony Emulsion. 
 
 Mistura scammonii , Br. — Emulsio purgans cum scammonio, Lac scammonii. — Scammony 
 mixture , Milk of scammony , E. ; Emulsion purgative avec la scammonee, Mixture de scam- 
 monee , Fr. ; Scammonium- Emulsion, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Scammony, in powder, 6 grains ; Milk, 2 fluidounces. Tri- 
 turate the scammony with a little of the milk until a uniform emulsion is obtained. — Br. 
 
 Scammony is readily emulsionized with milk, the preparation being preferable to one 
 made with water, as the acrid nauseous taste is better concealed by milk. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Scammony forms with unskimmed milk a fine uniform emul- 
 sion which perfectly suspends the drug and conceals its acrid and nauseous taste. The 
 mixture is intended to be a dose for an adult ; for a child of five years one-third of the 
 quantity will suffice. 
 
ENEMA T A. —ENEMA OPII. 
 
 613 
 
 ENEMATA. — Clysters. 
 
 Clysmata , Clysteria. — Lavements , Clysteres , Fr. ; Klystiere, G. ; Lavativo , It. ; Ayuda, Sp- 
 Clysters are liquid medicines which are injected into the rectum by means of a syringe, 
 and ordinarily consist of water or of infusions mixed with solutions of salts or holding 
 insoluble substances in suspension. They are rarely if ever prepared by the apothecary, 
 but are generally made at the bedside, and the introduction of formulas into the Pharma- 
 copoeia serves mainly the purpose of informing the physician of the mode of their prepa- 
 ration. 
 
 ENEMA ALOES, Br . — Enema of Aloes. 
 
 Lavement, aloetique , Fr. ; Aloehlystier , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Aloes 40 grains ; Potassium Carbonate 15 grains ; Mucilage 
 of Starch 10 fluidounces. Mix, and rub together. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is far from certain that the enema of aloes exerts any 
 special influence, or any that would not be secured equally well by a solution of common 
 salt or of a magnesium salt. Aloetic enemata, when they are intended to purge, should 
 be large, but when they are to be retained to destroy ascarides of the rectum or to stim- 
 ulate the uterus , they should not exceed Gm. 60-90 (fgij-iij). 
 
 ENEMA ASAFCETIDA, Br , — Enema of Asafcetida. 
 
 Enema foetidum s. antihystericum , Clysma tonicum. — Lavement d'ase fetide , Fr. ; Asa- 
 fo t ida- Klys tier , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Asafoetida 30 grains; Distilled Water 4 fluidounces. Rub 
 the asafcetida in a mortar, with the water added gradually, so as to form an emulsion. — 
 Br. 
 
 This is identical with a mixture of equal parts of water and milk of asafoetida. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The use of asafetida by enema is often the most eligible 
 mode of its administration, on account of the patient’s inability to swallow, as in hysteria , , 
 or because it acts very promptly, as in cases of intestinal flatus. The association of 
 aloes with the emulsion of asafetida forms a very useful enema in cases of constipation 
 with flatulence. A mixture of the wine or tincture of aloes and tincture of asafetida, 
 sufficiently diluted with water, is far better than the officinal enema made with water 
 alone. 
 
 ENEMA MAGNESII SULPHATIS, Br , — Enema of Magnesium 
 
 Sulphate. 
 
 Enema catharticum. — Lavement de sulfate de magnesie , Fr. ; Bitter salz-Klystier , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Magnesium Sulphate 1 ounce ; Olive Oil 1 fluidounce ; Muci- 
 lage of Starch 15 fluidounces. Dissolve the magnesium sulphate in the mucilage of 
 starch, add the oil, and mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The oil and mucilage in this enema are worse than useless. 
 A simple solution of Epsom or of Glauber salt in water is preferable. It may be used 
 as an evacuant of constipated bowels when a prompt operation is desired, as in cases of 
 obstinate constipation or of congestion of the brain. For such purposes an enema should 
 always be large. 
 
 ENEMA OPH, Br . — Enema of Opium. 
 
 Enema anodynum s. sedativum. — Lavement opiace anodin , Fr. ; Opium- K lystier, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Tincture of Opium \ fluidrachm ; Mucilage of Starch 2 fluid* 
 ounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The proportion of laudanum or of other liquid opiate in an 
 enema must vary with the age and state of the patient, with the local or general narcotic 
 effect that is sought, etc. As the enema ought to be retained, the quantity of liquid in 
 it should not exceed Gm. 60 (fgij) ; and if designed to affect the system it should con- 
 sist of water, which is promptly absorbed, and not of starch, which may not be absorbed 
 at all. 
 
614 
 
 ENEMA TA BA CI.—EPIPIIEG US. 
 
 ENEMA TABACI. — Enema of Tobacco. 
 
 Lavement de tabac , Fr. ; Tabak-Kly slier, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Leaf Tobacco 20 grains; Boiling Water 8 fluidounces. Infuse 
 in a covered vessel for half an hour, ana strain.— Br. 1867. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The quantity stated in the formula is intended for one enema. 
 The infusion of tobacco (U. S. P. 1870) was stronger than this preparation by one-half, 
 but was prepared in the same way and used for the same internal purposes — that is to 
 say, for producing nausea and muscular relaxation in cases of strangulated hernia and 
 promoting alvine evacuations in ileus, as well as in the various cases indicated in the 
 article on Tobacco. About Gm. 32 (f^j) of the former American preparation was 
 intended to be given at a time. Its use requires caution. 
 
 ENEMA TEREBINTHIN-ZE, JBr, — Enema of Turpentine. 
 
 Lavement terebinthine , Fr. ; Terpentinbl-K ly&tier, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Turpentine 1 fluidounce ; Mucilage of Starch 15 
 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The proportion of oil of turpentine in an enema should vary 
 with the case in which it is used. It is most frequently employed to lessen tympanitic 
 distension of the bowels, but is of little use, comparatively, unless the flatus is confined 
 in the colon. It sometimes affords great relief to suflerin gin vesical calculus. It has been 
 used with alleged advantage in certain cases of amenorrhoea and to destroy ascarides of 
 the rectum. It may be administered during a paroxysm of hysteria. When it is intended 
 that a turpentine enema shall be retained, its bulk should be small, and it should also be 
 made into an emulsion with yelk of egg. 
 
 EPIPHEGUS. — Beechdrop. 
 
 Cancer-root, E. ; Orobanche de Virginie, Fr. ; Krebswurz , G. 
 
 Epiphegus (Orobanche, Linne) virginiana, Barton, s. E. americanus, Nuttall. Meehan, 
 Native Flowers , ii. p. 93. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Orobanchacese. 
 
 Origin. — A perennial parasite growing upon the roots of beech trees in North Amer- 
 ica from New Brunswick to Florida and Missouri, and flowering from August to October. 
 It is collected in autumn. 
 
 Description. — The subterraneous portion consists of a subglobular scaly tuber 
 12 Mm. 0 inch) and more in diameter. The stem is about 30 Cm. (12 inches) high, 
 much branched, angular, with ovate scales at the base of the branches and flowers. The 
 flowers are in long spicate racemes, the lower ones fertile and with a short corolla, the 
 upper ones sterile, with a long tubular and two-lipped corolla, about 8 Mm. (£ inch) long. 
 The stamens are didynamous, and the superior capsule is one-celled, two-valved, and con- 
 tains numerous minute seeds. All parts of the plant have a pale purplish- or yellowish- 
 brown color, and a disagreeable, bitter, and somewhat astringent taste. 
 
 The constituents of the plant have not been investigated. 
 
 Allied Plants, belonging to the same natural order, have been medicinally employed in Europe 
 and America. They are all parasitic, destitute of green foliage, and have a more or less bitter, 
 astringent, and nauseous taste. We mention the following North American species : 
 
 Conopholis (Orobanche, Linne ) Americana, Wallroth. — Cancer-root, Squaw-root, E. — It is 
 from 10-15 Cm. (4-6 inches) high, 20 Mm. (§ inch) thick, fleshy, yellowish or brownish, covered 
 with pale shining imbricated scales, resembling a pine-cone. The flowers have a curved two- 
 lipped corolla and four exserted stamens. It grows in oak woods. 
 
 Aphyllon uniflorum, Gray , s. Orobanche uniflora, Linnb. — Naked broom-rape, E. — It grows 
 in woodlands, has a very short nearly subterraneous scaly stem bearing one or several peduncles 
 about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, each with a nodding flower having a curved tubular somewhat 
 two-lipped corolla and included stamens. Its color is whitish or pale tawny. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses.— This plant appears to be astringent. Dried and 
 powdered, it has been given internally to control diarrhoea and applied externally to fun- 
 gous and unhealthy ulcers. Conopholis , as its popular name implies, has been used for 
 similar purposes, and aphyllon is credited with analogous virtues. 
 
EQ U1SETUM.—ERG0TA. 
 
 615 
 
 EQUISETUM. — Horsetail. 
 
 Prele , Fr. ; Schachtelhalm , G. ; Coda di cavallo It. : Cola de caballo , Sp. 
 
 Equisetum arvense, Limit , and Eq. liiemale, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Equisetaceae. 
 
 Description. — Both plants are leafless, and grow in damp soil in Europe and North 
 America. 
 
 E. aryense, common horsetail , has a simple, smooth, fertile stem, appearing in March 
 or April. The barren stems, which alone are used, are slender, about 60 Cm. (2 feet) 
 long, green, jointed, about twelve-furrowed, with simple or compound quadrangular 
 branches bearing at the joints four scales. 
 
 E. hiemale, scouring rush or shave-grass , has a simple stem about 60 Cm. (2 feet) or 
 more long, round, grooved, the ridges rough, and at the joints with sheaths of about 
 twenty narrow teeth, having a black girdle at the base and tip. 
 
 Constituents. — The scouring rush was analyzed by Diebold (1828), who found in 
 it resin, wax, sugar, starch, and salts. John obtained 13 per cent, of ash, 63 per cent, of 
 which (or 8 per cent, of the plant) was silica. The common horsetail gave to Willing 
 (1856) 4.07 per cent, of ash, 41.4 per cent, of which was silica. Braconnot’s equisetic 
 acid (1828) is aconitic acid , according to Baup (1851). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The various species of Equisetum have had the reputation of 
 being diuretic and astringent. It has been employed in dropsy , calculous affections , hsema- 
 turia , nocturnal incontinence of urine , diabetes insipidus , haemoptysis, diarrhoea , and dysen- 
 tery , and also as an emmenagogue. If too freely used it is said to render the urine 
 bloody, and therefore it should not be given when the urine is high-colored and the 
 general condition feverish. A decoction may be prepared with Gm. 4-8 (33-ij) of the 
 dried plant to a pint of water, of which Gm. 64 (fgij) may be taken several times a 
 day ; or, the fresh expressed juice may be given in the dose of from Gm. 30-90 (§j-ij) 
 daily, diluted with water or whey. 
 
 Arenaria rubra. It appears that this plant has long been used in Malta and in 
 Algeria as a remedy for dropsy , gravel, and inflammations of the urinary passages, and 
 that its use involves no risk. The large proportion of its alkaline and earthy salts 
 appears to explain its diuretic virtues. It is best* administered in decoction or infusion 
 made with 3 per cent, of the dried plant ( Bull . de Therap ., xcvii. 69). 
 
 ERGOTA, U. S., Br.— Ergot. 
 
 Secale cornutum, P. G. ; Secale clavatum , Mater secalis , Clavus secalinus. — Spurred rye , 
 E. ; Ergot de seigle, Seigle ergote (noir), Ble cornu, Fr. ; Mutterkorn , Kornmutter, Zapfen- 
 korn, Hungerkorn , G. ; Segata cornuta, Grano speronato, It. ; Cuernecillo ( Tizon ) de cen- 
 teno , Sp. 
 
 The sclerotium (compact mycelium or spawn) of Claviceps purpurea ( Fries ), Tulasne , 
 replacing the grain (produced within the paleae, Br .) of rye, Secale cereale, Linne, Steph. 
 and Church, Med. Bot ., plate 113; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 303. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Fungi, Ascomycetes. 
 
 Origin. — The ergot fungus and similar but probably distinct organisms are met with 
 upon many grasses and species of Carex and Cyperus. For medicinal purposes that of 
 rye alone is collected. In dts development three distinct stages are observed : At the 
 flowering season one or more ovaries in an ear of rye appear covered by a sweet yellowish 
 mucus, the so-called honey-dew of rye, which has a disagreeable odor and is avoided by 
 bees, but attracts other insects, mainly ants and beetles, which were formerly considered 
 to cause the disease Qf the grain. This honey-dew contains innumerable microscopic cells 
 called conidia, and a sugar which reduces alkaline solutions of cupric oxide to cuprous 
 oxide, a decomposition product of the constituents of the ovary caused by the develop- 
 ing fungus. The mycelium is formed of filamentous cells called hyphae, with an outer 
 layer forming a kind of membrane, the hymenium, composed of short linear cells, the 
 basidia, by which the oblong or oval conidia are separated. In this stage of develop- 
 ment it was formerly considered a distinct fungus, and received various names, the best 
 known being Sphacelia segetum, Leveille ; this is often used as a descriptive term for the 
 first stage, which is completed when the hyphae have penetrated the lower part of the 
 ovary and the separation of the conidia ceases ; the relation of the sphacelia to ergot was 
 first made known by Meyen (1841). 
 
 The hyphae of the sphacelia now begins to unite at the base of the ovary into a com- 
 
616 
 
 ERGOTA. 
 
 Fig. 108 . 
 
 \w 
 
 Fig. 109 . 
 
 pact body, which is purplish-black externally, and rapidly grows in length, carrying upon 
 its apex, in the form of a hood, the remains of the ovary and fragments of the sphacelia- 
 tissue. Occasionally the formation of the honey-dew does not commence until some time 
 after fructification has taken place and the fruit is partially developed ; in such a case 
 the ergot will be crowned by a stunted grain. When full grown the second stage of the 
 fungus has been reached, which forms the officinal ergot, or sclerotium , and was formerly 
 regarded as a distinct fungus, named Sclerotium (Spermcedia, Fries , Clavaria, Schrunk ) 
 Clavus, De Candolle. 
 
 In the succeeding spring small circular patches of the external layer are loosened and 
 fold back, while at the same time small heads make their appearance, which, at first 
 white, change to yellowish, reddish, and finally purple, and are upon slender, pale-purplish, 
 curved stipes. On the surface of the head small wart-like excrescences are formed, con- 
 taining the apertures of bottle-shaped cavities or conceptacles, the perithecia. Each one 
 of these conceptacles contains a large number of somewhat fusiform cells or spore-sacs, 
 the asci , each one of these containing eight filiform spores, which are discharged from 
 the aperture of the conceptacle agglutinated in a bundle. The formation of the spores 
 takes place about the time of the flowering of rye, and when 
 brought in contact with its flowers the spores develop again the 
 sphacelia. The spore-producing heads are nourished from the 
 contents of tissues of the sclerotium, which at first becomes 
 loose and spongy from the disappearance of the oil, and finally 
 shrivels and is destroyed. This third and final stage was for- 
 merly likewise -regarded as a distinct fungus, known, among 
 other names, as Cordiceps purpurea, Fries, until 
 Tulasne (1853)-proved it to be merely the final 
 stage in the development of a fungus, as described 
 above. The production of spores may be observed 
 by leaving the ergot in the open air or by keep- 
 ing it upon moist earth under a bell-glass ; we 
 have noticed it in a damp stoppered bottle con- 
 taining some ergot. 
 
 It will be seen that the officinal ergot is merely 
 the intermediate or dormant state of a fungus 
 named by the different pharmacopoeias sclerotium, 
 
 U. S., compact mycelium or spawn, Br., and stro- 
 mata sterilla (sterile beds), P. G., 1872. 
 
 The United States imported 7553 pounds of 
 ergot during the fiscal year 1866-67, and during 
 the years 1875-82 an average of 98,326 pounds annually. 
 
 Description. — Ergot forms a solid somewhat fusiform body, 
 which is 2 to 3 Cm. (f to 1? inches) long, 
 
 3 Mm. (i inch) thick, subcylindrical or often 
 obtusely triangular, tapering at both ends, 
 usually somewhat curved, with three longitu- 
 dinal furrows and an easily-detached yellow- 
 ish, small appendage or hood at the apex. 
 
 Externally of a purplish-black color, with 
 the surface frequently fissured transversely, 
 it is whitish, with some purplish striae, inter- 
 nally of a uniform texture, and breaks readily 
 with a smooth fracture. It has a peculiar 
 heavy odor, particularly when moist or when 
 treated with potassium or sodium hydroxide „ i|iw 
 
 solution; its taste is oily and disagreeable. Long j tudinal section of 
 It is frequently attacked by a mite, from frn, ‘ +w shnwiue 
 which it may be preserved by thoroughly 
 drying it and keeping it in well-stoppered bottles or by putting 
 chloroform into the bottle containing it. Ergot appears to preserve its virtues not 
 much over a year, and should therefore be annually renewed, the Pharmacopoeia direct- 
 ing that old ergot, which breaks with a sharp snap, is almost or entirely devoid of a 
 pinkish tinge upon the fracture, is hard and brittle between the teeth, and is compara- 
 tively odorless and tasteless, is to be rejected. Bernbeck (1881) ascertained that the 
 
 Ergot: fruiting- 
 stage. 
 
 Ergotized Rye. 
 
 fruiting head, showing 
 conceptacles. 
 
 a few drops of 
 
ERGOTA. 
 
 617 
 
 Fig. 111. 
 
 fixed oil obtained with petroleum benzin from recent ergot has a neutral reaction, while 
 that from old ergot shows a decided acid reaction to test-paper. 
 
 Powdered ergot spoils after a short time, the deterioration being induced by the 
 fixed oil becoming rancid ; it should therefore not be kept on hand in the powdered state 
 except for a brief period. According to Mourrut (1877), the powder may be preserved 
 unaltered for a long time by the addition to it of 5 per cent, of benzoin ; but the evi- 
 dent change produced in the fixed oil, and probably other constituents, of the powder 
 has caused a number of suggestions to be made looking toward the removal of the oil. 
 For this purpose benzin or ether has been mostly recommended. Ferrot (1882) recom- 
 mends bruising of the ergot, and drying it at 40° C. (104° F.), after which it should be 
 powdered, again dried at 80° C. (176° F.), then exhausted with ether, and dried at 35° 
 C. (95° F.), the heat being gradually raised to 100° C. (212° F.), w T hen the powder is 
 to be put into small vials. Benzin of a low boiling-point will likewise answer for this 
 purpose. While there can be no doubt that powdered ergot deprived of fixed oil will 
 not deteriorate readily, investigations are still needed as to the effect of the different 
 solvents of the oil upon the other constituents, and to the length of time for which such 
 ergot will retain its activity ; Werner (1881) reported its virtues unimpaired after more 
 than two years. 
 
 Constituents. — The separation of the constituents of ergot offers peculiar difficul- 
 ties. which have been in part explained by the researches of Buchheim and of Dragen- 
 dorff (1876); the former regards the active principle as a body somewhat resembling 
 gelatin, and that it is formed from the gluten of rye-ovary, and 
 readily changed by the influence of chemical agents. The latter, 
 in connection with Podwissotzky, has isolated a number of uncrys- 
 tallizable compounds possessing more or less activity, the most 
 important being sclerotic acid, present to the amount of 4 or 4£ 
 per cent., and scleromucin , of which 2 to 3 per cent, are obtained, 
 and which is insoluble in alcohol of 40 per cent, by volume. The 
 following principles are less active: sclererythrm , the red coloring 
 matter, which was first noticed as peculiar by Winckler, is soluble 
 in alkalies with a splendid murexid color, also in alcohol, ether, 
 and chloroform ; it is present in minute quantity (y-i-^- per cent.); 
 scleroiodin (y 1 ^ per cent, of ergot) after drying is insoluble in water, 
 alcohol, and ether, and dissolves with a violet color in potassa or 
 strong sulphuric acid ; sclerocrystallin and scleroxanthin are crys- 
 tallizable, but without medicinal effect ; their alcoholic solutions 
 acquire with ferric chloride a violet and afterward blue-red color, 
 loids (see below) are likewise regarded as nearly inert. 
 
 This multiplicity of uncrystallizable principles seems to support the views of Buchheim, 
 that the low organization of ergot prevents the formation of well-characterized principles, 
 and that those which are formed are easily altered ; it may also explain why preparations 
 possessing some activity may be obtained by very different processes. Wiggers’s ergotin 
 (1830) was prepared from ergot deprived of fixed oil by ether, by extracting it with hot 
 alcohol, evaporating, and washing the extract with water ; the yield was about 1 per cent. 
 It resembles cinchonic-red, is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water and ether, and is 
 said to have poisonous properties. Bonjean’s ergotin is soluble in water and in alcohol. 
 (See Extract. Ergots.) More light was apparently thrown upon the active principles 
 of ergot by the researches of Wenzell (1864), who proved the presence of two alkaloids — 
 ecboline and ergotine, the former of which is precipitated by corrosive sublimate, and pro- 
 duces decided effects upon the brain and contractions of the muscles, while the less active 
 ergotine reduces the pulse and is precipitated by phosphomolybdic acid, but not by corro- 
 sive sublimate. Both alkaloids are brownish, uncrystallizable, soluble in water, and have 
 an alkaline reaction and bitterish taste. Ganser (1870) obtained from ergot 0.16 per cent, 
 of ecboline and 0.04 of ergotine, the hydrochlorate of the latter crystallizing in needles. 
 Manassewitz (1867) gives the composition of ergotine as C 50 H 52 N. 2 O 3 . The alkaloids, 
 according to Wenzell and Ganser, exist in combination with crgotic acid , which is volatile 
 and yields crystallizable salts. Dragendorff (1876), however, regards the two alkaloids 
 as identical ; and this seems to have been proven by Blumberg (1878), who found that 
 concentrated solution of ergotine is precipitated by corrosive sublimate in the same way 
 as ecboline, and that this precipitate with the latter alkaloid is not entirely insoluble in 
 water. Moreover Dragendorff denies that ecboline, which is entirely free from the com- 
 pounds mentioned above, possesses any decided physiological action. Another alkaloid, 
 
 Ergot. 
 
 Wenzell’s pure alka- 
 
618 
 
 ERGOTA. 
 
 ergotinine , fluorescent in alcohol, ether, and chloroform solution was isolated by Tanret 
 (1875) from the fixed oil of ergot prepared with ether by agitating it with acidulated 
 water ; Dragendorff could not obtain it. According to Yilliers (1878), it has the form- 
 ula C 35 H 40 N 4 O 6 . Blumberg obtained from fresh ergot .12 per cent, of ergotinine, which 
 is crystalline, but soon becomes resinous ; sulphuric acid colors it red, violet, and blue, and 
 with Frohde’s reagent it becomes blue and blue-green ; in its effects upon frogs it resem- 
 bles picrosclerotine (producing decreased sensibility, paralysis of the extremities, and 
 death without convulsions). The amorphous alkaloid was obtained together with fusco- 
 scler otic-acid, by Dragendorff and Podwissotzky in purifying sclererythrin. Robert 
 (1885) isolated another alkaloid, to which he applied the name of cornutine , which is 
 claimed to be an active constituent of ergot, and is probably present to some extent in 
 ecboline and ergotine. It is amorphous, reddish, by trituration flesh-colored, entirely 
 insoluble in ether and water, but soluble in alcohol, and constitutes the chief active 
 ingredient of various alcoholic extracts, which also contain sphacelic add. This, also 
 known as spliacelotoxin , is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and alkalies. That 
 water distilled from ergot particularly in presence of an alkali, possesses an alkaline 
 reaction was observed by F. L. Winckler (1826) ; the alkaline principle was subsequent- 
 ly (1853) named secaline , but was found to be identical with trimethylamine (gnethyla- 
 vnine , according to Ludwig and Stahl). According to Ganser, it does not pre-exist in 
 ergot, but appears to be formed through decomposition of choline, naturally present. 
 
 Ergot contains between 28 and 30 per cent, of bland yellowish, non-drying fixed oil , 
 from which warm alcohol removes some acrid resin and cholesfrin ; the latter was obtained 
 by L. Stahl (1866), and its character proven by Ludwig (1869). Schoonbrodt (1866) 
 found in it lactic acid , which, according to Buchheim, often renders ergotine strongly acid. 
 Formic and acetic acid appear to be sometimes present. Starch is entirely absent. 
 The ash of ergot amounts to 3 or 4 per cent., and consists almost exclusively of phos- 
 phates. 
 
 Detection in Flour and Bread. — This depends upon dissolving the principles giving a 
 color reaction. According to Hoffmann (1878), bread, 30 Gm., is grated, macerated in 
 ether, 40 Gm., containing 12 drops of diluted sulphuric acid; after 24 hours the clear 
 ethereal solution is agitated with a concentrated solution of sodium bicarbonate, the 
 latter acquiring a reddish-violet color, due to sclererythrin. The percentage of ergot 
 present according to Poehl (1862), may thus be determined by comparison with the 
 results from mixtures of known composition. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In doses of a drachm or two the first action of ergot is to 
 occasion more or less vomiting and purging, but its more characteristic effects are head- 
 ache, fulness of the head, vertigo, drowsiness, and dilatation of the pupils. The pulse 
 falls from 70 to 60, or even less, in a minute, and this reduction may continue for several 
 days, as may also the dilatation of the pupils. The respiration also becomes slower. 
 Examples have occurred of what may be regarded as acute poisoning by ergot. A woman 
 of good constitution, suffering from menorrhagia, took from 5 to 6 grams (fgH— 1^-) of 
 fluid extract of ergot. Nine hours elapsed before the effects became noticeable. They 
 comprised a sense of constriction in the pelvis, extreme dryness of the mouth and throat, 
 praecordial anguish and gasping for breath, constrictive pain in the chest and loins, verti- 
 go, confused senses, general formication, coldness and anaesthesia, epileptiform spasms, 
 hurried and shallow breathing, a small pulse, beating 50, and a temperature of 96.8° F. 
 These alarming symptoms yielded promptly to ether, hypodermically and by inhalation, 
 chloral, and strong coffee ; but not completely, for on the next day but one after the 
 attack several convulsive paroxysms occurred, swallowing was difficult and painful, and 
 the thoracic and abdominal pains persisted, although less severely. Even on the follow- 
 ing day they still lingered (Debierre, Bull, de Therap ., cvi. 52). An occasional and 
 peculiar action of ergot consists in its producing swelling of the face and arms ( Times 
 and Gaz ., Oct. 1879, p. 397). After several drachm-doses of Squibb’s fluid extract of 
 ergot, taken by a woman for uterine haemorrhage, the patient’s “ forearms and hands, legs 
 and feet, became very red and swollen,” and she suffered from a sense of coldness ( New 
 York Med. Jour., June, 1884). In a more recent case “one small teaspoonful” of the 
 same preparation occasioned similar but more alarming symptoms {Med. News, li. 538). 
 The oil extracted from ergot by macerating it with ether displays even greater energy in 
 producing the same symptoms, and, in addition, great languor and lassitude, lividity of 
 the skin, painful rigidity of the muscles, and sometimes diuresis. These effects may con- 
 tinue for several days. The oil exerts no influence upon the gravid uterus, but the 
 
ERGOTA. 
 
 619 
 
 residual ergot from which it had been extracted seems to possess the ecbolic power of the 
 drug unimpaired. 
 
 Ergotism, as an epidemic disease, has been known from ancient times. It exhibits the 
 poisonous effects of ergoted rye upon a large scale and in various phases, which probably 
 depend upon the amount of the poison ingested. In one class of cases the cerebro-spinal 
 nervous system is mainly involved, which is indicated by neuralgic pains, formication and 
 numbness of the extremities, paroxysmal flexures and extensions of the limbs, opisthot- 
 onos, violent delirium, etc. — symptoms which are succeeded by exhaustion, and sometimes 
 by strabismus and more or less impairment of vision. In fact, the symptoms are very 
 analogous to those associated with lesions, and especially sclerosis, of the posterior col- 
 umns of the spinal cord, and known as locomotor ataxia. Such an epidemic occurred in 
 Germany in 1879 (. Archives gen., vii. ser. xx. 731). Death may occur in coma or in 
 convulsions. In the other class of cases the nervous system is not conspicuously 
 deranged, but the function of nutrition is impaired. A sense of muscular lassitude and 
 a dull hue of the skin precede graver derangements, shown by the formation of gangren- 
 ous areas in various parts of the body. They begin most frequently in the thickness 
 of a limb, and afterward form on the superficial parts, extending from the fingers or toes 
 upward, causing these parts to blacken, shrivel, and harden — in a word, to become 
 mummified or affected with dry gangrene. The dead parts may, as in gangrene from other 
 causes, separate, so as to leave a clean wound behind. In a majority of cases, however, 
 the attack is fatal. Gangrene has also been produced by the continued medicinal use 
 of ergot. Debove reports the case of a woman with “chronic nephritis” who took about 
 4 grains a day of ergot for twenty days, and suffered gangrene of the hands ; and 
 Dujardin-Beaumetz relates that having, in a case of typhoid fever, prescribed a daily dose 
 of 15 grains of ergot, the patient had sphacelus of the right hand, but recovered. A 
 similar one is narrated by Boissaire (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 229, 373). A case of con- 
 stitutional poisoning produced by the administration of ergot to procure several successive 
 abortions, and terminating fatally at last, is reported by Pouchet (Annales d'Hyg. pub., 
 3 me ser., xvii. 253). In some cases of locomotor ataxia the symptoms have become dis- 
 tinctly aggravated under the use of ergot (Centralbl. f. Therapiie , i. 227). 
 
 In comparing the different grades of the operation of ergot in animals and in man it 
 is evident that the action in both cases is essentially the same, and that it is manifested 
 mainly by the nervous and the circulatory functions. The former exhibits debility of 
 the general and special senses — dilated pupils, spinal paralysis, and general convulsions, 
 usually clonic in type ; the gravid uterus is thrown into tonic contractions ; the circulatory 
 and nutritive functions are shown to be deranged by the slowness of the pulse, the fall 
 of temperature, the cyanosis of vascular parts, the discharge of dark blood, the occur- 
 rence of cutaneous eruptions, the shedding of the hair, feathers, etc., and the gangrene 
 of various parts, but in man of the feet and hands especially. 
 
 It may be hence inferred that the primary sensible action of ergot is upon the nervous 
 system, since the lower degrees of its operation interest exclusively the functions of that 
 system, while its more prolonged action gives rise to radical changes in tissue-nutrition. 
 But all the evidence goes to show that the modifications of nervous action are consequent 
 upon a diminished supply of arterial blood to the cerebro-spinal and the ganglionic nerve- 
 centres. This diminished supply of blood is due partly to the sedative operation of the 
 drug upon the heart, and partly to the contraction of the capillaries, which is demonstra- 
 ble by the ophthalmoscope in the case of the human eye, and is also visible in the frog's 
 foot and in the membranes of the brain and spinal membranes ; it is inferred to exist in 
 the spinal cord from the successive muscular spasm and paralysis which affect the vol- 
 untary and also the intestinal and uterine muscles, and the loss of vitality, with gangrene, 
 which have been mentioned. It is, however, upon the non-striated muscular fibres, and 
 especially upon those of the arteries and the uterus, that ergot displays its action first 
 and most conspicuously. 
 
 Rules have long been in use for the administration of ergot during labor. It has been 
 recommended — 1, in lingering labors when the child’s head is low, the parts relaxed, the 
 pains absent or feeble, and there is danger in delay from haemorrhage or other alarming 
 symptoms ; 2, when the pains are suspended and convulsions set in, venesection being 
 premised ; 3, in inevitable abortion ; 4, when the placenta is retained by uterine inertia ; 
 5, in post-partum haemorrhage under like circumstances. Since about 1880 the use of 
 ergot during labor has been restricted, and many obstetricians have ceased to employ it. 
 It is claimed that in all cases the forceps are safer and more manageable. Some would 
 limit its use to past-partum haemorrhage, objecting to it as long as the placenta is 
 
620 
 
 ERGOTA. 
 
 retained ; others employ it to prevent, but not to remedy, this accident ; some maintain 
 that it is never needed during labor, and is more dangerous than useful, and that manual 
 pressure, the hot douche, and the forceps render it superfluous. On the other hand, it is 
 held to be indispensable in placenta praevia, and almost so in abortion ; that it is the best 
 safeguard against septicaemia and the haemorrhage that follows the use of anaesthetics, 
 and hence it is habitually employed by many after delivery of the placenta. In regard to 
 the utility of the latter, differences of opinion exist even after a careful clinical study of 
 the subject, some maintaining that ergot hastens, and others that it retards, involution 
 (compare Blanc, Bull, de Therap ., cxv. 563 ; Lancet, Feb. 11, 1888), but the weight of 
 evidence appears to be upon the side of the former opinion. The influence of ergot upon 
 the uterus in labor is unlike that of the natural forces : they are intermittent and rhyth- 
 mical ; it is constant and steady, and, as it were, tetanic, and therefore tends to destroy 
 the child by interrupting the placental blood-supply and impeding the foetal circulation. 
 After labors with ergot the uterus is much larger and harder than natural, and remains 
 so for several days. Ergot has been accused of causing rupture of the uterus, but the 
 evidence is incomplete when the drug has been administered according to settled rules. 
 Disease of the uterus, deformity of the pelvis or spine, and similar conditions forbid its 
 use. No doubt laceration of the perineum and of the os uteri and hour-glass contraction 
 may sometimes be attributed to its imprudent exhibition, as well as prolapse of the uterus 
 or of the rectum. Detention of the placenta is even more apt to occur. In some cases 
 also, perhaps from an overdose of ergot, it has appeared to cause delirium or coma, livid- 
 ity of the face, muscular rigidity, etc. There is no doubt that ergot is dangerous to the 
 child in proportion to the duration of its action, and that therefore it should not be 
 administered until labor is near its termination. Fatal effects of the drug may occur even 
 when it has not occasioned contraction of the uterus. Children are then born dead, with 
 cyanosed skin and distorted limbs, and the discoloration has followed the use of the oil of 
 ergot, which does not stimulate the uterine contractions. It follows from these facts 
 that the rules above are justified, and that another might be added to them — viz. never 
 to give ergot to expedite labor in larger doses than are necessary to produce that effect. 
 In premature labor the drug appears to be more hostile to the child’s life than at term, 
 but is decidedly profitable to the mother. When the uterus is not in action, ergot does 
 not readily excite its contraction ; hence it seldom occasions abortion as a direct effect. 
 Indeed, in certain cases when this occurrence is imminent from accidental uterine haem- 
 orrhage, small and repeated doses of ergot have appeared to prevent it. It is stated that 
 in the Dublin Lying-in Hospital it is a rule to administer the infusion of ergot immedi- 
 ately after delivery in all cases, and to multiparae three times a day for two days. It is 
 also given in all cases where there is any tendency to flowing, to a relaxed condition of 
 the uterine walls, or to tenderness over the uterine region. The results, it is said, are the 
 prevention of a tendency to subinvolution and the disappearance of threatening inflam- 
 matory symptoms. 
 
 Ergot has long been known as a remedy for uterine haemorrhage after labor, as well as 
 for menorrhagia and bleeding from cancer and other diseases of the uterus. In menor- 
 rhagia it seems to be most efficient when the uterus is in a flaccid condition, as shown, 
 amongst other ways, by the persistence of uterine leucorrhoea between the menstrual 
 periods. It doubtless in all thesa. cases constringes the uterine tissue, but that it acts 
 directly upon the blood-vessels is proved by its efficacy in other forms of haemorrhage — 
 gastric , pulmonary, 7 iasa.l, intestinal, hsemorrhoidal, urethral, vesical , and renal — and also in 
 purpura hsemorrhagica. In all of these cases it probably becomes efficient through its 
 power of contracting the muscular coat of the small arteries of the bleeding part. Tt 
 may be employed in substance or as a fluid extract by the mouth, or with more prompt 
 effect by the hypodermic injection of ergotin. Full doses should be given. For hypo- 
 dermic injection a solution may be prepared with Gm. 2 (30 grains) of ergotin, Gm. 50 
 (13 drachms) of water, and an equal proportion of glycerin. Gm. 4 (1 fluidrachm), con- 
 taining about Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) of ergotin, may be used hypodermically. It does not 
 cause local irritation, and its effect upon the haemorrhage is very prompt. Yvon’s prepa- 
 ration is said to be the best. 
 
 The power of ergot to contract the uterus may be used to expel retained placenta s, 
 mural fibroid tumors, polypi, hydatids, etc. In regard to the advantages of ergot in the 
 treatment of uterine fibroids the reports are very conflicting, but they are fairly repre- 
 sented in the conclusions arrived at by Herman ( Times and Gaz., Aug. 1879, p. 205): 
 1. “ Ergot will often produce the diminution in size, and sometimes even complete ab- 
 sorption, of fibroid tumors of the uterus, and will, in the majority of cases, relieve their 
 
ERG OTA. 
 
 621 
 
 symptoms. 2. These effects will often follow the administration of the drug by the 
 mouth, but will more certainly be produced by its hypodermic injection in the neighbor- 
 hood of the tumor.” Even when the medicine has little or no appreciable effect upon 
 the size of the uterus, it almost always checks the haemorrhage which is a common and 
 serious symptom of fibroid tumors of that organ. In uterine haemorrhage due to other 
 causes, such as chronic metritis, the menopause, cancer, subinvolution, parturition, abor- 
 tion, etc., ergot, but more particularly ergotin hypodermically, has proved more com- 
 pletely and promptly successful than any other medicine. Cornutin is said to be efficient 
 in such cases when administered hypodermically in doses of from \ to \ grain ( Med . 
 News, Iv. 486). Ergot is also useful in treating chronic endometritis. This action, 
 which under certain circumstances may be called tonic, has been found efficient in the 
 treatment of uterine leucorrhoea , and even of amenorrhcea due to an enfeebled and an- 
 aemic state. It is stated that ergot moderates the excessive secretion of milk , and it has 
 been used to prevent mammary abscesses and the engorgement of the breasts in weaning. 
 It is one of the most efficient remedies in diabetes insipidus , in the treatment of which 
 it was first used by Dr. J. M. DaCosta ( Phila . Med. Times, July, 1875, p. 636), and 
 afterward by Murrell, Rendu, and others in Europe (Garens, These , 1879; Lancet, 
 April, 1882 ; Bucquoy, Societe de Therap., Avr. 1888) ; in 1882-83,. DaCosta reported 
 seven additional cases, in all of which, save one, a cure was wrought ( Med. News , xl. 5 ; 
 xlii. 72), since when he has cured many more {ibid., lv. 347) ; and three other similar 
 cases occurred to Lacy {Med. News, xlii. 9). The medicine sometimes fails entirely. 
 (Compare Practitioner, xxix. 209 ; xxx. 136.) The more distinctly the affection is con- 
 nected with nervous disorder, the greater is the benefit derived from ergot. In most 
 cases the cure is complete and permanent. It is probably most efficient when associated 
 with belladonna, and should be given in the form of the fluid extract in the dose of 
 Gm. 4 (a fluidrachm) three times a day, gradually increased to double that quantity. 
 It is remarkable that in several cases the diminution of the urine was attended with 
 severe pains in the head. In one case (Garens) the polyuria was associated with “ inter- 
 stitial nephritis,” and while using the medicine the patient ceased to urinate, and died 
 of apoplexy. Ergot has long been used with advantage in the treatment of paralysis 
 of the bladder and in paraplegia. Theoretically, it is most appropriate to cases in which 
 hyperaemia of the spinal cord exists, but it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to 
 account for its efficacy in all successful cases upon this ground, particularly since it 
 appears to have been curative in reflex as well as in congestive paraplegia. It should 
 be given in full doses to ensure its beneficial effects. Incontinence of urine , depending 
 either upon paralysis or irritability of the bladder or upon enlarged prostate, is palliated 
 or cured by it, according to the nature of the primary cause. It has been found efficient 
 particularly in those cases of retention or incontinence of urine which are so apt to occur 
 in the typhoid state of febrile diseases. Luton {Bull, de T Acad, de Med., xxvi. 803) 
 states that in dysentery he found that powdered ergot, or ergotin, in the dose of 8 grains 
 arrested the course of the disease ; but Dewar ( Practitioner , xxviii. 361) states that the 
 medicine always increased the diarrhoea for which it was given. Its power of contract- 
 ing the blood-vessels has been exemplified in cases of enlarged spleen of malarial origin, 
 and even when it occurred as a symptom of leucocythemia. In simple goitre , or vas- 
 cular enlargement of the thyroid gland, the hypodermic injection of ergotin has been 
 followed in many cases by a complete cure. Suppositories containing ergotin are re- 
 ported to have cured four out of five cases of haemorrhoids , although the first effect of 
 the application was to cause pain for an hour or more (Lansing). Hypodermic injections 
 of ergotin have been used by Vidal, Fernand, and others to prevent prolapsus of the 
 rectum, both when attended with haemorrhoids and when free from that complication. 
 The injections were sometimes made into the haemorrhoidal tumors, and sometimes into 
 the skin around the anus. A solution of ergotin (1 : 5) was employed, of which from 15 
 to 20 drops were used for each injection {Bull, et Memoires de la Soc. de Therap., 1881, 
 p. 116). A convenient solution may be made with 1 part of ergotin to 3 parts each of 
 water and glycerin. Suppositories containing ergotin have been used in the cases just 
 referred to — with advantage, according to some, but others declare that they are tole- 
 rated with difficulty. They may contain 1 part of ergotin to 10 of cocoa-butter and a 
 sufficient proportion of wax. It is alleged that constipation following an abuse of purga- 
 tives, and due to atony of the intestine, may be cured by ergot. The hypodermic 
 method has been used with advantage in cases of ingravescent apoplexy and mania a 
 potn, and might probably be applied in the same way in heat-apoplexy or sunstroke, for 
 which it has been administered by the mouth in India. Several years ago numerous 
 
622 
 
 ERG OTA. 
 
 cases of ccrebro-spinal meningitis were published in which the treatment consisted mainly 
 of a dose every three hours of 1 grain of ergotin and y 1 ^ grain of extract of belladonna. 
 The results were regarded by the reporter as exceptionably favorable (W. Read). We 
 have not met with any reports which tend either to confirm or invalidate this conclusion. 
 A case of supposed tubercular meningitis cured by ergot has been reported (Gibney). 
 It is likewise credited with the cure of certain cases of typhoid fever in which active 
 cerebral or cerebro-spinal symptoms existed (Dubone), but the alleged results have not 
 been confirmed ; they are contrary to the history of the disease, and proof exists that the 
 medicine has occasioned gangrene and death when used in typhoid fever. Chevallereau 
 claims that the hypodermic injection of ergotin is capable of arresting the course of 
 acute articular rheumatism (. Practitioner , xxvi. 289). According to J. G. Rogers, it is 
 remarkably potent in repressing the excitement of insanity depending upon “ cerebral 
 plethora, whether active or passive ” {Med. Record , xx. 503), but, according to Nebel, 
 Luton, Adam, and others, the medicine is most appropriate in melancholia. Its dangers, due 
 to its interference with nutrition, should condemn it in such cases. There is no proof of 
 its efficacy in epilepsy. In nervous headache , or migraine, there seems to be good reason for 
 believing it to be useful when continued for some time in doses of 6 grains a day, grad- 
 ually increased to 15 grains (Schumacher). It is claimed that dilatation of the heart 
 from impaired nutrition and independent of valvular disease is greatly benefited by this 
 medicine. Used hypodermically in the neighborhood of aneurismal tumors, ergotin is 
 credited with having a share in their cure, along with digitalis, electro-puncture, etc. 
 {Bull, de Therap , cii. 505). It has also been used in whooping cough with apparent 
 success. Dewar declares that in scores of cases he proved its power to cut short the 
 disease ( Practitioner , xxviii. 357), and Allan attributes to it a power of controlling other 
 coughs, even that of phthisis {ibid., xxvi. 291). It is said to relieve impaired vision 
 arising from congestion of the retina and due to excessive strain of the eye in examining 
 minute objects. A solution of 1 part of ergotin in 15 or 20 of glycerin and water has 
 been used as a collyrium in numerous cases of conjunctivitis , keratitis , and iritis , and it 
 is advised that it be applied every two or three hours, and that in severe cases a rag 
 wetted with the solution should be kept almost constantly upon the affected eye (Planat; 
 Dabney). The action of ergot upon the capillary blood-vessels has been tested in several 
 chronic diseases of the skin , with alleged advantage, by Heitzmann and by D’Enslow 
 {Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1882, p. 253 ; Philo. Med. Times, xii. 873), and 
 especially in acne rosacea, erythema, urticaria, and prurigo — which are notoriously rebel- 
 lious to treatment. It seems useless in eczema and psoriasis, perhaps because in those 
 affections an exudation exists. Its utility in purpura hsemorrhagica has already been 
 noticed. According to Bulkley {Trans. Med. Soc. of State of N. Y, 1876, p. 176), it 
 causes “ an almost, if not quite, immediate cessation of cutaneous and other haemor- 
 rhages. ” He advises 1 or 2 grains of ergotin or 10 or 15 minims of the fluid extract 
 hypodermically once or twice a day, but says that these doses may be more than doubled 
 without harm. Colliquative sweats are effectually controlled in many instances by 15 or 
 20 grains of powdered ergot or by a proportionate dose of ergotin administered hypoder- 
 mically (Huchard). It is alleged by Schilling that ergot prevents the tinnitus and deaf- 
 ness occasioned by quinine or b} 7 salicylic acid, and also the amblyopia which the former 
 sometimes induces {Med. News, xliii. 123). It would be singular if ergot, which is be- 
 lieved to contract the capillaries, were to relieve a symptom supposed to be induced by 
 that very mechanism. 
 
 Ergot is conveniently administered by making an infusion of Gm. 8 (^ij) of the drug, 
 coarsely powdered, in about half a pint of hot water, which should be given in table- 
 spoonful doses every ten or fifteen minutes if contraction of the distended uterus is desired, 
 or if haemorrhage from any part is to be checked. The powder may be given in doses of 
 from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx) at similar intervals. Bonjean’s or Yvon’s ergotin may 
 be prescribed in doses of from Gm. 0.06-0.20 (gr. j-iij) under like circumstances. Hy- 
 podermically, it may be administered in warm water, slightly salted, with the aid of gly- 
 cerin, in doses of from y 1 ^ to of those given by the mouth. Ergotin is usually taken 
 in capsules. It may be used in suppositories containing from 6 to 15 grains. Tanret’s 
 ergotinine is said to be most suitable for hypodermic administration in doses of Gm. 0.001 
 
 (gr. -fa) or less - 
 
ERIODICTYON.—ER YNGIUM. 
 
 623 
 
 ERIODICT Y ON. TJ. Mountain-Balm. 
 
 Consumptive's weed , Bear's weed , E. 
 
 The leaves of E. glutinosum, Bentham , s. Wigandia californica, Hooker et Arnott. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Hydrophyllaceae. 
 
 Origin. — An evergreen shrub 1 to 1.5 M. (3 to 5 feet) high, growing thriftily among 
 the rocks on the mountain-ranges of Central California southward to Northern Mexico. 
 It has axillary and terminal racemose clusters of showy purplish -blue flowers, with a 
 
 Fig. 112. 
 
 Eriodictyon-leaves, natural size : lower and upper surface. 
 
 funnel-shaped corolla and five stamens, and ovoid, semi-transparent capsules supported by 
 the persistent five-lobed calyx and containing about twenty seeds. The leaves are 
 employed. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are alternate, petiolate, 5 to 10 Cm. (2 or 4 inches) long 
 oblong-lanceolate, sinuately toothed or nearly entire, with the upper surface smooth, 
 green, and often varnished with a brownish resinous exudation, and the lower surface 
 minutely white-tomentose, and delicately reticulated by a network of veins. After bruis- 
 ing the leaves their balsamic odor becomes more apparent ; their taste is aromatic, bal- 
 samic, and free from bitterness. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves evidently contain volatile oil and resin. According to 
 H. S. Wellcome (1886), the latter is transparent, amber-colored, balsamic in odor and 
 taste, amounts to from 20 to 30 per cent, of the leaves, and consists of several distinct 
 resins. The same resin also covers the branches. Thai (1883) showed the presence of 
 ericolin. (See Ledum.) Quirini (1888) isolated eriodictyonic acid , C 14 H 18 0 5 , which is 
 present to the.amount of 2.4 per cent. It forms delicate yellow plates melting at 86-88° 
 C., is very hygroscopic, neutral in reaction, and possesses a sweet-sour taste. Lead 
 acetate, copper sulphate, mercuric chloride, gelatin, or tannin have no effect ; ferric 
 chloride, however, precipitates it reddish-black, the precipitate being soluble in ammonia. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — By triturating the resin with powdered French chalk, 
 and following the official process for syrup of tolu, a syrup is obtained having a delicious 
 fruity aroma and taste, closely resembling those of the pineapple, due, probably, to the 
 presence of butyric ether in the resin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although supposed at first to possess medicinal value, it 
 speedily ceased to attract attention. It is said that chewing the leaf masks the bitter- 
 ness of quinine. It was stated to be very serviceable in atonic bronchitis , but worse 
 than useless in the inflammatory form of the disease ; but other accounts present the 
 exact converse of this opinion, and a bold ignorance has pronounced it to be a “ specific 
 for chronic lung disease and a certain cure for consumption.” Its real value as a medi- 
 cine is not determined. A syrup and an elixir of it have been used to mask the bitter- 
 ness of quinine. 
 
 ERYNGIUM.— Eryngo. 
 
 Button snakerooi, Corn snakeroot, Rattlesnake' s-master , E. 
 
 The rhyzome of Eryngium yuccaefolium, Michaux , s. Er. aquaticum, Linn6. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant grows in pine-barrens and prairies from New Jersey westward to 
 Wisconsin and southward to South Carolina. It has grass-like, nerved and bristly-fringed 
 leaves, the radical leaves being 30 to 45 Cm. (12 to 18 inches) long, those of the stem 
 
624 
 
 ER YTHR OPHL CE UM. 
 
 much shorter ; the white flowers are in dense ovate heads, which are larger than the 
 nearly-entire leaflets of the involucre. It blooms in July and August. 
 
 Description. — Button snakeroot consists of a short root-stock 6 to 12 Mm. (i to I 
 inch) long, with numerous short branches, terminating with a more or less deeply cup- 
 shaped scar. A transverse section exhibits a large whitish central pith and several short 
 wood-wedges, separated from the bark by a brown cambium-line. Below, the root-stalk 
 is divided into a large number of thin nearly simple rootlets from 5 to 8 Cm. (2 to 3 
 inches) long, and containing a rather thick and soft whitish meditullium. Button snake- 
 root has a dark -brown color externally, a slight but rather heavy aromatic odor, and a 
 sweetish and somewhat acrid and aromatic taste, recalling that of parsnip, which is prob- 
 ably due to a volatile oil. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Eryngium virginianum, Lamarck , has linear-lanceolate leaves and a spiny- 
 toothed involucre longer than the heads of bluish flowers. It is biennial, and grows in swampy 
 localities in the vicinity of the coast from New Jersey southward. 
 
 Er. campestre, Linne. — Eryngo, E. ; Chardon-Roland, Penicaut, Fr. ; Mannstreu, Brach- 
 distel, G. — A European perennial. Its root is cylindrical, about 60 Cm. (2 feet) long and 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) thick, with several conical heads, brown externally, and with a thick internally white 
 bark, covering the porous yellowish wood. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Button snakeroot has an acrid and aromatic taste, and is 
 reputed to be diaphoretic and expectorant, and emetic in large doses. In Europe E. 
 maritimum was once celebrated for its diuretic virtues, as was also E. campestre. Both 
 species continue to be used in the treatment of drops y, gravel , and jaundice. Eryngium 
 may be given in a decoction made with Gm. 16 (§ss) of the root to a pint of water, and 
 reduced by boiling to half a pint, and given in 1-ounce doses. 
 
 ERYTHROPHLCEUM.— Sassy-Bark. 
 
 Mancona-bark , Saucy-bark, E. ; Ecorce deman^one, Fr. ; Mancona-Rinde , G. 
 
 The bark of Erythrophloeum guineense, Don (E. judiciale, Procter ), s. Fillaca suave- 
 olens, Guillemin et Perrottet. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Mimoseae. 
 
 Origin. — Sassy-bark comes from a large tree with bipinnate coriaceous leaves, termi- 
 nal compound spicate racemes of decandrous flowers, and flat legumes with three or four 
 lenticular seeds. The tree grows in Central and Western Africa, and the bark is used by 
 the natives as an ordeal- and arrow-poison. 
 
 Description. — The bark is seen in flat or curved pieces, of irregular size, about 6 
 Mm. (1 inch) thick, covered externally with an uneven warty and fissured corky layer, 
 or deprived of the same, of a dull red-brown color. It is hard, brittle, of a fibrous tex- 
 ture, internally with pale yellowish-brown spots, inodorous, of an astringent, somewhat 
 bitter and acrid taste, and when powdered excites violent sneezing. 
 
 Constituents. — Sassy-bark contains tannin and a red derivative of it, and yields its 
 active principle to water and alcohol (Procter, 1852). Gallois and Hardy (1876) isolated 
 the poisonous constituents by treating the aqueous extract of the alcoholic extract of the 
 bark with an alkali, and exhausting the mixture with acetic ether. This alkaloid, ery- 
 throphleine , is colorless, crystalline, soluble in water, alcohol, amylic alcohol, and acetic 
 ether, but nearly or entirely insoluble in ether, chloroform, and benzene. With sulphuric 
 acid and potassium permanganate a violet coloration is obtained, less intense than the one 
 produced by strychnine, and soon changing to dirty brown. The solutions of its salts 
 are precipitated by the usual reagents for alkaloids, including potassium dichromate 
 which yields a yellowish precipitate. Harnack and Zabrocki (1882) ascertained that 
 when boiled with acids or alkalies erythrophleine yields erythrophleic acid , which is free 
 from nitrogen and manconine , which is a volatile base resembling pyridine and nicotine. 
 
 Erythrophloeum couminga or ( koumanga ) is also a large tree, all parts ot which are 
 poisonous, containing an alkaloid which is closely related to erythrophleine, if not iden- 
 tical with it. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The accounts which were long received of the effects pro- 
 duced by the sassy ordeal agree in certain points, but not in others. In most of them 
 the production of vomiting appears to be the capital phenomenon, for upon its occur- 
 rence or non-occurrence the person subjected to its ordeal was held to be innocent or 
 guilty. According to Drs. Brunton and Pye, the vomiting produced by sassy occurs 
 whether it be given internally or hypodermically, but purging only in the former case. 
 The paralysis it causes they explain as being due not to a direct action upon the mus- 
 
ESSEN TIJE. -E UCAL YPTOL. 
 
 625 
 
 cles or the motor nerves, or the spinal cord itself, but to a contraction of the blood-ves- 
 sels, which lessens the supply of blood to these parts. 
 
 When, in 1859, the essay of Mitchell and Hammond was published, it contained an 
 appendix describing the medicinal applications of sassy. It was said to be astringent, nar- 
 cotic, acrid, cholagogue, and diaphoretic, and to have been used successfully in the treatment 
 of periodical fevers , colic , diarrhoea , and dysentery. A summary of cases of the last- 
 named disease treated by the medicine appears to demonstrate its possession of marked 
 curative virtues. It was given in tincture and also in extract. While these clinical 
 reports point in one direction, physiological reasons are now given for using the med- 
 icine in cardiac dropsy , especially when it depends on mitral obstruction, and in cases 
 of haemorrhage due to flaccidity of the capillaries. See states that he used a tincture 
 of erythrophloeum in cardiac asthma with the effect of rendering “ the movements slower 
 and fuller.” But “the arhythmia did not disappear, the pulse was not slowed, the val- 
 vular murmurs were not modified, and there was no diuresis. As a cardiac remedy it pre- 
 sents no advantage.” Hermann ( Centralhl . f Ther., vi. 598) found that in various 
 organic affections of the heart its power of slowing the pulse and increasing the urine 
 was neither uniform nor lasting. Similar observations were made by Dujardin-Beau- 
 metz (Bull, de Therap., cvii. 107), and by Hochhaus and others ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 
 207). As a substitute for cocaine in diseases of the eye it has proved inefficient as an 
 anaesthetic, as well as painful and liable to cause inflammation of the conjunctiva and 
 cloudiness, and even exfoliation, of the cornea (Gentralbl. f. Ther ., vi. 235). 
 
 E S SENTLZE . — Essences. 
 
 Alcooles concentres , Fr. ; Essenzen , Gf. 
 
 Two preparations of this class have been admitted into the British Pharmacopoeia. 
 They are simply solutions of volatile oils in alcohol, and are therefore identical with, 
 except that they contain a much larger amount of volatile oil than, the officinal spirits. 
 The volatile oils are in France usually termed essences , while the spirits containing vola- 
 tile oils, but prepared by distillation, are called alcoolats , and those made by simple solu 
 tion of volatile and non-volatile substances are known as alcooles. The Essenzen , popu- 
 larly so called in Germany, are often strong tinctures or strong solutions of volatile oils, 
 or mixtures of the two. 
 
 ESSENTIA ANISI, Br. — E ssence of Anise. 
 
 Alcoole d’anis concentre , Fr. ; Anisessenz , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Anise 1 fluidounce ; Rectified Spirit 4 fluidounces. 
 Mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — (For medical uses see Spiritus Anisi.) 
 
 ESSENTIA MENTH^E PIPERIT7E, Hr *. — Essence of Peppermint. 
 
 Alcoole de menthe poivree concentre , Fr. ; Pfefferminz-Essenz. Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Peppermint 1 fluidounce ; Rectified Spirit 4 fluid- 
 ounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — (For medical uses see Spiritus Mentha Piperita.) 
 
 EUOAL YPTOL, 77. Eucal yptol. 
 
 Cajnputol , Cineol , E., G., Fr. 
 
 Formula C 10 H 18 O. Molecular weight 153.66. 
 
 A neutral body obtained from the volatile oil of Eucalyptus globulus, Labillardiere , 
 and of some other species of Eucalyptus. 
 
 Eat. Ord . — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The Pharmacopoeia directs the eucalyptol to be obtained from the oil of 
 various species of Eucalyptus, and does not mention that it could be prepared from 
 other oils, especially as one consists almost entirely of eucalyptol. This oil is that of 
 
EUCALYPTUS. 
 
 626 
 
 santonica, Artemisia pauciflora, Weber; it is also a constituent of the oils of rosemary 
 and cajeput. 
 
 Preparation. — Eucalyptol is prepared from oil of eucalyptus by distillation and 
 placing the portion going over between 150° and 175° C..(302° and 347° F.) in a 
 freezing mixture, when it crystallizes in long, colorless needles. This is repeated a 
 number of times, always draining the crystals to get rid of the adhering oil. From oil 
 of santonica it may be obtained by the process of Wallach and Brass (1884). These 
 authors took advantage of the property of eucalyptol to form a crystalline addition- 
 product with gaseous hydrochloric acid. This latter is led into the oil, the crystals which 
 separate collected, and the adhering oil removed by pressure. This hydrochloride is then 
 treated with water, which liberates the eucalyptol, or, as it is called in this case, cineol. 
 
 For purification it is then warmed with an alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide and 
 distilled with steam. Besides these two ways of preparing eucalyptol, there are others 
 which are, however, not of much practical interest. As a case in point we might call 
 attention to its formation in small quantities when terpin hydrate is acted on by mineral 
 acids. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — It is a colorless liquid, having a characteristic aromatic 
 and distinctly camphoraceous odor and a pungent, spicy, and cooling taste. At 15° C. 
 
 (59° F.) it has the specific gravity 0.930 (£ 7 . &), at 20° C. (68° F.) 0.927 (Wallach). 
 When exposed to a temperature a few degrees below 0° C. (32° F.) it solidifies to a 
 mass of needle-shaped crystals, which liquefy when the temperature rises to — 1° C. 
 (30.2° F.), 1° C. (33.8° F.) (Voiry) ; it boils at 176° to 177° C. (348.8° lo 350.6° F.). 
 
 It is optically inactive, in which it differs from oil of eucalyptus and many other volatile 
 oils. Alcohol, carbon disulphide, and glacial acetic acids dissolve it in all proportions. 
 With hydrochloric acid it forms two addition-products containing 1 and 2 molecules 
 respectively of eucalyptol to 1 of hydrochloric acid, and another with 1 of the latter to 
 1 of the former. If a solution of eucalyptol is shaken with iodo-potassium iodide, a 
 magma of small green glossy crystals separates. “ If a portion of eucalyptol be shaken 
 with an equal volume of sodium hydroxide test-solution, it should not diminish in volume. 
 
 Its alcoholic solution should be neutral to litmus-paper, and should not assume a brown- 1 
 ish or violet color on the addition of a drop of ferric chloride test-solution (absence of ? 
 phenols).” — £7 S. 
 
 Action and Uses.— See Eucalyptus. 
 
 EUCALYPTUS, 77. S. — Eucalyptus-leaves. 
 
 Feuilles d' eucalyptus, Fr. ; Eukaly plus- Blatter, G. : Eucalypto , Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, Labillardiere, collected from the older parts of the 
 tree. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 109. I 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myrtaceae, Leptospermeae. j 
 
 Origin. — Th is is the blue-gum tree of Tasmania, which was discovered by Labillar- 
 di£re in 1792. It grows on moist slopes of wooded hills in the southern half of that * 
 island, and in Victoria on the mainland of Australia ; it was introduced into Europe in 
 1856, and has since then been very extensively planted in the southern part of Europe, 
 in Northern Africa, in the Southern United States, and in California. It is a rapid 
 grower, and attains a height of 60, and occasionally even of over 90, M. (200 and 300 
 feet). The flowers are upon short and broad axillary peduncles, either solitary or in 
 clusters of two or three. The buds are covered with a whitish bloom, and consist of a 
 top-shaped, ribbed, and warty calyx-tube covered by a so-called operculum, which is 
 composed of the united petals, is hemispherical in shape and prolonged into a cone, and 
 separates entire like a lid from the calyx-tube. The flowers are hermaphrodite, with 
 numerous stamens inserted on a disk, a short style, and a four- or five-celled ovary united 
 with the calyx-tube. 
 
 Description. — The leaves of young plants are opposite, shortly petiolate, broadly 
 oval or oblong, rather obtuse, heart-shaped at base, and of a pale bluish-green color. 
 Older trees have the leaves alternate, petiolate, falcate, lanceolate, or oval-lanceolate, 
 rounded and oblique at the base, entire, and above gradually tapering to the acute apex. 
 They have a length of 15 to 30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches), are thick, leathery, and of a pale 
 yellowish-green or gray-green color, contain numerous pellucid oil-glands, are straight 
 feather-veined, and have, besides the prominent midrib, two lateral veins near the margin. 
 
 The leaves have a peculiar strong balsamic, camphoraceous odor, and an aromatic, bitter- 
 ish, pungent taste, followed by a sensation of coolness. 
 
EUCA L YPTUS. 
 
 627 
 
 Constituents. — Ilartzer (1S70) obtained from the leaves tannin, cerylic or an allied 
 alcohol, a crystallizable fatty acid — the sodium salt of which is soluble in ether — and 
 
 Fig. 113. 
 
 three resins, one of which has acid properties, and yields with sulphuric acid a carmine- 
 colored copulated acid, becoming violet with ether. E. S. Wayne (1870) likewise isolated 
 an acid resin, which he found to be crystallizable and to give a brown-red reaction with 
 ferric chloride. The most important constituent, however, is the volatile oil, of which 
 the leaves yield about 0 per cent. (See Oleum Eucalypti.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied to the skin, eucalyptus oil acts as an irritant, espe- 
 cially if its evaporation is prevented. On the raw skin it causes burning pain. Taken 
 internally, it excites a sense of warmth in the fauces and stomach, with increased sali- 
 vation and subsequent eructations of gas, but in doses of from 15 to 20 grains it is 
 readily tolerated. It is apt to cause some fulness of the head and vascular excitement. 
 It seems to be eliminated through the lungs. It does not impart to the urine a peculiar 
 odor unless given in tincture and in large doses, and no resinous matter is detected in 
 the urine by nitric acid, as when copaiva is taken. A child seven months old swallowed 
 “ a few drops ” of eucalyptus oil. It became drowsy and lost the power of its limbs, its 
 skin was pale, cold and insensible, the pupils contracted, the pulse imperceptible, and the 
 breathing short, jerking, and interrupted. The patient gradually recovered ( Tlierap . 
 Gaz ., ix. 862). According to Gilbert, it eliminates an enormous proportion of urea. 
 We are informed also by him that in doses of 20 drops the oil causes general stimula- 
 tion, a feeling of lightness, and an irresistible desire to keep moving, together with a 
 remarkable suppleness of the back and limbs. The spirits are raised and the mind is 
 clear and active ; the appetite is increased, and sometimes aphrodisiac effects are 
 observed. To use this author’s words, “there is a true medicinal intoxication,” which 
 is not followed by a corresponding depression. In doses relatively or absolutely exces- 
 sive there is more or less general muscular paresis, without mental depression, and 
 easily dissipated by coffee or alcohol. It is theoretically held to promote the capil- 
 lary circulation by dilating the capillaries, and thereby rendering the pulse more fre- 
 quent. 
 
 Eucalyptus has been very extensively used as a remedy for intermittent fever. As in 
 all similar cases, the discovery of its virtues was accidental. It is alleged that more 
 than forty years ago the crew of a French man-of-war, having lost a number of men with 
 “ pernicious fever,” put into Botany Bay, where the remaining sick were treated with 
 eucalyptus and rapidly recovered. It is also said that the virtues of the tree were well 
 known to the aboriginal inhabitants. In 1S67 some peasants of the Spanish province 
 of Valencia were found to be using the leaves of the plant to cure fever and ague. In 
 the following year Dr. Brunei of Montevideo was led by reports of this experience to 
 employ it in hospital practice, and especially by such statements as the following of Dr. 
 Rainel of Valencia : “ I assure you that four leaves of this precious plant infused in 
 water form an excellent febrifuge. The sick as soon as they find themselves attacked 
 hasten to procure these leaves, and in no instance do they fail, contrasting strongly with 
 cinchona, which not only is often unavailing, but often also does not prevent a relapse.” 
 The report of Dr. Brunei is scarcely less glowing and positive. In 1871, Dr. Keeler, an 
 official physician of certain Austrian railways in malarious districts, affirmed that it was 
 quite as efficient as cinchona. Others have attributed to it marvellous results in eases 
 in which cinchona failed. Others, still, conclude that, it is peculiarly curative in the 
 inveterate forms of the disease. There were not wanting, however, physicians who 
 doubted the published reports, some of them upon the ground of their own experience ; 
 and among them one, at least, accounts for their discrepancies by supposing that differ- 
 ent species of Eucalyptus bad been employed, and that E. latifolius is generally ineffi- 
 cient. w T hile E. longifolius seldom fails (Oeffinger.) We regard the report of Burdel as 
 
628 
 
 EUCALYPTUS. 
 
 probably the most accurate and satisfactory. His field of observation was in one of the 
 most marshy departments of France, La Sologne, where periodical fevers are exception- 
 ally rife and grave. He put the alleged remedy to a prolonged and thorough test, and 
 concluded that it possessed little or no curative power over intermittent fever. Out of 
 123 cases, only 11 were cured without relapse, and those were, moreover, treated in a 
 hospital ; and it is well known that intermittent-fever patients, on being removed from 
 a malarial locality, are very apt to recover without any medicinal treatment at all. 
 And, still further, it was observed that among those whose paroxysms ceased under the 
 use of this medicine there was no diminution of the malarial cachexia, such as 
 usually takes place after the treatment by quinine. In a report on its use in the British 
 East Indian army it would seem to have failed in more than half the cases (Roberts). 
 
 On the whole, there does not appear to be any substantial reason for believing that a 
 substitute for cinchona has been found in eucalyptus. 
 
 It has been alleged that this tree has a special power of destroying malaria in the local- 
 ities where it grows, but as the statement still lacks confirmation, it is unnecessary to 
 refute the causes assigned for this effect — viz. “ that its dead leaves, etc. raise the soil ; 
 that it energetically absorbs the soil-water in consequence of its very rapid growth and 
 the multitude of stomata that stud its leaves; and, finally, that it protects the soil against 
 the extreme solar heat so favorable to the generation of animalculae ” (Gubler). These 
 reasons would be equally valid as proofs of its power to generate malaria. The improve- 
 ment that has taken place in the sanitary state of certain malarial localities where the 
 eucalyptus has been planted is real, but it should be remembered that all arboriculture 
 has a similar effect. The extremely rapid growth of the eucalyptus may render it pecu- 
 liarly efficient. In Italy, moreover, and elsewhere, localities at first supposed to be pro- 
 tected in this manner have sometimes relapsed into their original insalubrity. The use 
 of eucalyptus oil in the treatment of intermittent fever was reported by Hr. J. H. Musser 
 to be “ of decided value in about one-third of all cases” ( Therap . Gaz ., x. 369). This 
 result was even less favorable than is usually attained by merely removing the patients ] 
 from the malarial focus, as was subsequently recognized by Hr. M. ( Med . News, lv. 632). 
 
 The a-priori method of reasoning has led from the assumed germicidal properties of 
 eucalyptus oil to its use in typhoid fever. In the dose of 10 minims every four hours it 
 is claimed to have reduced the mortality of the disease to almost nothing during an epi- 
 demic in Queensland. But, along with the oil, an average quantity of 5 to 10 ounces, 
 and sometimes 30 ounces, of whiskey was given in twenty-four hours ; food was freely 
 supplied ; and “ frequently cold packs from the head to the knees at any rise of temper- 
 ature ” were employed ( Practitioner , xxxiv. 313; xxxviii. 255). It cannot be doubted 
 that the influence of the oil, whatever it may have been, was completely overlaid by that 
 of the alcohol within and the cold water without to which the patients were subjected. j 
 There is as little ground for admitting the value claimed for it in scarlatina ( Annuaire de 
 Therap., 1890, p. 117). 
 
 As a summary of the virtues claimed for this medicine the following may be cited: 
 
 “ Not being an irritant, it may be liberally used in all cases of hospital gangrene and other 
 gangrenous affections, of fetid suppuration, such as occurs in glanders, syphilis, abscesses 
 connected with dead bone, etc. It may be used with advantage to prevent animal and 
 vegetable putrefaction, and hence as a deodorizer of hospital wards. Internally and by 
 inhalation it may be given in all cases of ulcer of the stomach or bowels, in septicaemia, 
 typhoid fever, scarlatina, pulmonary gangrene, fetid bronchitis, associated or not with 
 phthisis, and in the absence of fever, etc.” To this enumeration may be added cases of 
 fetid lochia, ozsena, and cancer of the tongue. It would seem to be useful in uterine and 
 vesical catarrh, and in gonorrhoea and gleet, and in some cases apparently of chronic ulcer 
 of the stomach it has arrested the vomiting and enabled the patient to retain and digest 
 food. According to Mosler, a solution of 1 part of eucalyptus oil in 5 of alcohol and 35 
 of water forms an efficient liquid, when atomized, for inhalation in diphtheria (Times and 
 Gazette, Aug. 1879, p. 214; Gibbes, Am. Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1883, p.244). It seems 
 quite possible that the 5 parts of alcohol would be more efficient than the 1 part of oil 
 in this liquid when employed along with oil of turpentine in the disease, and it is certain 
 that the vapor of warm water alone and of that from slaking lime is credited with many 
 cures. The reports of Bonamy (Bull. de. Tlier., cxii. 364) and of Murray-Gibbes (Amer. 
 Jour. Med. Sci., Jan. 1889, p. 68) must be thus qualified. Schultze used as a dressing 
 for wounds a mixture of 1 part of this oil to 9 parts of olive oil (Bull, de Therap., xcix. 
 430). As a rationale of its mode of action we are told that if a person is kept under 
 its influence the blood drawn from his veins will not undergo putrefaction. “ At all 
 
EUONYMUS. 
 
 629 
 
 events, the haematoglobulin is expelled from the globules and becomes oxidized externally 
 to them, and the anatomical element is, as it were, embalmed.” It is somewhat difficult 
 to conceive that the sick of any disease should profit by the mummification of their 
 blood-corpuscles. Long ago the resemblance of eucalyptus oil to camphor was pointed 
 out by Cloez, and later by Gubler. Both substances are sedatives of the nervous and 
 circulatory systems, but by relatively different doses. Like camphor, eucalyptus oil has 
 been given for nervous headache , or migraine. Drs. Lewis and De Schweinitz ( Med 
 News , lv. 62) used it with advantage in doses of 5 minims every four hours and in gela- 
 tin capsules. 
 
 Undoubtedly, eucalyptus, and especially its oil, tend to restrain putrefactive fermenta- 
 tion, as all aromatics have been known to do since the beginning of history ; and possibly 
 these new agents may excel the old in this respect. Certain it is that the oil is a most 
 efficient deodorizer, and, having a very agreeable perfume of its own, is capable of sub- 
 stituting a pleasant for an offensive smell, while its stimulant operation upon diseased 
 tissues assists them in recovering a natural mode of action. As an antiseptic dressing 
 many surgeons have employed it as a substitute for carbolized oil, and it is stated to 
 have been approved by Mr. Lister ( Lancet , May 21, 1881). It has been used as a 
 dressing for cancerous ulcers, and applied on tampons it corrects the fetor of lochial 
 and other uterine discharges (Sloan, Lancet , Sept. 2, 1882). Similar applications of 
 fluid extract of eucalyptus and glycerin are said to be very efficient in relieving pain in 
 displacements and other painful disorders of the uterus ( Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Oct. 1882, 
 p. 397). 
 
 It has been claimed that tincture or the oil of eucalyptus will cure whooping cough 
 ( Lancet , No. 1889, p. 901), but there is no adequate proof of its efficacy beyond that 
 which belongs to various astringent and stimulant applications made to the fauces in this 
 disease. Its astringent and balsamic qualities naturally suggested its use in the topical 
 treatment of various affections in which other medicines of like qualities had been found 
 useful, especially in alcoholic tincture. But it cannot be doubted that the alcohol had a 
 potent influence in the treatment by tincture of eucalyptus of slight haemorrhages, mucous 
 profluvia, leucorrhoea. gonorrhoea , indolent and irritable ulcers , spongy gums , etc. In certain 
 of these affections, especially in ulcers , the fresh bruised leaves, deprived of their nerves, 
 have been found to cause sufficient stimulation to promote a cure. 
 
 It is alleged that smoking the dried leaves of eucalyptus in a pipe or cigar is, with the 
 exception of hypodermic injections of morphine, the most efficient means of calming irri- 
 tation and procuring sleep in cardiac and aneurismal asthma , and particularly in cases 
 of pressure on the vagus or its branches by thoracic aneurisms (Maclean). When the 
 patient is too ill to inhale actively he may be kept in an atmosphere filled with the smoke 
 of the burning leaves. The tincture of eucalyptus is said to remove the fishy flavor and 
 smell from cod-liver oil when added in the proportion of 1 part to 100. The leaves are 
 strewn among woollen clothing to protect it from moths. 
 
 The fresh leaves may be applied bruised or mixed with poultices. They may be 
 given internally in doses of Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) or more, but efficient doses of them are too 
 bulky for convenient use in this manner. The extract is very apt to derange digestion 
 and occasion diarrhoea. The dose of the oil may be stated at from 2 to 5 drops. It 
 should be given in an emulsion, or, still better, in gelatin capsules. The fluid extract is 
 the most agreeable form of the medicine ; it may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 1 
 (n^xv). The oil may be diluted with alcohol or oil for topical use, or incorporated in 
 suppositories with the ordinary constituents of these preparations. 
 
 ^Eucalyptus honey is produced by bees feeding on eucalyptus flowers. From 
 150-175 grms. (say ^v-vj), mixed with milk and given to dogs, reduced the pulse from 
 121 to 70, and the temperature by 1° C. A tablespoonful of it occasioned in a man a 
 diffused agreeable warmth and an increased freedom of breathing. Its continued use 
 increased the urine and its uric acid, and gave it the peculiar smell of “ new-mown hay.” 
 It has been recommended as a remedy for catarrhs, fevers, and putrid and parasitic 
 conditions, also as a heart sedative and a remedy for gonorrhoea ( Centralhl . f. Ther., 
 v. 474). 
 
 EUONYMUS, 77. Euonymus. 
 
 Cortex euonymi . — Wahoo , Spindle tree , Burning hush , E. ; Ecorce de fusain (de bonnet 
 de pretre'), Fr. ; Spillhaumrinde , Spindelhaum , Pfaffenhiitchen , G. 
 
 The bark of the root of Euonymus atropurpureus, Jacquin. 
 
 Nat. Qrd. — Celastrineae. 
 
630 
 
 EUONYMUS. 
 
 Origin. — The wahoo is a shrub 1.8 to 3 or even 4.2 M. (6 to 10, or 14, feet) high, 
 and is found in shady woods of the northern and middle section of the United States east 
 of the Mississippi. As an ornamental shrub it is of a strikingly handsome appearance in 
 autumn from its copious crimson, smooth, four-lobed capsules, which are pendulous on 
 long peduncles. Its branches are slightly quadrangular, the leaves opposite, petioled, 
 elliptic-ovate, serrate, and pointed ; the flowers are dark -purple, in loose cymes of three to 
 six, and appear in June. The root-bark is preferred. 
 
 Description. — It comes in curved or quilled fragments varying in thickness between 
 2 and 5 Mm. (yL and inch). It is externally of a light ash-gray color, mottled with 
 larger or smaller patches, or fine longitudinal scaly ridges and meshes, brown or blackish 
 cork, detaching in very thin and small scales. The inner surface to which fragments of 
 the white wood are often adhering, is slightly tawny and smooth. When dry the bark 
 breaks, both transversely and longitudinally, with a nearly smooth fracture, exhibiting a 
 whitish and pale brownish tissue, which in the inner layers has a distinct tangential 
 arrangement. The bark attracts moisture in a damp atmosphere, thereby losing its brit- 
 tleness, is nearly indorous, and has a sweetish afterward bitterish and somewhat acrid 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — W. W. Clothier (1861) isolated bitter, yellow, acicular crystals from 
 the tincture prepared with diluted alcohol by agitating it with chloroform. The same 
 principle is probably contained in the so-called euonymin of the eclectics, which is obtained 
 by precipitating a concentrated tincture of the bark with water. W. T. Wenzell (1862), 
 however, obtained by treatment of the tincture with chloroform a dark-yellow substance 
 from which ether dissolved a golden-yellow resin ; the insoluble portion was dissolved by 
 alcohol, a resin precipitated by lead acetate, and the lead 'removed from the filtrate ; 
 on evaporation, uncrystallizable euonymin was left, having an intensely bitter taste. It 
 is a neutral principle soluble in ether (?), alcohol, and water, and precipitated by lead 
 subacetate and phosphomolybdic acid. Wenzell obtained also asparagin ; euonic acid, 
 which crystallizes in needles and is precipitated by lead subacetate ; tartaric, malic, 
 and citric acids ; several resins, starch, pectin, and other common vegetable principles. 
 Naylor and Chaplin (1889) isolated what they thought was a glucoside, atropurpurin , 
 as it reduced Fehling’s Solution, but on preparing a larger quantity and purifying it, they 
 found it not to reduce the Fehling’s test and to be dulcite or an isomere of it. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Euonymus americanus, Linn6 — Strawberry bush, E. — is a low, usually trailing 
 shrub with crimson warty capsules and orange-red roots. 
 
 Euon. EUROPyEus, Linnt, is 2.4 to 6 M. (8 to 20 feet) high, occasionally cultivated in gardens, 
 has greenish-yellow flowers and pale-red capsules, the arillus being orange-red. All parts of it 
 are emetic and purgative ; the fruit, made into an ointment, has been used for the destruction of 
 pediculi. Riederer (1833) believed the bitter taste to be due to an alkaloid, euonymine, which he 
 did not succeed in obtaining pure. Grundner (1847) regarded it as a mixture of resin with bitter 
 extractive. The arillus yields by pressure an orange-colored oil which has a bitter taste. The 
 orange-red coloring matter, which is quite prevalent in this natural order, seems to deserve 
 careful investigation. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Euonymus was formerly reported to be “ tonic, a hydragogue 
 cathartic, diuretic, and antiperiodic.” This barbarous jumble of incongruous qualities is 
 now replaced by one which belongs to euonymin, in common with many other purgatives 
 which also increase the secretion of the bile, especially aloes, colocynth, and rhubarb, and 
 many other medicines which are not purgatives, such as colchicum, ipecacuanha, nitro- 
 muriatic acid, phosphate of ammonium, benzoate and salicylate of sodium, and phosphate 
 of sodium, which last is only feebly laxative. 
 
 According to Rutherford ( Physiological Action of Drugs on the Secretion of Bile , 1880, 
 p. 45), “ 5 grains of euonymin, mixed with a small quantity of boiling water and placed 
 in the duodenum of dogs, powerfully stimulated the liver.” More recently (1888) Pre- 
 vost and Binet reached similar conclusions. In dogs it only slightly increases the intestinal 
 secretion, but is an active purgative in the human subject. Whether, therefore, it is a 
 cholagogue in man is not yet demonstrated. We are indeed assured that one practitioner 
 has prescribed it “ in over fifty cases of biliary derangement and sick headache , and finds 
 it of much value ” ( Practitioner , xxiii. 336) ; and another declares it to be “ one of the 
 best remedies in the materia medica, when used in small doses, for torpidity of the 
 mucous membrane and liver, for haemorrhoids with torpidity of the peristaltic action of 
 the bowels, and in the 1 erysipelatous diathesis ’ ” ( Edinb . Med. Jour ., xxvii. 175) ; but 
 what is meant by “ biliary derangement ” or “ torpidity,” etc. it is impossible to define ; 
 and the impression remains that it signifies mainly constipation , which any familiar and 
 
EUPATORIUM. 
 
 631 
 
 thorough purgative, such as the compound cathartic pill, would be adapted to remove, or 
 podophyllin, whose action upon dogs seems to be almost identical with that of euonymin. 
 On the whole, neither wahoo-bark nor its purgative principle can be said to possess any 
 peculiar virtues. Either is an active and useful purgative, but nothing more. “ Euon- 
 ymin ” has been tested by Conil and others with results like those just stated ; but Paschkis 
 maintains that E. atropurpureus has no medicinal qualities whatever, while Romm attrib- 
 utes to it a power over the heart like that of digitalis ( Tlier . Gaz., ix. 143, 787). 
 
 A decoction or an infusion of euonymus may be prepared with Gm. 32 of the bark 
 in Gm. 500 of water (^j in Oj), and given in the dose of a wineglassful. The 
 average dose of euonymin is Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij). It is usually taken at bed-time, and fol- 
 lowed the next morning by a saline purge, which should be sulphate of sodium, accord- 
 ing to Rutherford, a “ hepatic stimulant,” and not sulphate of magnesium, which the 
 same authority assures us “ has no cholagogue action.” 
 
 Griffith states (Med. Botany') that E. americanus, E. europaeus, and still other species, 
 including E. atropurpureus, “ have similar properties ; the seeds are all nauseous, purga- 
 tive, and emetic, and are used in some places to destroy vermin in the hair ; the leaves 
 are poisonous to sheep and other animals feeding on them.” 
 
 EUPATORIUM, U. Eupatorium. 
 
 Hcrba eupatorii perfoliati . — Thoroughwort ', Boneset , Indian sage , E. ; Herbe d' enpatoire 
 -ptr/oHee. Herbe d Jievre, Herbe parfaite, Fr. ; Durchwachsdost , Durchwachsener Wasser- 
 dost , G. ; Eupatorio , Sp. 
 
 The leaves and flowering tops of Eupatorium perfoliatum, Linne , s. E. connatum 
 Michaux , gathered after flowering has commenced. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 147. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Eupatorieae. 
 
 Description. — Thoroughwort inhabits damp soil and low swampy grounds in Canada 
 and the United States. It is a hairy perennial, with an erect stout stem 0.6 to 1.2 M. 
 (2 to 4 feet) high and much branched at the summit ; the leaves are opposite, taper- 
 ing, lanceolate 10 to 15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, united at the base, with the margin 
 crenately serrate, rugosely veined, rough above and minutely resinous dotted beneath. 
 The flowers are in dense level-topped corymbs ; the heads have an oblong involucre con- 
 sisting of lance-linear scales, and contain ten to fifteen tubular white florets with a bristly 
 pappus in a single row. Its flowers appear in July, and it continues to bloom until Sep- 
 tember. The leaves and the flowering tops with the small branches are collected in July; 
 on drying, they lose from 75 to 80 per cent, in weight. The drug has a rather weak 
 aromatic odor and a somewhat astringent and persistently bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Boneset contains a minute quantity of volatile oil, some tannin, and 
 a bitter principle which has not been isolated. The analyses of W. Peterson (1851) and 
 M. II. Bickley (1854) elicited, besides those mentioned, the usual common constituents 
 of herbs. G. Latin (1880) isolated from the ethereal extract, by means of benzin, white 
 needles of a tasteless wax, and ascertained the bitter principle eupatorin to be a glucoside 
 soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and boiling water ; boiled with sulphuric acid and 
 water, it gives off a raspberry-like odor. Shamel (1888) obtained eupatorin in a crystal- 
 line and amorphous state, and found it to be insoluble in water, concentrated sulphuric 
 acid, and concentrated hydrochloric acid, but soluble even in dilute nitric acid, with a 
 brown coloration. This solution gave with phosphomolybdic acid a green color ; picric 
 acid, a few needle-shaped crystals ; and with auric chloride, a slight color. It is also 
 soluble in alkalies. The formula of the crystalline nitrate was found to be C 2 oH 25 0 36 
 IIX0 3 . Parsons (1879) determined in the air-dry herb 13.5 albuminoids, 15.2 resin and 
 chlorophyll, and 7.5 ash. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Infusum eupatorii. — Infusion of thoroughwort, E. ; 
 Tisane d’herbe a fi^vre, Fr . ; Eupatorium-Aufguss, G . — Take of thoroughwort a troy- 
 ounce; boiling water a pint. Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain. — 
 U. S. P. 1870. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Eupatorium resembles chamomile in its effects. It is a stimu- 
 lant tonic in small and a laxative in large doses, and an emetic or diaphoretic in warm 
 infusion. Like all such plants, it is used to prevent or to break the chill in intermittent 
 fever of a mild type. A hot infusion is a popular and efficient remedy in the forming 
 stage of muscular rheumatism , sore throat , bronchitis , and even influenza. Its power of 
 relieving pain in the limbs in the last-named disease entitled it to the popular name of 
 “ boneset.” In atonic dyspepsia its effects resemble those of other bitter tonics. The 
 
632 
 
 EUPHORBIA. 
 
 dose of the powder is stated to be Gm. 1.30-2.00 (gr. xx-xxx). The infusion, which is 
 the most convenient form for administering the medicine, is made with Gm. 32 (1 ounce) 
 of the herb to Gm. 500 (a pint) of boiling water, macerated for two hours in a covered 
 vessel and strained. Dose as a tonic, Gm. 32-64 (1 or 2 fluidounces). 
 
 Mikania guaco was first known (1788) medicinally as an antidote to serpents’ bites 
 used in South America, and about 1831 it had a reputation in Europe for the cure of 
 dyspepsia, debility, asthma, gout, rheumatism, and even cholera ! It is therefore prob- 
 ably a stimulant tonic (Strumpf, Handbuch , ii. 14). More recently (1879) it was proposed 
 as a cure for cancer. Aristolochia cymbifera , “ the true guaco,” is said by Butte to be a 
 violent emeto-cathartic, but, when applied to the skin, to display analgesic properties, 
 especially relieving the pruritus of several cutaneous diseases ( Therap . Gaz ., xiii. 711). 
 
 Of the other allied species mentioned above, the greater number appear to possess 
 essentially the same properties as the officinal plant, but E. purpureum and E. canna- 
 binum are believed to be diuretic. The former has been used in strangury , gravel , and 
 gout. The extract procured by evaporating the tincture has been sold as eupurpurin , of 
 which it has been said that “ three grains every three or four hours causes an enormous 
 flow of urine” ( Lancet , Jan. 1863, p. 127). 
 
 EUPHORBIA.— Spurge. 
 
 Wild ipecac , Wild hipp , E. ; Euphorbe , Fr. ; Wolfsmilch , G. ; Euforbia , Sp. 
 
 The roots of two plants of this genus were recognized by the U. S. P. previous to 1880 
 — namely, Euphorbia corollata, Linne (Meehan, Native Flowers , i. 109), and Euph. 
 Ipecacuanha, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Euph. Corallata, the blooming or large-flowering spurge , also called snake- 
 milk and milk pur slain, is a smooth perennial herb which is met with in low, sandy, and 
 dry soil from Canada to Florida and west to Mississippi, and is abundant in many locali- 
 ties, chiefly of the Southern and Western States. It produces a slender, nearly simple 
 stem 60 to 90 Cm. (2 to 3 feet) high, which has the leaves, excepting the floral ones, 
 alternate, linear-oblong, and obtuse. The flowers are in umbels of five to seven 
 rays, each one being again two- or three-forked, and are conspicuous for the showy 
 white appendages to the involucre, which have the appearance of petals and bear a 
 greenish gland at the base. The smooth capsule separates at maturity into three carpels, 
 each containing a single ash-colored seed. It flowers in the latter part of summer and in 
 autumn, when the root should be collected. This, like the next, is rarely met with in the 
 market ; we have received instead of it the roots of Gillenia stipulacea, of Triosteum per- 
 foliatum, and of other plants. 
 
 Euph. Ipecacuanha, called ipecac spurge and American , Carolina , or white ipecac , is 
 a smooth perennial herb of a dark-green or dark -purplish color, growing in barren, sandy 
 soil at a limited distance from the seashore from Connecticut southward to Georgia. It 
 produces several ascending or often diffusely-spreading stems, which fork from near the 
 base and have opposite, obovate or oblong, obtuse, and entire, nearly sessile leaves. The 
 flowers are inconspicuous, long-peduncled, and appear singly from the forks or the axils 
 of the upper leaves. The nearly smooth capsule contains in each of its three cells one 
 white somewhat dotted seed. It flowers during the spring months. 
 
 Description. — The root of the blooming spurge is 45 to 60 Cm. (1J to 2 feet) long, 
 and, when full grown, about 25 Mm. (one inch) thick, cylindrical, and little branched ; is 
 externally of a dark-brown or, when old, of a blackish, color; has underneath the thin 
 corky layer a thickish white bark, which encloses a spongy, porous, whitish wood, radially 
 striate by many medullary rays. In the dry state it is longitudinally wrinkled and 
 breaks with a short nearly smooth fracture. It is inodorous and has a sweetish afterward 
 warm taste. 
 
 The root of the ipecac spurge resembles the preceding in general characters, but is 
 thinner, from 0.9 to 1.8 M. (3 to 6 feet) long, has externally a gray or brownish-yellow 
 corky layer, which is never blackish or dark colored, and shows internally a yellowish 
 porous wood. Odor and taste are similar to the preceding. Barton believed it to be 
 equally efficacious throughout the year. 
 
 Constituents. — The latest analyses of the last-named root, by Petzelt (1873) and 
 Dilg (1875), agree with the older one of Bigelow in proving the presence of resinous, 
 gummy, and other common constituents of plants ; they also showed abundant presence 
 of starch. Petzelt regards the resinous portions as containing the emetic principle. The 
 
EUPHORBIUM. 
 
 633 
 
 root may possibly contain a glucoside, since Dilg did not get a reaction for glucose until 
 the decoction had been boiled with an acid. Euphorbon was found among the products 
 extracted by petroleum benzin. The constituents of blooming spurge-root are probably 
 similar. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The genus Euphorbia comprises a large number of shrubby and herbaceous 
 species, all of which are laticiferous and possess more or less acrid properties. Of the thirty or 
 more species growing in the United States, we give brief descriptions of a few which are low or 
 prostrate : 
 
 Euphorbia prostrata, Alton. It is villous-pulverulent, with roundish, very obtuse, and 
 above serrulate leaves, and produces a woolly fruit with quadrangular, rugose, and brown seeds. 
 It grows in moist localities in the Southern States. 
 
 Euph. maculata, Linn6. It is a common weed, growing on roadsides, with oblong or nearly 
 linear leaves, having usually a brownish spot upon the upper surface, and being very oblique at 
 the base and serrulate above. Like the following species, it is known in some places as spotted 
 eyebright : 
 
 Euph. humistrata, Engelmann. It inhabits rich soil in the Mississippi Valley, and resembles 
 the two preceding, but has elliptical or obovate leaves and obtusely-angled seeds. 
 
 Euph. hypericifolia, Linn£. It is found in the West Indies, and is common in the United 
 States and Canada, grows to the height of 38 to 50 Cm. (15 or 20 inches), resembles in foliage 
 the preceding, and has smooth capsules and obtusely-angled seeds. 
 
 These and allied species probably contain the same principles found by Zollikofer (1842) in 
 E. maculata — namely, caoutchouc, resin, tannin, gallic acid (?), etc. Similar constituents have 
 been found by John, Stickel, and others in E. Cyparissias, Linn 6, E. Esula, Linne , E. Peplus, 
 LinnS, E. helioscopia, LinnS, and others which are natives of Europe, but occasionally met with 
 in cultivation or spontaneous in North America. Their acrid principle has not been fully 
 isolated. Numerous other species of Euphorbia are medicinally employed in those countries 
 where they are indigenous. Recently, Euph. pilulifera, Linne , an herbaceous plant of India 
 and Australia, has been recommended in bronchial and asthmatic affections. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Large-flowering spurge is reputed to possess emeto-cathartic 
 properties, and its bruised root will vesicate the skin. Hence it cannot be a safe agent 
 in cases of gastro-intestinal irritation. Dose as an emetic, Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) ; as a cathar- 
 tic, Gm. 60 (gr. x) ; as a diaphoretic, Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
 Ipecacuanha spurge does not differ essentially from the other officinal species of 
 Euphorbium. It may be used under the same conditions and in similar doses. 
 
 A case of poisoning by the seeds of Euphorbia lata , found in the neighborhood of 
 Philadelphia, is related by Harlan ( Med . and Physical Researches , p. 603). The symp- 
 toms included violent retching and vomiting, with excessive purging, followed by stupor 
 and dilated pupils. The patient recovered after cold affusions. A similar case of poison- 
 ing by the seeds of E. lathyris is reported in a French journal for 1881 (Bull, de Therap ., 
 ci. 541). The reporter recommends opiates as the most appropriate antidote. 
 
 Euphorbia prostrata was in 1861 reported by Dr. Irwin, Asst. Surgeon U. S. A., to 
 be esteemed by the Indians and settlers in Arizona as an infallible remedy for the bite of 
 the rattlesnake and for the bites and stings of almost all venomous animals and insects. In 
 several experiments performed by him on dogs allowed to be bitten by rattlesnakes, and 
 after the characteristic effects of the venom had been fully developed, the fresh juice of 
 this plant was applied to the wonnds, and at the same time administered internally in 
 doses of from 4 to 6 ounces, with the effect of immediately abating the symptoms and 
 afterward curing the animals. 
 
 Euphorbia heterodoxa, a Brazilian plant, furnishes an acrid juice which is escharo- 
 tic and softens tissues to which it is applied, and especially cancroids , epitheliomas , and 
 syphilitic vegetations. It is this plant which has been spoken of as “ leite d’Alveloz ” 
 (Bull, de Therap., cx. 513 ; cxi. 130 ; Therap. Gaz., xi. 755). 
 
 EUPHORBIUM, P. G . — Euphorbium. 
 
 Euphorbe, Gomme-resine d' euphorbe, Fr. ; Euphorbium , G. ; Euforbio, Sp. 
 
 The gum-resin obtained from Euphorbia resinifera, Berg. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 240. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is indigenous to the lower slopes of the Atlas Mountains of 
 Morocco. It has an ascending, cactus-like, fleshy, quadrangular stem with spreading 
 branches, and, instead of leaves, is furnished with divergent, spinescent stipules, situated 
 in pairs on the angles ; the flowers are in pedunculate cymes of three or rarely more. 
 On wounding the branches a milk-juice exudes, which hardens upon the plant, usually 
 
634 
 
 EUPHORBIUM. 
 
 encrusting the spines. While it is being collected the mouth and nostrils are protected 
 by a cloth from the irritating effects of the dust. 
 
 Description. — Euphorbium is seen in roundish or somewhat three-cornered, conical- 
 cylindrical, or irregular pieces varying considerably in size, the largest measuring nearly 
 an inch (25 Mm.). The shape is influenced by the portion of the plant around which 
 the exudation is hardened, and most pieces are observed with one or more holes and enclos- 
 ing fragments of the spines, flowers, or fruit. Euphorbium is light brownish-yellow, 
 scarcely glossy, somewhat translucent, brittle, nearly inodorous, but the dust excites vio- 
 lent sneezing, and, if inhaled, acts as an acrid poison. The taste is at first slight, after- 
 ward burning and acrid. When heated it gives off a faint odor, suggesting that of ben- 
 zoin, and afterward fuses and burns with a bright, sooty flame. Euphorbium is not 
 entirely soluble in any of the simple solvents, and when triturated with water yields a 
 turbid mixture, but not an emulsion. 
 
 Constituents. — The older analyses by Braconnot, Brandes, and others seem to indi- 
 cate that the composition of euphorbium varies to some extent ; the resin, readily soluble 
 in cold alcohol and possessing an extremely burning taste, varied between 37 and 44 per 
 cent.; Fliickiger (1868) obtained 38 per cent, of it, and Hlasiwetz (1867) ascertained its 
 composition to be C, 0 H 16 O 2 . This resin is amorphous, imparts to boiling water its acrid 
 and bitter taste, and, according to Sommer (1859), does not yield umbelliferon. The 
 sparingly soluble, crystallizable resin of Bonastre and others was named eupliorbon by 
 Fliickiger, who obtained 22 per cent, and gave it the formula C 13 H 22 0. It is soluble in 
 ether, benzene, benzin, amylic alcohol, chloroform, acetone, glacial acetic acid, and hot alco- 
 hol, but requires about 60 parts of alcohol for solution at the ordinary temperature. 
 When the last traces of the acrid resin have been destroyed by boiling in a weak solution 
 of potassium permanganate it is entirely tasteless. If its alcoholic solution is allowed to 
 evaporate until it forms a thin film, and this is moistened with sulphuric acid, the slow 
 addition of a little strong nitric acid produces a fine violet color — a reaction which is also 
 observed with lactucerin. Braconnot (1808) observed the presence of malic acid in 
 euphorbium. Fliickiger obtained 12 per cent, of malates , chiefly of calcium and sodium, 
 10 per cent, of mineral compounds , and 18 per cent, of gum , which is precipitated by lead 
 acetate, also by sodium silicate and borax. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Euphorbium is an ingredient in a few plasters. Tinc- 
 tura euphorbii is made with 1 part of euphorbium and 10 parts of alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The juice of the fresh and the powder of the dried plant act 
 upon the skin and mucous membranes as acrid irritants, and internally cause per- 
 sistent vomiting and purging and even gangrene of the bowels. Although euphorbium 
 was anciently and even in comparatively modern times used as a drastic purgative in 
 dropsy , yet the extreme harshness of its operation led to its being associated with milder 
 drugs for the same purpose, and at the present day it is never given internally. It was 
 also at one time applied as a local stimulant in certain cases of paralysis, and more re- 
 cently as a sternutatory when mitigated with inert or mild powders. As a local irritant 
 it has been used in the same cases for which mezereon is appropriate, and particularly in 
 plasters intended to prolong suppuration, as in cases of obstinate sciatica. In ointments 
 it was applied to ulcers maintained by necrosed bone. Plasters containing it have also 
 been employed in the treatment of chronic swellings of the joints induced by scrofula, 
 gout, or rheumatism. 
 
 Euphorbia piluifera was brought into notice first in Australia, and then in the United 
 States, about 1883. In 1884, Baker lauded it in bronchitis and asthma ; Matheson stated 
 that its popular name was “ asthma herb,” and that it was tonic and antispasmodic ; and 
 Wragge testified that in asthma “its effects are almost magical.” In 1885, Tison em- 
 ployed tincture of this euphorbia in eleven cases of dyspnoea with or without emphysema 
 or bronchitis, and all were benefited by its use. He regarded the nervous element of the 
 disease as the one principally affected by it. (See also Therap. Gaz., xi. 171.) In the 
 same year Marsset used it in experiments upon animals, from which he inferred that it 
 first quickens and then retards the respiration and the pulse ; he also concluded, after 
 clinical experience, that it affords marked relief in asthma. He observed that it is apt to 
 occasion nausea and pain in the stomach, probably through its acrid qualities. It has 
 been used in a decoction made with two quarts of water and half an ounce of the dried 
 plant, simmered to one quart, of which the dose was a wineglassful three or four times a 
 day. The watery (or the hydro-alcoholic) extract has been given in 2-grain doses. A 
 tincture, one part of which represents five parts of the dried plant, has been recom- 
 
EUPHRASIA.— EXTRACTA ET EXTRACT A FLU ID A. 
 
 635 
 
 mended in doses of 10-20 drops. E. helioscopia furnishes a juice which is used to remove 
 warts. 
 
 Euphorbium Drummondii , an Australian plant which destroys many cattle, is said to 
 furnish an anaesthetic alkaloid to which the name drumine has been applied, but its 
 action and its very existence have been questioned ( Therap . Gaz ., xi. 107 ; ib., 463). 
 
 EUPHRASIA.— Eyebright. 
 
 Euphraise , Fr. ; Augentrost , G. ; Eu/rasia , Sp. 
 
 Euphrasia officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scrophulariaceae. 
 
 Description. — An annual plant about 15 Cm. (6 inches) high, indigenous in the 
 greater part of Europe, and in North America to the White Mountains and from the 
 Great Lakes northward. It has opposite, shortly petiolate or sessile, ovate or lanceolate 
 leaves, which are about 8 Mm. (£ inch) long, and have four or five teeth on each side ; the 
 upper (floral) leaves are alternate, nearly rhomboid, and bristly-toothed. The axillary 
 flowers have a four-cleft calyx and a white or lilac two-lipped corolla with a yellow throat, 
 four ascending stamens, and an oblong, many-ovuled ovary. When fresh, the plant has 
 a faint balsamic odor which is almost completely lost on drying ; the taste is somewhat 
 saline, bitter, and scarcely astringent. 
 
 Constituents. — Examined by J. B. Enz (1859), the fresh plant was found to contain 
 62 per cent, of moisture and 10.8 per cent, of cellulose, the remainder being tannin, a little 
 volatile oil, an acrid and bitter principle, several organic acids, mannit, glucose, and other 
 common principles. The tannin precipitates ferric salts dark-green, and lead salts of a 
 bright-green color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The name “ euphrasia,” signifying cheerfulness, was anciently 
 as well as in more recent times given to this plant, which was supposed to render the 
 vision clearer and to cure various inflammatory affections of the eyes. Its English name, 
 eyebright , may be due to this circumstance, but some maintain that its use in such dis- 
 orders was prompted by the doctrine of signatures, for a yellow spot upon its flower 
 suggests the pupil of the eye. Its utility, when applied as a fomentation or decoction in 
 ophthalmia , was probably due to its astringency. E. odontites in vinous infusion is men- 
 tioned by Pliny as a remedy for the toothache (Hist. Nat., xxvii. 84). Strumpf 
 ( Arzneimittellelire , 1848, i. 487) says of E. officinalis “ that at one time it was held to have 
 a specific action upon the brain and eyes and the abdominal viscera, especially the liver ; 
 
 . . . . that it cured syncope, strengthened the understanding, cleared the complexion, 
 etc.;” and at another to cure all catarrhal affections of the eyes, ears, lungs, etc. It was 
 employed internally and externally. Still earlier, in 1826, Richter (Arzneimittel., i. 417) 
 gave a similar account of it, adding that a metallic salt was sometimes added to the 
 infusion of the herb. In 1847, Griffith (Med. Botany , p. 517) related the same facts in 
 part, and adds that the medicine is no longer employed ; and Cazin (Plantes Medicinales 
 indigenes , 1858, p. 401) after a similar review blames a belief in its virtues as being 
 derived chiefly from a faith in the dead doctrine of signatures. Recently it has been 
 alleged that a few drops of tincture of euphrasia at the beginning of an acute coryza , 
 and repeated at intervals of two or three hours, will abort the attack (Garland, Boston 
 Med. and Burg. Jour., Nov. 1889, p. 453). The fact that a forming coryza may be 
 aborted by nnmerous agents (e.g. alcohol, ammonia, camphor, tannin, etc.) should prevent 
 one’s having much faith in the alleged special virtues of euphrasia. 
 
 EXTRACTA ET EXTRACTA FLUIDA. — Extracts and 
 Fluid or Liquid Extracts. 
 
 Extraits et Extraits liqnides, Fr. ; Extrakte und Fliissige Extrakte, G. ; Estratto , Estratto 
 liquido, It. ; Extractos, Sp. 
 
 Extracts are preparations which are obtained by evaporating a solution of the medicinal 
 principles of drugs to the consistence of a soft solid or to dryness. The solution of the 
 medicinal principles either exists as such in crude drugs while yet in a fresh and juicy 
 state, and may then be obtained by expression, or it may be prepared by treating the 
 dried and powdered drugs with suitable menstrua, such as water, water and alcohol, 
 alcohol, or ether until deprived of all active constituents. These two methods give rise 
 to different classes of extracts, which are distinguished by specific names, such as 
 inspissated juices, aqueous , alcoholic, hydro-alcoholic , and ethereal extracts j the last named 
 
636 
 
 EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLU ID A. 
 
 class contains all the fixed and volatile oils, together with resin which may have been 
 present in the drug, and with few exceptions remain liquid after complete evaporation of 
 the solvent : they possess the property of self-preservation, and are known in the Phar- 
 macopoeia as Oleoresinse (which see). 
 
 Inspissated Juices. — The United States Pharmacopoeia recognizes only one inspis- 
 sated juice (Ext. taraxaci), while those of the narcotic herbs which are not indigenous or 
 grow spontaneously only in a few localities have very properly not been admitted. The 
 expressed juices of herbs contain, besides the medical principles, chlorophyll in suspen- 
 sion and albuminous and mucilaginous matters in solution. Of these the chlorophyll 
 separates on heating the liquid to about 55° C. (130° F.) and the albuminoids are 
 coagulated between this temperature and about 94° C. (200° F.) ; The solubility of the 
 gum and mucilage is not affected by the heat but these principles may be removed by 
 alcohol, in which they are insoluble. The different pharmacopoeias have adopted different 
 processes for the purification of the expressed juices: that of Germany endeavors to 
 obtain the extracts as free as possible from inert principles, and purifies by heat and by 
 alcohol, as recommended by C. F. Mohr ( Pharmacopoeia Universalis , 1845) ; the French 
 Codex, like the 1870 U. S. P., directs the juice to be coagulated by heat, but the gum is 
 not precipitated ; and that of Great Britain aims only at the separation of the albumen, 
 and reincorporates with the extract the previously-removed chlorophyll. The inspissated 
 juices of the latter are of a green color and of a firm pilular consistence; those of the 
 other pharmacopoeias are brown in color, and cannot be made into pills without the addi- 
 tion of some vegetable powder. Provided the material has been of the same quality, an 
 inspissated juice made according to the German Pharmacopoeia ought to be stronger, and 
 if made by the British Pharmacopoeia weaker, than is obtainable by the French (and 
 former United States) process. 
 
 To obtain the juice, the vegetable should have been recently collected, well washed 
 with water to free it from extraneous matter, and the superfluous water drained off. It 
 is then cut into pieces of convenient size and bruised in a stone mortar, by means of a 
 pestle made of hard wood, until reduced to a smooth pulpy mass. If not succulent enough, 
 a little water may be sprinkled over it during this operation. The mass is then enclosed 
 in canvas bags, strongly expressed, again mixed with water, and expressed a second time, 
 whereby that portion of the juice remaining in the pulp is obtained. The mixed liquids 
 are then heated to 80° C. (176° F.) to coagulate the albumen, which encloses also the 
 chlorophyll, and is removed by straining, after which the clear liquid is evaporated to the 
 proper consistence (F. Cod. ). The German Pharmacopoeia directs the strained liquor to 
 be evaporated until reduced in weight to 10 per cent, of the weight of the plant, when 
 an equal weight of alcohol is added to precipitate gummy matter ; the mixture is set 
 aside until the insoluble matter has subsided ; it is then decanted and filtered, and the 
 retained liquid obtained by the addition of a little diluted alcohol ; the alcohol is partly 
 distilled off and the remaining liquor evaporated as before, The British Pharmacopoeia 
 directs the heating of the expressed juice to 130° F., whereby the chlorophyll separates 
 from the liquid and is collected upon a calico strainer. The strained liquor is now heated 
 to 200° F. to coagulate the albumen, again strained, and evaporated to the consistence of 
 a thin syrup, to which the chlorophyll, previously separated, is added and well mixed by 
 assiduous stirring, Evaporation to the proper consistence will complete the extract. If 
 the part of the plant employed does not contain chlorophyll, its removal and subsequent 
 readmixture are obviously omitted from the process, and if starch is present some of it 
 will pass through the press-cloth, and the expressed juice must be allowed to subside and 
 then be decanted from the deposited fecula. The U. S. process for extract of taraxacum 
 is faulty in not removing the albumen. 
 
 Aqueous Extracts were formerly usually made by boiling the drug with water, 
 expressing the watery solution, and evaporating. The pharmacopoeias have very properly 
 discontinued this process almost altogether, and have in nearly all cases substituted infu- 
 sion or percolation with water. Prolonged boiling with water will often render inert con- 
 stituents (starch, etc.) soluble in water, and thus increase the amount of extract, to the 
 injury of its quality. In other cases, however, it may not only injure the quality, but 
 also decrease the yield of the extract, as in the case of krameria, the tannin of which is 
 either partly destroyed or becomes insoluble through combination with other constituents. 
 Some pharmacopoeias exhaust the comminuted drugs by hot infusion or digestion, but 
 cold infusion or percolation appears to produce not only unobjectionable aqueous extracts, 
 but they are in some cases at least superior in appearance to those made by hot infusion 
 or digestion. When infusion is directed, the properly-comminuted drug is mixed with 
 
EXTRACT A ET EXT R ACTA FLUID A. 
 
 637 
 
 sufficient water to cover it, and in case the material be light, it is submerged by putting a 
 perforated cover with sufficient weights upon it to keep it covered by the water. After 
 due maceration or digestion a concentrated solution of the principles is at once obtained 
 by expression, and a second maceration with a small amount of water and expression will 
 practically exhaust the drug. If a large quantity of water be used in the beginning, a 
 second maceration may be avoided or becomes unprofitable, but a longer-continued evap- 
 oration is necessary. 
 
 Only two extracts are prepared with water containing acetic acid or ammonia, which 
 chemicals are ordered in a fixed proportion to the drug, the extraction being finished with 
 water, used merely for the purpose of recovering a percolate equal to the amount of men- 
 struum first employed. (For the proper treatment of the material by displacing with an 
 aqueous menstruum we refer to the remarks on Percolation.) The menstruum used is — 
 
 Water for Aloe, Gentiana, Haematoxylon, Krameria, Opium, Quassia ; 
 
 Water and acetic acid for Colchici radix ; and 
 
 Water and ammonia for Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 Alcoholic Extracts. — Whether made with strong or diluted alcohol, the powdered 
 material is most conveniently exhausted by percolation. In all cases where alcohol or 
 diluted alcohol is directed in the beginning, the same menstruum is now ordered until 
 exhaustion is accomplished. But for some extracts a stronger and a diluted alcohol are 
 directed ; in such cases the former is always used first, and by the addition of the latter 
 an amount of percolate obtained equal in volume to that of the stronger alcohol em- 
 ployed, and usually more than sufficient to practically exhaust the drug. It is obvious 
 that the tinctures obtained in this manner must be of uniform alcoholic strength from 
 beginning to end, which fact renders a separate treatment of different fractions unneces- 
 sary ; the alcohol is distilled off from the whole of the tincture, and the residue left is 
 then evaporated to the proper consistence. Yet for several extracts it has been deemed 
 proper to distil or evaporate only the weak tincture, and after mixing the residue with 
 the percolate first obtained — rather less than one-third of the whole amount — to evap- 
 orate to the proper consistence. Such a precaution is particularly commendable for 
 physostigma, belladonna, and hyoscyamus. Spontaneous evaporation of the most con- 
 centrated portion of the percolate has been retained only for rhubarb. Only one extract, 
 ergot, is directed to be made from the fluid extract, yet when the processes for several 
 other extracts and the corresponding fluid extracts are examined, there would appear to 
 be as little objection to prepare the former from the latter as with the important prepar- 
 ation mentioned. 
 
 The menstruum used for this class of extracts, as a rule, has been judiciously selected, 
 and leaves but little occasion for criticism : 
 
 Alcohol for Aconitum, Cannabis Indica, Cimicifuga, Iris, Jalap, Physostigma. 
 
 Alcohol 4 volumes , water 1 volume , for Podophyllum, Bheum. 
 
 AlcoholZ volumes, water 1 volume, for Cinchona, Leptandra,Nux Vomica (with acetic acid). 
 
 Alcohol 2 volumes , water 1 volume , for Belladonnae foliae, Digitalis, Euonymus, llyos- 
 cyamus. 
 
 Diluted Alcohol , for Arnicae radix, Colocynthis, Conium (with acetic acid), Ergot (with 
 acetic acid), Stramonii semen, Juglans. 
 
 Alcohol 1 volume, water 2\ volumes , for Uva Ursi. 
 
 Ethereal Extracts. — All the ethereal extracts of the United States Pharmacopoeia 
 will be found under Oleoresin^e, where also the necessary apparatuses and operations 
 are described. Ext. mezerei aethereum, Br. P., is the ethereal extract of an alcoholic 
 extract, the latter being prepared from the drug and afterward exhausted by ether. 
 
 Fluid or Liquid Extracts, in the meaning of the United States, British, and German 
 Pharmacopoeias, are permanent concentrated solutions of vegetable drugs, made of such 
 a strength that, in the United States, 1 Cc. contains the medicinal principles and repre- 
 sents the virtues of 1 Gm. of the drug. Prior to 1880 the pharmacopoeial strength was 
 1 troy ounce of drug to 1 fluidounce of the fluid extract. The present Pharmacopoeia 
 strength is based upon the relation of the metric measures of weight and capacity, so 
 that any weight of a given drug is to be converted into a fluid extract having the bulk 
 of the same weight of water at its maximum density ; or, in other words, a Gm. of the 
 drug is to be represented by 1 Cc. of the fluid extract. The Pharmacopoeia omits to 
 state the temperature at which the finished preparation is to be measured ; it is obvious, 
 however, that the fluid extract should in all cases be cooled and measured at or near 15° 
 C. (59° F.), which is the standard temperature adopted for taking specific gravity. The re- 
 lation of the present and former fluid extracts is shown at a glance by the following table : 
 
638 
 
 EXTRACTA ET EXTRACTA FLUID A. 
 
 100 troyounces of drug yield 3110.3 Cc. = 105.25 U. S. 1890; 2952.4 Cc. or 100 U. S. 1870. 
 100 ounces av. “ “ 2834.9 “ = 95.94 “ “ 2691.1 “ 91.15 ’ “ 
 
 100 Gm. “ “ 100.0 “ = 3.38 “ “ 95.15“ 3.22 “ “ 
 
 It will be observed that 100 ounces avoirdupois of a drug will practically make 6 pints 
 or 96 fluidounces of fluid extract, the actual difference as compared with the pharma- 
 copceial requirements being about half a fluidrachm ; or for 20 fluidpunces of the present 
 fluid extracts only 19 troyounces, not 20 of drug will be required. 
 
 The liquid extracts of former pharmacopoeias of Continental Europe, which are still 
 occasionally described under their older official title, Mettago , were solutions of extracts 
 in water, made in proportions of 3, or sometimes 2, parts of the former to 1 of the latter ; 
 they can be kept unaltered for a short time only, and are best prepared extemporaneously. 
 The liquid extracts of the British Pharmacopoeia are of the same strength as those of 
 the TJ. S. P. (1 oz. avoir, to 1 fl. oz. Imperial), except that of male fern, which is an 
 oleoresin, and those of cinchona, glycyrrhiza, opium, and pareira. 
 
 For the first time in the history of German pharmacy fluid extracts have been granted 
 official recognition ; the Germ. Pharm. of 1890 gives directions for preparing 4 fluid 
 extracts (condurango, frangula, ergota, hydrastis) by a plan almost identical with the 
 general directions laid down in the U. S. Ph. The strength of the G. Ph. fluid extracts 
 is weight for weight, or 100 Gm. of drug must yield 100 Gm. of finished product. 
 
 All the pharmacopoeial fluid extracts are directed to be prepared by percolation, and, 
 as with the extracts, a menstruum uniform in alcoholic strength is employed during the 
 process of exhaustion. This statement requires to be qualified in this, that when glycerin 
 is used with the first portion of the menstruum percolation is continued and finished with 
 the same alcoholic liquid, but not mixed with glycerin. As has been customary for these 
 preparations, a portion of the strongest percolate is reserved and the weaker percolate is 
 directed to be evaporated to a soft extract, which is dissolved in the reserved portion, the 
 requisite measure being made up with the initial menstruum containing no glycerin. By 
 evaporating the weak tincture to a soft extract most of the water is also expelled, and the 
 comparatively small portion remaining with the extract will occasion but a slight change 
 in the menstruum of the reserved portion, this menstruum being at the same time the 
 most suitable for dissolving the extractive matter, and its alcoholic strength being not 
 changed by the subsequent addition of some of the original menstruum. Special author- 
 ity is given by the Pharmacopoeia to employ, where it may be applicable, the process of 
 re-percolation, described below, without change of the initial menstruum. 
 
 For the pharmacopoeial extract and fluid extract of the same drug the menstruum is 
 usually alike. The exceptions are aconite, arnica root, colchicum root, cinchona, gen- 
 tian, krameria, and quassia; in the first named alcohol and water are used in place of 
 alcohol, in arnica root a mixture of 3 volumes alcohol and 1 volume water in place of 
 diluted alcohol ; in colchicum root alcohol and water take the place of water and acetic 
 acid; in cinchona glycerin is used in place of water to insure stability of the fluid pre- 
 paration, and in the three last named a hydro-alcoholic menstruum is necessary to pre- 
 vent fermentation. 
 
 The menstruum for exhausting the drugs is as follows : 
 
 Alcohol for Pul vis aromaticus, Buchu, Calamus, Cannabis indica, Capsicum, Cimici- 
 fuga, Cubeba, Cusso, Gelsemium, Grindelia, Iris, Lupulinum, Mezereum, Sabina, Verat- 
 trum viride, Xanthoxylum, Zingiber. 
 
 Alcohol 4 volumes , water 1 volume , for Belladonnse radix, Eriodictyon, Podophyllum, 
 Bheum, Serpentaria. 
 
 Alcohol 3 volumes , water 1 volume , for Aconitum, Arnicae radix, Calumba, Eucalyptus. 
 Guarana, Ipecacuanha, Leptandra, Matico, Nux vomica (with acetic acid), Sanguinaria 
 (with acetic acid), Scilla, Stramonii semen, Valeriana, Viburnum opulus, Viburnum 
 prunifolium. 
 
 Alcohol 2 volumes , water 1 volume , for Aurantii Amari cortex, Chirata, Colchici radix, 
 Qolchici semen, Digitalis, Hyoscyamus, Menispernum, Phytolaccae radix. 
 
 Diluted Alcohol , for Asclepias, Chimaphila, Coca, Conium (with acetic acid), Conval- 
 laria, Cypripedium, Dulcamara, Ergota (with acetic acid), Eupatorium, Gentiana, Lappa, 
 Lobelia, Pilocarpus, Bhamnus Purshiana, Rumex, Scoparius, Scutellaria, Senna, Spigelia, 
 Stillingia, Taraxacum. 
 
 Alcohol 5 volumes , water 8 volumes , for Frangula. 
 
 Alcohol 1 volume , water 2 volumes , for Quassia, Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Alcohol 4 volumes , glycerin 1 volume , followed hy alcohol 4 volumes , water 1 volume , for 
 Cinchona Calisaya. 
 
EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLUID A. 
 
 639 
 
 Alcohol 3 volumes , glycerin 1 volume, followed by alcohol ’, for Gossypium. 
 
 Alcohol 72 volumes , water 18 volumes , glycerin 10 volumes , for Pareira. 
 
 Alcohol 65 volumes , water 25 volumes , glycerin 10 volumes , for Apocynuin. 
 
 Alcohol 6 volumes , water 3 volumes , glycerin 1 volume , for Aspidosperma, Hydrastis, 
 
 Rubus. 
 
 Diluted Alcohol 9 volumes , glycerin 1 volume , for Geranium, Krameria, Rhus glabra, 
 Rosa gallica. 
 
 Alcohol 5 volumes , water 8 volumes , glycerin 1 volume , for Hamamelis. 
 
 Alcohol 3 volumes , water 6 volumes , glycerin 1 volume , for Sarsaparilla (compound fid. 
 ext.). 
 
 Alcohol 2 volumes , water 5 volumes , glycerin 3 volumes , for Uva Ursi. 
 
 Alcohol 75 volumes , water 20 volumes , ammonia-water 5 volumes , for Senega. 
 
 Alcohol 30 volumes , water 65 volumes , ammonia-water 5 volumes , for Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 Water 2 volumes, glycerin \ volume, followed by alcohol 85 volumes , water 15 volumes, 
 
 for Prunus Yirginiana. 
 
 Boiling water for Triticum. Finished product contains about 25 per cent, by volume 
 of alcohol. 
 
 Boiling water followed by cold water, for Castanea. Finished product contains 10 per 
 cent, by volume of glycerin and about 20 per cent, by volume of alcohol. 
 
 For some time past experiments have been going on in the hands of manufacturers 
 and others with a view of introducing acetic acid, in place of alcoholic and hydro- 
 alcoholic menstrua, in the preparation of fluid and solid extracts. Results thus far pub- 
 lished indicate that 60 per cent, acetic acid is admirably suited for the exhaustion of 
 certain drugs, particularly those owing their virtue to alkaloidal, aromatic, and even 
 resinous principles, less menstruum, as a rule, also being required for complete exhaus- 
 tion. The fact, however, that acetic-acid menstruum has been found to cause an increase 
 in the percentage of extractive rather shows that, in some instances at least, an increased 
 amount of inert matter is dissolved by the more aqueous menstruum, since practically 
 no increase in percentage of alkaloid or active resinous matter has been observed : this 
 would appear to be a drawback to the use of the acid aqueous menstruum ; besides 
 which, the presence of a considerable quantity of acetic acid in the finished fluid extracts 
 might be objected to by physicians from a therapeutical standpoint. In a few cases, 
 notably of alkaloidal and oleoresinous as well as the purely aromatic drugs, superior 
 preparations have been obtained with acetic-acid menstruum, and the finished fluid 
 extracts possessed a finer aroma than those made with the official menstruum. The U. 
 S. Pharmacopoeia has recognized the value of acetic acid as a solvent in the manufac- 
 ture of fluid extracts by directing its use, at least in part, in the case of nux vomica 
 and sanguinaria ; no doubt continued favorable results will cause the displacement of 
 alcohol by acetic acid for a larger number of drugs. 
 
 Preparation. — Fineness of Powder. (For remarks on powdering consult the 
 article Pulveres.) “ The fineness of powder is expressed in the Pharmacopoeia either 
 by descriptive words (generally so in the case of brittle or easily pulverizable sub- 
 stances) or in terms expressing the number of meshes to a linear inch in the sieve 
 through which the powder will pass. These different forms of expression correspond to 
 each other as follows : 
 
 A very fine powder 
 A fine powder 
 A moderately fine powder 
 A moderately coarse powder 
 A coarse powder 
 
 should pass through a sieve having 80 
 or more meshes to the linear inch, 
 should pass through a sieve having 60 
 meshes to the linear inch, 
 should pass through a sieve having 50 
 meshes to the linear inch, 
 should pass through a sieve having 40 
 meshes to the linear inch, 
 should pass through a sieve having 20 
 meshes to the linear inch. 
 
 — No. 80 powder. 
 = No. 60 powder. 
 = No. 50 powder. 
 = No. 40 powder. 
 = No. 20 powder 
 
 “ In certain cases powders of a different degree of fineness (e. g. No. 30, No. 12) are 
 directed to be taken. When a substance is directed to be in a limited degree of fine- 
 ness, as specified by the number of meshes to the linear inch in the sieve, not more 
 than one-fourth of the powder should be able to pass through a sieve having ten meshes 
 more to the linear inch.” — U. S. 
 
 Percolation. — “ The process of percolation, or displacement, directed in the Phar- 
 
640 
 
 EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLUID A. 
 
 macopoeia, consists in subjecting a substance or a mixture of substances, in powder, con- 
 tained in a vessel called a percolator, to the solvent action of successive portions of a 
 certain menstruum in such a manner that the liquid, as it traverses the powder in its 
 descent to the recipient, shall be charged with the soluble portion of it, and pass from the 
 percolator free from insoluble matter. 
 
 “ When the process is successfully conducted, the first portion of the liquid or perco- 
 late passing through the percolator will be nearly saturated with the soluble constituents 
 of the substance treated ; and if the quantity of menstruum be sufficient for its exhaus- 
 tion, the last portion of the percolate will be destitute of color, odor, and taste other than 
 that possessed by the menstruum itself. 
 
 “ The percolator most suitable for the quantities contemplated by the Pharmacopoeia 
 should be nearly cylindrical or slightly conical, with a funnel-shaped termination at the 
 smaller end. The neck of this funnel end should be rather short, and should gradually 
 and regularly become narrower toward the orifice, so that a perforated cork, bearing a 
 short glass tube, may be tightly wedged into it from within until the end of the cork is 
 flush with its outer edge. The glass tube, which must not protrude above the inner sur- 
 face of the cork, should extend from 3 to 4 Cm. beyond the outer surface of the cork, 
 and should be provided with a closely-fitting rubber tube at least one-fourth longer than 
 the percolator itself, and ending in another short glass tube, whereby the rubber tube may 
 be so suspended that its orifice shall be above the surface of the menstruum in the per- 
 colator, a rubber band holding it in position. 
 
 “ The dimensions of such a percolator, conveniently holding 500 Gm. of powdered 
 material, are preferably the following: Length of body, 36 Cm. ; length of neck, 5 Cm. ; 
 internal diameter at top, 10 Cm. ; internal diameter at beginning of funnel-shaped end, 
 
 6.5 Cm.; internal diameter of neck, 12 Mm., gradually reduced at the end to 10 Mm. 
 
 It is best constructed of glass, but, unless so directed, may be made of a different 
 material. 
 
 “ The percolator is prepared for percolation by gently pressing a small tuft of cotton 
 into the space of the neck above the cork, and a small layer of clean and dry sand is then 
 poured upon the surface of the cotton to hold it in place. 
 
 “ The powdered substance to be percolated (which must be uniformly of the fineness 
 directed in the formula, and should be perfectly air-dry before it is weighed) is put into 
 a basin, the specified quantity of menstruum is poured on, and it is thoroughly stirred 
 with a spatula or other suitable instrument until it appears uniformly moistened. The 
 moist powder is then passed through a coarse sieve — No. 40 powders and those which are 
 finer requiring a No. 20 sieve, whilst No. 30 powders require a No. 15 sieve for this pur- 
 pose. Powders of a less degree of fineness usually do not require this additional treat- 
 ment after the moistening. The moist powder is now transferred to a sheet of thick paper, 
 and the whole quantity poured from it into the percolator. It is then shaken down lightly, < 
 and allowed to remain in that condition for a period varying from fifteen minutes to f 
 several hours, unless otherwise directed ; after which the powder is pressed, by the aid of 
 a plunger of suitable dimensions, more or less firmly in proportion to the character of 
 the powdered substance and the alcoholic strength of the menstruum ; strongly alcoholic 
 menstrua, as a rule, permitting firmer packing of the powder than the weaker. The per- 
 colator is now placed in position for percolation, and, the rubber tube having been fast- 
 ened at a suitable height, the surface of the powder is covered by an accurately fitting 
 disk of filtering-paper or other suitable material, and a sufficient quantity of the men- 
 struum poured on through a funnel reaching nearly to the surface of the paper. If 
 these conditions are accurately observed, the menstruum will penetrate the powder equally 
 until it has passed into the rubber tube, and has reached in this a height corresponding 
 to its level in the percolator, which is now closely covered to prevent evaporation. The 
 apparatus is then allowed to stand at rest for the time specified in the formula. 
 
 “ To begin percolation, the rubber tube is lowered and its glass end introduced into the 
 neck of the bottle previously marked for the quantity of liquid to be percolated if the 
 percolate is to be measured, or of a tared bottle if the percolate is to be weighed ; and by 
 raising or lowering this recipient the rapidity of percolation may be increased or lessened 
 as may be desirable, observing, however, that the rate of percolation, unless the quantity 
 of material taken in operation is largely in excess of the pharmacopoeial quantities, shall 
 not exceed the limit of ten to thirty drops in a minute. A layer of menstruum must 
 constantly be maintained above the powder, so as to prevent the access of air to its inter- 
 stices, until all has been added or the requisite quantity of percolate has been obtained. 
 This is conveniently accomplished, if the space above the powder will admit of it, by 
 
EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLUID A. 
 
 641 
 
 inverting a bottle containing the entire quantity of menstruum over the percolator in 
 such a manner that its mouth may dip beneath the surface of the liquid, the bottle being 
 of such a shape that its shoulder will serve as a cover for the percolator. 
 
 “ When the dregs of a tincture or of a similar preparation are to be subjected to per- 
 colation, after maceration, with all or with the greater portion of the menstruum the 
 liquid portion should be drained off as completely as possible, the solid portion packed in 
 a percolator, as before described, and the liquid poured on until all has passed from the 
 surface, when immediately a sufficient quantity of the original menstruum should be 
 poured on to displace the absorbed liquid, until the prescribed quantity has been obtained.” 
 
 — U S. 
 
 Fig. 114. 
 
 Percolation as recommended by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Fig. 114 shows a style of percolator admirably adapted for the manufacture of fluid and 
 solid extracts ; it illustrates the process of percolation as recommended by the U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia. The principle involved is almost identical with that of the well-tube or 
 syphon percolators introduced some years ago. The liquid is made to traverse a long 
 column of moistened drug, thus insuring more thorough exhaustion of the soluble matter 
 with less menstruum ; every particle of the mass can be kept at uniform pressure during 
 maceration by reason of the column of fluid in the tube on the outside of the percolator 
 and the rate of flow is completely under control of the operator. 
 
 41 
 
642 
 
 EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLUID A. 
 
 Although, with proper management, good results may he obtained in the preparation 
 of extracts and fluid extracts by using a funnel-shaped (usually termed a conical ) per- 
 colator for exhausting the powder, experience has demonstrated that the so-called cylin- 
 drical percolator is to be preferred, having the shape described above, which represents 
 the section of a long cone, and this is terminated below either by a funnel or by a 
 shorter cone. The relative proportion of diameter to height of powder is of importance, 
 since it is evident that with an increase of the latter the same fraction of menstruum 
 must come into contact with a larger number of particles of the powder. 
 Its height should be four or five times greater than its mean diameter. 
 The cover of the percolator should not fit air-tight, or, if from the 
 volatility of the menstruum, this should be desirable, a communication 
 should be established by means of a glass tube between the receiving 
 vessel and the top of the percolator for the equalization of pressure. 
 Gum-cloth furnishes a convenient material for an ordinary cover. 
 
 In conducting a series of experiments on percolation Dr. Squibb 
 (1866) proved, first, that there is a sufficient degree of uniformity of 
 results to admit of the adoption of a model plan of proceeding applicable 
 to drugs in general ; second, that the extract or soluble matter yielded to 
 the menstruum is not uniform in its chemical and therapeutical value as 
 obtained during the different stages of the percolation, but diminishes in 
 effective value far more rapidly than the extract does in weight ; and 
 third, that this decrease in value depends upon the difference in solubility 
 between the active and inactive portions of the extract, and that the 
 ratio of this decrease is about the same for drugs in general, provided 
 the proper menstruum be used. Critical experiments made with seven 
 different drugs proved that the first 12 fluidounces of the percolate con- 
 tained from 61 to 78 per cent, of the total extract obtainable from 16 
 troyounces of a drug with 3 or 4 pints of percolate, as directed by the 
 Pharmacopoeia of I860, and that the first 16 fluidounces contained from 71 
 to 84 per cent, of the total amount of extract. Subsequently (1869), 
 Tin Percolator ar Samuel Campbell showed that some drugs may be practically exhausted 
 ranged for ’voi- by careful management on obtaining 1 fluidounce for every troyounce of 
 atiie liquids. the d rU g use d. This principle, however, is applicable to those drugs only 
 which are rather heavy, and at the same time are readily permeated by a menstruum 
 in which the active principles are easily and freely soluble, so that complete exhaustion 
 is attained without difficulty. The U. S. P. 1870 directed in most cases 24 fluidounces 
 of percolate for 16 troyounces of drug, and regarded the latter then as practically 
 exhausted. The present Pharmacopoeia directs displacement to be continued until the 
 drug is exhausted — a point which may be reached by careful manipulation without requir- 
 ing finally long-continued evaporation. But while for fluid extracts the exhaustion of the 
 material is mostly left to the good judgment of the pharmacist, definite quantities of 
 percolate are usually directed for the extracts — sufficient to exhaust the material com- 
 pletely. In the light of the experience cited above it would seem that this might like- 
 wise have been left to the judgment of the experienced operator. 
 
 When the active principles possess a decided taste their gradual diminution in the 
 percolate is easily ascertained ; in other cases recourse may be had to chemical tests, 
 especially in the presence of alkaloids. The color of the percolate alone is no reliable 
 criterion for its medicinal strength, some drugs continuing to yield colored percolates 
 after the active principles have been exhausted, while others still yield appreciable 
 quantities of the latter after most of the coloring matter has been taken up. The 
 strength of extracts and fluid extracts depends solely on the amount of the active prin- 
 ciples, and not on the total amount of extractive matter, obtained. 
 
 For moistening the powder a definite quantity of menstruum is now directed which 
 experience has shown to be most suitable ; generally, this quantity is greater than was 
 formerly thought desirable. The manner of packing described is the most convenient, 
 the pressing of the whole amount of the powder in one operation giving better and more 
 uniform results in the hands of most operators than if done in fractions. Ligneous 
 material requires to be very firmly packed, and when of more loose cellular structure the 
 packing should be less firm, but in all cases it should be uniform. Again, when an 
 alcoholic menstruum is used the packing must be correspondingly firmer as the menstruum 
 is stronger in alcohol. When well packed, a disk of paper or muslin is spread upon the 
 surface and the requisite menstruum poured upon it. Thus arranged, the material is 
 
 
 ? 
 
 j 
 
 ; 
 
EXTRACT A ET EXTRACTA FLUID A. 
 
 643 
 
 permitted to macerate for 2 days, both orifices of the percolator being securely closed to 
 prevent evaporation. The time directed for maceration is ample, but may be prolonged 
 to 3 or 4 days without disadvantage, or for easily-exhausted drugs even shortened. It 
 is to be observed that the powder is to remain constantly covered by a stratum of the 
 menstruum ; this precaution is of imperative necessity until the powder has been 
 deprived of the greater proportion of its active principles, and the liquid in the percolator 
 may be more than sufficient to displace the solution of the remainder. 
 
 After the exhaustion of the powder has been accomplished the absorbed alcohol may 
 be recovered by distillation with steam, or, when this is impracticable, it may be obtained 
 by percolation with a weaker alcohol, the alcoholic strength being gradually reduced until 
 finally water is used for pushing the last portions of the percolate through. The more 
 mucilaginous the material is, the greater the caution which should be exercised in this 
 decrease of the alcoholic strength. The alcohol thus obtained requires to be rectified, 
 and may usually be deprived of its foreign odor by distillation with a small quantity of 
 potassium permanganate. 
 
 Re-percolation — or, as it has been called by Prof. Diehl, fractional percolation — is a 
 process recommended by Dr. Squibb in 1866, and was more recently somewhat modified 
 with the view of obtaining more uniform results, the object being preparation of fluid 
 extracts without the use of heat. The process may be briefly described as follows : 32 
 parts of powder are divided into four equal portions, one of which is moistened, packed, 
 macerated, and then slowly displaced until exhausted. The percolate is collected in frac- 
 tions, the first 6 parts being reserved, and the next fraction used for moistening the 
 second portion of 8 parts of the powder, which is afterward macerated and displaced with 
 the remaining fractions, the weakest being used last. Of this portion 8 parts of perco- 
 late are reserved. The third and fourth portion of 8 parts each of the powder are perco- 
 lated in the same manner as the second portion, and, finally, the 4 reserved percolates are 
 mixed to obtain 30 parts of fluid extract. The weaker percolates from the fourth portion 
 are preserved for a subsequent operation, when from each portion of 8 parts of powder 8 
 parts of percolate are reserved. (See paper on “ Fluid Extracts by Re-percolation ” by 
 Dr. Squibb, and “ Report on Fluid Extracts ” by Prof. Diehl, in Proc. Am. 
 
 Phar. Assoc., 1878.) Fig - 116 ‘ 
 
 While the process of fractional percolation possesses the advantage of yield- 
 ing a perfect fluid extract without the use of heat, and consequently avoids 
 any possible injury from this source, it also carries with it the disadvantage of 
 necessitating the keeping of a series of weak percolates, properly numbered and 
 labelled, to be used for the same drug at a subsequent operation, in the order 
 in which they have been collected. The process can be made practically con- 
 tinuous, each fraction of reserve tincture being in itself a finished fluid extract. 
 
 Sectional percolation is a modification of this process proposed by William 
 M. Thomson (1883). The percolator is an elongated cone, which may be taken 
 apart in sections, each section forming a percolator, ending below with a per- 
 forated diaphragm of the same diameter as that of the top portion of the next 
 section ; the powder to be exhausted is packed in the different sections, and 
 the liquid, percolating through from above, as it leaves one section is again 
 uniformly distributed over the powder contained in the next. 
 
 Another process for the preparation of fluid extracts without the use of heat 
 deserves a passing notice, since from the employment of a very powerful press 
 it is perhaps better adapted for the manufacturer than for the pharmacist. It 
 was devised by N. S. Thomas (1865), and consists in moistening the ground 
 drug with a portion of the menstruum, and after sufficient maceration express- 
 ing the liquid. The operation of maceration and expressing is repeated several 
 times until the proper quantity of fluid extract is obtained. A very efficient 
 press, serviceable for this purpose and for other pharmaceutical preparations, 
 has been constructed by Mr. Charles T. George (Proc. Penna. Phar. Assoc., 
 
 1878). 
 
 Percolation under Pressure. — The first notice of percolation under 
 pressure was given by Count Real (Jour, de Phar., 1816, April), who con- 
 structed an apparatus known as Reals solution-press or filter-press , and which . Real’s 
 consisted in a tin percolator surmounted by a tube which could be made 15 M. 1 1 ter press 
 (50 feet) or more in length ; after the fine, previously-moistened powder has absorbed all 
 the menstruum provided for its exhaustion, the tube was filled with water, and the men- 
 struum absorbed by the powder was thus forced out by hydrostatic pressure. The incon- 
 
644 
 
 EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLUID A. 
 
 venience of the long water-tube suggested its replacement by a column of mercury, 
 which, communicating with a reservoir, forced the water through the powder. Semmel- 
 bauer ( Buchner's Reportorium , 1817, iii.) already conceived the idea of using compressed 
 air for the same purpose, and a suitable - apparatus for- this purpose was constructed by 
 Dr. Romershausen, and is described in Buchn. Repert ., 1819, vi. p. 316. The process was 
 subsequently applied by Boullay {Jour, de Phar ., 1833, June) to displacement under the 
 pressure of a low column of liquid, as in the percolators at present in use. The neces- 
 sity of saturating the powder with the menstruum without rendering it adhesive, and of 
 firmly compressing the moistened powder, was early recognized as essential conditions 
 for success. The same principle of percolating under pressure applies to the apparatuses 
 more recently constructed by Duffield, Stearns, and others, in which the air in the re- 
 ceiver may be rarified and that contained in the percolator above the powder may be 
 compressed. The pressure percolators introduced by Rosenwasser, Berry, Anderson, and 
 Suit during the past twelve years closely resemble Real’s press, with this addition, that 
 the powder by a screw arrangement may be confined between perforated disks in any 
 desired space, without the possibility of expansion on coming in contact with the bulk 
 of the menstruum percolating ; the percolators are made of tin or heavily-tinned copper 
 and glass. One of the chief claims for pressure percolation is the complete exhaustion 
 of the drug with less menstruum than by ordinary methods. 
 
 Evaporation. — Spontaneous evaporation at ordinary temperatures of the atmosphere 
 is easily accomplished with ethereal and similar volatile liquids, but alcoholic tinctures, in 
 order to avoid a too-prolonged contact with air, require a somewhat elevated temperature, 
 that directed by the Pharmacopoeia being usually about 50° C. (122° F.). Where a higher 
 temperature exerts no injurious influence upon the important constituents, a water-bath 
 is most convenient for the purpose ; 
 and since the evaporating liquid will 
 always remain several degrees below 
 the boiling-point of water, even 
 though the water in the bath may 
 be actively boiling, empyreuma is 
 effectually prevented. Steam-baths 
 will likewise be useful, provided the 
 arrangements are such that the pres- 
 sure of steam cannot, or only slightly, 
 exceed that of the atmosphere. Sand-baths and other contrivances by which the temper* 
 
 Fig. 118. 
 
 Fig. 119. 
 
 The Prentiss Alcohol Reclaimer. 
 
 Fig. 120. 
 
 The Remington Still. 
 
 
EXTRACT A ET EXTRACTA FLUID A. 
 
 645 
 
 ature is likely to rise above 100° C. (212° F.) should be used only with due precautions. 
 Evaporation is most successful if conducted from a shallow dish, with a current of dry 
 air passing over the surface of the liquid, which may at the same time be agitated ; but 
 the use of metallic spatulas for stirring during evaporation is generally inadmissible : the 
 proper material is porcelain or wood. Various mechanical contrivances have been con- 
 structed with the view of saving the manual labor and constant attendance in stirring, 
 and they serve a good purpose. 
 
 In evaporating a tincture the alcohol will be lost unless provision is made for recon- 
 densing the vapor by means of a distillatory apparatus. 
 
 For the recovery of alcohol in the concentration of weak percolates or from the dregs 
 remaining in the percolator a variety of pharmaceutical stills have been designed. Figs. 
 119, 120, and 121 represent the more popular styles; all three can be heated by means 
 of a gas- or oil-stove, and in all three the liquid to be concentrated as well as the alcoholic 
 vapor is not allowed to come in contact with any 
 metal but tin. The “ Prentiss Alcohol Reclaimer,” 
 
 Fig. 119, is easily operated, condensation of the 
 alcoholic vapor is well-nigh complete, and the still is 
 specially adapted for smaller operations. The “ Rem- 
 mington Still,” Fig. 120, combines the united condens- 
 ing power of a series of tubes within one refrigerator, 
 and by the peculiar shape of the head or dome recon- 
 densation of the vapor in the body of the still is 
 reduced to a minimum. The main features of the 
 “Anderson Still,” Fig. 121, are the use of a broad, 
 shallow dish from which the alcoholic vapors will 
 rise speedily, owing to the large extent of surface 
 exposed, and, furthermore, the automatic supply of 
 partially warmed water from the condensing surface 
 to the water-bath, thus obviating the necessity of 
 replenishing the boiler from time to time with cold water in larger operations whereby 
 loss of time would be incurred. 
 
 In 1889 the plan of concentrating large volumes of aqueous solutions of extracts by 
 means of cold was formulated by M. Adrian, and put into practice on a large scale. 
 Following up the suggestions of Herrera (1877), M. Adrian subjects the filtered aqueous 
 solutions to a temperature of — 20° C. ( — 4° F.) in an ammonia-ice apparatus, and thus 
 obtains large blocks of ice, in which the extractive solution is enveloped, the pure water 
 alone freezing ; these blocks of ice are rapidly converted into snow by means of large 
 shaving machines. Another French pharmacist, M. Vee, prefers to convert the aqueous 
 solution into a crystalline magma instead of solid blocks of ice, and accomplishes this 
 by keeping the liquid in constant agitation during the freezing process. The snow-like 
 mass is placed in centrifugal extractors, where about 75 per cent, of water is removed. 
 The remaining solution is again subjected to cold (even a lower temperature than at 
 first), when a syrupy liquid is obtained which can readily be evaporated to a solid 
 extract in a vacuum apparatus at a temperature not exceeding 30° C. (86° F.). Extracts 
 thus prepared are lighter in color than those obtained by ordinary vacuum or open-air 
 evaporation, form almost clear solutions with water, and possess the odor and taste of 
 the drug in a marked degree. It has been found that all vegetable matter in solution is 
 retained in its original condition, even the albumen, water alone being removed. 
 
 There can be no doubt that this plan of concentration by freezing will yet meet with 
 more extended application in pharmacy, as it has already done in the arts. 
 
 In many processes carried on in the arts vacuum-stills are used for the evaporation 
 of liquids, the boiling-point of which is lowered in proportion as the pressure within the 
 apparatus is reduced to below that of the surrounding atmosphere. For operations on a 
 small scale, and quite suitable for the requirements of the pharmacist, the water-air-pump 
 described by Dr. Sprengel in 1865, and known also as Bunsen’s water-air-pump, may be 
 used with advantage. It is simply water descending in a perpendicular tube which later- 
 ally communicates with the interior of the otherwise hermetically-closed vessel containing 
 the liquid to be evaporated ; the descending column of water creates suction, the air in 
 the apparatus being carried down with the water, and thus causes a partial vacuum, in 
 which the liquid evaporates at a low temperature. The apparatus is well adapted for 
 rapid filtration, washing of precipitates, evaporation, etc., but provision may also be made 
 for condensing the vapors and recovering the menstruum. 
 
 Fig. 121. 
 
 The Anderson Automatic Still, 
 
646 
 
 EXTRACT A ET EXTRACT A FLUID A. 
 
 Changes by Evaporation. — All plants contain one or more principles, which, 
 though originally colorless, are very easily altered under the influence of air and heat, 
 acquiring a yellow or brown color. It is not known whether the so-called colorless extract*, 
 ive is alike in all plants, nor is its composition known or the nature of changes produced 
 under the conditions mentioned, except that the heat of boiling water and the prolonged 
 action of oxygen will convert it ultimately into a blackish insoluble substance, to which 
 the name apotheme has been given, and which appears to be allied to humin. Extractive 
 is almost insoluble in in absolute alcohol and ether, but dissolves freely in weaker alcohol 
 and water, and is removed from its solution by animal charcoal and aluminum hydroxide, 
 the more readily after it has become colored by oxidation. It is with difficulty freed 
 from all admixtures, and the terms sweet, bitter, acrid, etc. extractives refer to the same 
 body in a more or less altered condition, combined or intimately mixed with other prin- 
 ciples to which the peculiar taste is due. The injurious influence of air and heat upon 
 the vegetable juices is mainly confined to the alterations of this extractive, and extends 
 in a limited degree only to the majority of the well-defined principles. Its effects have 
 often been much overrated, except as regards the appearance of the extracts. The color 
 of the different extracts and fluid extracts varies with the nature of the drug from which 
 they have been made, but should never be black. Fluid extracts should preserve the 
 taste and also the odor of the drug, except in so far as both may be modified by the men- 
 struum. The characteristic taste, and to some extent also the odor, of the drug should 
 be perceived in the extracts, and these should yield a nearly clear or moderately turbid 
 solution with the menstruum used in their preparation. Not to come up to these require- 
 ments is indicative of carelessness, and the presence of empyreumatic products proves 
 the operation to have been slovenly. 
 
 Consistence of Extracts. — The Pharmacopoeia recognizes two degrees of con- 
 sistence — namely, 1, pilular consistence (25 extracts) ; 2, dry (7 extracts). These 
 degrees are practically the same as those adopted by the German Pharmacopoeia, but 
 designated as — 1, thin extracts, of the thickness of fresh honey (mostly oleoresins) ; , 
 
 2, thick extracts, which when cold cannot be poured from a vessel ; and 3, dry extracts, 
 which may be rubbed to powder. A pilular consistence is practically unattainable for 
 most extracts unless some dry substance is added, like the chlorophyll to the inspissated i 
 juices of the British Pharmacopoeia. The nearest degree of consistence attainable with 
 some extracts is such that they may be formed into pills, which, however, do not retain 
 their globular shape. Others, like Extr. gentianae, taraxaci, etc., are even too soft for 
 that purpose, while some, like Extr. rhei, etc., gradually become quite tough or hard. The 
 addition of 10 per cent, of glycerin to some extracts is intended to preserve the proper 
 consistence. Extracts which do not contain any fixed oil or hygroscopic constituents \ 
 may usually be reduced to powder when sufficiently evaporated and cooled. On being j 
 warmed all extracts become softer, and, if pulverulent at the ordinary temperature, 
 acquire sufficient pliability to be rolled into pills. 
 
 Of late years powdered extracts have come very much into demand, and are supplied > 
 by nearly all manufacturers : while their convenience in dispensing pharmacy cannot be 
 denied, it is questionable whether damage is not done in many cases by the prolonged 
 and high heat necessary to bring the pilular extract to the proper condition for powder- 
 ing, even with the addition of diluents. Some extracts, such as colocynth, krameria, nux 
 vomica, and opium, are readily brought to the state of powder as directed by the Phar- 
 macopoeia, whilst in other cases it is difficult to see how drug-millers can succeed in pro- 
 ducing such fine powders, apparently not very hygroscopic (if at all), unless high heat 
 and large proportions of diluent powder be employed. 
 
 According to P. W. Squire and M. Conroy, calcined magnesia is the most desirable 
 absorbent to use in making powdered extracts : it should be mixed with the soft extract, 
 which is then evaporated to dryness and powdered. About 10 per cent, of magnesia will 
 be found sufficient in most cases. 
 
 The abstracts of the Pharmacopoeia of 1880, which have been dropped from the present 
 edition, were powdered extracts, but bore no simple relation to the extracts proper; they 
 were intended to replace the more bulky powder of the crude drug from which they 
 were made, and in strength corresponded to twice their weight of the drug. Eleven 
 abstracts were recognized in the last Pharmacopoeia : Aconite, belladonna, conium, digi- 
 talis, hyoscyamus, ignatia, jalap, nux vomica, podophyllum, senega, and valerian. The 
 general plan for preparing them was to make a fluid extract of the drug with alcohol, 
 mix this with some sugar of milk, dry by spontaneous evaporation in a warm place, then 
 
EXTR A CTXJM A COXITI. 
 
 647 
 
 Fig. 122 . 
 
 add sufficient sugar of milk to bring the product up to one-half the weight of the 
 powdered drug used, and finally reduce to a fine powder. 
 
 The powdered or dry narcotic extract s, P. G., are identical with those of the Prussian 
 Pharmacopoeia of 1862, and are prepared by mixing 4 parts of the extract with 3 parts 
 of finely-powdered liquorice-root, drying the mixture between 40° and 50° C. (104° and 
 122° F.), rubbing the residue to powder while warm, and adding sufficient powdered 
 liquorice-root to make 8 parts. These are made for convenience in dispensing only, but, 
 while they are well adapted for being added to powders, they cannot be used in mixtures, 
 owing to their partial insolubility. The use of dextrin in place of liquorice-root, pre- 
 scribed by the P. G. 1872, has been abandoned, most of the powders thus prepared 
 being too hygroscopic. 
 
 Preservation. — The consistence of extracts nearly neutralizes any injurious effect 
 which contact with the atmosphere might otherwise exert, and the most ordinary care 
 will therefore suffice to keep them unaltered for a considerable time. The sprinkling 
 upon the softer extracts of a small quantity of alcohol has been recommended, but this 
 is entirely unnecessary for those which are to some degree hygroscopic, and of little 
 permanent utility for those which have a tendency to become tough. The difficulty may 
 generally be avoided by spreading a few drops of glycerin over the surface, or, 
 as has been proposed, by working into the warm extract half its weight of 
 glycerin and dispensing 50 per cent, more than prescribed. The plan adopted 
 by the U. S. P. is that of W. J. M. Gordon (1864), 10 per cent, of glycerin 
 being added to extracts to keep them soft and prevent mouldiness. 
 
 The ordinary extracts are kept in jars of queensware, or, preferably, of por- 
 celain or glass, with a cover of the same material. Small quantities may be 
 kept in wide-mouthed vials with a very narrow shoulder, or in an ordinary tie- 
 over jar enclosed in a tin-box just large enough to receive it and provided with 
 a well-fitting cover to prevent absorption of moisture from the atmosphere or 
 evaporation of the water contained in the extract. Extracts are rarely liable to 
 mould unless they contain a considerable proportion of mucilaginous principles, and such 
 are nearly always adapted to be brought to a dry condition. Dry extracts are in most 
 cases preferably reduced to a granular or rather coarse powder. Extracts which have 
 become too soft should be evaporated to the proper consistence by means of a water-bath, 
 and those having become hard and unmanageable should be softened by the heat of a 
 water-bath, when the requisite quantity of distilled water may be incorporated to bring 
 them to the proper consistence. 
 
 For the preservation of fluid extracts the same precautions are required as for the 
 preservation of most other liquid medicines. The bottles in which they are kept should 
 be provided with a well-ground glass stopper or with a sound cork to prevent the slow 
 evaporation of alcohol, which would occasion a change in the solvent power of the men- 
 struum ; and they should be placed in a position where they are exposed neither to the 
 direct sunlight nor to any great or sudden changes in temperature. It should be remem- 
 bered that perhaps all fluid extracts are saturated solutions of some of the principles 
 naturally contained in the drug, and that their re-solution in the fluid extract from which 
 they may have deposited in the cold can be effected only very gradually at the same 
 temperature at which they previously existed in perfect solution. 
 
 Variation. — By Mohr’s process (see p. 636) for inspissated narcotic juices a num- 
 ber of inert principles are excluded from the extracts ; the use of one menstruum in the 
 preparation of extracts from dry drugs excludes many inert constituents. While it is 
 known that drugs may vary in their medicinal activity within rather considerable limits, 
 few or no analytical researches have been made as to the variation of the extracts pre- 
 pared from such varying material by a uniform process. In the near future the progress 
 of science will most likely require a standardizing of these preparations, as it has been 
 already deemed necessary for two of the more important ones. 
 
 25 av. ounces of drug will yield 24 fluidounces of fluid extract, practically correspond- 
 ing to the official strength, as stated before. 
 
 Fluid extracts, if properly made, will fairly represent the drugs, and necessarily must 
 vary to some extent in their efficacy ; but the variation should be only within the limits 
 of the variation which is unavoidable in the crude material. 
 
 EXTRACTUM ACONITI, XJ. S . — Extract of Aconite. 
 
 Extractum aconiti radicis. — Extract of aconite-root , E. ; Extrait de racine d’aconit, Fr.; 
 Akonitknollen-Extrakt , G. ; Estratto di aconito , Sp., It. 
 
 § 
 
648 
 
 EXTRACTUM ACONITI FLUID UM. 
 
 Preparation. — Aconite, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gra. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. 
 Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass 
 percolator; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above 
 it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and 
 having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the 
 percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained, 
 or the aconite is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, evaporate the 
 remainder in a porcelain capsule at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to 100 
 Cc., add the reserved portion, and evaporate at or below the above-mentioned tempera- 
 ture until an extract of a pilular consistence remains. 
 
 When operating upon 1 pound of aconite, the same should be moistened with 6 fluid- 
 ounces of alcohol, and of the 3 pints of percolate to be obtained the first 15 fluidounces j 
 should be set aside as the reserve tincture, which is to be added to the remainder after 
 the latter has been evaporated to about 1J fluidounces. 
 
 Alcohol appears to be the most appropriate menstruum. The yield is about 20 per cent. ; 
 the color yellowish-brown. It should be remembered that this extract is from six to nine 
 times stronger than that of aconite-leaves, still prescribed by some under the same name ; 
 it is therefore advisable to designate in prescriptions the pharmacopoeial extract as 
 Extract, aconiti radicis. 
 
 Extractum aconiti, Br., is the inspissated juice of the fresh herb, and is appropriately 
 prescribed as Extract, aconiti herhse. The process, which will serve as an example of the 
 one adopted by that authority for inspissated narcotic juices, is as follows: 
 
 Take of the fresh leaves and flowering tops of aconite 112 pounds. Bruise in a stone 
 mortar and press out the juice ; heat it gradually to 130° F., and separate the green col- 
 oring matter by a calico filter. Heat the strained liquor to 200° F. to coagulate the 
 albumen, and again filter. Evaporate the filtrate by a water-bath to the consistence of 
 a thin syrup ; then add to it the green coloring matter previously separated, and, stirring 
 the whole together assiduously, continue the evaporation at a temperature not exceeding 
 140° F. until the extract is of a suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. The color 
 is brown-green, and the extract contains the chlorophyll and mucilaginous constituents. 
 
 Uses. — This extract of aconite-root is represented to be about nine times as strong i 
 as the preparation of the leaves, which were unofficial in the Pharmacopoeia of 1870. 
 
 Its dose may be stated as Gm. 0.01-0.02 (gr. The dose of the British extract is 
 
 Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr i-ij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM ACONITI FLUIDUM, 77. #.-Fluid Extract of 
 
 Aconite. 
 
 Extractum aconiti radicis fluidum. — Fluid extract of aconite-root, E. ; Extrait liquide de [ 
 racine d’aconit , Fr. ; Fliissiges Ahonitknollen Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Aconite, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a suffi- 
 cient quantity , to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and ( 
 having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 glass percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid, begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, 
 having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the 
 percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of alcohol 
 and water as before, until the aconite is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the per- 
 colate, and evaporate the remainder, in a porcelain capsule, at a temperature not exceed- 
 ing 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of aconite should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the menstruum 
 (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate set 
 aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The new menstruum ordered by the Pharmacopoeia appears equally as well suited for 
 the complete exhaustion of the drug as pure alcohol, directed in 1880, and tartaric acid 
 has been entirely omitted as superfluous. 
 
 Uses. — Each minim of this preparation represents about 1 grain of aconite-root. Its 
 commencing dose should not exceed Gm. 0.06 ( MR j ), and it is more prudent to use only 
 half that quantity. This extract is a convenient addition to liniments intended to 
 relieve neuralgic and rheumatic pains, which should then be applied with a brush or 
 mop. 
 
EXTRACTUM ALOES.— APOCY XT FLUIDU3T. 
 
 649 
 
 EXTR ACTUM ALOES, 77. S., P. <7.— Extract of Aloes. 
 
 Extraction aloes socotrinse, Extraction aloes barbadensis , Br. ; Extrait d' aloes, Fr. ; Aloe- 
 Extrakt, G. ; Estratto di aloe acquosa , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Aloes 100 Gm. ; Boiling Distilled Water 1000 Cc. Mix the ajoes 
 with the water in a suitable vessel, stirring constantly, until the particles of aloes are 
 thoroughly disintegrated, and let the mixture stand for twelve hours; then pour off the 
 clear liquor, strain the residue, mix the liquids, and evaporate to dryness by means of a 
 water- or steam-bath. — U. S. 
 
 The Br. P. process is identical with the foregoing, as also the P. G. process, except 
 that in the latter only half as much water is used. The U. S. P. allows the extract to 
 be made from either official variety, whereas the Br. P. specifies both, and the P. G. 
 recognizing only Cape aloes , the extract is of course to be made from it. Extraction 
 aloes acido-sulphurico correction was obtained by diffusing 8 parts of the extract in 32 
 parts of distilled water, adding gradually 1 part of sulphuric acid and evaporating to 
 dryness. 
 
 The object of using so large a proportion of water is to avoid the admixture of resin, 
 for a concentrated aqueous solution of aloes retains in solution the resin present, whereas 
 a dilute solution again deposits it on cooling. Complete separation of resinous matter is 
 impossible, and hence the extract does not yield a perfectly clear solution with water. 
 
 The yield of dry extract varies from 20-50 per cent, according to the variety of aloes 
 and care used in manufacture. When powdered the extract is of a yellowish-brown 
 color. According to Tilden (1870), an efficient extract of aloes is obtained by evaporat- 
 ing the mother-liquor from which aloin has been deposited, but this should never be 
 substituted for the official product. 
 
 Uses. — It may be given for the same purposes as the extract of Barbadoes or Soco- 
 trine aloes or as aloes itself, and in the same dose — from Gm. 0.06-0.40 (gr. j— vj). 
 
 EXTRACTUM ANTHEMIDIS, Br.— Extract of Chamomile. 
 
 Extraction chamomillse Romanse. — Extrait de camomille romaine , Fr. ; Romisch-Kamil- 
 len-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Chamomile-Flowers 1 pound; Oil of Chamomile 15 minims; 
 Distilled Water 1 gallon. Boil the chamomile with the water until the volume is reduced 
 to one-half, then strain, press, and filter. Evaporate the liquor by a water-bath until the 
 extract is of a suitable consistence for forming pills, adding the oil of chamomile at the 
 end of the process. — Br. . 
 
 It is a dark-brown extract having the odor and bitter taste of chamomile. It would 
 seem not to be very difficult to work out a better process, in which the long boiling 
 should be avoided. 
 
 Extractum anthemidis fluidum. — Fluid extract of chamomile, E. — This is some- 
 times called for. Prof. Procter (1857) suggested exhaustion with alcohol and diluted 
 alcohol, and after evaporation preservation by sugar. Mr. Samuel Campbell (1870) sug- 
 gested a menstruum composed of 2 measures of alcohol and 1 measure each of glycerin 
 and water. 
 
 Uses. — Like extract of gentian, it is a convenient excipient for tonic medicines given 
 in the pilular form, especially quinia and the salts of iron. It is by itself a mild stom- 
 achic tonic. Dose , Gm. 0.10-0.60 (gr. ij — x). 
 
 EXTRACTUM APOCYNI FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Apocynum. 
 
 Fluid Extract of Canadian Hemp , E. ; Extrait liquide de chanvre du Canada , Fr. ; 
 Flussiqes Canadisches Hanfwurzel-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Apocynum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol, Water, each a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 650 Cc. 
 of alcohol and 250 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the 
 mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough menstruum to satu- 
 rate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the 
 remainder of the menstruum, and afterward a mixture of alcohol and water, made in the 
 
650 EXTR ACTUM ARNICAS RA DICIS.—A RNICAJ RADICIS FLUID UM. 
 
 proportion of 650 Cc. of alcohol to 350 Cc. of water, until the apocynum is exhausted. 
 .Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature 
 not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, 
 and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with 10 fluidounces of the menstruum 
 (alcohol 65 volumes, water 25 volumes, glycerin 10 volumes), and the first 22 fluidounces 
 of the percolate set aside as reserve. The final volume of the finished product is made up 
 to 24 fluidounces by addition of a mixture of alcohol 65 volumes and water 35 volumes. 
 
 This is one of the new pharmacopoeial preparations, which has been on the market for 
 some years. Experience has shown that the above menstruum thoroughly exhausts the 
 drug and yields a stable fluid extract. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation represents fully the virtues of the plant from which it is 
 derived. Duse , 6m. 0.3 to 1 or 2 (npiv-xv-^ss). 
 
 EXTRACTUM ARNICA RADICIS, 77. Extract of Arnica-root. 
 
 Extrait de racine d'arnique , Fr. ; Arnika Extrakt , Wohlverleih-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arnica-root, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a suffi- 
 cient quantity. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and pack it firmly 
 in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for twenty-four hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, until the arnica- 
 root is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate ; evaporate the remainder 
 to 100 Cc. at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), mix the residue with the 
 reserved portion, and evaporate at or below the above-mentioned temperature to a pilular 
 consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of diluted alco- 
 hol, and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as reserve ; the balance of the 
 percolate should be evaporated to 2\ fluidounces before it is incorporated with the reserve 
 portion for final evaporation to a pilular consistence. 
 
 The yield is about 25 or 30 per cent. The extract is brown, of a slight odor, and has 
 the bitter and acrid taste of the root. Formerly extract of arnica was prepared from the 
 flowers. A mixture of 2 parts of alcohol and 1 of water yields a better extract, although 
 arnica-root is completely exhausted by diluted alcohol. 
 
 Dose , from Gm. 0'20— 0.30 (gr. iij— v). 
 
 EXTRACTUM ARNICA RADICIS FLUIDUM, 77. 8 .— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Arnica-root. 
 
 Extrait liquide de racine d'arnique , Fr. ; Flussiges Arnika- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arnica-root, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Mix *750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above* it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the arnica-root is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. 
 of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. 
 (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough men- 
 struum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate 
 set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
 The proportion of alcohol appears unnecessarily large, as arnica-root can be thoroughly 
 exhausted with a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume, the fluid extract keep- 
 ing well. , 
 
 The fluid extract is of a reddish-brown color, and has the bitter and acrid taste or 
 arnica-root. 
 
 Dose , Gm. 0.60-2 (npx-xxx). 
 
EXTRA CTUM AROMATICUM FL UID UM.—A SPID OSPER MA TIS FLUID UM. 051 
 
 EXTRACTUM AROMATICUM FLUIDUM, U. S.— Aromatic Fluid 
 
 Extract. 
 
 Extrait liquide des aromates. Fr. ; Fliissiges Gewiirzextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — x\romatic Powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity to 
 make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, 
 having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the 
 percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the aromatic powder is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this iD the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powder should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 the first 21 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the fin- 
 ished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This preparation is of a rich red-brown color, and has the warm aromatic taste of 
 the powder. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture of several aromatics is convenient as a flavoring ingredient of 
 mixtures, and may be used alone to relieve flatulent colic in the dose of half a teaspoonful 
 or more (Gm. 2). , 
 
 EXTRACTUM ASCLEPIADIS FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Asclepias. 
 
 Fluid extract of pleurisi y root , E. ; Extrait liquide de racine d’ asclepiade tubereuse, Fr. ; 
 Fliissiges Knollige Schwalbenwurzel-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Asclepias, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty- 
 eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, 
 until the asclepias is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evapor- 
 ate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough 
 diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of diluted 
 alcohol, and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as a reserve ; the final 
 volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Diluted alcohol seems to exhaust pleurisy-root thoroughly, and yields a stable pre- 
 paration. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is a convenient substitute for the decoction of A. tuberosa. 
 It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 1 to 4 (npxv-^j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM ASPIDOSPERMATIS FLUIDUM, U. $.— Fluid 
 
 Extract of Aspidosperma. 
 
 Fluid extract of quebracho , E. ; Extrait liquide de quebracho , Fr. ; Fliissiges Quebracho- 
 Extrackt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Aspidosperma, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 
 600 Cc. of alcohol, and 300 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. 
 of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to 
 saturate the powder, and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from 
 the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first the 
 remainder of the menstruum, and then a mixture of alcohol and water, made in the pro- 
 portion of 200 Cc. of alcohol to 100 Cc. of water, until the aspidosperma is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, in a porcelain 
 capsule, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract ; dissolve this 
 in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 
 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
652 
 
 EXTRACTUM A VRANTII A MARI FLUIDUM. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the 
 menstruum (alcohol 6 volumes, water 3 volumes, glycerin 1 volume, and the first 19J 
 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as reserve ; when 24 fluidounces of menstruum 
 have been used, percolation is to be continued with a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, 
 water 1 volume, and the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 
 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This extract fully represents quebracho, and is more convenient than the 
 bulkier preparations of the drug. Bose , Gm. 1 to 4 (n^xv to 33 ). 
 
 EXTRACTUM AURANTH AMARI FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Bitter Orange-peel. 
 
 Extrait liquide d'ecorce d? orange amere , Fr. ; FliLssiges Pomeranzenschalen-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bitter Orange-peel, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, 
 each a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it moderately in a 
 conical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the orange-peel is ex- 
 hausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder at a 
 temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.) to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc.— U. S 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 19J fluidounces of the perco- 
 late set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 
 24 fluidounces. 
 
 In preparing this fluid extract it should be remembered that the orange-peel should 
 consist almost exclusively of the glandular epidermal layer, known in commerce as 
 Curagoa orange-peel. Prepared of good material, the preparation will be of a yellowish- 
 brown color and have the agreeable odor and pleasantly bitter taste of the peel. 
 
 Uses. — A flavoring agent especially suitable for bitter mixtures, and also as a mild 
 stimulant tonic in the dose of Gm. 4 (fgi). 
 
 EXTRACTUM BELA LIQUIDUM, Br ♦ — Liquid Extract of Bael. 
 
 Extrait liquide de bael, Fr. ; Fliissiges Belaextraht , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bael-fruit 1 pound; Distilled Water 12 pints; Rectified 
 Spirit 3 fluidounces. Macerate the bael for twelve hours in one-third of the water; pour 
 off the clear liquor ; repeat the maceration a second and third time for 1 hour in the 
 remaining two-tbirds of the water ; press the marc and filter the mixed liquors through 
 flannel. Evaporate to 13 fluidounces, and when cold add the rectified spirit. — Br. 
 
 This fluid extract represents 1 avoirdupois ounce of bael in each fluidounce, Imperial 
 measure. The amount of spirit seems very small for such a concentrated liquid. 
 
 Uses. — In the dose of Gm. 4-8 (fi^j-ii) it may be given in chronic diarrhoea and dysen- 
 tery. 
 
 EXTRACTUM BELLADONNA FOLIORUM ALCOHOLICUM, V. S. 
 
 — Alcoholic Extract of Belladonna Leaves. 
 
 Exfractum belladonnse alcoholicum , U. S. 1880. — Extrait de belladone alcoholique , Fr. ; 
 Spirituoses Tollkirschen-Extrakt , G. ; Estratto di belladonna , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Belladonna-leaves, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, 
 each a sufficient quantity. Mix 2000 Cc. of alcohol with 1000 Cc. of water, and, having 
 moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder, and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percola- 
 tion to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or 
 the belladonna-leaves are exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, evapor- 
 ate the remainder to 100 Cc. at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), mix the 
 
EXTRA CTUM BELLA DO XX^E RADICIS FLU IDEM. 
 
 653 
 
 residue with the. reserved portion, and evaporate at or below the above-mentioned tem- 
 perature to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powdered leaves should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of 
 the menstruum, and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as a reserve; 
 the balance of the percolate is to be evaporated to 2} fluidounces before it is incor- 
 porated with the reserve portion for final evaporation to a pilular consistence. 
 
 The yield is about 22 per cent. The color is greenish-brown or brown-green, and the 
 extract has the characteristic odor and bitter taste of belladonna. Extractum bella- 
 donna alcoholicum, Br., is made from the root. 
 
 Extractum belladonna, Br., P. G., is the inspissated juice of fresh belladonna- 
 herb, prepared in accordance with the formulas outlined on page 636. The extract 
 of Br. P. is brown-green, of P. G. brown ; the yield of the latter is 3 to 3£ per cent. 
 On keeping, crystals are formed in the extract, which were found by Atttield (1862) to 
 be potassium chloride and nitrate ; according to Biltz, crystals of asparagin are some- 
 times observed. 
 
 Uses. — The local applications of this, as of all other narcotic extracts, are numerous. 
 Softened with water or mixed with oil, it enters into many magistral formulas for the 
 relief of local pains, especially those of a neuralgic sort. A more elegant form for 
 this purpose is belladonna plaster. The relaxing and anodyne operation of the extract 
 is used to allay spasm of the muscles surrounding canals, as the ureter, bladder , urethra, 
 os uteri, vagina, and rectum, when irritation causes their contraction. In these several 
 cases the softened extract may be rubbed in as near as possible to the seat of pain, or 
 it may be introduced in a suppository into the vagina or rectum. When applied to the 
 prepuce in phimosis and in paraphimosis it sometimes reduces the engorgement and stric- 
 ture. Rubbed on the forehead or eyelids, it was formerly much used to dilate the pupil, 
 but the more cleanly solution of atropia is to be preferred. It may be given internally 
 for all the purposes to which belladonna is appropriate. Extract of belladonna is of 
 uncertain strength, and its dose is therefore variable. A quarter of a grain (Gm. 0.01) 
 may be given three times a day, and the quantity gradually increased until the state of 
 the pupil denotes the degree of its action. 
 
 The doseoi the British preparation is stated to be Gm. 0.016-0.03 (gr. ?-£), and of the 
 German extract Gm. 0.06 (gr. i). 
 
 Belladonna suppositories (U. S. P. 1870, and containing each half a grain of the alco- 
 holic extract) are efficient in allaying or removing pain in the pelvic viscera, and 
 have the advantage over opium suppositories that they do not tend to constipate. 
 They are especially adapted to relieve irritation in the bladder , urethra , ovaries , uterus , 
 vagina, or rectum, and neuralgia of these parts, and even of the sciatic nerve. 
 
 EXTRACTUM BELLADONNA RADICIS FLUIDUM, V. Fluid 
 
 Extract of Belladonna-root. 
 
 Extractum belladonnse jluidum, U. S. 1880. — Extrait liquide de racine de belladone , 
 Fr. ; Fliissiges Tollkirschenwurzel-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Belladonna-Root, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, a suffi- 
 cient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 800 Cc. of alcohol with 200 Cc. of water, and, having 
 moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; 
 then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, macerate for forty-eight, hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same pro- 
 portions of alcohol and water as before, until the belladonna-root is exhausted. Reserve 
 the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder at a temperature not exceed- 
 ing 50° C. (122° F.) to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 Since a fluid extract of belladonna-leaves is occasionally employed, the above prepara- 
 tion should always be designated by the title of the U. S. P., given above. Care should 
 be taken in the selection of belladonna-root, which should not be woody. This fluid 
 extract has a reddish-brown color. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powdered root should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of the 
 menstruum (alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of the 
 percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made 
 up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The alcoholic strength of the menstruum is weaker than that of 1880, but it exhausts 
 
654 
 
 EXTR ACTUM BUCHU FL UID UM.—CA L TJMB2E. 
 
 the drug perfectly and yields a stable preparation, hence the addition of water is fully 
 justified. 
 
 Uses. — The dose of this preparation is Gm. 0.06-0.12 (ftlj-ij). It is one of the most 
 efficient representatives of belladonna. 
 
 EXTRACTUM BUCHU FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of Buchu. 
 
 Extrait liquide de bucco , Fr. ; Flussiges Buccoextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Buchu, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, pack it firmly in a cyl- 
 indrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the buchu is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 the first 21 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the fin- 
 ished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 We cannot see the necessity for again introducing strong alcohol as a menstruum for 
 this preparation ; experience has shown that all the active principles of buchu are 
 extracted by a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes and water 1 volume, and that the fluid 
 extract keeps well. The color of the preparation made by the present formula is a deep 
 green, and the odor and taste of the drug well marked. 
 
 Uses. — This fluid extract is inferior to the infusion of buchu for diseases of the 
 urinary organs, but in default of that preparation may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 
 1.20-2.00 (npxx-xxx), very largely diluted with water. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CALAMI FLUIDUM, 77. 8.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Calamus. 
 
 Extrait liquide d'acore vrai , Fr. ; Flussiges Kalmusextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Calamus, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. : Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly 
 in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the calamus is exhausted. j 
 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; \ 
 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. j 
 
 25 av. ozs. of powdered calamus should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of 
 alcohol, and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume 
 of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. Alcohol is decidedly the 
 best menstruum. 
 
 Made from peeled calamus, this fluid extract is of a brownish-yellow color, but if pre- 
 pared from the unpeeled rhizome, which is now to be used, it is of a considerably darker 
 tint, the characteristic odor and taste being likewise more prominent. For preparing the 
 powder the air-dry calamus should be dried over unslaked lime, but not by heat, which 
 would expel much of the volatile oil. In view of the large intercellular passages con- 
 tained in the tissue of calamus a powder passing through a No. 40 or No. 30 sieve would 
 seem to be sufficiently fine for ready extraction. 
 
 (For Extractum calami, P. G., see page 368.) 
 
 Uses. — It may be used in all the cases for which calamus is appropriate. It is a 
 convenient form of that drug. Pose, Gm. 0.60-1.30 (npx-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CALUMBH3, Br.— Extract of Calumba. 
 
 Extractum columbo . — Extrait de Colombo , Fr. ; Kolombo-Extraht , G. ; Estratto di 
 Colombo , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Calumba-root, cut small, 1 pound ; Proof Spirit 4 pints. 
 Macerate the calumba with 2 pints of proof spirit for twelve hours, strain and press. 
 
EX TR ACTUM CALUMBJE FLUIDUM.— CANNABIS INDIO RE. 
 
 655 
 
 Macerate again with the remainder of proof spirit ; strain and press as before. Mix 
 and filter the liquors, and evaporate them by the heat of a water-bath until the extract 
 is of a suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. 
 
 The present formula is an improvement compared with that of the Br. P. 1867, which 
 directed water for exhausting the root, and yielded a very mucilaginous extract liable to 
 become mouldy. The French Codex uses alcohol of 60 per cent, volume for preparing 
 this extract, the yield being 14 to 16 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation, which in its action differs but little from the extracts of 
 quassia and gentian, may be prescribed in the dose of from Gm. 0.10-0.60 (gr. ij-x). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CALUMBiE FLUIDUM, 77. 8.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Calumba. 
 
 Extrait liquide de Colombo , Fr. ; Fliissiges Kolomboextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Calumba, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the calumba is exhausted. Reserve the first 700 Cc. of 
 the percolate ; by means of a water-bath, distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and 
 evaporate the residue to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 71 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume) and the first 171 fluidounces of the perco- 
 late set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 
 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The present menstruum is preferable to that of 1880, yielding a fluid extract less 
 liable to precipitate, but as the Pharmacopoeia directs for tincture of calumba a mixture 
 of alcohol 6 volumes and water 4 volumes, we think a menstruum of alcohol 2 volumes, 
 water 1 volume, would answer equally well for the fluid extract. 
 
 The fluid extract is of a rich orange-brown color, and possesses a strongly bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — It is a convenient substitute for the infusion, and may be prescribed in doses 
 of a fluidrachm in Gm. 4 in Gm. 64 in fgij) of water. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CANNABIS INDIC7E, 77. S. 9 Br.— Extract of Indian 
 
 Cannabis. 
 
 Extract of Indian hemp , E. ; Extrait de chanvre indien , Fr. ; Indisch-HanfextraJd , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Indian Cannabis, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindri- 
 cal percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol until the cannabis is exhausted. By 
 means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the tincture, and, having placed the 
 residue in a porcelain capsule, evaporate it on a water-bath to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. ef the drug should be moistened with about 7 2 fluidounces of alcohol. 
 
 The process of the Br. P. is practically identical with the foregoing, except that the 
 drug is exhausted by maceration. The yield is from 12 to 14 per cent. The extract is 
 of a blackish-green color, and has a slight but heavy narcotic odor and a bitter taste. It 
 should be completely insoluble in water, and dissolve in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and 
 oil of turpentine ; its alcoholic solution should be precipitated by aqueous solution of 
 potassa or soda, the resin being insoluble in alkalies. Nitric acid converts the extract 
 into an orange-red resin, which after washing with water has the color of gamboge 
 (Procter, 1864). b 
 
 Uses. — This extract varies so greatly in activity that its dose cannot be definitely 
 fixed. Gm. 0.013-0.017 (4—^ of a grain) of a specimen not before tested should be 
 given at first, and the dose gradually increased until its sensible effects are produced. 
 For children the dose should be at least one-half less. 
 
656 
 
 EXTR ACTUM CANNABIS INDICjE FL UID UM.~ CA RNIS. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CANNABIS INDICiE FLUIDUM, V. S.— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Indian Cannabis. 
 
 Extrait liquide de chanvre indien , F. ; Fliissiges Indisch-Hanfextralct , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Indian Cannabis, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of alcohol and pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the Indian can- 
 nabis is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate ; by means of a water- 
 bath distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a soft extract; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. 
 
 There is scarcely any necessity for this preparation, since the extract of Indian can- 
 nabis is readily soluble in alcohol. The fluid extract is of a dark-green color. If prop- 
 erly prepared it may be used for the extemporaneous preparation of the extract, and 
 this extract should have the characteristics mentioned under the preceding article. 
 
 Uses. — As each minim represents a grain of Indian cannabis, the fluid extract may 
 be given in commencing doses of from Gm. 0.03—0.06 j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CAPSICI FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Capsicum. 
 
 Fluid extract of red pepper, E. ; Extrait liquide de capsique , de piment des jardins, Fr. ; 
 Fliissiges Spanisch-Pfcfferextraht , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Capsicum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 500 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly 
 in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a ! 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the capsicum is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of capsicum should be moistened with 12 fluidounces of alcohol and the j 
 first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. 
 
 There is likewise little need for this preparation, the drug being already represented 
 by the oleoresin and the tincture. The fluid extract is of a rich brown-red color, yields \ 
 a turbid mixture with water, and has the hot taste of the drug. 
 
 Dose , Gm. 0.6-0.12 (npi-ij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CARNIS.-Extract of Meat. 
 
 Exfractum carnis Liebig. — Extract of beef E. ; Extrait de viande de Liebig , Fr. ; Lie- 
 big 1 s Fleischextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extracts of meat have been prepared for many years. Thouvenel 
 exhausted fresh meat with alcohol, and Van Mons used the same menstruum for dry 
 meat. Cadet de Gassicourt recommended the meat to be minced, mixed with cold water, 
 the liquid expressed, boiled, skimmed, and evaporated. In 1854, Liebig published a 
 formula for preparing a broth for invalids as follows : £ pound of fresh meat is finely 
 chopped and macerated for one hour with 1 pound of cold distilled water, to which 4 drops 
 of hydrochloric acid and from 30 to 60 grains of table-salt are added. The mass is then 
 displaced on a colander, a little water being added, until 1 pound of percolate has been 
 obtained. The clear liqnid has a red color and contains the albuminoids of the meat in 
 solution. In 1859 the Bavarian Pharmacopoeia adopted a process for extract of meat in 
 which chopped meat was exhausted with hot water, and the expressed liquid, carefully 
 freed from fat and albumen, was evaporated. 
 
 Since then factories have been established in different parts of South America, Aus- 
 tralia, and the United States, where cattle were abundant and cheap. In the majority of 
 
EXIT, ACTUM CARXIS. 
 
 657 
 
 these establishments Liebig’s process appears to be followed, perhaps with some slight 
 modification. At Fray-Bentos, on the river Uruguay, where a factory was conducted 
 under the direction of Liebig, the extract, according to F. Muller (1868), is prepared as 
 follows : The freshly-slaughtered meat is allowed to cool for twenty-four hours, and then 
 ground into a pulpy mass by passing it between iron rollers furnished with small projec- 
 tions. The pulp is stirred with water for about an hour, strained through sieves, the fat 
 carefully removed, and the liquid evaporated in steam-pans, a current of air being con- 
 tinuously passed over the surface. At a certain state of concentration the liquid is 
 filtered and the evaporation continued until the extract is transferred to well-glazed 
 stoneware jars, which are carefully covered. 
 
 Properties. — Thus prepared, extract of meat is of a brown color, usually somewhat 
 granular, and has a pleasant odor suggestive of roasted meat, and a characteristic, dis- 
 tinctly saline, and faintly acidulous taste. It is completely soluble in water, yielding a 
 clear solution, which on the addition of a little table-salt has the flavor of beef-broth. 
 When dried at the temperature of 110° C. (230° F.) 100 parts of the extract should 
 lose not over 22 parts of moisture, and after incineration not less than 18 parts of ashes 
 should be left, containing only a small quantity of sodium chloride. If 100 parts of the 
 extract are digested with alcohol, and the liquid filtered and evaporated, not less than 56 
 parts of extract should be obtained ( P . G. 1872). The figures given by Liebig himself 
 as indicating the limits of variation in extract of meat prepared by his process are for 
 moisture 16 to 22 per cent. ; ash 18 to 22 per cent. ; extractive , soluble in 80 per cent, 
 alcohol, 56 to 66 per cent. Niederstadt (1881) gives the actual variation of the commer- 
 cial Fray-Bentos extract as follows: moisture 13.2-29.2; nitrogen 2.6-9.04; organic 
 matter, 49.5-68.7 ; ash 10.5-21.4 per cent. ; the ash contains potassa 30.1-32.5 and phos- 
 phoric acid 36.5—38.0 per cent. The absence of sodium chloride in meat juice is proven 
 by precipitating first the salts of inosic acid by an equal bulk of alcohol, and then add- 
 ing 5 volumes of alcohol, when the mixture will separate into two layers, the lower of 
 which, about one-twentieth of the whole, on evaporation at a low temperature will yield 
 prisms of the potassium chloride containing not a trace of sodium salt. 
 
 The amount of nitrogen in extract of meat is sometimes as low as 2.6 per cent., but 
 if made of good beef usually between 9 and 10 per cent., and depends chiefly on the 
 presence of creatin , creatinin , ( jlohufin , and urea. The solution in water of the extract 
 usually yields a slight precipitate with tannin, which, according to Eichhorn (1867), is 
 due to the presence of a nitrogenated body which somewhat resembles gelatin, but is not 
 identical with it. Werner (1868), however, states that, if in preparing the extract the 
 temperature of 60° C. (140° F.) be not exceeded, the aqueous solution will give no reac- 
 tion for gelatin. It would seem, therefore, best to evaporate the liquid under reduced 
 pressure. It is well known, however, that some extracts of meat which have appeared 
 in our market have contained large quantities of gelatin. (See paper by A. E. Ebert in 
 Proc. Amer. Phar. Assoc., 1871, p. 512.) 
 
 Other extracts of meat , liquid as well as solid, have from time to time claimed atten- 
 tion, some of the former containing the soluble albuminous compounds or the ground 
 flesh-fibres. In 1873, Prof Leube recommended an extract in which the meat-fibrin was 
 emulsionized by heating meat, free from fat and bones and chopped fine, in very diluted 
 hydrochloric acid until almost completely disintegrated. At the present time peptones 
 are used in preference to this preparation. (See Pepsinum.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — It appears to be too often overlooked that Liebig, to whom is 
 due the vogue of beef-tea during the last quarter of a century, expressly declared it to 
 be incapable of promoting nutrition, and that it is to be classed as nervous food, along 
 with tea, coffee, and alcohol, and even as inferior to the last — a judgment which has been 
 expressed in almost identical words by Virchow, and emphasized by Sibson, Brunton, 
 Loffen, and many others. The small proportion of creatin beef-tea may contain does not 
 materially affect this estimate. Its 2\ per cent, of albumen, according to some modes of 
 preparation, is altogether eliminated in Liebig’s extract, and the gelatin almost com- 
 pletely, leaving the organic alkaloids and acids and the salts. That these act as tem- 
 porary nervous stimulants there can be no doubt ; but the popular impression is that 
 beef-tea is a substitute for food, and hence it often happens that the patient is plied with 
 it inordinately, with the result of provoking vomiting or diarrhoea. That it often occa- 
 sions the latter when habitually used as a substitute for food, to repair fatigue, or to 
 fortify the body or mind for an unusual exertion, is probably within the experience of 
 many physicians. Sibson, alluding to its use in diarrhoea, and especially in that of 
 typhoid fever, declares that he looks “ upon this fluid in the light of a poison in such 
 
658 
 
 EXTRACTUM CASTANEJE FLUID UM. 
 
 cases,” and strongly condemns its use in Bright’s disease as burdening the already over- 
 taxed kidneys with the duty of eliminating this non-assimilable matter. It is, however, 
 rather indirectly than directly iujurious by being used as a nutrient — a function which it 
 has no claim to perform. On the other hand, it has not that poisonous operation which 
 science, “ falsely so called,” attributed to it through Kemmerich in 1868. He arrived at 
 the singular conclusion that concentrated cold extract of horse-flesh injected into the 
 stomach of dogs in small doses increases the number and strength of the heart’s pulsa- 
 tions, but that in large doses it kills, with all the appearances of cardiac paralysis. This 
 remarkable result he attributed to the potash salts of the meat ! In 1880, Mr. Master- 
 man ( Lancet , Oct. 1880, p. 562) showed that beef-tea is analogous to urine, except that 
 it contains less urea and uric acid, and that it is merely a stimulant ; and Hr. Neale 
 ( Practitioner , xxvii. 343) calls attention to the fact that in several countries, including 
 South America and Eastern Asia, the urine of young persons is used as a medicinal stim- 
 ulant. Some investigators of the action of beef-tea (e. g. Mays, Trans. Coll. Pht/s., 
 Pliilad.. 3d Ser., viii. 259) have claimed more positive nutritive qualities for this prepar- 
 ation ; but while they have illustrated anew its stimulant action, they do not appear to 
 have proved its nutritive power. 
 
 The stimulant and non-nutritious qualities of beef-tea render it peculiarly fitted for the 
 treatment of the greater number of acute febrile diseases. Nature protests against the 
 use of food in them by the repugnance of the patients to taking it and by the aggrava- 
 tion of the fever which it induces. During the augment and acme of these affections 
 food in a literal sense heaps fuel on the fire, but in many of them the animal mechanism 
 must be kept in such active movement as to enable it to resist the disintegrating tenden- 
 cies of the disease, and afterward to throw off the effete accumulations. This beef-tea 
 aids in accomplishing, and in the same manner as alcohol. When that end is attained, 
 and when the fever has declined, the preparation holds only a secondary place in the 
 treatment, the first being occupied by true nutrients, which are better prepared by culi- ; 
 nary skill than by chemical science. No more serious mistake can be made in the treat- ; 
 ment of acute diseases, when the febrile stage has passed by, than to continue to administer 
 beef-tea, soups and jellies. By such agents the patient may literally die of inanition while 
 being gorged with what erroneously passes for food. Feeding by the rectum with beef-tea 
 is, if possible, of even more temporary utility than when this preparation is given by the 
 stomach. The following receipt for preparing beef-tea differs somewhat from that of Liebig 
 given above : To a pound of lean beef scraped to shreds, add as much cold water as will 
 barely cover it ; let it stand for an hour, occasionally stirring it. Put it on the fire and 
 heat it gently until it begins to give off vapor, or for about twenty minutes. Strain off the 
 liquor and press the beef. A more nutritious preparation, which is really a broth, may be 
 prepared as follows : Cut a pound of lean beef into small pieces and place them with a pint j 
 of cold water in a bowl. When it has stood for at least an hour transfer the contents to 
 a pitcher, covering it securely. Set the pitcher in a sauce-pan of water and let it boil for 
 three or four hours, and until the beef is reduced to a pulp. When cold remove the fat li 
 from the surface of the liquid, and strain off the latter, pressing the beef. Beef tea should 
 be avoided in albuminuria , it increases the albuminous contents of the urine. Pancreatic 
 emulsion is more efficient. It is highly recommended in various affections of the stomach 
 when the mucous coating require to be protected from irritation, in convalescence from 
 typhus, etc., and may be combined with broth or with Liebig’s extract of meat, or milk 
 and powdered cracker (hard biscuit) may be used alternately with it. It has been 
 employed with marked advantage in cases of fatty diarrhoea due to obstruction of the 
 pancreatic secretion and in the wasting diseases of children induced by artificial feeding. 
 
 It also promotes the digestion and assimilation of cod-liver oil. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CASTANET FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Castanea. 
 
 Fluid extract of chestnut-leaves , E. ; Extrait liquide de feuilles de chdtaignier, Fr. ; Fliis- 
 siges Kastanienblatter-Extraht , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Castanea, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 Water, each a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. 
 
 Pour 5000 Cc. of boiling water upon the powder, allow it to macerate for two hours, 
 then express the liquid, transfer the residue to a percolator, and pour water upon it until 
 the powder is exhausted. Evaporate the united liquids, on a water-bath, to 2000 Cc., 
 allow this to cool, and add 600 Cc. of alcohol. When the insoluble matter has subsided, 
 separate the clear liquid, filter the remainder, evaporate the united liquids to 700 Cc., 
 
EXTR ACTUM CHIMA PH1LJE FL UID UM.—CHTRA T2E FLUIDUM. 
 
 659 
 
 allow to cool, and add the glycerin, and enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 
 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of powdered chestnut-leaves should be macerated with 8 pints of boiling 
 water for two hours, and after expression the residue is exhausted with cold water by 
 percolation. The united liquids should be evaporated to 3 pints, and when cool mixed 
 with 141 fluidounces of alcohol ; after filtration the clear liquid should be evaporated to 
 17 fluidounces, to which are added 2? fluidounces of glycerin and 41 fluidounces of 
 alcohol. 
 
 It is well known that hot water extracts the virtues of chestnut-leaves. The tough- 
 ness of the fibro-vascular tissue (veins) of the latter render their reduction to a powder 
 of the required fineness a matter of difficulty. This is practically recognized by the 
 Pharmacopoeia in ordering the partial extraction of the leaves by hot maceration and 
 expression ; a repetition of this manipulation with one-half the amount of hot water 
 would have virtually exhausted the drug, provided a sufficiently powerful press be used. 
 By clarification with T 3 0 volume of alcohol albuminous and mucilaginous matters are 
 removed. The finished fluid extract is preserved by alcohol equal to nearly one-fourth 
 its measure ; formerly, it was customary to use sugar for this purpose. The fluid 
 extract is reddish-brown, and of a slight odor and of a strongly but pleasantly astringent 
 taste. Mr. A Bobbins states that there is no special difficulty in exhausting chestnut- 
 leaves by percolation if a weak alcoholic menstruum be used, the most suitable being 
 composed of alcohol 1 part and water 2 parts, the first 800 Cc. of this mixture being used 
 with 200 Cc. of glycerin. 
 
 Dose, Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 EXTRAOTUM CHIMAPHILA FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Chimaphila. 
 
 Extrait liquide de pyrole ombellee, Fr. ; Fliissiges Doldenmangold-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chimaphila, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a suffi- 
 cient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol 
 and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator close the lower orifice, and having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alco- 
 hol, until the chimaphila is exhausted. Deserve the first 700 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion and add 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum, and the first 171 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume 
 of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Experience has shown that the addition of about 10 per cent, of glycerin improves 
 the stability of the fluid extract ; the same result might be obtained by using a mixture 
 of alcohol 2 volumes and water 1 volume. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is less eligible than the decoction. Dose , Gm. 4 (f^j.) 
 largely diluted, three or four times a day. 
 
 EXTRAOTUM CHIRATA FLUIDUM, U. £.-Fluid Extract of 
 
 Ohirata. 
 
 Extrait liquide de chirette, Fr ; Fliissiges Chiretfaextralct, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chirata, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the chirata is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of 
 the percolate; by means of a water-bath, distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and 
 evaporate the residue to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 
660 
 
 EXTB ACTUM CIMICIFUGA.— CINCHON JE. 
 
 (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The fluid extract is reddish-brown, and has the intensely bitter taste of the drug. The 
 bitter principles of chirata being soluble in water, a more aqueous menstruum is indicated 
 for this drug. Although precipitation takes place after some time, the active principles 
 are probably not affected thereby. 
 
 Dose , about 6m. 1.30 (n^xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CIMICIFUGA, 77. Extract of Cimicifuga. 
 
 Extract of black cohosh , E. ; Extrait d'actee a grappes , Fr. ; Cimicifuga-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cimicifuga, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quan- 
 tity. Moisten the powder with 250 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above 
 it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, 
 having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the 
 percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the cimicifuga is exhausted. 
 
 By means of a water-bath, distil off the alcohol from the tincture, and evaporate the 
 residue in a porcelain capsule, on a water-bath, to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of cimicifuga should be moistened with about 6 fluidounces of alcohol. 
 
 Although alcohol is directed by the pharmacopoeia, we think that a mixture of alcohol 
 4 volumes and water 1 volume will exhaust the drug equally well. The extract is almost 
 black in color, and contains all the resinous constituents of the root. The yield is about 
 15 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — The advantages of this preparation over the fluid extract of cimicifuga are 
 not apparent. Dose, Gm. 0.1 to 0.50 (gr. iss to vij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CIMICIFUGA FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Cimicifuga. 
 
 Extraction cimicifuga liquidum , Br. — Fluid extract of black cohosh , E. ; Extrait liquide 1 
 d grappes, Fr. ; Fliissiges Cimicifuga-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cimicifuga, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 250 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it in a 
 cylindrical percolator; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stra- -I 
 turn above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then * 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the cimicifuga is exhausted. i 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; \ 
 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract « 
 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of cimicifuga should be moistened with 6 fluidounces of alcohol, and the f 
 first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 As in the case of the solid extract of cimicifuga, we think a somewhat weaker alco- 
 holic menstruum will yield an equally efficient preparation. 
 
 This has ail the sensible properties of the drug from which it was made, and is a per- 
 manent preparation. That of the Br. P. is nearly identical with the foregoing, the men- 
 struum being alcohol sp. gr. 0.838. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is greatly preferable to the decoction, which was formerly 
 used. Dose, Gm. 2-4 (f3ss-j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CINCHONA, 77. Extract of Cinchona. 
 
 Extractum china spirituosum, P. G. — Extract of calisaya-bark, E. ; Extrait de quinquina 
 jaune , Fr. ; Weingeistiges China- Extrakt, G. ; Estratto di china, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Yellow Cinchona, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol 3000 Cc. ; 
 Water 1000 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Mix the alcohol and water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and 
 
EXTRA CTTJM CINCH ONTE FLUIDUM. 
 
 661 
 
 then diluted alcohol, until 4000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or the cinchona is exhausted. 
 By means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the tincture, and, having placed 
 the residue in a porcelain capsule, evaporate it on a water-bath to a pilular consistence. 
 — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume). 
 
 As the finished extract has a tendency to become tough by age, the addition of 10 per 
 cent, by weight of glycerin is advisable ; it should be thoroughly incorporated while the 
 extract is still warm. 
 
 The yield varies between about 15 and 20 per cent. The extract is of a reddish-brown 
 color, is only partly soluble in water, and has the persistently bitter taste of cinchona. 
 The German Pharmacopoeia directs its spirituous extract of cinchona to be made with 
 alcohol spec. grav. 0.894, and to be evaporated to dryness ; it recognizes also an Extractum 
 chinse aquosum, s. Extractum chinse frigide paratum , which is obtained by evaporating 
 the cold aqueous infusion of cinchona-bark. The cinchona extracts of the French Codex 
 are prepared with boiling water. 
 
 Uses. — Extract of cinchona, since it possesses all the virtues of Peruvian bark, would 
 for many purposes be preferable to quinine were it less bulky. The dose is from Gm. 
 0.60—2.00 (gr. x-xxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CINCHONA FLUIDUM, U. Fluid Extract of 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 Extractum cinchonse liquidum , Br. ; Extractum chinse calisayse jluidum. — Liquid extract 
 of yellow cinchona- or calisaya-bark , E. ; Extrait liquide de quinquina jaune, Fr. ; Fliis- 
 siges ChinaextraJct, Kalisayarinden-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Yellow Cinchona, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin 200 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 
 800 Cc. of alcohol. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in 
 a cylindrical percolator, and pour on the remainder of the menstruum. When the liquid 
 begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the 
 percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, and 
 when the liquid in the percolator has disappeared from the surface gradually pour on a 
 mixture of alcohol and water, made in the proportion of 800 Cc. of alcohol to 200 Cc. 
 of water, and continue the percolation until the cinchona is exhausted. Reserve the first 
 750 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in 
 the reserved portion, and add enough of a mixture of alcohol and water, using the same 
 proportions as before, to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — XJ. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 4 volumes, glycerin 1 volume), and the first 18J fluidounces of percolate set 
 aside as reserve ; when 24 fluidounces of menstruum have been used, percolation is to be 
 continued with a mixture of alcohol 4 volumes and water 1 volume. The final volume 
 of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Macerate for two days red cinchona in No. 60 powder 20 oz., with water 100 oz., glycerin 
 21 fluidounces, and hydrochloric acid 5 fluidrachms; percolate, exhaust with water, evap- 
 orate below 82.2° C. (180° F.) to 20 fluidounces. Agitate 50 fluidgrains of this liquid 
 with benzolated amyl alcohol 1 fluidounce (benzene 3 vol., amyl alcohol 1 vol.), and soda 
 solution 1 fluidounce ; separate the alkaline watery liquid, wash the remainder with water, 
 then evaporate to dryness and weigh. By evaporation, or if necessary by dilution with 
 water, adjust the concentrated percolate to 85 fluidgrains for every 5 grains of total 
 alkaloids ; add 12.5 fluidgrains of alcohol and enough distilled water to make 100 fluid- 
 grains. — Br. 
 
 The first formula is decidedly the better, and, though the addition of a small quantity 
 of water to the mixture of alcohol and glycerin would yield an equally good preparation, 
 the fluid extract remains practically unaltered. It is of a rich, red-brown color, and if 
 made of good bark contains all the alkaloids in their natural combination. Water alone 
 will but partially exhaust cinchona-bark, and during the long-continued evaporation a 
 portion of the alkaloids will become insoluble through the alteration of the tannin. On 
 the other hand, a stronger alcohol will dissolve more cinchonic red, but secure the more 
 thorough exhaustion of the alkaloids. The product of the second formula contains 5 
 grains of the alkaloids of red cinchona in every 100 fluidgrains. 
 
 Uses. — An advantage of this preparation is, that it contains in solution all the active 
 
662 
 
 EXTRACTUM COCjE FLUIDUM.— COLCHICI RADICIS. 
 
 principles of cinchona, and not merely one or the other of the alkaloids. As a tonic 
 it may be given in the dose of Gm. 2 (f^ss). For securing the antiperiodic effects of 
 cinchona it is eligible only in mild cases of periodical fever ; in severer cases efficient 
 doses of it would be too bulky. 
 
 EXTRACTUM COCEE FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of Coca. 
 
 Extractum erythroxyli fluidum , U. S., 1880 ; Fluid extract of erythroxylon , E. ; Extrait 
 liquide de coca , Fr. ; Fliissiges Coca-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Coca, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 450 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the powder 
 and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close 
 the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, until the 
 coca is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remain- 
 der to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alco- 
 hol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10? fluidounces of menstruum,, 
 and the first 19^- fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Fluid extract of coca is of a deep-brown or olive-brown color, and has the astringent 
 bitter and slightly aromatic taste of the leaves. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation may be used to secure the milder effects of cocaine. Dose , 
 Gm. 1 to 4 (Klxv-f^i). 
 
 EXTRACTUM COLCHICI RADICIS, U. Extract of Colchicum- 
 
 ROOT. 
 
 Extractum colchici aceticum , U. S., 1870, Br. ; Acetic extract of colchicum , E. ; Extrait 
 de colchique acetique , Fr. ; Zeitlosen-Essigextra/ct, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Colchicum-root, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic Acid 350 Cc. ; 
 Water a sufficient quantity. Mix the acetic acid with 1500 Cc. of water, and, having 
 moistened the powder with 500 Cc. of the mixture, pack it moderately in a cylindrical 
 glass percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice,, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and. 
 then water, until the colchicum-root is exhausted. Evaporate the percolate in a porce- 
 lain vessel by means of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 80° C. (176° F.), 
 to a pilular consistence. — TJ. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 12 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (acetic acid 3i volumes, water 15 volumes.) 
 
 The corresponding preparation of the Br. P. is made like the extract, the formula of 
 which is given below, the only difference consisting in the addition of 6 fluidounces of 
 acetic acid to the bruised colchicum-tubers before the juice is expressed. The extract is 
 of a brown color and bitter taste, and yields with water a rather turbid solution. The 
 U. S. P. errs in directing it to be of pilular consistence, while the Br. P. is correct in 
 stating it to be a soft extract ; it is certainly softer than the next : 
 
 Extractum colchici, Br. — Extract of colchicum, E. ; Extrait de bulbe de colchique, 
 Fr. ; Zeitlosen-Extrakt, G. — Take of fresh colchicum-corms, deprived of their coats, 7 
 pounds. Crush the corms, press out the juice, allow the feculence to subside, and heat 
 the clear liquor to 212° F. ; then strain through flannel, and evaporate by a water-bath, 
 at a temperature not exceeding 160° F., until the extract is of a suitable consistence for 
 forming pills. — Br. 
 
 The extract of colchicum of the French Codex is prepared from the seeds with alcohol 
 of 60 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — These two extracts are convenient forms of colchicum for prescription in 
 pills, and especially in those purgative pills which gouty patients commonly require. 
 The dose of either is from Gm. 0.03—0.12 (gr. ss-ij), according to the British Pharma- 
 copoeia, but some German authorities state the dose at Gm. 0.01-0.03 (gr. J-J)- 
 
EXTRA CTUM COLCHICI RADICTS FLUID UM.—COLOCYNTHIDIS. 
 
 663 
 
 EXTRAOTUM COLCHICI RADICIS FLUIDUM, U. 8.— Fluid 
 Extract of Colchicum-Root. 
 
 Extrait liquid e de bulbe de colchique , Fr. ; Fliissiges Zeitlosenknollen-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Colchicum-Root, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it moderately in a 
 cylindrical percolator; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the colchicum- 
 root is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remain- 
 der to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum 
 to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate 
 set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 
 fluidounces. 
 
 Diluted alcohol will extract all the virtues of colchicum-root, and experience has shown 
 that the fluid extract made therewith remains clear for years, hence there appears no 
 reason for continuing the stronger alcoholic menstruum of 1880. 
 
 This fluid extract is of a deep brown-red color, keeps well, and fully represents the 
 drug from which it is prepared. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation contains all the virtues of colchicum. Dose, Gm. 0.10-0.50 
 (n^ii-vm). 
 
 EXTRAOTUM COLCHICI SEMINIS FLUIDUM, V. 8.— Fluid 
 Extract of Colchicum- Seed. 
 
 Extrait liquide de semence de colchique, Fr. ; Fliissiges Zeitlosensa.men-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Colchicum-Seed, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, 
 each a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of 
 water, and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in 
 a cylindrical percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the colchicum-seed 
 is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to 
 a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powdered seed should be moistened with about L] fluidounces of 
 menstruum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 21 fluidounces of perco- 
 late set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 
 24 fluidounces. 
 
 As in the case of colchicum-root, diluted alcohol has been found to completely exhaust 
 the seed likewise, and a more satisfactory preparation is obtained, as the separation of 
 oily globules is entirely obviated by the use of the weaker menstruum. 
 
 Uses. — Like the preceding, this extract is a full representative of colchicum. Dose , 
 from Gm. 0.10-0.50 (npij-viij). 
 
 EXTRAOTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS, U. 8., P. G.— Extract of 
 
 OOLOCYNTH. 
 
 Extraction colocyutliidis alcoholicum . — Extrait de coloquinte , Fr. ; Kolo quint en-Extrakt , 
 G. ; Estratto di coloquintide, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Colocynth. dried and freed from the seeds, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alco- 
 hol a sufficient quantity. Reduce the colocynth to a coarse powder by grinding or 
 bruising, and macerate it in 3500 Cc. of diluted alcohol for four days, with occasional 
 stirring; then express strongly and strain through flannel. Pack the residue, previously 
 broken up with the hands, firmly in a cylindrical percolator, cover it with the strainer, 
 
664 
 
 EXTRACTUM C0L0CYNTHID1S COMPOSITUM. 
 
 and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until the tincture and expressed liquid, mixed 
 together, measure 5000 Cc. Having recovered from the mixture 3000 Cc. of alcohol 
 by distillation, evaporate the residue to dryness by means of a water-bath. Lastly, 
 reduce the dry mass to powder. Extract of colocynth should be kept in well-stopped 
 bottles. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the coarsely-powdered colocynth pulp should be macerated with 5J pints j 
 of diluted alcohol for four days, and after expression percolated with diluted alcohol j 
 until the volume of tincture and expressed liquid, mixed together, measures 8 pints. | 
 4i pints of alcohol should be recovered from the mixture by distillation, and the residue | 
 evaporated to dryness and powdered. 
 
 The proportion of diluted alcohol directed by the Pharmacopoeia for maceration might 
 be increased to 4500 Cc. (for 25 av. ozs. to 7 pints) with advantage, as the experiments 
 of Klie and others have shown ; subsequent percolation should be extended correspond- 
 ingly until the drug is exhausted. 
 
 Maceration and expression being considered necessary in the beginning, it would 
 seem that the extract remaining in the press-cake could be more expeditiously 
 obtained, and with a smaller amount of menstruum, by repeating the operation once 
 or twice. This is the process of the German Pharmacopoeia, which directs for 2 
 parts of colocynth, with the seeds, for the first maceration, 15 parts of alcohol spec. grav. 
 .894, and for the second maceration 5 parts each of the same alcohol and of water. With 
 some care colocynth may be treated at once by percolation, but owing to the spongy 
 character of its tissues it is advisable to express the absorbed liquid with a good press as 
 soon as the greater portion of the active matter is exhausted. When the extract is made 
 on a large scale the removal of the seeds is a tedious operation, if not impossible. For 
 this reason the colocynth is ground, care being taken not to crush the seeds, which would 
 load the extract with much oily matter. Hr. Squibb (1867) obtained from very dry colo- 
 cynth 20.6 per cent, of extract; the general yield from the commercial article is about ; 
 14 to 14.5 per cent. After completely removing the seeds, Procter (1867) had left, from « 
 49 troyounces of colocynth, only 12 troyounces of pulp, which yielded 3? troyounces of 
 extract, equal to 6.8 per cent., while G. H. C. Klie (1878) obtained 16 troyounces of 
 pulp, and not over 6 troyounces, or 12.5 per cent., of extract. The pulp alone yields 
 usually from 30 to 40 per cent., the seeds about 5 per cent., of extract, the latter being 
 far less bitter than the former. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is seldom used alone, but is an ingredient of the compound 
 extract of colocynth. In Germany this extract is prescribed as a mild laxative in the 
 dose of from Gm. 0.03 to 0.06 (gr. i-l), and as a drastic purgative in the dose Gm. 
 0.1 to 0.3 (gr. U-2). 
 
 EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITUM, U. S., Br.— 
 
 Compound Extract of Colocynth. 
 
 Extrait de coloquinte compose , Fr. ; Zusammengesetztes Koloqidnten-Extraht , G. 
 Preparation. — Extract of Colocynth 160 Gm. ; Purified Aloes 500 Gm. ; Carda- 
 mom, in No. 60 powder, 60 Gm. ; Kesin of Scammony, in fine powder, 140 Gm. ; Soap, 
 dried and in coarse powder, 140 Gm. ; Alcohol 100 Cc. Heat the aloes on a water- 
 bath until it is completely melted ; then add the alcohol, soap, extract of colcynth, and 
 resin of scammony, and heat the mixture, at a temperature not exceeding 120° C. (248° 
 F.), until it is perfectly homogeneous and a thread taken from the mass appears brittle 
 when cool. Then withdraw the heat, thoroughly incorporate the cardamom with the 
 mixture, and cover the vessel until the contents are cold. Finally, reduce the product to a 
 fine powder. Compound extract of colocynth should be kept in well-stopped bottles. — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of compound extract of colocynth the following formula may be 
 used, yielding a preparation of official strength : W r arm 875 grains of purified aloes in a 
 
 covered vessel on a water-bath, with 2| fluidrachms of alcohol ; add 280 grains of extract 
 of colocynth, 245 grains each of powdered soap and resin of scammony, and heat the 
 mixture (not above 248° F.) until it is perfectly homogeneous and brittle. Withdraw the 
 heat, incorporate 105 grains of powdered cardamom, and cover the vessel until the con- 
 tents are cold. Finally reduce to fine powder. 
 
 Take of colocynth-pulp 6 ounces ; extract of Socotrine aloes 12 ounces ; resin of scam- 
 mony 4 ounces ; curd soap, in powder, 3 ounces ; cardamom-seeds in fine powder, 1 ounce ; 
 proof spirit 1 gallon. Macerate the colocynth in the spirit for four days ; press out the 
 
EXTRA CTUM COND UR A NG 0 FL UID UM.— CONTI. 
 
 665 
 
 tincture and distil off the spirit; then add the aloes, scammony, and soap, and evaporate 
 by a water-bath until the extract is of a suitable consistence for forming pills, adding the 
 cardamoms toward the end of the process. — Br. 
 
 The first formula is preferable for directing a definite amount of the extract of colo- 
 cynth, instead of the extract obtained from a definite weight of colocynth-pulp, which 
 may vary considerably (see above). By mixing the ingredients in the state of fine 
 powder a preparation uniform in appearance cannot be obtained. But by melting them 
 together with the assistance of a little alcohol, and by subsequently drying and powder- 
 ing, an unobjectionable compound extract is produced. 
 
 Action and Uses. — As an efficient and safe purgative this compound, when well 
 prepared, is not excelled by any other in cases of habitual constipation produced by torpor 
 of the bowels. Calomel or rhubarb can be added to it to meet special indications, or, if 
 it is disposed to gripe, extract of hyoscyamus will help to correct the tendency. The 
 dose is Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx). This extract, as found in the shops, is often inert. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CONDURANGO FLUIDUM, P. G.— Fluid Extract 
 
 OF CONDURANGO. 
 
 Extrait liquide de condurango , Fr. ; Fliissiges Condurango- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Condurango-bark, in No. 25 powder, 100 parts; Glycerin, 6f parts; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 parts. Mix the glycerin with 
 66f parts of alcohol and 26f parts of water, and, having moistened the powder thoroughly 
 with sufficient of the menstruum, set the mixture aside in a closed vessel for two or 
 three hours. Transfer to a percolator, pack firmly, and pour on the balance of the men- 
 struum, and when the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for twenty-four hours at a tempera- 
 ture of 15°-20° C. (59°-68° F.). Allow percolation to proceed at the rate of 15-20 
 drops per minute, pouring on menstruum composed of alcohol 1 part, water 3 parts, until 
 the drug is exhausted. Reserve the first 85 parts ; evaporate the remainder of the 
 percolate to a syrupy consistence, and add sufficient menstruum to make 15 parts. Mix 
 the two liquids and set aside for two or three days, then filter. — P. G. 
 
 Fluid extract of condurango is of brown color and has the specific gravity 1.038-1.040, 
 yielding from 16-20 per cent, of extractive. 
 
 It should be borne in mind that all liquid preparations of the German Pharmacopoeia 
 are made by weight. 
 
 Dose , Gm. 2 (npxxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CONII, U. S.— Extract of Conium. 
 
 Extraction Conii alcoholicum , U. S. 1880. — Alcoholic extract of hemlock-fruit , E. ; 
 Extrait alcoolique de semence (fruity decigue , Fr. ; Spirituoses Schierlingsfrucht- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Conium, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic Acid 20 Cc. ; Diluted 
 Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator 
 close the lower orifice, and having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, until 
 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or until the conium is exhausted. Reserve the first 
 900 Cc. of the percolate, add the acetic acid to the remainder, and evaporate it, at a tem- 
 perature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.) to a soft extract; mix this with the reserved 
 portion in a porcelain capsule, and evaporate at or below the before-mentioned tempera- 
 ture to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7\ fluidounces of the menstruum, 
 diluted alcohol, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. The bal- 
 ance of the percolate after addition of 4 fluidrachms of acetic acid should be evaporated 
 to a soft extract at a temperature not above 122° F., the reserve tincture added, and the 
 whole then evaporated to a pilular consistence. 
 
 The extract formerly (prior to 1880) recognized under the above title was made from 
 the leaves, and was of slight efficacy and variable strength. By using the green fruit a 
 more reliable preparation is obtained, of which, however, the limits of variation of strength 
 have not been ascertained. The addition of acetic acid is intended to prevent the volati- 
 lization of the coniine. The yield is between 15 and 20 per cent. 
 
666 
 
 EXTRA CTUM CONII FL UID UM.—CVBEBJE FLUIDUM . 
 
 Extractum conii, Br ., is the inspissated juice of the fresh herb, prepared in precisely 
 the same manner as the corresponding inspissated juices of aconite and belladonna. The 
 yield is 3 or 4 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — The primary dose , of about Gm. 0.10 (gr. ij), may be gradually increased until 
 its operation becomes manifest. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CONII FLUIDUM, XI. S. — Fluid Extract of Conium. 
 
 Extractum conii fructus fluidum , U. S. 1870. — Fluid extract of hemlock-fruit , of con- 
 ium-seed, E. ; Extrait liquide de semence ( fruit ) de cigue , Fr. ; Fliissiges Schierlingsfrucht- 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Conium in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic Acid, 20 Cc. Diluted 
 Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. ; of 
 diluted alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted 
 alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to 
 drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percola- 
 tor, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually 
 adding diluted alcohol, until the conium is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the 
 percolate, and, having added the acetic acid to the remainder, evaporate it, at a tempera- 
 ture not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved por- 
 tion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7J fluidounces of the men- 
 struum, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; to the balance of 
 the percolate 4 fluidrachms of acetic acid are added before evaporation. The final vol- 
 ume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 A fluid extract, prepared from the fully-developed green fruit of conium, is preferable 
 to that from the leaves. The acetic acid is added to the portion to be evaporated for the 
 purpose of preventing the evaporation of the readily volatile coniine. The fluid extract 
 keeps well, is of a brown-green color, and has the peculiar odor of conium, and this is con- 
 siderably increased on the addition of potassa. 
 
 Uses. — It is a convenient form, and, next to the juice, the most reliable, for the admin- 
 istration of conium. Dose, Gm. 0.10-0.40 (iffiij-vj). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CONVALLARLE FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract 
 
 OF CONVALLARIA. 
 
 Fluid extract of lily-of-the-valley, E. ; Extrait liquide de muguet , Fr. ; Fliissiges Mai- 
 blumenwurzel-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Convallaria, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted 
 alcohol, until the convallaria is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, 
 and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and 
 add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the menstruum, 
 and the first 19J fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This is one of the new fluid extracts of the Pharmacopaeia ; experience has shown that 
 diluted alcohol thoroughly exhausts the drug and yields a stable preparation. 
 
 Uses. — An efficient preparation of convallaria. Dose, Gm. 0.18-0.60 (^liij-x). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CUBEB.E FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of Cubeb. 
 
 Extrait liquide de cubebe, Fr. ; Fliissiges Kubeben-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cubeb, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient qnantity; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 250 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stra- 
 tum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the cubeb is exhausted. 
 
EXTRACT UM CUSSO FLUID UM.— DIGITALIS. 
 
 667 
 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of powdered cubeb should be moistened with about 6 fluidounces of the 
 menstruum, and the first 22 fluidounces of the percolate set aside as reserve ; the final 
 volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract should not be confounded with the oleoresin of the same drug, 
 which was formerly recognized as fluid extract ; it contains the medicinally active resin, 
 together with most of the volatile oil, is of a dark-green color, and has the odor and taste 
 of cubeb. 
 
 Uses. — As a substitute for cubeb this preparation is of doubtful utility, except, perhaps, 
 in chronic affections of the genito-urinary passages. Dose , Gm. 0.60—2.00 (n^x-xxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM CUSSO FLUIDUM, U . S.— Fluid Extract of Cusso. 
 
 Extractum brayerse fluidum , U. S. 1880. — Extractum koso fluidum. — Fluid extract 
 of bray era, E. ; Extrait liquide de cousso , Fr. ; Fliissiges Koso Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cusso, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol until the cusso is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate ; by means of a water-bath, distil off the 
 alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a soft extract; dissolve this in 
 the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. 
 
 — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of cusso should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Alcohol is a good solvent for the active principles of cusso. The fluid extract has a 
 brownish-green color, possesses the unpleasantly bitter and acrid taste of the drug, and 
 if properly made produces only a slight deposit. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is intended to supplant the infusion and decoction of cusso, 
 but its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. The dose may be stated at Gm. 8—12 
 (3>j-3»j)- 
 
 EXTRACTUM CYPRIPEDE FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Cypripedium. 
 
 Extrait liquide de cypripede de jaune , Fr. ; Fliissiges Gelbfrauenschuli- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cypripedium, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a suf- 
 ficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc'. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of diluted alco- 
 hol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough diluted alcohol to 
 saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from 
 the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, 
 until the cypripedium is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Although the present menstruum is an improvement upon that directed in 1880, yet 
 experience has taught that a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume will yield 
 better results than either alcohol or diluted alcohol. 
 
 It is of a reddish-brown color, with the taste of the drug well marked. 
 
 Dose, Gm. 0.60-1.30 (n^x-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM DIGITALIS, U. S.— Extract of Digitalis. 
 
 Extractum digitalis alcoholicum. — Extrait ah oolique de digitule, Fr. ; Finge i h ut- Extrakt, 
 G. ; Estratto di digitale, It. ; Extracto di digitale , Sp. 
 
668 EXTRACTUM DIGITALIS EL UID UM.—D ULCAMARJE FLU IDEM. 
 
 Preparation. — Digitalis, recently dried and in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm.; Alcohol, 
 Water, each, a sufficient quantity. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator : then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or the digitalis is 
 exhausted. By means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the tincture, and, 
 having placed the residue in a porcelain capsule, evaporate it on a water-bath to a 
 pilular consistence. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of digitalis should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and percolation continued with the same 
 menstruum until about 75 fluidounces of percolate have been obtained. 
 
 The French Codex directs a weaker alcoholic solvent of 60 per cent, by volume. The 
 yield is usually from 22 to 25 per cent. The extract is of a green-brown color, and with 
 ordinary care retains a good consistence without having glycerin incorporated with it. 
 Extractum digitalis, P. G., is the inspissated juice, prepared like Extractum belladonna. 
 It is brown, and its weight is equal to that of 3 or 4, or sometimes 5, per cent, of the 
 fresh leaves and branches employed. 
 
 Uses. — This extract is rarely used, and probably is less reliable than any other prep- 
 aration of digitalis. Dose , Gm. 0.01 (gr. i), and gradually increased. 
 
 EXTRACTUM DIGITALIS FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Digitalis. 
 
 Extrait liquide de digitate , Fr. ; Fliissiges Fingerhut-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Digitalis, recently dried, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, 
 Water, each, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 
 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator 
 close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the 
 digitalis is exhausted. Deserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the 
 remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough men- 
 struum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of digitalis should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Digitalis not being indigenous to North America, and the leaves varying in activity 
 according to the locality of their grow T th, the directions of this and the preceding formula 
 to employ recently-dried leaves cannot well be carried out. The fluid extract is of a 
 green-brown color, and a fair representative of digitalis ; the precipitate which is formed 
 on standing probably retains little or none of the active principles of the leaves. 
 
 Uses. — Its advantages over the tincture, and especially over the infusion, are not very 
 apparent. The dose is Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gtt. j — ij ) . 
 
 EXTRACTUM DULCAMARA FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Dulcamara. 
 
 Fluid extract of bittersweet , E ; Extrait liquide de douce-amere , Fr. ; Fliissiges Bitter- 
 siiss-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Dulcamara, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a suf- 
 ficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, 
 and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alco- 
 hol, until the dulcamara is exhausted. Deserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
EXTRACT!] M ERGOTjE.-ERGOTJE FLUIDUM. 
 
 669 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 191 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The fluid extract is of a deep-brown color, and on standing deposits a precipitate which 
 probably contains none of the active principle. 
 
 Extractum dulcamara:, U. iS. 1870, which has been dismissed from the Pharmaco- 
 poeia, was made with diluted alcohol, and may be prepared extemporaneously by evapor- 
 ating the fluid extract ; the twigs yield from 20 to 25 per cent, of extract. 
 
 Uses. — This fluid extract probably contains all the active elements of dulcamara, 
 and may be prescribed in the dose of Gm. 4 (f 33 ) , largely diluted and gradually in- 
 creased. 
 
 EXTRACTUM ERGOTS, U. S.— Extract of Ergot. 
 
 Extractum secalis cornuti , P. G. ; Extractum hsemostaticum. — Extrait d' ergot de seigle , 
 Fr. ; Mutterkornextrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Ergot 150 Cc. Evaporate the fluid extract of ergot 
 in a porcelain capsule by means of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. 
 ( 122 ° F.), constantly stirring, until it is reduced to a pilular consistence. — JJ. S. 
 
 Exhaust ergot 10 parts twice by maceration with 8 parts of cold water; evaporate the 
 mixed infusions to 5 parts, add alcohol spec. grav. 0.894, 5 parts, shake well ; after three 
 days filter, and evaporate to the consistence of an extract ; treat this extract twice with 
 its weight of alcohol, decant the liquid, and evaporate the residue to a thick extract. 
 —P. G. 
 
 The first formula is based upon observations made by Dr. Squibb ( Proc . Amer. Phar. 
 Assoc., 1873, p. 644) with fluid extract of ergot, U. S. P., 1860 ; this was prepared with 
 diluted alcohol containing some acetic acid, and represented 5 per cent, more of ergot 
 than the present fluid extract. 6 parts of the former yielded 1 part of extract, which 
 was insoluble in cold alcohol, perfectly soluble in diluted alcohol, and easily soluble in 
 water, with the exception of an insignificant residue which could easily be filtered out, 
 the filtrate being of a garnet-red color. Considering the variation of soluble matter in 
 ergot (see below), the yield of extract, strictly prepared in accordance with the above 
 directions, may vary greatly ; 16 per cent, is a fair average. It is of a light-brown or 
 reddish-brown color, having the behavior to solvents stated above ; on being treated with 
 an alkali the peculiar odor of ergot is strongly increased. 
 
 The extract resulting from the second formula is evidently intended to contain the 
 active sclerotic acid in a more concentrated state. The concentrated infusion on being 
 mixed with the quantity of alcohol stated yields a precipitate consisting mainly of inert 
 salts and scleromucin ; on treating the extract subsequently with alcohol coloring matters 
 and alkaloidal salts are removed and the sclerotates left in the extract. The yield is 
 about 14 per cent. By treating the concentrated infusion with alcohol, Hirsch ( Ver- 
 gleichende Uebersicht , 1883, p. 119) obtained from 8.66 to 20, and on an average 15, per 
 cent, of extract. 
 
 Ergotinum, Br.; Ergotin, E., G.; Ergotine, Fr. — Evaporate 4 fluidounces of liquid 
 extract of ergot to a syrupy consistence ; add 4 fluidounces of rectified spirit, filter, and 
 evaporate to a soft extract. — Br. To the aqueous infusion of ergot, concentrated to a 
 syrupy liquid, add alcohol until the liquid begins to lose its transparency ; agitate, decant, 
 and evaporate. — F. Cod. The first is Bonjean’s process ; the second is very similar to 
 that of the P. G. above, the precipitation of the active sclerotates being avoided by 
 lessening the alcohol. (See paper by Prof. Diehl in Proc. Amer. Phar. Assoc., 1881, p. 69). 
 
 Uses. — Ergotin may be given internally in the dose of Gm. 0.20-0.80 (gr. iij-xij), 
 equivalent to from 30 to 120 grains of ergot. It is also administered hypodermically — 5 
 parts of it being dissolved in 7 parts each of glycerin and water, and filtered. It 
 should be injected deeply into a muscular part after its acidity has been partially 
 neutralized by sodium bicarbonate. In this manner it has been injected into goitres 
 with reported success. 
 
 EXTRACTUM ERGOTS FLUIDUM, JJ, S , — Fluid Extract of 
 
 Ergot. 
 
 Extractum ergotse liquidum , Br. ; Extractum secalis cornuti fluidum, P. G.‘; Extrait 
 liquide d' ergot dc seigle , Fr. ; Fliissiges Mutterkornextrakt. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ergot, recently ground and in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic 
 
670 
 
 EXTR ACTUM ERIODICTYI FLUID UM. 
 
 Acid 20 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the 
 powder with 300 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; 
 then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percola- 
 tion to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, until the ergot is exhausted. Reserve 
 the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and, having added the acetic acid to the remainder, 
 evaporate to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted 
 alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about fluidounces of diluted alco- 
 hol and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; to the balance of the 
 percolate 4 fluidracbms of acetic acid are added before evaporation. The final volume 
 of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 We fail to see any good reason for increasing the alcoholic strength of the menstruum 
 over that ordered in 1880 ; it is conceded now that water alone is capable of extracting 
 the valuable constituents of ergot, and hence nothing can be gained by a stronger alco- 
 holic liquid. The advantage of adding an acid to the weak percolate before evaporation 
 is doubtful, and by many is positively denied ; acetic acid is, however, less objectionable 
 than hydrochloric acid, formerly employed. 
 
 The corresponding preparation of the Br. P. is equally efficient. The following is the 
 formula : Take of ergot, crushed, 1 pound ; distilled water 6 pints (Imperial) ; rectified 
 spirit 6 fluidounces. Digest the ergot in 4 pints of the water for twelve hours ; draw 
 off the infusion and repeat the digestion with the remainder of the water; press out, 
 strain, and evaporate the liquors by the heat of a water-bath to 11 fluidounces; when 
 cold add the spirit , allow to stand for an hour to coagulate, then filter. The product 
 should measure 16 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 The Germ. Pharm. directs that 100 parts of ergot shall be exhausted with a menstruum 
 composed of 1 part of alcohol and 4 parts of water (both by weight) ; the first 85 parts 
 of percolate are set aside as reserve and the weak percolate, after addition of 2.4 parts 
 of 25 per cent, hydrochloric acid, is evaporated to a syrup, mixed with enough men- 
 struum to make 15 parts and then added to the reserve tincture. 
 
 The large quantity of fixed oil present in ergot is liable to be displaced by percolation 
 with an alcoholic menstruum, but not with water. None of the pharmacopoeias direct 
 the removal of the oil ; this may be accomplished by exhausting the ergot with ether or 
 petroleum benzin. By evaporating the liquid extract of the Br. P. to the consistence 
 of a soft extract, a preparation agreeing with the ergotin of the French Codex is obtained. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation represents the totality of the active elements of ergot. In 
 cases of uterine, inertia it may be prescribed in the dose of Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-f^j) repeated 
 every fifteen or twenty minutes. To counteract the effects of spinal hypersemia the com- 
 mencing dose should not be less than Gm. 8 (gij) three times a day, and it may be in- 
 creased to three, or even four, times that quantity. 
 
 EXTRACTUM ERIODICTYI FLUIDUM, Z7, S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Eriodictyon. 
 
 Fluid extract of yerba santa , E. ; Extrait liquids d’ eriodictyon , Fr. ; Fliissiges Eriodic- 
 tyon-Extraht , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Eriodictyon, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 800 Cc. of alcohol with 200 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the eriodictyon is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 
 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. 
 (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough men- 
 struum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set 
 aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
EXTR ACTUM EUCALYPTI FLUIDUM.— EUPATORII FLU I BUM. 
 
 671 
 
 This is another of the new official fluid extracts, — it is of a deep brownish -green color, 
 pleasantly aromatic odor and a slightly astringent not disagreeable taste ; the menstruum 
 perfectly exhausts the drug and yields a stable preparation. 
 
 Uses. — The medicinal virtues of mountain balm remain undiscovered. The fluid 
 extract may be more convenient than chewing the fresh leaf for concealing the bitterness 
 of quinine. 
 
 EXTRACTUM EUCALYPTI FLUIDUM, V . S .— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Eucalyptus. 
 
 Extrait liquid e di eucalyptus, Fr. ; Flusdges Eukalyptus-Extrakt. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Eucalyptus, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water each a 
 sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the eucalyptus is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. 
 of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. 
 — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of eucalyptus should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set 
 aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
 The new official menstruum yields a more permanent preparation than alcohol alone, 
 as already pointed out by A. Robbins in 1883. 
 
 Uses. — This is probably the best form in which eucalyptus can be administered. 
 Bose Gm. 0.60-1.20 (n^x-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM EUONYMI, U. S . — Extract of Euonymus. 
 
 Extract of wahoo , E. ; Extrait d'ecorce de fusain, Fr. ; Spillbaumrinden- Extra Jet, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Euonymus, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, and, having mois- 
 tened the powder with 400 Cc. of the menstruum, pack it firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the perco- 
 lation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained 
 or the euonymus is exhausted. By means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from 
 the tincture, and, having placed the residue in a porcelain capsule, evaporate it, on a 
 water-bath, to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of wahoo-bark should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of men- 
 struum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and percolation with the same menstruum 
 continued until 75 fluidounces of percolate have been obtained. 
 
 The new official menstruum is better than diluted alcohol and will thoroughly exhaust 
 the drug, the yield being about 25 per cent, of extract of a brown or yellowish-brown color. 
 
 Extractum euonymi siccum, Br. Add. ; Dry extract of euonymus. 1 pound of euonymus- 
 bark is exhausted with a mixture of equal volumes of rectified spirit and water; the percolate is 
 evaporated to a soft extract, and while still fluid so much sugar of milk is incorporated with it — 
 the amount having been ascertained experimentally — that the final product shall contain 80 per 
 cent, of the dry extractive. Evaporate the mixture until it becomes brittle when cold, and 
 finally reduce the mass to powder. 
 
 Uses. — Probably this preparation contains whatever virtues belong to euonymus. 
 Dose, about Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
 EXTRACTUM EUPATORII FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Eupatorium. 
 
 Fluid extract of boueset , E. ; Extrait liquide d 1 evpatoire perfoliee, Fr. ; Fliissiyes Durch- 
 wachsclosten-Extraht , G. 
 
672 
 
 EXTRACTUM FRANG ULJE FL UII) UM.—GELSEMII FLUIBUM. 
 
 Preparation. — Eupatorium, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a suf- 
 ficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, 
 and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted 
 alcohol, until the eupatorium is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, 
 and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and' 
 add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of diluted 
 alcohol, and the first 19 i fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume 
 of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract is of a dark-greenish or brown-red color, and represents the virtues 
 of the drug. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation may be used to obtain the tonic effects of eupatorium in the 
 dose of Gm. 4 (^j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM FRANGUL^E FLUIDUM, U. S., P. G.— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Frangula. 
 
 Extractum Rhamni Frangulse liquidum , Br. — Extrait liquide decor ce de bourdaine , Fr. ; 
 Fliissiges Faulbaumrinden-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Frangula, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 500 Cc. of alcohol with 800 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and. having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the frangula is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 5 volumes, water 8 volumes), and the first 19 J fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia has slightly increased the alcoholic strength of the menstruum 
 over that ordered in 1880 ; experience has shown that the new menstruum yields a more 
 stable preparation. The fluid extract has a dark brown-red color and sweetish bitter 
 taste. 
 
 The Germ. Ph. directs a menstruum of 3 parts of alcohol and 7 parts of water, both 
 by weight. 
 
 Eptractum rhamni frangula, Br. — Macerate for two days frangula, in No. 40 powder, 1 
 •pound, with proof spirit 40 fluidounces ; percolate with water to obtain 60 fluidounces, and 
 evaporate. Bose, Gm. 1-4 (15 to 60 grains). — Br. 
 
 Extractum rhamni frangula liquidum, Br. — Boil frangula in coarse powder, 1 pound with 
 three or four quantities of water, until exhausted ; evaporate to 12 fluidounces, cool, add rectified 
 spirit 4 fluidounces, and filter. Bose, Gm. 4-16 (1 to 4 fluidrachms). 
 
 Uses. — The action of this laxative appears to be very uncertain. The dose of it is 
 various^ stated at Gm. 1—2 (rrpxv-xxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM GELSEMII FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of Gel- 
 
 SEMIUM. 
 
 Extrait liquide de gelsemium , Fr. ; Fliissiges Gelsemien-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Gelsemium, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the gelsemium is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 
EXTR ACTUM G ENTIA NjE.—GENTIA NJE FLUID U3L 
 
 673 
 
 soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the 
 fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7 s fluidounees of alcohol, and 
 the first 22 fluidounees of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounees. 
 
 Alcohol is well adapted for exhausting gelsemium. The fluid extract has a deep red- 
 brown color and the strong odor and bitter taste of the drug. 
 
 Extractum gelsemii alcoholicum, Br., is made with rectified spirit. Dose, Gm. 0.03-0.12 (£ to 
 2 grains). 
 
 U S es. — If used at all, for which there seems to be no necessity, great caution should 
 be observed, on account of the profound and even fatal depression it has occasioned. The 
 dose is from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (rr^v-x), beginning always with the smaller quantity. 
 
 EXTRACTUM GENTIANUE, U. S., Br., JP. G.— Extract op Gentian. 
 
 Extrait de gentiane, Fr. ; Enzian-Extrakt , G. ; Estratto di genziana , It. ; Extracto di 
 genciana , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Gentian, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm ; Water, a sufficient quantity. 
 Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of water, and let it macerate for forty-eight hours ; 
 then pack it in a conical percolator, and gradually pour water upon it until the infusion 
 passes but slightly imbued with the properties of the gentian. Reduce the liquid to 
 three-fourths of its weight by boiling, and strain ; then by means of a water-bath 
 evaporate to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of gentian should be macerated with 10 fluidounees of cold water for 
 forty-eight hours before being packed for percolation. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia alone directs boiling with water for exhausting gentian- 
 root, while the United States, French, and German Pharmacopoeias exhaust with cold 
 water, the albumen being removed from the infusion by boiling. The long-continued 
 boiling directed by the U. S. P. until one-fourth of the solution has evaporated is not 
 necessary. Cold water is preferable for exhausting gentian, since it dissolves all of the 
 bitter principle without taking up the whole of the pectin compounds, which enter into 
 solution in hot water. An extract prepared with the latter has a gelatinous appearance, 
 though not in the same degree as if made by prolonged boiling with water. The yield 
 by cold water approaches, or sometimes exceeds, 30 per cent, of the weight of the dry 
 root, and the yellowish-brown extract yields with water a nearly clear solution. 
 
 Uses. — This extract contains all the virtues of gentian in a form convenient for 
 administration. It is, however, most generally used as an excipient for other tonics, and 
 especially for iron and quinia. The dose is from Gm. 0.16-0.60 (gr. iij— x). 
 
 EXTRACTUM GENTIANS FLUIDUM, V. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Gentian. 
 
 Extra.it liquide de gentiane , Fr. ; Flilssiges Enzian-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Gentian, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted 
 alcohol, until the gentian is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate. By 
 means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the remainder and evaporate the residue 
 to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol 
 to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of gentian should be moistened with about 9 fluidounees of menstruum, 
 and the first 19? fluidounees of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the 
 finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounees The bitter principle of gentian 
 is perfectly soluble in water, but a certain amount of alcohol is necessary for preventing 
 fermentation. 
 
 Uses. — It may be employed for all the purposes of the bitter tonics, but it is seldom 
 prescribed alone. It may also be used to reinforce the tonic properties of the compound 
 tincture of gentian and other liquid tonic preparations. Dose , Gm. 2 (fgss.) 
 
 43 
 
674 
 
 EXT R ACTUM GERANII FL UID UM.—GL YCYRRHIZJE. 
 
 EXTRAOTUM GERANII FLUIDUM, 77. -Fluid Extract of Ge- 
 ranium. 
 
 Exlrait liquid e de geranium macule , Fr. ; Fliissiges Fleckstorchschnabel- Extrakt :, G. 
 Preparation. — Geranium, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Diluted 
 Alcohol a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 900 Cc. of 
 diluted alcohol, and, having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder 
 and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close 
 the lower orifice, and having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder of 
 the menstruum, and, afterward diluted alcohol, until the geranium is exhausted. Re- 
 serve the first 700 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid 
 extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (diluted alcohol 214 fluidounces, glycerin 24 fluidounces), and the first 174 fluid- 
 ounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; after the 24 fluidounces of menstruum have 
 been used, percolation is to be continued with diluted alcohol. The final volume of the 
 finished product is to be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 It is a dark reddish-brown fluid extract of a strongly astringent taste. 
 
 The menstruum of 1880 has been retained, although A. Robbins in 1883 pointed out 
 that an increase in the alcoholic strength would no doubt overcome the tendency to par- 
 tial gelatinization, and even suggested the entire omission of water. 
 
 Uses. — Fluid extract of geranium is an excellent substitute for the liquid prepara- 
 tions of catechu and other simple astringents. Dose, from Gm. 2-8 (f^ss-ij). 
 
 EXTRAOTUM GLY C YRRHIZiE, 77. 8., Br.— Extract of Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 Succus liquor itise, P. G. ; Extractum liquiritise. — Liquorice , Extract of liquorice , E. ; 
 Sue ( jus ) de reglisse , Sucre noir , Fr. ; Lakriz , Lakrizensaft, G. ; Estratto di liquirizia , 
 It. 
 
 The commercial extract of the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Linne. 
 
 Preparation. — Liquorice is prepared for commercial purposes in the southern por- 
 tion of Europe and in this country. The fresh root is mostly employed, but the dried 
 root will likewise answer the purpose. The root is crushed to a pulpy mass or broken 
 into a coarse powder, and then boiled with water over a naked fire or by steam. The 
 liquor is expressed, allowed to settle, and decanted, or, for the common qualities, together 
 with the fine pulpy matter evaporated by boiling and continued stirring until the mass 
 has attained the proper consistence to be rolled out into sticks of a certain weight, a por- 
 tion of olive oil being used to prevent it from adhering to the hands and the table. The 
 sticks are made of an adopted length and thickness, stamped with the initials or name of 
 the manufacturer or of the town where the factory is located, and finally dried. Rus- 
 sian liquorice-root is likewise used in the manufacture of liquorice. 
 
 On exhausting the root with hot or cold water hygroscopic extracts are obtained, but 
 on treating the root now with steam Delondre (1856) observed that a considerable amount 
 of matter was dissolved, which, on evaporating the solution, was friable, without attract- 
 ing moisture, and had a sweet taste without acridity. It is this substance, consisting of 
 altered glycyrrhizin, together with the starch contained in the root, which gives firmness 
 to the commercial extract. Previous to 1878 over 1,000,000 pounds of liquorice were 
 annually imported into the United States. Since 1878 the quantity imported has varied 
 between 692,919 and 874,044 pounds in 1881, and a considerable quantity is manufac- 
 tured here. 
 
 Description. — Liquorice appears in commerce packed in boxes between layers of 
 laurel-leaves (Laurus nobilis, Linne ,) to prevent the sticks from adhering ; in Southern 
 Russia oak-leaves are used for the same purpose. Besides the liquorice of American 
 manufacture, two principal varieties are distinguished in our commerce, the Sicilian and 
 Calabrian or Spanish. The former is in thin sticks 6 to 9 Mm. (4 to f inch) in diam- 
 eter, of a dull-black color, frequently of an empyreumatic taste, and generally very 
 impure. The latter is in larger sticks, 15 to 25 Mm. (f to 1 inch) in diameter, 15 to 
 17 Cm. (6 to 6| inches) long, black and somewhat glossy externally, slightly flexible 
 except at a low temperature, and breaking with a sharp conchoidal and shining fracture ; 
 
EXTRACT!! M GL YCYRRHIZTE PTJRUM. 
 
 675 
 
 some small cavities may usually be found in the interior. The products of the different 
 manufacturers of this liquorice differ from one another not only in the size of the sticks, 
 but often by marked differences in their odor and taste ; while some specimens are almost 
 purely sweet, others are persistently acrid and empyreumatic. For medicinal purposes 
 liquorice should be almost devoid of acridity. 
 
 Placed in cold water, a portion of the liquorice is dissolved, but the residue retains the 
 shape of the sticks ; after the addition of a little ammonia to the water, Rump (1855) 
 observed the liquid to become again colored, and again to acquire a sweet taste from dis- 
 solving fresh portions of glycyrrhizin. The amount soluble in cold water varies consid- 
 erably, and reaches in the best brands about 70 to 75 per cent, of the dried liquorice, but 
 the percentage is usually a little less than this. “Not less than 60 per cent, of the extract 
 should be soluble in cold water.’' — U. S. “After drying 100 parts of liquorice at 100° C. 
 (212° F.) it should weigh at least 83 parts. On exhausting air-dry liquorice with water 
 of not over 50° C. (122° F.), the residue dried in a water-bath should not exceed 25 per 
 cent., and when examined under the microscope should not show any starch-granules.” 
 —P. G. 
 
 Under the name of Italian liquorice an impure article in thin sticks is met with, and 
 the so-called refined liquorice of the shops is in still thinner cylindrical and glossy pieces, 
 likewise impure and readily attacked by insects. Pontefract cakes are small liquorice 
 lozenges which are much used in England. Corigliano and Barracco are the foreign brands 
 most esteemed in the United States ; Solazzi juice is highly valued in England. 
 
 Constituents. — Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, free (soluble in ammonia) and in 
 combination with ammonia (soluble in cold water) ; also starch, modified by long boiling, 
 sugar, a little acrid resinous matter, from 8.4 to 17 per cent, of moisture, and from 6 to 
 9 per cent, of ash. Madsen (1881) treated the concentrated aqueous solution of liquorice 
 with cold alkaline solution of copper, ignited the precipitate, and calculated the sugar 
 from the cupric oxide obtained ; the amount varied between 11 and 15 per cent., which 
 is probably too high. For estimating the gum, the infusion was precipitated by alcohol, 
 the well-washed precipitate dissolved in water, this solution precipitated by cupric sul- 
 phate and soda, the precipitate washed with dilute soda, dissolved in hydrochloric acid, 
 and this solution precipitated by alcohol ; good liquorice yielded from 1.5 to 4.4 per cent, 
 of arabin. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — Fragments of vegetable tissue are generally 
 present to some extent; shreds of copper are sometimes also met with, and result from 
 careless scraping of the evaporating-pans. The fraudulent additions usually consist of 
 farinaceous matters, gum, glucose, and mineral compounds ; the latter are estimated in 
 the ash. Starch may sometimes be seen in little lumps in the interior of the sticks, and 
 if not altered by heat may be recognized by the microscope. Gum added frauduently is 
 detected in the precipitate which takes place on the addition of an equal bulk of alcohol 
 to the cold aqueous solution (see above). Grape-sugar will cause the solution of liquorice 
 in cold water to be of a lighter color ; it may be estimated after removing gum by 
 alcohol and glycyrrhizin by sulphuric acid. 
 
 EXTRAOTUM GL Y C YRRHIZ^E PURUM, U. S.— Pure Extract of 
 
 Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 Extrait de reglisse , Fr. ; Siissholz- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Glycyrrhiza, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, 150 Cc. ; 
 Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Mix the ammonia-water with 1000 Cc. of distilled 
 water, and having moistened the powder with 1000 Cc. of the menstruum, let it mace- 
 rate for twenty-four hours. Then pack it moderately in a cylindrical glass percolator, 
 and gradually pour upon it, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and then distilled 
 water, until the glycyrrhiza is exhausted. Lastly, by means of a water-bath, evaporate 
 the infusion to a pilular consistence. — IT. S. 
 
 The ammonia is intended to dissolve any glycyrrhizin which may be present in the 
 powdered root in the insoluble condition, and to prevent its becoming insoluble from the 
 loss of ammonia during evaporation. The yield is from 16 to 20, or even 25, per cent. 
 The extract is of a brown color and of a sweet taste ; it is used for preparing Mistura 
 glycyrrhizae composita, U. S. It yields a clear solution with water, as does also the 
 following : 
 
 Other Extracts of Liquorice. — Extractum glycyrrhizae, Br. ; Extractum liquiritiaE radi- 
 cis, P. G. 1872. This extract is practically identical with that of the French Codex, except that 
 
676 
 
 EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZA FLU ID U3I. 
 
 the latter exhausts the root by displacement with distilled water at a temperature of 15° to 20° C. 
 (59° to 68° F.) ; the following is the formula : Take of liquorice-root, in No. 20 powder, 1 pound ; 
 distilled water, 4 pints. Macerate the liquorice-root with 2 pints of the water for 12 hours, 
 strain, and press 5 again macerate the pressed marc with the remainder of the water for 6 hours, 
 strain, and press. Mix the strained liquors, heat them to 100° C. (212° F.), and strain through 
 flannel ; then evaporate by a water-bath until the extract is of a suitable consistence for forming 
 pills. — Bv. 
 
 SUCCUS LIQUIRITIM DEPURATUS, P. G., S. ExTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZM DEPURATUM. Purified 
 
 liquorice, E. ; Extrait de sue de reglisse, Fr. ; Gereinigter Lakriz, G . — It is recognized by several 
 European pharmacopoeias, and is made by alternately placing layers of washed straw and broken 
 liquorice in a cylindrical vessel and covering the material with cold water. As the water becomes 
 saturated it is withdrawn through a faucet below, and replaced by fresh water until but little 
 color and taste are imparted to it. The perfectly clear liquids are then evaporated to the con- 
 sistence of an extract, which should yield a clear solution with water. The yield is 50 to 60 
 per cent. For convenience in dispensing, a concentrated solution of definite strength is often 
 kept on hand. To remove the resinous matter, which imparts a disagreeable acrid taste, Unge- 
 witter (1875) suggests the digesting of the stick liquorice in strong alcohol and afterward exhaust- 
 ing it with cold water. 
 
 Elixir e.succo liquiritim, P. G. Purified liquorice 10 parts is dissolved in 30 parts of fennel- 
 water ; the solution is mixed with anisated spirit of ammonia 10 parts. 
 
 Uses. — Extract of liquorice is protective, lenitive, and demulcent ; it also excites 
 the secretions of the fauces, and perhaps of the larynx. It is chiefly employed 
 in irritable conditions of these parts, in sore throat , laryngitis , and bronchitis. It 
 may be conveniently used by allowing small fragments of it to dissolve in the mouth, 
 or by adding it to the various syrups, lozenges, and mixtures appropriate to these objects. 
 It sometimes appears to prevent flatulence depending upon fermentation of the food, for 
 which purpose a piece as large as a grain of wheat may be taken after meals. “ Pure 
 extract of liquorice ” (£7. S. P. 1890) is still more appropriate to the purposes designated 
 than the ordinary extract. 
 
 EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZM FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Glycyrrhiza, 
 
 Extr actum glycyrrhizse liquidum , Br. — Liquid extract of liquorice-root , E. ; Extrait 
 liquide de reglisse , Fr. ; Fliissiges Siissholz-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Glycyrrhiza, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, 50 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the ammonia- 
 water with 300 Cc. of alcohol and 650 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the 
 powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator ; 
 then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above 
 it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, 
 having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the 
 percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and then 
 a mixture of alcohol and water made in the proportion of 300 Cc. of alcohol and 650 Cc. 
 of water, until the glycyrrhiza is exhausted. Reserve the first 750 Cc. of the percolate, 
 and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and 
 add enough of the mixture of alcohol and water to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc.— U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of liquorice-root should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum composed of alcohol 7i fluidounces, water 15f fluidounces, and ammonia-water li 
 fluidounces ; when this quantity of menstruum has been used, percolation is continued 
 with a mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 6J volumes of water. The first 18? fluid- 
 ounces of percolate should be set aside as reserve, and the final volume of finished prod- 
 uct made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The present official menstruum is decidedly preferable to that of 1880 in containing 
 less alcohol. 
 
 Take of liquorice-root, in No. 20 powder, 1 pound ; distilled water 4 pints. Macerate the 
 liquorice-root with 2 pints of the water for twelve hours, strain, and press ; again macerate 
 the pressed marc with the remainder of the water for six hours, strain, and press. Mix 
 the strained liquors, heat them to 212° F., and strain through flannel ; then evaporate by 
 a water-bath until it has acquired, when cold, a specific gravity of 1.160 ; add to this one- 
 sixth of its volume of rectified spirit; let the mixture stand for twelve hours, and filter. — 
 Br. 
 
 Uses. — The fluid extract of liquorice-root is a very agreeable substitute for the 
 simple extract of liquorice in flavoring cough medicines and concealing acrid tastes. 
 
EXTRACTUM GOSSYPII RADICIS FL UID VM.—G UARA XJE FLUID UM. 677 
 
 Elixir of liquorice is too stimulating to be used in the former, but may be used advan- 
 tageously in the latter, manner. 
 
 EXTRACTUM GOSSYPII RADICIS FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract - 
 
 of Cotton-root Bark. 
 
 Extrait liquide d' ecorce de cotonnier , Fr. ; Flussiges Baumwollwurzel-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cotton-root Bark in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin 250 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix theglycerin with 750 Cc. of alcohol, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 500 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator and pour on the remainder of -the menstruum. When the liquid begins to 
 drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percola- 
 tor, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, and when the 
 Kquid in the percolator has disappeared from the surface gradually pour on alcohol, and 
 continue the percolation until the cotton-root bark is exhausted. Reserve the first 700 
 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of cotton-root bark should be moistened with about 12 fluidounces of men- 
 struum, composed of alcohol 18 fluidounces and glycerin 6 fluidounces, and when this 
 menstruum has all been used, percolation is to be continued with alcohol. The first 17? 
 fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as reserve, and the final volume of finished 
 product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The present official menstruum is better than that of 1880 in containing less glycerin, 
 but experience has shown that a most satisfactory fluid extract will be obtained if a 
 menstruum be employed composed of alcohol 6 volumes, water 3 volumes, and glycerin 
 1 volume. 
 
 Fresh or recently-dried bark appears to yield a more effectual preparation than old 
 bark. The fluid extract has a bright brownish-red color. 
 
 Uses. — It is used chiefly as a substitute for ergot, as an oxytocic and emmenagogue, 
 and may be given in the dose of Gm. 2 (f^sss) or more. 
 
 EXTRACTUM GRINDELLE FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Grindelia. 
 
 Extrait liquide de grindelia , Fr. ; Flussiges Grindelienextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Grindelia, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quan- 
 tity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly 
 in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the 
 grindelia is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, evaporate the 
 remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough men- 
 struum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — XJ. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7\ fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished prod- 
 uct should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The official menstruum has been changed to pure alcohol in conformity with the sug- 
 gestions of A. Robbins and others, who found the fluid extract to keep better when made 
 with alcohol alone ; some authorities still claim, however, that a mixture of alcohol 3 
 volumes and water 1 volume is a better menstruum. 
 
 This fluid extract is of a brown-green color. The active principles are, most likely, 
 volatile oil and resin, and these require alcohol for solution. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation contains all the virtues of grindelia. Dose, Gm. 0. G0-1. 20 
 (npx-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM GUARANI FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Guarana. 
 
 Extrait liquide de guarana , Fr. ; Flussiges Guarana- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Guarana, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suf- 
 ficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 
678 
 
 EXTRACTUM HJEMA TOX YLI.—HA MA ME LIB IS FLUID UM. 
 
 having moistened the powder with 200 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stra- 
 tum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the guarana is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate. By means of a water-bath distil off the 
 alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a soft extract ; dissolve this in 
 the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 
 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of guarana should be moistened with about 5 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 191 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Fluid extract of guarana has been in use for a number of years, but in the endeavor 
 to obtain it as little alcoholic as possihle many of the preparations formerly used gradu- 
 ally formed heavy deposits. Experience has shown that the present official menstruum 
 yields very satisfactory results ; the alcoholic strength very closely approaches that sug- 
 gested by A. Bobbins in 1883, which was 2 parts of alcohol and 1 of water, by weight. 
 
 The fluid extract is of a deep red-brown color and has an astringent and bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — It represents guarana efficiently. Dose , Gm. 0.60-1.20 (np x-xx) and up- 
 ward. 
 
 EXTR ACTUM HiEMATOXYLI, TJ . S ., Br. — Extract of Hjematox- 
 
 ylon. 
 
 Extraction ligni campechiani. — Extract of logwood , E. ; Extrait de hois de Campeche , 
 Fr. ; Campecheholz-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Haematoxylon, rasped, 1000 Gm. ; Water, 1000 Cc. Macerate the 
 haematoxylon with the water for forty-eight hours. Then boil, avoiding the use of 
 metallic vessels, until one-half of the water has evaporated ; strain the decoction while 
 hot, and evaporate to dryness. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of rasped logwood should be macerated with 2 gallons of water for forty- 
 eight hours, and then boiled, as directed above. 
 
 This process somewhat corresponds with that of the British Pharmacopoeia, which 
 orders infusion with boiling distilled water for twenty-four hours, boiling to one-half, and 
 finally evaporating by a water-bath, stirring with a wooden spatula. The yield is about 
 12 per cent., occasionally as low as 6 per cent. The extract is not hygroscopic ; it is of 
 a red-brown color and a sweet afterward astringent taste. It yields with water a red 
 and almost clear solution. It is prepared on a large scale for uses in the arts. (For 
 composition compare Haimatoxylon.) 
 
 Uses. — The extract has the medicinal qualities of the wood, and does not lose them 
 by keeping. It may be administered ip doses of Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) or more, and in solu- 
 tion rather than in pills, which in time grow very hard. 
 
 EXTRAOTUM HAMAMELIDIS FLUIDUM, TJ . 8 .— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Hamamelis. 
 
 Extractum Hamamelidis liquidvm , Br. Add. — Liquid extract of hamamelis , E. ; 
 Extrait liquide de hamamelis , Fr. ; Fliissiges Hamamelis- Extraht, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Hamamelis, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm.; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 
 500 Cc. of alcohol and 800 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. 
 of the mixture, pack it firmly in a percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, 
 the remainder of the menstruum, and then a mixture of alcohol and water, made in the 
 proportion of 500 Cc. of alcohol to 800 Cc. of water, until the hamamelis is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid 
 extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 composed of alcohol 81 fluidounces, water 13] fluidounces, glycerin 21 fluidounces, and 
 
EXTRACT UM HYDRASTIS FLUID UM.—HY0SCYA3II ALCOHOLICUM. 679 
 
 the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. Subsequent percolation is to 
 be continued with a mixture of alcohol 5 volumes and water 8 volumes, and the final 
 volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The Br. Ph. directs a menstruum composed of 1 volume alcohol, sp. gr. 0.838 (rectified 
 spirit) and 2 volumes of water, to be used for exhausting the leaves. 
 
 This fluid extract is of a brown color, and has the astringent and bitter taste of the 
 leaves. The substitution of glycerin for a portion of the water will probably give a 
 better menstruum and yield a more permanent preparation. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation contains all the virtues of hamamelis, which is elsewhere 
 described. Dose, Gm. 0.60-1.20 (i^x-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM HYDRASTIS FLUIDUM, U. S., P. £.-Fluid Extract 
 
 of Hydrastis. 
 
 Extractum Hydrastis liquidum , Br. Add. — Extrait liquide de hydrastis, Fr. ; Fliissiges 
 Hydrastis- Ext rakt , G. ; Estratto di idraste liquido, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Hydrastis, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol, Water, each a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 600 Cc. 
 of alcohol and 300 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the 
 mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum 
 to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop 
 from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, 
 macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually add- 
 ing, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and then a mixture of alcohol and water, 
 made in the proportion of 600 Cc. of alcohol to 300 Cc. of water, until the hydrastis 
 is exhausted. Reverse the first 850 Cc. of the percolate. By means of a water-bath, 
 distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid 
 extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7£ fluidounces of menstruum, 
 composed of alcohol 144 fluidounces, water 71 fluidounces, glycerin 2? fluidounces, and 
 the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. Subsequent percolation is to be 
 continued with a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume, and the final volume 
 of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The introduction of glycerin into the official menstruum will prove of decided advan- 
 tage and add to the permanency of the preparation. 
 
 The fluid extract of the Br. Pharm. is prepared with diluted alcohol. 
 
 The Germ. Pharm. directs the extraction of hydrastis with a mixture of 7 parts of 
 alcohol and 3 parts of water, both by weight. 
 
 The fluid extract has a deep brown-yellow color and the strongly bitter taste of the root. 
 
 Uses. — This is a convenient and efficient form of the medicine. Dose , Gm. 4 (f^j) 
 two or three times a day. 
 
 EXTRACTUM HYOSCYAMI ALCOHOLICUM, U. S., Br.— Extract 
 
 of Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Extract of henbane , E. ; Extrait alcoolique de feuilles de jusquiame , Fr. ; Spiritubses 
 Bilsenkraut-Extrakt , G. ; Estratto di giusquiamo , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Hyoscyamus, recently dried, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, 
 2000 Cc. ; Water, 1000 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Mix the alcohol 
 and water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly 
 in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder 
 and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close 
 the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder* of 
 the menstruum, and then diluted alcohol, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or the 
 hyoscyamus is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, evaporate the 
 remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50 C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; mix this 
 with the reserved portion, and evaporate, at or below the before-mentioned temperature, 
 to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 16 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum composed of alcohol 3 pints, water 1£ pints, and, after A\ pints of menstruum 
 
680 EXTBACTUM HYOSCYAMI FLU1DUM.— IPECACUANHA FLUIDUM. 
 
 have been used, percolation is to be continued with diluted alcohol ; about 72 fluidounces 
 of percolate will be necessary. 
 
 Since diluted alcohol will completely exhaust hyoscyamus-leaves, we see no reason 
 why the menstruum for this and the next following preparation should not have been 
 reduced to alcohol 3 volumes, water 2 volumes ; moreover, experience has shown this 
 weaker menstruum to yield very satisfactory results. 
 
 The extract has a green-brown color and the heavy odor of hyoscyamus. The leaves 
 yield from 20 to 26 per cent, of extract, the seed about 16 per cent. ; the latter extract 
 is used to some extent in Europe. 
 
 Extractum hyoscyami, Hr., P. G., is the inspissated juice of the fresh leaves and 
 branches prepared like the inspissated juices of other narcotic herbs. The yield varies 
 from 2.5 to 3.5 or 4 per cent. The color of the extract is brown-green (Hr.) or greenish- 
 brown (P. G.). 
 
 The crystals observed in old extracts, according to Attfield (1862), are potassium 
 nitrate. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation, like the former simple extract, is one of the most variable 
 in strength of all narcotic extracts. Its minimum dose, Gm. 0.10 (gr. ij), should be 
 rapidly increased until the characteristic effects of the medicine are produced. 
 
 EXTRACTUM HYOSCYAMI FLUIDUM, 77. S .— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Extrait liquide de jusquiame, Fr. ; Fliissiges Hilsenkraut-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Hyoscyamus, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 2000 Cc. alcohol with 1000 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave 
 a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the hyoscyamus is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a 
 temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 (For remarks concerning the menstruum see preceding article.) 
 
 The fluid extract is of a deep green-brown color, has the heavy odor of the drug, 
 and keeps well. 
 
 Uses. — The fluid extract is a good representative of hyoscyamus, and may be pre- 
 scribed in doses of from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (npv-x), and increased if necessary. 
 
 EXTRACTUM IPECACUANHA FLUIDUM, 77. S .— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Ipecac. 
 
 Extrait liquide d’ ipecacuanha, Fr. ; Fliissiges Ipecacuanha- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ipecac, in No. 80 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a suf- 
 ficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the ipecac is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of 
 the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. 
 (122° F.), to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough men- 
 struum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of ipecac should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The present official formula yields a fluid extract more truly representative of the drug 
 
EXTRA CTUM IRIDIS.- JA LA PJE. 
 
 681 
 
 than the last : fluid extract of ipecac is chiefly used by the pharmacist for preparing the 
 syrup and wine, and as the present fluid extract will not mix clear with syrup or weak 
 alcoholic liquids, the Pharmacopoeia has modified the formulas for all preparations con- 
 taining fluid extract of ipecac, so that clear liquids may be obtained. 
 
 The difficulty was at one time supposed to arise from a so-called resin in ipecac, but the 
 opinion now prevails that it is due to a decomposition-product of a peculiar pectin com- 
 pound, and that heat is one of the chief causes of the changes produced in this inert 
 principle. A mixture of alcohol 3 volumes and water 1 volume has been found to 
 exhaust ipecac-root very much better than alcohol alone, and as now made only a very 
 small portion of the extractive will be subjected to heat. 
 
 Uses. — Fluid extract of ipecacuanha is a convenient addition to expectorant mix- 
 tures, but hardly as much so as the syrup, to the preparation of which, indeed, it is 
 essential. The dose , as an emetic for children, is about Gm. 1.20-2.00 (npxx-xxx) ; as an 
 expectorant Gm. 0.30 (n^v). 
 
 EXTRACTUM IRIDIS, 77. ^.-Extract of Iris. 
 
 Extract of blue flag , E. ; Ex trait d’iris varie, Fr. ; Schwertel-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iris, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. 
 Having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above 
 it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, 
 having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the 
 percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained 
 or the iris is exhausted. By means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the 
 tincture, and, having placed the residue in a porcelain capsule, evaporate it, on a water- 
 bath, to a pilular consistence. — V. S. 
 
 25 av. oz. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of alcohol and 
 percolation continued to exhaustion. About 75 fluidounces of percolate will be necessary. 
 
 From what is known of the constituents of the drug, the menstruum should be efficient 
 for extracting the active constituents. The extract is of a dark-brown color. 
 
 Uses. — It is laxative in the dose of Gm. 0.12-0.20 (gr. ij-iij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM IRIDIS FLUIDUM, JJ. S.— Fluid Extract of Iris. 
 
 Fluid extract of blue flag, E. ; Extrait liquide d ’ iris varie , Fr. ; Fliissiges Schwertel- 
 extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iris, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity, to 
 make 1000 Cc. Having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, pack it firmly in 
 a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and. having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the iris is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, on a water-bath, 
 to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to 
 make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The menstruum used is the same as for the preceding preparation. The fluid extract 
 is of a deep red-brown color. Using alcohol for exhausting the drug, W. E. Jenks 
 (1881) obtained a dark reddish-brown oleoresin of a thick viscid consistence and of a 
 peculiar odor ; by dissolving this in ether, filtering, and evaporating, it became compara- 
 tively free from astringency. 
 
 Uses. — It may be employed as a laxative in the dose of Gm. 0.60-1.20 (npx-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM JALAPiE, 77. S ,, Br, — Extract of Jalap. 
 
 Extrait de jalap, Fr. ; Jalapen-Extrdkt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Jalap, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity. 
 Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having 
 
682 
 
 EXTRACTUM J UGLA NDIS.—KRA MERIJE. 
 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percola- 
 tion to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the jalap is exhausted. Reserve the 
 first 900 Cc. of the percolate, evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 
 50° C. (122° F.), to 100 Cc., add the reserved portion, and evaporate, at or below the 
 above-mentioned temperature, until an extract of a pilular consistence remains. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of jalap should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of alcohol, and the 
 first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the balance of the percolate is to 
 be evaporated to 2^ fluidounces before mixing it with the reserve portion for final evap- 
 oration to a pilular consistence. 
 
 Jalap, in coarse powder, 1 pound; Rectified Spirit 4 pints; Distilled Water 1 gallon. 
 Macerate the jalap in the spirit for seven days, press out the tincture, then filter, and 
 distil off the spirit, leaving a soft extract. Again macerate the residual jalap in the water 
 for four hours, express, strain through flannel, and evaporate by a water-bath to a soft 
 extract. Mix the two extracts, and evaporate at a temperature not exceeding 140° F. 
 until it has acquired a suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. 
 
 No advantage whatever results from treating jalap witl^ water after it has been 
 exhausted by alcohol. 240 grains of such an aqueous extract were taken by A. B. 
 Taylor (1864) in the course of eight hours without producing any noticeable effect. 
 Alcohol alone will yield between 12 and 18 or 22 per cent, of active extract, and cold 
 water will subsequently extract 30 to 35 per cent, of inert matter. The supposed advan- 
 tage is due to an erroneous conception of the statement that the aqueous extract was 
 possessed of mild purgative and diuretic properties : this statement is correct as far as it 
 applies to that portion of the aqueous extract soluble in alcohol, or, what is the same 
 thing, to the aqueous extract of the alcoholic extract. The watery washing obtained in 
 the preparation of resin of jalap when evaporated to the consistence of an extract would 
 serve a useful purpose in the treatment of children and weak adults. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation contains all the virtues of jalap in about half the bulk, and 
 may be substituted for it in all prescriptions. The dose is Gm. 0.30-1.00 (gr. v-xv). 
 
 EXTRACTUM JUGLANDIS, U. Extract of Juglans. 
 
 Extract of butternut , E. ; Extrait d'ecorce de noyer gris , Fr. ; Butternussrinden-ExtraJd, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Juglans, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and pack it firmly in 
 a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close 
 the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol until 
 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or the juglans is exhausted. By means of a water- 
 bath distil off the alcohol from the tincture, and having placed the residue in a porcelain 
 capsule, evaporate it on a water-bath to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (diluted alcohol), and about 75 fluidounces of percolate obtained. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia has changed the menstruum for this extract ; already, in 1881, 
 B. F. Moise, Jr. (Proc. A. P. A., 1881, p. 71), called attention to the fact that diluted 
 alcohol yields a more efficient preparation, and that the large amount of fixed oil 
 extracted by pure alcohol caused the extract to remain plastic and prevented its adher- 
 ence to the spatula. Manufacturers have long since employed diluted alcohol as the 
 solvent, which menstruum also increases the yield about 30 per cent. 
 
 The yield is from 12 to 15 per cent. ; the extract is of a blackish-brown color and 
 bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — It is a mild cathartic in the dose of Gm. 1.30-2 (gr. xx-xxx), and is said to 
 be peculiarly appropriate for relieving habitual costiveness. 
 
 EXTRACTUM KRAMERLE, TJ. S., Br.— Extract of Krameria. 
 
 Extr actum ratanhse. — Extract of 7 hat any, E. ; Extrait de ratanhia , Fr. ; Ratanha- 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Krameria, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity. 
 Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of water, pack it in a conical glass percolator, and 
 gradually pour water upon it until the infusion passes but slightly imbued with the 
 astringency of the krameria. Heat the liquid to the boiling-point, strain, and by means 
 
EXTR ACTUM KRAMERIJE FL UID UM.—LA CTUCjE 
 
 683 
 
 of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 70° C. (158° F.), evaporate to dry- 
 ness.— K S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of krameria should be moistened with about 7£ fluidounces of water before 
 being packed in a percolator. 
 
 The processes of the other pharmacopoeias are practically identical with this, but the 
 Br. P. and Fr. Cod. order distilled in place of common water. 
 
 It is important that the root be exhausted with cold water. Hot water will yield about 
 5 or 6 per cent, more extract, which, however, is but incompletely soluble in water, while 
 the official extract yields a somewhat turbid solution with warm water, but a clear solu- 
 tion in the presence of sugar. The amount of extract obtainable depends on the size 
 and the variety of rhatany-root used, the woody part of which contains but little soluble 
 matter. The smaller branches of Peruvian rhatany yield about 12 per cent, of dry 
 extract, but the thick main root yields only 5 or 6 per cent. ; Sa vanilla and Para rhatany 
 give a larger yield, about 12 to 15 per cent. The extract is of a red-brown color, glossy, 
 resembling kino in appearance, and is not hygroscopic. Iron utensils must not be used 
 in its preparation. 
 
 Uses. — This extract is a convenient form of krameria in nearly all of the cases for 
 which that medicine is appropriate. The dose is from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx), the 
 smaller dose being frequently repeated. 
 
 EXTRACTUM KRAMERLE FLUIDUM, V. Fluid Extract of 
 
 Krameria. 
 
 Fluid extract of rhatany , E. ; Extrait liquide de ratanhia, Fr. ; Fliissiges Ratanha- 
 Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Krameria, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm.; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; Diluted 
 Alcohol, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 900 Cc. of 
 diluted alcohol, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to 
 saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from 
 the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the 
 remainder of the menstruum, and afterward diluted alcohol, until the krameria is 
 exhausted Reserve the first 700 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to 
 make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of krameria should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (diluted alcohol 211 fluidounces, glycerin 2| fluidounces), and when the original men- 
 struum has all been used, percolation is to be continued with diluted alcohol ; the first 
 171 fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as reserve, and the final volume of 
 finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The reduction of glycerin in the menstruum to nearly one-half the quantity ordered 
 in 1880 is in accordance with the suggestions of A. Robbins in 1883, and has been found 
 advantageous. 
 
 It is of a deep brownish-red color and strongly astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. — It has the advantage over the tincture of being more astringent and less 
 stimulant. Dose , Gm. 2 (f£ss). 
 
 EXTRACTUM LACTUC^E, 7?i\— E xtract of Lettuce. 
 
 Extractum lactucse virosse; Thridacium. — Extrait des feuilles de laitue vireuse , Fr. ; Gift- 
 lattich-Extrakt , G. ; Estratto di lattuca verosa, It. 
 
 Preparation. — The formula of the British Pharmacopoeia is identical with that for 
 the inspissated juices of the other narcotic herbs (see page 648). The extract contains 
 the chlorophyll and is completely soluble in water. The French Codex directs the 
 removal of the chlorophyll and albumen, and obtains an extract of a dark-brown color 
 which yields with water a somewhat turbid solution. The yield is about 3 or 4 per cent. 
 
 Extrait de laitue, Tiiridace, F. Cod., is made in the same manner from the cor- 
 tical portion of the stem of cultivated lettuce, and is sometimes called French lactuca- 
 rium ; the yield is about \\ per cent. 
 
 Uses. — Like all the medicinal preparations of lettuce, it is an extremely feeble hyp- 
 notic. Dose , Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
684 
 
 EXTBACTUM LAPPJS FLUIDUM.— LEPTANDRA FLUID UM. 
 
 EXTRACTUM LAPP,® FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of Lappa. 
 
 Fluid extract of burdock , E. ; Extrait liquide de bardane , Fr. ; Fliissiges Kletten wurzel- 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lappa, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, 
 until the lappa is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate 
 the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough 
 diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 191 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Experience has shown that diluted alcohol perfectly exhausts burdock-root, yielding a 
 very satisfactory preparation. 
 
 Dose, Gm. 2 to 8 (f^ss-^ij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM LEPTANDR-®, 77. Extract of Leptandra. 
 
 Extrait de leptandra , Fr. ; Leptandra- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Leptandra, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, having moist- 
 ened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; 
 then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percola 
 tion to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the leptandra is exhausted. By 
 means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the tincture, and, having placed the resi- 
 due in a porcelain capsule, evaporate it on a water-bath to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 composed of alcohol 3 volumes and water 1 volume, and percolation continued to exhaus- 
 tion with the same mixture. 
 
 This extract is evidently intended to take the place of the so-called leptandrin of com- 
 merce, which is of variable composition. By simply evaporating a tincture of leptandra 
 it is extremely difficult to obtain a pulverizable extract, as pointed out by Dr. Greve and 
 by Prof. Lloyd (1880), owing to the large amount of glucose present. The yield is 
 about 10 per cent. The extract is of a blackish-brown color, and is partly soluble in 
 water, yielding a dark -brown, very bitter solution. 
 
 Uses. — This extract represents very well the virtues of leptandra. Dose, Gm. 
 0.12-0.24 (gr. ij-iv). 
 
 EXTRACTUM LEPTANDRA FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Leptandra. 
 
 Extrait liquide de leptandra , Fr. ; Fliissiges Leptandraextrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Leptandra, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a 
 sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc'. of the mixture, pack it moderately in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same propor- 
 tions of alcohol and water as before, until the leptandra is exhausted. Reserve the first 
 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in 
 the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 191 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
EXTRACTUM LOBELIAS FL UID U3I.—L UPULINI FLUIDUM. 
 
 685 
 
 A weaker alcoholic menstruum we think would be equally serviceable ; a mixture of 
 alcohol 2 volumes and water 1 volume has been found to yield a very satisfactory prep- 
 aration (A. Robbins, 1883) ; and even diluted alcohol has been used with good results 
 both for the fluid and solid extract. 
 
 It is of a dark red-brown color and has a very bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is less suitable for a purgative than the solid extract. Dose, 
 Gin. 2-4 (npxxx-lx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM LOBELLE FLUIDUM, U. S. -Fluid Extract of 
 
 Lobelia. 
 
 Extrait liquide de lobelie enflee , Fr. ; Fliissiges Lobelien- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lobelia, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percola- 
 tor close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty- 
 eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, 
 until the lobelia is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate 
 the remainder at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.) to a soft extract; dissolve 
 this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (diluted alcohol) and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final 
 volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract is of a deep green-brown color, has the unpleasant acrid taste of the 
 drug, and if properly made and kept remains in good condition. 
 
 Dose, as an emetic, Gm. 0.60-1.30 (rrpx— xx) ; as an expectorant, Gm. 0.06—0.30 (rr^ j— v). 
 
 EXTRACTUM LUPULI, j Br. — Extract of Hop. 
 
 Extractum humuli. — Extrait de houblon , Fr. ; Hopfenextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Hop 1 pound ; Rectified Spirit II pints; Distilled Water 1 
 gallon. Macerate the hop in the spirit for 7 days, press out the tincture ; filter, and distil 
 off the spirit, leaving a soft extract. Boil the residual hop with the water for 1 hour, 
 press out the liquor, strain, and evaporate by a water-bath to the consistence of a soft 
 extract. Mix the two extracts, and evaporate at a temperature not exceeding 140° F., until 
 | it has acquired a suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. 
 
 Alcohol is required for exhausting the lupulin of hops, and would also exhaust hops 
 if used in sufficient quantity ; the subsequent use of water is a saving of alcohol. The 
 extract of the French Codex, which is made with alcohol of 60 per cent, by volume, is 
 preferable. The yield is about 20 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation represents pretty well the virtues of hop. Dose, Gm. 0.30 
 i (gr. v) or more. 
 
 EXTRACTUM LUPULINI FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Lupulin. 
 
 Extrait liquide de lupuline , Fr. ; Fliissiges Lupulin- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lupulin 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. 
 Moisten the lupulin with 200 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percola- 
 tor; then add enough alcohol to saturate the lupulin and leave a stratum above it. When 
 the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely 
 covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to 
 proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the lupulin is exhausted. Reserve the first 700 
 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the re- 
 served portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U S. 
 
 From the percolation of 25 av. ozs. of lupulin with alcohol the first 17£ fluidounces 
 obtained should be set aside as reserve, and the final volume of finished product made up 
 to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The use of alcohol is necessary to keep the volatile oil and resinous matter in solution, 
 and the preparation fairly represents the drug. Mr. Alonzo Robbins suggests that lupulin 
 be packed without previously moistening it, as then the percolation proceeds evenly and 
 
686 
 
 EXTR ACTUM MALTI. 
 
 without any difficulty, while the moistened powder is apt to form a tough mass difficult 
 to percolate. The fluid extract is of a deep red-brown color and of the odor and taste 
 of the drug. 
 
 Uses. — It affords a convenient mode of administering lupulin. The dose is Gm. 
 
 I. 00-1.30 (up xv— xx), which should be mixed with syrup or brandy and afterward 
 diluted with water. 
 
 EXTRACTUM MALTI.— Extract of Malt. 
 
 Essence { Extrait ) de malt , Fr. ; Malzextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Malt, in coarse powder, not finer than No. 12, 100 parts (100 oz. av.) ; 
 Water a sufficient quantity. Upon the powder, contained in a suitable vessel, pour 100 
 parts of water, and macerate for six hours. Then add 400 parts (400 oz. av. or 24 pints) 
 of water heated to about 30° C. (86° F.), and digest for an hour at a temperature not 
 exceeding 55° C. (131° F.). Strain the mixture with strong expression. Finally, by 
 means of a water-bath or vacuum-apparatus, at a temperature not exceeding 55° C. 
 (131° F.), evaporate the strained liquid rapidly to the consistence of thick honey. Keep 
 the product in well-closed vessels in a cool place. — U. S. 1880. 
 
 In making this extract it is of the utmost importance that the temperature should 
 never exceed 65° C. (149° F.), and it is safer, for the preservation of the diastase, to 
 keep it at or below 55° C. (131° F.) until the starch of the malt has been converted into 
 glucose and dextrin. According to Payen and Persoz, good malt contains 2 per cent, of 
 diastase, and since 1 part of this compound is estimated to convert 2000 parts of starch, 
 it is obvious that properly-prepared malt extract should contain nearly the entire amount 
 of diastase which was originally present in the malt. This is only accomplished by the 
 rapid evaporation of the infusion at a temperature which does not act injuriously upon 
 diastase, as is directed in the above process. The yield is from 65 to 75 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Extract of malt is a brown-yellow or light amber-colored, thick liquid 
 or semi-fluid mass, having a slight peculiar odor, a sweet mucilaginous taste, and a dis- 
 tinct acid reaction to litmus-paper. It dissolves in water in all proportions, yielding a 
 nearly transparent solution, in which alcohol produces a milky turbidity, after a short time 
 becoming clear, with the separation of a flocculent precipitate. The aqueous solution 
 also yields precipitates with picric acid, tannin, most alkaloidal reagents, and mercuric 
 chloride and other metallic salts. When the extract is added to starch-paste, this is 
 gradually liquefied, and will finally not acquire a blue color on the addition of iodine 
 solution. On heating the extract it is decomposed, giving off the odor of burning sugar, 
 and finally leaving a small amount of ash. 
 
 Constituents. — Good extract of malt contains about 30 per cent, of water, 60 of 
 maltose and dextrin, 8 of nitrogenated principles, and 1J of ash. Maltose and dextrin 
 are usually present in nearly equal proportion, the former somewhat predominating. A 
 minute amount of free lactic and perhaps of other acids is likewise present. 
 
 Valuation. — (For valuable papers on the analysis of malt-extract consult W. H. 
 Dunstan and A. F. Dimmock in Phar. Jour, and Transactions , March, 1879, p. 734, and 
 
 J. F. C. Jungk in Amer. Jour. Phar., June, 1883, p. 289.) The amount of solid matter 
 may be determined from the specific gravity, which is not identical with that of a solution 
 containing the same percentage of cane-sugar. Hager has constructed the annexed table, 
 which gives the density at 17.5° C. (63.5° F.) and the amount of solids dried at 110° C. 
 (230° F.) : 
 
 Table of Specific Gravity at 17.5° G. and Percentage of Solids , Dried at 110° C., of 
 
 Extract of Malt. 
 
 Solids. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Solids. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Solids. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Solids. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 Solids. 
 
 Specific 
 
 gravity. 
 
 1 
 
 1.0035 
 
 11 
 
 1.0448 
 
 21 
 
 1.0866 
 
 31 
 
 1.1305 
 
 41 
 
 1.1792 
 
 2 
 
 1.0072 
 
 12 
 
 1.0490 
 
 22 
 
 1.0908 
 
 32 
 
 1.1353 • 
 
 42 
 
 1.1844 
 
 3 
 
 1.0112 
 
 13 
 
 1.0532 
 
 23 
 
 1.0950 
 
 33 
 
 1.1401 
 
 43 
 
 1.1897 
 
 4 
 
 1.0154 
 
 14 
 
 1.0574 
 
 24 
 
 1.0991 
 
 34 
 
 1.1449 
 
 44 
 
 1.1952 
 
 5 
 
 1.0197 
 
 15 
 
 1.0616 
 
 25 
 
 1.1033 
 
 35 
 
 1.1497 
 
 45 
 
 1.2007 
 
 6 
 
 1.0238 
 
 16 
 
 1.0658 
 
 26 
 
 1.1075 
 
 36 
 
 1.1545 
 
 46 
 
 1.2062 
 
 7 
 
 1.0279 
 
 17 
 
 1.0700 
 
 27 
 
 1.1117 
 
 37 
 
 1.1594 
 
 47 
 
 1.2119 
 
 8 
 
 1.0321 
 
 18 
 
 1.0741 
 
 28 
 
 1.1159 
 
 38 
 
 1.1643 
 
 48 
 
 1.2178 
 
 9 
 
 1.0363 
 
 19 
 
 1.0782 
 
 29 
 
 1.1202 
 
 39 
 
 1.1692 
 
 49 
 
 1.2239 
 
 10 
 
 1.0406 
 
 20 
 
 1.0824 
 
 30 
 
 1.1258 
 
 40 
 
 1.1741 
 
 50 
 
 1.2303 
 
EXTRACTUM MATICO FLUIDUM.— MEN ISPERMI FLUID UM. 
 
 687 
 
 Should the extract be too thick, it is to be dissolved in an equal weight of distilled water. 
 According to Jungk, 5 Gm. of the extract are mixed with 20 Gm. of well-washed and 
 dried sand, and the mixture is dried at 100° C. ; the loss in weight indicates the water. 
 The dry powder is, exhausted with ether, in a small percolator, the loss being resin of 
 hops if present. A mixture of 2 volumes of strong alcohol and 1 volume of ether will 
 next take up glycerin ; then the maltose is dissolved by alcohol, and afterward the dextrin 
 by boiling water. On heating the sand to redness, the albuminates are burned, and esti- 
 mated by loss of weight. The diastatic strength of extract of malt is determined by 
 forming starch into paste with about 20 parts of boiling water, and digesting it with the 
 extract. According to Jungk, properly-prepared extract of malt should convert its own 
 weight of starch at 16.6° C. (62° F.) in 40 minutes, or at 37.8° C. (100° F.) in 10 min- 
 utes, or at 65.5° C. (150° F.) in 3 minutes. The proteids may be estimated, according 
 to Hager, by digesting for 30 minutes 10 Gm. of extract of malt with 100 Gm. of aqueous 
 solution of picric acid saturated in the cold, washing the precipitate, and drying ; one- 
 half the weight is about equal to the albuminoids, of which from 3 to 3.25 per cent, 
 should be present (Jungk). 
 
 Some commercial malt extracts are scarcely superior to glucose ; others consist of a 
 stronger or weaker beer. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Extract of malt is serviceable in emulsionizing fixed oil 
 and as a vehicle for various medicaments. 
 
 Extractum malti ferratum (P. G. 1872) is made by dissolving 2 parts of pyro- 
 phosphate of iron in 3 parts of water, and incorporating the solution with 95 parts of 
 extract of malt. Hager (1876) recommends instead the use of 3 parts of saccharated 
 iron rubbed up with 7 of glycerin and 90 of extract of malt. 
 
 If quinine is combined with malt, the neutral tannate of quinine is best employed. Hops 
 may be used with it in the form of fluid extract of lupulin. A combination with pepsin 
 should be made extemporaneously, since the taste is gradually modified. 
 
 Extractum malti fluidum, suggested by Prof. Lloyd, may be made by macerating 
 and percolating 4 parts of ground malt with a mixture of 1 part of alcohol and 4 parts 
 of water until 3 parts of percolate are obtained. It is a thin yellow or brownish liquid, 
 containing the malt-sugar and diastase, the latter being destroyed on the application of 
 heat. 
 
 Uses. — (See Maltum.) It is a condiment and digestive whose dose must vary with 
 individual cases. 
 
 EXTRACTUM MATICO FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of Matico. 
 
 Extrait liquide de matico , Fr. ; Fliissiges Matico- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Matico, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suf- 
 ficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, 
 and having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the matico is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. 
 of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 71 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The omission of glycerin in the official menstruum for this fluid extract seems justifi- 
 able, as the preparation has been found to keep as well without it. 
 
 Uses. — The utility of this preparation consists in the facility with which it is ab- 
 sorbed. It may be given in dose of Gm. 2-8 (f^ss-ij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM MENISPERMI FLUIDUM, T7. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Menispermum. 
 
 Fluid extract of yellow parilla or Canadian moonseed, E. ; Extrait liquide de meni- 
 sperme du Canada , Fr. ; Fliissiges Canadisches Mondkorn- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Menispermum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each 
 
688 
 
 EXTRACTUM MEZEREI FL UID UM.—NUC1S VOMICM 
 
 a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave 
 a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same 
 proportions of alcohol and water as before, until the menispermum is exhausted. Reserve 
 the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve 
 this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract meas- 
 ure 1000 Cc.— U S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Fluid extract of yellow parilla has a dark reddish-brown color and a disagreeable 
 bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — The virtues of this preparation, as of the plant from which it is derived, 
 remain problematical. Bose , Gm. 1-4 (npxv-^j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM MEZEREI FLUIDUM, 77. S ,- — Fluid Extract op Meze- 
 
 REUM. 
 
 Extrait liquide de mezereon (de garou ), Fr. ; Fliissiges Seidelbast-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Mezereum, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly 
 in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave 
 a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the mezereum is ex- 
 hausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a 
 temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc.— U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of mezereum should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract, which is of a green color and very acrid, is used in the preparation 
 of linimentum sinapis compositum, for which purpose it is very convenient. The alco- 
 hol may be recovered by distillation without detriment to the preparation. 
 
 Extractum mezerei, U. S. 1880. Extract of mezereum, E. ; Extrait de garou, Fr. ; Seidel- 
 bast-Extrakt, G . — Mezereum in No. 30 powder is moistened with two-fifths of its weight of 
 alcohol, packed firmly in a percolator, and exhausted with alcohol ; about three times the weight 
 of the drug will be found sufficient to collect of percolate, from which the alcohol may be recov- 
 ered by distillation, and the residue evaporated to the consistence of a soft extract, a pilular con- 
 sistence being impossible. The extract is of a green color and the yield from 10 to 12 per cent. 
 
 Extractum mezerei ^ethereum. Br., Fr. Cod . — Ethereal extract of mezereum, E. ; Extrait 
 e there de garou (de mezereon), Fr. ; iEtherisches Seidelbast-Extrakt, G. ; Estratto di mezereo 
 etereo, It. — An alcoholic tincture of mezereum is distilled until a soft extract remains ; this is 
 agitated with ether, the ethereal solution decanted, the ether recovered by distillation, and the 
 residue converted into a soft extract. The yield is 6 or 7 per cent. This extract retains the 
 consistence of honey, and is an ingredient of the compound liniment of mustard, Br. P. 
 
 Uses.— Diluted, this extract may take the place of decoction of mezereon. But as 
 an overdose of it, undiluted, may give rise to violent and even fatal effects, this mode 
 of administration is ineligible. The dose is nominally Gm. 0.06-0.60 (rrpj-v-x). Its chief 
 use is its external application to maintain a discharge from blistered surfaces. 
 
 EXTRACTUM NUCIS VOMICiE, 77. Br.— Extract of Nux Vomica. 
 
 Extractum strychni , P. G. ; Extractum nucum vomicarum spirituosum (vel alcoholicum). 
 Extrait de noix vomique , Fr. ; Brechnuss-Extrakt , Strychnossamen-Extrakt , Krdhenaugen - 
 Extrakt, G. ; Estratto di noce vomica , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Nux Vomica, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic Acid, 50 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, Ether, Sugar of Milk, recently dried and in fine powder, each a sufficient 
 quantity. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 750 Cc. of alcohol to 250 Cc. of 
 
EXT R ACTUM NUC1S VOMICAE. 
 
 689 
 
 water. Mix the powder with 1000 Cc. of the mixture, to which the acetic acid had 
 previously been added, and let it macerate, in a well-covered vessel in a warm place, 
 during forty-eight- hours. Then pack it tightly in a cylindrical glass percolator, gradually 
 pour menstruum upon it, and continue the percolation until the nux vomica is practically 
 exhausted. Distil off the alcohol by means of a water-bath, transfer the remainder to 
 a tared capsule, and evaporate it until it weighs about 150 Gm. Transfer it to a bottle 
 of the capacity of about 500 Cc., and wash the capsule with about 50 Cc. of warm 
 water, adding the washings to the bottle and mixing the contents thoroughly. When 
 the liquid extract is cold, add to it one-fourth of its volume of ether, stopper the bottle, 
 and bring the extract and ether into intimate contact by gently agitating and frequently 
 inverting the bottle, avoiding violent shaking so as to prevent the formation of an emul- 
 sion. Pour off the ethereal layer as closely as possible, and repeat this treatment with 
 ether several times, until a few drops of the ethereal layer no longer impart a permanent 
 greasy stain to filtering-paper. Then transfer the contents of the bottle back to the 
 tared capsule, using a sufficient quantity of warm water for washing. Recover the ether 
 from the united ethereal washings, add to the oily residue about 15 Cc. of boiling water, 
 and then acetic acid, in drops, until the mixture has a permanent acid reaction. Then 
 filter it through a moistened filter, and wash the filter with a little water. Add the fil- 
 trate to the extract in the capsule, evaporate until the residue weighs about 200 Gm., 
 and allow it to become cold. Then determine its weight exactly, remove 4 Gm. of the 
 mass, and assay this by the process given below, using the amounts of liquids there 
 directed for 2 Gm. of dry extract. In another portion of 5 Gm. determine the amount 
 of water by drying it, in a flat-bottomed capsule, at 100° C. (212° F.), until it ceases 
 to lose weight. From the results thus obtained ascertain, by calculation, the amount 
 of total alkaloids and of water contained in the remainder of the mass, add to this 
 enough well-dried sugar of milk to bring the quantity of alkaloids in the final dry 
 extract to 15 per cent. ; then evaporate the mass to complete dryness, reduce it to pow- 
 der, and transfer it to small, well-stoppered vials. 
 
 Extract of nux vomica, when assayed by the following process, should be found to contain 
 15 per cent, of total alkaloids : 
 
 Assay of Extract of Nux Vomica. — Extract of Nux Yomica, dried at 100° C. (212° F.), Alco- 
 hol, Ammonia-water, Water, Chloroform, Decinormal Sulphuric Acid Solution, Centinormal 
 Potassium Hydroxide Solution, each a sufficient quantity. Put 2 Gm. of the dried extract of nux 
 vomica into a glass separator (separatory funnel), add to it 20 Cc. of a previously prepared mixture 
 of 2 volumes of alcohol, 1 volume df ammonia-water (specific gravity 0.960), and 1 volume of 
 water, and shake the well-stoppered separator until the extract is dissolved. Then add 20 Cc. 
 of chloroform and shake well during five minutes. Allow the chloroform to separate, remove 
 it as far as possible, pour into the separator a few Cc. of chloroform, and, without shaking, 
 draw this off through the stopcock to wash the outlet-tube. Repeat the extraction with two 
 further portions of chloroform of 15 Cc. each, and wash the outlet-tube each time as just di- 
 rected. Collect all the chloroformic solutions in a wide beaker, expose the latter to a gentle 
 heat, on a water-bath, until the chloroform and ammonia are completely dissipated, add to the 
 residue 10 Cc. of decinormal sulphuric acid measured with great care from a burette, stir gently, 
 and then add 20 Cc. of hot water. When solution has taken place, add 2 Cc. of brazil-wood 
 test-solution, and then carefully run in centinormal potassium hydroxide solution, until a perma- 
 nent pinkish color is produced by the action of a slight excess of alkali upon the brazil-wood 
 indicator. Divide the number of Cc. of centinormal potassa solution used by 10, subtract 
 the number found from 10 (the 10 Cc. of decinormal acid used), multiplv the" remainder by 
 0.0364, and that product by 50 (or multiply at once by 1.82), which will give the percentage 
 of total alkaloids in the extract of nux vomica, it being assumed that strychnine and brucine 
 are present in equal proportion, and the above factor being found by taking the mean of their 
 respective molecular weights [(324 -f- 394) A- 2 = 364]. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powdered seed should be digested in a covered vessel with a mixture 
 of alcohol 18 fluidounces, water 6 fluidounces. acetic acid 92 fluidrachms, and percolation 
 continued to exhaustion with a menstruum of alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume. The 
 treatment with ether is sufficiently described above, as also the subsequent washing and 
 evaporation. The moist extract before it is assayed should weigh about 5 av. ozs. 
 
 Prepare a tincture from nux vomica 1 pound, and alcohol (sp. gr. .875) 80 fluidounces ; 
 evaporate 1 fluidounce almost to dryness ; dissolve in chloroform ] , fluidounce and dilute 
 sulphuric acid \ fluidounce, agitate and warm gently ; draw off the chloroform ; add to 
 the acid liquid ammonia in excess and chloroform \ fluidounce; agitate, gently warm, 
 evaporate the chloroform in a weighed dish, dry at 100° C., and weigh the cooled alka- 
 loids. Take of the tincture as much as contains 131 \ gr. of total alkaloid; distil, and 
 evaporate to 2 ounces. — Br. 
 
 44 
 
690 
 
 EXTR ACTUM NUCIS VOMICJE. 
 
 The French Codex directs maceration with alcohol of 80 per cent, by volume, sp. gr. 
 0.864; the German Pharmacopoeia, digestion with alcohol sp. grav. 0.894. 
 
 In this and the next following preparation a radical change has been made by the Phar- 
 macopoeia, not only in the menstruum and manipulation, but chiefly in the fact that a process 
 has been prescribed for determining the quantity of alkaloid present in the extract, which 
 shall be 15 per cent, in the official article. The mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 
 1 volume of water will exhaust the active principles of nux vomica equally as well as 
 the menstruum of 1880, and at the same time take up less fixed oil ; moreover, the solu- 
 tion of the alkaloids is facilitated by the addition of acetic acid. The washing with 
 ether is intended to remove any fatty matter which may have been extracted, and to 
 recover any alkaloid possibly associated with the fat, the latter is again treated with 
 acid and hot water. As the extract is directed to be reduced to powder, the removal of 
 the fatty matter becomes a necessity. 
 
 The following example will serve to demonstrate how the necessary quantity of sugar 
 of milk can be readily calculated. Suppose the residue obtained by evaporation of the 
 final filtrate, when tested by the methods above described, is found to contain 17? per 
 cent, of alkaloid and 18 per cent, of moisture, — this would be equivalent to 21.34 per 
 cent, of alkaloid if all moisture were evaporated, for 100 — 18=82 and 82 : 100 : : 17.5 : x 
 (21.34) ; since the Pharmacopoeia demands but 15 per cent, of alkaloid in the dried and 
 powdered extract, every 100 Gm. (or grains) of the residue require the addition of 34.67 
 Gm. (or grains) of sugar of milk before it is finally evaporated to dryness and powdered, 
 for x : 82 :: 21.34 : 15, x — 116.67, and 116.67 — 82 = 34.67 — proof: 100 parts of moist 
 residue -|- 34.67 parts sugar of milk = 134.67, which upon drying are reduced to (134.67 
 — 18) = 116.67 parts ; the dry residue will contain 17.5 parts of alkaloid, which is equal 
 to 15 per cent., for 116.67 : 17.5 : : 100 : x (15). 
 
 Nux vomica is exceedingly difficult to powder; the object is best accomplished on a 
 small scale by somewhat crushing the seeds and drying them well by heat, or by heating 
 them with a little water until they become soft enough to be bruised, while still warm, 
 into a pulpy mass, with which a little alcohol is incorporated, ^hen they should be thor- 
 oughly dried and powdered for displacement. Where steam is available for the softening 
 of the seeds we would recommend that they be crushed or bruised while hot. In this 
 way the rapid drying will be facilitated. The official extract is of a yellowish-brown 
 color and of an intensely bitter taste. The yield is variable ; with alcohol sp. gr. 0.835 
 we have obtained from 8 to 11.3 per cent, of the weight of the seeds; with weaker 
 alcohol the yield is increased. It contains about 6 per cent, of strychnine, but this 
 percentage must necessarily vary. The Br. P. extract contains 15 per cent, of total 
 alkaloid. 
 
 Extractum strychni (nucis vomica) aquosum is prepared from coarsely-pow- 
 dered nux vomica by digesting it with hot water and evaporating the infusion to dry- 
 ness. The yield is about 16 per cent., and the extract contains about 2 or 3 per cent, 
 of strychnine. 
 
 Some persons will no doubt object to the official volumetric determination of the total 
 alkaloids in extract of nux vomica on account of the uncertain knowledge regarding the 
 proportions in which the alkaloids exist in the seed ; by many authorities it is stated that 
 brucine, which is said to be far less active than strychnine, always predominates, but 
 chemists in Europe as well as here still assume the equal distribution of the two alka- 
 loids in case of volumetric determinations. Schweissinger (1885) has recommended to 
 take advantage of the difference in saturating power of brucine and strychnine, and thus 
 obtain more accurate results. According to his method, it becomes necessary first to 
 ascertain the weight of the alkaloidal residue by evaporating the united chloroform 
 solutions of the above process to dryness in a tared beaker ; then ascertain the exact 
 amount of decinormal acid neutralized by the mixture according to the official directions, 
 divide the weight of alkaloids in milligrammes by the number of cubic centimeters of 
 acid neutralized ; subtract the quotient from 3.94 ; divide the remainder by 6, and move 
 the decimal point three places to the right to obtain the percentage of strychnine. 
 Example: Weight of total alkaloids 75 Mgm.; volume of decinormal acid neutralized 
 20.25 Cc., 75 h- 20.25 = 3.704 ; 3.94 — 3.704 = 0.236 ; 0.236 6 = 0.0393, giving 39.3 
 
 per cent, of strychnine = 29.5 Mgm. ; 75 — 29.5 == 45.5 Mgm. of brucine. 
 
 Uses. — It is chiefly used as an ingredient of pills intended to overcome habitual 
 atonic constipation. The primary dose is about Gm. 0.03 (gr. l) ; it may gradually 
 be increased to Gm. 0.10-0.20 (gr. ij-iij) when the specific action of the drug is 
 sought. 
 
EXTRA CTUM NUCTS VOMICAE FLUTDUM.—OPII. 
 
 691 
 
 EXTRACTUM NUCIS VOMICA FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Nux Vomica. 
 
 Extrait liquide de noix vomique, Fr. ; Flussiges Strgchnossamen- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Nux vomica, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic Acid 50 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 
 750 Cc. of alcohol and 250 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 1000 Cc. of the 
 mixture, to which the acetic acid had previously been added, and let it digest, in a well- 
 covered vessel, in a warm place, during forty -eight hours. Then pack it in a cylindrical 
 glass percolator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until the nux vomica is practi- 
 cally exhausted. Distil off the alcohol by means of a water-bath, transfer the remainder 
 to a tared capsule, evaporate it until it weighs about 200 Gm., and allow it to become 
 cold. Then determine the weight exactly, remove 4 Gm. of the mass, and assay this by 
 the process given under Extract of Nux Vomica (see Extractum Nucis Vomica), using 
 the amount of liquids there directed for 2 Gm. of dry extract. From the results thus 
 obtained ascertain, by calculation, the amount of total alkaloids in the remainder of the 
 mass, and then add to the latter, first, 300 Cc. of alcohol, and afterward a sufficient quan- 
 tity of a mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 1 volume of water, so that each 100 Cc. 
 of the finished fluid extract shall contain 1.5 Gm. of total alkaloids. — U. S. 
 
 If, when assayed, the moist extract should be found to contain 17.5 per cent, of alka- 
 loid, each gramme of the extract will make 11.66 Cc. of fluid extract ; the Pharmacopoeia 
 requiring 100 Cc. to contain 1.5 Gm. of alkaloid, each Cc. represents 0.015 Gm., and if 
 1 Gm. of the moist extract contains 0.175 Gm. of alkaloid, 11.66 Cc. of fluid extract 
 made therefrom will be of official strength for 0.015 : 1 : : 0.175 : x, x — 11.66. 
 
 (For remarks on the manipulation we refer to the preceding article.) 
 
 Fluid extract of nux vomica, being practically of one-tenth the strength of the solid 
 extract, it can be conveniently made by dissolving the latter in a mixture of alcohol 3 
 volumes and water 1 volume ; 366 grains of the official extract should be dissolved in a 
 sufficient quantity of menstruum to make the solution measure 8 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — On account of its intense bitterness this is an ineligible preparation. It 
 should be largely diluted with water. Dose, from 1 minim to 5 or more, cautiously 
 increased. 
 
 EXTRACTUM OPII, U. 8., Br., P. G.— Extract of Opium. 
 
 Extractum, thebaicum. — Extrait d’ opium, Extrait theba'ique, Fr. ; Opium- Extrakt, G. ; 
 Estretto di oppio acquosa , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Powdered Opium 100 Gm. ; Sugar of Milk, recently dried and in 
 fine powder, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Triturate the powdered opium in a mortar 
 thoroughly with 1000 Cc. of water, repeat the trituration occasionally, in the course of 
 twelve hours, then filter through a rapidly-acting, double filter, and wash the filter and 
 residue with water, until the filtrate is -nearly colorless. Concentrate the filtrate and 
 washings in a tared capsule, on a water-bath, until the residue weighs about 200 Gm., 
 and allow it to become cold. Then determine the weight exactly; transfer 12 Gm. of it 
 to an Erlenmeyer flask having a capacity of about 100 Cc., and determine in this portion 
 the amount of morphine by the process of assay given below, using the quantities of 
 liquids there directed for 4 Gm. of the dry extract. In another portion of 5 Gm. deter- 
 mine the amount of water by drying it in a flat-bottomed capsule, at 100° C. (212° F.), 
 until it ceases to lose weight. From the results thus obtained ascertain, by calculation, 
 the amount of morphine and of water contained in the remainder of the extract, add to 
 this enough well-dried sugar of milk to bring the quantity of morphine in the final drv 
 extract to 18 per cent-., then evaporate the whole to dryness, reduce it to powder, and 
 transfer it to small, well-stoppered vials. 
 
 Assay of Extract of Opium. — Extract of Opium, dried at 100° C. (212° F.) 4 Gm. ; Ammonia- 
 water 2.2 Cc. ; Alcohol, Ether, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the extract of opium 
 in 30 Cc. of water, filter the solution through a small filter, and wash the filter and residue with 
 water (collecting the washings separately) until no more soluble matter is extracted. Evaporate, 
 first, the washings in a tared capsule to a small volume, then add the first filtrate, and reduce the 
 whole by evaporation to a weight of 10 Gm Rotate the concentrated solution about in the cap- 
 sule until the rings of extract are redissolved, pour the liquid into a tared Erlenmayer flask 
 having the capacity of about 100 Cc., and rinse the capsule with a few drops of water at a time, 
 until the entire solution weighs 15 Gm. Then add 7 Gm. (or 8.5 Cc.) of alcohol, shake well, add 
 20 Cc. of ether, and shake again. Now add the ammonia- water from a graduated pipette or 
 
692 
 
 EXTR ACTUM OPII LIQUID UM. 
 
 burette, stopper the flask well with a sound cork, shake it thoroughly during ten minutes, and 
 then set it aside, in a moderately cool place, for at least six hours or over night. Remove the 
 stopper carefully, and, should any crystals adhere to it, wash them into the" flask with a little 
 ether. Place two rapidly-acting filters, of a diameter of 7 Cm., plainly folded, one within the 
 other (the triple fold of the inner filter being laid against the single side of the outer filter) ; in 
 a small funnel,. wet them well with ether, aud decant the ethereal solution as completely as pos- 
 sible upon the inner filter. Add 10 Cc. of ether to the contents of the flask, and rotate it ; again 
 decant the ethereal layer upon the inner filter, and repeat this operation with another portion of 
 10 Cc. of ether. Then pour into the filter the liquid in the flask, in portions, in such a way as 
 to transfer the greater portion of the crystals to the filter, and when this has passed through, 
 transfer the remaining crystals to the filter by washing the flask with several portions of water, 
 using not more than about 10 Cc. in all. Allow the double filter to drain, then apply water to 
 the crystals, drop by drop, until they are practically free from mother-water, and afterwards 
 wash them, drop by drop, from a pipette, with alcohol previously saturated with powdered mor- 
 phine. When this has passed through, displace the remaining alcohol by ether, using about 10 
 Cc. or more if necessary. Allow the double filter to dry in a moderately warm place, at a tem- 
 perature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), until its weight remains constant ; then carefully trans- 
 fer the crystals to a tared watchglass and weigh them. The weight found, multiplied by 25, 
 represents the percentage of crystallized morphine in the extract. — U. S. 
 
 The pharmacopoeias agree in ordering cold water for the extraction of crude opium ; 
 only the U. S. P. and the German Pharmacopoeia direct the use of powdered opium and 
 common water, the other authorities directing distilled water. The manipulation does not 
 differ materially except in the number of macerations and the proportion of water used. 
 For 1 part of opium two macerations are directed with 8 and 4 parts, F. Cod. (with 5 
 and 2-b parts, P. G .), of water ; three macerations each with parts of water, Br ., and 
 one maceration with 10 parts of water, U. S. The macerations should be effected at a 
 low temperature, say about 60° F. At a higher temperature a larger amount of extract 
 is obtained, more largely contaminated with narcotine and other principles, and of an 
 inferior quality. 
 
 4 av. ozs. of opium should be macerated with 21 pints of cold water during twelve 
 hours with frequent trituration, and then exhausted on a filter as directed ; the filtrate 
 should be concentrated to 8 av. ozs., allowed to become cold, and then assayed. The 
 necessary amount of sugar of milk to be added to bring the final product up to the 
 official standard (18 per cent, of crystallized morphine) is readily ascertained : suppose 
 the residue is found to contain 72 per cent, of moisture and 7 per cent, of morphine, then 
 every 100 Gm. (or grains) of residue require the addition of 11 (10.88 -j-) Gm. (or 
 grains) of sugar of milk before final evaporation to dryness, for 100 -f 11= HI, which 
 upon drying will be reduced to (111 — 72) 39 Gm. (or grains). No morphine having 
 been lost, the 7 parts originally present in the 100 parts of residue will now be contained 
 in the 39 parts of powder, and this is equal to 18 per cent., for 39 : 7 : : 100 : x (f8). 
 
 Although the Pharmacopoeia has fixed the morphine strength of extract of opium only 
 a few per cent, above that for powdered opium, yet it is a source of gratification that a 
 fixed standard has at last been adopted. Powdered opium yields variable quantities of 
 extractive matter to water (40-60 per cent.), and hence the uncertainty of a non-standard- 
 ized extract. We think 20 per cent, of crystallized morphine would have been a more 
 desirable strength for the powdered extract. 
 
 Denarcotized extract of opium is still occasionally employed. It may be obtained by 
 agitating the concentrated infusion with 2 portions of ether, each time allowing the mix- 
 ture to settle, and decanting the ether, which dissolves the narcotine, but not the morphine ; 
 the aqueous liquid is then evaporated as before. This extract is probably in no way 
 superior to the official preparation. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Unguentum OPIATUM. Unguentum opii, opium oint- 
 ment, is made by triturating 1 part of extract of opium with 1 part of water and adding 
 18 parts of simple ointment. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is essentially opium purified from its inert constituents. Its 
 average dose is about Gm. 0.03 (gr. 1). 
 
 EXTRACTUM OPII LIQUIDUM, Br.— Liquid Extract of Opium. 
 
 Extrait liquide d' opium, Fr. ; Fliissiges Opium- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Opium 1 ounce ; Distilled Water 16 fluidounces; Recti- 
 fied Spirit 4 fluidounces. Macerate the extract of opium in the water for an hour, 
 stirring frequently ; then add the spirit and filter. The product should measure 1 pint 
 (Imperial). It contains 22 grains of extract of opium (nearly) in 1 fluidounce. — Br. 
 
EXTRA CTUM PAPA VERIS. — PA RFARJE FLUID UM. 
 
 693 
 
 This is somewhat stronger in opium than the tincture of opium, Br ., and scarcely 
 deserves to be classed with the fluid extracts ; it is analogous to the Tinctura opii 
 deodorata, U S. The specific gravity varies between 0.985 and 0.995. 
 
 Uses. — Essentially a solution of the watery extract of opium, this preparation is 
 probably less apt to nauseate and constipate than laudanum. Dose, Gm. 0.60-2 
 (npx-xxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM PAPAVERIS, Br.— Extract of Poppies. 
 
 Extrait de pavot ( capsules ), Fr. ; Molui-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Poppy-capsules, dried, freed from the seeds, and coarsely powdered, 
 1 pound; Rectified Spirit 2 ounces; Boiling Distilled Water a sufficiency. Mix the 
 poppy-capsules with 2 pints of the water and infuse for twenty-four hours, stirring 
 them frequently ; then pack them in a percolator, and, adding more of the water, allow 
 the liquor slowly to pass until about a gallon has been collected or the poppies are ex- 
 hausted. Evaporate the liquor by a water-bath until it is reduced to a pint, and when 
 cold add the spirit. Let the mixture stand for twenty-four hours, then separate the clear 
 liquor by filtration, and evaporate this by a water-bath until the extract has acquired a 
 suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. 
 
 Warm water extracts, with the medicinal principles, also the mucilaginous matters, 
 which are but imperfectly precipitated by the small quantity of alcohol added. The 
 yield is about 30 per cent. The French Codex directs extraction with 60 per cent, alco- 
 hol, which yields about 15 per cent, of extract. 
 
 Uses. — This extract appears to be unnecessary. It has no virtues that are not more 
 decided in the various preparations of opium. Dose , Gm. 0.10-0.30 (gr. ij-v). 
 
 EXTRACTUM PAREIRiE, Br . — Extract of Pareira. 
 
 Extrait de pareira brava, Fr. ; Pareira- Extr akt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Pareira-root, in coarse powder, 1 pound ; Boiling Distilled Water 1 
 gallon or a sufficiency. Digest the pareira with a pint of the water for twenty-four hours, 
 then pack in a percolator, and, adding more of the water, allow the liquor slowly to pass 
 until a gallon has been collected or the pareira is exhausted. Evaporate the liquor by 
 a water-bath until the extract has acquired a suitable consistence for forming pills. 
 — Br. 
 
 The use of boiling water, followed by prolonged digestion, must result in the solu- 
 tion of the starch, which is but imperfectly removed by the subsequent percolation. 
 A diluted alcohol would seem to be a very appropriate menstruum for exhausting 
 pareira. 
 
 Uses. — The solid form of a medicine intended to act upon the mucous membrane 
 of the urinary passages cannot be an eligible one. The fluid extract and the decoction 
 are greatly preferable. Dose , Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM PAREIRA FLUIDUM, U. #.-Fluid Extract of 
 
 Pareira. 
 
 Extr actum pareirse liquidum , Br. — Liquid extract of pareira , E. ; Extrait liquide de 
 pareira brava , Fr. ; Fliissiges Pareira- Extr akt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Pareira, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 water, each, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 720 Cc. of 
 alcohol and 180 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the 
 mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to satu- 
 rate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from 
 the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, mace- 
 rate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, 
 first, the remainder of the menstruum, and afterward, a mixture of alcohol and water, 
 made in the proportion of 400 Cc. of alcohol to 100 Cc. of water until the pareira is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate. By means of a water-bath 
 distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid 
 extract measure 1000 Cc. — l . S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 composed of alcohol 17 fluidounces, water fluidounces, glycerin fluidounces, and 
 
694 EXTRACT VM PHYSOSTIGMA TIS.— PHYTOLACCA RADICIS FLUID UM. 
 
 the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. Subsequent percolation should 
 be continued with a mixture of alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume, and the final volume 
 of finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of Extract of Pareira, Distilled Water, Rectified Spirit, of each a sufficiency. 
 Dissolve 4 parts of the extract in a sufficient quantity of a mixture of 1 fluid part of 
 rectified spirit and 3 parts of water to form 16 fluid parts of liquid extract. Filter if 
 necessary. — Br. 
 
 The second preparation is really a concentrated infusion preserved by one-third its 
 volume of alcohol. 
 
 The fluid extract is of a brown color, and possesses the peculiar bitter taste of the 
 root in a marked degree. 
 
 The proportion of alcohol in the official menstruum seems to us to be unnecessarily 
 large, being even greater than that suggested by A. Robbins in 1883. Experience has 
 shown that a very satisfactory fluid extract of pareira can be made with a menstruum 
 composed of alcohol 5 volumes, water 4 volumes, and glycerin 1 volume. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation probably contains all the medicinal qualities of pareira 
 brava. It may be given in doses of Gm. 4 (f^j) three times a day, largely diluted. 
 
 EXTRAOTUM PHYSOSTIGMATIS, U. S., Br.— Extract of Physo- 
 
 STIGMA. 
 
 Extraction false Calabaricse. — Extrait alcoolique de Jeve de Calabar , Fr. ; Kalabar- 
 bolinen-Extrakt , Physostigma- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Physostigma, in No. 80 powder, 1000 Gm . ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until 3000 Cc. of tincture are 
 obtained or the physostigma is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate ; 
 evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to 100 Cc. ; 
 mix this with the reserved portion, and evaporate in a porcelain capsule on a water-bath 
 to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 percolation continued until about 75 fluidounces of percolate have been obtained. The 
 first 22 fluidounces should be set aside as reserve, and the balance evaporated to 2? fluid- 
 ounces before adding the reserve portion for final evaporation to a pilular consistence. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs maceration and percolation with alcohol spec. grav. 
 0.838 ; the French Codex orders digestion for two hours, followed by percolation 
 with hot alcohol spec. grav. 0.864 ; the former German Pharmacopoeia employed alcohol, 
 spec. grav. 0.893, and exhausted by maceration. Strong alcohol yields only 5 or 6 per 
 cent, of extract, which, owing to the resinous and oily constituents, is obtainable of a 
 homogeneous condition only by constant stirring during the latter part of the process. 
 By the use of weaker alcohol a more uniform and less oily extract is obtained, and the 
 yield is increased to 10 or 12 per cent. It is evident from this that the strict adherence 
 to the menstruum directed by the pharmacopoeias is of primary importance. The 
 extract is of a greenish-brown color. Kennedy (1875) suggested the addition of glycerin 
 to keep it soft and to render it more convenient for dispensing. 
 
 Uses. — The extract represents all the active constituents of Calabar bean. Its 
 average dose may be stated at Gm. 0.006 (gr. yL-). Hiller used, to overcome constipation 
 with flatulent distension of the bowel, the following: Ext. Calabar bean Gm. 0.10; Gly- 
 cerin 30 Gm. — M. S. 10 drops, equal to about grain, three or four times a day. In 
 this dose it may also be used to counteract colliquative sweats. 
 
 EXTRACTUM PHYTOLACCA RADICIS FLUIDUM, 77. £.-Fluid 
 
 Extract of Phytolacca-root. 
 
 Fluid extract of poke-root, E. ; Extrait liquide du racine de phytolaque , Fr. ; Flussiges 
 Kermesbeerenwurzel- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Phytolacca-root, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, 
 a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 600 Cc. of alcohol with 300 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 
EXTRACTUM PILOCARPI FLUWUM.—PODOPHYLLI 
 
 695 
 
 drical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum 
 above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the phytolacca-root is exhausted, lieserve the first 
 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder in a porcelain capsule at a temper- 
 ature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved 
 portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 193 fluidounces of percolate 
 set aside as reserve. The final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 
 fluidounces. 
 
 Dose , Gm. 0.3 to 2 (^Iv-xxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM PILOCARPI FLUIDUM, 77. S,— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Pilocarpus. 
 
 Fluid extract, of jaborandi , E. ; Extrait liquide de jaborandi , Fr. ; Fliissiges Jaborandi- 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Pilocarpus, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a suffi- 
 cient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of diluted alcohol, 
 and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to satu- 
 rate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted 
 alcohol, until the pilocarpus is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, 
 and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft 
 extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of the fin- 
 ished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This is essentially the process recommended by Dr. F. V. Greene (1877), who also 
 called attention to the difficulty of packing powdered pilocarpus-leaves properly for per- 
 colation, owing to the strong fibres of the veins and the tough epidermal tissue, for 
 which reason he suggested placing a rather thick layer of sand upon the powder. The 
 fluid extract is of a greenish-red-brown color. A somewhat more aqueous menstruum 
 has been suggested by A. Robbins as preserving the properties equally well. 
 
 Extractum jaborandi, Br., is made with proof spirit. Dose , Gm. 0.12-0.66 (2 to 10 grains). 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is far inferior in promptness and efficiency of action to pilo- 
 carpine administered hypodermically, but is preferable to the other liquid preparations of 
 jaborandi. Dose, Gm. 0.60-1 (rr^x-xv), gradually increased, at short intervals, until its 
 specific operation is manifested. 
 
 EXTRACTUM PODOPHYLLI, 77, S.— Extract of Podophyllum. 
 
 Extract of May-apple or of mandrake, E. ; Extrail de podophylle, Fr. ; Podophyllum- 
 Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Podophyllum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 800 Cc. of alcohol with 
 200 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty- 
 eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until 
 the podophyllum is exhausted. By means of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from 
 the tincture, and evaporate the residue to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 73 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume), and percolation continued to exhaustion. 
 
 The menstruum is admirably adapted for the complete extraction of the active prin- 
 ciples of podophyllum. The color of the extract is a deep brown, and the yield about 
 20 to 22 per cent. 
 
696 EXTRACTUM P0D0PHYLL1 FL UID UM.—PR UNI VIRGINIANS FLUID UM. 
 
 Uses. — The operation of this medicine closely resembles that of extract of jalap ; it 
 may be used for the same purpose in the dose of Gm. 0.30-1.20 (gr. v-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM PODOPHYLLI FLUIDUM.— Fluid Extract of Podo- 
 phyllum. 
 
 Fluid extract of May-apple or of mandrake , E. ; Extrait liquide de podophylle , Fr. ; 
 Fliissiges Podophyllum- Extra kt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Podophyllum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 800 Cc. of alcohol with 200 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the podophyllum is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate ; by means of a water-bath distil 
 off the alcohol from the remainder ; dissolve the residue in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7? fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as 
 reserve ; the final volumes of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The fluid extract is of a dark brown-red color. Being prepared with the same men- 
 struum, it may be used for the extemporaneous preparation of the preceding extract. 
 
 Uses. — It is inferior to the solid extract for most of the purposes for which podo- 
 phyllum is used. Dose , Gm. 0.60-1.20 (npx-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM PRUNI VIRGINIANS FLUIDUM.— Fluid. Extract of 
 
 Wild Cherry. 
 
 Extrait liquide dl ecorce de cerisier de Virqinie , Fr. ; Fliissiqes Wildkirschenrinden- 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Wild Cherry, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 200 Cc. 
 of water, and, having moistened the powder with the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical glass percolator, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty- 
 eight hours ; then gradually add menstruum, made in the proportion of 850 Cc. of alco- 
 hol, to 150 Cc. of water, and allow the percolation to proceed until the wild cherry is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 soft extract. Dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with a mixture of glycerin 2\ fluidounces 
 and water 5 fluidounces and after macerating for forty-eight hours percolation is to be 
 continued with a menstruum composed of alcohol 8J volumes, water 1J volumes. The 
 first 19J fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as reserve, and the final volume of 
 finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This is one of those troublesome fluid extracts the formula of which has been changed 
 since its introduction in each subsequent edition of the Pharmacopoeia. The one sug- 
 gested by Prof. Proctor in 1859, in which the bark was exhausted by alcohol, and after 
 the evaporation of the menstruum the decompositum of amygdalin was effected by emul- 
 sion of almonds, was an efficient and elegant preparation, but objected to on account of 
 troublesome manipulation. We think that a No. 30 powder would be preferable to No. 
 20, as it would admit of firmer packing and more thorough exhaustion with less men- 
 struum, and we cannot see the advantage of so large a proportion of alcohol as is directed 
 in the official menstruum ; in our experience, a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, water 6 
 volumes, and glycerin 2 volumes, has been found to yield a preparation satisfactory in 
 every way. A. Robbins (1883) suggested a formula containing 20 per cent, of sugar, 
 10 per cent, of glycerin, and a weak alcohol (about 20 per cent.). (See Am. Jour. Phar. 
 1883.) 
 
 The fluid extract is of a deep brownish-red color, and when recently made has the 
 bitter-almond odor in a marked degree, and possesses also the astringent and pleasantly 
 bitter taste of the bark ; the odor diminishes in the course of time, and finally dis- 
 appears. 
 
EXTRA CTZJM QUASSIA— RHAMNI PURSHIANxE FLU IDEM. 
 
 697 
 
 Uses. — If* well prepared, this extract represents more fully and in a more convenient 
 form than any other preparation the virtues of wild-cherry-bark. It is an excellent 
 adjuvant to cough mixtures in chronic pulmonary affections, and a palliative of nervous 
 disorder of the heart’s action. The dose is from 6m. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx), and should be 
 gradually increased. 
 
 EXTR ACTUM QUASSLE, IT. S., Br.— Extract of Quassia. 
 
 Extrait de quassie. (hois a??ier) Fr. ; Quassien- Extrakt , Gr. ; Estratto di quassia acquosa, It. 
 
 Preparation. — Quassia, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity. 
 Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of water, pack it firmly in a conical percolator, and 
 gradually pour water upon it until the infusion passes but slightly imbued with bitterness. 
 Reduce the liquid to three-fourths of its weight by boiling and strain ; then by means of 
 a water-bath evaporate to a pilular consistence. — U S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of water before 
 it is packed in the percolator. 
 
 The British and French Pharmacopoeias unite in ordering distilled water. With cold 
 water the yield varies between 2? and 5 per cent. J. S. Whall (1874) observed that 1 
 part of quassia is practically exhausted by obtaining from it 4 parts of -percolate, and 
 will yield rather less than 31 per cent, of extract if water, or a little more if diluted 
 alcohol, is used ; the latter is considered preferable. The yield is increased to about 6 or 
 7 per cent, if boiling water is used, but the extract has a jelly-like appearance, probably 
 from pectin compounds, and after some time contains a considerable quantity of crystals. 
 The concentrated infusion should be filtered before final evaporation, as directed by the 
 British Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation possesses the virtues of quassia in a concentrated state. 
 Dose , Gm. 0.06—0.12 (gr. j-ij). It is usually associated with tonics of another order — 
 e. g. quinine, iron, etc. 
 
 EXTRACTUM QUASSLE FLUIDUM.— Fluid Extract of Quassia. 
 
 Extrait liquide de quassie , Fr. ; Flussiges Quassien-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation.— Quassia, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a suf- 
 ficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 300 Cc. of alcohol with 600 Cc. of water, and, hav- 
 ing moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to 
 proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of alcohol and water 
 as before, until the quassia is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 alcohol 1 volume, water 2 volumes, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as 
 reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The bitter principle of quassia is perfectly soluble in water, and the fluid extract made 
 with the official menstruum will probably keep as well as that made with diluted alcohol, 
 as directed in 1880. We have had no experience with the present menstruum. The 
 fluid extract has a brown-yellow color and a persistently bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — The intense bitterness of this preparation renders it ineligible as an internal 
 medicine unless it is largely diluted. It may be used as an addition to various bitter 
 tonic mixtures. Dose , Gm. 0.30—1.30 (n^v-xx.) 
 
 EXTRACTUM RHAMNI PURSHIAN.E FLUIDUM, V. S.— Fluid 
 Extract of Rhamnus Purshiana. 
 
 Extr actum cascarse sagradae liquid, um. Br. ; Liquid extract of cascara sagrada , E. ; 
 Extrait liquide de cascara sagrada , Fr. ; Flussiges Cascara Sagrada- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhamnus Purshiana, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted 
 alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol 
 to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop 
 
698 
 
 EXTRACTUM RHEI. 
 
 from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, 
 macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding 
 diluted alcohol, until the rhamnus purshiana is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of 
 the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved 
 portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — 
 U. S. 
 
 25. av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 19 J fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The Br. Ph. directs that the bark shall be exhausted by boiling with 3 or 4 successive 
 quantities of water ; the strained liquors are to be evaporated on a water-bath to three- 
 fourths of the weight of the drug used, and when cold mixed with rectified spirit (one- 
 fourth the intended volume of the finished product). 
 
 According to J. Moss (1892) cold water extracts all the virtues of cascara sagrada 
 bark, and yields an extract which does not deposit on keeping and which mixes clear 
 with water ; he recommends to macerate the bark, in No. 20 powder, for a few hours 
 with cold water, then to pack loosely and exhaust with water. The percolate is to be 
 evaporated to a dry extract, mixed with cold water, strained, and evaporated to a definite 
 volume, which is then mixed with one-third of its volume of alcohol. 
 
 The so-called tasteless fluid extract of cascara sagrada may be prepared by mixing 25 
 av, ozs. of the drug with 1£ ozs. of calcined magnesia, and then treating with diluted 
 alcohol as directed above. 
 
 Extractum cascara sagrada, Br., is prepared by percolating the bark first with proof spirit 
 (diluted alcohol sp. gr. 0.920), and finally with water, and evaporating the mixed percolate to a 
 pilular consistence. 
 
 Dose , Gm. 0.60-4 (npx-lx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM RHEI, V . S., Br P. G . — Extract of Rhubarb. 
 
 Extractum rhei alcoholicum. — Extrait de rhubarbe , Fr. ; Rhabarber-Extrakt , G. ; Estratto 
 di rabarbaro , It. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 800 Cc. of alcohol and 
 200 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack 
 it firmly in a conical percolator ; then gradually pour the menstruum upon it until the 
 tincture passes nearly tasteless. Reserve the first 1000 Cc. of the percolate, and set it 
 aside in a warm place until it is reduced by spontaneous evaporation to 500 Cc. Evap- 
 orate the remainder of the percolate in a porcelain vessel by means of a water-bath, at a 
 temperature not exceeding 70° C. (158° F.), to the consistence of syrup ; mix this with 
 the reserved portion, and continue the evaporation until the mixture is reduced to a 
 pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of rhubarb should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 25 fluidounces of percolate evaporated spontaneously in a warm place until 
 reduced to 12^ fluidounces ; the balance of the percolate should be evaporated on a 
 water-bath to the consistence of syrup, mixed with the reserved portion, and finally 
 evaporated to a pilular consistence. 
 
 The other pharmacopoeias prepare this extract by maceration, and employ a menstruum 
 composed of 2 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.832 and 3 parts of water, P. G. ; proof spirit, 
 4 fluid parts, followed by distilled water, Br. ; cold distilled water, F. Cod. Each of 
 these liquids gives an efficient extract, the yield of which necessarily varies with the 
 quality of the root, it being from 35 to 40 per cent, when made with cold water, and 
 from 40 to 50 per cent, if prepared with an alcoholic liquid. The extract is yellowish- 
 brown, bitter, has the odor of rhubarb, and yields with water a turbid solution. 
 
 Extractum rhei compositum, P. G. Extract of rhubarb 30 parts, extract of aloes 
 10 parts, resin of jalap 5 parts, and soap 20 parts ; triturate together, moisten with diluted 
 alcohol, mix well, and dry. It is of a blackish-brown color, and is also known as Extrac- 
 tum catholicum s. panchymagogum. 
 
 Uses. — Owing to the difficulty of obtaining this preparation of proper quality, it is 
 scarcely to be preferred to good rhubarb-root. Its dose , as a purgative, is Gm. 0.60-1 
 (gr. x-xv). 
 
EXTRACTUM RHEI FLUIDUM.—RHOIS GLABRAE FLUIDUM. 
 
 699 
 
 EXTRACTUM RHEI FLUIDUM, U . S. — Fluid Extract of Rhubarb. 
 
 Extrait liquide de rhubarbe , Fr. ; Fliissiges Rhabarber-Extralct, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 800 Cc. of alcohol with 200 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the rhubarb is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 750 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder at a 
 temperature not exceeding 70° C. (156° F.) to a soft extract; dissolve this in the 
 reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 
 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 181 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of finished^product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract has undergone considerable modifications. The root, exhausted by 
 an alcoholic menstruum, and the liquid, after the evaporation of the alcohol, preserved 
 by sugar, resulted in a fluid extract which was very thick and deposited considerably. A 
 fluid extract prepared with cold water and preserved by sugar, as recommended by Geo. 
 Bille (1872), is free from the last-named objection, but, it was claimed, though fairly 
 active, not to contain ail the purgative principles of rhubarb. The use of glycerin with 
 an alcoholic menstruum proved a failure with the fluid extract, as it did with the tinc- 
 ture, the liquids, although clear for a time, precipitating more copiously afterward. The 
 present menstruum yields a fluid extract which precipitates only very slightly, and is 
 almost identical with that proposed by A. Robbins in 1883; a fluid extract thus pre- 
 pared retained its fluidity for nearly four years. None of these different fluid extracts 
 will yield clear mixtures with aqueous liquids unless an alkali be added. Fluid extract 
 of rhubarb is of a blackish red-brown color, and has the odor and taste of the drug. 
 
 Uses. — This fluid extract is not often used as a purgative, but its dose may be stated 
 at from Gm. 0.60-2.00 (n^x-xxx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM RHOIS GLABRAE FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Rhus Glabra. 
 
 Fluid extract of sumach-berries , E. ; Extrait liquide de fruit de sumac , Fr. ; Fliissiges 
 Sumachbeeren-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhus Glabra, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; 
 Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 900 Cc. 
 of diluted alcohol, and, having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the mixture, pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical percolator: then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty- 
 eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder 
 of the menstruum, and afterward diluted alcohol, until the rhus glabra is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid 
 extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of a menstruum 
 composed of diluted alcohol 21| fluidounces and glycerin 2\ fluidounces; subsequent 
 percolation is to be continued with diluted alcohol. The first 191 fluidounces of perco- 
 late should be set aside as a reserve, and the final volume of finished product made up to 
 
 24 fluidounces. 
 
 As originally suggested by Prof. Remington (1874), this fluid extract contained about 
 
 25 per cent, of glycerin and a slightly weaker alcohol than the above, and kept well for a 
 long time. Mr. A. Robbins suggests a still weaker alcohol, by using 1 part of alcohol 
 to 2 parts of water (or 25 to 41 measures), 80 parts of which menstruum are to be 
 mixed with 20 parts of glycerin. The fluid extract is of a deep-red color, and has a 
 pleasant acidulous and astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. — The fluid extract may sometimes be more convenient than the infusion of 
 sumach-berries treated of elsewhere. (See Rhus Glabrum.) Diluted with water, it 
 forms an excellent detergent and stimulating gargle and mouth-wash. 
 
700 
 
 EXTRACTUM ROSjE FL UIT) UM.—R UMICIS FLUIDUM. 
 
 EXTRACTUM ROS.E FLUIDUM, 77. Fluid Extract of Rose. 
 
 Fluid extract of red rose , E. ; Extrait liquide de rose rouge , Fr. ; Fliissiges Essigrosen - 
 Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Red Rose, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Diluted 
 Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 900 Cc. of 
 diluted alcohol, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the 
 remainder of the menstruum, and afterward diluted alcohol, until the red rose is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 750 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid 
 extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of a menstruum 
 composed of dilute alcohol 21J fluidounces and glycerin 21 fluidounces; subsequent per- 
 colation is to be continued with diluted alcohol. The first 18J fluidounces of percolate 
 should be set aside as reserve, and the final volume of finished product made up to 24 
 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract is of a deep-red color, of an agreeable odor of rose, and of a pleasant 
 mildly-astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. — An agreeable ingredient of gargles and mouth-washes. It may take the 
 place of rose-leaves in the compound infusion of rose ; it masks the taste of solutions 
 of Epsom and Glauber salts, and imparts a pleasing odor to many magistral mixtures. 
 
 EXTRACTUM RUBI FLUIDUM, 77. S.~ Fluid Extract of Rubus. 
 
 Fluid extract of blackberry -bark, E. ; Extrait liquide d’ecorce de ronce , Fr. ; Fliissiges 
 Brombeerrinden- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rubus, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 Y/ater, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 600 Cc. of 
 alcohol and 300 Cc. of water, and. having moistened the powder with 350 Cc. of the 
 mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum 
 to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop 
 from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, 
 macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, 
 first, the remainder of the menstruum, and afterward a mixture of alcohol and water 
 made in the proportion of 600 Cc. of alcohol to 300 Cc. of water until the rubus is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 700 Cc. of the percolate; by means of a water-bath distil 
 off the alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a soft extract ; dissolve 
 this in the reserved portion, and add enough of a mixture of alcohol and water, using 
 the last-named proportions, to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of a menstruum 
 composed of alcohol 14J fluidounces, water 7 fluidounces, and glycerin 2J fluidounces ; 
 subsequent percolation is to be continued with a mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 
 volume. The first 19J fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as a reserve, and 
 the final volume of finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Experience has shown that the reduction in the quantity of glycerin and increase in 
 the alcoholic strength, as now directed in the official menstruum, and first suggested by 
 A. Robbins in 1883, is of decided advantage in securing a more permanent fluid extract. 
 
 The deep-brown liquid has a decidedly astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. — It is a good astringent, and well suited for the treatment of mild cases of 
 diarrhoea in children, after a sufficient evacuation of the bowels. The dose is Gm. 2-8 
 (f^ss-ij). It may, like other vegetable astringents, be added to the chalk mixture. 
 
 EXTRACTUM RUMICIS FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Rumex. 
 
 Fluid extract of yellow dock, E. ; Extrait liquide de patience frisee , Fr. ; Fliissiges Gnnd- 
 wurz-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rumex, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 
EXTRA CTUM SABIN xE FL UID TJM.—SA NG UINARIJF FLUID UM. 
 
 701 
 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alco- 
 hol, until the rumex is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 and the first 191 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of fin- 
 ished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract has a deep red-brown color and the bitter and astringent taste of the 
 root, which is thoroughly exhausted by the menstruum. 
 
 Dose, about Gm. 4 (1 fluidrachm.) 
 
 EXTRACTUM SABIN JE FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of Savine. 
 
 Extrait liquide de sabine, Fr. ; Fliissiges Sadebaum-ExtraJet, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Savine, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 250 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stra- 
 tum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, 
 and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the savine is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 6 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The process does not differ from that of 1880. The brown-green liquid contains the 
 volatile oil, resin, and tannin of the drug, and is not only well adapted for making 
 Ceratum sabinae, but it offers likewise a convenient way for administering savine. 
 
 Extractum sabina: is made with 60 per cent, alcohol (F Pi), the tincture being 
 evaporated to the proper consistence; it has a greenish-brown color. The yield is 19 or 
 20 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — The fluid extract appears to contain all the virtues of savine. Dose, Gm. 
 0.30-1.00 (npv-xv.) 
 
 EXTRACTUM SANGUINARIA FLUIDUM, 77. Fluid Extract of 
 
 Sanguinaria. 
 
 Fluid extract of blood-root, E. ; Extrait liquide de sanguinaire, Fr. ; Fliissiges Blutwurz- 
 Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sanguinaria, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Acetic Acid, 50 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in 
 the proportion of 750 Cc. of alcohol and 250 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 
 300 Cc. of the mixture, to which the acetic acid had previously been added, and let it 
 macerate, in a well-covered vessel, in a warm place, during forty-eight hours. Then 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it, until 
 the sanguinaria is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate 
 the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough 
 alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with a mixture of 45 fluidrachms of 
 alcohol, 15 fluidrachms of water, and 91 fluidrachms of acetic acid, and macerate for 
 forty-eight hours before it is packed in a percolator. The menstruum for percolation 
 consists of alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume, and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate 
 should be set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 
 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The menstruum for this fluid extract has been greatly changed from that of 1880, 
 and it is thought that a more satisfactory preparation will now result ; the addition 
 of an acid was suggested as early as 1880, and has since been tried with good effect. It 
 
702 EX TEA CT TIM SA ESA PA R1LLJE FL.—SA RSA PA RILLJE FL. COMPOSITUM. 
 
 is doubtful, however, whether the preparation can be kept entirely free from precipitation 
 for any great length of time. 
 
 Uses. — Dose, as an emetic, Gm. 0.60-4 (npx-lx) ; as a nauseant, Gm. 0.20-0.30 
 (npiij-v). In this concentrated form sanguinaria should be cautiously used. 
 
 EXTRACTUM SARSAPARILLA FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Extractum sarsse liquidum , Br. — Liquid extract of sarsaparilla , E. ; Extrait liquide de 
 salsepareille , Fr. ; Flussiges Sarsaparilla- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sarsaparilla, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 300 Cc. of alcohol with 600 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave 
 a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the sarsaparilla is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 1 volume, water 2 volumes), and the first 191 fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The omission of glycerin from the menstruum of 1880 is no doubt justified, but we 
 think a slight increase in the alcoholic strength (say, alcohol 2 volumes, water 3 volumes) 
 would be of advantage. 
 
 Mix Jamaica sarsaparilla, in No. 40 powder, 40 ounces, with proof spirit 40 fluidounces ; 
 macerate in a closed vessel for ten days ; press out 20 fluidounces of liquor and set this 
 aside. Mix the pressed residue with 12 pints (Imperial) of water and macerate at 71.1° 
 C. (160° F.) for sixteen hours, then strain and press out the liquid; dissolve 5 av. ozs 
 sugar in this, and evaporate in a water-bath to about 18 fluidounces. Mix the two liquids, 
 and make up the volume to 40 fluidounces by the addition of distilled water. — Br. 
 
 The relative strength of the two fluid extracts is practically alike. The first process 
 appears to be well adapted for exhausting the root and preserving the fluid extract, which 
 contains about one-third its measure of alcohol. The second formula is an improvement 
 of that of the former Br. P. ; the exhaustion of the root is more complete, but the long 
 exposure in the evaporation of 240 to 18 fluidounces could be materially reduced by per- 
 colating the powdered root. 
 
 Uses. — It probably contains whatever active elements belong to sarsaparilla, and 
 serves as a basis or as a vehicle for other medicines. Dose, Gm. 2-4 (n\xxx-lx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM SARSAPARILLA FLUIDUM COMPOSITUM, TJ. S.- 
 
 Compound Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Extrait liquide de salsepareille compose , Fr. ; Zusammengesetztes flussiges Sarsaparilla- 
 Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sarsaparilla, in No. 30 powder 750 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza, in No. 30 
 powder, 120 Gm. : Sassafras-bark, in No. 30 powder, 100 Gm. ; Mezereum, in No. 30 pow- 
 der, 30 Gm. ; Glycerin, 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 300 Cc. of alcohol and 600 Cc. of water, and, having 
 moistened the mixed powders with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack them firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stra- 
 tum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower ori- 
 fice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder of the menstruum, 
 and afterward a mixture of alcohol and water, made in the proportion of 300 Cc. of alco- 
 hol to 600 Cc. of water, until the powder is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the 
 percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved por- 
 tion, and add enough of a mixture of alcohol and water, using the last-named proportions, 
 to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the mixed ground drugs should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces 
 of a menstruum composed of alcohol 71 fluidounces, water 141 fluidounces, and glycerin 
 
EXT R ACTUM SCILLJE FLUIDUM.- SCOPARII FLU ID UAL 
 
 703 
 
 21 fluidounces, subsequent percolation being continued with a mixture of alcohol 1 vol- 
 ume, water 2 volumes. The first 19? fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as 
 reserve, and the final volume of finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The preparation is fairly permanent. The frequent use which is made of the above 
 combination of drugs probably renders such a fluid extract desirable, though it seems to 
 be unnecessary, since the introduction of concentrated preparations of licorice-root and 
 mezereum affords the opportunity of giving these and sarsaparilla in any proportion that 
 may be desired. 
 
 Uses. — The only active ingredient in this preparation besides the sarsaparilla is meze- 
 reum. It would appear to be a less eligible medicine than the compound decoction of 
 sarsaparilla, which contains also guaiacum, and whose efficiency is established. Dose ; 
 Gm. 2-4 (Xxxx-f 3 j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM SCULLY FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of Squill. 
 
 Extrait liquide de scille , Fr. ; Fliissiges Meerzwiebel-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Squill, in No. 20 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a suffi- 
 cient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 200 Cc. of the mixture, pack it in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator, then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. 
 When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower orifice, and, having 
 closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percola- 
 tion to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of alcohol and 
 water as before, until the squill is exhausted. Reserve the first 750 Cc. of the percolate, 
 and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and 
 add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 5 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume), and the first 18£ fluidounces of percolate set aside 
 as reserve. The final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Squill yields with cold water from 55 to 65 per cent., and with diluted alcohol from 35 
 to 45 or 50 per cent., of extract. Alcohol, which does not dissolve the gummy matter, 
 yields much less, but appears to be a solvent for all the medicinally-valuable principles. 
 The fluid extract is of a dark brown-red color, and has the bitter and acrid taste of the drug. 
 
 The menstruum will yield a fluid extract equally as satisfactory as alcohol alone 
 (directed in 1880), and is preferable to diluted alcohol, because but very little gummy 
 matter, if any, enters into solution. 
 
 Extractum scille, F. Cod., is made with alcohol sp. gr. 0.914. It is brown-yellow 
 and soluble in water and diluted alcohol. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is a concentrated and convenient form of squill. It is 
 especially adapted for use as a diuretic. Dose, Gm. 0.20-0.30 (^iij-v), largely diluted. 
 
 EXTRACTUM SCOPARII FLUIDUM, V. S.- Fluid Extract of 
 
 SCOPARIUS. 
 
 Fluid extract of broom , E. ; Extrait liquide de genet d balais, Fr. ; Fliissiges Besengin- 
 ster-Exlrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Scoparius, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of diluted alcohol and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty -eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, 
 until the scoparius is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate ; by means 
 of a water-bath, distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a 
 soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (diluted alcohol), and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve. The 
 final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 This fluid extract has a dark-olive color, characteristic odor, and bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — It may be doubted whether the fluid extract has a diuretic operation equal to 
 that of the decoction of broom. But it may be used to reinforce the latter. Dose, Gm. 
 1 to 4 (tt^xv to f^j). 
 
704 
 
 EXTRACTUM SCUTELLARIAE FL U1D UM. — SENEGAE FLUID UM. 
 
 EXTRACTUM SCUTELLARIAE FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract op 
 
 Scutellaria. 
 
 Fluid extract of skull-cap , E. ; Extrait liquide de scutellaire , Fr. ; Flussiges Helmkraut - 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Scutellaria, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 350 Cc. of the menstruum, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum 
 until the Scutellaria is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evap- 
 orate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 19^ fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia has increased the alcoholic strength of the menstruum slightly 
 above that of 1880, but we think that a change to alcohol 2 volumes and water 1 volume 
 would have been still better. As pointed out by A. Robbins (1883), diluted alcohol does 
 not yield a permanent preparation. 
 
 The fluid extract will have a green-brown color. 
 
 Uses. — Whatever medicinal virtues (if any) belong to Scutellaria may be exhibited 
 by this preparation of it. The dose is stated at Gm. 4-8 (fgj-ij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM SENEGiE FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Senega. 
 
 Extrait liquide de polygale de Virginie , Fr. ; Flussiges Sen eg a- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Senega, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Ammonia-water 50 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol, Water, each a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the ammonia-water with 
 750 Cc. of alcohol and 200 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 450 Cc. 
 of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum 
 to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop 
 from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, 
 macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, 
 first, the remainder of the menstruum, and then a mixture of alcohol and water, made in 
 the proportion of 750 Cc. of alcohol to 250 Cc. of water, until the senega is exhausted: 
 Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 101 fluidounces of a men- 
 struum composed of alcohol 18 fluidounces, water 4f fluidounces, and ammonia-water 1? 
 fluidounces, subsequent percolation to be continued with a mixture of alcohol 3 volumes, 
 water 1 volume. The first 21 fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as reserve, 
 and the final volume of finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Water is a better solvent for senegin than a strongly alcoholic menstruum, but it has 
 also the disadvantage of dissolving a considerable proportion of various pectin com- 
 pounds, which are apt after some time to convert the liquid into a gelatinous mass. 
 
 We cannot see any advantage in the use of so strongly alcoholic a menstruum as that 
 recommended by the Pharmacopoeia; experience has shown that a mixture of alcohol 2 
 volumes, water 1 volume, thoroughly exhausts the drug, and that with the present 
 increase of ammonia-water to 5 per cent, by volume the preparation keeps very well. 
 The fluid extract is of a dark-brown color, and possesses the characteristic odor and acrid 
 taste of the root. 
 
 Extractum seneg^e. — Extract of senega, E. ; Extrait de polygale, Extrait de seneca, 
 Fr. ; Senegaextrakt, G. — This has been dismissed from the U. S. P. and P. G., which 
 authorities prepared it with diluted alcohol, obtaining about 30 per cent, of extract. The 
 French Codex orders alcohol sp. gr. 0.914, which yields from 16 to 20 per cent, of extract. 
 It may be prepared extemporaneously by evaporating the fluid extract to the proper 
 consistence. 
 
EXTRACT UM SENNLE FLUIDUM.— SPIGELIA FLUIDUM. 
 
 705 
 
 Uses. — The special object of this preparation is apparently to supersede the decoc- 
 tion, all of whose virtues it possesses. Dose, Gm. 0.30-1.30 (n^v-xx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM SENN-ZE FLUIDUM, 77. S. — Fluid Extract of Senna. 
 
 Extrait liquide de sene, Fr. ; Fliissiges Senna- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Senna, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of the menstruum, pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, 
 until the senna is exhausted. Reserve the first 800 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate 
 the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough 
 menstruum to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 19J fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume of fin- 
 ished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The fluid extract of 1850 was a thick syrup flavored with oil of fennel and Hoffmann’s 
 anodyne, the latter added to prevent fermentation. In 1860 these additions were dropped, 
 and in 1870 glycerin was substituted for sugar. Properly prepared, these fluid extracts 
 kept well, although a deposit took place, but they were inconveniently thick. The pres- 
 ent formula yields a thinner fluid extract, which separates insoluble inert matter on the 
 sides and bottom of the bottle. From the observation of A. Robbins (1883), it appears 
 that the addition of glycerin to the menstruum causes the precipitate to collect at the 
 bottom. Freed from the precipitate, the fluid extract is of a dark-brown color and has 
 the odor and taste of senna-leaves. 
 
 Uses. — This fluid extract may be prescribed as a laxative in doses of Gm. 4 (fgj), 
 and as a purgative in doses of Gm. 8 (fl^ij). It is apt to gripe severely without the 
 addition of a carminative, such as oil of anise or oil of peppermint. 
 
 EXTRACTUM SERPENT ARLE FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Serpentaria. 
 
 Extrait liquide de serpentaire, Fr. ; Fliissiges Schlangenwurzel- Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Serpentaria, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 800 Cc. of alcohol with 200 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylin- 
 drical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave 
 a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the serpentaria is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 71 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 alcohol 4 volumes, water 1 volume, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as 
 reserve. The final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 There is scarcely any difference in the results obtained with this and with the formula 
 of 1880. The virtues of serpentaria are well exhausted and properly preserved by this 
 process. The fluid extract has a red-brown color and the peculiar odor and bitter taste 
 of the drug. 
 
 Uses. — It is a convenient and efficient substitute for the infusion of serpentaria. 
 Dose, Gm. 2 (f^ss). It is said to be an excellent application to parts poisoned by rhus 
 toxicodendron. 
 
 EXTRACTUM SPIGELIA FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Spigelia. 
 
 Extrait liquide de spigelie, Fr. ; Fliissiges Spigelien- Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Spigelia, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of diluted alcohol and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the 
 
706 
 
 EXTR ACTUM STILLING I JS FL UID UM. — STRAMONII SE MINIS. 
 
 powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the perco- 
 lator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted 
 alcohol, until the spigelia is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7J fluidounces of menstruum 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Originally, the fluid extract was saccharine, and in 1870 the sugar was replaced bv 
 glycerin. It was found, however, that it will keep unaltered in the form of a concen- 
 trated tincture, as by the present formula. It is a dark-brown liquid. 
 
 Extractum spigelia et senn^e fluidum. — Fluid extract of spigelia and senna, E. ; 
 Extrait liquide de spigelie et sene, Fr. ; Fliissiges Spigelien- und Senna-Extrakt, G . — 
 After 1860 this preparation was made by mixing fluid extract of spigelia 10 fluidounces 
 with fluid extract of senna 6 fluidounces and oils of caraway and of anise each 20 
 minims. A more elegant and satisfactory preparation, however, is obtained, according to 
 Mr. Alonzo Robbins (1883), by preparing it from the drugs, as originally suggested by 
 Procter (1848), omitting the alkali ; the proportions are — spigelia 60 parts (15 oz. av.), 
 senna 30 parts (7? oz. av.), anise and caraway each 5 parts (1| oz. av.) ; the menstruum 
 is diluted alcohol, and the yield is 100 parts by measure (24 fluidounces). 
 
 Uses. — It possesses fully the virtues of spigelia, and may be given in the dose of 
 Gm. 4 (f^i) and upward. 
 
 Fluid extract of spigelia and senna represents in a concentrated form the well-tried 
 and popular remedy “ worm tea.” It should be prescribed in doses of Gm. 4 (f^i), at 
 intervals of an hour, until it begins to purge. 
 
 EXTRACTUM STILLINGIA FLUIDUM, IT.'#.— Fluid Extract op 
 
 Stillingia. 
 
 Extrait liquide de stillingie , Fr. ; Fliissiges Stillingien- Extract , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Stillingia, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted 
 alcohol, until the stillingia is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and 
 evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7| fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of fin- 
 ished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Fluid extract of stillingia will sometimes become gelatinous on standing, which diffi- 
 culty may be overcome by the addition of sugar (about 10 or 12 per cent, of the weight 
 of drug used) ; a somewhat stronger alcoholic menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 
 volume) also seems to improve the preparation materially. It is of a dark red-brown 
 color and has the bitterish, pungent taste of the root. 
 
 Uses. — It may be employed in various chronic diseases, and especially scrofula, dis- 
 eases of the skin, syphilis, etc. Dose , Gm. 2 (fgss). 
 
 EXTRACTUM STRAMONII SEMINIS, U . S.— Extract of Stramon- 
 ium-seed. 
 
 Extractum stramonii , U. S. 1880 ; Br. — Extract of stramonium , E. ; Extrait de semences 
 de stramoine , Fr. ; Stechapfelsamen-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Stramonium-seed, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a 
 sufficient quantity. Moisten the powder with 300 Gm. of diluted alcohol, and pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the powder 
 and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close 
 the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight 
 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, until 
 
EXTE ACTUM S TEA 310 Nil SE MINIS FLUID U3I.-TAEAXA CL 
 
 707 
 
 3000 Cc. of tincture are obtained or the stramonium-seed is exhausted. Reserve the 
 first 900 Cc. of the percolate, evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 
 50° C. (122° F.), to 100 Cc., mix the residue with the reserved portion in a porcelain 
 capsule, and by means of a water-bath evaporate, at or below the before-mentioned tem- 
 perature, to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powdered seed should be moistened with about 7? fluidounces of 
 menstruum. About 75 fluidounces of percolate will be found sufficient to eihaust the 
 drug, of which the first 22 fluidounces should be set aside as reserve ; the remainder 
 should be evaporated to 2? fluidounces before it is mixed with the reserve portion for 
 final evaporation. 
 
 The presence of about 25 per cent, of fixed oil in the seed renders the preparation of 
 this extract troublesome in spite of the diluted alcohol ; we have found that the previous 
 removal of the oil by treatment with benzin very materially improves the process, and 
 also facilitates the reduction of the seed to No. 60 powder as directed. 
 
 According to the British Pharmacopoeia, the coarsely-powdered seeds are first exhausted 
 with washed ether for removing the fixed oil ; the residue is then percolated with proof 
 spirit sp. gr. 0.920, the tincture distilled to recover the alcohol, and finally evaporated to 
 the proper consistence. The yield is about 12J per cent. The extract of the French 
 Codex is made by digestion with alcohol spec. grav. 0.914 ; after distilling and evaporating 
 the tincture the residue is dissolved in four times its weight of distilled water, filtered to 
 remove oily and resinous matter, and the filtrate evaporated to the proper consistence. 
 The yield is about 7 per cent. 
 
 Extractum stramonii foliorum, U. S. P. 1870, was prepared from the dry leaves 
 with alcohol and diluted alcohol ; the yield is about 20 per cent. Extractum stra- 
 monii, P. G. 1872, was the inspissated juice of the fresh plant; yield, 3-3J per cent. 
 
 Dose. — Its commencing dose should not exceed Gm. 0.016 (gr. i). 
 
 EXTRACTUM STRAMONII SEMINIS FLUIDUM, V. S.— Fluid 
 Extract of Stramonium-seed. 
 
 Extractum stramonii fluidum, U. S. 1880. — Fluid extract of stramonium , E. ; Extrait 
 liquide de semences de stramoine , Fr. ; Flussiges Stechapfelsamen-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Stramonium-seed, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, 
 each a sufficient quantity, to make 100 Ccm. (24 fluidounces). Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol 
 with 250 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 200 Cc. of the mixture, 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate 
 for forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding men- 
 struum, until the strammonium-seea is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the per- 
 colate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), 
 to a soft extract: dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to 
 make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the powdered seed should be moistened with about 5 fluidounces of 
 menstruum, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final vol- 
 ume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The fixed oil in strammonium-seed being without medicinal virtue, we think its re- 
 moval with benzin, as already suggested in the preceding article, would prove advan- 
 tageous, and in that case a weaker alcoholic menstruum (alcohol 2 volumes and water 
 1 volume, or diluted alcohol) would suffice to exhaust the drug. The fluid extract is of 
 a brown color. 
 
 Dose. — The commencing dose should not exceed Gm. 0.06-0.12 (Tflj-ij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM TARAXACI, U. S., Br JP . G.— Extract of Taraxacum. 
 
 Extract of dandelion, E. : Extrait de pissenlit (gle dent de lion'), Fr. ; Lbwenzahn- Extrakt , 
 G. ; Estratto di tarassaco, It. 
 
 Preparation.— Fresh Taraxacum, gathered in autumn, a convenient quantity; 
 Water a sufficient quantity. Slice the taraxacum and bruise it in a stone mortar, sprink- 
 ling on it a little water, until reduced to a pulp ; then express and strain the juice, and 
 evaporate it in a vacuum-apparatus or in a shallow porcelain dish, by means of a water- 
 bath, to a pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
 Take of fresh dandelion-root 4 pounds. Crush the root, press out the juice, and allow 
 
708 
 
 EXTRACTUM TARAXACI FLUIDUM.— TRITICI FLUIDUM. 
 
 it to deposit; heat the clear liquor to 212° F., and maintain the temperature for ten min- 
 utes ; then strain, and evaporate by a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 160° 
 F., until the extract has acquired a suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. 
 
 The juice of taraxacum contains albumen, which is very properly removed in the sec- 
 ond process by heating the juice for a short time to the boiling-point and straining from 
 the coagulum. Collected in the autumn, the fresh root yields 8 to 10 per cent, of extract ; 
 the fresh spring root, with the leaves, yields a smaller amount, varying between and 6 
 per cent., and, after drying by exhaustion with cold water, from 25 to 40 per cent. This 
 is the extract recognized by the German Pharmacopoeia, that of the French Codex being 
 made from the fresh leaves, with a yield of 2J to 3 per cent. The extract is of a brown 
 color, and should yield a nearly clear solution with water. 
 
 Uses. — Owing to its liability to spoil, this extract is not an eligible preparation. It 
 may be prescribed in the dose of Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) and upward, dissolved in some aromatic 
 water and taken after meals. 
 
 EXTRACTUM TARAXACI FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Taraxacum. 
 
 j Extraction taraxnci liquidum. Br. — Liquid extract of dandelion , E. ; Extrait de liquide 
 de pissenlit, Fr. ; Fliissiges Lowenzahn- Extra kt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Taraxacum, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a suf- 
 ficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate 
 the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the per- 
 colator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, 
 until the taraxacum is exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate ; by means 
 of a water-bath distil off the alcohol from the remainder, and evaporate the residue to a 
 soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The present fluid extract is similar to that of 1860 and 1880, except that it contains 
 a stronger alcohol ; that of 1870 contained one-fourth its measure of glycerin. On keep- 
 ing, these preparations deposit a slight precipitate of inert matter. Prepared from good 
 dandelion-root the fluid extract is an efficient preparation, of a reddish-brown color and 
 bitterish-sweet taste. We have seen commercial fluid extracts bearing this name which, 
 to judge from their appearance and their more decided bitterness, were evidently made 
 from chicory-root. 
 
 Extr. taraxaci LIQUIDUM, Br., contains half its measure of proof spirit. 
 
 Uses. — It is a more permanent preparation than the decoction of dandelion, and at 
 the same time quite as operative. Lose, Gm. 4 (fgj), largely diluted. 
 
 EXTRACTUM TRITICI FLUIDUM, U. $.— Fluid Extract of Triticum. 
 
 Fluid extract of couch-grass, E. ; Extrait liquide de chiendent, Fr. ; Fliissiges Quecken- 
 Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Triticum, finely cut, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Pack the triticum in a cylindrical percolator, pour boiling 
 water upon it and allow percolation to proceed, supplying boiling water as required, until 
 the triticum is exhausted. Evaporate the percolate to 750 Cc., and, having added to it 
 250 Cc. of alcohol, mix well and set it aside for forty-eight hours. Then filter the liquid, 
 and add to the filtrate enough of a mixture composed of 3 volumes of water and 1 
 volume of alcohol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of finely-cut couch-grass should be exhausted bv percolation with boiling 
 water, and the infusion evaporated to 18 fluidounces ; after addition of 6 fluidounces of 
 alcohol the mixture is set aside for forty-eight hours, filtered, and to the filtrate enough 
 of a menstruum, composed of alcohol 1 volume and water 3 volumes, added to bring the 
 final volume of the finished product up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The manipulation for preparing this fluid extract will be successful only if suitable 
 provision be made to let the liquid pass from the percolator in drops, the drug being too 
 coarse and unyielding to permit its packing like most of the other powders. We consider 
 
EXTRACTUM UVJE URSI.— UVJE URSI FLUIDUM. 
 
 709 
 
 digestion preferable to percolation, since the drug is thus easily exhausted, and by short- 
 ening the process fermentation of the strongly saccharine liquid is prevented. For the 
 reason stated, the liquid should be rapidly concentrated. The fluid extract is of a brown 
 color and sweet taste. 
 
 Extractum graminis, P. G. 1882. — Couch-grass 1 part, boiling water 5 parts; di- 
 gest for 6 hours, strain, boil down to 3 parts, filter, and evaporate .to the proper con- 
 sistence. The yield varies between 25 and 35 per cent. The French Codex directs 
 exhaustion with cold water, boiling, straining, and evaporating ; the yield is stated to be 
 9 or 10 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — The fluid extract diluted with water or added to some emollient infusion, such 
 as that of flaxseed or of barley, may be freely used in irritations of the genito-urinary 
 tract, of the intestinal canal, of the bronchia, etc. A decoction of the fresh plant is to 
 be preferred. 
 
 EXTRACTUM UV.E URSI, 77. S.— Extract of Uva Ursi. 
 
 Extrait de busserole , Fr. ; Bdrentraubenbldtter-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Uva Ursi, in No. 30 powder, 1000 6m. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix 200 Cc. of alcohol with 500 Cc. of water, and, having moist- 
 ened the powder with 400 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; 
 then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When 
 the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then allow 
 the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of 
 alcohol and water as before, until the uva ursi is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. 
 of the percolate ; evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° 
 F.), to 100 Cc. Mix this with the reserved portion, and evaporate, at or below the 
 before-mentioned temperature, in a porcelain capsule, on a water-bath, to a pilular con- 
 sistence. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 composed of alcohol 2 volumes, water 5 volumes, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate 
 set aside as reserve; the remainder of the percolate should be evaporated to 21 fluid- 
 ounces before it is mixed with the reserve portion for final evaporation. 
 
 Bose, Gm. 0.6 (gr. x). 
 
 EXTRACTUM UVJE URSI FLUIDUM, 77. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Uva Ursi. 
 
 Extrait liquide de busserole, F. ; Fliissiges Bdrentraubenbldtter-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Uva Ursi, in No. 30 powder, 1000 Gm.; Glycerin, 300 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol, Water, each a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 200 Cc. 
 of alcohol and 500 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 400 Cc. of the 
 mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to satu- 
 rate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty- 
 eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding, first, the remainder 
 of the menstruum, and afterward a mixture of alcohol and water, made in the propor- 
 tion of 200 Cc. of alcohol to 500 Cc. of water, until the uva ursi is exhausted. Reserve 
 the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve 
 this in the reserved portion, and add enough of the mixture of alcohol and water to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 10 fluidounces of the mixture 
 composed of alcohol 4f fluidounces, water 12 fluidounces, and glycerin 7i fluidounces, 
 subsequent percolation to be continued with a menstruum of alcohol 2 volumes, water 5 
 volumes ; the first 22 fluidounces of percolate should be set aside as reserve, and the final 
 volume of finished product made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The increase of glycerin to nearly four times the quantity directed in 1880 appears to 
 us unnecessary ; in fact, glycerin may be omitted entirely, since experience has shown 
 that diluted alcohol completely exhausts the drug and yields a fluid extract which keeps 
 well. We should prefer the latter menstruum both for this and the preceding prepara- 
 tion. The fluid extract is of a dark-brown color and possesses a bitter astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. — It probably possesses all the virtues of the plant. Like nearly all medicines 
 intended to act upon the urinary organs, it should be given largely diluted. Bose, Gm. 
 4 ( f 3j)- 
 
710 EXTRACTUM VALERIANAE FLUIDUM.— VIBURNI OPULI FLUIDUM. 
 
 EXTRAOTUM VALERIANAE FLUIDUM, IT. S.— Fluid Extract op 
 
 Valerian. 
 
 Extrait liquide de valeriane , Fr. ; Flussiges Baldrian-E xtrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation.— Valerian, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suf- 
 ficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, and, 
 having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the valerian is 
 exhausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — V S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 71 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume, and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as 
 reserve ; the final volume of the finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The present menstruum does not differ much from that of 1880, but a mixture of 
 alcohol, 7 volumes, and water 3 volumes, would correspond still more closely, and such a 
 menstruum has been found to yield excellent results ; a stronger alcoholic mixture is 
 quite unnecessary. The fluid extract is of a deep red-brown color, and has the charac- 
 teristic odor and taste of valerian. Little loss of oil will occur if proper care is observed 
 in the percolation and evaporation. 
 
 Extractum Valerianae has been dismissed from most pharmacopoeias. The French 
 Codex directs it to be made with alcohol sp. gr. 0.914 ; the yield is 19 or 20 per cent. It 
 may be readily prepared by concentrating the fluid extract at the heat of a water-bath. 
 
 Uses. — An efficient preparation of this valuable drug. Dose , Gm. 4 (fgj). 
 
 EXTRACTUM VERATRI VIRIDIS FLUIDUM, U. 8.— Fluid Extract 
 
 of Veratrum Viride. 
 
 Fluid extract of American veratrum , E. ; Extrait de liquide de veratre americain , Fr. ; 
 Flussiges Griingermer-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Veratrum Viride, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the veratrum 
 viride is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the 
 remainder to a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alco- 
 hol to make the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. 8. 
 
 25 av. ozs. .of the drug should be moistened with about fluidounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 22 fluidounces set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished product 
 should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The resins and alkaloids are readily taken up and held in solution by the menstruum 
 directed, and the fluid extract is therefore two and a half times as strong as the tincture 
 of the same drug. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is a very potent depresser of the heart’s action. Dose , 
 Gm. 0.05-0.15 (np j-iij). 
 
 EXTRACTUM VIBURNI OPULI FLUIDUM, TJ. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Viburnum Opulus. 
 
 Fluid extract of cramp-bark , E. 
 
 Preparation. — Viburnum Opulus, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm.; Water, each, a 
 sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of the mixture, pack it moderately in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and 'leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, 
 
EXTRA CTUM VIB URXI PR UXIFOLII FL UID UM.—ZTNGIBERIS FL UID TJM. 711 
 
 using the same proportions of alcohol and water as before, until the viburnum is ex- 
 hausted. Reserve the first 850 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a 
 soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — V. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 7i fluid ounces of menstruum, 
 and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume of finished 
 product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Fluid extract of cramp-bark has a reddish-brown color, slight odor, and somewhat 
 astringent taste. 
 
 Dose, Gm.4-8 (1-2 fluidrachms). 
 
 EXTRACTUM VIBURNI PRUNIFOLII FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid 
 Extract of Viburnum Prunifolium. 
 
 Fluid extract of blackhaw-bark, E. ; Extrait liquide deviburne , Fr. ; Fliissiges Vibumum- 
 Extrakt , G-. 
 
 Preparation. — Viburnum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Co. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water, 
 and, having moistened the powder with 300 Cc. of menstruum, pack it moderately in 
 a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough of the menstruum to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, until the viburnum 
 is exhausted. Reserve the first 650 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to 
 a soft extract ; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make 
 the fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 71 fluidounces of menstruum, 
 alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume, and the first 21 fluidounces of percolate set aside as 
 reserve ; the final volume of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 The fluid extract is of a deep brown-red color and of the astringent and bitter taste of 
 the bark. 
 
 Uses. — Doubtless this preparation represents the undetermined virtues of viburnum. 
 Done, Gm. 2—4 (rr^xxx-lx). 
 
 EXTRACTUM XANTHOXYLI FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Xanthoxylum. 
 
 Fluid extract of prickly ash, E. ; Extrait liquide d'ecorce de clavalier, Fr.; Fliissiges 
 Zah uwehrinden-Extrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Xanthoxylum, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 250 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and 
 leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the 
 lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. 
 Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the xanthoxylum 
 is exhausted. Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to 
 a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the 
 fluid extract measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 6 fluidounces of the men- 
 struum, and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve ; the final volume 
 of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 A newly-introduced fluid extract of a reddish-brown color, and possessing the acrid 
 taste of the bark. 
 
 Uses. — It is probable that this preparation contains all the active constituents of 
 xanthoxylum. Its dose is stated to be Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 EXTRACTUM ZINGIBERIS FLUIDUM, U. S.— Fluid Extract of 
 
 Ginger. 
 
 Extrait liquide de gingemhre , Fr. ; Fliissiges Iugwer-Extrakt, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ginger, in No. 40 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 250 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 
712 
 
 FAB IAN A. 
 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the ginger is exhausted. 
 Reserve the first 900 Cc. of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract ; 
 dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough alcohol to make the fluid extract 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of the drug should be moistened with about 6 fluidounces of menstruum 
 (alcohol), and the first 22 fluidounces of percolate set aside as reserve; the final volume 
 of finished product should be made up to 24 fluidounces. 
 
 Ginger is readily exhausted by alcohol ; the brownish-red fluid extract is five times 
 stronger than the tincture of ginger, and has the same sensible properties, but in a higher 
 degree. It is used in preparing Syrupus zingiberis, U. S. 
 
 Uses. — It is a convenient substitute for the tincture on account of its greater strength, 
 and for the infusion on account of its smaller bulk. Dose, Gm. 0.60 (npx). 
 
 FABIANA.— Fabiana. 
 
 The branches of Fabiana imbricata, Ruiz et Paeon. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solanaceae, Nicotianeee. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The plant is tree-like, or more frequently shrubby, and 
 grows in sandy fields and on dry hills in Chili, where it is known as pichi. It is about 
 4.5-5 M. (15 or 18 feet) high, and bears single flowers terminating the numerous branches, 
 and having a tubular white and purplish corolla 12-19 Mm. (^ to f inch) long, much 
 exceeding the small calyx ; the fruit is a small, two-celled, and two-valved capsule, con- 
 taining few subglobular and angular seeds. The larger branches are covered with a thin, 
 smoothish, somewhat warty, brown-gray bark, which adheres firmly to the yellowish 
 tough wood. The younger branches are 2-5 Mm. (yL to ^ inch) thick, and are densely 
 covered by the scale-like and closely-imbricated leaves, which are about 1 Mm. (-^y inch) 
 long, sessile, ovate, entire, smooth, and of a bluish-green color. The drug has a peculiar 
 aromatic odor and a disagreeable bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Dr- Rusby’s experiments (1885) indicated the presence of an alka- 
 loid. Dr. Lyons (1886) obtained about 0.1 per cent, of this alkaloid, which is soluble in 
 ether, forms crystallizable bitter salts, and yields precipitates with the usual reagents ; 
 also, a considerable quantity of bitter resin soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and 
 alkalies ; a tasteless crystalline, neutral body, soluble in benzin and ether, and crystal- 
 lizing from the alcoholic tincture ; some volatile oil and a fluorescent compound resem- 
 bling aesculin in behavior and possessing a very bitter taste. Benzin dissolves about 3 per 
 cent., and ether about 33 per cent., of the drug; the alcoholic tincture yields a dense 
 precipitate with water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pichi, or fabiana, is a popular medicine in Chili for urinary 
 disorders , and has even been credited with cures of stone and gravel. It was also used 
 in dyspeptic, and especially hepatic, diseases. Relief obtained by a prominent citizen 
 from its use in some vesical affection attracted attention, and induced Dr. Ramirez to 
 inquire into its real value. It was found to resemble very closely that of various tere- 
 binthinate, balsamic and other medicines that impregnate the urine and either heal or 
 protect the mucous lining of the urinary passages. Like them, it is totally unfit for use 
 in structural diseases of the kidneys. Several cases illustrating its utility in vesical catarrh 
 and in renal and vesical calculi have been published (Wyman, Therapeutic Gaz., x. 221 ; 
 Fenwick, ibid., xi. 703; Green, ibid. , xii. 368; also Med. Record , xxxii. 623; xxxviii. 
 5 ; Therap. Gaz., xii. 240, 594). The virtue attributed to it in hepatic disease is 
 believed to depend upon its favorable influence upon gastric digestion. Pichi is regarded 
 by the Chilian shepherds as very efficacious in a disease of sheep which is supposed to 
 be hydatids of the liver. 
 
 A decoction prepared by boiling Gm. 32 (^j) of the coarsely powdered twigs in Gm. 
 1000 (2 pints) of water should be taken in four equal portions in twenty-four hours ; or a 
 fluid extract, of which a tablespoonful represents Gm. 8 (gij) of the plant, may be given, 
 diluted, at similar intervals. Fenwick states the dose of the fluid extract at £ss. to 3J, 
 and of the infusion a wineglassful. 
 
FARINA TRITICI. 
 
 713 
 
 FARINA TRITICI, Br.— Wheaten Flour. 
 
 Wheat flour , E. ; Farine de hU ( de froment ), Fr. ; Weizenmehl , G. ; Hanna de trigo , Sp. 
 
 The grain of wheat, Triticum sativum, Lamarck , s. Tr. vulgare, Ti^ars, ground and 
 sifted. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 294. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Graminaceae, Hordeae. 
 
 Origin. — An annual or biennial herb which, though now unknown in the wild state, 
 is probably indigenous to Central Asia, but has been under cultivation from a very early 
 period, and is at present raised in most countries of the temperate zones in numerous 
 varieties produced by cultivation, some having the chaff awnless or the lower paleae more 
 or less awned, and the fruit of a white or reddish color. Spring or summer wheat (Tr. 
 aestivum) is awned or bearded, winter wheat (Tr. hybernum) mostly awnless. Ihe fruit 
 is oval-oblong, obtuse, grooved on the upper side, and of a yellowish or brownish color. 
 
 Of other cultivated species the following may be mentioned : Trit. turgidum, Linne, 
 of which Tr. compositum, or Egyptian wheat, is a variety with compound spikes ; Tr. 
 durum, Desfontaines , or horny wheat , with long awns, including several varieties ; Tr. 
 Spelta, Linne , or spelt , with triangular ovate and obtuse grains, which are little mealy, 
 and Tr. monococcum, Linne , or one-grained wheat , with small spikes, each spikelet pro- 
 ducing one somewhat triangular grain. 
 
 Wheat grain, like the similar graminaceous fruits, has the integuments of the fruit 
 and seed united ; underneath this covering is a layer of cells containing gluten , and then 
 follows the cellular tissue of the so-called albumen or endosperm, this being filled with 
 starch; the embryo is located at the base of the endosperm. Wheat is most generally 
 prepared for food by grinding, and separating by means of sieves the broken integuments, 
 or bran, from the fine amylaceous white portion, or flour. 
 
 Description. — Wheaten flour is a very fine white powder, without odor and of an 
 insipid taste. The starch-granules, which largely compose it, are described with other 
 starches (see Amylum). 
 
 Composition. — Air-dry wheat contains, according to Millon (1854), 12 to 17 per 
 cent, of water, 8 to 16 per cent, of gluten, about 2 per cent, of fat, about 2 per cent, of 
 cellulose, and 1£ to 2 per cent, of ash. Older analyses of different kinds of wheat were 
 principally made by A. Vogel (1818), Proust (1820), and Henry and Vauquelin (1822«). 
 The amount of starch varies between 60 and 70 per cent., and the weight of nitrogen 
 between 1.6 and 2.7 per cent. ; the ash contains nearly 50 per cent, of phosphoric acid. 
 Clifford Richardson and C. A. Crampton (1886) found in the embryo some wax, a rapidly 
 drying oil, ? per cent, of allantoin, and about 18 per cent, of cane-sugar and highly 
 dextrogyrate sugar. The bran contains over 7 per cent, of ash, while the nitrogenated 
 principles enter chiefly the flour. If the latter be kneaded with cold water as long as 
 the liquid becomes milky, a yellowish-gray elastic and glutinous mass remains, which is 
 the gluten of Beccaria, retains about 70 per cent, of water, and consists, according to 
 Von Bibra, in the dry state, of about 70 per cent, vegetable fibrin , 3.8 to 9.3 vegetable 
 casein , 7.5 to 19.5 glutin , and 4.6 to 8.2 per cent, of fat. On drying it assumes a horn- 
 like appearance and partly loses its solubility in phosphoric acid and potassa. 
 
 To purify it, Ritthausen (1862-67) dissolves it in cold very dilute potassa solution (1 
 to 1000 parts of water), decants from the undissolved starch, and precipitates with acetic 
 acid. The precipitate is repeatedly treated with fresh portions of alcohol, commencing 
 with spec.gr. .914, and increasing the strength finally to absolute alcohol. After another 
 washing with ether the insoluble portion constitutes gluten- casein, which is slightly solu- 
 ble in acetic acid, freely soluble in potassa, and becomes insoluble by heat. On evapor- 
 ating the united alcoholic liquids to one-half and cooling, gluten-fibrin is separated, which 
 is purified by dissolving it repeatedly in 50 and 60 per cent, alcohol. It is freely soluble 
 in dilute acetic acid, and when boiled with water, in which it is insoluble, it is converted 
 into a jelly. After the separation of gluten-fibrin the greater portion of the alcohol is 
 evaporated ; the precipitate appearing on cooling is treated with a little alcohol, washed 
 with ether, dissolved in a little 65 per cent, alcohol, and precipitated by absolute alcohol. 
 The precipitate is niucedin ; the solution contains gliadin. Both principles are freely 
 soluble in diluted alcohol and in weak acids and alkalies. The above arc the most 
 important vegetable protein compounds , and contain between 0.5 and 1 per cent, of sul- 
 phur, and between 15 and 18 per cent, of nitrogen. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — F arixa Fab,e, from the seeds of Vicia Faba, Linn4 (Faba vulgaris, Mcench)°, 
 Windsor bean, Horse bean, E. ; Ffcve de marais, Fr. ; Saubohne, G. ; JIaba, Sp. The seeds 
 contain starch 36, legumin 24, fat 2, sugar 2, and gummy matters about 9 per cent. 
 
714 
 
 FEL BO VIS. 
 
 Farina Phaseoli from the seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris, LinnS; Kidney bean, E. ; Haricot, 
 Fr. ; Gartenbohne, G. ; Frijol, Sp. The seeds contain starch 38, legumin 25, fat 3, sugar 0.5, 
 and gummy matters about 11 per cent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Wheaten flour is often used as a dusting-powder to allay the 
 heat and pain of local inflammations, such as superficial burns and scalds , erysipelas, ery- 
 thema, intertrigo , prickly heat , etc. But it is very far inferior for such purposes to 
 powdered starch, and even to rye flour. Its dietetic uses need not here be considered, but 
 one among them, which is also partly medicinal, is worthy of notice : it is the administra- 
 tion of an uncooked paste made from wheaten flour in many cases of diarrhoea , and espe- 
 cially in those depending upon debility. The summer diarrhoeas of this climate are 
 usually curable by this simple remedy if the patient rests and abstains from other food. 
 Flour roasted in a skillet is, like toasted bread, astringent, and excellent in chronic and 
 subacute diarrhoeas. 
 
 Faba vulgaris, or horse bean, has been used as food from time immemorial. Bean 
 flour, like other analogous products, is a popular remedy for diarrhoea, and the ash of 
 burned bean-stalks and husks infused in white wine is a popular diuretic in France 
 (Gazin). Quite recently a watery infusion of the flowers has been vaunted as an efficient 
 remedy for attacks of gravel and for the nodosities caused by gout {Bull, de Therap., cxvi. 
 232, 354). 
 
 FEL BOVIS, 77. £.-Ox-Gall. 
 
 Fel bovinum , Fel tanri , Bills bubula. — Ox-bile , E. ; Bile {Fiel') de boeuj ’ F. Cod. ; Ochsen 
 galle , Rindsgalle , G. ; FLiel de toro , Bills de buey , Sp. 
 
 The fresh bile of Bos Taurus, Linne. 
 
 Class Mammalia. Order Ruminantia. 
 
 Origin and Properties. — Bile is a green or brownish-green viscid, transparent, 
 or more frequently translucent, liquid which is separated by the liver in the gall-bladder ; 
 it has a peculiar odor, which becomes prominent on heating, a nauseous, sweet, and bitter 
 taste, a specific gravity of about 1.02, a slight alkaline or sometimes a neutral reaction, 
 and dissolves completely when agitated with water. On warming it becomes thinner, and 
 may then be readily strained through moistened muslin, whereby fragments of tissue, 
 epithelial cells, etc. are removed. When mixed with its own weight or twice its bulk of 
 alcohol a precipitate is produced in fresh bile consisting almost exclusively of mucilaginous 
 matter, and the liquid filtered from it and freed from alcohol by evaporation resists putre- 
 faction for a long time. 
 
 “ A mixture of 2 drops of ox-gall and 10 Cc. of water, when treated, first, with a drop 
 of a freshly prepared solution of 1 part of sugar in 4 parts of water, and afterwards 
 with sulphuric acid, cautiously added, until the precipitate first formed is redissolved, 
 gradually acquires a cherry-red color, changing, successively, to carmine, purple, and 
 violet .”—77. S. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal coloring matter of bile appears to be bilirubin , formerly 
 called colepyrrhin , C 16 H 18 N 2 0 3 , which is slightly soluble in alcohol and ether, but dissolves 
 in chloroform, carbon disulphide, and benzene ; it forms an amorphous or crystalline 
 orange-colored or red powder. It is accompanied by bilifuscin , a dark olive-brown powder 
 soluble in alcohol and in hot chloroform ; biliprasin , a green-black powder insoluble in 
 chloroform, soluble in alcohol, with a green, or in the presence of ammonia with a brown, 
 color ; and bilihumin , a blackish powder insoluble in simple solvents and often found in 
 biliary concretions. Biliverdin, formed by the oxidation of bilirubin, is a dark-green 
 powder soluble in alcohol with a green color and insoluble in water, ether, and chloroform 
 (Stadeler, 1864). The fatty matter of bile is chiefly cholesterin , C26H44O, which is also an 
 ingredient of the brain, the nerves, the yelk of eggs, etc. It crystallizes in colorless 
 laminae or prisms, is unchanged by boiling potassa, dissolves in ether, chloroform, and 
 hot alcohol, and is chemically a monatomic alcohol. Ox-gall contains about 3 per cent, 
 each of the sodium salts of two peculiar acids, named glycocholic (the cholic and of some 
 older authors) and taurocholic (Strecker’s choleic) add , a part of the former of which, 
 together with the remaining pigments, is precipitated by neutral lead acetate from fresh 
 bile previously decolorized by animal charcoal. When to the filtrate from this pre- 
 cipitate lead subacetate is carefully added until the insoluble compound formed has a 
 white color, the precipitate will consist of lead glycocholate and taurocholate, and the 
 filtrate contains only taurocholic acid, which is precipitated on the further addition 
 of basic lead acetate. Hiifner (1874) observed that glycocholic acid usually crystal- 
 
FEL BO VIS. 
 
 715 
 
 lizes out when fresh beef-gall is mixed with an excess of hydrochloric acid and ether. 
 Emich (1882) prefers the use of benzene in the place of ether, and ascertained that in 
 those cases where crystals are not obtained by this treatment the glycocholate has been 
 reduced to about f per cent, and the taurocholate increased to about 5^ per cent. Glyco- 
 cholic acid, G, 6 H 43 N0 6 , is in very fine white needles of a silky lustre and a sweetish-bitter 
 taste. At 20° C. (68° F.) it requires for solution 11,100 parts of benzene, 9090 parts of 
 chloroform, 1075 parts of ether, 36.3 parts of 50 per cent, alcohol or 3030 parts of water, 
 but is much more soluble in solutions of taurocholic acid. On being boiled with acids it 
 is converted into insoluble paraglycocholic acid , melting at 183° C. (361.4° F.), while 
 glycocholic acid melts at 132° C. (269.6° F.). Its salts have a sweet taste and are mostly 
 soluble in water and alcohol. Boiled with alkalies, it takes up 1 molecule of water and 
 splits into glycocol ( glycin or amidoacetic acid ), C 2 H 5 N0 2 , and cholic acid ( cholalic acid of 
 Strecker), C i4 H w 0 5 , which has a bitter and afterward sweetish taste. Taurocholic acid , 
 C 26 H 45 NS0 7 , is in silky acicular crystals easily soluble in water and alcohol, and when 
 boiled with alkalies decomposed into cholic acid and taurin ( amido-isethionic acid ), 
 
 c 2 h 7 nso 3 . 
 
 Ox-bile contains the two biliary acids in nearly equal proportions ; human bile mainly 
 taurocholic acid, which is found in dog-bile almost to the exclusion of other acids. Both 
 acids, dissolved in water and mixed with a little syrup and afterward with oil of vitriol, 
 acquire a red color, changing to carmine, purple, and violet {Pettenkofer' s test for bile). 
 This is due to the decomposition of the sugar under the influence of sulphuric acid, by 
 which furfurol is formed, which then forms the colored compounds with biliary acids. 
 Using syrupy phosphoric in place of sulphuric acid, Drechsel (1881) observed that the 
 reaction is less interfered with by an excess of sugar. Cholic acid shows a similar 
 behavior, and the coloration is also obtained with unpurified bile, and with glucose as 
 well as cane-sugar ; according to Van den Brock (1846), the principal constituents of 
 bile give the reaction with sulphuric acid without the previous addition of sugar. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations.— Fel bo vis purificatum, U. S. ; Fel bovi- 
 num purificatum, Br . ; Fel tauri depuratum. — Purified ox-gall or ox-bile, E . ; Fiel 
 de boeuf purifie, Bile purifie, Fr. ; Gereinigte Ochsengalle, G. — Fresh ox-gall 300 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol 100 Cc. Evaporate the ox-gall in a porcelain capsule on the water-bath to 100 
 Gm. : then add to it the alcohol, agitate the mixture thoroughly, and let it stand, well 
 covered, for three or four days. Decant the clear solution, filter the remainder, and, 
 having mixed the liquids and distilled off the alcohol, evaporate to a pilular consistence. 
 — U. S. The British Pharmacopoeia directs fresh ox-bile 1 pint to be evaporated to 5 
 fluidounces, and precipitated with 10 fluidounces of rectified spirit ; the remainder of the 
 process is identical with the foregoing. The object is the removal of the mucilage, 
 whereby ox-gall is rendered less prone to change. 
 
 Fel bovis inspissatum, Extractum fellis bovini. — Inspissated ox-gall, E. ; Fiel 
 epaissi, Extrait de bile de boeuf, Fr. ; Eingedickte Bindsgalle, G. — Fresh ox-gall 100 
 parts; to make 15 parts. Heat the ox-gall to a temperature not exceeding 80° C. (176° 
 F.) ; strain it through muslin, and evaporate the strained liquid, on a water-bath in a 
 porcelain capsule, to 15 parts. — U S. 1880. By this process the fragments of tissue 
 present in bile are strained off and the water is mostly evaporated. Following strictly 
 the letter of the directions, the product must vary in consistence and permanence. The 
 French Codex more properly directs the evaporation to be continued until a firm extract 
 is obtained ; the yield is from 11 to 13, or sometimes 15, per cent. 
 
 Both preparations are deep yellowish-green extract-like masses having the peculiar 
 odor, taste, and behavior of bile, and being completely soluble in water. Only purified 
 ox-gall is completely soluble in spirit, and its aqueous solution is not precipitated by 
 alcohol. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia of 1872 directed a still purer article, from which, besides 
 the mucilage, the biliary coloring matters also have been removed ; the decoloration is 
 effected after the removal of the mucilage by distilling off the alcohol and then adding 
 to the residue recently-purified and well-washed still moist animal charcoal ; 8 to 10 parts 
 of it will be sufficient for 100 parts of bile. The mixture is occasionally agitated, and 
 when the liquid shows only a slight yellow color it is passed through a moistened filter, 
 evaporated in a porcelain capsule by means of a water-bath, and then completely exsic- 
 cated in a drying closet or by means of a sand-bath, the heat of which must not be 
 allowed to rise above 100° C. (212° F.). If spread upon glass plates it may be scaled, 
 or the dry mass is reduced to powder and preserved in small well-corked vials. The yield 
 is nearly 7 per cent. It forms a yellow or yellowish-white powder, which attracts moist- 
 
716 
 
 FERRI ARSEN AS. 
 
 ure from the atmosphere and dissolves completely in water and alcohol, the solutions being 
 of a yellowish color and of the sweet and bitter taste of bile. When heated to redness 
 it burns, leaving a small amount of a white alkaline ash. This preparation is sometimes 
 sold as sodium choleate or choleinate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Ox-gall (or pig-gall, which is supposed to be more analogous 
 to human bile) is thought to be an efficient remedy for habitual constipation depending 
 upon atony of the intestine. After its use the bowel is not so apt to become torpid as 
 after that of ordinary purgatives. It is perhaps of some interest to note that the medi- 
 cine which most nearly resembles it in this respect is aloes, which, like bile, is very bitter 
 and tends to irritate the rectum. The dyspeptic derangements which are apt to attend 
 constipation, and which often depend upon a distended colon compressing the liver or its 
 ducts, usually subside under purgation of any kind. It is very doubtful if ox-gall 
 exhibits any of the special virtues which have been attributed to it under these circum- 
 stances. In jaundice depending upon catarrh of the bile-ducts this medicine is some- 
 times found advantageous, probably in virtue both of its purgative operation and of its 
 supplying for duodenal digestion the agent which the liver fails to secrete. The objec- 
 tion to its use, that it will be absorbed into the blood already overcharged with bile, is 
 more specious than sound. Bile has been used as a vermifuge for lumbricoid ascarides. 
 As a topical remedy it has been applied with alleged success to the treatment of various 
 glandular hypertrophies and indurations, but this method has not been accepted. Specu- 
 lative notions have led to the use of ox-gall in continued fevers, but no clinical proof of 
 its efficiency exists. 
 
 The administration of bile in a liquid state is too disgusting to be recommended. It 
 may be given in the form of inspissated bile, which is officinal. Gm. 0.33 (gr. v.) of 
 this preparation are estimated to be equal to Gm. 7.60 (gr. c) of fresh bile. It may be 
 made into pills coated with gelatin or enclosed in gelatin capsules. If taken after meals 
 this coating delays the escape of the bile until the food is ready to pass through the 
 pylorus. About Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) may be given at a dose. 
 
 FERRI ARSENAS, Br, — Iron Arsenate. 
 
 Ferrum arsenicicum , Arsenias ferrosus. — Ferrous arsenate , E. ; Arseniate de fer , Fr. ; 
 Arsensaures Eisen , G. 
 
 Formula 3Fe(Fe0)As0 4 .16H 2 0. Molecular weight 1086.74. 
 
 Preparation. — Dissolve Sodium Arsenate (dried at 300° F.), 15} ounces, in about 5 
 pints, and Ferrous Sulphate, 20} ounces, in about 6 pints, of boiling Distilled Water ; mix 
 the two solutions, and add Sodium Bicarbonate, 4\ ounces, dissolved in a little distilled 
 water ; stir thoroughly ; collect the white precipitate which has formed on a calico filter, 
 and wash until the washings cease to be affected by a dilute solution of barium chloride. 
 Squeeze the washed precipitate between folds of strong linen in a screw press, and dry 
 it on porous bricks in a warm air-chamber whose temperature shall not exceed 100 F°. 
 — Br. 
 
 The reaction takes place between 3 mol. of ferrous sulphate and 2 mol. of sodium 
 arsenate, which corresponds with the above quantities of crystallized salts, but the Phar- 
 macopoeia directs the sodium salt, dried at 300° F., which is an excess of about 66 per 
 cent. On mixing the two solutions, ferrous arsenate (Fe 3 As 2 0 8 ) is precipitated, but a 
 portion remains dissolved in the acid liquid, and is recovered by nearly neutralizing with 
 sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide being evolved. The white precipitate is very bulky, 
 and while being washed to free it from the mother-liquor and dried it is oxidized and 
 converted into ferroso-ferric arsenate of the formula given above (Wittstein, 1866). The 
 change is indicated by the gradual disappearance of the white color until the salt finally 
 becomes olive-green or blue-green. In the reaction and final result the process corre- 
 sponds nearly with the one for the blue iron phosphate. 
 
 Properties. — Iron arsenate is a green or blue-green amorphous powder insoluble in 
 water and in alcohol, but dissolving readily in dilute hydrochloric acid, yielding a bright- 
 yellow solution in which blue precipitates are produced with both ferrocyanide and ferricya- 
 nide of potassium, and which yields with hydrogen sulphide first a milkiness (sulphur) 
 and afterward a yellow precipitate of arsenic sulphide. It contains 31.68 per cent, of 
 As 2 0 5 and 26.4 per cent, of water, most of which is expelled when heated to 100° 0. 
 (212° F.), the remainder being given off at a red heat without loss of arsenic. It may 
 be distinguished from iron phosphate, which resembles it in appearance, by boiling a 
 small portion with an excess of caustic soda, filtering and neutralizing exactly with nitric 
 
FERRI BROMID UM.— FERRI CARBON AS SACCHARATUS. 
 
 717 
 
 acid, when a brick-red precipitate of silver arsenate will be produced on the addition of 
 silver nitrate. Iron phosphate similarly treated yields a yellow precipitate. To deter- 
 mine the amount of ferrous salt, which theoretically corresponds to 19.82 per cent, of 
 ferrous oxide, the British Pharmacopoeia directs the dissolving of 100 grains in an excess 
 of diluted sulphuric acid, and adding thereto gradually volumetric solution of potassium 
 dichromate until a drop of the acid liquid ceases to give a blue precipitate with potas- 
 sium ferricyanide ; at least 225 grain-measures of the test-solution should be required for 
 the purpose, indicating 3.78 per cent, of iron in the ferrous state. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is difficult to conjecture on what grounds this compound 
 was made officinal, since the proportion of iron contained in the dose of it recommended, 
 Gm. 0.004 (gr. yL), is too inconsiderable to have any curative action. Iron and arsenic 
 are, both of them, medicines the dose of which must vary greatly and frequently with 
 the nature of the disease and the special condition of the patient, and it is better that 
 they should be given separately. To any liquid preparation of iron the solution of 
 potassium arsenite may be added at the time of administration. The arseniate of iron 
 may be given in a pill, and in the dose of Gm. 0.003 (gr. -Ar), gradually increased to Gm. 
 0.03 (gr. i). 
 
 FERRI BROMIDUM. — Ferrous Bromide. 
 
 Ferrum bromatum. — Bromide of Bon, E. ; Bromure ferreux , Fr. ; Eisenbromid , Ferro- 
 bromid, G. 
 
 Formula FeBr 2 . Molecular weight 215.4. 
 
 Preparation and Properties. — It is prepared by gradually adding 2 parts of 
 bromine to 1 part of iron filings or wire and 10 parts of water, and digesting until the 
 liquid has a greenish color, when it is filtered and evaporated in an iron dish to dryness. 
 It forms a grayish-black mass which, on exposure to air, acquires a brown color through 
 oxidation. From its hot concentrated solution in water it maybe obtained in transparent 
 pale-green rhombic plates of the composition FeBr 2 ,6H 2 0. On being heated to redness 
 in contact with the atmosphere it is converted into ferric oxide and ferric bromide, the 
 latter subliming in yellow scales. An aqueous solution of ferrous bromide preserved by 
 sugar, has been proposed as a convenient preparation. (See Syrupus Ferri Bromidi.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — It may seem singular that two agents so physiologically 
 antagonistic as iron and bromine should have been united in the same medicine, since the 
 one tends to produce what the other is employed to subdue. Practically, however, the 
 bromine of the compound is its only active element. This preparation has been recom- 
 mended as an energetic astringent and antistrumous medicine, and has been prescribed 
 in hypertrophy of the heart and uterus , for scrofulous glandular swellings, both topically 
 and internally, in spermatorrhoea , blennorrhoea , leucorrhoea , hysteria , chorea , and pulmonary 
 phthisis. It has been given in doses of from Gm. 0.3-0.12 (gr. ss-ij). There is not the 
 slightest evidence of it ever having been useful as a medicine, and, as it is dangerously 
 poisonous, it ought never to be used internally. It is now, says Husemann, entirely 
 ibsolete, and Trousseau and Pidoux pronounced it unworthy of special notice. 
 
 FERRI OARBONAS SACCHARATUS, U. S., Bv.— Saccharated 
 
 Ferrous Carbonate. 
 
 Ferrum carbonicum saccharatum , P. G. ; Carbonas ferrosus saccharatus. — Saccharated 
 carbonate of iron , E. ; Saccharure de proto-carbonate de fer ( de carbonate ferreux'), Fr. ; 
 Zuckerhaltiges Ferrocarbonat, G. 
 
 Formula of ferrous carbonate FeC0 3 (anhydrous). Molecular weight 115.73. 
 
 The mixture of ferrous carbonate with sugar contains 20.5 per cent. Br., 9.5-10 per 
 cent. P. G., about 7.25 per cent. U. S ., of metallic iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferrous Sulphate, 50 Gm. ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 35 Gm. ; Sugar, in 
 fine powder, 80 Gm. ; Distilled Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 100 Gm. Dissolve 
 the Ferrous Sulphate in 200 Cc. of hot Distilled Water and the Sodium Bicarbonate in 
 500 Cc. of Distilled Water at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), and filter 
 the solutions separately. To the solution of sodium bicarbonate contained in a flask hav- 
 ing a capacity of about 1000 Cc. add, gradually, the solution of ferrous sulphate, and mix 
 thoroughly by rotating the flask. Fill up the flask with boiling distilled water, cork it 
 loosely, and set the mixture aside. \\ hen the precipitate has subsided, draw off the clear, 
 supernatant liquid by means of a siphon, and then fill the flask again with hot distilled 
 
718 
 
 FERRI CARBONAS SACCHARATUS. 
 
 water in the same manner, until the decanted liquid gives not more than a slight cloudi- 
 ness with barium chloride test-solution. Finally bring the precipitate on a muslin 
 strainer, and, when it has thoroughly drained, transfer it to a porcelain capsule contain- 
 ing the sugar, and mix intimately. Evaporate the mixture to dryness, by means of a 
 water-bath, reduce it to powder, and mix intimately with it, if necessary, enough well- 
 dried sugar to make the final product weigh 100 Gm. Keep the product in small, well- 
 stoppered bottles. — U S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of saccharated ferrous carbonate, use 2 av. ozs. of ferrous sulphate 
 dissolved in one-half pint of hot distilled water and 612.5 grains of sodium bicarbonate 
 dissolved in 11 pints of warm distilled water ; mix as directed above in a 40 oz. flask, and 
 after washing the precipitate thoroughly, incorporate it with 1400 grains of finely pow- 
 dered sugar, evaporate to dryness, and finally add enough sugar to bring the weight up 
 to 1750 grains (4 av. ozs.) 
 
 Both the British and German Pharmacopoeias mix the iron and alkali solutions while 
 hot, and thereby avoid absorption of oxygen during cooling ; in other respects the manip- 
 ulation does not materially differ. For 10 parts of ferrous sulphate there are ordered 7 
 parts of sodium bicarbonate, P. G., 61 parts of ammonium carbonate, Br. ; and the fer- 
 rous carbonate thus obtained is mixed with sugar 5 parts, Br. (yield 9f parts) — first with 
 milk-sugar 2 parts and sugar 6 parts — and when dry with sufficient sugar to make 20 
 parts, P. G. 
 
 Ferrous sulphate and sodium bicarbonate decompose each other, forming ferrous car- 
 bonate, carbon dioxide, and sodium sulphate ; thus : FeS0 4 + 2NaHC0 3 = FeC0 3 + C0 2 
 -f- H. 2 0 + Na 2 S0 4 . The operation must be performed with the air excluded as much as 
 possible ; hence the importance of employing boiling water from which the air has been 
 expelled, of generating carbon dioxide during the operation by the use of sodium bicar- 
 bonate, of performing the washing by decantation in deep cylindrical and well-covered 
 vessels, and of collecting and draining, or, as directed by the Br. P., expressing the pre- 
 cipitate rapidly ; the subsequent addition of the sugar will, in a measure, protect it against 
 oxidation until it has been finally dried. 
 
 Properties. — Ferrous carbonate forms small lumps or a gray or greenish-gray inodor- 
 ous powder having a neutral reaction to moistened litmus-paper and a sweet taste like 
 that of sugar, followed by a very feeble chalybeate taste. On exposure to dry air it is 
 slowly, or in damp air rapidly, oxidized, and is therefore best preserved in small well- 
 filled and sealed vials ; if it has changed to a brown color and effervesces only slightly 
 with acids, it should be rejected. When heated in contact with the air it becomes black, 
 evolving the odor of burning sugar, and is finally converted into red-brown ferric oxide. 
 Water dissolves only the sugar, but the powder is completely dissolved with effervescence 
 in dilute hydrochloric acid, and this solution gives a blue precipitate with both potassium 
 ferricyanide and ferrocyanide, showing the presence of ferrous and of ferric salt. Pure 
 ferrous carbonate represents 53.7 per cent, of ferrous oxide ; the anhydrous salt, FeCo 3 
 (mol. weight 115.73), represents 62.07 per cent, of the oxide. 
 
 Tests. — The powder, placed upon moistened red litmus-paper, should not change the 
 red color to blue (absence of alkali). The solution in diluted hydrochloric acid should 
 yield no precipitate or but a slight turbidity with barium chloride, indicating only traces 
 of sulphate left behind from the mother-liquor. 
 
 “If 1.16 (1.1573) Gm. of saccharated ferrous carbonate be dissolved in 10 Cc. of 
 diluted sulphuric acid, and the solution diluted with water to about 100 Cc. it should 
 require about 15 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution before the pink tint 
 imparted to the liquid ceases immediately to disappear, corresponding to about 15 per 
 cent, of ferrous carbonate (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of 
 pure ferrous carbonate).” — U. S. The Br. P. demands about one-third of anhydrous fer- 
 rous carbonate, and that 3 Gm. are oxidized by at least 20.75 Cc. of the volumetric 
 solution of potassium dichromate, indicating not less than 16.1 per cent, iron or 28.32 per 
 cent, carbonate. If none of the ferrous salt had been oxidized, the powder would con- 
 tain 20.85 per cent. U. S., P. G., 42.8 per cent. Br., of anhydrous ferrous carbonate. 
 The German Pharmacopoeia determines the total iron only. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is intended to take the place of the subcar- 
 bonate, one of the oldest pharmaceutical preparations of iron, and to be a substitute for 
 rust of iron, which from time immemorial had been used in medicine. It is one of the 
 most employed members of its class, and may be recommended in all forms of anaemia 
 and anaemic chlorosis, and in neuralgia, chorea, and other nervous affections depending 
 upon a deficiency of red corpuscles in the blood. In large doses, mixed with water, it 
 
FERRI CHLORIDUM. 
 
 719 
 
 may be resorted to when the hydrated peroxide cannot be procured in cases of poisoning 
 by arsenious acid. The dose is Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) and upward. 
 
 Soluble saccharated oxide of iron (Ph. G.) is said not to discolor the teeth or derange 
 the digestion, and has been recommended, on account of its sweetish taste and ready 
 solubility, for children and females. Dose, Gm. 0.30-1.3 (gr. v-xx) three times a day. 
 
 FERRI CHLORIDUM, 77. S. — Ferric Chloride. 
 
 Ferrum sesquichloratum , P. G. ; Ferrum muriaticum oxy datum , Chloridum vel Chloru - 
 return ferricum, Ferri per chloridum. — Sesquichloride (Per chloride) of iron, E. ; Perchlorure 
 de fer , Chlorure ferrique , F. ; Eisenchlorid, G. 
 
 Formula Fe 2 Cl 6 .12H 2 0. Molecular weight 539.5. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron, in the form of fine bright wire and cut into small pieces, 15 
 Gm. ; Hydrochloric Acid, Nitric Acid, Distilled Water, each a sufficient quantity. Put 
 the iron wire into a flask capable of holding about 200 Cc., pour upon it 54 Gm. of 
 hydrochloric acid previously diluted with 25 Cc. of distilled water, and let the mixture 
 stand until effervescence ceases ; then heat it to the boiling-point, filter through paper, 
 and, having rinsed the flask and iron wire with a little boiling distilled water, pass the 
 rinsings through the filter. To the filtered liquid add 28 Gm. of hydrochloric acid, and 
 pour the mixture slowly and gradually, in a stream, into 8 Gm. of nitric acid contained 
 in a capacious porcelain vessel. After effervescence ceases apply heat, by means of a 
 sand-bath, until the liquid is freed from nitrous odor and ceases to yield a blue precipitate 
 with freshly-prepared test-solution of potassium ferricyanide. Should this reagent 
 produce a blue color, add a little more nitric acid, drop by drop, as long as effervescence 
 is observed, and evaporate off the excess. Then add 5 Gm. of hydrochloric acid and 
 enough distilled water to make the whole weigh 60 Gm., and set this aside, covered with 
 glass, until it forms a solid crystalline mass. Lastly, break it into pieces, and keep the 
 fragments in a glass-stoppered bottle protected from light. — JJ. S. 
 
 To make about 4 av. ozs. of ferric chloride will require 1 av. oz. of iron wire ; 5 av. 
 ozs. and 350 grains of hydrochloric acid, divided into 3 portions of 3 av. ozs. and 263 
 grains, 1 av. oz. and 380 grains, and 145 grains respectively ; 234 grains of nitric acid. 
 The first portion of hydrochloric acid is diluted with 1? fluidounces of distilled water, 
 and after all hydrochloric acid has been used as directed above, enough distilled water 
 is added to make the liquid weigh 4 av. ozs. ; it is then set aside to crystallize. 
 
 In making this salt an excess of iron is advantageously used to facilitate the satura- 
 tion of the first portion of hydrochloric acid ; the metal, in combining with the chlorine 
 of the acid, will. produce ferrous chloride, FeCl 2 , hydrogen being given off. The whole 
 liquid should be passed through a paper filter, and the filtrate at once mixed with hydro- 
 chloric acid to prevent the deposition of ferric oxychloride, which would be formed by 
 the oxidizing influence of the atmospheric air. The mixture may now be heated to near 
 boiling, and the nitric acid poured in small portions down the side of the porcelain cap- 
 sule, and the mixture continually stirred; or, to avoid loss of hydrochloric acid, the cold 
 acid solution is now directed to be poured into nitric acid, when effervescence will com- 
 mence and the oxidation be completed on applying heat. The extrication of the red 
 vapors causes the liquid to froth considerably, hence the necessity of using a capsule 
 holding at least three times the measure of the liquid. Diehl (1867) prefers to heat 
 about three-fourths of the nitric aeid, and to add to it gradually the hot mixture of fer- 
 rous chloride and hydrochloric acid,; afterward more nitric acid as required ; frothing is 
 avoided by this manipulation. The object of this part of the process is to transform the 
 ferrous into ferric chloride ; the hydrochloric and nitric acids react upon each other, 
 with the production of chlorine, which unites with the ferrous chloride, and of nitric 
 oxide, which escapes, water being formed at the same time, according to the equation 
 6FeCl 2 -f- 6HC1 + 2HN0 3 = 3Fe 2 Cl 6 + 2NO -f- 4II 2 0. The liquid should now be tested 
 for ferrous salt by placing a drop upon a porcelain plate and adding a drop of freshly- 
 dissolved potassium ferricyanide. If a blue color or precipitate is produced a little more 
 nitric acid is required. Should the brown color be merely darkened, the iron has been 
 all oxidized ; but there may be an excess of nitric acid, which is detected by placing a 
 drop of the liquid upon a plate in contact with a little ferrous sulphate and adding 
 a drop of strong sulphuric acid. The production of a black color indicates the presence 
 of free nitric acid, which cannot be completely removed by boiling, but requires the 
 addition of a little hydrochloric acid and the application of heat to expel the nitric oxide 
 and chlorine formed, until no more nitric acid is shown by the test. During this and the 
 
720 
 
 FERRI CHLORIDUM. 
 
 subsequent operation the use of iron spatulas or stirrers must be carefully avoided ; only 
 porcelain or glass should be used. 
 
 On evaporating a solution of ferric chloride to the crystallizing-point, vapors containing 
 hydrochloric acid are given off as soon as the temperature reaches a certain point, which 
 varies with the strength of the solution : and if the heat is raised to the boiling-point 
 ferric chloride is mechanically carried off. Should evaporation become necessary, it 
 should be done at a gentle heat, and it will be found of advantage to have a slight excess 
 of hydrochloric acid at the beginning of the evaporation. If this acid has been of the 
 official strength, about 63 Gm. of crystallized ferric chloride will be finally obtained. 
 The crystallization may be effected by keeping the capsule in a warm place until the 
 contents solidify, but the crystals will then be very damp from enclosed moisture. It is 
 far better to follow the directions of the Pharmacopoeia, and have the liquid of less 
 weight than the expected salt ; on cooling, the mass will now remain liquid, and is set 
 aside loosely covered to protect it from dust and other impurities, and at the same time 
 to admit the atmosphere, from which it will attract moisture and gradually crystallize. 
 The crystals begin to form as small circular nodules having a radiated appearance, float- 
 ing upon the liquid, and increasing in size until the entire liquid forms a solid mass, 
 which adheres firmly to the vessel. By warming it slightly the mass is readily detached, 
 and should be at once broken into pieces and put into dry, well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Properties. — The official ferric chloride forms orange-colored wart-like pieces which 
 have a crystalline texture and a slight odor of hydrochloric acid, are very deliquescent, 
 forming a thick red-brown liquid having a density of about 1.55, and formerly known as 
 Oleum martis per deliquium. The salt is readily and completely soluble in water and 
 alcohol, also in a mixture of 1 part of ether and 3 parts of alcohol, yielding yellowish- 
 brown solutions of an acid reaction and a strongly styptic ferruginous taste. The crys- 
 tals fuse at 35.5° C. (96° F.) ; at a higher temperature they are decomposed and partly 
 volatilized. The aqueous solution shows the reactions of ferric salts and chlorides in 
 yielding a red-brown precipitate with ammonia-water or other alkalies, a blue one with 
 potassium ferrocyanide, and a white one, insoluble in nitric acid, with silver nitrate. 
 
 Tests. — The complete solubility in the solvents mentioned is generally an indication 
 of the absence of other metallic salts. The presence of nitric acid or of ferrous salt is 
 detected as described above. A moderately dilute aqueous solution of the salt, to which 
 a small crystal of ferrous sulphate has been added, should, on the addition of an equal 
 volume of strong sulphuric acid, not show a black or brown-black color, and a few drops 
 of a similar solution should, on the addition of a drop of freshly-prepared solution of 
 potassium ferricyanide, produce a pure brown color, without a tinge of green or greenish- 
 blue. A solution of the chloride in water should not be precipitated by barium chloride 
 (absence of sulphate), and when precipitated by an excess of ammonia the filtrate, on 
 evaporation to dryness, should leave only ammonium chloride, which is completely volatil- 
 ized at a red heat (absence of alkalies, alkaline earths, zinc, etc.). Copper, if present, 
 is detected by the black precipitate formed in the ammoniacal filtrate with hydrogen 
 sulphide, and zinc by the white precipitate formed under the same condition. A 1 per 
 cent, solution of the salt in distilled water, when heated to boiling in a test-tube, should 
 remain clear (absence of oxychloride) ; the hot liquid is of a dark red-brown color, and 
 is precipitated by sodium chloride, the precipitate being soluble again in pure water, but 
 on continuing the heat the liquid becomes permanently soluble (Krecke, Jour. Prah. 
 Chem., 1871, iii. p. 286). “If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved in a glass- 
 stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), in 10 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of 
 hydrochloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the mixture kept 
 for half an hour at a temperature of 40° Cc. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool, it 
 should, after the addition of a few drops of starch test-solution, require 20 Cc. of deci- 
 normal sodium thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish color of the liquid 
 (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of metallic iron).” — U. S. 
 
 The volumetric determination of iron by means of potassium iodide and sodium thio- 
 sulphate depends upon the well-known reaction of the former salt and ferric chloride, 
 whereby iodine is liberated in proportion to the chlorine present ; thus Fe 2 Cl 6 + 2KI 
 = I 2 + 2FeCl 2 + 2KC1, the ferric salt being at the same time reduced to the ferrous 
 state ; 323.98 parts of anhydrous or 539.5 parts of official ferric chloride correspond to 
 253.06 parts of iodine, and hence each cubic centimeter of sodium thiosulphate solution 
 necessary to discharge the blue color caused by the action of iodine on the starch will 
 represent 0.05395 Gm. of Fe 2 Cl 6 .12H 2 0, corresponding to 0.005588 Gm. of metallic 
 iron. The iodine liberated is held, in solution by an excess of potassium iodide. 
 
FERRI CITRAS. 
 
 721 
 
 Allied Salt. — Ferrum chloratum, P. G. 1872; Ferrum muriaticum oxydulatum, Chloridum 
 ferrosum. — Ferrous chloride, E.; Protochlorure de fer, Fr. ; Eisenchlorlir, G. Formula FeCl 2 .2H 2 0. 
 Molecular weight 162.7 — 520 parts of hydrochloric acid are allowed to act upon 110 parts of 
 iron wire, finally with the application of heat, until hydrogen gas ceases to be given off, when 
 the solution is rapidly filtered. If now 1 part of hydrochloric acid and sufficient distilled 
 water to make the whole weigh 1000 parts are added, Liquor f err i chlorati (s. muriatici oxi/dulati) 
 is obtained. The salt is prepared by evaporating the solution immediately after filtration, and 
 very rapidly, until a pellicle is formed, when 1 part of hydrochloric acid is added, and the 
 evaporation continued with stirring until the mass becomes rather stiff ; the capsule is now 
 removed from the fire, and the salt, after it has solidified, is powdered. It is a greenish-white 
 powder, and dissolves in its own weight of water, affording a green solution, which, on being 
 mixed with three times its measure of alcohol, yields no precipitate (absence of ferrous sulphate, 
 etc.). Since ferrous chloride is very easily oxidized on exposure to air, Hager recommended to 
 deoxidize the recently-prepared and powdered salt by exposing it in a thin layer for several 
 hours to the direct sunlight. It contains 34.3 per cent, of iron, 43.6 of chlorine, and 22.1 of 
 water of crystallization. Its concentrated aqueous solution yields crystals containing 411,0 
 = 36.2 per cent., which are deliquescent in moist air and on exposure rapidly turn yellowish-green. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Chloride of iron is a powerful astringent and haemostatic. It 
 is chiefly used topically for stanching haemorrhage , as in epistaxis, in haemoptysis (by 
 inhaling an atomized solution), in bleeding from leech-bites, from the jaw after the 
 extraction of teeth, from the tonsils, from ulcers of the neck of the uterus, from the 
 umbilical cord, from the uterus during and subsequent to abortion, from fungous tumors 
 of various parts, etc. It is reported to have acted favorably as a caustic upon lupoid or 
 scrofulous ulcers when dissolved in 2 parts of water, and upon various chronic diseases of 
 the skin when applied in an ointment (1 : 20). St. Germain claims to have cured vascular 
 nsevi by injecting them once a week with a single drop of a solution made with 5 parts 
 of “perchloride of iron,” 3 parts of chloride of sodium, and 12 parts of distilled water 
 ( Practitioner , xxvi. 261). Chloride of iron, if kept in a bottle, gradually deliquesces, 
 and may then be applied with a glass rod or brush. As a haemostatic 5 parts of the 
 chloride may be dissolved in 100 parts of distilled water and applied on lint. 
 
 (A more detailed account of the action and uses of this preparation will be found in 
 the article on Solution of Chloride of Iron.) 
 
 Ferrous chloride , it is stated by German authorities, may be given internally in doses 
 of from Gm. 0.06-0.20 (gr. j-iv). 
 
 FERRI CITRAS, TJ . Ferric Citrate. 
 
 Ferrum citricum oxy datum, P. G. ; Citras ferricus . — Citrate of iron , E. ; Citrate de 
 sesquioxide de fer , Citrate ferrique , Fr. ; Eisencitrat , Citronensaures Eisenoxyd , Ferri- 
 
 i citrat , G. 
 
 Formula Fe 2 (C 6 H 5 0 7 ) 2 (anhydrous). Molecular weight 488.84. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Citrate a convenient quantity. Evaporate the 
 solution at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.) to the consistence of syrup, 
 and spread it on plates of glass, so that, when dry, the salt may be obtained in scales. — 
 i U. S. 
 
 At a higher temperature than indicated by the formula the salt is slowly reduced to 
 a ferrous compound. When the solution is concentrated to a thick, syrupy liquid it is 
 spread on plates, and then dried in a dry or warm place. Failure in scaling is usually 
 due to the incomplete saturation of the citric acid with ferric hydroxide, occasionally to 
 the presence of saline impurities retained by the carelessly washed hydroxide. The 
 yield is from 42 to 44 per cent. 
 
 The amount of water of hydration varies considerably, and hence no definite formula 
 can be assigned to the official scale salt ; much confusion exists in the literature upon the 
 subject, some authors assigning as low as 3.5 per cent., while others claim 18-20 per cent, 
 of water. F. B. Power (1891) found the amount of water present in scales of ferric citrate, 
 carefully prepared by himself, to average 31.9 per cent. ; the same author also determined 
 that all water of hydration is eliminated at 100° C. (212° F.). The variable proportion 
 of water may be due to difference in temperature employed, subsequent exposure, etc. 
 The U. S. Ph. requires the presence of at least 16 per cent, of metallic iron, which is 
 somewhat less than the last Pharmacopoeia (26 per cent. Fe 2 0 3 = 18.2 per cent, metallic 
 iron) ; the Germ. Pharm. requires 19-20 per cent, of iron. 
 
 Properties. — If of the proper composition, the salt readily comes off the plates in the 
 form of thin, transparent, garnet-red scales which yield a red-brown powder, are perma- 
 nent in the air, inodorous, and have a faint ferruginous taste and an acid reaction. It is 
 46 
 
722 
 
 FERRI ET AMMO Nil C1TRAS. 
 
 insoluble in alcohol, and dissolves completely but slowly in cold water, and easily in boil- 
 ing water, but diminishing in solubility by age. Its solution is darkened, but not pre- 
 cipitated, by ammonia. When strongly heated the salt is decomposed, emitting fumes 
 having the odor of burnt sugar and leaving an ash consisting of ferric oxide. On being 
 boiled with an exqess of potassa solution the salt or its solution yields a precipitate of 
 ferric hydroxide, and the filtrate, on being neutralized with acetic acid and then boiled 
 with test-solution of calcium chloride, gives a white granular precipitate of calcium 
 citrate. With potassium ferrocyanide test-solution it affords a bluish-green color or pre- 
 cipitate, which is increased and rendered dark blue by the subsequent addition of hydro- 
 chloric acid (difference from soluble citrate of iron). If heated with potassium hydroxide 
 test-solution, it affords a brownish-red precipitate, without evolving any vapor of am- 
 monia. 
 
 Tests. — Ferric citrate is not liable to adulteration. The presence of tartaric acid 
 would be detected by acidulating the solution with a few drops of hydrochloric acid, and 
 then adding some potassium acetate, when cream of tartar would be precipitated. The 
 ash obtained by incinerating the salt should not have an alkaline reaction (absence of 
 fixed alkalies). “ If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved in a glass-stoppered 
 bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydro- 
 chloric acid, with the aid of a gentle heat, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium 
 iodide, the mixture kept for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then 
 allowed to cool, it should, after the addition of a few drops of starch test-solution, require 
 about 16 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution, before the blue or greenish 
 color of the liquid is discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per 
 cent, of metallic iron.” — JJ. S. 
 
 The object of heating the ferric citrate with hydrochloric acid is to convert the citrate 
 into chloride, after which the determination proceeds as explained under that salt. 
 
 Iron and ammonium citrate is sometimes sold as soluble citrate of iron ; it resembles 
 the former in appearance and behavior, except that it has a neutral reaction, is more 
 readily soluble in cold water, gives off the odor of ammonia when heated with an excess 
 of potassa solution, and does not strike a blue color on mixing its solution with potassium 
 ferrocyanide unless it be acidulated with hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is a mild preparation, and suitable for children and per- 
 sons of delicate stomach. It should be given in a watery solution and in the dose of 
 Gm. 0.30-1.20 (gr. v-xx). Citrate of iron, employed hypodermically in the treatment 
 of ansemia and chlorosis , has been proved by competent observers to be as useless in 
 practice as the notion of its employment was physiologically crude (Hirschfeld, Bull, 
 de Therap ., cxl. 19, 79). 
 
 FERRI ET AMMONII CITRAS, IT . S., Br . — Iron and Ammonium 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Citras ammonicoferricus , F. Cod. ; Ferrum citricum ammoniatum, Ferri ammonio-citras y 
 Ferro-ammonium citricum. — Ammonio-ferric citrate , Ammonio-citrate of iron, Soluble citrate 
 of iron , E. ; Citrate de fer et dammoniaque (de fer ammoniacal), Citrate ferrique amnw- 
 niacal , Fr. ; Ferriammoncitrat , Citronensaures Eisenoxyd- Ammonium (. Ammoniak ), G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Solution of Ferric Citrate 100 Cc. ; Ammonia-water 40 Cc. 
 Mix the solution of iron with the ammonia-water, evaporate the mixture, at a tempera- 
 ture not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), to the consistence of syrup, and spread it on plates 
 of glass, so that when dry the salt may be obtained in scales. Keep the product in well- 
 stoppered bottles in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 5 fluidounces of solution of ferric citrate require the addition of 2 fluidounces of 
 ammonia-water. 
 
 Mix 16 fl. oz. of solution of ammonia with 40 oz. of distilled water, and to this add 
 gradually 10 fl. oz. of solution of persulphate of iron, previously diluted with 40 oz. of 
 distilled water, stirring them constantly and briskly, and taking care that the ammonia 
 is, even finally, in slight excess, as indicated by the odor. Let the mixture stand for two 
 hours, stirring it occasionally ; then put it on a calico filter, and when the liquor has 
 drained away wash the precipitate with distilled water until that which passes through 
 the filter ceases to give a precipitate with barium chloride. Dissolve 4 oz. of citric acid 
 in 4 oz. of distilled water, and, having applied the heat of a water-bath, add the ferric 
 hydroxide, previously well drained, and stir them together until nearly the whole of the 
 hydroxide has dissolved, or until the citric acid is saturated (more ferric hydroxide being 
 
FERRI ET AMMON II SULPHAS. 
 
 723 
 
 added if necessary). Let the solution cool, add 5? fl. oz. of solution of ammonia, filter 
 through flannel (adding some distilled water if necessary), evaporate to the consistency 
 of a syrup, the presence of a very slight excess of ammonia being maintained, and dry 
 in thin layers on flat porcelain or glass plates at a temperature not exceeding 37.8° C. 
 (100° F.). Remove the dry salt in flakes, and keep it in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 The second formula requires the preparation of ferric hydroxide by decomposing ferric 
 sulphate with ammonia. It is washed, and then dissolved in citric acid to obtain a solu- 
 tion of ferric citrate, which, without being filtered, is mixed with ammonia. The turbid 
 liquid at once becomes deeper-colored, and is filtered and concentrated. The United 
 States Pharmacopoeia, recognizing a solution of ferric citrate, simply requires it to be 
 mixed with ammonia and concentrated. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — The salt closely resembles ferric citrate in appearance 
 and behavior, except as stated above. Impurities, if present, may be determined in the 
 same manner. On ignition the salt yields about 30 per cent., Br ., of ferric oxide. Being 
 made from normal ferric citrate with the addition of ammonia, it is probably a mixture 
 or compound of ammonio-ferric citrate with ferric oxycitrate. As in the case of ferric 
 citrate, so also here, the Pharmacopoeia requires the presence of at least 16 per cent., of 
 metallic iron, which is determined as follows : “ If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dis- 
 solved in a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 15 Cc. of 
 water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium 
 iodide, the mixture be kept for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and 
 then allowed to cool, it should, after the addition of a few drops of starch test-solution, 
 require about 16 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution, before the blue or 
 greenish color of the liquid is discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 
 1 per cent, of metallic iron).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The advantages of an iron salt containing ammonia are more 
 than contestible upon theoretical grounds, and there is no clinical evidence of its special 
 value. The addition to a solution of the salt of a solution of citric acid causes effer- 
 vescence. The close is Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). The case is recorded of a man who, after 
 taking Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) three times a day of this preparation for several weeks, was 
 seized with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Under treatment he evacuated a large 
 quantity of insoluble sulphide of iron ( Practitioner , xl. 54). It has been used hypo- 
 dermically with success in chlorosis (Ther. Gaz ., xv. 766). 
 
 FERRI ET AMMONE SULPHAS, U. S.— Iron and Ammonium Sul- 
 
 phate. 
 
 Ferrum sulfuricum oxydatum ammoniatum , Ferrurn ammonio-sulphuricum , Ferri ammo- 
 nio-sulphas , Sidphas ammonico-ferricus , Ahtmen ammoniacale ferricum. — Ammonio-ferric 
 sulphate , Ammonio-ferric alum, E. ; Sulfate de fer et cV ammoviaque, Sulfate ferrique ammo - 
 niacal , Alun de fer ammoniacal, Fr. ; Ferriammonsulfat, Schwefelsaures Eisenoxyd- Ammo- 
 nium, Ammoniakalischer Eisenalaun , G. 
 
 Formula (NH 4 ) 2 Fe 2 (S0 4 )4.24H 2 0. Molecular weight 962.1. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Solution of Ferric Sulphate 2 pints ; Ammonium Sulphate 
 41 troyounces. Heat the solution of ferric sulphate to the boiling-point, add the ammo- 
 nium sulphate, stirring until it is dissolved, and set the liquid aside to crystallize. Wash 
 the crystals quickly with very cold water, wrap them in bibulous paper, and dry them in 
 the open air. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 On dissolving the ammonium sulphate in the liquid with the aid of heat a double salt 
 is formed which crystallizes on cooling ; the mother liquor will yield another crop of 
 crystals on being concentrated to about one-half. 
 
 Properties. — This salt crystallizes, like alum in regular octahedrons, which are 
 transparent and colorless or of a pale amethyst or violet color, particularly if crystallized 
 from a solution containing a little free acid. They have the spec. grav. 1.712, are inodor- 
 ous, of an acid and strongly astringent taste, and efflorescent on exposure to air. The 
 salt suffers decomposition when continually heated in the water-bath or kept in the 
 melted state, even in closed vessels. On the application of heat it melts, parts with its 
 water of crystallization, and is further decomposed, leaving ultimately a light-brown or 
 red-brown residue. The salt is insoluble in alcohol and ether; at 15° C. (59° F.) it 
 requires 3 parts, and at the boiling temperature 0.8 part, of water for solution. The 
 aqu ious solution has an acid reaction and is of a brown-yellow color, which gradually 
 changes to red, a basic salt being afterward deposited, and the decomposition being has- 
 
724 
 
 FEBBI ET AMM0N1I TABTRAS. 
 
 tened by continued boiling of the solution. This shows the chemical reactions of ferric 
 salts, sulphuric acid, and ammonia, yielding a blue precipitate with potassium ferrocya- 
 nide, a white one insoluble in hydrochloric acid with barium chloride, and a red-brown 
 one with potassa solution, an excess of which on heating causing the evolution of vapors 
 of ammonia. 
 
 Tests. — If the solution be boiled with an excess of potassa solution, and the colorless 
 alkaline filtrate heated, with excess of ammonium chloride, or neutralized with hydro- 
 chloric acid and again rendered alkaline by ammonia, it should not yield a white gelatinous 
 precipitate of aluminum hydroxide. The Pharmacopoeia requires an amount of ferric 
 sulphate corresponding to at least 11.6 per cent, of metallic iron, as shown by the fol- 
 lowing test : “ If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved in a glass-stoppered bottle 
 (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid 
 and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the mixture is kept for half an 
 hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool, it should, after the 
 addition of a few drops of starch test solution, require not less than 11.6 Cc. of deci- 
 normal sodium thiosulphate solution before the blue or greenish color of the liquid is 
 discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of metallic iron)/’ — 
 U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like most of the compounds of sulphuric acid with metals, 
 this one is astringent, but its astringency appears to be modified by the ammonia in its 
 composition. Crystals of the salt have been applied within the neck of the uterus in 
 various cases of haemorrhage from that organ. It may be advantageously used in 
 chronic mucous fluxes of the bowels, vagina, and bronchia when these affections are pro- 
 longed by general feebleness and a relaxation of the tissues. Dose, Gm. 0.30-1.0 (gr. 
 v-xv). 
 
 FERRI ET AMMONII TARTRAS, IT. S. — Iron and Ammonium 
 
 Tartrate. 
 
 Ferri ammonio-tartras , Ferrum tartaricum ammoniatum. — Ammonio-ferric tartrate , 
 Ammonio-tartrate of iron , E. ; Tartrate de fer et d' ammoniaque, Tartrate ferrique ammo- 
 niacal , Fr . ) Ferriammonlartrat, Weinsaures Eisenoxyd- Ammonium, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100 Cc. ; Tartaric Acid, 29 Gm. ; Dis- 
 tilled Water, 200 Cc. ; Ammonia-water, Water, each a sufficient quantity. To 110 Cc. 
 of ammonia-water, previously diluted with 250 Cc. of cold water, add, under constant 
 stirring, the solution of ferric sulphate, previously diluted with 1300 Cc. of cold water. 
 When the precipitate has subsided, draw off the clear, supernatant liquid by means of a 
 siphon, then mix the precipitate intimately with about 1500 Cc. of cold water, again 
 draw off the clear liquid, and repeat the washing in the same manner until the decanted 
 liquid gives not more than a slight cloudiness with barium chloride test-solution. Then 
 bring the precipitate on a wet muslin strainer, allow it to drain, and express the water as 
 completely as possible. Dissolve one-half of the tartaric acid in the distilled water, 
 neutralize the solution exactly with ammonia-water, then add the other half of the 
 tartaric acid, and dissolve it by the application of a gentle heat. Now bring in the moist 
 ferric hydroxide, in successive portions, stirring constantly, and continuing the heat which 
 should not exceed 60° C. (140° F.), until the hydroxide is dissolved. Filter the solution 
 while hot, evaporate it in a porcelain vessel, at or below the above-mentioned tempera- 
 ture, to the consistence of syrup, and spread it on plates of glass, so that, when dry, the 
 salt may be obtained in scales. Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles, in a dark 
 place. — U. S. 
 
 If 5 fluidounces of solution of ferric sulphate be used, it will require 662 grains of 
 tartaric acid, 16 fluidounces of distilled water and ammonia-water a sufficient quantity. 
 
 This formula is essentially that suggested by Prof. Procter (1841). By neutralizing 
 one-half of the tartaric acid with ammonia-water, ammonium tartrate is formed, which is 
 converted into the acid salt by the addition of reserved tartaric acid. On digesting this 
 with ferric hydroxide a solution is obtained, which, by careful evaporation and drying 
 upon plates, yields the official salt in scales. 
 
 Properties. — It is in transparent, garnet-red, inodorous scales of a sweetish and 
 slightly ferruginous taste, and yields a rust-colored powder. The Pharmacopoeia permits 
 the salt if of a reddish-brown color. In dry air it is permanent ; in a moist atmosphere 
 it is hygroscopic, but scarcely deliquescent. When heated it gives off water and ammo- 
 nia, is then charred, with the odor of burning sugar, and finally leaves a residue of ferric 
 
FERRI ET POTASSII TART BAS. 
 
 725 
 
 oxide. The salt is not soluble in alcohol or ether, but dissolves slowly and freely in 
 glycerin and water. The latter solution is neutral to test-paper, is darkened, but not 
 precipitated by ammonia or by cold solutions of fixed alkalies or their carbonates, and is 
 not colored blue by potassium ferrocyauide unless acidulated. When acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid and mixed with potassium acetate, potassium bitartrate is precipitated. 
 When heated with potassa solution in excess, a red-brown precipitate of ferric hydroxide 
 is deposited, ammonia is given off, and the colorless filtrate, when cooled and strongly 
 acidulated with acetic acid, yields a white crystalline precipitate of potassium bitartrate. 
 
 Tests. — The ash obtained on incineration should not have an alkaline reaction ; this 
 test readily distinguishes this salt from the next. The amount of iron present is deter- 
 mined volumetrically and should correspond to about 17 per cent, of metallic iron, as 
 may be seen from the pbarmacopoeial test: “If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dis- 
 solved in a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 15 Cc. of water 
 and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the 
 mixture be kept for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed 
 to cool, it should, after the addition of a few drops of starch test-solution, require about 
 17 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution before the blue or greenish color of 
 the liquid is discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of 
 metallic iron.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The only advantage of this salt is the one it shares with the 
 other ammonium salts — viz. that of great solubility. In proportion to its bulk, like 
 them also, it contains but little iron. Its dose is Gm. 0.60-2.0 (gr. x-xxx). 
 
 FERRI ET POTASSH TARTRAS, V. £.-Iron and Potassium 
 
 Tartrate. 
 
 Ferrum tartaratum , Br. ; Ferri potassio-tartr as, Ferri-Kali tartaricnm , Ferrum tartariza- 
 tum , Tartras ferrico-potassicus, s. potassio-ferricus, s. ferrico-halicus. — Potassio-ferric tartrate , 
 Tartarated ( tartarized ) iron , Ferro-tartrate of potassium. E. ; Tartrate de fer et de potasse, 
 Tartrate ferrico-potassique , Tartre chalybe , Tartre martial , Fr. ; Ferrikalitartrat, Wein- 
 saures Eisenoxyd-Kali , Eisenwein stein, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100 Cc. ; Potassium Bitartrate, 38 Gm. ; 
 Distilled Water, 300 Cc. ; Ammonia-water, Water, each a sufficient quantity. To 110 
 Cc. of ammonia, previously diluted with 250 Cc. of cold water, add, under constant 
 stirring, the solution of ferric sulphate, previously diluted with 1300 Cc. of cold water. 
 When the precipitate has subsided, draw off the clear, supernatant liquid by means of a 
 siphon, then mix the precipitate intimately with about 1500 Cc. of cold water, again 
 draw off the clear liquid, and repeat the washing with water in the same manner until 
 the decanted liquid gives not more than a slight cloudiness with barium chloride test- 
 solution. Then bring the precipitate on a wet muslin strainer, allow it to drain, and 
 express the water as completely as possible. Mix the potassium bitartrate, in a porcelain 
 vessel, with the distilled water, heat the mixture on a water-bath, to a temperature not 
 exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), and gradually add the moist ferric hydroxide, stirring con- 
 stantly until it is dissolved. Filter the liquid while hot, and let the filtrate stand in a 
 cool, dark place for twenty-four hours. Then stir it well with a porcelain or glass 
 spatula, so that the precipitate which has formed in it may be thoroughly incorporated 
 with the liquid. Now add, very cautiously, just enough ammonia-water to dissolve the 
 precipitate, evaporate the solution in a porcelain vessel, at or below the above-mentioned 
 temperature, to the consistence of syrup, and spread it on plates of glass, so that, when 
 dry, the salt may be obtained in scales. Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles, in 
 a dark place. — IT. S. 
 
 If 5 fluidounces of solution of ferric sulphate be used, it will require 867 grains of 
 acid potassium tartrate, 15 fluidounces of distilled water, and ammonia-water a sufficient 
 quantity. 
 
 The formula of the British Pharmacopoeia is like the above, the proportions used being 
 solution of persulphate of iron 6 fluidounces, solution of ammonia 11 fluidounces, and 
 acid potassium tartrate 2 ounces. As in the preceding case, ferric hydroxide is first 
 formed, and this is used for saturating the potassium salt. A salt of the formula 
 K 6 Fe 2 (C 4 H 4 0 6 ' 6 is probably first formed, which would yield somewhat over 12 per cent. 
 (Dulk found 12.78 per cent.) of ferric oxide ; the British Pharmacopoeia requires about 
 30 ; Soubeiran and Capitaine obtained 30.8 per cent, of ferric oxide, and regarded the 
 salt as having the composition K(Fe0)C 4 H 4 0 6 . It is likely that different basic com- 
 
726 
 
 FERRI ET Q UININJE CITRAS. 
 
 pounds may be formed by prolonged digestion. To render the salt perfectly and readily 
 soluble in water, the U. S. P. now directs the addition of a little ammonia-water to the 
 filtered solution before evaporation — a course recommended for this and analogous salts 
 by Mr. G. H. C. Klie in 1876. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — In its physical properties, as well as in its behavior to 
 solvents, alkalies, and potassium ferrocyanide, it resembles iron and ammonium tartrate, 
 from which it differs in giving off a slight odor of ammonia when heated with potassa 
 solution, and, when incinerated, in leaving ash which has an alkaline reaction to test- 
 paper and effervesces on the addition of hydrochloric acid. As indicated by the follow- 
 ing test, the Pharmacopoeia requires for this compound an amount of ferric tartrate equi- 
 valent to 15 per cent, of metallic iron : “ If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved 
 in a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), in 15 Cc. of water and 
 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the 
 mixture be kept for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed 
 to cool, it should, after the addition of a few drops of starch test-solution, require about 
 15 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution before the blue or greenish color of 
 the liquid is discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of 
 metallic iron).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This salt is one of the richest in iron, the most agreeable to the 
 taste, the least irritating to the bowels and oppressive to the stomach, and the least apt- 
 to occasion constipation, of all the ferruginous preparations. Dose , Gm. 0.30-1.20 (gr. 
 v-xx) three times a day before meals. 
 
 Tartarus f err atm , as above stated, is made into balls which in France are known as 
 boules de Mars and boides de Nancy , and, dissolved in hot water, are added to baths as a 
 substitute for natural chalybeate waters. It is also given internally in carbonated water, 
 sherry wine, or syrup. 
 
 FERRI ET QUININE CITRAS, U . S ., Br .— Iron and Quinine 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Ferri et quinise citras, Br. ; Ghininum ferro-cilricum , P. G. ; Citras ferri co-quinicus .. — 
 Citrate de fer et de quinine , Fr. ; Ferrichinincitrat , Eisenchinincitrat , Citronsaures Eisen- 
 Chinin, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferric Citrate, 85 Gm. ; Quinine, dried at 100° C. (212° F.) to a 
 constant weight, 12 Gm. ; Citric Acid, 3 Gm. ; Distilled Water, a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 100 Gm. Dissolve the Ferric Citrate in 160 Cc. of distilled water by heating 
 on a water-bath at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.). To this solution add 
 the quinine and citric acid, previously triturated with 20 Cc. of distilled water, and stir 
 constantly until the quinine is dissolved. Lastly, evaporate the solution, on a water-bath, 
 at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140 F.), to the consistence of syrup, and spread it 
 on plates of glass, so that when dry, the salt may be obtained in scales. Keep the pro- 
 duct in well-stoppered bottles, in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 To make 2 av. ozs. of this compound dissolve 744 grains of ferric citrate in 3£ fluid- 
 ounces of warm distilled water; to the solution add 105 grains of quinine dried at 100° 
 C., and 26 grains of citric acid previously triturated with 3 fluidrachms of distilled 
 water. When the quinine has all been dissolved evaporate as directed above. 
 
 Take of solution of persulphate of iron A\ fluidounces ; sulphate of quinia 1 ounce ; 
 diluted sulphuric acid 12 fluidrachms ; citric acid 3 oz. 30 gr. ; solution of ammonia, dis- 
 tilled water, each a sufficiency. Mix 8 fluidounces of the solution of ammonia with 2 
 pints of distilled water, and to this add the solution of persulphate of iron, previously 
 diluted with 2 pints of distilled water, stirring them constantly and briskly. Let the 
 mixture stand for 2 hours, stirring it occasionally, then put it on a calico filter, and when 
 the liquid has drained away wash the precipitate with distilled water until that which 
 passes through the filter ceases to give a precipitate with chloride of barium. Mix the 
 sulphate of quinia with 8 ounces of distilled water, add the diluted sulphuric acid, and 
 when the salt is dissolved precipitate the quinia with a slight excess of solution of 
 ammonia. Collect the precipitate on a filter and wash it with 1J pints of distilled water. 
 Dissolve the citric acid in 5 ounces of distilled water, and, having applied the heat of a 
 water-bath, add the oxide of iron previously well drained ; stir them together, and when 
 the oxide has dissolved add the precipitated quinia, continuing the agitation until this 
 also has dissolved. Let the solution cool, then add, in small quantities at a time, 12 fluid- 
 drachms of solution of ammonia diluted with 2 fluidounces of distilled water, stirring 
 
FERRI ET QUIXINJE CITRAS. 
 
 727 
 
 the solution briskly, and allowing the quinia, which separates with each addition of 
 ammonia, to dissolve before the next addition is made. Filter the solution, evaporate it 
 to the consistence of a thin syrup, and then dry it in thin layers on flat porcelain or glass 
 plates at a temperature of 100° F. Remove the dry salt in flakes and keep it in a stop- 
 pered bottle. — Br. 
 
 The process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia consists simply in dissolving quinine in solu- 
 tion of ferric citrate with the aid of citric acid. The apparently complicated process of 
 the British Pharmacopoeia in its first part directs the preparation of ferric hydroxide and 
 quinine, which are successively dissolved in citric acid ; it corresponds closely to the 
 next following preparation in the subsequent addition of ammonium citrate, by which the 
 physical properties of the resulting scales are changed. 
 
 The corresponding salt of the German Pharmacopoeia again differs in containing, besides 
 quinine, both ferric and ferrous salt, but no ammonia ; it is made by digesting powdered 
 iron 3 parts with citric acid 6 parts and water 500 parts, adding afterward quinine 1 part, 
 freshly precipitated by soda solution from 1.3 parts of quinine sulphate; the solution is 
 then evaporated and scaled. 
 
 Properties. — The product of the first process is in transparent, inodorous scales 
 of a yellowish green-brown to reddish-brown color, varying according to their thick- 
 ness. When heated to near redness, like other citrates, it emits fumes having the 
 odor of burnt sugar, and it finally leaves a brown ash free from alkaline reaction to test- 
 paper. Tbe salt, according to the U. S. P., is slowly deliquescent in damp air ; it dis- 
 solves slowly in cold, more readily in hot, water, is slightly soluble in alcohol, and insol- 
 uble in ether ; its solubility diminishes by age. The solution is slightly acid to test- 
 paper, has a bitter and mildly chalybeate taste, and yields with tannin a grayish-black 
 precipitate consisting of the mixed tannates of iron and quinine. On the addition of 
 ammonia the liquid darkens in color, yields a 'white curdy precipitate of quinine, and the 
 filtrate gives a blue precipitate with potassium ferrocyanide after the addition of hydro- 
 chloric acid. The solution of the salt on being heated with excess of potassa solution 
 gives a precipitate of ferric hydroxide and quinine, without evolving vapors of ammonia, 
 and the filtrate after the addition of calcium chloride, again filtering, and then boiling, 
 yields a white granular precipitate of calcium citrate. 
 
 The product of the British Pharmacopoeia corresponds with the behavior and tests 
 described above, except that it is readily soluble in cold water ; it is of a greenish-golden 
 yellow color and in the air somewhat deliquescent. 
 
 Tests. — “Dissolve 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of iron and quinine citrate in a capsule, with 
 the aid of a gentle heat, in 20 Cc. of water. Transfer the solution, together with the 
 rinsings of the capsule, to a separating funnel, allow the liquid to become cold, then add 
 5 Cc. of ammonia water, and 10 Cc. of chloroform, and shake. Allow the liquids to sepa- 
 rate, remove the chloroform layer, and shake the residuary liquid twice more with 10 Cc. 
 of chloroform. Allow the combined chloroformic extracts to evaporate spontaneously in 
 a tared capsule, and dry the residue at a temperature of 100° C. (212° F.) to a constant 
 weight. This residue should weigh not less than 0.1288 Gm. (corresponding to at least 
 11.5 per cent, of dried quinine), and should correspond to the reactions and tests of 
 quinine. (See Quinina.) Heat the aqueous liquid, from which the quinine lias been 
 removed in the manner just described, on a water-bath, until the odor of chloroform and 
 ammonia has disappeared, and allow it to cool. Then dilute it with water to the volume 
 of 50 Cc., transfer 25 Cc. of the liquid to a glass-stoppered bottle (having the capacity 
 of about 100 Cc.), add 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid and 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, and 
 allow the mixture to stand for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.). After 
 it has been allowed to cool, and been mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it 
 should require about 14.5 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution before the blue 
 or greenish color of the liquid is discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 
 1 per cent, of metallic iron). — U. S. 
 
 “ 50 grains dissolved in a fluidounce of water and treated with a slight excess of 
 ammonia give a white precipitate which, when dissolved by chloroform, and this evapor- 
 ated, weighs 8 grains ; the precipitate is almost entirely soluble in ether, and when burned 
 leaves but a minute residue.” — Br. “ If the solution of 1 Gm. of the salt in 4 Cc. of 
 water be precipitated with soda solution, and then agitated with 10 parts of ether, the 
 ethereal liquid on being evaporated should leave behind at least 0.09 Gm. of quinine. — 
 P. G. The salt contains 16 per cent. Br.. 12 per cent. V. S., 10 per cent. P. G. of 
 quinine. 
 
 The pharmacopoeial method prescribed for the determination of quinine and iron is 
 
728 
 
 FERRI ET Q UININJE CITRAS SOLUBILIS. 
 
 identically that proposed by Prof. Power, and possesses the great advantage of using 
 the same weighed sample for both operations; although 12 per cent, of quinine is 
 directed in the formula, a little allowance for shortage is very properly made, owing to 
 the variable quantity of water present. The amount of anhydrous ferric citrate repre- 
 sented by 14.5 per cent, of metallic iron is 63.42 per cent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation has no demonstrable advantage over an extem- 
 poraneous union of its components except in the convenience of dispensing it. 5 parts 
 of it contain about 1 part of quinine, and it may be prescribed in pill or solution, before 
 meals, in the dose of about Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
 FERRI ET QUININES CITRAS SOLUBILIS, U. S.— Soluble iRon 
 
 and Quinine Citrate. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferric Citrate, 85 Gm. ; Quinine, dried at 100° C. (212° F.) to a 
 constant weight, 12 Gm. ; Citric Acid, 3 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, Distilled Water, each 
 a sufficient quantity, to make 100 Gm. Dissolve the Ferric Citrate in 160 Cc. of Distilled 
 Water, by heating on a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.). 
 To this solution add the Quinine and Citric Acid previously triturated with 20 Cc. of 
 Distilled Water, and stir constantly until the Quinine is dissolved. Then add grad- 
 ually, and with constant stirring, 50 Cc., or a sufficient quantity of ammonia-water, so 
 that, after the addition of each portion of the latter, the precipitated quinine will be 
 redissolved and the liquid acquire a greenish-yellow tint. Lastly, evaporate the solution 
 on a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), to the consistence of 
 syrup, and spread it on plates of glass, so that, when dry, the salt may be obtained in 
 scales. Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles, in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 This preparation dilfers from the preceding in the addition of ammonia-water prior to 
 evaporation of the liquid, whereby the solubility of the scale compound is vastly increased ; 
 whenever iron and quinine citrate is to be dispensed in form of solution the “ soluble ” 
 should be used, whereas the official salt without ammonia is to be employed for pill 
 masses, tablet form, etc., on account of its lesser tendency 4o absorb moisture on exposure 
 to air. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Soluble iron and quinine citrate occurs in thin transpar- 
 ent scales of a greenish, golden-yellow color, and is rapidly soluble in cold water ; if a 
 portion of the salt be heated with potassa solution, vapor of ammonia is evolved. In all 
 other respects it corresponds to the preceding compound, and should contain exactly the 
 same amount of quinine and iron when assayed by the method there prescribed. 
 
 Uses. — This compound is of the same strength as Ferri et Quininae Citras, and may 
 be used in the same manner as this. It is intended especially for solutions. 
 
 FERRI ET STRYCHNINE CITRAS, U. S.— Iron and Strychnine 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Citrate de fer et de strychnine , Fr. ; Citronensaures Eisen- Strychnin, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron and Ammonium Citrate 98 Gm. ; Strychnine 1 Gm. ; Citric 
 Acid 1 Gm. ; Distilled Water 120 Cc. ; to make 100 Gm. Dissolve the iron and ammo- 
 nium citrate in 100 Cc. of distilled water, and the strychnine, together with the citric 
 acid, in 20 Cc. of distilled water. Mix the two solutions, evaporate the mixture by 
 means of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), to the consist- 
 ence of syrup, and spread it on plates of glass, so that when dry the salt may be obtained 
 in scales. Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 A small quantity of this scale salt may be prepared by dissolving 490 grains of iron 
 and ammonium citrate in 1J fluidounces of distilled water, adding a solution of 5 grains 
 of strychnine and 5 grains of citric acid in 1 fluidrachm of distilled water, and evaporat- 
 ing as directed. 
 
 This is simply a mixture of strychnine citrate with ammonio-ferric citrate, scaled in pre- 
 cisely the same manner as the other iron preparations. 
 
 Properties. — It closely resembles ammonio-citrate of iron in appearance, and has 
 the same behavior to reagents as described above, but differs from it in the distinctly 
 bitter taste and in the white precipitate produced by ammonia, the precipitate being solu- 
 ble in boiling alcohol, from which, if the solution is sufficiently concentrated, crystals will 
 be obtained giving the peculiar reactions of strychnine. The alkaloid will also be obtained 
 
FERRI FERROCYANIDUM. 
 
 729 
 
 by adding potassa solution to the salt, agitating with chloroform, and evaporating the 
 chloroform solution. 
 
 Tests. — “ Dissolve 2.24 (2.2352) Gm. of Iron and Strychnine Citrate, in a glass sepa- 
 rator, in 15 Cc. of water, add 5 Cc. of ammonia water and 10 Cc. of chloroform, and shake. 
 Allow the liquids to separate, remove the chloroform layer, and shake the residuary 
 liquid twice more with 10 Cc. of chloroform. Allow the combined chloroformic extracts 
 to evaporate spontaneously in a tared capsule, and dry the residue at a temperature of 
 100° C. (212° F.) to a constant weight. This residue should weigh not less than 0.02 
 Gm., nor more than 0.0224 Gm. (corresponding to not less than 0.9, nor more than 1 per 
 cent, of strychnine), and should respond to the reactions and tests of strychnine. (See 
 Strychnine). Heat the aqueous liquid, from which the strychnine has been removed 
 in the manner just described, on a water-bath, until the odor of chloroform and ammonia 
 has disappeared, and allow it to cool. Then dilute it with water to the volume of 50 Cc., 
 transfer 25 Cc. of the liquid to a glass-stoppered bottle (having the capacity of about 100 
 Cc.), add 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid and 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, and allow the mix- 
 ture to stand for half an hour, at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.). After it has been 
 allowed to cool, and been mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it should require 
 about 16 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution before the blue or greenish color 
 of the liquid is discharged (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of 
 metallic iron).” — U. S. 
 
 These tests, also suggested by Prof. Power, demand about 1 per cent, of strychnine, 
 and practically 79 per cent, of anhydrous ferric citrate, corresponding to 16 per cent, of 
 metallic iron. The limits of 0.9 and 1.0 per cent, are bas^d on the variability of water 
 present. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This very unnecessary officinal compound may be prescribed 
 in Roses of Gm. 0.05-0.10 (gr. j-ij), and cautiously increased. Dr. Squibb has pointed 
 out that its solution is not permanent, and its decomposition may lead to alarming if not 
 dangerous effects. 
 
 FERRI FERROCYANIDUM.— Ferric Ferrocyanide. 
 
 Ferri ferrocyanuretum , Ferrum ferrocyanatum s. borussicum , s. zooticum ), Ferrocyani - 
 dum ferric um, Cycinuretum ferrroso-ferricum , Coer uleum borussicum. — Ferrocyanuret of iron y 
 Prussian blue, Williamsons blue , Paris blue , E. ; Ferrocyanure ( Prussiate , Cyanure ) defer , 
 Bleu de Prusse (de Berlin ), Fr. ; Ferrocyaneisen, Berliner Blau , G. 
 
 Formula, Fe 4 (FeCy 6 ) 3 = Fe 4 3Fe(CN) 6 . Molecular weight 858.8. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Potassium Ferrocyanide 9 troyounces ; Solution of Ferric 
 Sulphate a pint; Water 3 pints. Dissolve the potassium ferrocyanide in 2 pints of the 
 water, and add the solution gradually to the solution of ferric sulphate previously diluted 
 with the remainder of the water, stirring the mixture during the addition. Then filter 
 the liquid, and wash the precipitate on the filter with boiling water until the washings 
 pass nearly tasteless. Lastly, dry it and rub it into powder. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 The process is one of simple decomposition, the basylous radicals exchanging their 
 acids ; thus, 3K 4 FeCy 6 -f 2Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 = 6K 2 S0 4 + Fe 4 (FeCy 6 ) 3 . The precipitate requires 
 considerable washing to free it from the potassium salt, and when dried at a temperature 
 of about 40° C. (104° F.) or less it retains 18H 2 0 in combination, which it gradually 
 loses at a higher temperature. 
 
 For uses in the arts Prussian blue is made by precipitating ferrous sulphate with potas- 
 sium ferrocyanide, and exposing the bluish-white precipitate to the air or treating it with 
 oxidizing agents until it has acquired the proper shade ; the commoner varieties contain 
 alumina and other impurities. The pigment was accidentally discovered by Diesbach, a 
 manufacturer of colors in Berlin, and a notice of the discovery published in 1710; but 
 processes for preparing it were first published by Woodward, John Brown, and Stephane 
 F. Geoffroy (1724—25) ; most of the noted chemists of the past and of the early part of 
 the present century were engaged in the investigation of its composition and of that of 
 allied compounds. 
 
 Properties. — Ferric ferrocyanide is in hard dark -blue masses which exhibit upon 
 the fresh somewhat conchoidal fracture a reddish metallic lustre and yield a deep-blue 
 powder. It is inodorous, tasteless, insoluble in water, alcohol, and dilute mineral acids, 
 but dissolves while moist in solution of ammonium nitrate with a violet-blue color, and 
 yields with oxalic acid, equal to one-sixth or upward of its own weight, a powder which 
 dissolves completely in water, and which has been used as wash-blue and blue ink ; the 
 
730 
 
 FERRI H Y POPH OS PHIS. 
 
 residue left on evaporating the solution to dryness has been known as Bleu suisse or 
 Swiss blue. Commercial Prussian blue should be previously purified for this purpose by 
 treating it with dilute hydrochloric or sulphuric acid and washing it with water. Con- 
 centrated mineral acids decomposs it, with the liberation of hydrocyanic acid ; when 
 boiled with alkalies ferric hydroxide is separated and alkali ferrocyanide dissolved ; and 
 when heated in contact with air ammoniacal vapors are given off and a rust-colored resi- 
 due is left containing ferric oxide and potassium cyanate, the latter resulting from potas- 
 sium compounds present in the pigment. Prussian blue is hygroscopic, and contains 
 about 28 per cent, of water. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — On boiling impure Prussian blue with dilute 
 hydrochloric acid, the presence of carbonates will be indicated by effervescence, and the 
 potassium sulphate, alumina, and ferric hydroxide will enter into solution. Ammonia- 
 water added to the solution will precipitate some of these impurities, and the filtrate may be 
 tested for calcium by oxalic acid or evaporated to dryness and ignited, when no residue 
 should be left. The ammonia, if any, is evolved when boiled with potassa solution, which 
 leaves ferric hydroxide behind, and, if alumina should have been present, the clear liquid 
 will yield a white precipitate on being neutralized with hydrochloric acid and again ren- 
 dered alkaline by ammonia. On incinerating Prussian blue and treating the residue with 
 strong hydrochloric acid, barium sulphate (heavy spar) will be left undissolved, and the 
 clear acid filtrate, when diluted with water, will yield a black precipitate with hydrogen 
 sulphide should lead or allied metals have been present. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Soluble Prussian Blue. On adding a solution of a ferric salt (anhy- 
 drous ferric chloride 1 part) to a solution of potassium ferrocyanide 3 parts (not the reverse), 
 keeping the latter in excess, the deep blue precipitate will become soluble in water as soon as the 
 greater portion of the foreign salts has been washed out; the precipitate is potassium ferri-f err o- 
 cyanide K 2 Fe 2 /// (Fe // Cy 6 ) 2 . A similar soluble precipitate is obtained by adding a ferrous salt 
 (ferrous sulphate 11 parts) to a solution of red prussiate of potash (potassium ferricyanide), but 
 it has the composition K 2 F 2 // (Fe 2 /// Cy 12 ), and is potassium ferro-ferricyanide. 
 
 Turnbull’s Blue, Ferricyanidum ferrosum, Fe 3 (Fe 2 Cy 12 ), was discovered by Gmelin (1827), 
 and is obtained by adding potassium ferricyanide to the solution of a ferrous salt. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The daily dose of this preparation is stated by certain author- 
 ities to be from Gm. 2-20 ( 3 ss-v). It is probably inert. To this statement, contained 
 in the first edition of the present work, may be added the more recent conclusions of 
 Hayem from a series of careful and minute observations. Ferrocyanide of potassium 
 is valueless as a chalybeate, and has no influence in regenerating the blood. Its iron 
 remains inert, and the elements of the cyanogen exert no poisonous action. It may be 
 taken for weeks and months in the daily dose of several Gm. without in the least affect- 
 ing the health, and in doses of from 2 to 6 Gm. it neither alters the quantity of the 
 urine nor the elimination of urea. A case, however, is recorded ( Zeitschrift f Min. 
 Med., xiv. 515) in which a quantity of it taken in milk produced severe gastro-enteric 
 symptoms. Cases of anaemia which, after a prolonged trial it failed entirely to benefit, 
 were readily and permanently cured by the soluble salts of iron — the chloride, for 
 example. 
 
 FERRI HYPOPHOSPHIS, TJ . Ferric Hypophosphite. 
 
 Ferrum hyp op h osp horosum , Hypophosphis ferricus. — Hypophosphite of iron , E. ; Hypo- 
 phosphite de fer. Fr. ; Fe rrihyp op hosph it , Unterphosphorigsaures Eisenoxyd , G. 
 
 Formula Fe 2 (PH 2 0 2 ) 6 . Molecular weight 501.04. 
 
 Preparation. — A solution of sodium hypophosphite which is free from carbonate 
 is added to a solution of ferric chloride or ferric sulphate, which should not contain any 
 excess of acid. The precipitate is well washed with distilled water and dried with a 
 moderate heat. It is a process of double decomposition between the sodium and ferric 
 salts. The presence of carbonate in the former would contaminate the salt with a cor- 
 responding quantity of ferric hydroxide, while an excess of acid would occasion loss by 
 preventing the ferric hyphosphite from being precipitated. 
 
 By this method a slight loss is occasioned by the partial solubility of the freshly pre- 
 cipitated ferric hypophosphite in water. Moerk suggests to prepare the salt as follows : 
 Place 30 Gm. of calcium hypophosphite into a flask with 100 Cc. of distilled water; add 
 gradually 49.5 Gm. of ferric chloride solution, shaking well after each addition. Allow 
 the mixture to stand three days with frequent agitation, then filter and wash until all 
 calcium has been removed. This is said to yield about 93 per cent, of a very pure salt, 
 based upon the quantity of ferric chloride used. 
 
FEBRI 10 DID UM SACCHARA TUM. 
 
 731 
 
 Properties. — It is a white or grayish powder, inodorous, nearly tasteless, slightly 
 soluble in water, more so in hypophospliorous acid, but freely so in hydrochloric acid. 
 Like other insoluble or sparingly-soluble ferric salts, it dissolves in solutions of an alkali 
 citrate, with a green color. It is readily oxidized by nitric acid and other oxidizing 
 agents, and when heated in the dry state evolves inflammable hydrogen phosphide and 
 leaves ferric pyrophosphate. Its formula is given above ; it contains, in addition, water of 
 hydration, the amount of which has not been determined. 
 
 Tests. — “ If to 0.5 Gm. of the salt 5 Cc. of acetic acid be added, no effervesence 
 should occur (absence of carbonate), and if the mixture be subsequently heated to boil- 
 ing, the filtrate upon cooling, should afford no turbidity with ammonium oxalate test- 
 solution (absence of calcium). If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be boiled with 10 Cc. of sodium 
 hydroxide test-solution, a reddish-brown precipitate is produced, and if to the filtrate from 
 the latter slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid, magnesia mixture be added, and 
 subsequently an excess of ammonia water, no crystalline precipitate should be produced 
 (absence of phosphate). If 0.1 Gm. of ferric hypophosphite be mixed with 10 Cc. of 
 water, then 10 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid and 50 Cc. of decinormal potassium perman- 
 ganate solution added, and the mixture boiled for fifteen minutes, it should require not 
 more than 3 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution to discharge the red color (correspond- 
 ing to at least 98.1 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 The volumetric determination of ferric hypophosphite depends upon the oxidation of 
 hypophosphorous into phosphoric acid by means of potassium permanganate ; in this 
 case some free phosphoric acid is formed along with the ferric phosphate ; thus 5Fe 2 
 (PH.A) 6 + 12K 2 Mn 2 0 8 -f 36H 2 S0 4 - 5Fe 2 (P0 4 ) 2 + 20H 3 PO 4 + 12K 2 S0 4 + 24 
 MnS0 4 + 36H 2 0. 2505.2 parts of ferric hypophosphite requiring 3784.08 parts of 
 
 potassium permanganate for complete oxidation, each t Cc. of decinormal KMn0 4 solu- 
 tion must represent 0.0020877 Gm. of Fe 2 (PH 2 0 2 ) 6 , and hence 50 — 3 — 47, multiplied 
 by this factor, will show 0.0981219 or 98.1 per cent, in the above test. 
 
 Action and Uses.— It is theoretically assumed to possess virtues belonging to 
 phosphorus as well as iron — an assumption which nothing justifies. It may be given in 
 doses of from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). 
 
 FERRI IODIDUM SACCHARATUM, 77. S.— Saccharated Ferrous 
 
 Iodide. 
 
 Ferrum iodatum saccharatum. — Saccharated iodide of iron , E. ; Saccharure d'wdure de 
 fer , Fr. ; Eisenjodiirzucker, G. 
 
 Formula of ferrous iodide Fel 2 . Molecular weight 308.94. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron, in the form of fine bright wire, and cut into small pieces, 6 Gm. ; 
 Reduced Iron, 1 Gm. ; Iodine, 17 Gm. ; Distilled Water, Sugar of Milk, recently dried, each 
 a sufficient quantity to make 100 Gm. Mix the iron wire, iodine, and 20 Cc. of distilled water 
 in a flask of thin glass, shake the mixture occasionally, until the reaction ceases and the 
 solution has acquired a green color and lost the smell of iodine ; then filter it through a 
 small wetted filter into a porcelain capsule containing 40 Gm. of sugar of milk. Rinse 
 the flask and iron wire with a little distilled water, pass the rinsings through the filter 
 into the capsule, and evaporate, on a water-bath, with frequent stirring, until a dry mass 
 remains. Transfer this quickly to a heated iron mortar, reduce it to powder, and mix it 
 intimately, by trituration, with the reduced iron and enough sugar of milk to make the 
 final product weigh 100 Gm. Transfer the powder at once to small and perfectly dry 
 bottles, which should be securely stoppered and kept in a cool and dark place. — U. S. 
 
 If the above quantities be multiplied by 17£ and then reckoned as grains, the result- 
 ing finished product will weigh 4 av. ozs. 
 
 This is the process of the German Pharmacopoeia of 1872, modified only by slightly 
 increasing the iodine, so that the finished preparation may contain fully 20 per cent, of 
 ferrous iodide. Iodine unites with the iron in the presence of water, heat being pro- 
 duced, which may increase to such an extent that some iodine may be volatilized ; should 
 violet-colored vapors make their appearance in the flask, the violence of the reaction 
 should be checked by immersing the flask in cold water ; toward the end of the process 
 it may, on the other hand, become necessary to hasten the combination of the last por- 
 tions of iodine by the application of a gentle heat. Instead of bringing the whole of the 
 iodine in contact with the whole amount of iron, as directed in the formula, it is better 
 to add one of these in several portions, waiting after each addition until the reaction has 
 nearly ceased. In warm weather especially it will be preferable, in order to avoid loss 
 
732 
 
 FERRI 10 DID UM SACCHARATUM. 
 
 by evaporation, to introduce the iodine and water into the flask and to add the iron grad- 
 ually. The green liquid, being a very concentrated solution of ferrous iodide, should be 
 passed through a small wetted filter, and the flask and filter should be well rinsed twice 
 with a small quantity of distilled water to recover all the iodide. 17 parts of iodine 
 will yield 20.75 parts of ferrous iodide if all loss has been avoided. 
 
 Properties. — Saccharated ferrous iodide is a yellowish or grayish-white powder, very 
 hygroscopic, odorless, having a sweetish ferruginous taste and a slightly acid reaction. 
 It is soluble in 7 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), forming an almost clear and nearly 
 colorless solution, and is only partially soluble in alcohol. When strongly heated the 
 compound swells up, chars, evolves the odor of iodine and of burnt sugar, and on ignition 
 leaves a residue which should yield nothing soluble to water (absence of alkali salts). 
 The aqueous solution yields a light-greenish precipitate with ammonia, and a blue precipi- 
 tate with test-solution of potassium ferricyanide. If mixed with some gelatinized starch, 
 and afterward with a little chlorine-water, the solution assumes a blue color. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of saccharated ferrous iodide should not be colored blue 
 on the addition of gelatinized starch (absence of free iodine). 
 
 “ If 1.55 (1.5447) Gm. of saccharated ferrous iodide be dissolved in about 20 Cc. of 
 water, in a small flask, and the liquid well mixed with 22 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate 
 solution, it should, after the addition of 5 Cc. each of diluted nitric acid and of ferric 
 ammonium sulphate test-solution, require not more than 2 Cc. of decinormal potassium 
 sulphocyanate solution to produce a reddish-brown tint which does not completely disap- 
 pear on shaking (corresponding to about 20 per cent, of pure ferrous iodide).” — U. S. 
 
 This volumetric test depends upon the formation of insoluble silver iodide, and, as it 
 is somewhat difficult to determine exactly when the precipitate ceases to form, the Phar- 
 macopoeia purposely directs the addition of an excess of silver nitrate solution, which 
 excess is to be ascertained by residual titration with potassium sulphocyanate solution, 
 ammonio-ferric alum being used as an indicator ; the reddish-brown tint produced by 
 formation of ferric sulphocyanate will not be permanent until all the silver nitrate in 
 excess has been changed to sulphocyanate. Each Cc. of decinormal AgN0 3 solution cor- 
 responds to 0.015447 Gm. of ferrous iodide. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Ferri iodidum, Ferrum iodatum, P. G. ; Ioduretum ferrosum. — Fer- 
 rous iodide, Iodide of iron, E. ; Iodure de fer, Fr. ; Eisenjodiir, G. — This unstable salt has been 
 dismissed from the Pharmacopoeia. It may be made by uniting iodine and iron in the propor- 
 tion given above and in the presence of water, filtering the green solution, and evaporating 
 it rapidly in a dish of polished iron until a drop of the solution taken out on the end of an iron 
 wire solidifies on cooling. The liquid should now be poured out on a porcelain dish, and as soon 
 as it has solidified should be broken into fragments and enclosed in a well-stopped bottle. The 
 solution of ferrous iodide, on evaporation, is readily oxidized ; hence the direction to evaporate 
 in a polished iron dish, which, however, cannot prevent the formation of oxide, or possibly oxy- 
 iodide, of iron. The residuary salt is therefore never completely soluble in water. The German 
 Pharmacopoeia orders the salt to be prepared extemporaneously by combining iodine 82 parts and 
 powdered iron 30 parts under distilled water 100 parts ; the filtered liquid contains 100 parts of 
 ferrous iodide, and is used in this condition for liquid preparations, or if required in pills the 
 solution is rapidly evaporated in an iron dish. 
 
 According to De Luca, pure anhydrous ferrous iodide is white, and in the presence of moisture 
 greenish. The Pharmacopoeias require it to be green with a tinge of brown. By the above 
 process, however, it is usually obtained as a steel-gray laminated mass, with a metallic lustre, 
 fusing at about 177° C. (350° F.) and evolving vapors of iodine. It is deliquescent when pure, 
 dissolves readily with a green color in water, also in glycerin and alcohol, the solution yielding 
 a dark-blue precipitate with potassium ferricyanide, and separating iodine on the addition of a 
 little chlorine-water, when on the further addition of mucilage of starch a blue color will be 
 produced. 
 
 Solid ferrous iodide is at best a very unsatisfactory medicinal preparation, owing to the una- 
 voidable changes occurring under ordinary circumstances. It would be better, by far, when 
 ferrous iodide is desired in a solid form, to evaporate a definite quantity of the official syrup, 
 and convert that at once into pills by the addition of some vegetable powder. The saccharated 
 ferrous iodide is to a certain extent, though not indefinitely, protected by the sugar. 
 
 Action and Uses. — They are sufficiently described under Syrupus Ferri Iodipi> 
 which, with Pilulse ferri iodidi , is the only other officinal preparation ( U S. P.) that 
 contains iodine and iron in combination. The dose of this iodide may be stated at Gm. 
 0.30 (gr. v) three times a day. It should be prescribed in pilular form and taken after 
 meals. 
 
FERR1 L ACT AS. 
 
 733 
 
 FERRI LACTAS, 77. S, — Ferrous Lactate. 
 
 Ferrum lacticum , P. G. ; Lactas ferrosus. — Lactate of iron , E. ; Lactate ferreux , Lac- 
 tate tie fer , Fr. ; Eisenlactat , Milch saures Fisenoxi/dul , G. 
 
 Formula Fe(C 3 H 5 0 3 )2.3H 2 0. Molecular weight 287.34. 
 
 Preparation. — A formula for the preparation of this salt was given by the U. S. P. 
 1870 : a fluidounce of lactic acid diluted with a pint of distilled water is digested in an 
 iron vessel with § ounce of iron filings until the action has ceased, when the hot solution 
 is filtered and crystallized. In this process the iron unites directly with the acid, dis- 
 placing the basylous hydrogen, the solution of ferrous lactate merely requiring to be 
 evaporated and crystallized. It may also be prepared from crystalline calcium lactate, 
 03(0511503)2.51120, obtained in the preparation of lactic acid (see page 69) by dissolving 
 31 parts of it in 750 or 800 parts of water, and mixing this with a solution of 28 parts 
 of crystallized ferrous sulphate ; by double decomposition ferrous lactate is formed and 
 remains in solution, while most of the calcium sulphate is precipitated, the remainder 
 being removed by mixing the liquid with one-tenth volume of alcohol ; the filtrate is 
 finally evaporated and crystallized. A similar process has been adopted by the French 
 Codex. 
 
 Both these processes involve considerable evaporation, which may be avoided, according 
 to Pagenstecher (1842), by mixing an alcoholic solution of sodium lactate (see Boutron 
 and Fremy’s process for lactic acid, page 69) with a freshly-prepared solution of ferrous 
 chloride, when nearly the whole of the ferrous lactate will crystallize out, and the alcohol 
 used may be recovered by distilling the mother-liquor. Thus prepared, the salt is less 
 prone to oxidation. 
 
 Properties. — Ferrous lactate forms a greenish-white or yellowish crystalline powder 
 or crusts consisting of small needle-shaped crystals containing 19 per cent, of water of crys- 
 tallization, and having a slight peculiar odor, a sweetish and mild chalybeate taste, and a 
 slightly acid reaction. The dry salt is nearly permanent in dry air, but in a damp atmo- 
 sphere is gradually converted into ferric salt. It is almost insoluble in cold alcohol, but 
 may be crystallized from boiling diluted alcohol ; it dissolves slowly at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 in 40 parts, U. $., P. G ., of water, and in 12 parts of boiling water, the solutions being 
 of a greenish-yellow color, and it is freely soluble with a green color in solutions of 
 alkali citrates. On the application of heat it turns brown and black, and then, with 
 frothing, emits white acid vapors having the odor of burnt sugar, and finally leaves 
 brownish-red ferric oxide, amounting to about 27.7 per cent. The aqueous solution 
 yields a dark-blue precipitate with potassium ferricyanide, and a light-blue one with 
 potassium ferrocyanide ; in contact with the air it turns speedily brown, forming ferric 
 lactate, and then yields at once a dark-blue precipitate with potassium ferrocyanide. The 
 salt, boiled for fifteen minutes with an excess of nitric acid diluted with an equal bulk 
 of water, yields on cooling white granules of mucic acid. 
 
 Ferrous lactate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Tests. — “A 2-per-cent, aqueous solution of the salt should not afford, with lead ace- 
 tate test-solution, or after acidulation with hydrochloric acid, with hydrogen sulphide 
 test-solution, more than a whitish opalescence (limit or absence of sulphate, chloride, 
 citrate, tartrate, malate, etc., and of foreign metals). The aqueous solution, acidulated 
 with nitric acid, should not afford more than a slight opalescence with barium chloride 
 test-solution, or with silver nitrate test-solution (limit of sulphate or chloride). If 25 
 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 50) be boiled for a few minutes with 5 Cc. of diluted 
 sulphuric acid, then an excess of potassium or sodium hydroxide test-solution added, the 
 filtrate, after the addition of a few drops of alkaline cupric tartrate solution, and heated 
 to boiling, should not afford a red precipitate (absence of sugar). If a portion of the 
 salt be triturated with strong sulphuric acid, no odor of butyric acid, or gas should be 
 evolved (absence of carbonate), and the mixture, after standing for some time, should 
 not assume a brown color (absence of sugar, gum, or other organic impurities). If 1 
 Gm. of the salt, contained in a porcelain crucible, be moistened with nitric acid, and care- 
 fully ignited, it should leave a residue of ferric oxide weighing not less than 0.270 nor 
 more than 0.278 Gm. This residue should not have an alkaline reaction to litmus paper, 
 nor yield anything soluble to water (absence of foreign salts ).” — U 8. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Lactate of iron has been alleged to be more assimilable than 
 other ferruginous salts, upon the ground that lactic acid is a normal secretion of the 
 stomach. Admitting this ground to be settled, the inference is illogical. Clinically, it 
 
734 
 
 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 
 
 may be said that lactate of iron is a very unirritating salt, and that owing to its feeble 
 flavor it is taken without repugnance. The statements made of its curative powers are 
 neither more nor less than may be made of other mild salts of iron. It may be given 
 in the dose of Gm. 0.06 (1 or more grains) in pill or solution. Owing to its difficult 
 solution in water and its liability to oxidation, it should not be dispensed in a liquid 
 form, but it may be dissolved in hot syrup to the extent of about 4 grains to the fluid- 
 ounce. Attempts have been made to cure erectile tumors by injecting them with a solu- 
 tion of “ 8 grains of lactate of iron to a drachm of distilled water.” The statement is 
 incorrect, since the salt requires 48 parts of cold water to dissolve it. 
 
 Albuminate of iron has been recommended upon the same grounds as the lactate. It 
 is claimed to be very digestible and unirritating, and hence peculiarly adapted to the 
 treatment of gastric ulcer and irritable dyspepsia occurring in anaemic persons, and to the 
 derangements of the menopause under like conditions. The average, dose is stated as 
 about Gm. 0.06 (gr. j), of which one half is oxide of iron. Like the citrate, this prep- 
 aration has been injected hypodermically. 
 
 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM, TJ. . S. — Ferric Hydroxide (Hydrate), 
 
 Ferri peroxidum , Hydras ferricus. — Hydrated oxide of iron ; Moist peroxide of iron y 
 E. ; Sesquioxide ( Peroxyde ) de fer hydrate humide ; Hydrate de peroxyde de fer gela- 
 tineux, Fr. ; Feuchtes Eisenoxydhydrat , G. 
 
 Formula of freshly-prepared ferric hydroxide Fe. 2 (OH) 6 . Molecular weight 213.52. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate 100 Cc. ; Ammonia-water 110 Cc. ; 
 Water a sufficient quantity. To the ammonia-water, previously diluted with 250 Cc. of 
 cold water, add, under constant stirring, the solution of ferric sulphate, previously diluted 
 with 1000 Cc. of cold water. As soon as the precipitate has subsided, draw off the clear 
 liquid by means of a siphon, then mix the precipitate intimately with about 1000 Cc. of 
 cold water, again draw off the clear liquid after subsidence of the precipitate, and repeat 
 this operation, until a portion of the decanted liquid gives not more than a slight cloud- 
 iness with barium chloride test-solution. Finally transfer the precipitate to a wet muslin 
 strainer, and, after it has drained, mix it with sufficient cold water to make the mixture 
 weigh 250 Gm. 
 
 When ferric hydroxide is to be made in haste for use as an antidote, the washing may 
 be performed more quickly, though less perfectly, by bringing the precipitate at once on 
 a wet muslin strainer, pressing forcibly with the hands until no more liquid passes, and 
 then adding enough water to make the whole weight about 250 Gm. 
 
 Note. — The ingredients for preparing ferric hydroxide as an antidote should always be 
 kept on hand in bottles containing, respectively, 200 Cc. of the solution of ferric sul- 
 phate, and 220 Cc. of ammonia-water. — U. S. 
 
 The official ferric hydroxide may also be prepared by adding a mixture of 3J fluid- 
 ounces of solution of ferric sulphate and 2 pints of water, with constant stirring, to 4 
 fluidounces of ammonia-water previously diluted with 10 fluidounces of water. 
 
 Ferric hydroxide is prepared from the solution of the sulphate by decomposing the salt 
 with ammonia (£7 S. P or with soda ( Br . 1867), the latter authority ordering 4 fluid- 
 ounces of its solution of persulphate after diluting with a pint (Imp.) of distilled water, 
 to be gradually poured into 33 fluidounces of soda solution, and to set aside for 2 hours 
 before straining and washing the precipitate upon the strainer. In the one case ammo- 
 nium sulphate, in the other sodium sulphate, is formed — salts which are readily soluble 
 in water and almost completely removed by washing and decantation, as directed above. 
 The brown ferric hydroxide remaining behind has the formula Fe 2 (OH) 6 . It combines 
 very easily with weak acids, and for this reason is an effectual antidote to arsenic, which 
 forms with it an insoluble salt. It cannot be dried without losing water and being con- 
 verted into oxyhydrate of the formula Fe 2 0 2 (0H) 2 , which has a more decided reddish tint 
 and combines less readily with acids, and not at all with arsenous acid. This change is 
 retarded by keeping the hydroxide, as obtained by the above process, mixed with water 
 in the form of a magma; but after some time it parts with half its water of hydration, 
 forming the reddish-brown ferric oxyhydrate, Fe 2 0 3 .Fe 2 (0H) 6 , which has lost the power 
 of combining with weak acids, such as arsenous or acetic acid. A similar effect may be 
 wholly or partly obtained during the preparation of the hydroxide if the mixture be 
 allowed to become hot. Its effectiveness as an antidote is due to two conditions — the 
 making of the hydroxide at the ordinary , not at an elevated, temperature, and its recent 
 preparation ; the magma with water should be smooth, not granular, and should be easily 
 
FERRI OXIDUM HYDRA TUM. 
 
 735 
 
 soluble in acetic acid without effervescence; if insoluble, it is not effectual as an antidote 
 to arsenic. 
 
 But since the apothecary does not receive previous notice when the antidote will be 
 required, it is best to make it fresh, when needed, by a process which will occupy but a 
 few minutes. This may be accomplished by at once collecting upon a strainer and 
 expressing as directed by the United States Pharmacopoeia ; the mixture will then con- 
 tain some ammonium sulphate and a little ammonia ; the latter, however, should be 
 scarcely recognizable by the odor. The same object is attained extemporaneously by 
 substituting magnesia for the more caustic ammonia or soda. (See Ferri Oxid. Hydrat. 
 c. Magn.) 
 
 Other Forms of Ferric Oxide. — Ferri peroxidum hydratum, Br. ; Ferrum oxy datum fuscum, 
 Ferrum hydricum, Oxydum ferricum hydratum, Ferrugo, Rubigo. — Hydrous peroxide of iron, 
 Ferric oxyhydrate, E. : Hydrate ferrique, Sesquioxyde de fer hydrate, Hydrate de sesquioxyde de 
 fer sec, Fr. ; Eisenoxydhydrat, Ferrihydrat, G. Formula Fe 2 0 3 .II 2 0 = Fe 2 0 2 (0II) 2 . Molecular 
 weight 177.60. — It is obtained by drying the moist ferric hydroxide described above at a tempera- 
 ture not exceeding 100° C. (212° F.), and is identical with the ferric hydroxide used by the U. S. 
 P. for preparing iron plaster and troches of iron. It is of a dark red-brown color, and is nearly 
 insoluble in acetic acid, but should dissolve freely and without effervescence in diluted hydro- 
 chloric acid, and when heated to dull redness should yield about 10 per cent, of moisture. 
 
 Ferri subcarbonas, U. S. 1870, Crocus martis aperitivus (aperiens). — Subcarbonate of iron, 
 E. : Safran de mars aperitif, Fr. ; Eisensafran, G. — It is prepared by mixing solutions of 8 ounces 
 of ferrous sulphate and 9 ounces of sodium carbonate, washing thoroughly with water, and dry- 
 ing without heat. The French Codex directs ferrous sulphate 15 parts and sodium carbonate 18 
 parts. 
 
 On mixing a solution of sodium carbonate with a solution of pure ferrous sulphate in boiled 
 water, a white precipitate of ferrous carbonate is obtained, which in contact with the air rapidly 
 darkens, changing in color through various shades of green, blue, and olive into brown, carbon 
 dioxide being at the same time given off. This change of color is accompanied with its conver- 
 sion into ferric hydroxide, with the exception of small and variable proportions of ferrous car- 
 bonate, which escape oxidation. This preparation must therefore be regarded as identical, or 
 nearly so, with ferric hydroxide. 
 
 It is an amorphous reddish-brown powder, inodorous and almost tasteless, and closely resem- 
 bling ferric hydroxide. Dilute hydrochloric acid dissolves it with slight effervescence, the yellow 
 liquid yielding blue precipitates with ferricyanide (difference from pure ferric hydroxide) and 
 ferrocyanide of potassium, but not with barium chloride (absence of sulphates). If it has been 
 dried at an elevated temperature it is of a brighter red color, does not readily dissolve in warm 
 dilute hydrochloric acid, and consists mainly of the oxyhydrate, Fe 2 0 2 .(0II) 2 . Dried at ordinary 
 temperature, it consists chiefly of the oxyhydrate, Fe 2 0 3 .Fc 2 (0II) 6 . 
 
 Ferri oxydum rubrum, Crocus martis adstringexs, Colcotiiar, Caput mortuum. — Ferric 
 oxide, E. ; Colcothar, Safran de mars astringent, Fr. ; Eisenoxyd, Rother Eisensafran, Englisch- 
 Roth, Todtenkopf, G. — It is obtained by heating to redness either one of the above hydroxides or 
 by igniting ferrous sulphate in contact with air, when the salt is decomposed, water and sulphuric 
 and sulphurous acids being given off. It is brown-red, more or less gritty, inodorous, tasteless, 
 and insoluble in diluted acids. It is no longer employed medicinally, the ferric hydroxide being 
 used instead, but it is extensively used in the arts. It forms the main constituent of iron paint, 
 which is sold as English red , Berlin red (Minium de fer, Fr. ; Eisenmennige, 6'.), and under 
 various other names, and usually consists of ferric oxide mixed with from 5 to 50 per cent, of 
 alumina or other insoluble compound. When obtained as a fine powder by elutriation it is 
 known as polishing rouge , terre douce de vitriol , rouge anglais , Polirroth , and employed for polish- 
 ing metals. The mineral hematite or red hematite, ferret d' Espagnc, sanguine, Blutstein, is ferric 
 oxide, while the various brown hematites are different ferric hydroxides. 
 
 Ferri oxidum magneticum, Ferrum oxydatum magxeticum, Oxydum perroso-ferricum. — 
 Ferroso-ferric oxide, Black oxide of iron, Magnetic oxide of iron, E. ; Oxyde ferroso-ferrique, 
 Oxyde de fer noir (magnetique), Ethiops martial, Fr. ; Magneteisen, Ferroferrioxyd, Eisen-oxyd- 
 Oxydul, G. Formula Fe 3 0, — Fe0.Fe 2 0 3 . Molecular weight 231.48. — Take of solution of per- 
 sulphate of iron 5£ fluidounces ; sulphate of iron 2 ounces; solution of soda 4 pints; distilled 
 water a sufficiency. Dissolve the sulphate of iron in 2 pints of the water, and add to it the solu- 
 tion of persulphate of iron ; then mix this with the solution of soda, stirring them well together. 
 Boil the mixture; let it stand for two hours, stirring it occasionally; then put it on a calico 
 filter, and when the liquid has drained away, wash the precipitate with distilled water until what 
 passes through the filter ceases to give a precipitate with chloride of barium. Lastly, dry the 
 precipitate at a temperature not exceeding 120° F. — Br. 1867. 
 
 Magnetic oxide, which is found in Sweden as magnetic iron ore, consists of 1 molecule each 
 of ferrous and ferric oxides. When solutions of ferrous and ferric salts are mixed in molecular 
 proportions, and then precipitated by a caustic alkali, the same compound is thrown down in the 
 form of hydroxide. The mixture should without delay be boiled for some time until the pre- 
 cipitate has become denser and settles readily. It may then without difficulty be washed by 
 decantation, and finally upon the filter, without being prone to oxidation, as before the boiling. 
 It is an inodorous and tasteless brownish-black powder, which is strongly attracted by the mag- 
 
736 
 
 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATE M. 
 
 net and dissolves without effervescence in warm hydrochloric acid diluted with half its volume 
 of water. This solution yields blue precipitates with both potassium ferrocyanide and ferri- 
 cyanide. When heated in a test-tube it gives off moisture, and when the heat is continued in 
 contact with the air red ferric oxide is left. Lefort (1852) found magnetic oxide of iron to con- 
 tain 1 molecule, or 7.2 per cent., of water. According to the British Pharmacopoeia, it contains 
 about 20 per cent. Its purity is ascertained by the tests given, and by hydrogen sulphide added 
 to the dilute solution in hydrochloric acid, which should produce only a white turbidity from 
 separated sulphur, but not a black precipitate (absence of copper, etc.). Should it have been 
 insufficiently washed, the alkali sulphates or chlorides may be detected in the distilled water 
 shaken with a portion of the oxide. Under the name of JEthiops martialis various pharmaco- 
 poeias formerly recognized black ferroso-ferric oxide, which varied in composition according to 
 the different methods of preparation. 
 
 Ferrum oxidatum saccharatum, P. G. — Saccharated oxide of iron, Saccharated iron, A'.; 
 Saccharate de fer, Saccharure d’oxyde de fer soluble, Fr. ; Eisenzucker, Losliches Eisenoxyd, 
 G. — To a mixture of 30 parts of solution of ferric chloride (sp. gr. 1.281) and 150 parts of water 
 add gradually and with frequent stirring a solution of 26 parts of sodium carbonate in 150 parts 
 of water until precipitation has been completed ; the precipitate is repeatedly washed with water 
 by decantation until all chlorides have been removed, then drained and expressed on a muslin 
 filter. 50 parts of powdered sugar and 5 parts of solution of soda (sp. gr. 1.70) are added to the 
 residue, the mixture is heated to perfect solution, and then evaporated to dryness and powdered ; 
 finally sufficient powdered sugar is added to make the weight of the finished product 100 parts. 
 
 It is a reddish-brown powder, has a sweet and mild chalybeate taste, and is entirely soluble in 
 distilled water, yielding a deep reddish-brown solution of a feeble alkaline reaction. It contains 
 3 per cent, of metallic iron. The aqueous solution is not altered by potassium ferrocyanide, 
 except after the addition of hydrochloric acid, when it is colored a dingy green, then dark-blue, 
 a precipitate being slowly produced. 
 
 Syrupus ferri oxydati, P. G. — Syrup of soluble ferric oxide, E. ; Sirop d’oxyde de fer solu- 
 ble, Sirop de saccharate de fer, Fr. ; Eisenzuckersyrup, G. — Saccharated oxide of iron, dis- 
 tilled water, and simple syrup, of each equal parts ; dissolve. It is of a deep red-brown color 
 and contains 1 per cent, of iron. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Hydrated oxide of iron is chiefly used as an antidote to 
 arsenic. But although the chemical relations of an arsenical solution may favor the pre- 
 cipitation of its arsenic by freshly-prepared hydrated oxide of iron, there is good reason 
 to suppose that in ordinary cases of arsenical poisoning the greater part of the poison 
 remains in the stomach undissolved, and the iron, so far as it is useful, operates chiefly 
 as a mechanical antidote by enveloping the arsenic and shielding the stomach until the 
 bulk of the mass or an emetic causes its discharge, in the same manner as the subcar- 
 bonate of iron does in similar cases. This statement is inferred from the fact that a 
 very large excess of the oxide is essential to its efficiency. 
 
 The subcarbonate of iron of the earlier editions of the Pharmacopoeia seems to have been 
 discarded on account of its speedily losing its original character by the action of the 
 oxygen of the atmosphere. Whether or not that change impairs its therapeutic virtues 
 cannot perhaps be so readily determined. At all events, it is one of the oldest pharma- 
 ceutical preparations of iron, and was intended to imitate and take the place of rust of 
 iron, which from time immemorial had been used in medicine. It continues to be one 
 of the most employed members of its class, but is ineligible whenever it is desired to 
 introduce a large amount of iron into the blood. It has been used in all forms of 
 anaemia and anaemic chlorosis , and in neuralgia , chorea , and other nervous affections 
 depending upon a deficiency of red corpuscles in the blood. In a disease of a different 
 order, tetanus , a number of cures have been attributed to this medicine, but of late years 
 it has been entirely supplanted by other means, and the question of its utility is unset- 
 tled. Subcarbonate of iron in large doses, mixed with water, may be resorted to when 
 the hydrated oxide cannot be procured in cases of poisoning by arsenious acid. Four 
 grave cases of poisoning by very large doses of arsenious acid were treated in this 
 manner by Leale, and all recovered (Am. Jour, of Med. Sci ., Jan. 1880, p. 80). The 
 dose of subcarbonate of iron is from Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) upward. In some cases of neural- 
 gia it has been taken by the teaspoonful. Caution should be exercised, lest it accumu- 
 late in the bowels and obstruct them. Powdered “ subcarbonate of iron ” is one of the 
 many dry powders which have been used in the treatment of indolent ulcers. 
 
 For the reasons now given the subcarbonate has been supplanted by the oxide of iron, 
 protected by the sugar surrounding it from peroxidation. It is probable that from this 
 cause it more readily combines with the acids of the stomach and enters the circulation, 
 so that for all the purposes above mentioned it is more suitable than the old subcarbonate 
 of iron, the case of arsenical poisoning alone excepted. In that case the subcarbonate 
 no doubt acts partly by its mass in a mechanical manner, and partly by combining with 
 
! 
 
 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM CUM MA GXESIA .—PIIOSPHA S SOLUBIIJS. 737 
 
 the arsenious acid. The soluble saccharated carbonate is one of the most efficient of all 
 the ferruginous preparations, and one of the most acceptable to the stomach. It should 
 be taken a short time before meals to ensure its thorough solution and absorption, and 
 in doses of from Gm. 0.20—1 (gr. iij— xv). Syrup of soluble oxide of iron is a convenient 
 form for the administration of iron to children, and in teasponful doses. 
 
 Ferri oxidum magneticum has been but little used of late, owing to the want of 
 uniformity in its composition. It is, however, rich in iron, and may be prescribed in all 
 cases for which the subcarbonate is employed. The dose is Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx), 
 and should be taken after meals. 
 
 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM CUM MAGNESIA, U Ferric 
 Hydroxide (Hydrate) with Magnesia. 
 
 Antidotum arsenici. — Arsenic antidote, E. ; Contre-poison.de Farsenic, Fr. ; Gegengift 
 des Arsemks, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate, 50 Cc. ; Magnesia, 10 Gm. ; Water, a 
 sufficient quantity. Mix the solution of ferric sulphate with 100 Cc. of water, and keep 
 the liquid in a Well-stoppered bottle. Rub the magnesia with cold water to a smooth and 
 thin mixture, transfer this to a bottle capable of holding about 1000 Cc., and fill it up 
 with water. When the preparation is wanted for use, mix the two liquids by adding the 
 magnesia mixture, and making it thoroughly homogeneous by shaking, gradually, to the 
 iron solution, and shake them together until a homogeneous mass results. Note. — The 
 diluted solution of ferric sulphate, and the mixture of magnesia with water, should always 
 be kept on hand, ready for immediate use. — U. S. 
 
 Using wine-measure, it will be found convenient to keep on hand, in separate bottles, 
 2 fluidounces of ferric sulphate solution, diluted with 4 fluidounces of water, and 180 
 grains of magnesia made into a smooth mixture with one-half pint of water; the amount 
 of water to be mixed with the magnesia will be found quite sufficient. 
 
 The magnesia is used in excess, more than is necessary for separating all the ferric 
 hydroxide, and the mixture is prevented from becoming heated by the previous diffusion 
 of the magnesia in water. Neither filtration nor straining is requisite, the compounds of 
 the mixture being ferric and magnesium hydroxides and magnesium sulphate, none of 
 which has any caustic or otherwise injurious effect nor forms a soluble compound with 
 arsenic. The mixture being made only when needed, the ferric hydroxide is in that con- 
 dition in which it readily combines with arsenous acid and has not become inert for the 
 purpose by long keeping. 
 
 Uses. — -If freshly made and promptly administered in large doses, it is probable 
 that this mixture is a more efficient antidote to arsenic than either of its ingredients 
 would be alone. 
 
 FERRI PHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS, V. S.- Soluble Ferric Phosphate. 
 
 Ferri Phosphas , U. S, 1880. — Ferri et sodii citro-phosphas ; Ftrrum phosphor intm cum 
 natrio citrico . — Soluble phosphate of iron , Sodio- ferric citro-phosphate , E. ; Citro-phos- 
 phate de fer et de soude , Fr. ; Natrium ferricitrophosphat, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferric Citrate, 50 Gin. ; Sodium Phosphate, uneffloresced, 55 Gm. ; 
 Distilled Water, 100 Cc. Dissolve the ferric citrate in the distilled water by heating on 
 a water-bath. To this solution add the sodium phosphate, and stir constantly until it is 
 dissolved. Evaporate the solution on a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding G0° 
 C. (140° F.), to the consistence of thick syrup, and spread it on plates of glass, so that 
 when dry the salt may be obtained in scales. Keep the product in dark amber-colored, 
 well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare a small quantity of soluble ferric phosphate 1 av. oz. of ferric citrate should 
 be dissolved in 2 fluidounces of hot distilled water; to the solution add 481 grains of 
 uneffloresced sodium phosphate and proceed as stated above. 
 
 The official title of this preparation has very appropriately been changed by addition 
 of the adjective, to distinguish it at once from other commercial varieties of ferric phos- 
 phate which are insoluble in water. The formula has also been changed, and the pro- 
 portion of the two salts is based upon the assumption that carefully prepared ferric 
 citratein scales contains 10 molecules of water, and has the formula Fe 2 (C 6 H 5 O 7 )2,I0H. J O ; 
 it is important that uneffloresced sodium phosphate be used, as otherwise the excessive 
 amount of the latter will cause the scales to become white on standing. 
 
738 
 
 FERRI PHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — “ Thin, bright green, transparent scales, without odor, and 
 having an acidulous, slightly saline taste. The salt is permanent in dry air when excluded 
 from light, but becomes dark and discolored on exposure to light. Freely and completely 
 soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. The aqueous solution of the salt has a slightly 
 acid reaction. With potassium ferrocyanide test-solution, the solution affords a blue 
 color, but does not yield a blue precipitate, unless it has been acidulated with hydro- 
 chloric acid. If 1 Gm. of the salt be boiled with 10 Cc. of potassium or sodium hydroxide 
 test-solution, a reddish-brown precipitate is produced, and if the colorless filtrate from 
 the latter be strongly acidulated with hydrochloric acid, then magnesia mixture added, 
 and subsequently a slight excess of ammonia water, an abundant, white, crystalline pre- 
 cipitate is produced. If the filtrate from this precipitate be acidulated with acetic acid, 
 and heated to boiling, no further precipitate should be produced (absence of pyrophos- 
 phate). If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved in a glass-stoppered bottle (having 
 a capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and, after 
 the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the mixture be allowed to stand for half an 
 hour at a temperature of 40° Cc. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool and mixed with a 
 few drops of starch test-solution, it should require about 12 Cc. of decinormal sodium 
 thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish color of the liquid (each Cc. of 
 the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of the metallic iron/’ — U. S. 
 
 This compound is required to contain 2 per cent, more of metallic iron than the next 
 following. 
 
 Composition. — The exact composition of the soluble ferric phosphate cannot be 
 stated, and it is possible that no less than four salts are present — viz. : sodium and ferric 
 phosphates and sodium and ferric citrates ; if the interchange of acid radicals were com- 
 plete, the chemical formula might be written as Fe 2 (P0 4 ). 2 2Na. 2 HC 6 H 5 0 7 -f Aq. 
 
 True Phosphates of Iron. — Ferri PHOSPHAS, Br. — Ferrum phosphoricum, 
 Phosphas ferroso-ferricus. — Phosphate of iron, Ferroso-ferric phosphate, E. ; Phosphate 
 de fer, Phosphate ferroso-ferrique, Fr. ; Ferroferriphosphat, Phosphorsaures Eisenoxydul- 
 Oxyd, G. Formula Fe 3 (P0 4 ) 2 .FeP0 4 .I2H 2 0. Dissolve 3 ounces of ferrous sulphate in 30 
 ounces of boiling distilled water, and 2f ounces of sodium phosphate in a similar quan- 
 tity of water. When each solution has cooled to between 37.8° and 54.4° C. (100° and 
 130° F.) add the latter to the former, pouring in also a solution of f ounce of sodium 
 bicarbonate in a little distilled water. Mix thoroughly. Transfer the precipitate to a 
 calico filter, and wash it with hot distilled water till the filtrate ceases to give a precip- 
 itate with barium chloride. Finally, dry the precipitate at a temperature not exceeding 
 48.9° C. (120° F.). — Br. 
 
 The mineral vivianite, which forms pale-blue crystals, is mainly ferrous phosphate. On 
 bringing together solutions of ferrous sulphate and sodium phosphate a white precipitate 
 of ferrous phosphate is produced, which on exposure and during the washing is oxidized, 
 and acquires a more or less blue, greenish-blue, or grayish-blue color. During the reaction 
 a portion of the sulphuric acid is set free, and retains phosphates of iron in solution, to 
 obtain which sodium acetate is added, which, reacting with the free sulphuric acid, forms 
 sodium sulphate and free acetic acid, in which the phosphates of iron are insoluble. Or 
 the free acid may be nearly neutralized with sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, as directed 
 above. The washing of the precipitate must be continued until the filtrate fails to give 
 a reaction for sulphuric acid. 
 
 Thus prepared, it is a tasteless and inodorous bluish powder, varying somewhat in 
 shade. It is insoluble in water, but dissolves in hydrochloric acid, yielding a yellow 
 solution in which dark blue precipitates are produced by both potassium ferro- and fer- 
 ricyanide. If the acid solution is treated with sufficient tartaric acid, and then with an 
 excess of ammonia, no precipitate is produced, but on the addition of magnesium sul- 
 phate a white precipitate of ammonio-magnesium phosphate falls. When the powder 
 is boiled with caustic soda the filtrate, after being neutralized, yields a yellow precipitate 
 with silver nitrate. Both precipitates indicate phosphoric acid. The chemical composi- 
 tion varies to some extent, and is influenced by its exposure to the atmosphere while 
 moist, the temperature at which it is dried, etc. The above formula is that of Rammels- 
 berg. Wittstein obtained a somewhat different result. The British Pharmacopoeia regards 
 it as containing at least 47 per cent, of ferrous phosphate (Fe 3 (P0 4 ) 2 8H 2 0) ; 3 Gm. dis- 
 solved in hydrochloric acid should require for complete oxidation not less than 27.9 Cc. 
 of the volumetric solution of potassium dichromate, which indicates 46.7 per cent, of the 
 ferrous salt. 
 
 The salt should yield nothing to hot distilled water (insufficient washing), and the 
 
FERRI PYROPHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS. 
 
 739 
 
 solution in hydrochloric acid should yield only a white turbidity of sulphur with hydro- 
 gen sulphide, but not a black (copper, etc.) or a yellow (arsenic) precipitate. The same 
 solution, digested with bright copper, should not form a dark deposit of arsenic upon the 
 metal. 
 
 Ferri phosphas albus, Phospiias ferricus. — Ferric phosphate, White phosphate of 
 iron, 2?. ; Phosphate ferrique, Fr. ; Ferriphosphat, G . Fe 2 (P0 4 ). 2 4II 2 0 ; molecular weight 
 373.8. — On mixing 4 fluidou-nces of solution of ferric sulphate with a solution of 
 1 ounce of sodium acetate, and adding solution of sodium phosphate, a white precipitate 
 of ferric phosphate is obtained. After washing and drying at 100° C. it is a white or 
 yellowish-white tasteless powder having the composition stated, is decomposed by alkalies, 
 and dissolves readily in dilute mineral acids, in citric and tartaric acid, and in alkali 
 citrates, the latter solutions having a green color. The freshly precipitated and washed 
 salt, mixed with water until the mixture contains 1.0 or 1.2 per cent, of ferric phosphate, 
 has been used under the name of Lac ferri , milk of iron. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Owing to its insolubility in water phosphate of iron must be 
 given in pill or in powder, of which the latter is preferable, in the dose of from Gm. 
 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). It is extremely doubtful whether the phosphoric acid in its com- 
 position confers any special virtues upon it. 
 
 FERRI PYROPHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS. TJ . ^.-Soluble Ferric Pyro- 
 phosphate. 
 
 Ferri pyrophosphas, U. S. 1880. — Ferri et sodii citro -pyrop hosphas , Ferrum pyrophos- 
 phoricum cum sodio citrico, Pyrophosphas ferricus cum citrate sodico. — Pyrophosphate of 
 iron with sodium citrate , Sodio-ferric citro- pyrophosphate, E. ; Citro-pyrophosphate de far 
 et de soude, Fr. ; Py rophosphorsaures Eisenoxyd mil Citronensaurem Natron , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferric Citrate, 50 Gm. ; Sodium Pyrophosphate, uneffloresced, 50 
 Gm. ; Distilled Water, 100 Cc. Dissolve the Ferric Citrate in the Distilled Water, by 
 heating on a water -bath. To this solution add the Sodium Pyrophosphate, and stir con- 
 stantly, until it is dissolved. Evaporate the solution, on a water-bath, at a temperature 
 not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), to the consistence of thick syrup, and spread it on. 
 plates of glass, so that, when dry, the salt may be obtained in scales. Keep the product 
 in dark amber colored, well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 As seen by the above formnla, ferric citrate and sodium pyrophosphate are used in the 
 proportion of equal weights ; this change from the last Pharmacopoeia is based on the 
 recommendations of Lake and Power, in order to ensure better scaling of the compound. 
 In view of the insolubility in water of true ferric pyrophosphate, the addition of the 
 word “ soluble ” to the official title was desirable. 
 
 On precipitating a solution of sodium pyrophosphate by ferric sulphate a white precip- 
 itate of ferric pyrophosphate, Fe 4 (P. 2 0 7 ) 3 , is obtained, which, like other insoluble ferric salts, 
 is readily soluble in alkali citrates, forming green solutions. Formerly ammonium citrate 
 was used for this purpose, but owing to the slow volatilization of the ammonia, the salt 
 gradually became insoluble. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — The salt is obtained in inodorous transparent apple-green 
 scales, which are permanent in dry air when excluded from the light, but turn dark on 
 exposure to light. The salt has an acidulous, slightly saline, and scarcely chalybeate 
 taste and a slightly acid reaction, is insoluble in alcohol, but dissolves freely in water 
 yielding a greenish solution ; this gives with potassium ferrocyanide a blue color, but no 
 precipitate unless acidulated with hydrochloric acid. “If 1 Gm. of the salt be boiled 
 with lOCc. of potassium or sodium hydroxide test-solution, a reddish-brown precipitate 
 is produced, and, if the colorless filtrate from the latter be strongly acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, then magnesia mixture test-solution added, and subsequently a slight 
 excess of ammonia water, no precipitate should be produced (distinction from and 
 absence of ferric phosphate). If the liquid be then acidulated with acetic acid, and 
 heated to boiling, an abundant, white, flocculent precipitate (pyrophosphate) is produced. 
 If 0.56 (.05588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved in a glass-stoppered bottle (having a 
 capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 10 Cc. of water, then 10 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and 
 subsequently 40 Cc. of water added, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, 
 the mixture be allowed to stand for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), 
 and then allowed to cool, and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it should 
 require about 10 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate test-solution to discharge the 
 
740 
 
 FERRI SULPHAS. 
 
 blue or greenish color of the liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per 
 cent, of metallic iron).” — U. S. 
 
 Like the soluble ferric phosphate, this preparation is evidently of a complex nature, 
 and as in all the scale compounds of iron the amount ot water of hydration is variable. 
 
 Composition. — Regarding the chemical composition of this and similar preparations 
 two views have been entertained. According to the one, they are double salts of ferric 
 pyrophosphate and alkali citrate ; according to the other, which has been advocated by 
 Rother (1876), they should be regarded as mixtures of alkali-ferric pyrophosphate, Fe 4 - 
 (P 2 0 7 ) 3 3Na 4 P 2 0 7 , with alkali-ferric citrate and ferric citrate. The formula given for the 
 double pyrophosphate corresponds with that of Gladstone for sodio-ferric pyrophosphate, 
 for which Fleitmann and Persoz (1848) gave the formula Fe 4 (P 2 0 7 ) 3 .2Na 4 P 2 0 7 . 
 
 Allied Salt — Ferri et sodii pyrophosphas, Natrium pyrophosphoricum ferratum. — Sodio- 
 ferric pyrophosphate, E. ; Pyrophosphate de fer et de soude, Fr. ; Natrium terri-pyrophosphat, 
 G . — It is prepared hy adding to a solution of 200 parts of sodium pyrophosphate in 400 parts of 
 water so much ferric chloride in aqueous solution that a permanent precipitate is not produced, 
 and mixing with the greenish liquid 1000 parts of alcohol. A white amorphous powder is thus 
 obtained, which according to Fleitmann, contains 7 molecules (9 per cent.) of water, and dis- 
 solves slowdy in water, yielding a greenish solution ; this on boiling separates a white precipitate, 
 acquires with ammonia a red color, is not precipitated by alkali carbonates, phosphates, or 
 acetates, but with sodium chloride yields a precipitate of the double salt, while the addition of 
 ferric chloride causes the precipitation of ferric pyrophosphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The tastelessness, solubility, and richness in iron of this salt 
 render it one of the best ferruginous preparations. Hose , Gm. 0.13-0.30 (gr. ij-v). 
 The dose of pyrophosphate of iron and sodium is stated at from Gm. 0.10-0.30 
 
 (gr- ■j -v )- 
 
 Salicylate of iron has had attributed to it qualities which are unlike those of any 
 other iron salt, such as “promoting secretion and stimulating the skin,” while it “pro- 
 motes perspiration, lowers the temperature, and reduces the pulse.” It has been recom- 
 mended for diphtheria , aphthae , erysipelas , etc. (White, Glasgow Med. Jour., Aug. 1879). 
 It has also been thought to possess peculiar advantages in infantile diarrhoea accompanied 
 by fetid stools, which is credible, and to cure acute articular rheumatism, which is much 
 less so. Sosio claims that it is the best ferruginous salt for hypodermic use. 
 
 FERRI SULPHAS, TI. S. Br.— Ferrous Sulphate. 
 
 Ferrum sulfuricum , P. G. ; Sulfas ferrosus , Ferrum vitriolatum purum, Vitriolum martis 
 purum. — Sulphate of iron , E. ; Sulfate (. Protosulfate ) de fer, Sulfate ferreux , Fr. ; Ferrosul- 
 fat, Schwefelsaures Eisenoxydul , G. 
 
 Formula of crystallized or precipitated ferrous sulphate FeS0 4 .7H 2 0; molecular weight 
 277.42; of exsiccated ferrous sulphate, approximately, 2FeS0 4 -f-3H 2 0 ; mol. weight 
 357.28. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Iron Wire 4 ounces ; Sulphuric Acid 4 fluidounces ; Dis- 
 tilled Water 1J pints. Pour the water on the iron placed in a porcelain dish, add the 
 sulphuric acid, and when the disengagement of gas has nearly ceased boil for ten minutes. 
 Filter now through paper, and after the lapse of twenty-four hours separate the crystals 
 which have been deposited from the solution. Let these be dried on filtering-paper 
 placed on porous bricks, and preserved in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Ferrous sulphate is obtained on a large scale from alum shale and by roasting iron 
 pyrites, exposing it to the air, and exhausting the mass with water ; also by passing 
 solutions of copper sulphate over scraps of iron, whereby copper is precipitated, the iron 
 entering into solution. It is also obtained as a by-product in various manufactures where 
 sulphuric acid is used for the purpose of purifying certain products. The article thus 
 obtained is usually impure and not fit for medicinal purposes, except for disinfecting, and 
 in this impure state is known in commerce as Copperas , or green vitriol (Ferrum sul- 
 phuricum crudum, P. G. ; Couperose verte, Vitriol vert, Fr. ; Kupferwasser, Eisenvitriol, 
 Griiner Vitriol, Gi). For medicinal use it should be prepared directly from sulphuric 
 acid acting upon iron wire or clean iron filings in the presence of water, when hydrogen 
 is evolved, ferrous sulphate remaining in solution ; Fe 2 -f-2H 2 S0 4 yields 2H 2 -|-2FeS0 4 . 
 The salt is prone to oxidation if its chemically neutral solution is evaporated to crystalli- 
 zation, but in the presence of some free sulphuric acid yields crystals which are far more 
 permanent. This explains the necessity of having some free sulphuric acid in the liquid 
 from which ferrous sulphate is crystallized. The crystals are collected upon a diaphragm, 
 
FERRI SULPHAS. 
 
 741 
 
 I washed rapidly with a little water, and, according- to the French Codex, with a little 
 I alcohol, 1o remove the mother-liquor, and then dried. 
 
 I Properties. — Ferrous sulphate is in transparent bluish-green monoclinic prisms, or 
 
 sometimes in rhombic crystals having the specific gravity 1.9. When 
 crystallized from neutral solutions the salt is pale-green, and in the 
 
 I presence of ferric salt of deeper, more emerald-green, color. It is 
 inodorous, has a styptic and somewhat saline taste, a slight acid 
 | reaction, melts by heat in its water of crystallization, leaving finally 
 
 I a whitish residue, and when exposed to the air effloresces and is 
 gradually oxidized ; the efflorescence takes place more rapidly above 
 I 35° C. (95° F.), and when finally heated to 115° C. (239° F.) the 
 loss of water of crystallization amounts to 38.84 per cent. The salt 
 is insoluble in alcohol and ether, but dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 
 1.8 and at 100° C. (212° F.) in 0.3 parts of water, U. S. The 
 aqueous solution yields a white precipitate insoluble in hydrochloric 
 acid with barium chloride, a dark-blue one with potassium ferri- 
 cyanide, and a bluish-white one with potassium ferrocyanide. 
 
 Tests— Impurities are rarely present if the salt has been pre- 
 pared from iron and sulphuric acid. The aqueous solution treated 
 with hydrogen sulphide should not give a blackish precipitate (copper), and when completely 
 precipitated by ammonium sulphide the filtrate, on evaporation and ignition, should not 
 leave more than a trace of residue (limit of salts of the fixed alkalies— V . S .). The 
 aqueous solution, after being oxidized with nitric acid and supersaturated with ammo- 
 nia, should yield a filtrate which is not affected by hydrogen sulphide (zinc, manganese) ; 
 and if the oxidized liquid be supersaturated with potassa solution, the filtrate neutral- 
 ized with hydrochloric acid and again supersaturated with ammonia, no precipitate 
 (alumina) should occur. “ If 1.39 (1.3871) Gm. of the salt be dissolved'in about 25 Cc. 
 of water, and the solution acidulated with sulphuric acid, not less than 50 Cc. of deci- 
 normal potassium permanganate solution should be required to impart to the liquid a 
 permanent pink color (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 2 per cent, of 
 crystallized ferrous sulphate).” — TJ . S . 
 
 Each molecule of potassium permanganate is capable of converting 10 molecules of 
 ferrous salt into ferric salt; thus, 10 FeS0 4 .7H 2 0 + K 2 Mn 2 0 8 + 8H 2 S0 4 = 5 Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 
 + K 2 S0 4 -f- 2MnS0 4 + 78H 2 0 ; hence each Cc. permanganate solution used in the 
 I above test corresponds to 0.027742 Gm. of ferrous sulphate (crystals), which is equal 
 to 2 per cent, of the weight of the sample used, for 1.3871 : 0.027742 : : 100 : 2. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Nearly all the official compounds of iron, with the excep- 
 tion of the chloride, iodide, sulphide, and nitrate, are prepared from the sulphate, either 
 I directly or indirectly. 
 
 Ferri sulphas granulatus, TJ . S . } Ferri sulphas granulata, Br . / Ferri sul- 
 phas prjecipitatus, U . S . 1880. — Precipitated or granulated ferrous sulphate or sul- 
 phate of iron, E.; Sulfate ferreux precipite, Fr. ; Praecipitirtes Ferrosulfat, Ferrous 
 Sulphate, 100 Gm. ; Distilled Water, 100 Cc. ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, 5 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 -o Cc. Dissolve the ferrous sulphate in the distilled water previously heated to boiling’ 
 i add the diluted sulphuric acid, and filter the solution while hot. Evaporate the solution’ 
 immediately in a tared porcelain capsule, on a sand-bath, until it weighs 150 Gm., and 
 then cool it quickly, under constant stirring. Place the product into a glass funnel 
 stopped with a plug of absorbent cotton, and, when it has thoroughly drained, pour upon 
 it the alcohol. When this has also drained, spread the crystalline powder on bibulous 
 paper dry it quickly in the sunlight or in a dry room, at the ordinary temperature, and 
 transfer it at once to perfectly dry well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 Granulated ferrous sulphate may also be prepared by dissolving 8 av. ozs. of the pure 
 salt m 8 fluidounces of boiling distilled water, and adding 2\ fluidrachms of diluted sul- 
 phuric acid. After filtration the solution is evaporated to 12 av. ozs., as directed above, 
 and the granules are washed with 2 fluidounces of alcohol. 
 
 | T he P/ es . ent official directions differ materially from those of 1880, when the precipi- 
 tation o t e salt was directed with a large volume of alcohol, and also a subsequent 
 was ing with alcohol until all free acid was removed. The addition of sulphuric acid 
 (as already stated on the preceding page) is to prevent the oxidation of the ferrous salt, 
 
 and the washing of the granular product with alcohol removes acid and water, but not 
 entirely. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia gives the same directions as for the crystallized salt, except 
 
 Fig. 123. 
 
 Crystal of Ferrous Sul- 
 phate. 
 
742 
 
 FERRI SULPHIDUM. 
 
 that on filtering the solution is collected in a jar containing 8 fluidounces of alcohol, 
 which quantity is insufficient for precipitating all the ferrous sulphate. The German 
 Pharmacopoeia likewise directs the salt to be prepared from iron wire, but directs the 
 aqueous solution to be filtered into about half its volume of alcohol under constant agi- 
 tation ; the granular precipitate is transferred to a filter, washed with alcohol, expressed, 
 and dried rapidly. The salt thus prepared is a very pale bluish-green powder, which, 
 if it has been properly dried, is less readily oxidized on exposure than the crystals, but 
 in other respects shows precisely the same behavior as the crystallized salt, and is tested 
 in the same manner. 
 
 Ferri sulphas exsiccatus, U. S. ; Ferri sulphas exsiccata, Br, ; Ferrum sul- 
 furicum siccum, P. G. — Dried (exsiccated) ferrous sulphate or sulphate of iron, E. ; 
 Sulfate ferreux desseche, Fr. ; Entwassertes Ferrosulfat, G. — Ferrous Sulphate, in coarse 
 powder, 100 Gm. Allow the salt to effloresce at a temperature of about 40° C. (104° F.), 
 and then heat it in a porcelain dish, on a water-bath, until the product weighs from 64 to 
 65 Gm. Lastly, reduce the residue to a fine powder, and transfer it at once to perfectly 
 dry well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs the use of a porcelain or iron dish, and the heat to 
 be raised only to 100° C. (212° F.). At a somewhat higher temperature the yield is 
 about 61 per cent. The German Pharmacopoeia employs the same method as the U. S. 
 Crystallized ferrous sulphate contains 45.3 per cent, of water of crystallization, a portion 
 of which is lost in a dry atmosphere at the ordinary temperature, the remainder, except 
 1 molecule, at 115° C. (239° F.). The last molecule of water is expelled only at about 
 280° C. (536° F.), and, if proper care be taken, without the loss of sulphuric acid. 
 
 Exsiccated ferrous sulphate forms a grayish-white powder which dissolves slowly in 
 cold, more rapidly in hot, water, leaving only a small quantity of ferric oxysulphate. 
 Otherwise, the behavior and tests of purity are the same as for the crystalline salt, nearly 
 10 parts of which are represented by 6 parts of the exsiccated salt. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The intense astringency of the sulphates of iron renders 
 them, as a rule, ineligible for internal administration, except when it is intended to exert 
 a directly constringing action upon the capillaries either of the alimentary canal or of 
 remote organs. If the dose much exceeds Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr. j-ij), it is apt to occasion 
 gastric pain and vomiting, and the prolonged use of even smaller doses is not free from 
 the risk of impairing the digestive function. This preparation is one of the iron com- 
 pounds most liable to remain undissolved in the bowels and occasion their obstruction. 
 It is best removed by means of saline purges. Yet in small doses it is one of the best 
 adjuncts of aloes in relieving constipation caused by torpor of the colon. Besides passive 
 hemorrhages, it is well adapted to control excessive secretions produced by debility, as 
 sweating , gastric catarrh , gastric ulcer , chronic diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, gleet, and hydruria. 
 Externally, it has been applied to the skin in superficial traumatic erysipelas, but it is 
 quite useless in the idiopathic form of the disease. A solution of Gm. 16 (J ounce) of 
 the salt in a pint of water, or an ointment containing Gm. 8 (2 drachms) to the ounce 
 of lard, may be employed in the former affection. An ointment made with 1 or 2 parts 
 of the dried sulphate to 30 of lard is a useful application in cases of obstinate local 
 diseases of the skin, such as eczema, intertrigo, and impetigo. It may also aid in healing 
 the sores occasioned by rupia, ecthyma, syphilis, and scrofula, but has no advantage over 
 zinc ointment for this purpose. 
 
 FERRI SULPHIDUM.— Ferrous Sulphide. 
 
 Sulphuretum ferrosum. — Sidphide of iron , E. ; Sulfure de fer, Fr. ; Seine ef eleisen , G. 
 Formula FeS. Molecular weight 87.86. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron unites with sulphur in various proportions, some of the com- 
 pounds, like iron pyrites, FeS 2 , being found in nature. The monosulphide, which is em- 
 ployed for generating hydrogen sulphide, is made by mixing 3 parts of iron filings 
 with 2 parts of sublimed sulphur, introducing the mixture in small portions into a 
 crucible heated to bright redness and kept covered after each addition ; or a rod of iron 
 is raised nearly to a white heat and then brought into contact with sulphur; ferrous 
 sulphide will at once form and melt, and should be permitted to drop into cold water to 
 solidify. • _ j 
 
 Properties. — It is in yellowish-black or blackish masses or irregular pieces, which 
 have a metallic lustre and are permanent in dry air, but are oxidized when kept in a 
 damp atmosphere. It dissolves readily in dilute sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, with the 
 
FERRI VALERI ANAS. 
 
 743 
 
 evolution of hydrogen sulphide, and without leaving any residue when the sulphide is 
 pure. As met with, it sometimes contains an excess of sulphur, but usually has an 
 excess of iron, and the hydrogen sulphide evolved is mixed with hydrogen. 
 
 Hydrogen sulphide, or hydrosufphuric acid is a colorless gas having a disgusting odor 
 suggesting that of rotten eggs. Its specific gravity is 1.19 ; water dissolves three times 
 its volume of the gas ; the solution is not permanent in the air, but is oxidized, water 
 being formed and white sulphur deposited. The formula of hydrogen sulphide is II 2 S, 
 its molecular weight 33.98. 
 
 This compound has no direct medicinal value. It is used solely for the production of 
 hydrogen sulphide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The alleged cure of phthisis by injecting the bowel with sul- 
 phuretted hydrogen, which was much in vogue about 1885, proved it to be not only de- 
 ceptive, but injurious. The mineral spring waters impregnated with this gas and with 
 iron are used with advantage in many cutaneous diseases and in chronic bronchitis. In 
 the latter affection pulverized sulphur waters are much employed in Europe. 
 
 FERRI VALERI AN AS, U , S . — Ferric Valerianate. 
 
 Ferrum valerianicum. — Valerianate of iron, E. ; Valerianate de fer, Fr. ; Ferrivaleri- 
 anat, Baldriansaures Eisenoxyd, G. 
 
 Ferric valerianate should be kept in small well-stoppered bottles, in a cool and dark 
 place. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is best obtained by adding to a cold solution of ferric sul- 
 phate or ferric chloride a cold solution of sodium valerianate as long as a precipitate is 
 produced, collecting this upon a filter, washing it with a little water, and drying it at a 
 temperature not exceeding 20° C. (68° F.). The salt is formed by double decomposition, 
 sodium sulphate or chloride remaining in solution, while ferric valerianate is precipitated. 
 An elevated temperature and continued washing should be avoided, since valerianic acid 
 would be removed and a more basic salt remain behind. 
 
 Properties. — The salt is a dark brick-red light amorphous powder of somewhat 
 varying chemical composition, which has a slight odor and a taste of valerianic acid. 
 It is insoluble in cold w r ater, but readily soluble in alcohol. Mineral acids decompose 
 the salt with liberation of valerianic acid. When slowly heated it gradually parts with 
 all its acid without melting, but when rapidly heated it fuses and gives off dense inflam- 
 mable vapors having only a faint odor of valerianic acid, but a strong odor of butyric 
 acid. The salt is with difficulty moistened with cold water, but boiling water decomposes 
 it, gradually setting free all the acid and leaving ferric hydroxide. The salt is easily 
 soluble in hydrochloric acid (Wittstein, 1845). On treating freshly-precipitated ferric 
 hydroxide with valerianic acid, Ludwig (1S49) obtained a granular dark red-brown pow- 
 der which was only partly soluble in alcohol, leaving a basic salt behind. 
 
 Test. — “ If 0.56 (0.5588) Gm. of the salt be dissolved in a glass-stoppered bottle 
 (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.) in 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid and 15 Cc. of water, 
 and subsequently 1 Gm. of potassium iodide added, the mixture allowed to stand for half 
 an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool, and mixed with 
 a few drops of starch test-solution, it should require not less than 15, nor more than 20 
 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution, to discharge the blue or greenish color 
 of the liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 1 per cent, of metallic iron)/’ 
 — U. S. 
 
 From the foregoing test (which is the same as that recommended for the ferric scale 
 compounds) it will be seen that the U. S. P. requires a salt containing between 15 and 
 20 per cent, of metallic iron ; such a salt upon complete ignition will leave a residue of 
 between 21.42 and 28.57 per cent, of ferric oxide. 
 
 Composition. — The formula Fe 2 (C 5 H 9 0 2 ) 6 , mol. weight 716.38, requires 22.28 per 
 cent. Fe 2 0 3 . Ludwig’s alcoholic solution, when spontaneously evaporated, left a salt 
 yielding 21.5 per cent. Fe 2 0 3 ; the formula Fe 2 (C 5 H 9 0 2 ) fi .H 2 0 requires 21.77 percent. 
 Dried at 50° C. (122° F.), the same salt yielded 30 per cent., and Wittstein’s salt, dried 
 at 20° C. (68° F.), gave 27 per cent. Fe 2 0 3 ; the formula Fe 2 (C 5 H 9 0 2 ) 6 .Fe0C 5 H 9 0 2 re- 
 quires 26.22. per cent. The variable composition of the salt depends on the process, the 
 care with which it has been washed, and the temperature at which it has been dried. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It was expressly stated, when this preparation was first 
 introduced into medicine, that it would be an error to regard it as a true antispasmodic, 
 on account of the valerianic acid in its composition, and that its value depended mainly 
 
744 
 
 FERRUM. 
 
 upon the iron it contained, the acid acting only as an adjuvant. It should have been 
 added that the iron might be introduced into the system under many more eligible 
 forms and in more suitable doses than were recommended for this salt. It is probably 
 but little used, even for the affections for which it was originally recommended, and 
 which were described as “ chlorosis with hysterical or epileptiform attacks.” It was 
 prescribed in pills in the dose of Gm. 0.05-0.15 (gr. j-iij) several times a day. 
 
 FERRUM, U. S., Br.— Iron. 
 
 Mars. — Fer , Fr. ; Eisen , G. 
 
 Symbol Fe. Atomicity bivalent and sexivalent (Fe 2 ). Atomic weight 55.88. 
 
 Metallic iron, in the form of fine, bright, and non-elastic wire, U. S. ; wrought iron in 
 the form of wire or nails free from oxide, Br. 
 
 Origin. — Iron is the most useful and one of the most widely-diffused metals in nature, 
 being present in most rocks and soils, and generally forming one of the constituents of 
 the ashes of plants and animals. It is rarely found in the metallic state. It is often 
 combined with sulphur, as iron pyrites, more frequently oxidized, as magnetic iron, spathic 
 iron , hematite, and other ores, and likewise in combination with mineral acids. It is found 
 in large quantities in several states of North America and in Great Britain, Sweden, Ger- 
 many, France, and other European countries. 
 
 The manufacture of metallic iron must of necessity vary with the nature of the ore, 
 but the principle is in all cases the same. The ore frequently requires roasting or calci- 
 nation, mainly for the purpose of rendering it more porous and better adapted for the 
 smelting process ; this process is conducted in blast-furnaces, the ore being mixed with 
 carbonaceous matter — coke and the like — some flux, either lime or clay, being added at 
 the same time, whereby a more readily fusible silicate of aluminum and calcium is 
 formed, which on cooling forms the glass-like slag. The crude iron obtained from the 
 blast-furnace is called pig or cast iron, and contains various proportions of carbon, silicon, 
 sulphur, phosphorus, and other impurities, from which it must be purified to adapt it for 
 various uses in the arts. In the refining or puddling process it is fused, and by stirring 
 brought into contact with a blast of air, by which the impurities are oxidized, or the oxi- 
 dation is effected with the aid of an impure oxide of iron (iron scales). The slag still 
 remaining in the iron is then at a white heat pressed out under a steam-hammer, and the 
 iron thus purified rolled out into bars. For many purposes a further purification is 
 requisite. 
 
 Properties. — Iron is a grayish metal of the spec. grav. 7.7 to 7.9. Its tenacity or 
 strength is nearly twice as great as that of any other metal commonly used, and when 
 heated to redness it possesses a ductility admitting of its being drawn into the thinnest 
 wire. At a white heat it becomes pasty and may be welded, but it can be fused only by 
 the full heat of a blast-furnace, and on congealing it expands somewhat in volume. Iron 
 remains unchanged in dry air, but in the presence of moisture its surface becomes cov- 
 ered with brown-red oxide (rust'). It enters into combination with nearly all the elements, 
 and forms the base of two important series of salts, the ferrous and ferric , in the former 
 of which it is bivalent. Fe", in the latter sexivalent Fe VI = (Fe 2 )"'. 
 
 Ferrous salts , when anhydrous, are mostly white, and bluish-green in the hydrated 
 state ; the oxalate is yellow. When moist or in solution they are easily oxidized on 
 exposure to the air or under the influence of oxidizing agents. Their aqueous solutions 
 are colored brownish-black by nitric oxide, and yield black precipitates with ammonium 
 sulphide and white ones, changing to green, black, and brown, with alkalies and their 
 carbonates ; the precipitation, particularly with ammonia, is incomplete. Soluble phos- 
 phates precipitate white ferrous phosphate, changing to greenish-blue ; potassium ferrocy- 
 anide produces a bluish-white precipitate, changing to dark-blue, and potassium ferricy- 
 anide a dark-blue one. Ferrous solutions free from ferric salt are not affected by potassium 
 sulphocyanate or tannin. The soluble normal ferrous salts have an acid reaction to test- 
 paper ; those insoluble in water dissolve is hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Ferric salts are either normal or basic : the normal salts, when soluble, have an acid 
 reaction, are mostly white when anhydrous, and brown or brown-yellow when hydrated: 
 the basic salts are of a darker brown or reddish-brown color. Those insoluble in water 
 dissolve in hydrochloric acid. Hydrogen sulphide reduces ferric to ferrous salts, sulphur 
 being separated ; ammonium sulphide produces the same reduction, and afterward a black 
 precipitate. Alkalies and alkali carbonates added in excess separate brown ferric 
 hydroxide, in the latter case with the evolution of carbon dioxide ; the precipitation is 
 
FERRUM. 
 
 745 
 
 prevented by the presence of tartaric acid and some other organic compounds. Alkali 
 acetate, added in the cold, colors the solutions deep brown-red, the color disappearing on 
 the addition of hydrochloric acid ; on boiling a brown precipitate of basic ferric acetate 
 or ferric hydroxide is deposited. Solutions of ferric salts treated with metallic iron, sul- 
 phurous acid, or other deoxidizing agents are reduced to ferrous salts. Sodium phosphate 
 precipitates white ferric phosphate, which is insoluble in acetic acid, becomes brown by 
 ammonia, and if excess of sodium phosphate be present dissolves in ammonia with a red- 
 brown color. Sodium arsenate has a behavior similar to that of the phosphate. Gallo- 
 tannic acid causes a blue-black color and precipitate (writing ink). Meconic acid and 
 sulphocyanates color the solutions blood-red, the color produced by the latter reagent 
 being destroyed by corrosive sublimate and by strong mineral acids. Potassium ferri- 
 cyanide darkens the solutions of ferric salts to an olive-brown color ; potassium ferro- 
 cvanide precipitates Prussian blue. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Besides the salts of iron treated of elsewhere, the follow- 
 ing may be noticed : 
 
 Ferri benzoas. — Ferric benzoate, E. Fe 2 (C 7 II 5 0 2 ) 6 6H 2 0 ; mol. weight 945.8. — Solution of 
 ferric sulphate is precipitated by a concentrated solution of sodium or ammonium benzoate, the 
 precipitate collected on a filter, washed with a little cold water, pressed, and dried. It is a 
 brownish orange-colored powder having little taste, and turning brown when heated to about 
 135° C. (275° F.), with the loss of water ; at a higher temperature benzoic acid sublimes and the 
 salt is decomposed. Water and alcohol dissolve a portion of the compound, leaving a basic salt. 
 Basic ferric benzoates of a reddish or pale-brownish color are obtained from solution of subsul- 
 phate of iron or of ferric chloride mixed with ammonia-water insufficient in quantity for precipi- 
 tation by adding solution of ammonium benzoate. 
 
 Ferri malas. — Ferrous malate, E. Impure malate of iron is recognized by several European 
 pharmacopoeias as Extractum ferri pomatum, which is prepared by digesting the expressed 
 juice of sour apples with 3 or 4 per cent, of iron filings until the reaction has ceased, filtering, 
 and evaporating. It has a blackish-green color, and contains a variable quantity of iron, some- 
 times as much as 8 per cent. 1 part of it dissolved in 9 parts of cinnamon-water, containing 
 one-tenth its weight of alcohol, is known as Tinctura ferri pomata, P. G. 
 
 Ferri oxalas. — Ferrous oxalate, E. FeC 2 0 4 .II 2 0 ; mol. weight 161.62. — This salt may be pre- 
 pared by mixing solutions of oxalic acid and ferrous sulphate, but as the ferrous oxalate is 
 somewhat soluble in diluted sulphuric acid, it is best to neutralize the oxalic acid in part with 
 ammonia before adding the iron solution, in order to increase the yield of precipitate. The fol- 
 lowing formula will answer : Dissolve 436 grains of oxalic acid in 1 pint of water 5 to two-thirds 
 of the solution add enough ammonia-water to exactly neutralize it ; then add the remaining 
 third, thus forming an acid ammonium oxalate ; having dissolved 960 grains of ferrous sulphate 
 in two pints of distilled water, filter and mix with the solution of ammonium oxalate. Set aside 
 for a while, and wash the precipitate well with water until free from acid. It occurs as a pale 
 lemon-yellow, inodorous, crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in cold as well as boiling water 
 (about 1 part in 4500). It dissolves in cold hydrochloric acid and in hot dilute sulphuric 
 acid. 
 
 Ferri salicylas. — Ferrous salicylate, E. According to Eberle (1886) this salt is best pre- 
 pared by dissolving freshly precipitated ferrous carbonate in water by means of salicylic acid 
 with the aid of a gentle heat, filtering and evaporating the solution to dryness on a water-bath. 
 The ferrous carbonate can be readily prepared by dissolving 100 parts of ferrous sulphate and 
 110 parts of sodium carbonate each in 200 parts of boiling water, filtering, and mixing when 
 cold ; the precipitate is washed by decantation until free from sulphate, transferred to a porce- 
 lain dish and dissolved as above directed. 
 
 Ferri tannas. — Ferric tannate, E. Ferric tannates, free from gallate and containing but little 
 of ferrous compound, are produced by precipitating cold solutions of ferric salts with tannin ; 
 a mixture of ferrous salt and tannin exposed to the air likewise deposits ferric tannate. Witt- 
 stein (1874) found these precipitates to contain between 8.4 and 56.25 per cent, of ferric oxide, 
 the nature of the iron salt and the order of mixing the solutions influencing the composition of 
 the precipitate. A compound containing about one-third its weight of ferric oxide is obtained 
 by preparing the hydroxide from 3 fluidounces of solution of ferric sulphate, and triturating the 
 washed and pressed precipitate with 1 troyounce of tannin and sufficient alcohol, after which it 
 is dried in a water-bath. Tannate of iron is a black or bluish-black powder which is decomposed 
 by mineral and the stronger organic acids. When boiled with water the ferric is reduced to 
 ferrous salt. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Naturally, iron is indicated chiefly when the proportion of red 
 corpuscles in the blood is permanently diminished. Their transient loss by haemorrhage 
 is better repaired by food, out of which the constituents of the blood are normally elab- 
 orated, supposing that the assimilative functions are not impaired. But when such 
 impairment exists the speediest and the surest cure is brought about by the introduction 
 of iron into the economy. By its means the proportion of red corpuscles in the blood 
 appears to be, if it is not actually, increased, and their condition, as seen under the micro- 
 
746 
 
 FERRUM. 
 
 scope, is changed from pale and shrivelled to red and full ; through them more oxygen is 
 introduced into the system, and a more active assimilation of nutriment, as well as a more 
 perfect renewal of tissue, is secured. The cases in which anaemia may be thus remedied 
 comprise those associated or not with chlorosis, hypochondria, convalescence from pro- 
 longed and exhausting diseases, malarial and saturnine and some other cacliexiae attended 
 with imperfect elaboration of the blood or its habitual waste, certain varieties of dyspep- 
 sia, some forms of albuminuria, etc. But in these and other diseases which do not involve 
 incurable organic lesions it often happens that iron remains inoperative — in all probability 
 because it is not digested, and not received, if at all, into the system in such a form as to 
 make it an efficient oxygen-bearer in the blood. It has been proved that in such cases 
 the inhalation of oxygen gas exerts a powerful although a transient stimulating influence 
 upon the nutritive and animal functions, and that to render its action more permanent a 
 prolonged systematic treatment by iron is essential. Conversely, it is a fact familiar to 
 practitioners that the mere administration of iron forms but one element of the treat- 
 ment in all cases of chronic anaemia. What may be accomplished medicinally by means 
 of oxygen is more effectually and certainly attained by those various hygienic measures, 
 including exercise, active and passive, change of scene, etc., which increase the activity 
 of the respiratory act while stimulating the whole nervous system. Although in the 
 greater number of chronic nervous diseases distinguished by morbid susceptibility the con- 
 dition of the blood is impaired, and the restoration of this fluid to its normal state is an 
 essential element of the cure, yet it often happens that the disorder is apparently limited 
 to the nervous system, especially when the latter has been directly affected by the morbid 
 cause. In such cases the use of iron is more prejudicial than profitable ; it oppresses and 
 does not invigorate ; it impairs the appetite, constipates the bowels, and induces a dan- 
 gerous plethora. Such a mode of action doubtless explains the injurious effect of iron 
 in the greater number of cases of epilepsy — a disease which experience shows to be 
 benefited, as a rule, by agents that diminish the amount of blood in the brain (vegetable 
 diet, belladonna, the alkaline bromides), and not by those which, like iron, increase it. 
 There may be cases of the disease in which the attacks are rendered more frequent by a 
 morbid susceptibility of the nervous system induced by sexual, and especially by unnat- 
 ural sexual, excitement, and an associated anaemia ; in these it is quite intelligible that 
 iron should be salutary, especially in conjunction with appropriate hygienic measures. 
 It was probably such cases that Gowers has reported to have been ameliorated or cured 
 by means of iron ( Times and' Gaz., April, 1880, p. 447). When anaemia constitutes only 
 one out of many symptoms of a disease, the use of iron will be more or less efficient 
 in proportion as the anaemia depends or not upon removable causes. The anaemia 
 of tuberculosis, of cancer, the interstitial form of Bright’s disease, and some other affec- 
 tions is subordinate to an incurable lesion, and iron can therefore act only as a palliative. 
 In these, and indeed in nearly all forms of anaemia, iron is food, and, like other food, 
 must be productive of good or evil according to the patient’s need of it and his power of 
 assimilating it. 
 
 Scanty as well as excessive menstruation may be appropriately treated by iron, for 
 either may be due to a deficiency of normal blood. When the catamenia are profuse but 
 watery, they are diminished by iron and the proportion of solids in the discharge is 
 increased ; on the other hand, when they are both scanty and pale iron is the best agent 
 for increasing them. The former case is the more hopeful one, because it shows a cer- 
 tain energy, with a due supply of material ; the latter, in its chronic type, is usually a 
 sign of progressive and incurable exhaustion, but sometimes also it results from uterine 
 congestion, which must first be treated before iron can be of much avail. This object is 
 usually sought by means of aloetic purges and other stimulant and derivative agencies. 
 In all cases of active uterine haemorrhage , if there be any such independently of disease 
 of the womb, iron should not be given internally, no matter how great may be the anae- 
 mia which excessive and repeated losses occasion ; but when the flow is passive the case 
 enters the category of passive haemorrhages generally ; and for these, whether they take 
 place from the organ named, from the rectum, bladder, kidneys, or other part, iron 
 becomes one of the best remedies — not as iron merely, but iron in combination with 
 a mineral acid, in which the astringency is derived from the acid rather than 
 from the ferruginous base. The combinations of hydrochloric and of sulphuric acid 
 with iron are in this respect the most efficient. The stimulant action of iron salts ren- 
 ders them less appropriate for pulmonary than for other internal haemorrhages, except 
 in the form of astringent atomized solutions. Iron is useful in regulating the heart 
 when it becomes irregular through weakness, whether or not the condition be aggravated 
 
FERR UM. 
 
 747 
 
 by valvular disease. By giving tone to this, as well as to other organs, it sometimes 
 promotes the removal of dropsies dependent upon cardiac obstruction. 
 
 Various nervous disorders more or less dependent upon impoverishment of the blood 
 may be cured by iron. Of these the most directly amenable to its operation is neuralgia , 
 especially of the fifth pair, and next to this of the gastric nerves, and chorea , which very 
 often, like neuralgia, is the result of debility and, remotely, of impoverishment of the 
 blood. Among other nervous affections for which iron is appropriate are various irrita- 
 tions of the bladder and urethra tending to occasion retention or incontinence of urine, in 
 which the tincture of the chloride or the syrup of iodide of iron may be used with much 
 confidence in its virtues. Seminal emissions in weak, nervous, and excitable persons may 
 sometimes be prevented by the same agent, especially if associated with belladonna or 
 ergot, which, indeed, renders the cure more prompt and certain. The same is true of the 
 use of iron in certain cases of incontinence of urine. 
 
 The cure of insanity and of whooping cough may be promoted by iron, like that of 
 neuralgia and chorea, when associated with exhaustion of the nervous system. One 
 of the most valuable results of recent experience in regard to insanity consists in the 
 proof that good food and other hygienic means are essential elements of its proper treat- 
 ment. In like manner, iron is not a specific for whooping cough ; it only changes the 
 soil in which that disease tends to gain strength. Iron is contraindicated in epilepsy, 
 with the proviso above mentioned ; that is to say, unless the patient’s condition, upon 
 other grounds, requires the use of chalybeate medicines. 
 
 Intermittent fever is cured by iron only when the disease is prolonged by exhaustion 
 of the system and impoverishment of the blood, and this occurs especially when the sick 
 remain in malarial localities and when an appropriate antiperiodic treatment has not 
 been employed. Hence the use of quinine after a course of iron is found to be more 
 efficient than before it in the cases alluded to. Enlargement of the spleen may be rap- 
 idly lessened by iron if the affection be not inveterate. In a word, the efficacy of iron 
 in malarial affections is wholly subordinate to its renovating action upon the blood. 
 
 The same statement is, in the main, true respecting the use of iron in dyspepsia. The 
 medicine acts chiefly by improving the blood, and thereby increasing the secretion of 
 gastric juice and the muscular power of the stomach. But if acid preparations are used, 
 they act also as local stimulants. Hence the latter should be given immediately before 
 meals, but other martial preparations either along with the food or directly after meals. 
 In either case cinchona and its derivatives are important adjuvants. 
 
 The salutary action of iron in albuminuria probably is mainly due to its lessening the 
 destruction of the red blood-disks, and in a subordinate degree to its local action upon 
 the kidneys. The latter is, however, less probable than the former, since it is alleged 
 that the iron cannot be detected in the urine. It nevertheless lessens the proportion of 
 albumen discharged, and in the desquamative forms of Bright’s disease often effects a 
 stable cure. This is particularly evident in albuminuria and dropsy occurring after scar- 
 latina or from the action of cold and dampness upon the skin. But the medicine is still 
 the best even in granular and in amyloid degeneration of the kidney. The form of its 
 administration is of secondary importance, but probably a solution of muriated tincture 
 of iron in acetate of ammonia, with an excess of acetic acid, is to be preferred. 
 
 Iron is one of the most important aids to a proper diet in the treatment of diabetes ; 
 it tends to sustain the general health even when it does not directly cause a diminution 
 in the proportion of sugar excreted. Basham’s mixture (which represents the solution 
 mentioned in the last paragraph) appears to be the best form for its administration. In 
 chronic mucous fluxes of every description iron is invaluable — in those of the bowels, by 
 its direct application partly, and in the rest by its influence upon the blood, and perhaps 
 also by constringing the capillary vessels. It is of great value in the treatment of 
 intestinal worms — not so much, probably, by directly destroying them as by rendering 
 the intestinal secretions more healthy, and thereby depriving the parasites of their nidus. 
 Among mucous proflu via, chronic bronchitis is often cured by iron, especially when the 
 sputa are muco-purulent. Hence the reputation of the compound iron mixture as an 
 antihectic medicine, and hence also the error of applying the same treatment to con- 
 sumption of the lungs. True pulmonary phthisis , with tissue-degeneration, is benefited 
 by iron mainly in so far as its use is proportioned to the diminished blood-formation 
 belonging to that affection. It may be not only tolerated, but useful, while active exer- 
 cise can be taken, but unless great care is exercised it increases the tendency to haemop- 
 tysis and possibly hastens the progress of the disease. It is most readily borne by the 
 dull and lymphatic, when there is but little tendency to febrile irritation, and when the 
 
748 
 
 FERRUM. 
 
 consumption is essentially chronic. As iron is a constituent of the body, and by its 
 function in the blood one of its most important constituents, the amount of it consumed 
 in food or medicine must bear a certain relation to the needs of the economy. It is just 
 as possible to create a surfeit of iron as of meat and drink, of fatty food, or of cod-liver 
 oil. Doubtless in every case there is a physical reason for the repugnance which one 
 may acquire for certain articles of diet — the saturation, that is, of the system by their 
 peculiar constituents ; and in the case of iron it is evident that if the demand for it is 
 not sustained by such a physiological tissue-waste as exercise, etc. produce, it will more 
 or less speedily induce an oppressive and dangerous plethora. Iron is more appropriate 
 in scrofula , a disease histologically allied to, but clinically quite different from, phthisis ; 
 but even in this affection its value, except to meet incidental conditions, such as anaemia 
 and dyspepsia, is not great. The iodide of iron is probably useful in glandular scrofula 
 in virtue of the iodine it contains. In syphilis and cancer , for which iron has been 
 recommended, it has no other virtues than arise from its power of sustaining the general 
 health, or, in the case of the former disease, of mitigating the mischiefs of an excessive 
 use of mercury. 
 
 The most efficient remedy in idiopathic erysipelas is the tincture of the chloride of 
 iron given in full and repeated doses, such as from G-m. 1.30-2.60 (20 to 40 drops), 
 every two or three hours, properly diluted. Smaller doses are quite useless. Its action 
 is probably to constringe the capillary blood-vessels, although its acid element may di- 
 rectly tend to antagonize the febrile poison. 
 
 The same preparation has been reported to act very favorably in low forms of scarla- 
 tina , measles , and puerperal fever, but, although there is no reason to reject its use, there 
 is not enough to recommend it. The use of iron as an internal remedy in diphtheria 
 has been highly commended by several physicians, but a critical examination of their 
 reports demonstrates that there is no more reason to attribute the measure of success 
 they achieved to the tincture of the chloride or the subsulphate of iron they employed, 
 the one internally and the other topically, than to the quinine and chlorate of potassium 
 and inhalations of lime-water that were used at the same time. While there are good 
 grounds, therefore, for using this compound treatment, there are none whatever for 
 assigning to iron a controlling share in the results obtained. The sulphuret of iron has 
 been proposed as an antidote to constitutional poisoning by lead and as a means of neu- 
 tralizing the salts of mercury , lead, antimony , copper , and especially arsenic , in the stom- 
 ach. For the last named the hydrated oxide is generally employed, but, as elsewhere 
 stated, it probably acts by mechanically enveloping the particles of arsenic rather than 
 as a chemical antidote. The same remark applies to the insoluble saccharated oxide of 
 iron, and less absolutely to the hydrated oxide of iron with magnesia. 
 
 The contraindications to the use of iron it is essential to keep in mind. The one which 
 surpasses all others in importance is feverishness. Almost the only exception to this 
 statement is that tincture of chloride of iron cures erysipelas , but it doubtless acts, not 
 as an haematic, but as a powerful astringent. In nearly all other cases fever (several 
 exceptions were noted in the last paragraph), or even feverishness, should exclude iron, 
 whether it be produced by chronic disease, as phthisis, or by local irritations, such as 
 dyspepsia with constipation. In the last-named affection the complexion is often muddy 
 and the tongue coated, not by continuous or any other “ sympathy ” with the gastro- 
 intestinal disorder, but because the local affection produces general feverishness. Under 
 such circumstances purgation is an essential preliminary to the favorable action of 
 iron, and hence the saline chalybeate mineral waters are very efficient in curing this 
 condition. 
 
 The local therapeutical uses of iron are numerous, but they owe their value to the astrin- 
 gency of the acid compounds of the metal rather than to the metal itself. Solutions and 
 ointments of the sulphate have been applied with apparent advantage in traumatic erysip- 
 elas, in phlegmasia alba, and in various chronic eruptions of the shin occurring in persons 
 in whom these affections tend to -ulcerate or to persist unchanged. The subsulphate, 
 in strong solution, has been applied to the cure of nasal, aural, and other polypi, and in 
 weak solution to arrest chronic mucous discharges from the urethra, vagina, etc. Solution 
 of chloride of iron represses fungous granulations in cases of ingrown toe-nail , ulcerated 
 gums, etc. 
 
 Like other astringents, mineral salts of iron are used in treating varicose or simply 
 dilated blood-vessels of the conjunctiva and relaxed conditions of the fauces. Solution 
 of chloride of iron is said to be useful as a local application in diphtheria , and it probably 
 is most so when the exudation is in its forming stage and of limited extent. In the 
 
FERRUM RED UCTUM. 
 
 749 
 
 decline of the disease gargles containing a small proportion of the solution tend to con- 
 stringe the part and renew its healthy action. The subsulphate has been applied in the 
 same manner. The chlorides and the sulphates of iron are haemostatics, and have often 
 arrested threatening haemorrhage in epistaxis, haemorrhage from the stomach, from the 
 extraction of teeth, leech-bites, the excision of tonsils, cancerous ulceration, and after 
 delivery. In the last case it has been sufficiently diluted with water and carefully pumped 
 into the uterine cavity. In pulmonary haemorrhage an atomized weak solution (1 part 
 of the tincture to 10 parts of water) has been inhaled with prompt effect. The injection 
 of solutions of the lactate, the perchloride, and other salts of iron into varicose and other 
 aneurisms would form an eligible method of treatment if it were not extremely dangerous. 
 In a number of instances the operation has been speedily followed by the patient’s death, 
 either suddenly by embolism or later by ulceration. 
 
 T annate of iron is an astringent resembling, but milder than, sulphate of iron. Malate 
 of iron and its tincture are adapted to cases requiring the use of mild chalybeates, and 
 their taste renders them suitable to children and fastidious females. They do not stain 
 the teeth. The former is recommended to be given in doses of Gm. 0.20-0.30 (4 or 5 
 grains), and the latter in doses of Gm. 1.20 (20 or more drops). 
 
 In this place may perhaps be most conveniently mentioned the relative value of different 
 preparations of iron used by subcutaneous injection. The experiments of Neuss upon 
 this subject led him to the following conclusions: “The citro-sodic pyrophosphate of 
 iron is superior to all other preparations of iron for this purpose. It contains 26.6 per 
 cent, of iron, is soluble in 6 parts of distilled water, causes no annoyance, and may be 
 detected in the urine within half an hour. Next in value comes Friedlander’s albuminate, 
 which contains less iron, however, and is more apt to undergo decomposition. After 
 these must be ranked pyrophosphate of iron with citrate of ammonia, which, at least in 
 one patient out of three, occasioned considerable irritation. According to these experi- 
 ments the following compounds are unfit for hypodermic use : the oxycitrate of iron, the 
 citrate of iron and quinine, the soluble saccharate of iron oxide, and dialyzed iron 
 (glycerinated) ” ( Zeitschrift f Min . Med., iii. 9). Rosenthal has recommended the pep- 
 tonate and also the oleate of iron for subcutaneous use ( ibid ., viii. 95). 
 
 The special therapeutical uses of Ferri oxalas are not generally recognized, but 
 according to Hayem, whose authority cannot be doubted, it is preferable to all other 
 ferruginous compounds ( Bull . de Therap ., cxviii. 538). ? The dose is stated to be Gm. 
 0.10-0.15 (gr. ii-iij). 
 
 FERRUM REDUCTUM, U. S., T. Reduced Iron. 
 
 Ferrum redactum , Br. ; Ferrum hydrogenio reductum , Ferrum ope hydrogenii paratum. 
 — Iron reduced by hydrogen , Iron by hydrogen , E. ; Fer reduit par l' hydrogene , Fr. ; Redu- 
 cirtcs Eisen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Strong Solution of Perchloride of Iron, Solution of Ammo- 
 nia. Zinc (granulated), Sulphuric Acid, Calcium Chloride, Distilled Water, of each a 
 sufficiency. Dilute the solution of iron with 5 volumes of water; pour the mixture into 
 such a quantity of solution of ammonia, diluted with 5 volumes of water, that the whole 
 after thorough stirring has a distinct odor of ammonia. Wash the precipitate until the 
 washings are no longer rendered cloudy by solution of silver nitrate. Dry the precip- 
 itate and introduce the resulting ferric oxyhydrate into an iron tube, confining it to the 
 middle part of the tube by plugs of asbestos. Pass the tube through a furnace, and 
 when it has been raised to a strong but not bright red heat cause it to be traversed by a 
 stream of hydrogen gas developed by the action on the zinc of some of the sulphuric 
 acid diluted with eight times its volume of water. The gas before entering the tube 
 must be rendered quite dry by being made to pass first through the remainder of the 
 sulphuric acid, and then through a tube 18 inches long packed with small fragments of 
 the calcium chloride. The farther end of the tube is to be connected by a cork with a 
 bent tube dipping under water, and when the hydrogen is observed to pass through the 
 water at the same rate that it bubbles through the sulphuric acid the furnace is to be 
 allowed to cool down to the temperature of the atmosphere, a slow current of hydrogen 
 being still continued. The reduced iron is then to be withdrawn and enclosed in a dry, 
 stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 The present process differs merely in the use of freshly-prepared peroxide of iron, 
 and in all essential details is identical with the one of the U. S. P. 1876, which 
 was elaborated by Prof. Procter. The drying of the hydrogen is unnecessary, but pro- 
 
750 
 
 EERRTJM REDUCTUM. 
 
 vision must be made to prevent tlie acid liquid in which hydrogen is generated from being 
 mechanically carried over ; this is effected by passing the gas through an empty vessel 
 before it enters the reduction-tube, or through basic lead acetate, which will retain also 
 gaseous impurities with which the hydrogen may be contaminated from impurities of the 
 zinc or acid. The reduction-tube, we think, should be filled with hydrogen gas before it 
 is heated to redness, and the heat is best kept at dull redness, so as to obtain the metal 
 in a finely-divided state, and not more or less granular, which would result from carrying 
 on the operation at a bright-red heat. At the high temperature the ferric hydroxide is 
 converted into ferric oxide, and this is decomposed by the hydrogen, with the liberation 
 of iron and the production of water; Fe 2 0 3 -}- 3H 2 yields Fe 2 and 3H 2 0. That the 
 reduction has been completed is ascertained from the absence of aqueous vapor in the 
 bubbles breaking through the water, or from the uniform rapidity with which the bubbles 
 pass both through the water and through the liquid placed between the generator and 
 reduction-tube. After the fire is withdrawn the reduced iron would burn again to ferric 
 oxide if it were allowed to come into contact with oxygen while warm ; the hydrogen 
 must therefore be continually passed through the reduction-tube until the temperature 
 has been lowered to that of the surrounding atmosphere. Using 2 pounds of ferric 
 hydroxide, the process occupies from five to eight hours. It is scarcely necessary to 
 state that the ferric hydroxide should have been well washed. 
 
 Various other methods have been suggested for obtaining reduced iron, but they do 
 not appear to be used on a large scale. For reduction in a current of hydrogen Peligot 
 (1844) proposed ferrous chloride, and Woehler (1855) ferrous oxalate, or an oxide 
 obtained by strongly heating a mixture of ferrous sulphate and sodium chloride and 
 washing out the soluble salt. A. Morgan (1854) recommended the calcination of a mix- 
 ture of ferric oxide, potassium ferrocyanide, and potassium carbonate, each previously 
 deprived of water. Zaengerle (1857) used ferrous oxalate instead of ferric oxide. After 
 cooling, the mass requires to be well washed and dried. The metallic iron reduced by 
 electricity from ferrous sulphate (Boettger, 1846), or from ferrous chloride (Collas), has 
 no advantage over that prepared with hydrogen. 
 
 Properties. — Reduced iron is a very fine gray (grayish-black, U. S., Br . ) powder, 
 free from metallic lustre, but exhibiting metallic streaks when rubbed with firm pressure 
 in a mortar, and yielding a lustrous scale when struck on an anvil with a hammer. It is 
 without odor or taste, and is not altered in dry air, but is gradually oxidized and becomes 
 rust-colored in a damp atmosphere, and when touched with a lighted taper ignites and is 
 converted into black ferroso-ferric oxide. It is strongly attracted by a magnet, and is 
 insoluble in all simple solvents, but is wholly dissolved by dilute hydrochloric or sul- 
 phuric acid, with the evolution of hydrogen, the solution showing the reactions of ferrous 
 salts. 
 
 Tests. — On treating reduced iron with diluted hydrochloric acid, the undissolved 
 residue should not weigh more than 1 per cent, (carbon), U. S., P. G. The hydrogen 
 should be free from noxious odor, and should not impart a black color to filtering-paper 
 moistened with solution of lead acetate and stretched over the orifice of the test-tube ; 
 the black color would be due to the presence of sulphur, resulting from the sulphate 
 which remains in incompletely-washed ferric hydroxide. The solution in hydrochloric 
 acid should not assume a red color when tested with potassium sulphocyanate (absence 
 of ferric or magnetic oxide). The presence of magnetic oxide is also indicated by the 
 black instead of gray color of the powder. “ If 1 Gm. of reduced iron be shaken with 
 5 Cc. of water, the liquid should not change the color of litmus-paper. If 0.5 Gm. of 
 reduced iron be added to 5 Cc. of arsenic-free hydrochloric acid, and the mixture be 
 poured upon a filter while still effervescing, 1 Cc. of the clear filtrate should, after the 
 addition of 2 Cc. of stannous chloride test-solution, together with a small piece of pure 
 tin-foil, and gentle heating, show no brown coloration within half an hour (limit of 
 arsenic). Introduce 0.56 (0.559) Gm. of reduced iron into a glass-stoppered bottle, add 
 50 Cc. of mercuric chloride test-solution, and heat the bottle, well stoppered, during one 
 hour on a water-bath, frequently agitating. Then allow it to cool, dilute the contents 
 with water to the volume of 100 Cc., and filter. To 10 Cc. of the filtrate, contained in 
 a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), add 10 Cc. of diluted sul- 
 phuric acid, and subsequently decinormal potassium permanganate solution, until a per- 
 manent red color is produced. The number of Cc. of the volumetric solution required, 
 when multiplied by ten (10), will indicate the percentage of metallic iron. To confirm 
 the assay, decolorize the liquid by a few drops of alcohol, then add 1 Gm. of potassium 
 iodide, and digest for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.). The cooled 
 
FICUS. 
 
 751 
 
 solution, mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, should require not less than 8 
 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish color 
 (each Cc. of the volumetric solution indicating 10 per cent, of metallic iron).” — U. B. 
 
 The reactions in the foregoing test involve, first, reduction of mercuric to mercurous 
 chloride with formation of ferrous chloride, which enters into solution, 2HgCl 2 + Fe = 
 FeCl 2 + Hg 2 Cl 2 , the ferrous chloride is then oxidized by means of potassium perman- 
 ganate and converted into ferric chloride, and this is finally determined iodometrically, 
 as explained under Ferric chloride. The U. S. P., as stated in the test, requires at 
 least 80 per cent, of metallic iron ; the Germ. Ph. requires at least 90 per cent, by the 
 same test. 
 
 Treated with iodine or bromine, dissolved in solution of potassium iodide or bromide, 
 the black oxide remains behind, and its weight should not exceed 50 per cent. ; this 
 residue should be completely soluble in hydrochloric acid. — Br. 
 
 Mr. Creuse (. Proc . Amer. Phar. Assoc., 1874, p. 435) suggested to determine the 
 amount of pure iron from the measure of the hydrogen given off; the presence of oxides, 
 however, appears to interfere with the correctness of the results. Schacht (1877) regards 
 the following as sufficient evidence of purity : It is “ a very fine gray powder without 
 gloss ; when heated in the air it burns to ferric oxide. It is completely soluble in warm 
 diluted pure hydrochloric acid, with the evolution of hydrogen, which is indifferent to 
 lead-paper. When treated for half an hour, at the ordinary temperature and with occa- 
 sional agitation, with twenty-five times its weight of solution of ferric chloride sp. gr. 
 1.30, it is completely dissolved.” 
 
 Ferrum pulveratum, s. alcoholisatum, s. porphyrisatum, P. G ., or pulverized iron, 
 may be mistaken for reduced iron. It is made in Europe on a large scale from a good 
 quality of cast iron, and therefore contains carbon. It has the general properties of 
 reduced iron, from which it differs in being denser, having a distinct metallic lustre, and 
 in not igniting when touched with a lighted taper ; the hydrogen evolved by it has a 
 distinct odor, but should contain traces only of hydrogen sulphide. The solution of iron 
 in hydrochloric acid should not yield a dark color or precipitate with hydrogen sulphide 
 (absence of lead, copper, etc.), and when oxidized with nitric acid and treated with 
 ammonia in excess the filtrate should be colorless (copper, etc.), and not be rendered 
 turbid by ammonium sulphide. 
 
 When tested by the method given under Reduced iron, pulverized iron should con- 
 tain at least 98 per cent, of pure metallic iron. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation was originally proposed as a substitute for 
 subcarbonate of iron. It was less bulky, aad therefore more likely to agree with the 
 stomach ; but not improbably there happened in this case what has often been observed 
 when the nutritious elements of food are substituted for those forms of it which Nature 
 has provided. In point of fact, it is even more likely to derange the stomach than the 
 preparation mentioned, partly on account of the impurities it sometimes contains to the 
 extent of 50 per cent., and partly because it is very apt to cause the formation in the 
 stomach, and the eructation, of sulphuretted hydrogen. Moreover, when given in pills 
 and pastilles they often escape the solvent power of the digestive juices, and are 
 evacuated in the same form in which they were swallowed. The only way in which it 
 can be administered with an assurance of its solution and absorption is to give it at meal- 
 times or immediately afterward in a wafer or suspended in a little water. It may be 
 prescribed in the dose of Gm. 0.05-0.30 (gr. j-v). 
 
 FICUS, U. S., Br.— Fig. 
 
 Caricse; Ficus passa, Fid, Fructus caricse. — Figue, Fr. ; Feige, G. ; Higo, Sp, 
 
 The fleshy receptacle, bearing fruits upon its inner surface, of Ficus Carica, Linni. 
 Steph. and Church, Med. Bot. plate 154; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 228. 
 
 Nat Ord. — Urticaceae, Artocarpese. 
 
 Origin. — The fig tree is indignous to Western Asia, from Asia Minor and Syria east- 
 ward to Lake Aral, and has been under cultivation from a very remote period. At 
 present it is cultivated in most countries of the Old and New Worlds which lie in the 
 warmer temperate regions, in many of which it is also found wild. It attains a height 
 of about 7.5 M. (25 feet), is irregularly branched, has rough palmately-lobed, irregularly- 
 toothed subcordate leaves, in the axils of which appear the fleshy hollow receptacles, 
 upon the inner surface of which the minute flowers are situated, the few staminate 
 flowers being placed near the mouth. 
 
752 
 
 FCENICUL TIM. 
 
 Description. — The receptacle, erroneously called fruit, is pear-shaped, short-stalked, 
 
 or with a circular stalk-scar at the base, and about 
 75 M. (3 inches) long; in the green state it con- 
 tains a milky, acrid juice, which changes to sac- 
 charine, the color of the receptacle becoming yel- 
 lowish and purplish. The orifice is surrounded 
 by several fleshy scales, and the greater portion 
 of the inner surface is covered in the ripe fig by 
 numerous small yellowish akenes, popularly called 
 seeds. Figs have a peculiar fruity odor and a 
 very sweet somewhat mucilaginous taste. A 
 warm and dry climate is best adapted for grow- 
 ing figs with the view of preserving them in the 
 dry state. 
 
 They are dried either by artificial heat or by 
 exposure to the sun, and packed in this condition 
 (natural figs'), or they are rendered pliant by 
 kneading and squeezing, and then packed and 
 pressed into boxes ( pulled figs'). In the latter 
 condition they are always of a very irregular 
 shape, yellowish, somewhat translucent, and cov- 
 ered with effloresced sugar. The large puffy figs 
 are known as Turkey or Smyrna figs , the small 
 and dried ones as Greek figs. In Italy the early 
 figs which appear in the axils of the previous 
 year’s leaf scars are known as grossi and orni , while those produced in the axils of leaves 
 are known as forniti or as cratiri , the latter name being given to those which ripen after 
 the fall of the leaves. 
 
 Constituents. — Exclusive of the akenes, which, together with the cellular tissue, Bley 
 (1831) found to constitute about 15 per cent, of the weight of figs, he obtained 16 percent, of 
 water, 62.5 per cent, of sugar (glucose), the remainder being gum, fat, and saline constituents. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Brosimum alicastrum, Swartz. This large tree bears a globular fruit of the 
 size of a nutmeg, imbedded in the receptacle. The seeds are known in Jamaica as bread-nuts , 
 and have a taste resembling that of chestnuts. The milk-juice of old branches is acrid. 
 
 Brosimum Galactodendron, Don , s. Galactodendron utile, Kunth , is the cow tree, palo de vaca, 
 or palo de leche , of tropical America. On making incisions into the bark it yields a milk-juice 
 which resembles, and is used like, cow’s milk ; this contains, according to Boussingault, 58 per 
 cent, of water and 42 per cent, of fixed matter, the latter consisting of wax and fat 32.2, sugar 
 2.8, proteids 1.7, salts 0.5, and undetermined substances 1.8 parts. 
 
 Artocarpus incisa, Linn£, is indigenous to the Moluccas and the islands of the Southern 
 Pacific. The nearly-ripe pistillate inflorescence, known as bread-fruit , forms a globular sorosis 
 about 6 inches (15 Cm.) in diameter, and consists of a mealy and spongy receptacle in which the 
 oblong angular akenes are imbedded. A similar product, known as jack-fruit , is yielded by 
 Artocarpus integrifolia, Linn6 ; it is nearly pear-shaped, and is largely used in India and the 
 East Indian islands. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The saccharine and mucilaginous constituents of figs render 
 them nutritive, and in their fresh state laxative. The latter operation of dried figs is 
 mainly due to the indigestibility of their seeds and tough skins, which also tend to occa 
 sion flatulence. They form an agreeable addition to the various ptisans employed in 
 catarrhal affections of the air-passages and other mucous canals, and roasted figs have 
 from time immemorial formed convenient cataplasms for gum-boils , abscesses of the anus, 
 vulva, etc. (Isaiah xxxviii. 21). It is stated by Billroth that poultices made with dried 
 figs and milk neutralized th e fetor of cancerous and other ulcers which resisted all the 
 usual deodorizers (Med. Record , xix. 308). 
 
 Fig. 124. 
 
 Ficus carica, Linne ; a, section of fig b, stami- 
 nate flower ; c, pistillate flower. 
 
 FCENICULUM, V . Fennel. 
 
 Fceniculi fructus, Br. ; Fructus foeniculi, P. G. ; Semen foeniculi. — Fennel-fruit, Fennel- 
 seed, E. ; Fenouil , Fr. ; Fenchel, G. ; Hinojo , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Foeniculum capillaceum Gilibert (s. F. officinale, Allioni , s. F. vulgare, 
 Gaertner, s. Anethum (Meum, SprengeT) Foeniculum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 123. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae, 
 
FCENUM GR2ECUM. 
 
 753 
 
 Fig. 125. 
 
 Fceniculum: fruit, 3 
 diameters; trans- 
 verse section, 8 di- 
 ameters. 
 
 Origin. — The fennel is indigenous to Southern Europe, and is frequently found wild 
 in Western and South-eastern Europe and in Western Asia. Com- 
 merce is mainly supplied with the fruit from Germany and France, 
 where the plant is extensively cultivated. It is an herbaceous annual 
 or perennial, varying in cultivation considerably in size and in its 
 fruit. The stem is 0.9— 1.8 M. (3 to to 6 feet) high, somewhat fur- 
 rowed, green, and glaucous ; the leaves are decompound or twice- 
 pinnate, with the pinnae very narrow ; the umbels are at the top of 
 the stem or branches, compound, large, and without involucre or 
 involucel. All parts have an agreeable, aromatic odor and a sweetish- 
 aromatic taste. 
 
 Description. — Fennel-fruit is about 4 to 8 Mm. (i to ^ inch) 
 long, oblong in shape, nearly cylindrical, and readily splitting at matur- 
 ity into the two mericarps, which often become somewhat curved. The face is broad and 
 flat, the back rounded, and has five prominent obtuse ribs of a light-brown color, the 
 intervening furrows being almost blackish-brown. There are usually six oil-tubes, one 
 under each furrow, and two, or in some varieties two pairs, on the face. The odor and 
 taste of fennel are agreeably sweetish-aromatic and anise-like. 
 
 The commercial varieties are Saxon or German fennel , which is about J inch (6 Mm.) 
 long and of a brownish tint ; and Roman fennel , which is nearly twice as large, mostly 
 strongly curved, of a distinct greenish tint, with broader and rather sharper ribs, and of 
 .a stronger and more pleasant odor. The latter is often referred to Foen. dulce, Be Can- 
 dolle , but appears to be merely a variety of F. vulgare, produced by cultivation. 
 
 Fennel-root is somewhat employed in Europe. It is 15 to 25 Cm. (6 to 10 inches) 
 long, above nearly 25 Mm. (one inch) thick, several headed, cylindrical, little-branched, 
 but beset with numerous thin and wrinkled radicles. The root is externally light- 
 brown, annulate, and longitudinally wrinkled, internally white ; the bark thick, fleshy, 
 with several circles of brown resin-cells, and the meditullium yellowish and radially stri- 
 ate. It has an aromatic odor and a sweet fennel-like taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Fennel contains about 12.5 per cent, of fixed oil, some sugar, and 
 from 2 to 4 per cent, of volatile oil, to which the sweet taste of the fruit is chiefly due. 
 (See Oleum FtENicuLi.) The root contains a small quantity of volatile oil, more sugar, 
 and considerable starch. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Syrupus fceniculi. — Syrup of fennel, E. — Digest for 3 
 hours 2 parts of bruised fennel with 12 parts of hot water in a closed vessel, and dissolve 
 in 10 parts of the infusion 18 parts of sugar. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Employed by the ancients as a carminative and digestive 
 stimulant and to promote the secretions, it continues to be used for like purposes at the 
 present day. It is still alleged to increase the secretion of milk, urine, perspiration, and 
 mucus, and to be an active emmenagogue. It is most commonly used as an ingredient 
 of carminative compounds or in a simple infusion for the relief of nausea and coUc. It 
 is very appropriate in hot infusion, as an adjuvant, in the treatment of amenorrlicea from 
 uterine congestion and for re-establishing the lacteal secretion when suppressed An 
 infusion of fennel may be made with Gm. 4 (gr. lx) of the bruised seed in Gm. 250 
 (4- a pint) of boiling water. Of this a teaspoonful may be given at short intervals to an 
 infant and a wineglassful to an adult. 
 
 FCENUM GR^ECUM.— Fenugreek. 
 
 Semen fstnugrseci , P. G. ; Fenugrec , Senegrain , Fr. ; Bockshornsamen , G. ; Alholva , Sp. 
 
 The seeds of Trigonella Foenum graecum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants ., 
 
 71. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Fenugreek is an annual herb indigenous to Western Asia and naturalized in 
 India, Eastern and Northern Africa, and Southern Europe ; it is extensively cultivated 
 in Asia and Africa. The plant is about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, nearly simple, has trifo- 
 liate leaves with articulated obovate or wedge oblong denticulate leaflets, solitary sessile 
 pale yellowish flowers, and produces linear-curved compressed legumes with a slender 
 beak and containing about sixteen seeds. 
 
 Description. — The seeds are 3 Mm. (J inch) long and broad, 2 Mm. (y 1 ^ inch) thick, 
 of an oblique rhombic shape, flattened, pale brownish-yellow, on both flat surfaces with 
 a deep groove extending in a diagonal direction, very hard, of a strong, unpleasantly aro- 
 48 
 
754 
 
 FRANCISCEA. 
 
 matic odor, suggesting that of melilot, and a mucilaginous and bitterish taste. The 
 thin hard testa encloses a yellowish embryo having a thick radicle, which is strongly 
 bent upon the edges of the cotyledons and has its position externally indicated by the 
 grooves. The embryo is surrounded by a colorless hornlike tissue, which is regarded as 
 the inner seed-coat or by some authors as a thin layer of albumen. 
 
 Constituents. — Fenugreek was examined by Bassou, who ascertained the presence 
 of volatile and fixed oil, mucilage, and a bitter principle which was not obtained pure. 
 *The mucilage is contained in the integuments of the seeds, and amounts to about 28 per 
 cent. ; the fixed oil, about 6 per cent., resides in the embryo. Jahns obtained 3.4 per 
 cent, of nitrogen, which would indicate 22 per cent, of albumen. A small amount of 
 tannin is present in the testa, but no starch. 
 
 Adulterations. — Being usually kept in the ground condition, fenugreek is liable to 
 be adulterated with farinaceous substances, in which case it will acquire a blue color on 
 the addition of iodine. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The seeds of other species of Trigonella have similar properties, but are 
 much smaller. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Fcenum grsecum is one of those simple medicines which 
 figured largely in the materia medica of the Greeks and their successors, and which 
 possessed hardly any other than emollient virtues. Like flaxseed, marshmallow, and 
 slippery elm, it was used to prepare cataplasms for inflamed parts and soothing pessaries 
 for the uterus and vagina ; its decoction was similarly employed, and injected into the 
 rectum, and also formed a ptisan for affections of the throat and air-passages. Its oil, 
 like linseed and olive oil, was applied to burns, excoriations, etc. It may be used in a 
 decoction prepared with Gm. 30 to Gm. 500 (gj to Oj). Poultices may be made of the 
 ground seeds. 
 
 FRAN OISCE A. — Franciscea. 
 
 Franciscea uniflora, Pohl. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solanaceae. Salpiglossidese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — This shrub is indigenous to Brazil, and, according to 
 Martius (1829), is known there as manacan , and in some parts as gerafacaca or cam- 
 gambd ; in Para it is called mercurio vegetal. The stem, which is about 1.8 M. (6 feet) 
 high, together with the root, has been introduced under the name of manaca , and is seen 
 in commerce in pieces 15-20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) long and 6-25 Mm. (J to 1 inch) thick. 
 The bark is quite thin, adheres firmly to the wood, is smooth and dark-brown, and on older 
 parts scaly and rust-brown ; the wood is reddish-yellow, tough and hard, and encloses a 
 thin pith ; the drug is inodorous and has a bitter taste. The leaves, which are also 
 employed, are short-petioled, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, 12 Mm. (1 inch) broad, 
 elliptic, acute, entire, and on the lower side grayish -green. The bell-shaped corolla is 
 white and purplish, the fruit capsular, two-celled, and the seeds somewhat triangular and 
 finely pitted. White and red manaca have been met with in commerce, the two kinds 
 being probably of different origin ; and in some parts of South America the bark of 
 Piscidia Erythrina, Jacquin , is said to be known as manaca. 
 
 Constituents. — B. Lenardson (1884) analyzed red manaca, which, from the micro- 
 scopic structure, he believes may belong to the Apocynaceae. Besides fat, resin, 1.07 
 per cent, of ash, 11.25 starch, and various other compounds, a poisonous alkaloid, 
 manacine, and a fluorescent compound were isolated. The latter is readily soluble in 
 alcohol, chloroform, and spirit of ether, less freely in water, benzene, and ether, reduces 
 alkaline copper solution, is not a glucoside, and is probably identical with gelsemic acid; 
 the aqueous solution has an acid reaction, is yellow in transmitted light and blue in 
 reflected light, the fluorescence being increased by ammonia. Manacine is a weak base, 
 has a slight bitter taste, dialyzes readily, but has not been obtained in crystals ; it dis- 
 solves readily in water, alcohol, and methyl alcohol, is insoluble or nearly so in other 
 liquids, is easily decomposed in solution, with separation of a brown resin, the hydro- 
 chloric acid solution being more stable than others, and is precipitated from its more or 
 less concentrated solution by the reagents for alkaloids, but not by alkalies; the precipi- 
 tate by phospho-molybdic acid dissolves in potassa with a blue color. Characteristic 
 color reactions were not observed. The alkaloid francisceine , which is stated to have 
 been recently extracted from manaca, is probably the same as that just described. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1867, Edmon, who lived on the Amazon, reported that at 
 Para the flowers of manaca, or franciscea, were applied to indolent ulcers, and that a 
 
FRANGULA. 
 
 755 
 
 decoction of the root was regarded as a sovereign remedy for “ rheumatism.” It was 
 given in a decoction, which at first produced pains in the head and back, and afterward a 
 profuse critical perspiration. Manaca, we are further told, is in small doses emeto- 
 cathartic diaphoretic and diuretic, and in large doses an acrid poison. It was employed 
 not only in rheumatism, but in syphilis and other diseases “ in which mercury is indi- 
 cated” ( Therap . Gaz.,x. 24). This description suggests the operation of sarsaparilla, 
 guaiacum, and mezereon. From other sources we learn that the “ rheumatism ” here 
 spoken of was the muscular and tendinous form of the disease, and also that the whole 
 plant, but the root especially, acts as an irritant of the stomach and bowels, causing 
 vomiting and purging, abortion in pregnancy, and even death {Robert's Jahrcsbericht, 
 1885, p. 310). 
 
 Franciscea has been employed almost exclusively in the treatment of “ rheumatism,” 
 but the reporters have not always distinguished between muscular and articular rheuma- 
 tism, nor between the acute and chronic forms of both, between the simple and the 
 syphilitic forms, etc., nor between the effects of the medicine and the natural tendency 
 of the disease under favorable hygienic conditions to get well. The chief contributors 
 to the history of this matter are Gottheil {Med. Record , xxiv. 258) Pepper {Therap. 
 Gaz., Sept., 1882), Rogers {ibid., Dec. 1884, p. 532), Garland {Boston Med. and Surg. 
 Jour., July, 1885, p. 80), and Caldwell {Med. Record, xxvi. 31). After a careful com- 
 parison of the statements of these witnesses, we have reached the conclusion that 
 manaca has little or no influence on the course or issue of articular rheumatism, and 
 that it may be used, as numberless other diaphoretics, sedatives, etc. are employed, with 
 more or less advantage in the so-called muscular form of the disease. The fluid extract 
 of manaca may be given in doses of Gm. 0.60-4 (npx-f^j). 
 
 FRANGULA, U . S . — Frangula. 
 
 Fig. 126. 
 
 Rhamni frangulse cortex , Br. ; Cortex frangulse , P. G. — Alder buckthorn , E. ; ficorce 
 de Bourdaine , Bourgene, Fr. ; Faulbaumrinde , G. 
 
 The bark of Rhamnus Frangula, Linne , s. Frangula vulgaris, Reichenbach , s. Frangula 
 Alnus, Miller , collected at least one year before being used. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants, 65. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rhamneae. 
 
 Origin. — The alder buckthorn is a shrub about 3 to 4.5 M. (10 to 15 feet) high, 
 which grows in wet places from the northern coast of 
 Africa throughout Europe, and extending eastward into 
 Siberia. It has alternate elliptic, oval, or obovate entire 
 leaves, which are obtuse or slightly pointed at the apex ; 
 greenish hermaphrodite flowers in axillary clusters of 
 three or five, and red, finally black, berries of the size of 
 a pea and containing two or three roundish-angular seeds. 
 
 The bark is collected in the spring from the younger 
 trunks and large branches. The Norwegian and the 
 United States Pharmacopoeias require it to be used not 
 sooner than a year after it has been collected. The shrub 
 is also known in different parts of Europe as black alder , 
 aune noir, and Schwarzerle, which names are perhaps more 
 properly restricted to species of Alnus (see page 155). 
 
 Description. — Frangula-bark is in small quills about 
 1 or 1.5 Mm. (^U or y 1 ^ inch) thick, externally gray or 
 grayish-brown, or from the younger branches blackish- 
 brown, marked with numerous small, whitish, transversely- 
 elongated suberous warts ; the inner surface is smooth, 
 orange-yellow or brownish-yellow. When fresh it has a 
 disagreeable odor and taste, but in the dried state it has 
 scarcely any odor, a sweet and bitterish taste, and breaks 
 in the inner layer with a fibrous fracture, showing the 
 yellow bast-fibres, a greenish middle layer, and a purplish- 
 colored corky layer. When moistened with lime-water it 
 acquires a red color. With cold water it yields a yellow, 
 and with hot water a brown, infusion, which is colored 
 dark-brown, but not precipitated, by ferric chloride. 
 
 Frangula-bark: transverre section, 
 magnified 80 diameters. 
 
756 
 
 FRAXINUS. 
 
 Constituents. — The bark was analyzed by Gerber (1828), Binswanger (1849), L. 
 A. Buchner (1853), Casselmann (1857), Phipson (1859), and others. The constituent 
 which possesses most interest is frangulin or rhamnoxanthin , C 20 H 20 O 10 , which is extracted 
 from the bark by carbon disulphide and obtained pure by recrystallization from alcohol 
 and ether. It is a lemon. yellow crystalline mass of a slightly silky lustre, without odor 
 and taste ; by sublimation it is obtained in yellow nedles. It is insoluble in water, 
 slightly soluble in cold alcohol and ether, and freely soluble in alkalies, with a bright- 
 purple color. It dyes silk, wool, and cotton, and is resolved by acids into sugar and 
 frangulic acid, C 14 Hi 0 O 5 . The bark contains also a yellow resinous principle, tannin, an 
 amorphous bitter principle which appears to have a purgative action, and various ordi- 
 nary principles. It yields 5 or 6 per cent, of ash. The odor of the fresh bark is due to 
 a volatile principle which has not been isolated. Liebermann and Waldstein (1876) 
 obtained emodin , Cj 5 H 10 O 5 , from old frangula bark, by boiling with diluted sulphuric acid 
 those constituents which are soluble in soda and are reprecipitated from this solution by 
 hydrochloric acid. Kubly’s avornin was impure frangulin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The fresh bark excites nausea, colic, vomiting and violent 
 purging, but by drying it loses in some degree its acrid qualities, and is then used in 
 Germany as a domestic purgative. A lad, after eating and chewing some of the berries, 
 including the stones, was seized with vertigo, headache, convulsions, unconsciousness, 
 dilatation of the pupil, rapid, full pulse, and faint respiration. The poisonous effects 
 were attributed to hydrocyanic acid contained in the seeds ( Amer . Jour. Phar ., lviii. 252). 
 It gives a deep-yellow color to the faeces and urine. It is stated to be employed as a 
 substitute for rhubarb, but its action is much harsher, and indeed it may be ranked 
 among the drastic cathartics. Its active properties are ascribed to frangulin, a substance 
 analogous to cathartin, or to frangulic acid, which is said to be purgative in the dose of 
 1 grain. In Germany frangula is a popular purgative, and is said to resemble senna in 
 its operation. Dr. Squibb claims that its action is milder than that of senna or rhubarb 
 (Ephemeris, iii. 1051) ; that it is a laxative rather than a purgative, especially for deli- 
 cate organisms ; that a teaspoonful of the fluid extract at bed-time is the proper dose for 
 temporary costiveness ; and that for habitual constipation 20 minims in a little water, 
 one, two, or three times a day, is the better dosage, especially for females. He does 
 not recommend it as an evacuant to supplant senna, castor oil, etc. A decoction of it is 
 sometimes used in dropsy , and the same preparation, as well as an ointment prepared 
 with the fresh bark, is employed in treating the itch. The decoction may be prepared 
 with half an ounce of the bark or Gin. 15 to Gm. 250 (-J a pint) of water, and given 
 in tablespoonful doses. 
 
 FRAXINUS.— Ash. 
 
 Frene , Fr. ; Esche , G. ; Fresco , Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Oleaceae, Fraxineae. 
 
 Description. — Fraxinus excelsior, Linne , the European ash, which is sometimes 
 cultivated in the United States as a shade tree, attains a height of 30 to 45 M. (100 to 
 150 feet), has a straight trunk, a tough, whitish, elastic wood, which is difficult to split 
 and very durable, and lax racemes of polygamous flowers without calyx or corolla. The 
 hark , which is collected from the branches in spring, is in quills having a gray or green- 
 ish-gray color externally, numerous small gray or brownish-white suberous warts, and a 
 smooth inner surface of a yellowish or yellowish-brown color. It is inodorous, has a 
 bitter, astringent taste, and breaks with a smooth and, in the inner layer, fibrous frac- 
 ture. The leaves are pinnate, composed of eleven or thirteen nearly sessile leaflets, 
 which are almost smooth, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, vary in shape between elliptic- 
 oblong and oblong-lanceolate, have a wedge-shaped and entire base, and are sharply ser- 
 rate above ; in some varieties the leaves have a crisp margin or a whitish or variegated 
 color. The fruit is a linear-oblong samara about 37 Mm. (II inches) long and 6 Mm. 
 (i inch) broad, brownish, round at the base, at the apex extended into a long many- 
 nerved, somewhat oblique wing, and contains a single pendulous seed having an astringent, 
 bitter, and acrid taste. 
 
 Fraxinus Americana, Linne , s. Fr. alba, Marsh , s. Fr. epiptera, Michaux , the 
 North American white ash , is a handsome forest tree growing from Nova Scotia south- 
 ward to the Mexican Gulf and westward to Lake Superior and Eastern Kansas. It 
 attains a height of 18 to 24 M. (60 to 80 feet), has a durable, tough wood, seven or nine 
 ovate-oblong, acuminate leaflets, and a terete fruit extended above into a spatulate-linear 
 
FUCUS VESICULOSUS. 
 
 757 
 
 wing. The bark, which has been employed, is collected from the trunk and the root, the 
 latter being preferred. It is 3 to 6 Mm. (i to J inch) in thickness, usually freed from 
 the corky layer, whitish or yellowish, sometimes brownish, frequently with ridges of a 
 warty cork adhering, and upon the inner surface yellowish and smooth ; it breaks with a 
 very fibrous fracture, and has a slight aromatic odor and a bitter and somewhat acrid 
 taste. 
 
 Fraxinus yiridis, Michaux. The green ash of North America is used in Mexico, the 
 bark and leaves being considered tonic and the root diuretic. 
 
 Constituents. — The European ash contains in the bark tannin, the bitter glucoside 
 fraxin (see Hippocastanum), and a crystalline principle obtained by Keller by a process 
 similar to that by which salicin may be obtained ; it was at first named fraxinin , but was 
 recognized as mannit by Stenhouse and Rochleder. Garot (1853) found in the leaves 
 calcium malate ; and in addition to this Gintl and Reinitzer (1882) obtained free 
 malic acid, tannin, mannit, inosit, a little quercitrin, glucose, gum, and volatile oil of 
 the formula C 10 H 20 O 2 . Mouchon’s fraxinit is extract-like and said to be purgative. The 
 fruit contains, according to Keller, a green oil of a disagreeable odor, an acrid resin, 
 a bitter principle, tannin, and mucilaginous matter. 
 
 The white-ash hark , examined by Howard M. Edwards (1882), contains a mild aromatic 
 volatile oil, an alkaloid which has not been investigated, resin, starch, sugar, and coloring 
 matter producing a blue-black color with ferric chloride. J. M. Bradford (1882) believes 
 that tannin is also present. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Extractum fraxini Americans. Made with alcohol, 
 the yield is about 22 per cent. ; with weaker alcohol 30 to 32 per cent, of extract may be 
 obtained. 
 
 Extractum fraxini Americans fluidum. Edwards proposed as the menstruum 
 alcohol containing 20 per cent, of glycerin ; it is of a blackish-red color. 
 
 Vinum fraxini Americans has been made by T. S. Wiegand (1882) with sherry 
 wine, and represents 4 troyounces of the bark in the pint. 
 
 Action and Uses. — No accurate description of the operation of this medicine has 
 been published. Infusions of the leaves are said to be either diaphoretic or diuretic. 
 The bark at one time enjoyed a certain vogue in Europe as a remedy for intermittent 
 fever , and there seems to be no doubt that it was often used with success in cases which 
 had proved rebellious to cinchona, so that it may be included in the large class of suc- 
 cedanea for Peruvian bark and its derivatives. The leaves are more or less purgative, 
 and are said to operate like senna, but their more important use appears to have been in 
 the treatment of gout. There seems to be conclusive evidence of their efficacy when 
 administered in an infusion made with Gm. 2 (30 grains) of the leaves in half a pint of 
 water, strained and sweetened, and taken twice or thrice daily. A similar method is said 
 to have been successful in articular rheumatism (Pouget and Peyraud. Amer. Jour, of Med. 
 Sci., April, 1853, p. 492). According to Pliny, serpents will avoid even the shadow of 
 the ash, and he affirms as of his own knowledge that if a snake is enclosed in a circle of 
 ash-leaves in the centre of which is burning coals, it will plunge into the fire rather than 
 touch the leaves. A similar fact or superstition exists in regard to the white ash (F. 
 afnericana). On the land where it grows no rattlesnake will be found, “ and it is the 
 practice of hunters and others having occasion to traverse the woods in the summer 
 months to stuff their boots or shoes with white-ash leaves as a preventive of the bite 
 of the rattlesnake.” We have several times known this precaution to be taken with 
 full faith in its efficacy. A vinous preparation of the white ash is alleged to be useful 
 in dysmenorrhcea and associated uterine disorders. 
 
 Of Chionanthns virginica , says Griffith, the root-bark is tonic and febrifuge, with some 
 acro-narcotic properties which gave the shrub the name of poison ash ; this bark is used 
 in a cataplasm as an application to wounds and ulcers. Porcber states that he has heard 
 it spoken of as diuretic and as a lotion for yaws and ulcers occurring in native Africans. 
 More recently it has been described as purgative and cholagogue (Henning, Therap. 
 Gaz., x. 230). The leaves and bark of Ligustrum vulgare , or privet, were formerly used 
 as astringents in diarrhoea , haemorrhage , sore mouth , sore throat, etc. The leaves of L. 
 alalerinus , as well as of L. vulgare , have been used to repress the secretion of milk. 
 
 FUCUS VESICULOSUS.— Bladder-wrack. 
 
 Quercus marina. — Sea-wrack, Kelp-ware , Blacktang, Cut-weed , E. ; Varech vesiculeux , 
 Fr. Cod. ; Blasentang, Seetang, Meereiche , G. ; Encina de mar , Fuco avejigado, Sp. 
 
758 
 
 FUMARIA. 
 
 Fucus vesiculosus, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 304. 
 
 Mat. Ord . — Algae, Fucoideae. 
 
 Description. — It grows on the rocky shores of the North Atlantic and of the North 
 Pacific Ocean, attains a length of 0.6 to 1.2 M. (2-4 feet), and has a flat branching 
 
 Fig. 127. 
 
 Fucus vesiculosus ; fruiting branch, natural size. 
 
 thallus 12 to 25 Mm. (J-l inch) wide, with the margin entire and a distinct midrib 
 through its entire length. The air-vesicles are usually in pairs, separated by the midrib, 
 spherical or oblong in shape, and occasionally attaining the size of a hazel-nut. The 
 reproductive organs are found at the ends of the branches, forming more or less elongated 
 receptacles, with many spherical conceptacles containing the numerous minute oblong 
 antheridia and few larger globose sporangia. In the fresh state bladder-wrack is of a 
 brownish-green color, which becomes nearly black on drying. It has the peculiar odor 
 of sea-weeds and a mucilaginous and saline taste. 
 
 Allied Species. — Fucus nodosus, Linnd (Fucodium nodosum, Agardh ), is 1.2 to 1.8 M. (4-6 
 feet) long, and has a narrower frond or thallus without midrib, and with single vesicles, which 
 are ovate or oblong, and usually large. 
 
 Fucus serratus, Linne, has a veined and serrate frond without vesicles. 
 
 Fucus siliquosus, Linnd, s. Cystoseira (Ilalidrys, Lyngbye ) siliquosa, Agardh. The frond is 
 very narrow, 0.6 to 1 .2 M. (2-4 feet) long, with short branches, articulated vesicles of a pod-like 
 appearance, and lanceolate flattened tubercular fructification. This and the preceding species 
 are permitted by the French Codex to be employed in the place of F. vesiculosus. 
 
 Fucus natans, Linn6, s. Sargassum bacciferum, Agardh , is the Gulf-weed of the Atlantic 
 Ocean, and is often found in immense masses floating in the sea. The frond is terete, and has 
 linear and serrate branches and globular aculeate and stipitate vesicles of the size of a pea. 
 
 Constituents. — These plants are very similar in composition. They contain muci- 
 lage, mannit, odorous oil, a bitter principle, and between 14 and 20 per cent, of ash, cal- 
 culated for the dried plant. Godeschen, James, and others found the mineral constitu- 
 ents of the bladder-wrack, as collected from different places, to vary to the same extent. 
 Marchand (1865) obtained from the ash of the bladder-w r rack 0.719 per cent, of iodine 
 and 0.603 of bromine, and from F. serratus 0.834 iodine and 1.007 bromine. Frisby 
 (1880) obtained from anhydrous bladder-wrack .72 per cent, iodine, .84 bromine, and .47 
 chlorine ; the ash amounted to 15.9 per cent. 
 
 Action and -Uses. — The medicinal virtues of F. vesiculosus depend apparently 
 upon the iodine and bromine which it contains in common with the allied species of 
 sea-weed. It has been applied externally, bruised, to enlarged scrofulous glands, and 
 internally it was at one time recommended as a means of lessening obesity. It was 
 administered chiefly in a decoction made with from Gm. 8 to 16 ( 317 — iv) of the plant 
 in a pint of water, and was alleged not to occasion atrophy of the mammae or testes, 
 while it reduced the fat in a notable degree. For this purpose it had a brief vogue, but 
 is now almost forgotten. 
 
 FUMARIA.— Fumitory. 
 
 Fumeterre, Fr. ; Erdrauch, Feldraute , G. ; Hiel de tierra , Pajarilla, Sp. 
 
 Fumaria officinalis, Linne. 
 
FUNGUS CHIRURGORUM. 
 
 759 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Fuuiariaceae. 
 
 Description. — Fumitory is a low annual about 30 Cm. (12 inches) high, and is com- 
 mon in the fields throughout Europe and more or less naturalized in most civilized coun- 
 tries. The entire plant is of a glaucous gray-green color ; the stem is angular and much 
 branched ; the leaves are alternate, finely-dissected, compound, with spatulate or obovate- 
 oblong rather acute lobes; the flowers are in terminal and axillary racemes, and have 
 short, acute, and sharply-toothed sepals, and a pale-red and crimson or purplish corolla, 
 which is one-spurred at the base. The fresh plant has a somewhat heavy odor and a 
 saline, bitter, and rather acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — AVinckler (1831) isolated fumaric acid , C 4 H 4 0 4 , which had been 
 obtained by Lassaigne (1819) from malic acid, C 4 II 6 0 5 ; the latter, heated to 150° C. 
 (302° F.), is almost completely resolved into fumaric acid and water. Fumaric acid 
 crystallizes in colorless prisms, volatilizes partly unaltered above 200° C. (392° F.), and 
 when heated with hydriodic acid or under the influence of nascent hydrogen is converted 
 into succinic acid. Peschier discovered the alkaloid fumarine. Pommier (1853) obtained 
 it by exhausting the fresh herb with water acidulated with acetic acid and precipitating 
 with ammonia. It is white, crystalline, bitter, not freely soluble in water, but soluble in 
 alcohol. The analysis of Merck proved the presence of the usual constituents of 
 herbs. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is one of many medicines reputed to be purifiers of the 
 blood. Its bitter taste and slightly laxative and diuretic qualities suggest its analogies 
 with dandelion. Its reputation also is partly of the same kind as a remedy for dyspeptic 
 derangements attributed to torpor of the liver, but generally due to constipation. But 
 its greatest credit has been acquired in the treatment of diseases of the skin depending 
 on scrofulous and diuretic disorders. For crusta lactea a decoction of the plant in milk 
 has been used topically. The expressed juice of the fresh plant is its most efficient 
 preparation. A decoction or infusion may be made with Gm. 32 (an ounce) of the herb 
 to Gm. 500 (gj to Oj) of water. 
 
 FUNGUS CHIRURGORUM, JP. A P. G.— Surgeon’s Agaric. 
 
 Agaricus (s. Boletus ) chirurgorum , s. igniarius. — Spunk , Touchwood , E. ; Amadou 
 (Codex), Agaric de chene , Bolet amadouvier , Fr. ; Wundsch warn m , Feuerschwamm , Zander , 
 G. ; Esca focaja , It. ; Agarico yesca. Sp. 
 
 Polyporus (Boletus, Linne ) fomentarius, Fries. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Fungi, Hymenomycetes. 
 
 Origin. — This fungus grows on beech and oak trees in Southern and Middle Europe ; 
 it is sessile, obliquely triangular, and hoof-shaped, 10 to 30 Cm. (4—12 inches) broad, at 
 the base 5 to 10 Cm. (2-4 inches) thick, brown-gray or whitish externally and yellowish- 
 brown internally ; the hymenium on the lower side is in the form of small tubular pores. 
 This and the hard rind are removed and the fungus is cut into thin slices, which are 
 soaked in water, boiled in weak lye, washed, and beaten with mallets until soft. It is 
 then ready for surgical purposes. For use as tinder it is soaked in a saturated solution 
 of potassium nitrate before it is dried. 
 
 Description. — Surgeon’s agaric is in thin, flat pieces, tasteless, inodorous or of a 
 faint odor, of a cinnamon-brown color, glossy, very soft and velvety. Under the micro- 
 scope it is seen to consist of interlaced filiform cells. It readily absorbs twice its weight 
 of water, and when this is expressed and evaporated only a minute residue should be left. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — P olyporus (Boletus, Linnt) igniarius and marginatus, Fries , yield a sim- 
 ilar but harder product; the former is internally rust-brown or dark cinnamon-brown, and very 
 hard, while the latter is yellowish, and not spongy. 
 
 Cibotium Baromez, ./. Smith , C. djambianum, HassTcarl , and other large ferns (Nat. Ord. 
 j Cyatheace se)of Sumatra and South-eastern Asia, are covered at the base of the fronds with chaffy 
 hairs, 2 or 3 Cm. (about 1 inch) long, soft, glossy, brown or yellowish, flat, inodorous and taste- 
 less ; these are known in the East as penghawar djambi. 
 
 Cib. Schiedei, Schlechtendal, and perhaps some allied species yield ocopetate or cola de mono 
 of Mexico, which resembles the preceding drug. Fulu or pulu-pulu, from Cib. glaucum, Hooker , 
 i and allied species of the Sandwich Islands, is very soft and slightly curly. 
 
 Alsophila lurida, Hooker , and allied ferns of Java, yield paku kidang , the hairs being about 
 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, thicker, more stiff and less soft than the preceding drugs. 
 
 Surgical Action and Uses. — On account of its combined lightness, elasticity, 
 toughness, and porosity this substance has long been used to arrest haemorrhage from 
 
760 
 
 FUNGUS MUSCARIUS. 
 
 slight wounds, and especially from leech-bites. It should be secured in its place by a 
 bandage or other pressure. When prepared with nitrate or with chlorate of potassium 
 it may be formed into cylinders and used as a moxa. Its physical qualities give it a 
 superiority over all other substances to be insinuated between the ulcerated skin and an 
 ingrown toe-nail. The success of this treatment depends upon preventing any movement 
 of the parts by means of a narrow strip of adhesive plaster wound around the toe. 
 
 Pinghawar djambi has been used as a haemostatic in Sumatra from time imme- 
 morial. Its power of coagulating freshly-drawn blood is greater than that of several 
 other absorbents employed as haemostatics, and is due to the capillarity of its fibres, 
 which absorb the serum of the blood ( Med . Record , xxxiv. 478). Many years ago this 
 property was described by Vinke (N. Amer. Med. -Chi. Rev., iv. 736). He, however, 
 stated that the plant acts more efficiently when crumbled than when entire. Gm. 0.30 
 (gr. v) are said to arrest a considerable hsemorrhage , and more than Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) 
 is never applied. It is pressed for two or three minutes against the bleeding surface 
 and secured in its place. During the Franco-German War, according to Junker, it 
 proved useful in capillary haemorrhage and in bleeding from small vessels ( London Med. 
 Rec ., Dec. 15, 1885). 
 
 FUNGUS MUSCARIUS.— Fly Agaric. 
 
 Fly fungus , E. ; Agaric mouche , Fausse oronge , Fr. ; Fliegenschwamm, G. 
 
 Amanita muscaria, Per soon, s. Agaricus muscarius, Linne. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Fungi, Agaricini. 
 
 Origin. — This European fungus grows in autumn, chiefly under pine trees ; allied 
 poisonous species are met with in most countries. Some species of the same genus are 
 edible. 
 
 Description. — The stalk is tuberous at the base, 7 to 15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) high, 
 and about 18 Mm. (f inch) thick, white. The cap (pileus) is 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) 
 broad, at first globular, afterward flattish or convex, scarlet or orange-red, more or less 
 covered with white warts, internally yellowish, and on the under side with white lamel- 
 late gills (hymenium). It has a disagreeable odor and a burning, acrid taste. Infused 
 with milk, it is used for poisoning flies ; hence the name. 
 
 Constituents. — The poisonous principle, according to Apoiger (1851), is a crystal- 
 lizable acid soluble in ether and precipitated by lead acetate. Leteiller (1866) called 
 it amanitin , which is a brown, amorphous, tasteless glucoside, insoluble in ether, and 
 not precipitated by lead salts or gallic acid. Schoenbrodt (1864) isolated a white crys- 
 talline powder, agaricin, by exhausting the alcoholic extract with 50 per cent, alcohol, 
 evaporating and crystallizing from a mixture of alcohol and ether; it is insoluble in ether 
 and sparingly soluble in water, and has at first an insipid, afterward sweet, bitter, and 
 acrid taste. Sicard and Schoras (1865) announced that various toadstools contain a 
 poisonous volatile alkaloid ; the volatile alkaloid obtained by Apoiger had a very disagree- 
 able odor, but was not poisonous. Schmiedeberg and Koppe (1869) separated a poison- 
 ous alkaloid, muscarine, C 5 H 15 NO h , which is colorless, inodorous, crystalline, very deliques- 
 cent, insoluble in ether, and sparingly soluble in chloroform ; it is 5 strong base, and yields 
 deliquescent salts, which are precipitated by mercuric chloride, auric chloride, and potassio- 
 mercuric iodide. It is accompanied by choline , C 5 H 15 N0 2 , which was isolated by Harnack 
 (1876) as amanitine, and was afterward found by him identical with the choline of hog- 
 bile. 
 
 Action and Uses. — At one time this fungus had a doubtful reputation for the 
 cure of epdepsy. It was also used externally in the treatment of chronic eruptions and 
 ulcers of the skin. Its most important use is to combat profuse sweating, for which 
 purpose the related white agaric has long been employed, as is elsewhere stated. Dr. 
 Murrell successfully used Agaricus muscarius in the treatment of 26 cases of the night- 
 sweating of phthisis. He found that 5 minims of the 1 per cent, solution of the extract 
 was the smallest dose on which reliance could be placed. It was given three times a 
 day, or at intervals of about an hour before bed-time. It did not begin to act on the 
 first night, but on each successive night became more efficient, and it stopped the sweat- 
 ing without producing any abnormal dryness of the skin. Even in the dose of 15 min- 
 ims it produces no bad effects. But care should be taken to test the activity of the 
 preparation used by its power of arresting the action of the frog’s heart (Joe. sup. cit .). 
 
GALANGA. — GALBANUM. 
 
 761 
 
 GAL AN GA. — Galangal. 
 
 Rhizoma (Radix) galangse ( minoris ), P. G. ; Galanga, Fr., Sp. ; Galgant , G. 
 
 The rhizome of Alpinia officinarum, Hance. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 271. 
 Rat. Ord. — Scitaminese (Zingiberaceae), Zingiberese. 
 
 Origin. — The galangal-plant resembles a flag, and has stems about 1.2 M. (4 feet) high, 
 and white flowers, veined with red, in terminal racemes. It is indigenous to the island of 
 Hainan in the south of China, and probably also to the adjacent mainland. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome appears in commerce in sections about 5 Cm. (2 inches) 
 long. 0.5 to 2 Cm. (|-4 inch) in diameter, frequently with one or two short branches. 
 
 Fig. 129. 
 
 Fig. 128. 
 
 Galanga. Galanga : transverse section, magnified 6 chain. 
 
 It has externally a rust-brown color, and is somewhat wrinkled and transversely annu- 
 lated with the short remnants of the leaf-sheaths. It is rather tough, breaks with a 
 somewhat fibrous fracture, is internally pale grayish-brown, and on transverse section 
 shows the endoderm as a dark-colored circular line, enclosing a central portion of about 
 the same width as the cortical layer ; the tissue contains starch-grains and scattered oil- 
 cells and wood-bundles, the latter being more numerous in the central portion. Galan- 
 gal has an agreeable aromatic odor, which becomes more prominent on bruising the rhizome, 
 and a pungent taste somewhat resembling that of ginger. 
 
 Constituents. — Galangal contains about \ per cent, of a pale-yellow or brownish- 
 yellow volatile oil which has the density 0.921 at 15° C., boils between 170° and 275° C., 
 and contains considerable cineol , to which the oil ofaes its camphor-like odor (Schimmel 
 and Co., 1890). The water distilled from galangal contains ammonium carbonate (Vogel, 
 1844). The pungent taste of the rhizome, according to Bucholz, is due to a soft resin 
 which has not been fnrther examined. Brandes (1839) obtained tasteless and inodorous 
 crystals of ksempferid , which by crystallization from alcohol yielded to Jah ns (1881) three 
 yellow compounds, — ksempferid , gala n gin, and alpinin , crystallizing in the order named, 
 and melting respectively at 221°, 214°, and 173° C. Mucilage, starch, fat, and extractive 
 matter are likewise present. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Alpinia Galanga, Willclenow, of Java, yields the greater galangal , Radix 
 galangce majoris , which is rarely seen in our commerce. It resembles the preceding, but is 
 longer and thicker, externally brown-red, internally buff-colored, and is weaker in odor and taste. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Galangal is an aromatic, and therefore a local and 
 general stimulant. It resembles ginger in its qualities and effects. It was formerly held 
 in high repute as a stomachic for promoting digestion and relieving flatulence , and was 
 employed to correct nausea and prevent vomiting due to indigestible food, and also when 
 they occurred in febrile diseases of a typhoid type. Its somewhat acrid taste renders it 
 unsuitable for administration in powder, which may, however, be prescribed in the close 
 of Gm. 1.30 or 2.00 (20-30 grains). It may also be given in an infusion made with 
 Gm. 32 (an ounce) of the bruised root to a pint of water. A tincture is also employed 
 in the dose of Gm. 4 (f^j ). 
 
 GALBANUM, Br., P. Galbanum. 
 
 Giimmi-resina galhanum. — Galbanum , F. ; Mutterharz , Gallon, G. ; Galbano, Sp. 
 
 The gum-resin obtained from Ferula galbaniflua, Boissier et Buhse , and probably from 
 other allied plants. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 128. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermse. 
 
 Origin. — This plant is indigenous to Northern Persia. The stem is about 1.5 M. (5 
 feet) high ; the radical leaves are large, triangular, decompound pinnate, and pinnatifid, 
 with the ultimate sections linear and obtuse ; the stem-leaves are small ; the fruit is some- 
 what winged near the face of the mericarps ; the ribs are prominent and slender, and the 
 
762 
 
 GALBANUM. 
 
 oil-tubes solitary in each groove and absent in the commissure, or often there are two 
 narrow ones. The plant, with the one noticed below, was originally (1844) described by 
 Boissier under the name of Fer. erubescens, subsequently (1856) as F. gummosa. 
 
 Fer. rubricaulis, Boissier , grows in Southern (and probably also in Northern) Persia, 
 and has the leaves with wider segments and the oil-tubes narrower and more numerous 
 than the preceding. Fer. Schair, Borszczow , a native of the Kirgheez country, yields 
 also a gum-resin similar to galbanum, which, however, does not appear to be collected. 
 The gum-resin exudes spontaneously, and, as far as known, no incisions are made to pro- 
 mote the exudation. It enters commerce chiefly through Russia and from the Levant. 
 
 Description.— The best quality of galbanum is met with in tears varying in size 
 from a pin’s head to a pea and larger ; sometimes it is soft and semifluid. The tears 
 adhere to one another, forming a more or less compact mass ; they are of a reddish-, 
 brownish-, or greenish-yellow color externally, internally whitish or yellowish, with a 
 waxy gloss, and are somewhat translucent. It has a peculiar, unpleasant balsamic odor 
 and a disagreeable, bitter, and acrid taste. Moistened with alcohol, a fine purple color 
 will be produced on the addition of a little strong hydrochloric or nitric acid. Hydro- 
 chloric acid remaining in contact with galbanum for about an hour acquires a red color, 
 and on the gradual addition of alcohol and warming the mixture to 60° C. (140° F.) 
 becomes transiently dark violet-colored (difference from ammoniac, which is not colored). 
 Water in contact with galbanum shows a blue fluorescence on the addition of a minute 
 quantity of ammonia-water. 
 
 Lump galbanum consists sometimes of soft or harder masses, in which some tears are 
 distinctly observed ; sometimes a mass is offered which from its odor and behavior seems 
 to be of a different origin. 
 
 For medicinal use galbanum should be exposed to a low temperature until brittle, then 
 powdered, and by sifting freed from the impurities. — P. G. 
 
 Constituents. — According to the older analyses by Neumann, Pelletier, and others, 
 galbanum contains 6 to 8.5 per cent, of volatile oil, 15 to 20 per cent, of gummy matter, 
 and 60 to 66 per cent, of resin, besides 7 to 14 per cent, of impurities. Volatile fatty 
 acids were found by Moessmer (1861) in the emulsion remaining after distilling off the 
 volatile oil. The volatile oil is colorless, turns yellowish and thick on exposure, varies in 
 specific gravity between .88 and .92, has the boiling-point 160° to 165° C. (320° to 329° 
 F.), is dextrogyre, and consists of several hydrocarbons of the composition C 10 H 16 . The 
 resin is yellowish-brown, soluble in ether, alcohol, carbon disulphide, and alkalies. On 
 being heated it yields a beautiful indigo-blue volatile oil which, according to Kachler 
 (1871), consists of a colorless oil, C 10 H 16 , boiling at 240° C. (364° F.), and of a deep-blue 
 oil, C 30 H 48 O 3 , which boils at 281° C. (538° F.), appears to be identical with the blue por- 
 tion of the oil of German chamomile, and yields with potassium a hydrocarbon, C 30 H 48 , 
 the solution of which in much aqueous ether gives with an ethereal solution of bromine 
 an azure-blue color, changing to green and brown. Galbanum resin, treated with fusing 
 potassa, yields several volatile fatty acids and resorcin , the solution of which is colored 
 dark-purple by ferric chloride (Illasiwetz and Barth, 1864). 
 
 An aqueous infusion of galbanum on the addition of ammonia assumes a blue fluores- 
 cence, which disappears again on the addition of an acid. This reaction is due to umbel- 
 liferon , C 9 H 6 0 3 , which may be obtained in colorless needles by heating galbanum with 
 hydrochloric acid to 100° C. (212° F.), agitating the liquid with ether or chloroform, and 
 evaporating the latter solution. It was first obtained by C. Sommer (1859) from sumbul- 
 root, and has since been procured from various umbelliferous resins and from mezereon. 
 It crystallizes from hot water in colorless rhombic prisms which melt at 240° C. (464° 
 F.) and sublime without decomposition. It is easily soluble in ether and alcohol, but dis- 
 solves sparingly in cold water, the latter solution showing a blue color in reflected light ; 
 when fused with potassa it yields resorcin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Galbanum is generally described as partaking of the virtues 
 both of asafcetida and ammoniac, affecting the nervous system like the former, and acting 
 as a local irritant like the latter. Applied to the skin, it occasions a papular eruption, 
 and, if the true skin is exposed, causes it to ulcerate. Upon the system generally it 
 probably acts as a stimulant, for in large doses it is said to cause fulness of the head and 
 tension of the pulse. Moreover, its therapeutical virtues are observed only in cases that 
 call for stimulation ; these are such as the resins and gum-resins are applicable to, and, 
 especially chronic bronchitis , chronic intestinal , uterine , and vaginal catarrh, amenorrhcea, 
 etc. In most of these cases its effect is to lessen excessive mucous secretion. It is sel- 
 dom given alone, and hence virtues are apt to be attributed to it that belong to its associated 
 
GALEGA.-GALIUM VERUM. 
 
 763 
 
 medicines. In the compound galbanum pill it is united with asafetida and myrrh. Even 
 for external use it is associated with other irritants. The dose of galbanum is Gm. 0.30- 
 1.30 (gr. v-xx). It is best administered in emulsion. 
 
 GALEGA. — Goat’s Rue. 
 
 Herba rutse capr arise . — Galega , Rue de clievre , Fr. ; Geisraute , G. 
 
 Galega officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Papilionacese. 
 
 Description. — Goat’s rue is found in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean 
 and northward to Central Europe. It has a perennial several-headed root and an erect 
 stem about 90 Cm. (3 feet) high ; the smooth, oddly-pinnate leaves are furnished with 
 six or eight pairs of lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, obtuse, and finely mucronate leaflets. 
 2-5 Cm. (f to 2 inches) long, and with lanceolate stipules, which are sagittate on one 
 side. The purplish or whitish flowers are in axillary racemes, and produce narrow almost 
 cylindrical legumes. The herb is inodorous and has a mucilaginous and somewhat bitter 
 and astringent taste. Its constituents have not been investigated. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Galega was at one time held to be diaphoretic, diuretic, and 
 anthelmintic, and was used as a stimulant in nervous affections of an hysterical ox spasmodic 
 nature, in low fevers , and especially in the plague. It is said, also, to favor the mammary 
 secretion ( Therap . Gaz ., xv. 216; Univ. Med. Mag., iii. 430). 
 
 GALIUM VERUM. — Yellow Bedstraw. 
 
 Caille-lait jaune , F. Cod. ; Megerhraut , Liebfrauenstroh , Labkraut, G. ; Guajaleche , Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rubiaceas, Galieae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Galium verum, Linne , is a perennial herb indigenous 
 to Europe and Northern Asia, and naturalized in New England. It has a light-reddish 
 root, an ascending smoothish stem, whorls of eight narrow linear roughish leaves, com- 
 pact panicles of small yellow odorous flowers, and a smoothish akene-like twin-fruit. The 
 herb has a somewhat astringent, acidulous, and bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The iron-greening tannin of this and allied herbs was described 
 (1852) by R. Schwarz as galitannic acid ; citric and rubichloric acid are likewise present, 
 besides starch and other common principles of herbs. 
 
 Allied Plants. — G. mollugo, Linn6. — Whiptongue, E. ; Caille-lait blanc, F. Cod.; Waldstroh, 
 G. It is indigenous to Europe, somewhat naturalized in the United States, has a smooth stem, 
 oblanceolate or oblong-linear, somewhat rough and mucronate leaves in w r horls of eight, and long 
 panicles of whitish flowers yielding smooth fruits. 
 
 Galium Aparine, Linnt. — Cleavers, E. ; Grateron, Riebel, Fr. ; Klebkraut, G. — It grows 
 in thickets in North America, Europe, and Northern Asia, has a weak, retrorsely prickly, 
 quadrangular stem 1 M. (40 inches) long ; linear lanceolate and mucronate-prickly leaves in 
 whorls of six or eight ; small whitish flowers, and one-seeded twin-carpels, armed with hooked 
 prickles. 
 
 G. triflorum, Michaux. — Sweet-scented bedstraw, E . — It is indigenous to North America, 
 resembles the preceding, but has elliptic-lanceolate slightly rough bristle-pointed leaves in w r horls 
 of six, three-flowered peduncles, and acquires an agreeable odor on drying. 
 
 The constituents of these plants appear to be the same as those of the first species ; oxalic acid 
 is sometimes present, and aspertannic acid in species of asperula. 
 
 Yon Cotzhausen (1876) determined the odorous principle of Galium triflorum to be coumarin, 
 to which is also due the agreeable odor of the nearly-allied Asperula odorata, Linn6 , known in 
 France as asp6rule odorante and in German as Waldmeister. The roots of several species, like 
 Galium tinctorium, Linnt, contain red coloring matter resembling that of Madder, and are 
 popularly known as wild madder. The leaves of others, like Galium circsezans, Michaux , and 
 G. lanceolatum, Torrey , have a sweet liquorice-like taste, and the plants are sometimes called 
 wild liquorice. 
 
 Rubia tinctorum, IAnnt. — Madder, Dyer’s madder, E. ; Garance, F. Cod. ; Krapp, Farber- 
 rothe, G. ; Granza, Sp. — This herbaceous perennial is indigenous to the Levant and largely culti- 
 vated for its creeping rhizome and numerous long, light blood-red, cylindrical roots of the thick- 
 ness of a quill, which have an easily separable gray-red corky layer, a thin dark brown-red inner 
 bark, and a spongy red wood, with irregular medullary rays, a feeble color, and a sweetish, bit- 
 terish, somewhat acrid and astringent taste. Madder is usually found in the shops in the form 
 of a coarse powder. The fresh root contains a yellow coloring matter, while the commercial 
 article contains the decomposition-products, many being glucosides, yielding alizarin. Rubian 
 
764 
 
 GALLA. 
 
 is amorphous, dark-yellow, bitter. Rubihydran and rubidehydran are gum-like (Schunck 1847- 
 56). Rochleder’s ruberythrinic acid , (1855, etc.), crystallizes in silky yellow prisms. 
 
 The most important constituent is alizarin , C 14 H 8 0 4 , which crystallizes in orange-red sublimable 
 needles, is soluble in boiling water, alcohol, and ether, and yields purple or red-colored com- 
 pounds with bases. Other compounds obtained from madder are rubitannic acid , rubichloric 
 acid , purpurin , rubiretin, etc. The artificial production of alizarin was discovered by Graebe 
 and Liebermann, and it is now manufactured from anthracene , C 14 H 10 , a crystalline constituent 
 of coal-tar, which is oxidized to anthraqtiinone, C 14 H 8 0 2 ; this is then converted into a sulphonic 
 acid or a bromo-compound, which by the action of alkalies yields alizarin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Galium verum and G. aparinum have been used in Europe 
 chiefly in dropsy and jaundice , and for scaly skin diseases , especially of a scrofulous nature. 
 They have been alleged to cure epilepsy and cancer of the tongue. Fresh G. verum, re- 
 duced to a paste in a mortar, is used in Great Britain as a poultice for chronic ulcers 
 ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxix. 173 ; Med. Press , June 16, 1886). Notwithstanding the virtues 
 attributed to galium at various times, it does not seem to have established its claims to 
 confidence. A decoction is prepared with Gm. 16 to Gm. 500 (half an ounce of the plant 
 to a pint of water) and given in wineglassfnl doses. The fresh inspissated juice is pre- 
 ferable, given in f^ij doses three times a day. 
 
 Madder is an obsolete medicine, but was formerly in high repute as an emmenagogue. 
 It was administered in doses of Gm. 2-4 ( 3 ss~ 3 j) four times a day. 
 
 GALLA, V. 8., Br. — Nutgall. 
 
 Gallse , P. G. ; Galla halepense, G. turcica , G. levantica , G. tinctoria , G. quercina . — 
 Galls, E. ; Galle de chene , Noix de galle , Fr. Cod. ; Gallapfel , Gallen, G. ; Agallas de 
 Levante , Sp. 
 
 Excrescences on Quercus lusitanica, Lamarck (Q. infectoria, Olivier ), caused by the 
 punctures and deposited ova of Cynips (Diplolepis, Latreille) Gallse tinctoriae, Olivier 
 (Class Insecta, Order Hymenoptera). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 249. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cupuliferae. 
 
 Origin. — Quercus lusitanica is a polymorphous species indigenous to the basin of the 
 Mediterranean, the leaves varying between ovate and obovate, mostly rounded at base 
 and acute at apex, variously and either obtusely or acutely toothed or lobed. The dyer’s 
 oak is a small tree, or oftener a shrub, 1.2-1. 8 M. (4 to 6 feet) high, and is found in the 
 eastern section of the Mediterranean basin from Greece to Persia. The tender bark of 
 the young branches is punctured by the female of the hymenopterous insect named 
 above, and one or more eggs are deposited in the wound. The irritation produced by 
 this operation causes the formation of an excrescence enclosing the larva, which under- 
 goes therein its transformations. The term gall is generally used to designate such 
 excrescences formed upon any part of a plant in consequence of the puncture of an 
 insect. 
 
 Description. — Nutgalls are sub-globular, about 25 Mm. (one inch) or less in 
 diameter, with a short stipe and a nearly smooth surface, or, more frequently, more or 
 
 less tuberculated in the upper portion. They are 
 
 Fig. 130. Fig. 131. dense, and in color externally of a deep blackish 
 
 olive-green or blackish -gray ; if the gall remains 
 upon the branch, it gradually becomes lighter, and 
 finally of a pale yellowish-brown tint, the texture 
 becoming spongy and the weight decreasing at the 
 same time. Galls are hard, but are readily broken 
 with a hammer, exhibiting a more or less close gran- 
 ular fracture, which has sometimes a waxy lustre. 
 Internally, they are yellowish- or pale brownish-gray, 
 with a central nucleus or cavity containing either the 
 Entire Nutga11, Section more or less fully developed insect or pulverulent 
 
 fragments of the cellular tissue. In the latter case 
 the insect has usually escaped through a cylindrical canal which it has bored from the 
 cavity to the surface, the outer aperture being just below the middle and having a 
 diameter of 2-3 Mm. (y 1 -^ to i inch). The cellular tissue of the nucleus, if still present, 
 is mostly filled with small starch-granules and surrounded by a layer of thick-walled cells 
 forming a shell, on the outside of which is the cellular tissue containing the tannin. 
 This tissue has often a radiated appearance near the shell, and contains toward the sur- 
 
GALL A. 
 
 765 
 
 face small scattered bundles of vas- 
 cular tissue. Nutgalls are nearly 
 inodorous and have a very astrin- 
 gent taste. Light, spongy, and 
 whitish-colored nutgalls should be 
 rejected. 
 
 Nutgalls are distinguished in com- 
 merce according to their color, the 
 blue or black galls of Syria (Aleppo) 
 being preferred. Smyrna galls are 
 usually of a grayish olive-green, 
 more spongy in texture, and inter- 
 mixed with white galls; the latter 
 are the least valuable. Soria, n galls 
 are of the size of a pea, blackish, 
 and internally not radiate. The 
 galls which are produced upon the European oaks by different species of Cynips are of a 
 lighter color and more spongy texture, but have an astringent taste and contain tannin. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent of nutgalls is tannin or gallotannic acid , 
 of which they contain about 60 per cent. Bowman (1869) assayed selected galls, finding 
 80 per cent., and in white galls only 30.7 per cent. 2 or 3 per cent, of gallic acid is like- 
 wise found, together with some sugar, resinous and albuminous matter, and, as stated 
 before, starch in the nucleus. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Chinese and Japanese Galls, although known from a much earlier period, 
 were not a regular article of commerce until Pereira (1844) directed attention to them again. 
 
 They are produced upon the leaves or leaf- 
 stalks of Rhus semialata, Murray, by an 
 insect provisionally named Aphis ehinensis, 
 Bell , and usually contain between 70 and 80 
 per cent, of tannin. They are of a very irreg- 
 ular shape, mostly thin, as if stalked, toward 
 the base, much inflated above, irregularly 
 lobed, and with few or many protuberances ; 
 they are of a reddish-brown color, but densely 
 covered with a gray down, consist of a thin 
 fragile shell, and contain in the interior 
 numerous small dead insects. The Japanese 
 nutgalls agree in all essential characteristics 
 with this description, but are usually more 
 slender and have a larger number of lobes 
 and protuberances ; their origin has been referred to Rhus japonica, Siebold. C. Hartwich (1881) 
 found also their pubescence quite dense and light-brown, and the tissue to contain unaltered 
 starch-granules ; while Chinese galls have the pubescence less dense and greenish-brown, and 
 the starch is pasty. 
 
 Vallonea. — Valonia, Acorn-cups, E. ; Vallone, Velanede, Gallon, Fr. ; Knoppern, Walonen, 
 G . — Several varieties are occasionally met with. Hungaria valonia are the cups of Quercus 
 Robur, Linn£, rendered irregular in shape and more or less winged by the excrescences pro- 
 duced from the sting of Cynips Quercus calycis. Oriental valonia consist of the unaltered fruit- 
 cups of Quercus Vallonea, Kotschy , and of several allied species or varieties of Qu. iEgilops, 
 Linni , indigenous to Southeastern Europe and the Levant; they are about 25 Min. (an inch) 
 or more in diameter, have thick spreading or recurved scales, possess a strongly astringent 
 taste, and are largely employed for tanning. The cups of our indigenous species are likewise 
 astringent. 
 
 American Nutgalls, as obtained from Quercus alba, Linn& , and other species, are light and 
 spongy, and generally not very rich in tannin. The galls from Quercus virens, Aiion, produced 
 in Texas, are more analogous to Aleppo galls, but not tuberculate ; they contain about 40 per cent, 
 of tannin. The so-called California oak-balls , recently indroduced, are derived from Quercus 
 lobata, Engelmann , are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) in diameter, orange-brown and somewhat glossy 
 externally, soft and spongy within, and appear to contain much tannin. 
 
 Tamarisk Galls are collected from Tamarix orientalis, Forskal , which grows in Southern 
 and South-western Asia. They are 3-12 Mm. (I to \ inch) thick, subglobular, knotty, and are 
 said to contain from 40 to 50 per cent, of tannin. Similar galls are obtained in Algeria and 
 Morocco from Tam. africana, Poiret. The brown-red, fibrous, bitter, and astringent bark of 
 Tam. gallica, Linn£, and the leaves of the same plant, are used in Southern Europe. 
 
 Action and Uses. — From the most ancient times nutgall has been used in medicine, 
 for its astringency. This property is due to gallotannic acid, but a bitter extractive 
 
 Fig. 133. 
 
 Japanese Nutgalls. 
 
 Fig. 132. 
 
 Chinese Nutgalls. 
 
766 
 
 GARCINIA. 
 
 ascribed to nutgall gives it a tonic action. These qualities account for its efficacy in the 
 treatment of chronic diarrhoea. It has been used as an antidote to tartar emetic and 
 poisonous vegetable alkaloids ; and whatever degree of efficacy it then exerts is partly 
 due to its constringing the stomach and delaying the absorption of its contents. An 
 infusion made from 6m. 16-32 (half an ounce to an ounce) of coarsely-powdered nutgall 
 in Gm. 500 (a pint) of boiling water may be given in the dose of a wineglassful three or 
 four times a day, for the purposes referred to ; and it may be locally applied to the relaxed 
 mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, vagina, and rectum. 
 
 GARCINIA. — Mangosteen. 
 
 Mangostane , Fr., G. 
 
 Several species of Garcinia. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Guttiferae (Clusiaceae). 
 
 Origin. — The trees belonging to the genus Garcinia inhabit tropical countries, and 
 are chiefly found in India and the East Indian islands. They have unisexual or sub- 
 dioecious flowers with four sepals, four petals, and numerous stamens, which in the pistil- 
 late flowers are often reduced to staminodes ; the ovary is four- to ten-celled, each cell 
 containing one seed ; the fruit is a fleshy berry. 
 
 Description. — Garcinia mangostana, Linne, is a large tree witb a bitter and very 
 astringent bark, and glossy elliptic-oblong or oblong-lanceolate leaves. The fruit is of 
 the size of an ordinary orange, of a brown or brown-gray color, mottled with yellow and 
 crowned by the sessile four-lobed stigma. The pericarp is bitterish and astringent, some- 
 what spongy, and encloses six or eight seeds, which are covered with a white juicy pulp 
 of a delicious odor and taste. W. Schmid (1855) isolated from the pericarp, besides 
 tannin, golden-yellow mangostin , C 20 H 22 O 5 , which crystallizes in scales, is fusible, soluble 
 in alcohol and ether, and colored yellowish-brown by alkalies and green-black by ferric 
 salts. 
 
 The fruit of Garcinia Kydia, Roxburgh , which is dark-yellow and of the size of a small 
 orange, and of Garc. pedunculata, Roxburgh , which is much larger and of a yellow color, 
 contain an acidulous pulp which is very inferior to that of the first species. 
 
 Garcinia indica, Choisy , s. G. purpurea, Roxburgh , s. Brindonia indica, Du Petit - 
 Thouars (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 32), is a medium-sized tree, with oblong- 
 lanceolate or oblong-oval, glabrous leaves, and with a dull-red or purplish fruit of the 
 size of a small orange and containing from five to eight seeds imbedded in an acid purple 
 pulp, which is used in India in curries and in the dried state. The seeds are about 12 
 Mm. (J inch) long, oblong-reniform, somewhat compressed and wrinkled, and contain an 
 oily embryo. After bruising the seeds and boiling them with water an oil collects on the 
 surface, which is moulded by hand into egg-shaped balls, and is known as kokum-butter 
 or concrete oil of mangosteen (Beurre de Kokum, Suif de Goa, Fr. ; Kokum-butter, G .) 
 This oil is in various-shaped cakes, has a whitish or yellowish color, and is firm, friable, 
 and crystalline. J. Bouis and D’Oliveira Pimentel (1857) obtained from the seeds by 
 ether 30 per cent, of oil, melting near 40° C. (104° F.), and containing about 50 per 
 cent, of tristearin. Fliickiger found after saponification also myristic and oleic acid. 
 After filtration, whereby brown tannic matters are removed, the oil begins to melt at 
 42.5° C., fuses entirely at 45° C., and concretes again at 27.5° C. {Pharma cogr aphid). 
 
 Allied Fruits. — Mammea Americana, Linne, a guttiferous tree of the West Indies, has a brown- 
 yellow, subglobular fruit about 12 Cm. (5 inches) in diameter and containing three or four 
 ovate-oblong rough seeds. The fruit, which is known as mammee-apple , has a leathery bitter 
 rind and contains a yellow aromatic pulp of a very agreeable taste. The fruit of Lucuma 
 (Achras, Linnd) mammosa, Jussieu , Nat. Ord. Sapotaceae, is likewise known in the West Indies 
 as mammee ; it is an ovoid-oblong, rust-brown, and rough berry about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long, 
 having a yellow or reddish sweet, mucilaginous pulp, and containing usually one large yellow- 
 ish-brown polished seed. 
 
 Garcinia Kola, Heckel , is the male kola or kola bitter of Western Africa. The somewhat 
 triangular seeds contain a yellowish-white embryo, which consists of a large radial, and has a 
 bitter, astringent, and somewhat coffee-like taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark, the wood, and also the rind of the fruit of G. man- 
 gostana are very astringent, and have been employed in the treatment of diarrhoea , 
 dysentery , leucorrhoea , and gonorrhoea, as a gargle in tonsillitis , in decoction as a lotion for 
 foul ulcers and j prolapsus of the rectum and vagina , etc. The concrete oil of G. indica has 
 been chiefly used in some pharmaceutical preparations. 
 
GA ULTHERTA.—GELA TINA. 
 
 767 
 
 GAULTHERIA . — G aultheri a . 
 
 Folia gaidtherise . — Winter green, Teoberry , Partridgeberry , Boxberry , Checherberry , E. ; 
 Feuilles de gaultherie (de palommier), The du Canada , The de Terre-neuve, Fr.; Canadischer 
 Thee, Berg thee, G. 
 
 The leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, Linne (s. G. humilis, Salisbury ; Gaultiera repens. 
 Rajinesque). Bigelow, Med. Bot., t. 22 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 164. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Ericaceae, Ericineae. 
 
 Origin. — Teaberry is found in cool damp woods, usually in the shade of evergreens, 
 in Canada and the United States. The plant is a small shrub with a slender creeping 
 stem and ascending branches, about 12 Cm. (5 inches) high, bear- 
 ing the alternate evergreen leaves near the summit, axillary, nod- 
 ding, whitish flowers, and five-celled berry-like pods, which are en- 
 closed in the bright-red fleshy calyx. The leaves are collected late 
 in summer or in autumn. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are short-petiolate, about 4 Cm. (II 
 inches) long and 19-25 Mm. (f to 1 inch) wide, obovate or round- 
 ish-oval in shape, with a wedge-shaped base, coriaceous in texture, 
 mucronate and slightly toothed, the teeth haVing the elongated 
 points appressed to the thickish margin ; they are smooth, of a 
 glossy-green color above, and paler beneath. The odor is agreeably 
 aromatic, taste astringent and aromatic. 
 
 Constituents. — We are not acquainted with a complete 
 
 analysis of the leaves. They contain a volatile oil (see Oleum 
 
 Gaultheriae) and tannin. Jefferson Oxley (1872) found, besides 
 
 grape-sugar, gum, coloring matter, and a principle analogous to 
 
 ° j . ’ 7 . • • i " ° r] Leaf of Gaultheria pro- 
 
 gallic acid, arbutm , urson, and encoim — principles which are like- cumbens, natural size. 
 
 wise present in the leaves of chimaphila and in uva ursi. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Gaultheria is stimulant and somewhat astringent. It has 
 sometimes been employed as a substitute for Chinese tea in country places, where it is 
 also popularly used as an emmenagogue and galactagogne and in chronic bowel complaints. 
 In the former cases a hot infusion of the leaves is best; in the latter a cold infusion, 
 made with the leaves in water Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (^j in Oj) may be taken freely. The 
 action and most important use of gaultheria are described in connection with its oil. 
 
 GELATINA. Br.— Gelatin. 
 
 Gelatine, Fr. ; Gelatin, G. ; Gelatina, Sp. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — When bone-cartilage, animal skin, tendons, and 
 ligaments are boiled for a long time with water, they become soluble therein, and on 
 cooling the solution forms a jelly. During the boiling the animal tissues are placed 
 upon a sieve or perforated diaphragm which is inserted above the bottom of the boiler. 
 When sufficiently saturated the solution is drawn off and allowed to cool, the jelly being 
 then cut into thin cakes, and these are placed upon nettings to dry. When made from 
 carefully-selected material (fresh bones) it constitutes the gelatin of 6ommerce, known 
 also as artificial isinglass. The offal of slaughter-houses and of tanneries yields an 
 impurer gelatin, known as colla , s. colfa a.nimalis, s. glutinum — glue, E.; colle, colle forte, 
 Fr. ; Leim, G. The importation into the United States of gelatin has increased from 
 139,000 pounds in 1876 to 476,000 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Properties. — Gelatin is met with in commerce in very thin, rectangular, transparent 
 pieces bearing the impressions of the netting upon which it has been dried, or in smooth 
 sheets which are either thin and transparent, or thicker, more or less porous, and opaque. 
 It is not unfrequently cut into shreds, and the transparent kind is often variously colored 
 Glue is in similar pieces, but usually thicker, and varies in color between pale-yellowish 
 and dark-brown, or nearly black in the commonest varieties, and has an offensive animal 
 odor, which is more apparent after it has been dissolved in hot water. To be adapted 
 for dietetic or pharmaceutical purposes gelatin should not alter in color after being 
 digested in hot water, nnd the solution should be free from smell. 
 
 It is to a small extent soluble in cold glycerin, dissolves frqely in hot water, forming 
 on cooling a tremulous transparent jelly, and is insoluble in alcohol and ether. Its solu- 
 tion in water is not precipitated by dilute solutions of alum, ferric chloride, or lead sub- 
 
 Fig. 134. 
 
768 
 
 GELATIN A. 
 
 acetate (distinction from chondrin ), but yields precipitates with tannin, chlorine-water, 
 corrosive sublimate, and platinic chloride. The tissues yielding gelatin likewise unite 
 with tannin, forming leather. Gelatin dissolves in acetic and in dilute mineral acids, the 
 solutions being known as liquid glue. When its solution in water is boiled for a long 
 time it loses the property of gelatinizing on cooling. By dry distillation gelatin yields 
 ammonium carbonate and a number of volatile bases, which are contained in Dippels 
 animal oil. Boiled with solution of potassa or with sulphuric acid, ammonia, glgcocoll , 
 C 2 H 5 N0 2 , and leucin , C 6 H 13 N0 2 , are obtained among other products. 
 
 Composition. — Gelatin, also called glutin, consists of about 50 per cent, of carbon, 
 18 of nitrogen, 6.5 of hydrogen, 25 of oxygen, and 0.5 of sulphur. 
 
 Chondrin , which is obtained from the permanent cartilages by boiling with water, has 
 a similar composition, but contains less nitrogen and more oxygen. In addition to the 
 differences pointed out above, it is distinguished from gelatin by being precipitated by 
 acetic and the mineral acids. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Gelatin is employed as a reagent for estimating tannin , a 
 convenient solution for the purpose being made by dissolving about 50 Gm. of it, together 
 with 8 or 10 Gm. of alum, in a liter of distilled water; before use the strength of the 
 solution must be determined with a fresh solution of pure tannin. It should, however, 
 be remembered that the different tannins require for complete precipitation different 
 amounts of gelatin, so that the results obtained are not absolutely correct. The pectic 
 acid of oak-bark, according to P. Buchner (1867), is likewise precipitated by a solution 
 containing both gelatin and alum. 
 
 Gelatin is used for preparing the ordinary court plaster ( see p. 603) and for the coating 
 of pills. (See Pilul^e.) Dried in very thin layers, it has been recommended, under the 
 name of devorative or folding capsules , for the administration of powders, the thin sheets 
 being used in precisely the same manner as paper, except that after the introduction of 
 the powder they are permanently closed by moistening the edges, and are swallowed, 
 together with the powder, after having been softened by being dipped in water. Medi- 
 cated gelatin is prepared by pouring a concentrated solution of gelatin, in which the 
 medicinal substance has been dissolved, upon a polished and perfectly level surface ; the 
 sheet thus obtained is then divided into squares or disks in such a manner that each rep- 
 resents a definite weight of the medicine. Gelatin capsules are made by dipping oblong 
 moulds of the desired size and shape into a gelatin solution; after the surface has been 
 sufficiently coated, the capsule, while still pliant, is removed, filled with the powder or 
 liquid, and the orifice closed by a drop of solidifying gelatin ; or for extemporaneous use 
 an empty capsule is slipped over the open end of another containing the medicine. 
 
 Within a few years so-called medicinal pearls , containing ether or other liquid, have 
 been introduced. Hager recommends them to be made of gelatin, gum-arabic, sugar, and 
 honey rolled out into sheets, one of which, while still rather soft, is placed upon an iron 
 plate containing suitable cavities, into which the mass sinks ; the liquid is then introduced, 
 the orifices are closed by another sheet of the gelatin compound, the whole covered by a 
 second iron plate having depressions exactly corresponding to those of the first, and after 
 screwing the plates together their position is reversed. The pearls are finally separated 
 by subjecting the entire arrangement to powerful pressure. 
 
 Gelatin has also been used as a base for the preparation of medicated suppositories , 
 vaginal as well as rectal, and for bougies. The material consists of about 3 parts of 
 gelatin, which, after having been soaked in water, is dissolved in 7 parts of glycerin. 
 The medicating substance should be soluble in the vehicle. Substances containing tannin 
 are evidently not adapted for this mode of medication. 
 
 Liquid, glue may be made in various ways, either by dissolving glue in acetic acid or by 
 adding to a strong aqueous solution of glue, nitric acid, equal to one-sixth or one-seventh 
 of the weight of the glue. A solution of glue in spirit of nitrous ether is stated to be 
 very serviceable, particularly if a little caoutchouc has been added to it. A solution of 
 phosphoric acid in water, nearly neutralized by ammonium carbonate, has likewise been 
 recommended for preparing liquid glue. The glue becomes water-proof by the addition 
 of about 2 per cent, of potassium bichromate immediately preceding the application of 
 its solution, and afterward exposing to the sunlight. 
 
 Gelatin also forms the chief constituent of the mass of which hectographs are made: 
 40 parts of gelatin or light-colored glue, after having been softened by water, are dis- 
 solved with the aid of heat in 100 parts of glycerin, to which 10 parts of simple syrup 
 and 5 parts of mucilage of gum-arabic have been added ; the scum is removed and the 
 mass poured out. Finely-powdered whiting or terra-alba is sometimes added to the mass. 
 
GELSEMITJM. 
 
 7G9 
 
 Hectograph inks are made by dissolving 1 part of aniline violet or other similar compound 
 in 10 parts each of acetic acid and water. After copying, the ink which is still adhering 
 to the mass is removed with a sponge moistened with diluted vinegar. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Veit ( Zeitsch . f. Biologie, 1872, S. 297) concluded from his 
 experiments that gelatin contributes nothing directly to the growth of the tissues, but 
 that owing to its ready decomposition it may, by substitution for the albumen, limit the 
 destruction of albuminous tissues, and in some degree also the waste of fat, whose func- 
 tion is analogous to its own. In the form of calves’-feet jelly it is employed during 
 convalescnece from acute disease, but its utility probably depends in part upon the sugar, 
 wine, and spices that season it. Solutions of gelatin are sometimes used to allay the 
 irritation of the mouth, stomach, etc. produced by corrosive poisons. It has been given 
 by enema as a lenitive in ulceration of the rectum , and a coating of it has been applied to 
 cutaneous eruptions to protect them from the air. It is also dissolved in baths for chronic 
 diseases of the skin, to remove the crusts or epidermic scales, or simply to render the skin 
 soft and pliable. For this purpose about Gm. 500 (a pound) of gelatin dissolved by 
 boiling water is added to the bath when it is taken. Gelatin has also been used in the 
 same manner as starch to prepare an immovable apparatus for fractures , etc. Catti has 
 proposed the introduction of gelatinous cylinders or pencils charged with astringent or 
 disinfecting agents into the nostrils in the treatment of chronic coryza , ozsena , etc. ; and 
 Pick strongly advocates the use of medicated gelatin, instead of ointments, in the treat- 
 ment of diseases of the skin, and especially of eczema { Central h. f T/ier., i. 147). 
 
 Gelosine has the property of imbibing liquids with great increase of bulk, and of 
 retracting again by drying. This quality has been made use of in bougies formed with 
 it for the treatment of strictures {Bull, et Mem. Soc. Therap., 1886, p. 193). A jelly 
 obtained from it by hot water has been used as an excipient for many medicines {Bull, 
 de Therap., cxi. 31). 
 
 GELSEMIUM, JJ. S., Br, — Gelsemium. 
 
 Radix gelsemii. — Yellow jessamine or jasmine, E. ; Jasmin sauvage, Fr. ; Gelsemie , Gift- 
 jasmin, G. ; Gelsemio , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome and roots of Gelsemium (Bignonia, Linne; Lisianthus, Miller ; Anonymos, 
 Walter) sempervirens, Persoon , s. Gels, nitidum, Michaux , s. G. lucidum, Poiret. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants, 181 ; Meehan, Native Flowers, i. 9. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Loganiaceae, Gelsemiese. 
 
 Origin. — The yellow jessamine is indigenous to the Southern United States, growing 
 in moist woods from Virginia to Florida and Alabama, and flowering early in the spring, 
 beginning to bloom in Florida in January, and farther north in March or April. It has 
 a high climbing stem with opposite, ovate-lanceolate, entire, smooth, and coriaceous leaves, 
 and solitary or axillary clusters of very fragrant flowers, which have a bright-yellow, 
 funnel-form, five-lobed corolla 25-38 Mm. (1 to 1| inches) long, and produce a flattened 
 two-celled fruit containing four to six winged seeds in each cell. The root and the sub- 
 terraneous stem are the parts used in medicine. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is about 25 Mm. (one inch) or more in diameter, is 
 externally brown-yellow with purplish-brown longitudinal lines, and p TG 135 
 breaks with a tough splintery fracture, showing silky bast-fibres 
 in the inner closely-adhering bark, a porous yellowish wood which is 
 traversed by whitish medullary rays, and a darker-colored central pith. 
 
 The roots are thinner, similar in color externally, beset with numerous 
 thin fibres, and marked by irregular longitudinal wrinkles and small 
 scars. A transverse section shows a thin yellowish-brown bark cover- 
 ing a hard, pale-yellowish meditullium without a central pith, but 
 radially striate by numerous whitish medullary rays. Fragments of 
 1 the thin purplish over-ground stem are occasionally present in the 
 
 commercial article. The drug has a peculiar heavy aromatic odor, verse section °f root - 
 which is more marked when a larger quantity is examined. The taste of the bark is not 
 unpleasantly bitter ; that of the wood is but slight. 
 
 Constituents. — An analysis made by M. II. Kollock (1855) proved the existence 
 of an alkaloid, gelsemine, besides volatile oil, starch, and gummy pectinaceous and resin- 
 ous principles. The existence of the alkaloid was corroborated by C. L. Eberle (1868) 
 and Prof. Wormley (1870) ; the latter obtained it (1877) by acidulating a concentrated 
 tincture with acetic acid, precipitating the resin by water, concentrating the aqueous fil- 
 49 
 
770 
 
 GELSEMTUM. 
 
 trate, removing from the solution gelsemic or gelseminic acid by ether, liberating the alka- 
 loid by sodium carbonate, and extracting it by ether or chloroform. Dragendorff (1878) 
 recommended a similar process, removing gelsemic acid from the acid liquid by chloro- 
 form, and, after rendering the liquid alkaline, extracting the alkaloid with benzin and 
 chloroform. It is amorphous, white, intensely bitter, strongly alkaline, and slightly 
 soluble in cold water, in which its salts dissolve quite readily. Sulphuric acid produces 
 a red color, changing to purple when heated, nitric acid a greenish, and hydrochloric acid 
 a yellowish, color. C. A. Robbins (1876) obtained for it the empirical formula C n H 19 N0 2 , 
 and observed that ceroso-ceric oxide imparts to the sulphuric acid solution a rose-cherry- 
 red color. E. Schwarz (1882) has studied its reactions, and considers the most charac^ 
 teristic one to be with sulphuric trihydrate in excess, followed by potassium chromate 
 (or in place thereof manganese dioxide, ceric oxide, or lead dioxide), when a cherry-red 
 color is produced, changing to dingy gray-brown, and finally to green. Frbhde’s reagent 
 colors roe-brown or red-brown, finally yellowish-green. Brouardet-Boutmy’s reagent 
 (potassium ferricyanide, followed by weak solution of ferric chloride ; this produces 
 Prussian blue with most of the ptomaines or cadaver alkaloids) gives an intense green 
 color ; Schneider s reagent (sugar and strong sulphuric acid) colors cherry -red ; and 
 Selmi’s reagent (iodic acid suspended in sulphuric acid), rose-red. 
 
 Robbins regarded the gelsemic acid to be identical with sesculin , C 15 H ]6 0 9 , a principle 
 present in the bark of the horse-chestnut (iEsculus hippocastanum, Linne ), in quassia, red 
 saunders, etc. It crystallizes in colorless prisms, is soluble in 400 parts of cold water, 
 and nearly insoluble in chloroform and ether, possesses a bitterish taste, and yields with 
 alkalies in extremely dilute solutions a characteristic fluorescence, being yellow in trans- 
 mitted and blue in reflected light, and destroyed by acids. iEsculin is a glucoside, being 
 split by dilute acids into glucose and sesculetin , C 9 H 6 0 4 , which is colored yellow by alka- 
 lies and dark-green by ferric chloride. Dragendorff and Schwarz noticed the strong 
 fluorescence of gelsemic acid, but did not examine into its alleged identity with aesculin. 
 But Prof. Wormley (1882) has shown the former to be quite distinct; it crystallizes 
 very readily, dissolves in 2912 parts of water, in 330 parts of ether, and, with a yellow- 
 ish color, in cold or warm sulphuric acid, and is insoluble in hydrochloric acid ; its solu- 
 tion is precipitated by silver nitrate, brownish-yellow, darkening to blue-black ; by corro- 
 sive sublimate, yellowish, crystallizing in needles ; by bromine, green, turning bluish and 
 brownish ; by copper sulphate, dirty brown, turning dull red and crystallizing ; and by 
 lead acetate, yellow, crystallizing. Wormley obtained on an average 0.2 per cent, of the 
 alkaloid and 0.4 per cent, of the acid. The ash of air-dry root amounts to 4 per cent. 
 (Kollock). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Gelsemine induces paralysis both of sensation and motion, 
 sometimes of the one first, and sometimes of the other, lowers the force and rate of the 
 pulse and respiration, reduces the temperature, dilates the pupils, projects the eyeballs, 
 and does not suspend the heart’s action until after respiration has ceased. Death is apt 
 to be preceded by intermittent tetanoid convulsions, which cannot be immediately repro- 
 duced like those excited by strychnine. Dr. Wormley found that & grain given subcu- 
 taneously to a strong cat caused death in one and a half hours, with symptoms of great 
 debility ; that £ grain given to a frog caused prostration, followed by tetanic convulsions 
 and death in four hours; and when § grain was injected into the peritoneum of a frog 
 the animal opened its mouth convulsively, the jaws fell at intervals, and there was great 
 muscular prostration. In twenty minutes the body was completely relaxed, and reflex 
 irritability of the muscles was abolished, including that of the heart, which was arrested 
 in diastole (Am. Jour, of Phar ., July, 1882, p. 343). According to Dr. C. G. Davis, the 
 alkaloid hastens and intensifies the tetanizing action of strychnine (Jour. Amer. Med. 
 Assoc., ii. 128), doubtless by lowering the tone of the nervous system, just as it causes 
 tetany when given alone. The results of Moritz’s experiments may be summarized thus : 
 Gelsemine produces in warm-blooded animals excitation, followed by depression, and even 
 paralysis of the brain and spinal marrow. It first quickens, and afterward slows, the 
 respiration and renders it shallower. On the heart it acts only through the respiration. 
 Applied to one eye, it dilates the pupil and disturbs visual accommodation. The peculiar 
 tremor caused by it in cold-blooded animals is of spinal origin, as are also its influence on 
 the mode of respiration, as just described, and the slowing of the heart in the last stage 
 of the lethal action of the poison (Archiv f. Pathol, u. Physiol., xi. 299 ; compare Rouch, 
 Bull, de Therap., civ. 527). 
 
 Gelsemium appears to be one of the toc-numerous remedies which have been used in a 
 great variety of sthenic febrile diseases upon no better ground than their power of lower- 
 
GENTIAN A. 
 
 771 
 
 ing the pulse and depressing the nervous system. Incalculable mischief has been caused 
 by them, and still more is likely to be occasioned by gelsemium in febrile affections. 
 Some persons who have loudly eulogized it as an antipyretic have been at great pains to 
 explain, in opposition to the popular doctrine, that heat is death and cold is life ; that we 
 have only to reduce the fever temperature to the normal standard or below it to cure 
 febrile disease ; and, that, therefore, gelsemium will cure fever. Unfortunately for this 
 mode of medical reasoning, gelsemium does not reduce the temperature, except in so far 
 as it threatens to destroy life through its poisonous operation. But such is probably not 
 the reduction that its advocates had in view. Among a host of incongruous diseases 
 which are said to have been “cured” by this agent, the one in regard to which very 
 positive testimony exists is acute or rheumatic neuralgia, especially of the first and second 
 branches of the fifth nerve ( Times and Gaz ., Sept. 1886, p. 421 ; Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., Sept. 1888, p. 243). The most usual testimony is, that the medicine is nearly 
 inoperative when the pain affects the third branch of the fifth pair or the intercostal 
 nerves. And there are cases in which, when the trigeminus alone is involved, it relieves 
 the inferior dental even more than the other branches. Undoubtedly, acute attacks pro- 
 duced by cold are more promptly cured than others, as, indeed, they are by all remedies 
 
 that cure neuralgia at all. But some physicians have abandoned its use, because it was 
 found necessary to push it until its physiological effects are produced ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 
 
 69). It has also been employed in tetanus {Med. Record, xxvi. 34) and in torticollis 
 
 {Med. News , lv. 543). Dr. Bulkley recommends the tincture of gelsemium for the relief 
 of itching in chronic eczema, giving it in 10-drop doses every half hour or hour until the 
 pruritus is relieved {New York Med. Jour., Jan. 1881). It is claimed to relieve the 
 suffering in chronic inflammation of the neck of the bladder {Med. Record, xxx. 68). 
 Dr. Edson claims that the following lotion is of great service in poisoning by Rhus radi- 
 cans : R. Acid, carbolic. £ss ; Ext. gelsemii ff^ij ; Glycerinae ^ss ; Aquae ad. !§iv. — S. To 
 be kept applied on cloths, while internally 2 minims of fluid extract of gelsemium are 
 given every three hours {Med. Record, xxii. 121). Gm. 0.20-60 (npiij-x) of the fluid 
 extract, or three times that quantity of the tincture, may be given every two hours. 
 Like digitalis, aconite, veratrum, and antimony, it may, by reducing the pulse, prove 
 useful in some attacks of coryza, congestion of the brain, mania, and meningitis. To the 
 same category belongs the excited stage of poisoning by opium {Ther. Gaz., xi. 429) and 
 of sunstroke {ibid., p. 645). It has been claimed that gelsemium produces tolerance of 
 quinine in certain cases intolerant of the antiperiodic alone ; that it is efficient in convul- 
 sions produced by teething or by indigestion ; that it exhibits peculiar virtues in rattle- 
 snake-bites ; that it expedites labor due to uterine rigidity, and relieves various forms of 
 uterine congestion, etc. (Davis, loc. cit.). The evidence in favor of these claims does not 
 uppear to be sufficient. The proper antidote to poisoning by gelsemium is morphine 
 hypodermically administered. The experiments of Rehfuss {Inaug. Thesis , Univ. Pa., 
 1884; Ther. Gaz., ix. 655) ascribe an equal efficacy to atropine, but deny to both a power 
 of neutralizing a lethal dose of gelsemium. Tincture of nux vomica is said to have had 
 a similar effect {Canad. Phar. Jour, and Ann. de Therap., 1888, p. 321). General 
 stimulation by mechanical means, rubefacients, and heat, and the administration of 
 ammonia, coffee, and alcohol, the last hypodermically, should be employed after the 
 stomach has been evacuated by mustard and water, sulphate of zinc, tickling the fauces, 
 etc. Behfuss, however, found that in animals alcohol displayed but feeble antidotal 
 powers, and that ammonium carbonate intensified the action of the poison. 
 
 GENTIAN A, U. S.— Gentian. 
 
 Gentianse radix, Br. ; Radix gentianse, P. A., P. G. ; Radix genfianse rnhrse vel lutese {vel 
 majoris ). — Gentian-root, E. ; Racine degentiane {de gentiaue jaune ), Fr. ; Enzianwurzel, Bit- 
 terwurzel, Rother {Gelber') Enzian, G. ; Genciana, Sp. 
 
 The root of Gentiana lutea, Liane. Steph. and Church, Med. Bot., plate 132 ; Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants, 182. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Gentianaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Gentian is indigenous to the mountainous regions of Southern and Central 
 Europe, from Portugal eastward to Bosnia, and as far north as Central Germany. It has 
 a thick hollow stem 0.6 to 1.2 M. (2-4 feet) high, opposite, entire, five- to seven-nerved 
 leaves, and axillary clusters of pedicellate flowers with a bright-yellow, five-lobed, spotted 
 corolla, and producing a one-celled, ovate capsule containing numerous oval, compressed, 
 and winged seeds. 
 
772 
 
 GENTIAN A. 
 
 The following species agree in medicinal properties with the preceding, and their roots 
 are recognized by different pharmacopoeias, and are collected indiscriminately in localities 
 where the plants grow. Gent, purpurea, Linne , has yellowish-purple flowers, and grows 
 in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains and in Southern Norway. Gent, pannonica, 
 Scopoli , has dark-purple flowers, and is met with in the mountains of Austria. Gent, 
 punctata, Linne , with yellow 7 , but purple-dotted, flowers, is indigenous to the Alps and 
 eastward to the Balkan Mountains. 
 
 Description. — The fleshy and branching usually several-headed root attains a length 
 of over 60 Cm. (2 feet) and a diameter of about 38 Mm. (1J inches), but appears in 
 commerce always in shorter pieces, the thicker ones being longitudinally sliced before 
 drying. The abrupt or concave somewhat conical heads are closely annulated ; below 
 this portion the root is deeply wrinkled longitudinally, with an overlapping bark in the 
 longitudinally split pieces; it is of a yellowish-brown color, the surface darker and gray- 
 ish and the fracture short, of a slight waxy lustre, and with numerous minute brown 
 dots. The transverse section shows a faint radiating arrangement only near the dark 
 cambium-line, and a fleshy meditullium which is about six times thicker than the bark. 
 Liber-fibres and wood-fibres are wanting, and are replaced by axially somewhat elongated 
 parenchyma ; the spiral and scalariform ducts are accompanied by sieve-tubes. The root 
 is vefy hygroscopic, contains 14 to 18 per cent, of water, and is tough and flexible in 
 damp weather. It has a faint but heavy characteristic odor, which is more prominent 
 in a hot infusion ; its taste is sweetish, then strongly bitter, but free from astringency or 
 acridity. The importation of gentian into- the United States averages about 200,000 
 pounds annually. 
 
 The roots of the other species of Gentiana mentioned above are rather shorter and 
 thinner, and those of G. pannonica are scarcely annulate. 
 
 Constituents. — Kromayer (1862) was the first who isolated the pure bitter princi- 
 ple, which in many previous analyses had been obtained in an impure extract-like form. 
 The yellow crystalline gentianin of Henry and Caventou (1821) was in 1837 proven, by 
 Trommsdorff and by Leconte, to be tasteless, and merely contaminated with some of the 
 bitter matter. This gentisin , gentisic or gentiavic acid , may be obtained by washing the 
 alcoholic extract of gentian with cold water to remove the bitter principle, afterward 
 with some cold ether to remove fat, and crystallizing from alcohol. Its composition is 
 Ci 4 H 10 O 5 . It forms bright-yellow, tasteless crystals requiring 5000 parts of water, 200(1. 
 parts of ether, and nearly 500 parts of cold alcohol for solution ; it is soluble in alkalies 
 and by ferric chloride colored brown (Leconte). Patch (1881) determined it to be solu- 
 ble in 280 parts of cold and 120 parts of hot alcohol and in 400 parts of ether, to become 
 dark-green with nitric acid, and to dissolve unchanged in sulphuric acid ; it melts above 
 100° 0., and on cooling congeals crystalline. Hlasiwetz and Habermann (1875) obtained 
 from it, by fusion with caustic potassa, phloroglucm , acetic and oxysalicylic (gentmnic) 
 acid , the latter being C 7 H 6 0 4 , and isomeric with protocatechuic acid. The infusion of 
 gentian yields with gelatin a slight precipitate, which, after having been washed with 
 water, is not colored dark with ferric chloride. We showed (1876) the absence of tan- 
 nin from gentian-root, and this was corroborated by Van Itallie (1888). J. Yille (1877) 
 was inclined to regard gentisin as gentio-tanmc acid. But after the separation of pectin 
 compounds the infusion yields no precipitate with gelatin, and fresh hide fails to remove 
 any principle reacting with ferric salts. Prof. Patch (1881), however, has shown that 
 the resinous matter is associated with a principle giving a greenish-black color with ferric 
 chloride, and precipitates with cinchonidine sulphate, tartar emetic, and gelatin after, 
 respectively, two, six, and twenty-four hours ; this principle has not been isolated. 
 
 Gentiopicrin , C 30 H 30 O 12 , the bitter principle of gentian, is contained in the aqueous solu- 
 tion of the alcoholic extract, from which it is absorbed by animal charcoal ; this is boiled 
 with alcohol, the solution concentrated, treated with lead oxide to remove color, freed 
 from lead by hydrogen sulphide, agitated with ether, and crystallized. It is very 
 soluble in water and diluted alcohol, insoluble in ether, dissolves with alteration in alka- 
 lies, and by dilute acids is split into glucose and gentiogenin , C 14 H ]6 0 5 , which is vellowish- 
 brown, bitter, insoluble in water, and has the same composition as physalin (from Physalis 
 Alkekengi). Kromayer states that crystallizable gentiopicrin is obtainable only from 
 fresh, not from dried, gentian-root. 
 
 Gentian contains no starch, but a considerable amount of pectin and 12 to 15 per cent, 
 of amorphous sugar, to which the hygroscopic nature of the root is due. A. Meyer (1882) 
 obtained a slightly-sweet, fermentable crystalline sugar, gentianose, C 16 H 66 0 3] , which does 
 not reduce Fehling’s solution. By fermentation a potable spirit is obtained from it in 
 
GERANIUM. 
 
 773 
 
 Switzerland and Southern Germany. The air-dry root yields 8.28 per cent, of ash, con- 
 sisting mainly of calcium carbonate (Fliickiger). 
 
 American Gentians. — Several of the blue-flowering gentians of North America are botanically 
 very similar, and some confusion has existed concerning their identity, which is best shown by 
 placing the species and their synonyms together, as at present recognized. We thus have — 
 
 (1) G. puberula, Michaux; G. Saponaria, var. puberula (Gray's Man., edit. 1); G. Catesbaei, 
 Elliott; and G. Elliottii, Chapman. 
 
 (2) G. Saponaria, Limit; G. Catesbaei, Walter. 
 
 (3) G. Andrewsii, Grisebach ; G. Saponaria, Frcelich ; G. fimbriata, Vahl. 
 
 The first species is indigenous to the States south of North Carolina, and to most States from 
 the Alleghanies to the Mississippi ; the second is met with from the mountains of North Caro- 
 lina to New York and westward to Minnesota-, the third species is common in the Middle 
 States and northward. We believe that the blue gentian-root , as found in commerce, is collected 
 indiscriminately from the above three species. It is the Gentiana Catesbaei, U. S. 1870. 
 
 The subterraneous part of these plants consists of an indistinctly annulated head about 13 Mm. 
 (J inch) long and 3 Mm. inch) thick, which, at its base, is furnished with a number of fleshy 
 nearly simple rootlets about 37 Mm. (3 inches) or more in length. When dry they are of a pale- 
 brownish color, with a distinct yellow or orange hue, and short, deep longitudinal wrinkles, devoid 
 of fibres, quite brittle, and breaking with a short or somewhat spongy fracture, which is pale-yel- 
 low. The bark is thick and the ligneous cord quite thin. The odor and taste are gentian-like. 
 We have found it occasionally mixed with a root of unknown origin of similar dimensions and 
 appearance, but having a gray hue, a tough fibrous bark, and a sweetish scarcely bitter taste. 
 From experiments made with the root we conclude that its constituents are probably identical 
 with those of G. lutea. 
 
 Frasera Carolinensis, Walter (Fr. Walteri, Michaux ), is a tall biennial or triennial herb grow- 
 ing from the Alleghany Mountains westward to the Mississippi. From the appearance of the dried 
 transverse slices the root became known as American Colombo ( Radix Colombo americance ; Racine 
 de Colombo de Mariette (d' Amtrique), Fr. ; Amerikanische Colombowurzel , G.). It is easily distin- 
 guished from calumba by the absence of the projecting vascular bundles in the interior and of 
 the radiating zone near the cambium. It is now generally dried in longitudinal slices, the bark 
 overlapping. The tissue upon transverse section is pretty uniform in appearance, the vascular 
 bundles being nearly imperceptible in the fleshy parenchyma; the rather thick bark shows two 
 different colored layers, and a dark-brown cambium-line separates it from the meditullium. 
 When dry it has a slight odor ; the odor of the infusion is similar to that of gentian ; its taste 
 is sweet and bitter and free from astringency. G. W. Kennedy (1873) obtained from the drug 
 gentiopicrin. Prof. J. U. Lloyd (1880) prepared the coloring matter in tufts of lemon-yellow 
 isilky needles; Prof. Patch (1881) proved it to differ from gentisic acid of gentian ; and Trimble 
 and Lloyd (1891) separated it into two principles, melting at 114° and 178° C. respectively, 
 both being nearly insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in benzin and benzol, soluble in alcohol, 
 ether, and chloroform, colored dark-green by ferric salts, and not precipitated by lead acetate. 
 American Colombo is therefore closely analogous to gentian, from which it appears to differ 
 chemically in containing less of the bitter principle than the latter, and a larger proportion of 
 two distinct yellow coloring matters. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Gentian is a pure and simple bitter. In mode- 
 rate doses it excites the appetite and strengthens the digestion and does not constipate. 
 If used too long or too freely, it is apt to occasion headache and a full pulse and to ren- 
 der the sweat and urine bitter. It is a valuable remedy for atonic dyspepsia, such as 
 accompanies general debility, and especially that which is apt to occur in persons of a 
 gouty habit. It was formerly used in the cure of mild intermittent fevers. The nomi- 
 nal dose of gentian in powder is from Gm. 0.60 to 2.00 (10-30 grains), but it is always pre- 
 scribed in the form of extract, fluid extract, or compound tincture, all of which are officinal. 
 
 American gentian is employed to some extent in popular practice in the southern por- 
 tion of the United States for the same diseases and in the same manner as European 
 gentian. Frasera, when fresh, is said to have emetic and purgative properties, and has 
 been compared in its action to rhubarb. The dried root is also reputed to have the tonic 
 properties of simple bitters, and may be given in an infusion made with Gm. 32 to Gm. 
 500 (^i to Oj) of boiling water. Dose, Gm. 30-60 (1 to 2 fluidounces). 
 
 GERANIUM, U. S . — Geranium. 
 
 Cranesbill-root , E. ; Racine de geranium macule, Bec-de-grue tachete , Pied-de-corneillr , 
 Fr. ; Fleckstorchschnabel, G. ; Geranio, Sp. 
 
 The rhizome of Geranium maculatum, Linne. Bigelow, Med. Bot., i. t. 8 ; Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants, 42. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Geraniaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial herb is very common in rich woods in most parts of Canada 
 and the United States westward to Kansas, and it flowers from April to July. The stem 
 
774 
 
 GERANIUM. 
 
 is from 30 to 60 Cm. (1-2 feet) high ; the 
 hairy leaves, when old, become blotched with 
 white, and are palmately five- or seven-lobed, 
 with wedge-shaped divisions, which are coarse- 
 ly toothed above ; the light-purple flowers are 
 in loose terminal umbels ; the fruit is long- 
 beaked, with five one-seeded carpels, which 
 separate when ripe, curving upward together 
 with the style, which separates from the beak. 
 The horizontal rhizome should be collected late in summer or in autumn. 
 
 Description. — It is 5 to 7 Cm. (2-3 inches) long, 6 to 12 Mm. Q — \ inch) in diam- 
 eter when fresh, little branched, but tuberculated with the remnants of the stems, longi- 
 tudinally wrinkled, with indistinct nodes, dark -brown externally, pale red-brown internally. 
 It breaks with a nearly smooth fracture, showing a thin bark and the small, yellowish, 
 broadly wedge-shaped wood-bundles arranged in a circle near the cambium, separated by 
 broad medullary rays, and enclosing a large central pith. It has no odor ; its taste is 
 purely astringent. The rootlets are mostly on the lower side, and are much shrunken, 
 fragile, and branched into hair-like fibres. 
 
 Constituents. — The analyses of Staples (1829), Bigelow (1833), and Mayers (1889) 
 indicate, besides tannin, the presence of gallic acid, starch, resin, sugar, mucilage, etc. 
 Bowman (1869) found 13 to 17 per cent., and Mayers 11.5 per cent., of tannin, which has not 
 been further investigated. A crystalline principle, observed by Staples, was ascertained 
 by Mayers to be soluble in alcohol, ether, and petroleum benzin. The red color of the tissue 
 is due to phlobaphen. 
 
 Allied Plants and Drugs. — Geranium Robertianum, Linne . — Herb Robert, E. ; Herbe a 
 Robert, Fr. ; Rupreehtskraut, G. — It grows in shady thickets and woods in Europe, . in Canada, 
 and from New England westward to Missouri ; has an erect branching stem, deeply dissected and 
 pinnatifid leaves, and rose- or purplish-colored flowers. It has a strong rather unpleasant odor 
 and a bitterish, saline, and astringent taste. It contains tannin and a bitter principle. 
 
 Erodium (Geranium, Linne) cicutarium, V HGritier — Storksbill — indigenous to the Levant 
 and Southern Europe, is sparingly naturalized in the Eastern United States, but is common :n 
 Utah and west of the Rocky Mountains, where it is known as alfilaria, pinclover, and pingrass. 
 It has a low spreading stem, pinnate leaves with the leaflets sessile and pinnatifid, and pale- 
 reddish flowers. The odor of the bruised plant resembles that of carrot. 
 
 Erodium mosciiatum, Alton , is found near the Mediterranean and in Southern Africa, and 
 resembles the preceding, but has a rather strong musk-like odor. 
 
 Rhizoma tormentilla; Tormentil, E. ; Tormentille, Fr. ; Tormentillwurzel, G. — .Potentilla 
 Tormentilla, Schrank (Tormentilla erecta, Linne), order Rosacese, Potentilleae, is indigenous to 
 Europe and Northern Asia, and resembles our cinquefoil. The rhizome, which is recognized by 
 the pharmacopoeias of Southern and Western Europe, is about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, of the thick- 
 ness of a finger, dark gray-brown, with numerous irregular protuberances, internally light 
 brownish-red ; fracture short, somewhat resinous, showing a thin bark, one or two circles of 
 
 Tormentilla : rhizome and transverse section. 
 
 Fig. 136. 
 
 Geranium maculatum : rhizome and transverse section 
 of rhizome and rootlets, natural size. 
 
 small yellowish wood-wedges, broad medullary rays, and a large pith. The faint rose-like odor 
 of fresh tormentil disappears on drying; the taste is strongly astringent. 
 
 According to Meissner (1822), tormentil contains 17.5 per cent. (24 to 30 per cent., Bowman, 
 1869) of tannin, 18 tormentil-red, also some wax, resin, etc. Rembold (1867) found ellagic and 
 kinovic acids ; the tannin yields tormentil-red, and this, with potassium hydrate, gives protoeate- 
 cl m ic acid and phloroglucin. The presence of calcium oxalate was proven by Scheele. 
 
 Potentilla anserina, Linnd. — Silverwecd, E. : Argentine, Anserine, Fr. : Giinserich, Sill>er- 
 
 kraut G. This plant has solitary, long-peduncled flowers, and radical, interruptedly pinnate 
 
 leaves, composed of nine to nineteen oblong, deeply serrate leaflets, which are silvery white and 
 
 1 Pot! argentea, Limit, Silvery cinquefoil, has an ascending stem, palmately five-foliate leaves, 
 
GERANIUM. 
 
 775 
 
 Fig. 138. 
 
 Bistorta, natural size. 
 
 and wedge-oblong, incised, and beneath silvery canescent leaflets. This and the preceding species 
 are recognized by the French Codex. 
 
 Pot. fruticosa, Linnt, Shrubby cinquefoil, is shrubby, about 0.9 M. (3 feet) high, has pin- 
 nate leaves, with five to seven linear or lance-oblong, entire, and silky leaflets, and numerous 
 
 flowers. 
 
 Pot. palustris, Scopoli , s. Comarum palustre, Limit, Marsh cinquefoil, has the leaves with five 
 or seven lance-oblong underneath-whitish leaflets and purple-colored flowers. Like the three pre- 
 ceding species, it is indigenous to Europe and North America. 
 
 Pot. reptaxs, Linnt. — Creeping cinquefoil, E. ; Potentille rampante, Quintefeuille, Fr. ; Fiinf- 
 fingerkraut, G. — It grows in moist fields in Europe and Asia ; has slender, creeping stems, long- 
 petiolate, palmately five-foliate leaves, oblong-obovate, deeply serrate leaflets, and single, axillary, 
 long-stalked flowers. It resembles the indigenous Pot. canadensis, Linnt , which has been employed 
 in its stead. 
 
 With the exception noted, all the above species of Potentilla have yellow flowers ; they are 
 inodorous, and their roots and herbaceous portions have a slightly astringent and bitterish taste. 
 They contain some tannin, a small quantity of bitter principle, mucilage, and other common 
 constituents. 
 
 BrsTORTA, Bistort. Snakeweed, E. ; Bistorte, Couleuvrine, Fr. ; Wiesenknoterich, Natterwurz, 
 G. — Polygonum Bistorta, Limit, order Polygonaceae, grows in the northern hemisphere, in swampy 
 meadows, in the United States from 
 Colorado northward. The rhizome, 
 which is recognized by the pharma- 
 copoeias of Western Europe, is about 
 12 M. (? inch) broad, S-shaped, some- 
 what annulate from the leaf-scars, 
 blackish-brown, internally reddish; 
 fracture nearly smooth, showing a 
 moderately thick bark, numerous 
 small wood-bundles in one circle, and 
 a large pith ; it is inodorous, and 
 has a strongly astringent taste. Bis- 
 tort contains starch, calcium oxalate, 
 phlobaphen, tannin (21 per cent., 
 according to Bowman, 1869), and probably gallic acid. 
 
 Extraction Bistortce , Fr. Cod., is prepared with cold water. 
 
 The herbs of most species of Polygonum have a slight astringent and. more or less saline or 
 acidulous taste, and have been occasionally employed as mild astringents. Pol. Persicaria, Linnt, 
 the spotted knotweed or lady's thumb, has the lanceolate leaves usually marked near the middle 
 with a brown semilunar or triangular spot. Pol. amphibium, Linnt, or water-knotweed , grows 
 in ponds, swamps, and in damp sandy soil, is variable in appearance, and has the rose-red flowers 
 in dense spikes. Pol. aviculare, Linnt , known as knot-grass, birdweed, or goose-grass, is occa- 
 sionally erect, but usually has the slender branches prostrate or ascending, and bears two to four 
 inconspicuous greenish and reddish flowers in the axils of the small leaves. Pol. hydropiperoides, 
 Michaux , or mild water-pepper , has narrow lanceolate leaves and slender spikes of whitish flowers • 
 it is indigenous to North America, while the three preceding species are common in both hemi- 
 spheres. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Geranium is a pure astringent, and may be profitably 
 used in the treatment of subacute and chronic diarrhoea. A decoction of it in milk is 
 employed in cholera infantum. A decoction, made with an ounce of the root in H pints 
 of water boiled to a pint, is sometimes used in aphthae of the mouth and fauces, in relaxed 
 conditions of the throat , vagina, and rectum, to restrain internal haemorrhages, and to cure 
 h ncorrhcea, gleet, prolapsus ani,p. uteri, fissures of the rectum , etc. The dose may be stated 
 at from Gm. 1.30 to 2.60 (grs. xx-xl) of the powdered rhizome or from Gm. 32 to 64 
 03Hj) of the decoction. The fluid extract is to be preferred. 
 
 Geranium Ptobertianum. like the officinal plant, has been much valued in Europe for its 
 astringent and cleansing virtues, and employed in the treatment of sore throat, superficial 
 inflammations and eruptions of the skin, in engorgement of glands, ophthalmia, etc. Inter- 
 nally, it was given as a diuretic for the relief of gravel, also for haemorrhages, etc. 
 
 Erodium moschatum was used as a diaphoretic. 
 
 Erodium cicutarium attracted some attention in 1859 as a diuretic in dropsy, and in 
 1863 similar reports of its efficacy were published. A decoction was made with 2 ounces 
 of the whole plant in 3 pints of water reduced to 2 pints, and it was prescribed in doses 
 of 4 or 5 fluidounces three times a day. 
 
 Bistorta, Potentilla, and Tormentilla are used for the same purposes as geranium. 
 Other species of Polygonum (e. g. hydropiper) have a decidedly stimulant quality. 
 
776 
 
 G El] M.— GILL EN I A . 
 
 GEUM. — W ater- Avens. 
 
 Radix caryophyllatse aquaticse, Radix benedictse sylvestris. — Racine de benoite aquatique 
 (de benoite des ruisseaux ), Fr. ; Sumpfnelkenwurzel , Wasser-Benedikten- Wurzel, G. 
 
 The rhizome, with the rootlets, of Geuin rivale, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Dryadeae. 
 
 Origin.— This perennial plant grows in wet meadows and moist woods in hilly local- 
 ities of North America from Pennsylvania northward, and is likewise indigenous to Cen- 
 tral and Northern Europe and Northern Asia. It has a stem 30-60 Cm. (1 to 2 feet) 
 high, with lyrate or interruptedly pinnate root-leaves and trifoliate or three-lobed stem- 
 leaves, the leaflets or lobes being obovate or cuneate-oblong ; the bell-shaped calyx is 
 purplish-brown ; the five petals are clawed, purplish-yellow, and veined. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is nearly horizontal, 5-7 Cm. (2 to 3 inches) long, about 
 6 Mm. (i inch) thick, somewhat branched, tuberculate above from the bases of the stems, 
 and there densely beset with red-brown hairy leaf-sheaths. It is externally blackish- 
 brown, breaks with a rather short and waxy fracture, and has a thin purplish-brown bark, 
 brown-gray pith, and small distant light-colored wood-wedges. It has a very faint some- 
 what clove-like odor and a bitterish-astringent taste. 
 
 Water-avens has not been analyzed ; its constituents are probably similar to those of 
 the yellow-flowered Geum urbanum, Linne , or avens , which grows in Europe in woods and 
 shady places, and has an oblique or perpendicular rhizome 25-50 Mm. (1 or 2 inches) in 
 length, abrupt below, or passing into the main or tap-root ; it is hard, dark-brown, tuber- 
 culate, and beset with dark-brown membranous scales ; the numerous thin fibres are 
 pale-brown, and 7-10 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) long ; the wood is in five or six broad and 
 rounded wedges and encloses a large purplish pith. It has a distinct clove-like odor 
 and a bitter astringent taste. It is known in Europe as radix caryophyllatse. Geum 
 japonicum, Thunberg , resembles it in appearance and properties, but has a brown horny 
 centre. 
 
 Constituents. — Avens, according to Buchner (1844), contains a .small quantity of 
 a volatile oil possessing acid properties, about 3 per cent, of tannin, and a bitter princi- 
 ple which appears likewise to possess acid properties. The remaining constituents, sugar, 
 fat, resin, etc., are not of medicinal importance. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Water-avens is in its action very like avens, G. urbanum. 
 Both are very astringent and more or less tonic. Like other agents with these qualities, 
 it is apt to derange the digestion and cause vomiting if too freely given. It has been 
 employed in all forms of diseases of the mucous membranes depending upon relaxation 
 and attended with excessive and altered secretions, including atonic dyspepsia, diarrhoea , 
 bronchorrhcea, leucorrhcea , etc. It has also been used in chronic rheumatism , scrofula. 
 slight intermittent fever , and in menstrual derangements depending on debility. The dose 
 is represented by about Gm. 2 (gr. xxx) of the powdered root, but it is best adminis- 
 tered in a decoction made by boiling Gm. 32 (an ounce) of the root in a pint of water, 
 which may be given in doses of 1 or 2 fluidounces. 
 
 GILLENIA.— Gillenia, 
 
 Indian physic , Indian hippo , American ipecac , Bowman's root , E. ; GilUnie , Fr. ; Gd- 
 lenie , G. 
 
 The rhizome, with the rootlets, of Gillenia (Spiraea, Linne ) trifoliata, Moench, and of 
 Gillenia stipulacea, Nuttall (Spir. stipulate, W illdenow). 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Spiraeeae. 
 
 Origin. — Both species are perennial herbs indigenous to the United States, the first 
 being found almost exclusively east of the Alleghanies from New York south to Georgia ; 
 the other is found from New York westward and southward to Alabama. The plants are 
 60 to 90 Cm. (2 to 3 feet) high, branched, with nearly sessile, trifoliate, doubly serrate, 
 or incised leaves, and loose corymbs of pale rose-colored or white flowers, the calyx of 
 which is tubular and constricted at the throat, the five unequal petals being long linear- 
 lanceolate. The two plants are readily distinguished by their stipules, which in G. trifo- 
 liata are awl-shaped and entire, and in G. stipulacea are large, leaf-like, ovate, and incised. 
 The rhizome and rootlets are employed. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome of G. stipulacea, which is usually found in commerce, 
 
GLECHOMA. 
 
 777 
 
 is nearly horizontal, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) 
 thick, very knotty from the numerous branches' 
 and remnants of stems. The larger rootlets are 
 9 Mm. (| inch) thick near the base, tortuous, 
 irregularly branched ; the smaller rootlets are 
 undulated, and have a knotty or annulated ap- 
 pearance from the semicircular constrictions and 
 the transverse fissure of the bark on one side 
 and the depressions on the opposite side. The 
 rhizome and rootlets of G. trifoliata are smaller 
 and less knotty, the rootlets often smooth or 
 indistinctly annulated, and with few or no trans- 
 verse fissures. Both have a reddish- or grayish- 
 brown color externally, and are hard and very 
 woody, breaking with some difficulty except 
 through the brittle bark. The bark of the 
 rhizome is thin, the wood, about eight times 
 thicker, of a whitish color, with several annual 
 rings enclosing a thin pith and traversed by fine 
 medullary rays. The bark of the root is of 
 uneven thickness, in its outer layer brownish- 
 red, the inner layer reddish-white, with numerous 
 minute red resinous dots. The odor is very slight ; 
 the taste of the bark is bitter, not unpleasant, 
 exciting the flow of saliva ; the wood is tasteless. 
 
 Constituents. — The various analyses made of Gillenia have established the pres- 
 ence of starch, tannin, gum, albumen, fat, resin, etc. The bitter principle, gillenin, not 
 quite pure yet, has been obtained by W. B. Stanhope (1856) in the form of a whitish 
 powder having a slight odor and a very bitter taste, neutral to test-paper, soluble in 
 water, alcohol, ether, and dilute acids, and colored blood-red by nitric acid. Its watery 
 solution is stated to be precipitated by lead subacetate, tartar emetic, and potassa, but 
 not by tannin ; \ grain caused much nausea. It was prepared by washing the alcoholic 
 extract with water, treating the residue with very dilute sulphuric acid, adding magnesia, 
 evaporating and exhausting the dry mass with alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The popular title of “ American ipecacuanha ” sufficiently 
 indicates the prominent virtue of this medicine. It is a mild emetic. The dose is Gm. 
 1.30-2.00 (gr. xx-xxx). The allied species, G. stipulacea, has identical qualities. Its 
 dust, like that of ipecacuanha, irritates the nostrils, throat, and larynx. Gillenin, when 
 pure, will produce nausea and vomiting in doses of Gm. 0.03-0.06 (gr. ss-j). Injected 
 into the femoral vein of a dog, it excited vomiting. 
 
 GLECHOMA. — Ground-Ivy. 
 
 Herba hederse terrestris. — Lierre terrestre , Fr. ; Guilder mann, Gundelrebe, G. ; Hiedra 
 terrestre , Sp. 
 
 Glechoma hederacea, Linne , s. Nepeta Glechoma, Bentham. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatse, Nepeteae. 
 
 Description. — Ground-ivy is a creeping and trailing perennial which is common in 
 Europe and naturalized in various parts of North America. The ascending branches are 
 from 15-25 Cm. (6 to 10 inches) long, quadrangular, and have opposite petiolate leaves, 
 which are 25-38 Mm. (1 or II inches) long, round-reniform, deeply crenate, green, and 
 underneath often purplish. The blue or purplish flowers are in small axillary clusters, 
 from two to five in number. The plant has a slight balsamic odor and a bitter somewhat 
 acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Like other plants of the same natural order, ground-ivy contains 
 volatile oil, resin, fat, gum, sugar, and tannin ; the bitter and acrid principle has not been 
 investigated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Ground-ivy is said to act poisonously upon horses and sheep. 
 It has been chiefly used in medicine in the treatment of chronic bronchitis , and its virtues 
 in this affection are attested by medical evidence as well as by popular faith. It was at 
 one time reputed to be a cure for consumption, by which was meant not the incurable 
 disease which depends upon tuberculosis, but chronic bronchitis with muco-purulent 
 
778 
 
 GLYCERINTJM. 
 
 sputa. It had also some reputation in catarrhal affections of the urinary organs and in 
 atonic dyspepsia. Externally the bruised herb has been applied in poultices or alone to 
 indolent ulcers. An infusion may be made with Gm. 32 (§j) of the herb to Gm. 500 
 (Oj) of boiling water and given in wineglassful doses. 
 
 GLYCERINUM, V. S., Br B. G.— Glycerin. 
 
 Glycerine U. S., 1870. — Glycerine , E. ; Glycerine , Fr. ; Glycerin , Oelsuss , G. 
 
 Formula C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 . Molecular weight 91.79. 
 
 A liquid sweet principle obtained from fat and fixed oils, and containing not less than 
 95 per cent, of absolute glycerin. 
 
 Origin. — Glycerin, which is not found in the free state except in some rancid fats, 
 exists in combination with the so-called fatty acids, forming compound ethers, which 
 constitute most of the animal and vegetable solid and liquid fats. It is formed in small 
 quantities (about 3 per cent, of the glucose present) during the fermentation of sac- 
 charine liquids. Scheele, who discovered it in 1779, called it sweet principle of oils. 
 In the United States it was first manufactured in Philadelphia by Robert Shoemaker in 
 1846 ; at present it is extensively obtained by distillation in several cities, and in addi- 
 tion over 6,000,000 pounds are now annually imported, against about 2,000,000 pounds 
 in 1878. 
 
 Preparation. — To obtain glycerin, fat must be decomposed into its proximate con- 
 stituents, either by a caustic alkali, as in the manufacture of soap, or by lead oxide, 
 as in the preparation of lead plaster, or by the action of water at an elevated tempera- 
 ture under high pressure. The latter process, which was patented in 1854 by R. A. 
 Tilghman, yields the acids of the fat and an aqueous solution of glycerin. Water which 
 has been agitated with recently-prepared lead plaster is likewise such a solution, and the 
 liquid from which soap has been separated contains glycerin, saline matters, and various 
 organic impurities, which may be removed by treatment with the necessary precipitants 
 and with charcoal, the solutions being finally evaporated and distilled with steam under 
 pressure. By fractional condensation most of the glycerin is obtained in a nearly anhy- 
 drous state. 
 
 Large quantities of crude glycerin are obtained by treating fats with concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid, adding boiling water, and afterward removing the acid by means of barium 
 or calcium carbonate ; the glycerin remains in aqueous solution, is always highly colored, 
 and constitutes the impurest variety of crude glycerin. 
 
 The best results in the manufacture of glycerin are those obtained by what is known 
 as “ aqueous saponification.” This process consists in mixing the fats with certain pro- 
 portions of water in closed boilers provided with stirrers, and then treating the mixture 
 with superheated steam at a pressure of 15 atmospheres (225 pounds); the temperature 
 is maintained at about 200° G. (392° F.), and the mixture kept in constant motion. 
 This treatment decomposes the fat into glycerin and free fatty acids, which latter float on 
 the surface, and may be removed mechanically, while the glycerin enters into solution in 
 the water, and is subsequently purified and concentrated. The purest glycerin is that 
 obtained by distillation of the concentrated crude product in specially constructed stills, 
 where the liquid is first heated to 100° or 110° C. to remove all volatile fatty acids; 
 when the distillate ceases to show an acid reaction the temperature is raised to 170° or 
 180° C., and glycerin will distil over with aqueous vapor into a series of condensers. 
 Repeated distillations may be necessary. 
 
 Synthetic or artificial glycerin has been prepared from tribromopropane, C 3 H 5 Br 3 , and 
 also trichloropropane, C 3 H 5 C1 3 ; the former compound is treated with silver acetate, and 
 the resulting glyceryl acetate or triacetin is decomposed by potassium hydroxide, yielding 
 glycerin and potassium acetate ; thus, C 3 H 5 Br 3 -f 3AgC 2 H 3 0 2 = C 3 H 5 (C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 3 + 
 3AgBr — C 3 H 5 (C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 3 + 3KOH = C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 + 3KC 2 H 3 0 2 . When trichloropropane 
 is heated with water to 180° C. it also yields glycerin. 
 
 In subjecting soap-liquors to dialysis the glycerin passes quite freely with the salts 
 through parchment-paper, but not through “ gutta-percha paper,” which has been (1882) 
 recommended for the purification of such impure glycerin. The purification of glycerin 
 by distillation was patented by Wilson and Payne in 1854. 
 
 Properties. — Glycerin is a syrupy liquid having the specific gravity 1.28 at 15° C. 
 (59° F.) (Pelouze). The following table, furnished by Dr. A. B. Lyons (1888) shows the 
 percentage of absolute glycerin contained in aqueous solutions of different densities at 
 15°C. (59° F.) ; the figures differ but slightly in the third and fourth decimal places from 
 
GLYCERINUM. 
 
 779 
 
 those obtained by W. 
 
 Lenz (1880) in 
 
 determin 
 
 ing 
 
 the carbon in 
 
 various 
 
 dilutions of 
 
 glycerin. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 100 per ct., 1.26596 sp. gr. 
 95 “ 1.25285 “ 
 
 75 per ct., 1.19857 
 
 sp. gr. 50 per. ct., 1.1 2990 sp. gr. 
 
 25 perct., 
 
 , 1.06236 sp. gr. 
 
 70 “ 
 
 1.18487 
 
 “ 45 
 
 it 
 
 1.11618 “ 
 
 20 “ 
 
 1.04930 “ 
 
 90 “ 1.23945 “ 
 
 65 “ 
 
 1.17113 
 
 “ 40 
 
 « 
 
 1.10253 “ 
 
 15 “ 
 
 1.03652 “ 
 
 85 “ 1.22583 “ 
 
 60 “ 
 
 1.15737 
 
 “ 35 
 
 a 
 
 1.08908 “ 
 
 10 “ 
 
 1.02409 “ 
 
 80 “ 1.21221 “ 
 
 55 “ 
 
 1.14362 
 
 “ 30 
 
 it 
 
 1.07564 “ 
 
 5 “ 
 
 1.01189 “ 
 
 The pharmacopoeias require glycerin to have the density 1.250, U S. Br ., 1.225-1.235, 
 P. Gr.’, which, according to the above table, corresponds to about 95 and to 85-90 per 
 cent, of absolute glycerin. It is transparent, colorless, inodorous, very sweet and some- 
 what warm to the taste, owing to its affinity for water, oily to the touch, without action 
 upon litmus, and soluble in all proportions in water and alcohol ; also in spirit of ether, but 
 not in ether, chloroform, benzene, fixed oils, or volatile oils. Its great affinity for water 
 has been long known ; W. Willmott (1879) ascertained that this continues in a moist 
 atmosphere until about twice its bulk of water has been absorbed. Heintz, Berthelot 
 (1854), and others observed that at about 100° C. (212° F.) glycerin volatilizes in 
 appreciable quantity, more readily, it seems, with the vapors of water ; in a current of 
 superheated steam it distils readily between 170° and 200° C (338° and 392° F.). In 
 contact with the air it distils only partially unchanged, the greater portion being 
 destroyed, with the production «of very acrid acrolein among the empyreumatic liquids. 
 Its boiling-point is 290° C. (554° F.). When anhydrous, it takes fire at 150° C. (302° 
 F.) and burns quietly with a blue non-luminous flame, without giving off any disagree- 
 able odor and without leaving any residue. It dissolves all deliquescent salts, increases 
 the solubility of many organic and inorganic compounds which are soluble in water or 
 alcohol, and prevents the precipitation of some salts by alkalies and other reagents. By 
 cooling glycerin to — 40° C. ( — 40° F.) Berthelot could obtain it only as a nearly solid 
 gummy mass. In 1867, Crooks saw it crystallized, after it had been exposed to cold 
 weather while being transported, and Sarg obtained it in crystals by long-continued expo- 
 sure to cold. The crystallization takes place slowly, but is greatly promoted even between 
 0° and 5° C. (32 and 41° F.) by the addition of a solid crystal to the cold glycerin. This 
 behavior has been utilized for the purification of glycerin. The crystals are very deli- 
 quescent and melt at 22° C. (71.6° F.). Glycerin remains unfrozen at — 35° C. ( — 3i° F.), 
 and even if it contained 28 per cent, of water it can be cooled to — 31° C. ( — 23.8° F.) 
 without freezing. 
 
 Chemically, glycerin is a triatomic alcohol and known as propenyl alcohol ; hence chem- 
 ists often designate it glycerol , in analogy with other alcohols. It forms with acids three 
 series of ethers, in which 1, 2, or 3 atoms of hydrogen are replaced by the corresponding 
 number of univalent acidulous radicals. The so-called neutral fats are saturated ethers, 
 like tripalmitin , C 3 H 5 (C 16 H 31 02)3. A similar compound is nitroglycerin or glonoin , 
 C 3 H 5 (N0 2 ) 3 03 (which see). 
 
 When 1 part of glycerin is heated with 2 parts of acid potassium sulphate, 2 molecules 
 of water are split off and the glycerin is converted into acrolein or allylaldehyde , thus, 
 CA(OH), — 2H 2 0=C 3 H 4 0 ; the same effect is produced when glycerin is heated with an 
 excess of phosphoric anhydride, or even rapidly heated by itself to a temperature of about 
 290° C. (554° F.). Acrolein is a light, very refractive, and volatile oily liquid, the 
 vapors of which are extremely irritating to the eyes 
 
 Glycerin dissolved in water and kept, with yeast, at a temperature of about 25° C. 
 (77° F.), is converted into propionic acid and with chalk aud old cheese at 40° C. (104° 
 F.) it yields alcohol and butyric acid. When slightly diluted with water and heated to 
 just above 100° C. (212° F.) in the presence of oxalic acid, the latter will be decomposed 
 into carbon dioxide and formic acids. C 2 H 2 0 4 yields C0 2 + CH 2 0 2 ; the formic acid tnay be 
 afterward obtained by repeatedly diluting with water and distilling. Glycerin unites with 
 the alkalies and alkaline earths to compounds soluble in water, the former also in alcohol ; 
 the latter are not precipitated by carbonic acid. It unites also with sulphuric and other 
 acids. “If a fused bead of borax on a loop of platinum wire be moistened with glycerin 
 and then held in a colorless flame, the latter will be transiently tinted deep-green.” — U. 
 
 This behavior was observed by lies (1877), and recommended as a test for borates 
 or for glycerin, but Klein (1878) showed that the reaction with borax takes place not only 
 with glycerin, but with other polyhydric alcohols; and the conditions for these reactions 
 have been elaborately investigated by Dunstan (1883), proving that sodium pyroborate 
 is decomposed, with the formation of sodium metaborate and a boric ether, or, if water be 
 present, free boric acid, the alcohol being regenerated. 
 
780 
 
 OLYGER1NVM. 
 
 Tests. — Glycerin is now rarely adulterated, but much being prepared for uses in the 
 arts, where purity is not necessary, impure glycerin may at all times be met with in the 
 market. Water, mucilage, dextrin, glucose, and perhaps cane-sugar syrup, would be used 
 as adulterants. The first is detected by the specific gravity of the sample, the others by 
 the brown color produced on mixing the sample with twice its bulk of concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid. Since cane-sugar syrup which has been exposed to the light for some time 
 contains appreciable quantities of glucose, glycerin adulterated with either kind of sugar 
 will become brown on being heated with solution of potassa or soda, and will yield a red 
 precipitate when heated to boiling with a drop of solution of copper sulphate and an 
 excess of potassa. The impurities may consist of saline matters should the glycerin 
 have not been distilled, or of odorous compounds if insufficiently purified by distillation. 
 The odor becomes apparent on warming the glycerin or rubbing it well upon the hand. 
 Most of these compounds reduce nitrate of silver, and produce a more or less deep color 
 when glycerin is diluted with a little distilled water and after the addition of a few drops 
 of nitrate of silver heated to boiling. The same reagent will detect chlorides by the 
 white precipitate produced. Diluted glycerin should not be colored or rendered turbid on 
 being tested with hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide (metallic salts), ammonium 
 oxalate (calcium), or barium chloride (sulphuric or oxalic acid). The presence 
 of butyric acid is readily determined by warming a mixture of glycerin with one- 
 fourth its measure each of alcohol and sulphuric acid, when butyric ether, recognized by 
 its odor of pineapple, will be given off. The most important tests for practical purposes 
 are those with sulphuric acid and silver nitrate. Goddefroy (1874) recommended the 
 heating of glycerin in an open crucible to boiling, and then igniting it, when it should 
 burn without diffusing the least smell or leaving the least residue. From these reactions 
 the following tests have been formulated : “ Glycerin should be neutral to litmus-paper. 
 Upon warming a portion of 5 or 6 Gm. with half its weight of diluted sulphuric acid no 
 butyric or other acidulous odor should be developed. A portion of 2 or 3 Gm.. gently 
 warmed with an equal volume of sulphuric acid in a test-tube, should not become dark 
 colored (absence of cane-sugar). A portion of about 2 Gm., heated in a small open por- 
 celain or platinum capsule upon a sand-bath until it boils, and then ignited, should burn 
 and vaporize, so as to leave not more than a dark stain (absence of sugars and dextrin, 
 which leave a porous coal). A portion heated to about 85° C. (185° F.) with test solu- 
 tion of potassio-cupric tartrate should not give a decided yellowish-brown precipitate, and 
 the same result should be obtained if, before applying this test, another portion be boiled 
 with a little diluted hydrochloric acid for half an hour (absence of sugars). After full 
 combustion no residue should be left (metallic salts). Diluted with ten times its volume 
 of distilled water, portions should give no precipitates or colors when treated with test 
 solutions of silver nitrate, barium chloride, calcium chloride, ammonium sulphide or 
 ammonium oxalate, (acrylic, hydrochloric, sulphuric, or oxalic acids, iron, and calcium 
 salts.) If a mixture of 2 Cc. of glycerin with 10 Cc. of water, contained in a 
 perfectly clean, glass-stoppered cylinder, be heated for five minutes in a water-bath at a 
 temperature of 60°— 65° C. (140°-149° F.), then mixed with 10 drops of silver nitrate 
 test-solution, and the cylinder set aside, well stoppered, in diffused daylight, no change of 
 transparency or color should occur in the mixture within five minutes (absence of chlo- 
 rides, and limit of impurities having reducing properties.).” — U. S. 1 Cc. of glycerin mixed 
 with 3 Cc. of stannous chloride solution should not become colored within one hour 
 (absence of arsenic). — P. G. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Glycerin forms the base of the official glycerita (glyce- 
 rin a) and glycerin suppositories, and is a constituent of a number of official fluid 
 extracts ; also of Linimentum potassii iodidi cum sapone, Br ., and of Mucilago traga- 
 canthse, U. S. It is used for preserving pill-masses and certain extracts in a plastic con- 
 dition, and for preventing fermentation and other changes in aqueous liquids containing 
 organic matter in solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The purest glycerin is irritating, on account of the avidity 
 with which it abstracts moisture from the tissues, but commercial glycerin has some- 
 times a similar defect from containing nitric, sulphuric, or organic acids and other 
 impurities. It is alleged that glycerin mixed with the food of animals tends to fatten 
 them, while it diminishes the proportion of urea excreted. Catillon has shown that it 
 sometimes augments and sometimes diminishes this excretion (Bull, et Mem., etc., 1883, 
 p. 133), but that, on the whole, the latter action prevails, and that during the use of the 
 medicine the weight of the body increases. On the other hand the careful experiments 
 of Munk led him to the conclusion that glycerin is not in the least degree nutritious 
 
GLYCERTNUM. 
 
 781 
 
 ( Virchow’s Archiv, lxxvi. 119). If given in larger doses than can be digested, it may be 
 detected in the urine, but it cannot be recognized in the faeces (?) or the sweat. In 
 excessive doses (such as f^ss for every 21 pounds of the animal’s weight) its effects 
 resembles those of alcoholic poisoning, including the gastric lesions found after death. 
 Injected hypodermically, the same symptoms and lesions are produced. Similarly 
 administered to frogs or injected into the veins of rabbits, it induces tetanic rigidity 
 (Archives of Medicine , Oct. 1881). 
 
 Its richness in carbon suggested its use as a medicinal food, and especially as a substi- 
 tute for cod-liver oil in phthisis, but, as in so many other instances, a little clinical 
 experience showed the so-called scientific induction to be untrue. On theoretical grounds 
 also it has been employed in the treatment of diabetes , but without striking advantage, 
 although when the amount of sugar excreted is very small the use of glycerin may cause 
 it to disappear from the urine, at least in its usual form. It may be used in this disease 
 as a substitute for sugar, and has been thought to retard emaciation. (Compare Ransom, 
 Journal of Physiology , viii. No. 2.) Prof. Semmola of Naples, inveighing against both 
 the stimulant and the antipyretic treatment of typhoid fever, urgently advises in their 
 stead the repeated administration of small doses of glycerin in water acidulated with 
 citric or tartaric acid (Bull, de Therap., civ. 481), apparently not perceiving that this 
 method is essentially an expectant treatment. Glycerin is an eligible adjunct to castor 
 oil. It is said that a teaspoonful of both mixed together will act as a laxative. In 1887 
 a proprietary medicine for constipation was found to consist chiefly of glycerin (Amer. 
 Jour, of Med. Sci., -Aug. 1888, p. 175). Numberless clinical observations have been 
 made leading to substantially identical conclusions. These have been distinctly formu- 
 lated by Ullmann (Centralbl. f Ther., v. 449), and by Poliibinsky (Med. News, liv. 463). 
 The most important of them are these : Glycerin enemas or suppositories are more 
 efficient in habitual than in occasional constipation, and when the faecal mass is in the 
 rectum rather than at the sigmoid flexure or above it. It is more generally applicable 
 to females than to males. It rarely gives rise to pain in the abdomen or burning in the 
 healthy rectum, but it aggravates lesions of this and the adjacent parts. The enema 
 generally acts in from five to ten minutes, causing a semiliquid or hard stool. The 
 quantity which has been generally administered in this manner has been from n^.SO to 
 n^60. It may be given with a syringe or in hollow suppositories of cocoa butter. A 
 pledget of cotton saturated with glycerin has been found equally efficient. If a syringe 
 is used, its contents may be injected through a slender catheter passed, if possible, 
 between the faecal mass and the rectum. Similar enemas have been found efficient in 
 destroying rectal ascarides. Its medicinal virtues depend mainly upon its having no 
 tendency to evaporate and to its undergoing no change by exposure to the air. Hence 
 it may be advantageously used where oil has from time immemorial been employed, and, 
 owing to its solubility in water, with more effect. Thus it has been applied with good 
 results to the rectum in dysentery , to the pharynx, to the larynx, trachea, and bronchia 
 (by atomization and vaporization) in various diseases of these parts exciting cough and 
 spasm or causing their obstruction. The vapor given off by glycerin heated to the 
 boiling-point of water is very perceptible, and at 266° F. is very abundant, almost odor- 
 less, and of a sweetish taste. In a woman suffering from haemorrhoids it was observed 
 that while she was taking glycerin for diabetes she obtained great relief from the haemor- 
 rhoidal affection. In other cases a complete cure of the rectal disease was accomplished 
 by the continued use of glycerin in the dose of Gm. 8-12 (2 or 4 drachms), taken 
 morning and evening (Young). Several subsequent reports are equally favorable to the 
 efficiency of this treatment, which is applicable to both blind and bleeding piles. 
 Possibly the slight digestibility of the glycerin permits it to reach the rectum and act 
 as an emollient and protective. Mixed with water or pure, according to circumstances, 
 it forms the best solvent for hardened cerumen and concreted epithelial scales, and is 
 much used for keeping the tympanum moist. It has been applied to the treatment of 
 recent wounds, but with far less satisfactory results than are obtained by dry dressings 
 that exclude the air. When these cannot be employed, glycerin may be profitably sub- 
 stituted. Its affinity for moisture tends in certain cases to limit the secretion of pus by 
 drying and constringing the secreting surface. This is strikingly the case in leucorrhoea. 
 The addition of an astringent — tannic acid, for example — increases the efficiency of the 
 glycerin, which should be applied upon a tampon of charpie. A similar application may 
 be used for fssure of the anus and for fissured nipples. For the latter, however, a mix- 
 ture of compound tincture of benzoin and glycerin is preferable. Fissured tongue is 
 curable by a solution of 40 grains of borax in about an ounce of glycerin and 4 ounces 
 
782 
 
 GLYCERITA.— GL YCER1TUM ACIDI GALLICI. 
 
 of water. Absorbent cotton, squeezed out of hot water and then saturated with glycerin, 
 has been strongly recommended by Gordon as an efficient dressing for wounds , under 
 which they heal by the first intention ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Dec. 1885, p. 642). 
 Later on, Fleming ( British Med. Jour., Sept. 22, 1888) used in the same manner a 
 mixture of glycerin and starch, which prevents adhesion of the dressings and allows the 
 free discharge of the secretions of the part. Pure glycerin applied to carbuncles, boils. 
 and abscesses is said to promote their cure, but it is unsuited for application over a large 
 surface, owing to its affinity for the moisture of the air. This affinity for moisture 
 renders glycerin available for reducing oedema of the prepuce and similar parts. It 
 should be applied on absorbent cotton or charpie. Also to lessen catarrhal secretion, as 
 in coryza , pharyngitis , otarrhoea, etc. It allays itching in most affections of the skin 
 attended with this symptom, and hence it is an appropriate ingredient of ointments and 
 washes used in their treatment. To prevent the laryngeal mirror from becoming obscured 
 by the condensation of vapor upon its surface, it has been recommended to pass lightly 
 over it a cloth wet with glycerin. Dryness of the mouth from fever or any other cause 
 may be lessened by a mixture of glycerin and water far better than by water alone. 
 
 The solvent powers of glycerin have suggested the glycerites as officinal forms of 
 certain medicines, but many others are prescribed extemporaneously. One part of alum 
 dissolved in 5 parts of glycerin by means of gentle heat is a powerful local astringent. 
 Diluted, it can be used as a gargle, injection, or lotion. A solution of iodide of potas- 
 sium in 2 parts of glycerin, with the addition of 1 part of iodine, makes an almost 
 caustic preparation. A solution of 1 part of iodine in 5 parts of glycerin is used as a 
 resolvent of enlarged and indurated glands, and as a revulsive over inflamed joints, 
 abscesses, etc. 1 part of glycerin and 8 parts of sulphate of zinc forms an energetic 
 caustic. Vaccine lymph may be preserved from decomposition by mixing it with 
 glycerin. 
 
 GLYCERITA, U. S.— GLYCERITES, GLYCERINA, 
 
 Hr . — Glycerines. 
 
 Glycerata , Glycerolata . — Glycerols , E. ; Glyceres, Glycerats , Glyceroles , Fr. ; Glycente , 
 Glycerolate , G. 
 
 This class of preparations consists mostly of solutions of 1 part of a chemical com- 
 pound in 4 or 5 parts by weight of undiluted glycerin, which are readily made by tritur- 
 ation in the mortar. Two of the official glycerites require different manipulations, 
 which will be noticed in the proper place. These preparations were suggested in 1854 by 
 Cap and Garot, and soon after became favorably known and have become much used. 
 
 GLYCERITUM ACIDI CARBOLICI, U. S.— Glycerite of Carbolic 
 
 Acid. 
 
 Glycerinum acidi carbolic/, Br. ; Glycerin of carbolic acid , E. ; Glycere d ’ acxde 
 phenique, Glycerine pheniquee, Fr. ; Phenol- ( Plxenyl -) Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Carbolic Acid, 20 Gm. ; Glycerin, 80 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Weigh 
 the carbolic acid and glycerin, successively, into a tared capsule, and stir them together 
 until the acid is dissolved. — U. S. (480 grains of carbolic acid may be dissolved in 2 t 
 fluidrachms of glycerin.) 
 
 Take of Carbolic Acid 1 ounce ; Glycerin 4 fluidounces. Rub them together in a 
 mortar until the acid is dissolved. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is a convenient form of application of carbolic acid in 
 certain eruptions of the skin , such as scabies, prurigo, etc., in which the itching is 
 tormenting. 
 
 GLYCERITUM ACIDI GALLICI.— Glycerite of Gallic Acid. 
 
 Glycerinum acidi gattici, Br. — Glycerin of gallic acid, E. ; Glycerl d'acide galhque, Fr. : 
 Gallussdure- Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Gallic Acid 1 ounce ; Glycerin 4 fluidounces. Rub them 
 together in a mortar ; then transfer the mixture to a porcelaiu dish and apply a gentle 
 heat until complete solution is effected, — Br, 
 
GLYCEBITUM ACIDI TANNICI. — GL YCERITUM AMYLI. 
 
 783 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation, taken internally, has the advantage over 
 gallic acid in substance of being more readily absorbable. The dose is Gm. 1.30-4.0 
 (rrpxx-lx). 
 
 GLYCERITUM ACIDI TANNICI, U. S.— Glycerite of Tannic Acid. 
 
 Glycerinum acidi tannici , Br. ; Glycerin of tannic acid (of tannin ), E. ; Glycere de tan- 
 nin , Glycerin tannique , Fr. ; Tannin- Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tannic Acid, 20 Gui. ; Glycerin, 80 Gm ; to make 100 Gm. Weigh 
 the tannic acid and glycerin, successively, into a tared porcelain capsule, avoiding con- 
 tact with metallic utensils, and apply the heat of a water-bath, until the acid is com- 
 pletely dissolved. — U. S. (480 grains of tannic acid may be dissolved in 27 fluidrachms 
 of glycerin.) 
 
 Take of Tannic Acid 1 ounce ; Glycerin 4 fluidounces. Rub them together in a 
 mortar ; then transfer the mixture to a porcelain dish and apply a gentle heat until 
 complete solution is effected. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This glycerite is not so often used internally as that of gallic 
 acid, but as a local application to suppurating surfaces of limited extent is more efficient 
 — e. g. to the nostrils in chronic coryza and ozaena , to the ear in chronic catarrh, to the 
 throat in chronic relaxation of the mucous membrane, etc. It is a useful dressing for 
 certain chronic but irritable cutaneous eruptions, such as eczema , impetigo , intertrigo , etc. 
 Dose , Gm. 1-4 (gr. xv-lx). 
 
 GLYCERITUM ALUMINIS.— Glycerite of Alum. 
 
 Glycerinum Aluminis , Br. — Glycerin of alum , E. ; Glycere d'alun , Fr. ; Alaun- 
 Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Alum 1 ounce ; Glycerin 5 fluidounces. Stir them together 
 in a porcelain dish, gently applying heat until solution is effected. Set aside, and pour 
 off the clear fluid from any deposited matter. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like all solutions of astringents in glycerin, this one is of infe- 
 rior value to that of a watery solution of alum. It is, however, used, like other astrin- 
 gent glycerins, to check mucous secretions and slight passive haemorrhages, to constringe 
 soft granulations, relaxed membranes, etc. 
 
 GLYCERITUM AMYLI, U. S.— Glycerite of Starch. 
 
 Glycerinum amyli , Br. ; Unguentum glycerini , P. G. — Glycerin of starch , Glycamyl , 
 Plasma, E. ; Glycere d'amidon, Glycerat simple ( d'amidon ), Fr. ; Starke- Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Starch, 10 Gm. ; Water, 10 Cc. ; Glycerin, 80 Gm. To the starch, 
 contained in a porcelain capsule add the water and glycerin, and stir until a homogeneous 
 mixture is produced. Then apply a heat gradually raised to 140° C. (284° F.) and not 
 exceeding 144° C. (291° F.), stirring constantly until the starch-granules are completely 
 dissolved and a translucent jelly is formed. — V. S. 
 
 Starch, 1 ounce ; glycerin, 5 fluidounces ; distilled water, 3 fluidounces. Stir and 
 heat. — Br. Starch, 1 part; glycerin, 14 parts. Heat carefully. — F. Cod. 
 
 This preparation was introduced into British pharmacy by G. F. Schacht in 1858, and 
 soon after became known in the United States. To obtain a uniform jelly-like mass, the 
 starch should be first rubbed into a fine powder free from lumps, then intimately mixed 
 with the glycerin and water, which may be done in the porcelain capsule, thus avoiding 
 the unavoidable loss when done in a mortar ; and finally the mixture is heated until all 
 starch-granules are ruptured and the liquid is thickened to a translucent mass free from 
 white spots. Prepared in this manner, the glycerite must be preserved in well-stoppered 
 bottles, for in contact with the air it attracts moisture and gradually becomes soft. This 
 tendency is entirely removed, according to W. Willmott (1879), by substituting for one- 
 third of the glycerin an equal measure of water. 
 
 For the same purpose T. B. Groves (1867) introduced a preparation under the name 
 of glycelceum, which, besides glycerin, contains fixed oil ; it is made by triturating \ ounce 
 of fine almond meal with 1 ounce of glycerin, and then incorporating with it 3 ounces of 
 olive oil, gradually added. The oil may wholly or in part be replaced by volatile oil or 
 oleoresins. The preparation is a soft semi-gelatinous paste, which admits of the further 
 addition of powders, and when mixed gradually with water forms readily an emulsion, 
 
784 
 
 GLYCERITUM BELLADONNJE. — GL YCERITUM BOROGL YCERINI. 
 
 Zulkowsky (1880) has shown that on heating starch to 130° C. (266° F.) the starch- 
 granules are ruptured and the mixture becomes thick and translucent, and at a higher 
 temperature again thinner; at 170° C. (339° F.) it is quite limpid, and at 190° C. (374° 
 F.) the starch is converted into the soluble modification — quite readily if potato starch 
 had been used, but more slowly with wheat or rice starch. If now cooled, the mixture 
 becomes thicker, but not gelatinous ; on being poured into water the insoluble starch will 
 precipitate, and the soluble starch may afterward be thrown down on the addition of 
 alcohol. 
 
 The corresponding preparation of the German Pharmacopoeia contains tragacanth in 
 addition to starch, and is made by triturating 10 parts of wheat starch with 15 parts of 
 water and 100 parts of glycerin, adding 2 parts of powdered tragacanth and 5 parts of 
 alcohol and heating in a stpam-bath until the odor of alcohol has disappeared and a trans- 
 lucent jelly-like mass results. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation forms a transparent, unchangeable, and 
 unirritating compound. It has been much used in ophthalmic surgery, especially when 
 medicinal agents were to be applied to the conjunctiva. Ordinary ointments are still to 
 be preferred in affections of the eyelids. It answers the purpose of a light poultice in 
 burns , erythema , erysipelas , furuncle , intertrigo , and various other local inflammations of 
 the skin. 
 
 GLYCERITUM BELLADONNAS. — Glycerite of Belladonna. 
 
 Glycerin um belladonnse, Br. Ph. Conf. — Glycerin of Belladonna , E. ; Belladonna- 
 Glycent, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bub 1 ounce of Extract of Belladonna into a smooth paste with 1 
 fluidrachm of boiling Distilled Water, and add enough Glycerin to produce 2 fluid- 
 ounces. (The extract of belladonna prescribed is the inspissated juice prepared according 
 to the British Pharmacopoeia.) 
 
 Glyc£r£ d’extrait de belladone, F. Cod. Soften extract of belladonna 1 part 
 with a little glycerin, and mix with glycerite of starch 9 parts. Other narcotic extracts 
 are used in the same proportion. 
 
 GLYCERITUM BOR A CIS.— Glycerite of Borax. 
 
 Glycerinum boracis , Br. — Glycerin of borax , E. ; Glycere de borax, Fr. ; Borax- 
 Glycerit , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rub together Borax, in powder, 1 ounce, Glycerin 4 fluidounces, 
 and Distilled Water 2 fluidounces, until the Borax is dissolved ; or heat gently until solu- 
 tion is effected. — Br. 
 
 From the investigations of W. B. Dunstan, it appears that this preparation will contain 
 some free boric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In this preparation the glycerin forms a convenient but imper- 
 fect substitute for the honey usually employed along with borax in aphthous and other 
 ulcerative affections of the mouth , nipples , vulva . etc., but is probably less efficient. It 
 is more suitable for pityriasis of the scalp. 
 
 GLYCERITUM BOROGL YCERINI, U. Glycerite of Boro- 
 
 glycerin. 
 
 Glycerite of glyceryl borate , Solution of boroglyceride , E, ; Liqueur ( Solute ) de boro- 
 glyceride, Fr. ; Boroglyceridlosung, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Boric acid, in powder, 310 Gm. ; Glycerin, a sufficient quantity, to 
 make 1000 Gm. Heat 460 Gm. of glycerin in a tared porcelain capsule to a temperature 
 not exceeding 150° C. (302° F.), and add the boric acid in portions, constantly stirring. 
 When all is added and dissolved, continue the heat at the same temperature, frequently 
 stirring and breaking up the film which forms on the surface. When the mixture has 
 been reduced to the weight of 500 Gm., add to it 500 Gm. of glycerin, mix thoroughly, 
 and transfer it to suitable vessels. — U. S. 
 
 1 pint of this solution, containing 50 per cent, by weight of boroglycerin, weighs about 
 23 av. ozs. (22.7544), and hence may be prepared by heating 4600 grains of glycerin 
 with 3100 grains of boric acid at the above-mentioned temperature until the mixture 
 weighs 5000 grains, and then adding an equal weight of glycerin. (10,000 grains = 22.85 
 
GLYCERITUM HYDRASTIS.— GLYCER1TUM TRA GA CA NTHJE. 
 
 785 
 
 av. ozs.) When glycerin and boric acid are heated together for some time, chemical 
 union takes place, with the elimination of aqueous vapor, and, according to Dr. James, the 
 reaction may be illustrated as follows : C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 (glycerin) -(- H 3 B0 3 (boric acid) = 
 C 3 H 5 B0 3 (boroglycerin) -f- 3H.,0 (water). Care must be observed not to exceed the pre- 
 scribed temperature, lest the product become discolored (yellowish or even darker). 
 Attention was first called to boro<rlyceride and its remarkable preservative properties by 
 F. S. Barff in 1881. 
 
 GLYCERITUM HYDRASTIS, U. $. — Glycerite of Hydrastis. 
 
 Glycere d' hydrastis du Canada , Fr. ; Gilbwurzel- Glycerit , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Hydrastis, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Glycerin, 500 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 Water, each a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the hydrastis with 350 Cc. 
 of alcohol, pack it firmly in a percolator, and percolate with alcohol until the hydrastis 
 is practically exhausted. To the percolate add 250 Cc. of water, and then remove the 
 alcohol by evaporation or distillation. After the alcohol is driven off, add enough water 
 to the residue to make it measure 500 Cc., and set it aside for twenty-four hours. Then 
 filter, pass enough water through the filter to make the filtrate measure 500 Cc., add 
 the glycerin, and mix thoroughly. 
 
 25 av. ozs. of hydrastis should be moistened with about 9 fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 percolated to exhaustion with the same menstruum ; after addition of 6 fluidounces of 
 water to the percolate, the alcohol is distilled off" and enough water added to bring the 
 volume up to 12 fluidounces. The mixture should be filtered after twenty-four hours, 
 the filter washed with enough water to restore the volume to 12 fluidounces ; finally 12 
 fluidounces of glycerin are added and the whole thoroughly mixed. 
 
 The filtration of the aqueous mixture is by no means as simple as it appears, and we 
 would suggest the addition of i av. oz. of calcium phosphate and some paper pulp or 
 finely shredded filtering-paper. 
 
 GLYCERITUM PLUMBI SUBACETATIS.— Glycerite of Lead 
 
 Subacetate. 
 
 Glycerinum plumbi svbacetafis, Br. — Glycerin of lead subacetate , E. ; Glycere de sous- 
 acetate de plomb, Fr. ; Bleiglycerit , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lead Acetate 5 ounces ; Lead Oxide, in powder, 3? ounces; 
 Glycerin 20 fluidounces; Distilled Water, 12 fluidounces. Mix together and boil for 
 fifteen minutes ; then filter and evaporate until the water is dissipated. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is said to be preferable to the simple solution of subacetate 
 of lead in that it does not form a dry crust when it is applied to ulcers , eczema , etc. 
 
 GLYCERITUM SAPONIS.— Glycerite of Soap. 
 
 Glycerinum saponatum. — Glycere de savon , Fr. ; Seifen- Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Dissolve 1 part of perfectly neutral cocoanut oil-soda soap or tallow- 
 soda soap, dried at 100° C. (212° F.), in four parts of glycerin, sp. gr. 1.250, by means 
 of a water-bath, and filter the solution while hot ; after cooling it forms a pale-yellow, 
 odorless, elastic mass, melting at the temperature of the body, and completely soluble in 
 water. It is hygroscopic. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Glycerite of soap has been recommended by Dr. Hebra as a 
 new base for ointments, and may be medicated as desired. (See Proc. A. P. A., 1891.) 
 
 GLYCERITUM TR AG ACANTHI. —Glycerite of Tragacanth. 
 
 Glycerinum tragacanthse , Br. — Glycerin of tragacanth , E. ; Glycere de aomme adra- 
 yante, Fr. ; Traganth- Glycerit, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Tragacanth, in powder, 110 grains; Glycerin 1 fluidounce ; 
 
 istilled Mater 74 fluidgrains. Mix the tragacanth with the glycerin in a mortar, add 
 the water, and rub until a translucent, homogenous jelly is produced. — Br. 
 
 This preparation is useful as an excipient for many pill-masses. 
 
 50 
 
786 
 
 GLYCERITUM VITELLI. — GLYCYRRHIZA . 
 
 GLYCERITUM VITELLI, 77. S.— Glycerite op Yolk of Egg. 
 
 Glyconinum . — Glyconin , E., G. ; Gly coniine , Fr. 
 
 Preparation. — Fresh Yolk of Egg, 45 Gm. ; Glycerin, 55 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. 
 Rub the yolk of egg with the glycerin, gradually added, until they are thoroughly 
 mixed — U. S. 
 
 If 720 grains of yolk of egg be triturated with 880 grains of glycerin, the resulting 
 mixture will measure about 2£ fluidounces, dependent, of course, upon the density of the 
 glycerin used. 
 
 This glycerite was introduced by E. Sichel (1866), who recommended 4 parts of ^olk 
 to 5 parts of glycerin. It has the consistence of honey, and keeps unaltered for a long 
 time if kept in stoppered bottles to prevent absorption of moisture. G. C. Close (1874) 
 recommended it as an excellent agent for emulsionizing cod-liver oil and other fats. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is a protective, and, although less emollient 
 than glycerite of starch, is adapted to many of the same purposes, and is useful in 
 burns , erythema , erysipelas , intertrigo , and other local irritations. 
 
 GLYCYRRHIZA, 77. S.- Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 Glycyrrhizse radix, Br. ; Radix liquiritise, P. G. ; Radix glycyrrhizse hispanicse . — 
 Liquorice- or Licorice-root , Spanish liquorice-root , E. ; Reglisse , Bois de reglisse, Bois doux , 
 Racine douce , Fr. ; Spanisches Silssholz , G. ; Orozuz, Regaliz , Palo dulce, Sp. 
 
 The root (and underground stem) of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Linne , (Liquiritia officinalis, 
 Moench ), and of the variety glandulifera ( Waldstein et Kittaibel) Regel et Herder. 
 Bentley, and Trimen, Med. Plants, 74. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial in several well-marked varieties is indigenous to the countries 
 on the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean and farther east, through the 
 Caucasus, Northern Persia, Afghanistan, and Southern Siberia, to China. The typical 
 form, var. typica, Regel et Herder , grows wild as far east as Persia, and is cultivated in 
 England, France, and Germany, and also to a limited extent in the United States. The 
 stout roots penetrate deeply into the ground, while long horizontal rhizomes or runners 
 are produced near the surface. The herbaceous overground stems are 1.2-1. 8 M. (4 to 6 
 feet) high, and have imparipinnate leaves with oval-oblong mucronate leaflets, which are 
 glutinous beneath, and racemes of white and purplish flowers producing brown legumes 
 containing about four seeds. The variety glandulifera (Gl. glandulifera, Waldstein ei 
 Kittaibel, Gl. hirsuta, Pallas') has the leaves glandular-hairy beneath, and the legumes 
 more or less glandular-prickly ; it grows wild and is cultivated from Turkey and Hungary 
 eastward to Turkestan. The roots and rhizomes are collected together and assorted before 
 being brought into commerce. 
 
 Description. — Liquorice-root consists of long cylindrical pieces varying in thickness 
 from 6-25 Min. (| to 1 inch). It is longitudinally wrinkled, covered with a grayish- 
 
 brown warty cork, pliable, tough, and 
 Fig. 141. Fig. 142. breaks with a coarsely fibrous frac- 
 
 ture. The transverse section shows 
 a bark about one-sixth the diameter 
 of the root in thickness, underneath 
 the cork of the dull or bright gray- 
 ish-yellow color of the wood, and in 
 its inner layer radiately striate from 
 Russian root. the long, narrow, and somewhat wavy 
 
 Glycyrrhiza glabra : transverse section of rhizome and main root.. k as t- We dges. The woody medul- 
 
 lium consists of tough fibro-vascular tissue, appearing porous from the large vessels, and 
 forming narrow wedges separated from one another by still narrower medullary rays. 
 The rhizome has the same appearance and structure, and, in addition, a thin central pith. 
 Liquorice-root has a peculiar odor and a strongly sweet somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Radix liquiritia: ( P . G.), s. russica, Russian liquorice-root, is mainly, if not entirely, 
 derived from the var. glandulifera. It consists chiefly of the main root and its branches, 
 with few rhizomes, and is about 30 Cm. (a foot) long and 2-10 Cm. (1 to 4 inches) thick, 
 often hollow above, usually deprived of the brown corky layer, and furnished with a light 
 grayish-yellow, thin bark covering a more porous wood, which is often, fissured in the 
 direction of the medullary rays, is softer, and breaks with a more fibrous fracture, than 
 the preceding. It has a very sweet and somewhat bitterish taste, and yields a lighter- 
 
 Spanish root (rhizome). 
 
GLYCYRRHIZA. 
 
 787 
 
 colored powder than the former kind. Underneath the thin corky layer is the thin, small- 
 celled primary bark ; the cells of the medullary rays are larger and radially elongated ; 
 the long, tough, and somewhat wavy bast-fibres are surrounded by cells containing a 
 crystal of calcium oxalate and accompanied by horn-like sieve-tubes ; the ducts of the 
 wood-tissue are usually in small groups, and are large, rather thick-walled, and dotted. 
 The parenchyma of both the meditullium and bark contains much starch. 
 
 Constituents. — Robiquet (1809), Plisson (1828), and others obtained from liquor- 
 ice-root starch, asparagin, albumen, a resinous oily matter, to which the slight acrid taste 
 of the root is due, coloring matter, sugar, and glycyrrhizin. Roussin (1875) found the 
 latter to be present in the root as ammonium glycyrrhizate , which he obtained pure from 
 the cold infusion, after removing the albumen by heat, by precipitating with sulphuric 
 acid, washing the precipitate well with water, dissolving it in strong alcohol, and adding 
 ether, whereby a blackish mass is precipitated ; the clear liquid is then carefully mixed 
 with small quantities of alcoholic solution of ammonia. The precipitate is yellowish, 
 very light, and its hot aqueous solution on cooling forms a jelly-like mass, and on evap- 
 oration leaves glycyrrhizin in brittle, translucent, shining scales. Prepared by the same 
 process, with the exception of the final treatment with ammonia, it was found by Gorup- 
 Bensanez (1861) to have the composition C 24 H 36 09 ; to be soluble in alcohol, ether, and 
 hot water, and on boiling with dilute acids, to be split into glucose and a bitter resinous 
 substance named glycyrretin. Habermann (1880) gives to glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic 
 acid the formula C^H^NO^, and states that by heating with diluted sulphuric acid it is 
 decomposed into glycyrretin, C 32 H 47 N0 4 , and parasaccharic acid, C 6 H I0 O 8 , the latter yield- 
 ing amorphous salts, and the former being a white crystalline powder insoluble in water, 
 alkalies, and ether, easily soluble in alcohol, glacial acetic acid, and strong sulphuric acid, 
 fusible at 200° C., and not yielding any paraoxybenzoic acid with fusing potassa, as had 
 been stated by Weselski and Benedict (1876). In purifying ammoniacal glycyrrhizin 
 the amorphous bitter principle glycyramarin , C 36 H 57 N0 13 , was obtained, soluble in ether- 
 alcohol, and a resin soluble in glacial acetic acid and yielding paraoxybenzoic acid, C 7 H 6 0 3 , 
 on melting it together with potassa. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Ononis spinosa, Linne, Radix ononidis, P. G . — Rest-harrow, i?. ; Bugrane, 
 Bougrane, Fr. ; Hauhechel, G. — This is a perennial herb common in sandy soil in Europe. The 
 root, which is the part employed, is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) long, 1-2 Cm. (§ to f inch) thick, slightly 
 branched, many headed, tough-woody, and mostly curved and of a flattened and twisted appear- 
 ance. It has a deeply-wrinkled, dark gray-brown, thin bark and an irregular whitish, tough, 
 fibrous meditullium with numerous medullary rays. It has a faint odor resembling that of 
 liquorice-root, and a mucilaginous, sweetish afterward bitterish, and disagreeable taste. It was 
 analyzed by Reinsch (1842) and Hlasiwetz (1855). Ononin, C 30 H 34 O 13 , is a crystalline, colorless, 
 and tasteless glucoside slightly soluble in boiling water, more so in alcohol. Onocerin , C 12 H 20 O, 
 is crystalline, fusible, colorless, and tasteless. Reinsch’s ononid is considered by Hlasiwetz to 
 be altered glycyrrhizin ; like the latter, it is precipitated by acids from its aqueous solutions. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Syrupus glycyrrhiza, Syr. liquiritiae, P. G. 
 — Syrup of liquorice-root, E . — Macerate for 12 hours 20 parts of peeled liquorice-root 
 with ammonia- water 10 parts and water 100 parts, express, heat to boiling, evaporate to 
 10 parts, and add alcohol 10 parts, filter after 12 hours, and add sufficient simple syrup 
 to make 100 parts. — P. G. A syrup of the same strength will be obtained by mixing 2 
 parts of fluid extract of liquorice-root with 8 parts of simple syrup. 
 
 Pasta glycyrrhiza (s. liquiritiae). Macerate 1 part of cut liquorice-root in 20 
 parts of water for 12 hours, strain and filter; add 10 parts of water, 15 of gum-arabic, 
 and 9 of sugar; dissolve, strain, and heat, removing the scum ; then evaporate until on 
 cooling it will form a translucent mass, which is cut into suitable pieces. The French 
 Codex recognizes a Pate de reglisse noire made with extract of liquorice and sugar each 5 
 parts, gum-arabic 10 parts, and water 33 parts; and a Pate de reglisse brune , made with 
 100 parts of extract of liquorice, 1500 parts of gum-arabic, 1000 of sugar, 2500 of water, 
 and 1 part extract of opium. The finished paste will weigh 3000 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Liquorice-root is demulcent and laxative, and locally is slightly 
 stimulant; it is supposed to promote the secretions of the congested mucous membrane 
 of the air-passages. The infusion is a useful drink in febrile catarrhal affections , espe- 
 cially those attended with much thirst, and in febrile and irritative disorders of the 
 hoicels and urinary organs. In these cases it it usually prepared with flaxseed-, rice-, 
 barley-, or gum-water. It is said that an infusion of liquorice-root may be used by dia- 
 betic patients without aggravating their disease. Liquorice-root is an ingredient of the 
 very excellent laxative which is now officinal as the compound powder of glycyrrhiza. 
 It is also used to correct the acrid or bitter flavor of certain medicines, such as quinine, 
 
788 
 
 GL YCYRRHIZIN UM A MMONIA TUM. 
 
 colocynth, aloes, quassia, senega, mezereon, guaiacum, and sal-ammoniac, but for this 
 purpose the extracts are more convenient. 
 
 It is recorded that some children who chewed the roots of “ glycine ” in mistake for 
 Spanish liquorice-root presented symptoms of gastric inflammation, general collapse, and 
 somnolence {Med. News and Abstract , May, 1881, p. 308). 
 
 Abrus precatorius furnishes the seeds which are treated of elsewhere (page 1) ; its 
 “ root has been used in the place of liquorice, for which, in our opinion, it is a very bad 
 substitute ” (Fliickiger and Hanbury). 
 
 Ononis spinosa, or rest-harrow (“ aratro-inimicus,” Plinius), so called from its tangled 
 roots impeding the harrow, was much esteemed until quite recent times as a diuretic and 
 lithontriptic in decoctions made with vinegar or water ; also as a stimulant for unhealthy 
 ulcers and as a mouth-wash in toothache. More recently it was used to “ remove obstruc- 
 tions ” of the liver and spleen in jaundice and dropsy , and externally in the treatment of 
 haemorrhoids , hydrocele , and eruptions of the scalp. It was credited with the cure of 
 goitre and of hydrocele , but, on the whole, has been most esteemed as a diuretic in dropsy, 
 although less frequently prescribed alone than associated with squill, juniper, parsley, 
 etc. Its glucoside, ononin, given by Schroff in doses of Gm. 0.2— 0.3 (gr. iij-v), occa- 
 sioned a persistent feeling of irritation and rawness in the throat and mouth, but no 
 other effects. 
 
 Rest-harrow continues to be employed, by country physicians especially and in domes- 
 tic practice in Germany and France, for the cure of dropsy , and, we are assured (Cazin), 
 sometimes successfully when more accredited diuretics fail. But usually it forms only 
 one of the ingredients of a compound infusion, the others consisting of the articles 
 before mentioned, with the addition of cream of tartar or acetate of potassium. A 
 decoction of the root is administered internally in chronic gout and rheumatism , espe- 
 cially where the local lesions are slight, and is also applied in poultices to enlarged, glands . 
 The decoction is prepared with Gm. 32-64 to Gm. 500 (1 or 2 ounces of the root 
 in a pint of water), of which a wineglassful or more may be taken every two or three 
 hours. 
 
 GLYCYRRHIZINUM AMMONIATUM, U. S.— Ammoniated Glycyr- 
 
 RHIZIN. 
 
 Glycyrrhizinum ammoniacale , Glycyrrhizine ammoniacale , Fr. ; Ammoniah- Glycyrrhi- 
 zin , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Glycyrrhiza, in No. 20 powder, 500 Gm. ; Water, Ammonia- water, 
 Sulphuric Acid, each a sufficient quantity. Mix 475 Cc. of water with 25 Cc. of ammo- 
 nia-water, and, having moistened the powder with the mixture, macerate for twenty-four 
 hours. Then pack it moderately in a conical glass percolator, and gradually pour water 
 upon it until 500 Cc. of percolate are obtained. Add sulphuric acid slowly to the per- 
 colate, with constant stirring, so long as a precipitate is produced. Collect this on a 
 strainer, wash it with cold water until the washings no longer have an acid reaction, 
 redissolve it in water with the aid of ammonia-water, filter if necessary, and again add 
 sulphuric acid so long as a precipitate is produced. Collect this, wash it, dissolve it in 
 sufficient ammonia-water previously diluted with an equal volume of water, and spread 
 the clear solution upon plates of glass, so that when dry the product may be obtained in 
 scales. — U. S. 
 
 Using 20 oz. av. of glycyrrhiza and 1 fluidounce of ammonia-water would preserve 
 the proportion of the Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 This is Roussin’s process (see Glycyrrhiza), as modified by Appenzeller (1876), who 
 noticed that a considerably larger quantity, somewhat darker in color, is obtained 03 ex- 
 hausting the root with ammonia-water, and that the scales have a more pleasant taste 1 
 liquorice-root deprived of the brown corky layer be used. Commercial extract of liquorice 
 yields a still darker and less pleasant product. The cold percolate, if not too strong y 
 alkaline, when heated to boiling deposits most of the albumen; this and other impurities 
 are removed by again dissolving the precipitated glycyrrhizic acid in ammonia and *epic- 
 cipitating it by an acid before its ammoniacal solution is finally evaporated and sea cc . 
 The yield is about 10 per cent. . , 
 
 Properties. — Ammoniated glycyrrhizin is in transparent “ dark-brown or browms - 
 red scales, inodorous, of a very sweet taste, and readily soluble in water and in alco 10 . 
 The aqueous solution, when heated with potassa or soda, evolves vapor of ammonia. n 
 supersaturating the aqueous solution with an acid, a substance (glycyrrhizin) is precipi- 
 
GNAPHALIUM.—GOSSYPII R A DIC1S CORTEX. 
 
 789 
 
 tated which, when dissolved in hot water, forms a jelly on cooling. This substance, when 
 washed with diluted alcohol and dried, appears as an amorphous yellow powder of a strong, 
 bitter-sweet taste and an acid reaction. On ignition glycyrrhizin should leave not more 
 than a trace of ash.” — U. S. The scales consist mainly of ammonium glycyrrhizate, 
 (NH 4 )C44H 62 N0 18 (Habermann), with a variable quantity of glycyramarin. They are 
 insoluble in ether, sparingly soluble in strong alcohol, become darker colored at 100° C. 
 (212° F.), and at. a higher heat melt, being decomposed at the same time. Glycyrrhizic 
 acid is tribasic ; the taste of its alkali salts is very sweet, and in the pure state free from 
 the characteristic after-taste of liquorice ; their solutions in water foam strongly on agita- 
 tion and produce voluminous precipitates with most salts of the heavy metals. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The superiority of this preparation over pure extract of 
 liquorice is not apparent. Possibly it may be more useful in the dry stage of inflamma- 
 tion of the respiratory mucous membrane. 
 
 GNAPHALIUM. — Life-Everlasting. 
 
 Pied de chat , Immortelle , Fr. ; Katzenpfotchen , Immerschon , G. ; Gordolobo , Sp. 
 
 The flowers and flowering herb of different species of Gnaphalium and allied genera. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Senecionidese. 
 
 Description. — Gnaphalium polycephalum, Linne , grows in woods and fields of 
 North America. It is a woolly annual, with lanceolate nearly entire leaves, and with the 
 numerous ovate and obovate flower-heads in dense corymbose clusters terminating the 
 branches ; the involucral scales are dry, scarious, and whitish, the tubular florets yellow- 
 ish. The plant is quite fragrant, and has a bitterish and aromatic taste. On drying, the 
 loss in weight of the flowering-tops amounts to about 65 per cent. 
 
 Gnaph. margaritaceum, Linne , s. Antennaria margaritacea, R. Brown , grows in sim- 
 ilar localities with the preceding, chiefly northward, and has larger, roundish-ovate heads, 
 which are of a pearly whiteness and slight odor. 
 
 Gnaph. (Helichrysum, De Candolle') arenarium, Linne , grows in Europe and Asia. 
 The heads are globular-oblong, of a lemon- or orange-yellow color and agreeable odor. 
 
 Gnaph. dioicum, Linne , s. Antennaria dioica, Gaertner , is indigenous to Europe. The 
 barren flower-heads are hemispherical and whitish, the fertile ones more top-shaped and 
 reddish or purplish. The species is very closely related to Antennaria plantaginifolia, 
 Hooker , which is common in North America, where it is known as mouse-ear. 
 
 Constituents. — These plants appear to contain a little volatile oil and bitter principle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In Europe an infusion of the leaves and flowers of several 
 species of Gnaphalium, which have, when chewed, an agreeable aromatic and slightly 
 bitter and astringent taste, is used in chronic bronchitis and diarrhoea and in poultices to 
 unhealthy ulcers. All the species are employed under similar circumstances. They may 
 be given in an infusion made with half an ounce of the plant to a pint of water — Gm. 16 
 in Gm. 500. 
 
 GOSSYPII RADICIS CORTEX, U. S.— Cottonroot-bark. 
 
 Ecorce de la racine de cotonnier , Fr. ; Baumwoll- Wurzelrinde , G. ; Corteza de la raiz 
 d\dgodon , Sp. 
 
 The bark of the root of Gossypium herbaceum, Linnl , and of other species of Gossy- 
 pium. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 37. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Malvaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The different species of Gossypium are indigenous to the tropical and sub- 
 tropical countries of Asia and Africa, and have been cultivated from a very early period, 
 whereby many characteristic varieties have been produced. They are herbaceous or 
 shrubby plants or small trees, with three- to five-lobed leaves and showy axillary flowers, 
 having a three-leaved involucre, a cup-shaped calyx, five petals, numerous stamens, and 
 producing a three- to five-celled capsule, which opens by as many valves ; the numerous 
 seeds are densely covered with long woolly hairs. Bentley and Trimen refer the Sea 
 Island cotton to Goss, barbadense, Linne , and to this the following as synonyms : G. viti- 
 folium, Lamarck , G. peruvianum, De Candolle , G. punctatum, Schumacher et. Thonning , 
 G. acuminatum, Roxburgh , G. religiosum, Parlatore , non Linne. According to A. W. 
 Chapman, the long-staple or Sea Island cotton cultivated in the United States is referred 
 to Goss, nigrum, Haworth , and the short-staple or upland cotton to Goss, album, Haw. 
 The seeds of Goss, religiosum, Linne , are invested with a yellow wool. Cottonroot is 
 
790 
 
 GOSSYPIUM PUBIF1CATUM. 
 
 conical, nearly simple or little branched, bard and woody, and covered with a thin hark, 
 which is official. Goss, arboreum, Linne, is cultivated in some tropical countries for cotton. 
 
 Description. — Cottonroot-bark is in thin, flexible bands or quilled pieces covered 
 with a brownish-yellow, satiny, very thin cork, by the abrasion of which irregular 
 dull brownish-orange patches appear. The cork forms slight longitudinal ridges 
 which are often confluent into elongated meshes and marked with black circular dots or 
 short transverse lines. The inner surface is whitish or reddish-white, of a nearly silky 
 lustre, and finely striate in a longitudinal direction by the thin medullary rays. The bast- 
 fibres are long and tough, arranged in tangential rows, and are separated without difficulty 
 in very thin layers. The bark breaks with difficulty in a transverse direction, but is 
 readily torn longitudinally. It is without odor and without taste, with the exception of 
 a very slight acridity and faint astringency. < It bears a pretty close resemblance to meze- 
 reon-bark, except in color and taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The bark contains starch , and* when fresh, according to W. A. 
 Taylor (1876), & chromogene which dissolves in alcohol with a pale-yellow color, gradually 
 changing to a bright brownish-red. The same change takes place on keeping the bark 
 for some time, which then yields a red tincture with alcohol. This substance was exam- 
 ined by Prof. Wayne (1872) and W. C. Staehle (1875), who regard it as of a resinous 
 nature. The latter obtained about 8 per cent, of this substance, which is soluble in 11 
 parts of alcohol, 15 of chloroform, 23 of ether, and 122 of benzene ; also in alkalies, from 
 which solutions it is again precipitated by acids. The potassa solution diluted with 
 water is of a sage-green tint. Glucose was likewise observed, and the aqueous solution 
 of the alcoholic extract contained a principle which gave a purplish-black precipitate 
 with ferric chloride. C. C. Drueding (1877) obtained also a yellow resin soluble in 
 petroleum benzin, fixed oil, little tannin, and 6 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Substitutions. — In 1875 a false cottonroot-bark, evidently obtained from the root 
 of a tree, was found in the market; it was 3 to 6 Mm. (£«to \ inch) thick, pale-brown 
 to rust-brown in color, covered with a soft fissured cork, inodorous, and of a slight astrin- 
 gent afterward bitterish and acrid taste, and yielded with alcohol a brown tincture. Its 
 origin has not been ascertained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The only virtue of cottonroot-bark consists in its action upon 
 the uterine system. It is reputed to have long been used by the female negroes of the 
 Southern States for producing abortion. There appears to be little doubt that it acts 
 like ergot upon the uterus, and that it displays its virtues in dysmenorrhoea and scanty 
 menstruation, and particularly in suppression of the menses produced by cold. According 
 to Prochawnick, it is less efficient during labor than ergot, but more so in the treatment 
 of uterine tumors and in subinvolution of the uterus. Garrigues claims that its action is 
 identical with that of ergot in nature, but is inferior in certainty of action {Med. News, 
 1. 185). It is generally used in a decoction, prepared by boiling Gm. 128 (4 ounces) of 
 the bark in 2 pints of water, to the reduction of one-half. Of this a wineglassful is 
 given every twenty or thirty minutes as an oxytocic. The fluid extract, which is officinal, 
 is a more convenient but apparently a less active form of the medicine, and may be 
 prescribed in the dose of Gm. 2-4 (npxxx-lx). A tea made from the fresh leaves of 
 the cotton-plant is used in Jamaica as a galactagogue {Med. Times and Gaz ., Feb. 1880, 
 p. 194). It is true that experiments performed on frogs and rabbits by Dr. Martin 
 {Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci ., Jan. 1882, p. 82), so far from indicating any action that 
 would explain the facts just mentioned, only denote a narcotic and paralyzing operation. 
 It is sufficient to remark that the results of such physiological experiments by no means 
 invalidate those of clinical experience. Cotton-seed tea is a mucilaginous liquid which 
 forms an appropriate drink in dysentery. The seeds have also been recommended as 
 galactagogue, but the evidence of their value in this respect is insufficient. 
 
 GOSSYPIUM PURIFICATUM, U. S.— Purified Cotton. 
 
 Gossypium , Br. ; G. depur atum, P. G. ; Bombyx , Lana ( Lanugo , s. Pdi ) gossypn. Ab- 
 sorbent cotton , E. ; Coton absorbant, Fr. ; Gereinigte Baumwolle , G. ; Algodon , Sp. 
 
 The hairs of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum, Linne , and other species of Gossypium, 
 freed from adhering impurities and deprived of fatty matter. 
 
 Description. — Cotton consists of soft, narrow-filiform, thin-walled, simple cells, 
 which are about 12 to 38 Mm. (£ to inches) long, and appear under the microscope 
 as flattened hollow and twisted bands, which are slightly thickened. at the edges, finely 
 and spirally striate, and nearly cylindrical at the apex. Its specific gravity was by 
 
GOSSYPIUM PURIFICATUM. 
 
 791 
 
 Schuhmeister (1877) ascertained to be 1.707, while Kopp had previously determined it 
 1.27, and Grasi 1.979. It is without odor or taste, insoluble in the 
 ordinary solvents, but soluble in ammoniacal solution of oxide of 
 copper, and is colored blue by solution of zinc chloride and iodine, 
 but not by solution of iodine. It consists of nearly pure cellulose, 
 and yields with nitric acid an explosive nitro-compound (see 
 Pyroxylin) which is used in preparing collodion. 
 
 The cotton-hairs are so thoroughly impregnated with fat that this 
 cannot be removed by simple solvents. F. L. Slocum (1881) found 
 the following process effectual : Boil carded cotton for half an hour 
 
 with a 5 per cent, solution of caustic potassa or soda ; wash 
 thoroughly to remove all soap ; express and immerse the cotton in a 
 5 per cent, solution of chlorinated lime for fifteen or twenty minutes ; 
 again wash, first with water ; then dip into water acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, and thoroughly wash with water ; express, and 
 again boil for fifteen or twenty minutes in a 5 per cent, solution of 
 alkali, wash well with water, acidulated water, and water ; express 
 and dry quickly. By boiling once with alkali the cotton becomes 
 somewhat absorbent, but the whole of the fat is not removed until it has been boiled a 
 second time with alkali. The loss by this process is about 7 per cent., and represents 
 mainly fat. 
 
 “ Purified cotton should be perfectly free from all visible impurities, and on com- 
 bustion should not leave more than 0.8 per cent, of ash. When thrown upon water it 
 should immediately absorb the latter and sink, and the water should not acquire either an 
 acid or an alkaline reaction.” — V. S. By the absorption of water the hairs of the puri- 
 fied cotton distend and become more cylindrical, losing their band-like appearance. The 
 untwisting of the flattened tubes of cotton filaments by caustic soda was noticed by Mr. 
 Mercer (1867). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Salicylic ( Salicylated ) Cotton. According 
 to Bruns (1878), cotton should be impregnated with 5 and with 10 per cent, of salicylic 
 acid. 50 or 100 Gms. of salicylic acid and 10 or 20 Gms. each of castor oil and resin 
 are dissolved in 4 liters of alcohol, and 1 Kgm. of clean absorbent cotton is immersed in 
 the solution and dried. 
 
 Benzoic Cotton is made by the same processes, substituting benzoic acid for salicylic 
 acid ; the addition of a small quantity of glycerin to the alcohol serves to fix these acids 
 more permanently to the cotton. 
 
 Iodoform Cotton is made in a similar manner, using an ethereal solution of iodo- 
 form. 
 
 Haemostatic Cotton is absorbent cotton impregnated with Monsel’s solution or with 
 a mixture of ferric chloride and alum. 
 
 Chlorinated Cotton is made by Pavesi (1880) by suspending cotton slightly damp- 
 ened with glycerin over a mixture of chlorinated lime, water, and sulphuric acid. 
 
 Action and. Uses. — Cotton has long been employed as a dressing for burns , scalds, 
 blitters, excoriations, erysipelas, and similar inflammations. If the burn, scald, or blister is 
 superficial, there is no better dressing for it. No other application more speedily and com- 
 pletely allays the pain of the injury. Even when the tissue of the skin is more deeply 
 interested the dressing is unsurpassed. It should consist of very thin layers of carded 
 or absorbent cotton, successively applied and secured by a bandage, and should not be 
 removed until the cure is complete. Cotton impregnated with carbolic, boracic, salicylic, 
 and benzoic acids, iodine, iodoform, etc., has sometimes been employed. (For details see 
 A oakes, Practitioner , xxv. 47). The fibre has been used as a substitute for lint, and 
 also for sponge, after being thoroughly freed from the unctuous matter which in its 
 natural condition renders cotton inapt for absorbing the secretions. As a dressing for 
 surgical wounds cotton is said to be one of the most perfect preventives of purulent 
 infection, as well as of prolonged suppuration, if it is properly applied in the manner 
 described above. Washed, or absorbent, cotton is especially applicable to this purpose, 
 and is still more efficient if it has been washed in carbolic-acid water. Vaginal pessaries 
 have been made of carded cotton, chiefly for cases of uterine displacement in which 
 instruments or harder materials cannot be tolerated. They are so shaped as to fill the 
 upper part of the vagina, and usually are rendered somewhat firmer by holding in their 
 centre a bent rod of gutta-percha. They require, of course, daily or frequent removal ; 
 to obviate which difficulty they have sometimes been dipped into a solution of caout- 
 
 Fig. 143. 
 
 Cotton fibres. 
 
792 
 
 GRANATUM. 
 
 chouc, which gives them a thin, and for a time impermeable, coating. Absorbent cotton, 
 medicated variously as above, is a convenient substance for introducing into the ears and 
 nostrils. 
 
 Boehmeria nivea furnishes a fibre which is employed for many of the purposes of cot- 
 ton, and has been recommended as a substitute for absorbent cotton, lint, etc. (Annuaire 
 de Therap ., 1889, p. 143). 
 
 GRANATUM, U. S. — Pomegranate. 
 
 Granati radicis cortex , Br. ; Cortex granati , P. A., P. G . — Bark of pomegranate-root , E. ; 
 Grenadier , F. Cod. ; Ecorce de balaustier, Fr. ; Granatrinde , G. ; Corteza de granado , Sp 
 
 The bark of the root of Punica Granatum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 113. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lythrarceae. 
 
 Origin. — The pomegranate is indigenous to South-western Asia from Northern India 
 to Palestine ; it has been cultivated from remote antiquity, and is now met with in all 
 subtropical countries. It is a shrub or small tree about 6 M. (20 feet) high, with lance- 
 olate or oblong, pointed, entire, and shining leaves, and producing a depressed globose fruit 
 of the size of an orange, irregularly divided by a transverse dissepiment into two unequal 
 parts, the lower and smaller of which is about three-celled and the upper five- to nine- 
 celled. The numerous seeds are oblong, irregularly angular from pressure, each invested 
 with a fleshy pink-colored translucent coating. The bark of the root is alone recognized 
 by the British and French Pharmacopoeias, but the other pharmacopoeias admit also the 
 stem-bark, which was shown by Nagelvoort (1878) to be equally effective. The flowers 
 (. Balaustia , Balanote , Fr. ; Balaustrias, Sp.), the sweet acidulous seed-coating, and the 
 rind of the fruit are likewise used. 
 
 Description. — The bark of pomegranate-root is met with in commerce in curved 
 pieces or quills 5-10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) long and 1—2 Mm. (y 1 ^- inch) thick, which are 
 externally of a yellowish gray color, marked with longitudinal 
 Fig. 144. or reticulate corky ridges, or irregular warts, and conchoidal 
 
 depressions ; the inner surface is smooth, finely striate, of a 
 grayish or reddish-yellow color, frequently with fragments of the 
 whitish wood adhering. It breaks with a short, granular frac- 
 ture, which is of a greenish-yellow hue and indistinctly rad 
 iate in the inner layer ; it has no odor and a purely astringent 
 scarcely bitter taste. The trunk-bark, which is usually found in 
 the commercial article, and is admitted by the German Pharma- 
 copoeia, is externally of a more yellowish-gray hue, is more reg- 
 ularly marked with corky ridges, has no conchoidal depressions 
 upon the outer surface, and is frequently covered with blackish 
 lichens, which are wanting on the root-bark. Both barks consist 
 mainly of the bast-layer, and this is destitute of bast-fibres, but 
 contains a number of scattered, thick-walled stone-cells, and con- 
 sists of tangential row r s of parenchyma-cells, which contain starch 
 and tannin, and alternate with rows of crystal-cells containing 
 calcium oxalate ; the medullary rays are very numerous and del- 
 icate ; the layer of primary bark is thin, and is covered with a 
 thin layer of cork. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent is tannin, of which 
 Wackenroder (1824) found about 22 per cent., and which was 
 recognized as peculiar by Stenhouse (1843). By fractional pre- 
 cipitation of the decoction with lead acetate, Ramdohr (1867) 
 obtained some gallotannic acid, which could be converted into 
 gallic acid, and punico-tannic acid , C 20 H 16 O 13 , which is insoluble 
 in alcohol and ether, reduces silver and alkaline copper solutions, 
 and precipitates gelatin, tartar emetic, and ferric salts, the latter 
 black. When boiled with dilute acids it is split into sugar and 
 ellagic acid , C ]4 H 6 0 8 . Stenhouse did not succeed in obtaining 
 indications of the presence of gallic acid. Boutron-Charlard and 
 Punica Granatum : root-bark, Guillemette (1835) isolated mannit, which Latour de Trie (1830) 
 tied 40 diameters. had named granatin, and Guiart (1831) granato-manmt. Ceneaella 
 
 (1835) obtained also sugar and mucilaginous and pectin com- 
 pounds. Tanret (1878) announced the discovery in the root-bark and stem-bark of an 
 
GHANA TUM. 
 
 793 
 
 alkaloid, which, in honor of Pelletier, he proposed to call pelletierine ; it is obtained by mix- 
 ing the bark with milk of lime, displacing with water, and exhausting the percolate with 
 chloroform. Thus obtained, it is colorless, oily, aromatic, and very soluble in water, alco- 
 hol, ether, and chloroform ; it precipitates the salts of most metals, and unites with acids to 
 form crystallizable salts. 4 parts of the alkaloid were obtained from 1000 parts of the 
 bark. Shortly afterward Tanret proved that it was a mixture of three liquid and one 
 solid alkaloid, which may be separated by fractional treatment with sodium bicarbonate. 
 Pelletierine, C«H 15 NO, has the spec. grav. .988 at 0° C. (32° F.), boils at 125° C. (257° 
 F.). dissolves its own weight of water, is soluble in 20 parts of water, and shows a left 
 rotation to polarized light. Isopelletierine has the same composition and properties, but 
 is optically inactive, and its sulphate is deliquescent. Methylpelletierine requires 25 
 parts of water for solution, boils at 215° C. (419° F.), is dextrogyre, and its salts are 
 very hygroscopic. Pseudopelletierine, C 9 H 15 NO. crystallizes from ether or chloroform 
 in long prisms, melts at 46° C. (114°.8 F.), boils at 246° C. (475° F.), and is easily 
 soluble. 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The hark of hoxicood has an exfoliating 
 corky layer, a yellowish-brown color, and a sweetish-bitter taste ; its infusion is not 
 affected by ferric salts. Barber ry-bark is readily distinguished by the bright yellow color 
 of its tissue. (See Berberis, p. 314.) Both these barks are free from tannin. The 
 infusion of pomegranate-bark in 100 parts of cold water has a yellowish color, and yields 
 with lime-water a red flocculent precipitate, and with ferric chloride a dark-blue or blue- 
 black color. 
 
 (s. malicorii), Pericarpium 
 grenade, Cuir de pomme de 
 
 Fig. 145. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Granati fructus cortex; Cortex grenatoruin 
 granati. — Pomegranate-rind, Pomegranate-bark, E. ; kicorce de 
 grenadier, Fr. ; Granatenschalen, G. — Pomegranate- 
 rind forms irregular curved fragments, which are about 
 2 Mm. inch) thick, externally somewhat tubercular 
 and rough, of a brownish color with a yellowish or red- 
 dish tint, internally of a lighter color, marked with 
 meshes indicating the depressions caused by the seeds. 
 
 Some of the pieces are crowned by the thick, tubular, six- 
 to nine-toothed persistent calyx, enclosing the remains of 
 the style aud numerous stamens. They break with a 
 short granular fracture, are nearly devoid of odor, and 
 possess a strongly astringent taste. Examined by Reuss, 
 pomegranate-rind was found to contain about 25 per cent, 
 tannin, 21 extractive, and 34 gummy matter. Bowman 
 (1869) obtained 23.8 per cent, of tannin, which gives with 
 ferric salts a blue-black precipitate. Fliicker obtained 5.9 per cent, of ash, calculated for the 
 rind dried at 100° C. (212° F.), also some sugar. 
 
 Fruit of Punica Granatuni and longitudinal 
 section. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of the root was known by the ancients to be anthel- 
 mintic, and since the beginning of the present century it has been distinguished as an effi- 
 cient tseniafuge and tseniacide. Its specific operation upon the system is manifested by gid- 
 diness, dimness of vision, drowsiness, faintness, numbness of the limbs, and even convul- 
 sions. The bark is most efficient when fresh. It is best administered in a decoction 
 prepared as follows : Take Gm. 64 (2 ounces) of the fresh bark, hashed, and let it soak 
 over night in Gm. 750 (1? pints) of water, and then by gently boiling reduce it to a pint. 
 Strain off the liquor, expressing the grounds, and give it lukewarm in three doses, at 
 intervals of an hour, before the patient has broken his fast. If the first dose is vomited, 
 the others should still be administered, and will generally be retained. No purgative or 
 other treatment need precede or follow : it is, however, more prudent to administer an 
 ounce of castor oil as soon as the gurgling and colic provoked by the decoction begin to 
 appear. Bettelheim used a strong decoction made with 10 ounces of the root-bark and 
 2 pints of water, of which from $ pint to a pint was injected through an oesophageal 
 tube into the patient’s stomach. This method, which is claimed to be very prompt and 
 efficient in its action, is certainly as barbarous as it is superfluous. The bark of the 
 trunk and of the branches of medium size has recently been shown to equal the bark 
 of the root in medicinal virtues. Indeed, according to some reports (Berenger-Feraud), 
 it is more efficient than the bark of the root in expelling the unarmed taenia. It may be 
 administered it the same manner as the latter. 
 
 It has been suggested that the superiority of fresh over dried pomegranate-bark is due 
 to the evaporation from the latter of a portion of its pelletierine ; but if such were the 
 reason, it would be difficult to understand why the most efficient preparation of the bark 
 is that which has been subjected to prolonged boiling. 
 
794 
 
 GRATIOLA. 
 
 Pelletierine was first used in the form of a sulphate as a taeniacide in 1878, but soon 
 afterward the tannate was employed in the dose of about Gm. 0.40 (gr. vij). This 
 quantity was given originally in divided doses, but later in a single dose, preceded and fol- 
 lowed by a draught of water at short intervals, the patient remaining quiet and recum- 
 bent to repress nausea. At the end of about two hours a purgative was administered. 
 Dujardin-Beaumetz prescribed a mixture of Gm. 0.33 (gr. v) of the sulphate in a solution 
 containing Gm. 0.90 (14 grains) of tannin. It was given on an empty stomach, 
 and followed by Gm. 32 (an ounce) of compound tincture of jalap. After comparing 
 the results furnished by the sulphate and the tannate of pelletierine, the superiority of 
 the latter became manifest. Moreover, it is tasteless, and incites neither repugnance, nau- 
 sea, nor vomiting. Berenger-Feraud, who made a comparative study of various taenia 
 medicines, concluded that pomegranate is the surest and best, and that it is most efficient 
 under the form of pelletierine ; and this last, it may be added, is to be preferred as a 
 tannate, and should always be followed by a purgative dose of castor oil. Owing to the 
 slowness of its action, which allowed the taeniae to recover if not killed, brisker cathar- 
 tics were by some preferred, as the sulphates of sodium or magnesium or jalap, or the 
 infusion of senna with the addition of the saline or jalap. The “black draught,” or 
 compound infusion of senna, is very suitable for this purpose. It is desirable that the 
 patient should diet very strictly for a day, taking only a moderate amount of milk in 
 the evening, and on the following morning the medicine should be administered as above 
 indicated. His stools should be received in a vessel filled with warm water, to facilitate 
 the passage of the worm without breaking. Generally, it is discharged in the form of a 
 knotted mass. 
 
 Pomegranate-rind is an astringent, and, although possessed of some anthelmintic vir- 
 tues, is chiefly employed in a gargle for relaxed states of the fauces and in the treatment 
 of chronic diarrhoea , leucorrhcea , passive haemorrhages, and cancerous and other ulcers of 
 the uterus and rectum. The dose in powder is Gm. 1.30-2.00 (gr. xx-xxx) ; a decoction 
 prepared with Gm. 32 to 500 (§j to Oj) may be given in the dose of a fluidounce. 
 
 GRATIOLA— Hedge-Hyssop. 
 
 Herha gratiolse. — Gratiole , Fr. ; Gnadenkraut , Gottesgnadenkraut , G. ; Graciola , Sp. 
 
 Gratiola officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord — Scrophulariacese. 
 
 Description. — The stem grows from a creeping scaly rhizome to the height of 15 to 
 30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches), has opposite, sessile, lanceolate, finely serrate, three-nerved, 
 smooth, pale-green leaves, and solitary axillary whitish or reddish two-lipped flowers, with 
 yellow hairs in the tube. The plant is inodorous and has a very bitter somewhat acrid 
 
 taste. i # . 
 
 Constituents. — E. Marchand (1845) obtained the white crystalline bitter principle 
 gratiolin , which is little soluble in water and ether. Walz afterward (1852, etc.) proved 
 it to be a glucoside, splitting under the influence of acids into sugar, amorphous gratiola- 
 retin, and scaly gratioletin. Walz also isolated the reddish amorphous bitter principle 
 gratiosolin, which is soluble in water and alcohol, and is likewise a glucoside. Gratioloic 
 acid crystallizes in white scales of a fatty odor. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum gratiolad is the inspissated juice 
 of the plant freed from mucilaginous matter by mixing with alcohol. 
 
 Physiological Action. — Experiments upon animals and observations upon man 
 show that gratiola is a powerful local irritant, and that when taken internally it causes 
 retching, vomiting, colic, purging, even bloody stools, and inflammation of the stomach 
 and bowels, especially of the rectum. Given by enema, it has occasioned so much pelvic 
 irritation as to excite nymphomania, probably in predisposed persons. In one such case 
 it is reported to have been fatal. In smaller (not purgative) doses it is said to be 
 
 diuretic. . , . 
 
 Action and Uses. — The chief, if not the only, use to which gratiola is applied in 
 medicine is the treatment of dropsy by hydragogue purgation, as jalap, colocynth, and 
 elaterium are employed. As it tends only to remove the dropsical effusion, and not its 
 organic causes in the kidneys, heart, liver, etc., the main point to be regarded is that the 
 effects of the medicine should not be so violent as to cause the patient’s collapse. Like 
 other drastics, gratiola has been used in the treatment of insane melancholy and mania , 
 and also to expel intestinal worms, remove jaundice , cure amenorrhcea , etc. To expel 
 ascarides the infusion has been given as an enema, prepared with Gm. 2 in Gm. 250 
 
GRINDELIA. 
 
 795 
 
 (3SS to Oss). As a drastic purgative the dose of the root may be stated at Gm. 0 . 60 — 
 2.00 (gr. x-xxx). 
 
 GRINDELIA, U. S.— Grindelia. 
 
 Grindelia , Fr. ; Grindelie , G. 
 
 The leaves and flowering tops of Grindelia robusta, Nuttall , and of Grindelia squar- 
 rosa, Dunal. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Asteroideae. 
 
 Description. — The genus Grindelia consists of herbaceous or suffruticose perennials 
 which are indigenous to the western part of North America and to Mexico. They are 
 characterized by their heads being many-flowered; the ray-florets yellow, ligulate, and 
 pistillate ; the disk-florets yellow, tubular, five-toothed, and perfect ; the involucre hem- 
 ispherical, with the scales imbricated in many rows, often with squarrose tips ; the recep- 
 tacle flat alveolate; and the akenes smooth and crowned with a pappus consisting of 
 a few rigid deciduous awns of the length of the disk florets. 
 
 The leaves are 50 Mm. (2 inches) or less long, brittle when dry, vary from broadly 
 spatulate or oblong to lanceolate, are sessile, the upper ones often clasping, with a heart- 
 shaped base ; obtuse at the apex, more or less sharply serrate on the margin, often 
 spinosely toothed or even laciniate pinnatifid, nearly smooth or bearing scattered 
 glandular hairs of a pale-green color, finely dotted, and the upper surface sometimes 
 covered with patches of a glossy resin. The involucre is about 12 Mm. (J inch) broad, 
 and near the tips of the scales beset with short, flattish, many-celled glands. The akenes 
 are from one- to three-toothed at the apex, and have two or three, rarely five, awns for 
 the pappus. The odor is balsamic, the taste pungently aromatic and bitter. The variety 
 latifolia is the robust and broad-leaved form, the leaves being often 7 to 10 Cm. (3 to 4 
 inches) long. The variety angustifolia has rather fleshy and narrower leaves, the upper 
 ones being nearly entire, and all narrowed at the base. The variety (?) rigida is more 
 glutinous, the leaves rigid and coriaceous, some of them sharply serrate. All these 
 plants have the tips of the involucral scales at length rigidly spreading. The plant is 
 common along the Pacific coast and inland on the mountains. 
 
 Allied Species. — Gr. hirsutula, Hooker et Arnott, is pubescent or tomentose, the stem often 
 reddish or purplish, the leaves varying between spatulate, oblong, and lanceolate, the upper ones 
 clasping. It is met with along the coast northward to Puget Sound. 
 
 Gr. glutinosa, Dunal , has been introduced near the coast of California. It is glabrous, has 
 the leaves rounded at the apex, the involucral scales with short tips, and the pappus of five to 
 eight rigid awns, with thin serrulate edges. It is the calancapatle de Pueblo of Mexico. 
 
 These plants resemble the former in odor and taste, and appear to be indiscriminately col- 
 lected, particularly the last one. 
 
 Constituents. — As far as may be judged from the sensible properties, these species 
 contain volatile oil, a bitter principle, and resin, the latter not unfrequently coating the 
 involucre and leaves, rendering them glutinous ; hence the name gum-plant commonly 
 applied to them. The principles mentioned seem to be deserving of a thorough investi- 
 gation. Fischer (1888) isolated a fixed oil, volatile oil, robustic acid, gr indeline ; the lat- 
 ter is crystalline, bitter, soluble in ether, alcohol, and water, and yields precipitates with 
 tannin, potassium iodohydrargyrate, picric acid, potassium dichromate, iodopotassium 
 iodide, platinum chloride, and gold chloride. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Grindelia has a persistent acrid and bitter taste, and excites 
 the secretion of saliva. It is said to reduce the respiration-rate, to stimulate the brain 
 and the spinal cord, and subsequently to produce a tendency to repose or sleep, with 
 impaired power of the legs. In experiments on frogs it appeared to arrest breathing and 
 to cause engorgement of the heart. It increases the secretion of urine and irritates the 
 kidneys. The herb of this plant is reported to be useful in whooping cough and bron- 
 chitis, and of singular efficacy in asthma. We have been informed of several cases of 
 asthma occurring in aged persons in which half a teaspoonful of the fluid extract 
 afforded almost instantaneous relief. It does not, however, prevent the return of the 
 paroxysms. It has been used with alleged advantage in catarrh of the bladder and of 
 the uterus , as a dressing for burns and blisters , and to allay the pain of herpes zoster. The 
 dose for a child two years old is stated to be Gm. 0.60 (gtt. x) of the fluid extract every 
 two hours. It is added that no unpleasant symptoms have been observed after large 
 (loses. It is alleged that the tincture or fluid extract of G. squarrosa has been used 
 topically with advantage in cases of poisoning by Rhus toxicodendron. 
 
796 
 
 GUAIACI LIGNUM.— GUAIACI RESINA. 
 
 Hysterionica Baylahuen owes its medicinal qualities to the resin and volatile oil it 
 contains, the former acting chiefly on the bowels and the urinary passages, and the 
 latter like the terebinthinates and their products upon the lungs. It is said to possess 
 an advantage over these medicines that it does not disorder the stomach and bowels. It 
 has been found useful in chronic diarrhoea , and especially of the tuberculous variety, 
 and in chronic cystitis. The tincture by its stimulant and protective action has served 
 (like tincture of benzoin) as a dressing for wounds and ulcers. An infusion of the leaves 
 and twigs (1 : 150) has been advised, and also a tincture (100 : 500) in the dose of 
 15-25 drops (Bailie, Bull, de Tlierap ., cxvi. 160). 
 
 GUAIACI LIGNUM, U . S., Br . -Guaiacum-Wood. 
 
 Lignum guajaci , P. G. ; Lignum sanctum ( vel henedictum , vel vitae). — Lignum vitae , E. ; 
 Gayac , Fr. Cod. ; Bois de gaiac , Fr. ; Guajakholz , Pockholz, Franzosenholz, G. ; Guayaco , 
 Pcilo santo , Sp. 
 
 The heart-wood of Guaiacum officinale, Linne , and of Guaiacum sanctum, Linne. 
 Steph. and Church, Med. Bot ., plate 90; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 41. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Zygophyllacese. 
 
 Origin. — These species are indigenous to the West Indian islands and to the northern 
 coast of South America ; the second extends also to Southern Florida. The former is 
 about 12 M. (40 feet) high, has evergreen pinnate leaves, with two, rarely three, pairs of 
 smooth oval and obtuse leaflets, blue flowers, and two-celled obcordate capsules, each cell 
 containing one black seed. G. sanctum is smaller, has leaves with four or five pairs of 
 oblorig mucronulate leaflets, and a winged four- or five-celled fruit w r ith red seeds. The 
 wood of both species consists of heavy dark-colored heart-wood, surrounded by a yellow- 
 ish zone of sap-wood, which is generally relatively broader in the second species. Guaiac- 
 wood became known in Europe early in the sixteenth century. 
 
 Description. — The heart-wood is of a brown color, turning olive-green on exposure, 
 and is composed of alternately darker and lighter zones, which form incomplete circles 
 and resemble annual rings, the tissue being well filled with resin. The central pith is 
 quite indistinct ; the medullary rays are very fine, the vessels scattered. The wood is 
 very heavy, of specific gravity 1.3, hard, tenacious, and splitting very irregularly, caused 
 by the much-interwoven wood-bundles. In the shops it is usually seen in the form of 
 raspings and shavings, which should be free or nearly so from the lighter sap-wood. 
 Guaiacum-wood has a slight aromatic odor, which is more apparent on warming or rub- 
 bing it, and a somewhat acrid taste. The shavings acquire a dark blue-green color on 
 being moistened with nitric acid or other oxidizing agents. 
 
 Constituents. — The wood contains from 20 to 25 per cent, of resin, which is the 
 most important constituent, and yields about 3 to 4 per cent, of aqueous extract. 
 Fremy and Urbain (1881) found in the wood, besides 21 per cent, of cellulose, also 36 
 per cent, of vasculose, which is not soluble in ammoniacal copper solution, even after 
 treatment with sulphuric acid. 
 
 Allied Species. — G uaiacum angustifolium, Englemann, s. Porliera angustifolia, Gray , is a 
 small tree of Southern Texas and Mexico, with a hard, heavy, and irregularly splitting wood of 
 a yellowish-brown color, and used like the preceding. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — S pecies lignorum, P. G. ; Species ad decoc- 
 tum lignorum. — W ood tea, E. ; Especes (Bois) sudorifiques. Fr. ; Holzthee, G. — Guaia- 
 cum-wood 5 parts ; rest-harrow-root (ononis), 3 parts ; peeled liquorice-root, sassafras- 
 root, each 1 part; cut and mix. — P. G. Guaiac-wood, sassafras-root, sarsaparilla, and 
 china-root, of each equal parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 GUAIACI RESINA, U . S., Br .— Guaiac. 
 
 Resina guajaci , Guaiacum . — Guaiacum resin , E. ; Resine de gayac, Fr. Cod. ; Guajak- 
 harz , G. ; Resina de guayaco, Sp. 
 
 The resin of the wood of Guaiacum officinale, Linne. (See Guaiaci Lignum.) 
 
 Origin. — Tile resin is obtained partly as a natural exudation or from incisions, partly 
 by setting fire to a billet of the wood which has been grooved or pierced lengthwise on 
 the side, the resin as it melts running from the opening. 
 
 Description. — The resin is in separate or agglutinate tears, varying in size from 
 6 to 25 Mm. (I to 1 inch) in diameter, or more generally in irregular masses, intermixed 
 
GUAIACI RESINA. 
 
 797 
 
 with fragments of wood and bark. It is of a greenish- or reddish-brown color, brittle, 
 breaks with a somewhat conchoidal fracture having a glassy lustre, and is transparent in 
 thin splinters. It yields a whitish powder which turns rapidly green on exposure to the 
 air, has the specific gravity 1.2, fuses at about 85° C. (185° F.), emitting an agreeable 
 odor, suggesting that of vanilla, and at a higher temperature gives off irritating vapors. 
 Its taste is not strong, but distinctly acrid. The resin is soluble in caustic potassa and 
 in nearly all the ordinary solvents for resins, except carbon disulphide, benzene, and oil of 
 turpentine; it is nearly insoluble in benzin and fats. The solutions, as well as the powder, 
 are colored green or blue by nitric acid, chlorine, ferric chloride, and other oxidizing 
 agents ; the same color is produced by ozone and upon the inner surface of the paring 
 of a raw potato. Guaiacum resin should be soluble in alcohol, leaving but a slight 
 residue; sometimes it is very impure, containing as much as 16 per cent, of wood and 
 bark. Its alcoholic solution has a slight acid reaction, and when dissolved in solution 
 of potassa or soda it is reprecipitated on the addition of an acid. 
 
 Constituents. — On boiling guaiac resin with milk of lime gucdacic acid and guaiac- 
 yeUoio are dissolved. If the residue is treated with hot alcohol, the tincture evaporated, 
 and this residue dissolved in hot solution of caustic soda specific gravity 1.3, the sodium 
 salt of guaiaretic acid will crystallize on cooling, and the mother-liquor contains guaia- 
 conic acid and beta resin , which after the removal of the alkali are separated by ether, 
 in which the former only is soluble. 
 
 Guaiacic acid , C 12 H 16 0 6 , was discovered in guaiac-wood by Thierry (1841), and is pres- 
 ent in very minute quantity ; it crystallizes in white needles and is sublimable and sol- 
 uble in water, alcohol, and ether. Guaiaretic acid , C 2 oH 26 0 4 , discovered by Hlasiwetz 
 (1859), crystallizes in warts and scales, is of a faint vanilla odor, and is soluble in 
 alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene, etc., and sparingly soluble in cold water and ammonia. 
 Guaiaconic acid , C 38 H 40 O 10 , discovered by Hadelich (1862), is light-brown, amorphous, 
 insoluble in water, benzene, and carbon disulphide, easily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 
 form, and acetic acid ; it acquires a transient blue color with oxidizing agents. Hade- 
 lich’s guaiac-beta resin is a red-brown powder ; his guaiac-yellow , which was first noticed 
 by Pelletier, has a bitter tastfe, forms pale-yellow octahedra, and dissolves in oil of vitriol 
 with a handsome blue color and in alkaline liquids with a deep-yellow color. Hadelich 
 obtained about 70 per cent, of guaiaconic acid, 10 per cent, each of guaiaretic acid and 
 beta resin, and nearly 4 per cent, of gum, the remainder being the other constituents, 
 including some impurities and 0.8 per cent, of ash. 
 
 On subjecting guaiaretic acid to dry distillation, a thick yellow oil is obtained, consist- 
 ing of guaiacol, C : II 8 0 2 , the methylic ether of pyrocatechin, which is a colorless oil of 
 agreeable odor, and forms with alkalies crystallizable salts ; guaiacene , C 5 II 8 0, which is thin, 
 oily, of a bitter almond odor and hot aromatic taste ; and pyroguaiacin ( pyroguaiacol ), 
 C 19 H 22 0 3 , which crystallizes in inodorous and tasteless scales. H. Wiesner (1880) gives 
 to the last-named compound the formula C 18 H 18 0 3 , and states that while it dissolves 
 in sulphuric acid with a dark-blue color, its alcoholic solution gives no reaction with ferric 
 chloride, contrary to the observation of Hlasiwetz, who found it to be colored green by 
 ferric chloride, and regarded the similar reaction of the official resin to be probably due 
 to this compound. By dry distillation guaiac resin yields creosol , C 8 H 10 O 2 , in addition to 
 the decomposition product mentioned ; it and the allied guaiacol are colored green by caus- 
 tic alkalies and blue by alkaline earths ; both have been observed in creosote. See page 
 547.) On distilling pyroguaiacin with zinc-dust, Wiesner obtained guaiene , C 12 H 12 , in 
 bluish fluorescing scales. Boetsch (1880) observed this to melt near 98° C. (208.4° F.), 
 and to dissolve in sulphuric acid with a green color. He obtained this compound also 
 from the resin by treatment with zinc-dust, and in addition thereto 50 per cent, of creo- 
 sol and 30 per cent, of toluene, xylene, and pseudocumene. Hirschsohn (1877) found 
 guaiacum resin to be free from cinnamic acid, umbelliferon, sulphur, and nitrogenated 
 compounds. 
 
 Tests. — In addition to the properties mentioned above, Hirschsohn states that guaia- 
 cum resin should yield to petroleum benzin not more than 2 to 4 per cent, of its weight ; 
 colophony and damar dissolve to the extent of 77 to 90 per cent. The so-called Peruvian 
 guaiac resin , of undetermined origin, has an odor resembling a mixture of rue and 
 anise, and about 42 per cent of it is soluble in benzin. The alcoholic solution of 
 guaiacum resin is precipitated by lead acetate (difference from carana resin), and with 
 potassa solution gives a precipitate easily soluble in excess of the alkali (difference from 
 colophony). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Guaiac is most renowned for the cure of constitutional syphilis , 
 
798 
 
 GUAIACOLUM. 
 
 and the records of its use during nearly three hundred years were accepted as true until 
 the scepticism of the nineteenth century condemned it. The vain and frivolous methods 
 of employing it which prevailed among modern physicians fully account for its want of 
 success in their hands. While it was in vogue the treatment by it was serious. The 
 patient was obliged to observe a very strict regimen, to drink enormous quantities of a 
 stronger and of a weaker decoction of the wood, to live upon a very sparing and simple 
 diet, and in every manner to promote perspiration. The question of its efficiency has, 
 however, possessed a very subordinate interest since the introduction of iodide of potas- 
 sium. Like other vascular stimulants, guaiac resin has been found efficient in promoting 
 menstruation in all atonic conditions of the uterine system, and hence in dysmenorrhmi 
 as well as in amenorrhoea of that origin. For the same reason, doubtless, it is a valuable 
 remedy for chronic muscular rheumatism. For these purposes the ammoniated tincture 
 is to be preferred. In simple tonsillitis and in diphtheria it is alleged to be very effica- 
 cious, but the former disease often gets well spontaneously, and the evidence of the 
 value of guaiac in the latter is inconclusive. Rheumatic pharyngitis , which is often 
 confounded with tonsillitis, may very possibly be palliated by guaiac. 
 
 Guaiacum-wood is prescribed only in decoction ( Pharm . 1870), simple or compound, 
 of which the latter is the more efficient. The resin may be given in doses of Gm. 0.60- 
 2.00 (gr. x-xxx). The guaiac mixture (Br. P.) is a convenient form for its adminis- 
 tration. 
 
 When the red coloring matter of the blood is brought into contact first with tincture 
 of guaiac, and then with peroxide of hydrogen, the guaiac is instantly turned blue. On 
 testing suspected stains in this manner “ it will be safe to say that if there is no bluing 
 of the guaiac resin in the presence of the peroxide, the mark or stain is not owing to 
 blood ” (Taylor). 
 
 Guaiacol has been used as a substitute for creasote in the treatment of phthisis by 
 Schiiller, Sahli ( Gentralhl. f Therap ., v. 691), Horner (ibid., vi. 338), Schetelig (ibid., 
 vii. 539 ; Iherap. Monatshefte, iii. 400), and some others, who claim for it virtues which 
 are also attributed to creasote in this disease — i. e. of lessening the fever, cough, sputa, 
 and, in general, the progress of decline, and also of correcting the diarrhoeal tendency. 
 Sahli used it as follows: R Guaiacol, Gm. 1-2; water, Gm. 180; spirit of wine, Gm. 
 20. M. S.-f^j-f^iv in a glass of water after meals. Schetelig used guaiacol hypodermi- 
 cally, in the daily dose of Gm. 0.5-1 (grs. 7-15). Others have preferred, as less irritat- 
 ing, benzoate or carbonate of guaiacol in the dose of Gm. 0.20-0.40 (gr. iij-vj). (Com- 
 pare Jacobi, Proceedings of Amer. Clima.tolog . Assoc., 1892.) 
 
 GUAIACOLUM.-Guaiacol. 
 
 Methyl-pyrocatechin (catechol monometliyl ether'). 
 
 Formula C 7 H 8 0 2 =C 6 H 4 0H0CH 3 , Molecular weight, 123.71. 
 
 Source. — Beechwood creosote consists chiefly of guaiacol, creosol, and cresols, as 
 stated elsewhere, and of these guaiacol is present to the extent of from 60 to 90 per cent. 
 
 Preparation. — Crude guaiacol is obtained by fractional distillation of beechwood-tar 
 creosote, that portion passing over between 200° and 205° C. (392° — 401° F.) being 
 collected ; this is treated with ammonia to remove acid compounds, and then again frac- 
 tionated. The lower boiling fraction is dissolved in ether and treated with a concentrated 
 alcoholic solution of potassa, which causes the separation of potassium-guaiacol, the latter 
 being insoluble in ether. After thorough washing with ether the salt is crystallized 
 from alcohol, and decomposed by treatment with dilute sulphuric acid ; the guaiacol thus 
 set free is again rectified. 
 
 Guaiacol is rarely met with absolutely pure ; the latter is obtained from benzoylguaiacol 
 (which has been repeatedly recrystallized) by saponification with alcoholic potassa, subse- 
 quent washing, drying, and rectifying. The so-called “ absolute guaiacol ” of commerce 
 frequently contains notable quantities of cresols. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Pure guaiacol is a colorless, slightly refractive liquid of 
 strongly aromatic odor. Its specific gravity at 15° C. (59° F.) is 1.117 (Fischer), 
 (1.133, Helbing), and its boiling point at 200°-202° C. (392°-395.6° F.) (Fischer). 
 (206°-207° C. Helbing) ; it requires 200 parts of water (Fischer) (85 parts, Helbing) 
 for solution, but is readily soluble in alcohol and ether. Guaiacol is soluble in solutions 
 of sodium and potassium hydroxides, forming compounds known as sodium- and potassium- 
 guaiacol (C 6 H 4 OCH 3 Na and C 6 H 4 OCH 3 K), which, however, are unstable and decomposed, 
 even upon addition of much water. If a trace of ferric chloride is added to an alcoholic 
 
GUATACOLUM. 
 
 799 
 
 solution of guaiacol, a blue color is developed, which changes to emerald-green upon the 
 addition of more ferric chloride ; this is a characteristic reaction. Shaken with twice its 
 volume of benzene at 20° C. (68° F.), pure guaiacol will separate rapidly and completely, 
 whereas the impure article forms a clear solution. If 2 Cc. of guaiacol be added to 2 
 Cc. of sodium hydroxide solution of 1.30 sp. grav., the mixture becomes heated, and 
 when cooled to normal temperature congeals to a white crystalline mass in case the 
 guaiacol is pure, but remains fluid if it is impure (important test). With concentrated 
 sulphuric acid perfectly pure guaiacol produces a yellow coloration which changes to 
 cherry-red upon addition of a very small quantity of acetone ; this same red color is pro- 
 duced without acetone if only a trace of creosote is present (Bougartz). 
 
 The following derivatives of guaiacol have been introduced : 
 
 Guaiacol benzoate, Benzosol, Benzoyl-guaiacol. C e H 4 0IIC 6 H 5 C0 2 . When potas- 
 sium-guaiacol, prepared by adding to an alcoholic solution of guaiacol the necessary 
 quantity of potassium hydroxide, is heated on a water-bath with benzoyl-chloride, 
 benzoyl-guaiacol is formed, together with potassium chloride ; the former is purified by 
 recrystallization from alcohol. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless crystalline powder, 
 almost insoluble in water, but readily soluble in ether, chloroform and hot alcohol. It 
 melts at 56° C. (Fischer), 45° C. (Helbing), sulphuric acid colors the salt lemon-yellow, 
 but ferric chloride does not produce the characteristic color reaction in an alcoholic solu- 
 tion. The dose is 1-10 Gm. (15-150 grains) daily. 
 
 Guaiacol carbonate. (C 6 H 4 0CH 3 ) 2 C0 2 . This compound is prepared by slowly 
 passing 1 molecule of phosgene gas, COCl 2 (carbonyl chloride), into 2 molecules of 
 guaiacol previously dissolved in soda solution, when sodium chloride and guaiacol car- 
 bonate will be formed : the latter is washed with soda solution and crystallized from 
 alcohol. It is a white neutral crystalline powder, nearly void of odor and taste, insoluble 
 in water, slightly soluble in cold, but readily in hot alcohol, also in ether, chloroform, and 
 benzene, and sparingly soluble in glycerin and fixed oils. Its melting-point is 78°-84° 
 C. (Fischer), 86°-90° C. (Helbing). The dose of guaiacol carbonate is gradually 
 increased from 0.2-0. 5 Gm. (3-71 grains) daily to 2-4 Gm. (30-60 grains). 
 
 Guaiacol cinnamate, Styracol, Cinnamyl-guaiacol. C 6 H 5 .CH:CH.C0 2 C 6 H 4 0CH 3 . 
 If equal molecular weights of guaiacol and cinnamyl-chloride are brought together at 
 ordinary temperature, and after two hours heated for some time on the water-bath, hydro- 
 chloric acid is formed and also cinnamyl-guaiacol. The salt is crystallized from boiling 
 alcohol. It occurs as colorless needle-shaped crystals which melt at 130° C. and are 
 practically insoluble in water. 
 
 Guaiacol di-iodide was first proposed by Vicario (1892) as a pulmonary antiseptic. 
 It is obtained when a solution of iodine in potassium iodide is added to an aqueous solu- 
 tion of sodium-guaiacol as long as precipitation continues ; it is of a reddish-brown color, 
 possessing the odor of iodine, melts on the water-bath, is soluble in alcohol and fixed oils, 
 and is readily decomposable. 
 
 Guaiacol salicylate, Guaiacol-salol, Salicyl-guaiacol. C 6 H 4 0HC0 2 .C 6 H 4 0CH 3 . 
 This compound is analogous to salol, and is the result of the action of phosphorus 
 oxychloride on a mixture of sodium-guaiacol and salicylate, when guaiacol salicylate, 
 sodium chloride, and sodium phosphite are formed. It is a white crystalline odorless 
 and tasteless powder, insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. 
 It melts at 65° C. An alcoholic solution of the salt is colored wine-red by ferric chloride. 
 The dose is the same as that of the benzoate (see above). 
 
 Guaiacolcarbonic acid, Methoxysalicylic acid. C 6 H 3 0H0CH 3 .C0 2 H-f-2H 2 0. It 
 is prepared by a patented process in a manner somewhat similar to that of the salicylic- 
 acid manufacture ; carbon dioxide is made to act on sodium-guaiacol previously heated, 
 whereby guaiacol-sodium carbonate is formed ; continued heating converts this into 
 sodium guaiacol-carbonate, from which the free acid is obtained by acidifying with hydro- 
 chloric acid, and finally recrystallizing from hot water or diluted alcohol. It is a white, 
 odorless crystalline powder of a bitter taste, difficultly soluble in cold, but readily in hot 
 water, also in alcohol and ether, and likewise in a solution of sodium bicarbonate. The 
 anhydrous acid melts at 148°— 150° C. A cold aqueous solution of the acid is colored 
 by ferric chloride solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Guaiacol and the compounds into which it enters, including the 
 carbonate , iodide, salicylate , and cinnamate (styracol), and benzosol , have, since 1891, been 
 a good deal employed in the treatment of pulmonary phthisis and other wasting forms of 
 tuberculosis. Its effects have been mainly such as were long attributed to the prepara- 
 tions of tar — i. e. a diminution of the bronchitic and intestinal disorders proper to con- 
 
800 
 
 G UANO.—G U ARANA. 
 
 sumption of the lungs — viz. cough, expectoration, sweating, and diarrhoea. Styracol has 
 been especially employed in the treatment of gleet , vesical catarrh , and chronic diarrhoea. 
 Some have dared to inject these compounds into pulmonary cavities through the chest- 
 walls. Guaiacol carbonate has been given in gradually increasing doses from Gm. 0.2 
 (gr. £) until Gm. 2 (gr. xxx), and then Gm. 7 (gr. xc), a day were reached. 
 
 GUANO.-Guano. 
 
 Origin. — Guano consists of the partially-decomposed excrements of the penguin and 
 other sea-birds, which congregate in large numbers on the barren and uninhabited islands 
 on the western coast of South America, in Western Africa, and Australia. It is princi- 
 pally exported from the islands oft’ the coast of Peru and Bolivia. 
 
 Description. — It is in the form of crystalline or amorphous masses, or more fre- 
 quently of an irregular powder, having a grayish or pale-brown color and an offensive, 
 usually ammoniacal, odor. Its spec. grav. is about 1.64; its reaction is mostly alkaline, 
 though occasionally acid. It contains hygroscopic water varying between 6 and 20 per 
 cent., which is expelled by the heat of a water-batli; when exposed to a higher tempera- 
 ture it blackens and burns, leaving a white ash varying in amount between 25 and 38 per 
 cent. 
 
 Constituents. — Guano contains, besides the moisture, 25 to 52 per cent, of 
 organic matter and ammonium salts, 19 to 42 per cent, of tricalcic phosphate, and 5 
 to 15 per cent, of alkaline salts; the nitrogen varies in amount from 7 to 15 per cent. 
 The organic constituents of guano are chiefly uric acid , ammonium urate , and various 
 oxalates. The chief inorganic constituents are phosphates of calcium, magnesium, and 
 the alkalies, some sulphates, chlorides, and a very little sand ; occasionally also ammo- 
 nium carbonate. B. Unger (1845) discovered in guano the alkaloid guanine , C 5 H 5 N 5 0, 
 which has since been proved to exist also in the pancreatic juice of mammals; it forms a 
 white crystalline powder , which is insoluble in water, alcohol, ether, and ammonia, but 
 soluble in acids and in potassa solution. 
 
 In estimating the value of guano as a manure the amount of the following constituents, 
 besides moisture and ash, is determined : ready-formed ammonia (present as ammonium 
 salts), latent ammonia (generated in the soil from nitrogenous compounds), uric acid, and 
 phosphates. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Under the singular delusion that the ammonia in guano pos- 
 sesses some special mode of action different from that of officinal ammonium compounds, 
 this substance, mixed with potter’s clay, was used as a dressing for several diseases of the 
 skin, and afterward in baths and lotions. But it speedily exhibited the irritating effects 
 proper to the salts of ammonia in common use, aud is now quite abandoned. It will 
 hardly be believed that this bird-dung should have been introduced into a syrup and 
 administered internally. 
 
 GUARANA, V. 8.— Guarana. 
 
 Pasta guarang . — Guarana , Fr. ; G., Sp. 
 
 A dried paste chiefly consisting of the crushed and pounded seeds of Paullinia cupana, 
 Kunth , s. P. sorbilis Martins. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 67. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sapindacese. 
 
 Origin. — Paullinia cupana is a climbing shrub with pinnate leaves composed of five 
 oval-oblong toothed leaflets, small flowers in narrow spicate panicles, and pyriform beaked 
 capsules containing one to three shiny blackish-brown subglobular seeds. It is indi- 
 genous to the northern and western provinces of Brazil. 
 
 Preparation. — The dry seeds are powdered, moistened by water or by exposure to 
 the. dew, and then kneaded into a kind of stiff paste, which is formed into globular or 
 cylindrical masses ; these are well dried near a fire or by exposure to the sun. 
 
 Description. — Guarana is met with in subglobular, cylindrical, or elliptic cakes 
 
 which have an uneven surface, are hard, of a reddish-brown color, somewhat lighter inter- 
 nally, and breaking with an uneven, slightly glossy fracture, showing angular fragments 
 of seeds with a brittle, blackish-brown tegument and with thickish white cotyledons. It 
 has a peculiar slight chocolate-like odor and an astringent and bitter taste. It is partly 
 soluble in water and in alcohol. 
 
 Constituents. — Martius found guarana to contain starch, gum, a greenish fat, tan- 
 nin which precipitates iron salts dark-green, and a crystalline substance, guaranine, whieli 
 
GUTTA-PERCHA. 
 
 801 
 
 was afterward proved to be identical with caffeine (p. 342) by Martius and by Berthemot 
 and Dechastelus (1840). The latter obtained 4 per cent., Stenhouse 5.07 per cent., and 
 Feemster (1882) between 3.9 and 5 per cent., of caffeine. Saponin and volatile oil are 
 likewise present in guarana. The alkaloid is best obtained, according to Dr. F. V. Greene 
 (1877), by Prof. Wayne’s process, by prolonged boiling with litharge; and Mr. Feemster 
 found it of advantage to add near the end of the process a few drops of lead subacetate, 
 which facilitates the settling of the insoluble matter. The tannin, paullinitannic acid , 
 was shown by Dr. Greene to give precipitates with ferric salts (green, brown), gelatin, 
 most alkaloidal salts, and barium salts, to give no precipitate with tartar emetic or copper 
 sulphate, and to reduce salts of silver and gold. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The curative powers of guarana at first appeared to be not 
 less wonderful than those of many other new remedies. It was a specific for diarrhoea 
 ( Amer . Jour. Phar., lxii. 69) and dysentery, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, and passive haem- 
 orrhages, was lauded as a stomachic tonic, and was even put forward as remarkably effi- 
 cacious in lumbago. Of all these virtues of the drug none survive, and the only affec- 
 tion in which it continues to be found useful is one which its congeners, tea (and espe- 
 cially green tea) and coffee, have never lost the reputation of relieving — headache. The 
 particular forms of headache in which it is useful are the nervous sick headache which 
 recurs frequently in the same person, and especially in females at the menstrual periods, 
 and that which follows a debauch, when the head throbs and the eyes are bloodshot. 
 Like the other more popular remedies, guarana gradually loses its power over such 
 attacks, and even appears to render them more frequent and severe. It may be admin- 
 istered in substance in the dose of from Gm. 1-4 (gr. xv-lx) in powder, but in this form 
 it is repulsive, and the doses mentioned are better given in infusion. The most efficient 
 preparation is, however, the alcoholic extract dissolved in alcohol to form a tincture in 
 the proportion of 1 part to 30. From Gm. 0.10—0.30 (gr. ij— v) of the extract may be 
 given at a dose. A fluid extract, which is officinal, and a syrup, have been made, and 
 are convenient forms for administration. 
 
 GUTTA-PERCHA, Br., B. G.— Gutta-Percha. 
 
 Gutta-percha depurata , Gutta-taban , Gummi plasticum . — Gutta-percha , Fr., G. 
 
 The concrete exudation, obtained by incisions, of Isonandra (Dichopsis, Bentley) Gutta, 
 Hooker. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 167. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sapotacae. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — The taban is a stately tree, 12-18 M. (40 to 60 feet) 
 high, with few branches, with evergreen oblong or obovate, entire, glossy, and under- 
 neath brownish-yellow scaly leaves, and small white flowers aggregated in little clusters 
 near the top of the branches. It is common in jungles of the Malay peninsula and of 
 the Malayan Archipelago ; it is now extinct in Singapore, having been destroyed in the 
 collection of the juice. To obtain the gutta-percha the tree is felled and circular incisions 
 are made through the bark at distances of 15—30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches) along the whole 
 trunk, from which the milky juice slowly exudes and hardens on exposure. The yield 
 from one tree is stated to be from 6 to 10 pounds; others claim a yield of over 20 
 pounds. Several other sapotaceous trees of the genera Dichopsis, Payena, and Cerato- 
 phorus yield similar products. 
 
 Description. — Gutta-percha is grayish or yellowish, frequently with red-brown 
 streaks from fragments of bark and other impurities. It is hard and rather leathery or 
 horny, in thin pieces somewhat flexible, is readily cut with the knife, between 45° and 
 60° C. (113° to 140° F.) sufficiently soft to be rolled into sheets, quite plastic at 65° C. 
 (149° F.), and very soft at the temperature of boiling water. Its specific gravity is 
 about 0.98, but it is heavier than water after the removal of all air-cavities (Payen). It 
 is insoluble in water, alcohol, acids, alkalies, and fixed oils, dissolves in boiling ether, 
 chloroform, benzene, coal-tar oils, carbon disulphide, and oil of turpentine ; on evaporating 
 these solutions it is left behind with its original properties. It is purified for dental and 
 other purposes by agitating its solution with gypsum. If purified by treatment with 
 water and hydrochloric acid, and then repeatedly dissolved in boiling ether and washed 
 with cold ether and alcohol, a fine white powder is obtained of the composition C 20 H 32 , 
 which is probably the composition of the recent juice (Baumhauer, 1859). It absorbs 
 and combines with oxygen from the air, yielding white crystalline resin, Payen’s albane , 
 bjoH^O, and yellow amorphous jluavd, C 20 H 32 O 2 , which are contained in commercial gutta- 
 percha sometimes to the amount of 20 per cent. Subjected to dry distillation, various 
 51 
 
802 
 
 GYNOCARDIA. 
 
 gases, water, and volatile acids are obtained, and two oils, one yellow, the other red-brown, 
 both of the composition C 10 H, 6 . 
 
 Pure gutta-percha is inodorous and tasteless ; ignited, it burns with a bright flame. 
 Its mixture with caoutchouc is readily vulcanized, and after the incorporation of insol- 
 uble earthy or metallic compounds is largely used in the preparation of various instru- 
 ments. 
 
 Percha lamellata, P . G . — Gutta-percha paper — is in thin, brown, translucent sheets, 
 which are prepared by softening gutta-percha in hot water and pressing it between 
 rollers. 
 
 Allied Products. — Murton (1878) describes four additional guttas : 
 
 Gutta-soosoo of Perak is firmer than gutta-taban, and contains a little oil, but gutta-soosoo of 
 Borneo is a caoutchouc. 
 
 Gutta-rambong of Perak is reddish-brown, closely resembles caoutchouc, and is probably 
 obtained from the milk-juice of the roots of Ficus elastica. 
 
 Gutta-singgarip seems to be produced from a woody apocynaceous climber, and enters com- 
 merce as a soft, spongy, and wet mass. 
 
 Gutta-putih or Gutta-sundek comes from a species of Dichopsis, having shorter and broader 
 leaves than the taban tree, and is whiter and more spongy than gutta-percha. 
 
 Other similar products from different species of Ficus and Isonandra are used in the Malayan 
 islands for adulterating gutta-percha. 
 
 Balata — in Central America called chicle , tuno gum , and leche de popa — is the milky exuda- 
 tion of Mimusops globosa, Gaertner (Mimusops Balata, Crueger ; Achras Balata, Aublet : Sapota 
 Muelleri, Belkrode), a tree called bully tree, growing on the banks of the Orinoco and Amazon 
 Bivers. It resembles gutta-percha, becomes soft at 50° C. (122° F.), melts at 150° C. (302° F.), is 
 soluble in benzene, carbon disulphide, and hot oil of turpentine, and partly soluble in absolute 
 alcohol and ether. It is not acted on by alkalies or hydrochloric acid, but is decomposed by strong 
 nitric and sulphuric acids. It has been used as an addition to plasters. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The qualities which render this substance of value in the 
 surgical and mechanical treatment of diseases are — its flexibility when warm, its firm- 
 ness at ordinary temperatures, and its solubility in menstrua which do not alter its 
 essential qualities. The facility with which it is bent and moulded when warm adapts 
 it to making splints, whose size, shape, and weight can readily be changed. It has in a 
 great degree supplanted the old and costly carved splint, to which, indeed, it is in all 
 respects superior. Its lightness, firmness, smoothness, and unalterable character render 
 it admirably adapted for the manufacture of syringes, specula, bougies, pessaries, stetho- 
 scopes, etc. Like collodion, the solution of gutta-percha in bisulphide of carbon or in 
 chloroform may be used to retain the edges of incised wounds in apposition, and also as 
 a protective of the abraded shin against mechanical injury or the absorption of poisons. 
 In this manner it has been used as a coating for sore nipples. The solution in chloro- 
 form, which is officinal, is a very convenient agent for protecting portions of the skin 
 from the air. while it exerts a slight degree of compression which is modified by the 
 flexibility of the film formed by the dried solution. It has been used with more or less 
 advantage in the treatment of lepra and psoriasis , herpes tonsurans , eczema marginatum. 
 and prurigo , to prevent pitting in small-pox, and to limit the efflorescence in erysipelas. 
 This method has been recommended by numerous dermatologists, and among them 
 Auspitz in Germany and Morrow in this country ( Wiener med. Wochenschrift , 1883 ; 
 Med. News, xliv. 257). The solution generally used by the former is one part of 
 gutta percha to ten of chloroform, which corresponds nearly to Liquor gutta-perehae U. 
 S. P. (1880) Its advantages are stated to be that it excludes air from the diseased skin, 
 prevents crusts from forming, which hinder medicinal applications, lessens the secretions, 
 and limits to the affected part the action of the agent employed. It is not easily 
 removed by the friction of clothing or by muscular action. It is, also, unirritating and 
 easily prepared for use. It seems to be the best agent for concentrating and limiting the 
 action of chrysarobin. Gutta-percha is also found to be a convenient vehicle with which 
 to incorporate certain caustics, as potassa and chloride of zinc, for the purpose of limit- 
 ing and mitigating their action. 
 
 GYNOCARDIA. — Chaulmugra. 
 
 The seed of Gynocardia (Chaulmoogra, Roxburgh, Hydnocarpus, Bindley ) odorata, R. 
 Brown. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 28. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bixaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The chaulmugra is a large tree of the Malayan peninsula, growing nort.i- 
 ward to Assam and westward to Sikkim, It has alternate oblong and acuminate leaves 
 
GYNOCARDIA. 
 
 803 
 
 and dioecious yellowish flowers, each petal having a dark-yellow spreading scale at the 
 base. The fruit is globular, gray, one-celled, pulpy, and many-seeded. 
 
 Description. — Tile seeds are irregular ovoid, about an inch (25 Mm.) long, some- 
 what angular, dull-gray, have a brittle testa, and contain a large embryo with a thick 
 radicle and a pair of leafy cordate cotyledons imbedded in a brown oily albumen. The 
 kernel has a faint, peculiar, somewhat unpleasant odor and taste. 
 
 Constituents. — By subjecting the seeds to pressure or by boiling them in water 
 chaulmugra oil is obtained, which, when pure, is of a pale or golden-sherry color, melts 
 at about 40° C. (104° F.), and on keeping frequently deposits a granular fat; that 
 obtained by boiling is said to remain clear, and, according to Dymock, does not form 
 a o-reen tenacious mass on stirring 20 minims of it with 1 minim of sulphuric acid. On 
 the contrary, when the expressed oil is thus treated a reddish-brown resin-like mass is 
 formed around the acid. John Moss (1879) ascertained that the acid reaction of the oil 
 is due to palmitic and gynocardic acids, and that the oil consists of glycerides of palmitic 
 and about 11.7 per cent, of gynocardic acid, with small proportions of hypogaeic and 
 cocinic acids. Gynocardic acid has a yellowish color, crystallizes readily in plates, melts 
 at 29.5° C. (85° F.), has an acrid burning taste, is probably of the formula C u H., 4 0. 2 , and 
 gives a green color with sulphuric acid ; a similar color is also produced by the same 
 reagent with palm oil. 
 
 Allied Species. — Hvdnocarpus venenata, Gaertner , a large tree of Western India, has a 
 tomentose fruit containing longitudinally striate, and on the edges rugose, seeds. 
 
 Hydnocarpus Wightiana, Blume , a large tree, a native of Ceylon, has a fruit of the size of 
 a small apple and obtusely-angular seeds. The seeds of both species yield a fatty oil which is 
 used like chaulmugra oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Chaulmugra oil has from time immemorial been held in great 
 esteem by the native races of India as a potent medicine in the treatment of leprosy , 
 scrofula, phthisis, syphilis, rheumatism, itch, and various diseases of the shin. For the first 
 named of these diseases it is held in the Mauritius to be a specific remedy. Of its mode 
 of action nothing is known beyond the fact that when given in excessive doses it causes 
 vomiting. Of its utility in leprosy we have the report of Dr. Young, who treated fifty- 
 three cases, of which four belonged to the macular, twenty-three to the anaesthetic, fif- 
 teen to the tubercular, and eleven to mixed forms of the disease. He concluded that 
 in the macular and in the early stage of the anaesthetic forms of leprosy chaulmugra 
 appears to be of decided value. Several of the cases treated were complicated with 
 bronchial affections, which were quite relieved during the treatment. The oil was given 
 in gradually increasing doses, beginning with 5 drops three times a day, but the good 
 effects of the treatment were seen earlier in cases treated with the powdered seeds. A 
 liberal milk diet seemed to be a valuable auxiliary. These results have, on the whole, 
 been confirmed by the later experience of competent judges. Thus, Dr. Liveing draws 
 attention to the fact that leprosy (E. graecorum), like many other fatal diseases, is liable 
 to long periods of comparative rest or subsidence quite apart from any special treatment. 
 After a study of twenty cases he concludes that neither gurjun oil nor chaulmugra oil 
 can be regarded as a specific for the disease ; some cases improved under the latter, but 
 he adds, “ I have never met with one well-authenticated case of complete cure under ‘its 
 influence” ( Times and Gazette, Aug. 1879, p. 205). Mr. C. T. Peters found this oil 
 useful in relieving the dyspeptic symptoms of lepers and in promoting the absorption of 
 the leprous tubercles ( Edin . Med. Jour., xxviii. 214). It seems to form a convenient 
 and useful local application, for its unctuous smoothness has been compared to that of 
 goose-grease. It was employed in England (1879) in the treatment of pulmonary 
 phthisis. The patients showed an unusual degree of objection to taking it on account 
 of its nauseous odor and taste, and when mixed with cod-liver oil it became particularly 
 repugnant to them. The result of the trial was altogether unfavorable (Yeo). These 
 adverse results have been confirmed by the subsequent observations of Murrell. 
 ' The oil has a deserved reputation in cases of itch and parasitic pediculi.” In skin dis- 
 eases, except, perhaps, in chronic psoriasis and eczema, it has proved irritating. Rheu- 
 matism and gout have been alleged (Cottle) to improve rapidly under the use of chaul- 
 mugra oil, but confirmatory evidence is wanting. It may be administered in the dose of 
 Dm. 0.30 (npv.) enclosed in gelatin capsules, or in an emulsion with milk, glycerin, or 
 almond oil. The seeds, coarsely powdered, are given in pills in the dose of Gm. 0.30- 
 0.40 (gr. v-vj). The ointment is officinal in India. 
 
804 
 
 H2EMA TOXYLON.— HAMAMELIS. 
 
 H^EMATOXYLON, U. Logwood. 
 
 Hsematoxyli lignum , Br. ; Lignum Campechianum, Lignum coeruleum. — Bois de Cam- 
 peche , Bois d’ Iride, Bois de sang, Fr. ; Blauholz, Blutholz, Campecheholz, G. ; Falo de 
 Campeche, Sp. 
 
 The heart-wood of Haematoxylon campechianum, Linne. Woodville, Med. Bot., plate 
 17 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 86. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Leguminosae, Caesalpineae. 
 
 Origin. — The logwood tree is indigenous to the shores of the Gulf of Campeachy and 
 to other parts of Central America, and has been introduced into, and perfectly natural- 
 ized in, Jamaica, St. Domingo, and other West Indian islands. It is 9-12 M. (30 to 40 
 feet) high, has many spreading and crooked branches, alternate leaves with four pairs of 
 obcordate leaflets, small yellow flowers in lax racemes, and two-seeded legumes. The 
 tree is felled when about ten years old ; the bark and light-colored sap-wood are removed, 
 the red heart-wood alone entering commerce. 
 
 Description. — Logwood is met with in logs about 90 Cm. (3 feet) long, which con- 
 sist of the heart-wood, and, from exposure, are externally of a blackish-purple darkened 
 by chlorine, internally of a brown-red color. Irregular concentric circles of darker and 
 lighter red color, resembling annual rings, are observed upon cross-section ; the vessels 
 are distinct to the naked eye, the medullary rays very fine. The wood is heavier than 
 water, specific gravity about 1.06, splits irregularly, has a slight agreeable odor and 
 a sweetish and astringent taste, and imparts a dark pink color to the saliva. In the shops 
 it is found in the form of chips and ground into a coarse powder, upon both of which a 
 greenish lustre ( hsematein ) is often observed. Under the microscope the cell-walls are 
 seen to have a red color, and the ducts and wood-fibres to be filled with a red resin-like 
 mass, occasionally forming in the ducts crystals of a green metallic lustre. 
 
 Constituents. — Analyzed by Chevreul (1812), it was found to contain a little vola- 
 tile oil, brown extractive containing tannin, fatty or resinous and glutinous matter, and a 
 crystalline substance which he named hsematin , but which is now more properly called 
 hsematoxylin. According to Erdmann (1842), it is best obtained from powdered extract 
 of logwood by mixing it with much sand and exhausting with ether ; the ether is mostly 
 recovered by distillation, and the residue mixed with some water and crystallized, a little 
 sulphurous acid or solution of a sulphite being added to prevent oxidation ; the yield is 
 about 12 per cent. When pure, hsematoxylin is C 16 H 14 0 6 , and crystallizes with 1 or 
 3H 2 0 in colorless or pale yellow prisms which have a strongly sweet taste of liquorice, 
 acquire a red color on exposure to the light, are freely soluble in hot water, in alcohol, and 
 ether, and, fused with potassa, yield pyrogallol. The aqueous solution is slightly pre- 
 cipitated by solution of isinglass, and produces with baryta solution, lead acetate, and with 
 copper salts white or grayish precipitates which rapidly turn blue. Ammonia dissolves 
 hsematoxylin, the solution being rose-red, then purple, and finally blackish-red; the fixed 
 alkalies produce similar solutions, and the color ultimately becomes yellowish-brown. 
 The blackish ammonia solution contains hsematein-ammonia , from which acetic acid sep- 
 arates hsematein , C 16 H ]2 0 6 ; this is soluble in alcohol and hot water, slightly so in ether, 
 and forms a blackish-violet crystalline powder having a green metallic lustre. Hmmatein- 
 ammonia causes, in a warm solution of a small amount of alum and with ferric chloride, 
 deep-violet precipitates ; with lead acetate, a brown one. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Logwood is mildly astringent and has been reputed to possess 
 tonic virtues. Its preparations darken the faeces, and sometimes turn the urine blood- 
 red and give it a sweetish taste. They constipate less than the pure astringents. They 
 are used to check diarrhoea , hsemorrhage, and sweat ; their mildness renders them appro- 
 priate for infantile diarrhoea. Externally, logwood is said to display antiseptic and 
 healing qualities in the treatment of gangrenous and ill-conditioned sores. 
 
 HAMAMELIS, V. S.— Hamamelis. 
 
 Witch-hazel , E. ; Hamamelis, Fr. ; Hamamelis, Zauherhasel, G. 
 
 The leaves of Hamamelis virginica, Linne, collected in autumn. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Hamamelaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The witch-hazel is a shrub from 1.8-3 M. (6 to 10 feet) high, growing in 
 damp woods and thickets in Canada and the United States. It has a rather crooked 
 stem, with a close white wood and with flexuose branches, which are covered with a 
 
HAMAMELIS. 
 
 805 
 
 smooth brown bark, the older bark being brown-gray and somewhat fissured, and inter- 
 nally whitish and smooth. The flowers are in clusters of three or four with an invo- 
 lucre of three ovate leaflets, have a four-cleft calyx and four long linear, greenish-yellow 
 petals, and appear in September and October, the nut-like two-celled and two-beaked cap- 
 sule, containing two black oily edible seeds, not ripening until September of the next 
 year. The bark, which has been medicinally employed, has a bitter, astringent, and 
 somewhat pungent taste. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are alternate, short petiolate, thickish, 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 
 inches) long, oval or obovate, feathered- veined, wavy- toothed on the margin, slightly 
 heart-shaped and oblique at the base, stellate-pubescent when young and nearly smooth 
 when old ; they are inodorous, and have an astringent and bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — H. K. Bowman (1869) ascertained the bark to contain 8.10 per 
 cent, of tannin, which was determined by means of gelatin. The leaves have not been 
 analyzed ; they contain tannin and a bitter principle. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Tinctura IIamamelidis, Br. Add. — Tincture of Hamamelis, E. ; 
 Hamamelisrinden-Tinktur, G. — Take of hamamelis bark, in No. 20 powder, 2 ounces, proof 
 spirit a sufficiency. Moisten the powder with a suitable quantity of the menstruum, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours 5 pack in a percolator, and gradually add proof spirit until one 
 pint of tincture is obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The accounts published of the remedial virtues of witch- 
 hazel seem to be as hard to accept as the popular faith in it as an infallible divining-rod. 
 Yet through the extravagant statements concerning it there runs a thread of truth, for 
 all the conditions it is said to relieve are those of morbid excitement, such as inflamma- 
 tions , congestions , haemorrhages , and even the action of the gravid uterus in threatened 
 miscarnage. To the tannin and essential oil it contains, and to a peculiar bitter principle, 
 some of its alleged sedative virtues may be attributed. In America/ it was very early 
 used as a medicine. Coxe (Amer. Dispensatory , 1814) quotes from Thacher, who, in his 
 turn, borrows from Cutler the following : “ The Indians applied the bark, which is 
 
 sedative and discutient, to painful tumors and internal inflammations. A cataplasm of 
 the inner rind of the bark is found to be very efficacious in removing painful inflamma- 
 tions of the eyes. The bark chewed in the mouth is, at first, somewhat bitter, very 
 sensibly astringent, and then leaves a pungent sweetish taste, which will remain for a 
 considerable time.” Herat and De Lens (1831) quoted from Coxe the substance of the 
 preceding passage. In 1868, Dr. Lee declared witch-hazel to contain a larger proportion 
 of tannin than geranium or sumach. Dr. Hector Guy ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., April, 
 1885, p. 361) found in it only “ tannin, an essential oil, waxy matter, and extractive.” Of 
 these constituents, tannin is evidently the most important, and necessarily is not con- 
 tained in the distillate which is popularly known as extract of witch-hazel. Experi- 
 ments on animals and man by Guy prove that the preparations of this plant are totally 
 devoid of poisonous properties, and that there is no evidence that they can exert any 
 physiological action at all. These results were fully confirmed by the investigations 
 made by Drs. H. C. Wood and John Marshall, who also concluded that whatever virtues 
 the medicine may possess depend upon “ the very large percentage of tannic or gallic 
 acid in the fluid extract” (Thtrap. Gaz., x. 295). When the negro slaves endeavored 
 to produce abortion by means of cotton-root, miscarriage is said to have been prevented 
 by the use of hamamelis (Porcher, Resources of the Southern Fields , etc., 1869, p. 62). 
 Recent observations (1882) appear to justify the use of witch-hazel to check hemor- 
 rhage, relieve tender and painful piles, and promote the healing of unhealthy wounds 
 and irritable and varicose ulcers. But they do not demonstrate its possession of other 
 qualities than such as belong to tannin and the plants containing it. The published 
 reports often exhibit more faith in the physician than virtue in the medicine. They 
 overlook the natural tendency of haemorrhage to cease, which has led into error the 
 advocates of many haemostatics, and their statements are mutually destructive. For 
 while one reporter states that he cured “ bleeding piles, menorrhagia, and continued 
 oozing from the uterus four weeks after confinement ” by giving ‘ £ two drops of the fluid 
 extract hourly,” another arrested haemoptisis by “ 40 to 60 drops of the extract repeated 
 three times a day,” and a third boasts of arresting haemorrhage from the bladder by this 
 medicine, when in fact he employed “ 1 drachm of tincture of hamamelis and \ drachm 
 of carbolic acid” There can be little doubt that haemorrhoid al swellings and haemor- 
 rhage have been palliated by hamamelis as they are by preparations of gallic or of 
 tannic acid ; but when we are assured that varicose veins and ulcers are curable by this 
 agent applied locally, and we are disposed to accept the assurance, we hesitate on being 
 
806 
 
 HEDEOMA . -HELEN I UM. 
 
 told of the efficacy in varicose veins of 1 grain twice a day of its extract, internally 
 administered ( Therap . Gaz ., ix. 336). Hamamelis may be used in a decoction made 
 with Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (^j in Oj), and given in wineglassful doses every three or four 
 hours, or oftener, according to the urgency of the case. We have known a decoction 
 or infusion of it to be applied as a lotion with apparent benefit in crusta lactea. The 
 fluid extract is officinal, and an ointment may be made with this extract evaporated to 
 dryness or with the fresh bruised bark boiled in lard. The last is used for haemorrhoids. 
 
 HEDEOMA, 77. S . — Hedeoma. 
 
 American pennyroyal, E. ; Pouliot americain , Fr. ; Amerikanischer Polei , G. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Hedeoma (Melissa, Linne , Cunila, Willdenoiv , Ziziphora, Des- 
 fontaines ) pulegioides, Persoon. Barton, Med. Hot., t. 41 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 200. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae, Satureiese. 
 
 Origin. — Pennyroyal is an annual herb indigenous to North America, from Canada 
 south through the United States. It grows in barren and sandy fields, on hills, and along 
 the open border of woods, always in dry places. 
 
 Description. — It has an erect, obscurely quadrangular, branched, and hairy stem 
 about 15-30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches) high ; opposite, shortly-petioled, oblong-ovate, and 
 
 obscurely serrate leaves, which are about 12 Mm. 
 (I inch) long and glandular dotted on the lower 
 side, and axillary cymules of about three flowers. 
 The calyx is tubular-ovoid, hairy in the throat, and 
 somewhat two-lipped, the upper lip divided into 
 three lanceolate teeth, the two lower teeth subulate. 
 The corolla is small, the tube scarcely exceeding the 
 calyx, pale-blue with purplish spots, two-lipped, the 
 upper lip erect and emarginate, the lower lip spread- 
 ing and nearly equally three-lobed. It has two sterile 
 and two fertile somewhat exserted stamens, a bifid 
 style, and produces four small smooth akenes at the 
 base of the persistent calyx. It has a strong aro- 
 matic mint-like odor and a warm and pungent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Its virtues depend upon the 
 volatile oil. (See Oleum Hedeoma:.) Its other 
 constituents are probably those generally found in plants of this natural order. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Mentha Pulegium, Linn6 (s. Pulegium vulgare, Millei) is the European 
 pennyroyal, Menthe pouliot, Pouliot commun, Fr. ; Polei, G . ; Poleo, Sp. It grows in moist 
 sandy localities in Central and Southern Europe, has oval-obtuse and crenately-serrate leaves, 
 many-flowered axillary cymes forming globular whorls, and a purplish-colored four-lobed corolla. 
 It resembles the former in odor, while the taste is somewhat bitter and acrid. 
 
 Hedeoma thymoides, Gray, of Texas, possesses similar properties, but has a more agreeable 
 odor. • 
 
 Action and Uses. — Hedeoma is an aromatic stimulant. It may be prescribed, 
 like other medicines of its class, to relieve flatulent colic or painful digestion, to correct 
 the nauseating or griping operation of certain purgatives, etc. For these purposes it is 
 less eligible than mint, anise, etc. In the form of hot infusion it is much used to dissi- 
 pate the congestions tending to diarrhoea and to inflammation of the throat or bronchia, 
 also in muscular rheumatism , etc., and, in conjunction with the hot hip- and foot-baths, 
 to bring on retarded or suspended menstruation. An infusion made with Gm. 16 (sss) 
 of the plant to Gm. 500 (Oj) of water may be given in the dose of 2 fluidounces or 
 more every hour. Mentha pulegium possesses similar virtues, and in Europe its oil is 
 a popular medicine for bringing on the menses and even for producing abortion. 
 
 HELENIUM. — Sneezeweed. 
 
 Helenium autumnale, Linni. Meehan, Native Flowers, ii. 113. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Senecionidese. 
 
 Description. — The sneezeweed or sneezewort is an herbaceous perennial which is 
 common in damp places in the United States, in British Columbia, and in Mexico, where 
 it is called rosilla de Puebla. It is of a grayish-green color, nearly smooth, .9 to l.a 
 
 Fig. 146. 
 
 Hedeoma pulegioides, Persoon : flower and co- 
 rolla, cut open ; magnified. 
 
HELIANTHEM UM.-HELIANTH US. 
 
 807 
 
 M. (3 to 5 feet) high, has a branching quadrangular, winged stem, and lanceolate-serrate 
 leaves which are pointed above and narrowed toward the base. The flower-heads are 
 rather large, numerous, and have the involucral scales in two rows, the outer one folia- 
 ceous and reflexed; the ray -florets are ligulate, drooping, yellow, veined, and obtusely 
 three-toothed at the apex. It flowers in August and September. The plant has scarcely 
 any odor and possesses a very bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — It was analyzed by F. J. Koch (1874). Besides the principles com- 
 mon to herbs, it contains malic acid and traces of tannin ; the bitter taste is due to a 
 principle which was obtained in an amorphous condition, is soluble in ether, alcohol, and 
 boiling water, and on being boiled with dilute sulphuric acid is resolved into sugar and 
 an amorphous bitter substance having an acid reaction. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Hel. parviflorum, Nuttall , indigenous to Georgia, has lanceolate, nearly 
 entire, scarcely decurrent leaves, and smaller flower-heads than the preceding. 
 
 Hel. tenuifolium, Nuttall (Meehan, Nat. Flow., ii. 37), has numerous linear or filiform entire 
 leaves and small flower-heads. It is found in the Southern United States from Georgia west- 
 ward to Texas, Arkansas, and Southern Kansas. The properties of these two species appear to 
 be similar to those of the first. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Common sneezewort is so called on account of the acrid 
 quality of its flowers and leaves, which when dried and powdered have been used as an 
 errhine for the purpose of dissipating incipient coryza and relieving headache. H. tenui- 
 folium is said to be very poisonous to animals, producing in them muscular twitchings, 
 passing into violent convulsions, and terminating in death. In four negroes it produced 
 spasms, with more or less delirium and loss of consciousness (Galloway). 
 
 HELIANTHEMUM. — Frostwort. 
 
 Herbe de heliantheme de Canada , Fr. ; Canadisches Sonnenroschen , G. 
 
 The herb of Helianthemum canadense, Michaux , s. Cistus canadensis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Cistaceae. 
 
 Frostwort or rock-rose is a perennial herb indigenous to dry and rocky hills and sandy 
 or gravelly soil of Canada and of the United States south to Florida. 
 
 Description. — The rigid slender stem is about 30 Cm. (2 inches) high, has alter- 
 nate elliptic or linear lanceolate entire leaves, which are nearly 25 Mm. (1 inch) long 
 and woolly beneath. The flowers are of two kinds : the earlier ones, appearing in June, 
 are solitary, stalked, with five unequal hairy sepals, and the same number of large yellow 
 petals, which unfold in sunshine only once. Somewhat later smaller apetalous and nearly 
 sessile flowers make their appearance in axillary hoary clusters. The fruit is a three- 
 valved, one-celled capsule, which is shorter than the calyx and contains few brown seeds. 
 The herb, which varies much in habit, is inodorous and has a bitterish-astringent taste. 
 Hel. corymbosum, Michaux , is mainly distinguished by the petal-bearing and apetalous 
 flowers being in crowded cymes near the top of the branches, the former being on elon- 
 gated, filiform stalks. It grows from New Jersey southward near the coast, in similar 
 localities with the former. It is called frostwort and frostweed from the crystals of ice 
 which shoot from the cracked bark at the base of the stem during freezing weather in 
 autumn. Hel. yulgare, Gaertner , Cistus helianthemum, Linne , indigenous to Europe, 
 resembles the preceding and possesses similar properties. Frostwort has not been anal- 
 yzed. It seems to contain tannin and a bitter principle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bitter, astringent, and slightly aromatic taste of this 
 plant may explain its alleged utility in scrofula , diarrhoea , and secondary syphilis. A 
 strong decoction of it is apt to produce vomiting, but is employed as a gargle in sore 
 throat , especially as it occurs in scarlatina , and also as a wash for prurigo. An extract is 
 prepared which may be given in the dose of Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij). 
 
 HELIANTHUS.— Sunflower. 
 
 Helianthe , Grand Soleil, Fr. ; Sonnenblume , G. ; Elianto , Sp. 
 
 Helianthus annuus, Linne. 
 
 A at. Ord . — Compositae, Senecionideae. 
 
 Description. — The sunflower is indigenous to tropical America and cultivated in 
 most civilized countries, in many of which it has become naturalized or grows spontane- 
 ously. It has a straight stem from 3-4.5 M. (10 to 15 feet) high, which contains a large 
 white pith. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, 25 Cm. (10 inches) long, broadly ovate 
 or heart-shaped, three-ribbed, serrate, and rough. The flower-heads are from 20-30 Cm. 
 
808 
 
 HELLEBORTJS. 
 
 (8 to 12 inches) in diameter, with bright-yellow ligulate ray-florets and a flat brownish 
 disk. The akenes are obovate-oblong, somewhat quadrangular, flattened, vary in color 
 between whitish and black or are striped, are at the base embraced by the chaff, and 
 crowned with a very deciduous pappus of two chaffy scales. On being triturated with 
 water the kernels yield a bland emulsion. 
 
 Constituents. — Wittstein (1876) obtained from the fresh plant, deprived of the 
 fruit, 1.9 per cent, of ash, nearly two-thirds of which were potassium carbonate, and 
 from the fruit between 16 and 28 per cent, of fixed oil. Sun flow er-oil is pale-yellow, 
 limpid, bland, has the sp. gr. 0.962, and dries slowly on exposure to air; under the influ- 
 ence of nitrous acid it forms a soft yellow mass ; with strong sulphuric acid it turns red 
 and brown, but is not altered by a weak acid. The kernels contain also, according to 
 Ludwig and Kromayer, helianthic acid , C 7 H 9 0 4; which reacts dark-green with ferric salts, 
 is soluble in water and alcohol, and not precipitated by gelatin or potassium ferrocyanide. 
 The dried pith, according to John, contains 9 per cent, of potassium nitrate. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The numerous species of this genus have yellow flowers, rough and frequently 
 opposite leaves, and generally possess little odor. The next is occasionally cultivated for culi- 
 nary purposes : 
 
 Helianthus tuberosus, Linne. — Jerusalem artichoke, E.; Topinambour, Fr.; Erdartischocke, 
 G. — Indigenous to Brazil. The tubers are thick, oblong, externally reddish, internally white, 
 and resemble the artichoke in flavor, but are less pleasant. Examined by Braconnot, Payen, and 
 others, they were found to contain 76 to 77 water, 14.7 sugar, mucilage, inulin, 1 to 3 per cent, 
 albumen, etc. 
 
 Actinomeris squarrosa, Nuttall, is a coarse-looking herb, with a winged stem, and with alter- 
 nate, or sometimes opposite, oblong-lanceolate, and tapering leaves. The involucre consists of 
 two rows of spreading or reflexed scales ; the receptacle is small, hemispherical ; the ray-florets, 
 about six, are short, yellow, and neutral ; the flat, broadly-winged, and two-awned akenes are 
 partly enclosed by chaff. The plant grows in moist ground in the Middle and Western United 
 States. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sunflower is scarcely a medicinal agent. Its oil was largely 
 used by the aborigines of North America. It serves many of the purposes of olive oil; 
 the seeds are employed in fattening poultry and, after expression of the oil, for cattle, 
 the pith of the stalk for making moxas, and the growing plant for drying damp soils on 
 account of its remarkable power of absorbing water. The preposterous assertion has 
 been made that the dried stems infused in whiskey cure intermittent fever. Quite pos- 
 sibly the alcohol of the preparation may have some such effect. A similar statement 
 regarding the leaves and the flowers is not proven (Bull, de Therapy cxvii. 333). 
 
 Actinomeris helianthoides, or gravel-weed, is said to be diuretic and to have been 
 used with advantage in cases of gravel, and also in dropsy ( Therap . Gaz ., Sept. 1881), 
 The evidence in its favor is not, however, very conclusive. 
 
 HELLEBORUS. — Black Hellebore. 
 
 Radix hellebori nigri , Radix melampodii. — Hellebore noir , Fr. Cod. ; Schwarze Nies- 
 wurzel , Weinachtswurzel, W interrose, Gr. ; Eleboro negro , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome, with the rootlets, of Helleborus niger, Linne. Woodville, Med. Bot ., 
 169 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 2. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Helleborese. 
 
 Origin. — Black hellebore, also called Christmas rose , is a native of Europe, and is 
 met with in mountainous woods from Southern Germany and Central France southward 
 
 Fig. 147. 
 
 Fig. 148. 
 
 Helleborus viridis, Linne : transverse 
 section of rhizome and root. 
 
 to Italy and eastward to Greece. It flowers in winter, from December to March. The 
 
HELLEBORUS. 
 
 809 
 
 plant is acaulescent, and has coriaceous, smooth, pedately seven- to nine-lobed leaves, and 
 pale-green petioles and flower-stalks mottled with red ; the single flowers have five large 
 white or pinkish sepals and ten or more small greenish petals. The fruit consists of five 
 to nine follicles, having the black shining seeds in two rows. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome, with branches, has an irregular knotty appearance, is 
 25-75 Mm. (1 to 3 inches) long, 6-12 Mm. (f to ? inch) thick ; the branches are annulate 
 from leaf-sheaths and terminate with a concave (or when more recent with a convex) scar. 
 The numerous rootlets are long, but, being very brittle, are always more or less broken 
 off in the commercial article, about 2.5 Mm. inch) thick, longitudinally wrinkled, and, 
 like the rhizome, of a brown-black color. The transverse section of the rhizome shows 
 a thick brownish-gray bark occupying about one-sixth of the diameter, a somewhat thicker 
 whitish pith, and six to ten small wedge-shaped wood-bundles placed in a circle and sepa- 
 rated by broad medullary rays. The rootlets have a thick bark and a central slightly 
 pentagonal or hexagonal wood. In the dry state black hellebore has scarcely any odor ; 
 its taste is sweetish, then bitterish-acrid. 
 
 The rhizome and roots of Helleborus viridis, Linne , which are officially recognized in 
 several European countries and considered to be more efficacious, are gathered, together 
 with the radical leaves, in the autumn or in early spring, before flowering, the leaves being 
 removed when used. The plant, which is indigenous to Central and Southern Europe 
 and grows wild on Long Island, produces its greenish flowers in March and April, and 
 has pedately seven-lobed radical leaves with the lobes lanceolate-acute and serrate. The 
 rhizome is about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long and 6 Mm. (f inch) thick, above knotty from the 
 numerous stem-remnants, and annulate by the leaf-scars ; the numerous nearly simple 
 rootlets are 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, brittle, and usually broken off in the commercial 
 article. In color, odor, and taste it resembles black hellebore. The transverse section 
 of the rhizome shows a large pith with broad branches, and a woody ring consisting of 
 four broad and short wedges, each composed of several smaller ones. The rootlets have 
 a thick bark and a central obtusely four-branched ligneous cord. This drug is known in 
 Europe, and prescribed as Radix hellebori viridis , or green hellebore ; it should not be 
 confounded with Veratrum viride, to which the same common name is sometimes given. 
 It is not often met with in the American market. 
 
 Constituents. — The two rhizomes appear to have the same constituents. Aside 
 from those more generally met with, like resin, gum, etc., they contain helleborin , 
 C 36 H 4 ,0 6 , discovered by Bastick (1852), and helleborein, C 26 H 44 0 15 , discovered by Huse- 
 mann and Marme (1865) ; the latter principle is more abundant in black, the former in 
 green, hellebore. On exhausting the concentrated tincture with hot water and filtering 
 from the resin and oil, helleborin will crystallize ; it is very poisonous, scarcely soluble in 
 cold water, little so in ether and fixed oil, and freely soluble in alcohol and chloroform ; 
 its alcoholic solution has a burning taste, and it yields grayish amorphous and tasteless 
 helleboresin , C3oH 38 0 4 , on being boiled with solution of zinc chloride. Helleborein is 
 obtained from the decoction by precipitating with basic lead acetate, then with sodium 
 sulphate, and finally with tannin ; the latter precipitate is decomposed by lead oxide, 
 the dry mass exhausted with alcohol, the tincture concentrated and mixed with ether. 
 It forms colorless nodules of minute needles, is readily soluble in water, less so in alcohol, 
 and insoluble in ether, and has a sweetish taste and a poisonous action. Boiling with 
 dilute acids converts it into sugar and greenish amorphous and tasteless helleboretin , 
 
 c,Ao°3. . . . . . 
 
 Hellebore contains no tannin ; an organic acid present is probably identical with aco- 
 nitic acid. 
 
 Adulterations. — Black hellebore of commerce has been sometimes mixed with the 
 rhizomes and roots of other, mainly ranunculaceous, plants, the most frequently occur- 
 ring being Actaea spicata, Linne , which has a close resemblance to cimicifuga, but merely 
 the dimensions of black hellebore. (See page 122.) The rhizome of Adonis vernalis, 
 Linne , is subconical, almost simple, tufted above, not annulated, and has brittle rootlets 
 with a cross-shaped wood. At one time we observed a black, forked, monocotyledonous 
 rhizome of unknown origin offered as black hellebore. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Extractum hellebori. — Extract of black hellebore, 
 E. ; Extrait d’ellebore noir, Fr. ; Nieswurzextrakt, G . — The drug is exhausted with 
 alcohol and diluted alcohol (£7! S. P. 1870), or preferably with alcohol of 60-70 per 
 cent. ; the yield is about 14 per cent. 
 
 Tinctura hellebori. — Tincture of hellebore, E. ; Teinture d’ellebore noir, I r. ; 
 
810 
 
 PEMWESMI RADIX. 
 
 .Nieswurztinktur, G.— Black hellebore 2 troyounces; displace with diluted alcohol suf- 
 ficient for obtaining 1 pint. — TJ. S. P. 1870. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Hellebore and helleborein are violent gastro-intestinal irritants, 
 producing vomiting and purging, with copious bilious evacuations, and killing through 
 exhaustion and convulsions. Vittorio and Elvidio have shown that even a very small 
 quantity of helleborein applied to the eye produces local anaesthesia ( CentralLl . /. 
 Therap ., vi. 443), and Van der Heide states that in dogs its continued administration 
 slows the pulse and finally arrests it ( Practitioner , xxxvi. 298). It acts chiefly on the 
 nervous system as a powerful depressant. In man small and repeated doses of hellebore 
 produce liquid alvine evacuations and increase the menstrual and haemorrhoidal flows. 
 In larger doses it causes vomiting, colic, spasm of the throat, thirst with heat in the 
 abdomen, exhaustion, failing pulse, dilated pupils, cold sweats, and collapse with spasms. 
 In the fatal cases reported nothing is said of its having purged. 
 
 The reputation of this medicine rests chiefly upon the cures attributed to it of mania 
 and melancholy , for which it was anciently held to be a specific. Possibly it may have 
 been useful in cases of mental disorder connected with constipation and congestion of the 
 liver and the abdominal organs generally. Yet the form of insanity which it seems most 
 to have benefited in modern times is acute mania with febrile excitement. Like all 
 drastic purgatives, black hellebore is sometimes curative of amenorrhcea either of the 
 congestive or the atonic form, and is often a palliative of ascites by removing more or less 
 of the dropsical fluid through the bowels. For this purpose it is inferior to jalap. The 
 dose of the powdered root as a purgative is Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx). A decoction may 
 be prepared by boiling Gm. 4 (60 grains) of the bruised root in Gm. 500 (a pint) of 
 water, of which a fluidounce may be given every two or three hours until it operates. 
 The antidotes to poisoning by black hellebore are diffusible stimulants, given after the 
 evacuation of the poison. 
 
 Adonis vernalis acts upon the frog’s heart very much like digitalis, producing a tonic 
 contraction of the organ and a diminished pulse-rate (Bubnoff, 1880; Cervello, 1882; 
 Huchard ; Durand, 1885). Clinical observation leads to a similar conclusion, for the 
 medicine restores its rhythm to the arhythmical heart, rendering the pulse slower, fuller, 
 tenser, and stronger. It augments the urinary secretion by increasing the proportion of 
 water in it while diminishing its solid ingredients. The observations of DaCosta ( Phila . 
 Med. Times , xvii. 551), Hermann ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 215), Albertoni ( Centralhl . f Ther., 
 v. 341), Huchard (Jour, de Med ., Nos. 1 and 2, 1888), Borgiotti (Therap. Gaz ., xii. 854), 
 and Oliver ( Lancet , Nov. 24, 1888) agree substantially with these statements and with 
 one another, but it would seem that, as in the case of digitalis and digitaline, there is a 
 difference in the actions of the herb and the glucoside of adonis ; that the former is a 
 cardiac sedative and a diuretic, while the action of the latter on the kidneys appears to 
 be less than that of the former. It seems also to differ from digitalis in exhibiting no 
 cumulative action. Huchard pronounced it an energetic poison, requiring to be cautiously 
 used, and considered it preferable to digitaline only where a prompt and vigorous action 
 is required. On the other hand, Bubnoff, Lublinski, and others object to the glucoside 
 and to adonis itself, that they are extremely bitter, and more apt than digitalis and digi- 
 taline to occasion vomiting and diarrhoea, while they admit that the former sometimes 
 succeed in regulating an arhythmical heart when the latter has failed to do so (Therap. 
 Gaz., 1884, p. 47 ; Med. Record, xxvi. 192 ; Bull, de Therap., cx. 63). In cardiac dropsy 
 it therefore palliates all the symptoms depending upon obstruction of the heart — viz. 
 those due to the heart itself and those occasioned by the dropsy — and measurably it has 
 analogous effects in renal dropsy, unless the effusion is very large and the kidney lesion 
 very general. The same is true of it in hepatic and splenic dropsy. Adonis is useless 
 in functional disease of the heart. The infusion is made with from Gm. 2-8 (gr. xxx- 
 cxx) in Gm. 150 (6 fluidounces) of water. Bose, a tablespoonful every one, two, or 
 three hours (Bubnoff, Centralhlatt f. Ther., i. 361). Adonidin is generally prescribed in 
 divided doses, beginning with Gm. 0.01 (gr. J), and so as not to exceed in twenty-four 
 hours Gm. 0.02-0.03 (gr. 3-1), but some have found that in doses of Gm. 0.02 (gr. 1) 
 given four times a day it had an excellent effect upon the circulation and upon the action 
 of the kidneys. 
 
 HEMIDESMI RADIX, JBr, — Hemidesmus-Root. 
 
 Indian sarsaparilla, Nunnari, E. ; Hemidesmus, Fr., G., It., Sp. 
 
 The root of Hemidesmus indicus, R. Brown (Periploca indica, Willdenow ; P. emetica 
 
HEPATICA. 
 
 811 
 
 Retzius; Asclepias pseudo -sarsa, Roxburgh). Wight, Icon. Plant. Ind. Orient., ii. p. 594; 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 174. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Asclepiadaceae, Periplocene. 
 
 Origin. — This slender climbing shrub is a native of the Indian peninsula, growing in 
 uncultivated places. It has opposite entire leaves, varying between linear-lanceolate and 
 ovate, the broadest being on the upper branches, axillary clusters of small purple flowers, 
 Ion" linear follicles, and numerous seeds with tufts of slender hairs. 
 
 Description. — The root is met with in pieces about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long and 5 to 
 15 Mm. (4— | inch) thick, cylindrical, tortuous, longitudinally wrinkled, and transversely 
 fissured, forming annulations. It is covered with a thin dark-brown corky layer, followed 
 by a whitish mealy thin bark containing in its inner layer scattered laticiferous ducts. 
 The cambium-line is dark, wavy, and the wood yellowish, with narrow medullary rays, 
 which are best observed in the thin roots. Hemidesmus-root has an agreeable odor, sug- 
 gesting that of tonka, and a sweetish, slightly acrid, not unpleasant taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The root contains starch, and in the suberous layer some tannin. 
 Scott (1843) obtained a stearopten by distillation with water. Its other constituents are 
 unknown. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Gymnema sylvestre, R. Brown (Asclepias geminata, Roxburgh ), a native of 
 India and Africa, is a woody climber, bearing small yellow flowers. The root is of the thick- 
 ness of a finger, has a spongy reddish-brown bark, and possesses a saline and acrid taste. The 
 leaves are 4 to 7 Cm. (1^-3 inches) long, entire, elliptic or obovate, thin, coriaceous, and puberu- 
 lent. Besides resins, carbohydrates, albuminous and coloring-matters, D. Hooper (1887) deter- 
 mined the presence of a neutral bitter principle, tartaric acid, and gymnemic acid , the latter 
 somewhat resembling chrysophanic acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In India, whence it was introduced into England, this medi- 
 cine has some reputation for efficacy in the constitutional disorders supposed to be bene- 
 fited by sarsaparilla. But its syrup, which is also officinal, is, like the syrup of sarsa- 
 parilla, chiefly used as a flavoring ingredient of mixtures. 
 
 Gymnema sylvestre. — The powdered root has long been used in certain parts of 
 Hindostan as a remedy for snake-bites. The leaves, when chewed, have the curious 
 property of suspending for several hours the perception of sweet and bitter tastes. 
 These properties are ascribed to the gymnemic acid of the plant (j Practitioner, 
 xxxviii. 457). 
 
 HEPATICA. — Liverwort. 
 
 Herbe de hepatique , Fr. ; Edelleberhraut , G. ; Hepatica, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Hepatica triloba, Chaix (Hep. nobilis, Moench ; Anemone Hepatica, 
 Linne). 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculacese, Anemoidese. 
 
 Origin. — A perennial acaulescent herb flowering in March and April, and indigenous 
 to Europe and North America south to Georgia, growing in shady woods. The flowers 
 are on villous scapes 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, and have a three-leaved involucre 
 and six to nine petal-like blue or purplish, or sometimes white, sepals. The radical leaves 
 are the portion used ; the loss in drying amounts to from 70 to 75 per cent. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are subcoriaceous, smooth, dark -green, and shining above, 
 paler beneath, broadly heart-shaped or somewhat kidney-shaped in outline, and divided 
 into three lobes, which are obtuse or rounded (Hep. americana, De Candolle) or pointed 
 f Hep. acutiloba, De Candolle). A similar distinction is also observed in the involucral 
 leaves, the two forms being probably mere varieties of one species, the acute-lobed pre- 
 ferring a northern exposure. The leaves are inodorous and have an insipid, slightly 
 astringent, and bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — As far as may be judged from the sensible properties, liverwort 
 does not appear to contain any important characteristic principle. Mucilage, sugar, and 
 a small amount of tannin are present. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Liverwort passes for being tonic and deobstruent. It once 
 bad a transient vogue in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and phthisis. But its medi- 
 cinal value is very small, and hardly entitles it to a place in the materia medica. It may 
 be given freely in infusion. 
 
812 
 
 HERA CLE UM.~ HIERA Cl UAL 
 
 HER ACLEUM. — Cow-Parsnip. 
 
 Heracleum lanatum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Orthospermae. 
 
 Description. — The cow-parsnip, also called masterwort , is a woolly perennial herb 
 growing from 1.5-3 M. (5 to 10 feet) high in most of the northern and middle parts of 
 the United States westward to the Pacific. The root is many-headed, fleshy, nearly sim- 
 ple, or composed of many thinner branches, 12 Mm. (2 inch) or less, in diameter, 
 brownish yellow externally, white internally, with a rather thick bark containing resin- 
 cells. The leaves are large, ternately dissected, on very broad and sheathing petioles, 
 the segments often 25 Cm. (10 inches) long, the middle one usually three-lobed. The 
 umbels are from 30 to 38 Cm. (12-15 inches) broad, with an involucre of oblong lance- 
 olate leaves and involucels composed of five or eight lanceolate, slender, acuminate leaves. 
 The flowers are white. The fruit is 8 Mm. (i inch) long, oval, flattened on the back 
 broadly winged on the margin, each mericarp with five slender ribs, the lateral ones being 
 close to the margin, and in the upper half with six clavate oil-tubes, two of which are on 
 the commissure. All parts of it have a rank odor and a pungently acrid taste. The root, 
 leaves, and fruit have been employed. 
 
 Heracleum sphondylium, Linne, the cow-parsnip of Europe and Northern Asia 
 (Berce, Fausse acanthe, Fr. ; Baerenklaue, 6r.), is a similar but smaller plant, and pos- 
 sesses similar properties. 
 
 Constituents. — These plants appear to contain volatile oil and resin ; their acrid 
 principles have not been investigated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In their fresh state the leaves and also the root, applied to the 
 skin, may produce vesication and have been used as counter-irritants. Some of the 
 European species are still more irritant, and contain a juice which has been applied to 
 loarts as an escharotic. The American plant has been used with alleged curative effect 
 in epilepsy apparently depending upon gastro-intestinal irritation. It is given both in 
 substance and in infusion, and is thought to correct dyspeptic disorder. Gm. 4 (33) of 
 the root or its equivalent in infusion may be taken several times a day. 
 
 HEUCHERA.— Alum-root. 
 
 The root of Heuchera americana, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Saxifragacese. 
 
 Origin. — This is a perennial herbaceous plant, with a tuft of orbicular-heart-shaped, 
 slightly lobed, and crenately-toothed hairy leaves and glandular hairy scapes about 60 
 Cm. (2 feet) high, bearing loose panicles of small flowers with short, white, narrow 
 petals and exserted stamens and styles. It is common in rich woodlands of the United 
 States from the New England States west to Wisconsin and the Mississippi and south to 
 Georgia. It flowers in June, and the root is probably best collected in September. 
 
 Description. — The root is about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long and about 12 Mm.’ (J inch) 
 thick, with several short cylindrical heads terminating with a concave scar, tapering, and 
 somewhat branched below, and beset with some thin radicles. In its fresh state it is 
 fleshy ; when dry, irregularly shrivelled, tuberculate, the brittle fibres usually broken off. 
 It is externally of a purplish-brown color, has a thin bark and a thick, fleshy meditul- 
 lium of a pale-reddish or brownish tint, and breaks with a short somewhat spongy or 
 granular, not fibrous fracture, often showing internal cavities. It is inodorous, and has a 
 strongly astringent, slightly bitterish taste. The rootlets agree with* the main root in 
 color and taste, but have a thick bark and thin, spongy centre. It has not been fully 
 analyzed. II. K. Bowman (1869) found it to contain from 18 to 20 per cent, of tannin. 
 
 The root of Heuchera villosa, Michaux , and probably other species may possess virtues 
 similar to those of the above. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Alum-root, as its name implies, is astringent. It is sometimes 
 used in domestic medicine as a remedy for diarrhoea and menorrhagia , as a mouth-wash 
 for aphthae, and as an application to ulcers , haemorrhoids , etc. It may be used in decoction. 
 
 HIERACIUM.— Hawkweed. 
 
 Eperviere, Fr. ; Habichtskraut, G. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Cichoracese. 
 
HIPPOCASTANTJM. 
 
 813 
 
 Description. — The following species have been used : 
 
 Hieracium venosum, Jjinne. — Rattlesnake-weed. — It is a perennial herb, common in 
 dry woods and plains of North America, with oblong-obovate, purple-veined, entire, and 
 scarcely petiolate radical leaves, and with a naked or one-leaved smooth scape bearing a 
 loose paniculate corymb of yellow flower-heads, which have slender peduncles, a nearly 
 cylindrical involucre, and linear akenes with a tawny, fragile, bristly pappus. The plant 
 is inodorous, and has a bitter and somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Hier. gronovii, Linne , likewise a North American species and growing in similar 
 localities, has a wand-like simple stem which is leafy and hairy below. The leaves are 
 petiolate, lance- or obovate-oblong, the peduncles slender, and, like the involucre, gland- 
 ular-pilose. The akenes are tapering at the summit. This and the next species are 
 sometimes used for toothache. 
 
 Hier. scabrum, Linne. — It is stouter than the preceding, rough-hairy, more branched, 
 the involucre glandular-hirsute and the akenes not taper-pointed. 
 
 Hier. pilosella, Linne . — Piloselle, Oreille de souris, Fr. ; Mauseohrchen, G. — A 
 European plant, with white hairy leaves and a hairy, naked, or one-leaved scape. Its 
 taste is bitter and astringent. 
 
 Hier. murorum, Linne. — Pulmonaire des Franyais, Fr. ; Gelbes Lungenkraut, G . — 
 It has ovate, pale-green, sometimes spotted radical leaves, and a hairy, few-leaved stem, 
 bearing several yellow flower-heads. Its taste is slightly bitter and astringent. It has 
 been used as a vulnerary and in pectoral complaints. 
 
 Prenanthes (Harpalyce, Don ) alba, Linne, s. Nabalus albus, Hooker. — Rattle- 
 snake-root. — Lion’s-foot, White lettuce, Cancer-weed, Gall of the earth ; this North 
 American perennial has a purplish and glaucous stem, branched above, and growing from 
 a tuberous, spindle-shaped root. The leaves are petiolate, angular, hastate, the radical 
 ones palmately five- or seven-lobed, those of the stem ovate roundish and sinuate-toothed; 
 the flower-heads are in loose, racemose cymes, drooping, have a cylindrical involucre, with 
 the linear, purplish, and white scales in a single row, and a few bractlets at the base, and 
 contain from eight to twelve ochroleucous or purplish florets, with linear-oblong, striate, 
 and unbeaked akenes, and a pale-brownish pappus composed of several rows of rough 
 hairs. All parts of the plant contain a milky juice and have a bitter taste. No analysis 
 of its constituents has been made. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although hawkweed has been used in several diseases, such 
 as scrofula and chronic catarrh, its chief claim to notice rests on its reputed power of 
 curing the bites of venomous snakes. The late Hr. Griffith of Philadelphia, in his Medical 
 Botany , relates the following : “ Some years ago a person brought a collection of rattle- 
 snakes to this city, and professed to be in possession of a certain cure for the symptoms 
 arising from their bite, which he offered to divulge for a moderate compensation. This 
 being paid him, he suffered himself to be bitten several times, and after the poisonous 
 effects had displayed themselves was completely relieved by taking a few ounces of the 
 decoction of a plant which was identified as Hieracium venosum. The same snake was 
 suffered to bite a small puppy, which died from the poison in about five hours. These 
 experiments were made in the presence of a number of distinguished medical and 
 scientific persons.” It appears that H. Gronovii has been employed with like results 
 ( Ther . Gaz., xl. 566). 
 
 HIPPOCASTANUM.— Horse-Chestnut. 
 
 Marronnier ( chataignier ) d Inde, Fr. ; Rosskastanie , G. ; Castagno d India, It. ; Castano 
 de Indias, Sp. 
 
 iEsculus Hippocastanum, Linne , s. Hippocastanum vulgare, Gaertner. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sapindaceae, Hippocastaneae. 
 
 Origin. — The horse-chestnut is a well-known stately tree which is a native of Persia 
 and Northern India, became known in Europe in the latter half of the sixteenth century, 
 and is at present cultivated as an ornamental tree and grows spontaneously in many 
 countries of the temperate and subtropical zones. The bark of the smaller branches and 
 the seeds have been employed. 
 
 Description. — The bark ( cortex hippocastani, cortex castaneae equinae ) is thin, 
 externally of a brown-gray color, has some small scattered warts, and shows opposite 
 leaf-scars, which have the lower rounded margin marked with five or seven small warts. 
 The inner surface is smooth and whitish, the internal color brownish. The inner bark is 
 rather tough, breaks with a fibrous fracture, has a slight odor, and a bitter, astringent 
 taste. 
 
814 
 
 HIRTJDO. 
 
 The seeds are subglobular, smooth, glossy, reddish-brown ; the hilum marked by a 
 large grayish spot ; the leathery testa enclosing a white embryy with two hemispherical 
 cotyledons, having a sweetish and bitter acrid taste. By prolonged washing the starch 
 may be obtained pure. 
 
 Constituents. — The tannin of horse-chestnut bark colors iron salts green. Besides 
 some fat, chlorophyll, and other common compounds, the bark contains aesculin, C 15 II 16 0 9 , 
 and fraxin ( paviin ), C 16 H 18 O 10 , both principles being inodorous, of a slightly bitter taste, 
 and showing a blue fluorescence when dissolved in water, particularly in the presence of 
 some alkali. iEsculin is obtained by precipitating the decoction with lead acetate, treat- 
 ing the filtrate with H 2 S, evaporating, and recrystallizing. It forms small white needles 
 containing 1JH 2 0, which are insoluble in ether and have a slight acid reaction upon lit- 
 mus. On boiling with dilute acids it is split into glucose and sesculetin. Baryta solution 
 produces the same decomposition, and then yields glucinic , opoglucinic , and aesculetinic 
 acids. iEseuletin, C 9 Hn0 4 .H 2 0, crystallizes in colorless needles, is with difficulty soluble 
 in cold water and alcohol, the solutions coloring ferric salts dark -green, dissolves in alka- 
 lies with a golden-yellow color, and on boiling with potassa is decomposed into oxalic, 
 formic, and protocatechuic acids. Fraxin is obtained by precipitating the alcoholic tinc- 
 ture with an alcoholic solution of lead acetate, diffusing the precipitate in water, decom- 
 posing by hydrogen sulphide evaporating over sulphuric acid to dryness, and remov- 
 ing the tannin by washing w T ith ice-cold water ; it dissolves in alkalies with a yellow 
 color, colors ferric chloride green, and then produces a lemon-yellow precipitate. 
 
 The integuments of the seeds contain some aesculin and quercitrin , which are likewise 
 present in the flowers, but the leaves contain yellow quersescitrin. The cotyledons con- 
 tain, besides starch and gummy matter, 2 to 4 per cent, of fixed oil, oleum hippocastani , 
 which is greenish-brown or yellow, has a turnip-like odor, a somewhat bitter taste, and 
 the specific gravity .927, and congeals near the freezing-point of water. Argyrsescin and 
 aphrodsescin are two amorphous acrid bodies discovered by Bochleder (1862), which are 
 insoluble in ether, soluble in alcohol, and yield with water solutions foaming like a soap 
 solution ; the latter is precipitated by baryta-water, and boiled with alkalies yields buty- 
 ric and amorphous sescinic acids ; the former is a glucoside. 
 
 iEscuLUS Pavia, Linne. — Bed buckeye. — B. C. Batchelor (1873) obtained from the 
 testa tannin, 3 per cent, of resin, a tasteless crystalline principle, and coloring matter. 
 The cotyledons were found to contain 5 per cent, of greenish-brown fixed oil, 21 per cent. 
 cane-sugar and syrup, and a brownish, bitter, and acrid glucoside different from argyraes- 
 cin, and apparently poisonous. 
 
 Medical Uses. — In 1787 Murray ( Apparat . Med ., iv. 62) gave a detailed account 
 of the utility of the flowers, leaves, bark, and fruit; spoke of the virtues of the last in 
 epilepsy, of its powder as a sternutatory and as a preventative of fermentation and putre- 
 faction, and of the bark for intermittent fever. According to him, its decoction with 
 lime-water allays inflammation, heals ulcers, and arrests gangrene. Much more recently 
 it was asserted that the bark of the branches, and also the aesculin obtained from it, have 
 cured periodical fevers in which even quinine failed. The same statement is made 
 respecting numberless bitter vegetable products. It is also alleged that aesculin will cure 
 neuralgia. Oil of horse-chestnut has been used as an embrocation for joints affected with 
 chronic gout or rheumatism , with the same effect, probably, as any other bland oil, and a 
 decoction of the leaves has had some reputation as a remedy for whooping cough. It is 
 said to be still employed as a popular remedy for this disease (Amer. Jour. Phnrm., lix. 
 152). These medicines are of little value — as little, probably, as the entire horse-chest- 
 nut, to which, if constantly worn in the pocket, a vulgar superstition ascribes the power 
 of curing haemorrhoids. This is evidently a survival of the doctrine of signatures. A 
 decoction may be prepared with Gm. 32-64 in water Gm. 500 (^i-ij in Oj), boiled for 
 10 minutes. Dose, a wine-glassful. iEsculin may be given in doses of Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). 
 
 HIRUDO, Br. — Leech. 
 
 Hirudines , P. A., P. G. — Sangsue medicinale , Fr. Cod. ; Blutegel, G. ; Sanguisuga , Mig- 
 natta , F. It. ; Sanguijuela , Sp. 
 
 Sanguisuga medicinalis, Savigny, and Sang, officinalis, Savigny. 
 
 Class Vermes; Ord. Annulata ; Sub-ord. Apoda ; Family llirudineae. 
 
 Description. — Leeches are invertebrate animals with an elongated, roundish, or 
 somewhat flattened body, which has numerous transverse wrinkles, and is generally 
 attenuate toward both ends; the posterior one always terminates by a broad and mus- 
 cular disk, by means of which the animal fastens itself upon objects. The blood-sucking 
 
HIR U DO. 
 
 815 
 
 leeches have their anterior end or head likewise terminated by a narrower disk, in the 
 centre of which is placed the mouth containing three jaws, which are provided with two 
 rows of numerous pointed teeth, and are mutually inclined at an acute angle, so as to 
 make a triangular incision through the skin. Respiration is carried on through small 
 apertures or stigmata arranged in two rows on the abdominal surface and found at every 
 fifth ring. Leeches are hermaphrodites, but mutually impregnate each other. Several 
 pairs of testicles are located in the fore and middle part of the body ; the filiform penis 
 is projected from an abdominal orifice about one-third distant from the head, and the 
 female organs with two ovaries have their aperture or vagina five rings below the penis. 
 The ova are deposited near the edge of the water, invested with a kind of a jelly or 
 mucus, which contracts into a capsular or cocoon-like body having a spongy appearance 
 and containing about ten or more eggs. Leeches are aquatic animals, and swim with a 
 vertical undulating motion. For medicinal use their weight should be between 1 and 5 
 Gm. (15 and 75 grains). The two species named have a soft smooth body, 5 Cm. (2 
 inches) or more in length, and have the back of an olive-green color, with six rusty-red 
 longitudinal stripes, which are sometimes spotted with black. 
 
 Sang. (Hirudo, Linne) medicinalis, Savigny , has the belly greenish-yellow, more or 
 less spotted with black, occasionally to such an extent that the prevailing color is black. 
 The animal is indigenous to Central and Northern Europe, and is known in commerce as 
 the speckled , Swedish , or German leech. 
 
 Sang, officinalis, Savigny (Hirudo pro vinci alis, Carena ). The belly is light 
 
 olive-green, unspotted, but marked with a black stripe on each side ; the dorsal stripes 
 are somewhat variable in width. This leech is indigenous to the southern part of 
 Europe, and is known in commerce as the green or Hungarian leech. 
 
 Several other species of Sanguisuga of Southern Europe are occasionally employed, 
 but are not an article of commerce. Leeches are generally kept in ponds by the whole- 
 sale dealer, and even cultivated in this manner. They are usually transported imbedded 
 in moist turf. 
 
 The American leech , Hirudo decora, Say, which draws less blood, is sometimes employed. 
 Its back is of a dark-green color and marked with one row of orange-brown and two lat- 
 eral rows of black spots ; the belly is of a light orange-brown color spotted with black. 
 
 Preservation. — Leeches require some attention to keep them healthy and in good 
 condition. They are kept in clean river-water in a glass jar covered with a linen cloth 
 and put in a shady place which is free from ammoniacal and other noxious vapors. The 
 temperature is best kept between about 10° and 20° C. (50° and 68° F.), sudden changes 
 being carefully prevented. As soon as the water begins to get turbid or colored the 
 leeches should be placed in clean water of the same temperature and the jar well cleaned 
 from the slimy deposit, which is caused by the transparent epidermis being thrown off 
 every four or five days. To facilitate this removal some material is often put into the 
 jar through which the leech may draw itself, and which, by retaining this slime, will tend 
 to keep the water clean ; charcoal, pebbles, clay free from lime, moss, and Irish moss have 
 been recommended and found advantageous for the purpose, and apparatuses have been 
 constructed in which leeches may be kept on a bed of material which permits of a fre- 
 quent renewal of the water without handling the leeches. If they are kept in moist 
 earth, turf, or clay, this should be examined from time to time and dead animals removed. 
 The water should be changed at least once a week, and oftener in warm weather. It 
 will be observed that the conditions for the preservation of leeches are pure air, pure 
 water, and a pretty uniform temperature. Leeches are subject to several diseases which 
 may become epidemic, and which are recognized by an excessive separation of mucus, 
 ulcerations, tumors, or a flaccid appearance of the body ; those thus attacked should be 
 at once removed from the healthy ones, and placed in a separate vessel in clean water 
 upon a layer of washed charcoal. 
 
 Medical History. — Leeches have been used from time immemorial in Asia, but 
 particularly in Bengal, where they are considered the best means of local depletion. 
 They are especially preferred for rayahs, for women and timid persons, and for the very 
 young and very old (Wise). In Greek medicine they were apparently not known until 
 a late date, the first mention of them being made by Themison, who lived in the century 
 preceding the Christian era. They are scarcely alluded to by Pliny, who flourished a 
 century later in Rome, but subsequently their uses were described by all the Latin and 
 Arabian medical writers, as well as the mode of applying and preserving them and the 
 accidents that may occur from their getting into the throat or stomach. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Depletion by leeches is by no means identical with taking 
 
816 
 
 HIRTJDO. 
 
 blood by venesection, even in its action upon the general system, for the rapidity of 
 the loss in the one case and the slowness in the other produce quite different effects ; 
 in the former the impression is direct and sudden, in the other indirect and gradual. In 
 their local action the difference is still more evident, for while in the one case the whole 
 of the blood is despoiled to make a limited and local impression, in the other the object 
 is attained by a very small loss of blood. It must be remembered that the circulatory 
 apparatus is not a mere hydraulic machine, but that the blood-vessels, and especially the 
 capillaries, are endowed with a vital contractility which may be modified within a limited 
 area and excited by a local irritation. All active congestions and inflammations are, in 
 their origin, local diseases, and are therefore more or less amenable to local treatment, of 
 which one of the most powerful forms is the abstraction of blood, the essential pabulum 
 of all inflammatory processes. Hence the utility of leeches in inflammations in whose 
 immediate neighborhood these animals can be applied ; it is not so intelligible when they 
 operate upon the surface of the body immediately over inflamed organs which have no 
 direct communication with the skin, as in pneumonia, metritis, gastritis, enteritis, menin- 
 gitis, etc. The mere loss of so small a quantity of blood as they abstract from the gen- 
 eral circulation does not appear to be a satisfactory explanation. The superiority of 
 leeches over cups as a means of local depletion consists not only in the advantages 
 referred to above, but also in their being applicable to various parts to which cups could 
 not be applied, as the eye, the mouth, the anus, vagina, etc. 
 
 Large leeches should be used only when blood is to be freely abstracted and when the 
 part is not very sensitive or exposed. The wounds they make are apt to become ecchy- 
 mosed and leave visible scars. Small leeches are always preferable for application to the 
 face and neck, for the reasons just given, and also because the bleeding from their wounds 
 is more easily controlled. The number to be used will depend upon the size of the leeches, 
 the quantity of blood to be abstracted, and the vascularity of the part. The part to 
 which leeches are to be applied should be thoroughly washed with warm water, and even 
 with hot water, if it is not sufficiently vascular. Sometimes a hot-water fomentation is 
 applied to stimulate the skin. In order to induce the animals to bite it is customary to 
 moisten the part with sugared water or milk or to rub it with a piece of raw meat, or the 
 leecher pricks the part with a fine needle and smears the blood over the. skin, or he draws 
 from his own finger a drop of blood for this purpose. A common method of applying 
 leeches to a free surface is to put them in a small tumbler or wine-glass and invert it 
 over the part. Others place the creatures in a cup and direct them, as they crawl over 
 its edge, to the part where they should bite. For application to the nostril, throat, or 
 vagina the leech may be enclosed in a tube open at both ends. 
 
 A healthy leech of medium size will draw from 1 to 2 fluidrachms of blood, and as 
 much more will usually flow after the animal has fallen. When a strong and rapid 
 impression is to be made by leeches the number applied at once should be considerable, 
 but when a slow though continuous action is desired a succession of them may be used. 
 This is often the case in traumatic and other inflammations within the cranium. It is an 
 ancient custom, instead of applying many leeches, to apply one or two or a comparatively 
 small number, and when they are nearly gorged to puncture their bodies near the tail 
 with a needle or fine lancet, when they will often continue to draw blood indefinitely. In 
 any case the punctures will not soon cease bleeding if they are kept sponged with warm 
 water. Sometimes there is a difficulty in stopping the flow of blood, particularly if the 
 wound is in the epigastrium, on the neck, or on some other part where firm pressure can- 
 not readily be made. The various haemostatics may here be applied, several of them 
 being of common use in domestic medicine, such as scraped lint, burned rag, agaric, cob- 
 web, powdered rosin, India-rubber softened by heat, vinegar and water, etc. If these fail, 
 or in their stead, a saturated solution of alum in hot water may be applied on lint while 
 the liquid is hot, or lint saturated with a solution of perchloride of iron or of tannic acid, 
 or the lunar-caustic pencil reduced to a fine point, may be inserted in the wound, or, 
 finally, the point of a red-hot knitting-needle may be used in the same way. In all these 
 cases the action of the haemostatic should be aided by pressure with the hand or with a 
 small clamp or pincers made for the purpose, or by passing a needle through the skin, 
 including the wound, and surrounding it with a ligature in the form of a figure-of-eight. 
 The continued flow from leech-bites has been variously explained. The investigations 
 of Haycraft show that the blood sucked by the leech remains liquid, because the animal 
 secretes a ferment that prevents its coagulation without impairing its cell-organization 
 (. Archiv f. exp. Pathol., etc., xviii. 209). 
 
 Small leeches are sometimes taken in drinking-water, and attach themselves to the 
 
HORDEUM DECORTICATUM. 
 
 817 
 
 fauces or pharynx ( Times and Gaz ., Apr., 1884, p. 463), and have even penetrated into 
 the larynx and fatally obstructed it. A strong gargle of salt and water usually suffices 
 to make them quit their hold, and vinegar will have the same effect. These liquids have 
 been used, and also wine, when leeches have been swallowed, but the creatures would 
 probably be unable to live under the action of the gastric juice. In some cases, and 
 especially when the leech has entered the larynx, its presence has been discovered by 
 the laryngeal mirror, and in several cases laryngotomy has been performed for its 
 removal ( Times and Gaz., Apr., 1884, p. 463; Therap. Gaz., xii. 419). The case is 
 recorded of a leech that entered the urethra and caused haemorrhage {Jour. Amer. Med. 
 Assoc., iv. 375). 
 
 When leeches have been gorged with blood they are not, if left to themselves, fit to be 
 used again for several months. But by placing them in a weak solution of salt and water 
 or of vinegar and water they may be made to disgorge the blood they have swallowed, 
 and they soon regain their vigor if they are then placed in fresh water. They may also 
 be emptied of their blood by stripping them. Such leeches are more subject to disease, 
 and they should be kept separate from the fresh ones. 
 
 HORDEUM DECORTICATUM, Br.— Pearl Barley. 
 
 Hordeum perlatum . — Orge perle, Fr. Cod. ; Perlgerste , Perlgraupen , G. ; Orzo perlado, 
 F. It. ; Cebada perla, Sp. 
 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 
 
 The husked seeds of Hordeum distichon, Linne. 
 
 Fig. 1 49. 
 
 293. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Graminaceae, Hordeae. 
 
 Origin. — Barley is probably indigenous to Western Asia, and has been cultivated 
 from a very early period. It is now raised in most parts of the temperate zones, and in 
 Europe within the Arctic Circle. Besides the two-rowed or long-eared barley, Hord. vul- 
 gare, Linne, the four-rowed or spring barley, and H. hexastichon, Linne , or six-rowed bar- 
 ley, are the principal species cultivated. The fruit of these species is used indiscrimin- 
 ately in the preparation of malt, and, when deprived in suitable mills of the integuments 
 and rounded at the ends, constitutes the officinal pearl barley. 
 
 Description. — Pearl barley is nearly globular, of a white color and mealy appear- 
 ance, with the exception of a groove in which fragments of the integuments are present. 
 The larger pearls still contain externally a layer of gluten ; the 
 smaller ones consist altogether of the mealy albumen, and are 
 formed of a cellular tissue filled with starch-granules, which 
 resemble wheat starch, and are made up of small and large 
 grains with few intermediate ones. They are irregularly cir- 
 cular or elliptical in shape, with the nucleus or hilum rarely 
 perceptible and the layers indistinct. Pearl barley is inodor- 
 ous and has an insipid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The average of the various analyses made 
 by different chemists gives to barley 60 to 68 per cent, starch, 
 
 12 to 16 per cent, of protein compounds consisting of gluten and 
 albumen, 2 to 3 per cent, of oil, the same of ash, 10 to 14 per 
 cent, of moisture, and 8 to 12 per cent, of cellulose. Lermer (1863) found also traces of 
 tannin and bitter principle, and Lintner (1868) a little cholesterin. Kuhnemann (1875) 
 showed the absence of dextrin, and the presence of sinistrin and crystallizable sugar, 
 the latter being, in heated or germinating barley, converted into uncrystallizable sugar, 
 reducing Fehling’s solution. O’Sullivan (1882) showed the presence of several carbo- 
 hydrates ; and Mills and Pettigrew (1882) observed that water containing calcium car- 
 bonate or sulphate dissolves from barley an increased amount of extractive matter, while 
 the albuminoids are decreased. Proust’s hordein was proven by Braconnot and Guibourt 
 to be a mixture of cellular tissue, starch, and gluten. The fat contained in barley, 
 according to Hanemann, consists of glycerides of palmitic and lauric acids, the latter 
 being Beckmann’s (1855) hordeic acid. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Farina hordei praiparata is prepared by 
 heating barley flour in a well-closed vessel in a steam-bath for thirty hours. It is a 
 yellowish or pale-reddish powder, having a sweetish and mucilaginous taste, and contains 
 dextrin and other derivatives of starch and of gluten. 
 
 Action and Uses. — From the earliest times barley has been used not only as food, 
 but to prepare drinks for the sick, especially in febrile diseases and in pulmonary and 
 
 Barley starch-granules. 
 
818 
 
 HUM ULUS. 
 
 urinary disorders. Jacobi recommends the addition of barley mucilage to all the milk used 
 by children who are brought up by hand. Barley is now seldom employed externally, but 
 continues to be given internally and for the same purposes as of old. The addition of 
 honey makes barley-water more efficient in bronchial affections and sore throat. Formulae 
 for preparing it are given under Decoctum Hordei. 
 
 HUMULUS, U. 8.— Hops. 
 
 Lupulus , Br. ; Strobili humnli , s. lupuli. — Hop, E. ; Houblon , Fr. Cod. ; Hopfen , G. ; 
 Lupudo , Hombrecilles, Sp. 
 
 The strobiles of Humulus Lupulus, Linne. Steph. and Church, Med. Bot., plate 41 ; 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 230. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticaceae, Cannabineae. 
 
 Origin. — The hop is distributed over a great portion of the northern temperate zone, 
 and has been introduced into Brazil and Australia. It grows in hedges and thickets, and 
 is indigenous to North America, where it is particularly common in the northern and 
 western regions, and is found in the Sierra Madre range of Colorado at an altitude of 
 10,000 feet ; it is met with also in Middle and Southern Siberia and throughout the 
 greater portion of Europe. It is perennial, producing rough, long, and twining stems, 
 which have the leaves mostly opposite, heart-shaped, and three- to five-lobed. The sta- 
 minate flowers are in short racemes, and the pistillate flowers in densely-leafy, cone-like 
 spikes upon different plants ; the spikes or strobiles are the parts used. 
 
 Description. — The strobiles are ovate in shape 25-38 Mm. (1 to 1? inches) long i 
 and consist of a grayish, hairy, zigzag-shaped, somewhat glandular axis, to the angles 
 of which the enlarged leafy bracts and scales are attached ; these are obliquely ovate, 
 membranous, parallel-veined below, reticulately veined above, and at the base glandular 
 and surrounding a subglobular akene, which is likewise covered with numerous yellow 
 and shining glands ( lupulin ). Hops are of a yellowish-green color, of an agreeable aro- 
 matic odor, and of a bitter, aromatic, slightly astringent taste. When kept for some time 
 hops acquire a brownish color, and an unpleasant odor from the formation of some vale- 
 rianic acid ; these changes are prevented, or at least retarded, by exposure to sulphurous 
 acid gas, and the color of brown hops is to some extent restored by the same means. 
 
 (For an account of the culture of hops in the United States consult papers by W. H. 
 Bamsey in Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1875, p. 241, and E. G. Bissell, 1877, p. 538.) In the 
 fiscal year 1876-77, 20,177 pounds of hops were imported into the United States, and 
 874,559 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides the principles contained in the yellow glands (see Lupu- 
 linum), hops contain about 4 per cent, of tannin , which, according to B. Wagner, resem- 
 bles moritannic acid. Bissell (1877), however, found its behavior to mineral acids entirely 
 distinct, and noticed that only a small portion of it is precipitated by gelatin. Bowman 
 (1869) obtained by means of this reagent 3.67 per cent, of tannin. Hops, entirely freed 
 from lupulin, gave to Bissell, with water, a neutral distillate having an odor distinct from 
 that of hops, and containing mere traces of organic matter; the extract was but slightly 
 bitter. Hops contain 0.8 per cent, of volatile oil (B. Wagner, 1853), between 9 and 18 
 per cent, of resin (Siewert, 1870), some trimethylamine, and a volatile alkaloid, lupidine 
 (Griessmayer, 1874) ; this alkaloid is liquid, has a strong coniine-like odor and an alkaline 
 not bitter taste, and gives with phosphomolybdic acid a white or yellow precipitate which 
 dissolves with a blue color in an excess of ammonia. Sacc (1876) asserted that hops 
 contain a peculiar fermentative principle, which was disproven by Soxhlet and Pasteur 
 (1876). C. G. Wheeler (1865) found hops to contain 1.7 per cent, of nitrogen, and to 
 yield 7 to 10 per cent, of ash, in which potassa, lime, phosphoric acid, and silica predom- 
 inate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The association in hops of a bitter tonic with a direct seda- 
 tive of abnormal nervous action renders them peculiarly fitted to relieve those numerous 
 cases of dyspepsia which are due to an abuse of the stomach which both irritates and 
 exhausts it. Hence at one time they were celebrated in the treatment of atonic govt, a 
 disease in which such conditions are prominent. These qualities also explain their repu- 
 tation in the treatment of the forms of constitutional derangement which exists m 
 scrofula, and rickets when anaemia, glandular swellings, cutaneous eruptions, and dropsy, 
 especially of the abdomen, are present. Ilop-tea is one of the best remedies for delirium 
 tremens, tending to restore its tone to the irritated and exhausted stomach, and directly 
 to allay the characteristic nervous excitement of the attack. In various affections 
 
HIJRA. 
 
 819 
 
 attended with genitourinary irritation, as priapism, seminal emissions, nocturnal inconti- 
 nence of urine, and irritable bladder, hops are often salutary. As an external application 
 to relieve the pain of muscular rheumatism, abscesses, spasms, toothache, colic, bruises, etc., 
 hops form an excellent application. They may be incorporated in a poultice, or the stro- 
 biles, enclosed in a bag, may be moistened with hot water, vinegar, or alcohol, and applied 
 to the painful part. In this way hops are often associated with chamomile, thyme, lav- 
 ender, mint, etc. The infusion of hops is the best preparation for internal use, although 
 so much more bulky than the tincture or the fluid extract of lupulin. Its dose is Gm. 
 32-64 (f^j-ij). A pure and strongly hopped beer contains all the virtues of this agent, 
 but ordinary malt liquors are too often fraudulently adulterated to deserve such praise. 
 
 A drug called “ hopine,” and which was alleged to be the alkaloid of American wild 
 hops, proved to be an artificial product whose chief ingredient was morphine. 
 
 HURA.— Sand Boxtree. 
 
 Sablier , Fr. ; Sandbiichsenbaum, G. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Description. — The following species have attracted some attention : 
 
 Hura crepitans, Linne, indigenous to the West Indies and Central and some portions 
 of South America, and known there as ajuapar. It is a straight tree, about 21 M. (70 
 feet), high, with long petiolate, cordate-ovate, and serrate smooth leaves, pendulous ovate 
 staminate catkins, erect dark-red or purple pistillate flowers, and depressed globular 
 twelve- to eighteen-celled capsules, which when ripe break with some violence, scattering 
 the roundish flattened seeds, which have an agreeable sweetish taste. The tree contains 
 a very acrid milk-juice. The leaves, steeped in oil, are used in rheumatic complaints. 
 In Mexico the seeds are known as habilla ( pepita ) de San Ignacio , and are used for their 
 drastic properties. 
 
 Hura brasiliensis, Willdenow, known in Brazil as assacou or ussacu, resembles the 
 preceding in appearance and properties, but has oblong catkins. The thick, hard, grayish, 
 inodorous, and slightly acrid bark, casca de assacou, is employed in South America. 
 
 Constituents. — Boussingault and Rivero (1825) ascertained that one of the acrid 
 principles of the milk-juice is oily and volatile — the other, hurin, is crystallizable ; the 
 other constituents found were malates, nitrates, etc. Bonastre found in the integuments 
 of the seeds much coloring matter, tannin, and gallic acid, and in the kernel 51 per cent, 
 of fixed oil soluble in alcohol, solid fat, albumen, and salts. The oil is purgative. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Hippomane mancinella, Linne. — Manchineel, E. — A large West Indian tree, 
 with ovate, acute, finely serrate leaves. The fruit resembles a small apple in size and color, is 
 internally white and soft-fleshy, and contains from three to seven woody cells, each with a 
 roundish-triangular silvery seed. All parts contain an acrid poisonous milk-juice ; the poisonous 
 principle appears to be volatile. Ricord-Madianna (1827) found, in addition to this mancinellin, 
 volatile oil, fat, resin, caoutchouc, and gummy matter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like several other Euphorbiaceae, hura is a powerful irritant, 
 and taken internally in large doses occasions violent vomiting and purging. For these 
 reasons, probably, it has been used as an anthelmintic. Applied to the skin in decoction, 
 it causes irritation and even vesication. In Brazil, where it is native, it is much used in 
 the treatment of leprosy, but there is no evidence of its having cured the disease. It is 
 given in the form of a decoction, made by boiling half an oujice of the bark in a pint of 
 water to half a pint (Gm. 16 in Gm. 500). Baths made with a saturated infusion of the 
 bark are also employed. It is almost unnecessary to add that neither this medicine nor 
 any other ever cured leprosy, and that the use of a drastic medicine like hura cannot fail 
 to hasten the inevitable progress of the disease. 
 
 Manchineel was early described as a fatal poison. If, say the authors of the 
 History of the Antilles, (2d ed., 1665, p. 257), the fruit falls into the water and is eaten 
 by fish, they invariably die. Land-crabs are rendered poisonous by eating it. The juice 
 of the tree blisters the skin, and a single drop of it in the eye occasions a violent inflam- 
 mation. Dew or rain dripping from the leaves produces a similar effect. Sleeping under 
 the tree will cause the whole body to swell. The aborigines used the juice to poison 
 their arrows. Later observations and experiments have for the most part confirmed these 
 statements, and shown that the fruit, and also the juice of the tree, when taken inter- 
 nally, are emeto-cathartic and inflame the alimentary canal (Wibmer, Die Wirkung, etc., 
 1837, iii. 20). More recently a writer has corroborated the original accounts of the 
 poisonous qualities of manchineel ( XIX Century, May, 1888, p. 683). 
 
820 
 
 HYDRANGEA.— HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROS1VUM. 
 
 HYDRANGEA.— Hydrangea. 
 
 The root of Hydrangea arborescens, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Saxifragaceae, Hydrangeae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The wild hydrangea grows near the banks of rivers, 
 preferring rocky places, from Pennsylvania westward to Illinois and southward. It has 
 a pale-brown, internally whitish, woody, and much-branching root, which is of a sweetish 
 and pungent taste. The stem has a grayish, or on the branches a light reddish-brown, 
 bark, which is detached in thin concentric layers, from which circumstance the shrub is 
 known as seven harks. The leaves are opposite, nearly smooth, ovate, pointed, rounded 
 or slightly heart-shaped at the base and serrate on the margin. The flowers, which 
 appear in July, are in flat cymes, whitish, the marginal ones often sterile and radiant, 
 with four or five petals, and stamens twice that number. The fruit is a two-celled and 
 two-beaked capsule, containing numerous seeds. 
 
 Constituents. — Nothing is known about the principles to which the medicinal prop- 
 erties of the root might be due. Laidley’s analysis (1850) merely proves the presence 
 of the common vegetable principles — gum, starch, resin, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — We are told that hydrangea-root was employed by the Cherokee 
 Indians for the relief of calculous complaints, and that when duly administered to persons 
 suffering from urinary concretions in the kidneys and bladder it provokes their dis- 
 charge. We are also informed that in over-doses it occasions vertigo, oppression of the 
 chest, etc. ( V. S. Dispensatory , 12th ed.). If these qualities really belong to the med- 
 icine, it presents the singular case of being at once diuretic and narcotic. However this 
 may be, there seems to be good reason to believe that hydrangea has been found useful 
 in gravel and its associate disorders. In 1880 it was reported that the fluid extract had 
 “ a solvent effect on lithate of ammonia,” and in the following year that it put an end to 
 attacks of renal colic which had beset a patient for years (Edson). A little later several 
 aggravated cases of this affection were reported by N. F. Brown, in which the medicine 
 seemed to be perfectly successful (Med. Record , xvii. 471 ; xx. 652 ; xxi. 39). The 
 best form in which it can be administered is a fluid extract, which may be given in tea- 
 spoonful doses. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM, V. 8.— Corrosive 
 
 Mercuric Chloride. 
 
 Hydrargyri perchlondum , Br. ; Hydrargyrum bichloratum , P. G. ; Hydrargyrum muri- 
 aticum corrosivum , Hydrargyrum corrosivum suhlimatum , Hydrargyri bichloridum , Subhma- 
 tus corrosivus , Suhlimatum corrosivum , Mercurius suhlimatus corrosivus, Chloruretum ( Cl do- 
 return) hydrargyricum. — Mercuric chloride , Perchloride of mercury , Corrosive sublimate , 
 Bichloride of mercury , E. ; Deutochlorure de mercure , Sublime corrosif Chlorure mercu- 
 rique , Fr. ; Quecksilberchlorid JEtzendes Quecksilbersublimat, G. 
 
 Formula HgCl 2 . Molecular weight 270.54. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Mercuric Sulphate 20 ounces; Sodium Chloride dried, 16 
 ounces ; Black Manganese Oxide in fine powder, 1 ounce. Beduce the mercuric sulphate 
 and the sodium chloride each to fine powder, and, having mixed them and the manganese 
 oxide thoroughly by trituration in a mortar, put the mixture into an apparatus adapted 
 for sublimation, and apply sufficient heat to cause vapors of perchloride of mercury to 
 rise into the less heated part of the apparatus, which has been arranged for their conden- 
 sation. — Br. 
 
 Mercuric chloride is formed by the mutual decomposition of mercuric sulphate and 
 sodium chloride ; HgS0 4 +2NaCl yields HgCl 2 -(-Na 2 S 04 . By heat, mercuric sulphate is 
 partly decomposed (see Hydrargyri Sulphas), and the product of the above process is 
 thereby apt to become contaminated with mercurous chloride or calomel ; to prevent such 
 a result, the British Pharmacopoeia directs the addition of a little manganese dioxide, 
 which, reacting with some of the sodium salt, generates chlorine sufficient to reconvert 
 any mercurous into mercuric salt. On conducting the vapors into a large chamber they 
 are condensed in the form of a heavy white crystalline powder. 
 
 Properties. — Corrosive sublimate forms colorless rhombic prismatic crystals, or, 
 more generally heavy white crystalline masses. It has the density 5.4, and when heated 
 to about 265° C. (509° F.) fuses to a colorless liquid, and at a higher temperature sub- 
 limes without leaving any residue. It is permanent in the air, is inodorous, has a dis- 
 
HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSTVUM. 
 
 821 
 
 Fig. 150. 
 
 Crystal of Corrosive Sublimate. 
 
 agreeable acrid metallic taste, and dissolves in about 2 parts of boiling water and 16 
 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) ; also in 3 parts (2.3 parts, Simon) of alcohol, in 4 
 parts of ether, freely in volatile oils, in 1.2 parts of boiling alcohol and about 14 parts 
 of glycerin (U. S.). In the presence of camphor the solu- 
 bility is increased, so that 4 parts of ether and 16 parts of cam- 
 phor will dissolve 8 parts of corrosive sublimate, and 4 parts 
 of alcohol, with 25 parts of camphor, will dissolve 16.5 parts 
 of corrosive sublimate (Karls, 1827 ; Simon, 1836). The 
 aqueous solution has an acid reaction, becomes neutral on the 
 addition of sodium chloride, and when exposed to the light is 
 partly decomposed, with the precipitation of calomel and the 
 liberation of hydrochloric acid ; the decomposition is prevented 
 by the presence of free hydrochloric acid or of ammonium 
 chloride. The aqueous solution yields yellow precipitates of 
 mercuric oxide with an excess of lime-water (see Lotio 
 Hydrargyri Flay a) or potassa solution, a white precipitate 
 of ammoniated mercury with ammonia, and on the addition of 
 silver nitrate a white curdy precipitate of silver chloride, insol- 
 uble in nitric acid, but soluble in ammonia. Phosphorous and 
 sulphurous acids separate calomel from the solutions; hypophosphorous acid and stannous 
 chloride produce the same change, but when in excess and heated liberate metallic mer- 
 cury. The salt is soluble without decomposition in sulphuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acid, 
 and crystallizes again on cooling. Solutions of albumen or of tannin, forming insoluble 
 compounds, are used as antidotes to corrosive sublimate. 
 
 Tests. — Corrosive sublimate should volatilize when heated without leaving any resi- 
 due (absence of fixed impurities), and should be completely soluble in water or alcohol 
 (absence of calomel). It often contains traces of arsenic, which are probably derived 
 from the sulphuric acid with which the sulphate was prepared ; this may be readily 
 detected by mixing the solution with an excess of potassa solution, adding some zinc, and 
 heating, the test-tube being covered with filtering-paper moistened with a drop of solu- 
 tion of silver nitrate ; the appearance of a black spot indicates arsenic. “ If a saturated, 
 aqueous solution of the salt be heated nearly to boiling, then completely saturated 
 with hydrogen sulphide, and allowed to stand in a well-corked flask for several hours, it 
 should afford a colorless filtrate which, on evaporation, should leave no residue (absence 
 of many foreign salts.) If the precipitated mercuric sulphide obtained in the last-men- 
 tioned test be washed with water, then shaken for a few minutes with ammonia-water, 
 and filtered, the colorless filtrate, on the addition of a slight excess of hydrochloric acid, 
 should afford neither a yellow color, nor a yellow precipitate (absence of arsenic ).” — LJ. S., 
 P. G. This test for arsenic depends upon the solubility of arsenic sulphide in ammo- 
 nia-water, and its subsequent precipitation by hydrochloric acid, mercuric sulphide 
 being insoluble in ammonia. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A solution of 1 part of this salt in 1000 of water prevents 
 the germination of seeds and the communicability of the vaccine virus, and destroys the 
 life of plants, leeches, and fish immersed in it. Marcy’s experiments led him to conclude 
 that no other agent possesses a germicide power equal to that of corrosive sublimate. 
 “To-day,” he remarks, “it clearly ranks first of all the known agents as a disinfectant” 
 (Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., i. 199). Investigation by experiment has proved that the con- 
 tinued use of all mercurials induces diuresis (Rosenheim, Zeitschrift f. hlin. Med., xiv. 
 170), and this result has been confirmed clinically (e. g. Centralb. f. Ther., v. 476 ; vi. 
 716). In the connective tissue corrosive sublimate is absorbed, and occasions the same 
 symptoms and lesions of gastro-intestinal inflammation as if it had been given by the 
 mouth. The symptoms include gastric pain, thirst, vomiting of mucus and blood, and 
 death by convulsion or exhaustion. The lesions vary from slight redness to complete 
 softening of the mucous membrane of the stomach ; similar ones, with the addition of 
 eschars, ecchymoses, and ulcers, may be found in the intestine, and especially in the 
 rectum. 
 
 Poisoning by corrosive sublimate may be produced by its external application as well 
 as by its being taken internally. A solution of it applied to the unbroken skin has 
 repeatedly caused symptoms of poisoning, such as an acrid taste in the mouth, irritation 
 of the oesophagus, vomiting, epigastric pain, constriction of the chest, and a small and 
 irregular pulse. We have known a strong solution of corrosive sublimate applied for 
 many weeks and extensively to the sound skin occasion a copious diuresis, (which only 
 
822 
 
 BYDRARGYRI CBLORIDUM CORROSIVUM. 
 
 
 ceased with the suspension of the lotion), and at the same time a looseness of the bowels 
 which recurred at intervals for years. Hospital nurses have been salivated and other- 
 wise poisoned by applying the solution used to disinfect wounds, etc. ( e . g. Phila. Med. 
 Times , xiv. 952). When the skin is not whole the same and more aggravated effects 
 arise, including those of severe local irritation of an eczematous nature, and the absorp- 
 tion of mercury is sometimes proved by the salivation that ensues, and sometimes by 
 a deposit of mercury upon articles of gold worn next the skin. 
 
 The use of corrosive sublimate as a disinfectant in surgery and obstetries has occasioned 
 many grave and fatal accidents. In 1884, Mikulicz recorded cases of poisonous effects 
 produced in physicians, patients, and nurses by irrigating solutions of 1 : 1000 and 
 1 : 2000. Often albuminuria was developed. Frankel collected fourteen cases of death 
 from this cause. In all of them inflammation, ulceration, or gangrene of the large intes- 
 tine was found ( Virchow's Archiv , xcix. 2). Demme, Belfield, and others have reported 
 like cases ( Centralbl. f. Ther ., iv. 330; Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., vii. 273). Peabody 
 reported eleven cases, of which seven were fatal (. Med . Record , xxvii. 291), and Garrigues 
 stated that he had collected 22 cases of death from this cause in obstetrical practice 
 (. Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., Oct. 1889. p. 434. Compare also Keller, Med. Record, xxviii. 
 516 ; Stadtfeld, Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., July, 1884, p. 93 ; Winter, Therap. Gaz., 
 viii. 555; Fleischmann, ibid., xi. 126; Clark, Med. Record, xxx. 345; Virchow, Prac- 
 titioner, xl. 288 ; A. J. Pepper, Boston Jour., Nov. 1887, p. 516 ; Steffeck, Amer. Jour. Med. 
 Sci ., Apr. 1888, p. 427 ; Legrand, Med. Record, xxxvi. 517). In 1887, Butte showed 
 that corrosive sublimate, used in sufficient quantities, for dressing wounds and washing 
 cavities is liable to occasion watery and bloody diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, colic, tenes- 
 mus, etc., and occasionally salivation and stomatitis. Sometimes the urine is albuminous. 
 After death, which takes place in collapse, the chief lesion is diphtherial inflammation of 
 the large intestine. These effects occur whether the poison be introduced by the mouth, 
 the rectum, vagina, peritoneum, or skin ( Med . Record, xxxi. 520). A solution of 1 : 6000 
 injected into the peritoneum has caused fatal poisoning ( Practitioner , xxxix. 46). An 
 enema composed of about f^v of water and an equal quantity of a 5 per cent, solution 
 of the bichloride was, by mistake, given to an adult female, producing diarrhoea, vomiting, 
 collapse, and death in five days (Haber, Zeitsch. Min. Med., xiv, 459). Bepeated small 
 doses taken internally may involve danger. A. H. Smith (Med. Record, xxvi. 312) 
 relates that in eleven cases the bichloride was given, at intervals of one or two hours, in 
 doses varying from ^ to yL grain. In five cases no disturbance ensued, but in six grip- 
 ing occurred, with bloody diarrhoea or ptyalism, and in three cases there was diuresis. 
 
 Corrosive sublimate has never lost the pre-eminence which it shared with calomel of 
 being one of the best internal remedies for syphilis. In general, it is found not to salivate 
 unless given in doses of at least Grin. 0.03 (A grain) twice a day, but even in smaller 
 doses its tendency to irritate should be guarded by its being associated with some syrup, 
 bitter extract, or opium, and taken directly after meals. To prevent its decomposition in 
 solution, it should be given along with muriate of ammonia, in the proportion of Gm. 0.06 
 to Gm. 0.33 (1 grain of the bichloride to 5 grains of the latter salt). To this solution 
 alcohol should be added in the proportion of 1 part to 10. It is preferable to prescribe 
 as many daily doses of the medicine as the patient takes meals, in order to lessen the 
 chances of gastro-intestinal irritation. In appropriate quantities this preparation is 
 undoubtedly the best in infantile syphilis. In it about Gm. 0.003 grain) should be 
 given in solution three times a day, and generally prescribed in a syrup or mixed with one 
 when administered. If diarrhoea occurs, it should be corrected by diminishing the fre- 
 quency or the size of the dose and by adding to it a minute proportion of laudanum. 
 Baths of the bichloride have been used to cure syphilis, and with very great success ; 
 they are not apt to salivate, but the irritation of the skin they occasion renders them 
 objectionable. The salt has also been employed hypodermically. Some believe that the 
 subcutaneous injection of mercury will supersede all other methods of treating syphilis, 
 because it enables the physician to graduate the dose of the medicine — because, also, it 
 dispenses with baths and frequent changes of linen, does not hinder the patient from pur- 
 suing his usual calling, and shortens the duration of the treatment. On the other hand, 
 it is not demonstrated that this method of cure is as certain as the internal use of mer- 
 cury, unless the duration of the treatment is prolonged beyond the disappearance of the 
 symptoms for which it was administered. And it certainly has been fruitful in painful 
 and often extensive abscesses even when it was cautiously used. Kobner lays great 
 stress on the efficacy of hypodermic mercurial injections in curing local manifestations of 
 syphilis, such as condylomata and papular syphilides , engorged glands, etc. He holds that 
 
HYVRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM. 
 
 823 
 
 in this manner the antidote is brought into contact with the poison more immediately than 
 when it is otherwise administered {Jour, of Cutan. and Venereal Vis., May, 1885). 
 While hypodermic injections were employed superficially they were found to occasion 
 much local irritation and even abscess. But it is now agreed that they should be deep 
 and intramuscular, and that the most eligible region for making them is the buttocks. 
 The needle of the syringe is liable to become corroded, and should therefore from time to 
 time be renewed. It is recommended that the injections should be repeated about once a 
 week, and should each contain about Gm. 0.02 (one-third of a grain) of the salt on an 
 average, and that they should be continued for about a year (Bloxam ; Schadeck). Or a 
 solution of 1 : 100 may be used, of which from 10 to 20 minims may be injected daily for 
 about a month, or until the mouth becomes sore. The quantity employed during the 
 treatment is usually from Gm. 0.20-0.40 (3 to 6 grains) (Wolff, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 729 ; 
 Kaposi, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., May, 1890, p. 499). The salt preferred by Letnik 
 was “chloride of mercury with sodium chloride,” but he did not make any experiments 
 with mercurial albuminate {Edinb. Med. Jour., xxviii. 370). The peptonated bichloride 
 was claimed by Terillon in 1880, and was still maintained by Martineau in 1882, to 
 possess all the advantages hitherto attributed to it, including a rapid improvement in the 
 general nutrition and the constitution of the blood ; but it has been alleged, on the other 
 hand, that its use hypodermically is very painful and irritating, and that its cures are not 
 more radical than those obtained by inunction or by the internal administration of mercury 
 (j Bull, de Therap., xcix. 150; Med. Record, xx. 684; Bull, et Memoires de la Soc. de 
 Therap., Oct. 1882, p. 188). In 1881 the albuminate was introduced, and its efficacy 
 was stated to have been equal, if not superior, to that of the peptonate, while it was free 
 from the objections urged against that preparation (Gourgues, Bull. de Therap., cii. 49). 
 Another preparation of the same order is the gluten-peptonate, which is claimed to be 
 unirritating and efficient ( Therap. Monatsch ., iv. 437). On the whole, the soluble mercu- 
 rials are preferable for hypodermic use, and among these the bichloride is the best. (Com- 
 pare Lesser, Centralbl. f. Ther.,\ iii. 47; Horovitz, ibid. , p. 193; editorial, Univ. Med. 
 Mag., ii. 382.) 
 
 It is claimed that a solution of Gm. 0.016 (1 gr.) of the bichloride in Gm. 32 (an 
 ounce) of water is of great efficacy, both topically and internally, in the treatment of 
 diphtheria. The dose used internally varied from 1 of a grain to 1 grain in twenty -four 
 hours, given in divided doses at short intervals. In this disease and in pseudo-mem- 
 branous laryngitis Jacobi advocates the same treatment {Med. Record, xxv. 573), and 
 more emphatically in 1888 {Med. News, Hi. 662). It was used by Stumpf {Centralb. f. 
 Med., 1887, v. 598), who sprayed in the fances about 1 fluiddrachm of a sublimate 
 solution I— 1 per mill, strong, and cured twenty-nine out of thirty-one cases. Arrest of 
 the deposit and subsidence of the fever promptly followed. The injection was at first 
 made five times an hour, and its frequency was then gradually reduced. In every case 
 salivation took place. These results have been confirmed by others, and notably by 
 Rennert {Med. News, lv. 348), who limited the application of 1 part sublimate, 5 parts 
 tartaric acid, and 1000 parts water to the existing and accessible false membranes. The 
 solution was applied every six to twelve hours on fresh wads of cotton, and so as to 
 remove, if possible, the exudation and to saturate it if it could not be removed. No 
 poisonous effects occurred, probably on account of the weakness of the solution. Lunin 
 of St. Petersburg made comparative trials of various remedies in the treatment of the 
 fibrinous and septic phlegmonous forms of diphtheria, and found as a general result that 
 the percentage of deaths was less under the use of corrosive sublimate than under that 
 of other agents employed, except turpentine {Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., x. 127). Led by 
 the bacillar doctrine of phthisis and the antizymotic properties of corrosive sublimate, 
 some have made claims for the efficacy of this agent as an internal medicine that have not 
 been substantiated. But others who used it in atomized solutions have found that, like 
 many other local stimulants applied in this manner, it only diminished the bronchial 
 secretion, and therefore the sputa and the cough ; and others, again, that it was not 
 tolerated (Cs&tary, Centralbl. f. Ther ., viii. 542). In all the forms of chronic bronchitis, 
 and especially in foetid bronchitis, whether or not associated with pulmonary tubercle, 
 this method should not be overlooked. Solutions for this purpose should contain about 
 Gm. 0.01 in Gm. 100 (gr. £ in f^iij) of distilled water, of which 4 or 5 fluidrachms may 
 be inhaled twice a day. It has been proposed to treat acute 'pneumonia by perenchy- 
 matous injections of this salt ( Practitioner , xxxv. 377). Fortunately, the proposition 
 did not commend itself to the judgment of physicians. 
 
 In various diseases of the skin solutions of corrosive sublimate are useful topical 
 
824 
 
 HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDVM CJORROSIVUM. 
 
 applications, but the strength of the preparation should be carefully regulated, and none 
 should be employed if the skin is broken. Psoriasis, when inveterate, has been success- 
 fully treated by baths containing corrosive sublimate, the patients taking from 30 to 40 
 baths, kept at a lukewarm temperature, and remaining immersed from a half to three- 
 quarters of an hour (Voss and Sperk, Med. News and A&s., June, 1881, p. 356). A 
 solution of Gm. 1 (15 grains) of the salt in a pint of water, or, still better, in 2 fluid- 
 ounces of dilute alcohol and 14 fluidounces of water, forms a very efficacious lotion in 
 many cases of acne , especially in the form which affects the noses of certain women at 
 their menstrual periods ; in chloasma ; in lentigo and the discolorations of the skin 
 which go under the general name of freckles ; in prurigo pudendi as a palliative, and in 
 pityriasis, it usually serves as a cure. In various forms of ophthalmia Chabret states that 
 irrigation of the eye with a solution of 1 part of the bichloride to 2000 of water promptly 
 secures a reduction or an arrest of the inflammation ( Practitioner , xxxv. 55). Similar 
 statements have been made by Below ( Med . News, xlviii. 38), and Arnauts recommends 
 that in granular conjunctivitis a collyrium of the strength of 1 : 500 or 1 : 400 should 
 be instilled into the eye three times a day, while twice a week the conjunctiva should be 
 brushed over with a solution of 1 : 120 or 1 : 100. Essentially the same method was 
 advocated by Staderini ( Univ . Med. Mag., i. 702). Progressive suppuration of the cornea 
 has been treated successfully by Hotz with solutions of the bichloride, 1 : 5000 ( Journ . 
 Amer. Med. Assoc., ix. 773). The efficiency of corrosive sublimate in the treatment of 
 lupus has been proven by Doutrelepont, Unna, Payne, White, and others, either as an 
 exclusive or as an associated agent. It is claimed to destroy the morbid growth without 
 injuring the surrounding tissues. It has been used in watery solution, in an ointment, 
 with collodion, etc., and of the strength of from half a grain up to four grains to the 
 ounce. It is usually applied twice a day, or less frequently or in a mitigated form if 
 signs arise of mercurial poisoning. Warts may be destroyed by a solution of 15 grains 
 of corrosive sublimate in an ounce of collodion. A solution containing from 10 to 20 
 grains of the salt to the ounce of water is claimed to be a specific remedy for the inflam- 
 mation caused by Rhus radicans, or poison ivy. A solution of 2 grains in an ounce of 
 water is one of the best agents for destroying pediculi pubis, and is most efficiently applied 
 with a fine-tooth comb. Malignant pustule is said to be treated more efficiently than by 
 any other method with corrosive sublimate applied to the raw surface of a crucial incision 
 made through the hardened tissues. Ozsena, especially of syphilitic origin, is benefited 
 by the injection into the nostrils of weak solutions of the bichloride containing Gm. 
 0.06-0.12 (1 or 2 grains) to Gm. 32 (1 ounce) of water, or by a weaker solution applied 
 with the nasal douche. The nasal injection is objectionable, owing to the danger of the 
 medicine being swallowed. More than half a century ago injections of corrosive subli- 
 mate were used in the treatment of leucorrhoea and gonorrhoea, both simple and syphilitic. 
 Bichter ( Ausfurliche Arzneimittellehre , 1830, v. 636) especially advised that they should 
 not be stronger than about one grain in six ounces, and refers to their employment by 
 Plisson, Swediaur, and others in these affections and in balanitis. Others afterward 
 employed the same treatment occasionally, but in 1884 it was revived for its supposed 
 specific action on the gonococcus or germ of gonorrhoea. Injections were used contain- 
 ing the bichloride in the proportion of 1 : 20,000. Paul employed Van Swieten’s solution, 
 1 part, and water 190 parts. From comparative trials made by Firth ( Therap . Gaz ., x. 
 331) it appears that injections of corrosive sublimate (gr. -fa to fgj) cured gonorrhoea 
 sooner than any others except solutions of permanganate of potassium, and that such 
 injections were more efficient when warmed than when cold. But under either agent the 
 average duration of the disease was from seventeen to twenty days. (Compare Band, New 
 York Med. Jour., Dec. 2, 1887). Theorists have ventured to treat typhoid fever with 
 repeated small doses of the bichloride, and even to proclaim its success, but experience 
 has altogether condemned the method and refuted its supporters. (Compare Glaser, Prac- 
 titioner, xxxviii. 455.) On similar grounds solution of perchloride of mercury (Br. P.) 
 has been used in dysentery ( Lancet , Nov. 1889, p. 901) and cholera ( Therap . Gaz., xiii. 
 753), and calomel as well as corrosive sublimate internally for the same disease (Bull, de 
 Therap., cxviii. 49). A solution of the salt (1 : 1000) has been used in the operation for 
 the radical cure of hydrocele (Bull, de Iherap., cxii. 179). Syphilitic condylomata have 
 been successfnlly treated by washing them with a solution of common salt, and then 
 sprinkling calomel powder over them. This method is said to be less painful than the 
 direct application of corrosive sublimate (Nussbaum), especially in the form of Plenck’s 
 solution. This preparation has occasioned grave effects (Therap. MoJiatsli., iv. 371). 
 
 In the subacute and chronic forms of muscular and also of articular rheumatism a very 
 
HYDRARGYRI CI1L0RIDUM MITE. 
 
 825 
 
 gentle but sustained mercurial action will sometimes put an end to the lingering stiffness 
 of the joints. For this purpose minute doses of the bichloride in compound syrup of 
 sarsaparilla will be found appropriate. In chronic rheumatic arthritis it is said that 
 baths of the bichloride and compresses wet with solution of the salt have sometimes 
 produced cures of this intractable disease. It is recommended that a full bath should 
 contain from Gm. 12-32 (3 to 8 drachms) of the salt. The many possible dangers from 
 so large a quantity of a poisonous liquid should condemn its use fora disease in which its 
 utility is so questionable. 
 
 The most striking among the recent applications of corrosive sublimate is its use as 
 a dressing for wounds. No doubt can be entertained that it greatly diminished the 
 mortality from surgical as well as accidental wounds, especially in hospital practice 
 and when the sublimate solution was applied, to the injured part itself, and to the 
 surgeon’s hands, his instruments, and his dressings, so that not only was the specific action 
 of the solution utilized, but the utmost and most scrupulous cleanliness was enjoined. 
 The latter element is of capital importance in estimating the value of the method. Its 
 leading advantages were that the dressings need not be frequently changed ; there were 
 no discharges, offensive or otherwise ; the pain and fever were reduced to a minimum ; 
 and a rapid and perfect union of the several parts was secured. The solution never was 
 stronger than 1 part of the salt in 1000 of the water, and one of half this strength was 
 found best during operations ; while a solution of 1 : 10,000 was held to be sufficient for 
 ordinary dressings that were to remain in place. Naturally also the strength of the solu- 
 tion had to be less when it was frequently removed than when a single and permanent 
 application was made. The repeated use of the stronger liquid sometimes (as has 
 already been stated) occasioned poisonous and even fatal effects, including vomiting, 
 ptyalism, tenesmus, diarrhoea, and collapse, as well as local signs of irritation, such as 
 erythema, eczema, etc. 
 
 It was claimed that in the ordinary manoeuvres required in obstetrics, and also in ob- 
 stetrical operations, the same method greatly reduced the mortality of lying-in hospitals. 
 Especially was it found that irrigations of the vagina and uterus after delivery with a 
 solution varying in strength from 1 : 12,000 to 1 : 1500 were very efficient. But they 
 were not free from danger. Richardson relates ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., April, 
 1885, p. 413) five cases in which the uterine injection of solutions of 1 : 2000 and 
 1 : 2500 occasioned sore mouth. In a previous paragraph of this present article the 
 dangers of using this solution have been pointed out. They have also been dwelt upon 
 by Braun ( Centralbl . f. Therap., v. 589), and in this country by Davis {Med. News , 1. 
 309), though Winternitz maintains {ibid., liv. 545) that solutions of 1 : 2000 are not 
 dangerous if immediately after their injection they are allowed to escape from the 
 vagina. A mercurial sublimate prepared with an ounce of fatty acids has been found 
 of especial service in the treatment of parasitic skin affections, anthrax , etc., and a 
 mixture of 3 parts of bichloride of mercury and 20 parts of collodion has been applied 
 to flat vascular tumors of the skin. 
 
 The combination of corrosive sublimate with chloride of ammonium, which was for- 
 merly known as sal alembroth, has been used by Lister in a 1 per cent, solution to pre- 
 pare surgical antiseptic dressings, but was found practically objectionable. 
 
 Administration. — The dose of corrosive sublimate internally is from Gm. 0.004- 
 0.008 to J grain). It should not be given when the stomach is empty unless in a 
 very weak solution. It is recommended that for hypodermic use a 90 per cent, solution 
 should be prepared, with the addition of 0 per cent, of common salt, and the equivalent 
 of Gm. 0.06 (gr. J) employed as a single dose {Med. News , lv. 521). Sigmund used 
 Gm. 0.25 and Gm. 2 in Gm. 32 (4 grs. of sublimate and 30 grs. of salt) in an ounce of 
 water, of which one dose was Gm. 1.30-2.00 (20-30 minims). It is claimed, though not 
 admitted, that ammoniated peptonate of mercury deeply injected into a muscular part is 
 superior to other modes of administration. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM MITE, TJ. S. — Mild Mercurous 
 
 Chloride. 
 
 Hydrargyri subchloridum, Br. ; Hydrargyrum chloratum, P. G. ; Hydrargyri chloridum, 
 Hydrargyrum chloratum {muriaticum) dulce, Mercurius dulcis, Calomelas, Chloruretum 
 { Chloretum ) hydrargyrosum . — Calomel, E. ; Fr. ; G. ; Mercurous chloride, Subchloride { Pro- 
 tochloride ) of mercury, E. ; Protochlorure {So us- muriate) de mercure, Mercure doux, Fr. ; 
 Quecksilberchloriir , G. 
 
 Formula HgCl or Hg 2 Cl 2 . Molecular weight 235.17 or 470.34. 
 
826 
 
 IIYDRARGYRI CHLORIDVM MITE. 
 
 Preparation.— Take of Mercuric Sulphate 10 ounces ; Mercury 7 ounces ; Sodium 
 Chloride, dried. 5 ounces; Boiling Distilled Water a sufficiency. Moisten the mercuric 
 sulphate with some of the water, and rub it and the mercury together until globules are 
 no longer visible ; add the sodium chloride and thoroughly mix the whole by continued 
 trituration. Sublime by a suitable apparatus into a chamber of such size that the 
 calomel, instead of adhering to its sides as a crystalline crust, shall fall as a fine powder 
 on its floor. Wash this powder with boiling distilled water until the washings cease to 
 be darkened by a drop of ammonium sulphide. Finally, dry at a heat not exceeding 
 212° F., and preserve in ajar or bottle impervious to light. — Br. 
 
 Mercuric sulphate is first mixed with the requisite quantity of mercury to form mer- 
 curous sulphate, Hg 2 S0 4 , and afterward with sodium chloride. On heating the mix- 
 ture reaction takes place between the two salts, resulting in the production of mercurous 
 chloride, which sublimes, and sodium sulphate, which remains behind ; Hg 2 S0 4 + 2NaCl 
 yields IIg 2 Cl 2 4 - Na 2 S0 4 . If these vapors are cooled and condensed in a small space, 
 white or yellowish-white crystalline masses are obtained, which should be finely pow- 
 dered. To avoid this operation, the condensation is directed to be effected in a large 
 chamber, whereby a fine crystalline powder is obtained ; it is condensed in a similar form, 
 but still finer and as a still softer powder, by injecting steam into the condensing-chamber 
 while the sublimation is in progress. Calomel prepared in this way is designated in the 
 German Pharmacopoeia as Hydrargyrum chloratum vapore paratum, and is known in 
 France as Calomel a la vapeur. Water being at the same time condensed, it will hold 
 any corrosive sublimate in solution which may have sublimed with the vapors of calomel. 
 It is for the purpose of removing the same impurity that the ordinarily-condensed cal- 
 omel requires to be washed with water as long as mercuric chloride is dissolved, which is 
 indicated by the filtrate producing a white turbidity with ammonia or a black one with 
 ammonium sulphide. A current of cold air injected into the condensing-chamber will 
 precipitate the calomel vapors as a soft powder in a manner similar to that produced 
 by steam. 
 
 Very finely-divided calomel, Hydrargyri chloridum mite prsecipitat lone paratum, known 
 in France as Precipite blanc (which should not he confounded with ammoniated mercury), 
 is obtained by gradually adding a not too concentrated solution of mercurous nitrate to a 
 solution containing an excess of sodium chloride, digesting the mixture for a short time, 
 and washing the precipitate thoroughly with water. Wohler (1854) proposed the reduc- 
 tion of corrosive sublimate in solution by sulphurous acid and by warming the mixture. 
 Good results and nearly the theoretical quantity of calomel are obtained, according to 
 Sartorius (1855), if the corrosive sublimate has been dissolved in 80 parts, or, according 
 to Stein (1857), in 45 parts, of water. Concentrated solutions yield only one-half the 
 mercury as calomel. 
 
 Besides calomel manufactured in the United States, 2400 pounds were imported in 
 1875, and 8177 pounds in 1881. 
 
 Properties. — Calomel is a heavy, fine, smooth, and impalpable white powder, which 
 under the microscope is observed to consist of minute needle-shaped crystals, but when 
 prepared by levigating the crystallized mass it forms irregular fragments of crystals. 
 These two varieties are usually met with in commerce. Calomel obtained by precipitation 
 is in very minute particles, either crystalline or amorphous, but on account of its more 
 energetic action is rarely used. The salt is without action on test-paper, is entirely 
 inodorous and tasteless, and is not altered in the dark on exposure to the air ; hut if kept 
 in the light it gradually acquires a gray or blackish color, indicating decomposition. Its 
 density is about 7.0, hut varies somewhat as prepared by different processes. When 
 heated it sublimes completely without previous fusion. It is insoluble in water and other 
 simple solvents, but boiled with water it is slowly decomposed into metallic mercury and 
 mercuric chloride. Solutions of the fixed alkalies and alkaline earths decompose it, with 
 the formation of soluble chlorides and black mercurous oxide Hg 2 0 (see Lotio Hydrar- 
 gyri Nigra) ; ammonia-water also colors it black, but the resulting compound has the 
 composition NH 2 Hg 2 Cl. When mixed with a dry caustic alkali, alkaline earth, or an 
 alkali carbonate, and heated, decomposition takes place, metallic mercury being produced. 
 Moist calomel is reduced to the metallic state by many metals either in the cold or on 
 being warmed, soluble chlorides and metallic mercury being formed. Boiling nitric or 
 sulphuric acid dissolves calomel, with disengagement of nitric oxide or sulphurous acid 
 vapors and the production of mercuric chloride and nitrate or sulphate. Boiling concen- 
 trated hydrochloric acid dissolves mercuric chloride and leaves mercury ; in the diluted 
 state, and heated in contact with the air, mercuric chloride is slowly dissolved without 
 
HYDRARGYRl CHLORIDVM MITE. 
 
 827 
 
 separation of mercury. Calomel left in contact with solution of ammonium chloride is 
 j gradually converted into mercuric chloride, which dissolves ; the decomposition occurs 
 more rapidly with a concentrated solution and at a somewhat elevated temperature. 
 Potassium and sodium chlorides have a similar effect, but react more slowly. According 
 1 to Jolly’s observations (1878), corrosive sublimate is also formed from calomel in the 
 presence of hydrochloric acid, citric acid, alkalies, their carbonates, and alkaline earths, 
 but not with calcium carbonate or with sugar which is absolutely free from lime. Chlorine- 
 i water converts calomel into corrosive sublimate. With potassium iodide a green powder 
 is produced containing mercurous iodide. When triturated with impure sugar some cor- 
 rosive sublimate is formed. 
 
 Tests. — Calomel should volatilize when heated, without leaving any residue (absence 
 of fixed impurities). Heated with potassa solution, it should turn black, without evolv- 
 ing the odor of ammonia (absence of ammonium compounds). Agitated with warm dis- 
 tilled water or alcohol, the filtrate should not be colored by hydrogen sulphide or yield a 
 white precipitate with silver nitrate (absence of mercuric chloride), nor should it on 
 evaporation leave any residue (absence of fixed soluble impurities). Agitated with 
 diluted acetic acid, the filtrate should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide or silver 
 nitrate (absence of ammoniated mercury). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of calomel does not materially differ from that of 
 uncombined mercury (see Hydrargyrum) ; it is, however, rather more irritating, and 
 in excessive doses may cause active vomiting and purging. But some alleged instances 
 of its irritating action may be attributed to the calomel having been partially converted 
 into corrosive sublimate; but as Trasbot (Bull. etc. Soc. Therap., 1890, p. 121) and 
 others have shown, such a change must be very slight if it occurs at all. Among the 
 anomalous effects of calomel is a cutaneous erythema. 
 
 The experiments of Wassilieff led him to conclude that calomel in the stomach does 
 not hinder the digestive process, while it tends to prevent putrefactive changes in the 
 food. The cholagogue action ascribed to mercury, and especially to calomel, was an 
 invention of the British physicians in India, who long accepted the doctrine that large 
 doses of calomel diminish the vascularity of the gastro-duodenal mucous membrane, and 
 dissolve the inspissated mucus investing it and obstructing the gall-ducts, and that small 
 doses of the medicine are absorbed and through the blood promote the secretion of bile. 
 But a careful repetition of their experiments proved that large doses of calomel , as well as 
 small doses , lessen the biliary secretion , and that among purgative medicines mercury in 
 every form is the one that tends least to augment the discharge of bile. The experiments of 
 Prevost and Binet in 1888 confirmed the conclusion here stated ( Boston Med. and Surg. 
 Jour., Nov. 1888, p. 439). Like other mercurials, calomel is diuretic (Jendrassik, Uni- 
 I versify Med. Mag., iii. 330). 
 
 When the cure of syphilis was believed to depend upon profuse mercurial salivation, 
 calomel was generally employed to produce that effect. But at the present day this 
 action of calomel, along with its tendency to purge, has caused it to be less frequently 
 used than formerly. If prescribed at all, it should be in very small and repeated doses, 
 and the frequency of its administration determined by its effects upon the mouth, the 
 bowels, and the course of the disease. These remarks apply to indurated chancres as 
 well as to secondary symptoms. Of late years (for the history of the method, see 
 Guelpa, Bull, de Therap., cxii. 289; Zeissl, Cent r alb. f. Ther., v. 288) calomel has been 
 administered for the cure of constitutional syphilis by deep muscular injections. One 
 formula was as follows : calomel, common salt, of each 5 parts, distilled water 50 parts, 
 gum arabic mucilage 2.5 parts ; each injection contained about one grain of calomel. 
 Another was calomel 1 part, olive oil 10 parts; and a third calomel and lanolin, of each 
 three parts, olive oil 4 parts ; glycerin has been used as a vehicle. Albuminate of mer- 
 cury has been recommended for this purpose. The injections have usually been made 
 in the gluteal region behind the great trochanter, on the two buttocks alternately, and 
 at intervals of from one to three weeks ( Central!, f. Ther., iv. 37). The advantages 
 claimed for this method are that the patient’s disease is less apt to be known than it is 
 under other treatment ; that less mercury is required for a cure ; that the cure is more 
 speedy ; that relapses after it are not more frequent ; that salivation and ulceration fol- 
 lowing it are rare and slight ; that it is adapted to primary as well as constitutional syph- 
 ilis; that it permits an accurate estimate of the amount of mercury used ; and that 
 it does not derange the digestive organs. On the other hand, it is accused of being 
 extremely painful and liable to occasion abscess or purulent infiltration, pyaemia, and 
 stomatitis (Schopf ; Bender ; Besnier), and that relapses are more frequent and graver 
 
828 
 
 HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM MITE. 
 
 than after other mercurial modes of treatment. (Compare Leloir and Tavernier, Therap. 
 Gaz. xiv. 617.) Two cases of death caused by the hypodermic use of calomel are on 
 record ( Archiv . gen., Juin, 1889, p. 732) ; and the like issue occurred after a similar use 
 of oleum cinereum ( Therap . Monatshefte ., iii, 436). Other and similar results have been 
 noted by Kaposi ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., March, 1870, p. 305). The latter preparation, 
 or “ gray oil,” is composed of mercury and lanolin, each 3 parts, and olive oil 4 parts. 
 Calomel 1 part and olive oil 10 parts form a similar preparation which is claimed to be 
 comparatively unirritating in quantities containing one grain of the chloride. 
 
 Much has been written both for and against the use of calomel in typhoid fever , but a 
 careful study of its history seems to show — 1, that it is most useful when given in the 
 forming stage of the disease and in purgative doses ; and 2, that it is peculiarly mis- 
 chievous in all cases which tend to assume an ataxic or an adynamic type. In other 
 words, it is to be placed, in relation to typhoid fever, in the same category as other pur- 
 gatives, among which the salines have been proved to be eminently useful in the first 
 period of the disease. It is very probable that calomel, acting as a purgative, assists in 
 removing the poisonous material from the bowel, and possibly tends to destroy it if it be 
 a ferment, while, owing to its imperfect solubility, the medicine may serve as a protective 
 to the mucous glands of the small intestine. It has been recommended to administer 
 calomel in small and repeated doses, and so as slightly to affect the gums, about the 
 height of the disease, when the tongue grows dry, the abdomen tympanitic, and the 
 mind dull ; but if we know anything about the nature of these symptoms, it is that they 
 are signs of increased exhaustion of the nervous system and poisoning of the blood, and 
 therefore the very last to be treated by a medicine which tends directly to aggravate 
 such conditions. The period at which these phenomena appear, only to subside again in 
 three or four days in the natural course of the disease when it tends to recovery, is the 
 one in which the medicine is supposed to be indicated, and the reason assigned for its 
 use probably results, therefore, from an error of observation. Dr. J. C. Wilson has used 
 calomel hypodermically in this disease ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 729), 1 or 2 grains every four 
 or five days suspended in glycerin and water. 
 
 At one time calomel was held to be a specific in yellow fever — according to some, if 
 prescribed in large doses ; according to others, if given in small doses intended to pro- 
 duce its constitutional effects. Experience has condemned both methods as not only 
 useless, but injurious. The same may be said, but not so absolutely, in regard to remit- 
 tent fever ; the necessity of “ unloading the portal circulation,” which purgative doses of 
 calomel were supposed to effect, does not now appear so imperative as it did to the 
 theorists of thirty or forty years ago ; but the gastro-duodenal inflammation and the 
 engorged state of the liver are undoubtedly allayed by alvine evacuants, among which 
 calomel is one of the best, because it is one of the least irritating, particularly if followed 
 by copious but weak saline draughts in divided portions. The constitutional action of 
 calomel in this disease is no longer sought by judicious physicians. 
 
 During the last century, and indeed until within a few years, calomel was used by 
 English and American physicians in all inflammatory diseases with complete faith in its 
 efficacy. Borrowed originally from the treatment of acute hepatitis in hot climates, it 
 was applied in England to a totally different order of diseases (plastic inflammations), and 
 gradually came to be regarded as a specific in most of them. Subsequently, this empir- 
 ical practice was supposed to find a rational justification when it appeared that mercury 
 diminished the coagulability of the blood by lessening the proportion of its fibrin, and 
 still later, when it appeared that the medicine directly diminished the proportion of red 
 globules in the blood. The former effect was probably, indeed, only a consequence of the 
 latter. But, although it seemed to be proved that mercury thus restricted inflammatory 
 action and its consequences, it was not proved that their restriction by this means was 
 necessary to cure the disease, and it was even rendered probable that the antiphlogistic 
 use of calomel involved more danger than advantages. Extensive observation has now 
 demonstrated that, with one or two possible exceptions, inflammatory affections may be 
 cured quite as rapidly, and much more safely and agreeably, without mercury,than with 
 it, while the dangers involved in the antiphlogistic use of the medicine are so serious as 
 to condemn it whenever a safer remedy can be substituted for it. 
 
 Of acute inflammations, for whose treatment calomel has long been supposed essential, 
 may be mentioned pericarditis , endocarditis , pleurisy , pneumonia, meningitis, and hepatitis. 
 It is now apparently determined that none of these diseases, as a rule, require calomel 
 for their cure, and that most of them are aggravated by it. In regard to peritonitis , it 
 may be added that as the disease is never idiopathic, at least in adults, and never primary 
 
HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM MITE. 
 
 829 
 
 unless traumatic, pathology confirms what clinical observation demonstrates — that 
 mercury is unsuited to its cure. Acute hepatitis is not now, as formerly, indiscriminately 
 treated by calomel in tropical climates, where alone the disease is frequently observed. 
 The use of mercurial and other purgatives appears to be beneficial in the early stages of 
 the disease, but not through any specific operation. There are good grounds for suspect- 
 ing that in hot climates the repeated administration of calomel in divided doses leads to 
 the formation of abscesses of the liver. Meningitis , like peritonitis, is always a secondary 
 disease when not traumatic, depending upon a specific poison in epidemic cerebro-spinal 
 meningitis, upon the rheumatic poison in another class of cases, upon tubercle in a third, 
 etc. In no form of meningitis is calomel of any avail, unless it may be so in certain 
 exceptional cases of the tubercular variety ; and, although it must be confessed that 
 diagnostic difficulties obscure the subject, still, in the present state of our knowledge, 
 mercury stands next to iodine in the promise of doing good. In regard to pleurisy, 
 pneumonia, pericarditis, and endocarditis the case is somewhat different. In their acute 
 forms mercury is probably unnecessary, and, considering its liability to abuse, should not 
 be employed except as a purgative ; but when their acute stage has passed and the prod- 
 ucts of inflammation show no tendency to be absorbed, mercury sometimes hastens this 
 consummation in a remarkable degree, even when all other medicines have failed to abate 
 the hectic or asthenic symptoms or diminish the physical evidences of the causes that 
 produce them. Especially is this the case when the local lesion is engrafted upon a 
 syphilitic constitution. When under this dyscrasia alone the lung becomes solidified, 
 simulating tubercular infiltration, a carefully-conducted course of mercury will often dis- 
 sipate the local signs of disease and restore the general health. 
 
 Formerly calomel formed part of the established treatment of dropsy , and only fell 
 into disuse when clinical were supplanted by so-called rational therapeutics. Richter in 
 his Materia Medica (1830) declared that “ in dropsy calomel is of almost inestimable 
 value,” especially when neither diuretics, emetics, nor cathartics avail. He advised it to 
 be given in divided doses amounting to 4-6 grains a day, or in still smaller doses, asso- 
 ciated with squill and digitalis. This method was the usual one during many years, and 
 was familiar to the present writer between 1833 and 1840, but it seems to have been 
 forgotten until it was, in 1885—86, revived by Jendrassik. He found it most beneficial in 
 cardiac dropsy, but not useless in others of like mechanical origin ; and observed that 
 there was no uniform relation between the mercurial sore mouth and the occurrence of 
 diuresis, and that it was not necessary to continue the medicine after the diuretic action 
 began. The urine discharged was always watery and contained a large proportion of 
 cylindroid cells. In healthy persons no diuresis was occasioned by calomel administered 
 as above. It also failed in chronic pleurisy and in Bright’s disease, and even in some 
 cases of aortic stenosis and mitral insufficiency ( Centralbl. f. d. g. Therap. ,\\. 74; viii. 
 549). These conclusions have been in the main confirmed by Koranyi ( ibid ., iv. 197), 
 by Stiller and by Mendelsohn ( Archives gen., 7 eme, ser. xix. 738), by Meyjes ( Therap . 
 Gaz., xi. 751), Bird (Centralbl. f. Med., v. 184), Rosenheim (ibid. , p. 366), Leyden 
 (ibid., p. 476), Weinstein (ibid., p. 560), Meyes (ibid., p. 635), who insisted that saliva- 
 tion was not necessary to the success of the treatment, and is also unsuited to renal 
 dropsies ; Stintzing (ibid., vi. 85), who advocated the combination of calomel and digi- 
 talis, as did also Schwass (Amer. Jour, of Med Sci., March, 1889, p. 294), Snyers (Bull, 
 de Therap., cxvi. 189), Ignatiew (Centralbl. f. Therap., vii. 14), who considered the 
 medicine of little avail in all dropsies that were not of cardiac origin — a statement made 
 also by Huchard (ibid., vii. 408), and more recently by Pal (ibid., vii. 65). When 
 formerly employed in dropsy, calomel was, as before mentioned, usually associated with 
 digitalis and squill ; and a hospital physician of the day was in the habit of prescribing, 
 the combination “to gently touch the mouth.” The above results have been more 
 recently confirmed by Fachler (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xv. 233), and by Garvens 
 ( Therap . Monatsh ., iv. 180). All observers agree that the method requires caution, 
 partly to limit salivation, and partly to guard against cardiac failure. 
 
 Calomel is worse than useless in acute articular rheumatism; it neither mitigates the 
 disease nor prevents its complications. In certain cases of subacute and chronic rheuma- 
 tism involving the ligaments of the joints and rendering the latter stiff and painful on 
 motion, a course of very small doses of calomel will sometimes act beneficially, but 
 more advantage will be derived from iodide of potassium. Several cases published by 
 Dr. Ormsby illustrate the advantages of calomel in membranous dysmenorrhcea when 
 given so as lightly to affect the gums (Med. Record, xx. 597). Simpson formerly 
 attained the same end by means of pessaries medicated with mercurial ointment (Clinical 
 
830 
 
 IIYDRARGYRI CHLORIDTJM MITE. 
 
 Lectures , Amer. ed., 1863, p. 109). In metritis , both acute and chronic, calomel and 
 opium are generally administered with supposed advantage. In diseases of the kidney , 
 whether acute or chronic, mercury is a mischievous medicine. Iritis , although it may, 
 in its simple form, recover without mercury, is more readily cured by calomel and opium 
 internally, and mercurial ointment, with extract of belladonna or the instillation of 
 atropine, topically. Syphilitic iritis should always be treated by the internal use of 
 calomel, if not by mercurial inunctions. 
 
 In jaundice depending upon engorgement of the liver or upon obstruction of its ducts 
 with thick bile saline purgatives are the appropriate remedies, but the English custom of 
 first administering calomel or blue pill prevails in this country. It is by no means cer- 
 tain that the mercurial renders the purgative treatment more efficient. It can do no 
 harm as an occasional remedy, but is very mischievous if habitually taken. 
 
 Among mucous inflammations, pseudo-membranous laryngitis , or true croup (and not 
 diphtheria, which we hold to be a totally different affection, vid. Hydrargyrum), is 
 treated by calomel internally and by mercurial inunctions, in the belief that under its 
 operation exudation-matter will form less densely and adhere less tenaciously, and hence 
 be rejected by coughing or by vomiting more readily. The question of their efficacy is 
 difficult to solve, for the cases of the disease differ widely among themselves in the thick- 
 ness and tenacity of the membrane and in the extent of its deposit. But in a disease 
 with such fatal tendencies even a doubtful remedy should not be rejected. But that 
 cannot be truly called a “ doubtful ” remedy of which we read that it was given to a 
 child twenty-eight months old in a primary dose of 20 grains, which was followed every 
 hour by 10-grain doses until during three days 720 grains had been taken. The child 
 recovered from the treatment (Med. Record , xxvi. 36 : compare Med. News , xlvi.. 672). 
 In syphilitic laryngitis , which is generally ulcerative, calomel or mercury in some form is 
 indispensable. In acute bronchitis, which shows no tendency to decline at the usual 
 period of subsidence, small doses of calomel repeated until the mouth begins to feel its 
 effects will often promote the cure ; and in the chronic form of the same disease, with 
 dyspnoea and bronchorrhoea depending upon thickening of the bronchial mucous mem- 
 brane, the same method is often very efficient. In acute dysentery calomel has been used 
 as a purgative and in small or so-called alterative doses. There appears to be no doubt 
 that in the asthenic form of the disease purgative doses of calomel, if given in the form- 
 ing stage, will modify the course of the disease, just as salines, rhubarb, and ipecacuanha 
 will. There is no reason to attach any special importance to calomel as such. Its virtue 
 resides chiefly in its mild evacuant and protective action. In this disease calomel in 
 small or fractional doses is most useful when associated with ipecacuanha, and least so 
 when combined with opium. The advantage of the latter combination consists mainly 
 in its negative virtue of protecting the patient from perturbative measures. It is most 
 suitable when the acute stage has begun to decline, and after a judicious evacuant treat- 
 ment has mitigated the severity of the attack. A similar remark is perhaps justifiable 
 in regard to the calomel treatment of epidemic cholera. The huge doses of the drug 
 which were originally used by the British East India surgeons have long ago been con- 
 demned, as well as the other elements of their crude therapeutics. Nevertheless, they 
 have been from time to time revived by persons unacquainted with their history. If 
 calomel has shown any special virtues in epidemic cholera, it has only been when it was 
 administered in doses of 1 or 2 grains every five or ten minutes, with 1 or 2 drops of 
 laudanum in each of the first few doses. Knowing, as we do, the stomach’s complete 
 loss of its absorbing functions in this disease, the method in question really amounts 
 to a negative treatment, and this, it is pretty well settled, is more efficient than any of 
 the active methods which have prevailed. No doubt that calomel has been, and will 
 again be, employed in cholera as a specific destroyer of microbes, but the validity or 
 invalidity of the theory cannot alter the clinical results. The hostile influence of 
 mercury upon the lower forms of animal life explains the propriety of using calomel 
 purges in some cases of lumbricoid worms. But the possibility of its poisonous action 
 on the system renders it less eligible for this purpose than other direct vermicides. 
 
 It is perhaps even truer of calomel than of other mercurials, that it should be very 
 cautiously exhibited to persons suffering under a scrofulous, tuberculous, or cancerous 
 cachexia, or to those who have begun to exhibit the infirmities of old age or who are 
 known to be morbidly susceptible to its poisonous influence. 
 
 In an ointment — calomel Gm. 4 to Gm. 32 (3j, lard ^j) — calomel is sometimes applied 
 to condylomata and to limited scaly eruptions , and in powder it has been used to destroy 
 maggots infesting wounds in hot weather. In the latter form also it has been applied to 
 
HYDRARGYRI CYANIDUM. 
 
 831 
 
 ulcers of the cornea, but is not strongly to be recommended for this purpose. Sclilaefke 
 warns against the application of calomel to the conjunctiva of patients taking iodide of 
 potassium. This salt is then abundantly contained in the tears, and converts the calomel 
 into iodate and iodide of mercury, which in solution exert a caustic action ( Med . News 
 and Abst., April, 1880, p. 211). Calomel alone, or mixed with starch, has been applied 
 to the face in the forming stage of small-pox pustules to prevent pitting. 
 
 Calomel is most conveniently given mixed with a little syrup or enclosed in wafers. 
 As a purgative dose , from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx) may be administered. Children 
 require larger doses, in proportion to their age, thftn adults. To produce its constitu- 
 tional action, of which the first sign is usually a metallic taste in the mouth or soreness 
 of the gums, Gm. 0.05-0.10 (gr. j-ij) may be given three times a day, with l grain of 
 opium ; but still smaller doses, more frequently repeated, as Gm. 0.005-0.006 (y 1 ^- or y 1 ^ 
 grain) every hour, will affect the system more promptly. Hypodermically, 1 grain is the 
 average dose. It is recommended that calomel should not be applied to the glans penis 
 for balanitis if the patient is taking potassium iodide. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI CYANIDUM, TJ. ^.-Mercuric Cyanide. 
 
 Hydrargyrum cyanatum , P. G. ; Hydrargyrum borussicum , Mercurius cyanatus s. borus- 
 sicus, Gyanuretum hydrargyricum. — Mercuric cyanide , Cyanuret of mercury , E. ; Cyanure 
 (Bicyanure, Prussiate') de mercure , Fr. ; Cyanquecksilber, QuecJcsilber- Cyanid, G. 
 
 Formula HgCy 2 or Hg(CN) 2 . Molecular weight 251.76. 
 
 Mercuric cyanide should be kept in well-stoppered bottles, protected from light. 
 
 Preparation. — The process recommended by the U. S. P. 1870 consists in dissolving 
 mercuric oxide in hydrocyanic acid, the latter being prepared as the first step by acting 
 upon potassium ferrocyanide with sulphuric acid. (See Acid. Hydrocyanicum, page 
 63.) On agitating it with mercuric oxide a combination is effected, resulting in the 
 production of mercuric cyanide and water ; 2 H Cy + HgO yields HgCy 2 -f- H 2 0. Should 
 an excess of mercuric oxide be present, it will combine with the cyanide to mercuric 
 oxy cyanide, HgO.HgCy 2 , which is converted into cyanide by the addition of a reserved 
 portion of hydrocyanic acid ; an excess of the latter does not change the nature of the 
 product, and is volatilized on evaporating the liquid. When the clear liquid has been 
 sufficiently concentrated it is set aside in a cool and dark place to crystallize, and the 
 crystals are dried, protected from the light. 
 
 This is not the only process, but the most convenient one, by which mercuric cyanide 
 may be obtained. On boiling pure ferrocyanide of iron with mercuric oxide, mercuric 
 cyanide enters into solution ; should the filtrate contain iron, it must be evaporated to 
 dryness, the residue again taken up with water, and the solution evaporated to crystalli- 
 zation. On boiling potassium ferrocyanide with a proper quantity of mercuric sulphate, 
 a complex reaction will take place, resulting finally in the production of metallic mercury 
 and of a solution containing mercuric cyanide, potassium sulphate, and ferric sulphate, 
 to be separated by crystallization from diluted alcohol. 7HgS0 4 + 2'K 4 FeCy 6 = Hg 
 + 6HgCy 2 + 4K 2 S0 4 + Fe 2 3S0 4 . 
 
 Properties. — Mercuric cyanide is in colorless or white quadrangular prisms, which 
 are inodorous, have a bitter metallic taste, and are permanent in the air if the light be 
 excluded. The salt is soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 12.8 parts of 
 water (U. S., P. G.) and in 14.5 ( P . G.) or 15 (H. S.) parts of alco- 
 hol, also in 3 parts of boiling water and in 6 parts of boiling alcohol, 
 but is very sparingly soluble in ether. The solutions have a neutral 
 reaction to test-paper. The aqueous solution is not decomposed by 
 nitric or dilute sulphuric acid, but hydrochloric acid liberates hydro- 
 cyanic acid, recognizable by its odor, and mercuric chloride remains 
 in solution ; it yields a black precipitate with hydrogen sulphide, but 
 does not give the ordinary reactions for mercuric salt or cyanide when 
 tested with alkalies, potassium iodide, or silver nitrate, double com- 
 pounds, mostly crystalline, being formed, which are more or less 
 freely soluble in water. The salt is blackened by exposure to the 
 light, and when carefully dried and heated is decomposed into mer- 
 cury and cyanogen, which is inflammable, burning with a purplish 
 flame ; but when rapidly and strongly heated the crystals decrepitate 
 violently, and black paracyanog^i is first produced before the whole 
 is finally dissipated, and in the presence of moisture carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydro- 
 
 Fig. 151. 
 
 Crystal of Mercuric 
 Cyanide. 
 
832 
 
 HYDRARG YRI IODIDUM FLAVUM. 
 
 cyanic acid are evolved. When mixed with an equal weight of iodine, and heated in a 
 dry test-tube, two crystalline sublimates are obtained, the lower one consisting of mer- 
 curic iodide, being yellow and becoming red on cooling, while the upper one, consisting 
 of cyanogen iodide, is white and has a penetrating acrid odor. 
 
 Tests. — Mercuric cyanide dissolved in water should not impart a brown color to tur- 
 meric-paper (absence of mercuric oxycyanide). “A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the 
 salt, when mixed with a dilute aqueous solution of potassium iodide, should not yield a 
 red or reddish precipitate soluble in excess of the precipitant (absence of mercuric chlo- 
 ride).” — U. S. In the presence of" a little chloride this test is apt to fail unless the 
 potassium iodide solution be very cautiously added. A much better test is the follow- 
 ing : The solution of the salt in twenty parts of water slightly acidulated with nitric 
 acid, should not produce a white precipitate on the addition of test-solution of silver 
 nitrate. The absence of salts of other metals is shown by the complete volatility by 
 heat. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mercury cyanide is a violent irritant poison, producing also 
 extreme prostration and partial cyanosis, and death by exhaustion. In other words, its 
 action includes that of hydrocyanic acid as well as that of the irritant mercurial salts. 
 It has been used in the treatment of constitutional syphilis, and is strongly recommended 
 by Dr. Macnaughton Jones in doses of y 1 ^ grain three times a day, but not to the exclu- 
 sion of arsenic and iodine { Practitioner , xxxiv. 410). A German physician claims 
 that, when all the usual remedies for diphtheria had failed, he succeeded in curing nearly 
 all his cases by administering every hour grain of cyanide of mercury (Times and 
 Gaz ., Jan. 1881, p. 101). A similar claim is made by Bree, who used a solution of Gm. 
 0.01 to Gm. 10 (gr. £ in f^iiss) of diluted alcohol, of which 2 or 3 drops were given at first 
 every quarter of an hour {Centralb. f Ther ., v. 403). The share of the medicine in the 
 alleged result is more than problematical. No sufficient reason appears for retaining so 
 dangerous a preparation among officinal medicines. Gm. 1.30 (20 grains) of it caused 
 death in ten days, and Gm. 0.10 (2 grains) a severe illness which lasted for three weeks. 
 
 “ Cyanide of mercury ” (HgOHgCn 2 ) was proposed by Chibret as being less poison- 
 ous and more antiseptic than the bichloride. Boer claims that when administered hypo- 
 dermically it does not coagulate albumen, that its solution is neutral, that it is neither 
 poisonous nor corrosive, that it does not attack surgical instruments as much as corrosive 
 sublimate, and that it is not decomposed by light ( Therag . Monatsh ., iv. 332). 
 
 The double cyanide of mercury and zinc was proposed by Sir Joseph Lister in 1889 as 
 an antiseptic dressing superior to all others ( Lancet , Nov. 1889, p. 945 ; White {Med. 
 Mews , lv. 608; lvi. 130), but it was soon declared to show no superiority to the pre- 
 viously used mixture of corrosive sublimate and sal ammoniac (sal alembroth), and, 
 indeed, was alleged to consist essentially of cyanide of zinc (Dott, Lancet , Nov. 1889, 
 p. 1133). 
 
 HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM FLAVUM, U. 8.— Yellow Mercurous 
 
 Iodide. 
 
 Hydran/yri Iodidum Viride, U. S. 1880. — Hydrargyrum iodatum Jlavnm , Hydrargyni 
 proto-ioduretum , loduretum hydrargyrosum. — Protoiodide of mercury , yellow {or green'), 
 iodide of mercury, E. ; Proto-iodure de mercure , Iodure mercureux, Fr. ; Queckstlberjodur, 
 Gelbes IodquecJcsilber, G. 
 
 Formula Hgl or Hg 2 I 2 . Molecular weight 326.33 or 652.66. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury, 50 Gm. ; Nitric Acid, Potassium Iodide, Distilled Water, 
 Alcohol, each, a sufficient quantity. Mix 20 Cc. each of nitric acid and distilled water, 
 and, when the liquid is cold, pour it upon the mercury contained in a small glass flask. 
 Set the mixture aside in a cool and dark place, and agitate it occasionally until the reaction 
 ceases and a little mercury still remains undissolved. Separate the crystals of mercurous 
 nitrate, which will have formed from the mother-liquid, allow them to drain in a glass fun- 
 nel, and dry them on bibulous paper in a dark place. When the salt is dry, weigh oft 
 40 Gm. of it, and dissolve it in 1000 Cc. of distilled water to which 10 Cc. of nitric 
 acid had previously been added. Having prepared a solution of 24 Gm. of potassium 
 iodide in 1000 Cc. of distilled water, slowly pour the solution of potassium iodide into 
 that of the mercurous nitrate, under constant stirring ; allow the precipitate to subside, 
 decant the supernatant liquid, and transfer the precipitate, together with the remainder 
 of the liquid, to a filter. When the precipitate has' drained, wash it with distilled 
 water until the washings no longer have an acid reaction upon litmus paper, and after- 
 
HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUB RUM. 
 
 833 
 
 ward wash it with alcohol as long as the clear, colorless washings afford any color with 
 hydrogen sulphide test-solution. Lastly, dry the product in a dark place, between sheets 
 of bibulous paper, at a temperature not exceeding 40° C. (104° F.). Keep it in dark 
 amber-colored vials, and expose it to light as little as possible. Instead of weighing off 
 40 Gm. of the mercurous nitrate as above directed, the whole of the crystallized salt 
 may be taken and the amount of potassium iodide, etc., adjusted on the proportions given 
 above. — U. S. 
 
 When solutions of a mercurous salt and potassium iodide are brought together, mutual 
 decomposition results, and mercurous iodide is formed, together with a salt of the alkali, 
 as shown by the following reaction : Hg 2 (N0 3 ) 2 -f- 2KI = 2(HgI) or Hg 2 I 2 + 2KN0 3 . 
 
 The object of adding the potassium iodide to the mercurous nitrate in the official pro- 
 cess is to avoid the formation of mercuric salt, which is apt to occur if the process were 
 reversed ; it is well known that solutions of alkali iodides and also ferrous iodide will 
 decompose mercurous iodide into mercuric iodide and mercury, the mercuric salt being 
 held in solution by the alkali iodide as the so-called iodohydrargyrate of the alkali, while 
 the mercury is precipitated in a finely-divided state. The decomposition is readily under- 
 stood from the equation, 2HgI + 2KI = HgI 2 .2KI + Hg. 
 
 The former U. S., Br., and G. Pharmacopoeias all directed the preparation of mercurous 
 iodide by triturating iodine and mercury together in proper proportions in the presence 
 of a little alcohol ; any mercuric iodide formed was removed by washing with alcohol. 
 The Br. P. and P. G. have dismissed this compound entirely in their recent issues, 1885 
 and 1890. When prepared by direct union mercurous iodide is much more green in 
 color, and this is also the case if appreciable quantities of mercuric iodide are present, as 
 may be seen from the change of color caused by exposure of the yellow iodide to sun- 
 light, which causes decomposition into mercuric iodide and metallic mercury. 
 
 Properties. — Mercurous iodide (official) is a bright-yellow, amorphous powder, odor- 
 less and tasteless, and becoming darker by exposure to light, in proportion as it under- 
 goes decomposition into mercuric iodide and mercury. It is wholly insoluble in alco- 
 hol or ether, and almost insoluble in water. When slowly heated it assumes at first 
 an orange, and then a red or red-brown color, becoming yellow again on cooling ; but 
 when quickly and strongly heated, it is at first partially decomposed into mercury and 
 mercuric iodide, and is finally completely volatilized. Mercurous iodide dissolves in 
 ammonia-water, leaving a gray residue, and in sodium thiosulphate solution, leaving 
 mercury, and yielding a colorless liquid, which on heating deposits dark-red mercuric 
 sulphide. When it is heated with sulphuric acid and a little manganese dioxide, vapors 
 of iodine are evolved. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be shaken with 10 Cc. of alcohol, and filtered, a 
 portion of the filtrate should be scarcely affected by hydrogen sulphide test-solution, nor 
 should it produce more than a very faint, transient opalescence when dropped into water ; 
 and if 5 Cc. of the filtrate be evaporated from a white porcelain surface, not more than 
 a very faint red stain should remain (absence of more than traces of mercuric iodide. )” — 
 U. S. Fixed impurities, if present, remain behind if a portion is heated to redness in a 
 porcelain crucible. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Green iodide or protiodide of mercury is chiefly used in the 
 treatment of constitutional syphilis , and is preferred above other preparations by several 
 eminent syphilographers. It should be given in doses of from Gm. 0.04-0.06 (gr. f-1) 
 three times a day, and gradually increased until these doses are trebled or more, provided 
 that neither salivation nor diarrhoea occurs. It is less apt than calomel to produce such 
 effects. The following formula is much employed: B. Protiodide of mercury, extract 
 of lettuce, each Gm. 3 (45 grains); extract of opium Gm. 1 (15 grains); confection 
 of roses Gm. 6 (90 grains). Mix, and divide into sixty pills, one, two, or three to be 
 taken daily. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM, U. Br.— Red Mercuric 
 
 Iodide. 
 
 Hydrargyrum hiiodatum , P. G. ; Deutoioduretum ( Biniodidum ) hydrargyria Mercurius 
 lodatus ruber , Ioduretum hydrargyricum. — Biniodide of mercury , Mercuric iodide , E. ; 
 Deuto-iodure ( Bi-iodure ) de mercure , Iodurc mercurique, Fr. ; Rothes Jodquecknlber , 
 Quecksilberjodid, G. 
 
 Formula Hgl 2 . Molecular weight 452.86. 
 
 Preparation. — Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, 40 Gm. ; Potassium Iodide, 50 Gm.; 
 
 53 
 
834 
 
 IIYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUB RUM. 
 
 Distilled Water, a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the corrosive mercuric chloride and the 
 potassium iodide each in 800 Cc. of distilled water, and filter the solutions separately. 
 Pour both solutions simultaneously and in a thin stream, under constant stirring, into 
 2000 Cc. of distilled water. When the precipitate has subsided, decant the supernatant 
 liquid, collect the precipitate on a filter, and wash it with cold distilled water, until the 
 washings give not more than a slight opalescence with silver nitrate test-solution. 
 Finally, dry it in a dark place, between sheets of bibulous paper, at a temperature not 
 exceeding 40° C. (104° F.). Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles, protected from 
 light. — U. S. 
 
 Take of perchloride of mercury 4 ounces ; potassium iodide 5 ounces ; boiling distilled 
 water 4 pints. Dissolve the perchloride of mercury in 3 pints, and the potassium iodide 
 in the remainder of the water, and mix the two solutions. When the temperature of the 
 mixture has fallen to that of the atmosphere, decant the supernatant liquor from the 
 precipitate, and, having collected the latter on a filter, wash it twice with cold distilled 
 water and dry it at a temperature not exceeding 212° F. — Br. 
 
 Mercuric chloride and potassium iodide, when mixed in the proportion of the weight 
 of 1 molecule of the former to 2 of the latter salt, decompose each other into mercuric 
 iodide, which precipitates, and potassium chloride, which remains in solution : HgCl 2 
 -j- 2KI yields Hgl 2 +2KC1. The U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias use the two salts in 
 the proportion of 4 to 5, which is a slight excess of the potassium salt over the theoret- 
 ical quantity, but is generally necessary in practice, owing to the small percentage of 
 impurities always present in commercial potassium iodide. By calculation it is found 
 that 4 parts of mercuric chloride require for complete decomposition 4.898 parts of potas- 
 sium iodide, or 9 parts of the former require 11.02 parts of the latter salt. By mixing 
 the two solutions cold the red iodide is separated in the form of powder, but when 
 the hot solutions are mixed and slowly cooled beautiful crystals are obtained. In either 
 case the yield should be about 60 per cent, over the weight of the corrosive sublimate 
 used. 
 
 Properties. — Mercuric iodide is a scarlet-red amorphous or crystalline powder or is 
 in brilliant crystals. It is permanent in the air if kept in the dark or in diffused day- 
 light, but acquires a brownish tint in the sunlight. It is inodorous and nearly tasteless, 
 a metallic taste being slowly developed when kept upon the tongue. On being heated, 
 to above 150° C. (302° F.), it turns yellow, but on cooling readily resumes its red color 
 under various influences. It fuses near 240° C. (464° F.) to an amber-colored liquid, 
 and at a higher heat sublimes to bright-yellow tabular crystals which after cooling are 
 again converted into the prismatic or octahedral red crystals. The salt is very spar- 
 ingly soluble in cold or hot water, little so in ether and diluted nitric acid, but more freely 
 soluble in hydriodic or hydrochloric acid, in potassium iodide or chloride, in many ammo- 
 nium salts, in solutions of mercuric salts, in chloroform, fixed oils, hot carbon disulphide, etc. 
 It dissolves in 130 parts of cold and in 15 (£ 7 ! /S'.) or 20 (jP. G.) parts of hot alcohol, crys- 
 tallizing on cooling ; on pouring the alcoholic solution into cold water the salt separates 
 as a fine yellow powder, remaining suspended in the liquid and gradually turning red. 
 The solutions are colorless, and are partly decomposed by potassa solution, a portion of 
 the mercury being deposited as mercuric oxide, the remainder forming a soluble iodide ot 
 potassium and mercury. On heating the salt with solution of soda and glucose or sugar 
 of milk, metallic mercury will be precipitated, and on heating it with sulphuric acid and 
 black manganese oxide, vapors of iodine will be given off. When a hot solution of potas- 
 sium iodide is saturated with mercuric iodide and then allowed to cool, one-third of the 
 latter salt crystallizes on cooling; the remainder is obtained, on further concentration, as 
 yellow prisms, which are soluble in alcohol and ether, but are partly decomposed by 
 water. The crystals are mercuric potassium iodide (2KI.HgI 2 )3H 2 0, more generally 
 known as potassium iodohydraryyrate. and are likewise formed on adding mercuric chlo- 
 ride to an excess of potassium iodide. 
 
 Tests. — Impurities, if present, are readily detected by the residue left on subliming 
 the salt (red oxide of lead and other non-volatile compounds) and on dissolving it in hot 
 alcohol (vermillion, etc.). The cold alcoholic solution should be colorless and without 
 acid reaction (mercuric chloride), and on the addition of ammonia should merely acquire 
 a brown color, but not be precipitated (mercuric chloride). “ If about 0.5 Gm. of the 
 salt be shaken with 10 Cc. of water, the filtered liquid should not become more than very 
 slightly colored by hydrogen sulphide test-solution, nor afford more than a slight^ opal- 
 escence with silver nitrate test-solution (limit of soluble chlorides or iodides')." U. /S. 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The observation of Nessler (1856) of the effect of 
 
HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRTJM. 
 
 835 
 
 Ammonia upon solutions of mercuric iodide has resulted in the discovery of a very 
 delicate reagent for minute quantities of ammonia or ammonia salts, known as the 
 
 Nessler Reagent . — It is made by dissolving 50 Gm. of potassium iodide in a little boil- 
 ing distilled water, and adding to it, carefully, sufficient boiling hot concentrated solution 
 of mercuric chloride until the red precipitate formed is no longer redissolved on agitation ; 
 the liquid is decanted and filtered, and the filtrate mixed with 200 Gm. of potassa dis- 
 solved in a small q'uantity of water ; when cold the mixture is diluted to the measure of 
 1 liter by the addition of distilled water. The addition of 5 Cc. of cold saturated solu- 
 tion of corrosive sublimate is recommended by some, but is not necessary. (See also 
 Aqua Ammonite, p. 250.) It will be observed that this is a solution of mercuric potas- 
 sium iodide in caustic potassa. On the addition of ammonium salt this is decomposed by 
 the potassa, ammonia is liberated, and reacts now with the double iodide and another por- 
 tion of the potassa, resulting in the formation of brown insoluble dimercur-ammonium 
 (XHg 2 ) iodide, potassium iodide, and water, as will be seen from the equation NH 3 
 + 2(HgI 2 .2KI) -f- 3KOH = NHg 2 I -|- 7KI -f 3H 2 0. If the ammonia is present in minute 
 quantity, the color is best observed by looking through the column of the liquid contained 
 in a tall test-tube and placed on white paper. 
 
 Y inckler (1830), Von Planta (1846), and Groves (1858) observed the beha vior of 
 solutions of the double iodide upon solutions of vegetable alkaloids, which led F. F. 
 Mayer (1862) to the adoption of a tenth normal solution, now known as 
 
 Mayer s Solution . — It is prepared by dissolving 13.546 Gm. of mercuric chloride and 
 49.8 potassium iodide in sufficient distilled water to obtain 1 liter of liquid. The present 
 test-solution of mercuric potassium iodide (see List of Reagents ) is identical with this. 
 The test is applied in acidulated aqueous solutions, since ammonia would also be 
 precipitated if an alkaline liquid were used. 1 Cc. of this test liquid precipitates of 
 
 Aconitine, 0.0267 Gm, 
 Atropine, 0.0145 “ 
 Brucine, 0.0233 u 
 Cinchonine, 0.0102 “ 
 
 Coniine, 0.00416 Gm, 
 Morphine, 0.020 “ 
 
 Narcotine, 0.0213 u 
 Nicotine, 0.00405 “ 
 
 Quinine, 0.0108 Gm, 
 Quinidine, 0.0120 “ 
 Strychnine, 0.0167 “ 
 Veratrine, 0.0269 “ 
 
 The end of the precipitation is determined by filtering a few drops of the liquid tested 
 upon a watch-crystal, and by placing a small drop of the test solution alongside, allowing 
 the two to run together. For colorless solutions which are free from chlorides, etc. an 
 excess of the test liquid may be used, and the excess determined in the filtrate by a 
 standard solution of silver nitrate. 
 
 Leifs Reagent (1854) is a solution of potassium iodide saturated with mercuric iodide ; 
 its behavior to alkaloids appears to differ to a certain extent from the preceding. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Biniodide of mercury is a powerful irritant poison; Gm. 0.12 
 (gr. ij) of it taken with Gm. 4 (gj) of iodide of potassium caused violent gastric pain, 
 coma, stertor, opisthotonos, and convulsions. As an internal remedy it is superfluous, 
 and dangerous unless very cautiously used. It may, however, be given in constitutional 
 syphilis in a solution of iodi*de of potassium, and in the dose of Gm. 0.004 ( T \ grain), 
 cautiously increased. As a caustic it has been applied to the treatment of lupus, but is 
 inferior to other preparations used for this purpose. It has also been employed in oint- 
 ments in the proportion of 1 : 20, and from that to 1 : 5, as a stimulant or almost caustic 
 application to syphilitic diseases of the shin , goitres, (vid. Ung. Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri), 
 chronic glandular indurations, fistulous ulcers, and chronic inflammation of the joints ; in 
 the proportion of 1 : 100 for granular eyelids, etc. A solution of biniodide of mercury 
 one part in absolute alcohol 400 parts and water 20,000 parts is recommended as pref- 
 ix. ,* e . to a solution of the bichloride in iridectomies , cataract extractions, etc. ( Med. News, 
 hn. i 20). It has been administered subcutaneously. Y von claimed for the solution made 
 according to the following formula that it does not irritate and that it is readily absorbed : 
 biniodide of mercury 1 Gm. ; iodide of potassium 1 Gm. ; neutral phosphate of soda 2 
 ; distilled water 50 Ccm. ( Practitioner , xxvii. 207). It has been used as an obstetri- 
 (<a and surgical disinfectant in solutions of from 1 : 12,000 to 1 : 4000. Levis pro- 
 nounced it “ four or five times more powerful as a disinfectant or germicide than mercuric 
 ; c ori e. This estimate is sustained by various clinicians, and among them Bernardy 
 ( runs. Phila. Co. Med. Soc., Jan. 23, 1889), who also claims for the compound a con- 
 ro ing action in acute and chronic bronchitis when applied to the chest or inhaled in a 
 ; spray, and as a disinfectant or deodorizer of typhoid-fever stools. 
 
 i 
 
836 
 
 HYDRAEGYRI OXIDUM FLAVUM. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM FLAVUM, 77. S., Br.— Yellow Mercuric 
 
 Oxide. 
 
 Hydrargyrum oxydatum via humida paratum , P. G. ; Hydrargyrum oxydatum prsecip- 
 itatum (yel jlavum). — Precipitated oxide of mercury , or Mercuric oxide , E. ; Oxyde mer- 
 curiquejaune (precipite), Deutoxyde jaune de mer cure, Fr. ; Pracipitirtes ( Gelbes ) Queek- 
 silberoxyd , G. 
 
 Formula HgO. Molecular weight 215.76. 
 
 Preparation. — Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, 100 Gm. ; Soda, 40 Gm. ; Distilled 
 Water, a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the corrosive mercuric chloride in 1000 Cc. of warm 
 distilled water, and filter the solution. Dissolve the soda (which should contain 90 per 
 cent, of sodium hydroxide) in 1000 Cc. of cold distilled water, and into this solution pour 
 gradually, and with constant stirring, the solution of corrosive mercuric chloride. Allow 
 the mixture to stand for an hour at a temperature of about 30° C. (86° F.), stirring fre- 
 quently. Then decant the supernatant, clear liquid from the precipitate, and wash the 
 latter repeatedly by the affusion and decantation of distilled water, using 1000 Cc. of 
 water each time. Collect the precipitate on a strainer, and continue the washing with 
 warm distilled water, until a small portion of the washings, when poured on a little mer 
 curie chloride test-solution, no longer affords a yellowish turbidity at the line of contact 
 of the two liquids. Then allow the precipitate to drain, and dry it between sheets of bibul- 
 ous paper, in a dark place, at a temperature not exceeding 30° C. (86° F.). Keep the 
 product in well-stoppered bottles, protected from light. — U. S. 
 
 Take of perchloride of mercury 4 ounces ; solution of soda 2 pints ; distilled water a 
 sufficiency. Dissolve the perchloride of mercury in 4 pints of distilled water, aiding the 1 
 solution by the application of heat, and add this to the solution of soda. Stir them 
 together ; allow the yellow precipitate to subside ; remove the supernatant liquor by 
 decantation ; thoroughly wash the precipitated oxide on a calico filter with distilled water, ; 
 and finally dry it by the heat of a water-bath. — Br. 
 
 On mixing solutions of mercuric chloride and soda, sodium chloride, water, and mer- . 
 curie oxide are formed, the latter being precipitated ; HgCl 2 + 2NaOH yields 2NaCl + i 
 H 2 0 + HgO. The alkali must be in excess, lest some mercuric oxychloride be precip ; 
 itated with the oxide, and it is essential to pour the mercuric solution into the alkali. 
 
 The foregoing equation shows that 270.54 parts of mercuric chloride require 79.92 
 parts of sodium hydroxide for complete decomposition and as the Pharmacopoeia orders 
 for 100 parts of mercuric chloride, 40 parts of soda containing at least 90 per cent, of \ 
 NaOH, the necessary excess is assured, for 40 @. 90 == 36, and 100 parts HgCl 2 require { 
 only 29.5 parts of NaOH. If the soda is contaminated with carbonate brown mercuric j 
 carbonate will also be precipitated and it is therefore essential that pure alkali be used. S 
 
 Of great importance for the appearance of the oxide is the temperature at which it is j 
 prepared ; the lower it be kept the brighter will be the yellow color, while with an eleva- , 
 tion of temperature the red tint will become more decided. The yield is nearly 80 per 
 cent. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Yellow mercuric oxide is a heavy, smooth, impalpable, 
 amorphous, yellow or reddish-yellow powder, which is not altered in the air, but on expo- 
 sure to light becomes dark, in consequence of partial reduction to mercurous oxide; when 
 heated it assumes a red color, and at a sufficiently strong heat is decomposed and volatilized 
 like red mercuric oxide. It has the specific gravity 11.0, is without odor or taste, and is 
 insoluble in water and other simple solvents, but dissolves readily and completely without 
 effervescence in diluted hydrochloric or nitric acid. When digested or agitated with a 
 solution of oxalic acid it forms white mercuric oxalate (difference from red oxidej. 
 Heated with an alcoholic solution of mercuric chloride, it speedily turns black from the 
 formation of an oxychloride ; red mercuric oxide slowly undergoes a similar change (Rou- 
 cher). It should be completely volatilized by heat, and its solution in diluted nitric acid 
 should become merely opalescent on the addition of test solution of silver nitrate (limit 
 of chloride). - 7$ 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is used chiefly as an external remedy to 
 stimulate indolent ulcers , especially of venereal origin, and as an application in granular 
 and ulcerated conditions of the eyes. It is applied in an ointment, which is officinal. It 
 has also been given internally in doses of Gm. 0.001 (gr. g- 1 ^-) twice a day in certain ill- 
 defined dyspeptic derangements. In 1887, Rosenthal employed in treating syphilis hypoder- 
 mic injections of 1 part of the yellow oxide in 20 parts of oil, of which about 15 grains 
 
HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM RUB RUM. 
 
 837 
 
 were used for an average injection. No abscesses followed its use, and he concluded 
 that it was quite as efficient as calomel ( Centralhl. f Med., vi. 170) Kuhn, on the other 
 hand, found it less so (Med. News , liii. 300). Chernoguboff considered Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij) 
 doses more efficient than smaller ones ( Lancet , Oct. 1889, p. 757). 
 
 HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM RUBRUM, 
 
 Oxide. 
 
 XI. S ,, JBr, — Red Mercuric 
 
 Hydrargyrum oxydatum. P. G. ; Hydrargyri nitrico-oxidum , mercurius corrosivus (prse- 
 cipitatus ) ruber , Oxydum hydrargyricum — Peroxide of mercury , Red precipitate, E. ; Deu- 
 toxide ( Peroxyde ) rouge de mercure , Oxyde mercurique, Precipite rouge , Poudre de Jean de 
 Mg°, Fr. ; Rothes Quecksilberoxyd , Rother Prdcipitat ( Quecksilber-Prdcipitat ), G. 
 
 Formula HgO. Molecular weight 215.76. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Mercury, by weight, 8 ounces ; Nitric Acid 4J fluidounces ; 
 Water, 2 fluidounces. Dissolve half the mercury in the nitric acid diluted with the water, 
 evaporate the solution to dryness, and with the dry salt thus obtained triturate the remain- 
 der of the mercury until the two are uniformly blended together. Heat the mixture in 
 a porcelain dish, with repeated stirring, until acid vapors cease to be evolved, and when 
 cold enclose the product in a bottle. — Br. 
 
 In this process mercuric nitrate is formed at the first step; this may be directly 
 decomposed by heat, or, as directed above, it is previously mixed with an additional 
 quantity of mercury, which, during the subsequent heating is oxidized at the expense 
 of the nitrate. In both cases the color changes to yellow and then to red, red fumes of 
 nitric peroxide being given off. Occasionally a minute quantity of nitrate remains unde- 
 composed. The decomposition is as follows: 2Hg(N0 3 ) 2 + Hg 2 = 4HgO + 2N 2 0 4 . 
 Should the nitric acid employed be contaminated with hydrochloric acid, a corresponding 
 quantity of mercuric chloride, and finally oxychloride, would be formed, the latter 
 remaining with the mercuric oxide as an impurity. The last traces of acid may be 
 removed by boiling with diluted soda solution. J 
 
 Properties.— When made on a small scale it is a finely granular powder of a yel- 
 lowish-red color without lustre, but made in larger quantities it is obtained in the form 
 of bright brownish-red shining crystalline scales, which on trituration yield a fine 
 orange-red powder, the yellow tint increasing with the fineness of the powder. It is 
 inodorous, and at first tasteless, but slowly develops a metallic taste. It is insoluble in 
 water and other simple solvents, but completely soluble in diluted hydrochloric and 
 nitric acids. It is permanent in the air if kept in the dark, but on exposure to lio-ht it 
 becomes superficially black — however, much more slowly than the yellow oxide. When 
 heated its color is changed to dark-red, brown, and near 400° C. (750° F.) to black the 
 original color reappearing on cooling ; but at a red heat it is completely decomposed ’into 
 metal and oxygen. 
 
 Tests.— When strongly heated, mercuric oxide should not give off red nitrous vapors 
 (absence of nitrate), and when heated to full redness it should be decomposed and vola- 
 tilized without leaving any residue (absence of non-volatile impurities). On bein«* 
 agi.ated or digested with a solution of oxalic acid in 10 parts of water, the red color 
 ■should not be changed (difference from yellow mercuric oxide). Treated with diluted 
 mtnc aeid in excess, it should yield a colorless solution. A red-colored residue would 
 ndicate the presence of brick-dust or of vermilion, the latter being volatilizable by heat • 
 a brown residue (of puce-colored oxide of lead) would prove an adulteration with red 
 •cati, and the nitric acid solution would contain lead, recognizable by the white precin- 
 lr!:! ppea 1 nng ? n , the additi ? n a little sulphuric acid. The nitric acid solution should 
 
 test solu- 
 mercuric oxide 5 
 
 ppntrotnri c w yz ,7 " V' aim alter cooling 1 Cc. of con- 
 
 lu1 bl ,°° 0f fc rrous su^ate be carefully poured upon the acid mixture, a brown 
 color should not be produced between the two liquids (absence of nitrate). 
 
 np vi pie P ara t 10 . n formerly official in various pharmacopoeias as Mercurius prsecipitatus 
 ihieh ca ^ lr } atus . was red oxid e of mercury in the form of crystalline scales, 
 
 a temnl f obtaln ed by keeping metallic mercury in a loosely-covered flask or retort at 
 pletion a UFe near ltS bo1 ^ ling-point. The process required several weeks for its com- 
 
 Qiaf^l° n and Uses '~ Red Precipitate is a powerful irritant, and taken internally 
 ) act as a corrosive poison. Its application to ulcers, wounds, etc. has been frequently 
 
838 
 
 HYDRARGYRI SUBSULPHAS FLAVUS. 
 
 followed by its constitutional operation, including salivation. The last-named effect is 
 said to be unusual when the medicine is administered internally, as it sometimes has been 
 in the treatment of syphilis , in the dose of Gm. 0.006 (y 1 ^ of a grain) twice a day and 
 gradually increased. Notwithstanding its irritant action and its tendency to salivate 
 when applied to ulcers, this preparation has been used hypodermically by Watraszewski 
 in the treatment of syphilis. He alleges that in doses of one grain, so administered, it 
 causes neither local irritation nor constitutional derangement. He uses from two to five 
 injections at intervals of six or eight days ( Tlierap.Gaz ., x. 186). Externally it is gen- 
 erally, used in the form of an ointment, but sometimes it is also applied as a fine powder, 
 mixed with sugar, to indolent syphilitic ulcers , condylomata , etc., and even to granular 
 eyelids , pannus , ulcers, and opacities of the cornea. But for the latter purposes the 
 officinal ointment of red precipitate diluted one-half, or more, is generally preferable. 
 A mixture of 1 part of red oxide of mercury with 50 parts of finely-powdered white 
 sugar was much used by Trousseau as a snuff in cases of ozsena , especially when 
 of syphilitic origin. Before it is applied the nostrils should be cleansed by the nasal 
 douche. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI SUBSULPHAS FLAVUS, U. S.— Yellow Mercuric 
 
 Subsulphate. 
 
 Hydrargyri. sulphas flava, U. S. 1870 ; Hydrargyri subsulphas , Hydrargyrum sulphuri- 
 cum flavum , Mercurius emeticus Jlavus , Sulphas hydrargyricus Jlavus , Turpethum miner ale . — 
 Basic mercuric sulphate , Oxymer curie sulphate , Subsulphate of mercury, Turpeth mineral , 
 E. ; Sulfate trimercurique, Sulfate jaune de mercure, Turbith mineral, Fr. ; Basisches Queck- 
 silberoxydsulfat , Mercurioxydsulfat , Mineralischer Turpeth, G. 
 
 Formula Hg(Hg0) 2 S0 4 , Molecular weight 727.14. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury 100 Gm. ; Sulphuric Acid, 30 Cc. ; Nitric Acid, 25 Cc. ; 
 Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Upon the mercury, contained in a capacious flask, 
 pour the sulphuric acid, previously mixed with 15 Cc. of distilled water, then gradually 
 add the nitric acid previously mixed with 25 Cc. of distilled water> and digest at a gentle 
 heat until reddish fumes are no longer given off. Transfer the mixture to a porcelain 
 capsule, and heat it on a sand-bath, frequently stirring, until a dry, white mass remains. 
 Reduce this to a fine powder, and throw it, in small portions at a time and constantly 
 stirring, into 2000 Cc. of boiling distilled water. When all has been added continue the 
 boiling for 10 minutes, then allow the mixture to settle, decant the supernatant liquid, 
 transfer the precipitate to a strainer, wash it with warm distilled water until the wash- 
 ings no longer have an acid reaction, and dry it in a moderately warm place. — U. S. 
 
 Mercuric sulphate is formed by the action of hot sulphuric acid upon metallic mercury, 
 the combination being effected with decomposition of a portion of the sulphuric acid 
 (see Hydrargyri Sulphas), or, as in the above process, with decomposition of nitric 
 acid ; Hg 3 + 3H 2 S0 4 + 2HN0 3 yields 3HgS0 4 + 4H 2 0 + 2NO. On adding this normal 
 sulphate to boiling water it is converted into basic sulphate, while an acid sulphate 
 remains in solution. The result varies somewhat, depending upon the amount and the 
 temperature of the water. Using boiling water in the above proportions, the yield will 
 be about 75 per cent, of the weight of the dry mercuric sulphate used. The same com- 
 pound is also formed by slowly pouring a solution of mercuric nitrate into an excess of a 
 boiling solution of sodium sulphate. 
 
 Properties. — Yellow mercuric subsulphate is a heavy bright lemon-yellow powder 
 which has the specific gravity 6.44, is permanent in the air, inodorous, has a slight 
 metallic taste, on heating becomes red, and yellow again on cooling ; at a red heat it is 
 completely volatilized, being at the same time decomposed into metallic mercury, oxygen, 
 and sulphurous acid. It is insoluble in alcohol and ether, requires 2000 parts of cold 
 and 600 parts of boiling water for solution, is decomposed by potassa solution, yellow 
 mercuric oxide being formed, and dissolves completely in sulphuric, nitric, or hydro- 
 chloric acid, the latter solution, according to Mohr, containing corrosive sublimate and 
 free sulphuric acid. 
 
 Tests. — “ The salt should be soluble in 10 parts of hydrochloric acid without residue 
 (absence of mercurous salt or of lead).” — U. S. The presence of nitrate is detected by 
 sulphuric acid and ferrous sulphate in the same manner as stated for red mercuric oxide. 
 Non-volatile impurities are left behind on heating to bright redness. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Turpeth mineral is a powerful irritant, and in sufficient doses 
 may act as a corrosive poison, causing active erosion of the fauces, oesophagus, and 
 
HYDRARGYRI SULPHAS.— HYDRARG YRI S ULP1I ID UM RUB RUM. 839 
 
 stomach, and even sloughing of the first-named parts, as well as salivation. In spite of 
 its grave effects, turpeth mineral has been used as an emetic in “ croup,” by which was 
 probably meant spasmodic laryngitis. The employment of so dangerous a remedy in a 
 disease which involves no danger to life is inexcusable. The emetic action of this pre- 
 paration is the first stage of its poisonous operation. The dose fitted to produce that 
 effect is Gm. 0.13-0.20 (gr. ij-iij) for a child. Owing to its tendency to salivate, it 
 should not be employed as an errhine. It seems to be a superfluous article of the 
 materia medica. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI SULPHAS, Br. — Mercuric Sulphate. 
 
 Hydrargyrum sulphuricum, Mercurius vitriolatus , Sulfas mercuricus. — Persidphate of 
 mercury , Normal mercuric sulphate , E. ; Deuto-sulfate ( Persulfate ) de mercure , Sulfate 
 mercurique , Fr. ; Schwefelsaures Queclcsilberoxyd, Mercurisulfat , G. 
 
 Formula HgS0 4 . Molecular weight 295.62. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of mercury, by weight, 20 ounces ; Sulphuric Acid 12 fluid- 
 ounces. Heat the mercury with the sulphuric acid in a porcelain vessel, stirring con- 
 stantly until the metal disappears, then continue the heat until a dry white salt remains. 
 —Br. 
 
 Mercury does not dissolve in cold sulphuric acid, but on heating the mixture sulphur 
 dioxide and watery vapors are disengaged, any excess of sulphuric acid is driven off, 
 and the residue consists of mercuric sulphate; Hg 2 -j-4H 2 S0 4 yields 2S0 2 + 4H 2 0 
 -f-2HgS0 4 . This is now named Hy dear gyri per sulphas, with the above title as synonym. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Mercuric sulphate is a heavy white crystalline powder 
 which, on being mixed with a small quantity of water, is at first colored yellow, but 
 after some time is converted into colorless shining prisms or silvery scales of the hydrated 
 salt, HgS0 4 .H 2 0. A larger quantity of water decomposes it permanently into yellow 
 basic sulphate. When heated to redness it is decomposed into mercury, oxygen, sulphur- 
 ous acid, and mercurous sulphate, and is finally completely volatilized. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — It is employed for the preparation of turpeth mineral, 
 corrosive sublimate, and calomel. 
 
 It is not used in medicine. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI SULPHIDUM RUBRUM. -Red Mercuric Sulphide. 
 
 Hydrargyri sulphuretum rubrum , U. S. 1870. ; Hydrargyrum sulfuratum rubrum ; China- 
 baris, Sulfuretum hydrargyricum — Red sulphuret of mercury , Cinnabar , Vermilion , Paris 
 red , E. ; Sulfure rouge de mercure , Cinnabre , Fr. ; Rothes Schwefelquecksilber , Quechsilber- 
 sulfid , Zinnober , G. 
 
 Formula HgS. Molecular weight 231.78. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Mercury 40 troyounces ; Sublimed Sulphur 8 troyounces, 
 To the sulphur, previously melted, gradually add the mercury, with constant stirring, 
 and continue the heat until the mass begins to swell. Then remove the vessel from the 
 fire and cover it closely to prevent the contents from inflaming. When the mass is cold 
 rub it into powder and sublime. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 The preparation of vermilion is carried on in large establishments, and will hardly ever 
 be attempted by the pharmacist except as an experiment. It may be obtained in the dry 
 or humid way. The above process belongs to the former class, but a large excess of 
 sulphur is directed, 61 troyounces being sufficient for the quantity of mercury; the 
 excess is volatilized before the cinnabar is condensed. If the black mass obtained in 
 the first part of this process is digested with solution of potassa and potassium sul- 
 phide at a temperature of about 45° C. (113° F.), it will be gradually converted into 
 vermilion. This is also produced by digesting white precipitate with a solution of sul- 
 phur in ammonium sulphide or of sodium thiosulphate. 
 
 Cinnabar, native as well as artificially prepared, has been known from a remote period. 
 Although in the early part of the eighteenth century it was stated to consist solely of 
 mercury and sulphur, this was not conclusively proven until the beginning of the present 
 century. Fuchs afterward showed that it has the same composition as the amorphous 
 black mercuric sulphide, differing from it in being crystalline. 
 
 Properties. — Sublimed mercuric sulphide forms brilliant dark-red crystalline masses 
 having a fibrous fracture ; after levigation it is seen in commerce in the form of a bright 
 scarlet-red, fine, inodorous, and tasteless powder. It has the spec. grav. 8.12, acquires 
 
840 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 a darker color on exposure to the sunlight, hut remains unaltered in the dark. When 
 heated to above 250° C. (482° F.) it becomes brown, then black, and finally volatilizes, 
 and assumes its red color again on cooling ; heated in contact with the air, it burns with 
 a blue flame, emitting the odor of sulphur dioxide. It is insoluble in water, alcohol, 
 ether, hydrochloric or nitric or diluted sulphuric acid, cold concentrated sulphuric acid, 
 or diluted alkaline solutions. Nitro-muriatic acid dissolves it without heat, with the 
 separation of sulphur and the production of sulphuric acid and mercuric chloride. It 
 dissolves in boiling sulphuric acid, forming mercuric sulphate and separating sulphur ; 
 also in alkali sulphides containing potassa or soda. Metallic mercury is separated by 
 heating vermilion with soda to redness ; by boiling with water and iron or zinc ; by zinc 
 and warm diluted sulphuric acid, etc. 
 
 Tests. — Its complete volatility by heat ensures the absence of red lead and basic lead 
 chromate (American vermilion) ; and when it is treated with warm solution of potassa 
 the colorless solution, on being acidulated, should not yield a yellow or orange precipitate 
 (absence of arsenic or antimony), nor should it produce a colored precipitate with lead 
 acetate (absence of chromates, iodides, or other sulphides). If agitated with warm 
 diluted nitric acid, it should not turn brown (absence of red lead), nor should the filtrate 
 be colored or become dark-colored on the addition of hydrogen sulphide (lead) or of 
 ammonia and ammonium sulphide (iron). 
 
 Hydrargyri sulphidum nigrum, s. JEthiops mineralis. This preparation has been 
 very properly discarded by the United States and British Pharmacopoeias, but is still 
 employed on the continent of Europe. It is made by triturating equal weights of 
 mercury and sulphur until all metallic globules have disappeared. It forms a fine black 
 and heavy powder, which, when viewed with a lens, does not show any globules of uncom- 
 bined mercury. When heated upon a plate it takes fire and burns with a blue flame, 
 without leaving any residue ; heated in a test-tube, it yields a red sublimate of vermilion. 
 When digested with hydrochloric acid, the acid liquid does not yield a white precipitate 
 on being diluted with water (absence of antimony). Ethiops mineral is a mixture of 
 black amorphous mercuric sulphide, HgS, with a large excess of sulphur. Triturated 
 with an equal weight of antimony sulphide dzthiops antimonialis is obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The red, like other metallic sulphides, is less irritating than 
 the sulphates of the same metal. Indeed, there is much reason for believing that in its 
 natural state it has no action at all. It is seldom used, and then only by fumigation, 
 powdered cinnabar being strewn upon hot coals ; the sulphuret is decomposed, and the 
 fumes contain metallic mercury and sulphurous acid. The irritating action of the latter 
 renders the method objectionable. As occasionally employed, the patient is enclosed in 
 a wooden box with an aperture through which his head passes, so that he is not obliged 
 to inhale the irritating fumes. This method is said to be a very efficient one, although 
 not without the risk of salivating, causing congestion of the brain, etc. 
 
 Black sulphuret of mercury is no longer officinal in the German Pharmacopoeia, and its 
 activity as a mercurial has been doubted. It was considered to be especially adapted to 
 persons of delicate constitution or feeble health, and was given in (relatively) very large 
 doses, such as from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx) several times a day. 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM, U. 8., Br B. G.— Mercury. 
 
 Hydrargyrum vivum , Mercurius vivus, Argentum vivum . — Quicksilver , E. ; Mercure , I if- 
 argent , Fr. ; Quecksilber , G. 
 
 Symbol Hg. Atomicity bivalent. Atomic weight 199.8. 
 
 Origin. — Mercury became known before the Christian era, but long after silver and 
 gold had been in use. It is principally obtained from New Almaden in California, from 
 Peru, China, Idria in Austria, and Almaden in Spain. It is found to some extent in the 
 metallic state in the form of minute or large globules, also in combination with oxygen, 
 chlorine, selenium, etc. ; but the principal ore for extracting it is cinnabar. 38,250 
 pounds of mercury were imported into the United States in 1877, and 597,898 pounds in 
 18 82. 
 
 Preparation. — Most of the mercury is obtained by roasting the ore in a kiln. It 
 is placed upon an arch of brickwork containing several openings, through which the 
 flames pass, whereby the sulphur of the ore is ignited and burns, air being admitted at 
 the same time ; the heat thus produced volatilizes the mercury, the vapors of which, 
 mingled with the smoke and sulphur dioxide gas, are passed through a series of condens- 
 ing-chambers, where the metal is condensed, the incondensable gases finally escaping 
 
HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 841 
 
 through the flue. This is essentially the process as carried on at Idria and New Almaden ; 
 likewise at Almaden, except that the vapors are passed through the so-called aludels , con- 
 sisting of cylinders adapted to each other, first in a descending and then in an ascending 
 direction, where most of the mercury is condensed and collects in a gutter placed under 
 the angle, the remainder being condensed in a large terminal chamber, from which the 
 gases pass into the flue. In the Palatinate the cinnabar is mixed with lime, and in Bohemia 
 with hammerslag, and then distilled, calcium sulphide remaining behind in the former, 
 and sulphide of iron in the latter, case. 
 
 Mercury appears in commerce in cylindrical iron flasks containing 75 pounds each. In 
 this condition it still contains small quantities of other metals, principally lead, which, 
 however, do not interfere with its uses in the silvering of looking-glasses, in the amalga- 
 mation process for the extraction of gold and silver, nor in the preparation of some chem- 
 icals. For barometers and thermometers, as well as for some pharmaceutical preparations, 
 a purification of the metal is required or advisable, and may be effected by distillation or 
 by the following process directed in several European pharmacopoeias : 
 
 Hydrargyrum depuratum, s. purificatum. Take of Mercury 100 parts ; Nitric 
 Acid, Distilled Water, each 5 parts. Digest in a suitable vessel for 3 days, shaking 
 frequently. Having poured off the acid liquid, wash well the mercury with distilled 
 water, and dry it completely. 
 
 The operation is best conducted in a broad glass or porcelain vessel, so as to expose a 
 very large surface of the metal to the action of the dilute acid ; or, as proposed by L. 
 Meyer, by allowing the mercury to run slowly in a fine stream into a long glass tube con- 
 taining the diluted acid. Lead, iron, and other metals, being far more easily oxidized and 
 dissolved than the mercury, are thereby removed, though a little of the latter likewise 
 passes into solution. After washing, most of the water may be removed by bibulous 
 paper. These metals may also be removed by agitating the crude mercury with concen- 
 trated sulphuric acid or with solution of ferric chloride, the latter process being preferable 
 for operations on a small scale. 
 
 Properties. — Mercury is solid at a temperature of — 39.44° C. (—39° F.), and crys- 
 tallizes in octahedrons and needles, which are ductile and may be cut with a knife. At 
 the ordinary temperature it forms a bright silvery, lustrous, inodorous, and tasteless liquid, 
 which is very cohering, and not adhering to glass or paper unless it be impure, when 
 small globules will tail or leave a streak upon it. When triturated with sugar, fat, vari- 
 ous salts, oil of turpentine, etc., it is converted into a gray powder consisting of minute 
 globules separated by the foreign substances and running together again on their removal ; 
 this finely-divided state is called the extinction or hilling of mercury, and is accomplished 
 in making mercurial ointment and several other official preparations. Mercury has at 
 4° C. (39.2° F.) the specific gravity 13.59, and at 15° C. (59° F.) 13.5584. It boils at 
 about 357.2° C. (675° F.), giving a colorless vapor of 6.98 spec, grav., and leaving no 
 residue; it volatilizes very slowly even at the ordinary temperature. It. is permanent at 
 the ordinary temperature, the whitish pellicle which forms upon the surface of commercial 
 mercury being due to the presence of foreign metals (lead, zinc, etc.). It unites directly 
 with chlorine, bromine, and iodine, and dissolves completely even in dilute nitric acid, 
 with the evolution of nitric oxide. All simple solvents and boiling hydrochloric and 
 dilute sulphuric acids are without action upon it, but hot concentrated sulphuric acid dis- 
 solves the metal, sulphur dioxide being given off. When heated to near its boiling-point 
 in contact with the atmosphere it combines with oxygen, forming scales of red oxide. 
 
 Tests. — The purity of mercury is ascertained from its behavior and properties as 
 described above. When mercury is agitated for a few minutes with the official solution 
 of ferric chloride, which is free from ferrous chloride, the liquid should afterward not 
 yield a blue precipitate on the addition of potassium ferricyanide, which would result 
 through the solution of a foreign metal and the reduction of some ferric to ferrous 
 chloride ; nor should the liquid, if necessary, after being acidulated with hydrochloric 
 acid yield more than a mere trace of a colored precipitate on the addition of hydrogen 
 sulphide. Hager’s test for distinguishing the purified from crude mercury has been 
 adopted by the U. S. P., as follows : “ On boiling 5 Gin. of distilled water with 5 Gm. of 
 mercury, and 4.5 Gm. (1.5 Gm., Hager) of sodium thiosulphate in a test-tube for about 
 1 minute, the mercury should not lose its lustre, and should not acquire more than a 
 slightly yellowish shade (absence of more than slight traces of foreign metals).” 
 
 Oxides and Salts. — Mercury unites with oxygen in two proportions, and forms two 
 series of salts, the mercurous and mercuric. All soluble salts of mercury are poisonous, 
 have a strong metallic taste, and mostly an acrid reaction upon test-paper. The normal 
 
842 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 salts are usually white, and the basic salts yellow ; treated with stannous chloride, phos- 
 phorous or sulphurous acid, or other deoxidizing agents, they are blackened, and finally 
 reduced to metal. Their solutions deposit a silvery coating of metallic mercury upon a 
 bright piece of metallic copper, and yield black precipitates with hydrogen sulphide and 
 white ones with sodium phosphate. Mercurous salts yield black precipitates with potassa, 
 ammonia, and, on boiling, also with alkali carbonates. Hydrochloric acid causes a white 
 precipitate of calomel, and potassium iodide separates a greenish-yellow deposit. Mercuric 
 salts yield with potassa or soda, if added in insufficient quantity, brown-red, and if added 
 in excess yellow, precipitates — with ammonia and ammonium carbonate white, and with 
 potassium or sodium carbonate red-brown, precipitates. Hydrochloric acid does not dis- 
 turb the solutions ; potassium iodide causes a scarlet-red precipitate, which is soluble in 
 an excess of either solution. All compounds of mercury are either volatilized or decom- 
 posed by heat. 
 
 Besides the mercury compounds mentioned elsewhere, the following are in use : 
 
 Hydrargyrum formamidatum solutum. Solution of mercuric formamide, was first 
 introduced by Liebreich for hypodermic use in the treatment of syphilis, in daily doses 
 of 1 Cc. (about 16 minims) which corresponds to about 0.01 Gm. (4 grain) of mercuric 
 chloride. It is prepared by dissolving the freshly precipitated oxide obtained from 10 
 Gm. of mercuric chloride in a sufficient quantity of formamide and adding enough 
 distilled water to bring the volume up to 1000 Cc. 
 
 Hydrargyrum bichloratum carbamidatum solutum. Solution of mercuric chloride 
 and urea, a similar preparation to the preceding, introduced for hypodermic use by 
 Schiitz and Doutrelepont. As the solution readily changes it should be prepared extem- 
 poraneously as follows: 1.0 Gm. of mercuric chloride is dissolved in 100 Cc. of hot 
 water and when cold 5.0 Gm. of urea are added and the liquid filtered. The daily dose 
 is 1 Cc. corresponding to 0.01 Gm. grain) of mercuric chloride. 
 
 Hydrargyrum peptonatum solutum. Solution of mercuric peptonate. The mercury 
 compound is first obtained by mixing a solution of 1.0 Gm. mercuric chloride in 20 Cc. of 
 water with a solution of 3.0 Gm. dry peptone in 10 Cc. of water; after lapse of an hour 
 the precipitate is collected on a filter, drained, and added to a solution of 3.0 Gm. of 
 sodium chloride in 47 Cc. of water ; solution is effected by agitation and enough water 
 then added to bring the final volume up to 100 Cc. The solution should only be used 
 when clear and free from sediment ; the daily dose hypodermically is 1 Cc. corresponding 
 to 0.01 Gm. (4 grain) of mercuric chloride. 
 
 Hydrargyrum phenylicum. Mercuric phenate (carbolate). Two preparations 
 occur under this name, Gamberini' s basic mercuric phenate, HgOHOC 6 H 5 and Merck's 
 normal mercuric phenate or mercuric diphenate, Hg(OC 6 H 5 ) 2 ; the latter is a stable com- 
 bination and should be dispensed whenever mercuric phenate is prescribed. It is prepared 
 by dissolving 188 parts of liquefied carbolic acid and 56 parts of potassium hydroxide in 
 just sufficient alcohol with the aid of heat and adding to this under constant stirring an 
 alcoholic solution of 135 parts of mercuric chloride ; a yellowish-colored precipitate is 
 formed which becomes almost colorless as the mass is evaporated to dryness. After 
 washing with hot water slightly acidulated with acetic acid the salt is crystallized from 
 hot alcohol. It is usually given in pill form to adults in doses of 0.02-0.03 Gm. (4 to £ 
 grain) twice daily. 
 
 Hydrargyri salicylas. Secondary mercuric salicylate. HgC 7 H 4 0 3 — Hg0C 6 H 4 C0 2 . 
 This salt has been prepared by adding 15 parts of salicylic acid to the freshly precipitated 
 and well washed oxide obtained from 27 parts of mercuric chloride, previously rubbed 
 into a soft magma with water ; the mixture is heated with frequent agitation, on a water- 
 bath until the yellow color gradually disappears and snow-white salicylate results. The 
 salt is washed with warm water to remove excess of acid, then drained and dried ; it is 
 amorphous, odorless and tasteless and insoluble in alcohol and water, but soluble in soda 
 solution, forming a double salt, and also in sodium chloride solution. Mercuric salicylate 
 is administered in pill form in doses of 0.01-0.03 Gm. (4-4 grain) three times a day, 
 gradually increased to 0.06 or 0.075 Gm.(l or 14 grains). 
 
 Hydrargyrum tannicum oxydulatum. Mercurous tannate has been proposed by 
 Lustgarten as a substitute for the other mercurials in the treatment of syphilis, etc. In 
 the dose of from 3 to 5 gr. (Gm. 0.25—0.30) a day it appears as mercury in the urine 
 after the lapse of 24 hours. It does not salivate or disturb the stomach or bowels. In 
 ten cases of various forms of constitutional syphilis its effects were quite as favorable as 
 those of mercurial ointment ( Centralblatt f d. ges. Ther., ii. 93). 
 
 It is prepared as follows : 50 parts of freshly prepared mercurous nitrate (free from 
 
HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 843 
 
 oxide) are triturated in a mortar to an impalpable powder ; to this is added a carefully 
 prepared mixture of 30 parts of tannin and 50 parts of distilled water. The whole is 
 then triturated until a homogeneous mass is obtained, entirely free from grittiness. 3000 or 
 4000 parts of water are gradually added and the green precipitate repeatedly washed 
 with cold water as long as a trace of nitric acid remains ; finally the mass is drained and 
 dried on porous tiles at a temperature not above 30° or 40° C. (86° or 104° F.). The 
 compound contains about 50 per cent, of metallic mercury, is odorless and tasteless and 
 insoluble in ordinary simple solvents ; when treated with alcohol or water, it gives up tan- 
 nin, however, to these liquids. 
 
 Metallic writing-pencils have been prepared by melting together bismuth 90 parts and 
 lead 70 parts, then adding mercury 8 parts, and casting in suitable moulds. By increas- 
 ing the proportion of lead and mercury softer pencils, producing darker marks, are 
 obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The mode of action of mercury may be regarded as the fol- 
 lowing : Being essentially non-nutritive, yet penetrating every tissue, it probably acts in 
 small and transient doses as a stimulant of all organic processes, but in a little greater pro- 
 portion and by continued use it impairs nutrition, hindering the formation of tissue on 
 the one hand, and on the other hastening its destruction and elimination. At the same 
 time it augments more or less the glandular secretions. It diminishes the proportion of 
 fibrin, and, by its toxical action, the proportion and probably also the constitution of the 
 red corpuscles in the blood. Thus, hindering nutrition at every step of the latter 
 action, mercury causes the waste of all the tissues, and especially of those least organ- 
 ized, as cicatrices and callus, and favors the removal of all plastic exudations. These 
 effects are essentially morbid and destructive, and only incidentally and within varying 
 limits can they become salutary. 
 
 It is probable that as much injury has been inflicted by the use of mercury in pri- 
 mary syphilis as good has been accomplished by its administration in the constitutional 
 forms of the disease. And when it is considered that every simple sore following a sus, 
 pected coition was apt to be treated as syphilitic by mercurialization of the system, it 
 may be a question whether, on the whole, the medicine has not been more mischievous 
 than useful. In regard even to true chancres, although mercurials will sometimes 
 hasten their cure by lessening their induration, and may thereby postpone constitutional 
 infection, it does not in any case prevent that result, nor even the enlargement of the 
 inguinal glands. Moreover, in certain states of the primary sore and of the patient’s 
 system mercury aggravates the disease. Such is the case when the skin around the sore 
 is very red, swollen, tense, and painful, or shows a tendency to gangrene — when the 
 patient is anaemic, scrofulous, tuberculous, or scorbutic, or has been an habitual drunk- 
 ard. Opinions differ in regard to treating pregnant syphilitic women with mercury ; 
 the better opinion is in favor of the measure for the sake of the child as well as the mother. 
 But this judgment refers to secondary, not to primary, syphilis. 
 
 Until comparatively recent times the treatment of constitutional syphilis consisted in 
 the administration of mercury for the purpose of exciting profuse salivation, which was 
 maintained for four or five weeks at a time. The disastrous consequences of this method, 
 which had no other reason for its use than the hypothesis that the syphilitic poison was 
 to be eliminated with the saliva, and which thus illustrated the folly and dangers of 
 a-priori therapeutics, caused it at last to be abandoned, and it is now certain that mer- 
 cury cures syphilis without salivation better than by means of it. The dose of mer- 
 cury, however used, should at first always be small, and gradually increased until its 
 effects on the disease begin to appear or slight soreness of the gums occurs ; it should 
 then be continued in a diminished quantity, or even temporarily suspended if the symp- 
 toms begin to decline, but it should never be abandoned as long as any trace of the dis- 
 ease remains. This often involves a course of six months’, or even of several years’, 
 duration ; but it is safe, while the method of treatment with large doses of mercury is 
 always hazardous. (Compare Gougenheim, Ball, et Mem. de la Soc. de Therap ., 1883, p. 
 97.) The idea that rules the modern use of mercury in syphilis is that the medicine is 
 strictly antidotal to the morbid poison, and that the latter is not to be removed by 
 heroic attacks, but by gradual and steady undermining. It is generally recognized as a 
 fundamental precept that when the treatment is internal a course of mercurials lasting 
 for at least six months is indispensable, and that even then the permanent cure of the 
 disease can only be determined by watching the result of a temporary suspension of the 
 medicine. Hypodermic treatment of much shorter duration is held to secure immu- 
 nity. 
 
844 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 The treatment by inunction with mercurial ointment may be referred to here. It is 
 one of the oldest modes of employing mercury in this disease, and is still a favorite 
 hospital method, but it is too filthy for private practice, and it necessarily betrays the 
 nature of the patient’s disease. It, moreover, ruins all the body- and bed-clothing that 
 is used. The advantages attributed to it are that it is much less likely to disorder the 
 bowels than mercury taken by the mouth ; it cures, also, more quickly and with less risk 
 of injuring the constitution. It is chiefly appropriate to the treatment of syphilitic 
 affections of the skin, and, next to these, but far less efficiently, to ulcerated states of 
 the mouth and throat, and still less to syphilitic disorders of the nervous system. 
 Syphilis of the bones and their annexes is more successfully treated with iodide of 
 potassium. Before commencing mercurial inunction the patient should live for some days 
 on simple food, use laxative medicine, and cleanse the skin thoroughly by warm bathing. 
 Immediately afterward, in bed or near a warm fire in winter, the ointment should be 
 methodically rubbed into the skin with the hand protected by a caoutchouc glove or a 
 piece of softened pig’s bladder. The places selected for friction should be used alter- 
 nately or in succession, as the thighs, the armpits, the legs, the arms, etc., and if the 
 part is hairy it should be shaven and the friction made in the direction of the hairs. 
 About Gm. 8 (2 drachms) should be rubbed in daily for five or six days, at the end of 
 which time the patient should have a warm bath with soap and be allowed to quit his 
 bed, but warmly clothed. After an interval of a week the same discipline should be 
 renewed, and this generally suffices for a cure. The result is supposed to be quick- 
 ened by the use of sudorific diet-drinks, such as the compound decoction of sarsaparilla. 
 Mercurial inunction of syphilitic infants is conveniently performed by enveloping the 
 trunk of the patient with a flannel band that has been smeared with mercurial ointment. 
 The use of other mercurial compounds in syphilis is treated of in connection with the 
 several preparations of the medicine, and also the hypodermic use of mercurial salts, 
 which possesses all the advantages, with none of the special disadvantages, belonging to 
 the method by inunction ( Centralbl . /. Ther ., i. 355). These include a possibly fatal 
 result. Two such cases occurred in 1887 ( Arch . gen., Sept. 1887, p. 364). Mercurial 
 soap has been used in place of mercurial ointment, with alleged success. It has a great 
 advantage over the ointment in cleanliness (Oberlander, Centralbl. f Ther., i. 150 ; Shus- 
 ter, Therap. Gaz., x. 47.) 
 
 In the greater number of febrile and inflammatory affections calomel is the form of 
 mercury usually selected by those who believe mercurials appropriate to these diseases, 
 but sometimes its action is supplemented by the use of mercurial ointment, as in acute 
 meningitis, pericarditis, hepatitis , etc. In these cases it is generally applied upon a blis- 
 tered surface. But mercurial ointment used by inunction of the abdomen has been 
 claimed by Kalb to be an efficient remedy for typhoid fever ( Berlin . Min. Wochensch ., Jan. 
 19, 1885). No other clinician appears to have adopted this unreasonable practice. 
 Berthel and Moritz claim a great improvement in the mortality from pneumonia, which 
 they ascribe to the use of inunctions of from one to three drachms of mercurial oint- 
 ment daily into the abdomen, loins, and limbs of the patients. It caused but little if 
 any salivation ( Centralbl. f d. g. Therap., iv. 128). This filthy method with its very 
 questionable results does not commend itself to acceptance. Gray oil (ol. cinereum — 
 mercury, and lanolin, each 3 parts ; olive oil, 4 parts) has been used subcutaneously in mild 
 cases of syphilis, Gm. 0.25 (about 4 minims) weekly (Hartmann, Therap. Monatsh., iv. 
 210; Centralbl. f Therap., viii. 313). In acute dyspepsia , often accompanied with jaun- 
 dice and produced by excesses in eating and drinking and a constipated habit, a super- 
 stitious belief prevails among English physicians and their American copyists that the 
 sovereign remedy is blue pill, followed by a saline cathartic. Other nations, it is true, 
 relieve such symptoms by the saline alone or by rhubarb and aloes along with it. 
 Whenever congestion of the liver is associated with enlargement of the spleen, the 
 administration of blue pill or other mercurial is extremely apt to be followed by profuse 
 salivation, and even by gangrene of the mouth. An apparent exception to this rule is 
 the cure of malarial enlargement of the spleen by the external use of biniodide of mer- 
 cury. Mercury in various forms and combinations has been used advantageously in the 
 treatment of dropsy. Indeed, it is distinctly diuretic. According as the dropsy is of 
 cardiac, hepatic, or splenic origin the mercury should be associated with digitalis, squill, 
 salines, etc. In renal dropsy it is apt to salivate. Metallic mercury has been used to 
 overcome intestinal obstructions supposed to be formed by invagination, and also to expel 
 intestinal worms. A case of the former sort in which the expedient was successful 
 occurred in 1879 (Med. Record , xvii. 121 ; another in 1884, Jour . Amer. Med. Jsso., 
 
HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 845 
 
 iii. 578). Bettelheim has reported seventy cases “ of intestinal stenosis, of which fifty- 
 seven were relieved” by this expedient alone, and in six it saved the lives of the patients 
 (Phila. Med. Times , xiv. 174). Mercurial ointment is probably the best remedy for 
 ascarides of the rectum. It is generally used as an application around the eye in the 
 treatment of acute iritis, along with the internal use of calomel. It is a valuable aux- 
 iliary also in the treatment of true croup (pseudo-membranous laryngitis), when it should, 
 from the commencement of the attack, but only in primary and sthenic cases, be rubbed 
 into the axillae and the groins. It is of all medicines the least to be advised in diph- 
 theria, which is always an asthenic disease. And yet that it has been so is shown by the 
 sharp and well-merited criticism of Jacobi, who says: u That it should be recommended 
 as a panacea in all classes and forms of diphtheria shows that common sense and sound 
 judgment do not always prevail in the treatment of a disease where individualizing is 
 of the utmost importance ” (A Treatise on Diphtheria , p. 188). The source of this 
 deplorable error is in confounding epidemic diphtheria with true membranous croup. 
 Mercurial ointment relieves the pain and is said to subdue inflammation in paronychia ; 
 it has an analogous effect in erysipelas; and there is reason to believe that it checks the 
 development of small-pox pustules, and thereby tends to prevent their pitting. Metallic 
 mercury has been successfully used to amalgamate with a gold ring which had become 
 too tight for the finger, and to render it so brittle that it readily broke under pressure. 
 The ring in such cases should first be cleansed with alcohol or ether. 
 
 Metallic mercury is seldom given internally, except as above mentioned and in the 
 modified form of blue pill. (See Pil. Hydrargyri.) 
 
 Carbolate of mercury, recommended by Gamberini and Shadek, has been found an 
 efficient remedy for syphilis in doses of Gm. 0.008 (gr. J) three or four times a day ( Cen - 
 trail, f. Therap., iv. 397 ; Med. Record , xxxii. 217). 
 
 Formamidate of mercury has been recommended for treating syphilis hypodermically 
 by Liebreich (1882). In solution it causes neither local irritation nor salivation, accord- 
 ing to this authority ; but others have not found it so innocuous, and, indeed, object to 
 it on account of the inflammation it excites ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 557). It has been used 
 in a solution of 1 : 100, of which the amount injected daily varied from Gm. 0.5-1, 
 equal to Gm. 0.005-0.010, or gr. to ?> of the salt. 
 
 Iodotannate of mercury is claimed to be not only soluble, but also to have very little 
 taste, and to occasion neither abscess nor induration when given hypodermically, and yet 
 to act rapidly and powerfully on the system, occasioning, however, disorder r of the 
 stomach {Bull, de Therap., cxiv. 365). 
 
 Oxycyanide of mercury is said to be superior to corrosive sublimate as an antiseptic, 
 and to be especially adapted for operations on the eye. 
 
 Salicylate of mercury has been examined by Dr. Caldwell ( Therap . Gaz.,x ii. 225), 
 who obtained the following among other results : Three grains daily, for a week or two 
 at least, usually will not affect the gastro-intestinal tract, though in one case f of a grain 
 three times daily produced salivation. It tends to arrest putrefaction in wounds and 
 ulcers, besides acting as a mild stimulant ; 2 WU- prevents putrefaction nearly as com- 
 pletely as the bichloride, while does not disturb digestion nearly as much as the 
 
 bichloride. It irritates very slightly the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. (Compare 
 Muller, Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 577.) It has been applied by Plumert ( Centralbl . f 
 Therap., vii. 47, 693; Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 287 ; iv. 513) in a solution of 1-3 : 1000 
 in the treatment of gonorrhoea, but without shortening the attack; also in powder to 
 syphilitic ulcers ; and has been administered by intramuscular injection in doses of Gm. 
 0.01 (gr. Y), repeated daily. It occasioned neither persistent swelling, nor inflammation, 
 nor abscess, and, very rarely, stomatitis. The injections were given daily, and on an 
 average about thirty in each case during the treatment. It was also administered inter- 
 nally in pills, each containing Gm. 0.025 (gr. -|), of which from two to four are given 
 daily. No gastro-intestinal disorder was produced, and once only a slight stomatitis. 
 Similar results were obtained by Aranjo {Med. News , liv. 297) in syphilis, and by Schwim- 
 mer in gonorrhoea (ibid., p. 603). Hahn confirmed previous results. He made use of 
 Neisser’s mixture, containing 1 part of the salicylate in 10 parts of liquid paraffin, for 
 deep muscular injections. About Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) of the salt was injected every 
 three days (Therap., Monatshefte, iii. 480). Confirmatory reports have been made by 
 Epstein, Judassohn, Zeising, Neumann, and Schreus (Therap. Gaz., xiii. 391), by 
 Tchistiakoff (Bidl de Therap., cxvi. 43) and Vacher (Amer. Jour. Phar., lxiii. 129). 
 
 Succinamide of mercury has been proposed by Yollert as being a suitable preparation 
 for hypodermic and intramuscular injection. Its solution is clear, and does not become 
 
8-46 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM AMMONIATUM. 
 
 clouded nor precipitate on standing, nor does it coagulate albumen nor precipitate it from 
 its solutions. It is said to rarely give rise to abscess. According to Wolff, the injections 
 of a 2 per cent, solution should be made subcutaneously and obliquely in the buttock. 
 Each injection, or Pravaz syringe-ful contains dm. 0.01 (gr. 1) of mercury. The abdo- 
 men has been suggested as preferable to the back or the thighs for this operation (Bull, 
 de Therap ., cxvi. 380). According to Julien, the treatment by this salt is well borne, 
 but nothing denotes its superiority to other mercurials. 
 
 Tannate of the protoxide of mercury, was proposed by Lustgarten as a substitute 
 for other mercurials in the treatment of syphilis, etc. In the dose of from Gin. 0.20-0.30 
 (3 to 5 gr.) a day it appears as mercury in the urine after the lapse of twenty-four hours. 
 It does not salivate or disturb the stomach or bowels. In ten cases of various forms of 
 constitutional syphilis its effects were quite as favorable as those of mercurial ointment 
 ( Centralblatt f. Ther ., ii. 93). These statements have been confirmed by Doming 
 ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 607), and in England by Parsons, who used the medicine in treating 
 chancres as well as syphilitic eruptions ( Times and Gaz ., Dec. 1885, p. 869). The dose 
 given by the latter varied from 1£ to 2 grains three times a day. 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM AMMONIATUM, U. S., Br.— Ammoniated Mer- 
 cury. 
 
 Hydrargyrum prsecipitatum album , P. G. ; Hydrargyrum amidato-bichloratum (ammo- 
 n ia to-muriaticum ') , Hydrargyri ammonio-chloridum , Mercurius prsecipitatus albus . — White 
 precipitate , Mer cur -ammonium chloride , E. ; C hloramidure de mercure , Oxychlorure ammo- 
 niacal de mercure , Lait mercuriel , Mercure precipite blanc , Fr. ; Weisser Quecksilberprdcipitat, 
 Quecksilber- Chloridamidid , G. 
 
 Formula NH.fflgCl. Molecular weight, 251.18. 
 
 Preparation. — Corrosive Mercuric Chloride 100 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, Distilled 
 Water, each a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the corrosive mercuric chloride in 2000 Cc. 
 of warm distilled water ; filter the solution, and allow it to cool. Pour the filtrate grad- 
 ually, and constantly stirring, into 150 Cc. of ammonia-water, taking care that the latter 
 shall remain in slight excess. Collect the precipitate upon a filter, and when the liquid 
 has drained from it as much as possible wash it twice with a mixture of 400 Cc. of dis- 
 tilled water and 20 Cc. of ammonia-water. Finally, dry the precipitate between sheets 
 of bibulous paper in a dark place, at a temperature not exceeding 30° C. (86° F.) — U. S. 
 
 The process of the German Pharmacopoeia is in all respects identical with the fore- 
 going, except that the washing of the precipitate is accomplished with distilled water 
 instead of diluted ammonia. The process of the British Pharmacopoeia is like the last, 
 but a somewhat smaller quantity of ammonia is directed, and the precipitate is dried at a 
 temperature not exceeding 100° C. (212° F.). The French Codex no longer recognizes 
 this preparation ; it should, however, be remembered that the precipite blanc of French 
 pharmacy is calomel prepared by precipitation (see page 826). 
 
 In following the above processes one-half of the ammonium has 2 atoms of the univa- 
 lent hydrogen replaced by 1 atom of the bivalent mercury, producing the radical mercur- 
 ammonium (NII.,Hg), which is a monad like ammonium, and combines with 1 atom of 
 chlorine to form the white precipitate ; the other half of the ammonium unites with the 
 other atom of chlorine contained in the mercuric chloride to form ammonium chloride, 
 which remains dissolved ; water is likewise produced by the reaction, which is explained 
 by the equation HgCl 2 + 2NH 4 OH = NH 2 HgCl -j- NH 4 C1 + 2H 2 0. The ammonium 
 chloride requires to be washed out, for which purpose the Pharmacopoeia very properly 
 uses a very dilute ammonia to prevent decomposition. If water be used, it should be 
 cold, and the washing should not be continued too long, to prevent the precipitate from 
 acquiring a yellowish tint in consequence of the formation of oxidi-mercur-ainmonium 
 chloride, NH 2 (Hg 2 0)Cl. The above formula yields nearly 93 Gm. of ammoniated 
 mercury. 
 
 Properties. — Ammoniated mercury is a white, amorphous, inodorous powder or is 
 often in friable masses, permanent in the air and having an earthy afterward metallic 
 taste. It is insoluble in ether, alcohol, and ammonia-water, but is slowly decomposed by 
 cold water, and yields with boiling water a lemon-yellow basic compound, NH 2 (Hg 2 0)Cl, 
 ammonium chloride being dissolved. When rapidly heated it turns yellow, and above 
 360° C. (680° F.) is decomposed and completely volatilized without fusion, yielding nitro- 
 gen, ammonia, and calomel; when slowly heated intermediate compounds are first formed. 
 It is completely soluble in a cold solution of sodium thiosulphate, with evolution of 
 
HYDRARGYRUM CUM CRETA. 
 
 847 
 
 ammonia ; on digesting this solution for a short time it separates red mercuric sulphide, 
 or vermilion, which on protracted boiling turns black. Ammoniated mercury is decom- 
 posed by potassa solution or lime-water, ammonia being evolved and a yellow compound 
 separated. It is soluble in hot solutions of ammonium salts and in hydrochloric as well 
 as in nitric and acetic acids ; these solutions yield white precipitates with potassa (ammo- 
 niated mercury) and silver nitrate (silver chloride). When ammoniated mercury is tritu- 
 rated with iodine the mixture will after some time puff up, from the spontaneous decom- 
 position of nitrogen iodide or iodamine formed in it, but in the presence of alcohol the 
 decomposition takes place suddenly and with violent explosion. 
 
 Tests. — Ammoniated mercury should dissolve in hydrochloric acid without efferves- 
 cence (absence of carbonate), and without leaving any residue (absence of mercurous 
 salt, calcium sulphate, starch, etc.). Its solution in acetic acid should not yield a precip- 
 itate with sulphuric acid (absence of lead), and, after treating it with an excess of hydro- 
 gen sulphide a colorless filtrate should be obtained, which, on being acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, evaporated to dryness, and ignited, should not leave a fixed residue 
 (absence of zinc, calcium, etc. salts). 
 
 Fusible white precipitate, which was formerly considered to be identical with the 
 preceding, until Wohler and Kane proved its difference, was prepared by dissolving ammo- 
 nium and mercuric chlorides in water and precipitating with sodium carbonate. Thus 
 obtained, it has the composition (NH 3 ) 2 HgCl 2 , or perhaps NH 2 Cl.NH 2 HgCl, and differs 
 from the official ammoniated mercury in fusing, when heated, to a yellowish liquid, 
 evolving nitrogen and ammonia and yielding a transparent and an opaque white subli- 
 mate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The insolubility of ammoniated mercury in water, and even 
 in the normal acid contents of the stomach, renders it a less active irritant than some 
 other mercurial salts. Sometimes its harsh operation seems to be attributable to defects 
 in its manufacture or to its exposure to light, whereby a portion of it is converted into 
 corrosive sublimate. Certainly in several cases it has occasioned all the symptoms of 
 an active poison, with the specific effects of mercury, and a fatal result at last. This 
 preparation is not used internally as a medicine, but its ointment, which is officinal, is 
 employed in ophthalmia and skin diseases. 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM CUM CRETA, U . S ., Br.— Mercury with Chalk. 
 
 JEtliiops cretaceus. — Mercure avec la craie , Poudre de mercure crayeux , Fr. ) Quecksilber 
 mit Kreide , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury 38 Gm. ; Clarified Honey 10 Gm. ; Prepared Chalk 57 Gm. ; 
 Water a sufficient quantity, to make 100 Gm. Weigh the mercury and clarified honey 
 successively into a strong vial of the capacity of 100 Cc. and add 3 Cc. of water. Cork 
 the vial, and shake it for fifteen to thirty minutes at a time, until the aggregate time of 
 shaking reaches six hours, or until the globules of mercury are no longer visible under a 
 lens magnifying 4 diameters, llub the precipitated chalk to a stiff paste, in a mortar, 
 with water, and, having added the contents of the vial, washing the last portions in with 
 a little water, triturate the whole to a uniform mixture. Finally, dry the mixture between 
 ample layers of bibulous paper, at the ordinary temperature, until it weighs 100 Gm. 
 Then reduce it to a uniform powder, and keep it in well-stoppered bottles, protected from 
 light.— U. S. 
 
 Take of mercury, by weight, 1 ounce ; prepared chalk 2 ounces, llub the mercury 
 and chalk in a porcelain mortar until metallic globules cease to be visible to the naked 
 eye and the mixture acquires a uniform gray color. — Br. 
 
 When certain substances are triturated with metallic mercury they acquire a gray tint, 
 and the metallic lustre of the mercury gradually disappears in consequence of its fine 
 division. (See Hydrargyrum.) To effect this with chalk alone is a tedious operation, to 
 shorten which Dr. Stewart (1843) proposed to triturate first with resin, then with chalk, 
 and finally to remove the resin by alcohol ; Dr. Mettauer suggested the use of a mixture 
 of starch and chalk, kept damp by a little water during the trituration ; and W. Hewson 
 (1850) proposed to shake the metal with a portion of the chalk in a bottle until extin- 
 guished, and then to add the remaining powder. This process is followed on a large scale, 
 a barrel or other suitable vessel containing the mixture being turned on its axis, or it is 
 combined with trituration, a ball being also introduced into a vessel having a somewhat 
 eccentric motion. Dr. Squibb (1857) constructed an apparatus in which the mercury is 
 shaken with honey or syrup, and when completely extinguished mixed with the chalk, 
 
848 
 
 HYDRASTININJE HYDROCIILORAS. 
 
 most of the sugar being afterward washed out with cold water ; this process yields a very 
 pure product, but the globules are larger than in the products of the other processes, and 
 the powder cannot be triturated with pressure without separating some metallic globules. 
 This plan of succussion has been adopted by the Pharmacopoeia ; it is probably better 
 adapted for large manufacturers than the retail pharmacist. W. E. Bibby (1876) sug- 
 gested a method which enables the pharmacist to prepare this medicament without the 
 expenditure of much time by substituting sugar of milk for about one-fifth of the chalk, 
 which greatly facilitates the fine division of the metal ; this was the process adopted by 
 the last U. S. P., with the additional improvement to keep the material moist with alco- 
 hol and ether until the mercury has been finely divided. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Mercury with chalk is a gray, uniform, non-gri tty, inodor- 
 ous, and nearly tasteless powder, from which the mercury may be volatilized by heat. 
 When treated with an excess of diluted acetic acid the chalk dissolves with effervescence, 
 finely divided metallic mercury being left behind ; the solution thus obtained should not 
 become more than slightly opalescent on the addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid 
 (limit of mercurous oxide). — U. S. The presence of this oxide is disregarded by the 
 British Pharmacopoeia, which requires the preparation to be partly dissolved by dilute 
 hydrochloric acid ; any mercurous oxide present would be converted into calomel and 
 remain with the finely-divided, undissolved mercury ; but it insists on the total absence 
 of mercuric oxide, which is detected in the clear solution in hydrochloric acid by a white 
 or gray precipitate with stannous chloride or by a black one with hydrogen sulphide. 
 Arsenic may be detected in this solution in the same manner as in corrosive sublimate. 
 Dr. Squibb (1857) determined in a sample the presence of 1.2 per cent, of mercurous 
 and 1.44 per cent, of mercuric oxide ; Joseph P. Remington (1869) found even 14.3 and 
 25.7 per cent, of the latter in two samples taken from dispensing-bottles. These results 
 fully explain the violent action which has been occasionally observed. The preparation 
 should be examined from time to time to ensure its fitness for medicinal use. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation seems to be only metallic mercury main- 
 tained in a state of minute subdivision by chalk. The proportion of the latter ingre- 
 dient is too small to be regarded as of any direct therapeutic value, for in 8 grains of 
 the compound there are 3 of mercury and 5 of chalk; and in the dose of Gm. 0.13- 
 0.20 (2 or 3 grains), in which it is generally administered, any immediate action except 
 that which belongs to an unirritating insoluble powder can scarcely be admitted. Mer- 
 cury with chalk is chiefly used in the bowel complaints of children, especially when the 
 discharges are colorless and sour, and is very generally believed to cause a secretion of 
 bile, and thus restore the normal action of the alimentary canal. Of this action, as 
 elsewhere stated (see Hydrargyrum), no proof exists. The chief good it does is very 
 probably to take the place of larger doses of more perturbative medicines. Dose (Gm. 
 0.15-0.50 (gr. iij-x). Mr. Jonathan Hutchinson recommends this preparation of mer- 
 cury as the best in constitutional syphilis, and in the dose of one grain from three to six 
 times in twenty -four hours for not less than six months (British Med. Jour., Jan. 1886, 
 p. 143). 
 
 HYDRASTININ^E HYDROCHLORAS, 77. S.— Hydrastinine Hydro- 
 chlorate. 
 
 The hydrochlorate of an artificial alkaloid derived from hydrastine, a colorless alkaloid 
 obtained from hydrastis. 
 
 Formula C n H n N0 2 .HCl. Molecular weight 224.97. 
 
 Preparation. — Schmidt and Wilhelm (1888) found that when they oxidized hydras- 
 tine, the colorless ^alkaloid of hydrastis canadensis, with manganese dioxide and sul- 
 phuric acid, platinum chloride, chromic acid, or potassium permanganate in acid solution 
 they obtained opianic acid and hydrastinine. 
 
 Properties. — The hydrochlorate forms light yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale 
 yellow crystalline powder. It is odorless and possesses a bitter saline taste and is 
 deliquescent in moist air. At 15° C. (58° F.) it is soluble in 0.3 part of water, an ^ ^ 
 parts of alcohol, and difficultly soluble in ether or chloroform. When heated to 173° C. 
 (343.4° F.) the salt undergoes partial fusion but does not liquefy ; on ignition it is 
 wholly consumed. Towards litmus-paper the salt shows an acid reaction. A dilute 
 aqueous solution shows a blue fluorescence even in a dilution of 1 to 100,000. sul- 
 phuric acid dissolves the salt with effervescence and is colored yellowish-red thereby. 
 An aqueous solution is not precipitated by ammonia-water, but yields a precipitate with 
 
HYDRASTIS. 
 
 849 
 
 solution of silver nitrate which is insoluble in nitric acid but dissolves in ammonia-water. 
 “ On adding to 2 Cc. of an aqueous solution of the salt (1 to 100) an excess of bromine 
 water, a yellow precipitate is produced, which dissolves in ammonia-water to a nearly 
 colorless liquid (difference from hydrastine, with which the ammonia-water produces a 
 brick-red precipitate).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Hydrastinine hydrochlorate is recommended for controling 
 uterine hemorrhages. It is said to act with greater certainty than ergot. Dose is 0.025 
 Gm. (| gr.), about three or four times a day, or exhibited as hypodermic injection in 
 doses of J-l Cc. of a 10-per-cent, solution. 
 
 HYDRASTIS, 77. Hydrastis. 
 
 Golden seal , Yellow-root , Yellow puccoon , Orange-root , Indian dye , Indian turmeric , E. ; 
 Racine orange , Sceau d'or, Fr. ; Canadische Gilbwurzel , Gr. ; Raizamarilla sello de oro , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome, with the rootlets, of Hydrastis canadensis, Linne , s. Warnera canadensis, 
 Miller. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 1. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Helleborese. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial is indigenous to Canada and the United States east of the 
 Mississippi ; it grows in rich woodlands, and in the Southern States is confined to the 
 mountainous districts. It has a low stem, and at the summit two round heart-shaped, 
 palmately-lobed leaves and a single greenish-white flower, and produces a crimson fruit 
 composed of twelve or more one- or two-seeded berries. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is 2 to 5 Cm. (1 to 2 inches) long, about 6 Mm. (finch) 
 thick, oblique, with several short branches, terminated by a broad concave scar, some 
 what flattened, annulate from the leaf-scars, longitudi- 
 nally wrinkled, and below beset with many thin fragile 
 rootlets 75-125 Mm. (3 to 5 inches) long, containing a 
 thin triangular or quadrangular ligneous cord and a 
 thick bright-yellow bark. The rhizome is externally 
 brownish-gray with a yellow hue, hard, and breaks with 
 a short waxy fracture of a bright reddish- or brownish- 
 yellow color ; the bark is about one-eighth the thickness 
 of the rhizome ; the central pith and medullary rays 
 are broad, and the yellowish wood consists of eight to 
 twelve narrow wedges, or, near the base of the branches, of a few linear and several 
 larger irregular bundles. Golden seal has a slight odor, and a bitter taste free from any 
 marked astringency. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides the common constituents, like starch, sugar, etc., A. B. 
 Durand (1851) found in it a yellow coloring matter and a white alkaloid, hydrastine. 
 The former was recognized by Mahla (1862) as berberine, the hydrochlorate of which 
 has been used by eclectic practitioners under the incorrect name of hydrastine. Perrins 
 (1862) obtained 4 per cent, of the crude hydrochlorate (see Berberis, p. 336) and 1.5 
 per cent, of hydrastine, which was analyzed by Mahla (1863). Hydrastine , C 22 NH 23 0 6 , 
 is contained in the mother-liquor from the preparation of berberine, and obtained by 
 diluting the liquid with water, evaporating the alcohol, neutralizing carefully with 
 ammonia, filtering from the precipitated resin, etc., and precipitating with ammonia ; the 
 fawn-colored deposit is purified by animal charcoal and recrystallization from hot alcohol. 
 It is in white, shining quadrangular prisms which fuse at 135° C. (275° F.), are readily 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and benzene, insoluble in water, colored red by nitric 
 acid, brown-red by sulphuric acid and potassium chromate, and yield with acids soluble 
 and very bitter salts. Oxidized in acid solution hydrastine yields hydrastinine and 
 opianic acid and in alkaline solution, hemipinic acid, nicotinic acid, and methylamine. 
 From the investigations of A. K. Hale (1873) and J. C. Burt (1875) it appears that the 
 hydrastine of former investigators was not quite pure, but probably mixed with a third 
 alkaloid, which Hale obtained, of a dark-yellow color, and Burt crystallized as sulphate 
 in colorless needles ; warmed with nitric acid, it turns red, with sulphuric acid reddish- 
 brown, and the solution of its hydrochlorate is colored dark-brown to black by ferric 
 chloride ; it is present in smaller quantities than hydrastine. Lerchen (1878), who pro- 
 posed to call it xanthopuccine , found it insoluble in ether and chloroform, but soluble in 
 alcohol and hot water, and the hot alcoholic solution, treated with iodine in potassium 
 iodide, avoiding an excess of iodine, to yield light brown-colored spangles. Schmidt and 
 Wilhelm (1888) isolated a third alkaloid which they called canadine ; it differs from 
 
 Fig. 152. 
 
 Hydrastis. 
 
850 
 
 HYDRASTIS. 
 
 hydrastine by being more soluble in acetic ether and absolute alcohol. From the former 
 it crystallizes in radiating crystals, and from the latter as flat, faintly yellow, warty crys- 
 tals. It melts at 120° C. (248° F.). In the preparation of the alkaloids Dr. L. Wolff 
 (1881) has found it of considerable advantage to deprive the powdered hydrastis of the 
 fixed oil by means of gasolin, and thus lessen the trouble of purification. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The experiments of King, Bartholow, Slavatinski, Fellner, 
 Heinrich, and others have been in the main confirmed by the elaborate and careful 
 experiments of Cerna ( Therap . Gaz., xv. 289), but none of them have furnished the 
 least rational explanation of the usefulness of this medicine in disease. 
 
 Hydrastis is one of the many medicines borrowed from the aborigines of this country. 
 It was afterward long in use as a domestic remedy and by irregular practitioners before 
 it became officinal in 1860. Various incongruous virtues were ascribed to it by the 
 vulgar, such as being at once tonic, aperient, diuretic, and antiseptic, besides being of 
 use in haemorrhoids, jaundice, and chronic diarrhoea and all affections of the urinary 
 tract, as well as for ophthalmia and cancer. Butherford decided that it was “ an hepatic 
 stimulant of considerable power and a feeble intestinal stimulant.” It is alleged to be 
 “ one of the best remedies for the gastric catarrh of chronic alcoholism, and probably 
 the best substitute for alcoholic stimulants when their use has to be abandoned. For 
 habitual constipation depending on inaction of the liver it is undoubtedly a valuable 
 remedy” (Practitioner, xxvi. 121). The fluid extract has, indeed, been employed in 
 various affections of the alimentary canal, but especially in those which are ranked under 
 dyspepsia and atonic diarrhoea , and for which the vegetable bitters, and especially Co- 
 lombo, are habitually used. The physiological investigations made with hydrastis 
 neither indicate nor explain its most conspicuous virtues. It has been applied as an 
 infusion or tincture, or in solutions of hydrastine, to a variety of local affections. A 
 solution of muriate of hydrastine (gr. ij-iij to f^j) applied to the conjunctiva excites 
 lachrymation, redness, and a moderate degree of pain, and has been used, like other local 
 stimulants, to produce a substitutive and salutary irritation (Sattler, Med. News , xlvi. 
 119). This was one of its earliest applications (1864) by King, who also used it in the 
 treatment of gonorrhoea and diseases of the rectum. Subsequently it was employed for 
 fissure of the nipples, stomatitis , otorrhoea, ozaena, leucorrhoea, cancerous and other idcers , 
 fissure of the anus, prolapse of the rectum , and ulcers of the throat. Felsenberg found 
 that the fluid extract was a useful application to the throat in chronic pharyngitis 
 whether associated with tonsillitis or not ( Lancet , Mar. 1889, p. 549). It has been 
 claimed that this medicine controls haemoptysis ( Ther . Gaz., xiii. 119), but the proof is 
 wanting. The action of hydrastis upon the uterus, of late demonstrated experimentally, 
 was long ago recognized clinically. In 1877, Gordon employed the tincture in menor- 
 rhagia, uterine haemorrhage , and dysmenorrhoea ( Chicago Med. Jour, and Exam., Aug. 
 1877), and Dr. Bartholow published his observations in 1884, In 1886, Slavatinski (loc . 
 cit .) confirmed the previous results, and used the medicine to bring on premature labor 
 in a case of contracted pelvis, using hypodermic injections of one grain each of muriate 
 of hydrastine. For other purposes he suggested as the maximum daily dose Gm. 0.3 
 (5 grains) hypodermically and Gm. 0.5 (8 grains) internally. Akuloff reported a case 
 of profuse menorrhagia due to chronic uterine congestion, cured by the fluid extract 
 given in the dose of 20 minims three times a day for three months ( Bond . Med. Record , 
 Feb. 1886, p. 71). In 1887, Givopiszew found that it stimulated the gravid uterus in 
 the latter half of pregnancy, but less energetically than ergot (Bull, de Therap., cxiv 
 189). Schatz, however (Edinh. Jour., xxxiii. 861), maintained that it neither orig- 
 inated nor increased uterine contractions (see also Heinricus, Med. News , lv. 126), but 
 that it acted on the vascular system of the organ so as to restrain hemorrhages from it 
 due to various causes, but especially those which are independent of material disease of 
 the uterus (compare Bataud, Med. News , lviii. 362.) Wilcox also (Med. Record, xxxi. 
 712) formed a similar judgment, adding, however, to the cases of hemorrhage controlled 
 by the medicine those of fungous uterine growths producing hemorrhage, which the 
 curette failed to control. The experience of Dr. A. Beeves Jackson, moreover, was not 
 as satisfactory as that of some among the promoters of the medicine. He found it to 
 act best where ergot had failed (Med. News , liv. 375). Yet the general result that 
 hydrastine is a uterine stimulant of considerable value appears to be established by the 
 evidence here given, to which might be added the testimony of Fuchs (Therap. Gaz.. 
 xi. 863); Oliver (ibid., xii. 388); Butherford (ibid., p. 647); Akuloff (Philada. Med. 
 Times, xvi. 478) ; Mendes and others (Repert. de Pharm., 1887, p. 93) ; Jordan ( Lancet , 
 Oct. 1889, p. 811) ; Falk (Ther. Gaz., xiv. 86) and Marfori (ibid., p. 483); Czempin 
 
BY DR 0 CO TYLE.—H YOSCINjB HYDROBROMAS. 
 
 851 
 
 (. Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., Feb. 1892, p. 322); Faber ( University Med. Mag., iv. 840); 
 Emmanuel ( Ther . Gaz ., xvi. 188); Gottschalk (ibid., p. 699). A decoction of hydras- 
 tis, made by boiling Gm. 32 (^j) of the bruised rhizome in Gm. 500 (Oj) of water for 
 fifteen minutes, may be given in doses of 1 or 2 fluidoupces several times a day. Of the 
 fluid extract the dose is about Gm. 4 (f3j) several times a day, and of the tincture about 
 the same. The dose of hydrastine (internally) is Gm. 0.13-0.40 (gr. ij-vj ), and hypo- 
 dermically Gm. 0.01-0.03 (gr. i-), and of hydrochlorate of hydrastine, Gm. 0.008-0.016 
 (gr. £). Falk recommends the hypodermic use of hydrastinine muriate, Gm. 0.05 
 (gr. J) to Gm. 0.1 (gr. 1-J-), or Hydrastinine muriate, Gm. 1 (15 gr.), Distilled water 
 Gm. x (f^iiss). S. One-half to one syringeful for an injection. 
 
 HYDROCOT YLE, F. Cod. — Water-Pennywort. 
 
 Indian pennywort, E. ; Bcvilacqua, Fr. ; Wassernabel, G. ; Hidrocotila, Sp. 
 
 Hydrocotyle asiatica , Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 117. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Description. — A low, creeping perennial which is indigenous to the tropical and 
 subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. The leaves are smooth, situated^ in 
 tufts on the nodes of the stem, have petioles with a sheathing base, are roundish-reniform 
 in outline with a somewhat crenate margin, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) broad, rather thick, 
 radiately veined, and dark-green. The pink-colored flowers are in small umbellate clusters 
 of about three, and produce small, laterally flattened, suborbicular fruits without oil-tubes. 
 The plant is inodorous, but in bruising the fresh leaves a peculiar odor is developed ; the 
 taste is bitterish and pungent. 
 
 Constituents.— Lepine (1855) isolated vellarin, which he regarded as the active 
 principle. It is an oily liquid having a bitter taste, a strong, peculiar odor, becoming 
 viscous on exposure, insoluble in potassa solution, and soluble in ammonia, diluted 
 alcohol, and ether. He obtained from the dried leaves 13 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Most other species of this genus appear to possess somewhat similar sensible 
 properties. The North American species, H. ranunculoides, Linn6, and H. americana, Linn6 , 
 have likewise reniform leaves, those of the former being three- to seven-cleft ; those of the latter, 
 thin, crenate-lobed, the lobes of both being crenate. 
 
 Peltate leaves, with doubly crenate margins, are met with in the European H. vulgaris, Linnt, 
 which has five-flowered umbellate clusters, and in the American H. umbellata, Linn 6 which has 
 the umbellate clusters about twenty-flowered, and in Mexico is called ombligo de Venus. 
 
 Action and Uses. — About 1852 this medicine, which had long been employed in 
 India in the treatment of febrile diseases and as a diuretic, was incorrectly announced by 
 a French physician in the Mauritius to have cured a case of leprosy. It, appears, how- 
 ever, to stimulate the skin, occasioning severe itching, and in large doses producing 
 vertigo, headache, and stupor, as well as bloody stools. It has been said to be an efficient 
 remedy in scaly and pruriginous diseases of the skin , including those of a syphilitic origin, 
 in chronic eczema , lichen , prurigo , in scrofulous and other ulcers, and in chronic rheumatism. 
 The powdered root has been prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.20 (3 grains) several times a 
 day, and an alcoholic extract in doses of Gm. 0.03 Q- grain). 
 
 HYOSCIN-ffi HYDROBROMAS, V. S.— Hyoscine Hydrobromate. 
 
 Ilyoscinum hydrobromicum. — Bromure d' hyoscine, Fr. ; Hyoscinbromid, G. 
 
 Formula 0 17 H 21 N0 4 .HBr + 3H 2 0. Molecular weight 436.98. 
 
 The hydrobromate of an alkaloid obtained from hyoscyamus. 
 
 Preparation. — Ladenburg(1880) found that hyoscyamus contained, besides hyoscy- 
 amine, another alkaloid, hyoscine, which he isolated from the mother-liquors of the former. 
 It is separated by converting it into the gold double salt, as this is less soluble than the 
 corresponding salt of hyoscyamine. This double salt differs furthermore from the other 
 in that it has a duller lustre, forms better crystals, and has a higher melting-point. 
 
 Properties. — Hyoscine forms a thick syrupy liquid which, when heated with solu- 
 tion of barium hydroxide, is decomposed into tropic acid and pseud otr opine. The Phar- 
 macopoeia characterizes the hydrobromate as follows : It forms “ colorless, transparent, 
 rhombic crystals, having an acrid, slightly bitter taste, and permanent in the air. Solu- 
 ble, at 15° C. (59° F.), in 1.9 parts of water, and in 13 parts of alcohol; very little 
 soluble in ether or chloroform. When heated to 100° C. (212° F.), the salt loses its 
 water of crystallization, fusing to a thick, syrupy mass, which becomes quite fluid at 
 
852 
 
 HYOSCYAMINE hydrobromas.—hyoscya mine sulphas. 
 
 160° C. (320° F.). When ignited it is consumed without leaving a residue. The salt 
 is neutral to litmus-paper. Addition of ammonia-water to the aqueous solution (1 in 60) 
 of the salt produces no change, but sodium or potassium hydroxide test-solution causes a 
 white turbidity. If 5 drops of fuming nitric acid be added to 0.01 Gm. of the salt, in 
 a small porcelain capsule, and evaporated to dryness on a water-bath, a scarcely tinted 
 residue will be left which, when treated, after cooling, with a few drops of an alcoholic 
 solution of potassium hydroxide, will assume a violet color. Addition of silver nitrate test- 
 solution to the aqueous solution produces a yellowish-white precipitate which is insoluble 
 in nitric acid, but, when filtered off and washed, soluble in ammonia-water diluted with 
 its own volume of water. — U. S. 
 
 Uses. — “ It has been used in asthma, enteralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, colliquative 
 sweats, insomnia, motor disorders of the insane, paralysis agitans, spasmodic torticollis, 
 and hypochondriacal neurasthenia” (Erb). Dose, internally, 0.0005-0.0075 (gr. y^o~ tV)* 
 
 HY OSCY AMINE HYDROBROMAS, U. S.— Hyoscyamine Hydro- 
 
 BROMATE. 
 
 Hyoscyaminum hydro b romicu m . — Bromure dC hyoscyamine, Fr. ; Hyoscyaminhromid , G. 
 
 Formula C 17 H 23 N0 3 HBr. Molecular weight 369.14. 
 
 The hydrobromate of an alkaloid obtained from hyoscyamus. 
 
 Preparation. — It is equal to that of the sulphate given below, using hydrobromic 
 acid in place of sulphuric acid. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — The requirements of the present Pharmacopoeia are quite 
 as stringent as with the sulphate. It is described as “ a yellowish-white, amorphous, 
 resin-like mass or prismatic crystals, having, particularly when damp, a tobacco-like odor 
 and an acrid, nauseous, and bitter taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air. Soluble, at 15° 
 C. (59° F.), in about 0.3 parts of water, 2 parts of alcohol, 3000 parts of ether, or 250 
 parts of chloroform. At 78° C. (172.4° F.) the salt melts, forming a nearly colorless 
 liquid. When ignited it is consumed without leaving a residue. The salt is neutral to 
 litmus-paper. An aqueous solution of the salt is not precipitated by platinic chloride 
 test-solution (difference from most other alkaloids). With gold chloride test-solution it 
 yields a precipitate which, when recrystallized from a small quantity of boiling water 
 acidulated with hydrochloric acid, is deposited, on cooling, in minute, lustrous, golden- 
 yellow scales (difference from atropine). The aqueous solution of the salt yields, with 
 silver nitrate test-solution, a yellowish-white precipitate which is insoluble in nitric acid, 
 but, when filtered off and washed, soluble in ammonia-water diluted with its own volume 
 of water.” — U. S. 
 
 Uses. — This compound appears to have been used principally in the treatment of 
 excited states of insanity. It has been regarded as less apt than hyoscine to produce 
 mental excitement, as well as other accidents chargeable to the latter. The dose has been 
 stated at Gm. 0.0005 (y^ grain) and should never exceed twice that quantity. 
 
 HYOSCYAMINE SULPHAS, V. Hyoscyamine Sulphate. 
 
 Hyoscyaminum sulfuricum. — Sulfate d’ hyoscyamine, Fr. ; Hyoscyaminsulfat, G. 
 
 Formula (C 17 H 23 N0 3 ) 2 .II 2 S0 4 . Molecular weight 674.58. 
 
 The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid prepared from hyoscyamus. 
 
 Preparation.— Hyoscyamine is dissolved in alcohol, and the solution carefully neu- 
 tralized with diluted sulphuric acid and evaporated at a low temperature ; or the solution of 
 the alkaloid in diluted sulphuric acid is concentrated under a bell-glass over sulphuric acid. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Hyoscyamine sulphate is described by E. Rennard (1868) 
 as forming bundles of microscopic crystals ; by Thorey (1869) as crystallizing in long 
 satiny prisms, united in bundles or sheaf-like groups ; and by Hohn and Reichardt (1871) 
 as radiating groups of white glossy needles. But, according to Ladenburg ( Annalen , vol. 
 ccvi.), the salts of hyoscyamine are uncrystallizable, while those of hyoscine, or amor- 
 phous hyoscine, are crystallizable ; most of the salts of both alkaloids are colorless or 
 white if pure, but as ordinarily obtained are usually more or less colored (see Hyoscy- 
 amus) ; and no method is known for separating the two alkaloids except by the recrys- 
 tallization of their gold double salts. The pharmacopoeial description of hyoscyamine 
 sulphate (1880) admitted a mixture with hyoscine sulphate more or less contaminated 
 with coloring matter ; but in the present revision the requirements are more stringent, 
 it being described as “ white indistinct crystals, or a white powder, without odor, having 
 a bitter, acrid taste, and deliquescent in damp air. Soluble, at 15° C. (59° F.), in 0.5 
 
HYOSCYAMUS. 
 
 853 
 
 parts of water, and in 2.5 parts of alcohol. Very slightly soluble in ether or chloroform. 
 
 At 140° to 160° C. (284° to 320° F.) the salt melts, and upon ignition it is consumed 
 without leaving a residue. The salt is neutral to litmus-paper. An aqueous solution of 
 the salt is not precipitated by platinic chloride test-solution (difference from most other 
 alkaloids). With gold chloride test-solution it gives a precipitate which, when recrystal- 
 lized from a small quantity of boiling water acidulated with hydrochloric acid, is deposited, 
 on cooling, in minute, lustrous, golden-yellow scales (difference from atropine). The 
 aqueous solution of the salt yields, with barium chloride test-solution, a white precipitate 
 insoluble in hydrochloric acid.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These are detailed in the following article on Hyoscyamus. # 
 
 The dose of the sulphate is about the same as that of the alkaloid, hyoscyamine, Gm. 
 
 0.001 {fa grain) ; but in urgent cases Gm. 0.016-0.06 (i grain, and even a grain) has 
 been given by the mouth, and Gm. 0.001 {fa grain) hypodermically. The Brit. Pharm. 
 
 Extra states the dose as to fa grain increased, but that of hyoscine hydrobromate 
 3 o o i l~o & r - 
 
 HYOSCYAMUS, 77. & -Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Hyoscyami folia , Br. ; Herba hyoscyami , P. G. ; Henbane , E. ; Jusquiame noir , Fr. 
 Cod. ; Bilsenkraut, G. ; Beleno negro , Sp. 
 
 Fig. 153. 
 
 The leaves (and seeds) of Hyoscyamus niger, Linne , collected from plants* of the 
 second year’s growth. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 194. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solan aceae. 
 
 Origin. — The typical form of henbane is biennial, grows in sandy soil and waste 
 places throughout the greater portion of Europe and eastward and southward to Siberia, 
 Northern India, and Egypt, and has been naturalized in North America from the New 
 England States to Michigan. It is 60-90 Cm. (2 to 3 feet) high, covered with long, 
 jointed, glandular hairs, and has the numerous nearly sessile flowers in a long, leafy, 
 one-sided spike-like raceme. The funnel-shaped five-lobed corolla is about 3 Cm. (1? 
 inches) long and wide, pale yellow, with purple veins and a similar colored base. The 
 capsule (pyxis) is enclosed in the bell-shaped calyx, about 12 Mm. (f inch) long, dehiscent 
 near the top by a cap, two-celied, and contains numerous seeds. An annual variety, 
 H. agrestis. Kitiabel , is not over 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, less villous, and has smaller leaves 
 and fewer flowers; if the latter are veinless, the plant is H. pallidus, Willdenow. 
 
 H. albus, Linne , and H. aureus, Linne , of Southern Europe, are occasionally employed 
 there, but are less active. H. physaloides, Linne , is used in Siberia. 
 
 Description. — Taken from different parts of the stem, the leaves vary from 5-25 Cm. 
 (2 to 10 inches) in length and 2-10 Cm. (1 
 to 4 inches) in width, the lower leaves being 
 stalked, the upper sessile and amplexicaul. 
 
 They are ovate to ovate-oblong in shape, 
 on each side with one (upper leaves) to five 
 coarse, sinuate teeth or lobes, which are 
 rather acute and oblong or triangular. In 
 the dry state they are of a grayish-green 
 color, glandular-hairy above, more densely 
 so on the lower surface and upon the promi- 
 nent broad midrib. Some of the character- 
 istic flowers or capsules, or both, may usually 
 be found with the drug, the heavy narcotic 
 odor of which is diminished by drying, but 
 becomes more prominent again when the 
 leaves are moist. The taste is bitter and 
 somewhat acrid. Being very hygroscopic, 
 the leaves should be kept in a dry place. 
 
 The German and British Pharmacopoeias ad- 
 mit the leaves and flowering-tops. 
 
 Hyoscyami semen, U. S. 1870. — Hyos- 
 cyamus-seed, Henbane-seed, E.; Semences de 
 jusquiame noir, Fr. ; Bilsensamen, G. — The 
 seeds are no longer recognized by the phar- 
 macopoeias, but are employed for preparing 
 
 Hyoscyamus niger, Linne. 
 
854 
 
 HYOSCYAMUS. 
 
 Fig. 154. 
 
 Hyoscyamus-seed and lon- 
 gitudinal section, magni- 
 fied 7 diameters. 
 
 the alkaloid. They are roundish-reniform, flattened ; have a gray-brown, finely and 
 densely rough-pitted testa, and contain a whitish oily albumen which encloses a curved 
 embryo of the shape of the figure 9. The hilum is in the con- 
 cave side of the seed. The seeds are without odor and have an 
 oily, bitter, and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Brandes (1820) obtained from the seeds 25 
 per cent, of a bland, limpid, and colorless oil, of which absolute 
 alcohol dissolves about 20 parts. Their most important con- 
 stituent, like that of the leaves, is the alkaloid hyoscyamine , 
 observed by Brandes, and again obtained by Geiger and Hesse 
 (1833) and by Kemper (1866). Completer investigations were 
 made by Holm (1870 and 1871), and the composition of the alkaloid, its identity with 
 duboisine, and its isomerism with atropine were determined by Ladenburg (1880). Thi- 
 bault (1875) received it in silky crystals from the chloroformic solution. Thorey 
 obtains the alkaloid at once pure by exhausting the powdered seeds deprived of oil with 
 alcohol acidulated with hydrochloric acid. The dried seeds yield from 0.08 to 0.16 per 
 cent., and the leaves 0.042 to 0.224 per cent. 
 
 Pure hyoscyamine, Ci7H 23 N0 3 , crystallizes in colorless silky needles or is left as a white 
 gelatinous mass ; it is permanent in the air, melts at 108.5° C. (227.3° F.), is levogyre, and 
 dissolves sparingly in cold water, but freely in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. The gold 
 double salt forms lustrous golden-yellow scales which do not melt under boiling water, 
 and in the dry state fuse at 160° C. (320° F.) (difference from atropine). Boiled with 
 baryta-water, as was proven by Ladenburg, it yields tropine and tropic acid (see page 306). 
 
 Commercial hyoscyamine frequently contains a second alkaloid, which Ladenburg 
 (1880) named hyoscine , and for which Buchheim (1876) proposed the name sikeranine. 
 It is isomeric with hyoscyamine, is semi-liquid and uncrystallizable, but its double salt 
 with chloride of gold is less lustrous, less freely soluble, and melts at 198° C. (388.4° 
 F.) ; heated with baryta-water, the alkaloid yields tropic acid and pseudotropine, C 8 H 15 NO. 
 
 Hohn (1870) obtained from the seeds also a bitter glucoside, hyoscypicrin , C. 2 7H 52 0 14 , 
 which is neutral, soluble in alcohol and water, and precipitated by tannin ; by boiling 
 with diluted hydrochloric acid it is decomposed into fermentable sugar and a yellowish- 
 white resin. In addition to this, a yellow, amorphous, somewhat bitter and slightly acid 
 resin containing nitrogen was found, and on distilling the mother-liquors with soda some 
 volatile bases were obtained — among them, probably, methylamine and ammonia. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Oleum hyoscyami infusum. Mix hyoscya- 
 mus 2 parts with alcohol 1 part ; after absorption has taken place digest with olive oil 20 
 parts until the alcohol has evaporated ; express and filter. — P. G. 1872. — Dieterich (1888) 
 
 the powder with ammonia and spirit of ether, extracting it 
 
 Thus prepared it 
 
 contains all the alkaloids present in the leaves. 
 
 Baume tranquille of the French Codex is a similar preparation, made from the fresh 
 leaves of hyoscyamus, belladonna, stramonium, black nightshade, tobacco, and poppy, of 
 each 40 parts, and of 120 parts of dry aromatic herbs and flowers, comprising twelve 
 kinds, with 1000 parts of olive oil. 
 
 recommended moistening 
 
 with ether, mixing; this tincture with olive oil and distilling the ether. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Duboisia myoporoides, R. Brown , (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae,) is a tree-like shrub. 
 Its leaves are alternate, short-stalked, smooth, lanceolate, entire and slightly revolute on the 
 margin, narrow toward the apex and base, inodorous and of a bitter taste. The prominent 
 midrib is marked on the upper side by a slight ridge. The flowers are w r hitish or lilac-colored, 
 bell-shaped, and have four didynamous stamens with reniform anthers ; the fruit is a small 
 roundish black berry, resting with its lower half in the five-toothed, persistent calyx, and con- 
 taining in each of the two cells two to four oblong-reniform and reticulate brown seeds. It was 
 examined by A. W. Gerrard and A. Petit (1878), who isolated the alkaloid duboisine as a yellow 
 viscous mass, which is colored red by sulphuric acid, and on warming the mixture gives off an 
 unpleasant odor, suggestive of butyric acid. Duqucsnel subsequently obtained the alkaloid in 
 crystals, and Ladenburg (1880) proved it to be identical with hyoscyamine, and that the com- 
 mercial duboisine sulphate, which is brown, amorphous, and hygroscopic, is identical with 
 hyoscyamine sulphate, but contaminated with a resin-like body. A volatile alkaloid contained 
 in these leaves is probably identical with piturine. 
 
 Duboisia IIopvvoodii, F. von Midler. This tree-like or shrubby plant is called pituvi or 
 pedgery ; it is rare and its fruit is unknown. The leaves are short-petiolate, smooth, glossy, and 
 rather thick, narrow and linear or somewhat lanceolate, narrowed at the base, and finely acumin- 
 ate, with the end often bent. 
 
 Pituri-leaves, examined by Mueller and Rummel, Petit (1879), Liversidge (1881), and others, 
 were found to contain a volatile alkaloid, piturine , C 6 II 8 N, which when pure is a colorless liquid, 
 
HYOSCYAM US. 
 
 855 
 
 but on exposure to light or air turns yellow and brown ; it is very freely soluble in water, 
 alcohol, and ether, has a nicotine-like odor, which changes to pyridine-like, and has an acrid and 
 persistent pungent taste ; its salts are bitter, mostly amorphous or with difficulty crystallizable, 
 and readily part with a portion of the alkaloid. . Sulphuric acid and potassium bichromate cause 
 an orange color, changing to brown and green. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The following effects are produced by henbane and by hvos- 
 cyamine : In full medicinal dose the former occasions headache, pasty mouth, hoarse 
 voice, dry throat, a warm skin, and a slower and then an accelerated pulse, while the 
 pupil becomes dilated and vision indistinct, and the limbs give way under the body. 
 The sense of touch is blunted, and the voluntary muscles are apt to be cramped or to be 
 affected alternately with spasms and paralysis. No direct narcotic effect is produced in 
 the greater number of cases, but rather a loquacious subdelirium, with hallucinations, 
 which may merge into a restless and dreamy sleep. Only in large doses is henbane 
 decidedly hypnotic. Its power to produce a peculiar talkative and pugnacious delirium 
 was fully described by ancient writers, and some modern observers have witnessed similar 
 effects (Stille, Therapeutics , 4th ed., i. 891). A more recent illustration occurred in 
 Algeria in 1883 (Bull, de Therap ., cix. 33(3). It is curious that in certain cases, although 
 the general sensibility is impaired, severe neuralgic pains may be felt in the limbs. 
 Continued medicinal doses tend to produce a reddish efflorescence upon the skin, which 
 is dry and itching. When poisonous doses, on the other hand, have been taken, the skin 
 is sometimes cool and clammy, the face pale, and the lips bluish. 
 
 According to Gnauck, hyoscine is tenfold stronger than hyoscyamine, even a very 
 minute dose (gr. ¥ J ¥ ) invariably producing its characteristic effects, and subcutaneously 
 acting twice as powerfully as by the mouth. He thinks that it tends directly to slow the 
 pulse ( Philo . Med. News , xl. 323). 
 
 At one time hyoscyamus was believed to be a valuable remedy for epilepsy, but 
 experience has shown that the doses formerly given were quite inert, and that even in 
 really operative doses its utility is limited to cases of emotional origin. Dr. Lawson in 
 England found hyoscyamine very useful in controlling violent outbreaks of mania, 
 especially of the recurrent acute and subacute forms, the monomania of suspicion, and 
 the excitement of senile dementia. He regarded it as essential to the success of the 
 treatment that the medicine should be given in a dose not less than 1 grain. If a smaller 
 dose is taken, it is said cerebral excitement, without complete motor paralysis, is pro- 
 duced, and remains through the whole period of the operation of the medicine. Mr. Gill, 
 physician to the Lunatic Hospital, York (Eng.), on the other hand, recommended a dose 
 varying from & to f grain ; and that in exceptional cases f grain, or even a grain, might 
 be given with safety. In some forms of hypochondriasis it seems to have been useful as 
 a means of calming agitation. Prolonged experience has confirmed these statements. 
 Thus we learn from Prideaux ( Practitioner , xxiii. 446) that it produces sleep, sometimes 
 of considerable duration, in excited conditions of the brain, as in mania , delirium tremens, 
 meningitis , and where ordinary hypnotics, and especially opiates, are inadmissible. In 
 such cases small doses (y 1 ^ gr.) suffice, but in chronic mania large doses (£ grain, or even 
 1 grain) are necessary, and are very useful in cutting short exhibitions of temper and 
 excitement of a violent and destructive character. It would appear to be particularly 
 useful in delusional insanity; the illusions which it conjures up overlie and gradually 
 obliterate those which belong to the disease. “ In chronic dementia, associated with 
 destructive tendencies, bad habits, and sleeplessness,” the patients are said to be much 
 improved by a course of small doses of the drug. Dr. Gray, when superintendent of 
 the State Medical Asylum of New York, confirmed these observations by his own 
 experience, but recommended a combination of hyoscyamine and morphine where there 
 is a failure of cerebral energy ; and, on the other hand, when violence predominated he 
 associated the hypodermic use of hyoscyamine with the internal exhibition of the 
 bromides ( Practitioner , xxvi. 299). These results are confirmed by those of Bacon 
 ( Practitioner , xxvii. 367), Seguin (Med. Record , xvii. 354), Gnauck (Amer. Jour, of Med. 
 Sci., Oct. 1863, p. 556), by Ewart (Lancet, Aug. 18, 1884, p. 273), Schmidt (Therap. 
 Gaz., ix. 808), and others (ibid., xi. 51 ; Med. Record , xxxiii. 608) ; but on the whole, 
 and the greater the knowledge of its effects gained by experience, the less reliance is 
 placed upon it as a remedy, and the greater the distrust of it due to the serious and even 
 fatal accidents attributed to it. Seguin particularly maintains the favorable action of 
 the drug in delusional insanity with insomnia (Med. Record , xix. 712). In puerperal 
 insanity the action of the medicine is most advantageous. In functional palpitation of 
 the heart of a purely nervous nature it has been found beneficial, when used hypoder- 
 
856 
 
 HYOSCYAMUS. 
 
 mically,in the dose of Gm. 0.001 ( grain). The same means relieve cardiac and pul- 
 monary asthma ( Lancet , Aug. 20, 1887). Hyoscyamine has been used in trembling 
 palsy and mercurial trembling , epilepsy , chorea , locomotor ataxia and tetanus. In the 
 first it exerts a marked power in moderating the tremulousness and in the second it is 
 alleged to have effected cures. In the epileptic status in epileptic mania it diminishes 
 the number, frequency, and severity of the attacks (Prideaux), and it is one of the most 
 efficient means of procuring sleep in delirium tremens when the patient is at the same 
 time properly fed. The hypodermic dose has varied from ^ to ^ gr. It seems to 
 have cured a number of cases of chorea , of which several occurred in adults, but other 
 preparations of hyoscyamus have but little influence on the disease ; in locomotor ataxia 
 it palliates the spasms and the neuralgic pains, and in tetanus it moderates the severity of 
 the paroxysms. In these affections, and notably in chorea, its therapeutical action may 
 be explained by its paralyzing influence upon the spinal cord, which seems to be of 
 the same nature as that produced by conium. (Compare DaCosta, Philada. Med. Times , 
 xvi. 312.) The vomiting of pregnancy, a symptom of reflex origin, has been controlled 
 by it, It was prescribed in a solution containing 5 Mgs. (gr. T L) of the alkaloid in 125 
 Gm. (f^iv) of liquid, of which a teaspoonful was given every hour. 
 
 Hyoscine has been used in the same diseases as hyoscyamine, and with essentially the 
 same results. At first it was alleged to aggravate insanity ( Med . Record , xxviii. 309) ; 
 then its hypnotic power in repressing excitement in mania and melancholy was demon- 
 strated (ibid., xxix. 376). The danger of its causing oedema of the lungs where renal 
 obstruction exists was early pointed out (Therap. Gaz ., ix. 8). Some would use it only 
 when less powerful hypnotics, such as chloral, the bromides, urethan, and hyoscyamine, 
 had failed (Robert) ; some would restrict its use to cases of excited or violent insanity, 
 whether acute or chronic (Salgo, Pitcairn, Wetherill) ; while others repeat the original 
 charge that it sometimes, instead of calming, excites, and in epilepsy particularly it is 
 apt to bring on hallucinations and maniacal violence (Konrad, Klenche, Malfilate, and 
 Lemoine). On the whole, hyoscine seems to be little more than a substitute for the 
 various sedatives and methods of physical restraint that have been long employed in 
 treating insanity, and to have only an indirect and incidental influence on the essential 
 cause and nature of the disease. It prevents more or less the waste of strength in the 
 insane, and lessens the noisy and destructive habits of many among them. (Compare 
 Robert, Centralbl. f. Therapie , x. 340 ; Erb, ibid., vi. 23 ; Salgo, ibid., p. 325 ; Pitcairn, 
 British Med. Jour., July, 1888, p. 75; Konrad, Centralbl. f Therap., viii. 660; Wetherill, 
 Jour. Nerv. and Ment. Bis., 1887 ; Thompson, Lancet , Feb. 4, 1888 ; Colman and Taylor, 
 ibid., Oct. 1889, p. 736; Lloyd, Therap. Gaz., xii. 101; Erb, ibid., p. 173; Malfilate, 
 ibid., p. 743 ; Dornbluth, Med. News , liv. 518 ; Therap. Monatsheft., iii. 282, 361.) 
 Hyoscine has been found useful as a palliative of the dominant symptoms in paralysis 
 agitans, spasmodic torticollis, tetany, chorea , asthma, whooping cough, epilepsy, insomnia, 
 mania a potu, delirium tremens, neuralgia, and the morphine habit. It is said to moderate 
 the sweats of phthisis, and in several cases of spermatorrhoea it was used with advantage 
 by Dr. H. C. Wood (Therap. Gaz., ix. 594). 
 
 There is no doubt that hyoscyamus is anodyne, and apparently by its operation upon 
 the sensitive nerves and ganglia, and not upon the cerebral organs of perception. The 
 crushed leaves of fresh henbane are popularly applied where the plant abounds for the 
 relief of local pains, and internally its preparations are of common use to allay neuralgic 
 and other pains that hinder sleep. It is also used to lessen the tendency to gripe of 
 certain cathartics given in a pilular form, for it has the advantage of relaxing rather 
 than confining the bowels. Like the other mydriatics, henbane (hyoscyamine, hyoscine) 
 is used to dilate the pupil. Poisoning by ether should be treated by evacuating the 
 stomach, applying warmth to the extremities and cold to the head, and administering 
 stimulants, particularly coffee, and morphine hypodermically in small and repeated doses. 
 In a case of poisoning by hyoscine recovery followed repeated doses of chloral. It is 
 recommended not to give hyoscyamine or hyoscine to patients with degenerate arteries 
 or chronic cardiac disease, or to very old people. 
 
 The dose of powdered henbane is stated at Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v— x), but this form of 
 the medicine is rarely used. Hyoscyamine may be given in the dose of 1 Mgm. (-£-% 
 gr.), repeated at intervals of several hours, or, if not for a temporary purpose, the dose 
 should be prescribed twice a day, and gradually increased until its characteristic effects 
 are observed in the pupils and in the throat. But in cases of great functional excite- 
 ment or disorder from Gm. 0.016-0.06 (1 grain to 1 grain) may be given by the mouth. 
 But in every case it should be administered tentatively. Hypodermically, its action is 
 
HYPERICUM. 
 
 857 
 
 relatively far more powerful than when it is given by the stomach, but the dose of ^ 
 gr. can generally be administered in the cases here referred to. 
 
 In addition to the formula given above, the following is recommended (Gill) : R. Hyos- 
 cyaminae gr. x ; spt. vin. rect. 5j ; aetheris sulph. fi^iv. The two latter are mixed, and 
 the mixture will fully dissolve the hyoscyamine ; then water is added to make the whole 
 20 ounces. This solution contains I grain of hyoscyamine to the ounce. 
 
 Hyoscine may be given subcutaneously or internally. The commencing dose by the 
 former method should not, in chronic cases of insanity, exceed Gm. 0.0005-0.001 (gr. 
 T¥7) ~ rn> ) ) nor b e continued longer than a few days at a time. By the mouth the dose 
 should be about twice as great as that given hypodermically. In this manner it acts 
 more slowly, but maintains its action longer, and is less dangerous (Darnbluth, Kry, 
 Rabow) both in its primary action and when given continuously. As it is tasteless, it 
 can be concealed in various drinks without being recognized by patients, especially when 
 they revolt, as they are apt to do, against the hypodermic syringe. Iodide of hyoscin, 
 Gm. 0.01 (gr. l), distilled water, Gm. 10 (f^iiss), S. Gm. 0.50 (8 drops), in water, 
 milk, or wine (Rabow). R. Iodide of hyoscine, gr. j, distilled water, 11^200. Each 
 minim contains gr. of the salt, which is held t (Bruce) to be sufficient for the first 
 hypodermic injection. 
 
 The best antidote for hyoscine is said to be chloral. 
 
 Duboisia. — T he first experiments made with the extract of duboisia and the sulphate 
 of duboisine showed them to be powerful mydriatics, dilating the pupil more promptly 
 and energetically than atropine, and sustaining this influence for a longer time. In its 
 action on the eye duboisine differs from atropine in this, that it rapidly produces dilata- 
 tion of the pupil and almost simultaneously total paralysis of accommodation, while 
 repeated applications of atropine are necessary to paralyze the ciliary muscle completely. 
 
 Duboisia Hopwoodii furnishes pituri , whose action differs from that of duboisine. 
 According to Ringer, “ it produces faintness, pallor, giddiness, tremor, hurried and super- 
 ficial breathing, and increased frequency of the pulse, with perspiration ; in large doses, 
 salivation, drowsiness, convulsive twitching, and spasmodic rigidity of the extremities. In 
 small doses, internally, it contracts, and in large doses widely dilates, the pupils ; locally 
 applied, also, it contracts, and then widely dilates, the pupils.” It seems to be a feeble 
 mydriatic ( Amer . Jour . of Med. Sci ., Apr. 1879, p. 539). 
 
 Duboisine may be used as a substitute for atropine in all affections of the eye for which 
 the latter is employed, including disorders of accommodation , iritis , and diseases of the 
 cornea. u The greater rapidity with which the dilatation of the pupil, and the paralysis 
 of accommodation caused by it, pass off, renders it superior to atropine for use in deter- 
 mining the refraction ; while, on the other hand, its greater tendency to produce consti- 
 tutional disturbance should cause it to be carefully used ” (Norris). According to Little, 
 the only superiority of duboisine over atropine consists £: in gaining time in the study of 
 refraction ” ( Phila . Med. Times , x. 321). According to Jones, it is more certain than 
 atropine, and less liable to be followed by irritable conjunctiva. It appears to have the 
 same effect as atropine in moderating the sweats of phthisis, and the additional merit of 
 reducing instead of accelerating the pulse. Dujardin-Beaumetz, Desnos, and others have 
 used this preparation in the treatment of exophthalmic goitre , causing a marked diminu- 
 tion of the cardiac palpitation and vascular throbbing. It does not, however, lessen the 
 tumor nor permanently suspend the symptoms of the disease ( Bull . de Therap., xcix. 89 ; 
 c. 59). It has been alleged to be a valuable remedy in the typhoid state and for the 
 somnolence produced by dentition. Such erroneous conceptions of therapeutics cannot 
 be too strongly condemned. 
 
 Duboisine may be given hypodermically in the dose of Gm. 0.0005 to 0.001 (y^-g- to 
 V grain), and for ophthalmological purposes a solution is used of Gm. 0.20-0.25 (3 or 4 
 grains) in Gm. 32 (a fluidounce) of distilled water. 
 
 HYPERICUM Fr . Cod.— St. John’s Wort. 
 
 Millepertuis, Casse-diable , Fr. ; Johanniskraut , llartheu , G. ; Hyper icon, Sp. 
 
 Hypericum perforatum, Linni. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Hypericaceae. 
 
 Description. — This plant grows, in fields and on roadsides throughout Europe, 
 Northern Africa, and a considerable portion of Asia, and has been extensively naturalized 
 in North America and in other countries. It has a perennial woody and branching dark- 
 brown root and a somewhat two-edged stem about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high. The leaves are 
 
858 
 
 HYSSOPUS. 
 
 opposite, sessile, oblong or linear-oblong, nearly 25 Mm. (one inch) long, obtuse, entire on 
 the margin, and pellucid-punctate. The flowers are in open terminal cymes, deep-yellow, 
 nearly 25 Mm. (one inch) broad, and are furnished with numerous stamens clustered in 
 three groups, and with a three-celled ovary. The petals, anthers, leaves, and stem are 
 more or less marked with black dots. When bruised the herb has a slight balsamic odor ; 
 its taste is somewhat resinous, bitter, and slightly astringent. The flowering-tops, on 
 drying, lose from 60 to 65 per cent, in weight. 
 
 Constituents. — Buchner (1830) found in the flowers a little tannin, producing a 
 dark-green color with ferric salts, some pectin, and 8 per cent, of a red coloring principle, 
 hypericum red , which is soluble in alcohol, ether, volatile oils, and warm olive oil, and 
 dissolves with a green color in ammonia and other alkalies ; calcium and lead salts pro- 
 duce yellow precipitates, ferric chloride a yellowish-green one. According to Clamor- 
 Marquart, this coloring matter is a mixture of a red and a yellow principle, and is mainly 
 contained in the black glands. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The fresh flowering-tops, digested with olive oil sufficient 
 to cover them, yield a yellowish-red liquid, Oleum hyperid , which is popularly known as 
 red oil. Linseed oil is sometimes used in place of olive oil. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Several other European species of Hypericum possess similar properties, and 
 some of our North American species may be equally effective. 
 
 Hypericum sarothra, Michaux (Sarothra gentianoides, LinnJ, s. Sar. hypericoides, Nuttall), 
 has thin almost thread-like branches, opposite awl-shaped scaly leaves, and minute sessile yellow 
 flowers. It is common in sandy fields in the United States, where it is known as orange-grass 
 or pine-weed, and is sometimes used like the preceding. 
 
 Ascyrum crux-Andre^e, Linn6 (St. Andrew's cross), is a decumbent North American herb 
 with narrow oblong-obovate leaves and solitary flowers, having the four linear-oblong yellow 
 petals arranged in the form of a cross. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The aromatic and terebinthinate odor of this plant when it is 
 crushed in the hand, and its resinous and bitter taste, sufficiently account for the vogue 
 which it enjoyed in certain diseases even from ancient times. The ancients attributed 
 to it stimulating, drying, cleansing, and cicatrizing powers, and held it to be diuretic and 
 emmenagogue and a specific remedy for wounds, ulcers, and burns. In the Middle Ages 
 analogous virtues were ascribed to it, as well as curative powers in calculous affections, 
 intestinal worms, and mental disorders. In more recent times it was given for the relief 
 of chronic catarrh of the lungs, bowels, and urinary passages , and was especially esteemed 
 in the last. It was also used in hot infusion to bring on retarded menses. Externally, it 
 was applied in the fresh state, bruised, as a discutient for recent contusions and for the 
 relief of local pains. Red oil, above described, is one of the most popular applications 
 made to excoriations , icounds, and bruises both in Europe and in this country. In 1883 
 (British Med. Jour., Dec. 8) it was recommended by Snow as an application to bed-sores. 
 An infusion may be prepared with Gm. 32 (an ounce) of the plant in a pint of hot 
 water. H. Sarothra is said to be an aperient, and the bruised root of Ascyrum Crux- 
 Andrese has been applied as a resolvent to enlarged and indurated glands. 
 
 HYSSOPUS. — Hyssop. 
 
 Hysope, Fr. Cod. ; Isop, Ysop, G. ; Hissopo , Sp. 
 
 Hyssopus officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Labiatae, Satureieae. 
 
 Description. — Hyssop is an herbaceous perennial indigenous to Southern Europe, 
 frequently cultivated and sparingly naturalized in the United States. It is about 30 
 Cm. (1 foot) high, with wand-like simple quadrangular branches and opposite, sessile, 
 linear-lanceolate, entire, and nearly obtuse leaves, which are about 25 Mm. (one inch) long, 
 nearly smooth, and finely punctate on both sides. The purplish-blue flowers are in small 
 clusters, and have a fifteen-ribbed calyx, a two-lipped corolla with a rather short and 
 notched upper lip, and four exserted and divergent stamens. Hyssop has an aromatic 
 somewhat camphoraceous odor and a pungent, aromatic, and bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Aside from tannin, resin, fat, sugar, mucilage, etc., the most im- 
 portant constituent is oil of hyssop, of which the fresh herb yields \ to £ per cent. It is 
 pale-yellow or greenish, limpid, of about the specific gravity 0.94, and freely soluble in 
 alcohol ; it contains oxygen, and commences to boil at 142° C. (287.6° F.), the boiling- 
 point rising to 180° C. (356° F.). It has the odor and taste of the herb. The hyssopin 
 of Herberger (1829) was found by Trommsdorff to be impure calcium sulphate. 
 
HYSSOPUS. 
 
 859 
 
 Allied Plants. — Cuxila Mariana, Limit, {Dittany), a North American plant, grows in dry 
 soil, has a thin, purplish, much-branched stem and nearly sessile, ovate, serrate, smooth leaves, 
 which are rounded or subcordate at the base. The pale-purple flowers are in small pedunculate 
 clusters and have two exserted stamens. 
 
 Satureja hortexsis, Linnt . — Summer savory, E. ; Sarriette, Fr. ; Saturei, Bohnenkraut, G. — 
 This South European annual is cultivated as a culinary herb. The stem is much-branched, 
 roughish-pubescent ; the leaves are linear-lanceolate or oblong-linear, entire, acute, and tapering 
 into a very short petiole ; the cymules are about three-flowered, with the corolla pale-purplish, 
 and with four diverging rather included stamens. 
 
 Satureja Montana, Limit, (Micromeria, Reichenbach) . — Winter savory, E. — It is suffruticose, 
 retrorsely hairy, and has hairy whitish or reddish flowers in small axillary clusters, and linear- 
 lanceolate, mucronate leaves, pellucid punctate and rough on the margin. Haller (1882) ob- 
 tained from it 0.83 per cent, of volatile oil having an orange-yellow color, an odor resembling 
 that of origanum, and the density 0.7394 at 17° C. • it is levogyre, and contains two hydrocarbons 
 and two phenols, one of the latter being identical with carvacrol. 
 
 Salvia axillaris, Sesse, is the hyssop of Mexico. 
 
 Pvcnanthemum linifolium, Pursh ( Virginia thyme), has rigid, narrowly linear sessile crowded 
 leaves, which are entire and three-nerved ; the flowers are in terminal hemispherical clusters, 
 supported by imbricate, rigidly-pointed bracts. It has been popularly regarded as useful in 
 hydrophobia, and has been employed in atonic dyspepsia. 
 
 Pycn. lanceolatum, Pursh , resembles the preceding, but has lanceolate or lance-linear leaves 5 
 both have a resinous and bitter taste. 
 
 Pycn. incanum, Michaux , has broader ovate-oblong, hoary, pubescent leaves and an aromatic 
 mint-like taste. It is known as mountain-mint, wild-basil , and in some places as horse-mint , and 
 is used like Monarda. 
 
 Ch. Mohr (1876) isolated from Pycn. linifolium a tannin which is very similar to, if not identical 
 with caffeo- tannic acid ; volatile oil, resin, bitter principle, etc. were likewise obtained. 
 
 Thymus vulgaris, Linnt (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 205) ; Ilerba thymi, P. G. — Gar- 
 den thyme, E. ; Thym, F. Cod. ; Thymian, Rbmischer Quendel, G. ; Tomillo, Sp. — A small South 
 European suffruticose plant which is often cultivated for culinary purposes. The leaves are 
 ovate-oblong or linear, revolute on the margin, grayish-green, glandular, punctate on both sides 
 and pubescent beneath, the upper ones bearing in their axils small clusters of whitish or reddish 
 flowers with exserted stamens. 
 
 Thymus serpyllum, Linnt; Ilerba serpylli, P. G. — Wild thyme, E. ; Serpolet, F. Cod.; 
 Quendel, Feldthymian, G. ; Serpol, Sp. — It is a common prostrate suffruticose plant indigenous 
 to Europe and Northern Asia and to some extent naturalized in North America. The leaves are 
 petiolate, flat, ovate or roundish-lanceolate, occasionally linear, entire, ciliate near the base, 
 glandular on both sides, otherwise smooth. The purple or rose-colored flowers are aggregated 
 heads or dense spikes terminating the branches, and have the four stamens included or some- 
 times exserted. It is a variable plant, including several nominal species, among them 
 Thymus citriodorus, Schreber, the lemon-thyme, which has an agreeable odor resembling that of 
 melissa and of lemon. Both thymes have a strong aromatic odor due to volatile oil. (See 
 Oleum Thymi.) 
 
 Micromeria Douglasii, Bentham , s. Mic. barbata, Fischer et Meyer. It is a perennial creep- 
 ing or trailing, sweet-scented herb of the Pacific coast from California to Washington Territory, 
 and is known as yerba buena. The leaves are roundish- ovate, thin, sparingly toothed and 
 short-petioled ; the purplish flowers are mostly solitary in the axils on long and filiform 
 peduncles. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Anciently hyssop seems to have been used as a cathartic, for 
 we read in Scripture, “ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean and, if this passage 
 be thought to apply only to external cleansing, Pliny says expressly that “ mixed with 
 figs it purges, and with honey vomits.” He also refers to its external use in phthiriasis. 
 Nevertheless, it is by no means certain what plant or plants were anciently called hyssop. 
 Down to a quite recent period hyssop was used to improve digestion, particularly in atonic 
 and flatulent dyspepsia, and, like other plants which are so employed and contain an 
 essential oil associated with a bitter and astringent principle, it is found useful in subacute 
 and chronic bronchitis , especially in old persons, also in amenorrhcea, and externally as a 
 stimulant application to bruises and in muscular rheumatism. Its infusion was also 
 employed as a gargle in sore throat of the diphtheritic form. Plyssop may be given in an 
 infusion made with Gm. 4 (gj) of the herb to a pint of water. The essential oil was 
 formerly given in doses of Gm. 0.06—0.12 (gtt. j-ij). 
 
 Maryland cunila (dittany) is employed as a diaphoretic in slight fevers and colds. 
 Summer savory and Winter savory have essentially the same medicinal virtues as the other 
 plants in this group. They are used as vermifuges and for the itch, and also for dyspeptic 
 disorders. Ditana digitifolia, a native plant of Brazil, is reputed to be a galactagogue 
 {Med. Record,, xx. 420; Therap. Gaz., x. 100; xi. 122). 
 
860 
 
 ICHTHYOCOLLA. — ICHTHYOL UM. 
 
 ICHTHYOCOLL A, U. S.— Isinglass. 
 
 Colla piscium. — Fish glue , E. ; Ichthyocolle , Colie de poisson , F. Cod. ; Hansenblase , 
 Fischleim , G\ ; Col de pescado , Sp. 
 
 The swimming-bladder of Acipenser Huso, Linne , and of other species of Acipenser. 
 
 Class Pisces. Ord. Sturiones. 
 
 Origin. — Isinglass is mentioned by the British Pharmacopoeia among the articles 
 employed in chemical testing. The kind preferred is that known in commerce as Russian 
 isinglass , which is obtained from several sturgeons, species of Acipenser, which inhabit the 
 Caspian and Black Seas and their tributary rivers, and the most important of which are 
 Ac. Huso, Linne , or belugo ; Ac. Guldenst'adtii, Ratzeburg , or ossefer ; Ac. ruthenus, Linne , 
 or sterlet ; and Ac. stellatus, Pallas , or sewruga. It is prepared by cutting the air-bag or 
 swimming-bladder open, washing and soaking it in water, and spreading it upon boards, 
 the outer silvery membrane being turned upward and removed by rubbing. The bladder 
 is then merely dried in sheets, and constitutes leaf isinglass , or several are put together 
 and folded before they are completely dry, forming book isinglass , or each bladder is rolled 
 up and folded around a few pegs in the form of a horseshoe, heart, or lyre, in which shape 
 it is dried. The latter is the staple isinglass, which, according to its dimensions, is again 
 divided into long and short staple. The kind now most commonly met with in our com- 
 merce is the leaf isinglass. 
 
 Description. — Bussian isinglass is a somewhat horny and tough membranous tissue, 
 which is semi-transparent, of a whitish or pale-yellowish color, pearly appearance, and 
 iridescent ; it is best torn in the direction of its fibres, is inodorous, and quite insipid in 
 taste. Immersed in water or diluted alcohol, it swells, becomes opaque, and dissolves at 
 a somewhat elevated temperature, leaving a flocculent residue not exceeding 2 per cent. ; 
 on cooling, its solution with 24 parts of water congeals to a transparent jelly. On incin 
 eration, it leaves 0.5 per cent, of ash. Isinglass which is discolored or less soluble in 
 water is not adapted for medicinal purposes. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides membranous matter and some salts, isinglass consists of 
 that variety of gelatin known to chemists as glufin. (See Gelatina, page 167.) 
 
 Adulterations. — In the place of Bussian isinglass the swimming-bladder of other 
 fishes is sometimes sold, and the intestines of various animals are said to be coated wit-li 
 gelatin and used for a like purpose. Such substitutions or adulterations are easily recog- 
 nized by the larger amount of ash (3 to 10 per cent.) left on incineration or by the larger 
 proportion of matter insoluble in hot water. Gelatin immersed in cold water swells, 
 retains its transparency, and becomes soft and easily disintegrated. 
 
 Other Varieties of Isinglass.— The air-bags of most large fishes appear to be adapted for some 
 of the purposes for which isinglass is used in the arts ; when they are dried without being split 
 open they are known as purse or pipe isinglass. 
 
 American isinglass , according to C. T. Carney (1857), is prepared from the sounds of Badus 
 merluccius, Linne, or hake : they are cleansed, soaked in water, passed through rollers, and dried 
 in the form of ribbons or thin and transparent sheets. C. C. Meyer (1873) found the former to 
 leave 30 per cent., and the latter only 18 per cent., of matter insoluble in water; the fresh blad- 
 der of a hake weighing 15 ounces left 1 ounce undissolved. Storer states that the swimming- 
 bladder of Otolithus regalis, Cuvier , the weakfsh, likewise furnishes some isinglass. 
 
 Brazilian isinglass comes from species of the genera Pimelodus and Silurus, the entire sounds 
 being often dried so as to adhere together (lump isinglass), and the lumps are sometimes split 
 open (honeycomb isinglass). A false isinglass from Para consisted, according to Pereira (lo5o), 
 of the ovaries of a fish, probably Sudas gigas. . 
 
 Fast Indian isinglass is produced from several large fishes, and is met with in the form ot 
 purses and of leaves. 
 
 Japanese or Chinese isinglass is a vegetable product. (See Chondrus.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Isinglass was anciently applied as a protective to the skin 
 when it was abraded or affected with eruptions. It is emollient and nutritive, and orms 
 a valuable addition to boiled milk or to farinacea prepared with milk in treating t e 
 chronic bowel complaints of children. In court-plaster it is used for its adhesive qua lties. 
 
 ICHTHYOLUM— Ichthyol. 
 
 Source and Preparation.— The various compounds at present on the market under 
 such names as ammonium ichthyol, sodium ichthyol, zinc ichthyol, etc., are all salts o 
 bibasic acid known as ichthyolsulphonic or sulphoichthyolic acid. When no specihcatio 
 is made the simple term ichthyol is understood to refer to the ammonium sa t 
 source of this class of preparations is a crude oil, obtained by destructive distilla 
 
ILEX. 
 
 861 
 
 bituminous rock found in immense quantities near Seefeld in the Tyrol mountains of 
 Europe at an elevation of 3000-4000 feet ; the rock is filled with petrified remnants of pre- 
 historic fish and marine animals — hence the name — ichthyol oil from the Greek word i/Ous 
 (fish). The crude oil is a brownish-yellow transparent liquid of 0.865 specific gravity, 
 boiling between 100° and 225° C. (212°-437° F.), and possessing a peculiar penetrating 
 somewhat aromatic odor. If subjected to fractional distillation about 6 per cent, will 
 pass over between 100°-120° C., 53 per cent, between 120°-160° C., 33 per cent, between 
 160°-225° C., and about 6 per cent, between 225°-255° C. The crude oil mixed with an 
 excess of concentrated sulphuric acid, becomes heated, reaching a temperature of 100° 
 C. (212° F.), and forms ichthyolsulphonic acid with copious evolution of sulphur dioxide. 
 After the reaction has ended the mixture is repeatedly treated with concentrated solution 
 of sodium chloride, whereby sulphurous and sulphuric acids are removed, while the 
 newly-formed sulphonic acid separates in form of a dark extract-like mass which retains 
 a small quantity of unchanged oil, and hence its odor. 
 
 Ichthyol contains a large proportion of sulphur — about 10 per cent — combined in a 
 manner not yet understood ; it cannot be extracted with boiling soda or potassa solution 
 nor by treatment with sodium-amalgam. 
 
 Ammonium ichthyolsulphonate or ammonium ichthyol is obtained by saturating the 
 acid with ammonia, and occurs as a clear, reddish-brown syrupy liquid with a bituminous 
 odor and taste. It is soluble in water and in a mixture of equal volumes of ether and 
 alcohol (the solution being faintly acid) ; alcohol or ether alone take up only a part of it, 
 so also petroleum benzin. Dried on a water-bath, ammonium ichthyol loses about 45 per 
 cent, of its weight. It is chiefly employed in form of an ointment (10 to 50 per cent.), 
 made with lanolin or petrolatum, and has been found serviceable in the treatment of erysip- 
 elas and rheumatism. Internally it has been given in doses of 5 to 20 minims in milk. 
 
 Other salts of ichthyolsulphonic acid such as sodium, lithium, zinc, and mercury are 
 prepared by saturating the acid with the respective oxides or carbonates. They all occur 
 as brownish, black, tar-like masses, but the sodium salt is the only one of importance, 
 being employed when it is desired to give ichthyol in pill form. 
 
 Allied Drugs . — Thiolum — Thiol. — This compound has been proposed as a substitute 
 for ichthyol, and occurs both in dry and liquid form. It is prepared by heating brown- 
 colored paraffin or gas oils of 0.890 to 0.900 spec. grav. with sulphur and extracting the 
 sulphurated unsaturated hydrocarbons with alcohol. Upon removing the alcohol by dis- 
 tillation a dark brown oily liquid remains ; this oil when treated with concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid is changed into a water-soluble compound, which is then purified by ammonia 
 to remove free acid, and finally precipitated by sodium chloride or sulphate. Pure thiol 
 is a neutral solid body non-hvgroscopic and soluble in water ; it occurs in powder form 
 and also in aqueous solution, the former of dark brown color, and the latter a dark red- 
 dish-brown syrupy liquid, containing about 40 per cent, of thiol. 
 
 Tumenolum — Tumenol. — This is a mixture of sulphones and sulphonic acids, obtained 
 from purified mineral oils by the direct action of concentrated sulphuric acid, without 
 previous sulphuration. It occurs as a dark -colored acid syrup ; the separated sulphones 
 (extracted by ether from a neutral mixture prepared with soda) are known as tumenol 
 oil, a dark-yellow thick liquid, insoluble in water but readily soluble in ether and ben- 
 zene. Crude tumenol may be freed from adhering acid by repeated solution in water 
 and precipitation by sodium chloride ; it is a tough brown mass, resembling ichthyol, and 
 consists of a mixture of tumenol sulphone and tumenolsulphonic acid ; the latter sub- 
 stance occurs as a dark-colored faintly bitter powder, readily soluble in water. Like 
 ichthyol and thiol, tumenol has been successfully employed in eczema, pruritus, etc. 
 
 (For Action and Uses, see page 1209). 
 
 ILEX.— Holly. 
 
 Houx, Fr. ; Stechpaline, Christ dorn, G. ; Aceho , Sp. 
 
 The leaves of different species of Ilex. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Aquifoliaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Ilex opaca, Aiton ( American Holly). It is indigenous 
 to the United States, and is either shrubby or a tree 9 or 12 M. (30 or 40 feet) high. 
 The leaves are petiolate, coriaceous, and evergreen, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, oval in 
 shape, and with a wavy-toothed margin, the teeth being furnished with rigid and sharp 
 spines. They are without odor and have a mucilaginous, bitterish, and astringent taste. 
 
 Ilex aquifolium, Linne ( European Holly ), is very closely related to the preceding. 
 The leaves differ in being rather ovate, dark-green and glossy on the upper surface. 
 
862 
 
 ILEX. 
 
 Ilex cassine Linne (known as yaupon , youpon , or cassena'). It grows in the United 
 States from Virginia southward. The leaves are shortly petiolate, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) 
 long, coriaceous, varying in shape between lance-ovate, ovate, and oblong, crenate on the 
 margin, smooth, dark-green, and glossy above, and paler beneath. They are inodorous, 
 and have an astringent and bitterish taste. 
 
 The following two species are likewise known as cassena in the Southern States : 
 
 Ilex dahoon, Walter , has leaves about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, which are oblong or 
 oblanceolate, with the margin revolute or entire or sharply serrate toward the apex. 
 
 Ilex myrtifolia. Walter. The leaves are linear-lanceolate or linear-oblong, 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) long, entire on the margin or furnished with a few sharp teeth. 
 
 The fruit of these species is a red drupe, usually containing four one-seeded ribbed or 
 grooved nutlets. 
 
 Ilex paraguayensis, St. Hilaire , is a small tree indigenous to Brazil and the Argen- 
 tine Republic. The leaves are oblong or lanceolate, wedge-shaped at the base, rather 
 obtuse at the apex, and with distant teeth on the margin. They furnish the yerba mate 
 or Paraguay tea , also known as Jesuits' tea and St. Bartholomew' s tea , which is exten- 
 sively used in South America, the annual consumption in the Argentine Republic alone 
 being estimated at 27,000,000 pounds, or about 13 pounds per head. It is prepared as 
 follows : The small branches with the leaves are placed in the tatacua, a plot of earth 
 about 6 feet (1.8 M.) square, surrounded by fire, where they undergo their first roasting. 
 They are thence taken to the barbaeda , which is a grating underneath which burns a fire, 
 where they are somewhat torrefied to develope the aromatic principle. The leaves are 
 subsequently reduced to powder in a sort of mortar formed of pits dug in the earth and 
 well rammed. More recently, suitable furnaces have been erected for drying and torre- 
 faction, and mills are used for powdering. According to Peckolt, the leaves possess 
 most aroma when the fruit is nearly ripe, and are collected in different parts of South 
 America from December or January till the following August or September. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves of the European holly were examined by Lassaigne 
 (1822), Deleschamps (1832), Lebourdais (1841), Moldenhauer (1857), and Bennemann 
 (1858). The four first-named investigators obtained the bitter principle as a more or 
 less colored amorphous mass ; Bennemann, in the form of feathery crystals too small in 
 quantity for further investigation. Deleschamps’ ilicin was not , but Moldenhauer’s and 
 Benneman’s was , precipitated by lead subacetate ; Lebourdais’s ilicin was absorbed from 
 the decoction by animal charcoal and extracted from it by boiling alcohol. D. P. 
 Pancoast’s (1856) ilicin was obtained by Lebourdais’s process from the fruit of the 
 American holly, and is described as being in minute needles ; the same process applied to 
 the leaves yielded an amorphous green mass. 
 
 Moldenhauer isolated ilixanthin , C 17 H 22 O n , the yellow coloring matter of the leaves, in 
 the form of straw-yellow needles which are soluble in alcohol and boiling water, but 
 insoluble in ether. Hide acid is syrupy ; its barium salt is amorphous ; the calcium 
 salt crystallizes in scales. 
 
 The yaupon contains 0.122 per cent, of caffeine , 2.409 per cent, of tannin, 4 per cent, 
 of ash, besides wax, resin, etc., according to the analysis of H. M. Smith (1872). 
 Caffeine was also found in mate by Stenhouse (1843), who regards the tannin as differing 
 somewhat from caffeo-tannic acid. Rochleder, on the contrary, considered the tannin 
 from the two sources as identical, but, according to Arata (1877), matetanmc acid gives 
 with baryta-water a green, and with lead acetate a yellow-greenish, precipitate, and its 
 precipitate with gelatin is insoluble in the tannin solution ; like cafleo-tannin, it is not 
 precipitated by tartar emetic, and on dry distillation yields pyrocatechin. Alonzo 
 Robbins (1878) examined seven samples of mate, and found the caffeine to vary between 
 0.2 and 1.6 per cent, and the tannin between 10 and 16 per cent. ; the samples contain- 
 ing the largest amount of caffeine yielded the least tannin, and vice versa. Stenhouse 
 had found 0.13 (in 1843) and 1.2 (in 1851) per cent, of caffeine. According to Peckolt, 
 the average is 0.5 per cent., and the air-dried leaves vary to about the same extent as 
 mate in the percentage of caffeine ; 0.24 per cent, of crystallizable mateviridic acid is 
 present in both, also a minute quantity of volatile oil and stearopten. 
 
 Action and Uses. — According to Barbier, holly-leaves (/. aquifolium) and their 
 preparations produce a sense of heat and oppression in the stomach, with some nausea, 
 followed by colic without diarrhoea. The berries vomit and purge, and at least one case 
 is recorded of their proving fatal to a child. The leaves, being bitter, were naturally 
 employed for the cure of intermittent fever , but clinical observations by competent 
 physicians have proved that the curative power of the medicine in this disease is abso- 
 
ILLICIUM. 
 
 863 
 
 lutely null. The leaves have been used in rheumatism , internally and topically, and the 
 berries as cathartics in dropsy. The leaves of I. Cassine are reported to be diuretic, and 
 are employed in calculous disorders, and also as a mild emetic. They were formerly used 
 by American Indians ^for the latter purpose ( Therap . Gaz ., lx. 504). An American 
 species, I. opaca , is demulcent, and is used in decoction to palliate cough and promote 
 expectoration. I. para guayen sis, or Paraguay tea, is employed in its native country very 
 much as Chinese tea is used elsewhere, and for similar purposes and with like effects, or, 
 more precisely, with effects like those of coca. According to Couty (1879), when its 
 infusion was injected into an animal’s stomach it excited efforts to urinate, with priapism 
 and quickening of the pulse ( Archives gen. de Med., 7 ser. iii. 239). In 1881, Couty and 
 Arsonval declared that it “ diminished the carbonic acid and the oxygen of the arterial 
 blood to the extent of one-third or even one-half,” and that thus it exerted a powerful 
 influence upon the nutritive function (Bull, de Therap., ci. 81). Its infusion is said to be 
 sudorific or diuretic, and in large doses drastic. 
 
 ILLICIUM, V. S. — Illicium. 
 
 Anisi stella ti fructus, Br. ; Semen hadiani. — Star-anise, Chinese anise , E. ; Badiane , 
 Anise etoile, Fr. ; Sternanis, G. ; Semen estrellado, Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Illicium verum, Hooker Jilius. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 10. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Magnoliacese. 
 
 Origin. — This is a shrub or small tree 2.4 or 3.0 M. (8 or 10 feet) high, with ever- 
 green lanceolate, entire, pellucid-punctate leaves and greenish-yellow polypetalous flowers. 
 It is indigenous to the high mountains of Yunnan in South-western China and to the 
 west of Canton. 
 
 Description. — Star-anise consists of about eight boat-shaped follicles, which are 
 horizontally arranged in one circle around a pedunculate short axis. The follicles are 
 about 12-15 Mm. (J to § inch) long, have a shallow depression above 
 near the apex, and a straight beak, which in the commercial article is 
 usually partly broken off ; they are rather woody, externally wrinkled 
 and brown, internally smooth, red-brown, and glossy, and on the 
 upper margin usually split open. Each carpel has a single seed, 
 which is oval, flattened, oblique at the base, smooth, and of a polished 
 brown-yellow color, and contains a large oily albumen enclosing the 
 small embryo. Star-anise yields about 78 per cent, of capsular 
 integuments, which have a very agreeable anise-like odor and a sweet- 
 ish aromatic taste. The seeds weigh about 22 per cent., are but 
 slightly aromatic, and have an oily taste. The poisonous fruit of 
 111. religiosum, described below, has been occasionally mixed with star-anise. 
 
 Constituents. — The fruit and seeds were separately examined by Meissner (1818), 
 who obtained from the former 5.3 per cent, of volatile oil, 2.8 of fat, 10.7 of resin, etc. ; 
 the fruit seems also to contain a little tannin, mucilage, and pectin. The seeds were 
 found by Meissner to yield only 1.8 per cent, of volatile oil and 2.6 per cent, of resin, 
 but about 20 per cent, of fixed oil. The volatile oil is chemically identical with that 
 of Pimpinella Anisum. (See Oleum Anisi.) According to Eykman (1880), the fruit 
 contains an alkaloid, which has not been further examined. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Illicium religiosum, Siebold. This has usually been regarded as identical 
 with the preceding, until attention was directed to the important distinctions by Geerts, Eyk- 
 man, and Holmes in 1880. The plant is indigenous to Eastern Asia, 
 and is often cultivated in Japan near the temples ; it is a tree 7.5-9 M. 
 
 (25 to 30 feet) high, with broader and more glaucous leaves and with 
 an aromatic bark. The fruit, like the preceding, consists of eight 
 follicles spreading horizontally, but only a portion of these are usually 
 developed to maturity ; each follicle is about 3 or 10 Mm. (£ or § inch) 
 long, is woody, often shrivelled, has near the apex a short and rather 
 deep depression, terminates with a short curved beak, and has a faint 
 clove-like odor and an unpleasant taste. The plant is known in 
 Japan as sikimi or shikimi. Eykman found in the fruit an alkaloid 
 and a poisonous neutral principle, sikimin , which crystallizes in hard 
 prisms or needles, is insoluble in petroleum benzin, slightly soluble in 
 cold water, more freely soluble in hot water, ether, and chloroform, and easily soluble in alcohol 
 and glacial acetic acid. The volatile oil is somewhat heavier than water, slightly levogyre, 
 reduces ammoniacal silver solution, and consists of a terpene boiling near 175° C. (347° F.) and 
 of liquid anethol boiling at 232° C. (450° F.). 
 
 III. parviflorum, Michaux, a native of Florida and Georgia, has yellow flowers and an eight- 
 
 Fig. 156. 
 
 Ulirium religiosum. 
 
 Fig. 155. 
 
 Star-anise. 
 
864 
 
 IMPERA TORI A. 
 
 carpelled fruit, with a sassafras-like flavor ; according to R. E. Griffith, the bark may be used as 
 a substitute for cascarilla. 
 
 III. floridanum, Ellis , grows in Florida and westward to Louisiana, and has purple flowers. 
 The fruit consists of thirteen carpels, has a rather unpleasant terebinthinate taste, and, like the 
 leaves, is poisonous. The plant is known in Alabama as poison-bSj, and in Louisiana as 
 stink-bush. 
 
 III. Griffithii, Hooker films et Thomson , a native of Eastern Bengal, has a thirteen-carpelled 
 fruit of a bitter and somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 III. majus, Hooker Jilius et Thomson , grows in the Malayan Peninsula, and has a black-brown 
 fruit consisting of eleven or thirteen carpels, and is of a mace-like taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Star-anise has the same qualities as the officinal anise, and in 
 the East its seeds and oil are used for similar purposes — viz. as carminative, anodyne, 
 stimulant, and diuretic, and as condiments for vegetable food. Externally, they are 
 applied to allay local pains, such as colic , rheumatism , earache , etc. In Germany they are 
 employed in a similar manner internally and for the relief of bronchitis. The native 
 species, I. floridanum , is aromatic in its leaves, bark, and seeds ; the bark has been 
 suggested as a substitute for cascarilla, and the seeds for those of anise. The root of 1. 
 parvifiorum is said to resemble that of sassafras in its properties, but the properties of 
 the seeds seem to be identical with those of I. religiosum. The officinal illicium may be 
 administered in the same manner as anise. 
 
 7. religiosum has attracted attention within several years on account of its poisonous 
 properties and its close resemblance to star-anise. In 1880 cases of poisoning by the 
 former occurred in Holland, owing to its having been mistaken for the latter (Am. 
 Jour. Phar ., Aug. 1881, p. 407) ; and in the same year in Japan, of five children 
 between two and five years old who had eaten of the fruit, three died, unconscious, 
 in convulsions, and foaming at the mouth. Dr. Langgaard, who relates this case ( Vir- 
 chow's Archiv , lxxxvi. 222), states that the Japanese use the powder of the plant, every 
 part of which is poisonous, to destroy rats, and also to kill fish, which are edible in 
 spite of their mode of death. 
 
 IMPERATORIA. — Masterwort. 
 
 Fig. 157. 
 
 Rhizoma ( Radix ) imperatorise , P. G. ; Imperatoire , Fr. Cod. ; Meisterwurz , Kaiser- 
 wurz , G. 
 
 The root-stock of Peucedanum (Imperatoria, 
 Linne,') Ostruthium, Koch. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Peucedanese. 
 
 Origin. — Masterwort is indigenous to the 
 mountainous regions of Southern and Central 
 Europe, grows 60 or 90 Cm. (2 or 3 feet) high, and 
 has large umbels of many white or reddish flowers. 
 The root-stocks are produced at the termination of 
 thin rhizomes which are about 15 Cm. (6 inches) 
 long. 
 
 Description. — The horizontal root-stock is 5 — 
 10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) long, of the thickness of a 
 finger, somewhat conical, and slightly flattened. 
 Externally, it is dark brownish-gray, wrinkled, with 
 warty protuberances or scars, and finely annulate. 
 Internally, it is brownish-white, and exhibits upon 
 the transverse section a thin bark and a large cen- 
 tral pith, both containing many 7 brown-yellow resin- 
 cells ; the wood-bundles are small, yellowish, and 
 form a loose circle. Masterwort has a strong 
 balsamic odor and an aromatic, pungent, and bitter 
 taste. It has been noticed by Holmes (1877) as an 
 adulteration of aconite-root. 
 
 Constituents. — Masterwort contains about $ 
 per cent, of volatile oil, which, according to Hirzel 
 (1849) is a mixture of several hydrates of a hydro- 
 carbon, C 10 Hi 6 . Wackenroder (183l) obtained colorless shining crystals of imperatorin , 
 Ci 2 Hi 2 0 3 , which, in alcoholic solution only, have a pungent taste. Schlatter (1833) 
 obtained peucedanin from the root of Peucedanum officinale, Limit, which was after- 
 
 Imperatoria Ostruthium, Linne : root-stock 
 natural size; and transverse section, natural 
 size and magnified. 
 
INDIGO. 
 
 865 
 
 ward proved by R. Wagner to be identical with imperatorin. Both principles, when 
 boiled with an alcoholic solution of potassa, are resolved into angelic acid and oreoselin , 
 C 14 H 15 0 4 . The latter body may also be obtained from athamantin , C 34 H 30 O 7 , which was 
 discovered by Winckler (1842), in the root of Athamanta (Peucedanum, Mcench) 
 Oreoselinum, Linne. Athamantin resembles imperatorin, unites with dry hydrochloric 
 acid, and on boiling this compound with alcohol is split into valerianic acid and 
 oreoselon, C 40 H 10 O 3 , which crystallizes in needles, and on being boiled with water and 
 an acid yields the crystalline oreoselin. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Peucedanum officinale, Linni. — The root is blackish, internally brownish- 
 yellow, and has a rather thick bark containing numerous orange-colored resin-cells in radial 
 rows, and enclosing a soft porous wood, with resin-cells in the medullary rays. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The acrid and aromatic taste of this plant and its odor 
 resembling that of angelica, depend upon its essential oil, and to the stimulating operation 
 of this oil nearly all the medicinal virtues of the medicine are due. It is but little used 
 at the present day, but it was formerly prescribed in various conditions of local or general 
 debility. Among these were the typhoid state of fevers and inflammations, intermittent 
 fever , delirium tremens, and some forms of dropsy, atonic dyspepsia, flatulent colic, hysteria, 
 and asthma ; and locally it was used as a masticatory to relieve toothache and paralysis 
 of the tongue or palate and as a stimulant of unhealthy ulcers. It may be administered 
 in an infusion made with from 5 to 10 parts of the root and 100 parts of hot water. 
 
 INDIGO . — Indigo. 
 
 Indicum, Pigmentum indicum. — Indigo , Fr., G., Sp. ; Indaco, It. ; Anil, Sp. 
 
 A blue dyestuff extracted from different species of Indigofera. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 72. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae, Galegeae. 
 
 Origin. — The genus consists of herbaceous or suffruticose plants which are indigenous 
 to and cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. The most important species are 
 Indigofera tinctoria, Linne (s. I. indica, Lamarck ), I. Anil, Linne, and I. argentea, Linne 
 (s. I. glauca, Lamarck, I. coerulea, Roxburgh). The same coloring matter is also con- 
 tained in the woad , Isatis tinctoria, Linne (Cruciferae), of Europe, in Polygonum tinc- 
 torium, Linne (Polygonaceae), of China, in Gymnema (Asclepias) tingens, Sprengel , and in 
 Wrightia (Nerium) tinctoria, R. Brown, of Hindostan, which plants are employed for dyeing. 
 
 Preparation. — The plants are immersed in water until fermentation has set in, 
 whereby the chromogene is dissolved. When the liquid has assumed a sherry color it is 
 drawn off and briskly stirred, so as to bring it freely into contact with air. As the chro- 
 mogene becomes oxidized the newly-formed coloring matter, which is insoluble in water, 
 subsides. The supernatant liquid is then decanted, and the deposit heated to boiling to 
 arrest fermentation, after which the precipitate is collected, pressed, and dried. About 
 3,000,000 pounds of indigo are imported into the United States annually. 
 
 Properties. — Indigo is met with in porous, hard, but brittle lumps or cubical cakes, 
 which are inodorous, tasteless, and of a deep-blue color, assuming a coppery lustre when 
 scratched or rubbed with a hard body ; inferior qualities are of a dull hue, with a green- 
 ish or grayish tint, dense, firm, and not brittle. It is insoluble in the ordinary solvents, 
 dissolves freely in concentrated sulphuric acid, and when rapidly heated sublimes partly 
 in purple-colored vapors which condense into copper-colored needles. The blue color of 
 indigo is destroyed by reducing agents in the presence of alkali and by oxidizing agents. 
 
 Constituents. — Indigo of good quality yields about 7 per cent, of ash, and contains 
 the proteid indigo-gluten, which is soluble in warm diluted acids, and various brown, red, 
 and yellow coloring matters, besides from 50 to 70 per cent, of the most important prin- 
 ciple, indigo-blue or indigotin, which does not pre-exist in the plant, but is formed from 
 a colorless syrupy bitterish compound called indican, C 26 H 3 iNO n . During the treatment 
 described above indican is split, mainly, into a saccharine body, indiglucin, C 6 H 10 O 6 , and 
 indigotin, C 16 H 10 N 2 O 2 . On treating indigo with an alkali and grape-sugar or ferrous salt, 
 a yellow solution containing indigo-white, C 16 H 12 N 2 0 2 , is obtained, from which, on exposure 
 to air, pure indigotin is deposited ; and this, by oxidation with nitric acid, forms yellow- 
 ish-red, bitter prisms of isatm , C I6 Hi 0 N 2 O 4 , which on distillation with potassa yield ani- 
 line. Indigotin is soluble in hot phenol, aniline, nitrobenzene, paraffin, fixed oils, and 
 chloroform. 
 
 Soluble indigo, or sulphate of indigo, is prepared by gradually adding 1 part of powdered 
 indigo to 5 parts of Nordhausen sulphuric acid or 8 parts of oil of vitriol, and preventing 
 55 
 
866 
 
 INFUSA. 
 
 a rise of temperature by immersing the vessel in cold water. In the course of 2 or 3 
 days it becomes a dark-blue pasty mass, the solution of which in about 2 parts of water is 
 liquid blue. The solution contains sulphopurpuric acid or indigo-purple , C 16 H 9 N 2 0 2 .HS0 3 , 
 and sulphindigotic or sulphocoerulic acid, C 16 H 8 N 2 0 2 (HS0 3 ) 2 ; the first one of these is 
 insoluble in dilute acids, in which the second remains dissolved, and is obtained pure by 
 transferring it from its dilute solution to wool and dissolving it from the latter by means 
 of a weak alkali. Its salts are amorphous ; the sodium salt is sold in commerce as indigo- 
 carmine , and is usually obtained by adding a sodium salt to a solution of sulphate of 
 indigo, washing the precipitate with a solution of the same salt, and expressing ; the 
 product is soluble in pure water. 
 
 The synthetical preparation of indigo-blue has been accomplished by Prof. Adolf 
 Baeyer (1878) by converting toluene, through a number of intermediate products, into 
 isatin, and finally into indigotin. But for use in the arts it is manufactured from cin- 
 namic acid by converting it into nitro-cinnamic acid ; then into nitrodibrom-cinnamic acid, 
 and by the action of caustic alkali into orthonitrophenyl-propiolic acid, C 6 H 4 (N0 2 )C 2 C00II. 
 On heating this with an alkaline solution of grape-sugar, which acts as a reducing agent, 
 oxygen and carbon dioxide are eliminated, and indigotin (C 6 H 4 NCHCO) 2 is produced. 
 
 Valuation. — This is based upon determining approximately the amount of indigotin 
 contained in indigo by the process given above, or by exhausting powdered indigo suc- 
 cessively with boiling water, dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute potassa or soda (to remove 
 indigo-brown), and alcohol (to dissolve indigo-red) ; the residue consists of indigotin, 
 from which the ash must still be deducted. Oxidizing agents are also employed for the 
 valuation of indigo ; but they affect also other constituents besides indigotin. 
 
 Adulteration. — Indigo when dried at 100° C. (212° F.) should lose not over 6 per 
 cent, of moisture, and yield not over 8 per cent, of ash when incinerated. Gum or starch, 
 if present, forms with hot water a mucilaginous liquid or paste, and if treated with strong 
 sulphuric acid is carbonized, coloring the indigo black. Adulteration with Prussian blue is 
 detected with caustic potassa or soda, which does not alter indigo, but liberates from Prus- 
 sian blue ferric hydroxide, while potassium or sodium ferrocyanide remains in solution. 
 
 Action and Uses. — -During the experiments made many years ago with indigo 
 in the treatment of epilepsy, it was given in very large doses, and, as a consequence, 
 deranged the digestive organs, causing vomiting and purging, with debility and some nerv- 
 ous disorder. In some instances the urine and sweat acquired a bluish color. There is 
 not the slightest ground for believing that it exhibits curative virtues in epilepsy or in 
 any other disease. Its dose is usually stated to be from Gm. 0.30 to 1 (gr. v-xv) and 
 upward. Sulphate of indigo has been alleged to be a powerful emmenagogue (Med. 
 Record , xxxii. 47). 
 
 INFUSA, U. S., Be., P. G. 
 
 Infusions, E., Fr. ; Infuses, Fr. ; Infusionen, Aufgusse, G. 
 
 Infusions are aqueous solutions of the soluble principles of vegetable or animal drugs 
 obtained by maceration or digestion in hot or cold water, and differ from decoctions only 
 in the lower degree of heat employed in their preparation. Substances containing vola- 
 tile or other principles which would be dissipated or injured by boiling are particularly 
 adapted for this purpose. Except in a few cases in which percolation is directed, the 
 pharmacopceial infusions are prepared by pouring boiling or cold water upon the material 
 
 and allowing them to remain in contact tor a 
 definite length of time, at the expiration of 
 which the solution is poured upon a strainer, 
 and the solid material expressed to recover 
 the- liquid absorbed by it. A convenient ap- 
 paratus, well adapted for making these prep- 
 arations, is Squire’s infusion-pot: this consists 
 of a jar A, with a projecting ledge near the 
 top, which supports a strainer, B or D, con- 
 taining the material to be exhausted, the jai 
 is closed by a well-fitting cover, C. The « 
 vantages of this contrivance are— that the 
 material is exhausted by circulatory displace- 
 
 ment, the liquid, as it becomes charged with 
 
 Squire’s infusion-Pot. t h e so luble ingredients descending to the bot- 
 
INFUSA. 
 
 867 
 
 tom, giving place to fresh portions of less saturated menstruum, and that no further 
 straining is required should care have been taken not to use too fine a powder. 
 
 The drugs are best adapted for exhaustion with water if cut into thin slices by a suit- 
 able knife, so that they may be easily permeated by the liquid ; when cutting is inadmis- 
 sible they should be bruised to a coarse powder. Ligneous drugs, however, should be in 
 a fine or moderately fine powder, which is also best adapted for most of those which may 
 be made by percolation. 
 
 The time directed for the maceration with boiling water is, in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 usually a half hour, and in the British Pharmacopoeia fifteen or thirty minutes. 
 
 The strength of the infusions of the British Pharmacopoeia is usually such that the 
 virtues of 1 part of the drug are represented by 20 or 40 parts of the infusion ; the sim- 
 ple infusions for which special directions are given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia are made 
 in the proportion of If, 4, or 6 parts to 100 parts by weight. The French Codex classi- 
 fies these preparations according to their strength, and designates such, 100 or 200 parts 
 of which represent 1 part of the drug, as tisanes , ptisans e ; they are made either by 
 maceration, infusion, or decoction, and are intended to be used freely. Bouillons are sim- 
 ilar preparations made from lean meat, with or without the addition of aromatics and 
 other substances. Apozemes are infusions or decoctions differing from tisanes only in 
 being more concentrated. 
 
 Infusions are not intended to be kept, except for a very limited period. Exposed to 
 air, as they necessarily must be in the sick chamber through the vial containing them 
 being opened from time to time, decomposition must ensue after a day or two, and may 
 be retarded somewhat only by keeping the vessel in a cool place, or, better still, on ice. 
 When desirable to have a larger quantity prepared the liquid may be preserved by 
 Appert's method: it is put into convenient-sized vials, which are heated by a water- 
 bath gradually to the boiling-point, and stopped at that temperature. However, consid- 
 ering that infusions are rarely made by the pharmacist, but are usually prepared by the 
 attendants of the patient, and may be frequently made as required, there is little neces- 
 sity for such a course or for any of the various contrivances that have been proposed for 
 obviating fermentation and other changes in infusions. But for the physician it may be 
 useful to know that most of the infusions may be prepared in a more concentrated form, 
 or reduced in volume by evaporation at a moderate heat, and then be kept unaltered for 
 a considerable time by the addition of one-third their volume of alcohol. Dissolving I 
 grain of salicylic acid in each fluidounce of the infusion will have a similar preservative 
 effect. 
 
 Nearly all the infusions will yield precipitates or become discolored with the salts of 
 iron, lead, mercury, silver, and other heavy metals, and are therefore incompatible with 
 them. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia has adopted the plan of ordering all infusions unless other- 
 wise directed by the physician, and with the exception of four specially enumerated, to be 
 made of I part of material to 20 parts of infusion according to the following directions : 
 “An ordinary infusion, the strength of which is not directed by the physician nor speci- 
 fied by the pharmacopoeia, shall be prepared by the following formula : Take of the sub- 
 stance, coarsely comminuted, 50 Gm. ; boiling water, 1000 Cc. ; water a sufficient quan- 
 tity, to make 1000 Cc. Put the substance into a suitable vessel provided with a cover, 
 pour upon it the boiling water, cover the vessel tightly, and let it stand for \ hour. 
 Then strain, and pass enough water through the strainer to make the infusion measure 
 1000 Cc. Caution . — The strength of infusions of energetic or powerful substances should 
 be specially prescribed by the physician.” 
 
 The official strength of infusions is equal to about 23 grains of drug for each fluid- 
 ounce. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia omits to direct the expression of the drug after infusion, but it is 
 evident that bulky herbs and flowers, which are best adapted to this process, would retain 
 a considerable proportion of the liquid, which cannot be washed out simply by passing 
 water through the strainer to make up the deficiency in volume. 
 
 The strength of infusions of the German Pharmacopoeia is double that of our own, but 
 the general directions given for their preparation are nearly identical with the above, from 
 which they differ only in this, that the mixture of drug and boiling water is heated 
 or fi,ve minutes in a vapor-bath of boiling water, occasionally stirred, allowed to cool, 
 and strained. The concentrated and highly -concentrated infusions , made respectively with 
 lj and 2 parts of drug to 10 parts of infusion, are no longer recognized. 
 
868 
 
 INFUSUM ANTHEMIDIS.—INFUSUM CARY OPHYLLI. 
 
 INFUSUM ANTHEMIDIS, Br . — Infusion of Chamomile. 
 
 Infusum chamomillse romanse . — Thane de chamomille romaine , Fr. ; Rbmhch-Kamillen- 
 thee , G-. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Chamomille-flowers i ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 10 
 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for fifteen minutes and strain. — Br. 
 
 A fluidounce of this infusion represents 22 grains Br ., or 23 grains of chamomile,, 
 if made by the general formula above. 
 
 Uses. — The dose of this infusion is about a wine-glassful (Gm. 64) before meals ; it 
 is more apt to agree with the stomach when made with cold water. The infusion, when 
 warm, is an efficient and gentle emetic. When cold it has been particularly recommended 
 in the diarrhoea connected with dentition, when the stools are many, green, slimy and 
 streaked with blood (Elliott). 
 
 INFUSUM AURANTII, Br. — Infusion of Orange-peel. 
 
 Tisane d'ecorce d’ orange, Fr. ; Pomeranzenschalen-Anfguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bitter Orange-peel, cut small \ ounce ; Boiling Distilled 
 water 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for fifteen minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This infusion may be prescribed to allay pain and flatulence in colic and as a 
 vehicle for other medicines, particularly magnesia. Dose , Gm. 32-64 (f^j-ij). 
 
 INFUSUM AURANTII COMPOSITUM, Br.— Compound iNFusion 
 
 of Orange-peel. 
 
 Tisane decorce d' orange composee , Fr. ; Pomeranzen- und Citro n en schalen - A ufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bitter Orange-peel, cut small, i ounce ; Fresh Lemon-peel, 
 cut small, 56 grains; Cloves, bruised, 28 grains; Boiling Distilled Water, 10 fluidounces. 
 Infuse in a covered vessel for fifteen minutes and strain. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The compound infusion of orange-peel is a grateful carminative, appropriate 
 in flatulence and also in slight diarrhoea caused by indigestion. Dose , Gm. 32-64 (fjj-ij). 
 
 INFUSUM BUCHU, Br.— Infusion of Buchu. 
 
 Infusum diosmse s. barosmse . — Tisane de bucco , Fr. ; Buchuaufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Buchu-Leaves, bruised, J ounce ; Boiling Distilled Water 
 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 A fluidounce of this infusion represents 22 grains, Br ., or 23 grains of buchu if made 
 by the general formula given above. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation contains all the virtues of buchu, and is preferable to more 
 concentrated forms of the medicine. Dose, Gm. 32-64 (Dy-ij). It is usual to make an 
 infusion with equal proportions of buchu and uva ursi. 
 
 INFUSUM CALUMBiE, Br. — Infusion of Calumba. 
 
 Infusion of columbo , E. ; Tisane de Colombo , Fr. ; Kolombo-Ir fusion , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Calumba-root, cut small, 4 ounce; Cold Distilled Water, 
 10 fluidounces. Macerate in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 The infusion made with hot water is much more mucilaginous and unsightly than if 
 made with cold water, either by maceration or percolation. Each fluidounce represents 
 22 grains Br ., or 23 grains if made by the above general formula. 
 
 Uses. — This is probably the most useful preparation of Colombo if made with due 
 precautions and care be taken to prevent its fermentation. Dose , Gm. 64 (f^ij) before 
 meals. 
 
 INFUSUM CARYOPHYLLI, Br.— Infusion of Cloves. 
 
 Tisane de giroflc, Fr. ; Gewiirznelken- Infusion , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cloves, bruised, i ounce ; Boiling Distilled Water 10 fluid- 
 ounces. Macerate in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 1 fluidounce of this infusion represents 11 grains Br., and if made by the general for- 
 mula, 23 grains. 
 
 Uses. — Infusion of cloves is used to allay flatulent colic and nausea from exhaustion. 
 Dose, Gm. 16 (f^ss). 
 
INFUSUM CASCA RILLHJ.—INFUS UM CINCHONAS. 
 
 869 
 
 INFUSUM CASCARELLiE, Br , — Infusion of Cascarilla. 
 
 Tisane de cascarille , Fr. ; Kaskarilla-Aufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cascarilla-bark, in No. 20 powder, 1 ounce ; Boiling Dis- 
 tilled Water 10 fluidounces (Imperial measure). Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty 
 minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 This is of precisely double the strength as indicated by the general formula on page 
 867. 
 
 Uses. — Cascarilla is best administered in this form. It may be given in doses of Gm. 
 64 (f^ij) two or three times a day. 
 
 INFUSUM CATECHU, ^.—Infusion of Catechu. 
 
 Infusum catechu composition, U. S. 1870. — Compound infusion of catechu , E. ; Tisane 
 de cachou composee , Fr. ; Catechuaufguss mit Zimmt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Catechu, in coarse powder, 160 grains ; Cinnamon-bark, 
 bruised, 30 grains ; Boiling Distilled Water 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel 
 for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Made by the present general formula, it would be about 50 per cent, stronger. 
 
 Uses. — The addition of cinnamon to catechu in this preparation increases its astrin- 
 ■gency, and renders it stimulant and anodyne at the same time. It is a convenient remedy 
 for diarrhoea with flatulent colic, provided the bowels are free from irritating ingesta. 
 Dose , from Gm. 32-96 (f^j-iij). 
 
 INFUSUM CHIRAT^l, Br , — Infusion of Chiretta. 
 
 ' Tisane de chirette , Fr. ; Chiretta- Thee, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Chiretta, cut small, \ ounce ; Distilled Water, at 120° F., 
 10 ounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This infusion resembles that of quassia in its qualities, and may be used where 
 simple bitters are needed, in the dose of Gm. 64-96 (gij— iij). 
 
 INFUSUM CINCHONiE, JJ, S , — Infusion of Cinchona. 
 
 Infusum cinchonse acidum , Br. ; Acid infusion of cinchona , E. ; Tisane acidulee de 
 quinquina , Fr. ; JSaurer China- Aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cinchona, in No. 40 powder, 60 Gm. ; Aromatic Sulphuric Acid 10 
 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the acid with 500 Cc. of water, 
 and moisten the powder with 30 Cc. of the mixture ; pack it firmly in a conical glass 
 percolator, and gradually pour upon it first the remainder of the mixture, and afterward 
 water until the infusion measures 1000 Cc. — U. S. When no variety of cinchona is 
 specified by the physician directing this infusion, use yellow cinchona. 
 
 To make 1 pint of the infusion would require 438 grains of cinchona and about 80 
 minims of aromatic sulphuric acid ; the acid should be mixed with 8 fluidounces of 
 water. 
 
 Red cinchona-bark, in No. 20 powder, \ oz. (1 part) ; aromatic sulphuric acid 1 fl. 
 drachm (1 fl. part) ; boiling distilled water 10 fl. oz. (20 fl. parts). Infuse in a covered 
 vessel for one hour and strain. — Br. 
 
 The first process, if well conducted, obtains all the alkaloids of the bark in a soluble 
 condition, and is, in point of fact, simply a solution of the sulphates of these alkaloids 
 slightly weaker than that made by the Pharmacopoeia of 1870. The second process will 
 yield a very similar preparation, the straining being effected when cold. The chief differ- 
 ence between the two preparations is that in the former any good variety of cinchona may 
 be employed, while for the latter red bark from cultivated plants is used. 
 
 Infusum cinchonse flavse , Br. 1867, was made with boiling water, no acid having been 
 used. Such infusions, if strained while hot, will become turbid ; and if strained after 
 cooling are clear, but retain merely those alkaloids which in the natural combination are 
 soluble in cold water. 
 
 Uses. The infusion of cinchona is used only as a tonic, and not as an anti-periodic, 
 and may be prescribed in the dose of Gm. 64 (f^ij) three times a day. 
 
870 
 
 INFUSUM CUSP A RIJE.—INFUS UM DULCAMARA. 
 
 INFUSUM CUSPARL33, Br .— Infusion of Ousparia. 
 
 Infusum angusturae, U. S. 1870. — Infusion of angustura E. ; Tisane d'angusture, Fr. ; 
 An gustura- Infusion, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cusparia-bark, No. 40 powder, i ounce ; Distilled Water, at 
 120° F., 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for one hour, and strain. — Br. 
 
 1 fluidounce of this infusion contains the virtues of nearly 22 grains, Br., 23 grains 
 U. S. 1890 (15 grains U. S. 1870), of angustura-bark. 
 
 Uses. — It may be used in the treatment of atonic dyspepsia, and in feeble digestion, 
 generally, in doses of Gm. 32-64 (fsj-ij). 
 
 INFUSUM CUSSO, Br .— Infusion of Kousso. 
 
 Infusum brayerae, U. S., 1880 ; Apozeme de cousso , Fr. ; Kossotrank, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Kousso, in coarse powder, 1 ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 
 8 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for fifteen minutes. Not to be strained. — Br. 
 Kousso 20 Gm. ; boiling water 150 Gm. — Fr. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — Following the Abyssinian mode of administering this vermifuge, the coarsely- 
 powdered flowers are taken along with the water in which they are infused. The 8 fluid- 
 ounces should be divided into two portions, and used with an interval of an hour be- 
 tween them in the morning fasting. 
 
 INFUSUM DIGITALIS, 77. S ., Br — Infusion of Digitalis. 
 
 Tisane de digital , Fr. ; Finger hut aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Digitalis, bruised, 15 Gm. ; Alcohol, 100 Cc. ; Cinnamon-water, 150 
 Cc. ; Boiling Water, 500 Cc. ; Water, cold, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Upon 
 the digitalis, contained in a suitable vessel, pour the boiling water, and allow it to mace- 
 rate until the mixture is cold. Then strain, add the alcohol and cinnamon water to the 
 strained liquid, and pass enough cold water through the residue on the strainer to make 
 the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. B. 
 
 To make 1 pint of the infusion 110 grains of digitalis should be macerated in 8 fluid- 
 ounces of boiling water until cold ; after straining 13 fluidrachms of alcohol, 2J fluid- 
 ounces of cinnamon-water and sufficient cold water are to be added to bring the volume 
 of the liquid up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of digitalis-leaves, dried 28 grains ; boiling distilled water 10 fluidounces. Infuse 
 in a covered vessel for 15 minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 The bitter taste of digitalis is masked in the first preparation by the cinnamon, and 
 the small quantity of alcohol and oil of cinnamon will preserve the infusion for several 
 days before a precipitate makes its appearance, which probably contains a portion of the 
 digitalin. D. E. Prall (1878), however, did not succeed in isolating digitalin from the 
 precipitate. 1 fluidounce of the infusion represents 7 grains, U. S. P., 3 grains, Br. of 
 digitalis. 
 
 Uses. — The infusion is probably the most certain diuretic preparation of digitalis. In 
 the treatment of dropsy it should be steadily continued until it begins to act either upon 
 the kidneys, the stomach, the pulse, or the bowels. Then, however, it ought at once to 
 be suspended or the dose greatly lessened. Its physiological effects, it should be remem- 
 bered, continue for several days after the medicine is discontinued, and its diuretic action 
 occurs most readily during a state of rest. Dose , Gm. 16-32 (f^ss-j) two or three times 
 a day. A compound vinous infusion is a more efficient diuretic than the simpler officinal 
 preparation ; thus : White wine 750 parts ; juniper-berries, bruised, 50 parts ; digitalis 10 
 parts; squill 5 parts. Macerate for 4 days, and add potassium acetate 15 parts. Dose , 
 Gm. 16 (fgss) three times a day. 
 
 INFUSUM DULCAMARA. — Infusion of Dulcamara. 
 
 Tisane de douce-amere, Fr. ; Bittersiissaufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Dulcamara, bruised, 1 ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 10 
 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for one hour, and strain. — Br. 1867 
 
 Uses. — The infusion is probably the most efficient preparation of dulcamara. Its 
 very dilution increases its activity. Dose, Gm. 32-64 (fgi-ij). 
 
INFUSUM ERG 01 'JE. — INF US UM LINI. 
 
 871 
 
 INFUSUM ERGOTiE, Br. — Imfusion of Ergot. 
 
 Tisane de seigle ergote , Fr. ; Mutterkornaufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ergot, in coarse powder, \ ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 
 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The dose of this preparation for a woman in labor is Gm. 32-64 (f^i-ij). 
 Each fluidounce (Gm. 32) contains about 10 grains (Gm. 0.60) of ergot. 
 
 INFUSUM GENTIANS COMPOSITUM, Br.— Compound Infusion of 
 
 Gentian. 
 
 Tisane de gentiane composee, Fr. ; Enzianaufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Gentian-root, sliced, Bitter Orange-peel, cut small, each 55 
 grains; Fresh Lemon-peel, cut small, £ ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 10 fluidounces. 
 Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Take of gentian, in moderately coarse powder, % troyounce ; bitter orange-peel, in 
 moderately coarse powder, coriander, in moderately coarse powder, each 60 grains ; alco- 
 hol 2 fluidounces ; water a sufficient quantity. Mix the alcohol with 14 fluidounces of 
 water, and, having moistened the mixed powders with 3 fluidrachms of the menstruum, 
 pack them firmly in a conical percolator, and gradually pour upon them first the remainder 
 of the menstruum, and then water, until the filtered liquid measures a pint. — U. S. 1870. 
 
 The first formula yields an agreeable preparation, which, however, does not keep as well 
 as that made by the second formula, in which alcohol is present in sufficient quantity to 
 preserve it unaltered for some days. As it is an elegant preparation, frequently prescribed 
 in small quantities, J. T. Shinn (1862) proposed to exhaust four times the weight of mate- 
 rial directed by percolation with diluted alcohol sufficient for obtaining 1 pint of tincture, 
 4 fluidounces of which, diluted with 12 fluidounces of water, will exactly represent 1 pint 
 of the infusion, as directed by the U. S. P. 1870. (See also Mistura Gentians). 
 
 Uses. — This is an agreeable and efficient stomachic tonic, and may be used in doses of 
 Gm. 32 (f^j) two or three times a day. 
 
 INFUSUM KRAMERLE,, Br. — Infusion of Rhatany. 
 
 Tisane de ratanhia , Fr. ; Ratanha-Aufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Rhatany-root, in No. 40 powder, § ounce ; Boiling Distilled 
 Water 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 A fluidounce of this infusion, made by the U. S. P. 1870, represented 30 grains ; made 
 by the present general formula, 23 grains. 
 
 Uses. — In all cases of internal haemorrhage to which astringents are applicable this 
 infusion may be advantageously employed, the more so the more passive the bleeding. 
 It is also useful in mucous profluvia of the bronchia i and the g astro-intestinal tube. A 
 watery solution of extract of rhatany is, however, generally preferable. Bose, Gm. 64 
 
 (®j). 
 
 INFUSUM LINI, Br. — Infusion of Linseed. 
 
 Infusum Uni compositum , U. S., 1870 — Infusion of flaxseed, E. ; Tisane de lin, Fr. \Lein- 
 samenaufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Linseed 150 grains ; Dried Liquorice-root, in No. 20 powder, 
 50 grains; Boiling Distilled Water 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for two 
 hours, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Liquorice-root is added in this infusion with the view of improving its flavor. As the 
 mucilage is contained in the covering of the seed, it should not be bruised, otherwise the 
 oil will be emulsionized, and the swelling of the entire tissue will prevent the straining 
 of the liquid. 
 
 Uses. — The apparent intention of this preparation is to provide an appropriate remedy 
 for acute mucous inflammations of the respiratory tract, an object which scarcely required 
 a special formula, since in domestic practice it is customary to add extract of liquorice, 
 sugar, or lemon-juice to flaxseed tea for these affections. The liquorice also renders the 
 infusion less appropriate for bowel and urinary disorders, to which the simple flaxseed tea 
 is generally well adapted. It may be drunk freely. 
 
872 
 
 1NFUSUM LUPULI.— INFUSUM RHEI. 
 
 INFUSUM LUPULI, Br — Infusion of Hop. 
 
 Infusum humuli , U. S. 1870. — Tisane de houblon , Fr. ; Hopfenaufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Hop J ounce ; Boiling Distilled Water 10 fluidounces. 
 Infuse in a covered vessel for one hour, and strain. — Br. 
 
 If made by the present general formula, the infusion will be of about the same 
 strength. 
 
 Uses. — It is the most eligible form for the administration of hop when alcohol is con- 
 traindicated. Bose, Gm. 61-128 (fgij-iv) every two or three hours. 
 
 INFUSUM MATIC^, Br. — Infusion of Matico. 
 
 Tisane de matico , Fr. ; Matico- Aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Matico-leaves, cut small, 1 ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 
 
 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 Uses* — This astringent but not very efficient preparation may be prescribed in doses 
 
 of Gm. 32 (f^j) or more. 
 
 INFUSUM PRUNI VIRGINIAN,®, U . Infusion of Wild Cherry. 
 
 Tisane d'ecorce de cerisier sauvage , Fr. ; Wildkirschen- Thee, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Wild Cherry, in No. 40 powder, 40 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 100 parts. Moisten the powder with 60 Cc. of water and macerate for one hour ; 
 then pack it firmly in a conical glass percolator, and gradually pour water upon it until 
 the infusion measures 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of the infusion 293 grains of wild-cherry bark should be macerated 
 with a fluidounce of water for an hour, and then percolated with water until 16 fluid- 
 ounces have been obtained. 
 
 Made with cold water as directed by the Pharmacopoeia, this infusion contains volatile 
 
 011 and hydrocyanic acid, which are not generated by the use of hot water. 
 
 Uses. — This is the best form in which wild-cherry-bark can be used, as a mild tonic 
 and a sedative of the irritable heart. It is also applicable to the treatment of irritative 
 dyspepsia , nervous cough, the cough of early pulmonary phthisis , and the hectic irritation 
 of the decline of that disease. Dose , Gm. 64-96 (f^ij-iij) several times a day. 
 
 INFUSUM QUASSL®, Br.— Infusion of Quassia. 
 
 Tisane de quassie, Fr. ; Quassia- Aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Quassia-wood, in chips, 55 grains; Cold Distilled Water, 10 
 fluidounces. Macerate in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 We can perceive no objection to the use of warm water in making this infusion, 
 whereby time might be materially economized without interfering with the appearance 
 or efficiency of the preparation ; maceration, as directed above, will yield a very bitter 
 infusion, containing, however, only a portion of the quassia. If made by the general 
 formula (see page 867), the infusion will be about four times the strength of the above. 
 
 Uses. — Infusion of quassia is the purest of bitter infusions, and is the best form 
 for administering this useful stomachic tonic. The dose is Gm. 64 (f^ij) three times 
 a day. 
 
 INFUSUM RHEI, Br . — Infusion of Rhubarb. 
 
 Tisane de rhubarbe, Fr. ; Rliabarber aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bhubarb-root, in thin slices, 4 ounce ; Boiling Distilled 
 Water, 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Bhubarb being easily permeated by water, it is preferable to employ it for this purpose 
 cut into thin slices, instead of bruising it; in the latter case the finer powder should be 
 sifted off. But in either case the preparation is unsightly, and becomes still more so 
 by long-continued digestion. A handsomer though weaker infusion is obtained by the 
 formula of the French Codex, by maceration for four hours with cold water. In Germany 
 a preparation has long been in use under the name of Infusum rhei lcalinum or Tinctura 
 rhei aquosa, which is now prepared as follows : Bhubarb, sliced, 100 parts ; borax and 
 potassium carbonate, each 10 parts ; boiling distilled water, 900 parts. Infuse for fifteen 
 
INFUStTM MOSuF A CID UM.— INDUS UM SENNJE COMPOSITUM. 
 
 873 
 
 minutes, add alcohol 90 parts, and macerate for one hour ; then express lightly, and to 
 850 parts of the liquid add cinnamon-water 150 parts. The finished preparation represents 
 nearly 10 per cent, of rhubarb, is of a dark red-brown color, transparent in thin layers, 
 mixes clear with aqueous liquids, and has not an alkaline reaction, but is incompatible 
 with all preparations which are decomposed by alkalies. It may be preserved for several 
 months if kept in small vials and in a cool place. 
 
 Uses. — This infusion is seldom prescribed, either alone or as a vehicle for other pur- 
 gatives. In the latter case it has been associated with salines, such as sodium tartrate or 
 potassium bitartrate. The diluted form of this preparation is probably not without its 
 advantages in maintaining a moderate and sustained operation on the bowels. Dose , Gm. 
 33—64 (f&j-ij), repeated, if necessary, in three or four hours. 
 
 » 
 
 INFUSUM ROS.ZE ACIDUM, Ur.— Acid Infusion of Rose. 
 
 Infusion rosse compositum, U. S., 1870. — Compound infusion of rose, E. ; Tisane de rose 
 composee , Fr. ; Saurer Rosenaufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Dried Red Rose Petals, broken up, 4 ounce ; Diluted Sul- 
 phuric Acid, 1 fluidrachm ; Boiling Distilled Water, 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered 
 vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 The U. S. P. of 1870 ordered red rose ^ troyounce ; diluted sulphuric acid 3 fluid- 
 drachms; sugar li troyounces ; boiling water 2J pints. 
 
 This infusion should not be made in a metallic vessel ; it has a fine red color and 
 agreeable flavor. 
 
 Uses. — The compound infusion of rose is employed as a coloring and flavoring in- 
 gredient of mixtures, and as an excipient and solvent for quinine sulphate and magne- 
 sium sulphate, whose bitterness it partially covers. It forms an agreeable gargle for 
 inflamed and ulcerated states of the mouth and fauces , and may be used to moderate 
 profuse sweats. Its virtues are largely due to the sulphuric acid it contains. Dose, 
 Gm. 64-128 (fgij-iv). 
 
 INFUSUM SENEGiE, Br . — Infusion of Senega. 
 
 Tisane de polygale de Virginie, Fr. ; Senega- Avfguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Senega-root, in No. 20 powder, % ounce ; Boiling Distilled 
 Water, 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is supposed to possess certain advantages over the decoction 
 of seneka ( U. S. P. 1870), which was originally prescribed, and continues to be pre- 
 ferred in this country ; but as the senegin is not altered by the heat of boiling water, it 
 is probable that the decoction extracts a larger proportion of it than infusion does. Dose, 
 Gm. 32-64 (fgj-ij). 
 
 INFUSUM SENN^E COMPOSITUM, 77. 8., JP. G.- Compound Infusion 
 
 of Senna. 
 
 Infusum sennse , Br. — Infusion of senna, Blach Draught, E. ; Tisane de sene composee, 
 Fr. ; Senna- Aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Senna, 60 Gm. ; Manna, 120 Gm. ; Magnesium Sulphate, 120 Gm. ; 
 Fennel, bruised, 20 Gm. ; Boiling Water, 800 Cc. ; Water, a sufficient quantity to make 
 1000 Cc. Upon the senna and fennel, contained in a suitable vessel, pour the boiling 
 water, and macerate until the mixture is cold. Then strain with expression, dissolve in 
 the infusion the magnesium sulphate and manna, and strain again. Lastly, add enough 
 water through the strainer containing the senna and fennel to make the infusion measure 
 1000 Cc. — JJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of the infusion 445 grains of senna and 148 grains of fennel should 
 be macerated with 13 fluidounces of boiling water until cold ; after expression and strain- 
 ing 890 grains each of manna and magnesium sulphate should be dissolved in the infu- 
 sion and enough water added to make the liquid measure 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of senna 1 ounce ; ginger, sliced, 28 grains ; boiling distilled water 10 fluidounces. 
 Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and strain. — Br. 
 
 The first formula yields a preparation which is equivalent to the blade draught of Brit- 
 ish pharmacy, and is recognized as such by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The second formula 
 may be regarded as yielding a simple senna infusion, containing merely a corrective. 
 Long-continued contact with hot water appears to increase the tendency of the senna to 
 
874 
 
 INFUSUM SERPENT A RITE. - INF US UM VALERIANAE. 
 
 produce griping, particularly if digestion be resorted to. If the leaves have been cut or 
 bruised, digestion for not over ten minutes will yield an active infusion. The flavor 
 being a matter of taste, the selection of aromatics had probably best be left to the 
 physician 
 
 Mistura senna; composita, Br . ; Potio purgans anglorum, s. Potio nigra. By 
 these titles black draught is sometimes prescribed, which in Great Britain is made by dis- 
 solving 4 ounces of magnesium sulphate in 15 fluidounces of infusion of senna, and 
 adding 1 fluidounce of liquid extract of liquorice, 2J fluidounces of tincture of senna, 
 and 1J fluidounces of compound tincture of cardamoms. 
 
 Potion purgative, Medecine noir, F. Cod. Senna 10 Gm. ; rhubarb 5 Gm. ; boiling 
 water 120 Gm. ; infuse for thirty minutes, express, and dissolve sodium sulphate 15 Gm. 
 and manna 60 Gm. 
 
 Tisane royale, F. Cod. Senna, sodium sulphate, and fresh parsley-leaves, each 16 
 Gm. ; anise and coriander, each 5 Gm. ; 1 lemon, sliced ; cold water, 1000 Gm. ; macerate 
 for twenty-four hours. 
 
 Infusum senna: COMPOSITUM, P. G . , also known as Aqua (s. Potio) laxativa Viennensis 
 — Vienna draught, E. ; Eau laxative de Vienne, Fr. ; Wiener Trank, G . — is made by 
 macerating 5 parts of cut senna with 35 parts of boiling water, and exposing it to the 
 heat of a steam-bath for five minutes; when cold the liquid is expressed, and 5 parts of 
 sodium and potassium tartrate and 15 parts of manna are dissolved in it; after straining 
 it should weigh 50 parts. 
 
 Uses. — The fennel-seed or other carminative in the official and analogous prepara- 
 tions lessens the tendency of the senna to gripe. If the infusion is allowed to macerate 
 too long this tendency is increased. It is a very thorough purgative, and should be 
 given in doses of from Gm. 64-128 (fgij-iv) every hour, or at longer intervals, until it 
 begins to operate. 
 
 INFUSUM SERPENT ARIAE, Br. — Infusion of Serpentary. 
 
 Tisane de serpentaire , Fr. ; Schlangenwurzel-Aufguss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Serpentary-rhizome, in No. 20 powder, bruised, \ oz. ; 
 Boiling Distilled Water 10 fl. oz. Infuse in a covered vessel for thirty minutes, and 
 strain. — Br. 
 
 The infusion recognized under the same name by the U. S. P. 1870 was slightly 
 stronger, and contained 15 grains of serpentaria to the fluidounce. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is preferable to the fluid extract and to the tincture of ser- 
 pentaria. Its uses are fully detailed under Serpentaria. Dose, Gm. 32-53 (f^i-ii) 
 every two or three hours in typhoid conditions. 
 
 INFUSUM UVAE URSI, Br.— Infusion of Bearberry. 
 
 Tisane d ’ uva ursi , Fr. ; Bdrentraubenblatter-Aufguss , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bearberry-leaves, bruised, i ounce ; Boiling Distilled Water 
 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for 1 hour, and strain, — Br. 
 
 The medicinal principles of uva ursi are not volatile or decomposed by boiling water ; 
 a decoction may therefore be prepared. 
 
 Uses. — This is a more convenient form than the decoction for extemporaneous use, 
 and is perhaps sufficiently active, since it is certain that the amount of tannic and gallic 
 acids which can be profitably absorbed from the stomach is not unlimited. Dose, Gm. 
 32-64 (f^i-ii). 
 
 INFUSUM VALERIANAE, Br. — Infusion of Valerian. 
 
 Tisane de valeriane , Fr. ; Baldrian- Au/guss, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Valerian-rhizome, bruised, I ounce; Boiling Distilled Water 
 10 fluidounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for one hour, and strain. — Br. 
 
 Infusion of valerian, U. S. P. 1870, represented 15 grains of the root in the fluidounce, 
 but made by the present general formula it contains 23 grains. 
 
 Uses. — Although partially superseded by the more convenient fluid extract and 
 tinctures, the infusion of valerian is, nevertheless, an efficient preparation, particularly 
 where the medicine be continuously given. Dose, Gm.64 (fgii). 
 
INJECTIO APOMORPHINjE HYPODERMICA.— INULA . 
 
 875 
 
 INJECTIO APOMORPHINiE HYPODERMICA.— Br. 
 
 Hypodermic injection of apomorphine , E. ; Ejection hypodermique d' apomorphine , Fr. ; 
 Subcutane Apomorphin-Einspritzung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, 2 grains; Camphor water, 100 
 minims. Dissolve and filter. The solution should be made as required for use. Dose , 
 by subcutaneous injection, 2-8 minims, representing about gr. of the salt. 
 
 INJECTIO ERGOTINI HYPODERMICA.— Br. 
 
 Hypodermic injection of ergotin , E. ; Injection hypodermique d'ergotine, Fr. ; Subcutane 
 Ergotin-Einspritzung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ergotin 1 part (or 100 grains) ; Camphor water 2 fluid 
 parts (or 200 fluid grains). Dissolve by stirring them together. The solution should 
 be made as required for use. Dose, by subcutaneous injection, 3-10 minims, representing 
 about 1-3? grains of ergotin. 
 
 INJECTIO MORPHINE HYPODERMICA.— Br. 
 
 Hypodermic injection of morphia, E. ; Injection hypodermique de morphine , Fr. ; Subcu- 
 tane Morphin-Einspritzung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Morphine Hydrochlorate, 92 grains ; Solution of Ammonia- 
 Acetic Acid, Distilled Water, of each a sufficiency. Dissolve the morphine hydrochlorate 
 in 2 ounces of distilled water, aiding the solution by a gentle heat; then add solution 
 of ammonia, so as to precipitate the morphia and render the liquid slightly alkaline ; 
 allow it to cool ; collect the precipitate on a filter, wash it with distilled water, and allow 
 it to drain ; then transfer the morphia to a small porcelain dish with about an ounce of 
 distilled water, apply a gentle heat, and carefully add acetic acid until the morphia is 
 dissolved and a very slightly acid solution is formed. Add now sufficient distilled water 
 to make the solution measure exactly 2 fluidounces. Filter, and preserve the product in 
 a stoppered bottle excluded from the light. — Br. 
 
 The object of the above process is the preparation of morphine acetate in solution of 
 definite strength, so that each fluidrachm shall contain 6 grains of that salt. On keeping, 
 the solution decomposes, acquiring a brown color and slowly separating morphia, the 
 crystals being very long if the solution remain undisturbed. To prevent this decomposi- 
 tion, Prof. C. Johnston (1873) recommended sulphurous acid, 5 drops of which were 
 found by Jennings sufficient to protect a fluidounce. Squibb (1873) observed that 4 per 
 cent, of pure carbolic acid would preserve such solutions, and Limousin (1876) has 
 obtained satisfactory results by using per cent of salicylic acid. 
 
 Uses. — The average hypodermic dose of this preparation is Gm. 0.06-0.40, (n^i— vi) 
 equal to from grain to ? grain or Gm. 0.005-1.003 of the salt. 
 
 INULA, Z7. S . — Elecampane. 
 
 Radix helenii , s. inulse, s. enulse. — Aunee officinale, Grande aunee , Fr. Cod. ; Elenio , It. ; 
 Alantwurzel, Helenenwurzel, G. ; Enula , Sp. 
 
 The root of Inula (Corvisartia, Merat) Helenium, Linnt. Woodville, Med. Bot., t. 26; 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 150. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Inuloideae. 
 
 Origin. — Elecampane is a native of Central Asia and Southern Siberia, and is found 
 westward to Southern and Central Europe. It is not unfrequently cultivated, and has in 
 
 many places escaped from gardens and become natural- 
 ized. In the United States it grows spontaneously 
 along roadsides and in pastures from New England 
 south to the mountains of North Carolina and west- 
 ward to Illinois. It has a thick, solid stem 0.9 to 1.8 
 M. (3-6 feet) high, large radical leaves decurrent on 
 the long petioles, and sessile clasping stem-leaves, all 
 being acute, somewhat toothed, and grayish-hairy on 
 the lower surface. The large flower-heads are termi- 
 nal, and have a loosely-imbricated involucre, with an 
 outer series of foliaceous ovate bracts ; the numerous 
 
 Fig. 159. 
 
 Elecampane-root: transverse sections. 
 
876 
 
 INULA. 
 
 yellow pistillate ray-florets are ligulate, linear, and three-toothed, and the yellow disk- 
 florets tubular and five-toothed. The akenes are smooth, pale-brown, four-sided, and 
 crowned with a hairy pappus. The root is collected in the fall of the second or the 
 spring of the third year. 
 
 Description. — The root is about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long and 25 to 50 Mm. (1-2 
 inches) thick, divided below into branches 15 to 30 Cm. (6-12 inches) long and 12 to 25 
 Mm. (J-l inch) thick, very fleshy ; in commerce usually sliced either longitudinally or 
 transversely. The longitudinal slices have the bark overlapping; the transverse slices 
 are concave, somewhat radially striate ; externally irregularly wrinkled and brownish,, 
 internally white when fresh ; grayish after drying, of a peculiar aromatic odor and am 
 aromatic, bitterish, and pungent taste. The root is hygroscopic and flexible in damp 
 weather, but when dry breaks with a short fracture. The bark is 3 Mm. (£ inch) and 
 more thick, the inner portion radiate near the cambium-line ; the meditullium has small 
 vascular bundles and broad medullary rays, and all parts of the root are dotted with 
 shining yellowish-brown resin-cells. 
 
 Constituents. — Elecampane contains a little volatile oil , inula or alant camphor y 
 some acrid resin , a hitter principle not known as yet in the isolated state, waxy matter , 
 inulin , etc. On investigating the body formerly known as helenin and elecampane cam- 
 phor, crystallizing from the concentrated tincture mixed with water, Kallen (1873) iso- 
 lated helenin , 0 6 H 8 0, which is insipid, almost insoluble in water, crystallizes in needles, 
 fuses at 110° C. (230° F.), and is by nitric acid converted into oxalic acid and a resin- 
 ous body. The volatile oil of elecampane was by Kallen (1876) separated into needles 
 of alantic anhydride , C 15 H 20 O 2 , and inulol or alantol , C 10 H 16 O, which is a yellowish liquid 
 having the odor of peppermint, an aromatic taste, and boiling near 200° C. (392° F.). 
 Inulin, C 12 H 20 Oio, is contained in biennial and perennial Composite, and is obtained by 
 forcibly expressing the grated juicy roots, when a portion will deposit on standing, and 
 the remainder may be precipitated by alcohol. Kiliani (1881) recommends boiling the 
 roots with water containing sodium carbonate; the liquid is cooled by a freezing mixture, 
 and the precipitate repeatedly dissolved in hot water and reprecipitated by cooling. The 
 autumn roots contain the largest percentage (elecampane 44 per cent.) of inulin, which 
 by the following spring is to a considerable extent changed into mucilage, sugar, and 
 levulin, and in some cases to glucosides. Inulin is a fine white hygroscopic powder, 
 tasteless and inodorous, insoluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in cold water, more so in 
 hot water, and then partly altered, but mostly reprecipitated on cooling ; on the slow 
 evaporation of its aqueous solution it may be obtained in crystalline spheres, and by 
 hydration it is converted into gum-like and horny modifications. It appears to be the 
 anhydride of levulose, its formula being (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) 6 H 2 O, but it does not reduce Fehling’s 
 solution. Heated with water in sealed tubes, it yields levulose ; with hot baryta-water 
 lactic acid is formed ; diluted nitric acid oxidizes it to formic, oxalic, racemic, glycollic, 
 and probably glyoxylic acids. Inulin differs from starch by the absence of concentric 
 layers, does not yield a jelly with water, and it is colored yellow (not blue) by iodine. 
 (Two monographs on inulin were published in 1870 — one by Prof. Dragendorff, the other 
 by Dr. K. Prantl.) 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Inula (Conyza, Linne) squarrosa, Bernhardt , s. I. Conyza, De Candolle; 
 Conyze, Fr. ; D'urrwurz, G. — Leaves ovate, crenate, tomentose, and rugose ; flower-heads with 
 an imbricate involucre and tubular three-cleft ray-florets ; odor unpleasant ; taste bitter. The 
 herb is used in Southern Europe as an emmenagogue and diuretic, and, when burned, for 
 destroying insects. 
 
 Pulicaria (Inula, Linn6) dysenterica, Gcertner ; Fleawort, E. ; Pulicaire, Fr. ; Flohkraut, 
 G. — Stem and leaves woolly or tomentose ; involucral scales narrow ; ray-florets band-like ; pap- 
 pus double : the outer row short, crown-like ; the inner row bristly. Used like the preceding. 
 
 Cryptochcetis andicola, Raim., grows in the Andes near the snow-line, and is known as 
 huamanripa. Leaves oblong or lanceolate, serrate, narrowed into a petiole ; involucre with 
 about 24 scales, having a membranous margin. Bignon (1886) noticed the presence of an aro- 
 matic resin and of considerable volatile oil. 
 
 Carlina acaulis, Linn6 (tribe Cynaroidese) ; Carline thistle, E.; Chardon dore, Carline, Fr. ; 
 Eberwurz, G. — A perennial plant of Middle Europe. The root, radix carlince , is long, fleshy, 
 about 25 Mm. (1 inch) thick, usually cut lengthwise, deeply wrinkled, and has a rather thin 
 light-brown bark and a grayish meditullium, with broad medullary rays. Rather large brown- 
 red resin-cells are found in all parts of the parenchyma. It has a penetrating, unpleasant odor 
 and a sweetish, burning, and bitter taste ; its principal constituents are a little resin and a vol- 
 atile oil, to which the odor and taste are due. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum helenii. — Extract of elecampane, 
 
IODOFORMUM. 
 
 877 
 
 E. ; Extrait d’aunee, Fr. Cod. — It is made by extracting the cut root with cold dis- 
 tilled water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Inula was one of the most famous of ancient medicines, 
 and continued in vogue until very recent times. It owed this reputation to its stim- 
 ulant qualities. Even in the Hippocratic writings it is stated to be a stimulant of 
 the brain, the stomach, the kidneys, and the uterus — qualities which continued to be 
 ascribed to it — as well as to exert a rubefacient action upon the skin. It had a special 
 reputation in all pulmonary affections and as a topical application in sciatica, gout, gravel, 
 facial neuralgia, etc. One of its chief constituents, inulin, is probably quite negative, and 
 whatever virtues the plant possesses must be due to the elecampane camphor which it 
 contains in small proportion, a very minute quantity of volatile oil, and the bitter extrac- 
 tive, which it holds in as large a proportion as of inulin. These elements are apparently 
 too insignificant to justify the ancient repute of elecampane. It continues to be used as 
 a domestic remedy, rather than by physicians, in the treatment of chronic bronchitis , dys- 
 pepsia , vesical catarrh , amenorrhcea and other menstrual disorders, and internally in 
 chronic eruptions of the skin. Korab claims for helenin a power of destroying bacilli, 
 and especially those of tubercle (Bull, de Therap., ciii. 271). The same has been affirmed 
 by Blocq (Med. News , xliii. 655) and by Baeza (Med. Record ’, xxvii. 377). Inulin has 
 been employed in the treatment of diphtheria (Therap. Gaz., x. 314), and of whooping 
 tough, in the dose of Gm. 0.01 (gr. 4) ten times a day. Inula is preserved as a candy, 
 like calamus, and is used to flavor the alcoholic beverage absinthe. Its retention in the 
 United States Pharmacopoeia seems quite superfluous. Elecampane is generally admin- 
 istered in a decoction prepared by boiling Gm. 16 in Gm. 500 (^ss in Oj) of water, and 
 ’which may be given in the dose of Gm. 64 (f§ij, or more). Some German writers direct 
 from 5 to 15 parts of elecampane to 100 parts of hot water. 
 
 Carlina acaulis had formerly a reputation not inferior to that of inula for very sim- 
 ilar virtues. It was held to be powerfully diaphoretic or diuretic, according to the man- 
 ner of its administration, and in large doses purgative. It was prescribed in typhoid 
 states of acute diseases, in amenorrhcea, to overcome sexual impotence , and relieve local 
 paralysis , especially of the tongue. It was administered in powder in doses of from Gm. 
 0.60 to 1.30 (gr. x-xx), in decoction, etc. 
 
 IODOFORMUM, U. S., Br., F. Cod.— Iodoform. 
 
 lodoformium, P. G. — Carboneum jodatum , loduretum carbonici, Triiodomethane, Iodure 
 de formyle, Iodo forme, Fr. ; Jodoform, G. 
 
 Formula CHI 3 . Molecular weight 392.56. 
 
 Iodoform should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a cool and dark place. 
 
 Origin. — Iodoform was discovered by Serullas in 1822, and its composition was 
 determined by Dumas in 1834. It is formed by the action of iodine in the presence of 
 fixed alkalies or alkali carbonates upon alcohol, acetic and other easily-saponifiable ethers, 
 aldehyde, acetone, amylene, butyl, capryl, and propyl alcohols, kinic, meconic, and lactic 
 acids, oil of turpentine, and some other compounds (Lieben, 1870). Millon (1846) ascer- 
 tained that it is also produced, to a limited extent, by the action of the same agents, 
 aided by heat, upon aqueous solutions of sugars, dextrin, and gum, and upon alkaline 
 solutions of albumen, fibrin, casein, and other proteids. Pure ethyl ether, ethyl iodide, 
 and allied compounds, methyl and amyl alcohol, chloral, chloroform, the fruit acids, 
 lower fatty acids, various aromatic acids, glycerin, and other compounds, according to 
 Lieben, do not yield iodoform under the conditions mentioned above. 
 
 Preparation. — Wilder (1875) recommends Bouchardat’s process as an easy one, and 
 Filhol’s as one giving a large yield. By following the former, 100 parts iodine, 100 
 potasssium bicarbonate, 1200 water, and 250 alcohol are mixed in a flask with a long neck 
 and slowly heated to between 60° and 80° C. (140° and 176° F.) until the color has dis- 
 appeared, when 25, 20, and 10 parts of iodine are to be added, waiting after each addition 
 until the iodine color has disappeared, and adding at the close, if necessary, a little potassa ; 
 after setting aside for twenty-four hours the crystals are collected upon a filter. About 
 one-third of the iodine is recovered as iodoform, the remainder appearing in the mother- 
 liquor chiefly as potassium iodide, and may be obtained by supersaturating with sulphuric, 
 and then adding a little nitric acid. 
 
 In Filhol’s process this iodine is utilized by liberating it by means of chlorine and con- 
 verting it into iodoform. The proportions recommended are 2 parts of crystallized sodium 
 carbonate, 10 of water, and 1 of alcohol, warmed as before ; 1 part of iodine is added in 
 
878 
 
 IODOFORMUM. 
 
 small portions, and after cooling the crystals are collected. The filtrate is again warmed, 
 2 parts of sodium carbonate are added, and a rapid current of chlorine gas is passed 
 through the liquid as long as iodoform is separated, which is again collected, while the 
 filtrate may be made to yield a little more iodoform by repeating the treatment. As much 
 as 72 per cent, of crystals may thus be obtained. 
 
 Rother (1873) recommended acidulating the mother-liquid with hydrochloric acid, add- 
 ing some potassium dichromate to generate chlorine, then potassium carbonate to render 
 the liquid alkaline, and some iodine and alcohol, and finally warming the mixture. The 
 process will thus be continuous until the accumulation of the salts becomes too great. 
 More recently (1882) he recommended bromine in place of chlorine. 
 
 The production of iodoform may be explained by the simultaneous formation of potas- 
 sium iodide, water, and carbon dioxide, as follows : C 2 H 6 0 -{- 4I 2 -f- 2KHC0 3 yields 2CHI 3 
 -j- 2KI + 3H 2 0 + 2C0 2 . The reaction, however, is never so simple, potassium formate 
 being perhaps always one of the products, in which case the reaction, according to Liebig, 
 is thus explained: C 2 H 6 0 + 4I 2 + 6KHC0 3 yields CHI 3 + 5KI -j- KCHO* + 5H 2 0 
 --j- 6C0 2 . At the same time other reactions take place — one resulting in the formation of 
 acetic ether, another in the production of ethyl iodide and hydriodic acid ; and from great 
 variations of the yield observed it is evident that the result is greatly influenced by the 
 relative proportion of the material and the temperature. 
 
 In 1889 Sulliot and Raynaud devised a process for the preparation of iodoform direct 
 from the ash of sea-weed (kelp), and this is now largely used in France. The ash is 
 lixiviated, the sulphides and sulphites entering into solution are removed, and the amount 
 of iodine present then determined ; from the latter the necessary quantity of the other ingre- 
 dients is calculated, thus a solution of 50 parts of sodium or potassium iodide is prepared, 
 and to it are added 6 parts of acetone and two parts of caustic soda in 1000 to 2000 parts 
 of water ; finally a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite is added, drop by drop, as 
 long as iodoform is produced. The yield is about the theoretical quantity according to 
 the following equation : 3NaI -j- 3NaC10 -}- C 3 H 6 0 = CHI 3 -j- 3NaCl -f- NaC 2 H 3 0 2 -j- 
 2NaOH. Iodoform thus prepared is called by Casthelaz “ absolute iodoform ” since it is 
 obtained in a state of great purity, without production of free iodine capable of giving 
 rise to iodic compounds. 
 
 Iodoform can also be produced by subjecting to electrolysis a solution of 50 parts of 
 potassium iodide in 300 parts of water and 30 parts of alcohol, while a constant current 
 of carbon dioxide is led into the liquid. The iodoform will separate as a crystalline 
 powder. A patent was granted for this process in Germany in 1884. 
 
 Properties. — Iodoform is in small, lemon-yellow, scale-like, hexagonal crystals, which 
 have a pearly lustre, are somewhat fatty to the touch, and have a strong saffron-like odor 
 and a peculiar sweetish and unpleasantly iodine-like taste. It is nearly insoluble in water, 
 but by heating it with water for about thirty minutes to between 80° and 90° C. (176° and 
 194° F.) a permanent yellow solution is obtained, which, according to Schadewald (1882), 
 contains between .5 and .7 per cent, of iodine. Iodoform dissolves in 52 parts ( U. S.) t 
 50 parts (P. G .), of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 12 parts ( U. S.), about 10 parts (P. G.), 
 of boiling alcohol, in 5.2 parts (17. S., P. G) of ether, and, according to Vulpius (1881), 
 in 100 parts of petroleum benzin, in 67 parts of benzene, in 25 parts of oil of turpentine, 
 in 14.3 parts of oil of lavender, in 12.5 parts of oil of cloves, in 11 parts of oil of fennel, 
 lemon, or rosemary, in 7 parts of oil of cinnamon, and in 6 parts of oil of caraway; it is 
 readily soluble in chloroform, carbon disulphide, and fixed oils ; the solutions have a neu- 
 tral reaction to test-paper, but when exposed to sunlight liberate iodine. Iodoform has 
 the spec. grav. 2.0, volatilizes slowly on exposure at ordinary temperatures, fuses at about 
 115° C. (239° F.) to a brown liquid, and sublimes partly unaltered, but at a higher heat 
 is mostly decomposed into iodine and hydriodic acid, with a residue of glossy charcoal, 
 which finally burns without leaving any residue. Heated with water, it volatilizes with 
 the vapors without decomposition ; but when boiled with potassa solution a portion of it 
 is decomposed, yielding potassium formate and iodide, and when distilled with alcoholic 
 solution of potassa an oily liquid of an ethereal odor and containing iodine is obtained 
 in the distillate ; both the aqueous and alcoholic solutions thus obtained on the addition 
 of nitric acid liberate iodine, recognizable by the blue color produced with starch-paste. 
 
 Iodoform contains 96.69 per cent, of its weight of iodine, and the amount present in 
 any of its preparations may be estimated gravimetrically with silver nitrate solution, 
 insoluble silver iodide being formed: CHT 3 +3AgN0 3 +H 2 0=3AgI+3HN0 3 -{-C0— 
 
 392.56 grains of iodoform requiring 508.65 grains of silver nitrate for complete decompo- 
 sition and yielding 702.57 grains of silver iodide. 
 
IODOFORMUM. 
 
 879 
 
 The odor of iodoform in mixtures and ointments is unpleasant, and may be disguised 
 by the addition to 1 ounce of from 3 to 5 drops of oil of peppermint ; Peru balsam, cou- 
 marin, the oils of fennel, anise, and others, have also been recommended. The odor 
 adheres persistently to the vessels in which preparations of iodoform have been made, 
 and may be removed by a few drops of oil of turpentine, followed by soap and water. 
 
 Impurities are not likely to be present ; the physical properties, and particularly its 
 odor, behavior to solvents, neutral reaction, and complete volatility, determine the absence 
 of impurities which might result from the process of manufacture. Fixed impurities 
 would be left behind on heating a portion upon platinum-foil until the charcoal has been 
 consumed. “If 2 Gm. of iodoform be thoroughly shaken with 10 Cc. of water, the 
 filtrate should be colorless and free from bitter taste (absence of soluble yellow coloring 
 matters, picric acid, etc.), should not affect the color of litmus paper (absence of free 
 acids), and remain unaffected by silver nitrate test-solution (absence of soluble iodides.”) 
 —IT. S. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — 1. Aristol. Dithymoldiiodide, Annidalin, C 20 H 24 O 2 I 2 . — This substitute 
 for iodoform was introduced in 1889, and is prepared by adding to a solution of 600 Gm. of 
 iodine and 900 Gm. of potassium iodide in 1000 Cc. of water under constant stirring at 15°-20° 
 C. (59°-68° F.) another solution made of 500 Gm. of thymol in 1000 Cc. of a 12-per-cent, solu- 
 tion of sodium hydroxide ; a copious dark brownish-red precipitate is formed, which is washed 
 with water and subsequently dried at ordinary temperature. Aristol is an amorphous, almost 
 tasteless powder, of a slight peculiar iodine-like odor, insoluble in water and glycerin, difficultly 
 soluble in alcohol, but readily soluble in ether, collodion, and chloroform ; it is also taken up by 
 fixed oils, petrolatum, vaseline, etc., but is not soluble in solution of the caustic alkalies, whether 
 hot or cold. Heat and light decompose aristol, as does also sulphuric acid. The chief value of 
 aristol lies in the large percentage (45.8) of iodine present and the absence of much odor. 
 
 2. Europhen. Diisobutylorthocresoliodide, C 22 II 29 0 2 I = C 4 II 9 OCH 3 C 6 H 3 C 6 H 2 .C 4 H 9 CII 3 OI. — 
 This compound also belongs to the class of iodoform substitutes, and is prepared in a manner 
 analogous to aristol, except that isobutylorthocresol is used in- place of thymol. It is an amor- 
 phous yellow powder, of a slightly saffron-like odor, insoluble in water and glycerin, but readily 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed oils. It is permanent when dry, but when moist- 
 ened with water splits up into iodine and a new soluble iodine compound 5 alkali hydroxides 
 and carbonates likewise liberate iodine. When heated europhen runs together, and at 110° C. 
 (230° F.) forms a clear brown liquid. It is five times as bulky as iodoform. 
 
 The substitution of carvacrol for thymol in the manufacture of aristol results in the formation 
 of carvacrol iodide, C 13 II 13 OI, a yellowish-brown powder, which softens at 50° C. (122° F.), and 
 is decomposed at temperatures above 100° C. (212° F.). 
 
 3. Antiseptol. Cinchonine-iodosulphate. Cinchonine herapathite. This compound was 
 added to the list of iodoform substitutes by Yvon in 1891. It is prepared by adding a solution 
 of 25 Gm. of cinchonine sulphate in 2000 Cc. of water to a solution of 10 Gm. each of iodine 
 and potassium iodide in water 5 the resulting precipitate is washed with water and dried at a 
 moderate heat. Antiseptol occurs as a light powder of reddish-brown color, insoluble in water, 
 but soluble in alcohol and chloroform. It contains about 50 per cent, of iodine, and its chem- 
 ical formula is uncertain, varying with the mode of preparation. 
 
 4. Antiseptin. Borothymol zinc-iodide. — Although claimed by the originator, Dr. Radlauer, 
 to be of a definite chemical composition, antiseptiri has been shown by Goldmann to be simply a 
 mixture of zinc sulphate 85 parts, zinc iodide 2.5 parts, thymol 2.5 parts, and boric acid 10 parts. 
 
 5. Losophane. Triiodometacresol, C 6 HI 3 OII.CII 3 . — Introduced in 1892. It is prepared by 
 adding an aqueous solution of iodine and potassium iodide slowly and under constant stirring to 
 a solution of orthooxyparatoluic acid in sodium bicarbonate and water ; after twenty-four hours 
 the triiodometacresol will have separated, and may be washed with water and recrystallized 
 from alcohol. Losophane occurs as colorless, odorless, needle-shaped crystals, which are almost 
 insoluble in water, very difficultly in alcohol, but readily in ether, benzene, and chloroform, and 
 at 60° C. (140° F.) also in fixed oils. It contains 78.39 per cent, of iodine, and melts at 121.5° 
 C. (250.7° F.). 
 
 6. Iodol. Tetraiodopyrrol, C 4 I 4 N1I. — This is the oldest of the iodoform substitutes, having 
 been introduced by Ciamician and Silber in 1885. It is obtained by the interaction of iodine 
 and pyrrol in alcoholic solution during twenty-four hours ; upon the addition of water iodol is 
 separated in the form of yellow crystalline flocculi. In place of alcohol, methylic alcohol and 
 other liquids can be used as solvents for the iodine. Iodol may also be obtained by following 
 the process mentioned under Aristol-, simply using pyrrol in place of thymol. Pure iodol is a 
 pale-yellow, bulky powder, more or less crystalline, which should be free from odor and taste. 
 It is practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in diluted alcohol, and readily soluble in 
 alcohol (3 parts), ether (1 part), and fixed oils (15 parts); the alcoholic solution is miscible with 
 glycerin. When heated, iodol remains unaffected up to 100° or 120° C. (212°-240° F.), but at 
 145° C. (293° F.) it is decomposed, and finally burns away without residue. Iodol contains 
 88.97 per cent, of iodine ; it has been used internally in doses of 8 to 15 grains, two or four times 
 a day, in wafers, but is usually employed either as a dusting-powder or in the form of iodol 
 gauze or ointment, and is believed to stimulate granulation. 
 
880 
 
 IODOFORMUM. 
 
 7. Sozoiodol. Sozoiodolic acid. Diiodoparaphenylsulphonic acid. C 6 H 2 I 2 0HS0 3 H-|-3H 2 0. 
 This acid and its salts have been especially recommended on account of the large proportions of 
 iodine, phenol, and sulphur present. It is prepared by heating 2 parts of phenol and 1 part 
 of strong sulphuric acid to about 110° C. (230° F.) for two or three days, whereby paraphenyl- 
 sulphonic (sozonic) acid is formed. Any excess of carbolic acid is removed, and then iodine is 
 added to form sozo-iodolic acid. It contains about 54 per cent, of iodine, 20 per cent, of carbolic 
 acid, and 7 per cent, of sulphur. The ammonium, lead, mercury, potassium, sodium, and zinc 
 salts of this acid are the agents mostly employed, being recommended as substitutes for iodoform 
 on account of their complete lack of odor ; the lithium, aluminum, and magnesium salts have 
 also been prepared. The sodium sozoiodolate, however, is most preferred, on account of its 
 ready solubility in water and glycerin (13-14 parts) ; it occurs in bright prismatic needle-shaped 
 crystals. A 3 to 10 per cent, solution in water is found to be most desirable. 
 
 8. Sozal is the name applied to the aluminum salt of sozonic acid (paraphenylsulphonic acid), 
 (which see above). It is very soluble in water and keeps well. It occurs in crystals with an 
 astringent taste and slight carbolic odor, and has been recommended for surgical dressings. 
 
 9. Sulphaminol. Thioxydiphenylamine. C 12 H 9 OS 2 N. — This compound has been especially 
 recommended on account of the entire absence of odor and taste, although it is insoluble in water- 
 it is supposed to be decomposed into carbolic acid and sulphur compounds by the digestive 
 fluids. Sulphaminol is prepared as follows : Metaoxydiphenylamine is boiled with sodium 
 hydroxide solution and sulphur ; the filtered solution is treated with ammonium chloride, yield- 
 ing sodium chloride in solution, and a yellow precipitate of sulphaminol which does not combine 
 with ammonia, and which is washed with water and dried. It is a yellow powder, insoluble in 
 water, readily soluble in alkalies, alcohol, and glacial acetic acid. When heated it turns brown 
 and softens, melting at 155° C. (311° F.). Under the names Sulphaminol — menthol, S. creosote, 
 S. guaiacol and S. eucalyptol solutions of the compound in the different liquids have been 
 introduced to the medical profession, especially for use in laryngeal tuberculosis. 
 
 10. Thiophene. C 4 II 4 S. — This hydro-carbon was discovered in 1883 by V. Meyer ; it occurs in 
 all commercial benzenes, and is isolated by active agitation with concentrated sulphuric acid : it 
 is a colorless, mobile, oily liquid, with a feeble odor, boiling at 84° C. (183.2° F.), and not 
 miscible with water. Thiophene itself has not been used in medicine, but two of its compounds 
 have been successfully employed in Europe. Thiophene diiodide, 0 4 H 2 I 2 S, has been used as a 
 substitute for iodoform in many surgical cases ; it occurs in crystalline plates, is insoluble in 
 water, but soluble in the other usual solvents ; it contains about 9.5 per cent, of sulphur, melts 
 at 40.5° C., and is volatile at ordinary temperatures. Sodium thiophene sulphonate, C 4 H 3 SNaS 
 0 3 , is a white crystalline powder, containing 33 per cent, of sulphur ; it has been used with favor- 
 able result in prurigo, proving superior to beta-naphtol, being non-toxic and non-irritating. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man doses of from 2 to 5 grains occasion no distinct effects, 
 but 7 or 8 grains have caused a decline of the pulse-rate from 72 to 60. Applied to the 
 sound skin and mucous membranes and to ulcers, it is not irritating ; on the contrary, it 
 appears to allay all local painful sensations in them, and even to blunt common sensibility. 
 Thus it may render the anus so insensible that the passage of the fecal mass will not be 
 perceived. Sometimes, however, its application has excited a severe eczematous eruption 
 ( Boston Med . and Surg. Jour., March, 1882, p. 250). Sometimes this eruption is papular 
 or erythematous. Iodoform appears to be eliminated with the breath and all the secretions, 
 and very speedily after its administration. According to Fehling and others, iodoform is 
 decomposed in the blood and its constituents are secreted with the mother’s milk, with 
 danger to the nursing infant ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 459), and in the form of an iodide (ibid., 
 xiii. 773). When employed to dress wounds its odor may be perceived upon the breath, 
 and its taste in the mouth, while the urine is colored yellow ; and if applied to a large 
 surface it may occasion headache, nausea, and vomiting, and even decided symptoms of 
 poisoning. In two children after the application of iodoform dressings, the symptoms 
 assumed in the one a comatose and in the other a meningitic type (Cazin), and in another 
 choreic movements accompanied the digestive and nervous disorder. Duret describes 
 three forms of poisoning by this preparation — viz. the eruptive, the cerebral, and the 
 syncopal. 
 
 In 1882, according to Dentu, there had already been published eleven cases of death 
 following the use of iodoform as a surgical dressing, and many others had been reported 
 in which dangerous or disagreeable phenomena were observed. In 1886, Dr. E. G. Cutler 
 collected, chiefly from German sources, 77 cases of iodoform-poisoning. 
 
 After having been used in 1846 by Bouchardat in cases of lymphatic glandular swell- 
 ing, goitre, and amenorrhoea, it was employed ten years later by Maitre for similar affec- 
 tions, syphilis, diseases of the skin, and of the bladder, etc. This physician drew 
 attention to its anodyne virtues, and administered it internally to the extent of 40 or 50 
 grains daily. Its value was more fully declared in 1862 by Righini, who demonstrated 
 the presence of iodine in all the secretions after the administration of iodoform, and in 
 the urine even after its external application. He stated, however, that, unlike iodine, it 
 
IODOFORMTJM. 
 
 881 
 
 did not cause emaciation or stimulate the glands or act as a local irritant. He enlarged 
 somewhat the sphere of its therapeutical uses. Its most important agency was first 
 announced by Yon Mosetig-Moorhof in 1879 to be that of a dressing for surgical wounds, 
 and for this purpose it has been widely and successfully used, especially in Germany. 
 Its anodyne quality was conspicuously displayed in the treatment of cancer of the uterus, 
 breast, and other parts, for the progress of the local disease was rendered slower and the 
 exhaustion of the patient’s strength was retarded. Indeed, not a few tumors (cancroid), 
 supposed to be cancers, were entirely cured under this treatment. Its special value as a 
 dressing in cases of cancer consists in its relieving the pain and correcting the offensive 
 smell of the discharges. But it also retards the progress of ulceration. Simple ulcers 
 of the cervix uteri are most efficiently treated by its means, although some persons 
 associate with it a carbolic-acid lotion. No agent is more successful in promoting the 
 removal of exudations in metritis, 'parametritis, endometritis, and perimetritis, as well as in 
 relieving the pain of these affections. It may be applied directly by means of a tampon 
 in the vagina or introduced into the rectum in a suppository, or, by insufflation, into the 
 dilated cervix uteri. The absorption of the medicine in these cases is demonstrated by 
 the taste in the mouth of which the patients complain. Moleschott praises highly a 
 mixture of 1 part of iodoform and 15 parts of flexible collodion, applied night and morn- 
 ing with a brush, as a aiscutient of swollen glands in the neck and elsewhere, as well as 
 of effusions in the pleura, pericardium, peritoneum, and even the arachnoid, and as a cura- 
 tive application to chronically -inflamed joints. He ascribes the cure of several cases of 
 tubercular meningitis to the use of this compound, which was painted three or four times 
 daily over the nape of the neck, the mastoid processes, the temples, and the forehead. 
 
 Warfwinge gives equal credit to friction of the scalp with an ointment composed of 1 
 part of iodoform to 5 of vaseline applied twice a day ( Med . News., liii. 531) ; and Bruns 
 claims the cure of many tubercular abscesses by injecting them with a mixture of equal 
 parts of iodoform, glycerin, and alcohol (Centralb. f. Med. v. 636 ; vii. 351), and equally 
 favorable results have been obtained by Billroth, Wendelstadt, etc. Others have used 
 for surgical abscesses an ethereal solution, 5-10 per cent, strong according to the size of 
 the abscess. The severe pain of the distension produced by the volatilized ether led to 
 the disuse of this preparation and the substitution of olive oil as a solvent (1 : 10), or of 
 an emulsion made with oil and alcohol ( Centralbl . f. Ther., vii. 680). A solution in 
 eucalyptus oil has been used by Ransome and others for injecting pulmonary cavities — a 
 method more remarkable for its boldness than for its reasonableness or its success. (For 
 the treatment of cold abscesses see below.) Bindley claims remarkable success in the 
 treatment of diphtheria by the “ liberal application ” of iodoform ( Boston Med. and Svrg. 
 Jour., Sert., 1889, p. 252). Chandeleux injected iodoform dissolved in ether (1 : 8) into 
 the bladder for the relief of chronic cgstitis ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 622), and Frey employed a 
 solution of iodoform in glycerin and water ( Annuaire de Ther., 1889, p. 317). Mosetig- 
 Moorhof, Schiff, and others have found that iodoform powder is a very soothing applica- 
 tion to burns. When they involve the face a vaseline ointment (1 : 20) is preferred. The 
 parenchymatous injection of a 5 per cent, ethereal solution of iodoform has been used 
 successfully by Mosetig-Moorhof in the treatment of goitre. 
 
 Iodoform has been used topically in the treatment of gonorrhoea, especially in females, 
 but without favorable results, except, perhaps, as a palliative of chordee. Venereal 
 ulcers, however, of the cervix uteri and vagina are benefited by it, and sometimes in a 
 remarkable degree. Venereal and all other ulcers are most favorably influenced by iodo- 
 form, the more so in proportion as they are irritable and painful. “ Under its use 
 healthy sores heal rapidly, creeping sores generally cease to spread, and sluggish ones 
 take on healthy action ” (Hill). Another declares its effects to be almost magical 
 ( Practitioner , xxii. 321). Mr. Miller says of his treatment of “chancroids:” “I simply 
 dust them with iodoform powder and keep them dry, and they invariably heal up in a 
 few days” ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxviii. 390). This surgeon especially lauds the virtues 
 of the application to venereal sores of the female genitals ; he also uses it for buboes 
 after evacuation and for syphilitic ulcers of the mouth, nose, etc. In these encomiums 
 almost all syphilographers unite. A later writer declares that iodoform “ will not 
 retard the growth of a large, indurated, infecting chancre, and will not arrest phage- 
 dena ; it will not remove venereal warts nor materially affect an inflamed gland ” {Med. 
 A eics, xli. 98); but, as Brockhardt summarizes the matter, iodoform “ is a specific against 
 the virus of soft chancre ;” or, as Unna declares, “ it destroys the venereal virus in the 
 tissues, and, if early applied, prevents suppurating buboes .” It seems also to be the 
 most efficient agent in treating the last-named abscesses if they are filled with iodoform 
 56 
 
882 
 
 IODOFORM UM. 
 
 gauze after having been evacuated and cleaned. According to Brockhardt, under iodo- 
 form dressing suppurating buboes heal twice as rapidly as under the more usual methods, 
 and with due antiseptic precautions “ opened bubo never becomes phagedenic, diphthe- 
 ritic, or chancrous.” It is alleged to exert a favorable influence upon the later constitu- 
 tional symptoms of syphilis when given internally in doses of from \ to $ grain several 
 times a day, and has also been administered hypodermically, suspended in glycerin, for 
 a similar purpose. A solution of 1 part of iodoform in 6 or 7 of ether is considered by 
 some surgeons preferable to the former agent alone, since it acts in smaller quantity and 
 also as a protective to the sore. Whitehead and others also prefer an ethereal solution 
 of iodoform to the powdered drug, or a solution of 1 part of iodoform in 2 parts of ether 
 and seven parts of collodion. It is by no means determined that iodoform given inter- 
 nally is beneficial in constitutional syphilis ; some affirm and others deny it. There is 
 more unanimity respecting its subcutaneous administration, and indeed, Brockhardt 
 declares that it “ produces a far more constant and effective action than iodide of potas- 
 sium.” Carded cotton thoroughly impregnated with iodoform has also been found very 
 useful for application to the nostrils, vagina, and rectum. In the simple as well as in 
 the syphilitic form of ozaena this treatment has been found successful, and an ointment 
 of iodoform prepared with vaseline has been used with equally good results. The same 
 statement is true regarding syphilitic ulcers of the pharynx , to which the ethereal solution 
 or the powder has been applied, or which have been treated with gelatin lozenges, each 
 containing 1 or 2 grains of iodoform and allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. 
 When the liquid preparations have been used for the purposes under notice, it has been 
 recommended to administer at the same time pills, each containing 1J grains of iodo- 
 form, three times a day in the beginning, the dose being gradually increased until 8 or 10 
 pills are taken in twenty-four hours. This combined local and general treatment is strongly 
 recommended in cases of syphilitic fissured ulcer of the tongue. The application of iodo- 
 form as a dressing for open buboes , and especially for such as have indurated walls and 
 sinuses, has been singularly efficacious, as it also has in the treatment of chronic otorrhcea. 
 In all of the cases now named it deodorizes, while it tends to heal, the ulcerated sur- 
 faces. In some of these cases the action of nitrate of silver may be associated with 
 that of iodoform, the latter lessening the pain of the former, while the caustic stim- 
 ulates more actively than the iodoform. 
 
 It is reputed to be an efficient application to ringworm of the scalp and in the treat- 
 ment of purulent ophthalmia , granular or ulcerated eyelids , ciliary blepharitis , pannus, and 
 phlyctenulae and ulcers of the cornea. In these affections of the eyeball it is recom- 
 mended to apply finely-powdered iodoform by means of a camel’s-hair brush, and to use 
 for the eyelids an ointment made with 1 part of iodoform to 4 parts, and for the eye- 
 ball 1 part to 10 or 15 parts of vaseline. It allays the pain and promotes the healing of blis- 
 tered surfaces and of ulcers left by burns. In some cases of ulcerated fissure of the 
 anus it has proved a very useful palliative, as well as in certain haemorrhoidal affections 
 attended with pain in defecation. In both it acts by promoting a more healthy nutri- 
 tion, while it prevents the irritation and pain which tend to perpetuate them. Iodoform 
 suppositories used in these affections are apt to cause general toxical symptoms. Pruri- 
 tus vaginae may be palliated by similar means. Biehl has successfully treated lupus vul- 
 garis with iodoform after removing the cuticle with caustic potassa. The latter agent 
 occasions pain which the subsequent application of the iodoform neutralizes, while it 
 causes a gradual shrivelling and disappearance of the morbid growth (Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., May, 1882, p. 415). It appears to act in a similar manner upon various 
 local inflammatory swellings of the lymphatic glands and the testes , and to diminish the 
 size of the goitrous tumors. In diseases of the skm it seems to have been found more 
 useful in dry and chronic affections than in others ; thus in psoriasis and prurigo, rather 
 than in eczema. It has, however, been declared by Squire to be a very convenient and 
 efficient remedy for impetigo larvalis ( British Med. Jour., May 14, 1881). Frazer found 
 it useful both in local eczema and impetigo and in prurigo decalvans ( Practitioner , xxvn. 
 280) ; and it has been applied in an ointment or liniment to prevent pitting in small-pox. 
 A solution of one part of iodoform in ten of collodion has been represented to be effi- 
 cient in arresting erysipelas (Burman.) But the examples published seem to have been 
 chiefly cases of erythema, such as various stimulants and protectives cure. An injection 
 of iodoform 25 grs. starch 80 grs., and water 3 fl. oz. has been successfully used to coin 
 bat the vesical pain and irritability caused by chronic cystitis. The symptoms caused by 
 ulcers of the larynx have been palliated by a glycerate of iodoform, and also by insuffla- 
 tion of the powdered medicine. On the ground that iodoform is eliminated through the 
 
IODOFORMUM. 
 
 883 
 
 lungs, Bruns proposed its use in the treatment of phthisis, and believed that his view was 
 confirmed by clinical experience. Dr. R. Singleton Smith (1884) also brought a series 
 of cases to confirm this view, but later confirmation is wanting. In chronic nasal catarrh 
 powdered iodoform, diluted with a neutral powder, has been successful not only in de- 
 odorizing the discharge, but also in arresting it. A similar application, or one of 
 iodoform dissolved in ether, has been found salutary in specific and other ulcers of the 
 throat , vagina , etc. In chronic suppuration of the middle ear , but more especially of 
 the internal auditory canal , iodoform excels all other applications in diminishing the 
 discharge, correcting its fetor, and restoring the part to its normal condition. Some 
 claims have been made for this medicine as a topical remedy in diphtheria , but they 
 rest upon very inadequate grounds. It may be applied in spray or powder, or in a solu- 
 tion of 1 part of iodoform and 2 parts of balsam of Tolu in 10 parts of ether. 
 
 The gangrenous vulvitis which is so common under certain conditions of constitution 
 and recent sickness in hospital practice is more successfully controlled by powdered 
 iodoform than by any other agent. According to Parrot (Bull, de Ther ., c. 382), noth- 
 ing so easily and promptly cures that aphthous forms of vulvitis which attacks feeble 
 and ill-fed children. In other forms of hospital gangrene it is efficacious. It is one of 
 the best palliatives of pruritus pudendi when applied in an ointment containing about Gm. 
 1.20 in Gm. 30 (20 grains to the ounce). The anodyne virtues of iodoform displayed 
 in these affections, as well as in various other painful disorders of the rectum, bladder, 
 and uterus, the mouth and the nasal passages, are also exhibited in some internal dis- 
 orders, and particularly in those of the stomach. Gastralgia , alone or associated with 
 simple gastric ulcer , is relieved by it, and sometimes permanently cured. In cases of 
 vaginal hypersesthesia and vaginismus its action is favorably exhibited, especially when 
 these conditions depend upon a lesion of the mucous membrane. In the absence of the 
 latter, belladonna may be usefully associated with iodoform. External neuralgise have, 
 it is said, been cured by iodoform, but as in every case iron was used internally, 
 the cure was very probably due to the latter medicine. But there can be no doubt of its 
 anodyne action in these affections. Topically, it is, like many other anodynes, a palli- 
 ative of neuralgia if applied over the tender points of the nerves. For this purpose 
 iodoform collodion is convenient. According to Moleschott, it has often relieved the 
 most intense pains and other symptoms of gouty inflammation within fwenty-four hours after 
 painting the affected part with the solution of iodoform in collodion. Testa recommends 
 it in this disease internally, provided that the kidneys be not obstructed, and also as a 
 palliative of arythmia in diseases of the heart. An ointment made with 1 part of iodo- 
 form and 4 parts of vaseline is said to have promptly reduced the pain and swelling in 
 acute orchitis (Med. Record , xix. 463). Iodoform has also been recommended to relieve 
 the pain of a carious tooth , but it was used along with carbolic acid, oil of peppermint, 
 or other anaesthetic, to which, probably, the relief was mainly due. Owing to the use 
 by German writers of the word “ tubercle ” in its generic sense, it has been supposed 
 that iodoform was claimed to be a remedy for pulmonary tubercular phthisis ; no reason- 
 able physician has preferred so proposterous a claim. Some, however, allege that the 
 medicine is a palliative of the cough, expectoration, fever, and sweating in this disease, 
 and attribute this favorable action to its elimination in part through the lungs. 
 
 The application of iodoform as a dressing for surgical and other wounds , which was 
 introduced by Mosetig-Moorhof in 1879, became very general in 1880, especially in 
 Germany. It was claimed to be absolutely unirritating ; wounds were said to be stimu- 
 lated by it even less than by carbolic-acid lotions, and the granulating process was 
 thought by Mikulicz ( Wiener Klinik , Jan. 1882) to be rather retarded than quickened 
 by it. It has a remarkable anaesthetic action, and when kept applied to wounds is a 
 disinfectant which has the advantage of being altogether unirritating. According to 
 the surgeon just named, it is neither as prompt nor as energetic as some other antisep- 
 tics, and is quite unsuited for disinfecting the surgeon’s hands, instruments, etc. Owing 
 to its mild action, it is recommended as a permanent dressing for recent wounds, and 
 especially for such as are attended with a loss of substance. It is said to be less eligible 
 for granulating wounds. In penetrating wounds and deep cavities the whole interior 
 surface should be coated with iodoform powder, but in recent wounds which are to be 
 healed by the first intention it is, according to this authority, superfluous, if not inju- 
 rious, to apply the powder to the raw surface, but the part should be dressed with iodo- 
 form gauze. In contused, complicated, and other analogous wounds due drainage pre- 
 cautions should be observed. An iodoform gauze dressing is also recommended in all 
 operations involving the peritoneum, intestine, etc., and in those interesting the nasal 
 
884 
 
 IODOFORMUM. 
 
 cavities, the mouth, pharynx, rectum, vagina, etc. A great value is claimed for iodo- 
 form gauze in some of these cases — e. g. in excision of the tongue for cancer of that 
 organ, as reported by Billroth ( Amer . Jour, of Med. Sci., April, 1882, p. 567). Its advan- 
 tages are very conspicuous in the treatment of open cancer, septic and gangrenous wounds, 
 and ulcers , in panarities and paronychia, in boils and carbuncles after incision, and in the 
 lesions connected with scrofula, lupus , and syphilis. Whitehead claims to have aborted 
 carbuncles by injecting into them a saturated solution of iodoform in ether (Brit. Med. 
 Jour., Mar. 9, 1889). A similar treatment of malignant pustule has been employed by 
 Binonapoli ( Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 788). 
 
 The treatment of cold abscesses by injections of solutions of iodoform is said to ensure 
 their contraction and cure without marked symptoms of reaction. Practised first by 
 Mickulicz and by Fr'ankel, others have found the method radically curative. The origi- 
 nal solution contained about Gm. 2.60 (gr. xl), of iodoform in glycerin Gm. 32 (^j), 
 and was required to be used only once to effect a cure in the most favorable cases (Med. 
 Neivs , xlv. 491.) Verneuil used Gm. 100-300 (f^iij-ix) of an ethereal solution 1 : 20, 
 and from that to 1 : 5, after aspirating the abscess. It is said that no toxical symptoms 
 were induced unless the quantity of the solution was greatly in excess of the doses 
 mentioned. The absorption of iodoform from abscesses appear to be very slow (Bull, 
 de Therap., cviii. 191.) Verchere recommends that for large abscesses a 5 per cent, 
 solution should be used and either a 10 per cent, or a saturated solution for small ones. 
 The distension of the abscess-walls by the vaporized ether soon subsides (Med. News. 
 xlix. 403.) These conclusions have been confirmed by Billroth (Therap. Monatsh., iv. 
 253), Bruns (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Aug. 1890, p. 194), Kirschner (ibid., p. 523.) 
 
 At the risk of some repetition, a brief summary may here be given of the conclusions 
 of Mosetig-Moorhof, the most enthusiastic promoter of the surgical applications of iodo- 
 form (1882) : It is a specific against the formation of exuberant granulations, and 
 represses them when they already exist, transforming them into a firm and healthy tis- 
 sue. To affect this purpose it is necessary to scrape the indolent growth so as to expose 
 a raw surface. After this operation and the dressing the discharge ceases to be puru- 
 lent. Iodoform is the most certain antiseptic of every description of wound, and in a 
 moderate amount is not hurtful to the system, although it is absorbed and is found 
 excreted with the urine. Its primary action is, indeed, anaesthetic, but secondarily it 
 quickens granulation and absolutely prevents all septic processes in wounds. Under its 
 use the healing process is apyretic, or if at first the evening temperature is raised it does 
 not present the characters of septic fever. Introduced into a wound, it does not prevent 
 union by the first intention. Still, with the iodoform dressing, as with all others, pro- 
 vision must be made for the escape of the secretions. Their discharge does not impair 
 the antiseptic quality of the application, but the rise of temperature that attends their 
 accumulation demands the renewal of the dressing, which also permits an inspection 
 of the wound. If after a few days traumatic fever does not arise, a fresh dressing, 
 although desirable for the sake of cleanliness, is not absolutely necessary. Under this 
 method traumatic erysipelas is very rare. Iodoform as an antiseptic renders other anti- 
 septics unnecessary. Besides it, only pure water is required. Perfect cleanliness of the 
 hands and instruments that touch the wounds is essential. Iodoform is the cheapest, 
 surest, and most permanent of all antiseptic dressings. The materials are easy to man- 
 age. Iodoform powder and gauze may be preserved for years without the slightest loss 
 of activity. They may be applied antiseptically to the buccal cavity and in or near the 
 rectum and bladder. 
 
 The judgments now given are substantially the same as those of all the leading sur- 
 geons of Germany. (Compare Centralbl. f. d. g. Therap., i. 49.) The results ob- 
 tained by Prof. Boeckel of Strassburg are scarcely less remarkable than those now 
 recorded (Bull, de Therap., cii. 265, 321). In England most of the reports of the Ger- 
 man surgeons have been confirmed (Med. Record, xxi. 400), and in this country, although 
 the published accounts of iodoform in surgery are of the same character, they are less 
 numerous than might have been expected (ibid., xxi. 309). It is highly probable that 
 the offensive smell of the preparation is the chief cause of its comparatively limited use 
 outside of Germany. This is the more remarkable in view of the language of hyperbole 
 which its German promoters adopt. Von Mosetig-Moorhof in his enthusiasm exclaims: 
 “ The hymn of praise that I have sung to iodoform is not pitched upon too high a key. 
 The most eminent German surgeons join in the chorus that soon will echo around the 
 world. Only let not impossibilities be expected from this agent ; it cannot work mira- 
 cles.” 
 
IODOFORMTJM. 
 
 885 
 
 In 1881, Spaeth introduced into the womb of lying-in women threatened with puerperal 
 fever ( septicaemia ) pencils containing iodoform (powdered iodoform 20 parts; gum acacia 
 and starch, of each 2 parts). The cases in which they were employed comprised opera- 
 tions on the uterus, abortion, partial retention of the placenta, endometritis, etc. This 
 treatment was found to allay pain, prevent putrefaction of and diminish the discharges, 
 and also to promote the healing of lesions, while it spared the patient the frequent injec- 
 tions required by the use of carbolic-acid and corrosive-sublimate solutions. One, or at 
 most two, applications in each case sufficed {Gentralbl. f d. g. Therap ., ii. 80). The con- 
 clusions of Spaeth were confirmed by various gynaecologists, including Ehrendorfer 
 ( Times and Gaz ., May 31, 1884), and in the United States by Boardman, who employed 
 insufflation of powdered iodoform into the uterus and vagina ( Boston Med. aad Surg. 
 Jour , Sept. 1884, p. 246). 
 
 The dose of iodoform is Gm. 0.06-0.20 (1 to 3 grains) three times a day, in pill. It 
 may be applied in a very fine powder, the part having been thoroughly dried, but this 
 method diffuses the preparation and decreases its effectiveness. It is better used in oint- 
 ments, liniments, or suppositories, each application containing about Gm. 0.10 (2 grains) 
 of iodoform. For some of these purposes it may be dissolved in alcohol, chloroform, 
 ether, collodion, oil, glycerin, or vaseline. It may be used for insufflation or sprinkling 
 mixed with lycopodium, powdered sugar, or starch. As already described, it has been 
 incorporated with gelatin to form pastilles. The following formulae have been recom- 
 mended : R. Iodoform ^j-giss ; glycerin f^xij ; alcohol f^iv. — M. R. Iodoform gr. xxx ; 
 alcohol q. s. ; lard ^j. — M. The following may be used for making suppositories : R. 
 Iodoform Gm. 2.50 (gr. xxxviij) ; cocoa-butter Gm. 40 (^j, ^ij) ; yellow wax Gm. 5 (gr. 
 Ixxv). Mix at a gentle heat and make ten suppositories. Cylinders made with cocoa- 
 butter, mucilage, and glycerin, or gelatin are used in the treatment of sinuses and other 
 deep and narrow cavities. A solution for topical application may be prepared by dis- 
 solving 1 Gm. (15 gr.) of crystallized iodoform in 4 Gm. (60 gr.) of sulphuric ether (60° 
 Baume). The gauze used as a surgical dressing contains from 10 to 20 per cent, of 
 iodoform (Billroth), or from 30 to 50 per cent. (Mosetig-Moorhof). It is essential that 
 neither the gauze, the powder, nor any other preparation of iodoform should be applied 
 very frequently, for such repetition multiplies the dangers of poisoning. 
 
 A 20 per cent, solution of iodoform in ether has been used hypodermically. Thomann 
 recommends a 30 per cent, solution in glycerin, of which Gm. 0.30-0.75 (5 gr. or later on 
 12 grs.) are employed in each injection for constitutional syphilis. A 25 per cent solu- 
 tion in olive oil and a 10 per cent, solution in glycerin have been injected into the nasal 
 and other natural cavities, into cold abscesses after their evacuation, etc. Iodoform oint- 
 ments generally contain from 5 to 10 per cent, of iodoform. Elastic collodion, contain- 
 ing from 6 to 10 per cent, of iodoform, is a very useful application to inflammatory 
 swellings of various kinds, enlarged lymphatic glands , the tender points in neuralgia , etc. 
 
 The smell of iodoform is intolerable to many and offensive to all, and the ingenuity of 
 surgeons and pharmacists has been taxed to devise methods of neutralizing or concealing 
 it. The latter object has been sought by the use of fragrant substances, such as 
 cumarin, musk, and the oils of bergamot, peppermint, lavender, sassafras, turpentine, 
 cinnamon, thyme, and eucalyptus. Oil of southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), has 
 been proposed for the same purpose. The following formula has been employed : 
 Iodoform gij ; oil of eucalyptus rr^xv; oils of verbena, mirbane, lavender, and lemon, of 
 each npv (Arthur). When the powdered drug is kept in a jar with several Tonqua 
 beans its odor is greatly diminished. An ointment recommended by Auspitz contains 
 iodoform and carbolic acid, of each 2 parts ; lard 7 or 8 parts. Lindernann claims that 
 2 parts of balsam of Peru to 1 of iodoform completely mask the smell of the latter. 
 This mixture can be conveniently made up in an ointment with vaseline. Tannin is also 
 stated to lessen the smell of iodoform. Oppler has proposed iodoform 2 parts; finely 
 powdered roasted coffee 1 part; oil of sassafras and oil of Evoida fraxinifolia ; and 
 powdered camphor 1 part to 3 parts of iodoform. Dr. Stout claims that 9 parts of this 
 product may be deodorized by 1 of coumarin or of vanillin, or by 2 parts of cinnamic 
 Napthalin, tar, and creolin have also been used for the same purpose. 
 
 acid. 
 
 The poisonous effects of iodoform are to be met by suspending its use, removing all 
 of it that may have been applied, and washing the part with a solution of sodium bicar- 
 bonate ; at the same time solutions of potassium acetate, lemonade, and analogous 
 drinks should be freely given. 
 
 Annidalin, a combination of thymol and iodine, has been used under the name of 
 anstol. It is not an irritant nor poisonous when taken internally (Seifert). Its con- 
 
886 
 
 IODOFORMUM. 
 
 stituents do not appear in the urine. It was introduced by Eichhoff in 1889 ( Ther . 
 Monatsh ., iv. 85), who recommended it as being inodorous as well as non-irritant, and as 
 an efficient remedy in various cutaneous diseases , including psoriasis , syphilitic sores, lupus, 
 etc. Similar testimony was furnished by Schirren, and Seifert ( ibid ., pp. 207, 312). 
 Swiecicki stated it to be useful in curing uterine discharges (ibid.), and Brocq confirmed 
 most of these statements. Lowenstein used insufflations of the powder in ozsena ( Lancet , 
 July, 1890, p. 549), and Rohrer in various affections of the ear — a practice condemned 
 by Szenes ( Therap. Monatsh., iv. 543). Poliak claimed that ointments made with it 
 were very efficient in reducing the size of goitres , scrofulous glands, swelled testicles, etc. 
 (Therap. Monatsh., iv. 340). Neisser, on the other hand (Centralb. f. Ther., viii. 428), 
 did not find it a useful application to soft chancres or in chronic indurated eczema, in 
 lupus, syphilitic ulcers of the skin, and various cutaneous affections. It is reported to 
 act very favorably as a dressing for wounds, ulcers, and various diseases of the eye 
 (Wallace, University Med. Mag., iii. 472), and it is one of the numberless applications 
 recommended in poisoning by Rhus toxicodendron. Aristol has been applied in powder 
 with sugar of milk, 1 : 10, and in the same proportion in an ointment with cocoa-butter, 
 lard, vaseline, or lanoline. (Compare Egasse, Bull, de Therap., cxix. 263, 314 ; Lar- 
 muth, Amer. Jour. Phar ., lxii. 495 ; Allen, Med. Record, xxxviii. 404.) 
 
 Antisepsin is antipyretic in the dose of Gm. 0.02-0.05 (gr. J) every three hours ; 
 and as a topical application to wounds and ulcers it may be used in powder for the relief 
 of pain and regulating the granulating process. It has been used in suppositories for 
 the relief of hsemorrhoids, in the proportion of Gm. 0. 2-0.4 to cocoa-butter Gm. 3-4 
 (gr. 3-6 to gr. 45-60). 
 
 Antiseptol, another of the many substitutes for iodoform, and recommended for the 
 same purposes, is thought to be inferior to carbolic acid as an antiseptic, and is far 
 less poisonous. Its clinical uses are the same as those of antisepsin. For external use 
 a 1-10 per cent, solution is recommended, and internally it has been given in a solution 
 of Gm. 6 in water Gm. 1000 (f^iss in Oij). 
 
 Cresol, says Dr. Squibb, and all its compounds, “are powerful antiseptics, but have 
 the disadvantage .... of adhering to or rendering slippery the operating instruments 
 and hands, and of readily oxidizing in the air.” According to Frankel, it is only half 
 as poisonous as carbolic acid and far excels it in disinfecting power. 
 
 Europhen depends for its virtues essentially upon the iodine in its composition, 
 which is gradually exhaled. Its solubility in oils, and its freedom from offensive smell 
 and poisonous qualities recommend it. It has been extensively used and commended in 
 the treatment of chancres and other ulcers of the skin and mucous membranes, and espe- 
 cially those which secrete a fetid discharge, including burns , lupus, eczema, etc. A k 
 to 1 per cent, ointment with vaseline has been applied to the conjunctiva, and one o\ 
 
 5 to 10 per cent, strength to other parts. Internally doses of Gm. 0.01 (gr. ^) have not 
 been found to occasion any disorder; but a dose of Gm. 0.10 (gr. 1?) is said to have 
 caused pains in the head and abdomen. 
 
 Iodol. — In 1885-86 iodol was used in the syphilitic wards of Rome by Silber, Cia- 
 miccian, and Mazzini as a dressing for ulcers, and was found to act as a wholesome 
 stimulant, deodorant, and anodyne, like iodoform, without the disagreeable smell of the 
 latter. It appears to act as a superficial caustic, forming a whitish film on the ulcerated 
 surface, but not a scab. It does not act favorably upon sloughing sores. Injected into 
 the tissue of lupus, it shows a healing power, and in fungous disease of the joints its 
 alcoholic solution has caused a cure with shrivelling of the vegetations. In cancer of 
 the rectum and of the uterus it has been applied on tampons with excellent palliative 
 effect ; in like manner it has cured mucous fluxes of the vagina, reduced condyl- 
 omata, and, in general, palliated the local manifestations of syphilis, scrofula, lupus, etc. 
 (Centralb. f. Ther., iv. 515 ; Therap. Gaz ., x. 703). It has been injected into the cavity 
 after the evacuation of hydrocele, aud also into abscesses. Applied as a fine powder or a 
 20-30 per cent, vaseline salve by Glassner, it was found useful in pannus, corneal opa- 
 cities, serous iritis, and blepharitis, but not in phlyctenous conjunctivitis. Trousseau em- 
 ployed in these affections a 2-3 per cent, ointment. Lublinski, Seifert, Wolfenden, and 
 others applied powdered iodol to the treatment of laryngeal phthisis and atrophic ca- 
 tarrhs of the nostrils and pharynx. Stembo claims for this method the cure of diphtheria 
 (Brit. Med. Jour., Apr. 9, 1887). The alleged virtues of its internal use in scrofula, 
 chronic bronchitis, and phthisis have not been confirmed (Med. News, liv. 17 ; Therap. 
 Gaz.. xiii. 72). Stetler claims for it exceptional efficacy in the treatment of carious 
 suppuration of the auditory canal. He used 1 to 2 parts of iodol in a mixture of 16 parts 
 
IODUM. 
 
 887 
 
 of alcohol and 34 of glycerin ( Am . Jour. Med. Sci ., xciv. 266). The dose of iodol 
 internally has been stated at Gin. 0.13-0.20 (gr. ij — iij) *a day, but ten times as much has 
 been given without injury. In chronic laryngitis lozenges, each containing one grain 
 of iodol, have been used. Usually it is directly applied, by insufflation, as a powder, 
 mixed with boric acid or with powdered talc, etc. It may also be used in a vaseline 
 ointment or on prepared gauze. 
 
 Iodonaphthol has been applied in the same class of cases and in the same manner as 
 the preceding preparations. 
 
 Iodophenin, like the preceding iodous compounds, depends for its virtues upon the 
 iodine in its composition, but owing, it is said, to its yielding its iodine very rapidly, it 
 lacks the characteristic qualities of the preparations above considered. 
 
 Soziodol. This compound causes little or no local irritation, and does not act as a 
 poison. Neither Langgaard nor Seifert found any potassium iodide in the urine after its 
 internal use. According to Lassar ( Therap . Monatsh ., Nov. 1887), and Nitchmann (ib., 
 Jan. 1889), as a powder or in an ointment with vaseline or lanoline it is a useful appli- 
 cation to wounds , ulcers , cutaneous eruptions , including the parasitic forms, in diseases of 
 the nasal passages , etc. (Fritsche). Larmuth commends its sodium salt in watery solu- 
 tion (3-10 per cent.), on gauze, wool, etc. It has been employed in various forms of 
 conjunctivitis. Herzog, Seifert, and others used compounds of soziodol with sodium, 
 potassium, zinc, and mercury, generally mixed with talc and administered by insufflation, 
 the first two with equal parts of talc. The salt of mercury is seldom employed in 
 greater proportion than 1 : 20, and, in the nares, for instance, after the application of 
 cocaine. Both metallic salts of soziodol are irritating to mucous membranes. All the 
 preparations are more or less antiseptic. Soziodol zinc has been used in 2 per cent, 
 solutions to restrain purulent discharges — e. g. gonorrhoea , leucorrhoea, etc. (Compare 
 Fritschmann, University Med. Mag., iii. 434.) 
 
 IODUM, U. S., Br B. G.— Iodine. 
 
 lode , Fr. ; Jod, G. 
 
 Symbol I. Atomicity univalent. Atomic weight 126.53. 
 
 A non-metallic element, obtained principally from the ashes of sea-weeds and from the 
 mother-liquor of Chilian sodium nitrate. Iodine should be preserved in glass-stoppered 
 bottles in a cool place. 
 
 Origin. — Iodine was discovered in 1811 by Courtois in the ash of sea-weeds, and was 
 soon afterward thoroughly investigated by Gay-Lussac ; also by Davy, Soubeiran, and others. 
 It is very widely distributed in nature, but is usually met with # in small, and even quite 
 minute, quantity, almost invariably in combination. It is found in some minerals com- 
 bined with mercury, silver, lead, and other metals ; in Chili saltpetre, principally as sodium 
 iodate ; in many mineral spring-waters, in sea-water, in coal, and in many plants and 
 animals living in sea-water or near the sea-coast. It is often a constituent of the atmo- 
 sphere in minute quantities, and occasionally of the ashes of some plants growing inland. 
 During the fiscal year 1866-67 the United States imported 10,701 pounds of crude and 
 889 pounds of resublimed iodine ; in 1878 the amount was 73,687 pounds, and in 1881 
 182,863 pounds, of the crude article. 
 
 Preparation. — KJp is the ash left on the burning of sea-weeds. The weeds are first 
 dried, and then charred or burned at as low a temperature as possible, to avoid loss of 
 iodine. The ash is exhausted with hot water, and the solution concentrated and cooled 
 to remove by crystallization potassium chloride and sodium carbonate and sulphate. 
 More of the latter salt will crystallize after the addition of some sulphuric acid, whereby 
 the sulphides and thiosulphates present are decomposed. To the mother-liquor 1 heated 
 in lead retorts to a temperature a little over 60° C. (140° F.) manganese dioxide is 
 added in small quantities, when iodine will distil over, and is collected in glass receivers, 
 several of which are connected with each other. The liberation of iodine from the 
 sodium iodide of the liquor is explained by the following equation: 2NaI-|-3H 2 S0 4 
 + Mn0 2 =I 2 -f- 2NaHS0 4 + MnS0 4 -b 2H 2 0, acid sodium sulphate and manganous sulphate 
 being formed at the same time. The mother-liquor obtained on the purification of Chili 
 saltpetre contains sodium iodate and iodide ; from the latter the iodine is separated by 
 chlorine gas ; from the former, by sulphurous, or preferably by nitrous, acid, in which 
 case sodium sulphate or nitrate is produced. 
 
 Purification. — In the crude state iodine is chiefly contaminated with water, but it 
 sometimes contains also cyanogen iodide, and occasionally iodine chloride, IC1. Purifica- 
 
888 
 
 IODUM. 
 
 tion is effected by drying the product as much as possible by mechanical means, and then 
 subliming it carefully, so that the more volatile compounds named may first sublime ; 
 afterward the heat is raised and the receiver changed. The product is the resublimed 
 iodine of commerce. 
 
 Properties. — Iodine is in flat, scale-like rhombic crystals of a grayish-black or 
 bluish-black color and a bright metallic lustre, in thin splinters transparent with a red 
 color. It is soft and friable, and has a peculiar odor, suggestive of chlorine, and a very 
 caustic and acrid taste. The skin or paper is colored red-brown to dark-brown, the stain 
 disappearing gradually. Iodine has neither an acid nor alkaline reaction, but slowly 
 destroys all vegetable colors. It has the specific gravity 4.95, vaporizes slowly and 
 without leaving any residue at ordinary temperatures, fuses near 115° C. (239° F.), 
 congeals at 113.6° C. (236.5° F.), and boils above 115° C. (347° F.), according 
 to Stas, when quite pure at 250° C. (482° F.) ; its vapor has the density 8.7, and 
 a reddish or purple, or above the boiling-point a deep-blue, color. Iodine dissolves 
 with a brown-yellow color in about 60 parts of glycerin, and in 7000 parts (Gay-Lussac) 
 (5000 parts, according to U. S. P.) of water, and forms with it gradually hydriodic acid, 
 which dissolves more iodine; its solubility in water is also increased by tannin and by 
 many salts, and particularly by iodides. It requires for solution about 10 parts of 
 alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), and dissolves freely in ether, both solutions having a brown 
 color ; it is easily soluble in chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzene, and other hydrocar- 
 bons with a purplish or violet color. 
 
 Iodine is readily recognized by the blue color which it imparts to starch-paste, by 
 which test 4 o~oVo'o P art f* ree iodine is recognized. Water containing traces of free 
 iodine will yield it to carbon disulphide, etc., in which solution it is recognized by the 
 purplish color and by the blue color produced with starch-paste. Iodine in combination 
 must previously be liberated by chlorine gas, avoiding an excess of the latter, or, if pre- 
 sent as iodate, sulphurous acid or other deoxidizing agent will set it free. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — At present iodine is usually met with in com- 
 merce in a very pure condition, containing but minute quantities of impurities. An 
 excessive proportion of water is indicated by the iodine adhering to the bottle, and may 
 be removed by placing it under a bell-glass over oil of vitriol at a low temperature ; 
 moist iodine yields with benzene or chloroform a turbid solution, from which the water 
 gradually separates, the solution becoming clear. Iodine cyanide and iodine chloride are 
 rather freely soluble in water, and their solutions dissolve iodine with a brown color ; 
 they maybe separated by heating the iodine in a suitable apparatus for about 15 minutes 
 to 100° C. (212° F.) and cooling the vapors well ; the former impurity will sublime as 
 white or yellowish needles, the latter as hyacinthine-red prisms or red-brown oil ; both 
 have a pungent odor. For their detection the following processes are given : “ If 0.5 
 6m. of iodine be triturated to a fine powder, then shaken with 20 Cc. of water for a few 
 minutes, the liquid filtered, and to one-half of the filtrate, contained in a test-tube, 
 decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution carefully added, until the liquid becomes decolor- 
 ized, then a few drops of solution of ferrous sulphate, and subsequently a little soda test- 
 solution added, and the mixture gently heated, on finally adding a slight excess of hydro- 
 chloric acid the liquid should not assume a blue color (absence of iodine cyanide'). If to 
 the other half of the above-mentioned filtrate, contained in a test-tube, a slight excess of 
 silver nitrate test-solution be added, and the mixture actively shaken, then, after sub- 
 sidence of the precipitate, the clear, supernatant liquid be carefully and completely 
 decanted, and the precipitate shaken with a mixture of 1 Cc. of ammonia-water and 9 Cc. 
 of water, the filtered liquid, after the addition of a slight excess of nitric acid, should not 
 become more than slightly opalescent (absence of more than traces of chlorine or bro- 
 mine). 1 ' — U. S. The following is the same test somewhat modified : If iodine be dissolved 
 in sulphurous acid, the solution strongly supersaturated with ammonia, and completely 
 precipitated by silver nitrate, the filtrate, on being supersaturated with nitric acid, 
 should not at once become more than faintly cloudy (absence of more than traces 
 of chlorine or bromine). The amount of iodine is estimated in solution with potas- 
 sium iodide and water by decolorizing with volumetric solution of sodium thiosulphate, 
 as follows : 
 
 0.32 Gm. iodine, 1.0 Gm. potassium iodide, 20 Cc. water require 25 Cc. vol. solution, U. S. 
 
 0.20 “ “ 1.0 “ “ “ 20 “ “ “ 15 “ “ “ P. G. 
 
 12.7 gr. “ 15 gr. “ “ 1 oz. u 11 1000 grain-measures, Br. 
 
 By this test absolutely pure iodine is required by the Br. P., while impurities not ex- 
 
10 D UM. 
 
 889 
 
 ceeding 1.15 per cent, are permitted by the U. S. P. and P. G. Fixed impurities, such 
 as graphite, charcoal, sawdust, metallic compounds, etc., are left behind on volatilizing a 
 little iodine from a porcelain capsule. 
 
 Compounds of Iodine. — Iodine combines in several proportions with oxygen, the most import- 
 ant compound being iodic acid ; it unites with hydrogen to hydriodic acid, and combines with 
 most of the other elements and with many organic compounds. 
 
 The iodides of metals are partly crystallizable, and are either white or not unfrequently of a 
 bright color. With the exception of those of gold and allied metals, they are mostly not decom- 
 posed by heat, except in contact with air or with oxidizing agents. The alkali iodides are more 
 volatile than the corresponding chlorides, and on being heated with calcium sulphate in the air 
 evolve iodine, while alkali sulphate and calcium oxide remain behind. The iodides are decom- 
 posed by chlorine, bromine, nitric acid, and strong sulphuric acid, and on being heated with acid 
 sulphates. Most of the iodides are soluble in water, and these solutions are precipitated dingy 
 white by cuprous and cupric salts, the latter liberating a portion of the iodine ; bright yellow 
 by lead salts ; brown by bismuth salts ; green-yellow by mercurous salts ; scarlet-red by 
 mercuric salts ; yellowish-white by silver salts ; yellow or green with gold salts ; black with 
 palladium salts ; and dark-brown by platinum salts, the solution acquiring at first a deep brown- 
 purple color. 
 
 1. Iodi bromidum. Bromide of iodine, Iodine pentabromide, Bromure d'iode, Fr. ; Jodbromid, 
 G. I Br 5 . — Iodine pentabromide is prepared by dissolving 20 parts of iodine in 63 parts of 
 bromine, and heating the solution for sometime in a large flask to about 60° C. (140° F.) until it 
 yields a clear solution with 6 or 8 parts of water. It is a dark reddish-brown liquid, resembling 
 bromine in appearance and sensible properties, but yielding a perfectly transparent brown-red 
 solution with less than 6 parts of water. In the presence of a small quantity of water and at a 
 low temperature the hydrate crystallizes in brown-yellow needles or prisms, melting again at 
 4° C. (39.2° F.), with separation of water. A solution containing 15 percent, of the bromide is 
 found in commerce. When the compound is kept for sometime at or above 63° C. (145.4° F.), 
 the boiling-point of bromine, a portion of the latter distils off, and iodine monobromide, IBr., is 
 left as a dark-brown sublimable crystalline mass. Iodine tribromide, IBr 3 , may be prepared by 
 using only 37.8 parts of bromine for every 20 parts of iodine. The pentabromide is used locally 
 in diphtheria in solution of 2 drops to a fluid ounce of mucilage. 
 
 2. Iodi chloridum. Chloride of iodine, Iodine trichloride, E. ; Chlorure d'iode, Fr. ; 
 Jodtrichlorid, Dreifach-Chlorjod, G. IC1 3 . — If dry chlorine gas be passed over dry iodine union 
 of the two elements takes place, a liquid results, and iodine monochloride will have been formed ; 
 the end of the reaction may be determined by ascertaining the proper increase in weight of the 
 iodine. IC1 3 is a reddish-brown liquid which in the course of time deposits crystals, melting at 
 25° C. (77° F.). If the process be somewhat modified, so that dry iodine be sublimed in vessels 
 containing a constant excess of dry chlorine gas, iodine trichloride will be formed, and is obtained 
 in the form of orange-yellow needles having the spec, gravity 3.11, and gradually changing to 
 large transparent rhombic plates. It has a penetrating, pungent odor, resembling bromine ; 
 when heated to 25° C. (77° F.) it liquefies, and is decomposed, chlorine being given off and 
 iodine monochloride formed. Iodine trichloride is soluble in 5 parts of water and also in alcohol 
 and ether ; a concentrated aqueous solution keeps well, but a diluted aqueous or an alcoholic 
 solution gradually changes even in the cold. If concentrated sulphuric acid be added to a strong 
 aqueous solution, a white curdy precipitate will form, which is iodine trichloride, and soon 
 assumes the characteristic orange-yellow color. Iodine trichloride contains 54.39 per cent of 
 iodine and 45.61 per cent, of chlorine, and has been employed internally in doses of about £ 
 grain and externally in aqueous solution (tn-F per cent.) as lotion or injection. 
 
 3. Iodozoxe is the name given by Robin to a solution of iodine in ozone. It is recommended 
 to be used as a spray in pulmonary tuberculosis and on open wounds. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Phenolum iodatum. Iodized phenol, recommended by 
 Hr. R. Battey (1876), is prepared by combining with a gentle heat 1 part of iodine with 
 2 parts of crystallized carbolic acid. It is solid in cool weather. (See also page 39). 
 
 Syrup of Iodotannin. Debauque observed that a solution of tannin will dissolve a 
 considerable amount of iodine without reacting with starch. Demolon has suggested a 
 syrup containing this compound, which is made by dissolving 3 Gm. of iodine and 18 Gm. 
 of tannin in 300 Gm. of water, evaporating the solution until 60 Gm. are left, which are 
 mixed with 960 Gm. of simple syrup. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied to the skin in ointment or in solution, iodine occasions 
 a sense of warmth in the part, which, if the preparation be very strong, may amount to 
 painful burning and cause redness and swelling of the surrounding integument. The 
 tincture stains the skin a brownish-yellow ; the color is more or less permanent, and may 
 only disappear with exfoliation of the cuticle. It may be removed by solution of 
 ammonia and by other articles mentioned below. It has generally been believed that 
 iodine is absorbed by the skin, but carefully-conducted experiments appear to show that, 
 at least in adults, when efficient means are taken to prevent the iodine vapors from reach- 
 ing the mouth and nostrils, no trace of the substance can be found in the secretions. 
 
890 
 
 10DUM. 
 
 The rare cases of alleged poisoning by the application of iodine to the unbroken skin are 
 contradicted by the experiments referred to. Dr. Culpepper of Barbadoes has reported 
 the case of a negro boy, eleven years old, whose legs from the knees to the ankles were 
 painted with tincture of iodine for the relief of eczema. Not until twenty-four hours 
 later did constitutional symptoms arise. They consisted of headache and pain over the 
 loins and bladder. Then followed vomiting, thirst, diarrhoea, suppression of urine, pri- 
 apism, and hiccough. Later, diarrhoea set in ; the temperature was not raised and the 
 skin was dry. Then the stools became bloody, without pain. At the end of about six 
 days death by exhaustion took place ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 225). In children, however, the 
 tincture of iodine applied to the unbroken scalp is said to have been absorbed, since its 
 presence was detected in the urine, which, at the same time, became slightly albuminous. 
 The case of a woman who on the light application of tincture of iodine to a tumor 
 between tbe scapulae was seized with epigastric pain and oppression, weakness, trembling, 
 sweating, dribbling of urine, and inability to stand erect ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., 
 July, 1884, p. 4), seems to have been one of nervous apprehension merely. A case in 
 which “ iodine ” was rubbed into the skin, producing great depression and sickness, besides 
 a bullar eruption, is wanting in details (Med. Record , xxxviii. 43). 
 
 The raw cutis, the mucous and the serous membranes, and the connective tissue give 
 iodine ready access to the blood. It does not usually occasion severe inflammation when 
 so applied, perhaps from the rapidity of its absorption. When the vapors of iodine are 
 inhaled they irritate the mucous membranes and occasion headache, coryza, lachrymation, 
 and cough. Their prolonged operation, as in certain manufactures, gives rise to dryness 
 of the respiratory tract, dizziness, nervous disorder, etc. Absorbed iodine is readily 
 detected, combined with sodium or potassium, in the blood, milk, tears, saliva, urine, ser- 
 ous effusions in closed cavities, etc. It is excreted chiefly by the kidneys as an alkaline 
 iodide, even when it is taken into the stomach, and sometimes it occasions a temporary 
 albuminuria. When given in full doses the tincture of iodine will sometimes occasion 
 the coryza which is one of the usual effects of potassium iodide. 
 
 The direct effects of large doses of iodine Gm. 0.30 (gr. v-vj), taken internally, are 
 those of an irritant poison, such as heat and constriction of the throat, nausea, eructa- 
 tion, salivation, epigastric pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapse. If reaction takes 
 place, the skin is apt to become intensely red. Notwithstanding the great severity of the 
 symptoms, the death of a previously healthy person by the internal use of iodine is 
 extremely rare. In 1888 it was said that to that date only six fatal cases of iodine- 
 poisoning were known ( Zeitsch . f Idin. Med., xiv. 472). Dr. Collins in 1889 reported 
 the case of a young woman who had swallowed half an ounce of tincture of iodine when 
 the stomach was empty. Almost immediately starch was administered, followed by a 
 mustard emetic and warm water. No untoward consequences resulted (Med. Record , 
 xxxvi. 98). 
 
 In the following description of the internal uses of iodine its tinctures are intended 
 unless it is otherwise stated. In intermittent fever iodine has been thought to display 
 decidedly curative virtues both in the malarial regions of the tropics and in those of the 
 temperate zones (Concetti, Centralbl. f. d.g. Ther ., xx. 73 ; Hendricks, Ther. Gaz., x. 193). 
 The tincture was given in doses of from Gm. 0.30-1.00 (5 to 15 minims) three times 
 a day, largely diluted. The compound tincture may be given in doses one-half larger. 
 The reports published by Gibbons, Grinnell, Wadsworth, Atkinson, and Woods do not 
 justify a favorable judgment of iodine in this disease. The two last-named physicians, 
 whose field of observation was Baltimore, concluded that in intermittent and remittent 
 fevers iodine “ is infinitely inferior to either cinchonidine or quinine ” (Amer. Jour, of 
 Med. Sci ., July, 1883, p. 77). TgpJioid fever and other febrile affections have been 
 treated by iodine, but without evident advantage. A physician has so far forgotten what 
 is due to the authority of experience as to allege that “ in simple, uncomplicated croupous 
 pneumonia ” half-drop doses of tincture of iodine given hourly “ will arrest the further 
 progress of the disease” (London Med. Record, May 15, 1881). Mercurial salivation 
 may be diminished by its internal use. Iodide of potassium is less certain in its 
 effects ; if we might reason from its evident power of reviving mercury long quiescent, 
 in the system, its action should be mischievous when mercurial salivation already exists. 
 Constitutional syphilis has sometimes been treated with iodine, but the potassic iodide has 
 supplanted it in this respect. Hypertrophy of glandular organs is often reduced by 
 iodine, especially of the mammae, testes, liver, and spleen, and of the thyroid gland in 
 goitre. Indeed, it is probable that all cases of true goitre in persons under middle age are 
 
IODUM. 
 
 891 
 
 curable by the internal administration of iodine. For this purpose the compound solu- 
 tion should be administered in doses of from 5 to 10 drops (Gm. 0.30-0.60) three times 
 a day. Its topical use is considered below. Its action upon the other organs mentioned, 
 unless perhaps the mammae, is more equivocal. It has been used to reduce polysarcia. 
 In all cases care should be taken to prevent the medicine from injuring the stomach by 
 giving it largely diluted, while its internal is supplemented by its external use in proper 
 cases. In scrofula iodine is most efficient in the glandular forms unconnected with a 
 characteristic deposit; over the latter it has no direct influence. On the other hand, it 
 is of great service in promoting the healing of scrofulous ulcers and curing caries of the 
 same nature, especially in the chronic stages of that process. Anderson recommends 
 iodide of starch (iodine gr. xxiv ; starch ^j), in doses of a heaped teaspoonful three times 
 daily, as a remedy for lupus erythematodes , but not for lupus vulgaris. There is reason 
 to believe that even tabes mesenterica , or scrofula of the mesenteric glands, may some- 
 times be cured, and often palliated, by this medicine, especially if it is given, as in other 
 scrofulous affections, with cod-liver oil. In some cases of ascites depending upon obstruc- 
 tion of the spleen, liver, or mesenteric glands iodine has proved curative, but in such 
 cases iodide of potassium is preferable. Chronic articular rheumatism , and that 
 peculiar disease known as nodosity of the joints , have* been treated with iodine internally, 
 the former more successfully than the latter. Excessive lactation has been controlled by 
 this agent in small and repeated doses, which are also sometimes successful in arresting 
 the vomiting of pregnancy. The dose in the latter case should not exceed Gm. 0.10— 
 0.15 (2 or 3 drops) of the tincture, and should be largely diluted. (Compare Stille, 
 Therapeutics , 1874, ii. 875 ; Med. Record , xxxii. 422.) Gaunt (Amer. Jour, of Med. 
 Sci ., Apr. 1883, p. 413) used this method in almost every other form of vomiting , 
 whether arising from indigestion, phthisis, hysteria, intoxication, nephritis, or cholera 
 infantum, etc., and with uniform success. (Compare Darthier, Lancet , Jan. 1890, p. 144 ; 
 Roques, Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Mar. 1890, p. 285.) Uterine disorders indicating 
 impaired activity of function sometimes appear to be benefited by the use of iodine. 
 
 As a topical application it is used both for its counter-irritant and its constitutional 
 effects. Erysipelas , when superficial, has often been arrested by the use of the tinctures 
 of iodine, and, as far as any local treatment can go, they would seem preferable to solu- 
 tions of nitrate of silver and other more or less caustic lotions. In small-pox it appears 
 to retard the maturation of the vesicles, or even to prevent it altogether, and in addition 
 to avert pitting. But its operation is not too confidently to be relied on. For this pur- 
 pose a solution of tincture of iodine 30 parts, glycerin 60 parts, and iodide of potassium 
 i part has been recommended. Lieutenant Payer states that a mixture of iodine and 
 collodion proved most efficacious against frost-bite during the Arctic voyage of the 
 Tegethoff in 1872. In burns and scalds its stimulant, substitutive, and protective opera- 
 tions are often useful, and the same may be said of certain cutaneous diseases, as 
 psoriasis , herpes , acne, favus, and lupus. Its substitutive action in the case of acne seems 
 to be proven by the fact that when this eruption is caused by iodine the contents of the 
 pustules have been found to give the iodic reaction with starch (Bull, de Tlierap., 
 xcvii. 335). It is most efficient before the suppurative stage, and introduced upon a 
 probe through an aperture made by a needle in the papule. In favus and lupus a 
 saturated solution of iodine in alcohol must be employed. The stimulant operation of 
 iodine, as well as its deodorizing influence, is useful in ozsena ; it is a valuable agent for 
 inhalation in chronic affections of the air-passages, and especially in laryngitis and bron- 
 chitis, both in their original form and in that which accompanies phthisis. Like other 
 local irritants, it may cure aphonia depending upon relaxation of the vocal cords or upon 
 nervous debility. For laryngeal ulcers the direct application of the compound or the 
 simple tincture is preferable to the inhalation of iodic spray or vapor. Iodine has been 
 used topically in diphtheria, and probably with more advantage in this way than nitrate 
 of silver. It is claimed that doses of from 5 to 7 minims of tincture of iodine every 
 hour or two hours for adults, and for children between six and twelve years 2 or 3 
 minims every two hours in quince or orange syrup, produce a striking improvement of 
 the general and local symptoms of the disease within thirty-six hours ( Practitioner , 
 xxx.v. 16). It is a most valuable topical agent in leucorrhcea , vaginal or uterine, and in 
 chronic engorgements of the uterus. The same may be said of its utility in gleet, chronic 
 vesical catarrh, and chronic dysentery. A gargle made with half an ounce of compound 
 tincture of iodine in half a pint of water is efficient in mercurial ptyalism, and a weak 
 solution, as of 1 grain of iodine in an ounce of water, is one of the best means of retard- 
 ing or curing retraction of the gums. A strong solution of iodine forms one of the best 
 
892 
 
 IODUM. 
 
 applications to chronic ulcers of the tonsils, fauces, and uterus, in granular pharyngitis and 
 conjunctivitis, and in blepharitis. 
 
 As a topical application, also, it sometimes promotes the removal of pleural effusions, 
 and is adapted to relieve muscular rheumatism and neuralgia of the chest, and probably 
 to mitigate chronic peritonitis. Injected into the tunica vaginalis testis, the tincture of 
 iodine, diluted with 2 parts, or, as Billroth prefers, 1 part, of water, has long been used 
 for the cure of hydrocele. Its superiority has, however, been contested (Allis, Med. News , 
 lvii. 503). In like manner, it has been employed to procure adhesion of the opposite 
 sides of other serous cavities, such as hernial sacs, synovial bursae, and even large joints, 
 as in the cases of white swelling or hydrarthrosis. But in the last-named affection 
 the weight of authority is against its use as tending to a fatal result. Ascites independent 
 of organic mechanical causes has been cured in this manner, but, as such cases are 
 extremely rare, the evidence in regard to the value of the operation is scanty. When 
 paracentesis is practised in chronic pleurisy, tincture of iodine is often injected, either to 
 hasten the adhesion of the opposite pleural surfaces or to correct the fetor of the pleural 
 secretion, or both at once. In recent cases the injection may consist of a solution of iodine 
 in the proportion of 2 to 5 grains in a pint (Gm. 0.10—0.30 in Gm. 500) of water; in 
 more chronic ones a solution of 1 part of the compound tincture of iodine to 4 or 5 of 
 water has sometimes been used. A similar method has been employed unsuccessfully in 
 hydrocephalus. Numerous cases are recorded of the cure of spina bifida by means of 
 iodic injections, and, among the more notable, those of McWhatt ( Edinb . Med. Jour., 
 xxvi. 321), Gould and Clutton ( Trans . of Clinical Soc. of London, xi. 75; xv. 191; 
 xvi. 34), and Thiersch ( Boston Med. and Sure/. Jour., May, 1881, p. 502). In England 
 the following solution was employed : Iodine gr. x ; iodide of potassium gr. xxx ; 
 glycerin ^j. Of this about 1 drachm was injected at each operation, and gentle but firm 
 pressure by means of collodion and bandages constantly maintained. A portion of the 
 liquid was first removed by aspiration. According to a report made to the Clinical 
 Society of London in 1886, out of 71 cases 35 recovered, 27 died, 4 were relieved, and 
 5 were unrelieved. Injection of the tinctures of iodine has been extensively used in the 
 case of cysts containing either serum, pus, blood, hydatids, or melicerous or atheromatous 
 matter. In the case of ovarian serous cysts the operation has been remarkably success- 
 ful when the tumor was unilocular. The puncture for evacuating the cyst and injecting 
 the iodic liquid should be made above Poupart’s ligament. Fibrous tumors of the uterus 
 have been treated with iodine both topically and internally, and, although in some cases 
 there has appeared to be an arrest or even a subsidence of the growth, the treatment 
 cannot be depended upon to secure either. Since 1863, when Luton made better known 
 the treatment of penchymatous and fibrous goitres, they have been frequently cured by 
 injections of tincture of iodine (French Codex). As long as the liquid does not reach 
 the loose connective tissue it causes, but little reaction. In most cases the cure proceeds 
 slowly during weeks or even months, and necessitates repeated injections at intervals of 
 from five to fifteen days. In fibrous goitres the results are less favorable than in the 
 parenchymatous variety, but, even where the operation does not remove the tumor, it 
 often improves the power of breathing, etc. (Terrillon et Sebileau, Archives gen., Janv. 
 and Fev. 1887, p. 22, 167 : compare Stoudentsky, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 72 ; Thyssen, 
 Centralbl. f Therap., vii. 277 ; Terrillon, Bull, de Therap ., cxvii. 241). Indolent 
 abscesses and fistulae of all kinds are curable by injections of a solution of iodine, which 
 appears to act by covering the diseased surface with a protecting film, by stimulating the 
 curative processes, and by correcting the fetor of the secretions. In the first and last 
 respects iodine is superior to nitrate of silver. It has been found a valuable application 
 to carbuncles. The tincture of iodine has also been injected into pulmonary cavities by 
 means of the needles usually attached to aspirators, and the result appears to be that the 
 operation is less mischievous than might have been expected. Indeed, in some cases 
 where a single superficial cavity existed the expectoration and general symptoms have 
 for a time abated. In malignant pustule tincture of iodine has been administered 
 internally, and also injected subcutaneously around the inflamed part, and apparently 
 with excellent results (j Practitioner, xxix. 290 ; Archives gen., Feb. 1882, p. 204). A 
 case is reported in which severe inflammation produced by the fumes of cashew-nut 
 (Anacardium occidentale) was treated without advantage with lotions of bicarbonate of 
 sodium and cold water, but at once subsided under the topical use of tincture of iodine. 
 The application was very painful (Amer. Jour. Pliar., June, 1881, p. 281). Iodine has 
 been used in the treatment of poisoned wounds, and is probably one of the most trust- 
 worthy applications to wounds made by venomous serpents. Brainard formerly testified 
 
IPECACUANHA. 
 
 893 
 
 to the efficacy of iodine as a local antidote to the rattlesnake’s venom, but Dr. S. W. 
 Mitchell’s experiments led him to an opposite conclusion. Dr. G. H. Carpenter of West 
 Virginia published several cases in which the use of iodine locally and internally seemed 
 to counteract the poison of the copperhead snake {Med. News , xlii. 441). One physician 
 refers to twenty-five cases of bites by rabid animals in which the wounds were treated by 
 a strong solution of iodine until active suppuration took place. In not one of these 
 cases did rabies occur (Mussey). Although the evidence so far is entirely negative, 
 there is much reason to believe that iodine must be superior to the other caustics used 
 in such cases with the hope of preventing hydrophobia. Iodide of starch has been 
 recommended by Bellini as an antidote to ingested poisons generally. It is free from any 
 disagreeable taste, and, not being an irritant, can be administered in large doses {Boston 
 Med, and Surg. Jour., Aug. 1879, p. 267). Diluted compound tincture of iodine is said 
 to have been used successfully to dissolve a splinter of iron imbedded in the cornea 
 ( Practitioner , xxviii. 377). 
 
 The best antidote for a poisonous dose of an iodic preparation is starch or wheaten 
 flour mixed with tepid water. White of egg and also milk are efficient. A solution of 
 carbonate or bicarbonate of sodium may be given as a chemical antidote. Free vomiting 
 should be encouraged as long as the liquid rejected tinges blue a solution of starch. Opi- 
 ates, counter-irritants, and repose of the stomach are indicated to allay gastric irritation. 
 
 The dose of iodine is represented by about Gm. 0.016 (gr. i). It is seldom given, in 
 substance, by the stomach. Its vapors are sometimes inhaled in laryngeal and pulmonary 
 affections, and externally it is applied to the skin as iodized cotton or in bags or pads 
 containing it in powder, and without an impermeable covering. To attenuate the local 
 action of iodized cotton applied to the ear, vagina, etc., a wad of this material may be 
 wrapped in simple cotton wadding and left in situ. These methods are more efficient than 
 painting the part with solutions of iodine. The discoloration of the skin produced by it 
 may be removed by ammonia, carbolic acid, soap liniment, or the sulphites, the bisul- 
 phites, or the alkaline hyposulphites. For internal administration the compound tincture 
 is to be preferred, for the simple tincture is precipitated by water. The remarkable 
 solubility of iodine in oil of bitter almonds, and the permanency of their union, render this 
 solution convenient for topical application and for addition to other preparations for 
 internal administration, and especially to cod-liver oil. Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) of iodine will 
 in the course of two months become perfectly dissolved in Gm. 4 (60 grains) of oil of 
 bitter almonds. Of this solution Gm. 1 (gr. xv) may be added to cod-liver oil Gm. 500 
 (1 pint). A teaspoonful of this solution contains about Gm. 0.002 (gr. of iodine and 
 Gm. 0.006 (gr. ^) of oil of bitter almonds (Blackwell). 
 
 Iodozone, a solution of iodine in ozone, has been suggested to be used as a spray for 
 unhealthy wounds and for pulmonary diseases. 
 
 Iodopyrine has been found objectionable on account of the rapid disengagement of 
 iodine from it. 
 
 IPECACUANHA, U. S., Br.— Ipecacuanha. 
 
 Radix ipecacuanhas , P. G. — Ipecac , E. : Ipecacuanha annele {officinale), Fr. Cod. — Ra- 
 cine bresilienne, Fr. ; Brechwurzel, Ruhrwurzel , G. ; Ipecacuanha officinal, Sp. 
 
 The root of Cephaelis (Uragoga, Baillon ) Ipecacuanha, A. Richard, C. emetica, Per- 
 soon, Callicocca Ipecacuanha, Brotero. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 145. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rubiaceae, Coffeae. 
 
 Origin. — The drug first became known in Europe in 1672, and a few years after was 
 successully employed by Helvetius, a Dutch physician living in Paris, from whom (in 
 1688) Louis XIV. purchased the secret for 1000 louisdors and made it public. Two 
 varieties of the plant are known — one with a woody and the other with an herbaceous 
 stem — both being indigenous to the damp forests of Brazil, New Granada, and the north- 
 eastern portion of Bolivia, between about 8° and 22° S. lat. The plant has a spreading 
 root, a stem 30 to 45 Cm. (12 to 18 inches) high, opposite, nearly entire, and somewhat 
 hairy leaves, and small white flowers in a dense head, followed by a cluster of dark 
 purplish-blue berry-like fruits, each containing two plano-convex hard nuts. The plant 
 has been introduced into India, and is cultivated to some extent in Sikkim with but 
 moderate success. In Brazil the roots are collected at all seasons, but principally from 
 January to March ; they are dug up by means of a stick and pulling the stems, frag- 
 ments of the roots remaining, which again produce plants from adventitious buds. The 
 roots are dried in the sun, and finally packed in bales. 
 
894 
 
 IPECACUANHA. 
 
 Description. — The young, thin, and thread-like Fig. 161 . 
 
 roots are rejected ; the older roots are in 
 pieces of 2 to 6 inches (5-15 Cm.) in 
 length and about jr inch (4 Mm.) thick ; 
 are mostly simple, bent, and contorted, 
 and externally usually of a dull-gray 
 color, but occasionally of a reddish or 
 blackish tint. The root consists of a 
 thin, toughish, white, and finely-porous 
 ligneous cord, with no distinct medullary 
 rays, and of a thick, brittle bark, which 
 is finely wrinkled and closely annulated 
 by projecting circles, the depressions 
 between the rings being often fissured 
 to the wood. The root breaks with a 
 whitish granular and waxy fracture in 
 the bark, which constitutes 75 to 80 per 
 cent, of the weight and is easily sep- 
 arable from the wood. The bark con- 
 sists, aside from the thin cork-layer, 
 ipecacuanha. altogether of parenchyma, without any 
 radiating arrangement, the cells being filled with small 
 starch-granules and becoming smaller near the wood ; the 
 latter has a radiating arrangement, and is composed of 
 more or less elongated and fusiform, rather thick-walled, 
 and pitted wood-cells, containing starch and having upon 
 transverse section a nearly quadrangular shape. A va- ipecacuanha-root, transverse section, mag- 
 riety imported from Carthagena is usually thicker, about 
 
 6 Mm. (i inch) in diameter, less conspicuously annulated, and with more distinct medul- 
 lary rays. Small portions of the thin non-annulated stem are not unfrequently found 
 attached to some of the commercial roots. The odor of ipecacuanha is slight, but heavy 
 and nauseous, and the taste bitterish, somewhat acrid, and nauseating. The root yields 
 a light brown-gray powder. When ipecac is sound and free from mouldiness, its quality 
 is proportionate to the thickness of the bark and the thinness of the ligneous portion. 
 
 Constituents. — The important principle of the root is the alkaloid emetia or eme- 
 tine , which is combined with ipecacuanhic acid. Emetine was discovered in 1817 by 
 Pelletier and Magendie, and is obtained by evaporating the alcoholic tincture of the root 
 to a syrupy consistence, adding potassa in excess and in a well-filled bottle to prevent 
 access of air, and agitating with chloroform ; the chloroformic solution is evaporated, the 
 residue treated with a weak acid, filtered from the resinous matter, and precipitated by 
 ammonia. Lefort takes advantage of the insolubility of the nitrate, which is thrown down 
 from a strong solution of the extract by a concentrated solution of potassium nitrate ; it 
 is dissolved in alcohol, decomposed by milk of lime, the alkaloid taken up by ether, and 
 purified as above. It is a grayish or whitish inodorous powder having a bitter taste and 
 an alkaline reaction to test-paper. It is sparingly soluble in cold water, freely so in 
 alcohol and chloroform, less soluble in ether, benzene, benzin, and fixed oils. Nitric acid 
 or nitrates yield with it a slightly soluble brown salt ; other dilute acids dissolve it 
 readily, and yield mostly non-crystallizable salts, the solutions of which are precipitated by 
 the general reagents for alkaloids and by potassium nitrate at 70° 0. (158° F.). Emetine 
 fuses like wax, and at a higher heat burns without leaving a residue. Its formula, 
 according to Lefort and Wiirtz (1877), is C 28 H 40 N 2 O 5 , and from a concentrated alcoholic 
 solution it may be obtained in groups of fine needles ; the yield is little over 1 per cent. 
 By titration with Mayer’s solution Zenoffsky (1872) found 3.75 per cent, of emetine; 
 much larger yields have occasionally been reported, but are probably over-estimated. 
 Power (1877) observed that emetine is colored bright-yellow or orange by chlorinated 
 lime ; a little acetic acid favors the reaction, which is still observable when dissolved in 
 6000 parts of water. 
 
 Ipecacuanhic acid, C 14 H 18 0 7 , was by former investigators supposed to be identical with 
 gallic acid. Willigk separated it from the precipitate obtained in the decoction by lead 
 acetate, by dissolving in acetic acid and precipitating with subacetate of lead. It is 
 amorphous, brown, very bitter, hygroscopic, soluble in alcohol, little so in ether, colors 
 ferric salts green, and is a glucoside. It appears to be related to caffeo-tannic acid. 
 
IPECACUANHA. 
 
 895 
 
 Podwyssotzki (1880) named the coloring principle of ipecacuanha erythrocephalein , 
 because it acquires a deep purple-red color with alkalies. According to Reich, the bark 
 contains about 40 per cent, and the wood over 7 per cent, of starch. 
 
 Arndt (1889) obtained a volatile alkaloid which forms colorless cross-like crystals by 
 distilling ipecac, potassium carbonate, ferric chloride, and water. Crystals form in the 
 condensor while the distillate is alkaline in reaction. The crystals are fluorescent on the 
 edges, and are deliquescent. Heated with sodium hydroxide, the odor of trimethylamine 
 is evolved. Kunz (1887) showed the presence of choline. 
 
 Tests. — Mix 10 grains of ipecac with 3 grains of lime and a few drops of water; 
 dry in a water-bath, exhaust with 2 fluidrachms of chloroform containing a minute quan- 
 tity of acetic acid, evaporate the chloroformic solution ; add to the residue 2 drops of 
 water, and add a saturated solution of potassium nitrate, which will give an amorphous 
 precipitate to which Power’s test may be applied ; the wood treated in the same way 
 gives no precipitate, but yields with tannin or potassio-mercuric iodide a slight turbidity 
 (Fliickiger). “Agitate the powdered root with 5 parts of warm water, filter after 1 hour, 
 and add potassio-mercuric iodide, which should produce a copious white amorphous pre- 
 cipitate. If 0.2 Gm. of ipecac be agitated with 10 Gm. of hydrochloric acid, a portion 
 of the filtrate should become blue on the addition of iodine-water, and another portion 
 should become bright-red when a little chlorinated lime is sprinkled upon it.” — P. G. 
 
 Adulterations. — Besides small portions of the stem, the commercial root is usually 
 free from impurities, and the false ipecacuanhas described below are easily distinguished 
 from the above. But powdered ipecacuanha is said to be sometimes adulterated with 
 various farinaceous substances and with the powder of other roots, which may be detected 
 by the microscope. Almond meal has also been mentioned ; the large oblong cells of the 
 scurfy testa and the hexagonal cells of the embryo which are free from starch, but con- 
 tain oil-drops, readily characterize it under the microscope. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Emetinum coloratum, which is sometimes used, is made 
 by exhausting ipecacuanha with alcohol, evaporating the tincture to a syrupy consistence, 
 diluting with water, filtering, evaporating the filtrate to dryness, and powdering. The 
 yield is about 3 per cent. 
 
 Fig. 162. 
 
 Fig. 1 63. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Several emetic roots, known in South America as ipecacuanha or by the Bra- 
 zilian designation poaya , have occasionally been sent to this country as substitutes ; none, how- 
 ever, have any particular resemblance to the cephaelis-root. The following, of which the plants 
 yielding the first three belong to the natural order of Rubiaceae, are the most important : 
 
 1. Striated Ipecacuanha, from Psychotria (Ronobea, Richard) emetica, Mutis, is blackish- 
 gray, longitudinally striate ; the bark has deep circular fissures at irregular distances ; is thick, 
 internally purplish-brown. The root is free from starch, contains much sugar, and has a sweet 
 afterward bitter taste. The bark consists of parenchyma, which is not radiating, some of the 
 cells containing acicular crystals ; the wood resembles that of ipecacuanha, but the cells are 
 larger and the cell-walls thinner. It is employed in New Granada and Peru. 
 
 2. Small Striated Ipecacuanha, noticed by Planchon (1872), 
 probably obtained from a species of Richardsonia, resembles the 
 preceding, but is much smaller, grav-brown or blackish-brown, 
 finely striate, has a thick bark, containing starch ; a thin some- 
 what radiating bast-layer and a thick wood with thick-walled 
 wood-fibres, large dotted ducts, and very fine medullary rays. 
 
 Its taste is somewhat acrid, not sweet. 
 
 3. Undulated Or Farinaceous Ipecacuanha, from Richard- 
 sonia scabra, Linn£, a native of Brazil, is, in the fresh state, 
 white when dry, brownish externally, and white farinaceous 
 internally ; it is irregular undulate, fissured on alternate sides, 
 and of a somewhat knotty appearance. The non-radiating bark- 
 tissue consists of parenchyma containing starch ; the wood is 
 striate by medullary rays, and consists of thick-walled wood- 
 fibres and large dotted ducts. 
 
 4. White Ligneous Ipecacuanha, from Ionidium Ipecacuanha, 
 
 Ventenat (Nat. Ord. Violaceae), indigenous to Brazil. The root 
 is several-headed, somewhat tortuous, not annulate, light-gray 
 or yellowish, internally whitish, and with a yellowish, finely- 
 porous wood, traversed by delicate medullary rays. In Mexico 
 Ionidium polygalge folium, Ventenat, s. Solea verticillata, Spren- 
 gel , is employed. 
 
 Ipecacuanha, from Asclepias currasavica, Linn6 (see Ascle- 
 
 Striated Ipecac- 
 uanha. 
 
 5. Bastard 
 pi as). 
 
 6. Indian Ipecacuanha, from Tylophora (Asclepias, Linnt) asthmatica, 
 
 Wight et Arnott (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae), (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 177) 
 
 Undulated Ipecac- 
 uanha. 
 
 The root- 
 
896 
 
 IPECACUANHA . 
 
 stock is short, knotty, emitting a considerable number of thin, wiry, brittle, and pale yellowish- 
 brown rootlets. The outer portion of the bark contains large parenchyma-cells, filled with 
 starch and with crystals of calcium oxalate. The drug has little odor ; its taste is sweetish 
 afterward acrid. It is free from tannin, but contains an alkaloid, tylophorine, isolated by D. 
 Hooper (1891) which yields precipitates with the usual reagents. 
 
 Batiator, a Senegambian root from an undetermined plant, is said to have properties similar 
 to those of ipecac. It consists of a knotty and hairy root-stock with fascicles of thick rootlets, 
 which are somewhat flexuose, longitudinally wrinkled, more or less transversely fissured, yellow- 
 ish- or grayish-brown, breaking with a smooth fracture, inodorous, slightly acrid, and nauseous. 
 
 Gardenia campanulata, Roxburgh (Rubiacese). The shrub is indigenous to India. The 
 roundish-ovate, slightly five-furrowed yellow berries are said to be cathartic and anthelmintic. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man the effluvium or dust of ipecacuanha is apt to occasion 
 coryza and congestion of the larynx and bronchia, causing dyspnoea, cough, and sometimes 
 the rejection of fibrinous sputa. Some persons have a special susceptibility to these 
 effects. In exceptional cases the conjunctival inflammation reaches a high grade and is 
 accompanied by neuralgia of the face and scalp. These anomalous effects have been 
 occasioned by soiling the hand with a drop or two of the tincture of the drug. 
 Internally and in small and repeated doses ipecacuanha occasions malaise, depression, 
 yawning, salivation, eructation, and nausea, with retching or vomiting. Its emetic opera- 
 tion is not protracted and distressing like that of tartar emetic, but it tends to relax the 
 bowels if they were previously in a normal state, and to augment the purgative action 
 of cathartics. 
 
 Like many other medicines, ipecacuanha in repeated doses sooner or later brings about 
 toleration, and produces very different effects from the primary emetic phenomena. But 
 the dose of ipecacuanha is not, at any time, a sure criterion of the effects to be expected 
 from it. Often 4 or 5 grains of it will vomit as much as 12 grains. While grain of 
 emetine given to an adult occasioned vomiting, in another case 12 grains were adminis- 
 tered within twenty-four hours without exciting either vomiting or diarrhoea. Allowance 
 must be made for the varying degrees of activity of the preparations employed, as well 
 as for the state of the patients who received them. 
 
 Although experimental investigations indicate very little if any action of ipecacuanha 
 upon the lungs, it is in affections of these organs that the medicine has been so gener- 
 ally employed that it has come to be classed among expectorants. The conditions 
 to which it is appropriate are dryness of the respiratory mucous membrane on the 
 one hand, and excessive secretion and obstruction upon the other. Its mode of action 
 in the two cases is different. In the former, given in small doses and in the first stage of 
 ordinary bronchitis , it promotes the bronchial and laryngeal secretions, and thereby renders 
 the cough less painful and frequent and more productive ; in the latter, administered in 
 large doses, it acts as an emetic, producing an expulsion of the contents of the air-tubes, 
 while it renders their secretions less tenacious. It is in the former of these ways that it 
 is so efficient in the commencement of the attacks referred to, and in the latter when the 
 bronchia become filled with mucus, serum, or fibrin, as in whooping cough, suffocative 
 catarrh , capillary and chronic bronchitis , bronchorrhcea , etc. In addition, perhaps, to these 
 two modes of action a third or antispasmodic action may be recognized in its cure of 
 spasmodic croup (spasmodic laryngitis), but quite as probably the relaxation of spasm it 
 occasions is secondary to its sedative, and, therefore, so far as the local disorder is con- 
 cerned, its depletory action. Like other nauseants, it has been found efficient in expediting 
 labor by relieving rigidity of the os uteri. A similar operation, no doubt, explains the 
 reputation of the medicine in spasmodic asthma. In membranous croup it is not without 
 utility in virtue of the same influences, which, however, are inadequate to the occasion. 
 It is far more efficient in the several diseases mentioned when they occur in children than 
 in adults. The utility of ipecacuanha in jmeumonia, which has been affirmed, is probably 
 limited to two occasions — the forming or congestive stage of the disease, before solidifi- 
 cation has taken place, and the declining stage, when the bronchia are apt to become 
 obstructed with softened exudation-matter and mucus. In both conditions the emetic 
 action of the drug is appropriate — in the former by diminishing the quantity of blood in 
 the lung and the force of its propulsion by the heart, and in the latter by mechanically 
 evacuating the obstructed bronchia. It is probable that the utility of ipecacuanha in 
 haemoptysis , which formerly was admitted by Stoll, Trousseau, and others, depends upon 
 this mode of action. It is true that some reporters have not found it useful in this 
 haemorrhage (Verardini, Phila. Med. Times , xi. 430), but their results are contradicted 
 by theory as well as experience — by theory based on experiment as above described, and 
 by the clinical results of using large doses so as to induce speedy toleration ; e. g. 90 
 
IPECACUANHA. 
 
 897 
 
 grains infused in 4 fluidounces of boiling water and sweetened, of which a tablespoonful 
 may be given every hour or two (Pecholier). 
 
 The utility of ipecacuanha emetics in haemorrhage from the stomach , uterus , etc. has 
 long been known. In the seventeenth century Mangetus imputed to this drug the sub- 
 sidence of uterine haemorrhage. In recent times Trousseau stated that his habit was to 
 administer it to all lying-in women in his hospital service, and he cited Baglivi and 
 others to illustrate its efficiency in haemorrhage, especially from the uterus, and, in 
 particular, after confinement. The practice has been followed in this country by Carriger 
 and others, who also noted its power, mentioned above, of relaxing the rigid os uteri (New 
 York Med. Jour., Nov. 1878 ; Med. Record , xxi. 601). It it is probable that for the former 
 purpose small and repeated doses, Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr. j-ii), are appropriate, and for the 
 latter nauseant doses of Gm. 0.30-0.40 (gr. v-vi). In haematemesis a full emetic dose 
 should be first prescribed, after which smaller and only nauseating doses may be substi- 
 tuted. According to the modern view of the action of the medicine, it may be supposed 
 to control haemorrhage by contracting the capillaries, but the earlier explanation, that 
 the heart was depressed and the blood no longer circulated so vigorously, should not be 
 lost sight of. 
 
 Whether by direct stimulation or by indirectly promoting secretion, there is no doubt 
 that this medicine has proved advantageous in atonic dyspepsia ; that is to say, when 
 digestion is laborious, painful, attended with flatulence, depression of spirits, cold extrem- 
 ities, etc. The dose should not exceed 1 grain, in pilular form, and may be taken in the 
 morning fasting or else immediately after meals. The vomiting in pregnancy has some- 
 times been controlled by hourly doses of a single drop of wine of ipecacuanha. We have 
 known it in a single day to arrest this symptom after it had continued for several weeks. 
 There is some reason to believe, apart from the experiments above described, that ipecac- 
 uanha increases the secretion of bile, for large doses of it (20 grains), repeated daily, have 
 relieved cases of catarrhal jaundice that had resisted other remedies (Cook, Practitioner , 
 xxv. 104). 
 
 The title, Radix antidysenterica , originally applied to ipecacuanha, denotes the esti- 
 mate then held of its dominant virtue. It was first used in Europe, about 1686, as a 
 secret remedy for dysentery, and secured for its propagator, Helvetius, celebrity as well 
 as pecuniary rewards. In Brazil it was the specific for dysentery, and its mode of 
 administration was such as to produce vomiting first, and afterward tolerance of the 
 medicine. The efficiency of such a method is intelligible in a country where dysentery 
 is apt to assume a bilious type, and an analogy with it is found in a like treatment of 
 the acute febrile diseases of hot climates which is everywhere adopted. In the present 
 instance antibilious and antipyretic virtues are united in the same remedy. Other 
 forms of acute dysentery than the bilious are not always as advantageously treated by 
 ipecacuanha, and where in such forms the medicine has appeared to be most useful it has 
 usually been combined with opium, whose share in the cure should not be overlooked. 
 Of whatever type the dysentery may be, the remedy is most efficient the nearer to the 
 commencement of the attack it is administered. It ought to be given on an empty stom- 
 ach, and no liquid should be taken for an hour or two after it is swallowed, the patient 
 meanwhile keeping as still as possible. The original Brazilian method of administration 
 was as follows: An infusion was made with 120 grains of the bruised' root in 6 ounces of 
 boiling water, and allowed to stand for 12 hours before the decanted liquid was used. A 
 similar quantity of fresh water was then added to the dregs for the second day, arid the 
 same process was repeated on the third day. Each infusion was divided into two or more 
 portions, one of which was given at intervals of two or three hours if the attack was 
 mild, but the whole at one dose if the attack was severe. If vomiting occurred, the 
 medicine was, after an interval, repeated. There can be no doubt that when it operates 
 favorably the stools soon lose their dysenteric character and are voided without pain. In 
 Peru it has been the custom to administer the powdered root mixed with a little syrup, 
 and at the same time enemas made with an infusion of the root with the addition of laud- 
 anum. The enema has been found by many practioners in Europe and elsewhere to be 
 sufficient by itself when prepared in the following manner : “ Take of bruised ipecacuanha 
 150 grains, and boil it in 5 fluidounces of water for 10 minutes; strain off the liquid, and 
 repeat the operation with a fresh portion of water a second and a third time ; mix the 
 three portions of liquid and evaporate them in a sand-bath to 4 ounces ; divide this prod- 
 uct into two equal parts, and administer one night and morning by enema, directing them 
 to be retained as long as possible ” ( Polichronie ). A simpler and, apparently, as efficient 
 a formula is to boil 60 grains of bruised ipecacuanha for 10 minutes in 5 ounces of water; 
 
898 
 
 IPECACUANHA. 
 
 let it infuse for 1 or 2 hours, and strain off the decoction. It is only in chronic cases 
 with decided ulceration that any nausea is excited by these enemas. In so important a 
 matter it is desirable to know something of the treatment of dysentery by ipecacuanha 
 in India, where the disease is endemic and often very fatal. No higher authority on the 
 subject could be cited than Surgeon-General Fayrer. His directions, somewhat condensed, 
 are these : “ The treatment of an attack of ordinary acute dysentery is to be conducted 
 on the following plan : The patient should remain in a recumbent posture. A dose of 20 
 or 30 grains of ipecacuanha powder should be given to an adult at once in water, and 
 the patient should resist vomiting as long as possible. It is recommended by some to 
 give a dose of 15 or 20 drops of laudanum before the ipecacuanha, and apply a sinapism 
 to the epigastrium. He must abstain from all fluids except occasional mouthfuls of iced 
 water or bits of ice. My own plan has generally been to repeat the dose of ipecacuanha 
 in 4 or 6 hours a second or third time, according to the effects, and especially if the first 
 dose has been rejected, as it often is. I have generally found that if this treatment be 
 resorted to early in acute dysentery it is most effective, and nothing else is needed. The 
 pain diminishes, the tormina and tenesmus are alleviated, the restlessness is abated, the 
 sense of fulness and desire to go to stool passes away, the skin becomes moist and the 
 motions feculent and assume a peculiar yellow appearance.” “ When the disease has 
 advanced to ulceration, and when the chronic stage has been fully established, the ipecac- 
 uanha is no longer useful ” ( Med . Times and Gaz ., Feb. 1881, p. 143). The advantages 
 claimed for the treatment of acute dysentery by ipecacuanha are — the simplicity, safety, 
 and promptness of its operation, its efficiency in curing, and the rapidity of the cure. 
 Even in chronic dysentery the same method of employing it has been very successful, 
 although it is not recommended by Fayrer. 
 
 This medicine has long been used in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea , either alone or 
 associated with calomel and opium. Of late it has been administered alone, or guarded 
 with opium to prevent its rejection, in infantile diarrhoea , in tuberculous diarrhoea , and in 
 chronic dyspeptic diarrhoea. Of these forms, the one most beneficially influenced by the 
 medicine is the infantile. If the patient is not much exhausted the medicine may be 
 given at first by the mouth, otherwise by enema and in the form of infusion. The diar- 
 rhoea of consumption, being due sometimes to intestinal ulcers and sometimes to debility, 
 as well as in both cases to the swallowing of sputa, the results of any treatment must 
 vary with the cause of the symptom. In this case the utility of the medicine is least 
 when the cause is most permanent. If it is too long employed it may create an irritation 
 as great as that which it is intended to relieve. Whether it acts by substitution or astrin- 
 gency, or as a stimulant of the vaso-motor nerves, it very certainly diminishes the secre- 
 tions of the affected part, and apparently does so during its elimination after absorption. 
 The same mode of operation is probable in the case of hectic sweats , which are sometimes 
 completely suspended by enemas of ipecacuanha infusion when other remedies have 
 proved ineffectual. The treatment of cholera m,orbus and of epidemic cholera by this 
 medicine has been advocated by numerous physicians, who presented ingenious reasons 
 for its use, but neither their opinion nor their practice has stood the test of experience. 
 
 In bilious remittent and intermittent fevers , when gastro-hepatic congestion is indicated 
 by the muddy eye and skin, and foul tongue, nausea, bitter taste, distended epigastrium 
 and hypochondria, and perhaps bilious vomiting and diarrhoea, an emetic dose of ipecac- 
 uanha promptly palliates these symptoms and renders the action of quinine more imme- 
 diate and certain. Ordinary intermittent fever is alleged to have been cured by doses 
 of 1 or 2 grains every three or four hours. In all cases of indigestion due to the presence 
 of food in the stomach, of urticaria produced by the same cause, and of poisoning where 
 it is desired to expel the offending substance, ipecacuanha emetics may be advantageously 
 employed. 
 
 As a local application to the eye in purulent ophthalmia when the active inflammatory 
 symptoms have subsided, but chemosis remains, with a red and flabby state of the con- 
 junctiva and cloudiness of the cornea, a decoction of ipecacuanha has been found effi- 
 cient. It may be made by boiling Gm. 2 (gr. xxx) of bruised ipecacuanha for ten 
 minutes in Gm 160 Q§v) of water. When cool the liquid should be strained off and 
 instilled into the eye. 
 
 As an emetic the dose of powdered ipecacuanha is Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx); or Gm. 0 . 30 - 0.60 
 (gr. v— x) may be repeated every ten minutes, the patient drinking freely of warm 
 chamomile tea, or simply of warm water, as soon as the first signs of nausea appear. Or 
 an infusion , prepared with Gm. 8 (gr. 120) of the bruised root in Gm. 190 (6 fluid- 
 ounces) of boiling water, may be given in doses of Gm. 32 (1 fluidounce) at intervals of 
 
IRIS. 
 
 899 
 
 four or five minutes. A decoction and its uses have been already described. As a 
 nauseant Gm. 0.06—0.12 (gr. j — ij ) of the powder may be repeated at short intervals ; the 
 same dose, at longer intervals, may be used as a diaphoretic and expectorant. For 
 infants the syrup is preferable. 
 
 Batiatior is used in its native country for the same purposes as ipecacuanha, as an 
 emetic, and in the treatment of dysentery , as ipecacuanha is employed in Brazil. The 
 negroes are said to regard it as a sovereign remedy for haemorrhoids. Its glucoside, and 
 ernonin, is said to be a heart poison. 
 
 Ixora (I. bandhuca and 1. coccinea ), an East Indian plant, is said to be very efficacious 
 in dysentery , and has been compared with ipecacuanha, although it has no nauseating 
 effect. The whole of the fresh root is used to prepare a tincture which has an agreeable 
 aromatic taste and is given in doses of Gm. 0.75 (10 drops) three or four times a day 
 (Bull, de Therap ., xcvii. 45). 
 
 Naregamia alata, the Goanese ipecacuanha, is almost identical in its action and 
 uses with the officinal ipecacuanha. It is emetic, expectorant, and antidysenteric (Am. 
 Jour. Phar., lix. 575). 
 
 Cocillana bark, as tested by Dr. Busby (Therap. Gaz ., xii. 518), appears to resemble 
 ipecacuanha in its action upon the nasal passages, throat, bronchia, and digestive canal, 
 and, like it, has been used in various forms of bronchitis (Stewart, Med. Mews, lv. 197 ; 
 Wilcox, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1890, p. 13 ; Rusby, Mittler, Therap Gaz., 
 xiv. 97, 333). 
 
 Hedysarum gangeticum, about 1879, acquired some reputation in the treatment of 
 acute dysentery. The powder of the root was administered, as ipecacuanha had been 
 previously, but it occasioned neither nausea nor vomiting, and gradually restored the 
 stools to a normal condition (Bull, de Therap., xcviii. 46). 
 
 IRIS, U. S . — Iris. 
 
 Blue flag, Water flag , E. ; Rhizome d’iris varie, Flarnbe variee, Gla'ieul bleu , Fr. ; Ver- 
 schiedenfarbige Schwertlilie , Amerikanischer Schwertel , G. ; Liria americana , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome of Iris versicolor, Linne. Meehan, Native Flowers, i. 141. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Iridaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The blue flag is common in wet and swampy meadows from Canada south- 
 ward to Florida and westward to Minnesota and Arkansas, and flowers in the latter part 
 of spring. The sword-shaped leaves are about as long as the stout stem, which bears a 
 few showy blue flowers, having the three outer lobes of the corolla with a yellow blue- 
 veined base, and the inner lobes paler. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, and grows in annual shoots or joints, bear- 
 ing a flowering stem at their end and producing two, or often four, lateral branches. 
 The joints are 5-10 Cm. (2 
 to 4 inches) long, cylindrical 
 at the base, the upper portion 
 vertically flattened and 18- 
 25 Mm. (| to 1 inch) broad ; 
 they have an annulated ap- 
 pearance from the projecting 
 leaf-scars, and at the lower 
 side are beset with simple 
 rootlets, 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 
 inches) long, and crowded 
 near the broader end of the 
 joint. The color of the fresh 
 rhizome is yellowish-brown, Iris versicolor * Unn ° : j°int of rhizome and section of branches. 
 
 when dry gray-brown, and internally gray or brownish. A distinct nucleus-sheath sepa- 
 rates the cortical layer from the central portion, in which nearly all the scattered wood- 
 bundles are contained ; the parenchyma contains mainly starch and some crystals. The 
 dry rhizome has no marked odor ; its taste is acrid and nauseous. 
 
 Constituents. — The rhizome contains starch, gum, tannin, fat, and acrid resinous 
 matter; the latter may probably represent its medicinal virtues. D. W. Cressler’s 
 experiments (1881) render it probable that blue flag contains a brownish viscid alkaloid 
 which is soluble in amyl alcohol and in dilute acetic acid, and may be obtained from the 
 
900 
 
 IRIS FLORENTINA. 
 
 alcoholic extract by treatment with acetic acid. The resin, amounting to about 25 per 
 cent., is soluble in ether, chloroform, and hot alkalies, and from the latter solution repre- 
 cipitated by acids. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Iris virginica, Linne (Meehan, Native Flowers , i. 189), the slender blue flag 
 or Boston iris , and Iris verna, Linn€, the divarf iris , have much smaller rhizomes than the phar- 
 macopoeial species, but they are otherwise of the same appearance and possess similar properties. 
 The Boston iris grows near the coast southward to South Carolina ; the dwarf iris is found on 
 hillsides from Virginia and Kentucky southward. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The fresh root has an acrid taste, and its expressed juice is 
 emetic and cathartic, producing great prostration. Diuretic and cholagogue virtues are 
 also ascribed to it. It was a medicine highly esteemed by the aborigines of this country. 
 Its activity appears to depend upon its acrid resin (“ iridin ”) which may be used as a 
 purgative in the dose of Grin. 0.05-0.10 (gr. j-ij). According to the experiments of 
 Rutherford and Vignal, 5 grains of iridin, when mixed with a little bile and water and 
 placed in the duodenum of a dog, very powerfully stimulated the liver. It is also a 
 decided stimulant of the intestinal glands. It appears to be less irritant than podophyl- 
 lin and a less active cholagogue, but its purgative effects are greater than those of 
 euonymin. It may be used as a cathartic in constipation associated with evidences of 
 imperfect hepatic action. The dose of the dried root is stated to be Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. 
 x-xx). 
 
 IRIS FLORENTINA. — Florentine Orris. 
 
 Rhizoma iridis , P. G. : Radix iridis Florentine, Radix ireos . — Orris-root , E. ; Iris de 
 Florence , Fr. Cod. ; Veilchenwurzel , G. ; Liria de Florencia , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome of Iris germanica, Linne , I. pallida, Lamarch , and I. florentina, Linne. 
 Stephenson and Church, Med. Bot., i. t. 27 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 273. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Iridaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Florentine orris, or white flag , is found in dry localities from the southern 
 shores of the Black Sea westward along the north shore of the Mediterranean : though 
 wild near Florence and Luca, Hanbury does not regard it as indigenous to those places. 
 It has large sweet-scented white flowers, the sepals with a yellow beard and brownish 
 veins. It is cultivated together with Iris pallida, which is likewise indigenous to Southern 
 and South-eastern Europe, has a rather tall stem, and pale-blue or purplish flowers, and 
 with Iris germanica, which is indigenous to Southern Europe, and is met with in Northern 
 Africa and Northern India ; this has a lower stem, bears deep-blue or purplish-blue 
 flowers, and is known in England as blue flag, in France as flambe , and in Germany as 
 Blauer Schwertel or Schwertlilie. The rhizomes of the three species are collected, and, 
 as it appears, those of the last two much more frequently than of the first. They resem- 
 ble each other very closely, and, though the branches of the second species are usually 
 broad and stout, there are no permanent characters by which they may be distinguished. 
 The rhizomes are collected in the latter part of summer, peeled, and dried in the sun. 
 
 Description. — The horizontal rhizome is composed of joints, which are 5 to 10 or 
 15 Cm. (2 to 4 or 6 inches) long, the broadest part near the apex, about 25 to 40 Mm. 
 (1 to 1J inches) wide, tapering below, and abruptly narrowed above to the circular stem- 
 scar, from two sides of which similar joints are produced. The rhizome is vertically 
 compressed, and when peeled of a white or whitish color externally and internally. The 
 leaf-scars on the upper side are indicated by transverse lines of fibro-vascular bundles, 
 and the rootlets on the lower surface by circular brownish scars, which are more crowded 
 near the upper end. The texture is firm, the rhizome breaks irregularly, and shows upon 
 the transverse fracture, near the surface and parallel with it, a distinct nucleus-sheath 
 enclosing a number of scattered wood-bundles. The parenchyma-cells enclose mainly 
 small oblong or elliptic starch-granules and few crystals. Orris-root has an agreeable 
 violet-like odor, which is slowly developed on drying, and a mealy afterward bitterish and 
 somewhat acrid taste. The powder has a whitish color. 
 
 Constituents. — Orris-root contains a minute quantity of volatile oil, which is solid, 
 crystalline, and of a pearly lustre, as described by Dumas (1835). By distillation with 
 steam about .8 per cent, of a solid crystallizable substance is obtained, which Fliickiger 
 found to consist mainly of myristic acid impregnated with a little volatile oil; this acid, 
 however, does not pre-exist in the rhizome. This constitutes the commercial oil of orris- 
 root, but a liquid oil of orris has appeared in the market, which is said to be made by 
 adding oil of cedar-wood to the crushed rhizome and distilling the mixture with water. 
 
JA CARA NDA .—JA LA PA . 
 
 901 
 
 Orris-root contains also a large quantity of starch, some soft brownish resin of an acrid 
 taste, and a little tannin which colors ferric salts green. 
 
 Adulterations. — The rhizomes of other species of Iris in most cases resemble the 
 officinal one in shape, but are destitute of its agreeable odor ; those of Iris pseudacorus, 
 Linne , and I. fcetidissima, Limit , which are indigenous to Europe, have a dark color and a 
 more astringent and acrid taste, and cannot be mistaken for Florentine orris. The adul- 
 teration of powdered orris is best detected by the microscope from the different shape of 
 the starch-granules contained in the material employed for the purpose. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The fresh root is said to possess irritant properties, and, taken 
 internally, to cause colic, vomiting, and purging, while the dry root acts as a moderate 
 digestive stimulant. When powdered and applied to the nostrils it excites sneezing and 
 increased secretion, and in the mouth a flow of saliva. It is said that when freely 
 sprinkled in the hair it has caused alarming nervous symptoms. It was formerly used 
 along with more active medicines in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea and bronchitis , 
 and also as a diuretic and sternutatory. A piece of the root was, and occasionally is 
 still, employed for children to bite upon while teething ; it probably excites salivation 
 and mitigates the pain of dentition. Iris is also used to make issue “ peas,” is often 
 added to dentifrices on account of its aromatic flavor and its favorable action on the 
 gums, and is an ingredient in pastilles used for the same purpose or to conceal fetor 
 of the breath. Its liability to be attacked by insects renders care in its use as an issue 
 u pea” desirable. The dose of the powdered rhizome may be stated at Gm. 0.30—1 (gr. 
 v-xv). 
 
 JACARANDA. — Jacaranda. 
 
 Jacaranda procera, Sprengel, s. Bignonia Copaia, Aublet , s. B. Caroba, Velloso. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bignoniaceae. 
 
 Description. — This tree, which grows to the height of about 12 M. (40 feet), is 
 found in the forests of Guiana and southward, and is known in Brazil as caroba. The 
 root is of a deep red-brown and internally yellowish color ; the bark is ash-gray ; the 
 leaves are bipinnate, the leaflets nearly sessile, varying in length between about 0.9 and 
 6 Cm. (f and 2 1 inches), elliptic, oblong or lance-oblong, rather obtuse, or more fre- 
 quently acute, the base uneven and oblique, the margin entire or occasionally with one 
 or two irregular teeth, the texture rather leathery, the lower surface somewhat velvety 
 near the veins, both sides with short hairs and glands ; the odor is slight and the taste 
 bitter and astringent. 
 
 Constituents. — Hesse (1880) fouud the leaves to be free from alkaloid and to con- 
 tain mainly aromatic resin, which Peckolt (1881) named carobone ; it exists in the leaves 
 to the extent of 2.67 per cent., is greenish, amorphous, and has slight acid properties. 
 Peckolt found also 1.44 caroba-balsam of a tonka-like odor, a bitter principle, tannin, 
 crystallizable inodorous carobin , tasteless resin, and several acids. The bark likewise con- 
 tains carobin, bitter principle, tannin, resin, etc. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Several plants of the same order are known in Brazil as caroba, and are more 
 or less employed like the preceding — namely, Jacaranda subrhombea, De Cand. ; Jac. oxyphylla, 
 Chamisso ; Bignonia nodosa, Manso ; Cybistax antisyphilitica, Martins, Caroba de flor verde, 
 Sp. ; and Sparottosperma lithontripticum, Martius, Jacaranda branca, Sp. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mennell (Brit. Med. Jour., Feb. 14, 1885) and Wright ( Lan- 
 cet , Feb. 18, 1885) employed this drug, the latter in gonorrhoea alone, and the former also 
 in affections of the bladder with purulent urine. In its native country, Colombia, S. A., 
 it is said to be used in venereal diseases without causing nausea or other inconvenience. 
 The dose of the fluid-extract prepared from the leaf is stated at 20 or 30 minims several 
 times a day. Its active principle, carobin, resembles sarsaparillin. Peckoldt prescribed it 
 in Gm. 0.06 (one grain) doses for scrofula and syphilis. 
 
 JALAP A, U. S., Hr . — Jalap. 
 
 Tuber a jalap se, P. G. ; Radix jalapse. — Jalap tubireux, J. officinal, Fr. Cod. ; Jalape, 
 Jalapenlcnollen, G. ; Jalapa, Sp. 
 
 The tuberous root (tubercles) of Ipomoea (Exogonium Baillon ) Jalapa, Nuttall , Ip. 
 Purga, llayne , Ip. Schiedeana, Zuccarini, E. Purga, Bentham (Bot. Mag., vol. lxxiii. 
 plate 4280 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 186), Convolvulus Purga, Wenderoth, C. 
 Jalapa, Schiede. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Convolvulaceae, Convolvuleae. 
 
902 
 
 JALA PA. 
 
 Fig. 166. 
 
 Fig. 165. 
 
 Origin and Collection. — This twining herbaceous perennial is indigenous to the 
 damp and shady woods on the eastern slope of the Mexican Andes, at an altitude of from 
 1520-2440 M. (5000 to 8000 feet). It has been introduced into India, and flourishes 
 well in the Nilgherry Mountains. Its cultivation has also been carried on to some extent 
 in Jamaica. The plant has alternate cordate leaves, acute at the apex and the basal lobes, 
 and axillary cymes of three to five dark pink-colored flowers, with a long tube, spreading 
 border, and protruding stamens. The tubers (hypertrophied roots, Bentley) are collected 
 during the whole year, but principally in the spring. Owing to the wet climate, the drying 
 cannot be effected by exposure to the sun, but is accomplished by suspending the tubers 
 in a net over a wood-fire ; the smaller pieces are dried entire, the larger ones are incised 
 to facilitate the drying. The supply of jalap is very variable. 
 
 Description. — Jalap, when fully developed, is napiform or depressed globose in 
 shape, above marked by the scar of the overground stem, below suddenly contracted into 
 a thin root. The tubers are often pyriform, ovate, oblong, or nearly cylindrical in shape, 
 and vary in size from that of a walnut to 37-50 Mm. (3 to 4 inches) in diameter. They 
 are externally of a dark-brown color, and usually of a smoky appearance, more or less 
 longitudinally wrinkled, and beset with brown, broad, corky warts, becoming transversely 
 confluent. Jalap is hard and compact, and breaks irregularly ; the transverse fracture is 
 not fibrous, and shows a distinct concentric arrangement. The bark is quite thin, gray- 
 brown, with a large number of resin-cells forming a dense zone near the cambium-line. 
 The central portion of jalap has the resin-cells arranged in concentric circles, which vary 
 in width, a zone of two or four rows of resin-cells usually 
 alternating with one of a single row. The parenchyma con- 
 sists of smaller cells containing sub- 
 globular starch-granules, which, par- 
 ticularly in the outer layers, are more 
 or less transformed into a pasty mass ; 
 crystals of calcium oxalate are spar- 
 ingly met with. The vascular tis- 
 sue exists in small circularly-arranged 
 groups of spiral vessels. Jalap has 
 a very faint radiate appearance, the 
 fibro-vascular bundles being small and 
 „ . , T , not very numerous. It has a slight 
 
 Transverse saaion of Jalap. J ° 
 
 smoky and sweetish odor and a sweet- 
 ish afterward acrid taste. Good jalap should not be deeply 
 wrinkled or sticky internally, but should be plump, heavy, 
 and hard, and when fractured should present a resinous appearance. 
 
 Impurities and Substitutions. — Jalap appears to be sometimes collected in an 
 immature state or at an improper season ; at least many of the tubers frequently contain 
 little resin, but otherwise present all the characteristics of genuine jalap. Occasionally 
 jalap has been met with which has been previously deprived of the resin, and is then 
 sticky upon the surface and of a dark color internally. Hager (1882) states that good 
 jalap will sink in a solution of sodium chloride of spec. grav. 1.140, while if exhausted 
 by alcohol it will float in this liquid. A mealy jalap has been observed which resembles 
 true jalap externally, but has few scattered resin-cells and a mealy fracture. 
 
 Valuation. — “ On exhausting 100 parts of jalap with alcohol, concentrating the tinc- 
 ture to 40 parts, and pouring it into water, a precipitate of resin should be obtained 
 which, when washed with water and dried, should weigh not less than 12 parts (10 p., Br ., 
 P. G.), and of which not over 10 per cent, should be soluble in ether. — U. S. 
 
 Constituents. — Jalap contains starch, gum, uncrystallizable sugar, and extracts e 
 
 . . • . 1* • 11 • I I * i 1 1 . , . . , h •» rtll C A I 0/1 m OP PS 
 
 vCV’ 
 
 jfefl&'J 5* il 
 
 ->y ;jJ/, wM 
 
 Jalap: transverse section, nat. size. 
 
 cent. Ot resin. ivooui, one-iwenui or one-tentn ^occasionally uue-cigimi; - — 
 
 ble in ether, of a brown color, acid reaction, and acrid taste; it is soluble in alkalies, and re- 
 precipitated from these by acids. It is contained in the pharmacopoeial resin of jalap, the 
 main constituent of which is the resin insoluble in ether ; this, investigated by Kayser 
 (1844) ? W as named rhodeoretin , and by W. Mayer (1852) convolvulin. Pure convolyulm 
 \ colorless, transparent in thin layers, inodorous, and tasteless, but in alcoholic solution it 
 as an acrid taste. It is insoluble, or nearly so, in carbon disulphide, chloroform, petroleum, 
 
 is 
 
 has 
 
 benzin, and volatile oils, but dissolves in acetic and cold nitric acid ; when dry it melts at 
 
JALAPA. 
 
 903 
 
 150° C. (302° F.), but at a much lower temperature if mixed with water. It consists 
 of C 62 H 100 O 32 , dissolves readily in caustic alkalies, and is not repreciptated by acids, but 
 converted into coniolvulic acid. C 62 H 106 O 35 , of which convolvulin is the anhydride. Both 
 are glucosides, and when boiled with dilute acids yield sugar and convolvulinol , C 26 H 50 O 7 , 
 which crystallizes in needles, is bitter and acrid, and when treated with alkalies loses 
 water and is converted into convolvulinolic acid , C 2B H 48 0, ; . Convolvulin and its derivatives, 
 on being oxidized with nitric acid, are finally converted into oxalic and ipomic acids , the 
 tatter being C 10 H 18 O 4 . and, according to Neison and Bayne (1874), identical with selacic 
 acid , one of the products of the destructive distillation of olein. 
 
 W. Mayer (1855) has very improperly given the name of jalapin to the resin obtained 
 from orizaba-root, which, with all its derivatives, is homologous to the preceding. Jalapin , 
 C 6 ,H m O ;{2 , closely resembles convolvulin, but is soluble in ether and chloroform, also in 
 acetone, benzene, and phenol. Dissolved in alkalies, it is converted into jalapic acid , 
 C 68 H 118 0 35 , which is soluble in water ; when treated with dilute acids, into sugar and 
 jalapinol , C :i2 II 62 0 7 , which is acrid ; and with alkalies yields jalapinolic acid , C 32 H 60 O 6 . 
 Nitric acid oxidizes these compounds to oxalic and sebacic acids. Spirgatis (18(30) con- 
 siders jalapin chemically identical with scammonin. 
 
 The resin of tampico-root is likewise homologous. Spirgatis (1870) calls it tampicin , 
 C 68 H 10s O 28 , which yields with alkalies tampicic acid , C B8 H 120 O 34 , and with diluted acids 
 sugar and tampicolic acid , C 32 H 64 0 6 . 
 
 Allied Drugs. — The so-called jalap-stalks , male, fusiform , or woody jalap, consist of the 
 tuberous root of Ipomoea orizabensis, Ledanois (Convolvulus, Pelletan), often cut into transverse 
 slices 50-75 Mm. (2 to 3 inches) broad, light-brown, compact, often horny, distinctly radiate and 
 more fibrous in texture ; it is spindle-shaped 60 Cm. (2 feet) long, and contains resin which is 
 entirely soluble in ether. Tampico jalap, from Ipomoea simulans, Hanbury, forms globular or 
 elongated tuberous pieces which are often smaller, but occasionally larger, than true jalap, deeply 
 wrinkled, destitute of transverse scars, and of a more woody fracture ; the resin contained in it 
 is completely soluble in ether. 
 
 The tuberous root of Mirabilis Jalapa, Limit, or Four -o' 1 clock, resembles jalap somewhat in 
 shape, but is darker externally and contains a large number of acicular crystals. 
 
 Radix mechoacannce , probably obtained from a Convolvulacea, is found always in sections, of 
 whitish or gray color, destitute of resinous circles ; it cannot be mistaken for jalap. 
 
 The following are among the numerous species of Ipomoea which have been used like jalap : 
 
 Ipoxkea orizabensis, Ledanois, (Convolvulus, Pelletan) grows near Orizaba and in Mechoacan. 
 
 Ipomoea pandurata, Meyer, (Convolvulus, Linnt) grows on sandy banks in the United States, 
 and is known by its pointed, heart-shaped leaves, which are sometimes contracted near the 
 middle and fiddle-shaped. The root is elongated, cylindrical, abruptly contracted above to the 
 thickness of a finger. It is pale-brow r nish externally, grayish-white internally, and emits when 
 wmunded a resinous milk-juice. The resin-cells form a dense zone in the inner portion of the 
 thin bark, and are irregularly scattered in the medullary rays. It is knowm as man-root, man 
 of the earth, wild jalap, and wild potato, and is feebly cathartic. Analyzed by C. Manz (1881), 
 sugar, gum, starch, a tannin-like body, and 1.5 per cent, of resin were obtained. The latter is 
 purgative, completely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and potassa, and from the latter solu- 
 tion again precipitated by acids ; it consists of an acid resin soluble in methyl alcohol and pre- 
 cipitated by lead salt, and of a non-acid resin, which, like the former, is a glucoside. 
 
 Five or six Brazilian Convolvulaceae have tuberous roots containing purgative resins ; though 
 employed in their native country like jalap, they are not articles of general commerce. They are 
 popularly known as purga, batata purgante, jalapinha, jeticucii and emburerembo, and are 
 obtained from plants of the genera Convolvulus, Ipomoea and Piptostegia. 
 
 Ipomoea turpethum, R. Brown, turpeth-root, (Turbith vtgttal, Fr. Cod.) is indigenous to India 
 and East Indian Islands. The root is met with in commerce in pieces of various length, fre- 
 quently with pieces of the woody stem attached, reddish-brown externally, internally grayish or 
 browmish. The bark is thick, mealy, and contains numerous small brown resin-cells in concen- 
 tric rows, and several, or in older roots numerous, w'oody groups. The central wood is pale- 
 brown, porous, and divided by narrow medullary rays into four or six parts. The resin amounts 
 to about 4 per cent., a portion of which is soluble in ether; the insoluble portion, turpethin, 
 ^ 34 ^ 56 ^ 16 ^ resembles jalap resin in its behavior to alkalies and dilute acids. 
 
 Ipomiea Nil, Roth, s. Convolvulus (Pharbitis, Choisy) Nil, Linnt (Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 185), is indigenous to the tropics, and grows spontaneously in the Southern United 
 States. The seeds are black, somewhat triangular, rounded on the back, of a rather heavy odor 
 while fresh, and of a sweetish afterwmrd acrid taste. The seeds are known in Indians kaladana, 
 and roasted or in powder are used as a purgative, like, but somew r hat weaker than, jalap ; they 
 contain a fixed oil and 8 per cent, of pharbitisin, w'hich appears to be identical w r ith convolvulin 
 (Pharmacographia). In Japan the seeds of Pharbitis triloba, know r n as Kengashi , are employed 
 in a similar manner; they contain convolvulin. 
 
 Action, and Uses. — Jalap and its resinous principle, convolvulin, act as local 
 irritants, and taken into the stomach, excite irritation of that organ, with nausea, vomit- 
 
904 
 
 JEFFERSONIA.— JUGLANS. 
 
 ing, colic, and mucous, watery, and even bloody dejections, according to the dose. The 
 experiments of Rutherford and Vignal led them to conclude that jalap is an hepatic stim- 
 ulant of considerable power, rendering the bile more watery, but at the same time increas- 
 ing the secretion of biliary matter. Its action on the liver is, however, far less apparent 
 than its effects on the intestinal glands. Its medicinal virtues depend upon its being a 
 hydragogue cathartic whose operation is not rendered less decided by a repetition of the 
 medicine. Hence it is profitably employed for the removal of dropsical effusions from 
 whatever cause they arise, the duration of its usefulness depending upon the nature 
 of the cause of dropsy. It is usually associated with potassium bitartrate for this 
 purpose, and with calomel in congested states of the liver or spleen. It is to be com- 
 mended in constipation attended with habitual dryness of the intestine, when it should 
 be given in a dose of Gm. 0.10—0.20 (gr. ij-iij) in the morning, fasting, and followed 
 within an hour by a draught of cool water. A grain or two of aloes given the night 
 before renders its operation more certain, and apparently promotes the biliary secretion. 
 Jalap is not an anthelmintic, but a vermifuge , and is associated habitually with proper 
 anthelmintic medicines. 
 
 The purgative dose of jalap is Gm. 1—1.30 (gr. xv-xx). Its powder should be 
 thoroughly triturated with sugar and flavored with an aromatic oil. The resin is esti- 
 mated to be from two to four times as strong as jalap. The syrup of rhubarb is said to 
 completely dissolve it and to increase its efficiency. 
 
 JEFFERSONIA— Twinleaf. 
 
 Jeffersonia diphylla, Barton. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Berberidaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The twinleaf is an herbaceous, acaulescent perennial growing in woods in 
 the Middle, Southern, and Western United States. The leaves are on long petioles com- 
 posed of two obliquely ovate leaflets ; the scape is about 25 Cm. (10 inches) high bearing a 
 white flower 25 Mm. (1 inch) broad, which has four fugacious sepals, eight spreading petals, 
 and eight stamens, and produces an obovate capsule with many seeds. It flowers in April 
 and May. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, knotty, beset with long, fibrous, and matted 
 roots of a yellowish or dark-brown color, somewhat corrugated and transversely fissured ; 
 the bark is brown, of a resinous appearance, and has a bitter and acrid taste. The pale- 
 yellowish wood is destitute of taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The rhizome was analyzed by E. S. Wayne (1855), and contains, 
 besides the ordinary vegetable principles, tannin, precipitating ferric salts dark-green, a 
 bitter principle and an acrid acid analogous to polygalic acid. F. F. Mayer (1863) states 
 that the rhizome contains a small quantity of berberine, a larger proportion of a white alka- 
 loid , and a considerable amount of saponin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — No recent observations seem to have been made of the virtues 
 of this plant, which is said to be diuretic, tonic, and expectorant in •small, and emetic 
 in large, doses. It has been compared to seneka. 
 
 JUGLANS, 77. S. — Butternut-Bark. 
 
 Ecorce de noyer gris, Fr. ; Graue Wallnussrinde , G. ; No gal, Sp. 
 
 The bark of the root of Juglans cinerea, Linne (J. cathartica, Michaux , J. oblonga, 
 Miller ) collected in autumn. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 247. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Juglandaceae. 
 
 Origin. — A handsome tree, 9—12 M. (30 to 40 feet) high, growing in forest and bot- 
 tom-lands in Canada and the greater portion of the United States westward to Missouri 
 and Arkansas. It has a brown, soft, but durable and easily-worked wood ; the leaves are 
 composed of about fifteen sessile, oblong-lanceolate, serrate, and underneath pubescent 
 leaflets; the staminate flowers are in aments about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long; the pistillate 
 flowers, to the number of about five, form a spike ; the fruit is ovoid-oblong and viscid 
 pubescent. The tree flowers in April and May, and ripens its fruit in September and 
 October. The bark is collected in May or June, or, according to the Pharmacopoeia, in 
 autumn, and is deprived of its corky layer. 
 
 Description. — The liber, of which the medicinal article exclusively consists, is white 
 when fresh, but rapidly turns yellow and deep-brown on drying. It is met with in com- 
 merce in flat or in curved pieces, about 3 or 6 Mm. (£ or 1 inch) thick, and varying in 
 
JUJUBA. 
 
 905 
 
 length, both ends being usually cut off obliquely. The outer surface has often thin 
 patches of cork adhering ; the inner surface is smooth and striate. The tangential 
 arrangement of the brownish bast-fibres, alternating with white parenchyma and crossed 
 by the numerous fine white medullary rays, gives the cross-section a delicately checkered 
 appearance. The bark breaks readily with a short fracture both transversely and longi- 
 tudinally. It has a feeble odor and a bitter somewhat acrid taste. If collected in April 
 it has a sweetish, insipid taste, and is said to be less active. 
 
 Constituents. — The bark has been examined by Thiebaud (1872) and by Dawson 
 (1874). The latter found a little tannin, trace of volatile oil, a little resin, and 14 per 
 cent, of fixed oil ; also a volatile acid, called by Thiebaud juglandic arid, but which is 
 doubtless identical with the nucin of Reischauer and Vogel (1856), discovered by them 
 in the pericarp and leaves of Juglans regia, Linne. Nucin, or juglone , which seems to 
 have the composition C 36 H 12 O 10 , has an acrid taste, an acid reaction to test-paper, and is 
 sparingly soluble in water, more so in alcohol, and readily so in ether, chloroform, and 
 carbon disulphide ; it crystallizes as orange-yellow needles, and acquires, with alkalies 
 and with the alkali borates and phosphates, a handsome purple color. If the properties 
 of the bark depend wholly or in part on this principle, it is easily explained why continued 
 boiling should render it less efficacious. Tanret and Villiers (1877) obtained from the 
 leaves of the European walnut a crystallizable non-fermentable sugar, nucit, C 6 H 12 0 6 .2H 2 0, 
 and Tanret (1876) reported having isolated a crystallizable alkaloid. According to Ses- 
 tini, the root of the European walnut contains glycyrrhizin. 
 
 Allied Plants. — -Juglans regia, Linne , English walnut. The green pericarp (Cortex fructus 
 juglandis) and the leaves (Folia juglandis, P. G .) have a peculiar odor and a somewhat astrin- 
 gent and bitter taste. The young fruit of both species is used for pickles, and when ripe the 
 kernels yield a bland and drying fixed oil known as nut oil; it is greenish or pale-yellow, con- 
 geals like lard at about —18° C. (0° F.), and acquires a red color with nitric acid and a dark- 
 brown one with a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids. Similar oils are contained in the but- 
 ternut and in the seeds of Juglans nigra, Linn6 , Carya olivaeformis, Nuttall {pecan-nut), and 
 other species of Carya, the various hickory-nuts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Butternut is employed medicinally in the form of the officinal 
 extract alone, which, according to Rutherford’s experiments, is a “ moderately powerful 
 hepatic and a mild intestinal stimulant.” 
 
 Juglans regia, or English walnut, was once reputed to be a remedy for scrofula , and in 
 France about 1840 it was actively advertised for this purpose by Negrier and others, but 
 its credit was not sustained. The leaves are a popular cure for leucorrhoca when used in 
 decoction as an injection, and for other mucous profluvia internally. An extract of the 
 leaves has been claimed by Luton to be curative of tubercular meningitis ( Etudes de thera- 
 peutique, 1882) ; and his reports are more or less sustained by those of Tanret, Meslier, 
 and Guenot {Bull, de Therap., tom. xc. xci.), but they have not been confirmed by ulterior 
 observation. In France the leaves, the rind of the fruit, and the inner bark of J. regia 
 have long been in popular and medical use for repressing the mammary secretion, for curing 
 ulcers of all parts, including the uterus, for treating diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, ulcerated sore 
 mouth , affections of the tonsils, uterine haemorrhage, etc. In 1853, Pomeyrol treated with 
 singular success carbuncle and malignant pustule by the simple application of the fresh 
 leaves of black walnut frequently renewed (Cazin, Plantes medicinales, p. 640). Juglans 
 nigra, or black walnut, says Griffith, has a styptic and acrid bark, seldom used except in 
 dyeing. The rind of the unripe fruit is said to remove ringworm and tetter , and a decoc- 
 tion of it has been given as a vermifuge. A decoction of black walnut leaves was also 
 advantageously substituted for a complex and perturbative treatment of diphtheria by 
 Dr. Curtis {Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., March, 1881, p. 226). 
 
 In England a preparation known as “ spirit of walnut ” is made by distilling alcohol 
 from fresh walnuts, and is stated to be very efficient in “ hysterical vomiting, the vomiting 
 of pregnancy, and even for cerebral vomiting” (Mackey, Practitioner, xxi. 401). 
 
 JU JUBA . — J U JUBE - BERRIES. 
 
 Jujube , F. Cod. ; Brustbeeren, Judendornbeeren , G. ; Azufayfas , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Zizyphus vulgaris and Z. Lotus, Lamarck. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rhamnaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The jujube-shrubs are indigenous, the former to Asia Minor and Syria, the 
 latter to Northern Africa, and are cultivated in Southern Europe. They are shrubby or 
 sometimes tree-like, and have alternate ovate and serrate three-nerved leaves, at the base 
 
906 
 
 JUNIPERUS. 
 
 with two prickly afterward spiny stipules. The fruit is a two-celled and two-seeded, or 
 by abortion one-celled and one-seeded, drupe. 
 
 Description. — Jujubes are roundish oblong and nearly 25 Mm. (one inch) long, but 
 obtained from the second species are subglobular and about 15 Mm. (4 inch) long; they 
 are bright-red, or after drying brownish-red, wrinkled, with a thin leathery pericarp, a 
 soft mucilaginous and sweet sarcocarp, and an ovate, acute, wrinkled, and usually one- 
 seeded endocarp. 
 
 The fruits of Ziz. Jujuba, Lamarck , a slender East Indian tree, and of several other 
 species, possess similar properties. 
 
 Constituents. — Jujubes contain mucilage and sugar. The bark contains tannin. 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Massa de jujubis — Jujube paste, E.; Pate de jujubes, 
 Fr . — is prepared by extracting 5 parts of jujubes with sufficient water to obtain 35 parts 
 of infusion, in which are dissolved gum-arabic 30 parts and sugar 20 parts ; the solution 
 is evaporated, 2 parts of orange-flower water added, kept slowly boiling for 12 hours, and 
 then poured into moulds. — F. Cod. In the jujube paste, as sold in the United States, 
 the jujubes are usually omitted. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In the native countries of the jujube its fruit is ranked with 
 figs and raisins and other more or less saccharine and acidulous fruits which are used in 
 tisanes for acute irritations of the throat and air-passages , as in this country we employ 
 the syrup and jelly of currants, blackberries, etc. 
 
 Fig. 167 . 
 
 JUNIPERUS.— Juniper. 
 
 Fructus juniperi , P. G. ; Baccse, s. Galhuli juniperi. — Juniper-berries , E. ; Genievre , 
 Baie ( Fruit ) de genievre, F. Cod. ; Wachholderbeeren , Kaddigbeeren , G. ; Enebro , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Juniperus communis, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 255. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferae, Cupresseae. 
 
 Origin. — Juniper is indigenous to the northern hemisphere, and is found in North 
 America from the Southern United States and Canada to Greenland, and westward to the 
 Pacific, throughout Asia from the Himalayas northward, in 
 Northern Africa, and throughout Europe. It is commonly a 
 shrub, sometimes arborescent, or in the variety alpiria (Jun. 
 nana, Willdenow ), prostrate and spreading, the latter being 
 met with in Arctic and mountainous localities. The numerous 
 leaves are persistent, spreading, in whorls of three, linear and 
 sharp-pointed ; the staminate flowers are arranged in short 
 ovate catkins; the pistillate form a short cone consisting of 
 about five imbricate whorls, each of three scales. Three naked 
 ovules are situated at the base of the upper whorl, and, after 
 fructification, these scales enlarge, coalesce, become fleshy, and 
 ultimately enclose the seeds, forming the official berry-like 
 galbulus, which ripens during the second year. 
 
 Description. — Juniper-berries are nearly globular, about 
 8 Mm. (i inch) in diameter, dark-purplish, and covered with, a 
 bluish-gray bloom ; the short stalk at the base contains one or 
 two whorls of the small scales, and the apex is marked by 
 three radiating furrows, which are surrounded by ridges en- 
 ^ closing a triangular space. The three, or by abortion one or 
 sect i (Tiff ft? gaibuhis" a n d ' tr ans- two, bony seeds are ovate in shape, triangular above, have six 
 tS5M C £SSoi^!ffl^L ngi ’ to ten large oil-sacs on their surface, and are imbedded in a 
 brownish pulp which likewise contains oil-cells. Juniper- 
 berries have an aromatic somewhat balsamic odor and a sweet, terebinthinate, bitterish, 
 and slightly acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Juniper-berries were analyzed by Trommsdorff (1822), Nicolet 
 (1831), Steer (1856). and Donath (1873). They contain from ? to 21 per cent, of vola- 
 tile oil (see Oleum Juniperi), about 30 per cent, of sugar, resins amounting to 10 per 
 cent., 4 of protein compounds, fat, wax, formic and acetic acids, malates, and juniperm, 
 which is light-yellow, slightly soluble in water, freely so in alcohol and ether, and with a 
 golden-yellow color in ammonia. Bitthausen (1877) obtained from juniper-berries, con- 
 taining 10.77 per cent, of water, only 14.36 per cent, of sugar, 3.77 of ash, and 31.60 
 of cellulose. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Infusum juniperi. — Infusion of juniper-berries, F.; 
 
 Juniperus communis, Linne 
 fertile catkin and longitudinal 
 
KALMIA. 
 
 907 
 
 Tisane de genievre, Fr.; Wacliholderbeeren-Aufguss, G . — Bruised juniper-berries a troy- 
 ounce, boiling-water a pint; macerate for an bour in a covered vessel, and strain. — U. S. 
 P. 1870. 
 
 Species diureticum. — H arntreibender Thee, G. — Lovage, rest-harrow, liquorice-root, 
 cut, of each 1 part, and bruised juniper-berries 1 part. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Juniper is stimulant, stomachic, carminative, diuretic, and 
 emmenagogue. It communicates a special odor to the urine. It is much used in the 
 treatment of dropsies, and especially of scarlatinous and other forms of dropsy due to 
 tubular obstruction of the kidneys. (Juniperi contus., Potassii bitart, aa ^ss ; Aquae 
 fervent. Oj. Make an infusion, to be used in divided doses during twenty four hours. 
 Potassium acetate may be substituted for the bitartrate in this formula but in half 
 the quantity. The diuretic virtues of the infusion may be increased by the addition of 
 parsley, buchu, horse-radish, etc.) In chronic catarrhal affections of the urinary pas- 
 sages juniper is useful, and also when sabulous matter is habitually voided. The inspis- 
 sated juice of fresh juniper berries diluted with water and sweetened is recommended as 
 an agreeable and efficient diuretic for children (Goldschmid). As an anodyne for painful 
 swellings , and generally for local pains , bruised juniper-berries are sometimes used, and 
 fumigations made by throwing the berries upon hot coals may be employed to relieve 
 rheumatic pains. Haydon states that the Hudson’s Bay Indians apply the bruised inner 
 bark to wounds and especially to foul wounds and sores. 
 
 KALMIA. — Mountain Laurel. 
 
 Calico-hush , Spoon-wood , E. ; Kalmie , Fr., G. 
 
 The leaves of Kalmia latifolia, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Ericaceae, Bhodoreae. 
 
 Origin. — This shrub is found from Canada south along the mountains to West 
 Florida and Alabama, and is usually about 1.8 M. (6 feet) high, but sometimes tree-like 
 and about 9 M. (30 feet) high. The wood is yellowish, close-grained, very hard and 
 strong ; the elegant but inodorous flowers appear in May and June, are in dense race- 
 mose corymbs, and have a rose-red or whitish subcampanulate corolla, which, in the lower 
 part, is furnished with ten cavities holding the ten anthers until they begin to shed their 
 pollen. The Indians are said to have made spoons from the wood. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are alternate, 5-8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) long, petiolate, 
 coriaceous, oval-lanceolate, or elliptic, entire, acute at both ends, smooth and green on both 
 sides. They are without odor and have an astringent and bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Charles Bullock (1848) proved the leaves to contain tannin, a prin- 
 ciple resembling mannit, an acrid principle, resin, gum, and other common constituents of 
 plants. Kennedy (1875) isolated a small proportion of arhutin. The poisonous principle 
 is andromedotoxin, C 3l H 51 O 10 (Plugge, 1889), which is prepared by precipitating the infu- 
 sion with normal and basic lead acetate, treating the filtrate with hydrogen sulphide, con- 
 centrating and extracting with chloroform ; it is soluble in 400 parts of chloroform, 35 of 
 water, and 9 of alcohol, sparingly soluble in ether, and by mineral acids is colored red ; 
 evaporation with dilute sulphuric acid causes a rose-red color; reagents for alkaloids do 
 not precipitate. The same principle has been shown to exist in a number of poisonous 
 Ericaceae. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Kalmia angustifolia, Linne , known as sheep-laurel , sheep-poison , and lamb- 
 hill , has petiolate opposite or ternate linear-elliptic leaves, 2 to 5 Cm. (1 or 2 inches) long, and whitish 
 or brownish beneath. The small flowers are of a crimson color (Meehan, Nat. Flowers [2], ii. 
 181). Lasche (1889) determined the presence of andromedotoxin. 
 
 Kalmia glauca, Alton , Swamp-laurel , has two-edged branches, pale purple flowers, and oppo- 
 site subsessile lanceolate and glaucous leaves. It grows westward to Colorado. 
 
 Ledum palustre, Linne, Marsh tea , Marsh cistus , Wild rosemary , E. ; L6don , Romarin 
 sauvage, Fr. ; Porsch, Sumpfporst, Wilder Rosmarin , G. ; a shrub growing in marshy locations 
 in the northern sections of the northern hemisphere. The leaves are coriaceous, 25 Mm. (1 inch) 
 long, linear, obtuse, revolute on the margin, dark-green, and smooth above, and rusty woolly 
 beneath ; odor, peculiar heavy aromatic; taste bitter aromatic, somewhat camphoraceous. They 
 contain leditannic acid , about 1 per cent, of volatile oil, ledum camphor , ericolin, citric acid, resin, 
 etc. Andromedotoxin is absent (Plugge, 1889). 
 
 Ledum latifolium, Aiton, known as Labrador tea and James tea , is indigenous to North 
 America and Minnesota eastward. The leaves resemble the preceding, but are broader, elliptic- 
 oblong, and occasionally slightly heart-shaped at the base. West of the Rocky Mountains it is 
 replaced by L. glandulosa, Nuttall. 
 

 908 KALMIA. 
 
 Rhododendron, Rosebay, Snow rose, E. ; Rosage , Fr. ; Alpenrose , Schneerose, Gichtrose, G. ; 
 This genus contains evergreen shrubs and low trees inhabiting mountainous localities of the 
 northern hemisphere. They have leathery, entire, somewhat revolute and petiolate leaves, often 
 crowded near the end of the branches, and showy flowers in compact terminal clusters or cor- 
 ymbs. The leaves of the following species have been used : 
 
 Rhod. chrysanthum, LinnS, indigenous to Siberia, has yellow flowers. The leaves are pale 
 rust-colored beneath, and when fresh have a slight rhubarb-like odor ; their taste is astringent 
 and unpleasantly bitter, and they contain a little volatile oil, tannin, and andromedotoxin. 
 
 Rhod. maximum, Linne , grows in North America, and has rose-colored and whitish flowers. Its 
 leaves are about 18 Cm. (7 inches) long, elliptic-oblong, or obovate-oblong, acute, smooth, dark- 
 green, shining paler beneath. Their taste is astringent and somewhat pungent. G. F. Kuehnel 
 (1885) found in the leaves tannin, arbutin, ericolin, ursone, etc. \ Plugge (1889) showed the 
 presence of andromedotoxin. 
 
 Rhod. ferrugineum, Linne , a European species, has purple glandular-dotted flowers, and 
 lance-oblong, rust-colored, and beneath scaly leaves, an astringent and bitter taste, due to tannin 
 and ericolin. 
 
 Andromeda polifolia, Linn£ (Ericaceae, Andromedeae), growing in marshes of the northern 
 hemisphere, is known as wild rosemary. The leaves are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, linear- 
 lanceolate, strongly revolute at the margin, greenish-white beneath, not aromatic, of a somewhat 
 acrid taste. They contain andromedotoxin, which is probably also present in 
 
 Andromeda mariana, Linn£, or stagger-bush (Meehan, Native Flowers, ii. 185), reported to be 
 poisonous to lambs and calves. It is a shrub, produces clusters of white, nodding, ovate- 
 cylindrical flowers, and has thickish but deciduous, smooth, oval or oblong, entire leaves, about 
 5 Cm. (2 inches) long. It grows in the seaboard States from New England to Florida, Tennessee 
 and Arkansas. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The leaves and berries of mountain-laurel have long been 
 known to be poisonous, but their action has chiefly been learned through the effects pro- 
 duced in man by eating the flesh of partridges (Tetrao umbellus) that have fed upon the 
 berries. From a number of cases observed or collected by Dr. Jacob Bigelow he prepared 
 (1857) the following summary of the symptoms of this poisoning: The flesh of the bird 
 “ acts as a direct sedative poison, impairing the functions of the brain, and, in connec- 
 tion, those of the digestive and circulatory systems. The cerebral symptoms, in a 
 majority of the cases, have been vertigo, loss of sight, tinnitus aurium, and in bad cases 
 general loss of the power of sensation and voluntary motion. Respiration has been 
 slow, sometimes to a great degree. In the circulatory system there has been syncope, 
 feeble and sometimes irregular action of the heart, weak, slow, and sometimes imper- 
 ceptible pulse, cold surface, and pale or livid complexion. In the digestive system there 
 are oppression, nausea with a tendency to vomit, and in many cases pain in the abdomen, 
 extending through to the back. In more rare cases pain has been felt in the head and 
 limbs. . . . The poison of the partridge has never, to my knowledge, proved fatal.” 
 The medicinal value of this plant is almost entirely conjectural. The bruised leaves, 
 and also a decoction, are said to have been applied to certain cutaneous eruptions , and it 
 is added that alarming s} 7 mptoms have sometimes resulted, probably because the skin 
 was not whole. It might be profitable to test their efficacy in neuralgic and other local 
 pains by applying them in the same manner. 
 
 “ The twigs with leaves and flowers ” of K. angustifolia “ are used in bowel com- 
 plaints and as a tonic ” by the Cree Indians of Hudson’s Bay Territory (Amer. Jour. 
 Phar. lvi. 617). 
 
 Ledum has been ranked with acrid-narcotic medicines, and is stated, in large doses, to 
 occasion headache, restlessness, sleeplessness, dyspnoea, cough, dilatation of the pupils, a 
 sort of intoxication, with pain in the limbs, increased secretion of the urine, saliva, and 
 especially of sweat, with itching and an eruption of papules or pustules on the skin. It is 
 said to have been used in the manufacture of beer to make it more intoxicating. It was 
 formerly employed in diarrhoea, dysentery, whooping cough, croup, gouty and rheumatic 
 pains, and all sorts of chronic cutaneous eruptions. Its use for such purposes is, how- 
 ever, obsolete. Hilbert extols it in acute and chronic bronchitis. The dose is stated to 
 be Gm. 0.30-1 (gr. v-xv). An infusion may be prepared with from 5 to 10 parts of the 
 leaves in from 100 to 200 parts of hot water. A strong decoction of the plant is used 
 to destroy cutaneous parasites in horses and neat cattle and to cleanse bedsteads of vermin , 
 and the leaves and twigs of the fresh plants are laid among woollen clothing to protect it 
 against moths. 
 
 Ledum latifolium is said to be expectorant and tonic and to allay the pain of insects’ 
 stings. 
 
 Andromeda polifolium was formerly used as a sedative. 
 
 Rhododendron, the Siberian or snow rose, is said to be an active medicine. It is re- 
 
KAMALA. 
 
 909 
 
 lated that a goat after eating its leaves became excited, tottered and fell upon its knees, 
 and did not recover for two hours. In man small doses appear to increase the secretions 
 and especially to act as a diaphoretic. Larger doses render the mouth and throat dry 
 and constringe them, promote the alvine and cutaneous secretions, and excite a sense of 
 formication and prickling of the skin, which also exhales an aromatic smell. In still 
 larger doses it causes giddiness, confusion of the senses and ideas, dimness of vision, 
 constriction of the throat, dyspnoea, hebetude, paralysis of sensibility and motility, and 
 even convulsions. Sometimes it acts principally as an evacuant upon the stomach and 
 bowels, and in other cases excites profuse diuresis or sweating, itching or eruptions of 
 the skin, pain and twitching of the limbs, etc. It is said to reduce the pulse and render 
 it intermittent. 
 
 Rosebay has been almost exclusively employed in the treatment of rheumatism and 
 gout, a hot infusion being made at the commencement of the attack when acute ; but in 
 the chronic forms of these diseases a moderate but steady action of the medicine is main- 
 tained for weeks, and even months, the evidence of its utility being furnished by painful 
 sensations in the affected parts. It has also been used in sciatica , in chronic diseases of 
 the shin, and chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. It is given in powder in doses of Gm. 0.60 
 (gr. x) several times a day, or in a decoction made with Gm. 8-16 in Gm. 320 (^ij— iv 
 in fgx) of water. 
 
 KAMALA, U. S. t Br., JP. G.— Kamala. 
 
 Rottlera , U. S. 1870; Glandidse rotilerse. — Kameela , Kamala , Fr., G. ; Sp. 
 
 The glands and hairs obtained from the capsules of Mallotus (Echinus, Baillon) philip- 
 pinensis, Muller Ary., s. Croton philippense, Lamarck , s. Rottlera tinctoria, Roxburgh. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 236. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The kamala grows wild in Australia, Eastern China, India, Southern Arabia, 
 and Abyssinia, and in most of the islands lying between these countries from the Philip- 
 pines westward. It is a large shrub or small tree, with petiolate, ovate, acute, and entire 
 leaves, and produces globular tricoccous three-seeded capsules, from which the glands are 
 obtained by rubbing and sifting in baskets. 
 
 Description. — Kamala is a fine granular, mobile powder of a brick-red or brownish-red 
 color, somewhat resinous appearance, inodorous, and nearly tasteless. It is with difficulty 
 mixed with water, imparts to boiling water only a yellow tinge, but a deep-red color to alka- 
 line solutions, alcohol, ether, chloroform, and benzene. When thrown into a flame it burns 
 similar to, but less rapidly than, lycopodium, and when heated in a crucible it leaves a 
 small amount of ash, which weighs from pure kamala 1.37 per cent. ( Pharmacographia ) 
 Examined under the microscope, the glands are seen to be depressed-globular, and to con- 
 sist of a thin transparent membrane enclosing a yellowish mass in which are imbedded 
 many club-shaped vesicles radiating from a common centre, 
 and containing a red substance ; this structure becomes more 
 apparent after treating the glands with potassa and pressing 
 them between glass. The glands are always mixed with 
 colorless stellately-arranged simple hairs, but fragments of 
 leaves and stems should not be present. When heated in 
 a crucible to redness, kamala should leave not more than 8 
 per cent. (U. S. ; 6 per cent. P. G. ; at most 10 per cent. 
 
 Br.) of ash, having a gray, not a red, color. 
 
 Constituents. — Pure kamala contains only between .5 
 and 3.5 per cent, of moisture, and yields to ether, alcohol, 
 amyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, or carbon disulphide about 
 80 per cent, of resin, which is also soluble in alkalies, but not in benzin, and whose alco- 
 holic solution is colored dingy-green by ferric chloride (Fliickiger). Leube (1860) ana- 
 lyzed a sample of kamala which yielded nearly 29 per cent, of ash, 47.6 of resin, and 19.7 
 of other soluble matters, consisting of citric, oxalic, and tannic acids, gums, etc. Cold 
 alcohol dissolved a resin, Ci 5 H 18 0 4 , fusible at 80° C. (176° F.), and left a more sparingly 
 soluble resin, C 8 H 12 0 5 . melting at 191° C. (376° F.). Both resins are brittle, red-yellow, 
 soluble in alkalies with a red color, not altered by dilute acids, and when treated with 
 nitric acid yield oxalic acid. Leube could not obtain Anderson’s rottlerin , C 22 H 20 O 6 
 (1855), which crystallized from the concentrated ethereal tincture in yellow silky needles. 
 Groves (1872) ascertained that it is easily modified by exposure to air, and is consequently 
 
 Fig. 168. 
 
 Kamala, magnified 190 diameters. 
 
910 
 
 KAMALA. 
 
 obtained only from the recent drug. Fliickiger subsequently observed that on being 
 fused with potassa rottlerin yields paraoxybenzoic acid. Anderson’s resinous coloring 
 matter has the composition C 30 H 30 O v , melts at 100° C. (212° F.), is easily soluble in alco- 
 hol and ether, and yields with lead acetate an orange-colored precipitate. By treating 
 kamala with boiling alcohol, and cooling, amorphous floccules of the composition C 20 H 34 O 4 
 are obtained, which are sparingly soluble in cold alcohol and ether, and are not precipitated 
 by lead or silver salts. 
 
 A. G. and W. H. Perkins (1886) by extracting with carbon disulphide obtained mal- 
 lotoxin Ci 9 H 10 O 3 or C 18 H 16 0 5 , which crystallizes in flesh-colored needles, readily soluble in 
 alkalies, with a yellowish-red solution from which it is precipitated by acids. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Mesenna, Mussena, Bussena, and Bisinna are the Abyssinian names for the 
 bark of Acacia (Albizzia, C our don ; Besenna, Richard ) anthelmintica, Baillon (Nat. Ord. Legu- 
 minosae, Mimosese), which was first sent to Europe in 1838. It comes in flat or bent pieces 2 to 
 5 Cm. (1-2 inches) wide, and 5 Mm. inch) thick, and 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, gray or yellow- 
 ish-brown, smooth or somewhat fissured, the middle bark granular yellowish and the tough bast 
 pale yellow : it is inodorous, and the inner layers have a nauseous sweet, bitterish, and persist- 
 ently acrid taste. Thiel (1862) showed the presence of a saponin-like amorphous body, Musenin , 
 bitter, saccharine, and coloring principles, and about 5.5 per cent, of ash. The infusion is 
 colored yellow by ferric chloride. 
 
 Saoria, from Abyssinia, is the fruit of Maesa lanceolata, Forskal, s. M. pieta, Hochstetter 
 (Nat. Ord. Myrsineae). It is drupaceous, globular-ovate, about 4 Mm. (£ inch) thick, partly 
 united with the calyx, brownish-green, and contains a resinous pulp with many turbinate 
 angular seeds attached to the central placenta ; the taste is bitterish, pungent, and acrid. 
 Apoiger (1857) met with an acrid principle, some iron-greening tannin, volatile oil, fat, pectin, etc. 
 
 Satze or Tatze, the fruit of Myrsine africana, Schimper , differs from the preceding in being 
 more globular, not united with the calyx, of a reddish-brown color, and in containing only one 
 nearly globular seed, which is grooved at the base. The taste of the fruit is more disagreeable 
 than that of saoria. 
 
 Embelia Ribes, Burmann, Nat. Ord. Myrsineae, grows in India. The dark-red drupe is of 
 the size of black pepper, but is very aromatic. Warden (1887, 1888) isolated from it embelic 
 acid, C 9 H 14 0 2 , which crystallizes in brilliant golden spangles and is insoluble in water • its alco- 
 holic solution combined with ammonia turns red, and on spontaneous evaporation yields the salt 
 crystalline and tasteless. 
 
 Wars, Warras, or Wurrus. This name, which is the Arabian for saffron, has occasionally 
 been given to kamala, but in Eastern Africa is given to a distinct drug of unknown origin, but 
 used for dyeing, and medicinally like kamala. It forms a rather coarse powder of a deep-purple 
 color and slight odor, becomes black at the temperature of a water-bath, yields from 6 to 12 per 
 cent, of ash, and under the microscope is seen to consist of cylindrical or subconical glands 
 enclosing oblong vesicles arranged in three or four tiers ; the glands are mixed with rather long, 
 simple hairs. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Kamala has long been employed in Hindostan as a remedy 
 for tsenia. It does not occasion much nausea, colic, or purging. British soldiers in 
 India, it is said, often apply for a dose of the medicine, “ after which they invariably part 
 with the worm in the course of a few hours, and then go on with their military duty as 
 if nothing had happened.” In general, the parasite seems to have been discharged dead. 
 On the other hand, Berenger-Feraud states that it is apt to occasion nausea, colic, vertigo, 
 and headache, and that it does not cause the discharge of the head of taeniae (Bull, de 
 Therap., cxvi. 103). The medicine appears to be efficient in removing lumbricoid worms 
 and rectal ascarides. 
 
 The dose of powdered kamala is Gm. 4-8 fej-ij). To prevent its griping hyoscyamus 
 may be associated with it. A saturated tincture has been found efficient in doses of 
 from Gm. 4-12 (fsj-iij), diluted with cinnamon-water, or the extract produced by evap- 
 orating the tincture may be employed. The dose of either preparation should be 
 repeated several times at intervals of about three hours. 
 
 Musenna is used by the Abyssinians to expel taeniae. They take Gm. 90-120 
 (^iij-iv) of the powdered bark made into an electuary with honey, after fasting for 
 twenty-four hours. The parasite is discharged, neither whole nor in fragments, but 
 reduced to a sort of pulp. The medicine thus administered is apt to occasion nausea, 
 but neither colic nor diarrhoea, and its use is followed after several hours by a purgative, 
 usually of castor oil. When musenna has been employed in Europe it generally failed 
 to produce the results as a taenicide which are attributed to it in its native country. 
 
 Saoria gives a violet tint to the urine and occasions slight nausea and liquid stools. 
 According to some authorities, it is a more certain remedy for taenia than the indigenous 
 taenifuges of France, but others regard its action as uncertain. It may be given in 
 powder, mixed with porridge, in the dose of Gm. 32-48 (^j-^iss). 
 
KINO. 
 
 911 
 
 Tatz£ has a persistently acrid and disagreeable taste, and is apt to produce vomiting 
 and purging. Dr. Strohl found it partially successful in six cases of taenia. He admin- 
 istered from Gm. 128-192 (4 to 6 drachms) of the powder in a liquid vehicle. 
 
 Embelia Ribes. The berries of this plant are stated to be efficacious against tape- 
 worm. Gm. 8-12 (^ij-iij), powdered, are given with milk before breakfast, and followed 
 some hours later by a dose of castor oil or other purgative ( Amer . Jour, of Phar., lx. 
 340). 
 
 KINO, U. S., Br— Kino. 
 
 Gummi (s. Resina ) Kino. — Kino de Unde , Fr. Cod. ; Kino , G. ; Goma quino , Sp. 
 
 The inspissated juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium, Roxburgh. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 81. 
 
 Nut. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The kino tree, called buja in Bengal, is 18-24 M. (60 to 80 feet) high, has 
 numerous spreading branches, a red inner bark, unequally pinnate deciduous leaves, yel- 
 lowish flowers in loose racemes, and nearly orbicular and winged pods, which contain a 
 single kidney -shaped seed. It is indigenous to India and Ceylon, and on incisions being 
 made through the bark yields a red juice, which is dried by exposure to the air and sun. 
 Pter. indicus, Willdenow , a native of Southern India and of the Philippine Islands, yields 
 kino of a fetid odor. 
 
 Description. — East India or Malabar kino is met within small, angular, dark brown- 
 ish-red, glistening, and brittle pieces, which in thin layers are transparent and of a ruby- 
 red color, and tinge the saliva deep-red; it softens between the teeth, is inodorous, and 
 has a very astringent and sweetish taste. It is partly soluble in cold water, leaving a 
 flocculent residue, and is entirely soluble in alcohol and nearly insoluble in ether. The 
 solutions have an acid reaction ; the aqueous solution is precipitated green-black by ferric 
 salts, gray-purplish by lead acetate, light-brown by tartar emetic, and reddish by mercuric 
 chloride. The solution in diluted alcohol is apt to gelatinize. 
 
 Constituents. — By treating kino with ether Eissfeldt (1854) obtained a minute 
 quantity of pyrocatechin which Kremel (1883) could not obtain. The products of the 
 dry distillation of kino contain a larger quantity of the same substance, which may be 
 obtained pure by subliming in a benzoic acid apparatus. Kino contains no catechuic acid , 
 but its tannin, kino-tannic acid , seems to be chemically related to catechu tannin, since it 
 yields similar decomposition-products ; but it has not yet been obtained in a pure condi- 
 tion, being accompanied by red coloring matter, and, according to Hennig (1853), by a 
 pectin compound from which it cannot easily be freed. The aqueous solution of the acid 
 gives with pure ferrous salts when carefully neutralized a violet color, and with ferric 
 salts a blackish-green one. Mineral acids and many metallic salts produce precipitates ; 
 hot nitric acid converts it into oxalic acid. In solution it is darkened by alkalies, and 
 when treated with potassa it is decomposed into protocatechuic acid and phloroglucin. On 
 exposure to air the aqueous solution yields a red precipitate, slowly at the ordinary, more 
 rapidly at the boiling, temperature ; this is kino-red , an amorphous, tasteless mass, the 
 alcoholic solution of which has a slight acid reaction. Kino-red, C 2 8H 2 . 2 O n , is also pro- 
 duced by heating kinoin to 130° C. (266° F.). This compound was obtained by Etti 
 (1879) by boiling kino with diluted hydrochloric acid and agitating the clear liquid with 
 ether; it forms white crystals, the solution of which in water becomes red with ferric 
 chloride. The compound which yields pyrocatechin and gallic acid was obtained by 
 Fliickiger from Australian, but not from Malabar, kino. Kino yields about 1.3 per cent, 
 of ash. 
 
 Other Varieties of Kino. — A frican or Gambia Kino exudes naturally from Pter. erinaceus, 
 Poiret , of Western Africa, and agrees with the Bengal kino in behavior; it is not an article of 
 commerce. 
 
 Australian or Botany Bay Kino is usually referred to Eucalyptus resinifera, Smith (Myrta- 
 ceae), but F. von Mueller sent exudations from sixteen different species to Wiesner (1871), who 
 found the products of E. rostrata. Schlechtendal , E. corymbosa, Smith , E. piperita, Smith , and 
 of some others, to agree well with Malabar kino, while the exudation of E. resinifera, E. gigantea, 
 Hooker, and others contains much gum, which is colored red by a kino-like substance. A kino- 
 like substance is occasionally obtained from E. globulus, Labillardiere. 
 
 Bengal or Palas Kino, Butea gum, from Butea frondosa, Roxburgh (Leguminosae), is in dark 
 ruby-colored tears and fragments, of which only about one-half or less is soluble in hot alcohol, 
 the remainder being mucilaginous matter. According to Eissfeldt, it does not contain pyrocate- 
 chin, but yields this compound on dry distillation. When incinerated, Butea gum leaves about 
 1.8 per cent, of ash. 
 
912 
 
 KRAMERIA. 
 
 Jamaica, West Indian, or Caracas Kino, from Coccoloba uvifera, Linn£, or seaside grape 
 (Polygonacese), is obtained by boiling the wood and bark and evaporating the decoction. It 
 resembles Malabar kino in appearance, but is of a brown tint, less glossy, and has a bitterish 
 rather than a sweetish taste ; it is soluble in both alcohol and water to the extent of about 90 or 
 93 per cent. The tannin of this kino seems to be closely related to, if not identical with, that 
 of the officinal article. The plant named is a large tree of the West Indies and Southern Florida, 
 and has a heavy, hard, and durable violet-brown wood. Whether the wood of Coccoloba flori- 
 dana, Meissner (C. parvifolia, Nuttall ), or pigeon plum, of Southern Florida, may yield kino has 
 not been ascertained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This medicine is more lenitive than other astringents, in con- 
 sequence, probably, of the pectin it contains. Its modified astringency renders it in 
 some degree a local tonic. It is chiefly used in the treatment of diarrhoea and of that 
 form of gastric disorder known as pyrosis. In the former it may be profitably employed 
 when pure astringents would be too irritating, and is generally associated with opium, as 
 it also should be in the treatment of water-brash. It has sometimes been given with 
 apparent advantage to check sweating in phthisis, urination in diabetes , and bleeding in 
 menorrhagia. Its solution may be used as an injection in diarrhoea, dysentery, and 
 leucorrhoea , as a dressing for flabby ulcers , and as a gargle in ulcerated sore throat. In 
 powder it has been employed as a haemostatic. But as a local application it is inferior to 
 other astringents, and especially to tannin. 
 
 Kino may be prescribed in powder in the dose of from Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx). An 
 infusion may be made with Gm. 8 ( 3 H) of kino in Gm. 250 (f^viij) of boiling water. 
 When cool it should be strained and given in doses of 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls. Owing to 
 the tendency of its gummy matter to coagulate, it is less eligible than catechu as an 
 ingredient of chalk mixture. 
 
 KRAMERIA, U. S . — Rhatany. 
 
 Krameriae radix, Br. ; Radix ratanhiae, P. G. ; Radix ratanhae. — Rhatany-root, E. ; 
 Ratanhia, Fr. ; Ratanhawurzel, G. ; Ratania, Crameria, Sp. 
 
 The root of Krameria triandra, Ruiz et Pavon ( Flor . Peruv. ; Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants , 30, 31), and of Krameria Ixina, IAnne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Polygalaceae, Kramerieae. 
 
 Origin. — Tile ratanhia is a low shrub with spreading branches, a native of Bolivia 
 and Peru, and grows in sandy localities in the mountains at an altitude of 900-2440 M. 
 (3000 to 8000 feet) ; it has a striking appearance from the sessile leaves, which are 
 densely covered with silvery hairs, and from the flowers, which have four scarlet sepals 
 arranged in the form of a cross and four small dissimilar red petals. The root is chiefly 
 exported from Payta. and is. therefore distinguished in commerce as Payta or Peruvian 
 rhatany. 
 
 The species Kr. Ixina, as recognized by most botanists, extends from North-eastern 
 Brazil northward to Mexico, Venezuela, and the West Indian islands, and exists in 
 several well-marked varieties ; it has longer petiolate leaves and loose terminal racemes 
 of red flowers with five dissimilar petals. The root is exported from the Columbian ports 
 of Sabanilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, and is known in commerce as Savanilla or New 
 Granada rhatany. 
 
 Description. — Payta rhatany-root has several knotty heads, and consists of a 
 woody main root, which is 25-38 Mm. (1 or 1£ inches) thick and from 5-10 Cm. (2 to 
 
 4 inches) long, w r hen it divides into several spreading and bent 
 branches, 25—45 Cm. (10 to 18 inches) long and varying in 
 thickness from 3—12 Mm. (£ to i inch). The latter constitute 
 what is sometimes called long rhatany , while the less desirable 
 heads and main root are called short or stumpy rhatany. The 
 bark is smooth, or in the older roots scaly ; of a peculiar rust- 
 brown or blackish-brown color ; from 2-3 Mm. (Jy to i inch) 
 thick ; somewhat resinous in the outer, and rather fibrous and 
 brownish-red in the inner layer. The wood is from six to ten 
 times thicker than the bark, of a pale-brownish or reddish color, and is radially striate by 
 numerous fine medullary rays, very tough, and nearly tasteless. The bark, like the wood, 
 is inodorous, but has a strongly astringent taste, which accounts for the superiority of 
 the long root. The tincture made with alcohol gives with an alcoholic solution of lead 
 acetate, a brownish-red precipitate and a brown-red filtrate (Fliickiger). 
 
 Savanilla rhatany-root resembles the Peruvian rhatany, but is always less knotty 
 
 Fig. 169. 
 
 a b 
 
 Rhatany -Root: a, Payta root; 
 b, Savanilla root. 
 
KRAMERTA. 
 
 913 
 
 and more slender ; its bark has a distinct purplish hue, is smooth or longitudinally some- 
 what wrinkled, occasionally deep-fissured, and 3-4 Mm. (£ to 4 inch) thick; the wood is 
 only three or four times thicker than the bark, the tannin of which appears to differ some- 
 what from that of the first variety. The alcoholic tincture yields with alcoholic solution 
 of lead acetate a purplish-gray precipitate and a colorless filtrate. Both roots tinge the 
 saliva brown-red ; the coloring matter is contained in the bark-parenchyma, in which also 
 small subglobular starch-granules are found ; the small bundles of bast-fibres are radially 
 arranged, and accompanied by cells with fine crystals of calcium oxalate. 
 
 Payta rhatany alone is recognized by the German Pharmacopoeia, while those of the 
 United States, Great Britain, and France admit also the Savanilla variety. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent is ratanliia-tannic acid , of which 
 Wittstein (1854) obtained nearly 18 per cent, from the bark of Payta rhatany in the form 
 of a red amorphous powder. It is precipitated dark-green by ferric salts and flesh-colored 
 by gelatin, but not precipitated by tartar emetic ; on dry distillation pyrocatechin distils 
 over. Grabowski (1867) observed that by fusion with potassa the tannin is decomposed 
 into protocatechnic acid and phloroglucin , and that the ratanhia-red of Wittstein, which is 
 obtained by boiling with dilute sulphuric acid, has the same composition, C 26 H 22 O u , as the 
 similar product obtained by Bochleder (1866) from the tannin of the horse-chestnut, and 
 by Rembold (1868) from that of tormentil. The tannins obtained from the three plants 
 appear to have the composition C 26 H 24 O n . The other constituents of rhatany-root are 
 wax, gum, and uncrystallizable sugar. 
 
 Savanilla rhatany contains essentially the same constituents. Wittstein obtained from 
 the bark of Payta rhatany, by means of ether, 17.8 per cent., and subsequently, by alco- 
 hol, 17 per cent., of extract, while Savanilla rhatany yielded respectively 3.2 and 34 per 
 cent. The ethereal extracts contained the tannin described above, but the tannins of the 
 alcoholic extracts appeared to differ in several reactions. 
 
 From an extract of rhatany formerly exported from South America, Wittstein isolated 
 a crystalline body which he regarded as identical with tyrosin , but which Stadeler and 
 Huge (1862) found to be C 10 H 13 NO 3 ; they named it ratanhin. Gintl (1869) proved it to 
 be identical with the angeline of Peckolt, obtained from the resina d’angelim pedra, the 
 exudation of Ferreira (Andira, SaldanJui) spectabilis, Allemao, and suggested that some 
 kino-like extracts from this and allied plants had been used as substitutes or adulterations 
 of the extract of rhatany. 
 
 Other Rhatany Roots have occasionally appeared in commerce. 
 
 Para, Brazilian, or Ceara Rhatany was described by Berg (1865) and by J. G. S. Cotton 
 (1868) in two varieties as rhatanhia des Antilles. It has a dark gray-brown or blackish bark, 
 which adheres firmly to the flexible v T ood, and is longitudinally striate or transversely short- 
 fissured, sometimes dotted with circular warts, and breaks with a glossy somew r hat resinous frac- 
 ture. The relative proportion of bark to wood is about the same as in the Savanilla variety, but 
 the bark is not deep-fissured and is destitute of a purple tint. Its alcoholic tincture behaves 
 nearly like that of the former root. Fluckiger and Hanbury refer it to Krameria argentea, 
 Mart ius , which is known in Brazil as ratanhia da terra. Several other species of Krameria 
 besides the two named are indigenous to Brazil. 
 
 Krameria cistoidea, Hooker , a native of Chili, produces a root which, according to Schroff 
 (1869), closely resembles Payta rhatany ; the wood of the thick main root is pale-reddish in the 
 outer layer and brown-red in the centre. 
 
 Texas rhatany has been described by Berg; it is derived from Kr. secundiflora, De Candolle , 
 and consists of a roundish root-stock about 2 inches (5 Cm.) thick, from wdiich a number of lonn- 
 roots emanate which have a blackish-brown, internally reddish, bark of the same thickness as 
 
 the wood. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In small doses slightly tonic, in larger doses astringent, in 
 still larger doses rhatany causes dyspeptic uneasiness and oppression, with constipation — 
 effects probably due to its astringent qualities. It has been chiefly employed to restrain 
 hemorrhages of every variety, but is most efficient in those of the passive sort, and par- 
 ticularly in that form of uterine haemorrhage in wdiich the flow, without being profuse, 
 is habitual. It is not without utility, as an internal medicine, in uterine leucorrheea. It 
 may be used with benefit in atonic and chronic diarrhoea , and in incontinence of urine 
 from debility of the urinary organs. 
 
 Locally, it is applied by injection to the treatment of dysentery , vaginal leucorrhoea , and 
 gleet, and has enjoyed considerable reputation as a remedy for fissure of the anus. Its 
 mode of action is thought to consist partly in constringing the walls of the rectum, and 
 thereby preventing the formation there of a large fecal mass, which tends to stretch the 
 fissures and render defecation more painful. But it appears also to promote directly the 
 58 
 
914 
 
 LABDANUM.-LAB URNUM. 
 
 healing of the fissures by limiting the amount of blood that reaches them. The applica- 
 tion of it consists merely in emptying the rectum with an emollient enema, and half an 
 hour later throwing into the bowel a solution of Gm. 4-6 (gr. lx-xc) of extract of 
 rhatany in 5 ounces of water. This enema is employed night and morning, and on both 
 occasions it is retained for only a few moments, or else it is allowed to run out at once, 
 and is again thrown into the bowel ; and this process is renewed for several minutes at a 
 time. The bowels are meanwhile prevented from becoming confined by the use of appro- 
 priate food or of gentle laxative, such as sulphur, cassia, etc., or, as has been especially 
 recommended, the administration of powdered belladona-root in the dose of Gm. 0.06 (1 
 grain) or less, given at night. The administration of the enema, which is painful at 
 first, gradually and indeed rapidly ceases to be so, and if steadily persevered in a cure is 
 usually effected. 
 
 A watery solution of rhatany or its extract is of service in the treatment of fissured 
 nipples. A mixture of the extract with white of egg may also be employed. The part 
 should be cleansed when the child nurses, which ought to be as seldom as possible. In 
 non-syphilitic ozsena an infusion of rhatany is sometimes serviceable, introduced into the 
 nostrils with a sponge or injected with a nasal douche several times a day. The addition 
 of chlorinated soda is advantageous, or chloride of lime may be added to the infusion in 
 the proportion of Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x) to Gm. 32 (f^j) of liquid, which, after 
 standing for a time, should be strained. 
 
 Powdered rhatany is seldom employed, but may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.50- 
 2.0 (gr. viii-xxx) ; the extract, fluid extract, and tincture are officinal. 
 
 LABDANUM. — Labdanum. 
 
 Resina ladanum. — Labdanum , Ladanum , E., Fr., G., Sp. 
 
 A resinous exudation of Cistus creticus, Linne , C. cyprius, Lamarck , C. ladaniferus, 
 Linne, and of other species of Cistus. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 24. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cistaceae. 
 
 Collection. — The resinous exudation of these handsome shrubs, indigenous to Greece 
 and the Levant, is collected during hot weather by means of the labdanisterion , consist- 
 ing of a wooden handle with many narrow leather bands on one end, which are drawn 
 over the branches, the resin being afterward scraped off, and often kneaded together with 
 sand and other material. An inferior kind is obtained from the wool, and hairs of sheep 
 and goats which feed on the plants, either by combing or after shearing, by boiling with 
 water. 
 
 Description. — Labdanum is met with in two forms — either as blackish or dark- 
 brown masses, which soften and become glutinous in the hands, and are gray upon the 
 fresh fracture, the color soon becoming darker, or as cylindrical rolls about the thickness 
 of a finger and rolled spirally into flat pieces. Sometimes it is also in cylindrical sticks 
 somewhat of the shape of liquorice. Good labdanum is insoluble in water, almost com- 
 pletely soluble in alcohol, fusible, burns when ignited with a bright flame, and has an 
 agreeable balsamic odor and a bitter taste. The roll and stick labdanum are frequently 
 adulterated or artificially made. 
 
 Constituents. — According to Guibourt, cake labdanum contains 86 per cent, of 
 resin and volatile oil, 7 of wax, 1 of extractive matter, and 6 per cent, of insoluble 
 impurities. Pelletier found in roll labdanum only 20 per cent, of resin and 72 per cent, 
 of sand. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The singularly grateful odor of this resin led to its being 
 made use of in the most ancient times for the fumigation of rooms and clothing, and as 
 a medicine both internally and externally for the same purposes as other aromatic resins. 
 It was prescribed internally and by fumigation for chronic bronchitis, and locally in leu- 
 corrhoea and other uterine affections ; it was also prized as a diuretic. Later it became 
 an ingredient of various stimulant plasters. Its use is now obsolete. 
 
 LABURNUM. — Laburnum. 
 
 Golden chain , Bean trefoil, E. ; Faux ebenier, Cytise , Fr. ; Goldregen, Bohnenbaam, G. 
 
 Cytisus Laburnum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosas, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Description. — This is a tall shrub or low tree indigenous to Southern Europe, and 
 planted in this country for ornament. It grows to the height of 4, 5 or 6 M. (15 or 20 
 
LA B URNUM.—LA C. 
 
 915 
 
 feet), and has a smooth bark. The leaves are on slender petioles, trifoliate, with nearly 
 sessile, oval-oblong, obtuse, and mucronate leaflets, which are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) 
 long, smooth and dark -green above, soft hairy and grayish beneath ; they have a some- 
 what saline, bitterish, and slightly acrid taste. The golden-yellow flowers are in long 
 hanging racemes, and produce linear, obtuse legumes containing glossy, dark-brown, 
 nearly reniform seeds of a disagreeable bitter and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Chevallier and Lassaigne obtained the bitter principle of the ripe 
 seed in an amorphous condition and named it cytisiii. T. Scott Gray (1862) obtained, in 
 addition thereto, laburnic acid and two neutral bitter principles, cystin ( cytistin ?) and 
 labnrnin , which are present chiefly in the seed and bark. These principles appear to be 
 the more or less impure alkaloid citysine of Husemann and Marme (1865). This is white, 
 crystallizable, inodorous, of a bitterish and somewhat caustic taste and strong alkaline 
 reaction, easily soluble in water and alcohol, but nearly insoluble in ether, chloroform, 
 benzene, and carbon disulphide; it melts at 154.5° C. (310° F.), and is sublimable in thin 
 needles or scales. Warm nitric acid colors it orange-yellow ; sulphuric acid and potas- 
 sium dichromate, yellow, brown, and green. The salts are mostly deliquescent, and crys- 
 tallize with difficulty. Its composition is C 2 oH 27 N 3 0. The leaves contain only traces of 
 it ; it is likewise found in the seeds of other species of Cytisus. 
 
 Action and Uses. — 4n medicinal doses laburnum induces a degree of languor and 
 tendency to sleep, rather confines than relaxes the bowels, and very slightly, if at all, 
 increases the urinary secretion. Larger doses are very apt to produce a somewhat sopo- 
 rific effect, and are sure to excite vomiting, and sometimes purging, as well as some 
 quickness of the pulse and giddiness. The same effects are induced by cytisin, and each 
 of its other alleged proximate principles appears to cause some drowsiness and contrac- 
 tion of the pupils. In cases of poisoning by the bark or berries, which have been very 
 numerous in Europe, the effects observed are remarkably uniform. They comprise the 
 following phenomena: Vomiting; pain in the stomach, which is sometimes excruciating; 
 purging ; dryness, heat, and constriction of the throat ; faintness, languor, vertigo, drow- 
 siness, or a narcotic sleep, with slow and stertorous breathing, followed by insomnia ; 
 the eyes are dull and sunken, the pupils dilated, and the eyelids dusky ; the pulse is 
 very weak or fluttering, varying between 90 and 100 ; thirst is usually marked, and in 
 the worst cases muscular twitching of the neck and face is observed. No headache or 
 other pain, except that in the stomach, is complained of, nor do general convulsions 
 occur. In one or two instances the urine has been temporarily grass-green ( Med . Record , 
 xii. 696). In no case has death been observed. 
 
 Laburnum was recommended by Dr. Gray in bilious dyspepsia , with periodical attacks 
 of bilious vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation in the intervals, to be taken in such 
 small doses as not to sicken the patient, thrice daily before meals and continued for six 
 or eight weeks. He also regarded it as an efficient medicine for children who vomit 
 after eating, as a palliative of ichooping cough , of the nausea and sickness of pregnancy, 
 of asthma connected with emphysema of the lungs, etc. These recommendations have 
 not, as yet, been confirmed by experience. Their author proposed for use a decoction 
 of laburnum concentrated until it attains a specific gravity of 1.034, to be given in doses 
 of from 2 to 40 minims. The dose of the extract is stated to be Gm. 0.006-0.06 (gr. 
 j 1 ^— 1) ; of laburnic acid, Gm. 0.06-0.35 (gr j-vj); of laburnin, Gm. 0.30-0.70 (gr. v- 
 xij). Cytisine or its nitrate has been used in congestive headache (migraine) in doses 
 of Gm. 0.003-0.005 (gr. tY)> hypodermically. Many cases of poisoning by Lathy- 
 RUS cicera are on record. The prominent symptoms are lumbar pain, paresis or abnor- 
 mal reflexes, spasm of the lower limbs, incontinence of urine, etc. (. Archives gen., 1883, 
 ii. 230 ; Med. Record , xxxi. 130 ; Therap. Gaz., xii. 557). 
 
 In cases of poisoning by laburnum the stomach should be evacuated by warm water 
 and ammonia, and alcohol administered internally. 
 
 LAC, Br.— Milk. 
 
 Lac vacdnum. — Lait de vache , Fr. Cod. ; Milch , G. ; Latte , It. ; Leche , Sp. 
 
 The fresh milk of the cow, Bos Taurus, Linni. 
 
 Class Mammalia ; Order Ruminantia. 
 
 Description. — Cow’s milk is an opaque white liquid having a faint alkaline or neu- 
 tral reaction, a slight peculiar odor, and a bland and sweet taste ; its specific gravity is 
 about 1.030. Viewed under the microscope, it is seen to be a clear and transparent liquid 
 in which a large number of minute globules are suspended. On standing, these rise to 
 
916 
 
 LAC : 
 
 the surface as a yellowish stratum, the cream, which constitutes about 5.0 per cent, of 
 the milk, and consists mainly of fat mixed with some casein and retaining some serum. 
 By churning the globules unite to form butter, and the liquid which separates, and is 
 known as buttermilk, is essentially a solution of milk-sugar and the saline constituents of 
 milk, and contains some casein and butter. The milk from which the cream has been 
 separated is called skim milk. If left to itself, it becomes acid and separates the casein 
 in a coagulated condition called curds ; the same effect is produced by rennet and by 
 acids. The liquid separated from the coagulum is called whey , and contains chiefly milk- 
 sugar and some salts. The blue color sometimes observed in milk, according to Beiset 
 (1883), is due to a blue fungus. 
 
 Milk possesses great emulsifying capacity, forming permanent emulsions on agitation 
 with ether, chloroform, alcohol, benzin, carbon disulphide, etc., as was shown by Gust. 
 Pile (1883) ; a mixture of equal volumes of milk and chloroform separates but slightly 
 after several hours. Milk produces a blue color with tincture of guaiacum, unless it 
 had been heated to about 80° C. (176° F.) or a mineral acid or caustic alkali had been 
 added. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical constituents of the milk of mammals are qualita- 
 tively alike, but quantitatively vary very much for different species, for different indi- 
 viduals, and even for the same individual, depending in the latter case upon the length 
 of time since the last birth, upon the kind and quantity of food, and upon the exertion 
 or rest of the individual. The following table is compiled from the averages given by 
 Lehmann and others ( Physiol . Chemistry ) : 
 
 
 
 
 Milk 
 
 OF 
 
 
 
 
 Woman. 
 
 Cow. 
 
 Mare. 
 
 Goat. 
 
 Sheep. 
 
 Sow. 
 
 Albuminoids (protein compounds) 
 
 2.5 
 
 4.1 
 
 1.7 
 
 5.0 
 
 4.5 
 
 6.2 
 
 Fat (butter) 
 
 3.6 
 
 4.0 
 
 0.8 
 
 3.7 
 
 4.2 
 
 5.8 
 
 Milk-sugar 
 
 6.5 
 
 4.2 
 
 8.8 
 
 4.5 
 
 5.0 
 
 5.3 
 
 Salts (chiefly’phospliates) 
 
 0.5 
 
 0.7 
 
 0.4 
 
 0.6 
 
 0.7 
 
 0.9 
 
 Total solids 
 
 2 3.1 
 
 13.0 
 
 11.7 
 
 13.8 
 
 14.4 
 
 18.2 
 
 Water 
 
 86.9 
 
 87.0 
 
 88.3 
 
 86.2 
 
 85.6 
 
 81.8 
 
 The albuminoids consist of casein and lactoprotein. Casein is not coagulated by heat, 
 but on evaporating its aqueous solution it becomes insoluble and separates in the form 
 of a thin skin ; acetic and other acids coagulate it ; so does rennet, and after this ceases 
 to have any further effect, acetic acid will produce another coagulation. The protein com- 
 pounds of the different milks, however, vary slightly in their behavior to some reagents. 
 Schmidt-Muehlheim (1883) showed that fresh milk contains between .08 and .19 per cent, 
 of peptone , and that this quantity is increased at the expense of the casein by digestion 
 at 40° C. (104° F.). To obtain the peptone the protein is precipitated with table-salt 
 and acetic acid, and afterward the peptone by phosphotungstic acid ; this precipitate, dis- 
 solved in caustic soda, shows the reactions of peptone. (See Ovum.) 
 
 Butter, as obtained by the churning of cream, is a very complex mixture of fats with 
 small quantities of an odorous principle, casein, milk-sugar, salts, and water ; the fats are 
 glycerides of butyric, capronic, caprinic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, some 
 of which are gradually decomposed, whereby the liquid fatty acids are liberated and the 
 butter turns rancid. 
 
 As stated above, milk left to itself becomes acid ; the change takes place in conse- 
 quence of the fermentation of milk-sugar (see Saccharum Lactis) induced by the casein, 
 whereby lactic acid is generated. The change is prevented, for some time at least, by the 
 addition of certain compounds, for which purpose borax has been recommended ; but 
 boric acid, in the proportion of 1 to 1000 milk, as recommended by Hirschberg (1871), 
 is preferable, as not altering the taste. Salicylic acid (1 to about 5000 milk) has also 
 been found serviceable. If kept in vessels closed by Appert’s method, it separates into 
 several strata, but remains unchanged, provided it had been heated for some time to 120° 
 C. (248° F.). Naegeli, and afterward C. Loew (1882), showed that milk preserved at a 
 lower heat gradually becomes intensely bitter and brown, the albuminoids being pepton- 
 ized and partly converted into leucin, tyrosin, and ammonia, and the milk-sugar into lac- 
 tose and glucose. More recently, concentrated or condensed milk has been introduced, 
 which is simply fresh milk mixed with a certain proportion of sugar and evaporated at a 
 low temperature to the consistence of a thick syrup or soft extract, in which condition it 
 will keep well. 
 
 Adulteration. — When milk is mixed with water its specific gravity is lowered; 
 skim milk, on the other hand, has a higher density. To detect adulterations, the quan- 
 tity of the solids is determined by evaporation to dryness ; from this the amount of fat 
 
LAC. 
 
 917 
 
 is ascertained by treating with ether or petroleum benzin, and the residue is either incin- 
 erated to determine the amount of mineral constituents and estimate the albuminoids 
 and sugar combined by the loss in weight, or the residue insoluble in ether is treated 
 with alcohol and water, which leave casein and dissolve the sugar and salts. Since the 
 milk residue is dried and afterward exhausted with difficulty, some chemists prefer to 
 evaporate the milk mixed with a known quantity of dry sand, calcium sulphate, or upon 
 filtering-paper. 
 
 Various instruments, called lactometers , have been constructed with the view of ascer- 
 taining rapidly the purity of milk by determining either the density, the degree of opa- 
 city, the percentage of cream, or the amount of butter. 
 
 Preparations of Milk. — Serum lactis dulce. — Whey, E. ; Petit-lait, Fr.; Molken, G. ; Siero 
 di latte, It. ; Suero, Sp. — Mix fresh cow’s milk 200 parts with rennet wine 1 part ; warm to 35° 
 or 40° C. (95° or 104° F.), and after coagulation strain from the curd. 
 
 Serum lactis, F. Cod. (Serum lactis acidum, P. A .). — Acid whey, E. ; Petit-lait acidule, 
 Fr.; Saure Molken, G. — Heat skim milk (fresh milk. P. A.) 100 parts to boiling, add 0.1 part 
 of citric acid dissolved in 1 part of water (or 1 part of vinegar, P. A.), and when completely 
 coagulated strain ; mix the strained liquid with white of egg, heat to boiling, and filter. 
 
 Serum lactis aluminatum. — A lum whey, E. ; Petit-lait alumineux, Fr. ; Alaunmolken, G. — 
 Milk 100 parts, powdered alum 1 part : heat to boiling and strain. 
 
 Serum lactis tamarindinatum. — T amarind whey, E. ; Petit-lait tamarind, Fr. ; Tamarinden- 
 Molken, G . — Milk 100 parts, tamarinds 4 parts ; heat and strain. The whey has a brownish 
 color. 
 
 Serum lactis D. Weiss (Petit-lait de Weiss, F. Cod.). — Senna-pods 2 Gm.. magnesium sulphate 
 2 Gm.. St. Johnswort 1 Gm., Galium Mollugo 1 Gm., elder-flowers 1 Gm., boiling whey 500 Gm., 
 digest for half an hour, strain, and filter. 
 
 Koumys or Kumiss is fermented mare’s milk, which is extensively employed as a beverage and 
 for medicinal purposes by the Kirgheez, Kalmucks, Turkomans, Nogays, and other nomad tribes 
 of the Russian Empire. The process for preparing it differs somewhat with the different tribes, 
 but in all cases consists in inducing fermentation by the addition of yeast to fresh mare’s milk, 
 and in stirring this occasionally ; the product obtained in about 12 hours is known as ssaumal 
 or staumgal ; on being kept for several days it becomes much stronger, of a more decided acid 
 taste, and very sparkling from the confined carbonic acid gas. For the preparation of lac fer- 
 mentation or milk wine from cow's milk the following directions are given by the National 
 Formulary , based upon the formula recommended by Wilckens (1874) : Dissolve sugar, 1 troy 
 oz., in fresh cow’s milk, 1 quart, contained in a strong bottle, add semi-liquid yeast, 60 minims, 
 cork the bottle securely and keep it at a temperature between 23° and 32° C, (75° to 90° F.) for 
 6 hours ; then transfer it to a cold place. The proportions used by Dr. L. Wolff (1880) are : 
 Grape-sugar £ ounce, water 4 ounces, compressed yeast 20 grains, cow's milk sufficient for a 
 quart champagne-bottle ; ferment for 3 or 4 days at 10° C. (50° F.) or less ; this koumys will 
 keep 4 or 5 days. According to Jagielski (1874), the fermentation, once started, will continue 
 in corked bottles and at a low temperature, resulting in an increase of alcohol, carbonic acid, 
 and lactic acid ; cow’s milk is preferable for the preparation of koumys, this being free from 
 disagreeable odor and taste. For special purposes the milk is somewhat diluted before fermenta- 
 tion or the whey only used in making koumys. 
 
 Kephir or Kefir, the milk wine of certain Caucasian tribes, is prepared by them from sheep’s 
 and goat's milk with a ferment consisting of yeast and a species of bacteria. Diospora caucasica, 
 Kern (1881), possibly a species of Leptothrix : the fermentation takes place in leather bags. The 
 peculiarity of kephir, according to Biel (1885), depends mainly upon changes in the casein. 
 According to Kugelmann (1886), a milk wine closely resembling kephir is obtained by ferment- 
 ing in bottles a mixture of 1 volume of buttermilk with 1 or 2 volumes of sweet milk. 
 
 Medical History. — In the Hebrew Scriptures milk is constantly referred to for its 
 precious qualities as food, and no more striking figure could be employed to represent the 
 exuberant riches of a country than that it was a “ land flowing with milk and honey 
 that is to say, suitable for raising herds and grain. Milk is the most essential article of 
 food for man before his teeth are matured for mastication, as well as in that second child- 
 hood when “ the grinders cease because they are few,*’ especially when it is associated 
 with wine, which is “ the milk of old age.” Not less does it become the essential and 
 most salutary food of man when at any period of his life he is enfeebled by disease. 
 The qualities that adapt it to these several states or conditions of life are — the facility 
 of eating it, for it requires no mastication ; the rapidity of digesting it, since it needs but 
 little change to convert it into assimilable material ; and the small amount of waste 
 which it involves and of digestive power which it requires, since the fecal residue of its 
 digestion is less than is left by any other food. 
 
 The ancients used milk from the cow, the camel, the mare, the ass, the goat, and the 
 sheep, and attributed to several of these products special virtues or defects ; thus, sheep’s 
 milk was considered binding, ass’s and goat’s milk rather relaxing, and to cow’s milk 
 
918 
 
 LAC. 
 
 intermediate qualities were ascribed. A full summary of the subject is furnished by 
 Pliny, who represents human milk as the most nutritious, and goat’s milk as next in 
 strength, and he calls to memory the myth that Jupiter was suckled by a goat. The 
 mildest milk, according to Pliny, is the camel’s. He very correctly remarks that crude 
 miik is more flatulent and less wholesome than boiled milk. lie states that milk is used 
 for all manner of internal inflammations, including those of the kidneys, bladder, bowels, 
 throat, and lungs, and externally for itching and watery eruptions of the skin, and refers 
 to its employment, as Celsus also did, in the cure of phthisis. He speaks of its value in 
 other cachexise, and especially of the cure of chronic gout by ass’s milk, and also of milk 
 in general in the treatment of dysentery and of poisoning by colchicum, conium, etc. He 
 refers particularly to ass’s milk in marasmus and other wasting diseases, and to the use 
 in affections of the spleen of milk from goats that had fed on ivy. He describes the 
 mode of preparing whey, and its uses in epilepsy, melancholy, paralysis, and diseases of 
 the skin. Milk was also applied topically in ophthalmia and in ulcerations of the mouth, 
 throat, and uterus. According to Galen, cows were fed with certain medicinal plants in 
 order to render their milk curative of particular diseases. Arabian physicians used a milk 
 diet in consumption. About the beginning of the eighteenth century the milk treatment 
 enjoyed a great vogue under the influence of F. Hoffmann. Since 1865, when Karell 
 prescribed the systematic use of skim milk as the sole remedy for various chronic diseases, 
 his method has been adopted by prominent physicians in several countries. The secretion 
 with the milk of various drugs and medicines is a subject of much importance, but can- 
 not occupy us here. (See Stumpf, Deutsches Archie fur klinische Medicin , Jan. 18, 1882 ; 
 Dolan, Practitioner , xxvi. 85, 165, 251, 381, 477.) 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — According to Randolph and Roussell, and also to 
 Jessen, raw milk is more readily acted upon by rennet than boiled milk, while acids more 
 promptly dissolve the latter. From their numerous observations it also followed that 
 boiled milk is digested more slowly than raw milk ( Med . News , xliv. 725; Vasilieff, ib., 
 lvi. 100). Reichmann, however, reached an opposite conclusion, finding that raw milk was 
 detained in the stomach longer than boiled milk (Zeitsch. f h. Med., ix. 565); while 
 Dujardin-Beaumetz contended that boiled and raw milk are equally digestible (Bull, de 
 Therap ., cxi. 15). We cannot doubt that warm is more acceptable to the stomach than 
 cold milk, whether it require a longer or a shorter time to be digested. The latter is a 
 scientific, the former a practical and clinical, question. A capital point has been insisted 
 upon by Hoffmann (Zeitschrift f. k. Med., vii. (Suppl.) 19, viz. that different specimens 
 of pure milk possess very unequal nutritive powers ; that they vary with the season of 
 the year and the food, etc. of the cows ; that the quantity of the milk which is ample for 
 the child in arms or for the adult confined to bed is insufficient for the child that has 
 learned to walk or for the adult that leads an active or laborious life ; and that all rules 
 are worthless that fix beforehand a certain quantity for individual patients. In connection 
 with the use of mother’s milk for food, it should be remembered that this secretion may 
 convey certain substances from the mother to the child, among which may be mentioned 
 various purgatives and nearly all narcotics, ferrocyanide and iodide of potassium, several 
 preparations of mercury, salicylate of sodium, iodoform, etc. The special action of milk, 
 considered as a therapeutical agent, is that, while it affords sufficient nutriment, it mod- 
 erates the stimulating action of the blood and restricts the excrementitious waste derived 
 from the food, thereby enabling the organs which are obstructed by blood, by secretions, 
 or by more or less plastic exudations to purge themselves of these hindrances to a free and 
 normal action. In a word, it gives rest, which is the primary condition of cure, and 
 removes hindrances to a return of that functional activity which is an essential condition 
 of health. The milk treatment is essentially a “hunger treatment,” and is analogous to 
 that natural ‘and instinctive abstinence from food which is observed in all acute febrile 
 diseases and in the greater number of chronic disorders, and which is the cry of Nature 
 to be let alone — to be spared that officious assiduity which is as mischievous in dietetics 
 as in medicinal therapeutics. This we conceive to be the simple explanation of the cura- 
 tive powers of milk. Dr. S. Weir Mitchell has stated that during the treatment by skim 
 milk patients always lose weight at first, and that so long as its use is continued uric acid 
 completely disappears from the urine, which becomes pale and whey-like, while the feces 
 grow pale, hard, and odorless. According to Chibret, an exclusive milk diet increases by 
 60 per cent, the urea excreted ( Boston Jour., Nov., 1887, p. 486), while augmenting the 
 secretion of urine. Its diuretic action is attributed by See to the sugar it contains ( Jour- 
 nal de Med., Juin, 1889). Tortured as it may be by physiological experiment, milk 
 reveals no special action upon this or that organ or anatomical element, but so modifies 
 
LAC. 
 
 919 
 
 the whole system as to restore its soundness without the aid of drugs, or else enables 
 them to produce results which without its aid they would have been unable to accom- 
 plish. It is perhaps not always remembered that milk and alcohol in the form ol “ milk 
 punch” contain at once the most perfect nutrient and the most efficient condiment that 
 could possibly be used under the circumstances in which this preparation is usually 
 employed. 
 
 Of all forms of food that can be used in fevers and inflammations , there is no doubt 
 that milk is the best whenever the decline of the fever and the process of wasting have 
 begun. Before this period watery preparations of starchy products, especially of barley 
 and rice, are sufficient, but as soon as tissue-waste shows itself a portion of milk should 
 be added to them, and gradually increased until it forms the principal part of the nour- 
 ishment or is supplemented by the stimulant operation of beef-tea or the nutriment of 
 meat-soup. A theoretical objection has been urged against milk as food in acute articular 
 rheumatism , that it tends directly to increase the lactic acid which is assumed to be the 
 morbid material of the disease. But the theory, however plausible, is not proven. The 
 use of milk, either in the form of whey, skimmed milk, or milk diluted with water, is 
 commended by most clinicians in this affection, Bartholow saying ( Times and Gazette , 
 Mar., 1880, p. 326), “ Large draughts of milk are useful in maintaining the free action 
 of the kidneys and Howard (Pepper’s System of Medicine , ii. 69), that “ the diet in the 
 early actively febrile stage should consist of panada, .... milk and barley-water, or 
 even pure milk.” In less acute affections, and especially in those attended with suppura- 
 tion or an excessive discharge of blood, serum, or mucus, nothing so well as milk main- 
 tains the strength without tending to excite fever. When inflammatory or ulcerative 
 lesions exist in the stomach or bowels, the use of milk can hardly be dispensed with. 
 With regard to the former, it may be remarked that a milk diet is almost a matter of 
 necessity, and is the surest means of nourishing the patient while nature gradually 
 restores the normal condition of the stomach. In simple gastric ulcer it is the one remedy 
 which may be depended upon for a permanent cure ; and in cancer of the stomach or 
 bowels it is infinitely the best palliative, and the only one by means of which life may 
 with any certainty be prolonged. But in these and similar cases the quantity of the 
 milk employed must be carefully adjusted to the tolerance of the digestive organs, and, 
 if necessary, its retention favored and its assimilation promoted by the addition of lime- 
 water or by preceding the administration of each portion with a dose of bismuth ; but along 
 with these articles must be given, according to circumstances, the more nutritious articles 
 already indicated. The same remarks apply to diarrhoea and dysentery , both in their 
 acute and chronic forms, provided that in the acute disease whey or milk-and-water or 
 buttermilk is employed rather than pure milk. The last is most efficient in the chronic 
 affection, if it be administered with a due regard to its tolerance by the patient. In cir- 
 rhosis of the liver a diet largely composed of skimmed milk renders an important service 
 both as a nutrient and a diuretic and depurant (Bartholow). Semmola says that as long 
 as the hepatic lesion is limited to an embryonal neo-formation a good result may be 
 hoped for from a rigorous milk diet ( Therap. Gaz., xiii. 644). In almost all of the gas- 
 tric disorders in which vomiting depends upon irritability of the stomach lime-water and 
 milk in equal proportions, and in small doses , form one of the most efficient remedies. M. 
 Debove has proposed that in order to introduce into the stomach the largest necessary 
 quantity of milk there should be added to the skim milk to be given a proportion of 
 desiccated milk in pulverulent form, so that the percentage of nutritive matter in the 
 mixture shall be much greater than in milk alone. When feeding by the stomach is no 
 longer possible, milk may be given by enema with some, even if small, advantage, pro- 
 vided it has added to it sodium bicarbonate and pancreatic emulsion. In not a few cases 
 albuminuria due to desquamative nephritis has been cured by the persistent use of an 
 exclusive milk diet, and in others by an association with it of ferruginous-saline mineral 
 waters or of officinal preparations of iron. Even in those less curable cases of interstitial 
 nephritis associated with hepatic and cardiac lesions there can be no doubt that this 
 method tends to remove the dropsy, and at the same time to quiet the morbid violence 
 of the heart’s action, while it greatly improves the nutrition of the system. (Compare 
 llobinson, Therap . Gaz., xiii. 101 ; Senator, Therap. Monatsch., iv. 351.) Some years 
 ago several physicians announced the cure of diabetes by a skim-milk diet, but others 
 found that this mode of treatment aggravated the disease (Bull, de Therap ., cxvi. 509). 
 Nevertheless, prolonged experience has proved, however contrary it may be to scientific 
 prevision, that this method sometimes causes a complete disappearance of sugar from the 
 urine, and in a majority of cases reduces it greatly, moderating, of course and at the 
 
920 
 
 LAC. 
 
 same time, the thirst, dryness of the skin, etc. It seems probable also that skimmed is 
 much more salutary than unskimmed milk. Through a somewhat similar mode of action 
 a milk diet becomes a palliative or a cure of gall-stones and of urinary calculi. In regard 
 to a milk diet in chronic diseases of the lungs, whether tuberculous or bronchitic, with 
 their associated affections pleurisy and emphysema, it suffices to say that, as a rule, it is 
 contraindicated, as affording too little nutriment when there is need of all that can be 
 assimilated. In point of fact, a milk diet, as such, never cured, or even ameliorated, any 
 one of them ; but its use has been followed by favorable results, even in consumption, when 
 it has been associated with other favorable hygienic influences, such as a pure, dry atmo- 
 sphere, active and regular exercise, a complete change in the habits of living, abstention 
 from the use of perturbative drugs, and a nutritious diet fitted to compensate for the 
 defects of the milk regimen in this respect. In diseases of the heart , and especially in 
 mitral obstruction, a milk diet goes far to palliate the effects of that mechanical obstruc- 
 tion of the circulation; that is to say, it relieves dyspnoea, lessens palpitation, pain, and 
 dropsy, and increases the urine, and, in a word, lessens all the consequences of passive 
 congestion, whether in brain, lungs, stomach, bowels, kidneys, etc. (Hoegerstedt, Zeitscli. 
 Min. Med., xvi. 16). In almost every cachectic condition milk is the most reliable article 
 of food. Different kinds of milk, and especially ass’s and goat’s milk, have been reputed 
 to be remedies for consumption and scrofula ; and beyond a doubt a milk diet, with an 
 appropriate regimen in other respects, is a very efficient means of invigorating the stru- 
 mous constitution. Lime-water, which has always had a similar reputation, should be 
 associated with the milk. A milk-and-vegetable diet has long been used in the treatment 
 of epilepsy, and its operation is intelligible by analogy when we consider that every rem- 
 edy that has been most useful in this disease, from the time of Aretaeus, who declared, 
 “ from flesh in particular the patient is to be entirely restricted,” down to the introduction 
 of the bromides, has been a sedative of the nervous and circulatory systems. Milk is 
 one of the most convenient and efficient antidotes for nearly all corrosive poisons, acids, 
 alkalies, and metallic salts, because with some of them it forms compounds that are not 
 readily soluble, and all of them it envelopes in its curd, and thus tends to prevent inflam- 
 mation or absorption until proper emetics can be administered. 
 
 The close analogies of milk and chyle led to the use of the former by its injection into 
 the veins, which was tried by Donne in 1842, and without causing any alarming symp- 
 toms. Later it was employed fruitlessly by Bovell and by Herepath in cholera, and about 
 1860 by Hodder of Toronto in a case of complete collapse, in which reaction and recovery 
 followed. Subsequently, Dr. Howe, and then Dr. Thomas of New York, made use of the 
 same method, the one in phthisis, the other in traumatic hsemorrhage, and in no case did 
 any threatening symptoms arise when the milk employed was perfectly fresh. The latter 
 physician pronounced it a safe and legitimate remedy, expressing his conviction that the 
 intravenous injection of milk will answer nearly as good a purpose as that of blood, and 
 predicting for it a brilliant and useful future. Subsequently, however, Dr. Howe per- 
 formed a number of experiments upon dogs, depleting the animals, and then injecting 
 into the veins or the arteries a less amount of milk than that of the blood abstracted. 
 Thus he removed by depletion from 8 to 16 ounces of blood, and replaced it with from 6 
 to 10 ounces of milk. All of the animals died, but two dogs bled in the same manner, 
 and not injected, recovered. Certain experiments of Brown-Sequard proved that much 
 smaller quantities of milk, such as 95 Gm. (§iij), might, under similar circumstances, be 
 tolerated. Afterward, Wolfsberg found that animals would bear the injection of milk to 
 the extent of three-fourths of 1 per cent, of the quantity of blood abstracted, but that 
 more than this speedily destroyed them. He also was unable to preserve the life of dogs 
 by this treatment ; their weight declined, and they died of inanition without obvious dis- 
 ease. Meanwhile, attempts were made to preserve or prolong life by this treatment in 
 patients affected with various diseases by Hunter and Pepper in America and Macdon- 
 nell and Meldon in Europe, with results which did not sustain the favorable anticipations 
 referred to above, and which had led Dr. Thomas to state that intravenous injection of 
 milk should be used not only in hsemorrhage, but also in Asiatic cholera, pernicious 
 anaemia, typhoid fever, and puerperal convulsions. Dr. Howe, who was the first in this 
 country to employ it, declares not only that his own experience gives him little faith in 
 its utility, but that “ it is a dangerous operation, and one that should only be resorted to 
 when blood cannot be obtained.” In several cases the patient was attacked with vertigo, 
 dimness of vision, twitching of the eyeballs, and dyspnoea. In other cases it conferred 
 no sensible or lasting advantage, but only postponed the fatal result. Dr. Pepper, who 
 employed it in a case of progressive organic anaemia, effected no material relief, and was 
 
LAC. 
 
 921 
 
 of opinion that in cases of intense anaemia connected with serious but curable disease, 
 although doubtless of much service, the severe symptoms following the operation and its 
 more immediate dangers render it improper until all other remedies have failed. Jen- 
 nings claimed that the intravenous injection of “ a small quantity of newly-drawn milk 
 is harmless” {Brit. Med. Jour ., June, 1885). It is difficult to conceive on what rational 
 grounds such an operation should ever have been undertaken. Its proposers would seem 
 to have considered that the elaborate mechanism provided by nature for the digestion of 
 milk in infancy is useless or superfluous — that the casein which requires the action of 
 the gastric juice, and the butter which needs the bile and pancreatic secretions, to fit 
 them for absorption and nutrition, need not be subjected to any such preparation, but 
 might at once be mixed with the blood and converted directly into tissue ! That the 
 water and salts, and possibly even the sugar, may, when so introduced, be capable of sus- 
 taining life for a short time, is rendered probable by the results of saline injections into 
 the veins in epidemic cholera ; but in regard to milk as a whole experience has confirmed 
 the plainest deductions from physiological law, and proved the operation to be dangerous 
 as well as irrational. These conclusions have been confirmed by the more recent experi- 
 ments of Moutard-Martin and Richet, and of Demetre Culcer {Bull, de Therap ., xcvii. 
 136; xcviii. 89), who found that death was caused by caseous emboli in the medulla 
 oblongata ; and by Bechamp and Baltus, who conclude that the operation cannot form a 
 substitute for the transfusion of blood {Archives gen ., Aout, 1879, p. 228). It should 
 perhaps be added that Dr. Meldon of Dublin claims to have rescued a phthisical patient 
 from death for at least 6 months by a single intravenous injection of 3J ounces of milk. 
 He performed the operation, only as a last resort, in ten cases, four of which were cured, 
 and were all of them cases of “ pernicious anaemia ” {Med. News and Abstract , xxxviii. 
 265). Such a result was unparalleled when it was announced in 1880, and has not been 
 matched since then. In 1885 this treatment was suggested and employed in a case of 
 opium and chloral poisoning. The patient at first seemed to revive, but afterward died 
 {Med. Record , xxvii. 679). 
 
 Milk may be used topically as an emollient and demulcent. It is a popular remedy for 
 ophthalmia in infants, and especially in nursing infants, to instil the mother’s milk in the 
 eyes, and human as well as cow’s milk is applied to various local cutaneous inflammations, 
 such as erythema , intertrigo , otorrhoea , etc. A poultice made by stirring bread-crumb in 
 hot milk is in common use to promote suppuration in abscesses. If its application is long 
 continued, it is apt to render the skin sodden and wrinkled. It should be prevented from 
 adhering by the addition of a little lard or glycerin. 
 
 Administration. — According to Karell, a chief apostle of the “ milk cure,” it is 
 essential that the patient abstain from all other food but milk, and that he should take it 
 at fixed hours and in determinate quantities. The milk, we are told, must be skimmed, 
 but that degree of exaction is not required by others who employ the method. It should 
 be warmed, not hot, in winter, cool, but not iced, in summer, and should be swallowed 
 by small mouthfuls and slowly. If the stools are consistent, the quantity of milk may 
 be gradually increased until from 4 to 6 pints a day are taken. Almost always a primary 
 effect of the treatment is to produce constipation, which may be overcome by a little 
 castor oil or rhubarb or by a roasted apple or stewed prunes. Sometimes much more 
 energetic modes of treatment are called for. If, on the other hand, the milk food under- 
 goes decomposition, producing flatulence or diarrhoea, a certain proportion of lime-water 
 should be mixed with it, or the milk should not be taken unless it has been boiled. When 
 its use is attended with a coated tongue and dyspeptic symptoms, the cause is generally a 
 febrile condition, originating in the imperfectly-digested milk contained in the alimentary 
 canal. If the patient is thirsty, he may drink pure water or carbonated water. Toward 
 the third week of this process, if he grows .weary of it, he may be allowed a little stale 
 bread once a day, or grits or other analogous preparations may be added to the milk. To 
 carry out this discipline requires the patient to be endowed with a degree of courage 
 approaching heroism ; but in certain cases it brings a due reward : the flesh and strength, 
 which had before been declining under the combined influence of pain, indigestion, and 
 scanty nourishment, begin to improve, and thus persons of resolution are encouraged to 
 endure their martyrdom. 
 
 It may be stated here that condensed milk is in many cases a valuable substitute for 
 fresh milk in all cases of sickness calling for the use of milk, and especially when good 
 milk cannot be procured from the cow. This is notoriously the case at most of our sea- 
 side resorts, and it occurs also where the drinking-water is unduly mineralized. 
 
 Serum lactis, Whey. This preparation, which contains little else than sugar of milk 
 
922 
 
 LAC. 
 
 and a fractional percentage of salts, and is nutritious chiefly through its watery element, 
 has been used from time immemorial as a drink in fevers. It is agreeable to the taste, 
 or may be rendered so by lemon-juice or by tamarinds, as was the custom in Sydenham’s 
 day, and is also more or less diuretic and laxative. Taken copiously and hot, it was at 
 that time the favorite diaphoretic at the commencement of febrile attacks due to cold. 
 When whey is drunk to the extent of a pint or two every day and for several weeks 
 together, it tends to derange the stomach, impair the appetite, and produce diarrhoea, and 
 is therefore improper in all chronic diseases in which the digestive organs are already 
 enfeebled. On the other hand, it may, as far as it goes, prove useful in chronic blood 
 disorders like gout, rheumatism , and gravel, with congestion of the brain or of the portal 
 circulation, owing to its depurative and somewhat diuretic qualities, which it owes to the 
 salts which it contains. But in Germany, where alone the “whey cure” is systematically 
 employed, it is pursued in localities in which pure air and exercise and the change of food, 
 to say nothing of the mineral waters usually taken at the same time, doubtless have 
 much more to do with the cure of disease than the systematic drinking of whey. Wine- 
 whey is made by adding to a pint of milk, at a boiling heat, from 2 to 8 ounces of sherry 
 wine, straining off the whey, and sweetening it. It is a mildly stimulant and nutritive 
 drink, much used in the typhoid state of febrile diseases. 
 
 Buttermilk, or the thin sour milk separated from the cream by churning, contains 
 casein, but very little butter. Even by many persons in health it is considered a most 
 refreshing drink, and there is no form of fever in which it is not apt to be relished, prob- 
 ably on account of its acidulous taste. It is one of the very best remedies that can be 
 employed in acute and even in chronic dysentery , promptly allaying the tenesmus and 
 modifying the bloody and mucous stools of the acute form, and lessening the frequency 
 of the evacuations in the chronic disease. Dr. Young of Chester, Pa., introduced this 
 treatment in 1842, allowing his patients to drink even a gallon of buttermilk daily if 
 they desired it. It was afterward used by Dr. Jackson (of Northumberland) and others 
 with emphatic approval ( Philad . Med. Exam., v. 717). Its effects in typhoid fever are strik- 
 ing. It renders the discharges less numerous and moderates the tympanites. It should 
 be given in doses of from 2 to 4 ounces every three or four hours, and always as fresh as 
 possible. In many of those cases of vomiting for which milk in very small and repeated 
 doses is a familiar remedy buttermilk is even more acceptable to the stomach ; and it is 
 one of the best forms in which milk can be given in either form of kidney disease. 
 
 Koumys is a drink imitated from the Tartars, and which may be considered a peculiar 
 form of milk punch, since it contains the saline and protein constituents along with the 
 sugar, fat, and lactic acid of the milk, together with carbonic acid and alcohol, the latter 
 constituents varying with the time employed in the fermentation. It is therefore a 
 nourishing and stimulating drink, sometimes even an intoxicating one, since the longer it 
 is kept the more alcohol it contains. One analysis states that at the end of 16 days it 
 yields upward of 20 parts of alcohol in 1000. The effects of drinking 2 or 3 glasses of 
 koumys are identical with those of alcohol — a general diffusive glow, a quickening of the 
 pulse, a pleasurable excitement of mind and body. Like alcohol, indulged in overmuch 
 it impairs the appetite for food, tends to constipate the bowels, renders one dull and 
 sleepy, and augments the urinary solids. Moderately used, it promotes digestion and 
 nutrition, or at least increases the weight by augmenting the fat, precisely like milk 
 punch. Like that familiar drink, it is of more or less use in various wasting diseases, 
 including consumption and nervous exhaustion , chronic dyspeptic disorders, chronic diar- 
 rhoea, anaemia, chlorosis, malarial cachexise, etc. In the second edition of the Dispensatory 
 we made use of the following words : “ It is not to be wondered at that in Germany a 
 counterfeit koumys is prepared with milk, lemon, and rum. There is good reason to fear 
 that the general fondness for sparkling wines and other effervescing drinks may tend to 
 render fashionable a draught which, under the disguise of a medicine, partakes more or 
 less of their inebriating qualities, and may become the prime cause of a baleful habit 
 of intoxication. There is much danger also lest its votaries overlook the essential con- 
 ditions of its utility — active exercise in the open air and the various hygienic measures 
 upon which the utility of alcohol and other hydrocarbons in all chronic wasting diseases 
 essentially depends.” More recently, as we learn from Stange ( Von Ziemssen's Hand- 
 huch der Allgemeinen Therapie , 1883, i. 403), “favorable results from the koumys treat- 
 ment can be expected only in the steppes of Russia, where not only is the preparation 
 properly made, but a dry, hot climate exists, which is essential to the success of the 
 method. The proper koumys can only be prepared from the milk of a special race of 
 mares fed on the peculiar grasses of the steppes alone and subjected to no labor.” And 
 
LA CCA. 
 
 923 
 
 Dr. Carrick of St. Petersburg stated to the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Edinburgh that 
 11 the best effect of the kouinys cure was to be got not only by taking the remedy itself, 
 but by going to the Russian steppes to partake of it there ” ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxvii. 
 167). 
 
 Kephir, a drink made by the action of a peculiar ferment (a species of mushroom) 
 upon cow’s milk by the mountaineers of the Caucasus, was brought into notice in 1881. 
 It was said to be nutritious as well as remedial in anaemia, scrofula, phthisis , and in pul- 
 monary and gastro-intestinal catarrh — i. e. in dyspeptic disorders due either to general 
 debility, or to various diseases of the alimentary canal, or to either of the enumerated 
 affections. In a word, its uses are identical with those of koumys. It contains less alcohol 
 than that preparation, and is therefore less stimulating. By some it is represented as less 
 agreeable, and is indeed apt to excite aversion. Others state it to be more palatable than 
 the similar beverage. It renders the urine more watery, and improves the digestion, 
 assimilation and strength, while palliating or removing the special disease for which it is 
 given. It is recommended to be taken in the morning, fasting, beginning with two glasses 
 and gradually increasing to ten or twelve. 
 
 LACCA.— Lac. 
 
 Resina lacca. — Laque, Gomme lacque, Fr. ; Lack, Gummilack, G. ; Goma laca, Sp. 
 
 A resinous exudation produced by the puncture of Coccus Lacca, Kerr. 
 
 Origin. — The hemipterous insects thus named congregate in large numbers upon the 
 tender branchlets of various East Indian (mostly laticiferous) trees, and become sur- 
 rounded with the resinous exudation, which gradually hardens. The impregnated, much- 
 enlarged female insects, imbedded in the resin, in which the young larvae are developed, 
 contain a red coloring matter. These finally eat a passage through the incrustating 
 material and escape. The branches are collected with the incrustation, which is con- 
 sidered more valuable if still containing the red coloring matter. Among the trees yield- 
 ing lac are the following : Aleurites laccifera, Willdenow (Croton, Linne ) (Nat. Ord. 
 Euphorbiaceae) ; Ficus indica, Roxburgh , F. bengalensis, Linne, F. religiosa, Linne, F. 
 Tsjela, Hamilton (Nat. Ord. Urticaceae) ; Schleichera trijuga, Willdenow (Nat. Ord. Sapin- 
 daceae) ; Butea frondosa, Roxburgh, s. Erythrina monosperma, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. 
 Leguminosae). According to Stillman (1880), lac may also be collected from Acacia 
 Greggii, Gray, and from the creasote-bush or stinkweed, Larrea mexicana, Moricand, s. L. 
 glutinosa, Engelmann , which plants grow from Western Texas to Mexico and Southern 
 California. 
 
 Description. — The thin branches, almost completely covered with numerous small 
 resin-nodules, constitute the stick-lac. The separate nodules or tears are red-brown, and 
 contain in the interior a dark blackish-red powder ; after the escape of the young insects 
 the resin if brown. The same resin, after having been detached from the twigs, consti- 
 tutes the seed-lac or grain-lac. It is in irregular fragments of the size of a pea and 
 smaller, yellowish-brown or reddish, somewhat shiny, and nearly tasteless. After boiling 
 the stick-lac or seed-lac with water, fusing the resin, and congealing it upon a smooth 
 surface, shellac is obtained ; it comes in thin, glossy, and more or less transparent frag- 
 ments. Sometimes grape-lac and lump-lac have been distinguished, the former of which 
 consists of agglutinated incrustations separated from the twigs ; the latter is identical with 
 shellac, except that it has not been congealed in thin layers. When chewed, sticklac 
 softens and colors the saliva purplish-red, a slight bitterish and astringent taste being per- 
 ceived ; when burned, it gives off a strong and agreeable odor. The water in which red 
 stick-lac has been boiled on being treated with alum yields lac-dye. 
 
 Shellac is soluble in potassa, soda, borax, and hydrochloric and acetic acids, and when 
 digested with ammonia in close vessels swells to a gelatinous mass. By treating the 
 alkaline solution with chlorine or sulphurous acid bleached shellac is obtained. 
 
 Constituents. — Lac is a complex body, containing, according to Unverdorben. five 
 distinct resins, besides wax, fat, and poloring and extractive matter, The resins which 
 may be separated by their different behavior to alcohol, ether, and alkalies are present in 
 seed-lac, according to Hatchett and John, to the amount of 66 or 68 per cent., but shellac 
 contains fully 90 per cent, of resin. The wax has been found to vary in amount between 
 about 2 and 6 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — Shellac is used in the preparation of varnish and of sealing-wax, the latter by 
 fusing from 5 to 8 parts of it with 1 part of turpentine and coloring the mixture with a 
 suitable pigment. Varnish suitable for blackboards is made by digesting and intimately 
 
924 
 
 LACMUS. 
 
 mixing shellac, mastic, sandarac, white turpentine, emery-flour, and lampblack, of each 
 1 ounce, and alcohol 2 pints. A solution, made without heat, of 1 part of powdered 
 bleached shellac in 2 or 3 parts of a saturated solution of borax is recommended by 
 Geissler (1880) as an excellent starch-gloss , also as a varnish for maps and prints. An 
 ink useful for laboratory purposes is obtained by mixing lampblack with a solution of 
 100 grains of shellac and 20 grains of borax in 4 ounces of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Having in a slight degree some of the qualities of the resins, 
 lac has been used in combination with astringents as an application to indolent ulcers , 
 especially of a scrofulous and scorbutic sort. It is rarely employed in medicine. 
 
 Erythrina corallodendron is reported to be sedative, anodyne, and soporific. In 
 Brazil its flowers are used in pulmonary affections ; the leaves are diuretic and laxative, 
 and externally emollient ; the bark is expectorant and narcotic. It is employed in 
 coughs, asthma, neuralgia, etc., and its alkaloid is stated by Bey to be useful in mental 
 disorders ( Centralblatt f Therapie , iii. 431). Erythrina Mulungu is used in Brazil as an 
 anodyne and sedative. In large doses it produces sleep without causing excitement. 
 It is also employed in cases of hypertrophy (? of the heart), and in baths for rheuma- 
 tism ( Am . Jour. Phar., Dec. 1884, p. 626.) 
 
 LACMUS.— Litmus. 
 
 Lacca coerulea , Lacca musica . — Tournesol , Laquebleu , Fr, ; Lackmus , Gr. 
 
 A blue pigment obtained from Lecanora tartarea, Acharius , Boccella tinctoria, Ach ., B. 
 fusiformis, Ach., and from other lichens. 
 
 Preparation. — The lichens are powdered, mixed with some potash and urine or 
 other ammoniacal liquid, and exposed to the air. The liquid acquires gradually a red, 
 purple, and finally blue color, and is mixed with sufficient chalk to be formed into small 
 rectangular cakes. It is manufactured in Holland. 
 
 Description. — Litmus is in earthy, friable cakes of a deep-blue or purplish-blue 
 color and a slight saline and somewhat pungent taste. It effervesces with acids, and is 
 partly soluble in water with a blue, and in dilute alcohol with a purplish-blue color, which 
 is changed to red by acids. The aqueous solution kept in a closed vessel becomes mouldy 
 and colorless, but on exposure to the air turns blue. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides the earthy matter, Kane (1841) separated from litmus four 
 coloring matters — namely, erythrolein , a purplish-red fatty matter, soluble in ether, fusi- 
 ble at 38° C. (100° F.), and yielding with ammonia a purple-colored solution ; erythrolit- 
 min , red, crystalline, insoluble in ether, soluble in alcohol, and changed to blue by alka- 
 lies ; azolitmin , brown-red, amorphous, insoluble in alcohol, turned blue by ammonia ; and 
 spaniolitmin , present in minute quantity only, light-red, soluble in water. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Litmus is employed as a reagent for acids and alkalies. 
 Litmus-paper is made by making a strong aqueous solution of the coloring matter ( tinc- 
 ture of litmus ), and dipping white unsized paper into it. To make red litmus-paper , dilute 
 hydrochloric acid is carefully added to the blue solution until the color has just changed 
 to red, carefully avoiding excess of the acid. When litmus is used for testing by gas- 
 light the change of color is best observed through a green glass. By treating litmus 
 with alcohol, afterward with water, purifying the aqueous extract with alcohol acidulated 
 with acetic acid, and removing every trace of the acid by dissolving in water and evapo- 
 rating repeatedly with alcohol, nearly pure brown-red azolitmin is obtained, from which 
 test-paper extremely sensitive to both acids and alkalies may be prepared. 
 
 Allied Pigments. — Archil or orchil, E., Orseille, Fr., G., is made from the same lichens Avhich 
 yield litmus. The lichens are heated for a week with diluted ammonia, when sulphuric acid and 
 table-salt are added. Archil is a pasty mass of a deep-purple color. 
 
 Cudbear, E ., Orseille de terre, Fr., Persio, G ., is made in precisely the same manner, except 
 that, instead of adding acid and salt, the mixture is dried and powdered. 
 
 The lichens which are used for the production of the above pigments contain a number of 
 chromogenes, which are ternary compounds, and in the presence of water and ammonia are con- 
 verted into various nitrogenated red pigments. The most important of these chromogenes, as 
 far as they have been investigated, are — erythric acid, C 20 H 22 O 20 , alphaorsellic acid , C 32 II 28 0 14 , 
 betaorsellic acid, C 34 II 32 0 15 , and evernic acid , C 34 II 32 0 14 . On being boiled for a long time with 
 water or baryta they yield lecanoric acid, C 16 li 14 0 7 , afterward orsellic acid , C 8 II 8 0 4 , and finally 
 orcin , C 7 II 8 0 2 , which crystallizes in large colorless needles, has a sweet taste, turns red in con- 
 tact with air, and yields with ammonia orcein , C 7 II 7 N0 3 ; this is brown, and dissolves in alkalies 
 with a beautiful red color. Orcin is also obtained from aloes by fusing it with caustic potassa. 
 
 Uses. — The only use of litmus in medicine is to determine the acidity or alkalinity 
 
LA CTUCA. — LA CTUCARIUM. 
 
 925 
 
 of the animal fluids. Litmus-paper is a necessary adjunct of all apparatus for examining 
 the urine. 
 
 LACTUCA, Br . — -Lettuce. 
 
 Hebra lactucae , s. ; lactucse virosse. — Laitue vireuse , Fr. Cod. ; Giftlattich , G. ; Lechuga . Sp. 
 
 The flowering herb of Lactuca virosa, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 
 160, 161. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Compositae, Liguliflorae. 
 
 Description. — This biennial herb, which grows to the height of .9-1.8 M. (3 to 6 
 feet), has a cylindrical, somewhat prickly, pale-green, and often purplish-spotted stem. 
 The large radical leaves are petiolate, obovate-oblong, obtuse, irregularly spinously 
 toothed, wavy or nearly entire at the margin, pale-green beneath, and prickly on the 
 midrib. The stem-leaves are smaller, alternate, horizontal, sessile, with a sagittate 
 amplexicaul base and an acute spinous apex, otherwise resembling the radical leaves, 
 the floral ones reduced to small pointed bracts. The flower-heads form a loose terminal 
 panicle and are on short axillary peduncles ; the involucre is oblong or conical, and com- 
 posed of imbricated lanceolate bracts in about three rows ; the florets are neutral, pale- 
 yellow, ligulate ; the akenes are oval, flattened, black, and prolonged into a long whitish 
 beak, bearing at its apex a pappus consisting of numerous soft white capillary bristles. 
 The plant has a disagreeable rather narcotic odor and a bitter and saline taste. 
 
 It is indigenous to Western and Southern Europe, is less frequent in Central Europe, 
 and has been naturalized in some parts of New England. It is closely allied to L. Sca- 
 riola, Linne , which is indigenous to Europe, but is found more frequently in the central 
 part, and is distinguished from the preceding mainly by its spinescent, deeply-cut, toothed 
 or pinnatifid vertical leaves, but possesses the same disagreeable odor and taste, though 
 in a rather milder degree. 
 
 Constituents. — The older analyses by PfafF, Dublanc, and others have demonstrated 
 the presence of principles common in herbs ; among the inorganic constituents potassium 
 nitrate was found by PfafF and Bley. More recently, the investigations have been con- 
 fined to lactucarium, which is partly obtained from this plant. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The ancients ascribed to strong-scented lettuce soporific and 
 anaphrodisiac properties, and its juice was even used by them for adulterating opium. 
 It was held to be peculiarly adapted to allay wakefulness produced by over-stimulation 
 of the mind. Whatever may have been the virtues of lettuce in ancient Greece, they 
 are certainly very faintly represented by the plant which grows in this country and in 
 Western Europe. They are contained in their most concentrated and available form 
 in lactucarium. 
 
 LACTUCARIUM, U. S., Fr. Cod. — Lactucarium. 
 
 Lactucarium , Fr., G. ; Gi/tlattichsa/t, G. ; Lactucario , Sp. 
 
 The concrete milk-juice of Lactuca virosa, Linne , obtained by incision and spontaneous 
 evaporation. 
 
 Origin and Collection. — Lactuca virosa and L. Scariola, Linne , have been 
 described above. L. sativa, Linne , is the common garden lettuce. L. altissima, Bieber - 
 stein , a tall Caucasian herb, is cultivated in Auvergne in France for lactucarium ; Plan- 
 chon regards it as a variety of L. Scariola, Linne. We prepared (1867) very efficient 
 lactucarium from several varieties of L. canadensis, Linne , of this country, but found 
 the milky juice, which yielded from 22 to 32 per cent, of air-dry residue, to congeal rap- 
 idly and to dry into irregular tears. Commerce is supplied with lactucarium almost 
 exclusively from Germany and Great Britain from plants cultivated for the purpose ; a 
 small quantity is also produced in Austria. Thomas Fairgrieve, who described the prep- 
 aration in 1873, states that he cultivates L. virosa, var. montana. The collection of the 
 milky juice is commenced about the middle of July or beginning of August, when the 
 flowers are just appearing, and is continued for 6 or 8 weeks (until the latter part of 
 September). The collectors proceed over the field, cutting the head of each stalk and 
 scraping the juice into their vessels, one person who cuts being followed by two who col- 
 lect the juice. This process is repeated six or seven times a day, a new cut being made 
 each time a little lower down the stalk. In the evening, when the juice has thickened 
 into a viscous mass, it is turned out of the vessels, suitably divided, and dried by the aid 
 of heat, about 5 days being required for it. 
 
926 
 
 LA CTUCABIUM. 
 
 In Germany, near the town of Zell on the Mosel, the collection lasts from May to Sep- 
 tember; the milky juice is taken up by the finger and transferred to hemispherical earthen 
 cups, in which it quickly hardens, so that it can be turned out. It is then dried in the 
 sunshine until it can be cut into four pieces, when the drying is completed by exposure 
 to the air for some weeks on frames ( Pharmacogr aphid ). 
 
 The lactucarium prepared in France by Aubergier is rarely if ever met with in this 
 country. Fairgrieve obtained 1 pound of lactucarium from 4 pounds of juice, and esti- 
 mates the average yield of each plant to be between 40 and 50 grains. By frequently 
 puncturing the stems, Schiitz (1823) obtained from L. sativa, scariola, and virosa, respec- 
 tively, 17, 25, and 56 grains of lactucarium. The extract of lettuce-leaves was medici- 
 nally employed by Dr. H. J. Collin of Vienna (1780), but lactucarium was first introduced 
 into medicine by Dr. J. R. Coxe of Philadelphia (1799). 
 
 Description. — German lactucarium generally comes in sections of plano-convex cir- 
 cular cakes which are of a gray-brown color externally, usually white or yellowish, and 
 of a waxy lustre internally. English or Scotch lactucarium is met with in irregular-sized 
 angular pieces of a brown color and earthy appearance. Both kinds have a strongly bit- 
 ter taste and a strong narcotic odor, suggesting that of opium ; they are powdered with 
 difficulty, and on trituration with water are not emulsionized, except after the addition of 
 gum-arabic. When lactucarium is prescribed in mixtures, A. Vogeler (1881) recommends 
 triturating it with a little spirit of nitrous ether before adding the water, when it is readily 
 divided in the liquid. 
 
 What is usually sold here as French lactucarium is Extractum Lactuc^e (see p. 683). 
 
 Tests. — Lactucarium on being treated with boiling water should become soft without 
 melting, and yield a bitter filtrate, which while hot should be clear, and on cooling become 
 turbid ; this liquid should not be colored blue by iodine (absence of starch), but should 
 become clear on the addition of ammonia or of alcohol ; the ammoniacal liquid should 
 yield a copious precipitate with solution of calcium sulphate (presence of oxalic acid), 
 and the alcoholic solution should not be affected by ferric chloride (absence of tannin, 
 etc.) — P. G. 
 
 Constituents. — Lactucarium has been analyzed by Walz (1840), Aubergier (1842), 
 Wackenroder (1844), Lenoir (1847), Ludwig (1847), Kromayer (1861), and 0. Schmidt 
 (1875, 1879). Nearly one-half the weight of lactucarium is soluble in alcohol, but dilute 
 alcohol dissolves only between 36 and 44 per cent. 50 to 60 per cent, of lactucarium 
 consists of lactucerin or lactucon , C 16 H 26 0, which was obtained crystallized by Lenoir (1847) 
 by exhausting lactucarium with boiling alcohol and recrystallizing the product ; it forms 
 thin colorless needles, which are inodorous and tasteless, insoluble in water, soluble in alco- 
 hol, and more freely so in ether, chloroform, benzin, and fixed and volatile oils ; it appears 
 to vary somewhat in different lactucariums. The bitter taste of lactucarium is due to 
 three principles, two of which are usually amorphous and freely soluble in water, while the 
 crystallizable lactucin , C n H 12 0 3 .H 2 0, requires over 60 parts of cold water for solution, but 
 dissolves more readily in hot water and in alcohol. Kromayer (1861) obtained only 0.3 
 per cent., which does not perhaps represent the whole amount present, but the much 
 larger yields (18 to 28 per cent.) previously observed by Buchner and Ludwig must be 
 due to impurities. Lactucin forms pearly scales or rhombic plates when crystallized from 
 very dilute alcohol, has a neutral reaction, turns red and brown with alkalies, and is 
 deprived of bitter taste ; it is not a glucoside, but reduces from alkaline cupric solutions 
 cuprous oxide. Lactucic acid and lactucopicrin have been found in the mother-liquor of 
 lactucin ; the former is light-yellow, amorphous, crystallizes on long standing, is colored 
 red by alkalies, reduces alkaline copper solutions, is precipitated by lead subacetate, and 
 is insoluble in carbon disulphide, petroleum benzin, ether, and chloroform. Lactucopicrin 
 is brown, amorphous, insoluble in ether, soluble in alcohol, not precipitated by lead sub- 
 acetate, and appears to be produced by oxidation of lactucin. 
 
 The other constituents of lactucarium which have been observed by different investi- 
 gators are — a trace of volatile oil, asparagin, mannit, sugar, albumen, gum, caoutchouc, 
 resin, oxalic, citric, and malic acids, and between 8 and 10 per cent, of ash. Fliickiger 
 obtained from German lactucarium, by means of carbon disulphide, an amorphous mass 
 which is fusible below 100° C. and separates from alcohol as a syrupy liquid. 
 
 Ililand Flowers (1879) noticed that the milk-juice of L. canadensis does not possess a 
 bitter taste until the plant is in bloom, when the lactucarium collected from it has the 
 same constituents as European lactucarium. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Tile utility of retaining lactucarium as an officinal medicine 
 is very doubtful. It may possibly be desirable as a hypnotic for very impressionable 
 
LA MELLJE. — LA MINA RIA. 
 
 927 
 
 persons, with whom faith in a remedy supplies its want of intrinsic efficiency. If it 
 have any virtues of the sort ascribed to it, they would peculiarly adapt it to cases of 
 infantile disease. The dose of lactucarium is indefinite. Gm. 0.10 (gr. ij) may be given 
 to an infant. 
 
 LAMELLuE, Br . — Discs, Gelatin-discs. 
 
 Laminae gelatinosse. — Bisques de gelatine , Fr. ; Gelatinplatten , G. 
 
 The preparation of gelatin-discs or medicated gelatin has been briefly described on page 
 725. They are usually made about 1 Mm. inch) thick, and a small quantity of 
 glycerin is added to the mixture to prevent the discs from becoming hard and brittle on 
 keeping. The British Pharmacopoeia has admitted three kinds of medicated gelatin- 
 discs, but does not give formulas for their preparation. In each case the discs are to be 
 of gelatin, with some glycerin, and each is to weigh about 1.3 Mgm. (-gL- grain). 
 
 Lamellae atropine, Br. Discs of atropine, E.; Disques d’atropine, Fr.; Atropin- 
 plattchen, G . — Each disc is to contain 0.00013 Gm. = 0.13 Mgm. (g-l-^ grain) of atropine 
 sulphate. 
 
 Lamella: cocaina:, Br. Discs of cocaine, E. ; Disques de cocaine, Fr. ; Cocain- 
 plattchen, G . — Each disc is to contain 0.00032 Gm. = 0.32 Mgm. (^-J-^- grain) of cocaine 
 hydrochlorate. 
 
 Lamella: physostigmina:, Br. Discs of physostigmine, E. ; Disques d’eserine, Fr. ; 
 Physostigmin-plattchen, G. Each disc is to contain 0.000064 Gm. = 0.064 Mgm. 
 grain) of physostigmine. 
 
 LAMINARIA.— Laminaria. 
 
 Laminaire digitee , Fr. ; Laminaria , Riementang , G. 
 
 Laminaria Cloustoni, Edmonston , s. L. digitata, Lamouroux. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Algae, Fucoidese. 
 
 Origin. — The Linnaean name, Fucus digitatus , has, according to Ferd. Cohn (1864), 
 been applied to two different algae of the North Atlantic Ocean. Laminaria flexicaulis, 
 Le Jolts (s. L. stenophylla, Harvey ), has a glossy, dark-brown, flexible stem, which on 
 drying becomes thin like a fibre. Laminaria Cloustoni, however, has an erect, rigid, 
 light-brown stem, 0.9 to 1.8 M. (3-6 feet) long, at the base 5 Cm. (2 inches) thick, 
 divided below into spreading root-like branches, and at the apex prolonged into a flat and 
 digitately divided, leathery, and olive-green frond. The plant grows upon rocks at a 
 depth of 10 to 15 fathoms in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and northward in the 
 Arctic Sea. The lower cylindrical portion only is employed. 
 
 Description. — Laminaria is met with in commerce in irregular cylindrical pieces, 
 which are 12 Mm. (J inch) or less thick, deeply wrinkled, of a brown or gray-brown 
 color externally, lighter and darker brown internally, of a horn-like texture, and break- 
 ing with a smooth and horny fracture. Immersed in water, it becomes softer and swells 
 to from four to six times its usual diameter. Two layers are readily distinguished, the 
 central one being whitish and composed of large cells, while the outer one is formed of 
 smaller cells, has a brownish color, and contains a zone of axially somewhat elongated 
 large mucilage-cells. For medical use it is turned into cylindrical or conical pieces. 
 
 Constituents. — Laminaria contains the usual constituents of marine Algae. (See 
 Chondrus.) Stenhouse isolated from it mannit. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Laminaria saccharina, Lamouroux , has a flattish stem and linear or oblong 
 entire fronds. After having been washed with water it acquires a sweet taste, and, like Lam. 
 esculenta, Lamouroux , is eaten. The ash of all these species may be used for obtaining iodine. 
 
 For some years past the soft root of one or two species of tupelo, Nyssa (Nat. Ord. Cornacese), 
 has been used in Europe for tents. The species adapted for this purpose are Nyssa grandiden- 
 tata, Michaux Jilius, and N. capitata, Walter (N. candicans, Michaux ) ; both grow in the South- 
 ern United States not far from the sea-coast. The first species is known as cotton-gum , large 
 tupelo, and, in Louisiana, olivier a larges feuilles ; the second species is called tupelo-gum , sour- 
 gum, and Ogeechee lime. The wood is light, white, of a spongy texture, and when dry swells to 
 about double its usual thickness from the absorption of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The porosity of its stalks and the quality they possess, 
 when dried, of absorbing water, and thereby increasing in bulk even as much as 
 fourfold, have rendered laminaria a very convenient substitute for compressed sponge. 
 The following summary of the qualities of sea-weed tents, applied particularly to the 
 uterus, was made by Dr. J. Braxton Hicks : 1, they may be made of any size, but much 
 
928 
 
 LAPPA. 
 
 smaller than sponge tents ; 2, they have more distending power ; 3, they do not retain 
 the secretions so as to produce much offensiveness ; 4, by their greater rigidity they can 
 be more readily applied, especially in a tortuous canal. On the other hand, their rigidity 
 makes them less suitable in cases where the uterus readily bleeds or is very tender, and 
 in cases where the os is somewhat dilated by a polypus or growth distending it. These 
 tents have sometimes perforated the uterine walls. For dilatation of the os uteri in its 
 natural state, and for the induction of premature labor, these tents are less suitable than 
 sponge tents or the India-rubber bag. In cleanliness, certainty of action, ease of intro- 
 duction, and small size they are not equalled by those made of any other material. By 
 fastening several together the physician is enabled to effect any degree of dilatation he 
 may desire. They are, however, no less likely than other uterine tents to produce 
 metritis. According to Landau, the tupelo tents recommended by Tiemann are superior 
 to any other for the same reasons above assigned in favor of laminaria tents ( Times and 
 Gaz., Mar. 1881, p. 327). Bougies of laminaria have been employed to dilate strictures 
 of the urethra. For this purpose they were covered with several coats of varnish or with 
 glycerin before introduction, and allowed to remain in place for several hours. Similar 
 instruments have been made use of for dilating the Eustachian tube. 
 
 LAPPA, U. Burdock. 
 
 Radix hardanse , P. A. — Bardane , Glouteron , Fr. ; Klettenwurzel , Gr. ; Bardana , It., Sp. 
 
 Fig. 170 
 
 The root of Arctium Lappa, Linne ; Lappa officinalis, Allioni , s. L. vulgaris, Neilreich. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Cynaroideae. 
 
 Origin. — Several forms of these plants are often regarded as distinct, and described 
 as Arctium, Schkuhr, s. Lappa major, Gsertner, L. tomentosa, Lamarck , and L. minor, 
 De Candolle. They are found in waste places and along 
 roadsides in Northern Asia and throughout Europe, and 
 have been naturalized in North America, where the 
 variety tomentosuin is rather scarce. They are coarse- 
 looking biennial weeds, with branching stems 1 to 1.8 M. 
 
 (3-6 feet) high, and cordate-oblong, nearly entire or 
 toothed, rough, petiolate leaves. The globose involucre 
 has the numerous scales appressed at the base and con- 
 tracted to a recurved sharp point above. The numerous 
 tubular florets are purplish, or, rarely, whitish ; the 
 akenes are flattened and have a pappus of numerous 
 short bristles. The variety major has rather large heads 
 with a smoothish involucre ; var. tomentosum has the 
 involucre and peduncles woolly ; var. minor has the 
 heads much smaller, the involucre at first cottony, finally 
 smooth, and the leaves usually unequally rounded or 
 tapering at base. They bloom from July to September. 
 
 Burdock-root: transverse section. 
 
 The root should be collected 
 
 in the autumn of the first year’s growth or early in the succeeding spring ; 6 or 7 parts 
 
 of the fresh yield 1 part of air-dry root. 
 
 Description. — The root is nearly simple, 25 to 50 Cm. (10-20 inches) long, about 
 25 Mm. (1 inch) thick, fusiform, gradually tapering, fleshy, and when dry longitudinally 
 wrinkled, rounded at the top, and often with a tuft of white, soft-hairy leaf-stalks. It 
 has a grayish-brown color externally, pale-brownish internally, the cross-section display- 
 ing a thickish bark, which in the inner layer is radially striate and by a dark cambium- 
 line separated from the medit.ullium ; this is about four times thicker, has finely porous 
 ligneous rays, and the medullary rays of about the same width. The latter, as well as 
 the parenchyma of the bark, are frequently partly destroyed, leaving merely the white 
 dead tissue, which is spongy and full of holes. Burdock has a rather disagreeable but 
 weak odor, and a mucilaginous afterward sweetish and bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Burdock-root is free from starch, but contains in its stead imdvi. 
 (See Inula.) Mucilage, sugar, albuminoids, and little resin, tannin, fat, and wax, have 
 been observed in it. Weckler ( Am . Jour. Phar ., 1887, p. 393) found also 3.7 per cent, 
 of ash and indications of a glucoside. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Fructus lappa:, s. Semen bardana:. Burdock-fruit is about 6 Mm. (* inch) 
 long, obovate-oblong, somewhat curved, angular, and flattened, roughish wrinkled, brown-gray 
 mottled with black, mostly deprived of the setaceous pappus, the short base of the style project- 
 ing from the centre of the apical scar ; inodorous ; taste oily and bitter. The fruit contains, 
 
LAPPA. 
 
 929 
 
 according to Trimble and Macfarland {Am. Jour. Phar., 1885, p. 127 ; 1888, p. 79), 15.4 per 
 cent, of drying oil, 5.5 of resins, and a small quantity of the crystalline glucoside lappin , which 
 is very bitter, and soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform. Tinctura lappce fructus has been 
 proposed to be made from 4 troyounces of the ground fruit by percolating with a mixture of 
 alcohol 3 parts and water 1 part until a pint of percolate is obtained. 
 
 Fructus sily'bi, s. Semen cardui marine. — Mary thistle, E. ; Chardon Marie, Fr. ; Stechkor- 
 ner, Frauendistel, G . — from Silybum marianum, Gcertner , s. Carduus marianus, Lining, a synge- 
 nesious biennial of Southern Europe. The akenes are 4 or 5 Mm. (£ or it inch) long, not curved, 
 obovate, flattened, smooth, glossy, light-brown with black or blackish striae, oblique at the apex, 
 and crowned by a yellowish margin, from the centre of which the base of the style projects ; 
 inodorous ; taste mucilaginous, oily, and somewhat bitter. 
 
 Xanthium strumarium, Linne , tribe Helianthoideae. — Cocklebur, E. ; Lampourde, Petit glou- 
 teron, Fr. ; Spitzklette, Knopfklette, G . — This coarse-looking weed is common in waste places 
 throughout North America, Europe, and Northern Asia. The leaves are alternate, long-peti- 
 olate, triangular heart-shaped, and rough-hairy. The sterile flowers are in short terminal spikes. 
 The fertile flowers are numerous, in axillary clusters, and produce flat, oblong akenes, without 
 pappus and enclosed in the enlarged involucre, which is oval or oblong in shape, nearly 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) long, and densely beset with hooked prickles. The indigenous species and variety, X. 
 canadense. Miller , and variety echinatum, Gray , have also the two stout beaks hooked. Zander 
 (1881) obtained from 100 parts of the fruit 5.2 ash, 38.6 fat, 36.6 albuminoids, 1.3 xanthostru- 
 marin and organic acids, besides sugar, resin, etc. Xanthostrumarin seems to be a glucoside, is 
 yellow, amorphous, soluble in water, alcohol, ether, benzol, and chloroform, and yields precip- 
 itates with group reagents for alkaloids and with ferric chloride, lead acetate, and salts of other 
 metals, but not with tannin or gelatin. M. V. Cheatham (1884) obtained only 14.5 per cent, of 
 fixed oil, and a principle which was precipitated by tannin. 
 
 Xanthium spinosUxM, Linne , Spiny clotbur. It is indigenous to Southern Europe, but has 
 become somewhat naturalized in waste places of the United States and most civilized countries. 
 It has shortly petiolate, lanceolate, or ovate-lanceolate leaves, which are either cut-toothed or the 
 upper ones entire, and have at the base sharp, three-forked, yellowish, stipulate spines, nearly 
 25 Mm. (1 inch) long. The fertile axillary burs are crowned with one inconspicuous beak. The 
 alkaloid, the presence of which was announced by Guichard (1877), is regarded by Yvon as a 
 little resin, soluble both in alcohol and ether. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum baRdan^ ; Extrait de bardane, 
 Fr. Cod. ; Extract of burdock, E ., is prepared by exhausting the root with cold distilled 
 water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Burdock has had the reputation in Europe and in this 
 country of being a depurative through its diaphoretic and diuretic virtues, and by 
 a gradual and insensible modification of nutrition. It has been in vogue for the cure of 
 rheumatism , gout , cbronic cutaneous diseases , and chronic pulmonary catarrhs ; it has been 
 reputed to be diuretic (especially its seeds), and to promote the discharge of urinary 
 deposits ; to be alterative also, and beneficial in constitutional syphilis and scrofula. These 
 virtues, if they are real, would indicate that the medicine operates by promoting all the 
 secretions, much as sarsaparilla is supposed to do. But, like that medicine, burdock is 
 seldom given unless associated with more active agents. Externally, the expressed juice 
 of the leaves, the fresh leaves bruised, and liniments made by boiling the leaves or the 
 roots with oil have been much used as popular remedies for burns , wounds, idcers, and 
 eruptions. Although an agent of secondary value, it is not quite just, as has been done, 
 to call it “ one of the illusions of the materia medica.” Burdock is generally given in a 
 decoction prepared by boiling Gm. 64 (^ij) of the recent bruised root in Gm. 500 (Oij) 
 to a reduction of one-third. At least Gm. 500 (1 pint) of this decoction should be 
 taken daily. Possibly the concentrated syrup or fluid extract, equally diluted, would 
 answer quite as well. According to Dr. Squibb, a tincture made with 1 pound of the 
 ground seed to a gallon of whiskey, and allowed to stand for two weeks before decanting, 
 may be taken in doses of two or three teaspoonfuls immediately after meals. He cites a 
 case in which a similar preparation cured an inveterate psoriasis ( Ephemeris , Sept., 1882, 
 p. 115). The fluid extract is reported to have cured this disease, and also epilepsy 
 {Therap. Gaz., viii. 108, 552). Mary thistle was formerly used as an expectorant and 
 tonic, but has become obsolete in medicine. 
 
 Xanthium spinosum. In some parts of Germany the powder or infusion of this 
 plant has a popular reputation for the cure of intermittent fever. In Russia it is held 
 to be a prophylactic against hydrophobia. Its efficacy is attested by Dr. Grzymala of 
 Podolia, who states that when several animals or men had been bitten by a rabid dog, 
 those only escaped who were treated with this medicine, and that such results are usual, 
 not exceptional. These statements, made in 1876, have not been confirmed. The physio- 
 logical effects of the plant are said to resemble those of jaborandi, in being sudorific, siala- 
 gogue, and slightly diuretic. The dose of the dried powder of the leaves, repeated three 
 times a day and continued for three weeks, is about Gm. 0.66 (gr. x). 
 
 59 
 
930 
 
 LARIGIS CORTEX.— LA UROCERASI FOLIA. 
 
 LARICIS CORTEX, Br . — Larch-Bark. 
 
 Ecorce de meleze , Fr. ; Larchenrinde , G. ; Corteza de alerce , Sp. 
 
 The bark, deprived of its outer rough portion, of Larix europaea, De Candolle (Abies 
 Larix, Lamarck , Pinus Larix, Linne). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 260. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferae, Abietineae. 
 
 Origin. — The European larch is a forest tree of Southern and Central Europe, where 
 it grows chiefly in mountainous localities up to an altitude of about 1500 M. (5000 feet). 
 It is often cultivated in Europe, and has been introduced into North America as an orna- 
 mental tree. It attains a height of 24 to 30 M. (80-100 feet), has the narrow linear 
 deciduous leaves in fascicles of twenty to forty, and oblong ovoid erect cones which are 
 about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long. The bark is collected in spring from the trunk and the 
 branches. The tree yields Venice turpentine and Brian§on manna. 
 
 Description. — After the removal of the reddish-brown, fissured, corky layer, the bark 
 forms flattish or quilled pieces, having the outer surface dark red or rosy, and the inner 
 surface smooth, yellowish white or pinkish red, according to age. It breaks with a short 
 somewhat fibrous fracture, having a deep carmine-red color except internally, and dis- 
 playing rather indistinct medullary rays and some resin-ducts. Larch-bark has a slightly 
 balsamic and terebinthinate odor and an astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Stenhouse (1861) found larch-bark to contain a peculiar tannin , 
 which yields olive-green precipitates with salts of iron, turns red on being boiled with 
 dilute sulphuric acid, but does not yield any sugar , which, however, is contained in the 
 decoction of the bark, together with a considerable quantity of mucilage and resinous 
 matter. By evaporating the warm infusion of the bark to a syrupy consistence and then 
 distilling it, larixinic acid , C 10 H 10 O 5 , crystallizes partly in the neck of the retort, the 
 remainder being obtained by carefully concentrating the distillate and purifying the 
 product by sublimation. The bark of the branches and of trees not over thirty years old 
 yields the largest proportion. It forms long colorless crystals resembling those of benzoic 
 acid, sublimes at 93° C. (199.4° F.), fuses at 150° 0. (302° F.), and has a bitterish and 
 astringent taste and a camphoraceous odor. Its combinations with alkalies are red-brown 
 and decomposed by carbonic acid ; baryta solution causes a bulky precipitate ; ferric salts 
 produce a purple color, and on boiling it with silver salts the metal is separated ; nitric 
 acid oxidizes it to oxalic acid. It is sparingly soluble in ether and freely soluble in 
 alcohol and hot water. It is allied to pyrogallol and pyrocatechin. 
 
 Allied Products. — The bark of the American larch, Larix americana, Michaux. which is more 
 slender and has shorter leaves and smaller cones, deserves to be investigated. 
 
 Hemlock-bark is the inner layer of the bark of Tsuga (Abies, Michaux ) canadensis, CarriZre; 
 it resembles larch-bark, but the surfaces are orange-brown or brownish-red, the inner one having 
 a yellowish and paler tint ; the short-fibrous fracture is mottled whitish and brownish ; the taste 
 strongly astringent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Its action does not differ from that of other terebinthinate 
 and balsamic remedies, but its flavor is less disagreeable. With the inner bark a 
 saturated tincture has been prepared, and highly recommended in chronic bronchitis 
 and in chronic inflammation of the urinary mucous membrane. It has also been 
 used in passive haemorrhages and in purpura hsemorrhagica . The dose of the tincture is 
 from Gm. 1.30 to 2 (n^ xx-xxx). 
 
 LAUROCERASI FOLIA, Br . — Cherry-Laurel Leaves. 
 
 Laurier -cerise, Fr. Cod. ; Kirschlorbeerbliitter , G. ; Lauroceraso , F. I. ; Laurel cerezo, Sp. 
 
 The fresh leaves of Prunus Laurocerasus, Linne (Cerasus Laurocerasus, Loiselt-ur). 
 Steph. and Church, Med. Bot ., plate 117 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 98. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rosaceae, Pruneae. 
 
 Origin.— The cherry-laurel is a small evergreen tree, or is frequently a shrub 3 to 
 6 M. (9-20 feet) high, with a smooth brownish bark and pale-green branches, and pro- 
 duces pendulous racemes of dark-purple, shining, cherry-like drupes. It is a native of 
 Western Asia from Northern Persia to Asia Minor, but it has been naturalized in Southern 
 Europe, and is cultivated in the open air as an ornamental shrub northward to Southern 
 Germany and England. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark-green above, pale-green 
 beneath, oblong in outline, narrowed above to an obtuse point and below to a short petiole. 
 They are about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long and 5 Cm. (2 inches) wide, somewhat revolute 
 
LA UR US. 
 
 931 
 
 on the margin, with distant and small but sharp serratures. The midrib is quite prom- 
 inent on the lower surface, and has near its base one or two pairs of depressed glands. 
 The unbroken fresh leaves are inodorous, but when broken they have a strong bitter- 
 almond odor ; their taste is aromatic, bitter, and somewhat astringent. 
 
 Constituents. — Cherry-laurel leaves contain some sugar, tannin, wax, fat, and, 
 according to Stange (1823), an acid allied to, if not identical with, malic acid. The same 
 author recognized also the production of benzoic acid from the volatile oil in the presence 
 of oxygen. Liebig and Wohler did not succeed in isolating amygdalin. F. L. Winckler 
 (1839) obtained the bitter principle as a soft, transparent, wine-yellow mass, which, when 
 treated with dilute sulphuric acid and manganese dioxide, yielded a distillate of a very 
 agreeable odor which did not contain hydrocyanic acid. When treated with emulsion of 
 sweet almonds the taste became gradually less bitter, and the odor of bitter almonds was 
 developed. The leaves seem to contain a compound from which amygdalin must be first 
 produced before the volatile oil can be obtained, which has the same composition as oil of 
 bitter almonds. Broeker (1867) observed that the watery distillate is strongest in hydro- 
 cyanic acid if the leaves were collected in the summer. Schoonbroodt (1869) obtained 
 from the aqueous extract, on treatment with ether, some bitter crystals which reduced 
 cupric oxide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cherry-laurel leaves are official in the British Pharmacopoeia, 
 chiefly as the source from which cherry-laurel water is obtained. Their medicinal 
 virtues depend upon the hydrocyanic acid which they furnish, and are treated of under 
 Aqua Laurocerasi and Acidum Hydrocyanicum. The bruised fresh leaves are 
 used as anodyne applications to painful parts. 
 
 LAURUS. — Laurel. 
 
 Bay, Sweet bay, E. ; Laurier commun, Fr. Cod. ; Lorbeer, G. ; Alloro, It. ; Laurel , Sp. 
 
 European pharmacopoeias recognize the leaves, fruit, and expressed oil of Laurus 
 nobilis, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 221. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Laurineae, Litseaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The bay tree is indigenous to the Levant, grows wild in the countries bor- 
 dering the Mediterranean, and is cultivated in Mexico. It is a small tree or large shrub 
 with umbellate clusters of yellowish flowers. 
 
 Description. — 1. Folia lauri. They are 7 to 10 Cm. (3-4 inches) long, 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) or more broad, shortly petiolate, coriaceous, smooth, pellucid-punctate, oblong 
 or oblong-lanceolate, rather acute at both ends, entire, glossy above and veined beneath. 
 The veins form, with the midrib, an acute angle, send off numerous lateral branches 
 forming a network of small meshes, and disappear near the margin of the leaf without 
 prominently anastomosing. The dry leaves are of a yellowish- or brownish-green color. 
 They have a pleasant aromatic odor and an aromatic and bitterish taste. 
 
 2. Fructus (Baccle) lauri, P. A., P. G. The so-called bay-berries are oval or sub- 
 globular drupes about 13 Mm. (I inch) long. When dry, they are greenish-black or 
 blackish-brown, slightly wrinkled, and fragile, the integuments, including the reddish- 
 brown endocarp, being thin and brittle. The large oval seed is easily separated into the 
 two plano-convex brownish cotyledons, which have an aromatic oily and bitter taste. 
 
 3. Oleum lauri (s. laurinum, s. lauri expressum, s. lauri unguinosum), P. A., 
 P. G. ; Oleum e fructu lauri, Fr. Cod. ; Olio di lauro, F. It. It is obtained in Southern 
 Europe by expressing the bruised fruit between warm plates after steeping it in hot 
 water. It has the consistence of lard, a granular appearance, a green color, and an aro- 
 matic odor and taste. It melts near 40° C. (104° F.) to a clear dark-green liquid, is 
 soluble in II parts of ether, partly soluble in alcohol, and does not yield its coloring 
 matter to water. When agitated with warm alcohol the alcoholic solution should not 
 become red on the addition of ammonia (absence of turmeric). Fictitious oils, if colored 
 with curcuma and indigo, leave these behind when dissolved in ether. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves and fruit contain volatile oil, of the spec. grav. 0.91 to 
 0.924. Bley (1834) obtained from old berries .22 per cent. Gladstone (1863) found 
 eugenol, while Bias (1865) could not detect this, but proved the presence of a little lauric 
 acid. Wallach (1883) showed both oils to yield pinene and cineol below 180° C., while 
 the higher-boiling fraction of the leaf oil has the odor of anethol. The seeds contain, 
 according to Bonastre (1824), about 20 per cent, of fat, 2 per cent, of volatile oil, and 
 15 per cent, of resin. The expressed fat was analyzed by A. Staub (1879), who deter- 
 mined, besides volatile oil and chlorophyll, the presence of a little acetic acid and the 
 
932 
 
 LAVANDULA. 
 
 glycerides of oleic, linoleic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Laurie acid , 
 Ci 2 H. 2 A, discovered by Marsson (1842), has been found in many vegetable and a few 
 animal fats; it melts at 43.5° C. (110.3° F.), and volatilizes with the vapors of boiling 
 water (Goergey, 1848). Schmidt and Roemer found little free acid in the freshly- 
 expressed oil, but the fruit contained 2 to 3 per cent, of fatty acids. 
 
 Allied Plants. — L indera (Laurus, Linnt) Benzoin, Blume (Benzoin odoriferum, Nees ); 
 Spicebush , wild allspice , feverbush , E. ; Laurier-benzoin , Fr. ; Benzoelorbeer, G. This shrub 
 grows in damp woods from Canada southward to Florida and westward to Kansas, and produces 
 in March and April lateral clusters of four or five yellow inconspicuous flowers. The bark forms 
 thin quills, is yellowish or pale-brown and smooth upon the inner surface, blackish-brown ancl 
 minutely dotted with corky warts upon the outer surface, breaks with a short granular fracture, 
 has an agreeable though not very strong odor, and an aromatic somewhat pungent and astringent 
 taste. Older bark has a brown-gray or dark-ash color and more prominent corky warts. The 
 fruit is an obovate red drupe about 8 Mm. (f inch) long, after drying blackish and granular 
 upon the surface, and contains a single large white seed having an oily taste, while the fragile 
 integuments of the fruit have a spicy taste, and when bruised an agreeable odor. 
 
 The bark yields 0.43 per cent, of volatile oil of spec. grav. 0.923 (Schimmel & Co., 1890). T. 
 Morris Jones (1873) observed that oxidizing agents, acting upon the oil, develop a bitter-almond 
 odor ; a little tannin, starch, sugar, fat, and tasteless resin are also present in the bark. The 
 berries contain nearly 50 per cent, of fat, and yield about 5 per cent, of very fragrant volatile oil, 
 spec. grav. 0.855 (Gleim, 1875; A. W. Miller, 1878 ; Schimmel & Co.). The volatile oil of the 
 leaves has an agreeable lavender odor. 
 
 Lindera sericea, Blume , L. triloba, Bl ., and several other species of Japan possess tonic and 
 stimulating properties ; and the former yields a fragrant volatile oil which has been introduced 
 under the Japanese name of kuromoji oil. 
 
 PerseA gratissima, Gcertner (Laurus Persea, Linne ); Avocado, E., G. ; Avocatier, Fr . ; 
 Aguacata, Sp . — A small tree indigenous to South America, and cultivated in the tropics. The 
 leaves are about 12 Cm. (5 inches) long, elliptic or obovate, entire, obtuse, nearly glabrous, cori- ; 
 aceous and dark-green above. The fruit, known as alligator pear , is of the size and shape of a 
 pear, dark purplish or brownish, internally green, butyraceous, has an agreeable taste, and is 
 eaten like butter with other aliments ; hence the name beurre vtgttal or vegetable butter. The 
 globose seed is of the size of a walnut, and contains a milk juice which becomes red on contact 
 with air, and is used like indelible ink. According to Betancourt (Thesis, Mexico), the princi- . 
 pal constituents of the fruit pulp are fixed oils, malates, sugar, gum, etc. ; and the seed contains . 
 starch, mannit, sugar, fat, etc., also amygdalin and a ferment yielding hydrocyanic acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Bay leaves and berries were anciently held in high esteem 
 as stimulant, stomachic, and astringent, and in substance or decoction were much 
 used for the stings of insects, eruptions of the scalp, and vaginal relaxation with leucor- 
 rhoea ; a decoction of the root-bark was given internally in diseases of the urinary organs { 
 and in dropsy, and was regarded as a powerful emmenagogue. More efficient medicines j 
 have supplanted it, and it is now seldom prescribed except in the form of its volatile and 
 fixed oils for relieving local rheumatic and other pains. In Europe the fresh leaves con- ‘ 
 tinue to be employed for flavoring pastry and rendering it more digestible. 
 
 Benzoin odoriferum depends for its stimulant and diaphoretic virtues upon its volatile 
 oil, which has been used in the forming stage of acute pulmonary inflammations and rheu- 
 matism , and in chronic forms of the latter affection. It has also been employed as a 
 vermifuge. The bark has been used in intermittent fever. During the Revolutionary Mar 
 the berries are said to have been employed as a substitute for allspice, and in the late 
 Civil War a similar use was made of them in the Southern States. The oil has served as 
 an ingredient of embrocations for rheumatism , contusions , and other local painful affections, 
 and internally to relieve flatulent colic. It has also been applied in scabies. The bark and 
 the berries are usually administered in decoction ; the oil may be prescribed in alcoholic 
 solution or suspended in water by magnesia. 
 
 A lligator pear, in the form of a fluid extract of the seeds, has had anthelmintic virtues 
 ascribed to it, but upon insufficient grounds. It has also been employed, as a fluid extract, 
 both internally and topically, for neuralgia and muscular rheumatism. 
 
 LAV ANDUL A. — Lavender. 
 
 Flores lavandidse , P. G. ; Flores lavendidse. — Lavender-flowers , E. ; Lavande officinale, 
 
 Fr. Cod. ; Lavendelbliithen , G. ; Alhucema , Espliego , Sp. 
 
 The flowers of Lavandula vera, Be Candolle (L. Spica, var. a, Linne ; L. angustifolia, 
 Ehrhart ; L. officinalis, Chaix). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 199. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatse, Ocymoidem. 
 
 Origin. — Lavender is a native of Southern Europe from Italy to Spain, and of North- 
 
LEON UR US. 
 
 933 
 
 western Africa, growing upon sunny hillsides and mountains. It is extensively cultivated 
 as an ornamental garden-plant, and in Europe 
 also for the purpose of distilling the volatile 
 oil. (For an account of the cultivation of lav- 
 ender at Hitchin, England, see Proc. Amer. 
 
 Phar. Assoc., 1876, pp. 819-821.) The plant is 
 shrubby, about 2 feet (60 Cm.) high, has a 
 brown-gray bark, which is much cleft when old, 
 opposite, sessile, entire, and linear leaves, with 
 revolute margins and long - stalked terminal 
 spikes, with the lower whorls of flowers re- 
 mote from the others. The flowers are collected 
 in June and July before fully expanded, and re- 
 quire to be carefully dried. 
 
 Description. — The flowers grow in the axil 
 of rhombic-obovate, pointed, brownish, and glan- 
 dular bracts of nearly the length of the calyx. 
 
 The latter is about l inch (4 Mm.) long, tubular, thirteen-nerved, contracted and naked 
 at the mouth, with the upper tooth roundish-rhomboid and the remaining four teeth obso- 
 lete, densely covered with short hairs and minute glands, and of a blue-gray color. The 
 corolla exceeds the calyx, and is violet-blue, tubular, enlarged above, hairy and glandular 
 on the outside, and two-lipped, the upper lip being erect and two-lobed, and the smaller 
 lower lip spreading and three-lobed. The four stamens are quite short and inserted in 
 the middle of the hairy corolla-tube. Lavender-flowers have an agreeable aroma, which 
 becomes more apparent on bruising and rubbing them, and a bitterish aromatic somewhat 
 camphoraceous taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides some tannin, resin, and other widely-diffused principles, 
 lavender-flowers contain volatile oil, when fresh yielding about 1 per cent. (See Oleum 
 Lavandulae.) 
 
 Allied Plants. — Lavandula spica, Chaix , s. L. latifolia, Ehrhart. — Spike lavender, E.; 
 Spic, Lavande commune, Fr. Cod.; Spiklavendel, G. — The plant has spatulate leaves, rather 
 short and dense spikes, and lance-linear bracts. The calyx is finely velvety-hairy, not blue, and 
 about the same length as the calyx-tube. The plant is cultivated in Southern France and 
 Northern Africa, and volatile oil is distilled from it. 
 
 Lavandula stcechas, Linn£. — Arabian or French lavender, E. ; Stoechas, Fr. ; Schopflaven- 
 del, G. ; Cantuesa, Sp. — This small shrub grows near the Mediterranean, where the flowering 
 spikes are used. These are short-stalked, and have the small dark-purple flowers in the axil of 
 conspicuous rhombic or obovate, sometimes three-lobed, purple-colored bracts ; the odor is 
 strongly aromatic, camphoraceous. 
 
 Ocymum Basilicum, Linn6. — Sweet basil, E. ; Basilic, Fr. Cod. ; Basilienkraut, G. ; Albahaca, 
 Sp. — This annual herb is indigenous to tropical Asia and Africa, and is frequently cultivated in 
 gardens. The stem is branching and more or less pilose ; the long petiolate leaves are oblong- 
 ovate, somewhat toothed, smooth, and beneath glandular-punctate ; the flowers are in somewhat 
 interrupted spikes, the calyx short and ciliate, and the corolla white or reddish, with a short 
 tube, a broad four-lobed upper lip, and a descending spatulate lower lip. The herb has a strong 
 and agreeable aromatic odor and a balsamic and cooling taste ; it contains volatile oil and a little 
 tannin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Lavender is a stimulant aromatic, remarkable for its refresh- 
 ing perfume. It is seldom used internally, unless in the form of oil or spirit, and then 
 associated with other medicines. The infusion (Gm. 4 to 60 = 5j to Oj) is said, 
 when too freely taken, to occasion colic. Fomentations made with lavender enclosed in 
 bags allay local pains, like other plants of the Labiate family. 
 
 Ocymum basilicum (basil or sweet basil) is a well-known potherb used for seasoning 
 certain kinds of food, and has the same general qualities as thyme, sage, etc. It has 
 long been a popular remedy for mild nervous or hysterical disorders, and in Buenos 
 Ayres its fresh juice is said to be used as an anthelmintic , and to possess the advantage 
 of not tending to produce unpleasant symptoms. Its essential oil was formerly in vogue 
 as a carminative and nervine {Med. Record , xvi. 325). 
 
 LEONURU S . — Motherwort. 
 
 Agripaume t Car diair e, Fr \ Herzgespann , Wolfstrapp , G. 
 
 Leonurus Cardiaca, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae, Stachydeae. 
 
 Fig. 171 . 
 
 Lavender-flower, with bract and corolla cut open; 
 magnified 4 diameters. 
 
934 
 
 LEPTANDRA. 
 
 Description. — Motherwort is a perennial herb growing in waste places and near 
 dwellings throughout Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It is .9 or 1.2 M. (3 
 or 4 feet) high, and has a quadrangular rather rough stem. The lower leaves are round- 
 ish, often heart-shaped at the base, and palmately five- to seven-lobed ; the upper ones 
 are oblong, acutely three-lobed, and have a wedge-shaped base. The pale-purplish flowers 
 have awl-shaped or spiny-toothed calyx-teeth, and are in dense axillary cymules. The 
 plant has a rather unpleasant aromatic odor and a bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — It evidently contains volatile oil ; the bitter principle has not been 
 isolated. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Of the numerous plants belonging to the tribe Stachydese, the following seem 
 to deserve a brief notice (see also Marrubium and Scutellaria) : 
 
 Stachys palustris, Linn6 . — Hedge nettle, E. ; Ortie rouge, Fr. ; Stinknessel, Sumpfziest, G. 
 
 — Grows in wet places in Europe and North America, is stiff-hairy, and has nearly sessile, ovate 
 lanceolate, somewhat heart-shaped leaves. Other species of Stachys have been used ; all have 
 subulate calyx teeth and purplish corollas with a large middle lobe of the lower lip, and have a 
 rather unpleasant odor. They are known as hedge-nettle, E., epiaire, Fr ., Ziest, G. , and yerba 
 de la feridura, Sp. 
 
 Betonica officinalis, Linne. — Wood-betony, E. ; Betoine, Fr. Cod. — Is a native of Southern 
 Europe and grows sparingly in Massachusetts. It is rough-hairy, has cordate-oblong leaves, 
 the cauline ones few, and purplish or whitish soft-hairy flowers in whorls of six to ten. 
 
 Galeopsis tetrahit, Linne. — Hemp nettle, E. ; Chanvre batard, Galeopside, Fr. ; Hanfnessel, 
 Ilohlzahn, G. — Introduced from Europe into North America. The stem is densely bristly, 
 hairy below the joints ; the leaves are ovate, usually acute, rather rounded at the base, coarsely 
 serrate. The flowers are in dense axillary clusters, have long spiny-toothed calyx-teeth, and a 
 white or yellowish corolla, with a purple spot on the lower lip. 
 
 The allied species, Gal. ochroleuca, Lamarck , and G. grandiflora, Roth , at one time attracted 
 attention in Europe as the principal ingredients of a nostrum sold as Blankenheim tea or Lieber's 
 consumption herbs ; the former species is the Herba galeopsidis of European pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Ballota nigra, Linne. — Black horehound, E. ; Marrube noil* (fetide), Fr. ; Schwarzer Andorn, 
 
 G. — Sparingly naturalized in New England. The stem is hairy, often red-brown ; the leaves 
 are wrinkled, hairy, ovate, slightly heart-shaped, acute, and crenately toothed. The reddish- 
 purple flowers are in axillary clusters of five to nine. 
 
 Lamium album, Linn6. — Dead nettle, i?.; Ortie blanche, Fr. Cod.; Taubnessel, G. It has t 
 likewise been introduced from Europe ; has ovate, heart-shaped, and coarsely serrate, petiolate 
 leaves, and white or whitish flowers in dense axillary clusters. Lamium amplexicaule, Linn6, 
 and L. purpureum, Linn& , are more frequent in the United States ; they have roundish leaves 
 and smaller purplish flowers. 
 
 Many other species of the above genera have been employed in Europe and Asia, and, like the 
 above, contain volatile oil and a bitter principle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A decoction of motherwort is sometimes used in Europe to 
 promote digestion and quicken the functions of the skin. There also L. lanatus is re- l 
 
 garded as a vascular stimulant and diuretic, and as a general tonic; it is employed in ; 
 
 dropsy , especially of hepatic origin, and is stated to impart to the urine a dark-brown 
 color ; it is also used in chronic gout and rheumatism and to relieve uterine obstructions. I 
 A hot infusion may be prepared with Gm. 16-32 in Gm. 500 (^ss-i in Oj) of water. 
 
 The several species of Stachys have been used as local and general stimulants ; Beton- 
 ica officinalis and Galeopsis were employed for the cure of intermittent fever and chrome 
 bronchitis ; Ballota nigra was esteemed a stimulant and antispasmodic and prescribed as 
 a vermifuge, and Lamium album , which is bitter and astringent, was thought to be a 
 valuable remedy for chronic diarrhoea and leucorrhoea, passive haemorrhages, etc. 
 
 LEPTANDRA, TJ. S . — Leptandra. 
 
 Culver's Root , Culver 1 s Physic , Black-root , E. ; Racine de leptandra , s. de veronique de 
 Virginie , Fr. ; Leptandra- Wurzel, G. 
 
 The rhizome, with the rootlets, of Veronica virginica, Linne (Leptandra virginica. 
 Nutt-all. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 196. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Scrophularineae. 
 
 Origin. — Leptandra is indigenous to Canada, and to the United States as far west as 
 the Mississippi Valley ; in its southern locations it grows in mountain-valleys, and farther 
 north in low grounds and rich woodlands. It sends up an obtusely-angular stem 0.9-1. 8 
 M. (3 to 6 feet) high, has the sliort-petioled, lanceolate, and serrate leaves in verticils 
 of four or five, and the white flowers with the two much-exserted stamens in panicled 
 spikes 7-15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long. It flowers in July and August, and produces 
 ovate, two-celled, and many-seeded capsules. 
 
LEV1STICUM. 
 
 935 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is 10-15 Cm. (4 to G inches) long, and about 6 Mm. (1 
 inch) thick, horizontal, somewhat bent, and branched, blackish-brown to brown-black, 
 nearly free from wrinkles, but the bark is sometimes transversely 
 fissured. The upper side has short remnants of the stems or cup- 
 shaped scars 2-5 Cm. (| to 2 inches) apart ; the numerous root- 
 lets, which are chiefly attached to the lower side, are blackish, 
 about 1.5 Mm. (jL inch) thick, longitudinally wrinkled, quite 
 fragile, and therefore usually detached and much broken. The 
 rhizome is hard, and breaks with a woody fracture, showing a Leptandra virginica: trans- 
 large purplish-brown pith and a few medullary rays dissecting the ver® e^secUons of rhizomes 
 yellowish wood, which is eight to ten times thicker than the black- 
 ish-gray bark. The ligneous cord of the rootlets is of about the same thickness as the 
 bark. Leptandra has no odor ; its taste is bitter and feebly acrid. 
 
 Constituents. — According to the analysis of Prof. Wayne (1856), leptandra con- 
 tains, besides widely-diffused principles, like tannin, gum, resin, and a trace of volatile oil, 
 a principle having the nauseous bitter taste of the drug, and therefore deserving to be 
 called leptandrin. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, and was obtained by precipi- 
 tating the infusion with lead subacetate, removing the excess of lead from the filtrate, 
 by sodium carbonate, and passing the liquid through a column of animal charcoal ; this 
 was washed with water and then treated with boiling alcohol, and the extract left on 
 evaporation treated with ether ; on evaporating the -ether spontaneously a portion of lep- 
 tandrin crystallized ; the remainder was contaminated with coloring matter, which pre- 
 vented it from crystallizing. The so-called leptandrin of the eclectics, which is obtained 
 by precipitating the concentrated tincture with water, appears to owe its efficacy to the 
 accidental presence of the principle described. From the mother-liquor of this eclectic 
 preparation Wayne (1859) obtained mannit. F. F. Mayer (1863) observed the bitter 
 principle to be at least partly precipitated by tannin, and that portion to be a glucoside ; 
 he also found saponin , some citric acid , and a small quantity of a volatile alkaloid. Prof. 
 Lloyd (1880) reported the presence of a considerable amount of glucose, and that the 
 bitter taste of the tincture is destroyed by boiling with dilute sulphuric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although this medicine has long been in use and is officinal, 
 we do not learn that it has commended itself to educated physicians by its peculiar 
 virtues, although they are sufficiently marked to merit greater attention. The root, 
 when fresh or recent, acts violently as an emeto-cathartic, and the impure resin obtained 
 from it, and ignorantly called leptandrin, as if it were itself the proximate active prin- 
 ciple of the plant, produces similar effects when the dose is excessive. Like all gastro- 
 intestinal irritants, it probably promotes the secretions of the mucous glands, the pan- 
 creas, and the liver, but has no specific influence upon the last-named organ, as has been 
 confidently assumed. According to Rutherford, its stimulant action on the liver is 
 “ very feeble,” and it resembles podophyllin in its operation. The dose of the powder 
 is stated to be Gm. 1.30-4 (gr. xx-lx), and of leptandrin Gm. 0.10-0.20 (gr. ij-iv). It 
 has also been given in tincture and fluid extract. 
 
 LEVISTICUM.— Lovage. 
 
 Radix levistici , P. G. ; Li veche, Fr. Cod. ; Ache de montagne, Fr. ; Liehstockel , G. 
 
 The root of Levisticum officinalo, Koch , s. Ligusticum Levisticum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Seselineae. 
 
 Origin. — Lovage is indigenous to the mountainous districts of Southern Europe, and 
 has a stem about 1.2 M. (4 feet) high, terminal umbels of yellow flowers, and elliptical 
 or oval fruits with winged ribs, and one or more oil-tubes in each groove. The plant is 
 sometimes cultivated in gardens. 
 
 Description. — The root is altogether about 40 Cm. (16 inches) long, 25-38 Mm. (1 
 or lh inches) thick, several-headed, indistinctly annulate, longitudinally wrinkled, some- 
 what branched below, and is yellowish-brown externally and pale-yellowish internally. It 
 has a thick bark, which is radially striate from the medullary rays, fissured in the outer 
 portion, and contains numerous orange-yellow resin-cells arranged in irregular concentric 
 circles. The meditullium is denser, but soft, and has narrow medullary rays and in the 
 upper portion a central pith. It has a strong balsamic odor, somewhat resembling that 
 of angelica, and a mucilaginous, aromatic, and pungent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Lovage was analyzed by Trommsdorff (1836), Riegel (1840), and 
 others, and found to yield a thickish volatile oil containing much stearopten, various 
 
936 
 
 LI A THIS. 
 
 resins, some soft, others hard' (one having a bitter and pungent taste), sugar, mucilage, 
 and other common principles. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Ligusticum filicinum, Watson. — It grows in the Rocky Mountains and has a 
 root resembling lovage in appearance and properties, which is known as Colorado cough-root , 
 and to the Indians as osha. Lig. actaeifolium, Michaux , is indigenous to the Southern states 
 and has similar properties. 
 
 Pimpinella Saxifraga and P. magnA, Linne, Radix pimpinellae, P. G . — Small burnet saxi- 
 frage, E.; Grand boucage, Fr. ; Pimpinell, Bibernell, G. — Indigenous to Europe and Asia. 
 The root resembles the preceding, but is brown-yellow or blackish, usually one-headed, not over 
 15 Mm. (finch) thick, finely annulate above and wrinkled and verrucose below; the bark is 
 very thick, spongy, either white or yellowish, contains numerous resin-cells (in the medullary 
 rays), and encloses a porous radiate yellow wood. The constituents are similar to those of the 
 preceding. 
 
 Tinctura pimpinella:, P. G., is made with 1 part of the root to 5 parts of alcohol sp. grav. 
 0.892. 
 
 Laserpitium latifolium, Linn6. The root was formerly known as Radix gentiance albas , from 
 its resemblance in shape to that of gentian-root, but it is externally brownish-white, internally 
 white, and contains yellow resin-cells in the thick spongy bark. Kiitz (1883) isolated from it 
 bitter laserpitin , C 15 H 22 0 4 , which separates from hot benzin in monoclinic crystals, and is easily 
 soluble in chloroform, ether, benzol, and carbon disulphide. 
 
 Peucedanum officinale, Linn6. The root is externally blackish, internally brownish-yellow, 
 and enclosing a soft porous wood, with resin-cells in the medullary rays. (For peucedanin , see 
 p. 864. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Levisticum belongs to the large class of plants containing an 
 essential oil and a resin, which have always been employed as carminatives, diuretics, 
 emmenagogues, and digestive stimulants. It has been much used in flatulent dyspepsia , 
 amenorrhoea , and dropsy , especially in Germany, where it is prescribed as a substitute 
 for angelica. It is administered in decoction or infusion (Gm. 5-10 in Gm. 100), in 
 tablespoonful doses. Pimpinella saxifraga, is endowed with similar properties, and was 
 formerly much used to expel the mercury remaining in the system after the treatment 
 of syphilis. The root of Laserpitium latifolium is an active cathartic. Peucedanum 
 officinale was in ancient, and even in modern times, employed as a diuretic, aromatic, 
 and nervine medicine. 
 
 LI ATRIS . — Li atris . 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Eupatoriese. 
 
 Description. — The genus Liatris embraces principally North American perennial 
 herbs with tuberous roots, simple and erect stems, alternate and entire leaves, and hand- 
 some rose-purple flower-heads with an oblong imbricate involucre, naked receptacle, and 
 a pappus composed of many bristles. The flowers are usually in terminal spikes or 
 racemes. 
 
 Liatris spicata, Willdenow. The tuberous rhizome is known as Button snake-root, 
 Devil's bit , and Colic-root. It is \ inch (12 Mm.) or more in diameter, somewhat tuber- 
 culate from short branches, and marked with several cup-shaped stem-scars. It is 
 slightly wrinkled and of a brown color externally, and internally of a dingy white, with 
 streaks of brown. Its odor is somewhat balsamic and its taste warm and bitterish. 
 
 L. squarrosa, Willdenow, and L. scariosa, Willdenow , are known as Rattlesnake' s mas- 
 ter. The rhizomes resemble the preceding, but are more elongated, irregularly ovate, and 
 beset with a few wiry rootlets. Internally they are of a brownish color. 
 
 L. odoratissima, Willdenow , Vanilla-plant o*r Deer's tongue. The radical leaves are 
 obovate-spatulate, obtuse, about seven-veined, narrowed below ; the stem-leaves are oval 
 or oblong, and clasping at the base. All the leaves are rather fleshy, pale-green, and 
 smooth, and after drying have a very agreeable odor. 
 
 Constituents. — The rhizomes appear to contain volatile oil and resin. The leaves 
 of the deer’s tongue were found by Procter (1859) to contain coumarin, which is fre- 
 quently separated upon the surface in crystals. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Their agreeable and persistent odor renders deer’s tongue 
 leaves serviceable in the preparation of sachet powders, etc., as suggested by Dr. A. W. 
 Miller (1875). 
 
 Action and Uses. — L. spicata is one of the numerous “ snake-roots,” which owe 
 whatever virtue they possess to being diaphoretic when administered in hot decoction in 
 consequence of the acrid or stimulant principles they contain. Its qualities adapt it to 
 
LI MON. 
 
 937 
 
 relieve flatulent colic. It is also diuretic, and is used in nephritic complaints. L. odor- 
 atissima has an odor resembling that of vanilla, for which reason it is sometimes mixed 
 with smoking tobacco and introduced into cigars. Other species, L. scariosa and L. 
 squarrosa, are especially high in popular esteem as antidotes to the rattlesnake's bite , 
 both internally and locally, and are employed in gonorrhoea and also to prepare gargles 
 for sore throat. Liatris is administered in decoction and tincture. 
 
 LIMON, Fr. Cod.— Lemon. 
 
 Citron , Fr. ; Citrone , Limone , G. ; Limon , Sp. 
 
 Citrus Limonum, Risso (C. medica, var. /?, Linne). Bentley and Trimem Med. 
 Plants , 54. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutaceee. 
 
 Official Parts.; — 1. Limonis cortex, U. S., Br. ; Cortex fructus citri, P. G. ; 
 Lemon-peel, E. ; Ecorce (Zeste) de#citron (de limon), Fr. ; Citronenschale, Limonen- 
 schale, G. 
 
 The rind of the recent fruit. 
 
 2. Limonis succus, U. S., Br. ; Succus ciiro, Lemon-juice, Lime-juice, E. ; Sue de 
 citron (de limon), Fr. ; Citronensaft, Limonensaft, G. 
 
 The freshly-expressed juice of the ripe fruit. 
 
 Origin. — The lemon is a native of the north-western part of India, where it is found 
 in the forests up to an altitude of about 1200 M. (4000 feet). It is extensively culti- 
 vated in the basin of the Mediterranean, and the culture has also been introduced into 
 the southern parts of the United States, into Australia, and into most tropical and sub- 
 tropical countries. Several varieties have been produced from the original stock, of 
 which, besides the lemon, the following are quite distinct : 
 
 C. medica, Risso , Citron or Cedrat (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 53). Its flowers 
 are purplish externally ; the fruit is 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, ovate-oblong, has a 
 rugged and thick rind, and contains an acid juice. 
 
 C. limetta, Risso, Sweet lime. Its flowers are white ; the fruit is smaller than the 
 lemon, oval or roundish, has a smoother and thin rind, and contains an insipidly sweet 
 juice. 
 
 C. Lumia, Risso , has likewise a sweet pulp. The sour lime is the fruit of Citrus acida, 
 Roxburgh , C. acris, Miller, and perhaps other varieties. 
 
 The lemon tree is 3.5-4.5 M. (12 to 15 feet) high, irregularly branched, and spiny in 
 the leaf-axils; the leaves are oval or ovate-oblong, somewhat serrate, leathery, glossy 
 above, and articulated with the wingless or slightly-winged petiole. The flowers are 
 mostly solitary, have a small calyx, five petals, which are purplish-pink externally, and 
 numerous stamens. The fruit, 50-75 Mm. (2 to 3 inches) long, varies in shape between 
 oval and obovate, has a nipple-shaped apex, a yellow nearly smooth but glandular peri- 
 carp, and is divided into eight to twelve cells, each with two or three seeds. 
 
 Description. — The Peel. — Lemon-peel forms either narrow bands or oblong and 
 curved sections with little of a spongy, white inner layer adhering to them ; the outer 
 surface has a deep lemon-yellow color, and is somewhat uneven from numerous oil-glands 
 imbedded in the tissue. This portion has an agreeable odor and an aromatic slightly 
 bitter taste ; it is the only part which possesses any medicinal value. The white spongy 
 tissue underneath, which is inodorous and nearly tasteless, should be rejected. The 
 Pharmacopoeia now directs that the spongy white inner layer adhering to the segments 
 should be removed before use. 
 
 The Juice . — Lemon-juice is a slightly turbid, yellowish liquid, which has the agreeable 
 odor of lemon and an acid taste. The odor is usually due to the presence of a little 
 volatile oil from the rind, but even without the latter lemon-juice has a slight odor dis- 
 tinct from that of the peel. Stoddard determined its usual specific gravity to be 1.044, 
 and each fluidounce to contain 44 grains of citric acid (about 9f per cent. = 42.5 grains 
 in 1 Imperial fluidounce); its acid strength, however, is subject to variation. The 
 U. S. P. requires it to contain about 7 per cent, of citric acid, and to have a specific gravity 
 not less than 1.030 at 15° C. (59° F.). According to II. M. Witt (1854). lemon-juice 
 yields from 0.2 to 0.7 per cent, of ash ; W. W. Stoddart (1868) obtained between 0.26 
 and 0.6 per cent., and the Pharmacopoeia accepts a juice with 0.5 per cent. Lemon- 
 juice speedily undergoes decomposition, the citric acid decreasing in quantity, at first 
 slowly, afterward rapidly, as shown by Stoddard. Various methods for its preservation 
 have been suggested, most of which, however, fail to preserve the juice in condition for 
 
938 
 
 LIN ARIA.— LINIMENT UM ACONITL 
 
 medicinal use. It has been proposed to concentrate it by evaporation or freezing before 
 bottling it, or to exclude the air by a stratum of fixed oil ; the flavor, however, is con- 
 siderably modified. A better method is to clarify the juice by adding half its volume 
 of strong alcohol ; the decanted liquid is then freed from alcohol at a very moderate heat, 
 and the remaining liquid put into suitable bottles, which are heated to near the boiling- 
 point for about an hour, and then hermetically sealed. The juice may be preserved by 
 the same method without the previous treatment with alcohol, but the flavor will be 
 impaired on keeping. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent is volatile oil. (See Oleum Limonis.) 
 
 The bitter taste is probably due to hesperidin (see page 312). The white portion is 
 colored black by ferric salts ; the principle which gives rise to this color has not yet been 
 isolated. 
 
 Lemon-juice contains from 7 to 10 per cent, of citric acid and 0.5 to 1 per cent, of 
 gum and sugar. Witt found the principal constituents of the ash to be potassa 44.34 
 lime 7.61, and phosphoric acid 7.56 per cent. Cossa (1872) obtained 15 per cent, of 
 phosphoric acid. 
 
 Uses. Lemon-peel is used in medicine, as in cookery, for the sake of its flavor. 
 
 LIN ARIA.— Toad Flax. 
 
 Herba linarise. — Snapdragon , Ramsted , Butt er-and- Eggs , E. ; Linaire commune , Fr. ; 
 Leinkraut , Flachskraut , Lowenmaul, G. ; Linaria , Sp. 
 
 Linaria vulgaris, Miller , s. Antirrhinum Linaria, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scrophulariaceae. i®, 
 
 Description. — The toad flax is a European perennial, now extensively naturalized in 
 North America. It is 30-45 Cm. (1 or 1J feet) high, has alternate, sessile, lance-linear, 
 almost three-nerved, smooth, and light-green leaves, 25-38 Mm. (1 or 1$ inches) long ; 
 and terminal racemes of showy yellow flowers, which have a personate corolla and at the 
 base continued into a curved spur of the same length. When fresh the herb has a slight 
 disagreeable odor and a bitterish somewhat acrid taste. t 
 
 Constituents. — The flowers were analyzed by Riegel (1843).; they contain a yellow 
 coloring matter, mucilage, sugar, and tannin. Walz obtained an acrid principle, resin, and 
 volatile linarosmin and antirrhinic acid. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Unguentum linaria. 2 parts of the dry 
 plant are macerated with 1 part of alcohol, and then digested with 10 parts of lard 
 until the alcohol has evaporated ; the fat is expressed, strained, and stirred until con- 
 gealed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Common toad flax is used in Germany for jaundice , dropsy , •' 
 
 and diseases of the skin , and an ointment is made with it for the cure of hsemorrhoids. A 
 decoction is prepared with Gm. 15-30 in water, Gm. 250-500 (^ss-j in f^viij-xvi.) 
 
 LINIMENTA. — Liniments. 
 
 Embrocations , E., Fr. ; Linimente , Einreibungen, G. 
 
 Liniments are liquid or semi-liquid preparations which are intended for external use 
 and are applied to the skin by friction. The vehicle may be oil or alcohol, or sometimes 
 water ; many are perfect solutions, others mechanical mixtures which should be well agi- 
 tated before they are used ; a few are of a soft solid consistence at the ordinary tempera- 
 ture, but become liquid when applied to the skin. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia since 1880 
 uses cotton-seed oil in place of olive oil, formerly directed. 
 
 LINIMENTUM ACONITI, llr, — Liniment of Aconite. 
 
 Liniment d' aconite, Fr. ; Akonitliniment , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Aconite-root, in No. 40 powder, 20 ounces ; Camphor 1 
 ounce ; Rectified Spirit a sufficiency. Moisten the aconite with 20 fluidounces of spirit, 
 and macerate in a closed vessel for three days ; then transfer to a percolator, and, when the 
 liquor ceases to pass, continue the percolation with more of the spirit, allowing the liquor 
 to drop into a receiver containing the camphor until the product measures 30 fl. oz. — Br. 
 
 This liniment is one-third weaker than the fluid extract, and differs also in containing 
 
L1NIMENTUM A MMONIM— BELL AD ONNJE. 
 
 939 
 
 camphor. With proper manipulation the aconite-root is practically exhausted by the above 
 process. Procter (1853) had suggested an aconite liniment which has been dropped from 
 the Pharmacopoeia since 1880, but may be prepared from the fluid extract of aconite-root 
 by mixing 4 fluidounces of it with I fluidounce of glycerin and evaporating the mixture 
 to 4 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This liniment is convenient for using aconite locally and as an addition to 
 other anodyne applications. It is chiefly employed for the relief of neuralgia by satur- 
 ating it with disks or pledgets of cloth, which are then applied to the painful part. 
 Mixed with an equal quantity of soap liniment, it is said effectually to remove the pain 
 of dry gangrene. 
 
 LINIMENTUM AMMONIA, 77. S, 9 Br. — Ammonia Liniment. 
 
 Linimentum ammoniatum. P. G. ; Linimentum volatile , Linimentum ammoniacale . — Vol- 
 atile liniment , E. ; Liniment ammoniacal ( yolatil ), Savon ammoniacal , F. ; Fliichtiges Lini- 
 ment. Fliichtige Salbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonia water 350 Cc. ; Alcohol 50 Cc. ; Cotton-seed oil 600 Cc. ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Take of solution of ammonia 1 fluidounce ; olive oil 3 fluidounces. Mix together with 
 agitation. — Br. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia directs 3 parts of olive oil and 1 part of poppy-seed oil, 
 and the French Codex 9 parts of expressed oil of almonds to 1 part of ammonia water. 
 The fixed oil is partly decomposed, with the formation of an ammonia soap, by means of 
 which the water and oil are kept well mixed forming an opaque emulsion. Ammonia 
 liniment may be prepared by shaking together in a bottle 3J fluidounces of ammonia 
 water, \ fluidounce of alcohol, and 6 fluidounces of cotton-seed oil. When made by the 
 present official formula ammonia liniment is sure to separate into two distinct layers ; in 
 our experience more satisfactory results will be obtained if about one-sixth of the volume 
 of cotton-seed oil be replaced by a like quantity of common olive oil. Old cotton-seed 
 oil will also give better results than the fresh oil. The addition of alcohol in the official 
 formula is intended to preserve the fluidity of the liniment, as the latter has a tendency 
 to thicken considerably if kept on hand for some time. On being kept, the liniment 
 becomes thicker, and finally forms a stiff and even granular mass, which Pother prevents 
 by the addition of a minute quantity of oleic acid. 
 
 Linimentum ammonite camphoratum. — Camphorated volatile liniment, E. ; Lini- 
 ment ammoniacal camphre, Fr. ; Fliichtiges Kampher-liniment, G. — The French Codex 
 and German Pharmacopoeia direct it to be made precisely like volatile liniment, except 
 that camphor liniment is substituted for the almond and olive oil. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation represents the stimulant rather than the counter-irritant 
 virtues of ammonia. It is used to relieve local pains of a neuralgic or rheumatic nature, 
 and to palliate both pain and congestion in the forming stage of various inflammations, 
 as sore throat , laryngitis , bronchitis , and pleurisy. If prevented from evaporating it may 
 vesicate the skin. 
 
 LINIMENTUM BELLADONNA, 77. S, 9 Br, — Belladonna Liniment. 
 
 Liniment de belladone , Fr. ; Belladonna -Liniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Camphor, 50 Gm. ; Fluid Extract of Belladonna, a sufficient quan- 
 tity to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the camphor in about 200 Cc. of the fluid extract, and 
 then add enough of the latter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of the official liniment dissolve 365 grains of camphor in 4 ounces of 
 fluid extract of belladonna-root, and add enough fluid extract to bring the volume up 
 to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of belladonna-root, in No. 40 powder, 20 ounces ; camphor 1 ounce ; rectified 
 spirit a sufficiency. Moisten the belladonna with 20 fluidounces of spirit, and macerate 
 in a closed vessel for three days ; then transfer to a percolator, and, when the liquor 
 ceases to pass, continue the percolation with more of the spirit, allowing the liquor to drop 
 into a receiver containing the camphor until the product measures 30 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 Considering the belladonna-root used in both formulas to be of equal efficiency, the 
 second liniment is one-third weaker. 
 
 Uses. Belladonna liniment is a convenient and efficient preparation for allaying the 
 local pains which belong to neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains, eta. It is advantageously 
 
 associated with aconite liniment. 
 
940 
 
 LINIMENTUM CALCIS.— CHLOROFORMI. 
 
 LINIMENTUM CALCIS, U. S., Lime Liniment. 
 
 Liniment of lime , Carron oil , E. ; Liniment calcaire , Savon calcaire , Fr. ; Kalkliniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Lime, Linseed Oil, each 1 volume. Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Take of solution of lime, olive oil, each 2 fluidounces. Mix together, with agitation. 
 —Br. 
 
 A lime soap is formed by this process, which keeps the excess of the oil emulsionized 
 for a short time, the two separating together from the aqueous liquid. 
 
 The French Codex directs the separation of the soft saponaceous mass resulting from 
 the agitation of 9 parts of lime-water with 1 part of expressed oil of almonds, and its 
 preservation for use. 
 
 Uses. — This liniment is much employed in the treatment of burns, both those which 
 are recent and superficial and those which involve the skin, in their ulcerative stage. 
 It is not only a protective, but, as an astringent of a special kind, it hastens the restora- 
 tion of the injured tissues. It may be used to prevent pitting in confluent small-pox. 
 It is applied most efficiently on cloths, which should not be allowed to get dry. 
 
 LINIMENTUM CAMPHORS, U. S., ^.—Camphor Liniment. 
 
 Oleum camphoratum, P. Gr. ; Linimentum camphoratum . — Camphorated oil, E. ; Lini- 
 ment camphre, Huile camphre, Fr. ; Kampherliniment , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Camphor, in coarse powder, 200 Gm. ; Cotton-seed oil, 800 Gm. ; 
 to make 1000 Gm. Introduce the camphor and the cotton-seed oil into a suitable flask, 
 and apply a gentle heat, by means of a water-bath, loosely stoppering the flask during 
 the operation. Agitate from time to time, until the camphor is dissolved. — U. S. 
 
 To make about 1 pint of camphor liniment dissolve 2 av. ozs. of camphor in 14? 
 fluidounces of cotton-seed oil. 
 
 Take of camphor 1 ounce ; olive oil 4 fluidounces. Dissolve the camphor in the oil. 
 — Br. Dissolve camphor 1 part in olive oil 9 parts. — F. Cod., P. G. 
 
 A simple solution of camphor in oil, which is best obtained by employing the camphor 
 as a fine powder or by digesting the mixture in a closed bottle at a moderate heat. 
 
 Souley’s carbolized camphor liniment is made by dissolving pure carbolic acid 9 parts 
 and camphor 25 parts in absolute alcohol 9 parts and adding oil 35 parts. 
 
 Uses. — It is used as an anodyne and discutient for sprains, bruises, and glandular 
 swellings and for the relief of rheumatic pains. It is also serviceable in preventing the 
 ill effects of pressure by surgical apparatus and by decubitus. 
 
 LINIMENTUM CAMPHORS COMPOSITUM, Br.— Compound Lini- 
 
 ment of Camphor. 
 
 Liniment ammoniacal camphre anglais, Fr. ; Ammoniak- und Kampher- Liniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of camphor 2 \ ounces ; Oil of Lavender, 1 fluidrachm ; Strong 
 Solution of Ammonia, 5 fluidounces ; Rectified Spirit, 15 fluidounces. Dissolve the cam- 
 phor and oil of lavender in the spirit ; then add the solution of ammonia gradually, shak- 
 ing them together until a clear solution is formed. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The characteristic of this preparation, as distinguished from simple liniment 
 of camphor, is that it is rendered stimulant, and even rubefacient, by the strong water 
 of ammonia it contains. It is a convenient liniment in cases of local rheumatic , neural- 
 gic, and traumatic pains. 
 
 LINIMENTUM CHLOROFORMI, U. S., Br.— Chloroform Liniment. 
 
 Liniment au chloroforme , Fr. ; Chloroform- Liniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chloroform, 300 Cc. ; Soap Liniment, 700 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Take of chloroform, liniment of camphor, each 2 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 Chloroform 1 part, expressed oil of almond 9 parts. — F. Cod. The preparation bear- 
 ing the same name in the three pharmacopoeias differs essentially in composition as well 
 as in the proportion of chloroform. 
 
 Uses. — The purpose of this preparation was probably to prolong, and at the same 
 time mitigate, the local anaesthetic action of chloroform. But the object is better accom- 
 plished by a mixture of chloroform and soap liniment, to which tincture of aconite-root 
 may be added. 
 
 
LINIMENTUM CR 0 TONIS. -POT A SS II I0D1DI CUM SAPONE. 
 
 941 
 
 LINIMENTUM CROTONIS, Br.— Liniment of Croton Oil. 
 
 Liniment crotone , Fr. ; Krotondl- Liniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Croton Oil 1 flnidounce ; Oil of Cajeput, Rectified Spirit, 
 each 31 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 This is simply a solution of croton oil in alcohol and oil of cajeput, and has the odor 
 of the latter. 
 
 Uses. — There is an apparent incongruity in associating a prompt but transient irritant, 
 like oil of cajeput, with one whose operation is slow and is scarcely active until the cha- 
 racteristic croton pustulation is produced. Possibly, the rubefaction of the skin by the 
 one oil was intended to hasten the more permanent action of the other. But the prepara- 
 tion has little to recommend it before an extemporaneous solution of croton oil in olive 
 oil, with or without the addition of oil of cajeput, cloves, or cassia. 
 
 LINIMENTUM HYDRARGYRI, Br. — Liniment of Mercury. 
 
 Linimentum mercuriale. — Liniment mercuriel , Fr. ; Quecksilber-Lmiment , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ointment of Mercury 1 ounce ; Solution of Ammonia, Lini- 
 ment of Camphor, each 1 fluidounce. Rub the ointment of mercury with one-half of the 
 liniment of camphor ; mix the solution of ammonia with the other half ; then mix them 
 together. — Br. 
 
 This may be prepared in a wide-mouthed vial if the ointment and liniment are digested 
 together and frequently agitated until the lumps have disappeared, when the second 
 mixture should be added and well incorporated by shaking. The liniment has a gray 
 color from the finely-divided mercury. 
 
 Uses. — The camphor and ammonia in this preparation are intended by their stimulant 
 action to promote the discutient and absorbent action of the mercury. As it must be 
 applied with friction, there is great danger of its causing salivation. It is less efficient 
 in promoting the resolution of enlarged and indurated glands , etc., than are mercurial 
 ointments and plasters, especially those containing the iodides of mercury. 
 
 LINIMENTUM IODI, Br. — Liniment of Iodine. 
 
 Liniment iodure , Fr. ; Jodliniment , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Iodine I? ounces; Potassium Iodide, \ ounce; Glycerin, I 
 ounce ; Rectified Spirit, 10 fluidounces. Dissolve the iodine, potassium iodide, and 
 glycerin in the spirit. — Br. 
 
 This is much stronger than the Tinctura iodi, from which it also differs in containing 
 about 21 per cent of glycerin. The potassium iodide adapts the liniment for use with a 
 small quantity of aqueous liquids by preventing the precipitation of the iodine. 
 
 Uses. — As it is probable that a very minute proportion, if any, either of iodine or of 
 potassium iodide is absorbed by the sound skin, it must be concluded that this liniment 
 will be less efficient as a local application than either the simple or compound iodine oint- 
 ment, in both of which the active ingredients are kept longer in contact with the integu- 
 ment than they can be in a liniment. 
 
 LINIMENTUM OPR, Br, — Liniment of Opium. 
 
 Anodyne liniment , E. ; Liniment opiace , Fr. ; Opiumliniment , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Tincture of Opium, Soap Liniment, each 2 fluidounces. 
 Mix. — Br. 
 
 The liniment savonneux opiace of the French Codex was made by triturating 5 parts of 
 powdered soap with 90 parts of expressed oil of almonds, and adding 5 parts of tincture 
 of opium ; it must be well agitated. 
 
 Uses. — Being merely a mixture of laudanum and soap liniment, its fixed proportions 
 are rather embarrassing than convenient. The quantity of laudanum used should vary 
 with the condition of the affected part as to delicacy, the degree of pain, etc. 
 
 LINIMENTUM POTASSH IODIDI CUM SAPONE, Br,— Liniment of 
 Potassium Iodide and Soap. 
 
 Liniment savonneux iodure , Fr. ; Jodkalium-Seifenliniment , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Curd Soap, cut small, 2 ounces (16 parts) ; Potassium 
 Iodide, l\ ounces (12 parts); Glycerin, 1 fluidounce (8 fluid parts); Oil of Lemon, 1 
 
942 
 
 LINIMENT UM S4 PON IS. 
 
 fluidrachm (1 fluid part); Distilled Water, 10 fluidounces (80 fluid parts). Deduce the 
 soap to fine shreds, and mix this with the water and glycerin in a porcelain dish over the 
 water-bath. When the soap is dissolved pour the liquid into a mortar in which the potas- 
 sium iodide has previously been powdered. Mix briskly, and continue the trituration 
 until the mixture is cold. Set aside for an hour ; then rub well the oil of lemon into the 
 cream-like product. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This liniment is even more objectionable than liniment of iodine, since it con- 
 tains only the iodic salt, and no iodine, as the latter preparation does. The clinical evi- 
 dence of any real benefit being derived from it through its potassium iodide has never 
 been furnished. If cutaneous absorption of the potassium iodide be desired, it will be 
 secured much more readily by the prolonged application of compresses saturated with 
 strong solution of the iodide and their protection by a waterproof covering. 
 
 LINIMENTUM SAPONIS, TJ . S ., Br .— Soap Liniment. 
 
 Linimentum saponato-camphoratum liquidum , P. G . — Spiritus nervinus camphor atas ; 
 Liquid opodeldoc , E. ; Liniment savonneux camphre, Fr. ; Fliissiger Opodeldok , Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Soap, in fine powder, 70 Gm. ; Camphor, in small pieces, 45 Gm. ; 
 Oil of Rosemary, 10 Cc. ; Alcohol, 750 Cc. ; Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 
 Cc. Introduce the camphor and the alcohol into a graduated bottle, and shake this 
 until the camphor is dissolved. Then add the soap and oil of rosemary, and shake the 
 bottle well for a few minutes. Lastly, add enough water to make 1000 Cc., and agitate 
 until a clear liquid results. Set the bottle aside, in a cool place, for twenty-four hours, 
 then filter. — TJ. S. 
 
 To prepare 2 pints of soap liniment will require soap, in fine powder 1022 grains, cam- 
 phor 663 grains, oil of rosemary 154 minims, alcohol 24 fluidounces, and finally enough 
 water to make the solution measure 32 fluidounces. 
 
 The present formula is an improvement over that of 1880, and the liniment will keep 
 better, because a larger proportion of water is present ; the amount of soap now used 
 will be uniform, as it is ordered in fine powder and must therefore be dry. 
 
 Take of hard soap, in fine shavings, 2 ounces ; camphor 1 ounce ; oil of rosemary 3 
 fluidrachms ; rectified spirit 16 fluidounces ; distilled water 4 fluidounces. Mix the water 
 with the spirit, and add the oil of rosemary, the soap, and the camphor. Macerate for 
 seven days at a temperature not exceeding 70° F., with occasional agitation, and filter. 
 —Br. 
 
 Both Pharmacopoeias use soap made with olive oil and soda, which is more soluble in 
 the alcohol than soap made with animal fat, but the Br. omits to state whether or not 
 the soap is to be dried before being weighed. If white Castile soap is used, the liniment 
 will have a pale-yellowish color, and is at once ready for use, but if mottled soap is 
 employed the preparation will be turbid, and should be filtered, when it will have a 
 brownish color, due to the iron held in solution. Barckhausen (1872) suggested the use 
 of a potassa soap made of rape-seed oil, which has the advantage of not separating from 
 the alcohol even at the freezing temperature ; and a soap made from castor oil has been 
 suggested by C. H. Clark and L. E. Sayre in 1872. To accomplish the same result, the 
 German Pharmacopoeia uses a potassa soap of olive oil. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Linimentum saponato-camphoratum, s. Balsamum opodeldoc. — Opo- 
 deldoc, Steer’s opodeldoc, E. ; Baume opodeldoch, Baume de savon, Fr. ; Opodeldok, G. — Digest, 
 in a suitable vessel, of tallow soap 30 parts, camphor 24 parts, and 90 per cent, alcohol 250 parts ; 
 when dissolved add oil of thyme 2 parts, oil of rosemary 6 parts ; agitate with 10 parts of ani- 
 mal charcoal, add ammonia-water 10 parts ; filter rapidly by means of a well-covered funnel, col- 
 lect the filtrate in suitable wide-mouthed vials, and allow it to congeal. — F. Cod. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia uses soap 8 parts, camphor 2 parts, alcohol 84 parts ; the warm 
 solution is filtered ; then it adds oil of thyme 0.4 part, oil of rosemary 0.6 part, and ammonia- 
 water 5 parts. The liniment is solid at the ordinary temperature, but readily liquefies at the 
 temperature of the body, and is white or yellowish, opalescent, and somewhat translucent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — An anodyne and discutient preparation, used for the same 
 purposes as camphor liniment, but more efficient because more stimulant than that 
 preparation. The opodeldoc balsam , the liniment, and the spirit (P. G.) are more stim- 
 ulant than the official preparation. 
 
 
LINIMENTUM SAPONIS M OLLIS.— TEREB IN THIN JE. 
 
 943 
 
 LINIMENTUM SAPONIS MOLLIS, 77. Liniment of Soft Soap. 
 
 Tinctura saponis viridis , U. S. 1880. Spiritus saponis Jcalinus Hebra. — Teincture de 
 savon vert, Fr. ; Hebra 1 s Seifenspiritus , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Soft Soap, 650 Gm. ; Oil of Lavender, 20 Cc. ; Alcohol, 300 Cc. ; 
 Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Mix the oil of lavender with the 
 alcohol, dissolve in this the soft soap by stirring or agitation, and set the solution aside 
 for twenty-four hours. Then filter it through paper, and pass enough water through the 
 filter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — 17. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of liniment of soft soap will require soft soap 10f av. ounces, oil of 
 lavender 3 fluidrachms, alcohol 4f fluidounces, and water enough to make the solution 
 measure 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This solution of green soap is more convenient than the soap itself, because 
 its smell is not offensive and because it is free from the gritty particles often contained in 
 the soap. It is used chiefly in the treatment of psoriasis, lichen, eczema, and prurigo. 
 
 LINIMENTUM SINAPIS COMPOSITUM, 77. S., Br.— Compound Lini- 
 ment of Mustard. 
 
 Liniment sinapise compose , Fr. ; Zusammengesetztes SenJUniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — -Volatile Oil of Mustard, 30 Cc. ; Fluid Extract of Mezereum 200 
 Cc. ; Camphor 60 Gm. ; Castor Oil 150 Cc. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 
 Cc. Dissolve the camphor in 500 Cc. of alcohol ; then add the fluid extract of meze- 
 reum, the oil of mustard, and the castor oil, and finally enough alcohol to make the 
 product measure 1000 Cc. — U. B. 
 
 To make 8 fluidounces 220 grains of camphor should be dissolved in 4 fluidounces of 
 alcohol, then add 13 fluidrachms of fluid extract of mezereum, 115 minims of volatile 
 oil of mustard, 9| fluidrachms of castor oil, and finally enough alcohol to bring the 
 volume of the solution up to 8 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of oil of mustard 1 fluidrachm ; ethereal extract of mezereon 40 grains ; camphor 
 120 grains ; castor oil 5 fluidrachms ; rectified spirit 4 fluidounces. Dissolve the extract 
 of mezereon and camphor in the spirit, and add the oil of mustard and castor oil. — Br. 
 
 The solution is readily effected by agitation in a vial. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It was doubtless intended in this compound to provide a 
 powerful counter-irritant and revulsive, and it is described as a useful embrocation. We 
 should hesitate to employ it without feeling more assured than at present of its being 
 safe. The sores made by mezereon or by mustard are very intractable. Moreover, if 
 the oil of mustard is in such proportion as to produce its proper effect, it will do so long 
 before the mezereon has begun to act. Hence one or the other ingredient of the lini- 
 ment would seem to be superfluous. 
 
 LINIMENTUM TEREBINTHINiE, 77 • S., Br. — Turpentine Liniment. 
 
 Linimentum terebinthinatum, P. G. — Liniment terebenthine, Fr. ; Terpentinlinimenf , G. 
 Preparation. — Kesin Cerate 650 Gm. ; Oil of Turpentine 350 Gm.; to make 1000 
 Gm. Add the oil to the cerate, previously melted, and mix them thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make about 1 pint of this liniment it will require lOf av. ozs. of resin cerate and 6£ 
 fluidounces of oil of turpentine. 
 
 Take of soft soap 2 ounces; camphor 1 ounce; oil of turpentine 16 fluidounces. Dis- 
 solve the camphor in the oil of turpentine; mix the soap with 2 fluidounces of water; 
 then rub these fluids together until they are thoroughly mixed. — Br. 
 
 Oleol of chamomile, oil of turpentine, equal parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The first formula yields what is known as Kentish liniment ; the cerate should be melted 
 at a low heat, and then the oil gradually added, with continued stirring. The second 
 process is a considerable modification of the former, and requires continued trituration of 
 the soap in a mortar, with the gradual addition of the oil. in order to obtain a uniform 
 mass. The liniment of the French Pharmacopoeia differs from the foregoing. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation was originally employed in the treatment of 
 burns and scalds, which it protects from the irritating influence of the air, while it main- 
 tains a moderate stimulation which tends to prevent the ulterior effects of those injuries 
 in which the vitality of the tissues is more or less impaired. It is essential for its. suc- 
 cessful use that the primary dressing should not be removed for twenty-four hours, and 
 
944 
 
 LINIMENTUM TEREBIN THINJE A CETICUM.—LINTE UM. 
 
 that the liniment should not he continued longer than is necessary to establish a healthy 
 action in the part. This preparation is also serviceable in superficial erysipelas or cry- 1 
 thema arising from traumatic causes, and in frost-bite without active inflammatory phe- 
 nomena. 
 
 LINIMENTUM TEREBINTHINiE ACETICUM, Br .— Liniment of 
 
 Turpentine and Acetic Acid. 
 
 Liniment terebenthine acetique , Fr. ; Terpenthin- und Essig- Liniment, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Turpentine 4 fluidounces (4 fluid parts) ; Glacial Acetic \ 
 Acid 1 ounce (1 part) ; Liniment of Camphor 4 fluidounces (4 fluid parts). Mix. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is essentially “ St. John Long’s liniment,” 
 which name it derived from a quack who professed to cure almost every painful local 
 disease by its application. It is particularly efficient in neuralgia when applied over the 
 points of exit of the trunks or the terminal distribution of the affected nerves. It should 
 then be employed so as to vesicate the part superficially and over a small area. It may 
 also be applied to relieve other local pains and inflammations, such as limited muscular 
 rheumatism , and to the epigastrium to allay vomiting depending on inflammation of the 
 stomach. 
 
 LINTEUM.— Lint. 
 
 Linteum carptum. — Char pie, Fr., G. 
 
 Preparation and Description. — Lint was originally made from bleached linen 
 cloth by scraping it until it became soft and woolly. At the present time it is almost 
 exclusively prepared by means of machinery from a fabric woven for this purpose, and 
 is known as patent lint in distinction to the hand-made lint. It is in rather thick but very 
 soft and fleecy sheets, and when viewed under the microscope shows the bast-cells of flax ] 
 as long cylindrical tubes, which are slightly thickened in a few places and somewhat 
 pointed toward both ends. The cell-walls are very thick by concentric deposits, leaving 
 only a small central cavity. Immersed in an ammoniacal solution of copper, they swell i 
 considerably, and are ultimately dissolved without leaving any residue. These cells 
 resemble the bast-fibres of hemp, but the latter are thinner, blunt at the ends, with a still 
 smaller cavity in the centre, and adhere more firmly together, hence the coarser appear- 
 ance of hemp fabrics. 
 
 Cotton is now often more or less substituted for linen, and lint made in this way is 
 known as cotton lint. The fibre of cotton is described on page *79 1, and may be readily ! 
 
 distinguished from linen fibre by the microscope. 
 
 Tests for Linen and Cotton. — Boiled with a concentrated solution of potassa, 
 the linen fibre turns bright yellow within 2 minutes, while cotton fibre remains white or .j 
 becomes pale-yellowish. Dipped in a solution of rosolic acid , which is known in com- jj 
 merce as aurin or yellow corallin, and afterward in a concentrated solution of sodium 
 carbonate, linen fibre is dyed rose-red, while cotton fibre remains white. When immersed 
 in a tincture of madder , linen fibre acquires a yellowish-red, but cotton fibre a light-yellow, 
 color. Cold concentrated sulphuric acid does not materially alter linen fibre within 1 or 
 2 minutes, while cotton fibre is destroyed in the same time. When rubbed with a fixed 
 oil , linen fabric remains white and opaque, but cotton becomes translucent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The purpose of lint is to provide a soft and unirritating 
 covering for wounds ; to protect them from the air and the foreign particles floating in 
 it ; to moderate and graduate the pressure of bandages and other surgical apparatus ; to 
 absorb the more liquid discharges, and to be introduced into wounds which are not in- 
 tended to heal immediately. Of the different forms of lint, that which is made of old 
 linen by picking apart its threads is the most elastic and absorbent, and by far the most 
 comfortable to the patient ; that which is made by scraping old linen is very suitable for 
 small wounds and abrasions ; and the so-called patent lint is the least eligible unless its 
 threads are unravelled so as to form a soft mass. But the last-mentioned lint, when 
 made of cotton, as it usually is, does not absorb discharges nearly as well as that derived 
 from linen, chiefly on account of the oil which adheres to it. Of late years cotton lint 
 has been prepared entirely free from oil, and therefore possessing a greater absorbent 
 power, and is at the same time impregnated with carbolic acid, so as to render it disin- 
 fectant. But a defect of all cotton lint is, that as soon as it becomes saturated with 
 liquids it entirely loses its elasticity, which is not the case with old linen lint or charpie. 
 
LINUM.— LINI FARINA. 
 
 945 
 
 A substance analogous to charpie is oakum, which consists of tarred ropes picked into 
 shreds. Its value, derived from the tar impregnating it and the greater looseness of its 
 texture, is counterbalanced by the harshness of the material. It was first suggested by 
 Surgeon Ruschenberger, U. S. N., in 1862. Several kinds of wood-fibre have been con- 
 verted into a spongy tissue known as wood-wool or wood-cloth, and which is very ab- 
 sorbent. It is sometimes impregnated with corrosive sublimate or other antiseptic 
 solution. Peat-moss and Spanish moss have been similarly applied. 
 
 LINUM, U. 8.— Flaxseed. 
 
 Lint semina , Br. ; Semen Lini, P. G. — Linseed, E. ; Semence ( Graine ) de lin, Fr. ; 
 Leinsamen , Flachssamen , Gr. ; Linaza , Sp. 
 
 The seed of Linum usitatissimum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 39. 
 
 Nat Ord. — Linaceae. 
 
 LINI FARINA, Br. — Flaxseed Meal. 
 
 Linseed meal , E. ; Farine de I'm, Fr. ; Leinsamenmehl , Leinmehl , Gr. ; Polvo ( Hai'ina ) de 
 linaza , Sp. 
 
 Origin. — Flax is probably indigenous to the Mediterranean basin, but has been cul- 
 tivated for a long period, and grows so spontaneously wherever it has been introduced, 
 that it is difficult to determine its native country. It has 
 an annual stem about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, alternate lin- 
 ear-lanceolate leaves, and terminal flowers with five ovate, 
 pointed and three-nerved sepals and five fugacious blue- 
 veined and short-clawed petals. The fruit is an ovate five- 
 celled and ten-seeded capsule, each cell being again im- 
 perfectly divided. As cultivated in the various tropical 
 and temperate countries, several varieties have been ob- 
 served, differing in the shape and size of the seeds and 
 more markedly in other characters. The seeds are princi- 
 pally imported from Russia and Germany. (See Oleum 
 Lini). 
 
 Description. — Flaxseed is 4-6 Mm. (i to I inch) 
 long, oblong-ovate, considerably flattened, but the sides 
 convex and the edges obtuse, rounded below and oblique 
 at the apex, beneath which the hilum is located in a slight depression. The testa is of a 
 yellowish-brown color, glossy, and covered with a transparent epithelium, which swells 
 very considerably in water ; the kernel consists of a very thin endosperm and two large 
 plano-convex oily greenish or yellowish cotyledons having the shape of the seed, with 
 the radicle projecting into the pointed end. The brown coloring matter is contained in 
 the inner cell-row of the testa ; the albumen and cotyledons are composed of thin-walled 
 parenchyma, the cells being filled with proteids and oil, but are free from starch. The 
 seed is inodorous, and has a mucilaginous, bitterish, and oily taste. 
 
 Placenta: seminis lini, P. G., are the press-cakes obtained in preparing linseed oil, 
 and on grinding yield the so-called cake meal. These press-cakes are of a dingy-gray 
 color, and their powder shows under the microscope fragments of the brown-yellow testa 
 of linseed, but none of the blackish-brown testa of rape-seed, and yields with boiling 
 water and on filtering an insipid mucilaginous liquid, which when cold is not colored blue 
 by iodine. But cake meal is not recognized by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which requires 
 that Aground linseed, for medicinal purposes, should be recently prepared, free from 
 unpleasant or rancid odor, and, when extracted with carbon disulphide, should yield not 
 less than 25 per cent, of fixed oil.” The Br. P. and F. Cod. likewise order the ground 
 seeds. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituents of flaxseed are the mucilage and 
 fixed oil , the latter 1 (see Oleum Lini), according to Chevallier (1844), being contained in 
 the embryo to the extent of about 30 to 37 per cent., the former in the epithelium to the 
 extent of about 15 per cent. The mucilage is C 12 H 20 O ]0 , and by nitric acid is converted 
 into mucic acid. Besides the above, Leo Meyer (1826) found protein compounds, a small 
 portion of wax, resin, sugar, malates, acetates, and other salts, which are dissolved with 
 the mucilage. The ash amounts to about 3 per cent., and consists of phosphates, with 
 some sulphates and chlorides of potassium, calcium and magnesium. 
 
 Fig. 173. 
 
 Flaxseed, magnif. a diam., and trans- 
 verse section near edge, magnif. 65 
 diam. 
 
946 
 
 LIQUIDAMBAR. 
 
 Action and. Uses. — The union of oil and mucilage in flaxseed adapts it for exter- 
 nal application in the many cases in which an emollient is required, and the ready 
 absorption of at least the water in its infusion has led to its internal use as a diluent 
 and diuretic. Flaxseed tea is universally employed in inflammations of the mucous 
 membranes of the respiratory , digestive , and urinary organs. It serves as the basis of 
 numerous ptisans, and is injected into the rectum, vagina, and bladder in irritations of 
 those organs. It forms an ordinary drink in renal and vesical irritations. The tea is 
 made with i an ounce of flaxseed to a pint of boiling water, macerated for two hours and 
 strained. It may be taken in any convenient quantity. The compound infusion 
 (U. S. P. 1870) contains liquorice, which adapts it to bronchial affections. Flaxseed 
 mucilage is prepared by boiling the seed. It is commonly used to cover erysipelatous 
 and other inflammations of the skin, burns , etc., but is objectionable if allowed to get 
 dry, by rendering the skin stiff ; it is also apt to become sour and irritating. For the 
 purposes last mentioned lead acetate is sometimes dissolved in it. It precipitates the 
 solution of lead subacetate. 
 
 The flaxseed poultice is prepared by gradually pouring boiling water upon flaxseed 
 meal and stirring the mixture until it acquires the proper consistence. As it tends to 
 render the skin white, wrinkled, and sodden, and to excite a pustular eruption, the part 
 to which it is applied should first be covered with sweet oil, fresh lard, or glycerin ; or, 
 as directed officially (British Pharmacopoeia), olive oil should be mixed with the meal 
 of which the poultice is made. Wherever applied, it should be kept in close contact 
 with the skin. It may be medicated by the addition of narcotic tinctures or watery 
 solutions, of astringents, stimulants, etc. 
 
 LIQUIDAMBAR. — Sweet Gum. 
 
 A balsamic exudation from Liquidambar styraciflua, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Hamamelaceae, Balsamifluae. 
 
 Origin. — The sweet-gum tree, also called bilsted and copalm , is a handsome North 
 American tree, from 12-18 M. (40 to 60 feet) high, growing from Connecticut and 
 Illinois southward to Florida and westward to Mexico. It has a reddish, fine-grained, 
 and compact wood, and a thick gray deeply-furrowed astringent bark, that of the branches 
 being usually furnished with thick wing-like ridges of cork. The leaves are dark -green, 
 round in outline, palmately five- to seven-lobed, and the lobes serrate. The fruit is cap- 
 sular, beaked, aggregated in globular heads, together with the indurated scales. The 
 leaves, fruit, and bark when bruised have an agreeable odor ; the taste of the bark is 
 balsamic and astringent, and that of the other parts mentioned aromatic and acidulous. 
 In its southern locations the tree yields a balsamic exudation from incisions made in the 
 bark. 
 
 Description. — Sweet gum, also called, gum wax ( Balsamo de liquidambar , Sp.), ex- 
 udes in the form of a thick liquid having the density of syrup and a yellowish color. On 
 standing it thickens, becomes darker in color, and finally hard at the ordinary tempera- 
 ture, and breaks with a resinous fracture, which is of a variegated appearance, the color 
 being brown, with lighter (and even white) spots and streaks. It softens somewhat by 
 the warmth of the hand, and when heated fuses to a yellowish-brown liquid. It has a 
 very pleasant balsamic odor and taste, the latter being followed by pungency. It dis- 
 solves completely, fragments of bark excepted, in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, the 
 alcoholic solution having a slight acid reaction. 
 
 Constituents. — A pretty complete analysis of sweet gum was made by William L. 
 Har rison (1874). He obtained, by distillation with a solution of sodium carbonate in 
 water, 3J per cent, of an aromatic oily hydrocarbon, having the properties of styrene, but 
 which was found by Fliickiger to be not converted into inetastyrene ; the aqueous liquor 
 in the retort, on being supersaturated with acid, yielded 5J per cent, of cinnamic add. 
 The portion insoluble in the alkaline liquor was partly dissolved in hot petroleum benzin, 
 the solution yielding styracin on cooling, and finally left a dark -brown nearly tasteless 
 and inodorous resin. The sweet gum examined contained 9 per cent/of impurities. On 
 treating sweet gum with warm petroleum benzin, cinnamic acid and styracin are taken 
 up, and crystallize together on cooling ; they may then be separated with weak ammonia, 
 which dissolves the cinnamic acid only. Harrison observed also that by heating sweet 
 gum with a small quantity of water and stirring frequently a gray-colored mixture is 
 obtained resembling storax. The presence of cinnamic acid in sweet gum was previously 
 proved by Hanbury (1857) and Procter (1866). It will be observed that sweet gum 
 
LIQUORES.— LIQUOR ACID I ARSENOSI. 947 
 
 agrees in composition with storax, which in addition contains water mechanically mixed 
 with it. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — A syrup of sweet gum is made by the official process for 
 syrup of tolu, and is much employed in some parts of the Southern States. A syrup of 
 siceet-gum bark is likewise used and prepared by the official process for syrup of wild 
 cherry (Dr. C. W. Wright, 1856). According to L. Hughes (1876), an ethereal solution 
 of sweet gum is very serviceable for extinguishing the mercury in preparing mercurial 
 ointment. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These appear to be identical with those of storax ; and indeed 
 the latter is defined by the United States Pharmacopoeia to be “ a balsam prepared from 
 the inner bark of Liquidambar orientalis.” Its action is that of an aromatic resin, ope- 
 rating particularly upon the respiratory and urinary mucous membranes. It is employed 
 in the treatment of chronic profluvia of these parts^uch as bronchitis , cystitis, pyelitis, 
 and gleet. Externally, it was used formerly in an ointment for the treatment of scabies 
 (as storax now is), and for various purposes to which resin cerate is applied, including 
 frost-bite, indolent ulcers, and burns. A decoction, and also a syrup prepared from the 
 bark, are said to be employed in the Western and Southern States in the treatment of 
 infantile diarrhoea and dysentery. The former is sometimes made with milk. The bark, 
 like the leaves, is astringent. 
 
 LIQU ORES . — Solutions. 
 
 Solutes, Fr. ; Losungen, G. 
 
 With the exception of infusions, decoctions, and syrups, and of those aqueous liquids 
 containing volatile oils or gases, all aqueous solutions are, by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia,* 
 designated Liquor es ; the British and some other pharmacopoeias embrace under the same 
 head also aqueous solutions <$f gases. The German Pharmacopoeia is inconsistent in its 
 designation, lime-water, chlorine-water, and lead-water being placed among Aquae, while 
 ammonia-water is regarded as a liquor. Gutta-percha solutions and blistering liquids alone 
 have a menstruum other than water. Many saline solutions develop a cryptogamic 
 vegetation altering the nature and properties of the dissolved compounds, this is par- 
 ticularly the case with phosphates in the presence of organic substances, through the 
 rapid growth of an alga, Hygrocrocis phosphaticus, which, according to Jacquemaire 
 (1888), is prevented by the presence of carbon dioxide in excess. 
 
 LIQUOR ACIDI ARSENOSI, XI , Solution of Arsenous Acid. 
 
 Liquor arsenici chloridi, U. S. 1870. — Liquor arsenici hydrochloricus, Br. — Solution of 
 arsenic chloride, Hydrochloric solution of arsenic , E. ; Liqueur arsenicale liydrochlorique, Fr. ; 
 Chlorarsenik-Losung, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arsenous Acid, in small pieces, 10 Gm. ; Diluted Hydrochloric Acid 50 
 Cc. ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Boil the arsenous acid with the 
 hydrochloric acid and 250 Cc. of distilled water, until solution has been effected. Filter 
 the liquid, and pass enough distilled water through the filter to make the solution measure 
 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make one pint of the official solution of arsenous acid, boil 73 grains of arsenous 
 acid and 384 minims of diluted hydrochloric acid with 4 ounces of distilled water until 
 dissolved; filter and add enough distilled water to make 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Arsenous acid in powder 87 grains: hydrochloric acid 2 fluidrachms ; distilled water 
 sufficient to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Arsenous and hydrochloric acids, when heated together, and then distilled, unite to 
 form volatile arsenous chloride , As 2 C1 6 , which, on being dissolved in water, is decomposed 
 again into the compounds from which it was prepared. The official solutions, therefore, 
 contain simply the two acids. 
 
 Properties. — The solution is colorless, has an acid reaction, and an acidulous taste. 
 Hydrogen sulphide yields at once a bright-yellow precipitate of arsenic sulphide. In 
 arsenic strength it corresponds with Fowler’s solution, containing 1 per cent, of arsenous 
 acid, or 4.56 grains to the fluidounce, or 4.35 grains (4 grains, Br. 1867) to the Imperial 
 fluidounce ; Valangin’s solution contained 0.38 per cent, of arsenous acid, or If grains to 
 1010 U B^° UnCe P^ 11 ^ 00 ? 06 ^ solutions have the specific gravity 1.009 U. S., 
 
948 
 
 LIQUOR AMMONII ACE TATIS. 
 
 The strength is determined as follows : “ If 24.7 Cc. of solution of arsenous acid be 
 boiled for a few minutes with 2 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate, the liquid, when cold, diluted 
 with water to 100 Cc. and mixed with a little starch test-solution, it should require from 
 49.4 to 50 Cc. of decinormal iodine volumetric solution, until the blue tint of iodide of 
 starch makes its appearance (corresponding to 1 per cent, of arsenous acid of the required 
 degree of purity).” — U. S. “ 442 grains boiled for five minutes with 20 grains of sodium 
 bicarbonate, and then diluted with 6 fluidounces of distilled water, to which a little muci- 
 lage of starch has been added, does not give with the volumetric solution of iodine a per- 
 manent blue color until 875 grain-measurers have been added.” — Br. 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Liquor arsenici bromidi. Clemens’ formula (1876), somewhat modified 
 in the manipulation, is as follows : Mix 1 part each of powdered arsenous acid and pure potas- 
 sium carbonate, and dissolve in about 10 parts of boiling water ; then add 80 parts of water and 
 2 parts of bromine, set aside at a moderate temperature until the liquid has become colorless, and 
 add sufficient water to make the solution weigh 100 parts. It is said to improve by age. Arsenic 
 bromide , AsBr 3 , is crystalline, melts near 25° C. (77° F.), boils and volatilizes without decompo- 
 sition near 220° C. (428° F.), and is decomposed by water, with the formation of arsenous and 
 hydrobromic acids. The above solution probably contains potassium bromide and arsenate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The advantages of this preparation, which contains the same 
 proportion of arsenic as Fowler’s solution, are far from being apparent. Indeed, its 
 action has been pronounced very uncertain. It may be given in doses of from 3 to 5 
 drops, largely diluted and after meals. 
 
 LIQUOR AMMONII ACETATIS, U. S ,, Br. — Solution of Ammonium 
 
 Acetate. 
 
 Liquor ammonite acetatis , Liquor ammonii acetici , P. G. ; Acetas ammonicus liquidus , 
 Spiritus Mindereri. — Spirit of Mindererus , E. ; Acetate Lammoniaque liquide , Esprit de 
 Mindererus , Fr. ; Ammoniumacetat-Losung , Essigsaure Anw^onium-Lbsung, G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of ammonium acetate, containing about 7 per cent, of the salt, 
 together with small amounts of acetic and carbonic acids. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium Carbonate, 5 Gm. ; Diluted Acetic Acid, 100 Cc. Add 
 the ammonium carbonate (which should be in translucent pieces, free from white, pulve- 
 rulent bicarbonate) gradually to the cold diluted acetic acid, and stir until it is dissolved. 
 This preparation should be freshly made when wanted. — U. S. 
 
 Each fluidounce of diluted acetic acid U. S. P. would require about 23 grains (22.84) 
 of official ammonium carbonate in the preparation of spirit of Mindererus, as directed 
 above. 
 
 Strong solution of ammonium acetate 4 fl. oz., distilled water sufficient for 20 fluid- 
 ounces. — Br. Spec. grav. 1.022. 
 
 Liquor ammonii acetatis fortior. — Add crushed ammonium carbonate 17 J oz. gra- 
 dually to 45 oz. of acetic acid ; then add more of the acid (about 5 oz.) until a neutral 
 liquid results, and add sufficient water to yield 60 fluidounces of product. Preserve in 
 bottles free from lead. — Br. Spec. grav. 1.073. 
 
 The present official formula is greatly to be preferred to former ones, a definite amount 
 of ammonium acetate is assured, together with an excess of acetic acid ; in following the 
 pharmacopoeal directions the dispenser will be sure that no excess of alkali can possibly 
 be present, which latter frequently happened heretofore, when it was impossible to ascer- 
 tain the exact point of neutrality and the operator’s experience and sense of taste were 
 his only guides. The 100 Cc. of diluted acetic acid ordered in the above formula contain 
 6.048 + Gm. of absolute acetic acid, of which 5.727 4- Gm. will be required to neutra- 
 lize the 5 Gm. of official ammonium carbonate (consisting of ammonium acid carbonate 
 and carbamate), as may be see from the equation, NH 4 HC0 3 NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 + 3HC 2 H 3 0 2 = 
 3NH 4 C 2 H 3 0 2 + H 2 0 + 2C0 2 — 156.77 : 179.58 : : 5 : x, x = 5.7274 + . 
 
 Solution of ammonium acetate should never be kept on hand for dispensing purposes, 
 as it absorbs ammonia from the air, and finally acquires an alkaline reaction. 
 
 Properties. — It is a “ clear, colorless liquid, free from empyreuma, of a mildly saline 
 taste and acid reaction. It is wholly volatilized by heat. When heated with potassa it 
 evolves vapors of ammonia, and when heated with sulphuric acid it gives out vapor ot 
 acetic acid. — U. S. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs the preparation of a neutral solution which is some- 
 what stronger : the undiluted acetic acid being used, less carbonic acid is retained by the 
 liquid, and may be expelled by trituration or stirring at first, and toward the close of the 
 
LIQUOR AM MO Nil CITRA TIS.—ANTIMONII CHLORIDI. 
 
 949 
 
 reaction by warming the liquid until it has no effect upon test-paper, after which it is to 
 he properly diluted. In place of ammonium carbonate, ammonia-water may be used to 
 effect the neutralization, as directed by the German Pharmacopoeia, which requires the 
 neutralized liquid to be heated to boiling for a short time, in order to expel traces of 
 empyreumatic matter likely to be present in the ammonia-water. The description corre- 
 sponds with the one given above, but the solution is to have the specific gravity 1.032- 
 1.034, to contain 15 per cent, of ammonium acetate, and to be not rendered turbid by 
 barium nitrate (absence of sulphate), nor, after acidulation with nitric acid, by silver 
 nitrate (absence of chloride). 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is generally held to be efficient in the forming stage of 
 catarrh , sore throat , and muscular rheumatism , and in the eruptive fevers when the eruption 
 is slow to appear. It is the best diaphoretic in epidemic catarrh or influenza. In low 
 forms of fever it often of signal advantage, helping to sustain the powers of life until 
 the crisis is past. In this way it is peculiarly valuable in typhus , in which, like other 
 appropriate stimulants, it lowers the pulse and temperature, moistens the dry tongue, and 
 moderates the delirium. It is reported to have been peculiarly efficacious in the treatment 
 of epidemic pseudo-membranous bronchitis. 
 
 In sick headache few remedies are so successful as a teaspoonful or two of this solution 
 repeated every hour. In alcoholic intoxication it frequently dissipates at once the signs 
 of drunkenness. It is reported to be an efficient remedy in dysmenorrhoea and menor- 
 rhagia. It is an adjuvant in the treatment of scarlatinous dropsy , and is perhaps not 
 without advantage in chronic eruptions of the skin. 
 
 Externally, it is a valuable discutient in contusions , glandular swellings , mammary 
 engorgements , commencing abscesses, hydrarthrosis, and even acute hydrocele. It has been 
 found beneficial in impetigo capitis. 
 
 The dose of the official solution is from Gm. 8-16 (2 to 4 fluidrachms), diluted with 
 sweetened water. 
 
 LIQUOR AMMONII CITRATIS, Br. — Solution of Citrate of 
 
 Ammonium. 
 
 Citrate d' ammoniaque hquide, Fr. ; Ammoniumcitrat-Losung, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Strong Solution of Ammonium Citrate 5 fl. oz.; Distilled Water 
 sufficient for 20 fluidounces. — Br. Spec. grav. 1.062. 
 
 Liquor ammonii citratis fortior. — Neutralize citric acid 12 oz. with ammonia 11 
 fluidounces or sufficient, and add distilled water sufficient to yield 20 fluidounces of 
 product. Store in bottles free from lead. — Br. Spec. grav. 1.209. 
 
 Citric acid combines with ammonia, forming ammonium citrate and water. The two 
 solutions are clear and colorless, have a saline taste, and should not change either litmus- 
 or turmeric-paper. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This solution is perhaps more palatable than solution of am- 
 monium acetate, but its medicinal effects are not perceptibly different. Dose, from Gm. 
 8-16 (2 to 4 fluidrachms). 
 
 LIQUOR ANTIMONII CHLORIDI, Br. — Solution of Antimony 
 
 Chloride. 
 
 Liquor stibii chlorati , Antitnonium muriaticum liquidum, Butyrum antimonii (s. stibii ), 
 Chloridum ($. Chloruretum ) stibicum. — Liquid butter of antimony , E. ; Chlorure ( Beurre ) 
 d' antimoine liquide , Huile d' antimoirie, Fr. ; Spiessglanzbutter , G. 
 
 A solution of SbCl 3 (molecular weight 225.71) in hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Black Antimony 1 pound ; Hydrochloric Acid 4 pints. 
 Llace the black antimony in a porcelain vessel, pour upon it the hydrochloric acid, and 
 constantly stirring, apply to the mixture, beneath a flue with a good draught, a gentle 
 heat, which must be gradually augmented as the evolution of gas begins to slacken, 
 until the liquid boils. Maintain it at this temperature for fifteen minutes ; then remove 
 the vessel from the fire, and filter the liquid through .calico into another vessel, returning 
 what passes through first, that a perfectly clear solution may be obtained. Boil this 
 down to the bulk of 2 pints (Imperial), and preserve it in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Hydrochloric acid decomposes antimony sulphide with the product of antimonous 
 chloride, which dissolves in the acid liquid, and hydrogen sulphide, which escapes; Sb 2 S 3 
 + 6HC1 yields 2SbCl 3 +3H 2 S. Provision must be made to carry off the offensive gas 
 
950 
 
 LIQUOR ARSENI ET HYDRARGYRI IODIDI. 
 
 either through a flue or by working in the open air. The powdered sulphide and the acid 
 may be left in contact for several hours, during which time the reaction will partly take 
 place ; the mixture -should afterward be slowly heated until the boiling-point is reached 
 and the disengagement of hydrogen sulphide ceases. The insoluble mineral impurities 
 are then filtered otf, either through calico, or, preferably, through a material which is not 
 corroded by the acid liquid, such as gun-cotton, asbestos, or glass-wool. The arsenic 
 naturally contained in the antimony is partly evolved, and the remainder is removed 
 as arsenous chloride by boiling the filtered liquid and concentrating it as directed, this 
 arsenic compound being much more volatile than the antimonous chloride. The French 
 Codex directs the liquid to be concentrated by evaporation, and the residue to be dis- 
 tilled — an operation requiring great care in case notable quantities of lead chloride be 
 present. 
 
 Properties. — It is a yellowish or yellowish-red liquid having the spec. gr. 1.47, and 
 yielding with water a white precipitate of antimonous oxychloride ( powder of Algarotli), 
 2SbCl 3 .5Sb 2 0 3 . This precipitate is completely soluble in an aqueous solution of tartaric 
 acid, and the solution, when treated with hydrogen sulphide, yields an orange-brown 
 precipitate of antimony sulphide, which, when dried at 100° C., should weigh about 22 
 grains for every fluidrachm of the official solution. When free from other metals the 
 solution is colorless ; as prepared from the crude sulphide, however, it always contains 
 ferric chloride. 
 
 Antimonium chloride of the French Codex is a soft white, translucent, crystalline, and 
 very caustic mass, which melts to a clear liquid at 73° C. (163.5° F.) and boils at 223° 
 C. (433.5° F.). On exposure to the air it fumes and absorbs moisture, deliquescing to a 
 clear oily liquid, which is precipitated by more water. The salt is soluble in cold alcohol, 
 and this solution, when boiled, precipitates antimonous oxychloride. 
 
 Impurities. — Lead , if present, will mostly crystallize from the cold liquid ; what 
 remains dissolved may be recognized by a drop of dilute sulphuric acid, which will cause 
 a white precipitate. Copper is recognized by the blue color obtained on treating the 
 liquid with an excess of ammonia. Arsenic is detected by rendering the liquid strongly 
 alkaline with potassa, adding a little pure zinc, and heating to boiling. The vapors, on 
 coming in contact with filtering-paper moistened with a drop of solution of silver nitrate, 
 will then color the latter black. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Butter of antimony is one of the most powerful caustics 
 employed in surgery, and from its readily penetrating into wounds has been used to cauter- 
 ize those inflicted by rabid animals and venomous serpents. It has also been applied to 
 malignant pustule, warts , condylomata , and chancres. “ Pure chloride of antimony has been 
 used as an application to staphyloma by some German surgeons ; a camel’s-hair pencil or 
 a point of lint is dipped in the deliquescent salt and applied to the tumor until a whitish 
 crust is perceived, when the whole is washed away by means of a large camel’s-hair pencil 
 dipped first in milk and afterward into milk and water ” (Neligan). 
 
 Several instances of poisoning by this preparation are on record in which, besides abra- 
 sions of the mouth and throat, or even a charred appearance of these parts, there was 
 more or less complete general collapse. In one case recovery took place after 4 or 5 
 drachms, and in another after an ounce had been taken. In a fatal case the dose was 3 
 ounces, and on inspection after death the interior of the alimentary canal from the mouth 
 down to the jejunum presented a black appearance, as if the parts had been charred 
 (Taylor). . _ # 4 
 
 The proper antidotes for poisoning by chloride of antimony are chalk and magnesia or 
 their carbonates, followed by demulcent drinks. Tannic acid and the substances containing 
 it are also recommended. 
 
 LIQUOR ARSENI ET HYDRARGYRI IODIDI, U. S., Br.— Solution 
 
 of Arsenic and Mercuric Iodide. 
 
 Solutio Donovani. — Donovan's solution , E. ; Solute d' iodo-arsenite de mercure , Liqueur 
 de Donovan , Fr. ; Jodquecksilber-Arsenik-Lbsung , Donovansche Tropfen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arsenic Iodide 10 Gm. ; Red Mercuric Iodide, 10 Gm. ; Distilled 
 Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the iodides with 150 Cc. ot 
 distilled water until they are dissolved. Filter the liquid, and pass enough distilled water 
 through the filter to make the solution measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 A tiuidounce of Donovan's solution contains 4.56 grains each of arsenic iodide and red 
 
LIQUOR ATROPINJE SULPHA TIS.—BISMUTHI ET AM MONTI CITRATIS. 951 
 
 mercuric iodide ; the liquid should be kept in a dark place, and should not be dispensed 
 if the color has changed to yellowish -red and the odor of iodine become apparent. 
 
 Iodide of arsenium, mercuric iodide, each 45 grains; distilled water sufficient for 10 
 fluidounces (Imperial). — -Br. 
 
 This is a solution of the two iodides in very nearly the proportion of their molecular 
 weights, and containing them mixed, but not chemically combined. The present prepara- 
 tion contains about the same quantity of each of the two iodides as that of. 1880. 
 
 Properties. — It is of a light-yellow color, has a metallic taste, and gives precipitates 
 with solutions of silver, alkalies, and salts of the alkaloids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The combination of arsenic and mercury in this preparation 
 was proposed for the treatment of syphilitic diseases of the skin, and was thought to be 
 especially useful in those of the squamous form, although mercury alone is apt to aggra- 
 vate them. Yet many consider that in these cases the compound is more injurious than 
 useful. The efficacy of Donovan’s solution is shown in cutaneous affections apparently 
 free from syphilitic taint when they have become chronic and have resisted arsenic 
 alone. Among these may be mentioned impetigo and sycosis ; in the latter it should be 
 associated with epilation. The best authorities deny that it has any curative influence in 
 lupus. The dose is Gm. 0.30 (gtt-v), gradually increased and taken after meals, well 
 diluted. 
 
 LIQUOR ATROPINE SULPHATIS, Hr . — Solution of Atropine 
 
 Sulphate. 
 
 Solute de sulfate dl atropine, Fr. ; Schwefelsaure Atr opinio sung, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Atropine Sulphate 9 grains (1 part) ; Camphor-water 16| 
 fluidrachms (99 fluid parts). Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 This solution is best prepared in small quantity only, that decomposition, which is likely 
 to result from long keeping, may be prevented. Combining the atropine with benzoic or 
 boracic acid does not, in the experience of Tichborne (1877), prevent the appearance of 
 fungoid growth, but solution of atropine salicylate made of 2.7 grains of atropine and JL3 
 grains of salicylic acid to 1 ounce of distilled water, was found to keep indefinitely. 
 Camphor-water prevents decomposition better than distilled water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is identical with solution of atropine in its 
 strength, action, uses, dose, and mode of application. For acting upon the iris disks of 
 paper or gelatin impregnated with either solution may be introduced between the eyelid 
 and the eyeball. 
 
 LIQUOR BISMUTHI ET AMMONII CITRATIS, Hr. — Solution of 
 Bismuth and Ammonium Citrate. 
 
 Liquor bismuthi. — Solution of ammonio-citrate of bismuth, E. ; Solute de citrate de bis- 
 muth ammoniacal , Fr. ; Wismuth-Ammoniak-Citrat-Losung, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bismuth Citrate 800 grains ; Solution of Ammonia, Distilled 
 Water, of each a sufficiency. Bub the Bismuth citrate to a paste with a little of the 
 water; add the solution of ammonia, gradually and with stirring, until the salt is just 
 dissolved. Dilute with distilled water to form 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 In the former edition of the Br. P. a concentrated solution of bismuth nitrate in nitric 
 acid was mixed with double the quantity of citric acid theoretically necessary for the 
 formation of bismuthous citrate ; and this acid liquid was neutralized with ammonia. 
 Thus prepared, the solution contained ammonium citrate and bismuthous citrate, or a 
 double salt of these two compounds, and in addition thereto a notable quantity of 
 ammonium nitrate. N. G. Bartlett (1865), however, showed — and his observations were 
 corroborated by Mehu (1873)— that the neutral bismuthous citrate dissolves in ammonia, 
 and that on evaporation a dry salt is obtained which is again soluble in water, and for 
 which Bother (1876) gives the formula (NH 4 ) 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 .Bi30H. These observations have 
 ed to several modifications of the former formula, by which contamination with ammonium 
 nitrate is at the same time avoided. These modifications are based upon the preparation 
 of bismuth citrate — 1, by double decomposition between bismuth nitrate and potassium 
 or sodium citrate ; or 2, by first preparing bismuthous hydroxide or subcarbonate, and 
 treating this with the equivalent quantity of citric acid ; or 3, as suggested by Bother, 
 by boiling for^a short period equivalent quantities (10 parts) of bismuth subnitrate and 
 (7 parts) of citric acid with some water. This latter process has been adopted by the 
 
952 
 
 LIQUOR C ALOIS. 
 
 U. S. P. (see page 339), while the Br. P. prepares its Bismuthi citras from a solution of 
 bismuthous nitrate in nitric acid, diluted with water as much as possible, by precipitating 
 it with sodium citrate. These precipitated citrates frequently contain small quantities 
 of bismuthous chloride and sulphate as impurities, and these two salts remain insoluble 
 on treating the citrate with ammonia, which should be added merely until it remains per- 
 manently in slight excess. By filtering, weighing the dried undissolved residue, and 
 deducting it from the original weight of the bismuthous citrate, the actual weight of the 
 latter is readily ascertained, and the strength of the solution may thus be adjusted. 
 
 Bismuthi et ammonii citras, Br ., is prepared from the above solution (see p. 339), the 
 heat for drying in scales being limited to 37.8° C. (100° F.) to avoid loss of ammonia. 
 
 Properties. — The solution of the British Pharmacopoeia is colorless, and has a saline 
 slightly styptic taste and the specific gravity 1.07. It is neutral or slightly alkaline to 
 test-paper, and mixes with water without change. Potassa yields a precipitate of bismuth 
 hydroxide and liberates ammonia; hydrochloric acid produces a precipitate of basic salt, 
 which is redissolved by an excess of acid. 2 fluidrachms of the official solution, treated 
 with hydrogen sulphide yield a black precipitate, which after drying weighs about 7 
 grains. Each fluidrachm represents 3 grains of bismuthous oxide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — If, as we have endeavored to show elsewhere, the action of 
 bismuth is entirely local and depends upon its insolubility, the use of its soluble salts is 
 irrational. Yet the solubility of this preparation is set forth as a ground of its superior- 
 ity over the oxide and the subnitrate ! As an astringent it is quite superfluous, although 
 it seems to have been employed in cases of flaccidity of the vagina, rectum, z tc. The 
 official dose is stated to be from Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 LIQUOR CALCIS, XJ. S . 9 Br. — Solution of Lime. 
 
 Aqua calcarise, P. G. ; Aqua calcarise, ustse , A qua calcis , Calcaria soluta, Oxydum calci- 
 cum aqua solutum. — Lime-water, E. ; Eau ( Liqueur ) de chaux, Fr. ; Kalkwasser , G. 
 
 A saturated, aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide. 
 
 The percentage of calcium hydroxide varies with the temperature, being somewhat 
 over 0.17 per cent, at 15° C. (59° F.), and diminishing as the temperature rises. 
 
 Preparation. — Lime 12 Gm., Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Slake the lime 
 by the gradual addition of 70 Cc. of the water, then add 360 Cc. of water, and stir 
 occasionally during half an hour. Allow the mixture to settle, decant the liquid, and 
 throw this away. Now add to the residue 3600 Cc. of distilled water, stir well, wait a 
 short time for the coarser particles to subside, and pour the liquid, holding the undis- 
 solved lime in suspension, into a glass-stoppered bottle. Pour off the clear liquid when 
 wanted for use. — IT. S. 
 
 Wash slaked lime 2 oz. with distilled water until the filtrate acidulated with nitric acid 
 is not rendered turbid by silver nitrate. Put the washed lime into a stoppered bottle 
 containing 1 gallon of distilled water, and shake well for two or three minutes. After 
 12 hours the excess of lime will have subsided, and the clear solution may be drawn off 
 with a siphon as it is required for use, or transferred to a green glass bottle furnished 
 with a well-ground stopper.— Br. 
 
 When water is added to burned lime or calcium oxide, this is converted into calcium 
 hydroxide, Ca(OIl) 2 which dissolves in the excess of water. If used for this purpose, the 
 lime should be prepared from marble, when it will be nearly pure : but if made from 
 ordinary limestone it usually contains alkalies which are readily soluble in water, hence 
 it should be treated with a portion of the water, and this rejected to remove the impuri- 
 ties mentioned. The water should be kept, at a low temperature, upon the lime to retain 
 the solution saturated, and this should be drawn off as needed. 
 
 Properties. — Lime-water is a clear, colorless, inodorous solution of a slight alkaline 
 disagreeable taste, but of a strong alkaline reaction to test-paper ; its specific gravity is 
 1.0015 at 15° C. (59° F.) When exposed to air it becomes covered with a pellicle of 
 calcium carbonate ; the same compound is formed with the loss of the alkaline reaction 
 if carbon dioxide is passed through the solution and the solution heated to expel the 
 excess of the gas (absence of alkalies or alkali carbonates). If lime-water is heated to 
 boiling, it becomes turbid from the separation of some calcium hydroxide, which dissolves 
 again on cooling. On the addition of test-solution of oxalic acid, lime-water yields a 
 white precipitate of calcium oxalate, which is insoluble in acetic, but soluble in hydro- 
 chloric, acid. 
 
 Tests. — Since at 15° C. (59° F.) lime requires about 780 parts of water for solution, 
 
LIQUOR CALC IS. 
 
 953 
 
 1 ffuidounce (U. S. measure) of lime-water contains 0.57 grain of lime or 0.75 grain of 
 calcium hydroxide, which is equal to 0.125 and 0.165 per cent, respectively. At 21° C. 
 (70° F.) 800 parts of water are required for solution, indicating 0.125 per cent, of calcium 
 oxide or 0.166 per cent, of calcium hydroxide ; a solution of lime of this strength is 
 obtained at 32° C. (89.6° F.). According to Thomas Maben (1883),- 1 part of CaO is 
 soluble 
 
 at 
 
 10° 
 
 20° 
 
 30° 
 
 40° 
 
 60° 
 
 80° 
 
 99°C. 
 
 in 
 
 770 
 
 791 
 
 862 
 
 932 
 
 1136 
 
 1362 
 
 1650 parts of water. 
 
 equal to 
 
 0.129 
 
 0.126 
 
 0.116 
 
 0.107 
 
 0.088 
 
 0.073 
 
 0.06 per cent. CaO. 
 
 On mixing 100 Cc. of lime-water with 40 Cc. of decinormal volumetric solution of oxalic 
 acid, the liquid should not acquire an acid reaction, indicating at least 0.148 per cent, of 
 Ca(OH) 2 . — U. S. “ 10 ounces require for neutralization at least 180 grain-measures of the 
 volumetric solution of oxalic acid, which corresponds to 5 grains of calcium oxide 
 (CaO).” — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Lime-water is destitute of caustic qualities, but is astringent 
 and styptic, diminishing more or less the secretion of parts to which it is direetly applied 
 and of the mucous membranes and glands when taken internally. It is a valuable lotion 
 in various diseases of the skin, especially in eczema capitis , and ulcers. In the former 
 the affected part should be thoroughly cleansed with warm water and soap before the 
 lime-water is applied. In all cases of chronic mucous or purulent discharges from the 
 nostrils, fauces, auditory canal, vagina, urethra, or rectum, it is one of the simplest and 
 best washes. It is said to destroy ascarides of the rectum * . With flaxseed oil or sweet oil 
 it forms the official liniment so useful in the treatment of hums. Equal parts of lime- 
 water and cod-liver oil have been given with great advantage in teaspoonful doses in a 
 case of scalded throat produced by hot steam. 
 
 Internally, as already indicated, it appears to escape in part the neutralizing influence 
 of the gastric acids, for it has long been used to diminish the mucous secretion in chronic 
 bronchitis, and to modify the urine and the lining membrane of the urinary passages in 
 calculous and other disorders of the urino-genital organs. In vesical diseases lime-water 
 is sometimes injected into the bladder through a catheter after properly cleansing the 
 organ. It would seem, whether employed in the one or the other manner, to act by 
 diminishing the irritability of the vesical mucous membrane. Lime-water is one of the 
 most useful remedies for excessive vomiting produced by irritability or ulcer of the stom- 
 ach, especially when the matters rejected are very acid. In the vomiting of tubercular 
 phthisis and of simple and cancerous gastric ulcer milk with lime-water is sometimes the 
 only nutriment that can be retained. The constipation that results from the internal use 
 of lime-water, as well as its beneficial operation in chronic bronchitis, proves that it is not 
 fully acidified in the stomach. In diarrhoea attended with acid stools and the associated 
 colic and tympanites belonging to acid gastro-intestinal fermentation, and which is so 
 prevalent during hot seasons, especially among infants, lime-water added to milk in the 
 proportion of from one-fourth to one-half is a very efficient remedy. The aphthous 
 condition of the mouth and fauces, and the thrush fungus that forms there under these 
 circumstances, are often removable by lime-water. In chronic diarrhoea , dependent on 
 whatever cause, this solution, given with milk as the almost exclusive food, will usually 
 mitigate, and in appropriate cases cure, the disease. The most signal triumphs of this 
 simple method are achieved in chronic dysentery and in cases of typhoid fever protracted 
 by the persistence of the intestinal ulcers. Even in tubercular phthisis it sometimes sus- 
 pends the discharges for a considerable time. In all these affections it diminishes tym- 
 panites, and in certain cases in which that symptom appears to be the result of intes- 
 tinal fermentation, lime-water is one of the best remedies. This preparation has been 
 extolled as a remedy for diabetes , and the highest testimony in its favor exists, so far as 
 relates to its power of lessening the secretion of sugar. It in like proportion diminishes 
 thirst and voracious appetite. It should be given with milk, or, if that is contraindicated, 
 with cream, and in quality not less than 1 or 2 pints daily. In hydruria or diabetes 
 insipidus it is more efficacious still. It has been recommended in rachitis and osteomala- 
 cia, and is very useful in gouty (acid) dyspepsia, especially when taken during the first 
 stages of digestion. The cutaneous eruptions so often associated with gouty disorders are 
 usefully treated by the internal use of lime-water. 
 
 The demonstration that false membranes are soluble in lime-water led to the use of 
 gargles and the spray of this liquid and the vapors of slaked lime in pseudo-membranous 
 pharyngitis (diphtheria) and in laryngitis and bronchitis of the same type. The result 
 has been the cure of a large number of cases in which the nature of the disease was 
 
954 
 
 LIQUOR CALCIS CHLORINA TIE.—EP1SPA STICUS. 
 
 abundantly demonstrated by inspection or by the rejection of false membranes. To be 
 successful the gargle or inhalation should be frequently repeated. As often as possible 
 the patient should be confined in a dense vapor of slaking lime, and with this the use of 
 atomized lime-water should be alternated, while the room is kept filled with the vapor. 
 Other treatment, except stimulants, is of little use. It may perhaps be questioned whether 
 the good results of this method are due to the solvent action of the lime or to the soften- 
 ing influence of the watery vapor which holds it in solution. Possibly, both influences 
 contribute to the result, but the latter is probably the most efficient. 
 
 Lime-water is an appropriate antidote to arsenous acid , with which it forms an innocu- 
 ous compound. 
 
 The dose of lime-water is Gm. 16-120 (f^ss-iv) given from one to four times a day 
 with an equal quantity of milk or weak animal broth. 
 
 LIQUOR CALCIS CHLORINATE, Br. — Solution of Chlorinated 
 
 Lime. 
 
 Chlorure de chaux liquide , Fr. ; Chlorkalk-Ldsung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Chlorinated Lime 1 pound; Distilled Water 1 gallon. Mix 
 well the water and the chlorinated lime by trituration in a large mortar, and, having trans- 
 terred the mixture to a stoppered bottle, let it be well shaken several times for the space 
 of 3 hours. Pour out now the contents of the bottle on a calico filter, and let the solu- 
 tion w T hich passes through be preserved in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 The solution has the odor, taste, and general properties of chlorinated lime (see page 
 382). The Br. P. requires the solution to contain at least 1.9 (about 2) per cent, of 
 available chlorine, which is ascertained by the following test : 80 grains by weight, mixed 
 with 20 grains of potassium iodide dissolved in 4 fluidounces of water, when acidulated 
 with 2 fluidrachms of hydrochloric acid give a red solution, which requires for the dis- 
 charge of its color 450 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of sodium thiosulphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This solution is convenient as a deodorizer of decomposing 
 organic matter, as an excitant of the skin in low fevers, as a stimulant of chronic cutane- 
 ous eruptions , and for the various purposes enumerated under Chlorinated Lime. 
 
 LIQUOR COCAINE HYDROCHLORATIS, Br. Add. — Solution of 
 
 Cocaine Hydrochlorate. 
 
 Preparation. — Cocaine Hydrochlorate 33 grains ; Salicylic Acid i grain ; Distilled 
 Water, sufficient to produce 6 fluidrachms. Boil the water, add the salicylic acid, and 
 then the cocaine hydrochlorate ; cool, and add water if necessary, to produce the required 
 volume. — Br. Add. 
 
 This is a very strong solution of cocaine hydrochlorate, and therefore should be used 
 with care. Each fluidrachm contains 5.5 grains of the salt, or each minim about Jy of a 
 grain. The dose is stated to be 2 to 10 minims. The salicylic acid is added as a pre- 
 servative. 
 
 LIQUOR EPISPASTICUS, Br.— Blistering Liquid. 
 
 Linimentum cantharidis , Br. 1864. — Liqueur vesicant , Fr. ; Blasenziehende Fliissig- 
 keit , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cantharides, in powder, 5 ounces ; Acetic Ether a sufficiency, 
 Mix the cantharides with 3 fluidounces of acetic ether ; pack in a percolator, and at the 
 expiration of 24 hours pour acetic ether over the contents of the percolator, and allow 
 the solution to pass slowly through until 20 fluidounces are obtained. Keep the liquid 
 in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 As formerly made with acetic acid and ether, the blistering liquid contained the 
 entire amount of cantharidin in solution. Tichborne preferred to use in place of 
 acetic acid an equivalent amount of glacial acetic acid, as thereby less water is intro- 
 duced into the powder. Brady has shown that when spontaneously evaporated from the 
 skin the film left is not uniform, but thickest at the circumference. Deane (1876) recom- 
 mended the discarding of the official solvents, and the substitution of acetic ether, which 
 dries more uniformly and takes up a larger amount of cantharidin. 
 
 Uses. — This liquid is intended to produce a rapid vesication, which is effected chiefly 
 by the acetic acid, although the irritation is maintained by the cantharides. It should 
 
LIQUOR FERRI ACE TATIS. 
 
 955 
 
 be well rubbed into the skin with a small mop or piece of sponge attached to a handle, 
 until redness is produced, and should be used only on limited portions of the skin. 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI ACETATIS, U. S., Br.— Solution of Ferric Acetate. 
 
 Liquor ferri acetici, P. G. — Solution of ferric acetate , E. ; Acetate ferrique liquicle, Fr. ; 
 Ferriacetat-Ldsung , Gr. 
 
 An aqueous solution of ferric acetate Fe.^C^HgO.^e ; molecular weight 464.92 — con- 
 taining about 33 per cent, of the anhydrous salt and corresponding to about 7.5 per cent, 
 of metallic iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate, 1000 Grin. ; Glacial Acetic Acid, 260 
 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, 850 Cc. ; Water, Distilled Water, each a sufficient quantity to 
 make 1000 Gm. Mix the ammonia-water with 3000 Cc. of cold water, and the solution 
 of ferric sulphate with 10,000 Cc. of cold water. Add the latter solution slowly to the 
 diluted ammonia-water, stirring constantly. Let the mixture stand until the precipitate 
 has subsided as far as practicable, and then decant the supernatant liquid. Add to the 
 precipitate 6000 Cc. of boiling water, mix well, and again set the mixture aside, as before. 
 Repeat the washing with successive portions of boiling water, in the same manner, until 
 the washings are no longer affected by sodium cobaltic nitrite test-solution (showing the 
 removal of ammonia and its salts). Transfer the mixture to a wet muslin strainer, allow 
 the precipitate to drain completely, and press it, folded in the strainer, until its weight 
 is reduced to 700 Gm. or less. Now add the precipitate gradually to the glacial acetic 
 acid contained in a jar provided with a glass stopper, stirring the mixture after each 
 addition until each portion added is nearly dissolved before adding another portion. 
 Finally, add enough distilled water to make the product weigh 1000 Gm., mix thoroughly, 
 allow it to become clear by subsidence, and decant the clear solution. Keep the product 
 in well-stoppered bottles, in a cool place, protected from light. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of this solution 14 fluidounces of solution of ferric sulphate should be 
 diluted with 10 pints of water, and then poured slowly into a mixture of 151 fluidounces 
 of ammonia-water and 4 pints of water. The well-washed and drained precipitate, free 
 from ammonium salts, should be dissolved in 4 fluidounces of glacial acetic acid, as 
 directed above, and finally enough distilled water added to bring the volume of finished 
 product up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 This formula is modelled after that of the German Pharmacopoeia for 1872, but yields 
 a product differing from it not only in strength, but also in composition. The first step 
 is the precipitation of ferric hydroxide, which must be accomplished at a low temperature, 
 the iron solution being poured slowly, and with continued stirring, into the aminoniacal 
 liquid, which must remain in slight excess, and the precipitate being washed with boil- 
 ing water by decantation until ammonium salts can no longer be detected. After drain- 
 ing the precipitate upon a strainer this is folded and pressure applied to it very gradually 
 — an operation which requires patience to avoid bursting of the press-cloth. The pressure 
 should be very slowly increased until the residue no longer adheres to the cloth as a soft 
 pulpy mass, but may be readily removed in the form of a somewhat firm cake. 
 
 The change in the directions for washing the precipitate from cold to boiling water 
 will prove of great benefit, as it is almost impossible to remove the alkali salts by the 
 former treatment, and the presence of these has been shown to be the cause of the in- 
 stability of the solution. If carefully prepared by the present official formula, the 
 liquid will keep perfectly, and can even be exposed to a temperature of 100° Cc. (212° 
 F.) without undergoing decomposition. Some years ago Oldtmann recommended the 
 removal of water and alkali by freezing, but the washing by hot water is far less trouble- 
 some and has been found by us thoroughly satisfactory. 
 
 Liquor ferri acetatis fortior, Br. — Strong solution of ferric acetate. Take of 
 solution of persulphate of iron 5 fluidounces ; glacial acetic acid 3 fluidounces ; solution 
 of ammonia, distilled water, of each sufficient. Mix 8 fluidounces of solution of ammonia 
 with 1 pint of distilled water; to this gradually add the solution of persulphate of iron, 
 previously diluted with about a pint of distilled water; stir the whole thoroughly, taking 
 care that the ammonia is, even finally, in slight excess, as indicated by the odor of the 
 mixture. Let the whole stand for two hours, stirring occasionally; then put it on a 
 calico filter, and when the liquid has drained away, wash the precipitated ferric hydroxide 
 with distilled water until the liquid which passes through the filter ceases to give a pre- 
 cipitate with solution of barium chloride. Let the ferric hydroxide drain ; squeeze to 
 remove superfluous moisture ; dissolve it in the glacial acetic acid ; and make the volume 
 
956 LIQUOR FERRI ACETATTS. 
 
 up to 10 fluidounces with distilled water. Allow any insoluble matter to subside, and 
 pour off the clear solution. 
 
 The strong solution of the Br. P. is somewhat weaker than the liquor of the IT. S., 
 and contains a larger excess of acetic acid. Its specific gravity is 1.127, and it contains 
 6.4 per cent, of metallic iron or 9.2 per cent, of Fe 2 0 3 . 1 fluidrachm of it, diluted with 
 
 water, yields with ammonia 5.7 grains of ferric oxide. 
 
 Liquor ferri acetatis, Br . — This is made by mixing 5 fluidounces of strong solu- 
 tion of ferric acetate with sufficient distilled water to make 20 fluidounces. It has the 
 specific gravity 1.031. 
 
 Properties. — Solution of ferric acetate is “a dark red-brown, transparent liquid, 
 of an acetous odor, a sweetish, faintly styptic taste, and a slightly acid reaction ; sp. gr. 
 1.160 at 15° C. (59° F.) The diluted solution forms a brown-red precipitate with am- 
 monia-water, and a blue precipitate with test-solution of potassium ferrocyanide. When 
 heated with sulphuric acid the solution evolves acetous vapors.” — U. S. If the solution 
 be largely diluted with water until it has a mere yellowish color, the addition of solution 
 of potassium sulphocyanate will occasion a blood-red color. On exposure to the light a 
 partial reduction to ferrous salt takes place. As prepared by the pharmacopceial direc- 
 tions, and provided the acetic acid be of the proper strength, the liquid will be a solution 
 of normal ferric acetate having the composition given above. The ferric hydroxide, 
 however, will completely dissolve in two-thirds the quantity of acid ordered, the salt 
 then dissolved having the composition Fe 2 (0H) 2 (C 2 H 3 0 2 )4 ; and this is the compound 
 which has been largely employed in Europe. It is more readily affected than the pre- 
 ceding by the influence of light and heat, and is more easily decomposed, even in the 
 dark, with the formation of a brown precipitate, if the ferric hydroxide had not been 
 thoroughly washed ; precipitates which have been produced under the circumstances 
 indicated are not dissolved on the addition of acetic acid. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia recognizes a solution of the basic acetate, mixed with 
 about 12 per cent, of the normal acetate ; this solution has the specific gravity 1.087- 
 1.091, and contains between 4.8 and 5 per cent, of iron. 
 
 Tests. — The tests of purity are in both pharmacopoeias substantially alike. If a few 
 drops of the liquid be added to freshly-prepared test-solution of potassium ferricyanide, 
 the mixture should acquire a pure brown color without a trace of green or greenish- 
 blue (absence of ferrous salt). If the iron be completely precipitated from the solu- 
 tion by an excess of ammonia, a portion of the filtrate should not yield a white or a 
 dark-colored precipitate with hydrogen sulphide (zinc, copper) ; another portion should 
 leave no fixed residue on evaporation and gentle ignition (fixed alkalies, alkaline earths, 
 zinc, copper) ; and a third portion of the filtrate on being acidulated with nitric acid 
 should not be rendered turbid by test-solution of barium nitrate (sulphate) or of silver 
 nitrate (chloride). “If 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of the solution be introduced into a glass- 
 stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), together with 15 Cc. of water 
 and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the 
 mixture be kept for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed 
 to cool and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it should require about 15 Cc. 
 of decinormal sodium thiosulphate volumetric solution to discharge the blue or greenish 
 color of the liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution consumed representing 0.5 per 
 cent, of metallic iron.” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Solution of ferric acetate, diluted with water, may be 
 used as a test for free mineral acids, which change the color from red to brown. 
 
 Ferri acetas. The clear solution obtained in the cold by saturating acetic acid with 
 ferric hydroxide, decanting instead of filtering from the insoluble matter, and evaporated 
 at a temperature of about 60° C. (140° F.), leaves a scaly basic salt, which is again sol- 
 uble in cold water. 
 
 Uses. — Besides possessing the special virtues of chalybeate preparations, this com- 
 pound is astringent, and indeed may be used as a styptic, both internally and topically. 
 The dose of the German preparation after which this one is formed is Gm. 0.03-1 (gr. 
 v-xv) as a tonic or internal astringent. In much larger doses and well diluted with water 
 it has been given as an antidote to arsenous acid. 
 
 The dose of Liq. Ferri Acetatis, Br. P. is from Gm. 0.3 to 2 (5-30 minims) and that 
 of the stronger solution Gm. 0.06-0.5 (1-8 minims). 
 
LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI. 
 
 957 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI, 77. S . — Solution of Ferric Chloride. 
 
 Liquor ferri perchloridi fortior , Br. ; Liquor ferri sesquichlorati, P. G. ; Liquor ferri 
 muriatici oxydati , Ferrum sesquichloratum solutum. — Solution of chloride of iron , Strong 
 solution of per chloride of iron , E. ; Solution de perchlorure de fer , Chlorure ferrique 
 liquide , Fr. ; Eisenchloridlosung , Fliissiges Fisenchloj'id , Gr. 
 
 The specific gravities of the official solutions of ferric chloride are — 1.387 U. S., 
 1.42 j&r., 1.280 to 1.282 P. G ., 1.26 F. Coe?., and they contain 37.8 per cent. U. S. 
 (with some free hydrochloric acid), about 39 per cent. Fr., 29.8 per cent. P. G ., and 
 26 per cent. F. Cod ., of anhydrous ferric chloride. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron, ill the form of fine wire and cut into small pieces, 150 Gm. ; 
 Hydrochloric Acid, 870 Gm. ; Nitric Acid, Distilled Water, each a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 1000 Gm. Put the iron wire into a flask capable of holding double the volume 
 of the intended product. Pour upon it 540 Gm. of hydrochloric acid previously diluted 
 with 250 Cc. of distilled water, and let the mixture stand until effervescence ceases ; 
 then heat it to the boiling-point, filter through paper, and, having rinsed the flask and 
 iron wire with a little boiling distilled water, pass the washings through the filter. To 
 the filtered liquid add 280 Gm. of hydrochloric acid, and pour the mixture, slowly and 
 gradually, in a stream, into 80 Gm. of nitric acid contained in a capacious porcelain ves- 
 sel. After effervescence ceases apply heat, by means of a sand-bath, until the liquid is 
 free from nitrous odor. Test a small portion with freshly-prepared test-solution of potas- 
 sium ferricyanide. Should this reagent produce a blue color, add a* little more nitric 
 acid, drop by drop, as long as effervescence is observed, and evaporate off the excess. 
 Finally, add the remaining 50 Gm. of hydrochloric acid and enough distilled water to 
 make the whole weigh 1000 Gm. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of solution of ferric chloride would require 1550 grains of iron 
 wire, 134 fluidrachms of hydrochloric acid (divided into three portions of 82.5, 44, and 
 7? fluidrachms respectively) and 8£ fluidrachms of nitric acid. The first portion of 
 hydrochloric acid should be diluted with 6 fluidounces of distilled water. 
 
 Liquor ferri perchloridi fortior, Br . — Mix iron wire 4 oz., hydrochloric acid 12? 
 fl. oz., and water 7 oz. ; when effervescence ceases, heat to boiling, filter, rinse the flask 
 and contents with a little water, and pour this over the filter ; add to the filtrate hydro- 
 chloric acid 7 fl. oz. ; then pour the solution in a slow, continuous stream into 1 \ fl. oz. 
 of nitric acid, the evolution of red fumes being promoted, if necessary, by a slight 
 application of heat. Evaporate the product until no more nitrous fumes escape and a 
 precipitate begins to form ; then add hydrochloric acid 1 fl. oz. and sufficient water to 
 produce 17 i fl. oz. of the solution. — Br. 
 
 Liquor ferri perchloridi, Br. Mix strong solution of perchloride of iron 1 fluid- 
 ounce with distilled water sufficient for 4 fluidounces. Its spec. grav. is 1.11. 
 
 The reactions which take place in the preparation of ferric chloride and the proper 
 manipulations to ensure success have been described. (See Ferri Chloridum, page 719.) 
 The solution of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia differs from the similar solutions of the other 
 pharmacopoeias in containing about 1.6 per cent, uncombined HC1, or 500 grains of 
 official hydrochloric acid, to the pint : the difference in density has been stated above. 
 
 Properties. — Solution of ferric chloride is a reddish-brown liquid, which has a faint 
 odor of hydrochloric acid, an acid reaction, and a strongly styptic taste. It may be mixed 
 with water and alcohol in all proportions without producing a precipitate. Diluted with 
 water, it gives a brown precipitate with ammonia or potassa, a white one with silver 
 nitrate (chloride), and a dark-blue precipitate of Prussian blue with potassium ferrocya- 
 nide. It is not altered by exposure to the sunlight, except in the presence of various 
 organic matters, by which the salt is partly reduced to ferrous chloride ; and it remains 
 clear when heated to boiling unless ferric oxychloride be present, when it becomes turbid, 
 a slight turbidity being best observed in reflected light. On being evaporated to dryness 
 a reddish-brown salt is left, which at a red heat is partly decomposed and partly vola- 
 tilized. 
 
 Tests.— The same reactions which are used for determining the purity of the salt 
 (see Ferri Chloridum, page 719) are likewise employed for this solution. On adding 
 a crystal of ferrous sulphate to a cooled mixture of equal volumes of concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid and a moderately dilute portion of the solution, a black color should not be 
 produced near the crystal (absence of nitric acid). A freshly-prepared solution of potas- 
 sium ferricyanide should color the solution olive-brown, but not blue (ferrous salt). 
 Diluted with water and boiled, it acquires a darker color, but remains clear (oxychloride). 
 
958 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI. 
 
 Test-solution of barium chloride should not cause a precipitate (sulphate). Mixed with 
 excess of ammonia-water and filtered, the liquid should be colorless (copper) ; a portion 
 of the filtrate, tested with hydrogen sulphide or acidulated with acetic acid and tested 
 with potassium ferrocyanide, should not be precipitated (copper, zinc) ; another portion 
 of the filtrate, evaporated to dryness and ignited, should leave no residue (alkalies, alka- 
 line earths, zinc, copper). Paper saturated with solution of starch and zinc iodide on 
 being held near the surface of the solution should not acquire a blue color (free chlorine). 
 “ If 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of the solution be introduced into a glass-stoppered bottle (having 
 a capacity of about 100 Cc.), together with 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric 
 acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the mixture be allowed to 
 stand for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool, 
 and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it should require about 26 Cc. of 
 decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish color of the 
 liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution consumed corresponding to 0.5 per cent, of 
 metallic iron). — U. S. 2 fluidrachms of the solution, diluted with water, and mixed with 
 an excess of ammonia-water, yield a reddish-brown precipitate which, when washed and 
 ignited, weighs between 30 and 32 grains. — Br. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Martin’s hemostatic, which is used in France, con- 
 sists of selected pieces of spunk which are saturated with ferric chloride. 
 
 Adrian’s hemostatic is made by dissolving 15 Gm. of sodium chloride in 60 Gm. of 
 water, and adding 25 Gm. of solution of ferric chloride, specific gravity, 1.26. 
 
 Ferrum dialysatum, Liqu<*r ferri dialysatus, Br. ; Liquor ferri oxychlorati, P. G. ; 
 Dialyzed iron, E. ; Fer dialyse, Fr. ; Fliissiges Eisenoxychlorid, G. 
 
 Dialyzed iron is made by saturating an aqueous solution of ferric chloride with ferric 
 hydroxide, putting the liquid into a dialyzer and suspending this in water, which is often 
 renewed — as long, indeed, as it acquires an acid reaction. Very little iron will pass 
 through the parchment septum ; when dialysis is completed the ferric solution is diluted, 
 so that 100 grains of it, when evaporated and dried at a temperature not exceeding 100° 
 C. (212° F.), will leave a solid residue weighing 5 grains. In France the following 
 process has been adopted: 100 Gm. of solution of ferric chloride of 30° B. are mixed in 
 small quantities with 35 Gm. of ammonia-water of 22° B. The precipitate dissolves at 
 first rapidly, afterward very slowly. When the liquid has become transparent it is intro- 
 duced into a dialysator and treated as stated before ; eight to ten days are required in 
 the preparation. 
 
 Similar solutions were obtained by Ordway (1858) and Bechamp (1859) by leaving 
 pure ferric hydroxide in contact with ferric chloride for a prolonged time. Th. Graham 
 (1861) subjected this to dialysis, and succeeded in removing the acid until chlorine cor- 
 responding to 1.5 per cent, of HC1 was left. Such a solution, however, which would 
 correspond to Fe 2 Cl 6 .95Fe 2 0 3 , gelatinized ultimately. Hager (1868) found dialyzed iron 
 to have the composition Fe 2 Cl 6 .12Fe 2 0 3 ; Ordway’s oxychloride was Fe 2 Cl 6 .23Fe 2 0 3 . 
 H. Trimble (1878) has analyzed six samples met with in commerce, and found the 
 saline portion to vary in amount between 2.51 and 4.83 per cent., and in composition 
 between Fe 2 Cl 6 .l lFe 2 Q 3 and Fe 2 Cl 6 .31Fe 2 0 3 . 
 
 Prof. E. Schefier (1878) showed that by precipitation with ammonia very basic oxy- 
 chlorides of iron may be obtained, which, after having been thoroughly washed, will 
 slowly dissolve in distilled water. The limits at which a soluble precipitate is obtained 
 appear to have been reached on mixing 150 volumes of the official solution of ferric 
 chloride with 91.5 volumes of ammonia-water. The washed precipitate contained 97.83 
 per cent. Fe 2 0 3 to 2.17 per cent. Fe 2 Cl fi , and required over 7 weeks for effecting solution 
 in distilled water. The preparation known in some parts of Europe as Ferrum catalyticmn 
 is probably made by a similar process. The German Pharmacopoeia has adopted the fol- 
 lowing process: Dilute solution of ferric chloride (spec. grav. 1.281) 35 parts with water 
 160 parts, and pour the mixture slowly into ammonia-water 35 parts, previously diluted 
 with water 320 parts ; wash the precipitate, express, and add hydrochloric acid (spec, 
 grav. 1.124) 3 parts; agitate occasionally for 3 days, then warm gently until solution 
 has been effected, and dilute with water until the liquid has the spec. grav. 1.050. 
 
 According to the Br. P., 6 fl. oz. of strong solution of iron perchloride are precipitated 
 with ammonia ; the washed and squeezed ferric hydroxide is dissolved in 1 fl. oz. of the 
 perchloride solution, the liquid filtered, dialyzed, and made to measure 28 fl. oz. 
 
 Owing to the retention of ammonia by ferric hydroxide, solutions of the latter in acid 
 or ferric chloride must vary somewhat in character, and therefore are properly subjected 
 
LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI. 959 
 
 to dialysis for separating ammonium chloride and increasing the basic character of the 
 ferric oxychloride. 
 
 Liquid oxychloride or dialyzed iron is perfectly transparent in thin layers of a deep 
 brown-red color, inodorous, and almost destitute of styptic taste. It is miscible with 
 alcohol, glycerin, syrup, and distilled water, but not with spring water or other, even 
 dilute saline, solutions. A small quantity of tannin merely darkens the liquid ; a larger 
 quantity causes a deep-brown gelatinous precipitate. A minute quantity of silver 
 nitrate will not disturb the liquid ; a larger quantity will cause a gelatinous brown pre- 
 cipitate, which is again soluble in distilled water ; but on adding first a slight excess 
 of ammonia, filtering from the ferric hydroxide, acidulating with nitric acid, and then 
 testing with silver nitrate, a white precipitate of silver chloride is formed. “ If to 1 Cc. 
 of the liquid, diluted with 19 Cc. of distilled water, 1 drop of nitric acid be added and 2 
 drops of volumetric (decinormal) solution of silver nitrate, the mixture should be clear 
 in transmitted light. — P. G. This test indicates the thorough washing of the ferric 
 hydroxide and the absence of ammonium chloride from the solution ; a few drops more 
 of either the acid or test-solution will cause a turbidity or precipitate. Prepared by the 
 P. G. process, it has the specific gravity 1 .050, and contains nearly 3.5 per cent, of iron 
 or about 7 per cent, of oxychloride, having approximately the composition Fe 2 Cl 6 .8Fe 2 - 
 (OH) 6 . A solution which, when evaporated on a water-bath until the residue is pulveru- 
 lent and weighs 5 per cent., has, according to E. B. Shuttleworth (1877), the spec. grav. 
 1.034. If 5 per cent, of residue is left after completely drying in a water-bath, the spec, 
 grav. is 1.040, and if the same amount of residue is left after ignition, the spec. grav. of 
 the solution is 1.046. The British Pharmacopoeia requires the spec. grav. 1.047. 
 
 Ferrum albuminatum, albuminate of iron, is a compound of ferric chloride and 
 albumen largely used in Europe, and for which J. Biel (1878) has given the following 
 process: 10 6m. of dry soluble egg-albumen are dissolved in 100 Gin. of distilled water; 
 the clear solution is mixed with 1.75 Gm. of crystallized ferric chloride (see page 719) 
 previously dissolved in 24 Gm. of distilled water; 20 Gm. of 90 per cent, alcohol are 
 now added, and sufficient water to make 200 Gm. This concentrated solution will keep 
 in the dark without alteration ; for dispensing, to obtain the Liquor ferri albuminati , , 1 
 part of it is diluted with 4 parts of distilled water, and then contains 0.033 per cent, of 
 metallic iron, the strength generally adopted in Europe. It is more convenient, however, 
 to evaporate the concentrated solution at a temperature not exceeding 40° C. (104° F.), 
 when the compound is obtained in golden-yellow transparent scales containing 3.34 per 
 cent, of iron, and yielding the solution by dissolving them in one hundred times their 
 weight of distilled water. 
 
 Liquor ferri albumin ati, P. G ., is prepared as follows : 35 parts of dry egg-albu- 
 men are dissolved in 1000 parts of water, the solution strained and poured slowly and in 
 a thin stream, under constant stirring, into a mixture of 120 parts of oxychloride-of-iron 
 solution and 1000 parts of water ; the precipitate is well washed with water until all 
 chlorine is removed, and then dissolved in a mixture of 3 parts of soda solution, spec, 
 grav. 1.170, and 50 parts of water. To the solution are added 150 parts of alcohol, 100 
 parts of cinnamon-water, 2 parts of aromatic tincture, and sufficient water to make the 
 finished product weigh 1000 parts. It contains about 4 per cent, of metallic iron. 
 
 Ferrum peptonatum, peptonate of iron, is best prepared according to E. Dietrich 
 (1888) as follows: 10 Gm. of dried or 75.0 Gm. of fresh egg-albumen are dissolved in 
 1000 Cc. of distilled water ; to this are added 18 Gm. of hydrochloric acid (sp. gr. 1.124) 
 and 0.5 of pepsin, and the mixture digested at 40° C. (104° F.) until a portion produces 
 only a faint turbidity with nitric acid ; allow to cool, neutralize with soda-solution, strain 
 and mix the liquid with 120 Gm. of solution of ferric oxychloride (sp. gr. 1.050) and 
 1000 Cc. of distilled water. The fluid is now exactly neutralized with soda-solution and 
 the precipitate washed by decantation with distilled water until the washings are no 
 longer affected by silver nitrate. The precipitate is drained on a well-wetted calico 
 strainer, transferred to a porcelain dish, 1.5 Gm. hydrochloric acid added and heat applied 
 with stirring on a water-bath until a clear solution results, which is concentrated, spread 
 on plates of glass, and dried between 20° and 30° C. (68° and 86° F.) to yield a scale 
 preparation. Liq. Ferri Peptonati is made by dissolving the whole scale product, or the 
 clear solution before drying, in sufficient distilled water to make 900 Gm. of solution to 
 which add 100 Gm. of brandy. 
 
 These so-called in different iron preparations are very sensitive to carbonic acid and 
 sodium chloride and hence they must be prepared as rapidly as possible and with distilled 
 water previously boiled and cooled again. 
 
960 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of a poisonous dose of ferric chloride is described 
 by Beranger-Feraud and Porte as follows : An acrid and styptic taste in the mouth is 
 followed by epigastric distress, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea with bloody stools, diminution 
 or suppression of urine, cramps and paresis of the legs, cerebral congestion with delirium 
 or collapse, labored breathing, and general cyanosis. It is employed chiefly for the 
 styptic and astringent qualities which it possesses in a high degree. Its efficiency as an 
 internal medicine is displayed in various passive haemorrhages , particularly of the stomach, 
 bowels, uterus, and urinary passages. It is useful in several profluvia, as leucorrlioea , 
 hydruria , nocturnal incontinence of urine , and vesical catarrh. It is reported to control 
 seminal emissions due to irritability of the urethra or spermatic ducts. In chronic 
 dysentery it is one of the best of the astringent medicines appropriate in that affection ; 
 it may be prescribed internally and by enema. This preparation is more frequently 
 employed locally as a styptic and astringent in epistaxis , haemorrhage from leech-bites , 
 from the jaw after the extraction of teeth , from the tonsils , from cancer of the uterus , from 
 the umbilical cord, from the rectum in haemorrhoids , from the uterus after abortion , and 
 from vascular growths in the cavity of that organ. It is of interest to learn, if possible, 
 in what manner the solution acts in arresting haemorrhage. Undoubtedly it coagulates 
 the blood itself. If a small artery is allowed to bleed into saucer containing a mixture 
 of 2 parts liq. ferri perchlor. ( B . P.) and 1 of water, this mixture converts almost instan- 
 taneously six or eight times its bulk of blood into a tough, hard clot, and for a long 
 time preserves it from putrefaction (Connel). But Broca has shown that this coagulat- 
 ing action is not instantaneous, but needs about half a minute for its completion ; so 
 that if the liquid is applied to a part from which the blood is flowing freely, its styptic 
 influence cannot be exerted upon the vessels from which the blood escapes. But such 
 an influence is essential to an arrest of the haemorrhage. Hence in applying it with this 
 object every effort must be made by pressure and otherwise to suspend for a time the 
 escape of blood. 
 
 One of its most valuable applications is that for the arrest *of post.-partum haemorrhage 
 caused by uterine inertia. Dr. Barnes, who first brought it into vogue, made use of a 
 mixture of ^ pint of the stronger solution of the chloride ( B . P .) with 1J pints of 
 water. He directed that a tube about 9 inches long should be carried by the hand to 
 the fundus of the uterus, previously freed from coagula, and that the liquid should be 
 very slowly injected, care being taken that no air accompanied it. Basing his judgment 
 on clinical observation alone, he declared that his conviction of the utility of this opera- 
 tion was too deep to permit him to hesitate to pursue it or to urge others to do the same. 
 Such appears to have been the general estimate of the operation by the gynaecologists 
 of London, although even in that city several cases of death were attributed to its use 
 by Drs. Bantock, Protheroe Smith, and Snow Beck. Indeed, the last-named gentleman 
 stated that he had seen nine or ten cases in which death resulted from the injection of 
 solution of chloride of iron into the uterus to arrest haemorrhage. In Edinburgh the 
 great majority of leading obstetrical practitioners agreed that its employment for this 
 purpose is either useless or worse than useless. Some of those who condemn the injec- 
 tion into the uterus of a solution of chloride of iron advocate the introduction into the 
 organ of the hand containing a sponge saturated with a solution of equal parts of the 
 tincture and water, and the expression there of the liquid after the removal of the clots 
 as far as possible. Pollard ascribes the grave consequences of the injection of the solu- 
 tion into the uterus to its escaping into the peritoneal cavity through the Fallopian tubes, 
 or to its entering the uterine veins and causing either embolism or phlegmasia alba 
 dolens ( British Med. Jour., Apr. 24 and May 1, 1880). In pulmonary haemorrhage a 
 weak solution of the chloride has been successfully used in the form of an atomized 
 spray. It may be employed to check gastric haemorrhage in any of the various conditions 
 in which that accident occurs. This powerful styptic has been used to cure aneurism , 
 varicose, sacculated, and others ; but, although the operation is successful in coagulating 
 the blood in the tumor, it has so often happened either that the tumor suppurated, or 
 that purulent infiltration took place around it, or that fatal embolism occurred, that the 
 operation is no longer considered warrantable. (Compare Med. Record , xxiii. 672.) It 
 has been most successful in erectile tumors of the scalp, and safest when the tumors, 
 previously blistered or not, have been covered with compresses wet with the astringent 
 solution. Varicose veins have been treated by injections of this preparation, pressure 
 being maintained between the point operated upon and the heart. In chronic ophthalmia 
 with varicose enlargement of the blood-vessels it affords probably the best chance of 
 cure. As a local application in pharyngeal diphtheria it appears to excel all other stimu- 
 
LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI. 
 
 961 
 
 lants and caustics. Goldschmidt recommends that every two hours should be given 
 about 5 ounces of water holding in solution Gm. 1 (20 drops) of solution of perchloride 
 of iron (at 20 degrees), followed by a mouthful or two of cold milk ( Bull . de Therap., 
 cxv. 19), and that milk should be the only food allowed. In the same manner it cures 
 chilblains and is advantageous in zona. It is useful in repressing fungous granulations 
 everywhere, but especially in cases of ingrown toe-nail and in ulceration of the gums. 
 It forms one of the best dressings for hospital gangrene , hardening the tissues and 
 correcting the fetor, and has a like effect in sweating of the feet. A solution of 1 part of 
 the chloride in 2 of water has been applied with alleged curative effects in certain 
 scrofulous ulcers that had resisted all other treatment (_ Bull . de Therap., xcix. 190). A 
 weak solution (one-sixteenth) has been used as an injection for the radical cure of 
 hydrocele. In prolapsus of the rectum it has been efficiently employed, the protruding 
 bowel being well painted with the solution and then reduced, after which it is retained by 
 means of a tampon moistened with a diluted solution of the medicine. Dose , Gm. 
 0.06-0.60 (npj-x), mixed with syrup and largely diluted. 
 
 As the teeth are very actively and injuriously attacked by this preparation, they 
 should be carefully guarded against its action by administering the liquid through a 
 glass tube and by thoroughly washing the mouth after its use. 
 
 Albuminate of iron has been used by Donitz in Japan, both internally and hypodermi- 
 cally, in the treatment of “ kakke ” ( Medical Record , xvi. 515). The preparation does 
 not seem to have been approved elsewhere. 
 
 Ferrum Dialysatum. — The merits of dialyzed iron are claimed to be that it has no 
 styptic taste, mixes well with water in any proportion, and does not stain the teeth or 
 cause constipation. On pharmaceutical grounds “ the action of dialyzed iron upon animal 
 products forbids us to suppose a priori that it acts like other ferruginous preparations ” 
 (Depaire). A very competent judge (Bouchardat) has declared that, “ theoretically, 
 dialyzed iron must be regarded as an inert, or at least a very feeble, preparation of iron.” 
 Personne has said concerning it, “ It is completely insoluble in the gastric juices. When 
 it was injected into a dog’s stomach during active digestion, and an examination was made 
 two hours later, flakes of oxide of iron adhered to the undigested food, and not a trace of 
 iron was discoverable either in the gastric liquids or on the surface of the alimentary 
 canal. Its inactivity may be inferred from its insolubility ” (Archives gen., 7 ser., iv. 
 491). We have found it utterly to fail in cases for which iron appeared to be the proper 
 remedy, and which other preparations of the metal caused to speedily improve. Dr. B. 
 V. Mattison has shown that dialyzed iron is probably insoluble in the gastric secretions, 
 for he attempted unsuccessfully to dissolve the precipitate of ferric hydrate in an artificial 
 gastric juice. Neither could he find a trace of iron in the urine of patients who were 
 taking dialyzed iron. On the other hand, Dr. Gowers of London ascertained, by count- 
 ing the red corpuscles of the blood before and after the use of the medicine in anaemia, 
 that they rose from 46 to 102 per cent, of the normal proportion in 34 days in one case, 
 and in a second case from 26 per cent, of the normal proportion to 92 per cent, in 63 
 days. So Dr. Robert Amory of Boston reports that he also counted the red corpuscles 
 in anaemic cases treated by this preparation, and found the proportion increased in them 
 ! severally as follows : No. 1, from 83 to 97 per cent. : No. 2, from 80 to 90 per cent. ; No. 
 
 I 3, from 74 to 92 per cent. ; No. 4, from 76 to 90 per cent. ; and No. 5, from 76 to 83 per 
 cent. In 1878, Dr. DaCosta used hypodermic injections of dialyzed iron in a case of 
 chlorotic anaemia: 15 minims of the pure liquid were given without any unpleasant after- 
 effects, and with a very rapid restoration of the patient to health ( Phila . Med. Times, 
 viii. 251). In one or two cases Dr. Lamadrid also reported the success of this treatment 
 (Med. Record , xiv. 17). In 1879, Luton stated that 25 or 30 drops of the solution may 
 be injected without producing the slightest disturbance ; that it causes a diffusive sense 
 of warmth, a determination of blood to the face, a sort of intoxication, in fine: and he 
 compared its effects to those of transfusion of blood ( Mouvement med., Juin, 1879). In 
 1881, Neuss classed this preparation of iron among those unsuited to hypodermic use 
 (Zeifsch. f Min. Med., iii. 9), and Kemp found alarming symptoms immediately following 
 its use, and the subsequent formation of abscess at the point of puncture (Med. Record, 
 xiii. 481). We cannot learn that any later experience has confirmed the very favorable 
 judgment originally expressed of the hypodermic use of dialyzed iron. The observations 
 on which that judgment rests would be conclusive of the haematogenous virtues of 
 dialyzed iron had we not the positive declaration of Hayem, who pursued the very same 
 method of investigation (see Ferrum), that, at least in saturnine anaemia, “ iron does not 
 influence the number, but only the development, of the red corpuscles.” But in Dr. 
 
962 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI CITRATIS . 
 
 Prosser James’s opinion, “ The testimony of physicians to the activity of dialyzed iron is 
 so abundant that it is unnecessary to add to it ” ( Times and Gaz ., Dec. 1882, p. 659). In 
 relation to the value of iron employed hypodermically, it may be added that Glaevecke 
 found the citrate of iron very efficient in anaemia wben used in this manner in the dose 
 of Gm. 0.10 (2 grains) ( Archiv f Exper. Pathol ., efc., xvii. 466). 
 
 Numerous cases have been published which appear to prove that dialyzed iron is an 
 efficient antidote to the poisonous action of arsenic in the stomach. Dr. Mattison, having 
 performed some experiments to determine the conditions of its efficacy, fgund — 1, that a 
 solution of dialyzed iron to be of value as an arsenical antidote must be precipitated by 
 the action of some neutral or alkaline salt ; 2, that such precipitation, and the consequent 
 production of ferric hydrate, are accomplished when this preparation is taken into the 
 stomach ; and 3, that, therefore, the solution of dialyzed iron is a valuable antidote in 
 arsenical poisoning ; 4, that to ensure the formation from it of ferric hydrate its adminis- 
 tration should be followed by that of a teaspoonful of common salt. 
 
 Dialyzed iron may be given internally in doses of Gm. 0.30-2.0 (gtt. v-xxx) several 
 times a day, simply diluted with water or in some sweetened and aromatic vehicle. 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI CITRATIS, TJ. Solution of Ferric Citrate. 
 
 Liquor ferri citrici , Citras ferricus liquidus . — Citrate de fer liquide , Fr. ; Eisencitrat- 
 Losung , Fliissiges Eisencitrat , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of ferric citrate, corresponding to about 7.5 per cent, of metallic 
 iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate, 1050 Gm ; Citric Acid, 300 Gm. ; Ammo- 
 nia-water, 880 Cc. ; Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Gm. Mix the ammonia- 
 water with 3000 Cc. of cold water, and the solution of ferric sulphate with 10,000 Cc. of 
 cold water. Add the latter solution slowly to the diluted ammonia-water, constantly 
 stirring. Pour the mixture on a wet muslin strainer, and allow the liquid to run off and 
 the precipitate to drain. Then remove the moist mass from the strainer, mix it well 
 with 6000 Cc. of cold water, again pour it on the strainer, and let it drain. Repeat this 
 washing with several successive portions of cold water in the same manner, until the 
 washings cease to produce more than a slight cloudiness with barium chloride test-solu- 
 tion. Then allow the precipitate to drain completely, transfer it to a porcelain dish, add 
 the citric acid, and heat the mixture, on a water-bath, to 60° C. (140° F.), stirring con- 
 stantly, until the precipitate is dissolved. Lastly, filter the liquid, and evaporate it at 
 the above-mentioned temperature, until it weighs 1000 Gm. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of solution of ferric citrate the following quantities should be 
 used: 16 fluidounces of solution of ferric sulphate diluted with 12 pints of water, 171 
 fluidounces of ammonia-water diluted with 4 pints of water, and 64 av. ozs. of citric 
 acid. j 
 
 The first part of the process consists in preparing ferric hydroxide ; the reaction has ' 
 been explained (see page 734). The hydroxide retains a considerable quantity of water, 
 so that on the addition of citric acid the mixture becomes liquid as the acid is dissolved 
 and ferric citrate is formed. The solution is aided by the application of heat, which should 
 never exceed 66° C. (151° F.), but is best kept at 60° C. (140° F.) to prevent decompo- 
 sition. The digestion must be continued for several hours until the acid has taken up as 
 much iron as can combine with it, when it is filtered and evaporated as directed. 
 
 Properties. — The solution is inodorous, has a dark -brown color, a slightly ferruginous 
 taste, an acid reaction, and the specific gravity 1.250 at 15° C. (59° F.). When evapo- 
 rated spontaneously or at a moderate heat in thin layers it forms transparent, garnet- 
 red scales, which are readily detached from the glass or porcelain plate ; 100 parts of the 
 solution should yield 42.5 to 43 parts of scales. The solution is rendered darker, but is 
 not precipitated, by alkalies in the cold, but when boiled with potassa or soda a red-brown 
 precipitate of ferric hydroxide is produced, and the filtrate, if neutralized with acetic 
 acid and then boiled with test-solution of calcium chloride, yields a white granular pre- 
 cipitate of calcium citrate. The solution gives with potassium ferrocyanide a greenish- 
 blue precipitate, which becomes dark-blue on the addition of hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Tests. — On boiling the solution with potassa or soda, ammoniacal vapors should not 
 be given off. On the addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid, followed by a con- 
 centrated solution of potassium acetate, a crystalline precipitate should not be produced 
 (absence of tartrate). On evaporating the solution to dryness and igniting the residue, 
 the ash left should not have an alkaline reaction (alkalies). If 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of 
 
LIQUOR FERRI ET AMMONII A CETA TIS. — FERRI NITRATIS. 
 
 963 
 
 the solution be introduced into a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 
 Cc.), together with 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and after the addi- 
 tion of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide the mixture be kept for half an hour at a tempera- 
 ture of 40° C. (104° F.), then cooled, and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solu- 
 tion, it should require about 15 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to 
 discharge the blue or greenish color of the liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution 
 indicating 0.5 per cent, of metallic iron). — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This solution forms a convenient mode of dispensing citrate 
 of iron. Bose, Gm. 0.60 (n^x) or Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) of the salt. 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI ET AMMONII ACETATIS, 77. S.— Solution of Iron 
 
 and Ammonium Acetate. 
 
 Mistura ferri et ammonii acetatis , U. S. P., 1880. — Basham's Mixture. 
 
 Preparation. — Tincture of Ferric Chloride, 20 Cc. ; Diluted Acetic Acid, 30 Cc. ; 
 Solution of Ammonium Acetate, 200 Cc. ; Aromatic Elixir, 100 Cc. ; Glycerin, 120 Cc. ; 
 Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. To the solution of ammonium acetate 
 (which should not be alkaline) add, successively, the diluted acetic acid, the tincture of 
 ferric chloride, the aromatic elixir, and the glycerin, and lastly, enough water to make the 
 product measure 1000 Cc. This preparation should be freshly made when wanted.— U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of Basham's mixture would require 154 minims of tincture of ferric 
 chloride, 230 minims of diluted acetic acid, 3 fluidounces and 96 minims of solution of 
 ammonium acetate, 13 fluidrachms of aromatic elixir, 2 fluidounces of glycerin, and 
 sufficient water to bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 This preparation has been the cause of much annoyance to the pharmacist on account 
 of its instability as prepared by the formula of 1880. As now made it keeps perfectly ; 
 although the Pharmacopoeia directs that it shall be freshly made when wanted, this is 
 scarcely necessary : we have found it to remain unchanged for a period of seventy-five 
 days, exposed to diffused light at summer temperature. The use of glycerin in place 
 of simple syrup was first suggested by H. R. LeValley ( Drugg . Circ., 1887). 
 
 Ferric chloride and ammonium acetate mutually decompose each other, forming ferric 
 acetate and ammonium chloride, some of the .ammonium acetate remaining unchanged. 
 The deep-red color of the liquid is due to the newly-formed ferric acetate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation has long been used in the treatment of vari- 
 ous forms of albuminuria, but chiefly in that which attends tubular nephritis. Its 
 recommendations are its agreeable appearance, its not unpleasant taste, its acceptability 
 by the stomach, and its diuretic action. Bose, from 15-30 Cc. (1 to 1 fluidounce). 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI NITRATIS, 77. S.~ Solution of Ferric Nitrate. 
 
 Liquor ferri pernitratis, Br. — Solution of pernitr ate of iron, E. ; Azotate ( Pernitrate ) de 
 fer liquide , Fr. ; Eisennitrat-Losung, Ferrinitrat-Losung , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of ferric nitrate, Fe 2 (N0 3 ) 6 ; molecular weight 483.1 — containing 
 about 6.2 per cent, of the anhydrous salt, and corresponding to about 1.4 per cent, of 
 metallic iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Sulphate, 180 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, 160 Cc. ; 
 Nitric Acid, 71 Gm. ; Distilled Water, Water, each, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 
 Gm. Mix the ammonia- water with 500 Cc. of cold water, and the solution of ferric sul- 
 phate with 1500 Cc. of cold water. Add the latter solution slowly to the diluted ammo- 
 nia-water, constantly stirring. Let the mixture stand until the precipitate has subsided 
 as far as practicable, and then decant the supernatant liquid. Add to the precipitate 
 1000 Cc. of cold water, mix well, and again set the mixture aside, as before. Repeat 
 the washing with successive portions of cold water, in the same manner, until the wash- 
 ings produce but a slight cloudiness with barium chloride test-solution. Transfer the 
 washed ferric hydroxide to a wet muslin strainer, and let it drain thoroughly. Then put it 
 into a porcelain dish, add the nitric acid, and stir with a glass rod until a clear solution 
 is obtained. Finally, add enough distilled water to make the finished product weigh 1000 
 Gm. Filter, if necessary — U. S 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of solution of ferric nitrate would require 21 fluidounces of solution 
 ol ferric sulphate, 2f fluidounces of amm.onia-water, and 405 minims of nitric acid ; the 
 erric-sulphate solution should be diluted with 1 \ pints of water, and the ammonia-water 
 with 8 ounces of water. 
 
964 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI NITRATIS. 
 
 Take of fine iron wire, free from rust, 1 ounce ; nitric acid 4J fluidounces ; distilled 
 water a sufficiency. Dilute the nitric acid with 16 ounces of the water, introduce the 
 iron wire into the mixture, and leave them in contact until the metal is dissolved, taking 
 care to moderate the action, should it become too violent, by the addition of a little more 
 distilled water. Filter the solution, and add to it as much distilled water as will make 
 its bulk lj pints (30 fluidounces). — Br. 
 
 Both formulas aim at the production of ferric nitrate, Fe 2 (N0 3 ) 6 . If the directions of 
 the British Pharmacopoeia are followed, the iron is taken up, with the evolution of red 
 vapors, the reaction being as follows: Fe 2 4-8HN0 3 yields Fe 2 (N0 3 ) 6 +2N04-4H 2 0. 
 
 Considerable heat is produced, and may rise to such a degree that nitric acid is vapor- 
 ized ; the reaction must therefore be closely watched, and, if it should become too violent, 
 moderated by the addition of some cold water. This difficulty was sought to be avoided 
 in the process of the U. S. P. 1870 by first forming ferrous nitrate and converting this 
 into the ferric salt. Berzelius observed that, besides ferrous nitrate, ammonium nitrate 
 is also formed and no gas evolved if admixture of iron, water, and nitric acid is kept below 
 the temperature of 50° C. (122° F.), when 2Fe 2 -J- 10HNO 3 yields 4Fe(N0 3 ) 2 +NH 4 N0 3 
 4-3H 2 0. The formation of ammonia is a secondary reaction, and depends upon the action 
 of the nascent hydrogen upon the excess of nitric acid ; it is lessened, but not entirely 
 prevented, by a stronger acid and at a higher temperature, and augmented as the temper- 
 ature and the acid strength are decreased, sometimes to such a degree that considerable 
 ferrous hydroxide is separated. It follows from this that solutions thus prepared are apt 
 to vary in their composition. 
 
 The present formula of the U. S. P. is essentially that of F. T. Bower (1876). Ferric 
 hydroxide is first prepared, and, after washing it well, is dissolved in the nitric acid. Care 
 should be taken that the latter has the proper specific gravity ; weaker acids will yield 
 darker-colored basic compounds, some of which are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water. 
 
 Ordway (1865) found that weak solutions of ferrous nitrate , which are free from excess 
 of acid, may be concentrated at 60° C. (140° F.), but must then be evaporated at a lower 
 temperature to prevent oxidation. The green crystals obtained in the cold cannot be dried 
 without decomposition. Ferric nitrate has been obtained in deliquescent colorless or pur- 
 plish crystals, which are cubes when containing 12H 2 0, or prisms with 18H 2 0. 
 
 Properties. — The solution has a reddish-brown, or, if the acid is somewhat in 
 excess, a pale-amber, color, which becomes darker on heating and lighter again on cool- 
 ing. It is perfectly transparent, inodorous, has a strongly styptic taste and an acid 
 reaction, and remains unaltered on exposure to light and air, except in the presence of 
 organic compounds, by many of which it is deoxidized. It gives a red-brown precipitate 
 with ammonia and other alkalies and alkali carbonates, and a dark-blue precipitate with 
 ootassium ferrocyanide. When mixed with a solution of ferrous sulphate, and then with 
 strong sulphuric acid, it assumes a blackish-brown color. The specific gravity is 1.050 
 U. S. 1.107 Br. F. 
 
 Tests. — Potassium ferricyanide, silver nitrate, and barium nitrate should not disturb 
 the solution, proving the absence of ferrous salt, chloride, and sulphate. If precipitated 
 with an excess of ammonia, the filtrate evaporated to dryness, and the salt heated to red- 
 ness, no residue should be left (other metals). “ If 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of the solution be 
 introduced into a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), together 
 with 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of 
 potassium iodide, the mixture be allowed to stand for half an hour at a temperature of 
 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool and mixed with a few drops of starch test- 
 solution, it should require about 2.8 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to 
 discharge the blue or greenish color of the liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution 
 consumed corresponding to 0.5 per cent, of metallic iron).” U. S. The ferric oxide ob- 
 tained from a fluidrachm of the solution by precipitating with ammonia, washing, and 
 igniting, is required to weigh 2.6 grains. — Br. P. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Solution of the nitrate differs in its properties from the other 
 acid compounds of iron. It is much more astringent than the vegetable acid salts or 
 than the iodide of iron, and less harsh than the sulphuric and muriatic acid compounds. 
 It is used chiefly in chronic diarrhoea dependent upon debility of the system or following 
 dysentery, when no febrile complication exists. It is also profitably employed in leucor- 
 rhoea affecting feeble and lymphatic females, both internally and locally, and in menor- 
 rhagia occurring under similar conditions. The dose is about Gm. 0.60 (gtt. x), largely 
 diluted. As an injection Gm. 0.60-2 (gtt. x-xxx) in a fluidounce of water may be 
 employed. 
 
LIQUOR FERRI SUBSULPHATIS. 
 
 965 
 
 . LIQUOR FERRI SUBSULPHATIS, U. Solution of Ferric Sub- 
 sulphate. 
 
 Solution of basic ferric sulphate , Solution of persulphate of iron, Mouse! s solution, E. ; 
 Liqueur hemostatique de Monsel, Fr. ; Basisch-schwefelsaure Eisenoxy dlo sung, Mouse! s 
 Eisenlosung, G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of basic ferric sulphate (of variable chemical composition), 
 representing about 13.6 per cent, of metallic iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferrous Sulphate, in clear crystals, 675 6m.; Sulphuric Acid, 65 
 Gm. ; Nitric Acid, Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Gm. Add 
 the sulphuric acid to 500 Cc. of water in a capacious porcelain dish, heat the mixture to 
 nearly 100° C. (212° F.), and then add 65 Gm. of nitric acid, and mix well. Divide the 
 coarsely powdered ferrous sulphate into four equal portions, and add one of these por- 
 tions. at a time, to the hot liquid, stirring after each addition until effervescence ceases. 
 When all of the ferrous sulphate has been dissolved, add a few drops of nitric acid and 
 if this causes a further evolution of red fumes, continue to add nitric acid, a few drops at 
 a time, until it no longer causes red fumes to be evolved ; then boil the solution until it 
 assumes a ruby-red color and is free from nitrous odor. Lastly, add enough distilled 
 water to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. Keep the product in well-stoppered 
 bottles, in a moderately warm place (not under 22° C. or 71.6° F.), protected from the 
 light. — U. S. 
 
 Note. — Solution of subsulphate of iron is to be dispensed when solution of persulphate 
 of iron is prescribed by the physician. 
 
 To prepare one pint of Monsel’s solution would require 1 pound and 650 grains of fer- 
 rous sulphate, 736 grains each of sulphuric and nitric acid and a sufficient quantity of 
 distilled water, 12 fluidounces being used to dilute the acids in the first instance. 
 
 This process is a slight modification of that proposed by Dr. Squibb (1860). On intro- 
 ducing the ferrous sulphate in small portions into the heated acids a black color is pro- 
 duced from the union of nitric oxide with ferrous sulphate, which disappears with the 
 copious evolution of red nitrous vapors as fast as the sulphate dissolves in the hot liquid. 
 The mixture foams most toward the end of the process, and after the liquid has again 
 subsided a little of it should be tested with nitric acid to ensure its complete oxidation. 
 The amount of sulphuric acid used is insufficient for forming the normal ferric sulphate. 
 A basic or oxysulphate is the result, which has the composition Fe 4 0(S0 4 ) 5 + Aq, or 
 5Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 .Fe 2 (0H) 6 . The mineral copiapite is a crystallized hydrate of the same com- 
 bination. Other more basic ferric sulphates are known, some being soluble, others insol- 
 uble in water. 
 
 Properties. — Monsel’s solution is a deep red-brown liquid, being nearly of a syrupy 
 consistence, and of the spec. grav. 1.550. It is almost inodorous, has a very astringent 
 but not caustic taste, and an acid reaction, and mixes with water and alcohol in all pro- 
 portions without decomposition. On dropping sulphuric acid into it the color becomes 
 lighter, and with a larger quantity (£ volume) of the acid a separation of whitish anhy- 
 drous ferric sulphate takes place (difference from solution of tersulphate). Diluted with 
 distilled water, it yields a red-brown precipitate with ammonia or potassa, a dark-blue one 
 with potassium ferrocyanide, and a white one insoluble in nitric or hydrochloric acid with 
 barium chloride. When evaporated at a moderate heat upon a glass or porcelain plate, it 
 yields transparent, deliquescent scales, and at a somewhat higher temperature is converted 
 into a yellowish powder which is less deliquescent. 
 
 Tests. — The solution, diluted with 5 parts of water, should be colored olive-brown, 
 but not blue, with freshly-prepared solution of potassium ferricyanide, and it should not 
 yield a white precipitate with silver nitrate (absence of ferrous salt and chloride). On 
 adding a clear crystal of ferrous sulphate to a cooled mixture of equal volumes of concen- 
 trated sulphuric acid and a diluted portion of the solution, the crystal should not become 
 brown, nor should there be a brownish-black zone developed around it (absence of nitric 
 acid). “If 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of the solution be introduced into a glass-stoppered bottle 
 (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), together with 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydro- 
 chloric acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the mixture be allowed 
 to stand for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool, 
 and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it should require about 27.2 Cc. of 
 decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish color of the 
 liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution consumed corresponding to 0.5 per cent, of 
 metallic iron).”— U. S. 
 
9 66 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI TERSULPHA TIS. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is chiefly used as a local styptic in cases of hem- 
 orrhage from parts not.readily subjected to pressure, as the nasal cavities, the sockets from 
 which teeth have been extracted, the uterus, vagina, rectum, etc. It has the advantage 
 of being less irritating than other acid salts of iron. But its very power of coagulat- 
 ing blood may be mischievous. A child had an aneurism of the palmar arch following 
 a wound. It was injected with about ten drops of Monsel’s solution. Gangrene fol- 
 lowed, and the hand had to be amputated (Keen, Med. News , xl. 298). The solution is 
 generally applied by means of a wooden or glass brush or a fragment of compact sponge. 
 
 A fluidrachm of the solution in an ounce of water has been used with an ear syringe to 
 arrest epistaxis. Where pressure can also be made it should not be omitted. An atom- 
 ized solution of it has been found successful in some cases of haemoptysis. For this pur- 
 pose Gm. 0.06-0.60 (ny-x) should be added to Gm. 32. (a fluidounce) of distilled 
 water. Internally, it may be prescribed in the dose of Gm. 0.30-0.60 (npv-x), properly 
 diluted. The solution may be evaporated to dryness, and the powdered residue given in 
 pills containing about one grain of the salt. It may be used in chronic and in acute 
 watery diarrhoea. 
 
 LIQUOR FERRI TERSULPHATIS, U. S.— Solution of Ferric 
 
 Sulphate. 
 
 Liquor ferri persulphatis , Br. — Solution of normal ferric sulphate , Solution of persul- 
 phate of iron, E. ; Persulfate de fer liquide , Fr. ; Ferrisulfatlosung , Schwefelsaure Eisenoxyd- 
 Losung , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of normal ferric sulphate Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 , containing about 28.7 per 
 cent, of the salt, and representing about 8 per cent, of metallic iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferrous Sulphate, in clear crystals, 400 Gm. ; Sulphuric Acid, 78 
 Gm. ; Nitric Acid, Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Gm. Add 
 the sulphuric acid to 200 Cc. of water in a capacious porcelain dish, heat the mixture 
 to nearly 100° C. (212° F.), then add 55 Gm. of nitric acid, and mix well. Divide the 
 coarsely powdered ferrous sulphate into four equal portions, and add these portions, 
 one at a time, to the hot liquid, stirring after each addition until effervescence ceases. 
 When all of the ferrous sulphate has been dissolved, add a few drops of nitric acid, and, 
 if this causes a further evolution of red fumes, continue to add nitric acid, a few drops 
 at a time, until it no longer causes red fumes to be evolved; then boil the solution until 
 it assumes a reddish-brown color and is free from nitrous fumes. Lastly, add enough 
 distilled water to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. Filter, if necessary. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of solution of ferric sulphate would require 8f av. ozs. of ferrous 
 sulphate, 752 grains of sulphuric acid, 530 grains of nitric acid, and a sufficient quantity ; 
 
 of distilled water, of which 4^ fluidounces should be used for dilution of the acids. 
 
 Take of sulphate of iron 8 ounces ; sulphuric acid, nitric acid, each 6 fluidrachms ; 
 distilled water 12 fluidounces or a sufficiency. Add the sulphuric acid to 10 ounces of | 
 the w r ater, and dissolve the sulphate of iron in the mixture with the aid of heat. Mix 
 the nitric acid with the remaining 2 ounces of the water, and add to this acid, warmed, the 
 solution of sulphate of iron. Concentrate the whole by boiling, until, by the sudden 
 disengagement of ruddy vapors, the liquid ceases to be black and acquires a red color. 
 
 A drop of the solution is now to be tested with red prussiate of potash, and if a blue 
 precipitate forms, a few additional drops of nitric acid should be added and the boiling 
 renewed, in order that the whole of the sulphate may be converted into persulphate of 
 iron. When the solution is cold, make the quantity 11 fluidounces (Imperial measure) 
 by the addition, if necessary, of distilled water. — Br. 
 
 The reaction which takes place in these processes is precisely the same as in making 
 the subsulphate of iron, the only difference being that the sulphuric acid is used in suffi- 
 cient quantity to form normal ferric sulphate, Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 . The reaction is explained by 
 the equation 6FeS0 4 + 3H 2 S0 4 + 2HN0 3 = 3Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 + N 2 0 2 -f 4H 2 0. From 80 parts 
 of ferrous sulphate, 200 parts U. S. (160 parts P. G., 158.5 parts Br.) of the solution are 
 prepared. 
 
 Properties. — Solution of normal ferric sulphate is a dark reddish-brown liquid, 
 having no odor, a very astringent and at the same time acid taste, and an acid reaction. 
 
 It is miscible in all proportions with alcohol and water without causing decomposition. 
 
 Its behavior to ammonia, potassium ferrocyanide, and barium chloride is the same as that 
 of the subsulphate, but for the precipitation of the anhydrous salt about 3 volumes 
 (instead of £ volume) of sulphuric acid is required. The pharmacopceial solution con- 
 
LIQUOR GUTTA-PERCHA.— HYDRARGYRI NITRATES. 
 
 967 
 
 tains 28.76 per cent. U. S., 36.3 per cent., Br., of anhydrous ferric sulphate, and has the 
 spec. grav. 1.320 U. S., 1.441 Br. Hager gives the following densities for solutions con- 
 taining of the anhydrous salt — 
 
 25 26 27 28 28.5 29 29.5 30 31 32 per cent. 
 
 1.271 1.284 1.297 1.310 1.316 1.323 1.330 1.337 1.351 1.365. 
 
 Tests. — The absence of ferrous salt, chloride, nitric acid, and foreign salts is deter- 
 mined in precisely the same manner as for the subsulphate (see above). “If 1.12 
 (1.1176) Gm. of the solution be introduced into a glass-stoppered bottle (having a 
 capacity of about 100 Cc.), together with 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric 
 acid, and, after the addition of 1 Gm. of potassium iodide, the mixture be allowed to 
 stand for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° F.), and then allowed to cool, 
 and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it should require about 16 Cc. of 
 decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish color of the 
 liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution consumed corresponding to 0.5 per cent, of 
 metallic iron).” — U. S. 1 fluidrachm of the solution, diluted with water and mixed with 
 an excess of ammonia-water, should yield a precipitate which, when washed and ignited, 
 weighs 11.44 grains. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It may be used for the same purpose as the subsulphate, but 
 is not as eligible, because it is more irritating and less astringent. 
 
 LIQUOR GUTTA-PERCHA, Br . — Solution of Gutta-percha. 
 
 Liqueur de gutta-percha , Fr. ; Guttapercha- Losung, Traumaticin, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Gutta-percha, in thin slices, 1 ounce ; Chloroform, 8 fluidounces ; 
 Lead Carbonate, in fine powder, 1 ounce. Add the gutta-percha to 6 fluidounces of 
 chloroform in a stoppered bottle, and shake them together frequently until solution has 
 been effected. Then add the lead carbonate previously mixed with the remainder of 
 the chloroform, and, having several times shaken the whole together, set the mixture 
 aside, and let it remain at rest until the insoluble matter has subsided. Lastly, decant 
 the clear liquid, and keep it in a well-stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 This preparation has been dismissed from the present edition of the U. S. P. ; the 
 formula of 1880 was almost identical with the above, the only difference being in the 
 relative proportions by weight — the U. S. P. 1880 directing 9 parts of gutta-percha to 
 91 of chloroform, while the Br. Ph. orders 1 to 11.92 or 9 to 107.2 parts. 
 
 Crude gutta-percha does not yield a clear solution with chloroform, but on standing 
 the impurities will rise to the surface more rapidly if, according to Maschke (1857), the 
 solution is agitated with 1 or H per cent, of water. Hodgson (1861) proposed lead car- 
 bonate with the same .object in view, the impurities subsiding with the lead compound. 
 Other heavy and insoluble compounds may be used with the same result, of rendering 
 the solution clear and almost or entirely colorless. Other solvents, which are cheaper 
 than chloroform, are employed for the purification of gutta-percha on the large scale 
 (see page 801). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The various applications of this solution are enumerated 
 under Gutta-Percha. They consist, briefly, in the adhesive and protective qualities 
 of the film formed by the rapid evaporation of the solvent, and the faculty with which 
 the solution is applied. 
 
 LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS, U. S.— Solution of Mercuric 
 
 Nitrate. 
 
 Liquor hydrargyri nitratis acidus , Br. ; Liquor hydrargyri nitrici oxydati , Hydrargyrum 
 oxydatum nitricum solutum. — Acid solution of nitrate of mercury , Solution of per nitrate of 
 mercury. E. ; Azotate ( Nitrate ) mercurique liquide, Nitrate acide (Per nitrate) de mercure , 
 Ir. : Mercurinitrat-Losung, Quecksilberoxydnitr at- Losung, G. 
 
 A liquid containing about 60 per cent, of mercuric nitrate Hg(N0 3 ) 2 , together with 
 about 11 per cent, of free nitric acid. 
 
 Preparation. — Bed Mercuric Oxide 40 Gm. ; Nitric Acid 45 Gm. ; Distilled Water 
 15 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Mix the nitric acid with the distilled water, and dissolve 
 the^red mercuric oxide in the mixture. Keep the solution in glass-stoppered bottles. 
 
 The foregoing formula will yield a little over II fluidounces (1.61+) of solution. 
 
968 
 
 LIQUOR HYDRA RGYRI NITRATIS. 
 
 Take of mercury 4 ounces; nitric acid 5 fluidounces ; distilled water \\ fluidounces. 
 Mix the nitric acid with water in a flask, and dissolve the mercury in the mixture with- 
 out the application of heat. Boil gently for fifteen minutes, cool, and preserve the solu- 
 tion in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Mercury 100 parts ; nitric acid 150 parts ; water 50 parts. Dissolve and evaporate to 
 225 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The mercury is dissolved in the two last processes by the action of nitric acid, with 
 the extrication of red nitrous vapors to form mercuric nitrate ; 3Hg 2 -f- 16HN0 3 yields 
 6Hg (N0 3 ) 2 -+■ 2N 2 0 2 + 8H 2 0. It is necessary to apply some heat, particularly at the 
 close of the reaction, to convert into mercuric any mercurous salt which may be present. 
 The United States process yields the same solution more rapidly, and involves simply a 
 combination of the mercuric oxide with nitric acid, water being liberated ; HgO + 2HN0 3 
 yields llg(N0 3 ) 2 + H 2 0. The present pharmacopoeial solution is a little weaker than 
 that of 1870, the latter requiring 43.66 parts of mercuric oxide and 48.66 parts of nitric 
 acid to obtain 100 parts; it was nearly identical with that of the French Codex, which 
 represents 43.5 per cent, of mercuric oxide against about 35 per cent, of the British 
 preparation. 
 
 Properties. — The solution is colorless, and has a slight odor of nitric acid, a strong 
 acid reaction, and a caustic and metallic taste. Its specific gravity is 2.100 U S. P., 
 about 2.0 Br. A crystal of ferrous sulphate dropped into it soon becomes surrounded with 
 a dark-colored liquid (nitrate). Dropped upon copper, a deposit of mercury is at once pro- 
 duced, and the diluted solution gives a yellow precipitate with soda or potassa solution 
 and a scarlet-red precipitate with potassium iodide ; this latter precipitate is soluble in an 
 excess of the precipitant. Nearly one-fourth of the nitric acid is uncombined, and pre- 
 vents the separation of a basic salt on dilution with water. Evaporated by heat on a 
 glass or porcelain dish, a white salt is left, which on the further application of heat is 
 decomposed, assuming a yellow, red, and brown color, and is finally completely volati- 
 lized. The solution, mixed with alcohol and heated, produces fulminating mercury , which 
 is very explosive. 
 
 If the solution is kept over sulphuric acid until crystals have been separated, the syrupy 
 liquid will have the composition Hg(N0 3 ) 2 .2H 2 0, and the crystals of mercuric nitrate con- 
 tain less water, their composition being 2Hg(N0 3 ) 2 .H 2 0. If the liquid is further con- 
 centrated by heat, nitric acid is given off, and the solution contains then basic nitrates, 
 which are crystallizable, but when largely diluted with water are converted into more 
 basic insoluble white or yellowish compounds. 
 
 Tests. — The characters given are sufficient to determine the quality of the prepara- 
 tion. On the addition of water no precipitation should occur (free nitric acid). Diluted 
 hydrochloric acid should occasion no precipitate, potassa solution a yellow (not black), 
 and potassium iodide a scarlet-red (not yellow or green) precipitate. (absence of mercurous 
 salt). 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Millon’s Test Solution. Dissolve with a gentle heat mercury in an 
 equal weight of strong nitric acid, dilute the solution with twice its bulk of water, and decant 
 from the precipitate ; the liquid must contain some free nitric and nitrous acid. A solution of 
 nearly the same mercury strength, but containing no nitrous acid, is obtained by diluting the 
 pharmacopoeial (U. S .) solution of mercuric nitrate with an equal bulk of water. Millon’s 
 reagent is used as a reagent for proteids, the mixture, as well as the precipitate, acquiring a red 
 color on boiling. 
 
 IIydrargyri protonitras ; Nitras (azotas) hydrargyrosus, F. Cod. — Mercurous nitrate, E.; 
 Azotate mercureux, Fr. ; Mercuronitrat, Salpetersaures Quecksilberoxydul, G. — Mercury 4 parts, 
 nitric acid 3 parts, water 1 part ; after 24 hours collect the crystals, wash them with a little 
 diluted nitric acid, and dry. — F. Cod. The salt forms colorless monoclinic plates or prisms hav- 
 ing the composition Hg 2 (N0 3 ) 2 2H 2 0, mol. weight 559.4 ; it melts at 70° C. (158° F.), is completely 
 soluble in a little warm water, but is by more water decomposed into a soluble acid and an in- 
 soluble basic salt ; the solution imparts to the skin a purplish-red color, turning black. 
 
 Liquor iiydrargyri nitrici oxydulati, s. Hydrargyrum oxydulatum solutum, s. Liquor Bel- 
 lostii. — Solution of mercurous nitrate, E. ; Liqueur de Belloste, Fr. ; Mercuronitrat-Losung, G. 
 
 — Dissolve without heat mercurous nitrate 100 parts in nitric acid 15 parts and water 885 parts. 
 
 On exposure to the air oxidation to mercuric nitrate takes place. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Solution of nitrate of mercury is not used internally. Locally, 
 its action is powerfully caustic, destroying the life of the tissue to which it is directly 
 applied and inflaming the surrounding parts. The slough separates as a yellowish scab. 
 When swallowed by mistake, it produces the effect of a powerful corrosive poison, 
 including intense pain, vomiting, purging, collapse, and speedy death, after which the ? 
 
 > 
 
LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI PERCHLORIDI.—IODI COMPOSITUS. 
 
 969 
 
 fauces have been found vesicated and discolored and the stomach presenting brown 
 eschars. Applied to an ulcerated surface, even of small extent, it has caused salivation, 
 and a weak solution of it used in the treatment of itch has occasioned fatal poisoning, 
 with symptoms of corrosion and salivation also. 
 
 This preparation is employed to stimulate sluggish restorative processes and to remove 
 indurated tissues. It is a valuable application in chronic and indurated ulcers of the 
 neck of the uterus of whatever nature, but most so, of course, in simple ulcers. Tuber- 
 cles and ulcers of the skin belonging to lupus have sometimes been treated advanta- 
 geously by this caustic while appropriate internal medicines were administered. It is 
 advised that it should be applied daily. It is an efficient remedy for acne by destroying 
 the diseased sebaceous follicles. It has been recommended as the most successful of 
 local applications to all forms > of syphilitic sores of the skin, tongue, throat, etc. The 
 strength of the solution employed must vary with the object in view. In lupus and 
 acne the pure liquid must be used, and applied by means of a pointed glass rod or brush 
 or a wooden splinter, so as accurately to limit the caustic action to the diseased tissue. 
 When ulcers of the throat are to be treated, 1 or 2 minims of the acid in an ounce of 
 water (Gm. 0.06-0.12 to Gm. 32) may be used as a gargle or with an atomizer, care 
 being taken that the spray is not inhaled ; or by means of a sponge-mop a mixture of a 
 fluidrachm of the solution with an ounce of water (Gm. 4 to Gm. 32) may be applied. 
 For cutaneous ulcers a lotion may be made with 30 minims of the solution and an ounce 
 (Gm. 2 to Gm. 32) of water. 
 
 LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI PERCHLORIDI, ^/’.—Solution op 
 Perchloride of Mercury. 
 
 Liquor hydrargyri hichloridi. — Solution of corrosive sublimate , Solution of mercuric 
 chloride , E. ; Chlorure de mercure et d’ammoniaque liquide , Solute de sel Alembroth , Fr. ; 
 Sublimat-Lbsung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Perchloride of Mercury, Chloride of Ammonium, each 10 
 grains ; Distilled Water 1 pint (Imperial). Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 This is a colorless solution of the sal Alembroth of the alchymists, having the saline and 
 metallic taste of the salts from which it is made. It yields white precipitates with alka- 
 lies and their carbonates, and is decomposed by vegetable juices and the medicinal 
 extracts. It contains J grain of corrosive sublimate to the (Imperial) fluidounce, and is 
 of one-half the strength of the similar solution which was formerly recognized by the 
 Prussian and other European pharmacopoeias. By substituting emulsion of bitter 
 almond for the water Gowlandis cosmetic lotion is obtained. 
 
 Liqueur de Van Swieten, F. Cod., is a solution of 1 part of corrosive sublimate in 
 100 parts of alcohol and 900 parts of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The object of this preparation appears to be to render the 
 solution of corrosive sublimate more perfect than that in water alone. The average 
 dose is Gm. 4 (f^j), containing Gm. 0.004 (gr. ^L) 0 f corrosive sublimate. 
 
 LIQUOR IODI COMPOSITUS, 77. S . — Compound Solution of Iodine. 
 
 Ipquor iodi , Br . — Solution of iodine , LugoVs solution , E. ; Solute iodure de Lugol , Fr. \ 
 Lugol \che Jodlosung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iodine 5 Gm. ; Potassium Iodide 10 Gm. ; Distilled Water 85 Gm. ; 
 to make 100 Gm. Dissolve the iodine and potassium iodide in the distilled water. Keep 
 the solution in well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 fluidounces of Lugol’s solution 108 grains of iodine and 216 grains of 
 potassium iodide should be dissolved in 4 ounces of distilled water. 
 
 Take of iodine 22 grains ; potassium iodide 33 grains ; distilled water 1 fluidounce. 
 Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 Solutions of potassium iodide dissolve iodine in different proportions, weak solutions 
 taking up 1 atom of I for each molecule of KI, or 76.5 parts for 100 parts of the salt. 
 The dissolved portion, therefore, has the composition KI 2 . The proportion of iodine to 
 potassium iodide in the second formula approaches the composition given, but the formula 
 of the United States Pharmacopoeia directs a larger amount of the salt, and its iodine 
 strength is greater. Viewed as free iodine held in solution by potassium iodide, 1 part 
 of the former is represented by 20.0 parts (77! S. Pi) and 22.4 parts ( B . P.) of the 
 solution. 
 
970 
 
 LIQUOR LITHIM EFFER VESCENS.—MA GNESII CARBON ATIS. 
 
 Properties. — The solution is of a dark brown-red color, having the caustic taste of 
 iodine and imparting to starch-paste a dark-blue color. When boiled, iodine is given off, 
 but the whole of it does not volatilize until the liquid is evaporated to dryness and the 
 residuary mass heated nearly to redness. When agitated with chloroform, ether, or 
 carbon disulphide, the solution is decolorized. “ 12.66 Gm. of the solution, mixed with 
 a little gelatinized starch, should require for complete decoloration from 49.3 to 50 Cc. 
 of decinormal solution of sodium thiosulphate.” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Liquor iodi causticus, N. F. ; Caustic solution of iodine •, Churchill’s 
 iodine caustic. — Iodine 480 grains, Potassium iodide 960 grains, Distilled water 4 fluidounces. 
 
 Causticum iodi, Lugol’s caustic. — Iodine and potassium iodide, of each 1 part, water 2 parts. 
 By substituting glycerin for the water, Hebrews iodine caustic is obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is considerably stronger in the proportion of 
 its active ingredients than the compound tincture of iodine, and is thought to be more 
 efficient, although there is no satisfactory evidence in favor of that opinion. 20 minims 
 (Gm. 1.15) of it contain about 1 grain (Om. 0.06) of iodine. The average dose is Gm. 
 0.25 (gtt. iv). It should be administered in a large portion of water. 
 
 LIQUOR LITHLE EFFER VESOENS, Br. — Effervescing Solution 
 
 of Lithia. 
 
 Aqua Utilise effervescens. — Lithia-water, E. ; Eau de lithine , Fr. ; Lithian- Wasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lithium Carbonate 10 grains ; Water 1 pint. Mix in a suit- 
 able apparatus, and pass into it as much pure washed carbon dioxide gas, obtained by 
 the action of sulphuric acid on chalk, as can be introduced with a pressure of four 
 atmospheres. Keep the solution in bottles securely closed to prevent the escape of the 
 compressed gas. — Br. 
 
 This is a solution of lithium carbonate in water rendered more agreeable by the free 
 carbonic acid present. Each fluidounce contains ^ grain of the carbonate, the amount 
 of which is best ascertained by evaporating a known measure of it. The residue should 
 answer to the tests for lithium carbonate. 
 
 Medical Uses. — This is merely an agreeable form for the administration of lithia ; 
 it may be given in the dose of Gm. 120-360 (f giv-xii). 
 
 LIQUOR MAGNESII CARBON ATIS, Br . — Solution of Magnesium 
 
 Carbonate. 
 
 Aqua magnesio-effervescens. — Fluid magnesia , E. ; Eau magnesienne , Magnesie liquide , 
 Fr. ; Magnesiaicasser , Kohlensaure Magnes laid sung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Magnesium Sulphate 2 ounces ; Sodium Carbonate 2J 
 ounces; Distilled Water a sufficiency. Dissolve the two salts separately, each in J pint 
 of water. Heat the solution of magnesium sulphate to the boiling-point, then add to it 
 the solution of sodium carbonate, and boil them together until carbon dioxide ceases 
 to be evolved. Collect the precipitated magnesium carbonate on a calico filter, and wash 
 it with distilled water until what passes ceases to give a precipitate with barium chloride. 
 Mix the washed precipitate with a pint of distilled water, and, putting them into a suit- 
 able apparatus, pass into it pure washed carbon dioxide, obtained by the action of sul- 
 phuric acid on chalk. Let the mixture remain in contact with excess of carbonic acid, 
 retained there under pressure, for about twenty-four hours ; then filter the liquid to 
 remove any undissolved magnesium carbonate, and again pass carbon dioxide into the 
 filtered solution. Finally, keep the solution in a bottle securely closed to prevent the 
 escape of carbon dioxide. The solution contains about 10 grains of magnesium carbonate 
 in a fluidounce. — Br. 
 
 The first part of the above process embraces the preparation of magnesium oxycar- 
 bonate, 4(MgC0 3 ).Mg(0H) 2 , which is the official Magnesii carbonas. By the subsequent 
 operation this is dissolved in water by the aid of carbon dioxide in excess, whereby mag- 
 nesium carbonate, MgCO s , and bicarbonate, MgH 2 2C0 3 , are formed. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — It is a colorless solution, which should effervesce on open- 
 ing the vessel, carbon dioxide escaping, and has a slightly acidulous taste free from bitter- 
 ness. The white mass left by evaporating a fluidounce and calcining the residue should 
 weigh 5 grains and answer to the tests for magnesia. When the solution is exposed to 
 cold, prismatic crystals of magnesium carbonate, MgC0 3 .5H 2 0, appear, which on exposure 
 to the air lose water and become MgC0 3 .3H 2 0. 
 
LIQUOR M AGNESI 1 CITRATIS. 
 
 971 
 
 Medical Uses. — The intention of this preparation is apparently to provide an agree- 
 able form of magnesia for administration in cases of constitutional gout and other disor- 
 ders attended with an excess of add in the system and acid urinary deposits. An extem- 
 poraneous mixture of magnesia with carbonated water answers the same purpose, and so 
 do the granular effervescing vegetable salts of magnesia. The dose is Gm. 32-64 
 
 (fsHD- 
 
 LIQUOR MAGNESII CITRATIS, U . S . 9 Br — Solution of Magnesium 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Liquor magnesii dtrid. — Limonade au dtrate de magnesie , Limonade purgative citro- 
 magnesienne , Fr. ; Magnesiumcitrat-Losung , Magnesia- Limonade, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Magnesium Carbonate 15 Gm. ; Citric Acid 30 Gm. ; Syrup of 
 Citric Acid 120 Cc. ; Potassium Bicarbonate, in crystals, 2.5 Gm. ; Water a sufficient 
 quantity. Dissolve the citric acid in 120 Cc. of water, and, having added the magne- 
 sium carbonate, stir until it is dissolved. Filter the solution into a strong bottle of the 
 capacity of 360 Cc., containing the syrup of citric acid. Then add enough of water to 
 nearly fill the bottle, drop in the potassium bicarbonate, and immediately close the bottle 
 with a cork, which must be secured with twine. Lastly, shake the mixture occasionally 
 until the potassium bicarbonate is dissolved. — U. S. 
 
 Take of magnesium carbonate 100 grains ; citric acid 200 grains ; syrup of lemon 4 
 fluidounce ; magnesium bicarbonate, in crystals, 40 grains; water a sufficiency. Dissolve 
 the citric acid in 2 ounces of the water, and, having added the potassium carbonate, 
 stir it until it is dissolved. Filter the solution into a strong half-pint bottle, add the 
 syrup and sufficient water to nearly fill the bottle ; then introduce the potassium bicar- 
 bonate, and immediately close the bottle with the cork, which should be secured with 
 string or wire. Afterward shake the bottle until the potassium bicarbonate has dis- 
 solved. — Br. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia has increased the quantities of magnesium carbonate and 
 citric acid, but not the relative proportions, and hence it is doubtful whether the 
 official solution will keep any better than that of 1880. Effervescent solution of magne- 
 sium citrate has been the source of frequent annoyance to the pharmacist, and it is to be 
 regretted that the pharmacopoeia did not prescribe either a formula for extemporaneous 
 preparation only , or a formula by which a solution can be prepared which will not deposit 
 even after lapse of some time. When magnesium carbonate and citric acid are brought 
 together in the presence of water, carbon dioxide is eliminated and magnesium citrate is 
 formed ; the exact composition of the latter salt depends upon the amount of base or 
 acid present. Normal magnesium citrate of the composition Mg 3 (C 6 H 5 0 7 ) 2 is but slightly 
 soluble in water, and crystallizes from its solutions with 14 molecules of water ; it is 
 formed whenever 10 molecules of citric acid are allowed to react with 3 molecules of offi- 
 cial magnesium carbonate, as follows : 3[4(MgC0 3 ).Mg(0H) 2 .5H 2 0] +10H 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 .H 2 O= 
 5Mg 3 (CfiH 5 0 7 ) 2 -f 12C0 2 -f 43H 2 0. The acid magnesium citrate, MgHC 6 H 5 0 7 , is very 
 soluble in water, and is the compound aimed at by the formula of both pharmacopoeias ; 
 it is produced by the following reaction : 4(MgC0 3 ).Mg(0H) 2 .5H 2 0-|-5H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 .H 2 0= 
 5MgHC 6 H 5 0 7 -f-4C0 2 +16H 2 0, which shows that each molecule of official magnesium 
 carbonate requires 5 molecules of citric acid. The 15 Gm. of magnesium carbonate 
 ordered in the official formula require 21.61 -j-Gm. of citric acid to form the normal, or 
 32.43 Gm. to form the acid salt; the Pharmacopoeia orders 30 Gm. of acid, of which only 
 29.45 Gm. are available for the magnesium salt, as even the large quantity of syrup of 
 citric acid ordered does not contain sufficient acid to decompose the 2.5 Gm. of potassium 
 bicarbonate subsequently added. The official solution must contain, therefore, a mixture 
 of acid and normal salts, to which its instability may be ascribed. If a solution of acid 
 magnesium citrate only is desired which will not deposit in the course of time, the 
 quantity of citric acid in the official formula must be increased to 32.98(32.43-}- 0.55) 
 Gm., which includes the necessary amount of acid to supply the deficiency in the syrup 
 stated above ; this, however, produces a very acid liquid, and may be objected to by 
 many persons on that account. The 120 Cc. of syrup ordered will fail to cover the acid 
 taste sufficiently, besides which it is questionable whether it is advisable to combine 102 
 Gm. (nearly 4 av. ozs.) of sugar with one purgative dose of any medicine. A solution 
 of normal magnesium citrate is admirably adapted for extemporaneous preparation, but 
 it does not keep well for any length of time : the following formula, in which the 
 quantity of magnesium carbonate directed by the Pharmacopoeia has been retained, but 
 
972 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHINE ACETATI1S. 
 
 the syrup of citric acid has been reduced to one-half, will be found to yield a very satis- 
 factory solution for use within twenty-four hours, and contains just sufficient excess of 
 citric acid (2.24 Gm.) to make the taste agreeably acidulous: Mix 25 G-m. of citric acid 
 in powder with 15 Gm. of magnesium carbonate, and add 180 Cc. of water; stir well 
 until dissolved, and filter the solution into a strong bottle of 360 Cc. capacity containing 
 60 Cc. of syrup of citric acid. Add enough water to nearly fill the bottle, and drop in 
 2.5 Gm. of potassium bicarbonate in crystals ; the bottle should be immediately closed 
 with a perfect soft cork, which is to be secured with wire or twine. Finally shake the 
 bottle until all crystals are dissolved. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia orders plain water to be used, but if the solution is to be kept on 
 hand, distilled, or, better yet, recently boiled and filtered, water will be found preferable, 
 so as to avoid the formation of fungi. The potassium bicarbonate added is converted 
 into neutral potassium citrate, the carbon dioxide, which is eliminated, remaining in solu- 
 tion. Magnesium carbonate is preferable to the oxide, as it is less apt to vary in com- 
 position, but if the latter is chosen 6.23 Gm. of magnesium oxide may be used in place of 
 15 Gm. of the official carbonate. 
 
 To prepare the solution, ten times (or any other convenient multiple) of the quantities 
 of citric acid and magnesium carbonate are weighed out and mixed with the corre- 
 sponding quantity of water ; after the magnesia is dissolved the liquid is passed through 
 a paper-filter, equally divided among the requisite number of bottles, each containing the 
 necessary quantity of syrup ; sufficient water is then added to each bottle, after which 
 the potassium bicarbonate in crystals is dropped in. The corks are then inserted and 
 securely fastened by twine, and the bottles laid upon their sides in a cool place. Pre- 
 pared in this way, the crystals will gradually dissolve in the syrup, and this will slowly 
 mix with the lighter saline solution, unless it be wanted for immediate use, when, by , 
 slight agitation, the syrup and bicarbonate are dissolved in the aqueous fluid. 
 
 The solution is colorless, free from sediment, and of a pleasant acidulous taste free 
 from bitterness. The present formula differs from that of 1880 chiefly in ordering larger 
 quantities of syrup of citric acid and potassium bicarbonate ; hence a more effervescent : 
 solution is obtained. 
 
 ' 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Liquor magnesii acetatis. — Solution of magnesium acetate, E. ; Solute ! 
 d’ acetate de magnesie, Fr. ; Magnesiumacetat-Losung, G. — Renaud proposed a solution made by f 
 dissolving 40 parts of magnesium carbonate in sufficient acetic acid (l37 parts), filtering, and 
 evaporating to 100 parts. It is a colorless syrupy liquid, having a bitterish taste less pleasant 
 than the citrate, and containing nearly 60 per cent, of the dry acetate, Mg(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 (mol. weight 
 142.02). The dry salt is white, gum-like, very deliquescent, and freely soluble in w r ater and : 
 alcohol. 
 
 Elixir magnesii acetatis. — Solution of magnesium acetate 66 parts ; alcohol 14 parts ; syrup • 
 of orange-peel (or of lemon-peel) 70 parts. This contains 25 per cent, of the dry salt, but less ; 
 alcohol than directed by Garot's formula. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This medicine has come into popular use as a purgative, and, 
 if its constitution could be depended upon, would answer a useful purpose. But as it t 
 sometimes purges violently, and in other cases fails of any purgative effect, it ought not 
 to be employed where certainty and uniformity of action are important. It should gen- | 
 erally be given in divided doses of Gm. 120-190 (f^iv-vi) every hour until the desired j 
 operation is produced. 
 
 Magnesium acetate was introduced as a substitute for magnesium citrate, probably on 
 account of its greater cheapness, it being assumed to possess the same mode of action as I 
 the citrate. A committee of the Pharmaceutical Society of Paris reported it to be a purga- 
 tive whose slight taste and great solubility recommended it. It is, however, less soluble j 
 than the citrate and of a less agreeable taste. It does not seem to have been approved 
 by physicians. 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHINiE ACETATIS, JBr . — Solution of Morphine 
 
 Acetate. 
 
 Solute cC acetate de morphine , Fr. ; Essigsaure Morphinlomng , G. 
 
 Preparation. —Take of Morphine Acetate 9 grains; Diluted Acetic Acid 18 j 
 minims ; Rectified Spirit l fluidounce ; Distilled Water 1? fluidounces. Mix the acid, 
 the spirit, and the water, and dissolve the acetate of morphine in the mixture. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Each fluidrachm contains ? grain (Gm. 4 contain Gm. 0.03) of morphine 
 acetate, the decomposition of which is prevented by the spirit. 
 
LIQUOR MORPHIXJE BIMECONA TIS.—PL UMBI SUBACE TATIS. 
 
 973 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHINES BIMECONATIS, Bp— Solution of Morphine 
 
 Bimeconate. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Morphine Hydrochlorate, 9 grains ; Solution of Ammonia, 
 a sufficiency ; Meconic Acid, 6 grains ; Rectified Spirit, i fluidounce ; Distilled Water, a 
 sufficiency. Dissolve the morphine hydrochlorate in two or three drachms of distilled 
 water, aiding solution by warmth ; then add solution of ammonia until morphine ceases 
 to be precipitated ; cool ; filter ; wash the precipitate with distilled water until the wash- 
 ings cease to give a precipitate with silver nitrate ; drain ; mix the precipitate with suf- 
 ficient water to produce an ounce and a half ; add the rectified spirit and meconic acid ; 
 dissolve. — Br. 
 
 Each fluidounce of this solution contains about 5 grains of morphine bimeconate, and 
 its dose is 5 to 40 minims. 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHHSLE HYDROCHLORATIS, Br.— Solution of Mor- 
 phine Hydrochlorate. 
 
 Solute de hydrochlorate de morphine , Fr. ; Salzsaure Morphinlosung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Morphine Hydrochlorate, 9 grains ; Diluted Hydrochloric 
 Acid, 18 minims; Rectified Spirit, \ fluidounce; Distilled Water, 1? fluidounces. Mix 
 the hydrochloric acid, the spirit, and the water, and dissolve the morphine hydrochlorate 
 in the mixture. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Each fluidrachm of this solution contains I grain of morphine hydrochlorate, 
 and its dose is from 10 to 60 minims. Trousseau recommended, for hypodermic injection, 
 a solution of morphine hydrochlorate in glycerin, which preserves the salt from de- 
 composition 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHINE SULPHATIS, Br. Add.— Solution of Mor- 
 phine Sulphate. 
 
 Solute de sulfate de morphine , Fr. ; Schwefelsaure Morphinlosung Gi. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Morphine Sulphate, 35 grains ; Rectified Spirit, 2 fluidounces; 
 Distilled Water, sufficient to produce 8 fluidounces. Dissolve the morphine sulphate in 
 part of the water, add the rectified spirit, and finally the remainder of the water. — Br. 
 
 Add. 
 
 This and the preceding solution are about four times as strong as the Liquor morphise 
 sulphatis , U. S. P., 1870, which was made by dissolving 1 grain of morphine sulphate in 
 1 fluidounce of water. 
 
 In some parts of the United States a much stronger solution is prescribed under the 
 name of Magendie's solution of morphine. It is prepared by dissolving 16 grains of mor- 
 phine sulphate in sufficient water to produce 1 fluidounce, and is therefore sixteen times 
 as strong as the preceding Magendie's solution is prepared in France by dissolving 0.8 
 Gm. (12^ grains) of morphine acetate in 30 Gm. (about 1 fluidounce) of water, and is 
 therefore considerably weaker than the solution known by the same name in the United 
 States. 
 
 Uses. — Each fluidrachm of this solution contains about £ grain of morphine sulphate, 
 and the dose is from 10 to 60 minims. 
 
 LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBAOETATIS, U. S., Br.— Solution of Lead 
 
 Sub ACETATE. 
 
 Liquor plumbi subacetici , P. G. ; Acetum plumbicum, Acetum saturni , Plumbum hydrico- 
 aceticum solutum , Subacetas plumbicus liquidus . — Goulard's extract , E. ; Sous-acetate de 
 plomb liquide , Extrait de saturne (de Goulard ), Vinaigre de plomb (de saturne) , F. ; 
 
 Bleiessig , G. 
 
 An aqueous liquid containing in solution about 25 per cent, of lead subacetate (ap- 
 proximately, Pb 2 0(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 546.48), — U. S. Specific gravity 1.195 U. S 1.275 Br., 
 1-235 to 1.240 P. G., 1.32 F. God. 
 
 Preparation. — Lead Acetate, 170 Gm. ; Lead Oxide, 100 Gm. ; Distilled Water, a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Gm. Dissolve the lead acetate in 800 Gm. of boiling 
 distilled water in a glass or porcelain vessel. Then add the lead oxide, and boil for half 
 an hour, occasionally adding hot distilled-water to make up the loss by evaporation. 
 Remove the heat, allow the liquid to cool, and add enough distilled water, previously 
 
974 
 
 LIQUOR PLUMB I SUBACE TATIS. 
 
 boiled and cooled, to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. Finally, filter the liquid in a 
 well-covered funnel. Solution of lead subacetate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 — U. S. 
 
 Lead Acetate, 5 oz. av. ; Lead Oxide, 3J oz. av. ; Distilled water, 20 oz. av. Boil as 
 above, and make the filtrate measure 20 Imperial fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 Lead Acetate, 3 parts; Lead Oxide, 1 part; Distilled Water, 8 parts. Boil and pre- 
 serve the weight. — F. Cod. 
 
 Lead Acetate, 3 parts; Lead Oxide, 1 part; Water, J part. Mix at the heat of a 
 water bath until the mixture has become white or nearly so ; then add 9J parts of water, 
 set aside to settle and filter. — P. G. 
 
 Several basic lead acetates, soluble or insoluble in water, are known, which may be 
 obtained by treating solutions of the neutral acetate with the requisite quantity of lead 
 oxide. The exact composition of the pharmacopoeial solutions depends, therefore, upon 
 the proportion of the two compounds named. Dobereiner, Berzelius, and others suggested to 
 use them in the proportion of their molecular weights, so as to form Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 )2.Pb(0H) 2 . 
 This proportion is closely adhered to by the U. S. and Br. Pharmacopoeias, both authorities 
 using nearly 6 molecules of the oxide to 5 of the acetate, so that the solutions must con- 
 tain chiefly the acetate named, and in addition thereto a small quantity of the triplumbic 
 acetate, 2Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 .Pb(0H) 2 . On the other hand, the French and German prepara- 
 tions are made with very nearly 3 molecules of acetate to 2 of lead oxide and contain, 
 therefore, about equal molecules of the two basic acetates. Both these salts are crystai- 
 lizable from alcohol, in which solvent they are less freely soluble than in water. A still 
 more basic triplumbic acetate, Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 .2Pb(0H) 2 , may also be obtained in white 
 needles, but is insoluble in strong alcohol. In preparing these compounds a nearly insol- 
 uble sexplumbic acetate, Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 .5Pb(0H) 2 , is formed in variable proportions, and is 
 filtered off. This insoluble compound is included in the total weight directed by three 
 of the above formulas, while that of the British Pharmacopoeia orders the filtrate to be 
 brought to a definite measure. The filtered product, U. S. P., weighs about 950 Gm. 
 (about 27 fluidounces). 
 
 The combination of the chemicals may be effected at the ordinary temperature by 
 macerating the finely-levigated litharge with the solution of lead acetate in a corked 
 bottle, and agitating occasionally until the sediment has become white ; from two to four 
 days are usually required. By boiling all the ingredients the same result is obtained in 
 a much shorter time, and the process is preferable to that of the German Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Properties. — Solution of lead subacetate is a colorless liquid having a sweet, astrin- 
 gent taste and an alkaline reaction to test-paper ; the specific gravity has been given 
 above. On exposure to air, or on being mixed with water containing air in solution, the j 
 solution yields a white precipitate of lead carbonate. It unites readily with liquid and 
 solid fats, and may be mixed with an equal bulk of alcohol without precipitating. Added i 
 
 to a solution of gum-arabic, a dense white precipitate is produced ; otherwise it has the \ 
 
 reactions of lead acetate. 
 
 Tests. — After acidulating the solution with acetic acid, potassium ferrocyanide should 
 produce a white precipitate free from any blue (iron) or red (copper) tint. When com- 
 pletely precipitated by an excess of sulphuric acid the filtrate, on being evaporated to 
 dryness, should leave no residue or only a very slight one (absence of other salts). 
 When precipitated by an excess of ammonia the filtrate should not have a blue color 
 (absence of copper). “ 13.67 Gm. of the solution diluted with 50 Cc. of water should 
 require for complete precipitation 25 Cc. of the normal volumetric solution of sulphuric 
 acid.” — U. S. 284.5 grains of the solution and 500 grain-measures of the volumetric 
 solution of oxalic acid, Br. 
 
 Linimentum plumbi subacetatis, U. S., 1880. — Mix 4 parts of solution of lead 
 subacetate with 6 parts of cotton-seed oil (all by weight), and shake well together. 
 
 Action, and Uses. — This solution has occasioned violent toxical symptoms when 
 taken internally, which it never should be for medicinal purposes. It is employed when- 
 ever an astringent and local sedative action is required to allay pain or inflammation, to 
 constringe flaccid tissues, or to lessen secretion. When applied to the denuded cutis its 
 use should not be continued long, lest acute poisonous effects be developed. It is of 
 common use, diluted, in the treatment of contusions , sprains , excoriations, fractures, burns, 
 wounds, abscesses, hernia, haemorrhoids, and various cutaneous eruptions of an inflamma- 
 tory sort. It is best applied on soft cloths, lint, etc., which should be covered with a 
 waterproof tissue. Spongio-piline is a convenient vehicle for its use. The mucilage oi 
 slippery elm or of quince-seeds causes a precipitation of the lead from this solution f 
 
LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBACETATIS DIL UTUS.—P0TASS2E. 
 
 975 
 
 flaxseed and sassafras-pith mucilages are less objectionable. For practical use the diluted 
 solution is in most cases preferable. 
 
 LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBACETATIS DILUTUS, U. S., Br.— Diluted 
 Solution of Lead Subacetate. 
 
 Aqua plumb i, P. G. ; Aqua plumbica {vel saturnina ). — Lead-water , E. ; Eau de saturne , 
 Eau blanche , Fr. ; Bleiwasser, Kiihlwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Lead Subacetate 30 Cc. ; Distilled Water 970 Cc. ; to 
 make 1000 Cc. Mix the solution of lead subacetate with the distilled water, previously 
 boiled and cooled. Keep the liquid in well-stopped bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare a pint of lead-water, 230 minims of solution of lead subacetate should be 
 mixed with sufficient distilled water, previously boiled, to make 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of solution of lead subacetate, rectified spirit, each 2 fluidrachms ; distilled water 
 191 fluidounces. Mix, and filter through paper. Keep the clear solution in a stoppered 
 bottle. — Br. 
 
 The use of distilled water does not prevent the mixture from becoming turbid at once, 
 the carbonic acid held in solution or contained in the atmosphere producing some lead 
 carbonate ; this gas is therefore expelled by the previous boiling of water. Since, how- 
 ever, the decomposition will again take place when exposed to the atmosphere, it is best 
 to prepare lead-water only in small quantities ; for preparing 4 fluidounces of it 56 minims 
 of Goulard’s extract are required ; the French and German Pharmacopoeias order 2 per 
 cent. 
 
 Aqua plumbi Goulardi, Aqua yegeto-mineralis Goulardi vel Lotio plumbea. — 
 Goulard’s lead-water, E . ; Eau de Goulard, Fr. ; Goulardsches Wasser, G . — This con- 
 tains a little alcohol (. Br .) or vulnerary spirit (A 7 . Cod .), the latter being an aromatic 
 
 alcohol. 
 
 Uses. — It is this rather than the stronger solution of subacetate of lead that is com- 
 monly employed for the various purposes above indicated. When it is used as a lotion 
 merely, and is not confined by dressings, it is rendered more efficient by the addition of 
 alcohol, in the proportion of 3 or 4 drachms to a pint (Gm. 12-16 in Gm. 500) of the 
 solution, as in Goulard’s lead-water. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASS-®, JJ. S., Br. — Solution of Potassa. 
 
 Liquor kali caustici , P. G. ; Kali hydricum solutum , Lixivium causticum. — Solution of 
 potash , E. ; Potasse caustique liquide , Lessive caustique, Fr. ; Aetzkalilauge , Kalilauge , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, KOH ; molecular weight 55.99 — con- 
 taining about 5 per cent. U. S., 5.84 per cent. Br ., 15 per cent. P. G., of the hydroxide. 
 Specific gravity 1.036 U. S., 1.058 Br., 1.126 to 1.130 P. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Potassium Bicarbonate 85 Gm. : Lime 40 Gm. ; Distilled Water a 
 sufficient quantity. Dissolve the potassium bicarbonate in 400 Cc. of distilled water ; 
 heat the solution until effervescence ceases, and then raise it to boiling. Slake the lime 
 and make it into a smooth mixture with 400 Cc. of distilled water, and heat it to boiling. 
 Then gradually add the first liquid to the second, and continue the boiling for 10 minutes. 
 Remove the heat, cover the vessel tightly, and when the contents are cold add enough 
 distilled water to make the whole mixture weigh 1000 Gm. Lastly, strain it through 
 linen, set the liquid aside in a well-stoppered bottle until it is clear, and remove the clear 
 solution by means of a siphon. 
 
 Solution of potassa may also be prepared in the following manner: potassa 56 Gm. ; 
 distilled water 944 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Dissolve the potassa in the distilled water. 
 
 The potassa used in this process should be of the full strength directed by the Phar- 
 macopoeia (90 per cent.). Potassa of any other strength, however, may be used if a 
 proportionately larger or smaller quantity be taken, the proper amount for the above 
 formula being ascertained by dividing 5000 by the percentage of absolute potassa (potas- 
 sium hydroxide) contained therein. Solution of potassa should be kept in well-stoppered 
 bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of solution of potassa 423 grains of the official potassium hydroxide 
 may be dissolved in sufficient distilled water to obtain 16 fluidounces of finished product. 
 
 Take of potassium carbonate 1 pound ; slaked lime 12 ounces ; distilled water 1 gallon 
 (Imperial). Dissolve the potassium carbonate in the water, and, having heated the solu- 
 tion to the boiling-point in a clean iron vessel, gradually add the washed slaked lime, and 
 
976 
 
 LIQUOR POT ASS M 
 
 continue the ebullition for ten minutes with constant stirring. Then remove the vessel 
 from the fire, and when, by the subsidence of the insoluble matter, the supernatant liquor 
 has become perfectly clear, transfer it by means of a siphon to a green glass bottle fur- 
 nished with an air-tight stopper, and add distilled water if necessary to make it correspond 
 with the tests of specific gravity and neutralizing power. — Br. 
 
 On bringing together potassium carbonate and slaked lime in the presence of water a 
 double decomposition is effected, resulting in the formation of potassium hydroxide and 
 calcium carbonate ; K 2 C0 3 + Ca(OH) 2 yields 2KOH -f- CaC0 3 . This reaction cannot be 
 completed in concentrated solutions, but occurs promptly in diluted liquids. The smallest 
 quantity necessary for 1 part of potassium carbonate, according to Watson, is 8 parts of 
 water ; Mohr, however, prefers to use not less than 12 parts, and to concentrate the 
 caustic liquor, if necessary, by evaporation. The decomposition may be effected in the 
 cold by frequent agitation, but the resulting calcium carbonate is then light and retains 
 much of the liquor, while at the same time silica, if present in the carbonate, is not com- 
 pletely removed. The British Pharmacopoeia uses potassium carbonate and water in the 
 proportion of 1 to 10 ; the United States Pharmacopoeia, nearly in the proportion of 1 to 
 121, having substituted the much purer bicarbonate for the carbonate. 1 part of slaked 
 lime is sufficient to decompose 2.5 parts of potassium carbonate, containing 81 per cent, 
 of the pure anhydrous salt, and for 1.8 parts of potassium bicarbonate if in boiling the 
 solution of the latter carbon dioxide was not given off, or for 3.6 parts of the latter salt 
 if previously converted into normal carbonate by boiling. An excess of lime is, however, 
 preferable to ensure complete decomposition ; but the employment of an unnecessarily 
 large quantity may be avoided by following the directions of the Pharmacopoeia to add 
 the milk of lime gradually in small portions to the boiling alkaline liquid ; when this 
 addition amounts to a quantity of lime equal to about one-half the weight of the potas- 
 sium salt, a little of the boiling mixture may be poured upon a small moistened filter, 
 and the filtrate collected in a test-tube containing some hydrochloric acid. Should effer- 
 vescence occur, the boiling must be continued and more lime added, until on testing as 
 before, a new filter being used each time, no effervescence is observed. The removal 
 of the caustic liquor may be effected either by filtering it at once through muslin, or, 
 better still, we think, by allowing the insoluble matter to subside, drawing off the clear 
 liquor by means of a siphon, and transferring the sediment before it has become hard ! 
 upon a muslin strainer, and washing the potassa out by means of distilled water. In all 
 cases the liquid should be brought to the proper density by the addition of water, or, if 
 necessary, by evaporation ; if largely diluted by washing, the potassa solution may be 
 employed for various chemical operations. A well-cleaned iron vessel is best adapted for 
 the above operation. 
 
 Other methods for obtaining potassa solution adapted for special purposes have been 
 recommended. Schubert decomposed potassium sulphate accurately by a hot solution of { 
 baryta. Hunter (1866) arrived at the same result by substituting lime for the baryta, \ 
 and by boiling and filtering under a pressure of about 40 pounds to the square inch. ■: 
 F. Schulze (1861) heated a mixture of 1 part of pure potassium nitrate with 3 parts of j 
 ferrous oxalate to dull redness while hydrogen gas was being conducted to the bottom 
 of the crucible. Wohler’s process (1853), to heat a mixture of 1 part of potassium 
 nitrate and 2 of copper to dull redness, is apt to yield a product containing potassium 
 nitrite if the mixture has not been intimate or if the heat is not continued long enough ; 
 Polacci (1872) found the solution in water to contain a little copper. 
 
 The table on page 977, computed by Gerlach (1869), gives the specific gravity of 
 potassa solution at 15° C. (59° F.), containing from 1 to 60 per cent, of potassium oxide, 
 and the same percentage of potassium hydroxide : 
 
 Properties. — Potassa solution is a clear and colorless liquid of the specific gravity 
 stated above, and has a strong alkaline reaction and a very caustic taste. The slight 
 peculiar odor which it usually has is due to its action upon organic bodies which may 
 have been derived from the atmosphere. It dissolves wool, skin, and other animal and 
 many vegetable substances, and decomposes fats, forming therewith soluble soaps. It 
 attracts carbon dioxide from the air with great avidity, and must therefore be preserved in 
 well-stoppered bottles. Green glass, free from lead, is best adapted for the purpose, but 
 is likewise somewhat decomposed by alkalies, which cause the stopper to become firmly 
 fastened into the bottle unless protected by a thin layer of paraffin. Potassa solution 
 decomposes the salts of ammonium, of the metals, and of all the alkaloids, and induces 
 the decomposition of tannin and its derivatives ; a drop taken by a platinum loop and 
 held in a non-luminous flame imparts to it a violent tint. As a test of identity, and con- 
 
LIQUOR POTASS M. 
 
 977 
 
 sidering the strong yellow color given by sodium compounds, the flame may be examined 
 through a blue glass to cut off the color of sodium. It differs from soda solution in 
 yielding a white" crystalline precipitate with excess of concentrated solution of tartaric 
 acid, and a yellow one on the addition of hydrochloric acid and platinic chloride. 
 
 Per- 
 
 centage. 
 
 k 2 o. 
 
 KHO. 
 
 Per- 
 
 centage. 
 
 K>0. 
 
 KHO. 
 
 Per- 
 
 centage. 
 
 k 2 o. 
 
 KHO. 
 
 1 
 
 1.010 
 
 1.009 
 
 21 
 
 1.230 
 
 1.188 
 
 41 
 
 1.522 
 
 1.425 
 
 2 
 
 1.020 
 
 1.017 
 
 22 
 
 1.242 
 
 1.198 
 
 42 
 
 1.539 
 
 1.438 
 
 3 
 
 1.030 
 
 1.025 
 
 23 
 
 1.256 
 
 1.209 
 
 43 
 
 1.554 
 
 1.450 
 
 4 
 
 1.039 
 
 1.033 
 
 24 
 
 1.270 
 
 1.220 
 
 44 
 
 1.570 
 
 1.462 
 
 5 
 
 1.048 
 
 1.041 
 
 25 
 
 1.285 
 
 1.230 
 
 45 
 
 1.584 
 
 1.474 
 
 6 
 
 1.058 
 
 1.049 
 
 26 
 
 1.300 
 
 1.241 
 
 46 
 
 1.600 
 
 1.488 
 
 7 
 
 1.068 
 
 1.058 
 
 27 
 
 1.312 
 
 1.252 
 
 47 
 
 1.615 
 
 1.499 
 
 8 
 
 1.078 
 
 1.065 
 
 28 
 
 1.326 
 
 1.264 
 
 48 
 
 1.630 
 
 1.511 
 
 9 
 
 1.089 
 
 1.074 
 
 29 
 
 1.340 
 
 1.276 
 
 49 
 
 1.645 
 
 1.527 
 
 10 
 
 1.099 
 
 1.083 
 
 30 
 
 1.355 
 
 1.288 
 
 50 
 
 1.660 
 
 1.539 
 
 11 
 
 1.110 
 
 1.092 
 
 31 
 
 1.370 
 
 1.300 
 
 51 
 
 1.676 
 
 1.552 
 
 12 
 
 1.121 
 
 1.101 
 
 32 
 
 1.385 
 
 1.311 
 
 52 
 
 1.690 
 
 1.565 
 
 13 
 
 1.132 
 
 1.111 
 
 33 
 
 1.402 
 
 1.324 
 
 53 
 
 1.705 
 
 1.578 
 
 14 
 
 1.143 
 
 1.119 
 
 34 
 
 1.418 
 
 1.336 
 
 54 
 
 1.720 
 
 1.590 
 
 15 
 
 1.154 
 
 1.128 
 
 35 
 
 1.431 
 
 1.349 
 
 55 
 
 1.733 
 
 1.604 
 
 16 
 
 1.166 
 
 1.137 
 
 36 
 
 1.445 
 
 1.361 
 
 56 
 
 1.746 
 
 1.618 
 
 17 
 
 1.178 
 
 1.146 
 
 37 
 
 1.460 
 
 1.374 
 
 57 
 
 1.762 
 
 1.630 
 
 18 
 
 1.190 
 
 1.155 
 
 38 
 
 1.475 
 
 1.387 
 
 58 
 
 1.780 
 
 1.641 
 
 19 
 
 1.202 
 
 1.166 
 
 ! 39 
 
 1.490 
 
 1.400 
 
 59 
 
 1.795 
 
 1.655 
 
 20 
 
 1.215 
 
 1.177 ! 
 
 1 40 
 
 1 .504 ! 
 
 1.411 
 
 ! 60 
 
 1.810 
 
 ! 1.667 
 
 Tests. — The solution should not effervesce, or at most should give off only isolated 
 bubbles, when dropped into an excess of dilute hydrochloric acid (limit of carbonate). 
 Carbonic acid is limited to about ^ per cent, by the following test : Mix 1 part of potassa 
 solution with 4 parts of lime-water ; boil, and filter into nitric acid, when no effervescence 
 should be observed. — P. G. When acidulated with nitric acid, potassa solution should 
 give "not more than a very slight turbidity with barium nitrate (sulphate), silver nitrate 
 (chloride), or sodium carbonate (alumina, lime) ; and when the acidulated solution is 
 evaporated to dryness the residue should form a clear or merely a slightly turbid (from 
 presence of silica) solution in water, which should not be disturbed by test solution of 
 magnesium (absence of phosphate). If neutralized with sulphuric acid, and then mixed 
 with half its bulk of concentrated sulphuric acid and allowed to cool, the addition of 
 ferrous sulphate should not produce a black or blackish-brown color (nitrate). Potassa 
 solution should not be precipitated or colored black by hydrogen sulphide, either before 
 or after being acidulated (absence of metals). The British Pharmacopoeia demands that 
 462.9 grains (1 fluidounce Imperial) should require for neutralization 482 grain-measures 
 of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, which corresponds to 5.84 per cent, by weight 
 of potassium hydrate, or 27 grains in 1 (Imperial) fluidounce. The solution of the 
 United States Pharmacopoeia should require for 28 Gm. not less than 25 Cc. of the normal 
 volumetric solution of sulphuric acid, and the ( U. S .) fluidounce should contain about 
 26.5 grains of pure potassium hydroxide. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — By evaporating the solution it yields Potassa (Potassa 
 caustica), U. /S'., Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Solution of potassa possesses in a degree the caustic proper- 
 ties of the pure alkali, since it contains nearly 6 per cent of the latter. The soapy feel 
 which it gives to the fingers is due to its combination with the unctuous secretion of the 
 skin. In medicinal doses and taken during or after a meal it speedily combines with the 
 acids then abundantly secreted by the stomach, but if properly diluted and used when 
 the stomach is empty it is absorbed, and tends to neutralize the acid secretions, especially 
 the urine, along with which it is chiefly eliminated. Used habitually, it lessens the 
 coagulability of the blood and dissolves out the haematin from the red corpuscles, giving 
 rise to paleness and puffiness of the skin, passive haemorrhages, general emaciation, and, 
 in a word, to the ordinary phenomena of scurvy. Its poisonous effects are treated of 
 under Potassa. This aplastic operation explains its efficacy in moderating a tendency 
 to plastic exudations, in promoting the absorption of those already existing, and in 
 modifying nutrition generally. 
 
 Solution of potassa limits or suspends the formation of acid urinary deposits and con- 
 cretions by neutralizing the free acids through which they are formed, while it spares 
 the urinary passages the irritation of their contact. But since these acids always pro- 
 
978 
 
 LIQUOR POTASS M EFFER VESCENS. 
 
 ceed from some defect of primary assimilation, the mere neutralization of them when 
 formed does not necessarily effect a radical cure, which must be sought by the use of 
 remedies tending to bring the digestive powers and the work of digestion into due pro- 
 portion and harmony. For this purpose dietetic and hygienic measures are the most 
 efficient. The dyspeptic symptoms which call for solution of potassa and other antacid 
 medicines are heartburn, sour eructations, aphthae, oesophageal spasm, vomiting, cramp 
 in the stomach, colic, and irregular diarrhoea. It is probable that such medicines, by 
 correcting acidity, tend to promote the due digestion of food, and thereby indirectly to 
 remove the debility of the system upon which acid dyspepsia depends. Certain if is 
 that in cases of “ uric-acid diathesis,” as it has been called, the alkaline treatment, duly 
 carried out, will sometimes suspend the faulty secretions for an indefinite period. It is 
 true that this result is more usual after the liberal use of diuretic mineral waters, which 
 probably cleanse the urinary channels of accumulated deposits, than from the use of 
 solution of potassa or of any other alkali alone. The tympanites incident to this form 
 of dyspepsia is best palliated by the medicine when it is given in a bitter infusion. 
 Strangury from cantharides is said to be both prevented and relieved by 20 minims of 
 solution of potassa, largely diluted. In acne of the face (gutta rosacea) the internal 
 use of the medicine is sometimes very efficient, and it has been equally recommended for 
 the prevention and cure of boils when they occur in successive crops. Scrofulous glan- 
 dular swellings are doubtless diminished during a course of this medicine, but its debili- 
 tating effects upon the system should at the same time be counteracted by appropriate 
 food and cod-liver oil. It is injurious in phthisis , but, on the other hand, useful jn 
 chronic bronchitis , especially when associated with emphysema and when expectoration is 
 difficult and the sputa are scanty and tenacious. The mode of action implied in some of 
 the preceding statements receives a further support from the successful use of solution 
 of potassa in moderate obesity. The hypothesis invoked to explain its action is that lk it 
 increases the vital powers of metamorphosis, by saponifying in part the fat contained in. 
 the blood and enabling it to be burnt off as carbonic acid.” We should incline to the 
 opinion that it acts by slowly poisoning the victim, radically disorganizing his blood, and ; 
 hindering his nutrition. For the purpose intended it has been given in the dose of 1 or 
 2 fluidrachms three times a day — a dose which probably no stomach could long receive 
 with impunity. Experiments and observations in India furnish some reason for think- 
 ing that solution of potassa is an antidote to serpents’ bites. They are not, however, 
 conclusive. Nor is the statement more probable that if used to cauterize the bites of 
 rabid animals it will prevent hydrophobia. The power of this solution to dissolve 
 organic products has been used to soften the nail in cases of ingrown nail , and gradually 
 to permit its removal, leaving the fungous granulations free from its irritation. In like ■ 
 manner it softens the callosities of corns , bunions, and similar effects of local pressure. 
 
 It has been recommended to add solution of potassa to the lime-water used for atomized | 
 inhalations in diphtheritic affections of the throat and larynx, in the proportion of 10 or • 
 15 drops to 5 or 6 ounces of lime-water diluted one-half with pure water. When swal- 
 lowed in poisonous doses the proper antidote against its effects is vinegar or lemon-juice, l 
 followed by some bland oil. 
 
 Solution of potassa may be administered internally in the dose of Gm. 0.60-4 (npx- 
 fgj), largely diluted with a mucilaginous or sweetened aromatic or a bitter infusion. It 
 should not be prescribed along with henbane, belladonna, or stramonium, whose medicinal 
 properties it destroys. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSA EFFERVESCENS, Br . — Effervescing Solution 
 
 of Potash. 
 
 Aqua potassa s effervescens. — Potash-water , E. ; Eau alcaline gazeuse , Fr. ; Alkahsches 
 Mineralwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Potassium Bicarbonate 30 grains ; Water 1 pint (Imperial). 
 Dissolve the bicarbonate in the water and filter the solution ; then pass into it as much 
 pure washed carbon dioxide gas, obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on chalk, as 
 can be introduced with a pressure of four atmospheres. Keep the solution in bottles 
 securely closed to prevent the escape of the compressed gas. — Br. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — The solution effervesces strongly when the containing 
 vessel is opened, carbon dioxide escaping ; it is clear and sparkling, and has an agree- 
 able acidulous taste. 10 fluidounces, after being boiled for five minutes, require for neu- 
 tralization 150 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. 5 fluidounces, 
 
LIQUOR P0TASSI1 ARSEN ITIS. 
 
 979 
 
 evaporated to one-fifth, and 12 grains of tartaric acid added, yield a crystalline precipitate 
 which, when dried, weighs not less than 12 grains. 
 
 Uses. — The remarks made under Liquor Magnesite Carbonatis are applicable to 
 this preparation. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSII ARSENITIS, U. S.— Solution of Potassium 
 
 Arsenite. 
 
 Liquor arsenicalis , Br. ; Liquor kalii arsenicosi , P. G. ; Solutio arsenicalis Fowleri , Kali 
 arsenicosum solutum. — Arsenical solution , Fowler s solution , E. ; Liqueur ( solution ) arse- 
 nicale de Fowler , Fr. ; Fowler sche Tropfen , G. 
 
 The official solutions contain 1 Gm. of arsenous acid in 100 Cc., U. S . ; 1 part in 100 
 by weight, Br., F. Cod., P. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arsenous Acid, in fine powder 10 Gm. ; Potassium Bicarbonate 20 
 Gm. ; Compound Tincture of Lavender 30 Cc. ; Distilled Water, a sufficient quantity to 
 make 1000 Cc. Boil the arsenous acid and potassium bicarbonate with 100 Cc. of dis- 
 tilled water, until solution has been effected. Then add enough distilled water to make 
 the solution, when cold, measure 970 Cc., and lastly, add the compound tincture of lav- 
 ender. Filter through paper. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare i pint of Fowler’s solution 37 grains of arsenous acid and 74 grains of 
 potassium bicarbonate should be boiled with 6 fluidrachms of distilled water until dis- 
 solved ; when cool, sufficient distilled water should be added to bring the volume up to 
 7f fluidounces, and finally 1 fluidounce of compound spirit of lavender is to be added. 
 
 Take of arsenous acid, in powder, potassium carbonate, each 87 grains ; compound 
 tincture of lavender 5 fluidrachms ; distilled water a sufficiency. Place the arsenous 
 acid and the potassium carbonate in a flask with 10 ounces of the water and apply heat 
 until a clear solution is obtained. Allow this to cool. Then add the compound tincture 
 of lavender and as much distilled water as will make the bulk 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The United States Pharmacopoeia very properly directs the mixture of potassium salt 
 and arsenous acid to be boiled in a small quantity of water, whereby a combination and 
 solution is readily effected. When arsenous acid and potassium bicarbonate are boiled 
 together with water in the proportion directed by the U. S. P., the following reaction 
 probably takes place : 4 KHC0 3 -f As 2 0 3 -f 3H 2 0 = 2 K 2 HAs0 3 -f 4H 2 0 -f 4C0 2 . 
 Since the Br. and G. P. order equal weights of arsenous acid and normal potassium 
 carbonate to be used, a different reaction must ensue, and potassium meta-arsenite is 
 probably present in the solution, according to the equation As 2 0 3 -f K 2 C0 3 = 2 KAsO* 
 4- C0 2 ; an excess of potassium carbonate is also present, as 1 part of arsenous acid 
 requires less than f part of potassium carbonate to form the meta-arsenite. Some 
 authorities even claim that the solution is not that of a definite arsenical compound at 
 all, but simply a solution of the arsenous acid in the alkaline liquid, and that the U. S. 
 P. solution will likewise be changed to this condition by the absorption of carbon diox- 
 ide from the atmosphere. 
 
 Observations made by Fresenius, Dannenberg, and others indicate that in partially 
 filled bottles the arsenous acid is gradually oxidized to arsenic acid, which is considered 
 to be far less poisonous than the former. It is evident, therefore, that Fowler’s solution 
 cannot be kept unchanged for an indefinite period, and it is advisable that it be prepared 
 in no larger quantities than will be sufficient for a few months or a year, or that it be 
 kept in small well-sealed bottles, whereby oxidation is prevented, as well as the appear- 
 ance of a fungous growth which often takes place in Fowler’s solution on exposure to the 
 air. Delahaye (1882) regards the excess of alkali used as favoring this growth, and 
 recommends reducing the potassium to the quantity absolutely necessary for retaining 
 the arsenic in permanent solution, or, better still, replacing it by sodium bicarbonate, 2 
 parts of which will be sufficient for 3 parts of arsenous acid ; these changes, however, 
 do not prevent the development of mould, though they may possibly retard it. 
 
 Properties. — Fowler’s solution is a reddish liquid, at first somewhat opalescent, hav- 
 ing an alkaline reaction to test-paper and the odor of lavender ; that of the French and 
 German Pharmacopoeias is colorless, and is flavored with compound spirit of melissa. Its 
 specific gravity is 1.009. It gives the usual reactions of arsenic, and requires to be acid- 
 ulated with hydrochloric acid before it will be precipitated by hydrogen sulphide. 
 
 Tests. On being acidulated with hydrochloric acid the solution should not acquire a 
 y e j2 w c °lor or deposit a yellow precipitate (absence of arsenic sulphide). 
 
 The amount of arsenous acid contained in it is conveniently ascertained with iodine. 
 
980 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSII CITRATIS. 
 
 with starch-paste as an indicator, which is not permanently colored blue until the arsen- 
 ous has all been oxidized to arsenic acid, hydriodic acid being formed at the same time* 
 As 2 0 3 + 5H 2 0 -f- 2I 2 yields 2H 3 As0 4 -j- 4HI. “ If 24.7 Cc. of the solution are boiled 
 with 2 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate, the liquid, when cold, diluted with 100 Cc. of water, 
 and some gelatinized starch added, it should require from 49.4 to 50 Cc. of decinormal 
 solution of iodine until the blue color ceases to disappear on stirring (corresponding to 
 
 1 Gm. of arsenous acid in 100 Cc. of the solution.” — U. S. Or, a 5 Gm. of solution, 
 mixed with 20 Gm. of water, 1 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate, and a few drops of starch 
 solution, should decolorize 10 Cc. of the volumetric solution of iodine, and on the fur- 
 ther addition of 0.1 Cc. of the latter should acquire a blue color.” — P. G. “442 grains 
 (1 fluidounce), 10 grains of sodium bicarbonate, and 6 fluidounces of distilled water con- 
 taining a little mucilage of starch, treated as described, require 875 grain-measures of 
 the volumetric solution of iodine, indicating 4£ grains of arsenous acid.” — Br. 
 
 The addition of sodium bicarbonate in the official tests is for the purpose of neutral- 
 izing the newly-formed arsenic and hydriodic acids, thus preventing decomposition of 
 the latter by the former, which would vitiate the results by constantly liberating iodine. 
 
 Uses. — The action and uses of this medicine have been sufficiently discussed else- 
 where. (See Acidum Arsenosum.) It is sufficient in this place to state that its effi- 
 cacy is most conspicuous in squamous diseases of the skin, intermittent fever, neuralgia, 
 especially the trifacial nerve, and in nervous asthma. The commencing dose should not 
 exceed Gm. 0.30 (gtt v), nor should it be given when the stomach is empty, nor unless 
 greatly diluted. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSII CITRATIS, U. ^.-Solution of Potassium 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Mistura potassii citratis ; Liquor kali citrici . — Citrate de potasse liquide, Fr. ; Kalium- 
 citrat-Ldsung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Citric Acid 6 Gm. ; Potassium Bicarbonate 8 Gm. ; Water a sufficient 
 quantity. Dissolve the citric acid and the potassium bicarbonate each in 40 Cc. of water. 
 Filter the solutions separately, and wash the filters with enough water to obtain in each 
 case 50 Cc. of solution. Finally, mix the two solutions, and when effervescence has 
 ceased transfer the liquid to a bottle. This preparation should be freshly made when 
 wanted for use. — U. S. 
 
 To make 4 fluidounces of the official solution use 111 grains of citric acid and 148 
 grains of potassium bicarbonate, dissolving each separately in 2 ounces of water. 
 
 This solution of potassium citrate differs from Mistura potassi citratis U. S. 1880, 
 in the absence of the yellowish color and the agreeable lemon flavor. It contains 
 about 9 per cent, of anhydrous potassium citrate and small amounts of citric and 
 carbonic acids, which latter impart to the liquid a pleasant acidulous taste. 
 
 The direction to make the solution fresh as wanted is a commendable one, since aque- 
 ous solutions of citric acid undergo decomposition (see page 51). 
 
 Potio Riveri, P. G., is less than one-third the strength of the preceding ; it is made 
 from citric acid 4 parts, water 190 parts, and crystalized sodium carbonate 9 parts. 
 
 Potio de Riviere, F. Cod. Dissolve citric acid and potassium bicarbonate, of each 
 
 2 Gm., separately in water 50 Gm. and syrup 15 Gm. ; the solutions are often dispensed 
 in separate vials. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is nearly identical in its action with Liq. 
 potassii effervescens, Br. P., and with the effervescing draught prepared extemporane- 
 ously. When the intention is solely to affect the system after the absorption of the salt, 
 either of the first two will lessen the tension of the capillaries and promote diaphoresis ; 
 but when it is intended at the same time to make an impression upon the stomach itself, 
 the carbondioxide extricated during effervescence becomes an important part of the dose. 
 The primary action of the gas is to stimulate organically, while it perhaps anaesthetizes, 
 the gastric mucous membrane, as may be inferred from the many cases of gastric hyper- 
 aemia and irritation in which it allays nausea and vomiting. It may therefore be some- 
 times used with advantage when the stomach is disordered, although fever may be absent. 
 Either solution may have its diaphoretic power increased by the addition of spirit of 
 nitrous ether, of solution of morphine, or of antimonial wine or tartar emetic, in very 
 small, non-nauseating doses. 
 
 The dose of the neutral mixture is a tablespoonful (Gm. 16) ; of the effervescing mix- 
 ture, a tablespoonful (Gm. 16) of each of the two solutions should be mixed, and swal- 
 
LIQUOR POTASSII PERMANGANA TIS.—SO DM. 
 
 981 
 
 lowed while effervescing. The dose should be repeated every hour until the object in 
 view is attained or defeated. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSII PERMANGANATIS, Hr , — Solution op Potassium 
 
 Permanganate . 
 
 Liquor potassse permanganate. — Solute de permanganate de potasse, Fr. ; Kalium-per- 
 manganaf-Ldsung G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Potassium Permanganate 88 grains ; Distilled Water 1 pint 
 (Imperial). Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 The solution contains 1 per cent, of potassium permanganate, and has the purple color 
 and the chemical behaviour of the salt. 
 
 Uses, — The official solution, of 4 grains of the salt to an ounce of distilled water, 
 appears unnecessary, since it is too weak for many purposes and too strong for others. 
 (For its uses and doses, see Potassii Permanganas.) 
 
 LIQUOR SOD^E, 77. S ., Hr, — Solution of Soda. 
 
 # Liquor natri caustici , P. G. ; Natrum hydricum solutum. — Soude caustique liquide, Les- 
 sive des savonniers , Fr. ; Aetznatronlauge , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, NaOH ; molecular weight 39.96— contain- 
 ing 5 per cent. U. S., 4.1 per cent. Br ., 15 per cent. P. G., 23 per cent. F. Cod,, of the 
 hydroxide. Specific gravity of the official solutions: 1.059 U. S., 1.047 Br 1.33 F. 
 Cod., 1.168 to 1.172 P. G. 
 
 Preparation. Sodium Carbonate 170 Gm. ; Lime 50 Gm. ; Distilled Water a suffi- 
 cient quantity. Dissolve the sodium carbonate in 400 Cc. of boiling distilled water. 
 Slake the lime, and make it into a smooth mixture with 400 Cc. of distilled water, and 
 heat it to boiling. Then gradually add the first liquid to the second, and continue the 
 boiling for ten minutes. Remove the heat, cover the vessel tightly, and when the con- 
 tents are cold add enough distilled water to make the whole mixture weigh 1000 Gm. 
 Lastly, strain it through linen, set the liquid aside in a well-stoppered bottle until it is clear, 
 and remove the clear solution by means of a siphon. 
 
 Solution of Soda may also be prepared in the following manner : Soda 56 Gm. ; dis- 
 tilled water 944 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Dissolve the soda in the distilled water. The 
 soda used in this process should be of the full strength directed by the Pharmacopoeia 
 (90 per cent.). Soda of any other strength, however, many be used if a proportionately 
 larger or smaller quantity be taken, the proper amount for the above formula being ascer- 
 tained by dividing 5000 by the percentage of absolute sodium hydroxide contained 
 therein. Solution of soda should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of solution of soda 432 grains of the official sodium hydroxide may 
 be dissolved in sufficient distilled water to obtain 16 fluidounces of finished product. 
 
 Take of carbonate of soda 28 ounces; slaked lime 12 ounces; distilled water 1 gallon. 
 Dissolve the carbonate of soda in the water, and, having heated the solution to the boil- 
 ing-point in a clean iron vessel, gradually add the washed slaked lime, and continue the 
 ebullition for 10 minutes, with constant stirring. Then remove the vessel from the fire, 
 and when, by the subsidence of the insoluble matter, the supernatant liquor has become 
 perfectly clear, transfer it by means of a siphon to a green glass bottle furnished with an 
 air-tight stopper, and add distilled water, if necessary, to make it correspond with the 
 tests of specific gravity and neutralizing power. — Br. 
 
 The process is quite analogous to that for the preparation of caustic potassa, and what 
 has been said about the manipulation (see Liquor Potassa:) applies equally well in this 
 f ase. 1 part of burned lime, if pure, is sufficient to decompose 5 parts of crystallized 
 sodium carbonate ; in both the above formulas the quantity of the former ordered may 
 without disadvantage be reduced. 
 
 Properties. — Soda solution is a clear and colorless liquid of the density given above, 
 and has a strong alkaline reaction and a very caustic taste ; the peculiar slight odor which 
 it usually has is solely due to the accidental presence of organic matters, which are likely 
 to impart also a yellowish color. It dissolves various organic matters and tissues, and 
 decomposes fats, forming soaps. It has a great affinity for carbonic acid, and should be 
 preserved in well-stopped bottles made of glass free from lead, the stopper being pro- 
 tected by a thin layer of paraffin. In its chemical behavior it closely resembles potassa 
 
 utl ? n > unlike the latter, it does not yield a crystalline precipitate with excess of 
 tartanc acid, except in concentrated solutions ; with hydrochloric acid and platinum 
 
982 
 
 LIQUOR SODjE. 
 
 chloride it does not yield a yellow precipitate, and when, by means of a platinum wire, a 
 drop of it is held in a non-luminous flame, an intense yellow color is imparted to the 
 latter. 
 
 Tests. — Soda solution should not effervesce, or at most should evolve only isolated 
 bubbles of carbon dioxide, on being dropped into an acid. “ If 1 part of it be boiled with 
 4 parts of lime-water, the liquid filtered into nitric acid should not cause any efferves- 
 cence (not over per cent, carbonic acid as carbonate).” — P. G. The solution acidu- 
 lated with nitric acid should not cause more than a slight cloudiness with barium nitrate 
 (sulphate), silver nitrate (chloride), or sodium carbonate (alumina, earths), and when 
 evaporated to dryness and redissolved in water should leave only a minute quantity of 
 insoluble matter (silica), and furnish a liquid which is not precipitated by test solution 
 of magnesium (phosphate). The absence of nitrate and of heavy metals is shown as 
 described for Liquor Potass^e. £: To neutralize 20 Gm. of solution of soda should 
 require not less than 25 Cc. of the normal solution of sulphuric acid.” — U. S. 458 
 grains (1 fluidounce) of the solution require 470 grain-measures of the volumetric 
 solution. — Br. 
 
 The following table by Gerlach (1869) gives the specific gravity at 15° C. (59° F.) of 
 soda solution containing from 1 to 60 per cent, of sodium oxide and the same percentage 
 of sodium hydroxide. 
 
 Per- 
 
 centage. 
 
 Na 2 0. 
 
 NaOH. 
 
 Per- 
 
 centage. 
 
 Na 2 0. 
 
 NaOH. 
 
 Per- 
 
 centage. 
 
 Na 2 0. 
 
 NaOH. 
 
 1 
 
 1.015 
 
 1.012 
 
 21 
 
 1.300 
 
 1.236 
 
 41 
 
 1.570 
 
 1.447 
 
 2 
 
 1.029 
 
 1.023 
 
 22 
 
 1.315 
 
 1.247 
 
 42 
 
 1.583 
 
 1.456 
 
 3 
 
 1.043 
 
 1.035 
 
 23 
 
 1.329 
 
 1.258 
 
 43 
 
 1.597 
 
 1.468 
 
 4 
 
 1.058 
 
 1.046 
 
 24 
 
 1.341 
 
 1.269 
 
 44 
 
 1.610 
 
 1.478 
 
 5 
 
 1.074 
 
 1.059 
 
 25 
 
 1.355 
 
 1.279 
 
 45 
 
 1.623 
 
 1.488 
 
 6 
 
 1.089 
 
 1.070 
 
 26 
 
 1.369 
 
 1.290 
 
 46 
 
 1.637 
 
 1.499 
 
 7 
 
 1.104 
 
 1.081 
 
 27 
 
 1.381 
 
 1.300 
 
 47 
 
 1.650 
 
 1.508 
 
 8 
 
 1.119 
 
 1.092 
 
 28 
 
 1.395 
 
 1.310 
 
 48 
 
 1.663 
 
 1.519 
 
 9 
 
 1.132 
 
 1.103 
 
 29 
 
 1.410 
 
 1.321 
 
 49 
 
 1.678 
 
 1.529 
 
 10 
 
 1.145 
 
 1.115 
 
 30 
 
 1.422 
 
 1.332 
 
 50 
 
 1.690 
 
 1.540 
 
 11 
 
 1.160 
 
 1.126 
 
 31 
 
 1.438 
 
 1.343 
 
 51 
 
 1.705 
 
 1.550 
 
 12 
 
 1 1.175 
 
 1.137 
 
 32 
 
 1.450 
 
 1.351 
 
 52 
 
 1.719 
 
 1.560 
 
 13 
 
 I 1.190 
 
 1.148 
 
 33 
 
 1.462 
 
 1.363 
 
 53 
 
 1.730 
 
 1.570 
 
 14 
 
 1.203 
 
 1.159 
 
 34 
 
 1.475 
 
 1.374 
 
 54 
 
 1.745 
 
 1.580 
 
 15 
 
 1.219 
 
 1.170 
 
 35 
 
 1.480 
 
 1.384 
 
 55 
 
 1.760 
 
 1.591 
 
 16 
 
 1.233 
 
 1.181 
 
 36 
 
 1.500 
 
 1.395 
 
 56 
 
 1.770 
 
 1.601 
 
 17 
 
 1.245 
 
 1.191 
 
 37 
 
 1.515 
 
 1.405 
 
 57 
 
 1.785 
 
 1.611 
 
 18 
 
 1.258 
 
 1.202 
 
 38 
 
 1.530 
 
 1.415 
 
 58 
 
 1.800 
 
 1.622 
 
 19 
 
 1.270 
 
 1.213 
 
 39 
 
 1.543 
 
 1.420 
 
 59 
 
 1.815 
 
 1.633 
 
 20 
 
 1.285 
 
 1.225 
 
 40 
 
 1.558 
 
 1.437 
 
 1 60 
 
 1.830 
 
 1.643 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Sodium ethylate, C 2 H 5 NaO, or caustic alcohol , was recommended by T)r. 
 B. W. Richardson (1870). Half a fluidounce of absolute alcohol is put into a two-ounce test-tube, 
 immersed in water of 10° C. (50° F.), and metallic sodium is added in small pieces until the evo- 
 lution of hydrogen ceases, when the temperature is raised to 37.8° C. (100° F.), and the addition 
 of sodium continued until hydrogen ceases to be given off ; the compound is then dissolved in half 
 a fluidounce of absolute alcohol. According to Liebig (1837), the action is rapidly completed at 
 50 9 C. (122° F.), and on cooling the sodium ethylate crystallizes in large colorless laminae It 
 may be rubbed into powder and preserved in well-stoppered vials. 
 
 Liquor sodii ethylatis, Br ., is made by dissolving metallic sodium 22 grains in ethylic (abso- 
 lute) alcohol 1 fluidounce, contained in a flask and kept cool by water. It is a colorless, syrupy 
 liquid, of spec. grav. 0.867, becomes brown by keeping, and contains 19 per cent of NaC 2 II 5 0. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Solution of soda is seldom used therapeutically, and then 
 chiefly in cases of “torpor of the liver.” Dose , Gm. 0.60-4 (gtt. x-lx), largely diluted. 
 
 Sodium ethylate. — According to Dr. Richardson, the following are the results of 
 applying sodium ethylate to living tissues : 1, a removal of water from the tissue ; 2, the 
 destructive action of the resulting caustic soda ; 3, coagulation from the alcohol that is 
 reproduced ; 4, prevention of decomposition in the resulting dead tissue. It was em- 
 ployed by Dr. Brunton in the treatment of nsevus in 1871. He describes its action as 
 follows : u Laid on dry parts of the body, the sodium ethylate is comparatively inert, 
 creating no more change than the redness and tingling caused by common alcohol ; but 
 as soon as the part to which the substance is applied gives up a little water, the trans- 
 formation described above occurs, caustic soda is produced in contact with the skin in 
 proportion as water is eliminated, and there proceeds a gradual destruction of tissues 
 which may be moderated so as hardly to be perceptible or may be so intensified as to act 
 
LIQUOR SODjE CHLORATE. 
 
 983 
 
 almost like a cutting instrument.” “ Applied direct to the unbroken skin, the destruc- 
 tive action is less painful than would be expected, and when pain is felt it may be 
 checked quickly by dropping upon the part a little chloroform, which decomposes the 
 alcohol, converting it into a chloride salt and ether.” “ The caustic alcohols may be 
 used in combination with local anaesthesia from cold. A part rendered quite dead to 
 pain by freezing with ether spray may be directly destroyed by the subcutaneous injec- 
 tion of caustic alcohol — a practice very important in the treatment of poisoned bounds. 
 It is by no means improbable that cystic tumors may be cured by the simple subcuta- 
 neous injection of a little of those fluids after destruction of their sensibility by cold. 
 Potassium and sodium alcohol, added to the volatile hydride of amyl, dissolve the 
 hydride and produce a caustic solution.” Dr. Brunton states that, compared with the 
 action of nitric acid, there is but little destruction of the epidermis, and he considers 
 that sodium ethylate acts as an astringent, and that the pain is not so severe as that 
 caused by nitric acid. In his cases hardly any scarring ensued. The ethylate affects 
 but little the healthy skin ; it restricts its action to the spot on which it is applied. Dr. 
 Richardson (London Lancet, Feb. 12, 1881) has reported cases of tattoo and mother's 
 marks, hypertrichosis, nasal polypus , ozena, and lupus in which the caustic produced good 
 results, as well as in minor affections, such as warts , small melanotic growths, ringworm, 
 and hemorrhoids. (Compare Welsh, British Med. Jour., Aug. 22, 1885 ; Taylor, ibid., 
 Oct. 6, 1888; Startin, Practitioner, xxxiv. 370; Jamison, ibid., xliii. 1, 81.) 
 
 Dr. Richardson states that the liberated alcohol coagulates the albuminous compounds 
 in its neighborhood, and thus limits the caustic action of the soda. The red corpuscles 
 become disintegrated, and then crystalline, while the white are for a time left unaffected. 
 The risk of too great haemorrhage from the rapid action of the ethylate in cases of pend- 
 ent vascular tumors may be met by diluting the ethylate with alcohol, so as to promote 
 coagulation ; and the pain caused by it may be mitigated by mixing it with laudanum. 
 It should be applied with a camel’s-hair brush. 
 
 LIQUOR SOD.ZE CHLORATE, U. S. — Solution of Chlorinated 
 
 Soda. 
 
 Liquor sode chlorinate, Br. ; Liquor natri chlorati , Liquor natri hypochlorosi. — Labar- 
 raques solution , E. ; Chlorure de soude liquide, Liqueur de Labarraque, Fr. ; Chlornatron- 
 losung, Bleichfliissigkeit , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of several chlorine compounds of sodium, chiefly NaCIO and NaCl, 
 and containing at least 2.6 per cent, by weight of available chlorine. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium Carbonate 150 Gm. ; Chlorinated Lime 75 Gm. ; Water, a 
 sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Gm. Triturate the chlorinated lime with 200 Cc. of 
 water, gradually added, until a uniform mixture results. Allow the heavier particles to 
 subside, and transfer the thinner, supernatant portion to a filter. Then triturate the 
 residue again with 200 Cc. of water, transfer the whole to the filter, and when the liquid 
 has drained off, wash the filter and contents with 100 Cc. of water. Dissolve the sodium 
 carbonate in 300 Cc. of hot water, and add this solution to the previously obtained 
 filtrate contained in a suitable vessel. Stir or shake the mixture thoroughly, and, if it 
 should become gelatinous, warm the vessel until the contents liquefy. Then transfer 
 the mixture to a new filter, and, when no more liquid drains from it. wash the filter and 
 contents with enough water to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. Keep the solution in 
 well-stoppered bottles, protected from the light. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 gallon of Labarraque’s solution 21 av. ozs. of sodium carbonate, dissolved 
 in 44 fluidounces of hot water, should be added to a solution of 101 av. ozs. of chlorin- 
 ated lime in 64 fluidounces of water (prepared as directed above) ; after the mixture has 
 been well shaken and filtered enough water should be passed through the filter to bring 
 the volume of the solution up to 8 pints. 
 
 Take of chlorinated lime 16 ounces; sodium carbonate 24 ounces; distilled water 1 
 gallon. Dissolve the sodium carbonate in 2 pints of the distilled water ; thoroughly 
 triturate the chlorinated lime with 6 pints of the water and filter ; mix well the solutions ; 
 again filter. Keep the solution in a stoppered bottle in a cool and dark place. — Br. 
 
 Dry chlorinated lime 100 Gm. ; crystallized sodium carbonate 200 Gm. ; distilled water 
 4o00 Gm. Triturate the chlorinated lime in a porcelain mortar with a portion of the 
 water, and separate by decantation the finest portion ; triturate the residue, add more of 
 the water, and decant as before ; repeat this operation until two-thirds of the water have 
 een used. Dissolve the sodium salt in the remaining water, mix the two liquids, let settle, 
 and filter. — F. Cod. ^ 
 
984 
 
 LIQUOR SOD^E CHLORATE. 
 
 The process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia yields the chlorinated soda by double decom- 
 position of chlorinated lime with sodium carbonate, whereby calcium carbonate is precip- 
 itated, the chlorinated soda remaining in solution, together with the sodium chloride 
 resulting from the decomposition of calcium chloride present in the lime compound and 
 with the excess of sodium carbonate employed. The solution of sodium carbonate is now 
 directed to be boiling hot when added to the mixture of chlorinated lime and water, the 
 object being the precipitation of a dense calcium corbonate. If no heat is employed, the pre- 
 cipitate will be very light and retain a very large proportion of the liquid. But heat should 
 not be applied after the mixture has been made, since the solutions of chlorinated alkalies 
 are decomposed thereby into chloride and chlorate, oxygen being at the same time 
 evolved ; in the presence of much free alkali the decomposition takes place less readily. 
 The French Codex directs the same process, the liquids being mixed without heating. 
 For 75 parts of chlorinated lime, 150 parts U. a S'., F. Cod , of crystallized sodium car- 
 bonate are used, and sufficient water to make a total weight of 1000 parts U. 3375 
 parts F. Cod. ; the chlorine strength of the former is therefore nearly 3J times that of 
 the latter. The liquid which remains mechanically enclosed in the precipitate may be 
 washed out upon a strainer by water and utilized for bleaching purposes, but owing to 
 its uncertain strength is not adapted for medicinal use. 
 
 The Br. P. process differs from the preceding ones mainly in this, that although the 
 solution of chlorinated lime is filtered, an uncertain quantity of this liquid remains with 
 the insoluble portion. The former directed chlorine gas to be passed into the dissolved 
 sodium carbonate, whereby one-half of the salt is acted upon, resulting in the production 
 of sodium chloride and hypochlorite and the liberation of carbon dioxide, which unites 
 with the other half of the salt to form sodium bicarbonate ; 2Na 2 C0 3 + Cl 2 + H 2 0 yields 
 NaCl.NaCIO + 2NaHC0 3 . If the action of chlorine is continued, the sodium hypo- 
 chlorite is decomposed, sodium chloride and hypochlorous anhydride being formed ; Na- 
 CIO -f- Cl 2 yields NaCI -f- C1 2 0. The last-mentioned compound, which has a yellowish 
 color, seems to decompose the bicarbonate with difficulty. 
 
 Properties. — The solution is clear and colorless, not pale-greenish, as described by 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, a yellowish color being imparted only when the process of the 
 British Pharmacopoeia has been followed and an excess of chlorine has been used. Its 
 specific gravity is 1.052. It has a feeble odor of chlorine, and a saline somewhat styptic 
 and sharp alkaline taste, and bleaches indigo, litmus, and vegetable colors like chlorine, 
 but less energetically. With solution of ferrous sulphate it produces a brown precipitate 
 of ferric hydroxide, and with solution of lead salt a brown one of lead dioxide ; the color 
 of both precipitates is lighter, from carbonate present, if an excess of the metallic salts 
 be used. On the addition of hydrochloric acid effervescence takes place, the gas consist- 
 ing of carbon dioxide and chlorine, the latter resulting from the mutual reaction of the 
 hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids ; thus : NaCl.NaCIO + 2HC1 = 2NaCl -f- HC1 + 
 HCIO, and HC1 + HCIO = Cl 2 + H 2 0. It is upon the amount of this available chlorine 
 that the value of this preparation depends. 
 
 Tests. — Solution of chlorinated soda is not precipitated by ammonium oxalate (absence 
 of calcium). “ If 6.7 (6.74) Gm. of the solution be mixed with 50 Cc. of water, then 2 
 Gm. of potassium iodide and 10 Cc. of hydrochloric acid added, together with a few drops 
 of starch test-solution, it should require not less than 50 Cc. of decinormal sodium thio- 
 sulphate solution to discharge the blue or greenish tint of the liquid (each Cc. of the 
 volumetric solution corresponding to 0.052 per cent, of available chlorine).” — U. S. The 
 chlorine set free liberates an equivalent quantity of iodine, which imparts a blue color to 
 the solution containing starch, and this color disappears on the addition of the thiosul- 
 phate. The same process, but without starch, is used by the British Pharmacopoeia, 70 
 grains of the chlorinated solution being mixed with a solution of 20 grains of potassium 
 iodide in 4 fluidounces of water and acidulated with 2 fluidrachms of hydrochloric acid ; 
 the brown color should be discharged by 500 grain-measures of the volumetric solution 
 of sodium thiosulphate (2£ per cent. Cl). 
 
 A preparation analogous to the preceding in composition and identical in bleaching 
 effects is Liquor potassee chloratse , Chlorinated potassa solution (Chlorure de potasse, I r. ; 
 Chlorkaiilosung, G .), which is perhaps better known by its French designation, Eau de 
 javelle. It is obtained by substituting equivalent quantities of potassium carbonate for 
 the sodium carbonate ordered in the above processes. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Under the impression that its antiseptic qualities fitted it to 
 counteract morbid processes which were theoretically supposed to depend upon putridity, 
 it has been largely employed in typhoid fever and typhoid diseases generally, but without 
 
LIQUOR SODJE EFFER VESCENS. — SOD II SILICA TIS. 
 
 985 
 
 obvious advantage. But as a topical application to gangrenous sores and to other un- 
 healthy ulcers , such as affect the mouth in inercurialization , in diphtheria , scarlatina , and 
 scurvy , the nostrils in ozsena, the uterus , the vagina , and the auditory canal , it corrects the 
 offensive odor of the secretions and stimulates the parts to separate dead tissue and 
 assume a healthy action. For simple ulcers of an indolent aspect, especially such as 
 result from burns, or which affect the nipples and the genital organs of females, this liquid 
 generally acts as a wholesome stimulant. 
 
 It may be given internally in doses varying from Gm. 2-4 (gtt. xxx-lx) in water or 
 some mild liquid, and repeated every two or three hours. As a gargle it should be 
 diluted with 8 or 10 parts of water, and used of the same strength for an injection into 
 the vagina, uterus, or bladder, and as a lotion for burns, excoriations, and cutaneous 
 eruptions. 
 
 LIQUOR SODJE EFFERVESCENS, Br . — Effervescing Solution of 
 
 Soda. 
 
 Aqua sodae effervescens , Aqua alcalina effervescens. — Soda-water , E. ; Eau alcaline gazeuse , 
 Fr. ; Sodaicasser, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sodium Bicarbonate 30 grains: Water 1 pint. Dissolve 
 the sodium bicarbonate in the water and filter the solution ; then pass into it as much 
 pure washed carbon dioxide gas, obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on chalk, as can 
 be introduced with a pressure of four atmospheres. Keep the solution in bottles securely 
 closed to prevent the escape of the compressed gas. — Br. 
 
 This corresponds to the effervescing solution of potash, and has the same physical prop- 
 erties. 10 fluidounces, after being boiled for five minutes, require for neutralizing 178 
 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. — Br. 
 
 The corresponding solution of the French Codex is made by dissolving 3.12 Gm. (48 
 grains) of sodium bicarbonate, 0.23 Gm. (31 grains) of potassium bicarbonate, 0.35 Gm. 
 (5? grains) of magnesium sulphate, and 0.08 Gm. (II grains) of sodium chloride in 650 
 Gm. (21 troyounces) of water, and impregnating the solution with carbon dioxide gas. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation appears to be superfluous. The quantity of 
 sodium bicarbonate required in any particular case can be administered in carbonated 
 water, or can be supplied by Soda or Seidlitz powders. 
 
 LIQUOR SODH ARSENATIS, 77. S . — Solution of Sodium Arsenate. 
 
 Liquor sodii arseniatis , Br . — Solution of arseniate of sodium , E. ; Liqueur ( Solute ) 
 d'arseniate de soude , Fr. ; Arsensaure Natronlosung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium Arsenate, deprived of its water of crystallization by a heat 
 not exceeding 149° C. (300° F.), 1 Gm. ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity, to make 
 100 Cc. Dissolve the sodium arsenate in the distilled water. — U. S. 
 
 The above formula yields nearly 31 fluidounces of solution, and hence each fluidrachm 
 contains about I grain of the anhydrous salt. 
 
 Take of sodium arsenate (rendered anhydrous by a heat not exceeding 300° F.) 9 
 grains ; distilled water 2 fluidounces. Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 The Liqueur arsenicale de Pearson of the French Codex is made by dissolving 1 part 
 of crystallized sodium arsenate in 600 parts of distilled water, and is, therefore, only 
 about one-tenth the strength of the above. 1 part of the exsiccated salt is contained in 
 100 U. S., Br., and about 1000 F. Cod. parts. 
 
 The solutions are colorless, and give the reactions of Sodium Arsenate, which see. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation does not appear to possess any demonstrable 
 advantages over the solution of potassium arsenate. It may be employed in similar doses , 
 or from Gm. 0.15-0.30 (gtt. iij-vj), largely diluted and after meals. 
 
 LIQUOR SODH SILICATIS, 77. Solution of Sodium Silicate. 
 
 Liquor natrii silicici , P. G. ; Natrum silicium solutum, Vitrium solubile. — Liquid glass , 
 Soluble glass, E. ; Silicate de soude liquid e, Verre soluble, Verre liquule, Fr. ; Natriumsili- 
 kat-Losung , Wasserglas, Natronwasserglas , G. 
 
 Origin. — The element silicon or silicium (Si ; atomic weight 28.3) is an important con- 
 stituent of many minerals and rocks. Rock-crystal is pure silica or silicic oxide, Si0 2 , and 
 quartz , sand , amethyst, chalcedony, agate, flint, and other minerals are chiefly composed 
 
986 
 
 LIQUOR SOI) II SILICATIS. 
 
 of the same oxide. A combination of this oxide with alkali and other bases became 
 known at an early date with the discovery of glass ; and about 1640, Van Helmont 
 noticed that the compound of silex and salt of tartar (potassium carbonate) would liquefy 
 in a damp atmosphere. This liquid became known as Liquor silicum — Liquor of flints, 
 E. ; Liqueur des cailloux, Fr. ; Kieselfeuchtigkeit, G. The usefulness of such a solu- 
 tion for rendering inflammable substances incombustible was proved by J. N. Fuchs 
 (1818). In its preparation soda was soon substituted for potash, and the designation 
 “ liquid’’ or “soluble glass” applied indiscriminately to both compounds, which are used 
 in calico-printing, as an addition to cheap soaps, in fresco-painting, for manufacturing arti- 
 ficial stone, for cements, and for other purposes. In 1880 the United States imported 
 over 1,000,000 pounds, in 1882 only 106,101 pounds, of sodium silicate. 
 
 Preparation.— Sodium silicate is usually made by fusing together a mixture of 1 
 part of fine sand or powdered flint and 2 parts of exsiccated sodium carbonate dissolving 
 the product in boiling water, filtering, and evaporating ; or 8 parts of exsiccated sodium 
 carbonate, 15 parts of fine sand, and 1 part of charcoal are used, the latter merely serv- 
 ing as a means for facilitating the decomposition of the carbonate, the gas evolved being 
 partly carbonic oxide. L. Buchner recommended as a cheap material for its preparation 
 10 parts of powdered quartz, 6 parts of calcined sodium sulphate, and 11 or 2 parts of 
 charcoal. A mixture of soda and potash with silica is more rapidly fusible than the 
 former. The proportion of the ingredients, however, is varied according to the use to be 
 made of the compound, and a more glass-like and less-readily soluble mass is obtained by 
 the fusion of 2 parts of silica and 3 parts of calcined soda. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium silicate is a transparent glass-like mass, which may be obtained 
 in crystals, Na 2 Si0 3 , with variable amounts of water of crystallization. On exposure the 
 salt becomes superficially opaque, and it is slowly soluble in boiling water ; but the alka- 
 line solution may be evaporated to a thick syrupy consistence without separating a deposit 
 on cooling. The solution, as met with in commerce, usually contains about 10 to 12 per 
 cent, of soda (NaOH), # and 20 to 24 per cent, of silica (Si0 2 ), and is a transparent or 
 semi-transparent colorless or yellowish viscid liquid, which is inodorous, and has a saline 
 and sharp alkaline taste and an alkaline reaction to test-paper. Its specific gravity varies 
 between 1.30 and 1.40. On acidulating the solution with hydrochloric acid the mixture 
 remains transparent, but the colorless silicic acid forms gradually a dense jelly. If the 
 solution be previously diluted with 10 to 15 parts of water, the silicic acid liberated by 
 the hydrochloric acid will remain dissolved or suspended until the liquid is boiled or 
 evaporated. Alcohol added to the solution produces a gelatinous precipitate of sodium 
 silicate. A drop of the liquid held in a non-luminous flame by means of a loop of plat- 
 inum wire burns with the intense yellow color of sodium compounds. 
 
 Solution of sodium silicate should be preserved in glass or stone vessels, securely stop- 
 pered with cork or caoutchouc to prevent access of air and decomposition by carbon diox- 
 ide gas. Stoppers of glass or stone may be used, but should be well coated with paraffin 
 to prevent their becoming cemented to the neck of the vessel. 
 
 Tests. — When mixed with an equal bulk of alcohol any caustic alkali present will 
 remain in solution, and may be recognized by test-paper or estimated by volumetric solu- 
 tion of oxalic acid. On adding excess of hydrochloric acid to the solution, only a mod- 
 erate effervescence should take place, showing that it has not been injuriously affected by 
 exposure ; and on evaporating the acid mixture to dryness a residue partly soluble in 
 water should be left, which is not colored dark by hydrogen sulphide. Should the solu- 
 tion of sodium silicate be strongly alkaline, it may be boiled with gelatinous silicic acid, 
 which will be dissolved by the free alkali. 
 
 Other Silicates. — Potassium silicate is obtained by fusing a mixture of 10 parts of potas- 
 sium carbonate, 15 parts of fine sand, and 1 part of charcoal. It closely resembles sodium sili- 
 cate in all its properties, but is more easily fusible. 
 
 Magnesium Silicate. This is found native, and constitutes several well-known minerals, 
 such as soapstone or steatite , which consists of magnesium and aluminum silicate ; talc , or French 
 chalk (Talcum, F. G.), also called steatite, having the composition 4MgSi0 3 .Si0 2 4II 2 0 ; Meer- 
 schaum, having the formula 2Mg0.3Si0 2 ; and several others. These minerals are insoluble, 
 tasteless, and yield a soft, slippery powder. Asbestos is likewise magnesium silicate. 
 
 Pulvis salicylicus cum talco, P. G. An intimate mixture of finely-powdered salicylic acid 
 3 parts, wheat starch 10 parts, and talc 87 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium silicate is remarkable for its power of arresting the 
 putrefaction of organic matter. This salt has been applied to correcting the odor and 
 preventing the consequences of putrefactive fermentation. But Lowenhaupt asserts 
 
LIQUOR STRYCHNINE HYDROCHLORATIS.-ZINCI CHL0RID1. 987 
 
 that the preparation has no influence upon putrefaction ( Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 466). Its 
 solutions have been injected into the vagina in certain cases of leucorrhoea and uterine 
 ulceration , into the urethra in gonorrhoea , into the bladder in chronic cystitis , and into the 
 nostrils in ozaena ; but for all these purposes it is inferior to other stimulant antiseptics 
 and astringents. Solutions containing the salt in the proportion of % of 1 per cent, are 
 employed. It has been applied in the same manner as collodion to the treatment of 
 erysipelas of the face and other parts, care being taken that the preparation is neutral in 
 its reaction. It has also been used, like starch and other substances whose solutions 
 harden in drying, to prepare the so-called immovable bandages used in treating fractures 
 and other surgical injuries. Potassium silicate has been employed for the same pur- 
 pose, and the solutions of both have been known as soluble glass. It is brushed over 
 the part, previously covered with a dry bandage, and then bandages saturated with the 
 solution are rapidly applied in as many layers as may be necessary. The part should 
 remain at rest for an hour to two. Owing to the risk of strangulating the limb by the 
 contraction of the solution in drying, it has been advised to use only washed bandages, 
 and also to apply a thin layer of carded cotton over the roller that lies next the skin. 
 The bandage may be easily removed with scissors when it has been softened with warm 
 water. 
 
 Sodium fluosilicate was in 1887 proposed by Mr. Thomson ( Amer. Jour. Phar., lix. 
 606) as an antiseptic and deodorizer which was not poisonous and had no smell. The 
 experiments of Mr. Robson, however, showed {Brit. Med. Jour ., May 19, 1888) that 
 the undiluted preparation is an irritant, and may act as a caustic upon raw tissues, and 
 that a solution of 1 grain to the ounce, although antiseptic without being irritant, 
 corrodes steel instruments. In 1888, Dr. Berens ( Therap . Gaz., xii. 443) performed 
 with it a number of experiments, and found it superior to corrosive sublimate as a 
 deodorizer and an antiseptic. He took three times a day for a week doses of ten grains 
 without noticeable effect, and found that as an obstetrical and surgical deodorizer and 
 antiseptic, and in various catarrhal affections of the eye, ear, throat, nose, larynx, 
 vagina, urethra, etc., it acted promptly and efficiently when applied in solutions of 
 1-2 : 1000. The germicide powers of this compound have been questioned by Foote, 
 who found it inferior to bichloride of mercury, carbolic acid, thymol, creolin, and 
 hydronaphtol (. Amer . Jour, of Med. Sci., xcviii. 243); the latter judgment is confirmed 
 by the observations of Bokenham (Brit. Med. Jour., 1890, i. 356). 
 
 Talc in powder has been used by Debove to counteract chronic diarrhoea , especially 
 when of tuberculous origin. It was given in enormous doses diffused in milk (Therap. 
 Gaz., xii. 489). As it is insoluble and can only act mechanically and in mass, the incon- 
 veniences and probable dangers of such a treatment are palpable. 
 
 LIQUOR STRYCHNINE HYDROCHLORATIS, ^.—Solution of 
 
 Strychnine Hydrochlorate. 
 
 Liquor strychninse. — Solute de strychnine , Fr. ; Strychninlosung , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Strychnine in crystals 9 grains ; Diluted Hydrochloric Acid 
 14 minims ; Rectified Spirit \ fluidounce ; Distilled Water 1£ fluidounces. Mix the 
 hydrochloric acid with 4 drachms of the water, and dissolve the strychnine in the mix- 
 ture bv the aid of heat. Then add the spirit and the remainder of the water. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This solution, being stable, is convenient for medical prescrip- 
 tion. The dose is from 5 to 10 minims, i. e. from Gm. 0.002—0.005 =■%-% to grain of 
 strychnine hydrochlorate. 
 
 LIQUOR ZINCI CHLORIDI, U . S , 9 Ui \ — Solution of Zinc Chloride. 
 
 Chlorure de zinc liquide, Solution de Burnett, Fr. ; C hlorzinh-Losung, Fliissiges Chlor- 
 
 zink , G. 
 
 An aqueous solution of zinc chloride, ZnCl 2 — containing about 50 per cent, by weight 
 of the salt. 
 
 Preparation. — Zinc, granulated, 240 Gm. ; Hydrochloric Acid, 840 Gm. ; Nitric 
 Acid, 12 Gm. ; Precipitated Zinc Carbonate, 12 Gm. ; Distilled Water, a sufficient quan- 
 tity. To the zinc, contained in a glass or porcelain vessel, add 150 Cc. of distilled water ; 
 then gradually add the hydrochloric acid, and digest, until the acid is saturated. Pour 
 off the solution, add the nitric acid, evaporate the solution to dryness, and heat the dry 
 mass to fusion at a temperature not exceeding 115° C. (239° F.). Let it cool, and dis- 
 
988 
 
 LITHII BENZOAS. 
 
 solve it in a sufficient amount of distilled water to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. 
 Then add the precipitated zinc carbonate, agitate the mixture occasionally during twenty- 
 four hours, and then set it aside until it has become clear by subsidence. Finally, sep- 
 arate the clear solution by decantation or by means of a siphon. — V. S. 
 
 The above formula will yield about 22 fluidounces of solution. 
 
 Take of granulated zinc 1 pound ; hydrochloric acid 44 fluidounces ; solution of chlo- 
 rine a sufficiency; zinc carbonate i ounce or a sufficiency; distilled water 1 pint. Mix 
 the hydrochloric acid and water in a porcelain dish, add the zinc, and apply a gentle heat 
 to promote the action until gas is no longer evolved. Boil for half an hour, supplying 
 the water lost by evaporation, and allow the product to cool. Filter it into a bottle, and 
 add solution of chlorine by degrees, with frequent agitation, until the fluid acquires a 
 permanent odor of chlorine. Add the zinc carbonate in small quantities at a time and 
 with renewed agitation until a brown sediment appears. Filter the liquid into a porcelain 
 basin, and evaporate until it is reduced to the bulk of 2 pints. — Br. 
 
 Zinc dissolves in hydrochloric acid with the evolution of hydrogen gas, Zn 2 +4HC1 
 yields 2ZnCl 2 + 2H,. The iron contained in the solution is first oxidized in the one case 
 by nitric acid, and in the other by chlorine gas. To avoid contamination with nitrate, the 
 former solution is evaporated to dryness, redissolved in water, and then treated with zine 
 carbonate, whereby ferric oxide is precipitated. The process of the British Pharmacopoeia 
 arrives at the same result in a similar manner, except that an evaporation of the liquid 
 to dryness is not necessary. 1 pound of zinc yields about 33J ounces of zinc chloride, 
 which are contained in 40 (Imperial) fluidounces of the solution. The spec. grav. is 
 stated to be 1.535 U. S., 1.460 Br. 
 
 Properties. — The solution is a colorless and inodorous liquid which has the disagree- 
 able metallic taste of zinc salts, and an acid reaction, and is miscible with alcohol and 
 water without producing a precipitate. Its reactions and tests are those of Zinci chlo- 
 ridum which see. 
 
 The French Codex directs 1 part of fused zinc chloride to be dissolved in 2 parts of 
 water, the solution to be of specific gravity 1.33. Sir William Burnett’s liquid contained 
 200 grains of zinc in the Imperial fluidounce, and was stated to have the specific gravity 
 2.0 and to contain about 50 per cent, of ZnCl 2 . 
 
 Action and Uses. — Rohe states that zinc chloride, in the proportion of 5 per cent., 
 added to the material to be disinfected, can be relied upon for the destruction of micro- 
 organisms in the absence of spores. To destroy the vitality of anthrax spores a 20 per 
 cent, solution is necessary {Med. News, xlvii. 346). Under the name of Burners disin- 
 fecting fluid a solution of chloride of zinc was extensively employed, and its utility 
 probably suggested an officinal preparation for similar purposes. That liquid has in 
 numerous cases produced fatal mischief by being taken internally, occasioning all the 
 phenomena due to a violent irritant poison. The chief application of this solution is to 
 deodorize and disinfect sinks, sewers, water-closets, dissecting-rooms, hospitals, etc. 
 It has been made use of to preserve dead bodies by injecting it into the blood-vessels, 
 but owing to its corrosive action upon steel such bodies are not suitable for dissection. 
 Largely diluted, Gm. 0.60—1.30 in Gm. 120 (gtt. x to gtt. xx in water f^iv), it has been 
 used as an injection for gonorrhoea in both sexes and for leucorrhoea ; also as a collyrium 
 in gonorrhoeal and in diphtheritic ophthalmia. It should be employed, if at all, with 
 extreme caution, the weakest solution being first applied to test the susceptibility of the 
 parts. (For the use of zinc compounds as caustics see Zinci Chloridum). 
 
 LITHII BENZOAS, 77. S. — Lithium Benzoate. 
 
 Lithium henzoicum , Benzoas lithicus. — Benzoate de lithine, Fr. ; Lithiumbenzoat , Benzoe- 
 saures Lit hi on, G. 
 
 Formula, LiC 7 H 5 0 2 . Molecular weight 127.72. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is made by decomposing lithium carbonate with benzoic 
 acid, and according to Shuttleworth (1875), it is most advantageous to add the acid to 
 the carbonate. 100 grains of the latter are heated with 900 grains* (2 fluidounces) of dis- 
 tilled water, when 330 grains of benzoic acid or a sufficient quantity of it is added in 
 small portions until effervescence is no longer produced. The filtrate is evaporated to 
 dryness with constant stirring, and the salt rubbed to powder, or the hot somewhat con- 
 centrated solution may be set aside to crystallize on spontaneous evaporation. The yield 
 will be 346 grains. 
 
 Properties. — Lithium benzoate is a white salt, forming either a light crystalline 
 
LITHI1 BR0M1DUM. 
 
 989 
 
 powder or small glistening pearly scales, which feel greasy to the touch and are some- 
 times aggregated to moss-like forms. Berzelius stated the salt to be hygroscopic, but 
 Shuttleworth, and afterward Raskowsky (1886), showed it to be permanent in the air. 
 It has a slight odor, like that of medicinal benzoic acid, or if free from aromatic com- 
 pounds is inodorous ; its taste is alkaline, somewhat cooling and sweetish ; its reaction to 
 test-paper is slightly acid. It dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.), in 4 parts ( TJ. $.), 3 \ parts 
 (Shuttleworth), 3 parts (Raskowsky), of water, and in 12 parts ( U . S .), 10 parts (Shut- 
 tleworth), of alcohol, and at the boiling temperature in 2.5 parts ( U. S .), 2 parts (Ras- 
 kowsky), of water, and in 10 parts of alcohol (£/". S .). When heated the salt melts, 
 and at a higher temperature chars and emits aromatic inflammable vapors of benzene 
 and other decomposition-products of benzoic acid, a portion of the latter subliming unal- 
 tered ; the black residue left behind contains charcoal and lithium carbonate. The 
 aqueous solution of the salt is decomposed by mineral acids, but not by carbon dioxide, 
 and yields with ferric chloride a flesli-colored precipitate soluble in hydrochloric acid and 
 in alcohol. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 Cc. of diluted nitric acid be added to 0.2 Gm. of lithium benzoate, dis- 
 solved in 2 Cc. of water, and the precipitated benzoic acid removed by filtration, the clear 
 filtrate should not be rendered turbid on addition of silver nitrate test-solution (absence 
 of chloride), or of barium nitrate test-solution (absence of sulphate). If a concentrated 
 solution of the salt be mixed with hydrochloric acid, a white precipitate of benzoic acid 
 will be formed, which, after being separated from the liquid and thoroughly washed and 
 ■dried, should conform to the tests of purity given under Acidum Benzoicum. If the filtrate 
 from this precipitate be evaporated to dryness and ignited, 1 part of the residue should 
 be soluble in 5 parts of absolute alcohol. If to this solution an equal volume of ether be 
 added, no precipitate or turbidity should appear (limit of other alkalies). The aqueous 
 solution (1 in 20) should remain unaffected by hydrogen sulphide test-solution or ammo- 
 nium sulphide test-solution (absence of arsenic, lead, iron, aluminum, etc.), or by ammo- 
 nium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium), or by sodium-cobaltic nitrite test-solution 
 (limit of potassium) ; nor should silver nitrate test-solution or barium nitrate test-solu- 
 tion produce in it more than a very slight turbidity (limit of chloride and sulphate). 
 If 1 Gm. of dry lithium benzoate be thoroughly ignited in a porcelain crucible, so as to 
 destroy most of the carbonaceous matter, and the residue be mixed with 20 Cc. of water, 
 it should require, for complete neutralization, not less than 7.8 Cc. of normal sulphuric 
 acid (corresponding to not less than 99.6 per cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange being 
 used as indicator.” — IT. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal effects of this compound rest upon theoretical 
 expectation rather than clinical observation, in so far as they depend upon the lithia it 
 contains. In 1874, Dalkiewicz and Mallez ( Practitioner , xiii. 274) reminded the profes- 
 sion of the well-known doctrine that benzoic acid is converted into hippuric acid in the 
 system, forming soluble salts, whereas the urates of the same bases are more or less 
 insoluble. Undoubtedly, this view explained the efficacy of benzoic acid and of the 
 sodium benzoate in various calculous disorders. Lithium was then substituted for sodium 
 in the compound on account of its greater solubility. There is not, however, a shadow 
 of proof that this substitution is advantageous, or that the merits of the medicine, what- 
 ever they may be, are not due to the benzoic acid it contains. So far as laboratory ex- 
 periments may have weight in such a question, it should be stated that the solvent power 
 of lithium benzoate has been found far inferior to that of magnesium borocitrate upon 
 uric-acid calculi (Madsen, Bull, de Therap ., xcviii. 68). 
 
 LITHII BROMIDUM, IT. S . — Lithium Bromide. 
 
 Lithium bromatum, Bromuretum lithicum. — Bromure de lithium , Fr. ; Bromlithium , 
 Lithiumbromid , G. 
 
 Formula LiBr. Molecular weight 86.77. 
 
 Lithium bromide should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Preparation. — Yvon (1875) prepared the salt by dissolving lithium carbonate in 
 hydrobromic acid and evaporating ; or, 37 Gm. of the carbonate are converted into neu- 
 tral sulphate, dissolved in a small portion of water, and mixed with a concentrated aque- 
 ous solution of 119 Gm. of potassium bromide; the mixture is well stirred, the liquid 
 separated by filtration, evaporated to dryness, and treated with alcohol, which leaves 
 potassium sulphate undissolved ; the alcoholic solution is evaporated to dryness. A con- 
 venient method for preparing the salt consists in forming, first, ferrous bromide by gradu- 
 
990 
 
 LITHII BROMIDUM. 
 
 ally adding 399 grains of bromine to 300 grains of iron and 900 grains (2 fluidounces) of 
 water ; the green solution is filtered, heated, and in a flask agitated with 186 grains of 
 lithium carbonate ; when cool the liquid is filtered and evaporated, yielding 434 grains 
 of lithium bromide. Lithium bromide may be obtained in crystals by evaporating its 
 syrupy solution over sulphuric acid. The anhydrous salt contains nearly 92 per cent, of 
 bromine. 
 
 Properties. — Lithium bromide is a very deliquescent salt, and on this account not 
 readily obtainable in crystals, but usually kept in the form of a white powder more or less 
 granular. It is inodorous, and has a somewhat pungent (sharp, U. S.) and bitterish 
 taste and a neutral reaction. It imparts a crimson color to flame, melts at a dull red 
 heat, and at a white heat is slowly volatilized. It is freely soluble in alcohol, also in 
 ether, and dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 0.6 part and at 100° C. (212° F.) in 0.3 part 
 of water ( U. $.). The concentrated, but not the largely diluted, aqueous solution yields 
 a white precipitate with ammonium carbonate. On the addition of a few drops of chlo- 
 rine-water bromine is liberated, which dissolves in carbon disulphide with a brown-yellow 
 or yellowish-brown color without a violet tint (absence of and difference from iodide). 
 
 Tests. — “ 1 part of the salt should be completely soluble in 5 parts of absolute alco- 
 cohol, and the addition of an equal volume of stronger ether to the alcoholic solution 
 should produce no precipitate (limit of other alkalies). If 0.5 Cc. of sodium-cobaltie 
 nitrite test-solution be added to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution, no precipitate or turbidity 
 should occur within ten minutes (limit of potassium). The aqueous solution (1 in 20) 
 should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide test-solution, either before or after acidu- 
 lation with a drop of hydrochloric acid (absence of arsenic, lead, copper, etc.), nor by 
 ammonium sulphide test-solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.) In the aqueous 
 solution no turbidity should be produced by the addition of barium chloride test-solution 
 (absence of sulphate). If a few drops of starch test- solution be added to 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution, and then a drop or two of chlorine water, no blue color should appear 
 (absence of iodide). If 0.3 Gm. of dry lithium bromide be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water 
 and 2 drops of potassium chromate test-solution be added, it should require 35.3 Cc. of 
 decinormal silver nitrate solution to produce a permanent red color of silver chromate 
 (corresponding to at least 98 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Lithii iodidum, Lithium iodide, Lil ; mol. weight 133.54. It is obtained by 
 dissolving lithium carbonate in hydriodic acid or by digesting a solution of calcium iodide or 
 ferrous iodide with lithium carbonate in slight excess, filtering, and evaporating to dryness. It 
 is a white crystalline salt, crystallizing with 3H 2 0 in deliquescent prisms, and on exposure 
 acquires a yellow tint from liberated iodine. 1 Gm. of the dry salt requires for complete precip- 
 itation 1.27 Gm. of silver nitrate. 
 
 Lithii chloridum, Lithium chloride, LiCl ; mol. weight 42.38. The process for preparing 
 it from lepidolite is given below. It crystallizes in anhydrous cubes or octahedrons having a 
 saline taste and melting at a red heat, and is freely soluble in alcohol and in spirit of ether. 
 Exposed to the atmosphere, it forms prisms or needies containing 2H 2 0, and then deliquesces ; 
 at 0° C. (32° F.) it requires 1.6 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) 1.24 parts, and at 100° C. (212° F.) 0. i7 
 part, of water for solution. 1 Gm. of the dry salt requires 4 Gm. of silver nitrate for complete 
 precipitation. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1870, Dr. S. Weir Mitchell accidentally found that lithium 
 bromide seemed to cause a more rapid and intense sleepiness than the other bromides. 
 He observed, moreover, that it was the most soluble salt of its class, that it contained a 
 larger proportion of bromine than any other, and that, clinically, it excels them all as a 
 hypnotic, and is efficient in smaller doses than the potassium bromide as an anti-epileptic. 
 In 1877 he declared of this salt that it stood the test of his own experience, as well as 
 that of many French and German therapeutists, who had come to regard it as the most 
 valuable of the bromides. According to Levy, its action, compared with that of potassium 
 bromide, is as follows : It acts with greater force and rapidity upon the spinal cord and 
 nerves ; the anaesthesia it produces begins in the nerves and is propagated to the cord ; 
 in other words, it is a sedative of morbid excitement in the spinal cord. It does not 
 appear to act upon the heart. 
 
 Lithium bromide was used in the treatment of epilepsy , as already stated, ana appa- 
 rently with very remarkable advantages, but its efficiency was differently estimated b} 
 some* other physicians, of whom Echeverria regarded it as inferior to the potassium bro- 
 mide and See prescribed it without any favorable results. The dose has been variously 
 stated at Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x) and Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx) three times a day in a 
 simple bitter infusion. But much larger doses may be prescribed. It has also been used 
 in gout with no demonstrable advantage. 
 
LITHII CARBON AS. 
 
 991 
 
 This preparation has been proposed and used by Martineau ( Lancet , Mar. 26, 1887) as 
 a remedy for diabetes , in conjunction with arsenic, and was tried by the late Dr. Austin 
 Flint without any marked effects upon the disease ( Med . News , li. 29). 
 
 LITHII CARBONAS, U. S., Br . — Lithium Carbonate. 
 
 Lithise carbonas ; Lithium carbcmicum , P. G. ; Carbonas lithicus . — Carbonate of lithia 7 
 E. ; Carbonate de lithine , Carbonate lithique , F. ; Lithicumcarbonat , Kohlensaures Lithion , G. 
 
 Formula Li 2 C0 3 . Molecular weight 73.87. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Lithium was discovered by Arfvedson (1817) in peta- 
 lite and other Swedish minerals, and by Berzelius (1822) in the mineral waters of Carls- 
 bad, Marienbad, and Franzensbrunn. It is met with as phosphate in montebrasite and 
 several other minerals, and as fluoride or silicate in lepidolite , spodumene , and others. It 
 is found in minute quantities in the ashes of some plants and in many minerals springs, 
 often as carbonate ; the waters of the Mur spring at Baden-Baden and of a hot spring at 
 Wheel-Clifford in Cornwall are the richest known, the latter, according to W. A. Miller 
 (1864), containing 26.05 grains LiCl in the Imperial gallon. To prepare the carbonate, 
 lepidolite is heated with sulphuric acid; the aqueous solution, containing impure lithium 
 sulphate, may be freed from most of the sulphates of aluminum and the alkalies by crys- 
 tallizing them as alum, or it is treated with lime to separate metallic oxides and 
 earths, and then precipitated by barium chloride to remove sulphate, and by ammonium 
 oxalate to remove calcium. After evaporating to dryness, lithium chloride is dissolved by 
 a mixture of alcohol and ether, and thus freed from the chlorides of rubidum, caesium, 
 sodium, and potassium, with which metals it is associated in the lepidolite. The con- 
 centrated aqueous solution of lithium chloride, treated with ammonium carbonate, yields 
 a precipitate of lithium carbonate, which is washed with alcohol ; the filtrate from the 
 precipitate on being evaporated to dryness and ignited yields as chloride the lithium which 
 had remained in solution. 
 
 Properties. — Lithium carbonate is a light white amorphous powder or is in minute 
 crystalline grains. It has the specific gravity 2.11, is permanent in the air, inodorous, 
 has a mild alkaline taste and a distinct alkaline reaction, and imparts a carmine color to 
 flame. It is insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in 140 parts of boiling water and in 80 parts 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; much more soluble in water saturated with carbon dioxide ( U. S., P. 
 £.), 150 parts of cold water (J9r.). The solution has an alkaline reaction, precipitates 
 the salts of the heavy metals, and on boiling decomposes ammonium salts. On heat- 
 ing the salt to dull redness it melts to a transparent liquid, loses a portion of its carbon - 
 dioxide, and congeals on cooling to pearly oxycarbonate, which is permanent in the air ; 
 the fused salt corrodes glass, silver, and platinum. It dissolves with effervescence in 
 dilute hydrochloric acid, and the solution, evaporated to dryness, leaves a residue of 
 lithium chloride, which is soluble in spirit of ether, and the neutral solution of which 
 yields a white precipitate with sodium phosphate. 
 
 Tests. — * £ If 1 Gm. of lithium carbonate be dissolved in 40 Cc. of diluted acetic acid, 
 no insoluble residue should remain. Portions of this solution should not be rendered 
 turbid by hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.) ; nor by ammonium 
 sulphide test-solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.) ; nor by ammonium oxalate test-solu- 
 tion (absence of calcium) ; nor by silver nitrate test-solution (absence of chloride) nor by 
 barium chloride test-solution (absence of sulphate) ; nor by sodium-cobaltic nitrite test- 
 solution (limit of potassium). If 0.5 Gm. of lithium carbonate be dissolved in 2 Cc. of 
 hydrochloric acid, and the clear solution evaporated to dryness, the residue should com- 
 pletely dissolve in 3 Cc. of absolute alcohol, and an addition of 3 Cc. of ether should not 
 render the solution turbid (limit of other alkalies). If 0.5 Gm. of the dry salt be mixed 
 with 20 Cc. of water, it should require, for complete neutralization, not less than 13.4 
 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid solution (corresponding to at least 98.98 per cent, of the pure 
 salt), methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — U. S. 
 
 Chemical Action. — When a calculus composed of uric acid and oxalate of lime is 
 suspended in a warm solution of lithium carbonate, it loses sensibly in weight ; and 
 when a portion of bone infiltrated with gouty concretions is placed in a solution of the 
 salt, after two or three days the whole of the deposit disappears. In fact, the urate of 
 lithium is the most soluble salt formed with uric acid. Garrod (TYraes and Gaz ., June, 
 1883, p. 691) and Jahns (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Jan. 1884, p. 262) show that, in 
 laboratory experiments at least, lithium carbonate is a much better solvent of uric acid 
 concretions than sodium or magnesium salts. These facts have been adduced to explain 
 
992 
 
 LITHII CITRAS. 
 
 the efficacy in chronic gout of* numerous mineral springs in Europe and of the Gettys- i 
 burg Spring in Pennsylvania. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Opinions are by no means uniform in regard to the value of 
 lithium carbonate in removing uric acid deposits and gouty concretions. On the one 
 hand, it is asserted that when patients are voiding uric acid gravel it causes the deposit I 
 to diminish or to cease altogether, and that in gout it often diminishes the frequency of 
 the attacks. At the same time it is stated to be powerfully diuretic. On the other 
 hand, some authorities confidently affirm that they have seen no benefit arise from its 
 use. Others, again, declare that it is suitable only for the treatment of chronic gout, 
 that the daily dose of it should be small, and that its good effects become apparent only 
 after several weeks’ use. On the whole, there appears to be no substantial ground for a 
 belief in its alleged virtues in gout and calculous diseases. Of late years sundry min- 
 eral waters have been vaunted as efficacious in these affections because they contained 
 from T oSo o S rain to 1 g rain in a P int of s P rin S water - Such pretentions tend to bring j 
 the art of therapeutics into discredit. When the physicians who have professed faith in 
 natural mineral waters because they contained so minute a proportion of lithium, have 
 compared their curative effects with those of non-mineralized spring waters, they will 
 perhaps be disposed to attribute their therapeutic results rather to the diuretic and 
 detergent action of the waters than to the lithium salt they held in solution. 
 
 Lithium carbonate is said to exhibit extraordinary powers in the solution of false 
 membrane. 
 
 This medicine may be given in the dose of Gm. 0.06-0.20 (gr. i-iij) three times a day, 
 dissolved in 3 or 4 ounces of hot water or preferably in carbonated water. Externally, 
 it has been applied in an ointment or glycerite containing 1 part of the salt to 8 of the 
 excipient. 
 
 Poulet (1885), having convinced himself that hippuric acid is the real gastric juice, 
 readily found that the hippurates of lime and of lithia are specifics for all digestive dis- 
 orders and gouty affections, and their dependencies, including the so-called rheumatic gout. 
 He published the following formula : R Lithium carbonate, 8 parts ; hippuric acid, 35 ! 
 parts; tepid water, 1000 parts; sugar, 1200 parts. Add the acid to the carbonate dis- 
 solved in a small part of the water, producing an alkaline solution, from which prepare a 
 syrup. Each dose should contain about 5 grains of the salt (Bull, de Therap ., cix. 153 ; . 
 273). 
 
 LITHII CITRAS, U. S., Br.— L ithium Citrate. 
 
 Lithise citras , Lithium citricum. — Citrate of lithia , E. ; Citrate de lithine , Fr. ; Lithium - 
 citrat , Citronsaures Lithion , G. 
 
 Formula Li 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 - Molecular weight 209.57. 
 
 Lithium citrate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. i 
 
 Preparation.— Take of Lithium Carbonate 50 grains; Citric Acid, in crystals, 90 
 grains ; warm Distilled Water 1 fluidounce. Dissolve the citric acid in the water, anu 1 
 add the lithium carbonate in successive portions, applying heat until effervescence ceases | 
 and a perfect solution is obtained. Evaporate by steam- or sand-bath until the product 
 has a specific gravity of about 1.230, and set aside for crystals to form. Dry the crys- 
 tals and preserve them in a stoppered bottle.— -Sr. Thus prepared the salt is crystal- 
 line, contains 4H 2 0, and has the molecular weight 281.41. ... 
 
 On adding lithium carbonate to a solution of citric acid, carbon dioxide is given oil 
 and lithium citrate remains in solution, the reaction being explained by the equation : 
 3Li 2 C0 3 + 2H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 yields 2Li 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 + 3C0 2 -f 3H 2 0. The yield is equal to the 
 weight of citric acid used. The U. S. P. 1870 directed a slight excess of citric acic, 
 while the above formula orders a slight excess of lithium carbonate, for 50 grains of the 
 latter require 90.46 grains of the acid. For dispensing in solution the salt may well 
 be prepared extemporaneously, the proportion of citric acid to lithium carbonate being 
 1000 : 528.6 (or 10 : 5.3), with a yield of 1000 (or 10) parts ; on triturating in a mortar 
 with a small quantity of hot water the decomposition is readily effected. Hager reconi- j 
 mends precipitation of the concentrated slightly acid solution with alcohol, when the j 
 normal salt, containing two molecules or 14.63 per cent, of water, is precipitated. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Lithium citrate is a white amorphous powder which dis- 
 solves in 2.5 parts of water and at 15° C. (59° F.), in 0.5 parts of boiling water 
 (U. S.), and may be obtained crystallized from a concentrated solution on standing. 
 According to C. Umney (1876), this salt contains 4H 2 0, three of which are gi\en o 
 
LITHI1 CITE AS EFFER VESCENS. 
 
 993 
 
 at 100° C. and the fourth molecule at 115° C. ; the crystallized as well as the anhydrous 
 salt is fairly permanent in the air, and not deliquescent, as stated by the Pharmacopoeia. 
 The salt has a neutral reaction to test-paper, is inodorous, has a saline somewhat cooling 
 taste, is soluble in glycerin, and insoluble or nearly so in alcohol. When heated it 
 blackens, gives off the odor of burning citric acid, inflammable gases are evolved, and 
 finally a white residue is left, which, if neutralized with hydrochloric acid, is soluble in 
 alcohol, and the solution, ignited, burns with a carmine color. The salt is recognized as 
 a citrate by mixing its aqueous solution with calcium chloride, filtering if necessary, 
 and heating the clear liquid, when a precipitate of calcium citrate will be deposited. 
 
 The aqueous solution, slightly acidulated with acetic acid, should not be rendered turbid 
 by hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.) ; nor by ammonium 
 sulphide test-solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.); nor by ammonium oxalate test- 
 solution (absence of calcium) ; nor by sodium-cobaltic nitrite test-solution (limit of potas- 
 sium). With barium nitrate test-solution, or with silver nitrate test-solution, not more 
 than a slight turbidity should appear (limit of sulphate and of chloride). If the residue 
 obtained after calcining the salt at a red heat be dissolved in a slight excess of diluted 
 hydrochloric acid, and the filtrate evaporated to dryness, a portion of the residue, when 
 treated with 5 parts of absolute alcohol, should completely dissolve, and the addition of 
 an equal volume of stronger ether should not render the solution turbid (limit of alkalies). 
 If 1 Gm. of dry lithium citrate be thoroughly ignited in a porcelain crucible, so as to 
 destroy most of the carbonaceous matter, and the residue be mixed with 30 Cc. of water, 
 it should require, for complete neutralization, not less than 14.2 Cc. of normal sulphuric 
 acid solution (corresponding to at least 99.2 per cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange 
 being used as indicator.” — U. S. 
 
 Other acids besides citric are detected by their several tests. Basylous impurities are 
 recognized by igniting some of the salt, dissolving the residue in hydrochloric acid, 
 evaporating to dryness, and testing as described in the preceding article. “ 20 gr. lose 
 at 100° C. 3.8 grs., at 115.5° C. additional 1.3 gr., and at a low red heat leave 7.8 gr. 
 of white residue.” — Br. On heating a mixture of 20 grains of the salt with about 40 
 grains of sulphuric acid until carbonized, then evaporating to dryness and igniting, a 
 white residue of lithium sulphate should be obtained weighing 15.7 grains. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Lithii borocitras. Edmund Scheibe (1880) has prepared three of these com- 
 pounds, but regards the following two as most suitable for medicinal use. They are prepared by 
 dissolving the ingredients in boiling water, evaporating the solution to dryness, and powdering 
 or spreading the concentrated liquid upon glass for obtaining the salt in scales. For lithium 
 cliborocitrate , citric acid 20 parts, lithium carbonate 7 parts, and boric acid 12 parts are used ; 
 for lithium monoborocitrate , citric acid 20 parts, lithium carbonate 4 parts, and boric acid 6 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like the vegetable salts of sodium and potassium, lithium 
 citrate is decomposed in the body and excreted as a carbonate with the urine. Its opera- 
 tion is the same as that of lithium carbonate. Its dose may be stated at Gm. 0.30—1.30 
 (gr. v — xx). 
 
 LITHH CITRAS EFFERVESCENS, V . Effervescent Lithium 
 
 Citrate. 
 
 Limonade seche au citrate de lithine , Fr. ; Brauselithioncitrat , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lithium Carbonate, 70 Gm. ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 280 Gm. ; Citric 
 Acid, 370 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Gm. Tritu- 
 rate the citric acid with about 200 Gm. of sugar, and dry the mixture thoroughly ; then 
 incorporate with it, by trituration, the lithium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, and 
 enough sugar to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. Keep the product in well-stoppered 
 bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of the effervescent salt use 122 grains of lithium carbonate, 490 
 grains each of sodium bicarbonate and sugar, and 648 grains of citric acid, and proceed 
 as directed above. 
 
 In the official formula, of the 370 Gm. of citric acid ordered 127 Gm. will be required 
 for the conversion of the lithium carbonate into the citrate, thus leaving 243 Gm. free 
 to react with the sodium bicarbonate ; but since 280 Gm. of the sodium salt require only 
 233 Gm. of the acid, a slight excess of the latter, equal to 1 per cent, of the total weight 
 of the finished product, will be present. The free citric acid, together with the liberated 
 carbonic acid when the salt is in solution, renders the taste agreeably acidulous. 
 
 Bose , Gm. 4 to 8 (3!— i j ) . 
 
994 
 
 LITH1I SALICYLAS. 
 
 LITHII SALICYLAS, U . Lithium Salicylate. 
 
 Lithium salicylicum. — Salicylate de lithine , Fr. ; Lithiumsalicylat, G. 
 
 Formula LiC 7 H 5 0 3 . Molecular weight 143.68. 
 
 Preparation. — Heat a mixture of 11 parts of salicylic acid, 3 of lithium carbonate, 
 and 25 of water until effervescence ceases ; filter, wash the filter with water, evaporate, 
 and keep in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Properties. — The salt may be obtained crystallized in needles, but is usually met 
 with as a white powder, deliquescent on exposure to air, odorless or nearly so, having 
 a sweetish taste and a faintly acid reaction ; very soluble in water and alcohol. When 
 heated the salt is decomposed, emitting the odor of phenol, and finally leaves a black 
 residue having an alkaline reaction-, which imparts a crimson color to a non-luminous 
 flame. On supersaturating the dilute aqueous solution with hydrochloric acid a bulky 
 white precipitate is obtained which is soluble in boiling water, from which it crystallizes 
 on cooling ; also soluble in ether, and producing an intense violet color with ferric salts. 
 On adding to a small portion of the salt, in a test-tube, about 1 Cc. of concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid, and then, cautiously, about 1 Cc. of methylic alcohol in drops, on heating 
 the mixture to boiling the odor of oil of gaultheria will be evolved. 
 
 Tests. — “ The aqueous solution should be colorless and not effervesce on the addition 
 •of an acid (absence of carbonate). When agitated with 15 parts of concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid the salt should not impart any color to the acid within fifteen minutes (ab- 
 sence of foreign organic matters). If a portion of the residue left after ignition be 
 dissolved in diluted acetic acid, portions of the filtrate should not be rendered turbid on 
 addition of a few drops of barium chloride test-solution (absence of sulphate), nor be 
 rendered more than very slightly turbid by silver nitrate test-solution (limit of chlo- 
 ride). Other portions of the same filtrate should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide 
 test-solution (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.), nor by ammonium sulphide test-solution 
 (absence of aluminum, etc.), nor by ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium), 
 nor by sodium-cobaltic nitrite test-solution (limit of potassium). If another portion of 
 the residue left after ignition be dissolved in diluted hydrochloric acid and the filtrate 
 evaporated to dryness, a portion of the residue, when treated with 5 parts of absolute 
 alcohol, should completely dissolve, and the addition of an equal volume of ether should 
 nor, render the solution turbid (limit of alkalies). If 2 Gm. of dry lithium salicylate 
 be thoroughly ignited in a porcelain crucible, so as to destroy most of the carbonaceous 
 matter, and the residue be mixed with 20 Cc. of water, it should require for complete 
 neutralization not less than 13.8 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid solution (corresponding 
 to at least 99.13 per cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — 
 U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is no reason to believe that this salt possesses any quali- 
 ties that do not belong equally, if not much more decidedly, to sodium salicylate. The 
 two salts are equally soluble in water, and there is no proof that lithium salicylate dis- 
 plays any peculiar physiological or therapeutical action. Lithium salicylate is richer 
 than the corresponding sodium salt in salicylic acid, and, like it, may produce morbid 
 effects, such as headache, giddiness, dulness of hearing, and noises in the ears. They 
 may last for twenty-four hours, but the headache is the first to cease. Yulpian has also 
 observed persistent colic and diarrhoea as an effect of large doses of the salt. He admits 
 that the salicylic acid in this compound is its most efficient factor. He employed it in 
 acute articular rheumatism and acute gout , and found that it sometimes completed a cure 
 left incomplete by sodium salicylate, or accomplished one where other preparations 
 failed. He conceived that the relief, even of chronic articular rheumatism with mis- 
 shapen, stiffened, and painful joints was not entirely unattainable by means of this 
 medicine ( Centralbl . f.d.g. Therap ., iv. 122). The average dose is variously stated at 
 from Gm. 0.30-2.60 (5 to 40 grains). According to Yulpian the maximum efficient dose 
 amounts to Gm. 5 (75 grains) daily, while Gm. 4 (60 grains) are generally sufficient. A 
 single dose may be reckoned at Gm. 0.5 (7 or 8 grains). It is worthy of remark that 
 while the U. S. Pharmacopoeia contains no less than six lithium compounds, the German 
 Pharmacopoeia (1882) presents but one — the carbonate. It may well be doubted whether 
 even this one be not superfluous. 
 
LOBELIA . 
 
 995 
 
 LOBELIA, 77. S. 9 Br. — Lobelia. 
 
 Herba lobeliae, P. A., P. G. — Indian tobacco , E. ; Lobelie enjlee , Fr. Cod. ; Lobelien- 
 kraut , G. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Lobelia inflata, Linne, collected after a portion of the capsules 
 have become inflated. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 162. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lobeliaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The inflated lobelia is an annual herb, native of the North American conti- 
 nent, growing in dry open fields and on the borders of woods from the northern parts of 
 Canada southward throughout the United States to Georgia and Mississippi. It flowers 
 from July to September, and should be collected when some of the capsules have become 
 inflated; the fresh herb, on drying, loses from 75 to 80 per cent, of moisture. 
 
 Description. — The herb grows from 20-50 Cm.* (12 to 20 inches) high, and has a 
 branching stem, which is somewhat furrowed and beset with spreading hairs. The leaves 
 are alternate, 50-75 Mm. (2 to 3 inches) long, ovate or oblong, irregularly toothed, pubes- 
 cent, and pale green ; the lower ones petiolate, the upper sessile and gradually reduced 
 to bracts. The flowers are in long racemes, terminating the stem and branches. The 
 calyx-tube is adherent to the ovary, has the limb divided into five narrow teeth, and 
 becomes inflated in fruit. The pale-blue corolla is somewhat two-lipped and has the upper 
 side of the tube split to the base. The five stamens are free from the corolla, and by the 
 union of the filaments and anthers form a tube which encloses the single style. The fruit 
 is a thin subglobular capsule which is two-celled, opens at the apex, and contains a large 
 number of minute brown oblong seeds, the surface of which has, under the microscope, a 
 reticulated appearance. It has an herbaceous somewhat irritating odor, and an herbaceous 
 afterward burning and acrid tobacco-like taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Lobelia owes its virtues, at least in part, to an alkaloid, lobeline , 
 which was first recognized by Calhoun (1833), but isolated by Procter (1838). To 
 obtain it, the tincture made with alcohol containing acetic acid is evaporated to a syrupy 
 consistence, triturated with excess of magnesia, the filtrate agitated with ether, and the 
 ethereal solution evaporated ; the impure alkaloid 
 
 requires purification by combining with an acid, Fig. 175. 
 
 treating with animal charcoal, and again decom- 
 posing with magnesia. W. D. Richardson (1872) 
 obtained more alkaloid from the above mother- 
 liquor by precipitation with potassium iodo-hydrar- 
 gyrate. Lobeline is a yellow somewhat aromatic 
 liquid (amorphous solid, Lloyd Bros. 
 
 1886) having an acrid taste ; it 
 
 lighter 
 
 Lobelia-seed, 
 
 magnified. 
 
 Lobelia inflata, Linn?, and section through 
 mens and pistil, magnified 5 diameters. 
 
 sta- 
 
 ) 
 
 iS 
 
 than water, is soluble in 
 alcohol, ether and fixed oils, and less 
 so in water. Its salts, except the 
 acetate are crystallizable, are freely 
 soluble in water, scarcely so in ether, 
 and not altered at a boiling tempera- 
 ture, whereas the alkaloid is thereby 
 deprived of its acrid taste. Richard- 
 son found it even to be altered by 
 simple exposure to air, whereby it 
 became resinified and unable to com- 
 bine with acids. Bastick (1850) considered it volatile-, but to evaporate not entirely 
 unchanged. Lewis (1878) corroborated Richardson’s observations, and observed that 
 sulphuric acid and Frohde’s reagent impart a brown-red color, and that on boiling with 
 dilute sulphuric acid or with potassa, glucose is liberated from the alkaloid. V. Rosen 
 (1886) obtained both a liquid and a solid alkaloid from lobelia herb. 
 
 In 1871, Enders obtained the acrid principle lobelacrin by concentrating the tincture in 
 the presence of charcoal, washing this with water, and exhausting with boiling alcohol 
 ( Phamiacoyraphia) . It forms warty tufts of a brown color, is soluble in ether and chlo- 
 roform, slightly so in water, is decomposed by boiling with water, and yields sugar and 
 lobelie acid under the influence of acids and alkalies. It is possible that the alkaloid, as 
 heretofore obtained, has been more or less contaminated with this body, which, according 
 to Lewis, is lobelate of lobeline. 
 
 The lobelie acid of Enders is probably identical with the compound of Pereira (1842), 
 
996 
 
 LOBELIA. 
 
 Procter, and Lewis bearing the same name. Procter obtained it from the decoction of 
 the leaves by precipitating it with copper sulphate and decomposing with hydrogen 
 sulphide. It is crystallizable, soluble in ether, alcohol, and water, and yields with fer- 
 ric salts an olive-brown, with copper sulphate a light-green, with lead acetate and baryta- 
 w T ater a yellow, and with silver nitrate a white afterward brown precipitate. The barium 
 compound of Enders’s acid is soluble in water. 
 
 Inflating obtained by Lloyd Bros. (1886) from the herb and seeds is a crystallizable, 
 neutral principle, soluble in most simple solvents. 
 
 Reinsch (1848) obtained from the herb also waxy, resinous, fatty, and gummy matters, 
 and Procter from the seeds about 30 per cent, of rapidly-drying fixed oil. 
 
 Allied Species. — Lobelia syphilitica, LinnS ( Great lobelia). It has acute elliptic-oblong, 
 irregularly-serrate leaves, and showy blue flowers in the axils of the upper leaves, forming a 
 terminal raceme: the calyx has a short hemispherical tube, five long acute lobes, and at their 
 base conspicuous deflexed appendages. It is met with in low grounds in the United States. 
 
 Lobelia cardinalis, Linn£ ( Cardinal-plant I). It is common in marshy and low grounds 
 throughout the greater portion of the United States, nearly smooth, has oblong-lanceolate, acute, 
 and slightly-toothed leaves, and bears long racemes of large showy scarlet-red flowers on short 
 pedicels in the axils of the leaf-like bracts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of lobelia and its alkaloid upon animals is almost 
 identical with that of tobacco and nicotine, but larger doses are required to develop it. 
 Lobelia is ranked as a respiratory poison, and in the cat it greatly reduces the tempera- 
 ture. Dr. Bartholow, using the hydrobromate of lobeline in his experiments, confirmed 
 previous results by showing that it causes death by respiratory failure. He did not find 
 that it depressed the heart (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., xciii. 526). 
 
 Cases have been published of death from the maladministration of this drug by ignor- 
 ant persons assuming to be practitioners of medicine. Lobeline sulphate is said to be an 
 emetic after the manner of apomorphine. 
 
 The chief medicinal value of lobelia is in the treatment of asthma , wheher the disease 
 be purely spasmodic or associated with pulmonary emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, heart 
 disease, etc. It eliminates from the attack the bronchial spasm, which in the first-named 
 affection constitutes the whole disease and in the others is a complication only. Gm. 4 
 (a fluidrachm) of the tincture should be given every hour, or, if the symptoms are urgent, 
 every half hour until relief is obtained or the characteristic effects of the medicine are 
 produced. This dose (for adults) has been greatly exceeded by Nunes ( Bull . de Ther ., 
 cx. 161) and by Moncorvo ( ibid ., cxi. 321) who prescribed from Gm. 8-16 (f^ij— iv) of 
 the tincture. It sometimes occasioned vomiting, but no alarming effects. Its efficacy in 
 the other diseases mentioned, as well as in whooping cough, will depend mainly upon the 
 predominance of the nervous element in them. Yet, when dyspnoea is due to inflamma- 
 tory changes in the bronchia, or to the presence in these tubes of secreted matter, rather 
 than to spasm, lobelia displays special virtues that entitle it to be preferred before numer- 
 ous “ expectorants.” It is of no more advantage in inflammatory laryngitis than various 
 other nauseants and emetics, but it is decidedly more efficacious in spasmodic laryngitis 
 than most other remedies of the same class. In almost all cases of distress in breathing 
 arising from a want of proper balance between tho lungs and the heart, this medicine 
 affords relieff ; as, for instance, when the lungs are congested by mitral obstruction and 
 there is a tendency to oedema of those organs; and, again, when the lungs are themselves 
 diseased so as to interfere with the cardiac circulation, as occasionally happens even in 
 tuberculous consumption. Hoemostatic virtues have been ascribed to the tincture of 
 lobelia which probably belonged only to the alcohol of the preparation. 
 
 The dose of lobelia as an emetic is Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx) but this use of it is 
 unnecessary, and may be dangerous. As an expectorant the dose is from Gm. 0.06—0.30 
 (gr. i— v). The preparations most frequently employed are the tincture and the vinegar 
 of lobelia, of either of which the dose as an expectorant is from Gm. 0.60—5 (npx-lx). 
 In asthmatic attacks Gm. 4—8 (%i— ii) should be administered every half hour or hour, 
 according to the urgency of the symptoms. The dose of the fluid extract as a nauseant 
 or expectorant is Gm. 0.06—0.30 (n^i— v). Moncorvo prescribed lobeline in doses of Gm. 
 0.01 (gr. £) gradually increasing it until Gm. 0.40 (6 grains) a day were taken. No 
 toxic action resulted. He also administered it hypodermically ( Therap . Gaz., xiii. 466). 
 Bartholow says “ the dose of the salts of lobeline will vary from gr. to gr.,” which 
 appears to be too small for efficiency. 
 
 Lobelia syphilitica was formerly used by the aborigines for the cure of syphilis, 
 probably on account of its diaphoretic action, and at one time its virtues were maintained 
 
LOLITJM. 
 
 997 
 
 by several eminent physicians in Europe. They are not any longer believed in ; never- 
 theless, there can be no doubt that, in so far as diaphoresis tends to cure syphilis, the 
 disease may be palliated by lobelia. Older authorities describe it as being diaphoretic, 
 and hence depurative. L. cardinalis possesses similar virtues, but in a less degree. It 
 was used by the American Indians as an anthelmintic. 
 
 Acetum Lobelia (Pharmacop. 1880). — Vinegar of lobelia is especially indicated in con- 
 gested states of the bronchial mucous membrane, with imperfect secretion and spasmodic 
 constriction of the air-tubes. It may be appropriately associated with preparations of 
 antimony, squill, seneka, or ipecacuanha. The dose for an adult is Gm. 2-4 (npxxx-f^j) 
 when a merely expectorant operation is desired ; but as a nauseant and antispasmodic 
 Gm. 4-8 (f* 3 j— ii) should be given at intervals of an hour until its characteristic effects are 
 produced. 
 
 LOLIUM. — Darnel. 
 
 Bearded darnel , E. ; Ivraie : Fr. ; Lolch, Taumelkorn , G. 
 
 The fruit (caryopsis) of Lolium temulentum, Linne , s. L. arvense, Withering. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants , 295. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Graminese. 
 
 Origin. — The bearded darnel grows on waysides and in grain-fields in Western Asia 
 and throughout Europe, and has been introduced to some extent in most grain-growing 
 countries; it is rare in the United States. It is an annual about 75 Cm. (2| feet) high, 
 with rather large leaves, and has an elongated inflorescence, the spikelets being nearly 
 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, about seven-flowered, somewhat suppressed, alternate, sessile, 
 appressed to the concave rachis, and about as long as the glumes. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is oblong-ovoid, nearly 6 Mm. (I inch) long, enclosed in 
 the paleae, grooved on the inner and convex on the outer surface, smooth, pale-brown, inter- 
 nally white, inodorous, and of a farinaceous afterward bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical investigations undertaken for the purpose of isolat- 
 ing the poisonous principle have been reviewed by Wittstein (1875). The delete- 
 rious properties of the plant, according to Ludwig and Stahl (1864) appear to be due to 
 an acrid fixed oil and to an amorphous yellowish glucoside, which is soluble in water, 
 alcohol and ether, and has a bitter and acrid taste. Bley (1834) and Muratori (1837) 
 ascribed them to an acid body, and Baillet and Fihol (1863) to a non-saponifiable oily 
 compound. Bley (1838) obtained his loliin by precipitating the alcoholic solution of 
 the aqueous extract with ether ; the yield was only per cent, of a dingy- white powder 
 having an acrid taste. Antze (1891) obtained a volatile alkaloid, loliin e , forming crys- 
 tallizable salts with acids and temulentic acid , crystalline and melting at 234° C. The 
 fruit contains the ordinary constituents of grain, among them from 30 to 50 per cent, of 
 starch, the granules of which, according to Schwerdtfeger (1853) are about one-third 
 the size of wheat starch, circular, with a moderately white margin and a bright, strongly 
 translucent surface without marks. On incineration, darnel fruit leaves about 5 per 
 cent, of ash. 
 
 Lolium perenne, Linne , ray- or rye-grass , is a pasture-grass, has a perennial creeping 
 rhizome, the glumes shorter than the spikelets, and awnless or short-awned flowers. It 
 is not poisonous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A large number of persons have at different times been poi- 
 soned by bread made with flour containing lolium. Upon different animals it acts dif- 
 ferently : it is poisonous to dogs, sheep, and horses, but not to hogs, cows, and ducks, 
 and quails are said to be fond of the seeds as food. Its effects have been known from 
 ancient times to be narcotic and anaesthetic. They comprise the following symptoms : 
 headache, vertigo, disturbed and sometimes yellow vision, ringing in the ears, paresis of 
 the tongue, oppression in breathing, anxiety, vomiting, and sometimes purging, urina- 
 tion, general muscular trembling, cold sweating, and overpowering and deep sleep. In 
 several cases the poisoning has proved fatal. There is reason to suspect that the old 
 custom of using darnel to adulterate malt and distilled liquors is not wholly obsolete. 
 Ihe peculiar intoxication produced by some of these drinks strongly suggests such 
 a fraudulent and wicked addition to them. Lolium has been mixed with poultices 
 applied for the relief of local pains , pleuritic, neuralgic, and rheumatic, and, although it 
 has been given internally, neither the grounds of its administration nor its alleged results 
 are entitled to any confidence. 
 
998 
 
 LOTIONES. — L U PIN US. 
 
 LOTIONES. — Lotions. 
 
 Washes , E. ; Lotions , Fr. ; Waschungen , G. 
 
 Lotions are liquid preparations, usually containing water as their principal vehicle, and 
 are ordinarily applied by wetting lint or muslin with them, and keeping this upon the 
 affected part. 
 
 LOTIO HYDRARGYRI FLAVA, Br, — Yellow Mercurial Lotion. 
 
 Aqua phagedsenica . — Yellow wash , E. ; Eau phagedenique , Eau divine de Fernel , Fr. ; 
 Phagedanisches Wasser , Altschadenwasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Perchloride of Mercury 18 grains; Solution of Lime 10 
 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 A double decomposition takes place, resulting in the formation of calcium chloride and 
 finely-divided yellow mercuric oxide. It should be well shaken when used. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is stimulant, and even caustic. Its use is 
 restricted almost exclusively to the treatment of indolent chancres and other syphilitic 
 ulcers. It should be applied upon lint. 
 
 LOTIO HYDRARGYRI NIGRA, Br, — Black Mercurial Lotion. 
 
 Aqua phagedsenica nigra, Aqua nigra , Aqua mercurialis nigra. — Black wash , E. ; Eau 
 phagedenique noir , Fr. ; Schwarzes Wasser , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Subchloride of Mercury 30 grains; Solution of Lime 10 
 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 The chemical reaction between the two substances results in producing calcium chlo- 
 ride and black mercurous oxide. It must be well shaken when used. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of black wash appears to be mildly stimulant and 
 astringent as well as protective. It may be applied on lint to syphilitic ulcers. 
 
 LUPINUS.— Lupin. 
 
 Lrupin , Fr. ; Feighohne , Wolfsbohne , G. ; Altramuz , Chochos , Sp. 
 
 The seed of Lupinus albus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosas, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — This annual is a native of Southern Europe and 
 Western Asia, and is cultivated in gardens. It is about 50 Cm. (20 inches) high, and 
 has palmately five- or seven-foliate leaves, with the leaflets obovate-oblong, 25-50 Mm. 
 (1 or 2 inches) long, smooth above and white hairy beneath; the flowers are in terminal 
 racemes on short pedicels, white and rather large ; the legume is 7-10 Cm. (3-4 inches) 
 long, flattish, and contains three to six white circular and flattened seeds, which are 
 inodorous and have a somewhat bitter taste. 
 
 Allied Plants. — L. hirsutus, Linn6 , has spatulate-oblong leaflets and blue or rose-colored 
 flowers. 
 
 L. luteus, LinnS, is distinguished by its yellow flowers; like the preceding, it is of South 
 European origin. 
 
 A large number of lupins are indigenous to the Western section and the Pacific coast of the 
 United States, some of which, like L. polyphyllus and densiflorus, Nuttall , are cultivated in 
 gardens. These, as well as the blue-flowered L. perennis, Linnt which grows in sandy soil in 
 the Eastern portion of the United States, may possess similar properties. 
 
 Constituents. — Cassola (1835), and afterward Reinsch (1849), found the bitter 
 principle of lupin to be insoluble in ether. Schulze and Barbieri (1878) obtained it 
 crystalline from Lupinus luteus by preparing a tincture with diluted alcohol, precipita- 
 ting with lead subacetate, decomposing the precipitate with hydrogen sulphide, ami 
 treating with hot water, on the cooling of which the bitter principle crystallizes in yel- 
 lowish-white fine needles. This lupinin , C 29 Il 3 2 0 16 , is soluble in alkalies with a dark- 
 yellow color, and on being boiled with dilute acids is split into sugar and lupigenin , 
 C 17 H 12 0 6 . Eichhorn (1867) obtained an alkaloid which was further investigated by 
 Beyer, Siewert, Liebscher (1880), and Baumert (1881). Lupinine, C 21 H 40 N 2 O 2 , prepared 
 from yellow lupin-seed, forms colorless rhombic prisms of a fruit-like odor and intensely 
 bitter taste. Campani and Bettelli (1881) isolated an alkaloid from white lupin-seed. 
 These seeds appear to contain several alkaloids. 
 
L UPULINUM. 
 
 999 
 
 Action and Uses. — In recent times they have almost ceased to be employed in 
 medicine, but in 1877, Donnabella (. Practitioner , xxi. 211) reported that, having thrown 
 into the rectum about 5 ounces of a decoction of lupins he soon began to feel general 
 malaise, uneasiness of the head, obscuration of vision, heaviness of the eyelids, vertigo, 
 excitement of mind, and a sense of constriction of the larynx and pharynx. Several 
 months afterward he repeated the experiment with the same results. It is probable that 
 this reporter used in his experiments some very different seeds from those of white lupin, 
 since none of the ancient writers who treat of them at length make the least allusion to 
 their being poisonous. 
 
 LUPULINUM, U. Br. — Lupulin. 
 
 Glandulse lupuli , P. G. — Lupuline , Fr. Cod. ; Hopfenmehl, Lupulin, G. ; Lupulina, Sp. 
 
 The yellow glandular powder separated from the strobiles of Hum ulus Lupulus, 
 Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticacese, Cannabineae. 
 
 Origin. — (See Humulus, page 818). On handling dry hops the glandular powder 
 becomes detached, and is freed from fragments of the bracts, etc. by sifting; about 10 
 per cent, of the weight of the hops may be obtained. 
 
 Description. — Lupulin has also been called lupulite. When fresh it is a bright, 
 brownish-yellow, afterward yellowish-brown, granular resinous powder, which has the 
 aromatic odor and bitter and aromatic taste of hops. Under 
 the microscope it is seen to consist of two hemispheres, the 
 lower and firmer of which is somewhat obtusely conical or top- 
 shaped, the upper one rounded, the surface of both reticulate. 
 
 In the dry state the lower one nearly retains its shape, but the 
 more delicate upper part collapses and forms a flattish hood. 
 
 The glands contain a brown-yellow liquid which dries up to a 
 resinous mass. Lupulin should be free from sand, which readily 
 subsides from it when agitated with water. 
 
 Constituents. — On distilling hops with water, Personne (1854) obtained valerianic 
 acid and a volatile oil , which boils between 140° and 300° C. (284° and 572° F.), is color- 
 less and neutral, but becomes resinous and acid on exposure, and consists of a lighter 
 portion, C 10 H 16 , and valerol, C 6 H 10 O, from which by gradual oxidation valerianic acid is 
 formed. The residue from the distillation when treated with lime yields a distillate of 
 valeral , C 5 Hi 0 O. The resin of lupulin was examined by Ylaanderen (1858), who found 
 it tasteless, combining with metals, and becoming more hydrated in the course of purifi- 
 cation. The principal constituent of lupulin is wax, which Lermer (1863) found to be 
 myricin (myricylic palmitate). He also isolated the bitter principle and called it lupama- 
 ric acid (Hopfenbittersaure). To prepare it, the ethereal extract.of fresh hops is treated 
 with 90 per cent, alcohol, which leaves the wax behind ; the alcohol is evaporated, the 
 residue dissolved in ether, and this solution agitated with strong potassa solution to 
 remove resin ; agitation with water now dissolves the potassium lupamarate, which is pre- 
 cipitated with copper sulphate, and the precipitate, decomposed by hydrogen sulphide, 
 yields the acid in white crystals, becoming yellow on exposure, insoluble in w T ater, but 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, and oil of turpentine. Its com- 
 position is C 32 H 50 O 7 . 
 
 Tests. — “ On incineration, lupulin should yield less than 10 per cent, of ash. If ex- 
 hausted with ether, lupulin should leave a residue weighing not over 30 per cent., and 
 the ethereal tincture on being evaporated at a moderate temperature should leave a brown, 
 soft extract having the odor of hop in a high degree.” — P. G. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Tinctura lupulin^, U. S. 1870. Lupulin 4 troyounces; 
 alcohol sufficient to obtain 2 pints of tincture ; prepare by percolation. 
 
 Tinctura lupulin^: ammoniata. Lupulin 2 ounces; aromatic spirit of ammonia 
 sufficient to obtain 1 Imperial pint (194 fluid ounces U. S . ; Dr. Dyce Duckworth, 1868.) 
 
 Pills of lupulin may be prepared by triturating lupulin with a little ether until a 
 plastic mass is obtained, which may be incorporated with camphor or with resins or 
 oleoresins. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The account given of the operation of hop (see Humulus) 
 makes an extended discussion of lupulin unnecessary, since it is upon this product that 
 the virtues of hop chiefly depend. In doses of Gm. 1.30—1.60 (gr. xx-xxv) lupulin 
 occasions a lively sense of warmth at the epigastrium, which afterward extends to the 
 
 Fig. 176. 
 
 Lupulin (fresh). 
 
1000 
 
 LYCOPERDON. 
 
 whole abdomen. Constipation, with colicky pain, is apt to ensue, but the appetite and 
 digestion appear to be invigorated. It is alleged that full doses of lupulin diminish the 
 frequency of the pulse. It tends to allay the susceptibility which is a frequent cause of an 
 excited circulation. Probably in this manner, rather than by a direct action upon the 
 brain, it favors sleep and tends to repress that excitement which occasions priapism , sem- 
 inal emissions , and nocturnal incontinence of urine. It has seemed to allay irritability of 
 the bladder when opium was not tolerated. It may be prescribed in doses of from Gm. 
 0.30-0.60 (gr.v-x) and upward, mixed with jelly or syrup. 
 
 LYCOPERDON.— Puff-Ball. 
 
 Lycoperdon solidum, Gronovius , s. Pachyma Cocos, Fries. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Fungi, Gasteromycetes. 
 
 Origin. — This curious product is found attached to the roots of fir trees in the south- 
 ern part of the United States from Virginia westward to Kansas, and is known as Indian 
 bread or tuckahoe. It likewise grows in China, where it is used under the name of fnh- 
 ling. Currey and Kelley consider it to be an altered state of the root of the tree occa- 
 sioned by the presence of a fungus, the mycelium of which traverses, disintegrates, and 
 even obliterates, the wood and bark. This view is sustained by the result of the analy- 
 ses made by R. T. Brown (1871) and J. L. Keller (1876). 
 
 Description. — The tuckahoe is an irregularly globular or elongated body, attaining 
 30 Cm. (1 foot) or more in diameter, and from a few ounces to several pounds in weight. 
 It is externally of an ashy-black, and has a rugose surface ; internally it is whitish, fis- 
 sured, more or less spongy, but firm, of a somewhat farinaceous appearance, sometimes 
 quite compact, and breaks into irregular masses. It is without odor and has an insipid 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Brown found it to contain 14 per cent, of water, 0.93 of glucose, 
 2.63 of gum, 17.34 of pectose, 64.45 of cellulose, and 0.16 per cent, of ash ; the nitrogen 
 amounted only to 0.36 per cent. Keller’s specimen yielded 77.27 per cent, of pectose, 
 3.76 of cellulose, and 3.64 of ash, the other constituents being nearly in the same pro- 
 portion as in the former analysis. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Lycoperdon Bovista, Linne , s. Lycoperdon (Bovista, Nees ) giganteum, Batsch. 
 — Giant puff-ball, E. ; Vesse-loup, Fr. ; Bovist, G. — This fungus forms globular or obconical 
 masses of a more or less yellow, or when old dark-brown, color, and attaining a diameter of 
 about 60 Cm. (2 feet). The inner part has a spongy texture, and was formerly known as Fungus 
 chirurgorum, and used for arresting haemorrhages. 
 
 Elaphomyces granulatus, Fries (Lycoperdon cervinum, Linn£, Scleroderma, Persoon). — Puff- 
 ball, Hart’s truffle, E. ; Truffe de cerf, Fr. ; Ilirschbrunst, G. — Its size is about that of a wal- 
 nut. It is brown, verrucose, internally purplish-brown, and was considered to possess stimulant 
 properties. 
 
 Tuber cibarium, Sibthorp (Lycoperdon Tuber, Linn£) — Truffle, E. ; Truffe, Fr. ; Triiffel, G. 
 — It is of subterraneous growth, subglobular, aboutfthe size of a walnut, externally blackish and 
 verrucose, internally white, marbled with brown, fleshy. Like some allied species, it is edible. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1853, Dr. B. W. Richardson’s attention having been 
 directed to the fact that the smoke of the common puff-ball had been used in the 
 country for stupefying bees in order to secure the contents of their hive without sac- 
 rificing the insects, he conceived the idea that it might be made use of as a surgical 
 anaesthetic. He accordingly experimented upon dogs, cats, and rabbits, and in one 
 case removed a tumor from a dog without any sign of pain being shown during the 
 operation. When a moderate quantity was inhaled gradually, the narcotism came on and 
 passed off slowly, the animal exhibiting all the symptoms of intoxication, with convul- 
 sions, and sometimes vomiting. It destroyed life slowly ; a dog would inhale the fumes 
 for twenty minutes or half an hour after being completely narcotized previous to expiring. 
 The heart’s beat in all cases survived the respiration. The lungs after death were pale; 
 there was no sign of congestion in any organ ; the blood retained its red color, but did not 
 coagulate quickly ; cadaveric rigidity set in within two or three hours. During recovery 
 from protracted narcotism an animal would sometimes be quite conscious, although insen- 
 sible to pain. Ilerapath made experiments which proved that the gas which is the active 
 agent in producing the preceding phenomena is carbonic oxide, and his conclusion, con- 
 firmed by Snow, was accepted by Dr. Richardson. No practical application has been 
 made of this curious discovery. 
 
 L. Bovista has long been employed in Europe as a topical means of arresting haemor- 
 rhages. In 1869, Dr. Porcher stated concerning L. giganteum (L. Bovista) that it is 
 
LYCOPODIUM. 
 
 1001 
 
 found in abundance near Charleston, S. C., particularly where the cattle are driven to 
 graze. It is used sliced and fried in butter or stewed in milk like the common mush- 
 room. A correspondent wrote to him, “ I and a number of others have made several 
 meals on lycoperdon, and I think I have discovered in myself well-marked evidences of 
 its narcotic influence, and two other experimenters have described similar sensations to 
 me.” A case is also referred to in which a person “ had been seriously affected in this 
 way by too large a meal of lycoperdon.” Dr. E. Thompson of Tyrone has reported its 
 remarkable virtues as a haemostatic, antiseptic, and anodyne dressing for cancerous ulcers 
 and bleeding wounds ( Practitioner , xxix. 288). 
 
 The powder of this fungus has been applied as a haemostatic in slight and superficial 
 wounds, and, like other dry absorbing powders, in intertrigo. 
 
 It is said to have been used as food by the Indians of the Southern States. 
 
 LYCOPODIUM, U . S ., P . GL— Lycopodium. 
 
 Semen lycopodii , Pulvis lycopodii, Sulphur vegetabile . — Vegetable sulphur , E. ; Lyco- 
 pode, Soufre vegetal , Fr. ; Bdrlappsamen , Streupulver , Hexenmehl , Bhtzpulver , G. ; Lico- 
 podia , Sp. 
 
 The sporules of Lycopodium clavatum, Linne , and of other species of Lycopodium. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 299. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lycopodiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The common club-moss is a low creeping perennial which is found in dry 
 woods distributed over the greater portion of the globe, but is most frequent in northern 
 countries. The stem is 0.6-1. 2 M. (2 to 4 feet) long, with evergreen imbricated linear 
 awl-shaped inflexed leaves, and with ascending very leafy branches 5-10 Cm. (2 to 4 
 inches) high, the fertile ones terminated by a long peduncle bearing two or three erect 
 linear cylindrical spikes 3-5 Cm. (11 to 2 inches) in length, with roundish ovate bristly- 
 pointed bracts, in the axils of which are kidney-shaped sporangia containing the sporules. 
 The spikes are collected before they are fully matured, and after the powder has fallen 
 out, it is separated by a sieve from the other parts. It is collected in Germany and other 
 countries of Central Europe. 
 
 Fig. 177. 
 
 Sporules of Lycopodium. 
 
 Description. — Lycopodium is a fine, very mobile, pale yellowish powder which is 
 free from odor and taste. It floats upon water, and is wetted by it with difficulty and 
 only after continued trituration, unless it has been previously washed with alcohol, ether, 
 or chloroform to remove a superficial layer of oily matter ; after boiling it sinks in water. 
 When triturated it acquires a darker tint, becoming more coherent and greasy ; when 
 slowly heated it burns quietly, but when thrown into a flame it burns suddenly and with 
 a hissing noise ; when ignited it should leave not more than 5 percent, of ash. Ex- 
 amined by the microscope, it is found to be rounded on one side while the other forms a 
 three-sided pyramid. The entire surface is covered by fine polyhedric meshes except at 
 the edges of the pyramid; but at its intersection with the rounded base short projections 
 are observed. 
 
 Constituents. — Fliickiger (1872) determined the presence in lycopodium of a much 
 larger amount of fixed oil than the 6 per cent, observed by Bucholz (1807), and after rup- 
 turing the granules by long trituration with sand obtained 47 per cent, of a bland oil which 
 does not solidify at — 15° C. (5° F.). Bucholz found also in it 3 per cent, of sugar. Sten- 
 house obtained minute quantities of volatile bases, and Fliickiger determined the ash to 
 amount to 4 per cent., to be not alkaline, and to contain alumina and 1 per cent, of phos- 
 phoric acid. The substance of the cell-wall has been called pollenin ; on treatment with 
 potassa it is colored yellow, and then acquires a blue color with sulphuric acid and 
 iodine. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — The sporules of allied species of Lycopodium, 
 particularly of L. complanatum, annotinum, and i-nnundatum, Linne , which are found in 
 both hemispheres, are sometimes collected ; they are very similar in appearance and 
 
1002 
 
 LYCOPUS. 
 
 properties. Mineral substances like powdered talc, gypsum, etc. are detected by tbe 
 larger amount of ash, and will readily subside when a little is agitated with carbon 
 disulphide or chloroform. Powdered rosin is detected by treatment with alcohol and 
 evaporation of the tincture. Dextrin is soluble in water ; its concentrated solution is 
 precipitated by strong alcohol, and after having been boiled with dilute sulphuric acid it 
 reduces red cuprous oxide from Trommer’s solution. Starch is separated by carbon 
 
 disulphide, in which it sinks, 
 Fig. 178. and sublimed sulphur ? if pres- 
 
 ent, will be dissolved by the 
 liquid, and afterward obtained 
 on evaporating it. Starch is 
 also recognized by the blue 
 color it acquires with solution 
 of iodine. All admixtures are, 
 Pollen of Pine. however, easily detected by 
 
 means of the microscope ; the 
 pollen of pine, which is sometimes found mixed with it, consists of an oval plano-convex 
 cell, at each end of which is a smaller globular one projecting on the flat side. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This powder, on account of its extreme lightness and dryness, 
 is used as a convenient protective for tender and raw surfaces of the skin in intertrigo, 
 erysipelas, eczema , herpes , superficial ulcers, etc., and by druggists to place in boxes contain- 
 ing pills to prevent them from adhering to one another. Lycopodium was formerly 
 used as a dressing for unhealthy ulcers as well as in various affections which required 
 both stimulant and demulcent agents, particularly diseases of the urinary organs and 
 dysentery, and we have known it to be credited with diuretic power. Mr. Fenwick 
 ( Ther . Gaz., xi. 703) reports its tincture of value in cases of irritable bladder not 
 due to actual disease, such as the spasmodic retention of urine in children in the dose of 
 15 minims to 1 fluidrachm. It has been given for the relief of chronic bronchitis and 
 rheumatism. It is said (Cazin) that in Poland it is used upon the hair of persons af- 
 fected with plica Polonica. But since it has been shown that this affection is not a 
 disease, but only a result of filthiness (Kaposi), it has been cured by the free use of 
 oil and the comb. 
 
 Lycopodium saururus. In 1886 Dujardin-Beaumetz {Bull, et Mem. Soc. Tlier., p. 139) 
 drew attention to the emeto-cathartic properties of this plant which furnishes an alkaloid 
 (piliganine) of which two grains killed a dog. Its alcoholic extract was purgative in 
 the dose of Gm. 0.35 (gr. vi), and the hydrochlorate of piliganine in doses of Gm. 
 0.01-02 (gr. W). 
 
 LYCOPUS.— Bugleweed. 
 
 Lycope de Virginie, Fr. ; Virginischer Wolfsfuss, G. 
 
 The herb of Lycopus virginicus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Labiatas, Satureiese. 
 
 Origin. — Bugleweed is a perennial herb growing in woods and shady moist places in 
 Canada and in the United States southward to South Carolina. It flowers from July to 
 September. 
 
 Description. — The stem is nearly smooth, about 30-45 Cm. (12 to 18 inches) high, 
 obtusely quadrangular, and with slender runners at the base ; the leaves are opposite, 
 short-petioled, elliptic-lanceolate, toothed, wedge-shaped, and entire at the base, and 
 glandular-punctate beneath ; the flowers are small, in axillary clusters, purplish, and 
 have a calyx with four ovate and bluntish but pointless teeth. The herb has a some- 
 what mint-like odor and a bitter and slightly aromatic taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The plant has most likely the general constituents of the Labiatae, 
 prominent among which is volatile oil, some resin, and a little tannin ; in this case per- 
 haps also a bitter principle. We know of no analysis of the plant. 
 
 Lycopus europ^eus, Linne (Water horehound, E. ; Lycope d’Europe, Fr. ; Wasser- 
 andorn, 6r.), has been used in Europe as Herba marrubii aquatici. It is indigenous to 
 Europe and North America, and resembles the bugleweed, being mainly distinguished by 
 the often taller, sharply four-angled stem, the more deeply and sinuate-toothed, at the 
 base often pinnatifid, leaves, and the five triangular, sharp-pointed calyx-teeth. It varies 
 somewhat in its foliage, and is not unfrequently collected with the preceding. 
 
L YTHR UM.—MA CIS. 
 
 1003 
 
 Action and Uses. — Bugleweed is reputed to be astringent and sedative, to 
 reduce the frequency of the pulse, to arrest haemorrhage from the lungs, to allay cough- 
 ing, and to be a mild narcotic. It has been compared with digitalis. As more than 
 half a century has elapsed since such virtues were first ascribed to it, and it still con- 
 tinues to be neglected and generally unknown, it may be inferred that its supposed 
 powers were in a great part imaginary. It may be used in an infusion made with an 
 ounce of the herb in a pint Gm. 16 in Gm. 500 of boiling water. This quantity may 
 be taken in a day. In 1886 it was stated that a decoction of bugleweed prevented the 
 effects of the bites or stings of venomous serpents and insects {Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., 
 viii. 40). 
 
 L. europaeus is said to have been used from time immemorial by the Piedmontese as a 
 remedy for intermittent fever. It has also been employed to arrest passive haemorrhages 
 and mucous discharges. 
 
 LYTHRUM. — Loosestrife. 
 
 Herba salicariae. — Purple willow-herb , E. ; Salicaire , Fr. ; Rotlier Weiderich, G. 
 
 Lythrum Salicaria, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lythracese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Loosestrife is a tall perennial downy herb, indigenous 
 to Europe and Asia, naturalized in moist places from New England northeastward, and is 
 sometimes cultivated in gardens. It flowers in July and August. The leaves are oppo- 
 site or whorled in threes, about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long, lanceolate, sessile, clasping with 
 the heart-shaped base. The flowers are apparently whorled, form a long, interrupted, 
 wand-like spike, and have six showy purple or sometimes whitish petals and twelve 
 stamens. The herb has a mucilaginous, mildly astringent taste. The blackish-brown, 
 branching, and fibrous root is astringent. The principal constituents of loosestrife are 
 mucilage and tannin. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Lythrum alatum, Pursh, is a smooth perennial, has smaller purple flowers 
 with six stamens, and is characterized by the marginal angles of the branches ; it grows in 
 North America, and with the allied forms L. lanceolatum, Elliott , and L. album, Kunth , growing 
 in Texas, is used in Mexico in. cataplasms as yerba del cancer. 
 
 Cuphea viscosissima, Jacquin (Meehan, Nat. Flowers , i. p. 41), is said to be useful in diar- 
 rhoea. It grows in dry fields southwestward to Louisiana, and is a viscidly-hairy annual, about 
 50 Cm. (20 inches) high, with opposite petiolate ovate-lanceolate leaves, a somewhat inflated 
 tubular six-toothed calyx, six unequal bluish purple petals, and twelve included stamens. The 
 Mexican atlanchana , C. lanceolata, Kunth , is employed in similar complaints. 
 
 The genus is mostly confined to tropical America, and several species are cultivated for orna- 
 ment, among which the so-called cigar-plant (C. platvcentra, Kunth), with its scarlet-red tubular 
 calyx, is best known. The leaves and branches of C. antisyphilitica, Kunth, and C. microphylla, 
 Kunth , are used in South America in syphilitic complaints. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Loosestrife unites in itself demulcent and astringent qualities. 
 It has been much used in Europe in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, leucorrhoea, blenor- 
 rhcea, and passive haemorrhages, and for various local cutaneous irritations. It is gen- 
 erally given in a decoction prepared with Gm. 32 in Gm. 500 (5 i in Oi) of water and in 
 doses of Gm. 32—64 (Sj — ij)- 
 
 An infusion is, however, preferable to the decoction, and may be made with the leaves 
 and stems Gm. 15 to Gm. 500 (gss in Oj). (Campardon, Bull, de therap ., cv., 337). 
 
 MAOIS, Z7, S. ; Fr. Cod., F. A.— Mace. 
 
 AriUus myristicae. — Fleur de muscade, Fr. ; MusJcatbliithe , G. ; Macias, Sp. 
 
 The arillus of the fruit of Myristica fragrans, Houttuyn. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myristicaceae. 
 
 Origin. — (See Myristica.) When the nutmeg is gathered, the arillus, which envel- 
 ops the seed, is cut off and dried in the sun, whereby its bright red color is changed to 
 brownish-orange. With the view of its better preservation it is often sprinkled with sea- 
 water. It is principally obtained from the Banda Islands. 
 
 Description. — Mace is about 25 Mm. (1 inch) or more long, smooth, flat, about 
 2 Mm. (-jL inch) thick at the base, thinner above, longitudinally slit into irregular, nar- 
 row, and somewhat branching bands of a brownish-orange and nearly dull color, some- 
 what translucent, and fatty when pressed or scratched. It breaks readily with a short 
 fracture, but cannot be triturated to powder on account of the oil. It has a very agree- 
 able aromatic odor, closely analogous to that of nutmeg, and a warm aromatic taste. 
 
1004 
 
 MAGNESIA. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent is the volatile oil (Oleum macidis, • 
 P. 6r.), which is present to the amount of about 8 per cent., but occasionally as much as 
 17 per cent, may be obtained (JPharmacogr aphid). Schacht (1862) found it to consist 
 mainly of a hydrocarbon, C 10 H 16 , called macene , which yields a crystallized compound 
 with hydrochloric acid gas, and appears to be related to, and by Roller (1865) considered 
 identical with, the myristicene of oil of nutmeg. The oxygenated portion of the volatile 
 oil is still less known than the hydrocarbon. Henry (1824) found red fat soluble, and 
 yellow fat insoluble, in alcohol, but the 24.5 per cent, residue obtained by Fliickiger 
 (Pharmacographia ) with boiling ether and drying at 100° C. (212° F.) appeared to have 
 consisted solely of resin and semi-resinified volatile oil. The same author obtained 
 with alcohol 1.04 per cent, of uncrystallizable sugar, and with hot water 1.8 per cent, of 
 a body which turned blue, and after drying reddish-violet, with iodine, and is probably 
 intermediate between starch and mucilage. 
 
 Adulterations are not likely to be met with, at least not of the unpowdered mace. 
 The mace of the wild nutmeg (M. fatua) is of a darker red color, less divided at the base, 
 with more slender bands, and destitute of the grateful fragrance and taste of true mace. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Tinctura macidis. Digest 1 part of mace 
 with 5 parts of alcohol, and filter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The operation of mace appears to be the same as that of nut- 
 meg, and there is reason to believe that an excessive dose of it may induce dangerous 
 narcotism. It is used to impart an aromatic taste to medicines, but more commonly as a 
 condiment for flavoring food and promoting its digestion. 
 
 MAGNESIA, U. S., Br.— Magnesia. 
 
 Magnesia usta , P. G. ; Magnesia calcinata . — Calcined magnesia , E. ; Magnesie , Magnesie 
 calcinee, Fr. ; Gebrannte Magnesia G. 
 
 Formula MgO. Molecular weight 40.26. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Magnesium Carbonate 4 ounces. Put it into a Cornish or 
 Hessian crucible closed loosely by a lid, and expose it to a low red heat until a small 
 quantity, taken from the centre of the crucible when it has cooled and dropped into diluted 
 sulphuric acid, causes no effervescence. — Br. 
 
 The Br. Ph. recognizes two varieties of magnesia — the heavy as Magnesia ponderosa , 
 made from the heavy magnesium carbonate by the process just given, and Magnesia levis 
 or light magnesia , which is made in precisely the same manner from the light magnesium 
 carbonate. In the United States both kinds are extensively used, but when the heavy 
 variety is desired it is usually designated in prescriptions as Magnesia ponderosa , under 
 which title it has been admitted into the present Pharmacopoeia, while the light magnesia 
 is designated as Magnesia. Nearly 9000 pounds of calcined magnesia were imported into 
 the United States in 1876, and afterward about 20,000 pounds annually. 
 
 The official magnesium carbonate consists of magnesium carbonate and hydroxide. 
 On heating it, water and carbon dioxide are given off and magnesium oxide remains 
 behind; 4(MgC0 3 ).Mg(0H) 2 .5H 2 0 yields 5Mg0-f4C0 2 -f 6H 2 0. The magnesium carbo- 
 nate is pressed somewhat firmly into a crucible, and this is placed in a suitable furnace, 
 loosely covered with a lid to prevent the product from becomming contaminated with 
 ashes and other impurities, and then heated to dull redness. The expulsion of the water 
 and carbon dioxide keeps the surface of the powder continually in motion, and there is 
 no necessity of testing it as long as that motion is kept up ; when the motion ceases a 
 small quantity of the powder is taken from beneath the surface and near the centre, 
 mixed with sufficient water to displace the air, and then poured into an excess of dilute 
 sulphuric acid. If no evolution of carbon dioxide takes place, the product is finished, 
 and may be dipped out with a ladle, and the crucible filled with a fresh portion of mag- 
 nesium carbonate without removing it from the furnace. Made by the process formerly 
 recommended in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, a large and rather flat earthen vessel is 
 used, to allow of the magnesia being stirred continuously, in which case the heat may be 
 raised to full redness ; but it should never be raised to that degree if the stirring is 
 omitted, because the magnesia would become dense and granular, and with difficulty 
 soluble in dilute acids. The yield is between 40 and 43 per cent, of the weight of the 
 magnesium carbonate. . j 
 
 Properties. — The two varieties of magnesia have the same composition and chemical 
 properties, and differ from each other only in the degree of aggregation of the mole- 
 cules. Heavy magnesia is more readily miscible with water than the light kind, and, like 
 
MA GNESIA. 
 
 1005 
 
 the latter, should remain suspended in the water for some time, and settle gradually. 
 Should it subside very rapidly, the probability is that it was exposed to too high a degree 
 of heat. It may be obtained from the light variety by triturating the latter for some 
 time in the presence of strong alcohol, drying, and rubbing to powder. Magnesia is a 
 white, very fine powder, without odor, and of an earthy, but destitute of a saline, taste. 
 Exposed to a high heat, it becomes more compact, but does not fuse except before the 
 oxyhydrogen blowpipe. According to Fresenius, it requires 55,000 parts of water for 
 solution, but the liquid, like the moistened magnesia, has a distinct alkaline reaction. Its 
 specific gravity varies between 2.3 and 3.3. When mixed with water it unites with it 
 forming a hydroxide having the composition Mg(OH) 2 , and when heated losing 31 per cent, 
 of its weight. Exposed to the atmosphere, a similar change takes place, but carbon 
 dioxide is also absorbed and a corresponding quantity of oxycarbonate is formed. It 
 should therefore be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. t: On stirring 1 part of magnesia 
 with 15 parts of water in a breaker, and allowing the mixture to stand for about half an 
 hour, it will form a gelatinous mass of sufficient firmness to prevent it from falling out 
 when the glass is inverted.” — U S. 
 
 Tests. — “A filtered solution of magnesia in diluted sulphuric acid, mixed with ammo- 
 nium chloride test-solution and an excess of ammonia-water, yields, with sodium phos- 
 phate test-solution, a white, crystalline precipitate. If a mixture of 0.2 Gm. of mag- 
 nesia with 10 Cc. of water be heated to boiling, and, after cooling, 5 Cc. of the super- 
 natant liquid be filtered off, this filtrate should not have more than a faintly alkaline 
 reaction to litmus-paper, and, when evaporated to dryness, should not leave more than a 
 very slight residue (limit of foreign soluble salts). The magnesia mixed with water 
 remaining from the preceding test, when poured into 5 Cc. of acetic acid, should dissolve 
 without the evolution of more than a few isolated gas-bubbles (limit of carbonate). This 
 latter solution, when filtered, should not afford more than a slight opalescence with ammo- 
 nium oxalate test-solution (limit of calcium), or with barium chloride test-solution (limit 
 of sulphate), or, after the addition of a few drops of nitric acid, with silver nitrate test- 
 solution (limit of chloride). If 0.4 Gm. of magnesia be dissolved in .10 Cc. of diluted 
 hydrochloric acid, the solution should be colorless, and should not be affected by hydro- 
 gen sulphide test-solution, nor, after the addition of a slight excess of ammonia-water, 
 should it be immediately affected by ammonium sulphide test-solution (absence of metal- 
 lic impurities). If magnesia be exposed to a low red heat in a porcelain crucible, it 
 should not lose more than 5 per cent, of its weight (limit of water of hydration).” — U. S. 
 
 Several proprietary articles consisting of heavy magnesia are occasionally met with ; 
 this magnesia is generally characterized by freedom from grittiness and ready miscibility 
 with water, but is not superior to a dense magnesia obtainable by careful manipulation 
 from a properly-prepared magnesium carbonate. 
 
 Magnesium. — The metal magnesium is widely distributed, but is less abundant than 
 calcium ; it is found as silicate in meerschaum, olivine , mica , serpentine , and other min- 
 erals ; as chloride in sea-water and the waters of saline springs ; and as carbonate in most 
 spring and mineral waters, in magnesite , and in dolomite or magnesian limestone. Black 
 (1755) first proved magnesia to be distinct from lime, and Davy (1808) isolated the 
 metal, which is now generally prepared by modifications of the process elaborated by St. 
 Claire-Deville and Caron (1856), by heating sodium with anhydrous magnesium chloride; 
 the resulting sodium chloride is dissolved by water, and the magnesium left behind in the 
 form of a gray powder, which is fused and moulded as desired. It is a silver-white metal, 
 of a strong metallic lustre, malleable, fusing at a red and volatilizing at a white heat, but 
 burning with a bright white light when held in the flame of a gasjet. Its density is only 
 1.78 ; it is not altered in dry air and but slightly tarnished in a damp atmosphere. Soap- 
 stone or French chalk is a double silicate of magnesium and aluminum. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of magnesia and of its carbonates consists partly 
 in neutralizing the acid in the alimentary canal, and partly in rendering acid secretions, 
 as the urine, either neutral or alkaline. If a sufficient quantity of acid exists in the 
 stomach or is attracted thither by the magnesia, a neutral purgative salt is formed ; but 
 in default of such a combination the magnesia may pass into the intestine unchanged in 
 part, and if it be taken habitually may accumulate there and form concretions large 
 enough to obstruct the bowel ( Bull . et Mem. de la Soc. de Therap ., 1879, p. 77). 
 
 Magnesia has the advantage over other laxatives in being almost tasteless and in rarely 
 causing nausea or colic. It produces feculent rather than watery stools, which are remark- 
 able for their slight degree of fetor. It is slower than salines in its operation, but nearly 
 as thorough. Its use is distinctly indicated in whatever condition is attended with 
 
1006 
 
 MAGNESII CARBON AS. 
 
 gastro-intestinal acidity, witli heartburn , sour eructations , and flatulence. It has even 
 arrested the vomiting of 'pregnancy when the liquid rejected was acid. Although it cor- 
 rects gastric acidity, it does not remove the cause of that symptom, for which purpose 
 aromatics and bitter tonics are usually required. It is ordinarily associated with rhubarb 
 in the treatment of dyspeptic diarrhoea , especially in children, and is a very appropriate 
 laxative in hsemorrhoidal cases attended with constipation. It is useful in the aphthous 
 affections of the mouth which attend infantile diarrhoea. In gout and its allied disorders 
 its antacid qualities render it appropriate ; the following formula is commonly employed : 
 It. Magnesii sulpli. 5j-ij ; Aquae menthae virid. f^x ; Yin. colchici seminis, Syrup, simpl. 
 aa f 3j ; Magnesiae 3ij- — M. S. — From 1 to 3 tablespoonfuls every 2 hours until from 
 four to six stools are produced in the 24 hours. In infantile colic the following carmina- 
 tive mixture is used : It. Magnesiae gr. xxx ; Tinct. asafoetidae gtt. xl ; Tinct. opii gtt. xx ; 
 Sacch. alb. gr. lx; Aquae f5j. — M. S. — 20 drops and upward every hour until relief 
 occurs. Magnesia is appropriate, as already stated, in cases of uric acid gravel , but is 
 probably less so than the carbonates of sodium and potassium ; but in such cases, when 
 marked by gastric acidity, it should not be neglected. Like its carbonate, magnesia taken 
 internally will sometimes entirely remove marts. Dujardin-Beaumetz has reported a strik- 
 ing example of the efficacy of this treatment ( Bull . de therap ., civ. 232). 
 
 As a purgative the dose of magnesia is about Gm. 3 (gr. xl) and Gm. 0.30 (gr. iv) for 
 infants. As an antacid it may be taken in doses of Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) after meals, sus- 
 pended in water. Mixture with milk, which is usual to disguise its taste, renders its 
 operations slower. 
 
 The medicinal action and uses of Magnesia ponderosa are identical with those of 
 magnesia. 
 
 MAGNESII CARBONAS, U , S . — Magnesium Carbonate. 
 
 Magnesiae carhonas , Magnesium carbonicum , P. G. ; Magnesia, alba , Magnesia hydrico- 
 carbonica , Carbonicas magnesicus . — Carbonate of Magnesia , E. ; Carbonate de magnesie , 
 Magnesie blanche , Fr. ; Magnesiumkarbonat , Weisse Magnesia. G. 
 
 Formula 4(MgC0 3 ).Mg(0H) 2 .5H 2 0. Molecular weight 484.62. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Magnesium Sulphate 10 ounces ; Sodium Carbonate 12 
 ounces ; Boiling Distilled Water a sufficiency. Dissolve the magnesium sulphate and 
 the sodium carbonate each in a pint of the water, mix the two solutions, and evaporate 
 the whole to perfect dryness by means of a sand-bath. Digest the residue for half an 
 hour with 2 pints of the water, and, having collected the insoluble matter on a calico 
 filter, wash it repeatedly with distilled water until the washings cease to give a precipi- 
 tate with barium chloride. Finally, dry the product at a temperature not exceeding 
 212° F. — Br. 
 
 This process yields Magnesii carbonas ponderosa, Br. ; if the two solutions are mixed 
 and then boiled for ten or fifteen minutes, but not evaporated, the precipitate will be 
 more bulky, and after washing and drying constitutes the Magnesii carbonas levis or light 
 magnesium carbonate of the British Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 On mixing cold solutions of magnesium sulphate and sodium carbonate a white volu- 
 minous precipitate results, which in the course of several days is gradually converted 
 into the compound MgC0 3 .3H 2 0, identical with that which often crystallizes from the 
 effervescing solution of magnesia (see page 971) ; but when heat is applied carbon diox- 
 ide is given off, and the insoluble portion remaining is a hydrocarbonate, the composition 
 of which varies somewhat, a larger amount af carbon dioxide being given off if the heat 
 be continued ; and the heavy magnesium carbonate obtained as described above has 
 probably the formula determined by Berzelius, 3MgC0 3 .Mg(0H) 2 .3H 2 0; which compound 
 on ignition would yield nearly 44 per cent, of magnesia, MgO, as required by the British 
 Pharmacopoeia. Light magnesium carbonate yields less (between 40.3 and 41.7 per cent.) 
 magnesia, according to Otto and Laake. The formula 3MgC0 3 .Mg(0H) 2 .4H 2 0 requires 
 41.9 per cent. MgO. A compound of the composition 4MgC0 3 .Mg(0H) 2 -5H 2 0 would 
 yield 41.3, and with an additional H 2 0 only 40 per cent. MgO. Magnesium carbonate 
 may be obtained from the mother-liquors or bittern of salt-works, and is prepared on an 
 extensive scale in England from magnesian limestone by treating it in the state of powder 
 with cold water and carbon dioxide under a pressure of five or six atmospheres ; magnesium 
 bicarbonate is first dissolved, removed from the calcium salt, and by boiling converted 
 into the official carbonate. The importation of magnesium carbonate into the United 
 
M AGNES II CITRAS EFFER VESCENS. 
 
 1007 
 
 States increased from 134,000 pounds in 1867 to 357,447 in 1878, but since that time 
 has been less. 
 
 Properties. — Besides the slight difference in composition just referred to, the heavy 
 and light magnesium carbonates differ only in the degree of aggregation of their rnole- 
 cules. the former being slightly glandular, the latter a smooth and less dense powder, both 
 bein" inodorous and of a slight earthy taste. It is almost insoluble in water, requiring, 
 according to Fyfe, 2500 parts of cold and 9000 parts of boiling water for solution, and 
 when it is moistened with water and applied to turmeric-paper a brown color is gradually 
 produced. When heated to dull redness water and carbon dioxide are given off, and 
 magnesia remains. It dissolves with copious effervescence in dilute sulphuric, hydro- 
 chloric, and other acids, and the solutions have the chemical behavior of magnesium salts. 
 
 Tests. — Magnesium carbonate may be contaminated with calcium compounds, and 
 from incomplete washing also with the acidulous radicals contained in the mother-liquor 
 more particularly with chlorides, bromides, and sulphates. These impurities are detected 
 by dissolving the carbonate in dilute nitric acid, and this solution should not be precipi- 
 tated by silver nitrate (chloride and bromide) or barium nitrate (sulphate) ; neutralized 
 with ammonia, it should not be precipitated by ammonium oxalate (calcium). On the 
 addition of ammonia or ammonium carbonate a white precipitate is produced, which 
 should be completely soluble in an excess of the precipitant and in ammonium chloride 
 (an insoluble portion would indicate alumina), and the ammoniacal solution should not 
 yield a white precipitate with hydrogen sulphide (zinc). 
 
 The following tests have been adopted by the United States and German Pharmaco- 
 poeias : Distilled water, boiled with the salt, and after filtration evaporated to dryness, 
 should not have more than a trace of a fixed residue. The salt should be soluble in 
 diluted hydrochloric acid to a colorless liquid. A 2 per cent, solution of the salt 
 prepared with the aid of acetic acid should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide (P. G.). 
 Another portion of the 2 per cent, solution should not at once (within two minutes, 
 P. G .) be rendered more than faintly opalescent by test-solution of barium nitrate 
 (limit of sulphate) of silver nitrate (limit of chloride), or of ammonium oxalate (limit 
 of calcium). “ If 0.4 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 5 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid, 
 the solution should be colorless, and should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide test- 
 solution, nor, after the addition of an excess of ammonia-water, should it be immediately 
 affected by ammonium sulphide test-solution (absence of metallic impurities). 1.0 Gm. 
 of the salt should leave, on ignition, not less than 0.4 Gm. of residue.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The carbonate is less efficient than magnesia itself, but its action 
 and uses are the same. It is said to remove warts from the skin, when taken night and 
 morning in teaspoonful doses and continued for several weeks. Several important wit- 
 nesses to the apparent truth of this statement might now be cited ( Phila . Med. Times , 
 xvii. 125), and to theirs we may add our own testimony. 
 
 Magnesium carbonate may be given as a laxative in doses of Gm. 2-8 (gr. xxx- 
 cxx) ; as an an acid Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx) may be taken after meals. It may be 
 agreeably administered in carbonic acid water. 
 
 MAGNESH CITRAS EFFERVESCENS, V. Effervescent Magne- 
 sium Citrate. 
 
 Magnesium citricum effervescens , P. G. — Limonade seche au citrate de magnesie , Fr. ; 
 Brausemagnesia , Magnesium-citrat in Kornern , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Magnesium Carbonate 10 Gm. ; Citric Acid 46 Gm. ; Sodium Bicar- 
 bonate 34 Gm. ; Sugar in No. 60 powder, 8 Gm. ; Alcohol, Distilled Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity. Mix the magnesium carbonate intimately with 30 Gm. of citric acid, and 
 4 Cc. of distilled water, so as to make a thick paste ; dry this at a temperature not 
 exceeding 30° C. (86° F.), and reduce it to a fine powder. Then mix it intimately with 
 the sugar, the sodium bicarbonate, and the 'remainder of the citric acid, previously 
 reduced to a very fine powder. Dampen the mass with a sufficient quantity of alcohol, 
 and rub it through a No. 6, tinned-iron sieve, to form a coarse granular powder. Lastly, 
 dry it in a moderately warm place, and keep in well-closed bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pound of effervescent magnesium citrate the following quantities should 
 be used: Magnesium carbonate 714 grains; citric acid 7 av. ozs. and 223 grains; sodium 
 bicarbonate 5 av. ozs. and 241 grains ; sugar, in fine powder, 572 grains ; 4 av. ozs. and 
 390 grains of the citric acid should be used together with 5 drachms of distilled water 
 to form the thick paste of acid magnesium citrate. 
 
1008 
 
 M AGNESI! SULPHAS. 
 
 The addition of alcohol to the mixed powder must be cautiously made, only sufficient 
 being used to enable the operator to form a mass which will permit of being rubbed 
 through the meshes of the sieve. The subsequent drying of the granules must also 
 be conducted with care, as the use of too high a heat will cause effervescence to take 
 place and thus spoil the granular condition of the salt. 
 
 All granular effervescent salts containing sugar are apt to become discolored if made 
 by the process recommended by the British Pharmacopoeia, unless the heat necessary be 
 carefully controlled. 
 
 The formula of the German Pharmacopoeia is like the preceding. The French Codex 
 uses calcined magnesia 65, magnesium carbonate 60, citric acid 300, and sugar 600 
 parts. 
 
 The first step is the preparation at as low a temperature as possible of an acid magne- 
 sium citrate, a little less than one-half the citric acid ordered for this manipulation being 
 sufficient for the formation of the normal salt. The remaining operation has for its 
 object the incorporation with this salt of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid in such a 
 manner as to avoid mutual decomposition, which is designed to take place only when the 
 mixture is to be used and is stirred with water. Sieves of different degrees of fineness 
 are usually used, so as to obtain granules nearly uniform in size. 
 
 Properties. — This preparation forms white granules or a white granular inodorous 
 powder having an acid reaction and a pleasantly saline and mildly acidulous refreshing 
 taste. On exposure to air it attracts moisture, resulting in the decomposition of the 
 bicarbonate and the evolution of carbon dioxide, and afterwards becomes damp without, 
 however, completely deliquescing. It is nearly insoluble, or rather only partly soluble, 
 in alcohol, but dissolves slowly and with copious, long-continued but not vehement effer- 
 vescence in 2 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) ; this solution is rarely perfectly clear, 
 but usually is more or less opalescent from traces of impurities contained in the magne- 
 sium carbonate, and in the course of several days deposits crystals of magnesium citrate. 
 Boiling water dissolves more rapidly a larger amount of the granules, and this solution 
 separates on cooling a portion of the magnesium citrate in crystals. The total amonnt 
 of citric acid ordered by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is somewhat in excess (about 3.28 Gm.) 
 of that required for the production of normal salts ; this renders the taste pleasantly 
 acidulous and the solution more permanent. The aqueous solution shows the reactions 
 of citric acid and of magnesium salts ; on boiling with test solution of calcium chloride 
 a white precipitate is produced, and the cold solution, on being rendered alkaline with 
 ammonia-water, yields with test solution of sodium or ammonium phosphate a white pre- 
 cipitate which is readily soluble in acetic acid. 
 
 Tests. — “ The saturated aqueous solution of the salt, when mixed with a saturated 
 solution of potassium acetate and some acetic acid, should not yield a white crystal- 
 line precipitate (absence of tartrate).” — U. S. A solution of 1 Gm. of the granules, 
 on being treated with ammonia-water and ammonium phosphate, should yield a precipi- 
 tate, which, after having been thoroughly washed with diluted ammonia-water, then 
 dried, and ignited in a porcelain crucible, should leave a white residue of magnesium 
 pyrophosphate weighing not less than 1.22 Gm., showing the presence of at least 4.4 per 
 cent, of MgO. 
 
 Uses. — In the dose of from Gm. 8-30 (gr- cxx-^j) this compound forms an agreeable 
 laxative in mild febrile disorders. 
 
 MAGNESII SULPHAS, 77. S., 2fr\— M agnesium Sulphate. 
 
 Magnesise sulphas , Br. ; Magnesium sulfuricum , P. G. ; Sal am arum, Sal Epsom ense , 
 Sal anglicum , Sal Sedlicense, Sulfas magnesicus . — Sidphate of magnesia , Epsom salt, E. ; 
 Sulfate de magnesie , Sel 7’ Epsom, Sel de Sedlitz, Sel amer , Fr. ; Magnesmmsulfat, Bitter- 
 salz , Schwefelsaure Magnesia , G. 
 
 Formula MgS0 4 .7H 2 0. Molecular weight 245.84. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Magnesium sulphate is contained in sea-water and 
 in the waters of many mineral springs, which thereby acquire a bitter taste. The Crab 
 Orchard salt of Kentucky is the same salt in an impure state, and, as analyzed by J- T. 
 Yiley (1871), contains about 65 per cent, of magnesium sulphate after having been dried 
 at 120°C. It probably results from the mutual decomposition of gypsum and magnesium 
 limestone, and is obtained by evaporating the water which collects in wells dug in the 
 ground. The pure salt is made on the large scale from magnesite, which is principally 
 MgC0 3 , by dissolving it in dilute sulphuric acid and crystallizing ; large quantities of 
 
MAGNESII SULPHAS. 
 
 1009 
 
 Fig. 179. 
 
 Crystal of Magnesium 
 Sulphate. 
 
 the salt are made by various processes from magnesian limestone, and more recently it is 
 extensively obtained at the Stassfurt salt-works, principally from the mineral kieserite , 
 which is MgS0 4 combined with varying quantities of water, and in its natural state as 
 insoluble as gypsum. 
 
 Properties. — As found in the market, magnesium sulphate has generally been puri- 
 fied by re-solution in water and rapid crystallization, and forms small rhombic prisms or 
 needles, which resemble those of oxalic acid and zinc sulphate, are perfectly transparent, 
 without odor, and have a cooling and bitter saline taste and a neutral reaction. It dissolves 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) in one and a half times its weight of water, and in seven-tenths of its 
 own weight of boiling water ( U S.) ; it is also soluble in diluted alcohol, but insoluble in 
 strong alcohol. The German Pharmacopoeia gives the solubility of 
 crystallized magnesium sulphate as 1 part in 1.0 part of water at 
 15° C., and in 0.3 parts of boiling water; but a solution saturated 
 at 15° C. contains for 100 parts of water, according to Mulder (1864), 
 
 69.29 parts ; according to Gerlach (1859), 107.1 parts ; and accord- 
 ing to Michel and Krafft (1854), 108.44 parts; and at 100° C., 
 according to Mulder, 151.29 parts of the crystallized salt. Exposed 
 to air, the crystals slowly effloresce, becoming superficially opaque ; 
 when heated to 52° C. (125.6° F.) the salt loses 1 molecule (7.3 per 
 cent.) of water, and is converted into a white powder. At about 132° 
 
 C. (269.6° F.) it still retains 1 molecule of water, and at a tempera- 
 ture of 200°-238° C. (392°-460.4° F.) it is rendered anhydrous 
 (£7 S.) ; the total weight of water amounts to 51.34 per cent. The 
 aqueous solution on the addition of barium chloride yields a white 
 precipitate of barium sulphate insoluble in hydrochloric acid. It is 
 not precipitated in the cold by potassium bicarbonate or ammonium 
 carbonate, but gives white precipitates with the carbonates and the hydroxides of sodium 
 and potassium, which are redissolved by ammonium chloride. Ammonia added to its 
 solution likewise causes a white precipitate soluble in ammonium chloride, and this solu- 
 tion, on the addition of ammonium phosphate, deposits all magnesium in the form of a 
 crystalline powder, which is magnesium and ammonium phosphate, MgNH 4 P0 4 .6H 2 0. and 
 is insoluble in diluted ammonia, sparingly soluble in water, and freely soluble in diluted 
 acetic and other acids ; the precipitate, after having been well washed with diluted 
 ammonia, then dried, and ignited in a porcelain crucible, is converted into magnesium 
 pyrophosphate, Mg 2 P 2 0 7 (mol. weight 222.24), which represents 21.86 per cent. Mg or 
 36.21 per cent, of MgO. 
 
 Tests. — Impurities are detected in precisely the same manner as in the nitric acid 
 solution of magnesium carbonate (see above). The following tests have been adopted 
 by the U. S. P. : “ When a small portion of the salt is introduced, on a clean platinum 
 wire, into a non-luminous flame, it should not impart to the latter a persistent yellow color 
 (limit of sodium). A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt should not be affected by 
 hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of metallic impurities) ; nor afford more than a 
 slight opalescence with silver nitrate test-solution (limit of chloride) ; nor should 20 Cc. 
 of the same solution afford any coloration or precipitate on the addition of 0.5 Cc. of 
 potassium ferrocyanide test-solution (absence of iron, zinc, or copper). If 1 Gm. of the 
 powdered salt be shaken with 3 Cc. of stannous chloride test-solution, a small piece of 
 pure tin-foil added, and the test-tube then set aside, no coloration should appear within 
 one hour (limit of arsenic).” 
 
 Magnesii sulphas effervescens, Br. Add. — Effervescent magnesium sulphate, 
 Effervescent Epsom salt. Dry 10 parts of magnesium sulphate at about 54.4° C. (130° 
 F.) until it has lost nearly one-fourth (23 per cent.) of its weight ; powder the product, 
 mix it with 2.1 parts of powdered sugar, then with 2.5 parts of citric and 3.8 parts of 
 tartaric acid, both in fine powder, and finally add 7.2 parts of sodium bicarbonate. Place 
 the mixture in a dish or pan heated to between 93.3° and 104.4° C. (200° and 220° F.), 
 and when the particles of the powder begin to aggregate, stir them assiduously until they 
 assume a granular form ; then by means of suitable sieves separate the granules of uni- 
 form size and preserve them in well-closed bottles. 
 
 Magnesii sulphas exsiccatus, Magnesium sulfuricum siccum, P. G. The crys- 
 tallized sulphate is exposed in a warm place until it has lost from 35 to 37 per cent, 
 of its weight, and is then passed through a sieve. It is a white powder having the prop- 
 erties of the crystallized salt, except that it contains less water ; on exposure to air it 
 gradually attracts moisture, aud should therefore be kept in well-stoppered bottles. The 
 64 
 
1010 
 
 MAGNESII SULPHAS. 
 
 German Pharmacopoeia directs it to be dispensed when powdered magnesium sulphate is 
 prescribed. 
 
 Magnesii lactas, Magnesium lactate, Mg(C 3 H 5 0 3 ) 2 .3II 2 0 ; mol. weight 255.76. 6 
 
 parts of calcium lactate (see page 71) and 5 parts of magnesium sulphate are separately 
 dissolved in hot water, the solutions mixed and filtered from the precipitated calcium sul- 
 phate, the last traces of which are removed by digesting with a little magnesium carbo- 
 nate ; the filtrate is then evaporated and crystallized. Magnesium lactate may also be 
 conveniently prepared by adding an excess of magnesium carbonate to lactic acid diluted 
 with water, filtering and evaporating the solution to dryness on a water-bath. The salt 
 forms white granular crystals or needles, is insoluble in alcohol, soluble in about 30 parts 
 of cold and 6 parts of boiling water, and when heated is decomposed without melting. 
 Its solution in water is not precipitated by barium nitrate, ammonium carbonate, or am- 
 monium sulphide. 
 
 Magnesii sulphis, Magnesium sulphite, MgS0 3 .6H 2 0 ; mol. weight 211.87. Sulphur 
 dioxide in excess is passed through a mixture of magnesium carbonate and water, or a 
 solution of sulphurous acid is added to an aqueous suspension of magnesia ; the mixture 
 is filtered and the solution carefully concentrated. The salt occurs as a white crystalline 
 inodorous powder, is insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in 20 parts of water at 15° C. (59° 
 F.) ; at about 200° C. (392° F.) it softens, and parts with its water of crystallization, 
 and at a higher heat is converted into magnesia and anhydrous magnesium sulphate. The 
 aqueous solution shows with alkali carbonates and phosphates the same behavior as the 
 sulphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Magnesium sulphate, dissolved in a large quantity of water 
 and taken on an empty stomach, is very prompt in its operation, producing copious 
 watery dejections and generally diuresis. Indeed, if the skin be kept cool the latter 
 mode of operation may exceed the purgative effect, particularly if the dose be not large. 
 Delicate persons, especially in cool weather, are apt to feel chilly and weak during its. 
 operation. This refrigerant influence renders it appropriate in warm weather and in 
 febrile affections. If the dose be excessive and largely diluted, hypercatharsis may 
 occur. On the other hand, large doses not thus diluted have sometimes occasioned an 
 alarming sedation, with pallor, debility, coldness, and even syncope, although no purga- 
 tion whatever occurred. In at least one case, that of a boy ten years old, death result- 
 ed. These effects, according to the dose and degree of dilution with water, are more or 
 less produced by all saline cathartics. There is good reason for believing that this prep- 
 aration, like other saline cathartics, purges by causing a profuse transudation into the 
 intestine of the watery constituents of the blood. According to Rutherford, magnesium 
 sulphate has no cholagogue action. laworski finds that a solution of sodium sulphate is 
 much more rapidly absorbed from the stomach than one of magnesium sulphate (Bull, de 
 Therap. cvi. 228). 
 
 When properly administered it is nearly always a safe and harmless purgative ; indeed, 
 it is generally used without medical advice by persons affected with constipation , slight 
 febrile attacks , etc. It is highly objectionable when habitually employed for the former 
 purpose in a full purgative dose, for it soon ceases to act purgatively and confirms the 
 evil it was used to cure. It is also one of the least eligible cathartics in cold weather. 
 On the other hand, if used in small doses largely diluted, as 1 drachm in I a pint of 
 water, it may be continued for a long time without sensibly diminishing in activity. 
 As an antiphlogistic purgative at the commencement of fevers , especially of malarial 
 fevers, it is justly esteemed, whether or not it is preceded by a dose of 8 or 10 grains 
 of calomel, which many think essential to the result. In typhoid fever there is much 
 reason to believe that a gentle purgative action maintained during the first week of the 
 attack by this medicine tends to moderate the fever, mitigate the special typhoid phe- 
 nomena of the disease, and lessen the danger of intestinal perforation. Tait and others 
 have employed this saline to prevent septic fever (Med. Record , xxxi. 629). In acute 
 dysentery of a sthenic type saline laxatives, and this one among the number, have a 
 decided influence in lessening the tormina, tenesmus, and bloody and mucous stools, and 
 reducing the febrile action. But to be efficient its administration ought to commence as 
 early as possible in the attack and before ulcers form in the rectum. In both of the 
 last-mentioned affections an ounce of the salt may be dissolved in a pint of water, and 
 a wineglassful of the solution administered every two or three hours. When this treat- 
 ment has been pursued for twenty-four or forty-eight hours it should be suspended for 
 about twelve hours, and then resumed. The use of a saturated solution of the salt has 
 also been advocated (Leahy, Lancet , Oct. 1890, p. 711). In various inflammations , 
 
MAGNOLIA. 
 
 1011 
 
 serous and parenchymatous, it was formerly the custom to administer Epsom salt in 
 small doses, largely diluted, with the addition of half a grain of tartar emetic to each 
 pint of the solution, which was given in wineglassful doses at intervals of three hours. 
 The method, temporarily supplanted by the use of medicines which reduce the pulse- 
 rate and temperature without providing any outlet for the effete products of morbid 
 action, has been revived in the case of pleurisy with effusion ( Practitioner , xli. 368). 
 
 In all cases of intestinal obstruction not clearly due to organic causes the use of this 
 or some similar medicine should have a fair trial, care being taken to employ a weak 
 solution and to administer it in moderate doses at proper intervals. In painter s colic 
 magnesium sulphate, with the addition of sulphuric acid, has been regarded as a specific 
 for the disease, but erroneously. 
 
 From Gm. 16-32 (^ss— j) of Epsom salt dissolved in Gm. 250 half a pint of water 
 is a full purgative dose, but even a less proportion of salt and a larger proportion of 
 water will produce nearly an equal effect. Its taste may be partially disguised by aro- 
 matic sulphuric acid in the proportion of half a fluidrachm to the half pint of liquid. 
 The addition to the saline solution of a little strong coffee helps to mask its nau- 
 seous flavor. It is frequently given in an infusion of senna when a prompt and vig- 
 orous operation is required. This mixture forms the basis of the so-called “ black 
 draught.” 
 
 MAGNOLIA. — Magnolia-bark. 
 
 Ecorce de magnolier , Fr. ; Magnolienrinde , G. ; Corteza de laurel-tulipan , Sp. 
 
 The bark of different species of Magnolia. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Magnoliaceae, Magnolieae. 
 
 Origin. — Two of the species indigenous to the United States are evergreen in South- 
 ern localities. M. glauca, Linne, which is known as sweet bay , white bay , beaver tree, or 
 swamp sassafras , grows in swampy localities near the coast eastward to Massachusetts, 
 and has oval-oblong leaves, which are white, glaucous beneath, and may be used for 
 marking by placing the white surface upon the fabric and writing with some pressure 
 upon the upper surface ; the roots yield a yellow dye. M. grandiflora, Linne, grows from 
 South Carolina westward, and has the obovate-oblong leaves, rusty pubescent beneath. 
 Both species have large white and fragrant flowers. 
 
 Of the deciduous-leaved species, M. macrophylla, Michaux , has the flowers white, and 
 at the base purple; M. acuminata, Linne, is called cucumber tree, from the appearance of 
 the young fruit ; it has light bluish-green flowers tinged with yellow ; and M. Umbrella, 
 Lamarck, umbrella tree, so called from the large leaves appearing whorled at the ends of 
 the branches, has white flowers. The last two species are found in mountainous districts 
 of the Southern States, and northward to Illinois and New York, the latter to Southern 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 The magnolias produce their flowers in May and June; they have a white or greenish 
 calyx of three sepals, many stamens with short filaments, and many ovaries collected on 
 an elongated receptacle, forming a cone-like aggregation of fruits which open at maturity, 
 the berry-like seeds being suspended by a thread-like funiculus. 
 
 Description. — The bark necessarily varies as obtained from the different species. 
 The young bark of M. glauca is light orange-brown, glossy, with some gray spots, and 
 underneath the thin corky layer of a green color. The bark of the larger branches is 
 nearly smooth, externally of a light-gray or whitish color, marked with scattered warts 
 and some longitudinal cracks. Older bark has the warts somewhat confluent and the 
 cracks deepened into fissures. The inner surface is whitish, or, after drying, yellowish or 
 pale-brownish, smooth, and very finely and closely striate. The bark of the other species 
 is thicker, of a pale-brown underneath the ash-gray outer layer, and has a thick liber with 
 rather tough bast-fibres. Magnolia-bark breaks in the outer layer with a smooth frac- 
 ture, and with a more or less fibrous fracture in the bast-layer, and exhibits upon the 
 light-brownish transverse section rather broad wedges of the bast and medullary rays. 
 The dried bark has scarcely any odor, but its taste is warm, spicy, somewhat astringent, 
 and bitter, particularly in the young bark. 
 
 Constituents. — The bark of Magnolia grandiflora was examined by Stephen Proc- 
 ter (1842), who found in it a little volatile oil, resin, and a crystalline principle resem- 
 bling liriodendrin. The bark of M. glauca was investigated by W. D. Harrison (1862), 
 and by Lloyd (1886), the latter showing the presence of three resins separable by a sol- 
 vent; of a crystalline glucoside, soluble in alcohol and ether; and a crystalline tasteless 
 
1012 
 
 MAGNOLIA. 
 
 compound, soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and alkalies, the solutions showing a blue 
 fluorescence. Crystalline compounds were obtained from the leaves by W. F. Rawlins 
 (1889), but were not further examined. By treating the alcoholic extract of the fruit 
 of M. Umbrella with hot petroleum benzin, Wallace Procter (1872) obtained colorless 
 crystals of magnolin , which are soluble in alkalies, alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon 
 disulphide, and fixed oils, but sparingly so in boiling water, in which they fuse ; the solu- 
 tions have an irritating taste. The crystals are colored red by sulphuric acid and brown 
 by nitric acid. The pungent taste of the fruit is due to a soft resin and the odor to a 
 little volatile oil. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Talauma mexicana, Don , the yoloxochitl of Mexico, has properties analogous 
 to those of magnolia. The white fragrant flowers contain qUercitrin, and are regarded as tonic 
 and antispasmodic, while the bark is employed as an antiperiodic. 
 
 Lirioden dron Tulipifera, Linne ; Tulip tree, white poplar, yellow poplar, whitewood, E. ; 
 Tulipier, Fr. ; Tulpenbaum, G. — It grows from Vermont to Wisconsin, and southward to the 
 Gulf of Mexico; also in Western China; has broad, three-lobed, and emarginately truncate 
 leaves, and in May produces tulip-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers striped with orange-red. The 
 bark is collected from the branches and also from the trunk. The branch-bark is brown-gray or 
 blackish-gray to purplish-brown, and marked with numerous small warts, their shallow scars or 
 confluent lines forming more or less regular elongated meshes, which become longitudinally cleft 
 in the older bark. The fissured, gray, corky layer, removed from the trunk-bark, leaves the liber, 
 which has a pale-yellowish color and a smooth very finely and closely striate inner surface. The 
 fracture is short, in old bark fibrous, and shows broad wedges of medullary rays and in the inner 
 layers tangential rows of bast-fibres. The root-bark has a darker color. The bark is almost 
 inodorous ; the taste is somewhat pungently aromatic, bitter, and slightly astringent. When 
 long kept the bark is said to become insipid ; bark collected by us, and kept in a dry place for 
 fifteen years without special precaution, has still the characteristic taste in a marked degree. 
 The bitter and pungent principle is the liriodendrin of Prof. Emmet (1831), which he obtained 
 crystallized by concentrating the alcoholic tincture, adding water until a permanent turbidity 
 commenced to appear, and evaporating spontaneously. It forms white needles or small scales, I 
 a portion remaining amorphous, is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether, fusible at < 
 about 82° C. (180° F.), and volatilizes, partly undecomposed, near 132° C. (270° F.). Wallace 
 Procter (1872) obtained it from the alcoholic extract with petroleum benzin in transparent yei- .( 
 lowish globules of a persistently bitter and acrid taste. Lloyd (1886) determined the presence ? 
 of a little volatile oil, brown resin, bitter extractive, and tulipiferin, which is colored yellow by 
 sulphuric acid, changing to red. 
 
 Calycanthus, Ord. Calycanthacese. — The three species, C. floridus, Linn6, C. laevigatus and 
 C. glaucus, Willdenow , are indigenous to North America from Virginia and Carolina soutfnvard 
 and westward, are frequently cultivated for ornament, and, owing to their pungent aromatic 
 properties, are known as Carolina allspice or sweet-scented shrub. The dark-purple flowers have 
 a strawberry-like odor. C. occidentalis, Hooker et Arnott , is known in California as spice-bush, f 
 The fruit of these plants resembles a rose-hip, but is dry when ripe, and consists of the closed i 
 calyx-tube enclosing several akenes, about 8 Mm. (J inch) long. Muller (1831) found the bark l 
 to contain volatile oil, resin, acrid principle, tannin, etc. Dr. Eccles (1888) showed the akenes ,, 
 to contain a fixed oil, starch, albumin, and calycanthine , a crystalline alkaloid, slightly soluble '« 
 in water, freely soluble in ether and chloroform, the salts very soluble in water, colored green ? 
 by strong nitric acid. H. W. Wiley (1889) obtained 47 per cent, of oil and 4.25 per cent, of 
 calycanthine from the embryo, while the integuments of the akenes yielded .83 per cent, of 
 amorphous alkaloid with traces of calycanthine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of the several medicinal species of magnolia is bitter 
 and aromatic without astringencv. Like numerous other plants of similar qualities, it has 
 been used in hot decoction to produce diaphoresis in fevers , bronchial catarrhs , rheu- 
 matism , and gout , and in cold decoction or tincture as a tonic. The tree is said to render 
 clear the waters near which it grows, and to prevent malarial affections. The prepara- 
 tions of the bark spoken of above are used in the cure of intermittent fevers. The dose 
 of the recently-dried bark in powder is stated to be from Gm. 2 to 4 (gr. xxx-lx), fre- 
 quently repeated. The infusion or decoction is less eligible than the tincture, which is 
 not, however, officinal. 
 
 Tulip poplar , used as a domestic tonic by the country people, was first introduced into 
 medicine as a tonic by Dr. Benjamin Rush, who ascribed to it only the virtues of a sim- 
 ple bitter. Like other bitters, it has had some repute as a vermifuge and as an anti- 
 periodic, and in warm infusion as a diuretic and sudorific. The dose of the powder is 
 Gm. 4 to 8 (sj-ij)- An infusion or decoction may be prepared with Gm. 32 in Gm. 500, 
 and given in the dose of Gm. 64 (f^ij). A saturated tincture may be prescribed in the 
 dose of a Gm. 4 (f^j). According to Dr. Bartholow, the hydrochlorate of the alkaloid 
 tulipiferin in the dose of one-eighth of a grain affects frogs, and one grain rabbits. “ It 
 causes paresis, muscular trembling, convulsions, partly clonic, partly tonic in character. 
 
MALTUM. 
 
 1013 
 
 heightened cutaneous and ocular reflexes, followed by stupor, increasing paralysis, and 
 finally complete suspension of motility and sensibility.” In frogs the heart appeared to 
 be the last organ to die ; it seemed to lessen the irritability of the motor and sensory 
 nerves, and in warm-blooded animals to induce a soporose state deepening into coma 
 (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Oct. 1886, p. 524). 
 
 Ccilycanthus glaucus has been used in a decoction of the root, leaves, and bark as a 
 remedy for intermittent fever. The seeds are said to be poisonous to cattle. An alkaloid, 
 it is stated, has been separated from the seed, but its medicinal properties, if any, have 
 not been determined. 
 
 MALTUM, P. A.— Malt. 
 
 Maltum liordei. — Barley malt , E. ; Malt Jorge, Dreche , Fr. ; Malz , Gerstenmalz , G. 
 
 The seed of Hordeum distichum, Linne (Nat. Ord. Graminacese), caused to enter the 
 incipient stage of germination by artificial means, and dried. 
 
 Preparation and Properties. — Different kinds of grain may be employed for the 
 preparation of malt, but the kind most generally used is barley. The grain is soaked in 
 water, and then placed in heaps ; heat is spontaneously generated, and by occasional 
 turning prevented from rising too high. Under these conditions germination takes place, 
 and when the germ has acquired the desired length the grain is rapidly dried, and con- 
 stitutes malt. According to the degree of heat employed in drying the color of the malt 
 varies somewhat, and is known as either pale , pale amber , amber , or amber-brown. For 
 some purposes malt is made to undergo a roasting process in revolving cylinders, to 
 obtain roasted or black malt if the integuments are of a dark-brown color, or crystallized 
 malt if the interior of the grain has become dark -brown. Malt has an agreeable odor 
 and a sweet taste, and yields with water a more or less deep yellowish-brown or brown 
 infusion. Only pale or pale amber-colored malt is employed medicinally. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical changes taking place in germinating grain and sprout- 
 ing potatoes were explained by Payen and Persoz (1833), who discovered a peculiar fer- 
 ment, diastase , which exists in the vicinity of the embryo, but not in the radicle of the 
 germ ; on making an infusion of fresh malt, precipitating salts and some proteids with a 
 little alcohol, and then adding more alcohol, diastase in an approximately pure condition 
 is precipitated, but, according to Dubrunfaut (1868), is a mixture which contains the true 
 fermentative principle, maltin. The remaining constituents of malt are those of barley, 
 with the exception of dextrin (see pp. 203 and 817) and sugar , which have been formed 
 from a portion of the starch, the remainder of which, still present in the malt, is likewise 
 converted into the same compounds by the process of mashing , which consists in prepar- 
 ing an infusion of ground malt, called wort , and keeping it at a temperature of about 70° 
 C. (158° F.). 
 
 During the process of malting good barley increases about 9 per cent, in volume, but 
 loses about 20 per cent, in weight, and good malt should yield to water soluble principles 
 amounting to two-thirds of its weight. Diastase has the property of converting starch 
 into dextrin and sugar, and in this respect resembles ptyalin , a ferment met with in the 
 salivary glands of animals. Coutaret (1870) regards the two ferments as being identical. 
 
 Action and. Uses. — Liquid and semiliquid extracts of malt were much used a few 
 years ago in Germany, where they were first introduced, as tonic and nutritious substi- 
 tutes for malt liquors. Thence they were diffused to every part of the world, until their 
 local manufacture displaced the imported preparations, and both were superseded by 
 some later fashionable medicine. Although their mode of action is by no means clear, 
 in many cases they were found quite beneficial in states of chronic debility and dyspep- 
 sia due to organic disease or infirmity or to mere nervous exhaustion, but seldom more, 
 and often less, than good malt liquors into the composition of which hops enter. 
 Malt appears to be especially adapted to promote the digestion of amylaceous food by 
 hastening its conversion into dextrin and glucose, and preventing the fermentation 
 which would otherwise take place, and which would arrest or impair digestion. The 
 semiliquid preparation, which is a true extract of malt, is very difficult to take, owing 
 1 t0 . lts tenacious and adhesive qualities, and is generally prescribed in teaspoonful doses 
 mixed with soup, wine, beer, or milk. It should be used at the beginning of or during 
 a mea . Malt preparations are of use in tubercular phthisis and other wasting diseases, 
 on y because they enable the digestive organs to assimilate more food than it would 
 ot erwise be possible to digest, whether this be supplied by the malt itself or by other 
 nutritious articles, the digestion of which it promotes. 
 
1014 
 
 MANGANI DIOXWUM. 
 
 An infusion of malt made with cold water is an energetic diastatic agent. The follow- 
 ing directions may be followed in its preparation : “ 3 ounces (or heaped tablespoonfuls) 
 of crushed malt are thoroughly well mixed in a suitable vessel with 2 pint of cold water. 
 The mixture is allowed to stand over night — that is to say, for twelve or fifteen hours. 
 
 It is then filtered through paper until it becomes perfectly bright. The above quantities 
 yield about 7 ounces of product of a sherry-brown color and a faint sweetish taste. It 
 is nearly neutral, and its sp. gr. about 1.025. Its chief solid constituent is maltose, and is 
 
 rich in diastase It is very prone to fermentation, and ought to be prepared fresh 
 
 every day ” (Roberts, Practitioner , xxiii. 405). A tablespoonful of this liquid, added to 
 2 pint of gruel prepared from wheat or other flour, or from oatmeal, groats, pearl-barley, 
 arrow-root, or another farina, and at a temperature not too high for being eaten, will 
 immediately transform the starchy ingredients of the mixture into sugar and dextrin. 
 
 In this manner a food may be formed which will save or prolong the life of patients 
 affected with tubercle, marasmus, or any wasting disease in which all other forms of 
 nutriment are either vomited or passed by stool. Above all, it is valuable in the treat- 
 ment of two of the most fatal diseases of infancy — cholera infantum and summer diar- 
 rhoea. 
 
 It appears that in Japan malt ( [midzu ame ) has long been used for similar purposes 
 (Eldridge, Med. News , xliv. 114). 
 
 MANGANI DIOXIDUM, U. S. — Manganese Dioxide. 
 
 Mangani oxidum nigrum , U. S. 1880 ; Manganesii oxidum nigrum , Br. ; Manganum 
 hyperoxydatnm , Oxidum manganicum , Magnesia vitriariorum. — Manganese peroxide , Black 
 Oxide of Manganese , Pyrolusite , E. ; Oxyde ( Peroxyde ) de manganese , Fr. ; Braunstein ' 
 Mangansuperoxyd, Gr. 
 
 Native, crude manganese dioxide containing at least 66 per. cent, of the pure dioxide 
 (Formula MnG 2 . Molecular weight 86.72). 
 
 Origin. — Pyrolusite. — or, as it is commercially called, black manganese or manga- 
 nese — is found in different parts of Germany, France, Spain, and Great Britain, and also 
 in Nova Scotia, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and other parts of North America. Sometimes ! 
 it is found nearly pure, but it is generally associated with other manganic ores, particu- 
 larly with the inferior brown manganite , and often with iron, lime, baryta, silica, etc. It 
 may also be obtained artificially by carefully fusing manganous carbonate with potassium 
 chlorate and washing the mass, or, according to Walter Weldon (1867), by exposing a ; 
 mixture of manganous hydroxide and lime to the air at a temperature of about 55° C. t 
 (131° F.). The average importation of ore and manganese oxide into the United States j 
 for the eight years ending 1880 was nearly 1,700,000 pounds annually. [ 
 
 Properties. — It is amorphous, and is then of a dull gray-black color, or in masses 
 composed of tabular, fibrous, or radiating crystals having a bright metallic lustre and yield- 
 ing a black or grayish-black, somewhat gritty, tasteless powder. Its specific gravity is I 
 4.7 to 4.94. It is insoluble in water and in all simple solvents, as well as in weak acids ; 
 it dissolves in hot hydrochloric acid to manganous chloride, while chlorine is given off; 
 Mn0 2 + 4HC1 yields MnCl 2 -f- 2II 2 0 + Cl 2 . When it is treated with diluted sulphuric 
 acid in the presence of oxalic acid, the latter is oxidized to carbon dioxide, manganous sul- 
 phate being dissolved ; Mn0 2 + H 2 S0 4 + H 2 C 2 0 4 yields 2C0 2 + MnS0 4 + 2H 2 0. When 
 heated to redness the black oxide parts with a portion of its oxygen, leaving brown man- 
 ganic oxide, Mn 2 0 3 , or at a bright-red heat red manganoso-manganic oxide, MnO.Mn,O s ; 
 and w T hen mixed with potassa and potassium chlorate and heated to dull redness, a black- 
 green mass of potassium manganate is obtained, which yields with cold water a deep-green 
 solution, the color changing to purple on the addition of an acid or on boiling, potassium 
 permanganate being produced. 
 
 Valuation. — The value of black manganese oxide for the production of chlorine, may 
 be determined in various ways, either by ascertaining directly the loss in weight occa- 
 sioned by the evolution of carbon dioxide in the reaction just described, when the weight 
 of 2C0 2 (87.78) will indicate 1 molecule of Mn0 2 (86.72), or after the reaction has been 
 completed the excess of the oxalic acid added is estimated by a standardized solution ot 
 potassium permanganate, which is added until it ceases to be decolorized. The generation 
 of chlorine and its oxidizing effect upon ferrous salts are utilized for the same purpose in 
 the following manner : 5 Gm. of the finely-powdered oxide are mixed in a flask with about 
 15 Gm. of water and 35 Gm. of strong hydrochloric acid ; 32.3 Gm. of pure granular fer- 
 rous sulphate are likewise weighed out and added, at first in larger, afterward in smaller, 
 
MANGA XI SULPHAS. 
 
 1015 
 
 portions, until, after some digestion, the odor of chlorine has entirely disappeared and a 
 drop of the liquid is colored blue by potassium ferricyanide from the excess of ferrous 
 salt. If the oxide was pure Mn0 2 it would require 32.3 Gm. of ferrous sulphate ; from 
 the exact quantity of the latter used the percentage of the former is easily calculated. 
 The Pharmacopoeia requires black manganese to contain at least 66 per cent, of Mn0 2 , 
 and if of this strength the above quantity, after the addition of 21.3 Gm., will give no 
 blue reaction with the ferricyanide. This is the process of assay adopted by the Phar- 
 macopoeia, the quantities directed being black oxide of manganese 1 Gm., water 5 Gm., 
 hydrochloric acid 5 Cc., and ferrous sulphate 4.22 Gm. The 32.3 Gm. of the ferrous sul- 
 phate may also be added at once, and after the completion of the reaction its excess 
 ascertained by standardized potassium permanganate. 
 
 Impurities. — If a portion of the dioxide be strongly heated in a dry test-tube, no 
 combustion should ensue, nor should carbon dioxide be evolved (absence of organic impu- 
 rities.) If to another portion of the dioxide, contained in a test-tube, a small quantity of 
 diluted hydrochloric acid be added, no odor of hydrogen sulphide should be developed, 
 nor should a strip of paper, moistened with lead acetate test-solution and suspended over 
 the mixture, become blackened (absence of metallic sulphides). After the mixture of 
 the dioxide with hydrochloric acid has been raised to boiling and filtered, the filtered 
 liquid should not afford, with hydrogen sulphide test-solution, an orange-colored precipi- 
 tate (absence of antimony sulphide).”, — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — Manganese dioxide consists of 63.19 per cent, of manganum and 
 36.81 per cent, of oxygen. 
 
 The metal manganum , manganium or manganesium was first isolated by Gahn (1774) 
 after Pott, Scheele, Bergmann, and others had shown black manganese to be free from 
 iron ; it may be obtained by reducing one of its oxides with carbon at a very high temper- 
 ature. It resembles iron, but is harder, more brittle, and has a lighter or darker, some- 
 times a reddish, tint ; its specific gravity is 7.13-7.21 (Brunner), and it melts at a white 
 heat. Besides the oxygen compounds mentioned above it unites with this element also 
 in several other proportions. Manganous oxide , MnO, is a grayish-green powder which 
 readily oxidizes in contact with the air. Manganic acid , H 2 Mn0 4 , is not known in the 
 free state, but only in the form of salts, which have a green color. Manganic heptoxide , 
 Mn 2 0 7 , is a heavy, dark red-brown, oily liquid which detonates violently when heated to 
 between 30° and 40° C. (86° and 104° F.). Permanganic acid , H 2 Mn 2 0 8 , is a deep violet- 
 colored liquid which is a powerful oxidizing agent. (See Potassium Permanganate.) 
 
 Uses. — Manganese dioxide is used for the preparation of oxygen and largely in the 
 manufacture of chlorine, and the solution obtained in this process may be employed for 
 preparing other compounds of manganum. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Black oxide of manganese was introduced into medicine when 
 its chemical affinities were found to be nearly analogous to those of iron. But the 
 chemical ground of judgment proved, as it usually does in therapeutics, a fallacious one, 
 and none of the curative effects anticipated were secured. The experiments of Cahn 
 ( Arch. f. exper. Pathol, u. Phar., xviii. 129) led him to conclude that when manganese 
 is thrown into the circulation it is not appropriated by the red corpuscles ; that when 
 introduced into parenchymatous organs it is absorbed, and the greater part excreted 
 into the intestine to be discharged with the faeces ; and that it is not absorbed from the 
 sound gastro-intestinal mucous membrane in appreciable quantity. The black oxide has 
 been substituted by some practitioners for the permanganate on account of the irritant 
 operation of the latter {Med. News, liv. 367, 516). It has been employed in the treat- 
 ment of morbid sensibility of the stomach — an affection which was doubtless, in some 
 cases, gastralgia, and in others simple ulcer. When it was of service in such cases it 
 probably acted as bismuth subcarbonate or subnitrate acts, by furnishing an inert and 
 insoluble coating to the part. It was given in the dose of Gm. 0.30-3 (gr. v-xl). 
 
 MANG-ANI SULPHAS, TI . S . — Manganese Sulphate. 
 
 Manganesii sulphas , Manganum sulfuricum , Sulfas manganosus. — Manganous sulphate , 
 E. ; Sulfate de manganese , Sulfate manganeux, Fr. ; Manganosulfat, Schwefelsaures Mangan- 
 
 oxgdul , G. 
 
 Formula MnS0 4 .4H 2 0. Molecular weight 222.46. 
 
 Preparation. — Manganese dioxide is mixed with sufficient strong sulphuric acid 
 to obtain a thin magma, which is heated to boiling and evaporated to dryness ; the mass 
 is now heated in a crucible to dull redness for some time for the purpose of decom- 
 
1016 
 
 MANGANI SULPHAS. 
 
 posing the iron sulphate. When cool it is treated with water, and the solution, if iron 
 be still present, digested with manganous carbonate, then filtered, and evaporated to 
 crystallize. 
 
 Properties. — When crystallized below 6° C. (43° F.) the salt contains 7H. 2 0, and is 
 isomorphous with ferrous sulphate ; above that temperature and below 20° C. (68° F.) it 
 contains only 5H 2 0 and has the form of copper sulphate. But the salt usually met with 
 is crystallized between 20° and 30° C. (86° F.), and forms right rhombic — or, according 
 to Marignac, monoclinic — prisms, containing 4H 2 0, three of which are given off at a 
 temperature of 115° C. (239° F.). A salt of the same composition as this residue is 
 also obtained by adding sulphuric acid to a solution of manganous sulphate and evaporat- 
 ing ; it forms a granular powder. The crystals of the official salt are transparent and 
 colorless, or more frequently of a pale rose-red color, slightly efflorescent in a dry atmo- 
 sphere, insoluble in strong alcohol, but dissolve at 15° C. (59° F.) in 150 parts of 60 
 per cent., in 50 parts of 50 per cent., and in 2 parts of 10 per cent., alcohol. The salt 
 requires at 15° C. (59° F.) 0.8 (U. S.), 1.06 parts (Mulder) of water, and 1.08 (U. S.) 
 1.28 (Mulder) parts of boiling water ; at 55° C. (131° F.) 0.9 part of water is required. 
 The solution has a styptic and slightly bitter taste, a neutral or faintly acid reaction, and 
 yields with ammonium sulphide a flesh-colored precipitate, with ferrocyanide a white one, and 
 with ferricyanide a grayish-brown one, but is not disturbed by tannic acid. The fixed 
 alkalies and alkali carbonates produce white precipitates, which on exposure to air are 
 rapidly oxidized, turning brown. Barium chloride yields an insoluble white precipitate. 
 If a fragment of the salt be mixed with a little sodium hydroxide test-solution, and the 
 mixture then dried and fused, it will yield a dark -green mass, dissolving in water with a 
 green color. 
 
 Tests. — The most common impurity likely to be met with is sulphate of iron, the 
 presence of which would be indicated by the blue-black color produced with solution of 
 tannin or by the more or less deep-blue color of the precipitate with potassium ferro- 
 cyanide. Sulphate of copper would in the slightly acidulated solution produce a black 
 precipitate with hydrogen sulphide. The precipitate with ammonium sulphide should be 
 completely soluble in acetic acid, proving the absence of zinc salt. The sulphates of 
 magnesium and the fixed alkalies are indicated by the residue left after precipitating the 
 solution completely with ammonium sulphide or carbonate, evaporating the filtrate to 
 dryness, and igniting. When heated to dull redness the salt should lose not more than 
 32.4 per cent, of its weight (proper (official) amount of water of crystallization). 
 
 Other Compounds. — Mangani carbonas. Manganese carbonate is prepared by precipitat- 
 ing in the presence of a little syrup a solution of manganous sulphate with sodium carbonate, 
 washing the precipitate well, and drying it rapidly with a moderate heat. It is a white powder 
 having a brownish tinge and dissolving in carbonic acid water, leaving only a slight residue of 
 brown manganic oxide. 
 
 Mangani chloridum. Manganese chloride is most economically obtained when preparing 
 chlorine from black oxide of manganese and hydrochloric acid ; the resulting liquid is digested 
 with manganese carbonate until the iron has been completely precipitated ; the filtrate is evapo- 
 rated, crystallized, and by recrystallization purified from calcium chloride if present. The salt 
 is in granular, or when slowly evaporated in tabular, crystals of a pale rose-red color, and has 
 the composition MnCl 2 .4H 2 0 (mol. weight 197.38). It is soluble in alcohol, and requires at ordi- 
 nary temperature about 2\ parts of water for solution. 
 
 Mangani iodidum. Manganese iodide is a very deliquescent salt, and is best administered in 
 the form of syrup , which may be prepared by dissolving manganese carbonate in hydriodic acid, 
 or by the following formula proposed by Prof. Procter (1850) : Take of manganese sulphate 
 16 drachms*, potassium iodide 19 drachms; sugar, water, each sufficient. Dissolve each of 
 the salts in 3 fluidounces of water containing 2 drachms of syrup ; mix, and after precipitation 
 filter the solution into a bottle containing 12 ounces of sugar ; add water to make a pint, and 
 shake the bottle till the sugar is dissolved. Each fluidounce contains 1 drachm of manganese 
 iodide ; it may be given in doses of 10 drops to ^ fluidrachm. 
 
 The same author has also proposed a syrup of the iodides of iron and manganese , to be pre- 
 pared as follows : Take of potassium iodide 1000 grains ; ferrous sulphate 630 grains ; manga- 
 nese sulphate 210 grains; clean iron filings 100 grains; powdered sugar 4800 grains; distilled 
 water sufficient. Rub the sulphates and iodide separately to powder, mix with the iron filings, 
 add J fluidounce of water, and rub to a uniform paste ; add the same quantity of water a second 
 and a third time at intervals of fifteen minutes, and rub. Place the sugar in a bottle, and drain 
 the dense solution into it through a filter, adding water slowly to the magma, until the solution 
 of the iodides is displaced and the liquid measures 12 fluidounces. Lastly, agitate the bottle 
 till the sugar is dissolved. Each fluidounce contains 50 grains of the iodides in the proportion 
 of 3 parts of ferrous iodide to 1 of manganous iodide. The dose is the same as the preceding. 
 Both syrups contain some potassium sulphate. 
 
MANNA. 
 
 1017 
 
 Maxgani lactas. Manganese lactate is formed by adding manganese carbonate to hot 
 lactic acid ; on evaporating the filtrate the salt is obtained in pale rose-red shining crystals, 
 which contain 19 per cent, of water of crystallization, are soluble in 12 parts of cold water, and 
 dissolve likewise in hot alcohol, crystallizing again on cooling. 
 
 Maxgani phosphas. Manganese phosphate is obtained by precipitating 10 parts of mangan- 
 ese sulphate with 1 1 parts or sufficient of sodium phosphate, each separately dissolved in about 
 80 parts of water, washing the precipitate well to remove the sodium sulphate, and drying. It 
 is a white crystalline powder, sometimes with a reddish tint, having the composition Mn 3 (P0 4 ) 2 . 
 411,0, and dissolving readily in dilute acids. A syrup has been recommended by T. S. Wiegand 
 (1834); the salt may be dissolved in dilute hydrochloric, or, better still, in phosphoric acid, and 
 sufficient sugar dissolved in the cold solution. 
 
 Maxgani taxxas. Manganese tannate was recommended by Marietta (1865). It is obtained 
 bv adding recently-precipitated manganese carbonate to a hot solution of tannic acid in distilled 
 water until it ceases to dissolve, filtering, and evaporating to dryness. The carbonate must be 
 absolutely free from iron, and the solution must be protected from contact with iron, otherwise 
 it will acquire an inky color. The salt is soluble in water, and when prescribed in solution 
 syrup or glycerin should be added for preservation. 
 
 Maxgani tartras, Manganese tartrate. On dissolving 10 parts of Rochelle salt and 8 
 parts of manganese sulphate, each in its own weight of hot water, and mixing the solutions, 
 small white or pale-reddish crystals of manganese tartrate are obtained on cooling, which must 
 be washed with cold water, since hot water decomposes them into a soluble acid and an insoluble 
 basic salt. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Experiments prove that all the soluble manganic com- 
 pounds are poisonous, and act as powerful sedatives of the nervous and circulatory 
 systems. Apparently ignorant of these experiments or of their bearing, a non-medical 
 scientist on the one hand, and on the other a pharmacist and a surgeon, drew the 
 conclusion that because manganese had been detected in the blood, and because in its 
 chemical habitudes it closely resembles iron, therefore it must possess therapeutical 
 virtues analogous to those of iron, and might be used at least to reinforce the latter 
 metal. These theorists went even so far as to suggest the idea that, inasmuch as in 
 nearly all martial preparations there is some manganese, they may possibly derive their 
 virtues from it, and not from the iron they contain. But the physiological action of 
 manganese exhibits the absolute antagonism of its operation to that of iron in every 
 point. 
 
 Sulphate of manganese has been employed as a cholagogue purgative in jaundice and 
 other affections associated with hepatic engorgement, but it is not a cholagogue, and its 
 irritating qualities render it an unsafe remedy. The dose of susphate of manganese is 
 from Gm. 0.10-0.30 (2 to 5 grains). Its advantage as a substitute for iron are quite 
 illusory. An ointment made with this salt which acts as an irritant upon the skin has 
 been applied by friction to glandular indurations and swelling of the joints. The chloride 
 has occasionally been used to stimulate indolent ulcer $, especially those of syphilitic 
 origin, but it possesses no superiority over the usual topical applications made for this 
 purpose. Of the other manganic compounds above described it need only be said that 
 they possess no recognized therapeutical value. (A further consideration of manganic 
 compounds will be found under Potassium Permanganate.) 
 
 MANNA, U. S., Br., B. A B. G.— Manna. 
 
 Manne, Fr. Cod. ; Manna, G. ; Manna , Sp. 
 
 The concrete saccharine exudation, in flakes, of Fraxinus Ornus, Linne , s. Ornus 
 europaea, Persoon. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 170. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Oleaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The manna ash, or flowering ash, is a slender tree with opposite pinnate 
 leaves and small white diandrous flowers grouped together on a terminal, drooping, very 
 elegant panicle. It is indigenous to the countries bordering the Mediterranean on the 
 north from Asia Minor west to Spain, and has been introduced into Central Europe and 
 England as an ornamental tree. The foliage, even on the same tree, is very variable, and 
 Fraxinus rotundifolia, Lamarck , cannot be regarded as a distinct species nor even as a 
 well-marked variety. 
 
 Collection. — Manna is at present collected for commercial purposes solely in Sicily, 
 as was ascertained by Hanbury, the plantations or frassinetti being chiefly on the northern 
 shore of that island. When the tree is about eight years old and its trunk at least 75 
 Mm. (3 inches) in diameter, it will yield manna and remain productive for from twelve 
 to twenty years, when the stem is cut down and replaced by a shoot from the stump. 
 
1018 
 
 MANNA. 
 
 The incisions are made in dry weather with a hooked knife, one each day, commencing 
 near the root and directly above each other ; they are transverse, 5 Cm. (2 inches) or less 
 in length, and penetrate through the bark to the wood. In the following year the same 
 operation is repeated on the untouched side, and this is continued from year to year until 
 the tree ceases to be productive. The juice flowing from the lower incisions is collected 
 on tiles or in receptacles made from the stem of an Opuntia ; that from the upper inci- 
 sions hardens on the stem, or. for producing a superior variety called manna a cannolo 
 which is rarely seen in commerce, is allowed to harden on sticks or straws inserted into 
 the cuts. When sufficiently hard the large pieces are gathered, and completely dried 
 before being packed, while the smaller ones are afterward scraped from the stem and sold 
 separately. 
 
 Description. — The varieties of manna generally distinguished in our commerce are 
 large flake , small flake, and sorts. Flake manna (. Manna, cannulata ) consists of three- 
 edged pieces varying in length from 1 to 15 or 20 Cm. (J inch to 6 or 8 inches), 1 to 5 
 Cm. (2 to 1 or 2 inches) wide, and somewhat less in thickness, flat or curved on one side 
 where it adhered to the tree, and uneven from roundish projections on the others, 
 showing the marks of different layers. It is externally of a yellowish -white, in some 
 places pale-brownish color, friable, internally porous, and the cavities filled with white 
 glistening crystals of mannit. Its odor is honey-like, somewhat nauseous, and its taste 
 sweet, but combined with a very slight bitterness and acridity. Large and small flake 
 manna differ only in size, the latter, however, being often of a darker shade. Manna in 
 sorts ( Manna communis , s. geracina ) consists of the scrapings, and is met with in frag- 
 ments of the size of a pin’s head to about 12 Mm. (2 inch) in diameter, with a rather 
 adhesive surface and of a brownish color outside, but internally nearly white and crystal- 
 line ; not unfrequently the fragments are united by a viscid brownish matter, which, 
 without the flakes, constitutes fat manna ( Manna pinguis , s. crassa , s. de Puglia) a 
 variety rarely seen in this country, and rejected by the pharmacopoeias. It flows from 
 the incisions late in autumn, and is more particularly yielded by old trees ; it is soft and . 
 glutinous, entirely devoid of crystals, and less agreeable in odor and taste than flake 
 manna, from which it differs in containing much less mannit and more gum, sugar, and 
 coloring matter. 
 
 Sophistication. — Manna has occasionally been sophisticated by mixtures made 
 of bread-crumb, starch, glucose, etc., which are very readily discovered if practised with 
 flake manna ; starchy substances can also be readily detected in manna sorts by the iodine 
 tests. 
 
 Tests. — On boiling 5 parts of manna with 100 parts of alcohol a solution should be 
 obtained which does not affect the color of litmus, and while cooling deposits many crys- ; 
 tals of mannit. 
 
 Constituents. — The best dry flake manna contains about 90 per cent, of mannit , the 
 remainder being fermentable sugar , resin , and mucilage. Mannit (mannitol), C 6 H 8 (OH) 6 — 
 C 6 H u 0 6 , was discovered by Proust (1806), and may be obtained by treating manna with } 
 boiling alcohol and recrystallizing several times from hot alcohol. Charles T. Bonsall 
 (1853) recommends the dissolving of manna in three times its weight of boiling water, 
 precipitating gum and coloring matter by a little lead subacetate, removing excess of 
 lead by hydrogen sulphide or a little sulphuric acid, concentrating the filtrate, and 
 pouring the hot syrupy liquid into twice its bulk of cold alcohol : the mannit will crys- 
 tallize on cooling. It crystallizes in colorless needles or glossy rhombic prisms which 
 fuse at 165° C. (329° F.) and boil near 200° C. (392° F.), when a portion sublimes unal- 
 tered, but most of it is converted into mannit an , C 6 H 12 0 5 , a sweetish, syrupy liquid. 
 Mannit dissolves in about 6 parts of cold and in much less hot water, in 90 parts of cold 
 67 per cent, alcohol, and is insoluble in ether and nearly so in absolute alcohol. The 
 solutions scarcely affect polarized light, are not altered by boiling with dilute acids, and 
 do not reduce Fehling’s solution. It unites with bases, forming compounds which are 
 insoluble in alcohol. Nitric acid converts it into racemic acid and sugar, and ultimately 
 into saccharic and oxalic acids. Gorup-Besanez (1861) observed that moist platinum- 
 black converts it into mannitic acid , C 6 H 12 0 7 , and mannit ose , C 6 H 12 0 6 , which is ferment- 
 able, but optically inactive. Berthelot (1856) has shown that under certain circumstances 
 mannit will undergo alcoholic fermentation. Mannit has been found in a large number 
 of plants, is formed in small quantity during the alcoholic fermentation of sugar, and 
 may be obtained artificially by acting upon glucose with sodium amalgam. 
 
 The fermentable sugar present in manna reduces Fehling’s solution very readily, and 
 the mucilaginous matter is partly precipitated by lead acetate, partly by subacetate. 
 
M ARM OR ALBUM. 
 
 1019 
 
 The resin is soluble in ether, and has a brown-red color and an acrid taste. The green 
 color observed in some pieces of manna is due to fraxin , C 3 2 H 36 0 2 o, which was discovered 
 by Salm-Horstmar (1857) in the bark of Fraxinus excelsior, the European ash (see pp. 
 756 and 813), and splits with dilute acids into glucose and fraxetin , C 10 H 8 O 5 . 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation— Syrupus manna:, Syrup of manna. Dissolve 
 1 part of manna in 4 parts of distilled water, filter, and add 5 parts of sugar and 10 parts 
 of syrup. — P. G. 
 
 Other Mannas. — The sweet exudations of various trees have received the name of manna ; that 
 sometimes obtained in Southern Europe from incisions into the trunk of Fraxinus excelsior, 
 Limit, is identical with the foregoing. The young shoots of the European larch, Pinus Larix, 
 Limit , yield in the middle of summer a white exudation known as Briangon manna and contain- 
 ing the sugar melezitose, C 12 H 22 0 n .3H 2 0. The leaves of Eucalyptus viminalis, Labillardiere , and 
 other species of Australia, yield Australian manna, containing melitose, C, 2 H 28 O u . Persian 
 manna comes from Alhagi Camelorum, Fischer (Leguminosae), and contains spines and leaflets of 
 the plant ; other varieties are produced by Salix fragilis, Limit, and different species of Astraga- 
 lus. Tamarisk manna exudes from Tamarix mannifera, Ehrenberg , in consequence of the punc- 
 ture made by an insect, Coccus manniparus, Ehrenberg , and is collected near Mount Sinai, and 
 sold by the monks of the convent of St. Catharine ; it contains cane-sugar, glucose, and dextrin. 
 Armenian (oak) manna results from the puncture of a Coccus upon the leaves of Quercus Yah 
 lonea, Kotschy, and Q. persica, Jaubert et Spach ; it is either dissolved from the leaves by water, 
 which is evaporated, or else scraped off, and then is mixed with numerous small fragments of the 
 leaves ; it consists chiefly of grape-sugar. Lebanon manna is in small sweet grains obtained from 
 Cedrus libanotica, Link. Saccharine exudations have been observed upon a number of other 
 plants, and the saccharine products of some insects, like the trehala (tigala) of Syria, containing 
 the peculiar sugar trehalose , and the lerp of Australia, have sometimes been classed with the 
 mannas ; they are not entirely soluble in water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Manna is a laxative peculiarly adapted to children and pregnant 
 women ; it is also a gentle cholagogue , and at the same time a suitable expectorant in 
 febrile affections of the lungs. Some writers have held it to be peculiarly fitted, owing 
 to the mildness of its action, to be employed in cases of piles and of genito-ur inary irrita- 
 tion. It is slow in its operation, and is not apt to leave the bowels confined, but it tends 
 to occasion flatulence and colic. It may be given in doses of Gm. 16-32 (^s-Jj), dis- 
 solved in hot water. Formerly, as at the present day, it was often associated with rhu- 
 barb, tamarinds, or senna, and it forms one of the ingredients of the black draught: R. 
 Sennae §ss ; Magnesiae sulph., Mannae aa ^ss ; Sem. foeniculi contus. gj ; Aquae bull. 
 Oss. — M. Macerate in a covered vessel until the liquid cools. One-third of it may be 
 given every four or five hours until it operates. The same infusion may be made with 
 cold water by percolation. It is less nauseous and has a slighter tendency to gripe. 
 
 MARMOR ALBUM, Br. — White Marble. 
 
 Marmor. — Marble , E. ; Marbre , Fr. ; Marmor , G. 
 
 Formula CaC0 3 . Molecular weight 99.76. 
 
 Native white granular calcium carbonate. 
 
 Properties. — Marble is found in various parts of the globe, the white kind being 
 nearly pure calcium carbonate, while the colored varieties are more or less tinged or 
 variegated by the presence of oxides of iron and manganese or by bituminous matter. 
 It is met with in masses which are an aggregation of minute crystals, imparting a gran- 
 ular and glistening appearance. It has the specific gravity 2.7, is brittle, hard, insoluble 
 in the ordinary solvents, but entirely soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide 
 being given off. It is used in pharmacy for generating the gas mentioned, for which 
 purpose black marble containing bituminous compounds is inadmissible, but other 
 varieties may be used. In case the solution in hydrochloric acid is to be used for the 
 preparation of other calcium compounds, it must be completely freed from iron by digest- 
 ing it with milk of lime, and after filtration should not be precipitated by a solution of 
 calcium sulphate (absence of barium and strontium), nor by ammonium phosphate after 
 the previous addition of excess of ammonium chloride and ammonium carbonate and 
 filtration (absence of magnesium). 
 
 Marble has the same composition as chalk, and when heated to redness parts with car- 
 bon dioxide, leaving lime or calcium oxide, CaO. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — In producing carbon dioxide and for preparing Liquor 
 calcii chloridi. 
 
1020 
 
 MARR UBIUM.—MASSA COPAIBJE. 
 
 MARRUBIUM, JJ. S . — Horehound, Hoarhound. 
 
 Herba murrubii. — Herbe de marrube blanc , Fr. Cod. ; Andornkraut , Weisser Andorn , 
 G. ; Marrubia , Sp. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Marrubium vulgare, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 
 
 210. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatse, Stachydeae. 
 
 Origin. — Horehound is a perennial herb, and is found in waste places in Asia from 
 Northern India westward to the Mediterranean, and throughout Europe except the 
 extreme north ; it has been naturalized in Canada and in many parts of the United States 
 westward to California, also in some parts of South America. It is not unfrequently met 
 with in gardens, and it flowers from June to September. 
 
 Description. — The branching stem is about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, quadrangular, 
 much-branched, and covered with a white felt. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, about 
 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, roundish-ovate, somewhat heart-shaped or rounded at the base, 
 obtuse, serrate or coarsely crenate, wrinkled by the prominent veins below, pale-green and 
 downy above and white-hairy beneath. The flowers are in dense axillary whorls, with 
 woolly, linear, and hooked bracts, a tubular ten-ribbed calyx divided into ten short, spread- 
 ing, stiff, and hooked teeth, and a white bilabiate corolla enclosing four stamens. The four 
 akenes are dark-brown. 
 
 Horehound has a strong, peculiar, and aromatic odor and an aromatic and persistent 
 bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Horehound contains, besides some resin, tannin, and other common 
 principles, a small quantity of volatile oil, and marrubiin , a bitter principle discovered by 
 Mein (1855). Harms obtained 30 grains from 25 pounds of the dry herb by treating the 
 aqueous extract with alcohol, distilling the latter, and agitating the residue with ether, 
 which dissolves the marrubiin. Kromer (1801) agitated the infusion with charcoal and 
 exhausted the latter with hot alcohol, which dissolves the bitter principle and tannin ; 
 the latter is removed by lead oxide. Marrubiin is slightly soluble in cold water, crystal- 
 lizes from alcohol in prismatic and from ether in tabular crystals, is not precipitated by 
 tannin, and has a very bitter and somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Anciently regarded as a general stimulant, expectorant, deob- 
 struent, carminative, and local anodyne, hoarhound continues to be employed as a 
 stomachic tonic in dyspepsia, and in chronic bronchitis to restrain secretion. It has also 
 been used in chronic rheumatism, hepatic and uterine disorders, and, like other bitter 
 herbs, in intermittent fever. It has some reputation as an anthelmintic , and is said to 
 diminish salivation. The dose of the powder is stated to be from Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx). 
 An infusion made with Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (^j-Oj) of hot water may be given in doses 
 of a wineglassful. The expressed juice should be administered with honey or milk in 
 the dose of Gm. 4 (a teaspoonful or two) several times a day. An extract is prepared in 
 Europe. 
 
 MASSES PILULARUM.— Pill Masses. 
 
 Masses pilulaires, Fr. ; Pillenmassen, G. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1890, in accordance with general custom, orders three 
 pill masses to be kept in bulk, and designates such a pill mass as Massa , which is equiv- 
 alent to Pilula adopted by the British Pharmacopoeia. (For general remarks on the 
 preparation of pill masses see Pilule.) 
 
 MASSA COPAIBiE, U . S .~ Mass of Copaiba. 
 
 Pilulse copaibse. — Solidified copaiba, E. ; Masse pilulaire de copahu, Fr. ; Copaiva- 
 Pillenmasse, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Copaiba, 94 Gm. ; Magnesia, 6 Gm. ; Water, a sufficient quantity. 
 Upon the magnesia, contained in an enamelled iron capsule, sprinkle a sufficient quantity 
 of water to make it distinctly damp, and render it homogeneous by trituration. Then 
 gradually incorporate with it the copaiba so that a uniform mixture may result, place 
 the capsule on a water-bath and heat during half an hour, frequently stirring. Lastly, 
 transfer the mixture to a suitable vessel and set this aside until the mass has acquired a 
 pilular consistence. — U. S. 
 
MASS A FERRI CARBON ATTS. 
 
 1021 
 
 The official directions to sprinkle the magnesia with water are for the purpose of 
 properly hydrating the same, as it is well known that anhydrous magnesia does not 
 readily combine with the acid resin. The combination may be looked upon as magne- 
 sium copaivate with volatile oil of copaiba. 
 
 The variety of copaiba best adapted for this mass is Maracaibo copaiba (p. 537), 
 since it contains a larger proportion of resin ; this enters into combination with the 
 magnesia, forming a resin soap, which gradually becomes dry and hard. If thin Para 
 copaiba is to be used, it is advisable to evaporate sufficient of the volatile oil until the 
 residue, after cooling, forms a viscid liquid, when it may be mixed with the magnesia. 
 The pilules de copo.hu (F. Cod.) are made in the same manner, and contain 3.86 grains 
 (0.25 Gm.) of copaiba; those of the U. S. P. 1870 contain 4.8 grains. 
 
 In Europe pills of copaiba and powdered cubebs are sometimes used, and made into a 
 mass by means of wax. The quantities necessary are 1 part of each of the ingredients 
 named, or 3 parts of copaiba, 5 of cubebs, and 1 of wax. This mass retains its plasticity 
 for a long time. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The efficiency of copaiba must necessarily be very much 
 impaired by being given in so insoluble a combination. Each pill should contain about 
 5 grains of copaiba, and the average dose would be two or three pills. 
 
 MASSA FERRI CARBONATIS, U. S.—Mass of Ferrous Carbonate. 
 
 Pilula ferri carhonatis , Br. — V alleys mass, Vallet's pill mass , E. ; Masse pihdaire de 
 Yallet, de carbonate ferreux, Fr. ; Vallet’sche Pillenmasse. G. 
 
 Preparation — Ferrous Sulphate, in clear crystals, 100 Gm. ; Sodium Carbonate, 
 100 Gm. ; Clarified Honey, 38 Gm. ; Sugar, in coarse powder, 25 Gm. ; Syrup, Distilled 
 Water, each, a sufficient quantity, to make 100 Gm. Dissolve the ferrous sulphate and 
 the sodium carbonate, each separately, in 200 Cc. of boiling distilled water, and, having 
 added 20 Cc. of syrup to the solution of iron salt, filter both solutions, and allow them to be- 
 come cold. Introduce the solution of sodium carbonate into a bottle having a capacity of 
 about 500 Cc., and gradually add the solution of the iron salt, rotating the flask con- 
 stantly or frequently until carbon dioxide no longer escapes. Add a sufficient quantity 
 of distilled water to fill the bottle ; then cork the bottle and set it aside, so that the 
 ferrous carbonate may subside. Pour off the supernatant liquid, and, having mixed 
 syrup and distilled water in the proportion of 1 volume of syrup to 19 volumes of dis- 
 tilled water, wash the precipitate with the mixture by decantation until the washings no 
 longer have a saline taste. Drain the precipitate on a muslin strainer, and express as 
 much of the water as possible. Lastly, mix the precipitate at once with the honey and 
 sugar, and, by means of a water-bath, evaporate the mixture in a tared capsule, with 
 constant stirring, until it is reduced to 100 Gm. — V, S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of Vallet’s mass will require the following quantities: Ferrous sul- 
 phate, crystals, and sodium carbonate, of each 4 av. ozs. ; clarified honey, 665 grains, 
 sugar in coarse powder, 438 grains. 
 
 Take of saccharated carbonate of iron 1 ounce ; confection of roses \ ounce. Beat 
 them into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 On mixing solutions of ferrous sulphate and sodium carbonate, ferrous carbonate and 
 sodium sulphate are formed by mutual decomposition (see p. 735). In contact with air 
 the white iron precipitate rapidly oxidizes. The change is prevented by washing the 
 precipitate in bottles by decantation with water recently boiled, and excluding the air ; 
 an additional protection is afforded by dissolving some sugar in the water. The pill mass, 
 when recently made, is of a greenish-gray color, but on exposure becomes superficially 
 greenish-black. 
 
 The quantity of ferrous sulphate ordered in the official formula is capable of yielding 
 very nearly 42 Gm. of ferrous carbonate, but as some of the precipitate is lost by washing, 
 and as the weight of the finished product is directed to be brought to 100 Gm., scarcely 
 more than 35 or 36 Gm. of ferrous carbonate will be present, equal to 35 or 36 per 
 
 cent. 
 
 Pilule ferri carbonici, P. G. ; Pil. ferratae Valleti. — Pills of ferrous carbonate, 
 E. ; Pilules de Vallet, Pilules ferrugineuses, Fr. ; Eisenpillen, Vallet’sche Pillen, G . — 
 Ferrous sulphate 100 parts is converted into carbonate with sodium bicarbonate by the 
 process described on page 717 ; the washed precipitate is mixed with sugar 16 parts, 
 honey 52 parts, and the mixture evaporated to 108 parts. 10 Gm. of this mass, with the 
 
1022 
 
 MASS A HYDRARGYRI. 
 
 requisite quantity of powdered marshmallow-root, are made into 100 pills, which are 
 rolled in powdered cinnamon, and each of which represents .025 Gm. iron. — P. G. 
 
 The formula of the French Codex is almost identical with that of the United States 
 Pharmacopoeia, except that milk-sugar is used in place of sugar ; 6 parts of the mass are 
 mixed with 1 part each of powdered marshmallow- and liquorice-root, and divided into 
 pills, each weighing 0.25 Gm., which are to be silvered. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mass of carbonate of iron is one of the most efficient forms 
 in which iron can be exhibited. It is especially indicated in pure ansemia and in anaemic 
 chlorosis, and in all affections in which the red corpuscles of the blood are deficient, par- 
 ticularly when the digestive function is not greatly impaired. When dyspeptic disorders 
 attend, the soluble preparations of iron are usually more efficient. The dose of mass of 
 carbonate of iron is Gm. 0.15-0.30 (gr. iij-v), and should usually he taken at meal-time. 
 
 MASSA HYDRARGYRI, U. 8.— Mass of Mercury. 
 
 Pilula hydrargyri, Br. ; Massa coerulea. — Blue mass , Blue pill, E. ; Masse pilulaire hleue, 
 Fr. ; Mercurial- Pillenmasse, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury 33 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza, in No. 60 powder, 5 Gm.; Althaea, 
 in No. 60 powder, 25 Gm. ; Glycerin 3 Gm. ; Honey of Rose 34 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. 
 Triturate the mercury with honey of rose and glycerin until it is extinguished. Then 
 gradually add the glycyrrhiza and althaea, and continue the trituration until globules of 
 mercury cease to be visible under a lens magnifying ten diameters. — TJ. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of blue mass will require 578 grains of mercury, 87 grains of 
 glycyrrhiza. 437 grains of althaea, 53 grains of glycerin, and 595 grains of honey of rose. 
 
 Mercury 2 parts ; confection of roses 3 parts ; liquorice-root, in fine powder, 1 part. — 
 Br., F. Cod. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia still directs the mercury to be extinguished by trituration 
 with confection of roses, and the U. S. Pharmacopoeia recommends trituration with a 
 saccharine liquid (honey) containing a little glycerin, which facilitates the division of the 
 metal. W. W. Stoddart (1855) has shown that the globules of mercury rapidly disap- 
 pear on being triturated with powdered liquorice-root kept moist by a liquid ; the direc- 
 tions above given may be conveniently modified in accordance with this suggestion, so 
 that the mercury is first completely extinguished with the powdered glycyrrhiza and suf- 
 ficient of the mixed liquids before the remaining powder and liquid are incorporated. 
 The use of a considerable proportion of powdered althaea is an improvement, the mass 
 being of a lighter color and of a purer blue tint ; but the large amount of mucilage pres- 
 ent in marshmallow-root favors the production of mould in a damp atmosphere ; which 
 tendency is in a measure counteracted by the glycerin. 
 
 The U. S. P. prescribes the following tests : “ If a portion of the mass be triturated in 
 a mortar, with warm acetic acid, the filtrate should not become more than slightly 
 opalescent on the addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid (limit of mercurous 
 oxide). If another portion of the mass be digested with warm, diluted hydrochloric 
 acid and a little purified animal charcoal, the filtrate should not be affected by hydrogen 
 sulphide test-solution or by stannous chloride test-solution (absence of mercuric oxide).' 1 
 
 When properly prepared, blue mass contains metallic mercury in the state of very fine 
 division. It is not impossible that when kept on hand for a long time a change, due to 
 the partial oxidation of mercury, may gradually take place, as has been repeatedly 
 observed. Such a change, however, could only be very superficial, since the metal is well 
 protected by the other ingredients of the pill mass. 
 
 Pulvis mass.® hydrargyri, ^Ethiops saccharatus. — Powdered blue mass, E . ; 
 Poudre de mercure saccharin, Mercure (Ethiops) saccharin, Fr. ; Wurmzucker, G. 
 
 Blue mass or blue pill is not unfrequently ordered in powders, but is unsuited for 
 the purpose unless mixed with other absorbent powders. It may, however, be readily 
 obtained in the state of a permanent powder having the same relative composition as the 
 pill mass by substituting in the above directions for the glycerin and honey of rose an 
 equal weight of milk-sugar, using a drop of oil of roses to impart the requisite flavor, 
 and keeping the mixture moist by the addition of alcohol ; after a uniform mass has been 
 obtained it is spread out to allow the alcohol to evaporate spontaneously, after which it 
 may be reduced to a permanent powder. W. E. Bibby (1876) recommended 1 part of 
 mercury to be triturated with 2 parts of sugar of milk, without adding any liquid, the 
 metal being rapidly extinguished. 
 
 Pilule hydrargyri ; Pilul^e ccerule^e, F. Cod. — Blue pills, E. ; Pilules de mer- 
 
MASTICHE. 
 
 1023 
 
 cure. Pilules bleues, Fr. ; Mercurialpillen, G. — Each pill contains 0.05 Gm. (f grain) of 
 mercury, F. Cod. The pills of U. S. P. 1870 contained 1 grain of mercury. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mass of mercury, or blue mass, differs from other mercurials 
 in irritating the stomach and bowels less, and, therefore, in being less apt to act as a 
 cathartic. For this reason, probably, it is more apt than they are to form combinations 
 in the primse vise which are readily absorbed and produce constitutional effects. Such 
 effects are commonly sought from mercury in this form when it is given in doses of Gm. 
 0.20 (gr. iij) or less, and repeated several times a day until the characteristic soreness of the 
 gums is observed. To prevent its acting as a laxative it is usually associated with Gm. 
 0.016 (gr. 1) or less of opium in each dose, or the mercurial is repeated at intervals of an 
 hour or two in doses of Gm. 0.016-0.02 (gr. 1-J). When it is desired to increase the 
 secretions of the liver and pancreas , a dose of Gm. 0.15-0.30 (gr. iij— vj) is usually 
 administered at night, and is followed the next morning by a saline, or, still better, a 
 senna draught, or some other brisk cathartic. Whether the mercury does or does not 
 specifically promote the secretion of the glands referred to is a question discussed else- 
 where. (See Hydrargyrum.) 
 
 MASTICHE, 77. S , 9 Br., P. A,— Mastic, Mastich. 
 
 Mast ix, Resina mastiche. — Mastic, Fr. ; Mastix, G. ; Almaciga, Sp. 
 
 The concrete resinous exudation from Pistacia Lentiscus, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants, 68. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Anacardiese. 
 
 Origin. — A small tree or shrub which is indigenous to the basin of the Mediterranean, 
 has pinnate leaves with leathery sessile leaflets varying in form between linear and ovate, 
 short-stalked, reddish-yellow 7 pistillate, and larger greenish staminate, flowers, and small 
 blackish drupes. Mastic is obtained in a few islands of the Grecian Archipelago, princi- 
 pally in Scio, from the var. y Chia, which is tree-like and has broad leaves. 
 
 Collection. — The resin is contained in the bast-layer of the bark in elongated ducts 
 having a large elliptic cavity and surrounded by one or more layers of small cells, in 
 which the resin is secreted. To obtain it vertical incisions are made in June and July in 
 the bark of the trunk and larger branches, and in July and August, after the exuding 
 resin has hardened, it is carefully removed from the tree and collected in baskets ; this is 
 the finest quality. An inferior quality consists of the tears which have dropped from 
 the incisions upon tiles or flat stones kept under the tree. A vigorous tree may yield 
 10 pounds of mastic ; the total harvest is very variable, and occasionally reaches 50,000 
 cwt.. ‘but is generally considerably less. 
 
 Description. — The best quality of mastic is in globular or more or less elongated 
 brittle tears of the size of a pea, which are externally covered with a whitish dust or 
 have been freed from it by washing, and are then of a pale-yellow color, perfectly trans- 
 parent, of a glass-like lustre, and break readily with a conchoidal fracture. Placed 
 between the teeth, it is easily crushed, and then softens into a plastic mass. Its specific 
 gravity is about 1.07 ; it becomes soft below the boiling-point of water, but fuses at some 
 degrees above it. It has a balsamic odor, more apparent on being heated, and a si ight 
 terebinthinous taste. It dissolves partly in alcohol, and is also soluble in benzene, acetone, 
 volatile oils, cold creosote, and warm petroleum, leaving a whitish residue. The alcoholic 
 solution reddens litmus. 
 
 The inferior kinds of mastic consist of similar tears, to which sand and fragments of 
 bark adhere, mixed with gray- or brown-colored pieces. 
 
 Constituents. — Mastic contains a minute quantity of volatile oil and about 90 per 
 cent, of alpha-resin or mastichic acid, which is soluble in cold alcohol, combines with bases, 
 and, according to Johnston, has the composition C. 2 oH 32 0 2 . The portion insoluble in 
 alcohol is white, tenacious, soluble in ether and oil of turpentine, and has been named 
 beta-resin or masticin ; its composition is C 2 oH 31 0 2 . Hot water dissolves the bitter princi- 
 ple, acquires an acid reaction, and the solution gives a precipitate with tannin. 
 
 Varieties and Adulterations. — Bombay Mastic. Under this name a drug has 
 appeared in the market which, when well selected and clean, closely resembles the Scio 
 mastic, but is usually in less clean and more opaque tears. It is obtained from Pistacia 
 cabulica and Khinjuk, Stocks, which are indigenous to North-western India and Beloo- 
 chistan. Pist. atlantica, Desfontaines, a variety of Pist. Terebinthus, Linne, growing in 
 Algeria and other parts of Northern Africa, yields likewise a mastic-like resin. 
 
 Sandaraca. — Sandarac, E. ; Sandaraque, Fr. ; Sandarak, G. — It is the exudation of 
 
1024 
 
 M A TICO. 
 
 Callitris quadrivalvis, Ventenaf , s. Thuja articulata, Vahl (Nat. Ord. Coniferse, Cupres- 
 sineae), a small tree of North-western Africa. It forms brittle elongated tears of a pale- 
 yellowish color, with a dusty surface, the fracture glass-like and transparent, almost 
 wholly soluble in alcohol, and becoming pulverulent when masticated. 
 
 The tears of oUbanum are generally larger, translucent, and destitute of glassy lustre. 
 The exudation of Atractylis gummifera is sold in Greece as pseud o-mastich or acantho - 
 mastich , and consists of agglutinated tears which are oblong in shape and about 2 inches 
 (5 Cm.) long by 1 inch (25 Mm.) in thickness. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Formerly employed internally for purposes similar to those 
 for which other terebinthinates are prescribed, as catarrh of the bronchia and urinary 
 passages, its medicinal use is now almost entirely restricted to forming a solution in ether 
 with which cotton may be saturated for the purpose of filling carious teeth and protecting 
 their tender surface from the influence of cold and the contact of food during mastication. 
 Sandarac may be employed in a similar manner. A solution of mastic in alcohol may 
 be applied to arrest bleeding from leech-bites and other slight wounds. Mastic is an 
 ingredient of the “ dinner pill ” (Pil. aloes et inastiches). At a time when Chian tur- 
 pentine was supposed to be a remedy for uterine cancer, mastic was substituted for it 
 with equally negative results ( Med . Record , xviii. 518). 
 
 Sandarac has been used for the same purposes as mastic. 
 
 MATICO, U. S., Fr. Cod.— Matico. 
 
 Maticse folia , Br. ; Feuilles de matico , Fr. ; Maticoblatter , G. 
 
 The leaves of Piper angustifolium, Ruiz et Pavon, s. Piper elongatum, Vahl , s. Ar- 
 tanthe elongata, Miguel, s. Steffensia elongata, Kunth. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 
 242. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Piperaceae. 
 
 Origin.- — A shrubby plant about 2.4 M. (8 feet) high, sometimes cultivated, and 
 found in moist woods of tropical America from Mexico southward to Vene- 
 Fig. 180. zuela, Brazil, and Peru. The minute yellowish flowers are very numerous. 
 
 aggregated into a solid, cylindrical, slender spike about 15 Cm. (6 inches) 
 long, and produce blackish fruits of the size of a poppy-seed. 
 
 Description. — The leaves, which are very frequently mixed with 
 branches and spikes of flowers or fruits, are rather thick, about 15 Cm. 
 (6 inches) long, oblong-lanceolate, very finely serrulate, narrowed at the 
 apex to a blunt point heart-shaped, and somewhat unequal at the base, 
 having a very short petiole. The upper surface is nearly glabrous, of a 
 green color, and very uneven or tessellated in appearance from the depressed 
 veins, which are prominent beneath, making the downy lower surface retic- 
 ulate, the meshes being small, and the veins densely covered with brown- 
 ish hairs. The leaves, particularly when rubbed between the fingers, have 
 an aromatic odor and a warm, aromatic, bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Matico contains about 1J per cent, of a thickish, pale- 
 yellow, volatile oil, consisting of two oils, one of which is sometimes heav- 
 ier than water, and containing a crystalline camphor melting at 94° C. 
 Wiegand (1846) proved the non-existence of Hodge’s maticin, which is a 
 potassium salt. Stell (1858) showed the absence of piperin and cubebin 
 and obtained a ruby-colored resin of a very acrid and pungent taste. Sub- 
 Matico -leaf. sequently Marcotte isolated a crystallized acid named artanthic acid. Ma- 
 tico contains also some tannin and other principles common to vegetables. 
 
 Substitutions. — In different parts of South and Central America the Spanish 
 names matico and yerba or palo del. soldado (soldier’s herb or tree) are given to other 
 plants besides the one described above — namely, to Eupatorium glutinosum, Kunth (Com- 
 posite), and Waltheria glomerata, Presl (Sterculiacese), the leaves of which are likewise 
 used for arresting hemorrhage. The first-named species has opposite petiolate, ovate- 
 lanceolate leaves, which are more or less heart-shaped at the base, acuminate, crenately 
 serrate, roughish above and tomentose beneath. The leaves of the second species are 
 ovate, serrate, rounded or subcordate at the base and soft-hairy on both sides. Artanthe 
 (s. Piper) lancesefolia, Miguel , is similarly used in New Granada. Bentley (1864) met 
 with the leaves of Artanthe adunca, Miguel , Piper aduncum, Linne , which were offered as 
 matico. They are similar in shape, and the upper surface is marked by some sunken, 
 ascending, and parallel nerves, and the lower surface by corresponding reticulations, but 
 
MA TICO. 
 
 1025 
 
 they have not the tessellated appearance nor the roughness and hairiness on the lower 
 surface observed on the official inatico-leaves ; their properties appear to be the same. 
 
 Allied Products. — P iper Betle, LinnS. — Betel, E ., G. ; Betel, Fr . — It is a climbing shrub, 
 indigenous to India and cultivated in various tropical countries. The leaves are broadly ovate, 
 acuminate, obliquely cordate at the base, five- to seven-nerved, coriaceous, and above glossy. 
 They have a burning aromatic and bitter taste, and are largely employed by the Malays for 
 chewing with slaked lime and scrapings of the areca-nut (p. 276). 
 
 Piper Carpunya, Ruiz et Pavon. A small tree indigenous to Chili and Peru, the leaves of 
 which are used. They are cordate-ovate, acute, coriaceous and glossy, and when dry have an 
 agreeable odor, and are used in affections of the digestive organs. 
 
 "Piper peltatum and P. umbellatum, Linn6. Both plants are known in some parts of tropical 
 America as caapeba , in others as periparabo ; the roots are used as diuretics and the leaves in 
 skin diseases and tumors. The rhizome is tuberous, with dark-brown woody rootlets and con- 
 taining reddish oil-glands. 
 
 Piper methysticum, Forster. It is a shrub, with cordate, acuminate, and many-nerved leaves, 
 indigenous to the Sandwich and other islands of the Pacific Ocean. The root is the part employed, 
 and is known as ava and kava-kava. It is large, woody, but spongy and light, has a thin grayish- 
 brown bark, and a meditullium consisting of a yellowish or yellow, occasionally pale-reddish, 
 cellular tissue, and of numerous radiating linear wood-bundles. It has an agreeable odor, recall- 
 ing that of lilac and of meadow-sweet, and a faintly pungent and slightly bitter taste. Cuzent 
 (1860) found in the root some volatile oil of a lemon-yellow color, a large amount of starch, an 
 acrid resin, and a principle called kavahen or methysticin, which crystallizes in needles on con- 
 centrating the tincture of kava-root, and is purified by treatment with animal charcoal and 
 recrystallization from alcohol. It is colorless, tasteless, fusible above 120° C. (248° F.), sparingly 
 soluble in cold water, and readily soluble in alcohol and ether. The masticated root, subjected 
 to fermentation, yields an intoxicating beverage called kava. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In its nature and operation matico closely resembles the 
 terebinthinate medicines, while its odorous and special stimulant qualities rank it with 
 cubeb and copaiva. Like these substances, it is absorbed into the blood, and appears to 
 produce a constriction of the capillary vessels, whereby it controls mucous fluxes and 
 haemorrhages, while it occasions more or less diuresis. It has been employed, like 
 copaiva, in the treatment of bronchitis, gonorrhoea , leucorrhoea , vesical catarrh , incontinence 
 of urine , and chronic diarrhoea and dysentery , and in hsemorrhage from the lungs , stomach , 
 bowels , rectum , and kidneys. Like oil of turpentime, it has been used as a topical 
 haemostatic. The dose of the powder is Gm. 2-12 (3SS-2-3) several times a day. An 
 extract has been made, of which the dose is Gm. 4-5 (gr. lx-lxxv). The fluid extract 
 and tincture are officinal. Betel-leaves are chewed in Malabar, as above stated, and it is 
 said that in Java their juice is used to cure obstinate and dry coughs. 
 
 Kava-kava (Piper methysticum) is said to have long been used by the inhabitants of 
 the South Sea islands as an intoxicant and as a remedy for gonorrhoea. In 1879, Dupuy 
 (Med. Record , xvi. 106) stated in regard to it that it is a sialogogue, a tonic to the 
 digestive organs, a stimulant of the nervous system, a diuretic, and a sedative of genital 
 excitement. He found that it rapidly cured, after having increased, gonorrhoeal dis- 
 charges, and that it allayed vesical and urethral irritation. In 1882, Mr. Kesteven 
 ( Practitioner , xxviii. 199) related that the Fiji Islanders prepare from it a drink which 
 has several of the qualities of tea and coffee, and is not intoxicating, for, although it 
 impairs the muscular power and causes a staggering gait, the mind is not clouded. It 
 does not raise the temperature, and steadies without exciting the pulse ; its habitual and 
 excessive use was said to impair the eyesight and produce leprous ulcers. Mr. Kesteven 
 also refers to its use in the treatment of vesical and urethral disorders. In 1885, Lewin 
 found that its resin applied to the tongue destroyed the perception of the bitterness of 
 quinine, and that injected into the connective tissue it produced a local anaesthesia which, 
 in some of the animals used, lasted for nine days. He noted that when taken internally 
 it produced the intoxication above mentioned, and in excessive doses, moreover, malaise, 
 headache, paresis of the limbs, and general nervous tremor. He also observed among 
 its effects desquamation of the cuticle and inflammation of the eyes (Bull, de Therap ) ., 
 cx. 228; Therap. Gaz.. x. 253). In 1882, Dr. Boardman Reed (Therap. Gaz., iii. 47) 
 reported the rapid and painless cure of acute gonorrhoea, as Dupuy and others had already 
 done, but with the co-operation of diet, saline laxatives, and astringent injections. Later 
 observers, however, are in agreement with Sanne (Bull, de Therap ., cx. 199) and Rogers 
 (Med. Record , xxix. 525) who found, that the cure was as long as by ordinary methods, 
 but less annoying and perturbating than that by cubebs or copaiba. The dose of the 
 alcoholic extract given by Sanne was Gm. 0.13 (gr. ij) several times a day ; and that of 
 the fluid extract from Gm. 1.30-2 (npxx-xxx) with like frequency. 
 
1026 
 
 MATRICARIA. 
 
 MATRICARIA, U. S. — Matricaria, German Chamomile. 
 
 Flores chamomillse^ P. G; Flores chamomillse vulgaris . — Camomille commune (d' Alle- 
 magne ), Fr. Cod. ; Kamille , Kamillen Hitmen . G. ; Manzanilla comun , Sp. 
 
 The flowers of Matricaria (Chrysanthemum, j Bernhard!) Chamomilla, Linne , s. Chamo- 
 milla oflicinalis, Koch. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants. 155. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Senecionidese. 
 
 Origin. — An annual herb, with a branching stem about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, smooth, 
 twice- or thrice pinnatifld leaves, with spreading setaceous segments and numerous flower- 
 heads terminating the slender branches. The plant is common in fields and w r aste places 
 throughout Europe as far north as Finland, and in the temperate parts of Asia ; it has 
 been completely naturalized in Australia, and is occasionally cultivated in German settle- 
 
 Fig. 181. 
 
 ments in the United States. The flowers appear from May till August ; on drying, from 
 20 to 25 per cent, of the drug is obtained. 
 
 Description. — The flower-heads are 12—18 Mm. (| to f inch) broad, and have a flat- 
 tish involucre, with two or three rows of small, oblong-linear, obtuse scales having the 
 margin membranous. The receptacle is at first convex, but becomes strongly conical and 
 hollow, and is free from chaff. The ray-florets are about fifteen in number, soon reflexed, 
 white, ligulate-oblong, with two notches at the apex and enclosing the bifid style, but no 
 stamens. The numerous yellow disk-florets are tubular, five-toothed, somewhat glandular, 
 hermaphrodite, and have the anthers united into a tube through which the bifid style 
 projects. The akenes are small, curved, finely five-ribbed on the inner surface, brownish, 
 without pappus, but with a slightly elevated margin at the apex. German chamomile- 
 flowers have a peculiar aromatic odor and a bitterish aromatic taste. They are easily dis- 
 tinguished from allied composite plants by their smooth, conical, and hollow disks, which 
 shrink very considerably on drying. 
 
 The similar flower-heads of Anthemis arvensis, Linne , and Maruta Cotula, De Candolle. 
 have conical, solid, and chaffy receptacles. 
 
 Constituents. — German chamomile-flowers contain about ? per cent, of volatile oil, 
 some bitter extractive, malates, tannates, and a little tannin, besides the principles common 
 to vegetables. Pattone’s anthemic acid , isolated (1859) from Anthemis arvensis, Linne, 
 was obtained by Werner (1867) from the official flowers by exhausting them with hot 
 water acidulated with acetic acid, concentrating, precipitating with alcohol, evaporating 
 the filtrate, and treating with chloroform. It is described as colorless silky needles hav- 
 ing an agreeable odor of chamomile, a strongly bitter taste, and dissolving in water, 
 alcohol, ether, and chloroform. The precipitate obtained with alcohol is stated to contain 
 a tasteless crystalline principle, anthemidin , which is insoluble in alcohol, ether, and 
 chloroform, but soluble in acetic acid. 
 
 The volatile oil, Oleum chamomillse athereum, is a dark-blue, in thi 
 parent, thickish liquid, which gradually turns green and brown when 
 and air, and more rapidly if obtained from dried flowers ; it has a st: 
 flowers and a warm, aromatic taste ; dissolves in about 8 parts of 80 per cent, alcohol, 
 has the specific gravity 0.93, and seems to consist of a terpene, C 10 H I6 , associated with 
 C 10 H 18 O. The volatile oil becomes dark-brown or green with strong or diluted nitric acid, 
 and deep red-brown with sulphuric acid. The blue color is due to the presence of a 
 
 n layers trans- 
 posed to light 
 ig odor of the 
 
MEDEOLA .—MEL. 
 
 1027 
 
 volatile principle which was named azulene by Piesse and coerulein by Gladstone (1863), 
 and which, according to both investigators, is present in all other volatile oils having a 
 blue or green color — in the latter associated with a yellow principle. 
 
 An oil of German chamomile, containing oil of lemon, is still sometimes met with in our 
 market • it was formerly official in Europe as Oleum chamomillse citratum , and prepared 
 bv adding to 180 parts of recently-collected flowers 1 part of oil of lemon, and then dis- 
 tilling with water ; it has a deep-blue color, but is more limpid than the pure oil and 
 more prone to change in color. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations.— Oleum chamomillse infusum is employed 
 externally, and made like oleol of anthemis (p. 216) ; it has a yellowish-green color. 
 
 Syrupus chamomillse. Prepare an infusion from 3 parts of German chamomile with 
 sufficient hot water to obtain 10 parts of filtered liquid, and dissolve in this 18 parts of 
 sugar. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Action and Uses. — German chamomile has less agreeable qualities than English 
 chamomile (Anthemis), but medicinally may be substituted for it. 
 
 MEDEOLA. — Medeola. 
 
 The rhizome of Medeola (Gyromia, Nuttall ) virginica, Linne. Meehan, Native flowers, 
 
 ii. 157. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Liliacese. 
 
 Origin. — The medeola or Indian cucumber grows in damp soil in woods and shady 
 places of the United States east of the Mississippi, and flowers in May and June. It has 
 a slender stem, about 45 Cm. (18 inches) high, beset with a deciduous fine wool, and 
 bearing above its middle a whorl of six or eight spreading oblong-lanceolate leaves, which 
 are about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long, and acute at both ends. Near the top is a whorl of 
 three or four smaller ovate pointed leaves, and above them three or four greenish-yellow 
 recurved flowers having six sepals and stamens, and producing a purplish-blue three-celled 
 berry, each cell containing about five triangular seeds. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, 25-38 Mm. (1 or 1J inches) long, about 
 6 Mm. (I inch) thick, pointed at the lower end, beset with hair-like simple rootlets, pale 
 brown-yellowish externally, white internally, and with a few small wood-bundles. It is 
 without odor, and has a sweetish, in the fresh state somewhat cucumber-like, taste. Its 
 constituents, among which is starch, have not been investigated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Nothing appears to have been added for many years to the 
 scanty knowledge originally possessed of this root — viz. that it was reputed to be hydra- 
 gogue and diuretic and therefore useful in dropsies. 
 
 MEL, U. S., Br.— Honey. 
 
 Mid, Fr. Cod. ; Honig, G. ; Mid, Sp. 
 
 A saccharine secretion deposited in the honey-comb by Apis mellifica, Linne, the hive 
 bee. 
 
 (Mass Insecta ; Order Hymenoptera. 
 
 Properties. — When recently prepared, honey is a translucent or nearly transparent, 
 pale-yellowish or brownish, thick, syrupy liquid, which, on keeping, separates a granular 
 deposit, and is ultimately changed into a crystalline mass intermixed with some liquid. 
 It is stated that California honey gathered in May becomes granular in a few days, but 
 if taken later in the season remains liquid for a long time. It has a slight acid reaction, 
 an agreeable odor, varying more or less from causes mentioned above, and a sweet taste, 
 followed by a slight acridity. E. Dieterich (1877) ascertained that, by dialyzing honey 
 into water the dialyzed portion, on concentration, had a golden-yellow color and a remark- 
 ably fine floral odor, while the residue upon the dialyzer was destitute of honey odor and 
 had a sweet but insipid taste. In some parts of Africa a brown, and even greenish, 
 honey has been observed, which may be produced by different species of Apis. 
 
 Honey dissolves readily in water, also in diluted alcohol, yielding in both cases slightly 
 turbid solutions which have a faint acid reaction. A mixture of honey with 2 parts of 
 water should have a specific gravity not lower than 1.100 ( U. S.), which corresponds to a 
 specific gravity of 1.375 for the original honey. 
 
 Constituents. — The odor of honey is doubtless due to a minute quantity of volatile 
 oil, which, according to Calloud, is intimately associated with a yellow coloring matter, 
 mclichroin, separated by the nectaries and bleached on exposure to sunlight. Small 
 
1028 
 
 MEL. 
 
 quantities of wax and gummy matter are usually present, and A. Vogel (1882) found in 
 crude honey about .1 per cent, of formic acid* which appears to preserve it from decompo- 
 sition ; but the main constituents are grape-sugar or dextrose and fruit-sugar or levulose, of 
 each of which from 32 to 42 per cent., or a total of about 72 to 78 or 80 per cent., is 
 present. The honey of an American wasp, Polybia apicipennis, Saussure , according to 
 Karsten (1857), contains cane-sugar, and the same may be the case with honey from 
 other sources ; this constituent, however, is gradually changed to invert-sugar , which is 
 a mixture of grape- and fruit-sugars. It is the grape-sugar which renders honey gran- 
 ular, while the fruit-sugar remains liquid ; the former turns polarized light to the right, 
 the latter to the left. The albuminates, mucilaginous matter, pollen, and wax present 
 in honey vary between about 0.5 and 1 or 2 per cent. ; the ash left on incineration is 
 generally between .12 and .16 per cent., and, according to Hager, should not exceed .5 
 per cent. 
 
 Adulterations. — The coarse adulteration with starchy substances is easily recog- 
 nized in the soluble matter left on treating with alcohol, and by the blue color produced 
 on the addition of solution of iodine. Adulterations with artificial grape-sugar prepared 
 from starch by boiling with sulphuric acid are difficult to establish ; aside from the phys- 
 ical properties, the presence of soluble sulphate (of calcium) affords the best criterion. 
 Beet-root molasses contains chlorides, and if used for adulterating honey causes a white 
 precipitate with silver nitrate. Starch-paste, added with the view of rendering honey 
 thick, is deposited as a jelly-like, stringy mass on dilution with water. Neither crude 
 honey nor honey clarified by the process of the U. S. P. yields with water an absolutely 
 clear solution. The tests given by the pharmacopoeias are as follows : “ If 1 part of 
 honey be dissolved in 4 parts of water, a clear solution should result, which should not 
 be rendered more than faintly opalescent by a few drops of test solution of silver nitrate 
 (limit of chlorides) or of barium nitrate (limit of sulphates). If a small portion of honey 
 be diluted with 1 volume of water and then gradually mixed with 5 volumes of absolute 
 alcohol, it should not become more than faintly opalescent, and should neither become 
 opaque nor deposit a slimy substance at the bottom and along the sides of the test-tube 
 (starch, dextrin). When incinerated in small portions at a time in a platinum crucible, 
 it should not leave more than 0.2 per cent, of ash (any larger percentage of ash and fail- 
 ure to respond to the preceding tests indicating the presence of glucose or other foreign 
 admixtures). Water boiled with honey and allowed to cool should not be rendered blue 
 or green on the addition of test solution of iodine (absence of starch).” — XJ. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Honey is one of the most ancient of medicines, and its nutri- 
 tious qualities were always well known. Medical history shows that the Greeks and 
 Arabians were well acquainted with its uses and the noxious qualities of certain kinds 
 of it. Honey may be used with other food without any unpleasant effects in most 
 instances, but there are persons who cannot take even a small quantity of it without 
 feeling the head heavy or confused, while in others it causes flatulence or diarrhoea. 
 Among the plants which are frequented by bees producing poisonous honey are Nerium 
 oleander, Azalea pontica, Daphne mezereum, Aconitum, and Kalmia latifolia. The last, or 
 mountain-laurel, is the chief source of poisonous honey in this country. The symptoms 
 it produces are dimness of sight, vertigo, a mild or furious delirium, abdominal pain, vom- 
 iting and purging, perspiration, convulsions, foaming at the mouth, and, in a few instances, 
 death. In some cases an eruption also appears upon the skin, and there is soreness of the 
 throat with hoarseness of the voice. Eucalyptus honey is reported to reduce the pulse 
 and temperature in dogs, but in man to incite a glow throughout the body, and to 
 increase the respiratory power and the urinary secretion ; and to have been used with 
 advantage in diseases of the urinary tract ( Amer . Journ. Pharm ., lix. 471). Its peculiar 
 virtues appear to depend on the eucalyptus oil it contains. 
 
 Anciently, honey was employed for most of the medicinal purposes for which sugar is 
 now used, and especially with barley-water for bronchial affections and sore throats. Its 
 present use is almost exclusively local and for the same purposes as of old, and particu- 
 larly to stimulate mucous surfaces, and even cutaneous soTes, when their condition denotes 
 impaired vitality. It is habitually employed in gargles to cure aphthae , thrush , and pseudo- 
 membranous deposits , but its efficacy is increased by the addition of muriatic acid, sodium 
 borate, potassium chlorate, etc. Honey of rose is official. Sodium borate, in the propor- 
 tion of 60 grains to an ounce of honey, is a very convenient application to aphthm, etc. 
 of the female genital organs. Honey is sometimes used as an ingredient of poultices tor 
 boils and carbuncles , as an application to fssures of the nipple , etc., and is applied in 
 plasters to the mammae for drying up the milk. 
 
MEL D ESP UM A T UM.—MEL ROSM 
 
 1029 
 
 In this connection it may be mentioned that propolis , a resinous exudation with which 
 bees cover the bottom of their hive, is reported to be beneficial in the treatment of acute 
 and chronic diarrhoea. 
 
 MEL DESPUMATUM, V. Clarified Honey. 
 
 Mel depuration , Br., P. G. — Miel despume , Mellite simple , Sirop de miel , Fr. ; Gereimgter 
 
 Honig, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Honey, a convenient quantity ; Glycerin, a sufficient quantity. Mix 
 the honey intimately with 2 per cent, of its weight of paper-pulp, which has been pre- 
 viously reduced to shreds, thoroughly washed and soaked in water and then strongly 
 expressed and again shredded. Then apply the heat of a water-batli, and, as long as any 
 scum rises to the surface, carefully remove this. Finally, strain and mix the strained 
 liquid with 5 per cent, of its weight of glycerin. — U. S. 
 
 The object of clarification is to remove the wax and other impurities of honey, which 
 rise to the surface when the honey is kept for a while in the condition of a thin fluid by 
 exposing it to the heat of a water-bath ; in the above process the impurities are more 
 effectually removed by aid of the paper-pulp, and the final addition of glycerin is for the 
 purpose of better preservation. 
 
 The Br. Ph. simply directs that honey shall be melted in a water-bath and strained 
 while hot through flannel previously moistened with warm water. The process of the 
 French Codex is similar to that of the U. S. P., except that the honey is first diluted 
 with one-fourth its weight of water ; no glycerin is used. The Ger. Ph. orders that 
 honey (of which 10 Gm. require not more than 0.5 Cc. of normal potassa solution for 
 neutralization), mixed with one and a half times its weight of water, shall be digested at 
 100° C. (212° F.) for one hour, cooled to 50° C. (122° F.), then strained through flannel, 
 and rapidly concentrated on a water-bath until a density of 1.33 is obtained. Various 
 other methods have been suggested involving the use of different clarifying agents, such 
 as white of egg, gelatin and tannin, animal charcoal, aluminum hydroxide, Irish moss, 
 etc., but all require dilution of the honey with water and subsequent concentration by 
 heat, which is apt to darken the color and impair the aroma. In our experience the first- 
 mentioned process yields quite a satisfactory result. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — These should correspond to those mentioned under Crude 
 Honey. „ 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Clarified honey is used as an excipient for some pill masses 
 and confections, and also as a basis of mellita. 
 
 Mellita. — Medicated honeys, E. ; Mellites, Fr. ; Honige, G. — These are simply mix- 
 tures of honey with certain medical substances. Owing to their proneness to change, 
 the number of these official mixtures has been considerably diminished, and with but 
 few exceptions none are kept on hand, but are prepared extemporaneously when required 
 by the physician. 
 
 Oxymellita. — Oxymels, E ., Fr . ; Sauerhonige, G . — are medicated honeys containing 
 acetic acid. (See Oxymel.) 
 
 MEL BORACIS, Br . — Borax Honey. 
 
 Mel sodii boratis. — Honey of sodium borate , E. ; Mellite de borax , Miel borate , Fr. ; 
 Boraxhonig , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Borax, in fine powder, 60 grains (2 parts) ; Glycerin 30 
 grains (1 part) ; Clarified Honey 480 grains (16 parts). Mix. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — It is made extemporaneously, and is applied to most of the local affections 
 enumerated in the article on honey. 
 
 MEL ROSiE, U. S. — Honey of Rose. 
 
 Mel rosatum , P. G. ; Mellitum rosatum. — Mellite de roses rouges , Miel rosat , Fr. ; Rosen- 
 
 honig , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Rose, 120 Cc. ; Clarified Honey, a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Gm. Into a tared vessel introduce the fluid extract of Rose, then add 
 enough clarified honey to make the contents weigh 1000 Gm., and mix them thoroughly. 
 
 If it is desired to make this preparation entirely by measure, 120 Cc. of fluid extract 
 of rose should be mixed with 630 Cc. of clarified honey, or if 12 fluidrachms of the fluid 
 
1030 
 
 MELILOTUS. 
 
 extract be mixed with 8 fluidounces of clarified honey, the official strength will be practi- 
 cally maintained. 
 
 The present official honey of rose is 50 per cent, stronger than that of 1880, the latter 
 Pharmacopoeia having directed only 8 parts of rose for every 100 of finished product. 
 The French Codex directs rose-leaves to be infused in water (1 part in 6 of water), and 
 the infusion, after straining, to be mixed with 6 parts of honey and evaporated to a den- 
 sity of 1.27. The Ger. Ph. requires that 1 part of rose-petals shall be macerated with 
 5 parts of diluted alcohol for twenty-four hours ; the expressed liquid to be mixed with 
 9 parts of clarified honey and 1 part of glycerin, and evaporated to 10 parts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Its agreeable flavor and slight astringent and stimulant virtues 
 render it a very pleasant and useful addition to water as a mouth-wash and gargle in cases 
 of sore mouth and sore throat , or it may be applied undiluted to the affected part. It is a 
 convenient vehicle for the administration of aromatic sulphuric acid and other acids. 
 
 MELILOTUS, — Melilot. 
 
 Herba ( Summitates ) meliloti , P. G. ; Sweet clover , E. ; Melilot officinal , Fr. Cod. ; Steinklee , 
 Melilotenklee , G. ; Meliloto , Trebol oloroso , Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 The leaves and flowering branches of Melilotus officinalis, Desrousseaux (Mel. arvensis, 
 Wallroth , Mel. diffusa, Koch), and of Mel. altissimus, Thuilliers (Mel. officinalis, Willdenow, 
 Mel. macrorrhizus, Per soon). 
 
 Origin— Both plants are indigenous to Europe, the first species having an ascending 
 stem 0*5-1 M. (20 to 40 inches) long, and growing in dry fields and along roadsides ; its 
 pale yellow flowers have a short carina and produce obovate, transversely-wrinkled, mostly 
 one-seeded legumes. The second species has been naturalized in the United States, grows 
 in meadows and damp places, has an erect stem 0.9— 1.5 M. (3 to five feet) high, the flowers 
 bright yellow, with the carina as long as the standard and wings, and the legume obliquely 
 oval, pointed, pubescent, reticulately wrinkled, and two-seeded.^ Both plants flower from 
 July to September, and on drying acquire an agreeable odor of coumarin. 
 
 Description. — The stipules are entire, awl-shaped ; the petiolate trifoliate leaves have 
 oval or obovate-oblong leaflets, the lower ones notched, the upper ones truncate at the 
 apex, entire near the base, and somewhat sharply serrate above, about 2 to b Cm. (4 to 1| 
 inches) long ; th% flowers are in spreading or ascending racemes, and the reflexed legumes 
 are brown or blackish. The drug has a strong agreeable odor and a bitterish, aromatic, 
 and somewhat pungent taste. 
 
 Allied Plant —Melilotus albus, Desrousseaux (M. vulgaris, Willdenow). White melilot is 
 indigenous to Europe and naturalized in the United States-, it resembles the preceding species, 
 but has white flowers, the petals of which are unequal, the standard being longest. 
 
 Constituents — The odorous principle was observed by Vogel (1820) and supposed 
 to be benzoic acid. Guillemette (1835) proved it to be identical with Guibourt’s cou- 
 marin, obtained from tonka beans, and which exists also in some rubiaceous plants. (See 
 Galium ) It may be prepared by exhausting the herb with strong alcohol, distilling oil 
 most of the solvent, separating the fat, crystallizing, and purifying by recry stallization 
 from alcohol. Coumarin, C 9 H 6 0 2 , which has since been isolated from many odorous 
 plants (see pp. 763 and 936), crystallizes in colorless shining prisms, which fuse at 6 i 
 C (152 6° F ) and are readily soluble in fixed and volatile oils, alcohol, and hot water. 
 It was obtained artificially by W. H. Perkin (1867) by treating salicyl-aldehyde with 
 sodium, and decomposing the compound with acetic anhydride. When treated with 
 sodium amalgam it is converted into melilotic and coumaric acids, which are also present 
 in the herb, sometimes in combination with coumarin. Both acids are crystallizable. and 
 have a bitter taste. Melilotic acid, C 9 H 10 O 3 , fuses at 82° C. (179.6° F.), and its salts, 
 when strongly heated, yield phenol. Coumaric acid, C 9 H 8 0 3 , is also obtained from cou- 
 marin by boiling it with concentrated potassa solution ; it fuses at 195° C. (383 4.), ana 
 the solutions of its salts are fluorescent. , , , 
 
 Tonka beans, E., F&ve tonka, Fr., Tonkabohnen, G ., Haba tonka, Sp., are seeds 
 of a papilionaceous tree of Guiana, Dipteryx (Coumarouna, Aublet) odorata, Willdenow. 
 They are nearly 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, somewhat two-edged, deeply wrinkled, blackisn- 
 brown of a fatty lustre, and usually covered with a crystalline eflloresence of coumarin. 
 The so-called English tonka beans, from Dip. oppositifolia, Willdenow, are smaller, about 
 an inch (25 Mm.) long, smoother, and contain less coumarin. 
 
MELISSA. 
 
 1031 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Emplastrum meliloti. Melt together 4 parts 
 of yellow wax and 1 part each of turpentine and olive oil, and while cooling add 2 parts 
 of powdered melilot. — P. G ., 1872. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The peculiar odor of melilot, which is closely analogous to that 
 of tonka bean, of vanilla-grass, etc., as well as its active properties, are attributed to a 
 proximate principle, coumarin. In Europe melilot is sometimes strewn among clothing 
 to protect them from moths, and is mixed with snuff to scent it. Formerly it was used 
 in a variety of disorders, including colic, diarrhoea, dysury, dysmenorrhoea, and rheuma- 
 tism. but at present it is only applied externally, in decoction or infusion or in plasters or 
 or ointments, to allay local pains, especially in the abdomen and joints. The liquid prepa- 
 rations named are made with the flowering-tops in water Gm. 16-32 to Gm. 500 (^ss-j 
 in Oj). 
 
 MELISSA, U. S . — Melissa. 
 
 Folia ( Herba ) melissse, P. G. — Balm, Lemon balm , E. ; Melisse officinale, Fr. Cod. ; 
 Celine , Herbe au citron, Fr. ; Melissenblatter, Citronenkraut, G. ; Toronjil , Sp. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Melissa officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Labiatae, Satureineae. 
 
 Origin. — Balm is a perennial herb, from the woody root-stock of which a number of 
 branching, pubescent stems 0.6-1. 2 M. (2 to 4 feet) high, are produced. The plant is 
 indigenous to Western Asia and Southern Europe, has become naturalized to some extent 
 in the United States, and is not unfrequently cultivated. The variety a citrata, Bischoff, 
 or lemon balm, is generally preferred, and is alone recognized by some of the European 
 pharmacopoeias. On drying, the fresh leaves lose about 75 per cent, of their weight. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are 3-5 Cm. (11 to 2 inches) long, petiolate, ovate, with 
 a rounded or somewhat heart-shaped base, coarsely crenate-serrate at the margin, obtusely 
 pointed at the apex, the upper surface with scattered hairs, the lower surface glandular 
 in the axils of the nerves. The upper leaves are smaller, often slowly pubescent on both 
 sides, and at the base rather wedge-shaped. The axillary cymules are about four-flow- 
 ered ; the calyx is hairy, tubular bell-shaped, with the upper lip three-toothed and the 
 lower two-cleft. The milk-white or pale-purplish corolla has the tube curved upward, 
 the upper lip notched and the lower three-lobed, with the lowest lobe largest ; the 
 stamens are four in number, the lower pair longer, all converging toward the upper lip. 
 The dried herb has a mild agreeable odor, in the variety mentioned above somewhat like 
 that of lemon ; the taste is slightly bitter. 
 
 Melissa cordifolia, Persoon, of Southern Europe has larger and more woolly leaves of a 
 rather disagreeable odor ; it is now regarded as a variety of M. officinalis. 
 
 Cedronella Mexicana, Bentham, and C. pallida, Lindley, are used as substitutes for 
 melissa in Mexico. 
 
 Adulterations are not likely to be met with. The leaves of Nepeta cataria, Linne , 
 var. /S citriodora, have an odor resembling that of lemon balm, but they are cordate-ovate, 
 of a gray-green color, soft downy above and tomentose beneath, and by these characters 
 are easily distinguished from melissa. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves contain, besides the common constituents of plants, a 
 small quantity of tannin and bitter principle and about £ to \ per cent, of volatile oil, 
 which is colorless or yellowish, has a spec. grav. of about 0.89, dissolves in about 5 parts 
 of alcohol, spec. grav. 0.85, and contains a stearopten. 
 
 Pogostemon Patchouly, Pelletier (Pog. suave, Tenore ), is an East Indian, hairy, suf- 
 fruticose plant, with petiolate ovate or rhombic-ovate, doubly crenate-serrate leaves of a 
 strong, aromatic odor. The volatile oil of patchouly is brownish-yellow, and begins to 
 boil at about 257° C. (495° F.), but the greater part distils near 285° C. (545° F.). It 
 contains a hydrocarbon (Gladstone) and a liquid oil, having the same composition as the 
 the stearopten present, C 15 H. 26 0 (Montgolfier, 1877), which after purification melts at 55° 
 C . (131° I . ) . 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Aqua melissse, P. G. Take 1 part of balm- 
 leaves and sufficient water; distil 10 parts. 
 
 Spiritus melissje composites. — Compound spirit of balm, E. ; Eau des Carmes, Fr. ; 
 Karmelitergeist, 6r. — Take of balm 14 parts; lemon-peel, 12 parts; nutmeg, 6 parts; cin- 
 namon and cloves, each 3 parts ; alcohol, 150 parts ; and water, 250 parts ; distil 200 parts. 
 -~I . G. The French Codex gives a similar formula, and directs for the above quantity 
 of spirit nearly 2 parts each of coriander and angelica in addition to the other ingredients 
 
1032 
 
 MENISPERM UM.— MENTHA PIPERITA. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Balm tea is a popular and refreshing drink when made with 
 the fresh plant and taken cold. A hot infusion of the dried plant, Gm. 5—10 in Gm. 100 
 (gli-21? in giij) is one of the mildest that can be used to favor the operation of diapho- 
 retic medicines. 
 
 MENISPERMUM, TJ. S % — Menispermum. 
 
 Canadian moonseed , Yellow parilla, E. ; Menisperme du Canada , Fr. ; Canadisches Mond- 
 korn , G. 
 
 The rhizome and roots of Menispermum canadense, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Memspermaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This is a North American climber, with peltate, roundish-cordate, and angu- 
 lar leaves, small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, and black, glaucous, roundish kidney- 
 shaped drupes. The rhizome was formerly brought into commerce as Texas sarsaparilla , 
 and its botanical source was established by R. P. Thomas (1855). 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is several feet long, about 5 Mm. (-J- inch) thick, of a 
 yellowish-brown color, cylindrical when dry, with numerous fine longitudinal wrinkles, and 
 beset with thin branching rather brittle rootlets. Internally it is yellowish, breaks with 
 a tough fibrous fracture, and exhibits on transverse section a bark of about one-tenth the 
 diameter of the rhizome and composed of two distinct layers, a woody zone consisting of 
 about fourteen rather broad porous wood-wedges separated by medullary rays of nearly 
 the same width, and a large central pith. The rhizome has a slight odor and a bitter 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — We found (1863) the rhizome to contain a small quantity of ber- 
 berine and a larger proportion of a white alkaloid, which has a bitter taste, neutralizes 
 acids completely, and yields precipitates with the group reagents for alkaloids. H. L. 
 Barber (1884) found this alkaloid to differ from oxyacanthine and menispermine, and to 
 be insoluble in benzene and alkaline liquids; it dissolves in 75 parts of water, in 6 parts 
 of alcohol, in 40 parts of ether, and in 20 parts of chloroform, and gives with sulphuric 
 acid a brown color, gradually fading ; with nitric acid, a yellow color ; and with fused 
 zinc chloride, a brownish-yellow color. We propose for this alkaloid the name menispine. 
 The rhizome also contains starch, gum, resin, tannin, and other common constituents 
 of plants. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It has been reputed for many years that menispermum is 
 tonic, alterative, and diuretic, and that its medicinal qualities are similar to those of sar- 
 saparilla. It much more probably resembles calumba, not so much because, like that 
 medicine, it yields berberine, as because it is bitter. We read that it is used in scrofulous 
 affections as a substitute for sarsaparilla, but without the assurance that the latter medi- 
 cine is itself of demonstrable utility in their treatment. Whatever virtues it may 
 possess await discovery by intelligent investigation. 
 
 MENTHA PIPERITA, TJ. Peppermint. 
 
 Folia ( Herba ) menthse piperitse , P. G. ; Menthe poivree , Fr. Cod. ; Pfejferminze , G. ; 
 Yerba buena piperita , Sp. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Mentha piperita, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 
 203. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae, Satureieae. 
 
 Origin. — Peppermint is a perennial plant, readily multiplying by runners, and with a 
 square frequently purplish stem, about 90 Cm. (3 feet) high. Its native country is 
 unknown ; it is regarded as a mere variety of M. hirsuta, Linne , with which it is con- 
 nected by many intermediate forms, and from which it was probably produced by cultiva- 
 tion. It is now found wild in wet places in England, in other countries of Europe, and 
 in North America ; it is largely cultivated. It flowers in August and September. The 
 moisture of the fresh herb amounts to about 80 per cent. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are 50-75 Mm. (2 to 3 inches) long, and all petiolate, the 
 petioles being about 12 Mm. (^ inch) long; they vary in shape between lanceolate and 
 ovate lanceolate, have a rounded base, an acute apex, and a sharply serrate margin ; the 
 upper surface is dark-green and smooth, the lower surface paler with numerous glands, 
 and upon the nerves sparingly pubescent. The inflorescence is terminal, and consists of 
 twelve to sixteen whorls, the lowest of which are somewhat distant ; it is conical in shape, 
 rounded or somewhat acute above, and 5 Cm. (2 inches) long ; the cymules of each 
 
MENTHA VIRIDIS. 
 
 1033 
 
 Mentha piperita, Linne : 
 
 flower and corolla cut open, magi 
 8 diameters. 
 
 ified 
 
 whorl contain about twenty or thirty flowers. The calyx, is often purplish, tubular, 
 five-toothed, ten-ribbed, glabrous, but 
 
 dotted with yellowish glands. The co- FlG * 
 
 rolla is pale purplish-red and smooth, 
 with the tube about as long as the 
 calyx, and the limb nearly equally 
 four-lobed, and the upper lobe emar- 
 ginate. The four short stamens are 
 equal in length, and included in the 
 tube. The fruit consists of four 
 brownish smooth or rugose akenes. 
 
 The herb has a strong peculiar aro- 
 matic odor and a pungent and cool- 
 ing taste. 
 
 Several varieties are known, differ- 
 ing in the width of the leaves, the 
 amount of pubescence, and the com- 
 pactness of the flowering spikes. In 
 Mexico Hedroma piperita, Bentham , is used in the same manner as peppermint. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent is the volatile oil to which the 
 drug owes its odor and taste, and of which the dried herb yields in the neighborhood of 1 
 per cent. (See Ol. Menth^e Piperita.) A little tannin and the other constituents are 
 of no medicinal importance. (For Menthol, see page 1034.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Species aromatics, P. G. — Aromatic herbs, 
 E. ; Especes (Herbes) aromatique, Fr. ; Aromatische Krauter, G. — Peppermint, wild 
 thyme, garden thyme, and lavender-flowers, of each 2 parts ; cloves and cubebs, of each 
 1 part. Cut and bruise separately, separate the fine powder, and mix. — P. G. Pepper- 
 mint, sage, wild thyme, garden thyme, rosemary, hyssop, origanum, and wormwood, of 
 each 1 part. — F. P. 
 
 Syrupus MENTHiE (piperita). — Syrup of peppermint, E.; Sirop de menthe poivree, 
 Fr. ; Pfefferminzsyrup, G. — Dissolve 60 parts of sugar in 40 parts of infusion prepared 
 from 10 parts of peppermint, 50 parts of water and 5 parts of alcohol. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The name, “peppermint,” describes the sharp, biting taste of 
 this plant, whose odor when fresh is likewise very powerful, but refreshing. In the 
 mouth it produces a pungent sensation, followed by a sense of coolness and numbness, 
 increased by inhaling strongly. The essential oil occasions this feeling more sensibly, as 
 well as a diffusive warmth in the abdomen, when it is swallowed. The action of pepper- 
 mint is mainly that of a carminative stimulant, with a certain degree of anodyne power, 
 which last is especially recognized by the popular use of the bruised fresh leaves to allay 
 colic , headache , and other local pains. A hot infusion is commonly employed to relieve 
 colic , flatulence , diarrhoea , vomiting , cholera morbus , dysmenorrhoea , and the associated 
 abdominal pains. Nervous headache, palpitation of the heart , hiccup , and other phenomena 
 of difficult digestion are palliated by this medicine. The hot or warm infusion, especially 
 when made with from half an ounce to an ounce of the fresh herb to a pint 6m. 15— 
 32 to Gm. 500, (,^ss— j in Oj) of water is a very excellent preparation. It may be given 
 in tablespoonful doses. Usually the water or the spirit is more convenient, given in 
 sweetened hot water. The special virtues of the oil are described elsewhere. 
 
 MENTHA VIRIDIS, 77. S.— Spearmint. 
 
 Herba menthse acutae (yel romanae). — Menthe verte , Fr. Cod. ; Menthe romaine , Baume 
 vert , Fr. ; Griine Minze , Romische Minze , G. ; Yerba buena, Sp. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Mentha viridis, Linne, s. M. sylvestris, var. glabra, Koch. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 202. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae, Satureieae. 
 
 Origin. — Spearmint is a perennial herb with a square green or sometimes purplish 
 stem about 90 Cm. (3 feet) high, and multiplying extensively by long runners. It is 
 probably a cultivated variety of M. sylvestris, Jjinne, the typical form of which has 
 broader woolly leaves and a cylindrical or subconical inflorescence, and is frequently 
 found in moist and swampy localities throughout the greater portion of Europe. Spear- 
 mint appears to be indigenous to England, but it is cultivated and has been naturalized 
 
1034 
 
 MENTHOL. 
 
 in the United States and most civilized countries. It flowers from July to September; 
 on drying, its weight diminishes from 80 to 85 per cent. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are sessile, or only the lowest with a very short petiole, 
 about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, lanceolate, acute, serrate, smooth or sparingly hairy, and 
 densely glandular beneath. The inflorescence is in terminal, narrow, acute spikes, with 
 distant whorls of about fifteen to twenty flowers in each. The glandular calyx is tubular- 
 bell-shaped, with five sharp and ciliate teeth : the corolla is light-purplish, naked, four- 
 lobed, and bears upon its tube four long and nearly equal stamens. Spearmint has a 
 strong aromatic odor and a warm aromatic taste, which resembles that of peppermint, but 
 is less pungent, and scarcely cooling. 
 
 Folia (herba) menth^e crisp^e. — Crisped (curled) mint, E. ; Menthe crepue, Fr . ; 
 Krauseminze, G. 
 
 The German and other pharmacopoeias recognize, instead of spearmint, this cultivated 
 variety, known as Mentha crispa, Linne , which is by different botanists referred to M. 
 aquatica, M. sylvestris, or M. piperita, Linne. The leaves are sessile or short-petiolate. 
 smooth or somewhat pubescent, heart-shaped or roundish-ovate, acute or pointed, and 
 sharply toothed and crisped on the margin. Other species of mint, like M. viridis, sativa, 
 arvensis, and rotundifolia, Linne , frequently produce in cultivation forms with crisped 
 leaves, and the crisped mints cultivated in different parts of continental Europe probably 
 belong to several of these species. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent of spearmint is volatile oil (see Ol. 
 Menth^e Viridis) ; the others, like a little tannin, are of no medicinal or pharmaceutical 
 importance. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of spearmint is generally described as identical 
 with that of peppermint, but it is really much less intense. Its uses are the same as 
 those of peppermint, but its milder action has led to its being preferred for infantile 
 cases. An infusion of spearmint may be made with the proportions mentioned under 
 Peppermint. 
 
 MENTHOL, U. S., Br.— Menthol. 
 
 Menthol , Fr., G. 
 
 A stearopten (having the nature of a secondary alcohol), obtained from the official oil 
 of peppermint (from Mentha piperita , Smith), or from the Japanese or Chinese oil of 
 peppermint (from Menthcv arvensis , Linne, var. piperascens , Malinvaud, and Mentha cana- 
 densis , Linne, var. glabrata , Bentham ; nat. ord. Labiatae). 
 
 Formula C 10 H 19 OH. Molecular weight 155.66. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — The Chinese and Japanese solid oil of peppermint, 
 which consists mainly of menthol, was shown by E. M. Holmes to be prepared from the 
 varieties glabrata and piperascens of Mentha arvensis, De Candolle. Within the past few 
 years A. M. Todd has prepared a very handsomely crystallized and perfectly dry menthol 
 from oil of peppermint distilled from Mentha piperita grown in the United States. This 
 volatile oil, carefully rectified by steam, is cooled by means of ice and salt to — 22.2° C. 
 ( — 8° F.), and after it has solidified the temperature is allowed to rise very slowly, the 
 liquid portion being drained off from time to time. This article has become known in 
 our commerce as pipmenthol. The yield is about 20 per cent, of the weight of the oil. 
 
 Properties. — Menthol forms colorless, acicular or prismatic glossy crystals, which, 
 seen in quantity, have a white appearance ; if rapidly congealed the crystals are thin, 
 stellately arranged, and of a satiny lustre. They melt at 43° C. (109.4° F.) to a colorless 
 liquid, boiling at 212° C. (413.6° F.), and have an agreeable odor and taste of peppermint, 
 producing, if air is inhaled, a sensation of coolness. The Chinese menthol appears either 
 in fused crystalline masses or in colorless acicular crystals, which are more or less moist 
 from adhering oil, and differ somewhat in odor from that of pipmenthol. Menthol dis- 
 solves sparingly in water, but is freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and other 
 solvents of volatile oils ; the solutions have a neutral reaction to test-paper. Boiled with 
 sulphuric acid diluted with half its volume of water, menthol acquires an indigo-blue or 
 ultramarine color, the acid becoming brown. Menthol should be entirely volatilized by 
 the heat of a water-bath (absence of magnesium sulphate and other saline or waxy im- 
 purities). In contact with thymol, which has a higher melting-point, it becomes liquid 
 (Fliickiger, 1885). Triturated with an equal weight of chloral, thymol, or camphor, an 
 oily colorless liquid is produced, soluble in alcohol, benzin, chloroform, ether, and carbon 
 
MENYANTHES. 
 
 1035 
 
 disulphide, and on being mixed with sulphuric acid acquiring a blue color, the mixture 
 yielding with alcohol a nearly colorless solution (H. V. Becker, 1886). 
 
 If a little menthol be heated in an open capsule on a water-bath, it should gradually 
 volatilize without leaving any residue (absence of wax, paraffin, and inorganic sub- 
 stances). If a few crystals of menthol be dissolved in 1 Cc. of glacial acetic acid, and 
 then 3 drops of sulphuric acid and 1 drop of nitric acid added, no green color should be 
 produced (absence of thymol).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Menthol in a solid form has but a trifling advantage, if any, over 
 pure oil of peppermint, and may be employed for the same purposes. Rtibbed upon the skin 
 or mucous membrane as a crystal or in the form of a “pencil,” it occasions a sense of cool- 
 ness, followed by one of burning. It is said to have powerful antibacterial properties. It 
 has been largely used to palliate zona , eczema , bites of insects , burns, scalds, carbuncles , 
 local pains, including neuralgia, toothache, earache, furuncle of the auditory canal (Sze'nes, 
 Therap. Monatsh., iv. 488) (a 20 per cent, solution in oil being applied on cotton), 
 pruritus vulvse, p. ani, and other forms of pruritus ( Therap Monatsh., iii. 262); to cure 
 ringworm of the scalp (a solution of 1 : 12), hay-fever , and coryza by applying a 10—20 
 per cent, solution to the nostrils or simply inhaling its vapor, etc. In 1887, S. and A. 
 Rosenberg asserted that nebulized menthol had a remarkable power of controlling, if not 
 of arresting, the progress of phthisis, whether laryngeal or pulmonary. In 1888 this 
 praise was repeated by Beehag ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxxiii. 625), who, as well as 
 others, applied menthol to the treatment of affections of the ear and Eustachian tube, 
 ozsena, catarrhal angina , chronic pharyngitis , and even diphtheria (Wolf, Therap. 
 Monatsh., lv. 446). In 1889 the palliative influence of the medicine in vapor or spray 
 was illustrated by Potter and by Knight ( Therap . Gaz ., xiii. 556), who used it in chronic 
 bronchitis , asthma, whoopmg cough, etc. (Compare Bishop, Med. News, lvii. 81 ; 197.) 
 Menthol has been given internally to relieve vomiting, including that of pregnancy, by 
 Gottschalk and others (R. Menthol, 1 part, dissolved in spirit of wine and simple syrup, 
 of each 20 parts. Bose, a teaspoonful ( Therap . Monatsh ., iv. 375). Added to chloro- 
 form or ether, it may be applied in spray to produce local anaesthesia. Liniments or oint- 
 ments of the strength of 1 : 10-20 have been employed ; and internally menthol has 
 been given in doses of one or two grains, Gm. 0.06-0.12, in pill or olive oil. 
 
 MENYANTHES. — Buckbean, Bogbean. 
 
 Folia (Herbal) trifolii fibrini , P. G. ; Marsh trefoil , Wafer shamrock, E. ; Menyanthe, 
 Trifle d'eau (de marais), Fr. Cod. ; Fieberklee, Bitterklee , Dreiblatt, G. ; Trebal acuatico, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 184. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Gentianaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The buckbean is a perennial indigenous to North America from Pennsyl- 
 vania northward and to Europe and Northern Asia. It grows in boggy places, has a 
 fleshy rhizome of the thickness of a finger and sheathed by the remnants of the leaf- 
 stalks, and bears a naked scape with about fifteen rose-colored or whitish flowers. It 
 blooms in May and June. The leaves are collected in spring, and on drying lose about 
 80 per cent, in weight. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are on petioles 10-15 Cm. (4 or 6 inches) long, ternate, 
 the leaflets sessile, 5-8 Cm. (2 to 3 inches) long, obtuse, oblong or obovate, entire or 
 slightly crenate, smooth, and pale-green. They are inodorous, and have a very bitter 
 taste, free from astringency. 
 
 Constituents. — Trommsdorff found in the leaves the principles usually present in 
 herbaceous parts of plants, and obtained the bitter principle in the form of an extract-like 
 mass. Brandes (1830 and 1842) succeeded in gaining it partly as a thick amorphous 
 mass, partly in yellowish-white granules. Landerer (1839) found an ethereal extract of 
 buckbean to contain white bitter needles, which were soluble in water and alcohol and 
 precipitated by alkalies from their acid solution (?). Kromayer and Ludwig (1861) 
 obtained menyanthin, which has probably the composition C 33 H 54 0 16 . It dries over sul- 
 phuric acid to an amorphous whitish mass, which on the application of heat softens, and 
 at 115° C. (239° F.) is limpid and transparent. It is sparingly soluble in cold water, 
 soluble in alkalies and alcohol, but insoluble in ether. It has a very bitter taste, and 
 when boiled with dilute acids is resolved into sugar, a brown resin, and menyantliol , the 
 latter being oily, volatile, heavier than water, and of an agreeable odor resembling that 
 of bitter almonds. The leaves contain a pectin compound, which causes the infusion, 
 
1036 
 
 METHYLENI BICHLORIDUM. 
 
 sweetened with sugar, to gelatinize in a few days ; this compound is insoluble in diluted 
 alcohol. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Extractum menyanthis, s. trifolii fibrini. The 
 French preparation is the inspissated juice. In Germany it is made by hot infusion of 
 the dry leaves with water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Water shamrock or marsh trefoil is a bitter tonic which is 
 reputed to be also antiscorbutic, emmenagogue, and vermifuge, and was anciently used 
 in dropsy, urinary disorders, etc. In large doses, like other bitters, it acts as an emetic, 
 and some observers have attributed to it narcotic qualities. It is chiefly used in atonic 
 dyspepsia and those hepatic and digestive derangements which are apt to prevail in damp 
 malarial localities. It is a popular remedy for chronic cutaneous eruptions, both internally 
 and externally. Its ancient use in ammorrhoea has been revived by White ( Lancet , Jan. 
 31, 1885, p. 235). The most efficient form of the medicine is the expressed juice, which 
 is administered in the dose of Gm. 64-96 (fgij-iij) daily, in whey or thin broth. An 
 infusion is made with Gm. 16 to Gm. 500 ( 3 SS in Oj) both for internal and external 
 use. 
 
 METHYLENI BICHLORIDUM. — Methylene Bichloride. 
 
 Dichlormethane , Chloro-methyl , E. ; Chlorure de methyle monochlore, Ether chlorhydrique 
 monochlorure de V esprit de hois, Fr. ; Methylenchlorid , Chlormethylchloriir , G. 
 
 Formula CH 2 C1 2 . Molecular weight 84.71. 
 
 Preparation. — Chlorine gas is conducted into a glass globe containing methyl 
 chloride, CH 3 C1, which glass is drawn out below so as to form a thin tube, passing into 
 one aperture of a Woulfe’s bottle, the second tubulure being connected, by means of a 
 bent glass tube, with a second Woulfe’s bottle placed in ice, and this with a flask cooled 
 by means of a freezing mixture; the liquid condensed in the Woulfe’s bottles is chiefly 
 chloroform, while that condensing in the flask will be pure methylene bichloride. This is 
 Regnault’s process, by whom the compound was discovered (1840). It can also be 
 obtained by the reduction of chloroform (in alcoholic solution) by zinc and hydrochloric 
 acid ; the heavier liquid is separated and purified by successive treatment with soda solu- 
 tion, sulphuric acid, water, calcium chloride, and fractional distillation. 
 
 Properties. — Methylene bichloride is a colorless liquid, having at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 the spec. grav. 1.360, and boiling at 30.5° C. (87° F.) or 41.6° C. (106.88° F.) (Helbing). 
 The same compound, obtained by Butlerow (1859) by heating methylene biniodide in a 
 current of chlorine gas, boiled at 40.5° C. (105° F.). Its odor resembles that of chloro- 
 form. It has no action upon test-paper, is soluble in alcohol and ether, and scarcely 
 affected by alcoholic solution of potassa. It is decomposed when exposed to light and 
 air, the change being prevented by the addition of a little alcohol. Its vapor has the 
 density 3.012 and burns with a bright flame. 
 
 In composition it may be regarded as the chloride of methylene (CH 2 ) or as a deriva- 
 tive of methyl, CH 3 ; the following shows its relation to allied compounds : 
 
 Marsh gas .... 
 Methyl chloride . . 
 Methylene bichloride 
 Chloroform .... 
 Chlorocarbon . . . 
 
 Methyl, CH 3 . Methylene, CH 2 . 
 
 CHg.H 
 
 CH 3 .C1 
 
 CH 2 .C1.C1 CH 2 C1 2 
 
 chci 2 .ci chci.ci 2 
 
 CCI 3 .CI CC1 2 .C1 2 
 
 English methylene chloride, or methylene, is a mixture of methylene chloride and 
 ether ; it was recommended as a safe anaesthetic in doses of from 1—4 drachms (Richard- 
 son), but is not as free from danger as its originator believed. Care should be taken to 
 distinguish between this mixture and the definite chemical compound above mentioned. 
 
 A mixture of chloroform and methyl chloride has also figured in commerce as “ methylene 
 chloride ” (Helbing). 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Methyl chloride, Chlormethyl, Monochlormethane, CH 3 Cl. Mol. weight, 
 50.34. A gaseous compound first proposed by Berthelot, and obtained by the reaction between 
 methyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid in the presence of zinc chloride. After purification by 
 means of water, acid, and alkali, it occurs as a colorless gas with an ethereal odor ; it is soluble 
 in one-fourth its volume of water, much more so in alcohol, and freely in ether and chloroform. 
 Under a pressure of five atmospheres at normal temperature methyl chloride is a liquid which 
 should be neutral to test-paper and unaffected by silver nitrate or potassium iodide and starch 
 paste. The compressed liquid form of methyl chloride has been recommended for use as a spray 
 to produce local anaesthesia. 
 
METHYLENI B1CHL0RTDUM. 
 
 1037 
 
 Carbox Tetrachloride, Tetrachlormethane, CC1 4 . Mol. weight, 153.45. A transparent, color- 
 less liquid, of the specific gravity, 1.599, boiling at 77° C. (170.6° F.), and an agreeable aromatic 
 flavor. It is obtained in an impure form when dry chlorine is first passed through a bottle con- 
 taining carbon disulphide, and then through a porcelain tube, filled with pieces of porcelain, 
 and kept at a bright-red heat ; the vapors are condensed in a cooled receiver, forming a yellowish- 
 red liquid, which is a mixture of carbon tetrachloride and sulphur chloride. The sulphur chloride 
 is removed by slowly adding the liquid to an excess of potash lye or milk of lime, the mixture 
 being set aside and agitated from time to time till the sulphur compound is decomposed, and 
 then distilled. Carbon tetrachloride passes over, and, if necessary, may be freed from remaining 
 carbon disulphide by further treatment with caustic potash. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The inhalation of the vapor is described as being very pleasant 
 and but slightly irritating, drowsiness and unconsciousness coming on without any noise 
 in the head or oppression, and recovery taking place at once and completely, without any 
 sense of depression. Like chloroform, it is very apt to occasion vomiting, and like ether 
 it sometimes causes a stage of excitement and struggling which may be difficult to subdue. 
 Although it does not produce fatal effects as frequently as chloroform, it is not exempt 
 from that danger. Up to 1874 at least four cases had been reported in which death was 
 directly traceable to this anaesthetic, and in the following year a fifth occurred in London. 
 In the last case the breathing became suddenly loud and stertorous, deep, full, and exag- 
 gerated : the lips and cheeks retained their color ; the pulse at the wrist failed rapidly, 
 and then ceased almost abruptly. A sixth case occurred at Ipswich, England, in which 
 the stertor was preceded by rather violent struggling. Up to 1881 nine deaths were 
 attributed to this anaesthetic, in some of which the abrupt occurrence of death seems to 
 prove that it was due to syncope. In several, also, it followed doses of | drachm (Rei- 
 chert, Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci ., July, 1881, p. 52). In 1884 a death by syncope due to 
 this agent occurred in Plymouth, England. The operation for which it was administered 
 was a slight one, and only ten minims of the preparation were given ( Lancet , June 28, 
 1884). A similar accident occurred in the same place in 1890 (ibid., Oc-t., 1890. p. 768). 
 A further, although a subordinate, objection to this compound is its volatility, which 
 renders its use difficult in a hot atmosphere. 
 
 In 1877, Mr. Spencer Wells made the following statement (and substantially repeated 
 it in 1888), which, in relation to the particular class of cases referred to, appears conclu- 
 sive as to the superiority of this anaesthetic : “ In 1872, I made known my opinion that 
 all the advantages of complete anaesthesia, with fewer drawbacks, could be obtained 
 better by the use of bichloride of methylene than by any other known anaesthetic. This 
 was the result of the experience of five years and of three hundred and fifty serious 
 operations. The experience of the five succeeding years, with more than six hundred 
 additional cases of ovariotomy and many other cases of surgical operations, has fully 
 confirmed me in this belief. Given properly diluted with air, it has, in my experience of 
 ten years, with more than one thousand operations of a nature unusually severe as tests 
 of an anaesthetic, proved to be, without a single exception, applicable to every patient, 
 perfectly certain to produce complete anaesthesia, relieving the surgeon from all alarm 
 and even anxiety, and its use has never been followed by any dangerous symptoms which 
 could be fairly attributed to it.” Other surgeons have testified to its efficiency in a great 
 variety of surgical operations, both capital and trivial, yet, from whatever cause, it does 
 not seem to have supplanted to any great extent either chloroform or ether. Perhaps it 
 may be, as Mr Wells remarks, that the fluid sold as bichloride of methylene may have 
 been only chloroform mixed with some spirit or ether ; perhaps the reason may be found 
 in the opinions expressed by Dr. Richardson, that “ he was not favorably impressed with 
 the application of the bichloride to quick general anaesthesia,” and that “ it belongs to a 
 dangerous family of chemical substances, and cannot therefore be played with without 
 risk.” J 
 
 In administering the vapor a sufficient proportion of atmospheric air should be admitted 
 i along with it. For this purpose a hollow cone made of pasteboard pierced w 7 ith holes, 
 should contain the cloth or sponge upon which the liquid has heen poured. The quantity 
 used should not exceed, fora first inhalation, 30 or 40 minims; half as much may be used 
 each time that signs of returning consciousness appear. 
 
 Methylene blue is an anodyne for the pain of neuralgia and rheumatism , and 
 neuralgic headache. It is reported to be ineffectual to relieve osteocopic (syphilitic) pain , 
 gastralgia from ulcers, mental excitement, hallucinations, and insomnia. Its anodyne 
 e ect is perceptible about two hours after its administration, and is said to be sustained 
 or about an equal time. During its use the urine acquires a greenish hue. It does not 
 seem to affect the pulse, appetite, or digestion. Its alleged efficacy in phthisis and diph- 
 
1038 
 
 METHYLI IODIDUM. 
 
 theria has not been confirmed (Erlich and Lepmann, Centralblatt f. Therap., viu. 401). 
 It has been given hypodermically in doses of 6m. 0.02-0.08 (gr. 3 -l) ; and internally in 
 doses of 6m. 0.10-0.50 (gr. 11-8) in gelatin capsules. 
 
 Methyli Chloridum. — Methyl chloride was first employed in 1884, in Paris, by 
 Debove, who treated neuralgia by directing upon the seats of pain a stream of the : com- 
 pound from a vessel where under pressure it remained liquid, but on escaping into the air 
 was converted into a vapor. When this stream impinges upon the skin it produces 
 smarting and burning, followed by congelation of the part and, if continued, by vesica- 
 tion and even sphacelus. Hence it was soon recommended not to allow the vapor to tall 
 upon the same spot longer than four or five seconds at a time nor to strike it vertically. 
 The vesicated skin on healing is apt to be stained brown, but less frequently on the face 
 
 thl Thetrltment of neuralgia by cold is far from novel. In 1851 it was successfully 
 used by Arnott in England and by Nelaton in France, who both employed freezing 
 mixtures for the purpose. Methyl chloride is only a new agent for effecting a familiar 
 
 ° bj The cases first treated by Debove were of sciatica from cold and in these the method 
 was most successful. Sciatica due to disease of the spine or of the spinal cord has been 
 palliated, but not cured, by congelation. Witness also the results of this treatment in 
 Ihorea and locomotor ataxia. Trigeminal neuralgia has sometimes been palliated or even 
 removed by it. Its use in articular rheumatism has been advocated, but we must regard 
 it as of doubtful value if not dangerous ; and the same remark applies to internal inflam- 
 mations for which it has been used, if only to relieve the element pain. Many other 
 agents exist for this purpose, and do not, like this one, involve danger. It has been also 
 uled to suspend the sensibility of parts to which the actual cautery was applied, fo 
 lessen the danger of causing a slough by freezing the skin Debove. suggested that the 
 point on which the spray is to fall should be first coated with glycerin. Instead of the 
 spray, tampons of wool or floss silk saturated with the liquid and covered with thin si.k 
 tissue may be applied to the skin with wooden or vulcanite holders. 
 
 METHYLI IODIDUM — Methyl Iodide. 
 
 Iodure de methyle , Fr. ; Jodmethyl, Gr. 
 
 Formula CH 3 I. Molecular weight 141.50. „ r n ooK\ }lV 
 
 Preparation— This compound was first obtained by Dumas and Pehgot (1835) by 
 adding very gradually 1 part of phosphorus to a solution of 8 parts of iodine in L 01 
 parts of methylic alcohol, agitating the distillate with water and rectifying. According 
 to Wanklyn (1867), potassium iodide and anhydrous methylic alcohol are mixed 
 retort in equivalent proportions ; dry hydrochloric acid gas is passed into the mixture, 
 which is then distilled, and the distillate purified as betore. 
 
 Properties— Methyl iodide is a colorless liquid of an ethereal odor and the spree. 
 
 gr^ 2 P 199 at 6° C. (32° F.). It boils at 43.8° C. (111° F.), and by the aid of a wick 
 burns with difficulty, giving off violet vapors. . , , . , , ofi7 
 
 Allied Compound. — Methyleni iodidum, s. biniodidum, CH. 2 I 2 (mo . weig , *,i 
 
 nrenared bv Butlerow (1859) by acting upon iodoform with sodium ethylate. It is readily fo ^ 
 flv^eatinff chloroform with very concentrated hydriodic acid for several hours to near 130 0. 
 1266° F I It is a v™ow liquid having the spec. grav. 3.34, congealing to glossy scales near the 
 freezing-point, and boiling at 180° C. (356° F.), at the same time suffering partial decomposing 
 Action and Uses —Proposed in 1868 by Dr. B. W. Richardson, iodide of methyl 
 
 wafstated to be respirable and^mestbetic when pure, but to give rise to great exm^men 
 ot the heart and circulation, and when decomposed, as it was apt to become . “ P" 
 the irritating effects of iodine, including lachrymation, salivation, and bronchial isec • 
 
 In experiments upon animals inhalation of the vapor produced fatal engorgement of b e 
 
 bronchia. Of it Sir James Y. Simpson wrote : “ I found it very powerfully an*sthet,c 
 but dangerously so. After inhaling a very small quantity for two or ^ r « e “' nut “ t0 
 remained for some seconds without feeling much effect, but objects I ““ e ^ for 
 
 multiply before my eyes, and I fell down in a state of insensibi 1 y, ., 
 
 upward of an hour. I did not completely recover from the effects of it for some « 1 
 In 1884, Dr. Richardson used methyl iodide internally, by giving 10 minims of a solut 
 
 of 6 grains of the iodide in 60 minims of absolute alcohol. Th.s dose he found to be 
 amesthetic and sedative in cases of hyperesthesia and attending mam y 
 
 uterine cancer. Similar effects were noted by Kirk (Asclepiad, 1884, Lancet, 
 
 1885). 
 
METHYL SA LIC YL A S.—MEZERE UM. 
 
 1039 
 
 METHYL SALICYLAS, V. 8.— Methyl Salicylate. 
 
 Artificial or synthetical oil of wintergreen , E. ; Mcthylsalicylat , Kiinstliches Winter - 
 griinoel , G. 
 
 Formula CH 3 C 7 H 5 0 3 . Molecular weight 151.64. 
 
 Preparation. — The process probably most used is the one which is used extensively 
 for the preparation of ethers, and consists in the heating of the acid in methylic alcohol 
 with concentrated sulphuric acid. 
 
 Properties. — Methyl salicylate is “ a colorless, or slightly yellowish liquid, having 
 the characteristic, strongly aromatic odor, and the sweetish, warm, and aromatic taste of 
 oil of wintergreen, with the essential constituent of which it is identical, and in place of 
 which it may be used. Specific gravity, 1.183-1.185 at 15° C. (59° F.). Boiling-point, 
 219°-221° C. (462.2°-429.8° F.). It is optically inactive. Soluble, in all proportions, 
 in alcohol, glacial acetic acid, and carbon disulphide. The alcohol solution is neutral or 
 slightly acid to litmus-paper. If a drop of methyl salicylate be shaken with a little 
 water, and a drop of ferric chloride test-solution subsequently added, a deep violet color 
 will be produced. When heated on a water-bath, in a flask provided with a suitable con- 
 denser. it should yield no distillate having the characteristics of alcohol or chloroform. 
 If to 1 Cc. of methyl salicylate, contained in a capacious test-tube, 10 Cc. of sodium 
 hydroxide test-solution be added, and the mixture agitated, a bulky, white, crystalline pre- 
 cipitate will be produced ; and, if the test-tube, loosely corked, be subsequently allowed 
 to stand in boiling water for about five minutes, with occasional agitation, a clear, color- 
 less or faintly yellowish and complete solution should be obtained without the separation 
 of any oily drops, either on the surface or at the bottom of the liquid (absence of other 
 volatile oils or of petroleum). If the alkaline liquid thus obtained be subsequently 
 diluted with about three times its volume of water, and a slight excess of hydrochloric 
 acid added, a white, crystalline precipitate will be produced which, when collected on a 
 filter, washed with a little water, and recrystallized from hot water, should respond to the 
 tests of identity and purity described under Acidum Salicylicum (absence of methyl 
 benzoate, etc.).” — U. S. 
 
 Uses.— The virtues of this compound appear to be the same as those of oil of winter- 
 green, from which it is derived. (Yid. Oleum Gaultherle.) 
 
 MEZEREUM, U. S. — Mezereon. 
 
 Mezerei cortex , Br. ; Cortex mezerei , Cortex thymeleae (yel coccognidii) . — Mezer eon-bark, 
 E. ; Mezereon , Bois gentil , Garou sanbois , Fr. Cod. ; Laureole , Thy melee, Fr. ; Seidelbast , 
 Kellerhals, G. ; Macereon, Torviso , Sp. 
 
 The bark of Daphne Mezereum, Linne, Daphne Gnidium, Linne , and Daphne Laureola, 
 Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 225, 226, 227. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Thymelaeacese. 
 
 Origin. — The three plants named above are small shrubs about 0.6-1. 2 M. (2 to 4 
 feet ) high. The mezereon has rose-red, sessile, fragrant flowers in small clusters pre- 
 ceding the deciduous leaves, and is indigenous to hilly and mountainous regions of 
 Europe, extending to the Arctic Circle, and eastward to Siberia. The other two species 
 are found in Southern Europe ; D. Laureola, or spurge laurel, is also met with eastward to 
 Asia Minor. This species has large evergreen leaves and yellowish-green flowers in axil- 
 lary clusters, while the spurge flax (D. Gnidium) has narrow annual leaves and small 
 white flowers in terminal, corymbose racemes. The bark is usually collected during the 
 winter. 
 
 Description. — Mezereon-bark is in long bands about 12 Mm. (J inch) wide, 1 
 Mm. (-jL inch) thick, either folded and tied together in bundles or rolled up into flat 
 | disks with the inner surface outward. The outer 
 surface varies in color from pale-yellowish or brown- 
 ish to brown-yellow, with a coppery lustre, and is 
 marked with numerous minute blackish warts and 
 transversely elongated leaf-scars, in the axils of 
 which is found a cluster of blackish spots. Older 
 bark shows some transverse fissures. The corky 
 layer is easily separated from the pale-greenish Mezereon-bark: transverse section, magnified, 
 outer bark, and with this from the bast-layer. The inner surface is whitish, of a silky 
 lustre, and from loosened bast-fibres has a hairy appearance. The bark tears somewhat 
 
 Fig. 183. 
 
1040 
 
 MEZEREUM. 
 
 irregularly in a longitudinal direction, but with difficulty transversely. The fine and 
 tough bast-fibres are in tangential rows and alternate with layers of parenchyma, this tis- 
 sue being radially striate by narrow one-rowed medullary rays. The dried bark is 
 inodorous and has a persistently acrid and burning taste. 
 
 The bark of the spurge flax is of a darker brown color, and has numerous spirally 
 arranged leaf-scars ; that of the spurge laurel is more of a gray or brown-gray color, not 
 prominently marked with leaf-scars, and has a greenish bast ; both agree with mezereon- 
 bark in acridity. The root-bark of the three species is regarded as the strongest, but 
 the stem-bark is most generally met with. 
 
 Constituents. — Landerer observed (1836) that mezereon-bark contains a neutral 
 acrid principle which volatilizes with the vapors of water ; a similar observation was 
 made by Squire (1842) with mezereon-root, and by Yauquelin (1808) with the distillate 
 from water which had been used for washing the resin. The acrimony is, however, 
 mainly due to a soft resin or oil, which, according to C. G. Gmelin (1822), is not precip- 
 itated by lead acetate from its alcoholic solution. This acrid principle deserves further 
 investigation. Yauquelin (1808) discovered daphnin in the bark of spurge flax, and the 
 same principle was isolated by Gmelin and Bar (1822) from mezereon-bark. Rochleder 
 (1864) obtained it from the aqueous decoction of the alcoholic extract, after precipitating 
 with sugar of lead, by precipitating it with lead subacetate, decomposing with hydrogen 
 sulphide, washing with ether, and crystallizing from water. It has a persistently bitter, 
 not acrid, taste, and an acid reaction, dissolves readily in hot water and alcohol, is 
 insoluble in ether, yields with alkalies yellow solutions, and colors ferric chloride blue. 
 Zwenger (1860) ascertained it to be a glucoside of the composition C 3 jH 34 Oj 9 . 4 H. 2 O, yield- 
 ing daphnetin , C 19 II 14 O 9 , which has a coumarin-like odor. On the dry distillation of the 
 alcoholic extract umbelliferon is obtained. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The comminution of the bark requires some precaution 
 to avoid the injurious effects of the dust. The bark may be readily cut into small pieces, 
 and should then be moistened with a little water, which should also be added on bruising 
 the bark in a mortar. 
 
 Unguentum mezerei, U. S. 1880. — Mezereon ointment. Melt together 12 parts of 
 yellow wax and 80 parts of lard, add 25 parts of fluid extract of mezereon, and heat 
 moderately on a water-bath until the alcohol has evaporated ; then stir the mixture until 
 cool. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Fructus (Grana) mezerei, s. gnidii, s. coccognidii.— Mezereon-fruit, E.; 
 Grains de garou, Fr. ; Kellerhalskorner, G. — The berry-like fruit of the above species is in the 
 fresh state red or of the spurge laurel blackish, globular-ovate or oval, about 5 Mm. (4 inch) 
 thick 5 after drying, brown or black, wrinkled ; contains a black glossy seed, is inodorous, and 
 has a strongly acrid and burning taste. Besides gum, vegetable acids, protein compounds, and 
 other medicinally unimportant principles, Casselmann obtained from the fruit 31 per cent, of 
 drying oil, 0.22 per cent, of acrid resin, and 0.38 per cent, of cocc.ognin , which differs from daphnin 
 in having a neutral reaction, in being very sparingly soluble in hot water, and in not being a 
 glucoside •, when heated it melts, and sublimes apparently unchanged, giving off a coumarin-like 
 odor. 
 
 Daphne salicifolia, Kiinth , grows in Mexico ; the leaves, hojas at San Pedro , are used for 
 their epispastic properties. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Excessive doses of mezereon give rise to symptoms of gastro- 
 intestinal irritation, with violent pain and sometimes very severe urinary irritation. 
 When the bark is fresh or has been soaked in water or in vinegar, it reddens the skin, 
 and at length occasions vesicles, followed by moist and painful ulcers which are difficult 
 to heal. We have elsewhere furnished illustrations of the narcotico-acrid action of 
 mezereon berries and of their use in medicine ( Therapeutics, 4th ed., i. 407). 
 
 At one time mezereon was much in vogue as a remedy for syphilis, and to this day it 
 is an ingredient of the compound decoction of sarsaparilla. But the evidence in its 
 favor is not adapted to convince. In chronic non-syphilitic cutaneous diseases its reputa- 
 tion was equally ill-founded. In chronic rheumatism it seems to have been more useful, 
 but here also its real value in a complex system of treatment is difficult to determine. 
 It is seldom used alone, except as a local irritant in the form of the recent or moistened 
 bark above referred to. In this respect it may more or less take the place of cantharides. 
 It has been applied to improve the condition of foul or indolent ulcers and to maintain 
 the discharge from issues and setons. For these purposes mezereon ointment is conve- 
 nient. To excite vesication the bark, prepared as already described and bound firmly to 
 the skin with a roller, should be freshly applied twice every day until vesication begins. 
 
MICA PA NIS.—MISTURIE. 
 
 1041 
 
 Mezereon ointment may be used to prolong and renew the suppuration originally pro- 
 duced by cantharides. 
 
 When poisoning by mezereon occurs the stomach should be evacuated by lukewarm 
 albuminous or mucilaginous liquids. Milk and fatty oils may also be administered. 
 
 MICA PANIS, Bp. — Bread-Crumb. 
 
 Mie du pain, Fr. ; Brodkrumen , G. 
 
 The soft part of bread made with wheat flour. 
 
 It is employed as an excipient in the preparation of certain pills, like those of corro- 
 sive sublimate, etc., and externally for emollient poultices. It is a constituent of Cata - 
 plasma car bonis. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It may be presumed that this article was made officinal in 
 order that only wheaten bread should be used. But in the only preparation for which it 
 is directed, charcoal poultice, any other form of bread would answer equally well. In this 
 country Indian corn meal is generally employed. 
 
 MISTUR^J VEL MIXTURE. 
 
 Mixtures , E. ; Potions , Mixtures , Fr. ; Mixturen , G. 
 
 Liquid medicines which contain insoluble substances in suspension, or which are com- 
 posed of two or more liquids, with or without the addition of saline or other material, 
 are termed “ mixtures,” and in its more limited application the term is restricted to mix- 
 tures intended for internal use. They are most frequently prepared extemporaneously 
 and upon the prescriptions of physicians, since even among the official ones but few 
 possess sufficient stability to permit them to be kept on hand for a longer period than a 
 few days. Insoluble substances, when light and readily diffusible in water, do not gen- 
 erally require the addition of gum-arabic or other mucilaginous body to ensure their 
 uniform suspension and the equalization of the dose; such an addition is desirable in all 
 cases where the insoluble bodies are much heavier than water. However, some judicious 
 restrictions are necessary, lest the insoluble compound form a compact deposit which can- 
 not be readily suspended again by agitation. This difficulty may be avoided by reducing 
 the gum to a very small proportion, and increasing the suspending power of the vehicle 
 by the addition of sugar or glycerin. 
 
 The term Saturations is applied in Europe to effervescing draughts made from lemon- 
 juice, vinegar, tartaric or citric acid, to which is added a sufficient quantity of a carbonate 
 to afford a nearly neutral salt, the solution remaining charged with as much carbonic acid 
 gas as it will retain without being filtered. The weight of official alkalies required for 
 the neutralization of 100 parts of official acid will be seen from the following table : 
 
 ACIDS. 
 
 AMMONIUM. 
 
 POTASSIUM. 
 
 SODIUM. 
 
 Ammon, 
 carbon., 
 100 < t ' . 
 
 Ammo- 
 nia- 
 water, 
 10 *. 
 
 Potassa, 
 90 i . 
 
 Potas- 
 sium bi- 
 carbon., 
 100 
 
 Potas- 
 
 sium 
 
 carbon., 
 
 95 
 
 Soda, 
 
 90#. 
 
 Sodium 
 bicar- 
 bon., 
 98.6 ^ . 
 
 Sodium 
 carbon., 
 98.9 $ . 
 
 Acetic 
 
 
 102.30 
 
 37.41 
 
 60.07 
 
 43.65 
 
 26.70 
 
 51.14 
 
 86.79 
 
 “ diluted 
 
 5.24 
 
 17.05 
 
 6.22 
 
 10.01 
 
 7.27 
 
 4.45 
 
 8.52 
 
 14.46 
 
 “ glacial 
 
 86.43 
 
 281.32 
 
 102.89 
 
 165.19 
 
 120.00 
 
 73.43 
 
 140.65 
 
 238.66 
 
 Renzoic 
 
 ! 42.94 
 
 139.76 
 
 51.11 
 
 82.06 
 
 59.63 
 
 36.48 
 
 69.87 
 
 118.57 
 
 Citric 
 
 ! 74.83 
 
 243.58 
 
 89.09 
 
 143.03 
 
 103.93 
 
 63.58 
 
 121.78 
 
 206.65 
 
 Hydrobromic, diluted . . 
 
 6.47 
 
 21.06 
 
 7.70 
 
 12.37 
 
 8.99 
 
 5.50 
 
 10.53 
 
 17.87 
 
 Hydrochloric 
 
 45.84 
 
 149.19 
 
 54.57 
 
 87.60 
 
 63.66 
 
 38.94 
 
 74.59 
 
 126.57 
 
 “ diluted . . 
 
 14.37 
 
 46.77 
 
 17.10 
 
 27.46 
 
 19.96 
 
 12.21 
 
 23.38 
 
 39.68 
 
 Lactic 
 
 43.65 
 
 142.08 
 
 51.96 
 
 83.43 
 
 60.62 
 
 37.09 
 
 71.03 
 
 120.54 
 
 Nitric .... 
 
 56.51 
 
 183.92 
 
 67.27 
 
 108.00 
 
 78.48 
 
 48.01 
 
 91.95 
 
 ! 156.03 
 
 “ diluted 
 
 8.31 
 
 27.05 
 
 9.89 
 
 15.88 
 
 11.54 
 
 7.06 
 
 13.52 
 
 22.95 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 90.83 
 
 295.67 
 
 108.14 
 
 173.62 
 
 126.16 
 
 77.18 
 
 147.82 
 
 250.84 
 
 “ diluted . . 
 
 10.69 
 
 34.78 
 
 12.72 
 
 20.43 
 
 14.84 
 
 9.08 
 
 17.39 
 
 29.51 
 
 Salicylic 
 
 37.96 
 
 123.55 
 
 45.19 
 
 72.55 
 
 52.72 
 
 32.25 
 
 61.77 
 
 104.82 
 
 Sulphuric 
 
 98.83 
 
 321.70 
 
 117.65 
 
 188.90 
 
 137.26 
 
 83.97 
 
 160.83 
 
 272.92 
 
 “ diluted . . . 
 
 10.68 
 
 34.78 
 
 12.72 
 
 20.42 
 
 14.84 
 
 9.08 
 
 17.39 
 
 29.50 
 
 Tartaric 
 
 69.84 
 
 227.35 
 
 83.15 
 
 i 133.49 
 
 97.00 
 
 59.34 
 
 113.66 
 
 192.87 
 
 L ' 
 
1042 
 
 MISTURA CREOSO TI.—MIST UR A F'ERRI AROMATICA. 
 
 Mixtures are usually taken by the teaspoonful or tajblespoonful ; occasionally they are 
 made of such a strength that they require- to be taken by drops, and are then often dis- 
 tinguished as GuTTiE (Drops, E. ; Gouttes, Fr. ; Tropfen, Gi). If intended to be taken 
 at once or in a few divided doses, the mixture is designated as Haustus s. Potio 
 (D raught, E. ; Tisane, Potion, Fr. ; Triinkchen, G.). Julapium (Julep, E., Fr., G.) is 
 a sweet mixture rendered aromatic by the addition of volatile oil or medicated water, and 
 occasionally colored by the use of a fruit syrup or a little cochineal, etc. A sweet mix- 
 ture prepared so as to have a thick syrupy consistence is still occasionally distinguished 
 as Linctus ( vel Looch, Lohoch, Eclegma). 
 
 MISTURA CREOSOTI, Creosote Mixture. 
 
 Mixture de creosote, Fr. ; Kreosot-Mixtur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Creosote, Glacial Acetic Acid, each 15 minims ; Spirit of 
 Juniper 4 fluidrachm ; Syrup 1 fluidounce ; Distilled Water 15 fluidounces. Mix the 
 creosote with the acetic acid, gradually add the water, and lastly the syrup and spirit of 
 juniper. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Creosote mixture, it is stated, is intended to allay vomiting, but the bulk of 
 its dose and the spirit of juniper and syrup contained in it render it peculiarly unfit to 
 relieve the cases of vomiting in which creosote is most useful. The purpose of the 
 glacial acetic acid in this mixture is not evident. The dose is stated to be from Gm. 32- 
 
 64 (fgj-ij). 
 
 MISTURA CRETiE, U. 8., Ui*.— Chalk Mixture. 
 
 Mixture avec la craie, Fr. ; Kreidemixtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Compound Chalk Powder, 200 Gm. ; Cinnamon-water, 400 Cc. ; 
 Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Rub the compound chalk powder, in a 
 mortar, with the cinnamon-water and about 200 Cc. of water, gradually added, to a uni- 
 form mixture ; transfer this to a graduated vessel, and rinse the mortar with enough 
 water to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix the whole thoroughly. This prepa- 
 ration should be freshly made, when wanted. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 fluidounces of chalk mixture will require 365 grains of compound chalk 
 powder, 13 fluidrachms of cinnamon-water, and sufficient water to make 32 fluidrachms. 
 
 Take of prepared chalk 1 ounce ; gum acacia, in powder, \ ounce ; syrup 4 fluidounce ; 
 cinnamon-water 7 4 fluidounces. Triturate the chalk and gum acacia with the cinnamon- 
 water, then add the syrup, and mix.- — Br. 
 
 This mixture spoils readily during warm weather ; the addition of a little glycerin or ) 
 the substitution of glycerin for the sugar, as recommended by G. W. Kennedy (1872), \ 
 would tend to preserve it for several days while in the hands of the patient, but it should 
 be dispensed only freshly made. 
 
 Uses. — Chalk mixture is one of the most convenient forms in which chalk can be 
 administered in the diarrhoeas both of adults and children, especially when the discharges 
 are yeasty or greenish and there is flatulent distension of the abdomen with sour eructa- 
 tions. If there is reason to suspect the presence of undigested food in the bowels, a dose 
 of magnesia should first be given. For the watery diarrhoea which often precedes the 
 attack of epidemic cholera there is no better medicine than this. In most cases laudanum 
 should be added to the mixture or given along with it, and ordinarily its efficiency is 
 much increased by the addition of kino, krameria, or catechu. The dose is Gm. 16 
 (fgss). 
 
 MISTURA FERRI AROMATICA, Br. — Aromatic Mixture of Iron. 
 
 Potion ( Mixture ) de fer aromatique, Fr. ; Aromatische Eisenmixtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Red Cinchona-bark, in powder, 1 ounce ; Calumba-root, in j 
 coarse powder, 4 ounce ; Cloves, bruised, \ ounce ; Fine Iron Wire 4 ounce ; Compound I 
 Tincture of Cardamoms 3 fluidounces; Tincture of Orange-peel 4 fluidounce; Pepper- 
 mint-water a sufficiency. Macerate the cinchona-bark, calumba-root, cloves, and iron 
 with 12 fluidounces of peppermint-water in a closed vessel for three days, agitating occa- 
 sionally ; then filter the liquid, adding as much peppermint-water to the filter as will 
 make the product measure 124 fluidounces; to this add the tinctures, and preserve the 
 mixture in a well-stoppered bottle, — Br. 
 
MISTURA FERRI COM POSIT A .—MISTURA GLYCYRRHIZJE COMPOSITA. 1043 
 
 This has been introduced into the British from the old Dublin Pharmacopoeia. During 
 the maceration a portion of the iron is dissolved by the organic acids contained in the 
 
 drugs. 
 
 Uses. — This is a mixture of bitter tonics and aromatic stimulants with a modicum of 
 iron. Many years ago it was appropriately described by Neligon, who said ; “ In conse- 
 quence of its black color it is commonly known as Heberderis ink.” It is an unchemical 
 compound, but an excellent tonic ; it is very generally used in Dublin in the various states 
 of debility attended with anaemia. Bose , Gm. 32-64 (^j-ij). 
 
 MISTURA FERRI COMPOSITA, U. S . 9 T $ v . — Compound Iron Mixture. 
 
 Griffith s mixture , E ; Mixture de Griffith , Fr. ; Griffith’s Eisenmixtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferrous Sulphate, in crystals, 6 Gm. ; Myrrh, in small pieces, 18 Gm. ; 
 Sugar, 18 Gm. ; Potassium Carbonate, 8 Gm. ; Spirit of Lavender, 60 Cc. ; llose-water, 
 a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Rub the myrrh, sugar, and potassium carbonate, 
 in a mortar, with 700 Cc. of rose-water, at first very gradually added, so that a uniform 
 mixture may result. Transfer this to a graduated vessel, add the spirit of lavender, then 
 the ferrous sulphate, previously dissolved in about 50 Cc. of rose-water, and lastly, enough 
 rose-water to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix the whole thoroughly. This, 
 preparation should be freshly made, when wanted. — U . S . 
 
 Each fluidounce of this preparation contains about 3 grains of ferrous sulphate, 9 1 
 grains each of myrrh and sugar, 4 grains of potassium carbonate, J fluidrachm of spirit 
 of lavender, and 71 fluidrachms of rose-water. 
 
 In the formula directed by the British Pharmacopoeia the ingredients are sulphate of 
 iron 25 grains ; potassium carbonate 30 grains ; myrrh and refined sugar, each 60 grains ; 
 spirit of nutmeg 4 fluidrachms; and rose-water 9J fluidounces (Imperial). 
 
 The prepaiation of this mixture presents no difficulty if good tears of myrrh are 
 selected and the directions are strictly followed. The reaction between the iron and 
 potassium salts, resulting in the formation of ferrous carbonate and potassium sulphate, 
 takes place in the myrrh emulsion, by which the insoluble ferrous carbonate is kept in 
 suspension. Unless in full and well-corked bottles, the mixture, at first of a dirty green- 
 ish color, is hardly protected against oxidation by the small quantity of sugar present 
 and should be freshly made when needed. 
 
 Uses. This preparation has special advantages over other ferruginous medicines in 
 several chronic affections, and especially in chlorotic ansemia, chronic bronchitis , albuminuria , 
 and certain chronic diseases of the skin (eczema, psoriasis). These disorders have in com- 
 mon a deteriorated condition of the blood and a debility of the nervous system, which 
 t ic lion of the mixture is adapted to correct, and several among them present in addition 
 a relaxed state of the secretory organs, which the myrrh and the sulphuric acid tend to 
 counteract. The first-named two are those which usually exhibit the most favorable 
 results of its use. The mixture was originally called antihectic from the utility it man- 
 ifested in hectical conditions of pulmonary disease — not those, however, as is sometimes 
 erroneously supposed, which belong to tubercular consumption, but those of chronic 
 ironchitis attended with purulent expectoration, and usually associated with dilatation 
 of the bronchia. The dose is from I ounce to U Gm. 16-40 (fgss-iss) two or three 
 times a day. v J 
 
 MISTURA GLYCYRRHIZA COMPOSITA, U. S.- 
 
 of Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 -Compound Mixture 
 
 Brown Mixture , E. ; Mixture de reglisse , Fr. ; Lakritzen-Mixtur , G. 
 
 Preparaticn — Pure Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 30 Gm. ; Syrup, 50 Cc. ; Mucilage of 
 ;S a ’ ' ’ Camphorated Tincture of Opium, 120 Cc. ; Wine of Antimony, 60 Cc. ; 
 
 ■ pint of Nitrous Ether, 30 Cc. ; Water, a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Rub 
 T r ! P" re ract , . g>y c y rrhiza in a mortar, with 500 Cc. of water, until it is dissolved, 
 tip m G f e . solution f° a graduated vessel containing the other ingredients, and rinse 
 thoroughly ^^ e ™ ugh water t0 make the P^duct measure 1000 Cc. Mix the whole 
 
 dvptrU ? u ^ ck) I inc ® .°f ‘ brown mixture contains about 15 grains of pure extract of 
 eiycyrrhiza, 25 minims of syrup, 50 minims of mucilage of acacia, 1 fluidrachm of cam- 
 

 1044 MISTURA MAGNESIA ET ASA FCETIDJE.— MISTURA RHEI ET SODjE. 
 
 phorated tincture of opium, 30 minims of wine of antimony, and 15 minims of spirit 
 of nitrous ether. 
 
 The present official formula differs from that of 1880 in ordering syrup and mucilage 
 in place of sugar and powdered acacia, whereby the preparation of the mixture is expe- 
 dited. The appearance of the finished product is still very unsightly and by no means 
 in keeping with modern elegant pharmacy. The formula suggested by C. Tilyard in 1860 
 yields an equally efficient and far handsomer preparation : it prescribes a larger propor- 
 tion of sugar (by no means a disadvantage), and can be still further improved upon by 
 the use of purified extract of licorice, as now ordered by the Pharmacopoeia. The 
 formula as modified and adapted to the proportions of the Pharmacopoeia is as follows : 
 Dissolve 1 av. oz. of purified extract of glycyrrhiza in 10 ounces of water; add 4 fluid- 
 ounces of camphorated tincture of opium, 2 fluidounces of antimonial wine, and 1 fluid- 
 ounce of spirit of nitrous ether, and set the mixture aside for twelve or twenty -four hours 
 with occasional agitation ; filter the liquid into a bottle containing 3 fluidounces of muci- 
 lage of acacia and 20 av. ozs. of granulated sugar, and wash the filter with sufficient 
 water to bring the volume of the finished product up to 2 pints. The sugar is readily 
 dissolved by agitation, and the result is a thin, rich-looking, clear syrup which keeps 
 admirably. 
 
 Uses. — Compound liquorice mixture, or brown mixture , as it is frequently called, is an 
 agreeable and efficient remedy in the early stages of acute bronchitis and catarrhal laryn- 
 gitis. It hastens and promotes expectoration, chiefly by reducing the febrile tension of 
 the vascular system. The average dose for an adult is dm. 16 (fjss). 
 
 MISTURA MAGNESITE ET A SAFCETID^].— Mixture of Magnesia 
 
 AND ASAFETIDA. 
 
 Mistura carminativa Dewees- — Dewees 1 carminative , E. ; Mixture carminative de Dewees, 
 Fr. ; Dewees' Carminativ , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Magnesium carbonate, 5 parts (350 grains) ; Tincture of Asafetida, 
 7 parts (490 grains or 81 fluidraclims) ; Tincture of Opium, 1 part (70 grains or 75 
 minims) ; Sugar, 10 parts (700 grains or If oz. av.) ; Distilled Water, a sufficient 
 quantity, to make 100 parts (7000 grains). Pub the magnesium carbonate and sugar 
 in a mortar with the tincture of asafetida and tincture of opium. Then gradually add 
 enough distilled water to make the mixture weigh 100 parts (7000 grains = 16 oz. av. or 
 about 15 fluidounces). 
 
 Uses.— It is to be regretted that this mixture was made official. An intelligent 
 physician would desire to vary the proportions of its several constituents, and especially 
 of its narcotic ingredient, for almost every case of infantile colic under his care. Such 
 mixtures do not tend to promote rational medicine. It will be observed that the laudanum 
 in this mixture forms one-hundredth of the whole. The average dose is Gm. 1.25 
 (nixx). 
 
 MISTURA OLEI RICINI, Br. Add. — Castor-oil Mixture- 
 
 Mixture d'huile de ricin , Fr. ; Ridnusoel Mixtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Castor Oil, 6 fluidrachms ; Oil of Lemon, 10 minims ; Oil 
 of Cloves, 2 minims; Syrup, II fluidrachms; Solution of Potash, 1 fluidrachm ; Orange- 
 flower water sufficient, to produce 2 fluidounces. Mix the oils in a mortar ; then incor- 
 porate one-third of the solution of potash, and afterward the syrup, then an additional 
 third of the solution of potash, then, gradually, half of the orange-flower water, rhe 
 remainder of the solution of potash, and lastly, enough orange-flower water to produce 
 the required volume. — Br. Add. 
 
 This mixture cannot be strictly classed among the emulsions, since partial saponification 
 of the oil is effected by aid of the potassium hydroxide, and this facilitates the suspension 
 of the remaining oil in the aqueous liquid. Each fluidrachm of the preparation contains 
 221 minims of castor oil. 
 
 Dose , I to 2 fluidounces. 
 
 MISTURA RHEI ET SOD.ZE, U. S. — Mixture of Rhubarb and Soda. 
 
 Potion d la rhubarbe alcaline, Fr. ; Alkalische Rhabarbcr mixtur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium Bicarbonate, 35 Gm. ; Fluid Extract of Rhubarb, 15 Cc. ; 
 
MIST UR A SENNTE COM POSIT A . -MON ARD A . 
 
 1045 
 
 Fluid Extract of Ipecac, 3 Cc. ; Glycerin, 350 Cc. ; Spirit of Peppermint, 35 Cc. ; Water, 
 a sufficient quantity, to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the sodium bicarbonate in about 400 
 Cc. of water. Then add the fluid extracts, the glycerin, and the spirit of peppermint, 
 and, lastly, enough water to make 1000 Cc. — U. IS. 
 
 To prepare 4 fluidounees of this mixture dissolve 64 grains of sodium bicarbonate in 
 14 fluidrachms of water, add 30 minims of fluid extract of rhubarb, 6 minims of fluid 
 extract of ipecac, 12 fluidrachms of glycerin, 72 minims of spirit of peppermint, and, 
 finally, enough water to make the volume as desired. 
 
 The mixture has a deep brown-red color. 
 
 Uses. — Like the mixture of magnesia and asafetida, this preparation is much more 
 appropriate for magistral than for official prescription. The Pharmacopoeia already pos- 
 sesses the aromatic syrup of rhubarb, which is purgative and carminative, and to it 
 bicarbonate of sodium is commonly added when required. The dose of this mixture is 
 variously stated at from 4 drachm ( U. S. D.') to 3 ounces (Ede’s Handbook ). For infantile 
 dyspeptic colic and diarrhoea about Gm. 2 (f^ss) may be given, and repeated, if necessary, 
 at hourly intervals. 
 
 MISTURA SENN^E COMPOSITA, Br. 
 
 (See Compound Mixture of Senna, under Infusum Senna:, p. 873.) 
 
 MISTURA SPIRITUS VINI GALLICI, Br. 
 
 Mixture of spirit of French brandy , Brandy mixture , E. ; Mixture de cognac , Fr. ; Brannt- 
 wein-Mixtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — -Take of French Brandy, Cinnamon-water, each 4 fluidounees ; the 
 Yolks of 2 Eggs ; Refined Sugar, 4 an ounce. Rub the yolks and sugar together, then 
 add the cinnamon-water and spirit. — Br. 
 
 In our opinion this preparation scarcely deserves a place in a pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Uses. — As a nutritious and stimulant draught this preparation is often useful in 
 typhoid states of fever and in exhaustion from nervous excitement, haemorrhage, and 
 other conditions which do not contraindicate the use of alcohol. “ Eggnog ” made with 
 milk is much more efficient than this preparation. 
 
 MITCHELL A. — Mitchella. 
 
 Partridgeberry , Oheckerberry , Squaw-vine , Winterclover, E. 
 
 Mitchella repens, Innne. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Rubiaceae, Cinchoneae. 
 
 Description. — This pretty North American evergreen, which is found in woods, has 
 a creeping and branching stem 25-30 Cm. (10 to 12 inches) long, and opposite petiolate, 
 roundish-ovate, entire leaves, which are about 12 Mm. (4 inch) long, and often marked 
 with white lines. The flowers are in pairs, often dioecious, have a white or pale-purplish 
 funnel-shaped corolla, and four exserted or included stamens, and produce a rather dry 
 berry-like scarlet-red fruit, which is composed of two united ovaries and contains four 
 bony nutlets. The flowers are fragrant ; the leaves are inodorous, somewhat astringent, 
 and bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — Brenneiser (1887), besides the usual constituents of plants, found a 
 saponin-like body, precipitable by baryta, and frothing in aqueous solution, and also a 
 principle yielding precipitates with tannin and picric acid, but being neither alkaloid nor 
 glucoside. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The virtues of this plant are exceedingly indefinite, for it is 
 reputed to be diuretic, tonic, and astringent, and capable of facilitating childbirth if taken 
 for several weeks before the close of pregnancy. It very probably may be useful in 
 chronic disorders of the urinary passages when given in decoction. 
 
 MONARDA. — Horsemint. 
 
 American horsemint, E. ; Menthe de cheval , Fr. : Pferdeminze , G. 
 
 ^The leaves and tops of Monarda punctata, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Labiatae, Monardeae. 
 
1046 
 
 MON ESI A. 
 
 Fig. 1S4. 
 
 Origin. — Horsemint is a perennial herb 30-60 Cm. (1 to 2 feet) high, which is indig- 
 enous to the United States, where it grows in dry sandy 
 fields from New York westward to Illinois, and southward 
 to near the Gulf of Mexico. It flowers in the latter part 
 of summer until September, and should be collected with 
 the flowering tops. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) 
 long, lanceolate, somewhat toothed, acute, narrowed at the 
 base into a petiole, smooth above, and glandular dotted 
 beneath. The whorls of cymules are about ten-flowered, 
 situated in the axils of the upper leaves, and surrounded 
 by about eight leafy, sessile, and entire bracts, which are 
 pale-yellow and purple in color. The tubular, downy 
 calyx is divided into five short and rigid teeth. The 
 Flower of Monarda punctata, Linne. corolla is prominent, yellowish, with the large arched 
 
 upper lip spotted with purple, and a small, three-lobed, 
 somewhat crisped lower lip. The two slender exserted stamens are inserted in the throat 
 above the narrow corolla-tube. Horsemint has a strong aromatic odor and a warm, pun- 
 gent. somewhat bitterish taste. 
 
 Other Species of Monarda. — M. didyma, Linne , or Oswego tea, is found in the Alleghanies 
 and northward to Canada and Wisconsin. It has the larger bracts and floral leaves tinged with 
 red, and showy bright-red corollas, with the stamens exserted beyond the narrow upper lip. 
 
 M. fistulosa, Limit, or wild bergamot, has the larger bracts and floral leaves of a grayish tint, 
 and whitish or pale-purplish flowers with exserted stamens ; it grows in woodlands from New 
 England to Wisconsin southward. 
 
 Substitutions. — 111 some counties of Pennsylvania Pycnanthemum incanum, 
 Michaux, or wild basil , is known and popularly used as horsemint ; the plant is downy 
 to hoary, has acute, ovate, or oblong leaves, the upper ones whitened, and the flowers in 
 dense heads with narrow linear bracts and awned calyx-lobes. In Great Britain, Mentha 
 sylvestris, Linne, is known as horsemint. 
 
 Constituents. — The important constituent is the volatile oil, which is contained in 
 the leaves and flowers ; nothing is known about the other principles, among which are 
 doubtless those commonly met with in herbaceous plants. 
 
 Oleum monarch, V S. 1810. — Oil of horsemint, E.; Essence de menthe de cheval, 
 Ft. ; Pferdeminzol, G. — This volatile oil is obtained in the United States from fresh 
 horsemint by distillation with water or steam. It is yellowish or usually of a reddish or 
 brownish-red color, lighter than water, readily soluble in alcohol, crystallizing below 5° 
 C. (39° F.), and of a peculiar fragrant odor and pungent taste. Boiled with nitro-prus- 
 ;side of copper, it becomes colorless, greenish, brown, and finally nearly black. Iodine 
 dissolves quietly, turning the oil bright red, afterward blackish and pitchy. The elaeop- 
 ten is probably a hydrocarbon, but has not been examined. The stearopten is tligmol, 
 C 10 H u O, identical with that obtained from oil of thyme. (See Thymol.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Horsemint is regarded as being diaphoretic, diuretic, carmina- 
 tive, and emmenagogue, like most other plants of its class containing an acrid essential 
 oil. It may be used in hot infusion to prevent the formation of catarrhal, rheumatic, and 
 diarrhoeal affections occasioned by cold. The infusion is usually made with Gm. 16 
 in Gm. 500, half an ounce of the herb in a pint of hot water, and may be given in 
 wineglassful doses. The smallest drop of the oil of horsemint diffuses a pungent, 
 aromatic, and persistent heat over the tongue and fauces ; when applied to the skin it 
 excites redness and heat, and, if the application is continued, pain and vesication also. 
 It may be used for the same purposes as oil of pepermint, etc., but is more frequently 
 employed with soap liniment or camphorated oil in embrocations to relieve the pain of 
 muscular rheumatism , chronic articular rheumatism, and neuralgia. It is also applied in 
 liniments for local paralysis, flatulent colic, cholera infantum, and even in low forms of 
 fever. For these purposes 1 part of oil to 3 or four of the excipient may be prescribed. 
 In neuralgia it may be applied pure. Internally the oil may be given in doses of Gm. 
 0.06-0.15 (npi-iij), properly diluted with sweetened water. 
 
 MONESIA. — Monesia-Bark. 
 
 The bark of Chrysophyllum glyciphloeum, Casaretti. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sapotaceae. 
 
MO NEST A. 
 
 1047 
 
 Origin. — The tree yielding monesia-bark is indigenous to the forests of Brazil, and 
 has alternate, coriaceous, and entire leaves. The berry-like fruits of several species of 
 Chrysophyllum are edible, Ch. Cainito, Linne , being known as star-apple. 
 
 Description. — The bark is ir> flat or curved pieces 3 to nearly 6 Mm. (fi to 1 inch) 
 thick, often 5 to 7 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) broad, externally marked with confluent ridges, 
 forming large irregularly quadrangular or hexagonal meshes, which are covered with a 
 thin, smooth, whitish tissue while the bark is young. The inner surface is cinnamon- 
 colored and longitudinally striate, otherwise smooth. The bark is very hard, breaks with 
 a granular fracture, and shows in the interior alternate layers of brown and pale-reddish 
 tissue. It is inodorous and has a peculiar taste, which is at first sweet like liquorice, 
 afterward bitterish, somewhat acrid and astringent. 
 
 Constituents. — Monesia-bark was examined by Derosne, Henry, and Payen (1840), 
 who announced the presence of glycyrrliizin , monesin , which appears to be identical with 
 saponin, tannin , red-coloring matter resembling kinic red, trace of volatile oil, pectin, 3 
 per cent, of ash, etc. Heydenreich (1839) separated from the aqueous extract 52 per 
 cent, of tannin and 36 per cent, of a sweet principle, which was not precipitated by sul- 
 phuric acid or lead acetate, and was not fermentable. 
 
 Extractum monesi^e, Monesia , comes from Brazil in irregular dark-brown friable 
 angular pieces, destitute of any red hue. It is soluble in water, and has a sweet after- 
 ward astringent taste, followed by slight but persistent acridity. 
 
 Allied Trees. — A chras Sapota, Linne , s. Sapota Achras, Miller , is known in the West Indies 
 and South America as sapota ( zapotillo , Sp.) ; it has large whitish flowers and globular-oval 
 somewhat angular fruits, which are externally rust-brown and rough, internally whitish, and 
 soft-pulpy, and contain several glossy black seeds. The tree contains a bitter milk-juice. The 
 bark has a bitter and strongly astringent taste, and is employed as a febrifuge. Bernou (1882) 
 found in it two resins, 11.8 per cent, of tannin, and the alkaloid sapotine , which is soluble in 
 alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and is precipitated from its salts by ammonia. The ripe fruit 
 has a quince-like flavor, and is known as sapodilla plum. The very bitter seeds possess diuretic 
 and aperient properties; they contain an acrid, white crystalline glucoside, sapotin , c 29 h 52 o 
 
 20 ) 
 
 which is soluble in water and hot alcohol, but insoluble in ether, chloroform, and benzene (G. 
 Michaud, 1891). 
 
 Lucuma salicifolia, Kunth , is the zapote borracho (z. amarillo ) of Mexico, the fruit being 
 considered soporific, and the seed useful in pleurisy. 
 
 Mimusops Elengi, Linne. The bark and root are used in India as a tonic and astringent ; 
 the flowers yield by distillation with water a very fragrant perfume ; the fruit is sweet and 
 edible ; the seeds yield a fixed drying oil, and the timber is durable and heavy. 
 
 Bassia lo.ngifolia, Linn£. The East Indian elloopa tree yields valuable timber, and from the 
 flowers and fruits a nourishing jelly ; the leaves and bark, like the fixed oil of the seed, are 
 used in rheumatic and cutaneous diseases. A similar use is made of fiulwa-butter, a butyraceous 
 fat prepared from the pale-brown glossy seeds of Bassia butyracea, Roxburgh. 
 
 Action and. Uses. — Internally and in small doses, as from 4 to 8 grains, monesia 
 gives tone to the stomach and increases the appetite, but in doses of 20 or 30 grains it 
 occasions gastric oppression and constipation. Upon recent sores it causes a burning and 
 stinging pain of brief duration, lessening their secretions and promoting granulation and 
 citatrization. Monesin acts upon such sores as a more active irritant, inducing rapidly a 
 plastic exudation. 
 
 The medicinal uses of monesia denote its possession of a stimulant as well as an astrin- 
 gent property. It has been found useful in atonic dyspepsia , in vomiting produced by 
 atony rather than by active irritation of the stomach, and in all forms of diarrhoea unat- 
 tended with fever. It has been employed with profit in chronic bronchitis , in various 
 forms of haemorrhage, especially hsemoptysis and menorrhagia , and locally by injection in 
 episfaxis. In various ecchymoses depending upon scurvy its internal administration is 
 said to have been advantageous. As a topical application it has been recommended in 
 ulcers and pseudo-membranous exudations of the mouth and fauces and of many other 
 parts ; also in leucorrhoea and gleet , and especially in fissures of the mouth and anus. 
 Although these virtues of monesia appear to have been demonstrated by clinical obser- 
 vation, the medicine seems to have been neglected and almost fallen into disuse. 
 
 The dose of monesia may be stated at from Gm. 0.15-1.30 (gr. iij-xx) or Gm. 0.60-4 
 (gr. x-lx) a day. Monesin has been recommended in the dose of I grain. For local 
 applications the tincture diluted with from 10 to 20 parts of water has been used ; also 
 an ointment made with 1 part of the extract to 7 of lard, and a glycerole of similar pro- 
 portions 
 
1048 
 
 MORI S UCC US. —MORPH IN A . 
 
 MORI SUCCUS, Br, — Mulberry- juice. 
 
 Succus mororum. — Sue de mures , Fr. ; Maulbeersaft , G. ; Jugo del moras , Sp. 
 
 The juice of the ripe fruit of Morus nigra, Linne. Steph. and Church, Med. Bot ., 
 plate 39 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 229. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticaceae, Artocarpeae. 
 
 Origin — The black like the white mulberry, Morus alba, Linne , is indigenous to the 
 Levant; both are rather small trees, about 9 M. (30 feet) high, and are cultivated and 
 partly naturalized in Europe, where the leaves of both, more generally of the white, are 
 employed for feeding the silkworm. Both species are also occasionally seen in cultiva- 
 tion in the United States ; alba, however, is alone naturalized. The mulberry is 
 usually monoecious ; the staminate flowers are in loose catkins, the pistillate flowers in 
 short dense spikes ; the latter flowers contain a two-celled ovary with two thread-like 
 styles, one of the cells disappearing after fructification, while the four-lobed calyx 
 becomes fleshy. 
 
 Description. — Through the coalescence of the fleshy calyces the pistillate spikes of 
 the mulberry ripen into what appears to be a compound berry or drupe having some 
 resemblance to the blackberry. The mulberry is of an oblong or ovate form, about 25 
 M. (1 inch) long, fleshy and juicy, purplish-black, each fruit crowned with the filiform 
 styles. The fruit proper is a lenticular akene enclosed in the fleshy calyx. Mulberries 
 contain a dark reddish-purple juice, and have scarcely any odor, but possess a very 
 agreeable acidulous taste. 
 
 Morus rubra, Linne , is common in rich woods in the United States from Western 
 New England southward to Florida, and westward to Dakota and New Mexico. It is 
 usually from 6 M. (20 feet), but occasionally 18 (60 feet) high, and has a durable, hard, 
 yellowish wood. The fruit is dark-purple, 25-38 Mm. (1 to 1J inches) long, and other- 
 wise resembles the preceding. 
 
 Constituents. — From comparative experiments made in the laboratory of Fresenius 
 (1857), it appears that mulberries contain more sugar than gooseberries, currants, straw- 
 berries, raspberries, blackberries, and huckleberries, while in the free acid they are about 
 intermediate between wild and cultivated raspberries. The analytical results, as ob- 
 tained by Van Hees, were as follows, caculated for 100 parts of the fruit : sugar, 9.192, 
 free acid (estimated as malic acid) 1.860, albuminous compounds 0.394, pectin, gum, and 
 other organic compounds 2.031, ashes 0.566, and water 84.707 parts, the remaining 1,250 
 parts consisting of the akenes and other tissues, with the insoluble organic compounds 
 and ash. 
 
 C. B. A. Wright and G. Patterson (1878) examined the juice expressed from mul- 
 berries not quite ripe, and obtained from one liter 26.83 Gm. of citric acid, 7.82 malic 
 acid, 2.74 glucose, 23.37 other organic constituents, and 9.40 ash — a total of 76.16 Gm. 
 of solids. The juice had slightly fermented, and contained a trace of volatile, probably 
 acetic, acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — -Mulberries are refreshing to the taste like all subacid fruits, 
 and slightly laxative. Their fresh juice, or a syrup prepared with it, is frequently em- 
 ployed in Europe for the same purposes to which in this country the juice and jelly of 
 currants are applied — viz. in inflammations with fever , and especially sore throat. The 
 bark of the root of Morus nigra has been found an efficient substitute for pomegranate- 
 root in the treatment of taenia. 
 
 MORPHINA, U. S. — Morphine. 
 
 Morphia , Morphinum , Morphium. — Morphia , E. ; Morphine, Fr. ; Morpliin , G. 
 
 Formula C n H 19 N0 3 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 302.34. 
 
 Origin. — Morphine is an alkaloid which has thus far only been found in opium, in the 
 capsules of the different varieties of Papaver somniferum, Linne , and in the milk-juice 
 of the red-flowering Pap. orientale, Linne ; according to Charbonnier (1868), it is also 
 present in Argemone mexicana, Linne. Although obtained by Derosne (1803) in an 
 impure condition by precipitating a concentrated infusion of opium with ammonia, it was 
 confounded by him with narcotine. Sertiirner (1816), however, not only established its 
 difference from that body, but also proved its basic nature and its poisonous effects. 
 Morphine was the first organic alkaloid known. 
 
 Preparation. — The process of Dr. E. Staples (1829) is essentially the following: 
 Opium, sliced, 12 troyounces ; Water of Ammonia, 6 fluiaounces ; Animal Charcoal, m 
 
MORPHINA. 
 
 1049 
 
 fine powder, Alcohol, Distilled Water, each a sufficient quantity. Macerate the opium 
 with 4 pints of distilled water for twenty-four hours, and, having worked it with the 
 hands, again macerate for twenty-four hours, and strain. In like manner, macerate the 
 residue twice successively with the same quantity of distilled water, and strain. Mix 
 the infusions, evaporate to 6 pints, and filter ; then add 5 pints of alcohol, and afterward 
 3 fluidounces of the water of ammonia, mixed, as before, with £ pint of alcohol, and set 
 the liquid aside for twenty-four hours that crystals may form. To purify these, boil 
 them with 2 pints of alcohol until they are dissolved, filter the solution while hot 
 through animal charcoal, and set it aside to crystallize. 
 
 On maceration with water, the morphine, minute traces excepted, is readily dissolved, 
 together with other constituents. To decompose the morphine salt ammonia is added ; 
 by this process the morphine is rapidly deposited, together with narcotine and some of 
 the other alkaloids, and mixed with considerable coloring matter, from which it may be 
 freed by repeatedly recrystallizing from dilute hydrochloric acid and expressing. Most 
 of the coloring matter and narcotine remains in solution, and at the same time not 
 an inconsiderable amount of morphine hydrochlorate enters the mother-liquors, from 
 which it may be subsequently recovered. If, however, the concentrated infusion of 
 opium is mixed with not more than an equal bulk of the alcohol, and a sufficient amount 
 of ammonia-water is added, the morphine will be more slowly precipitated in a crystalline 
 condition, while the great bulk of the coloring matter remains in solution. The slower 
 the separation of the alkaloid, the larger and purer will be its crystals ; hence the 
 advantage of adding the ammonia in separate portions. Since morphine is soluble in 
 ammonia, only sufficient of the latter should be added to unite with the acids, and if 
 in slight excess it should be allowed to evaporate by exposure. The mother-liquor from 
 this evaporation contains a small amount of morphine, which, when working on a larger 
 scale, it is important to* recover. The alcohol may be distilled off, and if not otherwise 
 purified may be reserved for a similar purpose. If the process has been well, conducted, 
 the crude morphine has a light-brownish color, which is removed by dissolving in hot 
 alcohol and treating with animal charcoal. The mother-liquor from this crystallization 
 retains a portion of the morphine, together with the narcotine first precipitated. On 
 distilling off the alcohol the alkaloids are obtained, and may be preserved until sufficiently 
 accumulated for further purification. Narcotine may be separated from morphine by 
 treatment with ether, in which the former is readily soluble, the latter entirely insoluble. 
 
 Many other processes have been proposed. As a rule, the treatment of opium with 
 acidulated water or alcohol offers no advantages, since more narcotine and other organic 
 compounds are thereby dissolved. Wittstock proposed to separate the narcotine from 
 the infusion of opium by sodium chloride, in which the narcotine is insoluble, but a little 
 morphine is likewise liable to be deposited. The first precipitation with ammonia is some- 
 times effected at a boiling temperature ; after cooling the morphine will be granular, and 
 may be more advantageously washed with cold water and expressed. Precipitation with 
 sodium carbonate does not appear to ensure a larger yield. Pelletier observed that 
 when acetic acid is added to crude powdered morphine until the liquid begins to retain an 
 acid reaction, all the morphine will be dissolved, while the narcotine remains behind ; and 
 this behavior may be used for separating the two alkaloids ; or the impure morphine may 
 be completely dissolved in dilute acetic acid, the solution evaporated to dryness, and the 
 residue treated with water, which leaves narcotine. Gregory has proposed a process 
 which has been adopted by the British Pharmacopoeia for preparing morphine hydro- 
 chlorate from opium, and which has the advantage of dispensing with alcohol in the 
 purification of the alkaloid. To obtain this in a pure state the following directions are 
 given: Take of opium, sliced, 1 pound; calcium chloride f ounce; purified animal char- 
 coal £ ounce ; solution of ammonia, distilled water, each a sufficiency. Macerate the opium 
 for twenty-four hours with 2 pints of the water, and decant. Macerate the residue for 
 twelve hours with 2 pints of the water, decant, and repeat the process with the same 
 quantity of the water, subjecting the insoluble residue to strong pressure. Unite the 
 liquors, evaporate in a water-bath to the bulk of 1 pint, and strain through calico. Pour 
 in now the calcium chloricPe, previously dissolved in 4 fluidounces of distilled water, 
 and evaporate until the solution is so far concentrated that upon cooling it becomes solid. 
 Envelop the mass in a double fold of strong calico and subject it to powerful pres- 
 sure, preserving the dark fluid which exudes. Triturate the squeezed cake with about 
 2 pint of boiling distilled water, and, the whole being thrown upon a paper filter, wash 
 the residue well with boiling distilled water. The filtered fluids having been evaporated 
 as before, cooled, and solidified, again subject the mass to pressure; and, if it be still 
 
1050 
 
 MORPH IN A. 
 
 much colored, repeat this process a third time, the expressed liquids being always pre- 
 served. Dissolve the pressed cake in 6 fluidounces of boiling distilled water ; add the 
 animal charcoal and digest for 20 minutes ; wash the filter and charcoal with boiling dis- 
 tilled water, and to the solution thus obtained add the solution of ammonia in slight 
 excess. Let the pure crystalline morphia, which separates as the liquids cool, be col- 
 lected on a paper filter and washed with cold distilled water until the washings cease to 
 give a precipitate with solution of silver nitrate acidulated by nitric acid. From the 
 dark liquids expressed in the above process an additional product may be obtained by 
 diluting them with distilled water, precipitating with solution of potash added in con- 
 siderable excess, filtering, and supersaturating the filtrate with hydrochloric acid. This 
 acid liquid, digested with a little animal charcoal and again filtered, gives, upon the addi- 
 tion of ammonia, a small quantity of pure morphia. — Br. 
 
 In this process the morphine salts, as naturally obtained in the opium, are decomposed 
 by an excess of calcium chloride, with the formation of morphine hydrochlorate, which, 
 crystallizing on cooling from the sufficiently concentrated solution, produces with the 
 calcium meconate a solid mass, from which the mother-liquor is removed by strong pres- 
 sure. The pressed cake, on being treated with boiling water, yields up the morphine (and 
 codeine) hydrochlorate, while the calcium meconate remains upon the filter. The evapo- 
 ration, expression, and resolution are repeated until most of the coloring matter has 
 entered the mother-liquors and nearly the whole of the calcium meconate remains upon 
 the filter. The removal of the last traces of color is then effected by animal charcoal, 
 and the morphine precipitated in a granular condition by adding a slight excess of ammo- 
 nia to the boiling solution. The dark-colored mother-liquors contain, besides coloring 
 matter and calcium salts, narcotine and morphine, which are precipitated by potassa, an 
 excess of which dissolves the latter readily and completely, but narcotine sparingly and 
 slowly, as observed by Robiquet, Wittstock, and others. The filtration of the strongly 
 alkaline liquid must, therefore, not be long delayed ; and when the clear liquid is acidu- 
 lated with hydrochloric acid it contains morphine hydrochlorate, potassium chloride, and 
 some coloring matter, from the last of which it is freed by animal charcoal ; ammonia 
 then precipitates the nearly pure alkaloid. The decoloration of the morphine salt by 
 means of animal charcoal is more readily effected when in aqueous solution, as here 
 directed, than when dissolved in alcohol. 
 
 Lime has an action upon morphine and narcotine similar to that of potassa. Couerbe 
 has founded upon this behavior a method for preparing morphine which was somewhat 
 modified by Mohr (1840), who directs 4 parts of opuim to be exhausted by repeated boil- 
 ing with water ; the strained and expressed decoction is gradually added to boiling milk 
 of lime, made of 1 part of burned lime and 8 parts of water ; and after boiling for a few 
 minutes the mixture is strained, pressed, and the undissolved portion twice boiled with 
 a fresh portion of water. The liquid, containing mainly morphine, lime, and coloring 
 matter, is concentrated to 8 parts, filtered, and the filtrate, while boiling, mixed with suf- 
 ficient powdered sal ammoniac to convert all the lime into calcium chloride, while ammo- 
 nia is given off, and the morphine on cooling separated as a granular mass ; this is washed 
 with cold water, dissolved in hydrochloric acid, purified with animal charcoal, and crys- 
 tallized as morphine hydrochlorate, or the alkaloid precipitated by ammonia. The mor- 
 phine precipitated from the lime solution is darker in color than the first morphine precip- 
 itate obtained by Staples’ process, but much lighter than the corresponding precipitate 
 by Gregory’s process. 
 
 Properties. — Morphine crystallizes in short, transparent, and colorless or white prisms 
 or needles, which require for solution 4350 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and 455 
 parts at 100° C. (212 F.). Chastaing (1882) ascertained that 1 liter of water dissolves 
 at 10° C. (50° F.) 0.1 Gm., at 20° C. (68° F.) 0.2 Gm, at 30° C. (86° F.) 0.3 Gm.,and 
 at 100° C. (212° F.) 2.17 Gm., of morphine. At or near 15° C. (59° F.) the alkaloid 
 is stated to be soluble in 300 parts ( U. S.), 90 parts (Merck), 42 parts (Choulant) of 
 alcohol, and at the boiling temperature in 36 parts (£ 7 . $., Choulant), 24 parts, of alco- 
 hol (Bucholz). It is also soluble in 4000 parts of ether. Duflos found it soluble in 20 
 parts of cold and 13.3 parts of boiling absolute alcohol ; Pefetenkofer, in 40 and 30 parts 
 respectively. Prof. Prescott (1875) determined morphine to be soluble in the following 
 quantities of hot liquids : in 6146 parts of ether sp. gr. 0.729, in 4379 parts of chloro- 
 form sp. gr. 1.4953, in 8930 parts of benzene sp. gr. 0.8766, and in 91 parts of amylic 
 alcohol sp. gr. 0.8136; all except the last liquid dissolved from four to five times more 
 of the nascent alkaloid. Chloroform containing 7 per cent, of alcohol dissolves of 
 morphine (Vander Burg, 1879). Reveil (1863) found morphine to be soluble in 220 
 
MORPHINA. 
 
 1051 
 
 parts vjf glycerin. It is soluble in 400 parts of cold amylic alcohol and 500 parts of 
 acetic ether, in fixed alkalies and alkaline earths, less so in ammonia (117 parts), and 
 still less in ammoniacal salts, but nearly insoluble in fixed oils. The alkaloid is not 
 altered by exposure to air, and is inodorous, and at first tasteless, developing, however, 
 a bitter taste. Its solutions have an alkaline reaction upon test-paper, and with acids 
 it yields salts, most of which are crystallizable. Heated to about 75° C. (167° F.) it 
 begins to lose its water of crystallization, and becomes anhydrous when heated for some 
 time to 200° C. (212° F.). At 254° C. (489° F.) it melts, forming a black liquid, and 
 on ignition is completely dissipated. 
 
 Reactions. — Commercial concentrated sulphuric acid dissolves morphine with a yel- 
 lowish afterward gray color. Mixed with six or eight times its weight of sugar, mor- 
 phine acquires with sulphuric acid a bright purple-red color, gradually changing to 
 violet-blue, blue-green, and dingy-yellow (Schneider, 1872). The delicacy of this test 
 is increased by the addition of a little bromine-water, so that .00001 Gm. of morphine 
 will still show a rose-red color (Weppen, 1874). Dissolved in sulphuric acid and the 
 solution heated to near 150° C. (302° F.), the addition of a little nitric acid colors violet- 
 blue, changing quickly to blood-red, and afterward to deep orange (Husemann, 1863). 
 Frohde's reagent (1866) (0.001 to 0.005 sodium molybdate in 1 Cc. H 2 S0 4 ) acquires a 
 beautiful violet color, changing to blue, olive-green, yellow, and in twenty-fonr hours to 
 purplish-blue. In the reaction of this reagent upon many alkaloids and other organic 
 substances a light- or dark-blue or more or less green color is produced ; the changes in 
 color must, therefore, be noticed, and a larger amount of the molybdate in the test care- 
 fully avoided. (See papers by Buckingham, Wellcome, and Prescott in Amer. Jour. 
 Phar ., 1873, p. 150; 1876, pp. 21, 59.) Morphine decomposes iodic (Serullus) and peri- 
 odic (Boedeker) acids, liberating iodine; in dilute solutions the addition of sulphuric 
 acid is advisable ; ammonia deepens the yellow color of the solution. Solutions of silver 
 nitrate, gold chloride, potassium ferricyanide, cuprammonium, and chromic acid are 
 reduced by morphine and its salts. Pellagri (1877) recommended a test which depends 
 upon the production of apomorphine (see page 234), and is applied as follows : The sus- 
 pected substance is dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid, a little sulphuric acid is 
 added, and the solution evaporated at 100° C. ; a purple color will be produced. To the 
 residue is added a little hydrochloric acid, .then sodium bicarbonate, and finally a strong 
 solution of iodine in hydriodic acid, when a green compound is produced, dissolving in 
 ether with a purple color. 
 
 The salts of morphine are precipitated from their solutions by the alkalies and alkaline 
 earths, the precipitates being soluble in an excess of the precipitant. Similar precipitates 
 are produced by the alkali carbonates and cyanides, but the alkali bicarbonates fail 
 to precipitate acid solutions in the cold. Tannin causes a white precipitate soluble in 
 acetic acid, in mineral acids, and in alcohol. Auric or platinic, but not mercuric, chloride 
 occasions a yellow precipitate. Codeine causes a precipitate of morphine in the solution 
 of the salts. The acidulated solutions of morphine are precipitated by potassio-mercuric 
 iodide, potassio-cadmium iodide, and other general reagents for alkaloids ; the precipitate 
 with phosphomolybdic acid turns blue with cold sulphuric acid and brown on warming. 
 1 Cc. of Mayer’s test-solution precipitates 0.020 Gm. morphine. When a salt of mor- 
 phine is heated with an excess of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid to near 150° C. (302° 
 F.), the alkaloid parts with II., O and is converted into apomorphine, C J7 H 17 N0 2 (see page 
 234). 
 
 Beckett and Wright (1875) ascertained that morphine treated with acetic, benzoic, or 
 butyric anhydride is converted into derivatives containing acetyl, benzoyl, or butyryl in 
 the place of 1 or 2H. Hesse (1883) obtained similar compounds with propionic anhy- 
 dride at 85° C. (185° F.). Diacetyl-morphine and the analogous derivatives are not col- 
 ored by ferric chloride, and are decomposed into morphine and the corresponding acids on 
 being warmed with alcoholic solution of potassa. 
 
 Tests. — When heated upon platinum-foil, no fixed residue should be left (lime, mag- 
 nesia, etc.). “ When crystals of morphine are sprinkled upon nitric acid (specific gravity 
 1.250 to 1.300), they will assume an orange-red color, and then produce a reddish solu- 
 tion gradually changing to yellow. On shaking a small portion of morphine, in a test- 
 tube, with 10 Cc. of chlorine-water, the latter will acquire a yellowish color. On now 
 carefully pouring a small amount of ammonia-water on the surface of the liquid, a brown 
 or reddish-brown zone will develop at the line of contact of the two liquids. Addition of 
 a few drops of solution of ferric chloride to a 1 per cent, solution of morphine prepared 
 by the aid of dilute sulphuric acid but carefully neutralized, produces a blue color which 
 
1052 
 
 MORPHINA. 
 
 is destroyed by acids, alcohol, or heating (but not by alkalies). On treating morphine 
 with cold, concentrated sulphuric acid free from nitric acid, the liquid should not at once 
 acquire more than a faintly yellowish tinge [when heated to 100° C. (212° F.) for half 
 an hour a pink-red color is developed (Prescott)] (absence of more than traces of narco- 
 tine, papaverine, etc.), nor should a purple or violet, but merely a greenish color be pro- 
 duced by the subsequent addition of a small crystal of potassium permanganate (difference 
 from strychnine). On precipitating a solution of any of the salts of morphine by ammo- 
 nia-water, dissolving the washed precipitate in solution of sodium hydroxide, and shaking 
 the solution with an equal volume of ether, upon evaporation of the ethereal solution, no 
 appreciable residue should remain (absence of narcotine, codeine, etc.). On adding 4 Cc. 
 of solution of potassium or sodium hydroxide to 0.2 Gm. of morphine, a clear, colorless, 
 solution should result, free from any undissolved residue (absence of and difference from 
 various other alkaloids). ” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The alkaloid is used in preparing morphine salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The general effects of morphine on the system are almost 
 identical with those of opium, but there are some points of difference which call for 
 notice, and some peculiarities depending upon the manner in which morphine is 
 administered. It does not appear to stimulate the nervous system or the circulation as 
 much as opium, nor display so decided a narcotic influence. It has been remarked 
 that although 2 or even 3 grains of opium certainly contain less than a grain of mor- 
 phine, yet their action is more intense, rapidly occasioning a degree of narcotism bor- 
 dering upon coma, but soon subsiding without leaving decided secondary effects behind ; 
 while morphine does not so readily produce narcotism, but its after-effects are of longer 
 duration. Opium also increases the temperature as well as the sense of heat, but mor- 
 phine, while agreeing in the latter effect, lowers the temperature. So, too, opium pri- 
 marily increases the frequency of the pulse, but morphine diminishes it. Opium is less 
 apt to excite nausea and vomiting than morphine. Of this operation it has been 
 remarked that women are much more liable to it than men, and especially to vomiting. 
 When morphine is used hypodermically, such effects usually take place immediately, but 
 when given by the stomach they may not appear for several days. A corresponding 
 contrast is presented by its action on the bowels : by the hypodermic method morphine 
 continues to constipate, but by the mouth it tends to occasion diarrhoea after a few days. 
 Under like circumstances opium does not cause looseness of the bowels, but ceases to 
 confine them. Contrary to the general opinion, morphine does not, according to Ruther- 
 ford’s experiments, affect the secretion of bile ; and equally opposed to professional belief 
 is the statement of Filhene and Pinzani that doses of morphine varying from Gm. 0.01- 
 0.02 (i to ^ of a grain) may be given to a nursing mother without injury to the child 
 ( Therap. Gaz ., xii. 460 ; Centralbl. f. Ther., viii. 569). The experiments of Filhene 
 (Archiv f Pathol, u. Pharmakol ., xi. 60) led him to a conclusion in harmony with 
 general clinical experience — viz. that when respiration is interfered with by anaemia of 
 the medulla oblongata, without previous pulmonary obstruction, the use of morphine 
 in doses capable of restoring the act of respiration to its normal type is thoroughly 
 indicated. But when, on the other hand, an obstacle to the arterialization of the blood 
 exists in the lungs themselves, morphine must be circumspectly used. Berkart, in like 
 manner, teaches that when the pulmonary obstruction originates in the heart itself, it may 
 often be overcome by stimulation of the heart; and no better agent can be resorted to 
 for that purpose than morphine in small doses, administered hypodermically. Morphine 
 is very apt to occasion ardor urinrn, with vesical irritation and diminished secretion of 
 urine. The last symptoms may be accounted for, in part, by the profuse sweating that 
 often follows the administration of morphine in full doses. It is said to be more marked 
 in females than in males. A portion of the morphine may be recovered from the urine 
 ( Asclepiad , 1885) where the quantity consumed is not very large ; but the failure to 
 detect it does not prove that morphine was not used. Although itching of the skin 
 sometimes attends the action of opium, it is usually insignificant compared with that 
 which morphine frequently causes. It generally begins in the eyes and nose, and often 
 extends to the whole surface of the body, causing great restlessness and distress. Along 
 with this symptom, or independently of it, various fugitive eruptions appear of a papu- 
 lar or erythematous description, and especially urticaria. They probably depend upon 
 the same immediate cause that provokes diaphoresis, and they have been oftener noticed 
 after the hypodermic use of morphine than otherwise. Among many instances the fol- 
 lowing may be cited in illustration : In a case of sciatica Comanos used a hypodermic 
 injection of Gm. 0.02 (£ grain) of morphine. The next day the whole skin was covered 
 
MORPHINA. 
 
 1053 
 
 with a scarlet rash, the temperature was 102° F., and at the end of four days desqua- 
 mation took place. Some time afterward the same dose was given by the mouth, and 
 produced a similar febrile eruption ; and later an ointment containing morphine was 
 rubbed into the skin over the painful nerve, and after several days an eruption broke 
 out as before, and then a large carbuncle formed ( Berlin . Min. Wochensch ., No. 42, 
 18S2). Other abnormal effects may be met with : for instance, A hypodermic injec- 
 tion of T 9 ^ of a grain of morphine caused a prolonged and deep sleep, followed by con- 
 vulsive movements, cyanosis, dry tongue, dyspnoea, tracheal rales, incontinence of urine 
 and fseces, lowered' temperature, and, after these phenomena ceased, with aphasia, agra- 
 phia, and mental irritability (Scheiber, Zeitsch. f. Min. Med ., xiv. 39). As with all nar- 
 cotics, so with morphine : if it is left' off abruptly, wakefulness and restlessness, with 
 nervous depression, are apt to ensue. These effects sometimes closely resemble delirium 
 tremens. The fatal dose of morphine cannot be determined ; it may not exceeed a sin- 
 gle grain, and, on the other hand, a case is recorded in which 7 grains of morphine were 
 taken in the form of Magendie’s solution, and yet by dint of powerful excitation, chiefly 
 electrical, the patient recovered (Schweig). An infant fourteen days old recovered after 
 taking i grain of morphine, and another three weeks old after taking a teaspoonful of 
 wine of opium ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., July, 1880, p. 57). In another case it is 
 said that 10 grains were taken, but the patient recovered after the hypodermic injection 
 of atropine (Med. News , xli. 592). Still more remarkable are the cases of a woman who 
 recovered after taking 25 grains ( Therap . Gaz ., xiii. 93) ; of a man who also recovered 
 after taking about 36 grains ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., May, 1887, p. 443) ; and of 
 a woman who also survived a dose of 51 grains (ibid., June, 1887, p. 603). On the 
 other hand, two cases are recorded of sudden death after the subcutaneous injection of 
 Gm. 0.005 (y 1 ^ gr.) (Therap. Monatsh., iii. 436). 
 
 The influence of morphine used habitually is most pernicious. Even in dogs, after a 
 time emaciation sets in and ultimately reaches an extreme degree ; the animal is habit- 
 ually torpid, the skin of the feet grows morbidly sensitive, and the temperature is very 
 low. After death the brain and spinal marrow are anaemic and the lungs and liver engorged. 
 In man the disturbances are similar, but those of the intellectual sphere predominate. 
 They include nervousness, tremor, hyperaesthesia, spasms, neuralgia, insomnia, anxiety, 
 hypochondria alternating with excitement, hallucinations, and a suicidal tendency. A devotee 
 to the hypodermic use of morphine thus described to us its occasional effects : “ My head 
 and buttocks begin to throb and bump like trip-hammers ; my teeth are set ; a metallic 
 taste is in my mouth ; my face, neck, hands and arms are as red as fire, and all the veins 
 stand out swollen. The worst is the awful throbbing pain in my head. It is terrible.” 
 Among the physical symptoms are dryness of the tongue, constipation, and scanty urine, 
 with vesical irritation, and occasionally albuminous urine. Sometimes excessive sweats 
 occur ; the respiratory passages and throat are dry ; impotence is usual. Caries of the 
 teeth has also been observed, and suspension of the catamenia is an ordinary occurrence. 
 The morphine habit also blunts the perception of duty, gratitude, and even delicacy, and 
 perverts the sense of truth. No doubt these effects are due in part to the efforts made 
 by its slave to conceal his illicit indulgence or the degree of it, but they are chiefly 
 attributable to the obtuseness which it creates in the moral faculties as well as the senses. 
 If the drug is abruptly withdrawn, the patients suffer a collapse, with indescribable dis- 
 tress from nervousness and loss of self-control, profuse sweats, or diarrhoea, and a dusky 
 discoloration of the face. The tolerance of morphine in some cases of its habitual use 
 is extremely remarkable, as the following summary will prove : A man gradually 
 increased his daily dose until at the end of two years it reached 40 grains (Siredey). A 
 woman who used morphine hypodermically at last took 14 grains every day. Except 
 habitual lassitude of mind and body no bad effect of any kind was produced (Braith- 
 waite). But the most singular instance of this nature is one reported by Dr. Lyman of 
 Boston : A woman forty-seven years of age had been addicted to the morphine habit 
 since the age of eighteen. She was in good flesh, though a small eater and with an 
 indifferent appetite ; she experienced no disorder of the heart or kidneys, her bowels 
 were moved by the help of injections, and her catamenia were always regular. Yet 
 throughout this long period of twenty-eight or twenty-nine years her daily dose of mor- 
 phine averaged about 16 grains. A woman aged sixty-six years often had three hypo- 
 dermic injections daily, each of 6 grains of morphine (Practitioner, xxv. 66). Another 
 habitually took this amount internally, and occasionally doubled it. During one period 
 of three years she took a drachm of morphine daily, and on several days 80 grains (Boston 
 Med. and Surg. Jour., Feb. 1882, p. 128). A lady addicted to the habit would take hypo- 
 
1054 
 
 MORPH IN A. 
 
 dermically 25 grains of morphine at a single sitting (New York Med. Jour., Mar. 29, 
 1884). A man during seventeen years used on an average 24 grains of morphine daily 
 ( Lancet , Dec. 29, 1883). Burkart gives as the maximum daily dose Gm. 3.5 (50 grains). 
 In some persons almost every hypodermic injection is followed by an abscess. We are 
 familiar with the case of a lady who for several years was subject to violent attacks of 
 neuralgia of the face and head, for which she was treated by hypodermic injections of 
 morphine. Almost all the punctures were followed by abscesses, and both of her arms 
 from the shoulders almost to the wrists are deformed by the scars they left behind them. 
 According to Obersteiner, about 74 per cent, of the victims of the morphine habit are 
 males, and of these nearly 47 per cent, are medical men. 
 
 Many cases occur in which idiosyncrasies modify the usual effects of morphine. In 
 some it causes violent mental excitement, hallucinations, and a total inability to sleep; 
 in others it occasions nervous depression, syncope, pallor of the skin, feebleness of the 
 pulse, dyspnoea, insensibility, urgent vomiting, etc. ; in others, again, spasmodic move- 
 ments or a fully-formed tetanoid paroxysm ( British Med. Jour., Oct. 18, 1879). No 
 doubt some of the most alarming examples of this nature have followed the hypodermic 
 injection of morphine, either because of the swift absorption of the narcotic or from its 
 having been thrown into a vein. Hence the wisdom of the rule to introduce morphine 
 hypodermically with great deliberation, and of the advice that has been given to associate 
 with each injection grain of atropine to counteract the depressing and nauseating 
 effects of the morphine. This dose should never be repeated while the effects of a 
 previous dose appear to be increasing. In all cases the condition of the pulse and the 
 heart should be considered. Not a few examples are recorded of death by syncope 
 immediately after the administration of morphine hypodermically, and many also in which 
 death seemed imminent. In one case, among others, a case of lumbago, this effect 
 resulted from the hypodermic injection of i grain of morphine at a spot midway between 
 the spine and the crest of the ilium. In about ten minutes collapse with syncope occurred, 
 and the patient was with difficulty saved ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1879, p. 
 619). A case is on record in which fatal narcotism followed the hypodermic use of gr. \ 
 (Med. News , xlvi. 18), but the circumstances make the cause of death doubtful. In 
 several instances of angina pectoris death has seemed to be the consequence of morphine 
 injections (Centralbl. f. d. g. Therap., iii. 71). It is stated under Opium that all prepara- 
 tions of that narcotic are peculiarly dangerous in very early or in advanced life. The 
 use of morphine hypodermically is even more so because it cannot be removed from the 
 system as an overdose of opium may be. One-sixth, and even one-eighth, of a grain so 
 administered has proved fatal to old and feeble patients, and even without producing 
 narcotic symptoms until a repetition of the dose has suddenly developed them (Boston 
 Med. and Surg. Jour., May, 1884, p. 427). The administration of chloroform to a person 
 under the full influence of morphine is peculiarly dangerous. Even ether should be 
 cautiously employed, especially if severe pain is suffered (Med. Record, xxii. 274). The 
 immediate and remote effects of the hypodermic use of morphine and of the “ morphine 
 habit ” have been fully depicted by numerous writers. To their works the reader is 
 referred (Burkart, Die chron. Morphium Vergiftung , 1877-78 ; Petit, Bull, de Tlierap., 
 vol. xcvi. ; Levinstein, Die Morphiumsucht, 1880 ; Obersteiner, Med. News and Abst., 
 July, 1880, 438, Wiener Klinik, M'arz, 1883; Kane, Morphia Hypodermically, 1880; 
 Burkart, Die Wesen, etc. der chronischen Morphiumvergiftung, 1884). 
 
 Although morphine may, in general terms, be used for the same purposes as opium, 
 which are fully treated of elsewhere (see Opium), and especially as an internal medicine, 
 it is true, nevertheless, that the introduction of the hypodermic method of employing it 
 has shown its fitness for certain special conditions. This method is superior to any other 
 when the prompt action of the medicine is necessary to save life or lessen pain, wh*en 
 the patient is unable or unwilling to swallow, and when a local rather than a general 
 influence is sought. The use of morphine, and especially its hypodermic use, in the 
 treatment of insanity, while it is unquestionally preferable to allowing the insane to 
 become exhausted by excessive mental and physical exertion, is just as certainly abused 
 to save trouble for physicians and attendants. Very often the disease, whether it have 
 a physical basis or not, is fostered and prolonged by this method, which is really but 
 little better than the strait-jacket, the tranquillizing-chair, and other instruments of 
 torture now seldom used in asylums managed by a sound intelligence. Hardly less 
 mournful is it to know that in these institutions the baleful habit of morphine-intoxica- 
 tion has often been formed. Undoubtedly, a wise and prudent use of this remedy is 
 most advantageous, especially in cases of transient or of periodical mania, or when it 
 
MORPH IN A. 
 
 1055 
 
 is attended by severe bodily pain, provided that the administration be absolutely con- 
 trolled by a responsible physician and not trusted to inexperienced assistants or ignorant 
 or unfaithful nurses. (Compare Voisin, Bull, de Therap., c. 385, 443.) In sunstroke 
 attended with convulsions, jactitation, delirium, and general excitement the hypodermic 
 injection of a salt of morphine, in the dose of 1 grain, affords prompt relief. Infantile 
 convulsions have been successfully treated by means of hypodermic morphine, but the 
 dose of it should not exceed gr. In epileptiform convulsions due to mental excite- 
 ment, in pregnancy and One puerperal state , in hysteria and aggravated chorea , in various 
 local spasms , as of the face, glottis, diaphragm, etc., this remedy should always be borne 
 in mind. Morphine hypodermically employed is perhaps the best remedy in tetanus , even 
 of the traumatic form, and a like statement is true of the analogous condition caused by 
 strychnine-poisoning. It is the proper antidote in poisoning by belladonna or atropine. 
 Of all the remedies for spasmodic asthma , this one procures incomparably the most speedy 
 relief. Nor is it only in spasmodic dyspnoea that the treatment is efficient. Huchard, 
 among others, contends that, with rare exceptions, this symptom is by itself an indication 
 for the use of hypodermic injections of morphine (Bull, de Therap ., xcvi. 477). Attacks 
 of dyspnoea due to mitral obstruction are less amenable to this medicine than any other, 
 whether cardiac, pulmonary, or nervous (ibid., c. 173). Morphine may be sometimes 
 used to lessen the violence of the paroxysms in whooping cough. The pain of neuralgia , 
 especially in its severe forms, such as affect the fifth nerve, the sciatic, and the gastric 
 nerves, is promptly palliated by it. In neuralgia of the superficial nerves rapid vesica- 
 tion of the skin over the painful points, and the application to the cutis of a strong solu- 
 tion or ointment containing a morphine salt, may also be employed, but its effect is less 
 prompt and sure than the hypodermic plan. Of all palliatives employed in that most 
 terrible of pains, angina pectoris , none (except perhaps nitrite of amyl) affords more 
 prompt and sure relief, not only subduing the neuralgic anguish, but calming the 
 tumultuous and disordered movements of the heart. It has the advantage over some 
 other methods of being almost free from danger, so long as the dose of the palliative 
 does not become narcotic. In that case all opium preparations embarrass a weakened or 
 obstructed heart. One of the best occasional remedies for nervous headache which 
 females are apt to experience during the menstrual periods is a cup of strong coffee with 
 4 grain of morphine salt, but it is a remedy which is not to be recommended for general 
 or frequent use. The hypodermic injection of morphine is the promptest of all pallia- 
 tives for muscular rheumatism , and especially for lumbago. In the various forms of 
 abdominal pain hypodermic injections of morphine afford prompt and sure relief, whether 
 the cause of it be colic due to indigestion with flatulence, to cholera morbus, to obstipa- 
 tion, to intestinal displacements, to lead-poisoning, or even to inflammatory conditions : 
 to biliary or renal or vesical calculi , etc. Of all the methods of using opiates in 
 epidemic cholera , this is the least disappointing ; but although it is of little value when 
 once collapse has set in, it is probably more useful than the internal administration of 
 morphine. In some cases the hypodermic use of morphine has been signally successful 
 in curing sea-sickness (Pietra-Santa, Bull, de Therap., cv. 47 2 ; Vincent, Therap. Gaz., 
 viii. 479). It is important to note that the established value of opiates in diabetes 
 depends upon their administration by the mouth. They seem not to lessen the sugar in 
 the urine when given hypodermically (Bruce, Practitioner , xxxviii. 20). Fraser found 
 it generally superior to codeine in this disease (ibid., xlii. 374). The use of morphine as 
 an antidote to poisoning by Belladonna, Atropine, and Piiysostigmine is considered 
 under these several titles. It may, however, be mentioned in this place that the antago- 
 nism in question may sometimes be usefully employed to meet special indications. Thus, 
 morphine, which is so essential to moderate cough in phthisis, and which is at the same 
 time contraindicated by its tendency to produce sweating, may, if associated with a minute 
 proportion of atropine, fulfil its important object without inducing profuse diaphoresis. 
 In like manner, the depressing influence of morphine, which renders it dangerous in 
 certain cases of extreme exhaustion accompanied with severe pain, may be counteracted 
 by giving atropine along with it (Fothergill). 
 
 The hypodermic use of morphine has been greatly perverted ; the prompt alleviation 
 of pain and the pleasing intoxication which follows form too strong a temptation to its 
 use for all persons to resist successfully. Like alcohol, it leaves behind it a sense of 
 debility and depression which nothing but a fresh resort to the medicine relieves. If 
 continuously employed, it creates an artificial necessity for resorting to its powerful and 
 genial support, and the longer it is used the larger is the dose of it required. A peculiar 
 allurement of the habit as compared with that of taking opiates by the mouth is that in 
 
1056 
 
 MORPHINJE ACETAS. 
 
 many cases it does not so readily derange the stomach, impair the appetite, or produce 
 constipation. These effects should be borne in mind, but it is equally important to 
 remember that in cases of hopeless disease the duty of the physician is, above every- 
 thing else, to relieve his patient’s suffering. 
 
 The treatment of the morphine habit cannot be fully discussed here. Suffice it to say 
 that it consists essentially in the withdrawal of the drug — abruptly if the constitutional 
 symptoms are not grave, gradually if they are serious, while by food, passive and active 
 exercise, and occupation the body is strengthened and the mind diverted. (Compare 
 Opium.) Whatever plan may be adopted, its success depends mainly upon the patient 
 being restrained from indulging his vicious habit. The treatment of poisoning by 
 morphine is the same as that used for opium-poisoning. 
 
 The average dose of morphine or of its salts is about G-m. 0.013 (i grain), but mor- 
 phine uncombined is seldom prescribed. For hypodermic uses an officinal solution of 
 acetate of morphine has been provided by the British Pharmacopoeia. (See Injectio 
 M oRPHiNiE Hypodermica.) It is said that if the morphine solution is heated in a 
 spoon before being injected, organic growths that may have formed in it will be destroyed, 
 and the solution will then become less irritating. The recommendation that the phy- 
 sician carry with him powders of morphine of 1 grain and dissolve them as just 
 suggested when required for use, appears to be judicious and practical. The so-called 
 “sterilized” solutions of the salt may be employed. (See Therap. Gaz ., x. 541.) The 
 tartrate has been proposed as superior to any other salt of morphine for hypodermic 
 injections. It is said to be entirely bland and unirritating, and that its solution can be 
 kept fresh for any length of time (Stuart). 
 
 MORPHINiE ACETAS, 77. S., Br.— Morphine Acetate. 
 
 Morphine acetas , Morphinum. ( s . Morphium) aceticum , Acetas morphinae, Acetas mor- 
 vhicus. — Acetate of morphia , E. ; Acetate de morphine , Fr. ; Morphinacetat , Essigsaures 
 Morphin , Gr. 
 
 Formula CnHj 9 NO 3 .HO 2 H 3 O 2 . 3 H 2 O. Molecular weight 398.12. 
 
 Preparation. — The British Pharmacopoeia, not recognizing morphine officially, 
 directs that alkaloid to be prepared from 2 ounces of the hydrochlorate by precipitating 
 its solution with ammonia and washing the precipitate with distilled water ; the moist 
 morphine is diffused in 4 ounces of water, dissolved by neutralizing with acetic acid, the 
 solution evaporated on a water-bath until it concretes on cooling, and the mass dried with 
 a gentle heat and reduced to powder. The salt should be kept in small well-stoppered 
 vials. A very slight excess of acetic acid is rather of advantage, since the salt begins to 
 decompose during the evaporation by the liberation of a little acid ; it is therefore advis- 
 able to facilitate evaporation at a rather low temperature by means of a current of air. 
 The salt may be crystallized with some difficulty in the form of white silky needles, but is 
 very generally obtained in powder as directed above. 
 
 For obtaining the salt of very handsome appearance Hager gives the following direc- 
 tions : Bub 10 parts of pure morphine to powder, keeping it moist by the addition of a 
 little alcohol, and add 25 parts of glacial acetic acid, triturating constantly ; then drop 
 alcohol into the mixture until it has become of a syrupy consistence, and afterward ether 
 until the color of the mixture has changed to milk-white ; after two or three days the 
 solidified mass is loosened in the mortar and turned, and when completely dry is rubbed 
 to powder and preserved. 
 
 Properties. — Morphine acetate forms a white or faintly yellowish, crystalline or 
 amorphous powder which has a slight acetous odor and a very bitter taste. Belohoubek 
 (1880) found in the crystallized salt two forms of needles — the first transparent and dis- 
 tinct, the other white, opaque, and aggregated to tufts. When freshly prepared, the 
 salt dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 25 parts of water and 476 parts of alcohol ( U. S. P.), 
 in 45 parts of alcohol (Hager), and at the boiling-point requires 1.5 parts of water and 
 14 parts of alcohol ( U. S. P), 2 parts of alcohol (Hager). The salt is soluble in 2.44 
 parts of water (Dott, 1881-82), in 2100 of cold and 60 parts of boiling chloroform, and 
 in 1700 parts of ether. The alcoholic solution, mixed with an excess of ether, deposits 
 crystals of morphine, free acetic acid remaining in solution. Cold strong sulphuric acid 
 dissolves the salt without color only when recently made. When kept on hand it slowly 
 loses acetic acid ; its reaction to test-paper changes from neutral to alkaline, and the salt 
 becomes incompletely soluble in water unless a little acid be added ; it gradually acquires 
 a yellowish-gray, and finally brownish, color, and should then.be redissolved in acetic acid 
 
morphine: hydrochloras.— morphinjs sulphas. 
 
 1057 
 
 and evaporated or converted into another salt of morphine. Its aqueous solution under- 
 goes similar changes, the acetic acid being slowly decomposed, with the separation of 
 brown flocculent compounds, while the morphine crystallizes out, forming long prisms if 
 the solution is not disturbed. The formula given by the Pharmacopoeia is that of Oude- 
 manns (1857), and requires 71.4 per cent, of anhydrous or 75.94 per cent, of crystallized 
 morphine. Kieffer (1857) found the salt to contain 79.8 per cent, of morphine. 
 
 Tests. — The salt responds to the morphine tests described above, and leaves no resi- 
 due when ignited. If its solution is precipitated by tannin, the addition of dilute hydro- 
 chloric acid redissolves the precipitate ; solution of potassa or soda gives a white pre- 
 cipitate soluble in excess of the alkali ; a remaining turbidity would indicate the presence 
 of narcotine. Sulphuric acid added to the salt liberates acetous vapors. — U. S. 
 
 Uses. — The action and uses of the acetate are the same that have been described in 
 the article on Morphine. The dose of the acetate is about Gm. 0.01 (gr. ^). 
 
 MORPHINE HYDROCHLORAS, U. S., Br.— Morphine Hydro- 
 chlorate. 
 
 Morphine hydrochloras , Morphine murias, Morphinum hydrochloricum, P. G. ; Murias 
 ( Hydrochloras ) morphicus. — Muriate of morphia , E. ; Chlorhydra.te de morphine , Fr. ; 
 Morphi.nhyd rochlorat , Salzsaures Morphin , G. 
 
 Formula C 17 H 19 N0 3 HC1.3H 2 0. Molecular weight 374.64. 
 
 Preparation. — The British Pharmacopoeia has a process for preparing this salt from 
 opium, which was given under Morpiiina, as far as the precipitation of pure morphine. 
 The remaining steps are as follows : “ Diffuse the pure morphine (obtained from 1 pound 
 of opium) through 2 fluidounces of boiling distilled water placed in a porcelain capsule 
 kept hot, and add, constantly stirring, the diluted hydrochloric acid, proceeding with cau- 
 tion, so that the morphine may be entirely dissolved and a neutral solution obtained. Set 
 aside to cool aud crystallize. Drain the crystals, and dry them on filtering-paper. By 
 further evaporating the mother-liquor and again cooling additional crystals are obtained.” 
 If pure morphine has been used and an excess of hydrochloric acid avoided, the salt may 
 be wholly obtained in crystals by judicious evaporation of the mother-liquor. On account 
 of the greater stability of this salt and of its solution, the German Pharmacopoeia directs 
 it to be dispensed whenever morphine acetate is prescribed. 
 
 Properties. — Morphine hydrochlorate crystallizes in white silky, flexible, and 
 inodorous needles or minute, colorless, cubical crystals having a bitter taste and neutral 
 reaction. It is soluble in 20 parts of cold (24 parts at 15° C. U. S. P. ; 25 parts P. G. ; 
 23.9 parts, Dott, 1882) and in less than its own weight (about 0.5 parts U S. P.) of 
 boiling water; in 62 parts (48 parts, Candidus, 1882) of alcohol at 15° C. ; and in 30 
 parts of boiling alcohol ; in 50 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.832 (P. G.) ; in 19 parts of 
 glycerin and in 800 parts of olive oil; it is slightly soluble in ether or chloroform. 
 Heated to 100° C. (212° F.), it loses 14.38 per cent, of water of crystallization at 300° 
 C. (512° F.) it coheres slightly, but does not completely melt. It yields 75.9 per cent, of 
 anhydrous and 80.7 per cent, of crystallized morphine. On triturating the salt with sul- 
 phuric acid and sprinkling bismuth subnitrate upon the mixture, a dark-brown color is 
 produced ( P . G .). 
 
 Tests. — The salt should not have an acid reaction, and should answer to all the mor- 
 phine tests described before : its aqueous solution yields with silver nitrate a white 
 precipitate, which is insoluble in nitric acid, but dissolves in ammonia. With solution of 
 potassium or sodium hydroxide it should yield a precipitate soluble in excess of alkalies 
 and corresponding to the tests for morphine. When heated to 130° C. (266° F.) the 
 pure salt remains white, while the commercial salt generally turns brown or black from 
 the decomposition of resinous substances present (Tauseh, 1880). When ignited, the 
 salt should leave no fixed residue. 
 
 Uses- — The operation of the hydrochlorate of morphine is identical with that of the 
 acetate, and its dose is the same, or about Gm. 0.01 (gr. ^). 
 
 MORPHIN iE SULPHAS, U. Morphine Sulphate. 
 
 Morphine sulphas ; Morphinum sulfuricum , P. G. ; Sulfas morphicus. — Sulphate of mor- 
 phia, E. ; Sulfate de morphine , Fr. ; Morphinsulfat, Schwefelsaures Morphin , G. 
 
 Formula (C 17 H 19 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S04.5H 2 0. Molecular weight 756.38. 
 
 67 
 
1058 
 
 MOSCHUS. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt may be prepared in the same manner as the hydrochlorate. 
 1 ounce of pure morphine is diffused in 2 ounces of boiling distilled water, and diluted 
 sulphuric acid is cautiously added until the alkaloid is dissolved and the liquid has a 
 neutral reaction to test-paper ; it is then allowed to cool and crystallize ; the crystals are 
 drained and dried, and the mother-liquor concentrated to obtain an additional crop of 
 crystals. 
 
 The importation of morphine and its salts into the United States amounted to some- 
 what over 3000 ounces annually in 1879 and for some years previous, but has been much 
 larger since, and was 23,239 ounces in 1882. 
 
 Properties. — Morphine sulphate crystallizes in white fasicles of transparent, 
 silky, inodorous, and bitter needles, which are neutral to test-paper, and are not altered 
 on exposure to air. At 100° C. (212° F.) it parts with 3 molecules of water (7.48 per 
 cent.) ; but on being heated to 130° C. (266° F.) it loses the remaining two molecules 
 (4.39 per cent.). On raising the heat to 255° C. (491° F.) the salt melts, and at a higher 
 temperature is consumed without leaving a residue ; the exsiccated salt absorbs water on 
 exposure (Liebig). The official salt dissolves in 21 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) in 
 0.75 parts of boiling water, in 702 parts of alcohol at 15° C., and in 144 parts of boiling 
 alcohol ( U. S. P .) ; Hager states it as readily soluble, and P. C. Candidus (1882) found 
 it to dissolve in 40 parts of alcohol. It dissolves in 5 parts of glycerin (Reveil, 1863), 
 but is insoluble in ether. The salt represents 75.2 per cent, of anhydrous and 79.94 per 
 cent, of crystallized morphine. Its aqueous solution yields a white precipitate with 
 barium chloride insoluble in nitric acid. Dott (1877) noticed an article sold in Eng- 
 land which was adulterated with 34.63 per cent, of anhydrous sodium sulphate. 
 
 Tests. — Morphine sulphate should have a neutral reaction to test-paper, should 
 show the behavior of morphine salts described in the article on Morphina. 
 
 Other Salts of Morphine. — Morphina: iiydrqbromas, C 17 H 19 N0 3 HBr.2H 2 0 ; mol. weight, 
 401.06. This salt is prepared by dissolving the alkaloid in warm hydrobromic acid or by double 
 decomposition between alcoholic solutions of six parts of potassium bromide and 19 parts of 
 morphine sulphate, and by evaporating the filtrate from the precipitated potassium sulphate. 
 E. Schmidt (1877) found it to crystallize in long white needles, which are more soluble in water 
 than the hydriodate, and become anhydrous at 100° C. According to Latour, it contains 3H 2 0, 
 and requires 25 parts of water at 15° C. for solution. 
 
 Morphina: hydriodas, C 17 H 19 N0 3 .HI.2H 2 0 ; mol. weight, 447.83. It is prepared, like the 
 preceding, from morphine and hydriodic acid, or from 4 parts of potassium iodide and 9 parts 
 of morphine sulphate. A concentrated solution of potassium iodide, added to a solution of 
 morphine acetate or hydrochlorate, separates the same* salt. It crystallizes in long silky 
 needles, parts with its water at 100° C., and recombines with it on exposure to air. Prepared 
 by either process, Schmidt found it to have the above formula and to be sparingly soluble in cold 
 water. 
 
 Morphina: tartras (C 17 H 19 N0 3 ) 2 C 4 II 6 0 6 .3H 2 0 ; mol. weight, 772.28. On dissolving 4 parts of 
 morphine with 1 part of tartaric acid in 20 parts of hot water, the greater portion of the salt 
 crystallizes on cooling in small needles. It is somewhat efflorescent in dry air, loses at 130° C. 
 6.76 per cent, of water, is soluble in alcohol, and dissolves in 9.7 parts of water at 15° C. (Dott, 
 1882) *, the aqueous solution is not precipitated by alkalies, alkali carbonates, or calcium chloride 
 (Arppe). The salt represents 78.3 per cent, of crystallized morphine. 
 
 Morphina: meconas (C j 7 H 19 N0 3 ) 2 C 7 H 4 0 7 .5H 2 0 , mol. weight, 858.07. This salt is present in 
 opium, and may be prepared by neutralizing morphine with meconic acid. According to Robi- 
 quet, it is uncrystallizable and is readily soluble in alcohol, and, according to Dott (1882), dis- 
 solves in 33.9 parts of water at 15.5° C. (60° F.). 
 
 Uses. — Sulphate of morphine is more generally used than any of the other salts of 
 this alkaloid. Its dose is about Gm. 0.01 (gr. 1). 
 
 MOSCHUS, U. 8., Br. — Musk. 
 
 Muse, Fr. Cod. ; Moschus, G. ; Almizell, Sp. 
 
 The dried secretion from the preputial follicles of Moschus moschiferus, Linne. 
 
 Class Mammalia. Ord. Ruminantia. 
 
 Origin. — The musk deer resembles the deer (Cervus), but differs from it in the want 
 of horns, and in the canines, which are long and project considerably downward from the 
 lips of the male. It inhabits chiefly the mountainous regions and elevated table-lands 
 of Central Asia, and is met with from Anam, in Farther India, north-westward to 
 Thibet, and northward in China and Tartary to Mantchooria and Southern Siberia. It 
 lives in pine forests in the Himalayas, frequently at an altitude of 3000-4260 M. 
 (10,000 to 14,000 feet). The musk-sac is found in the male only, and is located on the 
 
MOSCH US. 
 
 1059 
 
 Musk Deer. 
 
 Fig. 186. 
 
 Fig. 187. 
 
 abdomen, immediately before the preputial orifice and to the rear of the umbilicus. The 
 animal has nocturnal habits and is taken by snares and pit- p IG 
 
 falls, or sometimes by shooting ; the sac is cut off as soon 
 as possible, and rapidly dried by pressing it against heated 
 stones. 
 
 Description. — The musk-bag (called sac, pod, or 
 pouch) is oval in shape, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long and 
 38 Mm. (II inches) wide, with a thickness of about 13 
 Mm. (I inch). The upper surface is smooth and flat, the 
 lower surface convex and hairy. The hairs are grayish 
 and brown, rather stiff" and appressed, and arranged in a 
 circle toward the aperture near the centre of the bag, and in the form of a pencil toward 
 the preputial orifice, which is about 6 Mm. (-4- inch) in the rear of the former. From this 
 
 orifice, underneath the hairy skin between 
 the strata of the muscular coat and toward 
 the posterior end of the sac, is a canal con- 
 taining the front portion of the thin penis. 
 Following the muscular coat is the musk- 
 pouch proper, with an external fibrous coat, 
 having on the inner surface numerous de- 
 pressions resembling meshes and surrounded 
 by folds, and covered by two coats — the 
 one soft and pearly, and the other very deli- 
 cate, silvery-white on the outside, and yel- 
 lowish or brownish on the inside. The 
 
 Chinese Musk-sac. musk is supposed to be separated by a 
 
 Lower surface. Upper surface. , n i j r t* r . 
 
 number ot glands, 01 which two or more 
 are situated in each depression. In the young animal the secretion is slight and of a 
 milky appearance, but after it has passed its third year the musk is of better quality ; 
 in the fresh state it is of an unctuous consistence. 
 
 From a record kept by Messrs. Cramer and Small (Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1872, p. 565) the 
 average weight of Chinese musk-bags was found to be 394 grains, and of the musk in 
 each 157 grains. 
 
 Musk is of a crummy appearance, near the musk-orifice mixed with grayish hairs of a 
 reddish-brown color or darker brown, and irregularly granular, somewhat unctuous to the 
 touch, of a strong, diffusible, and persistent odor, and of a bitterish taste. When entirely 
 exsiccated it is almost inodorous, but the odor reappears on moistening, and is increased 
 by the addition of a little alkali. Musk should be kept in not too warm a place, where 
 the air has some access to it. The German Pharmacopoeia now requires it, for medicinal 
 use, to be dried over sulphuric acid until it ceases to lose weight. Its odor disappears or 
 is more or less modified on triturating the musk with camphor, oil of bitter almond, fennel, 
 ergot, mustard, sulphur, acids, various salts, etc. 
 
 Varieties. — Several varieties are known in commerce, the best being the Chinese , 
 Thibet , or Tonquin musk. It is usually imported in small boxes, internally lined with 
 sheet lead and containing about twenty-five sacs, each wrapped in paper. The outer hairs 
 are trimmed short, and are of a yellowish or grayish color. Musk enters commerce through 
 the Chinese ports. Siberian musk comes by way of St. Petersburg, hence the name Rus- 
 sian musk; it often resembles and has the same quality as the preceding ; when in flatter 
 ovate sacs with thinner and paler hairs, and of fainter, less aromatic, and more urinous 
 odor, it is called Cabardine musk. The small and inferior Bucharian and Assam musk- 
 sacs rarely, if ever, reach this country. Chinese musk only should be employed in medi- 
 cine, and should always be purchased in sacs. 
 
 Substitutions and Adulterations. — The substitution of artificial musk-bags, 
 made from a piece of the hide stitched to a membrane, is readily recognized by the 
 absence of the circular arrangement of the hairs and of the central aperture. Genuine 
 sacs are sometimes slit open, the musk partly removed, and other substances introduced 
 in place thereof. This may usually be detected by being stitched together on the edge 
 of the hide and inside membrane. There is no means of detecting the fraudulent intro- 
 duction through the orifice of pieces of lead, etc. until after the bags have been opened. 
 
 Tests. — Musk should not have an ammoniacal odor. Cold water dissolves about one- 
 naif the weight of the musk ; the solution should be deep-brown, faintly acid, and 
 scarcely disturbed by solution of corrosive sublimate (ammonium carbonate). Weak 
 
1060 
 
 MOSCHUS. 
 
 alcohol yields a similar solution. Strong alcohol dissolves about 10 per cent., yielding a 
 slightly colored tincture, which should scarcely become turbid on the addition of water 
 (resins, etc.). Carefully freed from fragments of skin and hairs and heated upon 
 platinum-foil, musk should give off a slightly urinous odor, but very distinct from the 
 odor of burning blood, and should leave about 6 to 8 per cent, of a gray (not red) ash. 
 The German Pharmacopoeia has adopted the examination of musk by the method sug- 
 gested by Bernatzik : A small quantity of musk, kept in a thin layer under oil of turpen- 
 tine (or warmed with a little glycerin), and examined under the microscope, is seen to 
 consist of diaphanous brown amorphous splinters and lumps, without being mixed with 
 other foreign substances. 
 
 Constituents. — Musk, treated with potassa, gives off ammonia ; it contains choles- 
 terin, various fatty and waxy substances, gelatinous and albuminous compounds, and salts. 
 The odorous principle volatilizes partly with the vapors of water, but is not a volatile oil ; 
 it is most probably formed in the presence of moisture by the slow and continuous decom- 
 position of one of the constituents. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Antilope Dorcas, Linni. This is a deer-like ruminant inhabiting Northern 
 Africa. Its small globular excrements have a strong musk-like odor, and have been recommended 
 as a substitute for musk, more especially in perfumery. Jacqueme obtained from them 7 per cent, 
 of alcoholic extract, consisting of biliary substances, of a crystallizable acid, and of an odorous 
 resin, which is also soluble in carbon disulphide. Water dissolves ammonium and sodium salts, 
 and the insoluble portion contains calcium phosphate. 
 
 IIyraceum is supposed to be the dry excrements of the klipdas or badger (Hyrax capensis, Cuvier ), 
 a mammal of the order Hyracoidea, inhabiting Southern Africa and attaining a length of about 
 18 inches (45 Cm.). Hyraceum is in irregular tough but plastic pieces of a black-brown color-, 
 when warmed of a castor-like odor and having a bitter nauseous taste. It is partly soluble in 
 water, less soluble in alcohol and ether, and when heated becomes soft, and afterward burns, 
 giving off acrid vapors. It contains a volatile oily matter, resin, fat, various acids, biliary con- 
 stituents, etc. 
 
 Civetta, Zibethum. — Civet, E. ; Civette, Fr. Cod.; Zibeth, G. ; Zibeto, Sp. This is 
 an unctuous secretion contained in a pouch located between the anus and genitals of both the 
 males and females of Viverra Civetta, Schreber , and V. Zibetha, Schreber (class Mammalia, ord. 
 Carnivora). The former animal inhabits Africa, the latter Southern Asia, and they are occa- 
 sionally kept captive for collecting the secretion, which is removed by means of a small ladle. 
 It is at first yellowish, but becomes dark-brown, is fusible, nearly insoluble in water, partly 
 soluble in ether and in hot alcohol, and has a strong musk-like odor and a bitterish, acrid, 
 nauseous taste. It contains volatile oil, different fats, resin, coloring matters, and salts. 
 
 The above substances are sometimes, though rarely, employed as stimulants and anti- 
 spasmodics, but are more or less used in perfumery. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man it produces an effect comparable to that of alcohol, 
 since, after stimulating the brain and heart and raising the temperature, it occasions, 
 according to some, drowsiness and thoracic oppression, but, according to others, leaves no 
 reactionary effects behind.. Its odor continues for several days to impregnate the breath 
 and all the secretions. 
 
 The scarcity, high price, and falsification of musk have caused its use to be compara- 
 tively restricted, and explain the varying and often contradictory estimates of its value 
 as a medicine Yet, on the whole, the conditions it is adapted to remedy are pretty well 
 defined. They include all those nervous phenomena which are represented by the term 
 ataxia , and among them subsultus tendinum, mild muttering delirium, floccitation, muscas 
 volitantes, and hiccough, with a small, frequent, tremulous or irregular pulse, without 
 coma and without collapse. Under these circumstances musk tends to produce refreshing 
 sleep, while it calms muscular spasm and favors perspiration, while the pulse grows 
 fuller, more regular, and less frequent. These are phenomena which may occur in all 
 febrile diseases originally of a typhoid type or tending to assume it, and notably in 
 typhus , typhoid fever , generally at an advanced stage, the eruptive fevers , and certain 
 inflammations also, but particularly pneumonia. In proportion as ataxic prevail over 
 adynamic phenomena is musk advantageous. The former are often met with in the 
 advanced stages of cholera infantum , besides others that indicate serous effusion upon the 
 brain ; and they are sometimes dissipated by the administration of musk. Yet it occa- 
 sionally avails in more typically adynamic cases, in which exhaustion involves all the 
 functions, and there does not seem to remain enough strength to manifest disorder. 
 
 Its fitness to combat the special phenomena above indicated is illustrated by its efficacy 
 in purely nervous and non-febrile affections. There can be no doubt of its having 
 repeatedly effected a cure in cases of hiccough , pharyngeal spasm , laryngismus stridulus , 
 spasmodic croup (spasmodic laryngitis), spasmodic cough , whooping cough , vomiting , and 
 
MOXA. 
 
 1061 
 
 colic. Even chorea , hysterical convulsions , and tetanus have occasionally been cured by its 
 means. Its power as a nervine is also shown by its relieving wakefulness resulting from 
 combined mental and bodily fatigue — such cases, in fact, as are benefited by valerian, 
 camphor, asafoetida, and ammonia. Among these may be mentioned delirium tremens. 
 Macgowan confirms the belief of the Chinese that musk is anodyne, and recommends its 
 use in plasters for muscular rheumatism, sprains, etc. 
 
 Musk is usually administered in pill or emulsion and in doses of 6m. 0.60 (10 grains) 
 or upward, every two or three hours. It may also be employed in suppositories. To 
 children it may be given in doses of 6m. 0.06 (gr. j+) in the above-mentioned forms or 
 in a small enema. 
 
 MOXA.-Moxa. 
 
 Moxa, Fr., Sp. ; Brenncy Under, G. 
 
 Moxas are vegetable substances, either cut or formed into short cylinders, and w r hich 
 when united will burn without fusing. In China and Japan moxas are made of the felt- 
 like down covering the leaves of Artemisia chinensis, Linne, and perhaps of other plants. 
 In other countries paper, cotton, or hemp impregnated with a weak solution of potassium 
 nitrate has been employed for the purpose, or the pith of some plants containing sufficient 
 nitrates to sustain an even combustion, like that of the sunflower. Occasionally mixtures 
 have been made of potassium nitrate with substances like lycopodium, beaten together 
 with some adhesive material and rolled into cylinders of convenient size. Instead of 
 nitrate, potassium chlorate or chromate has been employed. Cylinders made of saltpetre- 
 paper (see Charts) have been used for the same purpose. 
 
 Action and Uses.— The moxa is said to have been employed as a form of cau- 
 tery from time immemorial by Oriental nations, and particularly by the Chinese and 
 Japanese, from whom it was introduced into Europe by the Portuguese ; but it was also 
 used by the Egyptians, the Persians, and the Laplanders. The moxa cylinder should 
 be about an inch long and from | to I inch in diameter. One end of it is applied to the 
 skin and held in its place by a pair of forceps or a porte-moxa , while the opposite end is 
 lighted and the surrounding skin protected by a damp rag, adhesive plaster, or paper 
 saturated with a solution of alum and dried aud having an aperture in its centre. Com- 
 bustion is maintained by the breath or by a pair of bellows until the whole cylinder is 
 consumed. To prevent deep cauterization liquor ammonias is applied immediately after 
 the burning. Sometimes the cylinder is moved about within a small area, without permit- 
 ting any one spot to become deeply involved ; or it may be held very near, but without 
 touching the skin ; or, finally, it may be removed when the combustion of the moxa has 
 reached to within a line or two of the skin. It should not usually be applied where the 
 skin is the only covering of bone, tendon, ligament, or cartilage, nor to the mammae, 
 genital organs, or abdomen. The first sensation of heat is apt to be considered agreeable 
 rather than painful, but it increases and grows tolerably severe. Yet we are assured that 
 it causes less pain than either blisters or caustic issues. 
 
 In regard to the modus operandi of the moxa, those who have most employed it con- 
 sider that its action differs from that of the hot iron. Some have suggested that a very 
 volatile (anesthetic) principle is given off by the burning fibres, and in point of fact an 
 empyreumatic oil must be formed by their combustion upon or near the skin ; others 
 consider that the operation is most elficient when there is really no burning of the 
 integument or any serous or purulent discharge. 
 
 The remedial uses of moxa are those of counter-irritant agents in general. It seems 
 to have been most efficient in affections of the superficial joints, as the knee and the wrist ; 
 in white swelling and coxalgia ; in diseases of the vertebrae and their ligaments, and in lum- 
 bar abscess ; in neuralgia, and especially in sciatica ; in lumbago, rheumatic gout, and par- 
 alysis ; and finally in hypertrophy of the spleen and in chronic bronchitis. Of late years 
 most of the applications of the moxa have been superseded by those of the galvanic cau- 
 tery. This cautery has the advantage of being under the control of the surgeon more 
 completely than any other, and also of being applicable to deep-seated lesions even of the 
 bones. 
 
1062 
 
 MUCILA GINES.—MUCILA G 0 AMYLI. 
 
 MUOILAGINES.— Mucilages. 
 
 Mucilages , Fr. ; Schleime , G. 
 
 These preparations consist of viscid, more or less tenacious, and adhesive liquids, or of 
 opaque semi-liquid jellies ; in all cases the solvent vehicle is water. All mucilages as 
 directed by the pharmacopoeias are prone to change, and gradually acquire an acid reac- 
 tion and offensive odor, at the same time becoming more liquid. If not intended for 
 medicinal use the change may be retarded or prevented by the addition of alum, creosote, 
 or glycerin. 
 
 MUCILAGO AC ACIiE, 77. S., Br.— Mucilage of Acacia. 
 
 Mucilago gummi arabici, P. Gr . — Mucilage of gum-arabic , E. ; Mucilage de gomme ara- 
 bique , Mucilage arabique , Fr. ; Gummischleim , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Acacia, in small fragments, 340 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 1000 Gm. Wash the acacia with cold water, then add to it enough water to 
 make the mixture weigh 1000 Gm. ; agitate or stir occasionally until it is dissolved and 
 strain. — U. JS. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of mucilage of acacia use 6 av. ozs. and 175 grains of select acacia 
 and 12 fluidounees of water; after solution lias been effected add sufficient water to make 
 the required volume. 
 
 Gum-arabic 4 oz. av. ; distilled water 6 fluidounees (Imperial). — Br. Gum-arabic 1 
 part ; distilled water 2 parts. — P. G. Powdered gum-arabic 1 part ; cold water 1 part ; 
 dissolve in a mortar. — F . Cod. 
 
 Owing to the fact that the solution of acacia becomes denser as it progresses, stirring 
 or agitation of the mixture will be found somewhat difficult, and solution can be more 
 readily effected by what is known as circulatory displacement, namely, the suspension 
 of the washed acacia in the water in a bag of loosely textured cloth ; if the bag be occa- 
 sionally moved about in the liquid, fresh portions of water will continually displace the 
 solution formed, which latter will sink to the bottom by reason of its own gravity. 
 Mucilage of acacia should be kept in well-stoppered, completely filled bottles in a cool 
 place. 
 
 White and clear pieces of gum-arabic should be selected for preparing this mucilage. 
 The impurities which necessitate the subsequent straining are generally accidental admix- 
 tures of the gum, and may mostly be removed by rapid washing with cold water before 
 dissolving it. It is a nearly transparent, colorless, or scarcely yellowish, viscid liquid, 
 having a faint rather agreeable odor and an insipid taste. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — This mucilage serves for the suspension of insoluble 
 substances in mixtures and to impart adhesiveness to pill masses. The British Pharma- 
 copoeia directs it to be used as an excipient in the preparation of troches. 
 
 Mistura gummosa. — Gum mixture, E . ; Potion gommeuse, Julep gommeux, Fr ; 
 Gummimixtur, G. — Powdered gum 10 parts, syrup of gum 30 parts, water 100 parts 
 and orange-flower water 10 parts. — F . Cod. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This mucilage, diluted according to the taste or the condition 
 of the patient, and, sweetened and flavored, forms a customary drink in fevers and in 
 inflammatory affections of the respiratory and digestive organs. It is probably not directly 
 nutritive, but it possibly retards tissue-waste. 
 
 MUCILAGO AMYLI, Br. — Mucilage of Starch. 
 
 Mucilage d'amidon , Fr. ; Starkeschleim , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Starch 120 grains; Distilled Water 10 fluidounees. Tritu- 
 rate the starch with the water gradually added, then boil for a few minutes, constantly 
 stirring. — Br. 
 
 It should always be made fresh when needed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mucilage of starch is generally entrusted to domestic manu- 
 facture, but it may be worth while for physicians to know that this mucilage is of the 
 proper density for an enema, such as may be used in dysentery. In that disease, if opiates 
 or any other medicines intended to be retained are to be added to the mucilage, the quantity 
 of it injected should not exceed 3 ounces. 
 
MTJCILAGO CYD0XI1. — M UCUNA. 
 
 1063 
 
 MUCILAGO CYDONIL— Mucilage of Cydonium. 
 
 Mudlago cydonie. — Mucilage of quince-seed , E. ; Mucilage de coing , Fr. ; Quittenschleim , G . 
 
 Preparation. — Cydonium 18 grains; Distilled Water 2 fluidounces. Macerate the 
 cydonium for thirty minutes in a covered vessel with the distilled water, frequently agi- 
 tating. Then strain the liquid through muslin, without pressure. This preparation 
 should be freshly made when required for use. 
 
 The P. G. 1872 recognized the same formula, hut employed rose-water. The French 
 Codex directs quince-seed 1 part and tepid water 50 parts, to be left in contact for six 
 hours, after which the mucilage is strained with pressure. 
 
 Bandolin is a-mucilage of quince-seeds used for dressing the hair, and is made by 
 macerating 2 drachms of unbroken quince-seeds in a pint of water, and adding about an 
 ounce of cologne-water, with some other scent to suit. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Quince-seed mucilage is lenitive and protective, and, like other 
 mucilages, may be applied to the inflamed skin or conjunctive , and may be administered 
 internally in gastro-intestinal and urinary inflammations, and to allay cough , irritation of 
 the air-passages, etc. 
 
 MUCILAGO SASSAFRAS MEDULLA 77. S.— Mucilage of Sassa- 
 fras-pith. 
 
 Mucilage de moelle de sassafras, Fr. ; Sassafrasmark-Schleim , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sassafras-pith 2 Gm. ; Water 100 Cc. Macerate for three 
 hours, and strain. It should be freshly made when wanted. — U. S. 
 
 It is a colorless, thickish, transparent liquid of a bland taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The mucilage of sassafras-pith is a refreshing and useful 
 application to the eye in acute conjunctivitis , and may serve as a vehicle for more active 
 agents. It is equally appropriate as a soothing lotion in erythematous and other inflam- 
 mations of the skin. Internally, it may be freely used as a drink in dysentery and other 
 bowel complaints, and in febrile affections generally. 
 
 MUCILAGO TRAGACANTHiE, 77. S., Br.~ Mucilage of Tragacanth. 
 
 Mucilage de gomme adragante , Mucilage adragant, Fr. ; Traganthschleim , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tragacanth 6 Gm. ; Glycerin 18 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity, 
 to make 100 Gm. Mix the glycerin with 75 Cc. of water; heat the mixture to boiling, 
 add the tragacanth, and let it macerate for tw r enty-four hours, stirring occasionally. 
 Then add enough water to make the mixture weigh 100 Gm., beat it so as to render it 
 of uniform consistence, and strain forcibly through muslin. — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Tragacanth mucilage has scarcely any medicinal qualities 
 peculiar to itself. It is seldom used unless as an excipient in lenitive mixtures, and in 
 troches and lozenges which are intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Its tenacity 
 has led to its occasional use as a protective for burns and ulcers. 
 
 MUCILAGO ULMI, U. S.— Mucilage of Elm. 
 
 Mucilage d'ecorce dlorme fauve, Fr. ; Ulmenrinden-Schleim, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Elm, bruised, 6 Gm. ; Boiling Water 100 Cc. Digest for one hour in 
 a covered vessel on a water-bath, and strain. — U. S. 
 
 The mucilage contains at least a portion of the starch of the bark ; if intended to be 
 free from starch, cold water should be used. (See also Decoctum ulmi.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — As a demulcent, mucilage of slippery elm is employed in acute 
 affections of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary organs. As a lenitive for external 
 use it is frequently applied to erysipelatous and other acute cutaneous eruptions , abscesses , 
 rheumatic joints , etc. It is very apt to grow sour, and, if allowed to get dry, renders the 
 skin painfully hard and stiff. 
 
 MUCUNA. — Cowhage. 
 
 Setse silique hirsute . — Cowhage , E. ; Pois veins, Pois d gratter, Fr. ; Kratzbohnen, Kuh- 
 krdtze, G. ; Pica-pica, Sp. 
 
 The hairs of the pods of Mucuna (Dolichos, Linne, Stizolobium, Persoon, Carpopagon, 
 
1064 
 
 MY RICA. 
 
 Roxburgh) pruriens, De Candolle , s. Mucuna prurita, Hooker. Woodville, Med. Bot ., t. 
 153; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 78. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This is a long, slender, twining plant, with large trifoliate, nearly smooth 
 leaves, and showy dark-purple and greenish flowers in pendulous axillary racemes, pro- 
 ducing flattish, hairy, S-shaped legumes, with about four brownish seeds mottled with 
 black. It is cultivated and wild both in the East and AVest Indies. 
 
 Description. — The hairs covering the legumes are about 3 Mm. (4 inch) long, of a 
 glossy-brown color, straight, quadrangular prismatic, sharply pointed at the apex, some- 
 what retrorsely serrate on the upper half, and partly empty, partly filled with a brown 
 granular matter. They easily penetrate the skin, and occasion an intolerable itching, 
 which is greatly increased by washing and rubbing. 
 
 The fruits of Stizolobium (Mucuna, De Candolle , Dolichos, Linne) urens, Persoon , are 
 shorter, less bent, and covered with shorter and darker hairs, which are used like the pre- 
 ceding. An emulsion of the seeds is used in the West Indies in dysuria, and an infusion 
 of the root of the first species is considered to possess diuretic properties, and in India is 
 employed as a remedy in cholera. 
 
 Constituents. — Nothing is known of the composition of cowhage, except that it 
 contains a little tannin and resin (Martius, 182V). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cowhage was originally employed as a vermifuge under the 
 idea that its prickly setae, which irritate the skin so severely and are so difficult to detach, 
 would wound and injure the worms, and either kill them or promote their expulsion. 
 Observation showed, however, that when the spiculae are moistened they are quite innoc- 
 uous, and there is much reason for believing that the supposed vermicide virtues of this 
 substance are imaginary. It is difficult to imagine that an agent which has actually 
 been employed to produce a painful irritation and eruption upon 'paralyzed limbs for the 
 purpose of arousing their dormant functions should cripple or destroy intestinal worms 
 and leave the intestine itself uninjured. As a vermifuge the setae were mixed with honey 
 or molasses by dipping the pods in the liquid, and when it reached the consistence of 
 an electuary it was given, fasting, in doses of one or more teaspoonfuls for several 
 successive days. Subsequently a purge of calomel and jalap was prescribed, and 
 this was, doubtless, the most efficient part of the treatment. When formerly used to 
 relieve paralysis, it was applied in a layer upon the affected part, supported by thin paper 
 or a similar substance, or else incorporated in simple ointment or lard. 
 
 M YRIC A . — W ax-Myrtle. 
 
 Bayberry , Candleberry, E. ; Arbre a suif Fr. ; Wachsbaum, Wachsgagel , Gr. ; Arbal del 
 la cera , Sp. 
 
 Myrica cerifera, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myricaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The wax-myrtle is shrubby or arborescent, and grows near Lake Erie, but 
 chiefly along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has alternate, oblong-lanceolate, 
 entire or near the apex sparingly toothed leaves, which are nearly smooth, on both sides 
 covered with resinous dots, and fragrant when bruised. The flowers are dioecious, the 
 staminate ones in nearly cylindrical catkins about 18 Mm. (f inch) long, the pistillate 
 ones shorter, and producing globular one-seeded nuts, which are of the size of a pea, 
 blackish, and covered with a white waxy incrustation. 
 
 The bark and waxy incrustation of the fruit have been employed. 
 
 Description. — 1. The bark is in quills or curved pieces about 1.5 Mm. (y 1 ^ inch) 
 thick, externally covered with a whitish, slightly wrinkled, thin, corky layer, which sepa- 
 rates in small fragments, underneath of which the bark is dark reddish-brown and nearly 
 smooth, resembling the inner surface, except that the latter is slightly striate. The frac- 
 ture is granular, of a pale-reddish color, and scarcely fibrous in the inner layer. The bark 
 yields a light reddish-brown irritating powder, which has a peculiar aromatic odor and an 
 astringent somewhat bitter and pungently acrid taste. 
 
 2. Myrtle-wax, or bayberry tallow , is prepared by boiling the fruit with water until the 
 fat collects on the surface. It has a balsamic odor, is harder and more brittle than bees- 
 wax, varies in color between green, yellowish, and gray, and breaks with a shallow con- 
 choidal fracture. Gr. E. Moore (1862) found its specific gravity to range from 1.004 to 
 1.006, its fusing-point from 47° to 49° C. (116.6° to 120.2° F.), and four-fifths of it to be 
 soluble in hot alcohol. 
 
MYRISTICA. 
 
 1065 
 
 Constituents. — The constituents of bayberry-bark, as determined by G. M. Ham- 
 bright (1863), are, besides those more generally met with, a trace of volatile oil, tannin, 
 an acrid resin soluble in alcohol and ether, an astringent resin insoluble in ether, and 
 myricinic acid, the latter obtained from the alcoholic extract, after having been treated 
 with ether, by exhausting it with hot absolute alcohol. It forms small granules, which 
 produce a thick froth on being agitated with water, and on the addition of ammonia a 
 deep-green color, rapidly changing to red and yellow. It has a lastingly acrid taste. 
 Dana obtained from the fruit 32 per cent, of solid fat, 5 of resin, and 45 of starch. The 
 myrtle-wax consists, according to G. E. Moore, of about one-fifth palmitin, the remainder 
 being palmitic acid, with a small quantity of lauric acid. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Myrica Gale, Linn<?. — Sweet gale, Dutch myrtle, E. ; Piment royal, Gale 
 odorant, Fr. ; Gagel, Brabanter Myrte, G.— This is a smaller shrub than the preceding, growing 
 in swampy places from the mountains of North Carolina northward to Canada, and in the 
 northern parts of Europe and Asia. The leaves are on short petioles obovate-lanceolate, wedge- 
 shaped at the base, serrate near the apex, subcoriaceous, softly pubescent beneath, and on both 
 sides with yellow resinous dots. The fruit is likewise resinous-dotted. The leaves and brown 
 branches have a strong balsamic odor and an aromatic, astringent, and bitterish taste. Raben- 
 horst (1836) obtained from 3000 parts of leaves 1 part of a thickish volatile oil containing 70 per 
 cent, of stearopten. A solid fat similar to myrtle-wax is obtained from the fruit of other species 
 of Myrica indigenous to different countries. 
 
 Myrica jalapensis, Kunth , the root bark is quite acrid and astringent. The fruit yields a 
 
 firm fat. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of the root is acrid and stimulant, and in doses of a 
 drachm causes a sensation of heat in the stomach, followed by vomiting and sometimes 
 bv diuresis. When chewed it acts as a sialagogue, and has proved useful in toothache. 
 The powder is an active errhine. The leaves have some celebrity in domestic practice as 
 an antispasmodic, antiscorbutic, and astringent medicine. They have been used to check 
 haemoptysis. The other native species are very similar in their properties. The “ myrtle- 
 wax ” which covers the berries appears to have astringent and slightly narcotic proper- 
 ties, and was used with alleged success in an epidemic of typhoid dysentery when it was 
 administered in the dose of Gm. 4-8 (1 or 2 drachms) (Griffith). 
 
 MYRISTICA, 77. S., Br.— Nutmeg. 
 
 Semen myristicse, P. G. ; Nux moschata. — Muscade , Noix Muscade , Fr. Cod. ; Muskat- 
 nuss , G. ; Nuez mosedda , Sp. 
 
 The kernel of the seed of Myristica fragrans, Houttuyn , s. M. moschata, Thunherg , M. 
 aromatica, Lamarck , M. officinalis, Linne jilius. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 218. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myristicacese. 
 
 Origin. — The nutmeg tree is indigenous to the Molucca Islands, but is at present 
 cultivated in various parts of India, in the Philippines, West Indies, and South America. 
 It is a tree having alternate, smooth, entire, and prominently veined, leathery leaves, and 
 small, yellowish, dioecious flowers, and the stamens united into a fleshy column, and 
 a superior ovary, ripening into a dehiscent, pear-shaped, tough, one-seeded berry. It 
 commences to yield fruit when about nine years old, and continues productive for sixty 
 or seventy years. 
 
 Collection. — The fruit, when split on one side, is gathered by means of a long hook 
 fastened to a long stick; the pericarp is removed, and the arillus (see Macis, p. 1003) 
 dptached from the nut-like seed, which on the Banda 
 Islands is carefully dried first by solar heat for a few 
 days, or in Bencoolen at once on frames over a slow 
 wood-fire at a temperature of about 140° F. This 
 requires about two months, during which time the seeds 
 are frequently turned, and when the kernels rattle in 
 the shell they are packed for the Chinese market. The 
 entire seeds do not enter the European and American 
 commerce, but only the kernels, which are removed 
 from the shell by cracking the latter with a wooden 
 mallet, carefully garbled and packed ( unlimed nutmegs ), 
 sometimes mixed with cloves, in casks which have 
 been smoked and whitewashed on the inside. In the Dutch colonies the kernels are 
 dipped in a thick milk of lime ( limed nutmegs ) — a custom which originated in the desire 
 
 Fig. 188 . 
 
 Nutmeg with mace, and transverse section. 
 
1066 
 
 MYRISTICA. 
 
 to destroy the vitality of the embryo, and thus limit this culture to their own pos- 
 sessions. Small and worm-eaten nutmegs are usually used for obtaining the fixed 
 oil. 
 
 Description. — Nutmeg in the shell is an oval or elliptical seed about 25 Mm. (1 inch) 
 or more in length, with a brown, somewhat glossy, woody but brittle testa, light-brown 
 raphe, and bearing the shallow impression of the mace. The nutmegs of our commerce 
 are deprived of the testa or shell, oval or ovate in shape 25 Mm. (1 inch) or a little less 
 in length, and marked on the broad end with a circular scar, from which proceeds a shal- 
 low furrow to a deeper depression near the upper end. The entire surface is reticulately 
 furrowed and of a light-brown color, or covered, particularly in the furrows, with a white 
 powder (lime). The embryo is located near the broad end in a small conical cavity of 
 the albumen or endosperm, which constitutes the remainder of the commercial article, is 
 of a pale brownish-yellow color, has a fatty lustre, and is dissected by numerous curved 
 channels filled with brown tissue and penetrated by the inner seed-coat (tegmen). Nut- 
 megs have a strong and pleasant aromatic odor and a warm, aromatic, 
 Fig. 189. somewhat bitter taste. 
 
 The Penang and Singapore nutmegs are unlimed ; the Dutch are 
 limed. 
 
 False Nutmegs. — The long , wild or male nutmeg resembles the foregoing, 
 but is oblong, about 4-5 Cm. (1J to 2 inches) long ; the mace inodorous, less 
 deeply lobed, the kernel of a paler color than nutmeg, and scarcely aromatic. 
 It is obtained from Myristica fatua, Honttuyn , and is rarely seen in our 
 commerce. 
 
 The so-called California nutmeg is the seed of Torreya californica, Tor- 
 rey , s. T. Myristica, Hooker ; nat. ord. Coniferae, sub-ord. Taxineae. It is 
 oblong, with a smooth, brownish, thin testa, enclosing a kernel of the same 
 shape, which has upon cross-section a marbled appearance similar to that 
 of the nutmeg, but has a terebinthinate odor and taste. The tree grows to 
 the height of 21 M. (70 feet), and has an odorous light colored and close- 
 grained wood. 
 
 Constituents. — Nutmegs contain between 2 and 8 per cent, of 
 volatile oil (see Oleum Myristkle), between 25 and 30 per cent. 
 Wild Nutmeg.with mace, of fat (see Oleum Myristica Expressum), some starch, protein 
 compounds, and other principles of no medicinal importance. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Observation and experiment agree in showing that nutmeg 
 has a narcotic and intoxicating power. A woman took 1 pint of whiskey in which an 
 ounce of finely-powdered nutmeg was mixed. She suffered various symptoms, probably 
 due to the alcohol in the draught. It is stated that after these subsided she had pain in 
 the ovaries, a leucorrhoeal discharge, and sexual excitement ( Phila . Med. Times , x. 438). 
 In this case the intoxication might be attributed to the alcohol, which was also taken ; 
 but in the following this confusing element was absent : “ A lady ate one and a half 
 nutmegs (about 135 grains). Two hours afterward she became drowsy, and remained 
 so nearly an hour. This was followed by excitement with sharp pain in the head, and 
 then involuntary laughter, wild fancies, and incessant talking, without loss of conscious- 
 ness. Presently pain was felt in the region of the heart, with cold extremities and a 
 depressing sensation. Her face was very pale and her pulse weak and thready. These 
 alarming symptoms lasted more than an hour” (Palmer, Amer. Jour. Phar ., Ivii. 23). 
 Very similar symptoms were presented in the case of a pregnant woman who took five 
 grated nutmegs at one dose. She suffered headache, giddiness, itching, flushing and 
 swelling of the face ; there was frequent micturition and copious perspiration ; the pupils 
 were contracted, the pulse 130 and full ; there was also nausea, but no vomiting or 
 purging. Collapse followed, with pallor and rapid pulse, but no drowsiness at any time. 
 The patient recovered ( Phila . Med. Times, xvii. 726). A boy three years old ate the 
 greater part of five nutmegs. He was comatose, but not delirious, and urinated twice. 
 The pupils were dilated. He also recovered (Med. News, lv. 408). A boy of four years 
 ate two nutmegs ; he became comatose, and had suppression of urine. Death took 
 place within twenty-four hours ( Med . Record, xxxii. 624). These cases suffice to prove 
 that neither the symptoms nor the issues of nutmeg-poisoning are uniform. The treat- 
 ment of poisoning by nutmeg should consist of stimulant evacuants (mustard) and 
 ammoniated stimulants. Nutmeg is but little used as a medicine, except for flavoring pur- 
 poses, but extensively as a condiment to qualify the action of oleraceous vegetables, 
 soups, and pastry. It may be given in cases of simple debility of the stomach in doses 
 of from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx). 
 
MYR OB A LANUS. — MYRRH A . 
 
 1067 
 
 MYROBALANUS. — Myrobalan. 
 
 Myrobalans , E., F. ; Myrobalanen , G. ; Myrobalani , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Terrainalia (Myrobalanus, Gsertner ) Chebula, Retzius. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Combretaceae. 
 
 Origin. — A large tree, indigenous to India, with coriaceous entire leaves, decandrous 
 whitish or yellowish racemose flowers, and one-seeded drupaceous fruits ; several varieties 
 are known, T. citrina, Roxburgh , being one of them. 
 
 Description. — Tile ehebidic myrobalans are 2 to 4 Cm. (1 to II inches) long, oblong 
 or ovoid in shape, obtusely five- or six-angled and ribbed, yellowish-brown, the endocarp 
 pale-brown and resinous-dotted, and contain a white seed. The yellow myrobalans, M. 
 citrinse , are externally of an orange- or ochrey-yellow color. The black myrobalans are 
 the shrivelled unripe fruits, blackish, brittle, glossy upon the fractured surface, and con- 
 tain a rudimentary seed. 
 
 Constituents. — The astringent taste of myrobalans is due to tannin ; Stenhouse 
 (1843) found in the first variety also gallic acid, muilage, and brown-yellow color. The 
 last variety contains notable quantities of sugar. According to Hennig (1869), myro- 
 balans yield about 45 per cent, of tannin. This is a mixture of two tannins (Zoelffel, 
 1891), of which one yields gallic , and the other ellagic acid. Both decomposition prod- 
 ucts were observed by Fridolin (1884), who also isolated chebidinic acid , C 28 H 24 O 10 , which 
 crystallizes in colorless sweet prisms, and by heating with water in a closed tube splits 
 into gallic acid and a tannin. The myrobalanin of Apery (1887), obtained from black 
 myrobalans, appears to be the ethereal extract. The seeds contain fixed oil. 
 
 Allied Plants and Products. — Terminalia bellerica, Roxburgh , yields the belleric myrobalans, 
 which are of about the size of a nutmeg, subglobular, and contracted into a short stalk, reddish- 
 brown, tomentose, and contain a hard pentagonal putamen. 
 
 Other species of Terminalia yield barks, which in tropical countries are employed for their 
 astringent properties and in tanning. 
 
 Phyllanthus Emblica, Linn6 (Emblica officinalis, Gcertner ), a euphorbiaceous tree of India, 
 yields emblic myrobalans , which are drupaceous, subglobular, six-grooved, and three-celled, eaeh 
 cell containing two small brown-red glossy seeds. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These fruits were once held in high esteem as medicines 
 {Paulus jEgineta (Adams), iii. 440). Pliny speaks of one species as an astringent 
 in diarrhoea and menorrhagia and as a vulnerary. The Arabian physicians abound in 
 their praise. Some species appear to have been cholagogue and others astringent. Rhazes 
 declares that they act as emetics and cathartics, purge away the excrement, remove humid- 
 ity, strengthen the senses and the understanding, and are useful in cutaneous eruptions, 
 colic, mental debility, obstinate fevers, headache, dropsy, and splenic disorders. Mesue 
 embellishes this statement by adding, among other things, “ that they restore youth, 
 improve the complexion, the breath, and the perspiration, impart joy and hilarity,” etc. 
 They continued to be used by European physicians as late as the last century. In 1887 
 attention was recalled to this ancient medicine by M. Apery of Constantinople {Bull, et 
 Mem. Soc. therap ., 1887, p. 237), who pointed out their possession at once of purgative 
 and astringent qualities, in which respect they resemble rhubarb, and also in the former 
 action being destroyed by heat. They have a styptic and acidulous taste, and color the 
 saliva green. Their astringency depends on the large proportion of tannin they contain, 
 which is qualified by the resin myrobalanin. The observations above referred to were 
 made in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery , especially in their chronic forms. The 
 dose is stated at Gm. 0.25 (4 or 5 grs.), which should be given at appropriate intervals 
 from four to twelve times a day. It may be administered in pill or in powder enclosed 
 in a wafer. 
 
 MYRRHA, U. Br., B. G.— Myrrh. 
 
 Gummi-resina myrrha. — Myrrhc, Fr. Cod., G. ; Mirra, Sp. 
 
 A gum -resinous exudation from Commiphora Balsamodendron ( Nees ) Myrrha, Bugler; 
 Berg and Schmidt, Off. Gew., t. 29 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 59. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Burseraceae. 
 
 Origin. — Myrrh exudes spontaneously from large shrubs or small trees, growing in 
 the Somali country and in south-western Arabia, and is collected by the Somalis, who 
 cross the Gulf of Aden for the purpose ; but the principal supply of myrrh comes from 
 Eastern Africa, from the country of the Somalis. The plant was collected by Ehrenberg 
 
1068 
 
 MYRRH A. 
 
 (1820-26) in Arabia, and a second species found in Africa was subsequently named Bals. 
 Ehrenbergianum, Berg , but is by Oliver and Bentley considered identical with B. Opo- 
 balsainum, Kunth , which grows northward into Abyssinia, and is the source of balm of 
 Gilead (see below). Formerly, myrrh entered commerce through Egypt and the ports of 
 the Levant, hence the term Turkey myrrh ; at present it is mostly taken from Aden and 
 Berbera to Bombay, where it is assorted before being shipped to Europe and America. 
 From the observations of Marchand (1866), it seems to be chiefly produced in the bark 
 and to a small extent in the pith. About 20,000 pounds of myrrh are imported into the 
 United States. 
 
 Description. — Myrrh is in roundish or irregular tears, or in larger masses having an 
 uneven surface of a lighter or darker reddish-brown color and dull musty appearance. 
 These break readily with an uneven somewhat splintery fracture, which is of a waxy 
 lustre, apparently fatty to the touch, often marked with semicircular whitish lines of a 
 brownish-yellow or reddish color, and translucent, at least when in thin layers. In cold 
 weather myrrh may be readily powdered, but in warm weather it cannot be reduced to a 
 fine powder until after it has been well dried and deprived of some volatile oil. When 
 triturated with water it yields a brown yellow emulsion. Alcohol dissolves it partly, 
 leaving the gum behind and yielding a brownish-yellow tincture, which acquires a purple 
 tint with nitric acid. The alcoholic extract dissolved in ether acquires a red or violet 
 color in the presence of bromine vapor. Myrrh has a peculiar rather agreeable odor and 
 an aromatic, acrid, and bitter *taste. 
 
 “ Dark-colored pieces, the alcoholic solution of which is not rendered purple by nitric 
 acid, and pieces of gum which dissolve completely, as well as those which nearly swell in 
 water, should be rejected.” — U. S. 
 
 Other Varieties of Myrrh. — According to Vaughan (1853), there are two other varieties of 
 myrrh found in the Arabian commerce at Aden — one called by Arabs rawr, or by the Somalis 
 mulmul , also known as heera bul , by which names African myrrh is likewise known ; it resembles 
 the latter in all sensible properties, and is considered identical with it, although it is usually upon 
 the fractured surface destitute of the whitish lines and dissolves in alcohol, sometimes to the extent 
 of 25 per cent. The other variety is known as bissa bul , or by the Somalis as hebbakhade. Han- 
 bury (1853) states that it is the Myrrha indica of Martigny, and was formerly, but is not now, 
 distinguished in commerce as Indian myrrh ; it has the appearance of an inferior dark-colored 
 myrrh, and is chiefly distinguishable by its different odor, which is likened to that of mushrooms. 
 
 Admixtures. — Myrrh is not unfrequently mixed with dark-colored pieces of various 
 gums, some of which merely swell with water, and with East India bdellium. The latter 
 is referred to Balsamodendron (Balsamea, Engler ) Mukul, Hooker , and, according to Dymock 
 (1876), a similar exudation is yielded by B. lloxburghii, both species indigenous to India, 
 but perhaps also growing in Southern Arabia. It is in large pieces, rounded and dusty on 
 the surface, breaks with a flat conchoidal fracture, has a dark sometimes blackish-brown 
 color, is translucent in thin layers, and has an odor somewhat resembling myrrh ; its 
 tincture does not acquire a purplish color on the addition of nitric acid. 
 
 Constituents and Tests. — Myrrh contains a small quantity of volatile oil which 
 may reach 2 or 21 per cent., from 25 to 40 per cent, of resin, 40 to 65 (or in Arabian 
 myrrh 75) per cent, of gum, and yields about 31 per cent, of ash, mostly CaC0 3 . Oil 
 of myrrh is a pale-yellow, thick liquid, of specific gravity 0.98, but, according to 
 Brandes (1819), sometimes heavier than water. The variable yield is explained by Bley 
 and Diesel (1845) by oxidation, whereby, among other products, formic acid is formed. 
 From the same cause, probably, the composition may vary : Kuickholdt (1845) obtained 
 results leading to the formula C 10 H u O, which would make it isomeric with thymol and 
 carvol ; Heldt (1847) found C 22 H 32 0 2 ; Buri ( Pharmacographia ) obtained C 22 H 32 0. Dis- 
 solved in carbon disulphide, the oil gradually assumes a permanent violet or blue color 
 after the addition of nitric acid or bromine. The resin is entirely soluble in alcohol, 
 ether, and chloroform. Hager (1865) found it only partly soluble in carbon disulphide, 
 the soluble portion acquiring a violet color with nitric acid and with bromine. Hydro- 
 chloric acid produces the same color with the resin, after previously moistening it with 
 alcohol. The bitter principle, according to Flitckiger, is sparingly soluble in water, 
 partly soluble in carbon disulphide, soluble in ether and in alcohol, and from the latter 
 solution precipitated by lead acetate ; its alkaline solution reduces Fehling’s test-liquid 
 and precipitates floccules on the addition of acids. The gum consists, according to 
 Hekemeijer (1858), of two kinds — one being precipitated by neutral, the other by basic 
 lead acetate. Shuttleworth (1871) recommends it as making a good paste of unlimited 
 keeping qualities; its adhesiveness is increased by the addition of a little molasses. 
 
MYRTUS. 
 
 1069 
 
 Myrrh melts together with caustic potassa with some difficulty ; Hlasiwetz and Barth 
 (1866) found among the products protocatechuic acid and a little pyrocatechin. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Balsamum gileadense, Balm of Gilead , Meccabalsam, or Opobalsamum , though 
 differing greatly from myrrh, is referred to Balsamodendron Opobalsamum, Kunth. It is said to 
 exude spontaneously, and is an opaque yellowish or whitish, fragrant, viscid liquid, in which 
 Trommsdorff found 30 per cent, of volatile oil and 64 per cent, of hard resin, while Bonastre 
 obtained only 10 per cent, of volatile oil, 70 per cent, of adhesive, and 12 of hard resin. It is at 
 present rarely, if ever, met with in our commerce. 
 
 Bdellium. Indian bdellium is described above. African bdellium is the exudation of Bal- 
 samodendron (Balsamea, Bugler; lleudelotia, Richard) africanum, Arnott . a shrub indigenous 
 to West Africa, and is used in France chiefly as an addition to some plasters. It is met with 
 in irregular roundish or oval tears, and varying in color from pale yellowish to brown-red. It 
 is translucent, breaks with a waxy fracture, and resembles myrrh in odor and taste, but its tinct- 
 ure does not become purple on the addition of nitric acid. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum myrrh^e, Extract of myrrh, made 
 with cold distilled water, contains chiefly gummy matter and the bitter principle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Myrrh is both stimulant and tonic. In small doses it appears 
 to quicken the appetite and digestion ; in larger doses it irritates the stomach, occasion- 
 ing nausea, and even vomiting and diarrhoea, quickening the pulse, stimulating the 
 bronchial mucous membrane, and probably exerting a special influence of the same sort 
 upon the uterine system. It has been found useful in atonic dyspepsia with flatulence, 
 mucous evacuations, constipation, and associated nervous disorders of a hysterical or 
 hypochondriacal description. In such affections it is profitably combined with vegetable 
 bitters and iron. The compound iron mixture is a valuable preparation of this nature 
 which is extensively employed in amenorrhoea connected with anaemia and general torpor 
 of the functions. In like manner it may be employed in chronic uterine and vaginal 
 leucorrhcea. Myrrh is especially useful in chronic bronchitis with profuse expectoration, 
 but if fever is present its dose should at first be small. In ancient times it was much 
 used as a vulnerary to promote the healing of wounds , ulcers , etc. of an indolent type. 
 Its stimulant and astringent qualities are manifested in cases of spongy and ulcerated 
 gums. Its dose is from Gm. 0.30-2 (gr. v— xv), but it is seldom used in substance. It 
 may be prescribed in emulsion as an enema. 
 
 Balm of Gilead and Indian bdellium are both obsolete in Western medicine. The 
 former was once famous as a vulnerary, and more recently entered into a stimulant 
 balsamic application for gout ; the latter was, besides, in great repute as an expectorant 
 and emmenagogue. 
 
 MYRTUS.— Myrtle. 
 
 Myrte , Fr., G. 
 
 Myrtus communis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The myrtle is a shrub or small tree inhabiting the 
 countries near the Mediterranean, and frequently cultivated. It has a dark grayish- 
 brown, fissured, astringent bark, and opposite, smooth and glossy, entire leaves, varying 
 in length from \ inch to 2 inches (12-50 Mm.), and in shape from ovate to linear-lance- 
 olate and mucronate ; they are on very short petioles, arc densely pellucid-punctate, and 
 bear in their axils a white or light-pinkish flower with numerous stamens. The fruit is a 
 roundish-oval or subglobular, fleshy, bluish-black berry of the size of a pea, with two 
 cells, each containing four or five whitish kidney-shaped seeds. The leaves, flowers, and 
 fruit have a very agreeable odor. 
 
 Constituents. — Kiegel (1849) obtained from the ripe berries volatile oil, resin, tan- 
 nin, citric acid, malic acid, sugar, etc. llaybaud (1834) found the volatile oil, as dis- 
 tilled from the leaves, flowers, and fruit, to have a yellowish or greenish-yellow color, and 
 to be lighter than water. Gladstone (1863) ascertained it to have the specific gravity 
 .891, to be dextrogyre, and to consist mostly of a hydrocarbon, C 10 H, 6 , boiling between 
 160° and 170° C. (E. Jahns, 1889). The bitter principle has not been investigated. 
 
 The fragrant water distilled from the flowers and leaves is known in France as eau 
 (Range. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Myrtus Arragon, Kunth , is used in Mexico in place of the preceding. 
 
 Myrtus Chekan, Sprengel , s. Eugenia Cheken, Molina , is a shrub with a rough brown 
 astringent bark, and indigenous to Chili, where it is known as cheken , chekan , or chequen. The 
 leaves are collected with the brown-gray branches, and are nearly sessile, about 2 Cm. (£ inch) 
 
1070 
 
 MYRTUS. 
 
 long, oval-lanceolate or elliptic, somewhat revolute on the margin, rather light-green, smooth, 
 delicately feather-veined, and dotted with minute oil-glands ; they have a slight aromatic odor 
 and an aromatic, pungent, and slightly hitter taste. C. H. Hutchinson (1879) found tannin and 
 volatile oil, but no alkaloid. J. Hohn (1882) obtained 4.2 per cent, of tannin and indications of 
 the presence of a glucoside. J. W. England (1883) isolated from the distillate with potassa small 
 white crystals, which he believes to be the acetate of a volatile alkaloid, chekenine ; this supposed 
 salt is insoluble in ether, soluble in alcohol and water, not precipitated by iodine or by Mayer’s 
 solution, has a feeble bitter taste, and with nitric acid and potassium ferrocyanide gives a green 
 color. The leaves yield from 2 to 4 per cent, of volatile oil and from 8 to 10 per cent, of ash. 
 Mr. England proposed for th z fluid extract of cheken a menstruum composed of 3 parts of alcohol 
 and 1 part of water. 
 
 Psidium pyriferum, Linne , and Ps. pomiferum, Linnt, are small trees of the West Indies and 
 other tropical countries, having an astringent bark, aromatic and astringent leaves, and fragrant 
 flowers. The acidulous fruit is known as guava ( guayaba , Sp.), and is used in the form of jelly, 
 marmalade, etc. F. L. Bertrand (1888) obtained from the bark and leaves a resinous principle, 
 guavin , which is said to possess febrifuge properties. 
 
 Jambosa vulgaris, De Candolle (Eugenia Jambos, Linn6), and J. malaccensis, De Candolle , 
 are larger East Indian trees, of which the flowers, leaves, and bark are employed. The fruit, 
 known as rose-apple , has an acidulous rose-like flavor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is remarkable that a plant which was formerly used for so 
 many medicinal purposes should have become almost obsolete as a medicine, In 1876 
 attention was directed toward it by Delioux de Savignac, from whose essay the following 
 particulars are taken : He used the infusion of the leaves or a dilution of the tincture as 
 an injection in leucorrhoea and prolapsus of the uterus. Its agreeable odor renders it more 
 acceptable than other analogous preparations to delicate women, and, besides arresting the 
 discharge, it renders firm the parts to which it is applied. A fine powder prepared with 
 the dried leaves was applied on tampons of cotton wadding with excellent results in cases 
 of ulcers of the uterus , especially when the cotton was previously moistened with glycerin. 
 The same powder was used with striking advantage as a dressing for recent and suppur- 
 ating wounds and ulcers , for eczema and intertrigo , and was confined by carded cotton and 
 a bandage. The infusion of the fruit or of the leaves was found equally efficacious in 
 similar cases, and as a lotion for sinuses and other ulcers not readily accessible to the 
 powder. Where fetid discharges or a tendency to gangrene existed, myrtle wine was 
 used to destroy the fetor and promote granulation and the cure. It was also injected 
 with excellent results into deep, suppurating sinuses. The essential oil and its alcoholic 
 solution appear not to possess to an equal degree the anaesthetic properties of oil of 
 peppermint, etc., but they nevertheless are somewhat anodyne. 
 
 In catarrhal affections of the kidneys and bladder powder of myrtle-leaves is recom- 
 mended in doses of from Gm. 1-4 (gr. xv— lx), and the same prescription is stated to 
 lessen the colliquative sweats of phthisis. The infusion would be more suitable in such 
 cases, but its taste is repugnant to most patients. It is more applicable to the treatment 
 of dysentery by enema. The powder, given to the extent of Gm. 1-2 (gr. xv-xxx) a day, 
 was used with great benefit in menorrhagia. The author whom we cite recommends the 
 infusion as a collyrium in conjunctivitis , as a gargle in various forms of pharyngitis , and 
 to be used like rhatany in the treatment of hsemorrhoids For the last-mentioned purpose 
 he also found it remarkably useful when given internally with Venice turpentine in a 
 bolus. Finally, the infusion was of service in chronic bronchitis. The essential oil is, 
 however, more efficient. Linarix ( These , 1878; Brit. Med. Jour., Apr. 10, 1890) attri- 
 buted to it antiseptic virtues, and claimed that it was a stimulant of the digestive, 
 pulmonary, and urinary organs. This judgment has been confirmed by Eiclihorst, who 
 was impressed by its prompt and complete disinfecting action in gangrene of the lung and 
 foetid bronchitis , as well as by its rapidly curative power in these diseases. He exhibited 
 it in capsules, each containing about Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij) of the oil, and of these prescribed 
 two or three every two hours ( Therap . Monatsheft ., iii. 22). 
 
 An infusion of myrtle for topical use may be prepared with Gm. 8-16 (^ij-iv) of the 
 leaves to a pint of water ; for internal administration it should be diluted. An infu- 
 sion of the berries may be made with similar proportions for internal as well as external 
 administration. The finely-powdered and sifted leaves may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 
 1-2 (gr. xv-xxx). An infusion of the bark may be prepared with Gm. 32—64 (§i-ij) 
 in Gm. 250 (half a pint) of water. The essential oil has also been used in the catarrhal 
 affections above mentioned. It is best administered in capsules containing 4 or 5 drops 
 of the oil. 
 
 Cheken , or chequen, is represented by Murrell ( Practitioner , xxiv. 321) to be an effica- 
 cious remedy for mucous profluvia of the air-passages and the urinary tract. A fluid 
 
NAPHTA LINUM. 
 
 1071 
 
 extract of it was given in doses of a teaspoonful three or four times a day. These state- 
 ments have failed of confirmation by Gottheil ( Med . Record, xxiv. 258). 
 
 NAPHTALINUM, V. S., JP. G.— Naphtalin. 
 
 Naphtalene, Naphthalin, E. ; Naphthaline , Naphthalene , Fr. ; Naphthalin, G. 
 
 Formula Ci 0 H 8 . Molecular weight 127.7. 
 
 A hydrocarbon obtained from coal-tar. 
 
 Origin. — Naphtalene was discovered by Garden (1820) in coal-tar oil, and recognized 
 by Reichenbach as resulting from the decomposition of the products of distillation of 
 coal. It has since been obtained from a large number of organic bodies, particularly if 
 the distillation-products are conducted through a red-hot tube, and is a constituent of the 
 petroleum of Burmah. 
 
 Preparation. — The fraction of coal-tar oil collected during the distillation of coal 
 tar, between 180°-250° C. (356°-482° F.) gradually deposits a dark crystalline substance, 
 which consists chiefly of impure naphtalene. By treatment successively with sodium 
 hydroxide solution and sulphuric acid certain acid and basic by-products (phenols, aniline, 
 etc.) are removed, and the residue after distillation in the presence of steam, is further 
 purified by repeatedly heating with concentrated sulphuric acid to 188° C. (356° F.) and 
 redistilling. Finally, a white product is obtained which is practically pure naphtalene, 
 but has a tendency to darken when exposed to air and light, owing to slight contamina- 
 tion with some remaining phenols ; to remove these the oxidizing effect of a mixture of 
 sulphuric acid and manganese dioxide is resorted to for fifteen or twenty minutes at a 
 water-bath heat, and the mixture is then washed with water and sodium hydroxide, and 
 finally resublimed. 
 
 Naphtalene recrystallized from alcohol should alone be used for pharmaceutical pur- 
 poses, and should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — On dissolving naphtalene and picric acid together in hot 
 alcohol the two unite, forming on cooling golden-yellow needles having the composition 
 C, 0 H 8 .C 6 H. 2 (NO 2 ) 3 OH, and yielding all the picric acid to ammonia. Naphtalene yields 
 with chlorine and bromine numerous products of addition and substitution and with sul- 
 phuric acid well-defined sulpho-acids. When treated with strong nitric acid, nitronaph- 
 talenes are generated, which by the action of reducing agents are converted into naphtyl- 
 amine , C 10 H 7 .NH 2 , which is crystallizable, turns red in the air, and the salts of which 
 yield blue, and finally purple-colored, precipitates with ferric chloride, chromic acid, and 
 other oxidizing agents. By means of diluted nitric acid it is converted into phtalic acid, 
 C 8 H 6 0 4 . “ Colorless, shining, transparent laminae, having a strong, characteristic odor 
 
 resembling that of coal-tar, and a burning aromatic taste ; slowly volatilized on exposure 
 to air. Insoluble in water, but when boiled with the. latter, imparting to it a faint odor 
 and taste. Soluble in 15 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), and very soluble in boiling 
 alcohol ; also very soluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, fixed and volatile oils. 
 Naphtalene volatilizes slowly even at the ordinary temperature ; rapidly when heated. It 
 also volatilizes with the vapors of water or alcohol. At 80° C. (176° F.) it melts, and at 
 218° C. (424.4° F.) it boils. Its vapor is inflammable, burning with a luminous and 
 smoky flame. When ignited, it is consumed, leaving no residue. Naphtalene is neutra\ 
 to litmus-paper moistened with alcohol. On shaking a small portion of naphtalene with 
 concentrated sulphuric acid, the acid should remain colorless ; nor should it acquire more 
 than a pale reddish tint, if the mixture be heated for five minutes in a water-bath (absence 
 of contaminations derived from coal-tar).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied to the tongue, naphthalin gradually develops a strong, 
 acrid, burning taste in the mouth and throat and the expectoration of ropy or frothy 
 sputa (Dupasquier, 1842-43). On the sound skin it produces no irritation, but it causes 
 smarting and burning on raw surfaces, although it does not inflame them, and it arrests 
 the decomposition of their secretions : 20 grains of it mixed with 8 ounces of urine have 
 preserved the liquid unchanged for three weeks. It is found to destroy animal and vege- 
 table parasites. Much has been said of its insolubility, but taken internally it turns the 
 urine of a dark color, and doses of 15 grains daily have occasioned frequent micturition 
 with burning pain, vesical tenesmus, and redness of the urethral orifice. Purdy states 
 that in certain cases of genito-urinary disease he has known a dose of 5 grains to cause 
 severe suffering along the whole urinary tract {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., vii. 504). The 
 urine voided is not stated to be albuminous. Used in cases of infantile diarrhoea, it has 
 produced a tendency to collapse, with sallowness of the face, which ceased upon the sus- 
 
1072 
 
 NAPHTOL. 
 
 pension of the medicine. These poisonous effects of naphthalin directly contradict the 
 statement of Rossbach, that it may be given for weeks together to the extent of 75 
 grains a day without injury of any sort, and that it is very slightly absorbable ( Berlin . 
 klin. Wochenschr., No. 42, 1884). It has been employed with reputed advantage in 
 whooping cough (in the form of vapor), and also in chronic bronchitis and bronchorrhoca , 
 particularly as they occur in advanced life. In other Words, its operation in these affec- 
 tions resembles that of the terebinthinate and balsamic medicines. Although the claims 
 made by Rossbach for the virtues of this medicine in diarrhoea have not been substan- 
 tiated, it would seem to be useful in various forms of the disorder, especially in such as 
 are directly due to intestinal irritation, caused by fermentation of the food, in summer 
 diarrhoea, by ulcers of the intestine in typhoid fever, and dysentery, etc. The com- 
 parative insolubility of naphthalin is regarded as an advantage in these affections, 
 but especially in the chronic forms of bowel complaint. The doses which have been 
 regarded as efficient have varied from Gm. 1 to Gm. 4 (gr. xv-lx) a day, and were 
 given in gelatin capsules. In 1885, Gotze attributed to it the power of shortening the 
 duration of typhoid fever and ameliorating all of its symptoms, as well as reducing its 
 mortality ( Zeitsch . f. klin. Med., ix. 71). Neither more nor less than the antipyretics 
 proper has naphthalin accomplished this object. Fischer ( Times and Gazette , Dec. 1881, 
 p. 718) was one of the first to state that naphthalin is a powerful antiseptic, preventing 
 putrefaction and correcting the putrid exhalations from wounds , ulcers, and mucous canals, 
 without irritating the exposed tissues or exciting eczema in the surrounding skin. It 
 stains neither the skin nor the linen, and is said to have no unpleasant smell of its own, 
 but after remaining for a while upon the skin it exhales a peculiar, but not a very strong, 
 odor. In the main, experience has confirmed these statements. Continued application of 
 it to raw surfaces or to mucous membranes, or to the skin by friction, is sometimes 
 followed by irritation in the urinary passages, and even by hsematuria (Ftirbinger Bull, 
 de Therap ., ciii. 47). Djankonow states that a solution of 1 part of naphthalin in 4 parts 
 each of alcohol and ether, when applied to foul and indolent ulcers and wounds, causes ! 
 them to granulate and cicatrize rapidly {Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Jan. 1883, p. 247). 
 Although condemned by Fronmiiller as liable to excite eczema, the disease in which ! | 
 naphthalin has been found most useful is scabies. Its use was first suggested by the fact J 
 that furriers employed it to protect their goods from insects. Kaposi recommends for 
 this affection the following ointment: R. Naphthalin, 15 parts; lard, 100; green soap, 
 
 50 ; powdered chalk, 40. Except in aggravated cases, a single thorough friction is 
 declared to be sufficient for the cure. In severer cases two frictions suffice. After 
 friction the patient is made to lie between blankets for several hours ( Centralblatt f. d. j 
 gesammfe Ther., i. 69). The same dermatologist strongly commends the use of a 5 per ; 
 cent, ointment of naphthalin in prurigo as the most efficient remedy for that distress- \ 
 ing affection. It certainly does not cure the disease radically, for prurigo is an outward 
 expression of a constitutional disorder. In eczema, psoriasis (Emery, 1842), tinea ton- 
 surans, and various other cutaneous diseases in which it has been employed this f 
 preparation is of very subordinate efficiency. Dissolved in alcohol, it serves as a sub- 
 stitute for tincture of camphor in treating sprains, contusions, etc. It has been administered 
 internally for intestinal worms. The dose is Gm. 0.50-2 (gr. viii.-xxx) given in some 
 aromatic and alcoholic vehicle. An ointment is made with Gm. 1.60 to Gm. 32 (gr. 
 xxv. in £j). 
 
 Fluorescein and Fluorescin in solution are used for coloring lesions of the cornea, 
 and thereby rendering them more visible, and for testing the permeability of strictures 
 of the nasal duct. They are not irritating {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xvii. 462). The 
 solution recommended consists of water Gm. 32 (gj), sodium bicarbonate, Gm. 0.50 (gr. 
 vij), fluorescein, Gm. 0.66 (gr. x). 
 
 NAPHTOL, U. S. — Naphtol. 
 
 Naphtholum, P. G. ; Naphthol, Beta- Naphtol, / 3- Naphtol , Iso-Naphtol. 
 
 Formula C 10 H 7 OH. Molecular weight 143.66. 
 
 A phenol occurring in coal-tar, but usually prepared artificially from naphtalene. It 
 should be preserved in dark amber-colored, well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Naphtol was first prepared by Schaffer (1869) by fusing beta-naphtalene sulphonic 
 acid with potassa, and later on (1876) by Liebermann by action of nitrous acid on beta- 
 naphtylamine. 
 
 Preparation- — Concentrated sulphuric acid is allowed to act on naphtalene for 
 
NAPHTOL. 
 
 1073 
 
 several hours at a temperature of 200° C. (392° F.), whereby /?.-naphtalene sulphonic 
 acid is formed (C 10 H 7 .HSO 3 ) ; during the early stage of the process, and particularly 
 at 80°-90° C. (176°-194° F.), much alpha acid is produced, but at a higher heat this 
 is converted into the beta variety. The acid is next dissolved in water, saturated with 
 milk of lime, and the resulting calcium salt separated by crystallization ; this is redis- 
 solved in water and decomposed by sodium carbonate yielding sodium naphtalene-sul- 
 phonate, C 10 H 7 SO 3 Na. The sodium-salt is next added to fused sodium hydroxide, and 
 thus sodium-naphtol, C 10 H 7 ONa, and sodium sulphite, Na 2 S0 3 , are obtained ; the former 
 is treated with hydrochloric acid, yielding naphtol and sodium chloride. Beta-naphtol 
 thus obtained is purified by sublimation and final recrystallization from hot water or 
 benzin (petroleum ether). Medicinal naphtol should be from alpha-naphtol, with which 
 the commercial varieties are frequently contaminated (to the extent of 5 per cent, or 
 more. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — “ Colorless or pale buff-colored, shining, crystalline 
 laminae, or a white or yellowish-white crystalline powder, having a faint phenol-like odor, 
 and a sharp and pungent, but not persistent taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble at 
 15° C. (59° F.), in about 1000 parts of water, and in 0.75 part of alcohol ; in about 75 
 parts of boiling water, and very soluble in boiling alcohol. Also very soluble in ether, 
 chloroform, or solutions of caustic alkalies. When heated, naphtol sublimes easily. It 
 is also volatilized with the vapors of alcohol or water. It melts at 122° C. (251.6° F.), 
 and boils at 286° C. (546.8° F.). On ignition it is consumed, leaving no residue. It is 
 neutral to litmus-paper moistened with alcohol. A cold, saturated, aqueous solution of 
 naphtol, when mixed with ammonia water, exhibits a faint bluish fluorescence. Chlorine 
 or bromine-water, added to the aqueous solution, produces a white turbidity, which dis- 
 appears on adding ammonia-water in excess. On adding about 0.1 Gm. of naphtol to a 
 few Cc. of a concentrated, aqueous solution (1 in 4) of potassium hydroxide, then about 1 
 Cc. of chloroform, and gently warming, the aqueous layer will acquire a blue tint, chang- 
 ing after a while to green and brown. Ferric chloride test-solution colors the aqueous 
 solution of naphtol greenish, and, after some time, causes the separation of white flakes, 
 which turn brown on heating the liquid. A piece of pine wood dipped into an aqueous 
 solution of naphtol, and afterward moistened with dilute hydrochloric acid, becomes green 
 on exposure to daylight. On dissolving naphtol in 50 parts of ammonia-water, no 
 residue should be left (absence of naphtalene), and the solution should not have a deeper 
 tint than pale yellow (absence of other organic impurities). If 0.1 Gm. of naphtol be 
 mixed, in a test-tube, with 1 drop of syrup and 5 Cc. of water, and about 3 Cc. of con- 
 centrated sulphuric acid be then poured into the tube held in a slanting position, so that 
 the liquids may form separate layers, a yellowish-brown color will appear at the zone of 
 contact, which becomes darker on standing (absence of, and distinction from alpha-naph- 
 tol, which produces at once a crimson color, turning deep blue in the upper part of the 
 zone on standing).” — U S. 
 
 Derivative and Allied Compounds. — Microcidin. — Under this name a compound was recom- 
 mended by Polaillon as an antiseptic, which is practically sodium-naphtol, and is obtained as a 
 white powder by fusing beta-naphtol with half its weight of sodium hydroxide, and cooling. It 
 is soluble in water (about 3 parts) and is non-caustic. 
 
 Benzonaphtol or /3,-naphtol benzoate is obtained by action of benzoyl chloride on beta- 
 naphtol in a sand-bath ; the reaction begins at 125° C. (257° F.), and is completed in half an 
 hour at 170° C. (408° F.). A hard crystalline mass results, which yields the benzonaphtol to 
 boiling alcohol. It occurs as a w r hite crystalline powder or in form of long needles, is odorless 
 and tasteless, and insoluble in cold water. Its chemical formula is C 6 II 5 CO 2 C 10 II 7 , and it melts 
 at 110° C. (230° F.). When internally administered it causes diuresis, lowering of temperature 
 and of cardiac and respiratory action. Benzonaphtol has been given to children to the extent 
 of 30 grains a day in frequently repeated small doses. 
 
 Betol or /3-naphtol salicylate, Napiitalol, Naphtosalol, Salinaphtol. — C 6 II 4 0IIC0 2 .- 
 '-uoB T . — A crystalline compound analogous to salol and prepared in a manner identical with that 
 employed for the latter substance, except that sodium-naphtol is used instead of sodium-phenol. 
 In order to free the crude product from the accompanying sodium chloride and meta-phosphate, 
 it is well washed with water and then crystallized from its solution in alcohol. Pure betol 
 a>a U o S aS a . C0 J°^ ess l us trous crystalline powder, without odor and taste and melting at 95° C. 
 (203° F.) ; it is insoluble in water or glycerin, difficultly soluble in turpentine and cold alcohol, 
 hut readily soluble in boiling alcohol, ether, benzene, and warm linseed oil. Betol is not 
 affected in the cold by moderately strong acids or solutions of the caustic alkalies, but when 
 heated with concentrated solutions it is split up into salicylic acid and beta-naphtol. As in the 
 case of salol, the same effect is produced by the alkaline pancreatic juice and other intestinal 
 ferments, but gastric juice has no effect upon it. Betol is readily distinguished from salol by its 
 much higher melting point (salol melts at 43° C. (109.4° F.)), and by the production of a pure 
 
1074 
 
 NAPHTOL. 
 
 lemon-yellow colored solution with pure concentrated sulphuric acid, which a trace of nitric acid 
 changes to olive brownish-green ; salol gives no such color reactions. Betol has been admin- 
 istered in cases of vesical catarrh and articular rheumatism in doses of 5 or 6 grains four times 
 a day. 
 
 Diiodo-beta-naphtol or Naphtol-aristol. — A greenish-yellow compound, odorless and taste- 
 less, insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, ether, or acetic acid, but freely soluble in 
 chloroform ; when heated it evolves violet fumes. It is made by mixing a solution of 2.4 parts 
 each of iodine and potassium iodide with a solution of 1 1 parts of beta-naphtol and 4 parts of 
 sodium carbonate, and then adding to the mixture a solution of sodium hypochlorite, which pre- 
 cipitates the new compound. 
 
 Asaprol, Calcium beta-naphtol-alpha-monosulphonate (0 10 II 6 .OH.SO 3 ) 2 Ca + 3H 2 0. This 
 compound was introduced by Stackler and Dubief as an antiseptic in 1892. It is obtained by 
 neutralizing the free acid with calcium carbonate, concentrating the solution and crystallizing. 
 Asaprol occurs as a colorless neutral crystalline powder, soluble in one and a half parts of water 
 and in 3 parts of alcohol ; it has been given internally in doses of 1-4 Gm. (15-60 grains) a day. 
 
 Alumnol, Aluminum naphtolsulphonate. Introduced by Heinz and Liebrecht toward the close 
 of the year 1892 as an astringent antiseptic. It is probably obtained by mutual decomposition 
 between aluminum sulphate and barium naphtolsulphonate. An almost colorless non-hygros- 
 copic powder readily soluble in cold water or glycerin •, it is less soluble in alcohol and insoluble 
 in ether. The aqueous and alcoholic solutions show a blue fluorescence and have an acid reaction. 
 A peculiar reaction of alumnol consists in the precipitation of solutions of albumen and gelatin, 
 the precipitate being redissolved by an excess of the latter substances. A 40 per cent, solution 
 prepared with hot water remains clear upon cooling ; an aqueous solution of alumnol is colored 
 blue by ferric chloride. 
 
 Hydronaphtol is the name given to a derivative of beta-naphtol obtained by the action of 
 reducing agents. It occurs in scale-like crystals of a silvery white or grayish hue ; it is sparingly 
 soluble in water (1 in 1100), but dissolves freely in alcohol, ether, glycerin, benzene, chloroform, 
 and fixed oils. Odor and taste are slightly aromatic. Hydronaphtol may be distinguished from 
 beta-naphtol by the following tests: melting-point at 117° C. (242.6° F.) ; a drop of tincture of 
 chloride of iron added to 1 fluidrachm of a 5 per cent, alcoholic solution of hydronaphtol produces 
 a deep yellow-brown color, and dark-brown flocculi will separate ; in the case of beta-naphtol the 
 color is bright green, and nothing separates 5 hydronaphtol forms a yellowish-brown solution 
 with alcohol or a cold dilute solution of soda, beta-naphtol forms a colorless solution with alcohol, 
 but is insoluble in cold dilute soda solution. Hydronaphtol is non-poisonous, non-irritant, and 
 non-corrosive ; its minimum antiseptic action lies very nearly at 1 in 7200, while the maximum 
 lies between 1 in 2500 and 1 in 3000. It is used in the form of powder diluted with 50 parts of 
 Fuller’s earth or starch as a dry dressing, also in form of ointment, jelly, plaster, soap, and solu- 
 tion. Internally it has been used in the treatment of enteric fever, diarrhoea, etc., in doses of 2 
 or 3 grains in capsules three or four times a day. 
 
 Alpha-naphtol, isomeric with the beta-compound, may be obtained in the manner already 
 stated above ; its chief use has been as a test for sugar in urine, as follows : If one drop of urine 
 
 with one drop of a 10 per cent, solution of alpha-naphtol in chloroform is placed in a test-tube 
 with 15 minims of water and concentrated sulphuric acid be then carefully poured in so that 
 the chloroformic solution floats on it, a beautiful violet ring is formed at the line of contact of 
 the two liquids if only per cent, of sugar be present (Molish and Luther). It resembles 
 /2-naphtol, but is more readily soluble in water, and is more poisonous than the latter ; its melt- 
 ing-point is at 95° C. (203° F.), and boiling point between 278°-280° C. (532.4°-536° F.). 
 
 Camphorated naphtol is a brownish transparent, syrupy liquid, obtained by mixing 1 part 
 of beta-naphtol with two parts of camphor ; it has been used with success in the antiseptic treat- 
 ment of boils, coryza, etc. The pain caused by painting the diseased parts with camphor-naphtol 
 may be alleviated by the addition of cocaine. 
 
 Alpha-oxynaphtoic acid (C 10 H 6 OHCOOH) is obtained by a method analogous to that employed 
 in the manufacture of synthetic salicylic acid — namely, by the action of carbon dioxide upon sodium 
 alpha-naphtol. The acid occurs in acicular crystals of a naphtol-like odor, free from color and 
 melting at 185° C. (365° F.) ; it is slightly soluble in cold and more readily in hot water ; glycerin 
 takes up 0.5 per cent., and alcohol and ether 10 per cent. It forms soluble salts with the alkalies. 
 Alpha-oxynaphtoic acid has been recommended as a disinfectant and antiseptic, and has been 
 used in form of a 10 per cent, ointment in skin diseases and scabies. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Beta-naphtol was introduced by Kaposi into the therapeu- 
 tics of skin diseases. He says of it : “A weak solution in water and alcohol imparts an 
 agreeable pliancy to the sound skin ; when stronger and repeated, it occasions slight fis- 
 sures and a delicate brownish-yellow staining of the outer epidermic layers. It is absorbed 
 by the skin, and excreted, in part at least, as naphtol by the kidneys. It possesses hardly 
 any smell, does not stain the skin or hair, and its slight discoloration of linen washes out 
 ( Edinb. Med. Jour., xxvii. 184). Allen states that several patients with itch, and who 
 had a naphthol ointment applied to the whole body, appeared to be affected with gay 
 intoxication (Med. Record , xxxi. 568). This naphthol has been given internally in 
 typhoid fever to the extent of Gm. 2.50 (gr. xl) a day as an antifermentative — i. e. on 
 purely speculative grounds. No practical benefits from it have been demonstrated, 
 
NAPHTOL. 
 
 1075 
 
 although they have been claimed for it ( Practitioner , xli. 421). Like its congeners, beta- 
 naphthol is a powerful deodorizer, and, as it is also a wholesome stimulant, it has been 
 applied to many ulcerated and secreting surfaces, and notably in ozsena. Rualt recom- 
 mended for irrigating the nostrils a teaspoonful of beta-naphthol 12 parts, in alcohol (90 
 per cent.) 84 parts, in a quart of water to which has been added a teaspoonful of equal 
 parts of borate of sodium and bicarbonate of sodium. In obstinate cases this lotion was 
 supplemented by the introduction into the nostrils of cotton tampons saturated with the 
 following solution : Beta-naphthol, 12 parts ; tincture of quillaia, 88 ; distilled water, 400 
 (Med. Neics , liii. 102). Among diseases of the skin , Kaposi found that scabies could be 
 cured by two frictions with a 10-15 per cent, beta-naphthol ointment. In various other 
 cutaneous affections, as morbus pediculosus, pruritus , psoriasis , acne, prurigo , lupus -ery- 
 thematosus, etc., in all from which active inflammation is absent, it was of signal advan- 
 tage ; but in eczema Kaposi found it less useful or positively irritating, and so have other 
 dermatologists (Van Harlingen, Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Oct. 1883, p. 479 ; Allen, Med. 
 Record, xxxi. 567). 
 
 Microcidin. — The antiseptic virtue of this compound, as set forth by Berlioz, is that 
 “it is somewhat inferior to corrosive sublimate and naphthol, and ten times greater than 
 carbolic acid, and twenty times greater than boric acid. Ulcers and suppurating wounds 
 rapidly cicatrize, and gangrenous surfaces are effectually deodorized after washing with 
 a 0.3 per cent, solution (Squibb). Others give the proper strength of its solution 
 as 3 to 5 per 1000. 
 
 Benzonaphthol is regarded as antiseptic and diuretic, and but slightly poisonous. Its 
 daily dose has been stated to be Gm. 4-5 (gr. lx-lxxv), (Med. News , lx. 423) ; but others 
 recommend doses of Gm. 0.25-0.50 (gr. iv-viij), suspended in syrup and water. 
 
 Xaphthalol or naphthosalol was studied by Kobert (1887), who found that it was 
 decomposed by pancreatic juice and the secretions of the caecum and colon, but not by 
 the gastric juices. Doses of from Gm. 0.3-0. 5 (gr. v— viij) caused no disagreeable symp- 
 toms, and no poisonous effects of it were met with. The urine discharged while it was 
 taken turned violet with perchloride of iron. It was found useful in various forms of 
 catarrh of the bladder, especially in gonorrheal cystitis with ammoniacal urine. It seemed 
 to act well in acute articular rheumatism , and in the same manner as phenolsalol. It 
 does not counteract putridity as well as that preparation (Am. Jour. Phar., Aug. 1887, 
 p. 418). 
 
 Betol has been used chiefly in the bowel complaints of children, but also in those of 
 adults ; as well as in acute articular rheumatism and bladder affections. It is but little if 
 at ail poisonous, and its taste is rather agreeable than otherwise. It may be administered 
 by the rectum as well as by the mouth, and associated with bismuth or with antacids. 
 Dose, Gm. 0.50 (gr. viij) suspended in mucilage or syrup. 
 
 Asaprol, as its name implies, is antiseptic, and is said to destroy the bacilli of typhoid 
 fever, etc. It is held to be antipyretic and analgesic, and more rapidly and efficiently 
 than the salicylates, with the advantage of neither exciting vomiting nor disturbing the 
 brain or the auditory apparatus. It has been especially commended for its action in acute 
 rheumatism, influenza, and typhoid fever. It has been prescribed in gradually increased 
 and divided doses — Gm. 2 the first, Gm. 3 the second, andGm. 4 the third day — with a 
 considerable quantity of water. 
 
 Hydronaphthol is stated by Dr. Fowler (New York Med. Jour., Oct. 3, 1885) to 
 possess antiseptic properties fifteen times greater than carbolic acid, over which it is said 
 to possess the advantages of being neither corrosive, nor poisonous, nor odorous, nor 
 injurious to textile fabrics or their colors, nor to steel instruments. A saturated watery 
 solution of 1 : 1000 is completely antiseptic. It can be mixed with dry powders and 
 render them antiseptic, and is not decomposed by organic matters. According to Dr. 
 Levis, “ its germicidal and proper disinfectant power is ineffective, but it prevents the for- 
 mation of putrescent germs, and it is adapted to take the place of carbolic acid in surgery ” 
 (Therap. Gaz., ix. 825). Dr. Dockrell, however, applauds it as one of the surest agents 
 for destroying the tricophyton fungus of tinea tonsurans (Lancet, Nov. 1889, p. 1110). 
 
 Hydroxylamine was shown by Brunton and Bokenham to produce a fall of blood- 
 pressure almost exactly similar to that produced by nitrite of amyl (Proceedings of the 
 Royal Society, vol. xlv.). Binz held that it does not directly affect the brain, but only 
 through the changes it occasions in the constitution of the blood (Therap. Monatsh ., iv. 
 136), which turns of a deep brown color through the dissolution of the red corpuscles. 
 As effects of this disorganization the urine becomes blood-red and a narcotic action on 
 the brain is produced. Hydroxylamine is, however, not given internally, but is applied 
 
1076 
 
 NARCISSUS. 
 
 to the treatment of certain diseases of the skin, especially lupus, parasitic sycosis , herpes 
 tonsurans , and psoriasis . It has the advantage over chrysarobin and pyrogallic acid of not 
 staining the skin or the clothing, but it is sometimes very irritating, and by absorption has 
 occasioned albuminuria. A 10 per cent, solution of it has vesicated the skin. Eichoff 
 ( Therap . Monatsh ., iii. 137) has recommended the following: Hydroxylamin. hydrochlor. 
 Gm. 0.1, spirit, vini, glycerini, aa Gm. 50 : to be applied several times a day after cleans- 
 ing the part with soap and water. Doutrelepont and Fabry (Centralbl. f. Therap ., vii. 
 376) prescribe: Hydroxylamin. hydrochlor. Gm. 0.2-0. 5, spt. vini. Gm. 100, calcis carb. 
 q. s. ad neutral. — M. For painting on the eruption ; and for a lotion to be applied on 
 cloths, 1 : 1000. 
 
 NARCISSUS.— Daffodil. 
 
 Narcisse des pres, Porrillon , Fr. ; Gelbe Narcisse, G. 
 
 Narcissus Pseudonarcissus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Amaryllidaceae. 
 
 Description. — Daffodil is found wild in moist and shady places in Southern Europe, 
 and is frequently cultivated in gardens. It has an ovate, tunicated, whitish bulb , which 
 is covered by brown leaf-scales and has a mucilaginous and bitter taste. The leaves are 
 flat, linear, erect. The flowers are single on the scape, nodding, large, yellow, with a top- 
 shaped tube and a large bell-shaped cup, wavy or crisped at the margin, and equal to the 
 six spreading divisions of the perianth ; they have an unpleasant odor and a nauseous, 
 bitter, and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The acrid and bitter principles of daffodil have not been investi- 
 gated. Caventou obtained from the flowers by ether a yellow, and by alcohol a brown- 
 yellow, coloring matter. Jourdain (1840) gave the name narcitin to an emetic, probably 
 extractive, substance, of which he obtained 37 per cent, from the bulb and 25 per cent, 
 from the flowers ; it is described as white, translucent, of a slight odor and taste, deli- 
 quescent and soluble in water, alcohol, and vinegar. He also found 6 per cent, of gum 
 and 24 per cent, of tannin. Gerrard obtained a crystalline neutral principle and pseudo- 
 narcissine, an amorphous alkaloid. 
 
 Narcissus jonquilla, Linne, Jonquil. The scape bears two to five small, yellow, 
 fragrant flowers, from which ether takes up a yellow, butyraceous, volatile oil of a very 
 agreeable odor ; afterward alcohol dissolves a brown, viscid oil of an unpleasant odor 
 (Robiquet, 1835). 
 
 Action and Uses. — M. Gerrard extracted from the flowering bulbs an alkaloid 
 which in many respects resembles atropine. It dries the mouth ; checks the cutaneous 
 circulation ; dilates the pupil, especially in topical applications to the eye, the dilatation 
 being preceded for a short time by contraction ; quickens the pulse ; in a great measure 
 antagonizes the effects of muscarine and pilocarpine on the heart of frogs, and, directly 
 applied to the frog’s heart, slows and weakens its contractions. The alkaloid extracted 
 from the bulb after flowering causes copious salivation, and probably increases cutaneous 
 secretion ; given internally, contracts the pupils ; topically applied, dilates the pupils, 
 but less so than the alkaloid of the flowering plant ; slightly relaxes the bowels, and 
 causes some faintness and nausea. An extract of the flowered bulbs exhibits emetic 
 and purgative properties not possessed by the alkaloids. In man the most noticeable 
 effect of narcissus is vomiting. Gm. 1—2 (gr. xv-xxx) of wild narcissus-flowers are said 
 to act as an emetic, especially if given in a decoction prepared from the flowers dried 
 slowly in the sun. In 1876 the infusion was strongly recommended for children when 
 prepared in the following manner: Gm. 2-3.30 (gr. xxx— 1) of narcissus-flowers are 
 infused for fifteen or twenty minutes in Gm. 160-190 (^v-vj) of hot water, and strained. 
 When slightly sweetened, children take it without repugnance and vomit within ten or 
 twelve minutes. The emetic action of narcissus has been used to break up intermittent 
 fever and relieve bronchial catarrh with congestion or obstruction of the air-tubes. Like 
 ipecacuanha, it has also been prescribed in dysentery, especially of the epidemic form. 
 Its influence on the nervous system is attested by the vogue it has enjoyed in hysteria, 
 chorea, whooping cough and even epilepsy. The dose of the powdered flowers is Gm. 
 1-2 (gr. xv-xxx) ; of the powdered bulb from Gm. 2-8 (^ss-ij) may be given as an 
 emetic. 
 
NECTA NDRJE CORTEX. 
 
 1077 
 
 NECTANDRiE CORTEX, Br — Bebeeru-Bark. 
 
 Cortex beberu, s. bibiru . — Green-heart bark , E. ; Ecorce de bebeeru , Fr. ; Bibirurinde , G. 
 
 The bark of Nectandra Rodisei, Scliomburgk. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 219. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lauraceae, Perseaceae. 
 
 Origin.— The greenheart is a tree from 18 to 30 M. (G0-100 feet) high, growing in 
 British Guiana on hillsides a short distance from the sea, and disappearing farther inland. 
 The small compound racemes of white flowers are situated in the axils of the coriaceous 
 oblong elliptical and acuminate leaves, and produce a subglobular berry about 5 Cm. (2 
 inches) in diameter, supported by the enlarged cup-shaped tube of the calyx, and con 
 taining a single seed nearly the size of the fruit. The wood is very durable and useful 
 in shipbuilding. 
 
 Description. — The bark is in flat or somewhat curved pieces, sometimes 30 to 60 
 Cm. (1-2 feet) long and 10 to 15 Cm. (4-6 inches) wide by 6 Mm. Q- inch) thick, is heavy, 
 hard, and brittle, and consists of fiber only. The outer surface is gray-brown, with 
 numerous irregular conchoidal depressions, the ridges between consisting of soft cork, 
 sometimes with light reddish-gray patches containing small suberous warts. The inner 
 surface is cinnamon-brown and rather coarsely striate. The bark breaks with a short and 
 rough granular fracture, which is somewhat fibrous in the inner layer. It has no odor ; 
 its taste is astringent and persistently bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides tannin, producing green precipitates with iron salts, some 
 starch, and other common constituents, the bark contains an alkaloid, beberine , C 19 H 21 N0 3 , 
 discovered by Rodie (1834). In its pure state it is a white bitter fusible powder, soluble 
 in alcohol and ether, according to Walz (1860) identical with buxine, the alkaloid of Buxus 
 sempervirens, Linne , and, according to Fliickiger (1869), also with pelosine and paracine. 
 (See Pareira Brava.) The commercial beberine sulphate was found by Maclagan 
 (1843) to contain another alkaloid, sipirine, which is red-brown, resin-like, and insoluble 
 in ether. Maclagan obtained the alkaloid also from the fruit. It is combined with bebiric 
 acid , which forms white deliquescent crystals, fuses at 150° C., and sublimes at 200° C. 
 Together with Gamgee (1870), he examined the wood and obtained several alkaloids, one 
 of which, nectandrine , C 20 H 23 NO 4 , fuses in boiling water, is very soluble in chloroform, 
 little so in ether ; sulphuric acid and manganese dioxide produce a green color, changing 
 to violet. The others have not been further examined. It has not been determined 
 whether any one of these alkaloids is identical with parabuxine, C 24 H 48 N 2 0, which was 
 found by Pavia in box-bark ; according to Pavesi and Rotondi (T874) its sulphate is 
 insoluble in alcohol, its nitrate crystallizes in pearly scales, and its hydrochloride in 
 minute needles. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Nectandra (Ocotea, Martins ) Puchurv major and N. Puchury minor, Nees . — 
 Pichury bean, E. ; Fbve pichurim, Noix de sassafras, Fr. ; Pichurimbohnen, Sassafrasniisse, G. 
 — This Brazilian drug consists of the cotyledons, which are oblong or roundish ovate, convex on 
 one, and flattish concave on the other side, marked near one end with a depressed scar left by the 
 detached radicle ; about 4 Cm. (II inches) long and 12 Mm. (I inch) broad, externally blackish- 
 brown, internally light-brown, and with yellow oil-cells; of an aromatic odor and taste, resem- 
 bling that of nutmeg with an admixture of sassafras. Small pichurim beans rarely exceed 18 
 Mm. (f inch) in length. The chief constituents are starch, gum, about 30 per cent, of fat, partly 
 butyraceous and partly solid, and 2 to 3 per cent, of volatile oil, which was examined by Alex. 
 Muller (1853), and contains a little lauric acid, probably also safrol. 
 
 Ocotea (Oreodaphne, Nees ) opifera, Aublet , of Brazil, yields canella de cheiro , and from the 
 fruit is obtained considerable fragrant volatile oil, which is used in embrocations. 
 
 Ocotea guianensis, Aublet. — The bark is employed in decoctions in the treatment of abscesses. 
 
 Mespilodaphne (Cryptocaria, Martius) pretiosa, Nees, yields the casca pretiosa of Brazil, 
 which bark is externally yellowish-brown, smooth and somewhat warty, internally cinnamon- 
 brown, of an odor resembling cinnamon and sassafras, and has a sweetish, warm, and aromatic 
 taste. 
 
 Cryptocaria australis, Bentham. — The bark of this Australian species is persistently bitter 
 and poisonous. T. L. Bancroft (1887) isolated a very bitter alkaloid crystallizing in needles. 
 
 Coto-bark was sent from Bolivia to Europe in 1875. Its origin has not been determined, but 
 it is probably derived from a lauraceous tree. However, Schuchardt succeeded (1890) in 
 tracing a coto-bark received from Venezuela to Primys Winteri, Forster , var. granatensis, Eichler. 
 Coto-bark is met with in flat or curved pieces 6 Mm. (I inch) or more thick, of a cinnamon-brown 
 color, externally smooth, the inner surface usually darker, and upon the transverse section show- 
 ing numerous yellow dots of groups of stone-cells and bast fibres ; the bark breaks with a short, 
 granular, and in the inner layer irregular and coarsely splintery, fracture, and has an aromatic 
 odor resembling a mixture of cardamom, cajuput, and camphor, and a bitterish aromatic and 
 pungent taste. 
 
1078 
 
 NECTANDRM CORTEX. 
 
 By extracting the bark with ether Jobst and Hesse (1876, 1877) isolated a number of new 
 proximate principles. Cotoin , C 2 . 2 H 18 0 6 , crystallizes in white fusible prisms, has a biting taste, 
 is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and carbon disulphide, and with difficulty solu- 
 ble in benzene, petroleum benzin, and cold water. Nitric acid dissolves it with a blood-red, 
 sulphuric acid with a brown-yellow, and hydrochloric acid with a yellow color. Ferric salts 
 precipitate its concentrated solutions hlackisb-brown, while dicotoin is colored brown-red. Witt- 
 stein found in coto-bark also pale-yellow volatile oil of a peppery taste, a volatile alkaloid, proba- 
 bly propylamine, resin, starch, etc., and 1.8 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Paracoto-bark resembles the bark described above in color and appearance^ except that the 
 outer layer consists of whitish deeply-fissured cork, and that the odor resembles that of nutmeg. 
 
 Paracotoin , C 19 H 12 0 6 , crystallizes in yellowish-white scales, is tasteless, and dissolves in sul- 
 phuric and nitric acids with a yellow color ; solution of potassa converts it into paracotoic acid, 
 paracumarhydrin, and other products. Leucotin , C 34 H 32 O, 0 , is tasteless, dissolves in sulphuric 
 acid with a dark-yellow, in nitric acid with a blue-green color, and is freely soluble in alcohol, 
 ether, and chloroform. Oxyleucotin , C 34 H 32 0 12 , hydrocotoin , C 15 I1 14 0 4 , and protocotoin , C 16 H 14 0 6 , 
 have also been isolated, the latter by Ciamician and Silber (1891). Both barks contain piper- 
 onylic acid, C 8 H 6 0 4 , which has been obtained by Mielck (1869) among the products of oxidation 
 of piperic acid, and was shown by Fittig and Remsen (1871) to be methylene-protocatechuic 
 acid •, it is sublimable, and crystallizes in needles melting at 228° 0. (442.4° F.). 
 
 Tincture of coto-bark has been made from 1 part of the bark and 9 parts of alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bitterness and astringency of nectandra are due in a 
 great measure to its alkaloid, beberina. According to its original promoters, beberine 
 had all the virtues without the objectionable qualities of quinine, such as the production 
 of tinnitus, headache, etc. In small doses it appeared to be a stomachic tonic. In experi- 
 ments upon the frog, in which the alkaloid was used hypodermically, it caused tetanic 
 retraction of the limbs in the same manner as quinine, but these effects were not produced 
 by either substance when given by the stomach. Nor did the tetanism resemble that of 
 strychnine, since it was not intensified by external excitation. 
 
 In the treatment of periodical fevers this substance proves to be very inferior in efficacy 
 to quinine, since it fails in at least one-half of the cases. It has also been vaunted in the 
 treatment of periodical headache and neuralgia , as an antihectic remedy in consumption , 
 as a tonic in atonic dyspepsia , in menorrhagia , leucorrhoea., etc. It may, on the whole, be 
 regarded as an imperfect substitute for quinine. The dose of beberine is from Gm. 0.06 
 to 0.18 (gr. 1-3) as a tonic, and from Gm. 0.30 to 0.60 (gr. 5-10) as an antiperiodic 
 medicine. (See Beberine Sulphas.) 
 
 Coto-Bark. Burkart observes that from Gm. 0.5 to 1 (gr. 8-15) of coto-bark pro- 
 duces eructations, nausea, a continued feeling of warmth in the stomach, and even vomit- 
 ing. The tincture, applied to the skin, causes redness and heat. Cotoin and paracotoin 
 are excreted with the urine (Amer. Jour. Phar., Jan. 1880, p. 26). 
 
 Coto, although belonging to the same natural family as Nectandra, does not in the 
 least resemble it in its properties or medicinal uses. Indeed, there is nothing whatever 
 in its sensible qualities, and especially no astringency, to denote its possession of a power 
 to control sweating and diarrhoea, the affections for which it is chiefly used. Its smell is 
 rather aromatic and its taste acrid and somewhat bitter. Its preparations, including cotoin, 
 given to rabbits, occasioned no definite symptoms. It seems to be stomachic without 
 constipating. In Germany it has been clinically studied by several physicians, whose 
 results substantially agree with one another. The most elaborate reports of them have 
 been furnished by Fronmiiller and Albertoni. Of diarrhoea , against which other remedies 
 had for the most part proved useless, colliquative forms following typhoid fever or accom- 
 panying phthisis, it cured the greater number of cases in the former category and palliated 
 all in both diseases. Even when most efficient the medicine could not be abruptly dis- 
 continued without risking a return of the symptoms. In the successful cases the quantity 
 of the tincture taken during the day varied from 10 to 500 drops, but the most usual 
 quantity was Gm. 3.30 (50 drops) three times a day. Similar results have been reported 
 by Yeo ( Practitioner , xxiii. 257), but Dr. Gee gave the “ liquid extract of coto-bark for 
 the diarrhoea of phthisis, typhoid fever, and lardaceous disease without the least benefit 
 (St. Bards Pep., xv. 232). Large doses are evidently more efficient than small ones. 
 Unless the tincture is well prepared, it occasions an unpleasant burning in the throat ; 
 but, properly made, the stomach not only tolerates it, but the appetite improves under its 
 use: which is not apt to be the case when opium, tannic acid, acetate of lead, etc. are used 
 for a similar purpose. Albertoni ascribes the medicinal power of cotoin to a power of 
 dilating the blood-vessels, and thereby increasing absorption. But this rationale would 
 scarcely apply to its utility in sweating. Indeed, its mode of action is unknown. 
 
 As regards immoderate sweating, Fronmiiller observed in the case of a phthisical patient 
 
NICCOLI SULPHAS. 
 
 1079 
 
 suffering at the same time from colliquative diarrhoea that both symptoms disappeared 
 under full doses of tincture of coto. He prescribed it in ninety-one cases of excessive 
 sweating — in thirty-four with complete, in thirty-six with partial success, and in twenty- 
 one without result. Its beneficial effects generally lasted only one night. It appeared to 
 be more efficient than other medicines commonly used under such circumstances. These 
 results are substantially confirmed by Burkart, Bohne, and Stewart ( Edinb . Med. Jour., 
 xxvii. 750), who, as well as Fronmiiller, found that cotoin and paracotoin produced analo- 
 gous effects. The latter has been tried subcutaneously in cholera in Gm. 0.20 (3-grain) 
 doses. The urine of patients taking cotoin is said to assume a red color on the addition 
 of concentrated nitric acid, at least during a few hours after the medicine has been used. 
 In the summer complaint of this country, or cholera infantum , the medicine is reported to 
 have been efficacious when used in an elixir (Parsons). Its chief, if not its sole, medi- 
 cinal virtue consists in its checking diarrhoea of the atonic sort and without regard to its 
 origin. It is said to be well borne even by feeble stomachs, but to irritate powerfully, 
 though transiently, the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. Shurley advises its 
 application diluted with starch (1 : 3 or 4) in atrophic nasal and pharyngeal cataiHi. 
 
 Coto-bark is not conveniently given in powder on account of its persistently acrid taste, 
 but the proper dose is stated to be from Gm. 0.30 to 0.50 (gr. 5-10), given three or four 
 times a day. Cotoin has been used in doses of Gm. 0.10 to 0.20 (gr. 1|— 3), and paracotoin 
 in doses of Gm. 0.30 (gr. 4-5), three times a day. The tincture appears to have been 
 found the most convenient preparation of coto-bark. It was made with 1 part of the bark 
 to 9 of 85 per cent, alcohol, and given in average doses of about Gm. 8 (f^ij) sufficiently 
 diluted. Yeo states that as the resin is precipitated from the tincture or fluid extract on 
 the addition of water, either preparation should be given in an emulsion, so that each 
 dose should contain about 5 minims of the active ingredient. 
 
 Cryptocaria australis furnishes an alkaloid which in warm-blooded animals causes 
 dyspnoea and asphyxia ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 747). 
 
 Pichurim beans were introduced a century ago into Europe by the Portuguese, and 
 were for a long time regarded as possessing a great medicinal value, and even very recently 
 were included in the lists of the German, Spanish, and Portuguese Pharmacopoeias. They 
 appear to depend for their virtues upon a concrete volatile oil, and are sometimes used as 
 substitutes for nutmeg. They have been chiefly used as stimulants and tonics in mild, 
 subacute, and chronic diarrhoea and dysentery , and in habitual debility of the intestinal 
 canal tending to produce flatulence and diarrhoea. Pichurim-bark, which has an aromatic 
 smell resembling that of nutmegs and an astringent taste, is employed in Panama in the 
 treatment of typhoid states of the system, in atonic dyspepsia , chronic vomiting , intermittent 
 fever, and menstrual disorders. The beans are given in powder in doses of from Gm. 0.G0 
 to 1.30 (gr. x-xx), or else in an infusion ; the bark is used in the same manner and in 
 doses twice as great as these. 
 
 NICCOLI SULPHAS.— Nickel Sulphate. 
 
 Sulfate de nickel , Fr. ; Nickelsulfat , G. 
 
 Formula NiS0 4 .7H 2 0. Molecular weight 280.14. 
 
 Origin. — The metal nickel was first obtained in 1751 by Cronstedt from niccolite or 
 kiip fer nickel, a pale, copper-colored mineral, the composition of which is NiAs. The metal 
 exists in various ores found in Sweden, Germany, and other parts of Europe, and in 
 North America in Pennsylvania and near Lakes Huron and Superior ; it is also present in 
 a few mineral waters. It is prepared from the oxide or carbonate by reducing it at a 
 white heat in the presence of charcoal or organic matters. 
 
 Preparation. — Nickel sulphate may be prepared by dissolving pure nickel carbon- 
 ate in diluted sulphuric acid, concentrating the solution and crystallizing at or below 20° 
 C. (68° F.), or precipitating it with alcohol. The salt is extensively manufactured on 
 the large scale from impure carbonate, the process involving the separation of other 
 metals, like arsenic, iron, copper, and cobalt. 
 
 Properties. — The salt forms either a green crystalline powder or it is generally seen 
 in emerald-green, transparent, rhombic prisms, which effloresce on exposure, losing 1 If, O, 
 and being at the same time converted into an aggregation of octahedral crystals. A salt 
 containing 6H 2 0 is also obtained by crystallization from an acid solution at above 20° C. 
 (68° F.). The salt has a sweetish and styptic taste and a slight acid reaction, is soluble 
 in about 3 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), insoluble in alcohol and ether, and loses at 
 103.3 C. (218° F.) 38.5 per cent, (the salt with 6II 2 0, 34.2 per cent.) of water, the remain- 
 
1080 
 
 NICCOLI SULPHAS. 
 
 ing molecule of water being expelled above 250° C. (482° F.). The solution of nickel 
 sulphate, on being mixed with a saturated solution of ammonium sulphate in excess, 
 gives a precipitate of nickel-ammonium sulphate, (NH 4 ) 2 Ni(S0 4 ) 2 .6H 2 0. This salt is blue- 
 green, almost insoluble in solutions of alkali sulphates, but soluble in about 8 parts of 
 water ; it, like the sulphate, is largely used for the electro-plating of iron, copper, and 
 other metals with nickel. 
 
 Allied Salts and Metallic Nickel. — Niccoli carbonas — Nickel carbonate, E . ; Carbonate nic- 
 colique, Fr . ; Nickelkarbonat, G. — It is pale-green or blackish-green, of variable composi- 
 tion, and is prepared by precipitating the solution of a nickel salt with sodium or potassium 
 carbonate. 
 
 Niccoli Bromidum. — Nickel bromide, E. ; Bromure de nickel, Fr, ; Nickelbromlir, G. NiBr 2 - 
 3H 2 0 ; mol. weight 272. — It is prepared by digesting nickel with bromine and water, or by dis- 
 solving nickel carbonate in hydrobromic acid and crystallizing. It crystallizes in green deli- 
 quescent needles or prisms, which are soluble in alcohol, ether, and water ; the latter solution 
 on exposure is decomposed, depositing nickel hydroxide. 
 
 Niccoli CHLORiDUM. — Nickel chloride, E .; Chlorure de nickel, Fr . ; Nickelchlorlir. G . — The 
 hydrated salt is green, very deliquescent, and contains 6H 2 0 = 45.4 per cent. The anhydrous 
 chloride is yellow, or, in the presence of cobalt, has a green tint; it sublimes in yellow lustrous 
 scales. 
 
 Nickel is a malleable metal, resembling silver in color and lustre. It is attracted by the mag- 
 net, has the density 8.8, melts at a somewhat lower temperature than iron or cobalt, does not 
 readily tarnish on exposure, and is but little attacked by dilute acids. The sesquioxide, Ni 2 0 3 , 
 and its hydrates are black or black-brown, and dissolve in acids with the evolution of oxygen. 
 The monoxide, NiO, is greenish-gray or yellowish-gray ; its hydrate is a green crystalline pow- 
 der, and its salts are likewise gre’en, or in the anhydrous state yellow, and have a slight acid 
 reaction. The solution of the acetate gives a black precipitate with hydrogen sulphide ; other 
 nickel salts with ammonium sulphide. Alkalies and alkali carbonates produce green or pale- 
 green precipitates, which dissolve in ammonia with a blue, and in ammonium carbonate with a 
 greenish-blue, color. Potassium ferrocyanide produces greenish-white precipitates ; potassium 
 cyanide, a similar precipitate soluble in excess of the cyanide ; and if to this solution caustic 
 soda and chloride be added and heat applied, a precipitate of black nickel hydroxide is produced 
 (difference from cobalt). A concentrated solution of oxalic acid precipitates nearly all the metal 
 as nickel oxalate from simple salts, but not from solutions of the double salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1852, Simpson stated that this preparation appeared to act 
 as a gentle tonic, that it does not occasion nausea and vomiting like the sulphates of zinc 
 and copper, and that its action and that of manganese were comparable to the action of 
 iron. He reported the cure by it of inveterate periodical neuralgia of the face after it 
 had resisted iron, quinine, and many other medicines. He prescribed it in doses of from 
 \ to 1 grain three times a day ( Month . Jour, of Med. Sci., 3d Ser., vi. 136). In 1869, 
 Broadbent attributed the cure of anaemia and amenorrhoea to the chloride of nickel in 
 2-grain doses {Trans. Clin. Soc. Lond ., ii. 125). By Bernatzik it was compared to 
 cerium, and by Schuhhardt to iron and manganese ( Arzneimittellehre , ii. 106, 283). Dr. J. 
 M. DaCosta (pamphlet, 1883) found that in doses of 5 grains the sulphate caused giddi- 
 ness as well as nausea, but no such soporific effect as had been attributed to it. The 
 doses employed by him varied from 1 to 3 grains. He thought that it relieved the pains 
 of rheumatism, checked diarrhoea, and allayed irregularity due to valvular disease of the 
 heart. In some instances it appeared to him beneficial in chronic gastric catarrh. It 
 was of no use in night-sweats nor in typhoid fever. In, 1886 Dr. H. A. Hare ( Therap. 
 Gaz., x. 297) from experiments on the lower animals concluded that the bromide of 
 nickel is soporific anaesthetic — that it suppresses spinal reflexes and motility, lowers the 
 force and frequency of the heart’s beats, and arrests that organ when directly applied to 
 it. As these effects are widely different from those of other nickel salts, and as they are 
 identical with those produced by familiar bromine compounds, the conclusion seems to be 
 justified that the metallic base of such nickel compounds can have little to do with their 
 remedial action. Nickel bromide, used by Dr. DaCosta in doses of from 5 to 10 grains, 
 seemed to him to exert the peculiar power of other bromides and in smaller doses. In 
 several cases it suspended epileptic seizures after the failure to do so of the alkaline 
 bromides. He found that it slightly lowered the temperature, affected the pulse but 
 little if at all, did not act on the bowels or the skin, and perhaps increased the urine a 
 little. He concluded that “ its effect on the nervous system is that of a sedative, with 
 out, however, producing a weakening or depressing influence.” Dr. Leaman, who 
 obtained substantially the same results, estimated that ten grains of the nickel salt were 
 equal in efficacy to 30 grains of potassium bromide. He found it most efficient when 
 the fits took place regularly at long interval, and that, especially when given as a gran- 
 ular effervescent salt, it disordered the digestion less than the alkaline bromides {Med. 
 
NIG ELLA. — NITR OBENZEN VM. 
 
 1081 
 
 News, xlvi. 427). On the other hand, Bourne ville found that it did not diminish, but 
 increased the epileptic attacks (. Practitioner , xliii. 208). 
 
 NIGELLA. — Fennel-Flower. 
 
 Faux cumin, Fr. ; Schwarzkiimmel. G. 
 
 The seeds of Nigella sativa, Linne , and of Nig. damascena, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Helleboreae. 
 
 Origin. — Both plants are annuals, indigenous to Southern Europe and the Levant. 
 They have finely-divided leaves like fennel ; the second species has also a similar involu- 
 cre. The fruit consists of five united follicles, which contain numerous seeds. Both 
 plants are cultivated in gardens, and are known respectively as nutmeg-flower and ragged 
 lady. 
 
 Description. — The seeds are about 2.5 Mm. (yL inch) long, triangular*ovate, rough, 
 of a dull-black color, internally white, contain a fleshy albumen enclosing a small straight 
 embryo, and have a somewhat acrid taste. When rubbed the seeds exhale a peculiar 
 odor, that of the first species being camphoraceous and resembling cajeput, while that 
 of the second species resembles the odor of strawberries. The latter are sometimes sold 
 as magnolia-seeds ; they differ from the former also in being rounded at the angles and 
 having the testa deeply netted-wrinkled. 
 
 Constituents. — Reinsch (1841) obtained from the seeds N. Sativa 35 per cent, of 
 fixed oil, which, according to Fliickiger (1871) contains myristin, palmitin, and stearin. 
 The volatile oil is lighter than water, colorless, shows a blue fluorescence, has an odor 
 different from that of the seed, and, according to Fliickiger, consists of a terpene and of 
 the compound C 20 H 24 O. Reinsch’s nigellin is an extract-like yellow mass having the con- 
 sistence of turpentine and a bitter taste. H. Gr. Greenish (1880) isolated melantnin, 
 which is nearly insoluble in water, ether, benzene, benzin, and carbon disulphide, very 
 soluble in alcohol, is acrid, foams similar to parillin, consists of C 2 oH 3 30 7 , and by acids is 
 split into sugar and melantliigenin , C 14 H 23 0 2 ; both principles are colored dark-violet by 
 warm sulphuric acid and rose-red by cold pure sulphuric acid. Greenish (1882) observed 
 that the seeds of N. damascena impart fluorescence to petroleum benzin. A. Schneider 
 (1890) recognized this principle as a crystalline alkaloid damascenine, present to the 
 extent of about 0.1 per cent., and the salts of which are not fluorescent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Nigella is closely analogous in its properties to coriander, 
 anise, and cumin, and like them is used in the East as a condiment for food, and 
 medicinally as a carminative, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, galactagogue, diuretic, and 
 expectorant. 
 
 NITROBENZENUM. — Nitrobenzene. 
 
 Oil of mirbane , E. ; Nitrobenzene , Essence de mirbane, Fr. ; Mirbanbl, G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 3 N0 2 . Molecular weight 122.75. 
 
 Preparation. — Benzene is added in small portions to warm fuming nitric acid, when 
 a violent action takes place and a dark-red liquid is formed, which is mixed with water 
 and the oily precipitate washed with the same liquid. 100 parts of benzene yield between 
 135 and 140 parts of nitrobenzene. 
 
 Properties. — Nitrobenzene is a yellowish oily liquid having the spec. grav. 1.209 
 crystallizing in needles at 3° C. (37.4° F.), and boiling at 205° C. (401° F.). It has a 
 strong odor resembling that of oil of bitter almond — hence the incorrect name artificial 
 oil of bitter almonds — a sweet taste, and dissolves in concentrated sulphuric and nitric 
 acids, and in all proportions in alcohol and ether. In its alcoholic solution it is readily 
 converted into aniline through the influence of nascent hydrogen. 
 
 The different benzenes yield also different nitro-products. One has the specific gravity 
 1.19, boils between 210° and 220° C. (410° and 428° F.), and has a cinnamon-like or 
 unpleasant fatty odor, which is still more unpleasant in nitrobenzene boiling between 
 225° and 335° C. (437° and 455° F.). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses.-^The low-boiling nitrobenzene is often used for scenting 
 soaps and in various perfumes as a tolerably good substitute for the more costly oil of 
 bitter almond, which is sometimes adulterated with it (See Ol. Amygd. Amar^), but its 
 most important use is in the manufacture of aniline (see page 211). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Numerous cases have been published of poisoning by nitro- 
 benzene — sometimes by its being swallowed, sometimes by the inhalation of its fumes, 
 
1082 
 
 NITROGENII MONOXIDUM. 
 
 and sometimes by its application to the skin. Boehm collected 42 cases, of which 14 
 were fatal (1883), Elaberg says that 34 per cent, die ; and White observed about 50 
 (Practitioner, xliii. 14), but does not state their issue. A remarkable illustration of the 
 potency of this poison is furnished by several cases of females affected by the odor of 
 the so-called “ almond glycerin soap,” and by that of a person who, by usihg such a 
 soap in a warm bath, fainted from the the effects of nitrobenzene set free by the heat, 
 and was ill for some time afterward. A case is also recorded of a man who, having 
 used a liniment containing this product in the treatment of scabies, became partially 
 paralyzed, while his head was drawn back, and his face, hands, mouth, and pharynx 
 were all cyanosed, and the breath and matters vomited smelled of bitter almonds. In 
 this case, as in some others, the blue tint remained for at least a week. The pulse is 
 generally small and frequent. The sight is sometimes cloudy. The symptoms produced 
 in man are identical with those observed in animals, except the purple color of the skin, 
 which appears to be due in part to venous congestion, but in part also to the inability 
 of the blood to absorb oxygen. This condition of the blood helps to explain the dys- 
 pnoea which attends some cases of poisoning by this substance, and also the extreme cya- 
 nosis, which so far surpasses both in degree and duration that which is due to merely 
 asphyxiating causes. The opinion that this blue color of the skin is in part due to the 
 presence of aniline derived from the decomposition of the nitrobenzene in the body is 
 ascribed by Filehne to an error of manipulation by which anilin was developed. The 
 lesions found post-mortem are tarry dark blood, congested lungs, heart and brain, etc. 
 In one case the liver is described as being of a deep-purple color. All these phenomena 
 and lesions support the conclusion of Lewin ( Virchow' s Archiv, lx'xv. ; 443), that the poi- 
 sonous action of nitrobenzene depends upon its destructive effect upon the red blood-cor- 
 puscles, which prevents the supply of oxygen essential to life. This opinion seems more 
 probable than that the symptoms are primarily due to the action of the poison on the 
 nervous system, as maintained by T. Prosser White. Whether recovery or death occur, 
 the peculiar odor of nitrobenzene persists for many days. The probable fatal dose of 
 nitrobenzene may be stated to be between a few drops and 2 drachms. 
 
 The only disease, so far as we are informed, in which the preparation has been used is 
 scabies , but its dangerous effects from accidental conditions, and the case of poisoning by 
 it in this very disease to which reference has been made, ought to exclude it altogether 
 from medical practice. 
 
 In poisoning by nitrobenzene the proper remedies consist of emetics to remove the poi- 
 son in the stomach, and of stimulants, internally and externally, carbonate of ammonia, 
 electricity, artificial respiration, the hot bath, and a simultaneous cold douche upon the 
 head and spine, friction of the skin, etc. Oil and alcohol, which dissolve the poison, are 
 contraindicated. 
 
 Nitropentane has been the subject of some physiological experiments. In dogs and 
 cats, when the inhalations were continued from eight minutes to one hour, convulsions 
 began to occur which gradually increased in intensity until they passed into true epilep- 
 sy. The peristaltic movements of the intestines were quickened and the faeces were 
 evacuated. The urine was also discharged; sometimes the saliva flowed profusely, and 
 the pupils were dilated. The pulse was not materially affected, and the vessels of the 
 pia mater underwent no change during the inhalation (Schadow). 
 
 NITROGENII MONOXIDUM.— Nitrous Oxide. 
 
 Laughing gas, E. ; Oxyde nitreux, Protoxyde d' azote, Fr. ; Stickstoffoxydid, Lachgas, G. 
 
 Formula N 2 0. Molecular weight 43.98. 
 
 Origin. — Nitrous oxide was first obtained by Priestly (1772) by acting upon nitric 
 oxide with moist iron filings ; he also noticed that ignited bodies burn in this gas with a 
 brighter flame than in atmospheric air. The composition of the gas was determined by 
 Deimann and Troostwijk (1793), who prepared it from ammonium nitrate. II. Davy 
 (1800) observed its exhilarating effects. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium nitrate which is absolutely free from chloride is gradually 
 heated to about 200° C. (392° F.), when the decomposition commences, and the heat may 
 be slowly increased. The salt yields then water and nitrous oxide, without other products 
 of decomposition ; NH 4 N0 3 yields 2H 2 0-FN 2 0. The gas is passed through a little warm 
 water, which will retain any undecomposed salt or other product without retaining much 
 of the gas. (For other precautions in the preparation of this gas refer to the decomposi- 
 tion of Ammonii Nitras, on page 190. 
 
NITR 0 GENII MONOXID UM. 
 
 1083 
 
 Properties. — Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas of a very slight agreeable odor and a 
 sweetish taste. It has the specific gravity 1.6 (Dalton), and a liter of it at 0° C. (32° 
 F.) weighs 1.97 Gm. It is not inflammable, but supports the combustion of ignited 
 bodies, which burn more vigorously than in the open air. By the aid of pressure and 
 cold it may be condensed into a thin, very mobile, colorless liquid, which at a tempera- 
 ture of about — 100° C. (— 148° F.) congeals to colorless crystals. The gas is soluble 
 in water, alcohol, ether, volatile and fixed oils. 
 
 Nitrous Oxide Water. — The solubility of nitrous oxide in water has been determined 
 by Carius (1855) as follows: Water absorbs at a barometric pressure of .76 meter and a 
 temperature of 
 
 0° 5° 10° 15° 20° 25° C., 
 
 1.3052 1.0954 .9196 .7778 .6700 .5963 measures of the gas. 
 
 Such an aqueous solution, prepared under a pressure of about five atmospheres, has 
 been employed under the name of oxygenous aerated water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The primary effect of inhaling nitrous oxide gas is stimula- 
 tion of the whole system ; a tingling sensation is felt all over the body, the senses seem 
 unnaturally acute, the pulse becomes stronger and more frequent, the breathing is more 
 rapid and shallow, and the face grows pale. If the inhalation is interrupted at this 
 period a lively intoxication is developed. It was formerly the custom to have semi-pub- 
 lic exhibitions of this appropriately called “ laughing gas,” in which one of the most 
 familiar phenomena was a high degree of mental excitement, generally exhibited in 
 rhapsodical declamation or singing, but sometimes also in a sudden fit of violent pug- 
 nacity, which subsided abruptly when the vapor had exhaled. But if the inspiration is 
 not interrupted, the breathing in about one and a half minutes begins to be stertorous ; 
 at the same time the pallor of the face is replaced by a cyanotic hue, and complete 
 unconsciousness and anaesthesia ensue. Without a renewal of the inhalation it does not 
 last more than a minute or two. Unlike ether or chloroform, it is apt to occasion rhythmical 
 movements, muscular twitching, or even rigidity. Like ether it sometimes causes hys- 
 terical or erotic manifestations. In general, feeble persons are more quickly affected than 
 the strong — children, females, and the aged more speedily than adult males. 
 
 The number of deaths due to the administration of this gas is surprisingly small when 
 compared with those following chloroform, and even ether, and, as in the case of the 
 latter agent, they may always, or nearly so, be fairly ascribed to the special condition 
 of the patient or to the mode of administration of the anaesthetic. According to the sta- 
 tistics of Darin, 53 deaths occurred in 152,260 administrations of chloroform, or 1 : 
 2872; 4 in 92,815 of ether, or 1 : 23,203; and 3 in 300,000 of gas, or 1 : 100,000, one 
 of which was due to an accident — namely, the falling of a cork into the air-passages. 
 In a case that occurred in Paris, 1884, death took place by syncope during the extrac- 
 tion of a tooth (Brit. Med. Jour., Jan. 24, 1885). A similar one happened in Montreal 
 in 1890, under like conditions (Med. Record , xxxviii. 103). In 1889 one occurred in 
 England under conditions that should have forbidden the use of any anaesthetic ( Lancet , 
 Oct. 1889, p. 804). Other ill effects have occasionally been noticed ; e. g. coma of sev- 
 eral days’ duration, hemiplegia, temporary catalepsy, or hysteria, clonic convulsions, etc. 
 It sometimes also produces a transient albuminuria or even glycosuria, according to 
 Lafont, but the statement has not been confirmed ( University Med. Mag., ii. 428). Ac- 
 cording to Dr. Silk’s analysis of 1000 cases in which this anaesthetic was administered, 
 no serious accident occurred in any ( Lancet , June, 1890, p. 1327). 
 
 Nitrous oxide has been used in surgical operations, but chiefly in those requiring a 
 comparatively short time for their performance. Teeth have been extracted with its aid 
 in cases innumerable in this country and in Europe, and whoever has experienced its 
 effects must be satisfied with its efficiency and convenience. All surgical operations which 
 can be quickly completed, from the opening of abscesses to the operation for cataract, 
 have been successfully performed with its aid ; and in numerous instances it has sufficed 
 for operations lasting from fifteen to twenty minutes. Dr. J. M. Barton has illustrated 
 the great aid it gives to the surgeon in examining fractures, dislocations, etc. He notes 
 particularly the muscular relaxation that remains after the anaesthesia has passed off. 
 (Phila. Med. Times., xvi. 108). In 1865, Ziegler of Philadelphia proposed the inhalation 
 of this gas for a variety of disorders, the chief of which were nervous and asthenic, and 
 included neuralgia , anaesthesia, hypochondria, insomnia, etc., and it was so employed soon 
 afterward by Dr. Benjamin Lee (Med. Record, xvii. 494). It did not, however, seem to 
 find many advocates. In 1880 attention was directed to it anew by Drs. Blake and 
 
1084 
 
 NUX VOMICA. 
 
 Hamilton (Med. Record , xvii. 118; Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., May, 1880, p. 469). 
 In all of these instances the exhilarating, and not the anaesthetic, action of the gas was 
 sought, and it was believed to act as a stimulant of the nervous system and the heart, 
 very much as a moderate dose of alcohol does. It, however, did not retain its vogue. 
 Nitrous oxide has also been employed as an anaesthetic in labor. According to Klike- 
 witsch, four or five inhalations abolish sensation, but not consciousness ; it involves 
 neither danger nor inconvenience, and may be administered by an intelligent nurse ( Med . 
 Record, xxi. 514). He has more recently used a mixture of 80 parts of this gas with 
 20 of oxygen, and Zweifel administered it continuously during the latter stage of labor. 
 It did not at all retard this process (. Med . News, xlvii. 598). 
 
 Mr. Woodhouse Braine, comparing the several anaesthetics in use, says : “Of all 
 anaesthetics, the quickest and safest, but the most difficult to administer really well, is 
 nitrous oxide ; deep snoring and an insensitive conjunctivitis are the best signs of in- 
 sensibility.” No age and hardly any physical condition forbids its use ( Times and Gaz ., 
 Nov. 1884, p. 758.) The nostrils being closed, the gas may be inspired from the 
 reservoir in which it is collected or from caoutchouc bags through a tube and mouth- 
 piece furnished with valves opening outward to permit the breathed air to escape during 
 expiration. It is also kept in wrought-iron vessels in a highly condensed or even a 
 liquid state, and may thus be conveniently transported from place to place. 
 
 Bert proposed to prevent the “asphyxia” produced by nitrous oxide by mixing 85 
 parts of this gas with 15 of oxygen in a chamber filled with compressed air. Several 
 surgical operations of considerable duration were successfully performed under these 
 circumstances {Bull, et Mem. de la Soc. de Therap ., 1879, p. 71). Others have experi- 
 mented in the same direction (Witzinger, Centralbl. f. Med., vi. 96 ; Hewett, Lancet , 
 Apr. 1889, p. 832), but without notable advantage. 
 
 NUX VOMICA, V. S., Br .— Nux Vomica. 
 
 Semen strychni, P. Gr. ; Semen nucis vomicae. — Poison-nut , Quaker buttons , E. ; Noix 
 vomique , Fr. Cod. ; Krdhenaugen , Brechuuss, Gr. ; Nuez vomica, Sp. 
 
 The seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 178. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Loganiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The tree has a short, thick, often crooked trunk, opposite, oval, glossy, three- 
 to five-nerved leaves, and small, funnel-shaped whitish flowers in small, terminal, panicu- 
 late cymes ; the smooth, 
 orange-colored berry is 
 globular, and contains about 
 five seeds. The tree is com- 
 mon in many parts of Hin- 
 dostan, Farther India, some 
 of the East India Islands, 
 and as St. Lucida, R. Brown , 
 is also found in Northern 
 Australia. All parts of the 
 
 , „ , . , , , , plant possess a bitter taste, 
 
 JNuxvomica: surface with raphe ; longitudinal section, showing albumen and 1 , 1 i ii 
 
 embryo; and transverse section, showing central cavity. and are proDaDly pOlSOnOUS . 
 
 the bark has at one time 
 
 been sold in place of angustura-bark (see page 211). The white, gelatinous pulp of the 
 fruit, it has been stated, is eaten in India by birds ; it, however, contains strychnine 
 ( Pharmacogr aphid ). The seed is the only official portion. 
 
 Description. — Nux vomica is in the form of an orbicular disk 25 Mm. (1 inch) or 
 less in diameter, and 4 to 6 Mm. (4 to i inch) thick, nearly flat, or convex on one side 
 and concave on the other, with the margin frequently thickened. The surface is of a 
 grayish or greenish-gray color, and has a slight silky lustre from the closely-appressed 
 soft hairs, directed toward the circumference and forming a soft ridge on the edge. 
 Where the hairs have been rubbed off the dull-brownisli testa becomes visible. On 
 the concave side is a slight ridge running from the hilum to a point on the circumfer- 
 ence, where the radicle is located. The thin testa encloses a yellowish -gray, some- 
 what translucent, horny, and very hard albumen (endosperm), which is of the same 
 form as the seed, but has within it a large, flat, circular cavity. After softening the 
 seed in hot water the edge may be readily trimmed down with a knife and the albumen 
 split into two disks, which were united with each other merely on the margin to the 
 
NUX VOMICA. 
 
 1085 
 
 width of about 2 Mm. (A^ inch). The embryo is about 9 Mm. (f inch) long, and has 
 a thick, club-shaped radicle and a pair of 
 pale-greenish delicately seven-nerved, heart- 
 shaped cotyledons 5 Mm. (A inch) in length, 
 and projecting into the circular cavity. The 
 seed is inodorous, but possesses a persist- 
 ently bitter taste. 
 
 Nux vomica is very difficult to powder, 
 owing to the horny condition of the albu- 
 men. The powdering is considerably facili- 
 tated by drying the entire seeds for two or 
 three days and breaking them up into sev- 
 eral pieces, which are again dried for sev- 
 eral days by means of warm air. and then 
 reduced to powder of the desired fineness. 
 
 If a drug-mill with chilled iron grinding- 
 plates, admitting of regulation as to differ- 
 ent degrees of fineness, be used, much labor 
 may be saved in the final powdering in an 
 iron mortar provided with a heavy pestle. 
 
 Powdered nux vomica is of a light gray- 
 greenish color. 
 
 Constituents. — The horny nature of nux vomica is probably due to protein com- 
 pounds, of which it contains about 11.3 per cent. {Pliarmacogr aphid). Gummy matter, 
 fat, sugar, and igasuric acid, besides the alkaloids, are also contained in it. The acid was 
 discovered by Pelletier and Caventou (1819), and by Holm (1873) was regarded as a 
 kind of tannin ; the latter obtained it as an amorphous, yellowish-w T hite mass of a strongly 
 acid and somewhat astringent taste ; its solution is colored dark-green by ferric salts, 
 precipitated yellow by lead acetate, and rapidly reduces an ammoniacal solution of 
 silver. 
 
 The bitter and poisonous alkaloids strychnine and brucine are the medically important 
 constituents of nux vomica, and are present in variable quantity ; Hunstan and Short 
 (1883) analyzed seven different commercial samples, in which the total amount of alka- 
 loids varied between 2.74 per cent, in small Madras nux vomica and 3.90 per cent, 
 in large silky Bombay nux vomica. (For an account of the first alkaloid, which is 
 present to the amount of 1 to ^ per cent., see the article Strychnina in this work.) 
 
 Brucine, C 23 H 26 N 2 0 4 , likewise varies in quantity; Merck obtained only 0.12, Wittstein 
 0.5, Mayer 1.10 per cent. ; by the latter it was estimated by means of potassio-mercuric 
 iodide, and the presence of igasurine (see below) was not taken into account. The alkaloid 
 was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou (1819) in the false angustura-bark, which was 
 then supposed to be derived from Brucea antidysenterica, Miller , an Abyssinian shrub. It 
 is one of the by-proditfcts of the manufacture of strychnine, and is obtained from the 
 mother-liquor and alcoholic washings by neutralizing them with sulphuric acid, evapor- 
 ating to crystallization, removing the mother-liquor, purifying the crystals by treatment 
 with animal charcoal, precipitating with ammonia, and recrystallizing from boiling 80 per 
 cent, alcohol ; it contains then 4H 2 0. The anhydrous alkaloid dissolves in 850 parts of 
 cold and 500 parts of boiling water (Pelletier and Caventou), while, according to Duflos, 
 the crystallized alkaloid requires only 320 and 150 parts of water respectively. It is 
 soluble in 7 parts of chloroform (Schlimpert), in 1.5 parts of alcohol, and in 70 parts of 
 glycerin (Cap and Garot). It is soluble also in ammonia, creosote, amylic alcohol, and 
 very slightly so in benzin, volatile and fixed oils, and is insoluble in ether. It fuses in its 
 water of crystallization at a little over 100° C. (212° F.), and the anhydrous alkaloid, 
 according to Claus and Roehre (1881), at 178° C. (352.4° F.), yielding a colorless liquid : 
 at a higher heat it burns, leaving voluminous charcoal. In contact with strong nitric 
 acid brucine acquires a blood-red color, which changes to orange, and finally yellow ; if 
 now stannous chloride be added, a beautiful violet-red is produced. A similar color is 
 obtained by using sulphurous acid, and lustrous brick-red needles are formed by using 
 ammonium sulphide in place of stannous chloride. These reactions are not interfered 
 with by the presence of a little strychnine. A number of the colored compounds 
 thus produced appear to possess little stability; but Roehre (1878, 1881) isolated the 
 red compound, which is dinitrobrucine , forms a bright vermilion-red amorphous powder, 
 and is insoluble in ether, very sparingly soluble in alcohol, but freely soluble in water. 
 
 Fig. 191. 
 
 Nux Vomica: section through hilum and albumen, 
 magnified 65 diameters. 
 
 
1086 
 
 NUX VOMICA. 
 
 The end-product of the reaction of nitric acid upon brucine was ascertained by Strecker 
 (1854) to be a weak base, kalcotelme , C 20 H 2 . 2 N 4 O 5 , which forms orange-colored scales 
 insoluble in water, but dissolving with a yellow color in ammonia, becoming green and 
 brown on heating. Commercial brucine generally contains traces of strychnine, as proven 
 by Cownley (1876) and Shenstone (1877), and, according to the latter, may be completely 
 freed from it by partial precipitation, brucine being precipitated from its solutions by 
 strychnine. 
 
 Igasurine was discovered by Desnoix (1854) by concentrating the filtrate and washings 
 of the lime precipitate in the decoction of nux vomica. The crystals thus obtained are 
 stated by Schiitzenberger (1858) to be a mixture of not less than nine different alkaloids, 
 which he distinguished by prefixing to igasurine the letters a, b, e, etc. However, 
 Jorgensen (1871) and Shenstone (1877, 1881) found the supposed igasurine to be impure 
 brucine, though it is not unlikely that one or more other alkaloids may be present. (See 
 Strychnina.) 
 
 Other Species of Strychnos. — Strychnos Tieute, Leschenault , is indigenous in Java; the 
 seeds closely resemble nux vomica, but are smaller and whiter in color. The decoction of the 
 root-bark, evaporated to an extract, is the principal ingredient of the arrow-poison, upas-tieute ; 
 it contains strychnine and brucine. 
 
 Str. potatorum, Linn#, is indigenous to India. The seeds are subglobose, brownish-gray in 
 color, and of an insipid not bitter taste. They do not contain strychnine, and are used in India 
 as clearing nuts for cleansing muddy water, also in diabetes and as an emetic. In 1871 they 
 were sent to the United States as Indian-gum nuts. 
 
 Str. colubrina, Limit. This yields the true lignum colubrinum , in place of which the 
 branches of the nux vomica tree are often sold in India. It differs from the latter in being more 
 crooked and knotty ; the wood is harder and darker colored ; the bark has bright rust-colored 
 warts, is thicker, and has more scattered stone-cells of a bright-yellow color. All parts of the 
 plant are bitter and poisonous ; the wood was found by Pelletier and Caventou to contain strych- 
 nine and brucine. 
 
 Str. Gaulthieriana, Pierre. The bark is used in China as hoang-nan ; it resembles nux- 
 vomica bark, but is thinner, blackish-gray, more verrucose, and upon transverse section shows 
 more irregular striae and fewer stone-cells ; it contains strychnine and brucine. 
 
 Akazga — M'boundou , Boundou , Ikaju , or Quai — is a shrubby plant indigenous to the equa- 
 torial region of Western Africa, and appears to be a hitherto unknown species of Strychnos. 
 The dense hard wood is covered with a firmly-adhering bark having sometimes numerous yellow 
 tubercles, of a yellowish-orange or light-red color, with a light-brown inner surface, and charac- 
 terized by a continuous layer, three or four cells deep, of indurated parenchyma. The leaves 
 are opposite and oval-acuminate in shape. The seeds are subglobular, downy, and consist of 
 albumen, with a central cavity into which the embryo with its five-ribbed cotyledons projects. 
 The bark has a strongly bitter, faintly aromatic taste, and a distinct bitterness is also perceived 
 in the other parts of the plant. 
 
 Thomas R. Fraser (1867) has obtained an alkaloid, akazgine , which crystallizes from its alco- 
 holic solution, is readily soluble in chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzene, and ordinary ether, is 
 colored brown by concentrated mineral acids, and dissolves in dilute acids, yielding colorless 
 salts, which are rather less persistently bitter than strychnine salts, and are precipitated by the 
 bicarbonates of potassium and sodium ; the precipitates occurring with the usual reagents for 
 alkaloids are not crystalline. Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen (1881) obtained from the drug an 
 alkaloid having the color-reactions of strychnine. 
 
 (See also Curare.) 
 
 Fig. 192. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Ignatia, U. S. 1880 (Semen Ignatioe, Faba Ignatii). — Bean of St. Ignatius, E. ; 
 F&ve de Saint-Ignace, Fr. Cod. ; F&ve igasurique, Fr. ; Ignazbohne, G. ; Haba de San Ignacio, 
 Sp. — Strychnos Ignatia, Lindley (Str. Ignatii, Bergius , s. Str. philippensis, Blanco , s. Ignatiana 
 philippinica, Loureiro , s. Ignatia amara, Linn6 films'). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 179. 
 
 This is a large climbing shrub indigenous to the Philippine Islands and natural- 
 ized in Cochin China, with opposite ovate leaves and an oblong or subglobular 
 berry-like fruit having a brittle pericarp and containing a'bout twenty-four seeds 
 imbedded in a bitter pulp. The seeds are from 25-31 Mm. (1 to 14 inches) long, 
 12-20 Mm. (4 to ^ inch) broad, oblong, ovate or roundish-ovate in shape, by 
 mutual pressure irregularly angular ; the hilum is on one of the edges in a 
 small depression, and the surface of the seeds is of a dull reddish-gray or 
 brownish, when old even blackish, color, and granular or partly covered by gray 
 or light-brown silky hairs. Ignatia consists of a very hard, horny albumen, 
 which is of the shape of the seeds and translucent at the edges, and surrounds 
 an irregular cavity. The embryo projects into this cavity, and consists of a 
 rather long radicle and oblong-ovate acute cotyledons. The seeds break under 
 the hammer with a granular and irregular fracture, and soften after prolonged 
 digestion. They are inodorous and have a very persistent bitter taste. Pelletier 
 and Caventou (1819) found the seeds to contain the same constituents, though 
 in different proportions, as nux vomica; they stated the yield of strychnine (still containing 
 
 Ignatia: vertical 
 section of seed. 
 
NYMPHJEA. 
 
 1087 
 
 brucine) to be 1.4 per cent. Geiseler (1837) likewise found 1.5 per cent, of this alkaloid. F. F. 
 Mayer (1863), on assaying ignatia with his solution, obtained from 2 troy ounces of the seeds 
 4.5 grains of strychnine and 13.73 grains of brucine, which correspond to 0.52 per cent, of the 
 former and 1.43 per cent, of the latter. The dried seeds yield 1.78 per cent, of nitrogen, indi- 
 cating about 10 per cent, of albuminoids ( Pharmacographia ). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action and uses of nux vomica are identical in kind with 
 those of strychnine, and will be treated of in connection with the latter. It may be 
 mentioned in this place, however, that the action of nux vomica is too variable to render 
 it eligible as a medicine. It may be prescribed in the dose of Om. 0.06-0.30 (gr. i-v) 
 three times a day, and gradually increased from the minimum quantity until its charac- 
 teristic effects begin to be manifested. The extracts and the tincture are best adapted 
 for its administration. 
 
 Ignatia. — This may be used like nux vomica, its dose ranging from Gm. 0.03-0.10 
 (gr. ss-ij). 
 
 Hoang-nan. — Dr. Livon has made some experiments upon animals with a bark brought 
 from Thibet, from which is prepared lioang-nan , and which contains brucine. Vulpian 
 (Les Substances toxiques , etc., p. 613) declares that on frogs, at least, the action of hoang- 
 nan is identical with that of strychnine and brucine. The conclusions of this eminent 
 investigator and of Galippe in regard to the preparation as a medicine agree with what 
 we have drawn from the published records concerning it (Lisserteur, 1879; Piffard ; 
 Barthelemy, etc.), “ The reports of its virtues are, to say the least, greatly exaggerated. 
 As to its use in rabies, one must have an inordinate dose of credulity to believe in it as 
 a cure of this terrible affection.” Several reports upon the subject have appeared since 
 the last edition of this work, but they do not modify the estimate just given. That 
 hoang-nan is a compound medicine, and that it contains arsenic, may very well account 
 for its reported efficacy in certain diseases of the skin, and even in leprosy. 
 
 Akazga. — It appears from the narrative of Prof. Frazer of Edinburgh, who carefully 
 investigated the nature and action of akazga, that it is used as an ordeal inWest Africa: 
 “The supposed witch is obliged to drink a certain quantity of the infusion prepared from 
 the bark, and to step over a number of akazga-sticks placed parallel to one another at the 
 distance of 2 feet. If this can be done, the person is pronounced innocent ; if guilty, 
 difficulty is experienced in stepping over the sticks ; they appear like large logs, to sur- 
 mount which suitable efforts are made, and these are rendered more and more difficult by 
 spasmodic muscular twitches, until the victim staggers, and ultimately falls in tetanic con- 
 vulsions In those cases in which the trial is successfully undergone a copious 
 
 flow of urine is described as occurring, and by this means the poison is supposed to be 
 removed.” The physiological action of the alcoholic extract of akazga, and that of the 
 alkaloid akazgin, correspond to those of nux vomica and strychnine. Each grain of the 
 alkaloid is equal to about 7 grains of the extract or 50 grains of the dried bark in physi- 
 ological effects, which consist essentially of tetanic convulsions. As yet no therapeutical 
 applications appear to have been made of akazga or its alkaloid. 
 
 M’boundou was found by Testut to exhibit different modes of action according to 
 its dose, the smaller doses causing convulsive, the larger paralytic, phenomena. He 
 therefore concluded that it contained two principles — the one exciting the reflex function, 
 the other paralyzing it (Amer. Jour. Phar., li. 323). But Heckel and Schlagendauffen 
 inferred that its only active constituent is strychnine, and that it occasions tetanic or 
 paralytic phenomena according to the dose of it administered. Their conclusion agrees 
 with the previous one of Bichet {Bull, de Therap., c. 223), and is confirmed by the later 
 observations of Vulpian ( Cours de Pathol, exper., p. 616), who found in experiments upon 
 frogs that a period of relaxation preceded the convulsive phenomena, often by several 
 hours or even days. 
 
 NYMPHiEA. — Water Lily, Pond Lily. 
 
 A enuphar, Prune d'eau, Fr. ; Seerose, Wasserlilie, G. ; Ninfea , Ninfa , Sp. 
 
 Nymphaea Odorata, Alton. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Nymphaeaceae. 
 
 Description. — The Sweet-scented water-lily is indigenous to North America and has 
 a horizontal immersed rhizome about 5 Cm. thick, marked on the upper side with broad 
 subcircular or oblong leaf-scarfs, and on the lower side with the remnants or scars of the 
 thick fleshy rootlets, brown externally, yellowish-white internally, fleshy, with irregular 
 wood-bundles ; after drying deeply wrinkled, spongy, and light. It is without odor, and 
 
1088 
 
 CE NO THERA. 
 
 has a hitter mucilaginous somewhat astringent taste. The leaves are large, orbicular- 
 cordate, and entire; the flowers are 10 or 12 Cm. (4—5 inches) broad, many-petalous, 
 white, and very fragrant. The root and flowers (petals) have been employed. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Nymph^ea alba, Linn6 , the European water-lily, resembles the preceding, the 
 flowers, Nenuphar blanc, are recognized by the French Codex. 
 
 Nuphar ad vena, Alton (Nymphsea, Michaux ), Yellow pond-lily, Spatterdock. The leaves are 
 heart-shaped at the base, and ovate or roundish in outline. The flowers have six yellow sepals 
 and numerous small yellow petals, which resemble the stamens. From Colorado westward its 
 place is taken by Nuphar polysepalum, Engelmann , which has eight or more sepals and numer- 
 ous short dilated petals. The rhizomes of these species and of the European N. lutea, De Can- 
 dolle (Nenuphar jaune, Fr. Cod.), resemble that of Nymphata in size and structure. 
 
 Constituents. — The rhizome of Nymphsea alba was examined by Morin (1819) and 
 Carminati, and that of N. odorata by Bigelow. Tannin, mucilage, etc. were found, but 
 the bitter principle was not isolated. W. Gruening ( Thesis , Dorpat, 1881) examined the 
 rhizome and seeds of Nymphaea alba and of Nuphar luteum, Smith. The principal con- 
 stituents are tannin and gallic acid, besides starch, gum, resin, albumen, etc. The alka- 
 loids previously observed by DragendorfF were obtained amorphous ; that from Nymphaea 
 was pale reddish-brown, readily soluble in alcohol, ether, and diluted acids ; and by Frohde’s 
 reagent colored red, then green. Nupharine is white, soft above 40° C. (104° F.), easily 
 soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, amylic alcohol, acetone, and diluted acids ; on heating 
 the solution in diluted sulphuric acid in a steam -bath, it gradually turns brown, and finally 
 blackish-green. The alkaloids appear to be not poisonous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The root of our native pond-lily is astringent and demulcent, 
 and is used internally for the cure of bowel complaints , topically in cataplasm for ulcers , 
 and in decoction for leucorrhoea and dysentery. The European species, N. alba, was once 
 reputed to be anaphrodisiac, and the juice of the fresh root is said to be acrid, and even 
 capable of reddening the skin. An ointment prepared with it is used to stimulate the 
 scalp when the hair tends to fall out. 
 
 CENOTHER A. —Evening Primrose. 
 
 Onagre , Fr. ; Nachtkerze , G. 
 
 (Enothera biennis, Linn6. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Onagracese. 
 
 Description. — This very variable plant is common throughout North America in 
 fields and waste places, and has been naturalized in Europe. It has a conical root , which 
 is 12 to 25 Mm. (1-1 inch) thick at the base, 10 to 15 Cm. (4-6 inches) long, with 
 spreading branches, externally pale-brown or sometimes reddish, with a thin bark, inter- 
 nally white, fleshy, inodorous, of a sweetish taste, and in the second year woody and 
 tough. The stem is from 0.9— 1.8 M. (3 to 6 feet) high, rough, hairy, often purplish. 
 The leaves are alternate, ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 7—12 Cm. (3 to 5 inches) long, 
 somewhat petiolate, acute, nearly entire, and short-hairy. The Jlowers are in terminal leafy 
 spikes, have a sessile cylindrical ovary united with the long tubular calyx, four obcordate 
 yellow petals, and eight stamens, and produce a four-valved capsule containing numerous 
 seeds. The herb is inodorous and has a mucilaginous and mild astringent taste. The 
 root and the flowering plant are used. 
 
 Constituents. — Biot Chicoisneau (1834) found the plant to contain much mucilage , 
 his oenotherin was a mixture of several bodies, which have not been separated from one 
 another. Braconnot found tannin in the stem. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The late Dr. R. E. Griffith, in his Medical Botany, after speak- 
 ing of the mucilaginous and acrid qualities of the herb and leaves, states that he made 
 use of it in several cases of infantile eruptions which had resisted other modes of treat- 
 ment, and became satisfied that it was highly beneficial — a judgment which his subsequent 
 experience confirmed. It is advised that about the flowering season the small twigs with 
 the bark of the large branches and stem, retaining their leaves, should be dried in the 
 shade. Of these a strong decoction is made, with which the eruptions should be bathed 
 several times a day. It has also been used in diarrhoea and in asthma. We are not ac- 
 quainted with any later and confirmatory reports upon this plant. 
 
OLE A DESTILL ATA. 
 
 1089 
 
 OLE A DESTILL AT A. — Volatile Oils. 
 
 Olea setherea s. volatilia , JEtherolea. — Essential ( ethereal or distilled ) oils , E. ; Huiles 
 volatiles ( etherees , essentielles , distillees ), Essences , Fr. ; Fluchtige ( AEtherische ) Oe/e, Gr. 
 
 Characters. — Volatile oils are those proximate principles to which in the majority 
 of cases the odor of plants is due. They have no chemical, and but few physical, prop- 
 erties in common with the fixed oils, but, like the latter, they are generally soluble in 
 ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, etc., and when dropped upon paper leave a stain 
 resembling that produced by fat, but which, unlike the latter, disappears upon the appli- 
 cation of heat. Freshly-prepared volatile oils are generally freely soluble in petroleum 
 benzin, but, according to Belohoubek (1882), after exposure and partial oxidation yield 
 with this solvent a more or less turbid mixture. Their specific gravity usually ranges 
 between 0.85 and 0.99 ; a few are still lighter, and some are heavier than water, one 
 reaching the specific gravity 1.180. All are inflammable and burn with a bright but 
 very sooty flame. They possess the odor of the plants from which they have been 
 obtained, but are usually less fragrant, which is probably due to the presence in the 
 plants of other odoriferous compounds, perhaps compound ethers, which, being more 
 soluble in water, are removed during the distillation ; it is on this account that medicated 
 waters distilled from the drug, almost without exception, possess a more agreeable odor 
 and taste than when prepared from the volatile oil. 
 
 When exposed to the air volatile oils become ozonized, and are more or less rapidly 
 converted into a viscid oil or even solid resin ; to the presence of ozone is due their 
 bleaching effect upon corks, indigo solution, etc. (See a paper by Dr. J. L. Plummer in 
 # Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1853, pp. 398 and 508 ; also, 1860, p. 46.) 
 
 Origin. — Volatile oils are met with in a large number of plants, and may exist in 
 every part thereof, from the root to the seed. If found in several parts of the same 
 plant, the volatile oils obtained from them generally differ more or less, not only in odor 
 and other physical properties, but frequently also in chemical composition. They are 
 often separated in the plant in distinct cells, appearing as glands in the herbaceous por- 
 tion, or distributed throughout the interior tissue, or forming tubes, as in the fruits of the 
 Uinbelliferae. Very frequently they are associated with resins, and even exude either 
 naturally or from incisions, holding resins in solution (oleoresins and many gum-resins). 
 In a number of plants they are known to be produced under the action of a ferment, like 
 emulsin and myrosin, upon other compounds, such as amygdalin and myronic acid ; but 
 in most cases it has been impossible to demonstrate either the precise tissue where they 
 are produced or the compounds which yield them. There is, however, reason to believe 
 that, at least in some cases, they result from the splitting of glucosides, resins, and sim- 
 ilar principles. All volatile oils yield by spontaneous oxidation resinous compounds, 
 which, however, have thus far been found to be entirely distinct from the resins with 
 which the former have been naturally associated. 
 
 Among the products of the destructive distillation of organic bodies compounds are 
 often found which possess the general characters of volatile oils, but usually have an 
 empyreumatic odor persistently adhering to them ; they are called empyreumatic volatile 
 oils. Odorous compounds, sometimes known as ferment oils ( fermentolea ), are also pro- 
 duced during the fermentation of bruised vegetables or their expressed juice ; they are 
 probably alcohols or compound ethers. 
 
 Preparation. — In a few instances, where the volatile oils are separated in cells of 
 the epidermal tissue and not associated with resinous or fatty matters, as in the fruits of 
 many Aurantiaceae, they may be prepared by expressing that tissue after removing it by 
 grating. By far the largest number, however, require to be distilled with water. Her- 
 baceous plants, flowers, and leaves which are not of a leathery nature usually need no 
 previous comminution, but firmer parts of plants, and those containing the volatile oil in 
 the inner tissues, must be more or less ground or broken. Though fresh plants are 
 usually readily softened and permeated by water, a short maceration before the distilla- 
 tion begins is rather advantageous, and may be regarded as very desirable if dried plants 
 are employed ; it is unnecessary in case the volatile oils are to be distilled off from resin- 
 ous compounds ; but whenever the volatile oil does not pre-exist, but is produced by the 
 reaction of two principles in the presence of water, a prolonged maceration in cool or 
 lukewarm water is required. 
 
 The distillation is accomplished in stills made of copper or iron, a sufficient quantity of 
 
1090 
 
 OLE A DESTILL AT A. 
 
 water being introduced to cover the material and prevent empyreuma ; the latter object 
 is more completely attained if a perforated false bottom is placed a few inches above the 
 bottom of the still and the material packed upon it. Direct heat is then applied until 
 the water boils briskly, and is maintained at this temperature until the distillate is no 
 longer charged with volatile oil. Some volatile oils are obtained of better quality and 
 greater fragrance if the direct application of fire to the still is avoided and the volatiliza- 
 tion is accomplished by the introduction, near the bottom, of steam under pressure ; a 
 wooden tank may then be converted into a still by cutting a suitable aperture in the top 
 and surmounting it with a still-head. Steam distillation is particularly applicable for 
 flowers like those of the orange, lavender, chamomile, etc., and for the labiate and other 
 herbs. 
 
 Although volatile oils have a higher boiling-point than water, the majority boiling 
 above 140° 0. (284° F.), their vapors diffuse readily in the vapors of water at the boil- 
 ing temperature of the latter, and are thus easily carried over. Greater difficulty, how- 
 ever, is experienced with those volatile oils which have either an exceptionally high boil- 
 ing-point or a specific gravity near or exceeding that of water ; the addition to the water 
 of about 3 per cent, of table-salt is then advisable, whereby the boiling-point is some- 
 what raised, and, as the water distils over, it may be gradually increased to about 109.5° 
 C. (229° F.). The volatile oils of cloves, cinnamon, santal-wood, etc. are thus more 
 readily obtained than with water alone. 
 
 Ftg. 193. 
 
 Fig. 194. 
 
 Coliobation is the returning of the aqueous distillate from which the volatile oil has 
 been separated, either upon the same or upon fresh portions of material, and distilling 
 again. The process is rendered necessary with cloves, santal-wood, etc., the firm tissue 
 of which, containing the volatile oils, is not easily ruptured or thoroughly permeated by 
 water, and with the petals qf rose and similar articles which contain only a minute pro- 
 portion of volatile oil. 
 
 Separation . — On cooling, the distillate separates into two layers, one being a solution 
 of the volatile oil in water, the other the pure oil. A tall cylinder or flask is used, which 
 near the bottom has a glass or other tube inserted and curved upward to a short distance 
 below the top. The heavy water separating at the bottom will commence to discharge 
 through the lateral tube b as soon as the vessel is nearly filled with the distillate, upon 
 which will float a layer of volatile oil ; this layer may be withdrawn by means of a small 
 siphon, or, better still, through a lateral tube e inserted near the top of the vessel. It the 
 volatile oil, however, is heavier than water, the conditions will be reversed, and the on 
 will flow through a and run off at b. The last portions of volatile oil are removed from 
 the water by means of a separating-funnel (Fig. 194), the separation being effected with 
 a perforated glass stopper inserted in the neck or by inclining the vessel (Fig. 194) through 
 the tube a . For very small quantities a bulb-pipette or syringe-pipette will be found use- 
 ful, the tube of which is drawn out to a fine point. By a suitable arrangement the sep- 
 arated odorous water may be returned to the still while the distillation is progressing. 
 
 If volatile oils are present only in minute quantities, frequent cohobation is required, 
 but even then too much is often lost by being retained in the water, as in the case of 
 
OLE A DESTILL A TA. 
 
 1091 
 
 violets, tuberoses, etc. To obtain these delicate perfumes, Millon and Commaille (1868) 
 employed purified bisulphide of carbon, with which the material is exhausted, and on the 
 spontaneous evaporation of which all the odoriferous com- 
 pounds are left behind. 
 
 The process of enfleurage is likewise adapted for obtaining 
 delicate perfumes : A number of trays or frames are covered 
 with a layer of purified tallow or other inodorous fat, and 
 then with flowers, the latter, if necessary, being replaced 
 by fresh flowers in a few days ; when the fat is sufficiently 
 charged with the perfume it constitutes the pommades used 
 by perfumers. Liquid fats may be used in a similar manner 
 for extracting such perfumes, the liquid portion of oil of 
 ben being employed, because it resists rancidity for a long 
 time ; the huiles antiques are obtained in this manner. By 
 digesting the solid or liquid perfumed fat with pure alcohol 
 the odorous principles are taken up by the latter, the spirit 
 then constituting the extracts of perfumers ; the small por- 
 tion of fat entering solution separates on exposure to a low 
 temperature. 
 
 L. Wolff (1877) proposed a process for preparing volatile 
 oils whereby distillation may either be entirely avoided or 
 materially shortened. Petroleum benzin dissolves from plants 
 chiefly the volatile and fixed oils and wax which are left 
 after evaporating the solvent. The volatile and fixed oils 
 may then be separated either by distillation with water or by agitation with alcohol, 
 removing the fat and wax, and separating the volatile oil from the alcohol by mixing 
 with water. 
 
 Rectification is not unfrequently desirable, since resinous compounds and coloring mat- 
 ter may thereby be removed and the odor improved ; it is best accomplished by mixing 
 the volatile oil with half of its own weight of an inodorous liquid fat, and distilling the 
 mixture from a solution of table-salt, as stated above. 
 
 Composition. — C and H, or C, H, and 0, are the elements forming the large major- 
 ity of the volatile oils ; a few (oil of mustard, asafetida, etc.) consist of sulphuretted 
 compounds, and are generally characterized by a disagreeable penetrating odor ; some 
 others (oil of bitter almonds, cherry-laurel, etc.) contain hydrocyanic acid, from which, 
 however, they may be freed without otherwise altering their composition or modifying 
 their odor. The first class mentioned, the hydrocarbons, are mostly terpenes , consisting of 
 two or more isomeric modifications having the composition of C, 0 H 16 or a multiple thereof. 
 The oxygenated volatile oils likewise consist proximately of at least two principles, boil- 
 ing at different temperatures. The one having the lowest boiling-point is called elreopten 
 and very often is a hydrocarbon of the composition C 10 H )r , or C, 0 Hh- Stearopten is that 
 portion which volatilizes last and congeals at about the ordinary temperature ; in composi- 
 tion it is not unfrequently an oxide or hydrate of the hydrocarbon. The stearopten of 
 oil of rose is a hydrocarbon, C n H 2n , and has a lower boiling-point than the fragrant oxy- 
 genated portion. Stearoptens — or camphors , as they are sometimes called — crystallize 
 from the volatile oils on exposure to a low temperature, the crystallizing-point depending 
 partly on the fusing-point of the stearopten and partly on the amount of the solvent 
 elaeopten. The variation in the proportion of the two proximate constituents is due to 
 the influence of climate, soil, and cultivation, and modifies to some extent the effect upon 
 polarized light. 
 
 The color of volatile oils appears to be due to distinct compounds. Piesse (1863) 
 separated from oil of wormwood, patchouly, etc. a volatile dark-blue body, azulene (accord- 
 ing to Gladstone [1863] coeruleiri ), of the composition C 16 H 26 0, which he stated to be 
 present in all blue-colored volatile oils, while those having a different color are free from 
 it or contain it in smaller proportion, mixed with more or less of yellow or brown resin. 
 
 Preservation. — Since volatile oils oxidize when in contact with air, and the oxida- 
 tion is accelerated in the light, they should be kept in well-stopped vessels protected 
 from the light. Various contrivances, which readily suggest themselves, have been recom- 
 mended. Bottles of amber-colored glass, which excludes the actinic rays, are very suit- 
 able ; and the addition of a small quantity of alcohol, which in our experience need not 
 exceed 3 per cent., will prevent for a long time, if not the oxidation, at least the marked 
 change of odor, which oils of orange, lemon, peppermint, and others undergo. Menigaut 
 
 Fig. 195. 
 
1092 
 
 OLE A PING TJIA. 
 
 as early as 1835 proposed for the same purpose the addition of an equal weight of 
 alcohol. 
 
 Restoration. — Resinified volatile oils, the flavor of which has not been impaired, 
 may be restored to their former limpidity by rectification (see above). Small quantities 
 of such volatile oils Curieux (1858) recommended to be agitated for fifteen or twenty 
 minutes with a magma formed by mixing solution of borax with animal charcoal, when 
 the resinified portion will unite with the borax, leaving the oil limpid and the odor restored. 
 
 Adulterations. — Among the numerous methods which have been recommended for 
 detecting the principal adulterations to which volatile oils are subject, the following are 
 simple, reliable, and easily executed: 
 
 (a) Fixed oils are indicated by the permanent greasy stain left upon paper or by the 
 residue left on distilling the suspected oil with water. Since the fats are mostly insoluble, 
 and the volatile oils mostly soluble in 85 per cent, alcohol, this solvent will leave the 
 former behind ; minute quantities of fixed oils, however, will escape detection by this 
 method. 
 
 ( b ) Alcohol will cause a diminution of the volume of the volatile oil when this is agi- 
 tated with an equal bulk of water or glycerin (according to Hager, 1888, diluted with 20 
 per cent, of water), in a graduated tube; the difference indicates approximately the 
 amount of the adulteration. If olive oil is used in place of water, the alcohol, unless 
 present in a very small quantity, will separate. Fused calcium chloride and dry potas- 
 sium acetate are insoluble in volatile oils, but in the presence of alcohol become either 
 soft or liquid. Tannin, which has been recommended for the same purpose, is soluble in 
 oil of bitter almonds, cinnamon, and a few others. Dragendorff recommends metallic 
 sodium, which produces a brisk evolution of gas in the presence of even 5 or 10 per cent, 
 of alcohol, while hydrocarbons are not at all, and oxygenated oils but slightly, acted on 
 in the cold. Aniline-red is soluble in alcohol and insoluble in volatile oils, but if the oils 
 contain alcohol they are colored red by the dry aniline color. 
 
 (c) Cheap volatile oils are often difficult to detect. On rubbing a few drops of the 
 volatile oil between the hands, or heating them gradually in a dish, or evaporating them 
 from bibulous paper, and observing the odor from time to time, a marked difference of it 
 is indicative of such adulteration. The hydrocarbons being mostly cheaper and less 
 freely soluble in 85 per cent, alcohol than the oxygenated oils, an adulteration with the 
 former will generally be recognized by the solvent mentioned. 
 
 The solubility of santal-red in some volatile oils (Voget), the different reaction of these 
 oils with iodine (Tuchen), the change of color produced on heating oxygenated volatile 
 oils with a little nitro-prusside of copper, and the prevention of this reaction by oil of 
 turpentine and other hydrocarbons (Heppe, 1856), and the behavior of the volatile oils 
 toward strong mineral acids, potassa, bromine, sulphide of lead, and other chemicals, — 
 may, at least occasionally, be utilized for the purpose of detecting adulterations. (See 
 Proceedings Amer. Phar. Assoc ., 1858, p. 344, and 1859, p. 338.) 
 
 OLEA PINGUIA.— Fixed Oils. 
 
 Fats, Fatty oils, E. ; Huiles grasses, Huiles fixes, Fr. ; Fette, Fette (Fie, Gr. 
 
 Characters. — Fats are peculiar compounds obtained both from the animal and the 
 vegetable kingdom. In their pure state they are often colorless, inodorous, and tasteless. 
 Many are liquid at the ordinary temperature {oils or fixed oils proper), but by cautious 
 cooling may generally be separated into fats of different fusibility. Others have a soft 
 consistence { fats proper, or butters ), and mostly yield liquid fats when subjected to a 
 gradually increased pressure, while a fat of a higher fusing-point remains in the press- 
 cloth. Those of a firmer consistence are sometimes termed tallows, and when hard and 
 more or less brittle at the common temperature they are often popularly and commer- 
 cially known as waxes. They are all lighter than water, and vary in specific gravity 
 generally between .913 and .956, though some are as light as .860. They are insoluble 
 in water, sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, but generally freely soluble in ether, chloro- 
 form, carbon disulphide, benzene, and light petroleum oils. The hot alcoholic solution of 
 the solid fats separates them on cooling, generally in a crystalline form. When heated, 
 the solid fats fuse to transparent oils and solidify again on cooling. Heintz observed that 
 by raising the heat very slowly some fats show two fusing-points, which for pure stearin 
 were found at 55° C. (131° F.) and 71.6° C. (160.9° F.), and also two congealing-points, 
 the latter depending upon the temperature to which the fat had been heated and upon 
 the rapidity with which it had cooled, After having been heated considerably beyond 
 
OLEA PING VIA. 
 
 1093 
 
 the fusing-point some solid fats remain liquid for a long time after cooling; at a higher 
 temperature, usually in the neighborhood of 300° C. (573° F.), an ebullition is observed, 
 accompanied by decomposition, the boiling-point gradually rises, and extremely acrid and 
 irritating vapors are evolved, causing a copious flow of tears, and containing acrolein. 
 (See Glycerin, p. 779.) 
 
 Fats are more or less unctuous to the touch, and when in a liquid condition dropped 
 upon paper leave a permanent grease-spot unless they are crystalline and so hard that 
 they may be rubbed off. They are not inflammable at the ordinary temperature, but 
 when heated to incipient decomposition burn more or less readily by the aid of wick and 
 with a sooty flame. When their surface is considerably increased by being spread over 
 porous bodies they are rapidly oxidized, whereby the heat may be increased to such an 
 extent as to ignite the entire mass. 
 
 Origin. — All plants, and perhaps all parts of plants, contain fat, though often in 
 minute quantity. The liquid and solid fats are most likely generated from starch and 
 other carbohydrates and allied compounds; De Luca (1862) proved that the fixed oil of 
 olives increases in quantity as the mannit of the green olives disappears, and that the access 
 of air and light facilitates the conversion. It is not unlikely that certain protein com- 
 pounds may likewise be the source of fats. In the animal economy fats are, at least 
 partly, produced in a similar manner. 
 
 Preparation. — From animal tissues rich in fat the latter is obtained by fusion either 
 by itself or in the presence of water, and removal of the tissue by skimming or straining. 
 Vegetable tissues containing notable quantities of fat yield it on being subjected to pow- 
 erful pressure, either at the ordinary temperature or between plates which are heated to 
 a little beyond the fusing-point of the fat; but since a certain quantity of the fat i,s 
 mechanically retained by the tissues, a larger yield is had by the use of a solvent, such 
 as carbon disulphide or petroleum benzin, which on being distilled off leaves the fat 
 behind. When the bruised or cut vegetables are boiled with water, the fused fat rises to 
 the surface, and may either be skimmed off or obtained by 
 straining, expression, and subsequent separation from the water ; 
 such fats are usually inferior to those obtained from the dried 
 article by pressure alone. 
 
 Purification. — The impurities contained in fats are protein 
 and mucilaginous compounds derived from the vegetable tissue, 
 and may be removed through a well-dried filter ; the filtration 
 is facilitated by a somewhat elevated temperature. An appara- 
 tus suitable for this purpose, and for filtering through flannel 
 in an upward direction and under pressure of a column of the 
 oil, was constructed by W. R. Warner (1861) : A is the reser- 
 voir containing the oil ; B, the recipient of the filtered oil. On 
 the large scale the purification is effected by the gradual 
 addition to the oil of i to 2 per cent, of sulphuric acid, 
 whereby the impurities are carbonized ; the oil is then agitated 
 with water to remove adhering acid, decanted, and often filtered 
 through charcoal, or through tow, moss, or similar material, 
 upward filtration being preferred. The use of sulphuric acid 
 for the purification of oils was introduced in England by 
 Gowen (1790). Chloride of zinc has a similar effect, accord- 
 ing to R. Wagner, if used in concentrated solution, 1 to 11 
 per cent, being required ; and Barreswill (1858) recommended 
 for the same purpose the saponification of a small proportion 
 of the fat by means of a weak solution of potassa or soda. 
 
 From 1 to 2 per cent, of ammonia will often be effectual, and 
 as mechanical agents for separating the impurities powdered 
 clay and plaster of Paris have been found to serve a good pur- 
 pose. The loss sustained in purification varies with the nature 
 and amount of the impurities, and in some cases reaches 15 or 
 20 per cent, of the crude oil. 
 
 Bleaching. — The treatment of fats with sulphuric acid 
 usually destroys also the coloring matter wholly or in part ; treatment with animal char- 
 coal renders the fats lighter, and many are bleached (and often become rancid) by exposure 
 to the direct sunlight, a strip of lead being sometimes introduced into the fat if liquid, or 
 this is occasionally agitated with an aqueous solution of ferrous sulphate. Palm oil is 
 
 Fig. 196. 
 
 
1094 
 
 OLE A PING ITIA. 
 
 bleached by being rapidly heated to 240° C. (464° F.) and keeping it at this temperature 
 for ten minutes. The same effect is produced upon oil of poppy-seed by heating it for five 
 hours to between 90° and 95° C. (194° and 203° F.) Oxidation of the coloring principle 
 by means of permanganic or chromic acid or hypochlorites has likewise been recommended. 
 
 Composition. — Nearly all animal and vegetable fats are mixtures of two or more 
 fats having a different fusing-point ; those which are liquid at the ordinary temperature 
 separate in the cold granular masses of the solid fats contained in them, while those which 
 are solid at the common temperature often yield by expression a liquid oil. With com- 
 paratively few exceptions, fats are compound ethers of the triatomic alcohol glycerin (see 
 page 778), and the acids contained in them belong to two series, the fatty acid group of the 
 general formula C n H 2u 0 2 , and the oleic acid group of the formula C n H 2n _ 2 0 2 . The most im- 
 portant members of the first group are stearic (C 18 H 36 0 2 ), palmitic (C 16 H 32 0 2 ), myristic 
 (C 14 H 28 0 2 ), lauric (C 12 H 24 0 2 ), and butyric (C 4 H 8 0 2 ) acids. To the second group belong, 
 besides oleic acid (C 18 H ;u 0 2 ), erucic (C 22 H 42 0 2 ) and hypogseic (C 16 H 30 O 2 ) acids, the former 
 being found in oil of mustard, the latter in oil of ground-nut. Ali these acids are mono- 
 basic, and the neutral fats therefore contain 3 molecules of the acid to 1 of the ether 
 radical, C 3 H 5 ; these compounds are conveniently named from the acid by changing the 
 termination to in; thus stearin or tristearin is C 3 H 5 .(C ]8 H 35 0 2 ) 3 , and olein or triolein has 
 the formula C 3 H 5 .(C 18 H 33 0 2 ) 3 . , The fats most widely distributed are olein, stearin, pal- 
 mitin, myristin, and laurin, which are inodorous when pure, while the fats of the volatile 
 acids have a distinct odor, the most important being butyrin. Fats which on exposure to 
 air gradually solidify through the absorption to oxygen, the so-called drying oils , are sup- 
 posed to contain o?m, the composition of which is not known ; the drying fat of linseed 
 oil has been named linolein. 
 
 The fusing-points of the above-named pure fats are as follows: Stearin, 55° C. (131° F.); 
 palmitin, 48° C. (118.4° F.) ; myristin, 31° C. (87.8° F.) ; laurin, 44° C. (111.2° F.). The 
 margarin of older chemists is a mixture of palmitin and stearin; olein and butyrin are 
 liquid at common temperatures. 
 
 Preservation. — Fats should be kept in a dry place at a low temperature, and pro- 
 tected from light and air. On being exposed to the atmosphere the fats gradually become 
 rancid, and this change is accelerated by the presence of animal and vegetable tissue, pro- 
 tein, and mucilaginous compounds; hence the importance of careful purification. The 
 rancidity is due to the generation of odorous compounds, perhaps some acrolein and vola- 
 tile fatty acids, besides some coloring matter. Rancid fats may be improved, and to a 
 certain extent restored, by washing with warm water or by treating them with magnesia 
 or other weak alkali, and afterward washing them well. Treatment with strong alcohol 
 or agitation of the oil with a little powdered borax and exsiccated sodium carbonate has 
 likewise been recommended. 
 
 Adulterations. — The higher-priced fats are not unfrequently adulterated with 
 cheaper ones, and, owing to the similarity of composition, such admixtures are difficult 
 to recognize. A change of the fusing-point in the solid and of the congealing-point in 
 the liquid fats is not unfrequently produced by addition of other fats, and other criteria 
 are afforded by the color, consistence, odor, and taste, sometimes also by the specific grav- 
 ity. The non-drying oils when subjected to the influence of nitrous acid become solid, 
 the olein being converted into the solid isomeric compound elaidin , which fuses beiween 
 25° and 28° C. (77° and 82° F.), and solidifies again on cooling. The test is made by 
 agitating for a short time 1 part of copper in small pieces with about 5 parts each of 
 nitric acid and the oil, and setting the mixture aside; the separation of elaidin commences 
 in about an hour, and the solidification is generally completed in about 6 hours. Almond 
 oil and olive oil are scarcely colored thereby, but become opaque ; the drying oils (linseed, 
 poppy-seed, hemp-seed, and nut oils) remain liquid, while the following become thicker, 
 but not solid : castor, cotton-seed, sunflower-seed, and benne-seed oil, the latter acquiring 
 also a red color. 
 
 On carefully placing a drop of oil or oleoresin upon the surface of chemically pure 
 water contained in a perfectly clean glass vessel, distinct figures are formed, which were 
 termed cohesion-figures by C. Tomlinson (1864), and which have a distinct character for 
 the different liquids. These cohesion-figures have been recommended as a means of iden- 
 tifying the liquids, and possibly also of determining the presence of admixtures. 
 
 The character of the soda soap may likewise serve to indicate an adulteration with dry- 
 ing oils ; for this purpose the oil is agitated with one-third of its weight or more of soda 
 solution, specific gravity 1.33 (containing 30 per cent. NaOH), and the mixture boiled 
 until saponification has been effected ; after cooling, the soap of the drying oils will be 
 
OLEANDER. 
 
 1095 
 
 soft, and should oils of Cruciferae (mustard, etc.) have been present, the aqueous filtrate 
 will impart a black color to paper moistened with solution of lead acetate, owing to the 
 sulphur present in the oil. The melting-point of the mixed fatty acids separated from 
 the soap by hydrochloric acid has been suggested by 0. Bach (1883) as a means for recog- 
 nizing the purity of the* fats ; the results with the acids were as follows : 
 
 From cotton-seed oil, melting at 38° C., congealing at 35° C. ; 
 
 n 
 
 sesame oil, 
 
 
 “ 
 
 35° C., 
 
 u 
 
 ll 
 
 32.5° C, 
 
 a 
 
 ground-nut oil, 
 
 u 
 
 a 
 
 33° C., 
 
 ll 
 
 ll 
 
 31° C.; 
 
 n 
 
 olive oil, 
 
 a 
 
 ti 
 
 26.5°-28.5° C., 
 
 ll 
 
 ll 
 
 22° C. ; 
 
 a 
 
 sunflower oil, 
 
 it 
 
 a 
 
 23° C., 
 
 ll 
 
 ll 
 
 17° C.; 
 
 a 
 
 rape-seed oil, 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 20.7° C., 
 
 ll 
 
 ll 
 
 15° C.; 
 
 u 
 
 castor oil, 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 13° C., 
 
 ll 
 
 ll 
 
 2° C. 
 
 Concentrated sulphuric acid produces with different fixed oils mixtures varying in 
 color : 8 or 10 drops of the oil are placed upon a china plate, 2 or 3 drops of sulphuric 
 acid are added, and after a few seconds mixed by stirring ; the color of the mixture will 
 be as follows : with almond oil, yellow, changing to pale brownish-yellow ; with olive oil, 
 yellow, turning brownish ; with lard oil, yellow and brown ; with cotton-seed oil, yellow 
 and brown ; with ground-nut oil, yellow and green-brown ; with benne oil, brown-red, 
 becoming gelatinous; with sunflower oil, red-brown and brown ; with hemp-seed oil, brown, 
 black, and solid; with linseed oil, brown-red to blackish-brown; with rape-seed oil, green- 
 ish-blue or brownish-green ; with poppy-seed oil, yellow to brownish-green ; with castor 
 oil , brownish to gray-brown. When larger quantities of oil are mixed with sulphuric 
 acid a rise of temperature takes place, which is not alike for different oils. According to 
 Behrens (1852), when a cold mixture of equal parts of nitric and sulphuric acid is added 
 to an equal weight of oil, benne oil acquires a green, ground-nut oil a red, and olive oil a 
 yellow color. (See also Ol. Amygdal. Express.) 
 
 The effect of nitric acid upon the oils depends not only upon the composition of the 
 latter, the presence of coloring matter, etc., but likewise upon the strength of the acid 
 and the temperature. Bach (1883) recommends testing the oils by agitating for 1 minute 
 5 Cc. each of oil and nitric acid ; the test-tube is afterward placed in boiling water for 
 5 minutes, and finally set aside for 18 hours at about 15° C. ; the results obtained were, 
 with — 
 
 Olive oil, cold, pale-green ; 
 Cotton-seed oil, “ yellowish-brown ; 
 Sesame oil, “ white ; 
 
 Ground-nut oil, “ pale rose-color ; 
 
 Sunflower oil, “ dingy-white ; 
 Rape-seed oil, “ pale rose-color ; 
 
 Castor oil, “ pale rose-color ; 
 
 hot, orange-yellow ; 
 
 “ reddish-brown ; 
 
 “ brownish-yellow ; 
 “ brownish-yellow ; 
 “ reddish-yellow. 
 
 “ orange-yellow ; 
 
 “ golden-yellow ; 
 
 final result, solid. 
 
 u “ butyraceous. 
 
 “ “ liquid. 
 
 “ “ solid. 
 
 “ “ solid. 
 
 “ 11 butyraceous. 
 
 Lipowitz (1868) observed that the admixture of drying in non-drying oils may be 
 detected by triturating 8 parts of the oil with 1 part of chlorinated lime ; in the course 
 of a few hours the mixture, if made with non-drying oils, will separate a layer of limpid 
 oil, while no oily layer will separate from the mixture containing a drying oil. This 
 appears to be due to the rapid oxidation of the latter. 
 
 Since most of the fats are without action upon it, polarized light does not afford a 
 means of distinguishing them ; of the official oils, only castor oil has a decided rotation 
 to the right. 
 
 OLEANDER. — Oleander. 
 
 Launer rose, Laurose, Fr. ; Oleander, Rosenlorbeer 
 
 G. 
 
 Adelfo , Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Nerium Oleander, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Apocynaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This well-known ornamental shrub grows wild in Southern Europe, Northern 
 Africa, and Western Asia, and thrives best in moist ground. It is arborescent, with a gray 
 or greenish-gray nearly smooth bark, ternately-divided branches, and showy dark rose- 
 colored or white flowers. All parts are reputed to possess poisonous properties. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are whorled in threes, leathery, smooth, dark-green and 
 glossy above, nearly sessile, linear-lanceolate 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, finely pointed 
 at the apex, entire on the margin, and delicately feather-veined. They are without odor 
 and have a nauseous and bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Lukowski (1861) obtained two alkaloids from the leaves and 
 
1096 
 
 OLEANDER. 
 
 branches by carefully precipitating their decoction with tannin ; the tannate of pseudo- 
 curarine is soluble in an excess of tannin, and the alkaloid liberated by lead oxide. 
 Pseudocurarine is amorphous, yellowish, tasteless, and inodorous, insoluble in ether, freely 
 soluble in water and alcohol, and yields uncrystallizable salts. Oleandrine is a yellowish 
 resinous body, slightly soluble in water, very soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether, of 
 a strongly bitter taste, and poisonous. Its salts are uncrystallizable, Bitteli (1875) 
 observed that oleandrine loses its poisonous properties when heated to 240° C. (464° F.), 
 and that the hydrochlorate is crystalline ; he regards the pseudocurarine as a mixture of 
 different principles containing a little oleandrine. Schmiedeberg (1882) ascribes the 
 poisonous action to oleandrine, while a second principle, neriantin , is stated to be a gluco- 
 side and to possess only a feeble action. Pelikan (1866) considered the poisonous prin- 
 ciple to be a yellow acrid resin, which, according to Lato.ur (1857), possesses acid proper- 
 ties. The latter chemist determined also the presence of tannin, fat, and other common 
 principles. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Nerium odorum, Alton (N. odoratum, Lamarck). It is indigenous to and cul- 
 tivated in India, and resembles the oleander, but has longer leaves and fragrant flowers with a 
 fringed paracorolla. The bark somewhat resembles mezereon-bark, but breaks with a short frac- 
 ture. H. G. Greenish (1881) isolated a fixed oil and two bitter poisonous glucosides, both of 
 which are insoluble in benzin, benzene, and carbon disulphide. Neriodorin is a transparent 
 yellow tenacious mass, readily soluble in chloroform, colored deep reddish-brown by ferric chlo- 
 ride, and precipitated by basic lead acetate and by potassio-mercuric iodide. Neriodorein is a 
 lemon-yellow powder, insoluble in chloroform, colored slightly brown by ferric acetate, and not 
 precipitated by potassio-mercuric iodide nor by basic lead acetate until a little ammonia has been 
 added. 
 
 Thevetia yccotli, De Candolle (Cerebera thevetioides, Kanth ), is an elegant tree with dark- 
 green foliage and golden-colored flowers, indigenous to the damp hot regions of the Mexican 
 Cordilleras, where it is known as joyote. It bears an ovoid-globular crested and laticiferous 
 drupe containing four (or by abortion two) seeds, which have a thin papery testa, a reticulate 
 tegmen, two orbicular, unequal, crested cotyledons, and a short conical radicle. The joyote- 
 seeds are extremely acrid, and, according to Herrera (1877), yielded by pressure 40 per cent, of oil 
 resembling almond oil. The expressed seeds yielded to ether more oil, to distilled water albumi- 
 nous and extractive matter, and to alcohol a crystalline acrid principle, tlievetosin , which is spar- 
 ingly soluble in ether, carbon bisulphide, and fixed and volatile oils, is insoluble in water, and 
 on being treated with dilute nitric acid is split into glucose and a resinoid substance. 
 
 Thevetia (Cerbera, KuntK) cuneifolia and Th. ovata, De Candolle , are likewise known as 
 joyote and as narcisos amarillos , and probably possess similar properties. 
 
 Thev. neriifolia, De Candolle (Cerbera Thevetia, Linne), is a West Indian shrub, the bark of 
 which is used as an anti-periodic. 
 
 Parameria vulneraria, Radlkofer , a climbing plant of the Philippine Islands, furnishes 
 Cebu balsam, which is prepared by boiling the bark and leaves in cocoanutoil, and is of a yellow 
 color and of a peculiar odor. The root-bark yields, according to Zipperer (1885), 8.5 per cent, 
 caoutchouc, 3 per cent, aromatic resin, and 14 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Geissospermum l,£VE, Baillon , known in Brazil as pad pareira , is a tree the intensely bitter 
 bark of which has been much used in that country. Santos (1838) separated from it an alkaloid, 
 pereirine , which in its impure state, as a brown-yellow amorphous powder, is employed in Brazil. 
 Bochefontaine and De Freitas (1877) proposed to call it geissospermine , and Hesse (1877) adopted 
 this name for the alkaloid, which is nearly insoluble in ether and water and readily soluble in 
 alcohol and dilute acids, crystallizes in small white prisms, dissolves in strong nitric acid with 
 a purple-red color, becoming orange-yellow on heating, and in concentrated sulphuric acid at 
 first colorless, rapidly changing to blue, and gradually to a pale color; its composition is 
 C 19 H 24 N 2 0 2 .H 2 0. A second alkaloid , pereirine, is easily soluble in ether, forms a grayish-white 
 amorphous powder, and is colored blood-red by nitric and violet-red by sulphuric acid ; it appears 
 to be present in larger proportion than the preceding one. The leaves of this tree, which were 
 sent to Europe as caroba-leaves , have also a bitter taste, and probably contain the same alkaloids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oleander is one of the plants whose flowers are said to render 
 honey poisonous, and experiments seem to show that its active principle is a heart-poison, 
 It has been used in epilepsy , but fruitlessly. 
 
 Tanghine, the active principle of Tanghinia venenifera, an ordeal bean of Madagascar, 
 contains an element which, according to Quinquaud, arrests the respiration and then the 
 heart, destroying the muscular irritability, and causing death without convulsions, but 
 with dyspnoea and vomiting. Gley, on the other hand, states that it differs from stroph- 
 antine and oubaine by causing convulsions. The poison, says Quinquaud, “ appears 
 likely to be useful in toxic paralysis, trembling palsy, and want of tone in the intestines, 
 and in two cases of nocturnal incontinence of urine it has proved of service” ( Pharm 
 Jour, and Trans., Oct. 5, 1885). Quinquaud gave an extract of the seeds in doses of 
 Gm. 0.06-0.10 (1 to 1| grains). 
 
OLE AT A. 
 
 1097 
 
 Muriate of pereirine has had antiperiodic virtues ascribed to it, by Ferrara and by 
 Baeker, when given to the extent of Gm. 2 (30 grains) a day {Bull, de Therap ., cix. 238 ; 
 cx. 319). 
 
 OLEATA. — Oleates. 
 
 Oleates , Olees , Fr. ; Oleate , G. 
 
 This class of preparations was first proposed by Lliermite (Jour. Pliar. Chimie, Oct., 
 1854, p. 301) but did not attract attention until recommended by Prof. John Marshall 
 (1872). They are combinations of oleic acid with metallic bases or alkaloids, but as 
 medicinally employed they are usually solutions of the true or normal oleates in an excess 
 of oleic acid. In the case of the alkaloids the respective oleates are prepared by direct 
 solution in oleic acid, and to facilitate which a moderate degree of heat may be employed. 
 In the case of metallic oleates, however, mutual decomposition is frequently resorted to 
 for which purpose either a specially prepared sodium or potassium oleate is employed, or 
 a solution of castile soap, which latter, being a sodium oleo-palmitate, will of course 
 yield also an impure oleate ; but for all practical purposes this slight impurity may gen- 
 erally be disregarded, particularly in the case of lead, zinc, and copper. The proportion 
 of alkaloids or metallic oxide to be dissolved in oleic acid may vary to suit the particular 
 views of the practitioner, but since the union of oleic acid with the base results in a 
 definite chemical compound, the limit set by nature cannot be exceeded ; this limit repre- 
 sents the following proportions of base represented by normal oleates, calculated for 
 anhydrous alkaloids and metallic oxides respectively : atropine 50.6 per cent., cocaine 
 51.8 per cent., morphine 50.3 per cent., quinine 53.46 per cent., strychnine 54.22 per 
 cent., bismuth 22.2 per cent., copper 12.7 per cent., lead 29 per cent., iron (ferric) 8.9 
 per cent., mercury (mercuric) 28.4 per cent., zinc 12.9 per cent. Assuming the molecular 
 weights of aconitine and veratrine (based on the formula given by Prescott) to be correct, 
 the normal oleates of these two alkaloids would contain 69.6 and 61.15 per cent, respec- 
 tively ; but it must be remembered that the commercial aconitine and veratrine are both 
 very impure. The solutions of alkaloidal oleates are usually made of the strength of 
 2 per cent., except morphine and cocaine (usually 5 per cent.) and quinine (25 per cent.) ; 
 a typical formula for their preparation is given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia under Oleatum 
 Yeratrinae. In the case of metallic oleates the use to which they are to be put must be 
 considered in the choice of proper diluents : for mercuric oleates and all those intended 
 for epidermic medication only oleic acid should be employed, as it is more readily 
 absorbed than fats and solid hydrocarbons ; for those oleates intended for use in skin 
 diseases, petrolatum or benzoinated lard may be used. The more nearly oleic acid is 
 saturated with mercuric oxide the better will the preparation keep, and hence either the 
 normal or, the official oleate should be kept in stock for dilution as wanted, the necessary 
 oleic acid being readily incorporated. 10 parts of normal mercuric oleate diluted with 
 18.4 parts of oleic acid will produce the 10 per cent, oleate, and if diluted with 46.8 
 parts of acid the 5 per cent, oleate will be obtained. 
 
 Although a solution of castile soap has been strongly recommended for the prepara- 
 tion of normal metallic oleates, a purer product can be obtained by using sodium or 
 potassium oleate prepared direct from oleic acid, as follows: Warm in a capacious vessel 
 2000 grains of purified oleic acid (U. S. P. 1890) to about 60° or 66° C. (140°— 150. 8°F.), 
 and add slowly a solution of 320 grains of soda (U. S. 90 per cent.) in a mixture of 1? 
 fluidounces of alcohol and 4 ounces of water, stirring constantly until the acid is neutral- 
 ized, and a small portion of the resulting soap dissolved in alcohol yields but a faint pink 
 tint on the addition of a few drops of alcoholic solution of phenolphtalein. The soap 
 is then dissolved in 6 pints of warm water and filtered ; this neutral solution may be 
 used for the decomposition of metallic salts, and will yield very satisfactory normal 
 oleates ; for instance, to the above quantity (6 pints) may be added, slowly and with 
 constant stirring, a warm solution of 884 grains of cupric sulphate in 2 pints of water, 
 or of 1350 grains of pure lead acetate in 4 pints of warm water, etc. More extended 
 information, together with working formulas for the various oleates, will be found in the 
 Amer. Jour. Phar. for 1881 and 1889, and Drugg. Circ. 1885. 
 
 Ointments of the Oleates. Manufacturers have for some time offered a class of 
 preparations under the name of ointments of the various oleates, in regard to which 
 some confusion exists, since the base used by different manufacturers varies, as well as 
 
1098 
 
 OLEATUM HYDRARGYRI. 
 
 the proportion of oleate : physicians may therefore find these ointments of varying com- 
 position and consistence, as either benzoinated lard or petrolatum (soft or hard) has been 
 used in their preparation. The term ‘‘ ointment of any oleate, 5 or 10 per cent.” can 
 have but one meaning as far as the active ingredient is concerned — namely, that the fin- 
 ished product contains 5 or 10 parts of the respective normal oleates in every 100 parts 
 of the ointment, and not 5 or 10 parts of the alkaloid or metallic oxide, as is frequently 
 supposed : this of course makes a considerable difference in the strength of the oleate 
 ointments, and should be borne in mind whenever they are prescribed. Ointments of 
 oleates are not recognized in any of the pharmacopoeias (except Unguentum Zinci Oleati, 
 Br. Phar ., which see), and physicians may save themselves and the pharmacists much 
 annoyance by either specifying the name of the manufacturer whose product they desire, 
 or by designating the amount of oleate (normal or of a stated percentage strength), as 
 well as the kind of base they wish to have used in the preparation of the ointments of the 
 various oleates. 
 
 OLEATUM HYDRARGYRI, U . S ., Br. — Oleate of Mercury. 
 
 Hydrargyrum oleicum , s. ole'inicum, s. elainicum. — Mercuric oleate , E. ; Oleate mer- 
 curique, Fr. ; Quecksilberoleat , Mercurioleat , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Yellow Mercuric Oxide, thoroughly dried, 200 Gm. ; Oleic Acid, 800 
 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Introduce the oleic acid into a capacious mortar, and gradu- 
 ally add to it the yellow mercuric oxide, by sifting it upon the surface of the acid and 
 incorporating it by continuous stirring. Then set the mixture aside in a warm place, at 
 a temperature not exceeding 40° C. (104° F.), and stir frequently until the oxide is dis- 
 solved. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of the official mercuric oleate use 350 grains of well dried mercuric 
 oxide and 1400 grains of oleic acid. 
 
 To 9 ounces of oleic acid gradually add 1 ounce of yellow mercuric oxide, and triturate 
 occasionally until it is all dissolved. — Br. 
 
 The U. S. preparation constitutes a 20 per cent, oleate, and is of the consistence of firm 
 butter with a yellowish color ; when made by mutual decomposition between potassium 
 oleate and mercuric nitrate, as first suggested in 1873 by Louis Dohme, it is of a pale 
 cream color. Heat must be avoided as much as possible in its preparation, as it is readily 
 decomposed at increased temperatures, but will keep for a long time in a cool place pro- 
 tected against light and air. The use of metallic spatulas should be carefully avoided, and 
 only glass or porcelain utensils employed. 
 
 The 20 per cent, oleate of mercury may be readily converted into the 10 per cent, 
 oleate by mixing with an equal weight of oleic acid, or into the 5 per cent, oleate by 
 adding three times its weight of oleic acid. 
 
 Oleate of bismuth has been prescribed to some extent, and may be conveniently pre- 
 pared by Beringer’s method, as follows : Take of oxide of bismuth, dried at 100° C., 
 until it ceases to lose weight, 480 grains ; purified oleic acid, 1735 grains. Rub the oxide 
 to fine powder, mix thoroughly with the oleic acid, add 2 parts of water, and boil the 
 mixture until saponification is complete (replacing water as it evaporates), and a small 
 quantity dropped into water yields an ointment-like mass without separation of oleic 
 acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oleate of mercury was proposed and introduced by Marshall 
 (1872) for making an ointment more cleanly and at the same time more efficient than 
 mercurial ointment, because more readily absorbed after its mere application to the integu- 
 ment without friction. It, however, was liable to the objection of smelling unpleasantly, 
 and of irritating the skin in many cases unless diluted with olive oil or lard. In order 
 to proportion the strength of the preparation to the susceptibility of the skin, it has been 
 made with different percentages of the oxide of mercury, from 3 up to 20 per cent., and 
 as the stronger were apt to produce pain, Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) of morphine was combined with 
 each drachm of the preparation. It was painted on the affected part with a brush or 
 mop, and not rubbed in like ordinary liniments or embrocations. 
 
 It was originally applied to joints affected with chronic inflammations, synovial or rheu- 
 matic ; to indurations of the mammae and lymphatic glands ; to the pustules of sycosis ; 
 to the seat of itching in pruritus pudendi et ani ; and to destroy lice infesting the genitals. 
 A mass as large as a pea or bean of the 20 per cent, oleate was placed in the child’s 
 axilla in cases of congenital syphilis; the application, repeated night and morning for five 
 or six days, produced its constitutional effects without any sign of uncleanliness. But, 
 
OLEATUM VERATRINJE.— OLEATUM ZINCI. 
 
 1099 
 
 on the whole, experience has proven this preparation to be inferior to mercurial ointment. 
 In the non-ulcerated forms of syphiloderma affecting the face, neck, or hands the 10 per 
 cent, solution was found a valuable adjunct to their treatment. This solution was also 
 applied to non-ulcerated indurations and condylomata , to the eyelids in syphilitic iritis , and 
 to hard nodes and certain forms of syphilitic testicle. It is alleged to have cured bromi- 
 drosis, or fetid sweating of the axilla ( Lancet , May 8, 1880). Most of these results were 
 soon after their announcement confirmed (Hill, Martini, 1873), but not those relating to 
 non-syphilitic inflammatory affections. With the exception of a suggestion that it would 
 form an excellent substitute for the ointment of yellow oxide of mercury in the treatment 
 of diseases of the eye (1878), it does not appear that any favorable account has been pub- 
 lished of this preparation, from which it may be inferred that experience has not confirmed 
 the estimate of its value entertained by its proposer. 
 
 OLEATUM VERATRINJE, U. S.— Oleate of Veratrine. 
 
 Veratrinum oleicum. — Oleate de veratrine , Fr. ; Veratrinoleat , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Veratrine, 2 Gm. ; Oleic Acid, 98 Gm. ; to make 100 Om. Rub the 
 veratrine with a small quantity of the oleic acid in a warm mortar to a smooth paste. 
 Add this to the remainder of the oleic acid, previously warmed, and stir until it is dis- 
 solved.— U. S. 
 
 In like manner other alkaloidal oleates may be prepared, the above formula yielding a 
 2 per cent, solution ; when a stronger oleate is ordered a decreased quantity of oleic acid 
 should be taken ; thus for 5 per cent, use 5 Gm. of alkaloid and 95 Gm. of oleic acid ; 
 for 25 per cent., use 25 Gm. and 75 Gm. respectively, etc. Since each minim of the 
 2 per cent, oleate weighs about t 8 q of a grain, 100 grains of it will measure about 2 
 fluidrachms. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation contains half as much of the alkaloid as vera 
 trine ointment. Like that compound, it is useful as an application to neuralgic centres. 
 It should be applied with a mop. 
 
 OLEATUM ZINCI, U. S., Br.— Oleate of Zinc. 
 
 Zincum oleicum. — Oleate de zinc , Fr. ; Zinkoleat , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Zinc Oxide, 50 Gm. ; Oleic Acid, 950 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. 
 Introduce the oleic acid into a capacious capsule, and gradually add to it the zinc oxide, 
 by sifting it upon the surface of the acid, and incorporating it by continuous stirring. 
 Set the mixture aside for a few hours, and then heat it on a water-bath, frequently 
 stirring, until the oxide is dissolved. — JJ. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of oleate of zinc 871 grains of zinc oxide and 16621 grains of 
 oleic acid should be used. 
 
 Add 1 ounce of zinc oxide to 9 ounces of oleic acid, and allow the mixture to stand 
 for two hours ; then heat on a water-bath until the oxide is dissolved. — Br. 
 
 The U. S. preparation, being a 5 per cent, oleate, is of the consistence of a soft oint- 
 ment, whereas the Br. oleate, containing twice as much oxide, is very much firmer. The 
 so-called 20 per cent, oleate of zinc is a hard friable mass, containing a considerable excess 
 of zinc oxide, the normal compound representing only 12.9 per cent. 
 
 Powdered oleate of zinc may be prepared by either of the two following methods : 
 Add a cold solution of 1 oz. of castile soap in 2 pints of water, slowly to a cold solution 
 of 360 grains of zinc acetate in 4 pints of water, constantly stirring ; wash the precipi- 
 tate with cold water and dry without heat (Parsons). Make 6 pints of neutral soap solu- 
 tion from oleic acid and soda (see page 1097), warm to 43° C. (109.4° F.), and to it add 
 slowly a solution of 1100 grains of zinc sulphate in 2 pints of water, stirring constantly — 
 collect the precipitate on a moist filter, wash thoroughly with water, and dry on bibulous 
 paper at a temperature not exceeding 38° C. (100° F.). It is important that the tem- 
 perature during precipitation be maintained between 38° and 43° C. (100°— 110° F.), so 
 that the oleate when dry may be obtained in white friable masses which can easily be 
 passed through a sieve as an impalpable unctuous slippery powder (Beringer). 
 
1100 
 
 OLEORESINJE. — OLEORESINA ASPIDII. 
 
 Fig. 197. 
 
 OLE ORE SIN JE . — Oleoresins, 
 
 Oleo-resines , Extraits ether es, Fr. ; (Elliarze , JEtherische Extrakte , G. 
 
 These preparations consist mainly of fixed or volatile oils associated with resin and 
 some other constituents, and are directed to be prepared by exhausting the powdered 
 
 drug with ether. The great volatility of this solvent renders 
 it necessary to percolate in a well-closed apparatus, in which 
 the pressure is equalized by connecting the receiving vessel 
 with the top of the percolator by means of a tube (see page 
 642). The ethereal tincture is afterward transferred to a 
 suitable still, and the ether distilled off from a water-bath with 
 a moderate heat. Various apparatuses have been constructed 
 to accomplish the exhaustion with the smallest possible quan- 
 tity of ether by using the same liquid over again until the 
 material has been exhausted ; for this purpose the recipient 
 is placed in water of about 50° C. (122° F.) ; the ether 
 vapors ascending through the connecting tube mentioned 
 above are condensed in a suitable refrigerator, and the ether 
 is again passed into the percolator, the operation being repeated 
 as often as required. The annexed cut, taken from Parrish’s 
 Pharmacy , represents such an apparatus, which is best made 
 of tinned sheet iron, or preferably of copper well tinned on the inside ; it explains 
 itself, and it is merely necessary to state that the head is perforated at the bottom for the 
 equal distribution of the menstruum, and jacketed above for the condensation of the 
 ether. The percolator being likewise jacketed, it may be immersed in warm water, and 
 the ether recovered which remains in the powder after exhaustion ; or, if distillation be 
 inconvenient, the greater portion of the ether may be displaced by means of alcohol. 
 
 If the operation has been carefully conducted, the ether thus regained is not at all or 
 but very slightly impregnated with volatile oil ; nevertheless, it must be regarded as unfit 
 for internal use, and should be reserved for a similar subsequent operation. 
 
 In 1892 Geo. M. Beringer suggested the use of acetone as a menstruum in place of 
 ether, and made a series of experiments in which he established the value of the former 
 solvent. As acetone can now be obtained of great purity at a cost considerably below 
 that of pure ether, and as its boiling-point is at least 18° or 20° C. above that of ether, 
 it seems a pity that the Pharmacopoeia failed to recognize its merits. 
 
 The usual directions for the preparation of oleoresins are to continue percolation of 
 the drug to complete exhaustion, but, as already pointed out by Procter nearly 30 years 
 ago, the first portions of percolate contain practically the whole of the oleoresinous con- 
 stituents, and hence 2 cubic centimeters of percolate for each gramme of drug operated 
 upon would appear sufficient: in the case of capsicum even less (1.5 Cc.) has been found 
 advantageous, in order to avoid the extraction of large quantities of fat. 
 
 OLEORESINA ASPIDII, TJ . S . — Oleoresin of Aspidium. 
 
 Oleoresina filicis , Extractum filicis liquidum , Br. ; Extractum filicis , P. G. ; Oleum filicis 
 marts . — Oleoresin or Liquid extract of male fern , E. ; Extrait ethere (Huile) de fougere male , 
 Fr. ; Wurmfarnextrakt , Wurmfarnbl , G. 
 
 Preparation. — ikspidium, recently reduced to a No. 60 powder, 500 Gm. ; Ether, a 
 sufficient quantity. Put the aspidium into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with 
 a stopcock, and arranged with cover and receptacle suitable for volatile liquids. Press 
 the drug firmly, and percolate slowly with ether, added in successive portions, until the 
 drug is exhausted. Recover the greater part of the ether from the percolate by distilla- 
 tion on a water-bath, and, having transferred the residue to a capsule, allow the remain- 
 ing ether to evaporate spontaneously. Keep the oleoresin in a well-stoppered bottle. 
 
 Note. — Oleoresin of aspidium usually deposits, on standing, a granular-crystalline 
 substance. This should be thoroughly mixed with the liquid portion before use. — U. S. 
 
 The processes of the other pharmacopoeias are essentially identical with the above, 
 except that maceration instead of percolation is directed by the P. G. It should be 
 remembered that only that portion of the rhizome is to be used which has still a greenish 
 
OLEORESINA CAPSTCI.—OLEORESTNA CUBEBM. 
 
 1101 
 
 color ; the oleoresin will then have a greenish or brownish-green color, while the entire 
 rhizome with the stipes yields a brown preparation, which not unfrequently forms a 
 jelly, probably from the separation of pectin compounds. The official oleoresin sepa- 
 rates a granular deposit of filicic acid, which must be well mixed with the liquid portion 
 on dispensing. The yield is about 10 to 15 per cent. 
 
 “ The oleoresin, well stirred and diluted with glycerin, should not show any starch- 
 granules when examined under the microscope.” — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Since the introduction into practice of this preparation, whose 
 activity depends upon the filicic acid it contains, the treatment of taeniae has been 
 rendered prompt and certain, at least so far as relates to the armed taenia and T. bothrio- 
 cephalus. It appears to act as a poison to the parasites, which are discharged dead. The 
 medicine may occasion nausea, griping, and even vomiting, but usually acts without 
 causing either pain or uneasiness. It is well to prepare the patient by administering a 
 purgative dose of castor oil or of calomel, or a saline cathartic, in order to remove the 
 mucus in which the head of the parasite is imbedded. This should be done about twelve 
 hours before the oleoresin is administered, and the diet at the same time restricted to milk 
 and light broths. Duchesne advises that the extract should be administered along with 
 calomel: R. 01. resinge aspidii f*3ij , calomel gr. xij. S. Make 16 capsules, of which 2 
 are to be taken every ten minutes until all are used. The oleoresin is best prescribed in 
 capsules each containing Gm. 0.40-0.46 (gr. vj-vij). Some advise that an equal quantity 
 of ether should be contained in every one. Of these capsules two should be taken every 
 fifteen minutes until Gm. 6-8 (f^iss-ij) of the oleoresin have been used. In the course 
 of two or three hours purging begins, and after several stools the worm is generally 
 expelled, dead. It has been suggested that the patient should evacuate the bowel in a 
 vessel nearly full of water, so that the parasite need not break and that its parts may be 
 readily distinguished. The oleoresin of Aspidium viarginale, a common fern of this 
 country, has been successfully used for tape-worm in doses of Gm. 0.20 (gr. iij). 
 
 OLEORESINA CAPSICI, TJ. S . — Oleoresin of Capsicum. 
 
 Oleoresine ( Extrait etheree ) de capsique , Fr. ; Spanischpfeffer-Oelharz , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Capsicum, in No. 60 powder, 500 Gm. ; Ether, a sufficient quantity. 
 Put the capsicum into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with a stopcock, and 
 arranged with cover and receptacle suitable for volatile liquids. Press the drug firmly, 
 and percolate slowly with ether, added in successive portions, until the drug is exhausted. 
 Recover the greater part of the ether from the percolate by distillation on a water-bath, 
 and having transferred the residue to a capsule, allow the remaining ether to evaporate 
 spontaneously. Now pour off the liquid portion, transfer the remainder to a strainer, 
 and when the separated fatty matter (which is to be rejected) has been completely 
 drained, mix the liquid portions together. Keep the oleoresin in a well-stoppered 
 bottle. — U. S. 
 
 It is a dark brown-red rather thick liquid, separating on standing a granular deposit 
 of fat, which mechanically encloses a portion of the oleoresin, that may be recovered by 
 washing . several times with small quantities of ether. Instead of draining the fat, we 
 prefer to decant the clear oleoresin and wash the remainder as stated. The yield is about 
 5 per cent., but as much as 10 or 12 per cent, has been obtained. The oleoresin has little 
 odor, but possesses an extremely hot and fiery taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation appears to be nearly superfluous as an internal 
 medicine, since all the virtues it can exert in that manner are sufficiently exhibited by 
 capsicum. It is occasionally added to liniments to increase their rubefacient action, but 
 is more beneficially incorporated in plasters, such as soap or lead plaster, for a similar 
 purpose. The dose may be stated at Gm. 0.06 (try), well diluted. 
 
 OLEORESINA CUBEB.ZE, TJ, S •, Tiv , — Oleoresin of Cubeb. 
 
 Extractum cuhebarum , P. G. ; Extractum cubebse sethereum . — OUoresine de cubebe , Fr. ; 
 Kubebenextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cubeb, in No. 30 powder, 500 Gm. ; Ether, a sufficient quantity. 
 Put the cubeb into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with a stopcock, and arranged 
 with cover and receptacle suitable for volatile liquids. Press the drug firmly, and perco- 
 late slowly with ether, added in successive portions, until the drug is exhausted. Recover 
 the greater part of the ether from the percolate by distillation on a water-bath, arid, having 
 
1102 
 
 OLEORES1NA LUPULINI.—OLEORES1NA PIPERIS. 
 
 transferred the residue to a capsule, allow the remaining ether to evaporate spontaneously. 
 Keep the product in a well-stoppered bottle. 
 
 Note. — O leoresin of cubeb deposits, after standing for some time, a waxy and crys- 
 talline matter, which should be rejected, only the liquid portion being used. — U S. 
 
 The formula of Br. is practically identical with this. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia has a similar preparation, made, however, by extracting 
 the cubebs with a mixture of equal weights of ether and alcohol ; it probably contains 
 less volatile oil, a portion of which must volatilize with the last portions of alcohol. The 
 oleoresin, as prepared by the above formula, is of a brown-green, or sometimes of a grass- 
 green, color, the difference being due to the presence of more or less chlorophyll. On 
 standing it deposits some waxy matter and cubebin, which are removed by decantation. 
 The remaining liquid, amounting to between 18 and 25 per cent, of the cubebs used, 
 consists mainly of fixed and volatile oils, the active resins, and chlorophyll. An alco- 
 holic ether dissolves more brown coloring matter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Investigations for the purpose of discovering upon which of 
 the constituents of cubeb its' medicinal value depends have not reached a perfectly definite 
 conclusion, but it may be considered that its most active element is the soft resin, 
 which, when taken in doses of from Gm. 4.60—6 (gr. lxx-xc), produces a lively sensa- 
 tion of heat in the stomach, increases the urine, and renders it hot and irritating. In 
 the dose of Gm. 10 (gr. cl) it occasions also eructation, flatulence, a pervading sense 
 of warmth, and some quickening of the pulse. The dose of the oleoresin is stated to be 
 Gm. 0.30-2 (npv-xxx), which may be given on sugar or preferably enclosed in gelatin 
 capsules. 
 
 OLEORESINA LUPULINI, U. S . — Oleoresin of Lupulin. 
 
 Oleoresina lupidinae, Extractum lupulini sethereum — Oleoresine de lupuline, Fr. ; JEther- 
 iscJies Lupulinextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lupulin, 100 Gm. ; Ether, a sufficient quantity. Put the lupulin 
 into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with a stopcock, and arranged with cover and 
 receptacle suitable for volatile liquids. Press the drug very lightly , and percolate slowly 
 with ether, added in successive portions, until the drug is exhausted. Recover the greater 
 part of the ether from the percolate by distillation on a water-bath, and, having trans- 
 ferred the residue to a capsule, allow the remaining ether to evaporate spontaneously. 
 Keep the oleoresin in a well-stoppered bottle. — U. S. 
 
 The yield is variable, often amounting to 50 or 60 per cent. It is of a dark reddish- 
 brown color and semi-fluid in consistence, and has the odor and taste of the drug. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation probably contains all the medicinal virtues 
 of hop. It is, however, seldom used. It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.10-0.60 
 (gr. ij— x), or more, in pill or capsule. 
 
 OLEORESINA PIPERIS, U. S . — Oleoresin of Pepper. 
 
 Oleoresin de poivre noir , Fr. ; JEtherisches Pfefferextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Pepper, in No. 60 powder, 500 Gm. ; Ether, a sufficient quantity. 
 Put the pepper into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with a stopcock, and arranged 
 with a cover and receptacle for volatile liquids. Press the drug firmly, and percolate 
 slowly with ether, added in successive portions, until the drug is exhausted. Recover 
 the greater part of the ether from the percolate by evaporation on a water-bath, and, 
 having transferred the residue to a capsule, set this aside until the remaining ether has 
 evaporated, and the deposition of crystals of piperin has ceased. Lastly, separate the 
 oleoresin from the piperin by expression through a muslin strainer. Keep the oleoresin 
 in a well-stoppered bottle. — U. S. 
 
 The official process yields from 5 to 6.5 per cent, of a greenish-black oleoresin, consist- 
 ing of a mixture of volatile and fixed oil holding the pungent resin and some piperin 
 in solution. It is an official substitute for the so-called oil of black pepper , which is 
 obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of piperin, and has essentially the same 
 composition, except that the volatile oil is present in small quantities only. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medical uses of this oleoresin are probably few and unim- 
 portant, since it contains but a small proportion of piperine, which is of some value as 
 a medicine. Its dose is Gm. 0.05—010 (try— ij)- 
 
OLEORESINA ZINGIBERIS.— OLEUM JE THERE UM. 
 
 1103 
 
 OLEORESINA ZINGIBERIS, 77. S . — Oleoresin of Ginger. 
 
 Extractum zingiberis sethereum . — Oleoresine ( Piperoide ) de gingembre, Fr. ; Zingiberin , 
 jEtherisches Ingwerextrakt , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ginger, in No. 60 powder, 500 Gm. ; Ether, a sufficient quantity. 
 Put the ginger into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with a stopcock, and arranged 
 with cover and receptacle suitable for volatile liquids. Press the drug firmly, and perco- 
 late slowly with ether, added in successive portions, until the drug is exhausted. Recover 
 the greater part of the ether from the percolate by distillation on a water-bath, and having 
 transferred the residue to a capsule, allow the remaining ether to evaporate spontaneously. 
 Keep the oleoresin in a well-stoppered bottle. — U. S. 
 
 Coated ginger yields between 8 and 10 per cent., and the uncoated (Jamaica) ginger 
 between 5 and 7 per cent, of oleoresin, which, as prepared from the latter, is lighter in 
 color, rather more limpid, and perhaps more agreeable in flavor. The appellation piperoid 
 originated with Beral. Using acetone as a solvent, nearly 10 per cent, of oleoresin has 
 been obtained, which was completely soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. 
 
 Uses. — This oleoresin may possibly fulfil some useful purpose for which ginger in 
 substance and its tincture are inadequate. It is, in fact, only a concentrated ethereal 
 solution. The dose is Gm. 0.06 (ny), largely diluted. 
 
 OLEUM ADIPIS, 77. S.— Lard Oil. 
 
 Huile de graxsse , Fr. ; Schmalzol, Speckol , G. 
 
 A fixed oil expressed from lard at a low temperature. 
 
 Preparation. — Lard, enclosed in strong canvas bags, is kept for some time near the 
 freezing-point of water, and then subjected to a gradually-increased pressure. About 60 
 or 62 per cent, of oil is obtained. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Lard oil is a colorless or pale yellow, oily liquid, having 
 a slightly fatty odor, a bland taste, and showing at 15° C. (59° F.), the specific gravity 
 of 0.910 to 0.920. At a temperature a little below 10° C. (50° F.) it usually commences 
 to separate a white granular fat, and at or near 0° C. (32° F.) it forms a solid, white 
 mass. When it is brought in contact with concentrated sulphuric acid a dark reddish- 
 brown color is instantly produced. If 5 Cc. of the oil be thoroughly shaken, in a 
 test-tube, with 5 Cc. of an acidulated, 1 per cent, alcoholic solution of silver nitrate 
 (made by dissolving 1 Gm. of silver nitrate in 100 Cc. of deodorized alcohol, and adding 
 0.5 Cc. of nitric acid), and the mixture heated for about five minutes in a water-bath, the 
 oil should remain nearly or quite colorless, not acquiring a reddish or brown color, nor 
 should any dark color be produced at the line of contact of the two liquids (absence of 
 more than about 5 per cent, of cotton-seed oil). If 5 Cc. of the oil, contained in a small 
 flask, be mixed with a solution of 2 Gm. of potassium hydroxide in 2 Cc. of water, then 
 5 Cc. of alcohol added, and the mixture heated for about five minutes on a water-bath, 
 with occasional agitation, a perfectly clear and complete solution should result, which, 
 after dilution with water to the volume of 50 Cc., should form a transparent, light yellow 
 liquid, without the separation of any oily layer (absence of appreciable quantities of 
 paraffin oils). — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — It consists mainly of olein, with variable quantities of palmitin and 
 stearin. 
 
 OLEUM .SETHEREUM, 77. S. — Ethereal Oil. 
 
 A volatile liquid consisting of equal volumes of heavy oil of wine and ether. — U. S. 
 
 Heavy oil of wine is a complex mixture of ethyl sulphate, (C 2 H 5 ) 2 S0 4 , and varying 
 proportions of certain polymeric hydrocarbons (etherin and etherol), and no definite 
 chemical formula can therefore be accepted for the same. 
 
 Preparation. — Alcohol, 1000 Cc. ; Sulphuric Acid, 1000 Cc. ; Distilled Water, 25 
 Cc. ; Ether; a sufficient quantity. Add the acid slowly to the alcohol, mix them thor- 
 oughly, and allow the mixture to stand, in a closed flask, for twenty-four hours ; then 
 pour the clear liquid into a tubulated retort of such capacity that the mixture shall 
 nearly fill it. Insert a thermometer through the tubulure, so that the bulb shall be 
 deeply immersed in the liquid, and, having connected the retort with a well-cooled con- 
 denser, and also having connected with the receiver a bent glass tube for conducting the 
 uncondensed gases into water, distil, by means of a sand-bath, at a temperature between 
 
1104 
 
 OLEUM jETIIEREUM. 
 
 150° and 160° C. (302° and 320° F.), until the liquid ceases to come over or until a 
 black froth begins to rise in the retort. Separate the yellow, ethereal liquid from the 
 distillate, and expose it to the air for twenty-four hours in a shallow capsule. Then 
 transfer it to a wet filter, and, when the watery portion has drained off, wash the oil 
 which is left on the filter with the distilled water, which should be as cold as possible. 
 When this also has drained off, transfer the oil to a graduated measure, and add to it an 
 equal volume of ether. — U. S. 
 
 The reaction upon each other of alcohol and sulphuric acid in the production of ether 
 is explained under ^Ether, page 129, sulphovinic acid, HC 2 H 5 S0 4 , being first formed. 
 
 When this acid is heated with a further supply of alcohol, ether distils over ; if water 
 instead of alcohol be added and then heat applied, alcohol distils over and sulphuric acid 
 is set free ; on heating the sulphovinic acid by itself, gas is copiously given off, consisting 
 chiefly of ethylene ( sethene , elayl , olefiant gas), C 2 H 4 , sulphuric acid being regenerated; 
 HC 2 H 5 S0 4 yields C 2 H 4 and H 2 S0 4 , while the free sulphuric acid determines further decom- 
 position, the mass becomes charred, and carbonic and sulphur dioxides are met with 
 among the gaseous products. On heating sulphuric acid to about 150° C. (302° F.) and 
 adding slowly sulphovinic acid, heavy oil of wine is produced, besides other gaseous com- 
 pounds and carbonaceous matter. 
 
 Instead of operating with pure sulphovinic acid, alcohol and sulphuric acid may be 
 allowed to react upon each other, whereby the products must necessarily be still more 
 complicated, owing to the presence of uncombined alcohol and sulphuric acid, together 
 with water and sulphovinic acid, which have resulted from the reaction of the two former ; 
 in all cases the temperature to which such mixtures are heated exerts an important influ- 
 ence, determining, as it rises, further decomposition. On keeping sulphuric acid at a tem- 
 perature of 160° C. (320° F.) and passing the vapors of absolute alcohol into it, Lose 
 obtained ethylene, sulphurous acid, water, and heavy oil of wine, while the retort con- 
 tained sulphuric, isaethionic, and thiomelanic acids ; but on previously diluting the acid 
 with water to the amount of 30 per cent, and using 80 per cent, alcohol, Mitscherlich 
 obtained in the distillate only water and ethylene, with traces of alcohol and ether. The 
 carbonaceous mass mentioned before has been named thiomelanic acid ; it is a black, 
 rather dense, glossy mass, forming with bases insoluble compounds, and having a complex 
 composition, approaching the empirical formula C 28 H 16 S0 7 . Issethionic acid, C 2 H 5 HS0 4 , 
 is syrupy, and isomeric with sulphovinic acid. 
 
 The production of heavy oil of wine evidently depends upon the absence of water and 
 the generation of sulphurous acid, the latter being accompanied by the production of thio- 
 melanic acid. An excess of sulphuric acid is required for this purpose, and this is 
 directed in the above formula, the quantity of acid being about four times greater than 
 is theoretically necessary for the production of sulphovinic acid. On mixing the acid and 
 alcohol a turbidity is seen, and subsequently a white precipitation takes place, consisting 
 of lead sulphate, which was dissolved in the sulphuric acid ; this should be removed to 
 avoid the concussions, which would endanger the safety of the retort. When distillation 
 begins, ether and water come over, which are followed by sulphur dioxide gas, ethylene, 
 and heavy oil of wine, and the distillate finally consists of an aqueous solution of sulphur- 
 ous acid and a yellowish ethereal solution of the oil. The gaseous acid should be con- 
 ducted into the open air or may be utilized for the preparation of sulphites. By exposing 
 the ethereal portion of the distillate to the air, the ether evaporates, leaving the oil con- 
 taminated with some acid watery liquid, which is removed by draining upon a wet filter 
 and washing, after which the oil is measured and dissolved in an equal volume of ether. 
 This has been found necessary to avoid the spontaneous decomposition and separation 
 into two liquids which would otherwise take place. 
 
 The process now official is essentially that devised by Squibb (1858), with some modi- 
 fications suggested by C. L. Diehl (1864). The proper management of the heat influences 
 the yield very considerably ; to reduce the formation of ether to its smallest quantity, 
 the mixture should be rapidly heated to near the lowest temperature mentioned in the 
 directions (302° F.), and should never be permitted to fall much below it ; if it should 
 arise above 160° C. (320° F.), there is great danger of foaming to such to such an extent 
 that the mixture will run over and the charge be lost. Diehl found it of advantage to 
 let the temperature rise to 157° or 158° C. (314.6° or 316.4° F.), then to dampen the fire 
 and allow the distillation to proceed spontaneously until the temperature is reduced to 
 150° C., when heat is again cautiously applied as before, and then heating repeated four 
 or five times until the charge is nearly exhausted, which requires from 10 to 12 hours 
 when working with 5 to 7 gallons of the mixture. The attention required for smaller 
 
OLEUM AMYGDALAE AMARJE. 
 
 1105 
 
 quantities is nearly the same. With good management the yield varies between about 
 1.6 and 2.3 per cent., and averages about 2 per cent, of the weight of the alcohol 
 employed. (See also a paper in Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1865, p. 100.) 
 
 Properties. — Pure heavy oil of wine is a yellowish, thickish, oily liquid of a 
 peculiar aromatic odor and pungent, refreshing, bitterish taste somewhat like that of 
 mint. It is neutral to dry paper, and has the specific gravity 1.129, or, according to 
 Serullas, 1.133, when quite pure. It is very slightly soluble in water, but dissolves 
 readily in alcohol and ether. On being kept for some time crystals of etherin are sepa- 
 rated, which have the same elementary composition as ethylene, are nearly tasteless, and 
 on warming have an odor similar to that of oil of wine ; the crystals have the spec. grav. 
 0.98, melt at 110° C. (230° F.), and distil at 260° C. (500° F.) without leaving any resi- 
 due. In contact with cold water the oil of wine is slowly, with warm water rapidly, 
 decomposed into sulphovinic acid and light oil of wine containing etherin in solution. 
 This light oil of urine, or etherol, has likewise the elementary composition of ethylene, but 
 its formula is probably C 8 H 16 ; it is yellowish, of a peculiar odor, specific gravity 0.921, 
 insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol. It boils at 280° C. (536° F.), is tough like tur- 
 pentine at — 25° C. ( — 13° F.), and solid at — 35° C. ( — 31° F.). 
 
 Diluted with ether, as directed by the Pharmacopoeia, oil of wine is a pale-yellowish, 
 nearly colorless liquid of an ethereal and aromatic odor, besides that peculiar to the pure 
 oil, and of a pungent and refreshing taste. At 15° C. (59° F.) its spec. grav. is 0.910. 
 
 Composition. — The analyses of Serullas, Liebig, and others lead to the empirical 
 formula C 8 H 18 S 2 0 7 . Serullas regarded heavy oil of wine as the double sulphate of ethyl 
 and ethylene ; Liebig, as ethylsulphate (sulphovinate) of etherol : the latter view appears 
 to be the more correct one if the decomposition with water is taken into consideration. 
 Alkalies also decompose it into sulphovinate of the alkali, liberating etherol. Or it may 
 be related to sulphuric ether or ethyl sulphate , discovered by Wetherill (1848), which is a 
 yellowish oil of the specific gravity 1.120, has a peppermint-like odor and pungent taste, 
 and the composition of which is expressed by the formula (C 2 H 5 ) 2 S0 4 . Sulphurous ether 
 or ethylsulphite , (C 2 H 5 ) 2 S0 3 , which was discovered by Ebelmen and Bouquet (1845), has 
 the spec. grav. 1.17 at 0°, boils at 208° C. (406.4° F.), and is decomposed by potassa into 
 potassium sulphite and alcohol. 
 
 E. C. Hartwig (1881) examined the oily liquid which may be obtained by distilling the 
 acid residue left in the distillation of ether. This oil has been sold as oil of wine, but is 
 totally different from both the heavy and light oils of wine mentioned above, and consists 
 of hydrocarbons, ethers, and ketones, among them ethylamylic ether , C 2 H 5 .C 5 H n O, which 
 boils at 112° C. (233.6° F.); diisoamylene , C 10 H 20 , boiling at 157° C. ; ethylamyl ketone , 
 C 2 H 5 .C 5 H n .CO, boiling near 155° C. (311° F.); and several others having a higher 
 boiling-point. 
 
 Uses. — Ethereal oil is used in medicine only as an ingredient of the compound spirit 
 of ether. 
 
 OLEUM AMYGDALAE AMARiE, U. £.-Oil of Bitter Almond. 
 
 Oleum amygdalarum ( amararum ) as thereum. — Essence d’ amandes ameres , Fr. ; Bitter - 
 
 mandelol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil obtained from the seeds of Amygdalus communis, var. amara, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Amygdaleae (see page 193). 
 
 Preparation. — Bitter almonds are deprived of most of their fixed oil by pressure 
 between warm plates; the press-cake is powdered, mixed with about six times its weight 
 of water, the mixture digested for a day or two at a temperature of about 50° C. 
 (122° F.), and then distilled. 
 
 The oil does not pre-exist in the almonds, but is produced through the decomposition 
 of amygdalin by emulsin, hydrocyanic acid and sugar being at the same time formed; 
 C 20 H 27 NO n (amygdalin) and 2H 2 0 yield C 12 H 24 0 12 (glucose), C 7 II 6 0 (oil of bitter almond), 
 and HCN (hydrocyanic acid). This decomposition must first be effected before distilla- 
 tion is resorted to ; but while digesting the mixture too high a heat must be avoided, 
 which would coagulate the emulsin and render it ineffective. Distillation by superheated 
 steam is preferable to the use of the naked fire, in order to avoid empyreuma. The 
 water from which the volatile oil has been separated still retains notable quantities of it 
 m solution, which may be recovered by fractional distillation. To avoid the troublesome 
 concussions during distillation, and to bring all the amygdalin under the influence of 
 emulsin, Michael Pettenkofer (1861) recommends the exhaustion of the greater portion 
 
1106 
 
 OLEUM AMYGDALAE AM A RYE. 
 
 of the bitter-almond cake with boiling water, whereby the albuminoids are coagulated and 
 the amygdalin is dissolved from the softened tissue ; one-twelfth of the press-cake, 
 unboiled, is then added to the cold mixture, and after sufficient maceration distillation is 
 proceeded with. The yield varies considerably, but is usually over 1 per cent., and 
 occasionally reaches 3 per cent. The importation of the oil into the United States 
 amounted to 1602 pounds in 1877, and to 4093 pounds in 1883. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of bitter almond is colorless or yellowish, limpid, and strongly 
 refractive, has a peculiar aromatic odor, resembling that of hydrocyanic acid, and a bitter 
 and burning taste. Freshly prepared, it has in alcoholic solution a neutral reaction to 
 test-paper, but old oil changes the color of blue litmus to red. It varies in spec. grav. 
 between 1.06 and 1.075, and boils at about 180° C. (356° F.). When freed from hydro- 
 cyanic acid and rectified, its spec. grav. is lowered to 1.043 or 1.049, but it retains the 
 aromatic almond odor. It is soluble in 300 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in all 
 proportions of alcohol and ether. It also dissolves without change of composition in 
 cold nitric or sulphuric acid, but with fuming or with warm nitric acid it is first converted 
 into crystallizable nitrobenzaldehyde, and finally into benzoic acid, red nitrous vapors 
 being evolved. With concentrated sulphuric acid bitter-almond oil turns deep-red, and 
 on warming black, with evolution of carbonic acid gas. On being agitated with an 
 aqueous solution of potassium bisulphite a crystalline compound is formed. 
 
 Composition. — Pure oil of bitter almond was formerly regarded as the hydride of 
 the radical benzoyl (C 7 H 5 0), but in its chemical relation it is the aldehyde of benzalcoliol , 
 C 7 H 8 0, which was discovered by Cannizaro (1853), is a colorless, faintly aromatic oil, and 
 by careful oxidation yields benzaldehyde or bitter-almond oil, C 7 H 6 0, and this, by further 
 oxidation on exposure to the air or by means of oxidizing agents, is converted into ben- 
 zoic acid, C 7 H 6 0 2 . It is this latter compound which crystallizes from old oil of bitter 
 almonds. 
 
 Pure benzaldehyde (artificial oil of bitter almond ) is now largely made in Europe from 
 toluene , C 7 H 8 , a liquid hydrocarbon contained among the products of the destructive dis- 
 tillation of coal. 
 
 The crude oil contains variable quantities of benzimid , benzoin , and hydrocyanic acid , 
 from the latter of which it may be freed by agitation with mercuric oxide, or, preferably, 
 ferrous hydroxide (a mixture of lime with solution of ferrous sulphate), and subsequent 
 distillation. Potassa and other alkalies may likewise be employed, but an excess is apt 
 to decompose the oil with the production of benzoic acid and benzalcohol. According to 
 Volkel, hydrocyanic acid is contained in the crude oil in the form of a compound, 
 C 7 H 6 O.HNC, which is a yellowish, nearly inodorous, bitter oil of spec. grav. 1.124, and 
 boiling at 170° C. (338° F.). Benzimid has the composition 2C 7 H 6 O.C 7 H 6 (CN) 2 , and 
 forms in the pure state colorless, pearly, inodorous crystals, which on being boiled with i 
 water and hydrochloric acid are decomposed into oil of bitter almond, formic acid, and j 
 ammonia. Benzoin , C u H ]2 0 2 , crystallizes in inodorous and tasteless, colorless prisms 
 which are polymeric with oil of bitter almond, and are converted into the latter by pass- I 
 ing their vapor through a red-hot tube. 
 
 Adulterations.— The principal adulterations are nitrobenzene, alcohol, and chloro- 
 form, the last two being sometimes used together to leave the specific gravity unchanged. 
 
 By distilling a little of the suspected oil from a test-tube placed in a water-bath kept at 
 a temperature not exceeding 65° C. (149° F.), the chloroform will distil over, while 
 alcohol will distil at about 80° C. (176° F.), the distillates showing the behavior of these 
 compounds. On dropping oil of bitter almond containing alcohol into water, the drops, 
 while floating or subsiding in the water, will become milk-white. Nitrobenzene (see Nitro- 
 benzenum) has an odor similar to that of bitter-almond oil and a sweet taste, and is nearly 
 insoluble in water. We found it convenient (1857) to test for it by dissolving 15 grains 
 of the oil in 2 drachms of alcohol, adding 15 grains of caustic potassa, heating for a few 
 minutes, evaporating to one-third, and cooling. The pure oil will leave a brownish-yellow 
 liquid, soluble in water, with but slight turbidity ; while if nitrobenzene be present the 
 residue will be dark-brown, sometimes crystalline, and not dissolve clear in water, deposit- 
 ing a brown-yellow sediment in proportion to the amount of the adulterant. The test 
 depends upon the conversion of nitrobenzene, C 6 H 5 N0 2 , into azoxybenzid , C 12 Hi 0 N 2 O, 
 which dissolves in alcohol and ether, but is insoluble in water. Wagner (1866) proposed 
 to agitate 5 Cc. of the suspected oil with 10 Cc. of solution of sodium bisulphite spec, 
 grav. 1.225, and dilute with water to 50 Cc. in a graduated tube ; pure bitter-almond oil 
 will dissolve, while the nitrobenzene (spec. grav. 1.20) will separate as an oily layer. 
 More delicate tests for this substance depend upon its reduction to aniline. According 
 
OLEUM AMYGDALAE EXPRESSTJM. 
 
 1107 
 
 to Hoffmann (1845), the oil is diluted with ether and some alcohol, after which some zinc 
 and hydrochloric acid are added ; after the evolution of hydrogen has ceased the ethereal 
 layer is evaporated spontaneously, and the residue mixed with a few drops of solution of 
 chlorinated lime, when a purplish-blue color will be produced. Jacquemin (1876) recom- 
 mended adding a few drops of the oil to a solution of stannous chloride in caustic soda, 
 and afterward a drop of carbolic acid and some solution of chlorinated soda, when the 
 blue color of sodium erythrophenate will appear. Boyveau (1879) noticed an adultera- 
 tion with a substance of undetermined origin, which gives with an equal volume of sul- 
 phuric acid a red mixture, changing to brown, turbid, becoming thick, and in a few days 
 solidifying, while a similar mixture with pure bitter-almond oil darkens in color, but 
 remains liquid and clear. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 10 drops of the oil, dissolved in a little alcohol, be shaken with a few 
 drops of a strong solution of sodium hydroxide, then with a little ferrous sulphate test- 
 solution, and finally mixed with a slight excess of hydrochloric acid, a blue precipitate 
 will be produced (presence of hydrocyanic acid.) If a small strip of filter-paper, folded 
 in the form of a taper, be saturated with the oil, and placed in a small porcelain capsule 
 resting within a larger porcelain plate or dish, and, after the taper is ignited, there be 
 immediately inverted over the capsule a large beaker, the inner surface of which is mois- 
 tened with distilled water, the products of combustion will be absorbed by the latter. If 
 the heaker be now rinsed with a little distilled water and the liquid filtered, the filtrate 
 should yield no turbidity with silver nitrate test-solution (absence of artificial oil, con- 
 taining chlorinated products). If 5 Cc. of the oil be vigorously shaken, in a flask, with 
 50 Cc. of a cold, saturated solution of sodium bisulphite, and the mixture heated for a 
 few minutes on a water-bath, the odor of the oil should disappear, and a nearly clear 
 solution result, without the separation of any oily drops on the surface of the liquid 
 (absence of most other volatile oils and of nitro-benzene). — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Iodinized oil of bitter almonds was pro- 
 posed by Hr. Blackwell (1878). It is prepared by leaving in contact for two or three 
 months 1 part of iodine and 2 parts of oil of bitter almond, and dissolves easily in alco- 
 hol, ether, glycerin, fats, etc. It probably contains benzoyl iodide , C 7 IH 5 0, which was dis- 
 covered by Liebig and Wohler (1832), and when pure crystallizes in colorless fusible 
 laminae having a somewhat pungent aromatic odor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of bitter almond exceeds diluted hydrocyanic acid in its 
 poisonous power, since 100 parts of the oil contain nearly 13 parts of anhydrous hydro- 
 cyanic acid, while the diluted acid contains but 2 per cent, of the latter compound. 1 
 drop of the anhydrous oil has been known to kill a cat. In man grave and even fatal 
 effects have resulted from a dose of 17 drops, but on the other hand, recovery has taken 
 place after the swallowing of £ ounce or more when remedial measures were at once 
 applied. Medicinally, it is one of the best forms in which hydrocyanic acid can be 
 administered, owing to its comparatively stable composition. The proper occasions for 
 its use are indicated under Hydrocyanic Acid. It may be prescribed in doses Gm. 0.015- 
 0.05 (gtt. i-j.) 
 
 OLEUM AMYGDALAE EXPRESSUM, U . S .— Almond Oil. 
 
 Oleum amygdalae , Br. ; Ol. amygdalarum , P. G. ; Ol. amygdalae dulcis. — Expressed (sweet) 
 oil of almond , E. ; Huile d'amande (douce), Fr. ; Mandelol, Siissmandelol, G. 
 
 The fixed oil expressed from the seed of Amygdalus communis, var. amara or dulcis, 
 Linne. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Amygdaleae (see page 193). 
 
 Preparation. — Almond oil is made both from sweet and bitter almonds. To obtain 
 an unobjectionable oil, the almonds are freed from adhering dust by agitating them upon a 
 sieve and removing discolored pieces, after which they are ground or well bruised in an 
 iron or stone mortar, enclosed in canvas bags, and subjected to considerable pressure 
 between polished steel plates, which should not be heated beyond about 30° C. (86° F.). 
 The oily edges of the press-cake may be powdered and again expressed, when an addi- 
 tional quantity of oil will be obtained. The yield is 40 to 45 per cent, from sweet, and 
 35 to 38 per cent, from bitter, almonds; a little more when a hydraulic press is used. 
 Expressing the residue at a higher temperature will yield more oil, which, however, is of 
 inferior quality. The expressed turbid oil is set aside in a cool place, and then decanted 
 from the sediment, which may be filtered. 
 
 Properties. — The oil is nearly colorless or of a pale straw color, almost inodorous, 
 
1108 
 
 OLEUM ANETHI. 
 
 and has a bland slightly nutty taste. It is a thin oily fluid, remaining clear at — 10° C. 
 (18° F.), and not congealing until cooled to about — 20° C. ( — 4° F.) ; its specific gravity 
 is 0.915 to 0.920 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; exposed to air, it readily turns rancid, acquiring an 
 acrid odor and taste, dissolving in all proportions in pure ether, chloroform, benzin, fixed 
 oils, etc., and only sparingly in alcohol ; it is not a drying oil. Alcohol on being agitated 
 with the oil dissolves most of the coloring matter of the latter, together with a small pro- 
 portion of the oil. 
 
 Composition. — It consists mainly of olein, with a minute quantity of palmitin. 
 (See Oleum Oliv^e.) 
 
 Tests. — “ If 2 Cc. of the oil be vigorously shaken with 1 Cc. of fuming nitric acid 
 and 1 Cc. of water, a whitish not red or brownish mixture should be produced, which, 
 after standing for some hours at about 10° C. (50° F.), should separate into a solid, white 
 mass, and a scarcely colored liquid (distinction from the fixed oils of apricot- and peach- 
 kernels and from sesamum, cotton-seed, and poppy-seed oils). If 10 Cc. of the oil be 
 mixed with 15 Cc. of a 15 per cent, solution of sodium hydroxide and 10 Cc. of alcohol, 
 the mixture allowed to stand at a temperature of 35° to 40° C. (95° to 104° F.), with occa- 
 sional agitation, until it becomes clear, and then diluted with 100 Cc. of water, the clear 
 solution thus obtained, upon the subsequent addition of an excess of hydrochloric acid, 
 will separate a layer of oleic acid. This, when separated from the aqueous liquid, washed 
 with warm water, and clarified in a warm-bath, will remain liquid at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 although sometimes separating particles of solid matter and becoming turbid. 1 part of 
 this oleic acid, when mixed with 1 volume of alcohol, should afford a clear solution, 
 which, at 15° C. (59° F.), should separate no fatty acids, and which should not become 
 turbid on the further addition of 1 volume of alcohol (distinction from olive, arachis, 
 cotton-seed, sesamum, and other fixed oils).” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Terminalia catappa, Linn£, has an almond-like edible seed, yielding by 
 expression a bland fixed oil which does not readily turn rancid. At 5° C. (41° F.) it begins to 
 separate stearin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The expressed oil of almond is a singularly bland and agree- 
 able oil and very useful as a demulcent. It was formerly used to allay cough and all 
 irritations of the respiratory passages. It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 4-16 
 (fgix) in an emulsion made with mucilage or yelk of egg and white sugar. 
 
 OLEUM ANETHI, Bv.—Oil of Dill. 
 
 Essence d’ aneth, Fr. ; Dillol , G. 
 
 Preparation. — The volatile oil is obtained from the fruit of Anethum graveolens, 
 Linne (nat. ord. Umbelliferae), by distillation with water. The yield is about 3 to 5 per 
 cent. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of dill has a pale-yellow color, gradually changing to reddish- 
 brown, the peculiar aromatic odor of the fruit, and a sweetish and warm afterward pun- 
 gent taste. Its specific gravity varies between .85 and .89, and its rotating power is about 
 206° to the right. It dissolves iodine with the evolution of some vapors, and is colored 
 red-brown by sulphuric acid. 
 
 Composition. — The oil contains a hydrocarbon, anethene , C 10 H 16 , which has an odor 
 resembling that of lemon, and an oxygenated portion which, according to Gladstone 
 (1872), is isomeric with the carvol of oil of caraway. This carvol is obtained by treating 
 the oil with alcoholic solution of ammonium sulphide and decomposing the crystalline 
 compound with an alkali. Both fractions are dextrogyre. According to Nietzki (1874) 
 the oxygenated oil is identical with carvol, and amounts to about 30 per cent., while the 
 terpene consists of two compounds — one boiling between 155° and 160° C. (311° and 
 320° F.), and having the odor of turpentine: it amounts to about 10 per cent, of the 
 oil, the remaining fraction of 60 per cent, boils between 170° and 175° C. (338° and 
 347° F.), has a mace-like odor, and acquires the characteristic dill odor on the addition 
 of a little carvol. 
 
 Uses. — Oil of dill is very seldom used in this country ; like anise oil, etc., it may be 
 employed to relieve flatulent colic and externally as an anodyne. Dose , Gm. 0.10-0.30 
 (gtt. ii-v), in hot water and sugar. 
 
OLEUM ANIMALE JET1IERE UM. 
 
 1109 
 
 OLEUM ANIMALE iETHEREUM.— Animal Oil. 
 
 Oleum animale Dippelii. — DippeT s animal oil , E. ; Huile animate de Dippel , Fr. ; 
 JEtherisches Thierol , G. 
 
 Preparation. — On the dry distillation of bones and other animal substances a fetid, 
 brown, thick, oily liquid is obtained, known as bone oil, crude, or fetid animal oil. This 
 is purified for medicinal use by distilling it in a retort or flask, which is heated by a sand- 
 bath, as long as a thin oil passes over. This is then mixed with four times its weight of 
 water, and rectified in a metallic still as long as the distillate is colorless or but slightly 
 yellow. The oily liquid is separated from the water, and at once put into small vials, 
 well corked and preserved in a dark place. Though previously known and medicinally 
 employed, it was first prepared from dried blood by J. C. Dippel in 1711. 
 
 Properties. — Rectified animal oil is a colorless or yellowish, thin, oily liquid which 
 has the average spec. grav. 0.80. It has a very penetrating empyreumatic and ethereal 
 but not a fetid odor, and a pungent, acrid, afterward cooling and bitter taste. It has a 
 slight alkaline reaction to test-paper, dissolves in about 80 parts of water, and is readily 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, and fixed and volatile oils. Exposed to light and air, it rapidly 
 darkens in color and acquires a thicker consistence. 
 
 Constituents. — This is a very complex mixture, containing a large number of vola- 
 tile bases like pyrrol, C 4 H 5 N, pyridine, C 5 H 5 N, picoline, C 5 H-0, lutidine, C 7 H 9 N, collidine, 
 C 8 H n N ; also methylamine, propylamine, butylamine, and others. It contains also a neu- 
 tral liquid which boils at 65.5° C. (150° F.), and different hydrocarbons. 
 
 Pyridine, C 5 H 5 N, a colorless liquid base obtained from crude bone-oil by treatment 
 with sulphuric acid and subsequent decomposition with soda ; the mixture of liberated 
 bases is subjected to fractional distillation, and the distillate, freed from aniline by means 
 of oxidizing agents is again fractionated. It has been prepared synthetically by action 
 of phosphorus pentoxide on amyl nitrate, reduction of azoamidonaphtalene in alcoholic 
 solution by means of stannous chloride, and also by union of hydrocyanic acid and acety- 
 lene. Pyridine when pure has a peculiar sharp empyreumatic taste, at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 the specific gravity 0.980, and boils at 117° C. (242.6° F.). It is readily miscible with 
 water, alcohol, ether, and fixed oils in all proportions, and forms salts with acids. Its 
 chief use medicinally has been in the treatment of asthmatic affections, where it appears 
 to have exerted a palliative action when administered by inhalation. 
 
 Pyridine should not be confounded with Pyrodin, the name given to an impure 
 hydracetin, a coal-tar derivative, which occurs in form of a white powder, and for which 
 antipyretic properties have been claimed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Given to man in medicinal doses, it excites a sense of warmth 
 in the abdomen, renders the pulse stronger and more frequent and increases the sweat 
 and urine. A tablespoonful of it (Gm. 16), is said to have killed a man almost instanta- 
 neously, and H ounces (Gm. 48), taken by a woman with suicidal intent, caused violent 
 vomiting and intense pain. After death the mouth and throat were dry and shrivelled 
 and the stomach inflamed and ecchymosed (Werber, Archiv d. Heilkunde, xi. 544). 
 Formerly, the oil was used in the typhoid state of febrile affections, in hysteria , chorea , 
 epilepsy, paralysis, chronic rheumatism, and sciatica, and to expel tape-worms. Internally, 
 it was prescribed in doses of from 5 to 10 drops, and from that to Gm. 0.30-2.60 (30 or 
 40 drops), mixed with powdered sugar or in sulphuric ether or Hoffmann’s anodyne. 
 Externally, it was applied by friction, pure or in liniments. 
 
 Formerly, a preparation known as Chabert’s oil, and which was procured from a mix- 
 ture of impure empyreumatic oil with oil of turpentine by distillation, was in high repute 
 as a cure for tape-worm. Its offensive taste and smell and harsh action caused it to be 
 laid aside when the various tseniacide medicines now in use began to be employed. 
 
 Pyridine. — According to See, the special virtue of pyridine lies in its power of 
 obtunding the reflex sensibility, and he adds that this attribute does not belong in 
 a like degree to nicotine or to atropine, from which pyridine is derived. But this 
 peculiar soothing, tranquillizing, and, in excess, paralyzing, effect belongs to tobacco, 
 and is the very cause of its universal use. See further states that when an asthmatic 
 employs the inhalation of pyridine several times, the dry rhonchi in his lungs give place 
 to moist rales, the breathing and expectoration grow freer, and the attacks less frequent 
 and severe. Naturally, the purely nervous cases of asthma are the most distinctly 
 benefited, although a palliation may be gained in others attended with chronic bronchial, 
 and even by cardiac, lesions {Bull, de Therap., cviii. 529 ; cix. 304). De Renzi has 
 
1110 
 
 OLEUM A NISI. 
 
 advocated its use in heart-failure and angina pectoris {Med. Record , xxxiv. 647). These 
 conclusions have been more or less confirmed by Lublinski {Centralhl. f. Ther., iii. 547), 
 who, however, has called attention to certain symptoms occasionally induced by the medi- 
 cine, such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache, fainting, and oppression at the prae- 
 cordia ; also by Neff {New York Med. Jour., Mar. 1886) and by Silva, who, besides the 
 untoward effects just enumerated, mentions bitterness of the mouth, salivation, coryza, 
 and roughness of the throat {Med. Record , xxxi. 383), and also by Kelemin {Ther. Gaz ., 
 xl. 189), and Zerner {Centralhl. f. Med., vii. 214). Lemaire points out that its poison- 
 ous effects resemble those of antipyrine, and include cyanosis, general coldness, sweating, 
 and collapse (1888), and the discharge of dark-red or brown urine containing bile-acids 
 and salts, renal tube-casts, lymph-cells, and red blood-corpuscles. (Compare Egasse, Bull, 
 de Therap., cix. 359.) Dreschfeld in 1888 pronounced pyridine a powerful antipyretic 
 which was easily administered, stimulated the skin, and occasioned neither nausea, vomit- 
 ing, nor collapse, and possessing over antifebrin and antipyrine the advantage of not 
 requiring such frequent administration ; but he admitted it to be more poisonous than 
 those preparations {Mecl. News, liv. 74). Its destructive action on the red blood-disks, 
 the element of the blood most essential to life, was insisted on by Zerner {Centralhl. f 
 Ther., vii. 141, 214), who rejected its use in typhoid fever, and regarded it as useless in 
 all other acute febrile diseases and as an analgesic, and therefore unworthy of being retained 
 as a medicine. To these conclusions Pashkis subscribed {ibid., viii. 55). 
 
 Pyridine has sometimes been administered by allowing Gm. 4-5 (gr. lx-lxxv) to evap- 
 orate in a small room occupied by the patient. Dreschfeld stated the dose at Gm. 0.12- 
 0.24 (gr. ij-iv) for children, and at Gm. 0.50-0.75 (gr. viij-xij) for adults ; but Lie- 
 breich pointed out that this dosage applies only to impure pyridine, while of the pure 
 article (acetalphenylhydracin) the daily dose should, for children, not exceed Gm. 0.03- 
 0.06 (gr. 4-j), and for adults Gm. 0.12-0.18 (gr. ij-iij), {Therap. Monatsh., iii. 23). He 
 reckons the pure preparation to be four times stronger than the commercial pyridine. 
 
 Pyridine tricarboxylic acid is represented by Rademacher {Therap. Gaz., xi. 486) as 
 lowering temperature and heart-action without causing muscular debility, and also as an 
 antizymotic. It is claimed to act better than quinine in malarial diseases , causing none 
 of the nervous symptoms occasioned by that drug, and that it is singularly efficient in 
 nervous asthma, preventing or arresting its paroxysms. These statements, made in 1887, 
 have not been confirmed. 
 
 OLEUM ANISI, U. S., Br,— Oil of Anise. 
 
 Essence d'anis , Fr. ; Anisol, G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Pimpinella Anisum, Lime (nat. ord. Umbel- 
 
 liferae ; see p. 214. 
 
 Preparation. — The oil is obtained by distillation of the fruit with water. The 
 yield from anise is 14 to 24 per cent. ; from star-anise, 24 to 4 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — The oil of anise is colorless or pale-yellow, becoming darker by age, 
 and has a sweet aromatic taste and an agreeable aromatic odor. The spec. grav. is 0.98 
 to 0.99, rising in old oils sometimes to 1.028 (Zeller). At a low temperature the oils 
 solidify into a crystallizing mass, the freezing-point of the true anise oil being usually 
 near 10° C. (50° F.). It varies, however, very considerably, not only in oils as obtained 
 from different material, but because it changes on keeping and becomes lower. The 
 volatile oil distilled from anise-chaff (pedicels, unripe fruit, etc.) is said to contain 
 more stearopten and to congeal at a higher temperature than the oil of the ripe fruit 
 (Martius). The reactions of the oils of anise and of illicium are so similar that they do 
 not afford any reliable means for distinguishing them, the congealing point of the latter 
 being, however, at 2° C. (35° F.). Both oils are entirely neutral to test-paper, have a 
 very slight right or left rotating power, are freely soluble in alcohol, and with strong 
 alcohol form clear solutions in all proportions. 
 
 Composition. — Oil of anise contains a small quantity of a hydrocarbon having the 
 composition Ci 0 H 16 , but consists mainly of anethol, C 10 H 12 O, sp. grav. 0.98 ; this exists in 
 two modifications — one liquid, the other solid, at the ordinary temperature and fusing at 
 about 20° C. (68° F.), and both boiling between 220° and 225° C. (428° and 437° F-) ; 
 they are present also in oil of fennel, and a liquid modification in the oil of Artemisia 
 Dracunculus, Lime, or tarragon , has the spec. grav. 0.945 and boils at 206° C. (402.8° F.). 
 Anethol has a fainter but more agreeable odor than oil of anise. It is not altered on 
 being boiled with potassa solution ; chromic acid converts it into colorless, inodorous, and 
 
OLEUM A NTHEMID1S. -OLE UM A UR A NTH C0RT1C1S. 
 
 1111 
 
 nearly tasteless crystals of anisic acid , C 8 H 8 0 3 ; nitric acid yields the same compound, or 
 anisoic, anisylic, and oxalic acids, according to its concentration and duration of action. 
 Sulphuric acid colors it red, and water separates afterward inodorous anisoin ; this is 
 isomeric with anethol, like metanethol and metanethol camphor , which are produced under 
 certain conditions. Landolph (1875) found Russian oil of anise to contain 90 per cent, of 
 a mixture of anisic aldehyde and anise camphor, to which he gives the formula C 10 H 16 O. 
 
 Adulterations. — Oil of anise has been met with adulterated with alcohol, camphor, 
 wax, and spermaceti, the last three for the purpose of raising its congealing-point. Anise 
 oil adulterated with alcohol becomes milk-white on being dropped into water. Camphor 
 is detected in the pressed crystalline mass by its odor, the other two by their insolubility 
 in 80 per cent, of alcohol. Leonhardi (1878) reports the oil to be sometimes largely adul- 
 terated with the stearopten of Russian fennel oil, which is detected by the fennel odor 
 developed on heating. 
 
 Tests. — Soluble in an equal volume of alcohol, affording a clear solution (absence of 
 most fixed oils and of oil of turpentine). This solution is neutral to litmus-paper, and 
 should not assume a blue or brownish color on the addition of a drop of ferric chloride 
 test-solution (absence of some volatile oils containing phenols). When the oil is dropped 
 into water without agitation, it should not produce a milky turbidity (absence of alcohol). 
 1 drop of anise oil, triturated with sugar and afterward agitated with 500 Gm. of water, 
 should impart to the latter the pure flavor of anise (absence of other volatile oils). — P. G. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Liquor ammonii anisatus, P. G. Dissolve 
 1 part of oil of anise in 24 parts of alcohol, and add 5 parts of ammonia-water. The 
 liquid is yellowish and clear. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like other aromatic essential oils, when given to animals in 
 large doses it occasions lethargy and insensibility. In medicinal doses it acts as a local 
 and general stimulant, and is used to expel flatus , allay colic , and prevent the griping of 
 drastic purgatives. It has also been employed in the treatment of chronic bronchitis , 
 associated with ammonium carbonate or muriate. It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 
 0.12-0.40 (gtt. ij-vj), on sugar or in emulsion. 
 
 OLEUM ANTHEMIDIS, Br . — Oil of Chamomile.. 
 
 Oleum chamomillse romanse . — Essence de camomille romaine , Fr. ; Romischkamillenbl , G. 
 
 Preparation. — The volatile oil is obtained from the flowers of Anthemis nobilis, 
 Linne (nat. ord. Compositae), by distillation with water. The yield is variable, between 
 about 4 and £ per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Fresh flowers seem to yield a blue-colored oil, while that obtained from 
 dried flowers has a green or yellow color, or if blue changes rapidly to green and yellow. 
 It has the odor of the flowers and a warm, aromatic taste ; it imparts a red color to 
 litmus-paper, and begins to boil at about 160° C. (320° F.), the boiling-point rising grad- 
 ually to above 200° C. (392° F.). It is sometimes distilled from the entire plant, and 
 has then a greenish color, which on exposure changes to yellow. Its specific gravity 
 is .90. 
 
 Composition. — The oil does not combine with sodium bisulphite. Potassa decom- 
 poses it, and B. Jaffe (1865) separated in this way 58 per cent, of impure and 30 per 
 cent, of pure angelicic acid. Demar§ay (1875) arrived at the conclusion that it is a mix- 
 ture of several compound ethers, among which the butylic and amylic angelates and 
 valerianates preponderate. Koebig (1873) did not find valerianic acid, but besides ange- 
 latc isolated isobutylate and tiglinate of anthemol and of a new hexyl ether ; these ethers 
 appear to be present in the fresh oil. Demargay had noticed that under the influence of 
 heat angelicic acid is converted into the isomeric tiglinic acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of chamomile is stimulant and anti-spasmodic, and is used 
 to allay vomiting and relieve flatulent colic and to modify the irritant action of cathartics 
 in pill or mixture. It is sometimes added to liniments used for sprains , rheumatic pains , 
 etc. Dose , Gm. 0.05—0.30 (gtt. i-v.). 
 
 OLEUM AURANTII CORTICIS, U. S.— Oil of Orange-Peel. 
 
 Oleum aurantiorum. — Essence d' orange, Fr. ; Pomeranzenschalenbl , G. 
 
 A volatile oil obtained by expression from the fresh peel of either the bitter orange, 
 Citrus vulgaris, Risso , or the sweet orange, Citrus aurantium, Linni. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rutaceae. 
 
1112 
 
 OLEUM A URANTII FLORUM. 
 
 Preparation. — The volatile oils of both the bitter and sweet orange-peel are articles 
 of commerce, and both are prepared in the southern part of Europe by superficially rup- 
 turing the ripe fruit, so as to puncture only the oil glands imbedded under the yellow 
 rind ; or the fresh peel is forcibly twisted, which operation causes the glands to discharge 
 the oil, this being collected first upon a sponge, and by wringing the same when saturated 
 in a suitable bowl. A third method of preparing oil of orange-peel consists in super- 
 ficially grating the fruit, so as to remove only a thin layer of the rind containing the oil- 
 glands ; the grated mass is then deprived of the greater part of the volatile oil by pres- 
 sure, and the residue is sometimes distilled with water, whereby it yields a less fragrant 
 volatile oil. 
 
 Properties.— The volatile oils of the two orange peels are distinguished as — 
 
 Oleum aurantii dulcis. — Oil of sweet orange-peel, E. ; Essence d’ orange douce, 
 Essence de Portugal, Ft.; Apfelsinenol, Portugalol, G. 
 
 Oleum aurantii amari. — Oil of bitter orange-peel, E. ; Essence de Bigarade, Fr. ; 
 Pomeranzenbl, G. 
 
 The first one is usually employed in making elixir of orange, but, though it differs 
 from the latter somewhat in flavor and in being more readily altered by exposure to air, 
 the two oils are alike in chemical composition and in all their essential properties. Oil 
 of orange is of a pale or greenish-yellow color, limpid, its specific gravity is about 0.850 
 at 15° C., (59° F.), boils near 180° C. (356° F.), and rotates polarized light considerably 
 to the right. It has a neutral reaction to test-paper, an agreeable orange odor, and an 
 aromatic slightly bitter taste. It dissolves freely in absolute alcohol and in carbon disul- 
 phide, in an equal volume of acetic acid, and requires about 4 parts of alcohol and about 
 8 or 10 parts of alcohol spec. grav. 0.850 for solution ; oil of sweet orange-peel dissolves 
 more readily than the bitter variety. Powdered iodine acts energetically upon the fresh 
 oil, producing orange-colored vapors. Sulphuric acid causes a deep-red or red-brown 
 color. Nitric acid colors greenish -yellow, and on warming leaves a brown-yellow resin. 
 Exposed to the air, oil of orange gradually becomes thicker and acquires a teribinthinate 
 odor. This change is prevented, or at least considerably retarded, by adding to the oil 5 
 per cent, of strong alcohol, and decanting or filtering, if necessary, from the precipitate. 
 
 Test. — When kept for some time, the oil should not develop a terebinthinate odor or 
 taste (absence of oil of turpentine or of other oils containing pinene). 
 
 Composition. — Oil of orange consists mainly of the hydrocarbon hesperidene, C 10 H 16 , 
 and contains a small portion of an oxygenated body, C 10 Hi 6 O, boiling near 220° (428° 
 F.). Hesperidene yields with hydrochloric acid gas a crystallizable compound having 
 the composition C 10 H] 6 2HC1. C. R. A. Wright (1874) obtained also a liquid compound 
 with hydriodic acid, and by oxidation with nitric acid a slowly-crystallizing hexabasic 
 acid, hesperisic acid , C 20 H 26 O 17 .2H 2 O, was produced. By combining hesperidene with bro- 
 mine and distilling the compound, cymene , C 10 H 14 , passes over, identical with that con- 
 tained in cumin oil and with that obtainable from camphor. Wright found also small 
 proportions of a substance, C 40 H 64 O 5 , boiling above 240° C. (464° F.), and of a non-vola- 
 tile resin, C 2 oH 30 03 . 
 
 Action and Uses. — The essential oil of orange-peel is irritant and narcotic. Per- 
 sons employed in manufacturing it suffer greatly from erythematous, papular, and 
 vesicular eruptions of the skin, especially of the hands and face, and also from nausea, 
 vomiting, and other dyspeptic symptoms, headache, neuralgia, and a sort of intoxication 
 denoted by confusion of the mind and senses, and impaired muscular power. Oil of orange- 
 peel is used almost exclusively as a flavoring or perfuming ingredient of medicinal compounds. 
 
 OLEUM AURANTH FLORUM, V. Oil of Orange-Flowers. 
 
 Oleum jlorum naphse , Oleum neroli, s. naphse . — Oil of neroli, E. ; Essence de fleur 
 For anger, Neroli , Fr. ; Pomeranzenbliithenol , Nerolibl , G. 
 
 A volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowers of the bitter orange, Citrus vulgaris, 
 Risso. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutacem. 
 
 Preparation. — This volatile oil is obtained in the preparation of orange-flower water, 
 upon the surface of which it separates in small proportion. It is manufactured chiefly in 
 the southern part of France from the flowers of the bitter orange, which yields about 0.0 
 per cent, of oil. The flowers of the sweet orange and of allied plants are far less aro- 
 matic and have a more or less different odor. 
 
OLEUM BERGAMOTTJE. 
 
 1113 
 
 Properties. — According to Fliickiger and Hanbury, pure oil of neroli is of brownish 
 hue, a bitterish aromatic taste, neutral to test-paper, and of the density of 0.889 at 11° 
 C. (51.8° F.). It shows a bright violet fluorescence when mixed with alcohol, or more 
 distinctly by pouring a little alcohol on the surface of the oil and causing the liquid to 
 gently undulate. The oil assumes an intense permanent crimson hue on being shaken 
 with a concentrated solution of sodium bisulphite. Although very fragrant, the odor 
 of the volatile oil differs somewhat from that of orange-flowers and of distilled orange- 
 flower water. The oil dissolves, according to Zeller, in from 1 to 3 parts of alcohol spec, 
 grav. .850, the solution becoming opalescent or turbid with more alcohol. Carbon disul- 
 phide likewise yields a turbid solution (Fliickiger). Iodine acts energetically upon neroli 
 oil, colored vapors being given oft'; sulphuric acid colors it dark orange-red or red-brown ; 
 nitric acid changes the color to yellow and rust-brown. The oil deviates polarized light 
 somewhat to the right. The commercial oil is usually yellowish or reddish-yellow, and is 
 frequently adulterated with oil of bergamot and orange-leaves. Old resinified oil is less 
 fragrant, but may, in a measure, be restored by rectification with water. 
 
 Composition. — Oil of neroli is a hydrocarbon, C 10 H 16 , containing a small quantity 
 of inodorous crystallizable camphor. The former distils between 185° and 195° C. 
 (365° and 383° F.), displays the violet fluorescence in a marked manner, and retains the 
 odor of the original oil (Fliickiger). Neroli camphor was observed by Boullay (1828), 
 and, according to Plisson (1829), may be obtained from the oil by treatment with alcohol 
 of spec. grav. .850, in which it is nearly insoluble. It crystallizes from ether or hot 
 alcohol in pearly needles or prisms, melts at 55° C. (131° F.), and when pure is inodor- 
 ous and tasteless. 
 
 Uses. — Oil of orange-flowers belongs rather to the perfumer’s than to the pharmaceu- 
 tist’s art, but it may be employed to mask the smell of mixtures, ointments, etc. 
 
 OLEUM BERGAMOTTjE, TJ. S. — Oil of Bergamot. 
 
 Oleum, bergamottae . — Essence de bergamotte , Fr. ; Bergamottol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil obtained by expression, from the fresh rind of the fruit of Citrus Ber- 
 garnia, Risso et Poiteau , s. C. Aurantium, var. Bergamia, Wight et Arnott. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 52. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Butaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The fruit is of a lemon-yellow color, and grows upon a small tree in South- 
 ern Italy, evidently a variety produced by cultivation ; it is by some botanists regarded as 
 closely related to Citrus Limetta, Risso, or with this plant as a variety of C. Limonum, 
 Risso , while others regard it as a hybrid of C. medica and C. Aurantium, Risso. The 
 juice of the fruit has a bitter and acrid taste. 
 
 Preparation. — The oil-vessels contained in the rind of the fruit are ruptured by 
 means of a machine wherein the fruit is subjected to a rotatory motion ; the oil thus 
 obtained deposits on standing a waxy matter, from which it is decanted. The amount 
 imported into the United States was 40,460 pounds in 1858, and 51.782 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of bergamot has a green or greenish, sometimes a yellowish, color, 
 and after rectification is colorless. Its specific gravity varies between 0.880 and 0.885 at 
 15° C. (59° F.), and its boiling-point between 180° and 195° C. (356° and 383° F.). It 
 has a bitterish aromatic taste and an agreeable odor, less pleasant after rectification. It 
 has a neutral or slightly acid reaction to test-paper. It dissolves 25 per cent, of carbon 
 disulphide and 8 per cent, of alcohol 0.966, and is soluble in half its weight of alcohol sp. 
 gr. 0.85, and in all proportions in strong alcohol and in glacial acetic acid ; the alcoholic 
 solution becomes dingy-brown with ferric chloride. It deviates polarized light to the 
 right from 7° ( Pharmacographia ) to 40° (Gladstone), and reacts briskly with iodine, giv- 
 ing off purplish and yellow vapors. 
 
 Composition. — The amount of oxygen has been found to vary between 2.6 and 
 16.14 per cent, in different portions of the distillate. The oil appears to be a mixture of 
 hydrocarbons of the formula C 10 H 16 with various hydrates. Distilled with phosphoric 
 anhydride, a volatile oil of the odor of turpentine is obtained. The waxy matter men- 
 tioned above crystallizes from alcohol in silky, colorless, inodorous, and tasteless needles ; 
 this bergamot camphor or bergaptene has the composition C 9 H 6 0 3 . 
 
 Adulterations. — Oil of bergamot is often adulterated with oil of orange, and occa- 
 sionally with oil of turpentine, and requires then a larger amount of alcohol for solution. 
 The volatile oils obtained by distillation with water of the leaves and of the nearly 
 exhausted rind, when mixed with oil of bergamot, render it less fragrant. 
 
1114 
 
 OLEUM BUBULUM.— OLEUM CAJUPUTI. 
 
 Tests. — 2 volumes of the oil, when mixed with 1 volume of alcohol, should afford a 
 clear solution of a slightly acid reaction, and this solution should not become turbid on 
 the further addition of alcohol (distinction from the oils of orange and of lemon). The 
 oil is also soluble, in all proportions, in glacial acetic acid. If about 2 Gm. of the oil be 
 evaporated in a small, tared capsule, on a water-bath, until the odor has completely dis- 
 appeared, a soft, green, homogeneous residue should be left, amounting to not more than 
 about 6 per cent, of the oil (absence of fatty oils). 
 
 Action and Uses. — It is a stimulant like other volatile oils, but is seldom employed 
 except for the purpose of scenting ointments and toilet tinctures. 
 
 OLEUM BUBULUM.— Neat’s-foot Oil. 
 
 Oleum pedum tauri , Axungia pedum tauri. — Huile ( Graisse ) des pieds dugros betail , Fr. ; 
 Klauenol , Ochsenklauenfett , G. 
 
 Preparation. — It is made by boiling neat’s feet, deprived of their hoofs, with water, 
 skimming off the oil which rises to the surface, and keeping it for some time on warm 
 water. After the impurities have settled it is ready for use. 
 
 Properties. — Neat’s-foot oil is a pale-yellow and (when of good quality) nearly ino- 
 dorous and bland, liquid oil, which has the specific gravity .915 at 15° C. (59° F.), is 
 but slightly thickened on exposure, does not readily turn rancid, and requires to be cooled 
 to below the freezing-point of water before it congeals to a soft white mass. On saponi- 
 fication it yields glycerin and oleic acid with a little stearic acid. Neat’s-foot oil is turned 
 brown by sulphuric acid or a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids ; nitric acid colors it 
 yellow ; and it gradually congeals when in contact with nitroso-nitric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Neat’s-foot oil is much used in softening leather and rendering 
 it pliable. Perhaps this operation may have suggested its administration in medicine as 
 a substitute for cod-liver oil. If it had been efficient, of which there is no proof, its 
 singularly repulsive smell and taste as it is usually met with, and its tendency to cause 
 diarrhoea, must speedily have condemned it. 
 
 OLEUM CADINUM, V. S.— Oil of Cade. 
 
 Oleum Juniperi Empyreumaticum. — Huile de cade , Fr. ; Kade Oel , G. 
 
 A product of the dry distillation of the wood of Juniperus Oxycedrus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Coniferae. 
 
 Description. — Oil of cade is an empyreumatic, brownish or dark -brown, clear, thick 
 liquid possessing a tarry odor and an empyreumatic, burning, somewhat bitter taste. Its 
 specific gravity at 15° C. (59° F.) is about 0.990. It is almost insoluble in water, but 
 imparts to it an acid reaction ; alcohol dissolves it only partially, but ether or carbon 
 disulphide dissolves it completely. The empyreumatic oil of common juniper-wood is 
 said to be often sold in its place. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of cade is extensively used in Europe in the treatment of 
 psoriasis, pityriasis rubra , chronic eczema, prurigo, etc. It is applied either in liniments 
 or in soft potash soaps, pure or dissolved in alcohol. The preparations have the same 
 effect as the analogous ones made with tar, but are less irritating, have less smell, and 
 are less injurious to the clothing. Oil of cade has been given internally as an anthel- 
 mintic in doses of Gm. 0.15-0.30 (gtt. iij-vj) several times a day. Haarlem oil , which 
 is said to be composed of equal parts of oil of cade and oil of juniper berries, has 
 enjoyed a great vogue in chronic affections of the kidneys and bladder. 
 
 OLEUM CAJUPUTI, U. S., Br.— Oil of Oajuput. 
 
 Oleum cajeputi . — Oil of cajeput, E. ; Essence de cajeput , Fr. ; Cajeputol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca Leucadendron, Linne. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants, 108. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The species mentioned is a small tree, which has lanceolate entire leaves and 
 terminal spikes of small white flowers with exserted stamens. It is indigenous to the 
 East Indian Islands. Bentham regards it as a mere variety of M. Leucadendron, Linnf , 
 which extends into Farther India, the Philippines, and a considerable portion of Australia, 
 and often attains a moderately large size, sometimes growing to the height of 27 M. 
 (90 feet). The oil is prepared in Celebes, Bouro, and other islands of the Molucca Sea by 
 distilling the leaves with water. 
 
OLEUM CAJUPUTI. 
 
 1115 
 
 Properties. — Oil of cajeput is limpid, of a green or bluish -green color, a penetrating 
 odor, suggesting that of camphor, rosemary, and mint, and a bitterish, aromatic, cam- 
 phoraceous, afterward cooling taste. The specific gravity varies between 0.924 and 0.929 ; 
 its boiling-point is near 173° C. (343.4° F.). It does not congeal at — 25° C. ( — 13° F.), 
 is freely soluble in alcohol, and affects blue litmus-paper. It dissolves iodine quietly or 
 with the evolution of few reddish vapors ; ammonia turns it yellowish, and sulphuric acid 
 colors it brown, reddish, and finally purplish-brown. On heating 5 parts of cajeput oil to 
 50° C. (122° F.), and then adding 1 part of powdered iodine, the solution on cooling con- 
 geals to a magma of black crystals, which by recrystallization from alcohol or ether may 
 be obtained as yellowish-green prisms having a metallic lustre, and which liquefy on keep- 
 ing (Schmidl). By rectification the oil becomes colorless. 
 
 On shaking 5 Cc. of the green oil with 5 Cc. of water acidulated with a drop of diluted 
 hydrochloric acid, tne oil becomes nearly colorless. If to this acid liquid a drop of solu- 
 tion of potassium ferrocyanide be added, a red-brown color will usually be produced 
 (presence of traces of copper). 
 
 Composition. — Blanchet determined its composition to be C 10 H 16 .H 2 O. Schmidl 
 (1860) obtained, between 175° and 178° C. (347° and 352.4° F.), two-thirds of the oil 
 as a colorless distillate which has the composition stated, and is the hydrate of a hydro- 
 carbon named cajeputene , the latter obtainable by repeated distillation over phosphoric 
 anhydride. Cajeputene, C 10 H 16 , boils between 160° and 165° C. (320° and 329° F.), has 
 an agreeable odor of hyacinth, and is slightly soluble in alcohol. Two other hydrocarbons 
 of the same composition and sparing solubility in alcohol are obtained at the same time, 
 of which isocajeputene boils at 176° C. (348.8° F.) and has a less agreeable odor, while 
 paraca/eputene is thick, yellow, and shows a blue fluorescence. Gladstone (1872) found 
 the hydrate of cajeputene, or cajepuiol , also in the volatile oils of Melaleuca ericifolia and 
 linarifolia, Smith , and of Eucalyptus oleosa, F. Mueller ; it is dextrogyre, its rotating power 
 varying between 10° and 30°. 
 
 The green color of the oil is sometimes, at least, in part due to copper, the presence of 
 which may be proven by agitating the oil with dilute hydrochloric acid, when its green 
 color disappears, and testing the watery liquid with potassium ferrocyanide, when a red- 
 brown color or precipitate will occur. However, cajeput oils have been observed which 
 were entirely free from copper, the green being due to chlorophyll. 
 
 Adulterations.— The admixture of oil of turpentine is indicated by decreased solu- 
 bility in alcohol and the more violent reaction with iodine. Imitations made by mixing 
 various volatile oils are detected by the same means and by their different odor ; such 
 mixtures remain liquid when treated with one-fifth of iodine, as described above. The 
 oils examined by Gladstone cannot, it seems, be distinguished from the official. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This oil has long been prized in the East as a stimulant and 
 diaphoretic medicine, and employed in dropsy, flatulent colic, chronic rheumatism, paraly- 
 sis, hysteria, etc. It may be used internally as a remedy for flatulent colic , particularly 
 when it is produced by cold or by the retrocession of gout or rheumatism, in dysmenor- 
 rhoea occasioned by temporary uterine congestion, in cholera morbus , and in epidemic 
 cholera. In the last-named disease it has been largely employed by Oriental physicians. 
 It is of marked utility in cases of nervous vomiting , nervous dysphagia , dyspnoea , and hic- 
 cough. It has also been used as a vermifuge. As a local stimulant and rubefacient it is 
 useful, when diluted with olive oil or added to camphorated liniments, in cases of func- 
 tional paralysis and muscular rheumatism . With olive oil or glycerin it is introduced on 
 cotton into the auditory canal for the relief of otalgia and of deafness. It is one of the 
 best remedies for toothache depending upon caries, when a drop of it upon cotton is 
 introduced into the hollow tooth, and a few drops of it rubbed upon the painful part 
 relieve nervous headache and local neuralgia. It is a useful stimulant in chronic scaly 
 affections of the skin and in acne rosacea. It may be given internally in doses of Gm. 
 0.10-0.60 (gtt. ij-x) on sugar, with Hoffmann’s anodyne, or with tinctures or infusions 
 of antispasmodic medicines. As a vermifuge it may be mixed with honey in the pro- 
 portion of 1 part to 30 or more, and dessert-spoonful doses of the mixture may be given 
 every hour or two. It may also be administered by enema. 
 
 Melaleuca flavi flora yields an oil which is closely analogous to cajuput oil, and is used 
 for similar purposes by the people of New Caledonia — viz. externally for the relief of 
 neuralgia, muscular rheumatism, and gout, and internally as a vermifuge, especially for 
 rectal ascarides, in enema {Bull, de Therap ., xcvii. 402). M. paraguayensis is said to be 
 a sudorific. An extract prepared from it has been employed in the treatment of rheu- 
 matism, gout, syphilis, yellow fever, and cholera {Med. Record , xvi. 132). 
 
1116 OLEUM CARL— OLEUM CARYOPHYLLL 
 
 OLEUM CARI, 77. S .— Oil of Caraway. 
 
 Oleum carui, Br. ; Oleum carvi, P. G. — Essence de carvi , Fr. ; Kummelol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Carum Carui, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Umbelliferae. 
 
 Preparation. — The bruised fruit is distilled with superheated steam ; the yield is 
 variable, but averages about 4 per cent., and may be as high as 7 per cent. The fruit 
 which is grown in northern countries is generally richer in oil than that from more 
 southern localities. The first portion of the distillate contains mainly carvene, the odor- 
 ous carvol coming over last. 3600 pounds passed into the United States in 1867, and 
 9143 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of caraway is limpid, colorless, or pale-yellow, becoming brown 
 and viscid on exposure. Its specific gravity is usually between 0.91 and 0.92, at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), but in old oil may rise to 0.97. When fresh it has no action on litmus ; its 
 odor is agreeable, its taste aromatic. It dissolves in an equal volume of alcohol, turns 
 polarized light to the right, and commences to boil at 175° C. (347° F.). The German 
 Pharmacopoeia recognizes only oil of caraway which has been deprived of much of the 
 carvene ; such oil should have a specific gravity of not less than 0.910, and should boil 
 briskly at 224° C. (435.2° F.) ; its solution in an equal weight of alcohol should acquire a 
 reddish or pale-violet color on the addition of a drop of test-solution of ferric chloride ; 
 and a mixture of 10 parts of the oil, 8 parts of alcohol, and 1 part of ammonia-water, on 
 being saturated with liydrosulphuric acid gas, should congeal to a white crystalline mass. 
 
 An inferior oil of caraway is made from the refuse or “ chaff” of the fruit ; it is less 
 agreeable in odor, and not unfrequently mixed with oil of turpentine. 
 
 Composition. — By repeated fractional distillation Volkel (1840) separated carvene , 
 Ci 0 H 16 . wnich has little odor and taste, boils at 173° C. (343.4° F.), and has a strong dex- 
 trogyrate rotation. The higher boiling fraction contains carvol , C 10 H u O, which is liquid, 
 has an agreeable caraway odor, boils at 227° C. (440.6° F.) (Gladstone), or at 250° C. 
 (482° F.) (Varrentrapp), and has a levogyrate rotation. In contact with alcoholic solu- 
 tion of ammonium sulphide carvol yields white silky needles of (C 10 H 14 O) 2 .H 2 S, from 
 which it is again separated by potassa. Carvol (see also Ol. Anethi) is isomeric with 
 menthol of spearmint, myristicol of nutmeg, thymol, cuminic alcohol, and carvacrol ; the 
 latter is a rather viscid, colorless, or yellowish oil resembling creasote in odor and taste, 
 and may be obtained by distilling a mixture of oil of caraway and potassa until carvene 
 has been expelled, decomposing the residue by sulphuric acid, and rectifying the oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The properties of this oil are nearly identical with those of oil 
 of anise. Given to animals in large doses, it causes death by asthenia. It may be used 
 in the treatment of flatulent colic and whenever a gastric stimulant or a carminative is 
 required. Locally, it acts, like other essential oils, as an ansesthetic. It may be admin- 
 istered in sweetened water, ether, or Hoffmann’s anodyne, in the dose of Gm. 0.05—0.60 
 (gtt. j-x). 
 
 OLEUM CARYOPHYLLI, 77. S., Br.— Oil of Cloves. 
 
 Oleum caryophyllorum , P. G. — Essence de girofle , Fr. ; Nelkenbl , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the flower-buds of Eugenia caryophyllata, Thunberg. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Preparation. — The volatile oil is obtained from cloves by distilling them with water 
 For this purpose the cloves require to be bruised ; cohobation should be repeatedly resorted 
 to, and salt may be added (see Olea Destillata) in order to raise the boiling-point. If 
 the cloves have been properly bruised, the three or four times repeated distillation of the 
 water from the same cloves is usually sufficient ; but if the powder be very coarse the 
 distillation will have to be repeated more frequntly. At present the distillation is usually 
 effected with superheated steam. At first, the oil coming over is chiefly the light portion 
 which floats on the water ; afterward the heavy portion distils, and the two portions 
 united constitute the commercial article. The yield is 15 to 20 per cent. Clove-stalks 
 are said to be sometimes used in Europe in the distillation of this oil. In the United 
 States cloves from South America are employed for distilling the oil, and the entire want 
 is now supplied in this country. In 1867 the amount imported was 956 pounds, whicn 
 decreased in 1877 and 1878 to 2 pounds, and was 302 pounds in 1881. 
 
 Properties. — When recently distilled, oil of cloves is somewhat thicker than most 
 
OLEUM CARY OPH YL LI. 
 
 1117 
 
 other volatile oils, and has a pale-yellow color, but may be obtained colorless by rectifica- 
 tion, and becomes thicker, darker, and finally yellowish-brown, on keeping. It has a 
 strong odor of cloves, a burning aromatic taste, and boils at 240° C. (455° F.). Its 
 specific gravity varies between 1.060 and 1.067 ; oil of clove-stalks, though agreeing in 
 odor, has a density of about 1.009. Oil of cloves dissolves freely in alcohol, the solution 
 having a slight acid reaction and yielding with ferric chloride a purplish-blue color. Sul- 
 phuric acid colors the oil blood-red, finally blue ; and it acquires also a blue or violet 
 color when exposed in a thin layer to bromine vapor ; iodine dissolves in it quietly ; 
 strong potassa solution or strong ammonia-water converts it into a crystalline mass of 
 potassium eugenol ; a soft yellowish crystalline mass is also obtained on agitating the oil 
 with an equal volume of stronger water of ammonia ; fuming nitric acid acts violently 
 upon the oil, sometimes with ignition. The oil is without action or with but slight action 
 ( — 4°, Gladstone) upon polarized light. 
 
 Composition. — On distilling a mixture of cloves with excess of potassa the color- 
 less distillate is the light oil of doves , and has the composition C 15 H 24 ; its odor is dis- 
 tinct from that of cloves — more terebinthinate ; it has the density 0.918, and boils at 251° 
 C. (483.8° F.) On decomposing the potassium eugenol with sulphuric acid and rectify- 
 ing the separated oil, eugenol , C 6 H 3 .C 3 H 5 (OH)(OCH 3 ). is obtained as a colorless oil 
 having the odor of cloves, the specific gravity 1.076 (Stenhouse), 1.0785 (Pettit), and 
 boiling at 247.5° C. (477.5° F.) ; it yields with bases crystallizable salts, which, with the 
 exception of the barium compound, are decomposed by much water or alcohol, and are 
 colored blue or purple by ferric salts. By fusion with potassa, eugenol is decomposed 
 into protecatechuic and acetic acids. L. C. Pettit (1880) obtained 72 per cent, of 
 eugenol, which became red, and then purple, with sulphuric acid ; the potassium com- 
 pound was found to be soluble without decomposition in alcohol and gtycerin, and 
 sparingly soluble in benzin. On boiling acetic anhydride with eugenic acid, aceto-eugenol 
 is formed, and from this compound vanillin may be obtained by treating it carefully with 
 a weak solution of potassium permanganate, rendering the liquid alkaline, concentrating, 
 and acidulating, when the vanillin may be extracted with ether (Tiemann, 1878). By 
 treating eugenic acid in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide with sodium, Scheuch (1863) 
 obtained the sodium salt of eugetmic acid , CnH^O^ which is crystallizable, soluble in 
 water, colors ferric salts deep-blue, and is decomposed by heat into carbonic and eugenic 
 acids. The same author proved likewise the presence in oil of cloves of salicylic acid, 
 most probably in the form of an ether. 
 
 Several derivatives of eugenol have recently been brought to notice — namely : 
 
 Benzoyl-eugenol, C 6 H 3 .C 3 H 5 (0CH 3 )C0 2 C 6 H 5 , is obtained by a patented process, and 
 occurs in neutral acicular crystals, without color and odor, and feebly bitter taste. It 
 melts at 70.5° C. (158.9° F.),is scarcely soluble in water, but freely soluble in hot alcohol, 
 chloroform, ether, and acetone. 
 
 Ci.vxamyl-eugenol, C 6 H 3 . C 3 H 5 (0CH 3 )C0 2 (CH) 2 C 6 H5, forms lustrous needles, which 
 are free from color, odor, and taste, and melt at 90°— 91° C. (194°— 195.8° F.). Its sol- 
 ubility corresponds to that of the preceding compound. 
 
 Eugenol-acetamide is a patented anaesthetic, analogous in action to cocaine ; it 
 occurs as a crystalline powder, and is obtained from eugenol-acetic-ethyl-ether by treat- 
 ment with strong solution of ammonia. 
 
 Adulterations. — The determination of the boiling-point and the specific gravity 
 are sufficient for detecting most adulterations to which oil of cloves is sometimes sub- 
 ject ; on treating the suspected oil with alcoholic solution of potassa the odor of cloves 
 disappears and the nature of the adulteration is established. For the detection of car- 
 bolic acid Jacquemin (1875) recommended adding a trace of aniline, shaking with 
 water, and adding a little chlorinated soda, when a blue color will be produced. 
 Fliickiger (1870) proposed to shake 1 part of oil with 50 parts of hot water, concentrate 
 the aqueous liquid by evaporation at a moderate heat, add a drop of ammonia and a 
 little chlorinated lime ; in the presence of carbolic acid a green color, passing into blue, 
 will be produced. - Hot water, on being agitated with oil of cloves, should not acquire 
 an acid reaction, and after cooling the clear filtrate should not turn blue or green 
 on the addition of a drop of solution of ferric chloride (carbolic acid), but it should 
 become yellow with lime-water. The oil should yield a clear solution with an equal 
 weight or a little more of alcohol spec. grav. 0.894 (oil of turpentine, copaiva, etc.”) 
 — U. S., P. Ur. If 2 drops of the oil be dissolved in 4 Cc. of alcohol, and a drop of ferric 
 chloride test solution added, a bright green color will be produced ; and if the same test be 
 made with a drop of dilute ferric chloride, prepared by diluting the test-solution with four 
 
1118 
 
 OLEUM CHENOPODII.— OLEUM CINNAMOMI. 
 
 times its volume of water, a blue color will be produced, which soon changes to yellow. 
 If 1 Cc. of the oil be mixed with 2 Cc. of a mixture of 2 volumes of alcohol and 1 
 volume of water, it should form a clear and perfect solution (absence of petroleum, most 
 fatty oils, oil of turpentine, and similar oils).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action and uses of oil of cloves are essentially the same 
 as those of the oils of caraway and anise. It is seldom employed internally, but is 
 sometimes used to allay the pain of carious teeth and of earache. The dose is Gm. 0.10- 
 0.30 (gtt. ij-v). 
 
 Benzoyl eugenol has been proposed for treating tuberculous affections, but there is 
 no clinical evidence of its value. 
 
 Eugenol acetamide is said to be a local anaesthetic applicable in minor surgery. 
 
 OLEUM CHENOPODII, TJ. S. — Oil of Chenopodium. 
 
 Oil of American wormseed , E. ; Essence de chenopode anthelmintique, Fr. ; Chenopo- 
 diumol , Amerikanisches Wurmsamenol, G. 
 
 The volatile oil is obtained from the fruit of Chenopodium anthelminticum, Linne . 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Chenopodiaceae (see page 446). 
 
 Preparation. — Distillation with water or by means of superheated steam yields this 
 volatile oil. Much of it is distilled in Maryland and in some of the Western States. The 
 fruit yields about 3 to 3| per cent., the fresh herb I to 1 per cent. The Western oil is 
 rather less pungent than the Baltimore oil of wormseed. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of wormseed is colorless or yellowish, limpid, becoming brown and 
 thick on exposure. It has the peculiar odor of wormseed and a bitterish, pungent, and 
 somewhat cooling, aromatic taste. Its specific gravity is about 0.970 ( U. S.) (0.920 
 U. S., 1880) ; when fresh it is 0.902 to 0.91, and increases by age to .960. It is readily 
 soluble in alcohol, the solution having a neutral reaction. 1 Cc. of the oil should form 
 a perfectly clear solution with 10 Cc. of a mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 1 volume 
 of water. — U. S. It boils at 180° to 190° C. (356° to 374° F.), dissolves iodine slowly, 
 and turns brown-red when boiled with nitro-prusside of copper. 
 
 Composition. — Garrigues (1854) found oil of wormseed to be a mixture of a hydro- 
 carbon, C 10 H 16 , and a liquid oxygenated oil, C 10 H ]6 O. The former has the density 0.932, 
 boils near 176° C. (350.6° F.), and yields a liquid and a crystalline compound with chlo- 
 rine. The specific gravity of the latter is 0.987, its boiling-point 245° C. (473° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Many cases of poisoning by this oil are recorded. A child 
 six years old took several successive doses of 15 drops each for worms. The symptoms 
 were insensibility, stertor, rattling in the throat, a small, feeble, and frequent pulse, con- 
 vulsions of one side of the body, cold extremities, and death in thirty-six hours ( Boston 
 Med. and Surg. Jour., xlv. 373). Wormseed oil is chiefly used as an anthelmintic, 
 although occasionally employed for the cure of intermittent fever , hysteria , chorea, and 
 other nervous affections. In America it is one of the most popular remedies for lumhri- 
 coid worms, but it has also been used successfully to expel taeniae. It is true that in 
 Europe some observers have tended to discredit its efficacy, and even in this country 
 there is more evidence of its utility in cases of gastro-intestinal dyspepsia among 
 children, which is often mistaken for verminous disease, than of its direct vermifuge 
 powers. It may be given to children in doses of Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gtt. v-x) on sugar, and 
 twice daily for several days, when it should be followed by a dose of castor oil, or 
 in an emulsion flavored with extract of licorice. (For a formula see Amer. Jour. Phar ., 
 lx. 545). 
 
 OLEUM CINNAMOMI, U. S., Br., P. G.— Oil of Cinnamon. 
 
 Oil of Cassia, E. ; Essence de cannelle , Fr. ; Zimmtol, G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from Cassia cinnamon. 
 
 Preparation.— The British and French Pharmacopoeias recognize only the volatile 
 oil of Ceylon cinnamon, which is almost exclusively prepared in Ceylon by distilling the 
 chips and refuse bark with water, while the U. S. Pharmacopoeia and the German Phar- 
 macopoeia have admitted only the oil of Chinese cinnamon. Judging from the custom- 
 house entries, but little of the Ceylon oil is imported into the United States. Ceylon 
 cinnamon yields \ to 1 per cent., Cassia cinnamon £ to H per cent., of volatile oil. 
 
 Properties. — Oleum CINNAMOMI zeylanici. — Oil of Ceylon cinnamon, E. ; Essence 
 de cannelle de Ceylon, Fr. ; Zeylonzimmtol, G. — It is a pale-yellow or reddish liquid, 
 
OLEUM CINNAMOMI. 
 
 1119 
 
 becoming red-brown and thicker on exposure, finally separating crystals of cinnamic acid. 
 It has a strong but agreeable cinnamon odor and a sweet and at the same time hot, 
 aromatic taste. Its specific gravity is about 1.035 (1.0097, Jackson, 1882), and increases 
 by age. It remains clear at the freezing-point of water (at — 10° C. = 14° F., U. S. P .), 
 but at a still lower temperature (at — 20° C. = — 4° F., Bizio) separates a stearopten ; it 
 has no action on polarized light or shows a slight left rotation, is readily soluble in 
 alcohol, sparingly soluble in benzin, and has a neutral reaction on litmus-paper when 
 fresh, and an acid reaction when old. It dissolves iodine almost quietly, and soon forms 
 a thick mass ; fuming nitric acid imparts to it a carmine color without causing effer- 
 vescence ; boiling with nitro-prusside of copper turns it red, then dark -brown ; its alco- 
 holic solution is somewhat darkened by ferric chloride. Good oil of cinnamon does not 
 congeal when agitated with strong solution of potassa. 
 
 Oleum cinnamomi cassia, s. Oleum cassia. — Oil of Chinese cinnamon, Oil of 
 cassia, E. ; Essence de cannelle de Chine, Fr. ; Zimmtkassienol, G . — It resembles the 
 preceding oil very closely in all its properties, except that its color is more brownish, its 
 odor less delicate, its taste less sweet, and its specific gravity greater, being usually 1.055 
 to 1.065 (1.0366, Jackson, 1882) ; sometimes it is slightly dextrogyre. It is soluble in 
 an equal volume of alcohol, and this sometimes shows an acid reaction ; it is also soluble 
 in an equal volume of glacial acetic acid. A saturated solution of sodium bisulphite 
 when shaken with it causes solidification, due to the presence of cinnamic aldehyde. 
 
 Composition. — Both oils contain variable quantities of hydrocarbon, but consist 
 chiefly of cinnamic aldehyde , C 9 H 8 0, and when old also resin and cinnamic acid, C 9 H 8 0 2 . 
 In its pure state cinnamaldehyde is a colorless oil, heavier than water, combines with 
 strong nitric acid in the cold, forming crystals, which are soluble in alcohol and ether, 
 decomposed by water, and when heated yield oil of bitter almond and benzoic acid. 
 Oxidizing agents generally, when acting upon cinnamaldehyde generate the odor of bit- 
 ter almonds, and finally produce benzoic acid ; heated with solid potassium hydroxide, 
 potassium cinnamate is formed, hydrogen being given off ; C 9 H 8 0 + KOH yields C 9 H 7 K0 2 
 -|- H 2 . Cinnamic acid crystallizes in shining, colorless prisms, which are inodorous, dis- 
 solve freely in alcohol, ether, and boiling water, fuse at about 130° C. (266° F.), boil 
 and volatilize without decomposition at about 295° C. (563° F.), and it is oxidized by 
 chlorinated lime and hot dilute nitric acid to oil of bitter almond and benzoic acid. 
 
 Adulterations. — An adulteration with oil of cloves or oil of cinnamon-leaves can- 
 not be detected by the odor, except on heating, when acrid vapors will be given off. 
 The behavior to ferric chloride, strong potassa solution, and cold fuming nitric acid 
 affords additional means for detection. 
 
 “ If 4 drops of the oil be diluted with 10 Cc. of alcohol, the subsequent addition of a 
 drop of ferric chloride test-solution should produce a brown, but not a green or blue 
 color (absence of oil of cloves or carbolic acid). — U. S., P. G. If 4 drops of the oil, 
 contained in a test-tube, be cooled to 0° C. (32° F.), and then shaken with 4 drops of 
 fuming nitric acid, crystalline needles or plates will be formed. If a portion of the oil 
 be shaken with water, and the liquid passed through a wet filter, the clear filtrate should 
 afford, with a few drops of basic lead acetate test-solution, a white turbidity, without a 
 yellow color (absence of oil of cloves). If 1 Cc. of the oil be mixed with 3 Cc. of a 
 mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 1 volume of water, it should form a clear solution ; 
 and if to the latter 2 Cc. of a saturated solution of lead acetate in a mixture of 3 volumes 
 of alcohol and 1 volume of water be gradually added, no precipitate should be produced 
 (absence of petroleum, or of colophony).” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Oils. — Oleum cinnamomi foliorum. — Oil of cinnamon-leaves, E.; Essence de feuilles de 
 cannellier, Fr. ; Zimmtblatterol, G. — The leaves are distilled in Ceylon with sea-water. The oil 
 is a rather viscid brown liquid, having the specific gravity 1.053 and a strong clove-like and faint 
 nutmeg-like odor; after treatment with potassa the odor resembles that of cinnamon. Stenhouse 
 (1854) found in the oil a terpene and eugenol, with a small quantity of benzoic acid; the latter 
 could not be detected by Schaer (1882). N. A. Kuhn (1877) showed the presence of cinnamic 
 acid. 
 
 Oleum cinnamomi radicis. — Oil of cinnamon-root, E. ; Essence de racine de cannellier, Fr.; 
 Zimmtwurzelol, G. — It is yellow, lighter than water, and has an odor like that of a mixture of 
 cinnamon and camphor and a camphoraceous taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The oil is much employed to impart an agreeable flavor to 
 medicinal compounds and render them acceptable to the stomach. If the virtues 
 attributed to cinnamon (see Cinnamomum) in uterine haemorrhage are real, they would 
 probably be displayed more efficiently by the oil than by any other preparation of the 
 medicine. The dose is Gm. 0.05-0.10 (gtt. j-ij). 
 
1120 
 
 OLEUM COCOS.— OLEUM COPAIBJE. 
 
 OLEUM COCOS.— Oocoanut Oil. 
 
 Oleum cocois. — Oocoanut butter , E. ; Beurre de coco , Er. ; Rokosnussol, G. 
 
 From Cocos nucifera, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord, — Palmse. 
 
 Origin. — The cocoanut tree is how met with in all tropical countries. It has at the 
 apex a tuft of leaves which are 3.6 M. (12 feet) and more long and have numerous 
 narrow rigid and long leaflets. The yellowish-white flowers produce the well-known 
 cocoanuts, which in their unripe state contain a sweetish liquid. The seeds contain much 
 fixed oil, which is obtained by hot pressure or on being boiled in water. The seeds of 
 Cocos butyracea, Linne , of Brazil, yield a similar oil. 
 
 Properties. — Cocoanut oil is of a butyraceous consistence, white, and has a peculiar 
 not agreeable odor, which is also observed in the soap prepared with it ; its taste is mild 
 and bland, but on exposure to the air it becomes rancid and acquires an acrid taste. Its 
 melting-point varies between 22° and 28° or 30° C. (71.6°— 82.4°— 86° F.) ; the cold 
 pressed oil melts at 20° C. (68° F.) or less. The fused, thin, transparent, yellowish oil 
 congeals between 18° and 12° C. (64.4° and 53.6° F.). After having been heated to 
 240° C. (464° F.) it remains liquid for several days. The oil is readily saponified at a 
 low temperature, the soap being white, hard, and capable of uniting with much water 
 near 18° C. (64.4° F.). 
 
 Composition. — By cold pressure it may be separated into a liquid and solid portion, 
 both of which are glycerides. According to Gorgey and Oudemans, the acids contained 
 in cocoanut oil are palmitic and myristic, but principally lauric, acid, together with 
 caprinic, caprylic, and capronic acids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cocoanut oil has been tried as a substitute for cod-liver oil, 
 but, like other succedanea for that product, was found inefficient. It was given in doses 
 of Gm. 16 (a tablespoonful). It is chiefly valuable for its economical and pharmaceu- 
 tical uses. In Abyssinia and in India the juice and pulp of the cocanut are used to 
 expel taeniae ( Amer . Jour, of Med Set., xcvii. 281). 
 
 OLEUM GOPAIBiE, U. S., Bv.—Oil of Copaiba. 
 
 Oleum balsami copaioae. — Essence de copaliu , Fr. ; Copaibabl , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from copaiba. 
 
 Preparation. — The oil is obtained by distilling copaiba with water, a metallic still 
 being preferable to a glass retort ; a considerable quantity of water, or preferably steam, 
 should be used, or the distilled water returned to the still until all the oil has been 
 obtained. All that is consumed in the United States is prepared here from Para copaiba, 
 which yields 50 to 60 per cent., or even more. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of copaiba is limpid, colorless, or pale-yellowish, and on exposure 
 becomes slowly thicker and yellow. It has the odor of copaiba, a pungent, aromatic and 
 bitterish taste, neutral reaction to test-paper, spec. grav. 0.89 to 0.91, and increasing with 
 age ; it boils at about 250° C. (482° F). It is soluble in ten times its volume of alcohol 
 (U S. P .), dissolves in about 40 parts of alcohol spec. grav. 0.85, mixes with iodine with- 
 out violent reaction, and yields with hydrochloric acid gas a liquid and a crystallizable 
 compound. It deviates polarized light to the left. 
 
 Composition. — The oil has the elementary composition of oil of turpentine, and 
 consists of several isomeric modifications of C 15 H 24 , differing in boiling-point, in the beha- 
 vior to polarized light, and probably in other properties. 
 
 Adulterations. — The addition of oil of turpentine is detected by the odor and by 
 the more violent reaction with iodine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of copaiba acts upon the human skin very feebly as an 
 irritant. When taken internally it is excreted by the urine, which then furnishes a pre- 
 cipitate with nitric or muriatic acid. It is very doubtful whether it exerts any efficient 
 control over gonorrhoea , the disease for which copaiba itself is chiefly employed. It 
 probably is more useful in chronic pulmonary catarrh or chronic bronchitis , since it is 
 apparently through the lungs that the odorous constituent of all oleoresins is eliminated. 
 But clinical evidence upon this point is wanting, unless, indeed, the negative proof 
 afforded by the silence of all competent authorities be accepted as sufficient. The dose 
 of the oil is Gm. 0.60-1 (gtt. x-xv). 
 
OLEUM CORIANDRI.— OLEUM ERIGERONTIS CANADENSIS. 
 
 1121 
 
 OLEUM OORIANDRI, V. S., Br .— Oil of Coriander. 
 
 Essence de coriandre , Fr. ; Korianderol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Coriandrum sativum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Umbelliferae. 
 
 Preparation.. — Coriander-fruit is ground, and then distilled with water or by means 
 of steam. The yield varies between f and 1 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — It is colorless or pale-yellow, has a mild and agreeable aromatic odor 
 of coriander, and a warm, spicy taste, a spec. grav. of 0.87 to 0.885, at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 commences to boil at about 150° C. (302° F.), and dissolves readily in alcohol and glacial 
 acetic acid. Iodine and fuming nitric acid act energetically upon it, the latter producing 
 a greenish resin. 
 
 Composition. — The oil has the composition C 10 H, 8 O, and is isomeric with borneol. 
 From Ivawalier’s investigations (1852) it appears sometimes to contain also a hydrocar- 
 bon, C 10 H 16 . 
 
 Adulteration. — Leonhardi (1878) mentions oil of orange, which is detected by its 
 insolubility in an equal bulk of 85 per cent, alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Like oil of anise, fennel, etc., this oil is aromatic and carmina- 
 tive, and is used in flatulent colic , to relieve the pain of rheumatism , neuralgia , etc., and 
 to mitigate the griping operation of certain purgatives. It corrects the odor and taste 
 of fluid extract of senna better than any other aromatic. Dose Gm. 0.05-0.25 (gtt. j-v). 
 
 OLEUM CUBEB^E, U . S., Br . — Oil of Cubeb. 
 
 Oleum cubebarum . — Oil of cubebs, E. ; Essence de cubebe , Fr. ; Kubebenbl , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Cubeba officinalis, Miquel (nat. ord. Pipera- 
 ceae). 
 
 Preparation. — Cubebs are ground, and then distilled with steam or hot water, when 
 repeated cohobation is necessary. The yield is about 10 per cent., but varies considerably 
 with the quality of the fruit. It is distilled in the United States, little being imported 
 — 558 pounds in 1867, and only 5 pounds in 1877. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of cubebs has a greenish or yellowish tint, but after rectification 
 is colorless, and on exposure becomes thick like olive oil. It has the odor of cubebs, 
 a Warm, camphoraceous, aromatic taste, spec. grav. 0.92, at 15° C. (59° F.) a natural 
 reaction, boils at about 250° C. (482° F.), dissolves in 25 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.85, 
 and turns polarized light to the left. Iodine dissolves in the oil quietly, but evolves 
 some vapors ; concentrated sulphuric acid colors it yellow, and, on warming, red. It is 
 soluble in an equal volume of alcohol, the solution being neutral to test paper. 
 
 Composition. — Oglialoro (1875) showed the oil to be a mixture of three levogyrate 
 hydrocarbons, of which one C 10 H 16 , is present in small quantity and boils between 158° 
 and 163° C. (316.4° and 325.4° F.) ; the remaining two have the composition C I5 H 2 4 , and 
 boil between 262° and 265° C. (503.6° and 509° F.) ; only one of these yields a crys- 
 tallizable compound with HC1, melting at 118° C. (244.4° F.). At a low temperature 
 the oil sometimes separates inodorous crystals of cubeb camphor , which has the formula 
 C 30 H 48 2H 2 O, and fuses at 65° C. (149° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of cubeb produces symptoms almost identical with those 
 of oil of copaiva, but more strongly marked. It causes, occasionally, an eruption, as 
 copaiva does. It displays no curative virtues in gonorrhoea. The dose is Gm. 0.60-1 
 (gtt- x-xv) or more. 
 
 OLEUM ERIGERONTIS CANADENSIS, U. 8.— Oil of Canada 
 
 Erigeron. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowering herb of Erigeron canadense, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae. 
 
 Preparation. — The fresh herb is distilled in the United States with water or by 
 means of steam. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of erigeron is a limpid, pale-yellow liquid of a peculiar aromatic, 
 persistent odor, somewhat like that of hemlock (Abies canadensis), and of an aromatic 
 not very pungent taste. It has the spec. grav. 0.850, and commences to boil at about 
 155° C. (311° F.), the largest part distilling between 175° to 180° C. (347° F.) ; the 
 
 71 
 
1122 
 
 OLEUM EUCALYPTI— OLEUM FCENICULL 
 
 redistilled oil is colorless, and neutral to test-paper. It dissolves iodine without explo- 
 sion, is gradually colored reddish by potassa, and slowly acted on in the cold by fuming 
 nitric acid. The oil becomes thick and reddish-brown by age, dissolves freely in ether 
 and absolute alcohol, but is only moderately soluble in 80 per cent, alcohol. “ Soluble 
 in an equal volume of alcohol (distinction from the oil of fireweed derived from Erechthites 
 liieracifolia, Rafinesque , nat. ord. Composite, and from oil of turpentine), this solution 
 being neutral or slightly acid to litmus ; also soluble in an equal volume of glacial acetic 
 acid.” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — The oil contains oxygen, as ascertained by Procter (1854), but, 
 according to Beilstein and E. Wiegand (1882), it consists mainly of a terpene, C 10 H 16 , 
 boiling at 176° C. (349° F.), and yielding a crystalline compound with HC1, which melts 
 near 48° C. (118.4° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — This oil has had a certain reputation for controlling uterine 
 haemorrhage , and the plant from which it is derived was held by the aborigines to quicken 
 uterine contractions. The evidence respecting its virtues is conflicting, and seems, on the 
 whole, not adapted to inspire much confidence. Like other nervo-vascular stimulants, it 
 is said to have been useful in the typhoid state. The dose is Gm. 0.30—0.60 (gtt. v— x). 
 
 OLEUM EUCALYPTI, U. S., Br.—Ou, of Eucalyptus. 
 
 Essence d' eucalyptus, Fr. ; Eucalyptusol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, Labillardiere, 
 E. oleosa, F. V. Mueller , and some other species of Eucalyptus. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Myrtacese. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — The first species mentioned above is described on page 
 626. Bosisto states (see Am. Jour. Phar ., 1876, p. 372) that 1000 pounds of the fresh 
 leaves of the following species yield the quantities of oil stated : E. obliqua, E Heritier, 
 called stringy hark , 80 oz. ; E. globulus, Labillardiere , 120 oz. ; E. sideroxylon, Bentham , 
 called iron hark , 160 oz. ; E. oleosa, Mueller , known as malice , 200 oz. ; while E. amygda- 
 lina yields 500 oz. of volatile oil. 
 
 Properties. — These volatile oils are colorless or pale-yellow, thin liquids, becoming 
 thicker and somewhat darker by age. They are neutral to test-paper, are more or less 
 pungently aromatic and camphoraceous in odor and taste, that of Euc. persicifolia, or 
 peach gum , like the oil of bitter almonds, with which it agrees in containing hydrocyanic 
 acid. The specific gravity of these oils varies between 0.915 and 0.925 at 15° C. (59°F.) 
 and their boiling points between about 130° and 200° C. (266° and 392° F.). 
 
 The oils are soluble in alcohol, carbon disulphide, or glacial acetic acid in all propor- 
 tions. The alcoholic solution being neutral or slightly acid to litmus-paper. “ If 1 Cc. 
 of the oil be mixed with 2 Cc. of glacial acetic acid, and 1 or 2 Cc. of a saturated, 
 aqueous solution of sodium nitrite gradually added, the mixture, when gently stirred, 
 should not form a crystalline mass (distinction from oils of eucalyptus containing a con- 
 siderable proportion of phellandrene).”— U. S. 
 
 Composition. — The dextrogyre oil of E. globulus was examined by Cloez (1870) 
 and by Faust and Homeyer (1874). Cloez regarded the oil as being chiefly composed of 
 eucdlyptol , C 12 H 20 O, boiling at 178° C. (352.4° F.), and yielding with phosphoric anhydride 
 two compounds, C 12 II 18 , of which eucalyptene boils at 165° C. (329° F.), and eucalyptolene 
 at above 300° C. (572° F.). Faust and Homeyer, however, obtained from the oil about 
 60 per cent, of a terpene , C 10 Hi 6 , boiling between 172° and 175° C. (342.6° and 347° F ), 
 30 per cent, of cymene , C 10 H U , the remainder being a terpene boiling at 150° C. (302° F. }, 
 and an oxygenated compound, probably C 10 H ]6 O, which they named eucalyptol, Cloez’s 
 compound of the same name being a mixture of the first two hydrocarbons, which rapidly 
 combine with oxygen. The oil of E. amygdalina does not appear to contain eucalyptol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — For an account of the virtues ascribed to this oil the reader is 
 referred to the article Eucalyptus. The dose of the oil is Gm. 0.10-0.25 (gtt. ij— v). 
 
 OLEUM FCENICULI, U. S., B. G.— Oil of Fennel. 
 
 Essence de fenouil , Fr. ; Fenchelol , G. . ' 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare, Gaertner. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae. 
 
 Preparation. — Bruised fennel is distilled with water, or, preferably, by means of 
 
OLEUM GA ULTHERIjE. 
 
 1123 
 
 superheated steam. The yield is about 3£ or 4 per cent. The oil used in the United 
 States is chiefly procured from Germany and France. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of fennel is colorless or yellowish, has a neutral reaction, an agree- 
 able fennel odor, a sweetish aromatic taste ( oil of sweet fennel ), and is of the spec. gray. 
 0.90 to 0.99 (not less than 0.900, U. &); it congeals below 10° C. (50° F.), sometimes 
 not until cooled below the freezing-point of water, and Zeller obtained an oil which 
 remained liquid at — 20° C. ( — 4° F.) , moreover, the congealing-point of the oil becomes 
 lower by age. An oil which does not congeal between 5° and 10° C. (41° and 50° F.) 
 cannot, for this reason alone, be considered impure. (See also Ol. Anisi.) Boiled with 
 nitro-prusside of copper, oil of fennel turns yellowish-brown or red-brown ; on the addi- 
 tion of iodine it becomes thick like an extract, or even brittle. It is soluble in alcohol 
 in all proportions in an equal volume of glacial acetic acid, and turns the ray of polarized 
 light to the right. 
 
 Composition. — The difference in the physical properties is due to the variable pro- 
 portion of liquid and solid anethol contained in it. (See Ol. Anisi.) The oil also con- 
 tains a hydrocarbon isomeric with oil of turpentine. 
 
 Tests. — The solution in alcohol should not become dark -colored on the addition of a 
 little ferric chloride (phenol, etc.). 1 drop of the oil, triturated with sugar and afterward 
 with 500 Gm. of water, should impart to the latter the pure flavor of fennel (other vola- 
 tile oils). — P. G. If the oil be dropped into water without agitation, it should not pro- 
 duce a milky turbidity (absence of alcohol). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of fennel oil when given to animals in large doses 
 appears to be identical with that of oil of anise. In medicinal operation it closely 
 resembles the same oil. It is used in flatulent disorders and to qualify the action of 
 harsh purgatives, and is sometimes employed as a galactagogue and as an emmenagogue. 
 The dose is Gm. 0.30—0.60 (gtt. v— x). 
 
 OLEUM GAULTHERLE, U . S . — Oil of Gaultheria. 
 
 Oil of Wintergreen , E ; Essence de gaultherie , Fr. ; BergtJieeol , G. 
 
 A volatile oil, consisting almost entirely of methyl salicylate, distilled from the leaves 
 of Gaultheria procumbens, Linne . 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ericaceae. 
 
 Preparation. — The entire plant is generally collected, and while fresh distilled with 
 water or with the aid of steam. It is largely made in New York, Pennsylvania, and 
 some of the New England States. The average yield is about .5 per cent., and varies 
 between .4 and .8 per cent. G. W. Kennedy (1882) showed that much of the commercial 
 oil of wintergreen is obtained from Betula lenta (see page 338), the young shoots being 
 distilled after having been cut into short pieces and subjected to brief maceration with 
 water ; the yield is about .23 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of gaultheria is usually of a reddish color, but may be obtained 
 colorless by rectification. According to I. E. Leonard (1884), the color is usually due 
 to the presence of a little iron, and is readily removed by citric acid. It has a strong 
 and agreeable aromatic odor and a sweetish, warm, aromatic taste, and begins to boil at 
 218° to 221° C. (424.4° to 429.8° F.). It is the heaviest of the volatile oils, its density 
 being 1.175 to 1.185 at 15° C., which is also that of oleum betulae volatile, now official in 
 the Pharmacopoeia. Occasionally, oil of gaultheria is lighter (1.170), in consequence of 
 containing a light hydrocarbon, but the extent of this variation has not been fully deter- 
 mined. The oil is neutral or faintly acid to test-paper; has a slight dextrogyre rotation, 
 and dissolves readily in alcohol and but to a small degree in water ; the solutions acquire 
 a dark-purple color on the addition of ferric chloride. The pure oil is not colored on the 
 addition of strong nitric acid, but soon congeals into colorless crystals of a nitro-com- 
 pound. A solid crystalline mass is also obtained on agitating the oil with concentrated 
 solution of potassa or soda. When oil of gaultheria is prescribed, the Pharmacopoeia 
 permits the use of methyl salicylate or of oil of sweet birch. 
 
 Composition. — Procter (1842) recognized the presence in this oil of salicylic acid. 
 Cahours subsequently (1843) proved it to consist to the amount of about 90 per cent, of 
 methylsalicylic acid {methyl salicylate or mono-methylsalicylic ether), CH 3 .C 7 H 6 0 3 , which with 
 some other salicylic ethers is now also artificially prepared for use in the arts. II. P. 
 Pettigrew (1883) showed the oil of sweet birch to be pure methyl salicylate, to boil con- 
 stantly at 218° C. (424.4° F.), and on saponification to yield methyl alcohol and salicylic 
 acid. Pure methyl salicylate is a colorless oil, has the spec. grav. 1.18, boils at 222° C. 
 
1124 
 
 OLEUM GA ULTHERIjE. 
 
 (431.6° F.) (Cahours), and forms crystalline compounds with the alkalies. The remain- 
 ing constituent of oil of wintergreen — of which Pettigrew (1884) obtained only 0.3 per 
 cent. — is gaultlierilene , a colorless thin hydrocarbon of the formula C 10 H, 6 , boiling at 
 160° C. (320° F.), and having a strong peculiar odor, described as pepper-like by Cahours. 
 Volatile oils of similar composition have been obtained from Gaultheria liispidula, G. punc- 
 tata, G. leucocarpa, Polygala pauciflora, and Monotropa Hypopitys. 
 
 Adulterations. — The great density of this volatile oil prevents its adulteration with 
 most cheaper ones, which would reduce its specific gravity. A mixture of alcohol and 
 chloroform has been employed for the purpose, but is readily detected by the low boiling- 
 point and the character of the first fractional distillate. The most common adulterant is 
 oil of sassafras, which is colored dark-red and converted into a brown-red resinous mass 
 by strong nitric acid. The pure oil yields nearly colorless crystals of methyl nitrosalicy- 
 late. When heated to about 80° C. (176° F.) the oil should not yield a colorless distil- 
 late having the characteristics of chloroform or of alcohol. On mixing 5 drops of the 
 oil with 5 drops of nitric acid the mixture should not acquire a deep-red color, and should 
 not solidify to a dark-red, resinous mass (absence of oil of sassafras). 
 
 For other properties and tests see the article Methyl Salic ylas. 
 
 Oleum Betula Volatile, U. S., Volatile oil of betula, Oil of sweet birch, E. A 
 volatile oil, identical with synthetic methyl salicylate, obtained by distillation from the 
 bark of sweet birch, Betula lenta, Linne. Nat. Ord. Betulaceae. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mixed with putrescible liquids, this oil is said to preserve 
 them from putrefaction. Its action in large doses closely resembles that of other 
 aromatic essential oils. A woman who had swallowed half an ounce of oil of winter- 
 green, with as much cod-liver oil, was presently seized with drowsiness, delirium, conges- 
 tion of the head, and throbbing of the arteries. The face was swollen, the eyes bright, 
 the pupils contracted ; visual hallucinations occurred, with a tendency to sleep or coma, 
 and yet there was “ extreme irritability of the nervous system.” Buzzing noises were 
 in the ears ; there was profuse salivation ; the hands and feet were cold ; and there was 
 paresis of the left side. Impaired vision and slight hallucinations remained during con- 
 valescence. Gastric symptoms were almost entirely wanting (Hamilton, New York Med . 
 Jour ., xxi. 602). Besides the symptoms above detailed there have been noted in certain 
 cases profuse perspiration, extreme thirst, dilated pupils, feeble vision, ringing in the 
 ears, tonic spasms, hemiparesis, painful or involuntary urination. Death has followed 
 taking one ounce of the oil in fifteen hours, and apparently in less time after half an 
 ounce had been swallowed (Pinkham, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Dec. 1887, p. 548). 
 In one of these cases after death the blood was black and fluid, and the stomach, 
 duodenum, and kidneys were congested. 
 
 A mixture of oil of sassafrass and oil of gaultheria used as a flavoring ingredient of 
 “ sarsaparilla syrup ” has produced severe gastro-intestinal disorder and drowsiness 
 (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., May, 1885, p. 471). A radical difference between the 
 actions of the salicylates and oil of gaultheria is that the latter causes death in the 
 human race by coma, while the former produce it by asthenia. In the lower animals, 
 according to Wood and Hare, the oil induces convulsions without stupor ( Therap . Gaz., 
 x. 73). 
 
 In 1880, Perier made use of a mixture of essence of wintergreen and tincture of quil- 
 laia in the direct treatment of chronic cystitis, and a 1 per cent, solution of the former 
 in vaseline as an antiseptic (Med. Record , xviii. 262). In 1881, Gosselin and Bergeron 
 determined that, like alcohol and salicylic acid, this oil prevents putrefactive fermenta- 
 tion, and that when duly diluted with an alcoholic solution it does not irritate the tissues, 
 but hastens the healing of their wounds and other lesions. These surgeons made use 
 chiefly of a solution consisting of 100 parts each of alcohol and water with 21 parts of 
 oil of gaultheria (Archives gen., Jan. 1881, p. 16). The analgesic power of this oil was 
 shown by its efficacy in a case of neuralgia (tic douloureux) of the face which for years 
 had resisted other remedies. The oil was prescribed in 15-minim doses every three 
 hours (Dercum, Phila. Med. Times, xvii. 471). The large proportion of methyl salicy- 
 late contained in the oil naturally led to its employment in rheumatism. It was appar- 
 ently first used for this purpose by Casamayor ( Ephemeris , i. 30), and next by Kinnicutt 
 (Med. Record , xxii. 505). Twelve cases of acute [articular] rheumatism treated by the 
 latter gave an average duration of the pyrexia of three and a half days; of the joint- 
 pains, four and a half days ; of the stay in hospital, twenty-four and a half days. The 
 oil was given at first in doses of 10 minims every two hours until eight doses had been 
 taken, and afterward the doses were increased as well as their frequency. The reporter 
 
OLEUM G OSS Y PI I SEMINIS. 
 
 1125 
 
 believed that his cases presented less than the usual proportion of heart-complications, 
 but if so the oil must differ in its effects from its active element, salicylic acid. The 
 late Dr. Flint (Philo. Med. Times, xiii. 846), Gottheil (Med. Record, xxiv. 258), and 
 Seelye (New York Med. Jour., Nov. 1884) have reported analogous results. Seelye 
 admits that the oil is as apt as salicylic acid to induce depression and disorder of the 
 nervous system, especially in the intemperate. Indeed, there seems to be no clinical 
 ground for employing it as a substitute for salicylic acid and sodium salicylate. Its use, 
 or that of the oil of birch, has been advocated upon the ground of its chemical com- 
 position, as a methyl-salicylate (Squibb), although an exception is made in the case of 
 acute articular rheumatism. In nine out of twenty cases of gonorrhceal rheumatism in 
 its early stage, large doses of this oil were found decidedly beneficial (Taylor, Boston 
 Med. and Sun/. Jour., Jan. 1887, p. 558). This oil forms a useful addition to liniments 
 employed for muscular and articular rheumatism and other local pains. It is sometimes 
 used as a carminative, but most frequently to conceal the taste of nauseous medicines. 
 It assists in flavoring the compound syrup of sarsaparilla. The dose may be stated at 
 Gm. 0.30-0.60 (n^v-x) every three to six hours, and gradually increased until some 
 ringing in the ears is perceived. It may be given in powdered sugar or floated on water, 
 or in gelatin capsules. It does not readily cause disgust. The poisonous effects of this 
 oil may be combated by stimulant emetics, ammonia, and hypodermic injections of 
 alcoholic liquors or ether. 
 
 OLEUM GOSSYPH SEMINIS, U. S.— Cotton-seed Oil. 
 
 Oleum gossyjni. — Cotton oil , E. ; Huile de coton , Huile de semences de cotonnier , Fr. ; 
 Bn u m wollsa rnen/jl , G . 
 
 A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Gossypium herbaceum, Urine , and of other species 
 of Gossypium, and subsequently purified. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Malvaceae. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — (For remarks on the cotton-plant see page 790). After 
 the seeds have been deprived of the cotton they are about 8 Mm. (^ inch) in length and 
 4 Mm. (£, inchj in width, of an irregular ovoid shape, have a brown, hard, somewhat brittle 
 testa with a prominent raphe along its entire length, and contain a whitish embryo with 
 large, folded cotyledons and numerous blackish resin-glands imbedded in its tissue. For 
 obtaining the oil the testa is crushed in a suitable machine and removed by winnowing; 
 the kernels (embryo) are then ground, and, enclosed in bags, are subjected to hydraulic 
 pressure. A bushel of seeds yields about 2 gallons of oil, or, by weight, 100 parts of 
 seeds give shells arid cotton-fibre 47, press-cake 38, and oil 15 parts. The air-dry seeds 
 contain oil 21.5, albuminoids 28, other organic substances 33.5, ash 9, and water 8 per 
 cent. The average composition of the press-cakes is oil 7.5, albuminoids 20, other organic 
 compounds 51, ash 8.5, and moisture 13 per cent. 
 
 Purification. — The crude oil is of a more or less deep-brown color, turbid, thickish, 
 and contains a large percentage of albuminous matter. On standing, a portion of the 
 impurities subside, and the oil, now termed “clarified,” becomes clear and of an orange 
 color. On treating it with boiling water or superheated steam the albuminoids are coagu- 
 lated, arid a still lighter colored or refined oil is obtained. The final bleaching is effected 
 by agitating the oil well with a small portion of alkali solution and heating. 
 
 Properties. — Bleached cotton-seed oil is perfectly transparent, and has a pale straw- 
 yellow color, a bland nut-like taste, and a neutral reaction. Its specific gravity at 15° C. 
 ('•*\)° F.) is .925— .927 (.920— .930 U. S. P.) ; that of the crude oil, .930— .932. It is very 
 sparingly soluble in alcohol, but dissolves readily in ether, chloroform, benzin, etc. Near 
 12° C. (56° F.) the oil begins to deposit palmitin, but it does not congeal until cooled to 
 9° or — 5° C. ("32° or 23° F.). Exposed to the air, the oil gradually thickens, but it 
 does not solidify ; by the elaidin test it is converted into a yellow or brownish soft mass. 
 Sulphuric acid, sp. grav. 1.75 or more, imparts at once a dark, reddish-brown color, and 
 gradually forms a thick jelly-like mass ; weaker sulphuric acid applied in the cold causes 
 a deeper yellow or orange color. Nitric or hydrochloric acid scarcely affects the color, 
 but fuming nitric acid colors orange-brown. Warmed with concentrated solution of zinc 
 chloride, a brown color is produced. When agitated with concentrated solution of lead 
 sub'icetate, S. S. Bradford (1882) noticed after some time the production of a red tint, 
 and considers this behavior as a reliable test for the detection of cotton-seed oil in olive 
 oil. The oil is readily saponified by strong solutions of alkali, with the exception of a 
 bright-yellow coloring matter, which may be obtained by agitating the soap with benzin. 
 
1126 
 
 OLEUM HEDEOMM 
 
 Composition. — Cotton-seed oil consists chiefly of olein and palmitin, and about 1.8 
 per cent, of a bright-yellow liquid hydrocarbon. According to 0. Bach (1883), the fatty 
 acids of this oil melt at 38° C. (100.4° F.) and congeal again at 35° C. (95° F.). From 
 that portion of the oil saponified in the bleaching process F. Kuhlmann (1861) obtained 
 a pigment by heating the soapy sediment with 4 per cent, of sulphuric acid for several 
 hours to 100° C. (212° F.), washing with water, and dissolving in alcohol. This cotton- 
 seed blue, C 17 H 24 0 4 , is amorphous, readily destroyed by oxidizing agents, insoluble in water, 
 diluted acids, and alkalies, sparingly soluble in carbon disulphide and chloroform, soluble 
 in 77 parts of alcohol and 8.4 parts of ether, and dissolves with a purple color in sulphuric 
 acid ; it is bleached on exposure to light and air. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The oil is used by the U. S. P. for liniments in the place 
 of olive oil. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 6 Gm. of the oil be thoroughly shaken, in a test-tube, for about two 
 minutes, with a mixture of 1.5 Gm. of nitric acid and 0.5 Gm. of water, then heated in 
 a bath of boiling water for not more than fifteen minutes, the oil will assume an orange 
 or reddish-brown color, and, after standing for twelve hours at the ordinary temperature, 
 will form a semi-solid mass. If 5 Cc. of the oil be thoroughly shaken, in a test-tube, 
 with 5 Cc. of an alcoholic solution of silver nitrate (made by dissolving 1 Gm. of silver 
 nitrate in 100 Cc. of deodorized alcohol and adding 0.5 Cc. of nitric acid), and the 
 mixture heated for about five minutes in a water-bath, the oil will assume a red or red- 
 dish-brown color.” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Oils. — Oleum fagi. — Beech oil, E. ; Huile de faines, Fr. ; Buchelol, Bucheckerol, G . — 
 The fruit of the European beech tree, Fagus sylvatica, Linn6 (nat. ord. Cupuliferae), is in some 
 parts of Europe used for the preparation of oil, of which, after the removal of the integuments, 
 about 22 per cent, is obtained. The press-cake is said to have a deleterious effect when eaten by 
 cattle or horses, but is used for feeding hogs and poultry. The oil is yellow and of a mild odor 
 and taste, or, if expressed with heat, somewhat acrid, but becomes mild by age. It does not 
 easily turn rancid, has the spec. grav. .921 to .923, congeals at about — 17.5° C. (.5° F.), consists 
 mainly of olein with little palmitin and stearin, and behaves to nitric, fuming nitric, and sul- 
 phuric acids in a similar manner as cotton-seed oil, but assumes a flesh color with zinc chloride. 
 On saponification it yields a rather soft soap. 
 
 Oil of Brazil Nuts. Bertholletia excelsa, Humboldt et Bo upland ( nat. ord. Lecythidacese), is 
 a large tree indigenous to Brazil, where it is known as castanheiro de Para. The globular fruit 
 is about 10 inches (25 Cm.) in diameter, and contains sixteen to twenty seeds, called Brazil nuts 
 or Para nuts — Chataigne du Bresil, Fr.; Paranuss, G. These are 1J to 2 inches (3-5 Cm.) long, 
 three-edged, convex upon the back, have a rough, brown-gray, hard testa, and contain a white 
 kernel of an almond-like taste and yielding about 60 per cent, of fixed oil. This is pale-yellow, 
 bland, easily turns rancid, congeals at —1° C. (30° F.), becomes red and red-brown by sulphuric 
 acid and rose-colored by zinc chloride, and consists of olein with palmitin and stearin. A simi- 
 lar oil is yielded by the Sapucaya nuts , the seeds of Lecythis Zabucajo, Aublet, of Brazil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This oil has been substituted for olive oil in several officinal 
 preparations, and may be employed in all the surgical manipulations in which the latter 
 was originally used. It is extensively used as food and is esteemed digestible and whole- 
 some. 
 
 OLEUM HEDEOMiE, U. S. — Oil op Hedeoma. 
 
 Oil of pennyroyal, E. ; Essence de pouliot americain , Fr. ; Polevoi, G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fresh herb of Hedeoma pulegioides, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae. 
 
 Preparation. — The fresh herb (p. 806) is distilled with water or by means of steam. 
 
 Properties. — The oil is a limpid, colorless, or yellowish volatile liquid of a peculiar 
 pungent, mint-like odor and taste, and has a specific gravity of 0.93 to 0.94 at 15° C. 
 (59° F.). It has a neutral or slightly acid reaction, is soluble in an equal volume of 
 alcohol and also in carbon disulphide or glacial acetic acid. It dissolves iodine with a 
 brisk explosive reaction, yielding a viscous liquid. A mixture of the oil with chloral 
 hydrate and sulphuric acid acquires a brownish-green color. 
 
 Fresh European pennyroyal (Pouliot, Fr. ; Polei, G.), Mentha Pulegium, Linne , s. 
 Pulegium vulgare, Miller (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 201), yields about 1 per 
 cent, of a volatile oil having a similar odor, according to Kane a density of .925 to .927, 
 a boiling-point near 185° C. (365° F.), and the composition C 10 H 16 O. The volatile oil of 
 Pulegium micranthum, Claus , of Southern Russia, examined by Buttlerow (1854), has 
 the same composition, but a greater density and higher boiling-point. 
 
OLEUM JUNIPER!.— OLEUM LAVANDULAE FLO RUM. 
 
 1127 
 
 Composition. — Oil of hedeoma contains oxygen, but its exact composition has not 
 been ascertained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It has essentially the same action and virtues as the associated 
 volatile oils ; that is to say, it is an aromatic stimulant, carminative, and emmenagogue 
 under fit conditions, and is added to embrocations to increase their anodyne and rube- 
 facient action. The dose is from Gm. 0.10—0.60 (2 to 10 drops). 
 
 OLEUM JUNIPERI, U. 8., Br., B. G.—Oil of Juniper. 
 
 Oleum fructus (pel baccse) juniperi . — Oil of juniper -berries, E. ; Essence de genievre , 
 Fr. ; Wachholderbeerol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Juniperus communis, Linne (see p. 906). 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferae. 
 
 Preparation. — Bipe or nearly ripe juniper-berries are well bruised, mixed with 
 table-salt and water, and distilled either over the naked fire or by the aid of steam. The 
 yield is usually 1 to | per cent., and sometimes exceeds 1 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of juniper-berries is colorless or pale greenish-yellow, limpid, but 
 on exposure rapidly thickens and turns yellow, and ultimately reddish-brown, at the same 
 time acquiring an acid reaction ; the fresh-distilled oil from old juniper-berries is thickish 
 and light-yellow. Its specific gravity is about 0.850 to 0.890 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; it 
 begins to boil at 155° C. (311° F.), or if obtained from ripe berries at 205° C. (401° F.) 
 (Blanchet), has the peculiar odor of the berries, and a warm, aromatic, somewhat sweet- 
 ish and terebinthinate taste, shows a neutral reaction to test-paper, turns polarized light 
 slightly to the left, and is soluble in four times its volume of alcohol, forming a more or less 
 turbid solution ; but it yields clear mixtures with carbon disulphide or glacial acetic acid 
 in all proportions. Iodine dissolves slowly in the limpid oil, but acts more energetically 
 upon the thickened oil, sometimes producing fulmination ; sulphuric acid colors it brown 
 and red. Old oil of juniper contains formic acid, from which it may be freed by sodium 
 carbonate and rectification. 
 
 Composition. — The oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons of the general formula C 10 H ](i , 
 which differ in their boiling-point (see above), a portion boiling at 282° C. (539.6° F.) 
 (Souberain and Capitaine). It yields with hydrochloric acid gas a liquid compound. 
 
 Adulteration. — The similarity of oil of juniper and oil of turpentine in specific 
 gravity, boiling-point, and behavior to solvents and reagents renders the detection of an 
 adulteration with the latter rather difficult, except by the formation of a solid compound 
 with hydrochloric acid gas, and by its different odor, particularly after exposure. “ 1 
 drop of the oil, triturated with sugar and agitated with 500 Gm. of water, should not 
 impart a sharp taste to the latter.” — P. G. 
 
 The oil of juniper -wood, obtained by distillation with water, has a different, more tere- 
 binthinate odor, and is at first limpid and colorless, but on exposure becomes thick, 
 yellow, and finally dark-brown. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of juniper is stomachic, carminative, and diuretic. In large 
 doses it occasions in animals the same effects upon the nervous and vascular systems as 
 other essential oils, with the addition of diuresis. The last-mentioned operation is evident 
 in man as an effect of medicinal doses. It reddens, and may even blister, the skin. It is 
 an efficient ingredient of diuretic infusions and mixtures, is much used to promote urina- 
 tion in the form of Holland gin, and when inhaled from an atomized solution its diuretic 
 virtues are sometimes promptly and distinctly manifested. The dose is Gm. 0.30-1 (gtt. 
 v-xv). 
 
 OLEUM LAVANDULAE FLORUM, IT. S., Br., B. G.—Oiu of Laven- 
 der-flowers. 
 
 Essence de lavande, Fr. ; Lavandelol, G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowers of Lavandula officinalis De Candolle 
 (see p. 932). 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of lavender is distilled in Great Britain and France from the 
 flowers alone or from the flowering-tops or the entire plant, steam heat being usually 
 resorted to. The flowers yield about \ per cent, of the oil ; the quantity, however, varies, 
 and seems to increase in plants grown in southern localities. Stem and leaves yield a 
 small portion of less fragrant oil. 
 
1128 
 
 OLEUM LI MON IS. 
 
 Properties. — The oil is very limpid, colorless, yellowish or greenish-yellow, and neu- 
 tral, and acquires by age an acid reaction and viscid consistence. Its specific gravity is 
 0.885 to 0.897 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; it commences to boil at about 185° C. (365° F.). " It 
 has a levogyre action, reacts briskly and with some detonation on the addition of iodine, 
 and acquires a brown color when agitated with corrosive sublimate. Exposed to a low 
 temperature, it sometimes separates stearopten. Its fragrance varies with the part of the 
 plant used for distillation ; its taste is bitterish and pungent. The better quality is known 
 in commerce as oil of garden lavender. 
 
 Composition. — The most volatile portion is a hydrocarbon of the formula C ]0 Hi 6 . 
 The stearopten is stated by Dumas to be identical with camphor. According to Lalle- 
 mand (1859), the terpene boils at 175° C., and a second one between 200° and 210° C. 
 (392° and 410° F.) ; the oxygenated fraction of the oil contains acetic, and probably 
 also valerianic, acid in combination as ethers. Bruylants (1879) found the terpene to 
 boil at 162° C. (323.6° F.), and ascertained the presence of formic and acetic acids, of 
 10 per cent, of resin, and of 65 per cent, of borneol and camphor. Shenstone (1882) 
 ascertained that the boiling-point of the terpene is raised by continued heating, and sug- 
 gests that the oxygenated compound is not camphor, but easily converted into it by 
 oxidizing agents. 
 
 Adulteration. — The admixture of oil of turpentine is detected by the decreased 
 solubility in alcohol. Oil of spike lavender has a deeper green-yellow color and a more 
 terebinthinate, camphoraceous odor, but agrees with oil of lavender in solubility ; accord- 
 ing to Lallemand, it contains a dextrogyre hydrocarbon boiling at 175° C. (347° F.), and 
 a stearopten apparently identical with camphor; but Bruylants (1879) regards it as dif- 
 fering from oil of lavender, mainly in containing a larger proportion of terpene. 
 
 Tests. — The oil is soluble in all proportions of alcohol (distinction from oil of turpen- 
 tine), and in 3 times its volume of a mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 1 volume of 
 water (distinction from, and absence of, oil of turpentine) ; it is also soluble in glacial 
 acetic acid ; but with an equal volume of carbon disulphide it forms a turbid mixture. 
 When heated on a water-bath, in a flask provided with a well-cooled condenser, the oil 
 should yield no distillate having the character of alcohol. — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is very seldom prescribed alone, but it may 
 be used to calm nervous headache by rubbing a few drops of it upon the temples or by 
 its internal use in the dose of Grin. 0.30 (gtt. iv-v). Its carminative and general stimu- 
 lant operation is usually obtained through the simple and compound spirit of lavender. 
 
 Oil of lavender-flowers is more fragrant than the oil distilled from the herb and flowers, 
 but its action, uses, and dose are about the same. 
 
 OLEUM LIMONIS, U. 8., Br. -Oil of Lemon. 
 
 Oleum citri, P. Gr. ; Oleum de cedro , Oleum limonum. — Essence de citron , Essence de 
 limon , Fr. ; Oitronenol , Limonenol , Gr. 
 
 The volatile oil extracted by expression from the fresh peel of Citrus Limonum, Risso. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutacese. 
 
 Preparation. — The fresh rind of nearly ripe lemons is pressed between the fingers 
 in such a manner that the oil-cells are ruptured, the exuding oil being received upon a 
 sponge, which when saturated is expressed ; or the oil-cells are ruptured by a process of 
 superficial grating, the oil being drained off. An oil of inferior fragrance is obtained by 
 grating the outer rind complete!} 7 off and distilling the magma with water. Oil of lemon 
 is manufactured in Southern France and Italy. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of lemon has a pale-yellow color, is limpid, neutral, of a very 
 agreeable fragrance and mild, aromatic, bitterish taste. As received in commerce, it is 
 usually turbid, but becomes clear on standing ; by age it acquires a thicker consistence 
 and a pungent terebinthinate odor and taste, which change is prevented or retarded by 
 the addition of 5 per cent, of alcohol and decantation of the clear oil from the sediment ; 
 this treatment was recommended by the last Pharmacopoeia for the preservation of the 
 oil. Its specific gravity is about 0.857 to 0.863 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; it commences to boil 
 at about 160° C. (320° F.), rotates polarized light to the right, produces a brisk fulmina- 
 tion with iodine, yields with Frohde’s reagent a deep orange-brown color (Dragendorff, 
 1876), and bv hydrochloric acid gas is converted into a liquid and a solid compound, 
 which, distilled over lime, yield again colorless oils, the former citrylene , the latter citrene 
 (or citronyl ), having a lemon-like odor. Oil of lemon yields with 7 volumes (3 volumes, 
 U. S.) of alcohol a solution, but is soluble in all proportions in carbon disulphide, abso- 
 
OLEUM LINT. 
 
 1129 
 
 lute alcohol, or glacial acetic acid. When kept for some time it should not acquire a 
 terebinthinate odor or taste (absence of turpentine or of other oils containing pinene). 
 
 Composition. — Aside from a small quantity of an oxygenated compound, oil of 
 lemon consists of several hydrocarbons having the general formula C ]0 H 16 . W. A. Tilden 
 (1879) states that at least 76 per cent, of the oil consists of citrene , C 10 H 16 , boiling at 176° 
 C. (348. 8°F.), having an odor like hesperidene ; 6 per cent, consists of cymene, C 10 H U , 
 and the remaining portion contains several hydrocarbons, an alcohol, C 10 H 18 O, boiling 
 above 200° C. and its acetic ether. 
 
 Adulterations with the volatile oils of other fruits of the genus Citrus are very 
 difficult to detect ; odor and taste must be chiefly relied upon. “ 1 drop of the oil triturated 
 with sugar and agitated with 500 Om. of water, should impart to the latter the pure odor 
 of lemon.” — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — Oil of lemons is used almost exclusively as a flavoring agent and as a per- 
 fume. 
 
 OLEUM UNI, U. S., Br JP. G.— Flaxseed Oil. 
 
 Linseed oil , E. ; Huile de lin , Fr. ; Leinol , Leinsamenol , G. 
 
 The fixed oil, expressed without heat, from the seed of Linum usitatissimum, Linn6. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Linacese. 
 
 Preparation. — This oil is made on the large scale by thoroughly drying the seed 
 with the aid of heat, crushing and forcibly expressing it. The yield by cold pressure is 
 16 to 20 per cent., by hot pressure 25 to 28 per cent. It is largely manufactured in this 
 country. 
 
 Properties. — Expressed in the cold, linseed oil is limpid, neutral to test-paper, yel- 
 lowish or yellow, and of a peculiar bland and unpleasant odor and taste. For use in the 
 arts linseed oil is obtained by hot pressure, is somewhat thicker, brownish, has more odor, 
 and a somewhat acrid taste. Its specific gravity is 0.930 to 0.940 at 15° C. (59° F.). 
 It imparts a yellow color to alcohol on being agitated with it, dissolves in 40 parts of 
 cold and 5 parts of boiling alcohol, in 10 parts of absolute alcohol, ether, and in all pro- 
 portions of oil of turpentine, chloroform, ether, benzin and carbon disulphide. It does 
 not congeal above — 20° C. ( — 4° F.) to a yellowish mass. It yields with alkalies a 
 very soft soap. In contact with fuming nitric acid it ignites, but when agitated with 
 nitric acid of specific gravity 1.33 it turns green, and afterward brown ; it does not 
 solidify in contact with nitrous acid. Exposed to the air, it gradually thickens, becomes 
 rancid, and finally solidifies ; if spread in a thin layer on glass and exposed for some 
 time, it should not remain soft (absence of non-drying oils) ; linseed oil thickened by 
 exposure is completely soluble in alcohol. Crude oil which is mixed with mucilaginous 
 matters quickly turns rancid and acquires an acid reaction ; to obviate this change, the 
 seed before expression is completely deprived of water. Linseed oil begins to boil at 
 about 130° C. (266° F.), the boiling-point gradually rising, and when it has lost about 
 5 or 8 per cent, of its weight it constitutes boiled linseed oil, which is darker in color, 
 thicker, and dries more rapidly than the unboiled oil. 
 
 Composition.— According to Mulder (1865), linseed oil is a mixture of about 80 
 per cent, of linolein with palmitin, myristin, and some olein, all being glycerides. Lino- 
 leic acid has the formula C 18 H 32 0 2 (Reformatzky, 1890) ; by treatment with strong HI, 
 and subsequently with Zn and HC1, stearic acid C 18 H 3ti 0 2 is obtained, and is a colorless 
 acid liquid readily soluble in alcohol and ether, and on exposure to air is converted into 
 the hydrate of oxylinoleic acid , which more rapidly if frequently moistened with ether, 
 is transformed into linoxyn. C^H^On- This latter compound is insoluble in ether, and is 
 produced in a few days on the exposure of boiled linseed oil. The acrid taste of linseed 
 oil seems to be due to the presence of a little resin ; according to others, to traces of 
 volatile fatty acids. 
 
 Tests. — “ It should not more than slightly redden blue litmus-paper, previously 
 moistened with alcohol (limit of free acid). If 2 Cc. of the oil be shaken with 1 Cc. of 
 fuming nitric acid and 1 Cc. of water, it should neither completely nor partially solidify, 
 even after standing for one or two days (absence of non-drying oils). If 10 Cc. of the 
 oil contained in a small flask, be mixed with a solution of 3 Gm. of potassium hydroxide 
 in 5 Cc. of water, then 5 Cc. of alcohol added, and the mixture heated for about five 
 minutes on a water-bath, with occasional agitation, a dark-colored but clear and complete 
 solution should result. If this liquid be diluted with water to the measure of 50 Cc., 
 then cooled and shaken with 50 Cc. of ether, the clear, ethereal layer, after having sepa- 
 
1130 
 
 OLEUM MENTHA? PIPERITJE. 
 
 rated, should not show a bluish fluorescence, and, when carefully removed, and allowed 
 to evaporate spontaneously, should leave not more than a slight, and not oily residue 
 (absence of paraffin oils ).” — U S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Oleum lini sulfuratum, s. Balsamum sul- 
 phuris. 6 parts of linseed oil are intimately mixed in an iron vessel with 1 part of sub- 
 limed sulphur, and the mixture boiled over a slow fire in an iron vessel, with constant 
 stirring, until the whole has united into a homogeneous mass. It has about the consist- 
 ence of a thick syrup, and is of a dark red-brown color. Diluted with three times its 
 weight of oil of turpentine, it constitutes Oleum terebinthin^e sulfuratum, s. Bal- 
 samum sulphuris terebintliinatum. 
 
 Other Drying Oils. — The drying oils of walnut-, hemp-, sunflower-, poppy-, and pumpkin-seeds 
 are described elsewhere in connection with the drugs. 
 
 Grape-seed Oil. — Huile de raisin, Fr.; Traubenkerndl, G. — The seeds of the different varieties 
 of Vitis vinifera, Linne (nat. ord. Vitaceas), yield from 10 to 20 per cent, of fixed oil, which, is 
 light-yellow or brownish, inodorous, faintly bitter, and congeals near — 16° C. (3.2° F.). It dries 
 very slowly, and consists, besides palmitin and stearin, chiefly of the glyceride of erucic acid , 
 C 22 H 42 0 2 •, this acid melts at 34° C. (93.2° F.), and yields acetic and arachic acids on being fused 
 with potassa. 
 
 Madia Oil is obtained from Madia sativa, Molina (nat. ord. Compositae, Tubuliflorae), an an 
 nual herb, native of Chili and cultivated in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The brownish-gray, quad- 
 rangular, four-ribbed akenes, which are destitute of pappus, yield about 40 per cent, of fixed oil. 
 This is yellow, bland, of a peculiar odor, and has the spec. grav. .930, and congeals near —20° 
 C. ( — 4° F.). On exposure to air it becomes rancid and slowly acquires a soft-solid consistence. 
 By nitric acid it is colored brown-red, by sulphuric acid greenish and brown. Besides palmitin 
 and stearin, it contains an olein, which seems to differ from that of other oils. 
 
 Niger-seed Oil. Guizotia oleifera, De Candolle , s. Yerbesina sativa, Roxburgh (nat. ord. Com- 
 positae, Tubuliflorae), is indigenous to and cultivated in India and Eastern Africa. The subcylin- 
 drical, black, and glossy akenes yield about 40 per cent, of a thin yellow oil having a nutty flavor 
 and congealing below —10° C. (14° F.). It is colored orange-yellow by nitric acid, and gray- 
 green and brown by sulphuric acid, dries to a soft varnish, and consists of myristin, palmitin, and 
 apparently two oleins, one of which is closely related to linolein. 
 
 Candle-nut Oil, Ivekune Oil, Bankul Oil. The candle-nut-tree, Aleurites triloba, Forster , s. 
 A. moluccana, Willdenow, is extensively cultivated in the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans 
 and in India. The whitish kernels have a bland nutty flavor and yield about 60 per cent, of 
 nearly colorless oil, which dries rapidly and is colored dark orange-red by nitric acid and yellow 
 to brown by sulphuric acid. It consists of an olein resembling linolein, besides myristin, pal- 
 mitin, and stearin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Flaxseed oil is a laxative in the dose of Gm. 32-64 (fgi— ij). 
 It has been recommended to be given in this manner as a remedy for haemorrhoids. Only 
 cold-pressed oil should be used internally. Its most important application is in the treat- 
 ment of burns when mixed with an equal quantity of lime-water. The same mixture is 
 also applied with advantage in impetigo. 
 
 OLEUM MENTHiE PIPERITJE, 77. S., Br., JP. 72.— Oil of Pepper- 
 
 mint. 
 
 Essence de menthe poivree, Fr. Cod. ; Pfefferminzol , G. ; Esencia de menta piperita , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from Mentha piperita, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae. 
 
 Preparation. — The fresh herb is distilled with water, or preferably with steam. For 
 medicinal purposes the oil should be rectified by steam distillation. It is largely produced 
 in Michigan, New York, and other States of the Union, and to some extent is exported 
 to Europe, while, on the other hand, some European rectified oil of peppermint is 
 imported into the United States. In Great Britain the yield is stated to be from 8 to 12 
 pounds of oil per acre ( Pharmacographia ) ; in the United States it is said to be some- 
 times as high as 20 pounds (Stearns, 1 858). 
 
 Properties. — Oil of peppermint is a colorless, or more frequently yellowish or 
 greenish-yellow, liquid, which on exposure becomes brownish and viscid. Its specific 
 gravity is from 0.90 to 0.920 at 15° C. (59° F.). It commences to boil near 190° C. 
 (374° F.), and at a low temperature sometimes deposits crystals of menthol. It has a 
 peculiar pungent odor and a warm, aromatic, somewhat camphoraceous, and when old 
 also bitterish, taste, followed by a sensation of cold, which is most noticed on drawing 
 air into the mouth. It dissolves clear in 1 part of alcohol, the solution usually becoming 
 opalescent with more alcohol, and depositing slowly a minute white precipitate. It is 
 neutral to test-paper when fresh, and turns polarized light to the left. In its action 
 
OLEUM MENTHJE PIPERITA. 
 
 1131 
 
 toward reagents it shows very considerable differences. Some oils of peppermint yield 
 with sodium bisulphite a solid compound which has not been further examined (Fliick- 
 iger). John (1873) observed that chloral hydrate produces with this oil a rose- and 
 cherry -red color, and Dragendorff (1875) proved that this reaction is occasioned by some 
 unknown constituent of impure chloral hydrate, and becomes less distinct the purer the 
 reagent is. If a little sugar be added to an alcoholic solution of the oil, then a few drops 
 of hydrochloric acid, and the mixture gently heated, a deep blue color is produced. 
 Strong nitric acid colors it purplish to brown, but when from 50 to 70 drops of the oil 
 are mixed with 1 drop of nitric acid specific gravity 1.2, the mixture is gradually changed 
 from yellowish to brownish, and finally to a permanent violet, blue, or greenish blue when 
 viewed in transmitted light, while in reflected light the mixture is of a red-copper color 
 and opaque ; the reaction, which is not prevented by oil of turpentine, may be hastened 
 by warming the mixture or by decreasing the oil (Fliickiger, 1871). The Pharmacopoeia 
 has applied this test as follows : 5 Cc. of the oil are mixed with 1 Cc. of glacial acetic 
 acid, and thus 1 drop of nitric acid is added. The color produced is the same as just 
 stated. Schack (1878-81) observed that an alcoholic solution of the oil and salicylic 
 acid gradually becomes copper-green, and that the melted acid becomes at once blue-green 
 on the addition of the oil ; phenol and most acids, but not carbonic acid, have a similar 
 effect, and a mixture of 1 Cc. of glacial acetic acid and 5 drops of oil of peppermint, 
 slightly warmed, shows a blue color in transmitted light and a blood-red in reflected 
 light; but menthol or oil of crisped mint does not yield the reaction. Picric acid dis- 
 solves in oil of peppermint with a yellow color, gradually, or when slightly heated more 
 rapidly, changing to green ; in presence of water and air a reddish-yellow color is afterward 
 produced (Frebault, 1874). Iodine does not act energetically with the oil, but dissolves 
 and renders it thicker. With ethereal or chloroformic solution of bromine a rose-red or 
 violet color is produced, changing gradually to a dirty pink or purplish color. In con- 
 sequence of insufficient weeding of the mint-fields, American oil of peppermint is not 
 unfrequently mixed with oil of erigeron, acquires a rank “ weedy ” smell, and seems to 
 be disposed to resinify more rapidly. 
 
 Composition. — Oil of peppermint owes its peculiar odor to menthol (mint camphor, 
 mint stearopten), C 10 H 20 O, which is chiefly contained in the last portions obtained on sub- 
 jecting the oil to fractional distillation. It forms colorless prisms which fuse at 42° C. 
 (76° F.), and boil at 212° C. (414° F.). Distilled with phosphoric anhydride, it yields 
 menihene , C 10 H 18 , which is a colorless liquid of an agreeable odor. According to Moriga 
 (1881), oil of peppermint contains probably also an oil of the formula C 10 H 18 O; which 
 may be prepared from menthol by oxidation with potassium dichromate ; but by treat- 
 ment with fuming nitric acid menthol yields at first an explosive oil, afterward crystals 
 of an acid, (C 5 H 8 0 4 ) 2 H 2 0, melting at 97° C. (206.6° F.) ; this compound is not identical 
 with pyrotartaric acid, with which it agrees in composition. A compound isomeric with 
 borneol had been found by Beckett and Wright (1875) in the liquid portion of Japanese 
 peppermint oil, but, according to Fliickiger and Power (1880), is not present in the oil 
 distilled at Mitcham, which contains, besides menthol, several hydrocarbons of the for- 
 mulas C 10 H 16 and C 15 H 24 , and having a terebinthinate somewhat lemon-like odor. 
 
 Adulterations and Tests. — Besides oil of erigeron, alcohol, castor oil, and oil of 
 turpentine have been employed for the purpose ; the presence of the last two bodies 
 renders the oil not readily soluble in 80 per cent, alcohol, and the last one mentioned 
 causes it to be acted on with more violence by iodine. “ If to 5 Cc. of nitric acid 1 drop 
 of the oil be added, the mixture gently agitated, and allowed to stand for about three hours, 
 it should have a yellowish, but not a bright red color (absence of the oils of camphor 
 and of sassafras). If a portion of the oil, contained in a test-tube, be placed in a freezing 
 mixture of snow (or pounded ice) and salt for fifteen minutes, it should become cloudy 
 and thick, and, after the addition of a few crystals of menthol, being still exposed to cold, 
 it should soon form a crystalline mass (distinction from deinentholized oil). When heated 
 on a water-bath, in a flask provided with a well-cooled condenser, the oil should not yield 
 a distillate having the characters of alcohol. — U. S. 
 
 Menthol is sometimes met with in commerce as Japanese or Chinese oil of peppermint , 
 and is obtained from a plant which, according to Holmes, is nearly related to Mentha 
 canadensis, Linne. On one occasion it was largely adulterated with magnesium sulphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Elsewhere (see Mentha Pipeuita) are described the carmi- 
 native and anodyne virtues of peppermint, which belong to all its preparations, and 
 especially to its essence ( Spiritus menthse pipnitae ), which is merely an alcoholic solution 
 of the oil. The latter appears to possess in a remarkable degree the analgesic properties 
 
1132 
 
 OLEUM MENTH2E VIRIDIS.— OLEUM MORRHUJE. 
 
 of its class. The sensation of cold produced by its application to the skin or mucous 
 membrane is subjective only. Braddon highly praised this oil as a surgical antiseptic 
 ( Therap . Ga,z., xii. 358). Anciently peppermint was employed by the Romans as an 
 application to the temples for the relief of headache, and within a few years it became 
 known that the oil (stearopten) was used by the Chinese for a similar purpose. In imita- 
 tion of their practice it has been a good deal employed as a local anodyne in neuralgia 
 and neuralgic headache , applied over the supraorbital, the temporal, or other nerves in 
 which the pain is most severe. A small wad of compressed cotton saturated with the oil 
 should be laid upon the painful spot, covered with a piece of sheet caoutchoue, and bound 
 firmly in its place. Merely painting the skin with the oil by means of a brush or a tuft 
 of cotton will sometimes answer the purpose. In local rheumatic affections the latter 
 method is often very efficient. It has also been used successfully as a topical anodyne in 
 superficial burns and scalds and in zona. In several forms of pruritus caused by ascarides, 
 in urethral caruncle , and various affections of the uterus and vagina it forms an efficient 
 addition to solutions of soda, borax, etc. According to Duncan, it is, like itshomologue 
 thymol , antiseptic ( Practitioner , xxiii. 47). Lober recommends the addition of the oil or 
 the essence of peppermint to mixtures given internally in the treatment of gonorrhoea. 
 It is said to allay urethral pain (Bull, de Therap ., xcii. 105). 
 
 In dental caries this oil is quite as efficient in relieving pain as oil of cloves, and 
 more permanent in its effects than chloroform. For internal use oil of peppermint 
 may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.05-0.15 (gtt. j— iij ), but the officinal spirit is to be 
 preferred. 
 
 OLEUM MENTHA VIRIDIS, U.S., Br.— Oil of Spearmint. 
 
 Essence de menthe verte , Fr. ; Rbmisch-Minzol , G. ; Esencia de menta , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from Mentha viridis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Labiatese. 
 
 Preparation. — The fresh herb is distilled in the United States and Great Britain 
 with water or by means of steam ; the yield is about \ to \ per cent. 
 
 Properties. — It resembles oil of peppermint in color, specific gravity, changes pro- 
 duced by exposure, and behavior to iodine and to polarized light, but differs from it in 
 odor and the slight cooling taste. Its spec. grav. at 15° C. (59° F.) is from 0.93 to 0.94. 
 We have noticed that fresh oil of spearmint usually dissolves clear in all proportions, 
 while old oil yields a turbid solution with more than 3 parts of 80 per cent, alcohol. As 
 to solubility of the oil the Pharmacopoeia states that with an equal volume of alcohol it 
 forms a clear solution, which is neutral or slightly acid to litmus-paper. When some- 
 what further diluted with alcohol, it becomes turbid. It also affords a clear solution 
 with an equal volume of glacial acetic acid and with half its volume of carbon disul- 
 phide ; but with an equal volume of the latter it forms a turbid mixture. Its boiling- 
 point, according to Kane, is 160° C. (320° F.). Its odor, like that of oil of peppermint, 
 is preserved for a long time by the addition of 3 or 4 per cent, of alcohol. 
 
 Composition. — Gladstone (1863) separated from the oil a hydrocarbon, C 10 H 16 , and 
 an oxygenated oil, C 10 H u O, to which the odor is due, and which has the density .9515 
 and boils at 225° C. (437° F.). ; 
 
 Uses. — Oil of spearmint is less used than the oils of peppermint and horsemint. It 
 appears to be less powerful than those oils, and may be prescribed in doses of from Gm. 
 0.10-0.30 (2 to 0 drops), diluted with sweetened water or in the form of spirit of spear- 
 mint. 
 
 OLEUM MORRHUJE, U. S., Br.—O od-Liver Oil. 
 
 Oleum jecoris aselli , P. G. ; Oleum hepatis morrhuse . — Cod oil , E. ; Huile de morue , Hade 
 de foie de morue , Fr. Cod. ; Leberthran , Stockfschleberthran , G. ; Aceite de higado de 
 bacalao, Sp. 
 
 The fixed oil obtained from the fresh liver of Gadus Morrhua, Linne , and of other 
 species of Gadus (Class Pisces ; Ord. Teleostia ; Fain. Gadida). 
 
 Origin. — The common cod , formerly called Asellus major, inhabits the Northern Atlan- 
 tic, and is frequently met with on the North American coast on and near the Banks of 
 Newfoundland, where it seems the hake, G. Merluccius, Linne , s. Merluccius communis, 
 Cuvier, pollack, G. (Merlangus, Cuvier) pollachius, Limit, and haddock, G. seglifinus, Lame, 
 are likewise used to some extent for the same purpose. On the Norwegian coast, accord- 
 
OLEUM MORRHUM. 
 
 1133 
 
 ing to De Jongh (1843), cod-liver oil is mainly produced from the dorse, G. Callarius, 
 Linne , but also from the pollack , the coal-Jisli , G. (Merlangus, Cuvier ) carbonarius, Linne , 
 the whiting , Merlangus vulgaris, Cuvier , s. G. Merlangus, Linne , and the ling , Gadus (Lota, 
 Cuvier) Molva, Linne. 
 
 Preparation. — On the coast of Norway the carefully-cleaned livers are placed in 
 baskets or barrels exposed in a sunny place, where the oil slowly exudes, and is removed 
 and filtered ; or the livers are slowly heated in a steam- or water-bath, or sometimes 
 boiled with water, the oil being skimmed off from the surface. (See Proc. Amer. Phar. 
 Assoc., 1876, p. 810.) On the coast of North America cod-liver oil is now generally very 
 carefully prepared. The introduction of ice as a means of preserving has developed the 
 business of transporting codfish fresh to the inland cities during the catching season, 
 from December to March, and likewise that of the proper preparation of cod-liver oil from 
 fresh livers on shore by means of gradually applied steam-heat, whereby the oil is sepa- 
 rated from the tissues, the watery portion subsiding ; the oil is placed in butts in the cool- 
 ing-room until it freezes solid, when it is put into canvas bags and expressed ; the hard, 
 yellowish residue, consisting of stearin and liver debris, is sold to soapmakers, while the 
 clear oil is bottled or put into dry barrels. (See Amer. Jour. Phar., 1854, p. 1 ; 1870, p. 
 214 ; 1883, p. 471 ; Proc. Amer. Phar. Assoc., 1875, p. 659.) 
 
 Properties. — The purest cod-liver oil is of a pale-yellow color, never quite colorless 
 unless artificially bleached ; it is limpid, has a slight fishy but not rancid odor, a bland 
 slightly fishy taste, and a faint acid reaction ; but if prepared at a high temperature, or 
 if the livers are allowed to more or less putrefy, it has a more decided reaction and a 
 pale or darker reddish-brown color, the darkest varieties being transparent only in thin 
 layers, and having a repulsive fishy odor and a bitterish acrid taste. The acridity and 
 fishy smell are less marked in the light-brown oil, and still less in the yellow or white oil, 
 which is nearly bland. At 15° C. (59° F.) the spec. grav. of light cod-liver oil is 0.920 
 to 0.925, of the dark-colored about 0.930. Cold alcohol dissolves not over 2.5 per cent, 
 from the yellow, but about 6 per cent, from dark-brown, cod-liver oil ; boiling alcohol 
 dissolves 1 or 2 per cent. more. Ether, chloroform, and carbon disulphide dissolve it in 
 all proportions ; the oil is soluble in 2.5 parts of acetic ether. At a low temperature a 
 granular crystalline deposit is separated, in largest proportion from the darker-colored oil, 
 but good medicinal cod-liver oil should at 0° C. (32° F.) deposit very little or no stearin 
 (P. G.). On the addition of sulphuric acid a violet color, soon changing to brown-red, 
 is produced, due to the presence of biliary compounds ; the violet color is also produced 
 on shaking a solution of 1 drop of cod-liver oil in 20 drops of chloroform with 1 drop of 
 sulphuric acid, but the color is very transient and becomes pale-red and brownish. Nitric 
 acid colors cod-liver oil purple, afterward violet and brown. In contact with nitrous acid 
 the oil becomes thicker, but does not solidify. 
 
 Composition. — Cod-liver oil has been repeatedly analyzed, and found to be a mix- 
 ture of several glycerides, the principal one being olein, with variable quantities of stearin, 
 palmitin, and myristin, increasing with the darker color. Ilopfer de l’Orme (1837) first 
 proved the presence of iodine, which, according to L. Gmelin (1840), was supposed to be 
 in combination with potassium ; however, hot and cold water and alcohol fail to extract it, 
 and the precise form in which iodine is present is still unknown. The same may be said 
 of bromine, phosphorus, and sulphur. Chevallier, Donovan, Herberger, Marder, and 
 others did not find iodine in all samples of cod-liver oil ; some investigators have found 
 it in the ashes of soap prepared from it, others in the mother-liquor after separating the 
 soap. De Jongh determined its amount to vary between .029 in dark and .040 per cent, 
 in light-brown oil. Mitchell Bird (1882), however, ascertained that 10,000 parts of pale 
 Norwegian oil contained only between .21 and .18 parts ; pale Newfoundland oil, .12 parts ; 
 and the pale-brown oils, .16 and .14 parts of iodine. Winckler’s (1852) statement that 
 glycerin could not be obtained from cod-liver oil, which he regarded as an organic whole 
 containing oxide of propyl, has not been corroborated by other investigators. P. Carles 
 (1882) determined the amount of free acid, calculated as acetic acid, to be 0.01 and 1.80 
 per cent, in pale and brown cod-liver oils respectively. De Jongh regards the acid reac- 
 tion of cod-liver oil as being due to butyric and acetic acids, and has recognized the pres- 
 ence in it of several biliary acids, coloring principles, and gaduin. The latter, according 
 to Gautier and Mourgues (1888), is identical with morrhuic acid, which exists in the oil 
 in the form of an unstable compound resembling lecithin, which decomposes in contact 
 with acids and alkalies, yielding glycerine, phosphoric acid, and morrhuic acid, C 9 H 13 N0 3 . 
 The latter is oily, becoming solid, dissolves in alcohol, hot water, and to some extent in 
 ether \ decomposes carbonates and forms also a hydrochloride, which is decomposed by 
 
1134 
 
 OLEUM MORRHUJE. 
 
 water with the formation of an emulsion. Gadic acid, is the name given by Luck (1857) 
 to a deposit obtained from a light-brown cod-liver oil ; recrystallized from hot alcohol, it 
 fused between 63° and 64° C. (145.4° and 147.2° F.). 
 
 Adulterations are very difficult to detect, because the colors mentioned above are 
 but slightly modified by the presence of other oils, and the oils obtained from the livers 
 of some other fishes show similar reactions. Some fish oils, however, are but slightly 
 colored by sulphuric acid ; others do not become violet at first, but at once turn brown- 
 red or dark-brown. Such substitutions may be detected by this test. An adulteration 
 with resin, noticed by Bottger in 1858, may be detected by the solubility of the adulte- 
 rant in alcohol. In other respects the physical properties, as detailed above, still afford 
 the best criterion of the purity and quality of cod-liver oil. 
 
 Tests. — “ Cod-liver oil should not be more than but very slightly acid toward litmus- 
 paper, previously moistened with alcohol (limit of free fatty acids). When the oil is 
 allowed to stand for some time at 0° C. (32° F.), very little or no solid fat should sepa- 
 rate (absence of other fish oils and of many vegetable oils). If to 10 or 15 drops of the 
 oil, contained in a watch-glass, 2 or 3 drops of fuming nitric acid be added by allowing 
 it to flow in on the side, a red color will be produced at the point of contact, which, on 
 stirring the mixture with a glass rod, becomes bright rose-red, soon changing to lemon- 
 yellow (distinction from seal oil, which shows at first no change of color, and from other 
 fish oils, which become at first blue, and afterward brown and yellow.)” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Oils. — Oleum squali. — Shark oil, E. ; Huile de requin, de selache, Fr. ; Haileberthran, 
 G. — It is made from the liver of the shark, Squalus Carcharias, Linne , and one or twc allied 
 species, and is the lightest of the fish-oils, its density at 15° C. (59° F.) being .870 to .880. It is 
 light-yellow, has an acrid taste, and remains limpid at —6° C. (21.2° F.). 
 
 Oleum raj^e. — Ray oil, skate oil, E . ; Huile de raie, Fr. ; Rochenthran, G. — It is made from 
 the liver of Raja Batis, Linne , and is employed in France and Belgium. The oil is pale- or 
 bright-yellow, neutral, has the spec. grav. .928 at 15° C., a slight fishy odor and taste, and dis- 
 solves in 2 parts of ether. It is stated to contain more iodine than cod-liver oil. Oil is also 
 extracted from the liver of the American stingray , Pastinaca hastata, De Kay. 
 
 Fish Oils. — These are in part obtained from different fishes, like the Alosa Menhaden, Cuvier. 
 which is caught on the New England coast and yields menhaden oil , principally employed in 
 leather-dressing. But among fish oils are also included the so-called train oils , obtained from 
 the fleshy parts of different cetacean mammals ; the principal ones are : 
 
 Oleum ceti. — Sperm oil, E. ; Huile de cachalot, Fr.; Pottfischthran, G. — From Physeter 
 macrocephalus, Linne ; it is yellow or brown-yellow, of spec. grav. .920, and in the cold deposits 
 spermaceti and stearin (see also page 439). 
 
 Oleum bal^enal — Whale oil, E.; Huile de baleine, F. ; Walfischthran, G. — From Bal^na 
 mysticetus, Linne , and B. australis, Desmoulins , the Greenland or right, and the cape or south- 
 ern, whale. The oil has a peculiar fishy odor and unpleasant taste, a density of .926, and begins 
 to deposit a sediment at about 10° C. (50° F.). 
 
 Dugong Oil, from Halicore Dugong, Cuvier , which inhabits the waters of Eastern Australia 
 and the Indian Archipelago, has been used in place of cod-liver oil in Australia. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Oleum morrhu^e ferratum has been recom 
 mended for some years. Bernbeck (1875) published a process of which the following is 
 an outline : A solution of 1 part of well-dried neutral olive oil soap in 20 parts of hot 
 water is precipitated by the gradual addition of a similar solution of 1 part of ferrous sul- 
 phate ; the precipitated iron soap is rapidly collected on muslin, washed, and expressed to 
 remove the water. This cake, though oxidizing superficially, will internally retain its 
 whitish color for a long time. 4 parts of this soap are melted, and 96 parts of previously 
 warmed cod-liver oil are added, and the heat continued for half an hour or more. This 
 oil is of a dark-brown color, and contains 1 per cent, of metallic iron, mostly as ferrous 
 oleate. A similar product is obtained by dissolving 1 or 11 parts of ferric benzoate in 
 100 parts of cod-liver oil. 
 
 Oleum morrhu^e iodatum. Dissolve 1 part of iodine in a little ether, and add 1000 
 parts of cod-liver oil. 
 
 Extract of cod liver is the watery liquid obtained from the livers in preparing the 
 oil, and evaporated; it yields 121 to 15 per cent, of extract, which is said to consist of 
 biliary constituents 60.6, water 21.8, the remainder being various salts. It was at one 
 time (1866) recommended as a substitute for cod-liver oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Cod-liver oil is essentially a fat-producing agent, and thereby 
 it retards the waste of nitrogenous tissues which is a characteristic of the diseases in 
 which it is most serviceable. In this connection it should be borne in mind that among 
 the various agents vaunted from time to time as remedies for consumption the most 
 efficient have been oils and fats — e. g. asses’ milk, cream, butter, fat pork, buffalo marrow, 
 
OLEUM MO RE HUM. 
 
 1135 
 
 etc. Bat cod-liver oil has the advantage over all of these articles that it excels them in 
 digestibility. On what the latter quality depends is not fully determined, but the most 
 plausible opinion is that it is due to the portion of biliary matter which the oil holds in 
 solution. It has been shown experimentally , that different oils vary extremely in their 
 diffusibility through membranes, and that cod-liver oil is six or eight times more diffusible 
 than other oils, vegetable or animal. Such appears to be the simple fact, but the expla- 
 nation of it is not easy. It has been ascribed to the presence in the oil of a certain pro- 
 portion of bile, and it is asserted that when this bile is removed the oil loses its 
 diffusibility in the same proportion. But, on the other hand, it is alleged that the pro- 
 cess employed to remove the bile has not really that effect, but eliminates certain other 
 constituents of the oil. However this may be, no more satisfactory theory has been 
 proposed. Moreover, this view is corroborated by the experiment in which an animal 
 with a biliary fistula became more and more emaciated as long as it used only its ordinary 
 food, but regained flesh and strength when a due proportion of cod-liver oil was added. 
 It has been maintained that cod-liver oil owes its peculiar digestibility to the fatty acids it 
 contains, and that the superiority of the dark over the light varieties is due to the larger 
 proportion of these acids contained in the former (Hauser, Zeitsch. Min. Med., xiv. 543). 
 
 From time immemorial cod-liver oil was a popular remedy for chronic gout and 
 rheumatism, rickets, and scrofula in Great Britain and the countries bordering on the 
 German Ocean, but it was not until about 1841 that it became generally known and used 
 as a remedy for pulmonary consumption. The enthusiasm which inevitably attends the 
 introduction of a new medicine of real efficacy exaggerated the benefits conferred by cod- 
 liver oil in these diseases, but time and well-considered experience have nevertheless 
 proved it to be a valuable remedy. Its curative powers in chronic rheumatism have been 
 strikingly shown in cases of that disease prolonged by a cachectic state of the system — 
 cases in which the muscles grow rigid and the joints stiff, and when to the debilitating 
 influence of these infirmities is added the influence of dampness, crowding, bad ventila- 
 tion, and coarse and insufficient food, especially in persons of an originally scrofulous 
 constitution. In regard to scrofula itself, the medicine is singularly efficacious when the 
 disease affects the internal lymphatic glands and the bones under the bad hygienic condi- 
 tions just enumerated. Yet it is by no means to be depended upon in cases of supposed 
 mesenteric disease — not only because the enlargement of the abdomen which is thought 
 to indicate its existence in children is commonly a result of splenic or hepatic disorder, 
 but, still more, because true tabes mesenterica is most apt to be associated with incurable 
 tuberculosis of the intestines. It is of little use in scrofulous enlargement of the paro- 
 tid, thyroid, and submaxillary glands, or of the glands of the neck, axillae, and groins ; 
 but its efficacy is seen in the cure of the ulcers left after the discharge of softened scrof- 
 ulous matter from these parts. Its utility in scrofulous ophthalmia is far from being 
 established ; at least one-half of the cases receive no benefit from it. It is a more valuable 
 remedy in all forms of idiopathic strumous caries , especially when it affects the epiphyses 
 of the long bones ; and it is still more evidently beneficial in rachitis. It is also said to 
 be an efficient remedy in “ laryngismus stridulus ” (. Practitioner , xxxvii. 426). In the 
 treatment of white swelling and other forms of chronic arthritis , and of fstulse and 
 abscesses in the neighborhood of joints, its powers are sometimes signally displayed. 
 The various diseases of the skin to which scrofulous persons are peculiarly liable are 
 often most favorably influenced by this medicine. Among them, lupus vulgaris is 
 reputed to have been cured by it more frequently than by any other internal remedy, 
 while some high authorities declare that no cure of existing lupus ever results 
 directly from any kind of internal treatment whatever. It is true also that even 
 when given for this disease it is generally associated with other and active medicines. 
 In several scrofulous diseases of the skin, and especially of the scalp, this oil appears to 
 have been used with success both internally and topically. Such diseases are impetigo , 
 chronic eczema, psoriasis, and favus. Even ichthyosis is said to have been cured by similar 
 means. 
 
 The great success which cod-liver oil at one time was believed to have gained as a cure 
 for pulmonary consumption has tended more than any other cause to maintain the reputa- 
 tion of the medicine. It is now determined that it exerts little if any direct influence 
 upon the structural elements of that disease, and that it can be said to cure only those 
 rare cases in which other and especially hygienic methods have also restored consumptive 
 patients to apparently good health. Such are those in which the patient is of a sluggish, 
 lymphatic temperament and the tubercular deposit is strictly limited to a small portion 
 of one lung. The efficiency of the medicine is much more notable when a cavity is 
 
1136 
 
 OLEUM MYRCUE. 
 
 already formed than when the deposit is in a crude state. It plainly acts by maintaining 
 the general health of the system while the local disease undergoes retrogression, for it 
 constantly happens that although the latter process fails to occur, but on the contrary the 
 destruction of the lung advances, yet the patient for a time gains weight and strength. 
 In the more favorable examples the symptoms which depend upon the local lesion are 
 mitigated, and even suspended, such as fever, sweating, cough, and expectoration. Yet 
 in proportion as these symptoms prevail the oil fails to do good or is not- tolerated. 
 Although cod-liver oil is no longer claimed to be a cure for consumption, it still remains 
 incomparably the most efficient medicine in prolonging the lives of the victims of this 
 disease, and enabling them to take advantage of the hygienic measures upon which the 
 main reliance should be placed. Chronic bronchitis , which is so apt to be mistaken for 
 tubercular phthisis, is often signally benefited by this medicine and by the same mode of 
 action. A like remark is applicable to numerous diseases of the nervous system due to or 
 maintained by an exhausted condition of its functions. 
 
 In all diseases its use is contraindicated when it cannot be retained by the stomach or 
 when it is not well digested, but causes eructation, heartburn, diarrhoea, etc., and generally 
 when fever is present. 
 
 The average dose of cod-liver oil is Gm. 4 (,^ss) three times a day an hour or two after 
 meals. It is better to begin with half of this quantity. Various means have been 
 employed to disguise the taste and smell of the oil and render it acceptable to the stom- 
 ach. These means are generally superfluous among children, who often become fond of it, 
 and also among persons whose taste is not fastidious. The use of ether, naphtha, 
 peppermint, and similar agents is objectionable, since they become volatilized in the 
 stomach and renew the taste of the oil by eructation. Less apt to produce this effect is 
 alcohol in the form of some distilled spirit, with which the mouth should first be washed, 
 after which the oil, floating upon another portion of the liquor, maybe rapidly swallowed, 
 Malt liquor which froths readily is an excellent article for enveloping the oil and conceal- 
 ing its taste. Floated on iron-rust water, with some of which the mouth and fauces have 
 just been washed, is another available means of effecting the same purpose. But the 
 best of all is chewing a small fragment of smoked herring. As acid condiments are eaten 
 with fishy food, so it has been proposed to administer cod-liver oil with a modicum of 
 walnut or tomato catsup. The various emulsions made for concealing the taste of the oil 
 become more objectionable to most patients than the oil itself; they are also too bulky, 
 by reason of the proportion of the excipient they require. When the stomach tends to 
 reject the oil this effect can sometimes be prevented by preceding each dose by one of a 
 solution of potassium cyanide containing not more than Gm. 0.008 (i grain) of the 
 cyanide. But the possible dangers of the misuse of this solution forbid its ordinary 
 employment. It is better, as well as safer, to swallow a tablespoonful of lime-water or 
 Gm. 0.30 (gr. v -f) of bismuth subnitrate or subcarbonate a few minutes before the oil 
 is taken. The oil has sometimes been mixed with arrowroot or with spermaceti, forming 
 a bolus which may be taken enclosed in a wafer. 
 
 Cod-liver oil may be efficiently administered by injunction. It is, however, a filthy 
 method. Dr. H. A. Hare ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., March, 1887, p. 279) claims 
 that the bile salts, sodium taurocholate and glychocholate, added to the oil, materially pro- 
 mote and hasten its absorption by the skin, and thereby render the practice less objection- 
 able. 
 
 “ Morrhuol ,” considered by Lafage to contain the active elements of cod-liver oil, is 
 analogous to the extract above described. It is alleged to contain ten times more phos- 
 phorus, iodine, and bromine than the oil, but medicinally it is a very different substance 
 and must act differently. It has been proposed as a substitute for the oil, however, and, 
 owing to its acrid taste, has been administered in capsules containing about 4 grains, of 
 which from two to ten are stated to be the proper daily dose. It is said to improve the 
 appetite and digestion, and with them the state of the lungs in phthisis, and not to derange 
 any function whatever (Bull, de Tlierap ., cix. 417). 
 
 “ Oolachan ” oil, derived from a small fish (Thalicthys Pacificus or Candle-fish) that is 
 caught on the north-western coast of North America, is said to form an efficient substi- 
 tute for cod-liver oil ( NewYoi-k Med. Jour., Nov. 29, 1884). 
 
 OLEUM MYRCLE, U. S .— Oil of Myrcia. 
 
 Oil of bay , E. ; Essence de myrcie (de bay ), Fr. ; Myrcienol , Bayol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the leaves of Myrcia acris, De Candolle , s. Myrtus 
 
OLEUM MY FUSTIC JE. 
 
 1137 
 
 (Eugenia, Wight et Arnott , Pimenta, Wight , Amomis, Berg') acris, Sicartz. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 110. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This medium-sized tree is known as wild clove , wild cinnamon , and hayherry , 
 and is indigenous to the West Indies and Venezuela. The quadrangular branches bear 
 opposite, shortly-petiolate, coriaceous, broadly oval, nearly obtuse, entire, strongly-veined, 
 and pellucid-punctate leaves, which when bruised exhale an agreeable aromatic odor, 
 somewhat similar to cloves. The flowers are small, reddish, and stalked ; the fruit is a 
 globular-ovoid smooth berry, resembling allspice. Much of the oil and the spirit,(bay 
 rum), particularly the latter, are now distilled in the United States, about 200 pounds 
 of the oil being annually imported. 
 
 Preparation. — The leaves are distilled with water or by the aid of steam ; at first 
 a light oil, floating upon water, comes over, afterward an oil heavier than water ; the 
 light and heavy fractions, united, constitute the commercial oil. The yield is very vari- 
 able (Markoe, 1877). 
 
 Properties. — Oil of myreia recently distilled is of a light-brownish color, but 
 becomes darker on exposure. It has an aromatic odor, resembling that of cloves and 
 allspice, but more fragrant, and a warm pleasantly spicy taste. Its specific gravity at 
 15° C. (59° F.) is 0.975 to 0.990. It forms a turbid mixture with an equal volume of 
 alcohol, the solution having an acid reaction. With an equal volume of glacial acetic 
 acid it also yields a turbid mixture, but dissolves clear in the same quantity of carbon 
 disulphide. Strong soda or potassa solution converts it into a crystalline mass of potas- 
 sium or sodium eugenol. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 2 drops of the oil be dissolved in 4 Cc. of alcohol and a drop of ferric 
 chloride test-solution be added, a light-green color will be produced ; and if the same test 
 be made with a drop of diluted ferric chloride test-solution, prepared by diluting the test- 
 solution with four times its volume of water, a light-bluish coloration will be produced, 
 which soon disappears. If to 3 drops of the oil, contained in a small test-tube, 3 drops 
 of concentrated sulphuric acid be added, and, after the tube has been corked, the 
 mixture be allowed to stand for half an hour, a resinous mass will be obtained. On 
 subsequently adding 4 Cc. of diluted alcohol, vigorously shaking the mixture, and 
 gradually heating to the boiling-point, the liquid should remain nearly colorless, and 
 should not acquire a red or purplish-red color (distinction from the oils of pimenta and 
 of cloves). If 1 Cc. of the oil be shaken with 20 Cc. of hot water, the water should 
 not show more than a scarcely perceptible acid reaction to litmus-paper. If after 
 cooling the liquid be passed through a wet filter, the clear filtrate should afford, with a 
 drop of ferric chloride test-solution, only a transient grayish-green, but not a blue or vio- 
 let color (absence of phenol or carbolic acid.” — IT. S. 
 
 Composition. — Prof. Markoe (1877) showed the oil to be a mixture of hydro- 
 carbon having at 15.5° C, (60° F.) the specific gravity .8356, and of eugenol, spec. grav. 
 1.055. L. C. Pettit (1880) obtained 41 per cent, of eugenol, which gave a crimson-red 
 color with sulphuric acid. (For accounts of this volatile oil see Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1861, 
 p. 297, and Proceedings of Amer. Jour. Phar ., 1877, p. 435.) 
 
 Uses. — This oil is chiefly used as a perfume, and especially as an ingredient of bay 
 rum ( Spirilus my reive). 
 
 OLEUM MYRISTICiE, U . S ., Br .- Oil of Nutmeg. 
 
 Oleum nucistse sethereum . — Volatile oil of nutmeg , E. ; Essence de m.uscade, Fr. ; JEthc- 
 nsches Muskatol , G. ; Esencia de nuez moscada, Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the seed of Myristica fragrans, Houttuyn. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — -Myristicacese. 
 
 Preparation. — Ground nutmegs are distilled by the aid of steam. The yield is 
 between 2 and 3 per cent., but selected nutmegs yield sometimes as much as 8 per cent. 
 Cloez (1864) suggested exhaustion with carbon bisulphide and distilling the extract by 
 means of steam. 
 
 Properties. — The oil is colorless or pale-yellowish, limpid, of specific gravity 0.87 to 
 0.90 at 15° C. (59° F.), of an agreeable aromatic odor, a warm somewhat camphoraceous 
 taste, and dextrogyre to polarized light. It is readily soluble in alcohol, also in glacial 
 acetic acid and carbon disulphide, commences to boil at 160° C. (320° F.), fulminates 
 when brought into contact with iodine, is energetically acted on by nitric acid, becomes 
 dark-red with Frohde’s reagent, and violet by hydrochloric acid (Dragendorff, 1877). 
 
1138 
 
 OLEUM MYRISTICLE EXPRESSUM. 
 
 Composition. — The most volatile portion, after treatment with sodium, was found 
 by Cloez to be a left-rotating hydrocarbon, C 10 H 16 , having the odor of nutmeg and of 
 lemon, and boiling at 165° C. (329° F.). It is the myristicene of Gladstone (1872), who 
 named the oxygenated portion myristicol , C 10 H u O ; this is dextrogvre, boils at 224° C. 
 (435° F.), and does not, like menthol and carvol, yield a crystalline compound with 
 H 2 S. The nutmeg camphor of John (1821) or myristicin of Gmelin, which separates 
 sometimes on standing, was ascertained by Fliickiger (1874) to be myristic acid. * (See 
 below.) 
 
 Uses. — Oil of nutmeg is seldom used in medicine ; it may be employed for the same 
 purposes as nutmeg in doses of Gm. 0.10-0.15 (gtt. ij-iij). 
 
 OLEUM MYRISTICA EXPRESSUM, ^.—Expressed Oil of Nutmeg. 
 
 Oleum nucistse , P. G. ; Adeps ( Butyrum ) myristicse , s. nucistse. — Nutmeg butter , E. ; 
 Beurre de muscade , Fr. ; Muskatnussol , Muskatbutter , G. ; Aceite ( manteca ) de nuez mos- 
 cada , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — This fixed oil is obtained in the East Indies by beating nutmegs into 
 a paste, which is expressed between heated plates. The yield is about 28 per cent., 
 and the annual importation into the United States is usually between 300 and 500 
 pounds ; in 1880 it was 1964 pounds. The oil is incorrectly called oil of mace. 
 
 Properties. — It is found in commerce in the shape of blocks about 2i inches 
 (6 Cm.) thick and 10 inches (25 Cm.) long, and is wrapped in palm-leaves. It is solid 
 and firm, unctuous to the touch, of a mottled appearance, orange-brown and whitish in 
 color, of specific gravity .995, and has the fragrance and aromatic but bland taste of 
 nutmegs. It melts at about 45° C. (113° F.), and is soluble in 2 parts of warm ether 
 and 4 parts of boiling strong alcohol (Lecanu). 
 
 Constituents. — Cold alcohol dissolves about 6 per cent, of volatile oil (see above) 
 and 24 per cent, of fat, accompanied by brown-yellow resinous matter, which has not been 
 further examined. The remaining pulverulent white fat is myristin , C 3 H 5 (C 14 H 27 0 2 )3, 
 which crystallizes from hot alcohol or ether and fuses at 31° C. (87.8° F.). Heintz 
 (1854) found the melting-point of myristic acid at 53.8° C. (128.8° F.). Schmidt and 
 Roemer (1883) found 3 to 4 per cent, of free myristic acid, with a little stearic acid. 
 
 Adulterations. — Artificial mixtures made from animal fats are not soluble in the 
 same amount of hot alcohol, and the portion insoluble in cold alcohol would be more or 
 less greasy. “ On warming 1 part of nutmeg butter with 10 parts of alcohol a solution 
 should be obtained which, after cooling and filtering, is clear and pale-yellow, and with 
 the addition of ammonia should become brownish, but not red (turmeric) ; ferric chloride 
 should color the solution merely dingy-brown.” — P. G. 
 
 Ceratum myristica, s. Balsamum nucist^:, P. G. Melt together yellow wax 1 
 part, olive oil 2 parts, and expressed oil of nutmeg 6 parts ; pour into paper capsules and 
 cut into square cakes. 
 
 Allied Fats. — B ecuiba Tallow is expressed from the seeds of Myristica Becuhyba, Schott , s. 
 M. officinalis, Martius , which is indigenous to Brazil. The fat resembles the officinal article, but 
 has a sharp acidulous taste, melts at 47° C. (116.6° F.), and on treatment with cold absolute 
 alcohol leaves 45 per cent, of yellow pulverulent residue undissolved. 
 
 Otoba Butter is prepared from Myristica Otoba, Humboldt et Bonpland , indigenous to North- 
 western South America. It is yellowish, becomes brown by age, melts at 38° (100.4° F.), and 
 has then an unpleasant odor. Its myristin melts at 46° C. (114.8° F.), and contains otobit, which 
 is sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, crystallizes in colorless, inodorous, and tasteless prisms, and 
 melts at 133° C. (271.4° F.) (Uricoechea, 1854). 
 
 Virola Tallow, Ocuba AVax, is prepared from Yirola (Myristica, Swartz) sebifera, Aublef, 
 indigenous to Guiana. The fat is yellowish, somewhat crystalline, completely soluble in alcohol, 
 and melts at 45° to 50° C. (113°-122° F.). 
 
 Uses. — The fixed oil of nutmeg is sometimes used for the friction of rheumatic 
 parts, but chiefly as a bland and smooth fatty substance that does not easily grow rancid, 
 and is therefore suitable as an excipient of more active topical medicines. 
 
 OLEUM OLIVYE, V. S., Br.— Olive Oil. 
 
 Oleum olivarum , P. G . — Sweet oil, E. ; Huile d' olive, Fr. ; Olivenol, G. ; Aceite de ohvas, Sp. 
 
 The fixed oil expressed from the fruit of Olea europsea, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants. 172. 
 
 Nat Ord. — Oleacese. 
 
OLEUM OLIVjE. 
 
 1139 
 
 Origin. — In its wild state the olive is almost shrubby, much branched, and thorny, 
 but under cultivation it is a medium-sized tree. It is indigenous to Western Asia, par- 
 ticularly Syria, and has been cultivated for a long time in the countries bordering on the 
 Mediterranean. It has been introduced into the Southern United States, California, and 
 several South American and other countries. The tree has evergreen, opposite, shortly- 
 petiolate leaves, which are lanceolate, acute at both ends, entire and revolute on the mar- 
 gin, and densely scaly, silvery gray, brownish- or glaucous-green beneath. The numer- 
 ous small white flowers are in axillary racemes, diandrous, have a two-celled and 
 four-ovuled superior embryo, and produce a purplish-black ovate drupe with a greenish, 
 firm sarcocarp and an obliquely oblong keeled putamen containing a single albuminous 
 seed. 
 
 The leaves and bark have been employed in France as a febrifuge. De Luca (1861, etc.) 
 found the leaves and green fruit to contain mannit, which diminishes in the latter as the 
 fruit ripens, and disappears entirely when it becomes perfectly 
 ripe. It contains then the largest amount of oil, equal in weight 
 to nearly 70 per cent, of the sarcocarp. 
 
 Preparation. — The finest quality of olive oil is obtained 
 by crushing the recently-collected ripe olives in a suitable mill 
 to a pulpy mass, care being taken in some districts not to break 
 the putamen containing the seed; the pulpy mass is then sub- 
 jected to moderate pressure, the oil, called virgin oil (Huile 
 vierge, Fr.; Jungfernol, 6^.), being collected in cisterns contain- 
 ing water, from the surface of which it is subsequently skimmed. 
 
 The press-cakes are afterward thoroughly mixed with water and 
 the marc again expressed, using an increased pressure, whereby 
 a second quality of oil is obtained ; in some places cold water is 
 first used for softening the press-cakes, and is followed by hot 
 water. However, with the improvements in the construction of 
 powerful presses this portion of the process is much simplified, 
 and a larger yield of oil of fine quality is obtained. The oil 
 still remaining in the marc is said to amount to between 9 and 
 12 per cent., and is extracted by means of carbon disulphide; or 
 the marc is thrown into cisterns, which in Southern France are 
 called evfer , and where an oil called huile d'enfer , having a dis- 
 agreeable odor, separates upon the water. A larger amount of 
 oil. but much inferior in quality, is yielded by expressing olives 
 which have been kept in heaps and undergone a kind of fermen- 
 tation; this oil is known in France as huile fermentee ; and a still more inferior oil is 
 prepared by again mixing the residue with boiling water and expressing. Though the 
 seeds have a bitterish taste, Fliickiger found the oil to be quite bland, to be a non- 
 drying oil, and, if extracted with the oil of the fruit, to constitute about one-fortieth of 
 the latter. 
 
 Olive oil enters commerce put up in bottles of various sizes, also in stone jugs and 
 in barrels. The importation of olive oil into the United States amounts annually to 
 over 400,000 gallons, fully three-fifths of which quantity is salad oil. 
 
 Properties. — Olive oil is a pale-yellow or greenish-yellow oily liquid, having a 
 neutral reaction, a slight agreeable odor, and a bland taste, leaving, even in its freshest 
 condition, a slight sense of acridity ( Pharmaeographia ), which is somewhat increased on 
 keeping. Its specific gravity at 15° C. (59° F.) is 0.9178, or between 0.915 and 0.918 
 (U S., P. Gi). At and below 10° C. (50° F.) olive oil separates white crystalline 
 granules; near 2° C. (35.6° F.) it is of a butyraceous consistence; and it congeals com- 
 pletely at or below the freezing-point of water, yielding, however, by strong pressure, 
 from 67 to 72 per cent, of liquid oil, which remains fluid at — 10° C. (14° F.), and is 
 nearly pure olein. The solid portion fuses between 20° C. (68° F.) (Pelouze and Bou- 
 det) and 28° C. (82.4° F.) (Lecanu), and is easily soluble in ether. Olive oil is sparingly 
 soluble in alcohol, freely soluble in ether, soluble in all proportions in chloroform, benzene, 
 benzin, and carbon disulphide, and in about 5 parts of acetic ether. It does not readily 
 become rancid, and belongs to the non-drying oils. When heated to 120° C. (248° F.) 
 it becomes lighter, and at 220° C. (428° F.) nearly colorless, and at the same time ran- 
 cid; it commences to boil at about 315° C. (600° F.). 
 
 Inferior qualities of olive oil are of a deeper hue, become cloudy, and congeal more 
 easily, have a more decidedly acrid after-taste, and turn rancid on exposure, 
 
 Fig. 198. 
 
 Olea europsea, Linne. 
 
1140 
 
 OLEUM OLIVjE. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia recognizes two qualities of olive oil — the one intended for 
 internal use and for ointments, the other used for the preparation of plasters : 
 
 Oleum oliyarum, s. Oleum provinciale. — Best olive oil, E .; Huile d’olive fine, 
 Fr. ; Provencer'ol, G. — It is the oil described above. 
 
 Oleum oli varum commune. — Olive oil, E.; Huile d’olive ordinaire, Fr.; Baumol, 
 
 G. — This is the second quality of salad oil, has a brownish-yellow or green-yellow color, 
 and, except a somewhat less pleasant odor and taste, agrees with the preceding. 
 
 Oomposition. — The liquid portion is triolein (olein), C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 3 30 . 2 ) S , and is identical 
 with the liquid portion of most non-drying fats, as far as they have been examined. The 
 solid part was called margarin by Chevreul, which was proven by Heintz (1852) to be a 
 mixture containing chiefly pdlmitin. Palmitic acid, Ci 6 H 32 0 2 , was obtained from olive oil 
 by Collett (1854), and also by Heintz and Krug (1857), who likewise isolated arachic 
 ( butinic ) acid , C 20 H 40 O 2 , and probably stearic acid. On saponification glycerin is obtained. 
 The fats composing olive oil are, therefore, triolein, tripalmitin, triarachin, and possibly 
 tristearin. Beneke (1862) announced also the presence of a small quantity of cholesterin , 
 C 26 H 44 0, which is soluble in alcohol (see page 714). 
 
 Adulterations. — Olive oil is frequently adulterated with other bland oils, some of 
 which are occasionally even substituted for it. The determination of its purity has been 
 the subject of much research, but from the chemical identity of the constituent com- 
 pounds of many oils, and the natural variation of their relative proportions in the same 
 fat, it is evidently attended with many difficulties. A higher specific gravity than given 
 above points to an admixture of other fats. The detection of drying in non-drying oils, 
 and the testing by means of sulphuric acid, etc., have been described above. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 part of olive oil be agitated in a test-tube with 2 parts of a cold mix- 
 ture prepared from equal volumes of strong sulphuric acid and of nitric acid of sp. gr. 
 1.185, and the mixture be set aside for half an hour, the supernatant oily layer should 
 not have a darker tint than yellowish (a dark color indicating the presence of other fixed 
 oils). Olive oil remains pale-yellow or becomes greenish ; benne oil turns reddish or red ; 
 sunflower oil, orange-yellow ; ground-nut oil, reddish-brown ; cotton-seed oil, dark red. 
 
 If 1 Gm. of the oil be shaken for a few seconds with 1 Gm. of a cold mixture of sul- 
 phuric acid (sp. gr. 1.830) and nitric acid (sp. gr. 1.250) and 1 Gm. of carbon disulphide, 
 no green or red layer should separate on standing. Foreign oils give the tints mentioned 
 above. If 10 Cc. of the oil be shaken frequently, during two hours, with a freshly pre- 
 pared solution of 1 Gm. of mercury in 3 Cc. of nitric acid, a perfectly solid mass of pale 
 straw color will result. If 6 Gm. of the oil be thoroughly shaken, in a test-tube, for about 
 two minutes, with a mixture of 1.5 Gm. of nitric acid and 0.5 Gm. of water, then heated 
 in a bath of boiling water for not more than fifteen minutes, the oil should retain a light 
 yellow color, not becoming orange or reddish-brown, and, after standing at the ordinary < 
 temperature for about twelve hours, it should form a perfectly solid, light yellowish mass 
 (absence of appreciable quantities of cotton-seed oil and most other seed oils). If 5 Cc. ‘ 
 of the oil be thoroughly shaken, in a test-tube, with 5 Cc. of the alcoholic solution of silver 
 nitrate (prepared by dissolving 1 Gm. of silver nitrate in 100 Cc. of deodorized alcohol, 
 and adding 0. 5 Cc. of nitric acid), and the mixture heated for about five minutes in a 
 water-bath, the oil should retain its original pale yellow color, not becoming reddish or 
 brown, nor should any dark color be produced at the line of contact of the two liquids 
 (absence of more than about 5 per cent, of cotton-seed oil and of many other oils). If 5 
 Cc. of the oil be shaken, in a test-tube, with 5 Cc. of concentrated hydrochloric acid, the 
 latter should not acquire a green color, and, on the subsequent addition of about 0.5 Gm. 
 of sugar, and again shaking the mixture, no violet or crimson tint should be produced in 
 the acid layer within fifteen minutes (absence of sesamum oil).” — U. S. “ If 15 parts 
 of olive oil be well shaken with 2 parts of water and 3 parts of fuming nitric (nitroso- 
 nitric) acid, the mixture should be whitish, not red or brown (oils of ground-nut, benne- 
 seed, and cotton-seed), and in one or two hours should separate into a slightly-colored 
 liquid and a white solid mass.” — P. G. The elaidin test is conveniently applied in the 
 manner described under Olea Pinguia, where also the result with different oils is stated 
 and the colors produced by sulphuric acid and other reagents. If 5 drops of the oil are 
 let fall upon a thin layer of sulphuric acid in a flat-bottomed capsule, no brown-red or 
 dark-brown zone should be developed within three minutes at the line of contact of the 
 two liquids (absence of appreciable quantities of other fixed oils of similar physical 
 properties). 
 
 According to Cailletet (1877), the greenish color is occasionally produced by the pres- 
 
OLEUM OLIVJE. 
 
 1141 
 
 ence of copper, in which case the oil will be colored brown on being agitated with an 
 ethereal solution of pyrogallol. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Oleum chlorinatum, Chlorinated oil , is prepared by 
 Dr. L. WoliF by passing chlorine gas into olive oil ; it is a yellowish oil, and lias been 
 used in itch and other cutaneous diseases. According to Lefort (1852, 1853), olive oil, 
 thus treated, contains chlorine substitution-products, the chloroleic acid having the 
 formula C 18 CLh 3 ,0.,, a brown color, the specific gravity 1.082, and containing 20.6 per 
 cent, of chlorine. 
 
 Olea cocta, Olea Infusa. — Oleoinfusions, Oleols, E. ; Oleoles, lElaeoles, Huiles medi- 
 cinales, Fr. ; Gekochte Oele, G. — These preparations were formerly much employed in 
 Europe, and several of them have retained a place in the French Codex. They are made 
 from herbs or flowers, either aromatic or narcotic, by digesting 1 part of the dry drug in 
 10 parts of olive oil, or by boiling 1 part of fresh narcotic herb in 2 parts of olive oil 
 until the moisture has been dissipated. Ointment of stramonium was formerly prepared 
 in a similar manner. 
 
 Action and Uses. — From time immemorial olive oil formed an important article of 
 food in countries where the olive tree flourishes, and was used as butter is elsewhere. In 
 the dose of one or two ounces it acts as a very mild laxative, but it is seldom administered 
 for this purpose except to infants, for whom a sufficient dose is a teaspoonful. It has 
 been used as an antidote to the poisonous effects of cantharides , and is probably efficient 
 by protecting the stomach, as well as by occasioning vomiting, notwithstanding the 
 theoretical objection that cantharidin is soluble in sweet oil. It has been extensively and 
 efficiently employed by workmen in white-lead factories to keep the bowels free and pre- 
 vent the absorption of the metal. Large doses of olive oil have seemed to cause the 
 discharge of gall-stones , and in proof of the statement a great number of bodies resembling 
 these concretions has been found in the stools. On examination, however, they were often 
 found to consist of the partially saponified oil ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Sept. 1881, 
 p. 261). This explanation has been confirmed both by chemical .and physical examina- 
 tion (Med. Record , xxxiii., 215 ; xxxv., 599 ; Med. Mews, lii., 519), as well as by the 
 inordinate number of concretions alleged to have been evacuated under the use of 
 the oil, such as 60, of which 6 were as large as an olive (Med. Record , xxxiii, 217, 
 or, again, 629; (Med. Mews, lii., 696). That the remedy is sometimes efficient does not, 
 however, admit of doubt, since the concretions passed in some instances consisted of 
 biliary solids, as reported by Rosenberg, who also proved experimentally that oil is the 
 most powerful stimulant of the secretion of bile, which he regards as the immediate 
 agent for carrying away the concretions (Ther. Monatsh. , iii., 542). Large doses of oil 
 are required, say from Gm. 124—126 (4-6 fl. oz.), in divided doses within from one to 
 four hours. It may be made into emulsion with yolk of egg and flavored with essence 
 of peppermint. Olive oil is used in some places in Europe to prevent the poisonous effects 
 of vipers' bites, both internally and locally, and by the latter method it is familiarly applied 
 to allay the swelling and pain of insects' bites and stings. It is often poured into the 
 auditory canal to destroy insects concealed therein, and large doses of it have been known 
 to kill and expel a tsenia. Externally, it is a convenient and efficient protective and 
 lenitive for superficial wounds, excoriations , burns , bruises, and sprains. In the two last- 
 mentioned injuries it should be applied warm, and in them also it affords a convenient 
 vehicle for the application of camphor, morphine, and various other anodynes or stimu- 
 lants. The same is true in regard to several local inflammations, especially earache. 
 
 ith lime-water it forms the liniment so useful in burns (Linimentum Calais'). Anciently, 
 the custom of anointing the body with oil was practised, as it still is in Oriental countries, 
 alter warm bathing, and also as a protective against the plague. It is now occasionally 
 used to moderate excessive sweating, and has even been imagined to have some influence 
 on the progress of pulmonary phthisis when given with the addition of 6 per cent, of 
 oleic acid. It was used by the ancients to anoint the skin in various affections of the 
 chest. Warm oil is a soothing and efficient application, when made with appropriate 
 pressure or friction, in lessening the pain and swelling of enlarged glands, particularly 
 when they are actively engorged, as the mammae during pregnancy and after parturition. 
 It is sometimes injected into the rectum in dysentery and to destroy rectal ascarides 
 (oxyures), and it is habitually employed to facilitate the introduction of sounds, catheters, 
 bougies, specida , pessaries , etc., into the natural cavities of the body. It was an old custom 
 to dip cutting surgical instruments in hot oil before incising the flesh. 
 
 The dose of olive oil as a laxative is Gm. 32-64 (fgj— ij) for adults, and for infants 
 Gm. 4-8 (faj-ij). 
 
1142 
 
 OLEUM PALMJE.— OLEUM PH OSPHORA TUM. 
 
 OLEUM PALM^E.-Palm Oil. 
 
 Huile (JLeurre) de palme, Fr. ; Palmol , Palmbutter , G. ; Aceite de palma, Sp. 
 
 From the fruit of Elaeis guineensis, Jacquin. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Palmse. 
 
 Origin. — The oil-palm is a tall tree indigenous to Western Africa and introduced into 
 other tropical countries. It has large pinnate leaves with spiny petioles and long narrow 
 linear leaflets. The fruit is a yellow mottled drupe about 25 Mm. (one inch) long, and 
 contains a leathery very oily sarcocarp, from which the fat is obtained by pressure or by 
 boiling with water. The kernel yields likewise a bland oil which is white and melts at 
 25° C. (77° F.). 
 
 Properties. — Palm oil is solid at low temperatures, butyraceous, of a reddish-yellow 
 color, and when fresh of an agreeable violet-like odor, and fuses at 27° C. (80.6° F.). 
 On keeping, it becomes lighter in color and acquires a rancid odor, a portion of the fat 
 being decomposed into free acids and glycerin, the fusing-point rising at the same time, 
 sometimes to 42° C. (107.6° F.). When rapidly heated to 240° C. (464° F.) it is bleached. 
 It is partly soluble in alcohol, but entirely so in ether. Its specific gravity is .945. 
 
 Composition. — It consists chiefly of tripalmitin and triolein, and contains a peculiar 
 ferment, inducing its decomposition. It is largely used in the preparation of soap ; and 
 to obtain the latter white, the oil is bleached by treating it with a solution of potassium 
 dichromate and adding sufficient sulphuric and hydrochloric acids to form potassium sul- 
 phate and chromic chloride. 
 
 Other Palm Oils. — (See also Oleum cocos.) Macaja Butter, obtained from the seeds of Cocos 
 aculeata, Jacquin , of tropical America, has a yellowish color and a violet-like odor. 
 
 Tucum Oil, from the fruit of Astrocaryum vulgare, Martius , of South America, has a bright- 
 red color and an agreeable odor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Palm oil has hardly any peculiar virtues to distinguish it from 
 other vegetable oils, except that it is less drying and more emollient. It is supposed 
 to be especially adapted for bathing bruises and sprains. Its agreeable odor recom- 
 mends it. 
 
 OLEUM PHOSPHOR ATUM, U, S., Br., F. Cod,— Phosphorated Oil. 
 
 Huile phosphor ee, Liniment phosphor e, Fr. ; Phosphorhaltiges Oel, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Phosphorus. 1 Gm. ; Expressed Oil of Almond, Ether, each, a suffi- 
 cient quantity, to make 100 Gm. Introduce a sufficient quantity of expressed oil of almond 
 into a flask, heat it on a sand-bath to 250° C. (482° F.), and keep it at that temperature 
 for fifteen minutes. Then allow it to cool, and filter. Put 90 Gm. of the filtered oil, 
 together with the phosphorus, previously well dried by filtering paper, into a dry, tared 
 bottle capable of holding about 120 Cc., insert the stopper, and heat the bottle in a water- 
 bath until the phosphorus melts. Then agitate it until the phosphorus is dissolved, allow 
 it to cool and add enough ether to make the mixture weigh 100 Gm. Lastly, transfer 
 the solution to small glass-stoppered vials, which should be completely filled and kept in 
 a cool and dark place. — U. S. 
 
 The process of the British Pharmacopoeia differs from this in heating the almond oil 
 only to 149° C. (300° F.), and in directing 16 grains of phosphorus to be dissolved in 4 
 fluidounces (Imperial) of the oil at a temperature of about 82° C. (180° F.). The 
 U. S. P. has adopted Mehu’s process (1868), who, however, directs heating the oil for 15 
 minutes to 150° C. (302° F.), and then to raise the heat for 10 minutes to 250° C. At 
 first, air and moisture are given off ; afterward certain organic matters are volatilized or 
 destroyed ; the oil becomes nearly colorless, and on cooling separates a little flocculent 
 matter, which is separated by filtration. A piece of translucent phosphorus is then 
 weighed out, well dried, and dissolved as directed. The French Codex directs ‘phosphorus 
 1 Gm., almond oil 95 Gm., ether 4 Gm. The oil contains 1 per cent. ( U. $., F. Cod .), 
 (.99 per cent. Br.) of phosphorus, the solubility of which in fixed oils is generally stated 
 to be 1 in 100. According to Dr. Squibb (1876), phosphorus should be dissolved in oil 
 only in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide, and at once transferred into small dry and well- 
 stoppered bottles ; he recommends to thus prepare a solution of well-dried phosphorus 1 
 part in cod-liver oil 99 parts. 
 
 Properties. — Phosphorated oil is a clear yellowish oil having the odor of phosphorus 
 and of ether, the presence of which prevents phosphorescence in the dark. The phos- 
 
OLEUM PICIS LIQUID M— OLEUM PIMENTM 
 
 1143 
 
 phorated oil of the British Pharmacopoeia is strongly phosphorescent , and produces white 
 vapors in contact with air, due to the oxidation of phosphorus. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In so far as phosphorus is useful as a medicine it may be con- 
 veniently administered in this oil in the dose of 1-10 minims. It is very convenient as 
 an addition to cod-liver oil in cases of scrofula , chronic phthisis, paralysis without central 
 lesion of substance, sexual debility , and diseases referred to under Phosphorus. 
 
 OLEUM PICIS LIQUIDS, V. Oil of Tar. 
 
 Huile (Essence) de goudron , Fr. ; Theerol , Pechol , G. ; Esencia de alquitran , Sp. 
 
 A volatile oily liquid distilled from wood-tar. 
 
 Preparation. — Wood-tar is subjected to distillation, and that fraction of the distil- 
 late which is lighter than water collected by itself. (See Creosotum and Pix Liquida). 
 
 Properties. — Oil of tar, recently distilled, is colorless, but gradually darkens, becom- 
 ing yellowish, brownish, and dark red-brown, and depositing a black product. The oil 
 has a strong tar-like odor and taste, an acid reaction, and a density of about 0.970 at 15° 
 C. (59° F.) ; these properties are, however, subject to variation from differences in the 
 composition of the tar. Alcohol readily dissolves it, yielding an acid solution. 
 
 Composition. — The oil is a mixture of various hydrocarbons, of acetic and other 
 acids, and of undetermined empyreumatic products present in tar ; prepared from tar of 
 coniferous woods, the oil consists largely of oil of turpentine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation has the same action as tar itself, and, like it, 
 is used largely in the treatment of squamous and some other diseases of the skin. In 
 Europe the oil of cade, obtained from Juniperus oxycedrus, is held in higher esteem than 
 oil of common tar. Oil of tar may be applied directly to the affected part, more or less 
 diluted with some bland oil, or in an ointment. It has the advantage over tar ointments 
 of being less unsightly and less destructive to clothing. 
 
 OLEUM PIMENTO, U. S,, Hr, — Oil of Pimenta. 
 
 Oil of allspice , E. ; Essence de piment de la Jama'ique, Fr. ; Pimento! , Nelkenpfef- 
 ferol , G. ; Esencia. de pimiento gorda, Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Eugenia Pimenta, De Candolle (nat. ord. 
 Myrtaceae). 
 
 Preparation. — Allspice is ground, and then distilled with water or by means of 
 steam, the volatile oil coming over usually in two fractions — a lighter and a heavier one, 
 which are mixed. The average yield appears to be about 4 per cent., but is often much 
 lower. Bonastre (1827) states that the seeds contain 5 per cent, and the remaining part 
 of the fruit 10 per cent, of volatile oil. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of pimenta is colorless or pale-yellow, becoming darker and thicker 
 by age. Its specific gravity is 1.045 to 1.055 at 15° C. (59° F.). In taste and in 
 behavior to solvents and chemicals, (alcohol, test-paper, ferric chloride, potassa, iodine, 
 etc.) it closely resembles oil of cloves ; its odor, however, is more pleasant. 
 
 “With an equal volume of alcohol it forms a clear solution, which is slightly acid to 
 litmus-paper. It also forms a clear solution with an equal volume of glacial acetic acid, 
 and a nearly clear solution with an equal volume of carbon disulphide. When mixed 
 with an equal volume of a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide, it forms a semi-solid 
 mass. If 2 drops of the oil be dissolved in 4 Cc. of alcohol, and a drop of ferric chloride 
 test-solution added, a bright green color will be produced ; and if the same tests be made 
 with a drop of diluted ferric chloride test-solution, prepared by diluting the test-solution 
 with four times its volume of water, a blue color will result, changing to green, and soon 
 becoming yellow. If 1 Cc. of the oil be shaken with 20 Cc. of hot water, the water 
 should not show more than a scarcely perceptible acid reaction to litmus-paper. If, after 
 cooling, the liquid be passed through a wet filter, the clear filtrate should afford, with a 
 drop of ferric chloride test-solution, only a transient, grayish-green, but not a blue or 
 violet color (absence of phenol or carbolic acid).” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — Gladstone has corroborated the observation of Bonastre concerning 
 the presence of eugenic acid and the close similarity of this oil to oil of cloves. L. C. 
 Pettit (1880) obtained 61 per cent, of eugenol. which became red, and afterward purple, 
 with sulphuric acid. 
 
1144 
 
 OLEUM niCINL 
 
 Uses. — The oil of pimenta is used for the same purposes, local and general, as other 
 aromatic stimulants. The dose is from Glm. 0.10-0.30 (2 to 6 drops). 
 
 OLEUM RICINI, U. S., Br., P. G.- Castor Oil. 
 
 Oleum e semini ricini, F. Cod.; Oleum Palmse Christi. — Huile de ricin, Fr. ; Ricinusbl , 
 Gr. ; Aceite de ricino , Sp. 
 
 The fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis, Linne. Bentley and Tri- 
 men, Med,. Plants , 237. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The castor-oil plant appears to be indigenous to Southern Asia, but was 
 early introduced into all tropical and subtropical countries, in many of which it has 
 become naturalized. It is often cultivated in temperate countries for ornament and other 
 purposes, remaining a large annual. Numerous varieties are now known, differing from 
 one another in size and color of the stem and foliage, as well as of the fruit and seeds. 
 The leaves are alternate, peltate, palmately seven- or nine-lobed ; the inflorescence is pani- 
 culately spicate, terminal, finally axillary ; the flowers are monoecious, apetalous, the 
 staminate ones at the base of the panicle. The fruit is a subglobular, somewhat triangular, 
 and grooved tricoccous capsule, which is sometimes nearly smooth, but mostly spinescent; 
 each cell encloses a single oval or elliptic seed, which is from 8 to 16 Mm. (4 to f inch) 
 long, 4 to 8 Mm. (4 to 4 inch) broad, flattened on one side, smooth, shining, of a gray 
 color variegated with yellowish, brown, or reddish spots and lines, with a slightly-raised 
 raphe along the flattish side and a prominent caruncle near one end ; this, when detached, 
 leaves a slight depression above the hilum. The testa is hard, but brittle; the inner 
 seed-coat is thin, white, and has a brownish chalaza ; the embryo is straight, white, has 
 broad, foliaceous heart-shaped cotyledons, and is imbedded in an oily albumen having a 
 bland scarcely acrid taste. 
 
 Preparation. — Nearly all the castor oil which is at the present time consumed in 
 the United States is manufactured from seeds grown in the country or imported. While 
 i-n the year ending June 30, 1867, the importation of castor oil was 82,800 gallons and 
 of the seeds 60,588 bushels, the quantities imported in 1882 were 904 gallons and 
 2,389,200 pounds respectively. The seeds, after having been crushed and freed from the 
 integuments, or without removing the latter, are kiln-dried and subjected to powerful 
 pressure ; the oil thus obtained is heated with water to remove albuminous matters, and 
 when clear drawn off into barrels or other suitable vessels. The yield is stated to be 
 
 Fig. 199. 
 
 Ricinis communis, Linnl: fruit, seed, and two longitudinal sections of seeds, showing embryo and albumen ; 
 
 natural size. 
 
 between 38 and 45 per cent., by cold pressure 25 to 30 per cent. More oil, but of inferior 
 quality, is obtained by again expressing the marc and using a higher temperature and 
 greater power ; the additional yield is 6 to 8 per cent. The older method of obtaining the 
 oil by boiling the seeds with water and skimming it from the surface has probably been 
 abandoned in most countries. L. Boerner (1876) extracted from the press-cake with 
 ether 14 per cent, of oil having a light-yellow color, while alcohol dissolved 21 per cent, 
 of dark oily matter. 
 
 Purification. — Cold-pressed castor oil is nearly transparent, and requires no further 
 purification. If opaque, the oil is filtered, either through paper or felt, or, as recom- 
 mended by Pavesi (1857), is previously treated for several days with 1 per cent, of mag- 
 nesia and 2.5 per cent, of purified animal charcoal ; which treatment renders it nearly 
 colorless and inodorous. 
 
 Properties. — Castor oil is viscid, transparent or nearly so, almost colorless or pale 
 greenish-yellow, of a faint, mild, mawkish, but not repulsive odor, and a bland, afterward 
 slightly acrid and generally offensive taste. Its specific gravity varies between 0.950 and 
 
OLEUM RICINT. 
 
 1145 
 
 0.970. At a low temperature it becomes thicker, and usually deposits white granules of 
 solid fat ; near — 18° C. (0° F.) it congeals to a yellowish mass. It is only partly soluble 
 in petroleum benzin, yielding at 15° C. (59° F.) a turbid mixture, but at 17° (65.6° F.) 
 a clear solution with an equal volume, but is soluble in all proportions in absolute alcohol, 
 ether, and glacial acetic acid, and at 15° C. (59° F.) in about 4 parts of alcohol, spec, 
 grav. 0.835. The oil has a neutral reaction to test-paper, but when exposed to the atmo- 
 sphere in thin layers it becomes rancid, has an acid reaction, and slowly dries to a trans- 
 parent varnish. In contact with nitrous acid, however, castor oil becomes much thicker, 
 and finally congeals, requiring for this a longer time than the non-drying oils. Polarized 
 light is by some samples turned to the right, by others to the left. It commences to boil 
 at about 265° C. (509° F.), yields an oily distillate containing cenanthol , C 7 H 14 0, and 
 oenanthylic acid , C 7 H 14 0 2 , and leaves a black mass which is soluble in potassa. Castor 
 oil, agitated with equal weights of water and nitric acid, yields a whitish mixture, turn- 
 ing yellow in the presence of nitrous acid ; but when heated with dilute nitric acid or with 
 potassium bichromate and sulphuric acid, oenanthylic acid is obtained. The oil is very 
 readily saponified by alkalies. 
 
 Composition. — 1. The Oil. Castor oil is composed of several fats, the acids of 
 which have been the subject of repeated investigations. The solid, fatty acid is probably 
 identical with, or closely related to , palmitic acid ; the liquid one has been named ricinic 
 or ricinoleic acid , C 18 H 34 0 3 , and forms a colorless or wine-yellow, inodorous liquid, of a 
 disagreeable acrid taste, solidifying below 0° C. (32° F.) to a granular mass, and under 
 the influence of nitrous acid is converted into ridnelaidic acid , which has the same com- 
 position and crystallizes in silky needles. These acids differ from oleic acid in containing 
 one more atom of oxygen, but they do not, like the latter, yield sebacic acid among their 
 products of destructive distillation. CEnanthol or cenanth-aldehyde , is a thin, colorless, 
 strongly refractive liquid, having an agreeable odor and boiling at 154° C. (309.2° F.). 
 (Enanthylie or oenanthic acid is oily, of a codfish-like odor, and, dissolved in strong alco- 
 hol and treated with hydrochloric acid gas, yields oenanthic ether , C 2 H 5 .C 7 H 13 0 2 , which has 
 a pleasant fruity odor, a specific gravity of 0.873, boils at 188° C. (370.4° F.), and is 
 one of the constituents of wine. The acrid principle of castor oil has not been isolated. 
 
 2. The Seeds. Besides the oil, of which the seeds contain about one-half their 
 weight, a considerable amount of protein compounds, some sugar, and mucilage are met 
 with in them. Among the proteids is one which H. Bower (1854) regards as related to 
 emuhrin , inasmuch as it generates, with amygdalin, the odor of hydrocyanic acid. This 
 observation was confirmed by Boerner (1876). The proteid is obtained by agitating the 
 emulsion of the seeds with ether and precipitating the aqueous liquid with alcohol. 
 
 In 1864, Tuson announced the discovery of an alkaloid, ricinine , which is isolated by 
 preparing an extract with boiling water, freeing it from the fat, exhausting with alcohol, 
 filtering when cool, and crystallizing by concentrating the liquid. It is described as 
 crystallizing in rectangular prisms and scales, possessing a slight bitter-almond taste, 
 being sublimable, and containing nitrogen. Boerner (1876) found it necessary to treat 
 the alcoholic liquid with magnesia ; the crystals obtained by him resembled in behavior 
 those of Tuson, but did not react with the usual reagents for alkaloids. Wayne (1874) 
 isolated apparently the same principle from the leaves, and opposed its claim to be con- 
 sidered an alkaloid. Werner (1870) regarded it as a magnesium salt. 
 
 The seeds, freed from oil by pressure, are violently purgative, but the principle to 
 which this action is due has not been isolated. On mixing the marc with water and 
 allowing the mixture to ferment, Boerner obtained butyric and probably other volatile 
 acids, but no acetic acid. These results were confirmed by Baab (1879). Fliickiger 
 obtained 10.7 per cent, of ash from the testa, but only 3.5 per cent, from the exsiccated 
 kernel of the seed. 
 
 Tests. — Soluble in an equal volume of alcohol, and, in all proportions, in absolute 
 alcohol, or glacial acetic acid ; also soluble, at 15° C. (59° F.), in three times its volume 
 of a mixture of 19 volumes of alcohol and 1 volume of water, equivalent to alcohol of 
 about the specific gravity 0.833 (absence of more than about 5 per cent, of most other 
 fixed oils). If 3 Cc. of the oil be shaken for a few minutes with 3 Cc. of carbon disul- 
 phide and 1 Cc. of sulphuric acid, the mixture should not acquire a blackish-brown color 
 (absence of many foreign oils).” — U. S . 
 
 Allied Oil. — Tambor Oil of Central America, has purgative effects, but does not gripe like 
 castor oil. Hemsley (1882) ascertained it to be prepared from the seeds of Omphalea oleifera. 
 Hemsley (nat. ord. Euphorbiaceae). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Castor oil derives its purgative properties chiefly from an acrid 
 
1146 
 
 OLEUM niCINL 
 
 principle contained in castor beans, which, when taken designedly or accidentally, have 
 repeatedly occasioned violent pain, vomiting, purging, collapse, and even death, after which 
 evidences of severe inflammation have been found in the mucous membrane of the stom- 
 ach and intestines. Later examples of severe symptoms caused by them may be found 
 ( Therap . Gaz ., x. 214; xi. 503: Med. Mews, xlix. 304 ; lii. 364). An acrid principle exists 
 also in the leaves of the plant. When castor oil was injected into a vein its taste was 
 presently perceived in the mouth, and there followed nausea, eructation, rigidity of the 
 muscles of the tongue, loss of speech, anxiety, and faintness, with general dulness and 
 depression. At the end of three hours an unsuccessful motion to evacuate the bowels 
 occurred, followed by feverishness and an indisposition of several weeks’ duration. Given 
 to nursing mothers, it invariably purges their infants. Rubbed upon the skin of the 
 abdomen in young children, it has procured one or two loose stools. Taken in medicinal 
 doses, it sometimes nauseates, seldom gripes, but is apt to cause a tendency to sleep. 
 The first evacuations which follow are generally liquid, and contain more or less of the 
 oil, either unchanged or converted into cheesy flakes or a soap-like scum floating on 
 the surface of the dejection. It has long been observed that when used as an habitual 
 laxative the dose may be progressively diminished. Indeed, unless this is done it is very 
 apt to occasion constipation with all its attendant evils. In a case of hydraemia with ven- 
 ous pulsation castor oil, given by the mouth, did not purge, but exuded through the 
 skin. 
 
 Castor oil is used as a purgative whenever the intention is simply to overcome constipa- 
 tion, or, on the other hand, to cure diarrhoea depending upon the presence of irritating 
 substances in the bowel, or upon congestion, irritation, and excessive secretion produced 
 by cold. In not a few cases, especially of infantile diarrhoea, the intestine is irritated at 
 once by the presence of undigested food and by the decomposed secretions of its lining 
 membrane ; the patients are distressed by colic, tenesmus, and frequent stools, which are 
 watery, mucous, and bloody in different proportions ; the mouth is apthous and the anus 
 inflamed. In such cases the first step shoul be thoroughly to cleanse the intestine by 
 means of castor oil in small and repeated doses, preceded or not by a small dose of calo- 
 mel or of mercury with chalk. The rest of the treatment may be confided to medicines 
 of a different kind and to dietetic regimen. Similar remarks apply to a large group of cases 
 in which constipation is the efficient cause of urticaria , erythema, roseola, and other dis- 
 eases of the skin, and also of follicular affections af the tonsils and pharynx. Indeed, this 
 condition, as a cause or aggravation of brain, lung, heart and liver disorders, is often 
 more safely relieved by castor oil than by other purgatives. This purgative has the 
 advantage over most others of analogous qualities that it has no tendency to exhaust the 
 strength. Hence it is most used during pregnancy , and especially immediately before 
 labor. There is a popular notion that it tends to relax the maternal organs. Castor oil 
 has been highly recommended in colica picionum, or Poitou colic, produced by acid drinks 
 containing lead, and in colica pictorum, or painter’s colic, caused by the habitual absorp- 
 tion of the metal. In the former affection it affords prompt relief ; in the latter it has 
 no superiority over other, and especially saline, cathartics. It sometimes suffices to 
 expel lumbricoid worms, but cannot be at all depended upon for the removal of teemse 
 unless they are previously killed by a proper taenicide. In the forming stage of laryngeal 
 or bronchial inflammatian a laxative dose of castor oil is far superior to any other evacu- 
 ant in promoting the bronchial secretion and thereby tending to hasten the cure. It is 
 usually given after parturition when milk fever threatens, and later when mammary 
 abscesses arise. It is also commonly prescribed after wounds and surgical operations to 
 mitigate traumatic fever ; it is said to palliate the pain caused by renal calculi. The local 
 uses of castor oil were mainly suggested by the custom among African aborigines and 
 their American descendants of applying castor-leaves to the mammae to excite the flow 
 of milk. They produce a slight irritation of the skin. A fluid extract prepared from the 
 leaves and applied in the same manner is said to have a like effect, and a decoction has 
 been used for the cure of amenorrhoea. Elsewhere abundant illustrations of this state- 
 ment may be found (Stille, Therapeutics , 4th ed., ii. 504), and more recently (1880) 
 Boucher and Fonssagrives have claimed the re-establishment of the secretion ot milk by 
 bathing the breasts with a decoction of the leaves, after which a poultice made of the 
 same leaves was applied to the nipples ( Phila . Med. Times , x. 415). On the other hand, 
 it is alleged that the internal use of castor oil arrests the secretion of milk, and that for 
 this reason there is a prejudice against using it before or during the pueperal state by the 
 French peasant women. This notion is confirmed by Mr. Shelby ( Practitioner , xxxv. 
 101 ). The same practitioner also believes that it palliates night-sweats and engorgement of 
 
OLEUM ROSJE. 
 
 1147 
 
 the liver. It is said that the daily application of castor oil to warts, accompanied with 
 friction, will remove these excrescences in from two to six weeks (Dumm). The oil enters 
 into numerous liniments, etc. for the cure of alopecia. Of these one of the best is com- 
 posed of suet 3 ij ; castor oil 3 vj ; gallic acid ^ss. Mix, and scent with essence of vanilla. 
 Castor oil is often prescribed in emulsion with yelk of egg, mucilage, etc., but its activity 
 is thereby diminished. Its taste may be disguised by giving with it an equal quantity 
 of glycerin to which a few drops of oil of cinnamon have been added. The glycerin has 
 been thought to increase its laxative powers. It should not be taken in milk, coffee, hot 
 soup, or any other articles of food, lest they become repugnant afterward. If the mouth 
 and fauces are washed with an alcoholic liquid, or even with glycerin, the oil will not 
 adhere, and therefore will not excite disgust ; or it may be floated upon fresh orange-juice 
 in a wine-glass, and covered with another layer of the juice, and so tossed down the throat 
 without its taste being perceived. Probably the best expedient of all is to envelop the 
 oil with the froth of beer, ale or porter in a wineglass ; it may then be swallowed without 
 even its presence being detected. The average dose of castor oil for an adult is Gm. 
 16-32 (^ss-j), taken at once or in separate portions according to the nature of the case. 
 The dose for an infant is about Gm. 4 (f^i). For an enema Gm. 32-64 (fgi-ij), may be 
 given in i pint of mucilage or soap and water. 
 
 Oil or Anda Assu, a product of Brazil, closely resembles castor oil in its operation. 
 The seeds are said to have been used from a remote period as a purgative ; the oil acts 
 thoroughly and gently in doses of Gm. 8-12 (gii-iij), but in larger quantities is apt to 
 purge harshly and profusely. A griping principle is said to reside in the embryo and the 
 skin of the seed, both of which should be removed in preparing an emulsion of the seeds. 
 The oil has not the nauseous taste of castor oil, and does not adhere so closely to the 
 palate ( Edinh . Med. Jour., xxvii, 556, 646). 
 
 OLEUM ROS^E, JJ, S P. G. — Oil (Attar or Otto) of Roses. 
 
 Oleum rosarum.—Huile volatile ( Essence ) de rose, Fr. ; Rosenol , G. ; Esencia de rosa , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowers of Rosa damascena, Mueller. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Roseae. 
 
 Origin and Production. — Roses are largely cultivated in India and various parts 
 of Northern Africa for the production of rose-water and attar, which, however, are con- 
 sumed in those countries. Large quantities of rose-water are distilled in Southern 
 France, but little oil is obtained there. Commerce is almost exclusively supplied with oil 
 of rose from the southern slope of the Balkan Mountains in Roumelia, the principal dep6t 
 being the town of Kizanlik. The species of rose cultivated in that district, according to 
 Baur (1867), is a variety of Rosa damascena, Miller, which grows to the height of over 
 1.8 M. (6 feet) and is raised in hedge-like rows. The flowers appear in May and June, 
 and are collected before sunrise for distillation on the same day. The still used is made 
 of copper, conical in shape, and has its globular head connected with a straight tin tube 
 passing through a tub filled with water. The charge for each still is about 10 okes (or 
 27 pounds) of flowers and 20 okes of river-water, and the distillation is completed in 2 
 hours. The distillate is again distilled, the first sixth being set aside to allow the oil to 
 separate, while the remainder, together with the water pressed from the exhausted flow 7 ers, 
 is used for fresh roses in place of water. The average annual production of oil of rose 
 is about 4000 pounds, of which quantity over 10,000 ounces are imported into the 
 United States; in the year ending June 30, 1882, the importation amounted to 21,933 
 ounces. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of rose is pale-yellow, transparent, solidifies if slowly cooled above 
 10° C. (50° F.) to a perfectly transparent mass composed of scale-like crystals, which on 
 rapid cooling are narrow, feathery, resembling prisms, and fuse again at a somewdiat 
 higher temperature (at 12°-15° C. = 53.6°-59° F., P. G.). The congealing- and fusing- 
 points vary to some extent; the former is given by Baur at between 11° and 16° C. 
 (51.8° and 60.8° F.); the latter, by Hanbury (1859), as lying between 16.1 ° and 18.3° 
 C. (61° and 65° F.), and for English oil of rose was found as high as 32.8° C. (91° F.). 
 Zeller observed the fusing-point of German oil of rose to be even 37.5° C. (99.5° F.). 
 Oil of rose has a neutral reaction to test-paper, but Zeller found it to have an acid reac- 
 tion (see Adulterations and Tests below) ; its specific gravity may vary between about .84 
 (0.87, Pharmacographia ) and 0.89, the Pharmacopoeia giving 0.865 to 0.880. The odorous 
 portion is quite freely soluble in alcohol, while the inodorous stearopten is sparingly solu- 
 ble in this liquid ; absolute alcohol yields with the oil a clear solution (Baur). The oil 
 
1148 
 
 OLEUM ROSMARINI. 
 
 has the odor of the flowers in a high degree, and when suitably diluted with alcohol is 
 very fragrant. Its taste is sweetish and rather mild. 
 
 Composition. — When oil of rose is mixed with about 3 parts of alcohol, and the 
 undissolved portion repeatedly dissolved in a little ether and reprecipitated by alcohol, it 
 is finally obtained as transparent, iridescent, inodorous scales, which, according to Saussure 
 (1820), Blanchet (1833), and Fliickiger (1868), have the formula C n H 2n , fuse at 35° C. 
 (95° F.), and distil above 280° C. (536° F.) (Blanchet). Fliickiger gives the melting- 
 point at 32.5° C. (90.5° F.) and the boiling-point at 272° C. (521.6° F.). This stearopten 
 requires about 500 parts of alcohol for solution (Saussure), and is present in Turkish oil 
 of rose to the amount of 6 or 7 per cent. (Hanbury), but in much greater proportion in 
 oil obtained from roses grown in other parts of Europe. The elseopten of oil of rose 
 contains oxygen, but its exact composition has not been ascertained; it remains liquid at 
 
 — 15° C. (5° F.) (Baur, 1872), and, according to Gladstone (1872), has the density .881 
 and boils at 216° C. (420.8° F.). 
 
 Adulterations. — The oil which is mostly employed for adulterating oil of rose is 
 known in commerce as Turkish oil of geranium, and was shown by Hanbury (1859) to 
 be entirely different from the volatile oil of pelargonium. It is obtained in India from 
 Andropogon Schoenanthus, Linne , known as roshe or rose or rusa oil , in Turkey as idris yaghi 
 or as entershah , and in English commerce also as oil of ginger-grass ; it is imported into 
 Turkey for the purpose of adulterating oil of rose, but, according to Baur, first subjected 
 to a refining process, which consists in agitating the oil with lemon-juice and water, and 
 in bleaching it by exposure to the sun and air, whereby a little copper is removed, the 
 color changed from brownish to pale-yellowish, and the originally harsh and sharp odor 
 rendered mild ; or the oil is, in Boumelia, sometimes distilled with rose-petals. The adulte- 
 rations used outside of Turkey are oil of rhodium , distilled from the root of Convolvulus 
 (Rhodorrhiza, Webb) Scoparius and floridus, Linne, which grow in the Canary Islands; 
 and oil of rose-geranium , or French oil of geranium, distilled from the cultivated rose- 
 geranium , Pelargonium roseum, Willdenoiv. These oils have an acid reaction; oil of rho- 
 dium also a bitter taste and an odor resembling that of a mixture of rose, cubeb, and 
 copaiba. 
 
 Tests. — The most certain criteria of the purity of the oil of rose are, according to 
 Baur — 1, the odor, by which oil of rose-wood, sandal-wood, and others may be detected; 
 2, the temperature at which it congeals ; and 3, the manner of crystallizing. Pure oil of 
 rose exposed to a temperature of 12.5° C. (54.5° F.) should congeal in a few minutes; 
 the crystals should be transparent, scaly, iridescent, and float in the liquid, while sperma- 
 ceti, being heavier, is deposited as a solid opaque crust. “If a solution of 1 part of oil 
 of rose in 5 parts of chloroform be diluted with 20 parts of alcohol, the mixture should 
 separate crystalline scales and should not redden moist litmus-paper. 1 drop of oil of rose 
 triturated with sugar and afterward agitated with 500 Gm. of water, should impart to 
 the latter the pure odor of rose.” — P. G. “ If to 5 drops of the oil, contained in a test- 
 tube, 5 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid be added, a reddish-brown, thick mixture 
 will be produced, but no white fumes or a tarry odor should be developed, and the fra- 
 grant odor of the oil should not be destroyed. If this mixture be then shaken with 2 
 Cc. of alcohol, the resulting liquid may be turbid, but should be nearly colorless, and not 
 at once assume a red or reddish-brown color (absence of oil of ginger-grass or Turkish 
 oil of geranium, from Andropogon Schoenanthus, Linne ( nat . ord. Graminese), and oil 
 of rose geranium, from Pelargonium Radula ( Cavanilles ), Aiton , Pelargonium capitatum 
 (Linne), Aiton, and Pelargonium odoratissimum (Linne), Aiton ; (nat. ord. Geraniacea)). 
 
 — U. X. 
 
 Uses. — It is used in medicine exclusively for perfuming ointments and lotions. 
 
 OLEUM ROSMARINI, 77. 8., Br.— Oil of Rosemary. 
 
 Oleum anthos. — Huile volatile (Essence) de romarin , Flood ; Rosmarinol , G. ; Essence de 
 romero , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from Rosmarinus officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Labiatae. 
 
 Preparation. — This volatile oil is obtained from the flowering-tops, or more fre- 
 quently from the entire plant, by distilling them with water or steam. Commerce is 
 chiefly supplied with the oil of rosemary from Southern France and Italy. About 20,000 
 pounds of it are annually imported. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of rosemary is a colorless or yellowish limpid liquid, varying in 
 
OLEUM RUTsE. 
 
 1149 
 
 specific gravity between 0.895 and 0.915, has a pungent somewhat camphoraceous odor and 
 t as te, boils at 165° C. (329° F.), and is soluble in less than its own weight of 80 per 
 cent, alcohol ; old oil requires a larger quantity for solution. Mixed with iodine, it 
 gives off reddish vapors, and strong sulphuric and nitric acid render it thick and brown- 
 red. Frohde’s reagent colors it yellowish-brown. The oil deviates polarized light to the 
 left. 
 
 Composition. — The presence of oxygen in oil of rosemary was proven by Saussure 
 (1820). Gladstone (1863) regarded it as consisting almost entirely of a hydrocarbon very 
 similar to that contained in the oil of Myrtus communis, Linne. Lallemand (1859), 
 however, obtained by fractional distillation a hydrocarbon boiling at 165° C. (329° F.) 
 and a liquid boiling at 200° C. (392° F.), from which a stearopten was obtained having 
 the composition and most of the properties of camphor ; treatment with diluted nitric 
 acid increases the yield of camphor. Bruylants (1879) obtained about 8 per cent, of 
 camphor. Cj 0 Hi 6 O, melting at 176° C. (348.8° F.), and about 5 per cent, of borneol, 
 C 10 H 18 O ; the hydrocarbon, C, 0 H 16 , boils near 160° C. (320° F.). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Unguentum rosmarini compositum, s. Ung. 
 NERVINUM, P. G. Melt together lard 16, suet 8, yellow wax 2, and expressed oil of 
 nutmeg 2 parts, and while cooling add oil of rosemary and oil of juniper-berries each 1 
 part. — P ; G. Baume nerval of the French Codex is a similar preparation. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This oil is poisonous to insects, and to rabbits in the dose of 
 20 grains. The skin and mucous membranes it irritates in the same manner as oil of 
 turpentine. A case is recorded in which, along with oil of wormwood, it caused the 
 death of a child. Internally, it is a powerful stimulant, and may be employed for the 
 same purposes as other stimulant oils to relieve colic , promote menstruation , and allay 
 nervous disorder due to debility. In ointments and liniments it is a useful ingredient for 
 relieving rheumatic pains ; it promotes the removal of swellings due to rheumatism , 
 sprains , bruises , etc., and stimulates the growth of the hair in alopecia following febrile 
 affections. Its vapor, when inhaled, reduces the animal temperature and gives the urine 
 a violaceous odor ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxiv. 1042), and when cautiously allowed to act 
 on the conjunctiva sometimes improves vision impaired by nervous exhaustion. Inter- 
 nally, the dose is Gm. 0.05-0.10 (gtt. i— ij ) . 
 
 OLEUM RUTiE, Br . — Oil of Rue. 
 
 Huile volatile ( Essence ) de rue , Fr. ; Rautenol , G. ; Esencia de ruda, Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from Ruta graveolens, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutaceae. 
 
 Preparation. — This volatile oil is distilled with water or steam from the fresh and cut 
 herb. Lewis obtained from the fresh flowering herb .82 per cent., and after the fruit had 
 matured 2.6 per cent., of volatile oil ; Zeller’s yield was from dry herb about | per cent., 
 from fresh herb and from the seeds 1 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of rue is a colorless or greenish-yellow liquid having the peculiar 
 odor of the plant, a pungent somewhat acrid and bitterish taste, a neutral reaction, and 
 congealing at a low temperature in shining scales. The freezing-point varies in different 
 samples — according to Geiss (1861), between — 2.5° and — 22.5° C. (27.5° and — 8.5° F.), 
 that from the seeds congealing first. The specific gravity varies between .86 and .91. The 
 oil is soluble in an equal weight of alcohol. Iodine dissolves quietly in the oil ; sulphuric 
 acid dissolves it with a brown-red color ; and sodium bisulphite yields with it a crystalline 
 compound. By the action of nitric acid caprinic,pelargonic , caprylic, and amanthylic acids 
 are produced, the products varying with the strength of the acid and its prolonged action. 
 
 Composition. — Aside from a small quantity of a hydrocarbon, C 10 IIi 6 , boiling below 
 200° C. (390° F.), oil of rue consists mainly of an oxygenated portion, which Cahours 
 and Gerhardt (1845) stated to be caprinic aldehyde, C n H 22 0. TIarbordt (1862) showed 
 that it could not be an aldehyde, and regarded it as methyl-caprinol, C 10 H 19 .CH 3 .O, and 
 Strecker as a ketone having the formula CH 3 .CO.C 9 H 19 . The latter view has been proven 
 to be correct by the simultaneous observations made by Gorup-Besanez, F. Grimm, and 
 A. Giesecke (1870). This methyl-nonyl ketone , when pure, is a colorless liquid with a 
 bluish fluorescence, boiling at 225° C. (437° F.), crystallizing in scales near 5° C. 
 (41° F.), and fusing again at 15° C. (59° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — An experimenter, having taken within an hour three doses of 
 oil of rue of 10 minims each, suffered uneasiness in the stomach, oppression and confusion 
 of mind, aching in the loins, an urgent desire to urinate — the urine smelling of the oil — 
 
1150 
 
 OLEUM SABIN JE. — OLEUM SANTA LI. 
 
 flushes of heat, unsteadiness of gait, a tendency to sleep, and increased frequency, with 
 diminished tension, of the pulse (Helie, Ann. d' Hygiene, xx. 180). These phenomena 
 are essentially those produced by oil of wormwood and numerous other essential oils, and 
 the therapeutic uses of oil of rue are the same as theirs — viz. in the treatment of colic , 
 amenorrhoea , dysmenorrhoea, uterine haemorrhage , and verminous complaints. It may be 
 given in doses of Gm. 0.05-0.30 (gtt. j-v). 
 
 OLEUM SABINiE, U. S., Br.— Oil op Savin. 
 
 Essence de sabine, Fr. ; Sadebaumol , G. ; Esencia de sabina , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from Juniperus Sabina, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferm. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of savin is obtained by distilling the fresh branches with water 
 or steam. The yield is between 1 i and 2J per cent. ; Voget obtained from the berries 
 nearly 10 per cent, of volatile oil. 
 
 Properties. — The crude oil has a yellowish or yellow color, and is obtained colorless 
 on rectification. It has the peculiar terebinthinate odor of savin, a pungent, camphora- 
 ceous, and bitterish taste, and when fresh a neutral reaction ; on exposure to air it 
 becomes thicker, reddish or brown. It dissolves in absolute alcohol in all proportions, 
 but yields an opalescent solution with 3 parts of 80 per cent, alcohol. The Pharmaco- 
 poeia states that the oil is soluble in an equal volume of alcohol, by which it is distin- 
 guished from the oils of juniper and of turpentine. It is also soluble in glacial acetic 
 acid. Dragendorff (1876) found the fresh oil at 28° C. (82.4° F.) to dissolve in 0.9 
 parts, and after rectification in 3.7 parts of 85 per cent, alcohol. Its specific gravity is 
 about 0.91, but varies somewhat. It commences to boil near 160° C. (320° F.), but the 
 greater part of the oil boils above 200° C. (390° F.). Mixed with powdered iodine, a 
 brisk detonation results, and on the addition to the oil of an ethereal solution of bromine 
 the color of the latter disappears instantly. The oil does not appear to yield a solid 
 compound with hydrochloric acid gas. It rotates polarized light to the right. 
 
 Composition. — Dumas (1835) found it to agree with oil of turpentine in element- 
 ary composition. But W. A. Tilden (1877) showed the lower-boiling portion to have the 
 composition C 10 H 16 O, while the remaining portion does not contain a terpene, but consists 
 of hydrocarbons, which are easily polymerized by heat. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of savin acts on the gastro-intestinal canal as a violent 
 irritant, causes vesical tenesmus and strangury, and produces a general intoxication in 
 which the nervous system is excited, fever is lighted up, and ultimately coma and death 
 may ensue. In medicinal doses it occasions congestion of the pelvic organs. It is an 
 appropriate medicine in all of the cases to which savin itself is applied ; that is to say, 
 in amenorrhoea depending upon a torpid condition of the organs of generation, and in 
 dysmenorrhoea occurring under similar conditions. Its repute as a remedy for sterility 
 arises from its stimulant influence upon those organs, and the same is true of its power 
 to control passive uterine haemorrhage and leucorrhoea , especially of uterine origin. In all 
 of these cases its efficacy depends upon its power of stimulating. Locally, oil of savin has 
 been applied to benumb the sensibility of exposed nerves in dental caries and to promote 
 the shrivelling of condylomata. 
 
 The dose of this oil is from Gm 0.10-0.60 (gtt. ij-x). It may be given in emulsion, 
 pill or alcoholic solution. 
 
 OLEUM SANTALI, U. S., Br.— Oil of Santal. 
 
 Oleum ligni santali. — Oil of Sandal-wood , E. ; Santal citrin (huile volatile ), F. Cod.; 
 Santelol , Sandelol , G. ; Esencia {Aceite volatile) de sandalos cetrina, Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the wood of Santalum album, Lnnne (nat. ord. Santal- 
 
 aceae). 
 
 Origin. — The white santal is a small tree indigenous to Southern India and some of 
 the East Indian islands, and cultivated in other parts of tropical Asia. Santalum Yasi, 
 Seemann, of the Fiji Islands, S. Freycinetianum, Gaudin , and S. pyrularium, A. Gray , 
 of the Sandwich Islands, and several other species, yield likewise sandal-wood. 
 
 The leaves of white sandal are opposite, and vary in shape between oval and lanceolate, 
 and are smooth and glaucous beneath. The flowers are small, numerous, in paniculate 
 cymes, very variable in color, and without odor. In India the trees are felled or dug up 
 when the trunk is about 30 Cm. (1 foot) in diameter, the branches are cut off, and the 
 
OLEUM SANTALI. 
 
 1151 
 
 trunk is left on the ground until the sap-wood has been mostly eaten away by ants, when 
 it is trimmed, the heart-wood alone being used. Santalum lanceolatum, S. obtusifolium, 
 S. ovaturn, and other Australian species yield a wood of inferior odor. 
 
 Santalum album, Lignum santali album, s. citrinum. — Santal-wood, Yellow 
 (White) sanders-wood, E. ; Bois de santal citrin, Fr. ; Gelbes (Weisses) Santelholz, San- 
 delholz, G. — Santal-wood is in billets varying in thickness from about 7 to 22 Cm. (3 to 
 9 inches) and in color from whitish to brownish-yellow, the deeper-colored being more 
 highly valued than the paler varieties. The wood is hard and heavy ; when cut trans- 
 versely it has a somewhat waxy lustre and irregular concentric zones alternately lighter 
 and darker in color, sometimes rather indistinct, with very fine vessels and delicate medul- 
 lary rays. When rubbed or rasped it has an agreeable aromatic somewhat roseate odor ; 
 its taste is aromatic, bitterish, and slightly acrid. Odor and taste, however, vary much 
 with the origin of the wood. 
 
 Preparation. — Tile wood is distilled with water or steam, and yields from 2 to 5 
 per cent, of oil ; in India, with imperfect stills, 2.5 per cent, is obtained ( Pharmaco - 
 graphia). Dr. Bidie states that the roots yield the largest amount and finest quality of 
 oil. Between 2500 and 3000 pounds of the oil are imported into the United States. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of santal is a thick, light-yellow liquid having in a high degree the 
 aromatic odor of the wood from which it has been distilled, and a pungently aromatic 
 taste ; its reaction is neutral or slightly acid, and its behavior to polarized light either 
 left- or right-rotating. Its density is usually about 0.96, and it is said to be occasionally 
 heavier than water; the Pharmacopoeia recognizes an oil having at 15° C. (59° F.) the 
 spec. grav. 0.970 to 0.978. The oil begins to boil at 214° C. (417° F.), the boiling-point 
 quickly rising to 255° C. (492° F.) (JPharmacogr aphid). Chapoteaut’s oil boiled between 
 300° and 340° C. (572° and 644° F.). Dragendorff (1876) found oil of santal distilled 
 from different varieties of wood to be soluble in all proportions of 91 per cent, alcohol, 
 but East Indian oil yielded with 11 parts of 80 per cent, alcohol an opalescent solution, 
 while the solutions of other varieties of oil were clear with 1.2 to 1.8 parts of the same 
 alcohol. Old oil seems to be less soluble than that which has been recently distilled. 
 Oil of santal is \se vorotary, which distinguishes it from Australian and West Indian san- 
 dal-wood oil ; these are dextrorotary, and show the spec. grav. 0.953 and 0.965 respect- 
 ively. 
 
 Constituents. — The physical differences pointed out indicate that oils prepared from 
 different woods vary in their composition, but they appear to be oxygenated oils. Chapo- 
 teaut (1882) isolated two fractions, C 15 H 24 0, boiling near 300° C. (572° F.), and C 15 H 26 0, 
 boiling at 310° C. (590° F.). Distilled with phosphoric anhydride, they yield the hydro- 
 carbons C 15 H 22 and C 15 H 24 , of which the former resembles the hydrocarbon of oil of cedar- 
 wood, and the latter seems to be identical with oil of copaiba. 
 
 Santal-wood contains also a resinous principle, and a tannin which is colored green by 
 ferric salts. 
 
 Adulterations. — Oil of santal is said to be adulterated with oil of copaiba and oil 
 of cedar-wood ; the former is sparingly soluble in alcohol sp. gr. 0.85. For detecting the 
 latter Durand (1878) recommends agitating 1 Gm. of the oil with 1 Gm. of concentrated 
 cuprammonium solution and 4 Gm. of water ; after 24 hours’ rest pure oil of santal 
 gives a white opaque soap, while that with oil of cedar-wood is greenish. “ If to 1 Cc. 
 of the oil, at 20° C. (68° F.), there be added 10 Cc. of a mixture of 3 volumes of alco- 
 hol and 1 volume of water, a perfectly clear solution should result (test for cedarwood 
 oil, castor oil, and other fatty oils, etc.)” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — About 1865 oil of sandal-wood was introduced as a substitute 
 for copaiva in the treatment of gonorrhoea. In some cases it was found to produce nausea 
 or disturbance of the stomach, in some diarrhoea, in some, also, irritation of the kidneys 
 and bladder, and, finally, in certain patients, erythematous eruptions. The odor it commu- 
 nicated to the urine was described as sickening. Its smell upon the hands and breath 
 was also said to be extremely persistent. But the more frequent statement was that it 
 had a far less disagreeable smell than copaiva, and was generally preferred to it. In 
 some cases it agreed with patients who could not tolerate copaiva. The general result, 
 however, appears to be that while it is inferior to that medicine in the acute disease, it is 
 fully equal to it in the chronic forms. Like copaiva, it must be given for some time after 
 the urethral discharge has ceased. Like that medicine also, it is very serviceable in 
 chronic cystitis and pyelitis , chronic diarrhoea, , especially of the mucous variety, and in 
 chronic bronchitis , even when accompanying bronchial dilatation and foetor. 
 
 Oil of sandal-wood may be given in doses of from Gm. 0.30—1.30 (5 to 20 drops) three 
 
1152 
 
 OLEUM SASSAFRAS.— OLEUM S ESA MI. 
 
 times a day, according to the degree of inflammation present. It has been administered 
 in capsules, and in mixtures such as the following: R. Oil of sandal-wood fgss ; dilute 
 alcohol f^ijss; oil of cinnamon ttlxxv. — M. S. — 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls two or three times 
 a day. It may also be given mixed with powdered liquorice in wafers. 
 
 OLEUM SASSAFRAS, U. Oil of Sassafras. 
 
 ( Essence ) de sassafras , Fr. Cod. ; Sassafrasol , G. ; Esencia de sasafrds , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the wood of Sassafras officinale, Nees. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Lauraceae. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of sassafras is distilled in Maryland and various other parts of 
 the United States, mostly in the neighborhood of those places where a supply of the 
 root may be obtained without requiring much transportation. The stills used are made 
 of copper or iron, and usually connected with a lead condenser. The roots, together 
 with the adhering bark, are cut into chips, about 10 bushels of which constitute a 
 charge, and yield on an average about 4 pounds of the oil, the distillation requiring 
 about twelve hours (Procter, 1866). If the root is dug up shortly after the tree has been 
 cut, it appears to yield a colorless or yellow oil, but if the stumps are permitted to 
 remain in the ground for some time they acquire a red color and yield a brown-red oil. 
 
 Properties. — As stated, oil of sassafras is either colorless or more frequently of 
 various shades of yellow or brown-red, a difference which does not affect its quality. 
 When carefully rectified it may be obtained colorless, but on exposure again becomes 
 colored. It has the odor of sassafras in a high degree, a warm aromatic taste, a neutral 
 reaction, and a slightly dextrogyre rotatory power. Its specific gravity is from 1.070 to 
 1.090, and increases somewhat by age. It dissolves in small quantities of water, becoming 
 lighter thereby. It is freely soluble in alcohol, and dissolves in 4 or 5 parts of 80 per 
 cent, alcohol ; it is also soluble in all proportions in glacial acetic acid and in carbon 
 disulphide ; is violently acted on by bromine, but dissolves iodine quietly. 5 drops of 
 the oil treated with 5 drops of nitric acid cause a violent reaction, resulting in the for- 
 mation of a red color and gradually a red resin. Treated with sulphuric acid, the oil 
 assumes a deep-red color, which turns blackish. 
 
 Composition. — According to Grimaux and Buotte (1869), potassa solution extracts 
 from oil of sassafras a body which appears to be a phenol, has the odor of eugenol, and 
 assumes a bright-green color with ferric chloride. By fractional distillation a hydro- 
 carbon, safrene , C 10 H 16 , is obtained, which boils between 155° and 157° C. (311° and 
 314.6° F.), and is dextrogyre. The oxygenated portion, safrol , C 10 H 10 O 2 , constitutes 
 nine-tenths of the oil, is without action on polarized light, distils between 230° and 
 235° C. (446° and 455° F.), remains liquid at — 20° C. (— 4° F.), and yields with 
 bromine crystals of C 10 H 5 Br 5 O 2 . On cooling the oil in a freezing mixture Saint-Evre 
 (1843) obtained crystallized sassafras-camphor , C,oH 10 0 2 , which remained solid at 5° C. 
 (41° F.), and after being fused congealed again at 7.5° C. (45.5° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action and uses of this oil do not differ materially from 
 those of numerous other essential oils in its anodyne and stimulant qualities. Like 
 them, it may act poisonously (Hill, Trans. Med. Faculty of Maryland , 1884 ; Allbright, 
 Med. Record , xxxv. 66), and, like menthol, it has been found to allay the pain of neural- 
 gia when applied over the affected nerve (Brit. Med. Jour.. June 22, 1889). It is 
 alleged to prevent the usual effects of tobacco when mixed with it and smoked, and also 
 the narcotic action of hyoscyamus when associated with that drug. The dose is from 
 Gm. 0.10—0.60 (gtt. ii-x). 
 
 OLEUM SESAMI, U. Oil of Sesamum. 
 
 Benne oil , Gingili oil, Teel oil , E. ; Huile de sesame , Fr. ; Sesamol , G. ; Aceite de ajonjoh , 
 Sp- 
 
 The fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Sesamum indicum, Linne. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 198. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Pedaliacese. 
 
 Origin. — Benne is an annual herb which is indigenous to India, but is now not 
 found in the wild state ; it is largely cultivated in most tropical countries and in the 
 warmer portions of the temperate zone. It grows from 0.6— 1.5 M. (2 to 5 feet) bign, 
 and has an erect, branching, bluntly quadrangular, and hairy stem, alternate or sub-oppo- 
 site leaves, and short-stalked axillary flowers, with large white bell-shaped five-lobed and 
 
OLEUM SESAMI. 
 
 1153 
 
 Fig. 200. 
 
 somewhat two-lipped corollas. The fruit is capsular, two-valved, four-celled, quadran- 
 gular and linear-oblong in shape, and contains numerous seeds, which are small, flattened, 
 oval or ovate, smooth and shining, vary in color between whitish, yellow, reddish-brown, 
 and blackish, have a sweetish oily taste, and contain a straight embryo with a short radicle 
 and large plano-convex oily cotyledons. Sesamum orientale, Limit , is now regarded as 
 being identical with this species. 
 
 Sesamum. Ajonjole , Alegnia , Sp. — Benne, Sesame-leaves, E. ; Feuilles de sesame, Fr. ; 
 Sesamblatter, &. — The leaves are mostly employed in the fresh state. They are long- 
 petiolate, ovate or lance-oblong in outline, narrowed or rounded or somewhat heart-shaped 
 at the base, more or Less pointed above, entire on the margin or irregularly toothed, and 
 the lower ones frequently cut into three-toothed lobes or distinct leaflets. The leaves 
 are prominently veined on the lower surface, are smoothish or somewhat pubescent, and 
 have a mucilaginous taste. Their principal constituent is mucilage, which is precipitated 
 from its aqueous solution by alcohol. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of benne is obtained by subjecting benne-seeds to pressure ; the 
 yield is in the neighborhood of 50 per cent, of the weight of seeds. 
 
 Properties. — -Benne oil has a yellowish or yellow color, usually of a deeper hue than 
 expressed almond oil, is thinner at ordinary temper- 
 atures than most other fixed oils, is nearly inodorous, 
 and has a bland and agreeable peculiar taste, and 
 the specific gravity 0.919 to 0.923 at 15° C. (59° F.). 
 
 At — 3° C. (26.6° F.) it becomes thick, and congeals 
 usually at about — 5° C. (23° F.), while the oil 
 extracted by solvents congeals at about 5° C. (41° 
 
 F.), forming a yellowish-white mass ; when heated 
 to between 150° and 200° C. (302° and 392° F.) it 
 is decolorized. At 300° C. (302° F.) it assumes 
 a brown color, and at 335° C. (635° F.) it com- 
 mences to boil. It is a non-drying oil. and on ex- 
 posure to air does not readily turn rancid. Concen- 
 trated sulphuric acid converts it into a brown-red 
 gelatinous mass; nitric acid specific gravity 1.18 
 colors it gradually orange-yellow, and when of 
 greater strength, red ; with a mixture of nitric 
 and sulphuric acid it is transiently colored green, 
 afterward red and brown-red ; in contact with nitrous 
 acid it becomes reddish and brown-red, and grad- 
 ually forms a semi-solid mass. 
 
 “ If 5 Cc. of the oil be shaken with an equal 
 volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid, the latter 
 
 will usually assume a bright emerald-green color, especially if the oil has been exposed 
 for some time to the action of air and light ; and, on the subsequent addition of about 
 9.5 Gm. of sugar, and again shaking the mixture, a blue color, changing to violet, and 
 finally to deep crimson, is produced.” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — Fliickiger (Pharmacographia) found benne oil prepared by himself 
 to contain 76 per cent, of olein ; the acids of the solidifying portion appear to be stearic, 
 palmitic, and myristic acids. A small quantity of a peculiar, probably resinous, substance 
 may be extracted from the oil by agitation with glacial acetic acid or with alcohol ; the 
 acetic solution acquires a greenish-yellow, the alcoholic solution a blue afterward 
 greenish-yellow, color on the addition of a cold mixture of equal weights of sulphuric 
 and nitric acids. (See also p. 1093.) 
 
 Sesamum indicmu, Liime: a. flowering 
 branch ; b , section of seed. 
 
 Allied Oils. — The following four oils are obtained from seeds of the natural order Leguminosse: 
 Kurung Oil is thickish, yellow, of the specific gravity .945, and begins to become turbid near 
 7° C. (44.5° F.). It comes from an East Indian tree, Pongamia glabra, Ventenat, s. Dalbergia 
 arborea. Roxburgh, the odorous root and leaves of which are also used medicinally. The seeds 
 are gray and kidney-shaped. 
 
 Ground-nut Oil, Pea-nut Oil. — Huile de pistache deterre, Fr. ; Erdnussol, G. — It is prepared 
 from Arachis hypogaea, Limit (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 75), an annual herb indigenous 
 to tropical America and now cultivated throughout the tropics; it is known in Brazil as amendoim 
 or mandobim. The seeds contain about 45 per cent, of oil. This is pale-yellow, thin, has the 
 density .920, and a peculiar nutty flavor, becomes turbid at about 3° C. (37.4° F.), and congeals 
 near — 5° C. (23° F.). Nitrous acid causes the oil to congeal to a whitish mass: nitric acid 
 colors it reddish, and sulphuric acid grayish-yellow, then green-brown. It consists of the glyce- 
 
1154 
 
 OLEUM SIN APIS VOLATILE. 
 
 rides of palmitic, arachic , and hypogceic acids. The latter is C lfi H 30 O 2 , and crystallizes in needles 
 which melt near 35° C. (95° F.). Arachic acid, C 20 H 40 O 2 , melts at 75° C. (167° F.). Under the 
 name of katchung oil this oil is largely used in India in the place of olive oil. . 
 
 Soy Oil is prepared from Soja hispida, Moench, s. Dolichos Soja, Limit. The plant is indigenous 
 to Japan, and largely cultivated in Southern Asia for its brownish or whitish ovate-reniform 
 seeds, Avhich are used as food, and for preparing a sauce called soy ; when fresh they contain 14 
 to 16 per cent, of moisture and from 16 to 18 per cent, of a bland yellowish oil. 
 
 Nicker-seed Oil, from Caesalpinia (Guilandina, Linne ) Bonducella, Roxburgh. The seeds of 
 this tropical climber, which are also known as bonduc nuts , are somewhat compressed, sub- 
 globular, or oblong, bluish or ashy gray, slightly rigid, and have a bitter taste. The expressed 
 oil is used for embrocations. The seeds are used in India as a tonic and anti-periodic ; they con- 
 tain a white bitter principle soluble in ether and alcohol and slightly soluble in water ( Phar ma - 
 cographia). The bark of bonduc-root is likewise employed as a tonic. 
 
 Ben oil, Behen Oil, is expressed from the seeds of Moringa pterygosperma, Gaertner (Mor. 
 oleifera, Lamarck , Guilandina Moringa, Linne), and one or two allied East Indian trees of the 
 nat. ord. Moringaceae. The bark of the root has an odor and taste resembling horseradish. The 
 seeds, known as ben nuts, are triangular-globose, pitted, and have elongated membranous wings 
 on the angles; the seeds of Moringa aptera, Gaertner, are without wings; both are acrid, bitter, 
 and emetic. They yield about 30 per cent, of fixed oil, which is yellowish, inodorous, bland, or 
 if expressed at an elevated temperature somewhat bitter, acrid, and purgative. It retains its 
 neutral reaction for a long time. It solidifies at about 0° C. (32° F.), but below 7° C. (44.6° F.) 
 it deposits solid fats ; the portion remaining liquid is used for extracting delicate perfumes from 
 flowers. Oil of ben consists of the glycerides of moringic, oleic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, and 
 behenic acids. Moringic acid, C 15 H 28 0 2 , is liquid, and crystallizes at 0° C. (32° F.). Behenic 
 acid, C 22 II 44 0 2 , is crystalline, melts at 76° C. (168.8° F.), and solidifies at 70° C. (158° F.). 
 
 The slowly-drying bland or slightly-pungent oil expressed from the seeds of Camelina sativa, 
 Crantz , s. Myagrum sativum, Linne (Leindotter, G.), is sometimes called German sesame oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sesamum was anciently ranked among the most nutritious 
 grains, and as tending especially to fatten, but it was also considered difficult of digestion. 
 Hippocrates recommended consumptives to use bread made of it instead of wheat, and 
 in pulmonary catarrhs prescribed an emulsion prepared with sesame, almond, and melon- 
 seeds. To this day it serves to make bread in the East. Its oil was anciently used, and 
 in India continues to be employed, for the same purposes as olive oil, but it has always 
 been regarded as less agreeable and as less digestible. Externally, the bruised or ground 
 seeds were applied in maturative poultices, and a decoction prepared with them was held 
 to be emmenagogue and abortive. Dr. F. P. Porcher informs us that the seeds may be 
 used “ as a substitute for mustard-seed and as a mechanical irritant laxative.” No men- 
 tion is made by ancient writers of the mucilage of the young leaves. The seeds of 
 sesame are used by the negroes of South Carolina in making broths, and are also eaten 
 by them parched. The oil, which is very bland, is applied to the same purposes as olive 
 oil. The mucilage is generally prepared from the fresh young leaves by infusing them 
 in cold water. It is justly esteemed as a demulcent drink in cholera infantum , dysentery , 
 and other disorders of the bowels. 
 
 Pongamia glabra furnishes the kurung oil which is employed in Hindostan in the treat- 
 ment of various skin diseases. Pityriasis versicolor is mentioned as one of those in which 
 it is efficient (Amer. Jour. Phar., May, 1883, p. 267). 
 
 OLEUM SINAPIS VOLATILE, U. S.— Volatile Oil of Mustard. 
 
 Oleum sinapis , Br., P. G. ; Oleum sinapis sethereum . — Oil of mustard , E. ; Essence de 
 moutarde, Fr. ; pEtherisches Senfol, G. 
 
 A volatile oil obtained from the seeds of Sinapis (Brassica, Koch ) nigra, Linne , by 
 maceration with water and subsequent distillation. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cruciferae, Siliquosae. 
 
 Preparation. — Black mustard-seeds are ground, deprived of most of their fixed oil 
 by pressure, macerated with water at the common temperature, and then distilled. A 
 small quantity of ground white mustard-seed is usually added to supply any possible 
 deficiency of myrosin and ensure the decomposition of all the myronic acid. Since oil of 
 mustard is soluble in water, the aqueous portion of the distillate is used in macerating 
 a fresh portion of mustard. The yield is usually about # per cent., but occasionally as 
 high as 1 per cent. Dircks (1883) obtained the following yield : black mustard-seed cake, 
 1.39 per cent. ; rape-seed, 0.018 to 0.037 ; rape-seed cake, 0.020 to 0.109 ; yellow mustard- 
 seed cake, 0.018 ; turnip-seed, 0.038 ; seed of Sinapis arvensis, Linne, 0.006. According to 
 A. W. Hofmann (1882), the oil is best prepared artificially by boiling sulpho-urea with 
 concentrated phosphoric acid. 
 
OLEUM SUCCINI. 
 
 1155 
 
 Properties. — The crude oil has a yellow color ; after rectification it is colorless or 
 nearly so. It is neutral to test-paper, lias the specific gravity 1.017 (1.016-1.022 P. G., 
 1.018—1.029 U. aS'.), is strongly refractive, boils at 148° C. to 150° C. (298.4°— 302° F.), 
 is somewhat soluble in water, freely so in alcohol and ether, carbon disulphide, and has a 
 very pungent and acrid odor and taste. If to 3 Om. of oil 6 Gm. cold concentrated sulphuric 
 acid be added, the mixture retains a light-yellow color and remains perfectly transparent, 
 sulphur dioxide is given off. the liquid becomes thicker, sometimes crystalline, and 
 the piercing odor of mustard oil disappears ; in the presence of other volatile oils a brown 
 or red color is produced. Ammonia converts the oil into thiosinamine or allylsulpho-urea , 
 C 3 H 5 .XH.NH 2 .CS = C 4 H 8 N 2 S, which crystallizes in colorless rhombic prisms having a 
 bitter taste, melting at 70° C. (158° F.), and easily soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. 
 This reaction was recommended by Fliickiger (1880) as a quantitative test for the oil 
 (see below). 
 
 Composition. — Oil of mustard is allyl sulphocyanate, C 3 II 5 .CNS. Sometimes it 
 contains also allyl cyanide and carbon disulphide, the latter, according to A. Hofmann, 
 not exceeding .56 per cent., while Jolianson (1881) found from .76 to 2 per cent. ; both 
 these compounds boil at a lower temperature. The oil is artificially prepared by decom- 
 posing allyl bromide or iodide by means of an alcoholic solution of potassium sulplio- 
 cyanate. Using an allyl iodide obtained from glycerin and phosphorus iodide, Gerlich 
 (1875) obtained a mustard oil which consisted of isopropyl sulphocyanate, C 3 H 7 CNS, the 
 density of which is 0.974. Mylius (1877) found in the artificial oil of commerce, besides 
 92.2 per cent, of allyl-mustard oil, some hydrocyanic acid, carbon disulphide, and poly- 
 sulphides. 
 
 Tests. — “ If a portion of the oil be heated in a flask connected with a well-cooled 
 condenser, it should distil completely between 148° and 150° C. (298.4° and 302° F.), 
 and both the first and the last portions of the distillate should have the same specific 
 gravity as the original oil (absence of alcohol, chloroform, carbon disulphide, petroleum, 
 and fatty oils). If a small portion of the oil be diluted with five times its volume of 
 alcohol and a drop of ferric chloride test-solution be added no blue or violet color should 
 be produced (absence of phenols). If a mixture of 3 Gm. of the oil and 3 Gm. of alcohol 
 be shaken, in a small flask, with 6 Gm. of ammonia-water, it will become clear after stand- 
 ing for some hours quietly at 50° C. (122° F.), and usually deposit, without becoming 
 colored, crystals of thiosinamine (allyl-thio-urea, CS.N 2 H 3 (C 3 H 5 )). To determine the pro- 
 portion of thiosinamine obtainable from the oil, decant the mother-water from the crystals 
 and evaporate it gradually in a tared capsule, on a water-bath, adding fresh portions only 
 after the ammoniacal odor of the preceding portion has disappeared. Then transfer the 
 crystals, including those remaining in the flask, which may be rinsed out with a little 
 alcohol, to the capsule, and heat the latter on a water-bath, until its weight remains con- 
 stant. The amount of thiosinamine thus obtained from 3 Gm. of the oil should be not 
 less than 3.25 Gm., nor more than 3.5 Gm. After cooling, thiosinamine forms a brownish, 
 crystalline mass, fusing at 70° C. (158° F.), and having a leek-like, but not at all pungent 
 odor. The mass should be soluble in 2 parts of warm water, and this solution, which 
 should not redden blue litmus-paper, possesses a somewhat bitter, not persistent taste.” 
 
 Action and Uses. — Volatile oil of mustard is a powerful and almost caustic irri- 
 tant, which, for fear of accident, should never be prescribed internally. It is said that it 
 may sometimes be applied as an external counter-irritant upon parts to which a blistering 
 plaster cannot readily be adapted, but there are none upon which cantharidal collodion 
 cannot as readily be painted as this oil. As a rubefacient it may be used dissolved 
 in olive oil or alcohol in the proportion of about Gm. 0.30 in Gm. 4 (5 drops to the 
 fluidrachm). 
 
 OLEUM SUCCINI —Oil of Amber. 
 
 Huile volatile de succin , Fr. ; Bernsteiriol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil obtained by the destructive distillation of amber and purified by recti 
 
 fication. 
 
 Origin. — Succinum, Ambra flava. — Amber, E. ; Succin, Ambre jaune, Fr. ; Bern- 
 stein, Agtstein, G . — This fossil resin is the exudation from a number of extinct coniferous 
 trees of the sub-orders Abieteae and Cupresseae, the principal source of the Baltic amber 
 being Pinites succinifer, Gocppcrt , s. Pityoxylon succiniferum, Kraus. It is principally 
 obtained on the southern and south-eastern coast of the Baltic, where it is cast ashore or 
 
1156 
 
 OLEUM TEREBINTHINjE. 
 
 dug out of beds. It has also been found in the interior of Europe and in Siberia, Green- 
 land, and North America. It is hard, somewhat brittle, whitish, yellow, or red-brown, 
 transparent, translucent, or opaque, breaks with a conchoidal fracture, and frequently 
 encloses vegetable fragments and insects. It is fragrant when heated, melts at about 
 287.5° C. (550° F.), dissolves in chloroform, but is insoluble in water, and only partly 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, and volatile oils. Its density varies between 1.05 and 1.10. 
 
 The annual production of amber in Prussia is estimated at 100,000 kilos. From 4000 to 
 7000 pounds of oil of amber are annually imported by the United States. 
 
 Preparation. — The oil is obtained by the dry distillation of amber, succinic acid 
 being formed at the same time (see page 97). The crude oil is mixed with six times its 
 volume of water, and distilled as long as oil is found in the distillate. The yield is usually 
 stated to be from 60 to 70 per cent, of the crude oil ; but Ebert (1865), who prepared the 
 crude oil, obtained from 29 troyounces of amber 21 fluidounces of oil specific gravity 
 0.985, and on rectifying this with water only 2£ fluidounces, or about 12 per cent, of 
 rectified oil specific gravity 0.903, while the density of the residue had increased to 1.019. 
 Marsson (1850) obtained from amber 6 per cent, of rectified oil, 3.5 per cent, of succinic 
 acid, and 58.3 of residuary resin (amber colophony). Popping (1847) observed that the 
 crude oil, after having been treated with potassa solution, dilute sulphuric acid, caustic 
 potassa, and calcium chloride in succession, distilled between 140° and 170° C. (284° and 
 338° F.) and left a dark -brown residue. On again treating the distillate with burned 
 lime, and repeating the distillation, the liquid had a higher boiling-point (up to 190° C., 
 374° F.) and was colorless. 
 
 Properties. — Crude oil of amber is a thick brown liquid of a strong empyreuinatie 
 and fetid odor, and variable specific gravity approaching the density of water ; Marsson 
 found it to be .922. Very similar products are obtained from copal, dammar, and other 
 resins. In this state it is rarely employed in medicine, but is used in preparing 
 
 Oleum succini rectificatum, Rectified oil of amber. This is thin, colorless or yel- 
 lowish, becomes darker and thicker on exposure, has a spec. grav. of about .920, but varies 
 in density between 0.88 and 0.99, and in the boiling-point as stated above. It has a pun- 
 gent, empyreumatic, and somewhat balsamic odor, which is more pleasant than that of the 
 crude oil, and a warm, acrid taste. It has a neutral or faint acid reaction, dissolves, 
 according to Anthon (1835), in 2 parts of absolute alcohol, but requires at about 35° C. 
 (95° F.) 30 parts of alcohol spec. grav. .855 for complete solution. Ebert found it solu- 
 ble in 4 parts of alcohol spec. grav. .817, and in 17 parts of alcohol spec. grav. .835. It 
 is readily soluble in ether, fixed and volatile oils, dissolves iodine, and, when heated, sul- 
 phur and caoutchouc. It absorbs some hydrochloric acid gas without forming a crystal- { 
 line compound, and in contact with cold fuming nitric acid acquires a red afterward dark j 
 red-brown color, and is converted into a brown resinous mass having a peculiar musk-like \ 
 
 odor, and formerly known and medicinally employed under the name of artificial musk. j 
 
 It was discovered by Marggraf (1759), and may also be obtained from oil of amber and 
 ordinary or diluted nitric acid on the application of heat. 
 
 Composition. — In its purest state oil of amber is a mixture of several oils having 
 the composition of oil of turpentine, C 10 H 16 . 
 
 Adulterations. — Oil of amber is not unfrequently adulterated with oil of turpentine 
 and with coal oil ; the former is recognized by the brisk reaction with iodine, and by the 
 formation of terpin when left in contact with alcohol and nitric acid ; the latter by the 
 decreased solubility in alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of amber is a powerful irritant of the skin. When taken 
 internally it is said to be stimulant and antispasmodic. In large doses it acts as acrid 
 and neurotic poison, and has been employed to produce criminal abortion ( Thera'p . Gaz., 
 x. 214). It has been given in various mucous profluvia of the lungs and urinary organs, 
 in retrocedent gout and rheumatism , eruptive fevers , hysteria , whooping cough , and amenor- 
 rhoea. Externally, it may be employed in stimulating liniments for rheumatism and 
 paralysis and rubbed upon the spine in the convulsive disorders of children. It has 
 been applied as a stimulant discutient to hsemorrhoidal tumors. The dose is Gm. 0.30-0.60, 
 (gttv-x), and on account of its acrid and offensive taste the oil should be enclosed in 
 gelatin capsules. 
 
 OLEUM TEREBINTHIN -33, U . S „ Br., P . G — Oil op Turpentine. 
 
 Essence de terebenthine , Fr. ; Terpentinol , G. ; Esencia de treventina , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from turpentine. (See Terebinthina.) 
 
OLEUM TER E B IN '1 'H IN JE. 
 
 1157 
 
 Preparation. — Oil ot* turpentine is obtained by distilling the oleoresinous exudation 
 of various species of Pinus. The crude turpentine is put into a large still, heat is applied, 
 and a little water added from time to time to the contents of the still. The distillation 
 is continued as long as oil passes over, when the resinous mass is run off through a stop- 
 cock placed at the bottom of the still, is passed through several strainers, and then con- 
 stitutes rosin. (See Resina.) On condensing the distillate the oil of turpentine separates 
 from the water and is dipped into barrels, in which it enters commerce. 
 
 Properties. — Oil of turpentine is a colorless, thin, volatile oil, the density of which 
 varies between 0.855 and 0.87. When recently rectified it boils at about 150° C. (302° 
 F.), but the temperature usually rises as the distillation progresses, and old oil generally 
 boils between 155° or 170° C. (311° or 338° F.). As procured from different sources, oil 
 of turpentine shows great differences in its optical behavior, and on fractional distillation 
 with or without water oils are obtained differing in the degree of their influence upon 
 polarized light. American and German oil of turpentine are dextrogyre, while the French 
 oil has a levogyre action. Odor and taste are peculiar, strongly terebinthinate, differing 
 to some degree according to the source from which the oil has been obtained. When 
 recently distilled, particularly after rectification with water, the oil has a neutral reaction 
 and its odor is rather mild, but after exposure to air it becomes stronger, more unpleasant, 
 and pungent ; the oil then contains ozone, and gradually acquires a yellowish color and 
 thicker consistence ; at the same time resin and formic and acetic acids are produced, and 
 in the presence of moisture, also a hydrate of the oil. The aqueous solution of such 
 oxidized oil has been used under the name of sanitas as an antiseptic ; on evaporating it 
 Kingzett (1880) obtained a dark-colored adhesive mass, C 10 H 18 O 3 , which with sulphuric 
 acid gave a dark -red color. Oil of turpentine dissolves in \ or % part of alcohol sp. gr. 
 0.816, in 11 or 2 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.820, in 4 or 5 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.830, and 
 in from 8 to 12 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.845; the solubility of oil of different origin and 
 age varies more or less, and occasionally oil of turpentine has been observed which even 
 with strong alcohol would not yield a perfectly clear solution. It is also soluble in an equal 
 volume of glacial acetic acid. Bromine and powdered iodine act violently upon oil of 
 turpentine ; nitric acid oxidizes it, the violence of the action and the final products being 
 influenced by the strength of the acid. Gaseous hydrochloric acid unites with oil of 
 turpentine, forming two compounds : one, having the composition C 10 H 16 HC1, is known as 
 artificial camphor , is crystallizable, and has the odor and taste of ordinary camphor, but is 
 less pungent and somewhat terebinthinate. Three compounds with water are known ; 
 one, which is called turpentine camphor or terpin , has the composition C I0 H 20 O 2 , and is 
 obtained by leaving the oil in contact with alcohol and nitric acid. If a small quantity of 
 the oil be evaporated in a small capsule on a water-bath, only a very slight residue 
 should remain (absence of petroleum, paraffin, oils or resins). 
 
 Purification. — The partially resinified oil is best purified by rectification with water, 
 or it may be repeatedly agitated with small portions of alcohol, which dissolves the resin, 
 and afterward with water. 
 
 Oleum terebinthinje rectificatum. — Rectified oil of turpentine, E. ; Essence de 
 terebenthine rectifiee, Fr. ; Gereinigtes Terpentinol, G. — Oil of turpentine, a convenient 
 quantity ; lime-water, a sufficient quantity. Shake the oil thoroughly with six times its 
 volume of lime-water, and introduce the mixture into a copper still connected with a 
 well-cooled condenser. Then distil over an open fire, until about three-fourths of the 
 oil have passed over, and separate the clear oil from the water. Keep the product in 
 well-stoppered bottles, in a cool place, protected from light. Rectified oil of turpentine 
 should always be dispensed when oil of turpentine is required for internal use. 11 It 
 forms a thin, colorless liquid, having the specific gravity, 0.855 to 0.865 at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 and the boiling-point about 160° C. (320° F.). Its alcoholic solution should be neutral 
 to litmus-paper. If about 10 Cc. of the oil be evaporated in a capsule on a water-bath, 
 no weighable residue should be left. — U. S. } P. G. 
 
 Composition. — When perfectly pure, oil of turpentine is free from oxygen and has 
 the composition C 10 H lf> . On being distilled in the presence of sulphuric acid it is con- 
 verted into several isomeric or polymeric oils, among which are terebene and colophene , the 
 latter boiling at 310° C. (590° F.) and showing a blue fluorescence; it is also obtained on 
 the dry distillation of rosin. By acting with sodium on turpentine hydrochlorate Letts 
 (1879) obtained turpenyl , C, 0 H n , a solid white volatile compound, and diturpenyl , C 20 H ;U , 
 which is liquid and has a higher boiling-point. 
 
 Allied Products.-^TEREBENE, C 10 H 16 . It is a derivative of oil of turpentine, produced by the 
 action of heat and of concentrated sulphuric acid or phosphoric anhydride. It is a colorless 
 
1158 
 
 OLEUM terebinthinm 
 
 volatile oil, without influence on polarized light, has a rather agreeable thyme-like odor, the den- 
 sity .864 at 8° C. (46.4° F.), and the boiling-point 156° C. (312.8° F.), and acquires with iodine a 
 dark-green, opaque appearance. It combines with hydrochloric acid gas, forming two liquid oils, 
 one of which is heavier than water. 
 
 Auietene, C 7 H 16 . This is the volatile oil obtained from the terebinthinate exudation of Pinus 
 Sabiniana, Douglas , the nut pine or digger pine of California. According to Wenzell (1872), the 
 crude oil is colorless, and commences to boil at 101° C., the thermometer gradually rising to 
 1 15° C. (239° F.). Pure abietene boils at 101° C., has a strong penetrating orange-like odor, is 
 highly inflammable, very volatile, of the spec. grav. .694 at 16.5° C., soluble in 5 parts by measure 
 of 95 per cent, alcohol, dissolves freely iodine and bromine, and yields with chlorine a substitu- 
 tion-compound boiling at 260° C. Thorpe (1879) found it to have the composition of heptane , 
 C 7 II 16 , to boil at 98.42° C., and to be slightly dextrogyre. 
 
 The volatile oil of Pinus ponderosa, Douglas , of California, which was examined by Sadtler 
 (1879), seems to have the same composition. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Its local operation is that of an irritant, causing pain, redness, 
 and even vesication. A case is recorded in which friction of the sound skin with the 
 oil produced an erythematous eruption in parts not rubbed, and also was detected in the 
 urine (Arc/i. gen., Apr. 1886, p. 477). In man the prolonged inhalation of its vapors 
 produces vertigo, impaired vision, pain in the loins, strangury, and bloody urine, and, if 
 they are very concentrated, collapse. In females menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea are 
 sometimes added. Workmen when first exposed to its emanations suffer from headache, 
 unsteady gait, irritability, smarting of the eyes, and lachrymation, impaired vision (par- 
 ticularly by artificial light), coryza, cough, granular pharyngitis, vomiting, and indiges- 
 tion. Gradually, however, these symptoms subside and a tolerance of its action is estab- 
 lished (Dull de therap ., xcvi. 508). The internal administration of large doses of the 
 oil has produced heat in the stomach, vertigo, confusion of mind, extreme thirst, stran- 
 gury, and a frequent discharge of urine exhaling an odor of violets. It is secreted with 
 the milk. Prevost and Binet include this oil and its derivatives, terpinol and terpine, 
 among the substances that increase the secretion of bile. The bowels are not disturbed. 
 Sometimes it causes itching and diaphoresis, and occasionally a roseolous or erythematous 
 eruption. Excessive or poisonous doses occasion graver symptoms. Thus, when 6 
 ounces were taken by a woman her body was found in a state of opisthotonos, the pupils 
 were dilated, and the brain, lungs, stomach, and heart were gorged with blood. Yet a 
 child aged fourteen months recovered after swallowing 4 ounces of the oil. It is recorded 
 that the air of a cellar where turpentine was stored, and in which a boy was nearly 
 asphyxiated, was found to be nearly deprived of its oxygen. Many instances of its nar- 
 cotic action are on record. (Compare Begbie, Works , p. 283). 
 
 Oil of turpentine has been used in almost every form of hsemorrhage , but most suc- 
 cessfully when the bleeding was passive. The special affections include epistaxis , haem- 
 aturia , menorrhagia , post-partum haemorrhage, purpura , and the multiple haemorrhages 
 occurring under the influence of the haemorrhagic diathesis. Even in external and trau- 
 matic haemorrhages it has proved efficient. For example, in epistaxis when applied on 
 pledgets of lint. In the treatment of bleeding wounds a mixture of equal parts of this 
 oil and of linseed or olive oil should be applied after thoroughly cleansing the part, which 
 should then be sealed by appropriate dressings. Its efficacy justifies the opinion of John 
 Hunter, who termed it ;; the best, if not the only true, styptic.” A cure of aneurism 
 has even been attributed to its internal administration ( Times and Gaz .. Nov. 1883, 
 p. 543). 
 
 I n puerperal fever this medicine once enjoyed a high repute, which it has in a great 
 measure lost at the present time. For the varying estimates of its value a reason may 
 probably be found in the indiscriminate manner of its employment. When it was pre- 
 scribed in cases marked by a typhoid state in which excessive tympanites existed, there 
 is no reasonable ground for doubting that it often successfully combated the nervous and 
 cardiac depression of the disease, and, by lessening the distension of the abdomen, dimin- 
 ished the mechanical hindrance to hasmatosis. For the latter purpose it was applied as 
 an epithenl to the abdomen, as well as administered internally. This judgment appears 
 to be justified by its recognized effects in other febrile affections of a typhoid type. In 
 typhus , for example, it is of great utility both internally and externally — not only for its 
 power of arousing the sluggish functions generally, but especially for combating the pul- 
 monary congestion which is the gravest of the usual incidents of the disease. In typhoid 
 fever , besides the general influences already mentioned, it is not only one of the most 
 efficient remedies for intestinal tympanites, as in the cases referred to, but it also favor- 
 ably controls the bronchial catarrh, and, in the advanced stages, probably exerts a local 
 
OLEUM TEREBIXTIIIXsE. 
 
 1159 
 
 stimulant action upon the intestinal ulcers and checks the tendency to haemorrhage from 
 them. So, too, in yellow fever of a low type it may operate not only by its general stim- 
 ulation, but also by its direct action upon the stomach, tending to control the haemorrhage 
 which is so grave a symptom in that disease. Its possible action in promoting the uri- 
 nary secretion in this fever should not be overlooked. In tympanites, from whatever 
 cause arising, it may become a valuable auxiliary in the treatment, whether adminis- 
 tered by the mouth and rectum or applied to the skin of the abdomen. When given inter- 
 nally for the relief of this symptom it should generally be associated with a purgative, and 
 especially with castor oil. The various disorders of the alimentary canal in children 
 attended with diarrhoea, colic, and flatulence are often benefited by this oil, and particu- 
 larly the subacute or the chronic form of cholera infantum. It is most efficient in the 
 treatment of tsenise , and indeed in that of other intestinal worms, when a full dose of it is 
 shortly followed by one of castor oil. A disadvantage of this treatment is, however, 
 that as large doses of the oil are required they are apt to give rise to colic, if not to 
 strangury. 
 
 Oil of turpentine has been supposed to dissolve biliary concretions, and in some cases it 
 has, when associated with sulphuric ether, appeared to favor their discharge. It seems 
 more probable that it should tend to prevent the formation of gall-stones than to dissolve 
 them when once formed. Experiments appear to show that the oil increases the secre- 
 tion of bile, and in this manner it may promote the discharge of retained calculi. Its 
 diuretic virtues have caused it to be occasionally used to promote the expulsion of uri- 
 nary concretions , and for this purpose it is said to have been efficacious in the form of 
 baths of the vapor of oil of turpentine (Br^mond). Impregnating the urine, it becomes 
 a suitable remedy for catarrh of the urinary jiassages and for debility or paralysis of the 
 bladder ; and, very probably, in females this stimulation has served to cure amenorrlioea 
 and to excite uterine contractions during labor. For these purposes, however, the oil is 
 best administered by the rectum ; but for the former of the two, as well as for menorrha- 
 gia depending upon general atony, the medicine may be given by the lungs or by the 
 stomach. 
 
 Although the modus operandi of this medicine in sciatica is totally unknown, its cura- 
 tive power is none the less certain. It has stood the test of a century’s experience. 
 Probably no other remedy is comparable with it in chronic examples of this painful and 
 crippling affection. Some difference of opinion exists concerning the proper dose which 
 should be given, some prescribing -i- ounce of it at bedtime for several successive nights, 
 and others a dose of 30 drops three times a day. The latter is to be preferred at first. 
 It may be gradually increased if necessary. The cases which are benefited by this treat- 
 ment are more apt to occur in feeble than in robust persons, and are the effect of a pro- 
 longed rather than an abrupt action of cold and dampness. It has also been used in 
 facial neuralgia, but apparently with inferior results. Its utility in syphilitic iritis is 
 well established ; it has generally been employed as a substitute for mercury in cases for 
 which this medicine was ill adapted. 
 
 In all forms of chronic bronchitis oil of turpentine has, like other terebinthinates, been 
 largely used, formerly by internal administration, and more recently by inhalation. It is 
 especially useful in both ways in cases of fetid bronchitis and gangrene of the lung, in both, 
 doubtless, by stimulating the tissues to a more healthy action rather than by its disinfect- 
 ant virtue. The superiority of oil of turpentine in the latter affection is certainly due to 
 its stimulant action. An atomized solution of 15 drops of oil of turpentine in sufficient 
 water is recommended to be inhaled for about 10 minutes every hour, day and night, 
 in the treatment of diphtheria (Edel). Bosse claims to have treated this disease very 
 successfully by oil of turpentine given internally in doses of 2 or 3 drachms a day ( Times 
 and Gaz., Jan., 1881, p. 101). Satlow states that the first effect of the oil is to remove 
 the fetor, and then to render the exudation looser, softer, and thinner, and cause it to be 
 thrown off, leaving no trace behind it. The full action of the remedy occupies three or 
 four days. Of forty-three cases treated by Hatlow, only one died, and that was of a para- 
 lytic sequel of the disease. He advises that only freshly-prepared oil be employed, and 
 that doses to the extent of a teaspoonful daily should be given to children under two 
 years of age, and of a dessertspoonful to those between that age and five years, and to 
 adults a tablespoonful, and that each dose should be followed by a draught of milk ( Cert - 
 tralbl.f d. ges. Therapie, i. 447). It is worthy of remark, first, that the use of this mode 
 of treatment was discovered through a child affected with diphtheria having accidentally 
 swallowed a tablespoonful of oil of turpentine; and, second, that the most plausible 
 explanation of its utility is, that it not only acts directly upon the membrane, but also as 
 
1160 
 
 OLEUM TER EB IN THINJE. 
 
 a stimulant to the whole system, as it does in adynamic states generally. It has naturally 
 been referred to the power of oil of turpentine to destroy disease-germs, but the explana- 
 tion is as inadequate as it is unnecessary. Moreover, it is not clear that either these 
 alleged results or more recent ones are incontrovertible. Thus, while Roesse reported 
 (. Therap . Monatsheft Oct. 1887) that this oil in drachm doses three times a day was 
 very useful in a large number of cases of diphtheria, it appears that along with it he pre- 
 scribed sodium salicylate internally, ice-bags to the throat, and strong liquid food and 
 wine, thus rendering very doubtful whether the oil of turpentine promoted or hindered 
 the result. The vapors of this oil are also reported to be very efficient in whooping cough. 
 The accidental discovery of the power of oil of turpentine to prevent phosphorus-poison- 
 ing has saved many lives. The immediate administration of the antidote is of course 
 desirable, not only to check the local action of the phosphorus, but also to prevent its 
 absorption in a dangerous form. About twelve hours has been assigned as the limit 
 within which the oil is efficacious. It is alleged that oil of turpentine which has become 
 oxygenated by long exposure to the air is the most efficient, but results do not entirely 
 agree upon this point. It must not be prescribed in an oily or albuminous vehicle, such 
 as white of egg, milk, soup, etc., and neither mucilaginous nor alcoholic drinks should be 
 allowed, but only water. If possible the oil should be given pure, floated on water or in 
 capsules. If it cannot be retained by the stomach, it may be thrown into the rectum, 
 and its absorption by the skin from liniments and epithems, and by the lungs from an 
 atomized preparation or simply from the air of the chamber saturated with the fumes of 
 the oil, may be employed as supplementary means. The dose of oil of turpentine in the 
 cases now considered is about dm. 0.60 (gtt. x) every hour. 
 
 Oil of turpentine has long been employed externally as a stimulant, rubefacient, and 
 counter-irritant in neuralgia and in acute and chronic rheumatism. It is generally mixed 
 with olive oil, chloroform, camphor, narcotic extracts, etc. Baths of the vapor of the oil 
 are the most efficient means of applying it, or baths of hot watery vapor (104° to 113° 
 F.) with which a fine spray of oil of turpentine is mingled. Warm water baths in which 
 has been dissolved a mixture of 8 ounces of turpentine and 2 pounds of washing soda 
 have also been used with good effect. The oil is of singular virtue in relieving tympanites 
 and colic in various diseases, but especially when the intestinal distension is owing chiefly 
 to atony of the bowels, as in typhoid fever. It is best applied, mixed with olive oil, to 
 the abdomen, which should then be covered with flannel dipped in hot water and wrung 
 nearly dry. In the treatment of burns this oil is most efficient. The affected part should 
 first be bathed with the oil, and then covered with soft lint saturated with liniment of 
 turpentine or ointment of turpentine, so as thoroughly to exclude the air. It is useful in 
 the treatment of rhus poisoning. Turpentine epithems are also of marked utility in inflam- 
 mations of the respiratory organs, including laryngitis , bronchitis , pneumonia , and pleurisy. 
 They probably act both as revulsives and through the absorption of the oil. They have 
 also been found efficient in the treatment of phlegmasia alba dolens. Traumatic erysipelas 
 has been treated advantageously by the ointment just mentioned, and also by simple 
 lotions of oil of turpentine. The same method is equally applicable in cases of frost-bite 
 and of superficial gangrene. It is also of use in relieving engorgement of the mammae at 
 the commencement of lactation, and perhaps of preventing the formation of abscess It 
 appears to lessen the secretion of milk. An emulsion containing equal parts of oil of 
 turpentine and tincture of camphor is said to be an efficient dressing for carbuncles. 
 Indeed, there are few ulcers of an indolent character that are not benefited by this oil, 
 applied either alone or in an ointment or cerate, as in the simple or compound resin 
 cerate. Ulcers resulting from mercurial salivation tend to heal after being touched by the 
 pure oil or washed with an emulsion containing it. It is one of the best stimulant appli- 
 cations to sinuses, especially to fistula \ in ano. It has been used successfully in the treat- 
 ment of scabies and in ringworm of the scalp , in the one case destroying the Acarus scabiei, 
 and in the other the Microphyton tonsurans. In the latter affection the part ought to be 
 first washed with the oil of turpentine, aijd then with carbolic-acid soap, after which the 
 growth may be touched with tincture of iodine. Scrofulous ozaena is benefited by appli- 
 cations of this oil in the form of a liquid or a vapor. Foulis states that the fetor of 
 putrefying substances will not adhere to the hands if they are anointed with oil of tur- 
 pentine ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxvi. 133). 
 
 The dose of oil of turpentine as a stimulant is from Gm. 0.30—2 (gtt. v-xxx) three 
 times a day. Such doses are conveniently administered in gelatin capsules. As an 
 anthelmintic from Gm. 8-16 (fspj-iv) may be given at intervals of half an hour until 
 three or four doses are taken. These doses are usually prescribed in an emulsion, with 
 
OLEUM THE OB ROM A TIS. 
 
 1161 
 
 the addition of oil of cinnamon, cajeput, or rosemary to diminish nausea. Besides the 
 rubefacient preparations above mentioned, a very efficient one may be made with equal 
 weights of oil of turpentine, acetic acid, and liniment of camphor. 
 
 OLEUM THEOBROMATIS, U. S, 9 Jir, — Oil of Theobroma. 
 
 Oleum theobromse , U. S., 1880 ; Oleum concretum e semtne theobromse cacao , F. Cod. ; 
 Oleum ( Butyi'uni ) cacao , P. G. — Butter of cacao , E. ; Beurre de cacao , Fr. ; Kahaobut- 
 ter, G. ; Manteca ( Aceite ) de cacao. Sp. 
 
 The fixed oil expressed from the seed of Theobroma Cacao, LinnL 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sterculiaceae, Buettneriem. 
 
 Preparation. — In the manufacture of chocolate a portion of the cacao-seeds are 
 deprived of their fat by removing the shells, heating the kernels to about 70° C. (158° 
 F.), and pressing them between hot iron plates ; the expressed fat is usually run into 
 rectangular moulds and allowed to congeal. The yield from the different varieties of 
 cacao is from 35 to 45 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Cacao butter is a yellowish-white fat. gradually turning white by age. 
 It is sufficiently hard at ordinary temperatures to be broken into smaller pieces, but 
 softens by the warmth of the hand and melts when taken in the mouth. It has an 
 agreeable odor and a bland chocolate-like taste, dissolves in ether, acetic ether, and 100 
 parts of cold absolute, and in 20 parts of boiling, alcohol, separating again from the 
 latter solution on cooling, with the exception of a small portion which remains dissolved. 
 Its specific gravity is 0.07 to 0.98, but is given by some authors as low as 0.900. It is 
 brittle at 15° C. (59° F.), and melts between 30° and 35° C. (U. S. P ., P. Gf), forming 
 a pale-yellow, transparent liquid which congeals at 20.5° C. (69° F.), the temperature 
 rising to about 26.5 C. (79.7° F.). The fusing-point of cacao butter obtained from 
 different commercial varieties of seeds has been determined by Trojanowski (1875) and 
 Lamhofer (1877), and found to vary between 30° C. (86° F.) and 33° C. (91.4° F.) 
 Pelouze and Boudet observed it in one instance as low as 29° C. (84.2° F.) 
 
 Composition. — Cacao butter is easily saponified, and yields glycerin, oleic, stearic, 
 and a little palmitic acid (Stenhouse, Specht, and Gossman). Ivingzett (1877) pointed 
 out the existence in this fat of an acid having the composition C 64 H 12? 0 2 , for which he 
 proposed the name of theobromic acid. This acid could not be detected by Vander Becke 
 (1880) and C. Traub (1883) ; the latter, in addition to the acids mentioned above, deter- 
 mined also the presence of lauric and arachic acids, and regards the firm consistence and 
 low melting-point to be due to the proportions in which these glycerides are combined. 
 
 Adulterations. — When mixed with other solid fats the fusing-point and specific 
 gravity do not afford reliable tests for determining such admixtures. The presence of 
 tallow may be detected by burning the oil with a wick for a short time, and then extin- 
 guishing the flame, when a peculiar tallow-like odor will be observed. For the detection 
 of adulterations Bjbrkland (1864) proposed the test incorporated into the Pharmacopoeia, 
 as follows: “If 1 6m. of oil of theobroma be dissolved in 3 Cc. of ether, in a test-tube 
 at a temperature of 17° C. (63° F.), and the tube subsequently plunged into water at 0° 
 C. (32° F.), the liquid should not become turbid nor deposit a granular mass in less than 
 three minutes; and if the mixture, after congealing, be exposed to a temperature of 15° 
 C. (59° F.), it should gradually form a perfectly clear liquid (absence of paraffin, wax, 
 stearin, tallow, etc.).” If pure, cacao butter will separate granules in not less than 3 
 minutes; if adulterated with tallow or suet, a turbidity will appear at once or within 21 
 minutes, according to the quantity of the adulterant, of which 5 per cent, may thus be 
 detected. When the congealed mixture is exposed to a temperature of about 15° C. 
 (59° F.), it will gradually become clear again if the cacao butter was pure, but not if 
 it was adulterated. Trojanowski and Lamhofer proved the value of this test. Accord- 
 ing to Lamhofer. petroleum benzin may be substituted for the ether with nearly identical 
 results, except that the pure oil separates rather more slowly and is always granular, 
 while other fats render the entire liquid cloudy. “ The solution of 1 part of oil of theo- 
 broma in 2 parts of ether should remain clear if kept for a day at a temperature of 12° 
 to 15° C. (53.6° to 59° F.) ” — P. G. This is a modification of the test proposed by 
 Ramsperger (1876), who states also that aniline shows adulterations with tallow and wax 
 almost as well as ether does. 
 
 Allied Fats. — More or less odorous fats are expressed from the seeds of several species of Bassia 
 (nat. ord. Sapotaceae). Bassia longifolia, Limit, yields the greenish elloopa or elloopa oil. Bassia 
 butyracea, Roxburgh, gives the tallow-like fulwa butter. The mahwah butter melts at about 45° 
 
1162 
 
 OLEUM THY MI. 
 
 C. (113° F.), is greenish or yellowish, and comes from Bassia latifolia, Roxburgh. These fats 
 come from India. The shea butter , galam butter , or bambuk butter is obtained from Bassia (Buty- 
 rospermum, Kotschy) Parkii, De Candolle , of tropical Africa. It is pale-greenish or grayish, has 
 a cacao-like odor and mild taste, and melts at about 28° C. (82.4° F.). The fleshy mahwah-flowers 
 are used as food and for distilling a spirit ; when dry they are said to contain 50 per cent, of 
 sugar. 
 
 Mafura Tallow has also a cacao-like odor and a mild taste, but ic is a yellowish color and 
 melts at 42° C. (107.6° F.). It is obtained by boiling the seeds of Trichilia emetica, Vahl , s. 
 Mafureira oleifera, Bertero (nat. ord. Meliaceae), of tropical East Africa. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oil of theobroma has been used internally, in doses of Gm. 
 1-2 (gr. xv-xxx), as a nutrient and emollient remedy in cases of chronic affections of 
 the lungs and bowels , and externally as a dressing for excoriated surfaces, wounds , etc. 
 Its mildness renders it superior to lard for the latter purposes, and it is more emollient 
 than spermaceti. It is the most eligible material for making suppositories. Its slight 
 tendency to become oxidized fits it to protect surgical and other steel instruments from 
 being corroded by exposure to the air. 
 
 OLEUM THYMI, U. S., P. G.— Oil of Thyme. 
 
 Huile volatile ( Essence ) de thyme , Fr. ; Thymianol , G. ; Esencia de tomilla , Sp. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris, 
 
 Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae. 
 
 Preparation. — The flowering herb is distilled with water or steam. The yield varies 
 between 1 and 1 per cent. The oil is largely produced in France, and enters commerce 
 either in the crude state as huile rouge de thyme ( red oil of thyme') or rectified as huile 
 blanche de thyme ( white oil of thyme). The red oil is frequently sold as oil of origanum. 
 
 Properties. — Crude oil of thyme is of a deep reddish-brown color ; the rectified oil 
 is colorless, yellowish, or yellowish-red, and is the kind directed by the pharmocopoeias. 
 It has a strong aromatic odor and a pungent, warm, and afterward cooling taste, dissolves 
 in one-half its weight of alcohol, forming a clear solution, neutral to test-paper. It is 
 soluble in all proportions in carbon disulphide and glacial acetic acid. It varies in density 
 between 0.900 and 0.930. It does not fulminate with iodine. 
 
 Composition. — The more volatile portion of oil of thyme consists of two hydro- 
 carbons — cymene C 10 H 14 , and thymene C 10 H 16 . The former is also a constituent of oil of 
 cumin (see p. 559). The latter boils between 160° and 165° C. (220° and 329° F.), is 
 levogyre, and yields with hydrochloric acid gas a liquid compound. The stearopten is 
 thymol , C 10 H 14 O, which is probably formed by oxidation ; at least, Lallemand (1854) 
 reports having received considerable quantities of thymol by passing air through the 
 mixed hydrocarbons for several months. By agitating the commercial oil with soda solu- 
 tion, Gerrard (1878) obtained only variable quantities of an oily liquid, but no solid com- 
 pound, and on exposure to a low temperature no thymol could be obtained ; he concludes 
 from this that the thymol is probably frequently extracted from the oil. A similar 
 experience was reported by J. L. Lemberger (1882), who obtained from the rectified oil 
 less than 1 per cent., while two samples of red oil yielded 16.67 and 38.75 per cent, of 
 crude thymol. 
 
 Tests. — The presence of thymol, according to Hager (1882), is conveniently ascer- 
 tained by spreading half a drop of it, by means of a small cork, upon a glass slide, so as 
 to occupy 4 or 5 square Cm. The thymol begins to separate within three or four min- 
 utes in the central portion of this liquid, in numerous minute bodies recognizable by the 
 naked eye ; subsequently they appear also toward the margin, but less numerous. Under 
 the microscope they are at first amorphous, but after an hour or two are easily recog- 
 nized as crystals. “ The solution of oil of thyme in alcohol should not be colored 
 yellowish-brown on the addition of a drop of test-solution of ferric chloride .” — P O. 
 “ With a drop of ferric chloride test-solution the oil yields a greenish-brown color, which 
 changes to reddish. If 1 Cc. of the oil be shaken with 10 Cc. of hot water, and, after 
 cooling, the liquid be passed through a wet filter, the filtrate should not assume, with a 
 drop of ferric chloride test-solution, a bluish or violet color (absence of phenol or car- 
 bolic acid). — U. S. 
 
 Action, and Uses. — Garden thyme and wild thyme have long been used, the one 
 as a condiment to promote the digestion of pork, goose, and other fatty meats, and to 
 flavor insipid dishes ; the other as a stimulant in various nervous disorders. Exter- 
 
OLEUM TIGLIL 
 
 1163 
 
 nally it was applied in fomentations, baths, fumigations, etc., to relieve muscular rheuma- 
 tism and chronic gout, to cure scabies, indolent ulcers, etc. 
 
 According to Campardon {Bull, de Therap ., cvii., 490), when given to animals its pri- 
 mary action is that of a diffusible stimulant ; but if the dose be increased it causes vom- 
 iting. depression, coldness, and death by exhaustion. In man also, the daily dose of 5 or 
 6 drops acts as a general stimulant, and when the oil is continued in increasing doses it 
 renders all the functions more active and energetic. The urine increases and acquires a 
 violet odor, the stools grow firmer and less frequent, and all morbid discharges are 
 diminished. If the daily quantity be gradually augmented from 6 to 12 drops, the 
 effects are apt to be intensified, and the odor of the medicine may be perceived on the 
 breath and the skin. Sometimes the latter presents erythematous or papular eruptions 
 and the fauces become dry. 
 
 The author cited finds this oil a powerful aid, in the treatment of chlorosis , to the more 
 radical remedy, iron, particularly in cases of which the dominant character is torpor 
 rather than excitability. In this, as on the points that follow, he is only reproducing the 
 long-established views of treating chronic and subacute rheumatism of the fibrous cover- 
 ings of the joints and muscles, and the closely related cases of neuralgia from cold. The 
 substitutive action of the oil is shown in its cures of bronchitis , diarrhoea , gonorrhoea , 
 gleet , lencorrhoea , and vesical catarrh , in all of which affections it resembles copaiba in its 
 action. Externally the oil is applied in baths and lotions (by mixing with water or 
 alcohol a sufficient quantity of powdered sodium carbonate previously impregnated 
 with the oil) to the treatment of scabies , muscular rheumatism , etc. ; and injections for 
 proffuvia of the genital organs ; to correct the foetor of certain secretions, of gangrene , 
 etc. Applied on cotton, it mitigates the pain of toothache, earache , etc. 
 
 The essential oil is most conveniently given in capsules, owing to its acrid taste and 
 the eructations it causes. Campardon advises a pill containing oil of thyme and almond 
 soap, of each 2 grains, and marshmallow in powder, q. s. ; the pill to be covered with 
 balsam of Tolu. 
 
 OLEUM TIGLH, U . S .— Croton Oil. 
 
 Oleum crotonis, Br., P. G. ; Huile de croton , Tiglium , F. Cod. ; Crotonol , G. ; Aceite de 
 grano tiglia , Sp. 
 
 The fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Croton Tiglium, Liniie , s. Tiglium officinale, 
 Klotzsch. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 230. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This species of croton is common in the wild state as well as cultivated 
 throughout Hindostan and soma of the East Indian and Phillipine islands, and has been 
 introduced into Japan and other countries. It has alternate petiolate, acutely-ovate, ser- 
 rulate leaves, and terminal racemes of unisexual flowers. The fruit is a tricoccous cap- 
 sule, each cell containing a single seed. 
 
 Semen (Grana) tiglii, Semen crotonis — Croton-seeds, E . ; Graine de tilly, Graine 
 des Moluques, Petits pignons d’lnde, Fr. ; Granatill, Purgirkorner,*6r. ; Grano tiglio, Sp. 
 
 The seeds are about 12 Mm. (1 inch) long, oblong, flattened upon the ventral surface, 
 and marked longitudinally by the slightly elevated raphe. The 
 dorsal surface is rounded. Externally the seed is of a gray-brown 
 color, mostly more or less mottled, or of a nearly uniform blackish 
 color where the outer coat has been removed. The testa is brittle, 
 and encloses an oily albumen of the shape of the seed and the 
 thin foliaceous embryo. The seed is without odor, and has an oily 
 afterward very acrid taste. ( 
 
 Preparation. — The fixed oil is obtained in India and in Great 
 Britain by subjecting the seeds to pressure. The yield is between 
 oO and 60, or, according to other statements, between 30 and 40 per cent. ; the former 
 amount probably refers to the kernels, the latter to the seeds, which are stated to yield 
 from 33 to 36 per cent, of their weight of integuments. 
 
 Properties. — Croton oil from India is of a pale-yellow color ; that made in England 
 is of a more or less deep reddish-brown hue, the darker color being probably due to the 
 greater age of the seed and to the higher temperature at which the oil is expressed. It 
 is somewhat viscid and slightly fluorescent. It has a slight, peculiar, somewhat rancid 
 odor, and a taste which is at first mild, but afterward acrid and burning. Its reaction to 
 test-paper is distinctly acid, and its consistence rather viscid. It dissolves freely in ether, 
 
 Fig. 201. 
 
 roton-seed : lateral and ven- 
 tral view, and longitudinal 
 section, showing embryo. 
 
1164 
 
 OLEUM TIG L II. 
 
 chloroform, carbon disulphide, and fixed and volatile oils, and varies in its behavior to 
 alcohol, according to Warrington (1865) being more soluble in that menstruum when old 
 and partly oxidized ; fresh croton oil requires about 60 parts of alcohol for solution. H. 
 Senier (1878) ascertained that alcohol dissolves from freshly-expressed croton oil 20 per 
 cent., and from such over three years old 60 per cent., and in 1883 showed that the 
 portion insoluble in alcohol contains the purgative principle, while the vesicating principle 
 is soluble in alcohol. When gently heated with twice its volume of absolute alcohol, it 
 yields a clear solution from which on cooling the oil usually separates. The oil has a 
 specific gravity of about 0.940 to 0.960. At a low temperature it separates white granules 
 of fatty acid and congeals at about — 16° C. (3.2° F.). Exposed to air it becomes more 
 viscid, perhaps from the separation of fatty acids, and not from the presence of a drying 
 oil, although, like the latter it is not solidified when in contact with nitrous acid ; this test 
 is being used by the pharmacopoeia for the detection of other non-drying oils. The appli- 
 cation of the test is as follows : 2 Cc. of the oil are treated with 1 Cc. of fuming nitric 
 acid and 1 Cc. of water, and the mixture vigorously shaken. 
 
 Composition. -—The fats present in croton oil are glycerides of stearic, palmitic, 
 myristic, and lauric acids, and of several volatile acids of the same series, like acetic, 
 butyric, and valerianic acid ; also the volatile tvjlinic odd , C 5 H 8 0 2 , which was recognized 
 by Geuther and Frolich (1870), but had previously been observed by Schlippe (1858), 
 who considered it to be identical with angelicic acid. However, it melts at 64° C. (147° 
 F.), boils at 198.5° C. (389.3° F.), and is identical with Frankland and Duppa’s methyl- 
 crotonic acid. In the fraction boiling above the temperature named, capronic, oenanthyl- 
 ic, or similar acids are probably present. They did not succeed in obtaining from croton 
 oil an acid having the composition of Schlippe’s crotonic add , C 4 H 6 0 2 . E. Schmitt (1879) 
 corroborated these statements, and found among the volatile acids also formic acid. 
 Schlippe’s crotonol , C 18 H 28 0 4 , has likewise not been obtained by other chemists ; it was 
 stated to be a yellowish viscid mass of a faint odor, and to be the rubefacient principle 
 of croton oil. The drastic rubefacient properties, according to Buchheim (1873), reside 
 in crotonoleic add , which is present in the free state and as glyceride, and which seems to 
 be related to ricinoleic acid, since, like the latter, it yields with nitric acid oenanthic acid, 
 and on the distillation of its sodium salt gives cenanthol. But H. Senier has shown 
 (1883) that the oil may retain its purgative action and may be deprived of vesicating 
 properties (see above) ; the latter do not reside in the free acids present, nor in any basic 
 constituent, but exist in a fat which is not readily saponifiable, and yields an acid of low 
 melting-point and forming a lead salt soluble in ether. 
 
 Tests. — The process of Schlippe for preparing crotonol afforded us (1860) the means 
 of detecting croton oil in other oils. The suspected oil is agitated with a solution of 
 soda or potassa in dilute alcohol ; the alcoholic liquid is separated, neutralized with hydro- 
 chloric acid, and a little of the oily layer separating is applied upon the arm, when in a 
 few hours redness and the peculiar pustular eruption will appear. Should the quantity 
 be small, the liquid is acidulated, agitated with ether, the ether evaporated, and the resi- 
 due applied. Senier’s observations explain the rationale of this process. The Br. P. 
 requires croton oil tcf be entirely soluble in alcohol. 
 
 Allied Oils. — (See Curcas, page 567.) The oil obtained by carbon disulphide from the seeds 
 of Euphorbia Lathyris, Linn£, has been recommended by Zander (1878) as a cheaper substitute 
 for croton oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A croton-seed, when chewed, has a sweet and oily taste, fol- 
 lowed by a bitter and acrid savor and salivation ; nausea, eructation, flatulent distension 
 of the abdomen, colic, and diarrhoea follow. A single seed is reported in one case to 
 have proved fatal, and a portion estimated at 1 grain, and taken on an empty stomach, 
 caused burning in the throat, severe Golic, and frequent watery stools (Therapent. Monats- 
 hefte, iii. 89). The oil, in the dose of 1 drop, occasions more or less of an acrid and 
 burning sensation in the fauces and oesophagus, a sense of warmth in the stomach, 
 nausea, and sometimes vomiting. In an hour or two some gurgling or slight colic is per- 
 ceived in the bowels, followed somewhat suddenly by a watery stool with tenesmus, and heat 
 about the anus. Within twenty-four hours eight or ten more stools follow, and there is but 
 little general disturbance of the economy, except through weakness. Sometimes, instead 
 of producing evacuations, the oil causes epigastric uneasiness and oppression, palpitation 
 of the heart, headache, feverishness, perspiration and sleep. It would appear that the 
 acrid principle of the oil is not the sole cause of its cathartic operation, for even after 
 being thoroughly washed with alcohol and rendered mild to the taste, as well as incapable 
 
OLEUM TIG LIT. 
 
 1165 
 
 of pustulating the skin, it is still strongly purgative. (Senier, Am. Jour. Phar ., lvi. 22). 
 When given in enema in the dose of 3 or 4 drops croton oil operates purgatively. 
 
 In excessive doses this oil may act as a violent and fatal poison, producing severe pain 
 and general collapse, without loss of consciousness. After death no lesion of the stomach 
 or intestines may be found. 
 
 Externally , croton oil rubbed upon the skin occasionally produces purgation. Its ordi- 
 nary effects are, however, local. In general, it brings out, after a few hours, an eruption 
 of minute red pimples, which are always more numerous in proportion to the vascularity 
 and delicacy of the skin, and are gradually converted into pustules, generally of an acu- 
 minated or rounded shape, but some are flattened and umbilicated ; many are confluent. 
 A red areola surrounds each of them, and they cause severe burning and itching. They 
 augment for three or four days, and then remain stationary. Some break and others 
 wither away. If numerous, they may form thick and extensive crusts. These are 
 thrown off between the sixth and the twelfth day, and leave no cicatrix behind them. 
 The endermic inoculation of the oil causes small but painful abscessess. Applied to one 
 part of the body, it is often carried elsewhere by the fingers, and thus sometimes causes 
 pustulation of the genitals, eyes, etc. 
 
 In obstinate constipation of the bowels, and when there exists no contraindication 
 arising from inflammation or structural alteration, croton oil is an appropriate purgative. 
 But the observance of these conditions is very important. The oil is most appropriate 
 when bulky doses are objectionable, and when the patient resists the administration of 
 more usual cathartics. Of the former sort are cases of intestinal obstruction from accu- 
 mulated faeces produced by simple torpor of the bowels, diseases of the nervous centres, 
 the poison of lead, etc. Of the latter are the frequent instances of a refusal to take 
 medicine among children and insane persons, but the oil should rarely be given to chil- 
 dren. It is customary to administer it to the insane in milk or broth — a most vicious 
 and inhuman practice, since it arouses suspicion ' or an aversion to articles upon which 
 the patient’s life may depend. In lead colic it has, to a great extent, superseded other 
 purgatives. It should be given in the dose of Gm. 0.06 (gtt. j) daily or twice a day, 
 and need not interfere with the simultaneous use of narcotics internally or externally. 
 Like other active purgatives, it has been employed to expel taeniae , and it is even said to 
 have done so when mixed with olive oil and rubbed upon the abdomen ; but many surer 
 remedies for these parasites exist. When used to expel taeniae or other intestinal worms 
 it should be dissolved in chloroform (1 drop in 3 j) and given after purgation with a 
 saline laxative. It has been used successfully as a drastic purgative in different forms 
 of dropsy , but it is unnecessarily harsh. Its irritant substitutive action has been invoked 
 in dysentery , but safer and milder remedies are to be preferred. In apoplexy it is cus- 
 tomary to employ it for its depletory revulsive action and for the convenience of its 
 administration during the stupor of the attack. If the attack is one of congestive 
 apoplexy, denoted by turgor of the face, laboring heart and pulse, etc., purgation is gen- 
 erally required, but in an opposite condition it is contraindicated. 
 
 Externally , croton oil has been used to relieve cerebral symptoms following the sup- 
 pression of a cutaneous eruption and other causes ; and in the various forms of meningitis 
 it is the most efficient agent for counter-irritation of the scalp. It is less painful than 
 tartar emetic pustulation, and more permanent in its action than cantharides. It may be 
 used as a counter-irritant in spinal neuralgia , but is objectionable on account of the diffi- 
 culty of restricting its action to a definite area. It has been more successful in sciatica 
 than in any other form of neuralgia. For this affection it has also been recommended 
 internally, but upon less substantial grounds. It has been applied locally in chronic 
 articular rheumatism , and is undoubtedly one of the best of the topical remedies for the 
 disease. Its moderate but steady counter-irritation renders it peculiarly valuable in cases 
 of chronic bronchitis and chronic laryngitis. 
 
 Tinea tonsurans , or ringworm of the scalp, has been treated successfully by croton oil, 
 which is applied pure until the characteristic eruption appears, when a poultice is used to 
 soften and remove the crusts of the original disease and those produced by the oil. It is 
 recommended, when a large portion of the scalp is involved, that a small portion only 
 should be treated at a time, on account of the irritation and fever which usually are 
 excited. The conditions favorable to the success of this treatment are, however, far from 
 definite ; and moreover croton oil sometimes causes suppuration of the hair-follicles and 
 incurable alopecia. 
 
 Croton oil may be given in emulsion or mixed with some other oil or in pill. Of these 
 forms the last is to be preferred. The dose is Gm. 0.016-0.13 (n^ ?,-ij). The following 
 
1166 
 
 OLEUM V A LERI A NJE . — OLIBA N UM. 
 
 is a safe and convenient prescription : Add to Gm. 0.12 (gtt. ij) of croton oil enough 
 alcohol to dissolve them, and then bread-crumb in sufficient quantity. Make from four 
 to eight pills, and direct one to be taken every hour or two. Externally, the oil may be 
 applied by means of a feather, brush, or other convenient instrument, and friction made 
 with a rag until the skin becomes dry. It may be used pure or mixed with castor oil, 
 olive oil, soap liniment, alcohol, or ether : or a piece of muslin somewhat smaller than 
 one of adhesive plaster may be attached to the latter, and moistened with the oil before 
 being applied to the skin. A mixture of 1 part of croton oil with 7 of oil of turpentine 
 is more rapid in its action than the croton oil alone. 
 
 As antidotes to the poisonous effects of this oil, milk, olive oil, mucilage, gelatin soup, 
 etc. may be given to envelop the acrid substance, and if it cause a tendency to collapse, 
 opium and alcoholic liquids and warm stimulating baths should be employed. 
 
 OLEUM VALERIANAE. — Oil of Valerian. 
 
 Essence de valeriane , Fr. ; Baldrianol , G. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the root of Valeriana officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Valeria naceae. 
 
 Preparation. — The volatile oil is obtained by distilling the crushed root with water 
 or steam. The yield varies between $ and 2 per cent., and is largest from valerian grown 
 in dry localities. 5 pounds of oil of valerian were imported into the United States in 
 1876, and 167 pounds in 1878. 
 
 Properties. — When recently distilled from fresh root the oil of valerian is of a 
 greenish or yellowish color, limpid, of a mild odor, and of a neutral reaction. On 
 exposure to air it becomes deeper yellow and brown, viscid, and acquires a strong odor 
 and an acid reaction. Old roots yield a£ once a dark, acid, and strongly odorous oil. Its 
 taste is aromatic, somewhat camphoraceous, not burning; its density is near 0.94. It is 
 readily soluble in alcohol, does not fulminate with iodine, and becomes purplish-black 
 with ethereal solution of bromine, dark-red with sulphuric acid, purplish-red with hydro- 
 chloric acid gas, and blue with nitric acid. 
 
 Composition. — The latest investigation is by G. Bruylants (1878), who ascertained 
 some new facts. The hydrocarbon, C 10 H ]6 , was named borneene by Gerhardt (1841) and 
 vaJerene by Pierlot (1859). The valerol of the latter differed from Gerhardt’s valerol, 
 C 6 H, 0 O, which he believed to become oxidized in contact with air to valerianic acid, car- 
 bon dioxide being given off at the same time. Bruylants explains the generation of 
 valerianic acid in old oil of valerian from the decomposition of C 10 H 17 C 5 H 9 O 2 , which is 
 the valerianic ether of borneol ; besides this one, it contains the corresponding ethers of 
 formic and acetic acids, the alcohol borneol, C 10 H 18 O, and its ether, (C 10 Hn) 2 O. Gerhardt 
 assumed the production of borneol from the hydration of borneene. (See Oleum Cam- 
 phorvE, page 388.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — In experiments upon animals with poisonous doses of this oil 
 it appeared to blunt the reflex excitability after having primarily stimulated it, and to 
 produce a similar effect when the same function was previously excited by strychnine. 
 It has been used with advantage in hysteria , chorea , and even in epilepsy ; but it is most 
 efficient in the first-named disease, and in the various functional nervous derangements 
 which, without constituting hysteria, are nevertheless hysterical. It may be prescribed 
 in doses of Gm. 0.06 (gtt. j) and upward in pill, emulsion, or alcoholic solution. 
 
 OLIBANUM. — Frankincense. 
 
 Gummi resina olibanum, Thus . — Oliban, Encens, Fr. ; Weihrauch, G. ; Incienso, Sp. 
 
 From Boswellia Carterii, Birdwood, and other species of Boswellia. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med. Plants, 58. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Burseraceae. 
 
 Origin. — The genus Boswellia is confined to India, Southern Arabia, and Eastern 
 Africa. It comprises trees with imparipinnate leaves, serrate leaflets, small, racemose, 
 decandrous flowers, and three-celled drupaceous capsules containing three seeds. The 
 different species are still imperfectly known. B. Carterii may possibly be a polymorphous 
 species, or several forms at present regarded as mere varieties may be distinct species, 
 which grow only in two limited districts in South-eastern Arabia and in the Somali 
 country of Eastern Africa. B. papyrifera, Richard, indigenous to Nubia and Abyssinia, 
 yields a similar product, which, however, is not collected. B. thurifera, Colebrook (B, 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1167 
 
 serrata and B. glabra, Roxburgh ), affords a soft odorous resin which is used in India as 
 incense. The fragrant resin of B. Frereana, Birdicood , of the Somali country, is used in 
 the East as a masticatory. 
 
 Collection. — Tile collection of olibanum in the Somali country was described by 
 Cruttenden (1846), and in Arabia by Carter (1847), who had visited these countries three 
 years previously. Deep incisions are made from which a milk-white exudation flows, 
 which gradually hardens, and is then collected. Olibanum enters commerce by way of 
 Bombay. 
 
 Description. — Olibanum consists of roundish, oblong, or irregular-shaped separate 
 tears. These vary in diameter between 3-12 Mm. (i and I inch) or more, and are nearly 
 colorless, pale-yellowish, or of a reddish hue, and covered with a whitish powder, resulting 
 from the attrition of the pieces. When broken they exhibit a flat scarcely conchoidal 
 fracture and a waxy lustre. Olibanum has a balsamic somewhat terebinthinate odor, 
 softens between the teeth, and has a balsamic and slightly bitter taste. Triturated with 
 water, it yields a white emulsion ; alcohol dissolves the greater part of it. When heated 
 it becomes soft and burns, diffusing an aromatic odor. 
 
 Olibanum of inferior quality is more deeply colored, often opaque, and more or less 
 mixed with fragments of bark and other impurities. 
 
 Constituents. — By distillation with water a volatile oil is obtained varying in quan- 
 tity from 4 (Stenhouse, 1840) to 7 per cent. Kurbatow (1871) found it to consist of 
 oUbene , C 10 H 16 , and an oxygenated portion boiling above 175° C. (347° F.). Olibene is 
 the chief constituent of the oil, boils at about 157° C. (314.6° F.), has a turpentine-like 
 odor, and yields with hydrochloric acid gas a crystalline compound. The resin amounts 
 to 56 (Braconnot, 1808), or as much as 72, per cent. (Kurbatow), and, according to 
 Hlasiwetz (1867), has the composition C20H30O3. The gummy matter contained in 
 olibanum was found by Hekmeijer (1858) to agree in behavior with gum-arabic. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Olibanum is a constituent of most fumigating powders, 
 for which there are a large number of formulas in existence; they contain also benzoin, 
 storax, mastic, amber, cascarilla, orris-root, santal-wood, or other odoriferous drugs, which 
 are reduced to a coarse powder, and when used thrown upon a heated surface. Fumi- 
 gating pastilles are made of a similar composition, and should contain about 40 per cent, 
 of ligneous material or charcoal and from 5 to 8 per cent, of potassium nitrate; the finely- 
 powdered ingredients are well mixed, formed into a mass with mucilage of tragacanth, 
 and then moulded into the desired shape. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Although no longer official in either the United States or the 
 British Pharmacopoeia, olibanum is one of the most ancient, as it once was one of the 
 most valued, of medicines. It was the frankincense of which so much is said in the Old 
 Testament, and which was used by the Egyptians in embalming ; it is spoken of in the 
 Hippocratic writings as an expectorant in bronchial catarrh and in infantile asthma, as 
 useful in expelling the lochia and promoting menstruation, as an ingredient of injections 
 for leucorrhoea, and of ointments for various ulcers, including those caused by burns. 
 Later it was applied in ointments to chilblains , cutaneous eruptions , and inflammations of 
 the eyes. More recently it was an ingredient of various stimulating plasters, and its 
 fragrant fumes were used to conceal unpleasant smells. The dose is stated to be 6m. 2-4 
 (gr. xxx-lx), given in emulsion. 
 
 Hedwnjia balsamifera has been used hypodermically in an alcoholic and also as a 
 watery extract of the stalk and root. The former was the more active. Gaucher, Cam- 
 bemale, and Marestang concluded from their experiments that this plant is a poison of 
 the nervous system, lowering the temperature, inducing paralysis and convulsions, ren- 
 dering the respiration irregular, and arresting the heart. They found in it an alkaloid 
 and a resin, of which the former is mainly convulsing, while the latter rather causes 
 paralysis and lowers the temperature ( Annuaire de Therap ., 1889, p. 25). 
 
 OPIUM, U. S., Br Fr. Cod., P. A., P. G.— Opium. 
 
 Meconium , Succus thebaicus. — Opium , E., Fr., G. 
 
 The concrete milky exudation obtained in Asia Minor by incising the unripe capsules 
 of Papaver somniferum, leimie. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 18. 
 
 Official Forms of Opium. — Opii pulyis, U. S . — Powdered opium, E. ; Pou- 
 dre d opium, Fr. ; Opiumpulver, G . — Opium dried at a temperature not exceeding 85° C. 
 (185° F.), (60° C. — 140° F., P. Gf, and reduced to a very fine (No. 80) powder. Pow- 
 dered opium for pharmaceutical or medicinal uses, should contain not less than 13 nor 
 
1168 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 more than 15 per cent, (not less than 10 per cent., P. G .) of morphine when assayed by 
 the process given under Opium. Any powdered opium of a higher percentage may be 
 brought within these limits by admixture with powdered opium of a lower percentage in 
 proper proportions. — U. 8. 
 
 Opium, U. 8 ., Br ., F. Cod ., P. G. Opium in its normal moist condition yielding not 
 less than 9 per cent, (after drying, 9.5 to 10.5 per cent. Br.') of morphine. — U. 8. 
 
 Opium deodoratum, U. 8., Opium denarcotinatum. — Deodorized Opium, Denar- 
 cotized opium, E. ; Opium denarcotine, Fr. ; Denarcotinirtes Opium, G. — Denarcotized 
 opium should yield 13 to 15 per cent, of morphine. 
 
 Origin and Production. — The poppy-capsule, which is described elsewhere (see 
 Papaver), contains under the epidermis a large number of laticiferous vessels which are 
 variously branched and interlaced, and in the unripe state of the fruit are filled with a white 
 milk-juice, which escapes when an incision is made. For its successful cultivation the 
 poppy requires a deep, rich, and well-manured soil, and considerable attention until the plant 
 has sufficiently matured to permit of the collection of the milk-juice. A few days after 
 the petals have fallen the green capsule is scarified, with the precaution of not cutting 
 entirely through the capsular integuments, as the juice would then flow into the capsule 
 and be lost. In Asia Minor and Egypt one or two incisions are made transversely near 
 the middle of the capsule, so as to run spirally around it. In India three or four vertical 
 incisions are made from the base to the apex and on different sides of the capsule, the 
 instrument used for the purpose, called nushtur , being a three- or four-bladed knife pro- 
 tected by means of twine, so as to prevent the blades from penetrating too deeply. The 
 scarifications being made in the afternoon, the milk-juice is ready for collection the next 
 morning, when its color will have changed from white to brown. The juice is then care- 
 fully scraped off with a knife, which is moistened from time to time with water, or in 
 Asia Minor by drawing it through the mouth; in Persia oil is used to prevent the juice 
 from adhering to the scraper. 
 
 In Asia Minor the juice is transferred to a poppy-leaf and formed into cakes varying , 
 greatly in size — from a few ounces to 2 pounds or more in weight. These soft cakes are 
 subsequently often mixed together for the purpose of obtaining larger cakes, which are , 
 surrounded by one or two wilted poppy-leaves, afterward packed with a considerable ' 
 quantity of the dry fruits of a species of Rumex, thus preventing the cakes from 
 adhering to one another, and then transported to Smyrna or Constantinople, whence the 
 European and American markets are chiefly supplied. 
 
 In Egypt opium is collected and prepared for the market in a manner similar to that 
 just described. The production in that country at one time considerably declined, but, 
 has increased since Gastinel Bey (1865) proved that opium equal in quality to that of { 
 Asia Minor could be gathered by bestowing sufficient care upon the cultivation of the , 
 plant. 
 
 The juice gathered in India is usually quite soft in consequence of dew, and after collec- 
 tion separates a dark-colored fluid called passeiva, which, together with the washings of ves- > 
 sels and some opium, is evaporated to a thick liquid called lewa , and this is employed in agglu- 
 tinating the poppy-petals together, so as to form an envelope, and, after drying, a rather 
 hard shell for the protection of the opium. The opium, which is moulded into spherical 
 balls, requires much attention until it has been sufficiently dried for preservation. Each 
 ball weighs a little over 4 pounds ; forty of these are packed in separate compartments 
 in a case, and are mostly exported to China. In the commerce of India this is known 
 as provision opium ; for home consumption the juice is evaporated by the heat of the sun 
 and formed into square or sometimes circular cakes, which are wrapped in oiled paper. 
 
 Persian opium is formed into cylindrical sticks about 6 inches long, each of which is 
 wrapped in paper, or into cones or small balls about 11 inches in diameter, the wrapper 
 of which is sometimes marked with Chinese characters. Since 1856, Persian opium has 
 been sent to Constantinople, and there worked over so as to resemble that of Asia Minor. 
 At the present time it is frequently seen in European commerce, and it is imported in con- 
 siderable quantity into the United States to be used in the manufacture of morphine. It 
 often comes in cakes weighing 1 or 11 pounds, which are oily and always packed in poppy 
 trash — i. e. the dried stalks and capsules ground into coarse powder. 
 
 China produces a large quantity of opium, all of which is consumed in that country : 
 in addition it consumes notable quantities imported from Persia, as well as by far the 
 largest portion of the opium which is exported from India. The samples which we have 
 seen were flattish-globular in shape and wrapped in white paper; one specimen was oily, 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1169 
 
 though less so than Persian opium, and another, to judge from its black-brown color, was 
 prepared by the aid of artificial heat, though free from empyreuma. 
 
 In Japan the milk-juice is obtained by the longitudinal scarification of the poppy-cap- 
 sules, and the opium is formed into flat cakes which are wrapped in paper. 
 
 Numerous experiments have been made in Europe , and opium of excellent quality has 
 been obtained as far north as Sweden ; but European opium is not an article of com- 
 merce, and its production appears to be very limited. It is stated that Aubergier calls the 
 opium raised by him in France ajfum, and that it is formed from the agglomeration of 
 tears exuded from the incisions and entirely free from foreign admixture. 
 
 In Algeria opium has been produced since 1828 — in limited quantities, however, and 
 insufficient to be of any commercial importance. Rohlfs (1866) found an extensive culture 
 of opium in the oasis of Tuat in the northern part of the great African desert. 
 
 Opium has also been raised experimentally in Victoria, Australia , and was stated by 
 Mr. Bosisto (1876) to be of good quality. 
 
 About the year 1812 opium of fair quality was produced in the United States, chiefly, 
 if not exclusively, in New England. After the close of the war the cultivation had to be 
 abandoned — as it appears, mainly because the product became unsalable in consequence 
 of extensive adulterations ; more recently, however, opium-culture again attracted attention, 
 more particularly during the late Civil War, when the drug was successfully produced in 
 Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Prof. Porcher ( Resources of the Southern Fields 
 and Forests, p. 26) states that in the climate of South Carolina and Georgia the poppy 
 should be planted in September ; the plants are not killed during the winter ; they thrive 
 in the early spring, and the capsules are ready for incision in May. Several attempts 
 made to obtain the poppy by planting in April and May failed, the seeds not coming up. 
 A garden square ” yielded him 830 grains of very dry opium of excellent quality. 
 
 In Asia Minor the poppy-seed is sown at intervals from November to March. By fol- 
 lowing this course failure from frosts or other causes is guarded against, and the matur- 
 ing of the poppy-heads is extended over a certain length of time. Since by the circular 
 incisions made there all or nearly all the laticiferous vessels are cut, a second scarification 
 is generally unprofitable, while an additional quantity of milky juice is usually obtained 
 on repeating the vertical incisions after a day or two. 
 
 The variety of poppy cultivated in Asia Minor is the black, which has usually purple 
 flowers and black, though occasionally white, seeds. This variety is that also which, in 
 the experience .of Aubergier in France and of Behr and Biltz in Germany, yields opium 
 richer in morphine than that produced from the white-flowering and white-seeded poppy. 
 The latter is, however, by some persons considered more advantageous for collection, and 
 appears to be the only kind cultivated in Egypt, Persia, India, China, and Japan. 
 
 Description. — Opium is in subglobular, usually more or less flattened, irregular 
 cakes, which are externally of a chestnut-brown or somewhat darker color, and bear on 
 the surface the impressions of the veins of the poppy-leaf in which they had been envel- 
 oped : fragments of the leaf and seme fruits of a Rumex are generally adhering to the 
 surface. The whole mass is usually plastic, but on keeping a harder external crust is 
 formed, while the interior portion retains its moist condition for a long time. When 
 broken, some tears are usually observed in the interior, together with fragments of vege- 
 table tissue which have been detached in scraping off the milk-juice. The cakes weigh 
 from about 4 ounces to 2 pounds. The odor of opium is heavy and narcotic, its taste 
 disagreeable and bitter. Examined under the microscope, some needle-shaped crystals are 
 observed, but most of it consists of an amorphous or granular mass, aside from the vege- 
 table tissue present. The crystals are best observed after the dry opium has been well 
 moistened with benzene. 
 
 Smyrna, Turkey, or Constantinople opium is the only variety recognized by the differ- 
 ent pharmacopoeias and met with in American commerce. It has been stated above that 
 Persian opium is often imported for the manufacture of the alkaloids. It is oily from 
 the manner in which it has been collected. Its other distinctive characters and those of 
 East Indian opium have already been briefly described. Both varieties contain usually 
 a larger number of crystals than Turkey opium, and these crystals may not unfrequently 
 be seen with the naked eye or by the aid of a lens. 
 
 Adulterations. — The principal admixtures observed by us in Turkey opium were 
 pebbles, shot, and lead balls introduced into the interior of the cakes. When present 
 these admixtures generally amount to several ounces, but are only occasionally seen. Of 
 greater importance appears to be the introduction of excessive quantities of vegetable 
 tissue during the collection of the juice, but it is impossible .to estimate its quantity or 
 
1170 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 state its allowable limits. Coarse adulterations, such as the aqueous extract of the poppy- 
 plant and of the herb Glaucium luteum — which, according to Landerer, is sometimes made 
 in Turkey — are rarely, if ever, seen in the imported opium, and are readily detected by 
 the darker color and the hygroscopic nature of the product, and by the uninterrupted 
 streak which it leaves on being drawn over paper, while good opium makes an interrupted 
 mark. Such partly factitious opium, or fraudulent substitution of an extract having a 
 narcotic odor, for opium said to have been of American origin, was noticed by Procter 
 (1869) and Ebert (1873). Various kinds of resinous, saccharine, mucilaginous, and 
 amylaceous substances, ashes, clay, gypsum, litharge, and sand, have been employed for 
 like purposes, and occasionally opium has been met with in the market which contained 
 so little morphine and other alkaloids as to lead to the inference that these principles had 
 been extracted. Another impurity is an excessive amount of moisture. Squibb (1860) 
 estimated the average loss in drying to be 19.5 or 20 per cent., and in drying and powder- 
 ing 20 to 21 per cent. From a record of nearly 12,000 pounds of opium, nearly the whole 
 of which was directly obtained from importers, we find the average loss to have been 21.2 
 per cent. ; in some exceptional cases as high as 28 or as low as 15 per cent. Bengal pro- 
 vision opium contains 30 per cent, of moisture. 
 
 Examination. — Hager suggested the following course for determining the presence 
 of adulterations : The sample is dried and powdered, and 25 grains of the powder are 
 triturated with } ounce of boiling water ; the formation of a stiff paste or mucilaginous 
 liquid would indicate the presence of starch, flour, gum, or salep. 2 ounces of water 
 are added, and the liquid filtered ; the filtrate should be of a wine-yellow color, indica- 
 ting the absence of liquorice or other aqueous extracts, which would impart to the filtrate 
 a brown color ; the liquid should likewise have an acid reaction, otherwise the admixture 
 of chalk, litharge, or ashes may be inferred. On evaporating the filtrate to 1 ounce, 
 potassium ferrocyanide or the addition of twice its bulk of alcohol should not cause 
 any precipitate; the former test would indicate the presence of salts of heavy metals; 
 the latter an adulteration with gum or certain salts. The insoluble residue of opium left 
 on the filter after washing and drying should weigh between 10 and 11} grains; should 
 it weigh more, sand, clay, or other insoluble substances may be present, and in case it 
 weighs less, sugar, gum, or other soluble impurities are indicated. On agitating powdered 
 opium with chloroform the mineral impurities and starch settle to the bottom, and the 
 latter acquires a blue color on the addition of a little iodine. Mineral impurities are 
 likewise indicated by the amount of ash left, which for genuine powdered opium is about 
 6 per cent., varying, however, between 4 and 8 per cent. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia 
 directs the estimation of the extract prepared with cold water from 100 parts of opium 
 previously dried at 105° C. (221° F.) ; when evaporated to dryness the extract should 
 weigh between 55 and 60 parts. 
 
 Constituents. — Opium is entirely free from starch and tannin. Among the princi- 
 ples ordinarily found in plants the following have been observed in opium : An odorous 
 principle soluble in ether, benzene, and petroleum benzin ; glucose, gum, pectin, a com- 
 pound resembling caoutchouc, wax, fat, a small amount of resin, coloring matter, and 
 that indefinite substance usually designated as extractive. The mineral constituents 
 average 6 per cent., and 55 or 60 per cent, of dry opium is soluble in water, but the pure 
 milk-juice, entirely free from vegetable tissue, yields a larger percentage to water. 
 
 The most important as well as the most interesting constituents of opium, however, are 
 the alkaloids ; in fact, the first vegetable alkaloid discovered was obtained from opium. In 
 1816, after a patient investigation extending over 11 years, Serturner, apothecary at Eim- 
 beck in Northern Germany, announced the discovery of morphium. He recognized this 
 principle as a salifiable base, in some respects related to ammonia. A crystalline powder, 
 probably morphine or containing it, was obtained by Ludwig as early as 1688, and was 
 named magisterium opii ; and in 1803, Derosne obtained this principle by precipitating 
 the aqueous infusion of opium with ammonia, but regarded it as identical with his salt of 
 opium (narcotine), which crystallized from the concentrated infusion. Seguin (1804) had 
 likewise observed it. Since Sertiirner’s discovery a large number of alkaloids have been 
 isolated from opium, which, arranged in the order in which their isolation was announced, 
 
 i 
 
 \ 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 
 are as follows : 
 
 1. Narcotine, C 22 H 23 N0 7 , was discovered by Derosne (1803), but its basic nature was j 
 first shown by Robiquet (1817). It may be extracted with ether from the precipitate 
 produced by ammonia in the aqueous infusion of opium, and from the insoluble residue 
 of the latter by exhausting it with hot acetic acid. It crystallizes in colorless shining 
 rhombic prisms or white needles, which are tasteless and dissolve at about 15° C. (59 
 
OPIUM . 
 
 1171 
 
 F.) in 100 parts of 85 per cent, alcohol, 33 parts of absolute ether, 2.7 parts of chloro- 
 form, 310 parts of amylic alcohol, or in 22 parts of benzene. The alkaloid requires 7000 
 parts of boiling water for solution, is insoluble in cold dilute acetic acid, is a weak base, 
 and yields mostly uncrystallizable salts, which have a bitter taste and an acid reaction. 
 Chloroform dissolves the alkaloid from the aqueous solutions of its salts (Dragendorff ). 
 Its solution in cold sulphuric acid is colorless, but turns slowly to yellow, orange, and 
 red : it gives a blood-red color with a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids. The alka- 
 loid melts at 176° C. (349° F.). When boiled for a long time with water or heated with 
 nitric acid, it is decomposed into meconin , Ci 0 H 10 O 4 , and cotarnine , C 12 H 13 N0 3 , which is a 
 stronger base, soluble in ammonia, fusible in boiling water, and, on being boiled with very 
 dilute nitric acid, is converted into cotarnic and apophyllic acids, the latter containing 
 nitrogen. On heating narcotine with manganese dioxide and dilute sulphuric acid, cotar- 
 nine is obtained and in addition thereto opianic acid , C 10 H 10 O 5 , which crystallizes in 
 needles and fuses at 140° C. (284° F.). When heated with hydrochloric or hydriodic 
 acid, it parts with one, two, or three methyl groups (CH 3 ), and yields new bases. Wright 
 and Beckett (1876) showed that it may be converted into vanillin. According to Weg- 
 scheider (1883), opianic acid, heated above its melting-point, yields an anhydride, C 30 H 28 O u , 
 which by moderate fusion with potassa is converted into meconin and hemipinic acid , 
 CjoHioOg, and on treating the latter under pressure with HC1, isovanillic and protocate- 
 chuic acids are obtained. 
 
 2. Morphine, C 17 H 19 N0 3 , discovered by Sertiirner (1816), is described in another 
 place (see page 990) ; also its derivative, apomorphine (page 234). On heating its hydro- 
 chlorate with silver nitrate to 60° C. (140° F.), oxymorphine or pseudo-morphine is formed 
 (see below). In the presence of ammonia and air morphine is oxidized to oxy dimorphine, 
 C 34 H 36 N 2 0 6 , which is also obtained from morphine by the action of potassium permangan- 
 ate, potassium ferricyanide, or nitrites (Broockmann and Polstorff, 1880). 
 
 3. Codeine, C 18 H 21 N0 3 , was discovered by Robiquet (1832), and by Grimaux (1881) 
 prepared from morphine by heating it with methyl iodide and soda ; it is therefore methyl- 
 morphine. (For description see page 514.) A number of interesting derivatives have 
 been prepared from this alkaloid, which, however, with the exception of apomorphine, 
 have not been medicinally employed. The melting-point of codeine is 155° C. (311° F.), 
 as given by the XL S. Pharmacopoeia, not 150° C., as determined by Robiquet (Hesse, 
 1883). 
 
 4. Narceine, or narceia, C 23 H 29 N0 9 , discovered by Pelletier (1832), is in long quad- 
 rangular prisms or white silky needles, which have a slight bitter taste, melt at 145.2° C. 
 (291.6° F.), are insoluble in ether, and are sparingly soluble in cold alcohol and water. 
 Frohde’s reagent renders it brown-green, yellow, afterward reddish. Erdmann’s test pro- 
 duces a deep-yellow, brown-yellow, and finally a deep-orange color. Iodine not used in 
 excess produces a blue color, nitric acid a rapidly-fading yellow color. The blue color 
 obtained by Pelletier on the addition to narceine of strong hydrochloric acid and a small 
 portion of water is not observed with the pure alkaloid, according to Winckler, Ander- 
 son, and others. Narceine is a weak base, and yields crystallizable salts which are mostly 
 not freely soluble in water or are decomposed by water, the hydrochlorate yielding a highly 
 basic salt (Wright and Beckett, 1876). 
 
 5. Pseudomorphine, also called phormine and oxydimorphine, C 34 H 36 N 2 0 6 , was dis- 
 covered by Pelletier and Tliiboumery (1835), and is probably present in opium after 
 exposure to ammoniacal vapors. It is a derivative of morphine, and is readily formed 
 by warming an aqueous solution of morphine nitrite to 60° C. (140° F.) and crystalliz- 
 ing from ammonia-water. Hesse (1883) gives to the alkaloid the formula C 17 H 17 N0 3 , 
 and states that it absorbs water on exposure. It is a fine crystalline powder, is insoluble 
 in water, alcohol, ether, and chloroform ; dissolves in acetic acid ; yields with hydro- 
 chloric acid a salt sparingly soluble in cold water ; it is colored red by nitric acid and blue 
 by ferric chloride, in which behavior it resembles morphine. 
 
 6. Tiiebaine, or par amorphine, C 19 H 21 N0 3 , was discovered by Tliiboumery (1835). It 
 forms silvery scales or hard prisms ; is soluble in ether, more freely soluble in alcohol, 
 amylic alcohol, benzene, and chloroform, but nearly insoluble in water and alkalies. It is 
 colored blood-red, afterward yellow, by sulphuric acid, yellow by nitric acid, orange-red 
 by Erdmann’s test, orange-yellow and finally colorless by Frohde's reagent, and red-brown 
 by chlorine-water and ammonia. The salts of thebaine crystallize readily. Diluted acids 
 readily alter the alkaloid, yielding two amorphous isomeric bases, tliehenine and thehaicine , 
 which are sparingly soluble in hot alcohol and insoluble in other simple solvents (Hesse). 
 
 7. Papaverine, C 21 H 21 N0 4 , discovered by Merck (1848), forms colorless needles or 
 
1172 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 prisms, which are slightly soluble in cold ether and alcohol, but readily soluble in hot 
 alcohol, amylic alcohol, chloroform, and benzene. It melts at 147° C. (296.6° F.). Nearly 
 all its salts are sparingly soluble in cold water and dilute acids, and its solutions part 
 with the alkaloid on being agitated with chloroform. Warm sulphuric acid colors it 
 deep-purple or violet-blue. Frohde’s reagent renders it bright violet-blue, then blue, 
 yellowish, and finally colorless. 
 
 8. Rhceadine, C 2 iH 21 N0 6 , discovered by O. Hesse (1865), is in white tasteless prisms 
 which are nearly insoluble in ether, alcohol, benzene, chloroform, water, and ammonia, 
 and which yield with dilute acids tasteless and colorless solutions, acquiring an intense 
 purple color on the addition of strong hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. Besides the color- 
 ing matter, an isomeric bitter, colorless base, rhoeagenine, is formed in this reaction. The 
 color produced by acids with Merck’s porphyroxin (1837) depends on the presence of 
 some rhoeadine. 
 
 9. Cryptopine, C 21 H 23 N0 5 , was discovered by T. and H. Smith (1867). It crystal- 
 lizes in minute prisms, is sparingly soluble in water, ether, benzene, and cold alcohol, dis- 
 solves in potassa and chloroform, and forms bitter salts, which have a pungently cooling 
 taste, and when dissolved in hot water usually produce a jelly-like mass, which is gradu- 
 ally changed to crystals. Sulphuric acid colors it yellow, soon turning violet-color, but 
 in the presence of minute traces of ferric salt or of chlorine a dark violet-blue color is at 
 once produced, which on warming turns dingy green. 
 
 10. Oxynarcotine, C 22 H 23 N0 8 , was isolated from the mother-liquors of narceine by 
 Wright and Beckett (1876). It dissolves in alkaline liquids, but is nearly insoluble in 
 benzene, chloroform, and hot alcohol and water. Like narceine and nicotine, it yields 
 hemipinic acid. 
 
 11. Gnoscopine, C 34 H 36 N 2 O h , was found by T. and H. Smith (1878) in the mother- 
 liquors of narceine. Et forms thin needles of a woolly appearance, melts with decompo- 
 sition at 233° C., is soluble in chloroform and carbon disulphide, slightly soluble in ben- 
 zene, and is insoluble in petroleum and in fusel oil. Sulphuric acid dissolves it with ; 
 a yellowish color, becoming carmine-red with a trace of nitric acid. 
 
 The following alkaloids were discovered by O. Hesse (1870 and 1871), and may be 
 prepared from the mother-liquors left in the preparation of morphine by Gregory’s 
 method : 
 
 12. Lanthopine, C 23 H 25 N0 4 , is crystalline, tasteless, sparingly soluble in acetic acid, 
 alcohol, ether, and benzene ; is readily soluble in chloroform ; is colored orange-red by 
 nitric and pale-violet by sulphuric acid, the latter color changing to dark-brown on 
 heating. 
 
 13. Meoonidine, C 21 H 23 N0 4 , is amorphous, colorless or yellowish, tasteless, easily solu- 
 ble in alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform, and acetone. It yields very bitter unstable | 
 salts, and is dissolved by sulphuric acid with an olive-green, and by nitric acid with an 
 orange-red. color. 
 
 14. Laudanine, C 20 H 25 NO 4 , crystallizes in hexagonal prisms, melts at 166° (331° F.'), i 
 is sparingly soluble in ether and cold alcohol, soluble in benzene, chloroform, and alkalies ; 
 in ferric chloride with an emerald-green, in nitric acid with an orange-red, and in sulphuric 
 acid containing iron with a rose-red, color, the latter changing to violet on heating. The 
 hydriodate is sparingly soluble in cold water ; the hydrochlorate is nearly insoluble in 
 solution of sodium chloride. 
 
 15. Codamine, C 20 H 25 NO 4 , crystallizes from ether in large six-sided colorless prisms; 
 is easily soluble in chloroform, benzene, ether, alcohol, and boiling water ; forms amor- 
 phous bitter salts, and dissolves in nitric acid with a dark -green, and in sulphuric acid 
 containing iron with a blue, color, changing to green and dark-violet, on warming. 
 
 16. Deuteropine, C 20 H 21 NO 5 , homologous with cryptopine, requires further investiga- 
 tion. 
 
 17. Laudanosine, C 21 H 27 N0 4 , is soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and warm ben- 
 zol ; the crystals fuse at 89° C. (192.2° F.). It neutralizes acids, and yields with hydri- | 
 odic acid a sparingly soluble salt. Pure sulphuric acid colors rose-red, in presence of j 
 ferric salt brown-red, on warming green and deep violet. 
 
 18 . Protopine, C 20 H 19 NO 5 , resembles cryptopine, and is with difficulty soluble in ether, j 
 alcohol, and benzene, more readily soluble in chloroform. The solutions of its salts do j 
 not gelatinize and have a bitter taste. The solutions in sulphuric acid turn yellow, red, j 
 and purple ; in presence of ferric salt they are deep-violet. 
 
 19. Hydrocotarnine, C 12 H ]5 N0 3 , crystallizes in large colorless prisms, fuses at 55° C. i 
 (131° F.) ; volatilizes, partly unchanged, at 100° C. (212° F.) ; is easily soluble in benzene | 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1173 
 
 ether, and alcohol, and forms readily soluble salts. It is formed from narcotine, besides 
 meconin, by the action of nascent hydrogen. 
 
 From many of the above alkaloids derivatives have been obtained which are highly 
 interesting in a scientific point of view, and which prove that at least between some of 
 them there exists evidently a close relation. It is not unlikely that some of those enum- 
 erated above are the decomposition-products of others. This may most likely be affirmed 
 to be true of Wittstein’s metamorphine (1860), which was obtained in preparing morphine 
 bv Mohr’s process (page 1050), but has not been observed since. It liberated iodine from 
 iodic acid, was colored red by nitric acid, but was not affected by ferric chloride. Hin- 
 terberger’s opiane was proved by Hesse to be impure narcotine. 
 
 The proportion in which the alkaloidal constituents of opium are present in the drug is, 
 without doubt, largely influenced by the climate, the nature of the soil, and the treat- 
 ment to which the milk-juice is exposed in obtaining the opium. Most of the pharmaco- 
 poeias require dried opium to contain not less than 10 per cent, of morphine; good 
 Smyrna opium frequently contains between 12 and 15 per cent, of it, but cakes taken 
 from the same case are apt to vary considerably. Egyptian opium usually contains a 
 smaller amount of morphine, varying from 6 to 12 per cent. Persian opium varies to a 
 still greater extent, but much of that found in commerce is equal to the ordinary qualities 
 of Turkey opium. East Indian opium, as a rule, is weak in morphine. It is sometimes 
 as low as 2.5 per cent., more frequently perhaps between 3.5 and 5 per cent., but occa- 
 sionally as high as 8 or 9 per cent. Most of the opium made in Europe has been of 
 good and even of excellent quality. French opium yielded 14.4 to 22.8 (Guibourt), 
 German opium 16.5 to 20, and from white poppy 6.8 per cent. (Biltz) of morphine. 
 Opium made in Algiers from red poppy yielded 10.4 to 17.8 per cent., and from white 
 poppy 1.5 to 8.5 per cent, of morphine. Several morphiometric assays of opium grown 
 in the United States have been recorded; the lowest percentage of morphine, 4, was 
 observed by Grahame; Procter obtained from other samples 7.4 and 9.15, Flint 9.34, and 
 Wayne 10.2 per cent. 
 
 The other alkaloids have been observed in the following proportions : 
 
 Narcotine, 1.3 to 10.9 per cent. Codeine, 0.2 to 0.4 per cent. 
 
 Pseudomorphine, 0.02 per cent. Thebaine, 0.15 (to 1.0) per cent. 
 
 Narceine, 0.02 to 0.1 (0.7) per cent. Papaverine, 1.0 per cent. 
 
 Rhoeadine, minute. Cryptopine, minute. 
 
 Lanthopine, 0.005 per cent. Laudanine, 0.005 per cent. 
 
 Codamine, 0.003 per cent. 
 
 Meconic Acid (Acidum meconicum, Br .), C 7 H 4 0 7 , discovered by Serttirner, is ob- 
 tained by precipitating the concentrated infusion of opium with calcium chloride, and treat- 
 ing the calcium meconate repeatedly with warm diluted hydrochloric acid. It crystallizes 
 in micaceous scales or rhombic prisms containing 3H 2 0, dissolves in 4 parts of boiling 
 water, and is also soluble in alcohol. Opium yields 3 to 4 per cent, of it. It is a tribasic 
 acid, and imparts to ferric salts a deep-red color, which does not disappear on the addition 
 of dilute hydrochloric acid (difference from formic and acetic acids) or by the chlorides 
 of gold or of mercury (difference from sulphocyanates). When boiled with water, or 
 more rapidly when boiled with dilute hydrochloric acid, meconic acid is decomposed into 
 carbon dioxide and crystallizable comenic acid , C 6 H 4 () 5 , which on being heated yields a 
 sublimate of pyrocomenic acid, C 5 H 4 0 3 . The two derivative acids likewise redden ferric 
 salts, the last less deeply than the former. 
 
 T. and H. Smith (1862) exhibited theholactic acid as one of the constituents of opium. 
 This acid has the composition and physical properties of lactic acid, and, according to 
 Buchanan (1870), is identical with the latter. It is present to the extent of about If 
 per cent., and is probably the decomposition-product of another constituent of poppy- 
 juice. The same may also be said of the free acetic and traces of butyric acid announced 
 by David Brown in 1876. 
 
 Meconin is obtained from narcotine (see above), exists also in opium, and forms color- 
 less shining prisms, which are inodorous, bitter, soluble in alcohol, ether, and slightly 
 soluble in water. It was discovered by Dublanc (1832), and is also known as opiavyl. 
 It melts in water at 77° C., and in the air at 110° C. (230° F.), and when evaporated 
 with slightly diluted sulphuric acid gives a green color. 
 
 Meconoiosin, C 8 H 10 O 2 , was obtained by T. and H. Smith (1878) from the mother- 
 liquors left on the isolation of meconin, from which it separates in an impure state as 
 brown leaf-like crystalline masses. When pure it is colorless, is freely soluble in alcohol, 
 
1174 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 ether, and hot water, fuses at 88° C. (190.4° F.), and on evaporation with dilute sulphuric 
 acid yields a red color, changing to purple. 
 
 Morphiometry. — In view of the variable quality of opium and of its liability to 
 adulteration, the determination of the amount of morphine in it is frequently necessary, 
 and must not be neglected if uniformity of strength of the pharmaceutical opium 
 preparations is desired. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia gives the following directions : 
 
 “ Opium, in any condition to be valued, 10 Gm. ; Ammonia-water, 3.5 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 Ether, Water, each, a sufficient quantity. Introduce the opium (which, if fresh, should 
 be in very small pieces, and if dry in very fine powder), into a bottle having a capacity 
 of about 300 Cc. ; add 100 Cc. of water, cork it well, and agitate frequently during twelve 
 hours. Then pour the whole as evenly as possible upon a wetted filter having a diameter 
 of 12 Cm., and when the liquid has drained off wash the residue with water, carefully 
 dropped upon the edges of the filter and the contents, until 150 Cc. of filtrate are obtained. 
 Then carefully transfer the moist opium back to the bottle by means of a spatula, add 50 
 Cc. of water, agitate thoroughly and repeatedly during fifteen minutes, and return the 
 whole to the filter. When the liquid has drained off wash the residue, as before, until 
 the second filtrate measures 150 Cc., and finally collect about 20 Cc. more of a third fil- 
 trate. Evaporate in a tared capsule, first, the second filtrate to a small volume ; then add 
 the first filtrate, rinsing the vessel with the third filtrate, and continue the evaporation 
 until the residue weighs 14 Gm. Rotate the concentrated solution about in the capsule 
 until the rings of extract are redissolved, pour the liquid into a tared Erlenmeyer flask 
 having a capacity of about 100 Cc., and rinse the capsule with a few drops of water at a 
 time until the entire solution weighs 20 Gm. Then add 10 Gm. (or 12.2 Cc.) of alcohol, 
 shake well, add 25 Cc. of ether, and shake again. Now add the ammonia-water from a 
 graduated pipette or burette, stopper the flask with a sound cork, shake it thoroughly 
 during ten minutes, and then set it aside, in a moderately cool place, for at least six hours 
 or over night. Remove the stopper carefully, and, should any crystals adhere to it brush ; 
 them into the flask. Place in a small funnel two rapidly-acting filters of a diameter of 
 7 Cm., plainly folded, one within the other (the triple fold of the inner filter being laid 
 against the single side of the outer filter), wet them well with water, and decant the i 
 ethereal solution as completely as possible upon the inner filter. Add 10 Cc. of ether ! 
 to the contents of the flask, rotate it, and again decant the ethereal layer upon the inner 
 filter. Repeat this operation with another portion of 10 Cc. of ether. Then pour into 
 the filter the liquid in the flask, in portions, in such a way as to transfer the greater por- 
 tion of the crystals to the filter, and, when this has passed through, transfer the remain- 
 ing crystals to the filter by washing the flask with several portions of water, using not ( 
 more than about 10 Cc. in all. Allow the double filter to drain, then apply water to the j 
 crystals, drop by drop, until they are practically free from mother-water, and afterward ) 
 wash them, drop by drop from a pipette, with alcohol previously saturated with powdered ' 
 morphine. When this has passed through, displace the remaining alcohol by ether, using , 
 about 10 Cc., or more if necessary. Allow the filter to dry in a moderately warm place, 
 at a temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.), until its weight remains constant; then 
 carefully transfer the crystals to a tared watch-glass and weigh them. The weight found, 
 multiplied by 10, represents the percentage of crystallized morphine obtained from the 
 opium.' 1 — U. S. 
 
 “ Take of powdered opium, dried at 212° F. (100° C.), 100 grains ; Lime, freshly slaked, 
 
 60 grains ; Chloride of Ammonium, 40 grains; Rectified Spirit, Ether, Distilled Water, 
 of each, a sufficiency. Triturate together the opium, lime, and 400 grain-measures of dis- 
 tilled water in a mortar until a uniform mixture results ; then add 1000 grain-measures of 
 distilled water and stir occasionally during half an hour. Filter the mixture through a 
 plaited filter about three inches in diameter into a wide-mouthed bottle or stoppered flask 
 (having the capacity of about 6 fluidounces and marked at exactly 1040 grain-measures) 
 until the filtrate reaches this mark. To the filtered liquid (representing 100 grains oi 
 opium) add 110 grain-measures of rectified spirit and 500 grain-measures of ether, and 
 shake the mixture ; then add the chloride of ammonium, shake well and frequently during 
 half an hour, and set it aside for twelve hours. Counterbalance two small filters ; place 
 one within the other in a small funnel, and decant the ethereal layer as completely as 
 practicable upon the inner filter. Add 200 grain-measures of ether to the contents of 
 the bottle and rotate it ; again decant the ethereal layer upon the filter, and afterward 
 wash the latter with 100 grain-measures of ether added slowly and in portions. Now let 
 the filter dry in the air, and pour upon it the liquid in the bottle in portions, in such a 
 way as to transfer the greater portion of the crystals to the filter. When the fluid has 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1175 
 
 passed through the filter, wash the bottle and transfer the remaining crystals to the filter, 
 with several small portions of distilled water, using not much more than 200 grain- 
 measures in all, and distributing the portions evenly over the filter. Allow the filter to 
 drain, and dry it, first by pressing between sheets of bibulous paper, and afterward at a 
 temperature between 131° and 140°. (55° and 60° C.), and, finally, at 194° to 212° F., 
 (90° to 100° C.). Weigh the crystals in the inner filter, counterbalancing by the outer 
 filter. The crystals should weigh 10 grains, or not less than 9? and not more than 10£ 
 grains, corresponding to about 10 per cent, of morphine in the powdered opium.” — Br. 
 
 Mayer (1863) recommended a similar method, but substituted baryta for lime, and 
 instead of weighing the morphine, estimated it by his test solution. 
 
 Prollius (1877) devised a process which is also recommended by Fliickiger ( Pharma - 
 cographia , 2d ed. p. 63): A tincture is made from 10 Gm. of opium and sufficient alco- 
 hol spec. grav. 0.950 to obtain 100 Gm. of filtrate ; add to this 50 Gm. of ether and 2 Gm. 
 of ammonia-water spec. gr. 0.960 ; collect the crystals of morphine after a day or two, 
 and dry them at 100° C. (212° F.). 
 
 The following is a modification of this process : 6 Gm. of opium, in moderately fine 
 powder, are softened with 6 Gm. of water, the mixture diluted, transferred to a tared 
 flask, and sufficient water added to make 54 Gm. After one hour the mixture is trans- 
 ferred to a filter 10 Cm. in diameter. To 42 Gm. of the filtrate 2 Gm. of a mixture of 
 17 Gm. of ammonia water and 83 Gm. of water are added and thoroughly mixed, without 
 shaking too severely, and then immediately transferred to a filter 10 Cm. in diameter. 
 36 Gm. of this filtrate are shaken in an accurately tared flask with 10 Gm. of ether and 
 4 Gm. of the above diluted ammonia-water, continuing the agitation until the liquid 
 becomes clear. After six hours the ethereal layer is poured as well as possible on a filter 
 8 Cm. in diameter. Add to the liquid remaining in the flask 10 Gm. of ether, rotate and 
 transfer the ethereal layer to the filter and lastly also the aqueous solution. The flask 
 and filter are then washed twice with 5 Gm. of water, which is saturated with ether. 
 After completely draining the flask and the filter, both are dried at 100° C. The crystals 
 collected on the filter are then transferred to the flask, and the heating continued until 
 the weight is constant. The morphine obtained should weigh not less than 0.4 Gm. 
 The morphine thus obtained should be soluble in 100 parts of lime-water with a yellow- 
 ish color when remaining in contact for several hours. The gradual addition of chlorine- 
 water should cause a brown-red, and ferric chloride a blue or green color. — P. G. 
 
 Numerous other processes and modifications have been recommended. The principal 
 difficulties encountered in most of them are (1) the large quantity of water required for 
 extracting the morphine, frequently rendering the concentration of the solution neces- 
 sary, which should always be accomplished at a moderate heat ; and (2) the impurities 
 which are always precipitated with the morphine, and which consist of coloring matter 
 with or without narcotine ; the latter may be removed by ether, but in decolorizing the 
 precipitate, either by alcohol or with the aid of animal charcoal, there ensues inevitable 
 loss. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Opium deodoratum, Deodorized opium. 
 Powdered opium, containing 13 to 15 per cent, of morphine, 100 Gm. ; stronger ether 
 1400 Cc. : sugar of milk, in fine powder, a sufficient quantity, to make 100 parts. Mace- 
 rate the powdered opium with 700 Cc. of stronger ether in a well-closed flask for twenty- 
 four hours, agitating from time to time. Pour off the clear ethereal solution, and repeat 
 the maceration with 2 other portions of the ether, each of 350 Cc., first for twelve hours, 
 and the last time for 2 hours. Collect the residue in a weighed dish, dry it, first by a 
 very gentle heat, and finally at a temperature not above 85° C. (185° F.), and mix it thor- 
 oughly, by trituration, with enough sugar of milk to make the product weigh 100 Gm. 
 — U. /S'. Instead of taking 100 parts of powdered opium, containing 13 to 15 per cent, 
 of morphine, a proportionately smaller quantity of powdered opium of any higher per- 
 centage of morphine may be taken. The average quantity, in parts by weight, for the 
 above formula is ascertained by dividing 1400 by the percentage of morphine in the 
 powdered opium selected. 
 
 Aqua opii, Opium-water. From a mixture of 1 part of bruised opium and 10 parts 
 of water distil 5 parts. It is colorless and has a slight narcotic odor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In doses varying from j grain to 1 grain, opium produces 
 usually a soothing and luxurious calm of mind and body, followed in the course of forty 
 or fifty minutes by a disposition to sleep, or, if sleep does not take place, the body and 
 mind enjoy a sense of repose from external impressions, while the mind is filled with 
 dreamy and generally pleasant ideas. The pulse at first is quickened, but gradually 
 
1176 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 becomes slower, the mouth grows dry, and the skin moist. Excited consciousness is fol- 
 lowed by sleep, which is natural in its phenomena, and from which one awakes refreshed. 
 Larger doses, as from 1 to-3 grains, occasion turgor and redness of the face, heat and ful- 
 ness of the head, flashes of light before the eyes, and contraction of the pupils. The 
 mind is excited, even to delirium ; the pulse is -full, tense, and frequent ; the skin is hot 
 and dry, and often there is vomiting. Depression follows, with a slow and sometimes 
 irregular pulse ; dulness oppresses all the functions of relation, and the mind is torpid ; 
 the muscles lose their co-ordinating action, and the gait is sluggish and staggering. Deep 
 sleep, or rather coma, succeeds ; the breathing is stertorous and slow, and therefore the 
 exhalation of carbon dioxide is diminished j the skin pale and damp, and the hands and feet 
 cold. The return to consciousness is attended with depression of mind and body, head- 
 ache, thirst, nausea, and constipation. In narcotism by opium, when an excessive dose 
 has been taken, no stage of excitement occurs ; giddiness is speedily followed by insen- 
 sibility and immobility, the respiration is slow and stertorous, and then scarcely percep- 
 tible ; deglutition is suspended ; the pupils are extremely contracted ; the face is pale and 
 cadaverous ; the muscles of the limbs are relaxed. Vomiting sometimes occurs, but more 
 usually in fatal cases coma continues until death, which is sometimes preceded by convul- 
 sions. In some cases the urine is albuminous (Zeitsch. f. klin. Med., xiv. 506). After 
 death from opium-poisoning the convolutions of the brain are flattened, the vessels of the 
 cerebro-spinal axis are gorged with black blood, and the capillaries of the brain on section 
 give out minute drops of the same fluid. A serous liquid is usually found in the ventricles 
 and beneath the cerebral surface of the arachnoid. The lungs, heart, liver, and spleen 
 are in most cases distended with dark and fluid blood. It is worthy of notice that some 
 persons who have recovered from the immediate effects of a poisonous dose of opium have 
 afterward died of congestion or consolidation of the lung, doubtless induced by the 
 narcotic effects of the poison (Shapleigh). Death has also taken place by syncope after 
 apparent recovery (Townsend, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Sept., 1885, p. 297). 
 
 The action of opium, like that of all agents which especially influence the nervous 
 system, is greatly modified by numerous causes besides its mere dose. Thus it acts with 
 extreme energy in the very young, because their nervous systems are highly susceptible, f 
 Infants have been narcotized by the milk of mothers under the influence of opiates. 
 Ordinary doses are unsafe in the old, because, their eliminating functions being feeble, 
 the medicine remains in their blood. For the former reason, probably, females are, as a 
 rule, more readily affected than males by opium. All nervous, susceptible persons feel 
 its influence speedily, and often in an abnormal manner, being unduly excited by ordinary 
 doses. On the other hand, as in the case of alcohol, there are persons who can take with 
 impunity doses of opium which to others would be distressing or even fatal. There are j 
 those, also, in whom the habit of using opiates has created a relative insensibility to the 
 action of medicinal doses. In other cases extreme pain, like that of tetanus or biliary ,j 
 and nephritic colic, may neutralize the narcotic operation of the largest medicinal doses, j 
 
 In a work like the present a detailed account of the morbid effects produced by the 
 habitual use of opium would be out of place. They have been briefly summarized under 
 Morphina, and need not be repeated here. An elaborate discussion of the subject is 
 contained in a work of one of the present authors ( Therapeutics and Materia Medica , 4th 
 ed., i. 823), where the opium habit (in which this drug or some one or other of its prep- 
 arations is taken internally, hypodermically, or by smoking) is illustrated by many 
 examples, and its influence on health and life considered. To the cases there cited, and 
 which prove that the slavery of this habit may be strangely prolonged, may here be 
 added one of more recent publication. It is that of a former officer in the English 
 army, who at the alleged age of one hundred and eleven was still living in New York. 
 
 “ He had been an opium habituate for seventy years,” and at one time his daily consump- 
 tion of the drug was 90 grains (Mattison, New York Med. Record, xii. 239). His extreme 
 longevity makes any detail of its morbid effects superfluous. Indeed, the chief disorders 
 it produced consisted of obstinate constipation when the dose of opium was very large, 
 and diarrhoea when it was suspended or greatly diminished. (Respecting the opium habit, 
 the following are a few of the articles that may be consulted : Mattison, Phila. Jour, of 
 Phar., Apr. 1879, p. 209, and N. Y. Med. Record , xxiii. 621 ; Kane, Med. Record, Nov. 
 1881, p. 511 ; Francis, Lond. Med. Times and Gaz., Jan. 1882, pp. 87, 116 ; Myers, Ibid., 
 June 1882, p. 672 ; Moore, Edinb. Med. Jour., xxviii. 958 ; Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 
 1884, p. 510 ; Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xi. 419. That the misery and danger of opium- 
 smoking are much less than attend on alcoholic intemperance, compare Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., Oct. 1888, p. 416, and Med. Record, xxxvi. 288). 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1177 
 
 The several constituents of opium which have been isolated by chemical analysis man- 
 ifest various modes of action, which differ more or less widely from those of opium itself. 
 While morphine , as we have shown elsewhere, very nearly represents the crude drug, and 
 codeine, meconine, papaverine, cryptopine, and narceine share with it a certain soporific 
 virtue, the remaining elements, narcotine, thebaine, etc., are almost if not entirely desti- 
 tute of this quality. The following statements represent the ambiguous condition of 
 existing knowledge on these subjects : 
 
 Narcotine was first introduced as an anti-periodic, and, although freely given, was not 
 suspected of possessing narcotic properties. Experiments upon animals prove it to be 
 eminently a tetanizing agent, and productive at the same time of great depression ; yet 
 some observers report its possession of a slight narcotic power. According to others, 
 this power is distinctly manifested in man by doses of from Gm. 0.60-2 (10 to 20 or 30 
 grains), yet it is certain that it has been administered as a tonic and anti-periodic in Gm. 
 2 (30-grain) doses without producing any narcotic effects. The conclusion almost neces- 
 sarily is, that the alkaloid was not pure in the former case, but contaminated with mor- 
 phine. Papaverine is, on the one hand, alleged to be hypnotic, and even the “ prime hyp- 
 notic element of opium,” an arterial and nervous sedative ; and, on the other, it is by 
 turns pronounced inert, tetanizing, relaxing* and a heightener of reflex action. Physi- 
 ological experimenters have demonstrated that thebaine is eminently a convulsifying 
 agent, the “most potent of all the poisonous constituents of opium.” In man it is ano- 
 dyne and soporific in the hypodermic dose of Gm. 0.10 (1J grains), and is nearly equiv- 
 alent to 1 grain of a salt of morphine, while it does not occasion headache and nausea. 
 Cryptopine appears to be closely analogous in its action to thebaine, tetanizing some of 
 the lower animals, convulsing others. In man it acts like morphine, but without the 
 unpleasant consequences due to the latter alkaloid. It is stated to be about one-fourth 
 as strong as morphine. Meconine , when administered even in large doses hypodermically 
 to large animals, and by the mouth to man, appears to be quite inert ; but hypodermically, 
 in doses of from Gm. 0.03-0.10 (^ grain to I 2 grains), it produces in man a moderately 
 hypnotic effect. The action of codeine , which is now official, is discussed elsewhere. 
 Narceine was once proclaimed to possess all the virtues, without any of the defects, of 
 morphine, and as being operative in an equal dose. The usual contraindications of physi- 
 ological experiment and therapeutical observation have only left the fact to survive that 
 it is soporific for cold-blooded animals, and for man a feeble though pure hypnotic in the 
 dose of 5 grains and upward, but, being at the same time rare and costly, it is practically 
 useless as a medicine. In fact, the existence of a separate body described as narceine is 
 no longer accepted (Dujardin-Beaumetz, Ball, de Ther ., cxvii. 339). The peculiar action 
 of apomorphine has been fully described elsewhere (p. 236) ; it may suffice in this place 
 to say that it is an emetic and general depressant. According to Ott. chlorocodide is a 
 tetanizing agent ; apocodeine produces vomiting, coma, and death ; cotarnine is soporific, 
 and paralyzes the motor nerves; hydrocotarnine is narcotic and convulsivant ; laudanosine 
 and laudanine are tetanic agents. In 1878, Bardet undertook a course of experiments to 
 determine, if possible, the relative value of the principal constituents of opium, and 
 reached the following conclusions : Codeine in small doses is null, in large doses a fruit- 
 less and distressing agent ; narceine has either no real existence or is totally inert as a 
 narcotic ; and morphine “ is the sole useful and narcotic alkaloid of opium ” (Bull, de 
 Therap ., c. 78). 
 
 In 1883, Von Schroeder pursued this investigation much more thoroughly and minutely 
 (Archiv. f. exp. Pathol, etc., xvii. 96). Space is wanting to detail his results, but they 
 proved, as Bardet’s had done, that morphine is the only true narcotic element of opium, 
 and that codeine, papaverine, narcotine, and thebaine are mainly tetanizing agents and 
 but slightly narcotic. Narceine he held to be wholly inoperative. Thus the most recent 
 results as substantially agree as the early ones were at variance with one another. 
 
 The different modes of action of opium, according to its dose, upon the two great vivi- 
 fying elements of the animal economy, its stimulant and sedative operations, upon the 
 nervous and circulatory systems, and its directly anaesthetic influence in all doses, render 
 it the most useful of all medicines, as well as the most multifarious in its applications. 
 It relieves pain, allays agitation, delirium, and spasm, restrains tissue-change, secretion, 
 and haemorrhage, and both directly and indirectly supports the powers of the system. 
 By the possession of these manifold virtues it becomes the most fitting associate of 
 numerous other medicines, the operation of which it moderates, exalts, or directs. 
 
 Fevers. — It is an old precept, which all judicious experience has confirmed, that opium 
 ought not to be prescribed at the onset nor at the climax of a continued fever, but during 
 
1178 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 the augment to appease its violence, and during the decline to support the strength and 
 calm the nervous symptoms which denote exhaustion. In typhus its greatest usefulness 
 is not when the strongest tendency to stupor exists, but when muttering delirium, jactita- 
 tion, tremor, and spasm denote exhausted nervous power ; but even then it must be used 
 in such doses only as revive, and not in such as tend to oppress, the brain. In the rarer 
 cases of this disease presenting violent delirium, a furious aspect, suffusion of the eyes, 
 constant raving and muttering, and perfect sleeplessness, moderate doses of a liquid 
 preparation of opium, associated with tartar emetic, according to a former practice, or 
 with veratrum viride or digitalis, or one of the so-called antipyretics, as more recently 
 employed, will often render the patient tranquil and induce refreshing sleep. These 
 remarks are equally applicable to all forms of disease when the typhoid state , character- 
 ized by the above phenomena, is present, and especially to typhoid fever , and to smallpox 
 as it occurs in adults. In the latter disease it has been associated with the subcutaneous 
 injection of ether. But opiates in the diseases of children, and especially in their erup- 
 tive fevers, are seldom useful, and often involve serious risk. Another object of employ- 
 ing opium in the exanthematous fevers is to hasten the development of the eruption when 
 it is tardy and imperfect. Under such circumstances the medicine should be given in 
 small and repeated doses, and associated with external heat and rubefacients and internal 
 diffusible stimulants. Before the introduction of cinchona, opium was generally used to 
 abort the paroxysms of periodical fevers , which it did by creating a vascular excitement 
 opposed to the formation of the chill, and inducing artificially a diaphoresis which also 
 prevented that stage of the attack. In the same manner it is often now associated w T ith 
 quinine, whose specific operation it favors. Another mode of using opium in intermittent 
 fever is to administer it in so large a dose as to hold the nervous system in a state of 
 immobility, and so prevent the formation of the paroxysm. 
 
 Inflammation is less directly under the control of opium than idiopathic fever, yet its 
 judicious employment, by lessening pain, tends to prevent an aggravation of the disorder 
 and to allow the natural recuperative powers their full operation. In chronic inflamma- 
 tions, also, attended with constitutional irritation and hectic fever, opium exerts a salutary 
 restraining influence. After severe operations it tends to prevent the irritative fever ; 
 which the shock of pain and loss of blood, and the consequent reaction, are apt to ejxcite. > 
 As a rule, the dose required is large and sedative. In haemorrhage , even of the active 
 sort, opium js sometimes of service by diminishing the agitation upon which its contin- 
 uance depends, and especially by allaying the excitability of the nervous system of the 
 heart ; but its greater utility is in cases of passive haemorrhage accompanied by a similar 
 excitability. Possibly, also, it may directly contract the capillaries. The use of opium > 
 in gangrene , advocated by Pott, and Hoffmann, Eberle, and Travers, has been eulogized 
 by Mr. Pollock (Brit. Med. Jour., April, 1884, p. 799), who advocates it “ in almost every <■ 
 condition approaching to gangrene or partaking of it,” including senile gangrene, gan- 
 grenous ulcers, simple and syphilitic phagedaena, and gangrene of the mouth, but exclu- - 
 ding “ traumatic spreading gangrene.” 
 
 All forms of pain are palliated by opiates, but the more independent pain is of material 
 lesions, as in pure neuralgia , the more efficient are these remedies, unless, perhaps, when 
 the narcotic operation suspends the action of the physical cause of pain. All forms of 
 spasmodic pain, of the bowels, bladder, uterus, gall, and urinary ducts, etc., are lessened 
 by suspending the spasm in which the pain arises. Pain due to movements of the affected 
 part is directly palliated by opium, and indirectly by promoting rest. In nearly all pain- 
 ful disorders the dose of opium must be proportioned to the degree of pain. The toler- 
 ance of large doses of the drug during severe pain, and also in prolonged spasmodic 
 attacks like tetanus, is a remarkable fact. Opium is seldom appropriate for pain within 
 the head ; it may dangerously mask this symptom in other cases where pain is the chief 
 indication of the disease. Of the latter, strangulated hernia is an example. After the 
 operation for this accident the bowels should be restrained by full doses of opium. In 
 case of peritonitis the use of opiates becomes all the more urgent. (See below.) 
 
 Sleeplessness is relieved by the direct action of opium, and also indirectly, in so far as 
 opium removes the cause that prevents sleep, whether it be pain, mental excitement, or 
 exhaustion, etc. ; but very often it fails of its effect, although given in large doses, in 
 such excessive excitement as occurs in mania a potu, acute insanity, meningeal inflamma- 
 tion in some of its forms, etc. Moreover, if long continued, its utility as a hypnotic is 
 more than counterbalanced by the danger of forming the opium habit, by the derange- 
 ment of digestion, secretion, etc. which it induces, particularly as its original effects can 
 only be maintained by largely increased doses of the drug. A study of the opium treat- 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1179 
 
 ment of melancholia, mania, and dementia has not furnished favorable results (Ziehen, 
 Therap. Monatsheft ., iii. 61 ; 115). In puerperal insanity it is more beneficial than in 
 other forms of mental disorder, particularly when morphine is used hypodermically. 
 The treatment of delirium tremens by large doses of opium, which at one time prevailed, 
 was most unfavorable in its results ; and if the drug is used at all in this disorder, its 
 doses should be small and repeated, so as to produce a primary stimulant and not a nar- 
 cotic operation. We have observed with intense regret a tendency to revive the practice 
 of administering large doses of opiates in this disease. In one case 5 grains of morphine 
 were given subcutaneously in 2 doses, and in another no less than 8 grains within four 
 hours {Med. Times and Gaz. : March 11 and 18, 1876). The mortality of delirium 
 tremens under the opium treatment, as formally practised, was enormous, and is remem- 
 bered by the present writer as one of the most painful features of his hospital life. Since 
 that time, with an expectant and rational treatment , he has rarely had occasion to witness 
 a death from this disease. In epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis opium is probably the 
 most efficient of all the remedies that have been employed. But its utility is most con- 
 spicuous in those cases of the disease in which spasm (i. e. spinal irritation) predominates 
 over septic phenomena, and when it is administered steadily from the commencement of 
 the attack. Sunstroke marked by nervous symptoms, such as convulsions, twitchings, 
 delirium, and general excitement, is greatly benefited by the hypodermic injection of 
 morphine. Opium may be used as a palliative in epilepsy , hysteria , eclampsia , and spasm 
 of the glottis; and although it is contraindicated in obstruction of the kidneys, as in 
 Bright’s disease, it is nevertheless of great value in ursemic convulsions , especially in the 
 form of hypodermic injections. 
 
 In obstinate cases of chorea the sustained use of opium has sometimes been followed 
 by a great reduction of the spasmodic movements, and even by cure. Hardly any 
 remedy has effected as much good in traumatic tetanus as opium, even when given by 
 the mouth, although a large portion of the drug is wasted by this mode of administra- 
 tion. The liquid preparations are preferable, and superior to these again is the hypo- 
 dermic injection of morphine. Neither method should exclude the due employment at 
 the same time of other remedies, and especially of counter-irritation of the spine and 
 the use of alcohol. In this disease larger doses of opiates are required than in any other. 
 In the somewhat analogous affection produced by strychnine-poisoning subcutaneous injec- 
 tions of morphine have proved curative. The use of opiates in neuralgia is , most efficient 
 when the salts of morphine are injected hypodermically, as is elsewhere at greater length 
 described. (See Morphina.) This statement applies to internal as well as external 
 neuralgia. 
 
 In diseases of the respiratory organs pain and cough are the symptoms which especially 
 call for the use of opiate preparations, which relieve the former directly as well as dimin- 
 ish the violent movements accompanying the latter symptom. So far as the pain caused by 
 coughing depends upon pleural inflammation or upon the action of muscles affected with 
 rheumatism, opium affords certain relief, while it palliates also the painful sensations 
 accompanying acute bronchitis. But as coughing is largely a conservative act, tending 
 to prevent the accumulation of secretions in the bronchia, opium must not be employed 
 in such doses as tend to prevent this salutary operation ; hence it must be cautiously 
 used, if at all, when the bronchia are filled with their secretions. In the forming stage 
 of pulmonary catarrh or bronchitis , when the air-tubes are dry and irritable and coughing 
 painful, opium, especially with ipecacuanha, as in Dover’s powder, will sometimes mitigate, 
 or even terminate, the attack by promoting the pulmonary and cutaneous secretions. 
 Opium has been used in the form of morphine, hypodermically, with reported advantage 
 in arresting the development of autumnal catarrh. . Narceine has been credited with 
 the cure of whooping cough , but upon insufficient grounds. In pneumonia and pleurisy 
 opium should be restricted to moderating cough and pain ; and the same may be said of 
 chronic phthisis. In the latter, if habitually used, it is very apt to impair digestion and 
 hasten the patient’s decline, but is nevertheless almost indispensable when the cough is 
 harassing. It may sometimes be given in an atomized solution more profitably than 
 when otherwise administered. In asthma hypodermic injections of morphine are efficient 
 palliatives. In our lectures on the Practice of Medicine we were in the habit of recom- 
 mending opiates in spasmodic croup (An Epitome of Medicine , etc., 1883, p. 82). More 
 recently a similar treatment has been advocated by Dr. Arthur V. Meigs (Med. News , 
 1889, liv. 311). In the various affections of the heart, of which angina pectoris is a 
 more or less frequent symptom, opium, but still more morphine, is an invaluable palliative, 
 and that without too closely regarding the special lesion upon which the pain and the 
 
1180 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 disordered action of the heart depend. Of heart lesions which accompany such attacks 
 those of the mitral valve are the most frequent. For the relief by opium of all symp- 
 toms depending upon a positive or relative debility of the heart the medicine must be 
 given so as to stimulate ; that is to say, in small and repeated doses. 
 
 Among diseases of the digestive organs the symptoms most appropriately treated by 
 opium are vomiting, pain, and diarrhoea. All forms of vomiting are more or less under 
 its control, as that of sea-sichness, of pregnancy, of reflex irritation generally, and of dis- 
 eases affecting the stomach itself. In the last opium is often given in the form of an old 
 or hard pill, but the hypodermic injection of morphine is usually more efficient. Simple 
 idcer of the stomach as a cause of vomiting is sometimes treated with opium and its 
 preparations, but they are unnecessary when the diet is properly regulated and bismuth 
 or lime-water is employed. In pure gastralgia these medicines are often extremely 
 valuable as palliatives, but other means are required to cure the disease through the 
 removal of its cause. When used, they should be administered 10 or 15 minutes before 
 meals, and also when a paroxysm is imminent. 
 
 Of the use of opiates in diarrhoea, it may be remarked that the less this symptom 
 depends upon material lesions or upon irritating crude ingesta, the more efficient are 
 opium and its preparations as remedies. Indeed, they only hasten somewhat the natural 
 cure by moderating the peristaltic action and diminishing the secretions of the intestine. 
 Otherwise, they act as aids to absorbents and astringents, such as chalk, tannin, etc. 
 
 In dysentery opium is of less value for its curative properties than as a palliative of the 
 tormina and tenesmus which belong to the active forms of this disease ; but even these 
 symptoms are more successfully relieved by the evacuant method, either alone or in 
 alternation with the administration of opium by the mouth and by the rectum in enemata 1 
 or suppositories. When once the violence of the disease is subdued, moderate doses of 
 opium greatly hasten its termination. In the chronic form of dysentery the main reli- 
 ance must be upon diet, especially upon a milk diet, but opium with astringents is the ' 
 best medicinal remedy. In lientery opium, with or without astringents, is almost indis- 
 pensable. It is by far the best remedy in cholera morbus. No evacuant medicines need 
 be first administered. A grain of opium should be given every half hour in severe i 
 cases, the patient refraining from the use of liquids as much as possible. Enemata of 
 laudanum should also be employed, or the treatment may be confided to the hypodermic 
 use of morphine. Care should be taken not to exceed the needful quantity of the drug 
 administered, on account of the depression which is apt to follow the use of large doses. 
 
 In epidemic cholera, depending as it does upon a specific cause, opium cannot be as con- 
 fidently relied upon ; indeed, the records of its use in this disease are extremely dis- 
 couraging. But in the forming stage, or that of premonitory diarrhoea when that stage 
 exists, opium with chalk and vegetable astringents is invaluable. The tender age and 
 great susceptibility to the influence of opium of the ordinary subjects of cholera infantum 
 render opium an unsafe remedy for that affection, notwithstanding the apparently clear 
 indications for its use in the nature of the disease. If used at all, it should be in the 
 form of Dover’s powder alone or along with gray powder or calomel. 
 
 The symptom colic, as a form of pain, is of course amenable to a treatment by opiates, 
 but it is a symptom connected with very numerous and dissimilar conditions. In the 
 ordinary form, due to flatulent dyspepsia of the bowel, opium with diffusible or carmina- 
 tive stimulants affords prompt relief. In painted s colic, which is attended with intestinal 
 contraction and spasm, opium is the best remedy, especially in alternation with purgatives. 
 Biliary and nephritic colic are most efficiently treated by opium ; and when pain arises 
 from any of the various acute forms of intestinal displacement ( invagination , hernia ), the 
 moderate but sustained use of opiates is infinitely preferable to the too common method 
 of attempting to force an evacuation by means of purgatives. (Compare Curshmann, 
 Therap. Monatshefte, iii. 201). In all of these cases the hypodermic use of morphine is 
 preferable to opium internally. (Compare Post, New York Med. Record, xxi. 431.) Of 
 the several forms of peritonitis, those only whith are due to traumatic causes, such as exter- 
 nal violence and perforation or irritation of the peritoneum by diseases of the organs 
 which it covers, are favorably influenced by opium ; but in these it is indispensable, for 
 by its means alone can that repose of the abdominal organs be secured which is necessary 
 to control the degree and extent of the inflammation. In puerperal peritonitis, although 
 it has been employed in heroic doses and emphatically praised, it has not been generally 
 recognized as appropriate. 
 
 Among diseases of the genito-urinary organs opium is an efficient palliative in 
 nephritic colic , already referred to, and in all the spasmodic affections of the ureters , 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 1181 
 
 bladder , and urethra, such as arise during calculous disorders and inflammation of 
 these several parts. Thus it is a usual remedy for chordee , although generally associated 
 with camphor. In all of these cases it is best administered by the rectum. It should 
 never be used in Bright's disease. Opium is superior to any other single medicine in 
 diminishing the quantity and the saccharine quality of the urine in diabetes when admin- 
 istered in full and progressively increasing doses until a partial tolerance of the drug is 
 induced. At the same time it lessens the thirst and hunger, renders the skin softer, and 
 the mind less despondent. Its most efficient coadjutors are exercise and appropriate food. 
 (See case, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1881, p. 277.) It is an efficient palliative of 
 the grinding pains which precede actual labor, and for those uterine contractions which so 
 often lead to abortion or premature labor. Hypodermic morphine injections are more 
 efficient than opium in such cases. The same means are frequently employed in dysmen* 
 orrhoea. In these various affections, and in all others within the pelvis for which opium 
 is appropriate, suppositories containing this drug or its derivatives, and enemata with 
 laudanum, are especially indicated. In constitutional syphilis opium has been erroneously 
 represented as a means of cure. It only allays constitutional irritability and procures 
 rest from nocturnal pains. In the primary forms of the disease it is useful as a dressing 
 for irritable sores. 
 
 Muscular rheumatism may generally be relieved by opium, used so as to produce free 
 diaphoresis, and especially in the form of Dover’s powder. It is much more efficient in 
 the forming stage of the attack than later. In articular rheumatism it has sometimes 
 been used as an exclusive treatment, but with very unfavorable results, in that it aug- 
 ments the frequency and the gravity of cardiac complications. It is, however, valuable 
 as an anodyne and soporific, thereby husbanding the patient’s strength while the disease 
 is removed by eliminative medicines. In the same manner it is useful in gout, and partic- 
 ularly its liquid preparations. When this disease becomes retrocedent , and especially 
 when it attacks the stomach, opiates associated with diffusible stimulants are the most 
 reliable remedies. Wine of opium or laudanum should then be administered in doses of 
 from Gm. 2-3 (40 to 60 drops) every hour by the mouth or rectum, or morphine may be 
 employed hypodermically. 
 
 The use of opium in poisoning by Belladonna, Atropina, Strychnina, Stramon- 
 ium, and Physostigma will be found described under those several titles. 
 
 As a local remedy opium has already been noticed in connection with various painful 
 affections; the uses of morphine in this respect are even more numerous. But the liquid 
 preparations of opium in liniments, epithems, poultices, etc. as topical anodynes are more 
 habitually employed. A watery solution is used as a dressing for irritable ulcers; the 
 wine of opium is an admirable anodyne and stimulant in granular conjunctivitis and ulcers 
 of the cornea; in earache laudanum and sweet oil are applied on cotton to the auditory 
 canal ; in toothache a small piece of opium may be introduced into the hollow of a carious 
 tooth, or, still better, a solution of morphine in chloroform, saturating a plug of cotton, 
 may be similarly applied, or in rheumatic toothache the gums may be bathed with laud- 
 anum. In paronychia and numerous other forms of painful local inflammation the ano- 
 dyne operation of opium and its preparations lessens the inflammation by assuaging the 
 pain. 
 
 The rational and habitual method of treating poisoning by opium consists in empty- 
 ing the stomach of whatever portion it still contains of the poison, and in keeping 
 the nervous system stimulated and the respiratory apparatus active, and so prevent- 
 ing or diminishing narcotism until the poison is eliminated from the system. For the 
 first purpose emetics are indicated ; e. g. large draughts of warm salt and water, mus- 
 tard-water, or water containing ipecacuanha, sulphate of zinc, or sulphate of copper. 
 Tartar emetic should nfcver be prescribed, unless other evacuants fail. It has been suc- 
 cessfully employed by the rectum and also by the veins. Vomiting should be favored by 
 tickling the fauces. If these means are not promptly and completely efficient, the stom- 
 ach-pump should be resorted to. When solid opium has been taken — which, however, is 
 rarely the case — the stomach-pump is of secondary importance. To counteract narco- 
 tism, stimulants of the general nervous system and of the respiratory apparatus are 
 employed, both internally and externally. One of the best, as well as the most acces- 
 sible, is a strong infusion of coffee, given without sugar or cream, but with a small pro- 
 portion of brandy or whiskey. A strong infusion of green tea is nearly as efficient. 
 The mydriatics (belladonna and stramonium) and also nitrite of amyl have been employed 
 as direct antidotes. Their value is estimated in the articles devoted to those medicines. 
 A single illustration of the efficacy of atropine may be mentioned here : A man had taken 
 
1182 
 
 OPOPANAX. 
 
 2\ ounces of laudanum, none of which was rejected or removed, and no remedies were 
 applied until two hours had elapsed. Then 1 grain of atropine was given hypodermically 
 in four hours and in six doses. The man recovered (Bryant, Med. Record , xviii. 648). 
 Fluid extract of gelsemium has been employed hypodermically with advantage. Its seda- 
 tive action should be watched. Of external means for stimulating the nervous system, one 
 of the best is to cause the patient to walk, as long as he is able, supported between two 
 assistants, while his attention is kept aroused by conversation or by flagellating the back 
 with a whip of fine cords or a bundle of birch-twigs. Unless the impression made is I 
 sharp it is almost useless. Hence the electrical brush answers remarkably well for this 
 purpose. Cold, or alternate heat and cold, affusion, made to the upper part of the body, I 
 produce a powerful impression and excite the respiratory act. The partial restoration of | 
 consciousness by these means is sometimes accompanied by a renewal of the susceptibility 
 of the stomach, and the emetics it may contain excite vomiting. Ammonia may be held 
 to the nostrils occasionally, and mustard applied over the epigastrium and heart ; but the 
 irritation produced by these agents makes it necessary to watch their action. Artificial 
 respiration, although inferior to the other means described, has occasionally been used with 
 success. In infants the natural resiliency of the ribs renders this agency especially useful. 
 
 The cure of the opium-habit consists either in gradually diminishing the quantity of 
 the drug consumed, and the substitution for it of aromatic and stimulant tonics, such as 
 ginger, black pepper, columbo, quassia, etc., or in the abrupt cessation of the practice. 
 Both methods count a few successful cases, but the latter, while the more efficient, is the 
 more arduous, and, where there is marked general or cardiac debility, is not safe. In such 
 cases the preparations of coca are appropriate. In certain inveterate cases it is claimed 
 that a cure has been effected by prescribing 40 minims of dilute phosphoric acid and 80 
 minims of tincture of lupulin an hour before meals in a wine-glassful of water. At 
 night sleep may be promoted by tincture of cannabis and Hoffmann’s anodyne. The ; 
 exhausted digestive function should be allowed to revive under simple food, such as 
 milk and rich broths, in small quantities at a time. Exercise and bathing should be ; 
 insisted upon, and zinc, quinine, and iron may be cautiously administered. The various 
 secret nostrums sold for the cure of the opium habit nearly all contain opiates. 
 
 The average dose of opium for an adult is Gm. 0.06 (gr. j). This is usually an objec- 
 tionable form of its administration when the medicine must be repeated. In that case a 
 liquid preparation should always be preferred. When a gradual operation is intended 
 an old opium pill is the best, since its slow solution prolongs its action and extends its 
 local influence over a larger surface. It is also much less apt than freshly-made opium 
 pills to occasion nausea. The after-effects of opium are supposed to be mitigated by 
 bromide of potassium in a full dose administered along with the opiate. This apparent 
 operation is rather due to the fact that with a full dose of the bromide a smaller one of 
 opium is necessary. Owing to the extreme susceptibility of children to opium, it should 
 rarely be prescribed for them in the solid form. Suppositories of opium for the rectum 
 and vagina are very useful in local disorders of the pelvic organs, and the rectal forms 
 may also be used when for any reason the drug cannot be administered by the mouth. 
 But they are less prompt in action than enemata of liquid opiates. 
 
 Renarcotized opium (opium deodoratum) is supposed to be free from narcotine, and, 
 according to some, from thebaine also, and therefore that it is less apt than opium to 
 excite those distressing nervous symptoms which the whole drug sometimes occasions. 
 Its dose is the same as that of opium. 
 
 Opium-smoking has been recommended by Thudicum as one of the most effectual reme- 
 dies for commencing coryza , hay fever , bronchitis , obstinate coughs , various neuralgia , and 
 hypersesthesise generally. The watery extract is alone suitable for the purpose. (For the 
 mode of using opium in this manner see Kerr, Med. News, xliii.*402). 
 
 Eschscholtzia Californica was stated in 1887, by Stanislas Martin, to contain 
 opium (Bull, de Therap., cxii. 375). The statement was renewed later by Bardet and 
 Adrian ( Gaz . liebdom ., Nov. 23, 1888), and the experiments of Ter-Zakariant led him to 
 conclude that the alcoholic and watery extracts of the plant had the same virtues as 
 morphine, but in a much less degree. He administered from 40 to 150 grains of it a 
 day (Bull, de Therap., cxvi. 21). 
 
 OPOPANAX, Fr. Cod.— Opopanax. 
 
 Opoponaso, Sp. 
 
 A gum-resin obtained from Opopanax Chironium, Koch, s. Pastinaca Opopanax, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Orthospermse. 
 
ORIGANUM. 
 
 1183 
 
 Origin. — Tile opopanax-plant is a perennial herb, with a long, thick, and fleshy root, a 
 tall stem, large pinnately decompound leaves, yellow flowers, and dorsally flattened fruit 
 containing many oil-tubes. It is indigenous to Southern Europe. On wounding the root 
 or lower part of the stem a yellowish milk-juice exudes, which after hardening constitutes 
 opopanax. 
 
 Description. — The best, quality of opopanax is in irregular angular or subglobular 
 pieces from the size of a pea to that of a walnut, red-brown or yellowish-brown, friable, 
 breaking with a flat somewhat waxy fracture, and frequently with vegetable fragments 
 adhering. It has a strong, unpleasant odor, a balsamic bitter taste, yields with water a 
 yellowish emulsion, and when heated softens and exhales a rather alliaceous odor. An 
 inferior quality comes in larger irregular masses, which contain many impurities and are 
 of a less bitter taste. 
 
 Composition. — According to Pelletier, opopanax contains 42 per cent, resin, 33.4 
 per cent, gum, besides volatile oil, a little wax, starch, etc. 
 
 Allied Gum-Resins. — Sagapenum, obtained from a Persian species of Ferula, is met with in 
 yellowish-brown somewhat translucent small tears, and is frequently agglutinated to larger pieces, 
 of a bitter acrid taste and a faint alliaceous odor, which becomes prominent on heating. Cake 
 sagapenum is soft, adhesive, brown, nearly free from tears, mixed with foreign matters. A mix- 
 ture of galbanum and asafetida is sometimes sold in place of sagapenum. Pelletier and Brandes 
 found in sagapenum 50 to 54 per cent, of resin, 32 per cent, gum, with small quantities of volatile 
 oil, bassorin, etc. 
 
 Gtmmiresina heder.e, Ivy gum, is in the Levant and Southern Europe obtained from the com- 
 mon ivy, Hedera Helix, Linne (nat. ord. Araliaceae). It is in irregular yellowish or reddish- 
 brown pieces, translucent on the edges, with a garnet-red color, of a slightly bitter and some- 
 what acrid taste, and when heated of an agreeable balsamic odor. Pelletier found in a sample 
 nearly 70 per cent, of wood-fibre. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Opopanax (“the all-healing juice ”) is one of the numerous 
 gum resins, including galbanum and ammoniac, which were most esteemed by the ancients. 
 Galen speaks of it and of the root-bark of the plant as stimulating and cleansing when 
 applied to ulcers, and of the seeds as diuretic. Dioscorides describes its internal uses in 
 fever and ague, pleurisy, cough, dysury, and amenorrhoea, and its topical applications in 
 sprains, headache, gout, toothache, and carbuncle. Arabian writers advise it in nervous 
 exhaustion, for promoting the expulsion of the dead foetus, for paralysis, and for inflam- 
 mation of the eyes. In modern times it has been used, like ammoniac, for chronic bron- 
 chitis with profuse secretion, and externally in stimulating plasters, but it is now very 
 seldom employed. The dose may be stated at Gm. 1.30—2 (gr. xx-xxx). 
 
 Sagapenum was anciently used for the purposes to which asafetida and galbanum were 
 also applied — i. e. to the cure of chronic bronchitis and other chronic catarrhs, menstrual 
 disorders, hysteria, etc. The gum of Hedera helix was held to be acrid and astringent, 
 stimulant and emmenagogue, and was employed topically for the relief of local pains and 
 the moderation of profluvia, the healing of ulcers, etc. The berries have been used as 
 emeto-cathartics, and the leaves as stimulant and irritant applications. Griffith states 
 that some species of Silphium afford a fragrant bitter gum which is stimulant and aro- 
 matic ; and Porcher refers to S. laciniatum , s. gummiferum, as having been used for 
 asthma in horses, and to S. perfoliatum as tonic, diaphoretic, etc. In France a species 
 of Silphium has been credited with the cure of phthisis, but doubtless the disease which 
 it benefited was chronic bronchitis. 
 
 ORIGANUM.— Origanum. 
 
 Origan vulgaire , Fr. Cod. ; Dosten, Wilder Majoran ( Meiran ), G. ; Oregano , Sp. 
 
 Origanum vulgare, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 204. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae, Satureieae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Origanum, or wild marjoram , is a perennial herb grow- 
 ing in dry soil throughout a large portion of Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. It has 
 been introduced into the United States, where in some places it is now quite common. 
 The stem is quadrangular, often purplish, branched above. The leaves are opposite, 
 petiolate, roundish ovate, obtuse, entire, or slightly toothed, hairy on the veins beneath, 
 and pellucid punctate. The flowers are terminal on the branches, forming a corymbose 
 panicle, have a purple, ovate bell-shaped and five-toothed calyx, a purplish somewhat two- 
 lipped corolla, and four didynamous exserted stamens. The herb has a strong aromatic, 
 marjoram-like odor and a warm aromatic and bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The herb contains volatile oil, a little tannin, bitter principle, etc. 
 
1184 
 
 OS. 
 
 Oleum origani. — Oil of origanum, E. ; Essence d’origan, Ft. ; Dostenol, G. — Ray- 
 baud obtained only 0.024 to 0.03 per cent, from tbe fresh plant, and Redtel 2 per cent, 
 from the recently-dried herb. Red oil of thyme (see Oleum Thymi) is often sold in its 
 place. It is pale-yellow and limpid, becoming thicker and brown-yellow on exposure, has 
 a strong aromatic odor, and a warm, pungent, and slightly bitter taste. Its specific grav- 
 ity varies between 0.87 and 0.91. It yields a turbid solution with 12 parts of alcohol 
 specific gravity 0.85, fulminates when brought into contact with powdered iodine, acquires 
 with sulphuric acid a dark blood-red color, and a deep-brown one with potassium dichro- 
 mate and sulphuric acid (Zeller). The oil consists of a liquid and a solid portion, which 
 have not been fully investigated. Kane (1838) ascribed to it the composition (C 10 H 16 ) 5 O. 
 According to Jahns (1881), it is left-rotating, and contains 0.1 per cent, of phenols. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Origanum majorana, Limit, s. Majorana hortensis, Mcench; Herba majoranae. — 
 Sweet marjoram, E. ; Marjolaine, Fr. Cod; Meiran, G. ; almoraduz, liiejorana, Sp. — It is an 
 annual herb, frequently cultivated for culinary purposes, and is indigenous to Western Asia and 
 Southeastern Europe. The leaves are spatulate or oval, very obtuse, entire, gray-green, soft- 
 hairy, and pellucid punctate. The flowers are aggregated in small heads and have a small 
 whitish corolla. The plant is agreeably and pungently aromatic. 
 
 The volatile oil ( Oleum majorance) is thin, yellowish, of the specific gravity 0.89, boils above 
 163° C., is readily soluble in alcohol, has the aromatic odor of the herb, and, according to Beil- 
 stein and E. Wiegand (1882), contains a terpene boiling at 178° C. (352.4° F.) and forming a liquid 
 compound with HC1; the fraction boiling between 200° and 220° C. (392° and 428° F.) has the 
 composition C 15 H 26 0, and is not affected by metallic sodium. 
 
 An ointment of marjoram, Unguentum majorance. , is occasionally employed ; it is prepared by 
 softening 2 parts of the cut herb with 1 part of alcohol, then digesting with 10 parts of lard until 
 the alcohol has evaporated, straining and cooling. 
 
 Orig. creticum, Limit , indigenous to Southern Europe, has hairy ovate or nearly cordate and 
 somewhat five-nerved, pungently aromatic leaves, and whitish flowers. In Europe the volatile 
 oil is distilled from it, and is used like allied oils. The volatile oil of Orig. hirtum, Link, 
 which is often sold in place of it, consists, according to Jahns (1879), of 50 to 60 per cent, of 
 carvacrol and of several terpenes, besides a volatile acid and a small quantity of a phenol which 
 becomes violet-colored with ferric chloride. 
 
 Orig. Dictamnus, Limit , is found in the Levant, has wolly-tomentose, obtusely quadrangular 
 branches, roundish ovate toinentose leaves, partly purple-colored bracts, and a dark-purplish 
 corolla. It is pungently aromatic. 
 
 Lippia origanoides, Kunth ( nat . ord. Yerbenaceae) is the origano of Mexico. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Wild marjoram has been applied in fomentations and poultices 
 for the relief of local pains in the same manner as numerous other plants containing an 
 aromatic volatile oil. Sweet marjoram is chiefly used as a condiment in cooking, to 
 diminish, by its excitant qualities, the indigestibility of pork, goose, and other fatty food. 
 It is sometimes employed in warm infusion to promote the eruption in exanthematous 
 fevers, allay colic , dysmenorrhoeal pains , etc., and the fresh bruised herb is applied as a 
 cataplasm to assuage local pains. The infusion may be made with Gm. 30 to Gm. 500 
 (§j in Oj) of water. Oil of origanum is applied locally as an anaesthetic to relieve the 
 pain of carious teeth , neuralgia , etc. It forms an efficient ingredient of liniments for 
 
 muscular rheumatism , contusions , etc. It may be prescribed internally in doses of Gin. 
 0.30-0.60 (gtt. v-x). 
 
 OS. — Bone. 
 
 Os, Fr. ; Knochen, G. ; Hueso, Sp. 
 
 Description. — Bones form the skeleton of the vertebrate animals, and consist of a 
 dense organic tissue which is filled with a calcareous deposit. They are white, externally 
 smooth, insoluble in water, partly soluble in acids, leaving a gelatinous mass behind, and 
 when heated are partly decomposed, an empyreumatic animal odor being given off and a 
 porous charcoal left. (See Carbo Animalis, p. 405.) On continuing the heat in contact 
 with air, the organic matter is entirely consumed and a white earthy residue remains. 
 
 Oomposition. — The organic portion of bones, which is left undissolved on treatment 
 with hydrochloric acid, has been called ossein, and on continued boiling with water is con- 
 verted into gelatin (see page 767). The inorganic portion varies in different bones of the 
 same individual, in the bones of different species, and in different layers of the same bone ; 
 it is smaller in the inner layers, amounting sometimes to 40 per cent., and in the outer 
 layers it may reach 67 per cent. The ash contains calcium phosphate (usually about 75 
 per cent, of the bones) and carbonate (about 5 to 10 per cent.), magnesium phosphate 
 (1.1 to 2.7 per cent.), calcium fluoride (less than 1 per cent.), and traces of silica, iron, 
 
OX A LIS. 
 
 1185 
 
 manganese, and probably also sodium chloride. ^Eby (1874) considers the principal inor- 
 ganic constituents of bones to be united to a chemical compound having the formula 
 3Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 CaC0 3 , probably united with water and mixed with calcium carbonate. Ivory , 
 including the fossil kind, has the composition 6Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 Ca (OH) 2 CaC0 3 .4H 2 0. When 
 old bones free from organic matter are dried at 200° C. (392° F.), the residue on being 
 moistened with water becomes warm and increases to its original weight again. Above 
 250° C. (482° F.) more water and carbon dioxide are given off. 
 
 When ground bones are treated with about 50 per cent, of their weight of sulphuric 
 acid a mixture is obtained which is largely used as a manure under the name of superphos- 
 phate of lime, containing, besides the organic matter of the bones, about 50 per cent, of 
 calcium sulphate, 22 or 23 per cent, of acid calcium phosphate, and small quantities of 
 magnesium compounds. On exposing such a mixture in thin layers to a current of crude 
 illuminating gas the latter is deprived of ammonia, which combines with the superphos- 
 phate to the extent of about 10 per cent., forming ammonium phosphate and sulphate. 
 The product of this dry ammonia process for gas purification is considered to be more 
 valuable as a fertilizer than the superphosphate of lime. 
 
 Pharmceutical Uses. — Os ustum, Br. Bone-ash is the inorganic residue left on 
 burning bones to whiteness, and consists principally of calcium phosphate, with about 
 10 per cent, of calcium carbonate and a little calcium fluoride and magnesium phosphate. 
 It is used in the manufacture of glacial phosphoric acid and in preparing Calc, phosphas 
 and Sod. phosphas, U. S., Br. 
 
 OXALIS.— ' Wood-Sorrel. 
 
 Alleluia, Burette, Pain de coucou, Fr. ; Sauerklee , Hasenklee , Gr. ; Acederitta, Socoyol, Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Greraniaceae, Oxalideae. 
 
 Description. — The following species indigenous to North America and Europe have 
 been used : 
 
 O. Acetosella, Linne. The thin, thread-like rhizome, near the ascending apex, is 
 furnished with crowded reddish fleshy scales and fine brown radicles. The leaves are 
 radical petiolate, and have three triangular-obcordate entire leaflets 12 Mm. (J inch) long. 
 The scapes are longer than the petioles, and bear a single white, red-veined flower with 
 ten alternately short stamens. The capsule is five-angled and five-celled, each cell con- 
 taining two seeds. 
 
 O. corniculata, Linne, is an annual herb, producing subterranean shoots which sur- 
 vive the winter. The leaves are petiolate, with three obcordate leaflets, and the flowers 
 yellow, forming a small umbel on peduncles longer than the petioles. The variety stricta 
 is common in North America. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Several species, mostly acaulescent and bulbous, and bearing white, purple, or 
 yellow flowers, are seen in cultivation. All are inodorous or nearly so, and have a pleasant acid- 
 ulous taste. 
 
 Rumex Acetosa, Linn6 ( not . ord. Polygonacea) ; Sorrel, E. ; Oseille commune, Fr. Cod. ; 
 Sauerampfer, G. ; Acedera, Sp. — The stems of the sorrel dock is about 50 cm. (20 inches) high; 
 the leaves are broadly lanceolate, with arrow-shaped or halberdform basal lobes ; the acidulous 
 taste is due to potassium oxalate. Th afield or sheep sorrel (R. Acetosella, Linn6 ) resembles the 
 preceding, but is only about one-fourth its size. It is a common weed, while the former is spar- 
 ingly naturalized in North America. 
 
 Constituents. — Besides the principles common to most herbs, these plants contain 
 acid potassium oxalate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Wood-sorrel and yellow wood-sorrel depend for their medicinal 
 virtues upon the potassium oxalate they contain. They have been long considered anti- 
 scorbutic, diuretic, and sedative in febrile conditions. In the last case an infusion of 
 the plant forms an agreeable acidulous drink. Sorrel may be eaten as a salad mixed with 
 lettuce, water-cress, etc. In scurvy , purpura . and some cases of vernal intermittent fever it 
 is reported to have been curative. In Europe it is commonly eaten as a dressing for insipid 
 meats, such as veal and sweetbread, and it is stated that its habitual use in this way has 
 led to the formation of urinary calculi of oxalate of lime. It is related that a boy who 
 had eaten a quantity of raw sorrel-leaves, quenched his thirst with water which was 
 soapy; he was seized with giddiness and died unconscious. This result was attributed to 
 the combination of the oxalic acid of the sorrel with the alkali of the soap {Med. Press, 
 June 23, 1886). Externally, the bruised leaves are sometimes applied to cleanse and 
 stimulate foul ulcers. Eltinge reports a case of epithelioma of the lip cured by the appli- 
 
1186 
 
 OX YG ESI I 'M. 
 
 cation of the inspissated juice of Oxalis acetosella. It occasioned intense pain, lasting 
 for half an hour ( Philad . Med. Times , xii. 159). Such instances have led to the sugges- 
 tion of its use as a remedy for cancer. 
 
 OXYGENIUM.— Oxygen. 
 
 Oxygene , Fr. ; Oxygen , Sauerstoff , G. 
 
 Symbol 0. Atomicity bivalent. Atomic weight 15.96. 
 
 Oxygen was discovered by Scheele (1772) and Priestley (1774). It constitutes about 
 one-fifth of the volume of atmospheric air, the remainder being nitrogen, with a small 
 proportion of carbon dioxide. Eight-ninths of the weight of water and one-half the 
 weight of many minerals consist of oxygen, and it is estimated that at least one-third 
 the weight of the solid crust of the earth is made up of this element, which is the most 
 abundant of all. 
 
 Preparation. — Oxygen may be obtained by exposing manganese dioxide, mercuric 
 oxide, or some other metallic oxide to a strong heat, but it is most conveniently prepared 
 by heating a mixture of 4 or 5 parts of potassium chlorate with 1 part of manganese 
 dioxide. At a low red heat the chlorate is completely decomposed into oxygen and 
 potassium chloride, which remains mixed with the manganese ; the latter, not being 
 altered, may be recovered by dissolving the potassium chloride in water ; KC10 3 yields 
 KOI + 0 3 . Care should be taken that black antimony sulphide be not used in place of 
 manganese dioxide, and that the mixture be free from organic compounds, since a violent 
 explosion would take place on the application of heat. 
 
 Properties. — Oxygen is a colorless and inodorous gas having the density 1.1056 as 
 compared with air ; 1 liter of it at 0° C. (32° F.) and a barometric pressure of 0.76 meter 
 weighs 1.43 Gm. L. Cailletet and R. Pictet (December, 1877) succeeded in reducing it 
 to the liquid state, when it has the density 1.0. It is slightly soluble in water and alco- 
 hol, and combines with all other elements, perhaps with the sole exception of fluorine. 
 These compounds are called oxides , and the act of combination oxidation , and when 
 attended with heat and light it is termed combustion. 
 
 By the action of electricity upon oxygen, or by the slow oxidation of phosphorus in 
 moist air, and under various other circumstances, oxygen is converted into ozone , which 
 is a gas as usually obtained colorless, but, according to Hautefeuille and Chappuis (1880), 
 of a deep-blue color if sufficiently concentrated, and under a pressure of 125 atmospheres 
 forms indigo-blue drops, which after the removal of pressure evaporate slowly. It has 
 a peculiar odor, somewhat resembling that of chlorine, is a powerful oxidizing agent, 
 bleaches indigo solution, and liberates iodine from potassium iodide ; paper dipped in thin 
 starch-paste containing potassium iodide is turned blue by ozonized air, and is a delicate 
 test for the presence of ozone. This body has not been obtained free from oxygen ; it is 
 regarded simply as a modification of oxygen, its formula being 0 2 0, indicating that 3 
 vols. have been condensed into 2 ; its spec, gravity is one-half greater than that of oxy- 
 gen. It is nearly insoluble in water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Assuming that oxygen could be introduced through the lungs 
 as readily as food is carried into the system through the stomach, it was inferred that 
 by its means all the organic operations of the economy could be aroused to an increased 
 activity. Experimenters graphically described the enlivening influence of this increased 
 supply of “ vital air ” upon the sensations and the organic functions, and were apt at 
 explaining how it not only must, but actually did, cure some of the gravest of diseases. 
 But it was pointed out by Dr. A. H. Smith, and then by Dr. B. W. Richardson, that no 
 more than a certain proportion of oxygen, such as exists in the atmosphere, can be 
 absorbed by the lungs. Their results were subsequently (1875) confirmed by Buchheim, 
 who concluded that “ henceforth we must abandon the notion that the course of diseases 
 can be modified by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood.” It should be remem- 
 bered that Richardson and others have shown ( Lancet , Nov. 1878, p. 749) that oxygen 
 inhaled in large quantities is so far from being a stimulant that it relaxes and debilitates 
 the system, and, in fact, induces narcotism. The vivifying action of oxygen has also 
 been questioned by Brown-Sequard ( Annuaire de Therap ., 1889, p. 36), who has shown 
 that the phenomena of asphyxia are by no means exclusively due to the privation of 
 oxygen, that carbonic acid can be largely introduced into the blood without serious results, 
 and that the addition of oxygen to this gas renders it more poisonous. Hayem holds that 
 the inhalation of from 50 to 100 quarts a day of oxygen, more or less diluted with atmo- 
 spheric air, stimulates the appetite, raises the temperature slightly, quickens the pulse, 
 
OXYMEL. 
 
 1187 
 
 and increases the weight, that it temporarily augments “ the haematoblasts and the red 
 corpuscles.'’ and the proportion of haemoglobin in the latter, but that it restores neither 
 their normal size nor form (Archives gen. , June. 1881, p. 745). It may be added that 
 Dr. J. H. Kellogg ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 589), on injecting oxygen into the rectum of a 
 cniinea-pig, found that the dark venous blood of the intestines almost immediately 
 assumed a bright-red hue. Similar observations were also made by Dr. H. Wyman. 
 
 A critical examination of the reports of pulmonary consumption treated by oxygen 
 proves that no ground exists for the belief that the disease is either curable or much 
 benefited by this gas, although it has been claimed (Ransome) that the treatment arrested 
 the fever and night-sweats, reduced the expectoration, and increased the flesh and appe- 
 tite ; the same may be said of diabetes , in which it transiently diminishes the diuresis and 
 the proportion of sugar ; and of albuminuria , in which it similarly reduces the albumen. 
 In asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other affections of the respiratory organs, including 
 pneumonia , attended with symptoms of asphyxia the inhalation of oxygen has certainly 
 appeared to prolong, and even to save, life. According to Dr. Blodgett (. Boston Med. 
 and Surg. Journ ., Nov., 1890, pp. 481, 493) the inhalation must be copious and pro- 
 longed. This has been demonstrated in asphyxia from emphysema with bronchitis, in 
 laryngitis of various forms, in compression of the lungs by the gravid uterus, in opiate 
 narcotism , in poisoning by charcoal fumes or by illuminating or privy gas, by chloroform, 
 and in similar conditions. A case is recorded in which it seems to have saved the life of 
 a child poisoned by a very large dose of carbolic acid (Bull, de Therap., cv. 417). Its 
 most striking benefits are observed when the gas is inhaled by dyspeptic chlorotic patients. 
 It revives the appetite, quickens the digestion, and arrests vomiting if present, and con- 
 sequently increases the excretion of urea. But this improvement is not permanent unless 
 iron is used as supplementary to the oxygen (Bull, de Ther., xcviii. 427). The same 
 remark applies to hysterical and hystero-epileptic cases. In puerperal eclampsia oxygen 
 seems to have been useless, but in hydrophobia to have mitigated the severity of the 
 symptoms (Kastyleff. Med. News , xlviii. 38). Most of the above conclusions have been 
 confirmed by Dr. W. G. Thompson (Med. Record, xxxvi. 1, 26) ; and Creswell (Practi- 
 tioner, xli. 241, 321), who used oxygen by inhalation and oxygen-water in the treatment 
 of scarlatina and its renal complications, believed that “ hopeless cases were revived by 
 the gas and existence was by it occasionally prolonged and he thought that it served a 
 useful purpose in a case of uraemic coma and in several cases of pulmonary complications. 
 Dr. Kellogg has stated that in the case of a person who was passing large quantities of 
 lithic acid the excess was corrected by oxygen enemata. Drs. DaCosta and Hershey have 
 reported that in the treatment of leukaemia and grave anaemias oxygen inhalations may 
 “ prolong life and produce results not otherwise to be obtained ” (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., 
 xcviii. 482). In traumatic tetanus the inhalation of oxygen is said to have caused pro- 
 fuse diaphoresis and muscular relaxation (Richardson). In some cases of vomiting during 
 pregnancy this treatment has arrested the symptom when all other measures had failed. 
 (For a detailed account of oxygen as a medicine see Stille, Therapeutics, etc., 4th ed., 
 i. 703.) If possible, the oxygen should be inhaled from a reservoir or bag containing it 
 through a tube with a suitable stopcock and valves, in the same manner as nitrous-oxide 
 gas. or from a metallic bottle of compressed oxygen. Water charged with oxygen in 
 the same manner as it commonly is with carbonic-acid gas is more convenient, and prob- 
 ably as efficient in many cases, as the inhaled oxygen ; and the peroxide of hydrogen 
 similarly administered or applied has been credited with remarkable vivifying effects. 
 
 OXYMEL, Bv. — Oxymel. 
 
 Oxymel simplex, Mel acetatnm.- — Oxymel (Oxymellite) simple, Acetomel, Fr.; Sauerhonig , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Clarified Honey 40 ounces ; Acetic Acid and Distilled 
 
 ater, each 5 fluidounces. Liquefy the honey by heat, and mix with it the acetic acid 
 and water. — Br. 
 
 The French Codex orders 1 part of white wine vinegar to be mixed with 4 parts of 
 virgin honey, and the mixture to be concentrated and clarified with paper pulp. The 
 German Pharmacopoeia of 1872 directed the mixing of 40 parts of clarified honey with 
 1 part of acetic acid spec. grav. 1.040; this is certainly the simplest process. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is an official form of the popular mixture of honey and 
 vinegar, which is generally used as a gargle in sore throat. It may be prescribed as an 
 excipient for various expectorant medicines, and particularly for squill and ipecacuanha 
 in the form of syrup. 
 
1188 
 
 OXYMEL SCILLjE.—PANCREA TINUM. 
 
 OXYMEL SCILL^], JBr., F. Cod., P. G . — Oxymel of Squill. 
 
 Oxymel scilliticum . — Oxymel scillitique , Fr. ; Meerzwiebelhonig , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Vinegar of Squill 1 pint ; Clarified Honey 2 pounds. Mix 
 and evaporate by a water-bath until the product when cold shall have the specific gravity 
 1.32. — Br. The P. G. directs that 1 part of vinegar of squill and 2 parts of honey shall 
 be mixed and evaporated to 2 parts. Vinegar of squill 1 part, honey ,4 parts ; clarify 
 with paper pulp and evaporate to the density of 1.26. — F. Cod. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Oxymel of squill has the medicinal virtues of syrup of squill, 
 neither more nor less. Honey is superior to syrup as a local application to the throat, 
 but there is no known difference between the two in their action upon the air-passages. 
 Like the syrup of squill, the oxymel may be prescribed in catarrhal affections of the res- 
 piratory mucous membrane, and in young children as an emetic in spasmodic croup. It 
 has been employed, and in large doses frequently repeated, in the treatment of whooping 
 cough (Netter ; Monti). The dose, as an expectorant, is for adults Gm. 4 (f^j) ; for 
 infants, from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gtt. v-xx). As an emetic for children Gm. 4 (f^j) may be 
 given at short intervals. 
 
 P.ZEONIA. — Peony. 
 
 Pivoine officinale, Fr. ; Gichtrose, Pjingstrose, G. ; Peonia, Sp. 
 
 Pseonia officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Ranunculacese, Paeonieae. 
 
 Description. — Peony is a perennial herb from Southern Europe, which is frequently 
 cultivated for ornament. It has an oblique many-headed root-stock 15—23 Cm. (6 or 9 
 inches) in length, with numerous at first fibrous roots, which afterward enlarge and 
 become fusiform, dark-brown, internally white and mealy, resembling elongated tubers, 
 about 5-8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) long, and 12 Mm. (| inch) thick. In commerce these are 
 generally peeled, are whitish or purplish, and have near the circumference narrow yellow 
 wood-wedges. The branched stem is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, smooth, with large, 
 twice or thrice pinnately dissected and cleft green smooth leaves, and large terminal 
 flowers, having five sepals, five to eight petals, numerous stamens, and two to five ovaries. 
 The petals are obovate, entire or crenate, 38 Mm. (1J inches) long, dark-red, purple or 
 rose-red, after drying inodorous, and have a sweetish astringent taste. The seeds are 
 nearly globular, 3-4 Mm. (i to i inch), in diameter, black, glossy, and smooth, inodor- 
 ous, and contain a yellowish oily albumen and a small embryo. The tuberous roots, 
 petals, and seeds have been used. 
 
 Constituents. — Wiggers obtained from the fresh root a distillate having the odor 
 of bitter almonds and acquiring a blood-red color by ferric chloride ; separated by means 
 of ether, the volatile oil had a pale-yellow color. The analysis of the fresh root by 
 Morin proved the presence of starch, sugar, fat, malates, oxalates, and phosphates, a little 
 tannin, etc. The root of Paeonia peregrina, Miller, yielded to Dragendorff and Mandelin 
 (1879) 4.1 to 5.4 per cent, of ash, some sugar, starch, gummy matter, and small quanti- 
 ties of tannin, resin, fat, etc., while the seeds contain 23.6 per cent, of fixed oil, various 
 coloring matters, etc., and a crystalline body which in the ripe seeds appears to be changed 
 to an indifferent and an acid resin. The Japanese Botan-root, Paeonia Moutan, Simson, 
 according to Jagi (1878), contains a crystalline substance closely related to caprinic acid ; 
 it melts at 45° C. (113° F.), sublimes at a higher temperature, and is easily soluble in 
 ether and alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — That the plant is not inert is abundantly proved ; its very odor 
 has caused syncope ; in one case an infusion of it brought on an attack of convulsions, 
 and in another it produced headache, ringing in the ears, confusion of sight, violent colic, 
 and vomiting. And although some have reported favorably of it in epilepsy, chorea, and 
 whooping cough, the evidence in favor of its efficacy is very slender indeed. The pow- 
 dered root may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 1-4 (gr. xv-lx), or an infusion may be 
 made with Gm. 16-32 in Gm. 500 (,^ss-^j in water Oj). 
 
 PANCREATINUM, U. S.— Pancreatin. 
 
 A mixture of the enzymes naturally existing in the pancreas of warm-blooded animals, 
 usually obtained from the fresh pancreas of the hog (Sus scrofa, Linne ; class, Mammalia; 
 order, Pachydermata). — U. S, 
 
PANCREA TINUM. 
 
 1189 
 
 Origin. — Tile pancreas is a gland which is deeply seated in the abdomen and secretes 
 the pancreatic juice , containing the proteid pancreatin, to which it owes the property of 
 peptonizing albuminoids, of emulsifying and decomposing fats into glycerin and acid, and 
 of converting starch into sugar. The pancreatic juice is a colorless, clear, somewhat vis- 
 cid liquid, of an alkaline reaction, without odor and of an insipid somewhat saline taste ; 
 it contains, besides the ferment, nearly 1 per cent, of mineral salts, a trace of fat and of 
 organic matters soluble in water. 
 
 Preparation. — Pancreatin may be obtained as follows : Fresh pancreas of the hog, 
 freed as much as possible from fat and adhering membranes, is reduced to a fine paste by 
 means of a suitable mincing-machine ; it is next mixed with half its weight of cold water, 
 and kneaded thoroughly and frequently during one hour, after which the mass is trans- 
 ferred to a strainer and forcibly expressed ; the liquid is filtered as quickly as possible 
 through flannel, and to the filtrate is added an equal volume of alcohol. The precipitate 
 is collected, drained, and freed by pressure from as much of the adherent liquid as pos- 
 sible ; it is then spread on shallow trays, dried by exposure to warm air at a temperature 
 not exceeding 40° C. (104° F.), and reduced to powder. When large quantities of pan- 
 creas are operated upon, it is advisable to use water saturated with chloroform, which will 
 retard decomposition for a long time. — Nat'l Form. 
 
 In some instances the finely-mixed pancreas is macerated with highly dilute hydro- 
 chloric acid, the fat being removed from the powdered mass by means of purified benzin. 
 The temperature for drying pancreatin should never exceed 43.3° C. (110° F.). 
 
 Composition. — Like other proteids, pancreatin consists of C, H, N, O, and a little 
 S. (see V itellus), and belongs to the soluble ferments, designated by Kueline as 
 enzymes. There are supposed to be no less than four of these unorganized ferments 
 present in the pancreatic juice — namely, trypsin , for the digestion of albuminoids ; amyl- 
 opsin , for carbohydrates ; steapsin , for fats ; and a rennet ferment which coagulates milk. 
 Trypsin has been isolated in a comparatively pure state ; it differs from pepsin in several 
 important particulars, acting best in an alkaline medium, and, although active in a neutral 
 or even faintly acid solution, it is completely destroyed in acid liquids even as weak as 
 gastric juice ; it converts albumoses very rapidly into hemi- and anti-peptones, whereas 
 the action of pepsin in this respect is very slow. Unlike pepsin, trypsin will digest 
 mucin, but not the fibres of ordinary connective tissue until these have first been con- 
 verted into gelatin. Amylopsin very closely resembles diastase and ptyalin both in action 
 and properties, but its action in converting starch into maltose and dextro-glucose is much 
 more energetic than that of ptyalin. Steapsin or fat-digesting ferment appears to exert 
 a special action in the emulsification of fats, and more particularly in the presence of the 
 alkali salts of the biliary acids, thus preparing them for better absorption ; it is said also 
 to possess the power of decomposing small amounts of neutral fat into glycerin and fatty 
 acids. The milk-curdling ferment is probably indentical with that found in the stomach. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Pancreatin usually appears in form of a yellowish, yellow- 
 ish-white, or grayish-white powder, or in the form of transparent, brittle, yellowish scales, 
 which are odorless or have a faint, peculiar, not unpleasant odor, and a somewhat meat- 
 like taste. It is slowly and almost completely soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. 
 
 Pancreatin digests albuminoids, and converts starch into sugar, in presence of alkalies 
 prolonged contact with acids renders it inert. It is hygroscopic, and when exposed to the 
 air for some time loses its value ; hence it should be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. 
 Dilution with sugar of milk seems to retard deterioration, and saccharated pancreatin has 
 been found to retain its peptonizing value far better than the pure article. The aqueous 
 solution of pancreatin is a clear, pale-yellowish liquid, which is precipitated by heat, by 
 alcohol, and by hydrochloric acid, but not by a saturated solution of sodium chloride. 
 
 “ If there be added to 100 Cc. of tepid water contained in a flask, 0.28 Gm. of pan- 
 creatin and 1.5 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate, and afterward 400 Cc. of fresh cow’s milk 
 previously heated to 38° C. (100.4° F.), and if this mixture be maintained at the same 
 temperature for thirty minutes, the milk should be so completely peptonized that if a 
 small portion of it be transferred to a test-tube and mixed with some nitric acid, no 
 coagulation should occur. Peptonized milk, prepared in the manner just described, or 
 even when the process is allowed to go on to the development of a very distinct bitter 
 flavor, should not have an odor of rancidity.” — U. S. 
 
 Although the proteolytic value of commercial pancreatin is probably the most import- 
 ant (as shown by the pharinacopoeial test), yet its action on carbohydrates should likewise 
 be observed : we have examined some samples that peptonized milk very readily, and yet 
 had little or no effect on starch paste, and vice versa. For testing pancreatin a 5 per cent. 
 
1190 
 
 PA NCR E A TIN UAL 
 
 starch mucilage is better suited than a stronger preparation, and the length of time 
 required for the complete conversion of starch into sugar should be noted ; usually good 
 pancreatin is supposed to convert six or eight times its weight of starch in a few minutes, 
 the test being conducted at a temperature of 43.3°— 46.1° C. (110°— 115° F.). The fact 
 that pancreatin liquefies starch paste is not sufficient, as this may be due to the simple 
 change of the starch into dextrin : the liquid should be tested every few minutes by 
 adding a drop or two to some very dilute iodine-water ; as soon as the purplish or pinkish 
 color fails to appear, the conversion into sugar is complete. The less time required for 
 this change the better is the quality of the pancreatin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pancreatic juice has an alkaline reaction, converts starch into 
 sugar, and decomposes fat into fatty acids and glycerin. It also forms with albumen an 
 alkaline solution. The latter action, which is ascribed to pancreatin, and forms the 
 ground of its utility in disease, is said not to be interfered with by the presence of the 
 acid secretions of the stomach. During the first years of life, when the food consists 
 chiefly of milk and farinacea, a state of dyspepsia frequently arises which often leads to 
 marasmus, and which is not traceable to any organic lesions of the stomach or auxiliary 
 viscera. In this it is claimed that pancreatic emulsion speedily restores the digestive 
 function to its normal condition, and, through improved nutrition, renews the health. 
 “ Defresne has recommended pancreatin in phthisical cases where the patient is unable 
 to digest or assimilate cod-liver oil ; in cases of jaundice in which fat is badly digested ; 
 in cases of dyspepsia in which the patient experiences abdominal pains, vomiting, diar- 
 rhoea, and flatulence several hours after meals ; and, speaking generally, in those cases 
 of disturbances of digestion in which fats and starches are badly assimilated and where 
 pepsin is found to be useless ” ( Practitioner , xx. 454). Hence it is reported to be 
 serviceable in such diseases as are more or less maintained by the imperfect digestion of 
 albuminous food, including rachitis , scrofula , diabetes , and fatty diarrhoea , anaemia, chlo- 
 rosis , leukaemia , pernicious anaemia , and the early stage of tuberculosis. It has also been 
 profitably employed during convalescence from acute wasting diseases (Loebisch). In all 
 of these cases it may be administered by the mouth. It was, however, originally intro- 
 duced into medicine by Leube in 1874 as an efficient means of nourishing by the rectum 
 when the stomach could not retain or digest food, as in gastric atony produced by pro- 
 tracted illness ; gastric irritability caused by disease of the stomach itself or by disorders 
 of its nervous system leading to the rejection of food ; cases also of stricture of the 
 oesophagus or compression of it by tumors ; and finally, cases of gastric haemorrhage in 
 which the introduction of food into the stomach might be attended with danger. Other 
 forms of nutritive enemata fail of their purpose, both because they are, or soon become, 
 mechanically irritating, and because they are not of such a nature as to be absorbed, or 
 to subserve the purposes of nutrition even were their absorption practicable. The first 
 of these objections does not apply to pancreatic emulsions, probably because their reac- 
 tion, like that of the rectum, is alkaline. 
 
 Leube’s directions for preparing the enemata are as follows : Take a piece of lean beef 
 and scrape or grate it until it is reduced to a fine pulp. For one injection from Gm. 
 150—300 (§v— x) of it should be mixed with an equal quantity of finely-hashed pancreas 
 and thoroughly pounded in a mortar or crushed in a bowl with a spoon, with the gradual 
 addition of about Gm. 150 (^v) of lukewarm water until the mixture is of the consist- 
 ence of pap. If it is desired to administer fat, it may be added in the proportion of 
 about one-sixth of the meat. To inject this mixture a syringe with a much larger 
 nozzle than usual is required. If the enema is judiciously introduced, the whole of 
 it will be retained, and, according to Leube, will penetrate even to the transverse 
 colon. He refers to cases in which, after from twelve to thirty-six hours, the stool was 
 feculent, without any trace of the emulsion. He advises that, as the pancreas readily 
 becomes stale in warm weather, it should be preserved by mixing its pulp thoroughly 
 with glycerin. 
 
 A number of cases have been published in which pancreatic enemata were either the 
 means of saving life permanently, or in which, owing to the incurable nature of the dis- 
 ease, they prolonged life far beyond the term when it must otherwise have terminated. 
 To the latter category necessarily belong all cases of organic stricture of the digestive 
 canal ; to the former, cases of simple ulcer of the stomach and nervous vomiting. 
 
 The preparation of the pancreas for administration by the mouth differs from that just 
 described. According to Engesser, the pancreas of the hog, sheep, or ox should be used, 
 that of the hog being preferable. After being finely minced it is forced through a hair 
 sieve. The semi-liquid product may then be directly mixed with the food, or may, after 
 
PAPAVERIS CAPSULE. 
 
 1191 
 
 the addition of a little salt, be preserved in a cool place in a properly-covered jar. For 
 immediate use the watery infusion of pancreas may be employed, although it is less effi- 
 cient than the gland substance. It is also less repulsive in appearance than the emulsion, 
 and its taste is not unlike the cold prepared extract of beef. Pancreatic pulp may be 
 <;iven in bolus, in wafers, or mixed with the food, and in the dose of about a dessertspoon- 
 ful at each meal. Care must be taken not to mix it with hot food (113° F. =45° C.). 
 Various expedients have been suggested for concealing the unpleasant taste and smell of 
 the emulsion, and for securing its thorough and equable mixture with the food, but they 
 must generally be left to the ingenuity of the physician or patient. It need only be 
 added that the food should not be taken very hot, especially in the form of' soup, nor 
 very highly seasoned, nor with much or strong wine. On the whole, it must be admitted 
 that pancreatic emulsions given by the mouth are less valuable than was. anticipated, 
 probably because their active constituents are neutralized by the acid contents of the 
 stomach, to a greater degree than was supposed. 
 
 Trypsine has been used with apparent success in dissolving diphtheritic false membrane. 
 A solution of 30 grains in an ounce of water, with the addition of 10 grains of sodium 
 bicarbonate, was employed to spray the affected parts (Chapin, Med. Rev ., xxvii., 257). 
 
 PAPAVERIS CAPSULE, I>r. — Poppy-Capsules. 
 
 Fructus s. Capita papaveris immaturi , P. Gr. ; Papaver , U. S. 1870. — Pavot llanc, Tetes 
 de pavot, Fr. Cod.; Mohnkapseln , Mohnkdpfe , Gr. ; Adormidera , Sp. 
 
 The nearly-ripe capsules of Papaver somniferum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 18. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Papaveraceae. 
 
 Origin. — The poppy is an annual herb, and is most likely indigenous to Western 
 Asia and South-eastern Europe, where it is found wild in fields and waste places. It is 
 
 Fig. 203. 
 
 Poppy-capsules and seeds: a , natural size : b, magnified. 
 
 Black - White. Depressed. 
 
 frequently cultivated in gardens for ornament, and very extensively in several countries 
 for the production of opium (See Opium). The stem is 0.9-1. 5 M. (3 to 5 feet) high ; 
 the leaves are alternate, oval-oblong sessile, and the upper ones clasping, irregularly den- 
 tate, frequently cleft or nearly pinnatifid, rather thick, smooth, and glaucous. The 
 flowers terminate the branches, have two oval blunt caducous sepals, and four broad 
 roundish petals varying in color from white to violet and dark-purple, with a darker spot 
 near the base. The stamens are numerous, and inserted beneath the subglobular ovary, 
 which is crowned by the peltate radiating stigma. The wild form, Papaver setigerum, 
 De Candolle , has acute teeth, prolonged into a stiff bristle. The white flowering variety, 
 Pap. officinale, Gmelin , has white seeds, and its capsules are alone recognized by pharma- 
 copoeias. J 1 
 
 Description. Poppy-capsules vary in shape and size according to the variety of the 
 plant from which they have been obtained. The black poppy usually has rather small 
 capsules, which are globular-ovate, about 1? inches (37 Mm.) in diameter, broadest near 
 the base, and dehiscent by small apertures forming underneath the stigma. The capsules 
 ot the white poppy are mostly larger, indehiscent, and occasionally depressed and much 
 
1192 
 
 PARAFFTNUM. 
 
 broader than high, but usually oblong, or in some varieties much elongated and narrowed 
 toward the base. The sessile and peltate stigma is formed of from eight to twenty rays, 
 and a similar number of longitudinal striae, marking the sutures, are observed upon the 
 immature capsule, which is smooth, and underneath the larger laticiferous vessels. The 
 capsule is one-celled, but internally is furnished with placentas equal in number to the 
 lobes of the stigma and projecting into the interior, forming incomplete partitions. In 
 the fresh state it has a narcotic odor ; after drying it is nearly inodorous ; its taste is 
 bitter. 
 
 Semen papaveris, P. G. — Poppy-seed, Maw-seed, E . ; Semences (Grains) de pavot, 
 
 Fr. ; Mohnsamen, Magsamen, G. — The seeds are very numerous, quite small, about 1.2 
 Mm. (ttq inch) long, reniform in shape, white, blackish, or bluish, finely netted-veined, 
 and contain an oily albumen enclosing a curved embryo. They are inodorous, and have a 
 bland oily and scarcely bitterish taste. Only white poppy-seeds are medicinally employed. 
 
 Constituents. — 1- The Capsules. Winckler (1837), Merck, and others have 
 demonstrated the presence of morphine in ripe poppy-capsules ; the former chemist 
 obtained as much as 2 per cent, of this alkaloid, and likewise narcotine and narceine. 
 Groves (1854) found also another alkaloid, which was probably codeine. A. Buchner 
 obtained an alkaloid which differed from morphine, and other chemists were unable 
 to find the latter. Deschamps (1864) isolated an alkaloid, and silky needles of a 
 nitrogenous body called papaverin, w r hich is said to have an acid reaction; the alkaloid 
 papaverosine forms colorless, nearly tasteless prisms, is soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 
 form, and benzene, has a slight alkaline reaction, and with sulphuric acid assumes a violet 
 color, which on warming becomes red, and with nitric acid orange-red. Hesse (1866) 
 obtained rhoeadine from ripe poppy-capsules. Besides meconic acid, which could not be 
 detected by several chemists, citric and tartaric acids were found by Deschamps. The 
 capsules contain considerable mucilage. The waxy coating of the epidermis is scraped 
 off in the preparation of opium, and forms a constituent of the latter. Examined by 
 Hesse (1870), it yielded a colorless compound insoluble in chloroform, crystallizing in 
 prisms, and melting above 100° C. (212° F.) ; the portion soluble in boiling chloroform 
 consists of cerylcerotate , C 27 H 55 .C. 27 H 53 0. 2 , which crystallizes in silky scales, melts at 
 82.5° C. (180.5° F.), and congeals in crystals at 80° C. (176° F.) ; and of cerylpalmi- 
 tate , C 27 H 55 .C, 6 H 31 0. 2 , which forms crystalline warts melting at 76° C. (168.8° F.) 
 
 2. The Seeds. Sacc (1849) obtained from white poppy-seeds nearly 55 per cent, of 
 fixed oil, 23 pectin, and 12.6 per cent, protein compounds. Accarie (1833) announced 
 that he isolated 30 grains of morphine from 6 pounds of white seeds. The fixed oil 
 (Oleum papaveris, P G. — Poppy-seed oil, E. ; Huile de pavots, Huile d’oeillette, Fr. ; . 
 
 Mohnbl, G.) is pale-yellow, bland, limpid, of the density 0.92, congeals near —18° C. 
 
 (0° F.), and on exposure becomes thick and hard. It is soluble in 25 parts of alcohol, \ 
 freely soluble in ether, and yields when saponified 9.5 per cent, of glycerin. 
 
 Uses. — Formerly decoctions of poppy-heads were much used internally, but such is 
 no longer the case since preparations of opium of definite strength have become multi- < 
 plied. Even for external use such decoctions have been almost entirely supplanted by 
 liquid opiates and plasters containing opium. The official retention of papaver seems 
 unnecessary, unless for pharmaceutical purposes. 
 
 P AR AFFINUM . — Paraffin. 
 
 Paraffinum durum and Par. moll-e , Br. ; Paraffinum liquidum and Par. solidum , P. G. ; 
 Ceresinum. — Paraffine, Fr. ; Paraffin , G. 
 
 Origin. — The paraffins are produced under various circumstances from fats and other 
 organic compounds, but are chiefly obtained among the products resulting from the 
 destructive distillation of many organic substances, especially cannel and boghead coal, 
 and from bituminous shale. They are a natural constituent in varying proportions of 
 the different kinds of petroleum, and solid paraffins are found native in Austria, Great 
 Britain, the United States (Utah), and some other countries, constituting the minerals 
 known as eartli-wax , fossil ( mineral ) wax , ozokerite. 
 
 Properties. — Paraffinum durum, Br., is a colorless semi-transparent, crystalline, 
 inodorous, and tasteless mass, slightly greasy to the touch. Its specific gravity is 0.820 
 to 0.940. It melts at 43.3°-62.80° C. (110°-145° F.), and burns with a bright flame, 
 leaving no residue. 
 
 Paraffinum solidum, P. G., is a white, hard, opaque, micro-crystalline mass, free 
 from odor, but not entirely tasteless, having the specific gravity 0.920-0.940 and melting 
 
PARAFFIN UM. 
 
 1193 
 
 at 74°_80° C. (165.2°-176° F.). It boils above 360° C. ((180° F.), but not without 
 decomposition. At ordinary temperatures it is not affected by caustic alkalies nor by 
 concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids. When boiled with alcohol the latter should not 
 acquire an acid reaction. If 3 Gm. of solid paraffin be heated together with 3 Cc. of sul- 
 phuric acid in a water-bath for ten minutes, the paraffin should undergo no change and 
 the acid become only slightly brownish. 
 
 Paraffin is insoluble in water, alkalies, and cold alcohols, but dissolves in volatile and 
 fixed oils, ether, chloroform, benzene, and carbon disulphide ; the solubility is, however, 
 influenced by the composition. The melting-point of commercial paraffin varies much. 
 Obtained from the residuum of petroleum distillation, it is usually about 43° C. (109.4° 
 F.), or somewhat higher ; from peat, about 47° C. (116.6° F.) ; from ozokerite, about 60° 
 C. (140° F.) ; from Rangoon tar of Burmah, about 62° C. (143.6° F.) ; and the mineral 
 wax of Moldavia, known as zietrisikite , melts between 85° and 90° C. (185°— 194° F.), and 
 is insoluble in ether. 
 
 Composition and Characters. — The general formula of the paraffins is the 
 same as that of the lighter coal oils, C n H 2n+2 , but in their physical properties they differ 
 from the latter in being at the ordinary temperature either solid, and frequently crystal- 
 line. or of a butyraceous consistence or liquid. Those which are liquid at the ordinary 
 temperature are known in commerce as paraffin oils, while the nam e paraffin is retained 
 for the solid products. They can be separated from one another only with great difficulty, 
 but it is known that the different members of this homologous series increase in density, 
 viscidity, and in boiling-point, and the solid paraffins also in melting-point and hardness, 
 as the molecular weight increases. The paraffins, obtained in as pure a state as possible, 
 show. the following differences : 
 
 Nonane (Nonylhydride), C 9 II 20 , boils near 138° C. = 280.4° F., spec. grav. .741 
 
 . _ / r\ r__n i,\ /V tt u -inn onn ll 
 
 Decane (Decatylhydride), C 10 II 22 , “ 160 = 320 u .757 
 
 Endecane (Undecylhydride), C n II 24 , “ 180 - 356 “ .766 
 
 Dodecane (Laurylhydride), C 12 II 26 , 11 200 = 392 u .778 
 
 Tridecane (Cocinylhydride), C 13 H 28 , u 220 |= 428 “ .796 
 
 Tetradecane (Myristylhydride), C 14 II 30 , “ 240 = 464 “ .809 
 
 Pentadecane (Benylhydride), C 15 H 32 , u 260 = 500 “ .825 
 
 Galletly (1871) ascertained for paraffins — 
 
 Fusing at 32.0° 39.0° 40.5° 53.3° 58.0° 59.0° 80.0° C., 
 
 the spec. grav. .8236 .8480 .8520 .9100 .9243 .9248 .9400 
 
 The solubility of paraffins in benzene decreases as the melting-point rises, the last one 
 of the table being nearly insoluble therein. 
 
 Paraffins are not easily acted on by chemicals. By continued boiling with nitric acid 
 the higher paraffins yield nitro-compounds and various acids. Boiling hydrochloric acid 
 or contact with chlorine gas, ammonia, or potassa has no effect upon paraffin, but the 
 lowest members of the series, which are gaseous at the ordinary temperature, yield sub- 
 stitution-products with chlorine. 
 
 In distilling paraffin, the heat to which the vapors are exposed influences the melting- 
 point, and consequently the composition ; at a red heat naphthalene is produced, and when 
 paraffin is heated for some time in a sealed tube it is split into an olefin and a paraffin of 
 a lower boiling-point. 
 
 Olefins are present among the products of dry distillation of organic substances, in 
 rock oils, mineral tars, etc. They have the formula C n H 2n , and the so-called paraffin oils 
 usually consist principally of olefins, particularly of heptilene , C 7 H 14 , which boils at 96° C. 
 (205° F.). The olefins are readily polymerized by the action of sulphuric acid, zinc 
 chloride, and other chemicals, and unite with the halogens, their hydro-acids, and with 
 hypochlorous acid ; by nascent hydrogen they are converted into paraffins. 
 
 J. L. Lemberger and A. W. Miller ascertained (1875) that crude paraffin oils may be 
 deprived of their odor by filtering them through granulated animal charcoal. Cosmo line, 
 
 vaseline, and other copyrighted preparations are paraffins containing olefins of the consist- 
 ence of ointments. (See Petrolatum.) The liquid paraffins are extensively employed for 
 lubricating purposes, and are known in commerce as lubricating oils and neutral oils. 
 
 Action and Uses. — A case of death in a boy from swallowing paraffin oil is reported 
 {Med. Times and Gaz ., Nov. 1878, p. 631), but the symptoms are not detailed. A child 
 two years old drank some of the oil, and fell into a state of collapse with drowsiness. 
 There was neither vomiting nor diarrhoea. On the morrow the child was well ( Lancet , 1880, 
 vol. ii. p. 730). Soft paraffin and paraffin oils are much used in a pure state and in oint- 
 
1194 
 
 PARALDEHYDUM. 
 
 merits as a dressing for chilblains , burns, excoriations, bruises, indolent ulcers, and in some 
 diseases of the skin, especially eczema, psoriasis , and scabies. Bora ted vaseline has been 
 applied in erysipelas, and the pure preparation given as a protective to the bowel in diar- 
 rhoea (Randolph). As a substitute for various fatty substances, oils, lard, glycerin, and 
 glycerite of starch which are more or less irritating in cutaneous affections, Kaposi prefers 
 petroleum or vaseline jelly, as being unirritating and having no tendency to become rancid, 
 and employs an ointment composed of equal parts of lead plaster and vaseline, thoroughly 
 incorporated by the aid of heat and scented with oil of bergamot. In exceptional cases 
 vaseline ointments have produced boils or an eczematous eruption of the skin, probably 
 because they were not pure. Galezowski recommends vaseline as the best excipient for 
 yellow oxide of mercury, nitrate of silver, etc. in the treatment of scrofulous affections 
 of the eye , chiefly keratitis and conjunctivitis. The lead plaster spoken of above is Ungu- 
 entum diachylon Hebrse, and consists of simple litharge ointment melted with an equal 
 quantity of olive or linseed oil. Solid paraffin, when mixed with glycerin or linseed oil, 
 has been used with advantage in the same diseases (Purdon). Dubois is of the opinion 
 that vaseline scented with otto of roses, when applied to the vagina during parturition, 
 facilitates labor by relaxing the tissues ; that it may be used with advantage to protect 
 the hands of the obstetrician in vaginal explorations ; and that it answers better than oil 
 or soap to remove the smegma from the new-born child. It is said that vaseline used as 
 an excipient for carbolic acid impairs or destroys the antiseptic qualities of the latter. 
 But when the mixture is applied to a moist tissue the acid is dissolved out by the water 
 of the part and exerts its special action. Mixed with an equal weight of honey and 10 
 grains of borax or of chlorate of potassium to the ounce, it is a useful application in 
 thrush. Vaseline mixed with Gm. 0.60 to Gm. 32 (gr. x to the ounce), quickly removes 
 ascarides of the rectum ; it is beneficial in the ophthalmia of the newborn child ; cures 
 the coryza of suckling children when applied with a brush to the interior of the nostrils ; 
 and effects a rapid healing of intertrigo. 
 
 Pure liquid paraffin, or vaseline oil, “ dissolves in nearly all proportions ether, chloro- 
 form, essential oils, benzine, sulphide of carbon, iodine, bromine, phosphorus, eucalyptol, 
 thymol, inyrtol, terpinol, iodoform, paraldehyde, and four times its volume of sulphuretted 
 hydrogen. It forms a convenient vehicle for their administration hypodermically, since 
 it is entirely unirritating and very diffusive, so that the taste of some of the articles 
 injected is almost immediately perceived in the mouth. It can be made to dissolve many 
 alkaloids — e. g. morphine and cocaine — and to suspend other substances, which it does 
 not dissolve — calomel, for instance. Dujardin-Beaumetz states that the hypodermic injec- 
 tion of a cubic centimetre of equal parts of eucalyptol and vaseline oil, injected twice a 
 day, controls excessive bronchial secretion and its attendant cough ; that in similar pro- 
 portions myrtol palliates neuralgia ; that a cubic centimetre of the iodic solution is 
 equivalent to 15 grains of potassium iodide ; and that the same quantity of the saturated 
 solution of sulphuretted hydrogen in vaseline is readily tolerated (Bull, de Therap ., cxii. 
 97). Formulae for hypodermic injection have been proposed by Meunier (ibid. pp. 21 ; 
 81 ; 174). 
 
 PARALDEHYDUM, U. S., Br. Add., B. G.— Paraldehyde. 
 
 Paraldehyd, G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 12 0 3 . Mol. weight, 131.7. 
 
 A polymeric form of ethylic aldehyde. It should be kept in well-stoppered, dark 
 amber-colored bottles, in a cool place. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — If ordinary (ethylic) aldehyde be treated at normal temperature 
 with small quantities of hydrochloric acid, carbonyl chloride, (CO Cl 2 ), sulphur dioxide, 
 or zinc chloride, the temperature of the liquid rises and almost complete conversion into 
 paraldehyde takes place. For the trade it is usually manufactured by conducting gaseous 
 hydrochloric acid into aldehyde at ordinary temperature ; the conversion into paraldehyde 
 is known to be complete when the liquor is no longer soluble in an equal volume of water. 
 The crude product is cooled to below 0° C. (32° F.), and the crystalline mass thus ob- 
 tained is carefully distilled, the process of freezing and distilling being repeated until the 
 whole product finally volatilizes at 124°-C. (255.2° F.). 
 
 Properties and Tests. — A colorless, transparent liquid, having a strong, charac- 
 teristic, but not unpleasant or pungent odor, and a burning and cooling taste. Soluble in 
 8.5 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in 16.5 parts of boiling water; miscible in all 
 proportions with alcohol, ether, and fixed or volatile oils. When cooled to near 0° C. 
 
PARALDEHYDUM. 
 
 1195 
 
 (32° F.), paraldehyde solidities to a crystalline mass, which becomes liquid again at 10.5° 
 C. (51° F.). It boils at 123°-125° C. (253.4°-257° F.) giving off inflammable vapors. 
 Paraldehyde is neutral, or has a slightly acid reaction. When distilled with a small por- 
 tion of sulphuric acid, paraldehyde is converted into ordinary aldehyde, boiling at about 
 21° C. (70° F.). On warming some silver ammonium nitrate test-solution saturated wdth 
 paraldehyde in a test-tube, a silver mirror will form on standing. On heating some par- 
 aldehyde on a water-bath, it should completely volatilize, without leaving any disagree- 
 able odor (absence of aldehyde derived from fusel oil). 1 Cc. of paraldehyde should form 
 with 10 Cc. of water a clear solution, free from oily drops (absence of amylic alcohol, etc.), 
 and this solution, when acidulated w T ith nitric acid, should not be affected by silver nitrate 
 test-solution (absence of hydrochloric acid), or barium chloride test-solution (absence of 
 sulphuric acid). A mixture of 8 Cc. of paraldehyde and 8 Cc. of alcohol with 1 drop of 
 phenolphtalein test-solution should acquire a pink color upon the addition of 0.5 Cc. of 
 normal potassium hydroxide test-solution (limit of free acid). — U. S. 
 
 The P. G. and Br. Add. give the specific gravity at 0.998 ; the latter requires that no 
 coloration shall take place within two hours if paraldehyde be mixed with a solution of 
 potassa or soda (intended to detect the presence of aldeyde). “ A mixture of 1 Cc. each 
 of paraldehyde and alcohol should not, after addition of 1 drop of normal alkali solution, 
 show an acid reaction (limit of acid).” — P. G. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Metaldehyde, C 12 H 24 0 6 , is obtained by the action of polymerizing agents 
 on common aldehyde at a temperature of 0° C. (32° F.) It is a white crystalline body, insoluble 
 in water, but freely soluble in alcohol and ether. When heated to 112°-115° C. (233.6°-239°F). 
 it sublimes without melting, but is partially decomposed. It is claimed to possess hypnotic 
 properties (Helbing). Sulphaldehyde is formed by the action of hydrogen sulphide on alde- 
 hyde. It is said to be an oily liquid of a repulsive odor, solidifying at — 8° C. (17.6° F.), and 
 melting again at — 2° C. (28.4° F.). Little attention has been bestowed upon it. 
 
 Aldehyde, Acetic or ethylic aldehyde, Acetaldehyde. CH 3 CHO — C 2 II 4 0, mol. weight, 43.90. 
 This body was noticed, but not isolated, by Scheele (1774), who supposed it to be ether. Liebig 
 (1835) isolated it and determined its relation to alcohol. Aldehyde is formed by the oxidation 
 of alcohol and many of its derivatives ; it is found among the products of the dry distillation of 
 wood and sugar and on distilling various protein compounds with manganese dioxide and sulph- 
 uric acid. The formation of polymeric modifications of aldehyde was first observed by Liebig. 
 Pure aldehyde is prepared by distilling either of the two following mixtures : 4 parts each of 80 
 per cent, alcohol and water and 6 parts each of manganese dioxide and sulphuric acid (Liebig), 
 or 3 parts of alcohol, 4 parts of sulphuric acid, mixed and slowly added to 3 parts of potassium 
 dichromate and 12 parts of -water contained in a glass retort (Rogers). In both cases the impure 
 distillate is rectified at a temperature of 50° C. (122° F.), and the vapors conducted into anhydrous 
 ether, which is afterward charged with gaseous ammonia, when aldeliy deammonia, C 2 H 4 ONII 3 , 
 crystallizes. The crystals are washed with ether, decomposed by dilute sulphuric acid, and the 
 distillate rectified over calcium chloride. As thus obtained it is a colorless, very mobile liquid, 
 of neutral reaction, and very inflammable ; it has a peculiar, rather suffocating, odor, and boils 
 at 21° C. (69.8° F.). It is miscible in all proportions with water, alcohol, and ether, and yields 
 with alcoholic potassa solution a yellow resin (aldehyde resin), and exposed to the air is con- 
 verted into acetic acid. Aldehyde separates from ammoniacal silver nitrate solution a metallic 
 mirror, the reaction becoming more delicate in the presence of caustic soda. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Elixir of paraldehyde may be prepared as follows : 
 Dissolve 3 fluidounces of paraldehyde in 10 fluidounces of alcohol, add 4 ounces of orange- 
 flower water, 10 fluidounces of simple syrup, caramel 5 minims, and sufficient distilled 
 water to make 32 fluidounces (Wearn). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The experiments of Cervello {Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., v. 11), 
 of Gordon {Brit. Med. Jour., March 1889, p. 515), and of others furnish substantially 
 the same results. In doses of 15 to 45 grains its soporific effects are speedily developed, 
 but less so in perfectly healthy persons than when wakefulness exists. They are not 
 preceded by excitement. The sleep is natural and tranquil, and the awakening is not 
 attended with headache or weariness. The heart, pulse, temperature, and respiration are 
 somewhat reduced during the sleep, and as in natural sleep the blood-pressure within the 
 brain diminishes. It does not impair the appetite. It is eliminated chiefly by the lungs, 
 and gives to the breath a smell like that exhaled by a confirmed alcoholic drunkard. The 
 urine has a similar odor. Given to guinea-pigs in poisonous doses, it produces complete 
 insensibility, with lowered temperature and respiration, until death. The heart’s beat 
 survives respiration. Among the unfavorable actions of this preparation may be enum- 
 erated irritation of the mucous membranes (throat, rectum), impaired digestion, scarla- 
 tinoid eruptions and desquamation of the cuticle, irritation of the eyes, and ulceration 
 of the nails (Kiernan, Therap. Gaz ., x. 719). Its hypodermic use is painful and irri- 
 
1196 
 
 PAREIRA. 
 
 tating. Capelli and Brugia (ibid., xi. 336) found it to lessen the rate and tension of the 
 pulse, and suggest its danger in cases with feeble heart. Rolleston has reported (Practi- 
 tioner, xli. 339) a case of advanced emphysema with dilatation of the heart and a dusky 
 complexion, in which a drachm of the medicine occasioned collapse, with rapid and feeble 
 pulse and respiration. The case is recorded of a lady who daily consumed an ounce or 
 more of the medicine, was unable to sleep without it, and if deprived of it became sleep- 
 less, wretched, full of pains, and without appetite (Med. Record, xxxv. 391). This and 
 similar cases may perhaps be explained by the results of experiment, such as those of 
 Bokai (Centralb. f. Ther., v. 44), which showed that its prolonged use might produce 
 fatty degeneration of the heart and liver, and of Frohner (Edinb. Med. Jour., xxxiii. 
 675), who found that in dogs it produced disorganization of the red corpuscles of the 
 blood. On the whole, its action is closely analogous to that of chloral, but it is less apt 
 to cause depression or collapse. Its analgesic action is also less marked. It is hypnotic 
 rather than anodyne ; hence pain counteracts its operation. 
 
 It appears to be best adapted to relieve what may be called idiopathic insomnia as it is 
 met with in many nervous states, including various forms of mental strain, insanity, 
 melancholia , and delirium tremens. In acute mania and agitated melancholia it seems to 
 have proved useful. Dr. Harris, of the Pennsylvania State Hospital for the Insane at 
 Norristown, employed it in 152 cases of insanity, including 38 of an acute type, and 
 found it efficient as a hypnotic and free from all objection on the score of danger (Philad. 
 Med. Times, xv. 602). In delirium tremens it is also very appropriate if not given in 
 extravagant doses, and especially when duly associated with alcohol. Among those who 
 have corroborated these statements by the results of their observation may be named 
 Sympson ( Practitioner , xliii. 13), Savage (ibid., xxxviii. 35), Goodhart (Brit. Med. Jour., 
 Jan. 19, 1889), Stewart (i ibid ., Apr. 1889, p. 848), Finucane (Lancet, July 1889, p. 15), 
 Hay (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., July 1889, p. 34), Jastrowitz (Therap. Gaz., xiii. 646), 
 Williams (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1887, p. 89), and Keniston (ibid., June 
 1888, p. 575). Dr. Clouston, physician to the Edinburgh Asylum for the Insane (Amer. 
 Jour. Med. Sci., xcvii. 353), declares paraldehyde to be a hypnotic “ free from risks near 
 or remote,” leaving behind it none of the unpleasant effects of other soporifics, and suited 
 to all forms of insanity, simple or complicated, in the young or old. He never saw it 
 “ affect the heart’s action in any way except to strengthen it,” and yet he prescribed un- 
 usually large doses, such as three or four drachms. As it does not successfully overcome 
 sleeplessness due to pain, so, too, it is of little use when this symptom depends upon fever, 
 dyspnoea, heart disease, etc. Yet it has been successful in allaying itching of the skin in 
 some cases of jaundice, and thereby promoting sleep. It is said to have relieved vomiting 
 in sick headache, in pregnancy, irritable ovary, etc. (Therap. Gaz., xii. 539). 
 
 Paraldehyde has been proposed as an antidote to strychnine-poisoning, but it does not 
 appear to have been tested clinically. It has also been employed in the treatment of 
 the morphine habit. 
 
 The dose of paraldehyde varies from Gm. 0.30-4 (5 to 60 gr.). It may be prescribed 
 in sweetened water, with brandy or whisky, and flavored with an aromatic or a bitter 
 tincture to mask its offensive taste. It has also been used in suppositories containing 
 Gm. 1 (15 gr.) each, with or without the addition of opium. 
 
 Aldehyde has been tried on man, but its property of arresting respiration when inhaled, 
 and its irritant action upon the lungs and the stomach, have caused it to be avoided as an 
 anaesthetic. It has, however, been applied to the nasal passages in chronic catarrh and 
 ozaena. For this purpose a solution of Gm. 0.3-0. 5 in Gm. 500 has been employed (say 
 r^v-x in Oj of hot water). 
 
 Metaldehyde is said to be used in the same manner and for the same purposes as 
 aldehyde. 
 
 PAREIRA, U. S.— Pareira. 
 
 Pareirse radix, Br. — Pareira brava , E., Fr., G., Sp. ; Butua, Fr., Sp. ; Grieswurzel , G. 
 
 The root of Chondodendrom tomentosura, Ruiz et Pavon, s. Cocculus Chondodendron, 
 De Candolle, s. Cissampelos Abutua, Vellozo, s. Botryopsis platyphylla, Miers. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants, 11. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Menispermacese. 
 
 Origin. — Pareira brava was formerly referred to Cissampelos Pareira, Linn 6 , s. Ciss. 
 microcarpa, De Candolle (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 15), which is a woody climber 
 indigenous to the West Indies and Central America, and probably to other tropical coun- 
 
PAREIRA. 
 
 1197 
 
 tries. It is medicinally employed there, but is not exported. The root as well as the 
 stem rarely reaches 25 Mm. (one inch) in diameter, and is often not thicker than a goose- 
 quill ; both show no concentric rings in transverse section, the wood consisting of about 
 twenty porous wedges, separated by narrower medullary rays and covered by a gray- 
 brown suberous bark. 
 
 The true origin of pareira brava was established by Hanbury (1873), and is the spe- 
 cies mentioned above, which, according to Peckolt, is known in Brazil as abutuia. This 
 is a tall woody climber of Brazil and Peru, having large cordate or ovate-cordate, some- 
 what five-nerved leaves, very small unisexual flowers and purplish-black ovoid one-seeded 
 drupaceous fruits, which form thick bunches resembling grapes in appearance. 
 
 Description. — Pareira brava comes to us in pieces 7-15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, 
 or even longer, and from about 2-10 Cm. (1 to 4 inches) in diameter, more or less tor- 
 tuous, dark-brownish gray externally, and marked with transverse ridges and fis- 
 sures and with irregular longitudinal furrows. Internally it is of a pale-brown color, 
 when cut exhibits a somewhat 
 waxy lustre, and on breaking 
 shows a fibrous fracture. On 
 transverse section are seen, un- 
 der a thin bark, two or more 
 concentric zones separated by 
 wavy circle's of a waxy tissue 
 of parenchyma, resembling 
 that of the medullary rays ; in 
 each zone are found a vary- 
 ing number of harder porous 
 wood-wedges. Each one of 
 the different zones is mostly 
 nearly uniform in width, so 
 that the axis is nearly in the 
 centre of the root: Pareira 
 
 brava is nearly inodorous and 
 has a bitter taste. 
 
 Admixtures and Sub- 
 stitutions. — The stem of 
 chondodendron is sometimes 
 found mixed with the com- 
 mercial root, which it closely 
 resembles. It is distinguished 
 by being rather more woody, 
 but more particularly by the 
 distinct central pith. 
 
 Several drugs derived from 
 
 menispermaceous plants have 
 
 been sold in place of pareira 
 
 brava; these consisted of 
 
 roots, or more frequently of 
 
 r> .1 / m, Pareira brava: portion of a root, and transverse sections of the same, 
 
 sections of the stem. The 
 
 one which was most commonly met with some years ago consisted of woody, more or less 
 flattened pieces, with a thin brown-gray bark, often covered with patches of lichens, and 
 upon transverse section showed numerous woody zones in more or less eccentric layers, 
 so that the axis was removed to one side. This variety of false pareira brava is not 
 readily cut with the knife, does not present a waxy appearance of the internal tissue, and, 
 though possessed of a bitter taste, is much less so than the root of chondodendron. A 
 second variety of false pareira was usually in thinner pieces, of a brown color, very 
 woody and nearly concentrically arranged in the interior, and almost tasteless. 
 
 A yellow pareira brava has also been met with in commerce, and was imported from 
 Brazil. It consists of the flat, often twisted stems, which Bentley and Trimen presume 
 to be obtained from Abuta amara, Aublet. This kind is easily recognized by the eccen- 
 tric arrangement of its woody zones and by its bright-yellow color internally. C. Morri- 
 son (1878) isolated from it an alkaloid which closely resembles berberine, but appears to 
 be distinct from it, since with iodine it gave a reddish-brown crystalline precipitate instead 
 of green spangles. 
 
 Fig. 205. 
 
1198 
 
 PA PIET A RIA .—PAR THEN I UM. 
 
 Hanbury mentions also a white pareira brava, derived from Abuta rufescens, Aublet , 
 which has numerous concentric layers traversed by very distinct dark medullary rays, 
 the interradial spaces being white and rich in starch. It is known in Brazil as butua 
 (Martius, Peckolt), and is not an article of commerce. 
 
 Constituents. — Wiggers (1838) obtained an alkaloid from pareira brava which was 
 named pelosine or cissampeline , and was found by Fliickiger to be identical with beberine, 
 paricine, and buxine (see pp. 325 and 1077), and to exist also in the stem and root of Cis- 
 sampelos Pareira, IAnne , to the extent of about £ per cent. Pareira brava contains it in 
 the same proportion. The pure alkaloid is amorphous, nearly insoluble in water, some- 
 what soluble in ether and carbon disulphide, but freely soluble in chloroform and acetone, 
 also in alcohol and benzene ; its nitrate is sparingly soluble, and its acetate is precipitated 
 by sodium phosphate, by the group reagents for alkaloids, and by potassium iodide, fer- 
 rocyanide, ferricyanide and chromate ; the precipitate with phosphomolybdic acid dis- 
 solves in ammonia with a blue color. Feneuille (1821) examined pareira brava, and 
 obtained a yellow bitter principle soluble in alcohol and ether, a soft resin soluble in 
 alcohol, and brown extractive soluble in alcohol and water. 
 
 Infusum pareira, U. S. 1870. — Infusion of pareira brava, E. ; Tisane de pareira, 
 Fr. ; Pareira-Infusion, G. — Pareira brava, bruised, a troyounce ; boiling water, a pint ; 
 macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pareira appears to be analogous in its A T irtues to uva ursi 
 and chimaphila, since they are chiefly manifested in diseases of the mucous 'membrane 
 of the urinary organs, and especially in those attended with muco-purulent deposits in 
 the urine. In chronic pyelitis and cystitis it may be advantageously administered in 
 the form of infusion, decoction, or the official fluid extract. The solid extract is less 
 efficient. The former official infusion was made with an ounce of pareira to a pint of 
 boiling water. The dose is represented by Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx) of the root. 
 
 PARIETARIA. — Parietaria, Pellitory. 
 
 Wall pellitory, E. ; Parietaire , Fr. Cod.; Perce-muraille , Fr. ; Glaskraut, Gr. ; Parie- 
 taria , Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticacese, Urticeae. 
 
 Description. — The following perennial European species has been used : 
 
 Par. officinalis, Linne. The stem is diffusely branched, reddish, rough-hairy ; the 
 leaves are petiolate, alternate, short-hairy, elliptic, entire, and acute ; the polygamous 
 flowers are in cymose axillary clusters with an involucre of short bracts, which are 
 united at the base. The plant is perennial, and grows on walls and along roadsides. 
 A variety with a nearly simple stem is Par. erecta, Koch. 
 
 Par. pennsylvanica, Muhlenberg , indigenous to the United States, probably possesses 
 similar properties. It is an annual, has thin oblong-lanceolate, rather obtuse and opaquely- 
 dotted leaves, and an involucre which is longer than the flowers. It grows on shaded 
 rocky banks. 
 
 These plants are inodorous, and have a mucilaginous, saline, and slightly bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — No complete analysis of these plants has been made. Among the 
 saline constituents of the European species potassium nitrate is named. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The infusion and syrup of parietaria are used in France. 
 Tisane de parietaire is made from 1 part of the leaves and 100 parts of boiling water. 
 Strop de parietaire is prepared by dissolving 19 parts of sugar in 10 parts of the 
 expressed and clarified juice of the herb. 
 
 Action and Uses. — -Anciently, common wall pellitory was held to be astringent, 
 "cleansing, and cooling, and hence was applied in the first stage of abscesses and other 
 local inflammations, including burns , erysipelas, inflamed haemorrhoids, gouty joints, and 
 scaly eruptions. Its expressed juice was used as a gargle , and in modern times was 
 taken internally, in the dose of Gun. 32-64 (f§j-ij) as a diuretic and lithotriptic. 
 
 PARTHENIUM. — Feverfew, Featherfew. 
 
 Matricaire , Fr. Cod. ; Mutterhraut , Gr. ; Matricaria , Yerba de Santa Maria , Sp. 
 
 The flowering herb of Pyrethrum (Matricaria, Linne , Chrysanthemum, Persoon, Tan- 
 acetum, C. II. Schultz ) Parthenium, Smith. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Senecionideae. 
 
 Origin. — Feverfew is a perennial herb growing in waste places in Europe and culti- 
 vated in gardens, where it is. often seen with double flowers. 
 
PASSIFLOEA. 
 
 1199 
 
 Description. — The stem is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, furrowed, and has alternate, 
 petiolate, ovate, twice pinnately-cleft leaves with obovate or oblong mostly toothed lobes, 
 the teeth terminating with a white point. The flower-heads are in small cymes at the 
 end of the branches, have an involucre composed of linear scales in two rows, a naked 
 hemispherical receptacle, white ligulate obovate and three-toothed ray-florets, and tubular 
 yellow disk-florets. The herb (herba matricarise) has a peculiar odor resembling that of 
 chamomile, but less agreeable, and a bitter, somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The bitter principle of feverfew has not been isolated ; the tannin 
 is of that variety which produces dark-green precipitates with iron salts. The volatile 
 oil contains, according to Dessaignes and Chatard (1848), a stearopten which has the 
 composition of camphor, C 10 H 16 O, fuses at 170° C. (338° F.), and turns polarized light 
 to the left; also another oxygenated but liquid portion, and probably a hydrocarbon. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Parthenium integrifolium, Linne , a North American perennial growing in 
 dry soil in the Southern and Western States, has oblong or ovate leaves, of which the lower ones 
 are sometimes lobed, and the upper ones merely crenately toothed, and small corymbose flower- 
 heads, with a conical chaffy receptacle, five inconspicuous white pistillate ray-florets, and sterile 
 disk-florets. It has a bitter taste. 
 
 Parth. Hvsterophorus, Limit, indigenous to the West Indies, Florida, and Louisiana, resem- 
 bles the preceding, but has bipinnatifid leaves and numerous small flower-heads. It is employed 
 like feverfew. 
 
 Silphium laciniatum, Linne , is indigenous to the Western and Southwestern United States, 
 and attains a height of 1.5-3 M. (5 to 10 feet). The root is 60-90 Cm. (2 to 3 feet) long, and 
 contains a circle of resin-ducts in the bark and one near the centre. The flowers have a cup- 
 shaped involucre composed of imbricated ovate pointed and squarrous scales, and contain numerous 
 yellow tubular sterile disk-florets and many pistillate yellow ray-florets, with compressed, broadly 
 winged, and notched akenes. On the open prairies the lower leaves point north and south, hence 
 the names compass-plant and polar-plant. The leaves are rough and bristly, ovate in outline, 
 pinnately divided, the segments lanceolate, toothed or lobed. All parts of the plant are rich in 
 resin, hence the name rosin-weed. The exudation of the stem and leaves forms translucent or 
 transparent tears resembling mastic in appearance, having an agreeable terebinthinate odor and 
 taste, and readily becoming plastic when masticated. It is only partly soluble in the different 
 simple solvents, and, according to L. I. Morris (1881), contains nearly 20 per cent, of volatile 
 oil consisting of a hydrocarbon, and 37 per cent, of acid resin, which, on being fused with potassa, 
 does not yield protocatechuic acid ; the other constituents are wax, a little sugar, £ per cent, of 
 inorganic salts, and a whitish tasteless powder insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in chloroform 
 and carbon disulphide. 
 
 Silphium terebixthinaceum, Linn 6, Prairie burdock. It has a smooth stem and smaller flower- 
 heads than the preceding, with smooth and obtuse involucral scales. The leaves are thick, rough, 
 cordately ovate, and toothed or pinnatifid. The plant likewise yields a resinous exudation. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal properties of Matricaria parthenium may be 
 referred to the bitter principle associated with the essential oil which it contains. It has 
 been much used in the treatment of flatulent or atonic dyspepsia , in amenorrhcea , dys- 
 menorrhoea , and simple intermittent fever , as well as in conditions of nervous debility with 
 hysterical symptoms, and as an anthelmintic. 
 
 The expressed juice has been administered, and also a decoction and infusion of the 
 herb. The last is sometimes applied, like chamomile, in fomentations, to allay the pain 
 of local inflammations ( toothache , abscesses, rheumatism ) and to promote suppuration. 
 
 The flowering-tops of Parthenium integrifolium are extremely bitter. Many years ago 
 an infusion made from them was reported to be remarkably efficacious in curing intermit- 
 tent fever. As no further testimony has been published in confirmation of this statement, 
 it may fairly be assumed to have been exaggerated, and that the alleged cures were only 
 such as occasionally follow the use of various vegetable bitters. Parthenine , an extract, 
 erroneously called an alkaloid, and derived from P. luster ophorus, is said, in the dose of 
 Um. 0.20 (gr. iij), to quicken, and of Gm. i (gr. xv) to slow, the pulse, and in some cases 
 to occasion more or less giddiness or sinking, and to have relieved neuralgia of the fifth 
 nerve when given in doses of from two to several grams an hour ( Bull . et Mem. de la Soc. 
 <le Therap., 1886, p. 40). The species of Silphium above mentioned are more allied by 
 their medicinal virtues to the gum-resins than to the aromatic bitters. They are noticed 
 under Opopanax. 
 
 PASSIFLORA. — Passion-Flower. 
 
 Grandille , Fr. ; Passionsblume , G. ; Granadita , Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Passifloracese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — This genus is chiefly confined to tropical America, and 
 
1200 
 
 PEPO. 
 
 consists of climbing shrubs or herbs with alternate undivided or palmately lobed stipulate 
 leaves and perfect flowers. The calyx has five sepals, united below to a short cup-shaped 
 tube, which is fringed in the throat with two or three rows of filaments. The five petals 
 are inserted on the throat of the calyx ; the five stamens are united with their filaments, 
 forming a tube from which the long-stalked ovary projects, bearing three somewhat club- 
 shaped styles ; the fruit is often edible, berry-like, one-celled, and contains numerous seeds, 
 which are invested with a pulpy covering. Two indigenous species have been employed 
 to a limited extent. 
 
 P. lutea, Linne , has obtusely three-lobed leaves with the lobes entire, and greenish- 
 yellow flowers ; and P. incarnata, Linne , with three-lobed serrated leaves, and large 
 whitish flowers having a flesh-colored crown. The berry of the latter is orange-yellow, 
 oval, of the size of a hen’s egg, and is known as May-pops. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The following are indigenous to tropical America : 
 
 P. ccerulea, Linne , has five-lobed leaves, greenish flowers with blue fringes, and orange-colored 
 berries. 
 
 P. lyrasfolia, Tussac. The ovate leaves are divided at the end into three unequal lobes ; the 
 flowers are red and the berries cherry-like. 
 
 P. rubra, Linne , has two-lobed leaves, whitish and pale-red flowers and scarlet-red berries. 
 
 P. maliformis, Linne. Its white, blue-fringed flowers produce a fruit resembling an apple in 
 size, shape, and color. 
 
 P. quadrangularis, Linne , has quadrangular and winged branches and yellowish berries of 
 the size and shape of goose-eggs. 
 
 P. fcetida, Cavanilles , with three-lobed leaves, and whitish flowers having a purple crown, is 
 characterized by its strong disagreeable odor. 
 
 The fruits of the allied Paropsis edulis, Petit-Thouars, Tacsonia tripartita, Jussieu , T. molis- 
 sima, Kunth , and others, are edible. 
 
 The constituents of these plants are unknown. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Several species of Passiflora are endowed with active quali- 
 ties. P. quadrangularis, a West India plant, was long ago (1824) stated to cause in 
 animals, spasms, paralysis, and a cataleptic condition, and its root was said to be emetic. 
 In Jamaica, P. rubra was regarded as narcotic ; P. fcetida, as “ pectoral, anti-spasmodic, 
 and emmenagogue P. laurifolia, as anthelmintic ; and P. lyraefolia, as diuretic. Accord- 
 ing to Phares, P. lutea and incarnata, the passion-flower indigenous to our Southern 
 States, was used by him “ with extraordinary success in all cases of tetanus neonatorum 
 in all sorts of neuralgic affections ,” and in the form of an extract of the root as “ an appli- 
 cation to chancres , irritable piles, erysipelas , and recent burns.” An extract prepared by 
 evaporating to dryness the expressed juice of the leaves gathered in May was given in 
 the form of powder, and in the dose of from 1 to 4 teaspoonfuls. For external use an 
 inspissated decoction of the whole plant was used. 
 
 PEPO, U. S. — Pumpkin- Seed. 
 
 Semen Peponis. — Semences de potirons, Fr. ; Kiirbissamen , Gr. ; Semillas de calaboza, Sp. 
 
 The seed of Cucurbita Pepo, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cucurbitaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The plant is probably indigenous to tropical Asia and America, and is often 
 cultivated. It has a rough hollow stem, large five-lobed, serrate leaves, five-branched 
 tendrils, yellow bell-shaped monoecious flowers, and usually large globular or oblong 
 fruits. 
 
 Description. — The seeds are about 20 Mm. (f inch) long, flat, broadly ovate, some- 
 what oblique at the pointed end, white or pale-yellowish, nearly smooth or finely granular 
 on the surface, near the edge and parallel with it marked with a shallow groove, and 
 .p 0 _. frequently covered with fragments of a white membranous tissue. 
 
 The embryo consists of two flat cotyledons of the shape of the 
 seed, and of a short conical radicle. It is inodorous and has a bland 
 oily taste. 
 
 The seeds of Cue. melopepo, Linne , the squash , are very similar, 
 rather more obtuse, and less plainly margined. (See also p. 559.) 
 
 Constituents. — Dorner and Wolkowich (1870) obtained from 
 pumpkin-seeds 44.5 per cent, of slowly-drying fixed oil, 32. dO 
 1 "ongUudTnaiiy^ dVvfde(? d starch, and traces of volatile oil, resin, and sugar. They aiso 
 announced the discovery of an alkaloid, cucurbitine ; this, how- 
 ever could not be found by Kopylow (1876), who was also unable to establish the 
 
PEPSINUM. 
 
 1201 
 
 presence of a glucoside. He proved the seeds to contain free fatty acids, and the bland 
 oil to consist of the glycerides of palmitic, myristic, and oleic acids. Heckel (1875) 
 attributes the taenifuge properties to a resin contained in the tegmen (perisperm?) of the 
 seed, but Yigier (1876) found the embryo to possess the activity. Dr. L. Woltf (1882) 
 extracted the fixed oil by petroleum benzin, and treated the seeds afterward with alcohol, 
 ether, or chloroform, obtaining a greenish-brown soft resin of an acrid bitter taste. 
 Cadenberg (1881) obtained from the seed of Cucurbita maxima, Duchesne , by pressure, 
 20 to 25 per cent, of bland yellow fixed oil, an aromatic principle, emulsin, gum, sugar, 
 and an acid soluble in alcohol and water. When triturated with water the seeds yield a 
 white and bland emulsion ; the emulsionizing principle is probably a protein compound. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum peponis fluidum. — Fluid extract 
 of pumpkin-seed, E. — It was recommended by Dr. Woltf (1882) to be prepared with alco- 
 hol. like other fluid extracts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pumpkin-seeds are among the most efficient remedies for tape- 
 worm. Originally referred to as a vermifuge in the last century, it is only within a com- 
 paratively few years that their efficiency has been established by numerous and trust- 
 worthy witnesses, notwithstanding their neglect by most writers on helminthology. It 
 was stated in 1878 that the people in Northern Italy are in the habit of using them to 
 expel taeniae (Broking). The remedy has the advantage of being free from any unpleas- 
 ant taste or harsh mode of action. According to Heckel, the taenifuge virtues reside in 
 the perisperm. Berenger-Feraud, who made comparative trials of numerous vermifuges, 
 has declared pumpkin-seed to be one of the least reliable for expelling unarmed taeniae 
 (Bull, de Therap ., xcix. 57 ; ciii. 104). In a later clinical study he states that C. pepo 
 has no taenifuge power, and that C. maxima possesses it only in an inferior degree, and is 
 at the same time apt to occasion disgust, nausea and vomiting (ibid, cxvii, 101). The offen- 
 sive qualities may have been due to the “ rum or Chartreuse ” mixed with the medicine. 
 The fixed oil of the seeds, extracted by ether, has been used successfully in the dose of 
 Gin. 16 (^ss,) repeated in two hours, and followed in two hours more by a dose of castor 
 oil. For administration, Gm. 64.-128 (gii— iv.) of fresh pumpkin-seeds should be beaten 
 into a paste with finely-powdered sugar and diluted with water or milk. The night before 
 using the emulsion, and early the following morning also it has been recommended to 
 administer a large saline purgative for the purpose of washing away the mucus and 
 other intestinal contents that protect the taenia. The emulsion, to the amount of a pint, 
 should be taken in three doses at intervals of about two hours, beginning at ten oclock, 
 the patient remaining very still in bed to prevent vomiting (Squibb, Ephemeris , i. 172). 
 Three or four hours later 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls of castor oil should be administered. 
 Before taking the medicine he should fast for twenty-four hours. A fluid extract has 
 also been used. The same treatment has been recommended for lumbricoid worms. 
 
 PEPSINUM, U. S., P. G , — Pepsin. 
 
 Pepsin , Br. ; Pepsina , Fr. Cod. ; Pepsine, Fr. ; Pepsin , G. 
 
 A proteolytic ferment or enzyme obtained from the glandular layer of fresh stomachs 
 from healthy pigs, and capable of digesting not less than three thousand times its own 
 weight of freshly coagulated and disintegrated egg albumen, when tested by the pro- 
 cess given below. If it be desired to use a diluent for reducing pepsin of a higher 
 digestive power to that required by the Pharmacopoeia, sugar of milk should be em- 
 ployed for that purpose. — U. S. 
 
 A preparation of the mucous lining of the fresh and healthy stomach of the pig, sheep, 
 or calf. — Br. 
 
 History. — Pepsin was discovered in 1836 by Schwann, after Eberle had furnished 
 proof that digestion of food in the stomach is due neither to the mechanical action of the 
 mucous membranes nor to the solvent action of acids, but is dependent upon some unor- 
 ganized ferment present in the gastric juice ; this ferment was determined by Schwann 
 and named pepsin, from the Greek word n£<pt$ (digestion). Pepsin is a secretory pro- 
 duct of certain glands imbedded in the tissue of the inner coating of the stomach, but has 
 also been found in muscular tissue, urine, brain, and the mucous membrane of the intes- 
 tines. True or active pepsin probably does not exist at all times in the gastric juice, but 
 is formed by the action of hydrochloric acid and chlorides from a mother substance known 
 as pepsinogen as the digestive functions of the stomach may require ; in support of this 
 theory we find that glycerin will abstract increased quantities of pepsin from the mucous 
 membrane of the stomach after this has been treated with 0.2 per cent, hydrochloric acid 
 
1202 
 
 PEPSIN UM. 
 
 or 1.0 per cent, sodium chloride solution. The use of pepsin in medicine is mainly due 
 to the efforts of Dr. Corvisart, court physician to the Emperor Napoleon III., but the 
 quality of the commercial article has been vastly improved since that time : to the perse- 
 verance and energy of American pharmacists are due the improvements in the mode of manu- 
 facturing pepsin and the wonderful increase in digestive power of the commercial article. 
 
 Preparation. — The stomach of one of these animals recently killed having been cut 
 open and laid on a board with the inner surface upward, any adhering portions of food, 
 dirt, or other impurity are to be removed and the exposed surface slightly washed with 
 cold water ; the cleansed mucous membrane is then to be scraped with a blunt knife or 
 other suitable instrument, and the viscid pulp thus obtained is to be immediately spread 
 over the surface of glass or glazed earthenware and quickly dried at a temperature not 
 exceeding 100° F. The dried residue is to be reduced to powder and preserved in a 
 stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 This process is the same as that suggested by Dr. Lionel Beal, the product consisting 
 merely of the carefully dried mucous membrane of the stomach. The U. S. and German 
 Pharmacopoeias give no process for the manufacture of pepsin, recognizing any prepara- 
 tion that comes up to the official requirements. The French Codex follows the plan of 
 M. Boudault which directs that the mucous membrane of sheep stomachs shall be mace- 
 rated for two hours at 15° C. (59° F.), the strained liquid to be precipitated with lead 
 acetate, the precipitate washed, then diffused in water, and decomposed by hydrogen sul- 
 phide ; the liquid is rapidly filtered, and evaporated below 45° C. (113° F.) in very shal- 
 low vessels to a brownish-yellow firm mass. Boudault added starch to the evaporated 
 liquid before it had reached dryness, and at times also added lactic acid ; Hottot recom- 
 mended the precipitation of the pepsin by sodium sulphate and its drying so as to form 
 pale-brown scales. Lamatch’s German pepsin is obtained by triturating the mucous 
 membrane of the stomach with clean dry sand, filtering the liquid obtained, and drying 
 this in thin layers at a temperature of 50° C. (104° F.). In this country two kinds of 
 pepsin are manufactured, known respectively as precipitated pepsin and soluble or scale 
 pepsin ; the former is made by the method recommended by E. Scheffer in 1872, and con- 
 sists in precipitating an acid infusion of clean mucous membrane of hog stomach (pre- 
 pared cold) by a saturated solution of sodium chloride, redissolving the precipitate in acid 
 water, reprecipitating with salt in order to purify the pepsin, and finally drying at or 
 below 40° C. (104° F.). (See Amer. Jour. Pliar. 1872.) The process for the manufac- 
 ture of the so-called scale or peptone pepsins insures an increased yield of product and 
 higher digestive power, but not always the same degree of purity : it consists in subject- 
 ing the well-cleaned mucous membranes of animal stomachs, after being thoroughly minced 
 by machinery, to a process of self-digestion in water acidified by hydrochloric acid at a 
 temperature of 38°-45° C. (100.4°-113° F.), until the whole mass is converted into a 
 uniform transparent glairy fluid. This is allowed to cool and deposit over night after an 
 addition of chloroform or sulphurous acid solution, which prevents putrefaction and in 
 nowise interferes with the activity of the pepsin ; the liquid is carefully strained, concen- 
 trated in a vacuum apparatus to a syrupy consistence, and spread upon plates of glass, 
 where it is allowed to scale in suitable dust-free rooms. Pepsin thus prepared always 
 contains mucus, peptones, and syntonin, while that prepared by the Scheffer method is 
 contaminated with salt and some inert albuminous matter. In 1891 a process was pat- 
 ented in this country and in England combining the advantages of the two preceding pro- 
 cesses. The essential features are as follows : the well-cleansed aud minced mucous mem- 
 branes are brought to solution by digesting with acidulated water, the solution being 
 clarified after addition of sulphurous acid ; the clear liquid is separated from the deposit, 
 and then precipitated by saturating at a higher temperature with sodium sulphate, 
 whereby the pepsin is deposited, while the peptone remains in solution. The precipitated 
 pepsin is dissolved in weak hydrochloric acid and subjected to dialysis, which removes 
 the sodium sulphate and remaining peptones, after which the residual solution is con- 
 centrated at a low temperature and dried on plates of glass. The sodium sulphate is not 
 lost in the process, but obtained from the peptone solution by recrystallization. 
 
 Sellden (1873) observed that the mucous membrane is not deprived of pepsin by 
 maceration in acidulated water, but that by digestion at 37° C. (98.6° F.) about double 
 the amount of pepsin is obtained ; the mother-liquor from the precipitated pepsin, after 
 having been deprived of salt by T dialysis, possesses only very slight digestive properties. 
 That pepsin exists partly in the stomach in an insoluble form has also been demonstrated 
 by Bechamp and by Gautier (1882) ; the insoluble granules, termed microzimes , gradually 
 dissolve in water on digestion. 
 
PEPSIN UM. 
 
 1203 
 
 Properties. — The different pharmacopoeias ascribe the following properties to 
 pepsin : 
 
 “ A fine, white, or yellowish-white, amorphous powder, or thin, pale yellow or yellowish, 
 transparent or translucent grains or scales, free from any offensive odor, and having a 
 mildly acidulous or slightly saline taste, usually followed by a suggestion of bitterness. 
 It slowly abstracts moisture when exposed to the air. Soluble, or for the most part 
 soluble, in about 100 parts of water, with more or less opalescence ; more soluble in 
 water acidulated with hydrochloric acid ; insoluble in alcohol, ether, or chloroform. On 
 heating a solution of pepsin in acidulated water to 100° C. (212° F.) it becomes milky, 
 or yields a light, flocculent precipitate, and loses all proteolytic power. In a dry state it 
 can endure this temperature without injury. Pepsin usually has a slightly acid reaction. 
 It may be neutral, but should never be alkaline/’ — TJ. S. 
 
 ‘‘Alight yellowish-brown powder, having a faint but not disagreeable odor and a 
 slightly saline taste, without any indication of putrescence. Very little soluble in water 
 or spirit.” — Br. 
 
 “ A fine, almost white, slightly hygroscopic powder, having a peculiar bread-like odor 
 and a sweetish, afterward bitter taste. 1 part forms with 100 parts of water a faintly 
 opalescent solution of very slightly acid reaction.” — P. G. 
 
 The greater the proportion of peptone present in pepsin the more rapidly does it absorb 
 moisture from the air, and the greater the absence of mucus the less unpleasant will be 
 the odor and the more perfectly clear will be the solution of pepsin in water, especially 
 if the water be acidulated with acetic acid. Except in minute quantities sodium chloride 
 impairs the activity of pepsin ; the same is true of alcohol. An aqueous solution of 
 pepsin will decompose in a short time ; after addition of hydrochloric acid it remains 
 clear, but gradually loses its effects on albumen. Glycerin, on the other hand, preserves 
 its virtues. Tannin and the alkali carbonates and bicarbonates inhibit the proteolytic 
 action of pepsin. 
 
 Tests. — Pepsin exposed on a watch-glass to the air, even in damp weather, should 
 not become sticky in the course of a few hours, showing the absence of an undue amount 
 of peptone. It should form with distilled water an almost clear solution, which is not 
 rendered turbid by the addition of acetic acid, showing the absence of mucus. (Pepsin 
 made by Scheffer’s process never yields a clear solution with water, owing to the presence 
 of syntonin or acid albumen.) It should be free from any disagreeable or ammoniacal 
 odor, due to the presence of putrescible matter. A drop of tincture of iodine added to 
 a solution of pepsin should not develop a blue or purplish-red color, showing the absence 
 of starch and dextrin. 
 
 The valuation of pepsin is directed by the different pharmacopoeias as follows : 
 
 “ Prepare, first, the following three solutions : A. To 294 Cc. of water add G Cc. of 
 diluted hydrochloric acid. B. In 100 Cc. of solution A. dissolve 0.067 Gm. of the pepsin 
 to be tested. C. To 95 Cc. of solution A, brought to a temperature of 40° C. (104° 
 F.), add 5 Cc. of solution B. The resulting 100 Cc. of liquid will contain 2 Cc. of 
 diluted hydrochloric acid, 0.00335 Gm. of the pepsin to be tested, and 98 Cc. of water. 
 Immerse and keep a fresh hen’s egg during fifteen minutes in boiling water ; then remove 
 it and place it into cold water. When it is cold separate the white, coagulated albumen, 
 and rub it through a clean sieve having 30 meshes to the linear inch, lleject the first por- 
 tion passing through the sieve. Weigh off 10 Gm. of the second, cleaner portion, place it 
 into a flask of the capacity of about 200 Cc., then add one-half of solution 6 T , and shake 
 well so as to distribute the coherent albumen evenly throughout the liquid. Then add 
 the second half of solution (7, and shake again, guarding against loss. Place the flask in 
 a water-bath, or thermostat, kept at a temperature of 38° or 40° C. (100.4° to 104° F.), 
 for six hours, shaking it gently every fifteen minutes. At the expiration of this time 
 the albumen should have disappeared, leaving at most only a few, thin, insoluble flakes. 
 (Trustworthy results, particularly in comparative trials, are obtained only, if the tem- 
 perature is strictly maintained between the prescribed limits, and if the contents of the 
 flasks are agitated uniformly, and in equal intervals of time.) The relative proteolytic 
 power of pepsin stronger or weaker than that described above may be determined by 
 ascertaining through repeated trials, how much of solution B made up to 100 Cc., with 
 solution A, will be required exactly to dissolve 10 Gm. of coagulated and disintegrated 
 albumen under the conditions given above.” — U S. 
 
 “ 2 grains of pepsin with an ounce of distilled water, to which 5 minims of hydro- 
 chloric acid have been added, form a mixture in which at least 100 grains of hard-boiled 
 white of egg, passed through a No. 36 sieve, will dissolve on their being well mixed, 
 
1204 
 
 PEPSINUM. 
 
 digested, and well stirred together for thirty minutes at a temperature of 54.4° C. (130° 
 F.).” — Br. 
 
 “ 10 Gm. of hard-boiled egg-albumen, passed through a No. 25 sieve, added to 100 Cc. 
 of water and 10 drops of hydrochloric acid, should be dissolved by 0.1 Gm. of pepsin 
 when digested for one hour at 45° C. (113° F.), with frequent agitation.” — P. G. 
 
 Although the U. S. Pharmacopoeia requires of pepsin a digestive power of only 1 to 
 3000, higher grades are in daily use by physicians, such as 1 to 4000, 1 to 5000, and 1 
 to 6000. In addition, manufacturers of pepsin are prepared to furnish still purer products, 
 capable of dissolving eight, ten, fifteen, and even twenty thousand times their weight of 
 hard-boiled egg-albumen. 
 
 Composition. — Absolutely pure pepsin is unknown ; it probably contains the same 
 elements present in other protein compounds. Syntonin has a similar composition, but is 
 insoluble in water and neutral saline solutions ; its presence in pepsin made by Scheffer’s 
 process was shown by Sellden. (1873). 
 
 Allied Substances and Products. — Gastric Juice. As taken from the stomach and filtered 
 from the undigested food, this forms a clear, transparent, limpid liquid of a pale-yellow or 
 brownish color, of a slight peculiar odor, and of a somewhat saline and acidulous taste. It is 
 but slightly heavier than water, and has a strongly acid reaction, which has been attributed to 
 free lactic and hydrochloric acids, to acid phosphates, and to acid hippurates. The gastric juice 
 retains its digestive power for a long time, even after it has become mouldy. Lehmann obtained 
 from it between 0.1 and 0.132 per cent, of free hydrochloric, and between 0.32 and 0.585 per cent, 
 of lactic, acid. The latter was observed by Richet (1878) to be identical with sarcolactic acid of 
 horseflesh. The total percentage of all solids contained in gastric juice is between 1 and 1.5 per 
 cent., but varies in different animals, and is invariably increased by admixture with saliva. The 
 chlorides amount to nearly J per cent., among them small quantities of ammonium and calcium 
 chlorides. Phosphates of calcium, magnesium, and iron amount to ^ or l per cent., but alkali 
 sulphates and phosphates cannot ordinarily be detected. 
 
 Papain, Papayotin, is obtained from the milk-juice of the melon tree or papaw, Carica Papaya, 
 Linne, s. Papaya vulgaris, De Candolle ; nat. ord. Papayaceae. The tree is indigenous to tropical 
 America, but now is cultivated and wild in most tropical countries. The trunk is mostly undi- 
 vided, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.5 M ) high, has a crown of long-petioled, large, palmately-lobed leaves, 
 and bears as fruit fleshy berries which under cultivation attain a length of 12 inches (30 Cm.) and 
 a thickness of 6 inches (15 Cm.). Peckolt (1879) found the fruit to contain albuminoids, resin, 
 sugar, fat, tartrates, citrates, malates, etc. ; the milk-juice of the unripe fruit, dissolved in water, 
 yields with alcohol papayotin as a snow-white, inodorous, and nearly tasteless powder, which is 
 very soluble in water and glycerin, but insoluble in other solvents. Wurtz and Bouchut (1879) 
 named it papain. Wittmack (1878) showed that the filtered milk-juice is not coagulated by heat. 
 The residue from dialysis, precipitated by alcohol, gave to Wurtz (1880) a product containing only 
 1 to 3 per cent, of ash, and having a composition closely resembling that of albuminoids. The 
 aqueous solution foams when agitated, and is not precipitated by acetic or orthophosphoric acid, 
 but nitric or hydrochloric acid yields a precipitate soluble in excess of acid. Precipitates are also 
 obtained with tannin, picric acid, platinic chloride, corrosive sublimate (on boiling), copper sul- 
 phate (violet), and Millon’s reagent (yellowish-white, on heating brick-red). 
 
 Bouchut (1880) found the milk-juice of thejfo? tree to contain a similar digestive ferment. 
 
 Peptone. This is the product of the digestion of albuminoid substances. Peptones are readily 
 soluble in water, and this solution is not disturbed by boiling nor by the addition of acids or 
 alkalies. Neutral solutions of peptone are precipitated by alcohol, tannin, and by various salts. 
 Acid solutions yield precipitates with potassio-mercuric iodide, bromine-water, and other group 
 reagents for alkaloids, but these^ precipitates are soluble in excess of peptone (Tanret, 1881). 
 Brieger (1883) extracted from some peptones by boiling alcohol an amorphous poisonous alkaloid 
 resembling the ptomaines in behavior. Peptone is colored yellow by nitric acid, and gives with 
 Millon’s reagent, on warming, a red precipitate, and with Fehling’s solution violet-red color. 
 
 Peptone is readily assimilated by the intestinal mucous membrane. Poehl (1882) states that 
 peptones may be again converted into albuminoids by the influence of alcohol, various alkali 
 salts, and other agents having much affinity for water. Peptonized meat has been recommended 
 as a nutritive medicine. The liquid resulting from the artificial digestion of lean meat is strained, 
 neutralized with sodium bicarbonate, and the filtrate evaporated until it has the density 1.208, 
 when it is stated to contain 50 per cent, of peptone (Petit, 1881), and may be preserved by the 
 addition of glycerin and combined with ferric chloride, mercuric chloride, and other salts. By 
 desiccating its concentrated solution upon oiled plates peptone may be obtained in scales resem- 
 bling gelatin, which are hygroscopic, but not deliquescent on exposure. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Pepsinum saccharatum, TJ. S. ; Saccharated 
 pepsin. — Take of Pepsin 10 Gm. ; Sugar of Milk, recently dried, and in No. 30 powder, 
 90 Gm. Triturate the pepsin with the sugar of milk to a fine uniform powder, and keep 
 the product in well-stoppered bottles. Saccharated pepsin, when tested by the process 
 given under Pepsin, with the modification that 0.67 Gm. of it are to be taken in pre- 
 
PEPSINUM. 
 
 1205 
 
 paring solution B , should digest three hundred times its own weight of freshly coagu- 
 lated and disintegrated albumen. 
 
 Glyceritum pepsini, iV. F . ; Glycerite of pepsin, Glycerole of pepsin. — Dissolve 640 
 o-rains of pepsin in a mixture of 80 minims of hydrochloric acid and 7 fluidounces of 
 water; add 120 grains of purified talcum and filter, adding sufficient water through the 
 filter to make 8 fluidounces. Finally, add to the filtrate 8 fluidounces of glycerin and 
 
 mix well. 
 
 Liquor pepsini aromaticus, N. F. ; Aromatic solution of pepsin, Aromatic liquid 
 pepsin. Mix 128 grains of pepsin with 8 fluidounces of water and 75 minims of hydro- 
 
 chloric acid; shake until dissolved; then add 120 grains of purified talcum and 2 drops 
 of oil of cinnamon, 2 drops of oil of pimento, and 4 drops of oil of cloves, previously 
 dissolved in 4 fluidrachms of alcohol ; mix thoroughly, filter clear, and pass enough 
 water through the filter to make the filtrate measure 12 fluidounces. Finally, add 4 
 fluidounces of glycerin and mix well. 
 
 Vinum pepsini, N. F ., P. G. ; Wine of pepsin, E.\ Pepsinwein, G. — Mix 30 minims 
 of hydrochloric acid, 360 minims of glycerin, and 1 fluidounce of water ; add 128 grains 
 of pepsin ; agitate thoroughly until dissolved, then add enough white wine to make 16 
 fluidounces; mix intimately with 120 grains of purified talcum and filter. — N. F. Mix 
 20 parts of pepsin with 20 parts each of glycerin and water and 3 parts of hydrochloric 
 acid ; set the mixture aside for eight days, with frequent agitation ; then filter and add 
 92 parts of syrup, 2 parts of tincture of orange-peel, and 839 parts of sherry wine or as 
 much as may be necessary to bring the total weight up to 1000 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The effects of swallowing 5 drachms of pure pepsin are said 
 to have been burning pain in the stomach, nausea, colic, and diarrhoea, but no vomiting 
 (Mecl. Record , xxviii. 346). On the admission of pepsin into medical practice it soon 
 acquired a brilliant reputation as a remedy for numberless dyspeptic ailments indirectly 
 engendered by the wear and tear of civilized life, as well as for those directly produced 
 by certain affections of the structural elements of the stomach itself. The introduction 
 into this organ from without of a substance necessary to the solution of the food, but 
 which it was incompetent to furnish by its own power, was a happy thought of the 
 rational therapeutist, and which has been repeated less rationally in the case of pancrea- 
 tin. The practical results of its application were apparently, and at first, as flattering as 
 possible ; but confidence in the remedy began to decline when it became certain that 
 nearly all of the numerous preparations of pepsin were absolutely inert intrinsically, or 
 had become so from the changes induced by time or by the various substances associated 
 with the pepsin they originally contained. It is unnecessary to describe in detail the 
 various dyspeptic disorders which might be profitably treated by a really active prepara- 
 tion of pepsin : it will suffice to say that, besides those already referred to, there is the 
 common gastric derangement of infants and of children during the period of dentition, 
 induced usually by the pain and irritation of this process, which being duly corrected, 
 the patients are enabled to bear with comparatively slight disorder of function the con- 
 tinued action of the disturbing cause. Other causes besides teething may occasion the 
 same condition, such as unwholesome air and food. Under the use of pepsin sometimes 
 the vomiting and diarrhoea cease, the abdominal distension subsides, and the increased 
 flesh and improved complexion testify to the more complete assimilation of the food. 
 In numerous cases occurring during convalescence from exhausting acute diseases, and 
 in the course of chronic affections, more or less of the same effect may be hoped for 
 from the administration of pepsin in a really active condition. Still, we believe that 
 general clinical experience will support the deduction of Dana from his experiments, 
 “ that good pepsin has a real though not a great medicinal value” (Amer. Jour, of Med. 
 Sci.j Oct. 1882, p. 347). It is at best only a transient substitute for the gastric juices ; 
 its continued use enfeebles the digestion. It seems probable that pepsin prepares albu- 
 minous compounds for absorption, for Catillon fed a dog by the rectum with eggs pre- 
 pared with pepsin, and the animal retained its weight and temperature during the two 
 months that the experiment continued. As soon as the pepsin was omitted it began to 
 lose flesh and heat (Bull, de Therap ., c. 233). There is much doubt entertained by 
 competent authorities whether pepsin is really the active agent in cases where it seems 
 to do good, and not the hydrochloric acid with which it is generally administered. It is 
 claimed that pepsin is a valuable remedy in dyspeptic forms of diabetes. It is unneces- 
 sary to do more than mention that pepsin has been applied locally to dissolve diphtheritic 
 membrane, and also coagulated blood retained in the urinary bladder. 
 
 Perfectly fresh pepsin may be prescribed in doses of about Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) imme- 
 
1206 
 
 PEPSIN UM. 
 
 diately before or after each meal in water acidulated with muriatic acid. It may also 
 be mixed with arrowroot and given in a little sweetened water. Liebreich has found that 
 to preserve the ferment of pepsin in the liquid state glycerin is the only reliable agent. 
 
 Carica papaya fruit and the tree producing it were described as long ago as 1665 
 by Rochefort (Hist. nat. des Antilles , etc., 2eme ed., p. 66). His statement is that it 
 strengthens the stomach and promotes digestion. In the History of Barbadoes , by the 
 Rev. Griffith Hughes, pp. 181, 182 (London, 1750), the author, speaking of two varieties 
 of papaw, says : “Both these fruits, especially the round sort, are likewise when near 
 ripe boiled and eaten with any kind of flesh meat, and esteemed wholesome if they are 
 cleansed of the milky corrosive juice they contain and eaten but seldom. This juice is 
 of so penetrating a nature that if this unripe fruit when unpeeled is boiled with the 
 toughest old salt meat, it will soon make it soft and tender, and if hogs are for any con- 
 siderable time fed with it, especially raw, it is said it will wear off all the mucous slimy 
 matter which covers the inside of the guts, and would in time, if not prevented by a 
 change of food, entirely lacerate them. I know of no physical virtue in any part of this 
 tree, unless that the milky juice of the popo is sometimes made use of to cure ringworms 
 and such cutaneous eruptions.” Rossbach, who has furnished the amplest account of 
 the matter (Zeitsch. f Min. Med., vi. 527), cites from Holder that when swine are fed 
 upon the fruit, their flesh becomes too soft for salting ; from Karsten, that in the higher 
 regions of Quito, where water boils below 212° F., papaw-juice is used to supplement 
 the action of hot water by softening the meat ; and from Schacht, that flesh enveloped 
 in papaw-leaves for a few hours becomes tender. Roy found that the juice dissolved 
 raw meat and also coagulated albumen more powerfully than the gastric juice. Witt- 
 mack saw fresh beef disintegrated and dissolved by a weak solution of the juice at a 
 temperature lower than the boiling-point of water. Under like conditions pepsin, unless 
 acidulated, exhibited no solvent power at all. Rapid cooking arrested the action of the 
 juice upon animal tissues. The minutest portion of it coagulated milk. Wurtz and 
 Bouchut ( Compte rendu des Seances de V Acad, des Set ., 1879, p. 425) found that 
 papaine, the nitrogenous substance precipitated by alcohol from papaw-juice, dissolves 
 from one thousand to two thousand times its weight of fibrin, and differs from pepsin in 
 doing so not only in a faintly acid solution, but even in a neutral or slightly alkaline 
 liquid. The presence or absence of bacteria did not affect the solvent power of the prep- 
 aration, and when cold it seemed as active as when warm. The addition of muriatic, 
 carbolic, or salicylic acid lessened the solvent power of papayotin. “ Papoid,” says 
 Finkler, “ is an albuminous body which under certain conditions can convert albumen 
 into peptone. It is more energetic than pepsin in this respect, especially in alkaline or 
 neutral solutions, while pepsin acts only in acid ones.” Ruttan has made a similar 
 statement ( Therap . Gaz., xi. 517 ; Med. News , lii. 27). The experiments of Rossbach 
 show that in man and animals this constituent does not act upon normal living organs, 
 but that when injected subcutaneously it occasions more or less softening of the connect- 
 ive tissue. When thrown into the blood-vessels, it instantly disorganizes the blood and 
 consequently arrests the heart. The flesh of animals killed in this manner rapidly under- 
 goes putrefaction. 
 
 In regard to the medicinal uses of papaw products, Kohts and Asch in 1882 ( Zeitsch . 
 f. Klin. Med. v. 558) stated that a 5 per cent, solution of papayotin softens and com- 
 pletely dissolves diphtheritic false membranes in the nose, pharynx, or trachea, provided 
 that the preparation be genuine and the solution thoroughly applied at least every half 
 hour. The infiltrated form of diphtheria is, however, not amenable to this treatment. In 
 the Medical Society of Berlin discussion did not bring about an agreement as to the value 
 of the application ( Deutsche Med. Wochensch , 1883, p. 327). It seems that only well- 
 tested and concentrated solutions applied every few minutes can be relied upon to dis- 
 solve the exudation. Among later reports attesting its efficacy may be mentioned those 
 of Croner (Med. News , xliii. 24), Jacobi (Therap. Gaz ., x. 145), Bruce (Med,. Record , 
 xxxiv. 448); Bauduy (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., ix. 705), and Ruttan (Med. News / lii. 
 521), who states that it deodorizes as well as dissolves the exudation. The softening 
 power of this agent has been applied to remove the crusts of eczema. Morris painted the 
 crusts twice a day with a solution of 12 grs. of papaine and 5 grs. of borax in 2 drachms 
 of distilled water (British Med. Jour., May 20, 1882). Fenwick, and also Schwimmer, 
 found that in syphilitic ulcers of the tongue and throat much good was done by 
 applying to them a paste made with papaine, glycerin, water, and potassium carbonate, 
 by using lozenges containing papaine gr. £, cocaine, gr. i, potassium bicarbonate gr. b 
 Johnston (Edinb. Med. Jour., Jan. 1890) employed a 5 per cent, solution of papaine to 
 
PERSIC A. 
 
 1207 
 
 cleanse the auditory canal of obstructing indurated secretions. Injections of papayotin 
 have been made in cancerous tumors of the skin and superficial glands, but the action is 
 said to be painful and slow. Morris applied it to remove “ tubercles of irritation from 
 the hands of a mortuary porter,” and Cox to heal sinuses. As long ago as 1802, Sprengel 
 described the virtues of papaw-juice in destroying taeniae and lumbricoid worms. Castor 
 oil was administered to expel the dead parasites. It has been used in the same forms of 
 dyspepsia as pepsine — i. e. in gastric atony, muscular or glandular, with acid regurgita- 
 tion and flatulence. Hersehell has described a gastric catarrh, or biliousness, as amenable 
 to this medicine, but the enumerated symptons are merely^ those of constipation from 
 intestinal atony. In Australia a liquid extract of Carica papaya, a tincture, and a gelat- 
 inous extract have been used both internally and topically to stimulate the mammary 
 secretion. It is also said to be an abortifacient ( Therap . Gaz ., xi. 318). 
 
 Ingluvin is obtained from the gizzard of the domestic fowl, and is supposed to promote 
 digestion in the same manner as pepsin. From ancient times it has been employed in 
 China for that purpose, and has long been a popular medicine in the Western World. 
 But Dr. Edes and Dr. Ellis both failed to discover that it displayed any such action upon 
 albumen as pepsin exerts ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., April, 1883, p. 381). In 1877 
 the attention of physicians was called to it by Dr. Shelley ( Phila . Med. and Sury. Reporter , 
 June, 1877) as a remedy for nausea and dyspepsia associated with debility (Kennedy, 
 Phila. Med. Times , x. 104). In doses of 8 to 15 grains before meals it has suspended the 
 vomiting of pregnancy ( Med . Record , xii. 664 ; Practitioner , xxvi. 43 ; Med. News, liv. 187). 
 Dr. Dobbs advises that it be given very early in the morning in the dose of 10 grains, at 
 eight or nine o’clock 15 grains more, and that an hour later a light breakfast be taken, 
 and that this administration be continued for several days, while the dose is increased to 
 Cm. 1.30 (gr. xx.) (Brit. Med. Jour., 1881, i. 86). Sawyer recommends that in atonic 
 dyspepsia it be given in doses of Grin. 0.60 (gr. x.) thrice daily, in powder sprinkled on 
 bread, immediately after meals ( Practitioner , xxvi. 43). 
 
 PERSICA.— Peach. 
 
 Peclier, Fr. Cod. ; Pfirsich, Gr. ; Melocoton , Durazno, Sp. 
 
 Persica vulgaris, De Candolle , Amygdalus Persica, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rosaceae, Amygdaleae. 
 
 Description. — The peach tree is indigenous to South-western Asia, and is at present 
 extensively cultivated in most temperate countries. It is of medium size, and has a 
 nearly smooth brown bark and spreading branches. The leaves are alternate, short petio- 
 late, lanceolate, pointed, closely serrate, green, and smooth on both sides. The flowers 
 appear in April, are axillary, have a bell-shaped and five-cleft calyx, five ovate, reddish 
 petals, about twenty-five stamens, and a single ovary developing into a sub-globular 
 drupe, with a hard and firm putamen and containing a seed resembling the almond. The 
 leaves, flowers, and seeds when bruised exhale a bitter-almond odor and have a bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The young branches, ‘leaves, flowers, and seeds, after maceration in 
 water and distillation, yield a volatile oil which is chemically identical with oil of bitter 
 almond. Greiseler (1840) proved the presence of about 3 per cent, of crystallizable 
 amygdalin in the seeds. The fixed oil of the latter is bland, and resembles expressed oil 
 of almond. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark, the leaves, the kernels, and even the flowers, are 
 endowed with active properties, which they owe in part to hydrocyanic acid. The flowers 
 are chiefly laxative, and the leaves are not destitute of this quality. Indeed, they have 
 been used as a substitute for manna, and especially for their vermifuge effect; they have 
 also been reputed to cure intermittent fevers and to allay the pain of nephritic colic , as well 
 as to promote the discharge of calculi by causing diuresis. Bruised and applied to the abdo- 
 men, they are said to relieve colic produced by indigestion. They are also reported to 
 have cured whooping cough. They have been applied to arrest slight haemorrhages. Peach- 
 kernels have frequently produced poisonous effects. A child three years old who had 
 eaten a quantity of them became insensible, with slow, deep, sobbing respiration, slight 
 twitching of the mouth, icy-cold extremities, lividity of the finger-nails, and dilated 
 pupils. It was restored by an emetic (Keating). In other cases active vomiting and 
 purging, with convulsions, have been observed. The possibility of these effects having 
 resulted from the indigestibility of the kernels should not be overlooked. The leaves, 
 and also the flowers, may be prescribed in an infusion, and a syrup prepared from them 
 or from the bark has also been used. 
 
1208 
 
 PETROLATUM. 
 
 PETROLATUM, V. S. — Petrolatum. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia recognizes three varieties of petrolatum, which are officially 
 designated as Petrolatum Liquidum, P. Molle, and P. Spissum ; they are all mixtures of 
 hydrocarbons, chiefly of the marsh-gas series, and are obtained by distilling off the 
 lighter and more volatile portions from petroleum until the residue has reached the 
 desired consistence or has attained the desired melting point, and then purifying it by 
 filtration through a long column of well-dried granular bone-black, the temperature being 
 kept at from 40°-50° C. (104°-122° F.), or even higher, so as to keep the product in a 
 melted condition while percolating through the charcoal. The first portion of the perco- 
 late is colorless or nearly so ; the subsequent portions are more colored. The bone-black 
 retains nearly its own weight of the soft paraffin. The crude paraffin which settles in the 
 storage-tanks of coal oil is first deprived of the lighter hydrocarbons by distillation, and 
 is afterward filtered as above. Crude paraffins are also extensively purified by treatment 
 with sulphuric acid and subsequent washing with water and caustic soda solution before 
 filtration through bone-black. 
 
 Petrolatum liquidum, U. S. ; Paraffinum liquidum, P. G. ; Liquid petrolatum, E. ; 
 Fliissiges Paraffin, G. 
 
 u A colorless, or more or less yellowish, oily, transparent liquid, without odor or taste, 
 or giving off, at most, only a faint odor of petroleum when heated. Specific gravity, 
 about 0.875 to 0.945 at 15° C. (59° F.). Insoluble in water; scarcely soluble in cold or 
 hot alcohol or in cold absolute alcohol ; but soluble in boiling absolute alcohol, and readily 
 soluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, oil of turpentine, benzin, benzene, and fixed 
 or volatile oils. When heated on platinum, liquid petrolatum is completely volatilized, , 
 without emitting any acrid vapors. The alcoholic solution of liquid petrolatum is neutral 
 to litmus-paper. If 5 Gm. of liquid petrolatum be digested, for half an hour, with 5 Gnu 
 of sodium hydroxide and 25 Cc. of water, the aqueous layer separated and supersaturated 
 with sulphuric acid, no oily substance should separate (absence of fixed oils or fats of 
 animal or vegetable origin, or of resin). If 2 volumes of concentrated sulphuric acid be 
 added to 1 volume of liquid petrolatum, melted in a test-tube placed in hot water, and the 
 contents occasionally agitated during fifteen minutes, the acid should not acquire a deeper 
 tint than brown, nor lose its transparency (limit of readily carbonized organic impuri- 
 ties).”—^ S. 
 
 The Germ. Pharm. demands a colorless, clear, non-fluorescent, odorless and tasteless, 
 oil-like liquid, having at least the specific gravity 0.880, and not boiling below 360° C. 
 (680° F.). 
 
 Petrolatum molle, U. S. ; Paraffinum molle, Br. ; Unguentum paraffinum, P. G.; 
 Paraffinum unguinosum, Adeps petrolei. — Soft petrolatum, Soft petroleum ointment, 
 Paraffin jelly, Soft paraffin, E. ; Paraflfinsalbe, Paraffin-butter, G. 
 
 When petrolatum is prescribed or ordered without further specification, soft petrolatum 
 (petrolatum molle) is to be dispensed. — U. S. 
 
 11 A fat-like mass,- of about the consistence cTf ointment, varying from white to yellowish 
 or yellow, more or less fluorescent when yellow, especially after being melted, transparent 
 in thin layers, completely amorphous, and without odor or taste, or giving off", at most, 
 only a faint odor of petroleum when heated. If a portion of soft petrolatum be liquefied 
 and brought to a temperature of 60° C. (140° F.), it will have a specific gravity of about 
 0.820 to 0.840. The melting-point of soft petrolatum ranges from about 40° to 45° C. 
 (104° to 113° F.). In other respects soft petrolatum has the characteristics and should 
 respond to the tests given under Liquid Petrolatum.” — U. S. (See Petrolatum Liqui- 
 dum.) 
 
 Soft paraffin, Br ., melts at 35°-40° C. (95°-I05° F.), and has at the melting-point 
 the specific gravity 0.840-0.870. 
 
 Unguentum paraffini, P. G . — Melt together solid paraffin 1 part and liquid paraffin 
 4 parts. This is somewhat crystalline, and on exposure becomes harder from the slow 
 evaporation of the liquid portion. It is not a suitable substitute for petrolatum. 
 
 Petrolatum spissum, U. S. — Hard petrolatum. 
 
 “ A fat-like mass, of about the consistence of cerate, varying from white to yellowish 
 or yellow, more or less fluorescent when yellow, especially after being melted, transpa- 
 rent in thin layers, completely amorphous, and without odor or taste, or giving off at 
 most, only a faint odor of petroleum when heated. If a portion of hard petrolatum be 
 liquefied, and brought to a temperature of 60° C. (142° F.), it will have a specific gravity 
 of about 0.820 to 0.850. The melting-point of hard petrolatum ranges from about 45 
 
PETROLEUM. 
 
 1209 
 
 I 
 
 
 to 51° C. (113° to 125° F.). In other respects hard petrolatum has the characteristics 
 and should respond to the tests given under Liquid Petrolatum.” — U S. (See Petrola- 
 tum Liquidum.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is intended to be used as a substitute for 
 lard in making many ointments, and for oil as a protecting and lubricating substance. It 
 is absolutely unirritating, and has the advantage of not becoming rancid by keeping. As 
 Randolph has shown, it is valueless as a food-stuff. 
 
 Ichthyol. — T he eulogies of this preparation published by Baumann and Schrotten, 
 Unna, v. Hebra, and other German dermatologists led to its general employment in dis- 
 eases of the skin. They attributed its virtues mainly to the sulphur in its composition 
 (Lorenz, Therap. Gaz., xi. 693). It was used not only in every form of skin disease 
 proper, including lichen, prurigo, urticaria, herpes zoster, etc., intertrigo, erysipelas, 
 variola, but also for wounds, ulcers, burns, frostbite, and rheumatic joints, and was even 
 given internally for the relief of laryngeal, pharyngeal, and gastro-intestinal disorders, 
 and extravagant estimates of its virtues were proclaimed {Centralb. f. Ther ., iv. 411). It 
 was even credited with removing a lipoma as large as a pigeon’s egg ( Therap . Gaz., x. 
 755) when applied as an ammonium-ichthyo-sulphate of 50 per cent, strength. Like other 
 unctuous substances, it was found a palliative of tonsillitis when applied with friction to 
 the sides of the neck. Freund claimed for it a special power of resolving chronic indu- 
 rations of the pelvic organs when topically or internally administered {Am. Jour. Med. 
 Sci., June, 1890, p. 617). As an internal medicine v. Nussbaum proclaimed its virtues in 
 asthmatic complaints, digestive derangements, and pelvic neuralgia resulting from con- 
 gestion, as well as “ neuralgia of the bones, joints, and muscles ” {Bull, de Therap ., cxiv. 
 378). Hoffman and Lange lengthen the list of its virtues by its power over fermenta- 
 tive dyspepsia, comparable to that of carbolic acid {Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 218). On the 
 other hand, not a few whose testimony is quite as credible, express an opposite opinion 
 {Boston. Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1888, p. 384). The more general use of the prepa- 
 ration has greatly reduced the ground of its remedial claims. Many patients found its 
 smell and taste intolerable, and others could not endure a stronger application of it than 
 a 10 per cent, ointment. Dermatologists, in particular, agreed that its curative action was 
 less real than had been alleged. (Compare Elliott, Med. Record , xxxi. 321 ; Stelwagen, 
 Jour. Cutan. and Vener. Bis., Nov. 1886.) The strength of ichthyol ointments varies 
 from 5 to 50 per cent. Internally it has been given in capsules containing 10 per cent, of 
 ichthyol in solution with ether, alcohol, glycerin, or water, and to the extent of Gm. 0.20- 
 0.67 (gr. iij-x) three times a day. It may also be inhaled from a 25 per cent, watery 
 solution (Mays, Med. News , liii. 175). (See also pp. 860, 861.) 
 
 Thiol, like ichthyol, is a product of chemical synthesis and has identical virtues, but 
 is less offensive. It has been applied in a vaseline ointment 1 : 8, and also given internally 
 in 2-grain pills three times a day (Schwimmer, Therap. Monatsh ., iv. 179). 
 
 PETROLEUM. — Petroleum. 
 
 Oleum petrse. — Rock oil , Coal oil, E. ; Petrole , Huile mineral, Fr. ; Steinol , Bergol , G. ; 
 Petroleo, Sp. 
 
 Origin. — Petroleum is met with in several parts of North America, on the west coast 
 of the Caspian Sea, and to a limited extent in most European countries. It oozes from 
 the ground, frequently mixed with water, but is obtained in largest quantities from wells 
 sunk in the ground. Its formation in the soil has been the subject of much speculation. 
 Most frequently it is assumed to be produced by the distillation of fossil carbonized 
 vegetable or animal matter under high pressure ; but theories of its inorganic origin, 
 elevated temperature, and considerable pressure being amongst the physical agencies, have 
 also been maintained. Thus Byasson (1876) refers it to salt water charged with lime 
 salts coming in contact with metals or their sulphurets ; Mendelejeff (1887) to water and 
 metallic carbides ; and Ross (1891) to limestone (CaC0 3 ), hydrogen sulphide, and hydro- 
 gen peroxide, the gases being of volcanic origin. 
 
 Properties. — As naturally obtained, petroleum varies in consistence from thin lim- 
 pidity to the thickness of molasses or tar, and in color from pale-yellow to blackish- 
 brown, usually showing a distinct fluorescence. Its specific gravity is generally between 
 0.8 and 0.9, but some varieties slightly exceed water in density. The heavier and dark- 
 colored kinds yield, on rectification, light and limpid oils, and leave a residue consisting 
 of paraffin and solid bitumen, a variety of which is found native as asphaltvm. The lat- 
 ter is black, glossy, and brittle, while the bituminous residues from coal-oil distillation 
 
1210 
 
 PETROLEUM . 
 
 are less glossy and scarcely brittle at the ordinary temperature. The solid as well as the 
 liquid fractions of petroleum are inflammable and burn with a bright sooty flame ; the 
 vapors of the more volatile kinds, mixed with atmospheric air, are highly explosive. 
 
 Barbadoes tar and Seneca oil are two varieties of petroleum which were formerly 
 employed ; they are viscid and dark-colored, the last named lighter, thinner, and of a less 
 disagreeable odor than the former. 
 
 Constituents. — Petroleum consists of a large number of hydrocarbons, belonging 
 to two homologous series — namely, that of marsh gas , of the general formula C n H 2n+2 
 (see Paraffinum), and of olefiant gas (olefin or ethylene series), having the formula j 
 C n H. in . On treating petroleum with strong sulphuric acid the olefins, coloring matter, j 
 and some other constituents are removed, and the hydrocarbons of the paraffin series left. 
 The hydrocarbons of both series exist also in isomeric modifications which differ from the j 
 normal compounds in volatility and some other properties. Those containing C 4 and less 
 are gases at the ordinary temperatures ; the relation of the others is shown by the follow- 
 ing table (see also Paraffinum) : 
 
 
 Normal. 
 
 Iso. 
 
 
 Normal. 
 
 Iso. 
 
 Pentane, C 5 II 12 , boils at 
 
 38° C. 
 
 30° C. 
 
 Pentene, C 5 II 10 , boils at 
 
 37° C. 
 
 35° C. 
 
 Hexane, C 6 I1 U , “ 
 
 70° C. 
 
 62° C. 
 
 Hexene, C 6 II 12 , “ 
 
 70° C. 
 
 65° C. 
 
 Heptane, C 7 II 16 , “ 
 
 98° C. 
 
 90° C. 
 
 Heptene, C 7 II U , u 
 
 100° C. 
 
 
 
 Octane, C 8 II 18 , 11 
 
 124° C. 
 
 118° C. 
 
 Octene, C 8 ll l6 , “ 
 
 125° C. 
 
 — 
 
 ese compounds are to 
 
 some extent separated by fractional distillation. 
 
 The portion 
 
 boiling below 50° C. (122° F.), being collected by itself, constitutes naphtha or gasolene , 
 and consists almost exclusively of pentane and pentene ; but if the vapors are well refrig- 
 erated the product contains also butane , C 4 H 10 , boiling at 1° C. (33.8° F.), and constitutes 
 rhigolene, which requires to be kept in strong and well-corked bottles and in a cool place, 
 since it evaporates rapidly at the common temperature. The naphtha freed from the low- 
 boiling hydrocarbons is commercially known as benzin or petroleum benzin (see page 333); ■ 
 
 its specific gravity is about .67. The portion boiling at a higher temperature is sepa- 
 rately collected and furnishes kerosene, photogene, or coal oil, which is largely emploved 
 for illuminating purposes ; its safety for that use depends upon the absence of the low- 
 boiling hydrocarbons. At a still higher temperature paraffin oils, paraffin jelly, and 
 paraffin wax (see Paraffinum) pass over, and the residue left in the still at a temper- 
 ature of about 300° C. (572° F.) constitutes the ordinary asphaltum or bitumen. Hep- 
 tane was ascertained by Thorpe (1879) to be a constituent of the volatile oil of Pinus 
 Sabiana (see page 1158). 
 
 Oleum petr^e italicum, s. Petroleum crudum. Yellowish or reddish, limpid, irides- 
 cent, of a peculiar bituminous odor, soluble in fixed and volatile oils, in ether and abso- j 
 lute alcohol, with difficulty soluble in alcohol ; specific gravity 0.75 to 0.85. This is , 
 sometimes employed in Europe. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Taken internally in excessive doses, petroleum has caused thirst, 
 burning in the throat and stomach, oppression, giddiness, palpitation, faintness, and head- 
 ache, but only exceptionally a tendency to stupor, or even sleep. In one case frightful 
 tonic and clonic convulsions occurred ; in another the pulse fell from 82 to 48, the pupils 
 were contracted, the skin hot, the respiration hurried, and the voice weak. It is remark- 
 able that it does not produce vomiting, nor, usually, diarrhoea. In one case 5 ounces (Med. 
 News, xlvii. 658), and in another about a pint (Med. Record, xxviii. 348), was taken 
 with suicidal intention. Both persons recovered. In only one case is death said to have 
 resulted from it, with symptoms of gastro-enteritis, on the twentieth day after the oil 
 was taken. The urine has a peculiar aromatic odor, and a large proportion of the oil 
 may be recovered from it. Sometimes it is albuminous. The vapor of the oil produces 
 a state resembling alcoholic intoxication, but the pupils are contracted, the eyes are 
 staring, and cyanosis sometimes occurs. The workers in refining petroleum are subject 
 to erythematous and vesicular eruptions, due, probably, to the sulphuric acid employed 
 (Med. News , lii. 554 ; liii. 150, 152). Wielczyk states, regarding the petroleum miners 
 in the Carpathians, that when they remain long exposed to its vapors they suffer from 
 noises in the ears, luminous spectra, throbbing of the arteries, syncope, stupor, and 
 hallucinations. They are, however, exceptionally free from phthisis, bronchitis, and dis- 
 eases of the skin (Bull, de Therap., cxi. 374). 
 
 The oil has been highly esteemed for the cure of tapeworm and other verminous affec- 
 tions, and for overcoming retention of urine caused by atony of the bladder, and also 
 credited with singular virtues as aft embrocation in paralysis, contraction, and stiffness of 
 
PETROSELINTJM. 
 
 1211 
 
 . the joints, atonic rheumatism , and tumors , burns, chilblains, etc. The popular use of it as 
 a remedy for itch has been imitated by physicians, and many cures by its means have 
 been reported. It is said to be one of the promptest of the remedies for this affection, 
 but it is also stated by eminent authorities not only to fail in a majority of cases, but in 
 some to be a painful application, and to produce sleeplessness, intoxication, and eczema- 
 tous eruptions of the skin. It has been found curative in prurigo. Kaposi recom- 
 mends as the best remedy for pediculi the following liniment, well rubbed into the skin : 
 Petrolei venalis, Gm. 100 ; 01. olivae., Gm. 50 ; Balsam Peruvian, Gm. 10 — for one or 
 two days, and then washed out with soap and water. Dr. Prayer used petroleum in the 
 treatment of wounds , and regarded it as possessing “ some, if not all, of the advantages 
 assigned to carbolic acid for this purpose.” The ancient use of this substance for the 
 care of chronic bronchitis has been revived with such advantage as attends the adminis- 
 tration of various terebinthinate and balsamic medicines ( Practitioner , xxiv. 375). For 
 this purpose the crude oil is greatly to be preferred to the refined, and wherever petroleum 
 is manufactured it is considered a sovereign remedy not only for bronchitis, but for all 
 other mucous profluvia, as well as for internal lesions of every sort (Blache, Bull, de Ther., 
 xcv. 489 ; Campardon, ibid., xcvii. 463). It has been applied with alleged success to 
 the removal of diphtheritic false membranes ( Bull . et Mem. Soc. therap Juin, 1882, p. 
 135; Phila. Med. News , xli. 509), and suggested as a remedy for favus ( Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., Nov. 1882, p. 453). 
 
 Petroleum may be given internally in doses of Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gtt. v-x) in the same 
 way as oil of turpentine. For the cure of tapeworm larger doses, such as Gm. 2 (f^ss), 
 may be used. In liniments its odor may be partially masked by that of some agreeable 
 essential oil. It is sometimes united with cosmoline, which renders it easy of applica- 
 tion in all of the external diseases mentioned above. Its operation and advantages are 
 nearly identical with those of paraffin and vaseline. Petroleum may be administered in 
 capsules, but as this method allows the pure oil to irritate the stomach, it is preferably 
 given in an emulsion made with white of egg, sugar, and tragacanth, so as to form a semi- 
 liquid mixture. 
 
 Oleum deelin^e, a product of petroleum made by the “ Dee Oil Company ” (Eng.), is 
 recommended by Boberts and others as an application after the acute stage of eczema, 
 and in pityriasis capitis after the parts have been cleansed by a warm bran or oatmeal 
 bath ( Practitioner , xxxiv, 401 ; xxxix. 287 ; Edinb. Med. Jour., xxxi. 922). It should 
 be diluted with a neutral oil. 
 
 Bhigolene, or Amyl hydride. Used with an ordinary hand spray-producer, fur- 
 nished with metal tubes, it readily produces a temperature of 15° below zero F. It is 
 therefore more reliable than ether for this purpose, although if its application be too long 
 continued, it may cause frostbite, and even mortification. Bichardson recommends a 
 mixture of equal volumes of anhydrous ether and rhigolene. It was used in a great 
 variety of cases in which local anaesthesia was required to render certain surgical opera- 
 tions painless, but it does not seem to have commended itself to general adoption, on 
 account probably of its explosiveness when in contact with flame. 
 
 Dr. B. W. Bichardson recommends for burns a solution of 1 drachm of spermaceti and 
 1 drachm of camphor in 2 fluidounces of rhigolene. The anaesthetic action of the rhigo- 
 lene is succeeded by the protective action of a film of camphorated spermaceti. The 
 mixture should be applied on cotton. A solution of iodine in amyl hydride applied to 
 wounds, ulcers, etc. acts in a similar manner. Such a solution (gr. v to f^j) may be used 
 in spray for inhalation ; and by shaking a strong solution of ammonia with rhigolene and 
 then decanting the water, an antiseptic solution for inhalation is obtained. Dr. Stabler 
 has extended this method to the use of olive and almond oil in rhigolene (2 : 6), and has 
 found that various other medicinal substances may be similarly used — e. g. copaiba, cubeb 
 oil, iodol, iodoform, oil of turpentine, thymol, etc. Cocaine dissolved in alcohol and 
 mixed with castor oil and rhigolene makes a perfect solution {Med. News , 1. 429). 
 
 PETROSELINUM.— Parsley. 
 
 Persil, Fr. ; Peter silie, G. ; Peregil, Sp. 
 
 The root of Petroselinuni sativum, Hoffmann, s. Apium Petroselinum, Innne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — Parsley is indigenous to Southern Europe, and is much cultivated for culi- 
 nary purposes. It is a biennial, has bi- or tri-pinnate smooth and shining leaves, with 
 ovate wedge-shaped three-cleft toothed or crisp leaflets. 
 
1212 
 
 PETR OSELINUM. 
 
 Description. — Radix petroselini. The root is 15-20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) long, 
 inch) thick, when dry pale brown-yellow externally, annulate above, 
 longitudinally wrinkled below, and marked with transverse corky 
 ridges ; it breaks with a short and mealy fracture, upon which is 
 seen a thick white and in the inner layer radially striate bark, a fine 
 dark-colored cambium-line, and a yellow, soft meditullium with irreg- 
 ular medullary rays. The bark and medullary rays contain scattered 
 brown resin-cells. The root is faintly aromatic and has a sweetish 
 taste. 
 
 Fructus petroselini. The fruit is 1.5-2 Mm. ( t l to yL inch) 
 long, ovate, laterally flattened, greenish-brown, each mericarp with 
 five light brown-gray filiform ribs and six oil-tubes, and has a strong 
 aromatic odor and a warm taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The root contains starch, mucilage, sugar, vola- 
 tile oil, and apiin , C 24 H 28 0 13 . The latter is best obtained from the 
 fresh herb by boiling with water, expressing while hot, and purifying 
 the green gelatinous precipitate which forms on standing by dissolving it in hot water. 
 It was discovered by Braconnot (1843), and is a white, inodorous, and tasteless powder, 
 perhaps a glucoside, soluble in boiling water and alcohol, separating on cooling jelly-like; 
 the hot aqueous solution acquires a blood-red color on the addition of ferrous sulphate. 
 
 The fruit was examined by C. Rump (1836), and found to contain 1.4 per cent, of 
 volatile oil and 22 per cent, of fixed oil, besides mucilage and other common principles. 
 Oil of parsley is colorless or yellowish, has the specific gravity 1.01 to 1.14, dissolves in 
 2i parts of 80 per cent, alcohol, commences to boil near 170° C. (338° F.), and consists 
 of a hydrocarbon, C 10 H ]6 , and a stearopten, C 12 H 14 0 4 . This parsley camphor crystallizes 
 in silky needles or prisms which fuse at 30° C. (86° F.) and are partly sublimable ; it is 
 readily soluble in strong alcohol, ether, and fixed and volatile oils, and has a faint odor of 
 parsley and a camphoraceous, pungent taste. 
 
 Joret and Homolle (1855) separated from parsley-fruit apiol, by exhausting with alco- 
 hol, treating the tincture with animal charcoal, distilling off three-fourths of the alcohol, 
 dissolving in ether, evaporating the ethereal solution, macerating the residue with lev- 
 igated litharge, and filtering through charcoal. A simpler process was recommended by 
 L. Wolff (1877). The fruit is exhausted with petroleum benzin, the solvent evaporated, 
 and the residue treated with strong alcohol, on the evaporation of which apiol is left. It 
 is a colorless oil of spec. grav. 1.07, becomes turbid without congealing at — 12° C. 
 (10.4° F.), has an acid reaction, the odor of parsley, and a pungent taste, forms a kind 
 of emulsion with alkalies, and is easily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and in glacial 
 acetic acid. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Apium graveolens, Linne. — Celery, E. ; Ache Celeri, Fr. ; Sellerie, Eppich, 
 G. ; Apio silvestro, Sp. — A biennial plant indigenous to Europe, where it grows wild in ditches 
 and meadows. It has a spindle-shaped whitish root, which, like the dark-green glossy pinnate 
 or ternate lobed and coarsely serrate leaves, has a disagreeable odor, an acrid bitter taste, and is 
 regarded as poisonous. Under cultivation the root becomes short, thick, tuberous, juicy, and of 
 an agreeable flavor, and with the blanched stalks is much used as a salad. The fruit (Fructus 
 apii, celery-seed ) is about 1-1.5 Mm. (^ to inch) long, roundish-ovate, laterally flattened, 
 brown, with lighter-colored ribs, and smooth ; the mericarps are usually separate, somewhat 
 curved, flat on the face, and contain about twelve thin oil-tubes ; odor and taste are agreeably aro- 
 matic. All parts of the cultivated plant contain volatile oil, sugar, mucilage, and fat ; the root 
 and leaves also mannit. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In modern as in ancient times parsley has been used as a car- 
 minative, discutient, and diuretic. The root is said to be more actively diuretic than 
 the rest of the plant ; its fruit resembles in its action those of fennel, anise, etc., and its 
 peculiar oil, apiol, acts in part after the manner of essential oils. 
 
 Freshly-bruised parsley-leaves are a popular remedy for the “ weed,” or the engorge- 
 ment of the mammae at the commencement of lactation, and for threatening abscess of 
 these and other external glands. In like manner they are employed to dry up the milk. 
 A decoction of parsley-root is useful in relieving strangury from cantharides and turpen- 
 tine, and the painful micturition attending attacks of gravel. An infusion of the dried 
 leaves and the juice have been used to cure gonorrhoea , and also periodical fevers and neur- 
 algia; but the seeds are said to be superior to either in the treatment of intermittent 
 fever when given in the form of a recently-prepared and strong decoction. Its repulsive 
 smell and taste render it a very ineligible remedy, and it is now supplanted by apiol, to 
 
 12-25 Mm. (£ to 1 
 Fig. 207. 
 
 Parsley-root: transverse 
 section, magnified 3 di- 
 ameters. 
 
PH A LA R IS. —PH EL LAND Ell TM. 
 
 1213 
 
 which identical therapeutic powers are ascribed. The value of this agent as an anti- 
 periodic is no better established than that of -the almost innumerable medicines which are 
 reported to cure periodical affections. The case is different in regard to amenorrhcea, 
 scanty menstruation , and dysmenorrhoea , in which its efficacy is demonstrated whenever 
 these affections appear to be owing to a want of activity and power in the ovarian nisus • 
 in a word, in all those cases for which direct emmenagogues are considered appropriate. 
 It must not be forgotten, however, that the state in question is often subordinate to or 
 associated with a general atony of the system, which requires for its cure tonics, haemat- 
 ics, and hygienic agents. Apiol has been used successfully in cases of fetid menstruation 
 (. Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Nov. 1880, p. 482). 
 
 Powdered parsley-seeds may be given in doses of Gm. 0.60-1.00 (gr. x-xv). The root 
 should be employed in the recent state, and generally in strong infusion. Apiol may be 
 administered two or three times a day in doses of Gm. 0.30 (gtt. v-vj) enclosed in gelatin 
 capsules. In the uterine disorders above referred to the use of the medicine should be 
 commenced four or five days before the menstrual period. 
 
 Celery-juice and the infusion of the herb or roots have been long employed for the 
 same purposes as parsley, as well as for chronic bronchitis and intermittent fever. The 
 same preparations, or the bruised leaves and stalks, have been applied as stimulant and 
 anodyne cataplasms to contusions , glandular swellings , etc. 
 
 PHALARIS. — Canary-seed. 
 
 JEpiste , Fr., Sp. ; Kanariensamen, G. 
 
 The fruit of Phalaris canariensis, Linne. 
 
 Xat. Ord. — Graminacese. 
 
 Origin. — This annual grass is indigenous to the basin of the Mediterranean, and is 
 cultivated for its fruit, which is much used as food for canaries and other birds. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is about 4 Mm. (4 inch) long, ovate or elliptic, flattened, 
 enclosed by glossy, yellowish-gray paleae, after the removal of which the fruit is smooth 
 and brownish and internally white. It is inodorous and has a slightly bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Like other graminaceous fruits, canary-seed contains starch, gluten, 
 a little sugar, and fat ; Dubuc ascertained also the presence in it of notable quantities of 
 calcium chloride and of a brown bitter coloring matter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Canary-seed is to be ranked with other amylaceous seeds as 
 nutritious and emollient. It is familiar as a food for birds, and has been used by man for 
 the same purpose, alone or mixed with wheat or rye flour. In medicine poultices have 
 sometimes been made of it. 
 
 PHELLANDRIUM. — Phellandrium. 
 
 Fructus phellandrii , P. G. — Five-leaved water -hemlock, E. ; Phellandrie aquatique, Fr. 
 Cod. ; Fenouil d'eau, Fr. ; Wasserfenchel, G. 
 
 . The fruit of (Enanthe Phellandrium, Lamarck , s. Phellandrium aquaticum, Linne. 
 
 Xat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — This biennial plant grows in swampy places and on river-banks in Europe 
 and Northern Asia. It has pale-green pinnately dissected leaves, with ovate lobed or 
 pinnately cleft leaflets, the submersed ones narrow and thread-like. The flowers are white, 
 in compound umbels, with short linear involucral leaves. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is 3—5 Mm. (J to I inch) long, ovate-oblong in shape, 
 scarcely compressed, and narrowed above. The three dorsal ribs are broad and obtuse, 
 the two lateral ones larger, the four grooves narrow, each with a single oil-tube, and two 
 additional oil-tubes on the face of each rnericarp. It is of a brown, and when collected 
 in an unripe state of a blackish-brown, color, and has an unpleasant odor, recalling that 
 of caraway, and a bitterish somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Berthold (1818) obtained 1.5 per cent, of volatile oil, 7.8 of fat and 
 wax, 4.9 of resin, and other unimportant principles. Smaller quantities, 0.5 to 0.8 per 
 cent,, of volatile oil were obtained by others. According to Pesci (1883), the greater por- 
 tion of the volatile oil consists of jyhellandrene, which is a levogyrate terpene boiling at 
 171° C. (340° F.) and polymerized by heat. Frickhinger (1839) describes the volatile oil 
 as being brownish-yellow, limpid, of spec. grav. 0.86, of neutral reaction, fulminating with 
 iodine, and possessing the odor and taste of the fruit. Distilled with potassa, the alkaline 
 distillate contained ammonia, but no other alkaloid ; 186 ounces of the recently-dried 
 
1214 
 
 PHENA CETIN UM. 
 
 fruit yielded over 12 drachms of ammonium sulphate. The supposed alkaloid obtained I 
 by C. Fronefield (1860) was probably identical with Devay and Guillermond’s (1852) 
 p hellandrin, which appears to be merely volatile oil ; it is volatile, liquid, neutral, and 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, and fixed oils. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Five-leaved water-hemlock has been compared in its action to j 
 conium, for it is said that some animals upon eating the fresh herb lose their muscular 
 power, and that this effect is not produced by the dried herb. The essential oil prepared 
 from it injected into a dog’s veins in the dose of 10 grains caused dyspnoea, trembling, 
 and anxiety for several hours. The fruit appears to be stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, 
 and expectorant, and without a direct or exclusive action upon the nervous system. 
 Although recommended sometimes as a remedy for dropsy, whooping cough, intermittent 
 fever, etc., it is chiefly in chronic bronchitis that the virtues of the medicine are displayed. 
 At a time when this affection was considered a form of consumption, phellandrium was 
 reputed to be a remedy for the latter disease ; but it is now certain that it could be useful 
 in tubercular phthisis in so far only as it might diminish the bronchial secretion, as it does 
 in simple bronchitis. It shares this virtue with numerous plants whose activity is due to 
 their essential oil, but neither it nor they can be compared in efficiency with the terebin- 
 thinate and balsamic preparations. The dose of the powdered fruit is Gm. 2-4 (gr. 
 xxx-lx). An infusion made with Gm. 16 in Gm. 250 (bruised fruit gss in Oss of hot 
 water) may be given in doses of 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls several times a day. 
 
 PHENACETINUM, Br. Add., P. G.— Phenacetin. 
 
 Para-acetphenetidin , Para-oxyethylacetanilid. — Phenacetine , Fr. ; Phenacetin , G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 4 .0C 2 H 5 .NHC 2 H 3 0. Mol. weight 178.63. 
 
 Phenacetin was first produced in 1887 by Kast and Hinsberg. Chemically, it may be 
 looked upon as para-phenetidin, in which a hydrogen atom has been displaced by acetyl, 
 C 2 H 3 0, or as acetanilid, in which a hydrogen atom has been displaced by the oxyethyl 
 group, OC 2 H 5 . 
 
 Preparation. — When somewhat diluted nitric acid is allowed to act on melted 
 phenol, C 6 H 5 OH, ortho- and para-nitrophenol are formed, C 6 H 4 0HN0 2 , which are separated 
 by distillation in a current of steam ; the para-nitrophenol not volatilizing is purified by 
 crystallization from hot concentrated hydrochloric acid, and is converted into sodium 
 para-nitrophenol, C 6 II 4 0NaN0 2 , by treatment with sodium hydroxide. The latter com- 
 pound is converted into para-nitrophenetol, C 6 H 4 0C 2 H 5 N0 2 , by the action of ethyl iodide or 
 chloride, and this by nascent hydrogen into para-amidophenetol or para-phenetidin, C 6 H 4 
 OC 2 H-NH 2 . By prolonged boiling with glacial acetic acid para-phenetidin is converted 
 into para-acetphenetidin or phenacetin. 
 
 Properties. — Phenacetin occurs as colorless, inodorous, glistening, scaly crystals or 
 as a white crystalline powder ; it is almost tasteless, and very sparingly soluble in cold 
 water (1400 parts P. G.), more freely soluble in boiling water (70 parts P. G.), and 
 soluble in 16 parts of cold alcohol (Br. Add., P. G.) and 2 parts of boiling alcohol 
 (P. G.) ; it also forms a colorless solution with sulphuric acid. Phenacetin melts at 135° 
 
 C. (275° F.), and completely volatilizes when heated on platinum-foil. 1 grain (0.1 Gm. 
 
 P. G.), boiled with 20 minims (1 Cc. P. G.) of hydrochloric acid for about half a minute 
 ^(one minute, P. G.), yields a liquid which, diluted with ten times its volume of water, 
 cooled, and filtered, assumes a deep-red (ruby-red, P. G.) coloration on the addition of 
 chromic acid (3 drops of a 3 per cent, solution, P G.). 
 
 Tests. — A cold saturated aqueous solution should not become turbid on the addition 
 of bromine-water (absence of acetanilid). “ A mixture of 5 grains of phenacetin with 2 
 fluidrachms of solution of potash, boiled, should yield no unpleasant odor when again 
 boiled after the addition of 5 drops of chloroform ” ( Br . Add.). Since prolonged heating 
 of phenacetin with caustic alkali solutions causes decomposition into acetic acid and para- 
 amidophenetol, the last-mentioned test is unreliable, as the odor of phenyl isonitrile will 
 be observed. 
 
 Derivative and Allied Compounds. — Iodophenine. If to a mixture of hydrochloric acid and 
 a cold saturated aqueous solution of phenacetin be added a solution of iodine in potassium iodide 
 and water, a fine crystalline precipitate of chocolate-brown color will be obtained, which is a com- 
 pound of phenacetin and iodine, containing about 50 per cent, of the latter substance. If glacial 
 acetic acid be used as the solvent for phenacetin in place of water and the solution warmed, 
 iodophenine will be obtained in crystals of steel-blue color resembling potassium permanganate. 
 
 It is insoluble in water, soluble with difficulty in benzene and chloroform, but more readily in 
 
PH ENA CETIN UM. 
 
 1215 
 
 alcohol, glacial acetic acid, and boiling hydrochloric acid. It has a feeble iodine-like odor, a 
 burning taste, and colors the skin yellow. Iodophenine melts at 130° C. (266° F.) with decom- 
 position. 
 
 Methacetin, Para-acetanisidin, Para-oxymethylacetanilid, C 6 II 4 0CIl3NHC 2 H 3 0. This, the 
 most formidable rival of phenacetin, differs from the latter, as the formula shows, in the substi- 
 tution of a methyl group in place of an ethyl group. The process for its manufacture is iden- 
 tical with that for phenacetin, except that methyl iodide or chloride is used in place of the respec- 
 tive ethyl compound. It occurs in lustrous scaly crystals, colorless, odorless, and melting at 127° 
 C. (260.6° F.). Methacetin is soluble in 350 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in 12 parts at 100° 
 C. (212° F.) : it is abundantly taken up by alcohol, acetone, chloroform, glycerin, and fixed oils. 
 It may be distinguished from phenacetin by melting to an oily liquid if heated with water in 
 insufficient quantity for solution, phenacetin being unaffected by this treatment ; the liquid solid- 
 ifies again on cooling. It has been recommended as an antipyretic and analgesic in much smaller 
 doses than phenacetin. 
 
 Hydracetin, Acetylphenylhydrazine, CglljHN — NHC 2 H 3 0. This antipyretic may be pre- 
 pared by heating together phenylhydrazine and acetic anhydride, dissolving the product in boil- 
 ing water, and crystallizing, or by prolonged action of glacial acetic acid on phenylhydrazine, 
 distilling off the excess of acid, and crystallizing. It occurs in lustrous, colorless hexagonal 
 prisms, odorless and practically tasteless, melting at 128.5° C. (263.3° F.) ; it is soluble in 50 
 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 8-10 parts at 100° C. (212° F.). Hydracetin may be 
 distinguished from phenacetin and methacetin by forming a colorless solution with sulphuric 
 acid, which turns blood-red on addition of a drop of nitric acid. If added to silver or gold solu- 
 tions, it precipitates the metals in the reguline state. Like phenylhydrazine, it is poisonous, 
 exerting a solvent action on blood-corpuscles, and is cumulative in its effects. The dose inter- 
 nally is 0.01-0.06 Gm. (£-1 grain), not exceeding 0.125 Gm. (2 grains) daily. Externally a 10 
 per cent, ointment has been used against psoriasis in place of chrysarobin. Impure hydracetin 
 appeared in 1888 under the fancy name of pyrodin. 
 
 Phenylhydrazine, C 6 H 5 .NH.NH. 2 , from which hydracetin, as also antipyrine and other sub- 
 stances, are prepared, is obtained by the reducing action of nascent hydrogen on diazobenzene, 
 C 6 H 5 X.N.OH, which latter compound is formed by the action of nitrous acid, HN0 2 , on aniline, 
 C 6 H 5 NH 2 . It is a colorless oily liquid, which boils at 233°-234° C. (451.4°-453.2° F.) and sol- 
 idifies at a low temperature in tablets, melting at 23° C. (73.40° F.). 
 
 Phenocoll hydrochloride. Glycocollparaphenetidin hydrochloride, C 6 II 4 .OC 2 H 5 .NH.COCH 2 .- 
 NILj.HCl. This is one of the latest additions to the already large class of antipyretics, and is the 
 result of efforts to produce a soluble phenacetin derivative retaining the valuable properties of 
 the latter substance. The name of phenocoll is a contraction of phenetidin (para-amidophenetol) 
 and glycocoll (amido-acetic acid), the two bodies which by interaction produce the new substance. 
 It is usually prepared by acting on paraphenetidin with monochloracetylchloride, and then con- 
 verting the newly-formed oxyethyl-monochloracetanilid into phenocoll by means of ammonia ; 
 the base is freed from combination by sodium hydroxide and purified by recrystallization from 
 hot water; it readily neutralizes acids to form salts. Phenocoll hydrochloride occurs in the 
 form of a white micro-crystalline powder, soluble at 15° C (59° F.) in 20 parts of water ; it crys- 
 tallizes from hot water in cubes, from hot alcohol in needles. Its solutions are neutral, from 
 which the pure base is precipitated by ammonia, the fixed alkalies, and their carbonates in the 
 form of white matted needles with one molecule of water of crystallization. The anhydrous base 
 melts at 100.5° C. (212.9° F.) r but the compound with water at 95° C. (203° F.). It is difficultly 
 soluble in cold water, but readily in hot water and alcohol. Physiologically, the compound 
 appears to possess advantages over other synthetical antipyretics in not having injurious effects 
 upon the blood-corpuscles even when brought in direct contact with them. It is given in doses 
 of 0.52 Gm. (8 grains) three times a day in powder or solution. Other salts of phenocoll have 
 been prepared, the carbonate, salicylate, and acetate, the latter being soluble in 4 parts of water, 
 and therefore well adapted for hypodermic use. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is one of the many artificial compounds that reduce the 
 pulse and temperature to the verge of death, with accompaniment of chilliness, sweating, 
 cyanosis, etc. (See case by Hallopeter, Med. News, lv. 385). The remarkable power 
 of phenacetin to control pain was probably suggested by its close analogy, in other 
 respects, to antipyrine. It allays the pain in chronic muscular rheumatism , sciatica , and 
 gastralgia. let it palliates, and sometimes removes, the acute pains of articular rheuma- 
 tism, of pleurisy , of dysmenorrhcea, and of migraine, and also lessens the irritability of the 
 larynx due to congestion in laryngitis and whooping cough. By allaying, pain it tends to 
 promote sleep, and in local inflammation and congestions to diminish swelling. It is said 
 to have controlled diabetes and polyuria (Misrachi and Rifat, Bull, de Therap., cxiv. 48). 
 These observations agree with Rumpf’s conclusions, that the analgesic virtue of the 
 medicine is greatest when the cause of pain is not permanent and organic. It relieves 
 the pain of acute neuritis, but fails to palliate that of chronic myelitis, arthritis, cystitis, 
 metritis, etc. (. Berlin . Ichn. Wochensch., No. 23, 1888). The advantage claimed for it over 
 other antipyretics is that it is tasteless, rarely excites vomiting, diuresis, or diarrhoea, 
 ringing in the ears, or cutaneous eruptions. According to Masius ( Lancet , Mar. 1889, 
 
1216 
 
 PHORMIUM. 
 
 p. 497), its antithermic action is prompter, but briefer, than that of antipyrine, while its 
 tendency to cause rigors is greater. Being tasteless, phenacetin may be administered to 
 children, as to adults, in powdered sugar or in wafers. Lactic acid promotes its solu- 
 tion. As an antithermic the dose is about Gm. 0.30 (gr. v.) every two or three hours ; as 
 an analgesic, single doses of Gm. 0.75-2 (gr. x.-xxx, must be given, beginning with smaller 
 ones (max. dose, Gm. 1 ; max. daily quantity, Gm. 5, Ph. 6r.). For children the average 
 dose is about 5 grains. 
 
 Methacetin reduces the pulse-rate and temperature in fever, and sometimes produces 
 profuse sweating, collapse, and cyanosis, especially in persons already enfeebled. It has 
 been employed in typhoid fever and articular rheumatism — in the latter, with some 
 apparent advantage. In neuralgia its use has not been encouraging. The daily dose has 
 varied from Gm. 0.50-1 (gr. vij-xv.) 
 
 Hydracetin, alleged by Guttmann ( Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 330) to be the active con- 
 stituent of pyrodin, is poisonous to rabbits, affecting all the excretory organs and tingeing 
 the urine with disorganized blood-corpuscles. In daily portions of Gm. 0.1-0.15 (gr. iss- 
 ij) and in divided doses it lowered the temperature by one to three degrees C., and in 
 acute articular rheumatism appeased the pain, without otherwise affecting the course of 
 the disease. Its continued internal use for seven days has produced symptoms of poison- 
 ing, and Ostricher ( ibid ., p. 383) found that in a 10 per cent, lanolin ointment, used in 
 psoriasis, the local effects were good, but its continued application caused weariness and 
 heaviness of the limbs, pallor of the skin and visible mucous membranes, and in one 
 case jaundice. Paschkis (1890) states that the alarming consequences of its absorp- 
 tion caused it to be laid aside (jCentralb. f. Ther., viii. 58. Compare Basch, Ther. Gaz .. 
 xiv. 576.) 
 
 Phenedin is reported to be antipyretic and analgesic, but is rarely employed. Its 
 dose is said to be Gm. 0.60 (gr. xij) a day in a single dose or in divided doses. 
 
 Phenocoll. like its congeners, reduces temperature and allays pain, especially of the 
 neuralgic and rheumatic types, and hence is indirectly hypnotic. It is also diaphoretic, 
 and imparts to the urine a dark color. The claims made for it as a remedy for inter 
 mittent fever have not been confirmed. The hydrochlorate is given in doses of Gm. 0.30-1 
 (gr. v-xv),but much larger ones have been used without injury. 
 
 PHORMIUM. — Phormium. 
 
 New Zealand flax (hemp'), E. ; Lin ( Chanvre ) de la Nouvelle-Zelande, Fr. ; Flachslilie, 
 Neuseelandischer Flachs, G. 
 
 The root and leaf-bases of Phormium tenax, Forster. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliacese, Lilieae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The plant is indigenous to New Zealand and the 
 Chatham Islands, has been introduced into Australia, the Azores, and other countries, 
 and in temperate climates is cultivated as an ornamental hot-house plant. It has a 
 fleshy rhizome, beset with nearly simple roots, and sending forth from its end a tuft of 
 leathery, linear-lanceolate leaves, which are from 1. 5-2.4 M. (5 to 8 feet) long and 7-10 
 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) broad. The leaves, sufficiently matured, are cut off above their base, 
 the remaining portion attached to the rhizome, and, with the rootlets, constituting the 
 drug. The straight fibres of the leaves, separated from the other tissue, are brought into 
 commerce as New Zealand flax ; they are cream-colored, of a silky lustre, tough, but 
 rougher than hemp, and are mainly used for cordage. The flowering stalk attains a height 
 of about 4.5 M. (15 feet). 
 
 Constituents. — The drug has not been subjected to analysis. 
 
 Uses. — New Zealand flax was made use of in a strong decoction by Mr. Monckton 
 ( Therapeutic Gaz., ix. 320) as a dressing for all manner of lesions of continuity, includ- 
 ing lacerations and amputations. As it readily deteriorated by fermentation, he added 
 to each quart of the decoction about an ounce of equal parts of carbolic acid and glyce- 
 rin. With this he washed the part and maintained cotton wool or lint soaked in it con- 
 stantly, and declared that the discharges were altogether insignificant. Without further 
 knowledge of the constitution and qualities of Phormium tenax, it would be unjust to 
 suggest that its value is perhaps overestimated ; but unless the results of its use without 
 the adjunction of carbolic acid were furnished, we can scarcely refuse to the latter agent 
 a large part in the success of the compound. 
 
PHOSPHORUS. 
 
 1217 
 
 PHOSPHORUS, U. S . 9 Br., JP. G.— Phosphorus. 
 
 Phosphore , Fr. ; Phosphor, G. 
 
 Symbol P. Atomicity trivalent and quinquivalent. Atomic weight 30.96. 
 
 Phosphorus should be carefully kept under water in a secure and moderately cool 
 place, protected from light. — U. S. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Phosphorus exists, mostly as phosphates, in many 
 minerals and in all plants and animals ; the bones of the higher animals contain much 
 phosphorus as tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(P0 4 ) 2 ). Phosphorus was discovered by Brandt 
 (1669) of Hamburg among the products of the dry distillation of urine, and about 1769 
 Gahn and Scheele detected the presence of phosphoric acid in bones, and the latter suc- 
 ceeded in isolating it in 1771. Phosphorus is made by treating calcined bones with 
 sulphuric acid, decanting from the calcium sulphate, evaporating the solution of acid 
 calcium phosphate, after mixing it with powdered charcoal and sand to complete dryness, 
 gently igniting and distilling the residue, composed of calcium metaphosphate, charcoal, 
 and sand, in a stoneware retort. The different steps in the manufacture of phosphorus 
 mav also be explained by the following chemical equations : 1st, Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 + 2H 2 S0 4 
 = CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 + 2CaS0 4 ; 2d, CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 = Ca(P0 3 ) 2 + 2H 2 0 ; 3d, 2Ca(PO.) 2 + 2SiO a 
 + 10C 2 = P 4 + 2CaSi0 3 + 10CO. In case the organic matter of bones is to be utilized in 
 the manufacture of glue, the bones are treated with hydrochloric acid and the liquid 
 treated as stated. The retort is connected with a wide bent tube which dips into water ; 
 a number of retorts are placed in each furnace, and after the distillation is completed 
 the melted phosphorus is strained under water and run into tubes of suitable size, where 
 it congeals. Phosphorus is manufactured in the United States, but much of it is still 
 imported. 
 
 Properties. — Phosphorus is seen in commerce in the form of cylindrical sticks, which 
 are nearly colorless or pale-yellow, transparent or translucent, of a waxy lustre, and about 
 as hard as beeswax, and flexible at ordinary but brittle at low temperatures. It is inodorous 
 and tasteless, but in contact with air it has an alliaceous odor and taste, and emits white 
 vapors, which are luminous in the dark (phosphorescence). It is very easily inflammable in 
 the air, burning with a brilliant white flame and giving off dense white vapors of phosphoric 
 anhydride, and must be preserved and cut under water, in which it is insoluble. Its 
 specific gravity is 1.830 at 15° C. (59° F.), U. S., 1.77 at 15.6° C. (60° F.), Br., and when 
 fused at 44° 0. is 1.743, but after purification with alcoholic potassa was found by 
 Bottger to be 2.089 at 17° C. (62.6° F.). It melts at 44° C. (111.2° F.), U. S., P. G., at 
 43.3° C. (110° F.), Br., and may be cooled to 40° C. (104° F.) before it congeals again 
 — under certain circumstances even to 4° C. (39.2° F.), as observed by Bellani (1813). 
 Grotthuss (1810) obtained phosphorus in an oily condition after boiling it with alcoholic 
 solution of potassa, and Kalhofert (1850) by slowly evaporating a solution of phosphorus 
 in carbon disulphide from under water. Houston and Thompson (1874) made similar obser- 
 vations with phosphorus treated with hot potassa solution, and regard this oil as a modi- 
 fication of ordinary phosphorus. The boiling-point of phosphorus is 288° C. (550° F.), 
 according to Dalton ; 290°. C. (554° F.), Hager. Mitscherlich found it at 260° C. (500° F.) ; 
 but it volatilizes slowly with the vapors of boiling water; the density of its vapor is 4.3. 
 According to Joubert, phosphorus is not luminous in pure oxygen below 14° C. (57° F.) 
 unless the pressure be diminished or the oxygen is mixed with an indifferent gas ; the 
 luminosity is prevented in the presence of hydrogen sulphide, of vapors of alcohol, 
 ether, and other compounds. Phosphorus is soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed and volatile 
 oils ; it dissolves “in 350 parts of absolute alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 240 parts of 
 boiling absolute alcohol, in 80 parts of absolute ether, in about 50 parts of any fatty 
 oil. ’ — U. S. It is more freely soluble in sulphur chloride, chloroform, benzene, and 
 abundantly so in carbon disulphide, the latter solution being extremely inflammable. 
 Phosphorus crystallizes after fusion when slowly cooled, and from its solutions in volatile 
 oils and carbon disulphide. It unites directly with oxygen, sulphur, chlorine, iodine, 
 bromine, and with many metals, and precipitates some of the latter from their solutions. 
 M hen kept in water and exposed to light and air it is superficially corroded, and becomes 
 white and opaque (Baudrimont, 1865), while phosphorous acid is found in the water; 
 the change does not take place in water which is free from air, nor does phosphorus lose 
 its transparency when kept in the dark. This is due to the presence of a black body 
 which is rather more volatile than ordinary phosphorus. Commercial phosphorus fre- 
 quently contains a little arsenic, from which it cannot be freed by distillation. 
 
 77 J 
 
 
1218 
 
 PHOSPHORUS. 
 
 Amorphous or Red Phosphorus. — This was discovered by Schrotter (1848) by heating 
 ordinary or vitreous phosphorus for a long time to 250°-260° C. (482°-500° F.) in an atmo- 
 sphere in which it cannot burn. It is an amorphous dark-red mass or powder, becomes 
 nearly black on being boiled with potassa solution, is insoluble in simple solvents, 
 remains unaltered in dry air, and enters into chemical combinations less readily than 
 the ordinary variety. According to Hittorf (1865), it has the specific gravity 2.19, is 
 infusible, volatilizes slowly above 260° C. (500° F.), and, according to Lemoine (1867), 
 is best converted into ordinary or vitreous phosphorus by heating to near 450° C. (842° 
 F.) in an atmosphere of nitrogen. At the temperature stated Hittorf observed it to be 
 converted into another modification, which forms black laminae of a metallic lustre, is 
 less volatile even than amorphous phosphorus, but, like the latter, is gradually converted 
 by heat into ordinary vitreous phosphorus. 
 
 Black Phosphorus. — As far back as 1800 it was reported that phosphorus when 
 treated with ammonia gas would deposit a brownish-black powder ; the same phenomenon 
 was observed later on by Thenard, Vogel, Wild, and in 1865 by Blondlot. Prof. Fliickiger, 
 who carefully examined the subject in 1892, has come to the conclusion that the so-called 
 black modification of phosphorus is nothing but arsenic in metallic form ; by treating 
 ordinary phosphorus repeatedly with ammonia-water of 0.920 sp. grav. until all phos- 
 phorus has been removed, mainly in form of phosphine, a black residue in powder form 
 eventually remains, which is permanent in the air and was proven to be arsenic (ArcA. 
 d. Phar ., 1892). 
 
 Tests. — The impurities likely to be present in phosphorus are derived from the sul- 
 phuric acid used in its preparation, and are mainly arsenic and sulphur ; a small propor- 
 tion of the latter renders phosphorus hard and rather brittle at ordinary temperatures. , 
 “ If 3 Glm. of phosphorus contained in a flask be digested at a gentle heat with a mixture 
 of 15 Cc. of nitric acid and 15 Cc. of distilled water until it is completely dissolved, the 
 solution evaporated until no more nitrous vapors are given off, then diluted with distilled 
 water to the measure of about 30 Cc., hydrogen sulphide passed through 20 Cc. of the : 
 liquid while being heated for half an hour at about 70° C. (158° F.), and afterward until 
 the liquid has become cold, not more than a trifling quantity of a lemon-yellow precipi- , 
 tate should appear after the lapse of twenty-four hours (limit of arsenic). On adding . 
 barium chloride test-solution to the remainder of the liquid, not more than a slight 
 opalescence should be produced (limit of sulphur).” — U. S. 
 
 Compounds of Phosphorus. — Hypophosphorous Acid, H 3 P0 2 (molecular 
 weight 65.88), is formed by boiling phosphorus with milk of lime (see page 68) and 
 under other circumstances. In its purest state it forms a thick uncrystallizable liquid: , 
 
 Phosphorous Acid, H 3 P0 3 (molecular weight 81.84), is formed on the slow oxidation 
 of phosphorus in moist air, and forms a crystalline deliquescent mass. If phosphorus | 
 is slowly burned with a very limited supply of dry air, phosphorous oxide or anhydride, 
 P 2 0 3 , is formed as a voluminous flocculent powder, which liquefies in the air by the 
 absorption of moisture, and is gradually oxidized to phosphoric acid, or, heated in a close r 
 vessel, is decomposed into phosphoric acid and hydrogen phosphide. 
 
 Phosphoric oxide, P 2 0 5 (molecular weight 141.72), and phosphoric acid are described 
 on page 82. 
 
 Phosphorous acid and phosphites are rarely, if ever, employed in medicine. The 
 phosphates and hypophosphites, which are sometimes used, are described under their 
 appropriate heads. Of other chemical compounds only zinc phosphide has been 
 employed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The first employment of phosphorus in medicine is ascribed by 
 some to Kinkel in 1721, and by others to Mentz in 1751. After them it was advocated 
 from time to time during the last and the early part of the present century, and the most 
 extravagant statements were published of its life-giving powers ; but the numerous, and 
 generally unforeseen, accidents that sometimes followed its administration caused it to be 
 abandoned as a medicine, and to retain its interest for physicians chiefly through its 
 operation as a poison. Within the last few years it has once more risen into notice — in a 
 great measure, we must believe, through the influence of those chemico-physiological 
 doctrines which still prevail, and the predominant part which the nervous system holds 
 in the medical theories of the day, and possibly also because an increased number of 
 nervous diseases is chargeable to the augmented luxury and wear and tear of modern lile. 
 
 The following are the principal phenomena of acute phosphorus-poisoning : The first 
 is usually a burning pain in the stomach and vomiting of matters which are more or less 
 luminous in the dark. The heat extends to the whole abdomen, which may be tender 
 
PHOSPHOR ITS. 
 
 1219 
 
 
 
 under pressure ; the stools are loose, dark, bloody, and sometimes phosphorescent, and 
 are voided with pain. The pulse and temperature are generally raised at first, but sub- 
 sequently fall below the normal standard. Usually, there is general nervous excitement, 
 sometimes headache, giddiness, fainting, sleeplessness, delirium, spasms, convulsions, fol- 
 lowed by collapse, coma, coldness of the extremities, strabismus, and dilatation of the 
 pupils. In other instances death is owing to exhaustion, the mind remaining clear. 
 Meanwhile, from the second to the fourth day there is pain in the liver, with dark jaun- 
 dice, and blood is passed by stool and in the urine, and may exhale from the gums or 
 appear in ecchymoses of the skin. The urine is albuminous. After death the interior 
 of the body is everywhere phosphorescent in the dark ; the stomach is seldom widely 
 inflamed, but chiefly in the pyloric extremity, where there may also be some ulceration, 
 and the organ is apt to contain a bloody liquid. Sanguineous effusions are also found in 
 other organs. The blood is dark and thick, but, according to most authorities, not easily 
 disintegrated, and it contains an undue proportion of tissue-waste in the form of uric 
 acid, creatine, etc. The liver is of a light-yellow color, and it, as well as the heart, cap- 
 illary vessels, and kidneys, shows more or less distinct signs of fatty degeneration. The 
 symptoms of chronic phosphorus-poisoning — as they occur, for instance, among lucifer- 
 match makers — are briefly these : Bronchial irritation and dyspepsia ; a straw-colored or 
 grayish tint of the skin ; extreme sensitiveness to cold ; formication ; stiffness and numb- 
 ness of the limbs ; softening, abscess, and ulceration of the gums ; loss, and sometimes 
 decay, of the teeth, with caries and necrosis of the jaw-bones. Usually there is hectic 
 fever, and if the patient continue to work in phosphorus until its effects are fully devel- 
 oped, he is worn out by them or dies of consumption of the lungs. Phosphorus-necrosis 
 of the jaws has been illustrated by Dr. J. Ewing Hears ( Phila . Med. Times , xvi. 264). 
 In a case of poisoning with lucifer matches phosphorus was found in the body three 
 months after death ( Virchow s Archiv , lxxxiii. 501). (For several later cases of phos- 
 phorus-poisoning see Huber, Zeitsch.f. klin. Med ., xiv. 479 ; Tlierap. Monatsh ., Mar. 1889, 
 p. 126 ; Grose, Lancet , Nov., 1889, p. 902.) 
 
 Phosphorus has been employed chiefly in the treatment of diseases of the nervous sys- 
 tem. It is useless, if not mischievous, in epilepsy. In paralysis following cerebral haem- 
 orrhage or embolism, or their frequent consequence, softening, improvement may be 
 attributed to phosphorus in the first case alone. But its value becomes more than doubt- 
 ful when the tendency to spontaneous cure after this accident is borne in mind. Possibly 
 its stimulant influence may quicken the operations of repair, but not without the risk of 
 increasing the mischief. The same statement is essentially true of spinal paralysis; but 
 as this affection is not, like the other, always associated with a substantial lesion, the 
 cases of paraplegia benefited by phosphorus are numerous enough to deserve a certain 
 consideration. The same statement is applicable to locomotor ataxia. The persistent but 
 moderate and interrupted use of phosphorus has unquestionably in a few instances tem- 
 porarily improved the power of locomotion in this disease, but it has not, any more than 
 other remedies, effected a cure. In regard to this class of diseases it may well be said : 
 “ Phosphorus is a rapid stimulant, but it acts by causing waste, and not by increasing 
 power ; it impoverishes, and does not enrich. It momentarily galvanizes, as it were, the 
 torpid functions, but is incapable of renewing a dilapidated constitution, or even a nervous 
 system exhausted by chronic disease ” (Gubler). Although in former years phosphorus 
 was alleged to have cured neuralgia , it is only of late that it has been asserted to operate 
 “ with a rapidity, a certainty, and a permanency unequalled by the action of any other 
 medicine in this or any other disorder ” (Thompson). It is said to exhibit its virtues 
 most conspicuously — indeed to be “ apparently specific ” — in neuralgia attended with 
 extreme debility produced by haemorrhage, lactation, etc. when the pain follows on 
 exposure to cold, and especially when it affects the fifth nerve. Doses less than Gm. 
 0.005 (gr. yL) of phosphorus every four hours are said to be inefficient, and it is added 
 that if relief does not ensue in twenty-four hours, it is useless to persevere in this treat- 
 ment. It is singular that if the medicine possesses such remarkable powers, they should 
 not have been recognized and described by other observers. But notwithstanding the 
 extreme frequency and intractability of this disease, phosphorus is not usually employed 
 by physicians who have had the largest experience in its treatment. In certain cases of 
 neuralgia of the heart, or simple angina pectoris , it is alleged to have entirely suspended 
 the attacks. It has been used with probable advantage in chronic psoriasis , lepra , lupus, 
 etc., but can seldom be necessary unless after the failure of more usual remedies. It was 
 also credited with the cure of pernicious anaemia and splenic leucocythsemia, but a more 
 extended and critical inquiry proved it to be useless. 
 
1220 
 
 PHYSOSTIGMA. 
 
 There is some reason to believe that this medicine may be serviceable in functional 
 asthenic amaurosis , but in no other form of that defect of vision. In melancholia, and 
 even in dementia, it is alleged to be useful ; and still more so in that state of nervous 
 exhaustion and depression which follows excessive mental or even physical fatigue. In 
 the latter case there is a rational as well as an empirical ground for supposing that it 
 may occasionally do good. In regard to the reputed aphrodisiac action of phosphorus 
 authorities differ ; for while one of its most moderate expositors (Lcmaire) declares that 
 if any power belongs to the drug it is certainly this, the most extravagant of its eulogists 
 (Thompson) concludes that phosphorus is not an aphrodisiac, unless given in a larger 
 dose than it is safe to employ for remedial purposes. In poisonous doses it certainly 
 exerts this power upon man and animals, hut only as a transient influence which is soon 
 succeeded by general insensibility. 
 
 Kassowitz claimed ( Zeitsch . f. Min. Med., vii. 36, 193) to have found in phosphorus a 
 more efficient remedy for rachitis than any that has been hitherto employed, and yet he 
 administered it in the minute dose of i Mgm. (gr. y^g) a day. A wider experience of 
 its use has proved it to be of little value in this disease (Comby, Archives gen., 1888, i. 
 627 ; Schabanowa, Therapeut. Monatsh., iii. 423). 
 
 In poisoning by phosphorus it has been usual to administer lime-water, magnesia, or 
 charcoal, with the intention of producing its chemical combination with the two first-men- 
 tioned substances, and its mechanical mixture with the last. It should be borne in mind, 
 however, that phosphorus does not act primarily as a corrosive poison, like several acids, 
 and that its local gastric lesions are quite disproportioned to those which are due to its 
 absorption. It may also be remarked that, under ordinary circumstances, the contents 
 of the stomach do not favor the combustion of phosphorus. Oil of turpentine has been 
 proved by numerous experiments and by some clinical observations to be capable of 
 arresting the poisonous phenomena ( Guy's Hosp. Rep., xli. 13). It should be adminis- 
 tered in doses of from 15 to 30 drops every half hour for several hours, and meanwhile 
 all albuminous and oily substances should be withheld. An agent the very opposite in 
 its chemical properties to this hydrocarbon has been recommended by Percy, who claims 
 that oxygenated water by the stomach and the inhalation of oxygen gas are the true 
 antidotes to phosphorus, by converting it into hypophosphorous and phosphoric acids, 
 which are comparatively innocuous. • This conclusion is supported by experiments on ani- 
 mals. Still more recently potassium chlorate has appeared to have an antidotal and cura- 
 tive effect (imer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Oct. 1882, p. 575). 
 
 The dose of phosphorus is variously stated as between Gm. 0.002-0.016 (gr. 
 
 Those who have most advocated its use recommend that a first dose of Gm. 0.003 (gr. yL) 
 should be repeated every four hours until six doses are taken. If then no improvement 
 has occurred, the dose should be increased to Gm. 0.005 (gr. ff), and repeated in the 
 same manner as before. Of the authorities in this matter some recommend that the 
 medicine should be given before and some after meals. Phosphorus was originally 
 administered in ether or alcohol, and more recently dissolved in almond oil, olive oil, cod- 
 liver oil, glycerin, chloroform, etc., or mixed with cocoa butter, wax, soap, spermaceti, 
 and formed into pills coated with gelatin ; or, finally, in capsules containing phosphorized 
 oil (1 : 100). Each capsule should contain 1 Mgm. (gr. -Jy) of phosphorus. The fol- 
 lowing formula has been recommended: R. Phosphori gr. ij ; Carbon, bisulphid. q. s. ; 
 solve ; Saponis, Guaiaci resinae, aa gr. xxxv ; Glycerinae gtt. xij ; Pulv. rad. glycyrrhiz. 
 gr. xij. — M. Ft. mass. Divide into pills of the required strength and coat with gelatin 
 or varnish. 
 
 j 
 
 1 
 
 
 PHYSOSTIGMA, 77. Physostigma. 
 
 Physostigmatis semen, Br. ; Faba calabarica . — Calabar bean, Ordeal bean , E. ; Feve de 
 Calabar , Fr. ; Kalabarbohne, G. ; Haba de Calabar, Sp. 
 
 The seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 80. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Papilionacese. 
 
 Origin. — This plant is a woody climber growing near the mouths of the Niger and of 
 Old Calabar River in Western Africa, and attaining a length of 12 or 15 M. (40 or 50 
 feet). It somewhat resembles the scarlet runner or Spanish bean of our gardens. The 
 purple flowers are in pendulous racemes, originating from tubercular knots to the number 
 of two or three. The curved style bears at its apex a triangular fleshy reflexed append- 
 age. The pale-brown, reticulately-veined legumes contain two or three seeds. The plant 
 was described by Balfour in 1861, and has been introduced into India and Brazil. 
 
PHYSOSTIGMA. 
 
 1221 
 
 Description. — The seeds are 25-30 Mm. (1 to \\ inches) long, 15-20 Mm. (|- to £ 
 inch) broad, and 10-15 Mm. (§ to f inch) thick, oblong, and more or less reniform in 
 shape. A well-marked black furrow, the liilum, with a ridged border, extends along the 
 convex edge from one extremity of the seed to the other, and contains in the centre the 
 thread-like raphe. The seed has a brittle', somewhat polished, granular testa of a choco- 
 late-brown color, two white cotyledons adhering to the testa and concave upon the inner 
 surface, thus enclosing a rather large cavity ; along the hilum each cotyledon is marked 
 with a long shallow black groove. The short radicle is situated at one end, and its posi- 
 tion is externally indicated by the small depressed micropyle. Calabar beans are inodor- 
 ous, but on the evaporation of the tincture an odor resembling that of cantharides is 
 given off. Their taste is nearly like that of the ordinary bean. On being moistened with 
 potassa solution the cotyledons become pale-yellow. 
 
 The seed of another species was observed by Holmes (1879) among the commercial 
 drug. The plant was described by Oliver as Mucuna cylindrosperma, Welwitsch, but 
 should evidently be called Physostigma cylindrosperma. The seeds are about 44 Mm. 
 (If inches) long, nearly cylindrical, of a dark reddish-brown color, and have a shorter 
 hilum, not extending quite to the end where the micropyle is visible. The cotyledons 
 acquire with alkalies a deep-yellow color. 
 
 Constituents. — The poisonous principle of Calabar bean is the alkaloid pliyso- 
 stigmine , which was isolated by Jobst and Hesse (1864), and by the latter (1867) ascer- 
 tained to have the composition C 15 H 21 N 3 0 2 . Vee (1865) proposed to call the alkaloid 
 eserine. It is obtained by mixing powdered Calabar bean with 1 per cent, of tartaric 
 acid, exhausting with alcohol, evaporating the solvent, treating the residue with water, 
 
 Fig. 208. 
 
 Calabar Bean : view from the side and 
 edge, showing length of hilum. 
 
 agitating the filtrate with ether as long as the latter becomes colored, then supersaturat- 
 ing with potassium or sodium bicarbonate, and again agitating with ether ; on evaporating 
 the ether physostigmine is left behind in a colorless, amorphous condition. The crystals 
 obtained by Vee were isolated by Hesse (1877) and found to be physosterin. an indiffer- 
 ent body resembling cholesterin, and crystallizing from ether, chloroform, and petroleum 
 benzin in silky needles, and from hot alcohol in scales. Physostigmine becomes soft at 
 40° C. (104° F.), and is liquid at 45° C. (113° F.) ; it is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, 
 benzene, carbon disulphide, and chloroform, less freely so in water, and neutralizes acids 
 completely ; it even precipitates ferric hydroxide from a solution of ferric chloride. The 
 pure alkaloid and its salts are tasteless ; their solutions yield with Mayer’s reagent a white 
 precipitate which is readily soluble in ether and alcohol and crystallizes from the latter in 
 prisms. Physostigmine is colored red by chlorinated lime, and becomes colorless again 
 by more of the reagent. Nitric acid dissolves the alkaloid with a yellow color, sulphuric 
 acid with yellow, turning olive-green. On adding excess of ammonia to the solution of 
 a salt and heating the mixture upon a water-bath, the liquid turns successively red, 
 orange-red, yellow, green, and blue. Alkalies color solutions of physostigmine red. pro- 
 ducing the rubreserine of Duquesnel. and if now agitated with ether the ethereal solu- 
 tion will become blue or red on the addition of dilute sulphuric acid, the color depending 
 on the degree of decomposition undergone by the alkaloid. The formation of rubrese- 
 rine can be seen even in a dilution of 1 to 64,000 if the reaction is obtained on a white 
 porcelain dish (Eber, 1888). Rubreserine crystallizes from its solution in chloroform, 
 and, according to Harnack and Witkowski (1880). is insoluble in pure ether ; its red color 
 
1222 
 
 PITYSOSTTGMA. 
 
 disappears in presence of sulphurous acid, but reappears on the evaporation of the latter. 
 Physostigmina is official in Br. P. 
 
 Harnack and Witkowski (1876) succeeded in isolating a second alkaloid, calabarine , 
 which produces tetanic effects in cold-blooded animals. It is obtained from the liquid 
 from which physostigmine has been separated by precipitating it with lead subacetate 
 and ammonia, evaporating the filtrate, treating the residue with alcohol, precipitating 
 with phosphotungstic acid, and decomposing with baryta. This alkaloid is soluble in 
 alcohol and water, insoluble in ether, and its mercuric double iodide is insoluble in water 
 and alcohol. Subsequently (1880) the same authors ascertained that calabarine is 
 formed in solutions of physostigmine; for instance, under the long-continued influence 
 of hvdriodic acid. 
 
 According to Teich (1867), Calabar bean contains 48 per cent, of starch, 3.65 of nitro- 
 gen, indicating about 23 per cent, of proteids, and 3 per cent, of ash, chiefly phosphate 
 of potassium. Mucilage and a small quantity of fat are likewise present. The alkaloids 
 appear to exist mainly in the cotyledons, but the testa likewise possesses medicinal 
 activity. 
 
 Adulterations of Calabar bean have not been observed by us. The seeds of a 
 Mucuna (cylindrosperma ?) and of the oil palm have been mentioned, but bear no resem- 
 blance to the official article. 
 
 Action and Uses. — (For an account of this substance as an “ ordeal bean ” see 
 Stille, Therapeutics , e/c., 4th ed., ii. 320.) In excessive but not fatal doses physostigma 
 causes pallor of the skin, giddiness, weakness and faintness, indistinctness of vision, con- 
 traction of the pupils, nausea or vomiting, an accumulation of liquid in the mouth, a feeble 
 but rapid and tumultuous action of the heart, and a total inability to perform voluntary 
 muscular acts. The muscles twitch, but there is a complete absence of pain in them and 
 elsewhere. The contraction of the sphincters caused by it has induced retention of urine. 
 
 In a few fatal cases of poisoning by this substance the following characteristic effects 
 have been observed : Extreme muscular relaxation and debility, salivation, urgent nausea 
 and vomiting ; a slow, feeble, and almost insensible pulse, with coldness of the extremities 
 and of the skin, which is covered with a cholera-like sweat. Some colic may be felt at first, 
 but generally no pain is experienced, although a distressing oppression of the chest is com- 
 plained of. The pupils are not usually contracted. There is much vomiting and purg- 
 ing, the respiration is rattling, and the face livid. Consciousness - remains until death, 
 which occurs without a struggle. It is probable that the whole chain of toxical phe- 
 nomena occasioned by this substance is more readily explained by its immediate action 
 upon the muscles or upon the nervous branches supplying them than by its operation upon < 
 
 the spinal axis. This conclusion is supported by the results of its direct application to 
 the eye. It then produces a marked contraction of the pupil, which may last in a high \ 
 degree for twelve to fourteen hours, and less conspicuously for several days. But the 
 effect is confined to one eye if the application is limited to one ; and if it be made also to 
 the corresponding eyelids, they become paralyzed, but no general symptoms are exhibited. 1 
 It seems probable that pupillary contraction by this substance is due to its dilating the 
 blood-vessels of the iris, just as dilatation of the pupil by atropine is caused by its power 
 of contracting the same blood-vessels. It is true that Falck states as the inevitable infer- 
 ence from experiments that physostigmine (eserine) acts as a stimulant upon the sphincter 
 muscle of the iris (Antagonismus der Gifte , 1879). It is also true that neither of these 
 antagonistic explanations affects the fact that eserine contracts the pupil. 
 
 Physostigma is frequently employed to contract the pupil ; for example : “ In mydriasis 
 dependent upon the over-action of belladonna or as a symptom of amaurosis ; in intis 
 and inflammation of the neighboring structures, where the prevention of adhesions may 
 be more successfully secured by an alternation of contraction and dilatation than by 
 dilatation alone ; in injuries of the eyeball with displacement of the iris, etc.” It favors 
 the healing of corneal ulcers , such as so frequently occur in strumous children and are 
 accompanied with extreme photophobia that maintains a constant irritation of the eye ; 
 and when perforation of the cornea occurs it also prevents prolapse of the iris. Even 
 when this accident takes place eserine is the best agent for extricating the hernia of the 
 iris. Sometimes the alternate action of atropine and eserine is better than that of either 
 alone. It has been recommended in some cases of dislocated lens. In photophobia 
 depending upon asthenia, and therefore on irritability of the nerves of the eye, eserine 
 is very useful, and may render the employment of shades, dark rooms, etc. superfluous. 
 
 It is equally so in paralysis of accommodation of the iris, such as follows diphtheria and 
 other debilitating disorders. In the opinion of ophthalmologists eserine is a valuable pal- 
 
PHY SO STIGMA. 
 
 1223 
 
 liative of glaucoma. It combats “ the particular displacement of the iris which is often 
 the cause of the tension ” (Priestley Smith), but is not in any sense a substitute for the 
 operation of iridectomy. The operation of iridectomy is facilitated by the tension and 
 increase of surface which the iris, under the use of this medicine, presents. Night-blind- 
 ness has been successfully treated by instillations of a solution of eserine, which is sup- 
 posed to act by augmenting the vascularity of the retina. When the sight is impaired 
 by paralytic dilatation of the iris this medicine is a useful palliative of the defect. Of all 
 the medicines which have cured tetanus , physostigma certainly holds the first place. In 
 1874 an analysis of published cases showed that out of sixty -three cases of traumatic 
 tetanus treated by this medicine thirty-three recovered. Since then this unusual propor- 
 tion of cures of a disease which was before nearly always fatal has been considerably 
 increased. When the treatment has failed, as has often happened, the failure has been 
 mainly attributable to an inefficient use of the remedy, but sometimes also to its employ- 
 ment having been too long delayed. The more recent experience of its use in tetanus 
 fully confirms the judgment here expressed (Minor, Med. News, Pec. 29, 1888). The 
 minimum dose of extract of physostigma which should first be administered is Gm. 0.02 
 (gr. I). It should be repeated every quarter of an hour until its specific operation is 
 developed and the spasms are completely overcome. This effect should be steadily main- 
 tained, and then reproduced as often as spasms recur. It is usually necessary to increase 
 the dose in order to maintain the original impression. Several German physicians have 
 used this agent to overcome passive dilatation of the intestine, especially in cases of fecal 
 accumulation. Subbotin used for this purpose the following : R. Ext. physostigmat., 
 Gm. 0.10 (gr. i) ; Glycerin, Gm. 20.0 (f^v). Bose, 10 drops. An objection to this 
 medicine is, that its action is likely to continue longer than necessary, and also that it 
 leaves the bowel more confined than at first. Eschle found eserine efficient in combating 
 various diarrhoeal affections ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., July, 1883, p. 41), which it 
 may be presumed to do by contracting the blood-vessels of the intestine. Hiller has 
 suggested that in epidemic cholera this spastic action of the drug might be utilized to 
 prevent the colliquative discharges, or rather the profuse secretion that produces them. 
 But the method seems too mechanical. Moreover, it could only have a chance of acting 
 in the early stage of the attack. DaCosta and also Murrell have used physostigma to 
 counteract colliquative sweats in the dose of gr. of the extract, and eserine in the 
 dose of -gY gr. In a tetanoid disease known as tonic convulsion the medicine has also been 
 successfully employed. Its efficacy in strychnine-poisoning is not so well established, and 
 in chorea it so generally fails that its use is hardly warrantable unless in very prolonged 
 and obstinate cases. (Compare Riess, Centralbl. f. Ther., v. 377.) 
 
 The physiological antagonism between physostigma and belladonna has been illustrated 
 by the neutralization of the poisonous effects of the latter by the former medicine. But 
 as fatal poisoning by belladonna is exceedingly rare, the practical value of the antidote is 
 very small. That poisoning by physostigma is neutralized by the hypodermic injection 
 of atropine has been abundantly demonstrated by experiments upon man. The antagonism 
 is not so evident in similar experiments upon rabbits. 
 
 Physostigma has been found useful internally as a palliative of gastralgia, and topically 
 its tincture is distinctly anodyne in neuralgia and muscular rheumatism and in cases of 
 painful malignant tumors. 
 
 As antidotes to the poisonous effects of physostigma, atropine should be used hypodermic- 
 ally. while coffee and alcoholic and other diffusible stimulants are internally administered. 
 If the patient is unable to swallow, artificial respiration should be maintained, mechanic- 
 ally as well as by means of induced electricity, and the use of atropine persisted in. The 
 hypodermic dose of the latter should not be less than Gm. 0.002 grain). 
 
 The commencing dose of the powdered bean is about 1 grain ; of the official extract, 
 about Gm. 0.006 ( y L grain); of the officinal tincture, about 10 minims. For external 
 use a solution of 1 part of the alcoholic extract in 5 parts of glycerin has been employed. 
 In affections of the eye this solution is applied on little disks of gelatin or of paper that 
 have been soaked in it. Eserine may be applied to the eye in its original state or as a 
 hydrochlorate in a solution containing 1 part to 1000. Internally, it may be given in 
 the dose of from Gm. 0.001—0.005 (gr. to ff). 
 
 Doundake (said to be a shrub of the Rubiaceae family, and found on the western coast 
 of Africa) and its organic base doundakine , given to frogs hypodermically, produce either 
 a paralytic or a cataleptic condition, and kill by suspending the respiration without affect- 
 ing the heart {Med. News, xliii. 265). The bark has a very bitter taste, and is employed 
 by the natives as a febrifuge. (See page 430.) 
 
1224 PHYSOSTIGMINE SA LICYLAS.— PHYSOSTIGMINE sulphas. 
 
 In 1880, Tanret described the effects of cedrine and valdivine, the active principles of 
 the fruits of Simaba cedron and Picrolemma valdivia , products of Colombia, S. A. Val- 
 divine has been found by Dujardin-Beaumetz and Restrepo to be a mortal poison to rab- 
 bits and dogs. It is peculiar in the slowness with which its symptoms are developed even 
 when used in fatal doses. In dogs it causes violent and persistent vomiting, and in rab- 
 bits a deep torpor, which continues until death and is not attended with convulsions. In 
 man doses of Gm. 0.004 (yL grain) occasion vomiting at the end of half an hour. It was 
 found useless in counteracting the effects of poisonous serpent-bites , but in hydrophobia it 
 prevented the convulsions that usually precede death. It does not seem to influence the 
 course of intermittent fever. Cedrine is much less poisonous than valvidine. It has 
 “ unquestionable antiperiodic virtues, although they are feebler and slower than those of 
 quinine ” ( Bull . de Tlierap ., c. 328). 
 
 PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLAS, U. >SG -Physostigmine Salicylate. 
 
 Physostigminum ( Eserinum ) salicylicum , P. G. — Eserine salicylate , E. ; Salicylate d' eserine, 
 
 Fr. ; Physostigmin-Salicylat , G. 
 
 Formula C 15 H 21 N 3 0 2 C 7 H 6 03 . Molecular weight 412.17. 
 
 The salicylate of an alkaloid obtained from Physostigma. It should be kept in small, 
 dark amber-colored, well-stoppered vials. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Dissolve 2 parts of physostigmine and 1 part of pure salicylic acid 
 in 35 parts of boiling distilled water ; strain if necessary, and set aside to crystallize 
 (Hager). 
 
 Properties. — The salt forms colorless glossy needles or prismatic crystals, which in 
 the dry state remain unaltered for a long time, even on exposure to light, but ultimately 
 turn reddish, which change is hastened by the presence of ammoniacal vapors ; its aque- 
 ous and alcoholic solutions, however, become reddish in the course of several hours after 
 exposure to diffused daylight, though the change occurs less rapidly than with other salts 
 of physostigmine. The salicylate is usually slightly acid, and dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 in 12 parts of alcohol and in 130 (Hager) or 150 ( U, . S., P. G .) parts of water, and at 
 the boiling temperature in about 30 parts of water, and in much less alcohol. The salt 
 fuses at 179° C. (354.2° F.), and on ignition is consumed without leaving any residue. 
 The aqueous solution of the salt acquires a violet color on the addition of a little ferric 
 chloride, and if sufficiently concentrated produces with sulphuric acid a white precipitate 
 of salicylic acid. The alkaloid is recognized by decomposing the aqueous solution with 
 sodium bicarbonate and agitating with ether ; the amorphous residue left on evaporating 
 the ethereal solution should show the reactions described under Physostigma. 
 
 Tests. — The salts should have the properties described above. The solution in strong i 
 sulphuric acid is at first colorless, but becomes yellow. If a minute portion of the salt 
 be added to a few Cc. of ammonia-water in a small capsule, the liquid will acquire a 
 yellowish-red color. On evaporating the liquid on a water-bath, a blue residue will be 
 left, which yields, with alcohol, a blue solution, becoming violet-red upon supersaturation 
 with acetic acid, and exhibiting a strong reddish fluorescence. 
 
 Other Salt. — Physostigmine hydrobromas, Physostigmine hydrobromate. It is crystalline, 
 more stable than the sulphate, but inferior in this respect to the salicylate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The salicylate is said to be less liable to decomposition than the 
 other salts of physostigmine. It has been employed in diarrhoea and in dysentery. If 
 it is intended especially for hypodermic use, its difficult solubility in water and its changes 
 under the action of light render it of doubtful value in a permanent solution. It is 
 probably better adapted for solution in alcohol and water for instillation into the eye. 
 
 It may be given hypodermically in doses of Gm. 0.001-0.005 (gr. Ag— J-g-). But Lewin 
 states Gm. 0.001 as the maximum dose. 
 
 PHYSOSTIGMINE SULPHAS, U. S . — Physostigmine Sulphate. 
 
 Physostigminum ( Eserinum ) sulphuricum. — Eserine sulphate, E. ; Sulphate d' eserine, 
 
 Fr. ; Physostigminsul/at, G. 
 
 Formula (C 15 H 2 iN 3 0 2 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 . Molecular weight 646.82. 
 
 The sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from Physostigma. It should be kept in small 
 dark amber-colored and well-stoppered vials. — U. S. 
 
 Properties. — The sulphate forms a neutral white or yellowish-white, micro-crystal- 
 line powder, which is inodorous and possesses a bitter taste. It is very soluble in water, 
 
PHYTOLACCA. 
 
 1225 
 
 deliquescent when exposed to moist air, and turns reddish on exposure to air and light. 
 It is readily soluble in alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), and more so in alcohol and water at the 
 boiling temperature. At 105° C. (221° F.) the salt fuses, and on ignition it leaves no 
 
 residue. 
 
 On adding a small portion of the salt to colorless sulphuric acid, the latter should not 
 assume a tint deeper than yellow. If a minute portion of the salt be added to a few Cc. 
 of ammonia-water in a small capsule, the liquid will acquire a yellowish-red color. On 
 evaporating this liquid on a water-bath, a blue or bluish-gray residue will be left, which 
 yields, with alcohol, a blue solution, becoming violet-red upon supersaturation with acetic 
 acid, and exhibiting a strong reddish fluorescence. The aqeuous solution of the salt 
 yields, with barium chloride test-solution, a white precipitate insoluble in hydrochloric 
 acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action, uses, and dose of physostigmine sulphate may be 
 regarded as the same as those of the salicylate ; and this also may be said of the hydro- 
 chlorate and the tartrate. 
 
 PHYTOLACCA.— Phytolacca, Poke. 
 
 Agouman , Morelle a grappes , Fr. ; Kermesbeere , G. ; Mazorquilla, Namoll , Jabonera, Sp. 
 
 Phytolacca decandra, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Phytolaccacese. 
 
 1. Phytolacca: Radix, U. S., Phytolacca-root. — Poke-root, E. ; Racine de phyto- 
 laque, Fr. ; Kermesbeerenwurzel, G. The root. 
 
 2. Phytolacca: Fructus, U. S., Phytolacca-fruit. — Phytolaccas bacca, U. &, 1880. — 
 Pokeberry, E. ; Raisin d’Amerique, Fr. ; Amerikanische Kermesbeere, G. The fruit. 
 
 Origin. — Poke or garget i s a perennial herb indigenous to North America and natu- 
 ralized in the West Indies and Southern Europe. It grows in waste places, and has a 
 smooth stem, alternate petiolate, ovate-oblong acute leaves, and white decandrous flowers 
 in elongated racemes, which are usually opposite the leaves. The young shoots collected 
 in early spring are sometimes eaten as a substitute for asparagus. It commences to 
 flower in June, and ripens its fruits in August, when the root and berries should be col- 
 lected. The young shoots of Phyt. octandra, Linne. indigenous to Central and South 
 America, and Phyt. acinoso, Roxburgh , a native of Northern India, are likewise eaten. 
 
 Description. — 1. The Root. In the fresh state the root is large, conical, branched 
 and fleshy. In commerce it is seen in transverse or longitudinal slices from 2-10 Cm. 
 (1 to 4 inches) in diameter, longitudinally wrinkled, yellowish brown-gray externally, 
 hard, and breaking with a fibrous fracture. It is of a dingy-white color internally, and 
 exhibits upon transverse section a number of circles composed of wood- 
 tissue radiately divided by numerous medullary rays and concentric- 
 ally approximate, being separated from one another by shrunken 
 parenchyma, which in the fresh state is fleshy and of about the width 
 of the wood-circles. The root is inodorous ; its taste is at first sweet- 
 ish, afterward somewhat acrid. 
 
 2. The Fruit is a flattened globular compound berry, about 8 Mm. 
 
 (I inch) in diameter, and composed of ten carpels, which are concen- 
 trically arranged around a short axis, are laterally confluent, and con- 
 tain each one lenticular black and shining seed, with the embryo poke-root- transverse 
 curved around a mealy albumen. The fruit is of a dark -purple color, section, 
 
 has a thin pericarp, and contains a purplish-red juice which is inodorous and has a sweet 
 and slightly acrid taste. When the berries are dried on their common peduncles they 
 have a slight resemblance to raisins. 
 
 Constituents. — The root was analyzed by E. Donnelly (1843) and W. F. Pape 
 (1881), who found starch, tannin, resin, and other common constituents of plants, but did 
 not succeed in isolating the active principle. Pape’s observation renders the presence of 
 an alkaloid probable ; he obtained 1.07 per cent, of ash, two-thirds of which was soluble 
 in water. Terreil (1881) obtained amorphous phytolaccic acid , which is soluble in water 
 and alcohol, reduces silver salts, and yields with earths and alkalies soluble salts, from 
 which boiling hydrochloric acid separates the acid as a jelly. Reichel’s analysis (1836) 
 of the root of Phytolacca (Pircunia, Betted) drastica, Poppig , yielded similar results ; 
 among the salts was found 6.6 per cent, of calcium malate. The alkaloid, pliytolaccine. 
 was obtained by Preston (1884) in the form of white crystals. These are quite soluble 
 in alcohol, moderately so in water, nearly insoluble in ether and chloroform. It gave 
 
 Fig. 211. 
 
1226 
 
 PICR 0 TOXIN XJM. 
 
 precipitates with tannin, phosphomolybdic acid, potassium iodohydrargyrate, and auric 
 chloride. The fruit was examined by Braconnot (1804) ; its coloring matter is bleached 
 by sunlight and turned yellow by alkalies. W. Cramer (1881) showed the presence of 
 sugar, gum, and malic acid, and found the fresh fruit to contain 70 per cent, of moisture 
 and the dried fruit to yield 5 per cent, of ash, of which 62 per cent, was soluble in water. 
 E. Claassen (1879) obtained from the seed phytolaccin, which is soluble in alcohol, ether, 
 and chloroform, slightly so in benzin, and insoluble in water; it crystallizes in colorless 
 needles, is tasteless, and dissolves in sulphuric acid with a brown-yellow, and in warm 
 nitric acid with a yellow, color. The fruit of most other species of Phytolacca contains 
 a similar coloring matter. According to Landerer (1836), the juice is employed in 
 Turkey for coloring sweetmeats. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The most probable evidence in favor of the medicinal powers 
 of this plant relate to its use in rheumatism and in diseases of the skin. In the former, 
 and especially in syphilitic rheumatism, it has been employed as a tincture either of the 
 root or of the berries and as a decoction of the former, and is reputed to have displayed 
 anodyne and sudorific powers. The decoction, the tincture, the juice of the leaves, etc. 
 have been used extensively and with reputed advantage, both internally and locally, in 
 the treatment of sanious idcers , scabies , tinea capitis , sycosis , and favus , and of the mange 
 in dogs. An ointment made with the roots or leaves (gij to lb j of lard) has been 
 applied in the same affections. All of these preparations have been much employed in 
 the treatment of haemorrhoids , and the infusion and decoction both internally and by 
 injection. The decoction has been administered with alleged benefit in scrofula , as well 
 as used locally in treating the ulcers peculiar to that disease. It has been alleged, when 
 taken internally and applied locally, to prevent and also relieve mammary inflammation 
 after delivery, and also to cure u irritation of the ovaries with uterine complications/’ 
 but the latter statement is too vague for acceptance. 
 
 In the action and medicinal uses of phytolacca it is difficult to avoid observing a certain 
 analogy between it and dulcamara on the one hand and white hellebore on the other. The 
 dose of the powdered root as an emetic is Gm. 0.60-2 (gr. x-xxx). Of a saturated 
 tincture about Gm. 4 (a fluidrachm) may be given two or three times a day. An oint- 
 ment may be made by mixing with an ounce of lard the extract produced by evapor- 
 ating an ounce of the tincture. 
 
 PICROTOXINUM, 77. 8 .— Picrotoxin. 
 
 Picrotoxine, Fr. ; Pikrotoxin, G. 
 
 Formula C 30 II 34 O 13 . Molecular weight 600.58. 
 
 A neutral principle prepared from the seeds of Anamirta paniculata, Colebrooke, s. 
 Anam. (Menispermum, Linne ) Cocculus, Wight et Arnott, s. Cocc. suberosus, De Candolle. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 14. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Menispermaceae. 
 
 Origin.— Anam. paniculata is a tall climbing shrub, with broad heart-shaped leaves 
 and long drooping racemes of small greenish dioecious flowers, indigenous to India and 
 some of the East Indian islands. The fruit is known as 
 
 Cocculus indicus, s. Fructus cocculi. — Fishberries, E. ; Coque 
 du Levant, Fr. ; Kokkelskorner, Fischkorner, G . — It is globular, 
 kidney-shaped, about 6 Mm. (f inch) in diameter and 10 Mm. 
 (-J inch) in length, blackish-brown and wrinkled. The base and 
 apex of the fruit are close together on one side of the fruit, sep- 
 arated from each other by a shallow sinus and connected by an 
 obscure ridge running around the convex side. The endocarp or 
 shell is whitish, thin, and on the narrow concave side folded inward, forming a double 
 projection into the interior of the fruit, and causing the embryo to assume a semilunar 
 shape upon longitudinal section. The fruit is inodorous and almost tasteless, with the 
 exception of the shrivelled oily embryo, which is disagreeably bitter. Cocculus differs 
 in the characters described from all other fruits usually met with in drug-stores. Accord- 
 ing to Schmidt and Rolmer (1883), the fruit contains 23.6 per cent, of fat, over one-third 
 of which is free stearic acid. Pelletier and Couerbe (1833) isolated from the integuments 
 of the fruit the crystalline and tasteless alkaloid menispermine, C 18 H 24 N 2 0 2 , and parameni- 
 spermine , which has the same composition, but differs from the former in being insoluble 
 in ether, sublimable, and in failing to neutralize acids. These bodies are associated with 
 the amorphous brown hypopicrotoxic acid, which is insoluble in ether and water. The 
 
 Fig. 212. 
 
 Cocculus indicus : fruit and 
 longitudinal section. 
 
PICROTOXINUM. 
 
 1227 
 
 poisonous principle picrotoxin is contained in the kernel, and was first isolated by Boullay 
 in 1819. 
 
 Preparation. — Bruised cocculus indicus is exhausted by boiling alcohol sp. gr. 0.85 ; 
 the tincture is concentrated by distillation to about one-third the weight of the fruit ; 
 after cooling, the fat is removed and the residue boiled with one-half its weight of water ; 
 the decoction is filtered while hot, the filtrate slightly acidulated and crystallized ; the 
 crystals require to be purified from hot alcohol. The portion insoluble in water contains 
 menispermine, paramenispermine, and hypopicrotoxic acid. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Picrotoxin is in “ colorless, flexible, shining, prismatic 
 crystals, permanent in the air, odorless, having a very bitter taste and a neutral reaction ; 
 soluble in 240 parts of water and in 9 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 25 parts of 
 boiling water, and in 3 parts of boiling alcohol ; also soluble in acids and in solutions of the 
 alkalies. “ When heated to 200° C. (392° F.), picrotoxin melts, forming a yellow liquid. 
 Upon ignition it is consumed, leaving no residue. Concentrated sulphuric acid dissolves 
 picrotoxin with a golden-yellow color, very gradually changing to reddish-brown, and 
 showing a brown fluorescence. On mixing about 0.2 Gm. of powdered sodium nitrate 
 with 3 or 4 drops of sulphuric acid in a small, flat-bottomed capsule, sprinkling a minute 
 quantity of picrotoxin over it, and then adding, from a pipette, concentrated solution (1 
 in 4) of sodium hydroxide, drop by drop, until it is in excess, the particles of picrotoxin will 
 acquire a brick-red to deep-red color, which fades after some hours. On diluting 2 Cc. 
 of alkaline cupric tartrate solution with 10 Cc. of water, and adding a small portion of 
 picrotoxin, red cuprous oxide will be separated within half an hour at the ordinary tem- 
 perature, and much more rapidly upon the application of heat. The aqueous solution of 
 picrotoxin should remain unaffected by mercuric or platinic chloride test-solution, tannic 
 acid test-solution, mercuric potassium iodide test-solution, or other reagents for alkaloids 
 (absence of alkaloids).” — U. S. 
 
 The reaction with sulphuric acid and a trace of potassium dichromate was described 
 by H. Koehler (1867) as giving a violet-blue color, changing to violet-brown, brown- 
 green, and finally apple-green ; excess of dichromate causes a red-brown, then dark -brown, 
 color (W. Schmidt, 1862). The yellow color produced by sulphuric acid disappears on 
 the addition of nitric acid. Picrotoxin dissolves in strong nitric acid to a colorless liquid, 
 which becomes mahogany-brown with a little potassium dichromate. Heated with Feh- 
 ling’s solution, picrotoxin yields a precipitate of cuprous oxide (Ludwig), but is not a glu- 
 coside. Warm alkaline solutions occasion also a reduction of silver and gold salts. The 
 reaction with potassium qitrate, sulphuric acid, and soda was suggested as a characteristic 
 one by J. W. Langley (1862). 
 
 Diluted acids do not increase the solubility of picrotoxin in water (Pelletier, Koehler), 
 but caustic alkalies render it much more soluble ; hence Pelletier and Couebre regarded 
 it as picrotoxic acid ; the alkaline solutions are, however, precipitated by carbonic and 
 other acids. Picrotoxin is soluble in strong acetic acid, also in amylic alcohol, benzene, 
 chloroform, ether, and in fixed oils (Koehler). 
 
 The above formula is that of Paterno and Oglialora (1877). By fractional crystalliza- 
 tion from benzene Barth and Kretschy (1880) separated picrotoxin into three bodies. One, 
 for which the name picrotoxin was retained, melts at 201° C. (394° F.), answers in the 
 main to the above description, and has the composition C, 5 H 16 0 6 -j-H 2 0. The second, picro- 
 tin, C 2 5 H 30 O 12 , has similar properties, but melts at 250° C. (482° F.), is less freely soluble 
 in benzene, and is not poisonous. The third compound, an amir tin, C 19 H 24 O 10 , remains in the 
 mother-liquor on recrystallizing picrotoxin from water ; it is but slightly bitter, is not 
 poisonous, and its alkaline solutions do not reduce metallic salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Its chief effects in excessive doses appear to be slight giddi- 
 ness and lightness of the head and partial loss of power in the lower limbs. In one case 
 the symptoms of active poisoning by cocculus have been described as including gastro- 
 intestinal irritation, congestion of the brain, strabismus, sweating, exhaustion, and death. 
 The absence of any spasmodic phenomena throws doubt upon the alleged nature of the 
 attack (Stille, T herapeuti.es, 4th ed., ii. 353). A case is reported by Sosinsky in which 
 several ounces of whiskey impregnated with cocculus were taken by a male adult. Within 
 an hour he became unconscious, and was seized with epileptiform convulsions. The pupils 
 were contracted and the respiration was slow, and there was also profuse sweating, with 
 diarrhoea. Death occurred in three hours, “and was apparently due to failure of respira- 
 tion and exhaustion ” ( Med . News, xliii. 485). The observations of Haynes record the 
 above symptoms essentially, with the addition of a cyanotic discoloration of the skin ; 
 and he points out that the convulsions much more closely resemble those of epilepsy 
 
1228 
 
 PILOCARPINE HYDROCHLORAS. 
 
 than those due to strychnine, especially in their clonic character and the unconsciousness 
 that attends them ( Phila . Med. Times , xiv. 748). 
 
 The resemblance between the actions of picrotoxin and of strychnine led to the use of 
 the former in paralysis of the extremities and of the sphincters of the bladder and rectum, 
 but the degree of its success does not appear to have been very great. Its virtues in 
 curing epilepsy have been confidently set forth by Planat, who recognizes, as the sole 
 exceptions to its curative power in this affection, inveterate cases, whether idiopathic or 
 symptomatic. This physician reports no less than sixteen cases of the disease cured by 
 a saturated tincture of cocculus, of which the primary dose was 2 drops twice a day, and 
 on each subsequent day every dose was increased by 1 drop until 30 drops a day were 
 given. It was then gradually reduced until the original dose was reached, when the 
 medicine was suspended for a fortnight, after which it was renewed and intermitted 
 alternately during six months. If the results above related could be relied upon, then 
 cocculus would be a remedy for epilepsy of far higher curative power than any one 
 before used in the disease. This is far from being the case, for the observations of 
 Gowers and Ramskill render it probable that picrotoxin aggravates the paroxysms in 
 epileptic patients {Times and Gaz n Apr. 1880, p. 448). Planat attributes to the medi- 
 cine a striking curative power in infantile eclampsia , in chronic spasm of the limbs , and in 
 chorea. A case of labio-glosso-pharyngeal paralysis is stated to have been greatly 
 benefited by the hypodermic injection of 1 Mgm. (gr. eV) doses of picrotoxin (Gubler). 
 Much more positive are the effects of picrotoxin in controlling night-sweats , as illustrated 
 by Murrell ( Practitioner , xxiii. 241 ; xxv. 93). He made use of a solution of 1 
 part in 240, as follows : Picrotoxin 8 gr. ; Glacial acetic acid f ^iv ; Distilled water, to 
 f ^iv. Mix and filter. Of this solution 4 minims contain -gL g r . of picrotoxin, which is 
 the average dose. Prom 1 to 4 teaspoonfuls of the solution seldom failed to diminish, 
 and then arrest, the sweating, without leaving the skin dry. It did not disagree with the 
 stomach. Other clinicians have found this dose too small, and prescribed from Gm. 0.001- 
 0.003 (J 7 to 2 ^ gr.). Picrotoxin may also be given in pills, each containing one- 
 sixteenth of a grain. On theoretical grounds it has been proposed as an antidote to mor- 
 phine. by Bokai ( Lancet , March, 1889, p. 497). Cocculus indicus is employed in decoc- 
 tion or in ointment to destroy lice, and in the latter form to cure ringworm of the 
 scalp. The skin should in this disease be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water 
 before applying the ointment. Porrigo has been cured by an ointment made with Gm. 
 0.60 (gr. x) of picrotoxin to an ounce of lard. Cocculus indicus is said to prevent the 
 secondary fermentation of liquors, and for this purpose it is sometimes added to malt 
 liquors at the risk of poisoning those who drink them. The average hypodermic dose of 
 picrotoxin is 1 Mgm. or -fa of a troy grain. 
 
 PILOCARPINES HYDROCHLORAS, U . Pilocarpine Hydro- 
 chlorate. 
 
 Pilocarpinum hydrochloricum , P. G. ; Hydrochlorate de pilocarpine , Fr. ; Pilocarpin- 
 hydrochlorid , G. 
 
 Formula C U H 16 N 2 0 2 HC1. Molecular weight 243.98. 
 
 The hydrochlorate of an alkaloid obtained from Pilocarpus. It should be kept in 
 small, well-stoppered vials. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Diluted hydrochloric acid is neutralized with pilocarpine, and the 
 solution concentrated and set aside over sulphuric acid to crystallize. 
 
 Properties. — This salt forms long colorless needles or is obtained in small white 
 needle-shaped or scaly crystals. It is inodorous, and has a slightly bitter taste and a 
 neutral or slightly acid reaction to test-paper. It is deliquescent on exposure, and dis- 
 solves, according to Schuchardt (1881), in II parts of water at 15° and at 100° C. (59° 
 and 212° F.) in 7 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), and in about part of boiling 
 alcohol. According to Poehl, it is insoluble or nearly so in ether, chloroform, benzene, 
 and carbon disulphide, but, according to Gerrard (1876), chloroform dissolves the salt. 
 This melts at 197° C. (386.6° F.), and at a higher heat is decomposed without leaving 
 any fixed residue. The aqueous solution remains clear for many weeks, and yields with 
 silver nitrate a white curdy precipitate insoluble in nitric acid, but soluble in ammonia. 
 Only concentrated solutions are precipitated by sodium hydroxide (whitish cloudiness) or 
 by platinic chloride (yellowish, crystalline), but diluted aqueous solutions are pre- 
 cipitated by mercuric chloride (white, soluble in hydrochloric acid), iodine (brown-red, 
 crystallizable), pliosphomolybdic acid (yellow, curdy), and other group reagents for alka- 
 
riLOCARPUS. 
 
 1229 
 
 loids. Pure sulphuric acid dissolves the salt nearly colorless, with evolution of hydro- 
 chloric-acid vapors ; in the presence of a little potassium dichromate the solution is at 
 first dark green, but soon changes to a lasting bright-green color (Poehl, 1879). Fuming 
 nitric acid dissolves the salt with a pale greenish color ( U. S., P. G.). 
 
 Composition. — The formula given above is that of Harnack and Meyer, but King- 
 zett maintains that the correct formula of the salt is C 23 H 34 N 4 0 4 (HC1). 2 . 
 
 Allied Salt. — Pilocarpine nitras, Br. C n H 16 N 2 0 2 HN0 ? . White crystalline powder or 
 needles, soluble in 8 or 9 parts of water or freely soluble in hot alcohol. 
 
 p 0SE . — Hydrochlorate of pilocarpine may be administered by the mouth in doses of 
 Gin. 0.03-0.05 (gr. £-f), and hypodermically Gm. 0.02 (gr. i) may be given. (See 
 Pilocarpus). 
 
 Fig. 213. 
 
 PILOCARPUS, U. Pilocarpus, Jaborandi. 
 
 Jaborandi , Br., F. Cod. ; Folia jaborandi, P. G. 
 
 The leaflets of Pilocarpus Selloanus, Engler (Rio Janeiro jaborandi) and of Pilocar- 
 pus Jaborandi, Holmes (Pernambuco jaborandi). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 48. 
 
 Fat. Ord . — Butaceae, Xanthoxyleae. 
 
 Origin. — Jaborandi is a kind of generic name used in South America for several 
 plants possessing diaphoretic properties. The Pilocarpus jaborandi is a shrub growing in 
 Brazil in the neighborhood of Pernambuco, perhaps also in the southern provinces of 
 that empire. E. M. Holmes (1875) determined the origin of jaborandi. There appear 
 to be several more or less distinct forms of Pilocarpus in Brazil, which are regarded as 
 distinct species by some botanists, while others regard them as mere varieties. Of 
 these may be mentioned — Pil. Selloanus, Engler , Pil. lieterophyllus, A. Gray, and Pil. 
 pauciflorus, St. Hilaire. From the anatomical structure of the leaves constituting the 
 drug Poehl (1879) regards it to be obtained from an un- 
 described species, Pil. officinalis, Poehl. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are imparipinnate. and are 
 composed of four to ten short-stalked leaflets with an 
 unequal base, and a terminal one which has a longer 
 stalk and is more tapering and nearly equal at base. 
 
 The leaflets are about 10 to 15 Cm. (4-6 inches) long 
 and 4 to 6 Cm. (1F-2J inches) broad, oval or ovate- 
 oblong, entire and slightly revolute at the margin, rather 
 rounded below and obtuse, and usually emarginate above. 
 
 They are of a coriaceous texture, green and shining above, 
 and on the under side paler and smooth or somewhat hairy, 
 and with a prominent midrib ; the veins branch from the 
 midrib at nearly right angles, and anastomose near the mar- 
 gin. forming on each side one or two distinct wavy lines. 
 
 The entire blade is marked with numerous pellucid glands. 
 
 The leaves are nearly inodorous, but where bruised exhale a 
 slight aromatic odor ; the taste is herbaceous, afterward 
 aromatic, warm, and somewhat bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — Byasson (1875) obtained from jabo- 
 randi-leaves a volatile oil, and a volatile alkaloid which he 
 named jaborandine. But both Gerrard and Hardy (1875) 
 showed that the alkaloid is not volatile, and named it pilo- 
 carpine. It is obtained from the aqueous solution of the 
 alcoholic extract by adding an alkali, agitating with chloro- 
 form, and extracting it from the latter by agitation with 
 water acidulated by hydrochloric acid. It is best purified by 
 crystallizing the nitrate from boiling alcohol, which, accord- 
 ing to Schuchardt, dissolves 2.5 per cent, of the salt, while 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) only .77 per cent, remains in solution. 
 
 The alkaloid is uncrystallizable, but A. W. Gerrard 
 (1875) crystallized from alcohol a number of its salts, of , 
 winch the sulphate and acetate are very deliquescent ; the leaflet, natural size, 
 
 latter is also soluble in ether, chloroform, and benzene, in 
 
 which the nitrate and phosphate are insoluble, while the chlorhydrate and bromhydratc 
 
1230 
 
 PILOCARPUS. 
 
 dissolve besides in water and alcohol, also in chloroform. Kingzett (1876) gives to the 
 alkaloid the formula C 2 3 H 34 N 4 0 4 , and states that on distillation with caustic potassa it 
 yields trimethylamine, and that jaborandi contains only one alkaloid. These obser- 
 vations have been corroborated by Gerrard (1880). But Harnack and Meyer 
 (1880) give to pilocarpine the formula C u H 16 N 2 0 2 . Chastaing (1881) found the 
 same composition, and states that on treating the alkaloid with a large excess of I 
 fuming nitric acid, jaborandine nitrate , C 10 H 12 N 2 O 3 .HNO 3 , is obtained, together with ! 
 traces of another alkaloid, probably jaborine. Poehl (1879) agrees with Kingzett’s | 
 formula ; he also found but one alkaloid, but on distilling this with caustic soda j 
 obtained coniine. The latter alkaloid was also obtained by Harnack and Meyer, but j 
 only from impure pilocarpine, and they believe it to be a decomposition-product of a 
 second alkaloid, jaborine, which could not be prepared in the pure state, and is probably 
 produced by the alteration of pilocarpine ; it is yellow, amorphous, more soluble in ether 
 and less in water than pilocarpine, and resembles atropine in its action. Merck (1885) 
 obtained two more alkaloids, which he named jaboridine and pilocarpidine ; these he con- 
 siders simply as oxidation-products of jaborine and pilocarpine respectively. Jaboridine 
 is syrupy, and its nitrate forms prisms ; pilocarpidine differs from pilocarpine principally 
 in that its aqueous solution is precipitated by gold chloride. 
 
 Hardy (1876) obtained from the leaves 0.56 per cent, volatile oil, consisting of pilo- 
 carpine , C 10 H 16 (sp. gr. 0.85 ; boiling-point 178° C.), and two hydrocarbons of higher 
 boiling-points. 
 
 Other Jaborandis. — Peckolt (1875) enumerated the following Brazilian drugs which are known 
 in some of the provinces as jaborandi, and belong either to the natural order of Piperacese or to 
 that of Rutaceae (Xanthoxylaceae) : 
 
 1, Serronia (Piper, Vellozo , Ottonia, Kunth ), Jaborandi, Guillemin ; 2, Piper reticulatum, 
 Linne ; ‘3, P. nodulosum, Link ; 4, Artanthe Mollicoma, Mi quel ; 5, Aubletia trifolia, Richard; 
 Monnier a trifolia, Linne ; and 6, Xanthoxylum elegans, Engler. Ilerpestes gratioloides, Kunth 
 (nat. ord. Scrophulariaceae), is also stated to yield a jaborandi ; and to these must probably be 
 added Piper citrifolium, Lamarck , and perhaps other species. (See paper by Dr. F. V. Greene 
 in Phila. Med. Times , 1877, p. 537.) 
 
 Piper Jaborandi, Vellozo , is, according to Peckolt, the true jaborandi of Brazil, and, according 
 to Parodi (1875), the true yaguarundi of Paraguay. The latter isolated from it a volatile oil of . 
 an acrid and biting taste and a crystalline alkaloid, jaborandine , C 10 H 12 N 2 O 3 , which is slightly 
 soluble in ether and has but a weak affinity for acids. 
 
 Infusum jaborandi, Br. — Jaborandi \ ounce, boiling water 10 fluidounces ; infuse 
 for half an hour and strain. 
 
 Tinctura jaborandi, Br., F . Cod. — Jaborandi 5 ounces, proof spirit 20 fluidounces 
 (Bri). Jaborandi 100 Gm. ; alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 500 Gm. ( F '. Cod. ). 
 
 Substitutions.— The leaves of one or more species of Piper have occasionally been 
 in the market and sold as jaborandi; they are thin or subcoriaceous, ovate, acuminate, 
 and so finely glandular that on being held up to the light and examined with the naked 
 eye they do not appear to be pellucid punctate. 
 
 We have seen the leaves of Laurus nobilis, Linne , offered as jaborandi ; they are easily 
 distinguished by the characters described on page 931. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When a jaborandi-leaf is chewed it causes an acrid sensation 
 in the fauces, and the powder by prolonged contact with the skin irritates it. In doses 
 of from Gm. 2-6 (gr. xxx— xc) infused in boiling water, the water and grounds being 
 swallowed together, it produces within ten or fifteen minutes its characteristic effects. 
 Very similar, if not identical, effects are produced by the hypodermic injection of muriate 
 of pilocarpine in the dose of Gm. 0.01-0.02 (gr. £-£). Pilocarpine acts more promptly 
 than jaborandi, especially when used hypodermically. In the dose just indicated it pro- 
 duces, in the course of two or three minutes, a sense of vertigo or faintness, a flushing 
 of the face and breast, and in from three to six minutes drops of sweat appear upon the 
 forehead and moisture is felt in the axillae and groins, and then upon the trunk and limbs. 
 
 In a case of glaucoma the patient by mistake received a hypodermic injection of 6 grains 
 instead of f gr. of pilocarpine. Hardly had the needle been withdrawn before the saliva 
 began to dribble from the patient’s mouth ( Med . Record , xx. 599). The amount and 
 duration of the sweating are increased by the patient’s remaining covered in bed, and 
 also depend in part upon individual peculiarities. The secretion of tears and of nasai 
 and bronchial mucus is commonly augmented. These abundant losses of liquid neces- 
 sarily reduce the patient’s weight, often to the extent of from 2 to 6 pounds, and occa- 
 sionally as much as 8 pounds. Pilocarpine sometimes also increases the bronchial secre- 
 tion, or causes diarrhoea, or produces swelling of the submaxillary glands. During the 
 
PILOCARPUS. 
 
 1231 
 
 sweating the temperature is apt to fall about 1° F., the pulse grows fuller and tenser, 
 and its rate is at the same time increased, sometimes by as much as 40 or 50 beats a 
 minute. The face becomes flushed at first, but grows pale when the perspiration is most 
 profuse. These phenomena are attributed to the action of the medicine upon the heart 
 and arteries, whereby the walls of the latter are dilated and their capacity increased. 
 Meanwhile, at the time when the sweat breaks out the patient feels his mouth begin to 
 water, and the flow of saliva is so rapid, and often so copious, that he is unable to speak. 
 During the hour and a half, on an average, that the secretion lasts it may amount to 1 
 or 2 pints. The saliva is usually ropy. When the extract of jaborandi or pilocarpine 
 dissolved in glycerin is introduced into the eye, it in most cases contracts the pupil, but 
 when taken internally it produces this effect much less uniformly, if at all. Instead of 
 diminishing the secretion of milk, as might reasonably be expected from its causing such 
 profuse discharges elsewhere, it appears to be a true galactagogue. It is said to exhibit 
 this virtue even when directly applied to the mammae ( Practitioner , xvii. 443). It is 
 stated that the milk secreted under its influence produces a sudorific action upon the 
 infant that consumes it. It is alleged that such milk is also deficient in solids, and there- 
 fore innutritious ; on the other hand, it is certain that infants have been nourished and 
 have thriven upon milk so obtained (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., iv. 238 ; Therap. Gaz., x. 
 194). Children are but little affected by doses which would produce the full operation 
 of the medicine in adults. 
 
 There can be no doubt that these medicines, especially pilocarpine hydrochlorate, some- 
 times occasion distressing and even alarming symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, saliva- 
 tion, diarrhoea, tenesmus, contracted pupils, collapse, tremor, extreme weakness, indistinct 
 vision, slow and sighing respiration, rapid pulse, palpitation of the heart, and vertigo, for 
 all which the appropriate remedy is a hypodermic injection of atropine ; the inhalation of 
 nitrite of amyl has also been used for the same purpose. 
 
 Jaborandi resembles atropine in quickening the pulse and flushing the face, and in act- 
 ing more powerfully upon adults than upon children ; but it is antagonistic to atropine in 
 its action upon the salivary, sudoral, and mammary secretions, upon the pupils also, and 
 the minute arteries. Moreover, the tendency of belladonna to excite delirium contrasts 
 with that of jaborandi to cause prostration and drowsiness, and the sweats and salivation 
 produced by the latter are checked by the hypodermic injection of atropine. The dryness 
 of the mouth and skin which this alkaloid or belladonna occasions is relieved by the 
 administration of jaborandi or pilocarpine. The mammary secretion is diminished by the 
 one and increased by the other. In this connection it may be mentioned that in experi- 
 ments upon frogs the dilatation of the heart produced by the one agent has been over- 
 come by the operation of the other. Nevertheless, it has happened in cases of poisoning 
 by belladonna or its alkaloid that no mitigation of the symptoms followed the administra- 
 tion of jaborandi or of pilocarpine. 
 
 The utility of jaborandi and pilocarpine in medicine is chiefly shown by their power of 
 lessening the amount of liquid in the system. Hence they are often of service in removing 
 effusions due to cardiac or renal obstruction, and even to inflammation. The last effect 
 has been illustrated in some cases of chronic as well as acute pleurisy, probably, however, 
 with serous rather than purulent effusion. The relief afforded by the medicines is some- 
 times wonderfully prompt, especially if the patient refuses to yield to his thirst and 
 abstains, as far as possible, from using liquids. In children it is more apt to be afforded 
 by profuse salivation than by sweating. In hydrothorax the benefit is even more speedy 
 and complete, although its duration must depend upon the cardiac or renal disease during 
 which the effusion occurred. When dropsy arises in connection with desquamative tubu- 
 lar nephritis (especially scarlatinous), or even with interstitial nephritis, the medicine is 
 very efficient, in the former disease often leading to a cure, and in the latter to a pro- 
 longation of life. But it can be of no service unless its sialagogue or its diaphoretic 
 action is fully developed. A danger, however, which perhaps attends this treatment of 
 acute renal dropsy is that the discharge of water by the skin diminishes the excretion of 
 the kidneys, and if carried too far may cause them to become obstructed and uraemic 
 symptoms to arise. In regard to the dropsy of pregnancy and the usually associated 
 puerperal albuminuria and convulsions the efficacy of the medicine does not yet appear to 
 be determined. In certain cases its administration has been followed by its physiological 
 effects and the dissipation of threatening symptoms ; but some physicians (Bidder ; For- 
 dyce Barker) regard its utility as more than doubtful, and the latter states that after 
 puerperal convulsions its depressing influence, which is continuous and exhausting, pre- 
 vents sleep and the repose of the nervous system, and thus renders it in these cases a 
 
1232 
 
 PILOCARPUS. 
 
 dangerous remedy. This judgment has been strengthened by the results of an investi- 
 gation by Dr. John Phillips, who felt constrained to “warn others against its use, espe- 
 cially when coma was pronounced” ( Lancet , Oct. 13, 1888. Compare Med. News, xlvii. 
 382 ; Therap. Gaz., x. 473 ; Braithwaitd s Retrospect, xciv. 300). In dropsy caused by 
 disease of the heart it is a temporary palliative which may appropriately be used from time 
 to time during a treatment by digitalis, etc. Indeed, it simply serves as a substitute for the 
 ancient practice of purging or sweating by heat, etc., and may be used alternately with 
 them. Its action in lessening the contractile power of the heart and arteries, and retaining 
 them in diastole, should be borne in mind, since it tends to favor the accumulation of blood 
 in them and to obstruct rather than relieve the circulation and respiration. In all cases 
 in which the rhythm of the heart is disordered by valvular or muscular degeneration this 
 medicine should be cautiously used, lest during the prostration it cause the action of the 
 heart to be suspended. Used in certain cases of pulmonary emphysema, it has embar- 
 rassed respiration and threatened to produce asphyxia. But when dropsy of whatever 
 form (hydrothorax, ascites, anasarca) due to Bright’s disease is associated, not with 
 obstructive lesions of the heart, but with hypertrophy of the left ventricle, the relief 
 obtained from jaborandi is immediate and striking. Yet the rule must not be too abso- 
 lutely followed. In cases of obstructive diseases of the heart from valvular or muscular 
 degeneration, with emphysema, and even disease of the arteries, the action of pilocarpine 
 may sometimes be so adjusted as to afford relief without embarrassing the circulation. 
 It has been used to cure or prevent the full development of bronchitis, laryngitis, and 
 coryza, dry bronchitis, etc., Riess ( Centralb . f. Therap ., v. 303). In a case of oedema of 
 the larynx the hypodermic use of pilocarpine seems to have saved life (Bull, et Mem. Soc. 
 de Therap., 1881, p. 146). The utility of pilocarpine in all forms of dropsy is precisely 
 like that which has long been derived from hot-air and steam-baths and other powerful 
 diaphoretics, but is greater, inasmuch as it excites profuse salivation as well as sweating. 
 It must be borne in mind also that some clinical observers have found it injurious by 
 causing distressing nausea and vomiting, and so exhausting the strength that its repeated 
 use was not tolerated. 
 
 In 1880 and for several subsequent years marvellous success was announced from 
 the use of pilocarpine in diphtheria, on the ground apparently of the salivation induced 
 by it causing the separation of the false membranes (Bull, de Therap., cv. 237 ; Med. 
 News , 1. 321). As usual, the “ rational ” anticipation resulted in disappointment, and it 
 was found that the medicine added to the disease a new element of weakness, and there- 
 fore of danger. A caution has been given to beware of the possible uraemic symptoms 
 that may follow the diminished urination, but as urea is eliminated by the saliva and 
 sweat, the advice is perhaps not very important. In primary and sthenic laryngeal croup 
 the utility of the medicine is probably greater. 
 
 Pilocarpine is alleged to bring on labor in pregnancy at term, and to hasten and facil- 
 itate it when once begun. Its influence in these respects is not, however, determined. 
 According to Galezowski, pilocarpine equals eserine in its power of contracting the pupil , 
 and has the advantage of not irritating the conjunctiva. He prefers a solution of 20 
 Cgm. of the nitrate in 10 Gm. of cherry-laurel water, or of 10 Cgm. of the sulphate in 
 6 Gm. of the same solvent. Dr. H. W. Williams has confirmed this judgment, adding 
 that it produces less supraorbital pain than the eserine sulphate, and less spasm of the 
 accommodative power. It is used chiefly in cases of corneal lesions in which it is desir- 
 rable to withdraw the iris from the danger of prolapsing or of adhering to the cornea. 
 In cases of detachment of the retina its use is said to have been followed by opacity of 
 the lens. It was observed by Schmitz that the administration of muriate of pilocarpine 
 hypodermically caused a growth of downy hair on the scalp of two men affected with 
 alopecia. A like effect has been reported by Andre (Bull, de Therap., ci. 139), and 
 others relating to diseases of the scalp by Pick (Phila. Med. Times, x. 451). A case 
 is reported of a “ change of color of the hair from light blond to nearly jet black in a 
 patient while under treatment by pilocarpine ” (Prentiss, Phila. Med. limes , xi. 609 ; 
 Therap. Gaz., xiii. 238). Urticaria is said to have disappeared under its use, eczema 
 to have been cured by the local action of the fluid extract, and the hypodermic injection 
 of y 1 -^ gr. of pilocarpine is reported to have allayed the itching of jaundice. The full 
 sudorific effect of the medicine has been employed to reduce the excitement and delirium 
 occasioned by alcohol in vigorous subjects (Isham). It appears to have some influence 
 in lessening the salivation of pregnancy and in reducing the swelling in acute glossitis. 
 
 Jaborandi has been employed to diminish the discharge of urine in watery and also in 
 saccharine diabetes , but it only changes the outlet of the liquid without reducing the 
 
PILOCARPUS. 
 
 1233 
 
 loss. The morbid conditions producing polyuria are so various that the excessive flow of 
 urine cannot in all cases be under the control of the same agent. In the present case it 
 is doubtful whether the simple functional (?) affection, or the excessive urination that 
 attends the first stage of interstitial Bright’s disease, or chronic poisoning by lead, is most 
 benefited by the vicarious discharge of liquid under the influence of pilocarpine. Upon 
 “scientific principles” jaborandi should be a specific for acute articular rheumatism , but 
 clinically it is so far from curing the disease that it does not even modify its symptoms 
 or its course. In syphilitic rheumatism its sudorific action is said to have removed the 
 nocturnal pains, and it has been efficacious in muscular rheumatism and sciatica. In 
 scaly skin diseases it is useless. In prurigo it is a palliative. Some published cases 
 render it probable that the sudorific power of pilocarpine may take the place of the 
 sweating by means of the “ decoction of the woods ” which was once considered essential 
 to the cure of constitutional syphilis ( Practitioner , xxvi. 55 ; St. Bart's Hosp. Reports , 
 xvi. 280). In mumps it is reported to have been curative both of the parotid swelling 
 and of the metastatic engorgement of the testicles. In the dose of to A grain pilocar- 
 pine has been found to palliate the colliquative sweats of phthisis by West, Horne, and 
 others (St. Bart's Reports , xx. 125 ; Lancet , Sept. 6, 1884, p. 408). This effect has 
 been questioned, but on insufficient grounds, by Ablestoff ( Lancet , July 3, 1886). Pilo- 
 carpine obeys the general law that medicines which act on the nervous system produce 
 opposite effects in small and large doses. In a case of unilateral sweating the hypoder- 
 mic injection of pilocarpine is reported to have cured the affection after having at first 
 increased it. A case of persistent hiccough from disease of the brain, and which had 
 resisted various other remedies, yielded at once to the hypodermic injection of Gm. 0.03 
 (1 grain) of pilocarpine. Two very obstinate cases of more recent date have been 
 reported, one of which was cured by an infusion of jaborandi (Bull, de Therap ., cviii. 84), 
 and the other by the hypodermic injection of muriate of pilocarpine (Therap. Gaz., ix. 
 572). The latter preparation has cured rheumatic tetanus (Centralbl. f. Ther., iv. 171), 
 and palliated locomotor ataxia ( Lancet , Nov., 1882). Politzer and others have found that 
 repeated hypodermic injections of small doses of pilocarpine relieve deafness from chronic 
 affections of the internal ear, due either to simple or to syphilitic inflammation (Amer 
 Jour. Med. Sci., April, 1885, p. 588); and Rosegarten, that they are useful “in cases of 
 chronic dry catarrh of the middle ear, complicated with affections of the labyrinth ” (ibid., 
 April, 1887, p. 565). In all such cases the treatment, which must be prolonged, seems to 
 act by softening and rendering more pliable the tissues of the organ of hearing. This 
 medicine seems to have caused improvement in myxoedema (St. Bart's Rep., xx. 128). It has 
 been alleged that pilocarpine has cut short the development of yellow fever (Med. Record, 
 xxxii. 484), and that an infusion of the leaves has acted as an antidote to the poison of 
 a viper (Med. News, li. 718). It is alleged to be curative of whooping cough. A case of 
 reputed hydrophobia treated by means of pilocarpine is said to have recovered, but the 
 Academy of Medicine of Paris did not regard the case as being accurately designated 
 (Bull, de Therap, ciii. 39). In several cases pilocarpine has served as an antidote to the 
 poisonous effects of daturine, atropine, stramonium , and belladonna. Its effects appear to 
 be prompt and decided (Phila. Med. Times , x. 415 ; ibid., xi. 637 ; Med. Record, xx. 41 ; 
 Edinb. Med. Jour., xxviii. 1048 ; N. Orleans Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1885 ; Brit. Med. 
 and Surg. Jour., Sept. 1885 ; ibid., Jan. 1887 ; Lancet, July, 1890, p. 175 ; Therap. 
 Gaz.. xvi. 330, 549). Hypodermic injections of nitrate of pilocarpine are said to have 
 cured fetid sweating (Bull, de Therap., c. 135). 
 
 Jaborandi may be administered in an infusion made with Gm. 6 of the medicine in 
 Gm. 128 (90 grains in 4 fluidounces) of water, and taken in three or four equal portions at 
 intervals of ten minutes. To avoid nausea it may be given by enema. A concentrated 
 tincture containing the virtues of Gm. 2 in Gm. 4 (gr. xxx in fgj) of the preparation, 
 and a fluid extract made with 50 per cent, alcohol, Gm. 4 (a fluidrachm) of which repre- 
 sents Gm. 4 (60 grains) of jaborandi, have both been employed. Pilocarpine or its nitrate 
 may be prescribed by the mouth in doses of from Gm. 0.03-0.05 (£ to f grain), and 
 hypodermically Gm. 0.02 (1 grain) may be given. It is less apt to occasion retching 
 and vomiting when the stomach does not contain food. Squire recommends pilocarpine 
 hydrochlorate in solution as the best form to use — 1 grain to 15 minims of water for 
 hypodermic injections, 1 grain to 4 ounces of water for internal use, f of a grain being 
 the largest, and of a grain the smallest, dose needed. 
 
 78 
 
1234 
 
 PILULE. 
 
 PILUXj-ZE. — Pills. 
 
 Pilules , Fr. ; Pillen , G. 
 
 Pills are a very convenient mode of administering medicines, the chief advantage lying 
 in the small bulk to which the medicine is reduced and in the almost complete disguise 
 of bitter and nauseous remedies by reason of their being swallowed without previous 
 mastication. Pills are admirably adapted for the administration of heavy metallic sub- 
 stances not readily suspended in liquids, and also in cases where the action of the medi- 
 cine is to be slow, or even retarded until it reaches the lower bowels. The usual shape 
 given to pills is that of a sphere or globe, although an ovoid shape is also sometimes 
 resorted to, and in a few cases even the lenticular shape is preferred. Their weight 
 ranges from less than 0.06 Om. to 0.3 Gm. (1 gr. to 5 gr.) for vegetable substances, or 
 about 0.5 or 0.6 Gm. (8 or 10 grains) for heavy mineral compounds; if a pill exceeds 
 this weight, it is called a bolus. Boluses are occasionally made weighing 1.3 or 2.0 Gm. 
 (20 or 30 grains) each, and are often of a softer consistence than pills. Very small pills 
 coated with sugar are called granules. 
 
 Preparation. — The most important step in the preparation of pills is the formation 
 of a proper mass, which should consist of a firm, consistent paste, sufficiently plastic to 
 admit of being moulded without adhering to the moulds, and sufficiently firm to prevent 
 the pills from losing their original shape. Plasticity is that peculiar condition where 
 adhesiveness and firmness are properly balanced : the former of these properties is due 
 to a partial softness, which enables the particles of the mass to adhere to each other, thus 
 imparting tenacity to the whole. Some substances possess this adhesiveness in them- 
 selves, but require the addition of a liquid — water or alcohol — in order to develop it, as, for 
 instance, gums and resinous drugs. Other substances possess no inherent adhesive prop- 
 erties, and in such cases it becomes necessary to impart tenacity to them by the addition 
 of some liquid or solid material, called the excipient ; such substances are camphor, 
 calomel, bismuth salts, some saline vegetable powders, reduced iron, and the like. Firm- 
 ness in a pill mass is as essential as adhesiveness, and, while the latter is brought about 
 by a state of partial solution or fluidity, so, inversely, the insolubility of some particles 
 is necessary for the required firmness. The addition of excipients must be made judi- 
 ciously, so that the constituents of the mass be not modified in their action nor the bulk 
 be unnecessarily increased ; and after each addition the mass should be well kneaded, 
 which, itself having a softening influence on the mass by reason of the heat generated, 
 enables the operator to judge of the true condition of the mixture. Whenever possible 
 all constituents of a pill mass should be reduced to very fine powder before the addition 
 of any excipient, as only in this condition can the homogeneity of the mass be assured, 
 as also the subsequent accurate division of doses. Small quantities of potent remedies, 
 such as alkaloids, narcotic extracts, toxic chemicals, etc., are preferably triturated with a 
 little sugar of milk before mixing them with the other ingredients, to facilitate uniform 
 distribution. 
 
 For the proper incorporation of volatile oils in pill masses powdered soap is to be pre- 
 ferred, which completely emulsionizes the oil and prevents its separation during the sub- 
 sequent manipulations ; soap, however, should never be employed in pill masses contain- 
 ing heavy metallic salts, such as iron, lead, etc., as decomposition will take place and 
 cause the mass to crumble : in such cases the addition of an absorbent powder is prefer- 
 able. As an absorbent for large quantities of volatile oils or as an excipient for heavy 
 metallic salts or troublesome combinations, such as capsicum, lead acetate, and extract of 
 hyoscyamus, and the like, the powder suggested some years ago by Mr. Mattison will be 
 found very serviceable : it consists of 1 part of powdered tragacanth and 7 parts of finely- 
 powdered (No. 80) elm-bark ; and the following quantities will be found sufficient for 
 making a good pill mass with the aid of a little syrup : 3 grains of the powder for 60 
 grains of iron by hydrogen, or bismuth subnitrate, or calomel, or equal parts of camphor 
 and extract of henbane, or equal parts of camphor and lead acetate ; 6 grains of the 
 powder for 60 grains of dried ferrous sulphate or scale salts of iron, or equal parts of 
 camphor and capsicum, etc. As an absorbent for soft masses, or such as contain large 
 amounts of extracts, powdered liquorice-root will be found a better drying agent than 
 marshmallow-root or elm-bark, and less likely to increase the bulk, as it contains little or 
 no mucilaginous matter. For creosote soap may be used if in combination with other 
 drugs, but if prescribed alone, powdered liquorice-root or the mixture of tragacanth and 
 elm-powder with syrup will be found to answer well : 2 or 3 grains of the powder should 
 
PILULE. 
 
 1235 
 
 be used for each drop of creosote. For tar, Peru balsam and similar substances, clay 
 (kaolin or fuller’s earth), will be found a good absorbent, the mass to be made with soap. 
 For the salts of quinine, glycerin and acacia or tragacanth, or even glycerite of starch, 
 will be found desirable excipients ; for cinchonidine or its sulphate, however, honey with 
 a little acacia will be found preferable to glycerin. Diluted alcohol and soap and water 
 are the best excipients for gum-resins, such as asafetida or galbanum, and even for pow- 
 ders like aloes, as is shown in the Pharmacopoeia. Although the use of wax has at times 
 been recommended for pill masses containing volatile oils, balsams, etc., we think it should 
 only be employed in extreme cases, as pills made with wax frequently fail to give up the 
 active ingredients in the liquids of the stomach or bowels, owing to their higher melting- 
 point. For pills of readily reducible substances, as potassium permanganate, silver 
 nitrate, silver oxide, gold chloride, etc., all contact with organic matter should be avoided, 
 and hence the best excipients would be white clay and water, which form a plastic mass, 
 but require quick manipulation, as it soon becomes crumbly ; a better excipient is a mix- 
 ture of equal parts of kaolin, soft petrolatum, and paraffin, which forms a mass that 
 readily gives up the active constituent, at the temperature of the body, in the presence 
 of moisture. Potassium permanganate can be readily formed into a pill mass by tritu- 
 rating with one-half its weight of kaolin, and then adding one-sixth or one-fourth its 
 weight of petrolatum. 
 
 Pills containing free iodine should invariably be made with the addition of starch, so 
 as to combine with the iodine and prevent its irritating effect on the mouth and throat ; 
 the union is very feeble, and the iodine will be readily liberated by the warm liquids of 
 the stomach. 
 
 When deliquescent substances are ordered in pill form or such as are slowly volati- 
 lized upon exposure to air, a mixture of potassium borotartrate with half its weight of 
 water will prove a good excipient : about one-sixth of a grain of powdered tragacanth 
 should be added for each pill, and the mass must be quickly formed and rolled out. 60 
 grains of chloral hydrate or 30 grains of potassium iodide require 2 drops of the excip- 
 ient. Such pills, if they are to be kept on hand for some time, require a protective 
 coating. 
 
 It is obvious, from the foregoing, that there cannot be an excipient which would be 
 alike serviceable for all medicinal substances, or even for all drugs capable of being 
 reduced to powder. The choice of the excipient is very frequently left to the pharma- 
 cist, and involves a knowledge not only of the constituents of the drugs, but also of the 
 reactions which may take place between the different ingredients in the presence of 
 moisture. Mucilage of acacia or of tragacanth serves a good purpose if the pills are to 
 be used in a short time, but if kept on hand they become hard and dissolve very slowly. 
 This may be prevented by replacing about one-half or more of the water with glycerin. 
 The glycerite of starch (see p. 783) and various combinations of it with gum-arabic, 
 tragacanth, and sugar have been used for the same purpose. Commercial syrupy glucose , 
 manna, the official pill masses , most of the official confections, and more particularly those 
 of rose, of hip. and of senna, will render powders adhesive, and if extracts are not inad- 
 missible they will be found to yield good pill masses with a comparatively large amount 
 of powder ; a rather soft extract is capable of serving as an excipient for its own weight 
 of vegetable powder and three or four times its weight of resins and insoluble salts, and 
 with the addition of a little syrup or honey twice the weight indicated may be incor- 
 porated. 
 
 As a rule, it will be found desirable for the physician to order some adhesive material, 
 like extracts, together with the other ingredients of pills, but the former should not be in 
 excessive quantities, so as not to require the addition of inert absorbent powder. When 
 no excipient is directed, the pharmacist should select one which is simple in composition, 
 i does not increase the bulk of the mass, and is not liable to become very hard. When 
 resinous extracts and similar materials are ordered, an excipient is not often required, but 
 the powders may be triturated together in a warm mortar and the plastic mass rolled out 
 into pills while still warm. The compound cathartic pills furnish an example of this kind. 
 
 Fill masses should always be made in a mortar, except in the case of very simple 
 combinations, for trituration by means of a pestle is essential to produce a uniform mix- 
 ture of the ingredients, and it will be found that a mass can be formed in less time and 
 with less excipient and labor in the mortar than on a pill-tile. After the mass has been 
 properly prepared, it is transferred to a regular pill-machine or graduated glass or porce- 
 lain tile to be rolled out, by means of a flat piece of hard wood, into a cylinder of uniform 
 thickness, which is then divided into the requisite number of pieces. These pieces are 
 
 ! 
 
1236 
 
 PILULE. 
 
 rounded either by continued rolling in the grooves of the pill-machine or by appropriate 
 rolling between the fingers until they are nearly globular, when they are placed under 
 the pill-finisher and completely rounded by rotary motion of the same, accompanied by 
 some pressure. Various implements have been constructed for giving the pills a uniform 
 
 finish ; they usually consist of a circular, smooth, rolling surface, with a projecting 
 margin adjustable to pills of different size. 
 
 Pill-dusting. — The pill mass, being plastic and adhesive, is apt to adhere to the slab 
 and the fingers while being rolled out and shaped into pills. This is prevented by the 
 use of a fine powder, which should be strictly inert unless otherwise directed by the phy- 
 sician. Among the most suitable powders are lycopodium, liquorice-root, and starch; the 
 former is particularly desirable on account of its fineness and uniformity, its slight 
 adhesiveness, and its utter tastelessness. Powdered starch should be used with all white 
 pill masses, Bermuda arrow-root being the best for the purpose. Only in exceptional 
 cases is the addition of dusting powder to the pills in the box justifiable : the pills 
 should receive a sufficient coating of the powder under the finisher, and if the mass has 
 been properly made there is no danger of the pills adhering, and hence there is no occa- 
 sion for putting an excess of powder in the box. Magnesia and magnesium carbonate 
 should be used with due care on account of the possible chemical effect upon the 
 ingredients of the pills. Powdered talc (soapstone) is likewise serviceable, and has the 
 advantage of imparting a very thin opaque and tasteless coating to the pills without 
 impairing their solubility in the stomach ; it is particularly suited for pills of silver nitrate 
 and the like. When asafetida or other substances of a nauseous odor are given in the 
 form of pill, the odor may either be entirely covered or considerably modified by the use 
 of powdered cinnamon, aromatic powder, ginger, or a similar powder. 
 
 the 
 
 Fig. 217. 
 
 Apparatus for Coating Pills. 
 
 Pill-coating. — If the pill mass be not too soft, the amount of powder adhering to 
 e surface of the finished pill is quite small, though generally sufficient, if quickly swal- 
 
 lowed, to cover the taste of bitter and nauseous ingredients. More perfect coverings may 
 
 be obtained in various ways, an ordinary rather deep 
 pill-box being used, or preferably an apparatus made 
 of hard wood consisting of two hollow 7 hemispheres, 
 to one of which a short handle is attached. Vox sil- 
 vering or gilding the pills are made firm, if possible 
 rolled out and shaped without using any powder, and 
 after a perfectly smooth surface has been obtained 
 they are slightly dampened and introduced into the 
 apparatus, together with the requisite quantity of 
 gold- or silver-leaf; after a rapid rotary motion for a few seconds the pill will be found 
 uniformly coated with the thin metal. Glycerin should not be used as an excipient or 
 only in a very small quantity, as it lessens the brightness of this kind of coating. 
 
PILULM 
 
 1237 
 
 Fig. 218. 
 
 The same apparatus may likewise be employed for sugar-coating pills extemporaneously. 
 To accomplish this, the pills receive first a thin coating of a thick mucilage, syrup of 
 acacia or albumen, by rotating them upon a moistened slab or in a saucer, after which 
 they are introduced into the apparatus with not too large a quantity of very finely-pow- 
 dered sugar. The smoothness of the surface of the sugar depends altogether upon the 
 mutual attrition of the pills, and consequently upon the absence of too large an excess 
 of sugar and upon the rapidity of motion during the operation. A coating of French 
 chalk may be applied in the same manner. Pills are now extensively coated with sugar 
 on the large scale, hemispherical copper pans being used to which a somewhat eccentric 
 rotary motion is given ; these pans may be moderately heated either by steam or otherwise. 
 To obtain a uniform and compact coating the powdered sugar is added gradually as re- 
 quired. In France sugar-coated pills are called dragees , and when of very small size granules. 
 
 Pills are occasionally coated with tolu or collodion : the former coating is directed 
 officially for the pills of phosphorus and those of iodide of iron. Instead of using the 
 pharmacopoeial solution of tolu in ether, the following, suggested by Prof. Patch, will be 
 found to give better results: 540 grains of balsam of tolu, 180 grains of mastiche, 2 
 fluidounces of alcohol ; dissolve and filter. Coat the interior of two flat evaporating- 
 dishes with a thin film of oil of sweet almond or petrolatum ; place the pills in one of 
 the dishes, and add a few drops of the solution ; cover with the second dish, and rotate 
 rapidly until the pills are coated, then put on a tray to dry. 
 
 For coating pills with gelatin a different manipulation from those described is required. 
 A solution of pure gelatin in one-half or one-third its weight of water is made, and the 
 solution kept at a temperature just high enough to keep it liquid. Fig. 218 represents 
 a very useful machine for gelatin coat- 
 ing pills, and with a little practice very 
 satisfactory results may be obtained. 
 
 A number of pins are fastened to a 
 bar, and so arranged that twenty-five 
 pills can be taken up and dipped at one 
 time ; the solution of gelatin is kept 
 fluid in a narrow vessel C resting in 
 a water-bath, and the coated pills are 
 easily removed by the comb attached to 
 the tray E. The drying of the coating 
 is effected by revolving the pin bars on 
 the pivotal rod D. Of late years a continuous coating of gelatin has been successfully 
 applied to pills by a process which is still kept a secret by manufacturers. Various ser- 
 viceable apparatuses have been constructed to facilitate this operation. The coating of 
 gelatin may be applied to pills while still plastic, but they should be sufficiently firm not 
 to lose their shape while temporarily exposed to a somewhat elevated temperature. 
 
 Compressed Pills. — These pills, which have lately come into use extensively, are 
 usually lenticular in shape, and are made without any excipient, simply by subjecting the 
 powdered material to pressure, the process 
 being essentially that which was patented in 
 England in 1843. Sometimes, however, it is 
 found necessary in the case of extremely dry 
 powders to add a very small quantity of 
 cacao butter, petrolatum, sugar, or alcohol 
 to facilitate compression and final expulsion 
 from the mould. Figs. 219 and 220 represent 
 two styles of apparatus for the convenient 
 
 Fig. 219. 
 
 t 7,V^’!iV • 
 
 The “ Franciscus ” Pill-coater. 
 
 The “ Smedley ” Pill-compressor. 
 
 Apparatus for making Compressed Pills. 
 
 compression of pills at the dispensing counter : they are similarly constructed, the 
 
1238 
 
 PILULJE ALOES. 
 
 weighed powder being introduced into a movable cylinder resting over a metal base 
 with concave surface ; in the one case compression is effected by striking the plunger, 
 which fits neatly into the cylinder, a quick blow with a wooden mallet ; in the other case 
 more uniform pressure is brought to bear by means of a long lever, which plan is 
 decidedly better. Powders which are readily soluble in water without being deliquescent 
 appear to be best adapted for this kind of pills. 
 
 Tablet Triturates. — Closely allied to compressed pills are tablet triturates, which 
 were first introduced in 1878 by Dr. Robert Fuller, and since then have rapidly increased 
 in favor with physicians. Their use is particularly indicated for the administration of 
 small doses of potent remedies, and, being free from adhesive excipients, the tablet is 
 readily disintegrated in the stomach. Figs. 221 and 222 show two different styles of 
 apparatus used in the manufacture of tablet triturates ; they are made of hard rubber, 
 although the perforated plate may be also of glass or metal. The method of using the 
 moulds is easily learned and practice soon acquired. 
 
 The basis of all tablet triturates is sugar of milk or Fig. 222. 
 
 a mixture of it with half its weight of cane-sugar ; 
 the active ingredient having been intimately mixed 
 with the vehicle, a paste is made by the careful y 
 
 addition of alcohol. The paste is formed into tab- j||' l ||| 
 lets by pressing it into the perforations of the rub- 1 1| 
 
 Fig. 221. » 
 
 VV. T. & Co.’s Hard Rubber Mould for Tablet Triturates. 
 
 Combination Mould for Tablet Triturates : a , Pis- 
 ton ; b, Sectional View ; c, Complete Mould. 
 
 ber or glass plate, and then removing the tablets from the holes by means of the pegs 
 attached to another plate, and which fit exactly into the perforations of the first plate : . 
 the tablets are either allowed to dry on the pegs or are transferred to a finely-perforated 
 tray and dried by exposure to warm air. When the combination mould is used, the \ 
 paste is spread on a pill-tile and the tablet formed after the manner of cutting a lozenge j 
 by pressing the mould into the paste, so as to fill the open space completely, and then ■ 
 transferring to a tray by depressing the piston, which causes the tablet to be expelled, i 
 The weight of tablet triturates varies from J to 2 or 3 grains, and the proper division of > 
 doses is readily ensured by mixing the active ingredient and vehicle in such proportions 
 that each J, 1, 2, or 3 grains of the mixture shall contain the required quantity of active 
 ingredient; thus 1 grain of calomel mixed with 19 grains of vehicle will make 20 one- 
 grain tablets, each containing grain of calomel, or 10 two-grain tablets, containing y 1 ^ 
 grain of calomel, or 40 half-grain tablets, each containing ^ grain of calomel, etc. 
 
 Preservation. — Uncoated pills are best preserved in lycopodium or other powder, 
 and in a vessel which does not prevent the exchange of air. Moist pills kept in well- 
 closed vessels are apt to become mouldy. 
 
 It should be mentioned that the British Pharmacopoeia directs only pill masses, leaving 
 the final division to be specially ordered by the physician. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia, on 
 the other hand, besides recognizing three pill masses (see page 1020), directs pills of a 
 certain weight ; for convenience of dispensing, however, the mass of some of these is 
 sometimes kept on hand undivided. 
 
 PILULES ALOES, U. S. — Pills of Aloes. 
 
 Pilula aloes Socot rinse, Br. — Pilules d' aloes et de savon, Fr. ; Aloepillen, G. 
 
 Preparations. — Purified Aloes, in fine powder, 13 Gm. ; Soap, in fine powder, 13 
 Gm. ; to make 100 pills. Beat them together with water, so as to form a mass, and 
 divide it into 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use aloes and soap, of each 1.56 Gm. 
 (24 grains). 
 
PILULE ALOES ET ASAFCETIDM— ALOES ET M A STICHES. 
 
 1239 
 
 The formula of the French Codex is identical with this, except that Cape aloes is used, 
 and that 100 pills contain 10 Gm. of each of the ingredients. 
 
 Take of Socotrine aloes, in powder, 2 ounces ; hard soap, in powder, 1 ounce ; volatile 
 oil of nutmeg 1 fluidrachm ; confection of roses 1 ounce. Beat all together until thor- 
 oughly mixed. — Br. 
 
 Pilula aloes Barbadensis, Br., is made in precisely the same manner, except that 
 Barbadoes aloes is substituted for Socotrine aloes, and oil of caraway for oil of nutmeg, 
 both in the same proportion as in the preceding formula. 
 
 Pilul^e aloetkle. — Pilules d’aloes, F. Cod. Cape aloes (10 Gm.) 154 grains ; confec- 
 tion of rose 5 Gm. (77 grains) ; make 100 pills. 
 
 Uses. — The soap in this pill serves to divide the aloes and render it more soluble, 
 whereby, it is thought, the tendency of the medicine to irritate the rectum is diminished. 
 In the British pill the oil of caraway is intended to lessen the tendency of the medicine 
 to gripe. Pills of aloes are convenient laxatives in habitual constipation, and may be 
 taken at bedtime or after dinner. A single pill repeated daily forms the ordinary dose. 
 It may be used as a purgative in the dose of five or more pills, but is less suited for this 
 purpose than other aloetic preparations. 
 
 The Pilula aloes Barbadensis, Br., is nearly identical as a purgative with that of the 
 United States Pharmacopoeia, but the oil of caraway it contains gives it the advantage. 
 Dose, from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). 
 
 The dose of pills of aloes is from Gm. 0.30—0.60 (gr. v-x), or two or three pills. 
 
 PILUL7E ALOES ET ASAFCETIDiE, 77 . 8., Br. — Pills of Aloes and 
 
 Asafetida. 
 
 Pilules d' aloes et asefetide, Fr. ; Aloe- mid Asafoetida-Pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Aloes, in fine powder, 9 Gm. ; Asafetida 9 Gm. ; Soap, in 
 fine powder, 9 Gm. ; to make 100 pills. Beat them together with water so as to form a 
 mass, and divide it into 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use aloes, asafetida, and soap, of 
 each 1.08 Gm. (16 grains). 
 
 Take of Socotrine aloes, in powder, asafetida, hard soap in powder, confection of roses, 
 each 1 ounce. Beat all together until thoroughly mixed. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — These pills may take the place of the simple aloetic pill in cases of constipa- 
 tion attended with flatulence, and especially in nervous or hysterical persons. Dose, from 
 two to five pills. 
 
 PILULiE ALOES ET FERRI, 77 . 8 Br. — Pills of Aloes and Iron. 
 
 Dilutee aloeticse ferratee, s. Pilulee Italicse nigrse, P. G., F. Cod. — Pilules dl aloes et de fer, 
 Fr. ; Aloe- und Eisenpillen , Italienische Pillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Aloes, in fine powder, 7 Gm. ; Dried Sulphate of Iron 7 Gm. ; 
 Aromatic Powder 7 Gm. ; Confection of Bose a sufficient quantity to make 100 pills. 
 Beat the powders together with confection of rose so as to form a mass, and divide it into 
 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use aloes, exsiccated sulphate of iron, and aromatic pow- 
 der, of each 0.84 Gm. (13 grains). 
 
 Take of sulphate of iron 1£ ounces; Barbadoes aloes, in powder, 2 ounces; compound 
 powder of cinnamon 3 ounces ; confection of roses 4 ounces. Reduce the sulphate of iron 
 to powder, rub it with the aloes and compound powder of cinnamon, and, adding the con- 
 fection, make the whole into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 Exsiccated sulphate of iron and powdered aloes equal parts ; mix, form a mass with 
 spirit of soap, and divide into pills, each weighing 0.10 Gm. Moisten the pills with 
 tincture of aloes to make the surface black and glossy. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — This is an old and efficient combination used in the treatment of amenorrhoea 
 associated with anaemia and constipation. Like other analogous compounds, it should be 
 used habitually in moderate doses, and in larger ones at the menstrual epochs. Dose, 
 Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x), or two or three pills. 
 
 PILULE ALOES ET MASTICHES, 77 . 8 . — Pills of Aloes and 
 
 Mastic. 
 
 Lady Webster s dinner pills, E. ; Pilules d 'aloes et de mastic . Fr. ; Aloe- und Mastix- 
 
 Pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified xVloes, in fine powder, 13 Gm. ; Mastic, in fine powder, 4 
 
1240 
 
 PILULJE ALOES ET MYRRIEE.—ASA FCETIBM 
 
 Gm. ; Red Rose, in fine powder, 3 Gm. ; to make 100 pills. Beat them together with 
 water so as to form a mass, and divide it into 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use aloes 
 1.56 Gm. (24 grains), mastic 0.48 Gm. (7? grains), and red rose 0.36 Gm. (5J grains). 
 
 Uses. — The association of mastic with aloes in a purgative pill can hardly have any 
 other effect than to retard the solution of the latter, and thereby cause it to act upon the 
 large rather than upon the small intestine. These pills are used to quicken defecation, 
 and are generally taken with or immediately before or after the principal meal. Hence 
 they have been called Pil. ante cibum , Pilules des gourmands , etc. Under the latter title, 
 however, pills are used containing extract of cinchona and absinth, as well as aloes. 
 Each pill contains about 2 grains of aloes. 
 
 PILULEE ALOES ET MYRRHEE, U. S Hr , — Pills of Aloes and 
 
 Myrrh. 
 
 Rufus' s pills, E. ; Pilules d'alols et myrrhe, Pilules de Rufus, Fr. ; Rufus' sche Pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Aloes, in fine powder, 13 Gm. ; Myrrh, in fine powder, 6 
 Gm. ; Aromatic Powder, 4 Gm. ; Syrup a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 pills. Beat 
 them together so as to form a mass, and divide it into 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use 
 aloes 1.56 Gm. (24 grains), myrrh 0.72 Gm. (12 grains), and aromatic powder 0.48 Gm. 
 (8 grains). 
 
 Triturate together Socotrine aloes 2 ounces, myrrh 1 ounce, dried saffron J ounce ; 
 then add treacle 1 ounce and sufficient glycerin, and heat them together into a uniform 
 mass. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The proportion of myrrh in this compound is too small to exert much influ- 
 ence, but, owing to its supposed action upon the uterine system, it is believed to increase 
 the virtue of the aloes in the treatment of amenorrhcea, uterine catarrh, etc. The still 
 smaller proportion of saffron (Br.') can scarcely add much to its virtues. As a purga- 
 tive from three to six pills may be given, or Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx) of the mass in a 
 bolus. As a laxative, taken at bedtime for a week or more, one or two pills will generally 
 suffice, and will be found the most efficient mode of administration in the uterine dis- 
 orders referred to. 
 
 PILULES ANTIMONII COMPOSITES, 77. Compound Pills of 
 
 Antimony. 
 
 Pilula hydrargyri subchloridi composita, Br. ; Pil. calomelanos composita. — Compound' 
 pills of subchloride of mercury, Plummer s pills, E. ; Pilules alterantes composees, P. anti- 
 dartreuses, P. de Plummer, Fr. ; Plummer' sche Pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sulphurated Antimony 4 Gm. ; Mild Mercurous Chloride 4 Gm. ; 
 Guaiac, in fine powder, 8 Gm. ; Castor Oil a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 pills. Mix 
 the powders, beat them together with castor oil, added a few drops at a time, so as to 
 form a mass, and divide it into 100 pills. — TJ. S. For 12 pills use sulphurated antimony 
 and calomel, each 0.48 Gm. (7i grains), guaiac resin 0.96 Gm. (15 grains). 
 
 Take of subchloride of mercury, sulphurated antimony, each 1 ounce ; guaiacum resin, 
 in powder, 2 ounces ; castor oil 1 fluidounce or a sufficiency. Triturate the subchloride 
 of mercury with the antimony, then add the guaiacum resin and castor oil, and beat the 
 whole into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Plummer’s pills — or compound calomel pills, as they might properly be called 
 — probably owe their virtues to the mercury they contain, since various other mercurial 
 preparations are equally efficacious in the diseases for the cure of which these pills are in 
 greatest repute — viz. chronic rheumatism and diseases of the skin, so far as they are due 
 to a syphilitic taint — and since the proportion of guaiac in them can have no efficiency. 
 The dose is one or two pills twice a day. 
 
 PILULEE ASAFCETIDEE, 77. S , — Pills of Asafetida. 
 
 Pdule d'asefetide, Fr. ; Asa foetida- Pillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Asafetida 20 Gm. ; Soap, in fine powder, 6 Gm. ; to make 100 pills. 
 Beat them together with water so as to form a mass, and divide it into 100 pills. — t • A 
 For 12 pills use asafetida 2.40 Gm. (36 grains) and soap 0.72 Gm. (12 grains). 
 
 Uses. — These pills, especially when sugar-coated, are convenient for the administra- 
 tion of asafetida, of which each one contains 3 grains. Bose, from one to three pills. 
 
PJLULA CAMBOGIjE COMPOSITA.—COLOCYNTHIDIS com POSIT A. 1241 
 
 PILULA CAMBOGLE COMPOSITA, Hr . — Compound Pill of 
 
 Gamboge. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of* Gamboge, in powder, Barbadoes Aloes, in powder, Com- 
 pound Powder of Cinnamon, each 1 ounce ; Hard Soap, in powder, 2 ounces ; Syrup a 
 sufficiency. Mix the powders together, add the syrup, and beat the whole into a uniform 
 
 mass. 
 
 Uses. — As an efficient purgative in constipation and in congested states of the portal 
 circulation this pill may be recommended. Dose, Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). 
 
 PILULHC OATH ARTICLE COMPOSITJE, TJ. S. — Compound Cathartic 
 
 Pills. 
 
 Ant ibilious pills, E. ; Pilules cathartiques composees , Fr. ; Abfiihrpillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Compound Extract of Colocynth 80 Gm. ; Extract of Jalap 30 Gm. ; 
 Mild Mercurous Chloride 60 Gm. ; Gamboge, in fine powder, 15 Gm. ; to make 1000 pills. 
 Mix the powders intimately ; then gradually incorporate them with the extract of 
 jalap and a sufficient quantity of water to form a mass, and divide it into 1000 pills. — TJ. 
 S. For 12 pills use compound extract of colocynth 0.960 Gm. (15 grains); extract of 
 jalap 0.360 Gm. (6 grains); calomel 0.720 Gm. (12 grains); gamboge 0.180 Gm. (3 
 grains). 
 
 In making this pill mass it is advisable to use a warm mortar and add very little water ; 
 while still warm it may be formed into pills which will better retain their shape than if 
 made with more water at the ordinary temperature. The composition of these pills is 
 almost exactly the same as in the previous Pharmacopoeia, a lesser quantity of extract of 
 jalap having been substituted for the abstract. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Whether or not the calomel acts upon the liver, as was once 
 believed, there can be no question that in all cases requiring thorough purgation and 
 in which the gastric digestion is disordered , the liver tumid and tender, the skin and the 
 conjunctiva muddy, and the urine dark and sedimentary, these symptoms are promptly 
 relieved by a purgative dose of compound cathartic pills. Hence, they, are much used in 
 malarial localities at seasons when periodical diseases prevail, and in other places for the 
 relief of similar symptoms produced by the habit of eating excessively of animal food 
 and using alcohol beyond the needs of the economy. There is much reason for believing 
 that this pill operates upon the entire intestinal tract. 
 
 The dose as a laxative is about Gm. 0.20 (gr. iij), or one pill ; as an active cathartic, 
 about three pills. It is not adapted for habitual use, on account of its tendency to pro- 
 duce salivation, when often repeated. 
 
 PILULiE CATHARTICS VEGETABLES, U. Vegetable 
 
 Cathartic Pills. 
 
 Pilules cathartiques vegetables , Fr. ; Vegetabilische Abfiihrpillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Compound Extract of Colocynth 60 Gm. ; Extract of Hyoscyamus 30 
 Gm. ; Extract of Jalap 30 Gm. ; Extract of Leptandra 15 Gm. ; Resin of Podophyllum 
 15 Gm. ; Oil of Peppermint 8 Cc. ; Water, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 pills. 
 Mix the compound extract of colocynth intimately with the resin of podophyllum and 
 incorporate the oil of peppermint. Rub the extracts of hyoscyamus, jalap, and leptandra 
 with enough water to render them plastic ; then beat them together with the mixture first 
 prepared, using a sufficient quantity of water, so as to form a mass to be divided into 1000 
 pills.— U. S. 
 
 For 12 pills use compound extract of colocynth 0.720 Gm. (12 grains) ; extract of 
 hyoscyamus and extract of jalap, of each 0.360 Gm. (6 grains); extract of leptandra and 
 resin of podophyllum, of each 0.180 Gm. (3 grains); oil of peppermint 3 drops. 
 
 Uses. — Neither the title nor the composition of this pill recommends it. The former 
 is as applicable to several other compound pills, and the latter is such as might have been 
 left to magistral prescription. The average dose may be stated at one pill, as a laxative. 
 
 PILULA COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITA, ^.—Compound Pill of 
 
 Colocynth. 
 
 Pdvles de coloquinte composees , Pil. coches . mineures, Fr. ; Coloquinten-Pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Powdered Colocynth-pulp 1 ounce ; Barbadoes Aloes 2 
 ounces ; Resin of Scammony 2 ounces ; Potassium Sulphate \ ounce ; Oil of Cloves 2 
 
1242 PILULA COL 0 C YNTII TDIS ET HYOSCYA MI.—PIL TJLAE FEE. CARBONATIS. 
 
 fluidrachms ; Distilled Water a sufficiency. Mix the powders, add the oil of cloves, and 
 beat into a mass with the aid of the water. — Br. 
 
 The formula of the French Codex directs colocynth, Barbadoes aloes, and scammony, 
 of each 10 dm., honey 30 Gm., oil of cloves 0.05 Gm., to be divided into 200 pills, which 
 are to be coated with silver. 
 
 Uses. — This pill is appropriate in the same cases as the compound pill of gamboge. 
 Dose , Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x), or two or three pills. 
 
 PILULA COLOCYNTHIDIS ET HYOSCYAMX, Br.— Pill of 
 
 Colocynth and Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Compound Pill of Colocynth 2 ounces ; Extract of Hyos- 
 cyamus 1 ounce. Beat them into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The operation of the compound extract of colocynth in this pill is mitigated 
 by its association with extract of hyoscyamus, but an officinal formula is hardly necessary 
 for such a combination. It is better to add the narcotic extract to whatever purgative 
 pill has a tendency to gripe in a magistral prescription. Dose, Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x), 
 or two or three pills. 
 
 PILULA CONII COMPOSITA, Br. — Compound Pill of Hemlock. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Extract of Hemlock 2\ ounces ; Ipecacuanha i ounce ; 
 Treacle a sufficiency. Mix the extract of hemlock and ipecacuanha, and add sufficient 
 treacle to form a pill mass. 
 
 Uses. — This combination is intended to act as a sedative and expectorant, but the 
 extract of conium contained in it can exert but little influence in either way. A pill of 
 Dover’s powder is more efficient. Dose , Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x), or two or three pills. 
 
 PILULiE FERRI CARBONATIS, U . S . — Pills of Ferrous Carbonate. 
 
 Pilula ferri , Br. Add. — Pills of iron , Ferruginous pills , Chalybeate pills , Bland's pills , 
 E. ; Pilules chalybes de Bland, Fr. ; Bland' sche Pillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferrous Sulphate in clear crystals, 16 Gm. ; Potassium Carbonate 
 8 Gm. ; Sugar 4 Gm. ; Tragacanth, in fine powder, 1 Gm. ; Althaea, in No. 60 powder, 1 
 Gm ; Glycerin, Water, each, a sufficient quantity; to make 100 pills. Bub the potassium 
 carbonate in a mortar, with a sufficient quantity (about 10 drops each) of glycerin and 
 water, then add the ferrous sulphate and sugar, previously triturated together to a uni- 
 form powder, and beat the mass thoroughly until it assumes a greenish color. When 
 „ the reaction appears to have terminated, incorporate the tragacanth and althaea, and, if 
 necessary, add a little more water, so as to obtain a mass of pilular consistence. Divide 
 this into 100 pills. These pills should be freshly prepared when wanted. — U. S. 
 
 For 12 pills use ferrous sulphate crystals 1.920 Gm. (30 grains); potassium carbonate 
 0.960 Gm. (15 grains); sugar 0.480 Gm. (7i grains); tragacanth and althaea, of each 
 0.120 Gm. (2 grains); glycerin and water, of each 1 drop or a sufficient quantity. 
 
 Take of ferrous sulphate 60 grains ; reduce to fine powder in a mortar, adding 12 
 grains of powdered sugar and 4 grains of powdered tragacanth, and mix intimately. 
 Finely powder 36 grains of potassium carbonate in another mortar, and mix with it 24 
 minims of glycerin. Transfer this to the mortar containing the ferrous sulphate, beat 
 thoroughly until the mass becomes green, and add water, if necessary, sufficient to impart 
 a pilular consistence. Divide into 5-grain pills. — Br. Add. 
 
 This is a new official pill, intended to present ferrous carbonate in a freshly prepared 
 form ; as frequently prescribed by physicians, equal weights of ferrous sulphate and potas- 
 sium carbonate are ordered, being a decided excess of the latter, which renders the mass 
 hygroscopic and more difficult to manage. 1 part of pure crystallized ferrous sulphate 
 requires 0.497 + part of absolute potassium carbonate (equal to 0.523 + official 95 per 
 cent, salt) for complete decomposition, yielding 0.417 + part of ferrous carbonate. 
 Unless absolutely pure potassium carbonate is used, the decomposition in the official pills 
 will not be complete, as 16 Gm. of ferrous sulphate require 8.368 Gm. of 95 per cent, 
 potassium carbonate. Each pill is intended to contain about 0.0648 Gm. (1 grain) of fer- 
 rous carbonate. 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Pilula ferri carbonatis, Br. — Pill of carbonate of iron. Take of 
 saccharated carbonate of iron, 1 ounce ; confection of rose, 4 ounce ; beat them into a uniform 
 mass. 
 
PILULJE FERRI JOB IDT. 
 
 1243 
 
 Uses. — Under the name of Blaud’s pills this preparation has long been used in France. 
 They may be taken as representing in a pilular form the compound mixture of iron. 
 Bose , one or more pills. 
 
 PILULiE FERRI IODIDI, U . S ., Br .— Pills of Ferrous Iodide. 
 
 Pilules d’iodure de fer , P. de Blancard, Fr. ; Eisen jodiir-Pillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Reduced Iron 4.0 Gm. ; Iodine 5 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza, in No. 60 pow- 
 der. 4.0 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 4.0 Gm. ; Extract of Glycyrrhiza, in fine powder, 1.0 
 Gm. ; Acacia, in fine powder, 1.0 Gm. ; Water, Balsam of Tolu, Ether, each a sufficient quan- 
 tity , to make 100 pills. To the reduced iron, contained in a porcelain capsule, add about 
 6 Cc. of water, and gradually add the iodine, constantly triturating, until the mixture 
 ceases to have a reddish tint. Then add the remaining powders, previously mixed, and 
 evaporate the excess of moisture on the water-bath, constantly stirring, until the mass 
 has acquired a pilular consistence. Lastly, divide it into 100 pills. Dissolve 10 Gm. 
 of balsam of tolu in 15 Cc. of ether ; shake the pills with a sufficient quantity of this 
 solution until the}^ are uniformly coated, and put them on a plate to dry, occasionally 
 stirring them until the drying is completed. Keep the pills in a well-stoppered bottle. 
 
 — U. S. 
 
 Take of fine iron wire 40 grains ; iodine 80 grains ; refined sugar, in powder, 70 grains ; 
 liquorice root, in powder, 140 grains ; distilled water 50 minims. Agitate the iron with 
 the iodine and the water in a strong stoppered ounce phial until the froth becomes 
 white. Pour the fluid upon the sugar in a mortar, triturate briskly, and gradually add 
 the liquorice. — Br. 
 
 To make 12 pills use reduced iron 0.480 Gm. (7J grains) ; iodine 0.60 Gm. (9? grains) ; 
 glycyrrhiza and sugar, of each 0.480 Gm. (71 grains); extract of glycyrrhiza and acacia, 
 of each 0.120 Gm. (2 grains). 
 
 Both pharmacopoeias direct an excess of iron, but only. in the U. S. formula is this 
 excess subsequently incorporated in the pill mass. If the reduced iron were perfectly 
 pure, 1.104 Gm. would be sufficient to combine with 5 Gm. of iodine, yielding 6.104 Gm. 
 of ferrous iodide. 
 
 Owing to the heat produced by the reaction the iodine should be cautiously added in 
 small quantities, to avoid loss by vaporization. Due precaution being exercized, the 
 quantity of water directed in this part of the process may even be reduced a little, as has 
 been done by the British Pharmacopoeia, whereby subsequent evaporation may be avoided 
 or materially lessened ; if evaporation be necessary, the ferrous iodide is sufficiently pro- 
 tected by the excess of iron and by sugar, and without the presence of the other vege- 
 table powders, which may be easily incorporated with the syrupy liquid. Owing to the 
 gradual oxidation when exposed to the air, the pill mass should not be kept on hand, but 
 should be at once made into pills. To protect these against the influence of the air, they 
 are directed to be coated with a thin layer of tolu balsam, or, according to the French 
 Codex, with tolu balsam and mastic, used in ethereal solution. The latter authority — 
 whose process, has, in the main, been adopted by the U. S. P., with several improve- 
 ments — does not require an excess of iron to be incorporated with the pill mass, but directs 
 the freshly-made pills to be rolled in finely-powdered iron, and afterward to be coated as 
 stated, thus affording an additional protection to the surface of the pill. 
 
 If properly made and preserved, these pills will keep for years without acquiring the 
 smell of iodine or tarnishing a strip of bright metal suspended in the vial. Should oxi- 
 dation take place to the extent of liberating iodine, distilled water on being triturated with 
 a few of the pills will yield a filtrate which, on the addition of gelatinized starch, will acquire 
 a more or less distinct green tint, resulting from the brown-yellow color of the extractive 
 matter and the blue color of iodide of starch. 
 
 Each pill contains very nearly 0.061 Gm. (1 grain), U. S. P., or about 0.05 Gm. (f 
 grain), F. Cod., of ferrous iodide. 1 grain of the same compound is contained in 3£ 
 grains of the pill mass, Br. 
 
 Uses. — These pills are reported to be useful in anaemia and in the scrofulous or tuber- 
 culous diathesis, but the opinion is founded rather on hypothetical notions than upon clin- 
 ical experience. In point of fact, glandular scrofula and pulmonary tuberculosis are 
 neither identical nor closely allied, and while iodine and iron are both useful in the former, 
 they are usually injurious in the latter, except when iron is demanded by the anaemic state 
 of the system ; but neither of them touches the root of the disease. Bose , Gm. 0.20-0.40 
 (gr. iij-viij). 
 
1244 
 
 PIL TJLJE GALBANI COMPOSITE— PHOSPHOR!. 
 
 PILULA GALBANI COMPOSITES, U. S. 1880.— Compound Pills 
 
 of Galbanum. 
 
 Pilula asafoetida compos it a, Br. ; Compound pill of asafetida, E. ; Pilules de galbanum 
 composees , Fr. ; Galbanum- Pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Galbanum 9.75 Gm. ; Myrrh 9.75 Gm. ; Asafetida 3.25 Gm. ; Syrup 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 pills. Beat them together so as to form a mass, and 
 divide it into 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use galbanum and myrrh, of each 1.17 Gm. 
 
 (18 grains), asafetida 0.39 Gm. (6 grains). 
 
 Take of asafetida, galbanum, myrrh, each 2 ounces ; treacle, by weight, 1 ounce. Heat 
 all together by means of a water-bath, and stir the mass until it assumes a uniform con- 
 sistence. — Br. 
 
 A similar pill was formerly official in France as Pilules antihysteriques. 
 
 Uses. — "-The ingredients of this compound render it more or less stimulant to the 
 mucous membrane, and especially appropriate in chronic pulmonary catarrh and uterine 
 leucorrhoea. It is also used in functional nervous disorders, especially of an hysterical 
 nature. Dose , Gm. 0.30—1.30 (gr. v-xx), or from two to four pills. 
 
 PILULA IPECACUANHA CUM SCILLA, Br.— Pill of Ipecacuanha 
 
 and Squill. 
 
 Preparation.. — Take of Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha 3 ounces ; Squill, in 
 powder, Ammoniacum, in powder, each 1 ounce ; Treacle a sufficiency. Mix the powders, 
 and beat into a mass with the treacle. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The presumed effect of this pill is to mitigate bronchitis in its chronic, and 
 especially its senile forms, by a combined sedative and stimulant action. There can be 
 no question of its utility in many cases for which the balsams and terebinthinates are too 
 stimulating. Dose , Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). 
 
 PILULA OPII, XI. S. — Pills of Opium. 
 
 Pilules d' opium, Fr. ; Opiumpillen , G. ? 
 
 Preparation. — Powdered Opium 6.50 Gm. ; Soap, in fine powder, 2.0 Gm. ; to make 
 100 pills. Beat them together with water, so as to form a mass, and divide it into 100 
 pills.— U. S. For 12 pills use powdered opium 0.78 Gm. (12 grains) and soap 0.240 Gm. 
 
 (3 grains). 
 
 Uses. — Very often opium in substance is more suitable than any of its liquid prepa- ; 
 rations or than the salts of morphine. This is especially the case when it is desirable to j 
 
 limit the action of the medicine, as far as possible, to the stomach and bowels in painful \ 
 
 affections of those viscera, and in cases of vomiting and purging , such as occur in cholera < 
 
 morbus , idcer of the stomach , gastralgia , typhoid fever , etc. In most of these diseases the ‘ 
 
 efficiency of the medicine is increased by its slow solution, and hence in them an old 
 opium pill is greatly preferable to a freshly-made one. One pill may be given for a dose, 
 and repeated if necessary. 
 
 PILULA PHOSPHORI, XI. S., Br.— Phosphorus Pills. 
 
 Pilules au phosphore , Pilules phosphor ees, Fr. ; Phosphor pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Phosphorus, 0.06 Gm. ; Althaea, in No. 60 powder, 6.00 Gm. ; Aca- 
 cia, in fine powder, 6.00 Gm. ; Chloroform, Glycerin, Water, Balsam of Tolu, Ether, 
 each, a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 pills. Dissolve the phosphorus, in a test-tube, 
 in 5 Cc. of chloroform, with the aid of a very gentle heat, replacing from time to time 
 any of the chloroform which may be lost by evaporation. Mix the althaea and acacia in 
 a mortar, next add the solution of phosphorus, then immediately afterward a sufficient 
 quantity (about 4 Cc.) of a mixture of 2 volumes of glycerin and 1 volume of water, and 
 quickly form a mass, to be divided into 100 pills. Dissolve 10 Gm. of balsam of Tolu in 
 15 Cc. of ether, shake the pills with a sufficient quantity of this solution until they are 
 uniformly coated, and put them on a plate to dry, occasionally rolling them about until 
 the drying is completed. Keep the pills in a well-stoppered bottle. — U. S. 
 
 Take of phosphorus 3 grains ; balsam of Tolu 120 grains ; yellow wax 57 grains. Put 
 the phosphorus and balsam of Tolu into a Wedgewood mortar about half full of hot water, 
 and, when the phosphorus has melted and the balsam has become sufficiently soft, rub them 
 together beneath the surface of the water until no particles of phosphorus are visible, the 
 
PILULA PLUMB I CUM 0P10.—PILULJE RHEI COMPOSITE. 
 
 1245 
 
 temperature of the water being maintained at or near to 140° F. ; add now the wax, and 
 as it softens mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients. Allow the mass to cool 
 without being exposed to the air, and keep it immersed in cold water in a bottle. When 
 dispensed, incorporate 2 gr. of the mass with curd soap 1 gr. ; if necessary, soften with 
 
 spirit. — Br. 
 
 Phosphorus requires to be kept under water and to be weighed out under a liquid in 
 which it is not oxidized, either water or chloroform. By melting a small quantity of 
 phosphorus under warm water contained in a vial, and then agitating it well until the 
 phosphorus has solidified, this is obtained in small granules, which are conveniently 
 handled, and after having been rapidly dried with filtering-paper are at once dropped into 
 the previously tared liquid until the desired quantity has been obtained. 
 
 Tolu as a vehicle for phosphorus in pills was proposed by A. C. Abraham (1874), who 
 observed that it will retain 4 per cent, of the latter if combined with it in the melted con- 
 dition. A. W. Gerrard (1873) had previously made a similar observation with regard to 
 rosin, and this preparation became known at the time as phosphoretted resin ; it is pre- 
 pared by melting the resin in a wide-mouthed vial, adding the requisite quantity of phos- 
 phorus, and when it has melted agitating the stoppered vial until the phosphorus is 
 dissolved. Like resin, it may be powdered, and, like the pill mass of the British Phar- 
 macopoeia, it should be kept under water to prevent oxidation. W. H. Walling (1875) 
 found cacao butter very serviceable ; 300 grains of it are melted in a vial, 25 grains of 
 phosphorus are added, the vial is corked and well agitated until solution has been effected, 
 and afterward with 200 grains of powdered soap until a uniform mixture is obtained. E. 
 Lilly (1876) suggested fusing 6 parts of phosphorus under 260 parts of syrup, agitating 
 well to effect its fine division, and incorporating with 340 parts of flour ; formulas similar 
 to this one are often followed in Europe. W. B. Addington (1875) proposed to dissolve 
 the phosphorus in sufficient carbon disulphide, and to incorporate the solution in a mortar 
 with a suitable extract, continuing the trituration until the solvent has evaporated ; the 
 extract may be replaced by soap, resin, or other suitable material. This process has been 
 adopted by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which, however, uses the far preferable chloroform 
 as a solvent, which, aside from its odor, has the advantage of not being inflammable, 
 while its vapor prevents the oxidation of the phosphorus. (See Phosphorus.) 
 
 Uses. — This is one of the forms in which phosphorus may be prescribed internally 
 Bose, Gm. 0.15-0.30 (gr. iij-vj), or one or two pills. 
 
 PILULA PLUMBI CUM OPIO, Br . — Pill, of Lead and Opium. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lead Acetate, in fine powder, 36 grains ; Opium, in powder, 
 6 grains ; Confection of Boses, 6 grains. Beat them into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — 2£ grains of acetate of lead and 4 grain of opium are contained in every 3 
 grains of this mass. The association of the two medicines is of great benefit in chronic 
 diarrhoea, dysentery, and bronchitis, but as the proportion in which they ought to be 
 employed should vary in almost every case, a fixed formula for their union appears 
 superfluous. Dose, Gm. 0.20—0.30 (gr. iij — v). 
 
 PILULiE RHEI, JJ . S . — Pills of Rhubarb. 
 
 Pilvles de rhubarbe , Fr. ; Rhabarberpillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb, in fine powder, 20 Gm. ; Soap in fine powder, 6 Gm. ; to 
 make 100 pills. Beat them together with water so as to form a mass, and divide it into 
 100 pills. — U. S. For 12 pills use rhubarb 2.40 Gm. (36 grains), soap 0.72 Gm. (12 
 
 grains). 
 
 Soap is an excellent excipient for rhubarb and many other powders. 
 
 Uses. — One of these pills, containing 3 grains of rhubarb, acts as a mild laxative, 
 especially when taken after a meal or at bedtime, unless the constipation be decided. 
 They are generally prescribed to relieve slowness of defecation rather than actual con- 
 stipation. Dose, from one to three pills. 
 
 PILUL2E RHEI COMPOSITE, JJ . S ., Br .— Compound Pills of 
 
 Rhubarb. 
 
 Compound rhubarb pills, E. ; Pilules de rhubarbe composers, Fr. ; Rhabarber und Aloe- 
 
 pillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb, in No. 60 powder, 13 Gm. ; Purified Aloes, in fine pow- 
 
1246 
 
 PILULA S A FONTS COM POSIT A .—SCILLJE COM POSIT A. 
 
 der, 10 Gm. ; Myrrh, in fine powder, 6 Gm. ; Oil of Peppermint, 0.5 Cc. ; to make 100 
 pills. Beat them together with water so as to form a mass, and divide it into 100 pills. — 
 
 U. S. For 12 pills use rhubarb 1.56 Gm. (24 grains); aloes 1.20 Gm. (18 grains); 
 myrrh 0.72 Gm. (12 grains) ; oil of peppermint about 2 drops. 
 
 Take of rhubarb-root, in powder, 3 ounces; Socotrine aloes, in powder, 2\ ounces; 
 myrrh, in powder, hard soap, in powder, each 1| ounces; oil of peppermint 1J fluid- 
 drachms ; glycerin 1 ounce ; treacle about 3 ounces. Mix the powders with the oil, then 
 add the glycerin and sufficient treacle, and beat the whole into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Compound pills of rhubarb are among the best medicines for the relief of 
 habitual costiveness depending upon atony of the large intestine and flatulent dyspepsia. 
 
 In all cases of habitual constipation the milder should be preferred to the harsher purga- 
 tives, and the repetition at short intervals of a small dose is more efficient than a single 
 large one. This rule applies particularly to all purgatives that act slowly, such as rhubarb 
 and aloes. Flatulence , whether gastric or intestinal, is a serious hindrance to the proper 
 movements of the muscular walls of the digestive canal, and tends to hinder the progress 
 of the alimentary or fecal mass and increase its fermentation, with the production of gas 
 or of the acrid and irritating products of its decomposition. Such results are more or 
 less prevented by the stimulating operation of medicines of the class to which these pills 
 belong. Dose , from one to four pills. 
 
 PILULA SAPONIS COMPOSITA, JSr.— C ompound Pill op Soap. 
 
 Pilula opii , Br. 1864. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of opium, in powder, i ounce; hard soap, in powder, 2 ounces; 
 Glycerin a sufficiency. Mix the opium and soap, and beat into a mass with the glycerin. 
 —Br. 
 
 Compound soap pill (ZZ S. P. 1870) was identical with this, hut was prepared with 
 water in the place of glycerin. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation contains 1 grain of opium in 5 of the mass. Its merit is 
 supposed to consist in its ready solubility in the gastric juices and its being a convenient ' 
 vehicle for prescribing opium under another name. Dose, Gm. 0.20-0.30 (gr. iij— v), or 
 one or two pills. 
 
 PILULA SOAMMONII COMPOSITA, Br.— Compound Scammony 
 
 Pill. 
 
 Pilules de scammonee composees, Fr. ; Scammoniumpillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Besin of Scammony, Besin of Jalap, Curd Soap, in powder, 
 each 1 ounce ; Strong Tincture of Ginger 1 fluidounce ; Bectified Spirit 2 fluidounces. 
 Add the spirit and tincture to the soap and resins, and dissolve with the aid of a gentle 
 heat ; then evaporate the spirit by the heat of a water-bath until the mass has acquired 
 a suitable consistence for forming pills. — Br. 
 
 The process adopted furnishes a very good pill mass, in which the resins are uniformly 
 divided through the agency of the soap, which also keeps them in suspension when the 
 mass is macerated with water. A similar preparation which does not contain scammony, 
 has been in use for a long time in continental Europe. (See Besina Jalaps.) 
 
 Uses. — In this preparation the compound powder of scammony assumes a pilular 
 form. It may he prescribed when drastic purgation is required in dropsy , congestion of 
 the brain or liver , etc. Dose , from Gm. 0.30-1 (gr. v-xv). 
 
 PILULA SCILLZE COMPOSITA, Br.— Compound Squill Pill. 
 
 Pilules de scille composees , Fr. ; Meerzwiebelpillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Squill, in powder, l{ ounces ; Ginger, in powder, Ammoniac, 
 in powder, Hard Soap, in powder, each 1 ounce ; Treacle, by weight, 2 ounces or a suf- 
 ficiency. Mix the powders, add the treacle, and heat into a uniform mass. — Br. 
 
 Compound pills of squill ( U. S. P. 1870) contained each squill \ grain, ginger 1 grain, 
 ammoniac 1 grain, and soap 1? grains. 
 
 Uses. — The stimulant action of these pills upon the bronchial mucous membrane 
 makes them appropriate in the treatment of chronic bronchitis when it is attended with 
 excessive secretion. The ginger in the compound probably renders it less hurtful to 
 the stomach than it would be without that ingredient. Dose , two pills two or three 
 times a day. 
 
mi ENT A .—PIPER. 
 
 1247 
 
 PIMENTA, JJ. S., Br. — Pimenta ; Allspice. 
 
 Semen amomi , Piper jamaicense. — Pimento , E. ; Piment de la Jamaiqne , Toute-epice , 
 Fr. ; Nelke npfeffer, Englisches Gewiirz , Neugewurz , G. ; Pimienta gorda, P. de Tabaso , 
 
 Malaguecta , Sp. 
 
 The nearly ripe fruit of Pimenta officinalis, Lindley , s. Eugenia Pimenta, De Candolle , 
 s. Myrtus Pimenta, Linne , s. P. vulgaris, Wight et Arnott. Bentley and Trimen, i/cc?. 
 
 /tas, ill. 
 
 jVotf. Ore?. — Myrtaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The allspice tree is indigenous to the West Indies, Central America, and the 
 northern part of South America, and has been introduced into other tropical countries. 
 It is slender, has opposite, entire, oblong or oval oblong, obtuse, and pellucid punctate 
 leaves, and small white racemose flowers, the terminal ones being sessile and the lateral 
 ones peduncled. The fruit is collected before it is 
 ripe, but after it has attained its full size. 
 
 Description. — Allspice is nearly globular, 5 Mm. 
 
 (4 inch) or less in diameter, and crowned above with 
 the short four-parted calyx limb, or marked by its 
 remnants, which surround a shallow depression con- 
 taining a short style. The pericarp is of a reddish- 
 brown or brown-gray color, and a granular appearance 
 externally, lighter internally, woody, but thin and fra- 
 gile, and contains numerous oil-cells. The berry has 
 two cells, each with a single brown, plano-convex, 
 roundish-reniform seed enclosing the spirally-curved, 
 dark purplish-brown embryo. Allspice has an agree- 
 able pungently aromatic odor and taste, with a flavor 
 resembling that of cloves. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent 
 is the volatile oil (see Oleum Pimento), of which 
 the fruit yields 3 to 4 per cent. Bonastre (1826) 
 examined the fruit deprived of the seeds, and the 
 latter separately, and obtained from them 10 to 5 
 per cent., respectively, of volatile oil ; they also con- 
 tain resin, tannin, fixed oil, sugar, mucilage, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pimento is an aromatic 
 stimulant, and, like other agents of its class contain- 
 ing an essential oil, is used as a condiment to stim- 
 ulate the digestive organs when they are suffering 
 from exhaustion, and particularly from the debility caused by the prolonged heat of 
 summer in tropical regions. In medical practice it is chiefly employed to relieve flatu- 
 lence, to augment the effect of vegetable tonics, and to correct the tendency of purgatives 
 to produce griping, or to cover the nauseous taste of certain medicines. It may be given 
 in infusion, but the oil of pimento is more generally used. Like capsicum, pimento may 
 be incorporated with Burgundy pitch or lead plaster to produce local stimulant, anodyne, 
 and revulsive effects in neuralgia and rheumatism , or the extract itself may be spread 
 upon cloth. Its application rapidly produces a sense of warmth in the part to which it 
 is applied, followed by smarting and redness. 
 
 PIPER, JJ. S. — Black Pepper. 
 
 Piper nigrum, Br. ; Poivre noir , Fr. Cod. ; Schwarzer Pfeffer , G. ; Pimienta negra, Sp. 
 
 The unripe berries of Piper nigrum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 245. 
 
 A at. Ord. — Piperaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Black pepper is a climbing shrub indigenous to India, and at present culti- 
 vated in most of the East Indian and Philippine and some of the West Indian islands. 
 It has smooth, alternate, petiolate, ovate, acute, and entire, five- or seven-nerved leaves, 
 opposite to which elongated spikes of monoecious or dioecious flowers are produced, fol- 
 lowed by sessile, berry-like fruits, which change from green to red. and finally yellow. 
 The spikes are gathered as soon as some of the fruits begin to turn red ; the next day 
 the berries are rubbed off with the hands, and dried either near a fire or in the sun. 
 
 Description. — Black pepper is globular, about 4 Mm. (4 inch) in diameter, reticu- 
 
 Fig. 223. 
 
 Pimenta officinalis, Lindley. 
 
1248 
 
 PIPER. 
 
 lately wrinkled on the surface from the dried and contracted thin sarcocarp, blackish- 
 brown or grayish-black externally, lighter colored internally, and encloses a single glob- 
 ular seed, which is whitish, mealy, and contains an undeveloped embryo in a central 
 cavity. Pepper has a peculiar aromatic odor and a hot and pungent taste. Piper tri- 
 oicum, Roxburgh , of India, yields a very similar fruit. 
 
 Constituents. — Black pepper was examined by Oersted (1819), who announced the 
 discovery of piperin , and by Pelletier and Poutet (1820), who recognized the presence 
 of volatile oil, acrid resin, starch, gum, etc. W. Johnstone (1889) isolated 0.56 per cent, 
 (from long pepper 0.34 per cent., and from white pepper traces) of a volatile alkaloid, 
 which is probably identical with piperidine. Willert (1817) ascribed the acrid taste to I 
 the soft resin, which conclusion was corroborated by Pelletier. According to Buchheim j 
 
 (1876), pepper contains an amorphous alkaloid, chavi- 
 cine , which may be obtained from the ethereal solution 
 of the alcoholic extract by agitating it with potassa 
 solution to remove chlorophyll, resin, and fat acids, 
 and evaporating ; fat is removed by treatment with 
 benzin, and piperin is left behind by repeated solution 
 in a little ether. Thus obtained, chavicine is yellowish- 
 brown, of the consistence of turpentine, has a strongly 
 acrid taste, and when in alcoholic solution, boiled with 
 potassa, is said to yield piperidine (see below) and 
 amorphous chavicic acid. Lecanu obtained 1.17 per 
 cent, of volatile oil from black and 1.04 per cent, 
 from white pepper. Oil of pepper is colorless, lighter 
 than water, commences to boil at 167.5° C. (333.5° F.), 
 and was found by Dumas (1835) to be isomeric with 
 oil of turpentine. It has the odor of pepper, but is \ 
 destitute of its pungent taste, and yields with dry * 
 hydrochloric acid gas a liquid compound. 
 
 The pungent resin is dark-green, soluble in alcohol, 
 ether, and alkalies, and, in connection with other con- J 
 stituents of pepper, also in water. Pepper yields about 
 5 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Adulterations. — Ground pepper is frequently 
 adulterated with various farinaceous substances, the ; 
 press-cake of flaxseed, capsicum, and other materials. { 
 The adulterations are best detected by the microscope. ; 
 With the view of determining the presence of adul- j 
 terations in ground pepper, A. W. Blyth (1874) exam- 
 ined black pepper from five different localities, with the following results : Loss by the < 
 heat of a water-bath (moisture and volatile oil), 9.531 to 12.908, mean 10.95 per cent. ; 
 ash (for dried pepper), total, 4.189 to 5.770, mean 4.845 per cent., and soluble in water, 
 2.212 to' 3.453, mean 2.84 per cent. ; alcoholic extract, dried, 6.30 to 7.836, mean 6.922 
 per cent. ; hot-water extract, 16.50 to 20.375, mean 18.177 per cent. 
 
 Other Peppers. — Piper Album, White pepper , consists of the fruit of black pepper, which 
 is immersed in water and with the hands deprived of the epicarp and sarcocarp. It consists of 
 the seed, ■which is composed of a large w r hite mealy perisperm united at the apex with a small 
 endosperm, in which the embryo is enclosed, the whole being enclosed in the reddish-brown testa, 
 and this is covered -with the white, soft, inner tissue of the fruit, in which about ten light lines 
 are observable running from the base toward the apex. White pepper is rather larger and less 
 pungent than black pepper, but contains the same constituents. A factitious white pepper is 
 said to have been sometimes put into the market, made from black pepper by rubbing off the 
 outer layers ; it is easily recognized by its smaller size and large central cavity. White pepper 
 yielded to Blyth 7.650 per cent, of alcoholic extract, but only 1.120 per cent, of ash, one-half of 
 which was soluble in water. 
 
 Piper longum, Long pepper (Poivre long, Fr. Cod., Pimiento larga, Sp.), consists of the spikes 
 of Piper (Chavica, Miquet) officinarum, Be Candolle , which is indigenous to Java. The nearly- 
 allied Piper longum Linnt, s. Chavica Roxburghii, Miquel (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 
 244), is likewise a shrub, but is found in India, Ceylon, and the Philippines. The spikes of the 
 full-grown but still immature fruits are collected ; they are 25-38 Mm. (1 to II inches) long, 
 nearly cylindrical, covered w T ith the closely-packed, coalesced fruits, and agree with black pepper 
 in odor, taste, and composition. In the amount of hygroscopic moisture and hot-water extract 
 long pepper gives results agreeing with those mentioned above ; but Blyth obtained 2.60 per 
 cent, of alcoholic extract and 8.308 per cent. (4.472 soluble in wuiter) of ash. 
 
 Fig. 224. 
 
PIPERAZINUM. 
 
 1249 
 
 Piper (Macropiper, Miquel ) methysticum, Forster. (See page 1025.) 
 
 Piper reticulatum, Limit, has a pungently aromatic root, which is employed in Brazil for its 
 stimulating properties. 
 
 Piper (Chavica, Miquel) betle, Limit. (See page 1025.) 
 
 Piper (Chayica, Miquel) Siriboa, Limit , has leaves which are used like the preceding, and 
 are of a similar appearance, but less distinctly heart-shaped. 
 
 Piper (Artanthe, Miquel) crocatum, Ruiz et Pavon. It is indigenous to Peru-, the leaves 
 and berries have a peppery taste ; the ripe spikes are employed for dyeing yellow. 
 
 Piper anisatum, Kiinth. It is found in the northern part of South America; the leaves and 
 berries have an anise-like taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Black pepper is a powerful local and general stimulant, a qual- 
 ity which it owes to its concrete and volatile oils, and, when taken internally, it also prob- 
 ably exerts a special and more sustained influence upon the nervous system through its 
 peculiar principle, piperin. Applied to the skin, powdered pepper occasions severe pain 
 and redness ; in the mouth and throat in large quantities it excites intense burning, and 
 in the stomach a sense of diffusive warmth with some acceleration of the pulse. In very 
 large doses it excites a burning heat throughout the abdomen, thirst and vomiting, some- 
 times fever, and occasionally convulsions. In some cases heat and tingling are felt in the 
 palms of the hands and in the soles of the feet, followed by a sense of coolness in these 
 parts. It augments the urine and irritates the bladder and urethra, and may produce a 
 transient eruption of urticaria upon the skin. 
 
 Black pepper is, of all condiments except salt, the most extensively used to facilitate 
 the digestion of soups and watery vegetables. Anciently, it was one of the most approved 
 remedies for intermittent fever , and in modern times a large number of examples attest its 
 efficacy, both in the form of the crude drug and as piperin. There can be no doubt 
 that in many cases it has effected complete cures, but it is more generally employed in 
 connection with quinine when the latter alone has failed, and often with advantage. 
 Whether its efficiency is due to its own antiperiodic properties, or to its rendering the 
 system more susceptible to the action of quinine, is undecided. Pepper is sometimes used 
 in poultices to promote the resolution of enlarged lymphatic glands ; in gargles to stimu- 
 late the throat and gums in flaccid conditions of these parts ; and in plasters for the relief 
 of muscidar rheumatism and to assuage headache , colic , and other local pains. In powder 
 it has been used to destroy head lice. Anciently, it was employed as a topical applica- 
 tion to haemorrhoids , and in recent times the confection of pepper has been given inter- 
 nally for a like purpose. In some cases of fistula in ano, of gleet, and of leucorrhoea it 
 has been found very serviceable. 
 
 Powdered pepper may be given as a stomachic stimulant in doses of Gm. 0.30-1.30 
 (gr. v-xx), or as a condiment mixed with food. As an antiperiodic eight or ten pepper- 
 corns may be taken two or three times a day. 
 
 PIPERAZINUM . — Piperazine . 
 
 Piperazidine ; Ethylene-imine ; Diethylene- diamine ; Dispermine. 
 
 Formula (C 2 H 4 NH) 2 = C 4 H 10 N 2 . Molecular weight 85.9. 
 
 A synthetical compound, at one time supposed to be identical with spermine, but found 
 to differ from the same both in chemical and physiological action. 
 
 Preparation. — When ammonia is allowed to act upon ethylene bromide or chloride, 
 a mixture of salts of different bases is obtained, consisting of ethylene diamine, triethyl- 
 ene diamine, diethylene triamine, tetraethylene triamine, and diethylene diamine. In 
 order to separate the last-named base the solution of the mixed salts is treated with an 
 excess of sodium or potassium nitrite and heated to 60° or 70° C. (140°-158° F.), which 
 causes dinitrosopiperazine to separate as a scaly crystalline mass ; this is soluble with dif- 
 ficulty in cold, but readily soluble in hot, water and melts at 154° C. (309.2° F.). This 
 compound, when treated with concentrated acids or reducing agents, yields ammonia and 
 salts of piperazine, from which the pure base is obtained by distillation with alkalies. 
 
 Properties. — Piperazine occurs in colorless crystalline masses of faint but charac- 
 teristic odor ; it melts at 104°-107° C. (219.2°-224.6° F.), and boils at 145° C. (293° F ). 
 from the air it greedily absorbs water and carbon dioxide, and liquefies in so doing. 
 Crystallized from water, piperazine forms shiny glassy tablets. It is a strong base, very 
 soluble in water and somewhat less so in alcohol ; its solution rapidly changes red litmus- 
 paper to blue. Aqueous chromic acid is without effect on piperazine, but potassium per- 
 mangate oxidizes it even in the cold. An aqueous solution of piperazine is precipitated 
 hy mercuric chloride, cupric sulphate, tannin, picric acid, and Nessler’s reagent. The 
 
 79 
 
1250 
 
 PIPERINUM. 
 
 most important property of the base is its power of forming a readily soluble compound 
 with uric acid, having twelve times the solvent power of lithium carbonate in this respect, 
 the piperazine urate formed being soluble in 50 parts of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Piperazine is held to fulfil the conditions required for eliminating 
 from the system an excess of uric acid , inasmuch as it is diuretic, forms with the acid a 
 neutral salt which is soluble in 50 parts of water ; does not undergo decomposition in 
 the body ; and is harmless. Uric acid calculi and sand dissolve in a solution of piper- 
 azine more quickly than in one of lithium or sodium. It will combine with seven times 
 more uric acid than lithium will, forming with it a urate twelve times more soluble than 
 that of lithium. It is said to be a solvent of oxalic and phosphatic, as well of uric acid 
 concretions, and to be serviceable topically as well as internally in reducing gouty swell- 
 ings. The latter statement, however, has been controverted. A case of urticaria' in a 
 gouty patient has been attributed to its use. The daily amount of piperazine recom- 
 mended is Gm. 1-3 (gr. xv-xlv) a day, given in divided doses and dissolved in an abun- 
 dance of carbonated water. 
 
 PIPERINUM, U. S.— Piperin. 
 
 Piperine , Fr. ; Piperin. G. 
 
 Formula C 17 H ]9 NO a . Molecular weight 284.34. 
 
 A neutral principle obtained from pepper, and occurring also elsewhere in plants of 
 the nat. ord. Piperacese. 
 
 Origin. — Piperin was discovered by Oerstedt (1819), and obtained pure by Pelletier 
 and Poutet (1820). It has been prepared from black, white, and long pepper, and by 
 Stenhouse (1855) from the fruit of Cubeba Clusii, Miquel. 
 
 Preparation. — It is most readily prepared from the alcoholic extract of white 
 pepper by treating it with potassa solution, which dissolves the resin, washing the residue 
 with water, and purifying it by repeated crystallization from alcohol. On neutralizing : 
 the potassa solution with an acid the pungent resin is obtained. Wittstein’s process is 
 as follows: 16 parts of black pepper are exhausted with cold water, and afterward with 
 alcohol ; the alcoholic extract is washed with water, digested with alcohol and 1 part of [ 
 slaked lime, and the solution concentrated ; the crystals are purified by recrystallization 
 and treatment with animal charcoal. The yield varies between 5 and 9 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Pure piperin crystallizes in colorless flat, four-sided prisms of a glassy 
 lustre and is almost tasteless. As usually met with, it is of a yellowish color, inodorous, 
 and has at first a slight, but on continued mastication or in alcoholic solution a sharp, 
 peppery taste. It remains unaltered on exposure, has a neutral reaction to test-paper, is ] 
 nearly insoluble in water, and dissolves in volatile oils, in 60 parts of cold ether (Merck), i 
 
 in 30 parts of cold and 1 part of boiling 80 per cent, alcohol (Wittstein), and freely ; 
 
 in acetic acid ; the last two solutions are precipitated on the addition of water. It is 
 likewise soluble in chloroform, benzene, and benzin. At 130° C. (266° F.) it melts like < 
 wax to a yellowish oily liquid, which on cooling congeals to a mass of resinous appear- 
 ance ; when fused it may be ignited and burns with a bright flame, leaving a light char- 
 coal, which is readily consumed by heating it in the air. Sulphuric acid colors it blood- 
 red, the color disappearing on the addition of water, leaving the piperin unaltered if the 
 action of the acid had not been prolonged (Pelletier). The solution of piperin in sul- 
 phuric acid is yellow, becoming dark-brown, and finally green-brown (Dragendorff). 
 Nitric acid colors piperin successively greenish-yellow, orange, and red, and dissolves it 
 with a yellow color, the solution separating yellow floccules on the addition of water; by 
 prolonging the action of the acid oxalic acid and a yellow bitter compound are produced 
 (Pelletier). The resin resulting from this reaction becomes blood-red on the addition of 
 potassa, and on heating the mixture piperidine is given off (Anderson, 1850). Piperin 
 is a very weak base, and its salts are decomposed by water ; crystallizable double salts, 
 soluble in alcohol, may be obtained with the chlorides of mercury, platinum, and cad- 
 mium. By dry distillation with soda-lime piperidine is obtained. Boiled with alcoholic solu- 
 tion of potassa, piperin was found by Babo and Keller (1856) to be resolved into piperic 
 acid , C] 2 H 10 O 4 , and piperidine , C 5 IIi,N. Piperic acid is in hair-like yellowish needles 
 which fuse at 150° C. (302° F.), and at a higher temperature volatilize partly unaltered, 
 at the same time giving off a coumarin-like odor. Piperidine is a colorless liquid of an 
 ammoniacal and pepper-like odor, and when largely diluted of a bitter taste. It boils at 
 106° C. (222.8° F.), has a strong alkaline reaction, dissolves freely in water and alcohol, 
 and yields with acids crystallizable salts ; the piperate of piperidine crystallizes in silky 
 
PISCIDIA. 
 
 1251 
 
 scales, which on being heated give off a part of the alkaloid. Ladenburg (1884) 
 obtained a small quantity of piperidine synthetically by treating an alcoholic solution of 
 pyridine with sodium. 
 
 Derivative Compounds. — Piperonal, Heliotropin, C 8 H 6 0 3 . By boiling piperin for some time 
 (twenty-four hours) with an alcoholic solution of potassa, potassium piperate is formed and crys- 
 tallizes in shining prisms ; this is dissolved in 40-50 parts of hot water and slowly mixed, under 
 constant stirring, with a solution of potassium permanganate (2 parts of the latter salt to 1 of 
 the piperate). The resulting magma is put on a strainer and repeatedly washed with hot water 
 until the odor of heliotropin entirely disappears ; the united liquids are distilled, and from the 
 first portions of the distillate the larger portion of piperonal separates in crystals : the remainder 
 is obtained by shaking the distillate with ether. Piperonal occurs in small white crystals, soluble 
 in about 600 parts of cold water, and very readily soluble in alcohol and ether. It has been used 
 as an antiseptic and antipyretic in doses of 10-15 grains every three hours, but is chiefly employed 
 in perfumery. 
 
 Uses. — Piperin has been chiefly used as an adjuvant to or a substitute for quinine in 
 the treatment of intermittent fever , and in doses of Gm. 0.5 (gr. vi) three or four times 
 a day. Piperonal is said to be antiseptic and antipyretic. It has been prescribed in 
 doses of Gm. 1 (gr. xv). 
 
 PISCIDIA.— Piscidia. 
 
 Jamaica dogwood , E. ; Bois enivrante , Piscidie , Fr., G. ; Colorin de peces, Sp. 
 
 The bark of the root of Piscidia Erythrina, Jacquin. 
 
 Nat. Ord — Leguminosse, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This is a West Indian tree, about 6 M. (20 feet) high. It has impari- 
 pinnate leaves, with about seven ovate entire leaflets, and paniculate racemes of whitish 
 and deep-red flowers, producing linear four-winged racemes. The wood of the trunk is 
 heavy, brown, coarse-grained, and very durable. 
 
 Description. — Piscidia-bark comes in quills about 12 Mm. (J inch) in diameter, or 
 in flat or curved sections 25 or 50 Mm. (1 or 2 inches) broad, 10 or 15 Cm. (4 or 6 
 inches) long, and from 2 to 4 or 6 Mm. (-jL to 1 or J inch) thick. It is covered with a 
 corky layer having a bright orange-brown, or occasionally a whitish, color, and a roughish 
 wrinkled or somewhat fissured appearance. When the cork is detached the outer surface 
 of the bark is of a dark ash-gray color, with a brown or blackish tint, and has slight wavy 
 longitudinal wrinkles and thin transverse ridges. The inner surface is brownish and 
 smooth, or from the bared bast-bundles more or less fibrous. In the interior the tissue 
 is of a brownish-green or blue-green color, apparently due to chlorophyll contained in 
 the parenchyma. The bark consists mainly of the liber, in which the transversely elon- 
 gated bast-bundles are arranged in irregular circles separated by parenchyma, and in 
 radial rows between the rather broad medullary rays. It breaks with a tough fibrous 
 fracture, the bast-bundles adhering in bands. When broken, the bark has a narcotic 
 odor, resembling that of opium ; the taste is at first slight, afterward bitter and acrid. 
 
 Constituents. — The active principle, according to E. Hart (1883), is a neutral com- 
 pound. piscidin, C 29 H 24 0 8 , which may be obtained from the concentrated tincture by treat- 
 ing it with lime, filtering, adding a little water, and crystallizing ; after recrystallization 
 from alcohol it forms colorless prisms, which melt at 192° C. (377.6° F.), are insoluble 
 in water, slightly soluble in ether and in cold alcohol, and easily soluble in benzene and 
 chloroform. It is not a glucoside. The other constituents have not been investigated. 
 Resinous and oily compounds are present, and crystals of calcium oxalate are observed 
 in the tissue. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Extractum piscidia: fluidum, Fluid extract of piscidia, 
 may be prepared in the same manner as fluid extract of serpentaria, using a menstruum 
 composed of 3 parts of alcohol and 1 part of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of Piscidia erytlirina was first known in Europe 
 as having been used in the West Indies to catch fish by benumbing them (Wibmer, 
 Wirkung d. Arzneimittel, iv. 222). Many years ago (1844), in England, Dr. Hamilton 
 took a drachm of the tincture of this bark while suffering from a severe toothache. It 
 caused a burning sensation in the stomach and copious perspiration, followed by deep 
 sleep. He also applied it with success to aching carious teeth (Jour. Phil. Coll. Phar., 
 v. 159). It appears to have been lost sight of until 1880, when it was stated to be a 
 powerful anodyne, relaxing the system, producing salivation and sweating, and affording 
 marked relief in neuralgia of the face (Phil. Med. Times . xi. 57). In 1881 the experi- 
 ments of Dr. Isaac Ott led him to conclude that piscidia contains a narcotic principle 
 
1252 
 
 FIX BURGUNDICA. 
 
 which does not affect the motor nerves, but acts on the sensory ganglia of the spinal 
 cord, producing convulsions, partly by stimulating the cord and partly by heightening 
 the excitability of the muscles. He also found that it reduced the frequency of the 
 pulse by a direct action upon the heart, first increasing and then diminishing the arterial 
 tension, and that it first contracts and then dilates the pupils ( Medical News, etc., xxxix. 
 212). Ott also concluded it to be a sialagogue and diaphoretic, slowing the pulse but 
 increasing the arterial tension, and that it is distinctly hypnotic. The last-named action 
 is generally admitted, but some hold that it produces sleep only by annulling the pain 
 which maintains wakefulness. Seifert used an extract of piscidia which, when given 
 in the dose of Gm. 0.20-0.40 (gr. iv-viij) to relatively healthy persons, caused sound 
 sleep, after which some lightness of the head was felt, as after a dose of morphine ; but 
 it did not affect the pulse or temperature. In two cases of phthisis in which morphine 
 had ceased to allay the cough this medicine palliated it, and in others in which no mor- 
 phine had been used it acted in a similar manner, but in one instance it occasioned sweats 
 which were checked by atropine. In several other affections its utility was less evident 
 ( Centralhl . f. d. ges. Tlierapie , i. 427). Some reporters have discredited their statements 
 by declaring that its hypnotic and analgesic effects are nearly equal to those of opium. 
 
 In trials made by Berger the results were entirely negative (ibid., ii. 121). Piscidia has 
 had the credit of curing neuralgia , and there is little doubt of its having in numerous 
 instances palliated that affection, as well as nervous headache , hysterical delirium , chorea , 
 and acute (muscular) rheumatism. It is also said to allay irregularity of the heart due 
 to organic disease. One or more fluidrachms (Gm. 4) may be given of the fluid extract, 
 but efficient doses of it frequently produce nausea. This preparation has been used 
 topically to allay the pain of burns. 
 
 PIX BURGUNDICA, U . S ., Br .— Burgundy Pitch. 
 
 Poix de Bourgogne, P. des Vosges, P. jaune, F. Cod. ; Burgunder Harz ( Pech ), G. ; . 
 
 Pez de Borgona, P. amarilla , Sp. 
 
 The prepared resinous exudation from the spruce fir, Abies (Pinus, Lamarck, Picea, 
 Link) excelsa, Poiret , s. Pinus Abies, Linne, s. Pinus Picea, Du Hoi. Woodv., Med. Bot., i 
 pi. 208 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 261. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferae. 
 
 Origin. — The spruce fir, or Norway spruce fir, is a stately tree growing in Northern 
 Asia and Northern Europe, and in the latter continent southward in mountainous regions 
 to the Pyrenees and Alps ; it is frequently cultivated in the United States. It has 
 spreading, nearly horizontal branches, pendulous ‘branchlets, scattered, somewhat four- 
 angled leaves, about 19 Mm. (f inch) long, and pendulous, light-brown, nearly cylindrical \ 
 cones, which are from 15-17 Cm. (6 to 7 inches) in length. The Siberian variety, Picea j 
 (Pinus, Antoine) obovata, Ledebour, differs mainly in having smaller and more slender 
 ovate cones. 
 
 Collection. — The oleo-resinous exudation of the spruce fir, which flows from incis- 
 ions, is collected in Finland, South-western Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and is 
 melted in water and strained ; but the manufacture is on the decline, at least in Germany. 
 That collected in some districts of the Bernese Jura is known in commerce poix blanche 
 ( Pharmacographia) . 
 
 Description. — Burgundy pitch is thus described by the British Pharmacopoeia : 
 “Hard and brittle, yet gradually taking the form of the vessel in which it is kept; 
 opaque, varying in color, but generally dull reddish-brown ; of a peculiar, somewhat 
 empyreumatic perfumed odor and aromatic taste, without bitterness ; free from vesicles: 
 gives off no water when heated.” The following additional characters of true Burgundy 
 pitch were ascertained by Hanbury (1867): “Fracture shining, conchoidal, translucent; 
 some samples contain much water and are opaque and of a dull-gray color, and require 
 straining to free them from impurities ; not wholly soluble in alcohol of 0.838, but leaves 
 a small amount of white flocculent matter ; placed in contact with double its weight of 
 glacial acetic acid in a vial, it is dissolved, with the exception of a small amount of floccu- 
 lent matter.” The description of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia agrees with the above. 
 
 Constituents. — Burgundy pitch contains volatile oil, which is most likely isomeric 
 with oil of turpentine, and resin, which probably consists mainly of Maly’s abietic acid. 
 (See Terebinthina.) 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The German Pharmacopoeia has very 
 properly dismissed Burgundy pitch ; that of 1872 recognized the product of various spe- 
 
PIX CANADENSIS. 
 
 1253 
 
 cies of Abies, which were not enumerated, under the designations Resina pint, Resina 
 pint burgundica , and Pix alba ( Poix blanche ), and gave the following description : “ It 
 is a yellow or yellowish-brown, opaque, or diaphanous, fragile resin, having a glossy 
 fracture, becoming soft when held in the hand, of a terebin thin ate odor, and almost com- 
 pletely soluble in alcohol.’’ 
 
 The substance commonly sold in England is made by melting together colophony with 
 palm oil or some other fat, water being stirred in to render the mixture opaque ( Phar - 
 macographia). Hanbury described artificial Burgundy pitch as varying in color between 
 tawny-yellow, orange-yellow, and orange-brown. The fracture is wax-like or shining or 
 conchoidal, always opaque, but becoming gradually transparent on the surface by the 
 loss of water ; the odor is weak, terebinthinous, and hardly aromatic ; it is less soluble 
 in alcohol of 0.838, and with glacial acetic acid forms a turbid mixture which separates 
 into two layers — a thick oily liquid above and a bright solution below. 
 
 Derivatives. — Retinol (resinol). A product of the destructive distillation of Burgundy pitch ; 
 it was obtained as far back as 1838, and was known as resin oil. It is a yellowish oily liquid 
 which boils at temperatures above 280° C. (536° F.). It is a good antiseptic and not irritating, 
 but is insoluble in water. Retinol is a useful solvent for iodol, aristol, cocaine, carbolic acid, 
 phosphorus, and many alkaloids. The solution of phosphorus is very stable, and has been rec- 
 ommended for external and internal use. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied to the skin as a plaster, it produces itching, redness, 
 and a papular eruption, and upon a delicate integument may occasion a vesicular, and 
 even a pustular, eruption, with superficial ulcers. This eruption has been attributed to 
 the retention by the impermeable plaster of the cutaneous secretions, but the better 
 opinion is that it depends upon the inherent properties of the resin. 
 
 In the form of plaster Burgundy pitch is in general use to protect, sustain, or stimu- 
 late the part to which it is applied. In most cases these several objects are attained 
 together. Thus, in the popular use of it as a remedy for lumbago particularly, but of 
 other forms also of muscular rheumatism , it supports the part mechanically, protects it 
 from external impressions, and stimulates it to the production of perspiration, or even 
 to the formation of an eruption, as already mentioned. In the latter way it acts 
 revulsively upon the deeper-seated parts, and is habitually used to relieve internal con- 
 gestions and diminish secretions, as in chronic bronchitis and chronic pulmonary tubercu- 
 losis. In chronic and in subacute pleurisy its counter-irritant action is resorted to for 
 promoting absorption of the effusion. In these several affections it also, if applied in a 
 plaster of proper dimensions, gives to the chest a greatly-needed mechanical support 
 during the act of coughing. Some obstinate cases of sciatica have been cured by envel- 
 oping the buttock and thigh in a Burgundy pitch plaster, and leaving it permanently in 
 place. In like manner this plaster has been used to relieve chronic diarrhoea following 
 dysentery, etc., but this cannot conveniently be done when the abdomen is prominent or 
 flaccid. 
 
 Before applying a plaster of this sort to a hairy skin the hair should be shaved off, and 
 in removing the plaster from such a part it should first be softened by passing lightly over 
 its free surface a bottle of hot water or a warm flat-iron. The portion of pitch which 
 still adheres may be partially removed by pressing upon it a linen or muslin rag, to which 
 the adhesive material will cling rather than to the skin itself, and the remainder may be 
 washed off with warm alcohol. 
 
 Retinol has been for some years, in ,the treatment of gonorrhoea , given in capsules 
 containing Gm. 0.50 (gr. viij), and also applied on tampons with borax and other sub- 
 stances in the treatment of vaginitis. More recently a solution of 5-10 per cent, of 
 i salol in retinol has been injected into the bladder in subacute cystitis. It is also used as 
 a vehicle for applying aristol, cocaine, carbolic acid, etc. 
 
 PIX CANADENSIS.— Canada Pitch. 
 
 Hemlock pitch , E. ; Poix de Canada. Fr. ; Canadisches Pech. G. ; Pez de Canada , Sp. 
 
 I The prepared resinous exudation from Abies (Pinus, Linne , Picea, Link , Tsuga, 
 Carnlre ) canadensis, Michaux. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 264. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Coniferae. 
 
 t Origin. — The hemlock spruce is a common forest tree of Canada and the Northern 
 Lnited States, but is more rare farther south, where it grows principally in the Alle- 
 ghanies. It attains a height of 18—24 M. (60 or 80 feet), has horizontal branches, the 
 j young ones drooping; has flat, obtuse, somewhat denticulate, and on the lower surface 
 
1254 
 
 FIX LIQUID A. 
 
 
 glaucous, leaves, and elliptic-ovate cones about 25 Mm. (1 inch) in length. The wood is 
 light, coarse-grained, and less valuable for boards than that of other pines. The bark is 
 very astringent, and by treatment with water furnishes an extract rich in tannin, and is 
 largely employed in tanning under the name of extract of hemlock-bark. By distilling 
 the branches with water a volatile oil is obtained, which is sold as oil of spruce or oil of 
 hemlock ; 8 pounds of the boughs yield about 1 ounce of oil (Stearns, 1858). 
 
 Collection. — According to Stearns, there are two methods of collecting Canada 
 pitch, one of which consists in cutting cup-like incisions into the living tree and removing 
 the soft oleoresin as it exudes ; the other and most common one is to remove the wood 
 and bark around the knobs or knots of the felled trees, which are rich in resin ; these 
 being placed in water in a large kettle, the resin is boiled out, and rising upon the top is 
 skimmed off, and further purified by remelting and straining. 
 
 Description. — Canada pitch is found in the market in opaque reddish-brown masses, 
 which gradually become translucent on the surface. It is brittle at the ordinary tempera- 
 ture, but usually takes the form of the vessel in which it is kept ; it is of a somewhat 
 lighter color internally, breaks with a shallow conchoidal and glossy fracture, is softened 
 by the heat of the hand, and has a weak somewhat terebinthinate odor. 
 
 Constituents. — It is composed of one or more resins and of a minute quantity of 
 volatile oil, which have not yet been examined. 
 
 Adulteration. — Stearns states that Canada pitch is often adulterated by the col- 
 lectors with common rosin to the extent of 70 per cent. Such an addition must render 
 it harder and less fusible, but no test is known by which to determine the sophistication. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Canada pitch is almost identical with Burgundy pitch in its 
 action and uses, but owing to its greater softness is less convenient for making plasters. 
 
 Its volatile oil, known as oil of spruce and oil of hemlock, is said to have been employed 
 to produce abortion. There is no reason for attributing to it a specific action on the 
 uterine system. 
 
 PIX LIQUIDA, U. S., Br B. G.— Tar. 
 
 Resina empyreumatica liquida . — Goudron vegetal , Fr. Cod. ; Theer , G. ; Alquitran , Sp. 
 
 An empyreumatic oleoresin obtained by destructive distillation from the wood of Pinus 
 palustris, Miller , and of other species of Pinus. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 258. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferae. 
 
 Origin. — The principal species used for the production of tar are Pinus palustris, 
 Miller , P. Tasda, Linne , P. rigida, Miller , which grow in North America, and P. sylvestris, t 
 Linne , and Larix sibirica, Ledebour, indigenous to Northern Europe. (See Terebin- 
 thina.) Sufficient tar is produced in the United States to supply the domestic market l 
 
 and leave a portion for exportation. 60,393 barrels of tar and pitch were exported in i 
 
 1882. . . I 
 
 Preparation. — Pine wood which is unfit for use as timber is usually employed. It 
 is cut into billets of suitable size, which are arranged into large conical stacks, or, as is 
 sometimes the case in Europe, are closely packed in clay furnaces of a similar shape. 
 The stacks or piles are covered with a layer of earth and ignited above, and the draft is 
 regulated so as to sustain a slow combustion without flame. The tarry products, as they 
 are formed, gradually descend and collect in a cavity or ditch at the base of the pile, 
 from which they are transferred into barrels. The process is one of destructive distilla- 
 tion, in which, however, the pyroligneous acid and volatile oil of the wood are lost. 
 These products may likewise be saved by the use of furnaces or stills, in which the dis- 
 tillation may be carried on in the same manner as in the stacks; but the charcoal obtained 
 
 is said to be inferior to that made in the ordinary way. The tar obtained by slow com- 
 
 bustion as described above is largely employed in the arts for various purposes, for some 
 of which the tar resulting in the prepararion of pyroligneous acid cannot be substituted. 
 
 Description. — Tar is a thick, viscid, semi-fluid mass, heavier than water, of a deep 
 blackish-brown color, transparent in thin layers if free from water, and has an unpleasant 
 empyreumatic odor and a sharp and bitter taste. On standing, it usually separates a 
 granular crystalline matter consisting of pyrocatechin (catechol), and often assumes the 
 consistence' of thick honey. It has an acid reaction, which, together with a light-brown 
 color and sharp bitterish taste, is imparted to water agitated with it. On the application 
 of heat, water and acetic acid distil over, together with a yellow volatile oil (see p. 18). 
 
 Tar is soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, fixed and volatile oils, and caustic alka- 
 lies. The aqueous infusion of tar is colored transiently green by ferric chloride, due 
 
PIX LIQUID A. 
 
 1255 
 
 to the presence of pyrocatechin, and with lime-water acquires permanently a brown-red 
 
 color. 
 
 Constituents. — Tar is of a very complex composition, which varies with the kind 
 of wood, the amount of resins present therein, and the care with which it has been pre- 
 pared. It contains acetic acid , acetone (page 11), muthylic alcohol (page 157), mesit , 
 C 6 H 12 0 2j toluene, C 7 H \, xylene, C 8 H 10 , cumene , C 9 H 12 , methene, C 9 H 12 ; likewise phenol, C 6 H 6 0 
 (see p. 37), cresol, C 7 H 8 0 (see p. 40), creosote (see p. 547), paraffin , naphtalene (page 
 1071), pyrene, C 16 H 10 , chrysene, C 18 H 12 , retene, C 18 H 18 , and others. Of the compounds 
 mentioned, the first series up to methene pass over with the light tar oil, which also con- 
 tains Reichenbach’s eupion , a very light oily product of low boiling-point. The heavy tar 
 oil contains the other compounds named, and in addition cedriret , kapnomor , picamar , and 
 pittakal , which names were introduced by Reichenbach to designate various substances 
 not yet obtained in a pure state. After distilling from tar the light and most of the 
 heavy oil a substance is left behind which is still recognized in some pharmacopoeias as 
 
 PlX NAVALIS, s. Pix nigra, s. solida, s. Resina pina empyreumatica. — Pitch, Black 
 pitch, E. ; Poix noire, Fr. Cod. ; Schwarzes Pech, Schiffspech, G. ; Pez negra, JSp. — It 
 is a black, resinous, brittle mass, which becomes soft when held in the hand, and has the 
 odor of tar. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Pix betula, s. betulinum, Oleum betulas empyreumaticum, Oleum rusci. — 
 Birch tar, E. ; Iluile russe, Iluile de bouleau, Fr. ; Birkentheer, Birkenol, G. — It is prepared in 
 Russia from the w r ood and bark of Betula alba, Linne, and is also known in commerce under the 
 name of dagget or degutt. It resembles w r ood-tar in appearance, but remains liquid and has a 
 peculiar penetrating odor, like that of Russia leather, in the manufacture of which it is used. It 
 was partly examined by Sobrero (1842), who obtained from it a yellowish volatile oil, C 10 II, 6 , of 
 an agreeable odor, like that of birch-bark, and boiling at 156° C. (312.8° F.). (See also page 338.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Products. — S accharated Tar, tar purified by dissolving in warm alcohol, 
 straining, and evaporating, 4 parts, sugar 96 parts; mix (Roussin. 1871). 
 
 Aqua picis, s. picea, F. G. ; Infusum picis liquida, II. S. 1870. — Tar-water, Infusion of tar, 
 E. ; Eau de goudron, Fr.; Theerwasser, G. — Mix well tar 1 part with powdered pumice-stone 3 
 parts, and agitate the mixture, which may be kept on hand, for 5 minutes with water 10 parts. 
 Tar-water is to be made fresh when wanted. — P. G. 
 
 Prepared in this manner, the water is enabled to exert its solvent action upon all the constitu- 
 ents of tar. Magnesia is unsuited for dividing the tar, owing to the formation of soluble salts. 
 Magnes-Lahens (1876) pulverized the tar by mixing it with twice its weight of inert sawdust; 
 27 Gm. of this mixture will give with 1 liter of water a saturated solution containing 6 Gm. of 
 extract. The large quantity of resinous and oily principles present in tar interferes with the 
 solvent action of water; hence an excess of tar must be used, the first infusion being strongly 
 acid, and, according to the French Codex, is rejected. Lefort (1868) determined the amount 
 taken up by hot water to be 2 Gm. to the liter. 
 
 Glyceritum picis liquida, U. S. 1870. — Glycerite (glycerol) of tar, E.; Glycerole de goudron, 
 Fr. ; Theerglycerit, G . — Triturate tar 1 troyounce with magnesium carbonate 2 troyounces; after- 
 ward with portions of a mixture composed of glycerin 4 fluidounces, alcohol 2 fluidounces, and 
 water 10 fluidounces; express the liquid, put the residue into a percolator, and displace first with 
 the expressed liquid, and afterward with water, until 18 fluidounces of percolate are obtained. 
 This is essentially the formula proposed by J. B. Moore in 1869. The glycerite is of a rich red- 
 dish-brown color, and perfectly transparent when recently prepared, but gradually deposits blackish 
 resinous matter, which should be filtered off. 
 
 Tinctura picis betula,' Tinctura rusci, Tincture of birch-tar. Dissolve birch-tar 1 part in 
 alcohol 10 parts, and filter. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Anciently, tar was used as a dressing for wounds and sores 
 and various cutaneous eruptions in man and beast, and was administered internally as a 
 remedy for chronic pulmonary complaints. These are the affections for which even now 
 it is principally employed. Tar-water is prepared by stirring 1 part of tar with 10 parts 
 of pure water, and allowing them to stand for several days, and then decanting the im- 
 pregnated water. It has been used with the greatest advantage in chronic bronchitis and 
 in many cases of pulmonary phthisis, lessening the expectoration, diminishing the oppres- 
 sion and pain in the chest, and soothing the cough, without increasing the thirst or im- 
 pairing the digestion. It has even been proposed against pulmonary haemorrhage. But 
 when hectic symptoms are prominent it is seldom tolerated. This is true even of the 
 treatment of these diseases by the inhalation of tar vapors, which in the more torpid 
 cases is sometimes remarkably beneficial. The best mode of using tar vapors is the fol- 
 lowing : In a cup placed in a small water-bath over a common night-lamp mix some tar 
 with about a twenty-fourth part of its weight of potassium carbonate, in order to 
 neutralize the pyroligneous acid which may be present and which would irritate the 
 lungs. The vapors should be extricated very slowly at first, so as moderately to charge 
 
1256 
 
 PL ANT AGO. 
 
 with them the air of the chamber which the patient chiefly inhabits, and afterward they 
 may be generated more freely. Quite as beneficial, and more convenient and agreeable, 
 is the inhalation of tar-water, and even of wine of tar, from a steam atomizer. Still 
 more beneficial than the preparations of tar in pulmonary diseases is the habitual breath- 
 ing of the air of pine forests, especially if conjoined with a proper hygienic and dietetic 
 regimen. 
 
 Of other internal uses of tar may be mentioned that of tar pills for the relief of con- 
 stipation , the use of tar-water by the mouth and by injection in chronic vesical catarrh , 
 gleet , leucorrhoea , etc. 
 
 The ancient use of tar in the treatment of scabies is sometimes still resorted to, but 
 it is less certain than other methods of curing the disease, and it involves the ruin of 
 the patient’s body- and bed-linen. In scaly eruptions its efficacy is much more unequiv- 
 ocal, but the same objection to it exists as in the case of the disease just mentioned. 
 Moreover, lepra and psoriasis generally get well under the use of arsenic alone. If this 
 falls short of its purpose, tar may be employed in addition. For its efficient use it is 
 necessary that the scales upon the skin should first be removed by a warm bath ; after 
 which tar or its ointment should in small quantity be rubbed into the patches of the erup- 
 tion with a brush, and the patient rolled in a blanket and allowed to remain quiet for five 
 or six hours, when the excess of the application can be removed with cloths and the 
 ordinary clothing resumed. In some cases of inveterate eczema , when the skin has 
 become dry, rough, and thick, tar ointment or oil of tar is a most efficient remedy, pro- 
 vided that its strength be duly proportioned to the sensibility of the skin. It is also 
 useful in herpes circinatus and in prurigo. 
 
 Tar has long been employed by the vulgar for excoriations, boils , scorbutic sores , and 
 unhealthy ulcers generally. More recently it was extensively used in the form of oakum as 
 a dressing for such lesions, especially in hospitals. It seems especially adapted to burns 
 which suppurate copiously. It corrects the fetor of the sores. The oakum is applied 
 after being moistened with water, and is covered with an impermeable tissue. Tar and 
 tar-water have been applied to mercurial ulcers of the mouth and throat, and the former 
 is an excellent application to fissured nipples and haemorrhoids. Finally, the fumes of tar 
 are commonly used to deodorize and purify vessels, rooms, etc., tainted with foul smells or 
 supposed to be infected with morbid poisons. They have also been employed advantage- 
 ously in the treatment of senile gangrene (Post, Trans. New York State Med. Soc., 1877, 
 p. 246). 
 
 Tar may be given mixed with milk or beer, or else in pills. Gm. 2-16 (gr. xxx-gss) 
 may be taken daily. The glycerite of tar is a convenient form of the medicine. Tar- 
 water may be taken to the extent of a pint or two daily. 
 
 PL ANT AGO . — Plantain . 
 
 Rib-grass, Ribwort , Ripple-grass , E. ; Plantain , Fr. Cod. ; Wegerich, Gr. ; Lauten , Sp. 
 
 Plantago lanceolata , Linne, and PI. major , Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Plantaginaceae. 
 
 Description. — These are acaulescent perennials, with short oblique rhizomes. The 
 first-named species has lanceolate, obscurely toothed, more or less hairy and about five- 
 ribbed leaves, and a deeply-furrowed scape bearing a dense ovate spike. The second spe- 
 cies has broadly ovate or elliptic, somewhat toothed, about seven-ribbed, nearly smooth, 
 petiolate leaves and a terete scape, bearing a cylindrical elongated spike. The flowers are 
 small, have a dry membranaceous four-lobed corolla with four stamens, and produce small 
 capsules containing two, or in the second species about ten, peltate brown seeds. The 
 plants are indigenous to Europe, but now grow along roadsides and in fields in most 
 temperate countries. They are inodorous and have a somewhat astringent, saline, and 
 bitterish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The analyses by Sprengel, Roller, Bley, and Schlesinger showed the 
 presence of a bitter principle, albumen, sugar, resin, and various salts. Bunge (1828) 
 stated that, in common with various Umbelliferae and Compositae, they contain viridinic 
 acid, which forms with ammonia a yellow compound, turning green on exposure to air ; it 
 belongs doubtless to the tannins. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Plantago virginica, Linnt, White plantain. It is common in sandy fields 
 of the United States, has leaves radical, white-pubescent, obovate or spatulate, and a dense cylin- 
 drical spike, and agrees with the preceding ones in taste. . I 
 
 Plantago Rugelii, Decaine, agrees with the broad-leaved plantain, but has an elongated spike. 
 
PLATINUM. 
 
 1257 
 
 Plantago Psyllium, Limit , is an annual indigenous to the basin of the Mediterranean. The 
 seeds are employed and are known as Fleaseed, E. ; Graines de puces, Fr. ; Flohsamen, G. They 
 are boat-shaped, dark red-brown, and glossy upon the convex back, with a lighter-colored line, 
 the hilum located in a broad groove upon the lower side. The seeds of Plantago arenaria, Wald- 
 stein et Kittaibel , are somewhat smaller, black and less glossy ; those of Plantago Cynops, Limit, 
 are somewhat larger and lighter brown. The epithelial layer of these seeds yields much muci- 
 lage ; this is also obtained from 
 
 *Spogel-seeds, known in India as ispaghul. They are pinkish-gray, and on the convex side 
 marked with a brown-yellow spot. They are obtained from Plantago Ispaghula, Roxburgh , 
 which is regarded as a cultivated variety of PI. decumbens, Forskal , indigenous to Northern 
 Africa. (See Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 211.) The seeds of several other species are 
 likewise mucilaginous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Several species of plantain appear to have enjoyed the un- 
 deserved reputation of being remedies for divers diseases, including malignant ulcers, 
 defluxions and mortifications, haemorrhages, intermittent fever, etc. They owe whatever 
 virtues they possess to their bitter and astringent constituents. In Europe they are still 
 used for the same purposes as of old, and their fresh leaves are applied to wounds and 
 inflammations of the skin. Quite recently (1883) Prof. Quinlan, observing a cottager 
 arresting haemorrhage by the application of the chewed leaves of P. lanceolata, “ satisfied 
 himself as to the haemostatic power of the plant when applied to bleeding surfaces, either 
 in the chewed form or in that of the dried leaves” ( Practitioner , xxx. 49). 
 
 Psyllium (Plantago psyllium), fleawort, was anciently used in the treatment of ulcers, 
 and was reckoned a cooling and astringent medicine. In Asia and in Southern Europe 
 the mucilage derived from its seeds is used very much as the mucilages of quince, flax- 
 seed, and slippery elm are applied to palliate external and also internal irritations. It 
 has been employed with advantage to relieve habitual constipation by swallowing a table- 
 spoonful of the seeds in half a tumbler of water before the principal meal. But it soon 
 loses its original effect. 
 
 PLATINUM, — Platinum. 
 
 Platine, Or blanc, Fr. ; Platin, G. 
 
 Symbol Pt. Atomicity bivalent and quadrivalent. Atomic weight 194.3. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — This metal was apparently observed as early as the 
 sixteenth century, but was more fully described and investigated after the middle of the 
 eighteenth century by Watson, Scheffer, Lewis, Bergman, and others. It is found pure 
 and in combination with palladium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and other metals in Cali- 
 fornia. in various parts of South America, in the Ural Mountains and other parts of 
 Europe, and in Asia and Africa. It is often met with in auriferous sand, and occasionally 
 in lead, iron, and other ores. The ore is treated with strong hydrochloric acid, well 
 washed by elutriation, the residue treated with nitromuriatic acid, the acid solution 
 evaporated, redissolved in water, and precipitated with ammonium chloride ; on igniting 
 the resulting ammonio-platinic chloride, platinum is obtained in a spongy condition. 
 
 Properties. — Spongy platinum is gray, soft, and porous, and fusible only by the aid 
 of the oxyhydrogen blowpipe. The metal is of a silver-white color and metallic lustre, 
 is soft like copper, possesses considerable malleability and ductility, and at a white heat 
 may be forged. Platinum resists the action of most chemicals except mixtures of nitric 
 with hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, but at a high temperature it is readily attacked 
 by most elements. With oxygen it forms a monoxide, PtO, and a dioxide, Pt0 2 , which 
 are reduced to the metal at a red heat. The platinous salts are brown, red, or colorless ; 
 the platinic salts have a yellow or brown color. The following compounds have been 
 used : 
 
 Platini chloridum. — Platinic chloride, E. ; Perchlorure de platine, Fr. ; Platinchlo- 
 rid, G. PtCl 4 .5H 2 0 ; molecular weight 425.58. — It is prepared by dissolving 3 parts of 
 platinum in a mixture of 16 parts of hydrochloric and 7 parts of nitric acid, evaporating 
 the solution nearly to dryness, redissolving in hydrochloric acid, heating to expel the nitric 
 acid, and evaporating at a moderate heat to dryness, when a red crystalline mass is left, 
 which may be obtained from water in handsome red crystals containing 46 per cent, of 
 platinum. When heated to 100° C. these lose 4H 2 0 = 16.9 per cent., and turn brown. 
 If the salt is permitted to crystallize in the presence of free hydrochloric acid, brownish- 
 red needles are obtained which have the composition PtCl 4 .2HC1.6II..O, and contain 38 
 per cent, of platinum. This is the compound usually met with in commerce. Heated to 
 above 110° C., it parts with hydrochloric acid and chlorine, and near 225° C. (437° F.) 
 
1258 
 
 PLUMB I ACETAS. 
 
 dark-brown platinous chloride is left. Platinum chloride dissolves readily in alcohol and 
 water, yielding reddish-yellow liquids which precipitate the potassium and ammonium 
 chlorides. 
 
 Platini et sodii chloridum, Sodium platino-chloride, Sodium and platinum chloride. 
 The double salt, 2NaCl.PtCl 4 .6H 2 0, crystallizes in light-red prisms, and is freely soluble 
 in water and alcohol. For medicinal purposes a preparation containing an excess of the 
 sodium salt is used, made by dissolving 3 parts of platinic chloride and 5 parts of sodium 
 chloride in water, and evaporating to dryness, stirring continually. It is an orange-yellow 
 powder having a saline and metallic taste. 
 
 Platini iodidum, Platinic iodide, Ptl 4 . A solution of platinic chloride is mixed with 
 a solution of an equivalent quantity of potassium iodide, the deep-red mixture nearly 
 neutralized with potassium carbonate, and digested for an hour. The precipitate, after 
 washing and drying, is a brown-black amorphous and tasteless powder, insoluble in water, 
 but soluble in potassium carbonate and iodide with a pale-red color. 
 
 Platini et potassii cyanidum, Potassium platino-cyanide, 2KCN.Pt(CN) 2 .3II 2 0. 
 It is best prepared, according to Meillet, by mixing rather concentrated solutions of 1 
 part exsiccated platinic chloride and 2 parts potassium cyanide, and heating the mixture 
 until the precipitate is redissolved : ammonium carbonate and nitrogen are given off, and 
 on cooling the double salt crystallizes. It forms long needles and prisms, having in 
 different positions a yellow or bright-blue color, and when exposed to the air becoming 
 opaque and rose-red. The salt is freely soluble in hot water, and its solution precipi- 
 tates cupric salts greenish-blue, mercurous nitrate bright-blue, and ferrous salts bluish- 
 white. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There is very little to be added to the statements that were 
 made by Ilbfer in 1840 respecting the compounds of this metal. He found that its 
 chlorides were as poisonous as the chlorides of gold and mercury — the perchloride in 
 1-grain doses, the sodium chloroplatinate in the dose of 2 grains. The perchloride in 
 strong solution reddens the skin and occasions a slight eruption upon it. Internally, in 
 small doses, it irritates the stomach, causes headache, and gradually modifies the blood 
 and the secretions. The sodium chloroplatinate, on the other hand, is not a local irritant, 
 and its internal action is not as distinct as that of the perchloride of platinum. Accord- 
 ing to Bryk, perchloride of platinum applied to the skin produces a thick, yellowish- 
 white, dry eschar, surrounded by intense injection and even extravasation. 
 
 According to Hofer, platinum chloride is an efficient remedy for syphilis, and especially 
 for its inveterate constitutional forms, and sodium chloroplatinate is more suitable in the 
 primary stages of the disease. The former has been described as analogous in its effects 
 to the chlorides of gold and mercury. The dose of it is stated to be Gm. 0.008-0.03 
 (gr. i-J) several times a day in mucilage or pill. A solution of Gm. 2 in Gm. 250 
 (gr. xxx in f^viij) of water has been used as an injection in leucorrhaa and gleet , and a 
 liniment containing Gm. 0.12 to Gm. 32 (gr. ij in §j) of olive oil or lard has been applied 
 to indolent ulcers. 
 
 
 
 PLUMBI ACETAS, U. S., Br.— Lead Acetate, 
 
 Plumbum aceticum , P. G. ; Acetas plumbicus, Saccharum saturni. — Sugar of lead \ E. ; 
 Acetate de plornb, (Sucre') de saturne , Fr. ; Essigsaures Bleioxyd , Bleizucher , G. 
 
 Formula Pb(C 2 H a 0 2 ) 2 3 H 2 0. Molecular weight 378. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lead Oxide, in fine powder, 24 ounces ; Acetic Acid 2 
 pints or a sufficiency ; Distilled Water 1 pint. Mix the acetic acid and the water, add 
 the lead oxide, and dissolve with the aid of a gentle heat. Filter, evaporate till a pellicle 
 forms, and set aside to crystallize, first adding a little acetic acid should the fluid not 
 have a distinctly acid reaction. Drain, and dry the crystals on filtering-paper without 
 heat. — Br. 
 
 The process described is frequently followed on a large scale. Sometimes, however, 
 metallic lead is dissolved in acetic acid, which requires to be done in the presence of air, 
 since the metal is unable to displace the hydrogen of the acid. Plates of lead are placed 
 endwise in open vessels containing acetic acid, one-half of their length projecting above 
 the liquid, and as fast as the metal under these conditions is oxidized by the oxygen of 
 the air, it is dissolved, so that the formation of the salt in both cases is the result of the 
 action between plumbic oxide and acetic acid, water being formed at the same time ; 
 PbO -f- 2G 2 H 4 0 2 yields Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 + H 2 0. To obtain handsome and well-defined crys- 
 tals the solution must have a very distinct acid reaction ; if it is permitted to become 
 
PLUMB I ACETAS. 
 
 1259 
 
 neutral or faintly acid, a portion of the salt forms small granular crystals agglomerated 
 into soft cauliflower-like masses, containing perhaps a basic lead compound. 
 
 For uses in the arts large quantities of impure lead acetate are prepared from wood- 
 vinegar, and vary in color from various shades of brown to pale-red and white. 
 
 Properties. — Pure lead acetate crystallizes in colorless, glossy, transparent or trans- 
 lucent prisms, which are often tabular and have an acetous odor and a sweet astringent 
 and metallic taste. It is slightly efflorescent in the air, and 
 on continued exposure is superficially converted into lead car- 
 bonate. When heated to 40° C. (i04° F.) the salt loses its 
 water of crystallization (14.25 per cent.). It fuses at 200° C. 
 
 ( 392° F.) with the loss of acetic acid and, when strongly 
 heated, it is completely decomposed, with the evolution of carbon 
 dioxide and acetone, and leaving a residue of finely divided 
 metal mixed with oxide and carbonate. It also loses its water 
 of crystallization over sulphuric acid and by the action of abso- 
 lute alcohol, crystallizing from this liquid in an anhydrous 
 condition ; but when dissolved in hot stronger alcohol the salt 
 crystallizes on cooling with 2H 2 0. It dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 2.3 parts, and at 
 the boiling-point in J part of water. The solution has a slight acid reaction, and if 
 concentrated and mixed with strong alcohol, gradually separates a portion of the salt in 
 crystals. It dissolves also in about 1 part of boiling and in 21 parts of cold alcohol, U. S. 
 (29 parts P. Gr.), and is precipitated from this solution as a crystalline powder on the 
 addition of ether. The aqueous solution of the salt has a slightly acid reaction, and yields 
 a black precipitate with hydrogen sulphide test-solution, a yellow one with potassium 
 iodide test-solution, and a white one with diluted sulphuric acid. On heating the salt in 
 the flame of the blowpipe upon charcoal globules of metallic lead are obtained, sur- 
 rounded by a reddish-yellow incrustation. The salt is decomposed by the mineral and 
 many organic acids, acetic acid being liberated. 
 
 Tests. — Lead acetate should yield a clear solution with distilled water. A slight 
 turbidity resulting from the presence of a little carbonate must disappear on the addition 
 of a small quantity of acetic acid. Perfect solubility indicates the absence of sulphate 
 and notable quantities of chloride. The aqueous solution, completely precipitated by 
 hydrogen sulphide, should yield a filtrate which is not precipitated by ammonia and 
 ammonium sulphide (zinc, etc.) or oxalic acid (calcium, barium), and does not leave 
 any fixed residue on being evaporated to dryness (alkalies). Small quantities of copper 
 would be indicated by the blue color of the filtrate obtained after precipitating the solu- 
 tion of the salt with an excess of ammonia. Potassium ferrocyanide should yield a 
 white precipitate (absence of copper, iron, etc.), and on treating the salt with sulphuric 
 acid in the presence of a crystal of ferrous sulphate a black color should not be produced 
 (nitrate). “ A 10 per cent, solution of the salt, prepared with water which has recently 
 been boiled, should be clear, or only slightly opalescent (limit of carbonate).” — U. S. 
 “38 grains of lead acetate dissolved in water require for complete precipitation 200 
 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid.” — Br. 
 
 Plumbum aceticum crudum, P. G. The solution of the salt in 3 parts of distilled 
 water may be opalescent, but should yield a white (not a colored) precipitate with potas- 
 sium ferrocyanide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Locally applied, a solution of lead acetate blanches and cor- 
 rugates the skin ; hence it is said to be astringent. It is shown to be a cardiac sedative 
 by its power of reducing the pulse-rate. An overdose, besides causing a sense of constric- 
 tion and sweetness in the mouth, soon excites pain in the abdomen, with vomiting and 
 diarrhoea, which is sometimes bloody ; the limbs tremble and are affected with slight 
 spasms, or even convulsions. Sometimes there is a giddiness like that of intoxication. 
 There may be fever, hurried respiration, and scanty urine. (Compare Lancet , Oct. 1889, 
 p. 853.) Recovery from acute lead-poisoning is the rule, however severe the primary 
 symptoms may be. Doses of from 2 to 8 drachms of the acetate have been taken with- 
 out injury, but sometimes also a protracted derangement of the digestion is induced, 
 which ultimately proves fatal. One case is recorded in which a drunken man took 3 
 ounces of this salt, and, although not treated for twenty-four hours, recovered (Luck). 
 A singular case of death by lead acetate was that of a woman who while using this salt 
 as a vaginal injection was seized with peritonitis, of which she died. A precipitate of 
 lead sulphide was found on the surface of the peritoneum (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 
 1880, p. 577). 
 
 Fig. 225. 
 
 Crystal of Lead Acetate. 
 
1260 
 
 PLUMB I A GET AS. 
 
 The long-continued use of medicinal doses of lead acetate produces a metallic taste 
 in the mouth, tenderness and swelling of the gums, and often a bluish line of lead sul- 
 phide where they are attached to the incisor teeth — especially in persons who neglect their 
 teeth and allow food to accumulate and become decomposed between them — slowness and 
 feebleness of the pulse, colic, a sense of constriction of the trunk, and some numbness of 
 the hands and feet. To these symptoms may be added fetid breath, loosening of the teeth, 
 blackened faeces, neuralgic pains in the legs first, and then in the arms, and the presence 
 of lead in the urine and upon the skin revealed by chemical tests. It may be remarked, 
 however, that these effects must be very rare indeed, since hardly any of the physicians 
 who prescribe the medicine habitually have witnessed them. The most common evidence 
 of chronic lead-poisoning is a peculiar paralysis of the extensor muscles (not of the supi- 
 nators) of the hands first, and subsequently of the legs. It has been produced by hair- 
 dyes and face-powders, by lotions, ointments, plasters, etc,, containing lead; in type- 
 founders and compositors by handling type ; by the use of snuff, wine, cider, beer, water, 
 flour, and even air loaded with particles of lead pigment or impregnated with lead, as in 
 freshly-painted rooms ; by the use of food put up in leaden coverings or cooked in leaden 
 utensils (particularly canned food, and derived chiefly from the solder), and by chewing 
 tobacco kept in leaden wrappers. Among those who work in lead in its manufacture or 
 in its use as a pigment, or who drink liquors impregnated with it, the most usual effect is 
 the so-called painter’s colic, which appears to be a neuralgia with spasmodic contraction 
 of the intestines. Poisoning due to these and analogous causes may be traced to lead in 
 various combinations, and not to the acetate alone. Among such compounds the chromate 
 is chargeable with many serious and even fatal consequences, particularly when it is used 
 to give a “ rich ” color to pastry. (Compare Stewart, Med. News , 1. 676 ; li. 753 ; Reese, 
 ib., li. 229.) The investigations of Friedlander into the nature of the lesions causing 
 lead-paralysis led him to conclude that lead affects the structure of muscles as well as 
 their function, causing wasting of the nuclei of their cells and an atrophy of their fibres. 
 Next in order, and probably as an effect, a degeneration of the nerves of the muscles 
 takes place. Hence a paralysis is produced which is essentially peripheral, and which 
 leads to the rapid atrophy of the affected muscles. This opinion is opposed to that of 
 Popow, given above. 
 
 Besides the paralysis of the extensor muscles, which is apt to result in their atrophy 
 and a corresponding rigid contraction of the opposing flexors, other nervous symptoms 
 arise from the same poison, and delirium, convulsion, or coma gives characteristic features 
 to the attack. The delirium varies from mere wandering of the mind to maniacal violence ; 
 the convulsive attacks are generally epileptiform, and coma may either follow convulsion 
 or occur independently of it. After death the only apparent lesion may be hypertrophy 
 of the brain. 
 
 In many cases of chronic lead-poisoning albuminuria has been observed and lead 
 detected in the bile and urine ; in pregnancy the death of the foetus and abortion are very 
 apt to occur. Where paralysis has long continued the muscles and the nerves that supply 
 them, as well as the corresponding brain-centres, are atrophied, and sulphuret of lead has 
 been extracted from the spinal cord after death (Fisher, Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1892, 
 p. 51). 
 
 When a poisonous dose of lead acetate has been taken, magnesium sulphate in a large 
 quantity of water, with the addition of ipecacuanha, should be given to neutralize the 
 poison and favor its rejection by vomiting. Afterward the solution of magnesium 
 sulphate should be continued, as an antidote to whatever portion of the lead salt may 
 have reached the intestine and to cause its expulsion by purgation. If pain exists, it 
 should be palliated by opiates, especially by the hypodermic injection of morphine. The 
 ordinary treatment of lead colic consists in the methodical use of opiates and evacuants — 
 the former hypodermically, the latter in the form of a solution of sulphate of magnesium 
 or of sodium with tartar emetic, while large purgative enemata are repeatedly adminis- 
 tered and large and warm emollient cataplasms are applied to the abdomen. Instead of 
 saline cathartics, croton oil may be used. The action of purgatives may be aided, or even 
 superseded, by that of induced electricity, which has the advantage of relieving the pain 
 at the same time. Alum, as elsewhere stated, is a most valuable remedy in this affection, 
 and by some is held to be superior to purgatives. 
 
 In the more chronic forms of lead-poisoning the chief dependence must be placed upon 
 potassium iodide, which carries off the lead with the urine, and upon sulphurous baths, 
 which remove it as it is eliminated from the skin, while means are taken to stimulate the 
 paralyzed muscles by means of friction, massage, and, above all, by induced electricity. 
 
PLVMBI ACETAS. 
 
 1261 
 
 It is true that the use of potassium iodide as a means of eliminating lead from the 
 system has been objected to on the ground that it must form an insoluble iodide of lead, 
 and therefore only confirm the hold of the poison upon the tissues. Whether this must 
 be the result of administering the remedy or not may be left to ingenious scientists to 
 determine for their own satisfaction, while physicians continue to cure their patients by 
 means which time as well as reason has approved. Meanwhile, it should be observed 
 that under the use of the potassium iodide in cases of lead-paralysis, lead is actually 
 found in the urine ( Monthly Abst ., Feb. 1881, p. 122; Edinb. Med. Jour., xxviii. 651). 
 A possible source of error in testing urine for lead by means of potassium iodide is 
 the fact that if the patient is taking bismuth a yellow iodide of that metal will be formed, 
 identical in appearance with the lead iodide (Putnam, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 
 1883, p. 815). As a stimulant to the spinal centres of muscular motion strychnine is of 
 extreme utility. The cerebral affections produced by lead are but little under the con- 
 trol of any medicine except opium, which is of great value in subduing delirium in the 
 maniacal form. 
 
 Among internal styptics which act after absorption into the blood none is so general in 
 its application or certain in its effects as lead acetate. It is said to be more efficient 
 in active than in passive haemorrhages, but the rule, if it be one, is not absolute. It has 
 repeatedly and unequivocally displayed its virtues in haemoptysis, not so distinctly in uterine 
 haemorrhage connected with menstruation and with parturition, and still less conspicu- 
 ously, though decidedly, in haemorrhage from the stomach, bowels, and kidneys ; in all of 
 which cases ergot, the chlorides of iron, creosote and its congeners, excel it. 
 
 The sedative action of lead acetate upon the heart, and its power of promoting coagula- 
 tion of the blood, are thought to be illustrated by cures of sacculated aneurism alleged to 
 have taken place under its use ; and, although the evidence may not be conclusive, it is 
 strong enough to inspire a certain degree of confidence in this plan of treatment. The 
 same may be said of hypertrophy of the heart. But in the latter case the utility of the 
 medicine is less demonstrable and more improbable. 
 
 In chronic dysentery and diarrhoea lead acetate is one of the most valuable medicines 
 of its class when given by the mouth and also by the rectum ; and the same is true of 
 its use in the decline of the acute form of the first-named disease. While the febrile 
 symptoms continue it should seldom be employed. It is best administered in doses of 
 Gm. 0.06-0.12 (1 or 2 grains) three or four times a day, associated with a grain or less 
 of opium or 2 or 3 grains of Dover’s powder. In some cases of tympanites due to 
 indigestion, and of the same condition during typhoid fever , it has afforded relief. 
 
 The astringency it manifests in the diseases already named has been further shown in 
 pulmonary affections with excessive secretion. It has long been in common use for 
 diminishing the sputa in tubercular phthisis and chronic bronchitis , as well as for checking 
 sweats in both diseases. In whooping cough with profuse bronchial secretion it has also 
 been used. It has been recommended as the safest and best remedial agent in pneumonia 
 ( Lancet , Dec. 1889, p. 1192), and particularly as superior to digitalis, tartar emetic, arid 
 veratrum ; which may very well be, since these medicines are worse than useless in the 
 disease. 
 
 In various nervous diseases, including epilepsy, neuralgia, chorea, and hysteria, it has 
 been alleged to be curative ; but this statement is without substantial foundation, except 
 in regard to epilepsy, but that disease has seldom been treated by lead acetate. 
 
 Lead acetate has been less frequently employed than the subacetate as an astringent 
 of external parts, yet it may be applied with advantage in lotions to contusions , excori- 
 ations, sprains, fractures, etc. It is more conveniently employed in collyria for conjunc- 
 tivitis , both acute and chronic, and as an injection into the urethra in gonorrhoea and into 
 the vagina in leucorrlioea. In chronic granular conjunctivitis finely-powdered acetate of 
 lead has been applied to the mucous surface of the eyelids ; but neither the powder nor 
 the solution of any salt of lead should be applied to corneal ulcers, lest the undissolved 
 particles should be retained during cicatrization and occasion permanent opacity. A prep- 
 aration which is in reality a solution of lead subacetate has been made with lead acetate 
 5 parts, litharge 31 parts, glycerin 20 parts. These ingredients, on being exposed to a 
 temperature of 350° F. for some time and filtered through a hot-water funnel, furnish a 
 clear viscid glycerole containing 120 grains of lead subacetate to the ounce. When used, 
 it can be diluted with glycerin. It is stated to be peculiarly applicable to the treatment 
 of certain forms of chronic eczema , especially of the lower extremities. It appears to be 
 most useful when the affection is extensive, of a dusky hue, accompanied by much weep- 
 ing, oozing, and infiltration of the skin, together with swelling of the subcutaneous tissue 
 
1262 
 
 PLUMBI CARBON AS. 
 
 and a full and varicose condition of the veins. Its diligent application should be followed 
 by careful bandaging (Duhring and Van Harlingen). 
 
 As a styptic the dose of lead acetate should be not less than Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij) every 
 hour, and generally associated with opium. As much as Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) every hour 
 has been used successfully, and without damage, in certain cases of haemorrhage. In 
 diarrhoeal and dysenteric affections Gm. 0.06 with Gm. 0.03 of opium (gr. j with gr. ss), 
 three or four times a day, is the average dose ; and for colliquative sweats Gm. 0.12 I 
 (gr. ij) several hours before the usual time of appearance of the symptom. 
 
 PLUMBI CARBONAS, U . S ., Br.— Lead Carbonate. 
 
 Cerussa, P. G. : Plumbum carbonicum , s. hydrico-carbonicum , Carbonas plumbicus. — 
 White lead, E. ; Carbonate ' de plomb, Blanc de plomb, Ceruse, Fr. ; Bleiweiss , Bleicar- 
 bonat, G. 
 
 Formula 2PbC0 3 .Pb(0H) 2 = Pb 3 (C0 3 ) 2 (0H) 2 . Molecular weight 772.82. 
 
 Preparation. — On passing carbon dioxide gas through a solution of lead acetate, 
 or on adding an alkali carbonate to a solution of a neutral lead salt, a precipitate of 
 PbC0 3 is obtained, which, as a pigment, has less body than the basic salt. The latter is 
 obtained in two ways. One method, known as the Dutch process, is as follows: Cast sheets 
 of lead are suspended in earthen pots containing a small quantity of vinegar or pyrolig- 
 neous acid ; a number of these pots are arranged in rows, alternating with layers of dung 
 or spent tan, until a shed is filled, which is entirely covered with the same material. A 
 warm and moist atmosphere, charged with carbon dioxide, is thus produced in the shed, 
 favorable for the oxidation of the metal and its conversion by the acetic vapors into basic , 
 lead acetate, which is decomposed by the carbon dioxide, yielding white lead and neutral 
 acetate. The latter again unites with a fresh portion of oxide, forming basic lead ace- 
 tate, which is again acted upon by the carbon dioxide, and the process continues until, in 
 the course of a few weeks, the lead is completely covered with a thick crust of white lead, 
 which is detached, ground with water, and washed to remove lead acetate and dried. 
 Various modifications of this process have been recommended and are in use, the most ■ 
 important one being that largely used in Austria, where the sheet lead is suspended in ■ 
 wooden boxes, vapors of acetic acid, moisture, and carbon dioxide being supplied in 
 various waj^s ; a number of such boxes are placed in a suitable room, where the tempera- 
 ture is slowly raised from about 25° to 50° C. (77° to 132° F.), until, after several weeks, 
 the conversion is completed. 
 
 The other method is known as Thenard's process , according to which a solution of lead , 
 subacetate is prepared in the usual way, and carbon dioxide passed through it, the fil- 
 trate from the precipitate being again used in the preparation of the lead solution. This . 
 process has been modified by Benson, so that levigated litharge is mixed with 1 or 2 per 
 cent, of sugar of lead and sufficient water to form a thin paste, which, with frequent stir- 
 ring, is exposed to the action of carbon dioxide until this ceases to be absorbed ; the car- 
 bonate is washed with water. 
 
 Properties.— Commercial lead carbonate is in pulverulent masses or forms a non- 
 gritty, heavy, white powder, which is not altered on exposure to air unless hydrogen 
 sulphide be present, when it turns black. It is inodorous, and at first tasteless, but grad- 
 ually develops a slight sweetish and metallic taste. It is insoluble in w r ater and alcohol, 
 but dissolves with effervescence in diluted acetic or nitric acid. The solutions yield with 
 sulphuric acid a white, and with potassium iodide a yellow, precipitate. The white pre- 
 cipitates occasioned in the solution by soda and potassa are soluble in an excess of the 
 precipitant. Heated to 155° C. (311° F.), lead carbonate parts with its water ; near 
 180° C. (356° F.) it begins to lose carbon dioxide and turns yellow, and when heated 
 before the blowpipe upon charcoal it yields metallic globules of lead, surrounded by a 
 reddish-yellow incrustation. 
 
 Tests. — Lead carbonate may be adulterated with the sulphates of lead, barium, or 
 calcium, which would be left behind as a white residue upon treatment with dilute nitric 
 acid ; only a trifling residue should be left. On adding to this solution an excess of caustic 
 soda, the white precipitate at first formed should be completely dissolved (calcium salt), 
 and this alkaline solution should not be rendered permanently turbid on the addition of 1 
 drop of diluted sulphuric acid (barium carbonate) ; but on precipitating the solution com- 
 pletely with sulphuric acid the filtrate should be colorless, and should not be precipitated 
 or colored by potassium ferrocyanide (zinc, etc.) or by an excess of ammonia, copper, 
 alumina (/*. G.). The solution in diluted nitric acid on being completely precipi- 
 
PLUMB I 10 DID UM. 
 
 1263 
 
 tated by hydrogen sulphide should yield a filtrate that is not rendered turbid by sul- 
 phuric acid. 
 
 If 2 dm. of the salt be dissolved in a mixture of 2 Cc. of nitric acid and 10 Cc. of 
 water, it should not leave more than 0.02 Gm. of residue (limit of insoluble foreign salts). 
 On completely precipitating the solution with hydrogen sulphide, the filtrate should not 
 leave more than a trifling residue on evaporation (limit of salts of the alkalies, alkaline 
 earths, or zinc). If 1 Gm. of the salt be strongly ignited in a porcelain crucible, it should 
 leave a residue of lead oxide weighing not less than 0.85 Gm.” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — White lead is an oxycarbonate, and has the formula given above, in 
 which case it will leave a residue of 86.2 per cent, upon being heated to redness. But 
 the composition may vary from the presence of other oxycarbonates, and the residue left 
 on ignition has been found as low as 83.7 and as a high as 86.7 per cent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is only used externally in the form of a powder 
 to protect irritated surfaces, as in erythema , erysipelas, intertrigo , etc., and to produce con- 
 striction of the congested skin. It should never be applied where the cuticle is broken, 
 as it is one of the most poisonous of the salts of lead. It enters into an official ointment, 
 and it is sometimes used in the form of white paint, mixed with linseed oil, as an appli- 
 cation to superficial burns and scalds and to erysipelas , but care should be taken to apply 
 it only to the unbroken skin. 
 
 PLUMBI IODIDUM, V. S., Br.— Lead Iodide. 
 
 Plumbum iodatum , Ioduretum plumbicum. — Iodure de plornb , Fr. ; Jodblei , G. 
 
 Formula Pbl 2 . Molecular weight 459.46. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lead Nitrate, Potassium Iodide, each 4 ounces ; Distilled 
 Water a sufficiency. Dissolve the lead nitrate by the aid of heat in 1J pints and the 
 potassium iodide in j pint of the water, and mix the solutions. Collect the precipitate on 
 a filter, wash it with distilled water, and dry it at a gentle heat. — Br. 
 
 The reaction between the two salts results in the production of potassium nitrate, which 
 remains in solution, and lead iodide, which precipitates : Pb(N0 3 ) 2 + 2KI yields 2KN0 3 
 -j- Pbl 2 . The quantities ordered by the Br. Ph. are almost exactly in equivalent 
 proportions, and the yield is 5J ounces. Boudet (1847) ascertained that lead acetate 
 cannot be advantageously used in the preparation of the iodide, inasmuch as double 
 iodide of lead and potassium is invariably produced, and remains dissolved in the newly- 
 formed potassium acetate. The nitrate does not exert any similar influence ; hence 
 nearly the whole theoretical quantity of lead iodide is obtained by the official process. 
 
 Properties. — Lead iodide, if precipitated in the cold, is a bright-yellow powder, and 
 if obtained from boiling solutions crystallizes in thin, shining, golden-yellow scales. It has 
 the spec. grav. 6.1, is inodorous, of a slight metallic taste, and when heated turns brick-red 
 or blackish-brown, and, if air be excluded, fuses to a red-brown liquid, and volatilizes, 
 partly undecomposed, at a strong red heat ; on cooling it gradually acquires again its yellow 
 color. When heated in contact with air it melts, iodine is given off’, and basic lead iodide 
 remains behind, having an orange-yellow or amber-yellow color. It is permanent in a 
 dry atmosphere, but when exposed to the light while moist is slowly decomposed, lead 
 dioxide and carbonate being formed, besides free iodine. Denot (1834) ascertained that 
 it requires 1235 parts of cold and 187 parts of boiling water for solution. According to 
 Lassaigne (1831), the aqueous solution, saturated at 20° C. (68° F.), contains .17 per 
 cent. (1 in 590) and at 100° C. .39 per cent. (1 in 200) of lead iodide. The IT. S. Phar- 
 macopoeia gives its solubility in cold water (at 15° C.) as being 1 in about 2000 parts. 
 These solutious are colorless and neutral to test-paper. The salt dissolves more readily 
 in solutions of ammonium chloride, sodium thiosulphate, and of soluble iodides and alkali 
 acetates, and is at least partly converted into double iodides. Alcohol dissolves very 
 little of the salt, and, according to Vogel, boiling ether decomposes it, dissolving iodine 
 and leaving pale-yellow oxyiodide. 
 
 Tests. — If 1 Gm. of the salt be triturated with 2 Gm. of ammonium chloride and 2 
 Cc. of water, a nearly white mixture will result. If this be transferred to a test-tube and 
 heated in a water-bath for a few minutes, a clear and almost colorless solution should be 
 formed (absence of chromate and other insoluble foreign salts). On cooling this solution 
 a solid mass of nearly colorless, fine, silky crystals will be produced, and on adding water 
 or diluted sulphuric acid to this mass, yellow lead iodide will be separated. If 1 Gm. of 
 the salt be boiled for a few minutes with 20 Cc. of water, the mixture then cooled and 
 filtered, the lead removed from the filtrate by hydrogen sulphide, and the new filtrate 
 
1264 
 
 PLUMB I NITBAS. 
 
 somewhat concentrated by evaporation, a portion of this liquid when mixed with a little 
 sulphuric acid and tinted with a drop of indigo test-solution, should not become decolor- 
 ized on heating (absence of nitrate). If another portion of the liquid be carefully neu- 
 tralized with ammonia-water, it should not become colored red by a drop of ferric 
 chloride test-solution (absence of acetate). If the remainder of the filtrate be evaporated 
 to dryness, it should leave no residue (absence of soluble foreign salts).” — U. S. 
 
 Uses. — Lead iodide is generally used as an external application in the form of an 
 ointment, which is official. It has, however, been given internally, with alleged advan- 
 tage, to diminish malarial enlargement of the spleen , in the dose of Gm. 0.013 (gr. 1) 
 twice a day in pilular form, and gradually increased. 
 
 PLUMBI NITRAS, U. S., Br.— Lead Nitrate. 
 
 Plumbum nitricum, Nitras (Azotas~) plumbicus. — Azotate ( Nitrate ) de plomb, Fr. ; Sal 
 petersaures Bleioxyd , Bleisalpeter , G. 
 
 Formula Pb(N0 3 ) 2 . Molecular weight 330.18. 
 
 Preparation. — Metallic lead dissolves slowly in warm dilute nitric acid, but litharge 
 or lead carbonate is readily taken up by the acid, the latter with effervescence of carbon 
 dioxide. A solution of lead nitrate is also obtained in the preparation of lead dioxide 
 from the red oxide by digesting it with dilute nitric acid. If prepared from litharge con- 
 taining copper, the resulting copper nitrate remains at first in the mother-liquor, but will 
 contaminate the last crops of crystals, necessitating washing with water and recrystalli- 
 zation. 
 
 Properties. — Lead nitrate crystallizes on slow evaporation in colorless transparent 
 octahedrons. When obtained by the cooling of hot solutions the crystals are white and 
 translucent or opaque. It has the specific gravity 4.4, is not altered by exposure, and 
 when heated decrepitates, fuses, and gives off oxygen and nitrous vapors, leaving finally 
 lead oxide. It is soluble in 2 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 0.75 part of boil- 
 ing water ( U . S.). Kremers (1854) ascertained that 1 part of the salt requires at 10° C. 
 (50° F.) 2.07, at 25° C. (77° F.) 1.65, at 45° C. (113° F.) 1.25, and at the boiling tem- * 
 perature 0.72 parts of water for solution. It is likewise soluble, though less freely, in 
 weak alcoholic liquids, but is nearly insoluble in strong alcohol and in nitric acid. The 
 salt is inodorous, possesses a sweetish astringent and somewhat metallic taste, and defla- 
 grates slightly on being triturated with sulphur or thrown upon red-hot charcoal. Its 
 solution has the reactions of soluble lead salts and of nitrates, contains 62.5 per cent, of 
 lead, and is free from water of crystallization. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution, on being completely precipitated by hydrogen sul- 
 phide, should yield a filtrate which on evaporation leaves no fixed residue (zinc, earths, i 
 and alkalies). The solution should not be rendered turbid by silver nitrate (chloride), 
 and after having been completely precipitated by sodium sulphate should yield a filtrate , 
 which is not colored red by potassium sulphocyanate (iron) nor blue by an excess of 
 ammonia (copper), nor should this ammoniacal liquid be precipitated by ammonium sul- 
 phide or ammonium phosphate (zinc, magnesia). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — In the preparation of Plumbi iodidum. 
 
 Other Lead Salts. — Plumbi chloridum, Lead chloride , PbCl 2 (mol. weight 277.14), is obtained 
 by precipitating a solution of lead salt with hydrochloric acid or sodium chloride. It is a white 
 crystalline powder, which fuses when heated, and congeals to a horn-like mass ( Plumbum cor- 
 neum ). It is soluble in 105 parts of water, sparingly soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid, and 
 more freely so in the same acid when concentrated. It dissolves also in alkali acetates and 
 thiosulphates. 
 
 Plumbi tannas, Lead tannate , is prepared by dropping a solution of tannin into a solution of 
 lead acetate, washing and drying the precipitate. It is at first nearly w r hite, but turns gradually 
 brown. 
 
 Unguentum plumbi tannici, Plumbum tannicum pultiforme, s. Cataplasma ad decubitim, 
 
 P. G ., is made by triturating tannin 1 part with solution of lead subacetate 2 parts, and incor- 
 porating the mixture with 17 parts of lard. It is prepared extemporaneously. 
 
 Action and Uses. — -A solution of lead nitrate (gr. x to ,^j) may be employed as a 
 discutient for bruises and local inflammations, but is much more useful as a deodorizing 
 agent to correct the fetor arising from gangrenous sores and offensive discharges from the 
 nostrils, ears, vagina, and rectum. It is a very efficient remedy for non-constitutional 
 ozsena and a palliative of the syphilitic form. It is best applied by means of the nasal douche 
 in a solution containing from Gm. 0.12—0.30 in Gm. 32 (gr. ij— v in fSjj) of water. As a 
 cicatrizing astringent it is very useful in the treatment of sore nipples when dissolved in 
 
PLUMB I OXIDUM. 
 
 1265 
 
 glycerin or brandy in tbe proportion of Gra. 0.60 to 6m. 32 (gr. x in f^j). It should be 
 applied after suckling, and the child should not be allowed to take the breast again until 
 the nipple has been thoroughly washed. If the ulcer or fissure is deep, a stronger solu- 
 tion than the above may be required. Powdered nitrate of lead appears to be an efficient 
 application to the sanious fungous ulcers resulting from onychia. After the first dress- 
 in", it is said, the pain ceases, the swelling decreases, suppuration is lessened, and the 
 fetid odor is destroj r ed. As the application is painful, it is recommended that the ulcer 
 be first washed with a strong solution of sulphate of morphine or a preparation of cocaine. 
 This lead salt is also stated to have cured several cases of epithelioma when its powder 
 was dusted over the affected part several times (Cheron, Practitioner , xxviii. 46). Chlo- 
 ride of lead has been used externally in an ointment with a view of allaying pain and 
 repressing morbid growth, very much as the ointment of carbonate (or the cerate of sub- 
 acetate) of lead has been employed. It has also been used, like chloride of zinc, as a 
 disinfectant. Tannate of lead has been similarly applied in ointments and liniments and 
 in the Cataplasma ad decubitum above described. 
 
 PLUMBI OXIDUM, U . S ., Br .— Lead Oxide. 
 
 Litliargyrum , Plumbum oxydatum, P. G. — Litharge , E. ; Protoxide de plomb , Fr. ; 
 Bleioxyd, Bleiglatte , G. 
 
 Formula PbO. Molecular weight 222.36. 
 
 Preparation. — Lead oxide is prepared by combining metallic lead with oxygen 
 derived from the air. If heated to near a white heat, lead begins to volatilize, and in 
 contact with the air burns with a bright white flame to oxide, which was formerly known 
 as flowers of lead. When merely heated to fusion the metal oxidizes, forming a yellow 
 amorphous powder known as massicot , but at a higher temperature the oxide melts and 
 congeals in crystalline scales known as litharge , or semi-vitrifed lead oxide. In this state 
 it is obtained in several processes, such as that known as cupellation , in which the lead is 
 oxidized, and the litharge, as it forms, removed by a blast, leaving behind any silver 
 which may have been contained in the lead. An identical product is obtained by passing 
 a current of air over molten lead heated to dull redness and constantly renewing the 
 surface. 
 
 Properties. — Litharge is a more or less crystalline powder which is composed of 
 small scales varying in color between yellowish and pale brick-red. When of a distinct 
 yellow tint and glossy surface it has been called argyritis , yellow , or silver litharge (Silber- 
 glatte, 6r.), while the red-tinted kind is sometimes known as crysitis, red or gold litharge 
 (Goldglatte, Gi). Its density varies between 9.25 and 9.5. It is inodorous and tasteless ; 
 in contact with the atmosphere it gradually combines with a little carbonic acid. When 
 heated, it acquires a red-brown color, and at a higher heat fuses, congealing on cooling in 
 scales. In the presence of even a small proportion of silica it congeals to a glass-like 
 mass, and in the presence of charcoal it is reduced to metallic lead. It is soluble in 
 dilute nitric acid and in hot acetic acid, the solutions showing with reagents the behavior 
 of lead salts. It is now generally conceded that lead oxide is completely insoluble in 
 alcohol and water ; according to older statements, it dissolves in 70,000 parts or more of 
 water after prolonged contact. It appears to he somewhat soluble in water under 
 increased pressure, also in glycerin and in solutions of sugar and other carbohydrates, 
 which on being digested with it acquire a brownish color and a caramel-like odor. 
 
 Tests. — “ Lead oxide should be soluble in diluted nitric acid with but little efferves- 
 cence (limit of carbonate), and without the development of the odor of nitrous acid, 
 leaving not .more than a trifling residue (absence of silicate, barium sulphate, etc.). If 
 from the solution in diluted nitric acid the lead be precipitated by sulphuric acid, the 
 filtrate, after the addition of an excess of ammonia-water, should not assume more than 
 a slight bluish tint (limit of copper), nor yield more than traces of a reddish-yellow pre- 
 cipitate (limit of iron). If 5 Gm. of the oxide contained in a small flask be shaken with 
 5 Cc. of water, then 20 Cc. of acetic acid .added and the mixture boiled for a few min- 
 utes. and filtered, the insoluble residue, when well washed and dried, should not weigh 
 more than 0.075 Gm. (absence of more than 1.5 per cent, of insoluble impurities). When 
 strongly heated in a porcelain crucible the oxide should not lose more than 2 per cent, 
 of its weight (limit of carbonate and of moisture).” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — Pure lead oxide consists of 92.82 lead and 7.18 oxygen. 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Lead oxide is used in the preparation of most lead salts 
 and of plaster. 
 
 80 
 
1266 
 
 PLUMB I OXIDUM. 
 
 Other Oxides and Metallic Lead. — Plumbi oxidum rubrum, Minium, P. G. — Red lead, E. ; 
 Oxyde rouge de plomb, Fr. ; Mennige, G. — On heating massicot to near 450° C. (840° F.) it 
 gradually combines with more oxygen, and is converted into red lead ; the conversion of the 
 denser litharge into red lead is attended with greater difficulties. It is a bright orange-red, 
 granular, crystalline powder, which, on being heated, becomes deeper red, purplish, and finally 
 black, and has a density varying between 8.7 and 9.1. It is partly soluble in dilute nitric acid, 
 leaving lead dioxide •, at a red heat it is converted into litharge, oxygen being given off ; and 
 when heated upon charcoal metallic lead is produced. When mixed with about 20 per cent, of 
 sugar and then treated with dilute nitric acid, it is wholly dissolved. When pure it contains 
 90.66 per cent, of lead and 9.34 of oxygen, its formula being Pb 3 0 4 =2Pb0.Pb0 2 . A variety of 
 red lead less dense than the ordinary kind, and of a bright orange-red color, is used as a pigment 
 under the name of orange mineral or Paris red. 
 
 Plumbi dioxidum. — Lead dioxide (peroxide) Puce oxide of lead, E. ; Peroxyde (Oxyde puce) 
 de plomb, Fr.; Bleihyperoxid, G. This is left behind as an insoluble powder on treating red 
 lead with diluted nitric acid, and is also produced from solution of lead salts by mixing them 
 with an excess of solution of chlorinated lime or chlorinated soda. It is a dark-brown powder, 
 which, on exposure to the light, slowly gives off oxygen, leaving red lead, and by heat is converted 
 into oxygen and litharge. When triturated with one-eighth of its weight of sugar or with its own 
 weight of oxalic acid, it is reduced to oxide or converted into carbonate. Its mixture with sulphur 
 may be ignited by friction — a behavior which renders it useful in the manufacture of matches. 
 Since it readily parts with one-half of its oxygen, it is a valuable reagent for strychnine and some 
 other organic bodies, yielding colored oxidation-products. Its formula is Pb0 2 , and it contains 
 86.61 lead and 13.39 oxygen. 
 
 Plumbum. — Lead, E. ; Plomb, Fr. ; Blei, G. Symbol Pb. Atomicity bivalent or quadriva- 
 lent. Atomic weight 206.4. — Lead has been known from the most remote period. It is found in 
 the United States and many other countries, occasionally as oxide, more frequently as carbonate 
 {white lead ore), or in combination with other acids. The most abundant lead ore is galena , a 
 lead sulphide, PbS, which is frequently associated with the sulphides of zinc, iron, copper, and 
 silver. The metal is obtained from the galena by roasting it, whereby a portion is oxidized to 
 lead sulphate, while another portion parts with its sulphur, which escapes as sulphur dioxide, 
 the metal being converted into oxide. The newly-formed compounds react with the unaltered 
 galena, forming lead, which fuses, and sulphur dioxide, which escapes. A considerable quantity 
 of lead remains in the slag, which is used in a subsequent operation. The extraction of silver 
 is effected by cupellation (see page 287), and the lead oxide is then reduced to the metallic state 
 by heating it with charcoal. 
 
 Lead has a bluish-gray color and a bright metallic lustre. It is a soft metal, and when cooled 
 slowly leaves a mark on being drawn over paper. Its specific gravity is 11.4; it is very malle- 
 able and ductile, but less tenacious than most other common metals ; fuses at 325° C. (617° F.) 
 and volatilizes at a white heat. On congealing, it expands slightly, but afterward contracts con- 
 siderably, and under some circumstances it may be obtained crystallized in regular octahedrons. 
 When exposed to a moist atmosphere it is superficially oxidized and becomes covered with a 
 grayish layer. In contact with water and air or in the presence of a minute quantity of am- 
 monia or of nitric acid, the metal is corroded and small quantities of it are held in solution. 
 Sulphates prevent the lead from being dissolved, or, if dissolved, precipitate an insoluble sulphate. 
 
 In addition to the three oxides described above, the existence of a suboxide, Pb 2 0, has been 
 assumed, but is doubted by many chemists. Lead sesquioxide, Pb 2 0 3 =Pb0.Pb0 2 , has been ob- 
 tained as a yellow precipitate by adding chlorinated soda to an alkaline solution of lead, and 
 more recently (1878) by II. Debray as a greenish-brown powder by heating lead peroxide to 350° 
 
 There are two series of lead salts , in one of which lead is contained in the acidulous radical, 
 while in the other it constitutes the base. The former are called plumbates , and are obtained by 
 heating together lead peroxide with alkali hydroxides ; the alkali plumbates are colorless, de- 
 composed by much water, and yield plumbates of the metals by acting upon metallic salts. The 
 plumbic salts are white or colorless, unless colored by the acid ; mostly insoluble in water, and 
 then usually soluble in dilute nitric acid. The salts, which are soluble in water, have a sweet 
 and metallic taste and an acid reaction to litmus, and their solutions yield white precipitates 
 with carbonates, sulphates, phosphates, and chlorides, the last of which is slightly soluble in 
 water, but less soluble in hydrochloric acid, while the precipitated lead sulphate is insoluble in 
 water and dilute sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. Alkalies produce white precipitates of 
 plumbic hydroxide, which is insoluble in ammonia, but soluble in potassa and soda. Potassium 
 ferrocyanide yields a white precipitate. The precipitates by potassium chromate and potassium 
 iodide are characterized by a bright-yellow color; the latter crystallizes from hot solutions in 
 golden-colored scales. Hydrogen sulphide precipitates black lead sulphide, which is insoluble 
 in dilute acids and in ammonium sulphide. Iron and zinc separate from the solutions of lead 
 salts the lead in the metallic state, and by heating the salts with sodium carbonate upon char- 
 coal before the blowpipe, metallic globules of lead and a reddish-yellow incrustation of lead oxide 
 are obtained. 
 
 Uses. — Oxide of lead is seldom used alone. It enters into the composition of lead 
 plaster, and hence of most of the plasters which owe their adhesiveness to that compound. 
 A mixture of oxide of lead with sweet oil has been applied to superficial burns , and 
 
PODOPHYLLUM. 
 
 1267 
 
 ordinary white paint, containing litharge, linseed oil, and oil of turpentine, is a popular 
 and excellent remedy for the same affection. Care should be taken not to leave it in 
 contact with the broken skin. Gerhardt has proposed a mixture of oxide of lead and 
 potassa as a caustic for condylomata and warts of the glans penis and vagina. It pro- 
 duces a blackish slough,, but does not penetrate deeply. 
 
 PODOPHYLLUM, U. S., Fr. Cod. — Podophyllum ; May-Apple. 
 
 Podophylli rhizoma , Br. — Mandrake-root , E. ; Rhizome de podophyllum , Fr. ; Fuss- 
 hlattwurzel , G. 
 
 The rhizome of Podophyllum peltatum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 17. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Berberidaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Mandrake is an herbaceous perennial growing in rich woodlands in Canada 
 and the United States. The pale-green stem is about 25 or 30 Cm. (10 or 12 inches) 
 high, and bears at its summit two peltate, deeply five- or seven-lobed leaves, which are 
 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) in diameter, and a single white flower with six or nine petals 
 and twice the number of liypogynous stamens. The flowerless stems generally bear only 
 a single leaf. The fruit is a yellowish, oval, fleshy berry, and contains twelve or more 
 seeds, which are enclosed in a pulpy arillus. Collected in autumn, the rhizome loses 
 about 66, and in spring about 75 per cent, on drying. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, several feet long, but as found in com- 
 merce is always in fragments varying from 3 to 20 Cm. (1 to 6 or 8 inches) in length. It 
 consists of joints or annual shoots 25 to 75 Mm. (1 to 3 inches) long, 3—6 Mm. (4 to I 
 inch) thick, and marked with distant leaf-scars. The end of each joint is enlarged 
 to the diameter of about 12 Mm. (I inch), is depressed globular in shape, and occa- 
 sionally branching, has approximate leaf-scars, on the upper side a circular depressed 
 
 Fig. 226 . 
 
 Rhizome of Podophyllum peltatum, Linne. 
 
 stem-scar containing one or two rows of wood-bundles, and on the lower side is beset with 
 from eight to twelve nearly simple rootlets. Bhizome and rootlets are of a yellowish- or 
 reddish-brown color externally, smooth or with longitudinal wrinkles, very brittle, and 
 therefore the radicles often detached ; nearly inodorous, and of a sweetish somewhat 
 bitter and acrid taste. The rhizome is white and mealy inside, and has a rather thick 
 bark and a thin circle of yellowish wood-bundles enclosing a compact central pith. The 
 rootlets have a thick white bark and a thin yellowish central cord. 
 
 Constituents. — The analysis of podophyllum by J. B. Lewis (1847) showed the 
 presence of starch and other common vegetable principles, and of two resins, one soluble, 
 the other insoluble, in ether. According to H. A. Tilden (1859), the rhizome collected 
 in April contains two resins in nearly the same proportion, but C. J. Biddle (1879) 
 showed that the ether-soluble portion varied throughout the year only between 78 and 
 90 per cent, of the total resin. W. A. Saunders (1867) and Snow (1886) showed that 
 the rootlets yield as much resin as the rhizome ; and according to C. J.. Biddle the yield 
 is largest in spring and smallest in summer. The bitter principle was obtained in an 
 impure condition by Hodgson (1831). F. F. Mayer (1863) announced the presence of 
 berberine and another (white) alkaloid, and of saponin, but the investigations of F. B. 
 Power (1877—78), indicate the total absence of saponin and of any alkaloid ; and we have 
 subsequently shown that at all periods of its growth the rhizome is free from alkaloid. 
 The powdered drug, according to Kiirsten (1891), yields successively fat to benzin, 
 podophyllotoxin to chloroform, and podophylloquercetin to ether ; the active podophyllo- 
 toxin crystallizes from hot benzene and is sparingly soluble in water, but freely soluble in 
 acetone. Picropodophyllin is amorphous and more sparingly soluble than the preceding. 
 
1268 
 
 POLYGALA. 
 
 The dry leaves contain, according to Power and Charter (1886), 6 per cent, of soft, 
 dark-green, bitter resin, which is less drastic than the resin of the rhizome. 
 
 Podophyllum Emodi, Wallish, growing in shady valleys in Kashmire and other 
 Himalayan states, has a rhizome resembling that of the American plant, but the tuber- 
 osities and stem-scars are rather crowded ; according to Dymock (1889), it yields 10 per 
 cent, of resin, which is soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and in alkalies, and is 
 an efficient cathartic in doses of | grain ; it is very similar to, and probably identical with, 
 the official resin. 
 
 Tinctura Podophylli, Br . — Resin of podophyllum 160 grs. ; rectified spirit 20 fl. oz. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Workmen employed in pulverizing podophyllum find it exces- 
 sively irritating to the eyes, nose, mouth, respiratory passages, and even to the skin 
 (Med. Record , xii. 357). The resin applied to an ulcer produces its characteristic purga- 
 tive effects with nausea. Internally, in small doses, it is a very slow and gentle laxative, 
 producing formed or semi-solid stools, but in large doses it is a drastic and persistent 
 purge. Its bitter and nauseous taste, when taken in powder or in solution, causes saliva- 
 tion, but under any form, and however introduced into the system, it has the same effect 
 if it occasions nausea, which it does by irritating the stomach. It excites the secretion 
 of bile, if at all, in the same way as it does that of the saliva, by the reflex influence of 
 the irritation produced by it in the stomach and duodenum. In the case of a woman 
 who took 10 grains of podophyllin severe abdominal pains came on in about two hours, 
 but did not last for more than an hour. There was very little pain, and the patient 
 recovered ( Phila . Med. Times , xii. 520). A dose of 88 grains of “ podophyllin ” was 
 fatal to a young woman ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Nov. 1886, p. 436). In another 
 fatal case the dose is said to have been only 5 grains (Med. Record , xxxvii. 409). 
 
 According to Podwyssotski (Arch, f Pathol, u. Phar., xiii. 29), the essential constituent 
 of podophyllum is podophyllotoxin, of which he says that the dose is from one-fourth to 
 one-third of a grain for an adult. 
 
 Podophyllum has, like jalap, the excellent quality of causing a slow but complete 
 evacuation of the bowels, without greatly tending to render them torpid, provided it be 
 given in suitable doses. This quality makes it useful in habitual constipation. For 
 this purpose Gm. 0.01 (1 grain) of podophyllum resin with Gm. 0.013 (1 grain) of 
 extract of belladonna, Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) of extract of hyoscyamus, and Gm. 0.06 
 (1 grain) of soap may be made into a pill to be taken at bedtime. Like other active 
 cathartics, podophyllum resin in removing constipation removes also one of the causes 
 which tend to prolong constipation — the condition which is generally spoken of as torpor 
 of the liver , and which is attended with hepatic fulness and perhaps some yellowness of 
 the skin, and which is, in fact, generally due to the infarction of the excretory ducts of 
 the liver with inspissated bile. It nearly always arises from sluggish habits of living, im- 
 prudence in diet, and neglect of the function of defecation. In the constipation produced 
 by lead the following formula may be employed : R . Podophylli resin, gr. ss ; Ext. nucis 
 vom. gr. j ; Ext. belladonna gr. ss ; for a pill to be taken two or three times a day. Like 
 other drastic cathartics, it has been used in minute doses for the treatment of diarrhoea. 
 
 The dose of powdered podophyllum as a purgative is Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx) ; the 
 dose of the extract is about the same ; as a laxative, Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). The 
 strength of resin of podophyllum is uncertain, and its dose varies from Gm. 0.01-0.06 
 (gr. i-j) and upward. It seldom begins to act in less than twelve hours. It has been 
 given in varnished capsules, which are supposed not to dissolve before reaching the 
 duodenum, and thus nausea and gastric irritation are alleged to be prevented. The 
 following may be found a convenient formula: R. Podophyllum gr. ij ; tincture of 
 ginger ft;ij ; diluted alcohol to f^ij. — M. S. A teaspoonful in a wine-glass of water as 
 a habitual laxative in constipation. Braun states the dose of podophyllum resin to be 
 for a child of thirteen years from to | grain, arid under one year from y 1 ^ to ^ grain ; 
 and of podophyllotoxin, for children under one year, from g!_ to -g 1 ^ grain ; up to four 
 years, to y 1 -^ gr. ; and above that age y 1 ^- to A- grain. It is most conveniently dissolved 
 in the proportion of f grain in about 100 drops of rectified spirit. Of this solution from 
 2 to 10 drops may be given in a teaspoonful of syrup ( Practitioner , xxviii. 54). 
 
 POLY GALA. — Bitter Polygala. 
 
 Poly gale, Laitier , Fr. ; Kreuzblume , Milchwurz , G. ; Poligala amarga , Sp. 
 
 The root and herb of Polygala rubella, Willdenow , s. P. polygama, Walter. 
 
 Nat, Ord. — Polygalaceas. 
 
POTASSA. 
 
 1269 
 
 Description. — The bitter polygala, or bitter milkwort, is a biennial herb growing in 
 dry fields and pastures from Canada southward to the Gulf of Mexico. It has a fusiform 
 root and numerous glabrous nearly simple stems which are 15-20 Cm. (6 to 8 inches) 
 high, and bear a terminal narrow raceme of about fifteen to twenty-five purple, finally 
 pendulous flowers. The leaves are alternate, linear-oblong or oblanceolate, narrowed 
 below, obtuse, and somewhat inucronate. The flowers are showy and conspicuously 
 crested ; racemes of inconspicuous flowers are produced on procumbent stems, and usually 
 fertilized in the bud. The plant is without odor and has a bitter taste. 
 
 Allied Species. — Pol. sanguinea, Lining. It grows in similar localities to the preceding, has 
 the stem fastigiately branched above and leafy to the top ; narrow linear or lance-linear leaves, 
 and terminal globular heads of dark-red and inconspicuously crested flowers. Several others, 
 like Pol. fastigiata, Nuttall , and Pol. Nuttallii, Torrey et Gray , are closely related to it. 
 
 Pol. scoparia, Kunth , is used in a similar manner in Mexico. 
 
 Pol. amara, Linne. It grows in mountainous woods and meadows of Europe, is about 15 Cm. 
 (6 inches) high, has rosulate, obovate, or spatulate radical leaves, smaller linear or oblong linear 
 stem-leaves, and lax racemes of blue flowers. It is used in Europe as Herba polygalce. 
 
 Pol. vulgaris, Linne. A common European perennial about 20 Cm. (8 inches) high, with 
 lanceolate or spatulate radical leaves, longer linear-lanceolate stem-leaves, and short or lax and 
 elongated racemes. 
 
 Pol. major, Jacquin , grows in South-eastern Europe. The root, Radix polygalce hungaricce , is 
 about 38 Mm. (1J inches) long and 4 Mm. (£ inch) thick, has a thin pale yellowish-brown bark, 
 a woody meditullium, and a sweetish, unpleasant, slightly bitter taste. 
 
 Pol. serpentaria, Ecklon et Zcyher. In Southern Africa the root is used as an alexipharmic. 
 It is about 20 Cm. (8 inches) long, light-brown, and has a thin reddish-brown bark. 
 
 Pol. venenosa, Jacquin, a shrub of Java, with large oblong or obovate leaves, is considered to 
 be poisonous. 
 
 Soulamea amara, Lamarck, indigenous to the Moluccas, is a shrub or tree, all parts of which 
 are intensely bitter and are reputed to possess antiperiodic properties. 
 
 Monnixa polystachya, Ruiz et Pavon , is a Peruvian shrub ; the root-bark contains saponin, 
 and is used in diarrhoea and as a substitute for soap in washing and in polishing metals. 
 
 Constituents. — Reinsch (1839) obtained from Polygala amara small quantities of 
 solid volatile oil, tannin, and wax, considerable pectin, and a crystalline compound, poly- 
 galamarin, which has a very bitter taste and foams considerably when agitated with 
 water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Polygala rubella is said to be closely analogous in medicinal 
 virtues to P. amara of Europe. Some of the most recent European works on the materia 
 medica reject the latter altogether. It is, however, a mild bitter tonic, with some influ- 
 ence in bronchial catarrh, and may be convenient in domestic medicine, but scarcely 
 deserves an official rank. P. vulgaris possesses the same virtues essentially. Its active 
 principle is analogous to senegin. 
 
 POTASSA, V. S.— Potassa. 
 
 Potassa caustica, Br. ; Kali causticum fusum, P. G. ; Potassae ( Potassii ) hydras, Kali 
 hydricum fusum , Oxydum potassicum , Lapis causticus chirurgorum . — Caustic potash , 
 Potassium hydroxide, Potassium hydrate, E. ; Potasse caustique, Potasse fondue, Pierre 
 d cautere, Fr. ; Kaliumhydroxyd, Aetzkali, G. 
 
 Formula KOH. Molecular weight 55.99. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Solution of Potash 2 pints. Boil down rapidly in a clean 
 silver vessel until there remains a clear fluid of oily consistence, a drop of which, when 
 removed on a warm glass rod, solidifies on cooling. Pour this into proper moulds, and 
 when it has solidified, and while it is still warm, put it into stoppered bottles. — Br. 
 
 The process by which the solution is made is described and explained on p. 975. This 
 solution is evaporated, and the remaining potassium hydroxide fused until ebullition 
 ceases, and a glass plate laid upon the vessel ceases to become moist from condensed 
 water ; the fused mass is then poured upon a cold iron plate, and after congealing broken 
 into smaller pieces, or it is poured into clean cylindrical iron moulds which have been 
 previously warmed. If it is desired to obtain the potassa in powder, the melted mass 
 while cooling is briskly stirred with a silver spatula or the solid pieces are rapidly trit- 
 urated in a warm iron mortar. The finished product should in all cases be at once put 
 into well-stoppered bottles made of hard glass. Vessels made of glass, porcelain, copper, 
 and of most other materials are corroded by the concentrated solution and the fused 
 hydroxide ; the operation must therefore be performed in a vessel of silver or of well- 
 cleaned iron. 
 
1270 
 
 POTASSA. 
 
 
 Properties. — Caustic potassa is either pulverulent or in irregular pieces of crystal- 
 line texture ; more generally it is in dry white cylindrical pieces, which break readily 
 with a crystalline and somewhat translucent fracture. It is inodorous or has a faint odor 
 of lye ; its taste is strongly caustic and acridly alkaline. It dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 in 0.50 parts of water and in 2 parts of alcohol, and is much more soluble in both 
 liquids at the boiling temperature ( U. S.) ; the taste and reactions of these solutions are 
 strongly alkaline. The alcoholic solution is yellowish, and on keeping turns brown. 
 Potassa is but slightly soluble in ether. On exposure to the air it rapidly absorbs moist- 
 ure, liquefies, and combines with carbon dioxide. When heated to about 530° C. (986° 
 F.) it fuses to a colorless oily liquid, and in a strong red heat it slowly volatilizes, form- 
 ing white acrid vapors. 
 
 Tests. — “ The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should be perfectly clear and colorless 
 (absence of organic matter). After acidulation with hydrochloric acid it yields bright- 
 yellow precipitates with platinic chloride test-solution and with sodium-cobaltic nitrite 
 test-solution. A concentrated aqueous solution (1 in 10), when dropped into tartaric 
 acid test-solution, produces at first a white crystalline precipitate, which redissolves when 
 the potassa is added in excess. If 1 Gm. of potassa be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water 
 and slightly supersaturated with acetic acid, 10 Cc. of the solution should not be colored 
 or rendered turbid by the addition of an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solu- 
 tion (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.), nor by the subsequent addition of ammonia-water 
 in slight excess (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.) The remainder of the acidulated solu- 
 tion should not be rendered turbid by ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence of cal- 
 cium). If a solution of 1.5 Gm. of potassa in 10 Cc. of water be slightly supersaturated 
 with nitric acid, then 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution added, and the precipi- 
 tate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the 
 further addition of more silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). If to a solution of 
 3.5 Gm. of potassa in 10 Cc. of water, strongly supersaturated with hydrochloric acid, 
 0.1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution be added, and the precipitate, if any, removed 
 by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the further addition of barium 
 chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate). If 1 Gm. of potassa be dissolved in 2 Cc. of 
 water and added to 10 Cc. of alcohol, not more than a slight colorless precipitate should 
 occur within ten minutes (limit of silicate). After boiling this alcoholic solution with 
 5 Cc. of calcium hydroxide test-solution and filtering, not the slightest effervescence should 
 take place on adding the filtrate to an excess of diluted hydrochloric acid (limit of car- 
 bonate). If 0.2 Gm. of potassa be dissolved in 2 Cc. of water and carefully mixed with 
 
 4 Cc. of pure sulphuric acid and 2 drops of indigo test-solution, the blue color should 
 not be discharged (limit of nitrate). To test for soda, dissolve 0.56 Gm. of potassa in 
 
 5 Cc. of water, add a few drops of phenolphtalein test-solution, and then from a burette 
 enough tartaric acid test-solution (3 Gm. in 20 Cc.) to accurately neutralize the solution. 
 Next add another volume of the tartaric acid test-solution equal to that first used, and 
 then enough absolute alcohol to completely precipitate the potassium bitartrate formed. 
 Separate the precipitate by filtration and wash it with a little alcohol. The filtrate should 
 not require more than 0.2 Cc. of normal potassium hydroxide solution to restore the red 
 color (absence of more than 1.5 per cent, of soda). To neutralize 0.56 Gm. of potassa 
 should require not less than 9 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (each Cc. of the volumetric 
 solution corresponding to 10 per cent, of pure potassium hydroxide), phenolphtalein being 
 used as indicator.” — U. S. The last test is not strictly accurate unless the total absence 
 of soda is ascertained. 
 
 An impure potassa of a deep-gray or greenish color is sometimes met with. It is unfit 
 for medicinal purposes, and may be purified by treating it with alcohol, which dissolves 
 the alkali, and evaporating this solution to dryness. 
 
 Composition. — The formula of potassa is given above. When pure it contains 
 16.07 per cent. H 2 0 and 83.93 per cent. K 2 0, but as met with in commerce there is 
 usually an excess of water, amounting to 6 or 8 per cent. 
 
 Metallic Potassium and Salts. — Potassium, or Kalium, was first isolated by Humphrey Davy 
 (1807), and is obtained Avith some difficulty by heating potassium hydroxide or sulphide with 
 metallic iron, in which case ferric oxide or sulphide is formed ; or an intimate mixture of potas- 
 sium carbonate and charcoal is heated to strong redness, when carbonic oxide is produced, and 
 the metal distils into a receiver containing petroleum. 
 
 It is silver gray, of a strong metallic lustre, harder than sodium, but softer than lead, fuses at 
 58° C. (136.4° E.), is brittle at the freezing-point of water, and at a red heat volatilizes, forming 
 green vapors. Its density is 0.865, its atomic weight 39.03, and its atomicity univalent. It has 
 
POTASSA. 
 
 1271 
 
 a great affinity for oxygen, and when thrown upon water decomposes this liquid, melts, and burns 
 with a purple flame. ~ It must be preserved under petroleum naphtha which is free from oxygen. 
 There are three oxides of potassium known — the monoxide, K 2 0, dioxide, K 2 0. 2 , and tetroxide , 
 K,0 4 , of which only the former is of importance on account of the uses in medicine and the arts 
 to which its combinations with water and acids are put. 
 
 Potassium Salts. Potassa is a very strong base, and completely neutralizes the strongest 
 acids. The salts are colorless, unless the acid has a distinct color, and are neutral to test-paper, 
 except those with weak acids, which have a distinct alkaline reaction. They are mostly readily 
 soluble in water, and in such solutions, if not too dilute, are precipitated in a gelatinous condi- 
 tion by hydrofluosilicic acid, and in a crystalline form by tartaric acid, acid sodium tartrate, so- 
 dium eobaltic nitrite, platinic chloride, and sodium picrate. The last three precipitates are yellow, 
 the others white. When heated before the blowpipe the potassium salts impart a purplish tinge 
 to the flame, which is masked by the presence of a small quantity of sodium salt. The yellow 
 color of the latter is absorbed by looking at the flame through blue glass, and the potassium flame 
 becomes then visible. 
 
 Potassa is used in the preparation of numerous other potassium compounds: the following 
 new salts have been introduced during the last two or three years : 
 
 Potassii cantharidas, Potassium cantharidate, C 10 H 12 K 2 O 5 .2H 2 O. If cantharidin be heated 
 with twice its weight of potassium hydroxide and 100 parts of water in a flask on a water-bath, 
 a clear solution of potassium cantharidate will be obtained 5 the solution is usually diluted by the 
 gradual addition of warm water to such an extent that each Cc. shall contain 0.0002 Gm. of can- 
 tharadin. The salt may be obtained in crystals having the above composition and soluble in 25 
 parts of water ; the addition of acids to the aqueous solution causes the separation of cantharidin, 
 not cantharidic acid, which latter has never been obtained in a free state. Potassium canthari- 
 date was first recommended by Liebreich in 1891 for hypodermic injection in the treatment of 
 certain forms of tuberculosis. The average dose for adults is 1-1.5 Cc. of a solution of the salt, 
 representing 0.0002-0.0003 Gm. (3^4— 2T6 g ra i n ) of cantharidin. 
 
 Potassii osmas, Potassium osmate, K 2 0s0 4 .2H 2 0. This salt is preferred by many to pure osmic 
 acid (see page 48). It is prepared by adding potassium hydroxide to an alcoholic solution 
 of osmium tetroxide ; the liquid assumes a beautiful red color, and if concentrated, the potas- 
 sium osmate will separate as a crystalline powder. Slow evaporation of dilute solutions produces 
 deep garnet-red crystals of octahedral shape, which are readily soluble in water, of a sweetish as- 
 tringent taste, and permanent in dry air ; in moist air the salt deliquesces and is decomposed ; 
 hence solutions of the salt are not very stable. Potassium osmate is generally used hypoder- 
 mically in form of a 1 per cent, solution ; internally it may be given in pill form, in doses of 
 
 0. 001-0.0015 Gm. (gb — tx g ra i n ). 
 
 Potassii telluras, Potassium tellurate, K 2 Te0 4 . This compound and the corresponding sodium 
 salt, Na 2 Te0 4 , are prepared by neutralizing an aqueous solution of pure crystallized telluric acid 
 with potassium and sodium hydroxide respectively, evaporating the solution to dryness, and wash- 
 ing the residue with alcohol. Both salts occur as a white crystalline powder, readily soluble in 
 water, but insoluble in alcohol ; a 2 per cent, aqueous solution should not at once yield a black 
 precipitate upon addition of stannous chloride solution, showing the absence of tellurious acid. 
 The alkali tellurates have been recommended as antihydrotics in daily doses of 0.05 Gm. (about 
 4 grain), to be given at bedtime ; they have been used with effect in arresting the night-sweats 
 of phthisis, but communicate an intense garlicky odor to the breath, which is but slightly modified 
 by peppermint. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassa is one of the strongest caustics. It destroys animal 
 tissue by abstracting water, neutralizing free acids, decomposing nitrogenous compounds, 
 and forming solutions of fibrin, albumen, and gelatin. Between the fingers it has a soapy 
 feel. In contact with the soft tissues it causes severe burning pain, and produces a moist, 
 ashen, and then black, leathery slough, which leaves a granulating ulcer behind it. 
 
 The symptoms of poisoning by a solution of potassa are these : An acrid, urinous, and 
 caustic taste in the mouth, burning in the throat ; nausea, and vomiting of alkaline matters, 
 which are usually bloody ; intense pain in the fauces, oesophagus, stomach, and bowels ; 
 diarrhoea, convulsions, delirium ; a cold, clammy skin, and, if the dose has been large and 
 not instantly rejected, speedy death. Sometimes death takes place from inflammation of 
 the larynx ; sometimes, after several weeks from the gastro-intestinal lesions (which con- 
 sist of more or less destruction of the mucous membrane, etc.) ; and, finally, it may occur 
 after several months from stricture of the oesophagus. A case is recorded in which life 
 was maintained for forty days by nutrient enemata exclusively {Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., 
 
 1. 558). 
 
 In small or medicinal doses potassa increases the amount of urine secreted, rendering 
 it less acid ; in larger or in long-continued doses it diminishes the coagulability of the 
 blood, and may give rise to a cachectic condition, with paleness and oedema of the skin, 
 passive haemorrhages, and general emaciation — a state identical with that occurring in 
 
 scurvy. 
 
 Potassa in solution is used as an antacid to correct acidity of the stomach which pro- 
 
1272 
 
 POTASS A CUM CALCE. 
 
 cceds either from fermentation of the contents of the organ or from an excessive amount 
 of its proper secretion, and which is accompanied by heartburn, sour eructations, aphthae, 
 spasm of the oesophagus, vomiting, gastric cramp, colic, tympanites, irregular diarrhoea, 
 etc. In treating such conditions with alkalies the acidity is indeed palliated, but its 
 cause must be removed to make a cure certain, and that is usually best secured by means 
 of tonic medicines and regimen. For the relief of calculous disorders potassa is less 
 appropriate than soda and its carbonates. Gm. 1.30 (20 minims) of solution of potassa 
 largely diluted are said to prevent and also to relieve strangury from cantliarides. For- 
 merly, this medicine was considered as almost a specific in the treatment of glandular 
 scrofula , but the influence of the hygienic conditions existing at the same time appears 
 to have been underrated. It should not, however, be neglected, but given in the dose 
 of Gm. 0.30 (5 drops), largely diluted, after meals. Solution of potassa is useful in 
 some cases of acne rosacea , and in the treatment of boils it has been thought efficient. 
 
 Externally, potassa is used chiefly as a caustic to promote the healing of callous ulcers 
 and sinuses and to destroy fungous granulations. It has been especially employed to 
 destroy chancres in their first stage and to cauterize 'poisoned wounds. It is much used in 
 the treatment of ingrown nail and paronychia , and was formerly employed for opening 
 scrofulous abscesses. It has been applied as a counter-irritant in diseases of the hip-joint 
 and other joints, and for the purpose of exciting inflammation in the ends of ununited 
 fractured bones ; but these uses, as well as its application to carbuncles , erectile tumors , 
 varicose veins , and to the spine in tetanus , are well nigh obsolete, it having been superseded 
 by more efficient and less painful remedies. The same may be said of its use in the 
 treatment of urethral stricture. It is one of the most convenient agents for establishing 
 issues. To prevent the caustic action from spreading laterally, a piece of adhesive plaster 
 should be applied first, with an aperture of the size of the intended issue. Upon the 
 skin thus exposed and moistened a small portion of fused potassa is laid, and the degree 
 of its action regulated by the duration of its contact. The action may be arrested at any 
 point by a sponge or cloth wet with vinegar. Milder action may be secured by applying 
 the stick of fused potassa, duly covered, except at one end, with shellac varnish or seal- 
 ing-wax, and maintaining its contact for a longer or shorter time according to the effect 
 desired. (For other uses of potassa see Liquor Potass^e and Potassa c. Calce.) 
 
 The proper antidote to poisoning by potassa is vinegar or other vegetable acid. 
 
 POTASSA CUM CALCE, U . S .— Potassa with Lime. 
 
 Pulvis causticus cum calce, Pulvis causticus Viennensis ( Londinensis ) . — Vienna caustic, 
 E. ; Caustique ( Poudre ) de Vienne, Fr. ; Wiener Aetzpulver, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Potassa, Lime, of each 500 Gm. Rub them together in a warm 
 mortar, so as to form a powder, and keep it in a well-stoppered bottle. — U. S. 
 
 Properties. — This is a grayish-white powder of a strongly caustic taste and alka- 
 line reaction. When exposed to the air it absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide. 
 Treated with diluted nitric or hydrochloric acid, it dissolves completely with slight 
 effervescence, and yields a solution in which both potassium and calcium are indicated 
 by reagents. 
 
 Causticum cum potassa et calce, F. Cod., is a stronger preparation, known in France 
 as caustique de Filhos, and made by fusing 100 parts of caustic potassa, adding thereto 
 10 parts of powdered burned lime, and pouring the mass into lead tubes of suitable size 
 to harden. 
 
 Causticum commune mitius. Under this name a preparation was formerly employed 
 which was made either by intimately mixing equal weights of soft soap and powdered 
 burned lime, or caustic potassa was dissolved in three times its weight of water, and a 
 sufficient amount of lime added until the whole was converted into a pasty mass. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This caustic is milder in its operation than pure potassa. When 
 applied in a dry state to the skin it absorbs moisture from it and from the air, and par- 
 tially deliquesces. It is best employed after being reduced to a paste with a little alco- 
 hol. Its action may be limited laterally by means of adhesive plaster, and in depth by 
 the duration of its contact. The sticks of Filhos’s caustic may be protected from the 
 air by waxed paper, by sealing-wax, gutta-percha, or varnish. For still further mitiga- 
 ting the caustic action of the potassa in this preparation the alkali may be fused with 
 gutta-percha in any required proportion. Its uses are the same as those of potassa 
 employed as a caustic. 
 
POTASSA SULPHURATA. 
 
 1273 
 
 POTASSA SULPHURATA, 77. S., Sulphurated Potassa. 
 
 Potassii sulphuretum; Kalium sulfur at um, P. G. ; Hepar sulphuris.— Sulphur et of potas- 
 sium, Liver of sulphur, E. ; Sulfure de potasse, Foie de soufre, Fr. ; Schwefelleber ,' G. 
 
 Origin. — The name ‘-liver of sulphur” was introduced by Basilius Valentinus in 
 the fifteenth century, but the process of melting together sulphur with an alkali was 
 known already to Albertus Magnus in the thirteenth century, and the solubility of sul- 
 phur in alkalies to Geber in the eighth century. Spielmann (1706) recommended the 
 preparation of liver of sulphur from 2 parts of potassium carbonate and 1 part of sul- 
 phur, in which proportion the ingredients are still employed. 
 
 Preparation.. — Sublimed Sulphur 100 Gm. ; Potassium Carbonate, dried, 200 Gm. 
 Rub the powdered and dried potassium carbonate with the sulphur, and heat the mixture 
 gradually in a covered crucible until it ceases to foam and is in a state of perfect fusion. 
 Then pour the liquid on a marble slab, and when it has solidified and become cold break 
 it into pieces, and keep them in a well-stoppered bottle of hard glass. — U. S. 
 
 The different pharmacopoeias prepare this compound in a like manner, and use the sul- 
 phur and potassium carbonate in the proportion given above. On heating the mixture 
 an evolution of carbon dioxide takes place, causing the mass to swell, and when this 
 ceases the heat is finally raised to a dull redness, so as to produce perfect fusion ( U. S., 
 Bri), and continued until a small portion of the mass is found to be entirely soluble in 
 water without separating any sulphur ( P . 67). The crucible must be kept covered to 
 prevent the sulphur from igniting, and after the melted mass has been poured out on a 
 slab, flagstone, an oiled iron plate, or into a porcelain mortar, it is either broken into suit- 
 able pieces as soon as it has congealed, or first allowed to cool, being in the mean time 
 covered with a porcelain basin or bell-glass, so as to exclude the air as completely as pos- 
 sible (j B r.). The yield from the quantities given in the formula is about 225 Gm. 
 
 On fusing sulphur with potassium carbonate the latter is decomposed, with the evolu- 
 tion of carbon dioxide, the sulphur uniting with the potassium to form a potassium poly- 
 sulphide, a portion of which is oxidized by the oxygen of the carbonate, in excess over 
 that contained in the carbon dioxide, to form potassium sulphate or thiosulphate : 4K 2 - 
 C0 3 -f- 5S 2 yields K,S0 4 -f- 3K 2 S 3 4- 4C0 2 , and 3K 2 C0 3 -f- 4S 2 yields K 2 S 2 0 3 + 2K 2 S 3 + 
 3C0 2 . But the degree of heat is likewise of importance, since at a high temperature the 
 potassium thiosulphate is decomposed into pentasulphide and sulphate ; 4K 2 S 2 0 3 yields 
 K 2 S 5 + 3K 2 S0 4 . It is evident from this that products of very different composition are 
 obtained by varying the proportion of the material, or, if this be used in the same relative 
 proportions, by the injudicious application of heat, by which a part of the sulphur may be 
 sublimed. The directions of the Pharmacopoeia should therefore be strictly adhered to. 
 
 Properties. — Sulphurated potassa, when recently made or well preserved in closed 
 vessels, is in irregular fragments, breaking with a shallow conchoidal fracture and having 
 a liver-brown color, which in contact with moisture changes to greenish-yellow or brown- 
 yellow. It has a slight odor of hydrogen sulphide, a bitter and acridly alkaline sulphur- 
 ous taste, and an alkaline reaction to test-paper. It is partly deliquescent on exposure, 
 and yields with water a brownish-yellow solution which has a strong odor of hydrogen 
 sulphide, and evolves the latter freely on the addition of hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, 
 sulphur being at the same time deposited. After boiling the hydrochloric acid solution 
 until the hydrogen sulphide has been expelled, the liquid, freed from sulphur by filtra- 
 tion, will yield a yellow precipitate with platinum chloride and a white precipitate with 
 barium chloride. The acid solution on being neutralized with soda yields, with a satu- 
 rated solution of sodium bitartrate, a white crystalline precipitate of potassium bitartrate 
 (U. S.). The same precipitate is obtained on dissolving sulphurated potassa in 20 parts 
 of water, boiling with excess of acetic acid, filtering, and adding tartaric acid ( P . 67). 
 About one-half of the weight of sulphurated potassa is dissolved by rectified spirit ( Br .), 
 the insoluble portion being mainly potassium sulphate. 
 
 When intended for internal use the compound should be perfectly soluble in 2 parts of 
 water. For external use an impurer article, Kalium sulfuratum ad balneum, is made like 
 the above, with the exception that impure potassium carbonate (pearlash) is substituted 
 for the purified. 
 
 If not protected from contact with air, sulphurated potassa becomes green, and afterward 
 gray, being partly converted into carbonate through the carbon dioxide of the air, and partly 
 oxidized to thiosulphate, sulphite, and sulphate, sulphur being at the same time liberated. 
 
 Tests. — “On triturating together 1 Gm. of sulphurated potassa and 1 Gm. of crys- 
 tallized cupric sulphate with 10 Cc. of water, and filtering, the filtrate should remain 
 
1274 
 
 POTASSA SULPBURATA. 
 
 unaffected by hydrogen sulphide test-solution, corresponding to at least 12.85 per cent, 
 of sulphur combined with potassium to form sulphide.” — ( TJ. S.) Hirsch states ( Ver- 
 gleichende Uebersicht , page 206) that 10 parts of the freshly-prepared compound, made 
 with potassium carbonate of 90 per cent, purity, will precipitate 9 parts of crystallized 
 cupric sulphate, but should be regarded as of good quality if from 7.5 to 8 parts of the 
 latter salt be precipitated ; Hager adopts 8 parts of the copper salt as the lowest limit. 
 None of the pharmacopoeias give a test for the detection of soda which may have been 
 partly substituted for the potassa salt : it is best detected by accurately precipitating the 
 aqueous solution with lead nitrate, evaporating the filtrate, powdering the residue, and 
 leaving it in contact with alcohol of spec. grav. 0.879, of which 17 parts will dissolve 1 
 part of sodium nitrate, while potassium nitrate is sparingly soluble. The alcohol, pre- 
 viously saturated with the latter salt, will dissolve the sodium salt, the amount of which 
 may thus be estimated. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Potassii sulphidum, Potassium monosulphide, K 2 S ; molecular weight 
 110.04. Hydrogen sulphide gas is conducted into a solution of potassa as long as it is absorbed, 
 and an equal bulk of potassa solution is added. The colorless liquid has a bitter taste and a 
 strongly alkaline reaction, and on evaporation in vacuo yields colorless deliquescent quadrangu- 
 lar prisms, containing 5II 2 0, which are somewhat soluble in alcohol. 
 
 Potassii sulphocarbonas, Potassium sulphocarbonate or thiocarbonate, K 2 CS 3 . On agitating 
 a solution of potassium monosulphide with carbon disulphide the liquid acquires a yellow or 
 red-brown color, according to its concentration and purity, and on careful evaporation at 30° C. 
 (86° F.) yields orange-yellow deliquescent crystals of the hydrated salt, or a crystalline precipi- 
 tate of the same salt on mixing the brown liquid with alcohol. It has a cooling, pungent, and 
 somewhat sulphurous taste, and is sparingly soluble in alcohol. On agitating potassa solution 
 with carbon disulphide a brown liquid containing both potassium carbonate and sulphocarbonate 
 is obtained. Such a solution has been employed in Europe for the destruction of the phylloxera 
 insect which infests grapevines. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The extremely offensive smell and taste of this preparation in 
 solution have caused its use as an internal medicine to be nearly abandoned ; but even if 
 these objections to it had not existed, it would scarcely have held its ground against the 
 results of accurate observation. At one time it was thought to be a specific remedy for 
 membranous croup , but longer experience showed that the supposed merits of the medi- 
 cine were, as in so many other cases, due to errors in diagnosis, to mistaking spasmodic 
 croup, which is seldom fatal, for pseudo-membranous laryngitis, from which recovery is 
 rare. It is no longer used, although once regarded as a specific, for whooping cough ; nor 
 for pulmonary consumption , in which it was formerly employed ; nor yet for scrofula , 
 especially of the glands, which it was once believed to cure ; nor does it continue to be 
 prescribed as an antidote in acute poisoning by lead , arsenic , mercury , or copper salts. 
 There is more reason to think it of service in chronic poisoning with mercury and lead. 
 It has been used with doubtful advantage in the treatment of certain forms of dyspepsia , 
 apparently those attended with mucous regurgitation or vomiting. 
 
 Externally, lotions and ointments made with sulphurated potassa have been much used 
 in the treatment of limited eruptions of acne , impetigo , psoriasis , etc., and for lessening 
 mucous or purulent discharges from the nostrils, ear, vagina, etc. It is sometimes em- 
 ployed in the treatment of scabies , as in the following liniment: R. Potass, sulphurat. 
 ^vj ; Saponis alb. Oij ; 01. olivae ^iv ; 01. thymi gij. — M. (Jadelot); but less commonly 
 than sulphur itself. It is, however, very efficient, although if thoroughly applied after 
 the skin is softened by a prolonged warm bath, it is apt to produce eruptions of eczema, 
 which require time and treatment for their cure. 
 
 The action and uses of baths containing this preparation are as follows : About Gm. 
 128 (^iv) of it are sufficient for a full bath. Such a bath, even at ordinary temperatures, 
 stimulates the skin and is apt to cause sleeplessness, but these and corresponding effects 
 are more decided when the temperature of the water is equal to that of the skin or above 
 it. Hence these baths are contraindicated when fever is present or a tendency to haemor- 
 rhage exists. Such conditions apart, they are often very serviceable in chronic rheuma- 
 tism , scrofula , cutaneous eruptions , and chronic profluvia from the bowels and urinary 
 organs, and have been used in lead-palsy and other paralyses. They excite copious sweat- 
 ing, and, as above remarked, tend to produce papular and vesicular eruptions of the skin, 
 particularly if the baths are prolonged, as they sometimes are, for several hours. If 
 these effects, and especially the perspiration, are wanting, a sense of fulness, and indeed 
 a relative plethora, may be induced, which is not free from the dangers before alluded to. 
 In such cases a douche directly applied to the affected part is to be preferred. 
 
 Internally, the dose of sulphurated potassa is Gm. 0.20-0.60 (gr. iij-x). 
 
POTASSII ACETAS. 
 
 1275 
 
 POTASSII ACETAS, 77. S ., Br . — Potassium Acetate. 
 
 Kalium , s. Kali aceticum , P. G. ; Acetas potassicus , s. kalicus, Terra foliata tartari . — 
 Acetate of potash ( potassd), F. ; Acetate de potasse, Fr. ; Kaliumacetat , Essigsaures Kali : G. 
 
 Formula KC 2 H 3 0 2 . Molecular weight 97.89. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Potassium Carbonate 20 ounces ; Acetic Acid 2 pints or a 
 sufficiency. To the acetic acid, placed in a thin porcelain basin, add gradually the potas- 
 sium carbonate, filter, acidulate, if necessary, with a few additional drops of the acid, and, 
 having evaporated to dryness, raise the heat cautiously so as to liquefy the product. 
 Allow the basin to cool, and when the salt has solidified, and while it is still warm, break 
 it in fragments and put it into stoppered bottles. — Br. 
 
 On adding potassium carbonate or bicarbonate to acetic acid an effervescence of carbon 
 dioxide takes place, and water and potassium acetate are formed; K 2 C0 3 -j- 2HC 2 H 3 0 2 
 yields 2KC 2 H 3 0 2 + H 2 0 + C0 2 , and KHC0 3 + HC 2 H 3 0 2 yields KC 2 H 3 0 2 + H 2 0 + C0 2 . 
 On the application of heat the carbon dioxide which remains dissolved in the water is 
 expelled, and the liquid should now have a neutral or preferably a slightly acid reaction, 
 in which case it contains a slight excess of acetic acid. The evaporation of this solution 
 is effected either by means of a sand-bath or over the naked fire, and the salt may be 
 obtained dry and granulated by continued stirring at about 120° C. (248° F.) ; or the dry 
 salt is fused by the cautious application of heat, so as not to char it, after which the 
 melted salt is allowed to solidify. In making this salt potassium bicarbonate is prefer- 
 able, in being nearly free from impurities and yielding at once a salt perfectly soluble in 
 water. Potassium carbonate is less pure, but usually yields a clear solution with acetic 
 acid, which, on being evaporated to dryness and again dissolved in water containing a 
 little acetic acid, leaves some floccules of silica behind, from which it maybe filtered and 
 afterward again evaporated. 
 
 Potassium acetate may also be prepared from lead acetate by precipitating its solution 
 with a slight excess of potassium carbonate, filtering, acidulating the filtrate with acetic 
 acid, testing with hydrogen sulphide to ensure its complete freedom from lead, and 
 evaporating. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium acetate is a white salt forming a crystalline soft mass or a 
 dry granular powder, or more frequently it is seen as a satiny, foliaceous, crystalline mass 
 which melts to an oily liquid at about 292° C. (557.6° F.), and at a higher temperature 
 evolves acetic acid, acetone, empyreumatic and inflammable products, and leaves potas- 
 sium carbonate and charcoal. The salt is nearly inodorous, is free from acetous odor, has 
 a warm and somewhat pungently saline taste, and is very deliquescent in the air. It 
 dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 0.36 part of water (ZZ S., P. 6r.), and in 1.9 ( U S.), 
 1.4 (P. G .) of alcohol. According to Osann, it dissolves at 2° C. (35.5° F.) in 0.531 
 part, at 13.9° C. (57° F.) in 0.437 part, and at 28.5° C. (83.3° F.) in 0.321 part of water. 
 The aqueous solution, saturated while boiling, contains 1 part of the salt to 0.125 part 
 of water, and boils at 169° C. (336° F.) (Berzelius). Cold absolute alcohol dissolves 
 one-third, and at the boiling temperature one-half, its weight of the salt. The alcoholic 
 solution on the addition of ether gives a crystalline precipitate of the salt, and on pass- 
 ing carbon dioxide through it potassium carbonate is separated and acetic ether produced. 
 The aqueous solution has a nearly neutral but faintly alkaline reaction, disengages 
 acetous vapors on the addition of sulphuric acid, and yields with platinic chloride or sodium 
 cobaltic nitrite a yellow, and with sodium bitartrate a white, crystalline precipitate, and 
 it gives with ferric chloride a dark-red color, and on boiling a brown-red precipitate. A 
 solution of the salt in 20 parts of water precipitates potassium bitartrate on the addition 
 of tartaric acid. On triturating the salt with iodine it acquires an indigo-blue color, 
 changing to brown on the addition of water. 
 
 Tests. — Potassium acetate, when strewn upon colorless sulphuric acid, should not 
 produce effervescence nor impart any color to the latter (absence of carbonate and readily 
 carbonizable organic impurities). Its solution in distilled water should not give a pre- 
 cipitate or a turbidity on the addition of hydrogen sulphide, ammonium sulphide, or 
 potassium ferrocyanide (absence of heavy metals). A 5 per cent, solution of the salt 
 should not give more than a faint opalescence with sodium carbonate (alkaline earths), 
 or with barium chloride (sulphate or carbonate). The concentrated aqueous solution of 
 the salt on being dropped into acetic acid should not produce any effervescence (carbon- 
 ate), and if mixed with an excess of hydrochloric acid and evaporated to dryness the 
 remaining salt should be completely soluble in water (silica from potassium carbonate). 
 
1276 
 
 POTASSII ACETAS. 
 
 .} op P ofca s»ium acetate be, by thorough ignition, converted into carbonate the 
 residue should require, for complete neutralization, not less than 10 Cc. of normal sulphuric 
 acid (corresponding to at least 98 percent, of pure potassium acetate), methyl-orange 
 
 traced nf ed th S indlcato ^. ~ ^ & . Slnce th e other pharmacopoeial tests admit only mere 
 traces of other salts, this test is intended to prove the absence of sodium acetate and of 
 
 Xt t: W m0iSt T - T ';r la / er iS mOTe readi 'y -timate" Vy%iT g \t 
 
 salt at 120 C. (-48 F.) , considering the hygroscopic nature of the salt, 3 or 4 per cent 
 
 ;" r l W " U J d . See “ ‘j v e adml8sible - The Presence of notable quantities of sodium 
 cetate is best determined by the intense yellow color imparted by the salt to a non 
 luminous flame. 4.9 Gin. of dry potassium acetate, evaporated to dryness wkh an ezces 
 of hydrochloric acid, leave a residue of KC1 weighing 3.72 Gm or allowing for 2 ner 
 
 Giii™ and* of’ tb^ ^“ir ^ T' > ^ ^ a " taT feats o^ly 
 
 3.49 Gm., and of the crystallized sodium salt 2.104 Gm., NaCl. “ If to a portion of the 
 
 solution acidulated with nitric acid 0.1 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution be added 
 
 the liquid should after filtration, show no further change on the addition of more silver 
 
 nitrate solution (limit of chloride). Addition of 0.3 Cc. of potassium ferrocyanide test- 
 
 solution should effect no change in the solution within fifteen minutes (limit of iron).”— 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses — Potassium acetate, being unfit for dispensing in the dry 
 PhlrCopS recces- “ $ 0D ' F ° r in *■*"»*■* *«> GermaS 
 
 weithTnf the T Ac .f ICI : ?• Kaui aoeticum solutum, which contains one-third of its 
 7o41 wl i cl p ! epa : red b J ne , UtraIizi "g 10 « P art . s acetic acid spec. grav. 
 
 an f 7diTut!^ 8 w r th° P r SO f POtaSSiUm 1 f l r bonate > expelling the carbon dioxide^by! heal,' 
 
 1 18 o 8 h sufficlent wa ter to obtain 147 parts. Its specific gravity is 1.176- 
 
 specific gravity 
 
 Actl° n and Uses.-Potassmm acetate acts upon the blood as a solvent and 
 diluent, upon the glands and mucous membranes as a depurative, augments the secretion 
 
 Cm 6 oo n ;j T ' 1 sweat ’ and does "»t readily disorder the digestion. In doses of from 
 
 frill lb 32 ( 2 to 1 ounce) it is a nnld laxative. It is decomposed in the system, and is 
 discharged with the urine as potassium carbonate, rendering this secretion alkaline 
 
 is sa d to S qua "i 7 aS u f ltS S0 ’ id contents ' In large and continued doses it 
 is said to occasion renal catarrh, and even bloody urine. 
 
 T ^ ile . saldiu ^ticus which was formerly applied to this salt it is justly entitled to, 
 d th ere is good reason to believe that, besides increasing the quantity of the urine 
 secreted it also promotes the disintegration and discharge with that secretion of various 
 effete and noxious elements. It displays this virtue notably in chronic infarctions of the 
 
 Ww 27 COmP 7 nied ana, °S° us congestions of the spleen , , uterus, and Jisemor- 
 
 r ! l0ldal vessels, ana particularly in such conditions resulting from malarial poisoning In 
 
 hvurlT n T’ P "° bably ; must b ® ex P lained its virtues in gout, lithiasis, furuncle, car- 
 buncles, and various cutaneous affections , as well as in acute articular rheumatism In the 
 
 anT^n^ dlSe ii Se e " pecla1 ^ a ™ its virtues conspicuous when it is given in such doses 
 a d 80 Pr f4 ue « tl y a s to render the urine alkaline. Like other forms of the alkaline treat- 
 ent °1 this disease it essens the risk of cardiac complications. In this and in other 
 
 bonateTof A? flkahes ? “ 6X0688 ° f Uri ° a ° id “ aCtS in the Same ffianner as the ear - 
 
 bVffiliT! f0 ?u S °1 dr0J> % diuretic virtue is of extreme value. Most conspicuouslv 
 /• ... „ ■ b . dr ° P - y f “ llowln S scarlatina and in other forms of tubular desquama- 
 
 onVin P T • c , IS als ° v . el 7 useful in cardiac dropsy and in ascites of hepatic 
 
 stances I „ I " fenor de « r f 18 useful in splenic dropsy also. According to circum- 
 the title ! C- y p b - e a ?? oclated wlth squill, digitalis, parsley, broom, dandelion, etc. Under 
 as a P° tassi um acetate has long been employed in acute febrile affections 
 
 "with vineo-a r l jj- ra ught ls lna( l ,; by saturating G 111 . 8 (jij) of potassium carbonate 
 
 Tverv two 8 bo’ a " l, ddlns Gn \ 19 ° (f3vj > 0f 8we etened water: A^ tablespoonful of it 
 
 every two hours is the proper dose. 1 
 
 nre^eilbS 11 shouldal " a y s {> e administered in a large quantity of liquid, except when it is 
 prescribed as a diaphoretic In febrile affections, as a sedative, its dose is Gm. 0.60 
 
 Klt r Ute , art,CU ar rheumatism Gm. 2 (gr.xxx) may be given every four hours. 
 
 tt dose rabo V ut G r y i6 (IsT “ ^ 8am ° ° r in ^ doses ' As a laxati ™ 
 
POTASSII BICARBONAS. 
 
 1277 
 
 POTASSII BICARBONAS, TJ . S ., Br .— Potassium Bicarbonate. 
 
 Kalium bicarbonicum , P. G. ; Kali carbonicum acidulum , Bicarbonas potassicus , s. 
 
 — Bicarbonate of potash, E. ; Bicarbonate de potasse, Fr. ; Kaliumbicarbonat , Doppelt- 
 kohlensaures Kali, G. 
 
 Formula KHC0 3 . Molecular weight 99.88. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt was first prepared by Cartheuser (1757) from potash and 
 ammonium carbonate. Cavendish originated the process which is still used, acting with 
 carbon dioxide upon a solution of the carbonate. 
 
 The Br. Ph. (1867) directed a solution of potassium carbonate in twice its weight of 
 distilled water to be treated with a continuous supply of carbon dioxide, generated from 
 marble, for a week, at the end of which time the crystals of bicarbonate are removed : the 
 mother-liquor upon concentration will yield more crystals. 
 
 Potassium carbonate, kept in flat, open vessels in localities where saccharine liquids 
 are undergoing vinous fermentation, is gradually converted into bicarbonate. The same 
 salt is also obtained on passing carbon dioxide over the moist carbonate. For prepar- 
 ing it on a small scale a rather concentrated solution of potassium carbonate in water 
 is made, into which carbon dioxide is conducted. 1 molecule of this gas unites with 1 
 molecule each of potassium carbonate and water, forming 2 molecules of the bicarbonate, 
 thus : K 2 C0 3 + H 2 0 -f- C0 2 = 2KHC0 3 . The bicarbonate being less soluble in water than 
 the carbonate, a portion of it crystallizes out, the crystals being larger if they form slowly. 
 To accomplish this the British Pharmacopoeia (1867) directs a peculiar arrangement of 
 the apparatus, by means of which the generation of carbon dioxide is regulated by the 
 rapidity with which it is absorbed by the solution, an excess of it remaining in the appara- 
 tus, displacing the acid liquid from the bottle containing the marble, thereby completely 
 stopping the further generation of the gas until after partial absorption has taken place. 
 When somewhat larger quantities of the salt are to be prepared, it is convenient to divide 
 the solution among three or more vessels and pass the gas successively through them. In 
 all cases the delivery-tube of the gas dipping into the solution should be of large bore, 
 and preferably widened in the shape of a funnel ; which precaution will prevent the 
 closing of the tube by the crystallizing bicarbonate. Since the commercial potassium 
 carbonate is usually contaminated with silicate, silica is separated by the carbon dioxide 
 in the form of floccula, and may afterward be removed by agitating the crystals with 
 cold water and decanting the liquid with the suspended silica. The remaining solution 
 is then filtered and evaporated, or the liquid may be heated to a temperature not exceed- 
 ing 60° C. (140° F.) until the crystals are dissolved, then rapidly filtered while warm, 
 and, if necessary, further concentrated at the temperature mentioned, and set aside to 
 crystallize. The complete saturation of the solution with carbon dioxide is conveniently 
 ascertained, according to Hirsch, by means of a very dilute solution of barium chloride, 
 which yields no precipitate in the cold with bicarbonate, but at once a white one 
 with potassium carbonate. The crystals should be drained and dried at the ordinary 
 temperature. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium bicarbonate crystallizes in transparent, colorless, mono- 
 clinic prisms, which are permanent in the air, inodorous, and have a saline and slightly 
 alkaline, but not a caustic, taste. When heated to near 200° C. (392° F.) it gives off 
 carbon dioxide and water, suffering a loss of 31 per cent. The salt is very sparingly solu- 
 ble in alcohol, and at 15° C. (59° F.) dissolves in 3.2 (ZX $.), 4 ( P . G .) parts of water, 
 or in 1.9 parts at 50° C. (122° F.), (ZX $.). According to Poggiale, 100 parts of water 
 dissolve at 10° C. (50° F.) 23.23 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) 26.91 parts, and at 60° 0. 
 (140° F.) 41.35 parts of the salt; the solution has a slight alkaline reaction to test- 
 paper, effervesces briskly on the addition of acids, yields with an excess of tartaric acid a 
 white crystalline precipitate of potassium bitartrate, and loses carbon dioxide slowly when 
 evaporated in vacuo, and rapidly when heated to the boiling-point. 5 Gm. of the salt 
 exposed to a low red heat leave 3.45 Gm. of a white residue consisting of potassium 
 carbonate, which requires for exact neutralization 50 Cc. of the volumetric solution of 
 oxalic acid. 20 grains of potassium bicarbonate neutralize 14 grains of citric acid or 15 
 grains of tartaric acid. — Br. A less pure potassium bicarbonate in a pulverulent state is 
 met with in commerce under the name of sal seratus , but much sold as such is sodium 
 bicarbonate. 
 
 Tests. — The presence of potassium carbonate causes the bicarbonate to become 
 moist on exposure, and its solution in cold water to yield a white precipitate with magne- 
 
1278 
 
 POTASSII BICARBONAS. 
 
 sium sulphate and a yellow or brick-red one with corrosive sublimate ; the latter reagent 
 produces a white precipitate with pure potassium bicarbonate. “ A solution of 0.5 Gun. 
 of potassium bicarbonate in 10 Cc. of water should not at once be colored red by 1 
 drop of phenolphtalein test-solution (limit of carbonate). Having dissolved 2.5 Gm. 
 of the salt in 30 Cc. of diluted acetic acid, and made up the volume to 50 Cc. with 
 water, use 10 Cc. for each of the following tests : The addition of 0.3 Cc. of potassium 
 ferrocyanide test-solution to a portion should not produce a blue color within fifteen 
 minutes (limit of iron). After adding a few drops of nitric acid and 0.1 Cc. of deci- 
 normal silver nitrate solution to another portion, and filtering, the further addition of 
 silver solution should not affect the filtrate (limit of chloride). To neutralize 1 Gm. 
 of potassium bicarbonate should require 10 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (correspond- 
 ing to 100 per cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 Metallic salts, if present as impurities, remain behind on dissolving the salt in water, 
 or are indicated by producing a precipitate on the addition of hydrogen sulphide. Sodium 
 salts present as impurities will impart an intense yellow color to a non-luminous flame. 
 The complete solubility of the salt in 4 parts of cold water excludes notable quantities of 
 sodium bicarbonate. 
 
 Composition. — Potassium bicarbonate represents 47 per cent. K 2 0, 44 per cent. 
 C0 2 , and 9 per cent. H 2 0. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassium bicarbonate increases the quantity of the urine 
 and renders it alkaline. The very interesting experiments of Balfe (1878) show that 
 when taken on an empty stomach the acidity of the urine on the day of administra- 
 tion is only slightly depressed, while on the day following the acidity is considerably 
 higher than on the day before the salt was taken. But when it is administered during 
 the process of digestion the acidity of the urine entirely disappears. This fact is 
 readily explained by the different conditions of the stomach when it is empty and when 
 it contains food. In the former case the acid salt is received into the stomach when its 
 secretions are either neutral or alkaline, and is absorbed undecomposed into the blood ; 
 but when, on the other hand, it is taken during digestion, the acid contents of the stom- 
 ach decompose it, carbon dioxide is liberated, and escapes by the mouth, while the alka- 
 line base passes into the system and causes the urine to assume an alkaline reaction. 
 This explanation is, of course, as applicable to the sodium as to the potassium bicar- 
 bonate. This salt in ordinary doses of Gm. 0.60-1 (gr. x-xv) does not appreciably affect 
 the biliary secretion (Butherford). 
 
 In the manner now described potassium bicarbonate dissolves and eliminates an 
 excess of uric acid in the system. Even when stone actually exists in the bladder, it 
 lessens the irritability of the organ, diminishing the pain and the necessity of frequent 
 urination. However theoretical inductions may favor the opinion that all potassium 
 salts operate as diuretics, clinical observation does not support this view in regard to the 
 bicarbonate. Doubtless, also, its primary action in the primse vise is to neutralize the 
 excessive acidity of their contents, and thus, from the start, to prevent irritation of the 
 nervous system. In jaundice depending upon high living or upon malarial poisoning, with 
 enlargement of the liver, dyspeptic symptoms, constipation, and scanty and turbid urine, 
 it is of signal advantage. In all of these cases its virtues probably depend upon 
 its power of increasing the alkalinity of the blood and rendering the secretions more 
 liquid. In cutaneous eruptions depending upon, or connected with, the previously men- 
 tioned conditions its virtues are unquestionable. Although sodium bicarbonate is more 
 generally employed than the potassium salt in the treatment of diabetes , the latter is 
 nevertheless of great utility, and is by some authorities preferred, as promoting more 
 effectually the elimination of uric acid. It is prescribed in doses of Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx- 
 lx) in twenty-four hours, dissolved in about 3 pints of water, which should be taken 
 partly at intervals during and after meals with red wine. The natural mineral waters 
 which are most efficient in diabetes contain, however, a large proportion of the sodium 
 salt and but little or none of the potassium bicarbonate. As a general rule, it may be 
 stated, according to Balfe, that in cases of acid dyspepsia arising from the excessive 
 formation of acid within the system, as in lithgemia, the alkaline bicarbonates should not 
 be administered before food, but after, and that their administration before meals is 
 indicated in those cases only where free acid is formed in the stomach itself, the result of 
 fermentative changes of undigested food or morbid mucus, and when it is necessary 
 to diminish the high degree of acidity thus caused in order to permit digestion to be 
 properly performed. 
 
POTASSII BICHROMAS. 
 
 1279 
 
 POTASSII BICHROMAS, IT, S,, Br. — Potassium Dichromate 
 
 (Bichromate). 
 
 Kalium dichromicum , P. G. ; Bichromas kalicvs. — Bichromate of potash , E. ; Bichro- 
 mate de potasse , Fr. ; Kaliumdichromat , Doppeltchromsaures Kali , G. 
 
 Formula K 2 Cr 2 0 7 . Molecular weight 293.78. 
 
 Origin. — The metal chromium was discovered by Vauquelin in 1797 in a Siberian 
 mineral which is composed of lead chromate, but it is more abundantly found as chrome 
 iron ore , which is a compound of chromic and ferrous oxides, Fe0.Cr 2 0 3 . It is met with 
 in several localities in the United States, in Russia, and in Sweden, and is used in prepar- 
 ing the dichromate. 
 
 Preparation. — The finely-ground chrome-iron ore, mixed with potassium carbonate 
 and calcium hydroxide or carbonate, is roasted in a reverbatory furnace, which causes 
 the separation of all iron in the form of ferric oxide and the production of potassium 
 chromate from the newly-formed chromic acid ; lime or chalk is added simply to prevent 
 fusion of the mixture. The following equation explains the reaction : 2Fe0Cr 2 0 3 -f- 
 4K 2 C0 3 + 0 7 = Fe 2 0 3 + 4K 2 Cr0 4 -f- 4C0 2 . After the roasting or oxidation has been 
 completed the mass is lixiviated with water, which dissolves the yellow potassium chro- 
 mate ; the latter salt, upon addition of sulphuric acid, yields potassium dichromate and 
 sulphate, the two salts being separated by crystallization : 2K 2 Cr0 4 + H 2 S0 4 == K 2 Cr 2 0 7 
 -f K 2 S0 4 + H 2 0. In order to explain the constitution of dichromates it must be 
 assumed that chromic anhydride is capable of forming two acids — namely, Cr0 3 -f H 2 0 
 = H 2 Cr0 4 , chromic acid, and 2Cr0 3 -f- H 2 0 = H 2 Cr 2 0 7 , dichromic acid. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium dichromate crystallizes in large yellowish-red transparent 
 four-sided prisms or plates, which are inodorous and are not altered on exposure. The 
 salt melts below a red heat to a transparent d*ark brown-red liquid, which on cooling 
 crystallizes and finally falls into a crystalline powder. At a white heat the salt is decom- 
 posed into oxygen gas, green chromic oxide, and yellow potassium chromate, which may 
 be separated by dissolving the latter in water. Potassium dichromate is insoluble in 
 alcohol ; it is soluble in water, 1 part of the salt requiring 
 
 at 0° 
 
 10° 
 
 20° 
 
 40° 
 
 60° 
 
 o 
 
 C 
 
 00 
 
 100° 
 
 C., 
 
 
 20.14 
 
 11.81 
 
 7.65 
 
 3.43 
 
 1.98 
 
 1.37 
 
 0.98 
 
 parts of 
 
 water (Kremers) ; 
 
 21.76 
 
 13.51 
 
 8.06 
 
 3.86 
 
 2.22 
 
 1.46 
 
 1.06 
 
 u 
 
 (Alluard). 
 
 The U. S. and Germ. Pharmacopoeias give the solubility in water at 15° C. (59° F.), as 1 
 in 10 and as 1 in 1.5 parts of boiling water. The solution has an orange-red color, an 
 acid reaction, and a bitter styptic, metallic taste, and is deoxidized, 
 with the formation of chromic oxide or chromic salts, on the addition 
 of hydrogen sulphide, sulphurous acid, or of sulphuric acid and 
 alcohol, or other organic matters. Heated with hydrochloric acid, 
 chlorine is given off. The solution yields a pale-yellow precipitate 
 with barium chloride, a yellow one with lead acetate, and a purplish- 
 red one with silver nitrate, the three precipitates being soluble in 
 nitric acid. With a cold saturated solution of sodium bitartrate a 
 white crystalline precipitate of potassium bitartrate is produced. 
 
 Tests. — As met with in commerce, the salt is usually pure. Its 
 solution in 100 parts of water should not be precipitated on the addi- 
 tion of excess of potassium carbonate (absence of calcium salt), and 
 after having been acidulated with nitric acid should not be disturbed 
 by barium chloride (absence of sulphates) or by silver nitrate (chlo- 
 rides). 
 
 Composition. — The salt is free from water, and represents 31.86 
 per cent. K 2 0 and 68.14 per cent. Cr0 3 ; it may be regarded as a compound of chromic 
 anhydride with potassium chromate = K 2 Cr0 4 .Cr0 3 , or as the neutral salt of dichromic 
 add, H 2 Cr 2 0 7 , which is not known in the uncombined state. 
 
 Other Chromates. — Potassium Chromate, K 2 Cr0 4 ; molecular weight 193.9. It is obtained 
 by adding potassium carbonate to a hot solution of the dichromate as long as effervescence is 
 observed ; the solution changes in color to yellow, and yields on evaporation six-sided lemon- 
 yellow crystals, which may be fused without decomposition and dissolve in less than 2 parts of 
 water, the solution having an alkaline reaction. It is employed as a reagent. 
 
 Lead Chromate, PbCr0 4 , the well-known pigment known as chrome-yellow , Paris yellow , or 
 lemon-chrome, is obtained by precipitating the solution of a lead salt with potassium chromate 
 
 Fro. 227. 
 
 Crystal of Potassium 
 Dichromate. 
 
1280 
 
 POTASSII BITARTRAS. 
 
 or dichromate. It contains 68.9 per cent, of lead oxide and 31.1 per cent of chromic anhv 
 
 one^halfof hT h dlgG . Sted dll . ute so Jution of potassa or with potassium chromate, it parts with 
 Z Tth li 0 its chromic acid, leaving a bright red basic compound, which, either pure or mTxed 
 0 j 01 le ss chrome-yellow, is used as a pigment under the names of American vermilion 
 miXtUre 0f and Prussian blue in various^ 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses.— Ill the preparation of chromic acid, valerianic acid, and 
 dissolved in water, as a test liquid. ’ ’ 
 
 Action and Uses — A man after swallowing 3 drachms of potassium dichromate 
 was seized with vomiting purging, and severe abdominal pains. The whole body was 
 and ’the sh ™ eUed and 5 the face also was dusky; the breath was cold 
 
 i ^ ll feeb G ' Tl - e mouth and throat were dark , thick, bloody mucus was vom- 
 
 ited, the thirst was excessive, the pulse feeble and frequent, the respiration hurried and 
 
 Sent Ur i881 WaS Sq^^i f ? r Be / eral ^ The patient recovered News and Abst , 
 
 a a ii P ' Pa ? ck refers t0 four cases of poisoning by this salt, of which two 
 
 ended fatally the doses in the fatal cases being respectively 8 and 15 Gm. ( 3 ij and 3 iv) 
 
 880, -u'i 144 1‘ . Pota f mm dichromate, applied topically, acts like chromic 
 amd but more mildly. It should therefore be preferred where the full escharotic action 
 ot the acid is not required. We have known it to act decidedly as a caustic upon the 
 elicate integument behind the corona glandis when applied for the removal of venereal 
 warts. Ordinary warts of the softer sort may generally be destroyed by it. Drysdale 
 recommends 1 part of potassium dichromate and 9 parts of sugar of milk to be applied 
 after the evulsion of polypi, and a solution of 2 grains in an ounce of water and half 
 ° U i n f e ° f g4 Cemi for ulcerated sore throat and for enlarged glands. It has been 
 thought useful in progressive spinal paralysis and in certain ill-defined cases of chronic 
 dyspepsia in doses of Gm. 0.005-0.01 (JL to 1 gr.). 
 
 POTASSII BITARTRAS, 77. S, — Potassium Bitartrate. 
 
 Potassn tartras acida , Br. ; Tartarus depuratus , P. G. ; Cremor tartari, Kali bitartan- 
 cum, JUtartras potassicus s. kalicus.—Acid tartrate of potash, Cream of tartar , E. • Bitar- 
 trate depotasse, Creme de tartre , Pierre de vin, Fr. ; Weinstein, G. 
 
 Formula KHC 4 H 4 0 6 . Molecular weight 187.67. 
 i "^ k(dd P°fassium tartrate is contained in many acidulous fruits, but is col- 
 
 ected altogether from the juice of the grape, in which it becomes insoluble after fermenta- 
 tion and is deposited in the casks in crystalline crusts. These form the crude tartar or 
 argot, and consist of potassium bitartrate, with calcium tartrate, coloring and extractive ( 
 matters, and yeast and other vegetable fragments. Red argot is deposited from red wines, 1 
 and has a brownish-red color; white argot, obtained from white wines, is gray or brownish- ) 
 white, ( rude tartar is not used medicinally, and little is collected in the United States ; -• 
 but the importation of it has increased from 6,965,015 pounds in 1876 to 18,313,544 j 
 pounds in 1882, while in the same years the importation of refined and partly-refined 
 tartar has decreased from 2,582,651 to 82,887 pounds, and to 26,448 pounds in 1883. 
 
 Purinca/bion. -Crude tartar is boiled with water, much of the coloring matter pre- 
 ciphated by the addition of clay, the liquid filtered through animal charcoal or otherwise 
 clanhed, and crystallized. The operation has to be repeated several times. The amount 
 of calcium tartrate contained in crude tartar varies between about 5 and 15 per cent. 
 Although this salt is insoluble in water, it dissolves to some extent (more in hot than in 
 cold) solutions of tartrates ; hence it cannot be completely removed from cream of tartar 
 by simple recrystallization. However, the crystals forming on the side of the crystalliz- 
 ing- vats contain less of this impurity than the crusts deposited at the bottom, and by 
 careful management the amount may be reduced to about 3 per cent, or less. 
 
 o obtain it ft ee from calcium salt, finely-powdered cream of tartar is macerated for 
 twenty- our hours with 8 or 10 per cent, of hydrochloric acid, previously diluted with 
 water or it is dissolved in boiling water, the same amount of hydrochloric acid added, 
 and the solution continually stirred while it cools. The mother-liquor is drained off, the 
 ciysta me powder washed with cold water, and dried. A considerable proportion of 
 potassium bitartrate remains in the mother-liquor, and may be utilized in the preparation 
 ot tartaric acid by neutralizing it with lime, when calcium tartrate is deposited. 
 
 Properties. When a hot solution of potassium bitartrate is rapidly cooled the salt 
 separates in very small crystals, which float on the liquid, and from this behavior it has 
 leceived the name cream of tartar. The larger crystals, which are deposited, were 
 
POTASSII BITARTRAS. 
 
 1281 
 
 formerly distinguished as crystalli tartari. They are rhombic prisms, and quite pure, are 
 colorless, but as usually seen are more or less opaque from the presence of calcium tar- 
 trate. But in this form it is rarely kept in the shops, where it is almost exclusively 
 employed in the form of powder. This is white, somewhat gritty, not altered on expos- 
 ure. inodorous, and has a pleasant acidulous taste and distinct acid reaction. Potassium 
 bitartrate requires at 15° C. (59° F.) 201 ( U. $.), 192 (P. G .) parts, and at 100° C. 
 (212° F.) 10.7 &), 20 (P. 6r.) parts, of water for solution; it is freely soluble, with 
 
 the formation of neutral salts, in ammonia and potassa solution, and in solution of alkali 
 carbonates, with the evolution of carbon dioxide. It is insoluble in alcohol, is more 
 soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid than in water, and is precipitated from this solution 
 by alcohol ; the solutions in dilute sulphuric and nitric acids, however, when mixed with 
 alcohol, deposit potassium sulphate and nitrate. The solutions in alkaline liquids again 
 deposit the salt on being sufficiently acidulated with hydrochloric, acetic, or other acid. 
 In the aqueous solution of the salt, rendered neutral by potassium or sodium hydroxide 
 test-solution, silver nitrate test-solution produces a white precipitate which, on boiling, 
 becomes black by the separation of metallic silver. If, before boiling, enough ammonia- 
 water be added to dissolve the white precipitate, the metal will, on boiling, form a mirror 
 on the sides of the test-tube. When heated in a crucible it evolves inflammable gas and 
 the odor of burnt sugar, and leaves a black residue known as black flux , which is a 
 mixture of potassium carbonate and charcoal ; the latter is finally consumed on continu- 
 ing the ignition with free access of air, leaving potassium carbonate or white flux. These 
 fluxes are often made by deflagration of intimate mixtures of 2 parts of cream of tartar 
 with potassium nitrate, using 1 part of the latter for the black and 4 parts for obtaining 
 the white flux. On subjecting potassium bitartrate to destructive distillation, carbon 
 dioxide, carbonic oxide, and various hydrocarbons are obtained in the gaseous state ; also 
 an aqueous liquid containing much acetic acid, a sublimate of pyrotartaric acid, various 
 tarry products, and in the retort potassium carbonate. 
 
 Tests. — When potassium bitartrate is treated with a hot solution of potassa, whatever 
 remains undissolved is impurity. In this way only the coarser adulterations, such as 
 terra alba (see p. 349), sand, etc., or calcium tartrate if present as impurity to a consider- 
 able extent, can be detected. Cream of tartar has been adulterated with gypsum, chalk, 
 alum, amylaceous substances (stale bread, etc.). These substances are best detected by 
 treating 0.5 Gm. of the powder with 3 Cc. of ammonia-water, wherein it should be com- 
 pletely soluble, and the solution should not be precipitated by hydrogen sulphide (absence 
 of copper, iron, etc.). The residue left by ammonia will acquire a blue color on the 
 addition of iodine if starch is present ; cold dilute hydrochloric acid added to the residue 
 will leave terra alba, starch, and some gypsum undissolved, and produce effervescence if 
 chalk is present. The acid solution, mixed with an excess of ammonium or sodium 
 acetate, should not yield white precipitates with ferric chloride (phosphates), ammonia 
 (alumina), or ammonium carbonate (calcium salt). Chlorides and sulphates are most 
 conveniently detected in the aqueous solution of cream of tartar, which, after addition 
 of a few drops of nitric acid, should not be precipitated by barium nitrate (sulphates) or 
 silver nitrate (chlorides). “ 204 grains heated to redness till gas ceases to be evolved 
 leave an alkaline residue, which requires for exact neutralization at least 1000 grain- 
 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid.” — Br. This test proves the absence 
 of more than 7.8 per cent, of admixtures and impurities. “If 1.2 Gm. of potassium 
 bitartrate be repeatedly agitated, during half an hour, with a mixture of 5 Cc. of acetic 
 acid and 1 Cc. of water, and the mixture then diluted with 30 Cc. of water, and filtered, 
 the clear filtrate should not be rendered turbid, within one minute, by the addition of 
 0.5 Cc. of ammonium oxalate test-solution (limit of calcium salt). No odor of ammonia 
 should be evolved on heating the salt with a slight excess of potassium or sodium 
 hydroxide test-solution. If 1.88 Gm. of potassium bitartrate be thoroughly ignited 
 at a red heat, it should require for complete neutralization not less than 9.9 Cc. 
 of normal sulphuric-acid solution (each Cc. corresponding to 10 per cent, of the 
 pure salt), methyl orange being used as an indicator.”- — U. S. The German Phar- 
 macopoeia permits the presence of traces of chloride and of not more than ] per cent, 
 of calcium tartrate. For the detection of the latter it has adopted the test proposed by 
 Biltz : 1 Gm. of the salt is repeatedly agitated and macerated for half an hour with 5 Cc. 
 of acidum aceticum dilutum ; then dilute with 25 Ce. of distilled water, and the filtrate is 
 mixed with 8 drops of test-solution of ammonium oxalate, when it should not become 
 cloudy in less than one minute ( P . 6r.). The diluted acetic acid (P. G.) is nearly identical 
 with the acetic acid (I/i Si). In the above, test with 8 drops of ammonium oxalate 
 81 
 
1282 
 
 POTASSII BROMIDUM. 
 
 solution a turbidity beginning after one-half, one, or two minutes indicates respectively 
 i, i, or i per cent, of calcium tartrate. 
 
 Composition. — Potassium bitartrate does not contain any water of crystallization. 
 Each molecule contains 1 atom of potassium, and 25 per cent, of its weight is represented 
 by K 2 0, and on ignition 36.7 per cent, of K 2 C0 3 is left. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In full doses potassium bitartrate is refrigerant, laxative, and 
 diuretic : the last operation, however, is more evident after small doses given in a large 
 proportion of water. It is apt to disturb digestion by causing flatulence and griping, 
 and, when long continued, to impair nutrition. In excessive doses it may act poisonously, 
 causing vomiting, purging, thirst, colic, and great exhaustion, even to paralysis, which 
 may terminate fatally. 
 
 In febrile diseases a weak solution of the salt moderates vascular excitement and aug- 
 ments the secretion of urine. For this purpose it is conveniently dissolved in lemonade. 
 As a purgative it is frequently associated with sulphur, magnesia, or jalap. With sul- 
 phur or with confection of senna it forms a convenient laxative in case of haemorrhoids. 
 With jalap it is often used as a hydragogue cathartic in dropsy , and especially in anasarca, 
 and as a diuretic in the same disease dissolved in an infusion of juniper-berries. With 
 magnesia it has been recommended in habitual vomiting arising from gastric acidity, and 
 in pregnancy. 
 
 The dose of potassium bitartrate, as a cathartic, is from Gm. 16-32 (^ss-j) ; as a 
 diuretic, Gm. 4-8 (^j-ij) in water, largely diluted and taken in divided doses. For the 
 same purpose whey may be employed, prepared by adding Gm. 8 (^ij) of the salt to 
 a pint of milk. 
 
 POTASSII BROMIDUM, V. 8., Br.— Potassium Bromide. 
 
 Kalium bromatum , P. G. ; Bromuretum potassicum s. kalicum. — Bromure de potassium, 
 Fr. ; BromJcalium , Kaliumbromid , G. 
 
 Formula KBr. Molecular weight 118.79. 
 
 Preparation. — Combine 2 ounces of bromine with suflicient iron (1 ounce) in the 
 presence of 24 ounces of water until a green solution is obtained ; filter, add solution of 
 2i ounces of pure potassium carbonate in 24 ounces of water until it ceases to produce 
 a precipitate ; heat the mixture for half an hour ; filter, wash the precipitate with hot 
 water, evaporate the filtrate, and crystallize. — U. S. 1870. Take of solution of potash 
 2 pints ; bromine 4 fluidounces or a sufficiency ; wood-charcoal, in fine powder, 2 ounces ; 
 boiling distilled water 1\ pints. Put the solution of potash into a glass or porcelain ves- 
 sel, and add the bromine in successive portions, with constant agitation, until the mixture 
 has acquired a permanent brown tint. Evaporate to dryness, reduce the residue to a fine 
 powder, and mix this intimately with the charcoal. Throw the mixture in small quanti- 
 ties at a time into a red-hot iron crucible, and when the whole has been brought to a state 
 of fusion remove the crucible from the fire and pour out its contents. When the fused 
 mass has cooled dissolve it in the water, filter the solution through paper, and set it aside 
 to crystallize. Drain the crystals and dry them with a gentle heat. More crystals may 
 be obtained by evaporating the mother-liquor and cooling. The salt should be kept in 
 a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 In the first process ferrous bromide is formed by the action of bromine upon iron, and 
 the solution of this salt, which is of a green color, is decomposed by potassium carbonate, 
 resulting in the production of potassium bromide, which remains in solution, and ol a 
 white precipitate of ferrous carbonate ; FeBr 2 -f- K 2 C0 3 yields 2KBr -f- FeC0 3 . The latter 
 is very bulky, but by boiling it for some time is converted into a denser ferric hydroxide, 
 which is more readily washed out with water than the carbonate. On concentrating the 
 filtrate, crystals of potassium bromide are obtained. 
 
 On adding bromine to solution of potassa, 5 molecules of potassium bromide and 1 of 
 bromate are produced ; 3Br 2 -|- 6KOII yields 5KBr -f KBr0 3 -f- 3H 2 0. By evaporating 
 the solution to dryness, mixing the salts with charcoal, and heating to redness, the bromate 
 is deoxidized to bromide, while the oxygen unites with the charcoal, forming carbonic 
 oxide, which escapes ; KBr0 3 C 3 yields KBr -f- 3CO. Dissolving in water and concen- 
 trating the solution will yield the bromide in crystals. Instead of deoxidizing with char- 
 coal, the same result may be attained by passing hydrogen sulphide through the solution, 
 when the hydrogen of the latter will unite with the oxygen of the bromate, forming 
 water, while sulphur is liberated and requires to be separated by filtration ; KBr0 3 -f- 3H 2 8 
 yields KBr + 3H 2 0 + S,. 
 
POTASSII BROMIDUM. 
 
 1283 
 
 On treating a solution of calcium bromide with potassium sulphate and filtering from 
 the precipitated gypsum, the liquid will yield potassium bromide, requiring recrystalliza- 
 tion for obtaining it pure. The salt is extensively manufactured in the United States. 
 
 Properties. — Pure potassium bromide crystallizes in colorless cubes which are neu- 
 tral to test-paper. It is met with in commerce in the form of a granular crystalline 
 powder or of cubical crystals, which are white and glossy, and, having been obtained 
 from an alkaline solution, have a slight alkaline reaction. It is permanent in the air, 
 inodorous, has a pungent saline taste, and when heated decrepitates, melts at 700° C. 
 (1200° F.), and on cooling congeals again to a transparent mass ; at a bright red or at a 
 white heat it is slowly volatilized without decomposition. According to Kremers (1856), 
 1 part of this salt dissolves at 0° C. (32° F.) in 1.87, at 20° C. (68° F.) in 1.55, at 40° 
 C. (140° F.) in 1.34, and at 100° C. (212° F.) in 0.98 part, of water. It is soluble, at 
 15° C. (59° F.), in about 1.6 parts of water and in 200 parts of alcohol ; in less than 1 
 part of boiling water, and in 16 parts of boiling alcohol ; also soluble in 4 parts of gly- 
 cerin. — U. S. The aqueous solution yields a white crystalline precipitate on the addition 
 of tartaric acid or of a saturated solution of sodium bitartrate, and on the addition of a 
 few drops of chlorine-water liberates bromine, which dissolves in ether, chloroform, or 
 carbon disulphide with a reddish-yellow or brown-yellow color, which in the last two 
 solvents will have a violet tint if iodide be present. 1 Gm. of the powdered and dried 
 salt, when completely precipitated by silver nitrate, yields, if perfectly pure, 1.579 Gm. 
 of dry silver bromide. 
 
 Tests. — Crystals or fragments of the crystals of the salt laid upon moistened red 
 litmus-paper should not at once produce a violet-blue stain. A little of the powdered 
 salt taken up with the loop of a platinum wire and held in a non-luminous flame should 
 at once impart a violet color to the latter. — -U. S., P. G. The crushed salt should not at 
 once assume a yellow color with diluted sulphuric acid (absence of bromate). — U. S., 
 P. G. If 10 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20)' of the salt be mixed with a little 
 starch test-solution, the addition of a few drops of chlorine-water should not produce a 
 blue color (absence of iodine). 10 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 12) should not be 
 rendered turbid by the addition of 0.5 Cc. of ammonia-water and of 0.5 Cc. of ammonium 
 sulphide test-solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.) ; nor should 10 Cc., after being 
 slightly acidulated by acetic acid, be rendered turbid by an equal volume of hydrogen 
 sulphide test-solution (absence of metals) ; nor by 0.5 Cc. of ammonium oxalate test- 
 solution (calcium) ; nor by 0.5 Cc. of potassium sulphate test-solution (barium) ; nor by 
 0.5 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution (sulphate) ; nor be colored blue by 0.5 Cc. of 
 potassium ferrocyanide test-solution (iron). “ If 1 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. 
 of a mixture of 100 Cc. of water and 0.2 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid, no red tint should 
 be imparted to the solution by the addition of a few drops of phenolphtalein test-solution 
 (limit of potassium carbonate).” — U. S. If 3 Gm. of the well-dried salt be dissolved in 
 distilled water to make 100 Cc., and 10 Cc. of this solution be treated with a few drops 
 of test-solution of potassium chromate, and then decinormal volumetric solution of silver 
 nitrate be added, not less than 25.14 Cc. (2?r.), and not more than 25.5 ( Br .), 25.7 ( TJ. $.), 
 25.4 (P. G .) Cc. of the latter should be consumed before the red color ceases to disappear 
 on stirring. 0.3 Gm. of pure potassium bromide would require 25.25 Cc. of the volumetric 
 solution, while 0.3 Gm. of potassium chloride would require 40.32 Cc. ; hence 1 per cent, 
 of chloride is represented by each 0.1507 Cc. of decinormal silver solution used in excess 
 of 25.25 Cc. for 0.3 Gm. of the salt. To find the percentage of chloride present in 0.3 
 Gm. of any sample, subtract 25.25 from the number of Cc. of decinormal silver solution 
 necessary to produce the permanent red color, and divide this remainder by 0.1507. 
 Thus we find that while the U. S. Pharm. allows 3 per cent, of chloride, the Brit. Pharm. 
 places the limit at 1.65 per cent., and the Germ. Pharm. restricts the impurity of chloride 
 to 1 (0.995) per cent. Since the presence of iodide will decrease the amount of silver 
 solution necessary for complete precipitation, the Br. Pharm. requirement (see above) 
 must be considered as also including this impurity. A very delicate test for chloride is 
 the following : To a solution of the salt are added potassium dichromate and sulphuric 
 acid, and the mixture distilled ; the distillate will contain chlorocliromic anhydride , Cr0 2 Cl 2 , 
 and after neutralization with ammonia will have a yellow color and show the reaction of 
 chromates. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The functional effects of potassium bromide, manifested 
 after the prolonged use of the salt in daily doses of from 40 to 120 grains, are usually 
 such as these : The fetid odor of bromine upon the breath, redness of the soft palate, 
 and an increased or diminished secretion of saliva ; diminution, and even abolition, of 
 
1284 
 
 POT A SSI I B ROM I BUM. 
 
 the reflex sensibility of the palate, the root of the tongue, and the epiglottis, without 
 lessened sensibility of those parts to contact and to pain ; frequently a craving appetite 
 for food, but sometimes a suspension of this function ; constipation ; some diuresis or 
 else arrest of the urinary secretion ; sedation or suppression of sexual desire ; diminution 
 and retardation of the menses ; pulmonary catarrh ; a general heaviness or inertness, 
 drowsiness, diminished clearness of the intellect ; sleep, which is generally natural, but 
 sometimes resembles profound lethargy ; sedation of the excito-motor functions of the 
 spinal marrow and of general sensibility ; the memory, especially for words, is enfeebled, 
 and they are often strangely misused ; eruptions, of acne principally, sometimes of ulcers 
 or boils, impetigo or eczema, appear upon the skin, which grows muddy or bronzed. 
 The presence of bromine in the pustules of acne has been chemically demonstrated. 
 (Compare Grellety, Bull, et Mem. Soc. Therap ., 1887, p. 31 ; Amidon, Med. Record , xxx. 
 409 ; Tooth, Lancet , Apr. 1889, p. 841.) In rare cases a form of eruption occurs in 
 infants which may be described as a hypertrophic or papillomatous dermatitis. The 
 eruption has been compared to a half-ripe raspberry ; the papules degenerate, and, if 
 neglected, form sanious ulcers (Parker, Trans. Clin. Soc., xii. 199 ; Seguin, Mew York 
 Med. Record , xxii. 474 ; Carrington, Trans. Clin. Soc. Lond ., xviii. 28). The muscles are 
 enfeebled and their co-ordinated movements imperfect ; the gait is unsteady and tottering, 
 and frequently there is a loss of flesh. In the more striking cases of bromism the patient 
 is excessively feeble and depressed ; the sight and hearing lose their acuteness ; the gums 
 are red, swollen, and painful ; the nostrils are filled with hardened mucus, and diarrhoea 
 exhausts the strength ; there is sometimes profuse sweating or incontinence of urine and 
 faeces ; pulmonary catarrh impedes respiration, and occasionally death takes place, with 
 febrile symptoms and coma. In exceptional cases mental derangement is superadded, 
 with maniacal violence and hallucinations. Nearly all of the symptoms in this summary 
 were cited in a case reported by Umpfenbach ( Therap . Monatsh., iii. 253). Only two 
 cases have been reported of death directly due to poisoning by this salt — one of them by 
 Hameau in 1868, and the other by Eigner in 1886 ( Archives gen., 1886, ii. 487). In a 
 case of scarlatina occurring in an epileptic, who continued the use of the medicine during 
 the fever, death having occurred, it was found that the brain contained nearly three times 
 the proportion of the bromide that existed in the liver (Practitioner, xlii. 446). It is related 
 that a hemichoreic woman took 610 grains of this salt in three days. “ The patient sud 
 denly developed delirium, which continued after the bromide was stopped. Subsequently, 
 she became apathetic and semi-idiotic ” ( Med Record, xx. 627). 
 
 Whatever interferes with the action of the kidneys intensifies the effects of this salt. 
 To this category belong febrile states, obstructive diseases of these organs (Bright’s dis- 
 ease), and old age. On the other hand, children of from seven to fifteen years of age 
 tolerate larger doses of the bromide than other persons, and are less apt than adults to 
 become dull and sleepy or to have their muscular co-ordination impaired. This peculiarity 
 is probably due to the rapid elimination of the salt, especially by the salivary glands, the 
 kidneys, and the skin. It is stated that while a nursing mother was taking 30 grains of 
 potassium bromide daily her infant became emaciated and anaesthetic, and its urine 
 contained potassa. The child speedily recovered on ceasing to use its mother’s milk 
 (Med. Record, xxii. 336). 
 
 As is usual in the history of medicines, the virtues of potassium bromide were dis- 
 covered accidentally. The high price of potassium iodide, which is so largely used 
 in the treatment of constitutional syphilis, caused a trial to be made of the bromide, in 
 the hope that it might serve as a substitute for the more costly salt. The result showed 
 that the scientific anticipation was totally unfounded, but at the same time it revealed 
 the sedative, anaesthetic, and hypnotic virtues of the medicine, and led to its more suita- 
 ble use in therapeutics, at first in allaying priapism and other forms of sexual excite- 
 ment, then in hysteria and in hystero-epilepsy, and finally in epilepsy itself. Since then 
 it has been employed in numerous diseases, especially of the nervous system. 
 
 In sleeplessness depending upon nervous excitement, exhaustion, and irritability — in 
 hysterical and maniacal wakefulness, for example — rather than upon cerebral hyperaemia 
 as it occurs in sthenic inflammatory diseases, the utility of the medicine is most conspicu- 
 ous. This fact is not altogether incompatible with the probable theory which ascribes the 
 hypnotic virtues of the bromide to its power of diminishing the amount of blood in the 
 brain, but is more in accordance with the view that it causes sleep by anaesthetizing the 
 organ, precisely as it acts upon the fauces and other parts when directly applied to them 
 It is a valuable substitute for opiates in those cases of infantile wakefulness which depend 
 more upon nervous erethism than upon pain or any local disease. In the last-named cases 
 
POTASSII BROMIDVM. 
 
 1285 
 
 a dose of Gm. 0.60 (10 grains), repeated if necessary, will suffice, but in adults from Gm. 
 
 1 .30-4 (20 to 40 grains) should be administered every hour or two until the proper effect 
 is secured. This may be promoted by cold ablutions of the head or prolonged tepid 
 general baths. 
 
 Neuralgia occurring in connection with general nervous erethism induced by exhaust- 
 ing causes, or with a state of hypochondriac melancholy, with more or less functional 
 derangement of the stomach, heart, etc., or with an overstrained nervous system goaded 
 by unsatisfied sexual desires, has been repeatedly palliated, and sometimes cured, by this 
 medicine. The best result is most apt to be reached in the last-named form of the 
 disease. But a case is on record in which a man of sixty-two, who had suffered from tic- 
 douloureux for twenty-eight years was completely cured in a fortnight by the daily 
 administration of Gm. 7 (100 grains) of the bromide, given in divided doses (Peter). 
 
 In almost all forms of insanity attended with excitement and insomnia this preparation 
 is of great value, no other having an equal power of allaying the symptoms with so little 
 risk of injury, but is generally more esteemed as a means of reinforcing the action of 
 more direct narcotics. In delirium tremens it is equally efficient, but it is less so in 
 mania-a-potu. In the latter it should be associated with cold baths. There is reason to 
 think that in the active form of sunstroke this medicine may be useful as an adjuvant to 
 the use of cold water, etc. In chorea no other medicine exerts as powerful a restraint 
 upon the movements or more frequently leads to a permanent cure. But the greatest 
 triumph of potassium bromide is shown by its control over epilepsy , a disease more 
 intractable than any other that is not inherently fatal. In this connection the experi- 
 ments of Albertoni are of high interest ( Archiv f. exp. Pathol , etc., xx. 251). In a 
 number of animals he tested the epileptogenous zone on one side of the brain, and found 
 that convulsive attacks were excited by irritating it. He then administered full doses of 
 potassium bromide until its physiological effects were developed, and, having exposed 
 the sensitive centre of the uninjured side of the brain, he found that irritation of it no 
 longer brought on convulsions. When epilepsy is congenital or is caused by traumatic 
 or other substantial lesions, this medicine, like all others, may be altogether inefficacious. 
 The nearer the disease approaches to a purely functional disorder, the more amenable it 
 is to treatment, and therefore the more so in proportion as it is of recent origin and 
 before those alterations of nutrition have taken place in the blood-vessels and in the sub- 
 stance of the nervous centres which render the disease inveterate. Such, at least, is, as 
 we conceive, the more judicious opinion ; but in the judgment of some neither the cause, 
 degree, nor duration of the disease enables one to judge how well or ill it may be affected 
 by the medicine. All are, however, agreed that it must be administered in full doses and 
 for a long time — in daily doses amounting to not less than Gm. 4 (^j), and gradually 
 increased as its active power declines. Other reputed remedies are sedatives of the 
 circulation, and notably the most ancient of all, a vegetable diet. Animal food was pro- 
 hibited in epilepsy by Celsus, Trallian, Aretaeus, and others. Whether or not radical 
 and absolute cures are ever made of genuine epilepsy is undetermined, but the great pre- 
 ponderance of opinion is unquestionably upon the negative side of the proposition. The 
 most authoritative judgment is, that the epileptic is never secure against a return of his 
 attacks, and that if he is prudent he will, in spite of an apparent cure, continue to use 
 the medicine at intervals for the remainder of his life, or, as one has phrased it, it should 
 become, as it were, his daily bread. It has been customary in the treatment of epilepsy 
 to employ a prescription proposed by Dr. Brown-Sequard — viz. 14. Potassium Iodide 
 and Potassium Bromide, of each 8 parts; Ammonium Bromide 4 parts; Potassium 
 Bicarbonate 5 parts ; Infusion of Calumba 360 parts. — M. S. A teaspoonful before 
 meals and two teaspoonfuls at bedtime. The bitter saline taste of this mixture soon 
 renders it very disagreeable to many persons who can take without serious repugnance 
 a simple solution in water of one or more of the salts. It may very well be questioned 
 whether the presence in the above formula of any of the salts except the bromides of 
 potassium and ammonium increases its efficacy. 
 
 In tetanus , idiopathic as well as traumatic, and including tetanus neonatorum , this 
 bromide has exhibited decided curative powers, and some cases have recovered after 
 enormous quantities of it had been taken. In one successful case about a pound of the 
 salt was consumed in the treatment, and in another 13 ounces were used in twenty days. 
 In poisoning by strychnine the results have been equally striking and conclusive, and con- 
 firm clinically what physiological experiment had before demonstrated, that potassium 
 bromide is a true antagonist of strychnine. It is remarkable that a medicine supposed 
 to have a special influence upon the nervous centres connected with the genital organs 
 
1286 
 
 POTASSII BROMIDUM. 
 
 should not have proved more curative of hysteria than of epilepsy itself. Clinical 
 experience, however, shows its influence over hysterical attacks to be very slight and 
 transient ; and yet, on the other hand, it is efficacious in certain local hysterical spasms , 
 as of the eyelids, oesophagus, and facial muscles, connected with uterine irritation. 
 Infantile convulsions , arising from teething and other excentric causes of irritation, have 
 repeatedly been arrested by this medicine, which may be administered by the rectum if 
 it cannot be given by the mouth in doses of from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (5 to 10 grains), 
 repeated every hour. In some cases of puerperal convulsions it has proved equally effi- 
 cacious, but is probably a less reliable remedy than the volatile anaesthetics. In whoop- 
 ing cough potassium bromide has been employed by the stomach and also by the 
 inhalation of its atomized solution. By the former method the spasmodic element is 
 eliminated in part indirectly, and by the latter through a direct anaesthetic action upon 
 the larynx. In this manner one of the most dangerous factors of the disease is removed. 
 For inhalation there may be used a solution of Gm. 0.12 in Gm. 32 (gr. ij in f^j) of 
 water. Spasmodic asthma has been treated in the same manner, and with notable advan- 
 tage. Spasmodic vomiting , due to reflex irritation, as in pregnancy , is sometimes con- 
 trolled by the bromide, especially when full doses of Gm. 4-6 (gr. lx-xc) are given 
 either by the mouth or the rectum. Usually the latter mode of administration is to be 
 preferred, or, if the medicine is given by the stomach, it should be in small and repeated 
 doses. It need hardly be remarked that an essential part of the treatment consists in 
 rectal alimentation. For this purpose the pancreatic emulsion is the most appropriate 
 agent. The vomiting of phthisis, which is so serious a symptom in the advanced stages 
 of the disease, may generally be controlled by applying a strong solution of the salt to 
 the pharynx and larynx by means of a brush or by atomization. Potassium bromide 
 appears to be the most successful medicine hitherto used in sea-sickness. It should be 
 taken in the dose of about 10 grains in cold water flavored with tincture of ginger or of 
 capsicum or of cardamom, before meals and at whatever times nausea is marked. Mer- 
 curial tremor and nervous palpitation of the heart are favorably influenced by this bromide. 
 The latter affection is oftenest relieved when associated with functional angina pectoris. 
 This bromide is alleged by Teissier to have cured some cases of diabetes {Bull, de 
 Therap ., cviii. 332). 
 
 Potassium bromide, it has already been stated, even when freely used by healthy 
 persons, blunts or suspends both sexual desire and power, and it has been employed with 
 great advantage when erections of the penis result from morbid conditions either of 
 chordee produced by gonorrhoea, of the persistent erections so frequently met with in 
 infants, and those which sometimes follow the application of cantharidal blisters. The 
 same is true of certain less ordinary cases of persistent priapism , as well as of the com- 
 mon examples of nocturnal seminal emissions , especially as they occur in young men of 
 chaste life and sedentary habits and in those who have been more or less addicted to self- 
 abuse. Not less serviceable is it in relieving nocturnal incontinence of urine in children. 
 It has also been used with excellent results in those cases of hysteroidal excitement 
 which verge on nymphomania. In these instances large doses of the medicine must be 
 employed. Instead of being administered by the mouth, the bromide may be injected 
 into the rectum or the bladder in cases like those enumerated^or of more substantial 
 disease of these organs. A solution of 1 : 20 has been found the most useful. Its anaes- 
 thetic virtues are always shown in its allaying the pain of teething when it is applied to the 
 swollen gums mixed with honey or in watery solution. It alleviates toothache when intro- 
 duced into a carious cavity. In a lotion the salt palliates the burning and stinging of 
 urticaria and the itching in some other diseases of the skin. Internally it has availed to 
 cure acne that occurred at the menstrual periods and was associated with ovarian irrita- 
 tion ( Practitioner , xlii. 346). 
 
 Several examples have been published which go to prove that potassium bromide is 
 occasionally successful in curing intermittent fever when quinine and arsenic have failed ; 
 and even when, after the cure of the paroxysmal attacks, the spleen remains enlarged, it 
 is asserted that no other remedy so promptly and certainly reduces it to its normal dimen- 
 sions as this preparation. It need not usually be prescribed in larger doses than Gm. 
 1—1.30 (gr. xv-xx) a day. In the defective sight or amblyopia sometimes produced by 
 intemperance this bromide has been found very useful when given in doses at first of Gm. 
 0.60 (gr. x) three times a day, and gradually increased until its specific effects upon the 
 nervous system begin to show themselves. It probably acts by diminishing the conges- 
 tion of the cerebral blood-vessels. Several other diseases have been reported to be 
 curable by it, among others diphtheria. But an examination of the evidence produced 
 
POTASSII CARBON AS. 
 
 1287 
 
 in the discussion of the subject leaves no doubt that this bromide, like all topical appli- 
 cations whatever, has only an incidental influence on the course and issue of the disease. 
 At best, it may hasten the separation of false membrane from the pharynx, but of this 
 the evidence is far from conclusive. 
 
 The association of potassium bromide with quinine, and also with iron, is said to 
 prevent the headache, throbbing, and general discomfort which some persons experience 
 on taking those medicines, and also the nauseant and depressant effects which occasion- 
 ally follow the use of opiates. A mixture of the bromides of potassium, sodium, and 
 ammonium is thought to be more efficient than either alone. 
 
 The anaesthetic action of this medicine upon the pharynx and larynx has already been 
 referred to in connection with ulcerated states of these organs ; the same influence is 
 resorted to for facilitating the use of the laryngoscope, and for lessening the irritability 
 of the urethra when the introduction of instruments through it is required. Suppositories, 
 ointments, and solutions containing the bromide have been introduced into the rectum for 
 relieving irritability of the bladder and promoting the resolution of the enlarged prostate 
 gland. Each dose may contain from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (5 to 10 grains) of the salt. In the 
 treatment of gangrenous sores its antiseptic virtues may be invoked. 
 
 The acneiform eruption produced by the continued use of potassium bromide, and 
 which with many patients forms a serious objection to its use, may very generally be pre- 
 vented, as Echeverria first pointed out (1870), by adding to each dose of the bromide 
 from 5 to 8 minims of Fowler’s solution. This dose of the latter medicine is entirely too 
 large, and cannot be continued, as it must be to prevent the eruption. Gowers (1878) 
 recommended doses of from 1 to 5 minims, and stated that they need not bear any direct 
 proportion to the degree of the eruption, which, he adds, occurs not only with potassium 
 bromide, but also with the sodium salt, and still more readily with ammonium bromide. 
 Duckworth recommends the use of the following lotion: R. Precipitated Sulphur ^ij ; 
 Spirit of Camphor f^j ; Lime-water f^ij ; twice a day after washing the skin with oat- 
 meal gruel instead of soap (St. Bart's Hosp. Rep., xv. 15). In this country Indian corn 
 meal would be preferable. Prowse recommended a solution of 1 grain of salicylic acid in 
 an ounce of water, to be applied frequently (Brit. Med. Jour., Aug. 1880, p. 127). 
 
 The commencing dose of potassium bromide is Gm. 0.20-2 (gr. iij— xxx), according 
 to the age of the patient. It is necessary to repeat the dose several times a day, and in 
 most cases to increase it until its specific effects begin to appear. It should then be 
 reduced or for a brief space of time suspended. 
 
 POTASSII CARBONAS, U . S ., Hr , — Potassium Carbonate. 
 
 Kaliurn carbonicum ( purum , s. e. tartar d), P. G. ; Carbonas potassicus, s. Jcalicus, Potassii 
 carbonas purus ; Sal tartari . — Carbonate of potash ( potassa ), Salt of tartar, E. ; Car- 
 bonate de potasse, Fr. ; Kaliumcarbonat , Kohlensaures Kali , G. 
 
 Formula K 2 C0 3 . Molecular weight 137.91. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Potassium carbonate is contained in many mineral 
 waters, and is met with in the animal economy chiefly after the administration of potas- 
 sium citrate or tartrate. Plants take their inorganic constituents from the soil, and when 
 incinerated leave them behind as ashes. The ash of most plants contains potassium, 
 sodium, calcium, and magnesium in combination with chlorine, carbonic, sulphuric, phos- 
 phoric, and silicic acids, usually ferric oxide, and occasionally some other elements. As a 
 general rule, plants grown near the seashore yield an ash rich in sodium, and those grown 
 inland an ash in which potassium salts predominate. Succulent plants or parts of plants 
 generally yield a larger percentage of ash (calculated for the exsiccated substance) than 
 dry or woody parts. The amount of ash and its constituents necessarily varies to a cer- 
 tain extent, being influenced by the nature of the soil, the age of the plant, and by 
 various other causes; the composition of the ash and of its soluble portion must there- 
 fore vary for the same species. Among the vegetables which yield an ash rich in potas- 
 sium salts must be mentioned corn-cobs — that is, the fully-developed axis of the fruit- 
 spikes of Zea Mays, Linne, after having been deprived of the corn. Examined by II. 
 Hazard (1872), they were found to contain, on an average, when air-dried, 0.762 per cent, 
 of potassium carbonate, which may easily be obtained in a nearly pure state ; and, esti- 
 mating the corn crop of the United States at 1,100,000,000 bushels, and 14 pounds of 
 cobs to the bushel, he calculated that 115,000,000 pounds of this alkali could be obtained 
 from that source alone. 
 
 For a long time this article was chiefly obtained in those countries, as in some parts 
 
1288 
 
 POTASSII CARBON AS. 
 
 of Europe and North America, where wood is cheap or where its transportation to more 
 remunerative markets is too costly, by burning the wood and lixiviating the ashes. The 
 solution is obtained as concentrated as possible by passing the weaker liquids through 
 fresh portions of ash, afterward evaporated and heated in iron vessels, so that on cooling 
 it will solidify to a very hard mass ; this constitutes the crude potash of the market. 
 This crude potash is of a more or less deep-brown, reddish-brown, or bluish color, due to 
 organic impurities and to iron, copper, or manganese ; it is deliquescent on exposure and 
 has a very caustic taste. It is not recognized by any of the pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Large quantities of potash are at present prepared from the ash obtained from the resi- 
 due of beet-sugar manufacture, which contains about one-third its weight of this salt, 
 and is freed from other potassium and sodium salts by allowing these to crystallize from con- 
 centrated solutions at different temperatures. On washing the fleeces of sheep with water, 
 evaporating the solution, and igniting the residue, an ash is obtained containing but a 
 small percentage of sodium salts and a larger proportion of potassium chloride and sul- 
 phate. The potassium salts obtained in these processes, notably in the former one in 
 large quantities, also the potassium salts from the Stassfurt mines, are by suitable processes 
 converted into potassium sulphate, and this salt into carbonate by a process similar to that 
 of Leblanc for soda (see Sodii Carbonas), by heating the sulphate with lime and char- 
 coal, whereby potassium carbonate and an insoluble calcium oxysulphide are formed. 
 Balard (1865) found it advantageous to employ not pure potassium sulphate, but a salt 
 containing about 20 per cent, of magnesium sulphate, which leaves the product of ignition 
 in a porous condition, so that it may readily be exhausted by water. ' 
 
 Various methods of obtaining potassium carbonate from other sources have been 
 recommended, and to some extent are used. E. Meyer (1857) proposed to ignite an inti- 
 mate mixture of 10 parts of feldspar (aluminum and potassium silicate) with from 14 to 
 18 parts of lime, to boil the mass with water under pressure, and to evaporate the solu- 
 tion, at the same time conducting the products of combustion over the liquid, in order 
 to convert the caustic potassa into carbonate and to precipitate the alumina which was in 
 solution. 
 
 1. Potassii carbonas impurus, U. S. 1870 ; Kalium carbonicum crudum, P. G. ; 
 Cineres clavellati. — Impure potassium carbonate, Pearlash, E. ; Potasse impur, Fr. ; 
 Rohe Potasche, G . — This is the white salt, still impure, the preparation of which has 
 been described above. It is at present only recognized by the German Pharmacopoeia, 
 which for the anhydrous or nearly anhydrous salt requires it to contain 90 per cent, of 
 potassium carbonate, and 2 Gm. of it to be neutralized by not less than 26 Cc. of normal 
 hydrochloric (or oxalic) acid. 
 
 2. Potassii carbonas, U. S. 1870; Kali carbonicum depuratum, P. G. 1872. — Potas- 
 sium carbonate, E. ; Carbonate de potasse, Fr. ; Gereinigtes kohlensaures Kali, G. — This 
 salt, no longer official, but frequently found in the shops, is prepared by treating the pre- 
 ceding with its own weight of cold water, decanting the clear solution, evaporating it in a 
 bright iron vessel, and granulating. 
 
 3. Official Potassium Carbonate. For its preparation the following directions 
 were given in the U. S. P. 1870: Take of potassium bicarbonate, in coarse powder, 12 
 troy ounces ; distilled water 12 fluidounces. Put the potassium bicarbonate into a capa- 
 cious iron crucible ; heat gradually until the water of crystallization is driven off ; then 
 raise the heat to redness, and maintain that temperature for half an hour. Having taken 
 the crucible from the fire and allowed it to cool, dissolve its contents in the distilled water 
 and filter the solution. Pour this into an iron vessel and evaporate over a gentle fire 
 until it thickens. Lastly, remove it from the fire, and stir constantly with an iron spatula 
 until it forms a granular salt. 
 
 When an organic salt of potassium is ignited, the residue left contains potassium 
 carbonate. Cream of tartar, being the most common salt available for this purpose, was 
 formerly more extensively employed than at present for preparing pure potassium carbo- 
 nate ; hence the name salt of tartar , which is, however, in the United States usually 
 employed as a synonym for purified potassium carbonate. In making carbonate from 
 potassium bitartrate, the latter is usually mixed with saltpetre, which should be entirely 
 free from chloride, and then deflagrated by throwing the mixture in small portions into a 
 red-hot crucible, when the potassium of both the bitartrate and nitrate is left behind as 
 carbonate. In this way black and white flux are prepared, of which the latter usually 
 contains potassium nitrite. By exhausting the black flux with water and evaporating 
 the solution a very pure potassium carbonate is obtained. 
 
 Since pearlash contains, besides carbonate, various other soluble salts of potassium and 
 
POTASSIT CARBONAS. 
 
 1289 
 
 sodium, a pure carbonate cannot be obtained from it, though many of the foreign salts 
 mav be removed by the use of cold water in small quantities in which the other salts are 
 less soluble than the carbonate. But by converting the carbonate into bicarbonate the 
 latter salt may be obtained nearly chemically pure, and when heated to redness will give 
 off water and carbon dioxide, and leave an equally pure carbonate; 2KHC0 3 yields 
 K.,C0 3 + H 2 0 -f- C0 2 . In these operations only silver or clean iron vessels should be 
 employed, for reasons explained under Potassa. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium carbonate in its pure state is a white inodorous salt, some- 
 times crystalline, but usually in the form of a granular powder, which has a strong alka- 
 line reaction and a strongly alkaline but scarcely a caustic taste, and is deliquescent in 
 the air, forming a colorless or yellowish liquid of an oily appearance ( Oleum tartar i per 
 deliquium ). It is soluble in 1.1 parts of cold water and in two-thirds its weight of 
 boiling water, and from its concentrated solution may with some difficulty be obtained in 
 transparent crystals containing 16.36 per cent, of water. It is insoluble in alcohol, dis- 
 solves in dilute acids with effervescence, and has the chemical behavior of potassium salts. 
 Since solutions of sodium carbonate, unless rather diluted, yield with an excess of tartaric 
 acid a crystalline precipitate, it is best to test for potassium with a fragment of the salt 
 attached to the loop of a platinum wire, which should impart a violet but not a perma- 
 nently yellow color to a non-luminous flame, or the salt may be dissolved in a slight 
 excess of diluted hydrochloric acid ; such a solution will give a yellow precipitate with 
 test-solution of platinic chloride and a white crystalline precipitate with a saturated solu- 
 tion of sodium bitartrate. The salt when heated to redness loses all the water it may 
 have retained or absorbed (about 16 per cent., /?/*.) ; this exsiccated salt melts at a 
 bright-red heat, aad slowly volatilizes at a white heat. The U. S. and German Pharma- 
 copoeias recognize the anhydrous or nearly anhydrous salt containing at least 95 per cent, 
 of pure potassium carbonate ; hence 2 Gm. of it should be neutralized by not less than 
 27.4 Cc. of normal hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, which indicates 94.5 per cent. K 2 C0 3 . 
 83 grains require for neutralization not less than 980 grain-measures (i?r.) of the volu- 
 metric solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to 82 per cent, of K 2 C0 3 . Before applying 
 the volumetric test the absence of notable quantities of sodium carbonate should be 
 proven. 
 
 Tests. — “ No precipitate or coloration should be produced in the aqueous solution 
 (1 in 20) by an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of metallic 
 impurities). On neutralizing the solution with hydrochloric acid no odor of burning 
 sulphur nor any white precipitate should appear (absence of thiosulphate). If 2 Cc. 
 of the aqueous solution be carefully mixed with an equal volume of concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid, and, after cooling, 1 Cc. of ferrous sulphate test-solution be poured upon it 
 so as to form a separate layer, no brown color should appear at the line of contact 
 (absence of nitrate). If 0.5 Gm. of potassium carbonate be dissolved in 5 Cc. of diluted 
 hydrochloric acid and 5 Cc. of water, the addition of 1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solu- 
 tion should not produce any turbidity (absence of sulphate). A solution of 0.5 Gm. 
 of the salt in 5 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid test-solution mixed with 5 Cc. of water 
 should not be colored blue within fifteen minutes by 0.3 Cc. of potassium ferrocyanide 
 test-solution (limit of iron). If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 6 Cc. of diluted 
 nitric acid and 4 Cc. of water, then 1 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution be added, 
 and the mixture filtered, no change should be produced in the filtrate by the further 
 addition of silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). If 10 Cc. of the aqueous solution 
 (1 in 20) be mixed with 2 drops each of ferrous sulphate test-solution and ferric chloride 
 test-solution, the mixture heated, and slightly supersaturated with hydrochloric acid, 
 no blue color should appear (absence of cyanide). The addition of a few drops of lead 
 acetate test-solution to the aqueous solution should produce a pure white precipitate 
 (absence of sulphide). To neutralize 0.69 Gm. of potassium carbonate should require 
 not less than 9.5 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (each Cc. corresponding to 10 per cent, 
 of the pure salt), methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Liquor kali carbonici. 11 parts of pure potassium 
 carbonate are dissolved in 20 parts of distilled ^water ; the solution has the specific 
 gravity 1.330 to 1.334, and 3 parts of it should contain 1 part of potassium carbonate. — 
 
 Pearlash is only employed for preparing purified potassium carbonate. In the prepara- 
 tion of most potassium salts the pure potassium carbonate or the bicarbonate may be 
 employed. • 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassium carbonate is less irritating than potassa, but more 
 
1290 
 
 POTASSII C1ILORAS. 
 
 so than the bicarbonate. In large doses it acts as an irritant on the stomach, and even 
 as a caustic when pure. It has been employed in baths in the treatment of tetanus , 
 puerperal convulsions , paralysis , chronic gout and rheumatism , glandular swellings , sup- 
 pressed cutaneous eruptions , etc. In all of these cases it probably acts through its sub- 
 stitutive or its counter-irritant rather than by its alkaline virtues. 
 
 Internally, potassium carbonate has been much used, in common with other ant-acids, 
 in the treatment of gouty and dyspeptic conditions attended with a highly acid state of 
 the urine. It is most efficient when this form of secretion, which probably depends 
 upon the imperfect oxidation of the products of primary digestion, is corrected by bitter 
 tonics and hygienic measures. Formerly, theoretical views of the action of alkalies led 
 to the use of potassium carbonate in various inflammations, membranous and paren- 
 chymatous, but especially in those attended with plastic exudation. It was hence much 
 employed in membranous croup , pneumonia , peritonitis , and glandular enlargements , and 
 positive assertions were made of its curative powers ; their value was, however, greatly 
 impaired by the fact that in general mercury was associated with the alkaline medicine, 
 as well as by leaving out of account the influence of hygienic measures, the natural 
 tendency of the disease, etc. Very probably, subacute inflammation of the lymphatic 
 glands , and enlargement of the liver with jaundice affecting intemperate eaters and 
 drinkers, have been benefited by this medicine, since, like all the alkaline carbonates, it 
 tends to render the blood more watery, and therefore less nutritive and less apt to pro- 
 duce congestions in parenchymatous organs. In this way, doubtless, it has been profit- 
 ably used in hepatic and splenic dropsy. On the whole, there is nothing in potassium 
 carbonate to render it superior, or even equal, to the sodium carbonates for any purpose 
 to which alkaline medicines are applied internally. 
 
 The dose of potassium carbonate is Gm. 0.60-2 (gr. x— xxx). For external use a solu- 
 tion of Gm. 8 in Gm. 500 (gij in Oj), or an ointment containing Gm. 0.60-4 in Gm. 32 
 (gr. x-lx in ^j) of lard, may be employed. 
 
 POTASSII CHLORAS, JJ . S ., Br — Potassium Chlorate. 
 
 Kalium chloricum , P. G. ; Kali oxymuriaticum , Kali muriaticum oxygenatum, Chloras 
 potassicus s. kalicus. — Chlorate of potash, E. ; Chlorate de potasse , Fr. ; Kaliumchlorat , 
 Chlorsaures Kali , G. 
 
 Formula KC10 3 . Molecular weight 122.28. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Potassium Carbonate 20 ounces ; Slaked Lime, 53 ounces ; 
 Distilled Water, a sufficiency ; Black Oxide of Manganese, 80 ounces ; Hydrochloric Acid, 
 24 pints. Mix the lime with the potassium carbonate, and triturate them with a few 
 ounces of the water, so as to make the mixture slightly moist. Place the oxide of 
 manganese in a large retort or flask, and, having poured upon it the hydrochloric acid, 
 dilute it with 6 pints of water, apply a gentle sand heat, and conduct the chlorine as it 
 comes over, first through a bottle containing 6 ounces of water, and then into a large 
 carboy containing the mixture of potassium carbonate and slaked lime. When the whole 
 of the chlorine has come over, remove the contents of the carboy and boil them for 
 twenty minutes with 7 pints of water ; filter and evaporate till a film forms on the sur- 
 face, and set aside to cool and crystallize. The crystals thus obtained are to be purified 
 by dissolving them in three times their weight of boiling distilled water,' and again allow- 
 ing the solution to crystallize.” — Br. 
 
 On passing chlorine gas into a solution of potassa, potassium hypochlorite and chlo- 
 ride are formed ; 6KOII -f 3C1 2 yields 3KC10 -f- 3KC1 + 3H 2 0. On boiling the solution, 
 or on heating it to between 70° and 80° C. (158° and 176° F.), the hypochlorite is 
 decomposed into chlorate and chloride ; 3KC10 yields KC10 3 + 2KC1. The entire reac- 
 tion, therefore, results in the production of 1 molecule of potassium chlorate and 5 of 
 chloride, and the two salts must be separated by recrystallization. To avoid the loss 
 of potassium salt, Graham (1841) proposed to substitute an equivalent quantity of lime 
 for five-sixths of the potassa ; and this is the process which is now often followed in 
 making the chlorate on the large scale, and the details of which, as recommended by the 
 British Pharmacopoeia, have been described above. It has the additional advantage that 
 the previous preparation of caustic potash is unnecessary. In the presence of water 
 calcium hydroxide reacts with chlorine in a manner precisely analogous to that of potas- 
 sium hydroxide, yielding calcium hypochlorite and chloride (see page 381), and by heat 
 the hypochlorite is decomposed into calcium chloride and chlorate, the latter of which by 
 mutual decomposition with potassium carbonate produces potassium chlorate and calcium 
 
POTASS II CHLORAS. 
 
 1291 
 
 carbonate. It will be observed that the reactions in this process are apparently com- 
 plicated, but, as explained above, the final results are expressed by the equation K 2 C0 3 + 
 6Ca(OH) 2 + 6C1 2 = 2KC10 3 + 5CaCl 2 + CaC0 3 + 6H ? 0. 
 
 Potassium chloride is now obtained in large quantities, and this salt is advantage- 
 ously used in the preparation of chlorate by a process very similar to that of Graham, 
 as was shown by Liebig (1842). In this case the reaction results as follows : KC1 + 
 3Ca(OH) 2 + 3C1 2 = KC10 3 + 3CaCl 2 -f 3H 2 0. Or chlorinated lime may be boiled with 
 potassium chloride, in which case the final products are likewise potassium chlorate and 
 calcium chloride. 
 
 Potassium chlorate seems to have been known to Glauber (1657) ; it was described by 
 Higgins (1786) as a kind of saltpetre, and was recognized by Berthollet (1786) as the 
 compound of a hitherto unknown acid. The United States imported 474,598 pounds of 
 this salt in 1876; at present the importation averages about 1,200 000 pounds. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium chlorate crystallizes in colorless, shining plates or in short 
 monoclinic prisms. It is inodorous, has a cooling saline taste and neutral reaction, 
 is permanent in the air, melts without decomposition at 234° C. 
 
 (453° F.), gives otf oxygen at 355° C. (671° F.) ; at the same 
 time it forms potassium perchlorate, and at a higher tempera- 
 ture above 400° C. (752° F.) parts with all its oxygen (39.2 
 per cent, of its weight), leaving 60.8 per cent, of potassium 
 chloride having the properties described below. It requires, at 
 15° C. (59° F.),16.7 parts of water for solution or 1.7 parts of 
 boiling water. — U. S. According to Gay-Lussac, 100 parts of 
 water dissolve 
 
 at 0° 13.3° 15.4° 24.4° 35° 49.1° 74.9° 104.8° C. 
 
 3.33 5.60 6.03 8.44 12.05 18.96 35.4 60.24 parts salt. 
 
 Gerardin’s determinations agree with these results. Ammonium Crystal of Totassnim Chlorate, 
 nitrate increases, but ammonium chloride and acetate decrease the solubility in water 
 (Pearson, 1869). The salt is slightly soluble in diluted alcohol, but is insoluble in abso- 
 lute alcohol. It should never be triturated together with sulphur, sugar, tannin, or other 
 readily oxidizable substances, except in the presence of water ; or, if dry mixtures are to 
 be made, the ingredients should be powdered separately, and mixed by means of a sieve 
 and without friction, in order to avoid violent explosions. As ordinarily met with in com- 
 merce, the salt contains traces of calcium chloride, from which it is freed by dissolving 
 it in two or three times its weight of distilled water, and stirring the solution while 
 cooling ; it will then be obtained in small crystals, which, after draining and washing 
 with cold water, are pure. The saturated aqueous solution of the salt yields with tar- 
 taric acid a white crystalline precipitate of potassium tartrate, and on being warmed 
 with hydrochloric acid becomes greenish-yellow and gives off the odor of chlorine. When 
 strong sulphuric acid is added to potassium chlorate, chlorine dioxide , C10 2 , is formed : 
 this is a yellow, heavy gas, which, in the presence of combustible matter or by a slight 
 elevation of temperature, is decomposed with a powerful explosion into oxygen and chlo- 
 rine. On adding hydrochloric acid to potassium chlorate a deep-yellow, dangerously 
 explosive gas, the euchlorine of Davy, is produced ; it is a mixture of chlorine and chlorine 
 dioxide. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution, containing 5 ( U. & 1,1*. G.) per cent, of potassium 
 chlorate, should not be precipitated by barium chloride (sulphate), silver nitrate (chlo- 
 ride), or ammonium oxalate (calcium salt), nor should it be colored by hydrogen sul- 
 phide or by potassium ferrocyanide. If a mixture of 1 Gm. of the salt with 0.5 Gm. of 
 zinc and 0.5 Gm. of iron, both in the state of powder, be heated with 5 Cc. of potassiujn 
 hydroxide test-solution, no evolution of ammonia should be perceptible either by moistened 
 red litmus-paper or by odor (absence of nitrate or nitrite). 
 
 Other Potassium Salts containing Chlorine. — Potassii chloridum, s. Kalium chloridum 
 (chloratum), Chloruretum potassicum, Sal digestivum Sylvii. — Potassium chloride, E. ; Chlorure 
 de potassium, Sel digestif, Fr. ; Kaliumchlorid, G. Formula KC1 ; molecular weight 74.40. — 
 It is obtained in large quantities at Stassfurt from carnallite, a double chloride of potassium and 
 magnesium, and forms white or colorless, inodorous cubes or quadrangular prisms which have a 
 saline taste resembling that of table-salt, and which are fusible without decomposition. The salt 
 dissolves in 3 parts of cold and a little less than 2 parts of hot water, and is slightly soluble in 
 alcohol, but is insoluble in absolute alcohol. Its aqueous solution should have a neutral reaction, 
 and should yield with saturated solution of sodium bitartrate a white crystalline precipitate, and 
 
1292 
 
 POTASSII CH LORAS. 
 
 with silver nitrate a white curdy precipitate soluble in ammonia, but insoluble in nitric acid ; the 
 solution should not be affected by barium chloride (sulphate) or potassium carbonate (salts of 
 metals). This salt should not be confounded with potassium chlorate (see above) nor with 
 chlorinated potassa (see page 984). It is largely employed in the manufacture of other potas- 
 sium compounds. 
 
 Potassii perchloras, KC10 4 , Potassium perchlorate, molecular weight 138.24. — To obtain it, 
 potassium chlorate is carefully heated until it melts and just begins to evolve oxygen, and is kept 
 at this temperature until gas is no longer given off, and a portion of the residue, on being tested 
 with strong hydrochloric acid, acquires only a faint yellow color. The saline mass is dissolved 
 in water and freed from chloride by recrystallization. Potassium perchlorate is in colorless 
 rhombic crystals which have a slight saline taste, and when heated to about 400° C. (752° F.) is 
 decomposed into oxygen gas and potassium chloride. It is insoluble in alcohol, and dissolves in 
 5J parts of boiling water, but requires at 15° C. (59° F.) 65 parts, and at 10° C. (50° F.) 88 parts, 
 of water for solution. 
 
 This salt is employed in preparing perchloric acid , for which Bullock (1865) devised the fol- 
 lowing process : Potassium perchlorate is distilled with twice its weight of sulphuric acid mixed 
 with part of water. The distillate, containing perchloric, sulphuric, and a little hydrochloric 
 acid and chlorine, is carefully treated with lead carbonate until the sulphuric acid has been 
 completely precipitated. The liquid is filtered, freed from lead by hydrogen sulphide, filtered 
 again, and boiled until it attains a specific gravity of about 1.6, when by distillation it may be 
 obtained of the density 1.693. It is a colorless, oily, very acid liquid, containing 72 per cent, 
 of IIC10 4 , boiling at 203° C., and not affected by sunlight or by sulphurous or hydrochloric 
 acid, but readily decomposed by iodine and bromine. The acid is monobasic, forms mostly 
 deliquescent salts, which are also soluble in alcohol, and when added to not too dilute solutions 
 of potassium salts produces precipitates of potassium perchlorate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The large amount of oxygen contained in potassium chlorate 
 early led to its being used to cure a variety of diseases which, according to the fashion 
 of the day, were supposed to depend upon putrefactive changes in the blood, etc. These 
 theoretical notions met with their usual fate, and the medicine had been but little used 
 for more than forty years when attention was attracted to it by its power of rapidly heal- 
 ing cancrum oris and aphthous ulcers of the mouth. In excessive doses it may be 
 poisonous. In one case Gm. 20 (300 grains) were taken daily for four successive days 
 by a consumptive patient. Obstinate vomiting and severe intestinal pain continued until 
 death, after which inflammation of the mucous coat of the stomach was found. 
 
 No less than eleven fatal cases of poisoning by this salt are referred to by Jacobi 
 (1879), besides several others, in which, owing to the nature of the disease, diphtheria, 
 doubts may exist respecting the share of the medicine in their issue. It 1880, Weg- 
 schneider collected thirty cases of poisoning by potassium chlorate, but the proportion 
 that proved fatal was not stated ( Ball . de Therap ., civ. 141). From that date to May, 
 1884, we have met with the records of ten cases of such poisoning, and of these six were 
 fatal. Among more recent fatal cases may be noted two reported by Peabody {Med. 
 Record , xxxiv. 57), and one by Anderson (ibid., xxxvi. 707). In 1879 the observations 
 and experiments of Marchand ( Virchow's Archiv , lxxvii. 455) led him to conclude that 
 potassium chlorate superoxidizes, and so disorganizes, the blood-corpuscles, and renders 
 them incapable of performing their function as oxygen-carriers, and that death from it is 
 either due to this cause or to obstruction of the kidneys with effete blood-disks and (he 
 might have added) crystals of the chlorate. The blood itself remains liquid, and it, as 
 well as the organs abounding in blood, are of a dark-chocolate color. This condition of 
 the blood has also been observed by Fowler ( loc . sup. cit .), Wilke, and others. It is 
 ascribed to the conversion of oxyhaemoglobin into methsemoglobin. The spleen is some- 
 times enlarged. Besides these tissue-lesions this chlorate exhibits other evidences of 
 activity. It is antiseptic, but not because it yields oxygen. If it did so it should stimu- 
 late the heart, but it depresses that organ, and when injected into the veins of an animal 
 it kills by arresting the heart. Some investigators attribute its poisonous action to its 
 potassium base, but the elimination of the salt by the kidneys without decomposition 
 negatives this opinion. 
 
 The utility of this salt in curing mercurial salivation and mercurial idcers of the mouth 
 and throat is now attested by universal experience, but it is not so certain that it acts 
 through the blood after absorption from the stomach, since the same favorable effects are 
 observed when a solution of it is used as a topical application only. That it does not act 
 through any relation it may have to mercury in the system is proved, not only by the 
 fact just stated, but also by its equal efficiency in non-mercurial salivation — as, for 
 instance, when the throat has been injured by caustic potassa — and in like manner in 
 every form of buccal ulceration, as ulcerative stomatitis , aphthae (follicular stomatitis), 
 
POTASSII CIILORAS. 
 
 1293 
 
 gangrenous stomatitis , buccal and pharyngeal diphtheria , and the sore mouth produced by 
 chronic arsenical poisoning. It is of utility in burns when applied in a solution of 4 or 5 
 o-rains to the ounce, and a saturated solution has been used in enema for inflamed haemor- 
 rhoids. Although the contrary has been asserted, it is utterly useless in an affection 
 often confounded with, but very different from, diphtheria — thrush or muguet , which is a 
 parasitic growth from decomposed milk. It has been used internally, and also topically 
 by atomized inhalation and in simple solution, for the treatment of croup (pseudo-mem- 
 branous laryngitis), and although it may in a slight degree tend to soften the membrane, 
 its favorable influence on the issue of the disease is not well established. 
 
 Potassium chlorate, which had been used by Isambert in the treatment of diphtheria 
 with no radical advantage, was subsequently employed by Seeligmuller, who in pub- 
 lishing his results declared it a specific. He prescribed a saturated solution of the salt, 
 or 1 part to 20 of water, to be given in spoonful doses every hour or two hours, day 
 and night, without intermission. In 1877 he wrote as follows : “ During the five years 
 that I have ordered no other medicine against diphtheria besides our saturated solution, 
 this remedy has proved successful in all cases of diphtheria, except a few that were 
 neglected in the beginning, in which the blood was already profoundly altered, and sys- 
 temic poisoning had occurred when I was consulted.” He dwells upon the necessity of 
 giving no food or drink immediately after its administration, lest the solution be too 
 quickly removed, and emphatically asserts there is no need of local applications besides, 
 “ the internal medication alone being sufficient in all cases.” He, however, recognizes its 
 debilitating influence on the heart’s action, and alludes to one case in which it caused 
 death by gastric irritation. Yon Becker, physician to the Children’s Hospital in Vienna 
 (1877), condemns the notion that the medicine is a specific for diphtheria, and warns 
 against the danger of giving it to young children, adding that while it is the mildest, it is 
 also the least efficient, of disinfecting agents. Dr. A. Jacobi of New York spoke of it 
 in 1875 in very similar terms, and in 1879 repeated that it was useful rather as a pre- 
 ventive than as a cure for diphtheria. The dose, according to him, for a child two or 
 three years old should not be larger than Gm. 2 (^ss) in twenty-four hours. A baby of 
 one year or less should not take more than Gm. 1.33 (gr. xx) a day. The dose for an 
 adult should not be more than Gm. 4—8 (gj-ij) in the course of twenty-four hours. The 
 doses he recommends to be administered at short intervals, so that their local impression 
 may be maintained. He also describes the method of Seeligmuller, in order to “ raise 
 his voice against it for the reason of its dangerousness.” It should here be mentioned, 
 however, that Seeligmuller greatly reduced the doses of the medicine which he prescribed 
 (1883). But in the protest against the original plan we heartily join, and not only for 
 the reasons assigned by its author, that the medicine is a powerful cardiac sedative and 
 renders those who largely use it liable to fatal nephritis, but because, in so far as it does 
 good at all in this disease, potassium chlorate is a mere local stimulant, and diphtheria 
 never yet was cured by local applications merely. They may modify the faucial exuda- 
 tion, in very slight cases may possibly prevent it, but they cannot reach that poisonous 
 element of the disease which constitutes its principal danger, and which is only to be 
 combated successfully by general stimulants and tonics. Cases are reported of diph- 
 theria cured by potassium chlorate, iron, and food, and similar results from the like 
 combination in certain manifestations of scrofula. There can be no doubt that in all 
 of these cases the chlorate, so far as it was internally administered, was quite superfluous. 
 The same remark applies to the alleged cure of the haemorrhagic diathesis by this salt. 
 
 Several physicians have thought that a very dilute solution of the salt has been ser- 
 viceable in low types of fever, and particularly in scarlatina, and typhoid fever ; but the 
 ground of this opinion has, so far, been theoretical rather than practical, and the same 
 remark is perhaps applicable to its alleged utility in neuralgia. Another example of the 
 illusions to which theoretical speculations may give rise is the statement that in a case 
 of cardiac cyanosis it maintained oxygenation of the blood long enough for the patient to 
 accommodate himself to the influence of the malformation under which he suffered ; and 
 that in a case of pleural effusion, and in another of pleural haemorrhage, it sustained life 
 while nature effected the cure. Nature probably did this in both instances without refer- 
 ence to the chlorate of potassium. On the same principle have been explained numerous 
 cases of prevented miscarriage. Whether the medicine acted as supposed, or acted at all, 
 its virtues in these respects are at least testified to by eminent obstetricians of Edinbnrgh. 
 According to Harkin, it increases the secretion of milk both in man and the lower animals. 
 
 In ovarian dropsy it is thought to have removed the disease or arrested its development 
 ( Trans , Med. Soc. State of N. Y, 1879, p. 172), but its cures of the sort are neither so 
 
1294 
 
 POTASSII CHLORAS. 
 
 numerous nor so well attested as those of general dropsy from renal disease. Its diuretic 
 operation has been noted above, and its presence in the kidneys after death, but whether 
 it acts as a direct stimulant of these organs or otherwise, the clinical proof of its efficacy 
 in certain cases of dropsy appears to be established. It has also been thought useful in 
 chronic cystitis , possibly by a substitutive or irritant action on the bladder. 
 
 The utility of potassium chlorate in the treatment of idcers of the mouth naturally 
 led to its use in other ulcerous affections, as those which follow syphilitic buhoes and other 
 abscesses. Its cicatrizing powers are unquestionably very great. In some cases of phage- 
 denic sores the pulverized salt has arrested the progress of the disease. Enemas contain- 
 ing it in a moderately strong solution (gj to f^ij-f^iv) may be used in chronic dysentery , 
 and will tend materially to heal the rectal sores, while those seated higher up in the bowel 
 may be entrusted to astringents or to subnitrate of bismuth. An advantage which this 
 salt possesses as a dressing for gangrenous sores and others discharging a fetid secretion is 
 its deodorizing quality ; it thus makes a suitable injection in ozseva , an appropriate gar- 
 gle in certain cases of fetid breath , etc. A solution of Gm. 4 in Gm. 16 (60 grains in 4 
 fluidounces) of water may be used for these purposes. In the treatment of epithelioma the 
 topical application of the salt in strong solution has sometimes been followed by healing 
 of the ulcer, if that existed, and less frequently by a removal of the tumor. But Ver- 
 neuil declared emphatically that epithelioma was never cured by this agent. He held 
 that the cases of alleged cure were ulcerated sudoriparous adenomas ( Bull . de Tlierap ., 
 xcix. 515). Yet in 1888, Hyvernaud claimed that of 63 cases he had cured 32, benefited 
 15, and failed to improve the remainder. He applied daily to the sore a 6 per cent, solution 
 of the salt. The treatment was continued for several weeks or months ( Med . News , Hi. 412). 
 
 The dose of potassium chlorate for children under three years of age is about Gm. 0.30 
 (5 grains) three times a day, and for an adult from Gm. 0.60-2 (10 to 30 grains.) It 
 should be dissolved in hot water, and a sufficient quantity of gum and sugar added to sus- 
 pend the undissolved portion when the liquid grows cold. It is best administered after 
 meals followed by the free use of watery drinks. As a lotion from Gm. 1-2 in Gm. 32 
 (15 to 30 grains in an ounce) of water may be used. The iodates of potassium and 
 sodium have been proposed as substitutes for the chlorate. On account of its richness 
 in oxygen it is very apt to yield it to other substances associated with it ; hence care must 
 be taken that such combination do not occur explosively. The bodies especially to be 
 excluded from combination with it by friction are sulphur, the metallic sulphides, gly- 
 cerin, sugar, vegetable powders, as tannin, catechu, etc. In one case an ounce each of 
 tannic acid and chlorate of potassium had been powdered separately, and on being imme- 
 diately thereafter mixed together an explosion occurred, causing damage to persons and 
 property (Phila. Med. Times , xii. 512). 
 
 Potassium Chloride, according to Ringer and Murell’s experiments on frogs — 1, 
 paralyzes all nitrogenous tissues ; 2, acts by an equal affinity for all protoplasms, and 
 destroys the tissues in the order of vital movement ; 3, arrests the heart ; 4, by arresting 
 the circulation it depresses the reflex function of the cord in the summer months, indi- 
 rectly through arrest of the circulation in the brain. What bearing, if any, these results 
 have upon the action of potassium salts upon man, either physiologically or therapeutically, 
 does not appear. A case is recorded of the death of a strong man from taking Gm. x 
 (150 grains) of this salt in divided doses ( Phila . Med. Times, xiv. 666). An analysis of 
 eleven cases by Chataing shows that the chief symptoms of poisoning by this salt are a 
 slate-colored or jaundiced skin ; scanty, dark, and sometimes albuminous urine ; and in less 
 subacute cases diarrhoea and vomiting ( Boston Med. and Surg.Jour., Jan. 1888, p. 52). It 
 would seem that potassium chloride is very analogous to sodium chloride in its reme- 
 dial powers. It has been called sal digestivum on this account ; others have attributed 
 to it nervous sedative powers like those of potassium bromide, and still others an arterial 
 sedative action like that of potassium nitrate. 
 
 Potassium chloride hus been tested as a remedy for epilepsy by Dr. Seguin, in conse- 
 quence of the assertion of Prof. Binz that the virtue of the potassium bromide in that 
 disease resided in its base. The conclusion arrived at was that potassium chloride is 
 not efficacious in the treatment of epilepsy. The maximum dose of it in twenty -four 
 hours is said to be Gm. 4-8 (gj— gij). 
 
 Rubidium Chloride, according to Ricket ( Archives gen., Dec. 1885, p. 739), when 
 administered to animals internally or subcutaneously, causes death by exhausting the 
 nervous system and weakening the heart’s action. The heart ceases to beat before the 
 arrest of breathing, and the temperature declines. The mode of death is identical with 
 that caused by potassium chloride. 
 
POTASSII CITRAS.— POTA SSII CITE AS EFFERVESCENS. 
 
 1295 
 
 POTASSII CITRAS, U. Br.— Potassium Citrate. 
 
 Kalium dtricum , Citras potassicus s. kalicus . — Citrate of potash , E. ; Citrate de potasse, 
 Fr. ; Kaliumcitrat , Citronsaures Kali, G. 
 
 Formula K 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 323.59. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Potassium Carbonate 8 ounces ora sufficiency ; Citric Acid, 
 in crystals, 6 ounces or a sufficiency ; Distilled Water 2 pints (Imperial). Dissolve the 
 citric acid in the water, add the potassium carbonate gradually, and if the solution be not 
 neutral make it so by the cautious addition of the acid or of the carbonate ; then filter, 
 and evaporate to dryness, stirring constantly after a pellicle has begun to form till the 
 salt granulates. Triturate in a dry, warm mortar, and preserve the powder in stoppered 
 bottles. — Br. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia (1870) had a similar process, directing 14 parts of potassium 
 bicarbonate and 10 parts of citric acid. The solution should be heated to facilitate the 
 extrication of the carbon dioxide. 
 
 The potassium of the bicarbonate or carbonate unites with the citric acid, forming 
 potassium citrate, while carbon dioxide is given off; 3KHC0 3 -f- H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 .II 2 0 yields 
 K 3 C 6 H 5 O t + 3C0 2 + 4H 2 0. On evaporating the clear solution the heat should not be per- 
 mitted to rise high enough to burn the salt ; and continued stirring is necessary toward 
 the end of the process to prevent the salt from forming a hard layer on the bottom of 
 the vessel and to obtain it in a granular condition. When dry it may be triturated in a 
 warm mortar, and may thus be rendered uniformly pulverulent. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium citrate is a white granular, inodorous powder having a 
 neutral or faintly alkaline reaction and a saline and slightly alkaline (feebly acid, Br .) 
 taste. It is deliquescent on exposure, dissolves in 0.6 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 (IT. &), and is more freely soluble in boiling water. It is insoluble in absolute alcohol, 
 and forms with dilute alcohol an aqueous solution upon which a stronger alcohol floats. 
 Its solution gives a white crystalline precipitate with a saturated solution of sodium 
 bitartrate, but it remains clear on the addition of calcium chloride till it is boiled, when 
 a white precipitate of calcium citrate takes place, which is readily soluble in acetic acid. 
 From its concentrated solution it may be procured in transparent needles which have the 
 above composition and contain II 2 0 — 5.55 per cent. This water of crystallization is not 
 completely expelled until the heat is raised to about 200° C. (392° F.), a portion being 
 retained by the salt as prepared by the above process. At about 230° C. (446° F.) the 
 salt begins to turn brown, and at a higher temperature is completely decomposed, inflam- 
 mable vapors having the odor of burnt sugar being given off, while potassium carbonate 
 remains behind mixed with charcoal, which is with difficulty completely consumed by 
 continued heating. The salt, heated with strong sulphuric acid, yields a brown liquid, 
 gives off an inflammable gas (carbonic oxide), and evolves the odor of acetic acid. “ If 
 5.4 Gm. of potassium citrate are ignited until gases cease to be evolved, the alkaline 
 residue should require for complete neutralization not less than 50 Cc. of the volumetric 
 solution of sulphuric acid (corresponding to 100 per cent, of the pure potassium citrate).” — 
 IT. S. This test recognizes a salt containing 5.55 per cent, or less of water, while the 
 Br. P. requires the anhydrous salt, of which 102 grains, heated to redness until gases 
 cease to be evolved, leave an alkaline residue requiring for exact neutralization 1000 
 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of the salt should not have an acid reaction to test- 
 paper, and should not effervesce on the addition of acetic acid (absence of carbonate) or 
 produce with it a crystalline precipitate (absence of tartrate). The precipitates pro- 
 duced by barium chloride and silver nitrate should be completely soluble in dilute nitric 
 acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal virtues of this salt are described under the head 
 of Solution of Potassium Citrate, in which form it is most usually prescribed. In 
 solution it is an arterial sedative and a diaphoretic habitually used in febrile affections. 
 Unduly acid urine becomes neutral or alkaline under its administration. Its utility in 
 fever is increased by adding to its solution spirit of nitrous ether or antimonial wine. 
 The dose of the citrate of potassium is Gm. 1.20-4 (gr. xx-lx). 
 
 POTASSII CITRAS EFFERVESCENS, XT. S. — Effervescent Potas- 
 sium Citrate. 
 
 Preparation. — Citric Acid, 63 Gm. ; Potassium Bicarbonate, 90 Gm. ; Sugar, 47 
 
1296 
 
 POTASSII CYANWUM. 
 
 Gm. Powder the ingredients separately, and mix them thoroughly in a warm mortar. 
 Dry the resulting uniform paste rapidly at a temperature not exceeding 120° C. (248° 
 F.), and when it is perfectly dry reduce it to a powder of the desired degree of fineness. 
 Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of effervescent potassium citrate use 552 grains of citric acid, 788 
 grains of potassium bicarbonate, and 410 grains of sugar. 
 
 From the equation in the preceding article it will be seen that one molecule of citric 
 acid requires 8 molecules of potassium bicarbonate for complete neutralization and hence 
 90 Gm. of the latter salt will require practically 63 (62.92-f-) Gm. of citric acid, for 
 299.64 : 209.5 : : 90 : x (62.92-f). Upon solution of the effervescent salt in water, the 
 carbonic acid present renders the taste agreeably acidulous and refreshing. The temper- 
 ature prescribed by the Pharmacopoeia must not be exceeded, to avoid fusion and sub- 
 sequent decomposition, which would color the mixture and develop a disagreeable bitter- 
 ish taste. 
 
 Uses. — This is one of the several forms of effervescing draught, and is recommended 
 only by the convenience of its administration. It is a mild laxative in the dose of Gm. 
 6 (gr. xc), dissolved in a tumbler of water. 
 
 POTASSII CYANIDUM, U. S., Br.— Potassium Cyanide. 
 
 Kalium cyanatum, Cyanuretum potassicum s. kalicum . — Cyanure de potassium, Fr. ; 
 Kaliumcyanid, Cyankalium , G. 
 
 Formula KCy or KCN. Molecular weight 65.01. 
 
 Preparation. — Mix Exsiccated Potassium Ferrocyanide 8 parts with pure Potassium 
 Carbonate 3 parts, and throw the mixture into a deep iron crucible previously heated to 
 dull redness. Maintain the temperature until effervescence ceases and the fused mass 
 concretes, of a pure white color, upon a warm glass rod dipped into it. Then pour out 
 the liquid carefully into a shallow dish to solidify, ceasing to pour before the salt becomes 
 contaminated with the precipitated iron. Break up the mass while yet warm, and keep 
 the pieces in a well-stoppered bottle. 
 
 This process was proposed by F. and E. Rogers (1834), and is generally followed in 
 preparing potassium cyanide on the large scale. The reaction is explained by the equa- 
 tion 2K 4 FeCye + 2K 2 C0 3 = lOKCy + 2KCyO -f Fe 2 -f- 2C0 2 , showing that, besides 
 cyanide, potassium cyanate is also formed, carbon dioxide is evolved, and iron is separated 
 in the metallic state : the cyanate may be removed by means of alcohol or carbon disul- 
 phide. Both salts must be well dried before they are mixed, otherwise considerable 
 ammonia is given off" ; and if the carbonate is contaminated with sulphate, the fused 
 mass will contain a corresponding amount of potassium sulphide. A portion of the prod- 
 uct remains in the crucible with the iron, but if it is dissolved with water it becomes 
 contaminated again with potassium ferrocyanide, which may be regenerated by digestion 
 with sulphide of iron and crystallization to free it from potassium sulphide. 
 
 A less profitable process consists in heating dry potassium ferrocyanide to low red- 
 ness, and in excluding the air until the residue has cooled. Nitrogen is liberated and 
 escapes, and the potassium cyanide remains mixed with carbide of iron ; K 4 FeCy 6 yields 
 4KCN + FeC 2 + N a . 
 
 Potassium cyanide of the purity required by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is best prepared 
 by generating hydrocyanic acid from 2 parts of potassium ferrocyanide with the requisite 
 quantity of sulphuric acid (see page 63), and conducting the gas into a solution of 1 part 
 of potassium hydroxide in 5 or 6 parts of strong alcohol ; the bulky crystalline precipi- 
 tate is drained upon a funnel, washed with strong alcohol, and dried between bibulous 
 paper at a moderate heat. 
 
 Properties. — Thus prepared, it is a white granular powder consisting of minute 
 transparent cubes, or after melting at a dull red heat it forms on cooling a white opaque 
 crystalline mass. When perfectly dry it is inodorous, but when moist it is decomposed 
 by the carbon dioxide of the atmosphere and has the odor of hydrocyanic acid. It has an 
 alkaline and bitter taste, reacts strongly alkaline upon test-papers, is deliquescent on 
 exposure, and is very freely soluble in water, but is nearly insoluble in absolute alcohol. 
 80 parts of boiling 90 per cent, alcohol dissolve 1 part of the cyanide ; weaker alcohol 
 dissolves it in larger proportion. The aqueous solution dissolves iron, zinc, copper, and 
 nickel, with the evolution of hydrogen, and in the presence of oxygen also silver and 
 gold. The solution yields with a saturated solution of sodium bitartrate a white crys- 
 talline precipitate, and with silver nitrate a white curdy precipitate insoluble in nityic 
 
POTASSII CYAN ID UM. 
 
 1297 
 
 acid, but readily soluble in ammonia and in excess of potassium cyanide. The aqueous 
 solution is decomposed on exposure to the air, absorbs carbon dioxide, becomes brown, 
 and deposits a dark-brown precipitate; on boiling it is partly decomposed, yielding 
 ammonia and potassium formate. The salt fused in contact with the air is partly oxidized 
 to cyanate. and if fused with sulphur yields potassium sulphocyanate. 
 
 Impure potassium cyanide, as obtained by the first process, and which is extensively 
 used in the arts, has similar properties, but is in white opaque pieces. When dissolved 
 in water the cyanate contained in it is gradually decomposed, with the formation of potas- 
 sium and ammonium carbonates ; 2KCNO + 4H 2 0 yields K 2 C0 3 -f (NII 4 ) 2 C0 3 . In the 
 pure state potassium cyanate crystallizes in a form similar to that of the chlorate ; it is 
 inodorous, and has a saline taste resembling that of saltpetre ; it yields with silver 
 nitrate a white precipitate which is soluble in ammonia and is readily decomposed by 
 heat. 
 
 Tests. — The impurities likely to be present in medicinal potassium cyanide are car- 
 bonate and chloride. A solution of the salt in 5 parts of water should not effervesce 
 with hydrochloric acid, or should merely disengage isolated gas-bubbles. A few drops 
 of the aqueous solution give with silver nitrate test-solution a white precipitate, which 
 is soluble in an excess of the solution of potassium cyanide, also in ammonia-water, and 
 in concentrated nitric acid (distinction from silver chloride). If 5 Cc. of the solution be 
 shaken with a few drops of ferrous sulphate test-solution, and a slight excess of hydro- 
 chloric acid then added, a precipitate of Prussian blue will be produced. The aqueous 
 solution (1 in 20) should not produce more than a slight effervescence on the addition 
 of diluted hydrochloric acid (limit of carbonate). After the acid has been added in 
 slight excess, a drop of ferric chloride test-solution should produce neither a blue 
 (absence of ferrocyanide) nor a red color (sulphocyanate).” — U. S. On heating to red- 
 ness a mixture of 1 part of the salt with 3 parts of ammonium carbonate, dissolving the 
 residue in water, and acidulating with nitric acid, the solution should give no (or only a 
 faint) turbidity with silver nitrate. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia requires the salt to con- 
 tain at least 90 (94.9, Bri) per cent, of potassium cyanide, which is ascertained as follows : 
 “ If 0.65 Gm. of potassium cyanide be dissolved in 12 Cc. of water, and volumetric solu- 
 tion of silver nitrate be gradually added, the precipitate first formed should dissolve on 
 stirring, and a permanent precipitate should not appear until at least 45 Cc. (47.45 Cc., 
 BrA) of the volumetric solution have been used.” 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of potassium cyanide is identical with that of 
 hydrocyanic acid, for which it may be substituted. A solution of it applied to the 
 tongue causes a sensation of coldness, followed by irritation and constriction of the 
 fauces, and if allowed to remain in contact with the skin, it is apt to excite a papular 
 and even a vesicular eruption, and in powder slightly moistened or incorporated with 
 lard it may produce an eschar. In substance or solution applied to the broken skin it 
 may cause toxical symptoms. Internally it has been fatal in doses of from 3 to 5 grains, 
 but recovery has occurred from the effects of from 15 to 20 grains of the salt taken on 
 a full stomach ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxxi. 85). The employment of this salt in photog- 
 raphy has of late years greatly multiplied the number of cases of poisoning by its use. 
 The symptoms produced by it in such cases are insensibility, muscular spasm or convul- 
 sion, a cold, clammy, and pale skin, glistening eyes and dilated pupils, stertorous breath- 
 ing, fixed jaws, foam on the lips, feeble or insensible pulse of the heart and arteries, and 
 death in convulsion or by asthenia. On examination, the body is rigid, the face pale- 
 blue, the eyes bright, the cavities exhale the odor of hydrocyanic acid, the lungs are 
 congested, the blood liquid, the auricles may be full and the ventricles empty, the brain 
 is engorged, and also the lining membrane of the stomach, which presents a dark -red 
 color streaked by the darker veins. In a word, its effects are, as above stated, those of 
 hydrocyanic acid. (Compare Acid. Hydrocyanicum Dilutum.) Potassium cyanide 
 is used chiefly as a topical application for the relief of headaches associated with dys- 
 pepsia or with imperfect menstruation, or such as are generally included under the term 
 sick headache. It has also been employed internally, and it is asserted with remarkable 
 success, in the treatment of acute articular rheumatism, but the testimony appears to us 
 insufficient. This treatment is vaunted by Dr. Luton of Rheims (Bull, de Ther., 
 lxxxviii. 1), who prescribed the cyanide in solution to the extent of nearly Gm. 0.10 (2 
 grains) in the course of a day, or in pills of Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) each, one or two of 
 which were administered within the same space of time. He stated that he did not in 
 any case exceed the daily quantity of Gm. 0.15 (gr. iiss), and, finding that it occasioned 
 colic and vertigo, he resumed the smaller doses. If used internally at all, for which we 
 82 
 
1298 
 
 POTASSII ET SODII TARTBAS. 
 
 can discover no necessity, it should not be prescribed at first in doses exceeding Gm. 0.008 
 (f grain). A solution of from 2 to 4 grains of the salt in an ounce of water may be 
 applied as a lotion to the head and as the most rapid means of removing stains produced 
 by silver nitrate. It is, however, too dangerous an agent to be used without extreme cau- 
 tion. (For an example of its fatal use through mischance see Edinb. Med. Jour ., xxvii. 
 506). Atropine is said to be antidotal to this compound. 
 
 POTASSII ET SODII TARTRAS, U. S.— Potassium and Sodium Tar- 
 trate. 
 
 Soda tartarata , Br. ; Sodse et potassse tartras , Sodse potassio-tartras, Tartarus natrona- 
 tus , P. G. ; Natro-hali tartaricum , Sal poly chrestum Seignetti , Tartras potassico-sodicus . — 
 Rochelle salt , Tartrated soda , E. ; Sel de Seignette , Soude tartarisee , Fr. ; Seignettesalz. G. 
 
 Formula KNaC 4 H 4 0 6 .4H 2 0. Molecular weight 281.51. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sodium Carbonate 12 ounces ; Acid Potassium Tartrate, in 
 fine powder, 16 ounces; Boiling Water 4 pints (Imperial). Dissolve the sodium carbon- 
 ate in the water, add gradually the acid potassium tartrate, and if, after being boiled for 
 a few minutes, the liquid has an acid or alkaline reaction, add a little carbonate or acid 
 tartrate till a neutral solution is obtained. Boil and filter, concentrate the liquor till a 
 pellicle forms on the surface, and set it aside to crystallize. More crystals may be 
 obtained by again evaporating as before. — Br. 
 
 Since the molecular weight of potassium bitartrate is 187.67, and i molecule of crys- 
 tallized sodium carbonate weighs 142.73, 16 parts of the former require 12£ parts of the 
 latter if both salts are chemically pure. Owing to the presence of calcium tartrate in 
 the one, and the loss of water of crystallization by the other, the proportions required 
 must vary somewhat with different samples of the commercial salts ; but there is no diffi- 
 culty in rendering the solution exactly neutral if the above directions are followed. The 
 reaction between the two salts is explained by the equation 2KHC 4 H 4 0 6 -f Na 2 C0 3 = 
 2KNaC 4 H 4 0 6 -f- C0 2 + H 2 0 : besides the double salt, water and carbon dioxide are formed, 
 the latter escaping with effervescence. It is advisable to keep the neutralized mixture 
 for some time at a temperature of about 60° C. (140° F.), when much of the calcium 
 tartrate will be deposited, and may be removed by filtration, Large and well-formed 
 crystals are obtained if the solution is very slowly evaporated. 
 
 This double salt was first obtained in 1672 by Pierre Seignette, an apothecary of 
 Bochelle in France, and was sold as a secret remedy. But in 1731 the process for obtain- 
 ing it was communicated by Boulduc to the French Academy, and by C. J. Geoffroy to 
 Sloane of London. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium and sodium tartrate crystallizes in large perfectly trans- 
 parent, inodorous, six- or eight-sided prisms, or more frequently half-prisms, of the right 
 rhombic order. If crystallized from a solution containing calcium 
 tartrate, they are white and more or less opaque. In our commerce 
 the salt is most generally met with in the state of white powder. 
 It has a mild saline, faintly bitterish, and cooling taste, is slightly 
 efflorescent in dry air, and dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 1.4 parts 
 of water, and in less than 1 part of boiling, but is nearly insoluble 
 in alcohol. — U. S. The salt melts in its water of crystallization 
 when carefully heated to about 75° C. (167° F.), and after cooling 
 remains liquid and soft for some time. By the heat of the water- 
 bath it loses 19 per cent, of water of crystallization, and at 130° C. 
 (266° F.), or, according to Fresenius, near 215° C. (419° F.). alto- 
 gether 25.5 per cent. At a higher heat it is decomposed, gives off 
 inflammable gases which have the odor of burnt sugar, and leaves 
 charcoal, which contains the potassium and sodium carbonates, and 
 imparts to a non-luminous flame a yellow color, appearing red when 
 viewed through a blue glass. The concentrated aqueous solution yields, on the addition 
 of hydrochloric or acetic acid, a crystalline precipitate of cream of tartar ; with barium 
 chloride, a white precipitate soluble in nitric acid ; and with silver nitrate, a white pre- 
 cipitate, turning black on boiling. 
 
 Tests. — The solution in 10 parts of distilled water should be clear, of neutral reaction 
 to test-paper, and should produce no precipitate or turbidity with ammonium oxalate (cal- 
 cium salt) or with ammonium sulphide (metals) ; and when acidulated with nitric acid 
 and filtered from the precipitated acid potassium tartrate, the clear solution should not be 
 
 Fig. 229. 
 
 Crystal of Rochelle Salt. 
 
POTASSII FERROCYANIDUM. 
 
 1299 
 
 affected by barium chloride (sulphate). Although ammonia is not likely to be present in 
 a salt having the above properties, the U. S. and P. G. direct testing for it with caustic 
 potassa. “ If 0.36 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 9 Cc. of water, then 1 Cc. of nitric 
 acid and 0.2 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution be added, and the mixture filtered, 
 the filtrate should remain clear upon further addition of silver nitrate solution (limit of 
 chloride). If 1.41 Gm. of potassium and sodium tartrate be completely decomposed by 
 ignition, the alkaline residue should require for complete neutralization not less than 10 
 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (corresponding to 100 per cent, of the pure salt), methyl- 
 orange being used as indicator.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In doses of Gm. 16-32 (gss-j) it operates as a gentle and cool- 
 ing laxative, and seldom disagrees with the stomach. It is particularly acceptable in 
 Seidlitz powders, which form an effervescing draught. In small and repeated doses it 
 renders the urine alkaline. It is not incompatible with tartar emetic, with which it has 
 sometimes been used as an emeto-cathartic, and also, in small doses, as a febrifuge. It 
 may be given as a purgative in doses of about Gm. 32 (gj). As an antilithic, Gm. 4-8 
 (33-ij) may be taken, largely diluted, several times a day. 
 
 POTASSII FERROCYANIDUM, U. S., Br.— Potassium Ferrocyanide. 
 
 Potassae, prussias flava, Kalium ferrocyanatum , Kalium borussicum, Cyanuretmn ferroso- 
 potassicum . — Yellow prussiate of potash , E. ; Prussiate jaune de potasse, Ferrocyanure de 
 potassium , Fr. ; Ferrocyankalium , Blutlaugensalz , G. 
 
 Formula K 4 FeCy 6 .3H 2 0 == K 4 Fe(CN) 6 .3H 2 0. Molecular weight 421.76. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt was discovered by Macquer (1752) in boiling Prussian blue 
 with caustic potassa. The iron contained in it was for a long time supposed to be an 
 impurity, even after Berthollet (1787) had shown it to be one of its essential constituents. 
 The salt is now extensively prepared by heating in suitable iron vessels potassium car- 
 bonate, which is free from sulphate, with a mixture composed of 1 part of iron filings and 
 28 to 33 parts of charcoal obtained from blood, hoofs, horn, hides, leather, or similar ani- 
 mal substances rich in nitrogen. It is less advantageous to employ these substances in the 
 uncharred condition. 100 parts of potassium carbonate require about 75 or 80 parts of the 
 charcoal or about 100 parts of the animal matter. An evolution of carbon dioxide and 
 inflammable gases takes place after each addition to the melted mass, and when the whole 
 fuses quietly the “ melt,” as it is termed, is ladled out, cooled, dissolved in water, decanted 
 from the sediment, and crystallized. Before it enters commerce it requires purification 
 by recrystallization from water. The above quantities yield about 120 parts of melt and 
 about 25 parts of crystallized potassium ferrocyanide. The insoluble portion of the melt 
 consists of charcoal, iron, iron sulphide, calcium phosphate, and silica. This black resi- 
 due is used as manure, and is said to be destructive to the larvae of insects. The mother- 
 liquors, which furnish no longer well-defined crystals, are evaporated and used in another 
 operation ; they contain the excess of potash employed ; also potassium sulphocyanate in 
 case the potash was contaminated with sulphate. This salt is extensively manufactured 
 in the United States. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium ferrocyanide crystallizes from water in large inodorous, 
 lemon-yellow, four-sided tables or prisms, which are translucent and rather soft and 
 
 It has the 
 
 Fig. 230. 
 
 friable, and, being crystallized on a cord, usually cohere in columnar masses, 
 specific gravity 1.83, a sweetish and saline taste, and dissolves with a 
 yellow color in 4 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 2 parts of 
 hot water, the salt being precipitated from this solution by alcohol in 
 pale-yellow, pearly scales. The salt is permanent at a low tempera- 
 ture, but near 50° C. (122° F.) it begins to lose water of crystal- 
 lization, of which it contains 12.8 per cent., arid it becomes anhydrous 
 at 100° C. (212° F.), leaving a white friable mass which melts below 
 red heat, and at a higher temperature is decomposed into nitrogen 
 and a mixture of potassium cyanide and carbide of iron. Exposed 
 to light in the presence of moisture, it is slowly decomposed, with the 
 formation of Prussian blue. Its solution has a neutral reaction and produces a dark-blue 
 precipitate with ferric salts, a bluish-white precipitate (becoming dark-blue in contact with 
 air) with ferrous salts; a brown-red precipitate with salts of copper ; and white precipi- 
 tates with lead acetate and mercuric chloride ; also a white crystalline precipitate 
 with a saturated solution of sodium bitartrate. Heated with dilute sulphuric acid, hydro- 
 cyanic acid is given off. Alkalies fail to precipitate the iron from its solution, but on 
 
 Crystal of Potassium 
 Ferrocyanide. 
 
1300 
 
 POTASSII HYPOPH OSPHIS. 
 
 fusing the salt with potassium carbonate, potassium cyanide is formed and metallic iron 
 is separated. 
 
 Tests, — The concentrated solution of the salt should not effervesce on the addition of 
 sulphuric acid (absence of carbonate). “ The aqueous solution (1 in 20), acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, should, upon the addition of barium chloride test-solution, remain clear, 
 or at most show but a trifling turbidity (limit of sulphate). If a mixture of 0.5 Gm. of the 
 salt with 1.5 Gm. of pure potassium nitrate and 0.5 Gm. of pure, anhydrous sodium car- 
 bonate be heated to redness in a porcelain crucible, the residue dissolved in water, the 
 filtered solution supersaturated with nitric acid, mixed with 0.1 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 nitrate solution, and again filtered, no turbidity should be produced in the filtrate by the 
 further addition of silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). The precipitate produced 
 in the aqueous solution, acidulated with nitric acid by silver nitrate test-solution should 
 be of a pure white color, without a tinge of red (absence of ferricyanide).” — U. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Potassium ferrocyanide is used in the preparation of 
 Acid, hydrocyan, dilut., U. S., Br ., of cyanides, ferrocyanides, and of the following salts: * 
 
 Allied Salts. — Potassium Ferricyanide or Ferridcyanide, Red prussiate of potash. K 6 Fe 2 Cy 12 
 or K 3 FeCy 6 . On passing chlorine gas into a cold solution of potassium ferrocyanide the liquid 
 changes in color from yellow to red. When it ceases to produce a blue precipitate or color with 
 ferric chloride, it is concentrated and the crystals purified by recrystallization. The salt is in 
 dark-red, transparent prisms, has a saline and slightly astringent taste, and dissolves in about 
 4 parts of cold water. On exposure to light the solution is readily altered, ferrocyanide being 
 again produced, when it will yield a blue precipitate with ferric salt. The salt in its fresh solu- 
 tion is employed as a test, precipitating dark-blue with ferrous, red-brown with mercurous, 
 brownish-yellow with cupric, and orange-colored wdth argentic salts. It yields no precipitates 
 with ferric, mercuric, or lead salts. 
 
 Potassium Sulphocyanate (Sulphocyanide). — Sulfocyanure de potassium, Fr. ; Kaliumsul- 
 focyanat, Rhodankalium, G. Formula KSCN ; mol. weight 96.99. — It is prepared by melting 
 together 17 parts of potassium carbonate, 32 parts of sulphur, and 46 parts of anhydrous potas- 
 sium ferrocyanide, and heating to low redness ; the cold mass is treated with boiling alcohol. 
 The salt crystallizes in colorless, four-sided, striated prisms, which are inodorous, have a pungent 
 and saline taste, are deliquescent on exposure, and dissolve readily in water and in alcohol. A 
 solution of the salt is used as a test for ferric salts, with which it gives a blood-red color which 
 is not discharged by hydrochloric acid (difference from acetates and formates), but disappears on 
 the addition of corrosive sublimate (difference from meconates). 
 
 Sodium Nitro-prusside, Na 2 Fe(CN) 5 N0.2H 2 0. It is prepared by digesting 1 part of potas- 
 sium ferrocyanide with 2 parts of nitric acid and 2 parts of water, until the liquid ceases to pro- 
 duce a blue precipitate with iron salts. On cooling, potassium nitrate crystallizes, and the 
 mother-liquor after neutralization with sodium carbonate yields colorless crystals of potassium 
 nitrate and red ones of sodium nitro-prusside ; the latter are recrystallized from water. The 
 salt forms ruby-colored rhombic prisms which are permanent in the air and dissolve in 2J parts 
 of cold water, the solution being decomposed by light. A fragment of the salt heated with an 
 oxygenated volatile oil darkens the latter, often producing a characteristic color ; this reaction is 
 prevented by oil of turpentine. In alkaline solution it is a delicate test for sulphides, producing 
 with them a violet or blue color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassium ferrocyanide has been reputed, on very slender 
 authority, to possess active medicinal properties, anodyne, sedative, and astringent. A 
 thorough investigation of its action by Regnauld and Hayem led them to conclude that 
 it is inoperative both as a chalybeate and as a sedative, and that it may be administered 
 for weeks in the daily dose of several grains without deranging the health or altering 
 the composition of the urine. It is used as a chemical test for iron, copper, and zinc. 
 
 POTASSH HYPOPHOSPHIS, U. S.— Potassium Hypophosphite. 
 
 Kalium hypoph osphorosum , Hypophosphispotassicus s. kalicus. — Hypophosphite de potasse, 
 Fr. ; Kaliumhypopliosphit , Unterphosphorigsaures Kali , G. 
 
 Formula KH 2 P0 2 . Molecular weight 103.91. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt may be prepared in a manner similar to that by which cal- 
 cium hypophosphite (see page 372) is obtained. When a solution of potassa is boiled 
 with phosphorus, potassium hypophosphite is produced, which is freed from potassa by 
 passing carbon dioxide into the solution, evaporating, and dissolving the hypophosphite 
 by alcohol. It is also yielded by the double decomposition of calcium hypophosphite 
 and potassium carbonate, when calcium carbonate is precipitated and potassium hypo- 
 phosphite remains in solution ; Ca(II 2 P0 2 ) 2 + K 2 C0 3 yields CaC0 3 + 2KH 2 P0 2 . 
 
 Properties. — It may be obtained in hexagonal tabular crystals, but, being extremely 
 deliquescent on exposure, it is usually seen in white, opaque, crystalline masses or as a 
 
POTASSII IOBIDUM. 
 
 1301 
 
 white granular powder. It is inodorous, has a pungent saline and bitterish taste, and a 
 neutral or faintly alkaline reaction, and is very freely soluble in water and diluted alcohol, 
 less soluble in absolute alcohol, but insoluble in ether. “ It dissolves in 0.G part of water 
 and in 7.3 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 0.3 part of boiling water and in 3.6 parts 
 of boiling alcohol." — IT. S. Heated to redness when not in contact with air or in a long 
 test-tube, it evolves easily inflammable hydrogen phosphide burning with a white (bright- 
 yellow, &. S .) flame. According to Bammelsberg (1872), the gas given off consists of 
 hydrogen and hydrogen phosphide and the residue of potassium pyrophosphate and 
 metaphosphate. Heated in the air, the salt burns with a yellow flame, and when 
 evaporated with nitric acid or triturated or heated with oxidizing agents it detonates 
 violently. When boiled with potassa, hydrogen is given off ; phosphite, and after the 
 solution becomes more concentrated, phosphate, of potassium is formed. The solution 
 yields with a saturated solution of sodium bitartrateTa white crystalline precipitate of 
 cream of tartar, and with silver nitrate, a white precipitate which rapidly turns brown 
 and black, separating metallic silver ; acidulated with hydrochloric acid, and gradually 
 added to a solution of corrosive sublimate, it causes a white precipitate consisting of 
 calomel, and on further addition a black precipitate of metallic mercury. 
 
 Tests. — “ The aqueous solution of the salt (1 in 20) should not effervesce on the 
 addition of an acid (absence of carbonate), nor should it be rendered turbid by ammo- 
 nium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium). After heating 5 Cc. of the aqueous 
 solution (1 in 20) with 1 Cc. of nitric acid, the solution should remain clear upon addi- 
 tion of silver nitrate test-solution (absence of chloride), or of barium chloride test-solu- 
 tion (absence of sulphate). Not more than a slight cloudiness should be produced in the 
 aqueous solution of the salt by the addition of magnesia mixture (limit of phosphate). 
 If 0.1 Gm. of dry potassium hypophosphite be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, then mixed 
 with 7.5 Cc. of sulphuric acid and 40 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solu- 
 tion, and the mixture boiled for fifteen minutes, it should not require more than 2 Cc. of 
 decinormal oxalic acid solution to discharge the red color (corresponding to at least 98.7 
 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 The oxidizing effect of potassium permanganate on hypophosphites has already been 
 explained under Calcium Hypophosphite (which see). From the following equation, 
 4K 2 Mn 2 0 8 + 10KH 2 PO, + 12H 2 S0 4 = 10KH 2 PO 4 + 4K 2 S0 4 + 8MnS0 4 + 12H 2 0, we 
 learn that 1 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution corresponds to 0.002598 
 Gm. of potassium hypophosphite, and therefore the 38 Cc. required in the official test 
 will represent 0.987 Gm. of KH 2 P0 2 , or 98.7 per cent. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation has been especially recommended in the treatment of chronic 
 bronchitis , but there is not sufficient proof of its efficacy in that or in any other disease, 
 either alone or associated with the other alkaline or earthy hypophosphites. The virtue 
 of the syrup of the hypophosphites with iron resides chiefly in its chalybeate ingredient. 
 Dose, Gm. 0.30-2 (gr. v-xxx). 
 
 POTASSII IODIDUM, U. S., Br.— Potassium Iodide. 
 
 Kalium jodatum , P. G. ; Kali hydroiodicum , Ioduretum potassicum , s. Jcalicum. — lodure 
 de potassium , Fr. ; Jodkalium , G. 
 
 Formula KI. Molecular weight 165.56. 
 
 Preparation. — The process recommended in the U. S. P. 1870 is as follows : To a hot 
 solution of 6 ounces of potassa in 3 pints of distilled water sufficient iodine (about 16 
 ounces) is gradually added until the liquid remains slightly colored from excess of iodine ; 
 the solution is concentrated, 2 ounces of powdered charcoal are stirred in, the mixture is 
 evaporated to dryness, and the powder heated for fifteen minutes to dull redness in an, 
 iron crucible ; the salt is then dissolved in distilled water and crystallized. 
 
 The process of the British Pharmacopoeia does not essentially differ from the preceding 
 except in some of the details. 1 gallon (Imperial) of potassa solution and 21 ounces or 
 a sufficiency of iodine are directed for the production of a permanent brown tint. The 
 liquid is evaporated to dryness, the residue powdered, mixed intimately with 3 ounces of 
 charcoal, and the mixture, in small quantities at a time, is thrown into a red-hot crucible. 
 When the contents are fused they are poured out, and after cooling dissolved in 40 
 ounces of boiling distilled water, and the solution filtered and crystallized. 
 
 On dissolving iodine in solution of potassa a reaction takes place precisely analogous 
 to that which occurs in the action of bromine or chlorine upon the same liquid. (See 
 Potassii Bromidum and Potassii Chloras.) 6KOH and 3I 2 yield SKI + KI0 3 + 
 
1302 
 
 POTASS II IOD1DUM. 
 
 3H 2 0. The potassium iodate may be separated by evaporating the solution to dryness 
 and treating the residue with alcohol, which dissolves the potassium iodide only ; or it 
 may be deprived of its oxygen, and thus be converted into iodide. The deoxidation may 
 be effected in the solution by means of hydrogen sulphide, but some loss of iodine is 
 then unavoidable, and the salt is apt to contain sulphur. The saline mass left on evap- 
 oration when heated to redness gradually parts with its oxygen, but the reduction is 
 effected at a lower temperature and more rapidly if the mass had been previously mixed 
 with charcoal, starch, sugar, or similar organic matter. For effecting the mixing of the 
 charcoal with the saline mass the first directions given above are very convenient, but for 
 reducing the iodate it is best to operate as directed by the British Pharmacopoeia. If 
 the mixture in small quantities is thrown into a red-hot crucible, each portion deflagrates, 
 carbonic oxide is given off, and potassium iodide formed. The sudden evolution of the 
 gas from a large quantity of the mixture heated together is likely to occasion loss. This 
 reaction is explained by the equation KI0 3 + C 3 = KI -|- 3CO. 
 
 Various other processes have been suggested, and are serviceable, more particularly for 
 preparing potassium iodide on a limited scale. The following deserve to be mentioned : 
 Iodine is converted into hydriodic acid by the action of hydrogen sulphide, and the acid 
 neutralized by potassium carbonate. Or, iodide of iron is first prepared, and the green 
 solution boiled with an equivalent quantity of potassium carbonate, filtered from the 
 oxide of iron, and evaporated. The iron will settle more rapidly if an additional quan- 
 tity, equal to one-third of that used in preparing the solution of ferrous iodide, is added 
 thereto before precipitation by potassa. Instead of potassa, Hesse recommends decom- 
 posing the solution by boiling with milk of lime ; the filtrate is freed from excess of lime 
 by carbon dioxide, and the calcium iodide decomposed by a hot solution of potassium 
 sulphate ; the little calcium sulphate remaining in the filtrate is decomposed by potas- 
 sium carbonate, after which the clear solution is evaporated to dryness. Fuchs (1865) 
 recommended prolonged digestion of 100 parts of iodine, 240 of water, 75 of potassium 
 carbonate, and 30 of iron, until carbon dioxide ceases to be given off; the solution is 
 further concentrated, exposed in a warm place until all iron has been converted into ferric 
 oxide, then dried, heated to incipient redness, and extracted with water. 
 
 Nearly all the potassium iodide consumed here is now manufactured in the United 
 States. 
 
 Properties. — When entirely pure, potassium iodide is in transparent colorless cubes 
 of a neutral reaction. This is the salt directed by the U. S. P., but as generally met 
 with it is crystallized from an alkaline solution, and the crystals are white and opaque or 
 merely translucent, and have a slight alkaline reaction. Crystals of similar appearance 
 are also obtained, according to Wittstein (1861), from neutral solutions at a somewhat 
 elevated temperature, and, according to Erlenmayer, from very concentrated solutions. 
 Potassium iodide has a slight peculiar odor, a pungent saline afterward bitterish taste, 
 melts below a red heat (Gray-Lussac), and congeals on cooling to a pearly mass. On 
 melting the salt in contact with air a trace of iodate is formed, a little iodine given off, 
 and the mass acquires an alkaline reaction (Petterson, 1870) ; at a bright-red heat the 
 salt is slowly volatilized. It is permanent in the air, but in a damp atmosphere or when 
 pf an alkaline reaction is somewhat deliquescent. It is freely soluble in water, requiring, 
 according to Mulder (1864), at 15° C. (59° F.) 0.714 (0.75, U. S.), at 30° C. (86° F.) 
 0.657, at 60° C. (140° F.), 0.57, and at 100° C. (212° F.), 0.48 (0.5, U. S.), part of this 
 solvent. It is likewise soluble in alcohol, requiring at the ordinary temperature 40 parts 
 of absolute alcohol, 18 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.820, 12 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.835, 8 
 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.850, and 1J parts of diluted alcohol. The salt dissolves in less 
 than one-half the quantities named of boiling alcohol, and on cooling crystallizes partly 
 in needles. The aqueous solution yields with tartaric acid or with sodium bitartrate a 
 white crystalline precipitate of potassium bitartrate, and with a few drops of chlorine- 
 water liberates iodine, which is recognized by the blue color it imparts to starch-paste or 
 by the violet color of its solution in chloroform or carbon disulphide. On exposure 
 to sunlight solutions of potassium iodide acquire a yellow or brownish color from toe 
 liberation of iodine, the decomposition being due to the influence of ozone, according to 
 llouzeau (1858), or to the presence of carbonic or other acid, according to Bastaudier 
 (1876). The experiments of Papasogli (1881) prove that sunlight, both diffuse and 
 direct, does not decompose pure potassium iodide or its mixture with iodate ; but carbonic 
 anhydride liberates from the mixture a small quantity of iodine, while at low tempera- 
 tures it has no effect upon either one of the pure salts, yet at high temperatures separates 
 hydriodic acid in solutions of the pure iodide. Strong mineral acids liberate from the 
 
POTASS IT 10 DID UM. 
 
 1303 
 
 salt hydriodic acid and iodine. A mixture of the salt with ammonium chloride becomes 
 moist and brown on exposure, and when heated is decomposed, potassium chloride and 
 iodide being left behind. Raup observed that 166 parts of the iodide dissolved in 200 
 parts of water will dissolve 253 parts or 2 atoms of iodine, forming a dark-red liquid, 
 from which water throws down a portion of the iodine. If the salt is dissolved in about 
 thirty times its weight of water, the solution takes up 1 atom of iodine. These solutions 
 are completely decolorized when agitated with ether, chloroform, or carbon disulphide ; 
 but if the solution has been made with alcohol instead of water, carbon disulphide fails 
 to extract the iodine, although this element is removed by the solvent mentioned from 
 the simple tincture of iodine (Jorgensen, 1870). An aqueous solution of iodine in potas- 
 sium iodide produces with lead subacetate dark-colored precipitates, which Dossios and 
 Weith (1869) regarded as being mixtures of lead iodide with finely-divided iodine ; but 
 Piffard (1861) found the precipitate with lead acetate, after drying, could be heated to 
 71° C. (159.8° F.) without evolving iodine, which could likewise not be extracted with 
 simple solvents. These facts, it seems, point to the existence of compounds of 1 atom 
 of potassium with 1, 2, and 3 atoms of iodine. (See also Liquor Iodi Comp, and Tinc- 
 tura Iodi Comp.) 
 
 Tests. — If impurities other than bromide and chloride are present, the large cubical 
 crystals will usually be the purest ; for the following tests it is therefore advisable to 
 triturate together crystals of different size : A little of the powdered salt taken up with 
 the loop of a platinum wire and held in a non-luminous flame should at once impart a 
 violet color to the latter (absence of sodium salt). “ No residue should be left when 1 
 Gm. of the salt is dissolved in 2 Cc. of diluted alcohol of specific gravity 0.920 (absence 
 of less soluble salts). If 1 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in water and 0.05 Cc. (one drop) 
 of decinormal oxalic acid solution be added, no color should be produced by the subse- 
 quent addition of a drop of methyl-orange test-solution (limit of alkali). The aqueous 
 solution (1 in 20) should not be colored or precipitated by the addition of an equal 
 volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution, either before or after acidulation with hydro- 
 chloric acid (absence of arsenic, lead, copper, etc.). The aqueous solution should remain 
 clear after the addition of barium chloride test-solution (absence of sulphate). If 1 Gm. 
 of the salt be mixed with 0.5 Gm., each, of iron and of zinc, in coarse powder or filings, 
 and heated in a test-tube with 5 Cc. of sodium hydroxide test-solution, no ammoniacal 
 vapors should be evolved (absence of nitrate or nitrite). No blue color should be com- 
 municated to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) by 0.1 Cc. (2 drops) of potassium 
 ferrocyanide test-solution (absence of iron). If 0.5 Gm. of the well-dried salt be dis- 
 solved in 10 Cc. of water, and 2 drops of potassium chromate test-solution be added, it 
 should require not more than 30.25 Cc., nor less than 30 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate 
 solution to produce a permanent red color of silver chromate (corresponding to at least 
 99.5 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 The absence of iodate is recognized by adding gelatinized starch to the aqueous solu- 
 tion of the salt, and afterward a dilute acid (sulphuric, hydrochloric, or tartaric, but not 
 nitric), when a blue color should not at once be developed. “ 0.2 Gm. of the salt dis- 
 solved in 2 Cc. of ammonia-water, and then agitated with 13 Cc. of volumetric solution 
 of silver nitrate, should yield a filtrate which on being acidulated with nitric acid should 
 not become so turbid within ten minutes as to lose its pellucidness.” — P. G. This test 
 proves the absence of more than about 1 per cent, of chloride and bromide. Silver 
 iodide is also slightly soluble in (about 3000 parts of) ammonia-water. Cyanide may 
 be present from using impure potassium carbonate or impure iodine ; its presence is 
 determined by adding to a solution of the iodide a little ferrous sulphate, a drop of solu- 
 tion of ferric chloride or sulphate, and a slight excess of solution of soda. On warming 
 the mixture and acidulating it with hydrochloric acid a blue color (of Prussian blue) 
 should not be produced. “ 1 Gm. requires for complete precipitation 60.2 Cc. (60.387 
 Cc. for the pure salt) of the volumetric solution of silver nitrate.” — Br. 
 
 Potassium carbonate, sulphate, iodate, nitrate, and cyanide are insoluble in strong 
 alcohol, which dissolves only small quantities of potassium bromide and chloride. An 
 adulteration of the iodide with more than mere traces of the last two salts may be 
 detected by treating the iodide with eighteen times its weight of warm alcohol, and, after 
 cooling, testing the undissolved portion. These admixtures may be estimated from the 
 silver precipitate, which from 10 grains of pure potassium iodide weighs 14.15 grains 
 (or 1.415 Gm. from 1 Gm. of the salt), from the same quantity of bromide, 15.8 grains, 
 from chloride 19.2 grains, and from cyanide 20.57 grains. Moreover, the last three may 
 be extracted from the former by ammonia, and, after acidulating this solution with nitric 
 
1304 
 
 POTASSII IODIDUM. 
 
 acid, collected and weighed separately ; or, instead of dissolving it in water, the salt to he 
 tested may be dissolved in ammonia-water, when on the addition of silver nitrate only 
 silver iodide will be thrown down. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Potassium iodide is used in preparing the iodides of 
 lead and mercury. 
 
 Potassii iodas. — P otassium iodate, E. ; Iodate de potasse, Fr.; Kaliumjodat, Jodsaures Kali, 
 G. KI0 3 ; molecular weight 213.44. — This salt is left behind on treating the product of the 
 reaction of iodine upon potassa with alcohol ; or it may be prepared, according to L. Henry 
 (1870), by diffusing 127 parts of iodine in cold water, passing chlorine into it until iodine chloride, 
 IC1, has been formed and dissolved in water, adding 122.5 parts of potassium chlorate and heat- 
 ing, when chlorine gas will be evolved, and potassium iodate crystallizes on cooling ; IC1 + KC10 3 
 yields KI0 3 -j- Cl 2 . The salt crystallizes in translucent or milk-white cubes, dissolves in 13 parts 
 of cold and in 3.1 parts of boiling water, and is more freely soluble in solution of potassium iodide 
 and insoluble in alcohol. When heated, the salt fuses, and at a high temperature parts with its 
 oxygen, leaving potassium iodide. It detonates, but less violently than the chlorate, when thrown 
 upon burning coal. On the addition of arsenous acid or stannous chloride the solution separates 
 iodine 5 if not too diluted, its solution yields white granular precipitates with salts of barium, 
 lead, and silver. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man potassium iodide is very rapidly absorbed and eliminated 
 by all the emunctories without undergoing decomposition, but it is discharged mainly 
 through the kidneys, for nearly nine-tenths of the amount used may be recovered from 
 the urine. The elimination is not always rapid, for in some cases the salt may be detected 
 in the urine several weeks after it has been taken. It has no uniform influence on either 
 the amount or the quality of the urine secreted, but sometimes occasions albuminuria. 
 According to See’s experiments, potassium iodide primarily stimulates the heart and 
 contracts the arteries, and secondarily produces an opposite effect ( Archives gen ., Nov. 
 1889, p. 613) ; and Laborde has shown that the salt exerts a preponderant influence upon 
 the central nervous system ( Bull . de T Academie de Med ., 1890, p. 299). It is secreted 
 with the milk, and in that manner has occasioned iodism in nursing infants (Cecil, 
 Therap. Gaz ., xi. 749; Koplik, Med. Record , xxxii. 424). The continued use of potas- 
 sium iodide excites eruptions of the skin, the most common of which is acne indurata. 
 More rarely blood-blisters or watery blebs form. Cases are sometimes met with in which 
 the smallest dose of the salt occasions urticaria ( Phila . Med. Times, xi. 672). Iodic pur- 
 pura occurs in the form of discrete purple spots upon the skin, most frequently of the 
 legs, and which usually disappear spontaneously in two or three weeks. (Compare Mac- 
 kenzie, Times and Gaz., May, 1879, p. 501.) The pustular and bullar forms of the 
 eruption seem to take their origin in the hair-follicles according to some dermatologists, 
 in the sebaceous glands according to others. The blebs are sometimes very large, meas- 
 uring an inch or more in diameter, and are filled with a clear, turbid, or bloody serum, 
 and have been described under the name hydroa. They are very painful to the touch. 
 They are of rare occurrence, and seem to depend upon some peculiarity of the patient, 
 since they may be produced by very small doses of the medicine. They were so in a 
 fatal case reported by Wolff ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., Jan. 1887, p. 275. Compare Med. 
 Record, xxvii. 348 ; British Med. Jour., Oct. 24, 1885 ; Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., 
 Sept. 1886, p. 237 ; Edinb. Med. Jour., xxxii. 471.) The toxical effects are most apt to 
 occur when the kidneys are obstructed ( Therap . Monatsh., iii. 435, 537 ; iv. 105). In one 
 case an attack of hemiplegia occurred during the use of massive doses of the iodide (Hal- 
 lopeau). Potassium iodide has occasioned oedema of the larynx, and is apt to cause 
 salivation, much resembling that which occurs during pregnancy. The symptom is mild, 
 is not accompanied with the fetor of mercurial salivation, and ceases when the medicine 
 is suspended. A familiar effect produced by the salt is a coryza with lachrymation and 
 a congested state of the eyes, nostrils, frontal sinuses, antrum Highmorianum, and throat ; 
 more rarely the larynx exhibits catarrhal symptoms, with hoarseness, obstruction, dyspnoea, 
 and harassing cough, and sometimes very moderate doses have caused fulness of the head, 
 giddiness, and trembling of the legs in walking, or marked paresis. Sometimes, also, there 
 have been impairment of vision and articulation and a partial paralysis of the vocal organs. 
 These effects are often produced by a prolonged or even the transient use of very small doses 
 (Huchard, Bull, et Mem. Soc. therap ., 1885, p. 72 ; Parker, Med. Record, xxvi. 587 ; Eliot, 
 ibid. , xxvii. 348). Oppenheimer regards these as reflex effects of trigeminal irritation 
 ( Therap . Monatsh., iii. 537). But sometimes very large doses, such as 40 or 60 grains a 
 day, may be taken for weeks without causing any special phenomena, as in a case reported 
 by Eshner (Med. and Surg. Reporter, Nov. 23, 1889), in which the patient took 173 grains 
 three times daily without injury. The addition of aromatic spirit of ammonia to a solu- 
 
POTASSII IODIDUM. 
 
 1305 
 
 tion of the iodide is said to greatly diminish the tendency to such consequences as have 
 been now described. After a single dose of 8 grains of this iodide the mouth and throat 
 became swollen and secreted viscid mucus and saliva ; cedema affected not only the face, 
 but gradually extended to the nostrils and throat and to the whole body ; respiration was 
 embarrassed. The symptoms were much relieved by the hypodermic injection of mor- 
 phine, but did not disappear for several days ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Oct. 1882, p. 
 405). A similar case is reported in which tracheotomy was required to save life (Hill 
 and Cooper, 1881), and another by Greenhow ( Therap. Monatsh ., iv. 105). In rare cases 
 potassium iodide produces an effect which is not so unusual after the prolonged admin- 
 istration of iodine — atrophy of the testicles. Where kidney disease exists it may suppress 
 the urine. 
 
 Potassium iodide, although sometimes successful, is not as efficacious as iodine in 
 relieving mercurial sore mouth ; indeed, it often aggravates the local affection. At the 
 same time, it is the most effectual means of eliminating mercury from the system, and 
 thereby curing paralysis, neuralgia, and other symptoms which occur in chronic poisoning 
 by this metal. The same is true of lead-poisoning in its chronic form. If the iodide be 
 given to a person by whom lead or mercury has been taken for a considerable period 
 without producing characteristic toxical symptoms, those symptoms will presently be 
 manifested in consequence of the liberation of the metal by the salt, and at the same 
 time the former may be detected in the urine, and sometimes in the saliva, by appropriate 
 chemical tests. To prevent a renewal of the poisoning under this treatment the iodide 
 must be cautiously administered. According to Pouchet, during the period of aggravated 
 symptoms the urine contains on an average 1 Mgm. of metallic lead to the liter. Under 
 the influence of from 4 to 6 grains daily of potassium iodide the elimination of lead 
 increases greatly for a week or ten days, and then declines below its original quantity. 
 Hence, according to Pouchet, the remedy should not be administered continuously ( Bos- 
 ton Med. and Surg. Jour., Aug. 1881, p. 125). The power of the iodide to combine with 
 mercury already in the system is illustrated in the treatment of constitutional syphilis — 
 i. e. of the skin, cellular tissue, bones, and nervous system — by this medicine in persons 
 who had taken mercury during the earlier stages of the disease. It is not unusual for 
 them to experience the full effects of mercurial salivation. Three different explanations 
 have been proposed for the cure of constitutional syphilis by the iodide of potassium : 1 , 
 that it revives the mercury in the system and enables it to work its specific cure ; 2, that 
 it eliminates the mercury from the system, and so removes an obstacle to the cure ; and 
 3, that it cures syphilis by its intrinsic powers. These propositions are not incompatible 
 with one another, and each may, in individual cases, be true. Clinical observation renders 
 it probable that such is the case. The successful use of the iodide in this disease depends 
 greatly upon its dose, which should never be less than 10 grains three times a day, and 
 often must be twice or thrice as much. Indeed, not a few experts in the treatment of 
 syphilis maintain that unless very large doses of the iodide are given, so as to saturate 
 the system with it, its best effects will not be displayed. In one case the patient 
 seems to have been rescued from an apparently hopeless condition by taking 300 grains 
 of the salt daily for three weeks (Henry, New York Med. Record , xx. 590. See also 
 Seguin, Med. Record , xxvii. 27 ; Otis, ibid., p. 82). Lanceraux long ago (1869) con- 
 demned these excessive doses as useless, because the system cannot appropriate them, and 
 as injurious also to the constitution. The more recent contention that syphilis creates a 
 toleration of the medicine appears to be unfounded (Stelwagon, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 674; 
 White, ibid., xii. 802, 807, 829; and others, ibid. , xiii. 195). Whatever dose may in any 
 case be ultimately reached, the initial one should be small. Large doses ah initio have 
 sometimes produced oedema of the larynx. The eliminative operation of this salt is also 
 shown in chronic arsenical poisoning (Falck, Toxicologic ) ; a striking illustration of it was 
 presented by the case of an arsenic-eater in Philadelphia (HaCosta, Philada. Med. Times, 
 xi. 385). 
 
 The value of potassium iodide in the treatment of aneurism of the aorta was discov- 
 ered, as that of all really valuable medicines has been, “ by the merest hazard ;” and 
 although the method which some have pursued in employing it included the absolute and 
 prolonged repose of the patient, the share of the iodide in the result cannot fairly be 
 challenged. In cases of aneurism of the aortic arch “ not only has relief of neuralgic 
 pains and of the general distress followed its administration, but the local pressure-symp- 
 toms have been mitigated, and firm thrombosis has taken place within the sac, while the 
 area of pulsation and of percussion-dulness has exhibited sensible reduction ” (Walshe). 
 More recently Balfour (1868) and Bramwell (1878) proved, the former by reports of 
 
1306 
 
 POTASSII 10 DID UM. 
 
 fifteen, and the latter of seven cases, that this medicine, continuously given while the 
 patient remains at absolute rest in bed and uses a non-stimulating diet, has caused a com- 
 plete disappearance of all the active signs of an aneurismal tumor, and rendered possible 
 a return to an industrious life. In 1882 a case of cure of aneurism of the aorta by this 
 salt, given in daily doses of 75 or 80 grains and continued for several weeks, was reported 
 by Rhett (Med. News, xli. 429). It is not said whether rest was conjoined or not. (Com- 
 pare Schultz; DaCosta, Ther. Gaz., x. 280; Med. News, lii. 150; Berenyi, Ther. Gaz., 
 xiii. 50 ; Macdonnell, Med. News, lii. 1.) The medicine must be given in doses ranging 
 from Gm. 1.30-2 (20 to 30 grains) thrice daily, and, with occasional intermissions when 
 iodism occurs, should be continued for weeks or months. 
 
 Numerous cases of dropsy owe their cure to this medicine, including ascites due to 
 splenic or hepatic induration, and hydrothorax depending upon cardiac obstruction. It 
 is claimed that chronic valvular diseases of the heart have been greatly mitigated by it, 
 especially those of the aortic orifice. It has cured acute hydrocephalus from granular 
 meningitis, but chiefly when mercury had been previously administered, and chronic hydro- 
 cephalus under similar circumstances. In these intractable diseases it should never be 
 neglected ; and in regard to the former, which so rarely recovers under any treatment, 
 the use of mercury followed by potassium iodide cannot be too strongly recommended. 
 In not a few cases also presenting signs of tumor of the brain, whether syphilitic or not, 
 the symptoms have been greatly mitigated, and sometimes quite removed, by this medi- 
 cine. Seguin insisted on the necessity of administering very large doses in all such cases 
 (Med. Record , xxi. 50). Similar testimony is furnished by Millikin (Med. News, 1. 177). 
 According to Haslund, when given in rapidly-increasing doses it is not less efficient than 
 arsenic in the treatment of psoriasis (Amer. Jour. Med, Sci ., Jan. 1888, p. 97). These 
 doses, beginning at 50 or 60 grains, were rapidly increased to the enormous proportion 
 of 450, 600, and even 750, grains a day, and rarely, it is asserted, did they cause intoler- 
 ance. No one has been found to imitate so rashly heroic a method. But in doses of 
 from 10 to 20 grains three or four times a day the medicine has been prescribed by Hal- 
 lopeau, Besnier, De Molenes, and others (Archives gen., Jan. 1889, p. 658) with excellent 
 effect on this most intractable disease. Stel wagon claims that eczema in children who 
 are otherwise healthy may be cured by doses of from 1 to 5 grains three times a day, 
 and in adults by doses of from 5 to 10 grains, provided that an appropriate local treat- 
 ment be used at the same time (Med. News, xlvi. 400). In a case of persistent priapism, 
 in which various topical and general remedies were for six weeks unavailingly employed, 
 Booth prescribed 5 grains of this iodide four times a day. Improvement immediately 
 began, and the case terminated in cure (Lancet, May, 1887, p. 798). 
 
 In the various forms of muscular rheumatism potassium iodide is one of the most 
 efficient remedies, but especially in acute lumbago, which it often cures with marvellous 
 rapidity. In sciatica and other forms of rheumatic neuralgia it is sometimes of great 
 advantage, and even in angina pectoris depending upon aortic lesions it may afford relief. 
 Huchard (1885) found the medicine successful in alleviating or arresting the paroxysms 
 which he conceives to depend upon ossification of the coronary arteries. He prescribed 
 from 15 to 30 grains a day (Therap. Gaz., ix. 820). In like manner, See held it to be 
 useful in every form of obstructive heart disease , but not so much by removing obstruc- 
 tions in the blood-vessels as by directly strengthening and stimulating the heart, and 
 dilating its capillary blood-vessels and especially the branches of the coronary arteries 
 (Therap. Monatsh., iv. 91). Parenchymatous goitre is said to have been cured rapidly 
 by daily half-ounce doses of a 5 per cent, solution of this salt (Bull, de Therap., cx. 424). 
 It is worse than useless in acute articular rheumatism, but in the chronic disease, with 
 thickening of the fibrous capsules of the joints and effusion within them, it is often the 
 most efficient remedy. It need not, however, be given in large doses for this affection, 
 nor for chronic gout, in which also it has been found of service, but its use must be long 
 maintained. On theoretical grounds it has been used in the treatment of acute pneumo- 
 nia. In the chronic form it may promote cure by quickening the absorption or removal 
 of the exudation. In chronic bronchitis with asthma, depending upon dilatation of the 
 bronchia or upon thickening of their walls, the iodide is often signally beneficial. The 
 paroxysmal affection is then subordinate to the lesion of nutrition. See (1878) referred 
 to twenty-four cases of “ asthma ” which he treated with this medicine and either entirely 
 cured or materially relieved. He gave daily from Gm. 1.25-3 (20 to 45 grains) in 
 divided doses, and continued them for several weeks. In 1882 the same physician 
 renewed the expression of his confidence in the medicine, calling it “ the remedy par 
 excellence for asthma,” and yet stating that it is the most useful remedy for dyspnoea of 
 
POTASSIT NTTRAS. 
 
 1307 
 
 cardiac origin. He admitted that if the treatment was too prolonged the patients were 
 apt to suffer from bloody extravasations in the mouth and nostrils, or even pulmonary 
 haemorrhage when a tuberculous diathesis existed, loss of appetite and aversion to food, 
 emaciation, atrophy of the mammae, etc. A close scrutiny of this author’s cases, so far 
 as he describes them, and of several other cases published to confirm them, renders it 
 probable that they were asthmatic partly because they were complicated with chronic 
 bronchitis, a disease which the potassium iodide has often cured. It is worthy of 
 notice that Casey (1866) reported his having employed this medicine in twenty -five or 
 thirty cases of “ asthma,” in every instance with decided and unequivocal relief. But 
 the dose prescribed by him was only from 2 to 5 grains. Ormerod (1886) found it equally 
 advantageous in doses of 5-10 grains three times a day, although he did not regard it as 
 a curative remedy ( Practitioner , xxxvi. 241). Potassium iodide may be employed for 
 the relief of asthmatic bronchitis in an atomized solution of the salt of the strength of 
 5 per cent. The inhalation should be frequently repeated (Everard). In cases oi paral- 
 ysis due probably to pressure upon a cerebral motor centre or upon a nervous trunk, pro- 
 duced by syphilitic or other swellings, the medicine is often singularly efficient, and 
 should never be omitted from the treatment. The same remark applies to many cases of 
 spinal paralysis, and especially to those of in-coordination of movements due to sclerosis 
 of the cord. (Compare Mitchell, Phila. Med. Times , x. 422 ; Gibney, Med. Record , 
 xxviii. 452.) In all of the affections mentioned in this paragraph it is probable that the 
 iodide is operative by its causing the absorption of indurations which compress the source 
 or the channels of nervous power. That it restrains nutrition or, perhaps, quickens denu- 
 trition, normal as well as abnormal, is shown by its emaciating operation upon the testes, 
 mammae, and ultimately on other organs ; and that it at the same time promotes elimina- 
 tion is rendered probable by the history of its use in diseases of the skin and constitu- 
 tional syphilis, etc., and, it may be added, by its power of rendering nutrition more active 
 in indolent ulcers , especially those which remain after penetrating wounds, surgical opera- 
 tions, etc. (Schleich, Therap. Monatsh., iv. 538). 
 
 The dose of potassium iodide cannot be accurately defined ; according to the object to 
 be attained, it should be given in small doses, as Gin. 0.12-0.20 (gr. ij-iij), or in very 
 large ones, as from Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx), three times a day, and always in a large 
 quantity of liquid. It should be remembered that water dissolves more than its own 
 weight of this salt. Its unpleasant taste may be concealed by dissolving it in carbonic 
 acid water or in artificial Vichy water. Table beer is a suitable vehicle for this salt. 
 Currant or raspberry syrup masks it also. Milk has been used for this purpose (Keyes ; 
 Blair), but is open to the objection that lies against food as a vehicle for any medicines. 
 Preparations of belladonna are said to prevent the coryza caused by this salt. Bohmann 
 and Malachowski recommend sodium bicarbonate for the same purpose ( Therap . Monatsh ., 
 iii. 307). The iodide acts efficiently when given in enema or in suppositories, and this 
 mode of administration is to be preferred when it is used for diseases within the pelvis 
 (Kobner, Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 489). It has been used hypodermically in certain cases 
 of its intolerance by the stomach, 8 grains being administered at each injection. Accord- 
 ing to Rabuteau, quinine sulphate should not be administered before or after potassium 
 iodide, for mutual decomposition of the two medicines takes place and iodine is liberated, 
 which may act poisonously. 
 
 POTASSH NITRAS, U. S., Br . — Potassium Nitrate. 
 
 Potassse nitras , Kalium nitricum, P. G. ; Nitrum depuratum, Sal petrae, Sal nitri, 
 Nitras potassicus s. halicus. — Nitrate of potash, Nitre , Saltpetre , E. ; Azotate ( Nitrate ) de 
 potasse, Nitre prismatique , Salpetre , Fr. ; Kaliumnitrat, Salpetersaures Kali, Salpeter , 
 Kalisalpeter, G. 
 
 Formula KN0 3 . Molecular weight 100.92. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Nitrum of the Romans was alkali carbonate, that 
 of sodium being chiefly thus designated. Saltpetre was known to Geber in the eighth 
 century, and in the Latin translations of his writings is called sal petrae and sal petrosum. 
 Subsequently, it was distinguished as sal nitrum or sal nitri, until at the close of the 
 sixteenth century it was called nitrum. (See Sodii Carbonas.) Fused by itself or with 
 the addition of a small quantity of sulphur, it was formerly used as salprunelle or nitrum 
 tabulatum. Saltpetre is produced near the surface of the earth wherever nitrogenous 
 organic substances are undergoing decomposition in the presence of air, moisture, and 
 potassium compounds. It is present in considerable quantities in the calcareous soil near 
 
1308 
 
 POTASSII NITRAS. 
 
 dwellings of some parts of India. This soil becomes impregnated with urine, and after 
 it has been exhausted of its soluble salts soon generates them again, the decomposition 
 being hastened by the hot and moist climate. In several parts of Europe nitrates are 
 formed in a precisely analogous manner, either by collecting the urine of domestic 
 animals in ditches which have been previously filled with a porous calcareous earth, or 
 by mixing in the so-called saltpetre-beds animal and vegetable substances with wood-ashes 
 and marl or other material containing lime, and forming this mixture into mounds which 
 are occasionally moistened with drainings from the dung-pit, until after two or three years 
 the salt accumulates in the outer layer of the heap, which is then removed, lixiviated 
 with water, and left in contact with wood-ashes in order to decompose the calcium and 
 magnesium nitrates which are usually present. In India, which furnishes the greater part 
 of the nitre, the process of exhausting the earth is very similar, except that it is usually 
 packed upon wood-ashes and the whole lixiviated. 
 
 In the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, and in other localities of the United States, salt- 
 petre has occasionally been procured, and it may be obtained in variable quantities from 
 most soils where vegetable and animal materials have been decaying, and from which it 
 is taken up by the plants growing there, some of which are very rich in this salt. 
 A. Boutin (1874) ascertained that Amarantus melancholicus ruber contains 16, and Am. 
 atropurpureus even 22.77, per cent, of potassium nitrate, calculated for the dry herb. 
 The same salt crystallizes in some old extracts. 
 
 Since the Stassfurt mines have been worked the large quantities of potassium chloride 
 obtained have also been utilized in the production of saltpetre by a process of mutual 
 decomposition effected with native sodium nitrate (Chili saltpetre). Equivalent quantities 
 of the two salts are boiled together with water until the sodium chloride commences to 
 separate in the boiling liquor, which is then concentrated and the chloride removed as it 
 crystallizes. On the cooling of the solutions the crystallization of the nitre is usually 
 disturbed by frequent stirring in order to better drain off the mother-liquor, in which 
 most of the foreign salts remain dissolved. Variable quantities of these salts, and par- 
 ticularly of sodium and potassium chlorides, are always found in crude nitre, which for 
 further purification is redissolved in water and granulated by evaporation and stirring. 
 The last portions of adhering chlorides are in some places removed by percolating the 
 granular powder with a concentrated solution of nitre, in which they are dissolved, while 
 the nitrate is recovered by boiling the solution and removing the sodium chloride as it 
 separates. 
 
 Most of the saltpetre used in the United States is purified here from the foreign crude 
 article, of which, during the year 1881-82, 11,796,091 pounds were imported, besides 
 453,794 pounds of refined and partly refined potassium nitrate. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium nitrate crystallizes in colorless, transparent, six-sided, 
 striated prisms of the rhombic system, which frequently have cavities in the interior filled 
 with mother-liquor, so that on trituration they yield a damp powder. It 
 is often kept in the granulated state, and is then a white crystalline 
 powder. When heated to 353° C. (667.4° F.) it fuses to a colorless 
 liquid, and congeals again on cooling to a radiating crystalline mass ; in 
 the presence of even a small proportion of sodium chloride the radiat- 
 ing arrangement is less distinct, at least in the centre of the mass, or 
 entirely wanting. At a higher temperature it gives off oxygen, and 
 afterward oxygen and nitrogen, being gradually converted into potas- 
 sium nitrite and oxide ; on the addition of sulphuric acid this residue 
 gives off nitrous vapors. Potassium nitrate is neutral to test-paper, 
 inodorous, has a pungently saline and cooling taste, and dissolves in 
 water with a marked diminution of temperature. 1 part of the salt 
 dissolves 
 
 at 0° 15° 30° 40° 50° 60° 80° 100° 114.1° C. 
 
 in 7.25 3.85 2.25 1.563 1.163 .901 .582 .405 .306 parts of water, 
 
 the boiling-point of the most concentrated solution being 114.1° C. 
 (237.4° F.). The salt is insoluble in absolute and sparingly soluble in 
 It is permanent in the air, but, according to Mulder (1864), absorbs a 
 considerable amount of water when kept in a confined atmosphere saturated with moisture. 
 When thrown upon red-hot coal it deflagrates. Warmed with sulphuric acid and copper, 
 it evolves red nitrous vapors ; its aqueous solution gives a white crystalline precipitate 
 of cream of tartar on the addition of a concentrated solution of tartaric acid or of sodium 
 
 Fig. 231. 
 
 Crystal of Potassii 
 Nit r as. 
 
 dilute alcohol. 
 
POTASSII NITRAS. 
 
 1309 
 
 bitartrate, and if acidulated with hydrochloric acid yields a yellow precipitate with plati- 
 num chloride. The solution, mixed with an equal bulk of sulphuric acid, and afterward 
 with ferrous sulphate, acquires a brown-black color. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of the salt (1 in 20) should have a neutral reaction, 
 and should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide (absence of 
 metals), barium chloride (absence of sulphate), silver nitrate (chloride), ammonium car- 
 bonate (calcium salt), or, after the addition of ammonium carbonate, by ammonium phos- 
 phate (magnesium salt). On mixing the powdered salt or its concentrated solution with 
 alcohol, and igniting the latter, the flame should have a violet but not a yellow color 
 (sodium salt). On mixing 1 Gm. of the dry salt with 1 Gm. of sulphuric acid, evapor- 
 ating to dryness, and igniting, the residue consists of potassium sulphate, and should 
 weigh 0.86 Gm. In the presence of sodium nitrate the weight is less. 
 
 Pulvis temperans, s. Pulvis refrigerans. Mix by trituration potassium nitrate 1 part, 
 potassium bitartrate 3 parts, and sugar 8 parts. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 An older formula directs equal weights of potassium sulphate and nitrate, and this, mixed with 
 10 per cent, of vermilion, is Pulvis temperans (ruber) Stahlii ; Poudre temperante de Stahl, 
 F. Cod. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassium nitrate in small doses is diuretic, provided it be 
 given in an abundant watery vehicle ; in large doses it is a cardiac and nervous sedative 
 and a purgative ; and in excessive doses a local irritant poison, as well as a powerful 
 sedative of all the vital functions. 
 
 When poisonous doses of nitre are taken, as an ounce and upward, there are symptoms 
 of gastro-intestinal inflammation, and sometimes blood is vomited and passed by stool ; 
 the urine is diminished or suppressed ; there is coldness of the extremities, with a feeble 
 and thready pulse, slow respiration, great debility, tremulousness, insensibility, blindness, 
 deafness, and even convulsions. A case is on record in which a person who had taken 
 31 ounces of nitre presented no marked symptoms at first, but at the end of five hours 
 suddenly fell from his chair and expired ( Phila . Med. Exam., Apr. 1855, p. 244). It is 
 stated that two cases of sudden death followed the administration of Gm. 12 (180 grains) 
 in acute rheumatism ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxx. 654). It is remarkable, however, that 
 poisoning by this substance generally ends in recovery, although for some time the 
 patient may suffer from irritability of the stomach, colic, dysuria, and a sense of chilli- 
 ness in the back and limbs, with weakness of the latter. After death a florid color of 
 the lips has been noted, and a similar hue of the blood, which, indeed, other salts, as 
 potassium chlorate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc., produce ; the stomach is 
 apt to contain blood, and its lining membrane is of a bright-red color, softened or cor- 
 roded. The upper part of the small intestine may present a similar condition. 
 
 Nitre has long been used in acute rheumatism , given in a large amount of water or 
 other liquid diluent, as Gm. 8—12 (gij-iij), and from that to Gm. 32 (§j), in about 
 a quart of water, which quantity was taken in twenty-four hours. There is no lack of 
 competent authorities who declare that it subdues the fever and pain and shortens the 
 attack, while others of equal competency allege that it is useless therapeutically and 
 repulsive to the taste and stomach. We have no doubt that the latter is the truer 
 judgment of the two. At the present day this method of treatment is hardly thought 
 of in the acute, and still less in the chronic, form of rheumatism. The same remark 
 applies to pneumonia, various fevers , etc., and even in dropsy the diuretic virtues of nitre 
 are too uncertain to entitle it to any confidence. It has been claimed as a remedy for 
 scurvy on theoretical and unsubstantial grounds, and also upon the ground of its efficacy 
 when dissolved in vinegar, without due consideration of the well-established virtues of 
 the solvent in this disease. In spasmodic asthma, whether complicated with bronchitis 
 or not, inhalation of the fumes of burning paper impregnated with nitre renders the 
 breathing freer and less stridulous, and sometimes by repetition cures the disease. The 
 fumes may be employed by diffusion through the air of the patient’s bedroom, or inhaled 
 from a cigarette or from thin linen paper impregnated with a solution of nitre burned 
 under a funnel, from the mouth of which the patient inspires. Powdered nitre, moist- 
 ened with water and applied to the face night and morning, is one of the best remedies 
 for freckles (lentigo). A solution of it is useful in bruises and abrasions. Nitre may be 
 prescribed in powder in doses of Gm. 0.60-2 (gr. x-xxx) or more, or in solution, which 
 is preferable. The effects of an overdose of nitre are best palliated by the free use of 
 water or of some bland liquid, and by warm narcotic fomentations of the epigastrium. 
 If syncopal symptoms arise, alcohol and heart-stimulants may be given hypodermically. 
 
 Potassium nitrite has been supposed to possess the powers of amyl nitrite, because its 
 
1310 
 
 POTASSII PERMANGANAS. 
 
 physiological action is very similar. But Dr. Hinsdale ( Inaug . Thesis , Univ. of Penna., 
 1881) found that it aggravated the paroxysms of epilepsy and rendered them more fre- 
 quent. As an antidote to strychnine he concluded that it displayed no power whatever. 
 
 POTASSII PERMANGANAS, U . S ,, Br . — Potassium Permanganate. 
 
 Potassse permang an as, Kalium permanganicum, P. G. ; Kali hypermanganicum crystalli- 
 zatum, Hy permang anas potassicus, s. halicus . — Permanganate of potash, E. ; Permanganate 
 de potasse, Fr. ; Kaliumpermanganat, Uebermangomaures Kali , G. 
 
 Formula KMn0 4 . Molecular weight 157.67. Or K 2 Mn 2 0 8 = 2KMn0 4 = 315.34. 
 
 Potassium permanganate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles protected from light, 
 and should not be triturated nor combined in solution with organic or readily oxidizable 
 substances. — U. S. 
 
 Origin. — This salt appears to have been obtained by Glauber (1659), who by melting 
 together magnesia (black manganese oxide) with fixed alkali (potash), and, dissolving the 
 mass in water, found the solution to be of a purple color and to change to blue, red, and 
 green. Chevillot and Edwards (1817) showed that for the production of this colored 
 compound the presence of oxygen was necessary, whereby the manganese was oxidized 
 to an acid. Forchhammer (1820) distinguished in the green and red compound two acids, 
 the composition of which was determined by Mitscherlich (1830). 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Caustic Potash 5 ounces; Black Manganese Oxide, in fine 
 powder, 4 ounces ; Potassium Chlorate 3J ounces ; Carbon Dioxide a sufficiency ; Dis- 
 tilled Water 2J pints. Deduce the potassium chlorate to fine powder, and mix it with 
 the manganese oxide ; put the mixture into a porcelain basin and add to it the caustic 
 potash, previously dissolved in 4 ounces of the water. Evaporate to dryness On a sand- 
 bath, stirring diligently to prevent spurting. Pulverize the mass, put it into a covered 
 Hessian or Cornish crucible, and expose it to a dull red heat for an hour or till it has 
 assumed the condition of a semi-fused mass. Let it cool, pulverize it, and boil with 1| 
 pints of the water. Let the insoluble matter subside, decant the fluid, boil again with 
 i pint of the water, again decant, saturate the united liquors with carbon dioxide, and 
 evaporate till a pellicle forms. Set aside to cool and crystallize. Drain the crystalline ; 
 mass, boil it in 6 ounces of the water, and strain through a funnel the throat of which 
 is lightly obstructed by a little asbestos. Let the fluid cool and crystallize, drain the 
 crystals, and dry them by placing them under a bell-jar over a vessel containing sul- 
 phuric acid. — Br. 
 
 When manganese dioxide is heated to dull redness with an excess of potassa a portion 
 of it is oxidized to manganic acid at the expense of a part of the oxygen of another ; 
 portion of the dioxide, which is thereby reduced to manganic oxide. But if oxygen is 
 at the same time conducted into the mass, all the manganese will be converted into man- ' 
 ganic acid, which unites with the potassa, forming potassium manganate. It is more 
 convenient to supply oxygen by means of an oxidizing agent, such as potassium nitrate 
 or chlorate, the former of which will supply an additional quantity of alkali for uniting 
 with the manganic acid, while the latter will be converted into potassium chloride, which 
 remains mixed with the manganate. In this case the result will be explained by the 
 equation 6KOII + 3Mn0 2 + KC10* = 3K 2 Mn0 4 + KC1 + 3H 2 0. The proportions 
 adopted by the British Pharmacopoeia are those of Gregory, and refer to a nearly pure 
 manganese dioxide. If the article to be used should not contain at least 93 per cent, 
 of Mn0 2 , a correspondingly larger quantity should be employed. The ignited mass con- 
 tains, besides the potassium manganate and chloride, all the mineral impurities which 
 were present in the black oxide. It has a green color, and when treated with a little cold 
 water yields a dark -green solution, which may be evaporated over sulphuric acid in vacuo, 
 yielding blackish-green crystals. These dissolve unchanged in solution of potassa, but 
 yield with water a solution which rapidly acquires a red color from the decomposition of 
 the manganate into permanganate, manganese dioxide, and potassium hydroxide ; 
 3K 2 MN0 4 -f- 2H 2 0 yields 2KMn0 4 -f- Mn0 2 4KOH. On account of this change of 
 color the green manganate was formerly known as chameleon mineral. The potassium 
 hydroxide which is liberated in the reaction with water will dissolve a portion of the 
 manganate without change until combined with carbonic, sulphuric, or other acid, when 
 the whole of the manganate will be decomposed as stated. After the impurities and 
 manganic oxide have subsided the clear liquid is drawn off, the sediment drained and 
 washed upon asbestos or powdered glass (since a paper or muslin filter would decompose 
 the permanganate), and evaporated to crystallization. The first crop or two of crystals 
 
POTASSTI PEBMANGANAS. 
 
 1311 
 
 are usually pure ; subsequently they become mixed with potassium chloride and sulphate, 
 and require to be purified by recrystallization. Finally, the other salts accumulate in 
 the mother-liquors to such an extent that crystals of pure permanganate can no longer 
 be obtained, and the liquids are advantageously used for disinfecting, bleaching, or other 
 
 purposes. 
 
 Graeger (1866) proposed to utilize manganic oxide, which may be obtained in large 
 quantities and at little expense from the liquors, in the preparation of chlorine. The 
 process of Stadeler (1868) for converting the potassium manganate into permanganate by 
 means of chlorine gas, and without separation of manganic oxide, is apt to contaminate 
 the product with small quantities of potassium chlorate, but with due care yields the 
 crystallized salt equal to 85 or 90 per cent, of the weight of the black manganese used. 
 
 In a process proposed by Squibb (1864) the formation of other crystallizable salts is 
 avoided by heating the intimate mixture of potassa and maganese dioxide thoroughly to 
 short of redness ; while the mass is hot a small stream of water is directed upon it ; the 
 heating is renewed and the operation several times repeated. The mass is exhausted 
 with water, and after the permanganate has been crystallized the mother-liquor is evapo- 
 rated and used over again in place of a corresponding quantity of potassa. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium permanganate is in dark-purple or deep violet-red, nearly 
 black rhombic prismatic crystals, which have a greenish or bluish metallic lustre, do not 
 react upon turmeric or litmus-paper, are permanent in the air and without 
 odor, and have a sweet, astringent taste. A small quantity of it imparts Fig. 232. 
 to a large quantity of water a rich purple tint, which is destroyed by 
 organic matter and deoxidizing agents. Alcohol, acetone, acetic acid, 
 oxalic acid, glycerin, tartaric acid, citric acid, sugar, gum, tannin, quinine, 
 aniline, gelatin, and many other organic compounds are more or less readily 
 oxidized in the cold or on boiling. According to Mitscherlich, the salt 
 dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 16 parts (16 parts U. S.) (20.5 parts P. G.) 
 of water and in 2 parts (3 parts U. S.) of boiling water. The solution of 
 the pure salt may be boiled without being decomposed, but in the pres- 
 
 ence of much potassa it acquires a 
 
 color from the formation of 
 
 Crystal of Potas- 
 sium Perman- 
 ganate. 
 
 manganate, oxygen being given off at the same time ; K 2 Mn 2 0 8 + 2KOH 
 yields 2K 2 Mn0 4 + H 2 0 -f- 0. A diluted solution of potassa exerts no 
 reducing action, except in the presence of organic matter. The solution 
 of permanganate is decolorized by hydrogen sulphide, carbon disulphide, 
 thiosulphates, sulphites, phosphorus, hypophosphites, iodine, iodides, and 
 many other inorganic oxidizable substances, as well as by organic com- 
 pounds ; the brown oxide which precipitates yields with diluted sulphuric 
 acid a colorless or reddish solution. When heated to redness the salt 
 parts with a portion of its oxygen and leaves a black residue of an alka- 
 line reaction, from which water extracts potassium hydroxide. When 
 thrown upon red-hot charcoal it deflagrates, and upon being triturated 
 with sulphur or other inflammable bodies the mixture is decomposed with detonation. 
 On mixing its solution in a closed vessel with glycerin, syrup, or other liquids contain- 
 ing organic matter a similar decomposition, accompanied by explosions, will take place. 
 A warm concentrated solution of it, mixed with silver nitrate and allowed to cool, deposits 
 large crystals of silver permanganate, which require over 100 parts of water for solution 
 and are decomposed on being boiled with water. The stains produced by potassium per- 
 manganate in mortars and other utensils may be speedily removed by a strong solution of 
 oxalic acid. 
 
 Tests. — The solution of the salt in much water should have a rose color, without a 
 tinge of green (absence of manganate). “ If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be boiled with 10 Cc. 
 of ammonia-water and 10 Cc. of water (or with 20 Cc. of water and 4 Cc. of alcohol) 
 until it is completely decomposed, and the liquid then filtered, the clear, colorless filtrate 
 will serve for the following tests : 5 Cc. of the filtrate, acidulated with nitric acid, should 
 not be rendered more than very slightly turbid by the addition of barium chloride test- 
 solution (limit of sulphate). In another portion of 5 Cc., acidulated with nitric acid, silver 
 nitrate test-solution should produce no precipitate or cloudiness (absence of chloride). 
 If to another portion of 5 Cc. of the filtrate 1 drop of diphenylamine test-solution be 
 added, and then 1 Cc. of pure concentrated sulphuric acid be poured in, so as to form a 
 layer beneath, no blue color should appear at the line of contact (absence of nitrate or 
 chlorate). If 0.1 Gm. jf the salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of boiling distilled water, and 
 1 Cc. of sulphuric acid be cautiously added, the solution should require for complete 
 
 
1312 
 
 POTASSII PERMANGANAS. 
 
 decoloration not less than 31.3 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution (corresponding to 
 at least 98.7 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 The official test with oxalic acid depends upon the following reaction : 2KMn0 4 -f- 
 5H 2 C 2 0 4 .2H 2 0 + 3H 2 S0 4 = 10CO 2 + K 2 S0 4 + 2MnS0 4 + 13H 2 0 ; which shows that 
 315.34 parts of potassium permanganate are capable of oxidizing 628.5 parts of crystal- 
 lized oxalic acid. As each Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution contains 0.006285 Gm. 
 of the acid, it will require 0.0031534 Gm. of potassium permanganate for oxidation : the 
 31.3 Cc. required by the Pharmacopoeia test will correspond to 0.0987 Gm. (0.0031534 
 X 31.3) of KMn0 4 , which is equivalent to 98.7 per cent. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia requires 5 grains of the salt dissolved in water to be com- 
 pletely decolorized by a solution of not less than 44 grains of pure ferrous sulphate, 
 acidulated with 2 fluidrachms of diluted sulphuric acid. This test depends upon the 
 oxidation of 10 molecules of ferrous to ferric sulphate by 1 molecule of pure potassium 
 permanganate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied pure to the sound skin, potassium permanganate pro- 
 duces a brown stain ; upon mucous surfaces it causes neither pain nor irritation, but 
 smarting and burning when applied to a raw surface. Internally, it has been taken in 
 doses of from 8 to 10 grains without injury in a very diluted solution. But even 2- 
 grain doses have produced symptoms of irritant poisoning, and in one case, apparently, 
 abortion ( Therap . Gaz ., x. 746). 
 
 Internally, potassium permanganate has been used in diphtheria , diabetes , and acute 
 rheumatism , but without any beneficial results. In 1882, Ringer and Murrell extolled 
 this salt as a most efficacious remedy for amenorrhoea due to transient causes, such as 
 catching cold, and even where the suspension is due to repeated pregnancies and suck- 
 ling. It was given in doses of a grain at first, but gradually increased to 2 grains four 
 times a day, as near as possible to the regular date of menstruation, and continued for 
 three or four days. Dr. Gaillard Thomas has stated that in atonic amenorrhoea it is, when 
 given in small doses (2-3 gr.) and continued for several weeks, “ the best emmenagogue j 
 yet discovered.” In uterine congestion it is said by some to be useless, while others 
 declare it most efficient when the catamenia of strong women are suspended by cold 
 (Boldt, Therap. Gaz., xi. 31). Dr. L’voff reports it to be efficient in almost every form 
 of amenorrhoea ( Lancet , March 31, 1888), and Dr. Stephenson goes even farther and 
 maintains that it controls equally excessive and scanty menstruation ( Therap . Gaz., xiii. 
 557) ; while Mr. Davies ( Lancet , June, 1889, p. 1132) more recently declared that “the 
 permanganates completely failed in numerous instances, without one partial success to 
 redeem them from the limbo of utter worthlessness as special uterine agents.” Either in 
 pill or in solution the medicine is apt to produce a sense of substernal pressure or heart- 
 burn, and in the latter form it is very disagreeable (. Practitioner , xxx. 128). Locally, it I 
 is chiefly employed to correct fetor in cancer, especially of the uterus, in corroding ulcers, 
 diphtheria, burns and frostbite, ozsena, abscesses, caries, and gangrene. In these cases it is ’ 
 applied in a strong solution with a brush or sponge, or in a weaker solution upon pledgets > 
 and compresses of lint. A similar application has been made to boils and carbuncles after 
 incision, or by injection. In ozsena it forms one of the best palliatives when applied with 
 the nasal douche, and has also been used with great advantage in an atomized solution 
 inhaled in gangrene of the lung. Injections of the solution and lint saturated with it are 
 among the best means of treating fetid otorrlicea. In the proportion of about Gm. 0.20 
 in Gm. 32 (gr. iij in ^j) of water it forms an excellent mouth-wash and gargle wh enfold 
 breath arises from carious teeth or from the altered secretions of the faucial glands. As 
 a wash it palliates the fetid exhalations of the feet and armpits in certain persons in a 
 solution of 4 to 6 gr. in an ounce of water, and is useful in purifying the hands from the 
 smell acquired in dissecting-rooms, in post-mortem examinations, and in various obstetrical 
 and surgical manipulations. Solutions of from 5 to 10 grains of the salt in an ounce of 
 water have cured obstinate eruptions of eczema , impetigo, prurigo, etc., and full baths con- 
 taining it in the proportion of from 10 to 15 grains to a gallon of water have also been 
 used. In gonorrhoea a solution of Gm. 0.06-0.12 in Gm. 32 (gr. j-ij in fgj) of water is 
 a very efficient injection. It seems to act partly as a stimulant of the urethral mucous 
 membrane, and partly by its destructive action on the pus which is the vehicle of the 
 specific virus in true gonorrhoea. In leucorrhcea stronger preparations may be employed, 
 and the same may be applied to diminish the lochial discharge and correct its fetor. Solu- 
 tions of this salt have been widely used as disinfectants. But if the infectious qualities 
 of decomposing animal matter are to be measured by its power of decolorizing a solution 
 of potassium permanganate, then a very curious conclusion has been reached by Dr* 
 
POTASSJI SULPHAS. 
 
 1313 
 
 Bougall (1878) — viz. that 1 ounce of such matter, represented by the alvine discharges 
 of typhoid fever, deoxidizes not less than 10 ounces of Condy’s liquid, and that 1 ounce 
 of urine has the same effect on at least 2 ounces of that liquid. It follows from these 
 premises that each patient whose excreta are so treated would cost five dollars a day for 
 this item alone. It is more than probable, therefore, that the method is hardly ever 
 efficiently carried out. This salt has been recommended as an antidote in phosphorus- 
 poisoning, and also to serpents’ poison (Lacerda, Bull, de T her op., ci. 325 ; civ. 556 ; 
 Richards, Times and Gazette, Jan. 1882, p. 93). The observations and experiments that 
 refer to the latter subject only prove that the permanganate mixed with any such poison 
 destroys its virulence, and that if introduced into the wound made by a venomous animal 
 immediately on the infliction of the wound no toxical phenomena will arise. Evidently, 
 this agent destroys the constitution of the poison. The introduction of the salt in any 
 other way than that indicated, by the mouth, by intravenous injection, or hypodermically, 
 except at the point at which the poison entered, is useless. It seems probable that such 
 hypodermic injection of wounds made by rabid animals would be more efficient in pre- 
 venting rabies than any other form of cauterization. 
 
 Water contaminated by organic matter may be purified and rendered palatable by add- 
 ing to it drop by drop a solution of the permanganate until the pink color of the solution 
 ceases to be destroyed after the lapse of twenty-four hours. The clear liquor may then 
 be decanted and used without danger. 
 
 A solution of not more than 6m. 0.12 in Gm. 32 (gr. ij to f%j) of pure water is most 
 appropriate as a commencing injection for the vagina or urethra and as a wash for sim- 
 ple wounds and ulcers. A solution of Gm. 0.50 in Gm. 32 (gr. viij in f^j) may be used 
 for disinfecting purposes. Sternberg has proposed a solution of 2 drachms each of mer- 
 curic chloride and potassium permanganate in a gallon of water. Internally, it may 
 be given in doses of Gm. 0.13-0.30 (gr. ij-v) dissolved in a large quantity of water, or, 
 preferably, in pills made with kaolin, soft paraffin, or lanolin, and administered when the 
 stomach contains food. The oleate of manganese has been suggested as less irritating 
 than the officinal preparations. The stains left by this salt upon linen may be removed 
 by washing it in water acidulated with sulphurous or muriatic acid, oxalic acid, salt of 
 sorrel, or simply by lemon-juice, or finally by a weak solution of sulphate of iron. 
 
 POTASSH SULPHAS, TJ . S ., JBr . — Potassium Sulphate. 
 
 Potassse, sulphas , Kalium sulfuricum , P. G. ; Sulfas potassicus s. kalicus ; Arcanum 
 duplicatum, Tartarus vitriolatus, Sal polychrestum Glaseri. — Sulphate of potash, E. ; Sul- 
 fate de potasse , Fr. ; Kalium Sulfat, Schwefelsaures Kali, G. 
 
 Formula K 2 S0 4 . Molecular weight 173.88. 
 
 Origin. — This salt is present in sea-water and in various mineral waters, in the ashes 
 of many plants, in many salt-beds, and in the lava of different volcanoes. It is obtained 
 as a secondary product in many chemical processes, such as the preparation of iodine 
 from kelp, of nitric acid from potassium nitrate, of hydrochloric acid from potassium 
 chloride, and in the purification of potash, etc. It appears to have been prepared in the 
 fourteenth century from the saline residue left in the preparation of nitric acid, and to 
 have been used medicinally by Paracelsus in the sixteenth century. Glaser (1663) pre- 
 pared it by adding sulphur to melted saltpetre. 
 
 Preparation. — In the manufacture of the products of the Stassfurt mines it is 
 obtained by decomposing potassium chloride with a hot concentrated solution of schoenite 
 ( magnesium and potassium sulphate), and by separating the potassium sulphate from 
 the double chloride of potassium and magnesium, which is formed at the same time, 
 before the latter can crystallize. In Kalusz, Galicia, the salt is prepared from kainite , a 
 mixture of magnesium and potassium sulphate and chloride, by exhausting with a little 
 water, boiling the residue with potassium chloride, and granulating the newly-formed 
 potassium sulphate. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium sulphate crystallizes in transparent, colorless, and hard six- 
 sided rhombic prisms or pyramids, or combinations of the two forms. It is permanent in 
 the air, inodorous, has a somewhat sharp and saline bitterish taste, is neutral to test- 
 paper, has the specific gravity 2.65, and yields a white powder. The salt dissolves at 
 15° C. (59° F.) in 9.5 parts of water and in 4 parts of boiling water ( U. S.). It is 
 insoluble in alcohol, but dissolves in about 500 parts of diluted alcohol. The aqueous 
 solution, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, gives with barium chloride a white, with 
 platinic chloride a yellow, and with saturated solution of sodium bitartrate a white crys- 
 83 
 
1314 
 
 POT A SSI I SULPHIS. 
 
 When heated it decrepitates strongly, melts at a bright-red heat 
 without decomposition, and at a white heat volatilizes slowly in 
 white non-alkaline vapors, leaving a residue which on cooling is 
 crystalline and has an alkaline reaction ; when mixed with an excess 
 of ammonium chloride and ignited it leaves potassium chloride. It 
 imparts a purple color to the flame. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of potassium sulphate should not 
 be affected by hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide (absence of 
 heavy metals), nor should it be precipitated by ammonium car- 
 bonate or oxalate (calcium, etc.) or by silver nitrate (chloride). 
 The solution, mixed with an equal volume of sulphuric acid, should 
 not give a brown or black color on the addition of ferrous sulphate 
 (nitrate). Held in a non-luminous flame, this should not be per- 
 manently colored yellow. 1 Gm. of potassium sulphate, when com- 
 pletely precipitated by barium chloride, yields 1.338 Gm. of dry 
 barium sulphate. 
 
 Allied Salt. — Potash bisulphas, KHS0 4 ; molecular weight 135.85. Potassium bisulphate 
 or acid sulphate is the saline mass remaining in the retort on preparing nitric acid from potas- 
 sium nitrate and sulphuric acid, and may be obtained in needle-shaped prisms by dissolving it in 
 less than its own weight of boiling water and cooling. The crystals are colorless and transparent, 
 have a strongly acid taste, an acid reaction to litmus, are fusible when heated, congealing on 
 cooling to a translucent mass, and at a higher heat are decomposed, with the evolution of oxygen 
 and sulphur dioxide, neutral potassium sulphate being left. The salt dissolves without change 
 in 2 parts of cold water, but when dissolved hi a larger quantity of hot water neutral sulphate 
 crystallizes on cooling, the liquid containing sulphuric acid. A like decomposition into neutral 
 sulphate and acid is occasioned by alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Under the name of Sal de duohus or Sal polijchrest potassium 
 sulphate was’formerly used as a purgative. It acts in a smaller dose than other salines, 
 but is apt to occasion colicky pain and burning in the abdomen. In several instances 
 doses of Gm. 16-132 (^ss-ij) have caused fatal poisoning and collapse. After death 
 inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane was found. Its dose as a purga 1 
 tive is Gm. 8-16 (.^ij-iv), but it is seldom prescribed, nor does any good reason appear 
 that it should be so employed. The bisulphate is represented as possessing the qualities 
 of the sulphate in a more marked degree. 
 
 POTASSII SULPHIS. — Potassium Sulphite. 
 
 I 
 
 Kalium sulfur os am, Sidfis potassrcus s. kalicus . — Sulfite de potasse , Fr. ; Kaliumsulfit , j 
 Schwefligs anres Kali , G. \ 
 
 Formula K 2 S0 3 .2H 2 0. Molecular weight 189.84. 
 
 Preparation. — On passing sulphur dioxide into a solution of potassium carbonate j 
 until the carbon dioxide has been expelled, and adding an equal weight of potassium car- 
 bonate, the sulphite, having the above composition, will crystallize on evaporation. 
 
 Properties. — Potassium sulphite crystallizes in oblique rhombic octahedrons, which 
 are inodorous or of a slight sulphurous odor, somewhat deliquescent, dissolve freely in 
 water, are sparingly soluble in alcohol, show an alkaline reaction to test-paper, and have 
 a bitter saline and sulphurous taste. Rammelsberg ascertained that an aqueous solution 
 of the salt saturated in the cold becomes turbid on heating and clear again on cooling. 
 Fourcroy and Vauquelin determined the salt to be soluble in its own weight of cold 
 water ; others state the solubility as being 1 part in 4 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) 
 and in 5 parts of boiling water. When heated the salt gives off water, evolves sulphur 
 dioxide, and leaves finally a mixture of potassium sulphate, sulphide, and hydroxide. On 
 exposure to the air it is oxidized and gradually converted into sulphate ; it should there- 
 fore be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. On adding sulphuric or hydrochloric acid to 
 its solution the odor of burning sulphur is given off, but no turbidity from liberated sul- 
 phur is produced (difference from thiosulphate). This solution gives the reactions ot 
 uotassium salts on the addition of platinum chloride or of tartaric acid or of saturated 
 solution of sodium bitartrate. The commercial salt is usually in the form of white 
 opaque crystalline fragments or powder, obtained by evaporating the aqueous solution. 
 
 Composition. — The salt contains 48.5 per cent. K 2 0, 33 per cent. S0 2 , and 18.5 per 
 cent. H.,(). 
 
 Tests. — A 1 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt, strongly acidulated ^vith hydro- 
 
 talline, precipitate. 
 Fig. 233. 
 
 Crystal of Potassium 
 Sulphate. 
 
POTASSII TARTRAS. 
 
 1315 
 
 chloric acid, should produce no precipitate, or at most only a white cloudiness, on the 
 addition of a few drops of test-solution of barium chloride (limit of sulphate). If 0.485 
 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 25 Cc. of water, and a little gelatinized starch added, at 
 least 45 Cc. of the volumetric solution of iodine should be required until a permanent 
 blue tint appears after stirring (corresponding to at least 90 per cent, of pure potassium 
 sulphite). The same amount of the volumetric solution of iodine is required by 0.27 
 Gm. of pure potassium bisulphite. 
 
 Allied Salt. — Potassium bisulphite, KHSO s ; molecular weight 119.89. It is prepared by 
 passing into a concentrated solution of potassium carbonate an excess of sulphur dioxide and 
 adding strong alcohol. The salt crystallizes in white needles, has a sulphurous taste and neutral 
 reaction to test-paper, and on exposure slowly evolves sulphur dioxide. On passing sulphurous 
 acid gas into a warm saturated solution of potassium carbonate the liquid finally becomes green- 
 ish, and on cooling deposits hard, glossy, tabular crystals of potassium pyrosulphite , K 2 (S0 2 ) 2 0, 
 which have a saline taste, and on heating give off sulphur and sulphur dioxide, leaving potassium 
 sulphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassium sulphite is believed to possess the same power 
 of controlling fermentation and putrefaction which belongs to the sulphites of sodium 
 and magnesium. But it is much less used than either. It may be given internally, in a 
 very dilute solution, to the extent of Gm. 8-16 (gij-iv) in the twenty-four hours. The 
 thiosulphate and the bisulphite have analogous properties, and the latter has sometimes 
 been used externally as a stimulant and deodorizer. 
 
 POTASSII TARTRAS, Br.— Potassium Tartrate. 
 
 Potassse tartras , Kalium tartar i 'cum , P. G . ; Tartras potassicus s. 7c aliens, Tartarus solu- 
 bilis . — Tartrate of potash, Soluble tartar , E. ; Tartrate de potasse , Tartre soluble, Sel vege- 
 tale, Fr. ; Kaliumtartrat, Neutrales weinsaures Kali , G. 
 
 Formula K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 243.66. 
 
 Preparations. — This salt appears to have been known in the sixteenth century. 
 Boerhaave (1742) prepared it by neutralizing cream of tartar with salt of tartar, and 
 named it tartarus tartarisatus. That a solution of the same salt is obtained on neutraliz- 
 ing cream of tartar with lime was shown by Bouelle and Marggraf (1770). It is obtained 
 in the first part of the process for making tartaric acid (see page 110), but it is usually 
 prepared by Boerhaave’s process, or preferably with potassium bicarbonate, using 25 
 parts of this salt, 47 parts of pure potassium bitartrate, and about 100 parts of boiling 
 water. The neutral or faintly alkaline solution is concentrated until a pellicle forms and 
 set aside to crystallize ; the crystals are drained and dried. The mother-liquor is further 
 concentrated, and when it begins to yield colored crystals may be decomposed by hydro- 
 chloric acid to obtain the remaining salt as bitartrate. The yield of crystallized potassium 
 tartrate is about 55 or 56 parts. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs 9 ounces of potassium carbonate, 20 ounces of acid 
 potassium tartrate, and 50 ounces of water, and proceeds in all essential details as stated 
 above. In the reaction between the two salts 1 molecule of cream of tartar decomposes 
 \ molecule of dry potassium carbonate or 1 molecule of potassiunrbicarbonate, forming the 
 neutral tartrate ; 2KHC 4 H 4 0 6 + K 2 C0 3 yields 2K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 + C0 2 + H 2 0, and KHC JI 4 0 6 + 
 KHCO :i yields K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 + C0 2 -J- H 2 0. Provided the salts are pure, it will be observed 
 that 16 parts of anhydrous carbonate will require 43|- parts of bitartrate, and 9 parts of 
 the former 24£ parts of the latter, for complete neutralization. In the last formula there 
 is a considerable excess of carbonate, which requires to be neutralized by the further 
 addition of bitartrate. If the latter has been contaminated with calcium tartrate, this salt 
 may be decomposed by prolonged boiling with potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate 
 being deposited. Calcium tartrate is soluble in a solution of potassium tartrate, and, 
 unless decomposed as stated, is best removed by evaporating the solution to dryness, 
 granulating the salt, and treating it with twice its weight of cold water, when most of the 
 calcium tartrate will be left undissolved. The same treatment, and for the same reason, 
 is also advisable if potassium tartrate is obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of 
 tartaric acid, by neutralizing cream of tartar, diffused in boiling water, with calcium car- 
 bonate, when potassium tartrate contaminated with calcium tartrate will remain in solution. 
 
 Properties. Potassium tartrate crystallizes in four- or six-sided colorless and trans- 
 parent crystals of the monoclinic system, which in the presence of calcium tartrate are 
 white and rather opaque. It is more frequently met with as a granular or fine white 
 powder, is inodorous, has a saline bitterish taste, is without action on litmus-paper, and 
 
1316 
 
 POTASSII TARTRAS. 
 
 may be heated to 100° C. (212° F.) without losing in weight ; but at 180° C. (356° F.) 1 
 molecule (3.8 per cent.) of water is given off (Dumas and Piria), and near 220° C. (428° 
 F.) about 5.5 per cent, of acetone and other volatile products, the residue containing 
 potassium carbonate ; above this temperature the salt becomes colored, melts, gives off 
 inflammable vapors with the odor of burnt sugar, and leaves a black residue having an 
 alkaline reaction and effervescing strongly with acids. Heated with sulphuric acid, it 
 forms a black tarry fluid, evolving inflammable gas and the odor of burning sugar. It 
 requires 240 parts of boiling alcohol for solution, and is nearly insoluble in cold alcohol. 
 The salt absorbs moisture on exposure to the air, and is gradually liquefied when kept in 
 a damp atmosphere. According to Osann, it dissolves at 2° C. (35.6° F.) in .75 part, at 
 14° C. (57.2° F.) in .66 part, and at 64° C. (147.2° F.) in .47 part, of water. The 
 aqueous solution yields with calcium chloride a white precipitate soluble in acetic acid 
 and in cold potassa solution, and it gives a white precipitate with silver nitrate, becoming 
 black on boiling. Acetic acid added to its aqueous solution causes the separation of a 
 white crystalline precipitate consisting of potassium bitartrate. 
 
 Tests. — When 122 grains are heated to redness till gases cease to be evolved, the 
 alkaline residue will require for exact neutralization 990 grain-measures of the volu- 
 metric solution of oxalic acid. — Br. If sodium is present, a larger quantity of the acid 
 solution will be required. Sodium would also be indicated by the yellow color imparted 
 to a non-luminous flame by the alkaline residue left on ignition. Carbonate is detected 
 by the effervescence on the addition of an acid, and ammonia by its odor on warming the 
 solution with potassa or soda. “A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt should not 
 be affected by ammonium sulphide (iron, zinc, lead, aluminum), nor by ammonium 
 oxalate (calcium), nor after acidulation with hydrochloric acid by hydrogen sulphide 
 (lead, copper, etc.), or by barium nitrate (sulphate). A similar solution of the salt acid- 
 ulated with nitric acid should at most become opalescent on the addition of silver nitrate 
 (chloride.)” — P. G. 
 
 Composition. — The French Codex recognizes the anhydrous salt K 2 C 4 H 4 C 6 , mol. 
 weight 225.7. The Br. P. gives the formula K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 .H 2 0, and by its alkalimetric test 
 admits 1 per cent, of impurity. 
 
 t 1 
 
 t 
 
 Other Soluble Tartars. — The name of soluble tartar was formerly applied also to other tar- 
 trates, of which two are still recognized by European pharmacopoeias : 
 
 Tartarus boraxatus, P. G. Cremor tartari solubilis, Kalium tartaricum boraxatum, Borax 
 tartarisata. — Boro-tartrate of potassium and sodium, E. ; Tartro-borate de potasse et de soude, 
 Fr. ; Boraxweinstein, G. — 2 parts of borax are dissolved in 15 parts of distilled water and digested ; 
 with 5 parts of cream of tartar. When entirely dissolved the filtered liquid is evaporated w’ith 
 constant stirring, the resulting residue dried in thin layers, and while still warm reduced to 
 powder and preserved in well-corked bottles. — P. G. It is a white, amorphous, deliquescent \ 
 powder of an agreeably acidulous taste and acid reaction. It is soluble in its own weight of cold 
 and less than half its weight of boiling water, insoluble in alcohol, and when heated is decomposed, j 
 leaving a residue of borax potassium carbonate and charcoal. The aqueous solution of the salt ■ 
 is not disturbed by acetic acid or by a small quantity of diluted sulphuric acid, but after the f 
 addition of tartaric acid a crystalline precipitate is produced. Moistened with sulphuric 
 acid, the salt imparts a green color to the flame of alcohol. A 10 per cent, aqueous solution 
 should not be altered by* ammonium sulphide (metals), should not evolve ammonia on being 
 warmed with potassa, should not be precipitated by ammonium oxalate (calcium), and after the 
 addition of a few drops of nitric acid it should not be precipitated by barium nitrate, and should 
 merely become opalescent with silver nitrate. 
 
 Potassii tartro-boras, Tartras borico-potassicus. — Potassium boro-tartrate, E. ; Tartrate borico- 
 potassique, Creme de tartrate soluble, Tartre borate, Fr. ; Borsaureweinstein, G. — 4 parts of 
 cream of tartar, 1 of boric acid, and 10 of water are heated together until dissolved ; the solution 
 is evaporated to dryness and the residue powdered. — F. Cod. It forms a white inodorous powder 
 or may be obtained in thin transparent scales, has an acidulous taste, is not deliquescent, and 
 dissolves in 2 parts of cold water. When long kept it becomes less soluble in water, but its 
 solubility is restored on treating it with boiling water. 
 
 Ammonii et potassii tartras, Tartarus solubilis ammoniatus. — Potassium and ammonium 
 tartrate, E. ; Tartras de potasse et d’ammoniaque, Fr. ; Weinsaures Ammoniak-Kali, G. KN1I 4 - 
 C 4 II 4 0 6 . — It is prepared by diffusing 1 part of cream of tartar in 2\ or 3 parts of boiling water, 
 adding ammonium carbonate as long as effervescence takes place, filtering, and crystallizing. It 
 is well to render the solution alkaline by the addition of a little ammonia. The double salt crys- 
 tallizes in transparent prisms having a pungent and cooling saline taste and becoming opaque on 
 exposure from loss of ammonia. It is soluble in about 2 parts of cold and less than its own 
 Weight of hot water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Potassium tartrate appears to promote the urinary secretion 
 when given in small doses freely diluted, but in larger quantities it operates as a la^a- 
 
PRENA NTHES. — PRIM ULA . 
 
 1317 
 
 tive. It is excreted by the kidneys as potassium carbonate, in full doses, rendering 
 the urine alkaline. It may be used as a mild cooling purgative in all affections requiring 
 saline aperients. It acts more gently than the sodium or magnesium sulphate. Like 
 other salines, it renders the bile more liquid and promotes its secretion, and hence it may 
 be used in cases of hepatic and portal congestion , and especially for the relief of hsemor- 
 rhoidal swellings. It is not unusual to associate it with senna, manna, or rhubarb, which 
 concur in producing those effects, and with scammony and gamboge to mitigate the griping 
 operation of those medicines. It is not very often used at present. As a purgative its 
 dose is from Gm. 16-32 (gss-j). 
 
 Potassium and sodium boro-tartrate is a mild laxative or diuretic when given dis- 
 solved in a large proportion of water, the former in doses of from Gm. 16-32 (§ss-j), and 
 the latter in doses of from Gm. 0.60—2 (gr. x-xxx). Husemann mentions larger doses 
 Gm. 25-60 (^vj-^ij) for purgation, and adds that the preparation is costly, and that a 
 convenient and cheaper substitute for it may be prepared by mixing 2 parts of cream of 
 tartar with 1 part of borax. The ammonium and potassium tartrate has also been used 
 as a diuretic and a laxative in the doses first above mentioned. 
 
 PRENANTHES. — Rattlesnake-root. 
 
 Lion's-foot, White lettuce , Cancer weed , Gall of the earth. 
 
 Prenanthes (Harpalyce, Don ) alba, Dinne , s. Nabalus albus, Hooker. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Liguliflorae. 
 
 Description. — This North American perennial grows in rich soil on the borders of 
 woods, and flowers in July and August. The stem is .9-1.8 M. (3 to 6 feet) high, pur- 
 plish and glaucous, branched above, and grows from a tuberous, spindle-shaped root. The 
 leaves are petiolate, angular, hastate, the radical ones palmately five- or seven-lobed, those 
 of the stem ovate-roundish and sinuate-toothed ; the flower-heads are in loose, racemose 
 cymes, drooping, have a cylindrical involucre, with the linear, purplish, and white scales 
 in a single row, and a few bractlets at the base, and contain from eight to twelve ochro- 
 leucous or purplish florets, with linear-oblong, striate, and unbeaked akenes, and a pale- 
 brownish pappus composed of several rows of rough hairs. All parts of the plant contain 
 a milky juice and have a bitter taste. The variety serpentaria has the lower leaves almost 
 palmately divided and the stem-leaves three-lobed or deeply toothed. 
 
 No analysis of its constituents has been made. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The extreme bitterness of the root of this plant caused it to be 
 used as a domestic tonic in the Southern States. Nearly thirty years ago it was affirmed 
 to be a certain remedy for the rattlesnake s bite , in confirmation of a long antecedent 
 tradition. “The milky juice of the plant was taken internally, and the leaves, steeped 
 in water, were applied to the wound and frequently changed.” No recent addition 
 appears to have been made to these statements. 
 
 PRIMULA . — Primrose . 
 
 Cowslip , E. ; Primevere , Fr. ; Schliisselblume , Primel , G. ; Primavera , Sp. 
 
 Primula officinalis, Jacquin , s. P. veris, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Primulaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The primrose is an acaulescent perennial indigenous to woodlands and 
 grassy places of Europe and Northern Asia and frequently cultivated in gardens. 
 
 Description. — The subterraneous portion consists of a short, upright, brownish, and 
 scaly root-stalk, beset with a number of fleshy rootlets, and containing a thick mealy 
 bark and a yellowish meditullium. The flowers {flores primulde ) are upon short or 
 elongated scapes in umbels of ten or twelve pendulous flowers; the calyx is 12 Mm. 
 (£ inch) or more long, pentangular, tubular, somewhat inflated, acutely lobed, and pale- 
 yellowish ; the corolla is about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, funnel-shaped, five-lobed, the lobes 
 obcordate, of a lemon-yellow color, and has in the throat five saffron-colored spots. The 
 corolla alone is collected. It has when fresh a honey-like odor and a sweetish taste, and 
 on drying usually acquires a dark -greenish color. The fresh root has a slight sweetish 
 odor and a sweetish afterward bitterish and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The odor of the root and flowers appears to be due to a small quan- 
 tity of a butyraceous volatile oil. The primulin of Iliinefeld is considered by Gmelin to 
 be identical with mannit. The acrid principle is either saponin or closely related to it ; 
 Paladin (1830) regarded it as identical with cyclamin. 
 
1318 
 
 PRINOS. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Primula elatior, Jacquin. The flowers are large and inodorous; the corolla 
 is sulphur-yellow, and has a flat margin, with emarginate, not cordate, lobes. 
 
 Primula auricula, Linn6. The auricula is a native of mountainous regions of Europe, and, 
 like both preceding species, often cultivated ; the corolla is fragrant, in the wild state lemon- 
 yellow, and has a flat margin ; the short calyx has rather obtuse lobes. 
 
 Anagallis arvensis, Linne. — Red chickenweed, Red pimpernel, Weather-glass, E.; Mouron 
 rouge, Fr. ; Gauchheil, Rothe Miere, G. — A European weed naturalized in sandy fields of North 
 America. It has a procumbent or ascending branched quadrangular stem and opposite or 
 whorled sessile ovate and three-nerved leaves, entire on the margin and blackish-punctate be- 
 neath ; the small flowers are axillary, long-peduncled, and have a brick-red corolla little exceed- 
 ing the calyx. An. ccerulea, Schreber , the blue pimpernel, has a blue corolla. The plants are 
 inodorous and have a somewhat bitter and acrid taste, which is due to saponin (D. Malapert, 1857) 
 or to cyclamin (Saladin, 1830). 
 
 Lysimaciiia nummularia, Linn 4. — Moneywort, E. ; Monnayere, Fr. ; Pfennigkraut, G. — A 
 creeping European plant, frequently cultivated and somewhat naturalized in North America. 
 The leaves are short-petioled, roundish, smooth, and finely brown punctate ; the flowers are 
 axillary, bright-yellowq and rather large. 
 
 Lysimachia quadrifolia, Linn6. — Crosswort. It is a common North American herb, with an 
 erect hairy stem, with petiolate lance-ovate leaves in whorls of four and five, and with long- 
 peduncled, axillary yellow flowers. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bitter, astringent, and acrid taste of the root, and also the 
 aroma of the flowers of this plant, doubtless first led to its being employed medicinally, 
 and the discovery in it of a substance compared to saponin by some, and to mannit or 
 senegin by others, confirms the popular belief that it possesses medicinal virtues. Pliny 
 speaks of its popular esteem as a panacea, “ In aqua potam omnibus morbis mederi 
 tradunt.” It is represented as being a stimulant of the bronchia and of the stomach, 
 its powdered root is an active sternutatory, and the whole plant was formerly held to be 
 anodyne, narcotic, and antispasmodic, and was used by noted physicians of the last two 
 centuries for the relief of toothache , insomnia , spasmodic hysterical attacks, hemicrania, 
 dysmenorrhcea , and muscular rheumatism. So fixed was the belief in its power of curing , 
 gout sand paralysis that among the names it bore were radix arthritica , radix par alyseos. 
 An infusion of the flowers was thought to be especially adapted to functional nervous 
 disorders. A decoction of the root was given for the cure of gravel , and an infusion in 
 wine or beer as a vermifuge. In England a fermented drink known as “ cowslip wine ” 
 has long been one of the most esteemed articles of the domestic pharmacopoeia, and in 
 some parts of Germany an allied species, P. auricula, has for centuries been used as a 
 remedy for consumption. It will be well if some of the heroic medicines of the present 
 day shall, after as great a lapse of time, have as favorable a record of their virtues as this 
 humble plant enjoys. The dose of the flowers is stated to be Gm. 1-1.30 (gr. xv-xx), \ 
 and an infusion is made with from 5 to 10 parts to 100 of water. 
 
 Primula obconica, an English variety of primrose, is said to produce erythematous 
 or eczematous eruptions on the skin resembling those caused by Rhus toxicodendron ‘ 
 (. Lancet , Oct. 1890, p. 633). ; 
 
 PRINOS.— Black Alder. 
 
 W interberry, Feverbush , E. ; Prinos , Fr., G. 
 
 The bark of Prinos verticillatus, Linne , s. Ilex verticillata, Gray . 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Aquifoliaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The black alder or winterberry is a shrub growing in low swampy ground 
 in Canada and the United States. It has alternate oval or obovate, acuminate, serrate 
 leaves about 5 to 8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) long, downy on the veins beneath, and nar- 
 rowed into petioles about 12 Mm. (J inch) long. The small whitish flowers are dioeciously 
 polygamous, have a subrotate, six-parted corolla, usually six stamens, and are in little 
 umbels, all on very short peduncles. The fruit is a globose, bright-red, six-seeded berry, 
 which is persistent in winter, grows in clusters, apparently verticillate, and has an acidu- 
 lous and bitter taste. The plant flowers in May and June, and ripens the fruit in 
 October. 
 
 Description.— The bark is in slender pieces, 6-12 Mm. (1 or 1 inch) wide, or in 
 fragments about 1 Mm. inch) thick, fragile ; externally of a brownish ash-color, with 
 irregular light-gray or whitish patches lined with black and sprinkled with minute black 
 or small brown circular spots. Older bark is marked with short, transverse, oblong, shal- 
 low scars, often margined with ridges. The inner surface is pale-greenish or orange-yel- 
 low, shortly striate, otherwise smooth, and has frequently thin sections of the white wood, 
 
PR UNUM.—PR UN US VIRGINIA NA . 
 
 1319 
 
 adhering. The bark breaks with a short fracture, and shows upon transverse section a 
 green color and a tangential arrangement of tissue. It is inodorous, and has a bitter, 
 somewhat astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — L. C. Collier (1880) found in the bark chlorophyll, wax, resin, tan- 
 nin, sugar, starch, albumen, and an amorphous yellow bitter principle which is precipi- 
 tated by basic lead acetate and by salts of platinum, silver, mercury, and tin. 
 
 Allied Species. — P rinos (Ilex, Gray) l^evigatus, Pursh, grows in wet grounds in the Northern 
 States, and southward in the mountains to Virginia, and is distinguished by its lanceolate or lance- 
 oblong and smooth leaves, and by the staminate flowers being on slender peduncles. 
 
 Prixos glaber, Linn£, s. Ilex glabra, Gray , known as inkberry , is found near the coast from 
 Massachusetts southward, but chiefly in the Southern States. It has coriaceous, smooth, lan- 
 ceolate, or oblong leaves, with a wedge-shaped base, and serrate near the apex ; the berries are 
 black. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of black alder is astringent and tonic, and is popu- 
 larly employed in intermittent fever and diarrhoea , as a topical application to gangrenous 
 and other ill-conditioned sores , and both internally and locally in chronic cutaneous erup- 
 tions. It is prescribed in substance in doses of Gm. 2 (gr. xxx),and in a decoction made 
 with Gm. 64 (gij) of the bark in 3 pints of water boiled to a quart, of which the dose 
 is Gm. 32-96 (f^j— iij). A saturated tincture is also prepared with the berries as well as 
 with the bark. 
 
 PRUNUM, U. S., Br.— Prune. 
 
 Pruneau noir , F. Cod. ; Pjlaume , Zwetsche , G. ; Ciruela , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Prunus domestica, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 96. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Amygdaleae. 
 
 Origin. — The plum tree is indigenous to Western Asia. It has been cultivated from 
 a very early period, and is now met with in most countries having a temperate climate. 
 A large number of varieties have been produced, differing in the size, color, and shape of 
 the fruit. The tree is about 6 M. (20 feet) high, without thorns, has oval-elliptic serrate 
 leaves and whitish pedunculate flowers, either solitary or in pairs. Some botanists con- 
 sider the subglobular plums to be the cultivated varieties of Prunus insititia, Linne , 
 which resembles the other species, but is thorny and has elliptic or somewhat lanceolate 
 leaves. The Br. P. orders the ovoid or oblong fruit of the var. Juliania, DeC. 
 
 Description. — The dried fruit is a subglobular or oblong drupe of a dark-blue or 
 purplish-blue color, glaucous, shrivelled, with a shallow longitudinal furrow, the sarco- 
 carp brownish-yellow, and the putamen hard, oblong, somewhat oblique, more or less 
 flattened, smooth, or with irregular ridges. The seeds resemble the almond, but are 
 smaller. The fleshy portion of the fruit, which is alone used, has an agreeable, sweet, 
 and acidulous taste ; the seed has the taste of bitter almond, and contains about 25 per 
 cent, of a yellow bland fixed oil. 
 
 Constituents. — Prune contains sugar, pectin, albumen, malic acid, and various salts. 
 The sugar of the different varieties varies in amount between about 12 and 25 per cent, 
 of the weight of the fresh fruit. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Prunes are nutritious and laxative, but in excess are apt to 
 create flatulence and colic, owing chiefly to the indigestibility of their skins. When 
 stewed with sugar they relieve costiveness , and are more efficient when thus prepared with 
 senna, whose tendency to gripe they partially correct. For this reason they enter into 
 the confection of senna. 
 
 PRUNUS VIRGINIAN A, U. 8.— Wild -cherry Bark. 
 
 Ecorce de cerisier de Virginie , Fr. ; Wild kirschenr hide , G. ; Corteza de cerezo , Sp. 
 
 The bark of Prunus (Cerasus, Loiseleur ) serotina, Ehrhart , s. Prunus (Cerasus, Mi- 
 chaux ) virginiana, Miller. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 97. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Amygdaleae. 
 
 Origin. — The wild cherry is a large North American forest tree, growing from Canada 
 to Florida and westward to Eastern Nebraska and Texas. It attains the height of 18 to 
 24 M. (60 or 80 feet), with the trunk sometimes 1.2 M. (4 feet) in diameter and undivided 
 to the height of 6 or 9 M. (20 or 30 feet). When grown in the open field it is usually 
 much smaller. The wood is compact, close-grained, and pale-red or brownish-red. The 
 leaves are alternate lance-oblong, taper-pointed, petiolate, 7 to 12 Cm. (3 to 5 inches) 
 long, and are finely serrate, with incurved teeth. The small white flowers are in elongated 
 
1320 
 
 PRUNUS VIRGINIAN A. 
 
 racemes 10-12 Cm. (4 or 5 inches) long, and terminal on the branchlets. The fruit is a 
 small, globose, purplish-black drupe of a sweet and bitterish taste. The subglobular seed 
 has the flavor of bitter almonds, and contains about 25 per cent, of a bland green-yellow 
 fixed oil, which readily separates a granular deposit. The leaves were suggested by Prof. 
 Procter (1858) as a substitute for cherry -laurel leaves, and found to yield nearly per 
 cent, of hydrocyanic acid when recently collected. This species has long been confounded 
 with the choke cherry , Prunus (Cerasus, De Candolle) virginiana, Marshall , s. Prunus 
 obovata, Bigelow. This is likewise a native of Canada and the United States, but grows 
 westward to Colorado and Central Texas. It is shrubby, about 2.4 or 3 M. (8 or 10 feet) 
 high, or arborescent, has thinner oval or obovate and abruptly pointed, sharply serrate 
 leaves, short and close racemes, and red or purplish fruits of an astringent and bitterish 
 taste. 
 
 Description. — Wild-cherry bark is met with in irregular fragments or slightly curved 
 pieces ; the thinner pieces are obtained from the branches and trunks of younger trees, 
 are 2 Mm. ( T L inch) or more thick, externally of a blackish -gray or greenish-brown color, 
 smooth and somewhat shining, or partly deprived of the exfoliating corky layer, and then 
 of a greenish or light yellowish-brown. Older bark has usually the outer corky layer 
 removed, is 3 Mm. (i inch) and more in thickness, and has a rather uneven outer surface 
 of a rust-brown color. The inner surface is smooth, somewhat striate, cinnamon-colored 
 or rust-brown. The bark is brittle, breaks with a granular fracture, is radially striate 
 upon transverse section, and yields a pale reddish-brown powder. It has a very slight 
 odor while dry, but when macerated in water it develops the odor of bitter almond ; its 
 taste is astringent, aromatic, and bitter, with the flavor of bitter almond. The thick 
 corky layer of old bark, if present, should be rejected. The bark should be collected in 
 October. 
 
 Constituents. — Stephen Procter (1834) showed the bark to contain tannin, gallic 
 acid, resin, starch, and other common vegetable principles, and obtained by distillation a 
 volatile oil containing hydrocyanic acid. This volatile oil was further examined by Prof 
 Procter (1837, 1838), and found to agree in the main with the volatile oil of bitter 
 almond, and, like this, to be produced from amygdalin by the action of a proteid resem- 
 bling emulsin or perhaps identical with it. It is coagulated or altered by heat, and the 
 powdered bark, introduced into hot water, does not yield any volatile oil. J. S. Perot 
 (1852) ascertained that the bark collected in autumn yielded three times as much hydro- 
 cyanic acid as that collected in April. From the latter he obtained .0478 per cent. ; when 
 gathered in October the yield was .1436 per cent., or 1 grain HCy from 100 grains of the 
 bark, which would therefore be equal to about 7 or 8 drops of official hydrocyanic acid. 
 The same author ascertained also that the bitter principle of wild-cherry bark is not 
 phlorizin. J. L. Williams (1875) obtained the bitter principle by concentrating the 
 aqueous infusion, mixing it with an equal bulk of alcohol, agitating with milk of lime, 
 evaporating the filtrate, and exhausting the residue with hot alcohol, on the spontaneous 
 evaporation of which a transparent, brownish, somewhat gelatinous, bitter mass was left ; 
 it was insoluble in ether, somewhat soluble in water, more soluble in alcohol, and was 
 colored brown-red by sulphuric acid. Power and Weimar (1888) deny the existence of 
 amygdalin in the bark, but state that the volatile oil and hydrocyanic acid are produced 
 from a body closely related to that of cherry-laurel leaves. Emulsin or synaptase could 
 not be isolated by the process used for preparing the same. They furthermore isolated 
 the fluorescent principle in the form of white crystals. The bark from the trunk, as well 
 as from the root, was found by J. L. Lemberger (1871) to contain the largest proportion 
 of tannin when collected in October, and to yield then also infusions of a dark wine-color. 
 C. F. Kramer (1882) estimated the tannin with gelatin and found 3.42 per cent. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Wild-cherry bark is tonic through its bitter principle, and more 
 or less sedative through the hydrocyanic acid which it generates with water. For the 
 latter effect, however, very large doses are required. It is more used in pulmonary con- 
 sumption than in any other disease, under the impression that it improves the appetite 
 and strengthens the digestion, while it moderates the cough and allays the irritability of 
 the nervous system. It is a gentle and harmless palliative in this disease, while its use 
 may prevent the employment of opiate and expectorant mixtures, whose injurious influ- 
 ence on the digestion outweighs their utility in moderating the cough. It is particularly 
 useful in cases of nervous cough produced by reflex action, or even by slight bronchial or 
 laryngeal irritation, ft is equally useful during convalescence from various acute diseases 
 when febrile excitement is maintained by general debility of the system. Palpitation 
 of the heart is reputed to be especially under its control. When this symptom depends 
 
PSORA LEA .—PTELEA . 
 
 1321 
 
 upon organic causes the medicine is inadequate to allay it except in a very slight degree ; 
 but when it is associated, as it more frequently is, with anaemic, chlorotic, dyspeptic, or 
 nervous disorders, the bark is sometimes of real advantage. The cold infusion forms a 
 useful collyrium in mild cases of acute ophthalmia. 
 
 The dose of the powdered bark is stated to be Grin. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx). The cold infu- 
 sion and the fluid extract are more efficient and eligible preparations ; the syrup is chiefly 
 to be recommended as a flavoring agent. 
 
 PSORALEA. — Psoralea. 
 
 Psorale , Fr. ; Psoralie , Driisenhlee , G. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Description. — The genus is characterized by a five-cleft persistent calyx having the 
 lowest lobe longest, by diadelphous or sometimes monadelphous stamens, by a short one- 
 seeded pod, the pointed end of which projects from the calyx, and by the glandular dots 
 with which the calyx, and frequently also the leaves, are more or less covered. The fol- 
 lowing species have been employed : 
 
 Psoralea melilotoides, Michaux , s. P. eglandulosa, Elliott , grows in dry soil in the 
 Southern and Western United States, is a slender, erect, pubescent, and slightly glandular 
 herb, and has a spindle-shaped root, trifoliate leaves with oblong-lanceolate rather obtuse 
 leaflets, and long-peduncled, oblong, finally elongated spikes of purplish flowers ; the 
 legume is nearly orbicular and transversely wrinkled. The plant has a slight aromatic 
 odor and a somewhat spicy and bitterish taste. It flowers in June and July, and should 
 be collected when in full bloom. 
 
 P. esculenta, Pursh, has a tuberous or turnip-shaped farinaceous edible root, which 
 is known as bread-root and likewise as Indian turnip , and formerly as pomme blanche 
 and pomme de prairie. It grows on the prairies from Wisconsin to Missouri and west- 
 ward. 
 
 P. glandulosa, Linne, was formerly said to yield yerba mate (see page 862). It is a 
 shrub of Chili, with rough glandular petioles, ovate-lanceolate, acute glandular leaflets, 
 and white or blue flowers. The root is emetic, and the leaves have aromatic properties, 
 their flavor resembling that of rue. 
 
 P. pentaphylla, Linne, of Mexico, has a thick root, which is sometimes known as 
 white contrayerva from its color and medicinal properties. 
 
 P. bituminosa, Linne , of Southern Europe, is suffruticose and has a disagreeable 
 bituminous odor. 
 
 P. corylifolia, Linne, is indigenous to India and Arabia, has a whitish angular stem 
 and simple ovate somewhat cordate and toothed, glandular leaves with short ovate ciliate 
 stipules. The herb has a resinous, aromatic, and bitter taste, and, like the seeds known 
 in India as bauchee seeds, is used as a tonic in skin diseases. 
 
 Several other species of Psoralea, in addition to the two named above, are indigenous 
 to the United States. They all appear to contain resin, volatile oil, tannin, and bitter prin- 
 ciple, but have not been sufficiently analyzed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The leaves and the root of some of the species have a bitter, 
 pungent, and aromatic taste, but it is most decided in the root. Psoralea has been described 
 as a gentle stimulating and tonic nervine, and compared in its action to Chinese tea. It 
 is said to have been used with advantage in chronic diarrhoea depending upon strumous 
 conditions of the mesenteric glands, and in chronic dyspepsia attended with vomiting of 
 blood. The medicine has been administered chiefly in the form of a tincture prepared 
 with several other plants besides Psoralea, so that its special virtues cannot be extricated 
 from the compound effect. The dose of the tincture is stated to be from Gm. 12—24 
 (feiij-vj) several times a day. As far as can be judged, it appears to partake of the 
 qualities of aromatic and bitter tonics in general. (See a paper by Prof. Maisch on the 
 genus Psoralea (Mmer. Jour. Phar., lxi. 345), which contains an account of the use of 
 P. esculenta, or prairie turnip, which is used by the Indians as food.) 
 
 PTELEA. — Shrubby Trefoil. 
 
 Hoptree, Waferasli, E. ; Orme d trois feuilles, Fr. ; llopfenbaum, Kleebaum, G. 
 
 Ptelea trifoliata, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutaceae, Xanthoxyleae. 
 
 Description. — The hop tree is a handsome North American shrub growing south- 
 
1322 
 
 PULSATILLA. 
 
 ward and westward from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, chiefly, however, west of the 
 Alleghanies, and is cultivated in Europe. The shrub is about 2.4 to 3.6 M. (8 to 12 
 feet) high, with dark-brown branches, which, like the leaves, are downy when young. 
 The leaves are alternate, petiolate, light-green, and trifoliate, with sessile, pointed, indis- 
 tinctly-serrate, and finely pellucid-punctate leaflets, of which the lateral ones are obliquely 
 ovate, and very uneven toward the base, the outer half being broadest, while the larger 
 terminal one is elliptic or obovate and wedge-shaped at the base. They are from 7 to 12 
 Cm. (3 to 5 inches) long, when broken exhale a rather unpleasant odor, and have a bitter 
 and somewhat astringent taste. The small greenish-white polygamous, flowers are in 
 compound terminal cymes, have a disagreeable odor, and are followed by a flat orbicular 
 fruit, which is two-celled and two-seeded, and is surrounded by a circular membranous 
 and slightly emarginate wing, the whole fruit being about 2 Cm. (| inch) in diameter 
 and of a pleasant hop-like flavor. The fruit, leaves, and bark of the root have been 
 employed. The latter is in fragments and irregular quills of a brown color, longitudinally 
 wrinkled, lighter and smooth on the inner surface, breaks with a short fracture, and has a 
 bitter and pungent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — G. M. Smyser (1862) found in the leaves tannin, and gallic acid , in 
 the fruit a soft acrid resin , and in the bark a reddish-brown resin soluble in ether and 
 alcohol and of a pungent and acrid taste. All parts contain volatile oil and other prin- 
 ciples commonly met with in plants. Justin Steer (1867) isolated berberine from the 
 bark, and regards it as the bitter and tonic principle. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Ptei.ea angustifolia, Bentham , a native of Colorado, has lanceolate pubescent 
 leaves, and a smaller more deeply notched fruit than the preceding. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of the root appears to be aromatic and tonic, and 
 has been used in tincture and infusion for dyspepsia and as a stimulant in typhoid febrile 
 states. The leaves and young shoots have also been employed in strong infusion as 
 anthelmintics. Of its administration we only know that a spirit made by macerating 6 
 ounces of the bark and 2 ounce of ginger in 2 quarts of whisky was prescribed in the 
 dose of Gm. 16-32 (1 or 2 tablespoonfuls) three times a day. How much of the stimu- 
 lant effects was due to the alcohol and how much to the ginger, and how much remained 
 for the share of the trefoil, has not been estimated. 
 
 Ptelea trifoliata is said by Shoepf to be “ anthelmintic , for which purpose the leaves 
 and the young shoots are used in strong infusion. The fruit is aromatic and bitter, and is 
 stated to be a good substitute for hops.” 
 
 PULSATILLA, 77. S, — Pulsatilla. 
 
 Pasque-flower , E. ; Anemone , Pulsatille , Coquelourde , Fr. ; Kiichenschelle , G. ; Pulsatila , 
 Sp. 
 
 The flowering herb of Anemone Pulsatilla, Linne (s. Pulsatilla vulgaris, Miller ), and 
 of Anemone (Pulsatilla, Miller ) pratensis, Linne , collected soon after flowering. Meehan, 
 Nat. Flowers , i. p. 49. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae, Anemoneae. 
 
 Origin. — -The first two species are indigenous to the greater portion of Europe, and 
 grow also in Siberia in sandy soil and in dry, open woodlands. The section Pulsatilla 
 differs from the other species of Anemone in having a narrowly-divided involucre, large 
 flowers, and long feathery styles, which are permanent in the fruit. The plants flower 
 early in spring, from March to May. They should be collected after the flowers have 
 expanded, and should be carefully preserved and kept not longer than one year. 
 
 Description. — A. pratensis lias a dark-brown, oblique, several-headed root, and pin- 
 nately two- or three-cleft, petiolate radical leaves with linear acute segments, and at the 
 base surrounded by several ovate lanceolate sheaths. The flowering scape is about 15 
 Cm. (6 inches) high, and be'ars a single nodding bell-shaped flower reflexed at the apex, 
 varying in color between dark-violet and light-blue, and surrounded by a* distant sessile 
 involucre composed of three palmately-divided and cleft bracts with linear lobes. The 
 numerous ovaries are prolonged into a feathery tail (style). All herbaceous parts are 
 clothed with long, soft, silky hairs, are nearly inodorous, but when rubbed exhale a very 
 acrid vapor and have a burning, acrid taste. A. pulsatilla closely resembles the former, 
 but has the flowers erect and sepals spreading above, but not reflexed. 
 
 Constituents. — The fresh plants of the section Pulsatilla, when distilled with water, 
 yield a distillate from which ether extracts a very acrid yellow oil, which is gradually 
 or more rapidly in the presence of water, converted into anemonin and anemonic acid, 
 
PULSATILLA. 
 
 1323 
 
 from which hot alcohol dissolves the former. Basiner (1881) found the yellow oil as 
 well as the anemonin to be soluble in glacial acetic acid, from which solution they are 
 removed by agitation with benzene. Anemonin, which was first observed by Stbrck (1771), 
 and investigated by Heyer (1779), forms colorless friable crystals which are neutral, 
 inodorous, and when fused exceedingly acrid, soluble in chloroform, nearly insoluble in 
 ether and water; the composition of these crystals, according to Fehling (1841), is 
 Ci 5 H 12 0 6 . Lowig and Weidmann (1839) and Fehling (1841) observed that boiling baryta- 
 water converts it into a brown amorphous acid. Anemonic acid, 0 I5 H 14 0 7 , is a white 
 crystalline tasteless powder insoluble in most simple solvents, and dissolves in alkalies 
 with a yellow color. Similar results were obtained with American pulsatilla by A. W. 
 Miller (1862) and F. E. Miller (1873). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum pulsatilla. The expressed 
 juice of the fresh flowering herb is heated, strained to remove albumen, evaporated to a 
 small bulk, mixed with an equal measure of alcohol, filtered, and evaporated to the proper 
 consistence. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Acrid properties resembling those of the preceding plants are met with in most 
 species of Anemone, which are distinguished from the section Pulsatilla chiefly by the styles being 
 much shorter and not feathery. An. nemorosa, Linne , wind-flower or wood anemone (Anemone 
 des bois, Sylvie, Fr. Cod.), a native of the northern hemisphere, has a long-petiolated trifoliate leaf 
 with ovate or elliptic cut and toothed leaflets, an involucre of three similar leaves, and a white or 
 purplish flower. An. coronaria, Linnt, has been employed in the Levant, where it is indigenous ; 
 it is sometimes met with in gardens. An. sylvestris and An. ranunculoides, Linni, indigenous 
 to Northern Asia and Europe, are used in Siberia. These species lose some of their acrid prop- 
 erties by drying, and rapidly deteriorate on keeping. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bruised fresh plant rubbed upon the skin irritates and 
 may even vesicate it. The extract and tincture cause a sense of burning and numbness 
 in the mouth. Internally, pulsatilla may inflame the stomach and bowels and cause 
 fatal convulsions. In medicinal doses it is reported to act as a general excitant (Schroft). 
 Anemonin applied to the tongue occasions a severe burning pain and persistently 
 benumbs its sensibility. Internally, it acts as a general stimulant and a diuretic. 
 Heyer (1779) related that an amaurotic patient who was taking about Gm. 0.03 (£ 
 grain) of anemonin twice a day experienced a dreadful sense of tension in the head and 
 copious diuresis (Husemann). Brunton states that the extract of pulsatilla, when given 
 in a fatal dose, always causes convulsions. 
 
 Different species of Anemone were recognized by ancient physicians as being identical 
 in their medicinal power. According to Galen, the anemones are endowed with acrid, 
 drawing, cleansing, and opening virtues. When chewed, anemone excites a secretion of 
 mucus, its juice cleanses the brain and nostrils, and lessens or removes opacities of the 
 cornea. It purifies foul ulcers, cures lepra and pityriasis, is emmenagogue and galacta- 
 gogue. Neither Dioscorides, Pliny, nor the Arabians added anything to this enumeration, 
 and the medicine seems to have been almost forgotten until the close of the eighteenth 
 century. Pulsatilla nigricans was then highly praised by Stbrck and some of his contem- 
 poraries as an efficient remedy for opacities of the cornea, cataract , paralysis, rheumatism, 
 amenorrhoea, melancholy, constitutional syphilis, old ulcers, and scaly diseases of the skin. 
 In the last-named affections he held it to be peculiarly useful, generally prescribing the 
 extract in doses of 1 or 2 grains, and gradually increasing them to Gm. 0.10-1 (15 
 grains). But subsequent observers of the best repute imitated Storck’s practice without 
 obtaining his results. The author who relates this history of Storck’s use of the drug 
 (Cazin) suggests that its more recent failures were due to the use of an improperly made 
 extract. He refers to several physicians of previous generations who wrote of its singu- 
 lar efficacy in whooping cough, visceral engorgements, gravel, comatose attacks, and obstruc- 
 tions of the nostrils. Deniau used pulsatilla in several nervous disorders, and concluded 
 that the medicine is “ a direct sedative of nervous irritability, but only indirectly a vascu- 
 lar sedative” (Bull, de Therap., civ. 81). By the greater number of recent writers on 
 the materia medica the medicine is either wholly unnoticed or its virtues are described in 
 accordance with the above history, which, it will be observed, assigns to it the characters 
 of a panacea, so diverse and numerous are the diseases which it is reported to have cured. 
 This list of incongruous diseases benefited by pulsatilla may be lengthened by nervous 
 headache produced by overtaxing the mind (Tucker), and by dysmenorrhora, which in 
 several cases was cured by 2 drops of a tincture of pulsatilla taken before meals for three 
 days before the menstrual epoch (Piffard). The latter physician reports that in epididy- 
 mitis he administered 5-drop doses of the tincture with the effect of aggravating the 
 
1324 
 
 PULVERES. 
 
 inflammation, while he rapidly cured seven or eight cases of the disease by doses of 
 “ one-tenth of a minim well diluted, and administered every two or three hours.” No 
 other treatment was employed. Similar statements have been made by Sturgis ( Med . i 
 News, xlii. 267) ; Lawson ( Therap . Gaz., viii. 271) ; Martel {Bull, de Therap., cviii. 129 ; j 
 cx. 207) ; Smith ( Edinb . Jour., xxxii. 747) ; Bovet, Dornand {Ann. de Ther., 1889, p. 187) ; 
 but Carter ( Lancet , Aug. 1889, p. 216) did not find that it influenced at all the course 
 of epididymitis. From this summary it may fairly be concluded that pulsatilla is either 
 a remedy of extraordinary an.d incomprehensible power, or that the reporters of its cures 
 have been misled by their imagination or a neglect of the precautions necessary in study- 
 ing the virtues of medicines. 
 
 The powdered herb was formerly prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.25-0.30 (gr. iv-v), and j 
 an infusion made with the fresh plant in wine or water Gm. 4 in Gm. 100 (3j-^iij) was 
 given during the day in divided doses. 
 
 A tincture of the fresh root, made with equal weights of the root and of 90 per cent, 
 alcohol, has been given in the dose of 10-20 drops three times a day. The alcoholic 
 extract may be used in doses of from Gm. 0.03-0.20 (gr. ss-iij). Anemonin is directed in 
 doses of Gm. 0.01-0.03 (gr. £-J) in pilular form. 
 
 PULVERES. — Powders. 
 
 Poudres , Fr. ; Pulver , G. 
 
 Preparation. — All solid drugs may be reduced to powder, but the means by which 
 pulverization is effected must vary very considerably according to the nature of the drug. 
 The large majority of crystallized chemical compounds are readily powdered by tritura- 
 tion in a porcelain or Wedgewood mortar; many of those which are insoluble or sparingly 
 soluble in alcohol may be powdered by precipitating them from their concentrated solution 
 by pouring it slowly and with continual agitation into alcohol. Compounds which are 
 insoluble in water may frequently be obtained in a more or less fine powder, which is 
 either amorphous or crystalline, by means of double decomposition and precipitation. 
 Soluble compounds may also be powdered by evaporating their solution, and, as it thickens, 
 by stirring it continually, so as to disturb crystallization or prevent the compound from 
 separating as a solid mass. This process is termed granulation , and is equally applicable 
 to fusible substances, which, after having been liquefied by heat, are stirred or triturated 
 while they are cooling and congealing. Volatile compounds and elements (calomel, sul- 
 phur, etc.) may be finely powdered by sublimation, and by suddenly condensing their hot 
 vapors in a large chamber with a current of air, or, if insoluble in water, with a current 
 of steam. 
 
 In several of these processes the powder is not obtained of uniform fineness, and then 
 requires to be sifted, or the finer particles are separated from the coarser by means of 
 elutriation, which process consists in diffusing the powder in water and decanting from the 
 heavy sediment. The fine powder, which remains longest in suspension, is then per- 
 mitted to subside, and, after withdrawing the liquid, dried. It is evident that only those 
 substances are adapted to this treatment which are heavier than water, and which are 
 entirely insoluble therein ; elutriation is usually preceded by levigation, which is simply 
 a process of trituration in the presence of sufficient moisture to render the mass soft. 
 The operation is performed either in a mortar or upon a slab by the aid of a muller. 
 
 Drugs which are composed of vegetable tissue or which consist of exudations cannot, 
 as a rule, be reduced to powder by these means. In these cases contusion is required, 
 and this is the method most frequently employed. The substance is placed in a rather 
 deep mortar, and broken by perpendicular strokes with the flattened surface of a heavy 
 pestle. The process is called bruising if the substance is to be broken merely into a 
 coarse powder. If the drug contains a certain amount of oil or resin, the heat produced 
 by the pounding will often render the material more or less soft or adhesive. This 
 result is best prevented by exposing the drug to a low temperature and powdering in 
 the cold, when it will retain its pulverulent condition at ordinary temperatures, or, if it 
 conglomerates, it may be rubbed into powder by slight trituration. Mortars made of 
 iron or brass are best adapted for preparing powders by contusion. Some tough mate- 
 rials are conveniently reduced to powder by rasping. 
 
 Most of the vegetable powders are, however, prepared on a large scale at the drug-mills 
 by grinding, the grinding surface being a bed of hard stone upon which either iron balls 
 
PUL VERES. 
 
 1325 
 
 or millstones are made to revolve. A draught is thereby created which carries the fine 
 powder up to a certain height, and if this alone is collected it is called a dusted powder. 
 Oily seeds and similar material cannot profitably be powdered in this manner, because by 
 the pressure and heat created by the grinding the oil rises to the surface and agglutinates 
 a part of the powder. Such material is best ground, or rather cut, between horizontal 
 millstones suitably prepared for the purpose. A number of drug-mills which may be 
 worked by hand have been constructed, and serve a good purpose for the use of the phar- 
 macist in preparing the coarser kind of powders, but none have been made which could 
 be used with advantage for finely powdering moderate quantities. 
 
 Whether contusion or grinding is resorted to, the drugs to be powdered should be 
 deprived of the moisture remaining in them by exposing them in a drying-room to a tem- 
 perature of about 50° C. (122° F.). Drugs, however, which owe their virtues to volatile 
 oil. and which should be powdered in the air-dry condition or on a small scale, are con- 
 veniently dried over burnt lime. The different tissues of plants are not reduced to pow- 
 der with equal facility ; the fibro-vascular bundles and the bast-fibres are usually more 
 refractory than parenchyma-tissue, and more or less of the former generally remains 
 behind as a coarse powder. When the powder is intended to be exhausted by percolation 
 or otherwise, the coarse particles are utilized with the fine powder ; but in case the latter 
 be intended for dispensing, the coarser portion is removed by a sieve. The fine powder 
 which may be sifted off from time to time during the process of powdering should be 
 carefully mixed to ensure uniformity in composition. The fibrous portion of vegetable 
 drugs is usually less active than the remainder, and if in such a case the whole of it be 
 rejected, the resulting powder must necessarily be stronger than the crude drug from 
 which it has been prepared ; thus, if the bark of ipecacuanha-root be separated from the 
 wood and powdered by itself, such powdered ipecacuanha will possess an activity about 
 20 per cent, greater than the root itself. 
 
 Fineness Of Powders. — The United States Pharmacopoeia designates five degrees 
 of fineness — namely, very fine, when passed through a sieve of eighty or more meshes to 
 the linear inch ; fine , when passed through one of sixty meshes ; moderately fine , through 
 one of fifty meshes ; moderately coarse , through one of forty meshes ; and coarse , if passed 
 through a sieve of twenty meshes to the linear inch. The fineness of powders is often 
 conveniently described as being No. 20, etc., indicating that it has been passed through a 
 sieve of that size (see page 605). 
 
 Compound Powders. — Since nearly all solid drugs may be obtained and kept in 
 the state of powder, the pharmacopoeias give special directions only for those powders 
 which are composed of two or more ingredients. In preparing these it is generally advis- 
 able to reduce each substance separately to powder ; the powders are then weighed out 
 and mixed in a mortar, or are passed repeatedly through a suitable sieve. Some special 
 observations will be made in connection with several official powders. 
 
 Mixtures of powdered charcoal or powdered rhubarb with calcined magnesia are likely 
 to cake when made in a mortar with anything like pressure of the pestle ; uniformity of 
 mixture is readily obtained by stirring gently together and then passing repeatedly 
 through a bolting-cloth sieve. 
 
 Dispensing of Powders. — In the majority of cases when powders are prescribed 
 the ingredients are such as are kept on hand pulverized or in such a condition that they 
 may be easily powdered by trituration in a mortar. The latter ingredients are then 
 weighed out first, and rubbed fine before the powders are added. As in the case of pills, 
 small quantities of toxic remedies are best triturated with some sugar of milk before 
 mixing them with the other powders, so as to ensure more uniform distribution. Should 
 soft substances, such as extracts, or liquids, such as volatile oils, be directed, they are 
 triturated with the sugar which usually is a constituent of magistral powders until 
 reduced to powder, when the other articles are added and well mixed. In most cases, 
 perhaps, it will be of advantage not to use finely-powdered sugar, but to employ sugar 
 in small lumps, which, while being rubbed to powder in the presence of the other ingre- 
 dients, will tend to cause their still greater subdivision through the prolonged attrition. 
 There are, however, occasional exceptions to the procedure as described, for in consequence 
 of the elevation of temperature produced by the trituration chemical processes are likely 
 to be induced which would interfere with the stability of the powder ; such instances are 
 the mixing of oxidizing agents like potassium chlorate with vegetable substances, which 
 under the pressure of the pestle would cause an explosion ; or the mixing of salts, which 
 in the presence of a little moisture would result in liquefaction, as in triturating together 
 lead acetate and zinc sulphate, Compound powders of this nature ought invariably to 
 
1326 
 
 PULVIS AMYGDALJE COMPOSITUS. 
 
 be made by powdering the constituents separately in a mortar ; if necessary, they should 
 then be well dried, and finally mixed upon smooth paper with the aid of a spatula, with- 
 out exerting any friction. Powders intended for external application by “ dusting ” 
 should be dispensed in an impalpable condition if possible, and for this purpose are best 
 passed through a bolting-cloth sieve of 110-130 meshes to the inch. 
 
 Powders are rarely prescribed in bulk, except when intended for external use ; in 
 nearly all cases they are divided by the pharmacist, each dose being dispensed in a 
 
 separate paper. Fig. 234 repre- 
 sents a very ingenious appa- 
 ratus for the accurate division of 
 powders. The thoroughly mixed 
 powder is placed in the metallic 
 cup B, and after shaking down 
 the metallic divider D is slipped 
 over the rod A, and by slight 
 manipulation is made to divide 
 the powder into as many equal 
 parts as wings are attached to the 
 divider ; the cap E having been 
 placed over the cup, the latter is 
 inverted, and the material in each 
 division transferred to paper by 
 means of the slide F. Very accu- 
 rate and rapid work can be done 
 with the divider. Deliquescent and volatile powders should be dispensed in parchment, 
 paraffined, or waxed paper. 
 
 Administration. — Powders are generally taken suspended in water or in a liquid 
 flavored with syrup or some pleasant aromatic. The nauseous taste will not always thus 
 be disguised. To remedy this difficulty it has been customary in some countries to envelop 
 the powder in a wafer of sufficient size and soften this by a brief immersion in water, when 
 it may be swallowed without any inconvenience. Cachets de pain, or wafer-capsules , an 
 elegant modification of this process, were introduced by M. Limousin (1873). The sheet 
 wafer is punched into circular disks ; these are dampened, and then pressed between two 
 warmed plates of the desired shape, whereby they become concave on one side. A dose 
 of the powder is placed on this side, the margin is very slightly dampened, and an empty 
 disk is placed upon and fastened to it by sufficient pressure. Various apparatuses have 
 been suggested for sealing the wafers. In taking such a wafer-capsule it is first dipped 
 in water for a moment, then at once placed upon the back part of the tongue, and swal- 
 lowed with a draught of water or other suitable liquid. Nauseous powders of small bulk 
 are conveniently administered in unsealed gelatin-capsules, one of which is slipped over 
 the open end of another one containing the powder (see page 768). 
 
 Granular Powders. — These are made in various ways. A method of granulating 
 vegetable and similar powders was suggested by Dr. Thomas Skinner (1862), and is exe- 
 cuted by triturating the powder with sufficient mucilage until a crummy non-adhesive 
 mass is obtained, which is dried in thin layers, bruised, and separated by sieves into pow- 
 ders as desired ; these granules may then be covered with tolu in the same manner as 
 pills. Various saline mixtures, usually of an effervescing nature, have been granulated 
 by powdering separately citric or tartaric acid, sugar, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium car- 
 bonate, etc., mixing them together by sifting, adding sufficient strong alcohol to render the 
 mixture slightly damp and adherent, and rubbing with slight pressure through a No. (> 
 or other suitable sieve. After drying, the granules of the different sizes are separated 
 by suitable sieves. 
 
 Preservation. — When perfectly free from moisture, vegetable powders may be pre- 
 served in hermetically-sealed vessels ; but since they attract moisture on occasional 
 exposure, it is much better to keep them in a dry place enclosed in vessels which will 
 admit the air, but exclude the light. As a rule, such powders will be found to keep well 
 in good paper boxes unless they contain volatile oil. 
 
 PULVIS AMYGDALAE COMPOSITUS, Br. — Compound Powder of 
 
 Almonds. 
 
 Confectio amygdala , Conserva amygdalarum. — Confection of almond , E. ; Conserve 
 d'amandes , Fr. ; Mandelconserve , G. 
 
 Fig. 234. 
 
 A 
 
 c 
 
 Michael’s Powder-divider. 
 
PUL VIS ANTIMONIALIS.—PUL VIS AROMATICUS. 
 
 1327 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sweet Almonds 8 ounces ; Refined Sugar, in powder 4 
 ounces ; Gum-Acacia, in powder, 1 ounce. Steep the almonds in warm water until their 
 skins can be easily removed, and when blanched dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth 
 and rub them lightly in a mortar to a smooth consistence. Mix the gum and the sugar, 
 and, adding them to the pulp gradually, rub the whole to a coarse powder. Keep it in 
 a lightly-covered jar. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The compound powder of almonds is convenient for preparing almond mix- 
 ture when mixed with water in the proportion of Gm. 75 in Gm. 500 (2£ ounces to a 
 pint). 
 
 PUL VIS ANTIMONIALIS, TJ. S., Br.— Antimonial, Powder. 
 
 Pulvis antimonii compositus , Pulvis Jacobi. — James powder , E. ; Poudre antimoniale 
 de James , Fr. ; Jamessches Antimonpulver, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oxide of Antimony 33 Gm. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 67 
 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Mix them intimately. — U. S. 
 
 Take of oxide of antimony 1 ounce ; calcium phosphate 2 ounces. Mix them thor- 
 oughly. — Br. 
 
 The two formulas are practically identical. Antimonial powder is intended as a sim- 
 plified substitute for a nostrum which has enjoyed considerable reputation in Great 
 Britain and elsewhere for more than a hundred years. Another formula, formerly recog- 
 nized as yielding a good substitute, requires the ignition of a mixture consisting of 1 
 part of antimonous sulphide and 2 parts of horn shavings by throwing this in small quan- 
 tities into a red-hot crucible, powdering the product, and keeping again for some time at 
 a red heat. 
 
 A somewhat similar preparation is known here as Tyson's antimonial powder, of which 
 two kinds are sometimes employed. One, designated as No. 1, consists of antimonous 
 oxide 10 parts and calcium phosphate 90 parts. No. 2 is made by triturating antimonous 
 oxide 10 parts and potassium sulphate 45 parts into a fine powder, and adding 45 parts 
 of calcium phosphate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Antimonial powder acts in virtue of the oxide of antimony it 
 contains, the phosphate of lime serving only to divide it minutely. Its action is essen- 
 tially the same as that of tartar emetic, but slower in consequence of its inferior solu- 
 bility. It is therefore less apt to act as an emetic than as a diaphoretic in febrile states. 
 It may be given in doses of Gm. 0.20—1 (gr. iij-xv). 
 
 PULVIS AROMATICUS, U. S.— Aromatic Powder. 
 
 Pulvis cinnamomi compositus. Br. ; Compound powder of cinnamon , E. ; Poudres des 
 epices , P. des aromates , Poudre aromatique , Fr. ; Gewiirzpulver , Aromatisclies Pulver , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ceylon Cinnamon, in No. 60 powder, 35 Gm. ; Ginger, in No. 60 
 powder, 35 Gm. ; Cardamom, deprived of the capsules and crushed, 15 Gm. ; Nutmeg, in 
 No. 20 powder, 15 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the cardamom and nutmeg with a 
 portion of the cinnamon until reduced to a fine powder, then add the remainder of the 
 cinnamon and the ginger, and rub them together until they are thoroughly mixed. — JJ. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of aromatic powder use 613 grains each of Ceylon cinnamon and 
 ginger and 262 grains each of cardamom and nutmeg. 
 
 Grated as finely as possible, the nutmeg is gradually added, with constant trituration, 
 to the crushed cardamom-seed and a portion of the powdered cinnamon, and afterward 
 mixed with the remaining powders. The British Pharmacopoeia omits the nutmeg, and 
 directs powdered cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, of each 1 ounce, to be thoroughly 
 mixed, sifted, and lightly rubbed in a mortar. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Confectio aromatica, Electuarium aromati- 
 cum. — Aromatic confection, E. ; Electuaire (Confection) aromatique, Fr. ; Aromatische 
 Latwerge, Gewiirzlatwerge, G. — Rub aromatic powder 4 ounces with clarified honey 4 
 ounces or a sufficient quantity until a uniform mass of the proper consistence is obtained. 
 — U. S. 1870. 
 
 The absorption of the moisture by the vegetable tissue will render this confection 
 gradually crummy, and necessitate the further addition of honey. If properly prepared, 
 it will, though dry in appearance, become pliable and adhesive under the pestle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Aromatic powder may be given internally for the relief of 
 nausea, flatulence, colic, or diarrhoea, in the dose of Gm. 0.60 (gr. x) and upward, for 
 
1328 PUL VIS CATECHU COMPOSITUS. — PUL V. EFFERVESCENS COMPOSITUS. 
 
 which purposes it should be mixed with syrup. The now disused aromatic confection 
 was similarly employed. The powder is an excellent stimulant and anodyne in the cases 
 named when it is applied enclosed in a flannel bag and saturated with a hot alcoholic liq- 
 uor. In this way it is singularly efficient in allaying nausea and colic. Laudanum may 
 be added to it in appropriate cases. Care should be taken to protect the linen from its 
 stain, which is indelible. Instead of the official ingredients of this aromatic fomenta- 
 tion, the following will be found more efficient : equal parts of powdered cinnamon, 
 ginger, allspice, and cloves, to which some add black pepper. 
 
 PULVIS CATECHU COMPOSITUS, ^.—Compound Powder of 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Catechu, in powder 4 ounces ; Kino, in powder, Rhatany- 
 root, in powder, each 2 ounces ; Cinnamon-bark, in powder, Nutmeg, in powder, each 1 
 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, pass the powder through a fine sieve, and finally rub it 
 lightly in a mortar. Keep it in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This powder is especially useful in diarrhoea produced by debility or by cold 
 after fever has subsided. Bose, Gm. 0.60-4 (gr. x-^j). 
 
 PULVIS CRET.E AROMATICUS, JBr . — Aromatic Powder of Chalk. 
 
 Confectio aromatica , Lond. — Poudre de craie aromatique, Fr. ; Gewiirztes Kreidepid- 
 ver, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cinnamon-bark, in powder, 4 ounces ; Nutmeg, in powder, 
 Saffron, in powder, each 3 ounces; Cloves, in powder, If ounces; Cardamom-seeds, in 
 powder, 1 ounce; Refined Sugar, in powder, 25 ounces ; Prepared Chalk 11 ounces. Mix 
 them thoroughly, pass the powder through a fine sieve, and finally rub it lightly in a 
 mortar. Keep it in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Aromatic powder of chalk is an excellent preparation for the cure of acci- 
 dental diarrhoea produced by cold, or even by crude ingesta, provided that the offending 
 substance has been discharged. As the symptoms corrected by chalk and those relieved 
 by the aromatic powder are in a great measure independent of each other, the propor- 
 tion of these ingredients should vary, and hence their association in fixed proportion 
 and in an official formula is unnecessary. The dose of the preparation is Gm. 2-4 
 (grs. xxx-lx). 
 
 PULVIS CRETiE AROMATICUS CUM OPIO, ^.—Aromatic Powder 
 
 of Chalk and Opium. 
 
 Poudre de craie opiacee , Fr. ; Kreidepulver unit Opium, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Aromatic Powder of Chalk 9f ounces ; Opium, in powder, 
 1 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, pass the powder through a fine sieve, and finally rub it 
 lightly in a mortar. Keep it in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is the same as the last, except that it contains 1 grain of 
 opium in every 40 grains of the powder. It is therefore more efficient in the same class 
 of cases. From Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx) may be given at a dose. 
 
 PULVIS CRETH3 COMPOSITUS, U . --Compound Chalk Powder. 
 
 Poudre de craie composee, Fr. ; Kreidepulver mit Gummi, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Prepared Chalk 30 Gm. ; Acacia, in fine powder, 20 Gm. ; Sugar, in 
 fine powder, 50 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Mix them intimately. — U. S. 
 
 This has been introduced with the view of preparing from it the chalk mixture as 
 wanted. It should always be made with prepared chalk as directed in the official formula, 
 and not with precipitated calcium carbonate, as has been done at times. 
 
 Dose , from Gm. 1.30—4 (gr. xx-lx). 
 
 PULVIS EFFERVESCENS COMPOSITUS, U . S .- Compound Effer- 
 vescing Powder. 
 
 Pulvis sodse tartarat.se effervescens, Br. Add.; Pulveres effervescentes aperientes ; Pulvis 
 aeropliorus laxans, P. G. ; P. aerophorus Seydlitzensis. — Aperient effervescing powders , 
 Seullitz powders, E. ; Poudre gazifere purgative, Poudre de Sedlitz, Fr. ; Ahfuhrendes 
 Brausepulver , Seidlitzpulver, G. 
 
PUL VIS ELATERINI COMPOSITES. 
 
 1329 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium Bicarbonate, in fine powder, 31 Gm. ; Potassium and Sodium 
 Tartrate, in fine powder, 93 Gm. ; Tartaric Acid, in fine powder, 27 Gm. Mix the sodium 
 bicarbonate intimately with the potassium and sodium tartrate, and divide the mixture 
 into 12 equal parts. Then divide the tartaric acid into 12 equal parts. Lastly, keep 
 the parts, severally, of the mixture and of the acid in separate papers of different 
 colors. — U. S. 
 
 The alkaline powder is usually put into a blue paper, each containing of sodium bicar- 
 bonate 2.58 Gm. (If. S . ; Br. Add.) (2.5 Gm. P. G . ; 2.0 Gm. F. Cod.), and of potassium 
 and sodium tartrate 7.75 Gm. ( U. S. ; Br. Add.) (7.5 Gm. P. G. ; 6 Gm. F. Cod.). The 
 tartaric acid is wrapped in white paper, and weighs 2.25 Gm. ( U. S.) (2.46 Gm. Br. Add. ; 
 2.0 Gm. F. Cod., P. G.). On mixing the solutions of the contents of the two papers, 
 Mr. Wm. Gilmour (1881) observed the formation of potassium bitartrate even in the 
 presence of insufficient tartaric acid for producing neutral sodium tartrate ; this effect is 
 due to the liberated carbonic acid. 
 
 The mixture of Rochelle salt and sodium bicarbonate is known commercially as Seid- 
 litz mixture : owing to its variable composition, as sold in the market, it is best prepared 
 by the pharmacist himself, by mixing 1 part of sodium bicarbonate with 3 parts of 
 Rochelle salt. The small wooden measures intended for dividing the saline mixture and 
 acid are, as a rule, unreliable, and moreover the quantity of powder that can be com- 
 pressed into these measures varies considerably with the condition of the atmosphere ; 
 hence the requisite quantities should be weighed for each paper, being 160 grains of 
 Seidlitz mixture and 35 grains of tartaric acid. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Pulveres effervescentes, U. S. 1870 ; Pulvis aerophorus anglicus. 
 P. G . — Effervescing powders, Soda powders, E. ; Poudre gazeuse, P. gazogene, P. aerophore, P. 
 de Seitz, Fr, ; Englisches Brausepulver, G. — Take of sodium bicarbonate, in fine powder 360 
 grains ; tartaric acid, in fine powder, 300 grains. Divide each of the powders into 12 equal parts, 
 and keep the parts, severally, of the bicarbonate and of the acid in separate papers of different 
 colors. 
 
 Pulvis aerophorus, P. G ., is composed of 10 parts of sodium bicarbonate, 9 parts of tartaric 
 acid, and 19 parts of white sugar. Each substance is finely powdered and well dried before the 
 three are mixed, when the powder may be kept unaltered in well-closed vessels. But if these 
 are opened, and from the deposition of moisture decomposition begins to take place, the change 
 proceeds more rapidly in a closed than in an open vessel should the latter be kept in a dry and 
 airy place. The powder keeps much better if granulated as described above. Either form of 
 powder may serve as a vehicle for the convenient and pleasant administration of other medicines, 
 such as salts of iron, quinine, etc., which should not be mixed with the sodium bicarbonate alone. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The compound effervescing powder is convenient for admin- 
 istering potassium and sodium tartrate in a state of effervescence. The acid powder 
 should be dissolved in 1 or 2 fluidounces, and the saline in about 6 fluidounces, of water ; 
 the liquids should then be gradually mixed and drunk while effervescing. Seidlitz pow- 
 ders are very commonly employed to relieve moderate constipation and the feverishness 
 that attends the first stage of many slight disorders, especially those produced by “ taking 
 cold” or by an imprudent and excessive use of food and alcohol.! Like other saline laxa- 
 tives, this one is more appropriate in warm than in cold weather. If a very active 
 operation is desired, one and a half or even two pairs of powders may be given at once, 
 or, on the other hand, they may be administered in divided portions as a febrifuge 
 medicine. 
 
 The carbonic acid disengaged during the administration of soda powders is a direct 
 stimulant to the stomach and nervous system, while it creates an agreeable sense of cool- 
 ness in the abdomen. The sodium tartrate formed in the process is diuretic, antacid, 
 and slightly laxative, and probably during fever is diaphoretic also. Soda powders are 
 much used to relieve the feverish effects of imprudent eating and to remove constipation. 
 Each powder should be dissolved in about 120 Gm. (f^iv) of water, flavored with syrup 
 if preferred, and the solutions, being mixed, should be taken while effervescing. In cer- 
 tain cases of intestinal obstruction due to faecal accumulation enemata have been used 
 consisting of the effervescing powders, dissolved and administered separately in a sufficient 
 quantity of water {Med. News , xlviii. 293). 
 
 PULVIS ELATERINI COMPOSITUS, Br.— Compound Powder of 
 
 Elaterin. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Elaterin 5 grains ; Sugar of Milk 195 grains. Rub them 
 together in a mortar until they are reduced to fine powder and intimately mixed. — Br. 
 
 84 
 
1330 PUL VIS GLYCYRRHIZA COMPOSITUS.—PULV. IPECACUANHA ET OPII. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is a convenient one for the administration of 
 elaterin. Hose, from Gm. 0.03-0.30 (gr. ss-v). 
 
 PULVIS GLYCYRRHIZA COMPOSITUS, U. 8., -Br.— Compound 
 Powder of Glycyrrhiza (Liquorice). 
 
 Pulvis liquiritise compositus, P. G. ; P. pectoralis Kurellse. — Poudre pectorale, Poudre de 
 reglisse composee, Fr. ; Brustpulver, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Senna, in No. 80 powder, 180 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza, in No. 80 powder, 
 236 Gm. ; Washed Sulphur 80 Gin. ; Oil of Fennel 4 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 500 
 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Rub them together until they are thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pound of compound liquorice powder use 2 av. ozs. and 385 grains of 
 powdered senna, 3 av. ozs. and 340 grains of powdered glycyrrhiza, 1 av. oz. and 123 
 grains of washed sulphur, 30 minims of oil of fennel, and 8 av. ozs. of sugar. 
 
 Powdered senna 2 parts ; powdered liquorice-root 2 parts ; powdered fennel 1 part ; 
 washed sulphur 1 part ; powdered sugar 6 parts. — P. G., Br. 
 
 The first formula has been adapted from that of the German Pharmacopoeia, and is 
 practically identical with it and with that of the British Pharmacopoeia. The powder is 
 of a greenish-yellow color. The British Pharmacopoeia of 1867 omitted the fennel and 
 sulphur. 
 
 The present official formula differs from that of 1880 in the use of oil of fennel in 
 place of the fruit, and the increase of powdered liquorice-root accordingly ; the quantity 
 of oil is based on the assumption that prime fennel will yield 5 per cent, of volatile oil. 
 We regard the change as a very desirable one, since the whole powder can now readily 
 be passed through a No. 80 sieve, and will not assume a disagreeable odor by age, which 
 sometimes occurs when it is made with powdered fennel. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is a mild but efficient aperient in the dose of 
 Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx). A teaspoonful in a glass of water at bedtime for the relief of 
 habitual constipation. 
 
 PULVIS IPECACUANHA ET OPH, XT. S.— Powder of Ipecac and 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Pulvis ipecacuanhse compositus , Br. ; Pulvis ipecacuanhse opiatus , P. G. — Compound 
 powder of ipecacuanhse , Dover s powder , E. ; Poudre de Dower , Fr. ; Dower sclies j C ul- 
 ver, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ipecac, in No. 60 powder, 10 Gm. ; Powdered Opium 10 Gm. ; Sugar 
 of Milk, in No. 30 powder, 80 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub them together into a very 
 fine powder. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of Dover’s powder use 175 grains each of powdered ipecac and 
 powdered opium, and 1400 grains of sugar of milk. 
 
 In this formula the milk-sugar is directed to be used in a rather coarse powder ; the 
 fragments of the crystals, being very hard, serve to grind the vegetable powders still 
 finer during the necessarily prolonged trituration. The German Pharmacopoeia orders 
 the same ingredients in the same proportions as given above, but directs all three to be 
 separately very finely powdered, and then to be intimately mixed. Both these pharma- 
 copoeias have, without any urgent reason, substituted milk-sugar in the place of potassium 
 sulphate, which was formerly employed in the same proportion, and is still ordered by the 
 British Pharmacopoeia. Both powders are of a pale-brown color and have the odor of 
 opium, somewhat modified by that of ipecac ; they differ but slightly in taste, that of the 
 Br. P. being somewhat saline in addition to the bitter and nauseous taste of the other 
 ingredients, which predominates in the powder prepared by the above formula. The 
 Dover’s powder of the French Codex is nearly the same as that originally used by Dr. 
 Dover, the chief difference being the substitution of dry extract of opium for opium ; it 
 is composed of potassium sulphate and nitrate, each 40 parts, and dry extract of opium, 
 ipecacuanha, and liquorice-root, each 10 parts, the whole to be made into a homogeneous 
 powder. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dover’s powder contains in every 10 grains 1 grain each of 
 opium and ipecacuanha and 8 grains of sugar of milk. Its physiological effects are sleep 
 and diaphoresis. The latter is perhaps favored by the ipecacuanha, but is essentially 
 produced by the opium. If Dover’s powder has the advantage of readily causing dia 
 phoresis, it has the disadvantages of sometimes producing nausea and leaving the mouth 
 more pasty than opium does alone. A peculiar advantage of this combination is that it 
 
PULVIS JALAPJE COMPOSITUS. — PUL VIS MORPHINE COMPOSITUS. 1331 
 
 ensures the slow solution and absorption of its active ingredients — an advantage lost in 
 the so-called liquid Dover’s powder. 
 
 This preparation is of peculiar value in the forming stages of muscular rheumatism , for 
 if it occasions sweating it often terminates the attack. The use of hot drinks about an 
 hour after the powder is administered will greatly promote its operation. A similar 
 statement may be made of its- use at the commencement of acute inflammations , such 
 as coryza, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, etc. It is of use in 
 haemorrhage from internal organs, and especially from the uterus ; in diarrhoea from 
 transient causes or from intestinal disease, as in typhoid fever, tuberculosis, dysentery, 
 etc. ; in profuse sweats from phthisis or other debilitating causes. It has been recom- 
 mended in diabetes , Bright's disease , and calculous affections , but in them it is less appro- 
 priate than opium alone. 
 
 The ordinary dose of Dover’s powder is Gm. 0.60 (gr. x), but in many cases doses only 
 half as large, and repeated at longer or shorter intervals, are preferable. When full dia- 
 phoresis is desired the dose may be Grm. 1-1.30 (gr. xv-xx), and its operation may be 
 promoted by hot drinks, thick bed-clothes, etc. 
 
 PULVIS JALAPS COMPOSITUS, JJ. S . 9 Br.- Compound Powder 
 
 of Jalap. 
 
 Pulvis purgans, Pulvis jalapse tartaratus , Pulvis catharticus. — Poudre de jalap composee , 
 Fr. ; Jalapenpulver mit Weinstein , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Jalap, in No. 60 powder, 35 Gm. ; Potassium Bitartrate, in 
 fine powder, 65 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Bub them together until they are thoroughly 
 mixed. — U. S. 
 
 Take of jalap, in powder, 5 ounces ; acid potassium tartrate, 9 ounces ; ginger, in pow- 
 der, 1 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, pass the powder through a fine sieve, and finally 
 rub it lightly in a mortar. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is an efficient hydragogue cathartic, particularly appli- 
 cable to cases of hepatic and splenic obstruction with abdominal dropsy , and to other 
 forms of dropsy in which the amount of the effusion constitutes an immediate source of 
 danger. In the latter case the proportion of the bitartrate should be increased from 60 
 to 120 grains, and of the jalap to 10 or 15 grains. The dose of the compound powder of 
 jalap is Gm. 0.60-2 (gr. x-xxx). 
 
 PULVIS KINO COMPOSITUS, Br . — Compound Powder of Kino. 
 
 Pulvis Jcino cum opio. — Poudre de kino opiacee , Fr. ; Kinopulver mit Opium , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Kino, in powder, 3f ounces ; Opium, in powder, \ ounce ; 
 Cinnamon-bark, in powder, 1 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, pass the powder through a 
 fine sieve, and finally rub it lightly in a mortar. Keep in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is one of the many in which opiates and 
 astringents are associated, and which are chiefly used in cases of excessive gastric or 
 intestinal secretion , including diarrhoea; it is also employed in the various dyspeptic 
 derangements for which kino itself is used, and for lessening the secretion of urine in 
 diabetes and of perspiration in various forms of hectic fever. The dose is Gm. 0.30-1.30 
 (gr. v-xx). 
 
 PULVIS MORPHINE COMPOSITUS, V. S.— Compound Powder of 
 
 Morphine. 
 
 Pulvis camphor oe compositus Tally. — Tally's powder , E. ; Poudre de Tally , Fr. ; Tally sches 
 Pulver , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Morphine Sulphate, 1 Gm. ; Camphor, 19 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza, in No. 
 60 powder, 20 Gm. ; Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 20 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity. Rub the camphor with a little alcohol, and afterward with the glycyrrhiza and pre- 
 cipitated calcium carbonate, until a uniform powder is produced. Then rub the morphine 
 sulphate with this powder, gradually added, until the whole is thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 This formula originated with Dr. William Tully of New Haven, Conn. The powder 
 should be very carefully prepared, so that the morphine salt may be uniformly incor- 
 porated with the other ingredients. Owing to the volatilization of camphor, it is best to 
 prepare the powder in a small quantity only, and to preserve it in a well-stoppered bottle 
 kept in a cool place. Each grain of the mixed powders contains ^ grain of morphine 
 
1332 PULVIS OPII COMPOSITUS.— PULVIS SCAM MON II COMPOSITUS. 
 
 sulphate, and practically -J- grain of camphor. We think the formula would look better 
 if 20 Gm. of camphor and 19 Gm. of glycyrrhiza were ordered, instead of 19 and 20 as at 
 present. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The evaporation of the camphor from this powder causes it to 
 deteriorate constantly, and therefore to cease to be what it originally was. Doubtless, the 
 combination of camphor and opium, as it is constantly used in nervous affections, with 
 different proportions of the two ingredients, is a most valuable one, and is recognized as 
 such in the ancient liquid preparation paregoric elixir. The addition to ordinary Dover’s 
 powder of whatever dose of camphor may be required for individual cases appears to us 
 preferable to so unstable a preparation as this. The dose of it may be stated at Gm. 
 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). 
 
 PULVIS OPII COMPOSITUS, Br. — Compound Powder of Opium. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Opium, in powder, 1| ounces; Black Pepper, in powder, 2 
 ounces ; Ginger, in powder, 5 ounces ; Caraway-fruit, in powder, 6 ounces ; Tragacanth, 
 in powder, J ounce. Mix them thoroughly, pass the powder through a fine sieve, and 
 finally rub it lightly in a mortar. Keep in a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 This powder contains 10 per cent, of powdered opium. 
 
 Uses. — This powder contains the ingredients, in a dry state, of the confection of 
 opium, and may be used for the same purposes. Dose , Gm. 0.10—0.30 (gr. ij-v). 
 
 PULVIS RHEI COMPOSITUS, U. S., Br.— Compound Powder of 
 
 Rhubarb. 
 
 Pulvis magnesise cum rheo , P. G. ; P. infantum , s. P. antacidus. — Magnesia and rhu- 
 barb , Gregory s powder, E. ; Poudre de rhubarbe composee , Pr. ; Kinderpulver , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Rhubarb, in No. 60 powder, 25 Gm. ; Magnesia, 65 Gm.; 
 Ginger, in No. 60 powder, 10 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub them together until they 
 are thoroughly mixed.— JJ. S. 
 
 To prepare 4 av. ozs. of compound rhubarb powder use 1 av. oz. of powdered rhubarb, 
 2 av. ozs. and 263 grains of calcined magnesia, and 175 grains of powdered ginger. 
 
 The official magnesia being the light or bulky variety, it will be found very difficult to 
 mix the powders uniformly if they are put into the mortar promiscuously : the better 
 plan is to mix the rhubarb and ginger, and incorporate the magnesia in small quantities, 
 gradually added, finally passing the whole mixture through a bolting-cloth sieve. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia has adopted Dr. Gregory’s formula : Powdered rhubarb 2 
 oz., light magnesia 6 oz., powdered ginger 1 oz. ; the mixed powder is to be passed through 
 a fine sieve. Mr. Gilmour (1881) observed that in order to render this powder readily 
 miscible with water the rhubarb and ginger should first be triturated with about 5 per 
 cent, of magnesium carbonate, and the calcined magnesia afterward added. 
 
 The formula of the German Pharmacopoeia is as follows : magnesium carbonate, 60 
 parts ; oil-sugar of fennel (1 drop of oil of fennel to 2 Gm. of sugar) 40 parts ; powdered 
 rhubarb 15 parts. Mix. 
 
 These powders, when freshly prepared, have a yellowish color, but on keeping gradu- 
 ally assume a reddish tint from the absorption of moisture and the reaction of the mag- 
 nesia with the constituents of rhubarb ; in the presence of water or of alcohol they 
 become deep-red. 
 
 Action and Uses. — There does not appear to be any reason for the existence of 
 this compound powder, the ingredients of which may very well be mixed extempora- 
 neously in proportions adapted to the peculiarities of each case. It is a good laxative in 
 cases of acid dyspepsia with constipation, and of diarrhoea with acid stools, especially as it 
 is apt to occur in children. The dose for an adult is Gm. 1.30-4 (gr. xx-lx), and for a 
 child Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gr. v-x). 
 
 PULVIS SCAMMONII COMPOSITUS, ^.—Compound Powder of 
 
 SCAMMONY. 
 
 Preparation. — Scammony Resin, in powder, 4 ounces ; Jalap, in powder, 3 ounces ; 
 Ginger, in powder, 1 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, pass the powder through a fine sieve, 
 and finally rub it lightly in a mortar. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The close resemblance of scammony to jalap in its mode of 
 action in all useful respects, and its harsh and irritating operation in others, render the 
 
PULVIS TRAGACANTHjE composites.— pyrethr um. 
 
 1333 
 
 conjunction of the two purgatives apparently superfluous. It is possible, however, that 
 cases may occur in which the ruder action of scammony upon the bowels may be useful 
 as a derivant from the brain. The dose of the powder is Gm. 0.60-1.20 (gr. x-xx). 
 
 PULVIS TRAGACANTHgE COMPOSITUS, Br.— Compound Powder 
 
 of Tragacanth. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Tragacanth, in powder, Gum-Arabic, in powder, Starch, in 
 powder, each 1 ounce ; Refined Sugar, in powder, 3 ounces. Rub them well together. — 
 Br. It is a white powder, having a sweet mucilaginous taste. 
 
 Pul vis gummosus, P. G ., is used for similar purposes, but has the following composi- 
 tion : Powdered gum-acacia 15 parts ; powdered liquorice-root 10 parts ; powdered sugar 
 5 parts. It is a yellowish-white powder, having the odor of liquorice-root, and a sweet, 
 mucilaginous taste. 
 
 Uses. — It forms a dense mucilage used to suspend heavy powders, such as bismuth 
 subnitrate, and is an excellent excipient powder in certain pill masses, notably those of 
 freshly-formed ferrous carbonate. 
 
 Fig. 235. 
 
 PYRETHRUM, U. S.— Pellitory. 
 
 Pyrethri radix, Br., P, A. ; Radix pyrethri romani. — Pellitory -root, Pellitory of Spain, 
 E. ; Pyrethre officinal (Cod.), Salivaire , Fr. ; Romische Bertramwurzel, G. ; Peritre, Sp. 
 
 The root of Anacyclus (Anthemis, Linne ; Matricaria, Baillon) Py rethrum, De Candolle . 
 Woodville, t. 20; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 151. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Compositae, Anthemideae. 
 
 Origin. — Pellitory is a procumbent or ascending perennial which is indigenous to 
 North-western Africa and is occasionally cultivated in gardens. It resembles the chamomile, 
 but has broadly oval, three-toothed, white ray-florets tinged with red beneath, and com- 
 pressed obovate akenes, which have a short denticulate pappus ; those of the outer rows 
 have also a narrow wing. The root is shipped from Algiers and Tunis to Italy and France, 
 and large quantities are sent to India by way of Egypt. 
 
 Description. — Pellitory-root is nearly simple, 5-10 Cm. (2-4 inches) long, 6-15 
 Mm. (|-|- inch) thick, somewhat fusiform, and occa- 
 sionally beset with a tuft of the hairy base of stem and 
 leaves, annulate above, deeply wrinkled below, of a gray- 
 ish or blackish-brown color externally and brownish- 
 white internally. It breaks with a short fracture, and 
 presents a bark about one-eighth the thickness of the 
 root, and a radiated meditullium containing slender 
 ligneous and medullary rays. The bark contains about 
 two, and the medullary rays four or six, irregular circles 
 of shining resin-cells. The root is inodorous, and has 
 an aromatic and acrid taste, exciting a pricking sensation 
 in the lips and tongue and a glowing heat. 
 
 Constituents. — Pellitory-root was analyzed by 
 John, Gautier (1823), Parisel (1832), and Koene (1835) ; .. . 
 
 its acridity appears to reside in a brown resin and in two diameters, of the roots of —a, Anacyclus 
 fixed oils, one having a dark-brown, the other a yellow, mm^ifayne. 0 ' b ' Anacyclus officina " 
 color. Buchheim (1876) asserts that the active principle 
 
 is an alkaloid, pyrethrine , which under the influence of alcoholic solution of potassa yields 
 piperidine and pyrethric acid, resembling piperic acid. Pellitory yields about 5 per cent, 
 of washed ether-extract, which has been called pyrethrin by C. J. G. Thompson (1886), 
 and, like Parisel’s pyrethrin, consists of resin and fat. The root contains considerable 
 inulin, traces of tannin and volatile oil, mucilaginous matter, and other common constit- 
 uents. 
 
 Allied Plants.— Anacyclus officinarum, Hayne .— German pellitory, E.; Pyrethre allemande, 
 xr. ; Bertramwurzel, G . — Phis plant (see Bentley and Trimen, 152) is not known in the wild 
 state, but has been long cultivated near Magdeburg and in Saxony ; some botanists regard it as 
 an annual form of the above species, which it resembles in foliage and flowers, but the latter have 
 a very convex disk. Ihe root is only about 3 Mm. (|- inch) thick, has few rootlets, is externally 
 brown-gray and internally dingy white. The bark is rather thick, and contains one irregular 
 circle of rather large resin-cells ; the meditullium consists of slender brownish wood-wedges and 
 whitish medullary rays, which are free from resin-cells. The root is inodorous and agrees in taste 
 with the preceding. 
 
1334 
 
 PYRETITR TIM. 
 
 Chrysanthemum (Pyrethrum, Bieberstein ) rosei m and C. carneum, Weber. — Persian Pellitory, 
 Persian insect-flowers, E. ; Pyrethrc du Caucase (Codex), Camomille de Perse, Fr. ; Persische 
 Bcrtramblumen, G. — Both plants are hardy perennials, resembling chamomile in appearance, 
 and indigenous to Western Asia from Persia to the Caucasus Mountains. The flowers are the 
 parts employed, and are used in the form of powder for killing insects. The flower-heads are 
 about 38 Mm. (1 J inches) broad, and have an imbricate involucre, with a brown scarious margin, 
 a convex naked and solid receptacle, about twenty-four ray-florets, and a large number of yellow 
 disk-florets. The ray-florets are ligulate, nerved, and three-toothed, the disk-florets tubular and 
 five-toothed. The akenes are dark-brown, angular, not winged, and crowned with a short mem- 
 branous pappus. The species roseum has rose-colored ray-florets and anthers included in the tube 
 of the corolla, while C. carneum has purplish ray-florets, and anthers projecting with their append- 
 ages from the floret-tube. The flowers have a peculiar not very strong odor and an acrid taste. 
 The flowers of Chr. cinerariaefolium, Visiani , of Dalmatia, possess similar properties, and if col- 
 lected shortly after expansion are considered the most effectual. Iianaman and Koch (1863) 
 ascribed the insecticide effects of the flowers to the volatile oil. Bother (1876) announced the 
 isolation from insect-flowers of an oleoresinous acid, persicein , another acid resinous substance, 
 persiretin , and the active principle, a readily soluble glucoside, persicin, yielding persiretin when 
 boiled with acids. Semenoff (1876) obtained a volatile substance, probably an alkaloid, and 
 Jousset de Bellesme (1876) regarded a crystalline alkaloid as the active principle. Textor (1881) 
 found neither volatile oil nor alkaloid ; he attributed the poisonous action to a soft resin, which 
 is readily extracted by benzene, is soluble in alcohol and in potassa, is reprecipitated by an acid, 
 and mixes readily with strong sulphuric acid, but is reprecipitated by a little water. Dal Sie 
 (1879) believed a volatile crystallizable acid to be the active principle of Dalmatian insect-powder ; 
 but Hirschsohn proved (1890) that the effectiveness of the powder is not destroyed by age or by 
 heat or by rendering it alkaline with ammonia ; also that the petroleum-ether extract yields to 
 alcohol a very acrid soft resin. We have observed the tincture of the flowers sometimes to pro- 
 duce a vesicular eruption. 
 
 Insect-powder being often adulterated with various substances, its quality, according to Kal- 
 brunner (1874), is best ascertained by sprinkling 4 grains of it upon a fly contained in a vial, 
 which should be stupefied in 1 minute and killed in 2 or 3 minutes. Experiments demonstrating 
 the fatal action of Persian pellitory upon insects have been published by Carpenter {Am. Jour. 
 Phar., May, 1879, p. 246). For microscopical characteristics of the flowers see papers by G. M. 
 Beringer {Am. Jour. Phar., 1889, p. 1) and Jos. Schrenk {Am. Drugg ., 1889, March). 
 
 Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, Linn£, or ox-eye daisy , which is extensively naturalized in 
 North America, is of no value as an insecticide. 
 
 Spilanthes oleracea , Jacquin (tribe Helianthoideas). — Herba Spilanthis, P.A.; Paracress, 
 E. ; Cresson de Para, F. Cod. ; Parakresse, G. — This annual is indigenous to South America, 
 naturalized in India, and sometimes cultivated in gardens. The leaves and flower-heads are used. 
 The former are opposite, pale-green or purplish, about 6.5 Cm. (2J inches) long, ovate, three-nerved, 
 rather obtuse, repand-crenate and rough on the margin. The flower-heads are about 12 Mm. (£ 
 inch) broad, hemispherical, and have yellow, or in the centre brownish-red, tubular florets ; the 
 odor is rather unpleasant, the taste sharp and biting. Buchner (1831) attributed the acrid taste 
 to a soft resin. Wolf (1859) isolated spilanthin , which crystallizes in needles, is insoluble in 
 water, soluble in alcohol and ether, and is not precipitated by lead acetate. 
 
 Spilanthes Acmella, Linn6 , s. Acmella mauritiana, Richard , an annual East Indian herb with 
 ovate, serrate, pellucid-punctate leaves, and small obconical yellow flower-heads, has a bitter 
 balsamic afterward biting taste, and is used like the preceding species. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Pilule odontalgic^. Toothache pills. — 
 Powdered pellitory, belladonna-root, and opium, each 5 Gm. ; yellow wax 7 Gni. ; 
 expressed oil of almond 2 Gm. ; oil of cajuput and oil of cloves, each 15 drops. Make 
 500 pills and dust them with powdered cloves. — P. G., 1872. 
 
 Alcoolature de Cresson de Para, Tincture of Spilanthes. — Fresh flower-heads of 
 Paracress and alcohol, equal parts. Macerate for ten days, express, and filter. — F. Cod. 
 
 Tinctura Spilanthis composita, Compound tincture of Spilanthes, E. ; Parakressen- 
 tinctur, G. ; also known as Paraguay roux. — Spilanthes herb 25 Gm. ; pellitory 20 Gm. ; 
 alcohol 120 Gm. Digest for three days, express, and filter. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Pellitory is a powerful irritant, and acts as a rube- 
 facient upon the skin. When chewed it has an acrid taste, and excites a burning and 
 pricking sensation in the mouth and fauces and a copious flow of saliva. A child three 
 and a half years old one evening swallowed about 50 minims of tincture of pyrethrum. 
 During the night no symptoms occurred except soreness of the tongue, restlessness, and 
 profuse perspiration. At five o’clock the next morning diarrhoea commenced with pain, 
 and at eleven the child lay in a semi-stupor, the pupils natural, the pulse 120 and feeble; 
 twitching of the muscles of the limbs, the tongue swollen and of a drab color; no 
 vomiting, but profuse diarrhoea with tenesmus, and involuntary evacuations of bloody 
 mucus. At 12.30 violent convulsions, followed by profound stupor ; at three o’clock and 
 later tetanoid spasms and mental excitement, with incessant talking. The next morning 
 the intestinal disorder and the spasms had subsided, but the pulse continued frequent for 
 2 days. Laudanum, wine, and coffee were administered, and ice was applied to the fore- 
 
PYROGALLOL. 
 
 1335 
 
 head and spine (Browne, Practitioner , xvii. 86). Its sialagogue properties have caused 
 it to be used for the relief of pains about the face and head. Boiled in vinegar and 
 applied to carious cavities in teeth, it is used to relieve toothache. In paralysis of the 
 tongue or pharynx and in relaxation of the uvula it may be employed as a masticatory 
 or in a gargle. Its powder has been recommended as a sternutatory in chronic inflam- 
 mation of the frontal sinuses. Its dose as a masticatory is from Gm. 2-4 (grs. 30-60). 
 The action and uses of Anacyclus Pyrethrum are identical with those of the officinal drug, 
 but the former appears to be the more active of the two. 
 
 Every part of Spilanthes has an aromatic and acrid taste, which excites free salivation. 
 In its native country it is used as a remedy for gout , rheumatism , and gravel, and also as 
 a diuretic in dropsy and as a vermifuge. In Europe it has been chiefly employed for the 
 relief of toothache, and for many years a tincture made from the plant has been in popular 
 use under the name of Paraguay roux. When the aching tooth is hollow the tincture is 
 applied to the carious cavity on cotton, otherwise it is painted or rubbed upon the adjacent 
 gum. It does not act as an irritant upon the latter. 
 
 Lettcanthemum yulgare, white-weed or field-daisy, is stated to be capable of pro- 
 ducing a very intense and troublesome form of dermatitis in persons who are liable to be 
 poisoned by other plants. It usually assumes the eczematous form, such as is produced 
 by poison-ivy, ivy, etc. An interesting narrative of cases is given by Dr. James S. 
 Howe ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., March, 1877, p. 227). 
 
 PYROGALLOL, U. S . — Pyrogallol. 
 
 Pyrogallolum , P. G. ; Acidum pyrogallicum. — Pyrogallic add, E. ; Acide pyrogallique, 
 Fr. ; Pyrogallol, Pyrogallussdure, G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 . Molecular weight 125.7. 
 
 A triatomic phenol obtained chiefly by the dry distillation of gallic acid. It should be 
 kept in dark amber-colored vials. — U. S. 
 
 Pyrogallol was first obtained by Scheele in 1786 upon heating gallic acid, and was by 
 him considered pure gallic acid. Gmelin pointed out the difference between the two sub- 
 stances, and Pelouze first showed that gallic acid when heated splits up into pyrogallol 
 and carbon dioxide. 
 
 Preparation. — When gallic acid is heated with two or three times its weight of 
 water for about half an hour at a temperature between 200° and 210° C. (392°-410° F.), 
 under pressure in a suitable boiler, in such a manner that the liberated carbon dioxide 
 can escape, a somewhat colored solution of pyrogallol is obtained : this is boiled with 
 animal charcoal, filtered, and evaporated ; when cool a scarcely colored crystalline mass is 
 obtained, which is still further purified by sublimation. Or pyrogallol may be obtained 
 by the direct sublimation of gallic acid (previously dried at 100° C.) in an oil -bath at 
 200° or 210° C. (392° or 410° F.) ; in this case the yield is rarely more than 25 or 30 
 per cent., while by the first process nearly the whole theoretical yield (about 75 per cent.) 
 is obtained. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Pyrogallol occurs in light white, shining laminae or fine 
 needles, odorless and having a bitter taste ; on exposure to air and light they acquire a 
 gray or darker tint. It is soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 1.7 parts of water and in 1 part 
 of alcohol ; very soluble in boiling water and in boiling alcohol ; also soluble in 1.2 parts 
 of ether. When heated to 131° C. (267.8° F.), pyrogallol melts, and may be sublimed 
 unchanged. When ignited, it is consumed, leaving no residue. The aqueous solution, 
 which is at first neutral and colorless, gradually acquires, by exposure to the air, a brown 
 color and an acid reaction due to absorption of oxygen. The same change takes place 
 very rapidly if the solution contains a caustic alkali. The aqueous solution (1 in 10) of 
 pyrogallol reduces solutions of the salts of silver, gold, and mercury even in the cold. 
 When freshly prepared, 1 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) is colored brownish-red 
 by a few drops of ferric chloride test-solution, and this color is changed to a deep bluish- 
 black on the addition of 1 or 2 drops of ammonia-water. A bluish-black color is also 
 produced in the aqueous solution of pyrogallol by freshly-prepared ferrous sulphate 
 test-solution. 
 
 If lime-water be shaken with pyrogallol, the former assumes a purple color, which soon 
 changes to brown and black, the mixture becoming turbid at the same time. 
 
 Derivative Compound. — G allacetophenoxe, Gallactophenone, Trioxyacetophenone, Alizarin 
 yellow C. — C 6 H 2 .(0H) 3 C 2 H 3 0. This is a derivative of pyrogallol, in which a hydrogen atom has 
 been displaced by the acetyl group, C 2 H 3 0. It is formed when a mixture of 1 part of pyrogallol 
 
1336 
 
 PYROXYLINITM. 
 
 and 1£ parts each of zinc chloride and glacial acetic acid is heated for a short time to 145°-150° 
 C. (293°-302° F.) ; upon adding water to the fusion while still hot, gallacetophenone separates, 
 and may be purified by crystallization from boiling water. Thus obtained, it is a crystalline 
 powder of dirty flesh-color and faintly acid or neutral reaction. Gallacetophenone requires 600 
 parts of cold water for solution, but is readily soluble in hot water, alcohol, or ether, and in all 
 proportions in glycerin ; it melts at 170° C. (338° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Pyrogallol may act as an intense poison. Thus, in a case in 
 which it was made into an ointment and rubbed freely into and bound upon the skin 
 of a patient with psoriasis, it occasioned death in collapse, preceded by mucous vomiting 
 and diarrhoea, rigors followed by fever, black and acid urine containing an abundance 
 of globulin, and under the microscope the red corpuscles were found disorganized. 
 Similar results were observed in experiments on animals by Neisser, who cautions those 
 who may use the acid against corresponding dangers ( Zeitschrift f. Min. Med., i. 88). 
 Besnier refers to four cases of psoriasis in which this acid produced toxical effects, and 
 two ended fatally {Med. News , xlii. 128: on the dangers of employing this acid, see 
 Therapeutic Gazette , ix. 59 ; x. 180). In some experiments upon dogs and rabbits with 
 it changes are said to have been found in the liver identical with those produced by 
 phosphorus-poisoning (E. Bousseau, Inaug. Thesis. Univ. of Penna., 1880). There does 
 not appear to be any warrant for its internal use. 
 
 Pyrogallol was used with the best results, and without accident, in about 200 cases 
 of psoriasis by Jarisch, and in a considerable number of these the application was 
 made over a large portion of the body. It should not be applied too profusely to the 
 diseased patches, and not at all to the sound skin {Zeitschrift f. Min. Med., i. 631.). 
 An ointment made with lard or with vaseline containing 10 per cent, of the acid was 
 employed. But neither this nor any other topical application can effect a permanent 
 cure of psoriasis, which is only the external and local manifestation of a systemic 
 disease. It, however, stands hardly second to chrysophanic acid as a remedy for psoriasis. 
 It does not stain the hair or inflame the skin so much, although it colors the skin brown. 
 It has the advantage, also, of being inodorous. Vidal used successfully, in the treatment 
 of phagedenic syphilitic ulcers, an ointment made with 1 part of the acid to 5 of vase- 
 line, and 1 part each of acid and of starch to 3 of vaseline. His results have been 
 confirmed by Lermoyez and Hitier {Bull, de Therap., c. 403). In lupus the ointment is 
 said to attack the diseased nodules only, causing them to become necrosed and fall out, 
 while the adjacent skin is not injured. Schwimmer, however, does not claim for this 
 treatment a permanent cure. He found it efficient in the superficial and diffuse, rather 
 than in the deeper and more concentrated, forms of the disease ; and he held it essential 
 to follow the caustic by an application of mercurial plaster {Philad. Med. Times , xv. 
 145). It has been employed with advantage in the treatment of leprosy. According to 
 Unna, its toxical action may be prevented by administering a mineral acid (hydrochloric) 
 internally during the application of pyrogallol to the skin {Edinburg Med. Journ., xxii. 
 377). In epithelioma the mode of action is the same in kind, but is slower and less 
 complete (Jarisch, Centralblatt f. Therapie, i. 17). In the use of this preparation the 
 dangers that may attend it should be borne in mind. A 20 per cent, ointment may be 
 employed. Its action is apt to be hastened by the repeated application of warm poultices. 
 
 Gallacetophenone has been used as a substitute for pyrogallol on account of the 
 poisonous qualities of the latter. It has been found useful in the treatment of psoriasis 
 when applied in 10 per cent, solutions. 
 
 PYROXYLINUM, TJ. Pyroxylin. 
 
 Pyroxylin, Br. ; Lana collodii. — Soluble gun-cotton, Golloxylin , Collodion cotton , E. ; 
 Fulmicoton soluble, Fr. ; Kollodiumwolle, G. 
 
 Preparation.— Purified Cotton 100 Gm. ; Nitric Acid 1400 Cc. ; Sulphuric Acid 
 2200 Cc. ; Alcohol, Ether, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Mix the acids gradually in 
 a glass or porcelain vessel and, when the temperature of the mixture has fallen to 32° C. 
 (90° F.), add the purified cotton. By means of a glass rod imbue it thoroughly with the 
 acids, and allow it to macerate, until a sample of it, taken out, thoroughly washed with 
 a large quantity of water, and subsequently with alcohol, and pressed, is found to be 
 soluble in a mixture of 1 volume of alcohol and 3 volumes of ether. Then remove the 
 cotton from the acids, transfer it to a larger vessel, and wash it, first, with cold water 
 until the washings cease to have an acid taste, and then with boiling water, until they 
 cease to redden blue litmus-paper. Finally, drain the pyroxylin on filtering-paper, and 
 
PYR OXYLINtJM. 
 
 1337 
 
 dry it in small, detached pellets, by means of a water- or steam-bath, at a temperature 
 not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.). Keep the pyroxylin, loosely packed, in well-closed 
 vessels containing not more than about 25 Gm., in a cool and dry place, remote from 
 lights or fire. — U. S. 
 
 Take of cotton 1 ounce ; sulphuric acid, nitric acid, each 5 fluidounces. Mix the 
 acids in a porcelain mortar, immerse the cotton in the mixture, and stir it for three min- 
 utes with a glass rod until it is thoroughly wetted by the acids. Transfer the cotton to a 
 vessel containing water, stir it well with a glass rod, decant the liquid, pour more water 
 upon the mass, agitate again, and repeat the affusion, agitation, and decantation until the 
 washing ceases to give a precipitate with barium chloride. Drain the product on filter- 
 ing-paper and dry in a water-bath. — Br. 
 
 The French Codex has a similar formula, but somewhat different proportions : it 
 directs the maceration of 55 parts of well-dried cotton in a mixture of 1000 parts sul- 
 phuric acid specific gravity 1.84 and 500 parts nitric acid specific gravity 1.42, which 
 has been cooled to 30° C. (86° F.). The German Pharmacopoeia directs a mixture of 
 1000 parts of crude sulphuric acid sp. gr. 1.830 and 400 parts of crude nitric acid sp. gr. 
 1.380 ; when cooled to 20° C. (68° F.), 55 parts of purified cotton are to be macerated in 
 the mixture for twenty-four hours at a temperature of 15°-20° C. (59°-68° F.). 
 
 A large number of formulas for preparing collodion cotton have been published, many 
 with the nitric acid replaced by a nitrate, and the sulphuric acid correspondingly increased 
 in quantity. Such mixtures may be made to yield as good results as the mixture of the 
 two acids, but, owing to the separation of crystalline sulphates, it is more difficult to 
 imbue the cotton thoroughly and uniformly with the mixture. Mann (1853) found the 
 following proportions serviceable for 1 part of cotton : 20 parts potassium nitrate and 31 
 parts sulphuric acid specific gravity 1.830 to 1.835, or 10 parts potassium nitrate and 33 
 parts sulphuric acid specific gravity 1.80 ; the mixture is cooled to 30° C. (86° F.), and 
 the cotton macerated at the same temperature for not less than 1 day or more than six 
 days. Good results will also be obtained with a mixture of 17 parts sodium nitrate and 
 68 parts sulphuric acid specific gravity 1.78, or of 34 parts sodium nitrate and 66 parts 
 sulphuric acid specific gravity 1.80 ; the cotton is introduced after twenty-four hours and 
 macerated for five days. Klie (1877) succeeded with proportions nearly identical with 
 those of Mann’s first formula. 
 
 In making collodion cotton it is essential that due attention be paid to the strength of 
 the acids, or, if a nitrate is used, to its freedom from chloride ; likewise, that the temper- 
 ature be permitted to fall as indicated before the cotton, which should be free from fat, is 
 introduced, and the cotton be thoroughly imbued with the acid mixture If introduced 
 at too high a temperature, other insoluble compounds will be produced or the cotton will 
 dissolve and portions not moistened with the liquid will not be acted on, and likewise 
 remain insoluble. Small portions of the cotton may from time to time be examined, 
 thoroughly washed with water, afterward with alcohol, pressed, and then examined as to 
 their solubility in a mixture of ether and alcohol. When these are found to be soluble, 
 the cotton is withdrawn or the whole mixture added to a large bulk of water, the cotton 
 washed with water until free from acid taste, then pressed to free it from water, steeped 
 in alcohol, and again pressed, after which it may be dried by exposure at a moderate tem- 
 perature (25° C. P. G.). The yield is usually about 140 per cent. 
 
 Composition and Properties. — Pelouze (1838) obtained explosive compounds 
 by treating cotton, hemp, and paper with strong nitric acid. In 1846, Schoenbein 
 announced the discovery of gun-cotton , and in the same year Otto published a process for 
 preparing it by maceration in fuming nitric acid. In 1848, Maynard employed collodion. 
 That gun-cotton is a nitrated substitution-compound of cellulose was recognized at an 
 early day, and that the weight of the product is greater than that of the cotton employed. 
 At one time the theory was advanced that by the action of nitric acid on cotton one, two, 
 or more hydrogen atoms in the cellulose were displaced by the group N0 2 , and thus nitro- 
 compounds formed, to which the name of mono-, di-, tri- nitro-cellulose, etc. was given. 
 Later investigations have proven that true nitric ethers are formed, in which one, two, or 
 more atoms of hydrogen have been displaced by a corresponding number of atoms of the 
 nitric-acid radical. The terms cellulose, mono-, di-, tri-, penta-nitrate, etc. are now used 
 to designate the different compounds. All cellulose nitrates give up nitric acid when 
 treated with alkalies, and concentrated sulphuric acid displaces the nitric acid almost com- 
 pletely, even in the cold. The nitrates are also converted back into cellulose by the 
 action of reducing agents, such as ferrous acetate, potassium hydrosulphide, or a solution 
 of stannous chloride in caustic soda. The same change occurs when the nitrate is boiled 
 
1338 
 
 QUASSIA. 
 
 with ferrous sulphate and hydrochloric acid, the whole of the nitrogen escaping as nitric 
 oxide if air be excluded, according to the following equation : 2C 6 H 7 (N0 3 ) 3 0 5 -f- 30 
 HC1 + 30FeSO 4 = C 6 H 10 O 5 + 6NO + 10Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 -f 5Fe 2 Cl 6 + 12H 2 0. This plan may 
 be used as a ready means of determining the amount of nitration of pyroxylin (Eder). 
 In Germany the name “pyroxylin,” which in England and this country is used to desig- 
 nate the soluble nitrates employed in the manufacture of collodion, is restricted to the insol- 
 uble and explosive variety better known as gun-cotton, and which is probably a penta- 
 or hexa-nitrate ; the name “ colloxylin ” is there given to the soluble varieties. When the 
 mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids as directed in the official formula is allowed to act 
 on cotton, one or more cellulose nitrates may be formed, dependent upon the temperature 
 employed, the strength of the acids, and the length of time of immersion ; the presence 
 of sulphuric acid simply facilitates the elimination of water, which invariably accompanies 
 the formation of ethers. The cotton is apparently not altered in structure and appear- 
 ance, the staple remaining intact. Official collodion cotton is probably a mixture of cel- 
 lulose dinitrate and trinitrate (C 6 H 8 (N0 3 ) 2 0 5 ) and (C 6 H 7 (N0 3 ) 3 0 5 ), both of which are 
 soluble in a mixture of alcohol and ether. 
 
 Similar nitrated compounds are also obtained from other carbohydrates ; thus starch 
 yields with concentrated nitric acid a transparent jelly of xyloidin , C 6 H 9 (N0 2 )0 5 , and a 
 similar change is produced in paper by dipping it into strong nitric acid and afterward 
 washing with water. 
 
 Preservation. — When collodion cotton, particularly in the moist state, is kept in 
 well-stoppered bottles, it undergoes decomposition, frequently accompanied with the evo- 
 lution of nitrous vapors or with ignition and explosion. It is best preserved in a dry 
 atmosphere and enclosed in vessels which permit the free access of air, but should never 
 be compressed tightly. 
 
 Uses. — This article is not used medicinally. 
 
 QUASSIA, U. S.— Quassia. 
 
 Quassise lignum, Br. ; Lignum quassise , P. G. — Quassia-wood , Bitter-wood , Bitter ash , E. ; 
 Quassie amer , Bois amer , Fr. Cod. ; Quassienholz , Fliegenholz , G. ; Quassia amarga. , Sp. 
 
 The wood of Picrsena excelsa, Lindley , s. Quassia (Simaruba, De Candolle , Picrasma, 
 Planchon ) excelsa, Swartz. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 57. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Simarubacese. 
 
 Origin. — This is a large tree common in the island of Jamaica and in some other 
 West Indian islands. It attains a height of 18-24 M. (60 to 80 feet) and a diameter of 
 .6-9 M. (2 to 3 feet) and in aspect resembles the common ash. It has imparipinnate 
 leaves, with short-stalked oval-lanceolate entire leaflets, and dense cymes of small white 
 polygamous flowers, followed by black subglobular drupes of the size of a pea. 
 
 Description. — Jamaica quassia-wood is imported in billets varying in length from 
 .9-1.8 M. (3 to 6 feet) and in thickness from a few to 25-50 Cm. (10 to 20 inches). It is 
 usually deprived of the bark, is dense, tough, of medium hardness, yellowish-white in 
 color, splitting lengthwise, coarsely splintery, and is frequently marked with irregular black 
 lines or patches, due to the mycelium of a fungus. On a transverse section are seen a 
 minute central pith, numerous narrow medullary rays composed of two or three rows of 
 cells, wood-tissue containing large vessels, and irregular wavy concentric circles resem- 
 bling annual rings. The wood is inodorous and has an intensely and purely bitter taste. 
 In the shops it is usually found in raspings or chips, and the wood is turned into cups 
 which are sold as hitter cups or quassia cups. 
 
 Constituents. — Winckler (1835) isolated the bitter principle quassiin or quassin from 
 the concentrated decoction by precipitating pectin with lime, evaporating the filtrate, 
 exhausting the residue with alcohol, mixing with ether, filtering, and evaporating spon- 
 taneously. A. Christensen (1882) prepared it by neutralizing the infusion of quassia 
 with soda, precipitating with tannin, and decomposing the precipitate with lead oxide or 
 lime. Quassin has the composition C 31 H 42 0 9 (Christensen) — according to Wiggers (1837) 
 C 10 H 12 O 3 . It crystallizes in thin rectangular plates, in small prisms, or in silky needles of 
 a very bitter taste, is easily soluble in hot alcohol and in chloroform, sparingly soluble in 
 ether and benzin, and dissolves slowly in cold water. Acids, alkalies, and certain salts 
 increase the solubility of quassin in water. By treatment with warm diluted sulphuric 
 acid it is converted into a resin and a compound which has the formula C 31 H 38 0 9 , reduces 
 silver nitrate, and is not precipitated by tannin. The yield of quassin is .05 to .15 per 
 cent. Quassiin ( picrasmin ) was shown by Massute (1890) to represent two crystallized 
 
QUASSIA. 
 
 1339 
 
 principles — one, C 3 5 H 46 O 10 , melting at 204° C. (399.2° F.), and the other, C 3tJ H i8 O 10 , at 
 209°-212° C. (408.2-413.60° F.). The same author also isolated a small quantity of 
 alkaloids, which dissolved with an ultramarine fluorescence in acidulated alcohol. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Surinam Quassia, which is used on the continent of Europe, is the wood of 
 Quassia amara, Linn£, a large shrub or small tree indigenous to Surinam. It is met with in 
 commerce in billets about 2-10 Cm. (1 to 4 inches) in diameter or in pieces not thicker than a 
 finger ; it has very fine, almost obscure, one-rowed medullary rays and smaller vessels, and is 
 therefore apparently less porous ; otherwise, it closely resembles the preceding. The German 
 Pharmacopoeia permits the use of this and the preceding variety of quassia. 
 
 Quassia-bark of Surinam is about .8-2 Mm. (J^ to ^ inch) thick, very fragile, externally of 
 a gray color and nearly smooth, internally whitish and smooth. 
 
 Quassia-bark of Jamaica varies from about 4-8 Mm. (4 to ^ inch) in thickness, is externally 
 blackish-gray, longitudinally furrowed and verrucose, and on the inner surface yellowish-white 
 and smooth. When broken transversely the fracture is smooth in the outer and tough and 
 fibrous in the inner layer ; the latter portion is seen to be radially striate. Both quassia-barks 
 are easily removed from the wood, with the bitter taste of which they agree. 
 
 Simaruba officinalis, De Candolle , a native of Guiana, Venezuela, and Northern Brazil. 
 
 Simaruba medicinalis, Endlicher, indigenous to Southern Florida, the West India Islands, and 
 Central America. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 56. Simarouba, Fr. Cod.; Ruhrrinde, 
 G. ; Simaruba, Sp. 
 
 Simaruba-bark comes in curved or quilled pieces, varying in size. Its external surface is un- 
 even, rough, and wrinkled, covered with a yellowish or brownish suberous layer, or, if this is 
 removed, of a grayish-brown color. The coarsely fibrous bast- 
 layer is thick and dull-brownish ; the inner surface is of a lighter Fig. 236. 
 
 color and striate. The bark is very tough, and breaks with diffi- 
 culty in a transverse direction, but may be longitudinally torn, 
 the pieces remaining united by some of the long and tough bast- 
 fibres. When cut transversely the outer tissue is seen to contain 
 scattered brown-yellow granules consisting of groups of stone-cells, 
 and the inner layer is radially striate in an oblique direction, 
 caused by the long and wavy bast-wedges. Simaruba-bark is 
 without odor and has a strong and persistent bitter taste. The bark 
 of the second species is very similar to the one described, but is paler, 
 usually thicker, of a light yellowish- or reddish-brown color, has SnU section^mgnifie^ 6186 
 a smoother inner surface, and is equally bitter. Simaruba-bark 
 
 was analyzed by Morin (1822), and found to contain a little volatile oil, resin, traces of gallic 
 acid, malate and calcium oxalate , and other salts. The bitter principle is not precipitated by 
 lead salts ; it was obtained as an extract-like mass, and is supposed to be identical with quassin. 
 
 Simaba cedron, Planchon , and Sim. ferruginea, St. Hilaire. These trees are indigenous, the 
 former to Colombia and the latter to Brazil ; they resemble the above, but have hermaphrodite 
 flowers. All their parts are very bitter. The fruit is a pear-shaped drupe of the size of a hen’s 
 egg, and contains an oblong seed*, the cotyledons are plano-convex, grayish or brownish, hard, 
 inodorous, and very bitter. Lewy (1851) exhausted the seeds with ether, and afterward with 
 alcohol, from which very bitter silky needles of cedrin crystallized. Tanret (1880) regards it as 
 identical with his valdivin , obtained from the fruit of Simaba Valdivia, Planclion , by treating 
 the alcoholic extract with chloroform and crystallizing from boiling water. Valdivin, c 36 ii 48“ 
 O 20 .5H 2 O, melts at 230° C., is insoluble in ether, easily soluble in alcohol and chloroform, and 
 soluble in 600 parts of cold water ; this solution foams on agitation. Alkalies decompose the 
 principle, which is emetic. 
 
 Samadera indica, Gaertner (Niota pentapetala, Lamarck), is a medium-sized East Indian tree, 
 all parts of which are very bitter. The bark is red-brown, smooth, internally whitish dotted, 
 and has a short and finely fibrous fracture. The fruit is obliquely ovate, compressed, and con- 
 tains a brownish curved seed. De Vrij (1872) expressed from the seeds 33 per cent, of a light- 
 yellow bitter oil which contains, according to Oudemans, 84 per cent, of olein and 16 per cent, 
 of palmitin and stearin. The bitter principle samaderin was yellowish, and soluble in water and 
 alcohol, and amorphous*, Tonningen (1858) had obtained it from the seed and bark in -white 
 scales, which became yellow with nitric or hydrochloric acid and violet-red with sulphuric acid. 
 
 Cascara amarga, or Honduras Bark. Under this name a bitter bark has been introduced 
 which has been referred to a species of Picramnia. It has a gray-brown, smoothish, thick cork, 
 and is internally deep-brown, with numerous white dots of groups of stone-cells. F. A. Thomp- 
 son (1884) obtained 4.5 per cent, of ash and 3 per cent, of impure amorphous alkaloid having a 
 sweetish, afterward bitter, taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bitterness of quassia is more intense than that of most 
 other stomachic tonics: like them, it excites the appetite for food and quickens digestion, 
 but if too long continued it produces derangement of the stomach. It may exhibit 
 poisonous qualities, as in the following case : A concentrated infusion of the drug was 
 by mistake given in enema to a child four years old. Within an hour the child became 
 unconscious and collapsed, the head was thrown back and the pupils were contracted, the 
 
 
1340 
 
 QUERCTIS ALBA. 
 
 respiration was inaudible, and the pulse could not be felt. It was restored by alcohol, 
 ether, and ammonia (Med. Record , xviii. 404). 
 
 In debilitated states of the digestion quassia enjoys a merited reputation, especially in 
 dyspepsia with regurgitation or vomiting of the food produced by an exhausted condi- 
 tion of the stomach and accompanied more or less frequently with sick headache. Espe- 
 cially is it of use in gastric vertigo when associated with sodium bicarbonate. In 
 atonic diarrhoea due to irritation of the colon by accumulated feces the medicine is also 
 beneficial. Quassia was once held to be a remedy for lumhricoid worms , which it is, 
 partly because it improves the digestive powers. Enemas of infusion of quassia are 
 efficient remedies for ascarides of the rectum. 
 
 The dose of the powder is stated at Grm. 1.30-2 (gr. xx-xxx), but it is seldom admin- 
 istered in this manner. The most appropriate form of the medicine is the infusion made 
 with cold water. Quassin is best administered in pill made with the amorphous prep- 
 aration and containing from Grm. 0.025-0.06 (gr. ss-j). Crystallized quassin is given 
 in doses of Om. 0.002-0.006 (gr. J^-jlg-). Campardon prefers the former, and states 
 that the medicine does not occasion tolerance, and that its characteristic action is some- 
 times seen for a month after its disuse in salivation, increased flow of urine, and regular- 
 ity of the stools. 
 
 QUERCUS ALBA, U. S.— White Oak ; Oak-bark. 
 
 Cortex quercus. — JEcorce de chene , Fr. Cod. ; Eichenrinde , Gr. ; Corteza del encina , Sp. 
 
 The bark of Quercus alba, Linnt ( U. $.), Q. Bobur, Linne ( Br ., P. Gi). Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 248, 250, 251. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cupuliferse. 
 
 Origin. — The oaks are shrubs or trees growing chiefly in the temperate zone, and 
 often forming extensive forests. They have monoecious flowers, the staminate ones in 
 slender and naked catkins, and the pistillate flowers either single or in small groups, and 
 followed by a one-seeded nut, the acorn , which is enclosed at the base by a cup formed 
 by the indurated scaly involucre. The leaves of some species are entire or nearly so, 
 but most species have sinuately toothed or lobed or even pinnatifid leaves, which are 
 coriaceous and evergreen or mostly deciduous. 
 
 The white oak is a stately tree, 18-24 M. (60 to 80 feet) high and 1. 8-2.4 M. (6 to 8 
 feet) thick. It grows from Canada to Northern Florida, and west to Wisconsin and 
 Eastern Texas. The wood is light-colored, strong, and durable ; the leaves are sinuately- 
 lobed, smooth, and on the lower side pale glaucous ; the cup is saucer-shaped, tuberculate, 
 and much shorter than the oblong acorn. 
 
 The European oak, which somewhat resembles the white oak, grows to the height of 
 30 or 40 M. (100 or 120 feet). Three varieties are known, which are regarded by some 
 botanists as distinct species ; in the variety pubescens the old leaves remain hairy, in 
 sessiliflora they are smooth, and both have the pistillate flowers and fruit sessile, while 
 in the variety pedunculata they are raised upon a long peduncle. The European phar- 
 macopoeias usually direct the bark to be collected from the branches or young stems. 
 
 Description. — The bark is collected early in spring, and is deprived of the greater 
 portion of the longitudinally fissured thick suberous layer. It is in nearly flat pieces, 
 about 5 Mm. (1 inch) or more thick, of a pale-brown color externally, with occasional 
 patches of the gray scaly cork ; the inner surface is somewhat lighter in color, and 
 marked with short sharp longitudinal ridges, produced by the bast-bundles projecting 
 from the shrunken parenchyma. The bark is tough, breaks with a coarse fibrous fracture, 
 and has a faint tan-like odor and a strongly astringent taste. It is kept in the shops in 
 the form of an irregular coarse and fibrous powder, which scarcely tinges the saliva. 
 The tissue contains groups of stone-cells and crystals of calcium oxalate. 
 
 Oak-bark as used in Europe is in quills, the bark being about 2 Mm. (^L- inch) thick ; 
 the outer surface is gray or brown-gray, glossy, and smooth or somewhat fissured ; the 
 inner surface is cinnamon-colored and somewhat rigid. The bark breaks with a smooth, 
 and in the inner layer with a fibrous, fracture, and in odor and taste resembles the 
 preceding. 
 
 Constituents. — The important constituent of oak-bark is tannin ; gallic acid does 
 not appear to be present. The tannin produces with ferric salt a dark blue-black pre- 
 cipitate, but it is not identical with gallotannic acid, since, according to Stenhouse (1842), 
 it is incapable of being converted either into gallic or pyrogallic acid. This quercitannic 
 acid is yellowish-brown, amorphous, yields a brown precipitate with lead acetate, and 
 
QUERCUS ALBA. 
 
 1341 
 
 was found by Stenhouse (1862) to yield sugar when boiled with dilute sulphuric acid. 
 But, according to J. Lowe (1881), this tannin is not a glucoside ; it is separated anhy- 
 drous, C 28 H 24 0 12 , by saturating its solution with sodium chloride ; it is almost insoluble in 
 ether, but dissolves readily in acetic ether ; it gives yellowish-white precipitates with 
 gelatin, albumen, tartar emetic, and the alkaloids, and when heated with dilute acids 
 under pressure yields oak-red , C^H.^On. The infusion of oak-bark yields to ether a little 
 gallic and ellagic acids. It is not known whether the tannins of the different oak-barks 
 are alike. Bowman (1869) determined the amount of tannin in young white-oak bark, 
 by means of gelatin, to be 11.21 per cent., and in the bark from older trunks only 6.34 
 per cent. Gerber (1843) obtained from the bark of the European oak a bitter principle 
 which may also be present in the bark of other species. A decoction of the bark of 
 older branches with very dilute sulphuric acid is mixed with lime, precipitated with 
 potassium carbonate, evaporated, and extracted with alcohol, on the evaporation of which 
 quercin remains behind in white bitter crystals. 
 
 Other Products of Oak. (See also Gall^e, pp. 764, 765). 
 
 Quercus tinctoria, Bartram (s. Q. velutina, Lamarck). This is the black oak , the bark of 
 which was formerly official, and is largely employed in the arts under the name of quercitron- 
 bark. The tree grows from Canada and the New England States to Alabama and beyond the 
 Mississippi. It has a close-grained and strong wood. The leaves are somewhat pubescent on 
 the lower surface and bristle-pointed on the lobes *, the cup is coarsely scaly, hemispherical, con- 
 ical at the base, and covers fully one-half of the globular-ovate acorn. Gray regards it as a variety 
 of Qu. coccinea, Wangenheim , the scarlet oak. The bark resembles that of the white oak, but 
 the suberous layer, which is generally removed, is of a blackish-brown color, and the inner bark 
 of a deep reddish-brown with a yellowish tint. Like the preceding, it is usually kept as a coarse 
 powder ; when masticated it tinges the saliva bright brownish-yellow, due to the presence of 
 quei'citrin , which has been met with in many plants. This is deposited from the decoction 
 of black-oak bark on cooling, forms when pure a yellow crystalline, inodorous, and nearly 
 tasteless powder, which is sparingly soluble in hot and nearly insoluble in cold water, dissolves 
 in about 5 parts of alcohol, slightly in ether, is colored dark-green by ferric chloride, and dis- 
 solved in alkalies becomes dark -brown on exposure. Its formula is C 33 H 30 O 17 (C 36 H 38 O 20 , Lieber- 
 mann, 1879). Treated with acids, it splits into the crystalline unfermentable sugar isodidcit, 
 ^6^14^6? and into quercetin , C 27 H 18 0 12 (C 24 H 16 O n , Liebermann) ; the latter is likewise yellow and 
 crystalline, is found ready formed in a number of plants, is colored dark-green by ferric chloride, 
 precipitated brick-red by lead acetate, sublimable by alkalies resolved into phloroglucin and 
 quercetic acid , C 15 H 10 O 7 , and with fusing potassa yields protocatechuic acid. 
 
 Quercus falcata, Michaux , s. Q. elongata, Willdenow. This is the Spanish oak of the South- 
 ern and Middle United States. It has a reddish coarse-grained wood, and yields a thick bark 
 rich in tannin. 
 
 Quercus nigra, Linn6, s. Q. ferruginea, Michaux , is the blackjack of the Middle and Southern 
 States : it is a small tree, growing in barren soil, and is of little value. 
 
 Quercus virens, Aiton , the live-oak , has a yellowish, very compact, and fine-grained valuable 
 wood, and a bark rich in tannin. The live-oaks of the Pacific coast are Quercus chrysolepis, 
 Liebman , Q. agrifolia, N6e, and Q. oblongifolia, Torrey , the latter occurring principally in South- 
 ern California. 
 
 Quercus suber, Linn6 , the live-oak , grows in the basin of the Mediterranean, and has been 
 introduced into the Southern United States. It has evergreen elliptic or ovate mostly sharp- 
 toothed leaves, and produces an elastic suberous layer 3-5 Cm. (14 to 2 inches) thick, which is 
 collected every eight or ten years and constitutes the cork of commerce. Kiigler (1884) obtained 
 from air-dry cork about .6 per cent, of ash rich in manganese, a little coniferin, about 5 per 
 cent, of tannin and derivatives, and about 12 per cent, of chloroformic extract, including the 
 crystallizable cerin, C 20 H 32 O ; the fat suberin cannot be extracted by simple solvents, but is 
 saponified by potassa, yielding glycerin and stearic and phellonic acids, the latter having the 
 composition C 22 II 42 0 3 . Finely-powdered cork has been employed as an absorbent dusting powder 
 under the name of suberin. 
 
 Semen quercus tostum. Acorns are roasted in the same manner as coffee until they have 
 acquired a brown color, when they are coarsely powdered. This is used as acorn coffee (Eichel- 
 kaffee, G.). According to Braconnot’s analysis (1849), acorns contain starch, fixed oil, citric 
 acid, uncrystallizable sugar, and another sugar which Dessaigne (1851) named quercit C 6 H 12 0 5 . 
 
 Action and Uses. — In ancient times oak-bark was used in the treatment of 
 haemoptysis and dysentery , and pessaries made of the bruised bark were employed to 
 restrain uterine haemorrhage. The crushed leaves were applied to constringe relaxed parts. 
 In modern times it has been resorted to for similar purposes, and also to cure bronchiql 
 flux. It has been maintained that persons who work in tan-pits are never attacked with 
 intermittent fever , and that they enjoy a like immunity from phthisis. Externally, the 
 decoction, which is official, has been applied to all the purposes of vegetable astringents ; 
 indeed, oak-bark is rarely used except in the form of decoction. Cases are reported in 
 which vaginal injections of a decoction of oak-bark were followed by symptoms of peri- 
 
1342 
 
 QUILL A JA. 
 
 tonitis ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1879, p. 523). It has been proposed to use 
 the fluid extract of white oak for injecting hernial sacs {Med. Record , xxix. 388). 
 Suberin , above referred to, is used as a dressing for chapped nipples and similar lesions 
 in the same manner as lycopodium, to which it is preferable on account of its astringency. 
 In many parts of England grated acorns are in common use by the rustic population as 
 a medicine for diarrhoea, and roasted acorns, mixed with cocoa or with chocolate, are 
 employed in like manner ( Amer . Jour. Phar ., lviii. 597; Therap. Gaz ., x. 708). Fine 
 cork is convenient for making compresses to arrest hemorrhage. This custom, which is 
 a survival of ancient medicine, also prevails in various parts of France. Roasted acorns 
 are likewise used for this purpose, as well as in the treatment of flatulent dyspepsia and 
 of scrofula. 
 
 QUILL A J A, Z7. S. — Quillaja-bark. 
 
 Quillaia , U. S. 1880. — Soap-bark , E. ; Ecorce de quillaya , Fr. ; Seifenrinde , G. ; Cor- 
 teza de quillaya , Sp. 
 
 The inner bark of Quillaja Saponaria, Molina. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Roseae. 
 
 Origin. — The tree yielding quillaja-bark is indigenous to Peru and Chili, and has 
 evergreen, leathery, entire leaves, and small umbels of four dioecious flowers, producing 
 five many-seeded capsules. 
 
 Description. — The bark comes in flat pieces, sometimes 60-90 Cm. (2 or 3 feet) 
 long, several inches wide, and about 6 Mm. (| inch) thick. The thick brown corky layer 
 is usually removed, small patches of it merely adhering to the outer surface, which is 
 otherwise nearly smooth and pale-brownish white, like the inner surface. The bark is 
 hard and tough, breaks with a splintery fracture, and shows upon transverse section a 
 checkered appearance, due to the tangential arrangement of the light-brown bast-fibres and 
 white bast-parenchyma, and to the white narrow radial lines of the medullary rays. The 
 bark has no odor, but its dust is acid and sternutatory ; it has a persistent acrid taste and its 
 infusion foams like a solution of soap. 
 
 Constituents. — Quillaja-bark contains numerous minute crystals of calcium sul- 
 phate, a small quantity of starch, and considerable saponin. The latter principle was 
 isolated from quillaja-bark by Le Boeuff (1850), and may be obtained by displacing the 
 powder with hot alcohol, and allowing the tincture to cool. The cold tincture retains 
 some saponin in solution, together with resinous and oily matters, and. when evaporated 
 and agitated with water yields a permanent emulsion. In its pure state saponin is a 
 white amorphous powder which causes sneezing, is nearly inodorous, has a sweetish after- 
 ward acrid taste, is soluble in 4 parts of water, more soluble in weak than in strong alco- 
 hol, and insoluble in ether and volatile oils. Its aqueous solution is precipitated by 
 baryta-water, the precipitate being soluble in pure water, but not in baryta-water (Roch- 
 leder). It has the composition C 32 H 54 0 ]8 , and when treated with acids yields a saccharine 
 body and a series of decomposition-products, the final one being sapogenin , C 14 H 22 C 2 , a 
 sparingly soluble, white crystalline compound. (See also Saponaria.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Extractum quillaja, also called quillain. Prepared 
 with hot water, S. A. McDonnell obtained 20 to 25 per cent, of a brown not hygroscopic 
 extract, of which 1 grain dissolved in 1 oz. of water will yield a tolerably permanent 
 emulsion with 1 oz. of fixed oil or 1 drachm of oleoresin. 
 
 Emulsive Tincture, recommended by Nicot (1888), is prepared of quillaja 20 Gm., 
 Tolu balsam 200 Gnu. vanilla 5 Gm., the rind of two lemons, and 80 per cent, alcohol 
 1000 Cc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Quillaja owes its name of soap-bark and the property of caus- 
 ing water in which it is macerated to froth to the saponin contained in it. In a case of 
 poisoning by “ quillajaic acid ” the symptoms were rigors, epigastric cramp, cold sweats, 
 tumors, transient syncope, a small pulse, moist skin, excessive vomiting, anxiety and dis 
 tress referred to the prsecordium, vesical tenesmus, and increased secretion of urine (Lesel- 
 lier, Ther. Gaz., xi. 546). Like senega, quillaja has been found useful in bronchitis when 
 the tenacious mucus provokes coughing, but it is less acrid to the taste, and therefore 
 more acceptable than the former drug. It is less adapted to acute bronchitis than 
 to the chronic forms or those incident to emphysema, dilated bronchia, etc. Quillaja 
 has also been used with alleged advantage in dropsy , and is reported to be a ster- 
 nutatory and useful in coryza , and also as a febrifuge. The powdered bark applied as a 
 snuff, is said to have cured chronic rhinitis (Therap. Gaz., xii. 720). It may be adininis- 
 
Q UIXIDINLE SULPHAS. 
 
 1343 
 
 tered iu an infusion made with Gm. 32 in Gm. 500 (^j in Oj) of water, to be taken during a 
 day. The dry aqueous extract dissolves readily in water, and the solution may be 
 employed for making emulsions of castor, cod-liver, and other oils. The external applica- 
 tion of the bark appears to be the most important. It may be used instead of soap for 
 washing the hairy scalp and other parts of the skin alfected with eruptions , ulcers , etc., 
 for removing the greasy coating which some skins exude, and for correcting the fetor 
 which the feet, armpits, etc. in other persons exhale. For the latter purposes a saturated 
 tincture may be added to water until it acquires the proper saponaceous quality. The 
 tincture has also been used to promote the renewal of the hair in alopecia ( Phila . Med. 
 Times, xi. 29). 
 
 QUINIDINiE SULPHAS, U. S . — Quinidine Sulphate. 
 
 Chinidinum ( Conchininum ) sidfuricum. — Sulphate of conquinine , E. ; Sulfate de quini- 
 dine, Fr. ; Schieefelsaures Chinidin, Conchininsulfat, G. 
 
 Formula (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 )H. 2 SO 4 .2H. 2 O. Molecular weight 780.42. 
 
 The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from the bark of several species of cin- 
 chona. Quinidine sulphate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rubiacese. 
 
 Preparation. — The mother-liquors from the recrystallization of quinine sulphate 
 yield on concentration a crop of crystals consisting chiefly of this salt, which is purified 
 by treatment with animal charcoal and by recrystallizing it. On adding to the mother- 
 liquors a considerable excess of ammonia, cinchonine will be precipitated and quinidine 
 dissolved ; the solution deposits the alkaloid quinidine, together with impurities, on the 
 addition of soda. The alkaloid may then be dissolved in dilute sulphuric acid, and the 
 salt purified by recrystallization. Since quinidine enters the mother-liquors containing 
 the amorphous alkaloids, and is precipitated with chinoidine, it may be prepared from the 
 latter, according to Hesse (1868), by exhausting it with ether, converting the dissolved 
 alkaloids into sulphates, precipitating quinine and cinchonidine with Rochelle salt, purify- 
 ing the filtrate with animal charcoal, and precipitating the quinidine with potassium iodide ; 
 the alkaloid is then liberated by ammonia, combined with sulphuric acid, and the salt 
 crystallized. 
 
 Properties. — Quinidine sulphate (or of conquinine , according to Hesse) crystal- 
 lizes in white, silk)^ needles which resemble those of the quinine salt, but are less matted 
 and do not effloresce on exposure even when heated to 
 80° C. (176° F.) ; when heated to 120° C. (248° F.) they 
 part with their water of crystallization (4.6 per cent.), 
 and on ignition are entirely consumed. The solution in 
 dilute sulphuric acid shows the blue fluorescence of qui- 
 nine solutions, and strikes an emerald green color on the 
 successive addition of chlorine-water and ammonia, and 
 a red color on the successive addition of chlorine-water, 
 potassium ferrocyanide, and ammonia. The salt has 
 also, like the corresponding quinine salt, a very bitter 
 taste and a neutral reaction. It dissolves at 10° C. (50° 
 
 F.) in 108 parts (Hesse), at 15° C. (59° F.) in 100 parts 
 (U. S.), 98 parts (Kerner), and at the boiling-point in 7 
 parts of water ; at 15° C. (59° F.) ( U. S.) also in 8 parts 
 and very soluble in boiling, alcohol, and in 14 parts of 
 chloroform. The salt is freely soluble in hot alcohol, but 
 is nearly insoluble in ether. The chloroform solution on 
 evaporation leaves the salt in an amorphous state, and on exposure to diffused day- 
 light gradually acquires a green color, but the alkaloid is not perceptibly affected thereby 
 (Hesse, 1879). The aqueous solution yields with barium chloride a white precipitate 
 which is insoluble in hydrochloric acid; with potassium ferrocyanide golden-yellow 
 prisms or a yellow crystalline precipitate ; and with potassium iodide from neutral solu- 
 tion, a white, and from acid solution a reddish-yellow, crystalline precipitate. When a 
 drop of the solution is mixed with a drop of solution of potassium sulphocyanate, the 
 microscope jeveals groups of radiating feathery crystals ; this quinidine sulphocyanate 
 requires 1477 parts of water for solution. (For the characteristics of the alkaloid see 
 page 490). 
 
 Tests. — When heated on platinum-foil the salt should burn without leaving any resi- 
 
 Fig. 237. 
 
 Quinidine Sulphate with KSCy : 
 microscopic crystals. 
 
1344 
 
 QUINTNA. 
 
 due. Neither sulphuric nor nitric acid should impart any color to the dry salt. The 
 thalleioquin test is applied by the Pharmacopoeia as follows : “ On treating 10 Cc. of an 
 aqueous solution (about 1 in 1600) of the salt with 2 drops of bromine-water, and then 
 with an excess of ammonia-water, the liquid will acquire an emerald-green color. With 
 proper adjustment of the reagents, more dilute solutions will show a paler tint, while 
 more concentrated ones will acquire a deeper color or deposit a green precipitate.” De 
 Vrij’s (1878) test is applied as follows : A cold saturated, aqueous solution of the salt 
 yields a white precipitate with potassium iodide test-solution (difference from quinine j 
 sulphate) ; dissolved in 50 Gm. of hot water, and 0.5 Gm. potassium iodide added, a sandy ; 
 crystalline precipitate must fall, and after some hours the mother-liquor, on being tested ! 
 with ammonia, should not produce an appreciable precipitate. “ Quinidine sulphate should j 
 not impart more than a faintly yellowish tint to concentrated sulphuric acid (limit of 
 readily carbonizable, organic impurities), nor produce a red color with nitric acid (differ- 
 ence from morphine). If a small quantity of ammonia-water be added to 3 Cc. of an | 
 aqueous solution of the salt saturated at 15° C. (59° F.), a white precipitate (quinidine) 
 will be produced, which requires more than 30 Cc. of ammonia or more than thirty times 
 its weight of ether to dissolve it (absence of more than small proportions of other cin- 
 chona alkaloids).” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Quinidine bisulphas, Acid quinidine sulphate, C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 .H 2 SO 4 .4H 2 O ; mol. 
 weight 493. It is obtained by dissolving the sulphate in sufficient diluted sulphuric acid, 
 and evaporating. It forms long colorless prisms of an asbestos-like appearance, soluble in 8.7 
 parts of water at 10° C. (50° F.) and losing 14.57 per cent, of water at 120° C. (248° F.). 
 
 Quinidine hydriodas, C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HI. It is obtained by double decomposition of neutral solu- 
 tions of quinidine sulphate and potassium iodide as a white crystalline powder, or from warm and 
 somewdiat diluted solutions in colorless scaly prisms. It is slightly soluble in alcohol and in hot 
 water, and requires at 10° C. (50° F.) 1270 part, of water for solution. The salt is anhydrous 
 and contains 28.09 per cent, of iodine. 
 
 Quinidine bihydriodas, C 20 II 24 N 2 O 2 (HI) 2 .3H 2 O. It is prepared like the preceding salt, using 
 however, a warm acidulated solution of quinidine sulphate. It forms an orange-colored crystal- ’ 
 line powder or glossy golden-yellow prisms, turns brown-yellow at 120° C. (248° F.) from loss of 
 water, which is absorbed again on exposure to moist air, and is soluble in 90 parts of cold water, 
 and more freely soluble in alcohol and in hot water. The salt contains 8.5 per cent, of water and 
 43.77 per cent, of iodine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — As an antiperiodic in malarial affections , and as an antipyretic 
 in fever generally, quinidine sulphate is equal to quinine sulphate, and may be used in 
 similar doses. It has been thought less apt to disagree with the stomach and to cause 
 unpleasant nervous symptoms (Peacock) ; on the other hand, “ the greatest drawback to ! 
 its use, especially with typhoid patients, is the subsequent vomiting which often occurs.” < 
 Striimpell ( Practitioner , xxiii. 128) makes this statement, but admits that it is not apt ; 
 to occasion other disorders, especially of the nervous system. < 
 
 QUININA, U . , S'. —Quinine. 
 
 Chininum. — Quinine , Fr. ; Chinin , G. 
 
 Formula G 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 .3H 2 O. Molecular weight 377.22. 
 
 An alkaloid obtained from the bark of various species of Cinchona. Quinine should be 
 kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — On precipitating a solution of quinine sulphate in acidulated water 
 with an alkali, a curdy, amorphous, white precipitate is obtained, consisting of the anhy- 
 drous alkaloid, which if kept under the liquid is gradually changed to the crystalline 
 hydrate of the above formula. It requires to be washed with distilled water and dried 
 at a low temperature. The same hydrate may also be obtained from the solution of the 
 alkaloid in diluted alcohol by crystallizing at a low temperature, while at 30° C. (86° F.) 
 silky needles of anhydrous quinine are separated (Hesse). On concentrating a solution 
 of quinine in ammonia-water the hydrate crystallizes. The precipitation of quinine should 
 be effected without heat, and only a slight excess of ammonia should be used to prevent 
 loss of the alkaloid. 
 
 Properties. — Hydrated quinine forms long, colorless, silky needles, or more fre- 
 quently a white crystalline powder ; the Pharmacopoeia describes it also as flaky and 
 amorphous. In dry air the crystals become opaque, and when kept over sulphuric acid 
 it readily parts with 2H 2 0 (9.5 per cent.), but very slowly with the remaining 4.8 per 
 cent, of water of crystallization. The alkaloid, like its salts, is inodorous, and has a per- 
 sistently bitter taste, which, owing to its sparing solubility, is slowly developed. The 
 
Q U IN I NjE BISULPHAS. 
 
 1345 
 
 powder and its solutions in water and alcohol have an alkaline reaction. The hydrate 
 melts at a temperature of 57° C. (135° F.) ; on continuing and slowly increasing the 
 heat to 100° C. (212° F.) it loses a part of its water of crystallization (about 90 per 
 cent.), and at 125° C. (257° F.) becomes anhydrous, turning solid, and melting again at 
 173° C. (343.4° F.) : at a higher heat it burns slowly, without leaving any residue. Anhy- 
 drous quinine requires at 15° C. (59° F.) 1960 parts of water for solution, but the hydrate 
 dissolves at 15° C. in 1670 parts ( U. S .), at 20° C. (68° F.) in 1428 parts, and at the boil- 
 ing-point in 760 parts, of water ; these solutions on being evaporated between 60° and 80° 
 C. (140° and 176° F.) separate the hydrate in the form of oily drops. According to Reg- 
 nauld, quinine is soluble at 15° C. (59° F.) in 1.134 parts of absolute alcohol, in 1.93 
 parts of chloroform, and in 22.63 parts (16 to 25.5 parts, Hesse) of ether. It is soluble 
 in 6 parts of cold and in 2 parts of boiling alcohol, in about 200 parts of glycerin, in 5 
 parts of chloroform, and in 23 parts of ether (£Z S. PS) ; dissolves in carbon disulphide, 
 dilute acids, and in fixed and volatile oils ; also in benzin and benzene ; the latter solution 
 leaves on spontaneous evaporation a crystalline compound of quinine and benzene, which 
 is decomposed at a moderate heat. The solutions turn polarized light to the left. 
 
 Quinine is a strong base, neutralizes the strongest acids, forming crystallizable salts, 
 which, if soluble, have an intensely bitter taste, and displaces ammonia from its salts on 
 being heated with their solutions. The acidulated solutions show a vivid blue fluores- 
 cence, which disappears on the addition of hydrochloric, hydriodic, and sulphocyanic acids 
 and of thiosulphates. On passing chlorine gas into water containing quinine in suspen- 
 sion, the liquid acquires a reddish color, changing to violet and dark-red, and then becomes 
 lighter, with the separation of a red compound (Pelletier). On treating 10 Cc. of an 
 aqueous, acidulated solution (about 1 in 1500) of quinine with 2 drops of bromine-water 
 (or chlorine-water), and then with an excess of ammonia-water, the liquid will acquire an 
 emerald-green color. With proper adjustment of the reagents more dilute solutions will 
 show a paler tint, while more concentrated ones will acquire a deeper color or deposit a 
 green precipitate. The emerald-green is due to the production of tlialleioquin or tlialleio- 
 chin (Brandes), the color being observable in a solution containing -g-oVfr P ar ^ °f quinine ; 
 on carefully neutralizing the liquid the color changes to blue, and with an excess of acid 
 to purplish or red ; the addition of an excess of ammonia restores the green color. If 
 to the quinine solution be added chlorine-water, then potassium ferrocyanide, and finally 
 ammonia, a deep-red color is produced. 
 
 Quinine heated with glycerin to about 190° C. (374° F.) is converted into the isomeric 
 base quiniciiie , which was discovered by Pasteur (1853), and may be obtained from most 
 acid quinine salts by heating them to about 130° C. (266° F.) ; the salts of this base are 
 readily crystallizable, are colored green by chlorine-water and ammonia, and yield with 
 hypochlorites white precipitates which are turned green by ammonia. 
 
 Tests. — For the detection of other cinchona alkaloids the Pharmacopoeia has adopted 
 Kerner’s test : “ If 2 Gm. of quinine be mixed, in a small mortar, with 1 Gm. of ammo- 
 nium sulphate and 10 Cc. of distilled water, the mixture thoroughly dried on a water- 
 bath, the residue (which should be strictly neutral to test-paper) agitated with 20 Cc. 
 of water, then allowed to macerate for half an hour at 15° C. (59° F.), with occasional 
 agitation, and then filtered through a pellet of glass-wool, 5 Cc. of the filtrate, transferred 
 to a test-tube and gently mixed, without shaking, with 7 Cc. of ammonia-water (specific 
 gravity 0.960), should produce a clear liquid. If the temperature of maceration was 16° 
 C. (60.8° F.), 7.5 Cc. of ammonia-water may be added; if 17° C. (62.8° F.), 8 Cc. (In 
 each case a clear liquid indicates the absence of more than small proportions of other 
 cinchona alkaloids.) Quinine should not impart more than a faintly yellowish tint to 
 concentrated sulphuric acid (limit of readily carbonizable, organic impurities), nor pro- 
 duce a red color with nitric acid (difference from morphine).” — U. S. (See Quinine 
 Sulphas.) 
 
 QUININE BISULPHAS, U. 8. — Quinine Bisulphate. 
 
 Chininum bisulfuricum, Quininse sulphas acidus. — Acid quinine sulphate , E. ; Sulfate 
 acide ( Bisulfate ) de quinine , Fr. ; Saures Chininsulfat , Chininbisulfat , G. 
 
 Formula C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 H 2 SO 4 .7H 2 O. Molecular weight 546.88. 
 
 Quinine bisulphate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — TJ. S. 
 Preparation. — Mix 100 grains of ordinary quinine sulphate with about 500 grains 
 (9 fluidrachms) of warm distilled water; add to the mixture 115 grains of official 
 diluted sulphuric acid ; filter if necessary, and set aside in a moderately warm place to 
 85 
 
1346 
 
 Q U IN IN JE HYDRO BROM AS. 
 
 crystallize ; dry the crystals over sulphuric acid at a temperature of 10° or 15° C. 
 (50°-59° F.), and preserve them in a well-stoppered bottle in a cool and dark place. The 
 yield is 125 grains. 
 
 A solution of the salt may be prepared extemporaneously by dissolving 8 grains of 
 quinine sulphate in water with the aid of 9 minims (or 9J grains) of diluted sulphuric 
 acid ; the solution will contain 10 grains of acid quinine sulphate. 
 
 Properties. — The salt crystallizes in colorless rhombic prisms or plates, or it forms 
 small needles which effloresce and become yellowish on exposure, are free from odor, and 
 have a strong bitter taste and a decided acid reaction. At 25° C. (77° F,) it loses water, 
 the crystals become opaque ; but the last molecule of water is not expelled until heated to 
 about 100° C. (212° F.). The salt fuses in a glass tube at 80° C. (176° F.) (P. G.), but 
 heated in the air it melts near 135° C. (275° F.), and is converted into acid quinicine sul- 
 phate, which is easily soluble in alcohol and water, its solution in dilute sulphuric acid being 
 yellow without any blue fluorescence, and crystallizes in long yellow prisms. According 
 to Hesse (1873), acid quinine sulphate dissolves at 13° C. (55.4° F.) in 11 parts, and at 
 22° C. (71.6° F.) in 8 parts, of water, 10 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), U. S., but 
 it requires more alcohol (32 parts, U. S.) for solution, and is very soluble in both liquids 
 heated to boiling. The solutions have a decided blue fluorescence, which may be observed' 
 in water containing part of the salt. “ On treating 10 Cc. of an aqueous solution 
 
 (about 1 in 1000) of the salt with 2 drops of bromine test-solution, and then with an 
 excess of ammonia- w T ater, the liquid will acquire an emerald-green color. With proper 
 readjustment of the reagents, more dilute solutions will show a paler tint, while more 
 concentrated ones will acquire a deeper color or throw down a green precipitate.” — U. S. 
 The aqueous solution behaves with ammonia-water and barium chloride like quinine sul- 
 phate, giving white precipitates with both reagents, of which the former is easily soluble 
 in excess of ammonia and twenty times its weight of ether, and the latter is insoluble 
 in hydrochloric acid. 
 
 The pharmacopoeial salt should not be confounded with the true quinine bisulphate, 
 C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 (H 2 SO 4 ) 2 .7H 2 O, which is obtained from 100 grains of quinine sulphate and 350 : 
 
 grains of diluted sulphuric acid, the solution being crystallized over sulphuric acid. It 
 contains 19.5 per cent, of water, readily acquires a brown-red color on exposure to light, , 
 is easily soluble in water with a strong blue fluorescence, and separates from boiling 
 alcohol on cooling as a gelatinous mass, which on drying forms minute prisms. 
 
 Tests. — The salt should not impart more than a slight yellowish tint to sulphuric 
 acid (absence -of foreign organic matters), nor to nitric acid (morphine, brucine, etc.). 
 Quinine bisulphate should not impart more than a faintly j^ellowish tint to concentrated 
 sulphuric acid (limit of foreign organic matters). If 1 Gm. of the salt be dried at a 
 temperature of 100° C. (212° F.), until it ceases to lose weight, the remainder, cooled in 
 a desiccator, should weigh not less than 0.77 Gm. (corresponding to 7 molecules, or 23 <: 
 
 (22.98) per cent, of water of crystallization). — U. P. G. The aqueous solution should not 
 
 be precipitated by silver nitrate (absence of hydrochlorate). The absence of an excess 
 of other cinchona alkaloids is determined by Kerner’s test, as follows : “ If 2 Gm. of the 
 salt, previously dried at 100° C. (212° F.), be agitated with 16 Cc. of distilled w’ater, the 
 mixture made exactly neutral to test-paper with ammonia-water, then brought to the 
 volume of 20 Cc., and macerated at 15° C. (59° F.) for half an hour, upon proceeding 
 further, as directed for the corresponding test under quinine (see Quinina), the results 
 given for the latter should be obtained.” — V. S. Or. “ an intimate mixture of 1 Gm.of 
 the salt and of 0.5 Gm. of ammonia-water is well dried on a water-bath, the residue 
 treated with 10 Cc. of distilled water, and further tested with ammonia-water, as directed 
 for Kerner’s test.” — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — When quinine sulphate is given in solution, it is generally converted into the 
 bisulphate by the addition of aromatic sulphuric acid. The dose of the two salts is prac- 
 tically the same. 
 
 QUININ^E HYDROBROMAS, U. S,— Quinine Hydrobromate. 
 
 Chininum liydrobromicum, s. hydrobromatum. — Bromhydrate de quinine, Fr. ; Chinin- 
 hydrobromat , G. 
 
 Formula C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HBr.H 2 O. Molecular weight 422.06. 
 
 Quinine hydrobromate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is prepared by double decomposition of quinine sulphate 
 with barium bromide. A mixture of 100 grains of quinine sulphate and 1400 grains (3 
 
Q UININJE HYDRO BR OH AS. 
 
 1347 
 
 fluidounces) of water is heated to boiling, and gradually mixed with a solution of 34 
 grains of barium bromide in 225 grains (4 fluidounce) of water ; the precipitate is allowed 
 to settle, and the clear hot liquid is tested for barium salt with a cold solution of quinine 
 sulphate prepared without the aid of additional acid, and if free from barium is filtered 
 and evaporated to crystallize. The yield is about 100 grains. Owing to the insolubility 
 of barium chloride and the ready solubility of barium bromide in absolute alcohol, Boille 
 (1874) recommends dissolving both the barium and the quinine salts in strong alcohol ; 
 the solutions are then mixed, taking care that the quinine sulphate is in slight excess ; 
 after filtering water is added, the alcohol distilled off, the liquid cooled, filtered from any 
 quinine sulphate which may crystallize out, and evaporated to crystallize. If the salt be 
 not quite white, it should be recrystallized from water. 
 
 The salt may also be prepared by dissolving quinine in warm diluted hydrobromic acid 
 until the acid reaction has completely disappeared. Or, according to Hager, 100 parts of 
 quinine sulphate and 27.5 parts of potassium bromide are well triturated with 100 parts 
 of water ; the mixture is moderately heated, mixed with 400 parts ol alcohol, the whole 
 digested for an hour, filtered while warm from the precipitated potassium sulphate, and 
 crystallized. Leger’s process (1880) is similar to this. 
 
 Properties. — Quinine hydrobromate is in “ white, light, silky needles, odorless, and 
 having a very bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose water on exposure to warm or dry 
 air. Soluble at 15° C. (59° F.), in 54 parts of water and in 0.6 part of alcohol ; very 
 soluble in boiling water and in boiling alcohol ; also soluble in 6 parts of ether and in 12 
 parts of chloroform. When heated at 100° C. (212° F.) the salt loses its water of crys- 
 tallization (4.25 per cent.). At 152° C. (305.6° F.) it begins to fuse, and becomes a 
 syrupy liquid at 200° C. (392° F.). Upon ignition it is slowly consumed, leaving no 
 residue. The salt is neutral or has a faintly alkaline reaction upon litmus-paper. An 
 aqueous solution, when acidulated with sulphuric acid, has a vivid, blue fluorescence. On 
 treating 10 Cc. of an aqueous solution (about 1 in 1300) with 2 drops of bromine test- 
 solution, and then with an excess of ammonia-water, the liquid will acquire an emerald- 
 green color. With proper adjustment of the reagents more dilute solutions will show a 
 paler tint, while more concentrated ones will acquire a deeper color or throw down a 
 green precipitate. Ammonia-water added to the aqueous solution throws down a white 
 precipitate soluble in an excess of ammonia-water, and also soluble in about twenty times its 
 weight of ether. On precipitating a saturated aqueous solution of the salt with sodium 
 hydroxide test-solution, filtering, supersaturating the filtrate with acetic acid, adding chlo- 
 roform and a little chlorine-water, and shaking, the chloroform will separate with a yellow 
 color. If 1 Gm. of the salt be dried at 100° C. (212° F.) until it ceases to lose weight, 
 the residue should not weigh less than 0.957 Gm. (corresponding to 1 molecule, or 4.25 
 per cent, of water of crystallization)/’ — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — The u. S. Pharmacopoeia formula requires 4.25 water, 18.89 bro- 
 mine, and 76.61 per cent, of quinine. Boille (1874) found of these constituents respect- 
 ively 4.80, 18.26, and 75.20 per cent., which closely corresponds with the official formula 
 C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HBr.H 2 O. 
 
 Tests. — “ Quinine hydrobromate should not impart more than a faintly yellowish tint 
 to concentrated sulphuric acid (limit of readily carbonizable organic impurities), nor pro- 
 duce a red color with nitric acid (difference from morphine). If 3 Gm. of the salt (which 
 must have been previously ascertained to be strictly neutral or been rendered so) be 
 mixed, in a small capsule, with 1.2 Gm. of crystallized sodium sulphate and 30 Cc. of 
 water, the mixture thoroughly dried on a water-bath, the residue agitated with 30 Cc. of 
 water, and then allowed to macerate for half an hour at 15° C. (59° F.), with occasional 
 agitation, upon proceeding further as directed under quinine (see Quininia) the results 
 there given should be obtained.” — TJ. S. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Quinine hvdrobromas acidus. Acid quinine hydrobromate, C 20 II 24 N. 2 O 2 - 
 (HBr) 2 .3H 2 0. Quinine sulphate is dissolved in water with the aid of sufficient dilute sulphuric 
 acid, completely precipitated with a solution of barium bromide, avoiding an excess of the latter, 
 the solution filtered from the barium sulphate, and evaporated to crystallize. This salt is soluble 
 in 6 parts of water and is freely soluble in alcohol. 
 
 Qui xixa: bromas. Quinine bromate, C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 .IIBrO 3 , is prepared by C A. Cameron (1882) 
 either by neutralizing quinine with bromic acid or by precipitating barium bromate with quinine 
 sulphate. It forms asbestos-like masses consisting of long needles, dissolves in 250 parts of cold 
 water, freely in warm water, in diluted acids, and in alcoho 1 ; it is not decomposed at a moderate 
 heat, but detonates in contact with strong sulphuric acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The acid quinine hydrobromate was introduced into prac- 
 
1348 
 
 QUININE II YDR 0 CHL ORA S. 
 
 tice, especially for hypodermic use, because it is more soluble in water than the acid sul- 
 phate, and probably less liable to produce abscess. This quality becomes important when 
 quinine cannot be given by the mouth or rectum. Only in large doses can the bromine 
 in its composition exert any sedative influence (Squibb). Thomas ascribes to it a seda- 
 tive action of the circulation ( Loud . Med. Record , Dec. 1885) ; and it may, perhaps, be 
 admitted to possess special virtues in nervous disorders with debility, in the typhoid state. 
 exhaustion from dyspepsia , chronic discharges , and the like ( Centralh . f. Ther., iii. 165). 
 Its dose is about the same as that of the sulphate. 
 
 QUININE HYDROCHLORAS, U. S., Br, — Quinine Hydrochlorate. 
 
 Chininum hydrochloricum , P. G. ; Muriate . of quinine , F. ; Chlorhydrate de quinine , 
 Fr. ; Chininhydrochlorat , Salzsaures Chinin , G. 
 
 Formula C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HC1.2H 2 O. Molecular weight 395.63. 
 
 Quinine hydrochlorate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — U S. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is best obtained by dissolving quinine in warm diluted 
 hydrochloric acid until the solution is neutral, and crystallizing. On a small scale it 
 may be prepared by double decomposition. A solution of 100 grains of quinine sulphate 
 in hot distilled water is precipitated by a solution of 28 grains of crystallized barium 
 chloride or of 15 grains of anhydrous calcium chloride ; the filtrate is tested with quinine 
 sulphate, evaporated to dryness, redissolved in diluted alcohol to separate calcium sul- 
 phate, and evaporated to crystallize. Rother (1883) recommends for the same amount 
 of sulphate 131 grains of sodium chloride and 350 grains (71 fluidrachms) of alcohol; 
 after sufficient digestion the filtrate is mixed with water and evaporated. The yield is 
 90 grains. 
 
 Properties. — Quinine hydrochlorate forms colorless needles, appearing white in mass, 
 usually united to stellate groups, of a silky lustre, inodorous, and having a very bitter 
 taste and a neutral (or faintly alkaline, U. A.) reaction. The salt is permanent in the air 
 at low temperatures, but at a moderate heat effloresces, parting with a portion of its 
 water, and at 120° C. (248° F.) loses all the water of crystallization, amounting to 9.08 
 per cent. ; and when the heat is raised to about 156° C. (312.8° F.) the salt begins to 
 melt, but is not fully melted until the temperature reaches 190° C. (374° F.). On igni- 
 tion it is slowly consumed, leaving no residue. The crystallized salt requires at 10° C. 
 (50° F.) 35 parts of water, at 15° C. (59° F.) 34 parts of water or 3 parts of alcohol 
 ( U. S., P. 6r.) for solution ; it is also soluble in 1 part of boiling water and very freely 
 soluble in boiling alcohol. The anhydrous salt forms a permanent solution with 1 part 
 of chloroform, and differs in this respect from the concentrated solutions of the hydro- 
 chlorates of cinchonine and cinchonidine, which after a short time become thick and 
 crystalline, owing to the formation of more sparingly soluble compounds of the salts with 
 the solvent (Hesse, 1873). The solution in alcohol or water is free from fluorescence, 
 and the slight one appearing on dilution is removed by .the addition of sulphuric or other 
 acid. The hydrochlorate being much more soluble in water than quinine sulphate, 
 the latter salt is precipitated in needles on adding to a rather concentrated solution of 
 the former a solution of a neutral sulphate. Quinine hydrochlorate on being exposed to 
 the light gradually acquires a yellowish color, and should therefore be kept in a dark 
 place. Its solution likewise becomes yellowish or brownish on keeping ; with bromine- 
 or chlorine-water and ammonia it yields emerald-green thalleioquin ; with ammonia a 
 white precipitate is produced, soluble in an excess of ammonia and in 20 parts of ether; 
 and with silver nitrate a white precipitate is obtained soluble in ammonia, but insoluble 
 in nitric acid. 
 
 Tests. — The salt on being ignited upon platinum-foil should burn without leaving any 
 residue (absence of inorganic matter). Heated with milk of lime or with dilute potassa 
 solution, the odor of ammonia should not be given off (ammonium salts). “If 1 Gm. of 
 the salt be dried at 100° C. (212° F.) until it ceases to lose weight, the residue should 
 not weigh less than 0.9 Gm. (corresponding to 2 molecules, or 9 per cent, of water of 
 crystallization). Quinine hydrochlorate should not impart more than a faintly yellowish 
 tint to concentrated sulphuric acid (limit of readily carbonizable, organic impurities), nor 
 produce a red color with nitric acid (difference from morphine). The aqueous solution 
 of the salt should not be rendered turbid by diluted sulphuric acid (absence of barium), 
 and not be rendered more than slightly turbid by barium chloride test-solution (limit 
 of sulphate). If 3 Gm. of the salt (which must have been previously ascertained to 
 be strictly neutral or been rendered so) be mixed, in a small capsule, with 1.5 Gm. of 
 
 
 
QUIN IN JE SULPHAS. 
 
 1349 
 
 crystallized sodium sulphate and 30 Cc. of water, the mixture thoroughly dried on a 
 water-bath, the residue agitated with 30 Cc. of water, and then allowed to macerate for 
 half an hour at 15° C. (59° F.), with occasional agitation, upon proceeding further 
 as directed under Quinine (see Quinina) the results there given should be obtained.” 
 
 -u. s. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Quinine hydrochloras acidus. Acid quinine hydrochlorate , is either amor- 
 phous or in white or yellowish crystalline masses, which are very soluble in water and readily 
 darkened by light. 
 
 Quinix/E iodas. Quinine iodate , C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 .HIO 3 , according to C. A. Cameron (1882) is best 
 prepared by digesting freshly-precipitated quinine in a molecule of iodic acid previously dis- 
 solved in 10 parts of warm water ; the soft mass should be evaporated at 15.5° C. (60° F.) and 
 dried over sulphuric acid. The salt is in minute white pearly needles, is readily soluble in 
 alcohol, soluble in 700 parts of cold water, and is not decomposed by boiling water. 
 
 Quinine hydriodas. Acid quinine hydriodate , C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 (HI) 2 .5H 2 O. This salt crystallizes 
 from a warm acidulated solution of quinine on the addition of potassium iodide. It forms glossy 
 transparent prisms or scales, becomes opaque at 30° C. (86° F.), melts at 100° C. (212° F.) in its 
 water of crystallization, and becomes completely anhydrous at 120° C. (248° F.) ; when exposed 
 to a damp atmosphere the anhydrous salt combines again with 2H 2 0 (Hesse, 1865). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Quinine hydrochlorate was early made official by the Dublin 
 Pharmacopoeia, and Neligan (1854) remarked of it, “ It is preferred by many prac- 
 titioners to the disulphate, but is much more expensive, and the dose is the same.” In 
 1855, Briquet, in his great work on Cinchona , said of it, “ Being very liable to change 
 by keeping, it cannot be depended upon, so that with good reason it is entirely disused.” 
 In the same year Trousseau and Pidoux mentioned the muriate along with several other 
 salts as being inferior to the sulphates. In 1857, Pereira’s Materia Meclica said only 
 that “it is employed in the preparation of the quinine valerianate.” In 1864, Guibert 
 merely stated that “ German physicians set great store by this medicine ; ” and one of 
 the latest German writers, Bernatzik, stated that its uses are those of quinine sul- 
 phate. and referred to its solubility and the relatively large proportion of quinine it 
 contains. According to this authority, the dose should be one-sixth less than that of 
 the sulphate, 100 parts by weight of quinine muriate containing as much quinine as 
 121 parts of the sulphate. Binz refers to pure amorphous quinine hydrochlorate as 
 being especially adapted for subcutaneous injection, its advantages being not only that 
 it is “ very cheap,” but that it dissolves in an equal weight of water, and as a rule does 
 not give rise to abscesses. Probably it was for use in hypodermic injections that the 
 salt was made official. MM. Beurmann and Villejean, after an exhaustive review of 
 the subject, historically and clinically, concluded that the neutral liydrochlorate is the 
 only salt of quinine that is free from the objections that lie against the other quinine 
 salts for hypodermic use. It is soluble in two-thirds of its weight of water at ordinary 
 temperatures, its solution does not undergo change, and it neither occasions pain nor 
 causes inflammation ( Bull . de Therap ., cxiv. 193, 261). It has also been given by intra- 
 venous injection (Bacelli, Med. News, lvii. 314). From Gm. 0.12-0.24 (gr. ij — iv) may 
 be stated as the average dose administered in this manner. 
 
 QUININE SULPHAS, 77. S., Br. — Quinine Sulphate. 
 
 Quinise sulphas ; Chininum sulfuricum , P. G. ; Sulfas quinicus. — Sulphate of quinia, E. ; 
 Sulfate de quinine , Fr. ; Chininsulfat , Schwefelsaures Chinin , G. 
 
 Formula (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 2 SO4.7H 2 O. Molecular weight 870.22. 
 
 Quinine sulphate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Yellow Cinchona-bark, in coarse powder, 1 pound ; Hydro- 
 chloric Acid 3 fluidounces ; Distilled Water a sufficiency ; Solution of Soda, 4 pints ; 
 Diluted Sulphuric Acid a sufficiency. Dilute the hydrochloric acid with 10 pints of the 
 water. Place the cinchona-bark in a porcelain basin, and add to it as much of the diluted 
 hydrochloric acid as will render it thoroughly moist. After maceration with occasional 
 stirring for twenty-four hours place the bark in a displacement apparatus, and percolate 
 with the diluted hydrochloric acid until the solution which drops through is nearly desti- 
 tute of bitter taste. Into this liquid pour the solution of soda, agitate well, let the pre- 
 cipitate completely subside, decant the supernatant fluid, collect the precipitate on a filter, 
 and wash it with cold distilled water until the washings cease to have color. Transfer 
 the precipitate to a porcelain dish containing a pint of distilled water, and, applying to 
 this the heat of a water-bath, gradually add diluted sulphuric acid until very nearly the 
 whole of the precipitate has been dissolved and a neutral liquid has been obtained. 
 
1350 
 
 QUIN IN 'JE SULPHAS. 
 
 Filter the solution while hot through paper, wash the filter with boiling distilled water, 
 concentrate till a film forms on the surface of the solution, and set it aside to crystallize. 
 The crystals should be dried on filtering-paper without the application of heat. — Hr. 1867. 
 
 The preparation of quinine sulphate from cinchona-bark involves the following pro- 
 cesses : 1, extraction of the alkaloids in the form of a compound soluble in cold water ; 2, 
 precipitation of the alkaloids ; and, 3, combination with sulphuric acid and separation of 
 the various sulphates from one another and from coloring matter and other foreign prin- 
 ciples. The alkaloids are easily extracted from the bark by water acidulated with hydro- 
 chloric or sulphuric acid, and are then in solution as hydrochlorates or sulphates, if an 
 elevated temperature has been resorted to, derivatives of tannin and other principles will 
 separate on cooling, and must either be filtered off or converted into insoluble compounds, 
 which takes place on the addition of lime ; this decomposes likewise the salts of the alka- 
 loids, calcium chloride or sulphate being formed, while the alkaloids are precipitated, 
 together with the excess of lime employed, and the kinic acid remains in solution as cal- 
 cium kinate. The alkaloids are taken up from the lime precipitate by boiling alcohol, and 
 left behind in an impure condition on the evaporation of the solvent. Soda cannot be 
 profitably employed for precipitating the acid decoction unless it has been allowed to cool 
 and filtered from the precipitate; or, still better, the bark is exhausted in the cold and 
 the acid infusion rendered very slightly alkaline by caustic soda. The precipitate thus 
 obtained will be less deeply colored than the residue left on the evaporation of the alcohol, 
 as described before, and consists mainly of the mixed cinchona alkaloids. As obtained 
 by one or the other process, the impure alkaloids are mixed with water, heat is applied, 
 and sulphuric acid is dropped in, care being taken to leave a portion of the alkaloids and 
 much coloring matter undissolved, which are removed by filtration ; the hot filtrate may 
 be treated with purified animal charcoal to remove remaining coloring matter, or even 
 without this treatment will deposit crystals of the desired salt. If, however, sufficient 
 sulphuric acid has been used to dissolve the whole of the impure alkaloids, the excess of 
 the former has formed freely soluble sulphates, which would not crystallize on cooling. 
 It is then necessary to remove not only coloring matter, but likewise the excess of sul- 
 phuric acid, which is accomplished by treatment with unpurified animal charcoal, the cal- 
 careous matter of which combines with the excess of the sulphuric acid, and on cooling 
 the filtrate the same sulphate will crystallize that is obtained by the action of an insuffi- 
 cient quantity of the acid upon an excess of the impure alkaloids. The crystals of the 
 first crop are neither sufficiently white nor free from other cinchona alkaloids, and require 
 to be purified by three or four recrystallizations, when quinine sulphate, being the least 
 soluble of the corresponding salts of the cinchona alkaloids, will crystallize first, leaving 
 the coloring matter in the mother-liquor with the remaining alkaloids. 
 
 Numerous modifications of the processes described have been proposed, and are proba- 
 bly used by the manufacturers of cinchona alkaloids ; and since it is often more econom- 
 ical, in the manufacture of quinine, not to use a costly bark rich in this alkaloid, but rather 
 a cheaper one containing a smaller percentage of quinine, and in addition thereto a larger 
 proportion of the other alkaloids, it is obvious that modifications of the processes will not 
 unfrequently be found necessary. Of late years the so-called cuprea-bark (see page 485) 
 has been extensively employed. 
 
 Instead of exhausting the bark with acidulated water, the natural combination of the 
 alkaloids is sometimes broken up by a base, for which purpose ammonia, soda, and lime 
 have been proposed. The two former remove tannin, kinic acid, cinchona-red, and other 
 colored compounds, but at the same time dissolve a portion of quinine and the other alka- 
 loids. By digesting the bark with lime-water some of the principles mentioned are dis- 
 solved, and the liquid may be utilized for preparing kinic acid ; or milk of lime may be 
 mixed with the powdered bark, and the mixture digested for some time, dried, and pow- 
 dered. It contains then the calcium compounds of kinic acid, etc., which are nearly in- 
 soluble in strong alcohol and methylic and amylic alcohol, either of which solvents may 
 be used in extracting the liberated alkaloids, which are then converted into sulphates and 
 purified as stated above. 
 
 Properties. — Quinine sulphate crystallizes in thin, snow-white, flexible, inodorous, 
 monoclinic needles, which form a loose, voluminous, and easily compressible mass, and have 
 a silky lustre or frequently are somewhat opaque in consequence of superficial efflores- 
 cence. The salt has a persistent and purely bitter taste, and does not affect moist litmus- 
 paper. A drop of a concentrated solution evaporated on the slide of a microscope crystal- 
 lizes in stellate groups of thin needles or spikes. It effloresces rapidly on exposure to 
 warm air, but absorbs moisture in damp air, and when kept over sulphuric acid loses all 
 
Q UININjE S ULPHAS. 
 
 1351 
 
 Fig. 238. 
 
 Quinine Sulphate : microscopic 
 crystals. 
 
 except 2 molecules of water ; the' same loss occurs in dry air at a temperature of 20° to 
 60° C. (122°-174° F.). The remaining water, amounting to 4.60 per cent, of the 
 effloresced salt, is expelled at and above 100° C. (212° F.), and rapidly absorbed again 
 in a damp atmosphere at ordinary temperatures. Quinine sulphate should be kept in 
 well-stoppered bottles, but when these are occasionally opened loss of water is unavoidable, 
 and the salt becomes correspondingly richer in quinine. In the sunlight it acquires a 
 yellowish color. At 160° C. (320° F.) it becomes phos- 
 phorescent on trituration, and at a red heat it is decom- 
 posed, and burns slowly without leaving any residue. It 
 requires, according to Van Heijningen, 740 (according to 
 Jobst and Hesse, 788) parts of water for solution at 10° 
 
 C. (50° F.), and at the boiling temperature about 30 parts. 
 
 The pharmacopoeias state it to be soluble at 15° C. (59° 
 
 F.) in 740 parts ( U. Si), 800 parts ( P . G .), of water and 
 in 65 parts of alcohol ( U S.), and at the boiling temper- 
 ature in about 30 parts ( U. S.), in 25 parts (P. G .) of 
 water, and in 3 parts ( U S.), in 6 parts ( P . G .) of alco- 
 hol. It dissolves in 40 parts of glycerin, 680 parts of 
 chloroform, and is nearly insoluble in ether. When 
 anhydrous it requires 1000 parts of chloroform for solu- 
 tion. Ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, and some 
 other salts increase its solubility in water, while it 
 is less soluble in the presence of sodium sulphate and 
 magnesium sulphate or neutral tartrates. The solubility in water is very materially 
 increased by most acids, owing to the formation of soluble acid salts. The solution in 
 water is not fluorescent, but on the addition of sulphuric acid the characteristic blue 
 fluorescence of quinine salts is observed. On adding to its solution an excess of chlo- 
 rine-water or 2 drops of solution of bromine, followed by ammonia, an emerald-green 
 color is produced ; and if, after chlorine-water, potassium ferrocyanide is added, and 
 then ammonia, the solution turns of a deep-red. (See Quinina.) Dissolved in distilled 
 water, it yields white precipitates with barium nitrate or chloride and with ammonia, 
 the former precipitate being insoluble in hydrochloric acid, while the latter is easily 
 soluble in an excess of the reagent and in about twenty times its weight of ether. It 
 is likewise precipitated by potassa and soda, their carbonates and bicarbonates, by lime- 
 water, tannin, and the other general reagents for alkaloids, and it is incompatible in solu- 
 tion with acetates, tartrates, and with liquids containing iodine (potassium iodide and 
 ferric salts). Its solution in water or dilute acid remains unchanged when kept in the 
 dark, but exposed to sunlight it turns yellowish and brown. Fliickiger (1878) named 
 this brown product quiniretin, and found it to be of the same composition as quinine, but 
 destitute of alkaline reaction, and, though soluble in acids, it is not able to neutralize them, 
 and is not precipitated by tannin ; it has, however, a bitter and somewhat aromatic taste. 
 
 Composition. — The formula of crystallized quinine sulphate has been given 
 above ; it is the one recognized by the pharmacopoeias, and represents (in 100 parts) 74.31 
 anhydrous quinine, 11.24 sulphuric acid, and 14.45 water. It is diquinine sulphate, but 
 was formerly often described as neutral or basic quinine sulphate. On drying the salt 
 
 completely above 100° C. (212° F.) the residue, cooled in 
 a desiccator, weighs theoretically 85.55 per cent., and is 
 required to weigh not less than 85.6 (Pr.), 85 (P. G.), 
 83.8 ( U. S.) parts. The salt crystallizes from water with 
 8H.,0 = 16.18 per cent., which is the water permitted by 
 the IT. S. P., although the formula with 714*0 has been 
 adopted as the correct one. But, according to Kerner 
 (1880), 16 per cent, of water indicates superficially adher- 
 ing moisture, and, according to Jobst and Hesse, the salt 
 should contain at most 7!H*0, or 15.3 per cent. After 
 complete efflorescence the formula is (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 2 - 
 S0 4 .2H 2 0, and a salt of this composition will crystallize 
 from alcohol in white permanent needles ; it contains 
 82.87 per cent, quinine, 12.23 per cent. H 2 S0 4 , and 4.6 
 per cent, water of crystallization. 
 
 Tests. — In examining the purity of quinine sul- 
 phate the following tests are of service : A drop of an aqueous solution of quinine salt 
 
 Quinine Sulphate with KSCy : micro- 
 scopic granules. 
 
1352 
 
 QUININE SULPHAS. 
 
 mixed with a drop of a solution of potassium sulphocyanate will at once become turbid, 
 and under the microscope show a large number of minute globules, which even after a 
 day are not aggregated into groups or crystals. According to Hesse (1878), quinine 
 sulphocyanate is insoluble in solution of potassium sulphocyanate, and more soluble in 
 water than quinine sulphate ; the microscopic test must therefore vary with the quanti- 
 ties used ; he also observed that the minute globules are usually followed in a few minutes 
 by many-rayed stellate groups of needles. The test proposed by Liebig depends upon 
 the greater solubility of quinine in ether as compared with quinidine, cinchonine, and 
 cinchonidine ; modified by Hesse (1878) it is very delicate : 0.5 Gm. of quinine sulphate 
 is well agitated with 10 Cc. of water, warmed to between 50° and 60° C. (122° and 
 140° F.) ; after ten minutes the cooled liquid is filtered and 5 Cc. of it are slowly 
 agitated with 1 Cc. (1 Gm., Rump) of ether and 5 drops of ammonia-water; after the 
 separation of the ether both strata should be clear, even after the expiration of two hours. 
 
 The Br. P. directs to recrystallize 100 gr. of the salt from 5 or 6 oz. boiling water with 
 3 or 4 drops diluted sulphuric acid. Use the mother-liquor for the test just described, 
 and weigh any separated alkaloid, as cinchonidine or cinchonine. Shake the recrystallized 
 salt with ether 1 fl. oz. and ammonia l oz., and add ethereal liquid from preceding test; 
 now shake with caustic soda (10 per cent.) solution 1 fl. oz., adding water if solid matter 
 separates ; wash with ether, heat aqueous liquid to boiling, neutralize exactly with sul- 
 phuric acid, and cool, when cupreine sulphate will crystallize, resulting from the decompo- 
 sition of homoquinine if present. Quinidine is separated as hydriodate from concentrated 
 quinine solution by potassium iodide in the presence of a little alcohol. 
 
 Another test proposed by Hesse has been adopted by the German Pharmacopoeia, as 
 follows: 1 Gm. of quinine sulphate, on being warmed for a short time to between 40° 
 and 50° C. (104° and 122° F.) with 7 Cc. of a mixture composed of 2 volumes of chlo- 
 roform and 1 volume of absolute alcohol, should yield a perfect solution, which should 
 remain clear after cooling. Sulphates of other cinchona alkaloids and various organic and 
 inorganic impurities are thus detected. The following is a similar but less delicate test : 
 
 20 Cc. of absolute alcohol should dissolve 0.2 Gm. of the salt, forming a clear liquid. 
 
 “ Quinine sulphate should not impart more than a faintly yellowish tint to concentrated 
 sulphuric acid (limit of readily carbonizable, organic impurities) nor produce a red color 1 
 with nitric acid (difference from morphine). If 1 Gm. of the salt be dried at a tempera- 
 ture of 115° C. (239° F.) until it ceases to lose weight, the residue should not weigh less 
 than 0.838 Gm. (absence of more than 8 molecules, or 16.18 per cent, of water). If 2 
 Gm. of the salt (which must have been previously ascertained to be strictly neutral to 
 litmus-paper or been rendered so) be dried, as far as possible, at 100° C. (212° F.), the 
 residue then agitated with 20 Cc. of water, and the mixture macerated for half an hour 1 
 at 15° C. (59° F.) with occasional agitation, upon proceeding further as directed under 
 Quinine (see Quinina) the results there given should be obtained (Kerner’s test).” — U. S. 
 
 Medical History. — A knowledge of the curative powers of Peruvian bark was not ■■ 
 due to sagacious prescience or scientific investigation, but to the simple facts that in the } 
 early part of the seventeenth century the Spanish conquerors of Peru learned its virtues 
 from the native Indians, and that the countess of Chinchon was cured by it of a tertian 
 fever. On her return to Spain she employed it on her lord’s estates to cure the peasantry 
 of the same disease (Markham). But learned bigotry condemned what unenlightened 
 savages had discovered, and one religious body zealously spurned a priceless boon that 
 had been introduced by another whose form of faith they derided. About the middle of 
 the seventeenth century a large quantity of the bark was brought from America, and at 
 a great council of the Jesuits at Rome was distributed to its members, who afterward 
 carried it all over Europe ; hence it was called Jesuits’ bark. But it had still to encounter 
 the sneers of the learned and the hate of bigots, and it was not until an English quack 
 succeeded in curing by its means men of high rank that fashion broke down the preju- 
 dices which reason could not remove. Thenceforth cinchona was everywhere applied 
 to the cure of malarial fevers and fevers of a typhoid type, as well as to various other 
 diseases. 
 
 The discovery of the active principles of cinchona, imperfectly made by Duncan in 
 1803, was perfected by Pelletier and Caventou in 1820, as fas as regards quinine and cin- 
 chonine. Quinidine was discovered partially in 1833, but perfectly isolated in 1852. The 
 introduction into practice of quinine and cinchonine dates from 1820-21. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The earlier experimenters with quinine upon the lower animals 
 and upon man concluded that in small doses it acts as a stimulant of the nervous and cir- 
 culatory systems, and in large doses as a direct sedative, producing general muscular and 
 
Q UININJE SULPHAS. 
 
 1353 
 
 cardiac debility, and, when poisonous doses are given, great acceleration of the pulse, 
 coma, and stertorous breathing. After death the lungs and brain were found engorged 
 with blood. Later investigations have confirmed these statements, but have also fur- 
 nished minuter and more extensive information, according to which the action of quinine 
 upon the economy may be described. 
 
 Whatever be the physiological explanation of the fact, there can be no doubt that in 
 the greater number of experiments on man the pulse-rate falls under the full influence 
 of quinine, whether in health or in disease, and that at the same time its force is dimin- 
 ished. This action is generally believed to be attended with a fall of temperature as its 
 necessary consequence ; but, although such is probably the case, it occurs by no means 
 uniformly unless the dose be very large. In the latter case it appears to depend in part 
 and on the one hand upon the slowness, and on the other hand upon the hurried and 
 inefficient character, of the respiratory movements, as well as upon a like action of the 
 heart. (Compare See et Rochefontaine, Archives gen., Mars, 1883, p. 374.) In moderate 
 doses quinine appears to stimulate the trophic centres and quicken tissue-change, but in 
 larger doses it has the opposite effect. This conclusion is founded partly on the diminu- 
 tion of solids in the urine under the influence of quinine. The important sphygmographic 
 experiments of Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi upon a human brain exposed by an opening in 
 the cranium confirms these statements, and prove that “ by a tonic dose of quinine (5 
 grains) the energy of the cardiac systole is increased ; the tonus and elasticity of the 
 walls of the cerebral vessels are also increased, so that the blood is forced rapidly on 
 through the capillaries, thus diminishing the resistance to the cardiac systole. More 
 blood is admitted to the brain, but the intercranial pressure is lessened.” But after a 
 sedative dose of 20 grains there resulted “ diminished energy of the cardiac contractions 
 unfilled cerebral arteries, and great diminution in intercranial pressure.” 
 
 Numerous observations concur in rendering it probable that in very large doses quinine 
 may lessen the coagulability of the blood , and that this effect is sometimes produced by 
 medicinal doses. Cutler and Bradford (1878) found that after a large dose of quinine 
 sulphate there is in health a slight diminution of the red, and a marked increase in the 
 number of the white, corpuscles. Hare (1886) found that in experiments upon himself 
 10 grains of quinine daily in divided doses caused a very considerable increase in the red 
 blood-corpuscles. Binz and Ransonne state that while quinine does not alter the shape or 
 size of the red corpuscles, it lessens their power of absorbing oxygen (Husemann, etc., 
 Die Pflanzenstojfe, 1884, p. 1439). 
 
 When 5 or 6 grains of quinine sulphate are taken by an adult man at a single dose, 
 or two or three times that quantity in the course of twelve hours, there is apt to be some 
 heaviness and confusion of thought, headache, buzzing in the ears, vertigo, and unstead- 
 iness of gait. Larger doses occasion, in addition, a sense of fulness, tension, and pulsa- 
 tion in the head ; the face becomes suffused and animated ; the eyes are bright ; epistaxis 
 sometmes occurs; the patient is restless and agitated, and complains of muscular twitch- 
 ing in the limbs. After several hours these phenomena are followed by some degree of 
 exhaustion and a disposition to sleep, with slight torpor and muscular debility. If as 
 much as 30 grains are given daily for several days, in divided doses, there may be 
 observed great depression, apathy, somnolence, unsteadiness of gait, impaired sight and 
 hearing, and dilatation of the pupils ; the general sensibility is obtuse and the limbs 
 tremulous. If, finally, the dose has been excessive, complete loss of consciousness may 
 occur, the sight and hearing fail, the skin loses its sensibility, and the limbs their power 
 of motion. 
 
 On the respiratory organs the primary action of quinine is stimulant, slightly increasing 
 the rate of breathing. Poisonous doses occasion dyspnoea and noisy respiration, which is 
 also jerking, interrupted, retarded, and finally arrested, death taking place with symptoms 
 of asphyxia. In some cases the sputa have been bloody. 
 
 On the digestive organs small doses of quinine, as of all pure bitters, stimulate the 
 appetite and digestion, but in large and continued doses it irritates the stomach and 
 confines the bowels at first, although it may afterward cause diarrhoea. 
 
 The fact that when quinine cures intermittent fever it also contracts the spleen , if that 
 organ is enlarged, is a familiar one. 
 
 Quinine is excreted with the urine to the extent of at least one-half and increases its 
 amount. When given to a parturient woman it is found in the urine of the new-born 
 child. It sometimes occasions irritation of the urinary passages, causing in different 
 cases sexual excitement, micturition, retention of urine, and even haematuria. If irrita- 
 tion already exists in the bladder, quinine usually appeases it ( Tlierap . Monatsh., iii. 
 
1354 
 
 QUININE SULPHAS. 
 
 128). These facts tend to explain the occasional occurrence of abortion or premature 
 labor in females taking very large doses of quinine for the cure of periodical fevers, par- 
 ticularly when the tendency to the accident is increased by general ill-health or malarial 
 cachexia. There is more reason to apprehend abortion or premature labor from such 
 causes than from the use of moderate doses of quinine, which rather tend to counteract 
 their injurious action. When, under such bad conditions of health, labor sets in with 
 feeble and ineffectual pains, quinine in moderate doses will, like other spinal nerve-stim- 
 ulants, often render the contractions of the uterus more energetic and efficient. That 
 there is no tendency in quinine to bring on contractions in the gravid and quiescent 
 uterus has been proved by abundant experience. Burdel reports several cases which 
 demonstrate that enormous doses of it can be taken without injury to the embryo and 
 without shortening the duration of pregnancy, and is supported by experiments upon 
 animals with young and near the end of gestation. Among the latter must be included 
 the case of a gravid cat that died of direct poisoning by quinine without a sign of labor. 
 A summary of the clinical experience bearing upon this subject has been prepared by 
 Atkinson (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Feb. 1890, p. 139), and it substantially justifies the 
 conclusions now stated. 
 
 Quinine and cinchonine both occasionally produce erythematous or papular eruptions 
 (urticaria, roseola) of the skin, which sometimes are followed by exfoliation of the cuti- 
 cle. A very large number of cases illustrative of this subject have been published in 
 the last few years. 
 
 Quinine in excessive doses may be dangerous, and even fatal to life. A description of 
 the symptoms in one or two cases will include all that is important. In nine hours after 
 3 drachms of quinine sulphate had been taken at a single dose the patient, an adult 
 male, lay motionless and pallid, the fingers were bluish and cold, and the whole surface 
 cool, the respiration slow and suspirious, the pulse regular but slow, and hardly percept- 
 ible, the pupils widely dilated, the sight and hearing almost extinct, and the voice 
 extremely feeble ; the thirst was great, the tongue pale and moist, and the breath cold. 
 In another case (Yorhies, Trans. Amer. Med. Assoc., xxx. 411) a woman threatened with 
 a congestive chill took more than 1300 grains of quinine within three days. On the 
 second day she became blind. A week afterward she was extremely weak, almost pulse- 
 less, and barely able to comprehend questions, but her hearing was only slightly impaired. 
 The face was pale, the conjunctiva anaesthetic, and there was no perception of light. 
 The interior of the eyes showed no trace of blood-vessels. Three months later the con- 
 dition of the eyes was nearly stationary, but the health in other respects was good. The 
 ocular phenomena in this case are similar to those observed by Griming, Michel, and 
 others. It is said that no case of permanent blindness from quinine has been recorded 
 (. Edinb . Med. Jour., xxvii. 942). But J. Marion Sims has related one concerning a lady 
 who took 80 grains in a few hours (A T . Y. Med. Gaz., Oct. 22, 1881). A case is related 
 by Griming ( Med . Record, xviii. 608) in which 80 grains of quinine produced deafness 
 and blindness. The condition of the eye resembled that just described, and vision was 
 not fully regained for several months. Others have been published by Michel and by 
 Knapp (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 1882, p. 616; Practitioner, xlv. 125; Amer. Jour. 
 Med. Sci., Oct. 1890, p. 398). It has been disputed whether the deafness due to quinine 
 is accompanied by an anaemic or a congested state of the internal ear ( Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour., Mar. 1883, p. 220), and the highest authority is upon the side of the 
 latter opinion. It seems singular that the drug should congest the ear and ansemiate 
 the eye. It indeed has been alleged that the eye is congested primarily by the medicine, 
 but of this statement the evidence is insufficient (Boosa, Med. Record , xxiii. 145). 
 Although it has been alleged that no case of death from quinine has occurred (Binz), 
 sudden death was observed in four recorded cases of typhoid fever treated with quinine 
 (Hardy, Archives gen., Jan. 1883, p. 114); another in a case of pneumonia, and one in 
 remittent fever (Baldwin, loc. sup. cit. ) ; two cases also were reported by Kinner of St. 
 Louis (Med. News, lii. 215). One, a child of eight years, died from taking 8 grains of 
 this salt in two doses within three hours. In other cases partial loss of hearing or of 
 sight has followed the use of the medicine, and lasted for several weeks. On the other 
 hand, enormous doses have sometimes been used without any serious consequences. (For 
 further illustration see Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xiii. 433.) 
 
 Sensible physiological effects are seldom observed when the dose of quinine sulphate 
 is less than 4 grains ; those produced by a dose of 6 grains may be expected in about an 
 hour, and by 15 grains in about a quarter of an hour. The duration of the sensible 
 effects is in the direct ratio of the dose administered ; those from 6 to 8 grains may last 
 
QUIN IN M SULPHAS. 
 
 1355 
 
 for two or three hours, and from 15 grains for four or five hours. Larger doses maintain 
 their action for a proportionately longer period. 
 
 Other things being equal, the functional disturbance is of shorter duration in children 
 than in adults, but in old age they are apt to be both more decided and more prolonged. 
 These facts depend probably upon the more rapid elimination of quinine by the kidneys 
 in young than in old persons. It is more operative, in the same dose, in females than in 
 males. Burdel, who studied the action on the new-born child of the milk of a woman 
 who was taking quinine sulphate, states that he has known infants to be fatally poi- 
 soned in this manner. He holds, what is very probable, that the danger is greatest when 
 the medicine is taken upon an empty stomach and during the first four or five months of 
 the infant’s life. lie adds that when it becomes necessary to administer quinine soon 
 after delivery the injurious effects upon the child may be prevented by giving it with the 
 meals, and by emptying the mother’s breast artificially three hours after its administra- 
 tion. Neither Dolan nor Bunge, on the other hand, could find any of the drug in the 
 milk of a nursing woman who was taking it ( Practitioner , xxvi. 57 ; xxvii. 168). 
 
 Like many other medicines, quinine is stimulant in small, but sedative in large doses; 
 but it differs from other stimulants in the duration of its action, which is long sustained, 
 and entitles it to be called a tonic stimulant. In the smallest medicinal doses it is purely 
 tonic, in larger doses stimulant, and in the largest sedative, acting in each case upon the 
 cerebro-spinal nervous system and through the ganglionic nervous system upon the 
 heart. It possibly also modifies the vital elements of the blood, in large doses checking 
 their development. It appears, therefore, that by its combined influence upon the ner- 
 vous system and upon the blood it is capable of restraining all the processes which 
 develop heat, organic changes, and muscular motion. 
 
 The experiments and observations made during the last century gave rise to a belief 
 that cinchona had a special power of correcting or limiting putrefaction and fermentation, 
 and hence it was employed as a specific remedy for all diseases in which these processes 
 were conceived to be taking place in the blood. Among them were the continued and 
 periodical fevers. Modern doctrines regarding these diseases involve a similar idea, and 
 the efficacy of quinine in curing them is attributed to its power of destroying and disin- 
 tegrating vibriones, bacteria, and analogous organisms. It is in fact “ a powerful anti- 
 zymotic ” (Binz). 1 part of quinine dissolved in 20,000 parts of water will in a few 
 minutes begin to enfeeble paramecise, in two hours will destroy their vitality, and in a 
 few hours more cause their disintegration. Quinine retards or arrests the alcoholic and 
 other fermentative processes, including putrefaction and certain morbid ferments. This 
 action it is claimed to possess upon diphtherial exudations and upon the sputa of pul- 
 monary gangrene. Gieseler determined that fresh muscle could be preserved in a solu- 
 tion of 4 of 1 per cent, of quinine sulphate, and Binz that such a solution exhibited more 
 power of preventing the formation of new bacteria than in destroying those already exist- 
 ing. It appears probable that no amount of quinine capable of destroying micro-organ- 
 isms in the blood of man could be taken by him without endangering life. Such, at 
 least, is the conclusion of Vulpian and Bochefontaine, Baxter, Binz, Fickert, and others 
 (Husemann, Die Pjlanzensloffe , 1884, p. 1437). 
 
 There appears to be some difference between quinine and cinchonine in their mode of 
 action. Thus the latter is said to be more poisonous to frogs and dogs than the former. 
 In man also cinchonine sulphate does not so speedily produce buzzing in the ears and 
 disordered action, but, on the other hand, it more constantly occasions, and in smaller 
 doses, a peculiar pain and sense of oppression in the frontal region, distress about the 
 praecordia, subsultus tendinum, general debility, and faintness. 
 
 Malarial Diseases . — The antizymotic doctrine above described is thought to be sup- 
 ported by the power of quinine to prevent and cure malarial diseases, which are assumed 
 to depend directly upon the introduction into the blood either of certain low and 
 extremely minute organisms, or of a specific poison which accumulates in the system and 
 tends to destroy its albuminous elements with the production of fever. This doctrine is 
 at present only probable, perhaps only hypothetical, and yet none other so well explains 
 the fundamental practical rule that the paroxysm of fever is not so much directly pre- 
 vented by the primary action of quinine, whose phenomena are evident, as it is by the 
 curative operation developed hours or even days after those sensible phenomena have 
 disappeared. No medicine which operates simply by exalting or depressing the organic 
 actions so distinctly possesses this peculiarity, which is difficult to comprehend except 
 upon the supposition that its eliminative or antidotal action, and not its dynamical merely, 
 ;is the chief agent in the cure of miasmatic diseases. Moreover, the efficient dose of 
 
 ! 
 
1356 
 
 QUININE SULPHAS. 
 
 quinine in these diseases bears no relation to the sensible effects which it produces ; 
 indeed, in all simple intermittents, and in the great majority of other forms of periodical 
 fevers, the cure is effected without the necessity of inducing the slightest degree of 
 quinine intoxication. It is possible that in addition to the modes of action here alluded 
 to quinine may be curative of malarial diseases by directly supplying to the blood that 
 peculiar constituent upon which animal fluorescence depends, and which is found to be 
 greatly diminished at least in chronic intermittent fever, and to regain its normal propor- 
 tion as the patient renews his health (Rhoads and Pepper, Penna. Hosp. Pep., 1868, p. 
 269 ; Binz, Amer. Jour, of Med. Set., Oct. 1881, p. 552). While, us we think, the 
 specific antidotal power of quinine cannot be refused the chief place in the cure of 
 periodical fevers, we must not lose sight of the fact that they were cured from the 
 beginning of time down to the discovery of cinchona by a great number of agents, and 
 they continue to be so cured even in cases where quinine has failed of its expected effect. 
 
 It is equally certain that periodicity, and not malarial periodicity, is the essential condi- 
 tion of its curing a number of diseases which assume that type, as is more fully set 
 forth in a subsequent paragraph. As stated elsewhere (see. Opium), the association of 
 opium with quinine greatly augments its antiperiodic powers, especially in the acute 
 forms of periodical fevers. 
 
 But whether the salts of cinchona act by modifying the powers of the nervous system 
 or as antidotes to a material morbific cause, they are efficient in 'preventing as well as cur- 
 ing periodical fevers. Their power has been tested in all parts of the world; and it is 
 now certain that a person under the impression of a dose of quinine or cinchonine, even 
 within the limits of sensible cinchonism, may be exposed to malarial influences without 
 danger. Indeed, a dose of from Gm. 0.12-0.30 (2 to 5 grains) once or twice a day has 
 been found sufficient for this purpose. (Compare Graeser, Tlierap. Monatsh. iii. 377). 
 
 Formerly the notion prevailed that in order to render the treatment even of simple 
 periodical fevers efficient the gastro-intestinal tube should be thoroughly cleansed by 
 emetics and cathartics, and that sometimes mercury should be exhibited. Experience ; 
 has proved that these methods, founded upon theory for the most part, are generally 
 unnecessary and sometimes injurious, the conditions they are intended to remove depend- 
 ing mainly upon the malarial poisoning for which quinine is the specific cure. It may, i 
 as a rule, be administered without preliminary medication in the dose of from Gm. ; 
 0.30-0.50 (5 to 8 grains) during the intermission in simple intermittents. The result of 
 a careful observation of different methods of administering the medicine has been clearly 
 to prove that the antifebrile influence of quinine does not coincide with its physiological 
 operation either in time or degree. A period of at least twelve hours should, if possible, ; 
 intervene between the last dose of the medicine and the hour of the expected attack, ( 
 and according to the severity of the paroxysms the dose should be large or small, single j 
 or divided. When once the paroxysms have been arrested, the medicine should be sus- \ 
 pended until twenty-four or thirty-six hours before the seventh day, reckoning from * 
 the beginning of the last paroxysm, when it should be repeated in the original dose, j 
 At the next hebdomadal period it should be prescribed in half the quantity, and still fur- 
 ther diminished in the third week. In congestive intermittents, while it may be necessary 
 sometimes to employ depletion, evacuants, and revulsives and the stimulant shock of the 
 cold dash, these and all other agents are comparatively worthless without quinine. It 
 must be administered to the extent of not less than Gm. 2 (30 grains) during the inter- 
 mission — by the mouth preferably, but if this cannot be, by the rectum, or hypoder- 
 mically, or even intravenously — by the two latter methods in smaller doses. Immediate 
 effects are not to be expected. * 
 
 Haemorrhagic malarial fever is alleged by Dr. McDaniel to be by no means as amen- 
 able to the treatment by quinine as other malarial fevers. From a large basis of obser- 
 vation by himself and others he draws the conclusion, “that quinine is not only not the 
 effective and reliable remedy as is now widely taught, believed, and practised, but that 
 it is, on the contrary, an uncertain, and even a dangerous, agent in this disease, and often 
 seems to determine an unfavorable result ” ( Medical News , xliii. 561). This judgment, 
 which is apparently borne out by the facts adduced in its support, is nevertheless j 
 impugned by Dr. Webb, a colleague of the reporter, who is also in full accord with the I 
 general medical experience of the region in which this disease occurs. Quinine some- j 
 times appears to become efficient when administered hypodermically after its administra- 
 tion by the mouth has failed. 
 
 In remittent fever a preparatory emeto-cathartic treatment appears to be more distinctly 
 indicated by the gastro-hepatic symptoms than in intermittent fever, yet observation 
 
Q U IN IN A? S UL PH A S. 
 
 1357 
 
 proves that in this ease also the local disorders are under the control of the miasmatic 
 poison, and that when it is eliminated or neutralized they cease. If the physician is 
 able to choose his time, the medicine should be administered as soon as the remission 
 sets in, and from Gm. 0.80-1.20 (12 to 18 grains) of quinine should be given in two 
 or three doses at intervals of an hour ; but if the paroxysm has already begun and if 
 the sj'mptoms are urgent, as occurs in the congestive forms of the disease, no time should 
 be lost; the medicine should be administered in doses twice as large as those just named, 
 and at shorter or longer intervals according to the duration of the remission. After con- 
 trol has been obtained over one paroxysm, the medicine may be exhibited in half the 
 original doses, or less, for several periodical revolutions. 
 
 The prevalence of yellow fever in certain localities where periodical fevers also prevail 
 s;ave rise to the grave error that its nature is the same as theirs, and that it may be cured 
 by their specific remed}^. The experience of competent judges has led to the following 
 conclusions : 1. That quinine is not a specific for yellow fever, as it is for periodical fevers 
 of every type ; 2, that in mild cases, which would probably recover under good nursing 
 and an expectant treatment, the medicine may sometimes hasten recovery ; 3, that, on 
 the whole, the results depending upon quinine are no better than — if, indeed, they are 
 as good as — those of the treatment of symptoms which is sanctioned by general experience, 
 and which the skill of the physician must modify to suit the genius of each epidemic of 
 the disease. 
 
 Various inflammatory affections assuming a periodical type under the miasmatic 
 influence are more successfully treated by quinine than by any other means. The more 
 important of such affections are pneumonia and dysentery. In like manner, accidental 
 periodical haemorrhages have ceased under the influence of quinine, including even epistaxis 
 { Bull . de Therap ., xcvii. 373 ; Med. Record , xxi. 541). 
 
 Many functional disorders of the spinal nervous system assume more or less distinctly 
 a periodical type, quite independently of a specific poison. Among these may be enume- 
 rated spasmodic asthma , laryngismus stridulus , whooping cough , periodical palpitation of 
 the heart , hiccough , and, above all, neuralgia. In the last-named disorder, especially of 
 the fifth pair, quinine divides with arsenic the honor of the greatest number of cures, 
 especially in malarial cases and in fevers and other diseases of like origin. Cases of 
 intermittent paralysis of the hemiplegic form, and also of periodical aphonia , have been 
 cured by the same means; but they were miasmatic in nature. In these cases the opera- 
 tion of the remedy was generally stimulant and not sedative, since they were cured by 
 comparatively small doses of quinine. But in some of the above, and still other affections 
 of the nervous system, the cure has been brought about by large or sedative doses of 
 quinine. Quinine was used in the treatment of whooping cough by Binz in 1870, and by 
 Dawson of New York in 1873, but more generally since 1885, when Sauerhering (Bull, 
 de Therap ., cix. 372) gave it in small doses, in a dry powder with sugar, at intervals of 
 two or three days. This method was pursued by Campbell of Montreal {Med. Mews, xlix. 
 301). Others, like Bachem (Centralb. f. d. ldin. Med., 1886) and Michael {ihidi), insuf- 
 flated such powders into the nostrils, or, like Kohlmetz, injected these passages with a 
 strong solution of quinine {Deutsche med. Zeit., 1886) ; while others still gave large and 
 frequent doses of the medicine to the production of intoxication (Parker, Pliilad. Med. 
 Times, xvi. 710). It appears, therefore, that neither the mode of using it nor the dose of 
 quinine has been uniform, and the data are insufficient for determining which one is pref- 
 erable. Whether the medicine acts by destroying the specific cause of whooping cough 
 or by its local action on the naso-pharyngeal mucous membrane is undetermined. The 
 analogy of certain otlrer remedies which have cured this disease appears to favor the 
 latter view — viz. salicylic acid and the salicylates, carbolic acid, the exhalations of gas- 
 works, the bromides, resorcin, nitrate of silver, etc. Hay fever has been treated success- 
 fully with injections into the nasal passages of a warm watery solution of quinine of the 
 strength of from to ^ of 1 per cent. At the same time, it should be given internally in 
 doses of not less than Gm. 0.30 (5 grains) three times a day. 
 
 Hypodermic injections of quinine have been used with alleged, but unproved, advan- 
 tage {Centra/.hl. f. Ther., v. 571). The muscular debility and nervous excitability which 
 often attend the second stage of whooping cough have been treated by bark or quinine 
 ever since the time of Cullen. Quinine has been recommended in influenza, but the proofs 
 of its utility are insufficient. 
 
 The curative effects of quinine in sunstroke are attested by numerous physicians, espe- 
 cially in the East Indies, where this accident is of more frequent occurrence than else- 
 where. It is claimed that, whereas the mortality from heat-apoplexy in that country was 
 
1358 
 
 QUININE SULPHAS. 
 
 formerly more than 50 per cent., the success of the treatment by quinine has been con- 
 stant. The medicine is most effectually administered hypodermically by several punctures, 
 in each of which Grm. 0.10 (1J grains) is introduced. 
 
 The history of the treatment of acute articular rheumatism by cinchona and by quinine 
 is instructive, for it leads one to entertain serious doubts concerning the mode of action 
 of these medicines. More than a century ago bark came into vogue for the cure of 
 rheumatism, and was administered in doses representing not more than 2 or 3 grains of 
 quinine, after depletion, emesis, and purgation. Until the introduction of quinine its 
 efficacy was almost unquestioned, yet nothing can be plainer than that bark as formerly 
 used can produce no such effects as quinine employed according to the fashion of the 
 present day. The former could only act as a stimulant, the latter only as a sedative. 
 This was the first disease in which the modern doctrine of treating febrile affections was 
 applied — a doctrine which would seem to teach that disease is in its phenomena alone, 
 and not in the organic condition out of which they spring. Enormous doses of the 
 medicine were given, even to the amount of 200 grains in one day ; but although far 
 smaller and less poisonous doses were usually administered, and marvellous cures were 
 fully set forth, the common sense of physicians revolted against the method, and it is now 
 practically abandoned. Quinine, however, in tonic doses is of service in that condition 
 of debility which is apt to follow or accompany the use of the most efficient treat- 
 ment for acute articular rheumatism— the alkaline. It prevents the development of the 
 scorbutic cachexia, and an increase of the weakness that denotes a tendency to such a 
 result. It is also indicated, but less strongly, after the treatment by salicylic acid or 
 the salicylates. 
 
 A precisely similar succession and antagonism of opinions to that which has just been 
 sketched occurred in the history of the use of bark in typhus. Originally employed to 
 counteract “ putridity,” it was used beneficially, because it acted as a stimulant, and was 
 combined with other stimulants, as in the famous and still official “ Huxham’s tincture.” 
 
 In more recent times quinine was employed as an antiphlogistic and sedative in very 
 large doses, and not a few witnesses were found to give the most positive testimony in its ! 
 favor. That they were utterly mistaken is now certain. Quinine has not been shown to 
 be of any service in typhus except at the critical stage, when a full tonic dose may ! 
 reduce the pulse and give a favorable turn to the disease. . 
 
 One of the latest and highest authorities in medical science uses the following lan- 
 guage : Quinine does not put an end to an attack of typhoid fever , as it does to one of 
 intermittent fever. In the first-named disease it has no specific operation, but only so 
 
 weakens the putrid ferments that they run their career less destructively When 
 
 quinine is useless, the disease must either have assumed an exceptional and complicated 
 form or the medicine must have been imperfectly administered (Binz). Liebermeister 
 also denies its possessing any specific influence upon the disease or any power to arrest its | 
 
 course. The use of the medicine in typhoid fever rests upon the same erroneous ground ; 
 
 as the employment of other antipyretics — an error which consists in treating fever as if 
 it were absolutely limited by temperature and pulse-frequency, and as if nothing more ' 
 essential lay behind these symptoms of the process. A few physicians continue to believe 
 in the fitness of quinine for the treatment of typhoid fever — e. g. Pecholier ( Bull . de Therap., 
 cx. 479 ; cxii. 349), Hull {Med. News, xlv. 538), and Cleveland {Med. Record , xxx. 561) ; 
 but the preponderance of opinion is entirely opposed to the medication {ibid., p. 581), 
 except in small doses and chiefly as a tonic during the decline of the attack ; and by so 
 high an authority as Jaccoud its use otherwise was pronounced dangerous {Jour, de 
 Med., No. 20, 1888). The worst results of treating typhoid fever with quinine sul- 
 phate appear to be explicable by the large doses of it administered, as much as 35 or 40 
 grains for an adult man having been given in three or four doses within less than an hour. 
 
 In December, 1882, Hardy called the attention of the Paris Academy of Medicine to the 
 fact that within three months four cases of sudden death had occurred in the hospitals 
 among patients treated with large doses of quinine {Archives gen. de Med., Jan. 1883, p- 
 114). It is also greatly to be apprehended that a portion of the quinine may reach and 
 irritate the intestinal ulcers and increase the risk of perforation, one of the gravest dan- 
 gers of the disease. The uselessness and occasional danger of large doses of the drug 
 led Bobin to recur to the original method of using it — that is, as a tonic. He recom- 
 mends two doses only in the twenty-four hours, each from 4 to 6 grains {Archives gen., 
 Jan. 1888, p. 19). 
 
 What has been said concerning typhus and typhoid fever is equally applicable to 
 puerperal fever , scarlet fever , small-pox, and erysipelas. There is very little doubt that 
 
QUININE SULPHAS. 
 
 1359 
 
 tonic and stimulant doses of quinine are serviceable in them, and that sedative doses of 
 the medicine are mischievous. In each affection it is useful in proportion as the symp- 
 toms assume a typhoid character ; thus it is advantageous in all cases of septicaemia, 
 whether arising from primary blood diseases or from traumatic causes, but in this, as in the 
 other affections enumerated, only in small and repeated doses. It has even been employed 
 before and after surgical operations to prevent septicaemia , but evidently its influence, if 
 any, would be extremely difficult to determine. This medicine has also been alleged t'o 
 be more efficacious than any other in the radical treatment of diphtheria , but as yet satis- 
 factory clinical proof of the statement has not been furnished. As a tonic in this disease 
 its utility is generally recognized. The same may be said of its use in the treatment of 
 asthenic pneumonia , and of hectic fever from whatever cause it may arise. In the num- 
 erous allied cases also of profuse sweating connected with general debility from exhaust- 
 ing diseases, whether during their progress or following their active symptoms into con- 
 valescence, quinine, especially with aromatic sulphuric acid, is one of the most reliable 
 remedies that can be employed. 
 
 We have not in the preceding paragraphs alluded to the employment of quinine sul- 
 phate in purely inflammatory diseases — those of all others, one would suppose, which 
 would illustrate the sedative virtues of the medicine. But neither in meningitis, pleu- 
 ritis, pericarditis, or peritonitis, nor in any mucous inflammation, does it appear to have 
 been put to the test. There remains pneumonia , which has long been the piece de resist- 
 ance upon which the virtues of active medicines have been tested. It has not escaped 
 the administration of heroic doses of quinine. In Stockholm, Jurgensen (1871) stated 
 that in a series of 200 consecutive cases twenty-four were fatal, or a mortality of 12 per 
 cent. But his own statistics of the same city for 1851, when certainly the quinine treat- 
 ment had not been devised, present a mortality of only 9.8 per cent., and in five of the 
 sixteen years from 1840-55 the mortality was less than 12 per cent. This distinguished 
 physician gave “in highly febrile states to an adult Gm. 5 (77 grains), and to a child 
 under one year Gm. 1 (15 grains), and always in one dose.” It is very desirable that a 
 medicine as precious and costly as quinine should not be squandered, and it certainly 
 seems to be wasted when it is administered so profusely and with no better results than 
 these. In this country a similar, but a somewhat less extreme, method has been recom- 
 mended by Palmer (1877), who gave, as near as possible to the beginning of the attack, 
 from 6 to 10 grains of quinine with from 1 to i grain of morphine, repeating the quinine 
 in doses of from 4 to 8 grains once in from two to three hours, and continuing them until 
 from 30 to 50, and sometimes 60, grains were given. Of this treatment we are told : 
 “ The effects desired, and certainly as a rule produced, are a decided reduction of tem- 
 perature, a marked diminution in the frequency of the pulse, a decided moisture of the 
 skin or free sweating, a slower and more easy respiration, or relief from pain and the 
 feeling of fulness of the chest, a diminution of the cough and of the tenacious and 
 bloody character of the expectoration ; and, in short, not only is there a checking of the 
 fever, but of all evidences, general and local, of the pulmonary engorgement and inflam- 
 mation.” These are very remarkable effects, and the statement of them would have 
 acquired a much higher value if it had also included the number of cases for which the 
 treatment was used, the ages of the patients, the type and grade of the disease, its mor- 
 tality-rate, and the other remedies besides quinine and morphine that were employed. 
 Another physician declares that the doses must be “ large, very large ” {Jour. Am. Med. 
 As.s\, vii. 119) ; Lockie has “ great faith in doses of 10 grains at night and 5 in the morn- 
 ing” ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxxi. 421); while Atkinson claims equally good effects with 
 doses of only 2 grains every two, three, and four hours ( Practitioner , xxxv. 262) ; and 
 Ripley found quinine “ a feeble and uncertain antipyretic in pneumonia, as well as liable 
 to occasion anorexia, nausea, vomiting, cardiac weakness, cold perspiration, etc.” (Med. 
 Record , xxxi. 113). In fact, there is little attempt made by reporters to indicate the 
 special conditions (except hyperpyrexia) which call for the drug or a particular dose of 
 it, and no adequate evidence that it is useful in any case to determine the issue of the 
 disease. 
 
 In close pathological relation with the above-mentioned asthenic states are numerous 
 local affections in which quinine is of great value. Such are scrofulous ulcers and abscesses, 
 scrofulous inflammations of the eye, chronic mucous fluxes of the pharynx, larynx, bron- 
 chia, stomach, bowels, and urinary organs. It is one of the best remedies for scarlatinous 
 and other forms of albuminuria , especially when it is associated with tincture of chloride 
 of iron. 
 
 In auditory vertigo (mal de Meniere) the persistent use of quinine has in several cases 
 
1360 
 
 QUININE SULPHAS. 
 
 removed the complaint entirely. Charcot, who proposes this method, insists on the 
 administration of 10 or 12 grains of quinine daily for at least a month, although it is apt 
 at first to aggravate the symptoms, and then the resumption of the medicine after its 
 suspension for a week or two (Med. Record , xviii. 602 ; Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., iii. 97). 
 Meniere himself found that it lessened or removed the vertigo and modified the deafness, 
 but he does not profess that quinine, more than any other medicine, is a cure for the dis- 
 ease ( Monthly Abstract , July, 1881, p. 407). These results are confirmed by Fere and 
 Demars (Bull, de Therap ., cii. 133). Although quinine has no power of originating con- 
 tractions in the gravid uterus, it undoubtedly during slow labor , with insufficient expul- 
 sive pains and an exhausted condition of the system, revives the uterine energy, favors 
 the rapid and safe termination of labor, and tends to prevent exhausting haemorrhages. 
 
 A dose of Gm. 0.30-0.60 (5 to 10 grains) may be repeated every half-hour or hour. Le 
 Diberder claims that quinine sulphate in the dose Gm. 0.36 (6 grains) twice a day is 
 an efficient remedy for fissures of the nipples , and that no active local treatment need be 
 employed at the same time. 
 
 A solution of quinine of the strength of Gm. 0.13—0.20 in Gm. 32 (2 or 3 grains in an 
 ounce) of water has been used with advantage as an injection for gonorrhoea. Probably 
 by a similar mode of action it has been found to greatly relieve the tenesmus attending 
 micturition in cases of vesical catarrh and villous growths near the neck of the bladder, 
 whether injected into that organ or administered by the mouth. It will be remembered 
 how large a proportion of quinine sulphate is eliminated with the urine. Most proba- 
 bly it acts both substitutively and by limiting the putrefaction of the mucus in the blad- 
 der. It has also been injected into the pleural cavity in cases of empyema , and applied 
 as a dressing to ulcers and suppurating sinuses. A solution of 4 grains to the ounce has 
 been applied with alleged advantage in the treatment of pseudo-membranous conjunctivitis 
 (Tweedy, Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci ., Apr. 1882, p. 592). A strong solution of the salt 
 is said to relieve pruritus ani and pruritus vulvse. In these cases there is no sufficient 
 reason for believing that it acts otherwise than as a substitutive irritant. 
 
 Warburg’s Tincture is the name of a preparation which was for a long time famous • 
 as a nostrum, the secret of which was obtained by Prof. Maclean of the Army Medical 
 School in England. This distinguished physician had on many occasions witnessed the 
 efficacy of the medicine in India when quinine had proved unavailing. Its composition 1 
 is as follows : R. Aloes (Socot.) lb.j ; Rad. rhei (chinens.), Sem. angelicae. Confect. Damo- 
 cratis, aa ^iv ; Rad. helenii (s. enulse), Croci sativi, Sem. fceniculi, Cretse ppt., aa ^ij ; 
 Rad. gentianae, Rad. zedoariae, Pip. cubebae, Myrrhae elect., Camphorae, Bolet. laricis, aa 
 ^j. These ingredients are to be digested with 500 ounces of proof spirit in a water-bath for 
 twelve hours; then expressed, and 10 ounces of quinine disulphate added to the mix- 
 ture. which is then replaced in the water-bath until all the quinine is dissolved. The j 
 liquor when cool is to be filtered, and is then fit for use. The tincture is administered in j 
 the following manner : “ Half an ounce (half a bottle) is given alone without dilution, 
 after the bowels have been evacuated by any convenient purgative, all drink being with- 
 held. In three hours the other half of the bottle is administered in the same way. Soon j 
 afterward, particularly in hot climates, profuse but seldom exhausting perspiration is 
 induced. This has a strong aromatic odor, which is often detected about the patient and 
 his room on the following day. With this there is a rapid decline of temperature and 
 an immediate abatement of frontal headache — in a word, complete defervescence — and it 
 seldom happens that a second bottle is required ; if so, the dose must be repeated as 
 above.” To the anticipated objection that, after all, the compound is “merely quinine 
 concealed in a farrago of inert substances,” the reply of I)r. Maclean is : “I have treated 
 remittent fevers of every degree of severity contracted in the jungles of the Deccan and 
 Mysore and at the base of mountainous ranges in India, on the Coromandel coast, in the 
 pestilential highlands of the northern division of the Madras Presidency, on the malarial 
 rivers of China, and in men brought to Nettley Hospital from the swamps of the Gold 
 Coast, and I affirm that I have never seen quinine, when given alone, act in the manner 
 characteristic of this tincture. And although I yield to no one in my high opinion of 
 the inestimable value of quinine, I have never seen a single dose of it given alone, to the 
 extent of 9^ grains, suffice to arrest an exacerbation of remittent fever, much less pre- 
 vent its recurrence ; while nothing is more common than to see the same quantity of the 
 alkaloid in Warburg’s tincture bring about such results (Med. Times and Gaz ., Nov. 1855, 
 p. 540). _ 
 
 The dose of quinine sulphate as a tonic is Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) three or four times a day. 
 More than this is likely to act as a sedative rather than as a tonic. In simple intermit- 
 
QUININE VALERIANAS. 
 
 1361 
 
 tent or mild remittent fever 6m. 0.40-0.50 (gr. vj-viij) are sufficient to avert the par- 
 oxysm ; in severer cases of these affections the dose must be raised to Gm. 1-1.30 (gr. 
 xv-xx), and in those of a malignant type to Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx), given, in both of the 
 latter cases, in divided doses. In all cases of periodical fever it should be administered 
 as long as possible before the expected paroxysm , and generally in regular types as soon 
 after a paroxysm as the stomach is able to retain it. The absorption of the quinine will 
 be hastened by the previous administration of purgatives, of which combinations of rhu- 
 barb and aloes are the best. Intermittent neuralgia requires doses sufficient to produce 
 the physiological effects of the medicine in a marked degree, and the same is true of the 
 various febrile and inflammatory affections in which the medicine is intended to produce 
 sedation. 
 
 The most usual and efficient mode of administering quinine sulphate in small doses 
 is in solution, rendered more perfect and stable by the addition of aromatic sulphuric 
 acid in the proportion of 1 drop of the acid to each grain of the sulphate. It is also 
 administered in powder enveloped in a wafer or in a thick mucilage, white of egg, or 
 jelly, or in pills coated with sugar, gelatin, or gold or silver leaf, in capsules, or, finally, 
 in the form of compressed lenticular pills of quinine disulphate. In all of these forms 
 the concentrated action of the medicine upon the stomach tends to irritate it, and hence 
 the solution already mentioned should be preferred. Its bitter taste may be masked by 
 the addition of a little chloroform, and the mixture should be flavored with syrup or tinc- 
 ture of orange-peel, with extract of liquorice, or with syrup or fluid extract of liquorice- 
 root. Tannic acid has been used to mitigate the bitterness of quinine in solution; it does 
 so, indeed, but at the expense of rendering the medicine almost inert by forming with it 
 a tannate. Moreover, it contains but 42 per cent, of quinine, whereas the sulphate con- 
 tains 73.5 per cent, and the hydrochlorate 82 per cent. The last-mentioned salt is much 
 less stable than the sulphate, but when freshly prepared is preferable on account of its 
 superior solubility. It is a convenient associate for tincture of iron chloride in solu- 
 tion. Quinine sulphate or bisulphate is better tolerated in malarial fevers when given 
 in solutions of potassium tartrate or ammonium chloride. Spirit of nitrous ether is said 
 to dissolve “ quinine ” in the proportion of about 2 drachms of the latter to an ounce of 
 the former. By the rectum quinine sulphate may be exhibited in the same doses and 
 with nearly the same effect as by the mouth, provided it be given in watery solution. 
 Probably the muriate is to be preferred for this purpose. Suppositories of quinine sul- 
 phate are irritating. Potassium iodide is chemically incompatible with quinine sulphate ; 
 iodine is set free. 
 
 The hypodermic injection of a solution of quinine sulphate has been extensively 
 practised, but its tendency to cause pain, inflammation, abscess, gangrene, and even fatal 
 tetanus (Ady ; Harris, Therap. GazAx. 698; ibid. , p. 133) more than counterbalances the 
 advantages derived from the facility of its administration and the promptness of its effect. 
 The risks alluded to should restrict the use of this method to cases in which delay may 
 be dangerous. It is claimed that if the solution be throw r n into loose subcutaneous con- 
 nective tissue, this accident is not apt to occur, but sufficient proof of this claim is want- 
 ing. The addition of tartaric acid to a solution of the bisulpliate is said to render it less 
 irritating. The quinine bromohydrate is very soluble in water, and is alleged to be 
 entirely unirritating, and therefore to be well adapted for hypodermic use. It contains a 
 larger proportion of quinine than the sulphate. It was, however, the use of this very 
 preparation that caused death in a case above referred to. The oleate is also appropriate 
 for this mode of administration, and the hydrochlorate is even more so. (See Quinin^e 
 Hydrochloras.) The dose for hypodermic injection of quinine sulphate may be 
 stated at from 2 to 4 grains. The intravenous injection of quinine muriate dissolved by 
 means of sodium chloride has been proposed by Boulli ( Centralbl. f. Ther ., viii. 20). 
 
 QUININE VALERIANAS, 77. S. — Quinine Valerianate. 
 
 Qmniee valeric mas. Chininum valerianicum . — Valerianate de quinine , Fr. ; Baldriansaures 
 Chinin , G. 
 
 Formula C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 .C 5 H 10 O 2 .H 2 O. Molecular weight 443.07. 
 
 Quinine valerianate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a dark place. — JJ. S. 
 Preparation. — Wittstein (1845) gives the following directions: Dissolve 1 part of 
 valerianic acid in 60 parts of water ; add to the solution 3 parts of quinine (recently pre- 
 cipitated alkaloid is preferable) ; heat the mixture to near boiling, filter when neutral and 
 while hot, and set aside in a cool place. After several days decant the mother-liquor, 
 
 86 
 
1362 
 
 QUIN IN jE VALERIANAS. 
 
 evaporate at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), and dry the salt at a very 
 moderate temperature. At a higher temperature the solution separates oily drops, which 
 on cooling form an amorphous resinous mass dissolving with difficulty in water. 
 
 The salt was medicinally employed in 1843 by Castiglioni, and was in the same year 
 prepared by Lucien Bonaparte from the sulphate by decomposing it with a valerianate. 
 Stalmann (1868) used for this purpose sodium valerianate ; the quinine salt is taken up 
 with alcohol. 
 
 Properties. — Quinine valerianate crystallizes in colorless, pearly, rhomboidal tables 
 or in white triclinic needles having a weak odor of valerianic acid, a bitter somewhat 
 valerian-like taste, and a neutral reaction. The salt dissolves in 100 parts of cold 
 and 40 parts of boiling water, in 5 parts of cold and 1 part of boiling 80 per cent, 
 alcohol, and is easily soluble in ether (Wittstein). On adding dilute sulphuric acid to 
 the aqueous solution it becomes fluorescent, and the odor of valerianic acid is rendered 
 more apparent. Ammonia gives a white precipitate soluble in an excess of the precipi- 
 tant and in ether, and with chlorine-water and ammonia an emerald-green color is pro- 
 duced. The salt is permanent in the air; it melts at 90° C. (194° F.), forming a color- 
 less liquid. When strongly heated on platinum-foil it is decomposed, and burns slowly 
 without leaving any residue. At 100° C. (212° F.) it loses its water of crystallization 
 and also begins to lose valerianic acid. 
 
 The aqueous solution of the salt is neutral, or has a slightly alkaline reaction upon 
 litmus-paper. The aqueous solution, when acidulated with sulphuric acid, exhibits a blue 
 fluorescence and emits the odor of valerianic acid. 
 
 Composition. — Wittstein obtained nearly 5 parts of valerianate from 3 parts of 
 quinine, and determined the water to be over 23 per cent. = 12H 2 0, and the quinine to 
 be 51.355 per cent. L. Bonaparte regarded the loss in weight, ascertained by fusing the 
 salt, to be water, and suggested the above formula. Stalmann, by elementary analysis, 
 found the crystallized salt to yield carbon, corresponding with the formula c 20 h 24 n 2 o 2 , 
 C 5 H 10 O 2 (mol. weight 425.11), equal to 76.06 per cent, of anhydrous quinine. 
 
 Tests. — l ' On treating 10 Cc. of an aqueous solution (about 1 in 1300) of the salt with 
 2 drops of bromine test-solution, and then with an excess of ammonia-water, the liquid will 
 acquire an emerald-green color. With proper adjustment of the reagents, more dilute i 
 solutions will show a paler tint, while more concentrated ones will acquire a deeper color 
 or throw down a green precipitate. 
 
 The aqueous solution should remain clear or become merely turbid (produce not more 
 than a slight precipitate ( U. JS.) on the addition of test-solution of barium chloride. 
 
 The precipitate occasioned by ammonia-water should be readily dissolved on adding an 
 excess of the latter (absence of cinchonine). The salt is tested for fixed impurities by i 
 incineration, for ammonia salt by lime or potassa, and for organic impurities, morphine ) 
 
 and other alkaloids, by strong sulphuric and nitric acid, as described under Quinine \ 
 
 Sulphas. 
 
 Other Salts of Quinine. — Quinine acetas. Quinine acetate crystallizes in long white needles > 
 on mixing hot solutions of quinine sulphate (17 parts of the effloresced salt) and sodium acetate 
 (6 parts), and allowing to cool. It is sparingly soluble in cold water, but freely soluble in boil- 
 ing water and in dilute acids. It contains 84 per cent, of quinine. 
 
 Quinine arsenas. Quinine arsenate, (C 20 II 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 II 3 AsO 4 .8H 2 O. It is obtained in long white 
 prisms bv saturating a hot solution of arsenic acid with quinine. The salt is freely soluble in hot 
 but sparingly soluble in cold water, and contains 74 per cent, of quinine and 10.6 per cent, of 
 As 2 ° 5 . 
 
 Quinine arsenis. Quinine arsenite, (C 20 ri 24 N 2 O 2 ) 3 II 3 AsO 3 .3II 2 O. Adler (1879) proposed the 
 following process : 1 part of silver arsenite (prepared from sodium arsenite and silver nitrate) is 
 mixed with 3 parts of quinine hydrochloride, and the mixture digested for a day with 70 per 
 cent, alcohol. On spontaneous evaporation the salt crystallizes in white needles which are 
 slightly soluble in water, but dissolve in 15 parts of cold and 6 of boiling alcohol, in 8 parts of 
 chloroform, in 25 parts of ether, and in 20 parts of benzene. 
 
 Quinine benzoas. Quinine benzoate, C 20 I! 24 N 2 O 2 .C 7 H 6 O 2 . It is obtained by dissolving 3 parts 
 of benzoic acid and 8 parts of quinine in hot alcohol and crystallizing. It forms small prisms con- 
 taining 72.6 per cent, of quinine and requiring at 10° C. (50° F.) 373 parts of water for solution. 
 
 Quinine citras. Quinine citrate. On saturating a warm solution of citric acid, or on decom- 
 posing a solution of quinine hydrochlorate by a solution of sodium citrate acidulated with citric 
 acid, the salt, (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 .O 6 H 8 O 7 .7H 2 O, is obtained. It crystallizes from boiling water in small 
 white prisms which at 12° C. (53.6° F.) require 806 parts of water for solution, and which contain 
 67.08 per cent, of quinine. The monobasic salt has a strongly acid reaction, and at 15° C. requires 
 650 parts, and at 100° C. 38.5 parts, of water for solution. 
 
 Quinine lactas crystallizes in silky needles on evaporating a solution of quinine in lactic 
 acid ; it is soluble in water and alcohol. 
 
Q UININJE V A LERI A NA S. 
 
 1363 
 
 Quinine phenyl-sulphas. Phenylated (carbolated) quinine sulphate, (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 SO 3 C 6 II 6 O.- 
 2H..0. 10 parts of crystallized quinine sulphate are dissolved in boiling water or in alcohol, and 
 
 an equivalent quantity (nearly 1 part) of carbolic acid is added to the solution. The salt contains 
 75.5 per cent, of quinine, crystallizes in needles, and, after having been washed with ether and 
 recrystallized, has neither the odor nor caustic taste of phenol 5 is insoluble in ether and chloro- 
 form, but dissolves freely in alcohol and in a mixture of 2 volumes of chloroform to 1 of strong 
 alcohol, and is more freely soluble in water than the sulphate, but is nearly insoluble therein in 
 the presence of free phenol. 
 
 Quinine phosphas. (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 3 PO 4 .8II 2 O. Quinine phosphate may be prepared by dis- 
 solving quinine in warm dilute phosphoric acid or by decomposing quinine hydrochlorate with 
 sodium phosphate. It crystallizes from hot water in long silky needles which require at 10° C. 
 (50° F.) 784 parts of water for solution, and contain 75.85 per cent, of quinine. 
 
 Quinine quixas. Quinine kinate (quinate) may be prepared by decomposing barium kinate 
 with quinine sulphate and evaporating. H. Collier, who recommended it (1878) for hypodermic 
 use, describes it as bei ig amorphous, of neutral reaction, and freely soluble in water. A con- 
 venient strength of the solution is 1 part of the salt in 4 of the liquid. 
 
 QtuxiXiE salicylas. Quinine salicylate is obtained as a curdy precipitate by double decompo- 
 sition between quinine hydrochloride and ammonium salicylate. The salt dissolves in 225 parts 
 of water, in 120 parts of ether, and in 20 parts of alcohol, and crystallizes from the alcoholic 
 solution in anhydrous prisms. 
 
 Quinine sulphovixas. Carles (1878) prepares the neutral salt by dissolving 16.6 parts of 
 sodium sulphovinate and 42.8 parts of quinine sulphate, the former in 200, the latter in 600, parts 
 of alcohol, mixing the solutions, filtering from the precipitated sodium sulphate, and evapor- 
 ating. It crystallizes with difficulty in prisms, dissolves in 3 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), 
 in a less amount of alcohol, and dissolves likewise in acetic ether and glycerin, but not in strong 
 ether or benzene. 
 
 QuixiXiE taxxas, Chininum tannicum. It is produced by adding a solution of 2 parts of tan- 
 nin in 30 parts of cold water to a solution of 1 part of quinine sulphate in the same amount of 
 water, with the aid of some sulphuric acid. It is a pale-yellow, amorphous, bitter, and somewhat 
 astringent powder, which is slightly soluble in cold alcohol and water and melts when introduced 
 into boiling water. By modifying the process so as to use water at a temperature not exceeding 
 70° C. (158° F.), using sulphuric acid barely sufficient to dissolve the quinine salt, washing the 
 precipitate with water, and drying it at the ordinary temperature, tasteless quinine tannate 
 is obtained, according to A. Bernick (1878). In testing it Jobst (1878) recommends a weighed 
 portion to be mixed with milk of lime, the mixture to be dried and exhausted with chloroform, 
 on the evaporation of which the cinchona alkaloids are left behind. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Quinine valerianate, which is very unstable and often falsi- 
 fied, has no special therapeutic virtues which entitle it to an official rank. It has been 
 vaunted in nervous headache and other neuralgise of the nerves of the head, face, and 
 chest, and even in hysteria and epilepsy. When the joint actions of valerian and of qui- 
 nine are desired, it is better to associate the quinine sulphate or some other prepara- 
 tion of cinchona — quinetum, for instance — with the oil or the fluid extract of valerian, or 
 to prescribe these substances separately. The dose of quinine valerianate is Gm. 0.06— 
 
 012 (g r - j-ij)- 
 
 Quinine Tannate. Briquet relates that Barriswill, acting on the notion that in 
 cinchona the union of bitter principles with quinine renders the latter less stimulating, 
 combined tannic acid with it, so as to make a sort of artificial cinchona in a small bulk. 
 But as this tannate contains but 40 per cent, of quinine and is very insoluble, the proba- 
 bility is that its action must be feeble. And so Briquet found it on clinical trial. He 
 estimated its power at about one-eighth or one-sixth of that of the sulphate, and found 
 that it dissolved very slowly in the stomach, is a weak febrifuge, cannot be used when 
 large doses of quinine are needed, and indeed is suitable only for nervous affections and 
 as a substitute for bark itself, and, finally, that its dose must be three times as large as 
 that of the quinine sulphate ( Traite du Quinquina , 2eme ed., p. 515). Strangely, it 
 afterward came to be recommended for its very lack of bitterness, although it was well 
 known that this quality depended on its slight solubility (Becker, 1880), and several 
 German physicians lauded its virtues in whooping cough , as already stated (see Quinin^e 
 Sulphas), but overlooked the fact that even better results have been attributed to quinine 
 sulphate. Probably the internal use of quinine sulphate and the application of a solu- 
 tion of tannin to the fauces and larynx would best secure the benefits of both medicines. 
 
 Quinine salicylate is charged with producing haemorrhage of the internal ear. The 
 lactate is very soluble, and therefore suitable for hypodermic administration. It has been 
 employed as an injection for gonorrhoea. Quinine biborate is pronounced by Hagens 
 to be superfluous ( Zeitschrift f. Min. Med., xii. 265). Finkler and Prior ascribe to it 
 antithermic powers, but admit that it is slow in exhibiting them ( Deutsche med. Woch- 
 ensch ., No. 6, 1884). 
 
1364 
 
 RANUNCUL US.— RESINA. 
 
 RANUNCULUS.— Crowfoot. 
 
 Buttercups , E. ; Renoncule, Fr. ; Hahnenfuss , Gr. ; Ranunculo , Sp. 
 
 Ranunculus bulbosus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculacese. 
 
 Origin. — The bulbous crowfoot grows in grassy fields and along roadsides throughout 
 Europe, and has been naturalized in North America. It flowers from April or May till 
 July or August. 
 
 Description. — The stem of this species is enlarged at its base to a depressed globu- 
 lar tuber, which has the appearance of a tunicated bulb from the broad sheathing bases 
 of the leaf-stalks. The radical leaves are, like the entire plant, hairy, long-petiolate, ter- 
 nate, the lateral divisions sessile, the terminal one stalked, and all of a subrhomboid shape, 
 three-cleft, toothed and wedge-shaped at the base. The stem-leaves are similar, but on 
 shorter petioles. The flowers have a reflexed calyx and roundish, wedge-shaped, glossy 
 yellow petals, and produce globular heads of obovate akenes having a short curved beak. 
 The plant is inodorous, but has a strongly acrid taste, which it loses after drying. 
 
 Allied Species. — All species of Ranunculus and some allied genera appear to possess more or 
 less the acridity of the above. The following European and North American species have occa- 
 sionally been used : 
 
 Ran. repens, LinnA. It resembles the preceding, but is without the bulbous base, produces 
 long runners, has the divisions of the leaves stalked, a spreading calyx, and the akenes margined 
 and furnished with a rather straight beak. 
 
 Ran. acris, Linn6. It differs from the creeping crowfoot in being taller and without runners, 
 and in having the divisions of the leaves all sessile. 
 
 Ran. sceleratus, Linne. It is very variable in size, smooth, with a hollow stem, roundish- 
 reniform, three-cleft, and lobed or toothed leaves, small pale-yellow flowers, and oblong heads 
 of ovate and short pointed akenes. 
 
 Constituents. — On distilling fresh crowfoot with water Braconnot (1818) obtained 
 an acrid distillate having a radish-like odor and separating on standing thin glossy scales ; 
 the distillate of Ran. repens was not acrid. The acrid principle of Ran. sceleratus was 
 found by 0. L. Erdmann (1859) to be a golden-yellow volatile oil, which is readily 
 changed into anemonin and anemonic acid. (See Pulsatilla.) Basiner (1881) observed 
 that petroleum benzin does not extract this yellow oil from the distillate, but that this is 
 dissolved by benzene and by ether ; it may be extracted from the fresh plant by glacial 
 acetic acid, and removed from this solution by agitation with the liquids named ; caustic 
 alkalies decompose the oil and destroy its acrid-narcotic action. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Several of the numerous species of Ranunculus possess the 
 same qualities as R. bulbosus. In its fresh state every part of the plant contains an 
 acrid juice, and the bruised leaves, stems, and flowers applied to the skin occasion redness 
 and vesication, and, if the action is prolonged, ulceration and even gangrene. It is stated 
 that in Europe this plant was used by beggars to produce sores for the purpose of excit- 
 ing pity and procuring alms. They cured their sores by means of mullein-leaves (Ver- 
 bascum thapsus). The oil of R. sceleratus acts as an acrid narcotic, producing, in small 
 doses, stupor and slow respiration, in larger doses also paralysis of the posterior and ante- 
 rior extremities, and before death general convulsions. After death are found gastritis 
 and cortical hypergemia of the kidneys (Basiner, Amer. Jour, of Phar ., March, 1882, p. 
 130). The bruised fresh plant (R. bulbosus) has been applied as a counter-irritant for 
 the relief of chronic affections of the larynx and bronchia , but more particularly of chronic 
 rheumatism and sciatica. It may still be so employed where other irritants are not at 
 hand. It is not used internally. The bruised fresh flowers and buds of R. acris have 
 been applied for similar purposes. They cause redness of the skin in about an hour, 
 with painful swelling, and later on discrete and thin confluent blisters, which require ten 
 to fifteen days to heal (Froelich, Centralbl. f. d. ges. Therap ., iv. 465). 
 
 RESINA, U. S . 9 Br.— Resin. 
 
 Colophonium , P. Gr. — Rosin , Colophony , E. ; Colophone, Arcanson , Fr. Cod.; Kolopho- 
 nium, Geigenharz , Gr. ; Colofonia , Fez griega , Sp. 
 
 The residue left after distilling off the volatile oil from turpentine. 
 
 Preparation. — The manner in which rosin is obtained is briefly described on page 
 1157. The color depends in a great measure on the degree of heat used in its manufac- 
 ture. From a communication of I. Zacharias (1877), however, it appears that the amount 
 
EE SIN A COPAIBAE. 
 
 1365 
 
 of resin in turpentine increases with the age of the tree, and that the residuary product 
 of the distillation becomes darker in color, probably in consequence of the greater heat 
 employed in distilling off the oil. 
 
 Properties. — Rosin is a very brittle, pulverizable, transparent, or translucent resin, 
 having about the density 1.070-1.080, breaking with a glossy and shallow conchoidal 
 fracture, nearly tasteless and of a faint terebinthinate odor. It varies in color from a 
 pale amber to a dark red-brown, and is distinguished in commerce by the shade of its 
 color, the darkest being called black rosin. For pharmaceutical purposes the amber- 
 colored variety is used. White rosin is a light-colored variety which is rendered opaque 
 by containing water, on the gradual evaporation of which it becomes translucent. It dis- 
 solves readily in ether, chloroform, alkalies, and in the volatile and fixed oils ; at 60° C. 
 (140° F.) it is slowly soluble in its own weight of alcohol or of glacial acetic acid. It 
 softens at the heat of a water-bath, melts completely above 100° C. — some varieties at 
 about 135° C. (275° F.) — and at a higher heat burns with a dense yellow and sooty 
 flame. When heated to above 200° C. (392° F.) it may be distilled apparently unchanged, 
 with a current of superheated steam, but on dry distillation it yields rosin oil , which con- 
 tains colophene (see page 1176), various hydrocarbons, and other products holding rosin 
 in solution. Among the lower-boiling fractions of this rosin oil Kelbe and Warth (1882) 
 have recognized caproic, isobutyric, oenanthylic, and other acids of the formula C n H 2n 0 2 , 
 and Reynard isolated amylene, C 5 H 10 , boiling near 40° C., hexylene , C 6 H 10 , boiling near 
 70° C., and several other hydrocarbons. When rosin is mixed with lime and subjected to 
 distillation volatile oils are obtained, from which, by fractional distillation, Fremy isolated 
 resinone , C 10 H 18 O, which is limpid, readily inflammable, and boils at 78° C. (172.4° F.), 
 and resineone , which is thicker, boils at 148° C. (298.4° F.), and seems to have the com- 
 position C 30 H 48 O. 
 
 Composition. — According to Maly (1861, 1864), rosin is the anhydride of abietic 
 acid , C^H^Os, and is converted into the acid by agitation with warm diluted alcohol. 
 Fliickiger (1867) obtained in this way from 80 to 90 per cent, of the w r eight of the rosin. 
 Ry treatment with strong ammonia-water, passing through muslin, and decomposing the 
 jelly-like mass with hydrochloric acid, Emmerling (1879) obtained it as a snow-white 
 powder, and Kelbe (1880) in rather long triclinic prisms by crystallizing it from glacial 
 acetic acid. Abietic acid melts, without losing weight, at 165° C. (329° F.) (Maly; 
 Kelbe) ; other chemists observed lower melting-points. The acid is often in irregular, 
 glassy, crystalline points or white scales, has in alcoholic solution an acid reaction, dis- 
 solves in ether, benzene, wood-spirit, chloroform, and carbon disulphide, and yields with 
 bases amorphous compounds. The pinic and sylvic acid of Unverdorben (1825, etc), 
 Siewert (1859), and others are regarded by Maly as impure abietic acid, but it is not 
 unlikely that, in addition to this one, other acids may be obtained from colophony of 
 different origin. 
 
 Uses. — Resin is not prescribed internally. Sometimes, however, the fumes of boiling 
 resin have been used to impregnate the air breathed by persons suffering from chronic 
 bronchial catarrh unattended with fever. It is chiefly employed with essential oils to 
 render plasters adhesive and stimulating. 
 
 Dammara australis is the source of Kauri gum , which, while burning, gives out a 
 pleasant smell and is reported to neutralize the odor of putrefying substances. Diffused 
 through the air in a fine spray, it renders the air ozonic (Richardson, Asclepiad , July, 
 
 1886). 
 
 RESINA COPAIBA, U. S. — Resin of Copaiba. 
 
 Acidum copaibicum. — Copaivic acid , E. ; Resine de copahu, Acide copahuvique , Fr. ; 
 Copaivaharz , Ccepaivasaure , Gr. 
 
 The residue left after distilling off the oil from copaiba. 
 
 Preparation. — The resin remains behind on evaporating copaiba or on distilling 
 from it the volatile oil. (See Oleum Copaiba:.) For other processes of preparing the 
 resin see page 538. 
 
 Properties. — The resin is amorphous, of a yellowish or brownish-yellow color, brittle, 
 of a slight odor of copaiba, and is soluble in alcohol, amylic alcohol, ether, benzene, vola- 
 tile oils, and carbon disulphide. The alcoholic solution has an acid reaction and a some- 
 what bitter and acrid taste. The resin is a mixture, and consists, according to the variety 
 of copaiba used, of copaivic or metacopaivic acid, mixed with more or less of neutral resin. 
 The crystallized copaivic acid of commerce is usually prepared from gurjun balsam (see 
 page 538). 
 
1366 
 
 RESINA DR A CONIS— RESINA JALAPJE. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These have been sufficiently indicated under Copaiba. Resin 
 of copaiba has been administered in the dose of 6m. 0.30-1.00 (gr. v— xv), but more 
 frequently in emulsion. One mode of preparing the latter is to take 3 ounces of the 
 resin, softened by the addition of half its bulk of rectified spirit, and rub it down with 4 
 ounces of compound tragacanth powder (Br. Ph.) mixed with 4 pints of water : 1 ounce 
 of this mixture contains 12 or 13 grains of the resin, and is given three times daily. 
 Another formula is the following : Resin of copaiba 15 grains ; compound powder of 
 almonds 30 grains; water to f^j. 
 
 RESINA DRACONIS.— Dragon’s Blood. 
 
 Bang-dragon, Fr. Cod. ; Draclienblut , G. ; Sangre de dr ago, Sp. 
 
 The resin obtained from the fruit of Calamus (Daemonorops, Blume) Draco, Willdenow. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Palmae, Lepidocaryese. 
 
 Origin and Production. — This palm has a thin stem, which is sometimes 90 
 M. (300 feet) long, and climbs upon trees by means of long spines situated on the peti- 
 oles. Its small, globular-ovate, scaly fruits grow in dense panicles, and are covered with 
 a resin which exudes and hardens upon their surface. By beating and shaking the fruit 
 in a bag the resin breaks off, is mechanically separated from the fruit, softened in the sun 
 or by boiling water, and formed into sticks or cakes. Subsequently the fruit is bruised, 
 boiled with water, and an inferior resin collected in cakes. The palm is indigenous to 
 Borneo and Sumatra, and grows in other of the East Indian islands. 
 
 Properties. — Dragon’s blood is seen in commerce occasionally in the form of irreg- 
 ular grains, or more frequently in cakes or irregular masses, and in cylindrical sticks which 
 are about 30 Cm. (12 inches) long and 12 Mm. (^ inch) or more thick, and are wrapped 
 in palm leaves. It is of a dark red-brown color on the surface, of a brighter red, glossy, 
 and somewhat porous internally, transparent in very thin splinters, and breaks with a 
 resinous but irregular fracture, caused by the fruit-scales and other impurities which are 
 always present — in largest proportion usually in cake dragon’s blood. Alcohol, amylic 
 alcohol, benzene, and chloroform dissolve the resin readily, leaving the impurities behind ; 
 ether and oil of turpentine dissolve it less freely, and it is insoluble in petroleum benzin. 
 It is inodorous, but when heated has a slight agreeable odor resembling that of benzoin ; 
 it is faintly sweetish, otherwise nearly tasteless, and when masticated becomes pulverulent. 
 
 Composition. — Dragon’s blood contains a little fat, and is free from benzoic and 
 cinnamic acids, as was shown by Hempel (1846). It consists of a peculiar resin, for 
 which Johnston (1839) determined the formula C 20 H 20 O 2 . By dry distillation Glenard 
 and Boudault (1844) obtained a dark -red oil containing dracyl — toluene, C 7 H 8 , and dra- 
 conyl = styrene, C 8 H 8 . Hlasiwetz and Barth (1865) obtained the following decomposition- 
 products by fusing the resin with potassa : phloroglucin, a body giving a red reaction 
 with iron salts, and paraoxybenzoic, protocatechuic, and benzoic acids — products which 
 are likewise obtained by treating benzoin in the same manner. 
 
 Other Varieties. — On wounding the stem of Pterocarpus Draco, Linne , a papilionaceous tree 
 of the West Indies, or the stem of Dracaena Draco, Linne , a liliaceous tree of the Canary Islands, 
 exudations are obtained which resemble the dragon’s blood described above. The dragon’s blood 
 of Socotra is the product of Dracaena Ombet, Kotschy , and is sent to Arabia under the name of 
 katir. These varieties are rarely seen in our market. 
 
 t 
 
 i 
 
 Action and Uses. — Dragon’s blood, or sang-dragon, has little or no virtue besides 
 its striking name. A certain degree of astringency probably led to its use in former 
 times in diarrhoea, slight haemorrhage, etc. It is occasionally used as an addition to 
 dentifrices, and was formerly an ingredient of several plasters. At present it is chiefly 
 used for imparting a red color to spirit varnishes and for staining horn or wood ; a mahog- 
 any stain is obtained by dissolving 1 part each of dragon’s blood and aloes in 15 or 16 
 parts of alcohol. 
 
 RESINA JALAPiE, U . S* 9 JP. G . — Resin of Jalap. 
 
 Jalapse resina , Br . — Resine de jalap, Fr. ; Jalapenharz , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Jalap, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suf- 
 ficient quantity. Moisten the powder with 300 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator ; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a 
 stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for forty-eight hours. Then 
 
RESINA JALAPJE. 
 
 13G7 
 
 allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until 2500 Cc. of tincture are 
 obtained, or until the tincture ceases to produce more than a slight turbidity when 
 dropped into water. Distil off the alcohol by means of a water-bath until the tincture 
 is reduced to 400 Gm., and add the latter, with constant stirring, to 9000 Cc. of water. 
 When the precipitate has subsided decant the supernatant liquid, and wash the precipi- 
 tate twice, by decantation, with fresh portions of water. Place it upon a strainer, and, 
 having pressed out the liquid, dry the resin with a gentle heat, stirring occasionally until 
 the moisture has evaporated. — U S. 
 
 These directions are about the same as in the former Pharmacopoeia. The alcoholic 
 tincture of the jalap containing the resin in solution is concentrated by distillation, and 
 this liquid while still warm poured into water, stirring continually, so as to bring nearly 
 all particles of the resinous matter in direct contact with water, whereby the solutions 
 of those constituents which are soluble in water is facilitated. After repeated washings 
 with fresh portions of water the resin is collected and dried. By this treatment water 
 removes sugar and some other principles of jalap, which are also soluble in water, and 
 which possess some medicinal activity (see p. 682). 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia directs 1 part of water for 2 parts of jalap to be added to 
 the percolate, from which nearly the whole of the alcohol may be recovered by distilla- 
 tion. The residue while hot is poured into an open dish and allowed to cool, when the 
 liquid portion is decanted, the resin washed several times with hot water, and dried. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia directs the jalap to be exhausted by digestion with alcohol, 
 the tincture to be concentrated, and the resinous residue to be repeatedly washed with 
 warm water (boiling water, Ft. Cod., P. A . ) as long as this takes up coloring matter. 
 The resin may also be obtained by depriving jalap of its principles soluble in hot water, 
 drying and powdering the residue, and exhausting it with alcohol. Good jalap yields 
 about 15 per cent, of resin (not less than 12 per cent., U. /S'.). 
 
 Properties. — llesin of jalap is in yellowish-brown or brown masses or fragments, 
 which break with a glossy resinous fracture and are translucent on the edges. By 
 repeated solution in a little alcohol and precipitation with water it may be obtained nearly 
 white. It is very brittle, and readily reduced to powder, varying in color between yel- 
 lowish- and light-brown ; it has a slight sweetish odor and a somewhat acrid taste, and is 
 entirely soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in carbon disulphide and oil of turpentine. Ether 
 dissolves only a small portion of it, amounting to between 5 and 10 or sometimes 12 per 
 cent., as ascertained by C. D. Farwell (1878) ; on the evaporation of the ethereal solu- 
 tion a soft resinous mass is left, which may be dissolved in potassa solution, forming a 
 reddish-brown liquid, and is precipitated again on the addition of an acid. The resin, 
 which is insoluble in ether, is the convolvulin of W. Mayer, and is soluble in potassa solu- 
 tion, but not precipitated on the addition of an acid. (The chemical nature of this resin 
 and its relation to allied resins have been explained on pp. 902, 903.) 
 
 Tests. — llesin of jalap should diminish but little or not at all in weight on being 
 exposed for some time to the heat of a water-bath (absence of water). On being tritu- 
 rated with water it should lose nothing in weight, and the liquid should not become col- 
 ored, showing that it has been well washed with water. To ether and to potassa solution 
 it should have the behavior described above. Adulterations with other resins are proved 
 by the amount soluble in ether, which should not exceed 10 per cent., or, if they are 
 insoluble in ether, by the precipitate occasioned with acids in the potassa solution. The 
 presence of guaiacum resin is indicated by a green or blue color produced with strong 
 nitric acid or with tincture of ferric chloride. An adulteration with resin may be 
 detected by the solubility in oil of turpentine, and the presence of aloes manifests itself 
 by its bitter taste and the production of picric acid when treated with nitric acid. “ Water 
 triturated with it should neither become colored nor take up anything soluble from it 
 (absence of soluble impurities). On digesting 1 Gm. of resin of jalap for about an hour, 
 under frequent agitation, in a glass-stoppered vial, with 10 Cc. of ammonia-water, at a 
 temperature of about 80° C. (170° F.), it should yield a solution which does not gelatin- 
 ize on cooling (absence of common resin).” — U. IS. “1 part of resin of jalap should 
 dissolve in 5 parts of warm ammonia-water ; on cooling the solution should not gelatin- 
 ize (absence of colophony), and should remain clear after being supersaturated with an 
 acid.” — P. G. The last part of this test is correct only for that portion of jalap resin 
 which is insoluble in ether ; but the pharmacopoeial resin, though completely soluble in 
 about 8 parts of ammonia-water, yields with acids a precipitate which is again soluble in 
 ammonia. The ammoniacal solution of the resin, when carefully evaporated to dryness 
 at a moderate heat, leaves a residue which is soluble in water. 
 
1368 
 
 RESINA PODOPHYLLL 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Sapo jalapinus, P. G. 4 parts each of resin 
 of jalap and medicinal (white Castile) soap are dissolved in 8 parts of alcohol spec. grav. 
 0.894, and the solution evaporated with constant stirring to the consistence of a pill mass 
 weighing 9 parts. This preparation is of a brown-yellow color, is soluble in alcohol, and 
 yields with about 10 parts of water a nearly clear solution, which becomes somewhat 
 cloudy, but does not separate any resin. 
 
 Pilule jalaps, P. G. Mix jalap soap 3 parts and powdered jalap-root 1 part. Each 
 pill is to weigh 0.10 Gm. and to be dusted with lycopodium. 
 
 Tinctura resinas jalapa:. Jalap resin 1 part, alcohol 10 parts. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation contains all or nearly all the purgative ele- 
 ments of jalap, and may be prescribed for the same purposes in doses of Gm. 0. 2-0.4 
 (gr. iij-vj), or, combined with other purgatives, in even smaller doses. A valuable for- 
 mula is the following : R Resinae jalapae gr. xxx ; Pulv. lycopodii gr. x ; Saponis medic- 
 inal. gr. xc ; Amygd. dulc. excort. gr. cxx. — M., et in pil. No. cxx div. Two of these 
 pills produce one copious stool, and seven or eight pills as many liquid evacuations. 
 
 RESINA PODOPHYLLI, TJ . Fr . Cod . — Resin of Podophyllum. 
 
 Podophylli resina , Br. ; Podophyllinum , P. G. — Resin of May-apple , E. ; Resine de podo- 
 phyllum, Fr. ; Podophyllumharz , G. ; Podoflina, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Podophyllum, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Hydrochloric Acid 10 
 Cc. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Moisten the powder with 480 Cc. of 
 alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough alcohol to satu- 
 rate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the 
 percolator close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 
 forty-eight hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until 
 1600 Cc. of tincture are obtained, or until the tincture ceases to produce more than a 
 slight turbidity when dropped into water. Distil off the alcohol by means of a water- 
 bath until the tincture is reduced to the consistence of honey, and pour it slowly, with 
 constant stirring, into 1000 Cc. of water, previously cooled to a temperature below 10° C. 
 (50° F.), and mixed with the hydrochloric acid. When the precipitate has subsided 
 decant the supernatant liquid, and wash the precipitate twice, by decantation, with fresh ' 
 
 portions of cold water. Spread it in a thin layer upon a strainer, and dry the resin by 
 exposure to the air in a cool place. Should it coalesce during the drying or aggregate 
 into lumps having a varnish-like surface, it should be removed, broken in pieces, and 
 rubbed in a mortar. As this is liable to happen during warm weather, resin of podo- 
 phyllum is preferably made during the cold season. — U. S. 
 
 The low temperature directed in the precipitation and drying is the chief distinction 
 from the process of the British Pharmacopoeia, which permits the resin to be dried on a 
 stove. 
 
 On pouring the concentrated tincture of podophyllum into acidulated water the J 
 extractive matters remain in solution while the resin is precipitated. The addition of j 
 
 hydrochloric acid appears to exert no action on the product, and to be useful merely in 
 hastening the deposition of the resin from the aqueous liquid. Both the British and 
 French Pharmacopoeias omit the hydrochloric acid. The yield is between 4 and 5 per 
 cent, of the weight of podophyllum used ; by exhausting the rhizome with alcohol of spe- 
 cific gravity 0.930, G. H. C. Klie (1877) claimed to have obtained as much as 7i per cent. 
 
 Properties. — The color of resin of podophyllum, when pure, is grayish-white, with 
 a slight tinge of yellow. To obtain it of this shade it is necessary that the resin be 
 precipitated in the cold and dried at a temperature not exceeding 35° C. (95° F.). If 
 a higher heat is used it turns darker, and finally deep-brown. If precipitated in the 
 presence of alum or other earth salt, the resin is of a more decided yellow color. It dis- 
 solves to a limited extent in carbon disulphide ; from 15 to 20 per cent, of it is soluble in 
 ether, and about 80 per cent, is dissolved by boiling water and reprecipitated on cooling ; 
 a small portion of the resin, however, remains in solution in the water, and this solution 
 has a bitter taste, acquires a brown color on the addition of ferric chloride, and becomes 
 opalescent and yellow with basic lead acetate, the mixtures gradually separating orange- 
 red floccules. Alkaline liquids dissolve the resin readily, yielding deep-yellow, after- 
 ward brown-yellow, solutions, and deposit nearly the whole of it on being supersaturated 
 with an acid. According to Power, podophyllum resin becomes soft at 120° C. (248° F.), 
 and is completely melted at 124° C. (255° F.). Sulphuric acid colors it intensely yellow, 
 the color changing to ptirplish and to brown on the addition of a trace of nitric acid. 
 
 
RESINA SCAM MONTI. 
 
 1369 
 
 Among the oxidation-products by nitric acid are oxalic acid and an amorphous yellow 
 substance. 
 
 Composition. — F. B. Power (1877) observed that the largest portion of the resin 
 consists of at least four compounds, differing in their solubility in ether and hot water 
 and in their behavior to alkalies, ferric chloride, and lead acetate ; fused with potassa, 
 protocatechuic acid was obtained, but no resorcin. The official resin contains also a little 
 fatty matter, and yields a small proportion of ash, consisting chiefly of sodium and potas- 
 sium salts. Podwissotzki (1880) obtained from podophyllum resin yellow needles resem- 
 bling quercetin, a green oil, a crystalline fat acid, podophyllic acid (without activity, sol- 
 uble in hot water), and two poisonous principles : one of these, podophyllotoxin, is obtained 
 from the concentrated chloroform solution by treating it with benzin, which will remove 
 the oil and fat acid; it has the composition C 23 H 24 0 9 (Kiirsten, 1891), crystallizes from 
 benzene, is white, very bitter, faintly acid, sparingly soluble in water, and by treatment 
 with ammonia yields podophyllic acid and picropodophyllin. The latter is intensely 
 bitter, freely soluble in chloroform, ether, and, according to Kiirsten, has the same com- 
 position and yields the same decomposition-products as podophyllotoxin, but is more 
 sparingly soluble. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal properties of this preparation have been suf- 
 ficiently set forth elsewhere. (See Podophyllum.) Its action and uses closely resemble 
 those of the resin of jalap. The following formula is convenient for the relief of habitual 
 constipation : R. Resin, podophyll., Ext. belladon. aii gr. iv ad gr. vj ; Ext. nucis vomicae 
 alcoholic, gr. viij. — M. et in pil. No. xij divid. S. One after dinner. 
 
 RESINA SCAMMONII, U. S. — Resin of Scammony. 
 
 Scammonise resina , Br., Fr. Cod. ; Resine de scammonee , Fr. ; Scammoniaharz, Gr. ; 
 Resina de escamonea , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Scammony, in No. 60 powder, 1000 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, 
 each a sufficient quantity. Digest the scammony with successive portions of boiling 
 alcohol until exhausted. Mix the tinctures, and reduce the mixture to a syrupy con- 
 sistence by distilling off the alcohol. Then add the residue in a thin stream, with active 
 stirring, to 2500 Cc. of water, separate the precipitate formed, wash it thoroughly with 
 water, and dry it with a gentle heat. — U. S. 
 
 Take of scammony-root, in coarse powder, 8 ounces ; rectified spirit a sufficiency ; dis- 
 tilled water a sufficiency. Digest the scammony-root with 16 fluidounces of the spirit in 
 a covered vessel at a gentle heat for twenty-four hours ; then transfer to a percolator, and 
 when the tincture ceases to pass add more spirit, and let it percolate slowly until the root 
 is exhausted. Add to the tincture 4 fluidounces of the water, and distil off the spirit by 
 a water-bath. Remove the residue while hot to an open dish, and allow it to become cold. 
 Pour off the supernatant fluid from the resin, wash this several times with hot water, and 
 dry it on a porcelain plate with the heat of a stove or water-bath. It may be prepared 
 in a similar manner from scammony. — Br. 
 
 Prof. Markoe (1877) showed that the alcoholic extract of scammony yields to water 
 only 2 per cent, of soluble matter, which is removed by washing, as directed in the first 
 formula. The French GV)dex directs the alcoholic solution to be treated with animal 
 charcoal for the purpose of removing most of the coloring matter. The yield of resin 
 varies with the quality of scammony employed. The British Pharmacopoeia permits the 
 resin to be prepared from scammony or from scammony-root by washing the alcoholic 
 extract with hot water; the root yields 5 to 5£ per cent, of resin. 
 
 Properties. — Scammony resin is of a brownish color, or yellowish after treatment 
 with animal charcoal. It is brittle, of a resinous, glossy fracture, translucent on the 
 edges, and nearly tasteless, but has a slight sweetish odor, which is stronger and peculiar, 
 somewhat like leather, when prepared from the root. It differs from scammony in not 
 forming an emulsion with water, and in being completely soluble in oil of turpentine 
 and in ether. It dissolves in alcohol, ammonia-water, and warm potassa solution, and 
 when this alkaline liquid is supersaturated with an acid it remains transparent and does 
 not produce a precipitate. The resin softens at about 120° C. (248° F.) and fuses near 
 150° C. (302° F.). 
 
 Tests. — The behavior to solvents, as described, distinguishes scammony resin from 
 most other resins. If adulterated with guaiacum, its alcoholic solution would render the 
 fresh-cut surface of a potato blue, and it would acquire a green or blue color on the addi- 
 tion of chlorine-water or ferric chloride. 
 
1370 
 
 RESORCIN UM. 
 
 Constituents. — Except the coloring principle, scammony resin consists wholly of 
 scammonin , which in its pure state is white, inodorous, and tasteless. F. Keller (1857) 
 ascertained it to be the anhydride of scammonic acid , which is soluble in water, and on 
 being boiled with dilute acids is converted into sugar and scammonolic acid. According 
 to Spirgitis (1860), these compounds have the same composition, and are identical with 
 jalapin, jalapic acid, and jalapinolic acid (see page 903). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action of resin of scammony does not differ in kind, but 
 only in degree, from that of scammony itself, but the resin is about twice as strong as 
 scammony. In the dose of Gm. 0.50 (gr. viij) it occasions colic and watery stools, very 
 much as jalap does, but is more apt than the latter to excite rectal irritation. Being 
 nearly insipid, it may conveniently be given to children. It is seldom used alone, but is 
 frequently associated with calomel, jalap, etc. in cases of constipation and abdominal 
 dropsy , and also as a vermifuge for lumbricoid ascarides. 
 
 It may be prescribed in doses of from Gm. 0.30-1 (gr. v-xv), and should be made 
 into an emulsion with milk, almonds, mucilage, or other demulcent, and sweetened. The 
 following formula is convenient: R. Resin, scammon. gr. viij; rub with Sacch. alb. 
 gr. xlv ; mix gradually with Lact. vaccin. f^iv ; Aq. laurocerasi f^j. — M. S. One or two 
 tablespoonfuls every hour. 
 
 RESQRCINUM, U. S., P. G.— Resorcin. 
 
 Resorcinol , Metadioxybenzcne , E. ; Resorcine , Fr. ; Resorcin , G. ; Resorcina , Sp. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 . Molecular weight 109.74. 
 
 A diatomic phenol ; it should be kept in dark amber-colored vials. — U. S. 
 
 Origin. — Resorcin wa§ discovered by Hlasiwetz and Barth (1864) on melting gal- 
 banum, ammoniac, or gipiiacum resin with potassa. It is produced in a similar manner 
 from asafetida, sagapenum, ascaroid resin, and from phenol-sulphonic acid and other 
 derivatives of phenol ; likewise on the dry distillation of extract of Brazil-wood. 
 
 Preparation. — The alcoholic extract of ammoniac or galbanum is carefully fused 
 with three times its weight of potassa until the mass has become homogeneous, when it 
 is dissolved in water, the solution slightly acidulated with sulphuric acid, filtered, and 
 agitated with ether. On evaporating the ether, impure resorcin is left ; the volatile fatty 
 acids present are combined with baryta, and the resorcin is dissolved by ether and further 
 purified by distillation and recrystallization. 
 
 Resorcin is now manufactured on a large scale from benzene : the latter is heated with 
 about four times its weight of fuming sulphuric acid to 275° C. (527° F.), whereby 
 benzene metadisulphonic acid is formed (C 6 H 4 (HS0 3 ) 2 ). When cool the acid is dissolved 
 in water and neutralized with milk of lime ; after removal of calcium sulphate by means 
 of a filter-press, sodium carbonate is added, the mixture again filtered, and the solution 
 of sodium benzene-metadisulphonate evaporated to dryness. The sodium salt thus ob- 
 tained is heated for eight or nine hours at 270° C. (518° F.) with two and a half times 
 its weight of caustic soda, sodium resorcin, C 6 H 4 (ONa) 2 being formed, together with sodium 
 sulphite. Continued boiling of a solution of the saline mass expels the sulphurous acid, 
 and the tar-like residue is then extracted with ether, which latter, upon distillation, leaves 
 impure resorcin. By sublimation or recrystallization from water or benzene pure resorcin 
 is obtained. 
 
 Properties. — Resorcin crystallizes in colorless or faintly reddish short, rhombic 
 prisms or plates, which have a faint peculiar odor and an unpleasantly sweet and some- 
 what acrid taste. On exposure to light and air it becomes reddish. Soluble,, at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), in 0.6 part of water and in 0.5 part of alcohol ; very soluble in boiling water 
 or in boiling alcohol ; also readily soluble in ether or glycerin ; very slightly soluble in 
 chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzin, and benzene. When heated to a temperature 
 between 110° and 119° C. (230°— 246.2° F.), resorcin melts, a higher melting-point indi- 
 cating a greater degree of purity. Pure resorcin boils at 276.5° (530° F.). The aque- 
 ous solution is neutral or has only a faintly acid reaction upon litmus-paper. On adding 
 a few drops of ferric chloride test-solution to 10 Cc. of a dilute aqueous solution (1 in 
 200) of resorcin, the liquid assumes a bluish-violet color. If 0.1 Gm. of resorcin be 
 dissolved in 1 Cc. of potassium hydroxide test-solution, and a drop of chloroform added, 
 the mixture, upon being heated, will assume an intense crimson color. If a slight excess 
 of hydrochloric acid be then added, the color will change to a pale straw-yellow. On 
 cautiously heating 0.05 Gm. of resorcin with 0.1 Gm. of tartaric acid and 10 drops of 
 concentrated sulphuric acid, a thick carmine-red liquid will be formed, becoming pale 
 
RESORCINUM. 
 
 1371 
 
 yellow when diluted with water. It burns with a bright flame, without leaving any 
 residue. Its solution is transiently colored violet by chlorinated lime ; with ferric chloride 
 it becomes purplish-black, the color disappearing by ammonia ; with copper sulphate and 
 ammonia the solution turns black. Resorcin precipitates metallic silver from ammoniacal 
 solution of silver nitrate. Its solution in ammonia when exposed to the air turns rose- 
 red and brown, and, when heated, green and blue, this color being changed to red by 
 acids. The aqueous solution of resorcin yields with bromine-water needles of* tribrom- 
 resorcin, C 6 Br 3 H(OH) 2 . 
 
 Tests. — When carefully heated in a test-tube, resorcin should melt to a clear colorless 
 liquid ; on increasing the heat it should volatilize, producing white vapors, and leaving 
 no residue or merely a minute amount of charcoal. Heated in a porcelain or platinum 
 dish, it should volatilize without residue. A concentrated aqueous solution (1 in 2) of 
 resorcin should be colorless (absence# of empyreumatic bodies), and when gently heated 
 should not emit the odor of phenol. 
 
 Chemically, resorcin is a dihydroxybenzene of which three varieties have been obtained, 
 named, respectively, ortho-, meta-, and para-dioxybenzene ; the first is known as catechol 
 or pyrocatechin, the second as resorcinol or resorcin, and the third as hydroquinol. 
 
 Unfortunately, the name resorcinol has recently (1893) also been applied to a compound 
 obtained by heating to the point of fusion a mixture of equal parts of resorcin and iodo- 
 form ; it is an amorphous coffee-colored substance of an iodine-like odor and disagreeable 
 taste. 
 
 Allied and Derivative Compounds. — Hydroquinol, Hydroquinone, Ilydrochinone, Paradioxy- 
 benzene. — This isomer of resorcin was discovered by Wohler (1844). It may be obtained by 
 the dry distillation of kinic, succinic, and oxysalicylic acids, but is usually prepared by oxida- 
 tion of aniline with potassium dichroipate and sulphuric acid, and subsequent reduction of the 
 quinone formed by sulphurous acid. Hydroquinol forms long colorless and odorless dimorphous 
 crystals, which have a sweetish taste and melt at 169° C. (336.2° F.). It is soluble in about 
 IT parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and very soluble in hot water, alcohol, and ether. With 
 ferric chloride hydroquinol in strong solution yields green quinhydrone, or, if the iron be added 
 in excess, yellow quinone ; these reactions distinguish it from resorcin. 
 
 Catechol, Pyrocatechin, Orthodioxybenzene. — This, the third of the group of isomerides 
 having the general formula C 6 II 4 (OH) 2 is contained among the products of the destructive dis- 
 tillation of several tannins and vegetable extracts ; it may also be obtained by fusing ortho- 
 phenolsulphonic acid with caustic potassa for some time at 320°-360° C. (608°-680° F.) ; but the 
 best process for manufacturing it is to heat guaiacol to 195°-200° C. (383°-392° F.), and then 
 passing in hydriodic acid as long as methyliodide distils over. Catechol occurs in acicular 
 crystals, readily soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and hot toluene, melting at 104° C. (219.2° F.) 
 and boiling at 245° C. (473° F.). With ferric chloride it strikes an emerald-green color which 
 on addition of sodium bicarbonate is changed to a beautiful violet-red. 
 
 Thioresorcin, C 6 H 4 0 2 S 2 , is a yellowish non-crystallizing powder, readily soluble in solutions 
 of the alkali hydroxides, carbonates, and sulphides, but insoluble in other solvents. It is ob- 
 tained by heating 1 molecule of resorcin with 3 molecules each of sulphur and sodium hydroxide, 
 with addition of water until solution results ; upon acidulating the solution, amorphous yellow 
 flocculi separate, which may be purified by resolution in alkalies and subsequent addition of 
 acid. 
 
 Resopyrine. When 30 parts of antipyrine and lBparts of resorcin, each dissolved in three 
 times its weight of water, are mixed, a crystalline mass separates, which upon resolution in 
 alcohol may be obtained in rhombic crystals. To this compound the name resopyrine has been 
 given. It is odorless and has a faintly pungent taste ; insoluble in water, but soluble in 5 parts 
 of alcohol, 30 parts of chloroform, or 100 parts of ether. It differs chemically from resorcin in 
 not forming a precipitate with lead subacetate, nor a blue color with ferric chloride. 
 
 Fluorescein, or Resorcin-phtalein, C 20 II 15 O 5 , is obtained by fusing together resorcin and phtalic 
 anhydride •, it occurs as dark-brown crystals, which form with ammonia a red solution, exhibit- 
 ing a beautiful green fluorescence. Recommended for the diagnosis of corneal lesions and 
 detection of minute foreign bodies imbedded in that tissue. When an aqueous solution is 
 dropped upon the cornea, those parts, however small, which are deprived of their epithelium 
 are colored green, while foreign bodies are surrounded by a green ring (Straub). 
 
 Action and Uses. — In the course of two hours Andeer took about Gm. 10 (160 
 grains) of resorcin dissolved in a quart of water. He was found fast asleep, but had* 
 no recollection of how he fell asleep. Subsequently, he took the same quantity of the 
 drug dissolved in a pint of water in the space of a quarter of an hour. He perceived 
 flashes before his eyes, his sight grew dim, his eyelids heavy ; his hearing and smell were 
 completely obtunded ; his mouth was pasty and his tongue thick. He fell to the floor 
 bathed in a cold sweat, and his feet were also cold. Then convulsions came on, respira- 
 tion grew panting and sighing, and later spasmodic flexion of the limbs occurred, with 
 
1372 
 
 BESORCINUM. 
 
 opisthotonos. After five hours of treatment consciousness returned, but no memory of 
 the attack remained. On the following day restoration to health was complete. Dr. 
 Murrell relates ( Times and Gaz ., Oct. 1881, p. 486) the case of a woman who took 120 
 grains of resorcin, and almost immediately became giddy, and then insensible. She was 
 pale and cold, drenched in sweat ; the pupils were equal, and the pulse and chest move- 
 ments almost imperceptible ; the limbs were relaxed ; there was no reflex action and no 
 spasm ; the axillary temperature was 95° F. Recovery took place within twenty-four 
 hours. The first urine she passed presented an olive-green color. The occurrence of 
 convulsions in the one case and their absence in the other case deserve notice. A case 
 of poisoning by thioresorcin applied to an ulcer has been recorded by Amon ( Therap . 
 Monatsh., iii. 534). 
 
 Resorcin has the power of retarding or preventing fermentation and putrefaction. A 
 solution of 1 per cent., it is said, will maintain the acidity of normal urine for a month 
 (Andeer). But, according to Platt, the antiseptic power of resorcin is greatly inferior 
 to that of carbolic acid (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Jan. 1883, p. 89). Nevertheless, it is 
 certain that a solution of the strength just mentioned has preserved from decomposition 
 such substances as pancreas, blood, and urine, and arrested commencing putrefaction in 
 them. Andeer claims not only that it is equal to carbolic and pyrogallic acids in anti- 
 septic virtues, but that it has over them the great advantage of not acting poisonously 
 when locally applied, and also of not attacking metallic instruments. It promotes heal- 
 ing by the first intention of punctured or incised wounds, and when applied to artificially- 
 infected wounds of the cornea, conjunctiva, gums, etc. it destroys micro-organisms and 
 promotes the healing of such wounds. A 1 or 2 per cent, solution does not irritate the 
 integuments nor cause any eruption. It is as well tolerated as any other antiseptic by 
 the respiratory tract. 
 
 According to Lichtheim ( Monthly Abst ., Dec. 1880, p. 120 ; Bull, de Therap ., ci. 139), 
 if from 30 to 45 grains of this substance are given to a patient in high fever , almost 
 immediately a sort of intoxicated excitement takes place, either wild or muttering, with 
 tremor of the hands. It, however, is transient, and is followed by profuse diaphoresis, 
 with subsidence of the pulse and temperature. It is said to produce such effects more 
 quickly than salicylic acid or quinine, but that their duration is brief. It is not claimed 
 that this medicine shortens the duration of idiopathic fever or of serious inflammations ; 
 and one is therefore at a loss to conjecture why the sick should be made the subjects of 
 physiological experiments with it. In typhoid fever and other febrile diseases it was used 
 without advantage by Dujardin-Beaumetz, who pronounced it too poisonous to be safe as 
 an internal medicine (Bull, de Therap ., cix. 145) ; and Brieger judged it similarly (Zeit- 
 schrift f. Min. Med ., v. 146). The former tested it in acute articular rheumatism , and 
 found that it was not comparable with salicylic preparations. The statements made of 
 its efficacy in puerperal and periodical fevers (by Andeer and Right) and erysipelas have 
 not been confirmed. Some lauded it in all the various forms of functional gastric disease, 
 which seem to be more common in Germany than elsewhere (catarrh, dilatation, etc.), 
 while Andeer did not so much depend upon it to check gastric fermentation as to pro- 
 mote the healing of abrasions and ulcers of the mucous membrane of the stomach, and 
 to moderate the destructive process in cancer of that organ ( Zeitschrift f. Min. Med. , ii. 
 297). It has been used with more or less advantage to deodorize and disinfect fetid 
 stools. 
 
 Topically, resorcin is more distinctly useful. A solution of the strength of from 1 to 
 3 per cent, has been found efficient in moderating mucous profluvia from the nostrils , ears, 
 vagina , urethra , etc., and in removing their fetor. It has been found efficient in chronic 
 purulent otitis of the middle ear when applied pure or mixed with 7 parts of boric acid. 
 In gonorrhoea Brieger used a 5 per cent, solution. It was very painful, and did not cure 
 the complaint, probably because the solution was needlessly strong. The claim made by 
 Moncorvo in 1885, that the application of resorcin to the fauces and larynx arrested the 
 development of whooping cough , has been confirmed by many observers, of whom several 
 saw in the apparent results proof of the parasitic nature of the disease. It appears more 
 ♦ probable that the remedy (like many others) merely obtunds the sensibility of the larynx, 
 and of its frequent utility, whether applied in spray or with a brush, there can be little 
 doubt, and quite as little that its failure is sometimes complete. When given internally 
 in solution it must during deglutition act locally as well. Of the most favorable reports 
 may be mentioned those of Concetti ( Therap . Gaz., xiii. 843), Leblond (Amer. Jour. Med. 
 Sci., xcix. 74), and Barlow ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Feb. 1890, p. 198). A 2 or 3 
 per cent, solution is recommended for local application, on sponge or in spray, at intervals 
 
RESORCINUM. 
 
 1373 
 
 of two or three hours. A similar or a stronger solution has been used for the relief of 
 chronic aphonia , to stimulate chronic ulcers of the larynx , and to treat gangrene and morbid 
 growths within this organ and elsewhere, especially for the relief of pain in them. Accord- 
 ing to Weiss {Med. Record , xxx. 597), the inoculation of phlegmon with resorcin, followed 
 by the application of an ointment containing the preparation, will cause the inflammation 
 to abort. In a case of carbunculous boils occupying a large part of the arm a rapid cure 
 followed the application of a thick layer of “ resorcin ointment and vaseline in equal 
 parts ” {Bull, de Therap ., civ. 325). It has been used to lessen the sensibility of parts to 
 be topically treated ; e. g. the nostrils, the larynx, the urethra, vagina, etc. In this way it 
 is alleged to have relieved persistent vomiting. Andeer claims for it the power of arresting 
 the development of sea-sickness when taken in the dose of 12 to 24 grains, and of palliating 
 the symptoms after they are developed {Therap. Gaz ., xii. 190). He states that it is 
 equally efficient in relieving this symptom when produced by hepatic or renal colic, by 
 menstruation, pregnancy, indigestion, gastric ulcer, alcoholic debauch, etc. {Therap. 
 Monatsh ., iv. 56). It also serves as a palliative of the pain and as a wholesome stimulant 
 in frostbite , simple and specific ulcers, fissures, etc., and in like manner is useful in treating 
 various diseases of the skin, both acute and chronic, such as erysipelas, erythema, eczema, 
 psoriasis, etc., the strength of the ointment being greatest in the chronic affections. Thus 
 a strong ointment (10 to 50 per cent.) is required for herpes tonsurans, alopecia areata , and 
 pityriasis versicolor. Unna {Cemtralbl.fi Ther., viii. 43) for eczema recommends a 1-2 per 
 cent, solution. In some cases he prefers the “ plaster mull ” as maintaining a more pro- 
 longed and vigorous action. Andeer highly commends the caustic treatment of chancres 
 by means of crystals of resorcin or a saturated ethereal solution of them. Favorable 
 reports are also furnished by Lebland, Fissiaux, and Bombin {Med. News, xlii. 384 ; xliii. 
 266). Papilloma and other outgrowths of the mucous membrane have been destroyed 
 by this caustic, which Andeer declares to be sure and painless. Myomas of the eye and 
 larynx are said to have been cured by resorcin. It is even claimed that in crystals or in 
 powder it displays its greatest virtue in the diphtheria of wounds, and especially of the 
 mouth and pharynx. “ In one week, at the latest,” says Andeer, “ the severest form of 
 this disease is wholly cured, and without any evil consequences.” This statement has 
 received partial confirmation, but the weight of testimony is opposed to it. 
 
 Resorcin may be given internally in doses of from Grin. 0.06—0.25 (1 to 4 grains), and 
 gradually increased to five or even ten times that quantity. It is best administered in 
 syrup or emulsion. For atomized inhalation and for injecting cavities a solution of i 
 to 1 per cent, may be used; but in phagedena, syphilis, etc. a saturated solution or the 
 crystals is preferable. In erythematous and erysipelatous complications a resorcin-vaseline 
 ointment may be applied. The following formulae may be used : Resorcin ^j-^iij, Glycerin 
 or Vaseline §j, for topical use: Resorcin gr. x-xx, Water f^j, as a vaginal injection: 
 Resorcin gr. 40-300, Water f^j, for hypodermic administration. The proper antidote 
 for the poisonous effects of resorcin is alcohol. 
 
 The action of Hydroquinone is analogous to that of resorcin, but is much more power- 
 ful. Dr. Kinnicutt found that single doses of 10 and 20 grains produced no appreciable 
 symptoms in healthy persons. The pulse, respiration, and temperature were unaffected. 
 A single dose of 40 grains was followed in ten minutes by a feeling of slight fulness in 
 the head and dizziness, which disappeared in fifteen minutes. 
 
 Seifert found that in daily quantities of from Gm. 1-6 (sr. xv-xc), hydrochinone 
 exercised a favorable antipyretic influence, and without any drawbacks, in typhoid fever, 
 pneumonia, scarlatina , pleurisy , and phthisis, and that it maintained clearness of the mind 
 and senses. In typhoid fever he observed that a dose of Gm. 1. (gr. xv) would cause a 
 fall of temperature of from 1.8° to 3.6° F., and sometimes much mo, re than this. Dr. 
 Kinnicutt {loc. cit.') confirmed these observations in cases of general tuberculosis, erysipe- 
 las, and septicaemia, and noted that the pulse and respiration subsided along with the 
 temperature. He also observed that the medicine rendered the urine greenish-brown or 
 dark-brown. As a general conclusion he stated that hydroquinone is a safe and efficient 
 antipyretic, but that it does not arrest or abridge the specific febrile process. It may 
 therefore be added to the list of agents which have been employed for the same purpose, 
 but whose real utility in the treatment of febrile diseases has never been demonstrated. 
 
 Hydroquinone has been given in doses of from Gm. 1-1.25 (gr. xv-xx) to control the 
 febrile exacerbations in phthisis. Where there is a tendency to a continuously high tem- 
 perature, as in pneumonia, three or four such doses may be administered in the course of 
 twenty-four hours. By the rectum the dose should be twice as large as that by the 
 mouth. 
 
1374 
 
 REA MNUS CA THA R TICUS. 
 
 Pyrocatechin has been tried as an antipyretic, but on account of its mischievous 
 effects was laid aside. 
 
 Resopyrine, on account of its constituents, was expected to be useful, but it did not 
 answer the expectations entertained. 
 
 Thioresorcin was applied to the same purposes as iodoform as a powder and in oint- 
 ments, but it turned out to be far from useful or even harmless. 
 
 RHAMNUS OATHARTICUS.— Buckthorn. 
 
 Fructus rhanrmi catharticse, s. Baccse spinse cervinse , P. G. ; Nerprun purgatif, Fr. ; 
 Kreuzdorn , Gr. ; Ramno catartico , Espina cerval , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Rhamnus catharticus, Linne , s. Cervispina cathartica, Moench. Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants , 64. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Bhamnaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The buckthorn is a branching shrub growing in thick- 
 ets throughout the greater part of Europe and in Siberia, and is naturalized to some 
 extent and cultivated for hedges in North America. It has ovate, minutely serrate, and 
 frequently fasciculate leaves, small, yellowish-green, dioecious flowers in umbellate clus- 
 ters, and black, glossy, globular four-celled drupes about 8 Mm. (i inch) in diameter, 
 furnished at the base with the persistent eight-rayed calyx-disk, and containing four hard, 
 dark-brown, deeply-grooved seeds enclosed in a parchment-like shell. The dried fruit is 
 deeply and somewhat reticulately wrinkled from the shrinking of the sarcocarp. In the 
 fresh state it contains a greenish or purplish-green sarcocarp, and yields by expression a 
 purplish-colored juice having an acid reaction, an unpleasant odor, and a disagreeable, 
 bitter, and rather acrid taste. The color becomes red on the addition of an acid, and 
 greenish-yellow when rendered alkaline. 
 
 Constituents. — The various analyses of buckthorn-berries have furnished the cathar- 
 tic principle rhamnocaihartin in the form of an amorphous, translucent, yellowish, brittle 
 mass, which Binswanger (1849) and Winckler did not succeed in crystallizing. This has 
 the taste of the berries, is fusible, dissolves in water and alcohol, is insoluble in ether, is 
 not destroyed during the fermentation of the juice, and yields picric acid when oxidized 
 with nitric acid. The juice contains also a peculiar variety of tannin, sugar, gum, and 
 rhamnin , which crystallizes in yellowish neutral and inodorous granules or needles, has 
 little taste, dissolves in cold water and alcohol, and is insoluble or nearly so in ether, 
 chloroform, benzene, and carbon disulphide. Its solution is rendered olive-green by ferric 
 chloride, and deep-green, or with an excess red-brown, by chlorinated lime. Dilute acids 
 split it readily into a non-fermentable sugar, a gummy substance, and rhamnetin. This 
 crystallizes readily from phenol in golden-yellow scales, is sparingly soluble in water, 
 somewhat more soluble in alcohol and ether, and is colored green-brown or black by iron 
 salt. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Rhamnus infectoria, LinnA. — French berries, E. ; Graines d’ Avignon, Fr. ; 
 Gelbbeeren, G. — The shrub grows in Southern Europe, and the berries resemble buckthorn- 
 berries in size and appearance, but are of a brownish or greenish-brown color, and are usually 
 two- or three-furrowed. 
 
 Rhamnus amygdalina, Desfontaines , Rh. saxatilis, Linn#, and probably other species growing 
 in Western Asia, South-eastern Europe, and Northern Africa, yield the so-called Persian berries. 
 They resemble the preceding, but are of a more greenish and internally yellowish color, and con- 
 tain pale-brown seeds having a broad furrow. These and French berries contain one or more 
 yellow coloring principles, the principal one being probably xanthorhamnin , C 48 H 66 0 29 , which, 
 according to Liebermann (1878), is split by acids into rhamnose or isodulcit (see Quercus Tinc- 
 toria) and rhamnetin, C 12 H 10 O 5 . (See also Frangula, p. 755.) 
 
 Sap-green is prepared from unripe buckthorn-berries by bruising and fermenting them, ex- 
 pressing the juice, adding alum and potash, and evaporating. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation.— S irop de nerprun, Fr. Cod.; Sirupus rhamni eatharticae, 
 P. G. — Syrup of buckthorn, E. ; Syrupus de rhamno cathartico, Fr. ; Kreuzdornbeeren-syrup, G. ; 
 Jarape de ramno, Sp . — The bruised fresh berries are allowed to ferment until the filtrate ceases 
 to be precipitated by half its volume of alcohol ; then dissolve 13 parts of sugar in 7 parts ot the 
 expressed and filtered juice. — P. G. It has a purplish-red color. In Great Britain it is customary 
 to digest ginger and pimento in the juice before adding the sugar. 
 
 Medical Uses. — This drug is employed in making the syrup of buckthorn, of 
 which the purgative dose is from f^ss to f^j. The fresh berries and their expressed 
 juice' are hydragogue cathartics, occasioning thirst, tormina, and nausea. They have 
 been used in the treatment of dropsy. Their juice is said to have been employed as a 
 popular mouth-wash for the relief of toothache. 
 
RHAMNUS PURSHIANA. 
 
 1375 
 
 RHAMNUS PURSHIANA, U . S .— Cascara Sagrada. 
 
 Rhamni Purshiani cortex , Br. — Sacred bark , Cliittem bark , E. 
 
 The bark of Rhamnus Purshiana, De Candolle. Hooker, Flora Boreali-americana , 
 
 Plate 43. 
 
 Aa/. 6bv/. — Rhamnaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Rhamnus Purshiana is indigenous to the Pacific coast of North America 
 from the British possessions southward to Northern California; from there, southward, R. 
 californica, Esclischoltz , takes its place, and this is often found in commerce in place of 
 the true cascara sagrada. The species yielding the official bark is a shrub or small tree 
 growing to the height of 4.5-6 M. (15 to 20 feet), and having somewhat pubescent 
 twigs; the leaves are from 5-15 Cm. (2 to 6 inches) long, thin, dull in color, broadly 
 elliptical, at the apex very obtuse or abruptly blunt-pointed, and at the base rounded ; 
 margin is irregularly and closely serrulate or denticulate, and often obscurely crenate, 
 hairy below and above on the veins ; petioles short, downy. 
 
 Description. — It is met with in quills or curved pieces varying in size from 3-10 
 Cm. (14 to 4 inches) in length and about 2 Mm. (A- inch) thick, externally smooth or 
 nearly so, brownish-gray and sometimes with whitish patches. The young bark has 
 numerous rather broad, pale-colored warts. After removal of the outer layer the bark 
 is brown or reddish-brown in color. The inner surface is smooth or finely striate, yellow- 
 ish or light brownish in color, and becomes dark-brown by age. It breaks with a 
 smooth fracture, which in thicker pieces is somewhat fibrous in the inner layer. 
 The bark has no odor, a bitter taste, and is colored red by solution of potassium 
 hydroxide. 
 
 Constituents.— Prof. Prescott (1879) determined in it the presence of red resin 
 colored brown by potassa ; a resinous body not colored by potassa, but red-brown by 
 sulphuric acid; a white sublimable crystalline compound; a brown resin colored purple- 
 red by potassa ; tannin, oxalic acid, malic acid, and other common vegetable principles. 
 According to Eccles (1888), cascara sagrada possibly contains an alkaloid. Limousin 
 (1885) claims that the resinous principles of Prescott were all derived from chrysophanic 
 acid, and Schwabe (1888) obtained emodin, but could isolate no frangulin from cascara 
 sagrada about one year old. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Rhamnus (Frangula,GW/) californica, Esclischoltz , is somewhat smaller than 
 the preceding, has ovate-oblong or elliptical denticulate or nearly entire leaves, produces 
 numerous, mostly abortive flowers, and has a blackish-purple two- or three-seeded fruit. It 
 grows throughout California, and a variety with white tomentose leaves extends through Arizona 
 to New Mexico. 
 
 Rhamnus (Frangula, Gray) caroliniana, Walter ( Southern buckthorn ), is a shrub or small 
 tree growing in moist localities in the southern part of the United States, northward to Southern 
 New York, and westward to Texas and the Rocky Mountains, It has oblong serrulate leaves, 
 short-peduncled flowers, and purplish globose three-seeded fruits. The bark has been recently 
 recommended as a substitute for the European frangula-bark. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Attention was first drawn to the virtues of this plant in 
 1878 by Bunday of California, and by 1883 its preparations became well known in 
 America and Europe ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Oct. 1887, p. 402). Tschilzow, who 
 tested it in experiments upon animals, found that it did not act as a purgative when 
 administered subcutaneously or by the veins, but that, introduced into the stomach, it 
 increased the secretions of that organ, the pancreas, and liver ( Centralbl. f. d. ges. Thar.. 
 iii. 362). That it is a gastro-intestinal stimulant, as all purgatives are, cannot be 
 questioned, but there is no proof of its specific action upon either of the organs 
 mentioned. 
 
 It acts usually with certainty and without causing irritation or any unpleasant symp- 
 toms ; it produces semi-solid stools. In comparatively rare cases it has acted harshly. 
 Thus Thompson ( British Med. Jour., Mar. 22, 1884) relates instances in which it occa- 
 sioned severe colic, cramps, vomiting, and excessive purging. (Compare Porteous, 
 Edmb. Med. Jour., xxxi. 923; Cotter, Ther. Gaz., xii. 285.) Others have accused it of 
 producing a persistent soreness of the bowels, and at the same time of being inefficient 
 except when associated with other purgatives. It sometimes irritates haemorrhoids, but 
 generally it has no such effect. It does not operate hurriedly or urgently, as those pur- 
 gatives do that produce liquid stools. R. Purshiana affords an extract that is more bitter 
 and more purgative than that of R. Catharticus. 
 
1376 
 
 RHEUM. 
 
 The special virtue of cascara consists in its overcoming constipation without purging, 
 and therefore without weakening. The “ sluggish condition of the liver ” it is said to 
 relieve is merely that caused by the pressure of an overloaded colon. In simple consti- 
 pation, or torpor of the colon without associated disease, its value is greatest. It is well 
 suited for lying-in women. A special power of reinforcing or developing the antiperiodic 
 virtues of quinine, which has been ascribed to it, depends chiefly upon its evacuant vir- 
 tues ; for it is well known that in chronic malarial disorders quinine is apt to fail until 
 the bowels have been purged and the removal of what was, formerly called “ sordes ” 
 secured. 
 
 The proper method of obtaining the best effects of cascara is to administer it in rela- 
 tively small but repeated doses, which in cases of habitual constipation should be 
 gradually diminished, until a natural action of the bowels is established. The average 
 dose of the powdered bark is Gm. 0.25 (5 grains), and of the solid extract about Gm. 
 0.10 (2 grains). This medicine is often associated with the extract of Berberis aquifo- 
 lium, which is a tonic. A cordial in which these ingredients are conjoined with aromatics 
 is the most usual form of administering cascara : R. Rhamni purshianae, Gm. 100 ; Ber- 
 berid. aquifolii, Gm. 37 ; Alcohol dilut., Gm. 233; Sacchar. alb., Gm. 288; Aquae, Gm. 
 1000. Dose , Cc. 1-4 (tffxv-f^j), two or three times a day. The dose of the fluid extract is 
 Cc. .60-1.30. Cascara is not adapted for the rapid evacuation of the bowels, but rather 
 for regulating their action. It should be given when the stomach is empty, and as undi- 
 luted as possible. 
 
 Rhamnus alaternus leaves in decoction are said to repress the secretion of milk ( Phar - 
 maceut. Jour., Dec. 1885). 
 
 RHEUM, II. S. — Rhubarb. 
 
 Rhei radix , Br. ; Radix rhei , P. G. — Rhubarb-root , E. ; Rhubarbe , Fr. ; Rhabarber , G. ; 
 Ruibarbo , Sp. 
 
 The root of Rheum officinale, Baillon. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 213, 214, 215. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Polygonaceae. 
 
 Origin. — That rhubarb-root is obtained from the western and north-western provinces 
 of China and from other parts of the highlands of Central Asia has been known for a 
 long time. The efforts made by the Russian government since the first half of the 
 eighteenth century to obtain the rhubarb-plant have been unsuccessful ; at least the 
 plants Rheum palmatum and Rh. undulatum, Linne , raised in Europe from the seeds thus 
 procured, had roots which were not identical with true rhubarb. More recently, however, 
 several species have become known in Europe which appear to be the source of most, if 
 not all, rhubarb. 
 
 Rheum officinale, Baillon. In 1867, Dabry, French consul at Shanghai, procured 
 from South-eastern Thibet a number of fresh root-stocks, which were sent to Paris, where 
 they arrived in a completely decayed condition, a few buds excepted. From these plants 
 were successfully raised, of which one flowered in 1872 and was described by Baillon 
 under the above name. It has a stout rhizome with few roots, and produces a tall stem, 
 from near the thick base of which numerous orbicular-ovate, five- or seven-lobed leaves 
 grow, attaining sometimes a length of blade equal to 1.2 M. (4 feet). The inflorescence is 
 large, much branched, racemose, with numerous clustered and drooping, small greenish- 
 white flowers, and with pendulous, triangular, yellow fruits, nearly 12 Mm. (I inch) long, 
 and with a bright crimson wing on each angle. 
 
 Rheum palmatum, Linne. From the observations made by Lieutenant-Colonel Prze- 
 walsky during his travels (1872-73) in Central Asia, it appears that a variety of this 
 species, which he collected near Lake Kokonor, in North-western China, was really the 
 source of the formerly highly esteemed Russian rhubarb. Maximowicz (1874) described 
 this variety as Tanguticum , and contended that its cultivation in Europe was unsuccessful 
 on account of the principal roots decaying. Dragendorff (1877), however, compared the 
 roots to English rhubarb in appearance. The plant grows to the height of 2.4 to 3 M. (8 
 or 10 feet), has large orbicular-ovate, deeply five-lobed and cut radical leaves, numerous 
 small pale pinkish flowers, and drooping, triangular fruits, with a dull red wing on each 
 angle. Przewalsky (1881) observed another very tall rhubarb, the root of which weighed 
 26 pounds. 
 
 Rheum hybridum, Murray, is chiefly characterized by the nearly flat and wrinkled 
 leaves, which are heart-shaped at the base, pointed above, and undulately lobed on the 
 
RHEUM. 
 
 1377 
 
 margin. A variety of this species, named Colinianum, was received by Prof. Baillon 
 (1878) from M. Colin of Verdun, who had procured it from Central Asia ; its root has 
 the characters of rhubarb. 
 
 Production. — From the meagre accounts concerning the collection of the root and 
 its preparation for the market, it appears that the root is dug up in autumn, deprived of 
 its corky layer, cut into sections to facilitate the drying, and afterward exposed to the air, 
 frequently strung on a cord, and, if necessary, dried by the aid of artificial heat. In the 
 Chinese ports it is assorted according to its shape. 
 
 Rhubarb enters commerce now chiefly from Shanghai and other ports of Northern 
 China, and is hence known as Chinese rhubarb ; much of it was and is still first shipped 
 to India before it is sent to Europe ; the so-called East India rhubarb is therefore not dis- 
 tinct from the Chinese. Formerly an excellent quality of rhubarb was received through 
 Siberia under treaty stipulations between the governments of Russia and China. This 
 was almost exclusively received at Kiachta, and there subjected to a very stringent ex- 
 amination, carefully trimmed and dried, and afterward packed in waterproof chests and 
 sent overland to Moscow and St. Petersburg. This variety was known as Russian or crown 
 rhubarb. However, since about the year 1850 various causes have operated against the 
 rhubarb trade through Siberia; from 1860 very little rhubarb was received at Kiachta, 
 and the office for the inspection of this drug was finally abolished in 1863. 
 
 Description. — Rhubarb, as met with in commerce, consists of segments of the rhi- 
 zome, which are usually assorted into round and flat, the one kind being either subcylin- 
 drical or conical, while the other is irregularly trapezoidal in outline and flattish or con- 
 vex on one side. They are often perforated with a hole, in which remnants of the cord 
 are found by which the root was suspended in drying. The outer surface is always 
 trimmed, but patches of the corky layer, or at least of the inner portion thereof, are usu- 
 ally present to a small extent, and are of a dark blackish-brown color. Otherwise, the 
 outer surface is nearly smooth or somewhat wrinkled, and after the removal of the adlier- 
 ing yellowish dust shows numerous brown-yellow or red-brown short strise imbedded in a 
 white tissue, in which an arrangement into elongated meshes is observable. The trans- 
 verse surface has a marbled appearance, and consists of white parenchyma traversed by 
 innumerable fine reddish medullary rays; these, in the centre of the pieces, are very 
 irregular, curved, and interrupted, and show a more regular radiating arrangement only 
 toward the circumference near the dark-colored cambium-line and in the inner bark, which 
 is generally present in Chinese rhubarb. In Russian rhubarb the cambial zone was 
 
 Fig. 240. 
 
 Fig. 241. 
 
 Russian Rhubarb : transverse section. 
 
 Chinese Rhubarb : transverse section. 
 
 entirely trimmed off, leaving only a narrow zone of regularly radiating nearly parallel 
 medullary rays. Near this zone a dense circle of stellate spots was seen, consisting of 
 small groups of medullary rays, each group radiating usually in curved lines from a 
 common centre. These stellate spots are likewise observed in Chinese rhubarb, though 
 not in all pieces, and are in most cases less numerous ; they indicate the origin of the 
 radical leaves, and must therefore be necessarily most numerous in old rhizomes. Rhu- 
 barb is firm, compact, and breaks with an uneven granular, not at all fibrous, fracture ; 
 it has a peculiar aromatic odor, a bitter and somewhat astringent taste, and when masti- 
 cated is gritty between the teeth and imparts a yellow color to the saliva. The grittiness 
 ot rhubarb is due to the parenchyma containing aggregated tufts of microscopic crystals 
 ot calcium oxalate, the composition of which was already ascertained by Scheele (1784). 
 Pieces which are spongy, decayed, worm-eaten, or mouldy should be rejected. Unsightly 
 pieces are sometimes artificially improved in appearance by means of powdered turmeric, 
 in which case the surface turns red-brown with a solution of boric acid. 
 
 87 
 
 
1378 
 
 RHEUM. 
 
 Fig. 242. 
 
 Fig. 243. 
 
 Rhubarb: section through and near cambium, 
 magnified 40 diameters. 
 
 Calcium Oxalate Crys- 
 tals in Rhubarb. 
 
 Constituents. — Rhubarb has been frequently subjected to analysis, and various 
 
 more or less active substances were separated from 
 it, and by the different investigators named rhein , 
 rhabarbarin, rheumin , and rhabarbaric acid. In 
 1835, Peretti isolated from it a 
 crystalline, yellow, sublimable 
 principle which dissolves in 
 H potassa with a red color. This 
 was subsequently proven by 
 Schlossberger and Popping 
 (1844) to be identical with 
 chrysophanic acid , C 15 H 10 O 4 
 
 (Liebermann, 1875). It was 
 first obtained in a resinous con- 
 dition by Schrader (1819) from 
 a common lichen, Parmelia parie- 
 tina, Linne ; was obtained pure 
 by Rochleder and Ileldt (1843), 
 and afterward found in the roots of Rumex and of cultivated rhubarb. The pre- 
 cipitate occurring in tincture of rhubarb yields chrysophanic acid on treating it with 
 benzene. Or rhubarb may be exhausted with cold water, and the residue, after drying, 
 with benzene ; on concentrating the benzene solution chrysophanic acid crystallizes on 
 cooling (Schlossberger). It forms bright-yellow needles or plates, is inodorous and 
 nearly tasteless, fuses at 162° C. (323.6° F.), and sublimes on carefully regulating the 
 heat. It is almost insoluble in cold water, but imparts a bright-yellow color to boiling 
 water, and requires 224 parts of boiling 86 per cent, alcohol for solution. It crystallizes 
 from its concentrated solution in hot alcohol, amylic alcohol, glacial acetic acid, and ether, 
 and is freely soluble in benzene, chloroform, fixed and volatile oils, and the hydrocarbons 
 of coal-tar. Strong sulphuric acid dissolves it with a bright-red color, and separates it 
 again in yellow floccules on adding the solution to water. Alkalies dissolve it with a 
 deep-red color ; the solutions produce with alum a rose-colored lake, and with lead salts 
 precipitates which may vary in color from yellowish to pinkish or bright-red. (See also 
 Chrysarobinum, p. 473). 
 
 After washing the alcoholic extract of rhubarb with water, dissolving the residue in a 
 small quantity of alcohol, and mixing the solution with ether, a precipitate is obtained 
 consisting of phseoretin, aporetin , and resinous matter. The liquid yields chrysophanic 
 acid on concentration, while the mother-liquor contains erythroretin , C 38 H 36 0 14 , which is a 
 yellow tasteless powder readily soluble in alcohol, less freely soluble in ether and glacial 
 acetic acid, and dissolves in alkalies with a purple color. By treating crude chrysophanic 
 acid with cold benzene, emodin , C 15 H 10 O 5 , is left behind ; this crystallizes from hot benzene 
 in orange-colored prisms which dissolve in alkalies with a deep-red color ; it was discovered 
 by Warren de la Rue and Muller (1857). The precipitate by ether obtained as above 
 contains aporetin, and yields to cold alcohol phseoretin , C 32 H 32 0 14 , which is yellowish- 
 brown and soluble in alkalies with a dark red-brown color. Aporetin is a blackish 
 resinous mass, sparingly soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene, and chloroform, and yields 
 with alkalies a brown solution, and by nitric acid is oxidized to oxalic and chrysamic 
 acids. 
 
 Kubly (1867) isolated from rhubarb, besides phaeoretin, chrysophan , C 27 H 30 O, 4 (Lieber- 
 mann), which is orange-colored, bitter, insoluble in ether, soluble in alcohol, and more 
 freely so in water, and by acids is split into sugar and chrysophanic acid ; a colorless, 
 crystallizable, neutral, and tasteless body, having the composition C 10 H 12 O 4 ; and rheo- 
 tannic acid. , C 52 H 52 0 28 , which is insoluble in ether, soluble in water and alcohol, pre- 
 cipitates gelatin and albumen, yields with ferric salts a black-green precipitate, and 
 when boiled with dilute acids is resolved into sugar and rheumic acid , C 40 H 32 O 18 . This 
 acid closely resembles rheotannic acid, but is sparingly soluble in cold water and yields 
 dark-blue precipitates with ferric salts. Rhubarb contains also sugar, fat, pectinaceous 
 matter, and starch. The ash left on incineration varies in amount ; good rhubarb yields 
 about 12 or 14 per cent., but sometimes as high as 43 per cent, has been obtained ( Phar - 
 macographia ) . 
 
 Other Rhubarbs. — Rheum rhaponticum, Limit, is indigenous to Asia Minor, Southern Siberia, 
 and South-eastern Russia. It has a large conical fleshy root and cordate-ovate rather obtuse 
 leaves on long fleshy, pleasantly acidulous petioles, the upper part of which has a shallow 
 
RHEUM. 
 
 1379 
 
 channel. This species is extensively cultivated as pie-plant for the sake of the leaf- 
 stalks, and the root is occasionally employed in domestic prac- 
 tice. The same species is also cultivated in Moravia, Hun- Fig. 244. 
 
 gary, and near Banbury, England, and yields the Austrian or 
 Moravian and the English rhubarb. In some parts of Russia, 
 
 Germany, and France, Rheum palmatum, Linne , is likewise culti- 
 vated ; and experiments have also been made with Rh. undulatum, 
 
 Linn £. Rh. compactum, Limit, and Rh. Emodi, Wallich , s. Rh. 
 australe, Don. The various kinds of rhubarb grown in Europe 
 are often very handsome in appearance, though usually of a lighter 
 color than good Chinese rhubarb, and generally of smaller dimen- 
 sions. The medullary rays usually radiate pretty regularly from 
 the centre, but in interrupted lines ; the cambium-zone is more dis- 
 tinct, the stellate spots are entirely wanting or present only in 
 small numbers, and the outer surface shows, after trimming, the 
 short striae of the brownish-red medullary rays, but white meshes 
 are rarely seen. 
 
 Tests.— It has been stated above that unsightly pieces 
 of rhubarb are occasionally rendered more attractive in ap- 
 pearance by turmeric ; the same is the case with powdered 
 
 rhubarb. For the detection of this sophistication W. L. European “ u jS, r n b: transverse 
 Howie (1873) recommended the following test : About 5 
 
 grains of rhubarb are placed upon white blotting-paper ; a few drops of chloroform are 
 percolated through the powder, when the paper surrounding the powder will become 
 very slightly stained from good Chinese rhubarb, while European or dark-colored Chinese 
 rhubarb will produce a deep-yellow stain similar to turmeric. A pinch of powdered borax 
 is now placed on the stain, and a single drop of hydrochloric acid placed upon it ; if the 
 stain was produced by rhubarb its color will not be affected, but if the rhubarb contained 
 turmeric the color will change to a distinct red in a few seconds. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Perezia adnata, Gray (Trixis Pipitzahoac, Schaffner , Dumerilia Alami, De 
 Candolle ), nat. ord. Composite, Mutisiaceae. This is a plant of Central Mexico, the rhizome of 
 which is used as a laxative. It is described by Th. Greenish (1884) as 8-10 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) 
 long, 2 Mm. ( T ^ inch) thick, longitudinally wrinkled, brown, bitter, and rather persistently pun- 
 gent ; it has a thick central pith, surrounded by about eight short fibro-vascular bundles, on the 
 outside of which, in the thickish bark, are contained a number of cells forming a circle and con- 
 taining a yellow crystalline substance 5 stone-cells of a somewhat stellate appearance are scat- 
 tered in the parenchyma. The yellow principle, pipitzahoic acid , C 15 II 10 O 3 , was examined by 
 C. M. Weld (1855) ; it crystallizes in golden-colored glossy scales or plates-, hence it has been 
 called vegetable gold ; it is nearly insoluble in cold water, dissolves readily in alcohol and ether, 
 melts near 100° C., sublimes when heated with care, and acquires an intense purple color with 
 alkalies and alkaline earths. The same compound was obtained by Charles Mohr (1884) from 
 the root of Perezia Wrightii and P. nana, Gray , of South-western Texas — from the latter in 
 smaller quantity ; it separates from the decoction in needles. The acid acts as a drastic purga- 
 tive in doses of 0.25-0.50 Gm. (4 to 8 grains), and imparts a greenish color to urine. 
 
 Ruin acanthus communis, Nees (nat. ord. Acanthacese). This shrub is indigenous to India and 
 China. The woody root and leaves have been used in ringworm and other cutaneous diseases. 
 The root contains in intercellular spaces of the bark a quinone-like body, which Liborius (1881) 
 called rhinacanthin , C 14 II 18 0 4 , which forms with alkalies intensely red compounds, and these are 
 decomposed by benzin, dissolving the rhinacanthin with a yellow color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Rhubarb acts as a purgative on horses and dogs as well as on 
 man, and in all cases its coloring and purgative principles are absorbed into the blood, 
 since it tinges the urine and milk and renders the latter purgative. It also sometimes 
 stains the perspiration yellow. The color which it gives the faeces probably led to its 
 being regarded as a cholagogue, but the experiments of Rutherford led him to conclude 
 that it is really so independently of its purgative action. Provost and Binet class it with 
 medicines whose action on the biliary secretion is inconstant, although they commonly 
 slightly increase it ( Therap. Gaz. xii. 610). Its purgative and astringent properties have 
 been ascribed to cathartinic (?) and rheo-tannic (?) acids, respectively. After large doses 
 a moderate purgative action is followed by quiescence of the bowels ; but a very small 
 quantity taken daily in mass and allowed to dissolve in the mouth will maintain them in 
 a free condition for some time, and that without at all impairing the digestion. The pur- 
 gative operation of rhubarb has been manifested when it was applied to ulcers or moist- 
 ened and rubbed upon the skin. 
 
 The gentle action of rhubarb renders it one of the best remedies for hsemorrhouh con- 
 nected with constipation. Its tonic or astringent influence, superadded to its laxative 
 
1380 
 
 RHCEADOS PETAL A. —RHUS GLABRA. 
 
 operation, constitutes it one of the best remedies for diarrhoea due to cold or to the pres- 
 ence of irritating ingesta in the bowels ; and for this purpose roasted rhubarb is thought 
 to be peculiarly efficient. It is prepared by roasting fragments of rhubarb like coffee. 
 The diarrhoea to which children are liable in summer is often cured by this medicine, 
 especially when associated with magnesia. Rhubarb laxatives in small doses have been 
 recommended for thread-worms. At one time rhubarb was believed to be a valuable 
 remedy for dysentery , but in this disease, which presents so many types and varieties, it 
 is difficult to determine in what particular form of it the medicine is most efficient. We j 
 believe that it is so in the first stages of simple dysentery when associated with mild 
 salines, in the decline of the bilious form with a tendency to protracted diarrhoea, and as 
 an occasional purgative in chronic dysentery prolonged by scybala in the bowels. 
 
 Externally, powdered rhubarb has been recommended as a stimulant and astringent | 
 application to old, indolent, and irritable ulcers. Opium, calomel, and other substances 
 may be mixed with it. 
 
 The dose of rhubarb as a purgative is about Gm. 1.30 (gr. xx) ; as a gentle aperient 
 and tonic, Gm. 0.30 (gr. v). Associated with calomel, its action is prompt and efficient. 
 With magnesia it is very appropriate when the secretions of the stomach and bowels are 
 unduly acid. The simple rhubarb pill, which contains soap, is very eligible as a mild 
 laxative for habitual or occasional use. The numerous official preparations of this drug 
 are commented upon in their proper places. 
 
 Rhinacanthus communis has been employed in Japan and also in Europe, for chronic 
 diseases of the skin , as a topical remedy (Strumpf, Handbuch , ii. 361 ; Philada. Med. 
 Times , xiv. 393). 
 
 RHCEADOS PETALA, Br, — Red-poppy Petals. 
 
 Flores rhoeados. — Corn poppy, Corn rose , E. ; Coquelicot , F. Cod; Pavot rouge , Fr. ; 
 Klatschrose, Klapperrose, G. ; Amapola , Sp. 
 
 The fresh petals of Papaver Rhoeas, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 19. ! 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Papaveraceae. 
 
 Origin. — The red poppy is an herbaceous annual growing in fields among cereals 
 throughout the greater part of Europe, in Northern Africa, and in Asia eastward to. 
 India. It is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, is covered with spreading hairs, has deeply 
 pinnatifid leaves with the segments lanceolate and cut-toothed; it has showy red flowers, 
 and produces short, smooth, obovate capsules which are truncate above and contain 
 numerous minute blackish seeds. 
 
 Description. — The petals are roundish in outline, 5 Cm. (2 inches) and more in 
 width, one pair always broader than the other pair, deep scarlet-red, after drying of a dull 
 purple, very thin, with a short claw and a black spot near the base. Their odor in the,; 
 fresh state is heavy and somewhat narcotic, and is dissipated in drying; their taste is 
 mucilaginous and slightly bitter. 
 
 Papaver dubium, Linne , which is sometimes met with spontaneously in the United '< 
 States, is appressed-hairy and has a club-shaped capsule and roundish-oblong, red petals, 
 which agree in sensible properties with the preceding, but are generally smaller. 
 
 Constituents. — Red-poppy petals have been frequently examined, and it has been 
 asserted by some that they contain small quantities of morphine, paramorphine, and nar- 
 cotine, which alkaloids, however, could not be detected by other investigators. Accord- 
 ing to Ilesse (1865), they contain rhoeadine (see p. 1172). Leo Meier (1846) found in 
 the petals gum, starch, albumen, fat, and wax, and two deliquescent coloring principles — 
 rhoeadic acid , which is dai;k-red, soluble in alcohol and water, but insoluble in ether, and j 
 yields brown compounds with alkalies; and papaveric acid, which is bright-red, soluble in j 
 dilute alcohol and water, and forms violet compounds with the alkalies. Hesse found 
 the milk-juice of the plant to become deep-red with ferric chloride ; it probably contains 
 meconic acid. 
 
 Uses. — The dried petals of the red or corn poppy are used in the preparation of 
 syrup of red poppy. 
 
 RHUS GLABRA, U. S.— Sumach. 
 
 Pennsylvania, or upland sumach , E. ; Sumac , Fr. ; Sumach , G. ; Zumaque , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Rhus glabra, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Terebinthaceae, Anacardieae. 
 
RHUS GLABRA. 
 
 1381 
 
 Origin. — The smooth sumach is a shrub or suffruticose plant growing in rocky and 
 barren soil in North America. It attains a height of about 3.6 M. (12 feet). The stem 
 has a large pith and a thin circular layer of white wood, which is covered with a thin 
 brown-gray bark having small scattered warts on the outer surface, the inner tangential 
 layers of a green and the inner surface of a brown color. The leaves are imparipinnate, 
 with from twenty-one to thirty-one lance-oblong, pointed, and serrate, on the under side 
 whitish, leaflets. The small greenish flowers grow in dense ovoid terminal panicles, and 
 appear in June ; the fruit ripens in September. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is drupaceous, subglobular, less than 3 Mm. inch) in 
 diameter ; is densely covered with bright purplish-red hairs, and encloses a roundish 
 oblong smooth putamen. It is inodorous and has a strong and pleasant acidulous taste. 
 The leaves and bark, which have also been employed medicinally, have an astringent and 
 bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — TrommsdorfF (1834) found in the fruit of the European sumach 
 tannin, coloring matter, potassium malate, and much calcium malate. Similar results 
 were obtained by W. B. Rogers (1835) with the fruit of Rhus glabra and copallina. 
 The seeds contain fixed oil. The astringent taste of European sumach-leaves was ascer- 
 tained by Chevreul to be due to tannic and gallic acids, and Stenhouse (1862) corrob- 
 orated this result by converting the tannin into gallic acid. He attributes the varia- 
 tion in the amount of tannin to the fact that the European sumach-leaves are collected 
 also from Rhus Cotinus, Linne. Bowman (1869) estimated the tannin in Rhus glabra 
 by means of gelatin, and found in the bark 8.75 and 14.55 per cent., and in the fruit 
 1.9 per cent. 
 
 Allied Species. — Rhus copallina, Lima?, Dwarf sumach. It is from .9-2.1 M. (3 to 7 feet) 
 high, and has downy branches and the petioles wing-margined between the lanceolate entire 
 leaflets. 
 
 Riius typhina, Linn6, Staghorn sumach. It is 6-9 M. (20 to 30 feet) high, velvety-hairy, and 
 has leaves with from seventeen to thirty-one oblong-lanceolate, pointed, and sharply serrate or 
 cut-toothed leaflets. 
 
 Riius aromatica, Alton , Sweet sumach. It is about 1.5 M. (5 feet) high, has petiolate aromatic 
 leaves, with three sessile rhombic-ovate cut-toothed leaves, and produces yellowish flowers in 
 ament-like spikes. The root-bark is about 2 Mm. inch) thick, covered with a fissured and 
 warty brown cork (underneath which the bark is orange-red), and is whitish or pale-brownish 
 in color. It is brittle, breaks with a short granular fracture, yields an ochre-colored powder, 
 and has a slight pleasant odor and an astringent, aromatic, and bitterish taste. The bark con- 
 tains scattered oil-cells, and has a somewhat checkered appearance from the tangential arrange- 
 ment of the bast-layer and the radiating delicate medullary rays. H. W. Harper (1881) found 
 it to contain volatile oil, several resins, fat, tannin, gum, etc,, and to yield 13.8 per cent, of ash. 
 A tincture has been used made with alcohol, and representing in the pint 4 troyounces of the 
 bark. The fluid extract is prepared with alcohol in the same manner as fluid extract of ginger. 
 
 Rhus Coriaria, Linnt, European sumach. It grows near the Mediterranean, and has elliptic, 
 coarsely serrate, woolly leaflets. From fifteen to twenty million pounds of this sumach are 
 annually imported. The red hispid fruit is medicinally used. 
 
 Ail the above species have red, hairy, acidulous fruits and astringent leaves, and, with the 
 exception of the last, are indigenous to North America. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sumach-berries, containing both an acid and an astringent 
 principle, may be used in infusion Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (Jj to Oj) as a gargle in 
 catarrhal and other mild forms of pharyngitis , for which it forms a very agreeable and 
 efficient remedy. Even in the decline of graver forms of this affection it is deserving of 
 attention. The same is true of its use in aphthae and other forms of sore mouth, includ- 
 ing that produced by mercury. An infusion or decoction of the leaves or of the inner 
 bark of the root is simply astringent, but may be applied to the same purposes, as well 
 as for dressing wounds and ulcers. The glandular excrescences on the leaves are power- 
 fully astringent. 
 
 Rhus aromatica, or sweet sumach, is reported to have such an action on the pelvic 
 1 organs as to be useful in haematuria , eneuresis , and leucorrhoea. In a case of so-called hys- 
 terical incontinence of urine it almost immediately caused a suspension of the infirmity 
 when given as a fluid extract in doses of from 10 to 30 drops several times a day ( Cen - 
 tralbl. f. Therapie , i. 207). Willeford extolled its virtues in eneuresis, but did not state 
 | in what forms of the affection it excels {Med. Record , xxviii. 96) ; Unna recommended it 
 in the nocturnal eneuresis of children, but did not find its effects were usually permanent 
 ( Therap . Gaz ., xi. 360) ; and Burnevich {ibid., xii., 477) used a tincture of the plant in 
 inany cases of senile and infantile incontinence of urine with good effect, prescribing it 
 in doses of from 10-30 drops a day. (Compare Eloy, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 485.) 
 
1382 
 
 RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 
 
 RHUS TOXICODENDRON, JJ. S . — Rhus Toxicodendron. 
 
 Folia toxicodendri. — Poison oak , E. ; Sumach veneneux, Fr. ; Gift sumach, Gr. ; Zumaque 
 venenoso , Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Rhus Toxicodendron, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Terebinthaceae. 
 
 Origin. — -The poison oak is indigenous to Canada and the greater portion of the 
 United States westward to the Rocky Mountains. It attains a height of about 1 M. (40 
 inches), and has an erect stem, or, if growing in close proximity to trees or walls, it 
 becomes a climber, supporting itself by adventitious roots, and ascends to the height of 
 9-12 M. (30 or 40 feet). This climbing shrub, Rhus radicans, Linne , is now regarded 
 merely as a variety of the erect form, but is popularly distinguished as poison ivy. Roth 
 forms, when wounded, emit a milky juice which turns black on exposure ; they have the 
 small pale greenish pentamerous flowers in axillary paniculate racemes, and produce 
 small dry drupaceous fruits of a whitish color. The juice may be employed as an indeli- 
 ble ink, but is soluble in ether. The leaves are employed, and should be collected from 
 May to July, while the shrub is in bloom. The plant has been introduced into Europe, 
 and has become naturalized there. 
 
 Description. — The leaves are on petioles 10-12 Cm. (4 or 5 inches) long, and are 
 trifoliate, with the terminal leaflet prominently stalked, ovate or oval, acuminate, and 
 with a wedge-shaped base. The lateral leaflets are nearly sessile, 10-13 Cm. (4 or 5 
 inches) long, pointed, rounded at the base, and obliquely ovate in shape, the lower half 
 being broadest. The leaflets are either entire or variously notched, coarsely toothed or 
 lobed, smooth above, somewhat downy beneath, or sometimes downy on both sides, and 
 after drying thin and papery ; they are inodorous, and have a somewhat astringent, saline, 
 and acrid taste. The leaves are said to have been confounded with those of Ptelea trifo- 
 liata, Linne (see p. 1321), which are thicker, pale-green, and have three sessile leaflets. 
 
 Constituents. — Khittel (1858) found in the leaves of poison oak tannin, producing 
 a green-black precipitate with ferric salts, fixed oil, wax, mucilage, and other principles 
 commonly found in plants. He believed the poisonous properties to be due to a volatile 
 alkaloid. But we found (1865) the exhalations of this plant to have an acid reaction, 
 and the leaves to contain notable quantities of ammonia, but no other alkaloid or only 
 minute traces of such a compound. The poisonous toxicodendric acid is volatile, has a 
 strongly acid reaction, neutralizes bases completely, and yields with an excess of lead 
 oxide a soluble salt having a strong alkaline reaction. The aqueous solution of the acid 
 produces with lead acetates heavy white precipitates, yields with silver nitrate, on boiling, 
 a black precipitate of silver oxide, and separates metallic gold from a warm solution of 
 gold chloride. Its neutral salts produce with mercurous salts a white precipitate, chang- 
 ing to black when heated. Potassium permanganate is readily reduced both by the acid 
 and its salts. Toxicodendric acid resembles both formic and acetic acid in some of its 
 reactions, and, according to the unpublished researches of H. P. Pettigrew (1883), who 
 verified the above observations, the neutral solutions of its salts yield also a red color 
 with ferric salts. Applied to the skin either in solution or in the state of vapor, the acid 
 produces vesicular eruption. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations.— The expressed juice of the fresh leaves pre- 
 served by alcohol probably possesses all the virtues of the drug. 
 
 Tinctura toxicodendri. The bruised fresh leaves are macerated for ten days with 
 an equal weight of alcohol, and the liquid expressed and filtered. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Riius diversiloba, Torrey et Gray (Rh. lobata, Hooker ), is a straggling or 
 climbing shrub of the Pacific coast of North America, and has the leaves with three or five more 
 or less deeply lobed or pinnatifid leaflets. 
 
 Rhus venenata, De Candolle (Rh. Vernix, Linnd). This species grows in swampy localities 
 in Canada and the United States, and is known as the poison sumach, poison dogwood , and poison 
 elder. It is a shrub 3.6 to 5.4 M. (12 to 18 feet) high, and has very glabrous leaves, with about 
 eleven oval or obovate-oblong, abruptly pointed, and entire leaflets. The fruit is yellowish. 
 
 Rhus pumila Michaux , is a procumbent shrub of Western South Carolina, and has pubescent > 
 pinnate leaves, with about eleven oval or oblong, coarsely-toothed, and somewhat acuminate J 
 leaflets. The fruit is red and softly hairy. 
 
 Rhus Metopium, Linn£. The coral sumach , bum-wood or mount ain-machineel , grows in South- j 
 ern Florida and the West Indian islands. It is about 9 M. (30 feet) high, and has leaves with ; 
 five long-stalked ovate entire and smooth leaflets. The wood contains much tannin ; the fruit is 
 about 1 Cm. (§ inch) long, red and acrid. # . 
 
 All the species named are poisonous, and their properties are probably due to the same principle. 
 
RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 
 
 1383 
 
 Action and Uses. — Poison oak was well known to the aborigines, and early 
 described by travellers in North America, both as a poison and as a medicine. The vola- 
 tile acid emanations of the living plant produce an eczematous eruption upon the skin, 
 and it is alleged that a dog exposed to them died with a general swelling of the body. 
 Herbivorous animals devour its leaves with impunity, but dogs are poisoned by its juice, 
 losing their power of muscular co-ordination and strength, and dying with dilated pupils, 
 without coma or convulsions. On man it acts externally as an irritant, some persons 
 being much more susceptible than others to its influence. Even air impregnated with 
 the exhalations of the leaves is sufficient to produce an eczematous inflammation of the 
 skin. This is characterized by violent itching, redness, and swelling, followed by heat, 
 pain, fever, and vesication, which, upon the face and genitals particularly, may be 
 attended with extreme tumefaction. These symptoms begin between a few hours and 
 several days after the application of the poison, and are usually at their height on the 
 fourth or fifth day, after which desquamation commences. But sometimes they continue 
 active for a longer time. The juice of the plant applied to the skin will, in the course of 
 forty-eight hours, produce a blister which is soon surrounded with vesicles, and later a 
 similar eruption may take place upon distant parts of the body without the primary 
 blisters having been ruptured. The eruption is attended with severe burning and 
 itching. Usually, however, the more distant irritation is due to the discharge from the 
 primary one being conveyed elsewhere by the hands. Japanese lacquer, which is pre- 
 pared from the juice of this plant, exhales a vapor that produces the characteristic 
 eruption (Prentiss, Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 447). But there are some cases of poisoning by 
 this plant, taken internally, which seem to be attended with a vesicular eruption of the 
 skin (Med. Record , xxx. 601 ; Therap. Gaz., xiii. 448). A case is reported of a woman 
 who used the leaves of the plant instead of paper after defecation, and who suffered, 
 besides the general affection of the skin, from symptoms of inflammation of the rectum 
 (Rhila. Med. Times , xii. 636). Internally, it gives rise to a species of intoxication, with 
 vertigo, confusion of the senses, dilatation of the pupils, a sense of constriction of the tem- 
 ples, chilliness, nausea, thirst, a slow, small, and irregular pulse, diaphoresis, and diuresis, 
 debility, faintness, trembling, and convulsions. Two children who between them had 
 eaten a pint of the berries became drowsy and stupid, and then delirious and convulsed. 
 
 Various remedies have been employed to palliate the inflammation caused by poison 
 oak. If the inflammation is early seen, it should be washed with warm water and soap 
 or sodium bicarbonate. Alum-curd is appropriate at all stages of the process. Before 
 the blisters have fully formed or have discharged their contents lead-water is useful, 
 but a weak solution of ammonia or a strong one of sodium carbonate or sulphite, or 
 the solution of chlorinated soda, is perhaps still more so. Cosmoline allays the itching 
 and burning. When the blisters are mature or have been ruptured, a solution of* iron 
 perchloride or persulphate or of zinc sulphate, or simply lime-water, carefully applied 
 to the vesicated skin, will, arrest the progress of the inflammation. Grindelia squar- 
 rosa has also been used for this purpose. These articles are more or less palliative, 
 but no one of them is strictly curative. Of the great number used, the following may be 
 mentioned besides those already named: Hamamelis, stramonium, lobelia, sassafras-bark, 
 elder-bark, boneset, gelsemium, dulcamara, serpentaria, spice-bush ; oak-bark, tannin, zinc, 
 bismuth, lead, alum ; potassium chlorate, carbolic acid, oxalic axid, copper sulphate, 
 black-wash, bromine. It is evident that these agents are divisible into protective, astrin- 
 gent, and stimulant, and that each group is most applicable to a special stage or grade 
 of the affection. 
 
 The inflammation of the skin which poison oak excites led to its being employed sub- 
 stitutively in chronic cutaneous affections, but there is no proof of its efficiency, as there 
 is in sciatica , for which it has been used. It has been alleged to be efficacious in the 
 treatment of paraplegia, from concussion of the spinal marrow, and other affections of 
 this organ without lesion of tissue ; it is said to occasion no inconvenience, and to 
 strengthen rather than enfeeble digestion. Sometimes a slight degree of strangury is 
 observed. It has also been used to cure incontinence of urine depending upon atony of 
 the bladder. In the early part of this century this plant was extensively employed in 
 the treatment of paralytic affections, but it fell into complete disuse (Richter, Ausfiihr. 
 Arzneiin., ii. 805 ; Stille, Therapeutics, 4th ed. ii. 795). Some recent reports of its effi- 
 ciency were published by Aulde (Med. News , liv. 446; Therap. Gaz., xiii. 676), but as 
 the dose employed represented only half a drop of the official tincture, the statements can 
 hardly be regarded as conclusive. A recent writer (who incorrectly states that “ it is offi- 
 cial (sic) in the German Pharmacopoeia ”) reiterates the above statements of its utility in 
 
1384 
 
 ROBINIA.— ROS^E CANINjE fructus. 
 
 nervous, rheumatic, cutaneous, and urinary disorders {Med. News , lxiii. 390). It is, 
 however, pronounced by Ilusemann ( Arzneimittellehre , 3d ed. p. 440) an obsolete medi- 
 cine ; and Dr. H. C. Wood, who tested the alleged efficacy of the drug in various forms 
 of rheumatism , found that it gave no definite good result .( Therap. Gaz., xiv. 95). One 
 physician found it useful in spinal anaemia if associated with nux vomica, and that it 
 reduces the temperature if administered with gelsemium ; which may very readily be 
 credited — much more readily than that it is “ a laxative, diaphoretic, diuretic, and par- 
 ticularly a stimulant of the nervous system,” which is asserted by the same authority 
 {Detroit Lancet , Jan. 1880). The dose of the powdered leaves, which should be gradually 
 increased, is Gm. 0.30-4 (gr. v to gr. lx). On the whole, the medicinal virtues of this 
 plant are too uncertain to inspire any confidence. 
 
 ROBINIA. — Locust Tree. 
 
 False acacia , E. ; Robinier , Fr. ; Falsche Akazie , G. 
 
 Robinia Pseudacacia, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord\ — Leguminosae, Papilionacese. 
 
 Description. — The common locust tree is indigenous to the southern part of the 
 United States, but is commonly cultivated and naturalized farther north and in Europe. 
 It is thorny when young, attains a height of 18 to 24 M. (60 or 80 feet), but is smaller 
 in northern localities, and has a durable white or reddish wood and a brownish or gray, 
 smooth, and internally yellowish bark. Its leaves are imparipinnate, the leaflets in from 
 eight to twelve pairs, oval, obtuse, and smooth, and the fragrant whitish flowers in long 
 slender racemes. The legume is about 8 Cm. (3 inches) long, linear, flat, margined on 
 the inner side, and contains about six blackish-brown small seeds. The root and inner 
 bark have a sweetish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The root was examined by H. Reinsch (1845), who found it to con- 
 tain much albumen, tannin, sugar, starch, and other common vegetable principles. His 
 robinic acid is believed by Hlasiwetz (1852) to be asparagin , of which he obtained 2? 
 ounces from 30 pounds of the root. Power and Cambier (1890) isolated from the bark 
 choline , a globulin, and an albumose. The latter is tasteless, soluble in water, coagulated 
 and rendered inert by heat. It is precipitated by potassium-bismuth iodide, and by tan- 
 nin, and from its acidulated solutions by potassium ferrocyanide. It is an emetic and 
 purgative. According to Zwenger and Dronke (1861), the flowers contain a yellow glu 
 coside, robinin, which, on being boiled with acids, is resolved into sugar and quercetin , and 
 which is also contained in the bark and wood. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bark of the root of Robinia is said to be tonic, and in large 
 doses purgative and emetic, and a syrup prepared from the flowers is related to have pro- 
 duced acro-narcotic effects in children. Gendron mentions that certain boys who had 
 chewed some of the bark and swallowed the juice were affected not only with vomiting, 
 but with coma and slight convulsions (Griffith, Med. Botany). Gelcich reports two cases 
 of poisoning in the same manner. The symptoms were burning in the throat and stomach, 
 stupor, dilated pupils, staggering, muscular spasms, and drawing of the knees upward. 
 In one of the cases, a child three years old, there were extreme pallor, livid lips, sunken 
 eyes, and absence of pulse. Recovery in both cases took place after the use of diffusible 
 and mechanical stimulants {Philada. Med. Times , Apr. 24, 1880). No definite informa- 
 tion concerning its medicinal virtues is accessible. 
 
 ROS^E CANINE FRUCTUS, Br.— Hips. 
 
 Cynosbata , Fructus cynosbati. — Fruit of the dog rose , E. ; Gratte-cul , Fr. ; Cynorrhodon , 
 Fr. Cod. ; Ilagebutte , Hainbutte, G. ; Cinosbato , Escaraninjo, Una de gato, Sp. 
 
 The ripe fruit of the dog rose, Rosa canina, Linne , and other indigenous allied species. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 103. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosacese, Roseae. 
 
 Origin. — The dog rose is a spiny European shrub, from 1.2— 2.4 M. (4 to 8 feet) high, 
 and resembles the roses indigenous to this country, but differs from them in the shape of 
 the calyx and in the absence of glandular hairs on the peduncle and calyx. 
 
 Description. — Ilips are not the fruit, but the enlarged calyx-tubes, of the rose. 
 They are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) in length, ovate, contracted above, of a bright-red 
 color, shining, internally stiff-haired, and enclose a number of ovate, hairy, brownish, 
 bony akenes. Hips are at first tough and crowned with the five-cleft deciduous calyx- 
 
ROSA CENTIFOLIA.— ROSA GALLIC A. 
 
 1385 
 
 lobes ; later in autumn they are naked above, softer, and more fleshy. They are inodor- 
 ous and have a sweet acidulous and somewhat astringent taste. For medicinal use the 
 hard akenes are removed and the fleshy calyx-tube alone is employed. The corresponding 
 part of Rosa Carolina, Linne , and R. lucida, Ehrhart (Meehan, Native Flowers , i. 169 ; ii. 
 133), is depressed globular, the former somewhat hairy, and has properties similar to those 
 of the first. 
 
 Constituents. — Scheele already noticed malic and citric acid in the pulp. Biltz 
 (1824) obtained 7.78 per cent, of malic and 2.95 per cent, of citric acid ; also 30.6 per 
 cent, of sugar, 25 per cent, of gum, and small quantities of tannin, resin, wax, malates, 
 citrates, and other salts. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Hips are described as slightly refrigerant and astringent, but 
 they are used in medicine only to prepare the confection of hips. 
 
 ROSA CENTIFOLIA, U. S.— Pale Rose. 
 
 Rosse centi/olise petala, Br. ; Flores rosse, P. G. ; Flores rosarum incarnatarum . — Cab- 
 bage rose-petals , Hundred-leaved rose , E. ; Rose d cent feuilles , Rose pale, Fr. Cod.; Centi- 
 folienrose , Rosenbldtter, Gr. ; Rosa pallida, Rosa de Castilla , Sp. 
 
 The petals of Rosa centifolia, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 105. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Roseae. 
 
 Origin. — This weil-known shrub, which is by some botanists regarded as a cultivated 
 variety of the red rose, is probably indigenous to Western Asia, and is cultivated in 
 innumerable varieties in all countries. Its branches are covered with numerous nearly 
 straight spines; the petioles and peduncles are nearly unarmed, but more or less clothed 
 with glandular bristles, and the leaves have five, or sometimes seven, ovate or elliptic-oval 
 serrate glandular and beneath soft-hairy leaflets. The flowers are collected and deprived 
 of the calyx and ovaries, the petals alone being employed. 
 
 Description. — The petals are roundish-obovate, retuse at the apex or almost obcord- 
 ate, of a pink color, a delicious rose odor, and of a sweetish, somewhat bitter, and slightly 
 astringent taste. In drying they become brownish and less fragrant. 
 
 Constituents. — The odor of rose-petals is due to a minute quantity of volatile oil 
 (see page 1147). Enz (1867) determined the other constituents to be tannin, giving a 
 green reaction with ferric salts, fat, resin, sugar, mucilage, a bitter principle, malates, 
 tannates, and phosphates, and a coloring matter which is easily altered, and, from the 
 investigations of Fremy, Cloez, Filhol, and others, seems to be identical with that of the 
 red rose and of many other red-colored flowers. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Rose-petals are employed chiefly in the distillation of 
 rose-water, and are for this purpose often preserved by being packed into suitable vessels 
 with one-half or their own weight of common salt. It is stated that in some laboratories 
 the entire rose-flowers are used in the distillation of rose-water, and furnish a good 
 product. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Pale rose-leaves are seldom used medicinally except in the 
 form of the official rose-water. The nervous symptoms and occasionally the coryza 
 ascribed to fresh roses are apt to be produced by other odorous flowers. 
 
 ROSA GALLICA, U. 8.— Red Rose. 
 
 Rosse gallicse petala, Br. ; Flores rosarum rubrarum. — Red-rose petals , E. ; Rose 
 rouge , Rose de Provins , Fr. Cod.; Essigrose , Sammtrose , Zuckerrose, G. ; Rosa roja , R. 
 rubra , Sp. 
 
 The petals of Rosa gallica, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 104. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Roseae. 
 
 Origin. — The red rose is a bushy shrub 60-90 Cm. (2 or 3 feet) high, which grows 
 wild in Southern Europe and the Levant and is cultivated in gardens in numerous varie- 
 ties. It is armed with bristly prickles and with a few curved spines, and has slightly 
 heart-shaped and thicker leaflets than the preceding species. The flowers are collected 
 while still in bud, and the petals cut off near the base and rapidly dried. 
 
 Description. — As seen in commerce, red rose is in small cones consisting of the 
 numerous densely-imbricated petals, which, when unfolded, are roundish, retuse at the 
 apex, and at the base narrowed into a short yellow claw, the greater portion of which has 
 been trimmed off’; the centre of the cone is hollow or it contains some of the stamens. 
 The color is deep purplish-red, velvety in aspect ; the odor is roseate and the taste bit- 
 
1386 
 
 ROSMARINUS.— R UR US. 
 
 terish, slightly acid, and astringent. Red rose should be preserved in a dry place and 
 excluded from the light. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical constituents of red rose are very similar to, if not 
 identical with, those of pale rose, but the astringent principle is more predominating. 
 Filhol (1863) denied the existence of tannin in red-rose petals; by extracting them with 
 ether two fats and quercitrin were obtained, to which the dark-green reaction with ferric 
 salts is due ; alcohol afterward took up a little gallic acid and nearly 20 per cent. (?) of 
 invert-sugar., Rochleder (1867), however, ascribed the reaction with iron to quercetic and 
 a little gallic acid. The coloring principle of red rose was isolated by H. Lenier (1877) 
 by exhausting the petals with ether, and afterward with alcohol ; the tincture was pre- 
 cipitated by lead acetate, and this precipitate decomposed by an insufficient quantity of 
 sulphuric acid in the presence of alcohol. The coloring matter becomes deep-red, with 
 a bright-green fluorescence, by alkalies ; it decomposes carbonates, yields with alkalies 
 crystallizable compounds, and is precipitated by salts of alkaline earths and metals, the 
 lead salt having the composition Pb 2 C 21 H 29 O 30 . 
 
 Action and Uses. — Red-rose leaves were anciently used in infusion as a cooling and 
 astringent remedy for inflamed uterine and other haemorrhages , and as an application 
 to aphthae and other ulcers affecting the mouth, ears, anus, etc., and the fresh bruised 
 leaves were applied to inflamed eyes. etc. 
 
 A compound infusion of rose, containing sugar and diluted sulphuric acid (U. S. P. 
 1870), is employed as a coloring and flavoring ingredient of mixtures, and as an excipient 
 and solvent for magnesium sulphate and for quinine sulphate, whose taste it partially 
 covers. It forms an agreeable gargle for inflamed and ulcerated states of the mouth and 
 fauces , and may be used to moderate profuse sweats. Its virtues are largely due to the 
 sulphuric acid it contains. Dose , from Gm. 64-128 (fgij— iv). 
 
 ROSMARINUS, 77. Rosemary. 
 
 Folia rosmarini, s. roris marini , Folia anthos. — Romarin , Fr. Cod. ; Rosmarin , G. ; 
 Romero , Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 207. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatse, Monardese. 
 
 Origin. — Rosemary is a native of the basin of the Mediterranean, and 
 is often cultivated in gardens. It is shrubby, .9-1.2 M. (3 or 4 feet) high, 
 much branched, evergreen, and has few-flowered axillary clusters of rather 
 large pale-blue flowers. 
 
 Description. — Rosemary-leaves are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, 
 leathery, linear, entire, sessile, obtuse at both ends, dark -green above, 
 densely woolly and dotted with oil-glands beneath, and revolute on the 
 margin. In drying the margin becomes more strongly revolute, the 
 leaf narrower and rigid, and the midrib prominent on the lower side. 
 Rosemary has a peculiar aromatic somewhat camphoraceous odor and a 
 pungently aromatic taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent is the volatile oil (see 
 page 1148). A little tannin, resin, and bitter principle are likewise 
 present. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — The leaves are employed in the prep- 
 aration of fumigating powders and the distillation of the volatile 
 oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — By the ancients rosemary was esteemed for its 
 emmenagogue, galactagogue, and diuretic virtues, and more recently 
 it was regarded as diaphoretic and carminative, and as useful in various 
 functional nervous disorders. In Europe it is sometimes still employed 
 for similar purposes. An infusion prepared with Gm. 4-8 in Gm. 500 
 (gr. lx-cxx in Oj) may be prescribed in tablespoonful doses. Fomenta- 
 tions, made with the plant steeped in hot water or alcohol, and ointments 
 prepared with it, are used for the relief of local pains. 
 
 RUBUS, 77. S . — Blackberry. 
 
 Ronce sauvage , Ronce noir, Fr. Cod. ; Brombeeren , G. ; Zarzamora , Sp. 
 
 The bark of the root of Rubus villosus, Alton, Rubus Canadensis, Linne, and of Rubus 
 trivialis, Michaux. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 100. 
 
 Fig. 245. 
 
 Kosmarinus offici- 
 nalis, Linne: 
 branch and flow- 
 er. 
 
RUB US IDJEUS. 
 
 1387 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Rosacea©, Dryadeae. 
 
 Origin. — These species are common shrubby North American plants with trifoliate or 
 quinate leaves. R. Canadensis is the dewberry , and has a trailing slightly prickly stem 
 and nearly smooth ovate-lanceolate, sharply serrate leaflets. R. villosus is the common 
 American blackberry , has an upright or reclining stem armed with stout recurved prickles, 
 and is glandular and hairy on the branchlets and the lower surface of the leaflets, and 
 ripens its fruit later than the first species. R. trivialis is the dewberry or bush-blackberry 
 of the Southern United States, growing as far north as Maryland ; it is armed with 
 bristles and recurved prickles, and has coriaceous, evergreen, nearly smooth leaflets. 
 
 Description. — The roots of these species are considerably branched, vary in size 
 from the thickness of a goosequill or less to the diameter of 25 Mm. (1 inch) or more, 
 and contain a large whitish, tough, ligne- 
 ous meditullium. The bark is quite thin, 
 blackish or in the dewberry blackish-gray, 
 externally, internally dark -brown, and the 
 inner surface pale-brownish and smooth, 
 tough, breaks with some difficulty, shows 
 in the bast-wedges a tangential arrange- 
 ment of the tissue, is nearly inodorous, 
 and has a strongly astringent and some- 
 what bitter taste. The thinnest roots 
 are frequently not deprived of the white, 
 tasteless, and inert wood. The leaves of 
 most species of this genus have an as- 
 tringent and somewhat bitter taste ; those of R. fruticosus, Linne , are medicinally 
 employed in Europe. 
 
 Constituents. — Blackberry-bark contains tannin, of which C. F. Kramer (1882) 
 obtained 10.2 per cent. ; its other constituents have not been investigated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Blackberry-root and dewberry-root possess astringent and 
 probably tonic virtues, and are much used in summer complaint, and infantile diarrhoea. 
 They are best administered in a decoction made with water or with milk, Gm. 32 in Gm. 
 750, reduced to Gm. 500 (gj in Oiss, reduced to Oj). 
 
 The roots and leaves of several species of Rubus were anciently employed internally 
 as diuretics and externally as dressings for wounds and ulcers. In Russia an infusion 
 of the leaves of R. chamcelmorus has long been used as a remedy for debility of the 
 bladder (Strumpf, Handbuch, i. 288). In recent times Popoff’ and others have confirmed 
 the efficiency of this treatment ( Lancet , Mar. 6, 1866), and obtained from the plant an 
 acid which, combined with alkalies, showed a diuretic action whether given internally 
 or subcutaneously (JLond. Med. Record , June 15, 1886). Troitsky employed an infu- 
 sion of the leaves successfully in dropsy (Centralbl. f. d. g. Therap., v, 540). 
 
 RUBUS ID^EUS, U . S .— Raspberry. 
 
 Framboise , Fr. Cod. ; Himbeeren , G. ; Frambuesa , Sanguesa , Sp. 
 
 The fruit of Rubus Idaeus, Liyme. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Dryadeae. 
 
 Origin. — This shrub attains a height of about 1.8 M. (6 feet), is indigenous to the 
 greater portion of Europe and to Northern Asia as far east as Japan, and is frequently cul- 
 tivated. Areschong (1872) regards it as being derived from Rubus strigosus, Michaux, 
 which is common in North America and Japan. The young shoots are glaucous, more or 
 less bristly-spinous, and have imparipinnate leaves with one to three pairs of sessile, 
 ovate, serrate, and whitish-downy leaflets. The flowers have five white petals, about as 
 long as the calyx-lobes. 
 
 Description. — The fruit is hemispherical or subconical, and consists of about twenty 
 or thirty small red velvety-hairy drupes, which are laterally coalesced and separate in a 
 collective mass from the dry conical receptacle. Raspberries, which are used in the 
 fresh state only, contain a bright-red juice and have an agreeable fruity odor and a pleas- 
 ant acidulous taste. 
 
 The fruit of the North American Rubus occidentalis, Linne, or tliimbleberry , closely 
 resembles the preceding, but is of a purplish-black color and has a dark-red juice. 
 
 Constituents. — Raspberries contain 4.5 to 8.7 per cent, of insoluble matter, .4 to .8 
 per cent, of ash, and 7 to 8.5 per cent, of organic constituents, about one-lialf of which is 
 
1388 
 
 RUMEX.— RUT A. 
 
 sugar, one-fourth is malic and citric acids, and the remainder consists of protcids, pectin, 
 etc. The odor is due to a volatile oil consisting of compound ethers, and when distilled 
 with water the distillate separates a white flocculent stearopten. 
 
 Allied Fruits. — Blackberries. — Dewberries, E . ; Mures des haies, Baies de ronce, Fr. ; Brom- 
 beeren, G.; Zarzamoras , Sp. — The fruit of Rubus villosus, Alton , of North America, R. fruti- 
 cosus, Linne , of Europe, and allied species, has a fleshy receptacle, which remains united with 
 the coalesced drupes, is of a black or blackish color, and contains a blackish-purple juice resem- 
 bling in composition the juice of raspberries, but of a less delicate odor. 
 
 Uses. — The sole use of this fruit in medicine is to prepare an agreeable syrup. 
 
 RUMEX, U. S.—, Rumex. 
 
 Radix rumicis s. lapathi. — Yellow dock , E. ; Patience , Fr. Cod. ; Grindwurz, Mengel- 
 wurz, G. ; Lapato , Sp. 
 
 The root of Rumex crispus, Linne , and of other species of Rumex. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Polygonaceae. 
 
 Origin. — -The curled dock is a European perennial, and has been extensively natural- 
 ized in North America and in other countries. It grows in waste places and in cultivated 
 ground, and is distinguished from allied species by the wavy curled margins of its lanceo- 
 late leaves, and by the roundish-cordate, slightly denticulate, and grain-bearing valves of 
 the fruit. The root is collected in autumn. 
 
 Description. — The root is 20-30 Cm. (8 to 13 inches) long, 6-18 Mm. (1 to f inch) 
 or more thick, many-headed, fusiform, annulate above, somewhat branched and sparsely 
 beset with fibres ; after drying deeply wrinkled longitudinally, externally of a brown or 
 reddish-brown color, inodorous, and of a bitter and astringent taste. The root breaks 
 with a short irregular fracture, and upon transverse section shows a rather thick bark 
 nearly one-sixth the diameter of the root, a dark-colored cambium-line, and a fleshy 
 meditullium, containing porous wood-wedges, separated by narrow medullary rays. The 
 color of the inner tissue is white or whitish, after drying dingy brown-yellow, with 
 yellowish or brownish-red striae. The roots of Rumex obtusifolius, Linne , and R. san- 
 guineus, Linne , both indigenous to Europe and naturalized in North America, are indis- 
 criminately collected with the preceding and resemble it. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical composition of yellow dock is nearly identical with 
 that of rhubarb, except in the relative proportion of the constituents, the astringency pre- 
 dominating. The rumicin and lapathin of earlier investigators were proven by Tann 
 (1858) to be identical with chrysophanic acid. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Yellow or curled dock is astringent, slightly tonic, and also 
 laxative, and in its operation has been compared to rhubarb and also sarsaparilla. It 
 has been chiefly used in chronic cutaneous diseases , particularly of a scrofulous nature. 
 Some species of Rumex have been famous for the cure of intermittent fevers , for which 
 purpose they were given in a hot decoction, to the production of sweating. Others have 
 been regarded as eminently depurative, and used in chronic hepatic congestion and dyspep- 
 sia with lateritious urinary deposits and a tendency to gout. Externally, yellow dock has 
 been applied to the treatment of various skin diseases , glandular swellings , and scabies . 
 For the last an ointment is employed, made by boiling the root in vinegar until the fibre 
 is softened ; the latter is then reduced to a pulp and mixed with sulphur and lard. It is 
 pretty certain that the sulphur is the efficient ingredient of this ointment. The fresh 
 leaf when bruised is a popular antidote to the eruption caused by the stinging nettle. The 
 root, softened by boiling, may be used as a stimulant and resolvent cataplasm. The 
 decoction is made by boiling 2 ounces of the fresh root or 1 ounce of the dry root, 
 bruised, Gm. 64 or 32 in Gm. 500 (a pint) of water. Of this 2 fluidounces may be taken 
 at a dose. 
 
 R. sanguineus and R. aquaticus are astringent, especially the seeds : R. alpinus is com- 
 pared to rhubarb for its bitterness and astringency ; R. acutus has been much used in 
 pulp as a dressing for cancerous and other foul ulcers ; R. acetatus is employed like sorrel 
 for culinary purposes. 
 
 RUT A. — Rue. 
 
 Rue, Fr. Cod. ; Raute , Gartenraute , G. ; Rada, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Ruta graveolens, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 44. 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutacese, Rutese. 
 
RUT A. 
 
 1389 
 
 Description. — Rue is an herbaceous or suffruticose perennial 60-90 Cm. (2 or 3 feet) 
 high, which grows wild throughout Southern Europe and is frequently cultivated in gar- 
 dens. The leaves are alternate, on long petioles, thrice or twice pinnate, or the upper 
 ones pinnatifid, the lower ones 7-10 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) long, triangular-ovate in out- 
 line, subcoriaceous, grayish-green, finely pellucid-punctate and smooth ; the final divis- 
 ions obovate-oblong or spatulate, sparingly crenate, obtuse or rounded above, the ter- 
 minal division larger and spatulate wedge-shaped. The plant has yellowish flowers in 
 terminal corymbs, and four- or five-lobed capsules containing numerous ovoid-angular 
 blackish seeds. The leaves have a peculiar, strongly balsamic odor and possess an aromatic, 
 bitter, and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent of rue is its volatile oil (see page 
 1149). Maehl found free malic acid. Weiss*(1842) isolated the yellow coloring matter, 
 rutin, C 25 H 2S 0 I5 , and obtained it in needle-shaped crystals. Borntrager (1844) ascertained 
 it to possess acid properties, and named it rutinic acid. Hlasiwetz (1855) observed that 
 it splits into sugar and quercetin, and regarded it as identical with quercitrin ; but Zwen- 
 ger and Dronke found the unfermen table rutin-sugar to differ from isodulcit and to have 
 the composition C 12 H 18 0 9 . P. Foerster (1882) obtained between 44.5 and 46.5 per cent, 
 of quercetin. In preparing rutin it is with difficulty purified from resinous matter and a 
 compound resembling coumarin. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Evodia rutvecarpa, Bentham (Zanthoxyleae), is a handsome Japanese shrub 
 about 2.4 M. (8 feet) high. The thin, cylindrical, downy stalks and the unripe fruit are used ; 
 the latter are of the size of a small pea, five-grooved in the upper half, red-brown, glandular- 
 pitted, and of a rutaceous odor and pungent taste. The drug is employed as a purgative and 
 emmenagogue. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Rue is an active irritant, as numerous cases of poisoning by it 
 attest. In one example a man who had been gathering rue suffered from an inflammation 
 of the skin of the forearms with abundant vesicles, which healed very slowly. Three 
 cases are reported by Helie, in which rue was used to produce abortion. In the first a 
 decoction of the sliced root, in the second a decoction of the leaves, and in the third the 
 expressed juice of the leaves, was taken. In one of the cases the effects were violent 
 gastric pain, vomiting or efforts to vomit, with the rejection of a little blood. In all 
 there were great prostration, confusion of mind, cloudy vision, feebleness and slowness of 
 pulse, coldness of the extremities, and twitching of the limbs. All the patients, who were 
 in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, aborted and recovered. In another case a 
 woman had several times caused herself to abort by using an infusion of rue. The symp- 
 toms produced were pain in the back, bearing down, frequent micturition, continuing for 
 several days and often attended with headache, when a “ show ” took place, followed by 
 pains and abortion about ten days from the beginning of the administration. Three doses 
 of the oil of rue taken within an hour by a healthy adult produced uneasiness in the 
 stomach, oppression and confusion of the brain, aching in the loins, an urgent desire to 
 urinate, a strong smell of rue in the urine, flushes of heat, unsteadiness of gait, a tend- 
 ency to sleep, and increased frequency and diminished tension of the pulse. On the 
 other hand, when an infusion of the dried leaves was employed the pulse fell from 80 to 
 69 in three hours (Van de Warker, Criminal Abortion , 1872). 
 
 Capparis , the pickled flower-buds, were once regarded as possessed of medicinal virtues, 
 but are now employed only as a condiment for fatty meats. (See also page 304.) 
 
 Reseda was formerly considered diaphoretic and alexipharmic, and employed as an 
 antidote to snake-bites and as a vermifuge. For the latter purpose it is still used in 
 Russia. 
 
 Rue was held in high esteem from the time of Hippocrates. It was employed to cure 
 amenorrhoea, promote the lochia, and cause abortion. It was believed that in women it 
 stimulated sexual desire, but that in men it diminished the seminal secretion and the 
 tendency to venery ; that it was carminative and tonic, and useful internally and extern- 
 ally to relieve colic ; and that it destroyed intestinal worms and cured intermittent fever. 
 It was thought, in due proportion, to strengthen, but in excess to weaken, the sight, and 
 was prescribed as an antidote to poisoning by aconite, mushrooms, etc. Externally, it 
 was known to cause a pustular eruption upon the hands of persons employed to gather 
 it, and was used to destroy fleas. 
 
 Rue is a powerful antispasmodic, and was formerly administered in enemata for pre- 
 venting or shortening hysterical attacks. Its stimulant action upon the uterus is shown 
 in the unimpregnated as well as the pregnant state of the organ, but especially in the 
 cure of amenorrhoea due to non-inflammatory causes. In cases arising from congestion 
 
1390 
 
 SABADILLA. 
 
 of the uterus rue has sometimes occasioned profuse haemorrhage and severe pain. It 
 should, therefore, be cautiously used in dysmenorrhoea. In Chili it is said to be applied 
 to the umbilicus and to the soles of the feet to produce an emmenagogue effect. The 
 essential oil is the most convenient form for its administration. Hue has been used 
 instead of savin in uterine haemorrhage after abortion and when it depends upon general 
 debility. A decoction of the fresh leaves of rue has been employed as an injection to 
 destroy ascarides of the rectum, and internally to remove lumbricoid worms. Externally, 
 compresses saturated with a strong decoction of the plant, and applied to the chest, have 
 been used with advantage in chronic bronchitis. A similar decoction has been found very 
 efficient in destroying body lice , in various scaly eruptions , and in glandular engorgements. 
 
 The decoction and infusion of rue should be made from the fresh plant, but as this is 
 not always to be procured, the oil may be substituted for it in the dose of from 1 to 5 
 drops. An infusion may be prepared with about Gm. 16 in 6m. 500 Q§ss in Oj) of 
 water. 
 
 SABADILLA, Br. — Cevadilla. 
 
 Cevadille , Fr. Cod. ; Sabadillsamen , LauseJcorner, G. ; Cebadilla , Sp. 
 
 The seeds of Schoenocaulon (Yeratrum, Schlechtendal ) officinale, Gray , Asagrsea 
 (Helonias, Bon ) officinalis, Bindley , Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt. Bentley and Tri- 
 men, Med. Plants. 287. 
 
 Nat. Orel. — Melanthaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The cevadilla is a bulbous plant with long, linear, grass-like radical leaves 
 and a slender scape, bearing a narrow spike-like raceme about 30-45 Cm. (12 or 18 inches) 
 long, of greenish-yellow flowers, of which the lower ones only are fertile. It is indige- 
 nous to the eastern section of Mexico, also to Guatemala and Venezuela. The plant 
 growing in the latter country differs in some respects from the Mexican cevadilla, but no 
 difference is observed in the seeds. The seeds alone are usually exported from Venezuela, 
 and the ripe capsules from Mexico. 
 
 Description. — The fruit consists of three slightly-spreading, brownish, papery fol- 
 licles which are about 12 Mm. (| inch) long, and are either empty or contain from two 
 
 to six seeds each. These are from 5—8 Mm. (4 to 3 inch) 
 Fig. 247. long, narrow oblong or lance-linear, one side usually flattened 
 
 and angular, the lower end rounded and the apex attenuate 
 and rather beaked ; the testa is rugosely tinkled, somewhat 
 shining, of a brownish-black color, and encloses a whitish oily 
 albumen and at the base a small linear embryo. The seeds 
 are inodorous and have a bitter and persistently acrid taste ; 
 the powder is sternutatory. 
 
 Constituents. — Pelletier and Caventou’s analysis (1820) 
 proved the presence of fat, wax, mucilage, and veratrine , 
 combined with an acid which was at first supposed to be gallic 
 acid, but was shown by Pfaff to be a different compound : the 
 fat is a mixture of liquid and solid fat, and contains a volatile 
 fatty acid, sabadillic or cevadic acid , which has an odor similar 
 to that of butyric acid, melts at 20° C. ( 68 ° F.) and at a higher heat sublimes in white 
 pearly needles. Veratrine was discovered by Meissner (1819). (For recent investiga- 
 tions on the alkaloids of sabadilla see Veratrina.) 
 
 Veratric acid , C 9 H 10 O 4 , was discovered by Merck (1839) ; it crystallizes in needles or 
 prisms which are soluble in alcohol and hot water, but insoluble in ether; is fusible and 
 sublimable, and yields with the alkalies crystallizable salts which are soluble in alcohol 
 and water. 
 
 Cevadilla yields about 4 per cent, of veratrine and about per cent, of veratric acid. 
 The composition of the capsular integuments has not been ascertained. The seeds are 
 used in pharmacy only for preparing veratrine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal virtues of cevadilla are due to the veratrine it 
 contains, and will be found more particularly described in connection with that alkaloid. 
 The seeds are poisonous to dogs and cats, causing vomiting and convulsions. Two 
 children drank of a decoction of cevadilla (?), and presented the following symptoms: 
 vomiting, insensibility, pallor, a small sharp pulse, heat of head and cool extremity, and 
 spasms of the face and limbs ; deglutition was impossible, the pupils were dilated, and 
 the eyes projecting and oscillating. Both patients recovered ( Prayer Vierteljahrs. y lxxi. 
 
 117 ). 
 
 Asagrsea officinalis, Lindley : fruit, 
 nat. size ; seed and longitudi- 
 nal section magnified. 
 
SA BBA TIA .—SA BIN A. 
 
 1391 
 
 It was formerly employed to destroy body lice and other vermin, but sometimes, when 
 applied to the sore head, it has occasioned alarming symptoms. The tincture has been 
 found a very efficient remedy for scabies. The powder has been used for the same pur- 
 pose, mixed with oir and brandy, and applied after the patient has taken a prolonged 
 warm bath. Cevadilla has also been prescribed as a vermifuge for taenia and rectal ascar- 
 ides, and for various nervous affections. It is seldom given internally, but the dose of 
 the seeds is stated to be from Gm. 0.10-0.20 (gr. ij— iv). 
 
 SABBATIA.— Sabbatia. 
 
 American centaury , E. ; Centauree americaine, Fr. ; Sabbatic, G, 
 
 The herb of Sabbatia (Chironia, Linne ) angularis, Pursh. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Gentianeae, Chironieae. 
 
 Description. — The American centaury is a smooth biennial herb growing in dry 
 fields and on hillsides throughout the Middle and Southern United States. Its stem is 
 about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, quadrangular, winged, and much branched above ; the leaves 
 are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, oblong-ovate, five-nerved, entire, acute, and at the base 
 clasping ; the flowers are in terminal corymbose panicles, have a five- or six-parted calyx 
 with lance-linear lobes, a wheel-shaped pale or purplish-red corolla, about 38 Mm. (14 
 inches) wide, five or six finally recurved stamens, and produce an oblong-ovate, mucronate, 
 many-seeded capsule. It blooms in July, and should then be collected. The herb is 
 without odor, but has a persistent and purely bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The plant contains the principles commonly found in herbs, but 
 appears to be free from tannin, or nearly so : the bitter principle has not been obtained 
 in a pure state. Mehu (1868) isolated erythrocentaurin , C 27 H 24 0 8 , by agitating the syrupy 
 alcoholic extract of European centaury with ether ; it crystallizes readily, is inodorous, 
 tasteless, neutral, readily soluble in carbon disulphide, benzene, and oils, and dissolves in 
 1600 parts of cold water, 48 parts of alcohol, 13 of chloroform, and 245 parts of ether; 
 light colors it red, but on recrystallization it is again obtained colorless. The yield is only 
 per cent. Mehu obtained (1870) the same principle also from Erythrsea chilensis, 
 Persoon , and J. F. Huneker (1871) from American centaury. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Extractum centaurii, Extract of centaury. 
 It is made by digesting European centaury with hot water and evaporating the infusion. 
 
 Allied Herbs. — Sabbatia Elliottii, Steudel , is known in Florida as quinine-flower. The stem 
 is 25-50 Cm. (10 to 20 inches) high, terete and diffusely branched; the leaves are sessile, 6-12 
 Mm. (4 to 4 inch) long, obovate or oblanceolate, and the upper ones linear ; the calyx-lobes are 
 almost filiform and about one-fourth the length of the rose-colored corolla. The plant is inodor- 
 ous and has a persistent, purely bitter taste. The solution of the alcoholic extract in acidulated 
 water gives with potassio-mercuric iodide a slight precipitate (T. F. Beckert, 1877). 
 
 Several other species of Sabbatia, having white, rose-colored, or purplish flowers, are indige- 
 nous to the United States, particularly in the Southern States, and appear to possess similar 
 properties. 
 
 Erythrsea (Gentiana, Linn£) centaurium, Persoon ; Ilerba centaurii, P. G. — European cen- 
 taury, E. ; Petite centauree, Fr. ; Tausendguldenkraut, G. ; Centaura menor, Sp. — This species 
 closely resembles American centaury, but has oval or obovate-oblong, obtuse, three- or five- 
 nerved, nearly sessile leaves, and the parts of the flowers in fives. It is only 25-30 Cm. (10 or 
 12 inches) high, and grows spontaneously in a few places in this country. 
 
 Erythrsea chilensis, Persoon , E. stricta, Schiede , E. jorullensis, Kunth , and perhaps other 
 species of Mexico and South America, are called canchalagva, and used as bitter tonics. 
 
 Pleurogyne rotata, Grisebach (Swerticae), is a very bitter plant of Japan and Western 
 North America, with linear-lanceolate leaves and pale-pinkish flowers, having the throat of the 
 corolla bearded and the sessile stigmas prolonged on the valves of the ovary. 
 
 Action and Uses. — American centaury is a simple bitter, without special virtues, 
 Its cold infusion is useful in debilitated states of the stomach, and its hot infusions as a 
 diaphoretic in muscular rheumatism , sore throat , and febrile attacks generally. The 
 infusion may be made with Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 fan ounce of the plant to a pint) of boil- 
 ing water, and given hot in the dose of Gm. 124-190 (f^iv-vj), or cold in the dose of 
 Gm. 64 (f^ij). 
 
 SABINA, U. S. — Savin (Savine). 
 
 Sabin se, racumina, Br. ; Summitates ( Ilerba ) sabinse , P. G. — Savin-tops, E. ; Sabine, Fr. 
 Cod. ; Sadebaumspitzen, Sevenkraut, G. ; Sabina, Sp. 
 
 The tops of Juniperus Sabina, Linnt, s. Sabina officinalis, Garcke. Bentley and Tri- 
 men, Med. Plants, 254. 
 
1392 
 
 SABINA. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Coniferae. 
 
 Origin. — Savin is a small evergreen procumbent or erect shrub which grows on 
 rocky banks from Maine to Wisconsin, near the Great Lakes and farther northward. It 
 is distributed throughout a great portion of 'Europe and eastward 
 to the Caspian Sea and Southern Siberia. Besides in size, it is 
 distinguished from red cedar, which it closely resembles, by the 
 larger fruit, which is nodding on the recurved peduncle-like 
 branchlet. The young branchlets are collected for medicinal 
 use. 
 
 Description. — As met with in commerce, savin is in small 
 and thin subquadrangular pieces, consisting of slender twigs, 
 which are densely covered with minute, scale-like, imbricate 
 leaves, arranged alternately in opposite pairs. The leaves are 
 rhomboid-lanceolate, rather obtuse, and closely appressed, and on 
 the back have a shallow groove containing a gland, which is 
 mostly oblong in shape. Older leaves are more pointed and more 
 or less spreading. Savin has a persistent somewhat terebinthi- 
 nate odor, which is stronger after bruising the branchlets ; the 
 taste is nauseous, resinous, and bitter. The drug is frequently 
 mixed with some fruits which are about 5 Mm. (1 inch) in 
 diameter, globular, but more or less shrivelled, blackish-blue or brownish, contain usually 
 two seeds, and have a similar but stronger odor and taste than the branchlets. 
 
 Constituents. — Gardes (1837) found savin to contain tannin, resin, volatile oil 
 (page 1150), extractive, chlorophyll, etc. The fresh fruit yields 10 per cent, of volatile 
 oil. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Juniperus virginiana, Linne. Red cedar, E. ; Cedre de Yirginie, Fr. ; 
 Virginische Ceder, Rothe Ceder, G. — The branchlets resemble savine, are about 25 Mm. (1 
 inch) long, and of a quadrangular appearance from their four row's of scale-like leaves, which 
 are ovate-lanceolate, obtuse, or rather acute, appressed, and imbricated. They have a longi- 
 tudinal furrow on the back, which gradually deepens toward the base, where there is contained 
 a circular or oblong gland. They have a not unpleasantly terebinthinate odor and an aromatic, 
 bitterish, and somewhat acrid taste. Red cedar was analyzed by W. J. Jenks (1842), who found 
 it to contain volatile oil, resin, fat, tannin, and other common constituents of plants. Oil of 
 red cedar , distilled from the wood, was examined by Walter (1842). On exposing it to cold, 
 expressing the coagulated mass, and recrystallizing the solid portion from alcohol, cedrene cam- 
 phor , C 15 H 26 0 (Gerhardt), was obtained, which has an aromatic odor and a slight taste. The 
 liquid portion, after rectification and distillation over potassium, is cedrene , C 15 H 2i (Gerhardt), 
 which is colorless, of specific gravity 0.98, boils at 237° C. (458.6° F.), and has an aromatic odor 
 differing from that of the camphor, and an aromatic afterward pepper-like taste. 
 
 Medical History. — In ancient times the virtues of savin were clearly recognized. 
 Its stimulant action caused it to be employed for the treatment of ulcers and carbuncles 
 and as a remedy for alopecia ; it was also used with honey for the removal of freckles ; 
 and it was well known that, internally, it was apt to cause bloody urine, and, when taken 
 by pregnant females, miscarriage. 
 
 Action and Uses. — On man the action of savin itself is chiefly illustrated by cases 
 in which it was taken for the purpose of producing abortion. Thus, an infusion caused 
 incessant vomiting, abortion, excruciating pain, rupture of the gall-bladder, and death. 
 Many cases are recorded of the fatal consequences of its use in large doses. 
 
 Savin has been used with unquestionable advantage in cases of amenorrhcea. and dys- 
 menorrhoea depending on a want of vigor in the uterine apparatus, and also for the cure 
 of menorrhagia, due to a like condition. Several trustworthy physicians declare that in 
 such cases of uterine haemorrhage 1 grain of powdered savin, repeated three times a day 
 and continued for weeks together, will overcome the tendency to the uterine loss. Under 
 like conditions sterility and chlorosis have been cured by this medicine. For amenorrhoea 
 it has been recommended to administer a pill composed of rue, savin, and ergot, of each 
 1 grain, and aloes 4 grain, three times a day at first, and gradually increasing the dose 
 (Courty). Savin had once a repute, not entirely undeserved, for its virtues in chronic 
 gout and rheumatism , for which it was employed in infusion or in decoction, both inter- 
 nally and in a lotion for the affected joints. Sayin has no doubt been found efficient as 
 a vermifuge , but other anthelmintics are to be preferred as being less dangerous. In 
 pregnancy, and wherever there is a tendency to congestion in any important organ, savin 
 is contraindicated. Savin, in cerate, is used to excite or to prolong the secretion pro- 
 duced by blisters. Its powder, slightly moistened, is one of the most efficient remedies 
 
 Fig. 248. 
 
 Branch of Savin. 
 
SACCHARINUM. 
 
 1393 
 
 for venereal warts. It may be applied alone or mixed with burnt alum or with subacetate 
 of copper. It is also used, either in powder or in solution, to wither polypi, and may be 
 applied with advantage to condylomata, and, as in ancient times, to stimulate indolent 
 and unhealthy ulcers. 
 
 Fresh is much more active than dried savin. It may be administered in powder in the 
 dose of Gm. 0.30-0.40 (gr. v-vj), repeated several times a day. It is most conveniently 
 given in syrup or honey. 
 
 SACCHARINUM.— Saccharin. 
 
 Glusidum , Br. Add. — Gluside , Glucusimide, Anhydro-orthosulphamine benzoic acid , Ben- 
 zoic sulphinide , Benzoyl-sulphonic-imide. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 4 C0S0 2 NH. Molecular weight 168.65. 
 
 Preparation. — Toluene is treated with concentrated sulphuric acid at 100° C. 
 (212° F.), whereby toluene sulphonic acids (ortho- and para-) are formed, which are first 
 converted into calcium salts, and then, by means of sodium carbonate, into sodium salts. 
 From these a mixture of ortho- and para-toluenesulphochlorides is obtained by action of 
 phosphorus pentachloride ; upon strongly cooling the mixture the para- modification crys- 
 tallizes out, and is thus separated. Orthotoluene-sulphamide is formed from the other 
 isomeric chloride by means of dry ammonia gas. This sulphamide is next oxidized with 
 potassium permanganate, converting it into potassium orthosulphaminebenzoate, the 
 solution of which is freed from precipitated manganese dioxide and decomposed by 
 means of an acid ; instead of separating as free orthosulphamine-benzoic acid, the latter 
 splits up into its anhydride and water. It is this orthosulphamine-benzoic anhydride 
 which is known as saccharin or gluside. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Saccharin or gluside occurs as a light, minutely crystal- 
 line powder, having an intensely sweet taste in dilute solution. When heated it fuses, 
 and then sublimes with partial decomposition. It is slightly soluble in cold water (1 : 400) 
 at 15° C. (59° F.), forming a feebly acid solution ; it is more soluble in boiling water, 
 alcohol (1 : 30), or glycerin, and freely soluble in ether, dilute ammonia, or solution of 
 sodium bicarbonate, with evolution of carbon dioxide. u The latter solution, when 
 warmed and made neutral and evaporated to dryness, yields soluble gluside or saccharin, 
 100 parts of gluside yielding nearly 113 parts of neutral soluble gluside. Neither gluside 
 nor the soluble gluside is blackened by strong sulphuric acid, even when the mixture is 
 warmed for a short time.” — Br. Add. Commercial saccharin seems to be far from a pure 
 or simple substance ; as much as 50 per cent, of impurities have been discovered, con- 
 sisting of the parasulphamine-benzoic acid and of acid potassium orthosulphobenzoate 
 (Remsen ; Burton ; Dohme). The substance may readily be tested by treating with 
 ether, which dissolves out the benzoic sulphinide and leaves undissolved all foreign matter. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Dulcin, Sucrol, Paraphenetol carbamide, C 6 H 4 .OC 2 H 5 NH.CONII 2 . — 
 Another synthetic sweet compound obtained when ammonia is allowed to act on a body pro- 
 duced by the reaction between 1 molecule of carbonyl chloride in benzene or toluene solution and 
 2 molecules of paraphenetidin. Dulcin occurs in colorless needles, melting at 160° C. (320° F.), 
 and is said to be free from any injurious action upon the human organism. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — In pharmacy saccharin has been employed to disguise 
 the bitter taste of alkaloids and bitter principles in various elixirs, etc. 
 
 Liquor saccharini, N. F., Solution of saccharin. Dissolve 512 grains of saccharin and 
 240 grains of sodium bicarbonate in 10 fluidounces of water; filter the solution, add 4 
 fluidounces of alcohol, and pass enough water through the filter to make 16 fluidounces. 
 Each fluidrachm represents 4 grains of saccharin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Saccharin is excreted rapidly, unchanged, and almost entirely 
 with the urine, and does not affect the nutrition or the functions of respiration, circula- 
 tion, and urination, nor does it appear in any of the secretions proper. It may, how- 
 ever, disorder the gastric digestion. Paul found a solution of it, 1 : 500, retarded the 
 action of pepsin on egg-albumen and of diastase upon starch. This direct interference with 
 the assimilation of food caused the French government to prohibit its use as a dietetic 
 substitute for sugar. The soda compound of saccharin does not exert this influence, or 
 does so very slightly ; nor does saccharin itself when its dose is kept within proper 
 bounds. Pittschek aud Zerner ( Centralbl. f Ther., vii. 231) used the soda compound for 
 several weeks for themselves and for their patients as a sweetener for both food and 
 drink, without it in the least disturbing digestion. It appears to arrest the development 
 of the microbes of putrefaction and suppuration and those habitually found in the 
 88 
 
1394 
 
 SACCHARUM. 
 
 mouth. For this purpose the pure is superior to the combined acid ; of it, practically, 
 a mixture of 2 parts of sodium bicarbonate and 3 parts of saccharin is an efficient anti- 
 septic. Aducco and Masso found its control of acetous and ammoniacal fermentation less 
 perfect than that of salicylic, and about the same as that of boric, acid ( Therap . Gaz ., 
 xi. 55). Saccharin may be useful wherever cane- or milk-sugar is objectionable, as in 
 flatulent dyspepsia , in obesity , and in saccharine diabetes. In the last it is a convenient 
 substitute for sugar. Its sweetening power is said to be nearly three hundred times 
 greater than that of cane-sugar, and hence it should be prescribed in the smallest doses 
 as a condiment that will fulfil its purpose as a sweetener, not only lest it should impair 
 digestion, but also because it might beget aversion. This quality has been utilized to 
 conceal the taste of many medicines, including quinine, tincture of chloride of iron, 
 antipyrine, guaiacum, cod-liver oil, copaiba, etc. From J a grain to 1 J grains will sweeten 
 a cup of tea or coffee. In fevers it does not control, nor, on the other hand, does it 
 aggravate, any symptom. It does not mitigate articular rheumatism. Fourrier consid- 
 ered an alcoholic solution of it (1 : 50) a very useful application to thrush following measles 
 ( Annuaire de Therap ., 1889, p. 163). The alcohol alone might have answered as well. 
 Some have denied its utility in cases of disease of the urinary organs with alkaline or 
 purulent urine, but the direct testimony in its favor appears conclusive. Among others 
 may be cited that of Little ( Dublin Jour. Med. Sci., June, 1888, p. 493), and of A. H. 
 Smith {Med. Record , xxxvi. 541), who both employed it in cases of phosphatic and ammo- 
 niacal urine connected with prostatic disease, paralysis of the bladder, etc. In cases of dila- 
 tation of the stomach with fermentation of the gastric contents it has been found useful, 
 especially when associated with washing out of the organ. It has been used advantageously 
 in similar disorders of the intestines , and has also been applied to purulent disease of the 
 middle ear. The dose of saccharin is Gm. 0.06-0.20 (gr. j-iij). It may be given in 
 wafers or capsules and repeated from three to six times a day. But it is preferably 
 associated with sodium bicarbonate; e. g. R. Saccharin, gr. 45; Dry sodium bicar- 
 bonate, gr. xxx ; Mannite, giiss. — S. Make 100 pastilles, of which 1 will sweeten a cup of 
 coffee. R. Glycerin 1 lb.; Saccharin ^j. S. Heat to solution. 2 teaspoonfuls will 
 sweeten fgviij of lemonade or ^iij of cranberries ( Med . News , lii. 251). Dr. McNaughton 
 Jones has recommended in diabetes a biscuit containing Gm. 11.5 (giij) of gluten flour. 
 Gm. 2.75 (45 gr.) of butter, Gm. 8.5 (gij) of eggs, and Gm. 0.01625 (21 gr.) of 
 saccharin. 
 
 SACCHARUM, U. S., jP. G.— Sugar. 
 
 Saccharum purificatum, Br. — Refined sugar , Cane-sugar , E. ; Sucre , Sucre de canne, 
 Fr. ; Zucker, Rohrzucker , G. ; Azucar, Azucar de carta, Sp. 
 
 The refined sugar obtained from Saccharum officinarum, Linne , and from various species 
 or varieties of Sorghum (nat. ord. Gramineae) ; also from one or more varieties of Beta 
 vulgaris, Linne (nat. ord. Chenopodiaceae). 
 
 Formula C^^aOn- Molecular weight 341.2. 
 
 Origin. — The sugar-cane appears to have been indigenous to India and other parts 
 of Southern and Eastern Asia, and has been cultivated from time immemorial. At pres- 
 ent it is not known in the wild state, but it is raised in most tropical and subtropical 
 countries, and in many of them for the production of sugar. It is a perennial, and pro- 
 duces a stem which is from 2.4— 3.6 M. (8 to 12 feet) high, 2—5 Cm. (1 to 2 inches) thick, 
 cylindrical, jointed, and, with the exception of the flowering tops, which are hollow, filled 
 with a juicy pith. The leaves are 1.2-1. 5 M. (4 to 5 feet) long, 5 Cm. (2 inches) wide, 
 and linear ; and the flowering panicles large, pyramidal, and with spreading branches. 
 Several varieties are known, differing chiefly in the color and hairiness of the stem, 
 Saccharum chinense, Roxburgh , having a slender erect panicle, is probably a distinct 
 species, and the one principally cultivated in China. 
 
 Cane-sugar is present in a large number of grasses, particularly in those having a 
 rather thick stem, such as Sorghum saccharatum, Persoon , s. Holcus saccharatus, Linne , 
 Zea Mays, Linne , and others. From the thorough researches of H. Leplay, published in 
 1882, it appears that in maize the sugar is produced in the leaves and transferred to the 
 stem, where it gradually accumulates, and when the fruit begins to develop it is conveyed 
 to the grain, where it is converted into starch, the sugar at the same time disappearing 
 from the leaves and diminishing very materially in the stem. It is also present in the 
 juice of different species of maple, birch, palm, and other trees, and in many fleshy roots, 
 prominent among which is a cultivated variety of Beta vulgaris, Linne , or sugar-beet , 
 which is largely employed in Europe in preparing sugar. 
 
RACCHARUM. 
 
 1395 
 
 Preparation. — Recently-collected sugar-cane yields by crushing and expressing 
 about 80 per cent, of juice, which contains from 78 to 84 per cent, of water, 16 to 21 
 per cent, of sugar, 0.3 to 0.4 per cent, of mucilaginous, resinous, fatty, and albuminous 
 matters, and nearly the same amount of salts. The juice is a grayish, turbid, sweet liquid, 
 which is clarified by heating, a little lime being at the same time added for the purpose 
 of neutralizing free acid ; it is then concentrated by rapid evaporation in open pans, 
 transferred to coolers, where it is frequently stirred, and afterward into casks perforated 
 at the bottom and arranged in such a manner that the liquid portion may drain olf and 
 be collected in suitable tanks. The granular solid product thus obtained constitutes the 
 raw or muscovado sugar of commerce ; the liquid portion is known as treacle or molasses. 
 Raw sugar is refined by dissolving it in water, the solution is heated with blood, the 
 impurities are skimmed off, and the liquid is filtered through recently-burned granular 
 animal charcoal. The clear and colorless filtrate is concentrated in a vacuum-pan, and 
 when of sufficient density run off 1 into conical moulds, the narrow orifice of which is closed 
 by a plug. It solidifies as a dense crystalline mass, which is drained by the removal of 
 the plug, and freed from the remaining colored mother-liquor by percolating through it 
 a concentrated solution of pure sugar, after which it is dried and sent into commerce as 
 refined or loaf sugar. By concentrating the mother-liquors they are made to yield more 
 sugar of an inferior grade, until finally a thick syrupy liquid is obtained, which refuses 
 to crystallize, and is known as sugar-house, molasses , and in England as treacle. 
 
 The method of obtaining sugar from the sugar-beet is very similar to that described, 
 but is attended with greater difficulties, owing to the presence of larger quantities of 
 proteids and other foreign constituents. Sugar-beets contain about 12 per cent, and 
 yield about 9 per cent, of cane-sugar. 
 
 Properties. — Refined sugar is seen in commerce broken into small pieces or lumps, 
 which are hard and have a granular crystalline texture and a pure white color. Some- 
 what inferior kinds of sugar are softer, and those having a yellowish tint are often arti- 
 ficially improved in appearance by adding, while crystallizing, a minute quantity of blue 
 pigment, like ultramarine, with the view of neutralizing the objectionable tint and mak- 
 ing the sugar appear whiter ; such sugar will yield a yellowish solution with water, and 
 on standing will gradually separate the pigment. Perfectly white sugar, known in com- 
 merce as double refined , is the only kind that should be used in pharmaceutical prepara- 
 tions. Sugar may be obtained in large transparent rhombic prisms, known as rock candy , 
 saccharum candidum , which does not differ from lump sugar except that this is in crys- 
 talline masses from disturbed crystallization. Sugar has the specific gravity 1.58 (Kopp), 
 is permanent in the air, neutral, without odor, has a very sweet taste, and dissolves at 
 ordinary temperatures in one-half its weight of water, yielding a dense, sweet, and color- 
 less liquid known as syrup ; saturated at 15° C. (59° F.), such a solution contains 66 
 per cent, of sugar, and this has the density 1.345082 (Michel and Kraft). At the boil- 
 ing-point sugar dissolves in water almost in all proportions (in 0.2 parts, U. S. ; 0.212 
 parts, Flourens). It requires for solution about 80 parts of boiling absolute alcohol, 28 
 parts of boiling official alcohol, and about 4 parts of boiling alcohol spec. grav. .830, 
 these solutions depositing most of the sugar on cooling. The solubility is greater in 
 weak alcohol, both cold and hot. At 15° C. (59° F.) 1 part of sugar dissolves in 2 parts of 
 50 per cent, alcohol, in 7.7 parts of 75 per cent, alcohol, in 14.7 parts of 80 per cent, 
 alcohol, in 31.6 parts of 85 per cent, alcohol, in 175 parts of 92 per cent, alcohol, and in 
 228 parts of methylic alcohol of the same strength (Casamajor). Sugar dissolves also in 
 glycerin, the solubility being increased on dilution with water, but it is insoluble in ether, 
 chloroform, carbon disulphide, and in hydrocarbons. It combines with sodium chloride, 
 yielding deliquescent crystals which contain 14.9 per cent, of that salt. Definite com- 
 pounds have likewise been obtained with several other salts and with alkalies and alka- 
 line earths. (See Syrupus Calcis.) When triturated in the dark it becomes luminous. 
 Its solution deviates polarized light to the right — a behavior which is of great practical 
 importance for the estimation of sugar in aqueous liquids and for distinguishing different 
 kinds of sugar, which have a different rotary power. 
 
 When sugar is heated to 160° C. (320° F.) it melts without losing in weight, and con- 
 geals on cooling to a transparent amorphous yellowish mass known as barley sugar, sac- 
 charum hordeatum , which becomes gradually opaque on the surface from the formation of 
 minute crystals. If sugar is kept in the melted state between 160° and 170° C. (320° 
 and 338° F.) for a short time, it is converted into a deliquescent mixture of glucose and 
 levulosan ; C 12 H 22 O n yields C 6 H 12 0 6 -j- C 6 H I0 O 5 ; the latter is not fermentable until after it 
 has been boiled with water or dilute acids. When heated to between 180° and 200° C. 
 
1396 
 
 SACCHARUM. 
 
 (356° and 392° F.) sugar turns brown, evolves a peculiar odor, and is converted into 
 caramel , C 12 H 18 0 9 , parting at the same time with 2H 2 0 ; the pure product of this compo- 
 sition, caramelan, was obtained colorless by Gelis (1862). Caramel may be prepared in 
 the same manner from inferior qualities of sugar, from molasses, and from glucose, and 
 the conversion is hastened in the presence of small quanties of alkalies ; the addition of 
 a little ammonium carbonate, which is again volatilized by the heat, is of service, for the 
 reason stated. Subjected to dry distillation, sugar yields aldehyde acetone, acetic acid, tarry 
 products, and carbon dioxide, carbonic oxide, and marsh gas. According to Lassaigne, 
 iodine heated with a solution of sugar is converted into hydriodic acid. Under the influ- 
 ence of ferments, as well as of dilute acids, cane-sugar is converted into invert-sugar , which 
 is a mixture of dextrose or grape-sugar and levulose or fruit-sugar, and is directly ferment- 
 able. This inversion of sugar takes place slowly on boiling with water, but cold aqueous 
 solutions keep unaltered for a long time, provided that the access of ferments suspended 
 in the air be prevented. Under the same condition, according to the investigations of 
 Kreusler, Lemoine, and others, light does not exert the inverting effect reported by 
 Raoul (1871). Nitric acid inverts cane-sugar readily, and when heated with it produces 
 saccharic, racemic, tartaric, and oxalic acids. 
 
 Tests. — 'The purity of cane-sugar is ascertained by the physical properties described 
 above, and by its complete solubility in water and alcohol. The absence of glucose or of 
 a similar sugar is ascertained by some of the reactions given below. “ Aqueous and alco- 
 holic solutions of sugar should have no effect on litmus-paper. The solution in 20 parts 
 of distilled water should be scarcely rendered turbid by silver nitrate or barium nitrate 
 (chloride and sulphate).” — P. G. “ Both the aqueous and the alcoholic solution of sugar 
 should be clear and transparent. When kept in large, well-closed, and completely filled 
 bottles, they should not deposit a sediment on prolonged standing (absence of insoluble 
 salts, ultramarine, Prussian blue, etc.). If 1 Gm. of sugar be dissolved in 10 Cc. of boil- 
 ing water, the solution mixed with 4 or 5 drops of silver nitrate test-solution, then about 
 2 Cc. of ammonia-water added, and the liquid quickly brought to a boil, not more than a 
 slight coloration, but no black precipitate, should appear in the liquid after standing at 
 rest for five minutes (absence of grape-sugar and of more than a slight amount of 
 inverted sugar).” — U. S. 
 
 Other Sugars. — Glucose, Grape-Sugar, Dextrose, or Starch-Sugar, C 6 H 12 0 6 ; molecular 
 weight 179.58. Hydrated, C 6 II 12 0 6 .II 2 0; mol. weight 197.54. Carbohydrates having a sweet taste 
 are frequently met with in plants and among the products of decomposition of those organic com- 
 pounds forming the large class of glucosides. The sugar yielded by the latter is frequently, 
 though not always, identical with the sugar met with in grapes and other fruits and with that 
 produced from starch. This is now very largely made for uses in the arts by boiling 100 parts 
 of starch, 400 parts of water, and 4 or 5 parts of sulphuric acid until starch can no longer be 
 detected in the liquid, the transformation being hastened by heating under pressure ; the free 
 acid is then neutralized with chalk, the filtrate clarified and decolorized, if necessary, by treating 
 it with clay and animal charcoal, and, finally, concentrated, preferably in a vacuum-pan. The 
 grape-sugar or glucose of commerce is prepared in this manner. Liquid glucose contains from 
 34 to 43 per cent, of dextrose, from 0 to 19 per cent, of maltose, from 30 to 45 per cent, of dex- 
 trin, and from 14 to 23 per cent, of w r ater. Solid grape-sugar is usually in a white or whitish, 
 irregularly granular powder or mass ; from alcohol it may be obtained in compact, nodular 
 groups of needles. A. Behr (1882) has shown that the cooling concentrated solution of glucose, 
 on the addition of crystals or powdered crystals of that compound, will give a large crop of 
 prisms of anhydrous glucose. It rotates polarized light to the right, though less than cane-sugar, 
 reduces the so-called noble metals, and acquires a dark color when heated with solutions of 
 alkalies. It is less sweet than cane-sugar, is directly fermentable, undergoes by heat alterations 
 analogous to those of cane-sugaV, is insoluble in ether, dissolves in about 50 parts of alcohol, 
 and requires little more than 1 part of cold water for solution ; but after it has been rendered 
 amorphous by heat it dissolves in water in nearly all proportions. Nitric acid oxidizes it to 
 saccharic, tartaric, racemic, and oxalic acids. Saccharic acid , H 2 C 6 H 8 0 8 , is amorphous, deliques- 
 cent, freely soluble in water and alcohol, and yields mostly crystallizable salts. 
 
 Levulose, Chylariose, or Fruit-Sugar, C 6 II 12 0 6 ; mol. weight 179.58. It frequently accom- 
 panies grape-sugar in fruits, also in honey ; in some plants it is associated with cane-sugar. It 
 is usually a colorless, uncrystallizable syrup, has nearly the same sweetness as cane-sugar, and 
 turns the plane of polarized light to the left. It may be obtained in fine silky needles which 
 are insoluble in absolute alcohol and ether, but dissolve readily in aqueous liquids. Levulose 
 is produced from inulin by treatment with dilute acids ; with nascent hydrogen it yields mannit. 
 A mong the products of oxidation by nitric acid are succinic, acetic, and oxalic acids. . 
 
 Inosit, Piiaseo-mannit, C 6 II 12 0 6 .2H 2 0 •, mol. weight 215.50. It is present in the juice of some 
 meats, in the green fruit of many Leguminosae, in asparagus, and in other plants. It is very 
 sweet, crystallizes readily fron water and alcohol, is insoluble in ether, does not undergo alco- 
 holic fermentation, and yields with nitric acid explosive compounds and oxalic acid. 
 
SACCHARUM. 
 
 1397 
 
 Sugar Tests. — Moore's Test. A solution of cane-sugar, heated with 3 or 4 per cent, of potassa 
 for a minute or two, remains colorless ; glucose and milk-sugar are colored brown. 
 
 Trommer's Test. A solution of cane-sugar, mixed with a little copper sulphate and an excess 
 of potassa or soda, retains its blue color on boiling, but turns bright-red in the presence of 
 glucose or milk-sugar, red cuprous oxide being deposited. Glucose and most allied sugars effect 
 the same reduction, though more slowly, in the cold. 
 
 Fehling's test is a modification of the preceding, and may be used for the quantitative deter- 
 mination of glucose. The test liquid is prepared by dissolving 34.64 Gm. of crystallized sulphate 
 of copper in water, adding 200 Gm. of Rochelle salt, and 600 or 700 Gm. of soda solution spec, 
 grav. 1.20, and diluting the whole to 1 liter (Schorlemmer). 10 Cc. of this solution are reduced 
 by 0.5 Gm. of grape-sugar. — Boedecker introduced Rochelle salt in place of potassium tartrate, 
 which was used by Fehling. The test is usually made with a solution containing about 1 per 
 cent, of glucose ; weaker solutions reduce a somewhat smaller amount of the test liquid. 
 
 Pettenkofer s Test. Bile in the presence of sugar (of other carbohydrates and of proteids) 
 acquires a blood-red color with concentrated sulphuric or phosphoric acid. 
 
 Boettger's Test. A little bismuth subnitrate boiled with solution of glucose, rendered 
 alkaline by sodium carbonate, acquires a gray or black color ; pure cane-sugar produces no 
 alteration. 
 
 O. Schmidt's Test. Lead acetate, added to a saccharine liquid, is precipitated white by excess 
 of ammonia ; on heating the mixture it remains unchanged if cane-sugar or milk-sugar is present, 
 but turns orange-red with glucose. 
 
 Sachsse's Test. 18 Gm. mercuric iodide, 25 Gm. potassium iodide, and 80 Gm. caustic potassa 
 are dissolved in distilled water sufficient to make 1 liter. 40 Cc. of this solution heated to boiling 
 are decomposed by 1.1342 Gm. of glucose, so that a drop of liquid is not rendered black by 
 ammonium sulphydrate, 
 
 Naumentfs Test. On heating a solution of glucose with a few drops of solution of silver 
 nitrate the liquid acquires a brown color. 
 
 Tollen's Test. An ammoniacal solution of silver nitrate containing caustic soda is reduced by 
 glucose, with the production of a metallic mirror. 
 
 Gaicalowski' s Test. A solution of sugar heated with neutral ammonium molybdate to 100° C. 
 (212° F.) becomes blue in the presence of glucose. 
 
 Many other tests have been proposed ; the above are quite available and give good results. 
 Tannin and similar compounds which are likely to interfere are previously removed, either by 
 solvents or precipitants. 
 
 Uses. — Sugar is of comparatively little value for its independent effects, but few sub- 
 stances are more useful as an associate of other medicines, whether to preserve them from 
 oxidation and decomposition, to conceal or improve their taste, or to give them special 
 pharmaceutical forms. 
 
 In solution sugar is almost exclusively lenitive, but in powder it is stimulant. Finely 
 powdered, it hastens the detachment of diphtherial false membranes and corrects their fetor. 
 It is universally employed to diminish dryness of the mouth and fauces, to allay irritation, 
 and to mitigate cough and hoarseness. Sugar dissolved in water is said to have a diuretic 
 effect. When injected into the veins of animals it is said to be powerfully diuretic 
 (Richet and M. Martin, Med. Record , xxi. 394). It certainly, when moderately used, 
 promotes digestion and allays nervous excitement. For these purposes sweetened water 
 (eau sucree ) is universally employed in France and Southern Europe. Formerly a strong 
 solution of sugar was much used as an antidote to corrosive poisons. It enters into all 
 the drinks, mucilaginous, farinaceous, and gelatinous, employed in febrile diseases. 
 Finely-powdered loaf-sugar will sometimes relieve the hiccouglt which in nursing infants 
 is apt to arise from over-feeding. Eaten freely, it is said to arrest the development of 
 alcoholic intoxication , perhaps by retarding gastric absorption. A strong solution of sugar 
 injected into the rectum has been used successfully to destroy ascarides of that part. In 
 powder it is very efficient as a remedy for aphthae of the mouth, in repressing the 
 exuberant and stimulating the indolent granulations of ulcers , in removing opacities of 
 the cornea , and in curing granular eyelids. Sugar has been claimed by Fischer to be an 
 efficient antiseptic dressing for wounds ( Centralhl . f. Ther ., iii. 453; Danhauser, ibid., 
 vii. 553). Windelschmidt states that for small wounds sugar is equal to iodoform as a 
 dressing (Med. News , xliii. 462). In chronic laryngitis , when inhaled by a sudden aspiration 
 from a tube extending to the root of the tongue, it may be used with advantage alone or 
 mixed with other powders. In the same manner it may be employed as a snuff’ in chronic 
 ozsena. The fumes from burnt sugar destroy offensive effluvia , and are conveniently disen- 
 engaged by sprinkling sugar upon burning coals or on a hot shovel. The culinary and 
 medicinal uses of beet-sugar are the same as those of cane-sugar, but in sweetness it is 
 inferior. Glucose is more or less diuretic (Meilach, Bull, de Therap ., cxviii. 24). 
 
1398 
 
 SACCHARUM LACTIS.— SALEP. 
 
 SACCHARUM LACTIS, U . 8 ., Br ., F . G .— Sugar of Milk. 
 
 Lactose , Milk-sugar , E. ; Sucre de lait , Lactine , Fr. ; Milchzucker , G. ; Aztfaar de 
 leche , Sp. 
 
 A peculiar crystalline sugar obtained from the whey of cow’s milk by evaporation and 
 purified by recrystallization.. 
 
 Formula CigH^On-HpO. Molecular weight 359.16. 
 
 Preparation. — Milk-sugar is one of the constituents of the milk of mammals, and 
 appears to be present in larger proportion in the milk of herbivorous animals than in that 
 of the Carnivorae. To obtain it the butter and casein are first removed, the whey (see p. 
 917) is concentrated, and the liquid permitted to crystallize in large tanks, the crystal- 
 lization being facilitated by the introduction of thin sticks or cords ; the impure crys- 
 tals are once or twice recrystallized from water. It is chiefly prepared in Switzerland. 
 Milk-sugar was prepared by Bertol a k t i in 1619, and was introduced into medicine by 
 Testi in 1698. 
 
 Properties. — Sugar of milk is usually met with in commerce, in cylindrical pieces 
 composed of numerous crystals aggregated around an axis of stick or cord. It crystal- 
 lizes in hard white or translucent four-sided prisms, is permanent in the air, yields a 
 white sandy powder, is neutral, inodorous, and has a slightly sweet taste. It dissolves in 
 6 parts (7 parts, P. G.) of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in 1 part (Guerin- Varry), or, 
 according to other observers, in 2 i parts, of boiling water, and is insoluble in ether, 
 alcohol, chloroform, and hydrocarbons. Its aqueous solution rotates the plane of polarized 
 light to the right, is rendered yellow or brown on being heated with solutions of alkalies 
 or alkali carbonates, reduces in the cold, or more rapidly on heating, alkaline liquids 
 containing salts of copper, bismuth, mercury, or silver, and produces a bright metallic 
 mirror with ammoniacal solution of silver. When heated to 130° C. (266° F.) milk-sugar 
 parts with its water of crystallization without fusion, and leaves a white mass which again 
 absorbs water, at a higher heat becomes yellow, and melts at 203.5° C. (398° F.) (Lieben) ; 
 but above 170° C. (338° F.) it is converted into lacto-caramel , C 6 H 10 O 5 , and afterward 
 into products similar to those obtained on the dry distillation of cane-sugar and glucose. 
 Milk-sugar does not readily undergo vinous fermentation until after it has been boiled 
 with diluted sulphuric acid, which converts it into galactose , C 6 H 12 0 6 , and glucose. In the 
 presence of casein it is converted into lactic acid (see page 69), alcohol being formed at 
 the same time, but in small quantity only if the free acid is neutralized as fast as it is 
 produced. By boiling with dilute nitric acid it is converted into mucic, saccharic, tarta- 
 ric, racemic, and finally into oxalic, acid. Its hardness renders it serviceable for reducing 
 other substances to a fine powder. 
 
 Tests. — If 1 Gm. of sugar of milk be sprinkled upon 5 Cc. of sulphuric acid con- 
 tained in a flat-bottomed capsule, the acid should acquire at most a greenish or reddish, 
 but no brown or brownish-black, color within half an hour (absence of cane-sugar).” — 
 U. >S y . , P. G. It is important that in applying this test heat be avoided, since milk-sugar 
 is rendered dark-brown by concentrated sulphuric acid at the heat of the water-bath. “ On 
 adding 0.2 Gm. of milk-sugar to a boiling mixture of 4 Gm. of solution of basic lead 
 acetate and 2 Gm. of ammonia-water, a white precipitate free from a red tint should be 
 produced (absence of glucose).” — P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sugar of milk is far less sweet than cane- or beet-sugar, and is 
 thought to be less apt to ferment in the stomach and bowels. It is chiefly used as a 
 vehicle for small doses of pulverulent medicines. It is said that added largely to warm 
 skimmed milk it may be used as a laxative (Bull, de Therap ., cii. 182). It has been used 
 advantageously in many cases of cardiac dropsy by See, when given to the extent of 3 
 ounces a day dissolved in 2 quarts of water (Bull, de Therap ., cxviii. 26). These 
 results were not confirmed by Niesel (Cent. f. Ther ., viii. 223), but were so by Meilach 
 and by Zawadski (ibid., pp. 287 and 288). 
 
 SAL.EP, Fr. Cod.— Salep. 
 
 Tubera (Radix) salep , P. G. — Salep, Fr., G., Sp. 
 
 The tubers of different species of Orchis and allied genera. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Orchidaceae, Ophrydeae. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — The plants belonging to the genus Orchis are small 
 herbs, usually with a stem between 15 and 45 Cm. (6 and 18 inches) high, with showy, 
 mostly pink, red, or purple-colored ringent flowers, having the lip turned downward and 
 
& ALEP. 
 
 1399 
 
 bearing a nectariferous spur underneath, and with parallel-veined sheathing leaves, those 
 of the stem often reduced to bracts. The subterraneous portion usually consists of two 
 fleshy tubers, the smaller of which originates from the axil of a radical leaf and produces 
 the flowering stem during the following year. These tubers furnish the salep. They 
 are collected, scalded in water, and rapidly dried, and thereby lose their white opaque 
 appearance, as well as their unpleasant odor and bitter taste. Salep was formerly pro- 
 cured in Persia and other Oriental countries from the tubers of Eulophia campestris, E. 
 herbacea, Bindley , and several allied species. At the present time it is prepared in vari- 
 ous parts of Southern and Central Europe. The German Pharmacopoeia admits only 
 unbranched tubers, such as are furnished by Orchis mascula, Linne , 0. Morio, Linne , O. 
 ustulata, Linne , Anacamptis pyramidalis, Richard , Platanthera (Habenaria, R. Brown ) 
 bifolia, Reichenbach , and other species. 
 
 Description. — Oriental salep is 25-40 Mm. (1-lf inches) long, and usually dark- 
 colored ; European salep is always smaller. Salep is globular, pyriform, ovate, or oblong 
 in shape, somewhat flattened 
 or wrinkled, with a scar of the 
 terminal bud at the apex, of 
 a pale brownish-yellow color, 
 somewhat translucent, of a 
 horny texture, hard, inodor- 
 ous, and of an insipid, very 
 mucilaginous taste. It is gen- 
 erally kept in the form of 
 powder which has a yellowish 
 color. The tissue consists of 
 thin-walled parenchyma filled 
 with starch, the granules of 
 which are more or less ruptured from scalding, and of large, nearly globular cells con- 
 taining mucilage. The scattered fibro-vascular bundles are small and thin, and few cells 
 contain raphides. 
 
 The tissue of palmately-divided tubers is similar, but the mucilage-cells are generally 
 much smaller and more or less elongated. Such tubers are derived from Orchis latifolia, 
 Linne , 0. maculata, Linne , 0. sambucina, Linne , Gymnadsenia conopsea, R. Brown , and 
 other species, and were formerly known in European pharmacy as radix palmse Christi. 
 They are rather flat, below divided into two to five branches, and less mucilaginous, but 
 otherwise resemble the former kind. 
 
 Constituents. — Raspail found the old tuber collected in autumn to be free from 
 starch, while the young tuber contained then large quantities of it. DragendorfF (1865) 
 obtained from 100 parts of salep starch 27.3, mucilaginous constituents 48.1, sugar 1.2, 
 proteids 4.9, and cellulose 2.4, parts ; the mucilage is not extracted by cold water. Salep 
 yields 2.1 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The scalded tuber of colehicum resembles 
 salep in appearance, but has a broad groove on one side and a sweetish afterward bitter 
 and acrid taste. An adulteration of powdered salep with starch is best detected by the 
 microscope, which reveals the shape of the foreign starch-granules ; owing to the manner 
 of its preparation, salep has its starch converted into a pasty mass. 1 part of powdered 
 salep should yield, with 50 parts of boiling water, a jelly which after cooling is father 
 stiff, and with 100 parts a thick turbid mucilage ; this has an insipid taste and is ren- 
 dered blue by iodine. 
 
 Mucilago salep, P. G ., is prepared by shaking in a vial 1 part of powdered salep 
 with 10 parts of cold water until it is uniformly diffused, when 90 parts of boiling water 
 are added and the whole well agitated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Salep was, even in ancient times, regarded as very nutritious, 
 and as a demulcent it was used in medicine. It tends to confine rather than relax the 
 bowels, and hence is a very useful article of diet for infants and children affected with 
 diarrhoea or summer complaint , and for adults suffering from tuberculous and other forms 
 of chronic diarrhoea. The mucilage may be prepared as above, or by first macerating 
 powdered salep in cold water, and gradually adding boiling water, with stirring, in the 
 proportion of 5 grains of salep to the ounce. Instead of water, milk or some animal 
 broth may be used. Salep jelly may be made as follows : Rub 60 grains of powdered 
 salep with water in a mortar until it has swollen to four times its original bulk ; then add 
 gradually, and with constant stirring, 16 ounces of boiling water, and boil down to 8 ounces. 
 
 Fig. 249. 
 
 Salep : tubers and transverse section. 
 
1400 
 
 SALICTNVM. 
 
 SALICINUM, U. 8., Br.— Salicin. 
 
 Salicine , Fr. ; Salicin , G. 
 
 A neutral principle obtained from several species of Salix and Populus. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Salicacese. 
 
 Formula C 13 H 18 0 7 . Molecular weight 285.33. 
 
 Origin. — Salicin exists in the bark of most species of Salix and Populus, and to a 
 small extent also in the leaves and pistillate flowers. According to Herberger, it is best 
 prepared from the bark of young wood, which contains it in relatively larger proportion 
 than the trunk bark, and associated with smaller quantities of other compounds, which 
 interfere with its isolation. It may also be prepared from populin by boiling it with 
 lime-water or with solution of barium hydroxide. Salicin was discovered by Leroux 
 (1830) ; in the same year Braconnot obtained from it saligenin and saliretin, without, 
 however, recognizing their relations to salicin ; these and the glucoside nature of the 
 latter were first established by Piria (1838, 1845). Herberger obtained 3 to 4 per cent, 
 of salicin from the bark of Salix pentandra and S. Helix ; but the results of different 
 investigators with various species are very variable, which may in part be due to the 
 kind of bark examined. This principle was prepared synthetically by A. Michael 
 in 1879. 
 
 Preparation. — A decoction of willow-bark is deprived of tannin and coloring mat- 
 ter by digesting it with levigated litharge (Duflos) or by precipitating with basic lead 
 acetate (Peschier) ; in the latter case the free acid is afterward neutralized with calcium 
 carbonate. The filtrate on concentration yields crystals which require purification by 
 recrystallization. The tannin may also be removed by milk of lime, and the salicin 
 taken up by alcohol from the filtrate concentrated to a soft extract. 
 
 Properties. — Salicin crystallizes in colorless plates or flat rhombic prisms, but is 
 usually seen in white glossy scales or needles. It # remains unaltered in the air, has a 
 neutral reaction to test-paper, is inodorous, and possesses a persistently bitter taste. It 
 is soluble in 28 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 30 parts of alcohol. It dis- 
 solves in 0.7 part of boiling water and in 2 parts of boiling alcohol (ZZ $.), is soluble in 
 amylic alcohol, creosote, and without alteration in acetic acid ; dissolves more freely in 
 alkaline liquids than in water, but is insoluble in ether, chloroform, benzene, and petro- 
 leum benzin. Its ammoniacal solution is not colored on exposure (difference from phlo- 
 rizin), and its aqueous solution is not precipitated by tannin or the various reagents for 
 alkaloids. Salicin melts at 198° C. (388.4° F.) to a colorless liquid, which on cooling 
 congeals crystalline ; at a higher heat it becomes brown, at about 260° C. (500° F.) gives 
 off acid vapors having the odor of salicylous acid and of caramel, and at a red heat is 
 completely decomposed, without leaving any residue. 
 
 Cold sulphuric acid dissolves salicin with a bright-red color ; after the absorption of 
 water from the air — but not after the addition of water or after being neutralized by an 
 alkali — deposits a red powder (rutilin) which after washing is yellowish-red, after drying 
 blackish-brown, insoluble in water, alcohol, and glacial acetic acid, and is colored violet- 
 red by alkalies (Braconnot). On warming salicin with somewhat diluted sulphuric acid 
 and potassium dichromate, oil of meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria (Rosaceae), or salicylous 
 acid or salicyl-aldehyde , C 7 H 6 0 2 , is given off, recognizable by its peculiar fragrance. Sali- 
 cin is a glucoside, and when digested with emulsin or saliva, or heated to 80° C. (128° F.) 
 with dilute sulphuric acid, assimilates 1 molecule of water, and is split into glucose and 
 salicylic alcohol or saligenin , C 7 H 8 0 2 , which crystallizes in pearly tables, is easily soluble 
 in hot water, alcohol, and ether, melts at 82° C. (179.6° F.), and sublimes at 100° C. 
 (212° F.). Saligenin is characterized by yielding in solution a deep-blue color with ferric 
 chloride, and when boiled with dilute acids by being converted into a resinous body, sah- 
 retin , C 14 H 14 0 3 , while oxidizing agents convert it into salicylous and salicylic acids. Cold 
 nitric acid of specific gravity 1.16 oxidizes salicin, with the production of helicin , C 13 H 16 0 7 , 
 which crystallizes in white needles, and is by ferments and dilute acids resolved into sugar 
 and salicylic aldehyde. If nitric acid of spec. grav. 1.09 is employed, salicin yields heli- 
 coidin, C 26 H 34 0 14 , which may be regarded as a compound of salicin and helicin. These 
 interesting reactions have been chiefly investigated by Piria (1837, etc.). 
 
 Tests.— “ On heating a small portion of salicin in a test-tube until it turns brown, 
 then adding a few Cc. of water, and afterward a drop of solution of ferric chloride, a 
 violet color will appear.” — ZZ S. The behavior of salicin to ammonia distinguishes it 
 readily from phlorizin, and its solubility in cold nitric acid from those alkaloids which 
 
SALTX. 
 
 1401 
 
 acquire with this reagent a characteristic color. To test for poisonous alkaloids, which 
 may possibly be present, Hager recommends agitating 0.2 Gan. of salicin with 4 Cc. of 
 water and 1 Cc. of potassa solution, when a clear solution should be obtained. “ The 
 aqueous solution of salicin should not be precipitated by tannic or picric acid, nor by 
 mercuric potassium iodide (absence of, and difference from, alkaloids).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The experiments of Ringer and Bury with salicin upon healthy 
 children appear to show that it has no influence upon the temperature, and that under 
 full medicinal doses a dusky flush suffuses the face on slight excitement, while the 
 expression becomes dull and heavy. Less constant symptoms are deafness, noises in the 
 ears, frontal headache, trembling of the hands, and quickened breathing. Very large 
 doses occasion severe headache, marked muscular weakness, tremor, and irritability. 
 Tingling may be felt in the extremities, and the voice becomes husky ; the breathing is 
 hurried, but there is no dyspnoea ; large doses often repeated raise the pulse-rate to 140 
 and render the beats feeble. Other observers have noted an intermittent or a slower 
 pulse among the physiological effects of this medicine, while the greater number declare 
 that in healthy persons and in medicinal doses it does not affect the pulse at all. Such 
 has certainly been the case after doses of 40, and even 75, grains, which produced buzz- 
 ing in the ears and a state of semi-intoxication. Like sodium salicylate, salicin has 
 sometimes produced haemorrhage apparently due to dissolution of the blood (Shaw, 
 Lancet , Jan. 1889, p. 114). In some cases it has caused vomiting and purging, and its 
 continued use has occasioned gastric catarrh. A similar dissidence exists in regard to its 
 influence upon the temperature in health. The singular opinion has been expressed that 
 it is only sedative to the calorific function when it acts as a diuretic. On the whole, we 
 repeat, there is no reason to believe that in healthy persons it reduces the temperature. 
 Salicin appears to render the sweat alkaline or neutral even in rheumatic patients with 
 acid urine, but the evidence of this operation is not conclusive. To its promotion of uri- 
 nary elimination must be attributed its alleged action in removing yellowness of the skin 
 in jaundice. 
 
 Salicin has been used, and indeed was first used, in the inflammatory affections in which 
 it has since been customary to employ salicylic acid and its compounds. In the report 
 of one physician (Riess), who vaunted the antiphlogistic virtues of this substance, the 
 mortality from pneumonia is stated to have been 11 out of 35 cases — a result which is 
 the reverse of encouraging. The experience of Dr. Greenhow in treating rheumatic fever 
 with salicin was, on the whole, not so satisfactory as to encourage him in continuing to 
 employ it ( Trans . Clin. Soc., xiii. 261), and the advocacy of it by Dr Maclagan has not 
 established its efficiency. Conway vaunted its topical application in severe cases of diph- 
 theria, but his success has not been matched ( Practitioner , xxviii. 61). Many have 
 reported salicin to be a valuable substitute for quinine, but these reports are counter- 
 balanced by others, which appear to show that it was quite powerless in periodical fevers. 
 In neither case was the natural tendency to cure of these affections sufficiently consid- 
 ered. In the absence of quinine, salicin may be employed in mild cases of intermittent 
 fever. Salicin has been found efficient in preventing the development of acute coryza 
 when given in doses of from Gm. 1.30-2 (20 to 30 grains), and also in mitigating the 
 symptoms of hay fever. Turner and also Maclagan allege that it both prevents and 
 cures influenza. It has been thought to moderate the pain of lumbago. In neuralgia of 
 a periodical type, and not amenable to quinine, it is said to have been very efficient in 
 doses of from 20 to 40 grains, given every hour for three or four hours. Even diabetic 
 patients are alleged to have gotten well under the influence of this medicine ! 
 
 Salicin, although not very soluble, may be given in water in the dose of Gm. 0.60-2.60 
 (gr. x-xl). It is better to give the smaller dose and repeat it frequently than to pre- 
 scribe a full dose at once. It may be administered in powdered liquorice extract. 
 
 SALIX. — Salix; Willow. 
 
 Saule blanc , Fr. Cod. ; Weidennnde , G. ; Sauce , Sauz, Sp. 
 
 The bark of Salix alba, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 234. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Salicaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The willows form a large genus, which is mostly confined to the northern 
 temperate zone, and with some species extends into the Arctic regions. They are either 
 trees or shrubs with flexible branches, and have alternate, short-petioled, and mostly more 
 or less lanceolate, entire, or finely serrate leaves, with small or conspicuous stipules. The 
 flowers are dioecious, in cylindrical catkins, each bract being one-flowered, and have at the 
 
1402 
 
 SAL1X. 
 
 Fig. 250. 
 
 
 base one or two glands, but no other floral envelopes. The fruit is a one-celled and two- 
 valved capsule, and contains numerous minute seeds which are furnished with a silky 
 down. Most of the species are exceedingly variable in some of their characters, and all 
 grow in moist localities, along streams, etc. The species recognized by the Pharmaco- 
 poeia of 1880 is common in Europe, and is frequently cultivated, and has been to some 
 extent naturalized, in North America. It grows to the height of 18-24 M. (60 or 80 
 feet), and belongs to the group of crack willows , which are characterized by having their 
 branches brittle at the base. Salix fragilis, Linne , resembles this species. Salix purpurea, 
 
 Linne , is mostly shrubby, with olive-green, brownish, or pur- 
 plish bark, and has the branches not brittle at the base. A 
 large number of hybrids have been observed between the 
 different species. The bark is collected from the branches 
 in spring, when it is easily removed from the wood. 
 
 Description. — Willow-bark is met with in fragments or 
 quills. It varies in thickness between 1-2 Mm. (J 5 and ^ 
 inch), is externally smooth or little wrinkled, varies in color 
 between gray, brownish, and brown-yellow, is shining, when 
 young has a somewhat metallic lustre, and is furnished with 
 some roundish, small, suberous warts. The inner surface is 
 smooth, pale-brownish, or cinnamon-colored. The bark may 
 be readily torn in a longitudinal direction, but breaks trans- 
 versely with some difficulty. Under the thin corky layer it 
 has a green color, and the inner bast-layer is striate by very 
 fine medullary rays, is arranged in tangential rows, and may 
 be separated in thin shreds. The dry bark is nearly inodor- 
 ous and has a bitter and astringent taste. Willow-bark collected from old wood is usually 
 deprived of the more or less fissured corky layer, and consists of the pale-brownish liber, 
 which breaks with a tough, splintery fracture, and is less bitter than the branch-bark. 
 The parenchyma of the primary bark contains scattered groups of crystals ; the bast- 
 layer is formed of tangentially-arranged bast-fibres, which are accompanied by crystal- 
 cells and alternate with thin layers of parenchyma ; the numerous narrow mostly one- 
 rowed medullary rays impart to the bast a finely-checkered appearance. 
 
 Constituents. — Salicin, the important medicinal constituent of willow-bark, has been 
 described above. The other constituents are wax, fat, gum, and tannin. The crack 
 willows appear to contain more tannin, and the purple willows more salicin. According 
 to Johanson (1875), the tannin of willow-bark is a glucoside, and gives with ferric salts a 
 blue-black precipitate, the liquid becoming purplish-red on the addition of soda. Johan- 
 son also showed the presence of a kind of sugar having a slightly sweet taste and redu- 
 cing alkaline copper solution with difficulty, and of the glucoside benzohelicin , C 2 oH 2 o 0 8 , 
 which was prepared by Piria (1851) by dissolving populin in cold nitric acid; it yields 
 with sulphuric acid a yellow solution which, on the addition of water, becomes colorless 
 and gives off the odor of salicylous acid. 
 
 The bark and leaves of different species of Populus contain, in addition to salicin, 
 populin or benzoyl-salicin , C 20 H 2 2 O 8 , which crystallizes in white needles of a sweet and 
 somewhat acrid taste, and yields, under the influence of dilute acids, benzoic acid and 
 
 ■■ . ~ , • 'y . 
 
 m 1 m 
 
 Willow-bark : transverse section 
 magnified 15 diameters. 
 
 decomposition-products of salicin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Willow-bark was anciently employed in medicine as an astrin- 
 gent. Like simple bitters, it appears to increase the appetite and improve the digestion, 
 but if its use is long continued it confines the bowels. It has been used in cases of dys- 
 pepsia and of general debility and to lessen excessive discharges from mucous membranes. 
 It has had some repute as a vermifuge , and its powder has been applied as a dressing for 
 unhealthy and gangrenous ulcers. Before being introduced into medicine willow-bark 
 had been a popular domestic febrifuge. It was first recommended for the treatment of 
 intermittent fever by Stone of London in 1763, and was reported to be efficient by many 
 others down to the discovery of salicin in 1825. A fluid extract of N. nigra is credited 
 by Paine with allaying sexual erethism ( Report of Texas Med. Soc ., 1885). His state- 
 ment is corroborated by Fenwick and by Hutchison in England {Med. Record, xxxii. 487, 
 517), and partially by Oliver ( Lancet , May 5, 1888). 
 
 Powdered willow-bark may be given in doses of Gm. 1.30-4 (gr. xx-lx) three times a 
 day as a tonic ; as an antiperiodic at least Gm. 32 (gj) must be taken during an inter- 
 mission. A decoction or infusion may be made with Gm. 32 (an ounce) of the bruised 
 bark to 500 Cc. (a pint) of water. 
 
SALOL. 
 
 1403 
 
 SALOL, II. S.— Salol. 
 
 Salolum , P. G. ; Phenyl salicylate , E. ; Salicylate cle phenol , Fr. ; Salicylsaure-plienyl- 
 sether , Phenylsalicylat , Salol, G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 4 (0H)C0 2 C 6 H 5 = C 6 H 5 C 7 H 5 0 3 . Molecular weight 213.49. 
 
 Salol was first produced by Nencki in 1883, and introduced into medicine by Sahli in 
 
 1886. 
 
 Preparation. — When dehydrating agents are made to act upon a mixture of phenol 
 and salicylic acid, phenyl salicylate is formed and water eliminated. For this purpose 
 a mixture of sodium-phenol and sodium salicylate in molecular proportions may either be 
 treated for some time with phosphorus oxychloride or a slow current of phosgene gas (car- 
 bonyl chloride) may be passed into a warmed mixture of the two salts : in the first case 
 the secondary or by-products consist of sodium chloride and metaphosphate, and in the 
 second case of sodium chloride and carbon dioxide. These are removed by washing the 
 mass repeatedly with water, and recrystallizing the residuary salol from alcohol. 
 
 A later process, which has been patented, consists in heating pure or even crude sali- 
 cylic acid in a flask with a long narrow neck in a bath to 220°-230° C. (428°-446° F.) ; 
 air is excluded by keeping the flask filled with carbon dioxide, and the length of the neck 
 permits only vapors of water and carbon dioxide to escape. The theory underlying the 
 reaction is. the conversion of the salicylic acid into its anhydride, and the subsequent 
 decomposition of this into phenylsalicylate and carbon dioxide, according to the 
 equations : 2C 6 H 4 (0H)C0 2 H == (C 6 H 4 C0 2 H) 2 0 + H 2 0 ; — (C 6 H 4 C0 2 H) 2 0 = C 6 H 4 (OH) 
 C0 2 C 6 H 5 -J- C0 2 . 
 
 Properties. — Salol occurs as a white crystalline powder, of slightly aromatic odor 
 and taste, and melting at 42° C. (107.6° F.). It is sparingly soluble in water, but solu- 
 ble in 10 parts of alcohol or 0.3 part of ether. Also soluble in chloroform. Heated on 
 platinum-foil, it burns with a sooty flame, without leaving a residue. Bromine-water 
 added to an alcoholic solution of salol causes a white precipitate of monobromsalol. 
 When heated with caustic soda solution salol is decomposed into sodium-phenol and sali- 
 cylate ; the further addition of hydrochloric acid precipitates salicylic acid and develops 
 the odor of phenol. 
 
 Tests. — Salol should not redden moistened blue litmus-paper (absence of free acid). 
 Shaken with 50 parts of water, a filtrate is obtained which should not be colored violet 
 by dilute ferric chloride solution (absence of uncombined phenol and salicylic acid), nor 
 by solutions of barium nitrate or silver nitrate (absence of sulphates and chlorides). 
 
 Derivative and Allied Compounds.— Salophen. Acetylpara-amidophenolsalicylate, C 6 II 4 - 
 (0H)C0 2 .C 6 H 4 NII.C0CH 3 . This compound was introduced in 1891 as a substitute for salol, 
 from which it differs chiefly in yielding harmless acetylpara-amidophenol, instead of toxic phenol, 
 when decomposed in the human organism. It is prepared by a complicated process, the first 
 step being the preparation of paranitrophenol salicylate in a manner similar to the production 
 of salol ; then converting this into para-amidophenol salicylate by means of reducing agents, and 
 finally, by the action of acetic acid, into acetylpara-amidophenol salicylate or salophen^ which is 
 purified by crystallization from benzene or alcohol. It occurs as minute white scales containing 
 50.9 per cent, of salicylic acid, is of neutral reaction, and is free from odor and taste. Salophen 
 melts at 187°-188° C. (368.6°-370.4° F.). It is insoluble in cold, but somewhat soluble in hot 
 water, and is readily taken up by alcohol, ether, and solution of the alkalies. When salophen 
 is heated with sulphuric acid and alcohol, the odor of acetic ether is developed. Salophen 
 should not be confounded with u saliphen," the name given to salicyl-phenetidin, a compound 
 of salicylic acid and phenetidin introduced in 1890, and having the formula C 6 H 4 OC 2 H 5 NIIC 6 - 
 
 Salicylamide. C 6 II 4 (OII)CONII 2 . This compound is produced by the action of dry am- 
 monia gas on methyl salicylate in the form of oil of wintergreen. It is a colorless or slightly 
 yellowish-white crystalline powder, melting at 138° C. (280.4° F.), and soluble in alcohol' and 
 ether ; it requires about 250 parts of cold water for solution. Salicylamide is quite tasteless, but 
 produces a gritty feeling between the teeth ; treated with caustic soda, it is converted into sodium 
 salicylate and ammonia. 
 
 Salol-camphor, Camphol, is a colorless or pale-yellow oily liquid, obtained by mixing 3 parts 
 of salol with 2 parts of camphor, and heating gradually to complete fusion ; it should be preserved 
 in yellow hermetically sealed bottles, as it readily decomposes when exposed to light and air. 
 
 Diiodosalol. Phenyldiiodosalicylate. C 6 II 2 I 2 (0II)C0 2 C 6 II 5 . A tastel ess and odorless crys- 
 tal 1 ™ 5 powder, obtained as a condensation-product of phenol with diiodosalicylic acid: it fuses 
 at 133° C. (271.4° F.). 
 
 Gresalol. Cresol salicylate, C 6 II 4 (0H)C0 2 C 6 H 4 CH 3 . This is a crystalline compound analo- 
 gous to betol and salol. It is obtained by the interaction of cresol and salicylic acid in the form 
 
1404 
 
 SALOL. 
 
 of sodium salts in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride : three varieties are formed, depending 
 on the sodium salt (ortho-, meta-, or para-) used. All are insoluble in water, hut soluble in alcohol 
 and ether. Meta- and paracresol salicylate have been used internally in place of salol : the 
 former melts at 74° C. (165.2° F.) the latter at 40° C. (104° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Most observers state that, unlike salicylic acid, salol does not, 
 even in large doses, cause ringing in the ears, and Lombard refers to one case in which no 
 functional disorder was produced by Gm. 8 (120 gr.). It is, however, unquestionable that, 
 like salicylic acid, it may occasion tinnitus, irregular heart-beat, and, less frequently, sweat- 
 ing. Herrlich states that in typhoid fever it sometimes causes nausea, vomiting, and per- 
 sistent loss of appetite, and even rigors, followed by fever. In a case of chronic rheuma- 
 tism it brought on dysury and vesical tenesmus, with dark urine ( Archives gen ., Nov. 
 1887, p. 616). Two drachms of it have caused death with signs of carbolic-acid poisoning 
 (Hesselbach). In another case a dose of Gm. 1 (gr. xv.) caused a like catastrophe 
 ( Lancet , May 23, 1891). There can be no doubt that the poisonous action of the com- 
 pound is due to the carbolic acid it contains. Herpetic eruptions and urticaria have oc- 
 curred among its occasional effects {Med. Record , xxxiii. 244 ; Centralbl. f. Med ., vi. 298). 
 
 This preparation has been used chiefly for the cure of acute articular rheumatism , in 
 which Nencki and Sahli found it as efficient as sodium salicylate when given in doses of 
 30 gr. three or four times a day. They also used it in the chronic form and in muscular 
 rheumatism {Med. News, xlviii. 707). Others have furnished less favorable reports, of 
 whom Rosenberg states that relapses were more frequent than after the use of salicylic 
 acid ; and others, like Herrlich, noted that it did not lessen the tendency to complications 
 and relapses. In these views Kleefeld concurs, and the general drift of opinion is 
 expressed by Bielschowsky — viz. that the medicine has the same mode of action in 
 acute articular rheumatism as salicylic acid, antipyrine, and antifebrin, with a less 
 tendency to produce unpleasant symptoms {Centralb.f Ther ., v. pp. 243-246), but is less 
 efficient than salicylic acid in controlling pain, for which these several preparations are 
 useful, and decidedly less so than sodium salicylate {Bull, de Therap., cxiii. 197). 
 Aufrecht, however, holds that in chronic articular rheumatism salol is sometimes prefer- 
 able to salicylic acid when the latter fails or is no longer tolerated {Centralb. f. Tlier., vi. 
 78). Demme did not find the medicine satisfactory in rheumatism occurring in children 
 {ibid., vi. 298), nor did Bradford regard it as equal to sodium salicylate for adults {Bos- 
 ton Med. and Surg. Jour., July, 1888, p. 67). On the whole, little doubt can be enter- 
 tained that the value of the compound in rheumatism depends upon the salicylic 
 acid it contains — a view which explains the fact that only relatively large doses of 
 it are efficient. 
 
 The anodyne virtues of the medicine have also been made useful in relieving the 
 lancinating pains which attend sclerosis of the spinal cord and other forms of neuralgia, 
 as Lombard, Montagne, and Cheron testify. As an antipyretic it was found useless by 
 Lombard in pneumonia, phthisis, measles, mumps, scarlet fever, erysipelas, intermittent 
 fever, etc. ; and in this also its analogy with salicylic acid is notable. Capart claims that 
 it aborts tonsillitis {Therap. Gaz., xiii. 701). The influence of the carbolic-acid element 
 in salol is shown by the utility of the compound as an application to various ulcers of 
 the mouth and throat, in ozsena , diphtheria , otorrhoea, gonorrhoea , vesical catarrh, etc., and 
 as a substitute for iodoform in surgical dressings. It is, however, difficult of application 
 in these cases, owing to its slight solubility. As a wash a dessert-spoonful of a 6 per 
 cent, solution of the compound in alcohol, added to a tumbler of water, was employed. 
 Like carbolic acid, it is useful in fermentative dyspepsia. Saalfeld claimed that a 5-8 
 per cent, ointment of salol with vaseline is efficient in sycosis and impetigo contagiosa 
 {Med. News, liv. 18), and Graetzer recommended a powder of starch containing 4-6 per 
 cent, of salol as a useful application to ulcers of the legs, gangrenous sores, etc. ( Therap. 
 Monatsh ., iii. 536). In cystitis with ammoniacal and turbid urine by the daily use of 
 30—40 gr. of salol the urine is cleared up and can be passed without difficulty (Arnold, 
 Demme, Dreyfous). This effect is chiefly due to the carbolic acid of the compound, 
 which with the salicylic acid is eliminated by the kidneys. It is unnecessary to do more 
 than mention the employment of salol in diabetes, typhoid fever, cholera infantum, etc., 
 in none of which is there proof of its utility. 
 
 Salol may be given to the extent of Gm. 1.30-2 (gr. xx-xxx) a day in divided doses, 
 but it has been prescribed in much larger quantities, such as from Gm. 2-3 (gr. xxx-xlv) 
 a day (Lombard). According to the Extra Pharmacopoeia (Br.), the dose is Gm. 0.67- 
 1.30 (gr. x-xxx). It may be administered in capsules or in emulsion, or simply sus- 
 pended in milk. 
 
SALVIA. 
 
 1405 
 
 Salicylamide, proposed as a substitute for salicylic acid as being tasteless, more 
 soluble, prompter in its action in smaller doses, and of greater analgesic properties, was 
 given in doses of Gm. 0.195-0.325 (gr. iij-v) several times a day. It has not yet justi- 
 fied its claims (Squibb). 
 
 Salipyrine, it is claimed, is not apt to produce unfavorable symptoms, except, perhaps, 
 a transient erythema, but in full doses it certainly occasions sweating and disorders of 
 the stomach. It is antipyretic and analgesic, and has been employed chiefly in typhoid 
 fever and acute articular rheumatism. Like its congeners, it palliates pain in the latter 
 disease, but does not shorten the duration or prevent the complications of either affec- 
 tion. It is anodyne in neuralgia. In fact, its action is that of its constituents. The 
 doses used have been, in acute febrile affections, Gm. 2, followed after one or two hours 
 by doses of Gm. 1 at hourly intervals for four hours. 
 
 Salophen is reported to be one of the most speedy and efficient remedies in acute 
 articular rheumatism. Frohlich regards it as “ preferable to sodium salicylate and salol, 
 because it is not hygroscopic, is tasteless, and can be used for a long time without any 
 ill effects.” This judgment is confirmed by Guttmann, Gerhardo, and others. It is also 
 said to relieve habitual headaches, hemicrania, and trigeminal and other neuralgias. It 
 may be given in doses of Gm. 1 (gr. xv) every two hours up to Gm. 6 (gr. xc) in twenty- 
 four hours. 
 
 Cresalol — or rather the several compounds so called — is antiseptic and free from 
 disagreeable odor. It is said to correct and restrain offensive discharges from wounds, 
 etc., and has been given internally for a similar purpose. 
 
 SALVIA, TJ. S. — Salvia ; Sage. 
 
 Folia ( Herha ) salviae, P. A., P. G. ; Sauge officinale , Fr. Cod. ; Salbei , G. ; Salvia, Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Salvia officinalis, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 206. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Labiatae, Monardese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Sage is a suffruticose perennial indigenous to Southern 
 Europe and extensively cultivated in England, France, and Germany and in gardens in 
 the United States (garden sage'). The stem is about 60 Cm. 
 
 ( 2 feet) high, woody at the base, much branched, quadrangu- 
 lar, and whitish pubescent above. The leaves are opposite, 
 petiolate, 5-8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) long, thickish, ovate- or 
 lance-oblong, obtuse or subacute, finely crenulate on the 
 margin, wrinkled, grayish-green, and beneath soft hairy. 
 
 The lower leaves are sometimes auricular or rounded, more 
 frequently narrowed, at the base, the upper ones smaller and 
 nearly sessile. The flowers are in three-flowered cymes in 
 the axils of the upper leaves or bracts, have a tubular, bell- 
 shaped, bilabiate, brownish, pubescent calyx, with mucronate 
 divisions, and a violet-blue, bilabiate corolla, with a short 
 tube, a depressed, helmet-shaped upper lip, three-lobed, 
 spreading lower lip, and two stamens. All parts of the 
 plant are more or less glandular and have a peculiar strong, 
 aromatic odor, and a warm, bitterish, and somewhat astring- 
 ent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent is vola- 
 tile oil, of which the fresh herb yields l to \ per cent., and 
 when recently dried about three times this quantity. Oil 
 of sage is of a greenish or yellowish color, has the density 
 0.86 to 0.93, commences to boil at 130° C. (266° F.), and is very freely soluble in 80 
 per cent, alcohol. P. Muir (1876) found the portion boiling between 156° and 158° C. 
 (312.8° and 316.4° F.) to be a terpene, Ci 0 H 16 , which yielded cymene under the influence 
 of sulphuric acid and terephtalic acid when treated with sulphuric acid and potassium 
 dichromate. The portion having the boiling-point 10° C. (18° F.) higher yielded iden- 
 tical products, and in the neighborhood of 200° C. (392° F.) an oxygenated portion was 
 obtained, which Muir designated salviol, C I0 H 18 O, and at 260° C. (500° F.) a hydrocar- 
 bon of the formula C 18 H 24 . The stearopten of the oil melts at 187° C. (368.6° F.), and 
 closely resembles ordinary camphor. The other constituents of sage are of no medicinal 
 importance, and are those commonly found in plants ; Hirsch did not succeed in obtain- 
 ing tannin. 
 
 Fig. 251. 
 
1406 
 
 SAMBUCUS. 
 
 Fig. 252. 
 
 Sage-leaf : upper and 
 lower surface. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Aqua salvia, Sage- 
 water. Distil 10 parts of water from 1 part of sage-leaves. — 
 P. G. 1872. 
 
 Infusum salvia:. Sage % troyounce, boiling water a pint. — 
 U S. 1870. 
 
 Allied Species. — Most species of Salvia are aromatic and bitter. 
 Salvia pratensis, Linne , and S. Sclera, Linne , are used in Southern 
 Europe; S. lyrata, Linne, is common in North America, but only 
 slightly aromatic. 
 
 Salvia polystachya, Ortega (Salvia Chian, La Have). The fruit of 
 this Mexican species is used under the name of chia-seed. It is about 
 2 Mm. (y 1 ^ inch) long, about 1.2 Mm. (Jq inch) broad, flattish-globular, 
 gray marbled with brown, glossy, internally white and oily. The testa 
 is covered with a transparent epithelium containing much insipid muci- 
 lage, which, according to Hiland Flowers (1882), is coagulated by ferric 
 chloride ; the white embryo contains a pale-yellow drying oil. Accord- 
 ing to Profs. Gray and Rothrock, the fruit of Salvia Columbariae, Ben- 
 tham , which is indigenous to New Mexico and westward, is likewise 
 known as chia-seed. The fruit of Salvia verticillata, S. verbenaca, S. 
 llorminum, Limit, and other species, are also mucilaginous. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sage is an ancient medicine. From the time of Hippocrates, 
 when it was reputed to be desiccant and astringent, it was used in chronic pulmonary 
 complaints and uterine derangements and as a dressing for wounds and sores. Later on, 
 it was regarded as emmenagogue, and used to arrest haemoptysis and as a gargle for sore 
 throat. 
 
 Sage is stimulant, tonic, and astringent. Pidoux states that, having caught cold dur- 
 ing the month of July, an infusion of half an ounce of sage caused him to sweat copi- 
 ously for several hours. Such elfects are likely to be produced by a hot infusion of any 
 stimulant herb. It is certain that a cold infusion of sage has in all ages been employed 
 to moderate excessive sweats depending upon debility alone. An infusion in red wine is 
 to be preferred for this purpose. It is less serviceable in the colliquative sweats of 
 phthisis accompanied by hectic fever, yet even in them it adds to the power of aromatic 
 sulphuric acid when used as a vehicle for the latter. A strong infusion of sage has been 
 employed successfully to hasten the drying up of the milk at weaning-time. Sage tea or 
 an infusion of sage in red wine is a popular and efficient remedy for aphthous and other 
 ulcers of the mouth and for all forms of sore throat ; it is best applied as a wash or gargle 
 when sweetened with honey. Its power is increased by the addition of vinegar, alum, 
 borax, or potassium chlorate. Externally, similar applications are of great value in heal- 
 ing ulcers and the raw surfaces occurring in intertrigo, etc. Chronic nasal catarrh has 
 been benefited by injections of sage tea (D. H. Agnew). The aromatic wine of the 
 French Codex, which is so largely used for the treatment of chancres and other ulcers, 
 contains sage. Sage is much used as a seasoning for gross and fat meats, such as pork 
 and goose. It is seldom prescribed internally, unless in an infusion, which is no longer 
 official. 
 
 Dr. Henry M. Stille, who has long practised in Mexico and Texas, informs us that a 
 decoction of chia-seeds is applied cold in external inflammations — e. g. of the eye. It is 
 also given internally, sweetened with sugar, in febrile affections, sore throat, etc. The 
 Mexicans describe it as “ cooling.” 
 
 SAMBUCUS, U. Sambucus ; Elder. 
 
 Sambuci Jlores , Br., P. G. ; Sureau, Fr. ; Flieder , Hollander, G. ; Sauco, Sahuco, Sp. 
 
 The flowers of Sambucus canadensis, Linne (S. nigra, Linne, Br., P. Gi). Bentley 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants, 137, 138. 
 
 Nat. Ord, — Caprifoliacese. 
 
 Origin. — The American elder is suffruticose, attaining a height of 2.4-3 M. (8 or 10 
 feet), and grows in moist thickets and on the banks of streams throughout a great por- 
 tion of North America. It has opposite mostly smooth leaves , with from seven to eleven 
 short-stalked, oblong, pointed, serrate leaflets, the lower pair of which is frequently three- 
 parted, and juicy, purplisli-black, drupaceous fruits, containing three one-seeded hard nut- 
 lets and having an acidulous and sweetish taste. The bark, leaves, and fruit are some- 
 times medicinally employed, besides the flowers. 
 
SAMBUCUS. 
 
 1407 
 
 Description. — Elder-flowers are in large, level-topped cymes, which terminate the 
 small branches and are five-branched below and forked above. The marginal flowers are 
 occasionally radiate ; all have a superior calyx, with five minute teeth, a wheel-shaped, 
 cream-colored, or whitish corolla, with a short tube and a spreading five-lobed limb, and 
 five stamens which are inserted between the obtuse corolla-lobes. The flowers appear in 
 June, and have in their fresh state a peculiar rather disagreeable odor, which becomes 
 more pleasant and sweetish on drying. They are collected when in full bloom, and rap- 
 idly dried to prevent them from turning black ; the corollas fall oft' very readily, and are 
 separated from the stalks by shaking. Well-dried elder-flowers are of a pale brownish- 
 yellow color, and have a slight peculiar odor and a sweetish, mucilaginous, and bitterish 
 taste. The constituents of this drug appear to be closely allied to those of the European 
 elder. 
 
 Sambucus nigra, Linne, extends throughout the greater portion of Europe, Southern 
 Siberia, and Northern Africa. It is a shrub or small tree, has the leaflets ovate-oblong 
 and acute, and the flowers in smaller compound cymes than the preceding ; otherwise the 
 two species resemble each other very closely. 
 
 Constituents. — European elder-flowers contain as their most important principle a 
 volatile oil which, according to the investigations of Eliason, Pagenstecher, and others, is 
 yellowish and limpid, but mostly of a butyraceous consistence, of a strong odor and of a 
 warm, bitterish, afterward cooling taste. The recently-dried flowers yield only 3 to J per 
 cent, of it if the distilled water is extracted with ether. The remaining constituents of 
 the flowers are acrid resin, a little tannin, mucilage, albumen, and other common veg- 
 etable principles ; among the salts are potassium and calcium malates. Scheele found 
 in the berries mucilage, sugar, and malic acid, and Kraemer (1846) obtained from the 
 bark viburnic acid , which is identical with valerianic acid. C. Gr. Traub (1881) ascer- 
 tained that the bark of American elder contains likewise valerianic acid, and in addition 
 lesin, tannin, sugar, etc. J. B. Metzger (1881) found in the berries sugar, gum, tannin, 
 fat, etc. 
 
 Allied Species. — Sambucus Ebulus, Linne. All parts of this European species have a strong, 
 disagreeable color and a bitterish, somewhat acrid taste. At present the four-seeded fruit, which 
 resembles elder-berries, but has a more agreeable taste, is occasionally employed. The plant is 
 known as dwarf-elder, E.; yeble or hieble, Fr. Cod. ; Attich, G.; and yezgo, Sp. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Succus sambuci inspissatus. — Extract of 
 elder-berries, E . ; Bob de sureau, Fr. ; Fliedermus, G . — Bruise fresh elder-berries, after 
 twenty-four hours express the juice, allow to settle, decant, strain, and evaporate the 
 clear liquid to the consistence of a soft extract. — F. Cod. It has a sweet acidulous taste 
 and dissolves in water with a brown-red color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Elder-berries (S. nigra) are cooling, aperient, and diuretic, and 
 when their juice is fermented it forms a wine which is much used in England as a domes- 
 tic cordial. The flowers are said to be poisonous to peacocks and the berries to hens 
 (Strumpf ). According to Cazin, cattle refuse to eat the leaves, caterpillars avoid them, 
 and hence the shrubs are planted around the beds of kitchen-gardens ; the flowers are 
 used to preserve clothing from moths. 
 
 The ancients considered elder-bark and leaves as purgative and diuretic, and several 
 centuries ago the leaves, bark, and seeds were much used in dropsy, and the flowers for 
 fomentations, as they continue to be at the present time. From the flowers a water is 
 distilled which is employed as a perfume, and an ointment is prepared with them for the 
 treatment of burns and excoriations. An ointment made with the inner bark has been 
 used in tinea capitis , as a dressing for blisters and various excoriations and sores, and in 
 erysipelas , as well as for moderating the pain of haemorrhoids , and in poultices as an appli- 
 cation to gangrenous tissues, glandular engorgements, etc. For most of these purposes an 
 infusion of the flowers is employed. Porcher states ( Resources of the Southern Fields , 
 etc., p. 448) that “ a decoction made by pouring boiling water over the leaves, flowers, or 
 berries of the elder is recommended as a wash for wounds to prevent injury from flies. 
 An ointment is used for the same purpose.” Tn the same work elder is said to have been 
 employed in an ointment — which, however, contained sulphur — in the treatment of scabies. 
 Dr. T. A. Smith of Creve Cceur, Mo., informs us that a strong decoction of sambucus is 
 employed in his neighborhood to expel maggots from parts not readily accessible, particu- 
 larly the nostrils ; and adds that a decoction made with the green leaves and shoots of 
 the elder succeeded perfectly in driving away these creatures from the wounds made in 
 cutting off lambs’ tails when every other application had failed. It acted very promptly 
 and was entirely unirritating. The young leaf-buds are said to be a drastic cathartic, but 
 
1408 
 
 SANG UINARIA. 
 
 the fresh inner bark is more efficacious. The juice of the root of S. nigra has been found 
 to act as a hydragogue cathartic in the dose of Gm. 32-64 (^j-ij), taken fasting. This 
 dose excites copious salivation, followed by vomiting without excessive straining; later, 
 watery stools occur, and continue for eight or ten hours. In this country similar effects 
 have followed the use of the native elder-bark (S. canadensis) infused in hard cider. The 
 expressed juice of the root of the official plant may be given in the dose of Gm. 64 
 (f:|ij) every two hours until its specific operation begins. A decoction is made by boiling 
 an ounce of the inner bark in 2 pints of water until reduced to Gm. 32 in Gm. 1000 to 
 Gm. 500 (a pint) ; of this Gm. 128 (4 fluidounces) may be given at a dose. 
 
 SANGUINARIA, U . S .—\ Sanguinaria. 
 
 Bloodroot, Puccoon , Tettencort , Indian paint , E. ; Sanguinaire , Fr. ; Blutwurzel , G. 
 
 The rhizome of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 20. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Papaveracese, Eupapavereae. 
 
 Origin. — Bloodroot is a native of Canada and the United States, where it grows in 
 open woods on a rich soil. In early spring the rhizome sends up one or two leaves and 
 a slender scape about 10-15 Cm. (4 or 6 inches) high, bearing a single large white flower. 
 The leaves do not attain their full size until after the petals have been shed in April or 
 May, and are then about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long and 10-12 Cm. (4 or 5 inches) wide, 
 heart-shaped at the base, reniform in outline, palmately seven- or nine-veined, and divided 
 into the same number of obtuse lobes ; the upper surface is of a light-green, the lower 
 surface glaucous, whitish, and the veins often reddish. The calyx consists of two 
 fugacious sepals, and the corolla of about eight oblong and obtuse petals ; the stamens 
 are in several rows, and the fruit, which ripens in June, is an oblong two-valved capsule 
 tapering at each end and containing numerous roundish seeds with a strongly crested 
 raphe. All parts of the plant contain a bright orange-red juice, but only the rhizome is 
 employed. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is 5-10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) long and about 1 Cm. 
 ( i inch) thick, horizontal, slightly branched, cylindrical, and faintly annulate by leaf- 
 
 scars. In the fresh state it is fleshy, and 
 emits, when wounded, a dark-red juice ; after 
 drying it is reddish-brown externally, longi- 
 tudinally wrinkled, and breaks with a short 
 fracture of a slight waxy appearance. Trans- 
 verse section shows a thin bark, which is in 
 width about one-twelfth the diameter of the 
 rhizome, a very fine cambium-line, and a 
 white mealy inner portion, in which the cir- 
 cle of about eighteen small fibro-vascular 
 bundles is not readily distinguished, and which contains a large number of small red 
 resin-cells ; the interior tissue is not unfrequently of a nearly uniform brownish-red color, 
 due probably to the manner in which the drug was dried. The thin rootlets are mainly 
 on the lower side, and in commercial bloodroot are mostly broken off, short remnants or 
 scars only remaining ; they have a bark about equal in thickness to the ligneous cord 
 and contain scattered red resin-cells. Bloodroot yields a pale grayish-red irritating pow- 
 der, and has a slight heavy odor and a persistent bitter and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Dr. Dana (1828) obtained from bloodroot the alkaloid sanguinarine , 
 which Probst considered identical with the alkaloid chelerythrine discovered by him 
 (1830) in celandine (see page 445). The identity of the two was conclusively proven 
 by Shiel (1855). Riegel (1845), and afterward Gibb (1860), isolated a second alkaloid, 
 which they named porphyroxine, from its supposed identity with a constituent of opium 
 formerly known by that name. It was obtained by exhausting the rhizome with dilute 
 acetic acid, precipitating the sanguinarine with ammonia, neutralizing the filtrate with 
 acetic acid, and precipitating with tannin ; on decomposing the precipitate with either 
 lime or potassa and exhausting with ether, white, tasteless crystals are stated to be 
 obtained, which yield with acids bitter and neutral salts. In 1856, E. S. Wayne 
 announced the discovery of a third alkaloid, named puccine by Gibb. It was said to 
 remain dissolved in ether after precipitating the ethereal solution of crude sanguinarine 
 with sulphuric acid. L. C. IIopp (1875) proved it to be sanguinarine held in solution as 
 sulphate by a trace of resin ; he also found sanguinarinic acid of Newbold (1866) to be a 
 mixture of impure citric and malic acids. 
 
SANG VIS. 
 
 1409 
 
 Sanguinarine , C 19 H 17 N0 4 , is obtained from the syrupy alcoholic extract of sanguinaria 
 by digesting it with dilute hydrochloric acid, filtering from the resin, precipitating by 
 ammonia, dissolving the crude alkaloid in ether, and passing hydrochloric acid gas into 
 the solution, when sanguinarine hydrochlorate is precipitated. The pure alkaloid is 
 in white verrucose or needle-shaped crystals, which are sternutatory, freely soluble in 
 ether and alcohol, and yield with acids bright-red salts having a bitter and persistently 
 acrid taste, like the alcoholic solution of the alkaloid. The second alkaloid observed by 
 Biegel was obtained by F. W. Carpenter (1879) as a yellow mass which acquired with 
 strong sulphuric acid a deep-purple color, intensified on the addition of potassium dichro- 
 mate, the reaction resembling that produced by these two reagents with strychnine. F. L. 
 Slocum crystallized the same alkaloid from ether in colorless, slightly bitter needles of an 
 alkaline reaction, and in this pure state yielding with sulphuric acid a deep-purple color, 
 which, however, was not permanent, and changed with chromate to yellow. It exists in 
 minute quantity only, and is not precipitated by ammonia. Slocum examined also the 
 red resinous matter which is separated by alcohol into two portions, both of which, when 
 fused with potassa, yielded protocatechuic acid. C. W. Dodd (1882) found in 100 parts 
 of air-dry bloodroot 10.9 moisture, 7.9 ash, 2.7 benzene extract, 19.9 alcohol, extract 16.2 
 water extract, 7.2 starch, and 1.11 sanguinarine. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Acetum sanguinarine, U. S. 1880. — Take 
 of Bloodroot, in No. 30 powder, 10 parts (1 oz. av.) ; Diluted Acetic Acid sufficient to 
 moisten the powder with 5 parts (1 oz. av.) of the acid. Pack into a conical glass per- 
 colator, and gradually pour upon it diluted acetic acid until 100 parts (10 oz. av.) are 
 obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In non-nauseating doses it increases the appetite and improves 
 digestion. In man, sanguinarine, in doses of from i to i grain continued for several 
 days, occasions nausea and sometimes vomiting, and a manifest reduction of the pulse- 
 rate. 1 grain in solution, repeated at intervals of ten minutes, may excite vomiting after 
 the third dose. 
 
 The physiological action of sanguinaria bears no relation to its medicinal uses. In all 
 cases in which the former is developed the depressing operation of the medicine is distress- 
 ing and unsafe. Its value is only demonstrated, if at all, by its long-continued use in 
 moderate doses, so as to produce its so-called deobstruent or alterative effects. These are 
 supposed to be exhibited when it is used in the treatment of atonic dyspepsia , with 
 “ torpor of the liver,” but in such cases the cure is probably due, in some degree, to the 
 simultaneous regulation of the diet, etc. and abstinence from active medication. Possibly 
 in protracted muscular rheumatism the medicine may deserve a trial. It has been used in 
 bronchitis , croup, and asthma, and has seemed to be most useful when the spasmodic 
 element predominated. Hence its utility in spasmodic croup — i. e. spasmodic laryngitis. 
 
 Powdered bloodroot has been employed as a sternutatory and as a stimulant for indo- 
 lent and unhealthy ulcers. The latter effect probably led to its being used by quacks in 
 the treatment of cancer. The fresh juice of the root is said to cure warts, and an infu- 
 sion or decoction of the root has been applied to chronic scaly and pustular eruptions. 
 
 The dose of sanguinaria as an emetic is Gm. 0.60-4 (gr. x-lx). An infusion made 
 with the bruised root Gm. 32 in Gm. 250 (§j in Oss) of boiling water mary be given in 
 tablespoonful doses at short intervals. The official preparation represents the medicine 
 fully. 
 
 Acetum sanguinaria ( Pharm . 1880). — Whatever utility this preparation may have 
 displayed as a gargle in scarlatinous sore throat was probably due to its menstruum. It 
 would be folly to employ it as an emetic when other and more certain emetics are at 
 hand ; and there is nothing to show that as an. expectorant, which it is reputed to be, its 
 beneficent action outweighs its harsh operation and its depressing action on the heart and 
 nervous system. Its dose as an emetic is stated to be Gm.. 12—16 (fisiij-iv), and as an 
 alterative and expectorant, from Gm. 1-2 (gtt. xv-xxx). 
 
 SANGUIS.— Blood. 
 
 Sang, Fr. ; Blut, G. ; Sangre, Sp. 
 
 Description and Composition. — Blood is an animal fluid which passes to all 
 organs through the circulation. In the inferior animals it is of a white color, while in 
 the vertebrated animals it is red, and the red color is brighter in blood taken from the 
 arteries than in that contained in the veins. Blood is not a simple solution of different 
 compounds, but it is a kind of emulsion containing chiefly blood-corpuscles in suspension. 
 
 89 
 
1410 
 
 SANGUIS. 
 
 According to Lehmann, 1000 parts of corpuscles contain 688 water, 16.75 haematin, 282.22 
 globulin, 2.31 fat, 2.60 extractive matter, and 8.12 mineral constituents, among which 
 potassium salts predominate. The red color of blood-corpuscles is due to hemoglobin, 
 which under some conditions may be obtained in well-defined crystals, as was shown by 
 B. Reichardt (1847) ; acids and alkalies decompose it into the red coloring matter haema- 
 tin, which contains iron and may likewise be crystallized, and into the albuminoid com- 
 pound globulin. 1000 parts of the liquid portion of blood contain 902.90 parts of water, 
 4.05 fibrin, 78.84 albumen, 1.72 fat, 3.92 extractive matter, and 8.55 mineral constituents, 
 among which sodium chloride predominates. The saline constituents both of the cor- 
 puscles and liquid are, besides iron, calcium and magnesium phosphates, and potassium 
 and sodium chlorides, phosphates, and sulphates. The composition of blood varies, 
 however, in different animals, and in the same animal if taken from different vessels. 
 When left to itself, blood coagulates, forming a clot , cruor , which separates from the liquid 
 portion, called serum. The clot consists of the fibrin, which has become insoluble, and of 
 the corpuscles, while the serum is chiefly a solution of albumen and salts. According to 
 Boussingault, the red color of the blood of the higher animals is not due to iron, since the 
 white blood of mollusks contains about the same amount of iron, varying in different 
 animals between about 0.04 and 0.06 part in 1000. 
 
 Bullock’s blood has been used in the fresh state, and, according to W. C. Bakes (1872), . 
 also evaporated to an extract (extractum sanguinis), and, if subsequently powdered, under 
 the name of pulvis sanguinis. 
 
 Action and Uses. — We shall not in this place discuss the nutritive qualities of 
 blood, but only recall the fact that, in spite of the wise Mosaic law against eating blood, 
 it is more or less used as food in several countries. We remember to have observed 
 many years ago in the Roman market cakes of coagulated blood sold openly as food. 
 They disagreeably recalled the basins of human blood we had then but recently seen 
 shed in hospital practice. 
 
 In 1873, Mr. Vacher, an English health-officer, having learned that the serum of the 
 blood of sheep and oxen was regarded by the journeymen in certain slaughter-houses as 
 “ a remedy of great value for the treatment of scrofulous children, and as little less than 
 a specific in cases of seat- and tape-worms,” undertook some experiments with it which 
 confirmed him in his impression of its efficacy. When employed in the Birkenhead 
 Borough Hospital it was found “ most successful in cases of thread-worms, and less so in 
 those of Ascaris lumbricoides ; it failed almost entirely in taenia.” It would seem unneces- 
 sary to introduce a new remedy for these entozoa when so many efficient anthelmintics 
 are already available, especially when the proposed medicine is difficult to obtain in a 
 fresh and sound condition and is of doubtful value. Defibrinated blood, dried and pow- 
 dered, has been used with advantage in various conditions of debility depending upon 
 exhausting discharges, anemia , dyspepsia , chronic diseases, etc., especially in infants and 
 children (Guernder, Therap. Gaz ., viii. 49 ; Dujardin-Beaumetz, Bull, et Mem. Soc. de 
 Therap., 1885, p. 125 ; Stewart, Proc. Phila. Co. Med. Soc., xi. 115). Even in its liquid 
 state such blood has been given internally with alleged success in chlorosis by Bloukvajeff 
 ( Centralbl. f Therap., vi. 734). It is claimed by Dr. Andrew H. Smith (Amer. Jour, of 
 Med. Sci ., July, 1879, p. 242) that an enema of defibrinated blood is almost wholly 
 absorbed ; that it confines rather than irritates the bowels, as a rule ; and that “ in favor- 
 able cases it quickens nutrition more than other remedies.” Sansom ( Lancet , Feb. 16, 
 1881) reports favorably of the method, stating that in urgent cases 2 or 3 ounces of the 
 liquid should be injected into the rectum every two or three hours, and that in chronic 
 cases, in which it supplements gastric alimentation, from 2 to 6 ounces should be admin- 
 istered twice a day. Moller has confirmed this experience by his own in several cases of 
 extreme debility and anaemia. In one instance the weight of the patient and the propor- 
 tion of red elements in the blood largely increased under the treatment (Archives gen., Dec. 
 1882, p. 731). Before the administration the intestine should be washed out with tepid 
 water slightly salted, and it is recommended that 10 or 15 grains of chloral hydrate 
 should be added to every enema. Defibrinated blood has been injected into the perito- 
 neal cavity, and also hypodermically, in cases of extreme exhaustion (Bareggi, Medical 
 Record , xxiv. 239). According to Benczor (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., July, 1885), it 
 may be injected subcutaneously without occasioning pain or inflammation, and it promptly 
 increases the quantity of haemoglobin in the blood. This method has been employed by 
 Ziemssen ( Centralbl. f. Therap ., iii. 159), Westphalen (ibid., vii. 279), Silbermann (Archives 
 gin., Oct. 1885, p. 496), and others in anaemia from haemorrhage and other discharges, 
 and from leukaemia and pernicious anaemia, as well as from chronic diseases of various sorts. 
 
SANICULA.—. SANTA LUM RUBRUM. 
 
 1411 
 
 In favorable cases an immediate revival follows the operation, the skin and mucous mem- 
 branes become less pale, there is greater activity of body and mind, the sleep and appe- 
 tite improve, and the proportion of red corpuscles in the blood is increased. The primary 
 influence of the operation gradually declines, but leaves a certain permanent gain of 
 strength. Infusion is performed with a glass syringe holding about Cc. 25 (fgvj), and 
 provided with a canula larger than belongs to the ordinary hypodermic instrument. It 
 should be thoroughly disinfected, as well as the hands of the operator, and after the 
 operation the injected liquid should be diffused by appropriate pressure on the skin. 
 
 HvEMOGALLOL and H^emol, the former a preparation of blood with pyrogallol, and 
 the latter of blood with zinc, have been recommended in anaemia and chlorosis, but there 
 is no evidence of their advantages over the ordinary forms of animal food. 
 
 SANICULA.-Sanicle. 
 
 Sanicle , Fr. ; Sanikel, G. ; Sanicula , Sp. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Saniculeae. 
 
 Description. — The genus Sanicula is composed of perennial herbs with palmately 
 divided and coarsely serrate radical leaves and irregular or compound umbels, having 
 polygamous, rather capitate flowers, and few-leaved involucres and involucels. The fruit 
 is nearly globular, and has the mericarps closely united, without prominent ribs, covered 
 with hooked prickles, and containing five oil-tubes. 
 
 San. marilandica, Linne , has the radical and stem-leaves five- or seven-parted and 
 the divisions rather narrow ; the staminate flowers are numerous and on slender pedicels 
 (the variety canadensis has few and short-pedicel led sterile flowers) and the perfect flowers 
 have elongated and recurved styles. The blackish root and the leaves are nearly inodor- 
 ous, and have a somewhat bitter and persistent acrid taste. These American plants are 
 in some localities known as black snakeroot and pool-root. 
 
 Constituents. — C. J. Houck (1884) obtained from the air-dry root 8 per cent, of 
 ash, volatile oil, resinous matter, tannin, and other common constituents. The ethereal 
 extract is very aromatic and has a burning, acrid taste. 
 
 Allied Plants. — S anicula europa:a, LinnS, is official as sanicle , Fr. Cod. The root is several- 
 headed, branched, and dark-brown. The radical leaves are palmately five-parted, and the obovate 
 wedge-shaped segments again three-lobed. The stem-leaves are few in number and small. The 
 perfect flowers are sessile and the staminate flowers on very short stalks. 
 
 Astrantia major, Linne , is a European plant, the root of which is known as black sanicle, 
 and is occasionally used as radix imperatoriae nigrce. It consists of an oblique annulated 
 rhizome about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long and 6 Mm. inch) thick, externally brown-black, inter- 
 nally whitish, and of fragile, shrivelled rootlets having a similar color ; it resembles the roots of 
 the preceding plants. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Nothing appears to have been recently added to the often- 
 repeated statements respecting the American species, that the aborigines of this country 
 used sanicle in syphilis and diseases of the lungs, and that some physicians affirmed its 
 virtues in chorea and intermittent fever. S. europaea has an acrid, astringent, and some- 
 what bitter taste, and is popularly employed in Germany and France as a remedy for 
 profuse haemorrhages from the lungs, bowels, uterus, or urinary organs, and for the cure 
 of diarrhoea , dysentery , and leucorrhoea , and externally as an application to wounds , bruises , 
 etc. The fresh juice of the plant is prescribed in doses of Gm. 16 (^ss) or more, and 
 a vinous infusion of it is also given internally. 
 
 SANTALUM RUBRUM, U. S.— Red Saunders. 
 
 Pterocarpi lignum , Br. ; Lignum santalinum rubrum. — Red sandal-wood , E. ; Santal 
 rouge , Fr. Cod. ; Rothes Sandelholz , G. ; San dal o rojo , Sp. 
 
 The wood of Pterocarpus santalinus, Linne filius. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 82. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This species is a small or medium-sized tree, with a trunk of 30 Cm. (1 foot) 
 or more in diameter. The leaves are pinnately trifoliate, with orbicular ovate emarginate 
 leaflets. The flowers are small, yellow, and in lax racemes. The pod is roundish, sickle- 
 shaped, winged, and contains one or two seeds. It grows wild only in the Madras Presi- 
 dency, but is cultivated in Southern India. 
 
 Description. — Bed sandal-wood is met with in commerce in hard and heavy billets, 
 which are deprived of the light-colored sap-wood, are externally of a dark-brown or red- 
 dish-brown color, and split irregularly and coarsely splintery in a longitudinal direction. 
 
1412 
 
 SANTONICA. 
 
 If cut transversely, it is of a somewhat variegated appearance, the circles being alternately 
 rather broad and dark brown-red and narrow and lighter colored. The medullary rays 
 appear as delicate red radiating lines. In the shops the wood is usually found in chips 
 or in a coarse and irregular powder of a brown-red color, nearly inodorous and having a 
 scarcely perceptible astringent taste. A red resinous mass exudes from the wood on heat- 
 ing it. Red saunders is distinguished from other red-colored woods by the characters 
 given, and by means of water, which is not colored by it ; it imparts a deep-red color to 
 alcohol, aud this tincture acquires a dark-violet color on the addition of ferric chloride. 
 
 Constituents. — The coloring principle of red saunders is santalic acid or santalin , 
 Ci 5 H 14 0 5 , which may be obtained, according to Leo Meier (1849), by precipitating the 
 tincture with lead acetate, washing the precipitate with hot alcohol, and decomposing 
 it with hydrogen sulphide in the presence of alcohol. Santalic acid forms microscopic 
 needles of a beautiful red color, is inodorous and tasteless, melts at 104° C. (219.2° 
 F.), is insoluble in water, but dissolves in concentrated sulphuric acid with a deep-red, in 
 alkalies with a violet, in alcohol with a blood-red, and in ether with a yellow, color ; it is 
 soluble in the volatile oils of cinnamon, cloves, bergamot, and bitter almond, but is insol- 
 uble in most other volatile and fixed oils. The coloring matter, as obtained by Franch- 
 imont (1879), was amorphous, had the composition C 17 H 16 0 6 , and yielded resorcin and 
 acetic acid when fused with potassa. L. Meier (1849) obtained several other compounds, 
 which appear to be decomposition-products. Weidel (1870) obtained 0.5 per cent, of 
 colorless and inodorous scaly crystals of santal , C 8 H 6 0 3 , which resemble benzoic acid in 
 appearance, but are tasteless; they are insoluble in water, carbon disulphide, chloroform, 
 and benzene, sparingly soluble in alcohol, ether, ammonia, and alkali carbonates, but freely 
 soluble in potassa and soda, these solutions turning yellow, red, and green. The alcoholic 
 solution becomes red with ferric chloride. Cazeneuve’s pterocarpin. C 17 H 16 0 5 (1875), is 
 likewise colorless and crystalline, but is soluble in ether, chloroform, and carbon disul- 
 phide. Red saunders is free from gallic acid, but appears to contain a minute quantity 
 of tannic acid, which has not been further examined. 
 
 Uses. — Red sandal-wood has no medicinal virtues, and is used only as a coloring 
 agent. 
 
 Fig. 254. 
 
 SANTONICA, U. S., Br. -Santonica. 
 
 Flores rinse, P. Gr. ; Semen rinse, s. contra, s. sanctum, s. santonici. — Levant wormseed, 
 E. ; Semen-contra, Barbotine, Semencine , Fr. Cod. ; Wurmsamen, Zittwersamen, Gr. ; Yan- 
 tonica , Sp. 
 
 The unexpanded flowers of Artemisia pauciflora, Weber. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants, 157. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Senecionideae. 
 
 Origin. — Levant wormseed is obtained from Asia, and appears to be mainly if not 
 exclusively collected in the northern part of Turkestan, and to be sent to the great fair 
 
 at Nishnei-Novgorod, and thence to St. Petersburg and 
 Western Europe. Berg characterized the plant botanically 
 from the commercial drug, Artemisia Cina, Berg , and Will- 
 komm (1872) described under the same name a plant brought 
 from Turkestan; but the flower-heads of this plant do not 
 entirely resemble the wormseed of trade, in that they have 
 fewer scales {Pharmacographioi) . Fliickiger and Hanbury con- 
 sider the drug to be obtained from the plant mentioned 
 above, which is identical with A. Lercheana, Karel et Kiril , 
 A. maritima, var. pauciflora, Ledebour, and A. pauciflora, 
 Weber. The typical form of A. maritima, Linne, grows in 
 salt marshes in Western Europe, extends under various 
 forms eastward to Western Asia, and has tomentose flower- 
 heads with about eighteen scales. 
 
 Description. — Levant wormseed consists of unexpanded 
 flower-heads, which are about 2-3 Mm. ( y L to £ inch) long and 1 Mm. (-J§- inch) wide, 
 oblong-ovoid in shape, obtuse at both ends, smooth, somewhat shining, and of a grayish- 
 green color, changing to brownish-green on exposure to light. The involucre is densely 
 imbricate, and consists of twelve to eighteen keeled scales, of which the lower ones are 
 smallest and ovate in shape, and the oblong upper ones have a scarious margin and are 
 dotted with numerous minute yellowish glands. The florets are four or five in number, 
 
 Santonica: head and! longitudinal 
 section, magnified 10 diameters. 
 
SANTONINUM. 
 
 1413 
 
 but undeveloped and minute. The drug has a strong peculiar odor and a bitter camplior- 
 aceous and disagreeable taste, and frequently contains fragments of the thin peduncles 
 and of linear leaves. r 
 
 Constituents. — Levant wormseed has been frequently examined, and found to con 
 tarn as active principles about U or 2 per cent, of a crystalline body, santonin (see below) 
 and 1 or 2 per cent., of volatile oil ; also resin and various other less important constitu- 
 ents. Oil of Levant wormseed is pale-yellow, limpid, has the density 0.92, commences to 
 a * a . bout 1 ?°° C - (338° F.), is readily soluble in ether and alcohol, and, according to 
 Volkel, is a mixture of various oxygenated compounds, of which Ilirzel (1854) distin 
 guished cinsebene, cinvebene camphor , and others. Kraut (1862) found it to consist mainly 
 of cinseol, which was found also in 01. Cajuputi (cajuputtol) and 01. eucalypti (euca- 
 lyptol) and 01. rosmarini. (For description see Eucalyptol.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Levant wormseed is the source of santonin. 
 
 Extractum cin^. Exhaust the powdered drug with ether or with a mixture of equal 
 parts of ether and alcohol ( P . G. 1872), and evaporate the tincture until the ether has 
 been completely dissipated, F. Cod . (or to the consistence of a soft extract P. G .). The 
 yield is about 20 or 25 per cent. The extract is of a green or green-brown color, and on 
 keeping becomes granular, depositing crystals of santonin. It should be well agitated 
 before dispensing it. & 
 
 Allied Drugs.— The unexpanded flower-heads of a species of Artemisia, supposed by some to 
 be clem ed from A. ramosa, Smith , have sometimes entered commerce from North-western Africa 
 and are known as Barbary wormseed. This consists of roundish-ovate flower-heads having a 
 grayish-brown color, covered with a whitish down, and mixed with numerous fragments of 
 peduncles and of leaves ; the outer scales are roundish and the inner ones ovate. Another 
 variety has occasionally been observed in Europe and described as Indian wormseed. It is only 
 about one-half the size of the official drug, and is hairy and of a more yellowish color. We 
 have repeatedly observed American wormseed to be sold in place of santonica, to which it bears 
 no resemblance (see page 446). ’ 
 
 Action cind Uses. This medicine was well known to the ancients, but was intro- 
 duced anew into Europe by the Crusaders, and has ever since been employed as an 
 anthelmintic (Guermonprez, Bull, de Therap., cii. 89). After the discovery and isolation 
 of santonin the proximate principle which the “ seeds ” depend upon for their vir- 
 tues they became less used than formerly. They were then held to be stomachic in 
 small doses, general stimulants of the circulatory and nervous systems in larger doses 
 and m still larger quantities were found to produce gastric oppression, nausea, vomiting’ 
 and diarrhoea. Sometimes they gave rise to symptoms of cerebral congestion. 
 
 Santonica is used almost exclusively as a vermicide for lumbricoid worms and ascarides 
 oi the rectum, but occasionally for tape-worm also. For the last it is of little efficacy • 
 or the other parasites it is one of the best remedies , and, according to Guermonprez far 
 superior to santonin, not only on account of its vermicide qualities, but because it is less 
 apt to produce discolored vision. It is administered in coarse powder with honey molas- 
 ses, or some analogous liquid, to which jalap may be added for its purgative effect. The 
 dose is 0.60-4 (gr. x— lx) three times a day. 
 
 SANTONINUM, U. S., Br B. ^.-Santonin. 
 
 Santonine , Fr. ; Santonin , G. ; Santonina , Sp. 
 
 Formula C 15 H 18 0 3 . Molecular weight 245.43. 
 
 Preparation.— Santonin was discovered in 1830 simultaneously by Kabler and by 
 Alms, and since that time has been frequently examined by chemists. The process given 
 by the British I harmacopccia has been elaborated by the researches of Calloud Cerutti 
 Mialhe, and others. The santonin is extracted by boiling 16 parts of bruised santonica 
 with 5 parts of lime and sufficient water, and, after straining, repeating the operation with 
 ^ parts of lime. In the process of Trommsdorff (1834) diluted alcohol is used in the 
 place of water, and digesting instead of boiling. The lime and santonin forms a com- 
 pound soluble in water and alcohol, and on concentrating the liquors an aqueous solution 
 of calcium santonin remains, contaminated with coloring and extractive matter and with 
 resin held in solution by lime. The calcium compounds are decomposed by either acetic 
 or hydrochloric acid, which form freely soluble calcium salts, and liberate the santonin 
 fr£!t f W h reSI ? and other compounds. The impure santonin thus obtained may be 
 a . 10lal some 0 its impurities by washing it with dilute ammonia, or, without being 
 thus treated, may be purified by recrystallization from hot alcohol, a little charcoal being 
 
 7 o 
 
1414 
 
 SANTONTNUM. 
 
 used to remove coloring matter ; the resin will remain dissolved in the alcohol. The 
 yield is 14 to nearly 2 per cent. 
 
 Properties. — Santonin crystallizes in flat, rhombic prisms, which are colorless, of a 
 pearly lustre, and of a slightly bitter taste, which is gradually developed, but the solu- 
 tions of santonin are persistently bitter. When heated to about 170° C. (338° F.) it 
 melts to a colorless liquid, which, on being slowly cooled, becomes again crystalline, but 
 when rapidly cooled usually remains amorphous and gum-like until after it has been 
 moistened with alcohol, ether, or acetic acid, or has been heated again to a little over 40° 
 C. (104° F.). When carefully heated in small quantities to a little above its melting- 
 point, it sublimes without decomposition in white needles ; but if larger quantities of it 
 are heated, dense yellowish, irritating vapors are formed, condensing to a resinous mass ; 
 decomposition takes place, and at a higher heat santonin burns in the air with a sooty 
 flame and without leaving any fixed residue. Santonin dissolves in about 5000 parts of, 
 and is therefore nearly insoluble in cold water, and requires 250 parts of boiling water 
 and 40 parts, U. S. (44 parts, P. G. ), of cold alcohol for solution. Trommsdorff found 
 santonin to be dissolved at 17.5° C. (63.5° F.) in 43 parts, and at 80° C. (176° F.) in 
 2.7 parts, of alcohol spec. grav. 0.848, while at the same temperatures 280 and 10 parts 
 of an alcohol having the density 0.928 were necessary. Santonin dissolves in 72 parts 
 (140 parts, U. S .) of cold and 42 parts of boiling ether (Trommsdorff), and in 4.35 parts 
 (4 parts, U. S., P. G .) of chloroform (Schlimpert) ; these solutions have a neutral reac- 
 tion. It is likewise soluble in strong acetic acid, in volatile oils, and in warm olive oil. 
 Santonin should be kept excluded from the light or in amber-colored bottles. Air has 
 no effect upon it, but in the sunlight it acquires a yellow color, and, according to Sestini 
 (1864, 1865), is converted into photo- santonic acid , C 23 H 34 0 6 , which is more freely soluble 
 in simple solvents, has a bitter taste, when pure is colorless and inodorous, and melts 
 near 65° C. (149° F.). The coloring matter produced at the same time is of a resinous 
 nature. Santonin yields with sulphuric acid a colorless solution, and is precipitated with- 
 out alteration by water ; but the color of the solution changes to yellow, red, and dark- 
 brown, and then gives with water red or brown resinous precipitates (Trommsdorff). 
 Santonin is transiently colored red by hot alkalies and alkaline earths. “ With alcoholic 
 solution of potassa it yields a scarlet-red liquid, which gradually becomes colorless.” — 
 U. S. “ On boiling 5 parts of santonin and 4 parts of sodium carbonate with 60 parts 
 of alcohol and 20 parts of water the liquid has alternately a red and yellow color.” — 
 P. G. After the solutions in alkalies or alkaline earths have become colorless, they yield 
 insoluble precipitates with the salts of most heavy metals. According to Hesse (1874), 
 these compounds are true salts, and on liberating from them the santonic acid it may be 
 obtained from the hot aqueous solution in white rhombic crystals, which do not turn yellow 
 in the light, are sparingly soluble in cold water, but are readily soluble in alcohol, ether, 
 chloroform, and glacial acetic acid, and have the composition C^HgoCV The official 
 santonin is therefore santonic anhydride. 
 
 Impurities. — Santonin has been sometimes adulterated with boric acid, which 
 imparts to the flame of alcohol a green color, and on being heated upon platinum-foil is 
 left behind as a glass-like mass, the solution of which turns turmeric-paper brown. 
 Strychnine has been mistaken for santonin ; it is readily detected by the bluish-purple 
 color produced by sulphuric acid and a little potassium dichromate. Picric acid , which 
 has been mistaken for santonin colored yellow by light, is very bitter, and may be recog- 
 nized by the behavior described on page 86. 
 
 Tests. — “ Its solution in cold, concentrated sulphuric acid is at first colorless (absence 
 of easily carbonizable, organic substances), but after some time turns yellow, then red, 
 and finally brown. If water be added immediately after it is dissolved without color in 
 sulphuric acid, it is completely precipitated, and the supernatant liquid should not have 
 a bitter taste, nor should it be altered upon the addition of potassium dichromate test- 
 solution (absence of brucine or strychnine), or of mercuric potassium iodide test-solution 
 (absence of alkaloids in general).” — U. S. u After boiling for some time 1 part of san- 
 tonin with 100 parts of water and 5 parts of diluted sulphuric acid, the filtered liquid should 
 not have a bitter taste, and on the addition of a few drops of solution of potassium di- 
 chromate should not give a precipitate (of yellow crystalline strychnine chromate).” — P • G. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Trochisci santonini, Br., P. G. The san- 
 tonin lozenges (U. S. 1890) weigh about 18 grains and contain I grain of santonin and 17 
 grains of sugar ; those of the French Codex are colored by carmine, and contain 0.01 Gm. 
 (4 grain) ; while those of the P. G. (which does not give a formula) are to contain 0.025 
 Gm. (-| grain), and those of the Br. P. 1 grain (total weight 17 grains). 
 
SANTONTNUM. 
 
 1415 
 
 Action and Uses. — The most remarkable effect of medicinal doses of santonin is 
 that the whole field of vision appears yellow or yellowish-green ; if the dose is large, it 
 may be purplish or even red. The effect seems to be due to changed conditions of the 
 retina or of the brain, and not, as was formerly supposed, to a staining of the humors 
 of the eye. When given in large doses, as 5 grains or more, santonin imparts to the 
 urine a deep-saffron color and stains the linen as bilious urine does. (For the distinc- 
 tion between urine colored by santonin and that stained by rhubarb see Munk, Virchow’s 
 Archiv, lxxii. 136, and between the urine colored by santonin and that colored by chryso- 
 phanic acid, see Amer. Jour. Phar ., lix. 21). At the same time it operates strongly as a 
 diuretic. AVhen the urine grows alkaline by putrefaction or is made so by the addition 
 of an alkali, the saffron tint is replaced by a violet or purplish color. In doses of 3 
 grains santonin may occasion nausea and vomiting, with abdominal pain, thirst, giddi- 
 ness, and diarrhoea. (Compare Labbe, Practitioner , xxii. 284.) Within three hours after 
 taking a 5-grain dose of santonin a man presented “ a general morbilloid eruption and an 
 intense punctiform rash on the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat ” (. Practitioner , 
 xlii. 127). Decidedly poisonous effects sometimes arise from doses which are quite insig- 
 nificant in comparison with those which some experimenters have taken without serious 
 inconvenience. For example, a child six months old was rendered amaurotic for two 
 months by a dose of 5 grains of santonin. In another case 2 grains, given to a child two 
 years old, occasioned convulsions, injection and heat of the face and head, twitching of the 
 eyeballs, dilatation of the pupils, foaming at the mouth, clenching of the teeth, stertor- 
 ous breathing, and jerking of the arms. On the morrow recovery was complete. In a 
 third case a healthy child of two years swallowed two santonin troches at six o’clock in 
 the morning. No result appeared until four in the afternoon, when suddenly the muscles 
 of the left side of the face began to twitch and the pupils to dilate. Then clonic convul- 
 sions affected the left side, beginning at the fingers, and these were followed by muscular 
 rigidity of the same side. After a quarter of an hour the spasms subsided, but in the 
 course of an hour were renewed, the voice meanwhile becoming quite extinct. The 
 spasms were at intervals repeated for several days, during which the respiratory act 
 grew very feeble and artificial respiration was resorted to (Becker. Compare Iluse- 
 mann and Hilger, Die Pflanzenstoffe , 2te Aufl., S. 1518 ; also Centralhl. f. Ther ., viii. 
 245, 638). A child of five years took 5 grains of santonin. She immediately com- 
 plained of pain in the stomach ; in a minute or two convulsions came on, with insensi- 
 bility. There was neither vomiting nor purging. Death took place in thirty-five min- 
 utes. Post-mortem, the stomach was inflamed in patches, and the duodenum through- 
 out. The right heart was contracted and contained no blood ; the left contained about 1 
 ounce of black fluid blood (Kilner, St. Thomas's Hospital Reports , N. S., x. 247, where 
 the tests for santonin are discussed). In other cases it is not the nervous but the diges- 
 tive apparatus that is chiefly affected, and violent vomiting and purging, followed by col- 
 lapse, produces an attack like one of cholera morbus. In all the urine has the character- 
 istic color. Although recovery generally takes place after these grave symptoms, they 
 occasionally terminate in death. These illustrations suffice to prove the necessity of cau- 
 tion in the administration of santonin. (For other cases see Therap. Gaz ., viii. 555; xi. 
 210, 427, 497 ; Centralhl. f Ther., iii. 532.) 
 
 The chief practical value of santonin consists in its power of destroying lumhricoid 
 tcorms , and in a less degree rectal ascarides. A single dose of about 2 grains has suf- 
 ficed to cause the expulsion of one hundred and sixty-six of the former species. It 
 should be prescribed in doses not larger at first than Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) for adults and Gm. 
 0.016 (gr. 1) for children, and ought to be taken at night, both because its action upon 
 the parasites is less interfered with by food at that time, and because the yellow vision 
 which it may occasion will not then be a source of so much annoyance. Early on the 
 following day a dose of castor oil or of some other purgative should be given. As san- 
 tonin in substance is almost devoid of taste and smell, it may be prescribed with pow- 
 dered sugar or in jelly. Pastilles or troches of santonin made with chocolate are much 
 used and are very efficient. Lewin recommends that it be administered in oil, which 
 prevents its absorption by the patient, but increases its action as a vermicide ( Practi- 
 tioner , xxxi. 65). On similar grounds calcium santonate has been recommended. Guer- 
 monprez (Bull, de Therap ., cii. 89) has maintained that santonin is not, like santonica, a 
 direct vermicide — that it, on the contrary, excites lumbricoid worms to violent action, 
 which, if they are mature, may occasion various reflex phenomena, etc. ; and he there- 
 fore advises that it should always be associated with a purgative. That it possesses 
 a special stimulant action in addition is shown by the advantage following its use in 
 
1416 
 
 SAPO. 
 
 various diseases in which it appears to improve digestion and assimilation. Among these 
 may be mentioned imperfect and painful menstruation and the attendant debility (White- 
 head, Lancet , Sept. 6, 1885). It has also been employed with alleged advantage in the 
 treatment of whooping cough , as a diuretic in cases of renal colic , and for subacute and 
 chronic inflammation of the choroid and retina , especially of an atrophic character. But 
 in none of these affections has its utility been fully demonstrated. Internal and external 
 stimulants, heat, cold, and artificial respiration, have all been employed in poisoning by 
 santonin , but of these the last is the only one of positive value. Evacuants should be 
 used to remove any of the drug remaining in the alimentary canal, and inhalations of 
 ether to control the spasms. 
 
 SAPO, U. S', Br., B. G.— Soap. 
 
 Savon , Fr. ; Sei/e, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Soaps may be obtained by combining fatty acids (see page 1094) 
 with alkalies, but they are generally prepared by boiling fats with a solution of caustic 
 soda or potassa, when the fatty acids unite with the alkali, the soap remaining dissolved 
 in the water, together with the glycerin which is liberated from the fat. The lye used in 
 this operation is employed in a rather diluted state, is gradually added, and an excess of 
 it is mostly used, since the saponification is thereby much facilitated, and the free alkali 
 may be readily removed from the soap. The decomposition of the fats being effected by 
 the gradual conversion of tripalmitin, etc. into di- and monopalmitin before saponification 
 is completed, the boiling must be continued until the mixture becomes transparent and 
 rather tenacious. The soap is separated from the lye by adding common salt to the 
 liquid, soap being insoluble in the solutions of most salts of potassium and sodium. If 
 potassa has been used for saponification, the sodium chloride serves also the purpose of 
 converting the potassa soap into soda soap. When the soap has separated from the liquor 
 and sufficiently solidified, it is transferred into wooden frames until it is stiff enough to be 
 cut into bars, which are exposed to the air in a warm place until they become hard and 
 dry. 
 
 Properties and Composition. — Soaps are salts of the fat acids, and if soluble 
 have an alkaline reaction and taste. Commonly, the term “ soap ” is restricted to such of 
 these salts as contain potassa or soda as the base and are soluble in water. The com- 
 pounds with earthy and metallic bases are chemically analogous to these soluble soaps , 
 but, being insoluble in water, are often distinguished as insoluble soaps. Of this latter 
 kind two are recognized by the pharmacopoeias — namely, lead plaster (p. 605) and lime 
 liniment (p. 940). Other insoluble soaps are extensively employed for rendering 
 fabrics waterproof \ and are produced by impregnating such fabrics first with aluminum 
 acetate or soluble salts of calcium or barium, and afterward steeping them in a solution of 
 soap. The consistence of soap depends in part on the nature of the fat and in part on 
 the alkali. Drying oils yield softer soaps than non-drying oils, and of the latter those 
 containiug much olein furnish soaps which are less hard, but more freely soluble in water 
 and alcohol, than those rich in palmitic or stearic acid. Soda soaps are invariably harder 
 than potassa soaps, which are mostly deliquescent, and therefore remain soft ; dry potas- 
 sium palmitate readily absorbs from the air about 50 per cent., and the oleate about 160 
 per cent., of moisture, while the corresponding sodium compounds absorb only 8 and 12 
 per cent. Soaps have mostly a white color when pure ; the color and the marbled appear- 
 ance of many soaps are due either to accidental impurities or to coloring matter contained 
 in the oil, or they are produced by the intentional addition of coloring matters or of 
 metallic salts, like sulphate of iron, in which case the result is due to the presence of an 
 iron soap. Good soluble soaps have a slight fatty but not a rancid odor, or they have the 
 fragrance of the fat (palm oil, etc.) from which they have been made. 
 
 The well-known detergent properties of soap depend upon its decomposition by a large 
 quantity of water into acid and basic salts, of which the latter contain about 50 per cent, 
 more alkali than the former, and act as solvents of fats and other matters ; in this respect 
 their action is similar to, but milder than, that of caustic alkali. So-called hard water is 
 unsuited for washing on account of calcium or magnesium salts which are contained in 
 solution, and which form insoluble soaps by double decomposition. 
 
 Examination and Valuation. — Soaps frequently contain a large amount of 
 water — in some kinds 40 or even 50 per cent. From 12 to 15 per cent, of water is 
 usually regarded as admissible for good air-dry Castile soap. The water is determined 
 from a weighed quantity of the soap reduced to thin shavings, which are exsiccated at a 
 
SAPO. 
 
 1417 
 
 temperature between 100° and 110° C. (212° and 230° F.). On treating the powdered 
 soap with benzin or benzene or with ether, any unsaponified fat present will be dis- 
 solved, and on the evaporation of the solvent may be weighed ; rosin oils and tar oils 
 sometimes incorporated with soap are extracted by the same solvents. By incinerating 
 another portion of the soap the soda may be determined from the residue, and should be 
 about 10 or 11 per cent, for the exsiccated soap ; if this quantity is exceeded, free alkali 
 is most likely present. The dry soap is then dissolved in strong alcohol, in which sodium 
 and potassium carbonate are insoluble, and, after separation from the alcoholic solution, 
 may be estimated by titration with normal oxalic acid. On passing carbon dioxide into 
 the alcoholic liquid, the caustic alkali will be precipitated as carbonate, and may be 
 estimated as before. The solution may now be mixed with water, and again titrated with 
 an acid for estimating the combined alkali. By decomposing a solution of soap with 
 hydrochloric acid, washing, and collecting the fat acid, its weight may be ascertained, and 
 should be near 90 per cent, of the dried soap. The melting- and congealing-points of 
 these mixtures will usually give some indication of the nature of the fat used for prepar- 
 ing the soap. The acid liquid may be employed for the determination of glycerin if pres- 
 ent : it is concentrated by evaporation and dried, care being taken to prevent charring : on 
 exhausting the saline residue with absolute alcohol the glycerin will be dissolved, and on 
 evaporating this solution at about 60° C. (140° F.), it will be left behind. Adulterations 
 with starch, chalk, clay, and similar compounds are ascertained by their insolubility in 
 hot water or alcohol. Common soaps are sometimes mixed with resin soap (an alkaline 
 solution of rosin being incorporated) or with alkali silicate. There is usually no difficulty 
 in recognizing the presence of rosin, but we know of no method for accurately determining 
 its amount. F. S. Gladding (1882) recommends decomposing the solution of soap in 
 alcoholic ether by powdered silver nitrate ; the silver resin compound remains in solution, 
 is decomposed by hydrochloric acid, the solution evaporated, and the resin weighed. 
 Sodium silicate is insoluble in alcohol, and the amount of silica present may be deter- 
 mined in the usual way by dissolving this residue in water, acidulating with hydrochloric 
 acid, evaporating to dryness, and dissolving the salts in acidulated water. Free alkali 
 cannot be recognized by litmus-paper, since soap solutions possess an alkaline reaction ; 
 but if powdered soap is mixed with calomel, and the mixture is moistened with distilled 
 water, it will acquire a gray or blackish color in proportion to the amount of free alkali 
 present ; its solution in distilled water gives with corrosive sublimate a white precipitate, 
 which is yellowish or brownish-red in the presence of alkali or alkali carbonate. 
 
 Tests. — “ On placing a small weighed portion of soap, together with about 10 Cc. 
 of alcohol, in a tared beaker containing sand, evaporating the resulting solution of the 
 soap to dryness, and drying the residue at 110° C. (230° F.), the loss of weight should 
 not exceed 36 per cent, (absence of an undue amount of water). On dissolving 20 Gm. 
 of soap in alcohol, with the aid of heat, transferring the undissolved residue, if any, to 
 a filter, and washing it thoroughly with boiling alcohol, it should, after drying, weigh not 
 more than 0.6 Gm. (limit of sodium carbonate, etc.) ; and at least 0.4 Gm. of this should 
 be soluble in water (limit of silica and other accidental impurities). The aqueous (alco- 
 holic, P. 6r.) solution of soap should remain unaffected on the addition of solution of 
 hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide test-solution.” — U. S. Some of the compounds 
 of metals with fat acids are somewhat soluble in alcohol, but they are insoluble in water ; 
 the test given, therefore, has reference to the mixture or turbid solution in water, which 
 should not be colored brown or black. Sodium stearate and palmitate being sparingly 
 soluble in cold alcohol, an adulteration of olive-oil soap with such prepared from animal 
 fat is detected by the latter separating in the form of a jelly on the cooling of the alco- 
 holic liquid. “A 4 per cent, alcoholic solution should not gelatinize on cooling (absence 
 of animal fats). If a solution of 5 Gm. of soap in 50 Cc. of water be mixed with 3 
 Cc. of decinormal oxalic-acid test-solution, the subsequent addition of a few drops of 
 phenolphtalein test-solution should produce no pink or red tint (limit of alkalinity).” — 
 
 Medicinal Soaps. — Sapo, U. S. ; Sapo durus, Br. ; Sapo oleacus, s. hispanicus, s. 
 venetus. — Soap, Hard soap, Castile soap, E. ; Savon blanc de Marseille, Savon d’Espagne, 
 Fr. ; Oelseife, Spanische Seife, G. — It is prepared from olive oil and soda, and should be 
 white or grayish-white, free from rancid odor, hard, and should not become moist on 
 exposure ; it should be completely soluble in alcohol and water, should not impart an 
 oily stain to paper, and on incineration should yield an ash which is not deliquescent. 
 Mottled Castile soap is a similar soap, which is more or less colored by the addition of an 
 iron salt ; internally it is white, mottled with black, changing to red-brown on exposure. 
 
1418 
 
 SAPO. 
 
 Sapo medicatus, F '. Cod., is a soda soap prepared from expressed almond oil, and 
 agrees in its principal characters with the preceding. The soap recognized under the 
 same name by the P. G. is a soda soap made with equal weights of olive oil and lard; 
 it is required to be free from alkali, and may be used in the preparation of opodeldoc. 
 
 Sapo animalis, Br . ; Sapo domesticus. — Curd soap, E. ; Savon animal, Fr. ; Haus- 
 seife, G. — It is made with soda and a purified animal fat consisting principally of stearin. 
 It resembles the preceding ; its solution in boiling alcohol, after cooling, forms a trans- 
 lucent jelly-like mass, which constitutes the basis of opodeldoc. 
 
 Sapo mollis, TJ. S., Br.; Sapo kalinus, P. G . ; Sapo viridis, U. S. 1880. — Soft soap, 
 Green soap, E. ; Savon vert, Fr. ; Kaliseife, Grime Seife, G . — “Linseed Oil 400 Gm. ; 
 Potassa 90 Gm. ; Alcohol 40 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity. Heat the linseed oil 
 in a deep, capacious vessel, on a water-bath or steam-bath, to a temperature of about 
 60° C. (140° F.). Dissolve the potassa in 450 Cc. of water, mix with this the alcohol, 
 and gradually add the mixture, under constant stirring, to the oil, continuing the heat 
 until a small portion of the mixture is found to be soluble in boiling water without the 
 separation of oily drops. Then allow the mixture to cool and transfer it to suitable 
 vessels. The potassa used in this process should be of the full strength directed by the 
 Pharmacopoeia (90 per cent.). Potassa of any other strength, however, may be used, 
 if a proportionately larger or smaller quantity be taken, the proper amount for the above 
 formula being ascertained by dividing 8100 by the percentage of absolute potassa (potas- 
 sium hydroxide) contained therein.” — U. S. 
 
 The process of the Germ. Pharm. is almost identical with the foregoing. Soft soap is 
 directed to be made from olive oil (Br.). Commercial soft soap (Sapo kalinus venalis, 
 P. G.) is frequently made of fish oil, rancid fats, etc., has generally a nauseous odor, and 
 varies in color from yellow or green to black, pigments being sometimes incorporated. 
 Prepared by the above formula, it is a brownish-yellow, transparent, soft, unctuous mass, 
 of a slight but not repulsive odor, free from granular admixtures. It is stated to be 
 “ soluble in about 5 parts of hot water to a nearly clear liquid ; also in 2 parts of hot 
 alcohol, without leaving more than 3 per cent, of insoluble residue” (U. S.), (yellowish- 
 green, and to not impart an oily stain to paper, Br.) ; it has an alkaline reaction, and when 
 incinerated leaves a very deliquescent ash of potassium carbonate. It should contain not 
 over 40 per cent, of moisture, but, being very hygroscopic, generally contains more. 
 The granules frequently seen in the commercial article are sodium stearate, which sepa- 
 rates from the jelly-like mass ; sometimes starch, earthy carbonates, or similar compounds 
 are added to produce this appearance. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Soap acts upon quadrupeds (horses and dogs) internally very 
 much as it does upon man — i. e. as mildly laxative and as weakly antacid through its 
 alkaline constituent. But it is hardly ever used alone for these purposes, but rather to 
 dissolve the resinous medicines along with which it is given, and thereby to quicken and 
 strengthen their action. Pareira states that he knew of an idiot who had frequently eaten 
 large lumps of soap without any ill effects, and that he had heard of a pound of it being 
 swallowed for a wager. 
 
 Besides the use of soap as a laxative , it has been given internally as a solvent for uric 
 acid. Along with calcined egg-shells (lime) and aromatic bitters it formed a once-famous 
 cure for gravel : probably in this case it acted by giving up its acid to the lime and liber- 
 ating the soda, which then tended to neutralize the free uric acid in the system. Soap 
 is one of the best antidotes for acid poisons, because it is always to be promptly obtained, 
 and does not itself act as an irritant. It should be given freely in the form of soapsuds. 
 As a local remedy for external injuries by acids or by phosphorus soapsuds are efficient 
 if promptly used. 
 
 As an external remedy soap acts by modifying the condition of the skin ; it combines 
 with the fat of the excretions, arid removes them when they have grown acid or fetid, 
 and, with them, the dirt accumulated from without; it softens the epidermis and removes 
 its outer layers, and thus exposes the integument to the vivifying influence of the air ; 
 by all of which agencies a healthier condition of it is secured. If the soap be too 
 strongly alkaline or too little diluted with water, or applied with too active friction, it 
 may induce painful irritation of the skin. This is particularly the case when there is 
 added to the soap proper some article intended to exert a specific action, as sulphur, tar, etc. 
 But in general the curative agent is used separately after the skin has been brought to a 
 proper condition by warm water and soap. These remarks are particularly applicable to 
 the treatment of scabies , prurigo, psoriasis , acne, and eczema. For this purpose soft soap 
 is greatly to be preferred. In Germany, where the treatment of itch with soft soap 
 
SAPONARIA. 
 
 1419 
 
 originated, it is now nearly abandoned, not only on account of the offensive smell and 
 irritant properties of the preparation (green soap), but because the speedier and more 
 agreeable cure by balsam of Peru and storax has superseded it. The stimulant action 
 of soft soap is also resorted to in the treatment of ichthyosis and of lupus. The semi- 
 liquid or liquid soaps have been much used as discutients of acute and chronic glandular 
 swellings, whether of a simple or specific nature, and in serous effusions into joints (Sena- 
 tor, Med. Record ', xxii. 711). A soft soap made with olive oil and pure solution of 
 potassa is devoid of the offensive smell of ordinary soft soap, and is to be preferred 
 when patients are delicate or fastidious, as in the case of ladies and children. It can be 
 scented with an essential oil or dissolved in Cologne-water. The ancient treatment of 
 boils by soap continues to be used. In general, yellow soap, mixed with sugar and spread 
 on leather or muslin, is applied to the part. So far from irritating it and causing greater 
 pain, this remedy, when promptly resorted to, lessens the pain materially and hastens 
 suppuration. 
 
 Under the name of “ Mollin ” a soft soap has been proposed which is supposed to pro- 
 mote the cutaneous absorption of mercury, iodine, chrysarobin, iodoform, etc. when 
 applied by friction (Centrcdbl. f. d. g. Therapie , iv. 520 ; v. 275). 
 
 SAPONARIA.— So aproot, Soapwort. 
 
 Saponaire officinale , Fr. Cod. ; Savonniere , Fr. ; Seifenwurzel, G. ; Saponaria , Sp. 
 
 The root of Saponaria officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Caryophyllaceae, Sileneae. 
 
 Origin. — Soapwort is a perennial herb growing throughout the greater part of Europe 
 on the banks of streams and on roadsides. It is sometimes met with in cultivation in gar- 
 dens, and has been naturalized in North America. The stem is about 50 Cm. (20 inches) 
 high ; the leaves are opposite, mostly sessile, ovate, oblong or nearly lanceolate, three- 
 nerved, entire, and nearly smooth. The large, pale rose-colored flowers are in corymbed 
 clusters, have a cylindrical five-toothed calyx and five petals, with a two-cleft appendage 
 at the top of the long claw. The herb flowers from June to August. 
 
 Description. — -The root is collected in the spring or autumn without the creeping 
 runners, is 25-38 Cm. (10 to 15 inches) long, cylindrical, about 3-6 Mm. (£ or 1 inch) 
 thick, gradually tapering below, somewhat branched, longitudinally wrinkled, and of a 
 red-brown color externally. It breaks with a short fracture, and is internally white, with 
 a rather thick bark and a soft yellowish, and in the centre whitish, wood, which has no 
 medullary rays and is surrounded by a fine dark-colored cambium-line. The root is 
 inodorous, and has a sweetish and bitter afterward persistently acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Soaproot contains saponin , and is free from starch. Bucholz (1811) 
 found also resin, mucilage, and other common principles. Osborne (1827) obtained from 
 the root collected before flowering white, fusible, very bitter needles soluble in water, 
 alcohol, and ether ; but the nature of these has not been ascertained. Schiaparelli (1883) 
 obtained saponin as a white, amorphous, inodorous powder, sternutatory and of a dis- 
 agreeable taste, insoluble in ether, benzene, and chloroform, of the composition C 3 2 H 5+ 0 18 , 
 and by dilute acids split into glucose and saponetin, C^HegO^. Saponin from quillaja- 
 bark was found by Stiitz to have the composition C 19 H 30 Oi 0 . (See also Quillaja.) 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Levant soaproot is obtained from Gypsophila Struthium, Linnt, of Northern 
 Africa and Southern Europe, and is about 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, 5 Cm. (2 inches) thick, trans- 
 versely and longitudinally wrinkled, pale-brownish externally, internally white, with a rather 
 hard wood and numerous medullary rays. In sensible properties and in composition it resembles 
 the preceding. 
 
 Soap-berries are the fruit of Sapindus Saponaria, Limit (nat. ord. Sapindaceae), a medium- 
 sized tree of tropical America. They are the size of a cherry, globular or somewhat ovate, 
 orange-colored, and contain a parchment-like endocarp enclosing two or three black seeds ; the 
 fleshy sarcocarp contains saponin and formic and tartaric acids. The fruit of the East Indian 
 Sap. laurifolius, Vahl , is red-brown or blackish, and has similar constituents and properties. 
 The seeds yield about 30 per cent, of a butyraceous fat. 
 
 Buda (Spergularia, Persoon , Avenaria, Linnt) rubra, Dumortier (Alsineae), grows in dry 
 sandy soil near the sea-coast in Europe, Africa, and North America. It has a prostrate stem, 
 opposite-linear, gray-green leaves, lanceolate-cleft stipules, small pink flowers, and three-valved, 
 many-seeded capsules; odor and taste slight. Vigier (1881) obtained from the plant a stearopten 
 and some odorous resin ; the decoction is stated to have an alkaline reaction. The commercial 
 drug, as used in France, consisted of a number of allied species. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Saponaria has long enjoyed the reputation of being diaphoretic 
 
1420 
 
 SARCOCOLLA.—SA BRA CENIA. 
 
 and diuretic, and alterative in that it cured chronic diseases of the skin and bronchia , rheu- 
 matism, gout, syphilis, and periodical fevers, or the visceral engorgements following them. 
 It has been compared with sarsaparilla and with senega. To this list Blumenstadt (1888) 
 adds a direct emmenagogue virtue, all the more valuable because it is free from danger- 
 ous qualities ( Therap . Gaz ., xii. 705). It is administered in a decoction made with Gm. 
 32 in Gm. 500 (^j in Oj) of water. That this plant possesses active powers is evident 
 from the large proportion it contains of saponin, whose peculiar virtues are treated of 
 elsewhere. (See Senega). 
 
 SARCOCOLLA. — Sarcocolla. 
 
 Sarcocolle, Fr. ; Fleischleimgummi , Fischleimgummi, Gr. 
 
 An exudation of Pensea Sarcocolla, Linne , and P. mucronata, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Penaeacese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The plants named are small branching shrubs, with 
 small, opposite, entire, coriaceous leaves, and clusters of yellow flowers surrounded by a 
 purplish-red leafy involucre. The shrubs are indigenous to Central and Southern Africa, 
 and exude a juice which after hardening constitutes sarcocolla. Dymock (1879), how- 
 ever, noticed that the sarcocolla which comes in considerable quantities to Bombay from 
 the Persian port of Bushire is always mixed with fragments of a thorny stem and with 
 short, slender, and cottony pods containing a single gray -brown vetch-like seed ; he 
 believes that the gum is obtained from one of the desert Leguminosae, probably a species 
 of Astragalus. It is in small, roundish, somewhat spongy, and friable grains, which are 
 sometimes agglutinated to larger masses, often mixed with fine hairs, and have a yellow- 
 ish, reddish, or brownish color. Sarcocolla is inodorous, has an insipid, sweetish, after- 
 ward somewhat acrid and bitter taste, resembling that of liquorice-root ; is soluble in 
 water, almost completely soluble in alcohol, except the impurities, and when heated burns 
 and gives off the odor of burning sugar. 
 
 Constituents. — On treating sarcocolla with ether, Pelletier (1834) separated a resin ; 
 the undissolved residue yielded to alcohol sarcocollin, and left gummy matter behind. 
 Sarcocollin is uncrystallizable, soluble in alcohol and water, possesses a bitter-sweet taste, 
 and when oxidized with nitric acid yields oxalic acid. Its composition is said to be 
 
 c 13 H 23 q 6 . 
 
 Action and Uses. — The name of this substance, which means a “joiner” or 
 “ healer of the flesh,” it has borne since an early period in the history of medicine. It 
 was held in great repute for agglutinating wounds and curing defluxions of the eyes, and 
 was applied to joints affected with chronic inflammation. It was reputed to be a depila- 
 tory, was used with honey to check otorrhcea , and was applied with nitre as a discutient 
 of scrofulous glands. 
 
 SARRACENIA. — Pitcher-plant. 
 
 Side-saddle plant, Huntsman's cup, Water cup , E. ; Sarracenie, Fr., Gr. 
 
 Sarracenia purpurea, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sarraceniacese. 
 
 Description. — This plant grows in boggy places from Canada southward. The 
 rhizome is oblique, conical, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) or more long, of a reddish-brown 
 color externally and brownish-white internally, has numerous, thin, nearly simple, tough- 
 ish rootlets attached, breaks with a short fracture, and does not acquire a blue color with 
 solution of iodine. It is inodorous, and has a bitter and somewhat astringent taste. The 
 leaves are radical, 15-20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) long, pitcher-shaped, most inflated near the 
 middle, curved, broadly winged, with an erect, roundish, heart-shaped hood, and have a 
 bitterish taste. The flower is nodding, globose, and deep purple, and has fiddle-shaped 
 petals. 
 
 Constituents. — The plant was analyzed by Bjorklund and Dragendorff (1863), who 
 found, besides the usual constituents of herbs, acrylic add, which is volatile, and about 
 4 per cent, of a volatile base having an odor resembling that of coniine. Stan. Martin 
 (1865) announced the presence of a bitter alkaloid, sarracenine, the sulphate of which is 
 crystallizable ; and Hetet found two alkaloids, one of which had the properties of vera- 
 trine. E. Schmidt (1872) isolated a yellow coloring matter, sarracenie acid, which yields 
 with alumina a yellow lake. 
 
SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 1421 
 
 Allied Plants. — Sar. flava, Limit, Trumpet-leaf. The rhizome is similar to the preceding, 
 hut larger. The leaves are about 60 Cm. (2 feet) long, tubular, gradually enlarged to the open 
 throat, and have a very narrow wing and a roundish mucronate hood, which is narrowed toward 
 the base. The flower is yellow. The plant grows in the Southern United States. 
 
 Sar. variolaris, Michaux , grows from South Carolina to Florida, and has elongated leaves 
 mottled with white on the back, with a linear wing, and with the lamina inflected over the throat 
 of the tube. The flower is yellow. 
 
 Action and Uses. — S. flava and S. variolaris possess stimulant and tonic virtues, 
 for which they enjoy a high reputation in South Carolina, where they are used in the 
 treatment of dyspepsia and its associated ailments. Sarracenia is said to have been 
 employed in gout and rheumatism, and Hetet has claimed that it contains an alkali 
 identical with veratrine (Bud. de Therap ., xcvi. 178). A hasty and immature observa- 
 tion at one time ascribed to S. variolaris the virtues of a specific remedy for small-pox — 
 a notion which, it is almost superfluous to say, was not confirmed by experience, but 
 which, like other errors, it required some time and labor to destroy. The plant is probably 
 slightly tonic, anodyne, and astringent. 
 
 SARSAPARILLA, U. S.— Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Sar see radix , Br. ; Radix sarsaparillse, P. G. — Salsepareille, Fr. Cod. ; Sassaparilla , G. ; 
 Zarzaparilla , Sp. 
 
 The root of Smilax officinalis, Kunth , Sm. medica, Schlechtendal et Chamisso , and of 
 other species of Smilax. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 289, 290. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Smilaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Sarsaparilla is obtained from different species of Smilax growing in swampy 
 forests of Mexico and as far south as the northern portion of Brazil. These are woody 
 climbers, and often attain a great height. Smilax Sarsaparilla, Linne , is indigenous to 
 the United States, and grows chiefly in the Southern States ; it is in part at least Smilax 
 glauca, Walter, but does not afford any sarsaparilla ; its subterraneous portion is a long, 
 cylindrical, creeping rhizome with prominent nodes and a few small rootlets, and bears no 
 resemblance to the commercial drug. The only sarsaparilla-yielding species which are 
 tolerably well known are the following : 
 
 Smilax officinalis. It is indigenous to New Granada and other parts of Northern 
 South America, and has a quadrangular stem and large cordately-ovate or oblong, five- or 
 seven-nerved leaves ; it furnishes Jamaica sarsaparilla. 
 
 Smilax medica. It has a zigzag stem and much smaller leaves, which are frequently 
 auriculate, with broad and obtuse basal lobes. It is indigenous to Mexico, and affords the 
 Mexican sarsaparilla. 
 
 Smilax syphilitica, Kunth , Smilax or Nata, Hooker films , S. scabriuscula, Kunth , S. 
 cordato-ovata, Richard , S. papyracea, Poiret , S. Purhampuy, Ruiz , and others are imper- 
 fectly known, or, at all events, it is uncertain whether they are sources of some variety 
 of the drug. 
 
 Collection. — No satisfactory account has been given of the manner in which the 
 different varieties are collected and prepared for the market. According to Rich. Spruce, 
 in the valley of the Amazon the roots are about 2.7 M. (9 feet) long, spread horizontally, 
 and are collected after several stems have been produced, younger plants having so few 
 roots as not to be worth grubbing up. The earth is scraped away from the roots by hand, 
 aided by a pointed stick, and the roots of other plants interfering are cut through with a 
 knife. When at length laid bare, the sarsaparilla-roots are cut off' near the crown, a few 
 slender ones being allowed to remain to aid the plant in renewing its growth, and the 
 stems are cut down to near the ground. The yield of a plant of four years’ growth is 
 about 16 pounds, and of older plants from two to four times that quantity (Pharmaco- 
 gr aphid). 
 
 Description. — As met with in commerce, sarsaparilla consists either of the horizon- 
 tal roots alone or in part also of the short knotty rhizome, to which, in some sorts, por- 
 tions of the overground stems are sometimes attached. The roots are long, cylindrical, 
 tapering toward both extremities, and beset with thin branching fibres called the beard , or 
 nearly free from fibres. They are more or less deeply furrowed in a longitudinal direction, 
 and have mostly a gray or blackish-gray color externally from adhering earth, and after 
 this has been washed off are of a bright brownish- or reddish-yellow color, and partic- 
 ularly in the folds are often clothed with short simple hairs. When cut transversely 
 several distinct zones are observed, which, under the microscope, have the following 
 
1422 
 
 SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 appearance : The epidermis is formed of one layer of cells, some of which are prolonged 
 into hairs ; then follows the outer endoderm, a subcuticular layer composed of two or 
 
 Fig. 255. 
 
 three or more rows of axially-elongated cells with their walls thickened from secondary 
 deposits, and a layer of parenchyma, called the bark, and containing starch or an amorph- 
 
 Fig. 256. Fig. 257. 
 
 Honduras Sarsaparilla. Mexican Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Rio Negro Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Jamaica Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Sections through nucleus-sheath, showing above one row of cells of bark -parenchyma, and beneath it 
 several rows of cells of the woody zone ; magnified 80 diameters. 
 
 Fig. 261. 
 
 ous mass, and some cells filled with bundles of needle-shaped crystals consisting of oxa- 
 late of calcium. Underneath the bark is the nucleus- 
 slieath, also called bundle-sheath and inner endoderm, 
 consisting of a single row of cells with thickened walls, 
 resembling those of the subcuticular tissue, and vary- 
 ing in shape and in the secondary deposits in the difler- 
 
 Fig. 260. 
 
 Honduras Sarsaparilla. 
 
 ent varieties ; to this adheres the woody zone, varying in width in the different kinds, 
 and chiefly composed of fibro-vascular bundles. The central layer, usually called 
 the pith, consists of parenchyma-cells similar to those outside the nucleus-sheath, and 
 occasionally contains a few scattered wood-bundles. Schleiden, and afterward Berg, pro- 
 posed a classification of the sarsaparillas mainly from the character of the nucleus-sheath, 
 and more recently a similar view was taken by Ferd. Otten (1876). The cells of the 
 nucleus-sheath are nearly uniformly thickened on all sides, and have an almost quadran- 
 gular appearance in Honduras sarsaparilla ; they are somewhat elongated in a radial 
 direction in Brazilian sarsaparilla, and toward the outside are rather less thickened than 
 on the inner and lateral cell-walls. Mexican sarsaparilla has the cells of the nucleus- 
 sheath of a somewhat wedge-shaped appearance, the layers of the cells-walls being thick- 
 
SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 1423 
 
 est in the inner half. Jamaica sarsaparilla has the incrustation of the sheath-cells thick- 
 est upon the inner and lateral walls — frequently so as to assume a wedge-shaped appear- 
 ance ; another kind has the cells radially elongated, but not wedge-shaped, and the cell- 
 walls nearly uniformly thickened on all sides. There are, however, frequently modifica- 
 tions or intermediate forms of these characters observed. The cells of the subcuticular 
 layer have their cell-walls considerably thickened, particularly the outer ones. 
 
 Sarsaparilla is nearly inodorous, except in infusion and decoction ; it has at first a 
 slight taste, but leaves an acrid impression in the fauces, by the intensity of which the 
 quality of the root may be approximately judged. 
 
 Commercial Varieties. — The sarsaparillas may be conveniently distinguished as 
 mealy and non-mealy ; the former are amylaceous in the interior, but usually contain in 
 some portions of the parenchyma-tissue amorphous masses of altered starch, and they 
 are usually marked externally by rather uniform and shallow wrinkles. The non-mealy 
 varieties are rather horny, and not farinaceous when broken transversely, contain but 
 little granular starch, and are usually characterized by deep longitudinal and irregular 
 folds. The sarsaparillas from Honduras and Mexico, which are mostly met with in the 
 United States, are representatives of the two classes. 
 
 Fig. 262. 
 
 Rio Negro or Para Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Mealy Sarsaparillas. — Honduras Sarsaparilla. This is exported from Belize 
 and other ports on the Bay of Honduras, and comes in bundles 2 or 3 feet (60 to 90 Cm.) 
 long, consisting of the folded roots, in the interior containing some hard 
 woody rhizomes and often short fragments of the stem, and tied with Fig. 263. 
 roots of the same kind. The roots have some fibres attached, and have 
 the cortical layer somewhat thicker than the woody zone, and of about 
 the same width or thinner than the pith. It is the kind recognized by 
 the German Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Bio Negro Sarsaparilla, also called Para, Brazilian, and Lisbon 
 Sarsaparilla. This is exported from Para, and comes in long cylin- 
 drical rolls tied together by a smooth stem, and with both ends cut 
 off" evenly. It is free from rhizomes and stems, and contains but 
 few root-fibres, but the interior of the bundle is frequently packed Ri riii^Td\ametSs a " 
 with roots of inferior quality. The bark and pith are nearly of the 
 same width, but the ligneous zone is only one-third or one-fourth that thickness. 
 
 Non-mealy Sarsaparillas. — Mexican Sarsaparilla, also called Vera Cruz 
 and Tampico Sarsaparilla. The roots are folded back, so as to cover the knotty rhi- 
 
 Fig. 264. 
 
 Mexican Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Fig. 265. 
 
 Mexican Sarsaparilla, 3 
 diameters. 
 
 zomes and portions of the stem, which are often 6 inches (15 Cm.) in length. The 
 roots have but few rootlets attached, and are deeply and irregularly wrinkled. The pith 
 is of about the same width as the woody zone or a little thicker, but the bark is some- 
 times twice this thickness, at least in the projecting ridges or after soaking in water. It 
 is probably obtained from Smilax medica. 
 
 Jamaica Sarsaparilla. This is also known as bearded sarsaparilla, from the 
 numerous root-fibres attached to it. It comes in bundles similar to, but usually shorter 
 than, those of Honduras sarsaparilla, and less neatly tied. The rhizomes are generally 
 
1424 
 
 SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 absent. The layers of pith and bark are nearly of the same width, but the woody zone 
 is narrower, being about one-half the width of the pith. 
 
 It varies in mealiness, often in different parts of the same 
 root, and is also distinguished from the other varieties by 
 its reddish-brown color. It does not grow wild in Jamaica, 
 
 Fig. 266. 
 
 Jamaica Sarsaparilla. 
 
 but is obtained from Costa Rica, and a similar drug, agreeing in all essential qualities with 
 this, is sometimes exported from Venezuela and known as Caracas sarsaparilla. It is 
 supposed to be derived from Smilax officinalis, which is cultivated to a limited extent in 
 Jamaica, but there furnishes a more mealy root. Jamaica sarsaparilla is the only kind 
 recognized by the British Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Other varieties of sarsaparilla have been described by European writers, but are rarely, 
 if ever, met with in commerce in this country. 
 
 Constituents. — Sarsaparilla was analyzed by Pallotta (1824), Folchi, Thubeuf 
 (1831), Batka (1834), Poggiale (1835), and others, and the acrid principle has at differ- 
 ent times received the designations smilacin , pariglin , parillin , salseparin, etc. Pallotta 
 precipitated the decoction with milk of lime, decomposed the precipitate with carbonic 
 acid, and, after drying, exhausted it with alcohol. Thubeuf exhausted the root with 
 boiling alcohol, concentrated the tincture, treated the residue with charcoal, and recrystal- 
 lized from hot alcohol ; 10 pounds of the root yielded 3 ounces of smilacin. Lamatsch 
 (1857) precipitated the concentrated alcoholic decoction with water, washed the precipi- 
 tate with ether, and purified it by treating its alcoholic solution with animal charcoal ; 
 Fliickiger (1877) recrystallized this precipitate from alcohol; the yield was 0.19 per 
 cent. In its purest state parillin has been obtained as colorless needles, which are 
 sparingly soluble in cold water and diluted alcohol, but more freely soluble in hot water 
 (20 parts, Fliickiger) and hot alcohol ; it is also soluble in alkalies and dilute acids, and 
 nearly insoluble in ether and chloroform. Its aqueous solution foams in a manner simi- 
 lar to that of a solution of saponin, and on boiling reduces in a slight degree an alkaline 
 solution of copper, but more abundantly after it has been boiled with dilute sulphuric 
 acid, when sugar and parigenin , which is insoluble in water, are formed. Parillin is pre- 
 cipitated by lead acetate and subacetate and by tannin, dissolves in sulphuric acid with 
 a yellow afterward cherry-red color, and with warm diluted sulphuric acid turns greenish, 
 red, and brown ; it appears to be closely related to sapogenin, but its exact composition 
 has not been determined. The other constituents of sarsaparilla are a trace of essential 
 oil, resin, pectin, albumen, and other common principles. Otten obtained also between 2 
 and 3 per cent, of saponin , and determined the starch in the non-mealy varieties to vary 
 between 3 and 13.8 per cent., while the mealy varieties contained sometimes as high as 
 15 per cent., and in rare cases as low as 10, or even 6.25, per cent, of starch. 
 
 Valuation. — Marquis (1875) estimated the amount of (impure) parillin by digest- 
 ing the root with 30 per cent, alcohol, evaporating to an extract, washing this with cold 
 water, and exhausting with boiling alcohol, on the evaporation of which a yellowish mass 
 was left, which was weighed as parillin. After modifying the process, Otten obtained 
 similar results, tending to show that Honduras and Para sarsaparilla yield less parillin 
 than the Vera Cruz and Jamaica varieties. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Smilax China, Linn<?. This is a climbing shrub of Eastern and South-eastern 
 Asia. Its irregular, tuberous rhizomes, together with those of several other species, are used in 
 Europe as Rhizoma (Radix) Chinse. — China-root, E. ; Squine, Racine de Chine, Fr. ; China- 
 wurzel, G. — They vary in length from 10-25 Cm. (4 to about 10 inches), and in thickness from 
 2-5 Cm. (1 to 2 inches), are more or less covered with short obtuse branches, are reddish-brown 
 and somewhat wrinkled* externally, and internally brownish-white, with numerous brown resin- 
 spots, somewhat horny or mealy, hard, and dense. China-root is inodorous and has an insipid, 
 faintly bitter, and somewhat acrid taste. Smilax Pseudo-china, Linn£, and Sm. tamnoides, 
 LinnZ, wffiich are natives of the United States, yield similar tuberous rhizomes, which are usu- 
 ally lighter in color and weight. The root of Sm. aspera, Linn£, of Southern Europe, has been 
 employed there in place of sarsaparilla. 
 
 Fig. 267. 
 
 Jamaica Sarsaparilla, 4 diam. 
 
SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 1425 
 
 The Mexican Pharmacopoeia recognizes as raiz de China de Mexico a large conical or some- 
 what spindle-shaped root, which is 45 Cm. (18 inches) long, 15-18 Cm. (6 or 7 inches) in diam- 
 eter, reddish-brown, internally lighter, fleshy, with numerous irregular wood-bundles, inodorous 
 when dry, and of an astringent and somewhat bitter taste. It is erroneously referred to Smilax 
 rotundifolia, Lining which is indigenous to the United States and has a creeping rhizome with 
 prominent nodes. 
 
 Carex arexaria, Linn6. — Sand sedge, German sarsaparilla, E. ; Laiche, Fr. ; Sandriedgras, 
 Rothe Quecke, G. (nat. ord. Cyperacese). — It is indigenous to Europe, and grows frequently in 
 sandy soil and near the coast of Germany. The rhizome (Rhizoma caricis) is creeping, several 
 feet long, about 2.5 Mm. inch) thick, subcylindrical, gray-brown, wrinkled, and on the nodes 
 beset with rootlets and with fringed sheaths. Internally, it shows a woody zone composed of 
 three irregular circles of fibro-vascular bundles enclosing soft white cellular tissue, and sur- 
 rounded by a cortical layer having a circle of large prominent air-passages. The dried rhizome 
 has little odor and a mealy, sweetish, afterward bitter and acrid . taste. It is employed like 
 sarsaparilla. 
 
 History. — The Spaniards first brought sarsaparilla to Europe about the middle of the 
 sixteenth century from Peru, St. Domingo, and Brazil. It was then believed to be a spe- 
 cific for constitutional syphilis, and especially for the rheumatoid and ulcerative symptoms 
 of that disease. It had, however, quite fallen into neglect when a belief in its virtues 
 was for a time revived at the end of the eighteenth century ; but it again gradually lost 
 vogue as a remedy for syphilis, and was more largely used by nostrum-venders than by 
 physicians. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The operation of the active principle of this root (smilacin, 
 parillin) is by no means a negative one. According to Pallotta, in doses of 6 grains it 
 occasions malaise and slowness of the pulse ; 8 grains produce nausea and constriction of 
 the throat; 10 grains, general debility and diaphoresis; 13 grains, moderate vomiting of 
 a bitter liquid, with irritation and constriction of the throat, faintness, and general 
 exhaustion. These effects have been ascribed to a different principle from either of the 
 above, but which has not been isolated. It is certain, however, that they may be caused 
 by some derivative of sarsaparilla, however named, and that they have also been produced 
 by large doses of the drug itself. In medicinal doses neither sarsaparilla nor its usual 
 preparations occasion any such phenomena. Their effects are manifested during a state 
 of disease, rather than in health, and consist of an improved condition of the digestive 
 and nutritive functions and the gradual subsidence of the morbid derangement. 
 
 Although sarsaparilla has been recommended in chronic gout , rheumatism , and shin 
 diseases , yet the only disease for the cure of which special virtues have been claimed for 
 it is constitutional syphilis , and the most eminent authorities upon this subject have gen- 
 erally agreed that its efficacy depends upon the patient having been previously subjected 
 to a mercurial treatment. It is certain that with the disuse of mercury to produce sali- 
 vation, and the dire consequences of the saturation of the system with that mineral, the 
 use of sarsaparilla grew less and less frequent, so that it at last came to be prescribed, 
 not so much from a belief in its utility as to gratify the popular faith in its virtues. 
 Some have gone so far as to declare that the various decoctions of sarsaparilla are 
 curative solely by means of the water which they contain — a judgment which, in view 
 of the powers manifested by its active principles, seems to be exaggerated, if not erroneous. 
 It is the more difficult to determine the value of sarsaparilla in the treatment of syphilis 
 because it is nearly always associated with other active medicines, as with guaiacum and 
 mezereon in the compound decoction, and with the former of these drugs in the compound 
 syrup of sarsaparilla. Of the official preparations, the first is the only one that is worthy 
 of being used. It is customary to associate with it potassium iodide, which is commonly 
 curative without the sarsaparilla. Nevertheless, there are cases of constitutional syphilis 
 which make no progress or grow worse under treatment by mercury or by iodine, and 
 which are restored to health by the decoction of sarsaparilla (e. g. two cases by Carter, 
 Practitioner , xxvi. 357). 
 
 Zittmann’s decoction for the cure of syphilis is one of the most celebrated and efficient 
 preparations of sarsaparilla. (See Decoctum Sarsaparilla Compositum.) Of the 
 virtues of this preparation we have the authority of Erasmus Wilson for saying that in 
 extreme and very obstinate cases of the ulcerating forms of syphilis which have resisted 
 both mercury and iodine, and particularly in those most difficult of all cases where the 
 disease has got possession of the tongue and the mucous membrane of the mouth, it may 
 often be had recourse to with great success. 
 
 Carex arenaria was at one time regarded as possessing all the virtues of sarsapa- 
 rilla, and particularly as promoting the cutaneous and renal secretions. It was used in 
 90 
 
1426 
 
 SASSAFRAS.— SASSAFRAS MEDULLA. 
 
 the treatment of rheumatism , gout , pulmonary and cutaneous diseases , and syphilis. The 
 root was used in decoction, and in its stead C. intermedia and C. hirta were often 
 employed. 
 
 Arenaria rubra is a popular remedy in Algiers for gravel and various affections of 
 the urino-genital organs and in some forms of dropsy ( Therap. Gaz ., viii. 382). It is 
 said to be entirely innocuous. It probably owes its diuretic qualities to the large propor- 
 tion it contains of sodium and potassium salts. It is best given in a decoction prepared 
 with an ounce of the plant in a pint of water, reduced one-fifth and sweetened. Dose , a 
 tablespoonful six or seven times a day (Bull, de Therap ., xcv. 287 ; xcvii. 69, 94). 
 
 SASSAFRAS, U . S. — Sassafras. 
 
 SASSAFRAS MEDULLA, U . S.— Sassafras-pith. 
 
 The bark of the root (the root, Br ., P. G.) and the pith of Sassafras variifolium ( Salis- 
 bury ), 0. Kuntz. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 220. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Lauraceae, Litseacese. 
 
 Origin. — Sassafras became known in Europe toward the close of the sixteenth cen- 
 tury. The plant is indigenous to North America from Canada southward to the Gulf of 
 Mexico and westward to Texas ; remains shrubby in the North, but attains a height of 
 12—15 M. (40 or 50 feet) in the Southern States. The trunk has a rough furrowed gray 
 bark, but the young branches are of a brown color. The wood is white or reddish, light, 
 but very strong and durable. The leaves are alternate, petiolate 7—15 Cm. (3 or 6 inches) 
 long, bright-green and smooth above, downy beneath, especially when young ; broadly 
 ovate in shape and entire, or some of them two- or three-lobed — all, however, with a 
 wedge-shaped base. The greenish-yellow flowers appear before the leaves in March and 
 April or May, are dioecious, grow in downy racemes, and have linear bracts at the base 
 and a deeply six-lobed perianth. The male flowers have nine stamens in three rows, and 
 the female flowers six short imperfect stamens. The fruit is a dark-blue, oval or ovoid, 
 one-seeded drupe, supported in the permanent* base of the perianth and on the thickened 
 clavate reddish peduncle. The flowers have an agreeable though not a strong odor ; the 
 bark of the branches is aromatic, but differs in flavor from that of the root ; the leaves 
 contain a considerable quantity of mucilage. 
 
 Description. — The following parts are recognized by the pharmacopoeias : 
 
 1. Sassafras, U. S. ; Cortex sassafras. — Sassafras-bark, A'.; £corce de sassafras, 
 Fr. ; Sassafrasrinae, G. ; Corteza de sasafras, Bp. — Only the root-bark is employed. It 
 is deprived of the dark-gray, inert, corky layer, is whitish in the fresh state, and is seen in 
 commerce in irregular flattish or curved pieces, usually 5-10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) in length 
 and width. It is of a bright rust-brown color, on the inner surface finely striate and 
 glistening, rather soft and fragile, breaks with a short corky fracture, and on transverse 
 section is radially striate. It has a strong fragrant odor and a sweetish, aromatic, some- 
 what astringent taste. 
 
 2. Sassafras radix, Br. ; Lignum sassafras, P. G. — Sassafras-root, E. ; Sassafras, 
 (Bois), Fr. Cod. ; Sassafrasholz, Fenchelholz, G. ; Leno de sasafras, Sp. — The root is 
 medicinally employed in Europe, but not in the United States. It comes in crooked 
 and branching pieces with or without the bark attached, varying in size, and in color 
 between yellowish-white and a pale-brownish or reddish. The wood is rather spongy, 
 porous, light, composed of numerous annual layers and marked by numerous medullary 
 rays ; it has the odor and taste of the bark, but in a milder degree. The German name 
 Fenchelholz (fennel-wood) has reference to the fancied resemblance of its odor to that 
 of fennel. 
 
 3. Sassafras medulla, TJ. S., Sassafras-pith. It is obtained from the branches, and 
 is met with in slender, cylindrical, very light pieces, frequently curved or coiled, white, 
 inodorous, and of an insipid, mucilaginous taste. When macerated in water it forms a 
 ropy but non-tenacious mucilaginous liquid, which is not precipitated by alcohol. 
 
 Constituents. — Sassafras-bark was examined by Reinsch (1845), who obtained from 
 it volatile oil (page 1152), tannin, sassafrid, starch, resin, waxy matter, mucilage, and 
 coloring matter. On treating the bark, previously exhausted by ether, with alcohol, 
 evaporating the alcohol, and macerating the extract with water, tannin is dissolved, yield- 
 ing with ferric salts bluish-green precipitates, and sassafrid remains behind as a light red- 
 dish-brown, inodorous, and nearly tasteless powder, which is nearly insoluble in ether, ana 
 separates from its hot concentrated alcoholic solution in yellowish-brown crystalline gran- 
 
S A UR UR US. 
 
 1427 
 
 ules. Its solutions are colored red by alkalies, and precipitated carmine-red by alkaline 
 earths, dark greenish-brown by ferric salts, and whitish by lead acetate. It is doubt- 
 less an oxidation-product of tannin. Pectin could not be found. The bark contains 
 about 6 per cent, of tannin and over 9 per cent, of sassafrid. According to Procter (1866), 
 fresh sassafras-bark contains no sassafrid, but this is formed from the tannin on exposure 
 to air. The woody portion of the root contains the same constituents, but in smaller pro- 
 portion. The principal constituent of sassafras-pith is mucilage. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Umbellularia (Oreodaphne, Nees, Tetranthera, Wight et Arnott ) califor- 
 nica, Nuttall. California bay-laurel or spice-tree. This evergreen tree is indigenous near the 
 Pacific coast of North America, and in Oregon attains a height of 24 M. (80 feet) or more, but 
 in California is of smaller size. The brownish, close-grained wood is much esteemed for cabinet- 
 work. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, entire, pinnately veined, reticulate, and pellucid 
 punctate. They yield about 4 per cent, of a yellowish volatile oil having the spec. grav. 0.936, 
 an odor resembling nutmeg and cardamom, and a warm camphoraceous taste. The oil was ex- 
 amined by J. P. Heamy (1875) and -J. M. Stillman (1880), and appears to contain a hydrocarbon 
 and a terpene-hydrate, C 20 H 32 .H 2 O, boiling below 190° C. (374° F.), and oreodaphnol (umbellol, 
 Stillman), C 8 H 12 0, boiling above 210° C. (410° F.). The seeds contain a fat which melts near 32° 
 C. (89° F.), and, according to Stillman (1882), contains crystalline umbellulic acid , C n H 22 0 2 , dis- 
 tilling near 272° C. (522° F.) without decomposition. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sassafras-bark is believed to be somewhat stimulant, quick- 
 ening the pulse slightly, promoting digestion, and increasing the secretions of the skin 
 and kidneys. It was formerly used in the treatment of chronic syphilis and diseases 
 of the skin, and is one of the medicines which are popularly supposed to purify the 
 blood. Emmenagogue virtues have been attributed to it ( Med . News , xlviii. 46). Its 
 real virtues, if any, are undetermined. It may be given ad libitum in an infusion made 
 with from Gm. 16—32 in Gm. 250 (^ ounce to an ounce of the bark and J pint) of hot 
 water. It is said that an infusion of sassafras-bark is “ almost a specific for the rash pro- 
 duced by poison oak.” It should be taken internally and applied topically (Hinton). 
 
 Sassafras-pith is used to form a mucilage with cold water. It is demulcent, and at the 
 same time a very mild local stimulant. An infusion of it may be used internally as a drink 
 in dysentery, in inflammations of the throat, air-passages, and stomach, and in febrile affec- 
 tions generally. It forms an agreeable and efficient collyrium in cases of acute conjunc- 
 tivitis, and serves as a vehicle for more active remedies. 
 
 California laurel is alleged to be stimulant and anodyne, and is said to be used with 
 advantage in various diarrhoeal affections, neuralgia , headache, etc. ( Therap. Gaz., viii. 
 161 ). 
 
 SAURURUS. — Lizard’s Tail. 
 
 Saururus cernuus, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Saururacese. 
 
 Description. — This is a common North American perennial, inhabiting swampy 
 localities. Its stem is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high and rather weak. The leaves are alter- 
 nate, petiolate, about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, heart-shaped, entire, pointed, convergingly 
 ribbed, slightly hairy, and underneath pale-green. The flowers are in a slender, crowded, 
 terminal, spike-like raceme which is about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, are destitute of any 
 floral envelope, contain six hypogynous stamens and three or four ovaries united at the 
 base, and produce a somewhat fleshy, berry-like fruit. The entire plant has an aromatic 
 but rather unpleasant odor and a somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The plant has not been analyzed. 
 
 Allied Plant. — Anemopsis californica, Hooker. It is a small perennial, indigenous to Cali- 
 fornia and Mexico, where it is known as yerba mansa. The leaves are mostly radical, smooth, 
 and have sheathing petioles ; the root is whitish and fleshy ; all parts of the plant, when broken, 
 have a pungent peppery taste. Prof. Lloyd (1880) obtained from a pound of the root 6 drachms 
 of a yellowish volatile oil, which becomes red and thick with sulphuric acid, is slowly colored 
 blue, violet purple, and brown by hydrochloric acid, and acquires a blue color with nitro-muriatic 
 , acid. Alcohol deprives the root of its sensible properties, and when evaporated leaves an oil 
 which is heavier than water, and from which carbon disulphide precipitates a brown granular 
 substance having an astringent and peppery taste and being soluble in dilute alcohol and in 
 glycerin. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The root of saururus is used in poultices as an application to 
 I abscesses and other painful swellings, and a decoction of it is sometimes employed in 
 strangury and other irritations of the urinary passages and bowels. It is also directed in 
 a strong infusion, of which several ounces should be continuously given at short inter- 
 i vals when the symptoms are urgent. 
 
1428 
 
 SC AMMONIA RADIX.— SCAMMONIUM. 
 
 SCAMMONDE RADIX, Br. — Scammony-root. 
 
 Racine de scammonee, Fr. ; Scammoniawurzel, (1. 
 
 SCAMMONIUM, U. S., Br.— Scammony. 
 
 Scammonee di Alep, Fr. ; Scammonium , G. ; Escamonea , Sp. 
 
 The root and the resinous exudation from the root of Convolvulus Scammonia, Linne. 
 Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 187. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Convolvulaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The scammony-plant is an herbaceous, twining perennial growing in Syria, 
 Asia Minor, and Greece ; it has alternate, triangular-cordate, very acute leaves, large, funnel- 
 shaped, pale-yellowish flowers, and ovate-globose capsules containing four angular seeds. 
 
 Description. — 1. Scammony-root. It is .5-1 M. (20 to 40 inches) in length, after 
 drying about 5 Cm. (2 inches) thick in the upper part, cylindrical, somewhat tapering 
 below, more or less twisted, with several short stem-fragments at the crown, longitudinally 
 wrinkled, of a grayish- or yellowish-brown color externally and grayish or brownish- 
 white within. The root is hard, has but a slight odor, and a sweetish afterward acrid 
 taste, and upon transverse section shows a thin bark about one-eighth or one-sixth the 
 diameter of the root, and, like the parenchyma of the meditullium, containing numerous 
 resin-dots, the concrete latex of the milk-vessels ; the wood consists of a number of 
 separate groups of wood-bundles varying in thickness, irregularly arranged, and sep- 
 arated from one another by parenchyma of variable thickness. 
 
 2. Scammonium. This is collected by laying the upper portion of the root bare, cut- 
 ting the top off in an oblique direction, and collecting the milk-juice in shells, the con- 
 tents of which are mixed together with the juice scraped from the root and dried. Scam- 
 mony is met with in commerce in irregular angular pieces or circular cakes of a greenish 
 dark ash-gray or dark-brown nearly black color, of a peculiar sour and somewhat cheese- 
 like odor, and of a slight but distinctly acrid taste ; it breaks readily with an angular or 
 splintery fracture, and exhibits in the interior small fissures and cavities and a resinous 
 lustre. When triturated with water it yields a greenish emulsion ; its powder has a gray 
 or greenish -gray color. It yields to alcohol or ether not less than 75 (U. /S'.), and some- 
 times as much as 95, per cent, of its weight, and when the solvent has been evaporated 
 and the resinous residue dissolved in warm solution of potassa, no precipitate is produced 
 on the addition of an acid. The portion left undissolved by alcohol or ether is of a gray 
 eolor, and is not colored blue by iodine. 
 
 The best quality of scammony is known in commerce as virgin scammony. Of late 
 years scammony is usually sold in the market, at least at wholesale, by the amount of 
 resin it contains — a commendable custom which we believe has been introduced in this 
 country through the efforts of Dr. E. II. Squibb. 
 
 Adulterations. — A distinction has been sometimes made between Aleppo and 
 Smyrna scammony, the former being regarded as the pure article, but we have seen in 
 commerce scammony sold as one or the other kind which was very impure. The adul- 
 terations usually consist of farinaceous substances, chalk, and earthy material, which 
 can easily be recognized by their insolubility in ether. Scammony thus adulterated is 
 frequently smooth externally, dense, heavy, and effervesces when thrown into dilute 
 hydrochloric acid, or its decoction with water yields a blue color on the addition of 
 iodine. M. Conroy (1883) reported an adulteration consisting of the resin prepared 
 from scammony-root, which is recognized by its distinctive persistent leathery odor. 
 
 Montpellier scammony , employed to a limited extent in France, was claimed to be the 
 milk-juice of Cynanchum monspeliacum, Linne. The commercial article was found by 
 Laval (1861) to contain from 10 to 21 per cent, of resinous matter, 50 to 59 of starch, 
 and 11 to 18 of earthy substances. 
 
 In place of scammony-root, we have seen a thin farinaceous root offered, which resem- 
 bled turpeth-root (page 903), but was not identical with it. 
 
 Constituents. — Scammony-root is stated to be richest in resin immediately before 
 "the flowering period. Good roots will yield about 5 per cent, of resin. Hager found 10 
 per cent, of resin, 3 per cent, of tannin, and 15 per cent, of sugar and extractive ; starch 
 is likewise present. According to the British Pharmacopoeia, scammony should contain 
 between 80 and 90 per cent, of resin. The pure resin has been named scammonin : its 
 composition, derivatives, and relation to allied resins have been described on pages 90o 
 and 1369. 
 
SCILLA. 
 
 1429 
 
 History. — Scammony, or at least the concrete juice of a Convolvulus, was well 
 known to the Greek, Latin, and Arabian medical writers, who agree in ascribing to it 
 active irritant and purgative qualities. It was used externally in the treatment of 
 cutaneous diseases and in a tampon to provoke abortion. As a purgative they describe 
 its harsh, painful, and exhausting action and its cholagogue qualities, and mention that 
 it may produce cold sweats, syncope, and even death. To guard against its violent 
 operation they advised that it be associated with certain gums, oils, mucilage, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — No other purgative is so uncertain as scammony, partly in 
 consequence of its adulteration with inert substances, and partly from its slight solu- 
 bility in the gastro-intestinal contents when these are acid. According to Rutherford 
 and Yignal, it is a cholagogue of feeble power. It is singular that while in some 
 experiments upon animals it occasioned active, exhausting, and even fatal purgation, yet 
 in others it inflamed the bowels and killed the animals without purging at all. The 
 actions of jalapin and convolvulin or scammonin are said to be identical. Careful exper- 
 iments show that scammonin is a less active cathartic than scammony itself, unless finely 
 divided by trituration. It appears also that in the case of both very slightly greater 
 effects are obtained by a large increase of the dose — a result doubtless due to the imper- 
 fect solubility of the medicine. This is said to be increased by the presence of bile. 
 That its active principle is absorbed appears from the following case : A healthy woman, 
 nursing a healthy child two months old, took a dose of scammony to relieve herself of 
 constipation ; she suffered no purgation or any other symptoms attributable to the med- 
 icine, but her child was presently seized with violent cholera morbus, which rapidly ended 
 in collapse and death (Bull, de Therap ., lxxv. 554). 
 
 Scammony is hardly ever used alone at the present day, although, on account of its 
 tastelessness, it has been recommended as a purgative for children. Even in the cases 
 to which it has been thought peculiarly applicable as a hydragogue, colocynth, jalap, and 
 even gamboge, are to be preferred, and the same may be said in regard to its association 
 with calomel as a cholagogue purgative. The compound powder of scammony is possibly 
 preferable to scammony or to jalap alone when a powerful derivative action from the brain 
 is desired. 
 
 The dose of ordinary scammony is Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx), and of pure scammony 
 or of its resin Gm. 0.30-1 (gr. v-xv). It may be given powdered in a wafer, but is 
 inactive in the pilular form. It is also administered in emulsion with milk, almond milk, 
 mucilage, or other demulcent sweetened. 
 
 SCILLA, 77. S ., Br , — Squill ; Squills. 
 
 Bulbus scillse , P. G. — Scille, Fr. Cod. ; Squille, Fr. ; Meerzwiebel , G. ; Escila , Cebolla 
 albarrana , Sp. 
 
 The bulb of Urginea Scilla, Steinheil, s. Scilla (Urginea, Baker) jnaritima, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The squill is indigenous to the basin of the Mediterranean from Syria 
 westward to the coast of the Atlantic. It grows in sandy and sunny places near the sea- 
 shore, but is likewise found inland to some extent and in hilly localities. Two varieties 
 are known, which differ only in the color of their bulb-scales, being of a reddish tint in 
 the one and whitish in the other variety. The leaves make their appearance during the 
 flowering period, and are broad-lanceolate, 30-50 Cm. (12 to 20 inches) long, channelled, 
 finally recurved and spreading. The scape attains a height of .9-1.2 M. (3 or 4 feet), 
 and is terminated by a long raceme of whitish green-nerved flowers with six stamens 
 inserted on the base of the sepals. Along the Mediterranean the bulb is frequently 
 employed in the fresh state, but in the United States it is now usually seen in dry seg- 
 ments. 
 
 Description. — The bulb of squill is broadly ovate or somewhat pear-shaped, and is 
 from 7—15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, and of the same thickness at its lower portion, 
 weighing sometimes over 4 pounds. It consists of a large number of fleshy scales, 
 which are either whitish or reddish, and are covered by dry reddish-brown and scarious 
 scales. The bulb is collected while leafless, about the month of August, freed from the 
 inert outer and small, insipid central scales and from the dense stem portion and rootlets, 
 and then cut transversely into segments, which are dried in the sun. Thus prepared, it 
 is found in the market, and consists of narrow slices 3-6 Mm. (£ to \ inch) wide and 
 2-5 Cm. (1 or 2 inches) long, somewhat translucent, yellowish-white or reddish, brittle 
 and pulverizable when dry, but very hygroscopic, and therefore often flexible. Squill 
 
1430 
 
 SC ILL A. 
 
 is scentless, and even in the fresh state is but slightly odorous ; it has a mucilaginous 
 
 When dried and powdered it is easily converted into a 
 solid hard mass from the absorption of moisture. In 
 damp weather squill loses on drying from 10 to 14 per 
 cent, of its weight. On handling squill it is apt to 
 cause irritation of the skin, due to the sharp-pointed 
 raphides of calcium oxalate. 
 
 Constituents. — Squill has been frequently the 
 subject of chemical investigation, but even at the pres- 
 ent time the medicinally important principles of this 
 drug are not satisfactorily known. Two such princi- 
 ples are usually distinguished : one, having a bitter 
 taste, is called scillitin ; the other, being acrid, has 
 received the name skulein. Wittstein (1850) observed 
 that the expressed juice of fresh squill yields with alco- 
 hol a precipitate consisting mainly of gum and amount- 
 ing to 28 per cent, of the dry drug ; the filtrate was 
 freed from alcohol by evaporation, fermented with 
 yeast, and, after the sugar had been thus destroyed, 
 yielded with lead acetate a slight precipitate. After 
 removing the lead from the filtrate by hydrogen 
 sulphide the resulting extract had a bitter and acrid 
 taste, the latter of which was removed by agitation 
 with lead hydroxide, hut not by baryta. The earlier 
 investigations were less successful. Vogel’s and Til- 
 loy’s scillitin was amorphous and neutral ; both regarded 
 the acrid principle as being volatile. Landerer and 
 Marais (1857) obtained compounds which they re- 
 garded as alkaloids. But Tilloy (1854) proved the 
 non-existence of such a body in squill, and announced 
 then that squill does not contain any volatile acrid prin- 
 ciple : the compound producing irritation of the skin 
 was by him believed to be crystallized calcium citrate. 
 Labourdais (1849) obtained the hitter principle, after 
 precipitating the infusion of squill with lead acetate, by treating it with animal char- 
 coal, and exhausting this with hot alcohol ; and Bley obtained it once by this process 
 in flexible needles. The presence of crystals in squill was recognized long ago, but these 
 were generally considered to he either calcium tartrate, carbonate, or citrate until 
 Scroff (1864) proved them to he very fine and sharp-pointed needles of calcium oxa- 
 late. Scroff is likewise convinced of the existence of a non-volatile acrid besides the 
 hitter principle, and of the greater efficacy of the red-colored variety of the drug. The 
 bitter principle forms a compound with tannic acid (Pliarmacographia). Jarmersted 
 (1879) isolated from this precipitate the glucoside scillein , which is white or yellowish, 
 dissolves in strong hydrochloric acid with a red color, and is decomposed by dilute acids 
 into glucose and a resin. E. Merck (1879) obtained three not quite pure principles, the 
 last two of which are poisonous — namely, scillin (crystalline, pale-yellow, sparingly 
 soluble in water, more freely soluble in alcohol and hot ether, colored by sulphuric acid 
 red-brown, by nitric acid yellow, and on heating green) ; scillipicrin (amorphous, whitish, 
 hygroscopic, and bitter) ; and scillitoxin (amorphous, cinnamon-brown, insoluble in water 
 and ether, soluble in alcohol, colored red and brown by sulphuric acid and orange-red 
 and green by nitric acid). Schmiedeberg (1879) isolated the gummy matter by precipi- 
 tating the infusion with basic lead acetate, and afterward with lime ; on decomposing the 
 last precipitate with carbonic and oxalic acids sinistrin , CgHjoOs, is obtained ; this is color- 
 less, amorphous, levogyrate, and is readily converted into levulose and another ferment- 
 able but inactive sugar. Scillin of Biche and Bemont (1880) is probably identical with 
 sinistrin. 
 
 History. — Squill was used by the Greeks and their medical followers in Borne, Ara- 
 bia, and Europe. Its preparations with honey and vinegar were anciently employed in 
 dropsical affections, and the latter were extolled in the treatment of spongy and ulcerated 
 gums, ulcerated throat, and debility of the digestive organs. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The juice of the fresh plant acts upon the skin as a rubefa- 
 cient, and has also occasioned diuresis. Even the powder of the dried corm applied to 
 
 •ward bitter and acrid taste. 
 
 Fig. 268. 
 
 Scilla maritima, Linnt. 
 
SCOPARIUS. 
 
 1431 
 
 the denuded cutis has had the same effect in dropsy. Its local action is irritating, which 
 is ascribed to the large proportion it contains of lime oxalate (?). Internally, the effects 
 of a very large dose of squill are violent vomiting, purging, and colic, dysury or bloody 
 urine, rapid breathing, a cold skin, coma, and general convulsions. It has even destroyed 
 life. In small or medicinal doses it usually exerts a diuretic action, tends to relax the 
 bowels, and reduces the frequency and increases the tension of the pulse. The charac- 
 teristic effects are most distinctly produced by the powder or the wine of squill. But 
 fatal poisoning has been attributed to the syrup in the cases of two children. The symp- 
 toms were pains in the legs, lividity of the face, and hurried respiration. The heart was 
 found to have stopped in systole ( Ther . Gaz., x. 788). The continued use of squill 
 impairs the appetite and digestion. 
 
 Although there is nothing in the results of scientific investigation even to suggest that 
 squill acts upon the bronchial mucous membrane, the much more direct and conclusive 
 evidence of clinical experience leaves no doubt of its great value in bronchitis , whether of 
 an acute form, when the sputa are tenacious and scanty, or of a chronic type occurring 
 without complication or associated with obstructive disease of the heart and pulmonary 
 emphysema. It is of daily use as an expectorant in the treatment of spasmodic croup , 
 but in the form of compound syrup of squill, which owes its efficacy chiefly to the anti- 
 mony it contains. 
 
 As a diuretic squill is universally employed in dropsy. Even when the effusion is owing 
 to some organic and incurable lesion it may often be temporarily evacuated by squill. The 
 experimental researches into its mode of action in dropsy have tended to confirm what was 
 long ago established by clinical experience, that it is most useful in the passive forms of 
 the disease, when the pulse is weak and the heart feeble or obstructed, and when there is 
 neither fever nor an irritable condition of the kidneys present. Undoubtedly, it is oftener 
 useful in cardiac than in renal, splenic, or hepatic dropsy. As already mentioned, it seems 
 probable that its action is very analogous to that of digitalis. Within certain limits this 
 is true, but is not the whole truth. The diuretic action of neither medicine is due exclu- 
 sively to its sensible sedative action on the heart. Squill is not so apt as digitalis to cause 
 sudden and alarming depression. The best mode of using these medicines in dropsy is to 
 combine them in the same prescription in pilular form, or as tinctures with compound 
 spirit of juniper or with a solution of potassium acetate in water. When the stomach 
 is intolerant of the medicine, it may be administered by rubbing its tincture with that of 
 digitalis into the skin, or applying compresses saturated with these liquids to the abdomen 
 and covering them with impermeable cloth. Scillipicrin dissolved in water may be admin- 
 istered hypodermically. It is apt, however, to cause some local irritation. In one case 4 
 tablespoonfuls a day of a 2 per cent, solution of scillipicrin were given without effect. 
 For subcutaneous injection a 10 per cent, solution has been preferred (Fronmiiller). Pow- 
 dered squill, with or without digitalis, may also be applied endermically. In the hydrocele 
 of young subjects a cure has been effected by applications of vinegar of squill. Powdered 
 squill has been used to remove warts. 
 
 The dose of squill in substance is Gin. 0.06-0.20 (gr. j-iij) three times a day in pilular 
 form. It may gradually be increased to Gm. 0.66 (gr. x) a day. As a general rule, if 
 it disturbs the stomach the dose should be reduced. An infusion is sometimes employed, 
 which is made with from Gm. 2—4 (30—60 grains) in Gm. 250 (2 pint) of hot water, of 
 which from Gm. 8-16 (2 to 4 fluidrachms) may be given at a dose. 
 
 SCOPARIUS, U. S. — Scoparius. 
 
 Scoparii cacumina , Br. ; Herba scoparii . — Broom , Irish broom , E. ; Genet d balais, Fr. ; 
 Beseuginster , Pfriemen kraut, G. 
 
 The tops of Cytisus Scoparius ( Linne ), Link, Sarothamnus Scoparius, Koch , Sar. 
 vulgaris, Wimmer, Genista scoparia, Lamarck. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 70. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Broom is a shrub about .9-1.8 M. (3 to 6 feet) high, and grows in Western 
 Siberia and throughout the greater portion of Europe, but is more abundant in the 
 western part of that continent and in Great Britain. It is sometimes cultivated in our 
 gardens, and is occasionally met with wild in some of the Middle and Southern States. 
 It prefers a 'sandy soil, and flowers in May and June. The shrub has long, wand-like 
 branches, small trifoliate leaves with obovate or elliptic-lanceolate sessile leaflets, and pro- 
 duces an abundance of large golden-yellow papilionaceous flowers, and a flat dark-brown 
 legume, which is white-hairy on the edges, and contains about twelve olive-colored, oblong, 
 
1432 
 
 SCOPARIUS. 
 
 and, below, truncate seeds. The flower-buds are in some places used like capers, and the 
 branches as a substitute for hops. 
 
 Description. — The green twigs constitute the portion generally employed. They are 
 long, thin, and flexible, pentangular, winged, but not spiny, smooth, except the extremi- 
 ties, which are pubescent, and are usually free from leaves and flowers. In the fresh 
 state they have a peculiar odor, but are nearly inodorous after drying ; their taste is bitter 
 and disagreeable. The flowers have been occasionally employed ; on drying they usually 
 become brown and their honey-like odor is almost entirely lost ; their taste is nauseous 
 and bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — The analyses by Cadet de Gassicourt (1824) and Reinsch (1846) 
 failed to isolate any important principle. Stenhouse (1851) obtained two interesting 
 principles, scoparin and sparteine. Scop arm, C 21 H 22 O 10 , is prepared from the concentrated 
 decoction of broom-tops, which gelatinizes on standing ; the jelly-like mass is expressed 
 and purified by repeated solution in hot water, and finally in hot alcohol. Scoparin is 
 amorphous and brittle or in small crystals, has a pale-yellow color, yields with lead ace- 
 tates green-yellow precipitates, and furnishes picric acid when treated with nitric acid ; it 
 is inodorous and tasteless. On fusing it with potassa, phloroglucin and protocatechuic acid 
 are produced (Hlasiwetz). Sparteine , C I5 H 26 N 2 , is best obtained, according to Mills (1861), 
 by exhausting broom with acidulated water and distilling the concentrated liquid with 
 soda. In its pure state it is a colorless, transparent, oily liquid, which becomes brown on 
 exposure, has a slight aniline-like odor, a very bitter taste, a strongly alkaline reaction, 
 boils at 288° C. (550° F.), and yields amorphous and crystallizable salts. The alkaloid 
 is but slightly soluble in water and alcohol. 150 pounds of the plant yielded 22 Cc. of 
 sparteine. The air-dry plant yields about 5.6 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Allied Species. — Spartium junceum, LinnS , (Spartianthus, Link, Genista, Lamarck ), Spanish 
 broom. This evergreen European shrub resembles the preceding, but has obtuse-lanceolate, at 
 the base Avedge-shaped, and on the lower side soft-hairy leaves, and nearly reniform seeds. The 
 branches, leaves, and seeds have a bitter taste, and are stated to possess diuretic, purgative, and 
 emetic properties. 
 
 Action and Uses. — An old woman, who drank of a decoction of the tops and seeds 
 of broom, sweated and vomited profusely, had indistinct vision, and staggered. These 
 symptoms continued for twenty-four hours ( Lancet , Oct. 1884, p. 668). Sparteine is a 
 sedative of the spinal reflex centres, and in a less degree of the circulatory system, and it 
 even acts upon some of the lower animals in some measure as a narcotic (Fick). A drop 
 of sparteine introduced by Schroff into a rabbit’s mouth occasioned spasms of the muscles 
 of the spine and limbs and paralysis of the latter, slowing of the respiration and heart, 
 and death in six minutes. On dissection the intestine responded but feebly to stimula- 
 tion, the heart, except the auricles, not at all, and the venous system was gorged with 
 blood. The phenomena noted by Fick were somnolence, a staggering gait, at first 
 extreme frequency of the pulse and respiration, and subsequently great dyspnoea and 
 slowing and feebleness of the heart, and finally death in convulsion, with dilated pupils. 
 Its effects have caused it to be compared with coniine. Leech states that he took 5 
 grains of it without any unpleasant effect ( Practitioner , xxxix. 373), and Prior observed 
 secondary effects in one case only, and after a dose of Gm. 2 (30 grains). They consisted 
 of arhythmical heart-action, nausea, giddiness, and a sense of weight in the limbs 
 ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxxiii. 567). In health it does not seem to be diuretic (Masius, 
 Times and Gaz., xi. 403). 
 
 Broom is applicable to all forms of chronic dropsy as one of the most efficient of hydra- 
 gogues, acting both by the bowels and the kidneys. It is best given in a decoction pre- 
 pared by boiling Gm. 16 (§ss) of the tops in Gm. 250 (J pint) of water in a covered 
 vessel for ten minutes. This quantity may be taken in divided doses in twenty-four 
 hours, or the officinal decoction (British Pharmacopoeia) may be used instead. A com- 
 pound decoction, which is still more efficient, may be prepared by boiling broom tops and 
 dandelion, of each Gm. 16 (£ ounce) in Gm. 750 (1 J pints) of water to Gm. 500 (1 pint), 
 and near the close of the process adding Gm. 16 (-^ ounce) of juniper-berries. When cold 
 the decoction should be strained. Gm. 36-64 (1 or 2 fluidounces) may be given at a dose. 
 
 Sparteine may be employed in all cases adapted to the use of digitalis or digitaline — 
 i. e. when impaired power of the heart and a diminished secretion of urine coincide. But, 
 although it is inferior in power to digitalis, it is a convenient and safe substitute where 
 the latter is not tolerated, and also to sustain the action when it may seem imprudent to 
 prolong the use of digitalis (Stoessel, Centralbl. f. d. g. Ther.,v. 163 ; Gluzinski, Therap. 
 Gaz., xi. 263). It results from See’s observations (1885} that sparteine augments the 
 
SCBOFHULARIA. 
 
 1433 
 
 action of the heart and arteries, and is more prompt and persistent than digitalis in pro- 
 ducing these effects, as well as in reducing to order arhythmical heart movements. But, 
 unlike digitalis, it renders the pulse more frequent. See held it to be indicated in all cases 
 of irregular action of the heart due either to weakness of the heart-muscle or to valvular 
 disease, as well as to cases of abnormal .slowness of the organ produced by its functional 
 exhaustion ( Comptes rendusde V Acad, des Sciences). The action on the pulse attributed 
 by him to sparteine is, however, the opposite of that observed by Clarke, at least in cases 
 where the pulse is abnormally rapid. The latter states that the arterial tension is raised, 
 the skin is flushed and warm, and the pulse-rate is gradually lowered until it reaches or 
 approaches the normal. The departures from this rule seemed to be exceptional (Am. 
 Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 1887, p. 363. Compare Griffe, Pick, Legris, Therap. Gaz.,x ii. 108). 
 In the treatment of cases connected with obstructive heart-disease Clarke found that small 
 doses were preferable to large ; the former — e. g. Gm. 0.004-0.005 (gr. yg— tV) produced 
 a maximum effect in regulating the pulse, quieting palpitation and violent cardiac pulsa- 
 tion. Larger doses, Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr. j-ij), augmented the force of the heart-beats and 
 the arterial tension, and sometimes even caused distress. In exceptional cases to these 
 effects were added tightness of the chest and sharp pains about the heart, and a great 
 subsidence of the pulse-rate below the normal. Nausea occurred in a few cases, and 
 paresis of the lower limbs seems to have followed its use (Bruen, University Med. May. } 
 i. 223). Of the special forms of disease in which sparteine gives relief Clarke states — 
 1, that in mitral regurgitation the results were very striking; 2, in mitral stenosis the 
 benefits were less and less prolonged ; 3, in aortic regurgitation with greatly enlarged and 
 excited heart small doses were useful ; 4, in “ asthma ” the influence was good, but very tardy ; 
 5, in palpitation without organic disease of the heart the relief was immediate ; and, 6, in 
 Grave s disease it occasioned great improvement. When dropsy is associated with any of 
 these anatomical conditions, it is benefited by sparteine, but the medicine has no effect on 
 renal or abdominal dropsy depending on hepatic or splenic disease. When given inter- 
 nally in doses of Gm. 0.004-0.016 (gr-y-g— i)> its influence is felt within thirty or forty- 
 five minutes, and lasts four or five hours, and when taken regularly for several days or 
 weeks its effect usually continues four, or even six, days after its administration has been 
 suspended. The stimulant action of sparteine on the heart has been used by Ball and 
 Jennings to sustain that organ during the treatment of the opium habit. Sometimes 
 nitro-glycerin has been associated with it in such cases ( Practitioner , xxxviii. 459 ; 
 xxxix. 132). 
 
 The dose of sparteine recommended by See was about Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij) a day ; by Prior, 
 Gm. 0.01-0.02 (gr. y-y) several times a day ; by Nothnagel arid by Voigt, Gm. 0.001- 
 0.004 (gr. -^y-yy) ; by Legris, Gm. 0.05-0.25 (gr. 1-iv) a day; Houde, Gm. 0.02-0.10 
 (gr. -i— 1L) in five daily doses; and Clarke recommends Gm. 0.004 (gr. y 1 ^-) every four 
 hours, which, he says, may be increased gradually to Gm. 0.80 (gr. xij) in twenty-four 
 hours without occasioning any toxic symptoms. 
 
 Ulexine, the alkaloid of TJlex europaeus, appears to be nearly identical in its action 
 with sparteine and cytisine, rendering the movements of the heart slower and more vigor- 
 ous and contracting the arteries, as digitalis does, and so occasioning diuresis, which, 
 however, is much more transient than that due to foxglove. In poisonous doses these 
 alkaloids produce cardiac paralysis. Milk given by cattle which have eaten ulex has 
 poisoned a child fed upon it. Robert, from whom these statements are derived, suggests 
 as a proper dose of ulexine nitrate Gm. 0.003-0.005 (yV~iV)> to be given subcutan- 
 eously ( Therap . Gaz ., xiv. 475). 
 
 SCROPHULARIA. — Figwort ; Scrofula-plant. 
 
 Serofulaire , Fr. Cod. ; Kropfwurz , Knotenwurz , G. ; Escrofularia, Sp. 
 
 Scrophularia nodosa, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scrophulariaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Figwort is a perennial herb growing in damp places 
 in Europe and North America. The American plant is usually taller, growing to the 
 height of 1.2-1. 5 M. (4 or 5 feet), and has an obtusely angled stem, but otherwise 
 agrees closely with the European plant ; it was formerly regarded as a distinct species, 
 Scrophularia marilandica, Linne. The plant has a horizontal branching fleshy rhizome , 
 to which numerous oblong or oval tubers of the thickness of a thumb are attached. The 
 leaves are opposite, petiolate, ovate-oblong, rounded or heart-shaped at the base, and cut- 
 serrate on the margin. The flowers are in a terminal loose panicle, have a greenish- 
 
1434 
 
 SCUTELLARIA. 
 
 brown, tubular-globose, five-lobed corolla with four stamens, and produce a two-celled 
 many-seeded capsule. The fresh plant, bruised, has an unpleasant odor and a nauseous, 
 bitter, and acrid taste; on drying it loses about 75 per cent, in weight and becomes 
 nearly inodorous. 
 
 Constituents. — The fresh flowering plant was analyzed by Walz (1853), who found 
 in the aqueous distillate acetic and propionic acids and a stearopten, scrophularosmin. On 
 treating the decoction with lead acetate and subacetate, tannic, tartaric, citric, and 
 malic acids, pectin, and coloring matter were precipitated, and the filtrate, after freeing 
 it from lead, yielded with tannin a precipitate containing scrophularin. This principle 
 crystallizes in scales, has a bitter taste, and is soluble in water and alcohol. Scrophularia 
 aquatica, Linne , contains the same principle, and in addition thereto a resinous body, 
 scrophulacrin , which is soluble in ether. 
 
 Action and Uses. — S. nodosa and S. aquatica appear to possess analogous quali- 
 ties. The generic name of the plant seems to have been gained through a popular 
 belief that it was useful in scrofula. It was employed in the glandular form of the 
 disease, and also in cutaneous affections originating in the strumous diathesis. It was an 
 ingredient of an ointment much used in the treatment of itch. It was also applied to 
 hsemorrhoids and anal ulcers and as a dressing for unhealthy wounds and sores generally. 
 The fresh juice, and also a decoction of the leaves or root, were used, the latter being 
 made with Gm. 16 to Gm. 500 (^ss in Oj) of water. 
 
 SCUTELLARIA, U. 8.— Skullcap. 
 
 Hoodwort , Mad weed, E. ; Scutellaire , Fr. ; Relmhraut, JSchildkraut, G. 
 
 Scutellaria lateriflora, Linne. 
 
 Mat. Ord. — Labiatse, Stachydeae. 
 
 Description. — This species, in some places known as mad-dog skullcap , is a common 
 North American perennial herb, growing in swampy and wet places. Its stem is about 
 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, quadrangular, smooth, and much-branched. The leaves are oppo- 
 site, petiolate, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, oval-lanceolate, pointed, coarsely serrate, 
 rounded at the base, thin, and smooth. The flowers are small in slender axillary leafy 
 racemes, with a minute filiform bract at the base of each pedicle, and with a pale-blue 
 or purplish bilabiate corolla. The calyx is divided into two entire lips, the upper with a 
 helmet-like appendage on the back. The herb flowers in July, and should then be col- 
 lected ; its loss on drying amounts to from 75 to 80 per cent. It has a slight odor and 
 bitterish taste. Its constituents have not been ascertained. 
 
 Allied Species. — The following and probably other indigenous species of Scutellaria possess a 
 more decidedly bitter taste, and are occasionally employed : 
 
 Scut, integrifolia, Linn6. It is 30 to 45 Cm. (12 to 18 inches) high, minutely hairy all over, 
 has lance-oblong or linear-oblong, mostly entire, short petiolate leaves, and terminal racemes of 
 blue flowers, which are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long. 
 
 Scut, pilosa, Linnt *. It is 30 to 60 Cm. (1 or 2 feet) high, covered with spreading hairs, has 
 rhombic- or oblong-ovate, crenate, petiolate leaves in distant pairs, and short terminal racemes 
 of rather large purplish-blue flowers. 
 
 Scut, galericulata, LinnS. It is somewhat downy, has short-stalked, lance-ovate, crenately 
 serrate leaves, which are rounded or heart-shaped at the base, and bear in the axils of the upper 
 leaves rather large blue flowers, which are turned to one side. This species is indigenous to 
 Europe, Northern Asia, and the northern section of North America. 
 
 Brunella (Prunella) vulgaris, Linne. — Heal-all, Self-heal, E.; Paquerette, Fr. ; Braunelle, 
 Braunheil, G . — This is a perennial herb, common in fields, grassy places, and in woods in North 
 America, Asia, and Europe. Its ascending stem is about 30 Cm. (12 inches) long; the leaves are 
 about 38 Mm. (1?>- inches) long, petiolate, oblong-ovate, entire or somewhat toothed, and more or 
 less hairy. The flowers are purplish-blue and form a dense leafy-bracted spike. The herb is 
 nearly inodorous, and has a bitterish and somewhat astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — These plants contain principles similar to those found in other plants 
 of the same order. Cadet de Gassicourt (1824) obtained from the official species a little 
 volatile oil, fat, tannin, a trace of bitter principle, sugar, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Skullcap has been employed in extract, fluid extract, and 
 infusion, and has had some repute in intermittent fever and as a nervine — that is, in dis- 
 eases presenting a depressed and disordered condition of the nervous functions. It has 
 even been recommended in epilepsy when continuously given in a decoction made with 
 Gm. 64 to Gm. 250 (,§ij in ^viij) of water. It is one of several stimulants occasionally 
 useful in nocturnal incontinence of urine. There is no evidence of its virtues which 
 entitles it to a place among official drugs. 
 
SEDTJM. 
 
 1435 
 
 SEDUM.— Stonecrop ; Mossy Stonecrop. 
 
 Joubarhe acre , Poivre des mur allies, Fr. ; Mauerpfeffer, Steinkraut , G. ; Siempreviva 
 menor , Sp. 
 
 Sedum acre, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Crassulacese. 
 
 Description. — This little moss-like spreading plant is indigenous to Europe, where 
 it grows in dry fields and on old walls ; it is cultivated in gardens and runs wild in some 
 places in North America. Its leaves are 3-6 Mm. (4 to i inch) long, alternate, nearly 
 imbricate, in about six spirally turned rows, ovate, thick, convex on the back, punc- 
 tate, and smooth. The flowers are on one side of the branched inflorescence, form- 
 ing scropoid cymes, and have four or five yellow petals, the same number of pistils, 
 and twice that number of stamens. The plant is inodorous and has a mucilaginous 
 and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Mossy stonecrop contains much mucilage and malates (Vauquelin), 
 also rutin (Mylius) ; its acrid principle has not been isolated. 
 
 Allied Species. — Sedum deudroideum, Mocino , is used in Mexico like the preceding. Sedum 
 Telephium, Linne. — Live-for-ever, Garden opine, E. ; Joubarbe des vignes, Grassette, Fr. ; 
 Grosse Fetthenne, G. — It is indigenous to Europe, and in the United States has escaped from 
 cultivation. It has an ascending stem, purplish or greenish flowers, and oval or ovate, obtuse 
 and toothed sessile leaves, which are 5-8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) long, and are either alternate, op- 
 posite, or in whorls of three. 
 
 Sempervivum tectorum, Linne. — Houseleek, E.; Grande joubarbe, Fr. ; Dachwurz, G. ; 
 Siempreviva major, Sp . — It is indigenous to the Alps, but now grows spontaneously through- 
 out Europe on roofs and old walls, and, with several allied species, is cultivated in North America. 
 It has numerous fleshy rosulate radical leaves, which are 2-5 Cm. (1 to 2 inches) long, obovate 
 in shape, of a green color, and on the margin stiff-hairy, and of a brownish or reddish color. 
 The flowers are rose-colored and purplish. The leaves have an acidulous taste and contain 
 malates. 
 
 Pexthorum sedoides, Linn6 (Ditch stonecrop), is not fleshy, has a stem about 40 Cm. (16 
 inches) high, lanceolate-serrate leaves, and terminal spike-like secund racemes of greenish or yel- 
 lowish flowers having a five-beaked ovary. The plant is common in wet places in North America, 
 and is used in nasal catarrh. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man the expressed juice, in large doses, acts as an acrid 
 emetic and purgative, and is capable of blistering the skin. Sedum was formerly in com- 
 mon use as a remedy for scrofula , and was administered internally in decoction and applied 
 to the ulcerated skin, etc. Its emeto-cathartic action was employed in the treatment of 
 intermittent fever , and also in dropsy and epilepsy , with a certain degree of success, but 
 the plant appears to have been found more really useful when it was applied bruised or 
 its expressed juice was used as an application to scrofulous, cancerous, and other ulcers , 
 as a resolvent to enlarged lymphatic glands , and as a dressing for chronic diseases of the 
 skin. The juice has also been used to remove warts and corns. A concentrated decoc- 
 tion of stonecrop in beer, administered to diphtheritic patients, is said to soften the mem- 
 branes and cause their expulsion with vomiting ( Therap . Gaz.Ax. 264). This mode of 
 using it is accused of causing inordinate vomiting and pulmonary congestion, and instead 
 of it the fluid extract may be applied at intervals of three minutes for half an hour by 
 means of a brush, either pure or in the following mixture : R. Fluid ext. of sedum f^j ; 
 oil of turpentine, lactic acid, of each f^ij. The application tends to produce vomiting, 
 or it may be provoked mechanically while the softened and detached membrane is ex- 
 pelled (ibid., p. 449). The dried plant was prescribed internally in powder in the dose 
 of Gm. 0.8—1 (gr. xij-xv), or a decoction was made with a handful of it in a pint of 
 beer. The juice was given in doses of Gm. 8-12 ^iij), or, as others state, of from 
 Gm. 0.5-2 (gr. viij-xxx), in wine. Externally, the bruised fresh plant was generally 
 preferred. 
 
 Houseleek has been described as refrigerant, astringent, antispasm odic, and deter- 
 gent. Its expressed juice was once prized in dysentery and in hysterical disorders, and 
 externally as a dressing for ulcers and chronic skin diseases, haemorrhoids , etc. It is 
 still used to soften corns and warts. Identical virtues have been ascribed to S. tele- 
 phium. 
 
 S. latifolium is related to be used by the Cree Indians as a tea. and they apply the 
 fresh-chewed leaves to wounds, etc. ( Therap . Gaz., viii. 398). 
 
1436 
 
 SELIN UM. — SENEGA . 
 
 SELINUM . — M ARSH-P ARSLE Y . 
 
 Radix olsnitii. — Selin ( Persil ) des marais. Fr. ; Sumpfsilge, Elsenich. G. 
 
 The root of Selinum (Thysselinum, Hoffmann , Peucedanum, Moench ) palustre, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — This is a perennial plant indigenous to Europe, and growing in swampy and 
 moist localities. It is about 1.2 M. (4 feet) high, has twice or thrice pinnately divided 
 and cleft leaves with linear-lanceolate lobes, large and lax compound umbels of white 
 flowers, and oval-oblong brown fruits. 
 
 Description. — The root is about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long, in the upper part nearly 25 
 Mm. (1 inch) thick, one- or several-headed, annulate above, with deep longitudinal 
 wrinkles, grayish-brown, and with scattered whitish suberous warts. The bark is thick, 
 spongy, and brown, and contains a circle of rather large laticiferous vessels ; the meditul- 
 lium is soft and often radially cleft. The root has a strong, disagreeable, somewhat tere- 
 binthinate odor and a pungent and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The chemical constituents are analogous to those of other umbel- 
 liferous roots — volatile oil, mucilage, sugar, etc. Peschier’s selinic acid has not been 
 further investigated. 
 
 Allied Plants. (See Heracleum, p. 812), Imperatoria (p. 864), and Levisticum (p. 935). 
 
 Action and Uses. — The juice of this plant is said to be irritating, and even caustic, 
 in its action. Many years ago it was found to be a popular remedy for epilepsy in the 
 Russian province of Courland. It afterward attracted a good deal of attention in Paris, 
 and received for a time greater credit than it deserved. It was exhibited in powder in 
 the dose of Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx), several times a day. The medicine is no longer 
 employed in epilepsy. 
 
 SENEGA, U. S. — Senega. 
 
 Senegse radix , Br. ; Radix senegse , P. G. — Seneka-root , Senega snaheroot , E. ; Polygale 
 de Virginie, Fr. Cod ; Senegawurzel , G. ; Polygala de Virginie , Sp. 
 
 The root of Polygala Senega, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Polygalacese. 
 
 Origin. — Senega is a native of North America from Canada southward to South 
 Carolina and westward to Wisconsin. It has numerous slender stems about 30 Cm. (1 
 foot) high from each root. The leaves are alternate, sessile, lanceolate or oblong-lanceo- 
 late, rough on the margin, otherwise smooth, and narrowed to both ends. The flowers 
 are nearly sessile, in slender terminal spikes, and have five sepals, of which the two lateral 
 ones are round, petaloid, and rose-colored ; the three petals are whitish. Senega flowers 
 in May and June, and ripens its small two-celled and two-seeded capsule in July. The 
 root is collected in autumn, mainly in the Southern and Western States. 
 
 Description. — Senega-root has a head or crown which is 12-25 Mm. (i or 1 inch) 
 
 in diameter, very knotty from the numer- 
 Fig. 269. ous thin remnants of stems, and is below 
 
 contracted into the root, having a diameter 
 
 Fig. 270. 
 
 Senega-root : section showing one-sided growth of wood 
 and inner bark, magnified 18 diameters. 
 
 Transverse sections of Senega-root. 
 
 of 4—6 Mm. (£ or 4 inch). The root is 10—15 Cm. (4 or 6 inches) long, and divided into 
 
SENEGA. 
 
 1437 
 
 several branches nearly uniform in thickness, which are tapering below, usually spread- 
 ing, more or less tortuous, fleshy and cylindrical when fresh, but after drying twisted 
 and furnished with a projecting ridge or keel, which runs around the root in about one 
 spiral turn from near the base to the tip. Opposite the keel are sometimes seen irreg- 
 ular annulations ; otherwise the root is longitudinally wrinkled. Externally, it varies 
 in color between yellowish-gray and brownish-yellow, and is whitish internally. When 
 cut transversely it presents a porous, yellowish radially striate ligneous portion and a thick 
 white bark. The wood is circular near the crown, and surrrounded by bark nearly uniform 
 in thickness. At some distance from the head the wood presents a more or less irregular 
 appearance, being rounded on one side and only partially developed on the opposite side. 
 The bark is seen to consist of two layers, the inner one of which is found chiefly on the 
 rounded side of the wood, and projects more or less conically into the keel, which is 
 therefore formed by the one-sided development of the inner bark. On soaking the root 
 in water the outer bark swells to a greater extent than the inner layer, and the root 
 
 becomes again nearly cylindrical. Senega-root has a slight odor when dry, but the 
 
 liquid preparations of it have a characteristic rather nauseous odor ; the taste is 
 
 sweetish, and afterward persistently acrid. The root is brittle and breaks with a short 
 
 fracture. 
 
 Senega-root of the above description is collected in Virginia and westward to Arkansas 
 and Missouri, and is sometimes designated as “ Southern senega.” Since about 1870 
 senega of much larger dimensions has frequently been seen in the market ; the head is 
 often 5-8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches), and the top portion of the root sometimes 2 Cm. (| inch) 
 thick ; the root is less contorted, more fleshy, and the branches show the keel often rather 
 indistinctly. Prof. Lloyd (1881) has shown that this “ Northern senega ” is derived from 
 a variety of Polygala senega growing in Minnesota and Wisconsin ; from the lattter state 
 we have also roots agreeing in every respect with Southern senega. 
 
 Constituents. — The acrid taste of senega-root is due to senegin (Gehlen, 1804), 
 polygalin , or polygalic acid (Peschier, 1821). Quevenne (1836) prepared it in a nearly 
 pure condition, and Procter (1859) obtained 5J per cent, of it by exhausting the root 
 with 60 per cent, alcohol, concentrating the tincture to about one-half the weight of the 
 root, removing coloring matter by means of ether, and mixing the syrupy liquid with 
 strong alcohol and ether, which precipitates the polygalic acid as a light fawn-colored 
 powder, requiring to be washed with a mixture of ether and alcohol ; the mother-liquor, 
 from which Procter obtained a small quantity of crystals, seems to contain the salt of an 
 organic acid. Precipitation with baryta gave to Christophsohn a yield of 21 per cent, of 
 white amorphous senegin. Polygalin of Peschier is volatile, and is contained in the aque- 
 ous distillate of the root, therefore identical with the trace of volatile oil observed by 
 Dulong (1827). Bucholz, and afterward Bolley (1854), regarded senegin as identical 
 with saponin ; and this view seems to be sustained by the observations of Christophsohn 
 (1874) and Schneider (1875). But Quevenne obtained from an aqueous solution of 
 senegin only a slight precipitate with lead acetate, which disappeared on the addition 
 of more of the reagent ; while Rochleder and Schwarz state that saponin yields with the 
 same salt a gelatinous precipitate, which, according to Bucholz, is soluble in acetic acid. 
 According to Braconnot and Bussy, saponin is not precipitated by lead acetate. On 
 the other hand, polygalic acid, like saponin, is precipitated from its aqueous solution by 
 baryta ; the products of decomposition of the two bodies by acids appear to be identical ; 
 and the gelatinous mass observed by Quevenne to be produced from his polygalic acid 
 with cold concentrated hydrochloric acid and with boiling dilute mineral acids appears to 
 be sapogenin. Evidently further investigations are required to determine the chemical 
 relations of these bodies. According to Trommsdorff (1832) and Schneider, the activity 
 of senega resides chiefly in the cortical portion ; however, the wood of the large senega 
 described above is quite acrid, though less so than the bark. The odor of senega is partly 
 due to methylsalicylate, as was shown by Reuter (1889). 
 
 Liquid preparations of senega are apt to become gelatinous, which property is usually 
 ascribed to the presence of pectin compounds, but is very likely, at least in part, due to 
 sapogenin, generated under the influence of acids or of other compounds ; the jelly is ren- 
 dered soluble again on the addition of an alkali. Fliickiger ( Pharmakognosie , 2d edit.) 
 obtained from powdered senega by ether 8.68 per cent, of fixed oil containing free acids, 
 and, after saponification and acidulation of the lye, yielding a distillate having the odor 
 of acetic and valerianic acids. The virgineic acid of Quevenne and the bitter principle 
 isolusin of Peschier have not been investigated. Other less important constituents of 
 senega are a little resin, 7 per cent, of sugar, malic acid, etc. 
 
1438 
 
 SENNA . 
 
 Allied Roots and Substitutions. — Polygala Boykinu, Nuttall , a plant growing in the South- 
 ern and South-western States of 
 North America, has a root which 
 has been used by Dr. J. II. Gunn 
 (1881) in place of senega, and 
 which has the same appearance 
 as rather small specimens of the 
 latter, but is destitute of the keel, 
 and has a cylindrical wood and 
 a thinner uniform bark. We be- 
 lieve this to be identical with the 
 white or false senega which was 
 quite common in the market for 
 several years after 1875, but ap- 
 pears to be no longer met with at 
 the present time. It was said to 
 have been collected in South- 
 western Missouri. This root 
 yielded to George Goebel (1881), 
 by Quevenne’s process, 3 per cent, of senegin, and all preparations made with it were much lighter 
 in color than the corresponding preparations of true senega. 
 
 Another kind of so-called white senega which we have seen was amylaceous internally, and 
 had none of the prominent characteristics of the pharmacopoeial drug. 
 
 Ginseng-root and the rhizome of Cypripedium are sometimes found among commercial senega 
 as accidental impurities ; they do not resemble senega-root, and are easily distinguished from it. 
 The same may also be said of the roots of Ionidium Ipecacuanha (p. 895), Cynanchum Yince- 
 toxicum, and of valerian, which have occasionally been mentioned in Europe as adulterations 
 of senega. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Physiological investigation of the action of senega and saponin 
 has shed no light upon their clinical applications. They are practically useless as anaes- 
 thetics and cardiac sedatives. Nor does their mode of action help to explain the recog- 
 nized utility of senega in the dilferent forms of bronchial and pulmonary disorder in 
 which it has been found advantageous These are, first, typhoid pneumonia , in which, a 
 priori , a stimulant and not a sedative remedy is indicated, yet it is precisely in that affec- 
 tion, and not in the inflammatory form of pneumonia, that senega won its reputation, and 
 especially in the decline of the disease, when it would seem that a stimulant expectorant 
 is called for. In like manner senega is useful in bronchorrhoea and in chronic bronchitis 
 with profuse expectoration. Even in croup (spasmodic laryngitis) it is most appropriate 
 after the inflammatory stage with spasm has passed and the affection has become a simple 
 catarrhal laryngitis. In like manner, when it was prescribed in the treatment of amenor- 
 rlicea , the cases in which it seems to have done good were those of passive and not of 
 active congestion of the uterine system. The diuretic operation of senega is too incon- 
 siderable to constitute it a trustworthy remedy in any form of dropsy. 
 
 The dose of powdered senega is from Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx). The fluid extract is 
 officinal. 
 
 SENNA, U. S. — Senna. 
 
 Folia sennse , P. G. ; Senna Alexandrina and S. Indica , Br. — Senna-leaves , E. ; Feuilles 
 de sene , Fr. ; Sennesbldtter , G. 
 
 The leaves of Cassia acutifolia, Delile , and of C. angustifolia, Vahl. Bentley and Tri- 
 men, Med. Plants , 89, 90, 91. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Caesalpineae. 
 
 Origin. — The subgenus Senna of the genus Cassia is regarded by some botanists as 
 a distinct genus, characterized by the absence of glands from the common petiole of the 
 leaves, by the axillary racemose inflorescence, and by the flat, broad, papyraceous legumes, 
 which are indehiscent, cleft on the margin at maturity, and contain near the middle the 
 small triangular or truncately wedge-shaped seeds attached to a long funiculus. The 
 senna-yielding species are small shrubs 60-90 Cm. (2 or 3 feet) high, have small, persist- 
 ent stipules and axillary racemes of yellow flowers. 
 
 Cassia acutifolia, Delile (C. lanceolata, Nectoux, C. Senna /?, Linne, C. orientalis, 
 Persoon, C. lenitiva, Bischoff , Senna acutifolia, Batka). It is found in Upper Egypt and 
 southward to Nubia, Sennaar, and Kordofan, and farther westward in tropical Africa. 
 The leaflets are mostly in four or five pairs, are from 2-3 Cm. (f to 1J inches) long, and 
 about 1 Cm. (|- inch) broad, vary in shape between oval, lance-oval, and lanceolate, and 
 
SENNA. 
 
 1439 
 
 are acute or rather pointed, mucronate, on the under side somewhat hairy or nearly 
 smooth, and are rather thick in texture. The stipules are subulate, and the fruit is 
 broadly oblong, slightly bent, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, and contains about six seeds. 
 
 Fig. 272. Fig. 273. 
 
 Cassia acutifolia, Del. Cassia obovata, Colladon. 
 
 Cassia angustifolia, Vahl (C. elongata, Lemaire , C. lanceolata, Wight et Arnott , C. 
 acutifolia, Nees, C. medica, Forskal , C. medicinalis, Bischoff ‘ Senna officinalis, Roxburgh , 
 S. angustifolia, Batka). It is found in South-western Arabia, 
 along the Somali coast of Africa, and eastward in Northern 
 India. The leaflets are in four to eight pairs, are from 25 to 
 50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) long, 12-19 Mm. (J to f inch) broad, 
 vary in shape from narrow-lanceolate to lance-ovate and oblong- 
 ovate ; are narrowed above to the mucronate apex, slightly 
 pubescent, and beneath somewhat glaucous. The stipules are 
 narrow, and the legumes oblong or oval, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) 
 long, and contain about eight seeds. Batka distinguishes three 
 varieties — namely a dilatata. (a genuina, Bischoff ), the leaflets 
 broadest above the base and in the middle, and gradually taper- 
 ing to the apex ; /? arcuatci (/? Royleana, Bischoff ), the leaflets 
 narrowed at the base, broadest below the middle, and more 
 pointed and thinner than in the preceding variety ; y genuina 
 (j Ehrenbergii, Bischoff ), the leaflets narrower than the pre- 
 ceding varieties, linear-lanceolate, and pointed. The variety /? seems to be a form pro- 
 duced by cultivation at Tinnevelly in Southern India. 
 
 Cassia oboyata, Colladon (C. Senna, Forskal , C. obtusa, Wallich , C. obtusata , Hay ne, 
 Senna obovata, Batka). It is found in Arabia and in Africa from Egypt southward, in 
 Nubia, Abyssinia, and Southern Africa, and westward to Tripoli and Senegal. The leaf- 
 lets are in four to seven pairs, obovate or oblong obovate, mucronulate, clothed with few 
 appressed hairs or nearly smooth. The stipules are linear-lanceolate, acute and rigid, 
 and the legume is curved, rounded at both ends, 38 Mm. (1£ inches) long, and contains 
 about ten seeds. Batka distinguishes three varieties : a genuina , with the leaflets rounded 
 or mucronulate at the apex; /? obtusata , with the leaflets more blunt; and y platicarpa, 
 with shorter racemes and broader and less curved legumes than the preceding. C. obo- 
 vata is cultivated, and has been naturalized in Jamaica. It is mentioned by the British 
 Pharmacopoeia as one of the sources of Alexandria senna, but its leaflets are now rarely 
 met with in the drug. 
 
 Collection. — In Nubia the collection of senna appears to be carried on in the same 
 manner now as it was at the time when Nectoux visited that country near the close of 
 the last century. In the month of September, after the termination of the rains, the 
 natives cut down the shrubs and dry them on the rocks in the sun, after which they are 
 stripped. The leaves are then packed in bags made of palm-leaves and transported by 
 camels to the Nile, and thence to Cairo and Alexandria, from which port the drug derives 
 its name and finds its way into commerce. A second crop, which is frequently very lim- 
 ited, is obtained about the middle of March, when the fruit ripens. 
 
 Description. — The pharmacopoeial varieties of senna are — 
 
 1. Alexandria Senna. This variety has been very variable in quality, and some- 
 times much broken up and mixed with leaf-stalks and fragments of the branches. Leaf- 
 lets of the three species of Cassia described above have at times been observed in the 
 commercial article, but of late years the drug consisted chiefly of the leaflets of C. 
 acutifolia, to the exclusion of the other species. Recently, however, we have seen 
 
 Fig. 274. 
 
 Cassia elongata, Lem. 
 
1440 
 
 SENNA. 
 
 samples containing again, to a limited extent, the leaflets of C. obovata, which is called 
 
 by the Arabs senna baladi ( wild senna ), 
 and is regarded in Egypt as much less 
 valuable than the senna jabeli ( mountain- 
 senna ), the C. acutifolia. Alexandria senna 
 requires to be freed from argel-leaves (not 
 by P. G.) and from discolored leaves, and 
 frequently needs sifting and picking in 
 order to separate stalks, foreign leaves, 
 fruits, and earthy impurities (see below). 
 Including finely-broken leaves, such impu- 
 rities amount sometimes* to from 40 to 
 nearly 60 per cent, of the weight of the 
 drug. Alexandria senna is of a pale-green 
 color, of a thickish texture, plainly veined, 
 finely hairy, mainly on the midrib, and pos- 
 sesses a somewhat tea-like odor and a muci- 
 laginous afterward bitterish and nauseous 
 taste. Like the other varieties of senna, the leaflets are oblique and uneven toward the 
 base. 
 
 Identical with the preceding in its botanical origin is Tripoli senna , which comes by 
 caravans from the interior of Africa to Tripoli, but rarely reaches this country. It is 
 frequently much broken up, and even discolored, but otherwise free from for- 
 eign leaves, though not from other impurities, including legumes, stalks, and 
 earthy matters. 
 
 2. India senna consists solely of the leaflets of C. angustifolia, but is met 
 with of different qualities, the handsomest being — 
 
 Tinnevelly senna . It is the kind recognized by the Br. P. as Senna Indica, 
 and consists of the carefully-dried and fully -matured leaflets of the variety 
 arcuata, which are dull-green in color, smooth or slightly pubescent beneath, 
 and are free from stalks, legumes, broken or discolored leaves, and other im- 
 purities. Their odor is similar to that of Alexandria senna, but the taste is 
 more mucilaginous and less nauseous. • 
 
 East India or Bombay senna has the same origin, but is less carefully dried, 
 and frequently contains smaller and somewhat discolored leaflets. It is not 
 unfrequently sold here as Tinnevelly senna. 
 
 Arabian or Mecca senna , also sold as Bombay senna, is collected and dried with still less 
 care, and is often mixed with brown leaflets and with legumes. 
 
 Allied Drugs and Admixtures. — Cassia (Senna, Batka ) pubescens, R. Brown , s. C. Schimperi, 
 Steudel. The leaflets are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, oval or ovate, obtuse, mucronate, soft- 
 hairy on both sides, and ciliate on the margin. They have occasionally been met with in Mecca 
 senna. 
 
 Cassia brevipes, De Candolle. The leaflets w^re sent from Central America to Great Britain 
 in 1875; they resemble India senna, but have three veins running nearly parallel from the 
 base to the blunt apex, and their infusion was found by Holmes to be destitute of purgative 
 properties. 
 
 Cassia marilandica, Linn6 (U. S . 1870); Folia sennae Americans. — Sen6 Americain, Fr. ; 
 Amerikanische Senna, G. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 88. — This perennial plant is found 
 in low grounds and along streams from the New England States and New York south to the 
 Carolinas and west to the Mississippi. It produces erect branching stems .9—1.5 M. (3 to 5 feet) 
 high, and has pinnate leaves on petioles 25-50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) long and with a nearly sessile 
 gland near the base on the upper side, six to nine pairs of leaflets, numerous pedunculate erect 
 racemes near the top of the branches, showy yellow or whitish flowers with dark veins, and 
 legumes which are finally smooth, linear, compressed, often curved, and somewhat sinuate on the 
 raised edges ; the ovate oblong seeds are separated by transverse dissepiments. It flowers in 
 August and ripens its fruit in October. It belongs to the subgenus Chamaesenna, which differs 
 from senna mainly in the narrow glands upon the petioles and in the dehiscent legumes. The 
 leaflets are 25 or 50 Mm. (1 to 2 inches) long, about 12 Mm. (J inch) wide, on short foot-stalks, 
 smooth, ovate oblong to elliptic, uneven at the base, green above and paler beneath. Collected 
 in summer, the leaflets have an herbaceous odor, but if collected in September or the beginning 
 of October, after the plant is out of bloom, they acquire a distinct senna odor. They are thinner 
 in texture and larger than Alexandria senna, and lose on drying about 70 per cent, of moisture. 
 The analyses of J. J. Martin (1835) and E. L. Perot (1855) did not throw any light upon the 
 active principle, assuming that the leaves contain such. The usual constituents of leaves, a 
 
 Fig. 276. 
 
 Solenostemma 
 argel, Hayne . 
 
 Fig. 275. 
 
SENNA. 
 
 1441 
 
 minute quantity of volatile oil, some fat, resin, mucilage, etc., were found, in addition to a com- 
 plex body resembling the formerly so-called cathartin of senna. 
 
 Solenostemma (Cyxanchum, Delile) Argel, Hayne , s. Cyn. oleaefolium, Nectoux (nat. ord. 
 Asclepiadaceae). The leaves constitute the principal adulteration of Alexandria senna, aside 
 from stalks and earthy admixtures. They resemble senna-leaves closely in size, shape, and 
 color, but are readily distinguished by the indistinctness of their lateral veins and by their even 
 base ; they are also more leathery in texture, have a wrinkled surface, are grayish-green, pubes- 
 cent, and of a decidedly bitter taste. They are often accompanied by the flower-buds of the same 
 plant, by the whitish flowers, or occasionally by the slender pear-shaped fruit, which is 38 Mm. 
 (1| inches) long, and contains numerous hairy tufted seeds. The plant inhabits 
 Upper Egypt, but is never collected with senna, the addition being made to supply Fig. 277. 
 the demand. 
 
 The leaflets of Tephrosia (Galega, Delile ) apollinea, De Candolle , a leguminous 
 plant of Southern Europe, are said to have been sometimes noticed as an adultera- 
 tion of senna ; they are somewhat uneven at the base, but their shape is obovate and 
 they are emarginate at the apex. 
 
 The leaves of Coriaria are described on page 543, and the leaflets of Colutea on 
 page 526 ; they are rarely, if ever, met with now as adulterations of senna. 
 
 Globularia Alypum, Linne (nat. ord. Globulariaceae). The shrub is indigenous 
 to Southern Europe ; the leaves, which are used as a substitute for senna, are nearly 
 sessile, obovate-oblong, entire or slightly toothed, finely granular, and on the lower Tep !]™ sl a a 
 side bluish-green. Walz found in the leaves a peculiar tannin and an amorphous D e c. ’ 
 bitter principle, globularin. which is precipitated by tannin, is soluble in water, 
 alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and is a glucoside. Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen (1882) found 
 its composition to be C 15 H 20 O 8 , and that of its decomposition-product, globularetin, C 9 H 6 0 ; the 
 latter, heated with alkalies, yields cinnamic acid, which also exists in the leaves, together with 
 mannit, wax, etc. 
 
 Constituents. — Senna-leaves have been frequently subjected to analysis, but the 
 results are even at the present time not entirely satisfactory. Lassaigne and Feneuille’s 
 cathartin was found by Heerlein (1843) to be destitute of active cathartic properties. 
 Winckler (1840) obtained the bitter principle again in an impure state; but in the 
 same year chrysoretin was isolated by Bley and Diesel, and this substance was sub- 
 sequently (1857) pronounced by C. Martius to be identical with chrysophanic acid , 
 and to be mixed with phstoretin and fatty acids. Bourgoin (1871) ascertained cathartin 
 to be free from cathartic acid, but to be a mixture of sugar, chrysophanic acid, and chrys- 
 ophanin , which latter is white, soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, and is not precipi- 
 tated by lead acetate. Ludwig (1864) obtained an acrid and a bitter principle, both of 
 which are absorbed by charcoal, but sennacrol is soluble and sennapicrin is insoluble in 
 ether. From the investigations of Dragendorff and Kubly (1866) and Groves (1868) 
 there can be no doubt that the cathartic properties of senna reside mainly, if not exclu- 
 sively, in the calcium and magnesium salts of cathartic acid , which are insoluble in 
 alcohol, but soluble in water, and may be obtained by precipitating a concentrated infu- 
 sion of senna with an equal bulk of absolute alcohol : the liquid filtered from the precipi- 
 tated mucilage and salts is mixed with more absolute alcohol as long as a precipitate is 
 produced. This precipitate is washed with alcohol, dissolved in a little water, freed from 
 albumen by a few drops of hydrochloric acid, the filtrate completely precipitated by 
 the addition of more hydrochloric acid ; the impure cathartic acid thus obtained is purified 
 by dissolving in 60 per cent, alcohol and precipitating by ether. T. B. Groves (1868) 
 takes advantage of the colloidal properties of cathartic acid, and purifies it by dissolving 
 the crude cathartate in moderately strong hydrochloric acid and subjecting the solution 
 to dialysis on a diaphragm of parchment-paper. Thus obtained, cathartic acid contains 
 nitrogen and sulphur, and is a brown, and after drying a black, amorphous substance, which 
 is insoluble in water, but dissolves in alkalies, from which solutions it is again precipi- 
 tated by acids. The cathartates of the alkalies and alkaline earths are soluble in water, 
 but insoluble in alcohol. On boiling the alcoholic solution of cathartic acid with hydro- 
 chloric acid it yields 34 per cent, of glucose and 65 of cathartogenic acid , which is a 
 yellowish-brown powder insoluble in water and ether. According to Groves, the long- 
 continued action of heat on cathartates exposed to air in watery solution decomposes 
 them, rendering them inert ; organic acids, added to the aqueous solutions of cathartates, 
 precipitate cathartic acid, but, unlike the mineral acids, do not decompose it on boiling. 
 Dragendorff and Kubly obtained also a dextrogyrate saccharine substance, cathar toman- 
 nit. in verrucose crystals, and regard the yellow coloring matter as similar to, but distinct 
 from, chrysophanic acid ; it is probably the glucoside chrysophan. (See Rheum.) Keuss- 
 ler (1878) prepared from senna chrysophanic acid and inactive cathartomannit. L. Sie- 
 bold (1875) found that senna-leaves treated with strong alcohol are rather less purgative 
 91 
 
1442 
 
 SERPENTA RIA. 
 
 than the unextracted leaves, hut he confirmed the earlier observations, that the alcoholic 
 extract is destitute of such action, though it contains the griping principles. Diehl (1875) 
 made similar observations. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Species laxantes, P. G. Senna-leaves 16 parts, elder- 
 flowers 10 parts, fennel and anise each 5 parts, are cut, bruised, and mixed with 4 parts 
 of cream of tartar. A uniform mixture cannot thus be obtained, since the powdered 
 cream of tartar separates readily ; it is therefore recommended by Thanisch to moisten 
 the unbruised fennel and anise with simple syrup, and then to mix them with the cream 
 of tartar, which after drying will adhere. Another advantage is that the volatile oils 
 will then not be exposed to the air. 
 
 Species laxantes St. Germain. The formula is practically identical with the pre- 
 ceding, except that senna-leaves, previously exhausted by alcohol, are used. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In man an infusion of senna injected into the veins has occa- 
 sioned both vomiting and purging (Wibmer ; Mitscherlisch) ; but Mr. Stockman admin- 
 istered, subcutaneously and by the jugular vein, large doses of cathartic acid without 
 causing purgation (Am. Jour. Pliar ., lvii. 261). Some persons are so susceptible to the 
 action of senna as to be purged even by its odor or by that of its infusion. It renders 
 the milk of a nursing woman purgative to her infant. It is very apt to create flatulence, 
 nausea, and colic unless associated with some lenitive or aromatic substance. It produces 
 yellow stools, and its action is not followed by constipation. It never occasions hyper- 
 catharsis. Its operation is said to be promoted by bitter medicines, such as Colombo, and 
 hence it is a valuable purgative when constipation is associated with debility of the 
 bowels. Cathartic acid has a sour and somewhat astringent taste. It passes through the 
 system without decomposition, and affects the milk of nursing women like senna itself. 
 In the dose of Gm. 0.10-0.20 (1 J to 3 grains) it occasions griping and liquid yellow stools. 
 Therapeutists of last century employed the leaf-stalks and the seed-pods of senna as 
 milder purgatives than the leaves. The use of the pods has been recently revived by 
 Macfarlane ( Lancet , July, 1889, p. 164), who claims that the infusion of them is almost 
 free from taste and smell, and, though slower in their action than the leaves, do not cause 
 griping or flatulence. Senna-leaves treated by alcohol to exhaust them of their resinous 
 and odorous principles, to which their griping and nauseous taste are due, retain their 
 cathartic action in part, but to a less degree than the pods possess it (Am. Jour. Pliar ., 
 lxi. 581). 
 
 The uses of senna were learned from the Arabians, who employed it in various local 
 affections, especially of the skin. Their later authorities refer to its tendency to gripe, 
 to obviate which they recommended its association with violets, prunes, and other leni- 
 tives. Even now it is seldom given alone, but generally with some corrective of its grip- 
 ing qualities, as with coriander in the simple infusion, or with tamarinds, or with Epsom 
 or Rochelle salt, manna, and fennel-seed, as in the infusion known as the “ black draught.” 
 Care should be taken not to let the leaves macerate too long, nor to compress them when 
 the liquid of the infusion is decanted, lest their acrid principle be taken up and produce 
 griping. The dose of either of these infusions is Gm. 64-128 (fgij-iv), repeated every 
 two or three hours until its purgative effects begin to be felt. The infusions are better 
 purgatives than the simple tincture, for water extracts from senna a larger proportion of 
 its purgative principle than alcohol. An excellent laxative is the compound powder of 
 liquorice, whose active ingredient is senna, as it also is of “ Tamar Indien.” 
 
 American senna is identical with Alexandria senna in the mode of its operation, but a 
 dose one-third larger of it is required. At best, it is but a poor substitute for the African 
 drug. 
 
 SERPENTARIA, 77. S, — Serpentaria (Virginia Snakeroot). 
 
 Serpentanse rhizoma ( radix ), Br. — Serpentaire ( Viperine) de Virginie , F. Cod.; Vir- 
 ginische Schlangenwurzel , G. ; Serpentaria de Virginia , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome and rootlets of Aristolochia (Endodeca, Klotzsch ) Serpentaria, Linne , and 
 of Aristolochia reticulata, Nuttall. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 246. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Aristolochiaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The two plants from which Virginia snakeroot is derived are perennial 
 herbs, with slender erect zigzag stems about 30 Cm. (12 inches) high, alternate cordate 
 or cordately-ovate leaves, and with purple flowers, which grow on slender flexuose branches 
 from the lower nodes, and have the tube of the perianth inflated at both ends and bent like 
 the letter S. Arist. Serpentaria has the leaves petiolate, pointed, thin, and somewhat 
 
SERPENTARIA. 
 
 1443 
 
 pubescent, and is found in rich woodlands from Connecticut westward to the Mississippi, 
 and southward in the middle and southern part of the United States ; it is not common 
 except near the Alleghany Mountains. The variety hastata (Aris. sagittata, Muhlenberg , 
 Ar. hastata, Nutt-all ) is smaller, more slender, has narrow lance-oblong auriculate leaves, 
 and grows in South Carolina and westward. Arist. reticulata has the leaves subsessile, 
 obtuse, thickish, reticulate, and hirsute, and is indigenous to Louisiana and Texas. 
 
 Description. — Virginia snakeroot consists of a rhizome which is about 25 Mm. (1 
 inch) long, 3 Mm. (£ inch) thick, is bent up and down, and bears on the upper side the 
 short approximate stem-remnants, which are flat or slightly convex above ; below and on 
 the sides are numerous thin branching rootlets, 7-15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, and matted 
 together. It is of a dull yellowish-brown color, and has an aromatic camphoraceous odor 
 and a bitterish, aromatic, camphoraceous, and somewhat terebinthinate taste. The drug 
 derived from Ar. reticulata is sometimes distinguished in commerce as Red River or Texas 
 snakeroot ; it closely resembles the preceding, but has a somewhat thicker rhizome and 
 coarser, rather longer, and less interlaced rootlets. On transverse section the rhizome is 
 seen to consist of a thin bark containing some oil-cells, and an eccentric wood with broad, 
 slightly-curved medullary rays, and enclosing a pith which is near the upper side. The root- 
 lets have a thick bark containing scattered oil-cells and a thin angular central ligneous cord. 
 
 Constituents. — Bucholz (1807) determined the presence in serpentaria of about £ 
 per cent, of volatile oil and of resinous, extractive, and mucilaginous matters. The 
 volatile oil is brownish-yellow, lighter than water, and has an odor and taste resembling 
 those of a mixture of valerian and camphor. The bitter principle was obtained by 
 Chevallier (1820) by precipitating the decoction with lead acetate, exhausting the pre- 
 cipitate with hot alcohol, evaporating, and treating the residue with water, which dissolves 
 the bitter principle. Feneulle (1826) found the bitter principle in the filtrate from the 
 precipitate occasioned in the decoction by lead acetate. It is yellow, amorphous, soluble 
 
 in water and alcohol, yields precipitates with tannin and 
 Fig. 278. various metallic salts, and appears to resemble the bitter 
 
 principle contained in the rhizome of Aristolochia Clematitis, 
 Linne. A small quantity of tannin, malic acid, albumen, su- 
 gar, and other common constituents are also contained in 
 serpentaria. According to T. S. Wiegand (1844), Bed River 
 snakeroot has the same constituents, but is more mucilagi- 
 nous and yields a somewhat larger proportion of volatile oil. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. — As found in com- 
 merce, serpentaria frequently has portions of the stem at- 
 tached, sometimes with leaves and with the six-sided and six- 
 celled capsules. Ginseng-root and the rhizomes of cypripe- 
 dium and of hydrastis are occasionally met with as accidental 
 impurities, but Milleman (1874) also observed hydrastis as 
 an evident intentional adulteration of serpentaria. Spigelia 
 is occasionally used for the same purpose. All these impuri- 
 
 Fig. 279. 
 
 Fig. 280. 
 
 Aristolochia serpentaria, Linne. 
 
 Transverse section 
 of rhizome. 
 
 ties and adulterations may, however, be easily identified from the characters of these 
 drugs, as described elsewhere. 
 
1444 
 
 SEVUM.—SINAPIS NIGRA. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In large doses it occasions nausea, eructation, vomiting, and 
 flatulence, but not diarrhoea ; it gives rise to some fulness of the head and quickens the 
 circulation. In certain states of the system it promotes perspiration, but experiments 
 with it on healthy persons give no indication of its virtues in disease. They are mani- 
 fested in typhus and typhoid fever , and in the typhoid state generally, whenever the pulse 
 is feeble or irregular, the skin cool and clammy, the iriouth fuliginous, the eyes injected 
 and dull, and the mind delirious or stupid. When, in addition, the urine and faeces are 
 dark and fetid, the skin covered with ecchymoses, etc., serpentaria is indicated, and with 
 it cinchona and alcohol. Such an association of medicines exists in the compound tinc- 
 ture of cinchona, which from the days of Huxham, who invented it, has been an habitual 
 remedy in these affections. In typhoid pneumonia serpentaria is much relied on, and also 
 in low forms of diphtheria . The fluid extract is stated to be an excellent topical appli- 
 cation for poisoning by Rhus toxicodendron. 
 
 Aristolochin (Pohl) is said to produce uraemic intoxication in warm-blooded animals. 
 
 The dose of serpentaria in powder is Gm. 0-60-2 (gr. x-xxx). The infusion, which is 
 official (.Sr.), is the best simple preparation of the medicine, but the fluid extract, the 
 tincture, and especially the compound tincture, are much more commonly employed. 
 
 SEVUM, 77. S * — Suet ; Mutton Suet. 
 
 Sevum pr separatum, Br. ; Sebum ovile ( ovillum ), P. G. — Saif de mouton, Fr. Cod.; Talg , 
 Ilammeltalg, G. ; Sibo de carnero , Sp. 
 
 The internal fat of the abdomen of Ovis Aries, Linne , purified by melting and 
 straining. 
 
 Class Mammalia. Ord. Buminantia. 
 
 Origin. — The domesticated sheep is by zoologists considered to be a variety either 
 of the argali of Siberia, Ovis Amnion, Linne, or of the South European muflon, Ovis 
 Musimon, Linne. The part employed is the internal fat of the abdomen, which is cut 
 into small pieces, melted by the aid of a moderate heat, and strained (prepared suet). 
 
 Properties. — Mutton suet is a white, smooth, solid, nearly inodorous fat, which on 
 exposure to air gradually becomes rancid. It has a neutral reaction and bland taste, 
 melts between 44° and 50° C. (111.2° and 122° F.), and congeals between 37° and 40° C. 
 (98.6° and 104° F.), with a rise of temperature of nearly 5° C. (39° F.), fresh suet having 
 the lower melting- and congealing-point. It dissolves in 44 parts of boiling alcohol of 
 specific gravity 0.820, but is insoluble in cold alcohol ; on warming equal parts of suet and 
 alcohol, agitating thoroughly, and afterward cooling, the clear alcoholic liquid does not 
 become turbid on the addition of water (absence of fat acids). According to Lecanu, suet 
 requires over 60 parts of cold ether for solution ; it is slowly soluble in 2 parts of benzin, 
 and crystallizes again from this solution on keeping it for some time in a closed vessel. 
 
 Composition. — According to Chevreul and Heintz, mutton suet consists of 70 per 
 cent, of stearin and palmitin, 30 per cent, of olein, and a trace of hircin ; the latter is the 
 glyceryl compound of hircic acid, which is a colorless oil, of a peculiar goat-like and 
 acetous odor, has a strong acid reaction, and is freely soluble in alcohol. The olein pre- 
 pared by expressing the suet is nearly colorless, has a slight odor, and dissolves in about 
 1,| parts of boiling absolute alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Suet, when perfectly fresh, forms a suitable dressing for blis- 
 tered and other excoriated surfaces, but it is very apt to grow rancid, and is then decidedly 
 irritant. It is used as an ingredient of various ointments, cerates, and plasters, and gives 
 them a firmer consistence than they would derive from lard. 
 
 SIN APIS ALBA, 77. S.— White (Yellow) Mustard. 
 
 Semen erucse. — Moutarde blanche, Fr. ; Weisser Senf G. ; Mostaza bianco, Sp. 
 
 The seed of Brassica (Sinapis, Linne, Leucosinapis, Spach) alba, Hooker filius et Thomp- 
 son. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 23. 
 
 SINAPIS NIGRA, 77. S.— Black Mustard. 
 
 Sinapis nigrse semina, Br. ; Semen sinapis, P. G. — Moutarde noire, Fr. Cod. ; Schwarzer 
 Senf, G. ; Mostaza negra,, Sp. 
 
 The seed of Brassica (Sinapis, Linne ) nigra, Koch, s. Brassica sinapiodes, Roth. Bent- 
 ley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 22. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Cruciferae, Siliquosae. 
 
SINAPTS NIGRA. 
 
 1445 
 
 Origin. — Both white and black mustard have escaped from cultivation in the United 
 States, and are sometimes found wild here. Both are indigenous to Southern Europe 
 and Western Asia, and now grow as weeds throughout a great portion of Europe and 
 Middle Asia, black mustard extending farther to the north, and white mustard farther 
 eastward to China. The two plants are annuals, and have thin, branching, spindle-shaped 
 roots, lyrate- pinnatifid lower leaves, compact and finally elongated racemes of yellow 
 flowers, and beaked three- to six-seeded pods. White mustard is retrorsely hairy, has 
 the upper leaves stalked, three-lobed and toothed, and the pods hairy, ascending, beaded 
 by the seeds, and furnished with a prominent sword-shaped beak, containing a seed at 
 its base. Black mustard is larger, .9 or 1.2 M. (3 or 4 feet) high, smooth above, has the 
 upper leaves slightly toothed or entire, and produces smooth linear pods which are appressed 
 to the axis and furnished with a short beak. 
 
 White and black mustard-seeds, powdered and mixed, are admitted by the British 
 Pharmacopoeia together as sinapis, but separately by the U. S. and French Pharma- 
 copoeias. The German Pharmacopoeia recognizes black mustard-seed alone as Semen 
 sinapis. 
 
 Description. — 1. White Mustard-seed. The seeds are globular or nearly so, 
 about 2 Mm. (jL inch) in diameter, weigh about .005 Gm., and are on one end marked 
 with a small circular hilum and on the inner side with two shallow grooves. The testa 
 is of a yellowish or pale grayish-brown color, very finely pitted and somewhat rough. 
 
 Fig. 281. 
 
 Fig. 282. 
 
 Black Mustard-seed: entire, magnified. 
 
 Embryo. 
 
 Fig. 283. 
 
 Transverse section. 
 
 The seed is inodorous, but when masticated has a pungent and acrid taste. Its internal 
 structure is identical with that of the next. 
 
 2. Black mustard-seed resembles the preceding in shape, but has only a diameter 
 of 1 Mm. (^g- inch) and an average weight of .001 Gin., is blackish-brown or deep reddish- 
 brown, has the testa covered with shallow pits, and when crushed and macerated with 
 water acquires a strong and pungent odor. 
 
 Both seeds, after the integuments have been removed, contain an embryo having the 
 shape of the seed, the cotyledons of which are folded along their midribs, one covering 
 the other, while the radicle is turned back and enclosed between the folds of the inner 
 cotyledon. This arrangement is well shown on a transeverse section of the seed, which 
 exhibits on one side the round radicle near and between the edges of the plano-convex 
 folds of the inner cotyledon, and these are surrounded by the concavo-convex folds of 
 the outer cotyledon. In both seeds the embryo is yellow and very oily, and imparts to 
 the powder of white mustard a dull pale-yellow, and to that of black mustard a yellow- 
 ish-green color. 
 
 Constituents. — Both seeds are free from starch, and when crushed and subjected 
 to pressure yield from 20 to 25 per cent, of a yellow or brownish-yellow fixed oil, which 
 congeals between — 15° and — 17.5° C. (5° and .5° F.) to a butyraceous mass. This 
 fixed oil of mustard does not readily turn rancid, has a bland taste, and consists of olein 
 with some stearin and the glycerides of erucic acid, C 22 H 42 0 2 , and of helienic acid , C 22 H 44 0 2 
 (p. 1154), but when expressed between heated plates from black mustard it has to some 
 extent the pungent odor and taste of these seeds after maceration in water. The oils 
 have the specific gravity 0.916, and give with sulphuric acid a green or blue-green after- 
 ward brown color, and with fuming nitric acid a red color. Erucic or hrassic acid forms 
 white shining tasteless needles which fuse at about 34° C. (93.2° F.). It was discovered 
 by Darby (1849), who isolated also another fatty acid, sinapoleic acid, which, according 
 to Stadeler (1853), has the formula C 20 H ;48 O 2 . The two kinds of mustard-seed contain 
 a considerable amount of mucilage in the epidermis, and various ptoteids, the most 
 interesting of which is myrosin ; and this is obtainable, according to Bussy (1839), from 
 
1446 
 
 SINAPIS NIGRA . 
 
 the cold infusion of white mustard by concentrating it below 40° C. (104° F.) and pre- 
 cipitating the syrupy liquid with not too large a quantity of alcohol. Myrosin acts as 
 a ferment upon two distinct principles, one being contained in white and the other in 
 black mustard, and yields among their products of decomposition those compounds to 
 which the acrid and pungent properties of both seeds are due. Myrosin is coagulated 
 by heat and by alcohol ; hence black mustard introduced into boiling water does not 
 yield the volatile oil. Both mustard-seeds yield from 4 to 5 per cent, of ash, containing 
 37.4 per cent, of phosphoric acid. 
 
 The principle of white mustard yielding the acrid compound was fully investigated by 
 H. Will (1870), and named by him sinalbin , C 30 H 44 N 2 S 2 O 16 . It had been previously 
 obtained in a nearly pure state, and was experimented with by Henry and Garot, Bou- 
 tron, Bobiquet, Winckler, Babo, and others, being described as sinapine sulphocyanate , 
 sulpho-sinapisin , sinapin, and under various other names. Sinalbin is obtained from white 
 mustard which has been deprived of its fixed oil by exhausting it with boiling alcohol, 
 from which it crystallizes on cooling. When pure it forms small glass-like inodorous 
 bitter prisms which are freely soluble in water, but sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, and 
 insoluble in ether, oil of turpentine, and carbon disulphide ; it is perfectly neutral, is 
 not colored by ferric chloride, yields white precipitates with corrosive sublimate and 
 silver nitrate, is colored yellow by traces of alkalies, and by myrosin is decomposed into 
 sugar, acid, sinapine sulphate , C 16 H 23 N0 5 .H 2 S0 4 , and acrinyl sulphocyanate , C 7 H 7 O.NCS. 
 This last compound is obtainable by agitating the aqueous liquid with ether, on the 
 evaporation of which it remains as a nearly colorless, thick, non-volatile oil, which is 
 readily soluble in alcohol and ether, has a sweetish, afterward acrid and biting taste, 
 and possesses epispastic properties ; it is not colored red by ferric chloride until after its 
 alcoholic solution has been heated with an alkali and again acidulated. Sinapine is an 
 alkaloid which has not been isolated, since it is readily decomposed ; the solution of its 
 salts are colored yellow by alkalies, and on boiling the mixtures yield a strong base, 
 sinkaline and sinapic acid , the barium salt of which is nearly insoluble in cold water ; 
 Van Babo and Hirschbrunn (1852) gave these two compounds the formulas C 5 H 13 NO 
 and C n H 12 0 5 . 
 
 A principle analogous to sinalbin exists in black mustard, and was recognized by 
 Bussy as a peculiar acid, myronic acid, combined with potassium. Although he observed 
 also volatile oil of mustard among its products of decomposition by myrosin, the exact 
 composition and behavior of potassium myronate, for which Will (1870) proposed the 
 name sinigrin , were not ascertained until investigated by Will and Korner (1863). Sini- 
 grin is obtained from black mustard exhausted with boiling strong alcohol by treating it 
 with cold water, adding a little barium carbonate to the infusion, evaporating to a syrupy 
 consistence, and boiling this residue repeatedly with 85 per cent, alcohol, on the evapora- 
 tion of which sinigrin is left. The yield is .5 to .6 per cent. When pure it is in white, 
 silky, inodorous needles, or, if crystallized from water, in short glass-like prisms, has 
 a cooling bitter taste, dissolves in water, is insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene, 
 and nearly insoluble in absolute alcohol. When treated with myrosin it is decomposed 
 into allyl sulphocyanate or volatile oil of mustard, C 4 H 5 NS (see page 1154), acid potassium 
 sulphate, KHS0 4 , and sugar. The analogous decompositions of the peculiar principles 
 of white and black mustard are explained by the following equations : 
 
 Sinalbin, C 30 H 44 N 2 S 2 O 16 = C 8 H 7 NSO + C ]6 H 25 NS0 9 + C 6 H 12 0 6 . 
 
 Sinigrin, C 10 H 18 NS 2 KO 10 = C 4 H 5 NS + HKS0 4 + C 6 H 12 0 6 . 
 
 Adulterations. — Mustard-seed is not subject to adulteration, but ground mustard 
 is very often mixed with various farinaceous substances, and the cold decoction will then 
 acquire a blue or greenish tint on the addition of an aqueous solution of iodine. Ground 
 white mustard has a dull gray-yellow color, which is often rendered brighter by the 
 addition of turmeric ; it will then respond to the test for starch, and will acquire a red- 
 brown color with solution of boric acid or of borax. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Brassica (Sinapis, Limit?) juncea, Hooker flius, is extensively cultivated in 
 Southern Russia, and constitutes the Sarepta or Russian mustard. It is likewise cultivated in 
 Africa and India, and is exported from the latter country to Europe. The seeds closely resemble 
 those of black mustard and yield the same products. 
 
 Br. sinapistrum, Boissier, s. Sinapis arvensis, Limit, called charlock, is a European annual, 
 and a troublesome weed in some parts of the United States, and has nearly smooth, dark-brown 
 seeds, which are sihaller and less pungent than those of black mustard. 
 
 Br. campestris, Linnt, is extensively cultivated in several varieties, the principal ones being 
 
SIN A PIS NIGRA. 
 
 1447 
 
 Br. Napus, with glaucous foliage, and Br. Rapa, with green foliage ; they yield the various kinds 
 of turnip , and the seeds, which are respectively 2 and 1.5 Mm. ( T \ and inch) thick, and less 
 pungent than black mustard-seed, are used for obtaining the bland yellowish rape-seed and colza 
 oil (lluile de navette, de colza, Fr. ; Riibol, Rapsol, Kohlsaatbl, G.). These oils are brownish 
 or greenish-yellow, have a somewhat acrid taste, are more bland after refining, yellow, of about 
 the spec. grav. 0.913, congeal near — 5° C. (23° F.), and are colored green-brown or brownish- 
 yellow by sulphuric acid. 
 
 Raphanus raphanistrum, Linn<Z, is a weed known as wild radish and jointed charlock. Ac- 
 cording to Pless (1846), the seeds contain also oil of mustard, but the sulphuretted volatile oil 
 obtained from the garden radish, Raphanus sativus, Linnt, appears to be different. The fixed 
 oils expressed from these seeds closely resemble those of mustard-seeds. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Mustard-seed, taken whole in doses of a teaspoonful three or 
 four times a day, have a laxative action upon the bowels and are discharged without per- 
 ceptible change. As cases have occurred in which an accumulation of them obstructed 
 the bowel, and as they also may possibly find their way, with fatal effect, into the vermi- 
 form appendix, they should be used cautiously and swallowed with a large quantity of 
 water. 
 
 Powdered mustard applied to the tongue or throat causes prickling and burning. It 
 promotes the digestion of food, but too much of it or its prolonged use enfeebles the 
 stomach. In large quantities, a teaspoonful or more, diffused through tepid water, it acts 
 as a prompt and efficient emetic. Care should be taken to evacuate all of the mustard 
 swallowed. 
 
 Applied as a sinapism to the skin, it produces after several minutes an acute prickling, 
 stinging, and burning pain, the skin grows red, and, if the application is too prolonged, is 
 blistered. The blisters are followed by ulcers which are very difficult to heal. The 
 rapidity and completeness of the effect depend upon the delicacy of the skin to which the 
 sinapism is applied. Hence great caution should be observed in prescribing it for chil- 
 dren and females. Gangrene and death have resulted from applying a mustard poultice 
 to the swollen glands of a child’s neck. 
 
 On the other hand, when the skin is naturally tough or when its vitality is impaired* 
 by collapse, chill, or low states of the system generally, sinapisms may fail to exert any 
 influence whatever. In these several cases sinapisms made with water are referred to ; 
 those made with vinegar possess very inferior activity, and the mustard is less active in 
 proportion as the vinegar is stronger. This fact, although now generally unknown, the 
 ancients were well acquainted with. 
 
 The effects of a general mustard bath at 86° F. are singular. At first wandering chills 
 are felt in the loins, back, abdomen, and limbs, followed by a feeling of decided coldness 
 and twitching of the extremities. % There is even suffering from a sense of cold. Later, 
 and even after the skin has become red, the sensation of coldness continues until the 
 patient leaves the water, when reaction is speedily established, with stinging and burning 
 of the integument. 
 
 Volatile oil of mustard is a powerful irritant. A single drop of it upon the tongue 
 causes a severe burning pain which extends to the throat, nose, and stomach. Upon the 
 skin it acts promptly as a vesicant and caustic. 
 
 For internal purposes, and particularly where the whole seed is given, white mustard- 
 seed is to be preferred. In atonic dyspepsia with constipation it has long been employed 
 with advantage in the dose of a teaspoonful and in a draught of water before or after 
 meals. It prevents flatulence, promotes digestion, and keeps the bowels regular. But, 
 like all condiments, it loses its effect by use. An infusion of mustard has sometimes suc- 
 ceeded in arresting obstinate hiccough. It is one of the most prompt and efficient emetics 
 which can be used in cases of narcotic poisoning. In the early stage of delirium tremens 
 a mustard emetic will sometimes cut short the attack. In atonic dropsy mustard whey 
 or an infusion of whole mustard-seed in cider is a diuretic of considerable power. For- 
 merly a tincture or wine of mustard-seed was officinal. Mr. England has proposed to 
 revive its use ( Amer . Jour. Phar ., xix. 124). That the active principle of mustard is 
 carried into the circulation is shown by the benefits accruing from the use of white mus- 
 tard-seed in chronic bronchitis , chronic rheumatism , and some cutaneous affections. This 
 use of the medicine has been condemned as being destitute of a rational basis, but the 
 only rational basis for the use of a medicine is its power to cure, and that is sufficiently 
 attested in the present case. 
 
 Externally, oil of mustard has been successfully used in the treatment of scabies. But 
 one of the most usual and useful applications of mustard is in the form of poultice, plas- 
 ter, or bath to produce a lively stimulation, and thereby arouse the nervous system, as in 
 
1448 
 
 SODA. 
 
 the insensibility of swooning and hysteria , in which it acts by exciting a sense of pain, 
 and in the convulsions of children, in which it stimulates the nervous system and perhaps 
 disperses morbid accumulations of blood in the central nervous organs. In foot-baths it 
 relieves headache and cerebral and other internal congestions , especially uterine congestion 
 accompanied with dysmenorrhoea. Dr. Weber claims to have been remarkably successful 
 in the treatment of pneumonia in children by means of the hot mustard bath. He placed 
 the child in a bath-tub filled with water at a temperature of from 100° to 105° F., and 
 had the skin rubbed thoroughly until it began to look red. This process required from 
 seven to ten minutes, when the child was wiped dry and put into a bed previously warmed. 
 No ill effects were observed from allowing the genitals to remain unprotected. The bath 
 was repeated, if necessary, as often as every three hours. General baths, at a tempera- 
 ture of from 77° to 82° F., containing 2 or 3 ounces of mustard and applied for the space 
 of half an hour, have been used with great advantage in allaying the violence of insanity. 
 Large poultices or epithems containing mustard and sinapised hip-baths have been bene- 
 ficial in analogous conditions. However it may be explained, it is certain that mustard 
 pediluvia, and even mustard plasters employed to relieve pain, frequently induce sleep ; 
 indeed, it sometimes happens that the patient falls asleep while the plaster is “ drawing,” 
 with the result of producing painful and intractable sores. 
 
 When the action of a part is morbidly diminished or that of an internal organ is mor- 
 bidly increased, as in retrocedent gout or rheumatism , or where a part is too anaemic for 
 the application of leeches , or where a muscle or muscles suffer partial atrophy , mustard 
 poultices, etc. are sometimes beneficial. 
 
 Every form almost of local pain may be relieved in the same manner as that of sub- 
 acute and chronic articular rheumatism, pleurodynia, neuralgia, toothache, earache, flatulent 
 colic, muscular rheumatism, and dysmenorrhoea. The same is true of various abnormal 
 discharges, such as vomiting, diarrhoea , cholera morbus , and dysentery. In epidemic chob 
 era general mustard baths have frequently been found beneficial in the early stages of 
 the disease, and occasionally in the cyanotic stage. Like other vegetable powders, mus- 
 'tard flour is useful in removing from the hands unpleasant smells. 
 
 Of white mustard-seed 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls in 3 or 4 ounces of water may be taken 
 once a day or oftener. The infusion of mustard, for an emetic, is prepared by adding 1, 
 2, or 3 teaspoonfuls of mustard flour to a pint of warm water. Mustard whey is made 
 by adding to a pint of milk mixed with a quart of water 1^ ounces of bruised mustard- 
 seed, boiling the mixture until it is curdled, and straining off the whey. A wine-glassful 
 may be given every hour or two. The sinapism, or mustard plaster, is prepared by add- 
 ing cold or lukewarm water to equal quantities of mustard and wheaten or rye flour, and 
 stirring until a thick paste is formed. This is spread upon linen or other convenient tis- 
 sue and applied to the skin. It is well to interpose a piece of gauze between the plaster 
 and the body, to prevent the former from adhering. It should remain applied from ten 
 minutes to an hour, according to the degree of its action. The mustard cataplasm 
 ( Pharm . Br .) is an ordinary flaxseed-meal or corn-meal poultice with which ground mus- 
 tard has been mixed ; it is intended to maintain a gentler but more prolonged action than 
 the sinapism. Instead of meal, a soft sponge, saturated with a mixture of mustard and 
 water and enclosed in a thin linen or muslin cover, may be employed. “ Mustard-leaves ” 
 should be dipped in water before being applied. Sinapised pediluvia are made by adding 
 a sufficient quantity (a tablespoonful or two) of mustard flour to an ordinary foot-bath. 
 When pediluvia are used as general stimulants, they should be as warm as they can be 
 borne ; but when employed as derivatives, especially from the head and chest, their tem- 
 perature should not exceed that of the blood, or from 98° to 100° F. The essential oil 
 of mustard has been prescribed internally in an emulsion in the dose of from yL- to J of 
 a drop. It may be used externally as a rubefacient in the proportion of Gm. 1.60 to 
 Gm. 32 (gtt. xxiv in f^j) of alcohol, or Gm. 0.30 to Gm. 4 (gtt. v-vj in f^j) of almond 
 oil. Care must be taken to proportion the strength of the liniment to the delicacy of 
 the skin. The best application for the sores produced by mustard is lime-water liniment ; 
 if the pain be severe, the part may first be covered with stramonium ointment. Later, 
 poultices of grated raw carrots, and finally oxide-of-zinc ointment, may be employed. 
 
 SODA, U. S., Br.— Soda. 
 
 Soda caustica , Br. ; Natrum causticum , Natrium hydricum . — Caustic soda, Sodium 
 hydroxide , Sodium hydrate, E. ; Sonde caustique, Fr. ; Natron, Aetznatron, G. 
 
 Formula NaOIl. Molecular weight 39.96. 
 
SOI) A. 
 
 1449 
 
 Soda should be kept in well-stoppered bottles made of hard glass. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of solution of soda 2 pints. Boil down rapidly in a silver or 
 clean iron vessel until there remains a fluid of oily consistence, a drop of which, when 
 removed on a warmed glass rod, solidifies on cooling. Pour the fluid on a clean silver or 
 iron plate or into moulds, and as soon as it has solidified break it in pieces and preserve 
 it in stoppered green-glass bottles. — Br. 
 
 The preparation of solution of soda is described on page 981. On evaporating it, 
 sodium hydroxide is left, and this is either moulded into thin cylinders or congealed on a 
 plate or tile. Vessels of porcelain, glass, etc. are readily corroded; soda must therefore 
 be prepared in clean iron or silver vessels. For uses in the arts caustic soda is exten- 
 sively prepared from the same raw material from which sodium carbonate and bicarbonate 
 are made ; baryta and strontia have been used in the place of lime, and various compli- 
 cated processes have been applied in the manufacture. Soda was first obtained by Stahl 
 (1702), but its preparation from the sulphate and chloride was first described by Duhamel 
 (U36). 
 
 Properties. — Caustic soda is white (or grayish-white, Br .), hard, opaque, inodorous, 
 very alkaline in reaction, strongly corrosive, and of an intensely acrid and caustic taste. 
 It is usually seen in irregular fragments having a fibrous appearance, or in cylindrical 
 sticks which are crystalline upon a fresh fracture. On exposure to the atmosphere it 
 absorbs water and is liquefied, and subsequently it solidifies again and becomes efflores- 
 cent, in consequence of the absorption of carbon dioxide and the crystallization and 
 efflorescence of sodium carbonate. According to Osann, 1 part of water dissolves at 18° 
 C. (64.4° F.) 0.6 parts of soda, while boiling water takes up li parts; such concentrated 
 solutions, when exposed to a temperature of — 10° C. (14° F.) or less, separate thick 
 tabular crystals of the hydrate, 2Na0H.7H 2 0, which melt again above 6° C. (42.8° F.). 
 Soda is also freely soluble in alcohol. The strong aqueous solution of soda dropped into 
 test-solution of tartaric acid, so that the latter remains in excess, deposits acicular crys- 
 tals of acid sodium tartrate, which are dissolved on the addition of more soda or of 
 water. “Soluble in 1.7 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in 0.8 part of boiling 
 water; very soluble in alcohol. When heated to about 525° C. (977° F.), soda melts to 
 a clear, oily liquid, and at a bright red heat it is slowly volatilized unchanged. When 
 introduced into a non-luminous flame, it imparts to it an intensely yellow color. A solu- 
 tion of soda, even when greatly diluted, gives an intensely alkaline reaction with litmus- 
 paper.” — U. S. 
 
 Tests. — Alcohol dissolves caustic soda, but leaves most of the salts behind which are 
 likely to be present. “ The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should be perfectly clear and 
 colorless (absence of organic matter), and should yield no precipitate on the addition of 
 platinic chloride test-solution, or sodium cobaltic nitrite test-solution, or excess of tartaric 
 acid test-solution (absence of potassium). If 1 Gin. of soda be dissolved in 10 Cc. of 
 water and the solution slightly supersaturated with acetic acid, 10 Cc. of the solution 
 should not be colored or rendered turbid by the addition of an equal volume of hydrogen 
 sulphide test-solution (absence of arsenic, copper, lead, etc.), nor by the subsequent addi- 
 tion of ammonia-water in slight excess (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.). The remainder 
 of the acidulated solution should not be rendered turbid by ammonium oxalate test-solu- 
 tion (absence of calcium). If a solution of 1.2 Gm. of soda in 10 Cc. of water be 
 slightly supersaturated with nitric acid, then 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution 
 added, and the precipitate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain 
 unaffected by the addition of more silver nitrate test-solution (limit of chloride). If to 
 a solution of 2.5 Gm. of soda in 10 Cc. of water, strongly supersaturated with hydro- 
 chloric acid, 0.1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution be added, and the precipitate, if any, 
 removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the further addition 
 of barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate). If 0.7 Gm. of soda be dissolved in 
 1.5 Cc. of water, and the solution added to 10 Cc. of alcohol, not more than a slight 
 white precipitate should occur within ten minutes (limit of silicate, etc.). After boiling 
 this alcoholic solution with 5 Cc. of calcium hydroxide test-solution and filtering, not the 
 slightest effervescence should take place on adding the filtrate to an excess of diluted 
 hydrochloric acid (limit of carbonate). If 0.2 Gm. of soda be dissolved in 2 Cc. of 
 water and carefully mixed with 5 Cc. of pure sulphuric acid and 3 drops of indigo test- 
 solution, the blue color should not be discharged (limit of nitrate). To neutralize 0.4 
 Gm. of soda should require not less than 9 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (each Cc. corre- 
 sponding to 10 per cent, of pure sodium hydroxide), phenolphtalein being used as indi- 
 cator.” — U. S. 40 grains of soda dissolved in water should leave scarcely any sediment, 
 
1450 
 
 SODII ACETAS. 
 
 and require for neutralization about 900 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of 
 oxalic acid (Br.), indicating the presence of about 90 per cent, of NaOH. Commercial 
 soda sometimes contains alumina, which is soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol ; on 
 treating with excess of ammonium chloride, it will separate as a white gelatinous pre- 
 cipitate, which is dissolved again by excess of hydrochloric acid. Sulphide, if present, 
 will cause the precipitate with lead salt to be more or less brown, instead of white, and 
 cyanide will produce Prussian blue on adding to the solution a little ferrous and ferric 
 salt and acidulating with hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Composition. — The formula of soda is NaOH. When pure it contains 22.5 per 
 cent. H 2 0 and 77.5 per cent. Na 2 0. Crystallized sodium hydroxides are also known 
 containing 3? and 1£ molecules of water, and respectively 30.1 and 46.3 per cent. 
 Na 2 0. 
 
 Metallic Sodium and Salts. — Sodium, s. Natrium , was isolated by H. Davy (1807), and is pre- 
 pared on a large scale by heating in an iron retort an intimate mixture of 30 parts of exsiccated 
 sodium carbonate, 13 parts of coal, and 5 parts of chalk: the reduction takes place at a lower 
 temperature than is required for the isolation of potassium. Recently a process has been intro- 
 duced by Castner for the manufacture of sodium, which consists in the reduction of sodium hy- 
 droxide by heating it with an intimate mixture of finely-divided iron and carbon. The mass is 
 prepared by mixing the iron with molten pitch, allowing it to cool, breaking it into pieces, and 
 heating to a comparatively high temperature without access of air. The reduction is said to take 
 place at a temperature of 825°, instead of 1400°, as in the older method. The main reaction is 
 represented by this equation: 6NaOH -j- FeC 2 = 2Na 2 C0 3 -f- 6H + 2Na -j- Fe (Remsen). So- 
 dium is silver-gray, has a strong metallic lustre, and at ordinary temperatures may be cut like 
 wax. It melts at 95.6° C. (204.08° F.), and at a red heat volatilizes. Its density is 0.97. In con- 
 tact with air it is oxidized, and therefore requires to be kept under petroleum naphtha, or should 
 be protected by being coated with a layer of paraffin, as proposed by Wagner (1863). It unites 
 with oxygen, forming monoxide , Na 2 0, and dioxide , Na 2 0 2 . It was admitted in the Br. P. for 
 preparing solution of sodium ethylate (page 982). 
 
 Salts of Sodium. Soda is nearly as strong a base as potassa, and yields salts which are color- 
 less unless the acid is colored, have a neutral reaction except those with weak acids, and are not 
 volatilized at a low red heat, and somewhat less readily than potassium salts at a higher temper- 
 ature. They impart to flame an intense yellow color, which is not visible if examined through 
 a blue glass. They are mostly readily soluble in water, and these solutions yield with hydro- 
 fluosilicic acid gelatinous precipitates, and, when neutral or alkaline, afford with potassium met- 
 antimonate white crystalline precipitates. Similar precipitates are obtained with most other 
 metallic salts, which must therefore be removed by the proper reagents, with the exception of 
 those of potassium, before the test for sodium is applied. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The chemical and toxical actions of soda are the same as those 
 of potassa. (For a detailed description see Lesser, Virchow's Archiv , lxxxiii. 224). 
 Caustic soda, although less deliquescent, and therefore more manageable, than caustic 
 potassa, is not so generally employed as an escharotic. It would appear probable also 
 that as it is more assimilable, and therefore less apt than potassa to be immediately 
 secreted with the urine, it should be better adapted than the latter for all cases in which 
 it is desired to render the blood and the secretions more alkaline. Moreover, sodium 
 salts are less offensive to the taste than potassium salts, and of less poisonous qualities. 
 But in either case the bicarbonates are preferable to the alkalies themselves. Soda is* 
 administered in the official solution and in doses of Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx). 
 
 SODH ACETAS, TJ. S. — Sodium Acetate. 
 
 Soda s acetas , Br. 1867; Natrium aceticum, P. G. ; Acetas sodicus (natricus) ; Terra 
 foliata tartari crystallisata. — Acetate of soda , E. ; Acetate de soude , Fr. ; Natriumacetat 
 Essigsaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaC 2 H 3 0 2 .3H 2 0. Molecular weight 135.74. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium acetate was first prepared by Duhamel (1736) and by J. F. 
 Meyer (1767), and was made by Doerffurt (1793) from sugar of lead by decomposing it 
 with sodium carbonate and sulphate. It may be obtained by neutralizing acetic acid or 
 by decomposing lead acetate with sodium carbonate, in the latter case filtering from the 
 insoluble lead carbonate and evaporating the clear liquids to crystallization. The salt is, 
 however, manufactured on a large scale in the United States in the process for purifying 
 acetic acid from wood-vinegar. (See p. 19.) 
 
 Properties. — This salt crystallizes in colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms which 
 are odorless and slightly alkaline, have a bitterish saline taste, and are somewhat efflores- 
 
SODII ARSEN AS. 
 
 1451 
 
 Crystal of Sodium Ace- 
 tate. 
 
 cent on exposure, falling in dry air to a white powder. “ Soluble, at 15° C. (59° F.), in 
 1.4 parts of water and in 39 parts of alcohol ; in 0.5 part of boil- 
 ing water and in 2 parts of boiling alcohol. When heated to 00° 
 
 C. (140° F.), the salt begins to liquefy. At 123° C. (253.4° F.), 
 it becomes dry and anhydrous ; at 300° C. (599° F.), it is decom- 
 posed with evolution of inflammable, empyreumatic vapors, leaving 
 a black residue of sodium carbonate and carbon, which imparts to a 
 non-luminous flame an intensely yellow color, gives an alkaline 
 reaction with moistened litmus-paper, and effervesces with acids. 
 
 The aqueous solution (1 in 20) of the salt colors litmus-paper blue, 
 but does not redden phenolphtalein solution, unless carbonate be 
 present. If 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution be heated with 1 Cc. of 
 sulphuric acid and 0.5 Cc. of alcohol, acetic ether will be formed, 
 recognizable by its odor.” — U. S. The salt is insoluble in ether. 
 
 Sulphuric acid liberates from it acetic acid, and its aqueous solution 
 becomes deep-red with ferric salts, and on boiling yields a brown-red 
 precipitate. 
 
 Tests. — A concentrated solution of sodium acetate yields with silver nitrate a crystal- 
 line precipitate of silver acetate. Carbonate, if present, is detected by the effervescence 
 produced by the salt when thrown into a diluted acid or on adding hydrochloric or nitric 
 acid to its aqueous solution ; the latter acidulated as indicated, when evaporated to dry- 
 ness should leave a residue which is entirely soluble in water (absence of silica). “ If a 
 non-luminous flame be colored by the introduction of the salt, and viewed through a blue 
 glass, the yellow color should entirely disappear, no red color taking its place (absence 
 of potassium). If to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20), slightly acidulated with 
 acetic acid, an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution be added, no color or tur- 
 bidity should appear, either at once (absence of arsenic, lead, zinc, etc.) or after 
 adding ammonia-water in slight excess (absence of iron, etc.). The aqueous solu- 
 tion, acidulated with acetic acid, should not be rendered turbid by ammonium oxa- 
 late test-solution (absence of calcium). If a solution of 1 Gm. of the salt in 50 Cc. 
 of water be slightly acidulated with nitric acid, then 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 nitrate solution added, and the precipitate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate 
 should remain unaffected by the addition of more silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). 
 If to a solution of 2 Gm. of the salt in 10 Cc. of water, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, 
 0.1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution be added, and the precipitate, if any, removed 
 by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the further addition of 
 barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate). If 1.36 Gm. of sodium acetate be 
 completely decomposed at a red heat, and the residue dissolved in water, it should require, 
 for complete neutralization, 10 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (corresponding to 100 per 
 cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — IT. S. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Sodium acetate is employed in preparing acetic acid, 
 acetic ethers, and other compounds. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium acetate resembles potassium acetate in its action, but 
 is milder, less apt to derange the digestion, and more efficient as a diuretic. Its dose is 
 Gm. 1-3 (gr. xv-xlv) in a large quantity of water as a diuretic. In doses of Gm. 4 (^j) 
 or more it is apt to be laxative. 
 
 SODII ARSENAS, U . S . — Sodium Arsenate. 
 
 Sodii arsemas, U. S. 1880, Br. ; Natrium arsenicicum , Arsenins natricus ( sodicus ). — 
 Arseniate ( arsenate ) of soda , E. ; Arseniate de soude, Fr. ; Natriumarsenat , Arsensaures 
 Natron , G. 
 
 Formula Na 2 HAs0 4 .7H 2 0. Molecular weight 311.46. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Arsenous Acid 10 ounces; Sodium Nitrate 81 ounces; 
 Dried Sodium Carbonate 51 ounces ; Boiling Distilled Water 35 ounces. Deduce the 
 dry ingredients separately to fine powder and mix them thoroughly in a porcelain mortar. 
 Put the mixture into a large clay crucible and cover it with the lid. Expose to a full 
 red heat till all effervescence has ceased and complete fusion has taken place. Pour out 
 the fused salt on a clean flagstone, and as soon as it has solidified, and while it is still 
 warm, put it into the boiling water, stirring diligently. When the salt has dissolved filter 
 the solution through paper and set it aside to crystallize. Drain the crystals, and, having 
 dried them rapidly on filtering-paper, enclose them in stoppered bottles. — Br. 
 
1452 
 
 SODII BENZOAS. 
 
 On fusing arsenous acid in the proper proportions with sodium carbonate and nitrate, 
 carbon dioxide, C0 2 , and nitrous anhydride, N 2 0 3 , are given off, and the residue is con- 
 verted into sodium pyroarsenate, as will be seen from the equation As 2 0 3 + 2NaN0 3 -f- 
 Na 2 C0 3 = Na 4 As 2 0 7 -f N 2 0 3 + C0 2 . The pyroarsenate, on being dissolved in water, is 
 converted into orthoarsenate by combining with water ; Na 4 As 2 0 7 -f- H 2 0 yields 2Na 2 HAs0 4 , 
 and this salt crystallizes with 7I1 2 0. The carbonate may be conveniently replaced by an 
 equivalent quantity of solution of caustic soda, in which the arsenous acid may be dis- 
 solved, and the residue left on evaporation to dryness should then be oxidized by fusion 
 with sodium nitrate ; all danger of expelling arsenic by injudicious heating will then be 
 avoided. The same salt is also obtained on oxidizing arsenous to arsenic acid by means 
 of hot nitric acid, dissolving the dry residue in hot water, and adding sodium carbonate 
 as long as effervescence is produced. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium arsenate crystallizes in colorless, transparent, inodorous prisms 
 having a faint alkaline taste, and which usually contain 7H 2 0 or 40.4 per cent. ; when 
 obtained at a low temperature they contain 12H 2 0 or 53.7 per 
 cent. The official salt is slightly deliquescent in a moist 
 atmosphere, but in dry air it effloresces and loses 5H 2 0, the 
 white powder which is finally left having the composition 
 Na 2 HAs0 4 .2H 2 0, and containing 16.2 per cent, of water of 
 crystallization, which is given off near 148° C. (298.4° F.). 
 The salt is soluble at 15° C. in 4 parts of water, is slightly 
 soluble in cold alcohol, and is freely soluble in boiling water 
 and in 60 parts of boiling alcohol. The aqueous solution has 
 a slight alkaline reaction, and yields white precipitates with the 
 soluble salts of barium, calcium, zinc, iron, and lead, and a 
 brownish-red precipitate with silver nitrate, all these precipi- 
 tates being soluble in nitric acid, and that with ferric salt turn- 
 ing red by heat. Hydrogen sulphide produces in the cold slowly 
 but rapidly on being acidulated and heated, a yellow precipitate, 
 which is completely soluble in ammonium sulphide. When heated 
 upon charcoal before the blowpipe the salt gives off an alliaceous 
 odor. 
 
 Tests. — “ If to 2 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) 5 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 nitrate solution be added, and the precipitate redissolved by excess of ammonia-water 
 no black precipitate of reduced silver should appear on boiling (absence of arsenite). If 
 to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution 1 Cc. of ammonium sulphide test-solution be added, no 
 turbidity or coloration should appear (absence of lead, copper, iron, etc.). !1 — U. S. An 
 aqueous solution of 12.4 grains anhydrous sodium arsenate, acidulated with acetic 
 acid, requires not less than 34 grains of lead acetate for complete precipitation. — Br. 
 This test is intended to show the absence of notable quantities of other salts. 
 
 Other Sodium Arsenates. — If an excess of sodium carbonate is used in the formula given 
 above, the aqueous solution will contain trisodic arsenate , and yield crystals having a stronger 
 alkaline reaction and the composition Na 3 As0 4 .12H 2 0. With an excess of arsenic acid crystals 
 of monosodic arsenate, NaH 2 As0 4 .H 2 0, may be obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium arsenate is said to be less apt than potassium arsenate 
 to produce the phenomena of arsenical poisoning, whether locally upon the stomach or, 
 through the blood, in the eyelids, conjunctivae, etc. It might be suspected that the dif- 
 ference, if real, would indicate that it is less efficient. The fact, however, is declared to 
 be otherwise. This preparation is seldom used, and then in the form of the officinal 
 solution. 1 part dissolved in 30 parts of water is made use of to saturate unglazed 
 linen paper, from which the so-called antiasthmatic cigars are prepared. The cure of 
 diabetes mellitus has been attributed in part to this preparation, but the observations of the 
 late Dr. Flint were adverse to this claim ( Med . News, li. 29). The dose of the arsenate 
 is Gm. 0.003-0.008 (gr. 
 
 SODH BENZOAS, U . S . , Br . Add — Sodium Benzoate. 
 
 Natrium benzoicum ; Benzoas sodicus. — Benzoate de soude , Fr. ; Natriumbenzoat, Ben- 
 zoesaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaC 7 H 5 0 2 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 161.67 (anhydrous NaC 7 H 5 0 2 = 143.71). 
 
 Preparation. — Add to 10 parts of benzoic acid suspended in 20 parts of hot water, 
 gradually, 7 parts of sodium bicarbonate ; after the evolution of carbon dioxide has 
 
 Fig. 285. 
 
 Crystal of Sodium Ar- 
 senate. 
 
SOD II BENZOAS. 
 
 1453 
 
 ceased, neutralize the liquid exactly by the addition of a little benzoic acid, or if neces- 
 sary with sodium bicarbonate ; filter and evaporate with frequent stirring until the resi- 
 due weighs between 131 and 14 parts. As the salt separates it creeps up on the sides 
 of the dish, and should therefore be frequently scraped olf and returned to the liquid 
 portion. When sufficiently concentrated the mass is stirred until cold, when the remain- 
 ing water will evaporate. The yield is 13? parts. This salt being very efflorescent, the 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs it to be made anhydrous, for which purpose the above solu- 
 tion is evaporated to dryness, when the yield is lli parts. If prepared with acid sub- 
 limed from benzoin, the solution of the salt has a brown color and the dry salt is brownish 
 or gray. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium benzoate is described as being a “ white, amorphous powder, per- 
 manent in the air, odorless or having a faint odor of benzoin, of a sweetly-astringent taste 
 free from bitterness, and having a neutral reaction ; soluble in 1.8 parts of water and in 45 
 parts (24 parts, Br .) of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 1.3 parts of boiling water, and in 20 
 parts (12 parts, Br.) of boiling alcohol. When heated the salt melts, emits vapors hav- 
 ing the odor of benzoic acid, then chars, and finally leaves a blackened residue of an 
 alkaline reaction which imparts to a non-luminous flame an intense yellow color, not ap- 
 pearing more than transiently red when observed through a blue glass. On mixing an 
 aqueous solution of the salt with a solution of ferric sulphate previously diluted with 
 water, a flesh-colored precipitate is produced.” — U. S. According to Hager, the anhy- 
 drous salt dissolves in 13.5 parts of 90 per cent, alcohol, in 4.5 parts of 60 per cent, alco- 
 hol, in 15 parts of glycerin, and is insoluble in ether, chloroform, and volatile oils ; when 
 heated, the salt becomes brown, and afterward melts near 450° C. (842° F.) to a dark- 
 brown mass, which, ignited, burns for a short time only. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 5 Cc. of diluted nitric acid be added to a solution of 1 Gm. of the salt in 
 10 Cc. of water, a white precipitate of benzoic acid will be produced, which, after thorough 
 washing, should conform to the tests of purity mentioned under Acidum Benzoicum. 
 The filtrate from the foregoing precipitate should not be rendered turbid by silver nitrate 
 test-solution (absence of chloride), nor by barium chloride test-solution (absence of sul- 
 phate). 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) should not form a precipitate with 0.5 
 Cc. of sodium cobaltic nitrite test-solution (limit of potassium). If to 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution (1 in 20) an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution be added, 
 no coloration or turbidity should be perceptible either before or after the addition of 1 
 Cc. of ammonia-water (absence of lead, iron, etc.). If 2 Gm. of sodium benzoate be 
 ignited in a porcelain capsule until most of the carbonaceous matter is destroyed, and 
 the residue then dissolved in 20 Cc. of water, it should require not less than 13.9 Cc. 
 of normal sulphuric acid for complete neutralization (corresponding to at least 99.8 per 
 cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — V. S. The solution of 
 the salt in 40 parts of water rendered alkaline by lime-water should not give a white pre- 
 cipitate (carbonate, tartrate). The Br. Ph. requires that 10 grains of the salt, when 
 ignited shall leave a residue weighing about 3.68 grains, which, when dissolved in water, 
 requires for neutralization from 69 to 70 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of 
 oxalic acid. 
 
 Allied Salt. — Potassii benzoas, Potassium benzoate, KC 7 H 5 0 2 .3H 2 0 ; mol. weight 213.62. — 
 This salt may be prepared like sodium benzoate, 10 parts of benzoic acid requiring 8.2 parts of 
 potassium bicarbonate, the yield being 17.5 parts of potassium benzoate of the above composition. 
 It crystallizes with difficulty in small plates, which effloresce in air and are very soluble in water 
 and alcohol. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Salkowski, Fleck, and Buchholtz discovered that sodium ben- 
 zoate prevents the development of bacteria in putrescible liquids, and Graham Brown 
 (Arch, f Pathol, und Pharm ., viii. 151) found that diphtheritic fluids lose their conta- 
 gious quality more speedily in a solution of sodium benzoate than in one of sodium sali- 
 cylate or quinine muriate. Letzerich declared that in his hands no other remedy had pro- 
 duced such rapid and lasting effects in diphtheria. In patients under the age of three 
 years he prescribed 120 grains a day ; between the third and seventh year the daily dose 
 was from 120 to 180 grains; for children more than seven years old, 150 to 240 grains, 
 and for adults, 150 to 360 grains. Moreover, the exudation was treated with insufflations 
 of the powdered benzoate every three hours or less frequently, according to circumstances, 
 or in older persons gargles were used containing the salt ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., 
 July, 1879, p. 88). In opposition to the favorable results just referred to, we find that 
 in Vienna the salt was not successful (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci ., Jan. 1880, p. 254). 
 Various other physicians, including Klebs and Kien, reported favorably of this treat- 
 
1454 
 
 SODII BTCARBONAS. 
 
 ment, while others, even in Germany, were unable to see its advantages, and some who 
 at first approved afterward condemned it {Bull, de Therap.. cxii. 37). It has also been 
 employed in ordinary tonsillitis and pharyngitis, but its utility is not apparent. It is need- 
 less to refer particularly to the curative virtues attributed to it in acute rheumatism, puer- 
 peral fever, pneumonia, whooping cough, in various intestinal disorders, etc. Whatever 
 they may have appeared to those who promoted its use, they have not prevented the 
 medicine from quite fading out of view. 
 
 SODII BICARBONAS, U. S . 9 Br. — Sodium Bicarbonate. 
 
 Sodse bicarbonas , Br. ; Natrium bicarbonicum , P. G. ; Natrium carbonicum acidulum , 
 Bicarbonas sodicus. — Bicarbonate of soda , Sodium hydro carbonate^ E. ; Bicarbonate de 
 soude , Sel digestif de Vichy , Fr. ; Natriumbicarbonat , Doppeltkohlensaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaHC0 3 . Molecular weight 83.85. 
 
 Sodium bicarbonate should be kept in well-dried stoppered bottles. 
 
 Preparation. — The British Pharmacopaeia of 1867 gave a formula for preparing 
 sodium bicarbonate by saturating a mixture of 2 parts of crystallized and 3 parts of dried 
 sodium carbonate with carbon dioxide generated from marble with hydrochloric acid ; the 
 damp salt which is formed is then shaken with half its weight of distilled water 
 occasionally during half an hour, and the undissolved portion is dried by exposure 
 to air. 
 
 This salt is rarely if ever prepared by the pharmacist, but is manufactured on the 
 large scale, one of the processes being described above. Sodium bicarbonate does not 
 contain any water of crystallization ; a portion of the carbonate is therefore used in the 
 exsiccated state, and another portion in crystals, which, if used in the proportion given 
 above, contain more than sufficient water for the conversion of all the carbonate used 
 into bicarbonate. This is produced according to the equation Na 2 C0 3 -f C0 2 -f- H 2 0 
 = 2NaHC0 3 , and the excess of water removed by draining and exposure to the air. 
 In the United States the process of Dr. E. B. Smith (1830) is employed by some manu- 
 facturers : Crystallized sodium carbonate is placed in a chamber arranged in such a 
 manner that water may be drained off ; carbon dioxide is then conducted into the cham- 
 ber, and, combining with the salt, forms bicarbonate, while the water is liberated and is 
 carried off to prevent its action as a solvent. By this arrangement the crystalline structure 
 of the carbonate is usually not disturbed, except that the crystals lose their transparency 
 and become opaque in proportion as the carbonate is converted into bicarbonate, and are 
 porous and friable. 
 
 The same salt is also obtained in Solvay’s process for soda : a concentrated solution of 
 sodium chloride is mixed with ammonia, and the liquid saturated with carbon dioxide 
 under a pressure of about two atmospheres, when sodium bicarbonate is deposited and 
 ammonium chloride remains in solution. 
 
 It is obviously not essential that the carbon dioxide needed in this operation should be 
 generated from marble ; the same gas is largely produced in establishments where 
 saccharine substances are undergoing fermentation, and is obtained as a waste product in 
 many chemical operations. In some manufactories the products of combustion of the 
 fuel used for heating steam-boilers are deprived of their impurities by washing, and sub- 
 sequently utilized for saturating, at least in part, the sodium carbonate with carbon dioxide. 
 Large quantities of this salt are manufactured in the United States, and its importation 
 has decreased from nearly 7,000,000 pounds in 1875 to about 2,000,000 pounds annually. 
 
 Sodium bicarbonate as obtained by the above processes often contains sodium carbonate, 
 and sometimes other impurities, from which it should be freed before it is used for medici- 
 nal purposes. A suitable process is the one given by the U. S. P. 1870, modified so as to 
 yield a product of the purity required by the present Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Purification. — Introduce 4 pounds of commercial sodium bicarbonate gradually 
 into a suitable conical glass percolator, cover it with a piece of wet muslin, and pour 6 
 pints of water upon it. When the liquid has ceased to drop or when the washings cease 
 to give a brown-red precipitate with a solution of mercuric chloride, remove the sodium 
 bicarbonate from the percolator, and dry it on bibulous paper or upon porous tiles in a 
 cool place. 
 
 Sodium bicarbonate is far less readily soluble in cold distilled water than the impurities 
 which are usually present, and in percolating water slowly through it these foreign 
 compounds, consisting mainly of sodium carbonate and traces of sulphate and chloride, 
 are dissolved, together with a portion of the bicarbonate. The percolate may be utilized, 
 
SODII BICARBONAS. 
 
 1455 
 
 after boiling for a short time, as a solution of sodium carbonate. In the presence of 
 water, however, the salt slowly parts with a portion of its carbonic acid, and more rapidly 
 on strong agitation and at an elevated temperature. While by this process the salt may 
 be obtained of pharmacopoeial purity as long as it is contained in the percolator, its 
 removal from the apparatus and its exposure during drying are likely to occasion a further 
 loss of the acid. It is therefore better to select a commercial salt w T hich is otherwise 
 pure, and keep it in thin layers in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide until it answers to the 
 rigid requirements of the Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium bicarbonate is a white inodorous pow T der, has a mildly saline 
 not unpleasant and scarcely alkaline taste, and is of a slight alkaline reaction. Perma- 
 nent in dry, but slowly decomposed in moist, air. It is insoluble in alcohol and ether, and 
 requires at 15° C. (59° F.) 11.3 parts ( U $.), 12 parts (jP. G.), of water. According 
 to Poggiale, 100 parts of water dissolve at 10° C. (50° F.) 8.88, at 20° C. (68° F.) 
 9.84, and at 60° C. (140° F.) 13.68, parts of sodium bicarbonate. Above that tempera- 
 ture the solution loses carbon dioxide, and at a boiling heat the salt is entirely converted 
 into normal carbonate. When heated, the salt is decomposed into normal carbonate, 
 water, and carbon dioxide, and finally, at 100° C. (212° F.), loses about 36.3 per cent, of 
 its weight. At a bright red heat it melts. To a non-luminous flame it imparts an 
 intensely yellow color. When freshly prepared with cold, distilled water, without shaking, 
 the solution gives a very faint alkaline reaction with litmus-paper. The alkalinity 
 increases by standing, agitation, or increase of temperature. Sodium bicarbonate is also 
 soluble in glycerin without change, but in the presence of borax carbon dioxide is given 
 off, and sodium carbonate remains behind ; a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and borate 
 is not decomposed by cold water. The salt imparts to a non-luminous flame an intense 
 yellow color, which on being examined through a blue glass does not, or only tran- 
 siently, appear red. It dissolves with brisk effervescence in diluted acids, forming solutions 
 in which platinum chloride causes no precipitate. If the salt is treated with a small 
 quantity of water, insufficient for solution, the liquid may react in the cold with a solu- 
 tion of magnesium sulphate, producing a white precipitate, and cause with a solution of 
 corrosive sublimate a dark brown-red precipitate, both reactions being due to sodium car- 
 bonate, which may be present in small amount. 
 
 Composition. — The formula of sodium bicarbonate given above represents 36.90 
 per cent. Na 2 0, 52..38 per cent. C0 2 , and 10.72 per cent. H 2 0. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 19 Cc. of water, it should yield a per- 
 fectly clear and colorless solution, leaving no residue. If 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution 
 (1 in 20) be slightly supersaturated with hydrochloric acid, the liquid should not be 
 colored red by a drop of ferric chloride test-solution (absence of sulphocyanate). If 1 
 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 3 Cc. of acetic acid, it should yield no precipitate within 
 an hour after being mixed with 0.5 Cc. of sodium cobaltic nitrite test-solution (limit of 
 potassium). If 0.6 Gm. of the salt be dissolved, without agitation, in 10 Cc. of cold water, 
 and 0.1 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid added, no red color should appear upon the addition 
 of 2 drops of phenolphtalein test-solution (limit of normal carbonate). If 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution (1 in 20) be slightly supersaturated with hydrochloric acid, the solution 
 should not be rendered turbid by the addition of an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide 
 test-solution, either at once (absence of arsenic, etc.), or after the addition of ammonia- 
 water in slight excess (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.). 5 Cc. of the aqueous solu- 
 tion, acidulated with acetic acid, should not be rendered turbid by 0.5 Cc. of ammonium 
 oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium). If 1.2 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate be dis- 
 solved in 10 Cc. of diluted nitric acid, then 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution 
 added, and the precipitate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain 
 unaffected by the addition of more silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). If 2.5 Gm. 
 of the salt be dissolved in 11 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid, then 0.1 Cc. of nitric acid 
 and 0.1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution added, and the precipitate, if any, removed 
 by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the further addition of barium 
 chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate, sulphite, and thiosulphate). If sodium bicarbo- 
 nate be heated in a test-tube, no ammoniacal vapor should be emitted. To neutralize 
 0.85 Gm. of sodium bicarbonate should require not less than 10 Cc. of normal sul- 
 phuric acid (corresponding to at least 98.6 per cent, of the pure salt), methyl-orange 
 being used as indicator.” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium bicarbonate is much less apt than the carbonate of the 
 same base or than potassium carbonate to derange the stomach, because, it may be, that 
 it belongs to the natural constituents of the body, and is not so promptly eliminated 
 
1456 
 
 SODII BICARBONAS. 
 
 with the urine. Although, when taken moderately and for a short time, no ill effects are 
 produced, and although in many cases it is habitually used without sensible injury, it 
 nevertheless tends to augment the acid secretions of the stomach and to perpetuate the 
 evil it was designed to cure. It probably tends to diminish the richness ( i . e. the corpus- 
 cular elements) of the blood, and hence to impair nutrition. 
 
 The form of dyspepsia in which sodium bicarbonate is peculiarly useful is that attended 
 with acidity of the primae vise, and of which the chief symptoms are sour eructation 
 and vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, and acid liquid stools. In many cases the disorder 
 is exclusively gastric, as in acid dyspepsia. In not a few hypochondriac symptoms are 
 superadded. But in all of them sodium bicarbonate can do no more than palliate the 
 special symptoms due to an acid fermentation of ingesta : a radical curative treatment 
 must be attempted by other means, of which tonic medicines and regimen are the most 
 influential. The palliative symptomatic treatment referred to is of essential service in 
 the case of children, in whom interference with primary digestion leads to grave and 
 even fatal disorders. This is especially the case when their sole aliment consists of 
 cow’s milk, and the mischief can often be mitigated by adding a small portion of the 
 bicarbonate to each portion of their food. It is essential in all cases of acid gastric dys- 
 pepsia that the bicarbonate should be taken after, and not before, meals. 
 
 In lithiasis a tendency to the formation of acid sand and gravel may be obviated by the 
 use of this sodium salt after every meal. But it must not be overlooked that, according 
 to competent testimony, the potassium salt is even more efficacious ; and the plausible 
 reason is assigned for the alleged fact that the latter passes off more readily than the 
 former by the urine, and therefore tends more to maintain this fluid in a normal if not in 
 an alkaline state. There is some reason to believe that sodium bicarbonate is capable of 
 producing the solution of urinary concretions already formed. It is reported to be 
 singularly efficient in suppression of urine from renal disease, and even in that form of 
 Bright’s disease of the kidney in which the cause of the obstruction of the renal tubules 
 with casts is proved by their abundance in the urinary sediment. 
 
 In saccharine diabetes occurring in persons of an obese habit there is little doubt that 
 the prolonged use of the salt under consideration is sometimes of marked benefit. It is 
 less so when the patients are thin and of a nervous constitution. Such has been the result 
 of observations at Vichy, Carlsbad, and other alkaline mineral springs renowned for their 
 virtues in this affection. Intravenous injection of the salt has often been used to relieve 
 diabetic coma ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., June, 1890, p. 623). The mineral waters 
 just mentioned are celebrated for their utility in gout. They are especially so in the 
 simple and regular forms of the disease occurring in persons of good constitution and 
 not yet exhausted by repeated attacks or by the complications to which the gouty become 
 subject. In the latter case the system is already impaired and unable to sustain the 
 debilitating influence of an alkaline treatment. Under such circumstances a free use of 
 alkaline water is apt to occasion a transference of the gout to internal organs, and some- 
 times it has led to a fatal termination of the disease. What has been said of gout 
 applies in many respects to biliary calculi , for which alkaline mineral waters have always 
 been used. According to some, the potash salt is preferable to the soda salt, but this 
 notion is more than doubtful. 
 
 In acute articular rheumatism , and notably in those cases of it in which many joints 
 are involved, and in which there are high fever, acid sweats, and loaded urine, sodium 
 bicarbonate is of inestimable benefit, provided that it be given so as to maintain a neutral 
 condition of the urine. Its efficacy is increased when the affected joints are swathed in 
 compresses saturated with a solution of the salt. Some physicians limit the use of the 
 alkaline treatment of rheumatism to cases in which cardiac complications exist. But if 
 the alkaline treatment tends to save the heart, as we believe, it should be the best from 
 the beginning, and whether anaesthetics and sedatives are used or not. In the treatment 
 of recent burns a like solution has been applied with the effect of immediately relieving 
 the pain and producing a rapid cure. This method was first proposed by Peppercorne 
 (1844), and again recommended in 1882 ( Practitioner , xxviii. 15.). Excellent reports 
 of its virtues have been made by Troiski {Med. News , 1881, p. 679) and Roller {Anier. 
 Jour. Phar ., June, 1880, p. 319). The part should be kept constantly wet with the solu- 
 tion. In the case of a burn of the second degree involving two-thirds of the face and 
 both ears, and extending over the whole back of the neck down to between the shoulders, 
 an excellent result was obtained (Rogers). A similar solution, with or without borax, is 
 said to allay pruritus due to an uric-acid diathesis. In 1881, Armangue and Gine treated 
 acute tonsillitis by the direct application of powdered sodium bicarbonate in the forming 
 
SO DU BISULPHIS. 
 
 1457 
 
 stage of the disease, and claimed to have prevented its development in most instances 
 (. Practitioner , xxviii. 448). The same treatment was subsequently used in this country 
 by Stuver (Med. News , xli. 567), Skinner (ibid., xlii. 156), and Vinke (ibid., xliii. 216). 
 It has not yet been sufficiently tested, but it has at least the advantage of being harm- 
 less. A somewhat similar application has been made in contagious ophthalmia attended 
 from the first with chemosis and granulations, as well as in chronic cases of granular 
 conjunctivitis (Times and Gaz., Oct. 1881, p. 516). A 1 per cent, solution of this salt 
 has been used with alleged, but not demonstrated, success in acute gonorrhoea (Bull, de 
 Therap ., cxi. 515). A saturated solution has been found an efficient cure in poisoning 
 by Rhus toxicodendron. A solution of equal parts of this salt and borax has been used 
 to soften diphtheritic membranes. 
 
 Sodium bicarbonate may be prescribed in doses of 6m. 0.30-2 (gr. v-xxx) and upward. 
 The largest doses are required in acute rheumatism. When the doses must be large the 
 medicine is most conveniently administered in carbonated water. 
 
 SODH BISULPHIS, U. Sodium Bisulphite. 
 
 Natrium bisulfurosum , Bisulphis sodicus. — Bisulphite de soude , Fr. ; Natriumbisuljit , 
 Doppeltscliwefligsaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaHS0 3 . Molecular weight 103.86. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is employed in the arts for bleaching, and was called leuco- 
 gene by Chaudet, who recommended it for this purpose. It is also used as antichlor for 
 neutralizing the excess of chlorine after bleaching fabrics or paper-pulp, and has been 
 recommended for the preservation of fermentable liquids and articles of food. It is pre- 
 pared by saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with sulphur dioxide and crystal- 
 lizing in a cool place. Warm concentrated solutions treated in this manner usually 
 separate on cooling sodium pyrosulphite, Na 2 S 2 0 5 . 
 
 Properties. — Sodium bisulphite is in “ opaque, prismatic crystals or a crystalline or 
 granular powder, slowly oxidized and losing sulphur dioxide on exposure to air, having 
 a faint sulphurous odor, a disagreeable sulphurous taste, and an acid reaction ; soluble 
 in 4 parts of water and in 72 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 2 parts of boiling 
 water, and in 49 parts of boiling alcohol. When strongly heated the salt decrepitates, 
 and is converted into sulphur and sodium sulphate. A small fragment of the salt imparts 
 to a non-luminous flame an intense yellow color, not appearing more than transiently red 
 when observed through a blue glass. On adding hydrochloric acid to an aqueous solu- 
 tion of the salt, sulphur dioxide is evolved.” — U. S. The salt being easily affected by 
 exposure, it is difficult to keep it unaltered, even in stoppered bottles, and to preserve for 
 it the purity required by the tests given below. Sodium pyrosulphite resembles the 
 pharmacopoeial salt in its properties. 
 
 Tests. — “If 1.2 6m. of sodium bisulphite be dissolved in 10 Cc. of diluted nitric 
 acid and the solution heated sufficiently to expel gases, then 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 nitrate solution added, and the precipitate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate 
 should remain unaffected by the addition of more silver nitrate solution (limit of chlo- 
 rine). If 2.5 Gm. of sodium bisulphite be dissolved in 11 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric 
 acid, with the aid of sufficient heat to expel the sulphur dioxide, the solution should not 
 be turbid (absence of thiosulphate). After adding to it 0.15 Cc. of barium chloride 
 test-solution, and removing the precipitate, if any, by filtration, a portion of the clear 
 filtrate should remain unaffected by the addition of more barium chloride test-solution 
 (limit of sulphate). If to 5 Cc. of the preceding filtrate an equal volume of hydrogen 
 sulphide test-solution be added, no turbidity or coloration should occur (absence of 
 arsenic, etc.). If 0.26 Gm. of sodium bisulphite be dissolved in 20 Cc. of water 
 recently boiled to expel air, and a little starch test-solution be added, at least 45 Cc. 
 of decinormal iodine solution should be required to produce a permanent blue tint 
 after agitation (corresponding to at least 90 per cent, of pure sodium bisulphite).” — 
 U. S. 
 
 Uses. — The action and uses of the sodium bisulphite are essentially the same as those 
 of the sulphite ; it is, however, supposed to derive greater efficiency from the larger 
 proportions of sulphurous acid in its composition. I)r. Fenn ascribes to it the power 
 of aborting coryza and tonsillitis ( Univ , Med. Mag., ii. 599). Dose , Gm. 0.60-1 (gr. x- 
 
 xxx). 
 
 92 
 
1458 
 
 SOD II BOB AS. 
 
 SODII BORAS, 77. S. — Sodium Borate. 
 
 Borax , Br., P. G. ; Natrium biboricum ( pyroboricum ), Boras sodicus. — Sodium tetra- 
 or pyroborate, E. ; Borax , E., Fr., G. ; Borate de soude , Bauracon , Sel de Perse , Fr. ; 
 Natrium pyroborat , G. 
 
 Formula Na 2 B 4 O 7 .10II 2 O. Molecular weight 380.92. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — It is uncertain whether borax was known to and used 
 by the ancients, and even in the Middle Ages it was frequently confounded with other 
 salts. The observations of Homberg (see page 34), GeofFroy (1732), and others did not 
 lead to correct views regarding the chemical nature of borax until Baron (1747) showed 
 that the “ sedative salt ” exists in it combined with soda. Borax is found native as tincal 
 in Persia, Thibet, and other localities, as a saline incrustation on the shores of certain 
 lakes, and as a crystalline deposit at the bottom of the borax lake in California. The 
 incrustation and the deposit are continually renewed by crystallization from the lake 
 waters as fast as the borax is removed. Tincal requires to be washed with a solution of 
 caustic soda for effecting the removal of fatty matter with which the crystals are covered, 
 and on being afterward recrystallized from water yields borax. Borax is also prepared 
 from various native borates which are found in Nevada, in certain parts of South Amer- 
 ica, Europe, and Asia, and which are known as the minerals boracite , borosodocalcite , 
 cryptomorphite, etc. These consist of boric acid combined in varying proportions with 
 sodium, calcium, and magnesium, and mixed with sulphates, chlorides, and silica, and 
 yield borax on being treated with sodium carbonate, and after recrystallization from 
 water. 
 
 Most of the borax is at present prepared from commercial crude boric acid, which is 
 either boiled with a solution of soda, or, more generally, is fused together with calcined 
 sodium carbonate ; the impure Italian boric acid yields besides carbon dioxide also 
 ammonia, which is also utilized. The fused mass is then dissolved in water, and this solu- 
 tion separated from the ferric hydroxide and other impurities suspended in the liquor, 
 and evaporated sufficiently, when it is permitted to cool slowly, so that large crystals are 
 obtained, from which the mother-liquor is rapidly withdrawn. 
 
 Properties. — Borax forms large, colorless, monoclinic prisms, which are transparent, 
 inodorous, have a mild sweetish, cooling, and afterward alkaline taste, and in dry air 
 effloresce superficially and become opaque. When heated it melts in its water of crys- 
 tallization, and is converted into a light white spongy mass, which at a red heat fuses, 
 and on cooling forms a transparent glass. Borax has the specific 
 Fig. 286. gravity 1.72, has a weak alkaline reaction, is insoluble in alcohol, 
 
 but dissolves at 80° C. (176° F.) in 1 part of glycerin and at 
 15° C. (59° F.) in 16 parts of water. The glycerin solution 
 imparts a green color to flame (Senier and Lowe, 1878). Accord- 
 ing to Poggiale, 100 parts of water dissolve at 10° C. (50° F.) 
 4.65 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) 7.88 parts, at 30° C. (84° F.) 11.90 
 parts, at 40° C. (104° F.) 17.90 parts, and at 100° C. (212° F.) 
 201.43 parts, of crystallized borax. If a saturated solution of 
 borax is prepared at an elevated temperature and kept at a tem- 
 perature exceeding 56° C. (133° F.), sodium borate containing 
 5H 2 0 will crystallize in octahedral crystals which are harder than 
 borax. A cold solution of borax absorbs considerable quantities 
 of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, both gases being again 
 Crystal of Borax. expelled on heating and evaporating the liquid. The aqueous 
 solution (1 in 20) colors red litmus-paper blue, and yellow 
 turmeric-paper reddish-brown. After being acidulated with hydrochloric acid the solu- 
 tion colors blue litmus-paper red ; yellow turmeric-paper remains unchanged at first, but 
 on drying becomes brownish-red, and this color is temporarily changed to a bluish-black 
 by moistening with ammonia-water. If a slight excess of sulphuric acid be added to a 
 hot, saturated aqueous solution of the salt, shining, scaly crystals of boric acid will 
 separate on cooling, which impart a green color to the flame of alcohol. Borax held in 
 a non-luminous flame imparts to it an intense yellow color. 
 
 Composition. — The water of crystallization amounts to 47.12 per cent., Na 2 0 to 
 16.23, and B 2 0 3 to 36.65 per cent. The crystallized and the anhydrous salt, Na 2 B 4 0 7 , are 
 compounds of tetra- or pyroboric acid (see p. 34). 
 
 Tests. — “ With 19 Cc. of water 1 Gm. of the salt should yield a perfectly clear and 
 
SODII BORAS. 
 
 1459 
 
 colorless solution, leaving no residue. The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should not effer- 
 vesce with acids (absence of carbonate). It should not be rendered turbid by ammonium 
 sulphide test-solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.), nor, after being acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, by an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of 
 arsenic, lead, etc.). When acidulated with acetic acid, the solution should not be rendered 
 turbid by ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium). The aqueous solution 
 (1 in 20) should not be rendered turbid by magnesia mixture (absence of phosphate). If 
 0.48 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 15 Cc. of water, then 1 Cc. of diluted nitric acid and 
 0.2 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution added, and the precipitate, if any, be removed 
 by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the addition of more silver 
 nitrate solution (limit of chloride). If 2.5 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 50 Cc. of water, 
 then 10 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid and 0.1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution added, 
 and the precipitate, if any, be removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaf- 
 fected by the addition of more barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate). If 1 
 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 20 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid, by the aid of heat, and 
 3 drops of indigo test-solution be added, the blue color should not be discharged (absence 
 of nitrate).” — U. S. Traces of chloride are always, and of sulphate occasionally, present 
 in good commercial borax. “191 grains of borax dissolved in 10 fluidounces of distilled 
 water require for saturation 1000 grain-measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic 
 acid.” — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This substance is supposed to be described by Pliny under the 
 name of chrysocolla ; by the Arabians it was called tankar (Sontheimer). The former 
 speaks of its drying and healing action upon wounds when applied as a powder — of its 
 use in sore throat, and in collyria for removing opacities of the cornea, and in plasters 
 for effacing scars. The latter allude to its cleansing and astringent virtues, to its appli- 
 cation in caries of the teeth, etc., and to its use by goldsmiths as a flux for gold. A 
 solution of borax Gm. 2 to Gm. 32 (gr. xxx to f^j) is quite efficient in diminishing and 
 even in removing freckles, chloasma, and those unsightly eruptions by which some women 
 are annoyed at the menstrual periods. A drachm of borax in half an ounce of cold 
 cream forms an excellent ointment for chilblains. As a lotion for ringworm of the scalp 
 a solution has been recommended of 1 drachm of borax in 2 ounces of distilled vinegar. 
 It has been thought useful in lotion or in ointment for alopecia. Borax has also been 
 applied with good effect in pityriasis versicolor and for removing opacities of the cornea. 
 It is used to heal ill-conditioned idcers , and especially those of the mouth occurring in 
 ulcerative stomatitis , and also to restore firmness to spongy gums. In the last cases par- 
 ticularly it should be associated with honey and myrrh. Borax is less efficient than 
 potassium chlorate, and like it acts only as a local stimulant. It is of constant use for 
 the cure of aphthse of the mouth and fauces occurring in nursing children. In the 
 first-named affections it should be finely powdered with white sugar and applied directly 
 to the affected part. It is equally efficacious in thrush , which proceeds from the acid 
 fermentation of the milk and occurs in the buccal cavity, about the anus, etc. Mixtures 
 of borax with honey or with glycerin will answer the same purpose, but perhaps less 
 efficiently. These, or the powder, or a simple -watery solution, may be applied to aph- 
 thous sores of the vulva and vagina , to fissures of the nipples , and to similar lesions. It 
 is sometimes advantageous to associate with the borax Peruvian balsam, benzoin, or 
 some analogous agent to modify or strengthen its action. They may be incorporated in a 
 mixture made with yelk of egg, oil of almonds, etc. A solution of borax is one of the 
 best topical applications in prurigo pudendi, and one of the most efficient vaginal injec- 
 tions for leucorrhoea , especially when it is due to superficial ulcers of the cervix. It 
 may also be used to relieve the symptoms of oxyuris. 
 
 In subacute laryngitis , especially as it occurs in children, a mixture of powdered borax 
 with honey or syrup has been found serviceable by its stimulating action upon the adja- 
 \ cent pharyngeal mucous membrane. A like effect has been observed in hoarseness and in 
 aphonia due to laryngeal congestion merely or to exhaustion of the larynx by an exces- 
 i sive use of the voice. The best mode of using it is to allow a piece of borax of the 
 size of a pea gradually to dissolve in the mouth. The inhalation of powdered borax has 
 been used in j)hthisis on theoretical grounds, and with the natural result. 
 
 Very few writers upon therapeutics admit that borax stimulates the uterine system, 
 promoting menstruation and labor and checking haemorrhage. The difficulty of determin- 
 ing the precise value of an emmenagogue medicine is notorious, and in this case, at least 
 as much as in others, large assertion is mixed with little proof. The power attributed to 
 borax of exciting the gravid uterus to contraction docs not appear to us susceptible of 
 
1460 
 
 SOD II BROMIDUM. 
 
 well-grounded doubt, and, while believing that ic is efficacious in uterine haemorrhage, we 
 should find a demonstration of its value difficult. In India borax is said to be used to 
 reduce enlargements of the spleen (Med. Record , xxxi. 549). 
 
 Dr. Gowers ( Times and Gaz ., April, 1880, p. 44V) states that in some inveterate cases 
 of epilepsy , in which the bromides had no effect, he tried borax without advantage some- 
 times, but in a certain number of instances its value was marked. The doses were 10 or 
 15 grains twice or three times a day. Sometimes it occasioned gastro-intestinal disturb- 
 ance, and rarely a form of dysenteric diarrhoea. According to Mairet, it is most useful 
 in symptomatic epilepsy. A tendency, which it showed, to cause a scaly eruption has 
 been noticed. Dr. Folsom noted that it sometimes produced itching of the skin and 
 exfoliation of the cuticle, and Dr. Gowers observed a similar effect ( Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour ., Feb. 1886, pp. 157, 145) ; while Dr. Munson (Med. News , lv. 154) found 
 the nutrition of the hair impaired. (Compare Lancet , May, 1890, p. 1061.) 
 
 The utility of borax in cases of uric-acid, gravel is very great. Entering the urine 
 nearly unchanged, a great part of the borax taken presents itself to the uric acid, which 
 decomposes it, forming soluble sodium urate, which, with the freed boric acid, is dis- 
 charged. Borax may be given internally in the dose of Gm. 0.30-2 (gr. v— xxx), in 
 watery solution largely diluted. 
 
 Ammonium Borate has been proposed as a remedy for disorders of the urinary 
 secretion attended with an excess of acid or of earthy phosphates and irritability of the 
 bladder. It does not, however, seem to have answered these purposes, since it has com- 
 pletely fallen into disuse. Yet it would seem to be nearly as well fitted for them as 
 sodium borate. The dose is Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx) in an abundant watery solution. 
 
 SODII BROMIDUM, U. S., Sodium Bromide. 
 
 Natrium bromatum , P. G. ; Bromuretum sodicum. — Bromure de sodium , Fr. ; Bromna- 
 trium , G. 
 
 Formula NaBr. Molecular weight 102.76. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium bromide may be prepared in a manner similar to potas- 
 sium bromide (see page 1282). A solution of ferrous bromide, boiled with a solution of 
 sodium carbonate, yields a precipitate, the filtrate from which is evaporated and crystallized. 
 
 Properties. — At a temperature of about 20° C. (68° F.) and below, colorless, trans- 
 parent, oblique-rhombic prisms are obtained having the composition NaBr.2H 2 0 (mol. 
 weight 138.68), which when heated melt and give off the water of crystallization. But 
 when the solution is kept at a temperature above 30° C. (86° F.), anhydrous cubes of 
 sodium bromide are obtained, which have a saline, somewhat alkaline, and scarcely bitter- 
 ish taste, and a neutral or faint alkaline reaction. The salt is usually met with in the 
 form of a white crystalline, inodorous powder which is permanent in dry air, and is stated 
 to be soluble in 0.5 part of boiling water, in 11 parts of boiling alcohol ( U. S.), and at 
 15° C. (59° F.) in 1.2 (U. S., P. G.) parts of water and in 13 (U. Si) or 5 (P. G.) parts 
 of alcohol. According to Kremers (1856), 1 part of the anhydrous salt is soluble at 0° 
 C. (32° F.) in 1.29, at 20° C. (68° F.) in 1.13, and at 100° C. (212° F.) in 0.87, parts 
 of water, and the saturated solution boils at 121° C. (250° F.). According to Hager, 
 the anhydrous salt is soluble in 10 parts of 90 per cent, alcohol and in 3 parts of 60 per 
 cent, alcohol, while the hydrated salt requires 7 parts of the former and 2.25 parts of the 
 latter for solution. The hydrated salt melts in its water of crystallization, but the anhy- 
 drous salt requires a red heat for fusion, and then volatilizes slowly without decomposi- 
 tion. The salt imparts to a non-luminous flame an intense yellow color, which, when 
 observed through a blue glass, should not appear permanently red (P. G.). 
 
 Tests. — The pharmacopoeias give nearly identical tests for alkalinity, bromate, iodide, 
 sulphate, and chloride, as follows : “ The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should be clear and 
 colorless, and should not be rendered turbid by sodium bitartrate test-solution, nor by 
 sodium-cobaltic nitrite test-solution (limit of potassium), nor by ammonium oxalate test- 
 solution (calcium), nor by barium chloride test-solution (sulphate). If the aqueous 
 solution be slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid, it should not be rendered turbid 
 by the addition of an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution, either at once 
 (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.), or after adding ammonia-water in slight excess (absence 
 of iron, aluminum, etc.). If diluted sulphuric acid be dropped upon some of the pow- 
 dered salt, no yellow color should appear at once (absence of bromate). If 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution (1 in 20) be mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, and then 
 0,5 Cc. of chlorine-water added, no blue color should appear (absence of iodine). If 1 
 
SOD II BROMIDVM. 
 
 1461 
 
 Gm. of the powdered salt be kept for twenty minutes at the temperature of 100° C. (212° 
 F.) or slightly above it, it should not lose more than 0.03 Gm. in weight (limit of moist- 
 ure). If 0.3 Gm. of the well-dried salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and 2 drops of 
 potassium chromate test-solution be added, it should not require more than 29.8 Cc of 
 decinormal silver nitrate solution to produce a permanent red color (absence of more than 
 2.<1 per cent, of chloride).” — V. S. When heated to a bright-red heat the salt melts 
 and, at a somewhat higher temperature, slowly volatilizes without decomposition. To a 
 non-luminous flame it imparts an intensely yellow color. Its aqueous solution is neutral 
 to litmus-paper or at most very feebly alkaline. If a few drops of chloroform are poured 
 into 10 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20), then 1 Cc. of chlorine-water added, and 
 the mixture agitated, the liberated bromine will dissolve in the chloroform, imparting to 
 it a yellow or brownish-yellow color, without a violet tint. 1 Gm. of the salt, when com- 
 pletely precipitated by silver nitrate, yields, if perfectly pure, 1.824 Gm. of dry silver 
 bromide ; in the presence of sodium chloride the precipitate will weigh more. 
 
 The volumetric test of the Pharmacopoeia is very similar to that prescribed for the 
 potassium salt: 0.3 Gm. of pure sodium bromide would require 29.19 Cc. of decinormal 
 silver solution for complete precipitation, and hence each 0.222 Cc. used in excess of that 
 
 q T n oa y o n 1 1 Per Ce , nt ' of chloride * The Germ. Pharm, by allowing the use of 
 
 only ^.3 Cc. or decinormal silver solution, requires sodium bromide to be 99 5 per cent 
 pure. r 
 
 Action and Uses. Although various theoretical considerations have been re- 
 garded as sufficient to prove sodium bromide preferable as a medicine to potassium 
 bromide, physiological experiment and clinical observation agree in teaching that sodium 
 bromide possesses in a less degree the characteristic sedative and hvpnotic properties 
 ot potassium bromide. It has been claimed to be more eligible than the potassium salt 
 because it does not excite an eruption of acne nor occasion hebetude of mind or body • 
 but the latter symptom is the very index of the efficiency of the potassium salt, at least 
 in epilepsy ; and if it fails to occur under sodium bromide, the occurrence can be taken 
 as a proof that the latter is inoperative in cases for which the potassic bromide is appro- 
 priate. It is given in the same doses as potassium bromide. In point of fact, however 
 bronuzation of the nervous system is produced by the sodium salt when taken in lar<»e 
 doses. Cutler has related ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., March, 1884, p. 248) the case of 
 a man who took about 4 ounces of this compound in one week. Torpor, sopor and 
 lethargy succeeded one another; the skin was dusky and cool, the pulse and breathing 
 slow; the urine was nearly suppressed, and reflex irritability abolished. The patient lav 
 
 M a 7 S ° 7 ? nd / 6e P 1°/* N ei g h T teen da y s - Similar cases had before been observed (Schweig, 
 MeM Record , xl 841). In one of them there were “incoherency of speech and action, 
 hallucinations of sight and hearing, delusions of various sorts, a general aspect of imbe- 
 cility and an almost entire absence of rational conduct.” Yet the patient on recovery 
 
 mentaTdark P netr t y ° CCUITenCeS that had taken P lace durin g his period of apparent 
 
 In regard to the relative value of the sodic and potassic bromides in the treatment of 
 epilepsy it would appear that the former is inferior to the latter, because it exerts less 
 ot that sedative influence on the nervous system which the mitigation of the disease 
 requires. Dujardin-Beaumetz and Yoism entirely reject the use of the sodium salt in 
 epilepsy and the weightiest evidence is on the same side of the question. Nevertheless 
 it should be used when the other salt disagrees with the patient or is contraindicated by 
 
 tint t J ' i ^ 18 d ° Ub > aS already Said ’ that ifcs action is less depressing, 
 
 that its taste is less offensive, that it does not tend to produce an acneiform eruption and 
 
 that it is not so apt to render the breath fetid. Hence it is to be preferred in all the 
 
 thin th S ’ eX r eP . epileps ^ as a rale ’ in which th e bromides are indicated, and especially 
 
 nervous ^>rh h n r/ re ° F dellcate persons - Among these cases are to be reckoned 
 
 nervous irritability, such as is apt to attend the menopause ; cases of insomnia from 
 
 excitement of mind or body ; delirium tremens; nervous palpitation from 
 t r v ^f nCe 4 t SG of tobacco, alcohol, etc. The practice of using the bromides 
 sinop iqqo ea Slc ™ ess i y producing a mild bromization, which became very common 
 
 probated by those who have had the best opportunity of forming a correct 
 imtn dnspf aS mer<dy . a mode °, f narcotlc intoxication. It is probable that frequent 
 2lt S TZT e e Clent tban J ar S er and less frequent doses, and that the use of the 
 Iwnl!r f I!® COmmenced ^ efo , re to sea. The danger of excessive doses is 
 
 od nm T e : 1882 ’ lh ■ F R t00k «i inordinate quantity of 
 
 sodium bromide (11 oz.) for the purpose referred to, and under its influence became 
 
1462 
 
 S0LI1 CARBON AS. 
 
 insane, jumped overboard, and was drowned. As antidotes to the stupefying effects of 
 this salt strong coffee, and also caffeine citrate, have been recommended. 
 
 Sodium lactate has also been proposed as possessing hypnotic qualities (London Med. 
 Record ', Dec. 15, 1879), but none were shown among seventeen patients of Kroemer, even 
 after the very large doses of the salt had been taken. Others condemn it for its tend- 
 ency to disorder the stomach and produce diarrhoea. 
 
 SODII CARBON AS, U. S,, J Br. — Sodium Carbonate. 
 
 Sodse carbonas , Br. ; Natrium carbonicum , P. G. ; Carbonas sodicus , Sal sodse depura- 
 tus. — Pure carbonate of sodium , E. ; Carbonate de soude , Fr. ; Natriumcarbonat , Kohlen- 
 saures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula Na 2 CO 3 .10H 2 O. Molecular weight 285.45. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Both sodium and potassium carbonate were known at 
 a very remote period, and by the ancients were called nitron and nitrum , which names 
 were afterward applied to other salts (see page 1307). A distinction between the alkali 
 carbonates was not made until after Duhamel’s observation (1736) had shown table-salt 
 to be the compound of an alkali, and until Marggraf (1759) had proved this alkali to differ 
 from the vegetable alkali procured from the ashes of plants. 
 
 Sodium carbonate exists in a large number of mineral waters, mostly, however, as 
 bicarbonate. It is contained in the waters of certain lakes in India, Egypt, Central 
 Africa, Mexico, and South America, and is found in the ashes of man} ir plants growing 
 near the seashore, such as Salsola, Statice, Salicornia, Atriplex, Mesembryanthemum, and 
 others. These ashes are known in commerce as barilla , salicor, etc., the former contain- 
 ing nearly 30 per cent., the latter about 14 per cent., of sodium carbonate. Kelp and 
 varec , the ashes of various marine algae, contain much less soda, and are at present not 
 employed for obtaining this salt. Egyptian trona , a native sodium carbonate, contains 
 both carbonate and sesquicarbonate. In Hungary and some other countries sodium car- 
 bonate effloresces from the earth. 
 
 The most important sources of this salt are cryolite and sodium sulphate and chloride. 
 Cryolite is a mineral found in Greenland, and consists of sodium and aluminum fluoride. 
 When boiled with an excess of caustic lime, insoluble calcium fluoride and aluminate are 
 obtained and caustic soda remains in solution ; and when a mixture of cryolite and chalk 
 is cautiously heated to redness, but not to fusion, calcium fluoride and sodium aluminate 
 are produced, this last compound being soluble in water and decomposed by carbon diox- 
 ide, which precipitates aluminum hydroxide, retaining a little sodium carbonate, while 
 pure sodium carbonate remains in solution. 
 
 The production of soda directly from sodium chloride has led to numerous investiga- 
 tions, and as early as 1838 it was accomplished by H. Dyar and J. Hemming ; but the 
 process, and more particularly the apparatus for the successful working of it, attained 
 greater perfection since E. Solvay began to use it in 1865 on an extensive scale. It con- 
 sists in conducting, under pressure, into a cold concentrated solution of sodium chloride, 
 first ammonia gas and afterward carbon dioxide, when sodium bicarbonate and ammonium 
 chloride are formed ; most of the former salt is deposited, and after being heated to red- 
 ness requires to be dissolved in water and crystallized in order to obtain sodium car- 
 bonate. In the first part of this process the reaction takes place between ammonium 
 bicarbonate and sodium chloride, but the conversion of the latter salt into bicarbonate is 
 never complete. 
 
 Sodium carbonate is obtained by Leblanc's process from sodium sulphate, which is 
 mixed with chalk and coal and the mixture ignited ; the mass is exhausted with water 
 and the solution concentrated, the carbonate separating from the hot liquid being removed, 
 while fresh portions of the solution are added until the carbonate becomes too much con- 
 taminated with foreign salts, when it is calcined with charcoal and afterward recrystai- 
 lized. In the first part of this process sodium carbonate and calcium sulphate are formed 
 by double decomposition, and the sulphate is reduced by the coal to sulphide ; but the 
 ignited mass contains also caustic soda, sodium sulphate and sulphite. The crude prod- 
 uct obtained by evaporating the first solution to dryness is sent to market as soda-ash , 
 and of this 165,502,900 pounds were imported into the United States in 1876, and in 
 addition to this 20,074,269 pounds of soda carbonate and 32,093,691 pounds of caustic 
 soda. The importation of soda-ash in 1883 reached 323,726,726 pounds, and in 1882, of 
 carbonate and caustic soda, 29,842,140 and 56,878,896 pounds, respectively. Large 
 quantities of these compounds are also manufactured here. 
 
S0DI1 CARBON AS. 
 
 1463 
 
 Fig. 287. 
 
 Properties. — As obtained in commerce, sodium carbonate is in large, colorless, 
 oblique-rhombic crystals, or frequently in crystalline lumps, inodorous, and with a 
 harsh alkaline taste and a decided alkaline reaction. On exposure it becomes white and 
 friable from the loss of water of crystallization, and ultimately falls into a soft white 
 powder ; the amount of this loss depends upon the temperature, and is in ordinary dry 
 air of 12.5° C. (54.5° F.) 31 per cent., and at about 35° C. (95° F.) 56.6 per cent. ; the 
 last molecule of water is expelled below the boiling-point of water. The salt is sol- 
 uble in 1.6 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), in 0.09 part at 38° C. (100.4° F.), and in 
 0.2 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol and in ether; soluble in 1.02 parts of 
 glycerin. When heated to 32.5° C. (90.5° F.), the crystals fuse in their water of crys- 
 tallization. At a higher temperature, the salt continues to lose water, 
 until at last an anhydrous residue is left, corresponding to 37 per cent, 
 of the weight of the crystals. At a bright-red heat the anhydrous salt 
 fuses. To a non-luminous flame it imparts an intensely yellow color. It 
 effervesces strongly on the addition of an acid. 
 
 SODII CARBONAS VENALIS, NATRIUM CARBONICUM CRUDUM, P. G. 
 
 Sal sodae, Soda cruda. — Sal soda, Washing soda, E . ; Sel de soude, Ft. ; 
 
 Soda, G . — This is the salt generally met with in commerce. It is used 
 for preparing the pure salt by recrystallizing from hot water until the 
 crystals respond to the pharmacopoeial tests of purity, and it is advis- 
 able to agitate the cooling solution, so as to obtain small crystals or a 
 crystalline powder, which is readily freed from the mother-liquor by 
 draining and washing with a little cold water. The pure salt should be 
 kept in a well-stopped bottle in a cool place. 20 grains of it neutralize 
 
 9.7 grains of citric acid or 10J grains of tartaric acid. 
 
 Crystal of Sodium 
 Carbonate. 
 
 Tests. — Commercial sodium carbonate contains small but variable 
 quantities of sulphate and chloride, and its solution in water acidulated 
 with nitric acid therefore produces precipitates with barium chloride and with silver 
 nitrate. Cryolite is the source of an impurity which is sometimes met with, and which 
 consists of alumina rendered soluble in water by the soda ; it is best detected by acidu- 
 lating its solution in water with hydrochloric acid, heating to boiling, and then supersat- 
 urating with ammonia, when gelatinous aluminum hydroxide will be precipitated. “ A 
 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt should be perfectly clear and colorless, leaving 
 no insoluble residue. If 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) be slightly supersat- 
 urated with hydrochloric acid, the liquid should not be colored red by a drop of ferric 
 chloride test-solution (absence of sulphocyanate). If to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution, 
 slightly supersaturated with hydrochloric acid, an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide 
 test-solution be added, no turbidity should be produced, either before or after the addition 
 of ammonia-water in slight excess (absence of arsenic, lead, iron, aluminum, etc.). If 
 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution be slightly supersaturated with acetic acid, the addition of 
 0.5 Cc. of ammonium oxalate test-solution should produce no turbidity (absence of cal- 
 cium). If 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution be slightly supersaturated with acetic acid, the 
 addition of 0.5 Cc. of sodium cobaltic nitrite test-solution should not render it turbid 
 within one hour (limit of potassium). If 1.2 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of 
 diluted nitric acid, then 0.5 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution added, and the pre- 
 cipitate, if any, be removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by 
 the addition of more silver nitrate test-solution (limit of chloride). If 2.5 Gm. of the 
 salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid, then 0.1 Cc. of nitric acid and 
 0.1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution added, and the precipitate, if any, be removed by 
 filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaffected by the further addition of barium 
 chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate, sulphite, and thiosulphate). If the crystallized 
 salt be heated in a test-tube, the vapor of ammonia should not be evolved.” — U. S. 
 
 The limit of impurities allowed by the U. S. and Germ. Ph. is practically identical (1.1 
 per cent.), the former demanding that 1 Gm. of the anhydrous salt shall require not less 
 than 18.7 Cc. of normal acid for complete neutralization, while the Germ. Ph. requires 
 for 1 Gm. of crystallized (=0.37 Gm. anhydrous) salt not less than 7 Cc. of normal acid. 
 The Br. Ph. allows 4.3 per cent, of impurities by requiring for 14.3 Gm. of crystallized 
 salt 96 Cc. of normal oxalic acid. 
 
 Composition. — Pure crystallized sodium carbonate contains 62.9 per cent, of water, 
 21.7 per cent, of Na 2 0, and 15.4 per cent, of C0 2 . When boiled with a little water a 
 salt is deposited containing only 11.6 per cent, of water = 1H 2 0. Several other salts 
 are obtainable, which crystallize with 3, 5, and 7II 2 0. Besides the sodium carbonate and 
 
1464 
 
 SOD II CARBON AS EXS1CCATUS. 
 
 bicarbonate, another compound of intermediate composition may be obtained ; this sesqui- 
 carbonate requires about 7 parts of water for solution, and contains nearly 22 per cent, of 
 water. 
 
 SODII CARBONAS EXSICCATUS, U . Dried Sodium Carbonate. 
 
 Sodii carbonas exsiccata , Br. ; Natrium carbonicum siccum , P. G. — Dried carbonate of 
 soda, , E. ; Carbonate de soude sec , Fr. ; Entwdsserte Soda , Gr. 
 
 Formula Na 2 C0 3 2H 2 0. Molecular weight 141.77 (anhydrous Na 2 C0 3 = 105.85). 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium carbonate 200 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Break the salt into 
 small fragments, allow it to effloresce by exposure to warm air for several days, then 
 expose it to a temperature of about 45° C. (113° F.) until it has been converted into 
 a white powder weighing 100 parts. Pass the powder through a sieve and preserve it in 
 well-stoppered bottles. — U S. 
 
 This is also the process of the German Pharmacopoeia, and was admitted so as to facil- 
 itate the dispensing of sodium carbonate. The warm air to which the crystallized salt is 
 to be exposed in the beginning should be of a lower temperature than the melting-point 
 (32.5° C.) of the salt, when a light and voluminous powder will be obtained. Working 
 strictly according to the pharmacopoeial directions, the salt will have the composition 
 given above, and probably is a mixture of the mono- and terhydrated carbonate. Near 
 and above 40° C. (104° F.) a salt of the formula Na 2 C0 3 .H 2 0 is readily obtained, weighing 
 If oz., from 4 oz. of the crystallized salt. The product of the British Pharmacopoeia is 
 denser, the salt being at first fused in its water of crystallization, and afterward rendered 
 anhydrous. 
 
 Properties. — Dried sodium carbonate is a soft white powder which answers to the 
 tests and reactions of the crystallized salt. It is permanent at a temperature of 30° or 
 35° C. (86° or 95° F.), but at low temperatures absorbs moisture. 2.65 Gm. of the 
 anhydrous salt, if pure, require for neutralization 50 Cc. of the normal volumetric solu- 
 tion of oxalic acid ; for the pharmacopoeial salt not less than 36.5 Cc. should be necessary, 
 showing the presence of at least 73 per cent. Na 2 C0 3 . 
 
 History. — Under Potassium Nitrate allusion has been made to the confusion 
 between nitrum and natron, nitre and soda, in medical and natural history. It is prob- 
 able that anciently they were not clearly distinguished from one another. It appears that 
 originally the term nitre was applied to native sodium carbonate, and that the same name 
 was afterward given to the substance procured by lixiviation from the ashes of the beech, 
 oak, and other trees. 
 
 Soda was used by the ancients only as an external remedy for repressing fungous gran- 
 ulations, stimulating indolent sores, curing eruptions of the skin, lessening perspiration, 
 whitening the teeth, and destroying vermin. It was habitually dissolved in water and 
 applied as soap is at present, and baths of a strong solution of it were employed in the 
 treatment of gout, tetanus, etc. 
 
 Action and Uses.— The nature of the action of sodium carbonate must be closely 
 analogous to that of the bicarbonate, but it differs in being much more irritating. Experi- 
 mental researches have shown that when from 1 to 5 drachms of this salt are daily taken 
 by men for ten successive days the blood grows lighter in color, the proportion of its 
 white corpuscles and water increases, while that of its other solid constituents declines 
 and the clot exhibits a diminished firmness. Meanwhile, the strength is impaired and 
 the skin grows pale. In excessive doses sodium carbonate is irritant and corrosive, but 
 not so much so as potassium carbonate. Its proper a7itidotes are vinegar, lemon-juice, 
 or a solution of tartaric acid. Subsequently cream or olive or almond oil may be 
 administered. 
 
 In regard to the internal uses of sodium carbonate little need be said in detail. They 
 are the same as those of the bicarbonate, but are much less frequently resorted to, oil 
 account of the greater mildness of the action of the latter salt. The carbonate is espe- 
 cially used now, as it was in ancient times, for the treatment of diseases of the skin. It 
 is most frequently applied in a general bath, from 4 to 16 ounces of the salt being dis- 
 solved in a sufficient quantity of water at a temperature of about 80° F. Each bath 
 should last for at least an hour. The effect of it is to redden the skin, to stimulate the 
 affected portions to assume a more healthy action, and to remove the sebaceous and acid 
 secretions adhering to it. If the skin is already in an irritable condition, very little of 
 the alkali should be used, and its acrimony should be blunted by the addition of mucilage 
 or bran to the water. Naturally, the dry eruptions (lichen, prurigo, lepra, psoriasis, pity- 
 
SODII CHLORAS. 
 
 1465 
 
 riasis) are most apt to be benefited by this treatment, while pustular and vesicular affec- 
 tions (impetigo, eczema) are unsuited for its use, unless the solution is very weak. 
 Lotions containing sodium carbonate are useful in many local eruptions, as those of the 
 scalp, in herpes circinatus, lichen agrius, intertrigo, and pruritus of the vulva. In some 
 cases of inveterate scaly diseases, and in a less degree in chronic papular and pustular 
 affections, the long-continued internal use of this medicine is sometimes curative, but 
 seldom until it has produced more or less of the cachectic phenomena above mentioned. 
 
 Sodium carbonate has also been employed in glandular scrofula , whooping cough , con- 
 gestion of the liver , etc., but, except in the form of alkaline mineral waters, without not- 
 able advantage. 
 
 This salt is seldom administered internally, but its dose may be stated to be 6m. 0.30— 
 1.30 (gr. v-xx), dissolved in water and largely diluted. From Gm. 60-250 (^ij-viij) 
 may be used in a general bath for diseases of the skin. A lotion for the same purpose 
 should contain Gm. 1.30 in Gm. 32 (gr. xv-xx to the ounce) of water for scaly affec- 
 tions, and about half that proportion for lichenoid eruptions. A solution of the latter 
 strength is appropriate as a wash for the mucous membrane of the female genital organs. 
 An ointment for diseases of the skin may be made with about Gm 4 in Gm. 32 (^j to ^j) 
 of lard, with the addition of 1 or 2 fluidrachms, Gm. 8 (f^j— ij), of laudanum. 
 
 The medicinal qualities of dried sodium carbonate are identical with those of the com- 
 mon carbonate. It is represented to be convenient for administration in pills, but the 
 irritant qualities of the salt render this mode of prescribing it not only ineligible, but 
 imprudent. The dose of it is stated to be Gm. 0.20—0.60 (gr. iij— x). 
 
 SODII CHLORAS, U. Sodium Chlorate. 
 
 Natrium chloricum, Chloras sodicus . — Chlorate de soude , Fr. ; Natriumchlorat , G. 
 
 Formula NaC10 3 . Molecular weight 106.25. 
 
 Sodium chlorate should be kept in glass-stoppered bottles, and great caution should be 
 observed in handling the salt, as dangerous explosions are liable to occur when it is mixed 
 with organic matters (cork, tannic acid, sugar, etc.), or with sulphur, antimony sulphide, 
 phosphorus, or other easily oxidizable substances, and either heated directly or subjected 
 to trituration or concussion. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is most conveniently obtained, according to Wittstein, by 
 preparing sodium bitartrate from 9 parts of crystallized sodium carbonate and 9.5 parts 
 of tartaric acid, and adding the hot solution to one containing 8 parts of potassium chlo- 
 rate. The cold liquid is filtered from the precipitated potassium bitartrate, evaporated, 
 and crystallized. The last traces of bitartrate may be removed by recrystallization from 
 alcohol. The yield is about 7.5 parts. The salt is also formed, like the corresponding 
 potassium salt (see p. 1290), by passing chlorine into solution of soda and boiling ; the 
 resulting chlorate requires to be freed from chloride by repeated crystallization, involving 
 considerable loss, owing to the ready solubility of both salts. 
 
 Hager recommends the following: Dissolve 100 parts of potassium chlorate and 60 
 parts of official dry sodium carbonate in 600 parts of warm water ; allow to cool, add 
 300 parts of alcohol, set aside in a cool place for two days, decant the solution, distil off 
 the alcohol, evaporate to crystallization, and purify by recrystallization. The yield is 
 about 85 parts. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium chlorate crystallizes in the form of regular cubes, combined 
 with the dodecahedron and tetrahedron. The crystals are colorless and transparent, or 
 the salt is seen in a white crystalline powder, and is 
 air, inodorous, and has a cooling; saline taste : it is 
 (59° F.) in 1.1 parts of water, and in about 100 
 in 0.5 part of boiling water, and in about 40 part 
 hoi; also soluble in 5 parts of glycerin. When 
 melts, then gives off oxygen (about 45 per cen 
 and finally leaves a residue of sodium chloride 
 water, and yielding, with silver nitrate test-solutio 
 precipitate, insoluble in nitric acid. To a non-1 
 imparts an intensely yellow color. The aqueous s 
 to litmus-paper. When a crystal of the salt is dr( 
 chloric acid, the liquid assumes a deep greenish - 
 emits the odor of chlorine. 
 
 Tests. — “A saturated aqueous solution should not be rendered turbid by sodium 
 
 ! permanent in the 
 soluble at 15° C. 
 parts of alcohol ; 
 ;s of boiling alco- 
 heated, the salt 
 t. of its weight), 
 readily soluble in 
 >n, a white, curdy 
 uminous flame it 
 olution is neutral 
 )pped into hydro- 
 yellow color and 
 
 Fig. 288 . 
 
 Crystal of Sodium Chlo- 
 rate. 
 
1466 
 
 SOD II CIILORIDUM. 
 
 bitartrate test-solution (limit of potassium). An aqueous solution of the residue left 
 after igniting a portion of the salt, should not give an alkaline reaction with litmus-paper 
 (absence of tartrate). The aqueous solution (1 in 20), slightly acidulated with acetic 
 acid, should not be rendered turbid by the addition of an equal volume of hydrogen sul- 
 phide test-solution, either at once (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.), or after the addition of 
 ammonia-water in slight excess (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.). The aqueous solution 
 (1 in 20) should not be rendered turbid by adding to it a few drops of ammonia-water 
 and then sodium phosphate . test-solution (absence of magnesium). The solution (1 in 
 20), slightly acidulated with acetic acid, should not be rendered turbid by ammonium 
 oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium) ; nor by barium chloride test-solution (absence 
 of sulphate) ; nor should silver nitrate test-solution produce in it more than a slight opal- 
 escence (limit of chloride).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This salt is identical in the nature of its properties with potas- 
 sium chlorate, but its action is very much milder. It has been but little used. The 
 dose may be stated at Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gr. v-xx), but it can seldom be needed as an 
 internal medicine. As a gargle or wash a solution of from 2 to 5 per cent, may be 
 prescribed. 
 
 SODII CHLORIDUM, 77. S ., Br , — Sodium Chloride. 
 
 Natrium chloratum , P. G. ; Chloruretum sodicum , Sal commune , s. culinare. — Common 
 salt , Table-salt , Sodium chloride , E. ; Chlorure de sodium , Sel commun , Sel de cuisine , Fr. ; 
 C hlor natrium, Kochsalz , G. 
 
 Formula NaCl. Molecular weight 58.37. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Sodium chloride is found native in extensive beds and 
 in different geological formations, though mostly associated with clay and calcium sul- 
 phate, and constitutes rock-salt or sal gem if very pure and transparent. This is mined, 
 mechanically freed from the adhering impurities, and sold as rock-salt or purified by 
 recrystallization. In some places holes are dug into the rock and filled with water, which 
 is pumped up when nearly saturated with salt and evaporated. 
 
 Most saline springs contain sodium chloride. If the salt is present in sufficiently large 
 proportion, it is recovered by evaporation ; but if present in the solution only in limited 
 proportion, the spring water is first concentrated, in some parts of France and Germany, 
 by pumping it up on a high scaffolding and causing it to trickle over layers of brushwood, 
 whereby, from the largely-extended surface exposed to the air, much water is evaporated, 
 and a brine is obtained which may be economically concentrated by artificial heat. Some- 
 times the brine contains also considerable proportions of gypsum and sodium sulphate, 
 which salts are deposited from the boiling brine and raked out ; when nearly free from 
 these salts and sufficiently concentrated, the liquor is no longer mixed with fresh portions 
 of the brine, but is maintained at an elevated temperature and the salt removed as it 
 crystallizes. The size of the crystals, called grain of the salt, varies with the heat, and 
 increases as the temperature falls. 
 
 Sea-water is a solution of various salts, prominent among which is sodium chloride, 
 which is contained in the waters of the large oceans to the amount of from 2.6 to 2.9 
 per cent., but is much less in the large bays and seas which are surrounded by land, and 
 sinks — for instance, in the water of the Baltic Sea — to J per cent. The extraction of 
 the salt from sea-water depends upon the climate, the water being removed either by 
 freezing or by evaporation. When frozen, sea-water yields pure ice and leaves a more 
 concentrated saline solution. In warmer countries the concentration is effected by spon- 
 taneous evaporation in shallow pits, the brine as it concentrates being conducted into 
 other pits, and finally into reservoirs, where the salt is deposited. 
 
 The mother-liquors which are obtained in the several processes described are solutions 
 of various salts, usually sulphates and chlorides, in some cases also of sodium, potassium, 
 calcium, and magnesium bromides, and they frequently yield salts or double salts of 
 definite composition by being concentrated and exposed to either a low or an elevated 
 temperature ; they are used up in the preparation of sodium sulphate, magnesium sul- 
 phate, and bromine. 
 
 In addition to the large quantities of salt obtained in the United States, about 
 750,000,000 pounds of it are annually imported. 
 
 Properties. — -When crystallized by spontaneous evaporation sodium chloride forms 
 transparent cubes ; but when the solution is evaporated at an elevated temperature, the 
 crystals aggregate on the surface of the liquid in the form of white or translucent hollow 
 
SOD II CHLOnWXJM. 
 
 1467 
 
 pyramids. It is very frequently kept in tlie form of a white, granular, crystalline pow- 
 der, which is inodorous and permanent in the air, unless contaminated with magnesium 
 chloride, when it becomes moist in a damp atmosphere. On the application of heat 
 sodium chloride usually decrepitates, and at a red heat it melts and is slowly volatilized. 
 It has a neutral reaction to test-paper, a density of 2.16, and a purely saline taste. It 
 is very sparingly soluble in strong alcohol, and requires a little less than 3 parts of hot 
 or cold water for solution. 100 parts of water dissolve at 0° C. (32° F.) 35.52 parts, at 
 14° C. (57.2° F.) 35.87 parts, at 25° C. (77° F.) 36.13 parts, at 60° C. (140° F.) 37.25 
 parts, and at 100° C. (212° F.) 39.61 parts, of sodium chloride (Poggiale). On cooling 
 the saturated aqueous solution to below the freezing-point of water, transparent colorless 
 prisms, NaC1.2H 2 0, are obtained, which melt above 0° C. (32° F.) and deposit a granular 
 powder of the anhydrous salt. Dilute aqueous solutions of sodium chloride produce at 
 a low temperature ice which is free from the salt, and concentrated solutions deposit 
 crystals of the salt before they freeze. A fragment of the salt imparts to a non-lumi- 
 nous flame an intense yellow color, not appearing more than transiently red when observed 
 through a blue glass ; the aqueous solution, acidulated with nitric acid, yields with test- 
 solution of silver nitrate a white precipitate soluble in ammonia. — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — Sodium chloride contains 60.6 per cent, of chlorine and 39.4 per 
 cent, of sodium. Heated with sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid is given off. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of sodium chloride should not be precipitated by 
 sodium carbonate (absence of calcium, magnesium, etc.), barium chloride (sulphate), 
 hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide (metals). “ If 2 Gm. of the salt be digested 
 with 25 Cc. of alcohol, the cold and filtered alcoholic solution evaporated to dryness, the 
 residue dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, a little gelatinized starch added, and subsequently 
 chlorine-water drop by drop, no colored tint should make its appearance at the line of 
 contact of the two liquids (absence of iodide or bromide). No turbidity should be pro- 
 duced in 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) by the addition of 0.5 Cc. of sodium 
 cobaltic nitrite test-solution (limit of potassium)/’ — U. S. Hager recommends for the 
 same purpose the following simple test : Put into a dry test-tube sufficient of the pow- 
 dered salt to form a layer about 25 Mm. (1 inch) thick ; press it firmly with a glass rod, 
 and add carefully twice this volume of a cold saturated solution of copper sulphate ; the 
 salt must retain its color and remain free from dark spots. (See Sodii Bromidum.) 
 1 Gm. of sodium chloride, when completely precipitated by silver nitrate, should yield 
 2.450 Gm. of dry silver chloride. If 0.195 Gm. of well-dried sodium chloride be dis- 
 solved in 10 Cc. of water, and the solution mixed with a few drops of potassium chro- 
 mate test-solution, it should require not less than 33.3 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate 
 solution to produce a permanent red color (corresponding to at least 99.9 per cent, of 
 the pure salt). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Sodium chloride is used in the preparation of chlorine, 
 hydrochloric acid, corrosive sublimate, and calomel. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium chloride is a natural constituent of the body and the 
 chief source of its most important secretion, the gastric juice, and for this reason is an 
 essential constituent or condiment of all solid food. Its excessive and long-continued 
 use in food produces scurvy. Large doses of it cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and death 
 has resulted from them. 
 
 It has been proposed to use salt for the cure of intermittent fever , upon the ground 
 that it causes contraction of the spleen enlarged by the disease. From half an ounce to 
 an ounce has been given for this purpose during the apyrexia, and usually, unless dis- 
 solved in too much water, it neither vomits nor purges. This is said to be a popular 
 medicine in some river localities and among boatmen, who usually swallow a tablespoonful 
 or so of salt mixed with gin. It has also been recommended to be taken after being 
 roasted in a pan over a gentle fire {Med. Record , xiv. 198). There is no sufficient proof 
 of the efficacy of the medicine. A similar remark may be applied to its use in pulmo- 
 nary phthisis , notwithstanding certain physicians of repute have attested its benefits. 
 This judgment does not apply to an ordinary incident of consumption, haemoptysis, for 
 which a teaspoonful of dry table-salt may be given at intervals of fifteen or twenty min- 
 utes. Nothing appears to be so successful in arresting this form of haemorrhage, but all 
 the ingenious hypotheses invented to explain its apparent action are chimerical. If the 
 haemorrhage, like most others, did not usually cease spontaneously when the patient is 
 kept perfectly still, the action of the salt would be less ambiguous. The same remarks 
 are more or less applicable to the use of salt to arrest epistuxis, in which, however, it gen- 
 erally fails to give any evidence of haemostatic virtues. 
 
1468 
 
 SOD II CHLORIDUM. 
 
 In the various forms of scrofula affecting the glands, the skin, or the bones salt lias 
 been used internally and externally, but chiefly in the latter mode in sea-baths and the 
 baths of various mineral springs ; and doubtless these agents are often useful through 
 their stimulant operation, without any reference to their special saline constituents, in so 
 far as they promote tissue-change. Gargles of salt water have been used with some 
 advantage to promote the separation of the false membranes in diphtheria. 
 
 As salt is essential to the digestion of food, so is it of use in certain forms of dyspepsia , 
 doubtless by promoting the secretion of the gastric juice, and perhaps also by its direct 
 solvent action upon some kinds of aliment. It is especially indicated in those forms of 
 dyspepsia which are attended with decomposition of the food in the stomach, causing 
 flatulence, acidity, and pain, and either diarrhoea, as in children, or constipation, as in 
 adults. It may be best administered in the form of natural mineral waters rich in this 
 ingredient or in carbonic acid water. 
 
 In epidemic cholera the injection of salt and water into the veins has frequently been 
 followed by temporary improvement, and when duly repeated, especially at the beginning 
 of reaction, it has hastened and secured recovery. It is also claimed that a tablespoonful 
 of a solution of 1 ounce of salt in i pint of water, given by the stomach at intervals of a 
 quarter of an hour, has repeatedly arrested the disease If such be the fact,- its explana- 
 tion may probably be that the saline solution acts directly upon the cholera poison whose 
 influence upon the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane produces the serous exhalation 
 which constitutes the primary element of the disease. In a number of cases life has 
 been saved from impending death from haemorrhage by injecting gradually into the 
 median vein about 2 pints of distilled or boiled water holding in solution about 90 grains 
 of common salt and 15 grains of sodium carbonate (‘ Centralbl. f. Therapie , i. 387, 389; 
 Mikulicz, Wiener Klinik , July, 1884 ; Thon, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 1884, p. 
 430 ; Harrington, ibid., Mar., 1886, p. 197 ; Rook, Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., vii. 367). The 
 subcutaneous injection of saline liquids has been found efficient in like cases ( Therap . 
 Monatsheft , iii. 31, 477 ; iv. 94, 255). Salt is an ancient, and continues to be a 
 popular remedy for intestinal worms, especially for lumbricoid worms. Enemas of salt 
 water form an excellent remedy for ascarides of the rectum. Probably in both cases 
 the parasites are destroyed by the salt abstracting the water from their tissues. In a 
 similar manner, when leeches are sprinkled with salt they disgorge the blood which they 
 had swallowed. It has been supposed that the anthelmintic virtues of helminthocorton, 
 or Corsican moss, depend upon the saline element which saturates it. 
 
 Salt has been employed with some effect in diabetes , and certainly some of the 
 mineral waters used in that disease contain it. But, given in simple watery solution, it 
 is alleged to reduce the proportion of sugar and the amount of urine voided. In chronic 
 albuminuria doses of 10 grains three times a day have been thought useful (Meminiger, 
 Med. News, xlix. 263). 
 
 It is a familiar fact that salt meat, olives, and other saline articles tend to prevent alco- 
 holic intoxication, and enemas of salt water have been repeatedly employed with success 
 to rouse drunkards from their lethargy or abate their delirious pugnacity. Similar injec- 
 tions are in common use to relieve congestion of the brain, which they do more speedily 
 than can be explained by the mere removal of faeces from the rectum. A teaspoonful of 
 dry salt swallowed on the threatening of the epileptic paroxysm is a remedy that com- 
 mands popular belief. Salt water is often employed as an emetic to empty the stomach 
 gorged with food or containing narcotic or other poisons. Salt is a direct antidote to 
 nitrate of silver , converting it into the comparatively innocuous chloride. 
 
 The local applications of salt are numerous. It is used to limit the action of silver 
 nitrate applied to the eye, throat, vagina, etc., in an atomized solution for the treatment 
 of subacute and chronic affections of the pharynx and larynx, and by the nasal douche 
 in catarrh of the nostrils and ozsena. The solution used for the latter purpose should not 
 contain more than 20 grains of salt to a pint of water. Stronger solutions are apt to be 
 painful and to aggravate the disease. A similar solution inspired from the hands while 
 the head is bent forward almost horizontally will often answer the purpose as well. Salt 
 and water may also be used as a wash for mercurial sore mouth, as an injection in vaginal 
 leucorrhcea , as a wash for indolent ulcers , for pruritus vulvse, and for the stings and bites of 
 insects. Hot salt enclosed in bags is an excellent application in colic, dysmenorrhoea, 
 toothache, and muscular rheumatism ; a solution of it in whiskey is a popular remedy 
 for the last-named disease and for discussing bruises, glandular swellings , etc. ; and, 
 finally, a warm salt foot-bath (100° F.) is one of the best palliatives of congestive head- 
 ache, uterine pain, and similar disorders. Salt-water baths (A per cent, strong) have 
 
SODII CITRO-TARTRAS EFFER VESCENS. — SODII HYPOPHOSPHIS. 1469 
 
 been recommended as more cleansing and refreshing than those of soap and water, and a 
 5 per cent, strength as more agreeable and useful than soap baths in subacute eczema , 
 psoriasis , etc. (Piffard, Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Jan. 1888, p. 95). 
 
 SODII CITRO-TARTRAS EFFERVESCENS, ^.—Effervescent 
 Sodium Citro-Tartrate. 
 
 Preparation. — Take in fine powder Sodium Bicarbonate 17 ounces ; Tartaric Acid 
 9 ounces ; Citric Acid 6 ounces ; and Refined Sugar 5 ounces. Mix the powders thor- 
 oughly, place them in a dish or pan of suitable form heated to between 93.3°— 104.4° 
 C. (200° to 220° F.), and when the particles of the powder begin to aggregate stir them 
 assiduously until they assume a granular form ; then by means of suitable sieves separate 
 the granules of uniform and most convenient size, and preserve the preparation in well- 
 closed bottles. — Br. 
 
 For the preparation of granular powders, see page 1254. If kept dry, this citro-tartrate 
 is preferable to a mixture of the powdered ingredients, which soon undergoes decomposi- 
 tion. Thrown into water, it dissolves with brisk effervescence . 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is equivalent in its action to the effervescing 
 draught, and may be prescribed with advantage to moderate fever, promote perspiration, 
 and diminish the acidity of the urine and other secretions. It is conveniently employed 
 in fevers and inflammations , and especially in acute articular rheumatism. Dose , Gm. 4-8 
 (&j~ij) several fluidounces of water. 
 
 SODII HYPOPHOSPHIS, U. Br.— Sodium Hypophosphite. 
 
 Sodse liypophosphis , Br. ; Natrium hypophosphorosum, Hypopliosphis sodicus. — Hypo- 
 phosphite de sonde , Fr. ; Unterphosphorigsaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaH 2 P0 2 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 105.84. 
 
 Preparation. — An aqueous solution of 6 parts of calcium hypophosphite is accu- 
 rately precipitated by a solution of 10 parts of crystallized sodium carbonate ; insoluble 
 calcium carbonate and soluble sodium hypophosphite are produced, and separated by 
 filtration ; on evaporating the filtrate, the latter salt is left behind, and if necessary may 
 be freed from sodium carbonate by redissolving it in alcohol, filtering, and evaporating. 
 Berlandt (1865) recommends its preparation with granulated phosphorus (see page 1244), 
 of which 23J parts are macerated in a flask at 10° C. (50° F.) with 25 parts of caustic 
 soda and 100 parts of water ; after the phosphorus has been dissolved, the liquid is 
 mixed with four times its volume of alcohol, neutralized with sulphuric acid, filtered, and 
 evaporated. During the evaporation decomposition with explosion has occasionally been 
 noticed, which was caused by too high a heat; the temperature of the evaporating solu- 
 tion should therefore be kept below that of boiling water. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium hypophosphite is usually obtained in the form of a white 
 granular powder, but by the slow evaporation of its alcoholic solution may be procured 
 in pearly rectangular, tabular crystals, which, when dried over sulphuric acid and after- 
 ward heated not quite to 200° C. (392° F.), lose nearly 17 per cent, of water. At a 
 higher heat spontaneously inflammable hydrogen phosphide is evolved, and a porous 
 mixture of sodium pyrophosphate and metaphosphate is left. The salt is inodorous, has 
 a peculiar bitterish (sweetish, U. S .) saline taste, is deliquescent in the air, though less 
 so than potassium hypophosphite, and is easily soluble in water, and likewise in absolute 
 alcohol, but is insoluble in ether. The II. S. P. states it to be soluble in 1 part of water 
 and in 30 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 0.12 part of boiling water, and in 1 part 
 of boiling alcohol. A fragment of the salt imparts to a non-luminous flame an intense 
 yellow color, not appearing more than transiently red when observed through a blue glass. 
 On triturating or heating the salt with an oxidizing agent the mixture will explode. The 
 aqueous solution yields with test-solution of silver nitrate a white precipitate, which 
 rapidly turns brown and black ; and when acidulated with hydrochloric acid and added 
 to excess of test-solution of mercuric chloride, it first produces a white precipitate of 
 calomel, and on further addition metallic mercury separates. — U. S. When evaporated 
 with dilute nitric acid and finally ignited, a residue is obtained weighing 97 per cent, of 
 the weight of the hypophosphite, and consisting of sodium metaphosphate. Like all 
 hypophosphites, the salt is oxidized on exposure to the air to phosphite and phosphate, 
 and must therefore be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of the salt should not effervesce on the addition of an 
 
1470 
 
 SODII H YPOS ULPH1S. 
 
 acid (absence of carbonate), and should not be precipitated nor be rendered cloudy by 
 test-solution of ammonium oxalate (absence of calcium). After being acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid it should not produce a white precipitate or cloudiness with test-solu- 
 tion of barium chloride (sulphate). A solution of 0.5 Gm. of the salt in 1 Cc. of water 
 should yield no precipitate upon addition of 1 Cc. of sodium bitartrate test-solution 
 (limit of potassium). In the aqueous solution (1 in 20), acidulated with hydrochloric 
 acid, an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution should not produce any tur- 
 bidity (absence of arsenic, lead, etc.). After treating 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 
 in 20) with 1 Cc. of nitric acid, the solution should remain clear upon addition of silver 
 nitrate test-solution (absence of chloride). Not more than a slight cloudiness should be 
 produced in the aqueous solution of the salt by magnesia mixture (limit of phosphate). 
 Potassium ferrocyanide test-solution should not produce in the acidulated solution any 
 blue color (absence of iron). If 0.1 Gm. of dry sodium hypophosphite be dissolved in 
 10 Cc. of water, mixed with 7.5 Cc. of sulphuric acid and 40 Cc. of decinormal potas 
 sium permanganate solution, and the mixture boiled for fifteen minutes, it should require 
 not more than 3 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution to discharge the red color, corre- 
 sponding to at least 97.90 per cent, of the pure salt.” — XI. S. 
 
 Each Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution is capable of oxidizing 
 0.002646 Gm. of crystallized sodium hypophosphite, the reaction being the same as 
 shown under the corresponding potassium salt, and hence 37 Cc. of the permanganate 
 solution will be required for each 0.1 Gm. of sodium hypophosphite of official purity 
 (97.9 per cent.). 
 
 5 gr. of the salt dissolved in l oz. of water, and boiled for ten minutes with 111 gr. 
 of potassium permanganate, yield a nearly colorless filtrate. — Br. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium hypophosphite has been administered in chronic bron- 
 chitis and in cases of nervous depression with a sense of heaviness or numbness in the 
 limbs, in sexual impotence , and various other exhausted states of the nervous system, 
 including those produced by scrofula , syphilis , and anszmia. This and the other alkaline 
 and earthy phosphites and hypophosphites have also been used with alleged success in 
 phthisis , but the allegations have been unsupported by the results of experience. The 
 apparent value of the phosphatic compound in the above-named diseases is to be explained 
 by the associated medicinal and hygienic treatment. The dose of sodium hypophosphite 
 is Gm. 0.50 (gr. viij) or more given during digestion. 
 
 SODII HYPOSULPHIS, 77. Sodium Hyposulphite (Sodium Thio- 
 sulphate). 
 
 Natrium thiosulfuricum , P. G. ; Natrium subsul/urosum ( hyposulfurosum ), Hyposulphis 
 sodicus. — Hyposulphite de soude, Sidjite sulfure de soude, Fr. ; Natriumthiosulfat, G. 
 
 Formula Na 2 S 2 0 3 .5H 2 0. Molecular weight 247.64. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia has continued the official name of 1880 for this salt, but has 
 added the synonym “ Sodium Thiosulphate.” We think the new revision of the Phar- 
 macopoeia offered an excellent opportunity for introducing the correct chemical name as 
 the official name (as has been done by the Germ. Phar.), the old name being added in 
 parenthesis with the qualification “ formerly, but wrongly called.” There is no longer 
 any doubt as to the difference between hyposulphurous and thiosulphuric acids, and the 
 chemical formula assigned to the official compound is not in conformity with the official 
 title, which latter applies to a salt of the composition NaHS0 2 . True hyposulphurous 
 acid, H 2 S0 2 , is obtained by the action of zinc on sulphurous acid, zinc sulphite being 
 formed and the liberated hydrogen reducing sulphurous to hyposulphurous acid, with 
 the formation of water. The acid is a strong reducing agent, and when exposed to the 
 air is decomposed, yielding first thiosulphuric acid, and then sulphur dioxide, sulphur, 
 and water ; it has been obtained as a deep-yellow colored liquid. True sodium hyposul- 
 phite may be prepared by treating a solution of acid sodium sulphite (bisulphite) with 
 metallic zinc, whereby sodium hyposulphite and sulphite, together with zinc sulphite, are 
 formed ; thus, 3NaIIS0 3 + Zn = NaHS0 2 -f Na 2 S0 3 + ZnS0 3 -}- H 2 0. The salt is used 
 by dyers and calico-printers for the reduction of indigo. 
 
 Thiosulphuric acid, H 2 S 2 0 3 , the acid present in the official salt, has never been obtained 
 in a free state, but a series of stable salts (thiosulphates) has been prepared by boiling 
 the respective sulphites in solution with sulphur ; thus, Na 2 S0 3 -f- S = Na 2 S 2 0 3 ; they 
 may also be obtained by adding iodine to a mixture of sulphite and sulphide, thus, 
 Na 2 S0 3 + Na 2 S -j- I 2 = Na 2 S 2 0 3 -j- 2NaI, or by the action of sulphur on alkali hydroxide, 
 
SOD II HYPOS ULPHIS. 
 
 1471 
 
 when alkali pentasulphide is simultaneously formed. The fact that thiosulphates show a 
 great tendency to form double salts, as well as their decomposition, when heated, into sul- 
 phates and sulphides, readily distinguishes them from true hyposulphites, which latter, 
 when heated, break up into thiosulphates and water. 
 
 Preparation. — The process proposed by Walchner is as follows : A mixture of 3 
 parts of exsiccated sodium carbonate and 1 part of sulphur is heated in a porcelain dish 
 gradually to the fusing-point of sulphur, and repeatedly stirred to facilitate contact with 
 the air. Sodium sulphide is first formed, and then oxidized to sulphite, Na 2 S0 3 ; this 
 salt is dissolved in a little water, and by boiling with more sulphur converted into thio- 
 sulphate ; the solution is filtered from the excess of sulphur, and the nearly colorless 
 filtrate concentrated for crystallization. 
 
 In the purification of illuminating gas prepared from coal by dry lime, the gas-lime 
 contains calcium carbonate, thiosulphate, and pentasulphide, and is utilized for the man- 
 ufacture of sodium thiosulphate by a process proposed by Graham. The gas-lime is 
 exposed to the air so as to convert the sulphide into thiosulphate ; 2CaS 5 -|- 30 2 yields 
 2CaS 2 0 3 -f- 3S 2 . It is then treated with its weight of cold water, and the filtrate, which 
 contains the calcium thiosulphate, is converted into the sodium salt by double decompo- 
 sition with sodium carbonate, whereby insoluble calcium carbonate is produced and 
 a solution of sodium thiosulphate obtained, which is concentrated and crystallized ; 
 CaS 2 0 3 -f- Na 2 C0 3 yields CaC0 3 + Na 2 S 2 0 3 . The residue left in the preparation of soda, 
 called soda waste , contains calcium sulphide, and is converted into sodium thiosulphate 
 by a process nearly identical with the one just described. In decomposing calcium thio- 
 sulphate the sodium carbonate may be replaced by sodium sulphate, in which case calcium 
 sulphate is precipitated. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium thiosulphate is in large, transparent, colorless, monoclinic 
 prisms or plates which have the specific gravity 1.74, are neutral or faintly alkaline, are 
 inodorous, and have a cooling, bitter, slightly alkaline, and sulphur- 
 ous taste. It is permanent in the air, but over sulphuric acid it 
 slowly parts with most of its water of crystallization (Letts, 1873), 
 and in the atmosphere begins to effloresce at about 33° C. (91.4° F.) 
 
 (Pape, 1865). When slowly heated it parts with all its water of 
 crystallization (36.3 per cent.) at 100° C. (U. S.), but if rapidly 
 heated not below 215° C. (419° F.), and at about 225° C. (437° F.) 
 it is decomposed, with the separation of sulphur (Pape) ; at a red 
 heat it forms a black (after cooling brown-yellow) mass of sodium 
 sulphate and polysulphide, and a non-luminous flame is colored 
 intensely yellow by the salt. The crystallized salt dissolves at 0° 
 
 C. (32° F.) in .92 part, at 15° C. (59° F.) in .65 part, at 20° C. 
 
 (68° F.) in .50 part (U. S.), and at 40° C. (122° F.) in .25 part of 
 water, and readily forms supersaturated solutions (Kremers, 1856) ; 
 it is slowly soluble in oil of turpentine, the odor of the latter being modified (Edison, 
 1876), but it is insoluble in alcohol, and is precipitated by the latter from its concen- 
 trated solution as an oily liquid. The aqueous solution is gradually, or in the presence 
 of free alkali more rapidly, decomposed, sulphur being deposited, and in the presence 
 of zinc and free acid hydrogen sulphide is formed ; on acidulating the solution of the 
 salt, thiosulphuric acid is liberated, and at once decomposed into sulphurous acid and 
 sulphur, which forms a white precipitate (difference from sulphites). 
 
 Sodium thiosulphate dissolves chloride, iodide, and other compounds of silver readily, 
 and is employed for this purpose by photographers, and such a solution may be used for 
 silvering copper and brass. Iodine is decolorized by a solution of sodium thiosulphate, 
 sodium iodide and tetrathionate being formed, according to the equation 2Na 2 S 2 0 3 .5II 2 - 
 O -f- 1 2 = 2NaI -}- Na 2 S 4 0 6 -f- 10H 2 O. This reaction affords a convenient method for the 
 estimation of iodine, 126.53 parts of which are decolorized by 247.64 parts of the thio- 
 sulphate. A similar reaction takes place with chlorine, and makes the salt a useful and 
 cheap antichlor for the removal of chlorine retained by fabrics and other substances which 
 have been bleached by chlorine. Sodium thiosulphate is also a solvent for the insoluble 
 salts of lead and other metals. It affords a white precipitate in a concentrated solution 
 of barium chloride, which is soluble in water. 
 
 Impurities. — If contaminated with sodium sulphate or carbonate, the dilute solution 
 of sodium thiosulphate produces a white precipitate with solution of barium chloride. 
 “ A solution of the salt in 80 parts of water should not be rendered cloudy by a few 
 drops of test-solution of barium chloride (absence of sulphate). If to 0.5 Cc. of the 
 
 Fig. 289. 
 
 Crystal of Sodium Thio- 
 sulphate. 
 
1472 
 
 SODII IODIDUM. 
 
 aqueous solution (1 in 20) an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution he added, 
 no coloration or turbidity should be perceptible, either before or after the addition of 1 
 Cc. of ammonia-water (absence of lead, iron, etc.). The aqueous solution should not be 
 rendered turbid by the addition of ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium). 
 The aqueous solution of the salt (1 in 20) should not be colored red by a drop of 
 phenolphtalein test-solution (absence of caustic alkali or carbonate) ; nor should a drop 
 of silver nitrate test-solution produce a brown or black precipitate in 5 Cc. of this solu- 
 tion (absence of sulphide). If 0.25 Gin. of sodium thiosulphate be dissolved in 10 Cc. 
 of water and a few drops of starch test-solution added, it should require at least 9.9 Cc. 
 of decinormal iodine solution to produce a permanent blue color (corresponding to at least 
 98.1 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 From the equation given above, explaining the reaction between sodium thiosulphate 
 and iodine, we learn that 495.28 parts of the former will decolorize 253.06 parts of the 
 latter, and hence each Cc. of decinormal iodine solution (containing 0.012653 Grin, of 
 iodine) so decolorized will represent 0.024764 Gm. of crystallized sodium thiosulphate, 
 or 9.9 Cc. are equal to 0.24525 Gm., which is 98.1 per cent, of 0.25 Gm. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium thiosulphate has been largely employed for the pur- 
 pose of correcting the hypothetical fermentation to which a large number of febrile and 
 other diseases has been attributed. But the results of experience are far from confirming 
 faith in the hypothesis. The success of the medicine — in erysipelas , for example — is 
 equally great whether the administration be internal or external; in other words, its direct 
 action is purely negative, but indirectly it saves the sick from heroic perturbative treat- 
 ment and allows the disease to run its normal course toward cure. The influence of the 
 medicine over the course and issue of typhus and typhoid fevers , the eruptive fevers , yellow 
 fever , diphtheria , and purident infection has been loudly proclaimed, but proofs of its 
 efficacy are wanting. On the other hand, there is some evidence in favor of its utility 
 in intermittent fever ; and although the natural tendency of this disease to cure under 
 various circumstances must be admitted, the apparently almost uniform curative influence 
 of the hyposulphite cannot altogether be denied. 
 
 A much more tangible evidence of its value is furnished by its use in the treatment of 
 dyspepsia — not that it in the least acts upon any of the vital conditions accompanying 
 gastric disorders, but it effectually prevents fermentation in the stomach and bowels, and 
 thereby prevents acidity and flatulence, with their accompanying distress and their 
 ulterior mischievous effects. In like manner, this medicine may be used to destroy the 
 products of putrefactive fermentation, whether within the body or not. It will deodorize 
 all putrid products , either after their discharge or while they are still in the stomach, 
 rectum, bladder, vagina, uterus, etc. It is a convenient and efficacious deodorizer of 
 cancerous ulcers of these parts, in a solution of 1 part to 2 parts of water. Atomized 
 solutions of this and the allied compounds may be inhaled in gangrene of the lung , in 
 fetid, bronchitis , etc. Lancereaux has reported a number of cases of the latter disease 
 cured by this medicine, given internally to the extent of Gm. 4—5 (gr. lx— lxx) a day (Bull 
 de Therap ., ciii. 433). The dyspeptic fermentation referred to above is accompanied by 
 the rapid development of low vegetable organisms, to which the compounds of sulphurous 
 acid are hostile ; and this mode of action has been invoked in the local treatment of 
 sycosis , favus , impetigo , etc. by means of a solution of about 40 grains of the thiosul- 
 phate, or, still better, of the sodium sulphite, in Gm. 3 Gm. 32 (gr. xlv)in an ounce of 
 water. A similar solution is useful as a lotion in prurigo pudendi. A saturated solution 
 may be used in the proportion of about one-sixth to decolorize tincture of iodine, but 
 at the expense of its caustic properties. 
 
 The dose of sodium thiosulphate is Gm. 1 (gr. xv) and upward in copious watery 
 solution. 
 
 SODII IODIDUM, U. &., Br. — Sodium Iodide. 
 
 Natrium iodatum , P. G . — Iodure de sodium , Fr. ; Jodnatrium , G. 
 
 Formula Nal. Molecular weight 149.53. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt may be obtained by processes analogous to those which 
 afford potassium iodide (see page 1301), either from iodine and solution of caustic soda 
 or from decomposing a solution of iodide of iron with sodium carbonate. The latter 
 process is the more profitable one, since on the reduction of sodium iodate by charcoal a 
 portion of the salt is converted into sodium carbonate. 
 
 Properties, — When crystallized at a temperature above 40° C. (104° F-)> anhydrous 
 
SOD II IODIDUM. 
 
 1473 
 
 sodium iodide is obtained in cubes which are deliquescent on exposure and should there- 
 fore be kept in well-stoppered bottles. This salt melts at a dull-red heat, and when fused 
 in contact with the air parts with a little iodine, at a higher temperature volatilizes slowly, 
 but more readily than the chloride, and on cooling congeals to a pearly radiating crystal- 
 line mass. At ordinary temperatures the solution yields short monoclinic prisms or 
 plates which have the composition NaI.2H,0 and the molecular weight 185.45, effloresce 
 in dry air, on exposure are deliquescent, melt at a moderate heat in the water of crys- 
 tallization, and become anhydrous. The salt is usually prepared by evaporation to 
 dryness in the form of a white crystalline powder, which is inodorous, of a saline some- 
 what sharp and bitterish taste, and has a neutral or faint alkaline reaction. According to 
 the U. S. P., 1 part of the official salt dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in .-60 part of water, and 
 in about 3 parts of alcohol; in 0.33 part of boiling water, and in 1.4 parts of boiling 
 alcohol. The salt is also soluble in glycerin. It differs from potassium iodide in not 
 being precipitated from its concentrated aqueous solution by a concentrated solution of 
 sodium bitartrate, and in imparting a yellow color to flame, which on being observed 
 through a blue glass should not, or only transiently, appear red. On adding a little 
 chlorine-water to the aqueous solution and agitating it with chloroform or carbon disul- 
 phide, these liquids will acquire a violet color. 
 
 Tests. — If the salt be in distinct crystals, only few monoclinic prisms (containing 2 
 molecules of water) should be found among the regular cubes of the anhydrous salt. 
 On drying 1 Gm. of the salt at 100° C. (212° F.), it should not lose more than 0.05 Gm. 
 in weight (absence of more than 5 per cent, of water). A solution of 1 Gm. of the salt 
 in 1 Cc. of water should not yield any precipitate with 1 Cc. of sodium bitartrate test- 
 solution (limit of potassium). The aqueous solution (1 in 20), slightly acidulated with 
 acetic acid, should remain clear after addition of ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence 
 of calcium), or of an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of arsenic, 
 etc.). Addition of ammonium sulphide test-solution should not produce either a colora- 
 tion or a turbidity in the aqueous solution (absence of zinc, iron, aluminum, etc.). If 1 
 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in water, and 0.05 Cc. (1 drop) of decinormal oxalic acid 
 solution be added, no red color should be produced by the addition of a drop of phenol- 
 phtalein test-solution (limit of alkali). No blue color should appear in the aqueous solution, 
 slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid, on the addition of potassium ferrocyanide test- 
 solution (absence of iron). If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of freshly boiled 
 distilled water, and the solution mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, no blue 
 color should appear either at once (absence of free iodine), or after addition of a drop of 
 diluted hydrochloric acid (absence of iodate). If 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) 
 be acidulated with hydrochloric acid, and 0.5 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution be 
 added, no immediate turbidity should appear (limit of sulphate). If 5 Cc. of the aqueous 
 solution be gently heated with 1 drop of ferrous sulphate test-solution and 0.5 Cc. of 
 potassium hydroxide test-solution, no blue color should appear after acidulating the mixture 
 with hydrochloric acid (absence of cyanide). If 1 Gm. of the salt be mixed with 0.5 
 Gm. of iron filings and 0.5 Gm. of powdered zinc, and Heated in a test-tube with 5 Cc. 
 of sodium hydroxide test-solution, no ammoniacal vapors should be evolved (absence of 
 nitrate or nitrite). If 0.5 Gm. of the well-dried salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and 
 2 drops of potassium chromate test-solution be added, it should not require more than 
 34.5 Cc. nor less than 33.4 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution to produce a perma- 
 nent red color (corresponding to at least 98 per cent, of the pure salt).” TJ. S. 
 
 In the last-mentioned test an allowance of 1.1 Cc. is made on account of possible pres- 
 ence of impurities ; if the salt were absolutely pure and dry, 33.4 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 solution would practically suffice for complete precipitation of 0.5 Gm. of the same. 1 
 Gm. of the powdered and dried salt, when completely precipitated by silver nitrate 
 yields, if perfectly pure, 1.566 Gm. of dry silver iodide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium iodide contains a larger percentage of iodine, and is less 
 apt than potassium iodide to occasion eruptions upon the skin and irritation of the respi- 
 ratory and digestive mucous membranes. According to Hudson ( Lancet , Decern b., 1883), 
 it is better fitted than the potassium salt for all cases in which the system is already 
 much depressed (. British Med. Jour., Apr. 17, 1886). But, as Laborde has shown (Bull 
 de l Academic de Med., 1890, p. 303), it exerts, compared with potassium iodide, a very 
 teeble action upon the central nervous system and the capillary blood-vessels. Bichard- 
 son ( Asclepiad , iv. 52) recommends it in syphilis, chronic eczema , and, associated with 
 arsenic in lepra and psoriasis. It is said to be an antiseptic and stimulant for foul sores 
 with fetor. J 
 
1474 
 
 SOD II NITRAS. 
 
 SODII NITRAS, U . S ., Br .— Sodium Nitrate. 
 
 Sodse nitras , Br. ; Natrium nitricum , P. G. ; Nitras (Azotus) sodicus, Nitrum cubicum. 
 — Cubic nitre , E. ; Azotate ( Nitrate ) de soude , Nitre cubique , Nitrate de Chili , Fr. ; Aa- 
 triumnitrat, Chilisalpeter, Gr. 
 
 Formula NaN0 3 . Molecular weight 84.89. 
 
 A native salt, purified by crystallization from water. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Sodium nitrate was first observed by Bohn (1683) on 
 distilling a mixture of table-salt and nitric acid, and was prepared by Marggraf (1761) 
 from calcium nitrate and sodium sulphate. In 1820 it became known through Mariano 
 de Rivero that it exists in immense quantities in certain districts of Chili and Peru, where 
 it is imbedded in clay and sand and more or less mixed with sulphates and chlorides of 
 sodium, calcium, and magnesium. The stratum containing this saline mass, which is 
 called caleche or terra salitrosa , is blasted, the salt extracted by boiling with water, and 
 the decanted solution crystallized. In this condition sodium nitrate is brought into the 
 market in damp crystalline masses, which are more or less colored by intermixed earth and 
 require to be purified by recrystallization. Previous to 1879 the United States imported 
 about 50,000,000 pounds, but 184,598,857 pounds in 1882. 
 
 Properties. — Purified sodium nitrate crystallizes in colorless, transparent rhombo- 
 hedrons of the hexagonal system, which are permanent in dry air, slightly deliquescent 
 on exposure, having a neutral reaction, and dissolve at 15° C. (59° F.), in 1.3 parts of 
 water and in about 100 parts of alcohol, in 6.6 parts of boiling water, and in 40 parts 
 of boiling alcohol. When heated at 312° C. (593.6° F.), the salt melts without decompo- 
 sition. At a higher temperature it evolves oxygen, and is reduced to nitrite. On red- 
 hot charcoal it deflagrates. To a non-luminous flame it imparts an 
 intensely yellow color. The aqueous solution is neutral to litmus- 
 paper. If the aqueous solution be mixed in a test-tube with a drop 
 of diphenylamine test-solution, and sulphuric acid be carefully poured 
 in, so as to form a separate layer, a deep blue color will appear at 
 the zone of contact. 
 
 The salt is inodorous and has a cooling, saline, and somewhat bitter 
 taste. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution (5 per cent.) should remain unaf- 
 fected by hydrogen sulphide and ammonium sulphide (absence of 
 metals), also by sodium carbonate (alkaline earths), by ammonium 
 oxalate (calcium), by a saturated solution of sodium bitartrate (potas- 
 sium), by barium nitrate (sulphate), or by silver nitrate (chloride or 
 iodide). The U. S. P. and P. G. permit the presence of a minute 
 trace of sulphate and of chloride. “ A solution of 0.5 Gm. of the salt in 1 Cc. of water 
 should not be precipitated or rendered turbid by 1 Cc. of sodium bitartrate test-solution 
 (limit of potassium). If the aqueous solution be mixed with a few drops each of hydro- 
 gen sulphide test-solution and of starch test-solution, and then some chlorine-water poured 
 carefully upon the mixture, no blue color should appear at the line of contact (absence 
 of iodate and iodide). No turbidity should be produced within five minutes in the 
 aqueous solution, acidulated with nitric acid, on the addition of either barium chloride 
 test-solution (limit of sulphate) or silver nitrate test-solution (limit of chloride)/’ — 
 US. 1 Gm. of the salt, treated with an excess (or about 1 Cc.) of sulphuric acid and 
 afterward heated to redness until vapors cease to be given off, yields a residue weighing 
 .835 Gm. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Sodium nitrate is used in preparing nitric acid and 
 sodium arsenate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium nitrate, in moderate doses, according to experimental 
 investigations of its action, does not directly lessen the force or frequency of the pulse, 
 nor lower the animal temperature, nor increase the elimination of urea. In laige doses, 
 acting as a purgative, it may produce these effects. Loftier states that in such doses its 
 action resembles that of potassium nitrate. Daily doses of from 18 to 90 grains, taken by 
 several young men in from eight to fourteen days, occasioned pallor, emaciation, debility, 
 unsteadiness of mind, and a decline in the pulse’s force and frequency. The digestion 
 was unimpaired, as were also the appetite and defecation. It is said that in animals very 
 large doses also cause great debility and death, without, however, depressing the heart or 
 lowering the temperature. Its solution dissolves false membranes. It has hence been 
 
 Fig. 290. 
 
 Crystal of Sodium 
 Nitrate. 
 
SODII JSITRIS. 
 
 1475 
 
 used with the atomizer to diminish fibrinous exudations in the pharynx and larynx. It 
 is somewhat diuretic, but its chief medicinal virtue is that of a mild purgative, and it has 
 been used with advantage in diarrhoea and in dysentery. For these purposes it may be 
 given in daily doses of Gm. 32-64 (1 or 2 ounces), dissolved in a large quantity of water. 
 
 SODII NITRIS, XJ. S., Br. Add.— Sodium Nitrite. 
 
 Nitrite de soude , Fr. ; Salpetrigsaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaN0 2 . Molecular weight 68.93. 
 
 Preparation. — When sodium nitrate is heated with charcoal, starch, or similar sub- 
 stances, sodium nitrite is formed, and may be recovered by lixiviation of the mass with 
 water. A better process consists in adding to sodium nitrate, previously fused in shallow 
 iron pans, about two and a half times its weight of lead, free from zinc and antimony (in 
 form of thin sheets reduction takes place immediately), the lead fusing readily and 
 being converted into yellow oxide or litharge. An excess of lead is used, and the fused 
 mass is kept in constant agitation for about an hour ; the fusion is continued for three 
 and a half hours. After cooling the mass is lixiviated with water in large iron tanks, 
 and when the solution has reached the specific gravity 1.342, it is treated with nitric acid 
 sp. grav. 1.029, and then concentrated to 1.414 specific gravity, clarified by rest, and 
 set aside in lead-lined wooden tanks to crystallize. By repeated recrystallization the 
 salt is obtained quite pure (98 per cent, and over). 
 
 Properties. — Sodium nitrite occurs in the form of white opaque pencils or colorless, 
 transparent, hexagonal crystals, odorless, and having a mild saline taste. When exposed 
 to the air the salt deliquesces, and is gradually oxidized to sodium nitrate ; hence it should 
 be kept in well-stoppered bottles. It is soluble in about 1.5 parts of water at 15° C. (59° 
 F.), and very soluble in boiling water; slightly soluble in alcohol. The aqueous solution 
 gives an alkaline reaction with litmus-paper, and when mixed with solution of ferrous 
 sulphate and acetic acid becomes of a dark-brown color. If the aqueous solution of the 
 salt be mixed with some potassium iodide test-solution and a few drops of an acid added, 
 iodine will be liberated, and nitrogen dioxide gas will escape with effervescence. When 
 heated the salt melts, and at a red heat it is decomposed, yielding oxygen, nitrogen, 
 nitrogen dioxide, and sodium oxide. To a non-luminous flame it imparts an intensely 
 yellow color. 
 
 Tests. — The salt should readily form a colorless solution with water, without leaving 
 any insoluble residue. “ If 1 drop of hydrochloric acid and a few drops of starch test- 
 solution be added to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution, no blue coloration should appear 
 (absence of iodide). If 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution be mixed with an equal volume 
 of hydrogen sulphide test-solution, no coloration or precipitate should be produced 
 (absence of lead, arsenic, copper, etc.). If 0.15 Gm. of sodium nitrite be dissolved in 
 5 Cc. of water, and introduced into a nitrometer, together with a solution of 1 Gm. of 
 potassium iodide in 6 Cc. of water and 15 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid, the liberated 
 nitrogen dioxide gas should measure not less than 50 Cc. at 15° C. (59° F.) or 51.7 
 Cc. at 25° C. (77° F.), corresponding to not less than 97.6 per cent, of pure salt.” — U. S. 
 
 From the following equation, NaN0 2 + KI -j- 2H 2 S0 4 = NO -f- 1 -f- NaHS0 4 -f- KHS0 4 
 -f- H 2 0, we learn that 68.93 Gm. of sodium nitrite will yield 29.97 Gm. of nitric oxide ; 
 since 1 Cc. of NO gas at 25° C. (77° F.) weighs 0.0012297 Gm. and is equal to 
 0.0028283 Gm. of NaN0 2 , it will require 51.7 Cc. of gas to show 97.6 per cent, of 
 absolute NaN0 2 if 0.15 Gm. of the salt be used in the test. 97.6 per cent, of 0.15 = 
 0.1464 and 0.1464 -h 0.0028283 = 51.7. The Br. Ph. demands not less than 95 per cent, 
 of absolute sodium nitrite. If 0.1 Gm. of the salt be used in the test, not less than 
 33.5 Cc. of NO gas should be liberated at 25° C. (77° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium nitrite is analogous in its action to nitro-glycerin 
 and amyl nitrite, but it is milder and more uniform than that of either. The experiments 
 of Barth, of Jolyet, of Regnard, of Ringer and Murrell, and of Huchard (Bull, et Mem. 
 de la Soc. de Therap ., Dec. 1883, p. 207), performed on guinea-pigs, cats, etc., showed 
 that this nitrite, like its congeners, produces general sedation, torpor, and muscular 
 paresis, slowing of the heart, cyanosis, asphyxia and hurried breathing, and paralysis, 
 and that after death the heart and lungs are gorged with black or chocolate-colored 
 blood. Gamgee and Ilenocque inferred that it tends to prevent oxidation of the 
 blood in the lungs by opposing the separation of the oxygen already combined with 
 its constituents. Binz observed phenomena similar to those just enumerated, and, 
 in addition, dilated pupils, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea ( Archiv fur Path. u. Pharm ., 
 
1476 
 
 SODII PHOSPHAS. 
 
 xiii. 133). One or two minutes after a dose of from Gm. 0.2-0. 6 (3 to 6 gr.) the pulse 
 grew more frequent, and continued so for several hours ; the face was warm and some- 
 what flushed ; and slight fulness of the head was observed, with throbbing of the temporal 
 arteries (Hay, Lublinski). Larger doses intensified these effects ( Practitioner , xxx. 179). 
 When first employed excessive doses of it were used. Ramskill and Rolfe have placed 
 on record six cases in which it induced lividity and collapse ; and Ringer and Mur- 
 rell administered it to eighteen adults in 10-grain doses, and all but one “avowed 
 that they would expect to drop down dead if they ever took another dose.” Very 
 nearly the same effects ensued in sixteen cases in which 5-grain doses were given, and 
 even 3-grain doses of it caused unpleasant symptoms in four out of thirteen patients 
 (Times and Gaz ., Nov. 1883, p. 549). In two cases were taken by mistake about Gm. 
 12 (^iij) in the one, and Gm. 6 (giss) in the other. Vomiting and diarrhoea ensued, with 
 faintness, cyanosis, and diuresis. Coffee was used successfully to counteract the symp- 
 toms ( Therap . Monatsh ., iv. 52). According to Binz, it is unfit for practical use, owing 
 to its decomposing action upon the blood ( Therap . Monatsh ., iv. 137). Owing to ignor- 
 ance of the potency of the compound, it was at first given in doses of 20 grains, but 
 after its dangers became known the dose was reduced to 2 grains ( Times and Ga.z., 
 Dec. 1883, p. 636). 
 
 Hay first prescribed this medicine in a well-marked case of angina pectoris associated 
 with defective aortic valves. In doses of 2 or 3 grains it relieved the patient without 
 occasioning any characteristic physiological effects. Subsequently his observations were 
 fully confirmed, and it was found that the medicine relieved the symptoms, pain and 
 spasm, without a definite relation to the organic causes producing them. In general 
 terms, it seemed to be more useful in such cases as digitalis is wont to benefit, including 
 degeneration of the heart-muscle, certain valvular lesions, and even impaired innervation. 
 In purely nervous asthma it acts most favorably, but it is also a useful palliative of 
 dyspnoea due to pulmonary obstruction, at least of a transient nature. It does not 
 appear to modify directly the bronchial secretions, but, as Fraser pointed out ( Amer . 
 Jour. Med. Sci., xcv. 122), it may diminish them by lessening pulmonary congestion. 
 In emphysema of the lungs its usefulness is of course limited to a palliation of the asth- 
 matic paroxysms, so far as a nervous element is involved in them. Lublinski has com- 
 mended this medicine in hemicrania and other forms of headache associated with anaemia. 
 In 1882, Law proposed sodium nitrite for the treatment of epilepsy , and found it very 
 useful in a single case ( Practitioner , xxviii. 420). Shortly afterward Ralfe reported the 
 results of the treatment in seventeen cases (Med. Times and Gaz., Dec. 2, 1882, p. 707). 
 The dose, according to him, should just fall short of producing its physiological effects. 
 His conclusions were — 1. That cases in which the bromides did good were not apt to be 
 benefited by the nitrite, and vice versa. 2. When the bromides begin to lose their effect 
 or cause bromism, sodium nitrite is useful as a substitute. 3. It seemed to be especially 
 useful in minor seizures and in convulsive attacks occurring at night. Lublinski and 
 others have hardly corroborated these conclusions. Granville found it useful in epilepti- 
 form convulsions supposed to be of gouty origin. The dose of sodium nitrite should not 
 at first exceed Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij), repeated at longer or shorter intervals and gradually 
 increased. Fraser claims for this salt a superiority over other nitrites, because it is 
 freely soluble and does not undergo decomposition in water. As it is liable to be decom- 
 posed by the gastric acids, he suggests its administration in an alkaline solution. 
 
 SODII PHOSPHAS, U. S., Br.— Sodium Phosphate. 
 
 Sodse phosplias , Br. ; Natrium p hosphoricum , P. G. ; Phosphas sodicus (natricus ). — 
 Sodium orthophosphate , Disodium hydrogen phosphate , E. ; Phosphate de sonde, Fr. ; 
 Natriumphosphat , Phosphorsaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula Na 2 HP0 4 .12H 2 0. Molecular weight 357.52. 
 
 Origin. — Sodium phosphate exists in the urine of carnivorous animals and in other 
 animal liquids. It was probably known to the ancients, since the chrysocolla used for sol- 
 dering (see Sodii Boras) was at least partly obtained from urine. Hellot (1735) recog- 
 nized it as distinct from the ammoniacal salts of urine, and Haupt (1740) named it sal 
 mirabile perlatum, because it melts before the blowpipe to an opaque pearly bead. Proust 
 (1775) stated it to be a compound of soda, and Klaproth and Scheele (1785) proved also 
 the presence of phosphoric acid. The salt was employed medicinally by Pearson (1787), 
 and was usually prepared by neutralizing phosphoric acid with sodium carbonate ; but at 
 present it is exclusively prepared from bone phosphate. 
 
SOD II PIIOSPHAS. 
 
 1477 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bone-ash, in powder, 10 pounds ; Sulphuric Acid 5G fluid- 
 ounces , Distilled Water 4£ gallons or a sufficiency ; Sodium Carbonate 10 pounds or a 
 sufficiency. Place the bone-ash in a capacious earthenware or leaden vessel, pour on the 
 sulphuric acid, and stir with a glass rod until the whole powder is thoroughly moistened. 
 After twenty-four hours add gradually and with constant stirring a gallon of the water ; 
 digest for forty-eight hours, adding distilled water from time to time to replace what has 
 evaporated. Add another gallon of the water, stirring diligently, digest for an hour, filter 
 through calico, and wash what remains on the filter with successive portions of distilled 
 water till it has almost ceased to have an acid reaction. Concentrate the filtrate to a gal- 
 lon, let it rest for twenty-four hours, and filter again. Heat the filtrate to near the boil- 
 ing-point, add the sodium carbonate, previously dissolved in 2 gallons of the water, till it 
 ceases to form a precipitate and the fluid has acquired a feeble alkaline reaction. Filter 
 through calico, evaporate the clear liquor till a film forms on the surface, and set it aside 
 to crystallize. More crystals will be obtained by evaporating the mother-liquor, a little 
 carbonate of soda being added if necessary to maintain its alkalinity. Dry the crystals 
 rapidly and without heat on filtering-paper placed on porous bricks, and preserve them in 
 bottles. — Br. 1867. 
 
 The inorganic matter of bones consists of tricalcium phosphate, which is decomposed 
 by sulphuric acid, with the formation of calcium sulphate and acid phosphate, according 
 to the equation Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 + 2H 2 S0 4 = 2CaS0 4 + CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 . The decomposition is 
 known to be completed when the mixture is uniformly smooth and free from grittiness. 
 On being treated with water the freely-soluble acid calcium phosphate enters into solu- 
 tion. together with a small quantity of calcium sulphate and any excess of sulphuric acid 
 which may have been employed. On adding sodium carbonate to the solution, the cal- 
 cium salt is decomposed, one-half the phosphoric acid forming insoluble calcium phosphate, 
 while the other half unites with the sodium of the sodium carbonate, forming disodium 
 phosphate, liberating carbon dioxide, and producing water ; CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 + Na 2 C0 3 yields 
 CaHP0 4 -j-' Na 2 HP0 4 + C0 2 H 2 0. The filtrate from the calcium phosphate contains 
 
 the sodium salts of phosphoric, sulphuric, and carbonic acids, of which the last two should 
 be present in small quantity only, and requires to be evaporated to crystallization. If 
 sulphuric acid and sodium carbonate have not been used too largely in excess, the first 
 crop or two of crystals will be pure sodium phosphate, but those subsequently obtained 
 are usually contaminated with carbonate and sulphate, and should be purified by recrys- 
 tallization from water. 100 parts of calcined bones require from 60 to 70 parts of con- 
 centrated sulphuric acid and from 100 to 110 parts of crystallized sodium carbonate, and 
 yield between 100 and 105 parts of crystallized sodium phosphate. 
 
 Properties. — This salt crystallizes in colorless, transparent, obliquely four-sided, 
 monoclinic prisms, which have the specific gravity 1.55, react slightly alkaline upon lit- 
 mus-paper (not phenolphtalein paper), are inodorous, and have a cooling saline taste. 
 The crystals effloresce rapidly in air, gradually losing 5 molecules of their water of crys- 
 tallization (25.1 per cent.) ; they melt to a colorless liquid when heated to 35° C. (95° F.) 
 (Kopp), 40° C. (104° F.) ( V. \ S., P. 6r.), and congeal on cooling to a crystalline mass. At 
 100° C. (212° F.), they part with all their water of crystallization, amounting to 60.3 per 
 cent., and are converted into a white saline mass. Above 300° C. (572° F.) the basylous 
 water is expelled and sodium pyrophosphate is left. Crystallized sodium phosphate 
 requires for solution 5.8 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and less than 1.5 parts of 
 boiling water (£7 $., P. 6r.). according to Mulder (1864), 
 
 at 0° 10° 15° 30° 40° 60° 80° 99° 105° C., 
 
 24.12 15.5 10.4 2.5 .95 .66 .625 .611 .731 parts of water. 
 
 The solution, saturated at a higher temperature, deposits near 35° C. (95° F.) transparent 
 crystals, which contain only 47 per cent, of water of crystallization and have the formula 
 Na 2 IIP0 4 .7H 2 0. Sodium phosphate is insoluble in alcohol, and imparts a yellow color 
 to flame, which, if observed through a blue glass, is not red, or only transiently so. The 
 aqueous solution gives with silver nitrate a yellow precipitate soluble in nitric acid and in 
 ammonia ; with test-mixture of magnesium, a white precipitate soluble in acetic acid ; and 
 with ferric chloride, a white precipitate insoluble in acetic acid. If 0.5 Cc. of the aque- 
 ous solution be mixed with 1 Cc. of ammonium molybdate test-solution, the mixture 
 will at once assume a yellow color, and, after a few minutes, yield a yellow precipitate, 
 the appearance of which is hastened by a gentle heat. 
 
 Tests. — “ No residue should be left on dissolving the salt in water (absence of calcium, 
 etc.). No turbidity or coloration should be produced in the aqueous solution by the 
 
1478 
 
 SODII PHOSPHAS. 
 
 addition of a small quantity of ammonium sulphide test-solution, or of an equal volume 
 of hydrogen sulphide test-solution after addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid 
 (absence of metallic impurities). If 1 Gm. of the powdered salt be shaken with 3 Cc. of 
 stannous chloride test-solution, then a small piece of pure tin-foil added, and a gentle heat 
 applied, no brown coloration should appear within fifteen minutes (limit of arsenic). If 
 0.5 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 4 Cc. of water, and 1 Cc. of sodium bitartrate test- 
 solution then added, the solution should remain perfectly clear (limit of potassium). No 
 effervescence should occur on the addition of hydrochloric or nitric acid to a solution 
 of the salt (absence of carbonate). On adding to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) 
 0.5 Cc. of silver nitrate test-solution, a pure yellow precipitate will be formed, which 
 should not become dark-colored by heating (absence of thiosulphate, etc.), and which, 
 upon addition of nitric acid, should yield a perfectly clear, or, at most, only very slightly 
 opalescent liquid (limit of chloride). If to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution, acidulated with 
 hydrochloric acid, 0.5 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution be added, the solution should 
 not be rendered more than very slightly opalescent (limit of sulphate).” — U. S. 
 
 Composition. — The official salt is disodic orthophosphate or disodium hydrogen 
 phosphate, and represents, in 100 parts, 19.9 parts of P 2 0 5 , 17.3 parts of Na 2 0, 2.5 parts 
 of basylous H 2 0, and 60.3 parts of water of crystallization. 
 
 Sodii phosphas epferyescens, Br. Add., Effervescent sodium phosphate. — Dry 25 
 ounces of crystallized sodium phosphate until it has lost 60 per cent, of its weight ; pow- 
 der the product, and mix with sodium bicarbonate 25 ounces, tartaric acid, in powder, 
 13J ounces, and citric acid, in powder, 9 ounces. Place the mixture in a dish heated to 
 93.3°-104.4° C. (200°-220° F.), and when the particles of the powder begin to aggre- 
 gate, stir them assiduously until they assume a granular form ; by means of sieves sepa- 
 rate the granules of uniform size, and preserve in well-closed bottles. The final product 
 should weigh about 50 ounces. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Sodii et ammonii phosphas, NH 4 NaIIP0 4 .4II 2 0 (mol. weight 208.65). This is 
 the microcosmic salt of the alchemists, and was formerly prepared from urine. It is obtained by 
 dissolving 5 parts of crystallized sodium phosphate and 2 parts of ammonium phosphate in 20 
 parts of hot water, adding a little ammonia until the liquid is alkaline, and crystallizing. The 
 salt crystallizes in colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms which are inodorous and have a cool- 
 ling saline taste, and a neutral or faint alkaline reaction. It effloresces superficially on exposure, 
 losing a little ammonia, melts readily to a colorless liquid in its water of crystallization, and at a 
 red heat forms a colorless glass of sodium metaphosphate, which is used in blowpipe analysis. 
 
 Potassii phosphas, Potassium phosphate , K 2 HP0 4 (mol. weight 173.86). This may be obtained 
 from calcined bones in precisely the same manner as sodium phosphate, only substituting in the 
 process potassium carbonate for sodium carbonate, or by adding potassium carbonate to dilute 
 phosphoric acid until the liquid has a slight alkaline reaction, and by evaporating. The so- 
 called neutral potassium phosphate or dipotassium orthophosphate is with difficulty obtained in 
 irregular crystals •, usually it is a white amorphous or crystalline mass, of a saline taste, deli- 
 quescent in the air, and freely soluble in water. On the application of heat it melts, and at a 
 red heat is converted into potassium pyrophosphate, which is likewise very deliquescent. When 
 dissolved in water it yields with silver nitrate a yellow precipitate soluble in nitric acid, and with 
 sodium bitartrate a white crystalline precipitate of cream of tartar. Both the mono- and tri- 
 potassium orthophosphates crystallize more readily than the preceding salt, and are easily soluble 
 in water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium phosphate in solution injected into the veins is almost 
 entirely eliminated with the urine. Taken internally, it is said to diminish the discharge 
 of sodium chloride by the kidneys and to increase the excretion of uric acid. According 
 to Rutherford and Vignal, it is a hepatic stimulant. A special power of dissolving, or of 
 causing the discharge of, gall-stones has been attributed to this medicine, but without 
 convincing testimony to establish it ; and Prevost and Binet declare it to be without action 
 upon the biliary secretion ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Nov. 1888, p. 439). It has a 
 cooling, saline, but not disagreeable taste, and has been used upon theoretical grounds as a 
 remedy for scrofula , rachitis, diabetes, etc., but without encouraging results. Luton, how- 
 ever, claims that it rapidly and effectually cures those cases of scrofidous ophthalmia 
 which are remarkable for lachrymation, photophobia, ulceration of the cornea, and asso- 
 ciated impetiginous eruptions. In such cases from Gm. 3-5 (40 to 70 grains) must be given 
 daily in divided doses ( Etudes de Therap., p. 387). It has been much recommended in the 
 bowel complaints of children, for which its mild purgative action renders it well adapted 
 when the use of purgatives of any sort is indicated. It is said, however, to be most 
 suitable for the diarrhoeas which are apt to occur at the period of weaning. It has been 
 used with alleged success in correcting the acidity of the uterine and vaginal secretions, 
 which was supposed to destroy the spermatozoa after copulation. It was employed in 
 
SOD II PYR 0 PH OS PH A S. — S ODII SALICYLAS. 
 
 1479 
 
 injection before the act, and a course of alkaline mineral waters was at the same time 
 prescribed (Charrier, Bull, de Therap ., xcviii. 492). Its purgative dose for an adult is 
 about Gm. 32 (^j); for children affected with diarrhoea the dose should be small, from 
 Gm. 0.20-0.60 (gr. iij-x), and may conveniently be given in milk and water. 
 
 SODII PYROPHOSPHAS, U. S. — Sodium Pyrophosphate.. 
 
 Natrium pyrophosphoricum , Pyrophosplias sodicus. — Pyrophosphate de soude , Fr. ; Na- 
 triumpyrophosphat, G. 
 
 Formula Na 4 P 2 O 7 .10H 2 O. Molecular weight 445.24. 
 
 Preparation. — 10 ounces of crystallized sodium phosphate are exposed to a warm 
 atmosphere until effloresced, and then heated to dull redness until a small portion of the 
 mass, dissolved in water, causes with silver nitrate a white precipitate free from yellow 
 tint. The white salt is dissolved in 5 pints of boiling water and the solution filtered if 
 necessary and crystallized. The total yield will be 6 ounces. 
 
 When sodium phosphate is heated to a gradually increased temperature, it first under- 
 goes fusion at about 44° C. (111.2° F.) , at 100° C. (212° F.) loses all of its water of 
 crystallization (60.31 per cent.) and finally at 300° C. (572° F.) is converted into sodium 
 pyrophosphate, two molecules of the official phosphate yielding one molecule of anhy- 
 drous pyrophosphate, thus 2Na 2 HP0 4 .12H 2 0 — Na 4 P 2 0 7 -j- 13H 2 0. 
 
 Properties. — The salt crystallizes in colorless or whitish transparent or translucent 
 monoclinic prisms or plates which are inodorous and have a cooling saline and feebly 
 alkaline taste. It is permanent in cool air, slightly efflorescent in warm air. Soluble 
 in 12 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in 1.1 parts of boiling water; insoluble in 
 alcohol. When heated to 100° C. (212° F.), the salt loses its water of crystallization 
 (40.34 per cent.) without previous fusion. At a higher temperature it fuses, forming a 
 transparent liquid, which, on cooling, solidifies to a crystalline mass. To a non-luminous 
 flame it imparts an intensely yellow color. Its aqueous solution is feebly alkaline to 
 litmus and to phenolphtalein paper. A 5-per-cent, aqueous solution of the salt yields, 
 with magnesia mixture, a white precipitate ; with silver nitrate test-solution it yields a 
 precipitate of a pure white color (distinction from orthophosphate), soluble in ammonia- 
 water and in nitric acid. With ammonium molybdate test-solution no precipitate is 
 formed within fifteen or twenty minutes, even when a gentle heat is applied (distinction 
 from orthophosphate). On boiling the aqueous solution with free mineral acids the salt 
 is gradually converted into orthophosphate. 
 
 Tests. — If 1 Gm. of the powdered salt be shaken with 3 Cc. of stannous chloride test- 
 solution, then a small piece of pure tin-foil added, and a gentle heat applied, no brown col- 
 oration should appear within fifteen minutes (limit of arsenic). If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be 
 dissolved in 6 Cc. of water, and 1 Cc. of sodium bitartrate test-solution added, the solution 
 should remain perfectly clear (limit of potassium). “ The aqueous solution of the salt 
 should not effervesce on the addition of an acid (absence of carbonate). Acidified with 
 hydrochloric acid, it should remain unaffected by hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sul- 
 phide (absence of metals), and when acidified with nitric acid it should not yield more 
 than a faint opalescence with test-solution of barium nitrate (limit of sulphate) or silver 
 nitrate (limit of chloride).” — U. S. 
 
 Uses. — It is said that its action and uses are the same as those of sodium phosphate, 
 but that it should be given in doses one-third less. Its pharmaceutical uses give it its 
 chief value. 
 
 SODII SALICYLAS, 77. S., Br. — Sodium Salicylate. 
 
 Natrium salicylicum , P. G. — Salicylate de soude , Fr. ; Natriumsalicylat, G. 
 
 Formula NaC 7 H 5 0 3 . Molecular weight 159.67. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium bicarbonate 10 parts and salicylic acid 16.5 parts are mixed 
 in a porcelain or glass vessel, and 10 parts of pure water are gradually added : as the 
 reaction progresses carbon dioxide is rapidly evolved, the newly-formed salt remaining 
 in solution, which latter should have a slightly acid reaction to ensure a product free 
 from color. If necessary, the solution may receive a slight addition of salicylic acid, as 
 alkali salicylates in the presence of an excess of alkali absorb oxygen from the air and 
 become colored. The solution is heated on a water-bath to expel all carbon dioxide, and 
 then evaporated at about 60° C. (140° F.) to dryness ; the residue may be recrystallized 
 
1480 
 
 SODII SALICYLAS. 
 
 from a solution in 120 parts of 95 per cent, alcohol if desired. Owing to the delicate 
 reaction of salicylic acid with iron salts, all contact with metals must be avoided ; more- 
 over, the salicylic acid must be free from creosotic (homosalicylic) acid, and the alkali free 
 from iron. 
 
 Although not a bibasic acid, salicylic acid is capable of forming two classes of salts, 
 primary and secondary salicylates ; the former are obtained when the acid is neutralized 
 by means of alkali carbonates or bicarbonates, whereas the use of alkali hydroxides 
 results in the formation of the secondary salts, which are less soluble and less stable. 
 
 The official sodium salicylate of the U. S., G., and Br. Pharmacopoeias is the primary 
 salt, the two first-named recognizing the anhydrous salt, while the latter admits 5.3 per 
 cent, of water, the salt having the composition 2NaC 7 H 5 0 3 + H 2 0. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium salicylate is a white crystalline powder or forms small white 
 crystalline plates, is permanent in the air, inodorous or nearly so, and has a sweetish 
 saline and mildly alkaline taste and a feebly acid reaction. It dissolves at 15° C. (59° 
 F.) in 0.9 ( U. &., P. Gr.) part of water and in 6 parts of alcohol, and is more freely 
 soluble in boiling water and boiling alcohol ; also soluble in glycerin. By heat the salt 
 is decomposed, inflammable vapors are given off, and a carbonaceous residue of sodium 
 carbonate is left, weighing about 33 per cent, of the salt used, and imparting to a non- 
 luminous flame an intense yellow color, which should appear not more than transiently 
 red when observed through a blue glass. If copper sulphate test-solution be added to 
 the aqueous solution (1 in 20), a green color will be produced. On adding to a small 
 portion of the salt, in a test-tube, about 1 Cc. of concentrated sulphuric acid, and then, 
 cautiously, about 1 Cc. of methylic alcohol in drops, on heating the mixture to boiling 
 the odor of methyl salicylate will be evolved. Ferric chloride added to the concentrated 
 aqueous solution of the salt colors it red-brown, but a very diluted solution is colored 
 violet. The rather concentrated aqueous solution, when strongly acidulated with hydro- 
 chloric or sulphuric acid, gives a white crystalline precipitate, which is soluble in ether 
 and in hot water and has all the properties of salicylic acid (see p. 88). 
 
 Tests. — “ The aqueous solution should be colorless, and should not effervesce on the 
 addition of acids (absence of carbonate). Agitated with about 15 parts of concentrated 
 sulphuric acid, the salt should not impart color to the acid within fifteen minutes (absence 
 of foreign organic matter). If a solution of 1 Gm. of the salt in a mixture of 50 Cc. of 
 alcohol and 25 Cc. of water be acidulated with nitric acid, the filtered solution should 
 yield no precipitate, nor be rendered turbid on the addition of a few drops of test-solu- 
 tion of barium chloride (absence of sulphate) or of silver nitrate (absence of chloride).” 
 U. S. The tests ordered by the P. G. are nearly identical with the above. In the last 
 test the addition of alcohol is made for the purpose of keeping in solution the salicylic 
 acid liberated by the nitric acid, whereby filtration is avoided. The salt should not have 
 the odor of phenol. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Potassium salicylate, (2KC 7 H 5 03.II 2 0)is prepared like the sodium salt, 100 parts 
 of salicylic acid requiring 72.5 parts of potassium bicarbonate. The salt crystallizes in colorless 
 silky needles, is permanent in dry air, and is freely soluble in water. 
 
 Sodium formate, (NaCH0 2 .H 2 0), is prepared by neutralizing formic acid with pure sodium car- 
 bonate or bicarbonate. It crystallizes in colorless rhombic plates or prisms, which are inodorous, 
 have a saline bitter taste, melt in their water of crystallization, are deliquescent in moist air, and 
 dissolve freely in water. 
 
 Sodium dithiosalicylate. If a mixture of equal molecular weights of sulphur chloride 
 (bromide or iodide) and salicylic acid is heated for some time to 120°-1 50° C. (248°-302° F.), a 
 lively reaction ensues, hydrogen chloride (bromide or iodide) escaping, and dithiosalicylic acid 
 remaining in the form of a yellowish resinous mass. The residue, which is soluble in alcohol, 
 is a mixture of two isomeric acids, designated respectively as No. 1 and No. 2. When the acid 
 is treated with solution of sodium carbonate, the two sodium salts are formed, and may be sepa- 
 rated by means of sodium chloride, which precipitates the No. 1 salt, while the No. 2 salt 
 remains in solution ; or the dried mixture of the two salts may be exhausted with boiling alcohol, 
 which dissolves only the No. 2 salt. This latter salt is preferred ; it occurs as a grayish-white 
 amorphous powder, very hygroscopic and readily soluble in water, forming a brownish-black 
 solution of alkaline reaction. Its antiseptic activity is superior to sodium salicylate, and it has 
 been successfully employed in rheumatic fever, gonorrheic rheumatism, and similar cases. The 
 dose is from 4-10 Gm. daily in doses of 0.5 to 1.0 Gm. Sodium dithiosalicylate No. 1 is a yel- 
 lowish amorphous powder, somewhat hygroscopic and of alkaline reaction ; it forms with water 
 a clear brownish solution. The salt has been chiefly employed in veterinary practice in the form 
 of a 5 per cent, solution. 
 
 Sodium diiodosalicylate, NaC 6 II 2 I 2 (0II)C0 2 +2.5H 2 0. When an alcoholic solution of sali- 
 cylic acid is treated with iodine and iodic acid, diiodosalicylic acid is formed by substitution of 
 2 atoms of iodine for 2 of hydrogen, which may be neutralized with sodium carbonate, and then 
 
SODII SALICYLAS. 
 
 1481 
 
 yields white laminae or long flat, needle-shaped crystals which are soluble in 50 parts of water at 
 20° C. (68° F.). The salt possesses analgesic and antiseptic properties. 
 
 Sodium sulphosalicylate, C 6 H 3 (0H)C0 2 HS0 3 Na. This salt, obtained by neutralizing 
 sulphosalicylic acid (see page 90) with sodium carbonate, occurs in colorless crystals, soluble in 
 25-30 parts of water ; the aqueous solution has an acid reaction, and is not affected by barium 
 chloride or silver nitrate. The salt has been recommended as a substitute for sodium salicylate 
 in the treatment of articular rheumatism. 
 
 Sodio-theobromine Salicylate, Diuretin, C 7 H 7 NaN 4 0 2 + NaC 7 H 5 0 3 . This compound is 
 obtained by mixing aqueous solutions of equal molecules of sodium theobromine and sodium 
 salicylate and evaporating to dryness ; a definite compound appears to be formed, containing 
 theoretically 49.7 per cent, of theobromine and 38.1 per cent, of salicylic acid. Diuretin occurs as 
 a white powder, odorless, of a saline, alkaline taste, and soluble in half its weight of warm water, 
 the solution remaining perfect on cooling. It should be preserved in well-stoppered bottles, as 
 it is readily affected by the air, theobromine separating by action of carbon dioxide. It has 
 proven to be a reliable diuretic, free from poisonous properties and unpleasant after-effects. The 
 daily dose of diuretin is 4-8 Gm. (60-120 grains) in divided portions of 1.0 Gin. (15 grains) each ; 
 it is best administered in solution with aromatic waters, and should not be dispensed in powder 
 form, owing to liability to change upon exposure. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The great solubility of this salt, which is partly the reason 
 of its milder action than that of potassium salicylate, renders it in many cases preferable 
 to the latter. It is liable to act poisonously. Hampeln has reported a case in which a 
 drachm was given daily for about six weeks, and gradually produced drowsiness, lassi- 
 tude, unsteady movements, tremors, listlessness, and impaired attention, memory, and 
 sight. On withdrawing the medicine these symptoms slowly disappeared. A similar 
 case was reported by Mueller (Med. Record , xxxii. 135). Others also in which cutane- 
 ous eruptions or collapse or delirium have occurred ( Lancet , 1890, i. 1173, 1299; Jour. 
 Amer. Med. Assoc., xviii. 594). Rutherford and Vignal declare it to be “ a very power- 
 ful hepatic stimulant in the dog,” but no such action has been observed in man. Its 
 medicinal uses are the same as those of Salicylic Acid, under which the subject is 
 fully treated. Its mode of action has been there considered, and shown to be quite inade- 
 quate to explain its broadly alleged therapeutical effects. The statement of so eminent an 
 authority as Vulpian may be here subjoined to illustrate still further the facility with 
 which in such matters phrases take the place of facts : u The curative effects of sodium 
 salicylate in acute articular rheumatism are due to the action of the salt upon the ana- 
 tomical elements of the joints which are primarily affected by the disease. The medicine, 
 becoming incorporated with them, renders them insusceptible to the specific irritation 
 from which the rheumatism proceeds. If they are not already involved, as soon as the 
 medicine acts upon them the acute rheumatism will no longer take hold of them in the 
 greater number of cases. If they are affected, the irritation will rapidly decline. As 
 soon as it has ceased the articular pains will abate, and then the swelling, and soon after- 
 ward the fever also. The disease, however, is not certainly cured when these phenomena 
 subside, .... for if the treatment is suspended they reappear ; and not only so, but 
 even while the medicine continues to be given, and several days after the joint affection 
 has ceased, inflammation of the endocardium, the pericardium or the pleura may arise” 
 (Du Mode eV Action du Salicylate de Soude , 1881). The inferences which Hood drew 
 from an analysis of more than 2000 cases of acute articular rheumatism appear to be 
 correct. They are substantially these : The treatment by salicylates (1) relieves pain 
 and abates fever, but renders relapses more frequent. (2) It does not affect the fre- 
 quency of the heart-complications. (3) It does not prevent hyperpyrexia. (4) Its use 
 is followed by a longer convalescence than usual. (5) It does not modify the mortality- 
 rate. (6) It is most efficient in conjunction with the alkaline treatment ( Lancet , Feb. 18, 
 1888). This may consist of the union of the sodium bicarbonate with the salicylate in 
 the same dose, or their administration separately and alternately. The latter has been 
 credited with the speedy cure of tonsillitis , but with no better reason than may be given 
 for the use of the bicarbonate alone. Apparently the cases in which either is efficient 
 are those of rheumatic pharyngitis rather than of suppurative tonsillitis. In a case of 
 neuralgia of the fifth nerve, of long standing and very severe, Dercum effected a cure 
 by the persistent use of large doses of sodium salicylate (Med. News , 1. 328). It is a 
 palliative of the pain of dysmenorrhota and the itching of pruritus. Burroughs states 
 that it has been found to palliate whooping cough and cure migraine (Med. Record , xxxii. 
 528). Jaccoud has warned against the use of the medicine in albuminuria. In a case 
 of polyuria which valerian and ergot failed to relieve the use of this medicine, in the 
 dose of Gm. 0.50— 0. GO (gr. viij-x) after meals, was followed by a return of normal 
 urination (Randall, Med. News , lii. 373). The antiseptic and antacid properties of the 
 
1482 
 
 SODII SANTONIN AS. 
 
 compound have been usefully applied to the treatment of cholera infantum ( Archives of 
 Paediatrics , July, 1886) and of various diarrhoeas (. Med . News, xliii. 268). It has been 
 credited with modifying favorably the course of variola and of hastening the resolution 
 of orchitis ; but of the correctness of these statements the evidence is slender. In rheu- 
 matic iritis there is more reason to accept the statements made of its efficacy, and in 
 biliary colic it palliates the pain. It has the latter effect in acute 'pleurisy and sciatica. 
 
 The dose of sodium salicylate (as already stated under Salicylic Acid) should be 
 about 20 grains, repeated five or six times a day in acute articular rheumatism. Smaller 
 doses are not to be depended upon for checking the development of or arresting the dis- 
 ease, and such as V. Jaksch recommended (of 150-360 grains a day) are neither neces- 
 sary nor safe. 
 
 Potassium Salicylate has been used as a substitute for the sodium salt in the treat- 
 ment of rheumatism , and with alleged advantage ( Trans . Amer. Med. Assoc., xxxiii. 151), 
 but confirmation of the statement is wanting. 
 
 Sodium formate has been proposed as a substitute for the salicylate in cases in 
 which there may be danger from the renal congestion sometimes induced by the latter 
 salt. According to Arlong {Archives gen., Nov. 1879, p. 602), a 5 per cent, solution of 
 the sodium formate gradually introduced into the blood of a dog or horse slows the 
 heart and dilates the capillaries ; in excessive doses it arrests the heart. Corresponding 
 effects are produced on the respiration and calorification. We are not acquainted with 
 any clinical experience with this compound. 
 
 Sodium di-iodosalicylate. — It has been claimed that in divided daily doses of Gm. 
 1.5-4 (gr. xx-lx) this compound is antipyretic, analgesic, and antiseptic, is a sedative 
 of irregular action of the heart, and efficient in parasitic diseases of the skin. 
 
 Sodium di-thiosalicylate is said to be a more powerful antiseptic than the sali- 
 cylate, like which it has been used in acute articular rheumatism without causing noises 
 in the ears or other unpleasant effects. Dose , Gm. 0.2 (gr. iij) morning and evening. 
 But May and Volt prescribed 30 to 80 grains, followed every two hours by 15-grain 
 doses ( University Med. Mag., iv. 467). 
 
 SODII SANTONINAS. — Sodium Santoninate. 
 
 Natrium santoninicum , s. santonicum. — Santonate de soude, Fr. ; Natriumsantoninat, G. 
 
 Formula 2NaC 15 Hi 9 0 4 .7II 2 0. Molecular weight 696.50. 
 
 Preparation. — Heat on a water-bath 3^ ounces of solution of soda diluted with 1 
 ounce of water, add 1 ounce of santonin, digest until the latter is dissolved, filter, wash 
 the filter with a little hot water, and set aside in a cool place to crystallize. The decanted 
 mother-liquor, concentrated by evaporation, will yield more crystals ; when these are no 
 longer obtained colorless, the mother-liquor is acidulated with hydrochloric acid, and the 
 santonin which separates is collected separately. The yield is about li ounces of sodium 
 santoninate. 
 
 Lepage (1876) proposed to prepare this salt by first forming calcium santoninate, 
 precipitating this solution by sodium carbonate, evaporating the filtrate nearly to dry- 
 ness and exhausting the residue with strong alcohol to remove excess of sodium carbo- 
 nate ; on evaporating the solution the salt crystallizes, leaving finally a colored mother- 
 liquor. 
 
 Properties. — The salt crystallizes from alcohol in fine felt-like needles or small white 
 prisms, and from water in rather large colorless and transparent or translucent rhombic 
 tables or laminae, in which form it is usually seen. These crystals are nearly permanent 
 in the air, a slight efflorescence being observed only after long keeping, and they are very 
 slowly tinged yellow when kept in diffused daylight. The salt should be kept in dark 
 amber-colored, well-stoppered vials, and not be exposed to light. The salt is inodorous and 
 has a saline and bitter taste and a slight alkaline reaction. It is soluble in 3 parts of 
 water and in 12 parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), and it dissolves in 0.5 parts of boiling 
 water and in 3.4 parts of boiling alcohol. It is insoluble in ether. At 100° C. (212° F.) 
 it parts with its water of crystallization (18 per cent.), and at a somewhat higher heat it 
 becomes bright red, the mass having a glassy lustre after cooling and becoming colorless 
 by water ; at a red heat the salt is completely decomposed, and an alkaline residue is left 
 which imparts an intense yellow color to flame. The aqueous solution of the salt, acidu- 
 lated with hydrochloric acid, deposits santonin, which is readily soluble in chloroform, 
 and yields with alcohol, in the presence of caustic alkali or earth, a bright-red solution, 
 becoming gradually colorless. 
 
SOD II SULPHAS. 
 
 1483 
 
 Tests. — A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt should not he precipitated nor be 
 rendered turbid by test-solution of sodium carbonate (absence of alkaline earths), nor 
 by picric or tannic acid (absence of alkaloids). The aqueous solution is not colored vio- 
 let by ferric chloride (difference from salicylate). 
 
 Allied Compound. — Sodii santoninas albuminatus. Digest santonin 1 part, sodium bicarbo- 
 nate 4 parts, and dry soluble albumen 2 parts with about 50 parts of water at 60° C. (140° F.) 
 until solution has been effected ; filter, evaporate at a gentle heat, and dry on glass plates (Pavesi, 
 1876). This compound forms brilliant white scales having a pearly lustre and a bitter alkaline 
 taste ; its solution in water is decomposed by mineral acids with effervescence of carbon dioxide 
 gas, santonin and albumen being precipitated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This salt has over santonin the advantage of greater solubility — 
 if that be indeed an advantage — for not only is its taste more distinct and disagreeable, 
 but it is more rapidly absorbed from the stomach, and is therefore less apt to come into 
 contact with the intestinal parasites it is given to destroy. In animals it produces 
 poisonous effects more speedily than the proportion of santonin contained in it would 
 do. Nevertheless, sodium santoninate has been used with success as an anthelmintic, 
 especially for lumbricoid worms. It may be prescribed for adults in doses of Gm. 0.50— 
 0.60 (gr. viij-x) twice a day, and for children in doses of from Gm. 0.10-0.30, (gr. ij-v) 
 mixed with sugar. After the second day a laxative, such as confection of senna or jalap 
 and cream of tartar, should be administered to remove the worms. Enemata of water 
 containing this salt may be used for rectal ascarides. 
 
 SODII SULPHAS, U . S ., Br .— Sodium Sulphate. 
 
 Sodse sulphas , Br. ; Natrium sulphuricum , P. G. ; Sulfas sodicus (iiatricus '). — Glauber’s 
 salt , E.; Sulfate de soude , Sel de Glauber , Fr. ; Glaubersalz , G. 
 
 Formula Na 2 SO 4 .10H 2 O. Molecular weight 321.42. 
 
 Origin. — Sodium sulphate is found native in the anhydrous state and crystallized, 
 and also in combination with calcium sulphate. It is present in the water of many 
 mineral springs and in that of certain lakes in Russia and in the western part of the 
 United States. It is stated to have been known in Saxony for a century before it was 
 obtained artificially by Glauber (1658) from the saline residue left in the preparation of 
 hydrochloric acid, and was named after him Sal mirabile Glauberi. The same salt, pre- 
 pared from the mineral spring at Friedrichshall, became known in 1767 as Sal aperitivum 
 Fridericianum. It is largely manufactured in the United States, but small and variable 
 quantities of it are also imported from abroad. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is largely obtained in many chemical processes, either as an 
 intermediate or a secondary product, as in the preparation of soda by Leblanc’s process ; 
 from the mother-liquors of the Stassfurt potash-works ; in the preparation of magnesium 
 carbonate ; in the manufacture of hydrochloric and nitric acids from sodium chloride and 
 nitrate ; in the preparation of table-salt from many saline springs ; in the manufacture of 
 sal ammoniac from ammonium sulphate and sodium chloride; in preparing carbon dioxide 
 for the manufacture of mineral waters from sodium bicarbonate and sulphuric acid ; and 
 in several other processes. Sodium sulphate as thus obtained is purified by crystallizing 
 it repeatedly from water, if necessary, after neutralization with sodium carbonate. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium sulphate crystallizes in large, transparent, colorless, monoclinic 
 prisms, which do not alter the color of red and blue litmus-paper, are inodorous, have a 
 cooling, saline, and distinctly bitter taste, and rapidly effloresce on exposure to the air, 
 leaving a white powder. The crystallized salt must therefore be kept in well-stoppered 
 bottles, and, on account of its low melting-point, in a cool place. It is soluble at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), in 2.8 parts of water. The solubility increases up to 34° C. (93° F.), when its 
 maximum is attained, 1 part of the salt then dissolving in somewhat less than 0.25 part 
 of water; from thence it gradually decreases with rising temperature, until 1 part requires 
 0.47 part of boiling water for solution. Insoluble in alcohol ; soluble in glycerin. When 
 heated to 33° C. (91.4° F.), the salt fuses, and, on being heated to 100° C. (212° F.), 
 loses all of its water (55.9 per cent.). At a red heat the anhydrous salt fuses without 
 decomposition. To a non-luminous flame it imparts an intensely yellow color. The 
 aqueous solution is neutral to litmus-paper. A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt 
 yields with barium chloride a white precipitate insoluble in nitric acid. 
 
 Tests. — A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of sodium sulphate should not effervesce on 
 the addition of hydrochloric acid (absence of carbonate), should not be colored or precipi- 
 tated by ammonium sulphide or hydrogen sulphide (metals), should not become cloudy by 
 
1484 
 
 SODII S ULPHIS. 
 
 sodium carbonate and heating (earths), and should not give off ammoniacal vapors on 
 being treated with a warm solution of caustic soda (ammonium salt). “ If to 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution 1 Cc. of sodium phosphate test-solution and 0.5 Cc. of ammonia-water 
 be added, no turbidity or precipitate should be produced, even after agitation (absence of 
 magnesium). After acidulation with nitric acid, the aqueous solution should remain clear, 
 or at most be rendered only very slightly opalescent on addition of silver nitrate test-solu- 
 tion (limit of chloride).” — U. S. 100 grains of it, dissolved in distilled water and 
 acidulated with hydrochloric acid, give, by the addition of barium chloride a white preci- 
 pitate which, after washing and drying, weighs 72.3 grains, or 1 Gm. yields .723 Gm. of 
 BaS0 4 . 
 
 Composition. — Crystallized sodium sulphate contains 55.9 per cent, water of crys- 
 tallization, 24.85 per cent. S0 3 , and 19.25 per cent. Na 2 0. Under certain circumstances 
 the sulphate crystallizes with 7H 2 0, and then contains 47 per cent, of water of crystal- 
 lization. 
 
 Sodii sulphas effervescens, Br. Add., Effervescent sodium sulphate. Dry 25 ozs. 
 of crystallized sodium sulphate until it has lost 56 per cent, of its weight ; powder the 
 product and mix it with sodium bicarbonate 25 ounces, tartaric acid 13^ ounces, and citric 
 acid, in powder, 9 ounces. Place the mixture in a dish heated to 93.3°-104.4° C. (200°— 
 220° F.), and when the particles of the powder begin to aggregate, stir them assiduously 
 until they assume a granular form ; by means of sieves separate the granules of uniform 
 size and preserve in well-closed bottles. The final product should weigh about 50 
 ounces. 
 
 Sodii sulphas exsiccatus, s. Natrium sulfuricum siccum, P. G. It is obtained by 
 exposing the crystallized salt to a moderate heat until its weight has been reduced to one- 
 half, when the white powder is passed through a sieve and preserved in well-stoppered 
 bottles. 4 parts of the completely dehydrated salt represent 9 parts of the crystallized 
 salt ; it contains 56.33 per cent. S0 3 and 43.67 per cent. Na 2 0. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The mode of action of Glauber’s salt does not differ essentially 
 from that of other saline cathartics. Like them, it purges only when given in solutions 
 of a certain degree of dilution, and not even then unless the dose exceeds a certain varia- 
 ble limit. There is good reason to believe that too strong or too weak a solution of a 
 purgative salt equally tends to hinder its operation. If the solution is weak and not 
 bulky, it will act by the kidneys rather than by the bowels. Many persons are affected 
 by natural purgative mineral waters in this manner, whatever may be their dose. On 
 the other hand, it is of daily observation that just in proportion to the dilution of a saline 
 cathartic is its relative efficiency as a purgative. This fact is abundantly illustrated by 
 the familiar effects of the saline mineral waters just referred to ; they are purgative in 
 doses which contain only an inconsiderable proportion of the neutral salts. 
 
 Glauber’s salt is almost entirely supplanted by Epsom salt in this country and in Eng- 
 land, but in Germany the former is in more common use. It is employed to relieve 
 plethora , overcome constipation , and to act as a depletory and sedative remedy in various 
 febrile affections, inflammatory and other. It has been especially used in weak solution 
 in typhoid fever and in dysentery , and probably with more benefit and less mischief than 
 any other active treatment of those affections. Of late years it has been strongly recom- 
 mended in the form of Carlsbad water (which contains also a little sodium chloride and 
 carbonate), natural or artificial, in cases of simple ulcer of the stomach. The water 
 is taken to the extent of about a pint, in divided doses, early in the morning, and fasting, 
 or half an ounce of Glauber’s salt may be dissolved in a pint of water and used in the 
 same manner. It is said that in surgical poisoning with carbolic acid repeated dressings 
 with a 5 per cent, solution of sodium sulphate are a very efficient antidote ( Amer . Jour, 
 of Med. Sci., July, 1879, p. 280). 
 
 The dose of sodium sulphate as a purgative is from half an ounce to an ounce, dis- 
 solved in Gm. 120-250 (f^iv-viij) of water. Its nauseous bitterness may be partially 
 corrected by the addition of aromatic sulphuric acid or by dissolving it in lemonade 
 or in carbonated water flavored with syrup. Extract or fluid extract of liquorice may be 
 used for the same purpose. 
 
 SODII SULPHIS, V. S., JBr, — Sodium Sulphite. 
 
 Natrium sulfurosum, Sulfis sodicus ( natricus ). — Sulfite de soude , Fr. ; Natriumsulfit, 
 Schwefiigsaures Natron , G. . 
 
 Formula Na 2 S0 3 .7H 2 0. Molecular weight 251.58. 
 
SOD II SUL PIUS. 
 
 1485 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is formed on passing sulphur dioxide into a solution of 
 sodium carbonate until the color of blue litmus-paper is changed to red, or the solution 
 of a known quantity of sodium carbonate is completely saturated with sulphur dioxide, 
 whereby sodium bisulphite is produced ; an equal weight of sodium carbonate is dissolved 
 in the liquid, and the solution evaporated to crystallization. The sulphur dioxide decom- 
 poses the sodium carbonate, replacing the carbon dioxide which is evolved: Na 2 C0 3 +S0 2 
 yields Na 2 S0 3 -f C0 2 . 
 
 Properties. — Sodium sulphite crystallizes in colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, 
 which are inodorous and have a slight alkaline reaction to test-paper and a cooling, saline, 
 and sulphurous taste. The salt effloresces on exposure, and becomes opaque from the 
 loss of water and from oxidation to sulphate, and therefore requires to be kept in well- 
 stoppered bottles. The solutiqn is more rapidly oxidized than the salt, but does not sepa- 
 rate sulphur ; likewise, not on the addition of hydrochloric acid (difference from thio- 
 sulphate). When heated to above 100° C. (212° F.) the salt loses its water of crystal- 
 lization (50 per cent.), and yields a white powder without melting, but at a red heat 
 fuses into an orange-red mixture of sodium sulphide and sulphate. The salt is nearly 
 insoluble in alcohol, but dissolves readily in water, the anhydrous salt requiring, accord- 
 ing to Kremers (1856), at 0° C. (32° F.) 7.07 parts, at 20° C. (68° F.) 3.49 parts, and 
 at 40° C. (104° F.) 2.02 parts, of water. On heating the aqueous solution, saturated in 
 the cold, anhydrous salt is deposited (Rammelsberg). The dry, anhydrous salt Na 2 S0 3 
 (mol. weight 125.86) is nearly permanent in the air, and when immersed in a little water 
 combines with it and forms a solid mass. Muspratt obtained sulphite in oblique prisms 
 containing 10H 2 O = 58.8 per cent, of water of crystallization, but even from supersatu- 
 rated solutions the salt crystallizes of the above composition (Schultz). The crystallized 
 salt is soluble in 4 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 0.9 part of boiling water 
 (£/". Si). Diluted sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, added to the salt or its solution, liber- 
 ates sulphur dioxide, which is recognized by its odor. If held in a non-luminous flame 
 an intense yellow color is imparted to the latter. 
 
 Tests. — “ The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should not be colored or rendered turbid by 
 the addition of an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution, either before or after 
 the addition of ammonia-water in slight excess (absence of metallic impurities). If a 
 solution of 2.5 Gm. of the salt in 11 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid be heated suffici- 
 ently to expel the sulphur dioxide, then 0.15 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution added, 
 and the precipitate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unaf- 
 fected by the further addition of barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate). If 
 1.2 Gm. of sodium sulphite be dissolved in 10 Cc. of diluted nitric acid, the solution 
 heated to expel gases, then 0.4 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution added, and the 
 precipitate, if any, removed by filtration, the clear filtrate should remain unchanged by 
 the addition of more silver nitrate solution (limit of chloride). If 0.63 Gm. of the salt 
 be dissolved in 25 Cc. of water recently boiled to expel air, and a little starch test-solu- 
 tion be added, at least 48 Cc. of decinormal iodine solution should be required to produce 
 a permanent blue tint (each Cc. corresponding to 2 per cent, of the pure salt).” — U. S. 
 
 In the last-mentioned test the reaction between the sodium sulphite and iodine results 
 in the formation of sodium sulphate, as follows : Na 2 S0 3 .7II 2 0 -(- I 2 = Na 2 S0 4 -J- 2HI -(- 
 6H 2 0, and hence each Cc. of decinormal iodine solution containing 0.012653 Gm. of 
 iodine is capable of oxidizing 0.012579 Gm. of the crystallized sulphite. 
 
 Composition. — The salt contains 24.6 per cent. Na 2 0, 25.4- per cent. S0 2 , and 50 
 per cent, of water of crystallization. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These are essentially the same as have been described in con- 
 nection with sulphurous acid, potassium sulphite, and sodium thiosulphate ; that is to 
 say, sodium sulphite checks putrefaction and other forms of fermentation, and thereby 
 tends to arrest the exhalation of the fetid gases which are formed during these processes. 
 This action, as in the case of sulphurous acid itself, is a purely chemical one, for it is 
 neither more nor less certain in the laboratory than in the body. Like the other com- 
 pounds of sulphurous acid with alkalies, sodium sulphite has been vaunted as a remedy 
 for the falsely-called zymotic diseases, but clinical experience has condemned this ground- 
 less assumption. Comessati used this salt in the treatment of scabies as follows : 61 oz. 
 of it are dissolved in 2 pints of water, and the solution thoroughly applied at bedtime. 
 On the following morning the skin is bathed with a mixture of 2 ounces of hydrochloric 
 acid in a quart of water. The sodium salt is decomposed, and its sulphur, along with 
 sulphurous acid and sodium chloride, remains upon the skin ( Tlierap . Gaz., ix. 789). 
 
 The dose of sodium sulphite is Gm. 1.30-4 (gr. xx-lx), largely diluted and frequently 
 
1486 
 
 SOD II SULPHOCARBOLAS. 
 
 repeated. The solution may be flavored to conceal the taste. 1 part of the salt, dissolved 
 in from 2 to 10 parts of water, may be applied externally, and solutions of half the latter 
 strength or less may be injected into the bladder, vagina, etc. 
 
 SODII SULPHOCARBOLAS, IT. S., Br.— Sodium Sulphocarbolate. 
 
 Sodium paraphenolsulphonate, U. S. ; Sulphophenate de sonde, Fr. ; PlienylscJiwef tlsaures 
 Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (0H).2H 2 0. Molecular weight 231.56. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — If crystallized carbolic acid is mixed with an 
 equal weight of strong sulphuric acid, a new compound is formed, which was first 
 noticed by Laurent (1841), and by him named plienylsulphuric acid, with the formula 
 C 6 H 5 HS0 4 . The true constitution of the new compound was shown by Kekule to be 
 phenolsulphonic acid, HS0 3 C 6 H 4 (0H), the group HS0 3 displacing an atom of H in the 
 benzene nucleus, and not in the hydroxyl group, as formerly supposed. If the mixture of 
 phenol and sulphuric acid be set aside in the cold for some time until it yields a clear 
 solution with water, orthophenolsulphonic acid will be formed, but if the temperature 
 be allowed to rise or increase, various mixtures of the isomeric ortho- and para- varieties 
 of the acid are obtained. In order to produce only the paraphenolsulphonic acid, the 
 mixture is preferably heated on a boiling water-bath for six hours, when it will be found 
 to yield a clear solution with water. After mixing the new acid compound with ten 
 times its weight of water, an excess of barium carbonate is added, and the mixture kept 
 at 100° C. (212° F.) until the acid has been neutralized ; it is then filtered, and the solu- 
 tion of barium sulphocarbolate concentrated and mixed with sodium carbonate for 
 mutual decomposition. Ba(S0 3 C 6 H 4 (0H)) 2 -f Na 2 C0 3 = 2NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (0H) + BaC0 3 . 
 The solution after filtration (to remove BaC0 3 ) is concentrated, and set aside to crystal- 
 lize. In place of barium carbonate, lead carbonate may likewise be employed to 
 neutralize the newly-formed phenolsulphonic acid, as lead sulphocarbolate is also soluble 
 in water. 
 
 The Br. Ph. does not state which variety of the salt is officially recognized, neither 
 does it designate the temperature at which the reaction between the phenol and sulphuric 
 acid is to be allowed to go on. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium sulphocarbolate is in “ colorless, transparent, rhombic prisms, 
 slightly efflorescent in dry air, odorless or nearly so, having a cooling, saline, somewhat 
 bitter taste, and a neutral reaction ; soluble in 4.8 parts of water, and in 132 parts of 
 alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.), in 0.7 part of boiling water, and in 10 parts of boiling 
 alcohol. When heated the salt loses its water (15.5 per cent.) and becomes white. 
 At a higher temperature it emits inflammable vapors having the odor of carbolic acid, 
 and leaves a residue amounting to 30.6 per cent, of the original weight, the filtered 
 solution of which, acidulated with nitric acid, produces a white precipitate with test- 
 solution of barium chloride. A fragment of the salt imparts an intense yellow color to 
 a non-luminous flame. The dilute, aqueous solution of the salt is colored violet by test 
 solution of ferric chloride.” — U. S. When fused together with caustic potassa, pyrocate- 
 chin is obtained. 
 
 Tests. — ■“ In the aqueous solution (1 in 20) of the salt neither hydrogen sulphide 
 test-solution nor ammonium sulphide test-solution should produce any turbidity or 
 coloration (absence of metallic impurities) ; nor should more than a faint opalescence be 
 produced by barium chloride test-solution (limit of sulphate) or by silver nitrate test- 
 solution (limit of chloride).” — U. S. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Other sulphocarbolates may be obtained by accurately precipitating a 
 solution of barium or lead sulphocarbolate by a solution of the respective carbonate or sulphate,, 
 filtering, and crystallizing. They are all soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerin, and occasionally 
 have a pinkish tint. The following have been employed : 
 
 Potassium Sulphocarbolate, KS0 3 C 6 H 4 (0H), crystallizes in shining needles like the am- 
 monium salt. 
 
 Calcium Sulphocarbolate, Ca(S0 3 C 6 II 4 (0H)) 2 .6H 2 0, forms scaly crystals. 
 
 Magnesium Sulphocarbolate, Mg(S0 3 C 6 XI 4 (0II)) 2 .7H 2 0, crystallizes in rhombic prisms or 
 needles. 
 
 Zinc Sulphocarbolate resembles the preceding in appearance. (See Zincum.) 
 
 The following acids are likewise known, but have not been employed in medicine : Phenoldi- 
 sulphonic acid , (IIS0 3 ) 2 C 6 II 3 (0TI), and phenoltrisulphonic acid (HS6 3 ) 3 C 6 II 2 (OH) ; they crystal- 
 lize in deliquescent needles and are produced from phenol and sulphuric acid at elevated tem- 
 peratures. 
 
SOD II SULPHOVINAS. 
 
 1487 
 
 Sodii carbolas, Sodium carbolate (phenate), E. ; Phenol sodique, Fr.; Natronphenylat, G . — 
 Carbolic acid dissolves in solution of caustic soda as in other alkalies, and forms monosodium 
 phenate, NaC 6 H 5 0, but, according to Berthelot (1871), neither basic nor acid compounds; such 
 a concentrated solution may yield crystals of carbolic acid (see page 37). On treating phenol 
 with an excess of melted alkali, Barth (1870) observed that about one-half of it is decomposed, 
 with the formation of diphenol, C 12 Il 10 O 2 , and a small proportion of oxybenzoic and salicylic 
 acids. On treating phenol with metallic sodium, sodium carbolate will crystallize in white 
 needles. It is therefore difficult to obtain a definite compound in the solid state, but a solution 
 of it is readily obtainable, and this dissolves notable quantities of carbolic acid. Such a solution 
 was official in the P. G. 1872 as 
 
 Liquor natrii (sodii) carbolici. It is prepared by melting 5 parts of pure carbolic acid, and 
 adding 1 part of solution of soda spec. grav. 1.332 and 5 parts of distilled water. It is a clear 
 liquid of a specific gravity varying between 1.060 and 1.065, has an alkaline reaction, and may 
 be diluted with water or alcohol without being decomposed, but on the addition of acids carbolic 
 acid is separated. Only one-seventh of the carbolic acid is combined with soda ; the remaining 
 six-sevenths are dissolved in the aqueous solution of sodium carbolate. 
 
 Similar compounds, but made with impure carbolic acid, are often met with in commerce ; on 
 diluting them with water they separate most of the empyreumatic oils with which they are con- 
 taminated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The bodies of animals that have taken largely of sodium 
 sulphocarbolate are said to resist putrefaction for a long time. This result is ascribed to 
 its decomposition in the body into carbolic and sulphuric acids ; or, rather, the latter acid 
 in combination with sodium is eliminated with the urine, while the carbolic acid exerts 
 its characteristic influence in preventing organic decomposition. Given to man in 
 doses of Gm. 1.30—2 (gr. xx-xxx), it occasions no special symptoms; in twice or three 
 times these doses it only causes some lightness of the head. It was at one time alleged 
 to be a very efficient palliative in phthisis and to modify favorably the course of typhoid 
 fever and the eruptive fevers , and was even vaunted as having a specific power in scarla- 
 tina (Sansom) ; but it has, in reality, as little efficacy in these diseases as the numberless 
 other medicines to which similar virtues have been attributed. Miall claims that it arrests 
 the vomiting of pregnancy. It may be useful in fermentative dyspepsia and diarrhoea like 
 other carbolates. Like them, it exerts a more or less favorable action upon parts affected 
 with pseudo-membranous exudation, especially when they tend to gangrene or become the 
 seat of fetid decomposition, as in anginose scarlatina and diphtheria ; and it also arrests 
 the growth of thrush. Dr. Huse of Bockford, 111., informs us that he cured all of thirty- 
 six cases of diphtheria of the anginose form by giving from 15 to 40 grains of this salt 
 every third or fourth hour. It may be administered internally in doses of from Gm. 0.60 
 -2 (10 to 30 grains) and applied topically in a saturated aqueous solution. The medicinal 
 value of the other sulphocarbolates mentioned above is probably the same as that of the 
 officinal compound. 
 
 Sodium carbolate has been credited with antiseptic and germicide powers. Brack- 
 enridge attributed to its use the favorable issue of fifty cases of scarlatina. Pernot 
 considers it a specific for whooping cough when the fumes given off by heating it impreg- 
 nate the atmosphere breathed by the patients ( Edinb . Med. Jour., xxiv. 89). Dr. J. W. 
 White (TVie Mouth and the Teeth , p. 136) says of this preparation that it is an antacid, 
 an astringent, a sedative, a styptic, an antiseptic, and a disinfectant. As a wash for 
 the mouth it is highly useful (when there are no local exciting mechanical causes) where 
 the gums are spongy, swollen, and soft, and bleed at the slightest touch. It checks exces- 
 sive bleeding after the extraction of teeth and relieves the subsequent soreness of the 
 gums. It gives prompt relief to the distressing pains which sometimes follow extraction, 
 corrects unpleasantness of the breath caused by decayed teeth or by the unhealthy secre- 
 tions of the mouth, neutralizes acidity, and prevents putrefaction. 
 
 Sodium carbolate may be given to adults in the dose of from Gm. 1—2 (gr. xv— xxx) 
 several times a day ; the former of these doses may be administered to children without 
 any risk. 
 
 SODII SULPHOVINAS. — Sodium Sulphovinate. 
 
 Sodium ethylsulphate, E. ; Sulfovinate de soude , Fr. ; Weinschwefelsaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaC 2 H 5 S0 4 .H 2 0. Molecular weight 165.72. 
 
 Preparation. — The preparation of sodium sulphovinate requires the previous forma- 
 tion of sidphovinic acul from alcohol and sulphuric acid, of which equal parts by weight 
 are usually employed. On adding the sulphuric acid gradually to the alcohol, the 
 mixture becomes hot and forms sulphovinic acid by ethyl, C 2 H 5 , of the alcohol taking 
 
1488 
 
 SODII V A LERI AN A S. 
 
 the place of 1 atom of hydrogen in the sulphuric acid, water being formed at the 
 same time ; C 2 H 5 OH -J- H 2 S0 4 yields C 2 H 5 HS0 4 + H 2 0. The acid thus formed is 
 invariably mixed with sulphuric acid, and if neutralized by caustic soda or sodium 
 carbonate, the resulting solution requires to be mixed with an equal bulk of strong 
 alcohol, in which the sodium sulphate is insoluble, leaving an alcoholic solution of 
 sodium sulphovinate, from which the salt is obtained by evaporation. The use of alcohol 
 for removing sodium sulphate is best avoided by neutralizing the crude sulphovinic acid 
 with barium carbonate or lead carbonate whereby insoluble barium or lead sulphate is 
 precipitated, while the corresponding sulphovinate is retained in solution, and, on being 
 decomposed by an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate or sulphate, and filtered from 
 the insoluble barium or lead compound, is converted into sodium sulphovinate, which 
 should be evaporated at a moderate heat and crystallized. Marchand prefers adding 
 calcium carbonate to the crude acid, and decomposing the calcium sulphovinate by 
 sodium ..carbonate. The yield is usually about equal to the weight of alcohol or of 
 sulphuric acid used. 
 
 Properties. — Sodium sulphovinate crystallizes in shining, transparent, flat, six-sided 
 tables, which effloresce on exposure to dry air. When obtained by spontaneous evapora- 
 tion the salt is granular and forms white opaque crystalline aggregations ; and if crystal- 
 lized from an alcoholic solution it contains alcohol in the place of water of crystallization. 
 Heated to about 80° C. (176° F.), the crystals melt and rapidly part with their water, 
 amounting to 10.8 per cent. ; and if the heat is increased to 100° C. (212° F.) or a little 
 above this point, the salt is decomposed, with the formation of sodium sulphate, charcoal, 
 heavy oil of wine, and of sulphurous acid, ethylene, and other gases. The aqueous 
 solution of the salt, when heated to boiling is decomposed, in the same manner as all 
 sulphovinates, into alcohol, which distils off, and acid sodium sulphate : this decomposi- 
 tion takes place more rapidly in concentrated than in diluted solutions. Crystallized 
 sodium sulphovinate dissolves at ordinary temperatures in a little more than half its 
 weight of water, and is soluble in glycerin and ordinary alcohol, sparingly soluble in 
 absolute alcohol, and insoluble in ether. Its solution is neutral to test-paper and has a 
 slightly bitter afterward sweetish taste. 
 
 Tests. — The aqueous solution of the salt should yield only a slight precipitate with 
 barium chloride (sulphate), should not be colored by hydrogen sulphide (absence of lead), 
 and should not be rendered turbid by sodium carbonate (absence of lead, barium, and 
 calcium). 
 
 Allied Salt. — Sodium Sulphomethylate, NaCH 3 S0 4 .H 2 0. This is prepared precisely like the 
 preceding salt, except that methylic alcohol is substituted for ordinary alcohol. It resembles the 
 sulphovinate in properties, and has been recommended for similar purposes. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sodium sulphovinate was proposed as a laxative, on the ground 
 of its being almost tasteless and having but little tendency to occasion colic ; but, how- 
 ever real these advantages may be, they are outweighed by its liability to decomposition 
 and to occasion unpleasant symptoms in consequence of its being imperfectly prepared. 
 The dose is about Gm. 16 (^ss). 
 
 Sodjum sulphomethylate was proposed by Rabuteau (1879) as a purgative salt. 
 10 (Gm. of it, dissolved in 25 Gm. of water, injected into a dog’s veins, occasioned con- 
 stipation. 15 Gm. (1 ounce), dissolved in 2 wine-glassfuls of water and given to a woman 
 in two doses, caused a free evacuation of the bowels. An examination of the urine 
 showed that the salt was excreted as a sulphate. It is too unstable to become of practi- 
 cal value, although its freedom from unpleasant taste recommends it. 
 
 A tannate of sodium has been proposed. It was made by dissolving 5 Gm. of tannic 
 acid in 170 Gm. of water, and saturating with sodium bicarbonate. A tablespoonful of 
 it was administered every two hours in several cases of albuminuria, but in no instance 
 did it lessen the discharge of albumen, and in more than one it seems to have been 
 chargeable with producing fatal uraemia ( Centralbl. f. d. ges. Therap.fi. 186). 
 
 SODII VALERIANAS, Br . — Sodium Valerianate. 
 
 Sodse valerianas , Br. ; Natrium valerianicum, Valerianas sodicus ( [natricus ). — Sodium 
 valerate , E. ; VaUrianate de soude, Fr. ; Baldriansaures Natron , G. 
 
 Formula NaC 5 H 9 0 2 . Molecular weight 123.77. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Amylic Alcohol (Fusel Oil) 4 fluidounces ; Potassium 
 Dichromate 9 ounces ; Sulphuric Acid 61 fluidounces ; Solution of Soda a sufficiency ; 
 Distilled Water 1 gallon. Dilute the sulphuric acid with 10 fluidounces of the water, 
 
SOLID A GO. 
 
 1489 
 
 and dissolve the potassium dichromate in the remainder of the water with the aid of 
 heat. When both liquids are cold, mix them with the fusel oil in a matrass, with occa- 
 sional brisk agitation, until the temperature of the mixture has fallen to about 90° F. 
 Connect the matrass with a condenser, and distil until about half a gallon of liquid has 
 passed over. Saturate the distilled liquid accurately with the solution of soda, remove 
 any oil which floats on the surface, evaporate till watery vapor ceases to escape, and then 
 raise the heat cautiously so as to liquefy the salt. When the product has cooled and 
 solidified, break it into pieces, and immediately put it into a stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 This is a modification of Trautwein’s process (1845). An excess of sulphuric acid lib- 
 erates from potassium dichromate chromium trioxide, which in the presence of amylic alco- 
 hol is deoxidized, and then combines with the sulphuric acid to form chromic sulphate, 
 while the amylic alcohol is oxidized to valerianic acid. The reaction takes place according 
 to the equation 3C 5 H n OH -|- 2K 2 Cr 2 0 7 -f 8H 2 S0 4 = 3C 5 H 10 O 2 -f 2K 2 S0 4 + 2Cr 2 (S0 4 ) ;4 + 
 11H 2 0. On subjecting the liquid to distillation, the residue in the retort will contain 
 potassium and chromium sulphates, and in the distillate will be found the valerianic acid. 
 A small portion of the fusel oil escapes oxidation, and is contained in the distillate com- 
 bined with valerianic acid to amylo-valerianic ether or amyl valerianate ( valerate ), also 
 known as apple oil from its odor when largely diluted ; its composition is C 5 H 11 C 5 H 9 0 2 . 
 On the addition of caustic soda the valerianic acid is neutralized to sodium valerianate, 
 and the amyl valerianate separates as an oily liquid, which may, however, be decomposed, 
 by warming it with an additional quantity of soda, into sodium valerianate and amylic 
 alcohol. The latter separates as an oily stratum, which is removed, and the clear solution 
 evaporated until all the water has been expelled. 
 
 Properties. — Thus prepared, sodium valerianate forms a white crystalline mass 
 which is rather unctuous to the touch, and has a neutral or slight alkaline reaction, 
 a weak odor of valerian when perfectly dry, and a sweet and valerian-like taste. It 
 melts at 140° C. (284° F.) without decomposition to a colorless liquid, and on cooling 
 congeals crystalline ; at a higher heat it gives off pungent acid vapors and inflammable 
 gas, and leaves 42.75 per cent, of sodium carbonate. The salt is freely soluble in alcohol 
 and water, and on exposure to the atmosphere liquefies from the absorption of water. On 
 the addition of diluted sulphuric acid a strong odor of valerianic acid is given otf. 
 
 Tests. — The solution of sodium valerianate in water should not be colored by hydro- 
 gen sulphide and ammonium sulphide (absence of metals), and should yield no precipitate 
 with barium chloride (absence of sulphate). 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is active only through the valerianic acid it 
 contains. The complaints in which it is used, slight functional derangements of the 
 nervous system, are much more efficiently relieved by the valerianate of ammonium. 
 The dose is Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr. j-v). 
 
 SOLIDAGO. — Golden Rod. 
 
 Verge d’or, Fr. ; Goldruthe, G. ; Vara de oro , Sp. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Solidago odora, Aiton. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Asteroidese. 
 
 Description. — The sweet-scented golden rod, is a native of the United States and 
 Canada, and grows on the borders of woods and thickets and in dry or sandy fields. The 
 stem is about 1 M. (40 inches) high, simple, slender, and nearly smooth, or somewhat 
 pubescent in lines. The leaves are numerous, alternate, sessile, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) 
 long, linear-lanceolate, entire, acute, pellucid-punctate, smooth, and on the margin some- 
 what rough. The flowers are in a terminal pyramidal panicle, composed of spreading 
 racemes, bearing the flower-heads on one side ; these are small, have lance-linear appressed 
 yellowish scales, and contain three or four oblong ray-florets and several tubular disk- 
 florets, all of a yellow color, and with terete akenes and a simple bristly pappus. The 
 leaves when bruised have an agreeable anise-like odor and a sweetish aromatic taste. The 
 flowers are likewise pleasantly aromatic ; they appear in August and September. In some 
 places the plant is known as blue mountain-tea. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituent is volatile oil ; that obtained from the 
 flowers differs from that contained in the leaves, which appears to be related to oil 
 of anise. 
 
 Other Species. — Solidago Virga-aurea, Linn6. This is a variable species, indigenous to 
 Europe, Northern Asia, and on this continent to Canada and the northern portion of the United 
 States. It is from 60-90 Cm. (2 to 3 feet) high, branched above, has lanceolate or lance-oblong, 
 94 
 
1490 
 
 SOPHORA. 
 
 petiolate, and more or less serrate leaves, and bears the flowers in erect simple wand-like racemes, 
 forming a terminal panicle. The flower-heads contain eight or ten ligulate and several tubular 
 disk-florets of a yellow color. The flowering herb has an aromatic odor and a bitterish and 
 somewhat astringent taste, and has been used in Europe as herba virgaurece. The oblique thin 
 rhizome has likewise been employed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sweet-scented golden rod owes its virtues to the volatile oil 
 which it contains, and is stimulant, irritant, rubefacient, anodyne, and carminative. The 
 fresh-bruised plant is applied to check haemorrhage from wounds, and the powdered dried 
 leaves employed as a snuff for epistaxis. Its infusion is much used in country practice 
 to produce diaphoresis , to allay colic , promote menstruation , and to cover the taste of 
 nauseous medicines. For the last purpose the essential oil is to be preferred; it is also, 
 like analogous products, sometimes applied as a local anodyne in neuralgia and rheuma- 
 tism. 
 
 An infusion may be prepared with Gm. 32 in Gm. 500 (an ounce of the lierb and a 
 pint) of hot water, and given in doses of Gm. 64 (fSii). The oil may be prescribed in 
 doses of Gm. 0.06 (ny +). 
 
 Solidago virga aurea has long been used in Europe for diseases of the urinary organs , 
 and recently (1886-89) diuretic virtues were attributed to it ( Therap . Monatsh ., iii. 334; 
 Lancet , Sept. 1889, p. 660 ; Therap. Gaz., xiii. 464). Baccharis genistelloides is very 
 bitter, and serves as a substitute for wormwood in dyspepsia and atonic diarrhoea , and in 
 the so-called liver complaints associated with them. 
 
 SOPHORA.— Sophora. 
 
 Sophora speciosa, Bentham. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Papilionacese. 
 
 Description. — An evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree indigenous to Western 
 Texas. It has smooth, oddly pinnate leaves, with three to five pairs of leaflets, which 
 are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, ovate in shape, obtuse or somewhat pointed, dark-green 
 and glossy above and pale-green beneath. The flowers are in dense racemes, blue or 
 tinged with white, very fragrant, and have a bell-shaped small calyx and ten nearly free 
 stamens. The pod is indehiscent, 5 to 8 Cm. (2-3 inches) long, nearly terete, or more or 
 less constricted between the seeds, tough, and covered with a pale brownish-gray pubes- 
 cence. The seeds are globular-ovate, about 1 Cm. (-| inch) long, somewhat depressed on 
 the hilum, and of a bright-red color. 
 
 Constituents. — Dr. H. C. Wood (1877) isolated from the seeds an alkaloid, soplior- 
 ine , by macerating the powder for several hours in strong alcohol, exhausting it by water 
 acidulated with hydrochloric acid, adding to the liquid an excess of sodium carbonate, and 
 agitating the mixture with chloroform. The chloroform solution is agitated with dilute 
 hydrochloric acid, the aqueous liquid evaporated to a syrup, freed from gummy matter 
 by strong alcohol, the alcohol evaporated, and the treatment with sodium carbonate and 
 chloroform repeated. Sophorine is nearly white, amorphous, yields with chromic and 
 sulphuric acids a dirty deep-purple color, passing through bright-green and bluish into 
 yellowish-brown, and produces with tincture of iron chloride a deep almost blood-red hue, 
 after a time acquiring an orange tint. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Sophora sericea, Nuttall , is herbaceous, about 25 Cm. (10 inches) high, silky- 
 hairy, and grows from Nebraska and Colorado to Arizona and California. Examined by F. A. 
 Wentz (Rep. Commiss. Agric ., 1879), the seeds as well as the root and plant yielded an alkaloid, 
 which was not obtained pure, and may be identical with sophorine. 
 
 Sophora japonica, Linne , of Eastern Asia, is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental tree. 
 It produces a large number of white or yellowish flowers, the buds of which are used as a sub- 
 stitute for hop and as a yellow dye under the name of waifa or Chinese berries. The coloring 
 matter was regarded by Stein as being identical with rutin , but P. Foerster (1882) obtained from 
 it — his sophorin — 57.6 per cent, of isodulcit and 46.8 of sophoretin , which resembles quercetin, 
 but is not identical with it. 
 
 Action. — According to the experiments of Dr. H. C. Wood, its properties depend 
 upon an alkaloid which in frogs produced a rapid loss of reflex activity and power of 
 voluntary movement, due to its action upon the spinal marrow. In a cat a large dose of 
 it speedily occasioned marked weakness in the limbs, disturbance of the respiration, and 
 convulsive movements, with loss of consciousness. A smaller dose excited vomiting, 
 great muscular weakness, profound quietude, and deep sleep, lasting some hours, and 
 ending in recovery. It is stated that sophora-beans are occasionally used by the Indians 
 in Western Texas as an intoxicant — that half a bean will produce a delirious exhilira- 
 
SORB US.— SPA R TETNJE SULPHAS. 
 
 1491 
 
 tion, followed by a sleep that lasts for several days ; and it is asserted that a whole 
 bean will kill a man. The peculiarities of sophora-beans, as thus described, invite a 
 fuller investigation (. Phila . Med. Times , vii. 510). 
 
 SORBUS. — Mountain- Ash. 
 
 Sorbes, Fr. ; Eberesche , Vogelbeere , G. 
 
 The fruit of Pyrus (Sorbus, Linne , Mespilus, Scopoli ) aucuparia, Gsertner. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Rosaceae, Pomese. 
 
 Description. — This species of Sorbus, which is also known as rowan tree , is a medium- 
 sized tree indigenous to Europe and Western Asia and cultivated for ornament in North 
 America. It has oddly pinnate leaves, with obtuse, on the lower side downy leaflets, and 
 bears numerous small, globular, juicy, berry-like fruits, which are of a bright-red color, 
 are crowned by the calyx limb, contain three or four cells, each with two seeds, and have 
 an acid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — According to Liebig, mountain-ash berries when unripe contain 
 tartaric acid, but when ripe malic and citric acids. Byschl (1854) determined also the 
 presence of tannin, acrid, bitter, and coloring principles, fermentable sugar, and of non- 
 fermentable sugar, which had previously been obtained by Pelouze (1852) by setting the 
 juice aside for about a year, and then evaporating. This sorbin , Cj 2 H 24 0 ]2 , crystallizes 
 in colorless, hard, very sweet prisms, separates cuprous oxide from an alkaline solu- 
 tion of copper, and is not altered by boiling with dilute acids. Sorbit , 2C 6 H 14 0 6 H 2 0, 
 obtained by Boussingault (1872) from the fermented juice, is isomeric with mannit and 
 dulcit, is very sparingly soluble in cold water, and melts at 102° C. (215.6° F.), and 
 when anhydrous at 110° C. (230° F.). G. Merck and A. W. Hofmann (1859) obtained 
 parasorbic acid, an oily liquid of an aromatic odor, slightly soluble in water, freely so in 
 alcohol and ether, and when heated under pressure with potassa converted into crystal- 
 lizable sorbic acid. Both acids have the composition C 6 H 8 0 2 . Wick (1851) prepared 
 amygdalin from the bark and buds of the mountain-ash. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The American mountain-ash, Pyrus (Sorbus, Marshall ) americana, Be Can- 
 dolle , and P. (Sorbus, Roemer) sambucifolia, Chamisso et Schlechtendal , resemble the preceding 
 species, but have somewhat smaller fruits : the former species grows in the Alleghanies, the latter 
 in the Rocky Mountains, and both extend to New England and far northward through Canada. 
 
 Pyrus coronaria, Linne ( crab-apple ), and P. arbutifolia, Linne jil. ( choke-berry ), have anal- 
 ogous properties. 
 
 Cratiegus, haw , cockspur-thorn, etc. The bark, leaves, and fruit of these thorny shrubs are 
 astringent and tonic. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The unripe fruit and the bark of the moantain-ash and its 
 European congeners are extremely astringent, and are used in infusions, decoctions, and 
 poultices to constringe relaxed parts , as the throat , anus , and vagina, and internally to 
 check diarrhoea , etc. The ripe fruit is much used to prepare an infusion whose astringent 
 and acidulous qualities render it a pleasant gargle in acute affections of the tonsils and 
 pharynx. 
 
 SPARTEINE SULPHAS, U. Sparteine Sulphate. 
 
 Sidfate de spartein, Fr. ; Sparteinsulfat, G. 
 
 Formula C, 5 H 26 N 2 H 2 S0 4 + 4H 2 0. Molecular weight 403.23. 
 
 The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from Scoparius. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — The alkaloid sparteine was first isolated by Stenhouse (1853) by 
 extracting the plant with water acidulated with sulphuric acid, concentrating, decom- 
 posing with sodium hydroxide, and distilling. For purification the hydrochlorate is 
 prepared and the solution evaporated to dryness, when the salt is decomposed with solid 
 potassium hydroxide. The alkaloid as thus obtained is a liquid distilling at 288° C., 
 very slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, insoluble in ben- 
 zene and benzin. The sulphate is prepared from the alkaloid by simple neutralization 
 with sulphuric acid and crystallizing. 
 
 Properties. — Sparteine sulphate forms “ colorless, white, prismatic crystals, or a 
 granular powder, odorless and having a slightly saline and somewhat bitter taste. Liable 
 to absorb moisture when exposed to damp air. Very soluble in water and alcohol. 
 When heated to about 83° C. (181.4° F.), the salt begins to lose its water of crystal- 
 lization, all of which escapes at 100° C. (212° F.). At about 136° C. (276.8° F.) it melts, 
 and upon ignition it is consumed, leaving no residue. The salt is neutral to litmus-paper. 
 
1492 
 
 SPIGELIA. 
 
 If 25 Cc. of ether be added to about 0.1 Gm. of sparteine sulphate in a test-tube, then a 
 few drops of dilute ammonia-water, so that the latter shall not be in excess, and after- 
 ward adding an ethereal solution of iodine (1 in 50) until the liquid, when shaken, turns 
 from an orange to a dark reddish-brown color, the bottom and sides of the test-tube will 
 after a short time be found coated with minute, dark greenish-brown crystals, distinctly 
 seen with a lens after the liquid has been poured out. On shaking 0.05 Gm. of the salt, 
 in a test-tube, with 5 Cc. of potassium or sodium hydroxide test-solution, the liquid will at 
 first be turbid, and small drops of sparteine will gradually collect on the surface. If a 
 strip of moistened red litmus-paper be suspended in the mouth of the test-tube and a 
 gentle heat then applied, the test-paper will gradually acquire a blue color, but no am- 
 moniacal odor should be perceptible (absence of ammonium salts).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — These are sufficiently discussed under Scoparius. The 
 general result of experience seems to be that neither preparation can be relied upon to 
 regulate the heart’s action or to produce diuresis. The average dose of sparteine sul- 
 phate is from Gm. 0.016-0.03 (gr. i— i) by the mouth, and about half these quantities 
 hypodermically. 
 
 SPIGELIA, U. S.— Spigelia. 
 
 Pinkroot , E. ; Spigelie du Maryland ', Fr. ; Maryland ische Spigelie , G. 
 
 The root of Spigelia marilandica, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 180. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Loganiacese. 
 
 Origin. — This plant is variously known as Maryland pink, Carolina pink, and worm- 
 grass. It grows in rich, shady woods, chiefly in the southern part of the United States, 
 but is found northward to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The stem is from 25-50 Cm. 
 (10 to 20 inches) high, simple, round below, quadrangular above, and has opposite, 
 sessile, acute, ovate-lanceolate leaves, and a terminal spike of six or eight showy 
 flowers, with funnel-form or somewhat club-shaped corollas, which are nearly 5 Cm. 
 (2 inches) long, externally scarlet-red and internally yellow, and have the stamens 
 exserted. The plant flowers in June and July, and produces two-celled and few-seeded 
 capsules. 
 
 Description. — Pinkroot consists of a rhizome with numerous rootlets. The rhizome 
 is from 5—10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) long, simple or somewhat branched, bent in various 
 directions, but generally horizontal, about 3 Mm. (U inch) thick, somewhat wrinkled lon- 
 gitudinally, frequently with a portion of the recent stem attached, and on the upper side 
 with very short remnants of stems, which are from 3-6 Mm. (J- to \ inch) apart, and are 
 separated by cup-shaped scars. The numerous curved and bent fibrous rootlets emanate 
 chiefly from below and the sides of the rhizome, and are about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, 
 brittle and angularly wrinkled longitudinally. The color is brown or purplish-brown ; the 
 rootlets are somewhat lighter. Pinkroot has a faint aromatic odor and a sweetish after- 
 ward slightly bitter, not disagreeable, taste. When the rhizome is cut transversely, there 
 is seen a thin bark, with a dark outer layer and a light purplish-brown inner layer 
 covering the pale yellowish wood ; the central pith is large, somewhat above the middle, 
 and often discolored or decayed. The rootlets have a relatively thicker bark and no 
 central pith. 
 
 Spigelia is occasionally seen mixed with a few roots of several plants, doubtless from 
 careless collection, and has been observed as an accidental admixture in serpentaria. We 
 have not observed any adulterations except earthy matter and stems, but we have fre- 
 quently seen used in its place the root of Phlox, described below. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Spigelia anthelmintica, Linn6 ; Spigelie anthelmintique, Fr. Cod. This an- 
 nual plant of tropical America has lance-ovate acute leaves, the upper ones being in whorls of 
 four, and pale-reddish or purplish flowers not over 12 Mm. (J inch) long ; its root is short, 
 blackish, and internally whitish, and is divided into numerous long, thin branches. The plant 
 has in the fresh state a nauseous odor, is bitter and acrid, and is employed like pinkroot. 
 
 Phlox Carolina, Linn4 (nat. ord. Polemoniaceae), together with one or more allied species, is 
 
 known in some of the Southern States as Carolina, or Georgih pink. That much of the commer- 
 cial pinkroot is derived from this plant was shown by Dr. A.‘W. Miller (1875). This drug is of 
 a lighter brown or brownish-yellow color, and consists of a rather knotty rhizome with thickish, 
 straight, and rigid rootlets, from which the bark is easily removed, exposing a straw-colored 
 ligneous thread. The root is employed like spigelia, and is said to be equally efficient. The 
 root of Phlox glaberrima, Linn6, appears to be likewise used in some localities ; it is somewhat 
 darker and less rigid than the preceding, and more closely resembles spigelia. 
 
 Constituents. — Pinkroot was examined by Dr. R. H. Stabler (1857), who found 
 in it a little volatile oil, tasteless resin, wax, tannin, and a bitter principle which was not 
 
SPIRAEA. 
 
 1493 
 
 obtained in the pure state, but was ascertained to be not precipitated by lead acetate, 
 to be soluble in water and alcohol, and to be insoluble in ether ; it appears to be precipi- 
 tated by tannin. W. L. Dudley (1879) obtained by distilling pinkroot with milk of 
 lime a volatile alkaloid,, spigeline , which gives with iodine a brownish-red precipitate, 
 with metatungstic acid a white flocculent precipitate, and with Mayer’s test a white crys- 
 talline precipitate soluble in alcohol and ether, and differing from the precipitates of other 
 alkaloids by this test in being soluble in acids. 
 
 The West Indian plant was analyzed by Feneulle (1823) and Ricord-Madiana (1828), 
 but the active principle was not isolated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Spigelia marilandica appears to have been used medicinally 
 by the aborigines of America, from whom Lining derived a knowledge of its virtues in 
 1754. It was early recommended by Garden and by Chalmers of South Carolina. The 
 latter says of it: “ Of all the vermifuges I am acquainted with, Loricera (called Indian 
 Pink here) hath the best effects ; but it must be properly guarded to prevent a drowsi- 
 ness, violent pains in the forehead and eyes, and a temporary loss of sight which often 
 ensues from the use of it. At such times the eyes lose their luster and the pupils seem 
 much dilated ; nay, it affects the nervous system to such a degree that convulsions some- 
 times supervene, as happened (and they proved mortal the same day) to two lusty 
 children in one family, of seven and five years of age, owing to the too free use of that 
 plant before its properties were fully known to us. The best corrections of it are serpen- 
 taria, volatiles, aromaticks, and other such things as excite and support the nervous 
 power” (An Account of the Weather and Diseases of South Carolina , Lond., 1776, i. 67). 
 Thompson found that it produced acceleration of the pulse, flushed face, drowsiness, and 
 stiffness of the eyelids (Eberle, Therapeutics , p. 155). Spalsbury relates that an infusion 
 of 3 drachms of the root in 3 gills of boiling water was ordered for a child four years 
 of age, to be taken in eight equal doses at intervals of two hours. After the third 
 dose the skin became hot and dry, the pulse 110 and irregular ; the face, especially about 
 the eyes, including the lids, was much swollen, and the pupils were widely dilated 
 ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Apr. 1855, p. 72). In other cases have been noted 
 nervous excitement of an hysterical sort, headache, strabismns, tremor of the tongue, 
 and general muscular trembling on making exertion. Analogous phenomena were noted 
 by Dr. H. A. Hare when he gave 3 ounces of the fluid extract of spigelia to a dog 
 weighing 40 pounds. They included hurried expiration, dilated pupils, fixed internal 
 strabismus, exophthalmus, retching, unsteady gait, dry mouth and nostrils, general 
 motor paralysis, deep sleep, and coma with slow respiration, which ceased along with the 
 movements of the heart. In the frog the same symptoms occurred. He inferred from 
 his experiment that the drug induces spinal rather than cerebral paralysis, and is a direct 
 depressant of the heart as well as of the respiratory centre ( Med . Mews, 1. 286). 
 
 It is said that an infusion of spigelia is sometimes given as a substitute for ordinary tea 
 to children liable to verminous disorders. It is commonly associated with purgatives when 
 used as an anthelmintic, and may be concluded to act upon intestinal worms by benumb- 
 ing if not killing them, after which the associated medicine expels them from the bowels. 
 In some states of chronic irritation simulating those which usually attend the presence 
 of lumbricoid ascarides in the intestines spigelia is of marked advantage, but its mode 
 of action is obscure. The most usual and the best form of the medicine is that known 
 as “ worm tea ” — viz.: R. Spigelia Gm. 16 (jounce); senna and fennel-seed, of each 
 Gm. 8 (120 grains); manna Gm. 32 (1 ounce); boiling water Gm. 500 (1 pint). 
 Infuse. Sig. Half a wine-glassful three times a day for a child two years old. The fluid 
 extract of spigelia and senna (U. S. P. 1870) (see page 706) represented this infusion 
 sufficiently well. The proper remedies for the toxical effects of spigelia are wine, am- 
 monia, and other diffusible stimulants. 
 
 Spigelia anthelmintica, it is stated by Murray ( Apparatus Medicam., i. 545), was first 
 brought into notice about 1750 by Browne, who said that it has been long used as a 
 vermifuge by the Indians and the negroes of the West Indies and South America. On 
 his recommendation it was introduced into England by Hinckley, Brocklesby, and others. 
 Narcotic properties were attributed to it. 
 
 SPIR^BIA. — Hardhack. 
 
 Spiraea tomentosa, Dinne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rosaceae, Roseae. 
 
 Origin. — Hardhack, also known as steeple-hush, wliitecap, and, like other species of 
 the same genus, as meadow-sweet , is a small North American shrub growing from Canada 
 
 
1494 
 
 SPIRITUS. 
 
 southward to South Carolina. It is .9-1.2 M. (3 or 4 feet) high, has a slender, red-brown, 
 branching stem with hard brittle wood, and ovate-lanceolate, serrate, dark-green, and 
 beneath rusty tomentose leaves. The root is branching, covered with a thin brown bark, 
 and contains a whitish, hard, and tasteless wood ; the taste of the bark is bitterish and 
 strongly astringent. The small purplish-red flowers with conspicuous stamens are in 
 short racemes crowded into a dense pyramidal panicle, make their appearance in July and 
 August, and produce 'four or five one-seeded follicles. The plant, collected while in 
 bloom, is often employed in preference to the root; it has an agreeable though not a 
 strong aromatic odor, and a very astringent somewhat bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Hardhack has not been analyzed ; it evidently contains tannin, vola- 
 tile oil, etc. 
 
 Other Species. — Spiraea Aruncus, Linn6. — Goat’s beard, E. ; Barbe de chevre, Fr. ; Bocks- 
 bart, G. — It grows in Europe and in North America westward from the Catskill and Alleghany 
 Mountains. It is a perennial herb about 90 Cm. (3 feet) high, has smooth thrice-pinnate leaves, 
 with thin, lance-oblong, sharply serrate, and pointed leaflets, and produces numerous small white 
 flowers in slender racemes. It has an agreeable odor and an aromatic, astringent, and bitter- 
 ish taste. 
 
 Spiraea ulmaria, Linn4 , indigenous to Europe and cultivated in gardens, is an herbaceous 
 perennial, with interruptedly pinnate leaves and ovate or lance-oblong serrate leaflets. The 
 flowers ( TJbnaire , Rene-des-pres , Fr. Cod.) are in long-peduncled corymbs, small, white, and in 
 cultivation usually double. This, like other herbaceous species of Spiraea, contains salicylic 
 aldehyde or salicylous acid, C 7 H 6 0 2 , which is a colorless strongly aromatic oil, boiling at 196° C. 
 (385° F.), and in aqueous solution colored dark-violet by ferric chloride. 
 
 Spiraea filipendula, Linne, likewise a European plant, has numerous long radicles, which 
 near their lower end are enlarged to pear-shaped tuberous bodies, sometimes moniliform. These 
 are 25-38 Mm. (1 or \\ inches) long, blackish-brown externally, internally pale red-brown, and 
 have a sweetish, bitterish, and somewhat astringent taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The late Drs. Griffith and Ives remarked that the officinal por- 
 tion of the root (1870) is the least valuable part of the plant, the bark and the leaves 
 being more efficient. It is said to have been used by the aborigines of this country, but 
 was first brought to the notice of physicians in 1810. Its action was compared with that 
 of rhatany, and it was alleged not to disorder the stomach even when taken in large doses. 
 It was used in various forms of diarrhoea , including that of typhoid fever, pulmonary 
 consumption, and summer complaint, in passive haemorrhages and menorrhagia , in decoc- 
 tion as an injection for leucorrhoea , gleet, etc., and as a dressing for fungous ulcers. The 
 extract has an agreeable odor and an astringent bitter taste, and may be prescribed in the 
 dose of Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) or more. The decoction, made by boiling Gm. 30 in Gm. 500 
 (an ounce of the plant in a pint) of water, may be given cold, in the dose of Gm. 30-60 
 (1 or 2 fluidounces). Although S. tomentosa is somewhat aromatic, it is less so than 
 some other species, and especially S. ulmaria, which was formerly in vogue as a stimu- 
 lant in fevers, as serpentaria is now used, and also for its astringent action in the diseases 
 mentioned above. It appears to have displayed diuretic virtues in several forms of 
 dropsy. In Europe an infusion, a decoction, and an extract of it are employed. To 
 S. ulmaria has been attributed the power of overcoming retention of urine depending 
 upon enlarged prostate and intercurrent irritation ( Edinh . Med. Jour., xxviii. 1036). 
 
 SPIRITUS.— Spirits. 
 
 Alcoolats , Fr. ; Geiste, G. 
 
 Spirits were formerly prepared almost exclusively by distilling odorous substances with 
 alcohol ; at present, however, both the United States and British Pharmacopoeias direct 
 most of them to be prepared simply by dissolving the volatile oils and other volatile com- 
 pounds in alcohol. Since odorous principles volatilize only sparingly with the vapors of 
 alcohol, but more freely with the vapors of water, distilled spirits are made with alcohol 
 sufficiently diluted with water, so that a portion of the latter remains in the still on the 
 completion of the process. The German Pharmacopoeia usually directs alcohol and water 
 in the proportion of 3 parts of the former to 3 or 5 parts of the latter ; after due mace- 
 ration with the bruised drug 4 parts by weight of distillate are recovered. The alcoolats 
 of the French Codex are generally made with 60 or 80 per cent, alcohol, the fresh drugs 
 being used whenever practicable. In all cases the alcohol employed should be free 
 from fusel oil, and the drugs should be well bruised and macerated with the alcohol for 
 
SPIRIT US JETHERIS. — SPIRIT US JETHERIS NITROSI. 
 
 1495 
 
 one or several days before distillation is commenced. In distilling spirits the same pre- 
 caution should be adopted as in the distillation of medicated waters (see page 247), with 
 this addition, that ample provision be made for the complete condensation of the 
 vapors. Heat is best applied by means of steam or on a small scale by means of a 
 salt-water bath. 
 
 SPIRITUS iETHERIS, U. S., Br.— Spirit of Ether. 
 
 Spiritus sethereus , P.^ G. ; Liquor anodynus miner alis Hoffmanni ; JEther sulfuricus 
 alcoolisatus, Fr. Cod . — Ether hydrique ( sulfurique ) alcoolise , Liqueur anodine d' Hoffmann, 
 Fr. ; Hoffmannstropfen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ether 325 Cc. ; Alcohol 675 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix them. — 
 U. S. Ether 10 fluidounces ; rectified spirit 20 fluidounces. — Br. Ether and alcohol, 
 of each equal weight. — F. Cod. Ether 1 part, alcohol 3 parts. — P. G. 
 
 This preparation is used in Europe as a simplified form of Hoffmann's anodyne and for 
 similar purposes. 
 
 SPIRITUS iETHERIS COMPOSITUS, U. S., Br.— Compound Spirit of 
 
 Ether. 
 
 Hoffmann's anodyne , E. ; Liquor nervine de Bang , Fr. ; Zusammengesetzter JEtherwein- 
 geist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ether 325 Cc. ; Alcohol 650 Cc. ; Ethereal Oil 25 Cc. ; to make 1000 
 Cc. Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 10 fluidounces of compound spirit of ether, mix 3? fluidounces of ether, 2 
 fluidrachms of ethereal oil, and 6J fluidounces of alcohol. 
 
 Oil of wine (undiluted) 3 fluidrachms; ether 8 fluidounces; alcohol 16 fluidounces. — 
 Br. For preparing oil of wine the mixture of alcohol and sulphuric acid is directed to 
 be distilled merely until it begins to blacken. (See pp. 1103, 1104.) 
 
 Properties. — Compound spirit of ether is a colorless, inflammable liquid, entirely 
 volatilized by heat, but when ignited on glass or porcelain it leaves an almost invisible 
 residue having an acid taste and reddening blue litmus-paper. The spirit is neutral to 
 test-paper, or has only a very slight acid reaction. It has an aromatic ethereal odor and a 
 pungent, slightly sweetish taste. When mixed with water a whitish turbidity is produced 
 from the separation of oil of wine, and a slight opalescence is still observed if 40 drops 
 of the spirit are mixed with a pint of water. If adulterated with a fixed oil, this will sepa- 
 rate from the water as a thin film, which, when absorbed by bibulous paper, produces a 
 permanent greasy stain, not disappearing by heat. On evaporating some of the spirit 
 with an excess of aqueous solution of barium chloride, a white precipitate of barium 
 sulphate is produced. 
 
 The commercial Hoffmann’s anodyne is rarely made by the official formula, but is 
 obtained, as was ascertained by Procter (1852), in the rectification of ether, the last 
 fraction of the distillate, which is contaminated with light and a little heavy oil of 
 wine, being diluted with alcohol and water so as somewhat to resemble the official 
 article ; from this it differs in producing only a slight precipitate with barium chloride. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is stimulant, antispasmodic, and anodyne, as 
 are all preparations of alcohol, but in this one the addition of ether and ethereal oil 
 renders its action more prompt and lively. Hence it is universally employed to allay 
 restlessness , sleeplessness , and nervous disturbance in general, especially in the absence of 
 fever, and notably in the manifold manifestations of hysteria. It is also a convenient 
 remedy for flatulent and so-called uterine colic. In may, indeed, be used in all the cases 
 for which sulphuric ether is prescribed internally, and with superior advantage. The 
 dose is from Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j), properly diluted with sweetened water. 
 
 SPIRITUS ^ITHERIS NITROSI, V. S., Br 1\ G.— Spirit of Nitrous 
 
 Ether. 
 
 Spiritus nifri dulcis , Spiritus nitrico-sethereus. — Sweet spirit of nitre , E. ; Ether azoteux 
 alcoolise , Liqueur anodine nifreuse , Fr. ; Versiisster Salpetergeist , G. 
 
 An alcoholic solution of ethyl nitrite (C 2 H 5 N0 2 — 74.87), yielding, when freshly pre- 
 pared and tested in a nitrometer, not less than eleven times its own volume of nitrogen 
 dioxide. — U. S. 
 
1496 
 
 SPIBITUS JETHERIS NITROSI. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium Nitrite, 770 Gm. ; Sulphuric Acid, 520 Gm. ; Sodium Car- 
 bonate, 10 Gm. ; Potassium Carbonate, completely deprived of water by drying, 30 Gm. ; 
 Deodorized Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the sodium nitrite in 
 1000 Cc. of water, and put the solution into a suitable flask, connected with a condenser 
 kept cold by ice-cold water; then add 550 Cc. of deodorized alcohol and mix well. 
 Through a cork fitted into the mouth of the flask insert a funnel-tube dipping below the 
 surface of the liquid. With the condenser connect a receiver, and keep this surrounded 
 by a mixture of common salt and crushed ice. Then gradually introduce into the flask, 
 through the funnel-tube, sulphuric acid previously diluted with 1000 Cc. of water. 
 Distillation will usually commence before the whole of the acid has been added. When 
 all the acid has been introduced, regulate the distillation by the application or withdrawal 
 of a gentle heat until no more nitrous ether distils over. Wash the distillate, first, with 
 100 Cc. of ice-cold water to remove any alcohol which may have passed over, and then 
 remove any traces of acid by washing the ether with 100 Cc. of ice-cold water, in which 
 the sodium carbonate had previously been dissolved. Carefully separate the ether from 
 the aqueous liquid, and agitate it, in a well-stoppered vial, with the potassium carbonate 
 to remove traces of water. Then filter it through a pellet of cotton, in a covered fun- 
 nel, into a tared bottle containing 2000 Cc. of deodorized alcohol. Ascertain the weight 
 of the nitrous ether filtered into the alcohol by noting the increase of weight of the tared 
 bottle and contents, and then add enough deodorized alcohol to make the mixture weigh 
 twenty-two times the weight of the nitrous ether added. Lastly, transfer the product to 
 small, dark, amber-colored, well-stoppered vials, and keep them in a cool place, remote 
 from lights or fire. — U S. 
 
 Take of nitric acid 3 fluidounces ; sulphuric acid 2 fluidounces ; copper, in fine wire 
 (about No. 25), 2 ounces ; rectified spirit a sufficiency. To 1 pint of the spirit add 
 gradually the sulphuric acid, stirring them together ; then add, in the same way, 3J fluid- 
 ounces of the nitric acid. Put the mixture into a retort or other suitable apparatus into 
 which the copper has been introduced and to which a thermometer is fitted. Attach 
 now an efficient condenser, and, applying a gentle heat, let the spirit distil at a tempera- 
 ture commencing at 170° F. and rising to 175° F., but not exceeding 180° F., until 12 
 fluidounces have passed over and been collected into a bottle kept cool, if necessary, with 
 ice-cold water ; then withdraw the heat, and, having allowed the contents of the retort 
 to cool, introduce the remaining i ounce of nitric acid, and resume the distillation as 
 before until the distilled product has been increased to 15 fluidounces. Mix this with 2 
 pints of the rectified spirit, or as much as will make the product correspond to the test 
 of specific gravity and percentage of ether separated by calcium chloride. Preserve it 
 in well-closed vessels. — Br. 
 
 In the process of the U. S. P., which is a decided improvement on former official 
 methods, sodium nitrite is decomposed by sulphuric acid, and the nitrous acid, in its 
 nascent state, attacks the alcohol, forming ethyl nitrite and water, as follows : NaN0 2 -f 
 H 2 S0 4 - HN0 2 + NaHS0 4 ; C 2 H 5 OH + HN0 2 = C 2 H 5 N0 2 + H 2 0. The ethyl nitrite, 
 together with some aldehyde and undecomposed alcohol, distils over, and is purified by 
 washing with water and sodium carbonate, and finally freed from water by treatment with 
 anhydrous potassium carbonate. 68.93 parts of absolute sodium nitrite are capable of 
 producing 74.87 parts of ethyl nitrite, and if the official salt (97.6 per cent. NaN0 2 ) be 
 used, the 770 Gm. ordered in the above formula should be able to produce 816.28 Gm. 
 of ethyl nitrite, which would yield 17958 Gm. of the official spirit. In practice there 
 is always some loss, and hence the necessity of ascertaining the exact weight of the puri- 
 fied ether before adding the alcohol. 
 
 The second formula gives the process of Prof. Redwood (1867), and yields good results 
 if proper attention be paid to the strength of the acids and the alcohol, and to the tem- 
 perature ; it is, however, best adapted for being worked on a small scale. The sulphuric 
 acid, in the presence of nitric acid, dissolves the copper, forming sulphate of copper and 
 setting nitrous acid free, which in its nascent state acts upon the alcohol, producing 
 nitrous ether and water. The reaction is explained by the equation C 2 H 5 OH + HN0 3 + 
 H 2 S0 4 -{- Cu = C 2 H 5 N0 2 4- CuS0 4 + 2H 2 0. (An elaborate paper on the manufacture 
 by this process of spirit, of nitrous ether of the strength required by the U. S. P. was 
 read by Prof. Diehl (1877) before the Louisville College of Pharmacy.) 
 
 Older formulas differ from Redwood’s either in acting upon alcohol directly by nitric 
 acid or in generating nitric acid from potassium nitrate and sulphuric acid in the presence 
 of alcohol. In either case the result is much influenced by the strength of the acid ana 
 by the temperature, and a larger quantity of aldehyde is always thus produced than in 
 
SPIRITUS JETHERIS NITROSI. 
 
 1497 
 
 the presence of copper. The action of nitric acid upon alcohol, and the production of 
 aldehyde are explained by the equation 2C 2 H 5 OH + IIN0 3 = C 2 H 4 0 + C 2 H 5 N0 2 + 
 2H.,0. The German Pharmacopoeia directs a mixture of 5 parts of alcohol and 3 of 
 nitric acid to be set aside for twelve hours, and then distilled into 5 parts of alcohol, the 
 resulting solution being neutralized with magnesia and rectified. 
 
 It has likewise been suggested to prepare this spirit from pure nitrous ether or ethyl 
 nitrite by mixing it with alcohol in a definite proportion. This would doubtless be the 
 most rational way of preparing the spirit, but the obstacles to it are the difficulty of 
 obtaining the ether in the pure state, and, after it has been obtained, the preservation of 
 it for any length of time. 
 
 Ethyl nitrite, C 2 H 5 N0 2 , is a thin, pale-yellow liquid having a pungent, ethereal, 
 apple-like odor. It boils at 17.5° C. (72.5° F.), is somewhat soluble in water, and on 
 keeping acquires an acid reaction. 
 
 Properties. — Prepared by either process, spirit of nitrous ether is a transparent, 
 volatile, inflammable, and nearly colorless liquid, with a slight yellowish or greenish-yel- 
 low tint, and has an agreeable, ethereal, somewhat fruit-like odor, free from pungency, 
 and a sharp and burning, or, after diluting with water, a sweetish and cooling ethereal, 
 taste. It mixes with water in all proportions, the liquid remaining clear and transparent. 
 When freshly prepared, or even after being kept for some time with but little exposure 
 to light and air, it is neutral to litmus-paper. When long kept, or after having been 
 freely exposed to air and light, it acquires an acid reaction, but it should not effervesce 
 when a crystal of potassium bicarbonate is dropped into it. If agitated with a solution 
 of ferrous sulphate and a little strong sulphuric acid, it acquires a dark olive-brown tint. 
 The spirit of the Br. P. contains about 2.63 per cent, of nitrous ether and has the specific 
 gravity 0.845 ; the U. S. P. requires about 4 per cent, of pure ethyl nitrite and a specific 
 gravity of 0.836-0.842 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; the P. G. gives the specific gravity as 0.840- 
 0.850, but makes no requirement as to amount of ethyl nitrite present. 
 
 Tests. — “ A portion of the spirit, in a test-tube half filled with it, plunged into water 
 heated to 65° C. (149° F.), and held there until it has acquired that temperature, should 
 boil distinctly on the addition of a few small pieces of glass. If 10 Cc. of the spirit be 
 mixed with 5 Cc. of potassium hydroxide test-solution previously diluted with 5 Cc. of 
 water, the mixture will assume a yellow color which should not turn decidedly brown 
 within twelve hours (limit of aldehyde). If 5 Cc. of recently prepared spirit of nitrous 
 ether be introduced into a nitrometer, and followed, first, by 10 Cc. of potassium iodide 
 test-solution, and then by 10 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid, the volume of nitrogen dioxide 
 generated at the ordinary, indoor temperature (assumed to be at or near 25° C. or 77° F.) 
 should not be less than 55 Cc. (corresponding to about 4 per cent, of pure ethyl nitrite).” 
 — U. S. “10 Gm. of the spirit should not have an acid reaction after 3 drops of volu- 
 metric solution of potassa have been added (limit of free acid).” — P. G. The Br. P. 
 requires the spirit when fresh to yield seven times, and when old about five times, its 
 volume of nitric oxide gas. 
 
 The pharmacopoeial quantitative test is that first suggested in 1885 by A. H. Allen 
 ( Pharm . Jour, and Trans., vol. xv. p. 673), and is much simpler than other methods in 
 use prior to that time. The nitrometer (see Figs. 291, 292) is completely filled with 
 saturated solution of sodium chloride, including the bore of the glass stopcock, and great 
 care must be observed that no air enter while the different liquids are allowed to flow 
 from the cup into the nitrometer tube : this is best avoided by washing the cup with a 
 few Cc. of alcohol or salt solution after the spirit of nitrous ether has been run into the 
 tube, and allowing 0.2 or 0.3 Cc. of fluid to remain in the cup. The results obtained by 
 Allen’s method are remarkably constant, and can be made strictly accurate by allowing 
 1.5 Cc. for solubility of the gas, and making proper corrections for temperature and 
 atmospheric pressure. 
 
 For all practical purposes the official nitrometric test will suffice, as any spirit of 
 nitrous ether containing 4 per cent, and over of ethyl nitrite may be considered as of 
 pharmacopoeial strength. The following equation will show the reaction taking place in 
 the nitrometer : C,H 5 N0 2 + KI -f H 2 S0 4 = C 2 H 5 OH -f- KHS0 4 + I + NO ; from this 
 we see that 74.87 Gm. of ethyl nitrite yield 29.97 Gm. of nitric oxide, which will measure 
 under normal pressure at 0° C. (32° F.) 22320 Cc., or at 15° C. (59° F.) 23550 Cc. 
 Hence 1 Gm. of ethyl nitrite yields at 0° C. 298.132 Cc. of NO gas, or 1 Cc. of the gas 
 will represent, under the same conditions, 0.00335422 Gm. of ethyl nitrite. Since gases 
 under normal pressure increase TTJ volume for every 1° C. (1.8° F.) increase in tem- 
 perature above zero, every Cc. of gas increases by 0.003663, and proper corrections must 
 
1498 
 
 SPIRITUS JETHERIS NITROSI. 
 
 be made if accurate results are asked for. (See also Gasometric Determinations, under 
 List of Pharmacopoeial Tests, in Appendix.) To find the exact percentage of ethyl nitrite 
 
 Fig. 291. Fig. 292. 
 
 present in any sample, first ascertain the exact volume of NO gas liberated at 0° C. (32° 
 F.). This is done by dividing the number of Cc. of gas obtained in the official test by 
 1 plus as many times 0.003663 as the number of degrees Centigrade of temperature ; then 
 multiply the number of Cc. so found by 0.00335422, which will give the weight of the 
 ethyl nitrite present, for each Cc. of NO gas represents 0.00335422 Gm. of C 2 H 5 N0 2 ; 
 now divide by the number of Cc. of the sample used in the test, multiply by 100, and 
 divide by the specific gravity of the sample. If the barometric pressure be not normal 
 (760 Mm. or 30 inches), a correction of gas-volume should also be made for it after the 
 correction for temperature, as follows : multiply the volume by the number of millimeters 
 or inches of pressure indicated, and divide the product by 760 or 30 as the case may be. 
 If 55 Cc. NO gas are obtained at 25° C. and 750 Mm. pressure from 5 Cc. of spirit of 
 nitrous ether having the specific gravity 0.840, the actual amount of ethyl nitrite present 
 would be 3.971 per cent,; 55 -f- 1.091575 [1 -f (.003663 X 25)] = 50.38 ; 50.38X750 
 and -4- 760 = 49.71 ; 49.71 X 0.00335422 5 and X 100 = 3.3354363 4- ; 3.3354363 
 
 0.840 == 3.971. 
 
 Preservation. — Spirit of nitrous ether should never be kept in large or partially 
 filled bottles, nor exposed to light, as it thus rapidly undergoes oxidation and becomes 
 worthless ; neither should it be purchased in bulk, as it is impossible to preserve the 
 quality of it when kept in carboys or large bottles which are frequently opened and never 
 securely stoppered. We have frequently examined samples of spirit of nitrous ether 
 drawn from carboys in the cellar of wholesale drug-houses, and found them far below the 
 official requirements, often as low as i or % per cent, of ethyl nitrite. Even if carefully 
 protected against air and light, the solution slowly decomposes and becomes gradually 
 weaker. The concentrated spirit obtained by distillation may be preserved in the same 
 manner, and if well washed with ice-cold water requires merely dilution with alcohol to 
 furnish an unexceptionable preparation. The free acid which is formed by the influence 
 of atmospheric oxygen may be neutralized by magnesia or by potassium bicarbonate, but 
 
SPIRITUS AMMONITE. 
 
 1499 
 
 the spirit should not be kept continuously in contact with these chemicals. It has, how- 
 ever, been recommended to keep in the bottle with the spirit some crystals of potassium 
 tartrate, whereby free acid will be neutralized, a corresponding amount of potassium 
 bitartrate being formed. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The vapor of this liquid when inhaled by man causes giddi- 
 ness, headache, throbbing of the arteries, and (in excessive quantities) confusion of 
 mind, muscular reaction, cyanosis, a thready pulse, and spasms. Prolonged immersion 
 in its vapor has been fatal. In very large doses it irritates the stomach, especially if the 
 preparation contains, as it often does, free acid, causing vomiting and colic. In medicinal 
 doses it is decidedly diuretic or diaphoretic, according as the skin is cool or warm. In 
 febrile conditions it is much used to promote critical sweating, which it properly does by 
 abating the morbid activity of the heart and tension of the arteries. Its efficacy in this 
 respect is very marked in slight and ephemeral febrile affections, especially^ in such as are 
 produced by an arrest of perspiration. It is usually associated with the neutral or the 
 effervescing mixture and minute doses of some antimonial preparation. 
 
 As a diuretic it is commonly employed to relieve strangury produced by cantharides, 
 in all painful affections of the urinary apparatus, whether occasioned by calculous or 
 inflammatory disorders, and in the various affections of the kidneys in which congestion 
 of those organs and diminished secretion of urine occur. In all of these cases the medi- 
 cine should be associated with diluent drinks, weak saline solutions, or diuretic infusions. 
 Of salines the most suitable are the acetate, tartrates, and carbonates of potassium, and 
 of vegetable infusions those of digitalis and juniper. In chronic renal dropsy it is less 
 useful than in dropsy of cardiac origin. 
 
 This medicine is often serviceable in relieving flatulent distension of the stomach and 
 nausea , especially when it is associated with aromatic spirit of ammonia. It is in com- 
 mon use to quiet nervous agitation. It may be inhaled with advantage to allay coughing 
 in diseases of the air-passages. It is a soothing application to the forehead in neuralgic 
 headache , but if frequently applied it irritates the skin, especially if it is not freshly pre- 
 pared. It is said to have cured certain hard swellings of the lip supposed to be can- 
 cerous {papilloma, epithelioma ), but which are most generally non-malignant. 
 
 The dose of spirit of nitrous ether in febrile affections is Gm. 1.30-2 (npxx-xxx), 
 repeated every half hour or hour and given in sweetened water. As a diuretic from Gm. 
 2—4 (fgss— j) of it should be given every three or four hours in a diuretic mixture, solu- 
 tion, or infusion. As a nervous stimulant the dose should not be less than Gm. 4 (fgj). 
 
 Ethyl nitrite was used by Fraser in a case of chronic bronchitis with impeded respira- 
 tion. He found that 2 minims of a 50 per cent, alcoholic solution of the compound pro- 
 duced an immediate palliation of the oppression and bronchial rales, which continued for 
 several hours (. Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., Feb. 1888, p. 126). Dr. Leech has apparently 
 proved that the virtues of spirit of nitrous ether are due chiefly to the ethyl nitrite it 
 contains, and that the compound acts by relaxing the spasm of the bronchia and arte- 
 rioles, and thereby lessening the strain upon the heart ( Lancet , Feb. 1889, p. 240). 
 
 SPIRITUS AMMONITE, *7, 8.— Spirit of Ammonia. 
 
 Liquor ammonii caustic! spirituosus ; Spiritus ammoniac i caustic i Dzondii. — Ammoniated 
 alcohol , E. ; Alcoolat ammoniacal , Liqueur d'ammoniaque vineuse , Fr. ; Weingeistiges 
 Ammoniak. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Stronger Ammonia-water 250 Cc. ; Alcohol, recently distilled and 
 which has been kept in glass vessels, a sufficient quantity. Pour the stronger water of 
 ammonia into a flask connected with a well-cooled receiver, into which 500 Cc. of alcohol 
 are introduced. Heat the flask carefully and very gradually to a temperature not ex- 
 ceeding 60° C. (140° F.), and maintain it at that temperature for about ten minutes. 
 Then disconnect the receiver, and, having ascertained the ammoniacal strength by means 
 of normal sulphuric acid (rosolic acid test-solution being used as an indicator), add 
 enough alcohol to make the product contain 10 per cent, by weight of ammonia. Keep 
 the product in glass-stoppered bottles in a cool place. — TJ. S. 
 
 In the former editions of this work we have pointed out the disadvantages of the pro- 
 cess of 1870, which directed the generation of ammonia from ammonium chloride and 
 lime, and showed the convenience of evolving the gas from stronger ammonia-water with- 
 out unduly contaminating the alcohol with water. 250 Cc. of stronger ammonia-water 
 of full strength, weighing 225.25 Gm., contain 56.3 Gm. of ammonia, one-half of which 
 is readily given off at a temperature not exceeding 45° C. (113° F.) ; but 41 Gm. of 
 
1500 
 
 SPIRIT US AMMONIAS A R OMA TIC US. 
 
 ammonia being required for 500 Cc. of alcohol, a somewhat higher heat is required, 
 which, however, should not exceed 60° C. (140° F.). After the evolution of ammonia 
 ceases, the ammoniacal alcohol (3.4 Gm. or 4.2 Cc.) is tested with sulphuric acid in the 
 manner directed by the Pharmacopoeia, and if more than 20 Cc. of. the normal acid are 
 needed for neutralization, the alcohol required for dilution is readily calculated ; but if 
 the liquid becomes neutral with a smaller quantity of the volumetric solution, the alcohol 
 should be further charged with ammonia gas evolved from a fresh portion of strong 
 ammonia-water ; increasing the heat is inadmissible, since too large a proportion of water 
 would pass over. Alcohol which has been kept in a barrel is apt to contain more or less 
 organic matter in solution, which would be darkened in color by ammonia ; hence the 
 recommendation to use only alcohol which after rectification has been preserved in glass 
 vessels. 
 
 Properties. — Spirit of ammonia is a colorless liquid having a strong ammoniacal 
 and at the same time spirituous odor and a spec. grav. of about 0.810 at 15° C. (59° F.). 
 When diluted with water it has the same behavior to reagents as ammonia-water, and its 
 purity and strength may be determined in the same manner as for the latter. “ 3.4 Gm. 
 spirit of ammonia, diluted with distilled water, should require for complete neutralization 
 20 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid, rosolic acid being used as indicator ( —10 per cent. 
 NH 8 ).”—tf. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action and uses of this preparation have been described under 
 Ammonia. It is seldom prescribed internally, the aromatic spirit and the fetid spirit 
 being more appropriate for this purpose as a general rule. It has the advantage of not 
 rendering turbid mixtures containing resins and other substances which are precipitated 
 by water, and hence it is a common ingredient in stimulating liniments, of which it should 
 form not more than one-sixth part. Its dose is Gm. 0.60-2 (gtt. x-xxx) in a wine-glass- 
 ful of water. 
 
 SPIRITUS AMMONITE AROMATICUS, 77. 8., Br.— Aromatic Spirit 
 
 of Ammonia. 
 
 Alcoolat ammoniacal aromatique , Fr. ; Aromatischer Ammoniakgeist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium Carbonate, in translucent pieces, 34 Gm.; Ammonia- 
 water 90 Cc. ; Oil of Lemon 10 Cc. ; Oil of Lavender : flowers 1 Cc. ; Oil of Nutmeg 1 
 Cc. ; Alcohol 700 Cc. ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. To the 
 ammonia-water, contained in a flask, add 140 Cc. of distilled water, and afterward the 
 ammonium carbonate reduced to a moderately fine powder. Close the flask and 
 agitate the contents until the carbonate is dissolved. Introduce the alcohol into a 
 graduated bottle of suitable capacity, add the oils, then gradually add the solution of 
 ammonium carbonate, and afterward enough distilled water to make the product measure 
 1000 Cc. Set the liquid aside during twenty-four hours in a cool place, occasionally 
 agitating, then filter it through paper in a well-covered funnel. Keep the product in 
 glass-stoppered bottles in a cool place. — U. S. 
 
 Oil of nutmeg 4J fluidrachms, oil of lemon 61 fluidrachms, alcohol 6 pints, water 3 
 pints ; distil 149 fluidounces. Place the last 9 oz. of distillate in a bottle with ammonium 
 carbonate 4 oz. and strong ammonia solution 8 fl. oz. ; warm gently to 140° F. until dis- 
 solved ; filter through cotton and gradually mix with the distillate. — Br. 
 
 On adding ammonia-water to official ammonium carbonate, normal ammonium carbonate 
 is formed, which is readily soluble in alcohol. This is the compound aimed at by both 
 pharmacopoeias. If official ammonium carbonate is treated with alcohol, normal ammonium 
 carbonate will be dissolved, and acid ammonium carbonate, being nearly insoluble, will be 
 left behind. An insoluble saline precipitate will therefore indicate either a deficiency in 
 the strength of the ammonia-water or a partial decomposition of the carbonate used. This 
 salt should be employed only in translucent masses, and the effloresced portion, which 
 contains variable proportions of acid ammonium carbonate, should be rejected for this 
 preparation. In order to ensure the complete change of the ammonium salt, we have 
 found it advantageous to allow the mixture of ammonium carbonate, distilled water, and 
 ammonia-water to stand for some time (say twelve hours) before mixing it with the alcoholic 
 solution of the oils. The change effected is readily explained as follows : NH 4 HC0 3 .NH 4 
 NH 2 C0 2 (official carbonate) -j- NH 4 OH (ammonia) = 2(NH 4 ) 2 C0 3 (normal carbonate). 
 A. Blair (1885) has shown that oil of nutmeg is preferable to oil of pimenta, which 
 causes the spirit to become red or brown. 
 
 Properties. — This spirit is colorless or yellowish, has an aromatic and at the same 
 
SPIEITUS AMMONIAS FETID US.— A RMORA CUE COMPOSITUS. 1501 
 
 time ammoniacal odor, effervesces with acids, becomes milky on the addition of water, and 
 has the specific gravity 0.905 TJ. S. (0.886 Br.'). 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is a mild preparation of ammonia, which is used almost 
 exclusively for the relief of headache , and especially of that form of it which is attended 
 with acidity of the stomach and flatulent eructations. It probably exerts a double action — 
 upon the stomach, neutralizing its acidity and provoking the expulsion of its gaseous con- 
 tents, and upon the nervous system by a gentle stimulant action which allays nervous pain. 
 
 The dose of aromatic spirit of ammonia is Gm. 2-4 (fgss-j), properly diluted. 
 
 SPIRITUS AMMONL® FCETIDUS, Br. — Fetid Spirit of Ammonia. 
 
 Alcoolat anim-oniacal fetide, Essence antihysterique , Fr. ; Ammoniakalischer Stinkasant- 
 geist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Asafetida 1^ ounces; Strong Solution of Ammonia 2 fluid- 
 ounces ; Bectified Spirit a sufficiency. Break the asafetida into small pieces and macerate 
 it, in a closed vessel, in 15 fluidounces of the spirit for twenty-four hours ; then distil off 
 the spirit, mix the product with the solution of ammonia, and add sufficient rectified spirit 
 to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 On distilling the tincture of asafetida prepared as above directed, a portion of the vola- 
 tile oil of asafetida passes over ; the finished preparation is therefore an alcoholic solution 
 of this volatile oil mixed with ammonia-water. Aqua fcetida antihysterica (s. Pragensis ) 
 is a weak distilled spirit free from ammonia, but contains the volatile products of gal- 
 banum, myrrh, valerian, zedoary, angelica, peppermint, wild thyme, English chamomile, 
 and castor, in addition to the oil of asafetida. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The purpose of this preparation is to associate a special nervous 
 stimulant with ammonia. Asafetida is often indicated where ammonia is appropriate, and 
 especially in cases of hysterical derangements, whether exhibited in general nervous dis- 
 order or in that of a particular organ, as the larynx, the stomach, the bowels, or the uterus. 
 It may be usefully associated with other antacids and with carminatives in flatulent colic 
 from indigestion. The dose is from Gm. 2-4 (%ss-j). 
 
 SPIRITUS AMYGDALAE AMARiE, TJ. S . — Spirit of Bitter Almond. 
 
 Essence o f hitter almond , E.; Alcoolat ( Esprit ) d' amandes ameres , Fr.; Bittermandelgeist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Bitter Almond 10 Cc. ; Alcohol 800 Cc. ; Distilled Water a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the oil in the alcohol, and add enough 
 distilled water to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 Uses. — The spirit of bitter almond may perhaps be more eligible than the oil itself 
 for the dosage of the latter. Gm. 32 (a fluidounce) contain about 5 minims of the oil. 
 
 SPIRITUS ANISI, TJ. S.— Spirit of Anise. 
 
 Alcoolat ( Esprit ) d'anis , Fr. ; Anisgeist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Anise 100 Cc. ; Deodorized Alcohol 900 Cc.; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 The essence of anise of the British Pharmacopoeia has more than twice the strength in 
 oil of anise of the foregoing (see page 625). 
 
 Uses. — Spirit of anise is used for the relief of flatulent colic and as a flavoring ingre- 
 dient of mixtures, in the dose of Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 SPIRITUS ARMOR ACL® COMPOSITUS, Br.- Compound Spirit of 
 
 Horseradish. 
 
 Esprit de raifort composee, Alcoolat antiscorbutique , Fr. ; Meerrettiggeist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Horseradish-root, scraped, Bitter Orange-peel, cut small 
 and bruised, each 20 ounces ; Nutmeg, bruised, \ ounce ; Proof Spirit 1 gallon ; Water 
 2 pints. Mix, and distil a gallon (Imperial) with a moderate heat. — Br. 
 
 This preparation is an alcoholic solution of the volatile oils of the drug used. 
 
 Uses. — This compound is appropriate in cases of atonic dropsy , especially of renal 
 origin, but is more or less efficient in all forms of dropsy in which stimulant diuretics 
 are indicated. It may be added with advantage to various diuretic infusions, such as 
 the compound infusion of juniper, the infusion of digitalis, etc. The dose is Gm. 4-8 
 
1502 
 
 SPIRITUS A URANTII. — SPIRITUS CHLOROFORMI. 
 
 SPIRITUS AURANTII, 77. Spirit of Orange. 
 
 Esprit d' orange, Fr. ; Orangengeist, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Orange-peel 50 Cc. ; Deodorized Alcohol 950 Cc. ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Mix them. — U. JS. 
 
 Uses. — Like the tinctures of orange-peel, it is well adapted for flavoring mixtures. 
 
 SPIRITUS AURANTII COMPOSITUS, 77. Compound Spirit of 
 
 Orange. 
 
 Esprit d' orange composee, Fr. ; Zusammengesetzter Orangengeist, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Orange-peel 200 Cc. ; Oil of Lemon 50 Cc. ; Oil of Coriander 
 20 Cc. ; Oil of Anise 5 Cc. ; Deodorized Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 
 Cc. Mix them. Keep the product in completely filled, well-stoppered bottles in a cool 
 and dark- place. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of compound spirit of orange dissolve 3 fluidounces and 96 minims 
 of oil of orange-peel, 384 minims of oil of lemon, 154 minims of oil of coriander, and 39 
 minims of oil of anise, in sufficient deodorized alcohol to make 16 fluidounces of solution. 
 
 Uses. — This compound seems to be an eligible addition to the preparations of orange- 
 peel, but hardly as much so to the numerous preparations for the relief of flatulent colic. 
 It may be given somewhat diluted in doses of Gm. 4 (a teaspoonful). Its chief use is 
 in the preparation of Aromatic Elixir. 
 
 SPIRITUS CAJUPUTI, Br.— Spirit of Oajuput. 
 
 Alcoolat ( Esprit ) de cajeput, Fr. ; Cajeputgeist , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Cajuput 1 fluidounce; Rectified Spirit 49 fluidounces. 
 Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Being merely a solution of oil of cajuput in alcohol, it might be made by 
 extemporaneous prescription. Each fluidrachm of the spirit contains 1^ minims of the 
 oil, and the dose is Gm. 2—4 (fgss— j). 
 
 SPIRITUS CAMPHORS, 77. 8., Br.— Spirit of Camphor. 
 
 Alcohol camphor atus, Fr. Cod. ; Spiritus camphoratus, P. G. ; Tinctura camphorse. — 
 Tincture of camphor, E. ; Esprit de camphre, Alcool camphre, Fr. ; Kampfer spiritus, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Camphor 100 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Dissolve the camphor in 800 Cc. of alcohol, filter through paper, and pass enough alcohol 
 through the filter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of spirit of camphor dissolve If av. ozs. of camphor in 12 fluidounces of 
 alcohol, and add to the solution sufficient alcohol to bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of camphor 1 ounce ; rectified spirit 9 fluidounces. Dissolve. — Br. 
 
 Dissolve 1 part of camphor in 9 parts of alcohol. — F. Cod. 
 
 Dissolve 1 part of camphor in 7 parts of alcohol, and to the solution add 2 parts of 
 water. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — The internal use of this preparation of camphor is seldom appropriate, chiefly 
 because the camphor is separated immediately on coming in contact with the moisture 
 of the mouth, fauces, etc. Externally, it is applied, as camphorated liniment is, for 
 allaying pain in sprained, chafed, and contused parts, but it is preferable to the oily 
 preparation whenever the local pain is neuralgic or is attended with inflammation, because 
 in the latter case the evaporation of the alcohol produces a sense of coolness which is 
 very grateful. Its anodyne and sedative action is frequently invoked in bathing the 
 mammae to diminish the secretion of milk after parturition or to assist in drying it up for 
 weaning. Applied on cotton to an exposed nerve-pulp, it mitigates, and may quite 
 remove, the toothache. Like powdered camphor, it may be used advantageously in hos- 
 pital gangrene and in various ulcers of an indolent nature. 
 
 The dose of spirit of camphor is Gm. 0.30-2 (npv-xxx). 
 
 SPIRITUS CHLOROFORMI, 77. S., Br.— Spirit of Chloroform. 
 
 Alcoolat de chloroforme, Fr. ; Chloroformspiritus, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Chloroform 60 Cc. ; Alcohol 940 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix them. — U S. 
 
SPIRITUS CINNA MOML— SPIRIT US FRUMENTI. 
 
 1503 
 
 To make 1 pint of spirit of chloroform mix 461 minims of chloroform with sufficient 
 alcohol to bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. Each fluidounce contains nearly 30 
 minims (28.8 -f) of chloroform. 
 
 Chloroform 1 fluidounce ; rectified spirit 19 fluidounces ; dissolve. — Br. 
 
 The preparation was formerly known as chloric ether. 
 
 Uses. — This is a convenient preparation for administering chloroform by the stomach. 
 It may be prescribed in colic , whether flatulent, neuralgic, or biliary, and indeed in almost 
 all painful abdominal disorders. Dose , Gm. 1.20-4 (npxx-lx) or more, properly diluted. 
 
 SPIRITUS CINNAMOMI, U . 8 ., Br .— Spirit of Cinnamon. 
 
 Alcoolat de cannelle, Fr. ; Zimmtspiritus , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Cinnamon 100 Cc. ; Alcohol 900 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Oil of (Ceylon) cinnamon 1 fluidounce ; rectified spirit 49 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — It may be prescribed, pure, in the dose of Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gtt. x-xx) in 
 cases of colic with diarrhoea, and as a flavoring addition to various mixtures. But for 
 the latter purpose cinnamon-water is more commonly used. 
 
 SPIRITUS FRUMENTI, U . S .— Whiskey. 
 
 Bau de vie de grains. Fr. ; Kornbrann twein , G. 
 
 An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the mash of fermented grain (usu- 
 ally corn, wheat, or rye), and at least two years old. — U. S. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — The term “ whiskey ” is supposed to be derived from 
 usque, the first two syllables of usquebaugh , the original name in Ireland — itself from 
 Irish uisge and beat-ha , “life,” Uisge beatha , Aqua vitae , “Water of life” (Dunglison’s 
 Dictionary). In Europe whiskey is often made by fermenting potatoes, but likewise from 
 different kinds of grain ; in Great Britain principally from barley, oats, and rye. In the 
 United States rye, maize, and wheat are mostly employed for the manufacture of whiskey 
 either in the raw state or after having been previously malted, when it furnishes a prod- 
 uct of better flavor. The fermenting mixture is called the mash. During the fermenta- 
 tion the starch is converted into sugar, and finally into alcohol and carbon dioxide (see 
 page 148). The mixture is now subjected to distillation, aud the weak spirit, called low 
 wine , is rectified, and thus obtained stronger and less charged with fusel oil, which comes 
 over chiefly in the last portions of the distillate. The raw whiskey is kept in barrels or 
 tanks for several years, during which time it acquires mellowness and is improved in 
 flavor, doubtless in consequence of the formation of various compound ethers. 
 
 Properties* — Whiskey is a spirituous liquid, usually of a yellowish or amber color, 
 due to coloring matter and to a trace of tannin derived from the tanks in which it has 
 been kept, and to a trace of sugar which has probably been added in the form of caramel. 
 The density of whiskey depends on the percentage of alcohol, and is to a slight extent 
 influenced by the amount of the coloring and extractive matters ; it should be not above 
 .930, nor below .917, corresponding, approximately, to an alcoholic strength of 44 to 50 
 per cent, by weight or 50 to 58 per cent, by volume. The disagreeable odor of raw 
 whiskey is mainly owing to a small quantity of amylic alcohol, which on keeping is 
 changed into an ether, and perhaps partly into valerianic acid ; cenanthylic and other 
 allied acids are likewise present to a slight extent. Old whiskey has a slight acid reaction, 
 due to the formation of a minute quantity of acetic and, according to Kappel (1859), 
 of valerianic, acid. For neutralizing the acidity of good whiskey 20 Cc. require usually 
 between 0.8 and 1.0 Cc. of Jq- normal solution of alkali, indicating between 0.113 and 
 0.142 Gm. of acetic acid or its equivalent. The acidity slowly increases with age up to 
 a certain degree ; in one case 2.25 Cc. of y 1 ^ normal alkali were required for 20 Cc. of 
 whiskey. 
 
 Tests. — On evaporating whiskey by a moderate heat nearly to dryness, the residue 
 which is left should have a slightly aromatic and rather insipid, but not an acrid, taste. 
 The most convenient test for recognizing the origin of whiskey is that proposed by 
 Molnar. A small quantity of it is heated with a slight excess of caustic potassa until 
 the alcohol has been completely evaporated ; the compound ethers are thereby decom- 
 j posed, and on adding an excess of sulphuric acid the volatile acids are liberated, and 
 from their odor the source is recognized. Apple whiskey distilled from oider gives off a 
 I; decided fruit odor; the odors of whiskies of different kinds of grain are sufficiently dis- 
 1 tinct from one another, but to readily recognize them considerable experience is required. 
 
1504 
 
 SPIRITUS GA UL THEE UP.—SPIR TT US GLONOINI. 
 
 “ If 100 Cc. of whiskey be very slowly evaporated in a weighed capsule on a water-bath, 
 the last portions volatilized should not have a harsh or disagreeable odor (absence of 
 more than traces of fusel oil from grain or potato spirit). The remaining residue, fully 
 dried at 100° C. (212° F.), should weigh not more than 0.25 Gm. (absence of undue 
 amounts of solids). This residue should have no sweet or distinctly spicy taste (absence 
 of added sugar, glycerin, or spices). It should nearly all dissolve in 10 Cc. of cold 
 water, forming a solution which is colored light-green by a dilute solution of ferric 
 chloride (traces of oak tannin from casks). 100 Cc. of whiskey should be rendered dis- 
 tinctly alkaline to litmus by 1.2 Cc. of normal potassium hydroxide solution (limit of 
 free acid).”— 17. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Whiskey has probably been made officinal because genuine brandy 
 of good quality is not readily procured. It is one of the unfounded claims of science 
 that bodies of apparently the same composition are identical in their action, for experi- 
 ence daily shows that physiological effects cannot be predicted upon chemical grounds 
 alone. The action of whiskey, both immediate and remote, differs in many respects from 
 that of brandy, and the former liquor made from rye is not identical with that distilled 
 from wheat, nor are potato brandy and grape brandy alike in their effects. Whiskey, and 
 also gin, besides being less palatable to all but the coarsest tastes than brandy, are much 
 more apt than the latter to produce functional and then organic diseases of the stomach, 
 liver, and kidneys, and their immediate operation is less genial and exhilarating. In the 
 absence of pure brandy, whiskey is probably the best of the alcoholic distilled liquors, 
 since its comparative cheapness in a great measure removes the temptation of dealers to 
 adulterate it. The proper occasions and indications for its medicinal use, both internal 
 and external, are described under Alcohol and Vinum Album. 
 
 SPIRITUS GAULTHERLE, U. Spirit of Gaultheria. 
 
 Alcoolat (Esprit) de gaultherie, Fr. ; Bergtheespiritus ( geist. ), G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Gaultheria 50 Cc. ; Alcohol 950 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 
 . them. — U. S. 
 
 “ Essence of wintergreen ” has been in use for a long time, but was prepared of vary- 
 ing strength. The pharmacopoeial formula is intended to accomplish uniformity. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is more convenient than the oil of gaultheria for giving an 
 agreeable flavor to medicinal preparations. 
 
 SPIRITUS GLONOINI, V. S.— Spirit of Glonoin. 
 
 Spirit of nitro-glycerin. 
 
 An alcoholic solution of glonoin or nitro-glycerin, C 3 H 5 (N0 3 ) 3 , containing 1 per cent., 
 by weight, of the substance. Spirit of glonoin should be kept and transported in well- 
 stoppered tin cans (never in glass or other fragile vessels), and should be stored in a cool 
 place, remote from lights or tire. Great care should be exercised in handling, packing, 
 transporting, or storing the spirit, since a dangerous explosion may result if any consid- 
 erable quantity of it be spilled and the alcohol be partly or wholly lost by evaporation. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — “ A clear, colorless liquid, possessing the odor and taste 
 of alcohol. Caution should be exercised in tasting it, since even a small quantity of it 
 is liable to produce a violent headache. The same effect is produced when it is freely 
 applied to the skin. It is neutral to litmus-paper. Specific gravity 0.826 to 0.832 at 
 15° C. (59° F.). On diluting 10 Cc. of the spirit with 15 Cc. of water, both liquids, as 
 well as the mixture, when measured, being brought to 15° C. (59° F.), the liquid will 
 exhibit at most a faint cloudiness, but the addition of a further portion of 5 Cc. of water 
 should produce a white turbidity. If the specific gravity of the spirit be higher than 
 0.840, or if 10 Cc. of it are rendered turbid by less than 10 Cc. of water, the spirit 
 should be rejected. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation Of Nitro-glycerin. — This compound, also known as trinitrin, glo- 
 noin, and propenyl trinitrate, was discovered by Sobrero (1847), and may be prepared 
 either by gradually adding 7 parts of dehydrated glycerin to a well-cooled solution of 20 
 parts of sodium nitrate in 40 parts of sulphuric acid spec. gr. 1.840, the mixture being 
 kept cool, or 1 part of glycerin may be slowly added, with frequent stirring, to 7 parts 
 of a mixture composed of 1 part of nitric acid spec. gr. 1.47 and 2 parts of strong sul- 
 phuric acid, the temperature being carefully kept below 26.6° C. (80° F.) The reaction 
 taking place by either process, between the nitric acid and glycerin, results in the pro- 
 
SPIRIT US JUNIPER!— SPIRITUS LAVANDULAE. 
 
 1505 
 
 duction of propenyltrinitrate or trinitro-glycerin : thus, C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 -f 3IIN0 3 = C 3 H 5 - 
 (N0 3 ) 3 -f 3H,0. In either case the nitro-glycerin separates in the form of an oily layer, 
 and is then washed with water, and finally with very dilute soda solution, until all acid 
 reaction ceases. The product amounts to about two and one-third times the weight of 
 glycerin employed. It is a colorless or pale-yellowish oily liquid of 1.60 specific gravity, 
 and crystallizes when cooled to — 20° C. ( — 4° F.). It may be freed from water by 
 treatment with 10 per cent, of glycerin, in which nitro-glycerin is insoluble, although it 
 is miscible in all proportions with ether, chloroform, phenol, and glacial acetic acid. 
 1 Gm. of nitro-glycerin requires for solution 3.5 Cc. absolute alcohol, 10 Cc. alcohol, 
 spec. grav. 0.830, 18 Cc. methyl or amyl alcohol, 120 Cc. carbon disulphide or 800 Cc. 
 water. It is without odor, but its vapors produce intense headache ; its taste is sweet 
 and pungently aromatic. When ignited in the open air it burns quietly and incompletely, 
 but when heated in closed vessels or by percussion, it explodes with great violence ; 
 sometimes it explodes spontaneously. Nitro-glycerin forms the basis of various blasting 
 compounds known as dynamite, giant-powder, glyoxylin, dualin, etc. According to A. 
 Nobel, 1 volume yields upon explosion about 10400 volumes of gas. 
 
 Uses. — Spirit of glonoin is convenient for dosing nitro-glycerin, of which it contains 
 1 per cent, by weight. The dose is stated to be 1 drop three times a day, gradually 
 increased to 10 or even 20 drops, and given in water. 
 
 SPIRITUS JUNIPERI, U. S,, Br.— Spirit of Juniper. 
 
 Alcoolat ( Esprit ) de genievre , Fr. ; Wachholderspiritus, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Juniper 50 Cc. ; Alcohol 950 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 
 them. — U. S. 
 
 Oil of juniper 1 fluidounce ; rectified spirit 49 fluidounces ; dissolve. — -Br. 
 
 Macerate for twenty -four hours 5 parts of bruised juniper-berries with 15 parts each 
 alcohol and water, and distil 20 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The spirit made from the volatile oil distilled from juniper-berries is much more agree- 
 able than if the common oil of juniper is used. Age improves the flavor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is carminative and diuretic, and is useful as 
 an addition to infusions and mixtures employed in the treatment of dropsy. Its dose is 
 Gm. 2—4 (n^xxx-lx). 
 
 SPIRITUS JUNIPERI COMPOSITUS, U. 8.— Compound Spirit of 
 
 Juniper. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Juniper 8 Cc. ; Oil of Caraway 1 Cc. ; Oil of Fennel 1 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol 1400 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 2000 Cc. Dissolve the oils in 
 the alcohol, and gradually add enough water to make the product measure 2000 Cc. — 
 
 u. s. 
 
 To make 1 pint of compound spirit of juniper dissolve 30 minims of oil of juniper 
 and 4 minims each of fennel and oil of caraway in 111 fluidounces of alcohol, and grad- 
 ually add enough water to bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 This spirit is an official substitute for gin, a spirit distilled in some parts of Europe 
 from juniper-berries, to which sometimes other aromatics are added. It has the advan- 
 tage of uniformity of composition over the commercial article, and if good volatile oils are 
 used the flavor is agreeable and will improve by age. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The addition of caraway and fennel oils to that of juniper in 
 this compound increases the virtues it derives from the last-named ingredient, and espe- 
 cially gives it a carminative operation, which is often called for in abdominal dropsy ; for 
 in that disease the abdominal and intestinal walls lose their contractile power and become 
 distended by the gases formed in the cavity of the bowel. It is commonly added to 
 diuretic infusions. The dose is Gm. 4-16 (f^j-iv). 
 
 SPIRITUS LAVANDULAE, 77. 8., Br.— Spirit of Lavender. 
 
 Alcoolat (Esprit, Eau ) de Lavande , Fr. ; Lavendelspiritus , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Lavender-flowers 50 Cc. ; Deodorized Alcohol 950 Cc. ; to 
 make 1000 Cc. ; Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Oil of lavender 1 fluidounce; rectified spirit 49 fluidounces ; dissolve. — Br. 
 
 Macerate for twenty-four hours lavender-flowers 5 parts, with alcohol and water each 
 15 parts, and distil 20 parts. — P. G. 
 
 95 
 
1506 
 
 SPIRITTJS LIMONIS— SPIRITUS MYRGIJE. 
 
 For use as a perfume a small quantity of oil of bergamot, tincture of musk, or tinc- 
 ture of ambergris is sometimes added, the addition of the tincture being made to the 
 distilled spirit. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Spirit of lavender — or, as it is commonly called, lavender-water 
 — is more generally used as an agreeable and refreshing perfume than as a medicine. It 
 is popularly employed to bathe the forehead, etc. in cases of headache, fever, etc. It may 
 be given internally in doses of Grin. 2-4 (fi^ss-j). 
 
 SPIRITUS LIMONIS, U. S.— Spirit of Lemon. 
 
 Essence of lemon , E. — Alcoolat ( Esprit ) de citron , Fr. ; Citronenessenz , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Lemon 50 Cc. ; Lemon-peel, freshly grated, 50 Gm. ; Deodor- 
 ized Alcohol a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Gc. Dissolve the oil of lemon in 900 
 Cc. of deodorized alcohol, add the lemon-peel, and macerate for twenty-four hours; then 
 filter through paper, adding through the filter enough deodorized alcohol to make the 
 spirit measure 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of essence of lemon macerate 384 minims of oil of lemon and 386 
 grains of freshly-grated lemon-peel with 14.5 fluidounces of deodorized alcohol for 
 twenty-four hours; then filter, and add sufficient deodorized alcohol to bring the volume 
 up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Macerate for two days 500 parts of fresh rind of lemon with 3000 parts of 80 per cent, 
 alcohol, and distil until all the alcohol has passed over. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is only used for flavoring simple syrup and medicinal mix- 
 tures. 
 
 SPIRITUS MENTHA PIPERITA, TJ. 8., Br B. G.— Spirit of 
 
 Peppermint. 
 
 Essence of peppermint , E. ; Alcoolat ( Essence ) de menthe poivree, Fr. ; Englische Pfejfer- 
 minzessenz , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Peppermint 100 Cc. ; Peppermint, in coarse powder, 10 Gm. ; 
 Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the oil of peppermint in 900 
 Cc. of alcohol, add the peppermint, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then filter 
 through paper, adding through the filter enough alcohol to make the spirit measure 1000 
 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 Oil of peppermint 1 fluidounce ; rectified spirit 49 fluidounces ; dissolve. — Br. 
 
 The formula of the P. G. agrees with that of the U. S. P., except that the spirit is made 
 by weight and is not colored. The spirit of the Br. P. is one-fifth, but the essentia (see 
 p. 625) is about double, the strength of the above. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is the most convenient form for the ordinary administra- 
 tion of peppermint. The dose of the American preparation is Gm. 0.30-1 (gtt. v-xv), 
 taken on loaf sugar or in sweetened water. The dose of the British spirit is (Gm. 
 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 SPIRITUS MENTH.ZE VIRIDIS, TJ. S . — Spirit of Spearmint. 
 
 Essence of spearmint , E. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of spearmint 100 Cc. : Spearmint in coarse powder, 10 Gm. ; 
 Alcohol a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the oil of spearmint in 900 
 Cc. of alcohol, add the spearmint, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then filter through 
 paper, adding through the filter enough alcohol to make the spirit measure 1000 Cc. 
 — U. S. 
 
 The analogous preparation used in France is distilled from fresh crisped mint, and that 
 used in Germany as Englische Krauseminzessenz is made by dissolving 1 part of oil of 
 crisped mint in 9 parts (by weight) of alcohol. 
 
 US6S. — This preparation is less energetic than that of peppermint. It may be given 
 in the dose of Gm. 1.30-2.60 (npxx-xl). 
 
 SPIRITUS MYRCL3C, TJ. S . — Spirit of Myrcia. 
 
 Bay-rum , E. 
 
 Preparation.— Oil of Myrcia 16 Cc. ; Oil of Orange-peel 1 Cc. ; Oil of Pimenta 1 
 Cc. ; Alcohol 1220 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 2000 Cc.. Mix the oils 
 
SPIRITUS MYRISTIC^E.— SPIRITUS PHOSPHORI. 
 
 1507 
 
 with the alcohol, and gradually add water until the solution measures 2000 Cc. Set the 
 mixture aside, in a well-stoppered bottle, for eight days ; then filter through paper in a 
 well-covered funnel. — IT. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of bay-rum dissolve 60 minims of oil of myrcia and 4 minims each of 
 oil of orange-peel and oil of pimenta in 10 fluidounces of alcohol, and gradually add enough 
 water to bring the volume of the mixture up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 On diluting an alcoholic solution of volatile oils rapidly with water a milkiness is apt to 
 he produced, which is subsequently not readily removed by agitation ; it is therefore 
 directed to add the water gradually, so that the appearance of a permanent milkiness may 
 be avoided as much as possible. If after a week the spirit cannot be decanted or filtered 
 clear, it may be treated with paper-pulp or other material (except cotton-fibres) usually 
 used in the preparation of medicated waters. 
 
 Bay-rum is distilled in several of the West Indian islands from the fresh leaves of 
 Myrcia acris (see p. 1137), to which a certain proportion of the fruit is added, St. Croix 
 rum being used for the best quality : its flavor is affected by the employment of the 
 leaves of different varieties of the plant, or probably of different closely-allied species of 
 myrtles. (See paper by A. H. Riise in Amer. Jour. Phar., 1882, p. 278.) However, 
 most of the bay-rum consumed in the United States is now manufactured here, a small 
 portion being distilled from the dried leaves. The pharmacopoeial formula furnishes a 
 preparation of agreeable fragrance and of a pale-yellowish color or nearly colorless. 
 
 Uses. — Bay-rum, like lavender-water, is used exclusively as a perfume and as a 
 refreshing application to the forehead in headache and to other parts irritated by heat or 
 chafing. 
 
 SPIRITUS MYRISTIC^E, U. S., Br.— Spirit of Nutmeg. 
 
 Alcoolat ( Esprit ) de muscade, Fr. ; Mushatspiritus , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Nutmeg 50 Cc. ; Alcohol 950 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 
 them. — TJ. S. 
 
 Take of volatile oil of nutmeg 1 fluidounce ; rectified spirit 49 fluidounces ; dissolve. — Br. 
 
 In France this spirit is prepared by macerating for four days 500 parts of bruised nut- 
 meg with 4000 parts (by weight) of 80 per cent, alcohol, and distilling as long as alcohol 
 passes over. 
 
 Uses. — Spirit of nutmeg is used as a flavoring ingredient, but less commonly than 
 other aromatics. Its dose is Grin. 2—4 (f^ss— j). 
 
 SPIRITUS ODORATUS, U. S., 1880.— Perfumed Spirit. 
 
 Spiritus ( Aqua ) coloniensis , Alcoolatum fragrans . — Cologne-water , E. ; Eau de Cologne , 
 Alcoolat de citron compose , Fr. ; Kolnisches Wasser , Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Bergamot 16 parts (2 oz. av. or 171 fluidrachms) ; Oil of 
 Lemon 8 parts (1 oz. av. or 9 fluidrachms); Oil of Rosemary 8 parts (1 oz. av. or 81 
 fluidrachms) ; Oil of Lavender-flowers 4 parts (1 oz. av. or 41 fluidrachms) ; Oil of 
 Orange-flowers 4 parts (1 oz. av. or 41 fluidrachms) ; Acetic Ether 2 parts (1 oz. av. or 
 21 fluidrachms) ; Water 158 parts (19f oz. av. or 19 fluidounces) ; Alcohol 800 parts 
 (100 oz. av. or 7 pints 5 fluidounces) ; to make 1000 parts (125 oz. av. or 81 pints). 
 Dissolve the oils and the acetic ether in the alcohol, and add the water. Set the mixture 
 aside in a well-closed bottle for eight days, then filter through paper in a well-covered 
 funnel. 
 
 The formula of the French Codex is similar. This spirit should be kept on hand for 
 some time, when its fragrance will improve. 
 
 Uses. — Cologne-water would seem to pertain to the perfumer rather than to the phar- 
 macist or physician, and therefore to be quite misplaced in a pharmacopoeia. 
 
 SPIRITUS PHOSPHORI, U. S. — Spirit of Phosphorus. 
 
 Tincture of phosphorus, E. ; Alcoolat ( Esprit ) de phosphor e, Fr. ; Phosphor spiritus, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Phosphorus 1.2 Gm. ; Absolute Alcohol a sufficient quantity; to 
 make 1000 Cc. Weigh the phosphorus in a tared capsule containing water, then dry it 
 carefully and quickly with blotting-paper, and introduce it into a flask containing 1000 
 Cc. of absolute alcohol. Connect the flask with an upright condenser supplied by cold 
 water, and apply the heat of a water-bath, so that the alcohol may be kept gently boiling, 
 until the phosphorus is dissolved. Then allow the liquid to become cold, and, if 
 
1508 
 
 SPIRIT US R OSMA RINI. — SPIRIT US VINI GALLIC! 
 
 necessary, add to it enough absolute alcohol to make it measure 1000 Cc. Lastly, 
 transfer the spirit to small, dark amber-colored vials, which should be securely stoppered 
 and kept in a cool and dark place. — U. S. 
 
 To prepare 1 pint of spirit of phosphorus 9 grains of phosphorus should be dissolved 
 in 16 fluidounces of absolute alcohol. 
 
 Each Cc. of the solution contains 0.0012 Gm., or each fluidounce a little more than J 
 grain ( T 9 g-) of phosphorus. 
 
 Uses. — This solution forms a convenient means of dosing phosphorus. “ Each 
 fluidrachm contains y 1 ^ grain of phosphorus, or 14.4 minims contain ^ grain of phos- 
 phorus.” 
 
 SPIRITUS ROSMARINI, J3r.— Spirit of Rosemary. 
 
 Spiritus anthos. — Alcoolat ( Esprit ) de romarin, Fr. ; Rosmarinspiritus , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Rosemary 1 fluidounce ; Rectified Spirit 49 fluid- 
 
 ounces ; dissolve. — Br. 
 
 The preparation known in Europe, and formerly much employed, as Aqua Reginae Hun- 
 garian (Eau de la reine de Hongrie, Fr.), is a compound spirit of rosemary, usually con- 
 taining a little lavender, sage, or other aromatic oil. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This preparation is but little used in the United States. It is 
 worthy of being more generally employed, not only for its perfume, which is very grate- 
 ful to most persons, but as a stimulant in nervous and hysterical conditions, and locally 
 for the relief of muscular and neuralgic pains. Like the oil of rosemary, it may be added 
 to stimulating and anodyne liniments. Gm. 4 (1 fluidrachm) of the spirit contain nearly 
 1 minim of the oil. 
 
 SPIRITUS TENUIOR, Br.— Proof Spirit. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Rectified Spirit 5 pints ; Distilled Water 3 pints ; mix. — Br. 
 
 It has the specific gravity 0.920 (see page 150). 
 
 Uses. — This form of alcohol is employed in medicine only as a lotion for contusions , 
 
 rheumatic pains, etc. 
 
 SPIRITUS VINI GALLICI, U. 8., Br.— Brandy. 
 
 Spiritus vini Cognac , P. G. — -Spirit of French wine , E. ; Eau de vie. Cognac , Fr. ; Franz- 
 hranntwein , G. 
 
 An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the fermented, unmodified juice of 
 fresh grapes, and at least four years old. — U. S. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Brandy is made in France by distilling different 
 kinds of wine. The colorless spirit ( white brandy) thus obtained is kept for some time in 
 new oak casks, where it gradually acquires a light-amber tint ( pole brandy). The darker- 
 colored varieties have their color deepened by the addition of caramel. The brandies 
 obtained in different districts of France are not esteemed alike, those of Cognac and 
 Armagnac being deemed the best, owing to the agreeable mildness of their flavor; next 
 in order are those from Bordeaux and Rochelle. The lees of wines and the marc of 
 grapes are also distilled, and furnish a spirituous liquid called in France eau de vie de 
 marc , which is highly charged with odorous principles, and is used as an addition to other 
 brandies and for imitating brandy by mixing the liquid with pure rectified spirit. The 
 odorous constituents separated from all or most of the alcohol are sometimes met with in 
 commerce as oil of grapes. Large quantities of brandy are also distilled in Spain and 
 Portugal, and of recent years in Germany. 
 
 Considerable brandy is now made in the United States, and is usually distinguished as 
 Catawba and California brandy. Catawba brandy is made in the vine-growing districts 
 of the Ohio and Mississippi Valley, according to E. S. Wayne (1855), from the lees and 
 from the marc. That made from the lees is the best, and has the flavor of Catawba wine. 
 When distilled from the marc it has an unpleasant taste, and contains a large amount of 
 fusel oil, but is mellowed down by age. California brandy is made from the lees and 
 marc, which are thrown together with poor wines and distilled, the distillate being tinged 
 by the addition of caramel ( Proc . Amer. Phar. Assoc ., 1866, p. 64). 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia recognizes only the spirit of French wine, while the U. S. 
 and German Pharmacopoeias admit all spirits obtained from fermented grapes or wine, 
 without designating French wine. 
 
SPONGIA. 
 
 1509 
 
 Properties. — Brandy is a spirituous, amber-colored Liquid having a peculiar flavor, 
 which is improved by age ; hence the U. S. P. directs it to be used only when at least 
 four years old. The flavor depends upon the variety of grapes used, upon their ripeness, 
 upon the care bestowed upon fermentation and distillation, and upon the age of the wine, 
 an older wine yielding a more fragrant distillate. The specific gravity of brandy is 
 required to be between .925 and .941 ( U. $.), corresponding, approximately, to an alcoholic 
 strength of 39 to 47 per cent, by weight, or 46 to 55 per cent, by volume (between .920 
 and .924, corresponding to between 46 and 50 per cent, by weight of alcohol, P GA). It 
 has a slight acid reaction, which is, at least in part, due to the presence of acetic acid. 
 We have found good brandy to require for the neutralization of 20 Cc. from 1.3 to 1.7 
 Cc. of y 1 ^- normal alkali solution, indicating from .185 to .241 Gin. of free acetic acid 
 in the pint. The odor is due to minute quantities of oenanthic, acetic, and perhaps pro- 
 pylic and allied ethers ; its quality is best ascertained by pouring some of the brandy into 
 a wine-glass, then emptying the latter, and, without washing or wiping it, setting it aside ; 
 the peculiar fragrance becomes then more apparent, and is still noticeable after a day, 
 while the odor of brandy which had been diluted with deodorized spirit becomes weak 
 and disappears in the course of a few hours, during which time also the odor of whiskey 
 or similar spirits becomes apparent. Brandy assumes a dark-greenish color on the addi- 
 tion of ferric chloride, owing to the presence of tannin derived from the casks or from 
 catechu, etc. purposely added. Sugar can usually be detected in the extract by Trom- 
 mer’s test, and is derived from caramel. 
 
 Tests. — The addition of grains of paradise, Cayenne pepper, and similar substances, 
 sometimes used for imparting artificial strength to brandy, is detected by the sharp or 
 burning taste of the extract left on evaporation. With sufficient practical experience the 
 origin of brandy may be recognized by Molnar’s method (see Spiritus Frumenti), but 
 it is more difficult to distinguish by their odors the ethers and fusel oils of the French 
 wines used for making brandy than the fusel oils of different kinds of grain. “ If 100 Cc. 
 of brandy be very slowly evaporated in a weighed capsule on a water-bath, the last por- 
 tion volatilized should have an agreeable odor, free from harshness (absence of fusel oil 
 from grain or potato spirit). The residue, dried at 100° C. (212° F.), should weigh not 
 more than 1.5 Gm. (absence of an undue amount of solids). This residue should have 
 no sweet or distinctly spicy taste (absence of added sugar, glycerin, or spices). It should 
 nearly all dissolve in 10 Cc. of cold water, forming a solution which is colored light-green 
 by a dilute solution of ferric chloride (traces of oak tannin from casks). 100 Cc. of 
 brandy should be rendered distinctly alkaline to litmus by 1 Cc. of the normal volumetric 
 solution of potassium hydroxide (limit of free acid).” — U. S. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The virtues of brandy have been set forth in the article on 
 Alcohol. It may be sufficient here to repeat that true brandy — that is, made from wine 
 — has qualities peculiar to itself and unlike those belonging to other distilled spirits. It 
 is not only more palatable, more cordial to the stomach, and produces a more grateful 
 exhilaration ; but is less apt than gin or whiskey to occasion disease of the liver or kid- 
 neys. 
 
 SPONGIA.— Sponge. 
 
 Eponge , Fr. ; Schwamm , Badeschwamm, G. ; Esponja , Sp. 
 
 Spongia officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Class Poriphera. Ord. Ceratospongiae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Sponges belong to the lowest animals which live in 
 water, and are attached to rocks or other substances. They consist of a framework aris- 
 ing from a broad base and forming a ramifying and anastomosing tissue, which is traversed 
 by numerous canals and pores and covered with a glairy or gelatinous substance. In 
 some genera the skeleton is formed, to a greater or less extent, of siliceous or calcareous 
 spicules ; in others the whole body consists of a gelatinous substance. The sponges which 
 are in common use belong to a few species, the skeleton of which is entirely or nearly 
 free from spicules, and forms cup-shaped or convex, porous, and lacunose masses, with 
 circular vents on the surface. They are collected by divers, who tear them from the 
 rocks, or they are detached by means of a fork fastened to the end of a long pole. The 
 gelatinous animal matter is removed by burying them for several days in sand, and after- 
 ward soaking, squeezing, and washing them. 
 
 The best variety of sponge comes from the Mediterranean, and is chiefly collected in 
 the neighborhood of Greece and near the coast of Syria. It is known in commerce as 
 
1510 
 
 SPONGIA. 
 
 Mediterranean and Turkish sponge , and conies in cup-shaped pieces of various sizes, 
 having a soft, elastic, and compressible fibrous framework. The Bahama or West Indian 
 sponge is collected near the Bahama Islands, and forms convex or oblong pieces, with some- 
 what projecting lobes and of a coarser texture than the preceding. As met with in com- 
 merce, sponge generally contains a large quantity of sand, from which it is freed by beat- 
 ing, and various calcareous matters, which are removed mechanically or by dissolving 
 them with the aid of dilute hydrochloric acid. After it has been cleaned it is sometimes 
 bleached , either by means of a solution of sulphurous acid prepared from sodium thio- 
 sulphate and hydrochloric acid or preferably by chlorine-water. A still better process is 
 dipping the sponge for five or ten minutes into a 2 per cent, solution of potassium per- 
 manganate, and subsequently immersing it in a 2 per cent, solution of oxalic acid to 
 which a little sulphuric acid has been added ; the latter treatment removes the brown 
 manganic oxide and leaves the sponge white, without affecting its durability. 
 
 Composition. — The organic matter of sponge is a proteid called spongin , which was 
 formerly supposed to be closely allied to, or identical with, fibroin or sericin of silk, but 
 was proven by Schlossberger (1858) and Staedeler (1859) to be entirely distinct, in being 
 insoluble or very slowly soluble in ammoniacal solutions of the oxides of nickel and 
 copper, and in the behavior to hot diluted sulphuric acid, with which it yields leucin and 
 glycocolli while sericin yields by this treatment tyrosin and serin, and is readily dissolved 
 by solutions of nickel and copper in ammonia. Spongin is soluble in hot solution of 
 caustic potassa and in hot mineral acids. 
 
 Derivatives and Allied Product. — Spongia. usta, Fr. Cod. Burnt sponge, E. ; Eponge torri- 
 fiee, Fr . — Heat clean sponge, cut into small pieces, in a coffee roaster until about one-fourth its 
 weight has been given off. The residue consists mainly of charcoal, with 25 to 30 per cent, of 
 calcium sulphate, 10 per cent, of silica, 9 per cent, of ferrous oxide, the remainder being mag- 
 nesium carbonate, potassium chloride, and calcium phosphate, and about J to 1 per cent, of 
 sodium iodide (Herberger). 
 
 Spongia cerata. — Sponge tent, E.; Eponge preparee & la cire, Fr. ; Wachsschwamme, G . — 
 Sponge is freed from foreign matters by beating and washing, then dried, cut into proper shape, 
 dipped into yellow' melted wax, pressed between hot iron plates, and when cold freed from the 
 excess of wax. ^ 
 
 Spongia compressa, Compressed sponge, E .; Funiculo pressa, F. Cod.; Eponge prepare a la 
 ficelle, Fr. Cod. ; Pressschwamm, G. ; Esponga preparada, Sp. — Perfectly clean, fine sponge is cut 
 into elongated pieces while moist, securely tied by means of twine into cylindrical pieces, and 
 then dried. 
 
 Vegetable Sponge, or Gourd Towel. The fibrous network of the fruit of Luffa segyptiaca, 
 Miller (Momordica Luffa, LinnA; nat. ord. Cucurbitaceae), has been used to some extent, under 
 these and similar names, like a sponge and flesh-brush. Luffa Petola, Seringe , and L. foetida, 
 Cavanilles , yield similar products. The fleshy portion of these fruits is edible, though not very 
 palatable •, several other species are violently purgative and emetic. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Before the discovery of iodine, roasted or so-called “ burnt ” 
 sponge was generally used in the treatment of goitre , both internally and externally, and 
 certainly with excellent results in appropriate cases ; but it is now wholly superseded by 
 the preparations of iodine. Sponge is familiarly employed for countless domestic pur- 
 poses which require the use of a porous, compressible, and elastic substance capable of 
 holding liquids, and, amongst others, for partial or general baths, which are of such great 
 hygienic importance. Its use in medicine and surgery for absorbing blood, pus, and other 
 animal liquids is equally familiar, and not less so are the dangers to which it exposes the 
 patients in hospitals by carrying from one to another the germs of infectious diseases. 
 Sponges that have been used in surgical operations and dressings should never be dried 
 before being thoroughly purified with boiling water. The elasticity of sponge renders it 
 an efficient means of dilating wounds, sinuses, the natural apertures of the body, etc. 
 For this purpose it should be introduced in a dry and compressed state, when, by absorb- 
 ing the liquids of the part, it gradually expands with irresistible force. To promote its 
 introduction into narrow canals, such as that of the neck of the uterus, compressed 
 sponge, saturated or merely coated with wax, is of the greatest utility. (Compare A. 
 Smith, Med. News , xl. 197.) It is used to dilate wounds, etc. in order to facilitate the 
 extraction of foreign bodies or the discharge of secretions, as well as the introduction of 
 probes, forceps, and other surgical instruments. In the cervix uteri it is employed to 
 relieve dysmenorrlioea, and also to induce premature labor. Sometimes the sponge, before 
 being compressed and coated with wax, is saturated with a solution adapted to stimulate 
 or otherwise modify the condition of the part. 
 
STANNUM. 
 
 1511 
 
 STANNUM.— Tin. 
 
 Etain , Fr. ; Zinn , G. 
 
 Symbol Sn. Atomicity bivalent and quadrivalent. Atomic weight 118.8. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Tin is rarely found in the metallic state. Its most 
 important ore is a binoxide, Sn0 2 , known as tinstone , which is usually imbedded in granite, 
 quartz, or slate, and often associated with iron pyrites, and with tungstate of iron and 
 manganese, known as the mineral wolfram. It is rarely met with as silicate, and is pres- 
 ent in columbite , tantalite , and allied minerals, and in minute proportions in the mineral 
 waters of Saidschiitz and other places. The most important tin-mines are in Devonshire 
 and Cornwall in Great Britain and in Malacca and Banca, but tin is likewise obtained in 
 Australia, Bohemia, Saxony, and some parts of the United States. Australian tin some- 
 times contains gold. The tinstone is stamped into a coarse powder, freed from lighter 
 minerals by washing with a stream of water, roasted to expel arsenic and sulphur, again 
 washed with water, mixed with powdered coal and a little lime or fluor-spar for the 
 purpose of forming a fusible slag, and then reduced on the hearth of a reverberatory 
 furnace. 
 
 Properties. — Tin is a bluish-white metal of the specific gravity 7.3, softer than gold, 
 but harder than lead, and when bent emitting a crackling sound. It may be rolled or 
 hammered into foil, at 100° C. (212° F.), drawn into wire, and at 200° C. (392° F.) is so 
 brittle that it may be readily reduced to powder. It melts near 230° C. (446° F.), and, 
 according to Nies and Winkelmann (1882), on congealing increases in volume 0.7 per- 
 cent. While cooling it is readily converted into powder by trituration in a hot iron mor- 
 tar ; after sifting it constitutes Stanni pulvis , which was formerly employed. It is but 
 superficially oxidized in moist air, and will effectually protect iron from rusting as long 
 as the coating is perfect. Its alloy with lead forms pewter, Britannia metal , and solder ; 
 alloyed with copper it constitutes gun-metal and bronze ; and by combining 4 parts of tin 
 with 3 of cadmium, 8 of lead, and 15 of bismuth a fusible alloy is obtained melting at 
 60° C. (140° F.). 
 
 Metallic tin dissolves in hot, strong sulphuric acid to tannic sulphate, evolving sulphur 
 dioxide. Strong hydrochloric acid dissolves it to stannous chloride, and nitromuriatic 
 acid yields with it stannic chloride. Stannous salts are precipitated brown by hydrogen 
 sulphide, the precipitate being soluble in ammonium sulphide. Gold chloride pro- 
 duces a deep-purple precipitate ( purple of Cassius'), and mercuric chloride is reduced 
 either to calomel or to a gray powder of metallic mercury. This reaction explains the 
 value of stannous chloride as a test for salts of mercury. Stannic salts , of which the 
 chloride, SnCl 4 , is used by dyers, do not react with the chlorides of gold and mercury, 
 but yield with hydrogen sulphide a yellow precipitate which is soluble in ammonium 
 sulphide. Sodium stannate, Na 3 Sn0 3 .4H 2 0, is used by calico-printers as a mordant, and 
 is prepared on the large scale by fusing tin ore with soda and sodium nitrate or by boil- 
 ing it with caustic soda. Both stannous and stannic salts are precipitated white by 
 caustic potassa ; the precipitates are soluble in an excess of potassa, and the alkaline 
 solution, when obtained from stannous salts, yields on boiling a black precipitate of stan- 
 nous oxide. Of the sulphides, stannic sulphide , SnS 2 , is of interest ; it is made by heat- 
 ing a mixture of tin amalgam, sulphur, and sal ammoniac, when it remains behind in 
 golden-yellow scales, ammonium chloride and sulphide and chloride of mercury subliming; 
 when ground, stannic sulphide is known as mosaic gold and bronze powder. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Since the time of Paracelsus, at least, tin filings have been 
 used as a remedy for tape-worms , and a list of eminent physicians might be given, includ- 
 ing some of the most distinguished helminthologists, who vaunted their efficacy and 
 recommended their use. Their testimony may certainly be taken to qualify the judg- 
 ment of Kiichenmeister when he writes : “ Once for all, I protest against the administra- 
 tion of tin filings, and I believe that no one can have much pleasure in giving this 
 remedy who has seen the ecchymotic irritation of the intestine after its administration to 
 living animals, and heard them whining or seen them writhing about during life.” Even 
 if this criticism were admitted to be just, it would not affect the question of the efficacy 
 of the powdered metal or of tin prepared by precipitation from its chloride. The emi- 
 nent authority above mentioned admits it to be real. When tin filings were employed 
 they were supposed to act mechanically, subjecting the worms to such rude attrition as 
 to destroy them ; but since the salts of tin have sometimes proved to be tseniacide, and 
 since precipitated tin has had a like effect, it is more probable that some inherent quality 
 of the metal must be invoked to explain its operation. Moreover, it is stated upon good 
 
1512 
 
 STAPHISAGRIA. 
 
 authority that in certain rural districts of France it is customary to use, as a vermifuge, 
 sweetened wine that has been kept for twenty-four hours in a tin vessel. The action of 
 vegetable and animal acids upon the tin of vessels containing so-called canned goods, and 
 into which air has found access through imperfect sealing or by breakage, produces 
 hydroxide and chloride of tin, which have poisoned those who made use of the food. One 
 investigator found in twenty-three samples of canned fruits an average quantity of 5.2 
 grains of stannous hydroxide to the pound (Hare, Fiske Fund Prize Essay , 1886). The 
 activity of the salts of tin is illustrated by the experiments of White (Archiv f exp. 
 Path ., etc ., xiii. 53). They were seen to act upon the digestive canal and upon the 
 central nervous system, in the former producing the symptoms and lesions of irritant 
 poisons, and in the latter paralysis. The urine was diminished and its specific gravity 
 increased, and it contained albumen. The author assimilates tin with lead in its action 
 on the animal economy. Patenko found that the bichloride was a local irritant and 
 anaesthetic, and acted on the central nervous system, and the muscles ( Ther . Gaz., x. 337, 
 622), and Ungar and Bodlander’s experiments showed that the introduction into the 
 system even of non-corrosive tin salts will produce morbid symptoms, and finally death 
 (Bull, de Therap ., cxiv. 323). 
 
 Formerly, tin filings were administered in the dose of 20 grains, gradually increased to 
 Gm. 1.30-16 (4 ounce). Powder of tin may be prescribed in the dose of about Gm. 4 
 (1 drachm). It should be given in a syrup or electuary, and after the bowels have been 
 completely cleansed by a purgative. The bisulphuret of tin has also been used as a 
 tseniafuge, in doses of from Gm. 8-16 (2 to 4 drachms), in the same manner as the pow- 
 dered metal. Chloride of tin has been employed for the same purpose, “ as an antispas- 
 inodic in epilepsy, chorea, and other convulsive diseases, as a stimulant to paralyzed 
 muscles in paraplegia, as an antidote in poisoning by corrosive sublimate, and as an 
 internal application in chronic skin diseases” (Pereira). It was administered internally 
 in the dose of Gm. 0.004—0.03 (ytg- to \ grain), and in an aqueous solution prepared by 
 dissolving Gm. 0.01 in Gm. 32 (i grain in an ounce) of water. It acts topically as an 
 astringent, irritant, and caustic, and in poisonous doses causes convulsions and sometimes 
 paralysis. Stannous chloride has been recommended by Abbott as a surgical disinfectant 
 (Med. News , xlviij. 120). 
 
 STAPHISAGRIA, TJ. S. — Staphisagria; Stavesacre. 
 
 Staphisagrise semina, Br. ; Semen staphisagrise , s. Stapliidis agrise , s. pedicularis . — 
 Staphisaigre , Fr. ; Stephanskorner , Lausekorner, G. ; Estafisagria , Albarraz , Sp. 
 
 The seed of Delphinium Staphisagria, Linne , s. Staphisagria macrocarpa, Spach. Bent- 
 ley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 4. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculacese, Helleborese. 
 
 Origin. — This annual pubescent herb is indigenous to the countries bordering on the 
 Mediterranean, and is cultivated in some parts of Southern Europe. It attains a height 
 of about 1 M. (40 inches), and has alternate, long-petioled, palmately five- to nine-parted 
 leaves, the leaves being lanceolate and entire or three-lobed. The pale blue or purplish 
 flowers are long-peduncled, arise from the axils of leafy bracts, have two of the petals 
 spurred, both spurs being enclosed in that of the calyx, and produce three hairy follicles, 
 each containing about twelve seeds. The unpleasantly odorous plant (and particularly 
 the seeds) has been employed from an early period. 
 
 Description. — Stavesacre-seeds are from 4-6 Mm. (4 to I inch) long and 3-5 Mm. 
 (4 to ^ inch) broad, acutely angled and irregularly flattish -tetrahedral, one side being some- 
 what convex. The brittle testa is at first of a brown or blackish-brown, afterward of a 
 brownish-gray, color, wrinkled and pitted with flattish depressions, the intervening ridges 
 forming net-like meshes. The nucleus is whitish, when old brownish, and consists of an 
 oily albumen enclosing at its sharper end a small straight embryo. The seeds have a faint 
 somewhat narcotic odor and a bitter, burning, and biting taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Marquis (1877) isolated four optically inactive alkaloids — delphinine, 
 C 22 H 35 N0 6 ; delphinoidine, C 42 H 68 N 2 0 7 ; delphisine, C 27 H 46 N 2 0 4 ; and staphisagrine, 
 C 22 H 32 N0 5 . Delphinine was discovered in 1819 by Lassaigne and Feneulle, and simul- 
 taneously by Brandes. It is nearly insoluble in water, dissolves at 20° C. (68° F.) in 
 21 parts of alcohol, 11 parts of ether, and 16 parts of chloroform, crystallizes in flat 
 prisms, has a bitter taste, followed by persistent tingling, is precipitated by the group 
 reagents, but gives no characteristic color reaction ; it does not melt at 120° C. Studer 
 (1872) found it to melt at 90° C. (194° F.), and to dissolve with a reddish color in sul- 
 
ST A PHIS A GRTA . 
 
 1513 
 
 phuric acid containing a trace of iron. Delphinoidine is amorphous, melts between 110° 
 and 120° C. (230° and 248° F.), dissolves in 6500 parts of water, in 3 parts of ether, and 
 is freely soluble in chloroform and alcohol. Its characteristic reactions are with sulphuric 
 acid dark -brown, red-brown ; with Frbhde’s reagent, dark-brown, blood-red, cherry-red; 
 with sugar and sulphuric acid, brown, green ; with sulphuric acid and bromine-water, 
 violet-red, cherry-red, blood-red. Delphisine resembles the preceding in solubility and 
 behavior, but forms wart-like crystals and contains more nitrogen. Staphisagrine or 
 staphisaine was first obtained by Couerbe (1833), and Dardel’s staphisine (1864) seems to 
 be identical with it. It melts at 90° C. (194° F.), dissolves at 15° C. (59° F.) in 200 
 parts of water, in 855 parts of ether, and is very freely soluble in alcohol and chloro- 
 form ; its characteristic reactions are with sulphuric acid faintly cherry-red, violet; with 
 Frbhde’s reagent, brown-red, violet-brown ; with sugar and sulphuric acid, dingy -brown ; 
 with sulphuric acid and bromine-water, transiently reddish ; with fuming nitric acid, blood- 
 red ; with nitric acid sp. gr. 1.4, brownish, resinous. The integuments of the seed appear 
 to be the principal seat of the alkaloids, one of which yields a crystalline sparingly solu- 
 ble salt with chromic acid ( [Pharmacographia ). 
 
 The seeds contain from 25 to 30 per cent, of non-drying fixed oils, resins, coloring mat- 
 ter and other constituents not investigated ; they yield about 8 to 10 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Delphinium Coxsolida, Linne . — Larkspur, Lark's claw, Knight’s gpur, E. ; 
 Pied d’alouette, F. ; Rittersporn, Lerchenklaue, Ilornkummel, G. — This glabrous annual herb, 
 which is a common weed in the grain-fields of Central Europe, is often met with as an ornamental 
 plant in gardens, and has been naturalized in some parts of the United States from Pennsylvania 
 to Virginia. It has the leaves dissected into narrow linear lobes, and its purplish-blue (in culti- 
 vation sometimes whitish) flowers are upon rather filiform peduncles in loose terminal racemes. 
 The five sepals are petal-like, the upper one produced into a spur longer than the calyx ; the 
 petals are united, with one spur enclosed in the calyx-spur ; the pistil is single, and the smooth 
 follicle many-seeded. The seeds are quite small, irregularly tetrahedral, pointed, rough, and 
 pitted upon the surface, with a black testa and a whitish nucleus consisting of am oily albumen 
 and a small straight embryo. All parts of the plant are inodorous and have a/bitter, burning, 
 and biting taste. The plant is said to have received its specific name from the/supposed power 
 of its flowers of healing or consolidating wounds. The consonde of the Frozen is comfrey. 
 
 The leaves, flowers, and seeds have been employed in medicine, and were designated as herba , 
 fiores , and semen consolidce , s. consolidce regalis , s. calcatrippce : the seeds as delphinium ( U. S. P. 
 1870). Thos. C. Hopkins (1839) obtained from the seeds an alkaloid, which he regarded as iden- 
 tical with delphinine. Masing (1883) obtained from the dry herb 0.02 per cent, of calcatripine, 
 which is soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and appears to be easily decomposed by chem- 
 icals. It is colored by sulphuric acid red-brown, violet-brown, gray-brown ; by Frdhde's reagent, 
 olive-green, gray-yellow ; by sugar and sulphuric acid, red-brown, greenish-blue ; by sulphuric 
 acid and a nitrate, orange-red, golden-yellow. 
 
 Delphinium Ajacis, Linn 6, of Southern Europe, is more frequently cultivated in gardens than 
 the preceding species, has denser and longer racemes of flowers upon shorter and thick pedun- 
 cles, and pubescent follicles, and possesses the same properties. 
 
 Delphinium exaltatum, Aiton , has the segments of the leaves narrow and cuneiform; the 
 bright purplish-blue numerous flowers are in narrow racemes and have a straight spur a little 
 longer than the calyx. The plant grows in the Middle States. 
 
 Delphinium azureum, Michaux , grows from Wisconsin to Arkansas and the Rocky Mountains, 
 and has linear leaf-lobes and sky-blue or whitish flowers with a curved or ascending spur. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The no longer official plant, or larkspur, D. consolida, of which 
 the flowers, as well as the seeds, have been employed in medicine, and also the' tall lark- 
 spur (D. exaltatum), appear to possess acrid and irritant qualities, and in large doses to 
 excite vomiting and purging. They have been used in the treatment of scrofula , dropsy , 
 and spasmodic asthma , generally in the form of a tincture, which has also been much 
 employed as a lotion or in an ointment for the cure of itch and the destruction of lice. 
 D. consolida has of late been recommended for similar purposes ( Bull . de Therap ., civ. 480) 
 and for ulcerated buboes. An infusion of the flowers in water or in vinegar, 3 parts in 100, 
 has been used. Analogous qualities are ascribed to D. Ajacis by Benvenuti, who states 
 that it hastens the cicatrization of wounds, as D. consolida is also believed to do. Its 
 effects are ascribed to the alkaloid delphinine , which has also been obtained from D. 
 staphisagria. It has an acrid, hot taste, irritates the fauces, and is emetic and purgative. 
 In an ointment and rubbed upon the skin, delphinine causes a burning and prickling sen- 
 sation and a transient redness, such as veratrine occasions. In the case of a man affected 
 with torpor of the brain and abnormal excitability of the spinal cord Albers observed the 
 following effects of doses of Gm. 0.015 (gr. ^) repeated four times a day for several days : 
 salivation, burning, redness, and swelling of the throat, nausea, retching, loss of appetite, 
 straining at stool without evacuation, dysury, prickling and itching of the skin, great 
 
1514 
 
 ST A TICK 
 
 restlessness, and a small but otherwise normal pulse. The intelligence was not further 
 impaired, and the muscular power was rather augmented (Prayer Vierteljahrs ., lxii. ; 
 Analelct., p. 14). According to Boehm, staphisagrine (staphisaine) is a much less power- 
 ful poison to animals than delphinine, whose action, however, resembles its own in caus- 
 ing death by asphyxia. But it does not produce the energetic convulsions of delphinine, 
 nor depress the pulse like that alkaloid ; nor does it affect the cerebral functions, for the 
 animals under its influence continue to react almost until death, and do not fall into a 
 comatose condition. Husemann and Hilger epitomize its physical action thus : Delphi- 
 nine acts chiefly on the respiration and the circulation, and but little on the peripheral 
 nerves. Primarily it affects the respiratory muscles most ; in which respect, and in the 
 fact that its fatal action may be prevented by artificial respiration, it is analogous to 
 aconite ( Die Pflanzenstoffe , 2te Aufl., p. 617 ; Robert, Amer. Jour. Pliar ., lxii. ’394). 
 On the other hand, Gauthier places its analgesic quality highest ; next, in large doses, it 
 paralyzes the motor nerves ; it first excites the heart, and ultimately arrests it in diastole ; 
 it renders respiration irregular, then tetanizes the respiratory muscles and kills by asphyxia ; 
 it excites vomiting and diarrhoea ; it first contracts and then dilates the pupil (Land. Med. 
 Record , Oct. 15, 1887). From the citations it is evident that. different experimenters have 
 reached inharmonious conclusions. 
 
 Delphinine has been used with reputed success in the local treatment of neuralgia by 
 applying it over the superficial sensitive points of the affected nerves. Earache and 
 toothache have also been relieved by it. The dose of delphinine has been stated to be 
 Gm. 0.03 (gr. ss), repeated at intervals of three or four hours, but more recent authorities 
 state it should be between Gm. 0.001-0.006 (-^ and gr.), given internally and not sub- 
 cutaneously. A solution of from Gm. 1-2 in Gm. 32 (16 to 30 grains of the alkaloid in 
 an ounce of alcohol) may be used as a liniment, and an ointment may contain Gm. 
 0.60—2.60 (10 to 40 grains) of delphinine to an ounce of lard. 
 
 STATICE. — Marsh Rosemary. 
 
 Inkroot , Sea-lavender , E. ; Romarin des marais , Lavande triste , F. ; Strandnelke , G. 
 
 The root of Statice Limonium, Linne , variety caroliniana, Gray (Statice caroliniana, 
 Walter). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 166. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Plumbaginacese. 
 
 Origin. — Marsh rosemary is a perennial acaulescent plant which grows near the sea- 
 shore and in inland salt marshes of Southern and Western Europe. The variety carolini- 
 ana is an American plant, and grows in similar localities on the Atlantic coast. It has a 
 tuft of spatulate-oblong or oblanceolate, bristly pointed, one-ribbed leaves, and produces 
 in August a much-branched, panicled scape, bearing numerous small lavender-colored or 
 purplish-blue flowers ; the fruit is a one-seeded utricle contained in the base of the calyx. 
 The root should be collected in autumn. 
 
 Description. — The root of marsh rosemary is several-headed, from 30-60 Cm. (1 to 
 2 feet) long and 25 Mm. (1 inch) or more thick. The upper part is closely annu- 
 late, and the stout branches, after drying, are longitudinally wrinkled. The root has 
 a deep brownish-purple color externally, is somewhat paler internally, fleshy in the 
 fresh state, and after drying tough and compact. It breaks with a short fracture, ex- 
 hibiting a rather thick bark, and in the meditullium narrow pale-yellow wood-wedges. 
 The root is without odor and has a strongly astringent and slightly bitter taste. E. L. 
 Reed (1879) stated that when collected from swampy localities the root is long and little 
 branched, but when grown in a sandy soil it is short and considerably branched. 
 
 Constituents. — Edward Parrish (1842) found in the root 12.4 per cent, of tannin, 
 a trace of volatile oil, a little caoutchouc-like matter, gum, and other common vegetable 
 principles ; among the inorganic constituents the sodium sulphates and the chlorides and 
 magnesium are found. H. K. Bowman (1869) estimated the tannin by means of gelatin, 
 and determined the amount to be from 14 to 18 per cent, of the air-dry root. It reacts 
 greenish-black with ferric salts. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — The roots of most other species of Statice have similar properties, St. speciosa, 
 LinnS , is used in Siberia ; St. latifolia, Smith , in Southern Russia ; and St. brasiliensis in Brazil, 
 where it is known as baycuru and biacuru ; the latter contains 12.5 per cent, of tannin and 1.3 
 per cent, of acrid pungent resin (Ch. Symes, 1878). F. A. Dalpe (1884) obtained from the air-dry 
 root 9.7 per cent, of ash and an alkaloid, baycurine , which crystallizes from ether and chloroform 
 in small white feathery needles and dissolves in sulphuric acid with a red color. St. mucronata, 
 Linn£, of Morocco, has a root with a whitish meditullium, and is said to possess nervine prop- 
 erties. 
 
STILLINGIA. 
 
 1515 
 
 Action and Uses. — Marsh rosemary was anciently renowned as a remedy for pul- 
 monary and uterine haemorrhage, and for dysentery and other fluxes. In recent times it 
 has been used, like kino and other vegetable astringents, for similar purposes, and still 
 oftener in gargles for the cure of ulcerated, aphthous, and other forms of sore throat. 
 The emetic action ascribed to it is probably developed only when its dose is excessively 
 large. It may be used in tincture, decoction, or infusion. S. brasiliensis, or baycuru, is 
 used by the natives “ as an astringent and discutient remedy in all kinds of enlargements 
 and glandular swellings, internally as a fomentative, and frequently as a vapor ” ( Ain. 
 Jour. Phar ., lvi. 361). 
 
 STILLINGIA, U. S.— Stillingia. 
 
 Queens root , Queen's delight , Silver leaf, E. ; Stillingie , Fr., Gr. 
 
 The root of Stillingia sylvatica, Linne, s. Sapium sylvaticum, Torrey. Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 241. * 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Euphorbiacese. 
 
 Origin. — A perennial lactiferous herb growing in dry and sandy soil in the Southern 
 United States as far north as Eastern Virginia. The stems are erect 60-90 Cm. (2 or 3 
 feet) high, and have nearly sessile, alternate, elliptic, or lance-oblong, finely serrate, 
 smooth, and spreading leaves. The flowers are small, in dense catkin-like spikes, the 
 upper ones with two stamens, the lower ones pistillate, fertile, and with three diverging 
 stigmas on the thick style. The root should be collected late in autumn or early in 
 spring. 
 
 Description. — Stillingia-root is about 30 Cm. (1 foot) long, nearly 5 Cm. (2 inches) 
 in diameter above, tapering downward, little branched, but somewhat fibrous. It is 
 crowned with the short remnants or scars of numerous stems, is fleshy when fresh, after 
 drying compact and wrinkled longitudinally. Externally, it is of a light brown-gray 
 color, and internally of a pinkish tint. The root is tough and tenacious and breaks with 
 a fibrous fracture. On transverse section are seen a rather thick bark, the inner layer of 
 which is pale pinkish-brown and dotted with numerous brown-yellow resin-cells, and a 
 radially striate porous meditullium containing resin-cells in the medullary rays. The 
 odor of the fresh root is rather strong and disagreeable, but after drying is much weaker 
 and less unpleasant ; its taste is bitter and acrid, leaving a burning impression on the 
 palate. 
 
 Constituents. — From some experiments made by Wm. Saunders (1868) it appears 
 that, though the odor of the root may be diminished on drying and keeping, the pungency 
 is scarcely lessened by exposure for a year to light and air. The pungency seems to be 
 due to a resinous constituent which is readily soluble in alcohol. The so-called oil of 
 stillingia , as found in the market, is intended to be the ethereal extract, but sometimes 
 possesses scarcely any of the persistent acrimony of the root. Stillingia contains also 
 starch, tannin, and, according to J. II. Harmanson (1882), another principle, which, like 
 tannin, discharges the blue color of iodide of starch, and which is insoluble in alcohol 
 and ether, but readily soluble in hot water, and is destroyed on being boiled with diluted 
 acids. 
 
 Allied Species. — Stillingia (Excaecaria, Muller , Croton, Linni, Sapium, Roxburgh) sebifera, 
 Michaux. This is a medium-sized tree indigenous to China and somewhat cultivated in tropical 
 countries. The ovate three-celled fruit contains three seeds imbedded in a solid inodorous fat, 
 which consists principally of palmitin, with a little stearin, melts at 44.5° C. (112° F.), and is 
 known as Chinese tallow. After separating the tallow by boiling water, the seeds yield by pressure 
 a drying oil which melts at 35° C. (95° F.), and then remains liquid for a long time. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The root, when chewed and the juice swallowed, causes heat in 
 the mouth and fauces and along the oesophagus, increased salivation, and burning in the 
 stomach, and in susceptible persons vomiting also. It loses these qualities by drying 
 (Frost). Stillingia was originally introduced as an emetic and alterative, and has been 
 more or less used, especially in the Southern States, for the cure of scrofida , syphilis , and 
 cutaneous and hepatic disorders. The evidences of its power do not appear to be very 
 convincing. Thus, it is credited with curing phagedenic chancres which nothing else 
 could arrest, but it appears that with each dose of a decoction of stillingia 4 drops of 
 nitric acid were given. Now, nitric acid is reputed to cure syphilis. In 1846, Frost 
 claimed for stillingia curative virtues in scrofula and syphilis, but he associated with it 
 sarsaparilla, guaiac, and sassafras ( Charleston Jour., i. 617). A similar estimate must be 
 formed of the judgment expressed by Lopez ( New Orleans Med. and Surg. Jour., ii. 40), 
 
1516 
 
 STRAMONIUM. 
 
 and by Cornell ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour ., Aug. 1857, p. 37). Stillingia is best given 
 in a decoction made with Gm. 32 of the bruised root (1 ounce) in Gm. 750 (1J pints) 
 of water, gradually reduced to a pint. Dose , a wine-glassful two or three times a day. 
 The dose of the powder is Gm. 1—2 (gr. xv— xxx). 
 
 STRAMONIUM. — Stramonium ; Thornapple. 
 
 Stramoine, Poinme-epineuse , Fr. ; Stechapfel , Dornapfel , G. ; Estramonio , Toloache , Sp. 
 Datura Strain oninm, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 192. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solanaceae. 
 
 1. The Leaves. Stramonii folia, TJ . S., P. G. Herba stramonii. — Stramonium- 
 leaves; Thornapple-leaves, E. ; Feuilles de stramoine, Fr. ; Stechapfelblatter, G. ; Hojas 
 del estramonio, Sp. 
 
 2. The Seeds. Stramonii semen, U. S. Stramonii semina, Br. ; Stramonium- 
 seeds, E. ; Semences (graines) de stramoine, Fr. ; Stechapfelsamen, G. ; Semillas del 
 estramonio, Sp. 
 
 Origin. — Stramonium is known in the United States as Jamestown weed and Jimson 
 weed. It is very unequally distributed, being quite common in some localities and rare 
 
 in others, and grows in waste places and along roadsides 
 Fig. 293. throughout the greater part of the world, with the excep- 
 
 tion of the colder countries. Its native country is not 
 certainly known, but it is now by most botanists believed 
 to be indigenous to Asia. De Candolle refers it to the 
 countries bordering on the Caspian Sea ; others regard it 
 as coming from Northern India. It is a coarse-looking 
 annual weed, with a white, conical, branching root and 
 an erect, nearly smooth, pale-green, and succulent stem, 
 
 Fig. 294. 
 
 Capsule, mature, with two valves removed, 
 showing partitions and position of seeds (reduced). 
 
 Fig. 295. 
 
 Datura Stramonium, Linnt : flowering 
 branch. 
 
 Stramonium-seed and section, 
 magnified 3 diam. 
 
 with repeatedly forked branches. The flowers are on short stalks singly in the forks, 
 have a long tubular five-angled calyx with a short five-toothed limb, and a white, tubular, 
 funnel-shaped, five-plaited, and five-pointed corolla. The capsule is 5—7 Cm. (2 to 3 
 inches) long, surrounded below by the spreading base of the calyx, ovate in shape, 
 obtusely quadrangular, covered with spines, in the lower portion four-celled, but only 
 two-celled above, opens by four valves, and contains numerous seeds. 
 
 Datura Tatula, Linne , resembles the official plant very closely, is found in similar 
 localities, and is distinguished by its purple-colored stem, the darker-green foliage with 
 occasionally purplish petioles and nerves, and by the purple color of the flowers and 
 anthers. Many botanists regard it merely as a variety of Stramonium, but there are evi- 
 dent hybrids between the two forms, and, according to Naudin (1852), the seedlings from 
 these are again either D. Stramonium or D. Tatula. De Candolle considers this species 
 to be indigenous to South America, but it has spread over the greater part of the world. 
 
 Description. — 1. The Leaves. These should be collected while the plant is in 
 bloom, which commences early in summer. They are situated on the forks on long 
 petioles, vary in length from 7-20 Cm. (3 to 8 inches) and in width from 5—12 Cm. (2 to 
 5 inches), are ovate in shape, and have an unequal base, one side being decurrent on the 
 
STRAMONIUM. 
 
 1517 
 
 petiole. The apex is pointed and the margin coarsely and unequally sinuate-toothed. 
 The leaves are rather fleshy when fresh, and have a disagreeable narcotic odor, but after 
 drying are thin, brittle, and nearly inodorous. Young leaves are downy ; older ones are 
 smooth or slightly downy on the nerves beneath, and frequently perforated with nearly 
 circular holes. Their taste is unpleasant, saline, and bitter. 
 
 2. The Seeds. When ripe the seeds are of a dull brownish-black color, about 4 Mm. 
 (i inch) long, 2.5 Mm. ( T ^ inch) broad, and about 1 Mm. inch) thick ; they are reni- 
 form, flattened, finely pitted, and somewhat coarsely reticulate, and have the hilum on the 
 sinus. The testa is hard, and encloses a white oily albumen in which is imbedded the 
 cylindrical embryo, curving parallel with the edges of the seed. The seeds are inodorous 
 or nearly so, except after being bruised, when they emit a heavy unpleasant odor ; their 
 taste is oily and bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — The alkaloid daturine was discovered in the seeds by Geiger and 
 Hesse (1833), and subsequently found in other parts of the plant. According to Brandes, 
 the seeds contain it combined with malic acid. Von Planta (1850) pronounced this alka- 
 loid to be identical with atropine in composition, solubility, and fusibility. But the 
 physical experiments performed by Yon Schroff (1852) demonstrated the two alkaloids, 
 though acting qualitatively alike, to be very unequal in their effects, daturine being about 
 twice as strong as atropine. Subsequently, Erhard (1866) observed also some of their 
 salts to differ in their crystalline forms. These differences have been explained through 
 the researches of Ladenburg (1880), according to which daturine is a mixture of atropine 
 and hyoscyamine (see pp. 305 and 854), the latter usually predominating; but Ernst 
 Schmidt (1881) obtained also daturine which consisted principally of atropine. The 
 other constituents of the seeds are about 25 per cent, of a bland fixed oil, mucilaginous, 
 resinous, and other common principles, and about 3 per cent, of ash. Trommsdorff iso- 
 lated stramonin as a white tasteless powder, insoluble in water, readily soluble in fixed 
 and volatile oils, soluble in ether, and sparingly soluble in alcohol ; it does not appear to 
 have been further investigated. The leaves contain only about .02 per cent, of alkaloid, 
 besides mucilage, albumen, potassium nitrate, etc. ; they yield about 17 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Datura alba, Nees, of India, has rather small subglobular and sharply 
 spinous capsules and irregular triangular yellowish-brown, roughish seeds, which are used like 
 those of the preceding species. 
 
 Datura metel, Linne, which grows in Africa and Southern Asia, has obliquely cordate, some- 
 what sinuate toothed or nearly entire, soft-hairy leaves, and pendulous spiny capsules with 
 brownish-yellow seeds. 
 
 Datura sanguinea, Ruiz et Pavon , a shrub or small tree of Peru, has oblong, pointed, and 
 sinuate-toothed, on the lower side downy, leaves, and large flowers with a corolla, the lower half 
 of which is yellow and the upper half blood-red. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Stramonium and belladonna and their respective alkaloids, 
 daturine and atropine, are almost identical in their action upon man. Indeed, they are 
 held to be quite identical by some of the highest authorities ( Archives gen., Jan. 1881, 
 p. 12; Am. Jour. Pharm ., lvi. 440). The powdered leaves of stramonium in Gm. 0.12 
 (2-grain) doses slightly increase the fulness and frequency of the pulse, occasion a little 
 giddiness, and render the skin warm and the hands and face moist. Gm. 0.30 (5-grain) 
 doses cause dilatation of the pupils, difficulty of speech, nausea, thirst, dryness of the 
 throat, relaxation of the bowels, an increased flow of urine, and some feverishness. 
 Poisonous doses produce a condition like that of high fever with delirium ; the patient 
 may talk volubly and laugh, or become violent, biting and striking furiously, and usually 
 there is evidence of various, and sometimes grotesque, hallucinations ; the movements 
 may resemble those in chorea or in alcoholic intoxication ; the head is dizzy, heavy, or 
 light, and there is a tendency to faint ; the face is flushed, and occasionally swollen, the 
 eye bright, the conjunctiva injected, the pupil dilated, and the sight confused ; the skin 
 is sometimes covered with a bright-red eruption, which may be followed by a crop of 
 minute vesicles, or the eruption may resemble erysipelas at first and measles afterward. 
 In some cases hydrophobic phenomena occur, the sight of water or the attempt to drink 
 producing a convulsive paroxysm. In rare fatal cases the phenomena of excitement 
 sooner or later are succeeded by stupor, insensibility, relaxation, and even paralysis; the 
 pupils are inordinately dilated, the pulse is rapid arid thready, and the skin hot and per- 
 spiring. In no case is there any tendency to sleep, but. on the contrary, persistent 
 insomnia. When recovery takes place there is no distinct recollection of what has 
 occurred. Among the perversions of the senses it has been noticed that all black objects 
 appear green. A fatal case in a healthy man of fifty is reported by Newton {Med. Record , 
 
1518 
 
 STRAMONIUM. 
 
 xviii. 289), and one of a child (Med. News , lvii. 272). Cases of recovery have been pub- 
 lished by Terry (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Feb. 1882, p. 123), Rubio, etc. (Phila. 
 Med. Times xii. 458 ; xiii. 280) ; McCutcheon (New Orleans Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 
 1885) ; Gratiot (Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., vi. 400) ; Pedicini (Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 844). A 
 case of death following the application of a poultice of stramonium-leaves to an open 
 cancer of the breast has been related to us (Nov. 1871). A curious illustration of stra- 
 monium intoxication is presented by the narrative of its use in Mecca for criminal pur- 
 poses (Jour. Am. Med. Assoc., i. 22). Daturine occasions phenomena essentially iden- 
 tical with the above and with those caused by atropine, but with more depression, failure 
 of the pulse, and insensibility ; according to some observers, it dilates the pupils more 
 rapidly, although less persistently, than atropine. Other reporters, however, furnish a 
 different result, asserting that as a mydriatic daturine is three times as strong as atropine 
 and its action more prolonged. It is generally accepted, as being proved by the above 
 phenomena, that stramonium and daturine expend their power mainly upon the vaso- 
 motor nerves, in small doses contracting, but in large doses, paralyzing, the capillaries. 
 These actions are identical with those which experiment and observation have shown to 
 be exerted by hyoscy amine. Regnault and Valmont concluded from their experiments 
 that daturine is identical with atropine, and that hyoscyamine is often really impure 
 atropine (Archives gen., Jan. 1881, p. 16), and Oliver reached the same conclusion in 
 regard to the action of daturine and hyoscyamine (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1882, 
 P- 102). 
 
 At one time stramonium was believed to be a valuable remedy in various forms of 
 insanity, in mania as well as in melancholia, but experience has not confirmed the favor- 
 able judgment. Yet there are isolated cases in which phantasmal delirium appears to 
 have been removed by this medicine (I. Moreau, Le Traitement des Hallucinations, 1841). 
 A similar statement may be made respecting its use in epilepsy, and there is at least 
 every reason to regard it as not less efficacious than belladonna in that disease. It is 
 said to be employed in India in the treatment of hydrophobia (Times and Gaz., Dec. 
 1885, p. 894). The utility of stramonium in spasmodic asthma cannot rationally be 
 called in question ; the evidence in its favor is drawn from too many and too widely dif- 
 ferent sources to be gainsaid. The scepticism upon this point expressed by certain 
 writers may fairly be attributed to their having failed to discriminate between pure 
 asthma and asthma or dyspnoea connected with pulmonary or cardiac disease. In the 
 latter category the medicine must usually fail, either partially or wholly, and may even 
 aggravate the symptoms, while in pure nervous asthma there can be no doubt of its 
 power to relieve the paroxysms. It should be used as follows : Gm. 1 (about 15 grains) 
 of dried stramonium-leaves or half that quantity of the fibres of the dried root may be 
 smoked at once, mixed with sage-leaves or tobacco in a pipe or ,& cigarette. Or else 
 tobacco steeped in a strong decoction of stramonium may be smoked in a pipe, or cigars 
 impregnated with the same liquid may be used. If possible, the smoke should be drawn 
 into the lungs. An atomized decoction of stramonium has been used, but is less efficient. 
 Sawyer (Birmingham Med. Rev., May, 1887) recommends 1 part each of potassium 
 nitrate and anise-seed, and 2 parts of stramonium-leaves, powdered, formed into cones, 
 and lighted, the patient to inhale the fumes. Of other spasmodic affections more or less 
 benefited by this medicine may be mentioned ivhooping cough, dysmenorrhcea , and reten- 
 tion of urine caused by spasm of the neck of the bladder. In the latter case bruised 
 fresh stramonium-leaves may be used or stramonium ointment may be rubbed upon the 
 perineum. The rectal tenesmus, burning pain, etc. due to haemorrhoids, fissure, and other 
 affections of the anus and rectum may be greatly palliated by stramonium. A con- 
 venient formula for this purpose is the following : R. Ung. stramon., Ung. gallae, Cerat. 
 plumbi subacet., aa q. s. — M. S. Apply within the anus after defecation and washing. 
 
 The apparent identity of the physiological actions of stramonium and belladonna and 
 of their respective alkaloids naturally suggested an identity in their therapeutic powers. 
 But it does not really exist. Their differences are most conspicuous in the treatment of 
 neuralgic affections. In these belladonna is much more efficient than stramonium ; indeed, 
 while the former and atropine are among the most reliable of antineuralgic medicines, 
 stramonium is comparatively inefficacious and daturine has been but little used. More- 
 over, stramonium is much more employed as a local anodyne in superficial neuralgia, 
 while belladonna is even more active as an internal than as a topical remedy for these 
 as well as for the deeper-seated neuralgic affections. If stramonium is prescribed for 
 them internally, it should be given in such repeated doses as will develop the specific 
 action of the medicine. 
 
STR ON Til BR OMID UM. 
 
 1519 
 
 In subacute and chronic articular and in muscular rheumatism bruised fresh stramo- 
 nium-leaves produce an anodyne effect, and the ointment may be applied with some bene- 
 fit, but the action of either is inferior to that of belladonna or of opium ; the leaves make 
 a convenient and efficient anodyne application to bruises, sprains , and various local 
 injuries, including poisoning by Rhus toxicodendron. There is some authority for attribut- 
 ing to stramonium in full and repeated doses a certain control over the course of acute 
 articular rheumatism, but the evidence is too scanty and ambiguous to inspire much con- 
 fidence. 
 
 In the absence of belladonna, stramonium may be used to produce dilatation of the 
 pupil. It has this effect whether it is given internally or is topically applied. Daturine 
 bas been employed for the same purpose, and, as before stated, by some is held to be less 
 irritating to the eye than atropine, while others make the opposite statement. 
 
 The average dose of the leaves or the root of stramonium is about Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij) 
 and of the seeds about Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) repeated at intervals of several hours and until 
 it begins to dilate the pupil. The dose of daturine, hypodermically, is from Gm. 0.001- 
 
 0.0of(*to*), 
 
 The physiological and clinical antidote to stramonium is opium. Numerous cases are 
 reported in which opium or its liquid preparations, and especially morphine hypoderm- 
 ically, have apparently saved the lives of persons poisoned by stramonium. In the case 
 of an adult Gm. 1 (gr. xv) of morphine hydrochlorate was administered by the mouth 
 before the safety of the patient was secured (Anderson, Ranking' s Abst., xxx. 276). A 
 case is reported by Roth ( British Med. Jour., Sept. 19, 1885) in which repeated sub- 
 cutaneous injections of about y 1 ^ gr. of pilocarpine appeared to control the symptoms and 
 hasten recovery. 
 
 STRONTII BROMIDUM, 77. Strontium Bromide. 
 
 Bromure de strontium , Fr. ; Strontiumbromid , G. 
 
 Formula SrBr 2 .6H 2 0. Molecular weight 354.58. 
 
 Preparation. — Strontium bromide is best made by neutralizing diluted hydro- 
 bromic acid with strontium carbonate (free from barium and calcium) in excess, filtering 
 the mixture, and evaporating the clear solution until crystals begin to form. Upon cool- 
 ing the salt separates in crystals, which are then carefully dried to prevent efflorescence 
 at high temperature. 
 
 Properties. — Strontium bromide occurs in colorless, transparent, hexagonal crystals, 
 odorless and having a bitter saline taste ; they are very deliquescent, and should be kept 
 in well-stoppered vials. The salt is soluble in 1.05 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and 
 in 0.5 part of boiling t water, the aqueous solution being neutral to litmus-paper: it is 
 readily soluble in alcohol, and is precipitated from this solution upon the addition of an 
 equal volume of ether, in which it is insoluble. To a non-luminous flame the salt com- 
 municates an intensely red color. When heated the crystals first melt, and at 120° C. 
 (248° F.) lose all their water of crystallization (30.4 per cent.) ; the anhydrous salt fuses 
 at 630° C. (1166° F.). With calcium sulphate the aqueous solution of the salt (1 in 20) 
 slowly forms a white precipitate of strontium sulphate, insoluble in diluted acids ; the 
 same reaction occurs more quickly with diluted sulphuric acid, potassium sulphate, and 
 other soluble sulphates. With potassium chromate it forms a yellow precipitate of 
 strontium chromate soluble in acetic acid. With ammonium carbonate or sodium car- 
 bonate it forms a white precipitate of strontium carbonate, soluble with effervescence in 
 acetic acid. If a few drops of chloroform be added to 5 Cc. of the solution, then 1 Cc. 
 of chlorine-water and the mixture shaken, the liberated bromine will dissolve in the chlo- 
 roform, communicating to it a yellow or brownish-yellow color. 
 
 Tests. — 11 A 5 per cent, aqueous solution of strontium bromide should form no pre- 
 cipitate with potassium dichromate test-solution (absence of barium), nor should it be 
 affected by hydrogen sulphide either before or after addition of a drop of hydrochloric 
 acid (absence of arsenic, lead, copper, etc.), nor by ammonium sulphide test-solution 
 (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.).’’ — (77! S.) Iodine will be detected by the blue color 
 produced upon addition of 1 or 2 drops of chlorine-water to 5 Cc. of the aqueous solution, 
 previously mixed with a little gelatinized starch. The salt is usually found pure, except- 
 ing a small proportion of chloride, the limit of which is prescribed by the U. S. P. at 2 
 per cent., as follows : If 0.3 Gm. of strontium bromide, rendered anhydrous by thorough 
 drying before being weighed, be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and 3 drops of potassium 
 dichromate test-solution be added, it should require not more than 24.6 Cc. of decinormal 
 
1520 
 
 STRONT1I IODIDUM. 
 
 silver nitrate solution to produce a permanent red color. The reaction is identical with 
 that explained under Potassium Bromide: each 0.1289 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate 
 solution used in excess of 24.32 Cc., the quantity necessary to precipitate 0.3 Gm. of 
 anhydrous absolute strontium bromide, will indicate 1 per cent, of chloride present. 
 In the official test 24.60-24.32 = 0.28 and 0.28-^ 0.1289 = 2.17 (practically 2 per 
 cent.). 
 
 The preparation of pure strontium carbonate is attended with more or less difficulty, 
 and H. B. Dunham (1893) proposes to use strontium hydroxide instead, which latter can 
 either be dissolved in the respective acids or can be decomposed by the necessary salts 
 of ammonium. Strontium hydroxide Sr(OH) 2 , strictly pure, can be rapidly prepared, 
 according to Dunham, by heating strontium nitrate in a capsule for about twenty minutes 
 over a direct fire, which converts it into oxide : the latter is mixed with more than suf- 
 ficient water to slake it, and after subsiding the clear liquid is poured off, and the residue 
 is again treated with water in the same manner : by this treatment all barium hydroxide 
 is effectually removed, being soluble in 20 parts of water, whereas the strontium hydroxide 
 requires 60 parts of cold water. To free the strontium salt from any calcium possibly 
 present, it is now dissolved in boiling water (requiring 2.4 parts), and the solution then 
 set aside to crystallize : the crystals occur in transparent square prisms with 8 molecules 
 of water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1890, Laborde demonstrated the innocuousness of the 
 strontium salts on animals and on man, and ascribed to them a diuretic action. Bantron 
 considered the action of the nitrate as merely negative, but See, and afterward Coronedi, 
 found that the bromide especially was a sedative of various gastric disorders of nervous 
 origin, in which respect their opinion was confirmed by Fere, S. Solis Cohen, and others. 
 The action of the bromide in these cases is only what analogy would render probable. 
 According to Dujardin-Beaumetz, the lactate of strontium reduces the proportion of 
 albumen in albuminuria; and Malbec claims for it a sedative action on the heart in 
 diseases of its valves and of its muscular tissue. In the treatment of chronic epilepsy 
 Berkley has reported the superiority of strontium bromide over the other bromides to 
 consist in it not producing a rash or a marked somnolent effect. He prescribed it in 
 doses of Gm. 1.30—2 (gr. xx-xxx) (Johns Hopkins Hospital Bulletin , iv. 50). According 
 to See, the daily dose of the strontium bromide should be Gm. 8-12 (gr. cxx-clxxx) ; 
 Laborde states it at Gm. 2-4 (gr. xxx-lx) ; Malbec prescribes the dose of the lactate as 
 Gm. 2-10 (gr. xxx-cl) a day, and of the iodide the same as of the potassium salt. 
 
 STRONTII IODIDUM, U. S. — Strontium Iodide. 
 
 Iodure de strontium , Fr. ; Strontiumjodid , G. 
 
 Formula SrI 2 .6H 2 0. Molecular weight 448.12. 
 
 Preparation. — Like other strontium salts, the iodide is no doubt best prepared by 
 neutralizing the respective acid with strontium carbonate. Since hydriodic acid is rather 
 unstable, a freshly prepared solution of it should be employed, the excess of strontium 
 carbonate removed by filtration, and the clear solution concentrated by evaporation, 
 when cold, strontium iodide will separate in crystals. 
 
 As stated under Strontium Bromide, the iodide may also be obtained by neutralizing 
 hydriodic acid with strontium hydroxide and evaporating the solution to the crystallizing 
 point. 
 
 Properties. — Strontium iodide occurs in colorless, transparent, hexagonal plates, 
 odorless and having a bitterish, saline taste. The salt is deliquescent, and easily colored 
 yellow by exposure to the air and light ; hence it should be kept in dark amber-colored 
 glass-stoppered vials. “ It is soluble in 0.6 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.) and in 0.27 
 parts of boiling water ; also soluble in alcohol and slightly in ether; the aqueous solution 
 is neutral or only very slightly acid to litmus-paper. When cautiously heated, the 
 crystals melt and gradually lose their water of crystallization (24.05 per cent.), becoming 
 anhydrous : at a red heat they are decomposed, losing iodine, and leaving a residue of 
 strontium oxide.” — U. S. To a non-luminous flame the salt communicates an intensely 
 red color. If 1 Cc. of chlorine-water be added to 5 Cc. of an aqueous solution of the 
 salt after addition of a few drops of gelatinized starch, a bluish-black color will appear. 
 Toward calcium or potassium sulphate, potassium chromate, and sodium or ammonium 
 carbonate strontium iodide behaves precisely like the bromide. 
 
 Tests. — Barium can be detected in strontium iodide by the appearance of turbidity 
 in an aqueous solution upon addition of potassium dichromate. The aqueous solution 
 
STRONTII L ACT AS. 
 
 1521 
 
 should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide either before or after addition of a drop of 
 hydrochloric acid (absence of arsenic, lead, copper, etc.), nor by ammonium sulphide 
 solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.). “If 0.3 Gm. of strontium iodide, rendered 
 anhydrous by thorough drying before being weighed, be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, 
 and 3 drops of potassium dichromate test-solution be added, it should require not more 
 than 18 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution to produce a permanent red color (cor- 
 responding to at least 98 per cent, of pure salt).” — V. S. Since 0.3 Gm. of anhydrous 
 absolute strontium iodide require 17.62 Cc. and 0.3 Gm. of anhydrous absolute strontium 
 chloride, 37.21 Cc. of decinormal silver solution for complete precipitation, it follows that 
 each 0.1959 Cc. of silver solution used in excess of 17.62 Cc. must indicate 1 per cent, 
 of chloride ; hence in the official test 18 — 17.62 = 0.38, and 0.38 -s- 0.1959 = 1.94 (very 
 nearly 2 per cent.). 
 
 STRONTH LACTAS, U. S.— Strontium Lactate. 
 
 Lactate de strontium , Fr. ; Strontium-lactat , Milchsaurer Strontian. 
 
 Formula Sr(C 3 H 5 0 3 ) 2 .3H 2 0. Molecular weight 318.76. 
 
 Preparation. — Strontium lactate is made from the carbonate by dissolving it in 
 lactic acid somewhat diluted with water ; if necessary heat is applied to effect solution. 
 After filtration the solution is evaporated with moderate heat to dryness. 
 
 Like strontium bromide and iodide, the lactate is readily made from the hydroxide 
 by addition to lactic acid until a neutral solution is obtained, and evaporating this to 
 dryness. 
 
 Properties. — Strontium lactate occurs as a white granular powder or in crystalline 
 nodules, odorless, and of a slightly bitter, saline taste. “ The salt is permanent in the 
 air, and soluble in 4 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in less than 0.5 part of boil- 
 ing water. The solution, saturated at a boiling heat, remains liquid for many hours, 
 even after being cooled to 0° C. (32° F.). The salt is also soluble in alcohol. Its reac- 
 tion is slightly acid. When heated to 110° C. (230° F.), it loses its water (16.9 per 
 cent.) ; at a higher temperature it first fuses, then is decomposed, giving off inflammable 
 vapors, and leaves a residue of strontium carbonate and carbon, which, on addition of 
 hydrochloric acid, effervesces, and colors a non-luminous flame intensely red.” — U S. 
 The various reactions with calcium, potassium, ammonium, and sodium salts mentioned 
 under Strontium Bromide occur also with an aqueous solution of the lactate. If to 5 
 Cc. of a 5 per cent, aqueous solution of the salt 1 Cc. of sulphuric acid be added, and 
 then 1 Cc. of decinormal potassium permanganate solution, the red color will rapidly 
 disappear, while the mixture will effervesce and give off the odor of aldehyde. — 
 
 u. s. 
 
 Tests. — “ If 1 Gm. of the salt be dissolved in 19 Cc. of water, it should form a per- 
 fectly clear, colorless solution, leaving no insoluble residue (absence of carbonate, oxalate, 
 etc.). The aqueous solution should not be affected by hydrogen sulphide test-solution., 
 either before or after acidulation with a drop of hydrochloric acid (absence of arsenic, 
 lead, etc.), nor by ammonium sulphide test-solution (absence of iron, aluminum, etc.) 
 No turbidity should be produced in the solution by potassium dichromate test-solution 
 (absence of barium). If 0.5 Cc. of silver nitrate test-solution be added to 5 Cc. of the 
 aqueous solution, not more than a slight opalescence should be perceptible (limit of 
 chloride, etc.). If 0.5 Gm. of the salt be placed upon a watch-glass, and 1 Cc. of sul- 
 phuric acid be carefully poured upon it, no effervescence should occur (absence of car- 
 bonate, oxalate, etc.) ; nor should any penetrating odor be perceptible, even after gentle 
 heating (absence of butyrate, propionate, etc.) ; nor should the acid assume, within ten 
 minutes, a deeper color than a pale straw-yellow (limit of readily carbonizable, organic 
 impurities). If 1.33 Gm. of the salt, previously rendered anhydrous by careful drying 
 at 110° C. (240° F.), be ignited until most of the carbon has disappeared, and then dis- 
 solved in 10 Cc. of water, it should require, for complete neutralization, not less than 9.9 
 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid (corresponding to at least 98.6 per cent, of the pure salt), 
 
 1 methyl-orange being used as indicator.” — U. S. 
 
 Each gramme of anhydrous strontium lactate upon ignition yields 0.555 Gm. of stron- 
 tium carbonate, and as each Cc. of normal sulphuric acid requires, according to the 
 equation SrC0 3 -f- H 2 SO* SrS0 4 + C0 2 + H 2 0, 0.073525 Gm. of the carbonate for 
 neutralization, it will correspond to 0.13244 of anhydrous strontium lactate; 0.13244 X 
 9.9 = 1.311 + , which is 98.6 per cent, of 1.33. 
 
 96 
 
1522 
 
 STROPHANTHUS. 
 
 Fig. 296. 
 
 STROPHANTHUS, U. S., Br. Add,— Strophanthus. 
 
 Semen strophanthi , P. G. — Strophanthus-seed , E. ; Sentence de strophanthe , Fr. ; 
 phanthussamen , G. 
 
 The seed of Strophanthus hispidus, De Candolle (var. Kombe, Oliver , Br., P. G.), 
 deprived of its long awn. 
 iVa£. Oni — Apocynaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Tile genus is principally found in tropical Africa, where the plants are used 
 to prepare an arrow-poison known as me and kombe. The genus is characterized by 
 possessing long capsules enclosing about two hundred seeds, each furnished with a long 
 awn, which is terminated by a brush of long fine silky hairs. The capsule or follicle of 
 the species under consideration is from 20 to 30 Cm. (8—12 inches) long, is linear-oblong, 
 and pointed. The seeds are imported either in the follicles or loose, and then often freed 
 from the awns, which are very brittle. 
 
 Description. — Strophanthus-seeds are about 15 Mm. (J- inch) long and 4 to 5 Mm. 
 (l to ^ inch) broad : at the apex they are narrowed into the long and brittle awn, and at the 
 
 base are rather blunt. The awn is from 
 7 to 10 Cm. (3 to 4 inches) long, bare on 
 the lower part, and above is beset on all 
 sides with delicate white silky hairs, which 
 are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long. The 
 seed is oblong-lanceolate in outline, gray- 
 ish-brown externally, and covered with 
 appressed silky hairs. The seed is flat- 
 tened and obtusely two-edged ; on the 
 one side is a longitudinal ridge which is 
 prolonged into the awn. The kernel is 
 white and oily, and consists of a straight 
 embryo having two thin cotyledons sur- 
 rounded by a thin albumen (perisperm). 
 Strophanthus is nearly inodorous and has 
 a very bitter taste. “A decoction prepared 
 with 1 part of the seed and 10 parts of 
 water has a brownish color, and is not 
 changed in appearance on the addition of 
 solution of iodine, ferric chloride, or potas- 
 sium mercuric iodide.” — U. S ., P. G. 
 
 Constituents. — Strophanthus c on- 
 tains a glucoside, strophanthin, which was 
 isolated by Hardy and Gallois (1877). It 
 was extracted by treating the seeds, freed 
 from the hairs, with alcohol slightly acidu- 
 lated with hydrochloric acid, the tincture 
 evaporated to a soft extract, and treated 
 with cold water. This solution left on 
 spontaneous evaporation strophanthin in 
 shining white crystals. Fraser has since 
 pointed out that the crystals obtained by 
 Hardy and Gallois are probably a decom- 
 position-product of strophanthin, and which 
 he named strophanthidin. As the prin- 
 ciple itself is a glucoside readily decom- 
 posed by acids, so Fraser (1887) proposed 
 the extraction without the intervention of 
 any acid, using only dilute alcohol for 
 ether, dissolving in water, and treating the 
 precipitate obtained by tannin with lead oxide, extracting this with alcohol, dissolving 
 this in a small quantity of alcohol, precipitating with ether, and then passing carbon 
 dioxide into the weak alcoholic solution to free it from lead. After filtration the solution 
 is evaporated at a low temperature and dried over sulphuric acid. As thus obtained, 
 strophanthin is imperfectly crystalline, neutral to test-paper, very bitter, freely soluble 
 
 Strophanthus. 
 
STR OPHA NTHUS. 
 
 1523 
 
 in water, less so in alcohol, and is insoluble in ether and chloroform. Besides the glu- 
 coside, strophanthus contains also kombic acid. 
 
 A characteristic reaction for strophanthin is proposed by Helbing in the following : 
 When to a few drops of an aqueous strophanthin solution a trace of ferric chloride is 
 added, and then some sulphuric acid, a red-brown precipitate appears, which gradually, 
 within one or two hours, becomes emerald- or dark-green, this color remaining for a long 
 time. 
 
 False Strophanthus-seeds. — The seed of Str. dichotomus, De Candolle , is brown 
 or chestnut-brown in color, and less densely covered with hairs ; it otherwise resembles 
 the above. 
 
 Ivicksia africana, Bentham , yields seeds which are dark-brown, slightly bitter, and 
 possess neither the bearded awn nor the appressed hairs as found in strophanthus-seeds. 
 
 Physiological Action. — In 1865, Pelikan described a new heart-poison, which 
 primarily arrested that organ. In the same year Hilton-Fagge and Stevenson ascribed 
 to it similar qualities. But the earliest thorough study of strophanthus, under the name 
 of inee , was made in 1872 by Polaillon and Carville ( Archives de Physiol ., iv. 523). 
 They showed that it produced tonic contraction of the heart, ending in arrest of the 
 organ, involving death by syncope, and usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. 
 “Inee,” they said, “is essentially a muscular poison, destroying the contractility both of 
 smooth and striated muscles ; but it does not appear to act upon the peripheral blood- 
 vessels nor npon the nervous system.” Meanwhile, in 1870, Fraser had described it as 
 an arrow-poison, but in 1885 ( British Med. Jour., Nov. 1885, p. 904) he defined its 
 action in the terms previously used by the French authors, adding that its control of the 
 heart was more powerful and certain than that of digitalis. Thus a solution of strophan- 
 thin 1 : 6,000,000 more readily arrested the separated frog’s heart than a solution of 
 digitalin 1 : 100,000 ; but a solution of digitalin 1 : 20,000 passed through the blood- 
 vessels of a frog whose central nervous system had been destroyed, contracted them 
 strongly, while a solution of strophanthin 1 : 3000, or even 1 : 2000, produced a slight 
 and temporary effect only. He agreed with other observers that it does not contract the 
 arteries, although it increases the blood-pressure. He did not find that it lowered the 
 pulse-rate in health, nor that it became diuretic or antipyretic except under certain con- 
 ditions of the heart and temperature. Among later authorities also, Eichhorst says that 
 only “ under certain conditions ” does it become diuretic, and that even then its action 
 is very slight ( Centralhl . f d. g. Therap., vi. 150) ; yet he observed copious diuresis 
 follow its use in ascites. Bosenbusch regarded its diuretic power as distinct though 
 slight (Med. News , Hi. 238), and as developed only when the heart is obstructed (Bull, 
 de Therap., cxv. 281). On the other hand, Dujardin-Beaumetz pronounced it a powerful 
 diuretic, provided that the kidneys are sound, and especially when it regulates imperfect 
 compensation in the heart. Csatary maintained that in a healthy condition the medicine 
 is not diuretic, and that the condition of the kidneys does not modify this action, which 
 he held is due to the increased pressure of the blood consequent upon the toxic influence 
 of the medicine on the heart (Centralhl. f. d. g. Ther., v. 701). In singular contrast to 
 these judgments is that of Lemoine (Annuaire de Therap., 1883, p. 243), who affirms 
 that polyuria is the most constant of all the effects of strophanthus even in healthy 
 persons, and that it continues even for a long time after the medicine is suspended. He 
 notes, however, that strophanthin is not diuretic, the two differing like digitalis and 
 digitalin. Again, Mairet and others declare that the medicine produces diuresis only by 
 a direct action on the kidneys (Med. News, liii. 419). The divergencies and oppositions of 
 opinion here stated have not been altogether reconciled by later observation. But the con- 
 clusions that seem to be established are — that strophanthus invigorates the heart-muscle 
 while dilating its cavities and the arteries, and yet raising the pressure within them, 
 leaving the pressure in the veins unchanged ; that it reduces the force and the frequency 
 of the heart-beat, and regulates its rhythm when irregular; that it is diuretic (although 
 this point is not admitted by all) ; that its effects are not cumulative ; and that occasion- 
 ally it excites nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea (Lee and Gley, Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., 
 xcvii. 176; Haas, ibid., p. 823; Lemoine, ibid., p. 391 ; Egasse, Bull. de. Therap., cxvi. 
 83 ; Popper, Centralhl. /. Therap., vii. 410; Blumenau, ibid., 343; Kugler, Bull, et 
 Memo ires Soc. Therap., i.889, p. 224). 
 
 The influence of strophanthus on the pulse appears to have been less carefully studied 
 than its other effects, especially if we are to accept the report of Drasche, which is 
 opposed to the original statement of Fraser. According to Drasche (Centralhl. f. d. g. 
 Med., vi. 347), 5 drops of the tincture reduces the pulse of a healthy man by eight to 
 
1524 
 
 STROPHANTHTJS. 
 
 twelve beats a minute; and 10 drops would in half an hour reduce it by twelve to 
 twenty beats. In one case after a dose of 20 drops it fell from 84 to 54, while the 
 temperature declined 1° C. In a case of pneumonia the reduction is said to have been 
 even greater. Strophanthin is a local anaesthetic, but its irritant action renders this 
 quality of little avail. 
 
 The poisonous action of the drug is sometimes developed. Haas ( Centralbl . f. d. g. 
 Ther ., vi. 16) met with three cases of cardiac and valvular obstruction treated by its 
 means, in which the patient became cyanotic and suffered from dyspnoea and great cardiac 
 distress, followed by collapse. It is to be remarked that nothing is here said of pulse- 
 reduction, of pallor, or of vomiting, symptoms which attend digitalis-poisoning. Eich- 
 horst, on the other hand, speaks of a woman with mitral insufficiency and congestive 
 symptoms who drank Gm. 10 (f^ijss) of tincture of strophanthus without injury ( Cen- 
 tralbl '. f. d. g. Tlier., vi. 150). The case is related by Hr. H. Y. Evans of a child five 
 years old who was said to have taken 20 drops of a tincture of S. hispidus. The face 
 was flushed, the skin hot and dry, the pupils dilating and contracting alternately every 
 few seconds, the pulse 140 and full, the heart acting vigorously with a slight murmur, 
 the mind clear, but the patient loquacious. Recovery followed the use of emetics, but 
 no urine was passed for ten hours ( Med . News , lii. 674). These symptoms, it will be 
 seen, were quite unlike those attributed to strophanthus. 
 
 Uses. — Fraser proved, clinically, that strophanthus and strophanthin gave tone to the 
 heart rendered weak and irregular by degenerative or by obstructive lesions. He held 
 them to be more powerful than digitalis and digitalin in such cases, and that the most 
 satisfactory results were obtained in mitral disease without muscular degeneration of 
 the heart. He did not find strophanthus haemostatic, as digitalis is, by constricting the 
 arteries, or that it was ever explosive in its action, or that it was as apt to occasion intes- 
 tinal disorder. In the main, these conclusions have been confirmed by later observation 
 (S. C. Chew, Med. Record , xxxi. 516 ; Hutchinson, Brit. Med. Jour., May 7, 1887 ; Pino, 
 Med. News , li. 189 ; Makenna, Brit. Med. Jour., Sept. 3, 1887 ; Mays, Med. News , li. 472). 
 Zerner and Low more specifically state that the efficiency of the medicine will depend 
 upon the proportion of sound tissue remaining in the heart, but that in valvular disease 
 without impairment of the heart-muscle it, no more than digitalis, affords the same degree 
 of relief as when the heart is positively or relatively weak ( Centralb . f. d. g. Ther,, v. 
 618). It was observed by Haas that fever interfered with the action of strophanthin. 
 He also alleged that it restricted the range and lessened the force of the apex impulse, 
 but did not diminish the intensity of the normal sounds or of the murmurs ( Central h. f. 
 d. g. Ther., vi. 14). 
 
 In comparison with digitalis, strophanthus cannot be said to have inspired the same 
 confidence as a regulator of the disordered heart. For, while Csatary points out the 
 uncertainty of digitalis and its preparations (ibid., vi. 701), and Haas maintains the 
 superiority of strophanthus because its action is quicker and surer and does not derange 
 the digestion or appetite, and Quinlan adopts a similar view {Brit. Med. Jour., Aug. 27, 
 1887), the greater number award the superiority to digitalis. Hochhaus states that the 
 latter has frequently to be used to reinforce the former, and that the indications for its 
 use are more definite (Cent. f. d. g. Ther., v. 699); Eichhorst maintains that although 
 the two agents act upon the heart alike (?), yet digitalis acts more promptly and surely, 
 while strophanthus has the advantage of not exerting a cumulative action (ibid., vi. 150) ; 
 Suckling declares the inferiority of strophanthus (Brit. Med. Jour., Nov. 19, 1887), in 
 which judgment Graetz concurs, but adds that its chief value consists in its power of 
 dissipating paroxysms of cardiac disorder (Centralb. f. d.g. Ther., vi. 217) ; and Frankel 
 regards it as rather an adjuvant to digitalis than as a substitute for it (ibid., p. 272) ; that 
 it is more effective in functional than in organic heart diseases (in which opinion several 
 reporters concur) ; and, contrary to general testimony, that even when it acts favorably 
 it does not show its influence within twenty-four hours. Some of these dissidences of 
 opinion may be reconciled by noting that when strophanthus relieves cardiac disorder 
 which digitalis has not palliated, but perhaps aggravated (Domme, Therap. Monatsh., iii. 
 82 ; Hare, University Med. Mag., i. 342), the explanation is that the one increases the 
 capacity of the heart, while the other diminishes it. It has been suggested that digitalis 
 is most efficient in reducing the frequency and increasing the tension of the pulse, and 
 that strophanthus is indicated when digitalis fails in its sedative as well as its diuretic 
 action, and that in some cases the two may be profitably associated. Briefly, the indica- 
 tions, for the use of strophanthus in heart disease are irregularity and insufficiency of the 
 action of the heart and their consequences — viz. tissue-degeneration, valvular obstruc- 
 
STBYCHNTNA. 
 
 1525 
 
 tion, and cardiac distress, varying from oppression to angina pectoris . (Compare Dujar- 
 din-Beaumetz, Bull, de Therap .. cxvi. 88 ; Bucquoy, Archives gen., Feb. 1889, p. 244 ; 
 Haas, Cent. f. Ther., vii. 219 ; See, Bull, de Therap., cxvi. 90 ; Devine, Boston Med. and 
 Surg. Jour.. Nov. 1888, p. 479 ; Dale, Med. News, liii. 716 ; Pope, Lancet, Apr. 1889, 
 P . 739.) 
 
 It seems probable tliat the power of this drug to concentrate the heart’s energy with- 
 out constringing the arteries renders it peculiarly efficient in cardiac dropsy, enabling it 
 to overcome the stagnations and congestions accompanying the latter, and especially those 
 of the kidneys and lungs (V. I. Bowditch, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Mar. 1887, p. 
 253), and at the same time, by its diuretic action, the various effusions due to vascular 
 engorgement. Haas (Cent. f. d. g. Therap ., vi. 14) and Langaard ( Practitioner , xl. 59) 
 think it should supersede digitalis in the treatment of cardiac dropsy, and Poulet (Bull, 
 de Therap., cxiii. 529) in that of renal or scarlatinous dropsy. Hutchinson attributes to 
 the diuretic action of the medicine the relief obtained in a case of renal calculi (Provin- 
 cial Med. Jour., Oct. 1, 1887). It is hardly necessary to catalogue several other diseases 
 in which strophanthus has been said to be useful ; the list, however, includes typhoid and 
 other fevers, nervous asthma, pneumonia, phthisis, peripheral paralysis, etc. Its alleged 
 utility in nervous asthma is less open to doubt. Like erythrophleine and helleborine, 
 strophanthin has a local anaesthetic action, but is too irritating for practical use (Stein- 
 bach ; Hare and De Schweinitz, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 821). Biffat claims that the tincture 
 cures urticaria (Practitioner, xliii. 380), and Brower reports having cured exophthalmic 
 goitre by doses of 2 drops every six hours, gradually increased to 10 drops (Jour. Amer. 
 Med. Assoc., xi. 628) ; and Ferguson claims to have palliated the symptoms by the same 
 means (Med. News, 1 vii. 633 ; Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., xxi. 187). 
 
 Tincture of strophanthus (1 : 20) may be given to children in doses of 1 drop three 
 times a day ; to adults, Gm. 0.25-0.50 (^4—8) two or three times a day, largely diluted 
 with water and an aromatic syrup, and reduced if nausea or vomiting occur. The extract 
 has been used in the dose of Gm. 0.001 (gr. -J%). Strophanthin cannot well be adminis- 
 tered hypodermically, owing to the irritation it produces. It has been given internally 
 as follows: Strophanthin Gm. 0.002-0.004 (-gL— 1 ^-) ; distilled water Gm. 180 (fgvj) ; 
 simple syrup Gm. 30 (f§j), for a day’s use, in three or four doses. But the tincture and 
 the extract are both preferable for convenience as well as safety. 
 
 Under the name of ouaba'ine , Varigny and Langlois have described the action of an 
 African arrow-poison whose effects closely resemble those of strophanthus in that it occa- 
 sions a persistent contraction of the heart-ventricles, besides causing a gradual suspension 
 of respiration (Annuaire de Therap., 1888, pp. 305, 306, 308). Indeed, it is regarded 
 as identical with strophanthin (Egasse, Bull, de Ther., cxvi. 76), in spite of the effects 
 of it just mentioned. It has been alleged to reduce the number and severity of the 
 paroxysms of whooping cough when given to a child five years old in doses of Gm. 
 0.00006 (j-oVff g ra -i n ) every three hours (Med. News, lvi. 562). Others have given it in 
 doses of Gm. 0.0003 (^g- grain). 
 
 STRYCHNINA, U. S., Br., JP. Cod.— Strychnine. 
 
 Strychnia, Br. ; Strychninum. — Strychnine, Fr. ; Strychnin, G. 
 
 Formula C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 . Molecular weight 333.31. 
 
 An alkaloid obtained from Nux vomica, and also obtainable from other plants of the 
 nat. ord. Loganiaceae. — TJ. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Nux Vomica 1 pound ; Lead Acetate 180 grains ; Ammonia- 
 water, Rectified Spirit, Distilled Water a sufficiency. Subject the nux vomica for two 
 hours to steam in any convenient vessel ; chop or slice it ; dry it in a water-bath or hot- 
 air chamber, and immediately grind it in a coffee-mill. Digest the powder at a gentle 
 heat for twelve hours with 2 pints of the spirit and 1 of the water; strain through linen, 
 express strongly, and repeat the process twice. Distil off the spirit from the mixed fluid, 
 evaporate the watery residue to about 16 ounces, and filter when cold. Add now the 
 lead acetate, previously dissolved in distilled water, so long as it occasions any precipitate ; 
 filter; wash the precipitate with 10 ounces of cold water, adding the washings to the 
 filtrate ; evaporate the clear fluid to 8 ounces, and when it has cooled add the ammonia 
 in slight excess, stirring thoroughly. Let the mixture stand at the ordinary temperature 
 for twelve hours ; collect the precipitate on a filter, wash it once with a few ounces of 
 cold distilled water, dry it in a water-bath or hot-air chamber, and boil it with successive 
 portions of rectified spirit till the fluid scarcely tastes bitter. Distil off most of the spirit, 
 
1526 
 
 STRYCHNIN A. 
 
 evaporate the residue to the bulk of about J ounce, and set aside to cool. Cautiously 
 pour off the yellowish mother-liquor (which contains the brucia of the seeds) from the 
 white crust of strychnia which adheres to the vessel. Throw the crust on a paper filter, 
 wash it with a mixture of 2 parts of rectified spirit and 1 of water till the washings cease 
 to become red on the addition of nitric acid ; finally, dissolve it by boiling it with an 
 ounce of rectified spirit, and set it aside to crystallize. More crystals may be obtained 
 by evaporating the mother-liquor. — Br. 
 
 This process is a modification of the one proposed by Wittstein. The tincture, prepared 
 with about 55 per cent, alcohol, is concentrated, and the resinous and other insoluble 
 matter separated by filtration. Lead acetate precipitates from the filtrate igasuric 
 acid and coloring matter, and leaves the alkaloids in solution as acetates. These ar.e 
 decomposed by ammonia, and the precipitated alkaloids treated with hot alcohol, from the 
 concentrated solution of which strychnine crystallizes, and is entirely purified from brucine 
 and coloring matter by washing with alcohol of about 55 per cent, and by recrystalli- 
 zation from strong alcohol. 
 
 O. Henry (1830) recommended the exhaustion of nux vomica by means of alcohol 
 acidulated with sulphuric acid and the liberation of the alkaloids by lime. Duflos recom- 
 mended a similar process, using acidulated water for exhausting the drug ; and this is 
 frequently followed when working on the large scale, and was adopted b} r the U. S. P. 
 1870. Powdered nux vomica, or the drug softened by steam and while hot crushed 
 between rollers, is exhausted by boiling with very dilute hydrochloric or sulphuric acid ; 
 the decoction contains the alkaloids as hydrochlorates or sulphates, together with the 
 liberated igasuric acid, mucilaginous compounds, coloring matter, and other principles. 
 On the addition of slaked lime the salts of the alkaloids are decomposed, calcium chlo- 
 ride or sulphate is formed, and strychnine and brucine are precipitated, together with 
 the excess of lime employed, and with calcium sulphate. On washing this precipitate 
 with water, the foreign principles are mostly removed, and by treatment with cold diluted 
 alcohol the brucine is dissolved. The residue now consists essentially of lime and strych- 
 nine, the latter of which is taken up by boiling alcohol, and further purified by convert- 
 ing it into sulphate soluble in water, decolorizing with animal charcoal, and precipitating 
 with an alkali; or, the washed and dried precipitate by lime is at once exhausted with 
 boiling alcohol, and the mixed strychnine and brucine are purified by treatment with sul- 
 phuric acid, animal charcoal, and ammonia, and separated by dissolving in hot alcohol, 
 when, on cooling, strychnine will crystallize and brucine remain in the mother-liquor. 
 
 Various other processes have been proposed, differing mainly in the manner in which 
 the alkaloids are liberated and afterward separated from each other. Magnesia or sodium 
 carbonate may be substituted for the lime and ammonia in the above processes ; and 
 benzene was suggested by Boiraux and Leger (1875) for dissolving strychnine from the 
 mixed alkaloids, brucine, it is stated, being completely insoluble in that menstruum. 
 
 Properties. — Strychnine is seen in commerce as a white crystalline powder or crys- 
 tallized in colorless, short, quadrangular prisms or octahedrons of the rhombic system. 
 It is permanent in the air, inodorous, has a very persistent bitter taste, which is still per- 
 ceptible if strychnine is dissolved in 700,000 parts of liquid. The alkaloid has an 
 alkaline reaction, melts below 268° C. (514° F.), is sublimable only when very minute 
 quantities are carefully heated (Hellwig, 1864), and is decomposed at a higher heat. 
 Pelletier and Caventou, who discovered this alkaloid in 1818, found it soluble in about 
 6700 parts of cold and 2500 parts of boiling water, and to be insoluble in absolute ether. 
 It dissolves in 110 parts of cold and 12 parts of boiling alcohol (£ 7 . $.) ; in 107 parts of 
 95 per cent, alcohol, 180 parts of amylic alcohol, 165 partsof benzene, and in 1250 parts of 
 commercial ether (Dragendorff) ; \n about 5 parts of chloroform (Pettenkofer), in 300 
 parts of glycerin (Cass and G-arot) ; and is also soluble to some extent in volatile and 
 fixed oils and in creosote. Its solubility in water is not increased by ammonia or caustic 
 potassa, but dilute acids render it much more soluble, with the formation of neutral salts, 
 which are mostly crystallizable and are precipitated by alkalies, alkali carbonates, chro- 
 mates, and, after some time, by soluble bicarbonates. Lextrait (1881) obtained long 
 needles of a compound consisting of 3 molecules of strychnine and 1 of iodoform ; it 
 becomes yellow at 90° C. (194° F.), is very sparingly soluble in alcohol, and dissolves 
 freely in ether and chloroform, decomposing when kept in solution. 
 
 Strychnine and its salts dissolve in concentrated sulphuric acid without color, but on 
 the addition of a little peroxide of lead a beautiful blue color is produced, passing into 
 violet, red, and finally into yellow (Marchand). If a small crystal of potassium dichro- 
 mate is used instead of the lead oxide, a deep violet color is produced, or a blue color if 
 
STRYCHNINE SULPHAS. 
 
 152? 
 
 strychnine is in excess (Otto). A similar color is obtained with sulphuric acid and potas- 
 sium ferricyanide (Davy) ; it passes like the preceding, though more slowly, through 
 red into yellow, and finally fades. The solution of strychnine in sulphuric acid con- 
 taining some nitric acid yields on the addition of manganese dioxide a purplish- 
 violet color (Mack, Erdmann), and a similar color, but rapidly fading to yellow, is pro- 
 duced with chloric, chlorous, and iodic acids and their salts, with manganic sulphate and 
 potassium permanganate (Lefort). If much contaminated with organic matter, the alka- 
 loid is best purified by dissolving it in a dilute acid, so as to free it from fatty and resin 
 ous matters, liberating it by ammonia, and dissolving it by agitation with chloroform ; 
 if necessary, the process is repeated, and the residue from the evaporation of chloroform 
 is tested as above. If the above tests are carefully applied, a very minute quantity may 
 be detected, according to Wenzell (1870), in a solution containing the part of 
 
 strychnine. 
 
 On dissolving 0.02 Gm. of strychnine in 2 Cc. of nitric acid (sp.gr. 1.300) in a small 
 test-tube, the acid should not turn more than faintly yellow (limit of brucine.)” — U. S. 
 
 The composition of strychnine is expressed by the formula C 21 H 22 N 2 Q 2 (Eegnault) ; 
 according to Schiitzenberger (1858), it sometimes contains 22 or 20 C. ; Claus (1881) 
 observed a strychnine with 22 C. 
 
 Tests. — The freedom from inorganic matters is readily proven by the absence of ash 
 on incinerating a portion. Concentrated nitric acid should not produce a red color, or only 
 a very faint one, showing the absence of more than traces of brucine. 
 
 STRYCHNINE SULPHAS, U. S.— Strychnine Sulphate. 
 
 Strychninum sulfuricum. — Sulfate de strychnine , Fr. ; Schwefel satires Strychnin , G. 
 
 Formula (C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 5H 2 0. Molecular weight 854.24. 
 
 Strychnine sulphate should be kept in well-stoppered vials. 
 
 Preparation. — In preparing this salt it is best to use the strychnine in the form 
 of powder, and add it in slight excess to warm dilute sulphuric acid ; the filtrate from 
 the undissolved strychnine will yield the salt on being evaporated spontaneously to dry- 
 ness ; on the cooling of the hot saturated solution a salt with 5H 2 0 crystallizes in long 
 thin prisms. 
 
 Properties. — Strychnine sulphate crystallizes in colorless or white prismatic crys- 
 tals containing 10.51 per cent, of water of crystallization. The salt has a neutral reac- 
 tion, is inodorous, and has the intensely bitter taste and the color reactions of strychnine 
 salts. On exposure it becomes superficially opaque through efflorescence. According 
 to the U. S. P., it is soluble in 50 parts of water and in 100 parts of alcohol at 15° C. 
 (59° F.), in 2 parts of boiling water, and in 8.5 parts of boiling alcohol ; also soluble in 
 26 parts of glycerin, but insoluble in ether. Lextrait (1882) recommends the salt with 
 5H,0, which is uniformly obtained by crystallizing from alcohol of more than 50 per 
 cent, strength. The Pharmacopoeia has made the salt with 5 molecules of water of 
 crystallization official, in place of the one with 6 molecules of the revision of 1880. 
 When this is heated to 100° C. (212° F.), it slowly loses its water of crystallization 
 (10.51 per cent.); more rapidly when heated at 110° C. (230° F.) and when quickly 
 heated to 200° C. (392° F.), the salt fuses. The aqueous solution of the salt gives with 
 barium chloride a white precipitate of barium sulphate, and with potassa or ammonia a 
 white precipitate of strychnine which shows the reactions described above. When heated 
 to redness the salt should leave no residue. 
 
 From the observations of Rammelsberg and of Lextrait it appears that in Europe the 
 normal and acid sulphates are used indiscriminately ; the former (pharmacopoeial) salt 
 contains 75.43 per cent, of strychnine, while the latter contains 71.36 per cent., its for- 
 mula being C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 H 2 S0 4 .2H 2 0, and it becomes anhydrous at 150° C. (302° F.). 
 
 Test. — “On dissolving 0.05 Gm. of strychnine sulphate in 2 Cc. of nitric acid (specific 
 gravity 1.300), in a small test-tube, the acid should not turn more than faintly yellow 
 (limit of brucine).” — U. S. 
 
 Other Salts of Strychnine. — Strychnine acetas. The neutral salt crystallizes with difficulty, 
 and on evaporating its solution loses a portion of the acid ; it dissolves in 96 parts of water and 
 in 15.1 parts of chloroform. 
 
 Strychnine hydriodas, C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 .TII : molecular weight 460.84. It is sparingly soluble in 
 cold water, but dissolves more freely in alcohol. It is prepared by adding solution of potassium 
 iodide to the solution of a strychnine salt, dissolving the precipitate in alcohol, and crystallizing. 
 It forms quadrangular needles or white scales, has a very bitter taste, and contains 72.3 per cent, 
 of strychnine. 
 
1528 
 
 STRYCHNINE SULPHAS. 
 
 Strychnine hydrobromas, C 2 ,H 22 N 2 0 2 .lIBr ; molecular weight 414.07. Bullock (1875) recom- 
 mended its preparation from 45 grains of strychnine sulphate dissolved in a mixture of 1 fluid- 
 ounce of water and 2 fluidrachms of alcohol. To this solution is added a solution of 11.7 grains 
 of potassium bromide in 1 fluidrachm of water and 1 fluidounce of alcohol. The precipitated 
 potassium sulphate is filtered off, the filtrate is mixed with a fluidounce of water, concentrated, 
 and crystallized. It forms prismatic needles which are sparingly soluble in alcohol, more 
 readily soluble in dilute alcohol, and require about 32 parts of cold water for solution. It con- 
 tains 80 per cent, of strychnine. 
 
 Strychnine hydrochloras, 2(C 21 II 22 N 2 0 2 .HC1).3H 2 0 5 molecular weight 793.24. It is best 
 prepared by dissolving strychnine in warm dilute hydrochloric acid, and crystallizes in silky 
 needles, which lose their water of crystallization at 120° C. It dissolves in 50 parts of cold water, 
 and contains 84 per cent, of strychnine. 
 
 Strychnine nitras 5 Strychninum nitricum, P. G. On dissolving strychnine in warm very 
 dilute nitric acid the solution yields, on cooling, colorless needles of a silky lustre and very bitter 
 taste. The salt is soluble in 90 parts of cold and in 3 parts of boiling water, and in 70 parts of 
 cold and 5 parts of boiling alcohol. It is less freely soluble in absolute alcohol and fixed oils is 
 insoluble in ether, but dissolves in 26 parts of glycerin. Its composition is C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 .HN0 3 
 molecular weight 396.20. It contains 84 per cent, of strychnine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — It may reasonably be believed — 1, that strychnine does not act 
 upon the muscles, the nervous extremities, or the nerve-trunks ; 2, that it does act upon 
 the nerve-centres in the medulla oblongata and medulla spinalis ; and, 3, that it acts 
 upon those centres first by stimulating them when given in small doses, and by exhaust- 
 ing them, and thereby exaggerating their reflex irritability, when poisonous doses 
 are used, in this respect falling under the general law that the actions of small and of 
 large doses of an active agent are antagonistic to one another. (Compare Poole, Med. 
 Record , xix. 201.) The latter of the two effects are probably dependent, in part at least, 
 upon the power of strychnine to contract the arteries and the heart and to slow the 
 pulse. It is essentially through spasm, in so far as it throws the respiratory muscles into 
 tonic contraction and by rendering the chest immovable, that it tends to produce 
 asphyxia, with its usual symptoms of dark venous congestion of the eyes and interior of 
 the mouth. This explanation renders clear the agency of artificial respiration in saving 
 the life of animals in strychnine poisoning (Richet, Med. Mews, etc., Nov. 1880, p. 659), 
 and the effect of keeping the frog’s skin moist in preventing or delaying the fatal action 
 of the poison upon this animal. (For an exhaustive study of the physiological action of 
 strychnine see Reichert, Tlierajp. Gaz., vol. xvi.) Powdered nux vomica and also 
 strychnine rubbed upon the skin persistently act as local irritants : this action is 
 greatly intensified if they are applied to the raw cutis, and may be attended with specific 
 general symptoms. In small doses, internally, they are tonics, increasing the appetite 
 and the urinary secretion, and the fecal discharges also when these are infrequent, but’ 
 diminishing the latter when their frequency is due to atony of the bowels. Like other 
 bitter tonics, their prolonged and excessive use deranges the digestion. They appear to 
 augment the biliary and pancreatic secretions. Strychnine is excreted with the urine, 
 and occasions an increased frequency of urination, but in excess produces spasm of the 
 neck of the bladder, and ultimately impaired contractile power in this organ. It probably 
 excites uterine contraction, promotes menstruation, disposes to venery, and provokes erec- 
 tions of the penis. It exerts no perceptible action upon the brain, but seems to increase 
 the functional activity of the special senses. 
 
 When strychnine acts poisonously but gradually, owing to the moderate dose taken or 
 to its slow absorption from the stomach, the patient complains first of general uneasiness 
 restlessness, soreness and heaviness of the limbs, and stiffness of the joints and muscles, 
 particularly of those of the chest and lower jaw ; and these effects are succeeded by 
 spasmodic symptoms. When the dose has been large and the conditions are favorable to 
 its rapid absorption, the phenomena may be clonic convulsions or violent muscular twitch- 
 ings, which, with the accompanying sensation, have been compared to the effects of an 
 electric shock. Whether rapid or slow in their access, these phenomena are excited and 
 intensified by all external stimuli. They are succeeded by tetanic muscular spasms, dur- 
 ing which the arms are rigidly bent and the legs outstretched, the hands being clenched 
 and the feet extended and arched, the lower jaw firmly fixed against the upper, and the 
 body arched forward. The rigid contraction of the respiratory muscles renders breathing 
 laborious or even temporarily suspends it, and, as a consequence of the immobility of the 
 chest, the blood accumulates in the veins and gives a livid color to the skin. The pulse 
 is rapid and unequal both in volume and force, and the heart-beat is also hurried and flut- 
 tering. The retracted corners of the mouth disclose the set teeth, and foam issues from 
 between them, while the staring eyes with dilated pupils and the contracted brows give 
 
STRYCHNINES SULPHAS. 
 
 1529 
 
 to the countenance an expression of anguish mingled with fright. The mind generally 
 remains unaffected, and pain is not often complained of. The convulsions may be 
 altogether tonic, and so continue without interruption until death, but more usually 
 they are clonic also, and are interrupted by intervals of calm, or rather of exhaustion. 
 But during such intervals the slightest stimulus may suddenly renew them, but super- 
 ficial contact rather than firm pressure. Generally the spasms grow less violent, but 
 not so the disorder of the circulation and the exhaustion of muscular power : they 
 become more and more marked until death, which may be due immediately to asphyxia 
 or to asthenia, according as life terminates during a paroxysm or not'. The onset and 
 course of the symptoms are not always the same. Muscular rigidity may first affect the 
 spine and be accompanied by neuralgia of the spinal nerves, or the attack may commence 
 with shrieks of pain or alarm, or with giddiness, insensibility, and convulsions ; or vomit- 
 ing may occur among the earliest symptoms. 
 
 In fatal poisoning by strychnine death may take place within five minutes, and is hardly 
 ever delayed more than five or six hours. Even when poisonous doses are not followed by 
 death, their effects may continue to be observed in extreme fatigue and exhaustion, 
 paralysis of the bladder, and sometimes muscular stiffness and neuralgic pains of several 
 days’ duration. Albuminuria has sometimes been observed. 
 
 After death caused by strychnine cadaveric rigidity is usually marked with opistho- 
 tonos, clenching of the hands, and flexion of the arms across the chest. The face is 
 usually pale, but sometimes livid. The muscles are rigid, and all the internal organs are 
 gorged with dark and fluid blood, the cerebral and spinal membranes not more so nor 
 more uniformly than the rest ; the latter may contain a serous effusion ; the heart may 
 either be contracted, dilated, or natural. The urinary bladder is generally contracted. 
 It is remarkable that the muscular rigidity may persist for months after death. These 
 lesions indicate the effects rather than the mechanism of strychnine-poisoning. But they 
 agree with the symptoms in showing that the cause of death by this poison is primarily 
 asphyxia produced by rigidity of the muscles of respiration. This view does not exclude, 
 as a possible factor in producing the result, exhaustion of the heart or spasm of that 
 organ. 
 
 Strychnine was first employed medicinally in the treatment of paralysis , and continues 
 to be used for this affection more than for any other. But it is not equally beneficial in 
 all forms of the disease. As already stated, it is apt to aggravate those paralyses which 
 depend upon a recent central lesion, but it is appropriate in the same cases when the 
 acute stage has passed and the symptoms remain stationary. In such cases the paralyzed 
 muscles are the first to exhibit the specific action of the medicine. The use of strychnine 
 has been praised more than it deserves in cases of infantile spinal paralysis , a disease in 
 which restoration of muscular power is extremely are. The dose should not exceed Gm. 
 0.0005 (gr. twice a day. It is now demonstrated, as it was long ago observed, that 
 strychnine is most efficient in the cure of functional paralysis, whether depending directly 
 upon anaemia of the spinal cord or upon general exhaustion. Such are cases due to 
 venereal excesses, hysteria, intense mental emotion, concussion of the spinal marrow, 
 abuse of opium or alcohol, lead-poisoning, gout, rheumatism, etc. Paresis of the ocular 
 muscles has been cured by the use of preparations of nux vomica (De Schweinitz, Med. 
 News, lv. 477). It is claimed by some (Jewell, Practitioner , xxvii. 377) that even in 
 advanced myelitis this medicine will cause improvement after the failure of other remedies. 
 Contrary to what would have been expected, the doses which he found efficient were 
 large. It may be added that subsequent observation has not at all agreed with this 
 conclusion. Dr. L. Gray and others found that doses of Gm. 0.006 (gr. -J^) could 
 not be tolerated (Am. Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 1885, p. 381). Naunyn has faith in the 
 efficacy of strychnine used subcutaneously in most of these cases, provided the dose is 
 duly regulated ( Centralbl ., vii. 282). Diphtherial paralysis is, more than any other form, 
 benefited by strychnine, whose special stimulus co-operates with that of electricity, 
 mechanical excitants, tonics, nutrients, .etc. The semi-paralytic condition sometimes 
 induced by the bromides is benefited by this medicine. It is less necessary, yet of very 
 great utility, in paralysis from lead. An ecbolic action has been ascribed to strychnine 
 on the ground of it having seemed to produce tonic contractions of the uterus and pre- 
 mature delivery of a woman in the eighth month of pregnancy (Lewis Smith, Med. Record, 
 xviii. 578). 
 
 Although physiological experiments do not lead to the suggestion that strychnine acts 
 upon the peripheral ends of nerves, clinical observation, as in so many other cases, is sup- 
 posed to have demonstrated what the former method has failed to show. For more than 
 
1530 
 
 STRYCHNINE SULPHAS. 
 
 forty years strychnine has been well known to be efficacious in cases of amaurosis when 
 applied endermically around the orbit ; more recently it has been used by friction and 
 hypodermically, by the instillation of dissolved strychnine in the eye, and also internally. 
 These methods have greatly ameliorated and often cured the disease, not only in cases 
 of purely functional disorder, but of a greater or less alteration of the retina as revealed 
 by the ophthalmoscope (Gentralbl. f d. g. Therap ., ii. 228). Inflammatory affections of 
 the eye in their active stage are unsuitable for this medication, and so is impairment of 
 vision depending upon intracranial causes, but it is often useful in disorders of accommo- 
 dation. The greater number of ophthalmic surgeons insist upon the application of the 
 medicine to the neighborhood of the eye, but others admit that it is equally efficacious 
 wherever introduced. The latter are probably right. It has been employed with marked 
 success in night-blindness. 
 
 Nux vomica and also strychnine have long been used for the cure of prwlapsus of the 
 rectum by the mouth, by enema, by hypodermic injection, and by application to the 
 blistered skin (Stille, Therapeutics , 4th ed., ii. 186 ; Med. Record, xviii. 682 ; Med. News , 
 xlviii. 36). Paralysis of the bladder , occasioning either retention or incontinence of 
 urine, and the latter affection in the form of nocturnal incontinence in children, has fre- 
 quently been cured by the use of strychnine by the mouth, sometimes by injecting a 
 solution of it into the bladder, and again by the hypodermic injection of nitrate of strychnine. 
 Sexual impotence is often diminished or even cured by this medicine when it depends 
 upon asthenia of the spinal cord or upon general debility. Generally, however, it should 
 form only one element of a complex treatment adapted to the peculiarities of each case. It 
 has been thought to excite the gravid uterus and cause abortion , and to prevent post- 
 partum haemorrhage when a predisposition to it exists. Saccharine diabetes is alleged to 
 have been cured by nux vomica ( Practitioner , xxiii. 51) ; and Brunton and Howe claim 
 that it will control the night-sweats of phthisis ( St . Bart's Rep., xv. 119 ; Lancet, Sept. 
 1884, p. 408). 
 
 Among spasmodic diseases, tetanus has been cured by strychnine, contrary to all expec- 
 tations founded upon the accepted mode of action of the medicine ; nevertheless, the 
 method has found few imitators. The same remark is nearly as applicable to chorea, and 
 also to epilepsy ; but in regard to both diseases it may be observed that where the patients 
 are extremely feeble, excitable, and timid this medicine may well form part of the 
 general plan of tonic treatment which is then indicated, and which includes the adminis- 
 tration of quinine and iron. A like statement may also be made respecting various local 
 spasms, as that of the oesophagus, facial tic, etc. It is said that writer's cramp has been 
 cured by the hypodermic use of strychnine, and the vomiting of pregnancy by its internal 
 use. It is alleged that the medicine has the power of arresting the development and pre- 
 venting the usual effects of alcoholic intoxication (Luton, Bull, de Therap., xcix. 241; cii. 
 473 ; Dujardin-Beaumetz, ibid . , cvi. 1 ; ibid., cviii. 179 ; cxv. 324). These physicians 
 have not feared to use hypodermic injectons of 5 Mgm. (gr. y 1 -^-) in cases of delirium 
 tremens and mania-a-potu, without adverting to the fact that the affections in question ter- 
 minate spontaneously in cure in nearly all uncomplicated instances if treated with exercise 
 and well-seasoned food. Gibson ( Practitioner , xli. 401) has shown that strychnine is a 
 clinical as well as a physiological antidote to the poisonous effects of opium, as indicated 
 by irregularity or interruption of the breathing. It should be administered hypodermi- 
 cally in the dose of Gm. 0.001 (gr. ff). It is one of the numerous remedies which have 
 seemed to moderate hay fever. It has been known to cure facial neuralgia, lead colic , 
 dysmenorrhoea, etc., but its efficacy is too inconstant to inspire confidence. There is one 
 form of neuralgia, gastralgia, in which it is often of signal benefit, doubtless more by its 
 power as a bitter tonic than as a nervine. The cases in which it is most useful are those 
 in which the gastralgia is associated with gastrodynia attended by flatulent dyspepsia , 
 eructations, and sometimes vomiting of food, along with habitual constipation. In some 
 of these cases strychnine — or, still better, nux vomica — should be combined with antacids 
 and stimulant carminatives. It is, on the whole, best suited to combat the element 
 gastric debility, with whatever symptoms that condition may be associated. Their tonic 
 action upon the intestine renders nux vomica and strychnine appropriate remedies for 
 constipation depending upon atony of the bowel. (Compare Bodenhamer, Med. Record, 
 xxxv. 372.) But for this purpose it should be prescribed in small doses taken immedi- 
 ately after meals, or should be associated with aloes, rhubarb, and soap, or with the first 
 only, in a pill, which is most conveniently taken at bedtime. A similar mode of action 
 makes it one of the best remedies for the so-called spasmodic obstruction of the bowel, 
 which is really, in most cases, constipation with fecal accumulations at one part of the 
 
STRYCHNINE SULPHAS. 
 
 1531 
 
 intestine and flatulent distension at another. Tympanites from intestinal debility is 
 favorably influenced by this medicine, especially if associated with lime-water or some 
 antifermentative, as salicylic acid. On the other hand, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery , 
 affections in which the discharges are apt to be prolonged by the exhausted state of the 
 bowel, are often benefited by nux vomica or strychnine. The latter is alleged to have 
 been found useful in epidemic cholera. It is also reported to act as a vermifuge and to 
 arrest sea-sickness , in the dose of -fa grain every four hours. Finally, it has been used 
 with alleged benefit in various forms of dyspnoea depending upon pulmonary and cardiac 
 obstruction, including emphysema , bronchitis, and, along with digitalis, in cases of irregular 
 and fatty heart (Fothergill) ; in a word, in all those conditions of the heart and lungs 
 marked by positive or by relative debility of these organs. 
 
 Brucine appears to act like strychnine upon the spinal cord and the muscles (Brunton). 
 Anaesthetic virtues have been ascribed to a 5 per cent, solution of it applied to the auditory 
 canal (Burnett ; Zeiss), the throat, and the nasal passages ; but upon the skin it failed to 
 exhibit them. Others have more prudently employed doses of Gm. 0.001 (gr. fa) three 
 times a day in pill. Manassein states that the use of the medicine neutralizes the craving 
 for alcohol for the time being ( Lancet , Oct. 16, 1880). Like other nerve-tonics, strych- 
 nine sometimes lessens insomnia caused by mental exhaustion. 
 
 The first dose of strychnine should not be greater than from Gm. 0.003-0.005 (fa to 
 T L grain) ; as a general rule, it is better to begin with Gm. 0.002 (fa grain), and cautiously 
 increase the dose until a slight manifestation of its specific effects occurs or until the 
 object of its administration is attained. It is usually prescribed in pill& of breadcrumb 
 or of confection of roses, care being taken to mix the mass thoroughly and divide it 
 accurately. A convenient form, which its bitterness alone renders objectionable, is to 
 dissolve Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) of strychnine in Gm. 8 (2 fluidrachms) of rectified spirit 
 with the aid of 2 minims of sulphuric, acetic, or muriatic acid, so that every 10 minims 
 of the solution shall contain Gm. 0.005 (gr. fa) of the salt of strychnine. For hypodermic 
 injection a solution of Gm. 0.26 (4 grains) of sulphate or muriate of strychnine in Gm. 
 32 (1 fluidounce) of water is used. Each minim contains Gm. 0.0005 (y^ grain) of the 
 salt. Gm. 0.001 (2 minims or fa grain) of strychnine may be used as a primary dose. 
 In all cases in which strychnine is used the modifying operation of idiosyncrasies and of 
 the existing disease must be regarded. 
 
 Treatment of Poisoning by Strychnine. — As in the case of other poisons taken into the 
 stomach, so in poisoning by strychnine free vomiting should be produced by mustard 
 and warm water, or, as has been found successful in more than one case, by the hypoder- 
 mic injection of Gm. 0.02 (i grain) of apomorphine, after which the bowels should be 
 purged with castor oil, croton oil, or a saline laxative. In one instance this use of apo- 
 morphine saved the life of a man who had swallowed 20 grains of strychnine sulphate 
 (Med. News , lxi. 214). When asphyxia threatens, artificial respiration should be resorted 
 to. As mechanical antidotes which retard the absorption of the poison, lard, sweet oil, 
 and milk have been used with apparent success immediately after the poison was taken 
 and before its spasmodic action had been developed. Animal charcoal , and also tannin , 
 have been used with the same view. Of the other alleged antidotes, all are more or less 
 sedatives of the nervous system, and therefore antagonists of the spasm produced by the 
 poison. The first of these is the medicine which has been so much employed in the treat- 
 ment of tetanus, opium or morphine, and from which, d priori, much was to be expected. 
 But experimentally and clinically the expectation has proved to be unfounded. Opium 
 and its salts are useless in strychnine-poisoning, however efficient they may be in relieving 
 the symptoms produced by the alkaloid when its medicinal operation is but slightly 
 exceeded, or in delaying the absorption of the poison, and therefore the manifestation of 
 its symptoms. Aconitine and woorara are also regarded as physiological antidotes to 
 strychnine, but we are unacquainted with any instances of their use as such in human 
 poisoning. The same remark applies to prussic acid. Moreover, the physiological antag- 
 onism of woorara and strychnine has been denied by Vulpian, Brown-Sequard, and 
 others. Camphor, internally, is said to have arrested the toxical symptoms. There is 
 more evidence in favor of chloroform, which unquestionably has in several cases controlled 
 the spasm and apparently prevented death, while in others it has rendered the phenomena 
 of death less distressing (Haynes, Philada. Med. Times, xiv. 504). The antagonism shown 
 by experiments upon animals to exist between chloral and strychnine is more or less 
 exhibited in cases of poisoning by the latter. Chloral counteracts the spasmodic effects 
 of strychnine, and thus conserves force, while it gains time for the elimination of the 
 poison. In the case of a woman who had taken 40 Cgm. (gr. vj) of strychnine recovery 
 
1532 
 
 STY RAX. 
 
 ultimately took place, and was evidently due to the administration of chloral by the 
 mouth and rectum and hypodermically (Faucon, Archives gen., Jan. 1833, p. 74). Another 
 case, in which the estimated dose of the poison was 5 grains, recovered after the use of 
 chloral hydrate, but apparently in doses quite inadequate to control the action of the 
 strychnine ( Boston Med. and & hug. Jour., July 1881, p. 8). Two cases are reported by 
 Moore {Med. News , xli. 566), the one illustrating the virtues of strychnine in chloral- 
 poisoning, and the other (in a dog) of chloral in poisoning by strychnine. (On the rela- 
 tions between the two agents see Husemann, etc., Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Apr. 1882, 
 p. 608.) Amyl nitrite, which appears to be more or less antidotal to strychnine in dogs 
 and frogs, does not seem to have been sufficiently tested in poisoning by this substance 
 in man (Hare, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Nov. 1884, p. 481). Potassium bromide is 
 credited with several striking cures of strychnine-poisoning. In three of them the doses 
 of strychnine were very large and the effects characteristic ; but repeated doses of the 
 bromide, varying in their totality from Gm. 5-16 (80 grains to i ounce), saved the 
 patients. Experiments on animals demonstrate the power of the bromide to prevent or 
 mitigate strychnine spasms. In several cases the bromide has been associated with 
 chloral {Med. Record, xix. 208), but the experiments of Husemann (1880) seem to show 
 that the former medicine was superfluous {Bull, de Ther., xcix. 429). Calabar bean and 
 strychnine appear to be truly antagonistic, in that the one counteracts the operation of 
 the other, provided that their doses and the time of their administration be duly adjusted. 
 But there is great danger that death by asphyxia may be escaped only by encountering 
 the risk of dealffi from exhaustion. In two cases which terminated favorably this unto- 
 ward result was prevented by the use of stimulants internally and externally. In one of 
 these cases Gm. 0.05 (f grain) of the extract of physostigma was exhibited three times 
 within an hour, and in the other case Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) in a single dose. These conclu- 
 sions concerning the efficiency of chloroform, chloral, potassium bromide, and physo- 
 stigma have been experimentally confirmed by Husemann (1878). Tobacco and nicotine 
 have been employed experimentally as antidotes to strychnine, and, on the whole, with 
 not unfavorable results. Whether or not they may be so regarded in a physiological 
 sense matters little, provided that they save lives which would otherwise be lost. That 
 tobacco has done so is proved by several recorded cases {Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., Apr. 
 1857, p. 551; Aug. 1862, p. 172; Dublin Quart. Jour., Aug. 1862, p. 183; Brit, and 
 For. Med.-Chir. Rev., Jan. 1867, p. 243). Possibly it may have acted in part by hasten- 
 ing the elimination of the poison with the urine. The uncertainty and possible danger 
 of these antidotes should exclude them when chloral can be obtained. Belladonna and 
 atropine have also been suggested as antidotes to strychnine, and a case is recorded in 
 which, atropine having been injected simultaneously, the patient recovered. Gm. 0.01 
 {jr grain) was thus used three times at intervals of ten minutes. In two more recent 
 cases recovery was attributed to the administration of atropine {Phila. Med. Times , 
 x. 323). 
 
 STYRAX, U. S. — Storax. 
 
 Styrax prseparatus , Br. ; Styrax liquidus , P. G. ; Balsamum styracis. — Liquid storax , 
 E. ; Styrax liquide, Fr. Cod. ; Fliissiger Storax , G. ; Estoraque liquido, Sp. 
 
 A balsam prepared from the bark of Liquidambar orientalis, Miller , s. L. imberbe, 
 Aiton. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 107. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Hamamelaceae, Balsamifluae. 
 
 Origin.— The tree yielding liquid storax closely resembles the sweet-gum tree of 
 North America (see p. 946), from which it differs in having smooth leaves with 
 obtuse, often three-lobed, and finely serrulate lobes, and in producing smaller heads of 
 fruit. It has been found only in the south-western part of Asia Minor, where it forms 
 forests. 
 
 Production. — The extraction of liquid storax was described by Hanbury (1857") 
 from accounts received from S. H. Maltass and Lieut. Robert Campbell. The outer bark 
 is stripped off on one side of the tree, made into bundles, and reserved for the purpose 
 of fumigation. The inner bark is then scraped off with a semicircular or sickle-shaped 
 knife, and thrown into pits until a sufficient quantity has been collected. It is then 
 boiled in water, upon which the resinous matter comes to the surface, and is skimmed 
 off. The boiled bark is next put into hair-sacks and pressed, boiling water being added 
 to assist in the extraction of the resin, or, as it is termed, yagh — i. e. oil. According to 
 Maltass, the fresh bark is pressed in strong horsehair bags by means of a wooden lever 
 press, hot water being afterward thrown over the bags, and these subjected to pressure a 
 
STY BAX. 
 
 1533 
 
 second time. Dr. McGrath states that the storax is chiefly collected by a tribe of wander- 
 ing Turcomans called Yuruks , and that the liquid resin, separated from the bark by boiling 
 and pressure, is run into barrels. 
 
 Description. — Liquid storax has the consistence of thick honey, and is sticky, 
 opaque, and of a gray color, caused by the water which is diffused through it. By 
 long standing it separates a heavier dark-brown (in thin layers transparent) stratum. 
 When heated it becomes thinner and more transparent, the water separating slowly, 
 and when ignited it burns with a bright sooty flame. It becomes harder by age and on 
 exposure, is heavier than water, and has a strong agreeable odor somewhat resembling 
 that of vanilla. Its taste is pungently balsamic. With the exception of the water 
 and the impurities contained in it, storax dissolves in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and 
 most of the volatile oils. With an equal weight of warm alcohol it yields a turbid 
 gray-brown solution having an acid reaction ; when cooled and filtered the solution, 
 on evaporation, yields not less than 70 per cent, of the weight of the balsam in the 
 form of a brown semi-liquid residue, which deposits crystals only after a long time, 
 and which, with the exception of a few floccules, is completely soluble in ether and in 
 carbon disulphide ( U. S., P. G.). It is insoluble in cold petroleum benzin, but dis- 
 solves partly in it while hot, the colorless solution depositing crystals of cinnamic acid 
 and cinnamic ethers on cooling. Examined under the microscope, storax is seen to con- 
 sist of minute globules, intermixed with larger drops of water and with tabular crystals 
 of cinnamic acid, and when left on the object glass feathery crystals of styracin make 
 their appearance. 
 
 Styrax pryeparatus, Br., is storax purified by melting and straining ( F Cod.'), or by 
 dissolving in rectified spirit (benzene, P. G.), filtering, and evaporating the solvent. It has 
 a brown-yellow color, is semi-transparent or transparent in thin layers, and otherwise resem- 
 bles the crude balsam. 
 
 Constituents. — E. Simon (1839) obtained from this balsam styrolene, cinnamic acid, 
 styracin, and two resins. In addition to these, W. von Miller (1876-77) found a little 
 benzoic acid, ethyl cinnamate, and a fragrant compound melting at 65° C. (149° E.), prob- 
 ably ethyl vanillin ; in larger proportion was found the alcohol storesin in two modifica- 
 tions — the cinnamic ether of this alcohol and cinnamate of phenylpropyl. Styrolene or 
 cinnamene has the composition C 8 H 8 , and is obtained by distilling storax with water. The 
 yield is very variable. It is a colorless, thin liquid, very refractive to light, and of a 
 very fragrant odor and burning taste. It has been artificially obtained by heating acetyl- 
 ene gas, and from ethyl-benzene bromide by heating it with baryta. Its specific gravity 
 is 0.924, and it boils at 146° C. (294.8° F.) ; but when heated to 200° C. (392° F.) it is 
 rapidly converted into a polymeric compound, meta cinnamene, which is a colorless, amor- 
 phous, tough solid of the specific gravity 1.054, insoluble in alcohol and ether, and recon- 
 verted into styrene when distilled. Cinnamic acid, (see page 1119) may be obtained by 
 treating storax with a solution of sodium carbonate and precipitating the acid by means 
 of hydrochloric acid. The ethers are obtained from storax previously deprived of cinna- 
 mic acid by treating it with hot petroleum benzin, on the cooling of which white or color- 
 less needles are deposited which require repeated treatment with hot benzin. Styracin 
 melts at 38° C. (100.4° F.), and after prolonged heating congeals to a transparent mass, 
 in which crystals are formed very slowly. It is styryl (cinnamyl) cinnamate, C 9 H 9 .C 9 H 7 0 2 , 
 and when in alcoholic solution treated with caustic soda, or when heated with an aqueous 
 solution of soda, is converted into sodium cinnamate and cinnam-alcohol. also known as 
 styryl alcohol and styron, C 9 H 10 O. This crystallizes in 6olorless silky needles, has an agreeable 
 hyacinthine odor, melts at 33° C. (91.4° F.), and boils at 250° C. (482° F.). Styracin and cin- 
 namic acid yield with oxidizing agents oil of bitter almonds and benzoic acid, and when styrol 
 is treated with chromic acid and then boiled with water benzoic acid is obtained. After 
 saponifying storax with an alkali, and subjecting the alcohols to fractional distillation, 
 Laubenheimer (1872) obtained a distillate having the properties of benzyl alcohol ; this 
 is a colorless liquid of a weak but fragrant odor, having the specific gravity 1.06 and the 
 composition C : H s O. Storesin, C 36 H 58 0 3 , is amorphous, melts at 168° C. ( ft storesin at 
 145° C.), and dissolves readily in alcohol, ether, petroleum benzin, and potassa, 
 forming with the latter a crystalline compound. Mylius (1882) prepared styrogenin, 
 C 2 t>H 40 O 3 , from that portion of storax which is soluble in boiling benzin ; after treating 
 it with an equal weight of sulphuric acid, boiling with water, and washing with ether, 
 white crystals are left which are easily soluble in chloroform, melt at 350° C., dis- 
 solve in cold sulphuric acid, being reprecipitated by water, and yield with warm sul- 
 phuric acid a yellowish-red solution, which with water precipitates uncrystallizable resin. 
 
1534 
 
 SUCCL—SUCCUS BELLADONNA. 
 
 Commercial storax contains from 10 to 20 per cent, of water and from 13 to 18 per 
 cent, of fragments of bark and inorganic impurities ( Pharmacographia ). 
 
 Adulterations. — Storax is said to be sometimes adulterated with turpentine. Hager 
 (1874) proposed to detect the adulteration by dissolving the storax in a little warm alco- 
 hol and exhausting it with petroleum benzin by agitation. On evaporating the benzin 
 solution the residue should have a bluish opalescence and an agreeable odor, while if tur- 
 pentine be present the color will be yellowish and the odor of turpentine will be apparent. 
 
 Allied Products. — Cortex thymiamatis. This is the bark from which storax has been ob- 
 tained. It is in brown foliaceous cakes, consisting of thin pieces of bark and having the odor of 
 storax. 
 
 Styrax calamita. As now found in the market, it consists of sawdust mixed with liquid storax, 
 and contains numerous minute crystals of styracin. The drug known by this name in ancient 
 times and during the last century was a solid balsamic resin, most likely obtained from Styrax 
 officinale, Limit, which is indigenous to Western Asia and South-eastern Europe. This is no 
 longer an article of commerce. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The medicinal action and uses of storax are almost identical 
 with those of copaiba, like which it was formerly employed in the treatment of chronic 
 catarrhs, particularly of the lungs, but also to some extent in similar affections of the 
 digestive and urinary organs, and especially in gonorrhoea. It has been highly recom- 
 mended as a dressing for ulcers following frostbite. Within a few years its use as a 
 remedy for scabies has been revived. As of old, it is mixed with olive oil for this pur- 
 pose : a mixture of 1 part of storax with 2 or 3 parts of oil is rubbed diligently into the 
 affected parts, and in the course of twelve hours a warm bath with soap is used, after 
 which the skin is again covered with the liniment. This treatment generally suffices for 
 a cure in nearly all of the cases. It is convenient for its cheapness, as well as for its 
 acceptableness, particularly when balsam of Peru is added to the storax in the proportion 
 of about one-fourth. The latter ingredient improves the odor of the mixture. Of 124 
 cases of itch treated by Unna with styrax frictions, nine are said to have had albuminous 
 urine during or immediately after the treatment, the albumen varying in proportion from 
 one-tenth to one-half. On the successive application of heat and nitric acid the precipi- 
 tate was apparently albuminous ; but the counter-proof of attempting its solution with 
 alcohol, which would have dissolved a possible resinous deposit, does not seem to have 
 been tried. (Compare Virchow's Archiv, lxxiv. 424, and Lassar, ibid, lxxvii. 558.) The 
 following formula is recommended as more efficient than the mixture described above : 
 R. Liquid storax %j ; Alcohol fgij ; Olive oil f^j. — M. S. For two frictions. The dose 
 of storax internally is Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx). 
 
 Styracin , or styrone , is said to be an antiseptic and deodorizer. When pure it is slightly 
 irritating to raw surfaces, but dissolved in 6 parts of oil or water it is no longer so. 1 
 part in 12 forms a convenient solution for an antiseptic dressing ( Boston Med. and Snrg. 
 Jour., Mar. 1880, p. 249). 
 
 SUCCL— Juices. 
 
 Sues vegetaux, Fr. ; Pflanzensafte, G. 
 
 These preparations are made by bruising the fresh drugs, expressing them forcibly, and 
 mixing the expressed juice, with a definite proportion of alcohol for preservation. They must 
 necessarily vary in the amount of their active constituents, and perhaps more so than the 
 dried and carefully-preserved drugs. They have been dismissed from the U. S. P., and 
 tinctures of fresh herbs admitted in place thereof. (See Tincture Herbarum Recen- 
 tium.) 
 
 SUCCUS BELLADONNA, Br.— Juice of Belladonna. 
 
 Sue de belladone, Fr. ; Belladonna saft, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of fresh leaves and young branches of Belladonna 7 pounds ; 
 Rectified Spirit a sufficiency. Bruise the belladonna in a stone mortar, press out the 
 juice, and to every 3 measures of juice add 1 of the spirit. Set aside for seven days, and 
 filter. Keep it in a cool place. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The dose of this preparation is Gm. 0.30-1 (n^v-xv). 
 
SUCCUS CONII. — S ULPH ON A L. 
 
 1535 
 
 SUCCUS CONII, Br.— Juice of Conium. 
 
 Juice of hemlock , E. ; Sue de grande eigne, Fr. ; Schierlingsaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bruise fresh leaves and young branches of Hemlock, press out the 
 juice, and to every 3 measures of juice add 1 of spirit. Set aside the liquid for seven 
 days, and filter. Keep it in a cool place. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The dose of juice of conium is stated at Gm. 2-4 fess-j), but the character- 
 istic effects of the drug are not manifested in the slightest degree by doses of less than 
 Gm. 8 (^ij), and ordinarily they are not well marked by less doses than Gm. lb (J 
 ounce). Doses of Gm. 32-128 (sj-iv), have been given without occasioning alarming 
 symptoms. But in whatever dose the medicine is administered, it should not be increased 
 beyond the point at which it begins to render deglutition and voluntary movement 
 imperfect. This preparation is relatively less powerful in children than in adults. 
 
 SUCCUS HYOSCYAMI, Br.— Juice of Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Sue dejusquiame , Fr. ; Bilsensaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bruise fresh leaves, flowering tops, and young branches of Hyoscya- 
 mus in a stone mortar, press out the juice, and to every 3 measures of juice add 1 of 
 spirit. Set aside for seven days, and filter. Keep it in a cool place. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The dose is from Gm. 2-4 (fgss-j). 
 
 SUCCUS SCOPARH, Br.— Juice of Broom. 
 
 Sue de genet d halais , Fr. ; Besenginstersaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bruise fresh Broom-tops in a stone mortar, press out the juice, and 
 to every 3 measures of juice add 1 of spirit. Set aside for seven days and filter. Keep 
 in a cool place. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This juice may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 SUCCUS TARAXACI, Br. — Juice of Dandelion. 
 
 Sue de pissenlit, Fr. ; Lowenzahnsaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bruise fresh Dandelion-root in a stone mortar, press out the juice, 
 and to every 3 measures of juice add 1 of spirit. Set aside the liquid for seven days, 
 and filter. Keep it in a cool place. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — -This preparation is a convenient form for the administration of dandelion, 
 but it may be surmised that even the small proportion of alcohol which it contains may 
 impair its virtues in those hepatic derangements for which dandelion is a reputed remedy. 
 The dose is from Gm. 8—16 (fgij— iv). 
 
 SULPHONAL, Br. Add . — Sulphonal. 
 
 Sidfonalum , P. G. — Diethylsidphon-dimethylmethane , E. ; Sulfonal , G. 
 
 Formula (CH 3 ) 2 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 = C 7 H 16 S 2 0 4 . Molecular weight 227.59. 
 
 History. — Diethylsulphon-diemethylmethane was first produced in 1886 by E. Bau- 
 mann, and since 1888 has been manufactured on a large scale and sold under the copy- 
 righted name u sulphonal.” 
 
 Preparation. — When dry hydrochloric acid gas is led into a mixture of 2 parts 
 of anhydrous ethyl hydrosulphide (mercaptan, C 2 H 5 SH) and 1 part of anhydrous acetone, 
 heat is slowly developed ; the mixture becomes gradually turbid, and finally separates 
 into two distinct layers, the lower being a dilute hydrochloric acid, while the upper is 
 composed of a new compound, known as dithioethyldimethylmethane or mercaptol 
 (CH 3 ) 2 C(SC 2 H 5 ) 2 , a condensation-product of the interaction between the mercaptan and 
 acetone. Mercaptol may also be obtained by a process patented in Germany, which con- 
 sists in first treating sodium thiosulphate with ethyl chloride or bromide, whereby sodium 
 ethylthiosulphate is produced ; thus, Na 2 S 2 0 3 -f- C 2 H 5 C1 = NaC 2 H 5 S 2 0 3 + NaCl : this 
 salt in the presence of water yields acid sodium sulphate and ethyl hydrosulphide or 
 mercaptan ; the latter is not separated, but in its nascent state, in the presence of hydro- 
 chloric acid, is allowed to react with acetone, condensing to mercaptol. Obtained by 
 either process, mercaptol is an oily liquid, which is purified by washing with water and 
 afterward with dilute soda solution ; it is dried by means of calcium chloride and recti- 
 fied by distillation ; it boils at 190°-191° C. (374°-375.8° F.), is highly refractive, insolu- 
 
1536 
 
 SULPHONAL. 
 
 ble in water, and has a ver} T disagreeable odor. Upon agitating mercaptol with 5 per 
 cent, potassium permanganate solution until the color of the latter remains, oxidation 
 takes place and the mercaptol is converted into sulphonal ; thus, (CH 3 ) 2 C(SC 2 H 5 ) 2 -J- 0 4 = 
 (CH 3 ) 2 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ),. Sulphonal may be obtained absolutely pure by recrystallization 
 from water or alcohol. 
 
 Properties. — Sulphonal occurs as colorless, inodorous, nearly tasteless, prismatic 
 crystals, neutral to test-paper and melting at 125°— 126° C. (257°— 258.8° F.). It is 
 soluble in 500 parts (P. 6r.) or 450 parts (Br.) of cold water, 15 parts of boiling water, 
 65 parts (P. G .) or 50 parts (Br.) of cold or 2 parts of boiling alcohol, and in 135 parts 
 of ether. Ignited with free access of air, it burns without leaving a residue. A mix- 
 ture of sulphonal and powdered wood charcoal heated in a test-tube develops the cha- 
 racteristic disagreeable odor of mercaptan (P. G.'). If a few grains of sulphonal be 
 mixed with an equal weight of potassium cyanide and heated, the odor of mercaptan is 
 evolved, and when to the solution of the product in water excess of hydrochloric acid 
 and a few drops of solution of ferric chloride are added, a reddish color is developed 
 (Br.) : the last reaction is due to the formation of ferric sulphocyanate. The odor of 
 mercaptan is also evolved if sulphonal be heated with pyrogallol or gallio acid. Sul- 
 phonal is a very stable compound, being unaffected by concentrated acids or alkalies, as 
 well as chlorine or bromine. 
 
 Tests. — “ A solution of 1 part of sulphonal in 50 parts of boiling water should be 
 free from odor. The aqueous solution, filtered when cold, should not be affected by 
 barium nitrate or silver nitrate solution (absence of sulphuric acid and chlorides). 1 
 drop of potassium permanganate solution added to 10 Cc. of the above solution should 
 not be decolorized (absence of oxidizable organic impurities).’* — P. G. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Trional, Diethylsulphon-methylethylmethane, Cn 3 .C 2 II 5 .C(S0 2 C 2 II 5 ) 2 . 
 This compound differs from sulphonal, as the formula shows, by the substitution of an ethyl 
 group for a methyl group ; it is prepared exactly like sulphonal, except that methyl-ethyl-ketone 
 is used in place of acetone. Trional forms shining, colorless, odorless crystalline plates, which 
 melt at 76° C. (168.8° F.) It is soluble in 300 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in less hot 
 water ; also readily soluble in alcohol and ether. 
 
 Tetronal, Diethylsulphon-diethylmethane, (C 2 H 5 ) 2 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 . When diethyl-ketone, (C 2 H 5 ) 2 - 
 CO, is used in place of acetone in the process for the manufacture of sulphonal, diethyl-ketone 
 mercaptol, (C 2 H 5 ) 2 C(SC 2 II 5 ) 2 , is produced, and this upon oxidation with potassium permanganate 
 yields tetronal, a compound analogous to sulphonal and trional. It occurs in colorless and odor- 
 less shining plates and laminae, melting at 89° C. (192.2° F.), and soluble in 450 parts of cold and 
 less of boiling water, forming a tasteless solution of neutral reaction. Tetronal is readily soluble 
 in alcohol and ether. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When sulphonal was made in 1888 by Kast, he stated that in 
 dogs it produced sleep and disturbed muscular co-ordinations, but in man sleep only, 
 which he declared to be exactly natural sleep, and was prevented by pain, mental excite- 
 ment, or outward influences. He noted that it was neither anassthetic nor analgesic. 
 According to him; it did not aggravate the distress of cardiac or aortic disease or affect 
 the composition of the blood ( Centralb. f Tlier ., vi. 328). Rabbas confirmed these state- 
 ments, and remarked the slow development of the action of the medicine caused by its 
 imperfect solubility (ibid., p. 330), and the prolonged sleep produced by it. He and 
 other observers, as Cramer and Egasse (Bull, de Therap ., cxvi. 212), stated that it does 
 not disturb the respiration or the circulation, but produces a sort of locomotor ataxia ; 
 and Gamier also observed its tendency to cause unsteadiness of the gait and a condition 
 resembling drunkenness, as well as its diuretic action, while others met with instances of 
 vomiting and diarrhoea occasioned by it. Henocque explained the sluggishness and sopor 
 it produced by its hindering the conversion of arterial into venous blood (Bull, et Mem. 
 Soc. therap ., 1889, p. 23), and, in opposition to Kast, charged it with the destruction of 
 the red blood-disks. Longer experience brought to light certain other untoward effects 
 of the medicine. Thus it was found liable to cause eruptions on the skin, usually of an 
 erythematous nature (Therap. Gaz ., xiii. 25; Practitioner , xliii. 376); it has produced 
 cyanosis ; reduced the patient to extreme weakness and apathy with a pulse of 38, or, 
 again, a frequent pulse ; occasioned aphasia (Kirch), hallucinations (Bornemann), or pro- 
 longed torpor (Med. Record , xxxv. 348), with vomiting of several days’ duration (Therap. 
 Gaz., xiii. 247, 288). Griffith has called particular attention to its “ unpleasant effects;” 
 its occasional slowly developed or unduly prolonged action ; the uncertainty of its dose ; its 
 threatening secondary symptoms ; and the absolute failure, at times, of its hypnotic action 
 (Therap. Gaz., xiii. 323). Browning has made a similar report, and noticed, like others, 
 priapism as an occasional effect of the medicine (Med. Record, xxxvi. 62). Rehm (Bull. 
 
5 UL PHONAL. 
 
 1537 
 
 de Ther ., cxvii. 381) and Hagart ( Lancet , Oct. 1889, p. 777) have observed decidedly 
 alarming examples of its action. Knoblauch thus summarizes the objections to its use : 
 It causes intoxication, staggering, paresis of the limbs, grinding of the teeth, derange- 
 ment of speech, vertigo, malaise, vomiting, and diarrhoea ; the duration of the sleep it 
 causes cannot be foreseen, nor the appropriate dose for any given case. For these reasons 
 he opines that Marandon was not far wrong when he declared sulphonal a poison and not a 
 medicine ( Ther . Monatsh ., iii. 501. Compare Folsom, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour.. 1890, p. 
 31.) The duration of the sleep, as well as the other effects of it, is variable. The case 
 is related of a man who after taking a large (but uncertain) dose of sulphonal slept almost 
 continuously for four days, and awaked feeling refreshed and well (Med. Record , xxxvi. 
 560). Again, a man with Bright’s disease, cystitis, and repeated attacks of erysipelas of 
 the face took in the course of eleven months Gm. 300 (say ^x) of sulphonal, not only 
 without injury, but with great advantage ( Therap . Monatsh ., iii. 459). Still more strik- 
 ing is the case of a man who with suicidal intent swallowed 3 ounces of the compound. 
 Coma succeeded and lasted for six days, but recovery followed (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., 
 xvii. 421). A case of death from its use is the following : A feeble, nervous woman, who, 
 after a physical and mental shock, became melancholic and hysterical, took 30 grains 
 of the drug within one and a quarter hours. She slept for twelve hours deeply, and 
 then less so for as many hours more. Excitement followed cyanosis and feeble breath- 
 ing, although the pulse remained good, and death forty hours after the sulphonal had been 
 taken (Med. News , lv. 166). Breslauer has reported five fatal cases due to this medicine 
 ( Lancet , Apr. 4, 1891) ; Robert one (Centralbl. f. cl. Med., 1892, p. 185) ; Beinfuss another 
 (Therap. Gaz., xvi. 318); Geill several in which only the fatal termination was lacking 
 (ibid, p. 533), and S. Solis-Cohen three instances of a partial suppression of urine due to 
 the medicine (Med. News., lxiii. 239). 
 
 Sulphonal is a hypnotic and sedative of spinal irritation, resembling chloral, but is less 
 apt than it to affect the heart. Owing to its slow solubility its action is gradual, and 
 when the sleep it produces has ended there is apt to remain a dull and sluggish state of 
 body and mind. It is less liable to bring on sleep when there is pain or mental excite- 
 ment, especially in persons addicted to the use of narcotics. It is held by some (Gamier) 
 to be, as a hypnotic, superior to paraldehyde, urethane, chloral, and hypnone ; and Mabon 
 found (Therap. Gaz., xiii. 403) that among the insane it produced a “ calmer, longer, and 
 more refreshing sleep than any other hypnotic.” (See Conolly Norman, Dublin Jour. 
 Med. Sci., Jan. 1889 ; Flint, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 37 ; Carpenter, Med. Record, xxxv. 239 ; 
 Cramer, Med. News, liii. 240 ; Landis, University Med. Mag., i. 289 ; Smith, Lancet , Nov. 
 1889, p. 1051 ; Sutherland, ibid. , p. 1053 ; Umpfenbach, Therap. Monatsh., iii. 255 ; Hay, 
 Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., xcviii. 34 ; Lojacono, Therap. Gaz., xiii. 485 ; Pachoud and Clairet, 
 Centralb. f. Ther., vii. 469.) Nearly all of the physicians here named agree that it is only 
 in excited states of insanity, whether melancholia, mania, or dementia, that the medicine 
 is an efficient palliative, while Dehio and others have noted serious dangers arising from 
 its continued use (Centralbl. f Ther., viii. 594). On the other hand, it has been found 
 of little service in the delirium of typhoid fever and in hectic fever. It has been some- 
 times employed to allay the excited action of the heart in valvular disease of that organ 
 and in angina pectoris, but Joachim and others have warned against the danger it involves 
 of lessening the heart’s power (Therap. Monatsh., iii. 226). (For further illustrations of 
 the use of sulphonal as a hypnotic see Lauder Brunton, Therap. Gaz., xiv. pp. 623, 628.) 
 
 According to Jeffries (Med. News, lvi. 275), sulphonal u is able, at times, to suppress 
 promptly choreic motions;” Casarelli claims that the medicine is useful in diabetes (Cen- 
 tralbl. f Therap., viii. 71) ; and Boetrich that in doses of 7 or 8 grains it controls night- 
 sweats (Therap. Monatsh ., iii. 123). 
 
 The average dose of sulphonal for adults is Gm. 1-1.3 (gr. xv-xx) ; for children, Gm. 
 0.20-0.3 (gr. iij — v). It should be given an hour or two before bedtime in hot water, 
 soup, or milk. The dose should not be increased unless the action of the medicine has 
 proved inadequate and after a sufficient interval has elapsed. 
 
 Trional and Tetronal are so nearly alike in their action and uses that they may be 
 described together. They are efficient hypnotics when sleeplessness results from nervous 
 disease, whether functional or organic, but are less so when it is caused by pain or great 
 mental excitement. When sleep ensues, it generally does so within fifteen or twenty 
 minutes. Some observers assign to these preparations a superiority over sulphonal and 
 chloral, while others have noted no difference in their action. It is, however, stated that 
 when one of the groups has begun to lose its effect by repetition, the substitution of 
 another will renew the original impression. No injurious consequences of either have been 
 97 
 
 
1538 
 
 SULPHUR. 
 
 reported. According to Koppers, trional diminishes night-sweats. The dose of trional or 
 of tetronal is stated to he Gm. 1—4 (gr. xv-lx). It should generally be given in the 
 evening, and repeated in an hour if the proper effects do not occur. 
 
 SULPHUR, U. S., Br., B. G.— Sulphur. 
 
 Eoufre , Fr. ; Schwe/el, G. 
 
 Symbol S. Atomicity bivalent, quadrivalent, and sexivalent. Atomic weight 31.98. 
 Official Forms of Sulphur. — 1. Sulphur (Sulfur) sublimatum, U. S., Br., 
 P. G.; Flores sulphuris. — Sublimed sulphur, Flowers of sulphur, E. ; Soufre sublime, 
 Fleur (Creme) de soufre, Fr. ; Schwefelblumen, Schwefelbliithe, G. — Sulphur sublimed 
 and condensed in powder. 
 
 2. Sulphur lotum, U. S. ; Sulfur depuratum, s. Flores sulfuris loti, P . G. — Washed 
 sulphur, E. ; Soufre lave, Fr. ; Gereinigter Schwefel, G. — Sublimed sulphur thoroughly 
 washed with water. 
 
 3. Sulphur (Sulfur) prjecipitatum, U. S ., Br., P. G. ; Lac (Magisterium) sulphuris 
 — Precipitated sulphur, Milk of sulphur, E. ; Soufre precipite, Magistere (Lait) de soufre, 
 Fr.; Schwefelmilch, G. 
 
 Origin. — Sulphur is a constituent of the volatile oils of mustard, garlic, and asafetida, 
 and of albumen and other proteids. It is found in many mineral waters as hydrogen 
 sulphide and in the form of sulphates, and is widely distributed in the mineral kingdom 
 in combination with metals, forming iron pyrites, FeS 2 , galena, PbS, blende, ZnS, black 
 antimony, Sb 2 S 3 , cinnabar, HgS, and other sulphides, and as sulphate in gypsum, heavy 
 spar, and many other minerals. But sulphur is most abundantly obtained from native 
 sulphur , which is found in volcanic countries. Beds of native sulphur have been dis- 
 covered in California, Nevada, Utah, and other parts of the Western United States, in 
 Mexico, the West Indies, etc. ; the chief supply of sulphur, however, comes from Italy, 
 where extensive beds are worked near Latera and Scrofano, and from the provinces of 
 Girgenti, Caltanisetta, Catania, and Palermo in the island of Sicily. Sulphur-beds on the 
 surface of the earth are called solfatare, and when they are found underground are known 
 as solfare. The latter are the most important, and yield nearly the whole of the com- 
 mercial sulphur. 
 
 Extraction and Purification. — Sulphur is obtained in Sicily by melting it from 
 the mineral in semicircular pits called calcaroni, which have a diameter of about 30 feet 
 and a depth of about 8 feet, and are internally covered with a layer of gypsum. The bot- 
 tom is inclined toward one side, which has an opening, closed during the operation with 
 a thin wall of gypsum. The pit is filled with the mineral, and this is heaped up above so 
 as to form an obtuse cone, the whole being covered first with a layer of powdered sulphur 
 ore, and finally with a stratum of spent ore in powder. Fire is now applied to the heap, 
 and after an hour all openings are closed until, after about nine days, the melted sulphur 
 begins to collect on the floor of the pit. Through a small opening made into the gypsum 
 wall the melted sulphur is removed two or three times a day and run into moistened 
 moulds made of poplar wood, where it solidifies in the form of blunt pyramids, in which 
 condition it enters commerce. The rough sulphur thus obtained contains from 3 to 4 parts 
 of earthy impurities, which are removed by distilling the sulphur from iron retorts and 
 conducting the vapors into large brick chambers, where they condense in the form of a 
 fine powder, which is from time to time removed before the condensing-chamber becomes 
 too hot, and constitutes sublimed sulphur. If, however, the operation is not interrupted, 
 the brick walls of the chamber become hot enough to melt the sulphur, which is run into 
 wooden moulds. The cylindrical pieces thus obtained enter commerce as brimstone or roll 
 sulphur. 
 
 In Nevada the sulphur ore is placed in upright cast-iron retorts, in shape resembling a 
 blast-furnace ; superheated steam is admitted and the pressure raised to about 70 pounds 
 to the square inch ; the pressure is slowly reduced to 50 pounds as the melted sulphur 
 flows through a grate into a receiving-pan, where mechanical impurities are allowed to 
 subside, the sulphur being run into large cylindrical moulds, and after cooling broken into 
 irregular lumps before it is refined. 
 
 Sulphur is also obtained from pyrites by a process of roasting in heaps or in suitable 
 furnaces built for the purpose, a portion of the sulphur being burned in the operation. 
 
 Preparation. — Sublimed Sulphur. The process by which this is procured has 
 been described above. The other official forms of sulphur are prepared as follows : 
 
 Washed Sulphur. Sublimed sulphur 100 Gm. ; ammonia-water 10 Cc. ; water a 
 
SULPHUR. 
 
 1539 
 
 sufficient quantity. Pass the sublimed sulphur through a No. 30 sieve, mix it 
 thoroughly with 100 Cc. of water, add 10 Cc. of ammonia-water, and digest for three 
 days, agitating occasionally. Then add 100 Cc. of water, transfer the mixture to a 
 muslin strainer, and wash the sulphur with water until the washings cease to impart a 
 blue color to red litmus-paper. Then allow it to drain, press the residue strongly, dry 
 it rapidly at a moderate heat, and pass it through a No. 30 sieve. — U. S. The P. G. 
 orders for 10 parts of sublimed sulphur 7 parts of water and 1 part of ammonia-water, the 
 mixture to be macerated for a day. Prolonged digestion is unnecessary for the removal 
 of the free acid, but it is important that after thorough washing the sulphur be well dried 
 to prevent its slow oxidation. 
 
 Precipitated Sulphur. Sublimed sulphur 100 Gm. ; lime 50 Gm. ; hydrochloric 
 acid, water, each a sufficient quantity. Slake the lime, and make it into a uniform 
 mixture with 500 Cc. of water. Add the sulphur, previously well dried and sifted, mix 
 well, add 1000 Cc. of water, and heat the mixture to boiling over a fire for one hour, 
 stirring constantly and replacing the water lost by evaporation. Then cover the vessel, 
 allow the contents to cool, pour off the clear solution, filter the remainder, and to the 
 united liquids add, gradually, hydrochloric acid previously diluted with an^equal vol- 
 ume of water, until the liquid is nearly neutralized, still retaining, however, an alka- 
 line reaction and a yellow color. Collect the precipitate on a strainer, and wash it with 
 water until the washings are tasteless and cease to give an acid reaction with litmus-paper. 
 Then dry it with a gentle heat. — U. S. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia uses 5 oz. of sulphur and 3 oz. of slaked lime, but directs 
 the decanted and filtered solution to be mixed with hydrochloric acid until the mixture 
 acquires an acid reaction. 
 
 In the processes described calcium thiosulphate and sulphide are first produced, from 
 which, on the addition of an acid, sulphur is precipitated. Both formulas direct too 
 large a quantity of lime, resulting in a corresponding waste of hydrochloric acid, but the 
 second formula employs nearly the theoretical quantity of sulphur. In order to obtain 
 good results it is advisable to dissolve in the lime as much sulphur as can be taken up, 
 the reaction taking place as follows : 3Ca(OH) 2 -f 6S 2 yields 2CaS 5 -f CaS 2 0 3 -f- 3H 2 0. 
 Therefore, 168 parts of burned lime or 222 parts of slaked lime require 384 parts of sul- 
 phur, or 50 parts of the calcium compounds need respectively 115 and 87 parts of sul- 
 phur. It is, however, advisable to employ an excess of sulphur, the undissolved portion 
 of which may be utilized in a subsequent operation ; for 1 pound of lime 2f or 2? pounds, 
 and for 1 pound of slaked lime li pounds, of sulphur should be used. The resulting 
 liquid has a dark orange-red color. Diluted hydrochloric acid should now be added in 
 a thin stream and with continued stirring, when the calcium pentasulphide will be 
 decomposed, calcium chloride remaining in solution, while sulphur is precipitated and 
 hydrogen sulphide is liberated, which should be carried off through a chimney. This 
 reaction occurs according to the equation 2CaS 5 -f- 4HC1 = 2CaCl 2 -f- 4S 2 4- 2H 2 S. If 
 the acid be added with the precaution that the liquid retains its alkaline reaction, calcium 
 hydrosulphide, Ca(HS) 2 , will remain in solution, and with it any arsenic which may have 
 been present in the sulphur or in the acid ; but in the presence of iron black ferrous 
 sulphide will be precipitated with the sulphur, and impart to it a dark-gray color. The 
 latter impurity may be easily removed by washing first with water, followed by dilute 
 hydrochloric acid, and this again by water. 
 
 Operating in this manner, as directed by the U. S. P., the calcium thiosulphate will not 
 be -decomposed. The further addition of acid will decompose this compound, sulphur 
 being liberated, together with sulphur dioxide, and the latter, by reacting with the hydro- 
 gen sulphide, will liberate an additional quantity of sulphur, with the formation of water. 
 The result of the entire complicated reaction is expressed by the equation 2CaS 5 -f 
 CaS 2 0 3 -f 6HC1 = 6S 2 + 3CaCl 2 -f 3H 2 0. It will be observed that by acidulating the 
 solution of lime and sulphur, as directed by the British Pharmacopoeia, a larger amount 
 of precipitated sulphur is obtained ; but it was shown by Fordos and Gelis (1851), and 
 by Berthelot, that that resulting from the thiosulphate is soft and only partially soluble 
 in carbon disulphide. Arsenic, if present in the lime solution, will separate as yellow 
 I arsenic sulphide. If the hydrochloric acid is replaced by sulphuric acid, the precipitated 
 sulphur is contaminated with calcium sulphate : it has been proposed to restrict the 
 appellation lac sulphuris to this preparation, which is often demanded in Great Britain as 
 milk of sulphur. 
 
 Properties. — Sulphur exists in several modifications, and is either crystalline and 
 soluble in carbon disulphide, amorphous and insoluble in the same liquid, or soft or oily at 
 
1540 
 
 SULPHUR. 
 
 common temperatures, and either soluble or insoluble in this menstruum. When sulphur 
 is fused and kept near the temperature of 90° C. (194° F.), octahedral or rhombic crys- 
 tals are formed, fusing at 115° C. (239° F.) ; but if the crust which forms on cooling is 
 broken and the liquid sulphur poured out, the vessel will afterward be filled with long 
 oblique prisms, which melt to a yellowish liquid at 120° C. (248° F.). On gradually 
 increasing the heat to near 180° C. (356° F.) sulphur becomes brown, and ultimately 
 black, opaque, and very viscid. If the heat be continued, the mass liquefies again at 
 260° C. (500° F.), and at about 450° C. (842° F.) is converted into orange-brown vapors. 
 On agitating sublimed sulphur with carbon disulphide about two-thirds of it are dis- 
 solved, while the remainder is amorphous and remains undissolved. The different varieties 
 of sulphur differ also in specific gravity, that of amorphous and soft sulphur being 1.96, 
 of prismatic sulphur 1.98, and of octahedral sulphur 2.05 ; this last variety is more stable 
 than the other two, which are under various circumstances converted into it. Heated in 
 the air, sulphur ignites at about 150° C. (302° F.), and burns with a blue flame to sul- 
 phurous anhydride or sulphur dioxide, S0 2 . This gas always contains a small quantity 
 of the trioxide or sulphuric anhydride, S0 3 , according to Lunge and Salathe (1883), if 
 the combustion takes place in dry air, the amount being 2.5 or 2.8 per cent., and the 
 quantity being increased in the presence of ferric oxide. The two oxides named are the 
 only oxygen compounds which have been obtained in the isolated state, though several 
 others are known in combination, of which the most important is thiosulphuric acid. 
 (See Sodii Thiosulphas.) The other oxygen compounds of sulphur are as yet only of 
 scientific interest : they are hyposulpliurous (also called liydrosulphurous ) (H 2 S0 2 ), ditlii- 
 onic , trith ionic, tetratliionic , and pentatliionic acids , and the last four contain, in combina- 
 tion with a bivalent basylous radical, 6 atoms of oxygen, and respectively 2, 3, 4, and 5 
 atoms of sulphur. These four acids, when liberated from their salts, are readily decom- 
 posed into sulphuric and sulphurous acids, the last three separating also sulphur. 
 
 Sulphur combines also with most of the non-metallic and metallic elements, forming 
 sulphides, the most important of which to the pharmacist are the sulphides of antimony, 
 mercury, iron, potassium, ammonium, and hydrogen. When treated at an elevated tem- 
 perature with volatile and fixed oils, it dissolves, and forms with the fats compounds 
 which were formerly known as balsams of sidplmr. Sulphur is insoluble in water, but 
 dissolves in hot solutions of the fixed alkalies and alkaline earths, forming sulphides, and 
 is somewhat soluble in hot absolute alcohol, ether, chloroform, oil of turpentine, benzin, 
 and benzene, being deposited on cooling in crystals. Carbon disulphide promptly dis- 
 solves a portion of it, but leaves a residue of insoluble sulphur, which may be dissolved 
 by a boiling solution of alkali hydroxide. 
 
 Sublimed sulphur is a yellow or somewhat greenish-yellow, slightly gritty powder, 
 which is free from odor and taste, or generally has a slight sulphurous odor and a faint 
 acidulous taste, and has a slight acid reaction to litmus. To heat and solvents it shows 
 the behavior described above. 
 
 Washed sulphur has the same appearance and behavior as the preceding, except that 
 it is entirely inodorous and nearly tasteless, and does not change the color of litmus-paper, 
 which properties are demanded by the Br. P. for its sulphur sublimatum. 
 
 Precipitated sulphur is a yellowish-white or grayish, very fine powder, free from 
 grittiness and from the odor of hydrogen sulphide, and nearly tasteless. When exam- 
 ined under the microscope it is seen to consist of opaque globules which are free from 
 crystalline matter. It is not altered on exposure to air when kept dry, and on fusion it 
 is converted into ordinary sulphur. 
 
 Tests. — Water agitated with washed or precipitated sulphur ( U. S.), or these varieties 
 of sulphur moistened with water (P. G .), should not redden blue litmus-paper; the last 
 is the more delicate test. Pure sulphur should completely evaporate by heat, and when 
 ignited in the air should burn without leaving any fixed residue (clay, gypsum, etc.). 
 The pharmacopoeias permit a trace (0.1 to 0.5 per cent.) of fixed residue for sublimed and 
 washed, but none for precipitated, sulphur. The latter, if precipitated by sulphuric acid, 
 is more readily miscible with water than pure precipitated sulphur, and leaves on ignition 
 a large amount of fixed residue. For the detection of this and other fixed impurities the 
 following additional but unnecessary tests may be employed : If precipitated sulphur be 
 boiled with diluted hydrochloric acid, the liquid filtered, and the filtrate divided into two 
 portions, one portion should not be precipitated by test-solution of barium chloride, 
 and the other portion should not be rendered more than slightly turbid by test-solution 
 of ammonium carbonate with excess of water of ammonia (absence of calcium sul- 
 phate). When digested successively with water, hydrochloric acid, and water of 
 
SULPHUR. 
 
 1541 
 
 ammonia, these liquids, after filtration, should leave no residue on evaporation (absence 
 of alkalies, alkaline earths, or sulphide). Sulphur obtained from pyrites usually contains 
 arsenic, which is most conveniently detected, unless present in very minute quantities, 
 by digesting it with 20 parts ( U. S., P. G .) of ammonia-water, filtering, and adding 
 hydrochloric acid, when yellow arsenic sulphide will be precipitated ; on the further addi- 
 tion of hydrogen sulphide, arsenous acid, if present, will yield a yellow precipitate of 
 arsenic sulphide. While arsenous acid may be present in sublimed and in washed sul- 
 phur, it is obvious from the above explanation of the process that precipitated sulphur 
 may be contaminated with the sulphide, but not with the oxide of arsenic. Very minute 
 quantities of this metal are best detected by Marsh’s test. Selenium, which is sometimes 
 present in sulphur, is detected by “ boiling 0.5 Gm. of the sample with a solution of 0.5 
 Gm. of potassium cyanide in 5 Cc. of water, and, if after filtration, the clear liquid be 
 acidulated with hydrochloric acid, it should not assume a reddish color, even after standing 
 an hour (absence of selenium).” — U. S. Precipitated sulphur frequently has a slight 
 odor of hydrogen sulphide, which is more apparent on being warmed ; such sulphur 
 acquires a more or less black color when agitated with a solution of lead acetate ; the 
 pharmacopoeias give no chemical test, almost complete freedom from odor being sufficient. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The use of powdered sulphur for limiting fermentation has 
 come down from a remote period, and it has also long been used for destroying parasitic 
 fungi upon plants, as well as parasitic insects upon plants and animals. Recent experi- 
 ments appear to show that these effects, as well as others which are usually attributed to 
 sulphur are in reality due to the sulphurous and sulphuric acids with which it is nearly 
 always impregnated or which form by the action of the oxygen of the air upon it. The 
 former, produced by the combustion of sulphur, is habitually used for disinfecting rooms, 
 ships, etc. where infectious or contagious diseases have existed. 
 
 In doses of from 20 to 40 grains sulphur occasions soft stools, generally without 
 colic, and the flatus discharged has the odor of hydrogen sulphide. The greater part of 
 the sulphur passes unchanged. When small doses are repeated day after day, the exha- 
 lations of the lungs and skin have a sulphurous smell, the linen is sometimes stained 
 yellow by the perspiration, and silver articles worn near the skin are blackened by the 
 formation of silver sulphide. The expired air also, the urine, and the milk contain 
 combinations of sulphur. It has happened, when a course of mercury followed the 
 administration of sulphur, that parts of the skin have been discolored by sulphide of 
 mercury. Sulphur may continue to be used for a long time and in full doses without 
 untoward effects, but, on the other hand, a case has been recorded of a person who took 
 120 grains of sulphur in wine four or five times a day, and who on the sixth day was 
 seized with nausea, bloody diarrhoea, cramps in the legs, fever, dysury, etc., and for 
 several years suffered from irritable stomach (Giacomini, Mat. Med .). There can be little 
 doubt that these peculiar symptoms were occasioned by a great excess of free acids in 
 the sulphur, for those acids have been found to be present in the proportion of from 10 
 to 30 parts in 10,000 parts of ordinary sublimed sulphur. They are the chief source of 
 the increased proportion of sulphates found in the urine of those who use sulphur medi- 
 cinally. In another case a man took 1 ounce of sublimed sulphur, and repeated the dose 
 twenty-four hours later. The symptoms comprised prostration, partial insensibility, head- 
 ache, fever, sulphurous breath, contracted pupils, clammy perspiration, griping, vomiting, 
 purging of bloody mucus, and bloody urine. Recovery took place in a week (Vaughn, 
 British Med. Jour ., Nov. 3. 1888). The skin appears to absorb it in some degree, since 
 those who are subjected to frictions with sulphur ointment discharge fetid gas from the 
 bowels. The case is recorded of a man who for dandruff of the scalp used an ointment 
 containing 10 percent, of sulphur. He suffered from occipital headache, giddiness, faint- 
 ness, pallor, general debility, cold perspiration, and a small and frequent pulse. On 
 abstaining from the use of the ointment and using hot baths he recovered (Med. News , li. 
 596). Dolan states that he found sulphur in the milk, sweat, and urine of persons tak- 
 ing it, and that it acts as a mild purgative on nursing infants through the mother’s milk 
 ( Practitioner , xxvii. 170). 
 
 The most important therapeutic application of sulphur is to the cure of scabies. As 
 already stated, it was used for this purpose in ancient times. Within the last generation 
 its efficacy has been greatly enhanced by softening the patient’s skin by means of warm 
 baths before the sulphur is applied, and by associating the latter with some substance 
 which, with the aid of friction, mechanically breaks up the burrows of the acari and 
 brings the insects under the poisonous influence of the sulphur. Some writers, even 
 among the most recent, distinctly assert that sulphur is not efficient, per se, and can cure 
 
 
1542 
 
 SULPHUR. 
 
 the itch only when the presence of a free or carbonated alkali favors the formation of a 
 sulphide, which is the true agent of the cure, and hence that all sulphurous itch oint- 
 ments should contain such an alkaline ingredient. Others affirm that the sulphur in an 
 ointment only acts mechanically by breaking up the burrows of the itch insect, while the 
 sulphides destroy its life These writers appear to have overlooked the presence and 
 potency of sulphurous acid in sulphur ointment, as well as to have forgotten the long 
 period in which simple sulphur ointment continued to be an efficient cure for the itch. 
 The greatest dermatologist of the age was not, apparently, of their opinion. Hebra, after 
 referring to the comparative value of several insecticide agents, says of sulphur : “ It 
 was found to be equally effectual whether it was used alone or in combination with 
 potassa, soda, or lime.” He also distinctly points out the advantage of there being mixed 
 with the sulphur some coarse and insoluble substance to mechanically rupture the bur- 
 rows of the acarus and permit the true insecticide to reach at once the insect and its eggs. 
 But as many of the substances used for that purpose irritate the skin, causing artificial 
 vesicular and pustular eruptions, those remedies only should be employed which, without 
 irritating the skin, will destroy the itch insect and its ova. In hospitals this precaution 
 may be less imperative than in private practice, but in all cases irritating ointments 
 should be applied to those parts only, and especially the hands and the feet, which are 
 distinctly the seat of the parasitic eruption. 
 
 The first compound sulphur ointment was that of Helmerich (1812-13), and consisted 
 of 2 parts of sulphur, 1 of carbonate of potash, and 8 of lard, which was said to cure 
 the itch in eighteen hours when applied by vigorous and repeated friction, aided by warm 
 baths. The method was revived in 1844 by Hebra, whose perfected formula was as 
 follows: B. Flor. sulphuris, 01. fagi vel cadini, aa ^vj ; Saponis viridis, Adipis, aa Oj ; 
 Cretae, ^iv. — M. He, however, employed successfully a much simpler preparation) 
 made of equal parts of flowers of sulphur and powdered soap, reduced to a semi-fluid 
 mass with water. These agents effect a cure in two or three days when duly supple- 
 mented by warm baths. Hardy reduced the time of treatment to two hours. The 
 patient was first rubbed for half an hour with soft soap, then placed in a warm bath for 
 half an hour while the skin was again thoroughly rubbed, after which he was vigorously 
 anointed with Helmerich’s ointment or with one composed of 1 part of potassium car- 
 bonate, 2 parts of sublimed sulphur, and 12 parts of lard. The method variously ascribed 
 to Bourguignon and to Vlemingkx consisted in the use of the following lotion : R. Calcis 
 vivae lb. j ; Sulphuris citrini lb. ij. Boil with 20 pints of water until reduction to 12 
 pints. When cold, filter. The patient is immersed in a warm bath for half an hour, 
 then rubbed with flannel cloths and potash soap, and finally remains for another half hour 
 in the bath. During the third half hour he is again rubbed vigorously with flannel dipped 
 in the solution of calcium sulphide, and passes a fourth half hour in the bath. Any par- 
 ticles of sulphur adhering to the skin may be washed off with cold water. This completes 
 the cure. Behrund, in the Berlin Hospital, uses the following : Sublimed sulphur, 8 parts ; 
 liquid tar 8; soft soap 16; lanolin 16; and powdered pumice 5 parts. The objection to 
 these methods consists in the harshness of the application and the artificial eruptions 
 they excite. 
 
 Sulphur is useful in other diseases of the skin, and especially in acne , alopecia pityrodes, 
 sycosis, and tinea versicolor , and in certain cases of psoriasis. In the last-named affection, 
 unless very circumscribed, all sulphurous applications are painful and often aggravate the 
 disease. In tinea versicolor sulphur baths and the internal use of sulphur waters should 
 be conjoined. In the different forms of acne the seat of the eruption should every night 
 be bathed with warm water to soften the skin, after which a paste made with flowers of 
 sulphur and water, or an ointment prepared with equal parts of sulphur, potassium 
 carbonate and simple ointment, should be smeared over the affected part and allowed to 
 remain all night. In the morning it should be thoroughly washed off with soft water, 
 with the addition, if necessary, of bran or Indian corn-meal, but without soap. A simpler 
 but very efficient plan consists in dusting the skin with pure precipitated sulphur every 
 night, after washing it with soft water. Tinea tonsurans, or trichophyton , is curable by 
 sulphur ointment after the hair has been closely cropped. Chloasma, or tinea versicolor , 
 is sometimes cured by drinking sulphurous mineral waters and by baths of the same, but 
 whether by their local or by their indirect action is not easily determined. 
 
 The fumes of burning sulphur (v. Acidum Sulphurosum), conveyed into a wooden 
 chest enclosing all of the patient but his head, have sometimes been used in the treat- 
 ment, especially of inveterate cases, of cutaneous diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, impe- 
 tigo, and prurigo, and also for the cure of rheumatic and scrofulous affections, paralysis, 
 
SULPHUR1S 10 DID UM. 
 
 1543 
 
 amenorrhcea, etc. The method, however, sometimes gave rise to great cutaneous irrita- 
 tion, syncope, etc., and is now seldom if ever employed. Pliny informs us that sulphur 
 ointment rubbed upon the loins is serviceable in lumbago (lib. xxx. c. 1.). This we 
 stated long ago ( Therapeutics , 4th ed., ii. 484), and also that O’Connor treated sciatica and 
 chronic rheumatism by applying dry powdered sulphur with friction, followed by the use 
 of flannel bandages ( Lancet , Mar. 1855, p. 237), and that Geisler employed sulphur oint- 
 ment in a similar manner {Jour, f Phar. u. Toxicol ., etc., ii. 227). A few years since 
 Fuller, in his work on rheumatism (3d ed. p. 472) states that this mode of using sulphur 
 often subdues pain that has resisted other remedies. Guenau de Mussy, and later on 
 Duchesne and Cowden, resorted to O’Connor’s plan with success {Therap. Gaz ., xii. 276, 
 626; Barthol, Cent, f Therap ., vii. 666). Sulphurous baths, both natural and artificial, 
 have always enjoyed a great vogue, especially in the treatment of rheumatism and gout 
 and of some cutaneous affections. For the former thermal waters are to be preferred, and 
 for the latter partial douche baths are more eflicacious than general baths, and are more 
 useful in limited than in extensive eruptions. Sulphurous mineral waters generally con- 
 tain earthy and alkaline sulphates, which render them, when taken internally, more or 
 less laxative and diuretic, and therefore depurative, while the sulphurous acid disengaged 
 from them in the body promotes diaphoresis. (See Aqile Minerales.) Probably by 
 the latter operation sulphur is useful as an internal remedy for chronic rheumatism, 
 especially of the muscles and tendons, but not of the joints. It forms an ingredient of 
 the laxative compound known as the “ Chelsea pensioner,” thus : Jfc. Flowers of sulphur 
 gij ; Cream of tartar ; Powdered rhubarb 3 ij ; Guaiacum gj ; Clarified honey lb.j ; one 
 Nutmeg, finely powdered.— M. S. 2 large teaspoonfuls to be taken night and morning, 
 and at bedtime a hot alcoholic draught. A lozenge containing 5 grains of precipitated 
 sulphur and 1 grain of potassium bitartrate is recommended by Garrod for habitual 
 use in constipation , etc. 
 
 In chronic coughs with profuse expectoration the virtues of sulphur are sometimes con- 
 spicuous. Its reputation in such affections at one time was so great as to obtain for it 
 the title of balsamum pulmonum. It was often used for this purpose in the form of the 
 compound liquorice powder, which is now more generally employed as a mild and efficient 
 laxative. It has been claimed that sulphurous mineral waters are curative of certain 
 cases of phthisis (Candelle, Bull, de Therap ., cii. 305, 366). Undoubtedly, in certain 
 cases they tend to eliminate the bronchitic element of the disease, but nothing more. 
 (Compare Aitken, Practitioner , xxxi. 259 ; Dujardin-Beaumetz, Bull, et Mem. Soc. ther ., 
 1887, p. 200.) The mildness of the laxative operation of sulphur renders it appropriate 
 in piles ; for this and similar purposes it is often administered with cream of tartar, of 
 each Gm. 4 (1 drachm), mixed with molasses. 
 
 Nebulized sulphurous waters are useful as a local application in granular pharyngitis 
 and chronic laryngitis, and powdered sulphur itself was long ago recommended to be 
 applied by insufflation to the same parts in diphtheria and croup, but of its efficacy there 
 is not sufficient proof, at least in the latter disease. In the former, however, there is 
 some reason for believing that finely-powdered or precipitated sulphur applied in this 
 manner has had the effect of removing the exudation (Stuart, Practitioner , xxii. 248 ; 
 xxiii. 272 ; Knaggs, Therap. Gaz., xii. 153, 226 ; Osborne, ibid., xiii. 357). But the 
 arguments in its favor are more theoretical than clinical. It has been claimed that the 
 fumes of sulphur arrest whooping cough {Therap. Gaz., xi. 185). It is said that malarial 
 fevers do not prevail where the air is impregnated with sulphurous emanations (D’Abbadie, 
 Practitioner, xxix. 466). 
 
 Sulphur is given as a laxative in the dose of from Gm. 4-15 (gr. lx-ccl). For other 
 purposes the dose is about Gm. 2 (gr. xxx). It may be administered in milk or molasses 
 or other syrup. 
 
 SULPHURIS IODIDUM, 77. S ,, Ur, — Sulphur Iodide. 
 
 Sulfur iodatum , Ioduretum sulfuris. — Iodure de soufrc, Fr. ; Jodschwefel, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Washed Sulphur 20 Gm. ; Iodine 80 Gm. Mix the sulphur and 
 iodine thoroughly by trituration ; introduce the mixture into a flask, close the orifice 
 loosely and by means of a water-bath gradually and with occasional agitation apply a 
 heat not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.) until the ingredients combine, which is indicated 
 by the color becoming uniformly dark throughout the mixture. Then increase the heat 
 to the boiling-point of the water, so as to fuse the mass. By inclining the flask unite 
 any iodine which may have sublimed and condensed on the sides of the flask with the 
 
1544 
 
 SUMBUL. 
 
 fused mass, and then pour the latter out upon a porcelain plate or other suitable cold 
 surface. After cooling break the product into pieces of suitable size, and keep them in 
 a glass-stoppered bottle in a cool place. — U. S., Br. 
 
 On warming a mixture of iodine and sulphur the two elements unite, and at a some- 
 what higher heat melt together. The operation is readily performed in an ordinary vial 
 if this is carefully heated by means of a sand-bath. The use of washed sulphur directed by 
 the U. S. P. is an unnecessary refinement in view of the qualities demanded for sublimed 
 sulphur, the trace of acid present in the latter not affecting the quality of the preparation. 
 
 Properties. — Thus prepared, sulphur iodide is a grayish-black mass of a radiated 
 crystalline appearance and with a metallic lustre. It resembles iodine in smell and taste, 
 and on exposure to the air gradually loses iodine. If exposed to a gradually-increased 
 heat, it sublimes, the first portion of the sublimate consisting of iodine, and the portion 
 subsequently obtained containing sulphur ; only a minute trace of fixed residue should 
 be left. Sulphur iodide is insoluble in water, but dissolves in about 60 parts of glycerin, 
 and is soluble in carbon disulphide, on the spontaneous evaporation of which at a low 
 temperature iodine crystallizes first, and afterward rhombic pyramids of sulphuric iodide 
 are obtained, having the formula SI 6 (Vom Rath, 1860), and on exposure to the air 
 leaving sulphur in the form of a delicate crystalline skeleton (Lamers, 1861). Alcohol, 
 ether, volatile oils, and cold solutions of potassa and of potassium iodide decompose sul- 
 phur iodide by dissolving the iodine. A similar decomposition is effected by boiling the 
 sulphur iodide with water, with the vapors of which the iodine passes off, leaving a 
 residue of sulphur amounting to 20 per cent, of the weight of the sulphur iodide 
 employed ; this is recommended as a test of purity by the U. S. P. 
 
 Composition. — Sulphur and iodine are employed in the proportion of their atomic 
 weights, the compound being regarded as sulphur subiodide , S 2 I 2 . Guthrie (1861) obtained 
 this compound in tabular crystals by acting with sulphur subchloride, S 2 C1 2 , upon ethyl 
 iodide, C 2 H 5 I. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Sulphur iodide was originally employed in the treatment of 
 tuberculated diseases of the shin in an ointment which contained from 1 part of the iodide 
 in 12 parts to 1 part in 3 parts of lard. It acts as a stimulant or caustic according to 
 the strength of the ointment applied. It is seldom used, chiefly on account of its 
 tendency to become decomposed. (See Ung. Plumbi Iodidi.) 
 
 SUMBUL, U. S . — Sumbul-root. 
 
 Sumbul radix , Br. ; Racine de sumbul , Fr. ; & Uimbulwurzel, Moschuswurzel, G. 
 
 The root of Ferula (Euryangium, Kauffmann) Sumbul, Hooker films , s. Sumbulus mos- 
 chatus, Reinsch. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 131. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferae, Orthospermae. 
 
 Origin. — The sumbul-plant is indigenous to Turkestan, Bucharia, Eastern Siberia, 
 and probably to other parts of Central Asia, and was discovered by Fedschenko (1869) 
 in the mountains of Maghian, south-eastward of Samarkand. It is a perennial growing 
 to the height of 2.4 M. (8 feet), and has large, triangular, tripinnate radical leaves and a 
 few small cauline leaves, the upper ones being reduced to sheathing bracts. The flowers 
 are polygamous, and the fruit is about 12 Mm. (| inch) long, oblong-oval, dorsally com- 
 pressed, and when ripe is free from oil-tubes, but in the unripe state has in each mericarp 
 four large dorsal and two small commissural vittae. The root was sent to Western Russia 
 in 1835 as a substitute for musk, and was afterward used in medicine. 
 
 Description, — Sumbul-root enters commerce by way 
 of Russia. It is spindle-shaped, simple, about 30 Cm. 
 (12 inches) long, and is met with in transverse segments, 
 varying in diameter from 2-15 Cm. (1 inch to 4 or 6 
 inches), and in thickness from 2-5 Cm. (f inch to 2 
 inches), occasionally intermixed with pieces scarcely 
 6 Mm. (1 inch) in diameter. The root is light, of a 
 
 Fig. 297. 
 
 spongy texture, annulate in the upper part, and below 
 with longitudinal wrinkles, covered with a thin brown 
 bark, is internally whitish, sprinkled with yellowish-brown 
 resinous dots, and consists of white parenchyma and pale- 
 brownish fibro-vascular bundles, which are easily sepa- 
 rated, are irregular-wavy, and more numerous near the 
 bark than in the centre. Sumbul-root breaks with an irregular, farinaceous, and 
 
 Sumbul-root. 
 
STJPPOSITORIA. 
 
 1545 
 
 fibrous fracture, and has a strong, persistent musk-like odor and a bitter balsamic 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The ethereal tincture of sumbul-root, on being evaporated and 
 treated with alcohol, leaves waxy matter behind, and on evaporating the alcoholic 
 solution Reinsch’s (1848) sumbul balsam is obtained, which on being heated in a narrow 
 tube acquires a green afterward blue color, and subsequently yields oily distillates of a 
 yellow, green, and blue color, and containing umbelliferon. When added to sulphuric 
 acid the balsam acquires a purple color, and after having been heated with potassa it 
 yields to a small quantity of water potassium angelicate, the potassium salt of sum- 
 bulamic acid remaining undissolved. Valerianic acid is probably likewise contained in 
 the resinous extract. Murawjeff (1853) reported having obtained from sumbul-root an 
 alkaloid, sumbuline , yielding crystallizable salts. The chemistry of sumbul-root requires 
 further researches. 
 
 Allied Root.— In India a root is employed as sumbul-root which, according to Pereira, differs 
 from the Russian root in being of a closer texture, firmer, denser, and of a more yellow tint. 
 Dymock showed it to be the root of Dorema Ammoniacum, which has no musk-like odor. 
 
 Uses. — This root first attracted attention in Russia about 1835 as a specific for 
 cholera — how uselessly the history of that disease demonstrates. Afterward its strong 
 musky odor led to its being prescribed in various functional nervous disorders, including 
 hysteria and delirium tremens ; and compounds of it with iron, arsenic, etc. were used in 
 amenorrhoea and chlorosis , and the benefit due to these metals was attributed to the sumbul 
 associated with them. Its combined resin and essential oil caused it to be employed in 
 mucous profluvia. such as chronic bronchitis , leucorrhoea , and gleet. It is now but little 
 used. The dose of the root in powder is Gm. 0.60-1.30 (gr. x-xx). It has also been 
 given in tincture and in syrup. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA. — Suppositories. 
 
 Suppositoires , Fr. ; Stuhlzdpfchen , G. 
 
 Suppositories are solid medicinal preparations intended to be introduced into the rectum 
 or vagina, and of such a consistence that they will slowly melt at the temperature of the 
 body or liquefy in the presence of moisture. The material best adapted for the vehicle 
 is undoubtedly butter of cacao, since at ordinary temperatures it is sufficiently firm to be 
 handled, and at the same time has such a low fusing-point that it will slowly but com- 
 pletely liquefy after introduction into the rectum. In addition to this, it is not prone to 
 become rancid, and may be mixed with most medicinal substances commonly employed in 
 this form of medication without having its fusing-point lowered. The volatile oils, cam- 
 phor, carbolic acid, creosote, and chloral hydrate, exert a marked influence upon the con- 
 sistence of cacao butter, and liquefy with it at a temperature lower than its fusing-point. 
 But even these substances may be added in small quantities without occasioning unusual 
 trouble in preparing the suppositories ; if, however, added in full medicinal doses, the 
 cacao butter may be replaced by about 10 per cent, of spermaceti. 
 
 Recently (August, 1893) a change has been suggested by II. 8. Wellcome of London • 
 in the shape of suppositories and bougies. It being well known that the old cone shape, 
 and even the double cone shape, latterly employed operate considerably against reten- 
 tion of the suppository on account of the peculiar contraction of the sphincter muscles, 
 a modification of the shape has been proposed, so as to allow of the introduction of the 
 bulbous end of the suppository or bougie first, and thus ensure perfect retention by the 
 reflex contraction of the sphincter. No patent or proprietary right being claimed for 
 the improvement in shape, any pharmacist is at liberty to use it, and can procure suitable 
 moulds for the same. 
 
 Figs. 298 and 299 show the shape and actual size of the improved bougies and 
 suppositories. 
 
 In the selection of the base for suppositories the United States Pharmacopoeia very 
 properly follows the French Codex, while the British Pharmacopoeia employs a mixture 
 of cacao butter and wax, or curd soap with powdered starch or with starch and glycerite 
 of starch. Suet is also occasionally used in Europe for this purpose. Another vehicle, 
 which is more particularly adapted for vaginal suppositories, is a combination of 3 parts 
 of gelatin, 7 of glycerin, and 1 of alcohol, as proposed by H. B. Brady. 
 
1546 
 
 SUPPOSITOBIA. 
 
 The size of rectal suppositories adopted by the different pharmacopoeias varies very 
 much, their weight, according to the United States and British Pharmacopoeias, being 
 
 Fig. 298. 
 
 The “ Wellcome ’’-shape Suppositories. 
 
 15 grains ; according to the German Pharmacopoeia, 2-3 Gm. (30-45 grains), and accord- 
 ing to the French Codex 4, or for children 2, Gm. (60 or 30 grains). 
 
 Fig. 299. 
 
 The “ Wellcome ’’-shape Bougies. 
 
 Preparation. — Suppositories are prepared by the following general formula : “ Hav- 
 ing weighed out the medicinal ingredient or ingredients, and the quantity of oil of theo- 
 broma required according to the kind of suppository to be prepared (see below), mix the 
 medicinal portion (previously brought to a proper consistence, if necessary) with a small 
 quantity of the oil of theobroma, by rubbing them together, and add the mixture to the 
 remainder of the oil of theobroma, previously melted and cooled to the temperature of 
 35° C. (95° F.). Then mix thoroughly, without applying more heat, and immediately 
 pour the mixture into suitable moulds. The moulds must be thoroughly chilled by being 
 placed on ice or by immersion in ice-cold water, and the inner surface of the moulds should 
 be carefully freed from adhering moisture before the melted mass is poured in. 
 
 In the absence of suitable moulds suppositories may be formed by allowing the mix- 
 ture, prepared as -above, to cool, care being taken to keep the ingredients well mixed, 
 and dividing the mass into parts, of a definite weight each, of the proper shape. 
 
 Unless otherwise specified, suppositories should have the following weights and shapes, 
 corresponding to their several uses : Rectal suppositories should be cone-shaped, and of 
 a weight of about 1 Gm. Urethral suppositories should be pencil-shaped, and of a weight 
 of about 1 Gm. Vaginal suppositories should be globular, and of a weight of about 
 3 Gm.” — U. S. 
 
 These directions are sufficiently minute for the proper preparation of suppositories 
 having cacao butter for their base. The directions of the British Pharmacopoeia when 
 other vehicles are used are given below. In making suppositories with gelatin, this 
 material is well soaked in water, and when thoroughly saturated and softened is melted 
 together with the requisite quantity of glycerin, and the fused mass is mixed with the 
 alcohol containing the medicinal substance in solution or suspension. Since tannin forms 
 an insoluble compound with gelatin, drugs owing their virtue to tannin cannot be com- 
 bined with this vehicle, which is likewise not well adapted for various salts unless the 
 amount of gelatin be somewhat increased. 
 
 To obtain suppositories of a uniform shape, they are generally moulded. The simplest 
 mould is made of thin writing-paper folded into the shape of a cone and having the edge 
 secured with a little sealing-wax or paste ; after the material has solidified the paper is 
 unrolled. Or the moulds are made of pewter or other suitable metal and suspended in 
 a tray, which is filled with cold water or fragments of ice to thoroughly chill the moulds 
 before the melted mass is poured out. The suppositories will readily congeal, and may 
 be removed by inverting the mould and striking it suddenly on a slab. Moulds have also 
 been made of brass with a number of conical cavities of the desired size and shape, and 
 arranged in such a manner that after the suppositories have congealed the mould may 
 be taken apart either by removing the top portion or the sides, when the suppositories 
 are easily lifted or pushed out by slight pressure. Serviceable suppository moulds may 
 be mg do by the pharmacist from plaster of Paris, as was suggested by Charles E. Dwight 
 (1872), by pouring the plaster, mixed with water to the consistence of thick cream, into 
 a suitable vessel, and inserting into the soft mass a convenient number of wax supposi- 
 tories in such a manner that the broad end is near one side, and the suppositories are 
 
SUPPOSITORIA. 
 
 1547 
 
 immersed only to one-half their diameter. When the plaster is set the wax is removed, 
 
 the surface is smoothed with a knife, taking 
 care that the edges of each mould he sharp, 
 and small cavities are dug between the de- 
 pressions. This represents one-half of the 
 mould, the surface of which is well greased, 
 
 Fjg. 301. 
 
 Hinged Suppository Mould. 
 
 and after replacing the wax the other half is obtained by pouring mixed plaster upon 
 the greased surface to the depth of an inch or more. When hard the two parts can 
 be easily separated, the edges trimmed oft’, and each part boiled for about an hour in 
 linseed oil, which will prevent the adhesion of the substance to be moulded. The adhe- 
 sion of suppositories to metallic moulds sometimes causes inconvenience ; it is almost 
 invariably due to the imperfect cleaning or to insufficient chilling of the moulds. 
 
 In making suppositories it is of importance that the medicinal ingredients are uniformly 
 mixed with the vehicle, and if not soluble in the latter the rapid congelation of the mix- 
 
 Fig. 302. 
 
 a., closed. b., open. 
 
 The “ Perfection ” Suppository Mould. 
 
 ture after it has been poured into the moulds is absolutely necessary. The difficulty 
 thus experienced has led many pharmacists to abandon this method and prepare supposi- 
 tories by a process rendering fusion of the cacao butter unnecessary. This vehicle is 
 either grated or by means of a sharp knife cut into very thin slices, and mixed by tritu- 
 ration, either in a mortar or on a slab, with the other ingredients ; in this condition the 
 mass may be easily rolled out, in the same manner as a pill mass, and cut into the requi- 
 site number of pieces, each of which is then shaped into a cone with the fingers or a 
 spatula. Several apparatuses have been constructed by means of which the mass, as 
 obtained by mixing the cold ingredients, may be compressed into conical moulds. 
 
 Figs. 302 and 303 represent two moulds for making suppositories without the use of 
 heat : by the cold method any possible damage to the ingredients by over-heating, as 
 well as separation of the mixture, is entirely obviated, and, moreover, the suppositories 
 can be dispensed in far less time. Both moulds are extensively used, the “ Perfection ” 
 possessing the advantage of compressing three rectal suppositories at once. 
 
 Fig. 300. 
 
 See’s Suppository Mould. 
 
1548 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA ACIDI CAEBOLICI CUM SAPONE. 
 
 Special formulas for suppositories are no longer given by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 except in one instance, but the following synopsis explains the composition and manipu- 
 
 Fig. 303. 
 
 W. T. & Co.’s Cold Compression Mould. 
 
 lation for those which were recognized by the U. S. P. 1870 ; twelve suppositories are 
 made in each case : 
 
 Suppositoria. 
 
 Medicinal ingredients. 
 
 Incorporate with 
 cacao butter. 
 
 Add to cacao butter. 
 
 Acidi carbolici. 
 
 Carbolic acid 12 grains. 
 
 60 grains. 
 
 108 
 
 grains. 
 
 Acidi tannici. 
 
 Tannin 60 grains. 
 
 60 
 
 
 60 
 
 u 
 
 Aloes. 
 
 Powd. purif. aloes 60 grains. 
 
 60 
 
 .11 
 
 60 
 
 ll 
 
 Asafoetidae. 
 
 Tinct. of asafetida 1 fluidounce ; evap- 
 orate spontaneously. 
 
 60 
 
 ll 
 
 80 
 
 ll 
 
 Belladonnae. 
 
 Alcoh. extract of belladonna 6 grains ; 
 water sufficient. 
 
 60 
 
 a 
 
 114 
 
 ll 
 
 Morphiae. 
 
 Morphine sulphate 6 grains. 
 
 60 
 
 ll 
 
 114 
 
 ll 
 
 Opii. 
 
 Extract of opium 12 grains ; water suf- 
 ficient. 
 
 60 
 
 a 
 
 108 
 
 ll 
 
 Plumbi. 
 
 Lead acetate 36 grains. 
 
 60 
 
 a 
 
 84 
 
 ll 
 
 Plumbi et opii. 
 
 Lead acetate 36 grains ; extract of opi- 
 um 6 grains ; water sufficient. 
 
 60 
 
 u 
 
 80 
 
 ll 
 
 Urethral suppositories are made in precisely the same manner as those intended for use 
 in the rectum or vagina, the chief difference being in the shape, which should be cylin- 
 drical and slender, and in the greater stiffness of the vehicle. J. L. Lemberger (1871) 
 made use of the well-known candle-mould, modified merely by making the tubes much 
 smaller ; and others have forced the mixture of cacao butter, wax, and medicinal sub- 
 stances through a narrow tube, and cut the cylinders thus obtained into pieces of a suit- 
 able length. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA ACIDI CARBOLICI CUM SAPONE, Br.— Carbolic 
 
 Acid Suppositories. 
 
 Suppositoires d'acide phenique, Fr. ; Carbolsdure-Stuhhapfchen , G. 
 
 Preparation.— Take of Carbolic Acid 12 grains; Curd Soap, in powder, 180 grains; 
 Glycerin of Starch 40 grains or a sufficiency. Mix the ingredients so as to form a paste 
 of suitable consistence. Divide the mass into twelve equal parts, each of which is to be 
 made into a conical or other convenient form for a suppository. Each suppository con- 
 tains 1 grain of carbolic acid. — Br. 
 
SUPPOSITORIA ACID I TA NNICI.—S UPPOSITORIA HYDRARGYRI. 1549 
 
 Uses. — This suppository is disinfectant and stimulant, and may be used in chronic 
 dysentery, haemorrhoids , cancer , and other diseases of the rectum attended with mucous, 
 purulent, or bloody secretions or with fetor. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA ACIDI TANNICI, Br. — Tannic Acid Suppositories. 
 
 Suppositoires de tannin , Fr. ; Tannin- Stub Izapfchen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Tannic Acid 36 grains ; Oil of Theobroma 144 grains. Rub 
 the tannic acid with 44 grains of the oil of theobroma in a slightly warmed mortar, and 
 add them to the remainder of the oil of theobroma previously melted at a low tempera- 
 ture ; mix thoroughly, and pour the mixture while it is fluid into suitable moulds of the 
 capacity of 15 grains ; or the fluid mixture may be allowed to cool, and then be divided 
 into twelve equal parts, each of which shall be made into a conical or other convenient 
 form for a suppository. — Br. 
 
 Suppositoria acidi tannici cum sapone. Take of tannic acid 36 grains ; glycerin 
 of starch 30 grains; curd soap, in powder, 100 grains; starch, in powder, a sufficiency. 
 Mix the tannic acid with the glycerin of starch and soap, and add sufficient starch to 
 form a paste of suitable consistence. Divide the mass into twelve equal parts, each of 
 which is to be made into a conical or other convenient form for a suppository. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Tannic-acid suppositories are chiefly used to allay rectal or vaginal irritation, 
 diminish local discharges, and constringe the flabby mucous membrane of these parts. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA GLYCERINI, U. 8., Br . Add.— Glycerin Supposi- 
 tories. 
 
 Suppositoires de glycerin , Fr. ; Glycerin- Stuhlzdpfchen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Glycerin 60 Gm. ; Sodium Carbonate 3 Gm. ; Stearic Acid 5 Gm., 
 to make 10 rectal suppositories. Dissolve the sodium carbonate in the glycerin in a cap- 
 sule on a water-bath ; then add the stearic acid, and heat carefully until this is dissolved 
 and the escape of carbon dioxide has ceased. Then pour the melted mass into suitable 
 moulds, remove the suppositories when they are cold, and wrap each in tin-foil. These 
 suppositories should be freshly prepared when required. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 dozen glycerin suppositories use glycerin 1111 grains, sodium carbonate 56 
 grains, and stearic acid 93 grains. 
 
 Take of gelatin, cut small, J oz. ; glycerin, by weight, 2J ounces; distilled water a 
 sufficiency ; place the gelatin in a weighed evaporating-dish with sufficient water to cover 
 it ; after allowing it to stand for a minute or two, pour away the excess of water ; set 
 aside until the gelatin is quite soft, then add the glycerin. Dissolve over a water-bath, 
 and evaporate until the mixture weighs 1560 grains. Pour the product into suppository 
 moulds holding 30, 60, or 120 grain-measures, or having other capacities as required. 
 Each suppository contains 70 per cent, by weight of glycerin. — Br. 
 
 The two formulas differ somewhat : the mass made by the U. S. P. formula contains 
 about 20 per cent, more of glycerin than that of the Br. Ph. In the former, sodium 
 stearate is obtained as a result of the reaction between sodium carbonate and stearic acid ; 
 thus, Na 2 CO 3 .10H 2 O + 2HC 18 H 35 0 2 = 2NaC 18 H 35 0 2 + C0 2 + 11H 2 0. If all the water 
 be expelled, the official mass will weigh about 66.52 Gm. and contain 90 per cent, of 
 glycerin. Each official glycerin suppository will weigh about 6.652 Gm. (102 grains). 
 
 Uses. — Suppositories of glycerin can only act mechanically to promote an action of 
 the rectum. In structural diseases of this bowel they are less eligible than liquid or 
 semi-liquid enemas. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA HYDRARGYRI, Br.- Mercurial- Suppositories. 
 
 Suppositoires mercuriels , Fr. ; Mercurial- St uhlzapfchen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ointment of Mercury 60 grains ; Oil of Theobroma 120 
 grains. Melt the oil of theobroma with sufficient heat, then add the ointment of mer- 
 cury, and, having mixed them thoroughly, without applying more heat, immediately pour 
 the mixture, before it has congealed, into suitable moulds of the capacity of 15 grains; 
 or, the fluid mixture may be allowed to cool, and then be divided into twelve equal 
 parts, each of which shall be made into a conical or other convenient form for a sup- 
 pository. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — These suppositories appear to have been contrived for the purpose of affecting 
 the system with mercury when for any reason it cannot be administered by the mouth. 
 
1550 
 
 S UPPOSITORIA M ORPHIN^E.—S YMPHYTUM. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA MORPHINE, Hr. — Morphine Suppositories. 
 
 Suppositoires morphines , Fr. ; Morphin-Stuldzap fchen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Morphine Hydrochlorate 6 grains ; Oil of Theobroma 174 
 grains. Rub the morphine hydrochlorate with 24 grains of the oil of theobroma in a 
 slightly warmed mortar, and add this to the remainder of the oil previously melted at a 
 low temperature ; mix the wdiole thoroughly, and pour the mixture while it is fluid into 
 suitable moulds of the capacity of 15 grains; or, the fluid mixture may be allowed to 
 cool, and then be divided into twelve equal parts, each of which shall be made into a 
 conical or other convenient form for a suppository, which will contain £ grain of mor- 
 phine hydrochlorate. — Br. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA MORPHINE cum sapone. Take of morphine hydrochlorate 6 grains ; 
 glycerin of starch 30 grains ; curd soap, in powder, 100 grains ; starch, in powder, a suffi- 
 ciency. Mix the morphine hydrochlorate with the glycerin of starch and soap, and add 
 sufficient starch to form a paste of suitable consistence. Divide the mass into twelve 
 equal parts, each of which is to be made into a conical or other convenient form for a 
 suppository. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Each of these suppositories contains Gm. 0.03 (£ grain) of morphine hydro- 
 chlorate, which is quite too large a dose for ordinary use. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIA PLUMBI COMPOSITA, ^.-Compound Lead 
 
 Suppositories. 
 
 Suppositoires de plomb opiaces , Fr. ; Stuhlzdpfchen von Opium und Bleizucker , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lead Acetate 36 grains; Opium, in powder, 12 grains; Oil 
 of Theobroma 132 grains. Rub the lead acetate and opium with 42 grains of the oil 
 of theobroma in a slightly warmed mortar, and add them to the remainder of the oil 
 previously melted at a low temperature ; mix the whole thoroughly and pour the mix- 
 ture while it is fluid into suitable moulds of the capacity of 15 grains ; or, the fluid mix- 
 4 ture may be allowed to cool, and then be divided into twelve equal parts, each of which 
 shall be made into a conical or other convenient form for a suppository. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The combined astringent, soporific, and anodyne qualities of these supposi- 
 tories render them appropriate in many affections of the rectum, vagina , and uterus at- 
 tended with altered secretion and pain, such as leucorrhoea, diarrhoea, dysentery, cancer, etc. 
 
 SYMPHYTUM.— Comfrey-root. 
 
 Radix symphyti, Radix consolidse majoris . — Consoude, Fr. ; Schwarzwurz , Beinwurz, G. 
 
 The root of Symphytum officinale, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Boraginaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Comfrey is a European perennial growing on the banks of streams and in 
 meadows, and now found in similar places in the United States, where it has escaped from 
 gardens. It is a coarse-looking plant, with a bristly stem .5-1 M. (20 to 40 inches) in 
 height, and with lance-ovate or lanceolate alternate and rough leaves, which are narrowed 
 into a winged petiole. The flowers are in racemose cymes, have a five-toothed calyx and 
 a tubular bell-shaped yellowish white or purplish corolla, with spreading teeth and linear 
 scales closing the throat, and produce four smooth, glossy, brown-black akenes. The 
 flowers appear in June. The root is collected in autumn or early in spring, and yields 
 about 20 per cent, of air-dry drug. 
 
 Description. — Comfrey-root is fleshy, 15-20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) long, about 25 Mm. 
 (an inch) thick above, several-headed, tapering, and with few branches. After drying it 
 is deeply wrinkled longitudinally, often bent, of a purplish-black color externally, and 
 breaks readily with an even somewhat waxy fracture, or in damp weather is rather tough. 
 The bark is about one-eighth the diameter of the root, and has a thick black, corky layer, 
 the inner bark being whitish. The meditullium consists of broad medullary rays and 
 narrow wood-wedges, and is of a whitish color, or when old brownish. Comfrey-root is 
 inodorous, and has a mucilaginous, sweetish, and faintly astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important principle contained in comfrey-root appears to 
 be the large quantity of mucilage. The root contains also sugar, a little tannin, and a 
 few starch-granules, but acquires with iodine only a brown, not a blue, color. Plisson 
 (1829) isolated from the root a small quantity of asparagin. 
 
 Uses. — Comfrey-root is both demulcent and astringent, and was esteemed in ancient 
 
SYRUPI. 
 
 1551 
 
 times for hastening the cure of bruises and the cicatrization of wounds ; hence its name, 
 consolida. A popular method in France of treating fissures of the nipple is to apply a 
 hollow section of the fresh root over the sore organ. A decoction of it is prescribed in 
 haemoptysis , haematuria , metrorrhagia , diarrhoea , and dysentery. It is made with Gm. 8- 
 16 in Gm. 500 (^ij-iv in Oj) of water. 
 
 SYRUPI.— Syrups. 
 
 Sir ops, Fr. ; Sirupe , G. 
 
 Syrups are concentrated solutions of sugar in water or in aqueous or very slightly alco- 
 holic solutions of medicinal substances. In a few instances vinegar or dilute acetic acid 
 is the solvent, and in Europe certain syrups are made with wine. Syrup made of sugar 
 and water is called simple syrup ; all others are distinguished as medicated syrups , and 
 these may be again classified into simple and compound medicated syrups, in accordance 
 with the number of drugs represented by them. 
 
 Preparation. — In preparing syrups only the best refined sugar should be employed, 
 which is free from impurities, and when dissolved in water is less prone to fermentation 
 than partially-refined sugar. Most pharmacopoeias direct the syrups to be prepared 
 with the aid of heat. The necessary quantity of sugar is mixed with the liquid, a 
 moderate heat is applied to the mixture, and this is frequently stirred until the sugar 
 is dissolved, when the heat is raised to the boiling-point, and the syrup is strained for the 
 purpose of removing dust and other accidental impurities that may have been contained 
 in the sugar and albumen, which is coagulated by heat from some aqueous infusions of 
 drugs. After straining, the U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs the volume of simple syrup to 
 be adjusted by passing a sufficient quantity of water through the strainer. In fol- 
 lowing these directions literally the syrup may become too much diluted through the 
 use of a large-sized strainer, which, with the vessel in which the syrup was made, would 
 retain considerable of the latter ; the strainer should therefore be as small as possible, and 
 water equal to only about one-half the weight to be made up should be used until the 
 vessel and strainer have been thoroughly rinsed with it, when more water may be added. 
 All undue dilution may be avoided by ascertaining the volume of the syrup previous to 
 straining, and afterward rinsing the vessel and strainer only with sufficient water to make 
 up the difference. The German Pharmacopoeia very properly directs the adjustment of 
 the weight to be made before the syrup is strained or filtered. 
 
 With three exceptions, all syrups of the U. S. P. are directed to be made by dissolving 
 the sugar in the proper liquid without heat, with the view of avoiding the evaporation 
 of volatile ingredients and the inverting influence of hot acid liquids upon the cane- 
 sugar. L. Orynski (1871) proposed to extend this process to all syrups, and the method 
 has been found by R. Hunstock (1875) and others not only much easier and more econom- 
 ical than the process involving the use of heat, but likewise to yield syrups which, as a 
 rule, are less liable to ferment. This latter quality may probably be directly referred to 
 the avoidance of heat, since the continued application of heat is known to produce 
 changes in the sugar resulting in the formation of glucose. Simple syrup, made by dis- 
 solving the sugar at the boiling-point very soon after it has been prepared, reduces alka- 
 line solutions of copper, showing the formation of grape-sugar, while simple syrup made 
 from the same sugar, but without heat, forms grape-sugar more slowly. This so-called 
 cold process for preparing syrups therefore deserves the attention of pharmacists. The 
 menstruum is in all cases prepared as directed by the Pharmacopoeia ; the requisite quan- 
 tity of sugar is then introduced into a conical percolator, the lower orifice of which is 
 closed with a cork, and into the neck of which a piece of loose sponge or cotton, previously 
 moistened, is introduced. The liquid is now poured into the percolator, and the whole 
 set aside in a moderate temperature until the sugar has been partially dissolved and 
 melted down to about one-half of its original volume, when the cork may be removed and 
 the syrup allowed to drop ; it should be perfectly clear and transparent, or the turbid 
 portion returned to the percolator. If the sugar is not all dissolved when the liquid has 
 passed, this is to be again percolated through the sugar. With proper management a 
 repetition of the process will be rarely required. Syrups prepared in this manner with 
 perfect emulsions will be opaque. If made with aqueous infusions of drugs, such syrups 
 will contain the soluble albuminous principles, and probably not be quite as unchange- 
 able as those prepared with the aid of heat; but if the drug had been exhausted by an 
 
1552 
 
 SYRITPL 
 
 alcoholic liquid, as directed by the U. S. P. for most of the syrups to which these remarks 
 apply, albumen is not present. 
 
 If heat is employed, as directed by the pharmacopoeias for most syrups, the loss occa- 
 sioned by evaporation should be rectified by the addition of water. This is easily accom- 
 plished by taking the weight of the vessel with its contents before and after boiling, and 
 adding enough water to compensate for the loss occasioned by heating. If clarification 
 by means of white of egg should be necessary, this is best added to the cold aqueous 
 liquid. Paper-pulp may be used for the same purpose. 
 
 The preparation of the aqueous liquid used for dissolving the sugar is of great import- 
 ance. The pharmacopoeias have very properly discarded the exhaustion of the crude 
 drugs by boiling them with water, since thereby starch and other principles are dissolved 
 which easily undergo chemical changes, and interfere with the stability of the syrups. 
 The United States Pharmacopoeia has, for the same reasons, abandoned the employment 
 of hot water in exhausting the drugs. The most stable medicated syrups are obtained 
 if the drug is treated with cold water, diluted alcohol, or alcohol, as the case may be, 
 either by maceration or preferably by percolation. For this part of the process all the 
 precautions are required which have been pointed out in another place (see pp. 639-643). 
 The percolate is concentrated, and, if necessary, deprived of alcohol, particular care 
 being required to prevent the evaporation of volatile principles and the change of others 
 by the influence of an elevated temperature. Filtration of the concentrated liquid is 
 usually required, and it should be borne in mind that it is much easier to pass a concen- 
 trated aqueous infusion of a drug or an aqueous solution of an alcoholic extract through 
 a filter than to perform the same operation with a syrup. 
 
 The proper proportion of sugar to menstruum ensures the stability of the syrup. 
 Should the sugar be deficient in quantity, it could not efficiently protect the other organic 
 principles contained in the syrup, and it would be liable to ferment. On the other hand, 
 if too much sugar be employed, the excess would crystallize after cooling, and dispose 
 an additional quantity to separate in a like manner, thus leaving the syrup weaker in 
 sugar than it should be, and subject to similar alterations as if an insufficient quan- 
 tity of sugar had been used. The proper proportion of sugar is a little less than twice 
 the weight of water, or 35 parts of water to 65 parts of sugar. For colder climates 
 a little more water may be employed ; the German Pharmacopoeia directs 40 parts of 
 water to 60 parts of sugar. If the liquid contains already much organic matter in 
 solution or if it is partially alcoholic, a correspondingly smaller amount of sugar will 
 be required. 
 
 A process was recommended by Isaac Davis (1878) in which the principle adopted by 
 Orynski is still further extended. Mr. Davis proposed to make the medicated syrups by 
 percolating the powdered drugs with simple syrup prepared by the cold process. 
 
 (For remarks on the preparation of fruit-syrups see Syrupus Mori and Syr. Rubi 
 Idjei.) 
 
 Preservation. — The finished syrups should be introduced into dry bottles, so as to 
 avoid diluting them with water; if bottled while warm, condensation of aqueous vapors 
 in the neck of the bottle will cause dilution of the upper stratum and disposition to fer- 
 mentation, unless the syrup be thoroughly mixed after cooling. Properly prepared, 
 syrups may generally be kept unaltered, even in partially filled bottles, at the ordinary 
 temperatures, but it is best to keep them in a place where the temperature will not 
 vary materially between about 15° and 20° C. (59° and 68° F.). The addition of small 
 quantities of spirit of ether, Hoffmann’s anodyne, potassium chlorate, and more recently 
 of salicylic acid, has been recommended for the purpose of preserving syrups ; but all 
 these additions are more or less objectionable, and generally unnecessary if, in the 
 exhaustion of the drug, heat is avoided. 
 
 Restoration. — When fermentation sets in, the carbon dioxide disengaged causes 
 the syrups to assume a frothy appearance, and a vinous odor is noticed. As soon as 
 these signs make their appearance the syrup should be heated to boiling, strained, and 
 afterward properly preserved. The medicinally active principles will rarely have under- 
 gone any alteration, except in the case of syrups of acacia and of almond ; but syrups 
 which owe their virtues wholly or in part to volatile principles, or in which fermentation 
 has proceeded beyond the incipient stage, cannot be thus restored without being impaired 
 in their properties. For syrups prone to fermentation the employment of glycerin in 
 place of a corresponding quantity of liquid and sugar has been recommended. 
 
 Properties. — Syrups should be perfectly transparent, with the few exceptions noted 
 below. When heated to boiling they have the density indicated by 30° B. = 1.26, 
 
SYRUPUS.— SYRUPUS ACIDI CITRICI. 
 
 1553 
 
 F. Cod. At 15° C. (59° F.) the density of simple syrup is 1.317 ( U, S .), 1.32 ( F . 
 Cod.), 1.330 ( Br .), and most of the medicated syrups have about the same specific 
 gravity. The employment of magnesium carbonate in the preparation of syrups ren- 
 ders them unfit for being dispensed with salts of morphine, strychnine, or other poison- 
 ous alkaloids. (See Aqu^e Medicate, p. 246.) 
 
 SYRUPUS, U. 8., Br.— Syrup. 
 
 Syrupus simplex, P. G. ; Syrupus sacchari, F. Cod. ; Syr. albus. — Simple syrup, E. ; Strop 
 de sucre , Strop simple , Fr. ; Weisser Sirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sugar, in coarse powder, 850 Gm. ; Distilled Water a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the sugar, with the aid of heat, in 450 Cc. of 
 distilled water, raise the temperature to the boiling-point, strain the liquid, and pass 
 enough distilled water through the strainer to make the product, when cold, measure 
 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly.— U. S. 
 
 Syrup may also be prepared in the following manner : Into the neck of a percolator or 
 funnel of suitable size fit a tapering piece of coarse, well-cleaned sponge, not too tightly, 
 and in such a manner that the upper end of the sponge be about half an inch within the 
 outlet-tube or stem. Place the sugar in the apparatus, make its surface level without- 
 shaking or jarring, then carefully pour on 450 Cc. of distilled water, and regulate the 
 flow of the liquid, if necessary, so that it will pass out in rapid drops. Return the 
 first portions of the percolate until it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has 
 passed, follow it by distilled water, added in portions, so that all the sugar may be dis- 
 solved, and the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. To make 1 gallon 
 of simple syrup dissolve 7 lbs. 1| av. oz. of sugar in 61 fluidounces of distilled water, 
 and when cold add sufficient distilled water to bring the volume to 1 gallon. 
 
 The official syrup thus prepared has the specific gravity 1.317, and contains 64.54 per 
 cent, of sugar. The British Pharmacopoeia orders 5 pounds of sugar and sufficient dis- 
 tilled water to make 7J pounds of syrup, which contains 66.667 per cent, of sugar, and 
 is stated to have the density of 1.330. The French Codex orders 64.286 per cent, of 
 sugar, and gives the density 1.32. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Simple syrup is used in the preparation of certain confec- 
 tions, mixtures, and syrups, and as an excipient in several pill masses. 
 
 Uses. — Syrup — or “ simple syrup,” as it was formerly anol more definitely called — is 
 a most important member of the Pharmacopoeia, not only because it preserves medicines 
 associated with it from undergoing change, but because it renders them more acceptable 
 to the palate and mitigates their action upon the alimentary canal. It should, however, 
 not be used in large doses nor for a long time together, lest it impair the appetite and 
 digestion. It may be employed as a protective for superficial burns and abrasions. 
 
 SYRUPUS ACACLffi, U. S.— Syrup of Gum-Arabic. 
 
 Syrupus gummosus. — Sirop de gomme, Fr. ; Gummisirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — -Mucilage of Acacia, recently prepared, 25 Cc. ; Syrup 75 Cc. ; to 
 make 100 Cc. Mix them. This syrup should be freshly made when required for use. 
 — IT. S. 
 
 This is the formula of the P. G. 1872, from the revised edition of which this syrup 
 has been dismissed. While it is desirable to prepare this syrup extemporaneously, it 
 should be remembered that mucilage of acacia which is not preserved by sugar is readily 
 altered on exposure, and likely to induce decomposition when used in mixtures ; it is 
 therefore important that the mucilage be of good quality. 
 
 The formula of the French Codex is similar to the following, which is the formula 
 of the U. S. P. 1870 : Dissolve 2 troyounces of gum-arabic in 8 fluidounces of water, 
 without heat ; then, having added 14 troyounces of sugar, dissolve it with a gentle heat 
 and strain. 
 
 Uses. — Syrup of gum-arabic is chiefly used to aid in suspending more active sub- 
 stances in mixtures and impart an agreeable flavor to them, as a demulcent in catarrhal 
 affections of the throat and larynx, and as a palatable addition to drinking water. 
 
 SYRUPUS ACIDI CITRICI, U. 8.— Syrup of Citric Acid. 
 
 Sirop d'acide citrique, Sirop de limon, Fr. ; Citronsduresirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Citric Acid 10 Gm. ; Water 10 Cc. ; Spirit of Lemon 10 Cc. ; Syrup 
 
 98 
 
1554 
 
 SYRUP US ACID I HYDRIODICI. 
 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the citric acid in the water, and mix the 
 solution with 500 Cc. of syrup. Then add the spirit of lemon, and lastly enough syrup 
 to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make a quart of syrup of citric acid will require 144 grains of citric acid, 2\ fluid- 
 drachms each of water and spirit of lemon, and sufficient syrup to bring the volume of 
 the finished product up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup is used as a flavoring ingredient chiefly. It is intended as a sub- 
 stitute for lemon syrup made from the recent fruit, for which, however, it is by no means 
 an equivalent. 
 
 SYRUPUS ACIDI HYDRIODICI, U . 8 .— Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. 
 
 Strop d. acid e iodhydrique , Fr. ; Jodw asserstojfsir up , G. 
 
 A syrupy liquid containing about 1 per cent, by weight of absolute hydriodic acid, 
 (HI, molecular weight 127.53), or about 1.3 Gm. in 100 Cc. 
 
 Preparation. — Potassium Iodide 13 Gm. ; Potassium Hypophosphite 1 Gm. ; Tar- 
 taric Acid 12 Gm. ; Water 15 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol, Syrup, each, a sufficient quantity to 
 make 1000 Gm. Dissolve the two potassium salts in the water, and the tartaric acid 
 in 25 Cc. of diluted alcohol. Mix the two solutions in a vial, shake it thoroughly, and 
 place it in ice-water for half an hour, occasionally shaking. Then filter the mixture 
 through a small, rapidly-acting, white filter, and carefully wash the vial, and filter with 
 diluted alcohol until the filtrate ceases to produce more than a faint cloudiness when a 
 drop or two is allowed to fall into silver nitrate test-solution. Reduce the filtrate, by 
 evaporation in a tared capsule on a water-bath, to 50 Gm., and mix it, when cold., with 
 enough syrup to make the product weigh 1000 Gm. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of syrup of hydriodic acid use 125 grains of potassium iodide, 9.5 
 grains of potassium hypophosphite, 114 grains of tartaric acid, 2i fluidrachms of water, 
 % fluidounce of diluted alcohol, and syrup a sufficient quantity ; the dilute solution of 
 hydriodic acid must be evaporated to 480 grains, and then sufficient syrup added to 
 bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 The present official formula is much simpler than that of 1880, and at the same time 
 yields a more permanent preparation, the addition of a small quantity (0.1 per cent, by 
 weight) of potassium hypophosphite tending to improve the stability of the syrup. 
 Though we have no proof that the potassium hypophosphite remains unaffected by the 
 tartaric acid, the Pharmacopoeia assumes such to be the case, and directs a quantity of 
 potassium iodide and tartaric acid sufficient to yield 10 Gm. of hydriodic acid, according 
 to the following equation: KI -f H 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 = HI + KHC 4 H 4 0 6 . The acid potassium 
 tartrate, being insoluble in cold diluted alcohol, is precipitated, while the acid remains in 
 solution, and is obtained by filtration and subsequent washing of the precipitate with 
 diluted alcohol. 1000 Gm. of the finished syrup will measure very nearly 762 Cc., or 
 about 25f fluidounces, and contains in each Cc. about 0.013 Gm., or in each fluidrachm 
 about f grain of hydriodic acid. 
 
 Properties. — This syrup is described as “ a transparent, colorless, or not more than 
 pale straw-colored liquid, odorless, having a sweet and acidulous taste ” ; spec. grav. about 
 1.313 at 15° C. (59° F.). If a small portion of the syrup be mixed with a little starch 
 solution and a few drops of chlorine-water then added, the liquid will acquire a deep-blue 
 color. — U. S. Sugar will in a measure, but not completely, prevent the oxidation of the 
 acid and the liberation of iodine ; hence a pale straw-color of the otherwise colorless 
 syrup is permitted. 
 
 Tests. — “ Gelatinized starch added to the syrup should not impart to it more than a 
 faint bluish tint (limit of free iodine). Test-solution of silver nitrate produces a pale- 
 yellow precipitate which is nearly insoluble in water of ammonia. If 32 (31.88) Gm. 
 of the syrup be exactly neutralized by ammonia-water, and then mixed with 2 drops of 
 potassium chromate test-solution, it should require about 25 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 nitrate solution to produce a permanent red tint of silver chromate (corresponding to 
 about 1 per cent, of absolute hydriodic acid).” — U S. 
 
 Uses. — As was mentioned under Hydriodic Acid, the virtues of that compound are 
 chiefly of a local stimulant and caustic nature : the evidence of its utility as an interna) 
 medicine are, in our judgment, too slender to entitle it to 'an officinal position in the com- 
 paratively stable form of a syrup. The dose of the syrup is stated to be Gm. 4 (f&j), 
 largely diluted. It has been given in chronic bronchitis , chronic malarial poisoning, etc. 
 It appears to be a superfluous addition to the Pharmacopoeia. 
 
SYRUPUS ALLIL—SYRUPUS AMYGDALA. 
 
 1555 
 
 SYRUPUS ALLEE, U. S.— Syrup of Garlic. 
 
 Sir op d' ail, Fr. ; Knoblauchsirup. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fresh Garlic, sliced and bruised, 200 Gm. ; Sugar 800 Gm. ; Diluted 
 Acetic Acid a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Macerate the garlic with 300 Cc. 
 of diluted acetic acid during four days, and express the liquid, avoiding the use of 
 metallic utensils. Then mix the residue with 200 Cc. more of diluted acetic acid, and 
 again express. Mix the expressed liquids and filter. Pour the filtrate upon the sugar 
 contained in a suitable vessel, and stir or agitate until the sugar is dissolved. Lastly, 
 add enough diluted acetic acid to make the product measure 1000 Cc.. and mix thoroughly. 
 Keep the syrup in well-stoppered, completely-filled bottles in a cool place. — IT. S. 
 
 Syrup of garlic may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a percolator 
 or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate obtained as directed 
 in the preceding formula upon the sugar, return the first portions of the percolate, until 
 it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed follow it by diluted acetic acid 
 until the product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of garlic prepare 14 fluidounces of an acetous infusion by 
 treating 6f av. ozs. of fresh garlic with dilute acetic acid a sufficient quantity ; add 261 
 av. ozs. of sugar, and finally enough diluted acetic acid to bring the volume up to 32 
 fluidounces. 
 
 Thus prepared, syrup of garlic is somewhat opalescent and has the odor of the drug in 
 a marked degree. 
 
 Uses. — This is the form in which garlic is generally employed internally. It is very 
 commonly used in subacute and chronic catarrhs of the respiratory passages in children 
 and infants, and particularly in the decline of whooping cough. The dose is about Gm. 4 
 («)• 
 
 SYRUPUS ALTH^IjE, U. S., P. G.— Syrup op Althea. 
 
 Syrup of mdrshmallow, E. ; Sirop de guimauve, Fr. ; Eibischsaft, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Althaea, cut into small pieces, 50 Gm. ; Alcohol 30 Cc. ; Glycerin 
 100 Cc. ; Sugar 700 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Wash the 
 althaea with cold water, then macerate it with 400 Cc. of water, previously mixed with 
 the alcohol, during one hour, stirring frequently, and strain without expressing. In the 
 strained liquid dissolve the sugar by agitation, without heat, add the glycerin, and 
 enough water to make the product measure 1000 Cc., and mix thoroughly. 
 
 Keep the syrup in well-stoppered, completely filled bottles in a cool place. This 
 preparation does not keep well. Unless in constant demand, it should be freshly made 
 when required. — IT. S. 
 
 This is the formula of the P. G., with the marshmallow-root somewhat increased, and 
 the addition of glycerin equal to one-tenth of the total volume of finished product, 
 whereby it is intended to improve the stability of the syrup. Cold water must be used 
 for maceration to avoid dissolving the starch, but the duration of maceration may very 
 properly be prolonged for one or two hours. 
 
 The syrup has a yellowish color and a slight agreeable odor. 
 
 To prepare I pint of syrup of marshmallow macerate 195 grains of washed althaea-root 
 for one or two hours, stirring occasionally, in a mixture of 3£ fluidounces of cold water 
 and 2 fluidrachms of alcohol ; strain without expression, and in the strained liquid dis- 
 solve 6 av. ozs. of sugar, finally adding 7 fluidrachms of glycerin and sufficient water to 
 bring the volume up to 8 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup is universally employed in France to sweeten ptisans used in sore 
 throat and inflammations of the air-passages. 
 
 SYRUPUS AMYGDALA, XT. S.— Syrup of Almond. 
 
 Syrupus amygdalarum , P. G. ; Syr. emulsivus , Sirop d’amande, Sirop d' orgeat, Fr. ; 
 Mandelsirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sweet Almond 140 Gm. ; Bitter Almond 40 Gm. ; Sugar 200 Gm.; 
 Orange-flower Water 100 Cc. ; Water 130 Cc. ; Syrup, a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Having blanched the almonds, rub them in a mortar to a very fine paste, 
 adding during the trituration 30 Cc. of water and 100 Gm. of sugar. Mix the paste 
 
1556 
 
 SYRUPUS A UR A NTII. 
 
 thoroughly with the orange-flower water and 200 Cc. of syrup; strain with strong 
 expression, and add 100 Cc. of water to the dregs and express again. To the strained 
 liquid add the remainder of the sugar, dissolve it by agitation without heat, and add 
 enough syrup to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Keep the syrup in well-stoppered, 
 filled bottles in a cool place. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of almond prepare a paste of 4| av. ozs. of sweet and 600 
 grains of bitter almond (blanched), with 1 fluidounc-e of water and 31 av. ozs. of sugar ; 
 mix well with 6 fluidounces of syrup and 3 fluidounces of orange-flower water, and 
 strain. To the residue add 21 fluidounces of water, and express again. To the strained 
 liquid add 31 av. ozs. of sugar and sufficient syrup to bring the volume up to 32 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
 This formula is modified after that of the French Codex, but endeavors to avoid 
 heat by dissolving the sugar by agitation or percolation. The syrup is whitish and 
 opaque, and in order to obtain it free from dark color the integuments of the seeds must 
 be completely removed, for which purpose the almonds are for a few minutes steeped in 
 warm water. 
 
 Uses. — Almond or orgeat syrup is an agreeable addition to expectorant and diuretic 
 mixtures, and is possibly a feeble sedative of mild forms of febrile and nervous disorder 
 through the minute proportion of hydrocyanic acid it contains. It is much used, mixed 
 with water, in irritation of the urinary passages. 
 
 SYRUPUS AURANTII, 77. 8:, Br.— Syrup of Orange. 
 
 Syrupus aurantii corticis , P. G. — Syrup of orange-peel , E. ; Strop d'ecorce d' orange 
 amere, Fr. ; Pomeranzenschalensirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sweet Orange-peel, taken from the fresh fruit, 50 Gm. ; Precipitated 
 Calcium Phosphate 50 Gm. ; Sugar 700 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each, a sufficient quantity; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Introduce the sweet orange-peel (which should be as free as possible 
 from the white inner layer, and cut into small shreds) into a flask, and add 80 Cc. of 
 alcohol. Stopper the flask loosely with a cork, apply the heat of a water-bath until 
 the alcohol boils, and maintain it boiling during five minutes, with repeated agitation. 
 Then stopper the flask well and set it aside to cool. Filter off" the liquid, and wash the 
 filter and contents with alcohol until the filtrate measures 100 Cc. Mix the precipitated 
 calcium phosphate in a mortar with 150 Gm. of sugar, and add the tincture under con- 
 stant trituration ; to the resulting pasty mass add 300 Cc. of water, triturating constantly, 
 transfer the whole to a filter, and return the first portions of the filtrate, if necessary, 
 until it runs through clear. In the filtrate dissolve the remainder of the sugar, and 
 add enough water, through the filter, until the product measures 1000 Cc. Mix 
 thoroughly. — TJ. S. 
 
 As tincture of fresh orange-peel, if made with deodorized alcohol, will retain its 
 original pure flavor, it will prove very convenient to keep on hand a concentrated 
 tincture made according to the above directions, and each pint of which will represent 
 3650 grains of the fresh orange-peel. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of orange mix 3 fluidounces and 96 minims of the con- 
 centrated tincture of orange-peel with 1| av. ozs. of calcium phosphate and 5 av. ozs. of 
 sugar; add with constant trituration fluidounces of water and filter; in the clear 
 filtrate dissolve 18^ av. ozs. of sugar, and add enough water to bring the volume up to 
 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Tincture of orange-peel 1 fluidounce ; syrup 7 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 The corresponding syrups of the French and German Pharmacopoeias are made with 
 bitter orange-peel, which, according to the former authority, is exhausted with alcohol of 
 6 per cent., and, according to the latter, with white wine ; in the tincture thus obtained 
 the sugar is dissolved. The U. S. P. makes the syrup from fresh sweet orange-peel, the 
 volatile oil of which, together with some coloring matter, is dissolved by maceration with 
 alcohol and expression ; this tincture is treated in a manner similar to the volatile oils in 
 the preparation of medicated waters (see page 247). Syrup of orange has a yellowish 
 color and an agreeable odor and taste. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup is merely an agreeable flavoring ingredient of medicinal mixtures. 
 Its more decided taste, as compared with that of lemon and other official syrups, consti- 
 tutes its special advantage. 
 
SYRUPUS AURANTII FLORUM.— SYRUPUS CALCII LACTOPHOSPIIATIS. 1557 
 
 SYRUPUS AURANTII FLORUM, 77. S. — Syrup of Orange-flowers. 
 
 Syrupus aurantiifioris , Br. — Strop de fleur d'oranger , Fr. ; Pomeranzenbluthensirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sugar 850 Gm. ; Orange-flower Water, a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Dissolve the sugar in 450 Cc. of orange-flower water by agitation, without 
 heat, add enough orange-flower water to make the product measure 1000 Cc., and mix 
 thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Syruj) of Orange-flowers may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a 
 percolator or funnel in the manner described under Syiiup. Pour 450 Cc. of orange- 
 flower water upon the sugar, return the first portions of the percolate until it runs through 
 clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by orange-flower water until the 
 product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — -U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of orange-flowers dissolve 281 av. ozs. of sugar in 141 fluid- 
 ounces of orange-flower water, and add sufficient of the latter to bring the volume of the 
 solution up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Dissolve 3 pounds of refined sugar in 16 fluidounces of distilled water with the aid of 
 heat ; strain, and when nearly cold add 8 fluidounces of orange-flower water and sufficient 
 distilled water to make the product weigh 41 pounds. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Syrup of orange-flowers is a pleasant flavoring agent, with a possibility of 
 exercising a slight sedative influence upon morbidly sensitive persons, since one-third of 
 it consists of orange-flower water. 
 
 SYRUPUS CALCII LACTOPHOSPHATIS, 77. S.— Syrup of Calcium 
 
 Lactophosphate. 
 
 Strop de lactophosphate ( phospho-lactate ) de chaux , Fr. ; Calciumphospholactatsirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Precipitated Calcium Carbonate 25 Gm. ; Lactic Acid 60 Cc. ; 
 Phosphoric Acid 36 Cc. ; Orange-flower Water 25 Cc. ; Sugar 700 Gm. ; Water a 
 sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. To the lactic acid, mixed with 100 Cc. of water 
 and contained in a capacious mortar, gradually add the calcium carbonate, in portions, 
 until it is dissolved. Then add the phosphoric acid, and triturate until the precipitate at 
 first formed has disappeared. Add 150 Cc. of water, and filter, rinsing the mortar with 
 75 Cc. of water, and passing the rinsings through the filter. To the mixed filtrates add 
 the orange-flower water, and, having added the sugar, dissolve it by agitation without 
 heat, and strain. Lastly, pass enough water through the strainer to make the product 
 measure 1000 Cc., and mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of calcium lactophosphate dissolve 366 grains of precipitated 
 calcium carbonate in 15J fluidrachms of lactic acid diluted with 26 fluidrachms of 
 water ; add 1 fluidounce and 72 minims of phosphoric acid, and triturate until perfect 
 solution is effected. Now add 38 fluidrachms of water, filter, and wash filter with 19 
 fluidrachms of water ; to the filtrate add 6 fluidrachms of orange-flower water and 23? 
 av. ozs. of sugar. Shake until dissolved, strain, and add sufficient water through the 
 strainer to bring the volume up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 The present Pharmacopoeia formula is a great improvement over that of 1880 : cal- 
 cium carbonate is readily dissolved by the diluted lactic acid, and upon the addition of 
 phosphoric acid calcium phosphate is formed, which is held in solution by the lactic 
 acid and excess of phosphoric acid present. Each Cc. of the finished syrup contains the 
 equivalent of 0.02584 Gm., or each fluidrachm the equivalent of 1.48 grains, of trical- 
 cium phosphate (Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 ). 
 
 The formula of the French Codex (1884) is as follows : Dissolve 12.5 Gm. of calcium 
 phosphate in sufficient (14 Gm.) of concentrated lactic acid and 340 Gm. of water ; 630 
 Gm. of sugar are dissolved in the liquid, and 10 Gm. of essence of lemon added. 
 Replacing the lactic acid by a sufficient quantity of hydrochloric acid, strop de chlorhy- 
 drophosphate de chaux is obtained. Strop de phosphate acide de chaux is made in the 
 same manner, using sufficient phosphoric acid for dissolving the calcium salt. 
 
 Uses. — -Not the least evidence exists that this preparation is endowed with medicinal 
 virtues. It is intended especially to act as a reconstituent, but the proportion of lime con- 
 tained in it is so minute that its action, of any sort, must be quite illusory. Moreover, 
 as the greater part of the compound consists of sugar, it tends to produce or to prolong 
 the gastric fermentation that exists in cases which require the use of true reconstituents. 
 The dose of this preparation is at the option of the prescribe^ from a teaspoonful to a 
 wine-glassful, diluted. 
 
1558 
 
 SYRUPUS CALCTS.—SYE UPUS FEREI IODWL 
 
 SYRUPUS CALCIS, 77 . 8.— Syrup of Lime. 
 
 Liquor calcis saccharatus, Br. ; Syrupus calc arise,. — Saccharated solution of lime , E. ; 
 Strop de chaux, Fr. ; Kalksirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lime 65 Gm. ; Sugar 400 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Triturate the lime and sugar thoroughly in a mortar, so as to form a homoge- 
 neous powder ; then add the mixture to 500 Cc. of boiling water, contained in a bright 
 copper or tinned iron vessel ; boil for five minutes, constantly stirring, and then strain. Let 
 the strained liquid stand for twenty-four hours, decant the clear portion, add to it 
 enough water to make the product measure 1000 Cc., and mix thoroughly. Keep the 
 syrup in well-stoppered bottles. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of lime use 2 av. ozs. of lime, 13J av. ozs. of sugar, and 
 16 fluidounces of boiling water ; after straining and decanting the clear liquid add enough 
 water to bring the volume up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of slaked lime 1 ounce ; refined sugar, in powder, 2 ounces ; distilled water 1 
 pint. Mix the lime and the sugar by trituration in a mortar. Transfer the mixture to 
 a bottle containing the water, and, having closed this with a cork, shake it occasionally 
 for a few hours. Finally, separate the clear solution with a siphon, avoiding unnecessary 
 exposure to the air, and keep it in a well-stoppered bottle. — Br. 
 
 Water containing sugar dissolves a larger quantity of lime than pure water. Peligot 
 ascertained the solubility for 100 parts of sugar in solutions of 40 per cent, to be 26.57 
 parts; 20 per cent., only 23.15 parts; and in solutions of 5 per cent., only 18.06 parts 
 of lime. According to these observations, the first formula must yield a preparation 
 very much stronger in lime than that of the Br. P. Cane-sugar boiled with a strong 
 solution of an alkali is gradually turned brown, while weak alkaline liquids have very 
 little effect upon it (Hochstetter, 1843) ; and a concentrated solution of cane-sugar 
 may be boiled with lime for a long time before decomposition commences (Dubrunfaut, 
 Soubeiran). 
 
 This preparation is a thin, syrupy, colorless liquid, and has a bitter alkaline and some- 
 what sweet taste and an alkaline reaction. On exposure to air it absorbs carbon dioxide, 
 and must therefore be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. Prepared according to the Br. 
 P., it has the specific gravity 1.052, and 460.2 grains (1 fluidounce) require for neutrali- 
 zation 254 grain-measures of volumetric solution of oxalic acid, which corresponds to 7.11 
 grains of lime in 1 fluidounce (Imperial), or 1.546 per cent, of CaO. 
 
 The strength of the official syrup is uncertain ; it is unfortunate that the U. S. Phar- 
 macopoeia has not fixed the proportion of lime to be contained in the finished product. 
 
 Uses. — The benefits which the lime in this preparation is fitted to produce are more 
 or less prevented by the associated sugar. For all useful purposes pure lime-nvater is to 
 be preferred. In Germany it has been recommended in poisoning by certain acids, as 
 carbolic and oxalic acids. Its dose is not fixed, but may be stated at a teaspoonful or 
 more, diluted. 
 
 SYRUPUS CHLORAL, Br.— Syrup of Chloral. 
 
 Sirop de chloral , Fr. ; Cldoralhydratsirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Chloral Hydrate 80 grains; Distilled Water 1^ fluidrachms ; 
 Simple Syrup a sufficiency. Dissolve the chloral hydrate in the water, and add the syrup 
 until the mixed product measures a fluidounce. — Br. 
 
 The syrup of the F. Cod. contains only 5 per cent, of chloral hydrate, and is flavored 
 with spirit of peppermint. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is a convenient vehicle for the administration of chloral in 
 definite doses. Each fluidrachm of it contains 10 grains of chloral hydrate. The ordi- 
 nary dose is Gm. 2-4 (fgss-j). 
 
 SYRUPUS FERRI IODIDI, 77 . 8., Br.— Syrup of Ferrous Iodide. 
 
 Syrupus ferri iodati , P. G. ; Syrup of iodide of iron , E. ; Sirop d’iodure de fer , Fr. ; 
 Eisenjod ur sirup , G. 
 
 A syrupy liquid, containing 10 per cent, by weight of ferrous iodide (Fel 2 ; molecular 
 weight 308.94) or about 13.4 Gm. in 100 Cc. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron, in the form of fine bright wire and cut into small pieces, 25 
 Gm. ; Iodine 83 Gm. ; Syrup, Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 
 
SYR CPUS FERRI IODIDI. 
 
 1559 
 
 Gm. Introduce the iron into a flask of thin glass having a capacity of about 500 Cc. ; 
 add to it 150 Cc. of distilled water, and afterward the iodine. Shake the mixture occa- 
 sionally, checking the reaction, if necessary, by the affusion of cold water, and, when the 
 solution has acquired a greenish color and has lost the odor of iodine, heat it to boiling. 
 Then filter it through a strong, double, rapidly-acting filter placed in a funnel, the stem 
 of which dips below the surface of 600 Gm. of syrup contained in a tared flask. When 
 the liquid has run through, Wash the flask and filter with a mixture of 25 Cc. each of syrup 
 and distilled water, previously raised to near 100° C. (212° F.) ; then withdraw the fun- 
 nel, add enough syrup to make the product weigh 1000 Gm., and mix thoroughly. Keep 
 the syrup in small, well-stoppered, and completely filled bottles in a place accessible to 
 daylight. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of ferrous iodide use 493 grains of iron wire, 3f av. ozs. of 
 iodine, and 6£ fluidounces of distilled water : filter the pale-green solution of ferrous 
 iodide into 20 fluidounces of syrup, wash the filter with 2 fluidounces of a mixture of 
 equal volumes of syrup and distilled water, and finally add sufficient syrup to bring the 
 volume of the finished product up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 On bringing iodine together with an excess of iron in the presence of water, ferrous 
 iodide is formed and dissolves with a pale-green color. This compound has the formula 
 FeL>, and contains very nearly 82 per cent, of iodi-ne. The aqueous solution, which 
 should not be filtered until it has a pale-green color entirely free from any brown tint, is 
 prone to change, but when protected by sugar, as proposed by Frederking (1839) and 
 preserved with some precautions, it keeps unaltered. The details of the process given 
 above are very similar to those of the British and German Pharmacopoeias, both author- 
 ities directing the solution of ferrous iodide to be filtered into syrup, in which it sinks, 
 owing to its greater density, and is thus perfectly protected against the oxidizing influ- 
 ence of the air. The strength of this syrup varies in the different pharmacopoeias, that 
 of the French Codex being much weaker than the others : 1 part of iodine (= 1.2 + part 
 of ferrous iodide) is represented by about 12.2 ( TJ. &.), 21.5 (i?r.), 24.4 (P. 6r.), and 
 244 ( F . Cod.) parts of the syrup ; or 1000 parts of the syrup contain 83 (U. $.), 46.5 
 ( Br .), 41 (P. G.), and 4.10 (P. Cod.) parts of iodine. 
 
 Properties. — Syrup of ferrous iodide is transparent, pale-green, nearly inodorous, 
 and has a sweet, strongly ferruginous taste and a slightly acid (neutral, TJ. S.) reaction. 
 It shows the behavior of solutions of ferrous salts (see page 744), and the addition of a 
 little bromine-water liberates iodine, which has to solvents and to starch the behavior 
 described on page 888. On exposure to the air the color of the syrup slowly changes to 
 yellow and afterward to brown, the change of color proceeding from the exposed surface 
 downward. Diffused daylight seems to somewhat accelerate the decomposition, but 
 exposure to the direct sunlight entirely prevents the change, or, if it has taken place, 
 restores the original color, and finally renders the syrup colorless. The effects of oxida- 
 tion become manifest first by the production of ferric compound, and soon afterward by 
 the liberation of iodine, recognized by the blue color produced with starch-paste. 
 Numerous suggestions have been made with a view of preventing the discoloration of 
 the syrup, such as the use of deoxidizing agents, bright iron wire, etc. ; but the best 
 results seem to have been obtained by using glucose in place of one-half of the simple 
 syrup. G. H. C. Klie exposed syrup thus prepared in half-filled pint bottles to diffused 
 daylight for months, without noting any apparent change. The specific gravity of the 
 official syrup is about 1.353 at 15° C. (59° F.) ; each Cc. contains about 0.134 Gm., or 
 each teaspoonful (fluidrachm) about 7.81 -|- grains, of ferrous iodide. On adding a few 
 drops of potassium ferricyanide solution to the syrup a blue precipitate will be produced. 
 
 Syrups of the density of the above official syrups are not easily affected by exposure 
 to the air, and we have known them to be kept in half-filled vials for months without 
 apparent change. But if, from want of attention to the details of the process, the syrup 
 should become colored from iodine, we prefer to restore it by addition of bright iron wire 
 and exposure to sunlight, in preference to using a thiosulphate or other deoxidizing 
 agents, which have been recommended for this purpose. 
 
 Should the iron used in preparing the solution of ferrous iodide be contaminated with 
 other metals, these are likely to be dissolved. We have occasionally observed the syrup 
 to contain a minute quantity of copper. On evaporating the syrup with due care to 
 dryness, a yellowish-white powder is obtained, which is again soluble in water, yielding 
 a slightly turbid solution (see page 731). 
 
 Tests. — Syrup of ferrous iodide should not impart a blue tinge to gelatinized starch 
 (absence of free iodine, TJ. >S y .), but after the addition of a few drops of chlorine-water a 
 
1560 
 
 SYRUPUS FERRI PIIOSPHA TIS. 
 
 deep blue color will be developed. “If 1.55 Gm. (1.5447 Gm.) of the syrup and 10 Cc. 
 of water be introduced into a flask, and the liquid mixed successively with 11 Cc. of 
 decinormal silver nitrate solution, and 5 Cc. each of diluted nitric acid and ferric ammo- 
 nium sulphate test-solution, it should not require more than about 1 Cc. of decinormal 
 potassium sulphocyanate solution to produce a reddish-brown tint, which persists after 
 shaking (corresponding to about 10 per cent, of ferrous iodide).” — U. S. This test is 
 intended to show the exact quantity of decinormal silver nitrate solution necessary to 
 precipitate completely the prescribed quantity of syrup ; each Cc. of the silver solution 
 corresponds to 0.015447 Gm. of ferrous iodide, as show T n by the equation Fel 2 (308.94) -f- 
 2AgNO 3 (339.10) = 2AgI(468.38) + Fe(N0 3 ) 2 (179.66). The excess of silver nitrate 
 solution added is ascertained by residual titration with potassium sulphocyanate in the 
 presence of ferric alum; after all iodine has been precipitated as silver iodide, the remain- 
 ing silver nitrate is thrown down as white sulphocyanate, and then the reddish-brown 
 color of ferric sulphocyanate becomes permanent. 
 
 The syrup of the French Codex is flavored with orange-flower water and contains 
 gum ; the solution of ferrous iodide is filtered, afterward mixed with syrup, and finally 
 protected from the light. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Syrupus ferri bromidi, U. S. 1880. — Syrup of ferrous bromide. — This 
 syrup should contain 10 per cent, by weight of ferrous bromide, and may be prepared by adding 
 3 av. ozs. of bromine to 8 fluidounces of distilled water contained in a flask, and then gradually 
 adding 11 av. ozs. of bright fine iron wire cut into small pieces ; the iron should be added a little 
 at a time, and the reaction allowed to subside before each new addition. When the solution has 
 become pale-green and free from all reddish tint, it may be filtered, and the flask and filter well 
 washed with 3J fluidounces of distilled water ; after the addition of 24 av. ozs. of sugar the mix- 
 ture is well stirred and heated to the boiling-point and strained. To the syrup, when cool, 
 enough distilled water is added to bring the weight of finished product up to 40 av. ozs. (about 
 28 fluidounces). If no bromine is lost during the operation, the syrup will contain about 63 
 grains of ferrous bromide in each fluidounce, or very nearly 8 grains in each teaspoonful. 
 
 Syrupus ferri citro-iodidi, N. F., Syrup of citro-iodide of iron, Tasteless syrup of iodide of 
 iron. — Mix 200 grains of finely-cut bright iron wire with 4 fluidounces of distilled water in a 
 flask ; add 267 grains of iodine, and set aside until a clear pale-green solution is obtained ; heat 
 to boiling and filter. To the filtrate add 620 grains of potassium citrate and 133 grains of iodine, 
 and set aside until the liquid has assumed a deep-green color ; pour it upon 10 troyounces of 
 sugar contained in a bottle, shake until solution is complete, and add enough distilled water to 
 bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. Each fluidrachm contains an amount of iron corre- 
 sponding to about 3.6 grains of ferric iodide. 
 
 Uses. — In the treatment of scrofula , especially of the glandular form, in those 
 numerous cases in which anaemia is owing to scrofula, tuberculosis, or syphilis, and in 
 chronic affections of the skin , chronic rheumatism , amenorrhoea from exhaustion, leucor- 
 rhoea , etc., this compound was at one time greatly in vogue. It is now thought very 
 probable that its alleged virtues in the greater number of those diseases depended more 
 upon the iron than upon the iodine in its composition. It has the disadvantage of being 
 the least agreeable in its taste of all the officinal preparations of iron. It may be given 
 in doses of Gm. 0.50—2.50 (gtt. x— xl) after meals. It should be largely diluted with 
 water, and taken through a tube to prevent its injuring the teeth. As an additional 
 precaution the mouth should be rinsed with water after each dose. 
 
 SYRUPUS FERRI PHOSPHATIS, Br .— Syrup of Phosphate of Iron. 
 
 Strop de phosphate de fer , Fr. ; Eisenph osph a tsir up , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Granulated Ferrous Sulphate 224 grains ; Sodium Phos- 
 phate 200 grains; Sodium Bicarbonate 56 grains; Concentrated Phosphoric Acid 1 1 
 fluidounces; Befined Sugar 8 ounces; Distilled Water 8 fluidounces. Dissolve the fer- 
 rous sulphate in 4 ounces of boiling water, and the sodium phosphate in a similar quan- 
 tity of cold water ; mix the solutions, add the sodium bicarbonate dissolved in a little 
 water, and, after careful stirring, transfer the precipitate to a calico filter, and wash it 
 with distilled water till the filtrate ceases to be affected by barium chloride. Mix the 
 residue on the filter in a mortar with the phosphoric acid. As soon as the precipitate is 
 dissolved, filter the solution, add water and the sugar, and dissolve without heat. The 
 product should measure exactly 12 fluidounces, any water which may be necessary 
 beyond that introduced with the precipitate or with the sugar being added to form the 
 stated bulk. — Br. 
 
 Ferrous sulphate and sodium phosphate react on each other, forming ferrous phosphate 
 and sodium sulphate, the resulting free sulphuric acid, which would keep a portion of 
 
SYRUPUS FERRI PROTOCHLORIDI. 
 
 1561 
 
 the ferrous phosphate in solution, being nearly neutralized with sodium bicarbonate. 
 After washing, the precipitate is dissolved in phosphoric acid, and this solution is con- 
 verted into syrup, which is therefore presumed to contain acid ferrous phosphate. But 
 during the washing the originally white precipitate has turned blue from the formation 
 of ferroso-ferric phosphate, and this oxidation continues to some extent in the syrup, 
 notwithstanding the protective influence of the sugar. The change produced in the 
 color of the syrup on exposure is thus accounted for. The syrup has the density 1.305, 
 and 1 fluidrachm contains the equivalent of about 1 grain of anhydrous ferrous phos- 
 phate. 
 
 Allied Syrups. — Syrup of Pyrophosphate of Iron is made by dissolving 10 parts of the 
 official pyrophosphate of iron in 20 parts of water, and adding 970 parts of simple syrup 
 (F. Codr). The syrup contains 1 per cent, of the salt, and has a green color. 
 
 Numerous other formulas for syrup containing phosphate of iron in solution have been pro- 
 posed, in some of which the free phosphoric acid has been wholly or partly replaced by hydro- 
 chloric acid, resulting in the formation of ferric chloride. 11. W. Jones (1875) showed that a 
 more satisfactory syrup is obtained by preparing the ferrous phosphate from iron and phosphoric 
 acid; and E. B. Shuttleworth (1876) proposed the following formula: 38 grains of clean iron 
 filings or fine iron wire are dissolved in a mixture of 6 fluidrachms each of water and phosphoric 
 acid spec. grav. 1.5 ; the solution is filtered as soon as the iron is dissolved and mixed with 8£ 
 fluidounces of simple syrup. Thus prepared, it is free from ferric salt, but otherwise represents 
 the official syrup, and contains 1 grain of phosphate in the fluidrachm. 
 
 Syrupus phosphatum compositus, or Chemical Food. This was proposed by Edward Parrish 
 (1857), whose formula is as follows: 600 grains of ferrous sulphate and 720 grains of sodium 
 phosphate are separately dissolved in boiling water, the solutions mixed, and the precipitate 
 thoroughly washed ; 720 grains of calcium phosphate are dissolved in 4 ounces of hot water with 
 the aid of hydrochloric acid ; the solution is precipitated by ammonia and the precipitate well 
 washed. The recently-obtained phosphates are dissolved in 1200 grains of glacial phosphoric 
 acid previously dissolved in water ; 40 grains of sodium carbonate and 60 grains of potassium 
 carbonate are added to the solution, and if a precipitate should form it is redissolved by suffi- 
 cient hydrochloric, or, preferably, by phosphoric, acid. The solution is now diluted with water to 
 20 fluidounces ; 120 grains of powdered cochineal and 36 troy ounces of sugar are added, and when 
 the latter is dissolved the syrup is strained and flavored with 10 minims of oil of orange. Each 
 teaspoonful is stated to contain about 1 grain of ferrous phosphate, 2£ grains of calcium phos- 
 phate, and smaller proportions of sodium and potassium phosphates. E. C. Saunders (1876), 
 however, showed that a syrup thus prepared cannot contain the amounts of phosphates stated, 
 and proposed to dissolve 240 grains of fine iron wire in 3 ounces (avoirdupois) of tribasic phos- 
 phoric acid spec. grav. 1.75 and 4 ounces of water; 923 grains of recently-slaked lime in 9£ 
 ounces of phosphoric acid and 14 ounces of water ; and 54 grains of crystallized sodium carbonate 
 and 72 grains of potassium carbonate in \ ounce of the phosphoric acid and 1 ounce of water. 
 The three solutions are mixed and diluted with water to the measure of 28 fluidounces ; the mix- 
 ture, with 52 ounces of sugar and 85 grains of powdered cochineal, is made into a syrup, and 
 this is flavored with 2 fluidounces of orange-flower water and diluted with water to 64 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
 Uses. — This is a convenient and mild preparation of iron, which is assumed to have 
 a special influence upon the nervous system. The dose is Gm. 4 (1 fluidrachm). Other 
 non-officinal syrups have been devised, such as those above described, which, besides 
 phosphorus and iron, contain lime, soda, and potassa, or else quinine and strychnine. 
 The latter are the most efficient. They have the disadvantage in many cases, however, 
 of confining the bowels. 
 
 SYRUPUS FERRI PROTOCHLORIDI, N. F. — Syrup of Ferrous 
 
 Chloride. 
 
 Syrupus ferri subehloridi , Br. Add. ; Syrup of proto- (sub-) chloride of iron , E. ; Strop 
 de chlorure defer , Fr. ; Eisencl dor Hr sirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferrous Chloride (see below) 384 minims ; Glycerin 2 
 fluidounces; Orange-flower Water 2 fluidounces; Syrup, enough to make 16 fluidounces. 
 Mix thoroughly. — N. F. 
 
 Mix 2 fluidounces of hydrochloric acid with 1 ounce of water in a flask, add 300 
 grains of iron wire, and heat gently until action ceases; add 10 grains of citric acid, 
 and filter the solution into 10 fluidounces of syrup ; wash filter with £ ounce of water, 
 and add sufficient syrup to form 1 pint (Imperial) of the mixed fluid. — Br. Add. 
 
 Both syrups are of a light-green color, but differ greatly in strength. The N. F. 
 syrup contains 1 grain of ferrous chloride in each fluidrachm, and the British syrup 
 about 3£ grains. 
 
1562 SYRUP US FERRI QUININE ET STRYCHNINE PHOSPHATUM. 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Liquor ferri protochloridi, N. F. — Solution of ferrous chloride. — 
 Take of iron, in the form of fine, bright, and finely-cut wire, 1 130 grains ; hydrochloric acid 10 
 troyounces ; glycerin 4 fluidounces ; dilute hypophosphorous acid 60 minims •, distilled water 
 enough to make 16 fluidoupces. To the iron, contained in a flask, add 6 fluidounces of distilled 
 water and the hydrochloric acid, and apply a gentle heat until effervescence ceases. Then raise 
 the liquid to boiling ; keep it at this temperature for a short time, so that the iron may be brought 
 into solution as far as possible ; filter the solution through a pellet of absorbent cotton placed in 
 the neck of a funnel, and wash the cotton with a little distilled water. Evaporate the filtrate 
 over a boiling water-bath until crystals begin to form and the escaping vapors cease to redden, or 
 only slightly affect, moistened blue litmus-paper. Now add the glycerin and the hypophosphorous 
 acid; continue the heat, if necessary, until a perfect solution is obtained; then transfer the liquid 
 to a graduated bottle, allow it to cool, and add enough distilled water to make 16 fluidounces. 
 Each fluidrachm represents about 20 grains of ferrous chloride. 
 
 SYRUPUS FERRI QUININE ET STRYCHNINE PHOSPHATUM, 
 
 U . S . — Syrup op the Phosphates of Iron, Quinine, and Strychnine. 
 
 Syrupus ferri phosphorid cum chinino et strychnino, Syrupus Eatoni. — Strop tonique 
 (T Eaton, Fr. ; Eaton s Sirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Soluble Ferric Phosphate 20 Gm. ; Quinine Sulphate 30 Gm. ; 
 Strychnine 0.2 Gm. ; Phosphoric Acid 48 Cc. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Water 50 Cc. ; Syrup 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Heat the soluble ferric phosphate with the water 
 in a porcelain capsule, until it is dissolved. Then add the phosphoric acid, the quinine 
 sulphate, and the strychnine, and stir until solution is effected. Filter the liquid into 
 the glycerin contained in a graduated bottle, add enough syrup to make up the volume 
 to 1000 Cc., and mix thoroughly. Lastly, strain if necessary. — U. S. 
 
 This syrup is known as Eaton's syrup. In the original formula freshly-precipitated fer- 
 rous phosphate was dissolved in phosphoric acid, and subsequently became oxidized on 
 exposure to ferric salt. The phosphate of iron now employed is the pharmacopoeial 
 scaled sodio-ferric citro-phosphate. 
 
 To make 1 quart of the official syrup dissolve 286 grains of soluble ferric phosphate in 
 If fluidounces of water previously heated ; add 1 fluidounce and 280 minims of phos- 
 phoric acid, and dissolve in the acid mixture 430 grains of quinine sulphate and 3 grains 
 of strychnine ; filter the solution into 31 fluidounces of glycerin, and add sufficient syrup 
 to bring the volume up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 The preparation of the syrup by the present official formula presents no difficulties, and 
 we have found the syrup to keep admirably well, darkening but slightly during two 
 months’ exposure on the store-shelf. Each Cc. of the finished syrup represents 0.02 Gm. 
 soluble ferric phosphate, 0.03 Gm. quinine sulphate, and 0.0002 Gm. strychnine, or each 
 teaspoonful about 1$ grains of the iron salt, If grains quinine sulphate, and g 1 ^ grain of 
 strychnine. 
 
 Uses. — The association of iron, quinine, and strychnine is a very valuable one, but it 
 is not judicious to make use of a preparation in which their proportion to one another is 
 invariable, nor of one whose solid bulk is mainly sugar. Moreover, the present prepa- 
 ration is very liable to undergo changes that impair its qualities. Dose, Gm. 4-8 (1 or 
 2 teaspoonfuls). 
 
 SYRUPUS HEMIDESMI, Br.— Syrup of Hemidesmus. 
 
 Sirop de hemidesmus , Fr. ; He mid esmussirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Hemidesmus-root, bruised, 4 ounces ; Refined Sugar 28 
 ounces ; boiling Distilled Water 1 pint (Imperial). Infuse the hemidesmus in the water, 
 in a covered vessel, for four hours, and strain. Set it by till the sediment subsides; 
 then decant the clear liquor, add the sugar, and dissolve by means of a gentle heat. The 
 product should weigh 2 pounds 10 ounces, and should have the specific gravity 1.335. 
 —Br. 
 
 Uses. — The syrup of Indian sarsaparilla probably possesses no definite or peculiar 
 medicinal virtues ; it is used chiefly as a flavoring agent. 
 
 SYRUPUS HYPOPHOSPHITUM, U . S .— Syrup of Hypophosphites. 
 
 Syrupus calcii hypophosphitis compositus. — Sirop d' hypopliosphite de chaux composee, 
 Fr. ; Ilypophosphitsirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Calcium Hypopliosphite 45 Gm. ; Potassium Hypopliosphite 15 Gm. ; 
 
SYRUPUS II YPOPHOSPHIT UM CUM FERRO.— SYRUPUS IPECACUANHA. 1563 
 
 Sodium Hypophosphite 15 Gm. ; Diluted Hypopliospliorous Acid 2 Gm. ; Sugar 500 Gm. ; 
 Spirit of Lemon 5 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the 
 hypopliosphites with 450 Cc. of water, until they are dissolved ; add the spirit of lemon and 
 the hypophosphorous acid and filter the liquid. In the filtrate dissolve the sugar by agi- 
 tation, without heat, and add enough water, through the filter, to make the product meas- 
 ure 1000 Cc. Strain, if necessary. — U. S. 
 
 Syrup of hypopliosphites may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a 
 percolator or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate obtained 
 as directed in the preceding formula upon the sugar, return the first portions of the per- 
 colate, until it runs through clear, and when all the liquid has passed follow it by water, 
 until the product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of the official syrup of hypophosphites use 660 grains of calcium 
 hypophosphite, 220 grains each of potassium and sodium hypophosphite, 16 av. ozs. and 
 330 grains of sugar. 1 fluidrachm of spirit of lemon, 28 minims of diluted hypophos- 
 phorous acid, and 15 fluidounces of water. Each Cc. contains 0.075 Gm., or each tea- 
 spoonful nearly 4.3 grains of the combined hypophosphites, three-fifths of the weight 
 being calcium salt. 
 
 Uses. — As we have elsewhere insisted, there is no ground for believing in the effi- 
 ciency of the pharmaceutical hypophosphites. The dose of this preparation has been 
 stated at Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j), but no reason appears why more or less than this would not 
 be quite as efficient. 
 
 SYRUPUS HYPOPHOSPHITUM CUM FERRO, U. S.— Syrup of 
 Hypophosphites with Iron. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferrous Lactate 10 Gm. ; Potassium Citrate 10 Gm. ; Syrup of 
 Hypophosphites a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Rub the ferrous lactate and 
 potassium citrate with a small quantity of the syrup, gradually added, until they are dis- 
 solved. Then strain, and add enough syrup of hypophosphites to make the product 
 measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Each fluidounce of this syrup contains, besides the hypophosphites mentioned in the 
 preceding formula, 4.564 grains each of ferrous lactate and potassium citrate. 
 
 This and the preceding syrup have been in use since 1857, but were admitted into the 
 Pharmacopoeia for the first time in 1880. Formerly ferrous hypophosphite was used, but 
 this salt has been replaced in the above formula by the lactate. In preparing both syrups 
 heat should be avoided, and they should be kept in well-stoppered bottles to lessen the 
 chances of gradual oxidation. 
 
 Uses. — The remarks made on the analogous preparation immediately preceding apply 
 to this one also. Whatever virtues it possesses are due to the iron It contains. Bose, 
 Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 SYRUPUS IPECACUANHA, U. S., P. G.— Syrup of Ipecac. 
 
 Sirop d' ipecacuanha , Fr. ; Ipecacuanhasirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Ipecac 70 Cc. ; Acetic Acid 10 Cc. ; Glycerin 
 100 Cc. ; Sugar 700 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dilute the 
 fluid extract of ipecac with 300 Cc. of water to which the acetic acid had previously been 
 added, and mix them thoroughly by shaking. Then filter, and pass enough water 
 through the filter to obtain 500 Cc. of filtrate. To this add the glycerin ; dissolve the 
 sugar in the liquid, and add enough water to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix 
 thoroughly, and strain if necessary. — U. S. 
 
 Syrup of ipecac may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a percolator 
 or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Mix the filtrate obtained as directed 
 in the preceding formula with the glycerin, pour the mixture upon the sugar, return 
 the first portions of the percolate until it runs through clear, and when all the liquid 
 has passed follow it by water until the product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of ipecac add 18 fluidrachms of fluid extract of ipecac to 
 a mixture of 91 fluidounces of water and 150 minims of acetic acid ; shake well, filter, 
 and wash filter with sufficient water to obtain 1 pint of filtrate. To this add 31 fluid- 
 ounces of glycerin, 231 av. ozs. of sugar, and sufficient water to bring the volume up to 
 32 fluidounces. 
 
1564 
 
 SYRUPUS KRA MERIJE.—S YR UP US LACTUCARII. 
 
 As formerly prepared, syrup of ipecac was apt to deposit flocculi after standing some 
 days, and was likely to sour in warm weather. The present official formula aims at 
 obtaining a perfect aqueous solution of the active virtues of ipecac by treating the 
 fluid extract with very dilute acetic acid; the addition of 10 per cent., by volume, of 
 glycerin will prevent subsequent changes in the syrup. Each Cc. represents the activity 
 of 0.070 Gm. of ipecac, or each teaspoonful ( 3 j) equals about 4 grains. 
 
 The syrup of the German Pharmacopoeia represents 1 per cent, of its weight of ipe- 
 cacuanha-root, and that of the French Codex 1 per cent, of extract of ipecacuanha. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup is used chiefly as an emetic for infants, and as an expectorant in 
 cases of acute laryngitis and bronchitis. For the former purpose the dose is Gm. 2-4, 
 (fgss— j) repeated every ten minutes until it operates ; and for the latter it may be given to 
 infants and children in doses of Gm. 0.30-1.30 (gtt. v-xx), and to adults in double these 
 quantities. It forms a very useful ingredient of expectorant mixtures in the diseases 
 named. 
 
 SYRUPUS KRAMERLffi, JJ. S.— Syrup of Krameria. 
 
 Syrupus ratanhse. — Syrup of r hat any, E. ; Sirop de ratanhia , Fr. ; Rata nhiasirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Krameria 450 Cc. ; Syrup 550 Cc. ; to make 1000 
 Cc. Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Each fluidounce of the official syrup contains 216 minims of fluid extract of rliatany, 
 or 27 minims in each teaspoonful (fluidrachm). 
 
 Syrupus iodo-tannicus (see also p. 889). Guilliermond recommends extract of rhat- 
 any for this syrup, which may be made by dissolving 2 grains of iodine, with a little 
 alcohol, in 200 grains of syrupus krameriae (U. S. P .), and adding 800 grains of simple 
 syrup. 
 
 Uses. — Syrup of rhatany is chiefly used as a medicine for infants and children affect- 
 ed with diarrhoea independent of organic or inflammatory disease, and is usually asso- 
 ciated in mixtures with chalk and other antacids and astringents. The dose for a child a 
 year or two old is Gm. 2-4 (fgss-j). 
 
 SYRUPUS LACTUCARII, V. S.— Syrup of Lactucarium. 
 
 Sirop de lactucarium , Fr. ; Lactucariumsirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tincture of Lactucarium 100 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 
 50 Gm. ; Sugar 750 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the 
 precipitated calcium phosphate and 150 Gm. of the sugar in a mortar with the tincture 
 of lactucarium gradually added, and afterward with 300 Cc. of water, added in small 
 portions at a time. Filter the mixture, dissolve the. remainder of the sugar in the filtrate, 
 and pass enough water through the filter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix 
 thoroughly. — U S. 
 
 Syrup of Lactucarium may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a per- 
 colator or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate obtained as 
 directed in the preceding formula upon the sugar, return the first portions of the perco- 
 late until it runs through clear, and when all the liquid has passed follow it by water, 
 until the product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of lactucarium triturate 2 av. ozs. of calcium phosphate and 
 5 av. ozs. of sugar with 26 fluidrachms of tincture of lactucarium, and afterward with 
 9J fluidounces of water, gradually added; filter, add 20 av. ozs. of sugar and sufficient 
 water through the filter, to bring the volume of syrup up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Since lactucarium is freed from its caoutchouc-like constituent in the preparation of 
 the tincturer, the above formula will yield a perfectly clear syrup, which contains the 
 active virtues of 0.050 Gm. of lactucarium in each Cc., or of about 3 grains in each tea- 
 spoonful (fluidrachm). 
 
 Sirop de lactucarium opiac£, Fr. Cod., contains in each tablespoonful 0.005 Gm. 
 ( T \ grain) of extract of opium and 0.01 Gm. (-^ grain) of alcoholic extract of lactu- 
 carium. 
 
 Uses. — It is very doubtful whether this preparation possesses any hypnotic powers at 
 all. It may be used as a placebo for mothers in certain cases of infantile disorder, in tbe 
 dose of Gm. 4 (f^j). The addition of opium to the syrup of lactucarium by the French 
 Codex implies a confession of the inefficacy of the latter ingredient. 
 
SYRUPUS LIMONIS. — S YR UPUS PAP AVERTS. 
 
 1565 
 
 SYRUPUS LIMONIS, Br.— Syrup of Lemon. 
 
 Syrupus sued citri. — Strop de sue de limon {de dtron ), Fr. ; Citronensirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fresh Lemon-peel 2 av. ozs. ; Lemon-juice, strained, 1 pint (Impe- 
 rial) ; Refined Sugar 36 av. ozs. Heat the lemon-juice to the boiling-point, and, having 
 put it into a covered vessel with the lemon-peel, let them stand until they are cold ; then 
 filter and dissolve the sugar in the filtrate with the aid of heat. The product should 
 weigh 3£ pounds, and its specific gravity be about 1.340. — Br. 
 
 The U. S. Ph. 1880 formula was nearly identical with the above, except that more 
 sugar and more lemon-peel were directed. 3£ pounds of the British syrup will measure 
 very nearly 42 Imperial (or 41 IT. S.) fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup is hardly medicinal. It is used habitually with water as a beveu 
 age, and thus forms a pleasant and suitable drink in febrile affections generally, especially 
 when mixed with carbonic-acid water. 
 
 SYRUPUS MORI, Br, — Syrup of Mulberries. 
 
 Syrupus mororum. — Strop de mure , Fr. ; Maulbeersaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Mulberry -juice 1 pint (Imperial) ; Refined Sugar 21 pounds ; 
 Rectified Spirit 21 fluidounces. Heat the mulberry -juice to the boiling-point, and when 
 it has cooled filter it. Dissolve the sugar in the filtered liquid with a gentle heat, and add 
 the spirit. The product should weigh 3 pounds 6 ounces, and should have the specific 
 gravity 1.33. — Br. 
 
 This and all other syrups of acid fruit-juices should be prepared only in porcelain or 
 well-enamelled iron vessels. The heating of the juice to the boiling-point has for its 
 object the removal of the albumen. 
 
 The fruit-syrups of the French Codex and of the German Pharmacopoeia, with the 
 exception of lemon syrup, are made with the fermented juice. (See Syrupus Rubi 
 
 IDyEI.) 
 
 Uses. — In this country syrups made from currants, raspberries, and strawberries are 
 as commonly used as mulberry syrup and mulberry wine are in England. Mulberry 
 syrup has no therapeutic virtues which are not possessed by the other syrups mentioned. 
 
 SYRUPUS PAPAVERIS, Br B. GL— Syrup of Poppies. 
 
 Syrupus eapitum papaveris, Syrupus diacodii. — Strop de pavot blanc , Fr. ; Beruhigungs- 
 saft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Poppy-capsules, dried, freed from the seeds, and coarsely 
 powdered, 36 ounces ; Rectified Spirit 16 fluidounces ; Refined Sugar 4 pounds ; Boiling 
 Distilled Water a sufficiency. Mix the poppy-capsules with 4 pints of the water and 
 infuse for twenty-four hours, stirring them frequently ; then pack them in a percolator, 
 and, adding more of the water, allow the liquor slowly to pass until about 2 gallons have 
 been collected or the poppies are exhausted. Evaporate the liquor by a water-bath, until 
 it is reduced to 3 pints (Imperial). When quite cold, add the spirit, let the mixture 
 stand for twelve hours, and filter. Distil off the spirit, evaporate the remaining liquor 
 to 2 pints, and then add the sugar. The product should weigh 6£ pounds, and should 
 have the specific gravity 1.330. — Br. 
 
 The concentrated infusion of poppy contains much mucilage, which is precipitated by 
 the alcohol. This syrup is less liable to ferment than if prepared from an infusion not 
 subjected to the treatment with alcohol, and is nearly six times stronger in poppy-capsules 
 than that of the P. G. The syrup was formerly often prepared from the hot infusion of 
 poppy-capsules, St. John’s bread, and liquorice-root. On account of the variable com- 
 position of poppy-capsules the French Codex directs this syrup to be prepared by dis- 
 solving 1 part of alcoholic extract of poppy in 3 parts of alcohol, and mixing with 96 
 parts of syrup. Strop diaeode is a solution of \ grain, and strop d' opiums, solution of 2 
 grains, of extract of opium in 1000 grains of simple syrup ; syrupus opiatus (P. G. 1872) 
 contained 1 grain of the extract of opium in the same amount of syrup. 
 
 Uses. — The variable proportion of opium in poppy-capsules renders this preparation 
 uncertain in its effects, and therefore capable of doing serious injury to young children, 
 the class of persons it is intended for especially. It is far better to add a definite pro- 
 portion of a liquid preparation of opium or of morphine to syrup of acacia, of marsh- 
 mallow, or of wild-cherry if a weak anodyne or narcotic action is required. The dose of 
 this syrup is stated to be Gm. 2 (fgss) for young children. 
 
1566 SYRUPUS PICIS LIQ UTDJE.—SYR UP US PRUNI VIRGIN IAN JE. 
 
 SYRUPUS PICIS LIQUIDS, U. S.—\ Syrup of Tar. 
 
 Syrupus piceus. — Strop de goudron, Fr. ; Theer sirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tar 75 Gm. ; Cold Water 150 Cc. ; Boiling Distilled Water 400 Cc. ; 
 Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Sugar 800 Gm. ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 
 Cc. Mix the tar intimately with about 100 Gm. of white sand, pour on the cold water, 
 and stir frequently during twelve hours ; then pour off the water and throw it away. 
 Pour the boiling distilled water upon the residue, stir well and frequently during fifteen 
 minutes, add the glycerin, and set the vessel aside for twenty-four hours, occasionally 
 stirring. Decant the clear solution and filter. Dissolve the sugar in the filtrate with the 
 aid of a gentle heat ; allow the liquid to cool, then strain it, and pass enough distilled 
 water through the strainer to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tar syrup mix 2\ av. ozs. of tar with 31 av. ozs. of white sand, 
 and wash well during twelve hours with 6 ounces of cold water ; after decantation pour 
 13 ounces of boiling distilled water upon the residue, stir well for fifteen minutes, add 
 31 fluidounces of glycerin, and set aside for twenty-four hours, stirring occasionally. 
 Decant and filter, and in the filtrate dissolve 261 av. ozs. of sugar, and add sufficient 
 water to bring the volume up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 This formula is very similar to that of the French Codex of 1866. The tar is first treated 
 with water for the purpose of removing most of the acetic acid present, and this infusion 
 is rejected. The various soluble constituents of tar are then extracted by hot water, as 
 directed above, or by one of the methods described on page 1255 : in the tar-water thus 
 obtained the sugar is dissolved by agitation or by percolation. Thus prepared, the syrup 
 is of a yellowish-color, has the odor of tar, a slightly bitter taste and an acid reaction, 
 and when rendered alkaline becomes brown. 
 
 Syrupus picis iodatus, Strop de goudron iode , is much employed in France, and con- 
 tains per cent, of iodine. 1 grain of iodine dissolved in a little alcohol is added, with 
 agitation, to 1000 grains of syrup of tar; the color of iodine will disappear in a few days, 
 when the iodized syrup has about the same color as tar syrup. 
 
 Uses. — It may be questioned whether the sugar in this preparation of tar-water does 
 not impair the activity of the medicine, and partly so by retarding its absorption. The 
 dose may be stated at Gm. 16—64 (f^ss— ij), according to the age of the patient and the 
 tolerance of his stomach. 
 
 SYRUPUS PRUNI VIRGINIANS, U . S .- Syrup of Wild Cherry. 
 
 Sirop d' ecorce de cerisier , Fr. ; Wildkirschenrindensirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Wild Cherry, in No. 20 powder, 150 Gm. ; Sugar 700 Gm. ; Gly- 
 cerin 150 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 
 300 Cc. of water. Moisten the wild cherry with a sufficient quantity of the liquid, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours in a closed vessel ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical per- 
 colator, and pour on the remainder of the menstruum. When the liquid has disappeared 
 from the surface, follow it by water, until the percolate measures 450 Cc. Dissolve the 
 sugar in the liquid by agitation, without heat, strain, and pass enough water through the 
 strainer to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — -U. S. 
 
 Syrup of Wild Cherry may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a perco- 
 lator or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate obtained as 
 directed in the preceding formula upon the sugar, return the first portions of the perco- 
 late until it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by water, 
 until the product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of wild cherry bark use 5 av. oz. of the ground bark, a 
 mixture of 4f fluidounces of glycerin and fluidounces of water, and 23i av. ozs. of 
 sugar. 
 
 The treatment of wild cherry bark with cold water results in the production of hydro- 
 cyanic acid and oil of bitter almonds (see page 1320), which, together with the bitter and 
 astringent principles, are contained in the syrup, which has a rich brownish-red color and 
 a pleasant taste. A formula for this preparation was proposed by Procter and Turn- 
 penny in 1842, and the substitution of glycerin for a portion of the sugar was first sug- 
 gested by C. Schnabel (1874) for the purpose of preventing fermentation. 
 
 Enough menstruum should be added to the powder to thoroughly moisten it, and the 
 vessel be kept tightly closed to prevent loss of hydrocyanic acid : a No. 20 powder being 
 
SYRUPUS RIIAMNI CATHARTIC^.— SYRUPUS RHEI AROMA TTCUS. 1567 
 
 rather coarse, the mixture must be very firmly packed and the percolation be allowed to 
 go on in slow drops, so as to ensure exhaustion of the bark. The present syrup contains 
 less sugar, but fully three times as much glycerin as that made after the Pharmacopoeia 
 of 1880 ; it keeps well. 
 
 Uses. — Syrup of wild cherry has no peculiar medicinal virtues, but is a very agree- 
 able flavoring addition to mixtures. It is often added to them under the impression that 
 it may aid in appeasing cough. The dose is Gm. 4 (f^j) or more. 
 
 SYRUPUS RHAMNI CATHARTICS, I>. G.— Syrup of Buckthorn. 
 
 Syrupus rhamni , Br. 1867 ; Syrupus spinse. cervinse. — Strop de nerprun , Fr. ; Kreuzdorn- 
 beerensirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fresh buckthorn-berries are mashed and allowed to ferment at 20° 
 C. (68° F.) in a covered vessel, until 2 volumes of the filtered liquid mix clear with 1 
 volume of alcohol : the juice is then expressed, and in it sugar is dissolved in the proportion 
 of 13 parts for every 7 parts by weight of juice. — P. G. 
 
 Evaporate 4 pints of buckthorn-juice to 21 pints, add f ounce each of sliced ginger and 
 bruised pimento, digest at a gentle heat for four hours, and strain. When cold add 6 
 fluidounces of rectified spirit ; let the mixture stand for two days, then decant off the 
 clear liquid, and in this dissolve 5 pounds (or a sufficiency) of sugar with a gentle heat, 
 so as to make the specific gravity 1.320. — Br. 1867. 
 
 Uses. — In Europe syrup of buckthorn is generally used as a purgative for children in 
 the dose of Gm. 4 (f^j). 
 
 SYRUPUS RHEI, V. S., Br., B. G.— Syrup of Rhubarb. 
 
 Strop de rhubarbe , Fr. ; Rhabarbersaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Rhubarb 100 Cc. ; Spirit of Cinnamon 4 Cc. ; 
 Potassium Carbonate 10 Gm. ; Glycerin 50 Cc. ; Water 50 Cc. ; Syrup a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the spirit of cinnamon with the fluid extract of rhubarb, 
 and add to it the potassium carbonate dissolved in the water. Then add the glycerin, 
 and lastly enough syrup to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of rhubarb use 3 fluidounces and 96 minims of fluid extract 
 of rhubarb, 60 minims of spirit of cinnamon, 146 grains of potassium carbonate, and 1 
 fluidounce and 288 minims each of glycerin and water. 
 
 Take of rhubarb-root, in No. 20 powder, coriander-fruit, in No. 20 powder, each 2 
 ounces ; refined sugar 24 ounces ; rectified spirit 8 fluidounces ; distilled water 24 fluid- 
 ounces. Mix the rhubarb and coriander ; pack them in a percolator ; pass the spirit and 
 water previously mixed slowly through them ; evaporate the liquid that has thus passed 
 until it is reduced to 14 fluidounces, and in this, after it has been filtered, dissolve the 
 sugar with the aid of heat. The product should weigh nearly 2 \ pounds. — Br. 
 
 We consider the present official formula a decided improvement over that of 1880, but 
 fail to see any necessity for the glycerin and water, as just as good and permanent a 
 syrup can be made without them, the alkali carbonate being dissolved in a small quan- 
 tity of syrup. The U. S. Ph. syrup of rhubarb is nearly twice as strong as that of the 
 British and German Pharmacopoeias, both of the latter representing only 5 per cent, by, 
 weight of rhubarb. 
 
 The present syrup is of a deep brown-red color, and is transparent in thin layers ; the 
 presence of alkali renders it unfit for combination with various salts, which are precipi- 
 tated thereby. The syrup of the Br. P. is of a deep-brown color and somewhat opaque, 
 i and of a similar appearance was the syrup of rhubarb as prepared by the U. S. P. 1870 
 by mixing 3 fluidounces of fluid extract of rhubarb with 29 fluidounces of simple syrup. 
 
 Uses. — The simple syrup of rhubarb is seldom used, but it may be given as a purga- 
 I tive to infants in the dose of Gm. 4 (f^j). 
 
 SYRUPUS RHEI AROMATICUS, U, S.— Aromatic Syrup of 
 
 Rhubarb. 
 
 Spiced syrup of rhubarb, E. ; Sirop de rhubarbe aromatique, Fr. ; Gewiirzter Rhabar- 
 bersaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb 150 Cc. ; Syrup 850 Cc. ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Mix the aromatic tincture of rhubarb with the syrup. — U. S . 
 
1568 
 
 SYRUPUS RHCEADOS.—SYRUPUS RUBI IDyEI. 
 
 To make 1 quart of aromatic syrup of rhubarb mix 4f fluidounces of aromatic tincture 
 of rhubarb with 271 fluidounces of syrup. 
 
 The syrup is of about the same strength as that of the Pharmacopoeia of 1870, which 
 directed 1 part by measure of the tincture to 6 parts by measure of simple syrup ; it has 
 an agreeable odor, a spicy and bitterish but pleasant taste, and is somewhat opaque in 
 appearance. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is in universal use as a purgative for children in diarrhoea 
 attended with flatulence and colic. The dose is Gm. 4 (%j). 
 
 SYRUPUS RHCEADOS, Br.— Syrup of Red Poppy. 
 
 Sirop de coquelicot , de pavot rouge , Fr. ; Klatschrosensaft , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of fresh Red Poppy-petals 13 ounces ; Refined Sugar 21 pounds ; 
 Distilled Water 1 pint (Imperial) or a sufficiency ; Rectified Spirit 21 fluidounces. Add 
 the petals gradually to the water heated in a water-bath, frequently stirring, and after- 
 ward, the vessel being removed, infuse for twelve hours. Then press out the liquor, 
 strain, add the sugar, and dissolve by means of heat. When nearly cold add the spirit 
 and as much distilled water as may be necessary to make up for loss in the process, so 
 that the product shall weigh 3 pounds 10 ounces. It should have the specific gravity 
 1.33. — Br. 
 
 The addition of alcohol to the finished syrup is designed to counteract its tendency to 
 fermentation. The syrup is of a deep-red color. 
 
 Uses. — The syrup of red poppy is an opiate preparation of uncertain strength, and, 
 being used only for coloring mixtures, it appears to be superfluous. The dose is Gm. 4 
 ( f 3j> 
 
 SYRUPUS ROSJE, 77. 8.— Syrup op Rose. 
 
 Syrupus rosa s gallicse , Br. ; Syrupus rosarum rubrarum. — Syrup of red rose , E. ; Strop 
 de roses rouges , Fr. ; Rosensirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Rose 125 Cc. ; Syrup 875 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 Take of dried red rose-petals 2 ounces ; refined sugar 30 ounces ; boiling distilled water 1 
 pint. Infuse the petals in the water for two hours ; squeeze through calico, heat the 
 liquor to the boiling-point, and filter. Dissolve the sugar in the liquor by means of heat. 
 The product should weigh 2 pounds 14 ounces, and should have the specific gravity. 
 1.335. — Br. 
 
 The syrup is of a fine red color and has an agreeable somewhat astringent taste. Each 
 fluidounce contains 1 fluidrachm of the fluid extract of red rose-petals. 
 
 Uses. — -It is used almost exclusively for giving an agreeable color and flavor to other 
 syrups and to mixtures. Rose, Gm. 4 (f^j). 
 
 SYRUPUS RUBI, U. 8.— Syrup of Rubus. 
 
 Syrup of blackberry-bark, E. ; Strop diecorce de ronce, Fr. ; Brombeerrindensirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Rubus 250 Cc. ; Syrup 750 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix them. — U. S. 
 
 This syrup has a deep reddish-brown color and a strongly astringent taste. Each fluid- 
 ounce contains 2 fluidrachms of the fluid extract. 
 
 Uses. — As a remedy for slight diarrhoea independent of irritants in the intestine and 
 of inflammatory conditions of that organ syrup of blackberry-root is a convenient astrin- 
 gent. But the syrup is generally less appropriate than the decoction. Its dose is Gm. 
 4-8 (%j-ij). 
 
 SYRUPUS RUBI ID.ZEI, U. S., B. G.— Syrup of Raspberry. 
 
 Strop de framboise, Fr. ; Himbeersaft, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Reduce the raspberries to a pulp, and let this stand, at a temperature 
 of about 20° C. (68° F.), until a small portion of the filtered juice mixes clear with half 
 its volume of alcohol. Then separate the juice by pressing, set it aside in a cool place 
 until the liquid portion has become clear, and filter. To every 40 parts by weight of the 
 filtrate (which should not be allowed to remain unprotected by sugar more than about two 
 hours) add 60 parts of sugar, heat the mixture to boiling, avoiding the use of tinned 
 
SYRUPUS SARSA PAKULAS COMPOS ITUS. 
 
 1569 
 
 vessels, and strain. Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles in a cool and dark place. 
 — IT. S. 
 
 This process is identical with that of the Germ. Pharm., except that the latter directs 65 
 parts of sugar for every 35 parts of filtered juice. Some care is necessary that the tem- 
 perature during the fermentation of the fruit-pulp do not exceed that prescribed. 
 
 The new French Codex directs the fresh fruit to be expressed and the juice to be fer- 
 mented at a temperature of 12° to 15° C. (54-59° F.), fermentation to be arrested as 
 soon as the liquid will readily pass through a filter ; otherwise the flavor will be much 
 impaired. Other fruit-juices are prepared in precisely the same manner. The juice of 
 ripe raspberries ferments readily, and the fermentation is completed in a few hours or a 
 day, according to the temperature. The formation of mould and acetic fermentation 
 impair the flavor ; the progress of fermentation should therefore be closely watched, 
 
 and the expressed juice should be rapidly filtered and at once converted into syrup. 
 
 Fruit-syrups contain 59.3 60 (£7 $.), 63.7 (F. CW.), and 65 (P. 6r.) per cent, 
 
 of sugar. 
 
 Properties. — Raspberry syrup has a bright-red color, a very agreeable fruit odor, a 
 pleasant acidulous taste, and a distinct acid reaction. When agitated with amylic alcohol, 
 ether, or chloroform, these liquids should not become colored. On being rendered alkaline 
 the syrup becomes dark-blue or dingy violet-colored, and when treated with basic lead 
 acetate a dingy-blue or blue-green precipitate is produced, the filtrate being colorless or 
 nearly so. When strongly acidulated with cold nitric acid the red color is not changed to 
 yellow. These reactions serve to distinguish raspberry syrup from imitations colored 
 with aniline red or with other coloring matters of vegetable origin. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Syrupus cerasorum, P. G. — Cherry syrup, E. ; Sirop de cerise, Fr. ; 
 Kirschsirup, G . — The juice of black cherries is fermented in the presence of the bruised seeds, 
 and further treated as stated above. 
 
 Syrupus cydoni.e (quince syrup), Syr. fragarias (strawberry syrup), Syr. granati (pomegranate 
 syrup), and others are prepared in a similar manner, the ripe fruits being used. (See also Syr. 
 Mori and Syr. Rhamni.) 
 
 Acetum rubi id^ei. — Raspberry vinegar, E. ; Vinaigre framboise, Fr. ; Himbeeressig, G . — 
 Mix equal parts of syrup of raspberry and of vinegar. — F. Cod. Raspberry syrup 1 part, pure 
 vinegar 2 parts. — P. G. 1872. Other fruit-vinegars may be made in the same manner. 
 
 Aqua rubi id^ei. — Raspberry-water, E. ; Eau de framboise, Fr. ; Himbeerwasser, G. — Distil 
 2 parts of water from 1 part of the press-cake left on clarifying raspberry -juice as described 
 above. — P. G. 1872. It has an agreeable fruit odor. Strawberry-water is made in the same 
 manner ; it is sometimes used as a cosmetic. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup has no special medicinal virtues. It forms an agreeable flavoring 
 addition to mixtures, and with water a pleasant drink in febrile affections. The same 
 remark applies to the allied preparations. 
 
 SYRUPUS SARSAPARILLA COMPOSITUS, V. 8.— Compound Syrup 
 
 of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Syrupus sudorificus. — Sirop de salsepareille compose , Sirop sudorifique, F r. ; Zusammen- 
 gesetzter Sarsaparillsirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla 200 Cc. ; Fluid Extract of Glycyrrhiza 
 15 Cc. ; Fluid Extract of Senna 15 Cc. ; Sugar 650 Gm. ; Oil of Sassafras 0.1 Cc. ; 
 Oil of Anise, 0.1 Cc. ; Oil of Gaultheria 0.1 Cc. ; Water, a sufficient quantity ; to 
 make 1000 Cc. Add the oils (equivalent to 2 drops each) to the mixed fluid extracts 
 and shake the liquid thoroughly. Then add enough water to make up the volume to 600 
 Cc., and mix well. Set the mixture aside for one hour, then filter it. In the filtrate dis- 
 solve the sugar with the aid of a gentle heat, allow the liquid to cool, strain, and add 
 enough water through the strainer to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix 
 thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound syrup of sarsaparilla mix 2 drops each of oils of 
 gaultheria, anise, and sassafras with \ fluidounce each of fluid extracts of senna and 
 glycyrrhiza, and 6| fluidounces of fluid extract of sarsaparilla ; add sufficient water to 
 make 19 fluidounces, and after filtration dissolve 21tf av. ozs. of sugar in the filtrate, and 
 add enough water to bring the volume up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 The present official formula differs materially from that of 1880 in the omission of 
 guaiacum-wood and pale rose-petals, and the substitution of aromatic oils for the respect- 
 ive drugs ; the process is much simpler than the former, and the preparation no doubt 
 equally efficient; but we think an increase in the quantity of sugar to 750 Gm. would 
 
1570 
 
 SYRUPUS SC1LLJE. — SYR UPUS SCILL2E COMPOSITUS 
 
 improve the keeping qualities of the syrup, during hot weather particularly, as the alcohol 
 derived from the fluid extracts is less than 8 per cent, of the total volume of the syrup. 
 
 The syrup of the French Codex is made by hot infusion of sarsaparilla, borage-flowers, 
 pale rose, senna, and anise ; it is known as strop de Cuisinier. Under the names of strop 
 de Laffecteur and rob Boyveau-Laffecteur a similar but more complex preparation has been 
 in use in France ; more than thirty drugs entered into its composition. 
 
 Uses. — Compound syrup of sarsaparilla has been extensively used in the treatment 
 of constitutional syphilis , but there is no evidence whatever to prove its efficiency when 
 given alone. For this reason, probably, it is omitted from the British and German Phar- 
 macopoeias. It is a convenient vehicle for the administration of iodide of potassium. 
 Corrosive sublimate, which is sometimes added to it, is converted by it into calomel. The 
 dose is Gm. 16 (P§ss), diluted, several times a day. 
 
 SYRUPUS SCILLE, U. S., Br.— Syrup of Squill. 
 
 Syrupus aceti scillte. — Strop de scille , Fr. ; Meerzwiebelsirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Vinegar of Squill 450 Cc. ; Sugar 800 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Heat the vinegar of squill to the boiling-point in a glass or por- 
 celain vessel, and filter the liquid while it is hot. In the hot filtrate dissolve the sugar 
 by agitation, without further heating, strain, and when the strained liquid is cold add 
 enough water through the strainer to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix 
 thoroughly. — XJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of squill use 14J fluidounces of vinegar of squill and 27 
 av. ozs. of sugar, finally adding sufficient water to bring the volume of the solution up 
 to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 The formula directs the removal of the albumen in the manner suggested in preceding 
 editions of this work, and a perfectly clear syrup is thus obtained. The sugar may be 
 dissolved with the aid of heat, but percolation is to be preferred. The use of metallic 
 vessels should be avoided. The syrup of the Br. P. is much denser than the above; it 
 is made from an Imperial pint (20 fluidounces) of the vinegar and 40 oz. av. of sugar, 
 and has a specific gravity of about 1.345. 
 
 Uses. — This syrup is an adequate representative of squill — at least in its action upon 
 the bronchial mucous membrane. It is much used in the treatment of laryngeal and 
 bronchial catarrhs , both for promoting the resolution of such affections, and in children, 
 when used in appropriate doses, for producing emesis, and thereby expelling accumulated 
 secretions from the air-passages. It is habitually associated with syrup of ipecacuanha 
 or syrup of senega, according to the nature of the case. The cfose, as an expectorant, is 
 Gm. 2-4 (f^ss— j), and in the latter quantity it is emetic when repeated at short intervals. 
 
 SYRUPUS SCILL^E COMPOSITUS, U. S.— Compound Syrup of 
 
 Squill. 
 
 Strop de scille compose , Fr. ; Zusammengesetzter Meerzwiebelsirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Squill 80 Cc. ; Fluid Extract of Senega 80 Cc. ; 
 Antimony and Potassium Tartrate 2 Gm. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 10 Gm. ; 
 Sugar 750 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the fluid extracts, 
 evaporate them, on a water-bath, in a tared capsule, to 100 Gm., and mix the residue 
 with 400 Cc. of water. When the mixture is cold, incorporate with it, intimately, the 
 precipitated calcium phosphate, filter, and add to the filtrate the antimony and potassium 
 tartrate, dissolved in 25 Cc. of hot water. In this liquid dissolve the sugar by agitation, 
 without heat, strain, and add enough water through the strainer to make the product 
 measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Compound Syrup of Squill may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a 
 percolator or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate, obtained 
 as directed in the preceding formula, and mixed with the solution of antimony and 
 potassium tartrate, upon the sugar, return the first portions of the percolate, until it 
 runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by water, until the 
 product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound syrup of squill mix 201 fluidrachms each of fluid 
 extracts of squill and senega, evaporate to 3 av. ozs., and add 14 fluidounces of water. 
 When cold incorporate 150 grains of calcium phosphate and filter; to the filtrate add 
 291 grains of tartar emetic, dissolved in 1 ounce of hot water. In the mixed liquid dis- 
 
SYRUPUS SENEGsE. — S YR UP US SENNjE. 
 
 1571 
 
 solve 25 av. ozs. of sugar, and add enough water to bring the volume of the syrup up to 
 32 fluidounces. 
 
 After the evaporation of the alcohol in the official process considerable insoluble 
 matter (pectin compounds) is apt to separate, which it is intended to remove by aid of 
 calcium phosphate ; if necessary the liquid should be returned to the filter until it runs 
 clear, and the solution of tartar emetic should not be added until a clear filtrate has been 
 obtained. The finished syrup contains a little less than l grain of tartar emetic in each 
 fluidrachm, and if carefully prepared it will keep well. 
 
 This syrup is known as hive syrup and croup syrup , and is an official substitute for 
 Coxes hive syrup , which was made by boiling the drugs in water and preserving the liquid 
 by honey. 
 
 Uses. — The union of squill, senega, and tartar emetic in this preparation renders it 
 expectorant, diaphoretic, emetic, and, in full doses, purgative also. It was originally 
 devised for the treatment of “ croup,” or “ hives,” whence its popular name, 11 hive 
 syrup.” It is not appropriate, however, for membranous croup, but only for the affection 
 which is properly called spasmodic laryngitis , and which it relieves mainly by its nauseant, 
 and therefore antispasmodic, action. Care must be taken in employing it not to allow its 
 sedative operation to proceed too far. It may be prescribed in this affection in doses of 
 Gm. 0.60-2 (npx-xxx), repeated at intervals of ten minutes or until its nauseant or 
 emetic operation is developed. In acute bronchitis with scanty secretion it should be 
 administered in similar doses, but at longer intervals, so as to keep within the limits both 
 of nausea and vomiting. 
 
 SYRUPUS SENEGAS, U. S., P. £.-Syrup of Senega. 
 
 Strop dc poly gala, Fr. ; Senegasirup , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Senega 200 Cc. ; Ammonia-water 5 Cc. ; Sugar 700 
 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the fluid extract of senega 
 with 300 Cc. of water and with the ammonia-water, and set the mixture aside for a few 
 hours. Then filter, and pass enough water through the filter to obtain 550 Cc. In the 
 filtrate dissolve the sugar by agitation, without heat, strain, and add enough water through 
 the strainer to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Syrup of Senega may also be prepared in the following manner: Prepare a percolator 
 or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate, obtained as directed 
 in the preceding formula, upon the sugar, return the first portion of the percolate until 
 it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by water until the 
 product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of senega mix 6 fluidounces and 192 minims of fluid extract 
 of senega with 9J fluidounces of water and 75 minims of ammonia-water; filter and 
 wash the filter with enough water to obtain 17^ fluidounces of filtrate. Dissolve 23^ 
 av. ozs. of sugar in the liquid, and add enough water to bring the volume of the syrup 
 up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 As formerly prepared from a tincture of senega, the separation of pectin compounds 
 occasioned difficulty in filtration, which is now (since 1883) avoided by keeping the gela- 
 tinous matters in solution by the aid of ammonia, a portion of which is already contained 
 in the pharmacopoeial fluid extract. The syrup has a brown color and a decidedly acrid 
 taste; it should be free from ammoniacal odor. 100 parts of syrup contain about 16 
 ( U. $.), 4 (P. G.), or 2.5 ( F Cod.) parts of senega. 
 
 Uses. — The syrup of senega is a very useful medicine in subacute and chronic bron- 
 chitis and laryngitis in the dose of Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 SYRUPUS SENNiE, TI. S., Br JP. G.— Syrup of Senna. 
 
 Strop de sene , Fr. ; Sennasirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Senna (Alexandria), bruised, 250 Gm. ; Oil of Coriander 5 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol 150 Cc. ; Sugar 700 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. To 
 the senna add 700 Cc. of boiling water, and digest, at a temperature not exceeding 60° 
 C. (140° F.), during twenty-four hours. Then express the liquid, and pass enough water 
 through the dregs to obtain 600 Cc. of liquid. Strain this, and when it is cold mix it 
 with the alcohol, in which the oil of coriander had previously been dissolved. Set it 
 aside until the precipitate has subsided, then pour off the clear liquid, filter the remainder, 
 and pass enough water through the filter to obtain 550 Cc. In this dissolve the sugar 
 
1572 
 
 SYRUPUS TOLUTANVS. 
 
 by agitation, without heat, strain, and add enough water through the strainer to make 
 the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of senna digest 8f av. ozs. of bruised senna with 24 fluid- 
 ounces of boiling water for twenty-four hours at a temperature not above 60° C., express, 
 and wash the residue with suflicient water to obtain 20 fluidounces. Strain, and when 
 cold add 75 minims of oil of coriander dissolved in 5 fluidounces of alcohol. After 
 twenty-four hours decant the clear liquid, filter the remainder, and pass enough water 
 through the filter to obtain 172- fluidounces, in which dissolve 23| av. ozs. of sugar. 
 Finally, add enough water to make the volume 32 fluidounces. 
 
 This formula is modelled after that of the British Pharmacopoeia ; by a similar process 
 16 oz. av. of senna are made to yield 16 fluidounces of concentrated and filtered infusion, 
 including 3 fluidounces of rectified spirit and 3 minims of oil of coriander, and in this 
 liquid 24 ounces of sugar are dissolved. This syrup weighs 42 ounces, and its specific 
 gravity is about 1.310. 
 
 Senna Syrup, P. G., is only about one-fourth the strength of that of the U. S. P., and 
 is flavored with fennel. 
 
 Syrupus sennyE cum manna, P. G:, is made by mixing equal parts of syrup of senna 
 and syrup of manna (see p. 1019). 
 
 The prolonged digestion for twenty-four hours appears unnecessary, and liable to dis- 
 solve an increased quantity of inert matter. Senna yields its cathartic principle to water 
 quite readily, and we think that ten or twelve hours’ digestion should be sufficient, the 
 residue to be washed with hot water after expression. The alcohol is intended to 
 remove gummy matter, and some time must be allowed for precipitation. The finished 
 syrup is of very dark color, almost black, and possesses the characteristic odor and taste 
 of senna. 
 
 Uses- — This is a mild and efficient cathartic for children in the dose of from Gm. 4-16 
 
 SYRUPUS TOLUTANUS, U. S., Hr.— Syrup op Tolu. 
 
 Syrop de baume de Tolu , Strop balsamique , Fr. ; Tolubalsamsirup, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Balsam of Tolu 10 Gm. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 50 Gm. , 
 Sugar 850 Gm. ; Alcohol 50 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dis- 
 solve the balsam of Tolu in the alcohol, in a small flask or bottle, with the aid of a 
 gentle heat. Mix the precipitated calcium phosphate with 150 Gm. of the sugar in a 
 mortar, thoroughly incorporate with it the solution of the balsam, and set the mortar 
 aside in a moderately warm place until the alcohol has evaporated. Then triturate the 
 residue well with 500 Cc. of water, gradually added, and filter the mixture through a 
 wetted filter, returning the first portions of the filtrate until it runs through clear. To 
 the filtrate, heated to a temperature of about 60° C. (140° F.), add the remainder of the 
 sugar, and dissolve it by agitation. Then allow the syrup to cool, strain it, and pass 
 enough water through the filter and strainer to make the product measure 1000 Cc. Mix 
 thoroughly. — IT. S. 
 
 Syrup of Tolu may also be made in the following manner: Prepare a percolator or 
 funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate, obtained as directed 
 in the preceding formula, upon the sugar, return the first portions of the percolate until 
 it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by water until the 
 product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S.' 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of Tolu dissolve 146 grains of balsam of Tolu in 12f fluid- 
 drachms of alcohol ; incorporate the solution with a mixture of If av. ozs. of calcium 
 phosphate and 5 av. ozs. of sugar, and allow the alcohol to evaporate. Gradually add 
 16 fluidounces of water, mix well, and filter; in the clear filtrate dissolve 28f av. ozs. 
 of sugar, and add sufficient water to bring the volume of syrup up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of balsam of Tolu If ounces; refined sugar 2 pounds; distilled water 1 pint or 
 a sufficiency. Boil the balsam in the water for half an hour in a tightly-covered vessel, 
 stirring occasionally. Then remove from the fire, and add distilled water, if necessary, 
 so that the liquid shall measure 16 ounces. Filter the solution when cold, add the sugar, 
 and dissolve with the aid of a steam- or water-bath. The product should weigh 3 pounds, 
 and should have the specific gravity 1.33. — Br. 
 
 We can see no advantage in driving off the alcohol from the solution of Tolu balsam, 
 nor any objection to retaining it : in our experience the flavor and aroma of the syrup 
 are much improved by allowing the alcohol to remain, no doubt because more of the 
 
SYRUPUS ZINGIBERIS.—TABACVM. 
 
 1573 
 
 balsamic principles are kept in solution along with some resin. The short time of con- 
 tact of cold water with the finely-divided balsam of Tolu will scarcely dissolve much of 
 the odorous principles (ethers and oil), whereas the presence of 10 percent, of alcohol 
 will materially increase their solubility : if the alcohol be allowed to remain, the quan- 
 tity of sugar in the official formula should be reduced to 800 Gm. 
 
 Syrupus balsami peruviani, s. Syrupus balsamicus. Digest 1 part of balsam 
 of Peru in 11 parts of water; decant and filter when cold, and dissolve 18 parts of sugar 
 in 10 parts of the filtrate. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Uses. — The medicinal virtues of this preparation are exceedingly feeble, if indeed it 
 possess any. But its agreeable flavor renders it an eligible associate of other and less 
 palatable syrups, especially such as are used in bronchial catarrhs. Dose, Gm. 4 (f^j). 
 
 SYRUPUS ZINGIBERIS, U. S., Br.— Syrup of Ginger. 
 
 Sirop de gingembre , Fr. ; Ingwersirup. G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Ginger 30 Cc. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 15 
 Gm. ; Sugar 850 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Triturate the 
 fluid extract of ginger with the precipitated calcium phosphate, and expose the mixture 
 in a warm place until the alcohol has evaporated. Then triturate the residue with 450 
 Cc. of water and filter. In the filtrate dissolve the sugar by agitation, without heat, 
 strain, and pass enough water through the filter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. 
 Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Syrup of Ginger may also be prepared in the following manner : Prepare a percolator 
 or funnel in the manner described under Syrupus. Pour the filtrate, obtained as directed 
 in the preceding formula, upon the sugar, return the first portions of the percolate until 
 it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by water until the 
 product measures 1000 Cc. Mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of syrup of ginger mix 1 ounce of fluid extract of ginger with 4 av. 
 oz. of calcium phosphate, and when the alcohol has evaporated add 1P| fluidounces of 
 water; in the clear filtrate dissolve 284 av. ozs. of sugar, and add sufficient water to bring 
 the volume of syrup up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 As in the case of syrup of orange-peel, there can be no possible objection to the 
 presence of alcohol in the finished syrup. We should prefer to add 20 Cc. of alcohol to 
 the fluid extract, triturate the mixture well with 30 Gm. of calcium phosphate, gradually 
 add 450 Cc. of water, and set the mixture aside for six or eight hours with frequent agita- 
 tion ; then filter, and wash the filter with water, so as to obtain 500 Cc. of clear filtrate, 
 in which dissolve 800 Gm. of sugar, adding sufficient w^ater finally to make 1000 Cc. of 
 syrup. Thus prepared, syrup of ginger has a yellowish color, and possesses a much 
 stronger aroma and characteristic pungency than if made strictly according to the official 
 formula. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia of 1870 used magnesium carbonate for diffusing the fluid extract 
 preceding the treatment with water ; a syrup was thus obtained which was transparent 
 and had the odor of ginger, but contained magnesia in solution, and had but little pun- 
 gency. The syrup of the Br. P. is milky ; it is made by mixing strong tincture of 
 ginger 6 fluidrachms with syrup 19 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — Syrup of ginger is chiefly employed as a flavoring ingredient of mixtures, 
 but is most suitable as an addition to those which are intended to relieve colic by causing 
 an expulsion of flatus. Dose , Gm. 4 (f^j) or more. 
 
 TABACUM, U. S . — Tobacco; Leaf Tobacco. 
 
 Tabaci folia , Br. ; Folia nicotianse , P. G. — Nicotiane , Tabac , Fr. Cod. ; Tabak , G. ; 
 
 Tabaco, Sp. 
 
 The commercial, dried leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, 
 Med Plants , 191. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Solan aceae. 
 
 Origin. — The tobacco-plant is indigenous to tropical America, but the country which 
 originally produced it cannot now be ascertained, since tobacco is now unknown in the 
 wild state. The seeds were sent to Spain in 1518 by Fra Romano Pane, and reached 
 France in 1560 from Lisbon through the French ambassador, Jean Nicot. The cultiva- 
 tion of tobacco was commenced in Holland in 1615, soon afterward in England, and about 
 fifty years later in the Palatinate. About the same period, or a little earlier, it appears 
 
1574 
 
 TABACUM. 
 
 to have been introduced into China. At present tobacco is very extensively cultivated 
 in most temperate and subtropical countries. During 1875 there were over 559,000 
 acres of land planted in the United States, yielding 367,000,000 pounds of tobacco. 
 The annual production of tobacco in all countries has been estimated at about 3,000,000 
 tons. 
 
 N. Tabacum attains a height of 1.2-1 .8 M. (4 or 6 feet), has a stout, viscidly hairy 
 stem, shortly-stalked sessile amplexicaul and alternate leaves, and terminal panicles of 
 dull-pink or reddish flowers, consisting of a tubular, bell-shaped, five-toothed calyx, a 
 funnel-shaped corolla about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, with spreading, five-lobed border and 
 five stamens and a conical ovary. The capsule is about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, opens by 
 two valves, is two-celled, and contains a large number of minute, somewhat reniform, 
 pale-brown seeds. Nicotiana macrophylla, Lehmann , Nic. fruticosa, Linne , Nic. petiolata, 
 Agardh , and others, are now regarded as varieties of the above species. 
 
 Nic. repanda, Willdenow , is cultivated in Cuba ; Nic. persica, Lindley, yields the 
 Shiraz or Persian tobacco ; and Nic. rustica, Linne , is the species which is chiefly culti- 
 vated in Turkey and India. The last-named species is about 1.2 M. (4 feet) high, has 
 oval or ovate entire leaves on petioles about 38 Mm. (1J inches) long, and produces 
 greenish-yellow flowers nearly 25 Mm. (1 inch) long. According to Thiselton Dyer, La- 
 takia tobacco is prepared from the flowering panicles and capsules of N. Tabacum, and 
 owes its peculiar flavor to the smoke of the wood of Pinus halepensis, Alton , to which it 
 is exposed. 
 
 Cultivation. — The plant requires a deep, rich soil, which must be annually well 
 manured ; the seeds are sown in beds, and when the young plants are 15 to 20 Cm. high 
 they are transplanted to the tobacco-fields, and during their growth carefully freed from 
 the larvae of insects. The flowering tops and branches are broken off before the flowers 
 expand, and when the leaves are fully matured, which takes place about the month of 
 September, the plants are cut, allowed to wilt in the sun, and afterward cured by being 
 hung up in a drying-house and exposed to the heat of a fire. The leaves at first become 
 wet, or “ sweat,” and in the course of several weeks are dried, after which they are strip- 
 ped from the stems, assorted, gathered up into small parcels, and then are packed into 
 large boxes or hogsheads. 
 
 Description. — Tobacco-leaves are from 15-50 Cm. (6 to 20 inches) long and from 
 5-15 Cm. (2 to 6 inches) wide, oval or ovate-lanceolate, sometimes rather obovate in 
 form, pointed and acute at the apex, and with an entire margin. In the fresh state they 
 are rather thick, green, and covered with viscid hairs and with small sessile glands ; after 
 drying they are thinner, lighter or darker brown, or mottled with different shades of brown 
 and friable. The leaves have a thick, prominent midrib, branching under acute angles 
 into lateral veins, which are curved near the margin. The odor of tobacco is peculiar 
 and heavy, and its taste disagreeable, bitter, and acrid. 
 
 Constituents. — Tobacco contains a large amount of salts, consisting of sulphates, 
 nitrates, chlorides, phosphates, and malates of potassium, calcium, ammonium, and nico- 
 tine, and yields from 14 to 18.5 per cent, of ash. Larger amounts have been obtained, 
 sometimes as much as 25 to 27 per cent. — a result which is probably due in some cases 
 to dust adhering to the viscid glands, as was suggested by B. F. Creighton (1876). The 
 other constituents of tobacco are albumen, resin, extractive, gum, citric acid (Goupil), 
 nicotianin, and nicotine. Nicotianin was discovered by Hermbstadt on distilling tobacco 
 with water ; it separates from the distillate in the form of white foliaceous crystals, which 
 have an odor resembling that of tobacco-smoke and a warm and bitterish aromatic taste 
 (Posselt and Beimann, 1828). Landerer (1835) obtained nicotianin from the dried, but not 
 from the fresh, leaves. Barral (1845) stated that it contains 7.12 per cent, of nitrogen. 
 
 Nicotine or nicotia is the poisonous principle of tobacco, and was discovered by Posselt 
 and Beimann (1828). It may be prepared by exhausting bruised tobacco with acidu- 
 lated water, concentrating the infusion, adding an excess of potassa, and agitating with 
 ether, which dissolves the alkaloid, and on the addition of powdered oxalic acid nicotine 
 oxalate, which is insoluble in ether, is separated (Schloesing) ; or, the ether is evaporated, 
 the liquid neutralized with oxalic acid, evaporated to dryness, and the residue exhausted 
 with boiling alcohol, which dissolves nicotine oxalate (Ortigosa). On evaporating the 
 solution to a syrupy consistence and agitating it with potassa and ether, an ethereal liq- 
 uid is obtained, which on fractional distillation yields the alkaloid. This is a colorless 
 oily liquid, having at 15° C. (59° F.) the spec. grav. 1.0111, and remaining liquid at 
 — 10° C. (14° F.). It has an unpleasant, and when heated a pungent, acrid, tobacco-like 
 odor, a burning taste, and a strongly alkaline reaction. Exposed to air and light, it 
 
TABACUM. 
 
 1575 
 
 rapidly acquires a brown color and is partly converted into a resinous compound. It 
 boils near 250° C. (482° F.), but distils at a lower temperature, always leaving a residue. 
 Its composition is C 10 H 14 N 2 (mol. weight 161.72). It absorbs water from the air, dissolves 
 readily in water, and is separated from this solution by caustic potassa. Alcohol and 
 ether dissolve it in all proportions, and it yields with acids neutral and acid salts, of which 
 the former crystallize with difficulty and are mostly soluble in weak alcohol, but insoluble 
 in ether. The alkaloid acquires a wine-red color with strong sulphuric acid, and on 
 heating the mixture is charred. Chlorine gas colors it deep-red or red-brown. When 
 heated with a little hydrochloric acid a violet color is produced, which on the further 
 addition of nitric acid changes to yellowish-red. The double salts with mercuric and 
 platinic chloride are sparingly soluble in cold water. Dried tobacco-leaves contain from 2 
 to 8, and occasionally as high as 11, per cent, of nicotine. The alkaloid is present in all 
 parts of the green plant, as well as in the dried leaves, and according to Kissling (1882), 
 also in tobacco-smoke, which owes its toxic action mainly to this alkaloid. Instead 
 of nicotine, H. Vohl and H. Eulenburg (1871), found chiefly collidine , with pyridine , 
 picoline , and other bases of the same series (see page 1109), besides ammonia and 
 traces of ethylamine ; and, in passing the vapors through potassa solution, hydrocyanic, 
 hydrosulphuric, acetic, formic, butyric, valerianic, carbolic, and probably other acids 
 were retained. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Products. — Oleum tabaci, Oil of tobacco ( TJ . S. 1870), is prepared by dry dis- 
 tillation of coarsely-powdered tobacco, and is a brown-black tar-like liquid of a strong and very 
 peculiar empyreumatic odor. Unverdorben (1826) recognized in it the presence of an alkaloid, 
 which on being boiled with diluted sulphuric acid yields, among other products, odorine or pico- 
 line; it is not unlikely that others of the ternary bases contained in animal oil (see page 1109) 
 may likewise be present in this tarry product. Zeise (1843) demonstrated the presence of buty- 
 ric acid, ammonia, paraffin, empyreumatic resin, and a pale-yellow oil of the formula C n II 22 0 2 , 
 which boils at 195° C. (383° F.). Melsens (1843) proved the presence of nicotine in the tarry 
 matter separating in tobacco-pipes, and it is most likely present in the empyreumatic oil. 
 
 Unguentum tabaci, Tobacco ointment ( U S. 1870). The aqueous extract from £ oz. av. of 
 powdered tobacco is mixed with 8 oz. av. of lard. 
 
 Vinum tabaci, Wine of tobacco (U. S. 1870). Exhaust 120 grains of tobacco with 4 fluid- 
 ounces of sherry wine. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The essential effects of tobacco are best illustrated by the 
 action of nicotine employed experimentally. The following summary represents the 
 effects of doses of nicotine varying from to y 1 ^ grain, taken in water : The minutest 
 doses occasion a burning sensation in the tongue, a hot, acrid feeling in the fauces, and 
 a sense of rawness throughout the oesophagus. Salivation is abundant. Small doses 
 produce a sense of heat in the stomach, chest, and head, and even in the fingers, with 
 some excitement of the nervous system ; larger ones cause heaviness, giddiness, torpor, 
 sleepiness, indistinct vision, with sensitiveness, of the eye to light, imperfect hearing, 
 laborious and oppressed breathing, and dryness of the throat. The former contract, the 
 latter dilate, the pupils. In forty minutes after the larger doses a sense of great debil- 
 ity is perceived, the head droops, the pulse-rate falls, the face grows pale, the features 
 are relaxed, the limbs seem paralyzed, the hands and feet are cold, the coldness advances 
 gradually toward the trunk, and faintness ends in loss of consciousness. The disorder 
 of the digestive organs manifests itself by eructations, nausea, and even vomiting, the 
 abdomen becomes distended, and an urgent desire is felt to go to stool ; wind is dis- 
 charged, the stools may be profuse and watery, and urine is voided copiously. The 
 nervous system, after the debilitating influence of the poison has developed itself, shows 
 its condition by muscular spasm, which begins with tremulousness of the extremities, 
 and gradually involves the whole muscular system, including the respiratory muscles, 
 so that the breathing is oppressed, gasping, and incomplete. This enumeration of effects 
 is sufficient to prove that nicotine acts primarily upon the spinal and sympathetic nervous 
 systems rather than upon the brain. It may cause death by direct paralysis of the heart, 
 or more indirectly by paralysis of the respiratory muscles, producing asphyxia. But it also 
 impairs the function of the blood as a carrier of oxygen. The blood examined during life 
 of a person under the full influence of tobacco is of a dark color, and presents a striking 
 disaggregation of the red corpuscles, which are also less regularly circular than natural, and 
 have jagged or crenated edges. The white corpuscles are likewise broken up. As the poi- 
 sonous operation passes off, however, the blood regains its normal character. The action of 
 tobacco itself is so nearly identical with that of nicotine as to render unnecessary a detailed 
 account of it in this place. It, however, is mainly exhibited in muscular relaxation and col- 
 lapse. In some cases “ lethargy ” and insensibility” are mentioned, but the condition is 
 
1576 
 
 TABACUM. 
 
 not that of cerebral oppression so much as of cerebral exhaustion. Briert has reported 
 the case of a woman who consumed large quantities of tobacco by smoking, chewing, 
 and snuffing. Finally, she fell into a condition in which the graver of the above symp- 
 toms were present, and in which she died (Blatin, La Nicotine et le Tabac, 1870, a work 
 in which this subject is copiously illustrated). The case of Count de Bocarme, who, in 
 1851, with his wife as an accomplice, killed her brother with nicotine prepared by them- 
 selves, is famous in judicial annals. In 1884 a case apparently of suicide by this poison 
 terminated very rapidly ( Centralbl. f d. g. Therap., iii. 328). We have elsewhere cited 
 numerous cases of tobacco-poisoning ; others have been collected by Hare ( Physiol . and 
 Pathol. Effects oj Tobacco , 1885), by Giacchi ( Therap . Monatsh., iii. 178), and a very 
 striking case of fatal acute poisoning by Richardson ( Asclepiad , 1889). Within a few 
 years past the habit of smoking cigarettes, especially by the young, has multiplied the 
 number of cases of chronic tobacco-poisoning beyond all precedent. Among the symp- 
 toms especially prominent in certain cases of tobacco-poisoning, either caused by a single 
 excessive dose or by inordinate indulgence in smoking or chewing tobacco, may be men- 
 tioned : a rapid followed by a very slow pulse, hiccough, and cold perspiration, dilated 
 pupils, profuse diuresis, convulsions without loss of consciousness, sometimes cataleptic 
 and sometimes hysterical, and great numbness as well as impaired motor power of the 
 limbs and of the tongue (e. g. case in Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., Jan. 1882, p. 306). 
 As in the case of other medicines directly affecting the nervous system, the habitual use 
 of tobacco deprives it of many of its graver effects, especially if the general health is 
 not reduced below its normal standard. 
 
 The cases of serious illness produced by the emanations of tobacco, and by its applica- 
 tion even to the unbroken skin, are innumerable, and many instances of fatal poisoning 
 by tobacco are recorded, some of them being due to its having been swallowed purposely 
 or accidentally, some to its use medicinally in an enema, and some to its application to 
 eruptions on the skin. The fatal dose of tobacco internally, and generally by enema, 
 has varied from the maximum of an ounce or two to a minimum of 15 grains. It was 
 generally administered in decoction or infusion. Nicotine stands next to prussic acid in 
 the rapidity and energy of its poisonous action, but the minimum fatal dose of it is 
 unknown. 
 
 Although the use of tobacco as an external remedy is no longer common, its efficacy 
 is sufficiently well established in several diseases. It has been applied to the treatment 
 of scabies in man, and long was used, and perhaps still is, for the same disease in domestic 
 animals, but the risk of producing toxical symptoms when the skin is broken has prob- 
 ably led to its disuse. The same remark applies to other cutaneous eruptions. The 
 bruised fresh leaves of the tobacco-plant have been found a local palliative in urticaria , 
 gout , and rheumatism , and the fumes of tobacco have been applied with advantage in the 
 last two disorders. Snuffing has been employed with success in the cure of nasal polypus, 
 for the relief of chronic ophthalmia and catarrh of the frontal sinuses , and in tropical 
 countries for destroying the worm which sometimes breeds in the antrum Highmorianum 
 and the adjacent parts. 
 
 Internally, the smoke of tobacco inhaled is a palliative of nervous cough produced by 
 tickling in the larynx or trachea, and has put an end to an attack of spasmodic laryngitis 
 in the same manner as other nauseants and cardiac sedatives. A plaster made with 
 strong snuff and tallow is a popular remedy in the same disorder, and has been applied 
 in laryngismus stridulus. Obstinate hiccough has been arrested by swallowing tobacco- 
 smoke, and dislocations of the lower jaw and of various joints have been remedied while 
 the patient was relaxed by tobacco-fumes. 
 
 The relaxing, nauseating, and purgative operation of tobacco has been successfully 
 employed to overcome obstruction of the bowel by fecal accumulations. When the usual 
 purgative agents have failed, tobacco cataplasms or enemas (even of tobacco-smoke) 
 may be cautiously employed. It is not certain that internal hernise and intussusception 
 have not been relieved by this treatment, but the accurate diagnosis of intestinal obstruc- 
 tions is very difficult, and care must be taken not to exhaust the patient by heroic meas- 
 ures while a reasonable hope remains that nature will suffice for the cure. It is quite 
 erroneous to suppose that these intestinal obstructions are overcome by relaxing muscular 
 spasm : the only rational explanation of the utility of tobacco, and of various other 
 medicines of the same class, is that by lowering the heart’s action they tend to diminish 
 the vascular congestion of the strangulated organ. In lead colic , in which tonic spasm 
 probably does exist, tobacco may act as a true antispasmodic, but in this affection it is 
 seldom used. 
 
TAMARTNDVS. 
 
 1577 
 
 The powerful relaxing influence of tobacco led naturally to its use in the treatment of 
 tetanus , and the list is long of the cases in which its infusion was given by enema. More 
 recently nicotine was administered in this disease by the mouth or the rectum. It is, as 
 might be expected, a surer remedy in the idiopathic than in the traumatic form of the 
 disease. Tobacco has generally been prescribed in tetanus in an infusion made with 1 .30 
 Gm. (20 grains) of the drug to Gm. 250 (I pint) of water, and nicotine in the dose 
 of a fraction of a drop, increased until its specific effects are developed. The same means 
 as in tetanus have been employed in several cases of strychnine-poisoning ; but, according 
 to Haynes, nicotine and strychnine are in no degree antagonistic poisons ( Phil . Med. 
 Times , vii. 363). It does not follow, however, that at a certain stage of strychnine- 
 poisoning nicotine may not tend to control the spinal spasms. (See Strychnine Sul- 
 phas.) The power of tobacco-smoke to arrest or palliate paroxysms of asthma is well 
 established. There is reason to believe that it is quite as efficient as lobelia, with which 
 it is almost identical in operation. Ascarides of the rectum, and even lumbricoid worms, 
 have been expelled after the injection into the rectum of tobacco-smoke or of tobacco 
 infusion. It is alleged to be an antidote to poisoning by mushrooms , but upon insufficient 
 grounds. 
 
 Tobacco may be given as an emetic in the dose of Gm. 0.30 (gr. v— vj), but it is rarely 
 prescribed in this form. The infusion, wine, and ointment are no longer officinal. Fresh 
 tobacco-leaves, which are sometimes used as a topical application, are much feebler in 
 their action than the cured leaves, and those especially which have undergone fermenta- 
 tion in their manufacture. The dose of nicotine has been stated at Gm. 0.01-0.06 (gr.£-j), 
 but some authorities recommend that the primary dose should not exceed Gm. 0.001 
 (gr. J-q). For hypodermic injection a solution has been proposed containing Gm. 0.001 
 (gr. g^) in every 5 drops. Of this solution the primary dose should not exceed Gm. 
 0.0005 (y^Q- grain). Nicotine should never be used internally if other preparations of 
 tobacco can be procured. 
 
 TAMARINDUS, U. S,, Br. — Tamarind. 
 
 Pulpa tamarindorum cruda , P. G. ; Fructus tamarindorum . — Tamarinier (pidpe'), F. 
 Cod. ; Tamarin , Fr. ; Tamar indenmus, G. ; Tamarindo , Sp. 
 
 T. officinalis, Hooker. 
 
 Bentley 
 
 The preserved fruit of Tamarindus indica, Linne , s. 
 and Trimen, Med. Plants , 92. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Caesalpineae. 
 
 Origin. — The tamarind tree, 18-24 M. (60 to 80 feet) high, is indigenous to India 
 and throughout tropical Africa, and has 
 
 been introduced into all tropical countries. Fig. S04. 
 
 It has alternate abruptly pinnate evergreen 
 leaves, with from ten to eighteen pairs of 
 oval-oblong, at the base unequal, veined 
 leaflets, and produces few-flowered terminal 
 and lateral racemes. The fragrant flowers 
 have a four-lobed calyx, the upper lobe 
 being broad and two-toothed ; the corolla 
 is white, afterward yellow, red-veined, and 
 consists of three elliptical petals, which are 
 longer than the calyx ; occasionally two 
 more petals, linear and minute, are present ; 
 the nine or ten stamens are monadelphous, 
 but only three or four have anthers ; the 
 ovary is stalked and has a long style. The 
 fruit is an indehiscent usually curved legume, 
 about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long and nearly 
 25 Mm. (1 inch) broad. The West Indian 
 tree bears a fruit which is only about three 
 times longer than broad, and was formerly 
 regarded as a distinct species, T. occidentalis, 
 
 Gaertner. The fruit has a thin, fragile, pale- 
 
 i • i i n / . i i .I Tamarindus indica, LinnP, : flowering branch, pod, and 
 
 brownish shell (pericarp), and underneath pod with shell reni0 ved. 
 
 this there are found on each side three tough 
 
 fibrous somewhat branching veins running from the base to the apex. Next follows an 
 
1578 
 
 TANACETUM. 
 
 acidulous pulp, and this adheres to a tough membrane which encloses from three to ten 
 cavities, each of which contains a single flat somewhat quadrangular and polished brown 
 seed. 
 
 Preparation. — Before tamarinds enter commerce the shell is removed, and the inner 
 portion is in India pressed together into a mass to which sometimes sugar is added. In 
 Upper Egypt it is formed into cakes which are dried in the sun, and in the West Indies 
 hot syrup is poured over the pulpy mass. The fresh leaves and flowers have an acidu- 
 lous taste, and are used in tropical countries for the preparation of cooling drinks. 
 
 Description. — As seen in our commerce, tamarinds form a reddish-brown soft mass 
 in which the interior portion of the fruit is more or less broken. They have a fruit-like 
 odor and an acidulous and sweet taste. East Indian tamarinds are tougher and darker in 
 color and have a less sweet taste. Egyptian tamarinds appear in hard, flattish, circular 
 cakes, about 15 Cm. (6 inches) in diameter, of a brown-black color externally, and fre- 
 quently mouldy. The last two varieties are rarely met with in American commerce. On 
 leaving the clean blade of an iron spatula for thirty minutes in contact with tamarinds, 
 it should not become covered with a coating of copper. 
 
 Constituents. — Vauquelin ascertained tamarinds to contain sugar, tartaric, citric, 
 and a little malic acid, pectin, and mucilaginous matter. The acids are mostly present as 
 potassium compounds. Acetic acid has likewise been found in tamarinds ; it probably 
 results from the fermentation of the sugar. Tannin is not present, except in the testa 
 of the seeds. C. Mueller (1882) found in East Indian tamarinds very little malic acid ; 
 citric acid varied between 6 and 4 per cent., tartaric acid between 5.3 and 8.8 per cent., 
 potassium bitartrate between 4.7 and 6 per cent., the insoluble matter of the pulp between 
 12 and 20 per cent., and the seeds between 1.5 and 38 (average 13.9) per cent. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Tamarinds are employed in the preparation of Confectio 
 sennae, U. N., Br., being freed from vegetable tissues by means of water and straining. 
 
 Pulpa tamarindorum depurata, P. G., is made by softening East Indian tamarinds 
 with sufficient boiling water, straining the mass through a hair sieve, evaporating the 
 strained portion to the consistence of an extract, and incorporating with 5 parts of it 1 
 part of powdered sugar. 
 
 Conserva tamarindi, F. Cod. Tamarind-pulp 2 parts ; powdered sugar 5 parts, 
 water sufficient for 8 parts. 
 
 Tamar indien is a confection of senna flavored with anise and oil of lemon. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Tamarinds are mentioned by the Arabian medical writers as 
 antibilious and useful in correcting nausea, quenching thirst, and allaying febrile excite- 
 ment, and also as being efficient in healing aphthous sores. They are still used for similar 
 purposes, and especially to prepare a cooling drink in febrile diseases. They should be 
 mixed with hot water, and the strained liquid allowed to cool. An ounce of tamarind- 
 pulp boiled with a pint of milk produces a whey which also forms an agreeable drink in 
 fevers. Although reputed to impair the purgative action of senna, they are habitually 
 used along with that cathartic in magistral preparations, as well as in the officinal con- 
 fection of senna. 
 
 TANACETUM, V. S.—' Tansy. 
 
 Summitates tanaceti. — Tanaisie, F. Cod.; Herbe aux vers, Fr. ; Rainfarn , Wurmkraut, 
 G. ; Tanaceto , Sp. 
 
 The leaves and tops of Tanacetum vulgare, Linne , s. Chrysanthemum Tanacetum, 
 Karsch. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Senecionidese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Tansy is a perennial herb indigenous to Europe and 
 Central Asia and naturalized in many parts of North America, where it grows in old 
 fields, along roadsides, and in the neighborhood of river-banks. The stout and fibrous 
 many-headed root sends up a cluster of nearly simple stems which are .9—1.2 M. (3 or 4 
 feet) high, roundish-angular, and frequently purplish at the base. The leaves are alter- 
 nate, shortly petiolate or sessile, from 12—25 Cm. (5 to 10 inches) long and nearly half as 
 wide, smooth, dark-green, dotted with oil-glands, bipinnately divided, and the segments 
 rounded, incised, or coarsely serrate. The flowers are in a dense terminal corymb, have 
 an imbricate involucre with numerous brown-margined scales, a convex naked receptacle, 
 and numerous yellow florets, with the marginal ones pistillate and three-toothed, but not 
 ligulate. The akenes are obovate, about five-ribbed, and terminate with a crown-like 
 pappus. The plant commences to bloom in July, and should be collected while flowering ; 
 on drying the loss in weight is from 80 to 85 per cent. It has a strong, rather unpleas- 
 
TANACETUM. 
 
 1579 
 
 ant odor, and an aromatic, pungent, and bitter taste. A variety, Tan. crispum, with 
 twice-pinnatifid and curled leaves, is frequently cultivated, and is known as double 
 tansy. 
 
 Constituents. — Among the ordinary constituents of tansy, Peschier and Fromm- 
 herz found mucilage, sugar, albumen, fixed oil, resin, tannin, coloring matter, and malic 
 acid, with which Peschier’s tanacetic acid is probably identical. The bitter principle was 
 isolated by Leroy (1845) by a process similar to that for digitalin. This tanacetin is 
 described as being yellowish-white, granular, inodorous, fusible, soluble in ether, less 
 freely soluble in alcohol, and sparingly soluble in water. Leppig (1882) gives for it the 
 formula C n H 16 0 4 , and found it to be present chiefly in the flowers ; sulphuric acid colors 
 it yellow, then brown, red-brown, and blood-red, the margin becoming blue. The most 
 important constituent of tansy is its volatile oil, of which the fresh flowering herb yields 
 i to i per cent, of its weight. Oil of tansy , Oleum tanaceti , is an oxygenated oil of neu- 
 tral or slightly acid reaction, varies in density between 0.92 and 0.95, and has either a 
 yellow or green color. According to Geoffrey, the herb grown in dry places yields a 
 green-colored volatile oil, but if grown in moist localities the oil is yellow. Oil of tansy 
 has a camphoraceous aromatic odor and a bitterish pungent taste, deviates polarized light 
 to the left, is readily soluble in alcohol, dissolves iodine without explosive action, and is 
 readily oxidized on being heated with nitric acid. Bruylants (1877) found in it 1 per 
 cent, of a terpene, C 10 H 16 , boiling near 160° C. (320° F.), and a small quantity of an acid 
 and a neutral resin, while the greater portion consists of the aldehyde, C 10 Hj 6 O, mixed 
 with about 20 per cent, of the alcohol, C 10 H 18 O. 
 
 Allied Plant. — 1 Anacetum Balsamita, Linn£, s. Pyrethrum Tanacetum, De Candolle, Balsamita 
 suaveolens, Persoon. — Costmary, E. ; Balsamite, Fr. ; Frauenminze, G . — This is a perennial 
 herb of Southern Europe, with undivided serrate, oval-oblong, petiolate leaves, and discoid, yel- 
 low, hemispherical flower-heads in terminal corymbs. It has a strong aromatic odor and bitter 
 taste, and is employed like tansy, and recognized as such by the French Codex. 
 
 Action and Uses. — 2J drachms of the oil occasioned loss of consciousness, convul- 
 sions, foaming at the mouth, dilated pupils, and frequent pulse, followed by recovery. 
 ( Tlierap . Gaz ., ix. 342. Compare Med. Record , xxxvi. 342.) In fatal cases death is 
 usually caused by coma and asphyxia. In a case of fatal poisoning by a decoction of 
 the herb death took place by paralysis of the muscles of deglutition, respiration, and 
 voluntary motion. Instead of these nervous symptoms, an infusion of tansy caused 
 vomiting, purging, severe abdominal pain, and death in collapse, without previous impair- 
 ment of intelligence (. Phila . Med. Times, xi. 346). In another case it was attended with 
 convulsions, and followed the taking of a teaspoonful of oil of tansy in an hour and a 
 quarter. In a fatal case following a dose of 11 drachms of oil of tansy no congestion of 
 the brain was found, but the heart was full of black blood and the lungs were shrunken 
 and crepitous. The stomach was not inflamed (Jewett, Boston Med. and Bury. Jour., 
 March, 1880, p. 327). 
 
 The fatal poisonous dose of oil of tansy is undetermined ; very grave symptoms have 
 been produced by Gm. 2 (fi^ss), and even by a dose of Gm. 1-1.30 (gtt. xv-xx). 
 
 Tansy was used in the Middle Ages and subsequently as a remedy for amenorrhcea, 
 worms, and dropsy, and, although it is no longer regarded as of equal potency with other 
 medicines in these diseases, its efficacy cannot be reasonably questioned. Its tonic and 
 stimulant virtues resemble those of absinth, but there can be little doubt that it causes a 
 vascular congestion of the abdominal organs, increasing the secretion of urine and pro- 
 moting the menstrual discharge. It is largely employed in domestic practice, especially 
 in rural districts, to promote or restore menstruation, and sometimes with a criminal inten- 
 tion as an abortifacient, but, so far as appears, unsuccessfully. Its fruit is held by some 
 to be as efficient as chenopodium in the destruction and expulsion of lumbricoid worms, 
 and the bruised leaves have been applied to the abdomen for the same purpose. In this 
 manner, and also in vinous and spirituous infusion, tansy has been in vogue as a topical 
 application for bruises, sprains, muscular rheumatism, chronic ulcers , etc. Internally, it 
 affords relief in flatulent colic, and is not without efficacy in hysterical disorders. 
 
 The dose of the powder of the fruit of tansy is Gm. 0.60-3 (gr. x-xl) and of the 
 flowers from Gm. 1.30-8 (gr. xx-cxx). An infusion may be prepared with Gm. 16-32 
 (jjjss- j) of the seeds, or with Gm. 32—64 in Gm. 500 (^j ; n Oj) of boiling water, and 
 prescribed in doses of Gm. 32-64 (f^j-ij). The oil may be given in doses of Gm. 0.05- 
 0.25 (gtt. j-iv) or more. 
 
1580 
 
 TARAXACUM. 
 
 Fig. 305. 
 
 Transverse section of 
 Taraxacum-root. 
 
 TARAXACUM, U. S. — Taraxacum (Dandelion). 
 
 Taraxaci radix , Br. ; Radix taraxaci , P. A. — Dandelion-root , E. ; Pissenlit , Dent de lion, 
 Couronne de moine, Fr. ; Lowenzahn, Pfaffenrohrchen , G. ; Diente de leon, Sp. 
 
 The root, gathered in the autumn (£7. S., Br., P. A.), of Taraxacum officinale, Weber 
 (T. Dens-leonis, Desfontaines, T. vulgare, Schra.nk, Leontodon Taraxacum, Linne). Wood- 
 ville, Med. Bot ., plate 3; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 159. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Compositae, Cichoriaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Dandelion is a perennial acaulescent herb, with a tuft of spreading short- 
 stalked radical leaves, which are about 20 Cm. (8 inches) long, obovate-oblong, acute, 
 and on the margin runcinately and coarsely serrate. The flower-heads 
 are terminal upon the hollow scapes, about 38 Mm. (1? inches) in 
 diameter, and have an erect imbricate involucre and numerous ligulate, 
 yellow, and five-toothed florets. The akene is compressed, obovate- 
 oblong, and terminated by a silky-hairy, spreading pappus raised upon 
 a long stalk. The plant grows in waste places, pastures, and on road- 
 sides, and is met with in most countries of the northern hemisphere. 
 Collected in spring and dried, the root loses from 80 to 85 per cent, 
 in weight, but if collected in autumn the loss on drying ranges from 70 
 to 75 per cent. 
 
 Description. — The root is from 15-30-40 Cm. (6 to 12 or 16 
 inches) long, nearly cylindrical, 12-25 Mm. (4 to 1 inch) thick, crowned with several short 
 thickish heads above and furnished with few branches below. Fresh, it is light yellow- 
 ish-brown and fleshy ; when dry, brown or dark-brown, much wrinkled longitudinally ; 
 internally, it is white with a yellowish centre. It is inodorous and has a bitter taste. It 
 is hygroscopic, and in damp weather rather flexible, but when dry breaks with a short frac- 
 ture, showing the pale-yellow porous wood surrounded by a dark-brown cambium-line and 
 a thick white bark, with concentric circles of milk-vessels of a brownish color, and sepa- 
 rated by layers of thin-walled and axially elongated parenchyma. The meditullium has 
 no medullary rays, and consists mainly of ducts varying in diameter and more or less 
 interspersed with thin-walled, elongated cells. 
 
 After frost and early in the spring, particularly when grown in a rich soil, the root 
 contains much sugar and levulin ; during the spring and summer the milk-juice becomes 
 thicker and the bitter taste increases ; the root is therefore directed to be collected in the 
 autumn. The early spring root yields a sweetish-bitter extract. Bentley regards the root 
 collected about July as most efficient. The Austrian Pharmacopoeia directs also the leaves, 
 Folia taraxaci , collected in the spring, for use in the preparation of the extract ; for the 
 same purpose the German Pharmacopoeia orders Radix taraxaci cum lierba collected 
 before flowering. 
 
 Constituents. — The bitter principle, taraxacin, was obtained by Polex (1839) in a 
 crystalline state by treating the milk-juice with boiling water and evaporating. Kro- 
 mayer (1864) left the aqueous solution in contact with animal charcoal, from which after- 
 ward alcohol dissolved the bitter principle, requiring treatment with lead acetate and sul- 
 phuretted hydrogen to free it from various principles ; it was obtained as an amorphous 
 bitter mass. The milk-juice contains also resin and taraxacerin , C 8 H 16 0, which is insol- 
 uble in water, crystallizes from hot alcohol, and when in an alcoholic solution has an acrid 
 taste. The dry root yields from 5 to 7 per cent, of ash. 
 
 Dandelion-root collected in October yielded to Dragendorff (1870) 24 per cent, of inulin 
 and a little sugar, but when collected in March only 1.74 per cent, of inulin was found, 
 and about 18 per cent, each of uncrystallizable sugar and levulin , the latter being inter- 
 mediate between inulin and sugar in having the composition of inulin, but being of a sweet 
 taste, soluble in cold water, and without influence on polarized light. Frickhinger (1840) 
 and T. and H. Smith (1849) proved that the mannit, which is sometimes found in notable 
 quantities in the extract, does not pre-exist in the root, and that, on the contrary, it is a 
 product resulting from fermentation. 
 
 The presence of fermentable sugar has been noticed by most investigators, and Dragen- 
 dorff’s observations confirm the results previously obtained by Frickhinger, Widemann, 
 and Overbeck (1827), that the sugar predominates in the spring root, and inulin in the 
 root collected in autumn. It seems to follow therefrom that the extract and other prepa- 
 rations made from the expressed juice or by treating the autumn root with cold water 
 should be more efficacious and less loaded with inert matters (sugar, etc.) than those 
 obtained from the spring root. Old extract of taraxacum sometimes contains granular 
 
TARAXACUM. 
 
 1581 
 
 crystals of calcium lactate (Ludwig, 1861) ; the lactic acid is probably produced from 
 iuosit, which, according to Marine (1864), exists in the leaves and stalks of dandelion, but 
 is not found in the root. 
 
 Allied Drug. — Cichorium Ixtybus, Limit, indigenous to Europe and the Levant, is naturalized 
 in fields and along roadsides in North America westward to Minnesota, and is largely cultivated 
 in some parts of Europe. The root of the wild-grown plant soon becomes woody, but cultivated 
 it remains fleshy and has a thicker bark. It resembles dandelion-root, but it is of a rather lighter 
 color, and upon transverse section shows the white bark-tissue radially striate from the milk-ves- 
 sels, and the yellowish finely porous wood marked by fine medullary rays. About 4,000,000 
 pounds of this root, usually cut into short pieces, are annually imported from Europe. The 
 bitter principle of chicory has not been isolated. The cultivated root, from which, collected in 
 July, Dragendorff obtained 36 per cent, of inulin, has been recommended as a source of alcohol, 
 which is said to be easily obtainable in a state of purity and .'possessed of a pleasant aromatic 
 taste. According to Nietzki (1876), the flowers contain a crystalline glucoside insoluble in ether, 
 dissolving in alkalies with a yellow color. 
 
 Chicory-root (Succory, E. ; Chicoree sauvage, Fr. ; Cichorie, G.) is not unfrequently substituted 
 for dandelion-root in the preparation of extract and fluid extract. While the roots of the two plants, 
 notwithstanding their resemblance, may be distinguished from each other without difficulty (see 
 above), no reliable tests are known by which their pharmaceutical preparations may be distin- 
 guished. It is therefore best for pharmacists to prepare them from the properly-selected drug. 
 
 Besides the root of the wild plant, the French Codex recognizes also chickory-leaves, of which 
 the radical ones are oblong, more or less runcinate or lyrate and acute, while the cauline leaves 
 are lanceolate, the upper ones clasping, toothed or entire. They contain a bitter principle, sugar, 
 albuminoids and salts. The young leaves are slightly bitter. When cultivated and protected 
 from the light the leaves are yellow, and are used as salad in France under the name of barbe 
 de capucin. 
 
 Cichorium Endivia, Linn£, a native of the Levant, is cultivated for its bitterish leaves, known 
 as endive, E. ; Scarole, Fr. •, Endivie, G. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — The first distinct mention of dandelion is by Arabian 
 medical writers, who state it to be a very efficacious deobstruent and purifier of the blood. 
 At the close of the last century it was greatly in vogue as a remedy for chronic affections 
 of the liver and bowels, for renal calculus, some cutaneous diseases, etc. Its diuretic 
 qualities are recognized in its popular names, pissenlit, lectiminga, etc. Rutherford and 
 Vignal concluded from their experiments that taraxacum is a very feeble hepatic stimu- 
 lant. It is employed, now, as formerly, in cases of hepatic congestion due to or associated 
 with atonic dyspepsia and constipation. It has been regarded as useful in pulmonary con- 
 sumption — possibly, if at all, by its action upon the stomach and bowels, and indirectly 
 upon the liver. 
 
 Dandelion is frequently administered in decoction, of which the dose is from Gm. 64- 
 128 (2 to 4 fluidounces). It is apt to ferment. The extract is of little use. The fluid 
 extract and the juice are probably its most active forms. 
 
 Chicory is thought to increase the appetite, promote the digestion, and stimulate the 
 liver — in a word, to operate very nearly as dandelion is supposed to act. Its excessive 
 use is alleged to occasion venous congestion of the abdominal organs, the brain, and the 
 organs of the senses. In this manner it has been accused of causing amaurosis. The 
 fresh young plant is generally eaten, like endive, as a salad in the spring season, as a 
 “purifier of the blood ” — i. e. as a promoter of the secretions of the liver, bowels, and 
 kidneys. Even from ancient times it has been recommended in cases for which dandelion 
 is commonly used, including those of feeble digestion with flatulence, constipation, and 
 light-colored stools — a condition erroneously supposed to denote torpor of the liver. It 
 is alleged to have cured intermittent fevers which quinine failed to arrest, especially when 
 engorgement of the liver and spleen was present, with general dropsy. It is also asserted 
 to have been useful in chronic diseases of the skin, particularly in those of a gouty origin. 
 Chicory-root dried, roasted, and reduced to a coarse powder has a close resemblance to 
 ground coffee, and is extensively used for mixing with the latter or for fraudulently adul- 
 terating it. To those who are not aware that the proper flavor of coffee depends upon its 
 aromatic volatile oil, and who measure its strength by its bitterness, the substitution of 
 chicory can cause no disappointment or injury. It is probable that an infusion of chicory 
 taken at meals as a substitute for coffee would be preferable to the latter on the score 
 of health, and it is still more probable that pure water would be more wholesome 
 than either ; but such facts furnish no reason why the public should be deluded into 
 believing that in drinking an infusion of chicory they are using a true substitute for 
 coffee. 
 
1582 
 
 TAXUS. 
 
 TAXUS.— Yew. 
 
 If commun , Fr. ; Elbe, G. ; Tejo , Sp. 
 
 Taxus baccata, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 253. 
 
 iVa£. Ord. — Coniferm. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The yew is an evergreen shrub, or more frequently a 
 tree of very slow growth, but attaining a height of 9-12 M. (30 or 40 feet). It is indig- 
 enous to Asia from Siberia southward to the Himalaya Mountains, and westward to Syria, 
 Northern Africa, and the greater part of Europe. It has been introduced as an orna- 
 mental tree into North America, and is naturalized to some extent. The tree has a 
 red-brown bark, numerous and spreading (or in one variety f'astigiate) branches, and 
 closely placed, nearly sessile, and two-ranked or crowded leaves, which are linear, entire, 
 flat, somewhat curved, acute, glossy-green above, pale-green beneath, and about 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) long. The fruit or berry consists of a globular-ovate, acutish or blunt, black- 
 brown seed, surrounded by a fleshy cup-shaped scarlet-red arillus, which is open at the 
 top, and at the base furnished with two or three rows of small scales. The young 
 branches with the leaves attached and the fruit have been employed medicinally. The 
 former have an unpleasant terebinthinaceous odor and a disagreeable bitter and acrid 
 taste. The taste of the fleshy part of the berry is sweetish and not unpleasant, but the 
 seed is bitter. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves were examined by Peretti (1828) and Bighini (1837), 
 who, besides the common principles, found in them volatile oil, tannin, and an amorphous 
 bitter principle. Lucas (1843) isolated the latter in the form of an amorphous bitter 
 powder which is sparingly soluble in water, but freely soluble in dilute acids, in alcohol, 
 and ether. The salts of this taxine are uncrystallizable, and are precipitated by tannin 
 and by alkalies. Marine (1876) obtained the alkaloid in a crystalline condition from the 
 leaves and in small proportion from the seeds ; besides the solvents mentioned before, 
 it is soluble also in chloroform, benzene, and carbon disulphide, is precipitated by all 
 group reagents of the alkaloids except the chlorides of mercury, gold, and platinum and 
 potassium platino-cyanide, and is colored purplish-red by sulphuric acid, but dissolves 
 without coloration in other acids, and has poisonous properties. Amato and Capparelli 
 prepared from the leaves a crystalline, nitrogenated, colorless compound, milossin , which 
 is insoluble in water, and a volatile alkaloid which has a peculiar musty odor and is col- 
 ored green by sulphuric acid and potassium chromate, the color changing to violet on 
 warming. The air-dry leaves yield 5.5 per cent, of ash (Roth, 1876). The red coloring 
 matter of the arillus is soluble in alcohol and ether, but insoluble in water. 
 
 Allied Plants. — The American yew, Taxus canadensis, Willdenow , is regarded by Gray as a 
 low, straggling variety of the above species ; its leaves are mucronate, and have a revolute or 
 subrevolute margin. The yew of the Pacific coast, Taxus brevifolia, Nuttall , is a tree growing 
 in Oregon to the height of 15 M. (50 feet), but is smaller in California. The Irish yew, T. hiber- 
 nica, Mack , has a yellow fruit. T. nucifera, Kampfer , indigenous to Japan, has a green fruit, 
 the fleshy portion of which is astringent and pungent, while the seed is sweet and oily. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The effects which are produced by yew on man vary materially 
 in different cases, and, in general, the larger the dose of the poison the less definite and 
 various are the symptoms. When they are fully developed they comprise irritation of 
 the stomach and bowels, with vomiting, and sometimes purging, difficult urination, pallor, 
 giddiness, prostration, coldness, spasm, or partial paralysis, irregular and feeble action of 
 the heart, and death by coma or by syncope. The latter mode of death occurs most 
 frequently when the dose of the poison is very large, and then the phenomena of nervous 
 irritation and exhaustion and the gastric disturbance may be very trifling, the patient 
 dying by rapid asthenia or by absolute syncope. In the case of a young woman who 
 took the leaves of yew as an abortive, death occurred without convulsion, and her coun- 
 tenance was as natural as in sleep. In another case eleven persons partook of a decoction 
 of yew ; some of them were seized with giddiness, confusion of sight, pain in the head, 
 nausea, and vomiting, and then fell asleep ; but two of them died within an hour without 
 pain or convulsion. The fatal dose varies greatly ; a decoction of from 2 to 5 ounces has 
 destroyed life. 
 
 A jelly prepared from the berries of yew has been employed in the treatment of 
 chronic catarrh of the bronchia and the urinary passages, and the leaves have been recom- 
 mended in scurvy, epilepsy , and other spasmodic affections, and been used by the vulgar as 
 an emmenagogue, and especially as an abortive. The efficiency of yew in these conditions 
 
TEPHR OSIA .—TEREBEN UM. 
 
 1583 
 
 is far from proven, and among the numerous cases in which it has been employed to pro- 
 voke abortion several have resulted fatally to the mother, but in none was the foetus 
 expelled. The leaves have been prescribed in doses of from Gm. 0.06-0.30 (gr. j-v), or 
 in a decoction or infusion made with from Gm. 0.50-1 in Gm. 120 (gr. viij-xvj in f^iv) 
 of water. 
 
 In poisoning by this substance the stomach should be speedily evacuated, after which 
 milk may be given in small quantities to allay the irritation, and alcoholic liquids in 
 stimulant doses. 
 
 TEPHROSIA.— Goat’s Rue. 
 
 Turkey pea, Hoary pea, Devil's shoestring, E. ; Tephrosie, Fr., G. 
 
 Tephrosia (Galega, Linne) virginiana, Persoon. Meehan, Native Flowers, i. 81. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosae, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — -This species is an herbaceous perennial growing in 
 sandy soil in Canada and the United States westward to the Mississippi. Its root is 
 many-headed and divided into several nearly horizontal branches, which are about 12 
 Mm. (I inch) in diameter, 30-60 Cm. (1 to 2 feet) long, somewhat beset with fibres, 
 rather tough and flexible, externally brown-gray and internally whitish. The stems are 
 about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high, nearly simple, more or less woolly, and have numerous alter- 
 nate, oddly-pinnate leaves, with about ten pairs of oblong, mucronate, shortly-stalked, 
 straight-veined, and silky-villous, pale-green leaflets. The flowers are in terminal and 
 axillary racemes, white, rose-colored, and red, and produce a curved silky legume. 
 
 The root, and occasionally the herb, have been employed ; the root is without odor and 
 has a bitterish and somewhat acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The principles to which the properties of goat’s rue may be due are 
 unknown. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Tephrosia appolinea, De Candolle. The leaflets have occasionally been used 
 as a substitute for, or for the adulteration of, senna-leaves (see p. 1441). 
 
 T. toxicaria, Persoon , is indigenous to Africa and naturalized in tropical America. It has 
 deep-red flowers and a poisonous root. 
 
 T. purpurea and T. spi^osa, Persoon, indigenous to India, have bitter roots, which are em- 
 ployed for their tonic properties. 
 
 T. leptostachya, De Candolle, is a native of Senegambia. Its root and leaves are regarded as 
 possessing purgative properties. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The root as well as the leaves of the native tephrosia is said to 
 be laxative, tonic, and vermifuge. For the last-named purpose a decoction of the root 
 has been used. It may be prepared by boiling Gm. 32 in Gm. 500 (^j in Oj) of water, 
 to the reduction of one-half. Dose , Gm. 16-32 (f^ss-j). It has also been reported to be 
 useful in the treatment of typhoid fever, but, as it was not given alone, its value in this 
 disease cannot be estimated. 
 
 TEREBENUM, TJ. S . — Terebene. 
 
 Terebene, Fr. ; T&reben, G. 
 
 Formula C 10 H 16 . Molecular weight 135.7. 
 
 A liquid consisting chiefly of pinene, and containing not more than very small propor- 
 tions of terpinene and dipentene. Terebene should be kept in well-stoppered bottles in a 
 cool place, protected from light. — TJ. S. 
 
 Preparation. — By repeatedly treating oil of turpentine with concentrated sulphuric 
 acid or phosphoric anhydride it is rendered optically inactive. After purification this 
 constitutes the so-called terebene. As a working formula Hirsch proposes the following 
 method : Mix 1000 parts of oil of turpentine with 25 parts of sulphuric acid in one por- 
 tion, and agitate thoroughly. When the heat generated has moderated to 70° C., add the 
 same quantity of acid as before, and repeat this a number of times, taking care that the 
 temperature does not rise too high. Shake the mixture at intervals for a short time, and 
 put it aside for twenty-four hours. Remove the oil and wash it with solution of soda to 
 remove all trace of acidity, and distil the oil in a brisk current of steam. The distillate 
 thus obtained should be optically inactive, and if such is not the case the product should 
 again be treated with sulphuric acid in the proportion of 5 to 100, the further procedure 
 being as mentioned above. The inactive liquid finally obtained is a mixture of terebene 
 with various hydrocarbons, from which terebene is obtained pure by fractional distillation, 
 the portion boiling above 160° C. (320° F.) being rejected. According to Riban, it can 
 be further purified by distilling over metallic sodium. 
 
 
1584 
 
 TER ESIN TIIIN A . — TEREBINTHINA CANADENSIS. 
 
 Properties. — Hirsch states that pure terebene is crystalline, while Riban describes 
 bis terebene as a liquid having the boiling-point at 155°-156° C. (311°-312.8° F.). For 
 medicinal use it is not necessarjqthat this body be absolutely pure, and further the Phar- 
 macopoeia only demands that the portion boiling above 160° C. be absent, as it gives the 
 boiling-point 156° to 150° C. (312° to 320° F.). The Pharmacopoeia describes terebene 
 as a colorless or slightly yellowish thin liquid, with a rather agreeable thyme-like odor 
 and an aromatic somewhat terebinthinate taste. At 15° C. (59° F.) its spec. grav. is 
 0.862, corresponding with the specific gravity found by Riban. Slightly soluble in water, 
 it dissolves, however, in an equal volume of alcohol, glacial acetic acid, or carbon disul- 
 phide. On exposure to air terebene becomes resinified and acquires an acid reaction. 
 “ In its chemical properties it resembles oil of turpentine. Terebene should possess its 
 characteristic agreeable odor, should not redden moist blue litmus-paper (absence of 
 acids), and should not have more than a very slight action on polarized light (limit of 
 unaltered oil of turpentine). When evaporated, it should not leave more than a very 
 slight residue (absence of more than traces of resinous matters).” — U. S. IP Wyatt 
 (1892) gives the following test for the freshness of terebene : 15 minims of terebene are 
 by means of a pipette brought below the surface of an ounce of the following mixture : 
 potassium iodide 20 gr., compound tragacanth powder 60 gr., boiling water to make 8 
 oz. ; allow to cool before using. The test should be made in a stoppered bottle to allow 
 shaking. Old terebene will color the liquid blue within one hour, while good terebene 
 will cause no change in twelve hours’ time. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Terebene has been employed with striking success as a substi- 
 tute for carbolic acid in the antiseptic dressing of wounds , ulcers , burns , etc. It thoroughly 
 deodorizes the secretions and protects the surface to which it is applied from the contact 
 of the air. It is supposed, like carbolic acid, to destroy morbid germs, since it deprives 
 vaccine virus of its activity. It has been applied pure, and also in the proportion of 1 
 part to 6 of olive oil. Internally it has been used, like other terebinthinates, in the treat- 
 ment of bronchitis and various mucous profluvia. The dose is stated to be from 5 to 20 
 drops three times a day. 
 
 TEREBXNTHXNA, 77. 8., B. G.—' Turpentine. 
 
 Thus americanum , Br. ; Terebinthina communis . — Crude turpentine, E. ; Terebinthine 
 commune , T. de Bordeaux , Fr. Cod. ; Gemeiner Terpentin , G. ; Trementina commune , Sp. 
 
 The concrete (semi-fluid, P. Gi) oleoresin obtained from Pinus palustris, Miller , and 
 other species of Pinus. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 256-259. 
 
 TEREBINTHINA CANADENSIS, 77. S., Br.— Canada Turpentine. 
 
 Balsamum canadense . — Canada balsam , Balsam of fir , E. ; Terebinthine du Canada , 
 Baume de Canada , Fr. ; Canadischer Terpentin , G. ; Trementina de Canada , Sp. 
 
 The liquid oleoresin obtained from Abies (Pinus, Linne , s. Picea, Loud ) balsamea, 
 Miller. Michaux, N. Amer.Sylva , iii. t. 150 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 263. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferse. 
 
 Origin. — The different species of pine and fir form resin-ducts in the bark or wood, 
 in which liquid oleoresins secrete. Most of these oleoresins exude to some extent 
 spontaneously, but the various turpentines of commerce are obtained by wounding the 
 trees. Many species secrete the oleoresin in such small quantities that it is not collected. 
 The turpentines recognized in the U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias are furnished by the 
 following species : 
 
 Pinus australis, Michaux , s. P. palustris, Miller. This is the broom pine or swamp 
 pine of the United States, where it is very abundant from Southern Virginia to Florida, 
 not extending more than about 100 miles from the coast. Its leaves are 25-38 Cm. (10 
 to 15 inches) long, crowded near the ends of the branches, and in tufts of threes, sur- 
 rounded by long, ragged sheaths. The cones are nearly cylindrical, about as long as the 
 leaves, and have the scales furnished with a short spine. This species yields nearly all 
 the turpentine and rosin in the United States. 
 
 Pinus Tasda, Linne , grows in barren, sandy soil near the coast from Virginia to 
 Florida, and is known as loblolly or old-field pine. The leaves are 20-25 Cm. (8 or 10 
 inches) long, in fascicles of threes, and surrounded by elongated, subentire sheaths. The 
 cones are ovate-oblong, about one-half the size of the leaves, and have the scales tipped 
 with a stout indexed spine. 
 
TEREBIN THIN A CA NA DEXSIS. 
 
 1585 
 
 Abies balsamea, Marshall , is the balsam fir or balm-of- Gilead fir of Canada and the 
 Northern United States. It attains a height of about 15 M. (50 feet), has numerous 
 solitary leaves, which are about 2 Cm. (-J inch) long, linear, flat, obtuse, and glaucous- 
 silvery beneath, and produces cylindrical bluish cones 7-10 Cm. (3 or 4 inches) long, and 
 with scales tipped bv a short spine. 
 
 Abies Fraseri, Pursh, resembles the last species, but has the cones only about 5 Cm. 
 (2 inches) in length, and the upper part of their sharp-pointed scales much projecting and 
 recurved. It grows from New England to North Carolina, principally in the mountains, 
 and may be used for collecting balsam of fir. 
 
 Collection. — Common Turpentine. In the United States turpentine is chiefly 
 obtained in North Carolina,. and more recently it has been procured from South Carolina 
 and Georgia. During the autumn and winter the pine trees are boxed , one to four excava- 
 tions being made, by means of an axe, through the bark into the sapwood, commencing 
 about 15-20 Cm. (6 or 8 inches) above the roots. The bottom of these boxes is about 12 
 Cm. (5 inches) below the lower and 20-25 Cm. (8 or 10 inches) below the upper lip, and 
 their capacity varies from 4 to 8 pints. A few days after the boxes have been cut the bark 
 is removed above the box to the height of about 3 feet, and some of the wood is scraped 
 off* or hacked , the hacks being made in the shape of the letter L. The oleoresin or crude 
 turpentine begins to flow about the middle of March, runs best during July and August, 
 and slackens again in September and October. The boxes are from time to time emptied 
 by means of a peculiarly-constructed spoon or ladle, called turpentine-dipper, and the 
 turpentine is at once transferred into rudely-constructed barrels, and usually used for dis- 
 tilling the oil. The trees are slightly scraped every eight or ten days, and the scraping 
 or hacking is continued until finally ladders have to be employed. The flow of the first 
 year is the best, called virgin dip , and yields about 6 gallons of oil per barrel and the 
 so-called “ window-glass rosin.” Yellow dip is the exudation of the second and subsequent 
 years, yields about 4 gallons of oil per barrel, and furnishes the medium grades of rosin. 
 The turpentine which hardens upon the tree is termed scrapings , yields about 2 gallons of 
 oil per barrel, and leaves a very dark-colored nearly black rosin. (See I. Zacharias, Amer. 
 Jour. Phar., 1877, 543, and Dr. T. F. Wood, New Remedies , 1880, 289.) 
 
 Canada Turpentine is largely collected in the province of Quebec, Canada, the bal- 
 sam-gatherers, with their whole families, encamping in the woods for two months each 
 year. The turpentine is secreted in vesicles formed in the bark, each of 
 which requires to be pierced by the sharp -pointed iron tube attached to a 
 can, when the balsam flows into the vessel. The average yield of each tree 
 is about 8 ounces, and a man with the aid of two children may gather 
 about 1 gallon during the day. The trees require two or three years’ rest 
 before they are tapped again, and the yield is then always less than the first 
 time. The largest crop ever gathered in the Laurentine Mountains of 
 Quebec in one year was 5000 gallons. (See Wm. Saunders, Proceedings 
 Amer. Phar. Assoc., 1877, p. 337.) 
 
 Description. — Turpentine is a yellowish or brownish-yellow, viscid liquid, which, 
 when it exudes, is transparent, but soon becomes opaque from a crystalline deposit, is 
 rendered thinner and clear by a moderate heat, and has an agreeable terebinthinate odor 
 and a pungent, bitterish, and acrid taste. In this condition turpentine is recognized by the 
 pharmacopoeias of continental Europe, but in the United States and in Great Britain the 
 oleoresin which has concreted on the trees is official, and is generally kept under the 
 name of white turpentine , and in England is known as common frankincense. It is identi- 
 cal with the granular sediment deposited from liquid turpentine, and is found in irregular 
 yellowish-white, more or less tough masses, which contain fragments of bark and wood, 
 are brittle in the cold, breaking with a crummy fracture, and are more tenacious, or even 
 semi-liquid, in warm weather. It contains from 12 to 10 per cent, of volatile oil, on the 
 loss of which by exposure it becomes firm and friable. 
 
 Canada Turpentine is a yellowish or faintly greenish, perfectly transparent, and 
 occasionally somewhat fluorescent, viscid liquid, having a similar but more agreeable odor 
 and taste than the preceding. On exposure it acquires a slightly darker tint and dries into 
 a transparent, pale-yellow mass. It is completely soluble in chloroform, benzene, ether, 
 and warm amylic alcohol, but incompletely in carbon disulphide, glacial acetic acid, ace- 
 tone, and absolute alcohol (Pharmacogr apkia). 
 
 Substitutions. — Common turpentine is not liable to adulterations, but a fictitious 
 Canada turpentine has occasionally been sold under the name of Oregon balsam of fir , 
 which was made by dissolving rosin in oil of turpentine and flavoring the solution by the 
 100 
 
 Fig. 306. 
 
 Instrument for 
 collecting bal- 
 sam of fir. 
 
1586 
 
 TEREBINTIIINA CANADENSIS. 
 
 addition of a little oil of wormwood. A liquid pale-yellow turpentine may be procured 
 by puncturing the vesicle of the bark of Abies (Pinus, Douglas ) Menziesii, Lindley , the 
 balsam pine of the Pacific coast. The sample in our possession slowly deposited white 
 granular matter, and became rather opaque and solid. 
 
 Other Turpentines. — European Turpentine closely resembles American tur- 
 pentine, and is obtained in Russia from Pinus sylvestris, Linne ; in Germany, from the 
 same species and from P. rotundata, Link ; in Austria, from P. Laricio, Poiret ; and in 
 South-western Europe, from P. Pinaster, Solander , s. P. maritima, Poiret (Bentley and 
 Trimen, Med. Plants , 256, 257). The turpentine is secreted in the sap-wood, and is 
 obtained in a manner similar to that in which the American turpentine is procured. 
 The concrete French or Bordeaux turpentine is known in European commerce as gallipot , 
 and resembles white turpentine. In Mexico turpentine is procured from Pinus Teocotl, 
 Schlechtendal. 
 
 Strassburg Turpentine, Terebinthina argentoratensis (Terebinthine d’Alsace, T. de 
 Vosges, T. de Strasbourg, Fr. Cod . ; Trementina de abeto, Bp.), is procured, like Canada 
 balsam, which it resembles, by puncturing the vesicles of the bark of Abies (Pinus, 
 Lamarck ) pectinata, De Candolle, s. Pinus Picea, Linne, P. Abies, Duroi, Abies alba, 
 Miller, A. excelsa, Lmk (Silver fir, E. ; Sapin, Fr. ; Weisstanne, Edeltanne, G. ; Bent- 
 ley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 262). It is collected in the Vosges, and has an agreeable 
 odor, somewhat resembling that of lemon. 
 
 Venice Turpentine, Terebinthina laricini, s. laricis, s. veneta (Terebenthine de Venise, 
 Fr. Cod. ; Trementina de Venecia, Sp.), is procured in Tyrol and Switzerland from Larix 
 europaea, De Candolle (L. decidua, Miller, Pinus Larix, Linne ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 260). (See Laricis Cortex.) The oleoresin is secreted in the heart-wood, and 
 is obtained by boring a hole into the trunk to the centre and dipping tne liquid out as it 
 accumulates. It is a nearly transparent or slightly opaque and somewhat fluorescent 
 thick liquid, of a terebinthinate odor, a bitter and aromatic taste, and a yellowish or 
 greenish-yellow color. It is freely soluble in alcohol, amyl alcohol, acetone, and glacial 
 acetic acid, and does not become hard when mixed with magnesia. The article usually 
 sold here under this name is an artificial product. 59,366 pounds of Venice turpentine 
 were imported in 1878 ; the average is about 48,000 pounds. 
 
 Hun garian Turpentine, Balsamum hungaricum, exudes from Pinus Pumilio, Hsenke , 
 after cutting off the tops of the branches in the spring. It is thin, transparent, yellowish, 
 and has an aromatic odor and warm taste. 
 
 Constituents. — All turpentines consist of a volatile oil having the composition 
 C 10 II 16 (see Oleum Terebinthina) and of resin, which is left behind on distilling the 
 oil, and then constitutes rosin. (See Resina.) The transparent turpentines, according to 
 Maly, are solutions of abietic anhydride in the volatile oil, and on exposure to a moist 
 atmosphere gradually become turbid and opaque from the crystallization of abietic acid. 
 But the resin contained in those turpentines which do not become opaque on exposure 
 must necessarily be different. Hot water agitated with turpentine acquires an acid 
 reaction from the presence of formic, and probably also of succinic, acid, and the alcoholic 
 solution of turpentine has a strong acid reaction. 
 
 Other Products of Pines. — Turiones (Gemma) Pini. — Pine-shoots, E. ; Bourgeons de pin 
 (sapin), Fr. ; Fichtensprossen, G. — The young shoots of P. sylvestris, collected when about 5 
 Cm. (2 inches) long, are glutinous from an oleoresinous exudation, and have an agreeable tere- 
 binthinate odor and a bitter, resinous, and rather acrid taste. 
 
 Oleum pini foliorum. — Pine-leaf oil, Fir-wool oil, E. ; Essence de feuilles de pin, Fr. ; Kiefer- 
 nadelol, Waldwollol, G. — The leaves of the different species of pine by pounding are converted 
 into a fibrous substance known as Fichtenwolle (fir-wool), and when distilled with water yield a 
 volatile oil which differs from the volatile oil obtained from the resin of the same species. It is 
 of a green-yellow color, is limpid, has an agreeable terebinthinate and somewhat lavender-like 
 odor, and is soluble in about seven times its volume of alcohol sp. gr. 0.838. The volatile oil is 
 recognized as Oleum Pini sylvestris, Br. 
 
 Oleum templinum is distilled from the shoots of Pinus Pumilio, and is known in Germany as 
 Krummholzol and Latschenol. It is colorless or yellowish-green, and of an agreeable somewhat 
 terebinthinate odor. The volatile oils of Pinus sabiniana, Douglas, and of other species of pine 
 indigenous to California resemble these products. 
 
 Allied Oleoresins. — Terebinthina Ciiia, s. Cypria, Chian turpentine , is the turpentine of 
 ancient authors. It is obtained from incisions made in the bark of Pistacia Terebinthus, Linn 
 (nat. ord. Anacardiaceae ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 69). This species is a small tree 
 found in the basin of the Mediterranean and eastward in Asia. The oleoresin is greenish-yellow 
 or brownish, transparent, has a terebinthinate and somewhat fennel-like odor and a mild bitterish 
 taste, and hardens to a transparent resin. 
 
TERPINI HYDRAS. 
 
 1587 
 
 Balsamum gileadense (see p. 1069). 
 
 Caranna is a soft oleoresin of a greenish-brown or brownish-green color coming from Central 
 and South America, and obtained from Icica Caranna, Kunth , and other trees of the nat. ord. 
 Burseracese. It has an agreeable balsamic odor and a bitterish taste. 
 
 Tacamahaca is referred by the French Codex to Icica heptapliylla, Aublet , but in different sec- 
 tions of tropical America appears to be also produced from 1. (Postium) Tacamahaca, Kunth , 
 Bursera (Elaphium, Jacquin ) tomentosa, Triana , and other trees. It is brown or yellowish, 
 translucent, internally glossy, bitter, and somewhat aromatic, particularly on burning. The 
 exudations of Calophyllum Tacamahaca, Willdenow , and Cal. inophyllum, Linn 6 (nat. ord. Gut- 
 tiferae), indigenous to India and the islands of the Indian Ocean, have been used under the same 
 name. Their odor bears a resemblance to lavender and fenugreek. The seeds of the last-named 
 species contain from 50 to 60 per cent, of fixed oil, known in Indian commerce as bitter oil or 
 U'eandee ; it is butyraceous, green, aromatic, and is in great repute for rheumatic complaints. 
 
 Anime. South American anime is probably derived from some species of the nat. ord. Burse- 
 raceae, though it has been referred to Hymenaea Courbaril, Linne (nat. ord. Leguminosae). It is 
 in yellowish-white or brownish, rather opaque pieces, which soften between the teeth and have 
 an odor resembling that of olibanum. East Indian anime is reddish and yellowish, friable, of a 
 waxy lustre, and has a somewhat fennel-like odor. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Products. — T inctura pini composita. — C ompound tincture of pine-shoots, 
 
 E. ; Teinture de sapin composee, Fr. ; Ilolztinktur, G . — Macerate for eight days young pine-shoots 
 3 parts, guaiac-wood 2 parts, sassafras-root and juniper-berries, each 1 part, in alcohol (sp. gr. 
 0.892) 36 parts ; express and filter. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Syrup of Pine-Shoots, E. ; Sirop de bourgeons de pin, Fr. — Macerate for twelve hours 100 
 parts of young pine-shoots with an equal weight of alcohol ; add 1000 parts of hot water, digest 
 for six hours, express, filter, and dissolve 180 parts of sugar in every 100 parts of the filtrate. — 
 
 F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — Turpentine is seldom or never used in medicine, as its virtues depend entirely 
 upon its volatile oil (see Ol. Terebinthinve), which is separately employed. In ancient 
 times it was prescribed chiefly as a stimulant in amenorrhoea , as a diuretic, as a remedy 
 for catarrhal affections of the urino-genital organs and of the lungs , and in ulceration of 
 the bowels , haemorrhoids, and rheumatism. Externally, it was applied in the treatment of 
 itch and of numerous chronic diseases of the skin , and its vapor, at a high temperature, as 
 a bath in chronic rheumatism. The dose of turpentine may be stated at from Gm. 1.30-4 
 (20 to 60 grains). 
 
 Under the name of Canada balsam, balsam of fir, and even under the deceptive title of 
 balm of Gilead, Canada turpentine has been used, especially in the treatment of chronic 
 bronchitis , as well as for the purposes to which other turpentines are applied. It is des- 
 titute of the special qualities of the true balsams, since it does not contain benzoic acid. 
 
 The resin of tacamahaca was formerly used in fumigations for rheumatism and in 
 plasters for that affection, sprains , and other local disorders requiring stimulation or 
 mechanical support. It was also given internally, associated with amber, cloves, nut- 
 meg, etc. Pine-shoots and pine-leaf oils are popular remedies for the same class of 
 affections. The former are sometimes used in hot baths. 
 
 Chian Turpentine was introduced as a remedy for uterine cancer in 1880 by Prof. 
 Clay of Birmingham, Eng. It was given internally, and in a maximum dose of 25 grains. 
 Its effects were thus described : It appears to act upon the periphery of the growth 
 
 with great vigor, causing the speedy disappearance of what is usually termed the cancer- 
 
 o # o ) O 1 */ 1 ± «/ 
 
 ous infiltration It appears to dissolve the cancer-cells, .... and the firmer 
 
 structures gradually gain a comparatively normal condition It is a most efficient 
 
 anodyne” ( Lancet , Mar. 27 and Oct. 2, 1880). On the other. hand, I)r. Henry Morris 
 ( Lancet , Dec. 4, 1880) declared that the drug did not exercise a favorable influence over 
 a single symptom of cancer, and that as a cure it was utterly valueless. To the latter 
 opinion all experts in the matter have rallied, although, in 1887, Mr. Clay renewed his 
 original claims in favor of the medicine. 
 
 Oleum templinum has been used, like other terebinthinates, in chronic affections of the 
 mucous membranes ; and in like manner the wood and shoots of P. Pumilio have been 
 employed to impregnate baths and the air breathed by patients affected with pulmonary 
 complaints. The oil is credited with having expelled a tape-worm ( Therap . Gaz., ix. 287). 
 
 TERPINI HYDRAS, U . S .— Terpin Hydrate. 
 
 Terpinum hydratum , P. G. — Terpinhydrat , G. 
 
 Formula C 10 H 18 (OH) 2 -f H 2 0. Molecular weight 189.59. 
 
 The hydrate of the diatomic alcohol terpin. Terpin hydrate should be kept in well- 
 stoppered bottles. — U S. 
 
1588 
 
 TEUCRIUM. 
 
 Preparation. — The formation of terpin hydrate depends on the oxidation of tur 7 
 pentine with nitric acid in the presence of ethyl or methyl alcohol. It is formed also if 
 oil of turpentine remains in contact with water for a long time. Wriggers (1846) 
 obtained it by mixing 8 parts of oil of turpentine, 2 parts of nitric acid of spec. grav. 
 1.25-1.30, and 1 part of alcohol (80 per cent.), and permitting it to stand for some time. 
 The process of Deville (1849) is only a slight modification of the above, while in the 
 method of Tilden (1878) methyl alcohol is substituted for the ethyl alcohol. The latter 
 method is, in outline, as follows : A mixture of 2\ volumes of oil of turpentine, and 1 
 volume each of methyl alcohol and nitric acid (spec. grav. 1.400) is allowed to stand in 
 a flask for two days, and then transferred to a dish, and a small quantity of methyl 
 alcohol added every second day. The crystals which form in each process are separated 
 and purified by crystallizing from alcohol. The yield of terpin hydrate depends on the 
 nature of the oil of turpentine, the American and French oils yielding it very readily, while 
 the terpenes of boiling-point 176° C. (348.8° F.) yield none. 
 
 Properties. — Terpin hydrate forms colorless, lustrous, rhombic prisms, nearly odor- 
 less, and having a slightly aromatic and somewhat bitter taste, permanent in the air, 
 soluble, at 15° C. (59° F.), in about 250 parts of water and in 10 parts of alcohol, in 
 32 parts of boiling water and in 2 parts of boiling alcohol ; also soluble in about 100 
 parts of ether, 200 parts of chloroform, or 1 part of boiling glacial acetic acid. Terpin 
 hydrate melts at 116° to 117° C. (240.8° to 242.6° F.), with the loss of water, and, at 
 the temperature of the water-bath sublimes in fine needles. When heated in a flask 
 adapted for distillation it first loses water. At 258° C. (496.4° F.) anhydrous terpin 
 distils over without decomposition, soon solidifying to a crystalline, hygroscopic mass, 
 which melts at 102° to 105° C. (215.6° to 221° F.) When strongly heated on platinum- 
 foil it burns with a bright, smoky flame, leaving no residue. Terpin hydrate is dissolved 
 by sulphuric acid with an orange-yellow color. If to its hot, aqueous solution a few 
 drops of sulphuric acid be added, the liquid becomes turbid and develops a strongly 
 aromatic odor. Terpin hydrate should not have the odor of turpentine, and its hot, 
 aqueous solution should not redden blue litmus-paper (absence of adhering acid). — • 
 
 U. S., P. G. 
 
 Action and Uses. — T erpine, or hydrated oil of turpentine, was announced in 1883 
 by Lepine as a remedy in chronic nephritis through its direct action upon the kidneys, and 
 in chronic bronchitis through a similar action upon the bronchia {Bull, de Therap ., cviii. 33). 
 The latter statement has been amply confirmed, among others, by Murrell {Edinb. Med. 
 Jour., xxxi. 684) and Cammann {Med. Record , xxxii. 476), proving that the action of the 
 medicine resembles that of balsams, especially upon the bronchial and urinary mucous 
 membranes. It gives a characteristic odor to the urine. If the dose be excessive or if the 
 medicine be too long continued, it may occasion strangury {Brit. Med. Jour., Jan. 29, 1887), 
 just as Lepine, in his experiments upon dogs, found it to cause albuminuria, and even 
 bloody urine. It is true that this effect need not occur if the medicine is cautiously 
 employed. According to Penzoldt {Lehrbuch d. Min. Arzneibehandlung , 1889, p. 148), it is 
 of peculiar value in chronic affections of the heart and kidneys, especially in chronic nephri- 
 tis and degeneration of the heart-muscle with albuminuria and extensive oedema : and yet 
 even under the prescribed conditions it sometimes fails. In such cases caution must be 
 observed lest the kidneys become congested. Lazarus claims for the medicine a remark- 
 able efficacy in whooping cough , at least as a palliative {Ther. Monatsh., iv. 118). It has 
 also been recommended in hay fever and for the prevention and expulsion of flatus. 
 Terpine may be given in doses of Gm. 0.12-0.18 (gr. ij-iij) three times a day, in lozenges 
 or in emulsion. Bayland recommends the following formula : R. Terpine hydrate, grs. 
 xxiv ; Glycerin, q. s. ut fit solut. ; Syrup of lactucarium, ad f^j. — M. S. A teaspoonful 
 every three hours ( Record , xxxii. 420). 
 
 Terpinol is said to be of little value in disorders of the urinary tract, but very efficient 
 in diseases of the respiratory tubes. It is largely eliminated through the lungs, and but 
 little through the kidneys. It may be given in capsules, each containing 2 grains, 
 to the number of from six to twelve a day, or in pills made with sodium benzoate and 
 sugar. 
 
 TEUCRIUM. — Germander. 
 
 Herba mari veri. — Herb mastich, Cat thyme, E. ; Germandree maritime, Fr. ; Gamander, 
 Katzengamander , Amberkraut , G. ; Maro cortesso, Sp. 
 
 Teucrium Marum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord , — Labiatse, Ajugoidese. 
 
THA JjIJNJE SULPHAS . 
 
 1589 
 
 Description. — Of the numerous species of* the genus Teucrium which are occasion- 
 ally employed in medicine, nearly all are indigenous to Europe. The genus is character- 
 ized by its flowers, which have the lower lip elongated and the upper lip short and deeply 
 divided, the four stamens projecting from the cleft. All are aromatic and more or less 
 bitter. The above-named species is shrubby, about 30 Cm. (10 inches) high, and much 
 branched. The leaves are about 8 Mm. (1 inch) long, petiolate, oval or lance-ovate, with 
 the margin entire and revolute, and whitish tomentose beneath. The rose-red flowers are 
 single in the axils of the bracts, forming a one-sided, spike-like raceme. The odor is 
 strongly camphoraceous, the taste pungent and bitter. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Te ucrium canadense, Limit. — Woodsage, E. — It is downy or hairy, of a 
 grayish-green color, and about 60 Cm. (2 feet) high. The leaves are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, 
 short-stalked, lance-ovate, rounded at the base and serrate on the margin. The pale-purple 
 floAvers are in whorls of about six, and form a terminal spike. 
 
 T. Scordium, Linnt ; Herba scordii. — Water germander, E. — Germandr6e aquatique, Fr. ; 
 Lachenknoblauch, G. ; Escordio, Sp. — It is about 30 Cm. (12 inches) high, has sessile, lance- 
 oblong, serrate, and soft hairy leaves about 38 Mm. (1£ inches) long, and rose-colored flowers in 
 whorls of two to four. In the fresh state it has an alliaceous odor. 
 
 T. Polium, Linnt. — Polymountain, E. ; Polium, Fr. ; Bergpoley, G. ; Zamarilla, Sp. — The 
 leaves are 12 Mm. (J inch) long, tomentose, sessile, lance-linear, obtuse, crenate, and strongly 
 revolute on the margin. The flowers are white. The allied T. inontanum, Limit, has yellowish 
 flowers. 
 
 T. Cham^edrys, Limit. — Chamaedrys. — Petit-chene, Fr. Cod. ; Camedrios, Sp.— It is low, suf- 
 fruticose, and branching. The leaves are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long, petiolate, hairy, ovate or 
 obovate, obtuse, cuneate at base, and crenately serrate. The flowers are purplish-red'. 
 
 Ajuga (teucrium, Limit) Chamadpitys, Schreber. — Ground pine, E.; Chamsepitys ivette, 
 F. Cod.; Giinsel, Feldcypresse, G. ; Pinillo olorroso, Sp. — A small hairy annual with axillary 
 flowers, having the yellow corolla dotted with purple 5 the lower leaves are lanceolate, the upper 
 ones three-cleft with linear lobes ; the odor is rosemary-like. 
 
 Ajuga (Teucrium, Linnt) Iva, Schreber. — French ground pine, E. ; Ivette musquee, F. Cod. ; 
 Bisamgiinsel, G . — It resembles the preceding, but has linear, somewhat toothed, woolly leaves, 
 red flowers, and a musk-like odor. This and the preceding two species are official in the French 
 Codex. 
 
 Ajuga reptans and A. pyramidalis, Linnt, are small perennials with obovate crenate radical 
 leaves and blue flowers, are slightly aromatic and somewhat bitter, and are known in Europe as 
 bugle and mountain bugle. 
 
 Constituents. — These species owe their virtues to volatile oil, to a small quantity 
 of bitter principle, and to tannin. 
 
 Action and Uses.— The numerous species of Teucrium appear to possess similar 
 qualities in different degrees, and among them T. marum, or germander, has enjoyed the 
 greatest reputation. It is described as tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, and em- 
 menagogue, and has been used in scrofula, chlorosis, chronic bronchitis, leucorrhoea, amenor- 
 rhea, dropsy, chronic, gout, etc. — in a word, in various affections requiring a stimulant and 
 tonic treatment. A snuff made from its powder has been employed to cure nasal polypi. 
 T. scordium was formerly used in the treatment of chronic simple and syphilitic eruptions 
 of the skin and mucous membranes, and, like some other aromatic stimulants, for the 
 relief of dyspeptic ailments, haemorrhoids, and pruritus ani. In the latter affections it is 
 applied locally as well as given internally. Teucrium is administered in powder in the 
 dose of Gm. 2-2.30 (gr. xxx-xl), or in an infusion made with Gm. 16-32 in Gm. 500 
 (^ss-gj inOj) of water. 
 
 THALLIN2E SULPHAS.-Thalline Sulphate. 
 
 Thallinum sulfuricum, P. G. — Thalline, E., Fr. ; Thallin, Thallinsulfat, G. 
 
 Formula 2C 9 H 10 N(OCH 3 ).H 2 SO 4 + 2H,0. Molecular weight 459.06. 
 
 Preparation. — Ihe base thalline, which is the methyl ether of tetrahydro-paraoxy- 
 quinoline, and its salts were discovered by Skraup in 1884, and is prepared from para- 
 quinanisol by treatment with tin and hydrochloric acid. This last-named compound is an 
 oily base, and is obtained by heating to about 145° C. (293° F.) a mixture of par- 
 amidoanisol, paranitranisol (or another nitro-compound), glycerin, and sulphuric acid. The 
 base thalline forms thick white prisms, which are freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and 
 benzene, but dissolve sparingly in benzin and water. The sulphate, which has become 
 known by the name of the base, thalline, is formed by dissolving the latter in dilute sul- 
 phuric acid and crystallizing or granulating. 
 
 Properties. Thalline sulphate is usually seen in the form of a white or whitish 
 granular crystalline powder, which is permanent in the air, and has a slight anise-like 
 
1590 
 
 THALLIUM SULPHAS. 
 
 odor and a nauseous, bitter, saline, and pungent taste, becoming more agreeable and 
 aromatic in dilute solutions. Tbe salt is freely soluble in hot water, sparingly soluble in 
 chloroform and in ether, and requires for solution 7 parts of cold water and 100 parts of 
 alcohol, the solutions becoming darker on exposure to light. A solution of the salt in 
 10,000 parts of water acquires an emerald-green color on the addition of a little ferric 
 chloride or other oxidizing agent, the color being not altered by sulphuric acid, but 
 changed to purplish, reddish, or yellow by reducing agents. The solution of thalline is 
 colored deep red on being heated with fuming nitric acid ; it is not affected by tannin or 
 mercuric chloride, but yields a yellow precipitate with picric acid, and alkalies separate 
 from it the base in oily drops, becoming crystalline and having a coumarin-like odor. 
 
 Allied Salts. — Thalline Tartrate closely resembles the sulphate in appearance and taste, but 
 is much less soluble in water, requiring at 15° C. (59° F.) at least 10 parts for solution. 
 
 Kairin. This name was given to two compounds prepared synthetically by Fischer in 1882, 
 and designated more particularly as kairin A and kairin M. The former is the hydrochloride 
 of oxyquinoline ethyl tetrahydride, C 9 H 10 (C 2 H 5 )NO.HC1, and is also known as ethyl kairin. It 
 was the first substitute for quinine synthetically prepared, and was obtained from a-oxyquinoline 
 by treatment with tin and hydrochloric acid, and subsequently with ethyl iodide. It occurs in 
 colorless, odorless prismatic crystals, soluble in 6 parts of water or 20 parts of alcohol. Kairin 
 M is the hydrochloride of oxyquinoline methyl tetrahydride, C 9 H 10 (CH 3 )NO.HC1, and is prepared 
 like the preceding compound, except that methyl iodide is used in place of ethyl iodide. When 
 simply kairin is mentioned ethyl kairin is always understood. 
 
 Kairolin A and Kairolin M are the acid sulphates of ethyl- and methylquinolinetetrahy- 
 dride, respectively. 
 
 Action and Uses. — According to Brouardel and Loye, thalline deteriorates the 
 haemoglobin of the blood, converting it into methaemoglobin, and thereby diminishing its 
 oxidizing power. Huchard, while he failed to detect the latter product, observed a great 
 reduction in the oxyhaemoglobin, in consequence of which guinea-pigs employed in his 
 experiments perished as if they were anaemiated. He also found that thalline was rapidly 
 eliminated in the urine, and, indeed, in all the secretions (Bull, et Mem. de la Soc. de 
 Therap., Avril, 1885, p. 46). The experiments of Beyer (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sri., Apr., 
 1886, p. 386) on the frog and terrapin proved that “ repeated thallinization of the heart 
 is followed by a peculiar shrinkage of the organ, during which it presents the dark color 
 of thallinized blood ; ” that, as had already been shown, “it reduces the temperature by 
 diminishing heat-production and increasing heat-radiation ; and that “ its influence upon 
 the blood-corpuscles is sufficient to condemn it” as a medicine. Ehrlich’s experiments 
 on animals (Centralbl. f Med ., v. 114) show that thalline may produce fatty degenera- 
 tion, gland-nercosis, and papillary infarction of the kidneys. Kreis attributed to it germi- 
 cide properties ( Ther . Gaz., xi. 414). 
 
 In man, thalline produces a fall of temperature which is nearly always attended with 
 profuse sweating ; it reaches the minimum in from one to three hours, and recovers its 
 former height in from four to five hours, but sometimes more rapidly, and in that case 
 chilliness is experienced. Yet not unusually both chill and sweat are wanting. The rise 
 and subsequent fall of temperature are more rapid than are caused by antipyrine, but less 
 so than kairin occasions ; yet it maintains the maximum longer than either of these 
 preparations (Mengazzini ; Anseroff). After its completed action the temperature is apt 
 to rise higher than at first. The pulse-rate and force subside simultaneously, even to the 
 production of syncope that may be fatal. According to Welt, a watery diarrhoea is fre- 
 quently produced by thalline, and vomiting in about 7 per cent, of the cases ( Deutsch . 
 Arch. f. ldin. Med,, Dec. 3, 1885 ; Weinstein, Centralb. f. Med,, iv. 446). The repeated 
 administration of medicinal doses now and then occasions a papular erythema, especially 
 of the limbs. Some clinical observations of Dr. Griffith on the use of tlialljne point to 
 its sometimes causing profuse sweating in phthisis. Twice in thirty-eight cases of this 
 disease and in acute febrile affections a decided depression of strength occurred, which 
 “ indicated that it must be given with great care to debilitated subjects ” {Med. Neics , 
 xlviii. 370). Jaccoud maintained, but we believe without adequate evidence, that the 
 reduction of temperature produced by thalline is limited to the surface of the body ; and 
 he adds that this peripheral cooling does not benefit, but rather weakens (Archives gen., 
 Dec. 1885, p. 796). According to Martin’s experiments (Therap. Gaz., xi. 295), it 
 reduces fever by increasing heat-dissipation, while its influence on heat-production varies, 
 even with the same dose. 
 
 Thalline is unquestionably an antipyretic, probably the most certain and powerful of 
 its class, and for that reason calls for the condemnation which was pronounced upon it 
 by Jaksch in Vienna, who first brought the preparation into notice. “ Drugs,” he said, 
 
Til A PS IA. 
 
 1591 
 
 “which are only antipyretics are of very little use ” ( Times and Gaz., Dec. 1884, p.797). 
 In this sentence Prof. Nothnagel concurred, protesting against the indiscriminate use of 
 “ antipyretics,” as if fever were a substantial disease, and not the outcome of necessary 
 chemical and physiological changes in the tissue-elements. We have long inculcated the 
 opinion he thus expressed: “Fever is not a symptom to be removed in every case. 
 According to my conviction, which is also that of many other investigators, it is a very 
 beneficial phenomenon — one of those processes of reaction which one must look upon as 
 compensatory. .... Although we may succeed in lowering the temperature, we do not 
 
 shorten the duration of an acute fever by a single day In general, a temperature 
 
 that does not exceed 104° F. does not injure the patient.” In relapsing fever the tem- 
 perature often rises to 105° F., and even to 106° F., without in the least disturbing the 
 mind, and the patient recovers — exhausted indeed, but not otherwise injured. Jaksch 
 claimed for thalline that it provoked neither vomiting, cyanosis, nor collapse, and that 
 only occasionally did it produce sweating and rigors. Now that this judgment is known 
 to be too favorable, we may all the more readily accept his further conclusions, confirmed 
 by later observers. He confessed that the medicine neither shortens nor radically modi- 
 fies febrile affections, including intermittent fever, acute articular rheumatism, measles, 
 puerperal septicaemia, pneumonia, erysipelas, and tuberculosis. “ Fever, indeed, it sup- 
 pressed, but all the rest remained unchanged ” ( Wiener med. Wochensch., No. 48, 1884). 
 Hallopeau pronounced a similar judgment in the matter (Bull. et. Mem. Soc. de Therap., 
 
 1885, p. 57). Maragliano’s observations confirm the conclusions already stated. He 
 found that in non-febrile states the temperature was but slightly affected by thalline ; 
 that in these, as in febrile states, it occasioned a decided loss of heat ; that during its 
 action the excretion of urea and the elimination of carbonic acid are diminished ; and that 
 it also lessens the absorption of oxygen by the blood in the lungs (Zeitschr. f k. Med., 
 
 1886, x. 462). Minot, like many others, admitted that while it promoted the comfort of 
 the patient, it did not affect the course or issue of the disease (Trans. Assoc. Amer. Phys., 
 ii. 77). Weinstein, like others, observed the collapse produced sometimes by thalline, 
 and held it to be an unsafe medicine in the greater number of febrile diseases (Centralb. 
 f Ther ., iv. 447). In one case it occasioned death {ibid., p. 256). Kohts noticed this 
 tendency, especially in children (ibid., p. 402). Without further examples of the poi- 
 sonous operation of thalline, suffice it to add that Falk says it has earned, along with 
 kairin, a place among tbe obsolete medicines, and that Robin pronounced it both danger- 
 ous and useless (Therap. Monafsh., iv. 211). 
 
 Thalline salts, the sulphate or the tartrate, may be prescribed in doses of from 6m. 
 0.25-0.75 (4 to 12 grains), or in hourly doses of about 6m. 0.03-0.05 (I gr.). They may 
 be administered in powder, contained in wafers, or in solution. They are said to act per- 
 fectly through the rectum. Hypodermically, they do not produce abscess or otherwise 
 irritate the tissues. 
 
 In 1882, Prof. Filehne of Erlangen announced that the newly-discovered kairin muri- 
 ate reduced the temperature of fever to the normal degree without occasioning any of the 
 unpleasant effects of other antipyretics. Other observers have more or less confirmed or 
 modified these statements. In 1884, v. Halla, reviewing the clinical history of kairin, 
 drew conclusions unfavorable to its use as a medicine ; and Dujardin-Beaumetz in 1886 
 declared that “ it ought to be banished from use as dangerous, because it produces its 
 antithermic effects by profoundly impairing the vital constituents of the blood (Les 
 nouveaux Remedes, p. 127). It, moreover, occasioned severe chills and even epileptiform 
 spasms. Elsewhere the reports concerning this medicine agree, more or less, with the 
 above in essential particulars (compare Shattuck, Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., Nov. 
 1883, p. 415 ; Draper, ibid., p. 417 ; Crook, Med. News, xliv. 326), and especially that 
 the medicine is an efficient antipyretic ; but none of them prove it to bear the marks of 
 a true remedy, curing disease “ cito, tuto, et jucundeT 
 
 Filehne recommended that the primary dose of kairin should not exceed Gm. 0.25 (4 
 or 5 grains) ; that it should be repeated and increased at intervals of two or three hours, 
 according to its influence on the temperature, to Gm. 0.50—1 (8 or 15 grains) ; and that 
 when the desired subsidence is obtained the dose should be gradually reduced. It is most 
 conveniently administered in wafers or capsules to avoid its bitter saline taste and its acrid 
 impression on the fauces. 
 
 THAPSIA.— Thapsia. 
 
 Thapsie, Fr. Cod. ; Faux fenouil , Fr. ; Thapsie , G. ; Tapsia, Sp. 
 
 Thapsia garganica, Linne. 
 
1592 
 
 THE A. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse, Orthospermse. 
 
 Origin and Description. — This plant is a perennial herb of Northern Africa and 
 Southern Europe, and has a smooth, thick, and hollow stem ; smooth, shining, twice or 
 thrice-pinnate leaves, with large sheaths and lance-linear, acute, often two- or three- 
 lobed leaflets ; and pale-yellow flowers in large compound umbels. The root is usu- 
 ally employed. It is about 60 Cm. (2 feet) long, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) thick, gradu- 
 ally tapering, somewhat branched, brownish-gray externally and internally whitish. 
 When fresh it contains a white acrid juice. It is nearly inodorous and has a biting, 
 acrid taste. 
 
 The closely-allied Tli. Sylphium, Viviani , of Northern Africa, is, like the Narthex Syl- 
 phium, Oersted , regarded as a mere variety of the preceding plant, which is by some 
 believed to be identical with the Sylphium cyrenaicum of the ancients. 
 
 Constituents. — The acrid properties are due to a resin which is neutral and free 
 from nitrogen, crystallizes in needles, and is soluble in hot alcohol, in ether, and in 
 carbon disulphide. Canzoneri (1883) found in the resinous extract also an octoic acid, 
 C 8 H 16 0 2 , closely related to caprylic acid, and thapsic acid , C 16 H 30 O 4 , which is scaly, 
 melts near 124° C. (255° F.), and is nearly insoluble in water, benzene, and carbon 
 disulphide. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Resina thapsic. Exhaust the bark of the root with 
 alcohol and evaporate to a soft extract. — F. Cod. 
 
 Thapsia Plaster contains 7 per cent, of the resin, combined with yellow wax, col- 
 ophony, and turpentine. — F. Cod. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Galen, Dioscorides, and the Arabians agree in describing the 
 powdered root and juice of thapsia as being irritating to the skin, and, when taken inter- 
 nally, as emetic and purgative. The juice and ointments and plasters prepared with it 
 were used as stimulants and counter-irritants for the relief of rheumatic and other local 
 pains and to lessen dyspnoea. About 1868 some attempts were made to revive its use in 
 the form of the resin extracted from the root. Applied in a plaster, the skin became 
 inflamed, with intolerable itching, and a copious vesicular eruption ensued. If the ap- 
 plication was not prolonged, this eruption speedily dried up, but in the contrary case the 
 vesicles became confluent, broke, and exposed an ulcerated and suppurating surface, which 
 on healing left scars resembling those of small-pox. On delicate skins its operation was 
 extremely severe. It is stated that the men employed in preparing extract of thapsia on 
 a large scale were affected with fever and swelling of the hands and face, and from time 
 to time were obliged to suspend their work. A case is also related in which the applica- 
 tion of a plaster of thapsia resin to the chest was followed in about twelve hours by severe 
 strangury and violent itching about the genitals and anus. A similar example has been 
 related by Douglass {Med. Record , xxxvii. 96). In the Therapeutical Society of Paris 
 all the leading members of that body condemned thapsia plasters as unnecessary, and as 
 sometimes dangerous ( Bull . et Mem. Soc. ther ., Avr. 1882, p. 101). It does not appear 
 that its therapeutic operation differs in any wise from that of other counter-irritants, such 
 as croton oil, euphorbium, mezereon, and tartar emetic, but it may be added to the number 
 of such agents for occasional use. The resin may be mixed with diachylon in the form of 
 a plaster, or ordinary adhesive plaster may be coated with an alcoholic solution of the resin 
 and applied to the skin. 
 
 THEA— Tea. 
 
 The , Fr. Cod. ; Thee , G. ; Te, Te de China , Sp. 
 
 The leaves of Thea chinensis, Sims (Camellia Thea, Link , C. theifera, Griffith'). Bent- 
 ley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 34. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ternstroemiaceae (Camelliaceae). 
 
 Origin.— Tea is obtained from a shrub which is indigenous to China and probably to 
 other parts of Southern and South-eastern Asia, and has been cultivated in India, China, 
 and Japan from a very early period. The varieties produced by long cultivation were 
 formerly regarded as distinct species, and described as Thea Bohea, T. viridis, T. stricta, 
 etc. The plant has been successfully introduced in several parts of the United States. 
 It bears white axillary flowers and roundish-triangular, three-celled, and three-seeded cap- 
 sules. The seeds are subglobular, somewhat flattened, of the size of a cherry-stone, 
 glossy-brown, yellow at the hilum, and have a brittle testa, a short radicle, and unequal 
 thick plano-convex cotyledons. 
 
 Preparation. — After the leaves have been gathered they are either rapidly dried, 
 when they change to a dull-green color ( green tea), or they are allowed to wilt, and are 
 
THE A. 
 
 1593 
 
 subsequently kept for some time in heaps, when they acquire a dark color (black tea). 
 Both varieties are subjected to various manipulations, such as rolling upon a table, heat- 
 ing over a fire, etc., and are sometimes flavored by being left in contact with the flowers 
 of the orange, fragrant olive, jessamin, and others. Hyson, Young Hyson, Gunpowder, 
 aud Imperial are some of the best-known brands of green tea, and Souchong, Oolong, and 
 Pekoe are black teas. 
 
 Description. — Tea is met with in commerce in the form of little cylinders or rolls, 
 into which the leaves have been twisted during the manipulation of rolling, and in some 
 varieties these leaves have again been formed 
 into balls of different sizes. Tea-leaves after 
 having been softened in water and unfolded are 
 found to be from 25-75 Mm. (1 to 3 inches) 
 long, varying between oblong-ovate and oblan- 
 ceolate in shape, short-stalked, pointed at both 
 ends or blunt, sometimes emarginate at the apex 
 and irregularly toothed at the margin. They 
 have a prominent midrib, the lateral branches of 
 which are curved upward near the margin. Tea 
 has an agreeable odor, which varies, however, in 
 the different varieties ; its taste is pleasantly 
 astringent and bitterish. The green color is not 
 unfrequently heightened or imparted to tea by 
 a mixture of Prussian blue and gypsum. 
 
 Constituents. — Tea contains 1 to 2, or 
 sometimes 4, per cent, of theme , which was 
 discovered by Oudry (1827), and by Mulder 
 and Jobst (1838) proved to be identical with 
 caffeine (see page 361). It may be obtained by 
 sublimation on carefully heating powdered tea- 
 leaves, or, according to Cazeneuve and Caillot 
 (1877), by macerating in a water-bath and dry- 
 ing a mixture of 1 part of cut tea-leaves, 4 of 
 water, and 1 of slaked lime ; the residue is 
 exhausted with chloroform ; this is distilled off, 
 and the greenish mass treated with boiling 
 water ; the solution is passed through a moist 
 filter, and on cooling and concentrating yields 
 the alkaloid. Mulder obtained from tea between 13 and 18 per cent, of tannin, which, 
 according to Peligot, is peculiar, and, according to Stenhouse, differs from gallo-tannic 
 acid, and is accompanied by a little gallic acid. Bochleder (1848), on the contrary, 
 found a small quantity of tannin identical with that of nutgalls, and a smaller proportion 
 of bolieic acid , C u H 20 O 12 , which is amorphous, deliquescent, freely soluble in water and 
 alcohol, and is colored brown, but not precipitated, by ferric chloride. Peligot found tea- 
 leaves to contain pectin. Mulder obtained about 3 per cent, of albumen, 2 to nearly 4 
 per cent, of wax and resin, aside from the chlorophyll, and between 0.6 and 1 per cent, of 
 volatile oil, which necessarily must vary with the variety of tea yielding it ; it is 
 of a lemon-yellow color, has a strong aromatic odor and taste, and congeals readily. 
 Tea yields between 4 and 6 per cent, of ash, about two-thirds of which is soluble in 
 water ; but on extracting tea-leaves with water, one-half to three-fourths or more of the 
 mineral constituents enter the infusion. The ash contains from 38 to 48 per cent, of 
 potassa and from 11 to 26 per cent, of phosphoric acid. The nitrogen of the leaves 
 varies between 4 and 7 per cent. li. Weyrich (1872), found it impossible to determine 
 chemically the value of tea; the best results were obtained from determining the phos- 
 phoric acid, which was always present in largest proportion in the best qualities, but varies 
 greatly in the different varieties, green tea yielding 11.6 to 13.3 per cent., black tea 13.1 
 to 17.3 per cent., yellow tea 18.5 to 25 per cent., etc. 
 
 By expression tea-seeds yield about 35 per cent, of comestible oil, which resembles 
 olive oil, is of a yellow color, has the spec. grav. 0.927, becomes turbid below 5° C. 
 (41° F.), and congeals at about — 60° C. (21° F.) ; it consists of olein and stearin. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Tiiea (Camellia, Linn6) japonica, Baillon, s. Thea Camellia, Hoffmann. The 
 seeds of this well-known ornamental shrub are regarded as poisonous in Japan. Katzuyama 
 (1878) isolated from them tannin, acrid soft fixed oil, and camdlin, which is nearly insoluble in 
 
 Fig. 307. 
 
1594 
 
 THE A. 
 
 cold water and ether, is freely soluble in water, turns yellow by alkalies, and red by sulphuric 
 acid containing nitric acid, and appears to be a glucoside. 
 
 Camellia oleifera, Abel (Thea oleosa, Loureiro ), and Cam. drupifera, Loureiro. The seeds, 
 like tea-seeds, yield bland fixed oils, that of the last species having an agreeable odor. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The most familiar effect of tea is its power of inducing a cheer- 
 fulness of disposition and a lively flow of ideas, without that tendency to mental and 
 physical torpor which follows the exhilaration caused by alcohol. The familiar line of 
 Oowper, “ The cups that cheer, but not inebriate,” describes its usual mode of action. 
 There can be no doubt that, like its congeners, tea diminishes the need of food even 
 while it quickens the activity of the nervous system. In this way, probably, it has 
 become the favorite drink of women, whose sedentary lives impede the activity of tissue- 
 waste, without lessening the craving peculiar to their sex for lively conversation. Tea 
 imparts to them the mental activity which their ordinary occupations restrain. It also 
 tends to banish the drowsiness which their monotonous labor induces. Many men have 
 been great tea-drinkers, but they were chiefly of the class addicted to prolonged mental 
 labor, particularly at night, and they found in it not only the power of resisting sleep, 
 but often the inspiration of bright ideas. It is evident that these effects, which are noto- 
 rious and familiar, must be attributed to the direct stimulation of the brain, and by no 
 means to the restriction of tissue-change, which is too often regarded as the prime, and 
 indeed the sole, effect of tea. The latter is, undoubtedly, a real result of tea-drinking, but 
 it is not that for which tea is so universally employed. It has been alleged that persons 
 employed in tasting tea for commercial purposes are liable to lose their health and grow 
 morbidly nervous, their bowels become constipated, and the urine and the proportion of 
 urea in it suffer diminution (Morton, Monthly Abstract. Jan. 1880, p. 54; Smerinoff, Bull, 
 de Therap ., cxiv. 375). It is affirmed as positively, on the other hand, that none of these 
 alleged effects occur, so far as relates to derangement of the nervous system and the gen- 
 eral health (Dana, Medical Record , xvii. 85). But the former statement is the more cor- 
 rect. It has been confirmed, among others, by Bullard ( Boston Med. and Bury. Jour. y 
 April, 1886, p. 314; Sept. 1887, p. 217). He charges to the abuse of tea ringing in the 
 ears, headache, tremor, nervousness, neuralgia, exhaustion of mind and body, hysteria, 
 irregularity and palpitation of the heart, dyspnoea, dyspepsia, and constipation. Even 
 delirium has been attributed to the chewing of tea {Jour. Amer. Med. Soc ., vi. 658). 
 
 In comparing the physiological effects of theine and caffeine upon the excretions, it has 
 been found by some experimenters that the former does not affect the elimination of car- 
 bonic acid, while the latter diminishes it, as well as the discharge of urea, uric acid, and 
 water, in a larger proportion than theine. Caffeine also is said to increase the watery 
 constituent of the urine, while theine diminishes it. However this may be, it is a matter 
 of familiar observation that the effects of tea and coffee upon the system are by no means 
 identical ; for while coffee causes wakefulness as well as tea, in the former case it is rather 
 a pleasing insomnia, not unlike that occasioned by small doses of opium, tranquil for the 
 most part, and filled with pleasing reveries ; while tea, on the other hand, induces in one 
 who endeavors in vain to sleep after its use a state of tension of the nervous system 
 which is in the highest degree distressing. Upon almost every one coffee acts as a 
 stimulant which is more or less cordial, flushing the face and rendering the pulse fuller, 
 but such effects never follow the use of tea as direct consequences. It is seldom that a 
 single indulgence in strong coffee induces that nervous agitation and tremulousness and 
 impaired muscular power which are ordinary effects of strong tea ; and, unless we are 
 greatly mistaken, gastralgia and other neuralgic affections are much more frequent among 
 tea-drinkers than coffee-drinkers. It is very true that some of these apparent differences 
 may be explained by the fact that tea is generally taken with only a small modicum of 
 cream or milk, while coffee is as commonly used with a large proportion of one or both. 
 Indeed, in France, where coffee is the universal breakfast drink, it is always mixed with 
 a great excess of milk, and it is used pure and in small quantity, chiefly after dinner, 
 when the presence of food in the stomach retards its absorption and modifies its action. 
 It is, however, customary for those who have mental or bodily work to perform before 
 breakfast to take a cup of “ black coffee ” immediately on leaving bed. 
 
 It has been already objected that theine and caffeine do not fully represent the sources 
 from which they are respectively obtained. The identity of these alkaloids in their 
 physiological action does not imply a similar identity in tea and coffee. As little should 
 we be entitled to infer that all alcoholic drinks produce identical effects because they all 
 contain alcohol as their chief constituent. It is just as certain that tea and coffee differ 
 in their action upon the human system as that Bhenish or Bordeaux wine acts very dif- 
 
THEOBROMA. 
 
 1595 
 
 ferently from whisky or brandy, although in all of these liquors the common cause of 
 their effects is alcohol. Moreover, not only are theine and caffeine physiologically iden- 
 tical, but so are guaranine, cocaine, and theobromine with them and with one another ; 
 and yet the operations of guarana, coca, and theobroma are different from one another, 
 and from those of tea and coffee in important particulars. It is unquestionably a fact 
 of the highest possible interest that all of these vegetable products, which are used by 
 different and remote nations, should contain identical proximate principles ; but while we 
 thus are led to admire the universality of physiological laws, we should not lose sight 
 of the peculiarities which distinguish these important articles of human food from one 
 another. 
 
 Dr. Squibb has insisted on the identity of action of the fluid extracts of tea and coca, 
 although the former is two and a half times stronger than the latter. Hence theine 
 would be a more eligible medicine than cocaine ( Ephemeris , 1884). Dr. Mays confirmed 
 the possession of analgesic virtues by theine ( Med . News, xlvii. 652 ; Trans. Coll. Phys. 
 Philad., 1886, p. 365) both experimentally and clinically, especially in controlling pain 
 due to central causes. In this respect he held that it differs from cocaine, which is more 
 efficient in topical pains. He found that its anodyne influence is usually of from twelve 
 to twenty-four hours’ duration, even in cases of severe pain. It has been used hypo- 
 dermically in doses of from j to i grain by Bauduy for the relief of neuralgia ( Practi- 
 tioner , xliv. 48). 
 
 Among the Chinese, we are told, tea is held to be “ cooling, peptic, exhilarating, stimu- 
 lating, both laxative and astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, and, in large concentrated 
 doses, emetic. It is applied in a wash to the eyes, ulcers, and wounds of all kinds, but 
 its excessive use as a drink renders people thin, anaemic, and weak-sighted. Tea is taken 
 by Chinese scholars and laborers to stave off the cravings of hunger until a convenient 
 season arrives.” The Chinese also prescribe tea, acidulated with vinegar, in diarrhoea , 
 and give it as an antidote to the poisonous action of tartar emetic and corrosive sublimate. 
 The small proportion of tannic acid contained in tea renders it too feeble a remedy in 
 such cases if stronger ones can be procured, but its stimulant and exhilarant action 
 adapts it to be used in the treatment of poisoning by opium. A cup of hot tea is a familiar 
 domestic remedy for the relief of nausea and oppression after too full a meal ; to produce 
 diaphoresis at the commencement of slight attacks of muscular rheumatism , pulmonary 
 catarrh , or sore throat ; and to banish the sense of fatigue and muscular soreness produced 
 by excessive exertion, particularly when it is seasoned with some alcohol. It is one of 
 the best remedies for nervous headache , and when cold or acidulated with lemon-juice is a 
 most refreshing drink in the midsummer heats which produce excessive perspiration. It 
 moderates also the copious sweats of hectic conditions. A strong infusion of green tea 
 has been employed by injection in gonorrhoea , leucorrhoea, and gleet, and as a wash in con- 
 junctivitis, as a gargle in sore throat, etc. In China it is often used for certain of these 
 purposes as a fine powder mixed with water, or in decoction rather than in infusion ; and 
 doubtless in these forms its operation is more energetic. 
 
 Theine may be given hypodermically. The primary dose is about Gm. 0.02 (gr. 1). 
 It should be repeated at intervals according to its effects. 
 
 THEOBROMA.— Cacao. 
 
 Semen (s. Fabse ) cacao. — Cacao, F. Cod., Sp. ; Feves du Mexique, Fr. ; Kakaobohnen , G. 
 
 The seeds of Theobroma Cacao, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 38. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Sterculiaceae, Buettnerieae. 
 
 Origin. — The cacao (often incorrectly called cocoa ) or chocolate tree is indigenous to 
 Brazil and other parts of tropical America northward to Mexico, and is largely cultivated 
 throughout the tropics. It is about 12 M. (40 feet) high, has alternate, oblong-lanceo- 
 late or lance-ovate, acute and entire leaves, and produces pale-pink, five-petalled flowers 
 in clusters from the axils of old leaf-scars. The fruit is about 15 Cm. (6 inches) long, 
 pear-shaped, with an elongated nipple-shaped apex, ten-furrowed and while unripe five- 
 celled, and contains numerous seeds imbedded in a sweet pulpy mass. 
 
 Preparation. — Cacao-seeds are prepared for use by removing them from the fruit 
 and simply drying them, in which case they retain their astringent and bitter taste ; or 
 they are subjected to a sweating process by enclosing them in a box or burying them in 
 the ground for two or three days, whereby they lose much of their astringency and bit- 
 terness, and change in color ; the best cured cacao is kept in heaps covered with plantain 
 or other green leaves, for about a week before it is finally dried. The seeds of Th. bico- 
 
1596 
 
 THEOBROMA. 
 
 lor, Humboldt, Th. guayanensis, Willdenow , Th. sylvestre, Mar tius, Th. ovatifolium, $esse, 
 and other species are stated to be collected, prepared, and mixed with the seeds of the 
 cacao ; but, according to Karsten, these uncultivated species do not furnish any com- 
 mercial cacao. The seeds of Herrania albiflora, Goudot , and several other species appear 
 to have the properties of cacao, and are used like the latter in the mountain-districts of 
 South America under the name of cacao cimarrona , but they are only of about the size 
 of a pea and do not enter commerce. 
 
 Description. — The seeds are 15-25 Mm. (|- to 1 inch) long, ovate or oblong, some- 
 what flattened, and vary in color, according to the manner in which they have been pre- 
 pared, from brown-red to brown or grayish-brown. A prominent raphe runs along one 
 edge of the seed from one end to the other, uniting the hilum and chalaza, and is divided 
 at the latter into many branching nerves. The testa is thin, papery, and fragile. The 
 embryo has the shape of the seed, and consists of a small conical radicle and two large 
 oily cotyledons, which are strongly ribbed upon their face, and by the projecting folds of 
 the inner seed-coat are divided from the back into numerous small irregular lobes, so that 
 they readily break into many angular pieces. The odor of cacao-seeds is slight, but on 
 warming is agreeably aromatic ; their taste is oily, aromatic, and bitterish. 
 
 Constituents. — The quantitative analyses by Lampadius, Tuchen (1857), and A. 
 Mitscherlicli (1859) vary greatly in their results. Lampadius found the seeds to yield 
 about 12 per cent, of husks or shells and about 88 per cent, of kernels, and the latter to 
 contain about 53 per cent of fat. Mitscherlicli obtained from the seeds nearly 50 per 
 cent, of fat, 14 to 18 per cent, of starch, 13 to 18 per cent, of proteids, 1.2 to 1.5 per 
 cent, of theobromine, 3.5 per cent, of ash, and 0.6 per cent, of sugar. Tuchen found 
 also about 3 per cent, of gluten, and isolated between 4.5 and 6.6 per cent, of cacao-red. 
 The latter is soluble in water and alcohol, precipitated by lead acetate, and is generated 
 in the seeds during the sweating process ; it appears to be combined with a proteid, and 
 when pure has a carmine-red color, does not change the color of litmus, and is insoluble 
 in litmus and fixed oils. Oil of theobroma is described on page 1161. The odorous prin- 
 ciple of cacao appears to be somewhat volatile, but has not been isolated. T heobromine, 
 
 C 7 H 8 N 4 0 2 (molecular weight 179.75), was discovered by Woskresensky (1841), and was 
 found by Bley (1842) to be present also in small proportion in cacao-shells. The alka- 
 loid is obtained from the infusion of cacao by precipitating it with lead acetate, remov- 
 ing the excess of lead by hydrogen sulphide, evaporating and exhausting the residue 
 with boiling alcohol, from which the alkaloid separates in minute colorless or white bitter 
 crystals which are sparingly soluble in cold water, alcohol, and ether, and require for 
 solution 55 parts of boiling water, 47 parts of boiling alcohol, and 600 parts of boiling 
 ether. The alkaloid sublimes without decomposition at 290° C. (554° F.), and has a neu- 
 tral reaction, but yields with acids crystallizable salts which are decomposed by water. 
 Strecker converted theobromine into caffeine by heating the silver compound of the for- 
 mer with methyl iodide to 100° C. (212° F.). From Trojanowsky’s researches (1875) it 
 appears that the ash of the kernel is usually a little below 3 per cent., and should not 
 materially exceed that amount ; starch was found to vary between 2.23 and 6.65 per 
 cent., the fat from 39.3 to 52.05 per cent., and the theobromine from 1.205 to 4.652 per 
 cent., while the shells alone yielded from 0.866 to 4.540 per cent, of the alWhloid. 
 
 Uses. — Cacao-seeds are employed for preparing butter of cacao (p. 1161 ) by express- 
 ing them between heated iron plates. The press-cake, ground either by itself or with 
 starchy substances, is sold as cocoa. The seeds, ground together, while warm, with about 
 their own weight of sugar, constitute chocolate. This is usually flavored with about 1 
 per cent, of cinnamon or other aromatics, and occasionally various amylaceous or mucilag- 
 inous substances are added to it. 
 
 The following preparations are occasionally used : 
 
 Chocolata simplicior. — Simple chocolate, E. ; Chocolate de sante, Fr. — 3000 parts 
 each of Caraccas and Maranon cacao are well cleaned, torrefied, deprived of the shells, 
 and the remaining kernels reduced in a heated mortar to a paste, which is well mixed 
 with 5000 parts of sugar and 30 parts of powdered cinnamon, and transferred to a hot 
 slab, where it is worked with a roller until uniformly mixed ; the mass is now transferred 
 to sheet-tin moulds, the surface rendered smooth by heating, ahd, after cooling, the 
 cakes are wrapped in tin-foil. 
 
 Chocolata cum ferro. — Iron chocolate, E. ; Chocolat ferrugineux, Fr. — Mix 10 
 parts of ferric oxide with 990 parts of simple chocolate. 
 
 Chocolata cum vanilla. Vanilla 4 parts ; sugar 36 parts ; chocolate without cinna- 
 mon 1000 parts. 
 
THERIACA. 
 
 1597 
 
 Chocolata cum cetraria. — Iceland moss chocolate, E. ; Chocolat au lichen d’Islande, 
 Fr . — Mix 100 parts of saccharated powdered Iceland-moss jelly (see page 441) with 1000 
 parts of simple chocolate. 
 
 Chocolata cum salep. — Salep chocolate, E. ; Chocolat au salep, Fr. — Incorporate 30 
 parts of powdered salep with 1000 parts of simple chocolate. 
 
 Preparations analogous to the latter are made by substituting powdered tapioca, sago, 
 or arrowroot for the salep, and the aromatics are often varied by replacing the cinnamon 
 wholly or in part with powdered cloves, mace, nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla sugar. 
 Chocolate has also been medicated by incorporating with 1000 parts of simple chocolate 
 30 parts of powdered catechu, or GO parts of guarana or powdered cinchona, or 100 parts 
 of calcined magnesia, etc. Chocolate has been proposed as a pleasant vehicle in the 
 preparation of lozenges containing santonin, etc. 
 
 Action, and Uses. — The dietetic uses of chocolate do not require any detailed 
 notice in this place. Prepared with water or milk, it is employed as a substitute for 
 coffee in Southern Europe, South America, Mexico, and the West Indies, and to a less 
 degree in other civilized countries. It is difficult to discern in it, when thus used, any of 
 the stimulating qualities which belong to the theobromine it contains. It is to be pre- 
 ferred to the other agents mentioned when a nutritive rather than an excitant operation 
 is desired ; and hence it is familiarly employed during convalescence from acute diseases, 
 and as a substitute for tea or coffee in the diet of persons whose nervous system is liable 
 to be deranged by them. Chocolate prepared with milk, and seasoned by the addition of 
 a modicum of coffee, is less stimulating than the latter and more palatable than chocolate 
 alone. 
 
 According to Gram ( Therop . Monatsh., iv. 10), theobromine is absorbed with difficulty, 
 but when absorbed it is powerfully diuretic through a direct action upon the kidneys. It 
 does not affect the heart. The sodium salicylate of theobromine is readily absorbed, and 
 is also diuretic. It has no poisonous action, and may be given in doses of Gm. 1 (gr. xv) 
 five to six times a day. These conclusions have been confirmed by several observers 
 (Schroeder, Therap. Monatsh., iv. 374; Kouindjy-Pomerantz, (Bull, de Therap., cxix. 
 112), and especially by Koritzschoner ( Therap . Monatsh ., iv. 559), who also made use 
 of the compound of theobromine, soda, and salicylic acid known as “ Diuretin.” In no 
 case did the medicine produce any sensible change in the circulation. 
 
 Diuretin, as above stated, is supposed to owe its diuretic virtue to the theobromine it 
 contains in a larger proportion than caffeine. It does not depress the heart, and most 
 observers claim that it does not irritate the kidneys. It is said to increase the discharge 
 of urine sixfold. The testimony in its favor as a remedy for dropsy , especially for 
 cardiac dropsy, is almost unanimous. (Compare Therap. Gaz ., xv. 560 ; xvi. G7 and 
 164; Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., ciii. 75; cv. 481 ; Univers. Med. Mag.,v. 737.) Frank states 
 that although the specific gravity of the urine may decline even to 1010 under its use, 
 yet the total amount of solids discharged is not increased, and also that, contrary to the 
 general belief, it does irritate the kidneys (Amer. Jour. Med. Sci '., civ. 338). Dr. Keyes 
 is disposed to attribute to the use of 10 grains of diuretin, every four hours during two 
 days previous to operations on the bladder, the immunity of his patients from urinary 
 fever {Med. News , lix. 505). Diuretin is usually given in doses of Gm. 1 (gr. xv) three 
 or four times a day in sweetened mint-water, but these doses may be doubled without 
 danger. See also page 1481. 
 
 THERIACA, Br.— Treacle. 
 
 Syrupus fuseus , Sacchari fcex, Syrupus communis , s. hollandicus. — Molasses , E. ; Melasses 
 Pyromel , Fr. ; Melasse , Brauner Sirup, G. 
 
 The uncrystallized residue of the refining of sugar. — Br. 
 
 Origin and Properties. — The manner in which molasses is obtained is described 
 on page 1394. That variety procured in the preparation of raw sugar is in the United 
 States usually designated as West India molasses, while that drained from refined sugar 
 is knows as sugar-house molasses. Both kinds closely resemble each other, except that 
 the former is of a lighter color and has a different somewhat empyreumatic flavor. 
 Molasses is a brown, thick, fermentable uncrystallizable syrup of a very sweet taste and 
 having a specific gravity of about 1.40. It contains about 75 per cent, of solid matter, 
 of which from 5 to 7 per cent, are salts. The molasses of beet-root sugar, according to 
 Landolt (1868), contains 56 to 64 per cent, of sugar and about 20 per cent, of oxalate, 
 tartrate, and malate of potassium. 
 
1 598 
 
 THUJA. 
 
 Uses. — Molasses — or treacle, as it is called in England — is rather a food than a 
 medicine. Apart from its pharmaceutical uses, it is seldom employed medicinally except 
 as an ingredient of the common domestic enema, which consists usually of a pint of warm 
 water to which a wine-glassful or more of molasses and a heaped tablespoonful of salt 
 have been added. It is also a popular remedy for superficial burns , which it protects as 
 well as oil and various other agents which act chiefly by excluding the air. 
 
 THUJA, — Thuja (Arbor Vitje). 
 
 Thuya, Arbre de vie , Fr. ; Lebensbaum , G. 
 
 The small branches of Thuja occidentalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Coniferse. 
 
 Origin. — The arbor vitae, also called white cedar , is a tree with spreading branches, 
 attaining under favorable circumstances a height of 15 M. (50 feet). It grows in cedar 
 swamps in Canada and the northern section of the United States, and is met with south- 
 ward along the Alleglianies and westward to Wisconsin. It has been introduced into 
 Europe as an ornamental tree. 
 
 Description. — The branchlets are dark-green and rather glossy above, dull pale- 
 green beneath, two-edged, and flat from the appressed scale-like leaves, which are placed 
 in four rows, closely imbricate, 3-4 Mm. (f to i inch) long, rhombic-ovate, obtusely 
 pointed, and bear upon the back near the apex an elevated roundish gland ; the leaves 
 forming the edges of the branchlets are folded in the centre, compressed, boat-shaped, 
 when young with a small gland beneath the apex, the older ones glandless. The odor is 
 strongly balsamic and the taste pungently aromatic, camphoraceous, and bitter. 
 
 The allied Thuja orientalis, Linne , which is indigenous to Asia, is sometimes cultivated 
 as an ornamental tree. It is distinguished from the preceding by the erect branches and 
 by the absence of glands and the grooved back of the leaves. The Western species, 
 Thuja gigantea, Nuttall , stows from Northern California northward, and attains a height 
 of 36 M. (120 feet). 
 
 Constituents. — The volatile oil of arbor vitae was examined by Bonastre (1825) and 
 Schweizer (1844). Hiibschmann (1846) obtained about 1 per cent, of the weight of the 
 branchlets. The volatile oil is colorless or greenish-yellow, has the density 0.925, and is 
 a mixture of two oxygenated oils boiling near 195° and 205° C. (383° and 400° F.) ; it 
 is readily soluble in alcohol, and when treated with potassa or with sulphuric acid 
 acquires a black color. Kawalier (1854-58) obtained from arbor vitae, in addition to 
 the volatile oil, a gelatinous compound, sugar, two resins, tannin, pinipicrin, and thujin. 
 Pinipicrin , C^HggOn, was discovered by Kawalier (1853) in the leaves and bark of Pinus 
 sylvestris. It is a yellow bitter powder which becomes soft at 55° C. (131° F.), fuses to 
 a transparent liquid at 100° C. (212° F.), is not precipitated by lead salts, dissolves in 
 water, alcohol, and spirit of ether, is insoluble in pure ether, and when boiled with diluted 
 acids is split into sugar and ericinol. Thujin , C2oH 22 0 12 , crystallizes in small lemon-yellow 
 tables, has an astringent taste, dissolves readily in alcohol and hot water, acquires with 
 alkalies a deep-yellow and red-brown, and with ferric chloride a dark-green color, and 
 is precipitated by lead acetate and subacetate. When heated with dilute hydrochloric 
 acid it is converted into sugar and thujigenin , C 14 H 12 0 7 , and thujetin , C 14 H 14 0 8 , both of 
 which are almost insoluble in cold water, and when in alcoholic solution acquire a hand- 
 some blue-green color with ammonia. Thujin, boiled with barium hydroxide, yields 
 sugar and thujetic acid , C 28 H 22 0 18 , which is insoluble in water. These compounds are prob- 
 ably related to quercitrin and its derivatives. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Tinctura thuja], Tincture of arbor vitae. 
 5 parts of the fresh small branches of arbor vitae are bruised, and macerated with 6 parts 
 of alcohol for eight days ; the liquid is expressed and filtered. — P. G. 1872. The tincture 
 is of a greenish-yellow color. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Arbor vitae somewhat resembles savine in its qualities, and 
 particularly by irritating the skin when the fresh leaves or an ointment made from them 
 is applied to it. Like savine, it has been found useful in repressing the fungous granu- 
 lations of ulcers , in removing warts , and in an ointment as a palliative of chronic rheuma- 
 tism. Some have even gone so far as to attribute to it the cure of cancerous ulcers both 
 of external parts and of the uterus, even when administered internally alone {Med. News, 
 xlv. 185). The published reports, however, rather denote cases of simple ulcers aggra- 
 vated by improper applications as those which have been benefited by this medicine. 
 Both internally and topically it is alleged to be an effectual remedy for venereal warts 
 
THUS AMERICANA.— THYMOL. 
 
 1599 
 
 (Bull. de. Soc. The rap., June, 1886). Internally, it has been given with alleged benefit 
 in amenorrhcea and pulmonary catarrh , and for destroying worms. For these several pur- 
 poses the distilled oil has been found efficient. This oil is a stimulant of the heart and 
 spinal marrow, and, given to animals in poisonous doses, it occasions tonic and clonic 
 convulsions (Strahmann, Therap. Gaz., ix. 827). It has been applied to reduce various 
 neoplasmic growths and correct the fetor of discharges (Ther. Gaz., xii. 422). Boer- 
 haave used a distilled water of the leaves in dropsy. A fluid extract and a saturated 
 tincture have been given in doses of Gm. 4 (1 fluidrachm) several times a day, and 
 applied topically on compresses and to the uterus on a tampon. An ointment made with 
 the leaves or with the volatile oil has been used in rheumatism. 
 
 THUS AMERICANA, Br — Common Frankincense. 
 
 The concrete turpentine of Pinus Taeda, Linne. (See Terebinthina.) 
 
 Uses. — This turpentine may be used for the various purposes to which other turpen- 
 tines are adapted. In England it forms a constituent of the official pitch plaster, under 
 the name of common frankincense. 
 
 THYMOL, V. S., Br., F. Cod.— Thymol. 
 
 Thymolum , P. G. ; Acidum thymicum . — Thymol , E., Fr., G. ; Thymic acid , E. ; Acide 
 thymique, Fr. ; T hymiansdure, G. 
 
 Formula C 10 Hi 3 OH. Molecular weight 149.66. 
 
 Origin. — Thymol is a phenol occurring in the volatile oils of Thymus vulgaris, Linn 
 Monarda punctata, Linne , Carum Ajowan, De Candolle, and very likely in other volatile 
 oils of the natural orders Labiatse and Umbelliferse. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of thyme is subjected to fractional distillation. That portion 
 which distils at a temperature above 200° C. (392° F.) is separately collected, and is 
 agitated with solution of soda, the solution of sodium thymol separated from the thymene, 
 and the thymol liberated by hydrochloric acid ; after it has crystallized it is pressed 
 between bibulous paper and recrystallized from alcohol. This is Lallemand’s process 
 (1853), which may be modified so as to distil off only the hydrocarbons at a temperature 
 not exceeding 180° C. (356° F.), and treating the residue in the still with soda solution 
 as stated. By a similar process thymol is obtained from the volatile oils of Monarda and 
 of Ptychotis. 
 
 Properties. — Thymol crystallizes in thin, colorless, rhombic scales or is seen in com- 
 merce in large translucent crystals of the spec. grav. 1.069 at 15° G. (59° F.). It melts 
 between 50° and 52° C. (122°-125.6° F.) (U. S., P. G.) to a colorless liquid lighter 
 than water, retains its fluid condition often for a long time, and boils near 230° C. (446° 
 F.). It has an aromatic thyme-like odor and a warm, pungent but scarcely caustic taste. 
 It dissolves sparingly in water, requiring at 15° C. 1100 (P. G.~) or 1200 (U. S.~) parts 
 for solution, but is soluble in half its weight of alcohol, ether, and chloroform, in 2 parts 
 of soda solution sp. gr. 1.16, and freely in benzene, benzin, carbon disulphide, glacial 
 acetic acid, and fixed and volatile oils. It forms with soda a crystallizable and readily 
 soluble compound, and does not change the color of solution of ferric chloride. Symes 
 (1879) ascertained that on being triturated with one-half to ten times its weight of 
 camphor a colorless syrupy liquid is obtained ; it also liquefies when triturated with its 
 own weight of menthol or chloral. According to Gerrard. the strongest aqueous solution 
 of thymol available is 1 in 1000, and a solution of 4 grains of it in a fluidounce of alcohol 
 is miscible with water without becoming turbid ; 3 grains of thymol are dissolved by 1 
 grain of caustic soda and grains of caustic potassa. Solid fats, when heated, are ex- 
 cellent solvents of thvmol. A solution of 1 part of thymol in 100 parts of warm glycerin 
 remains clear. Thymol is also soluble in 4 parts of cold sulphuric acid; the solution has 
 a yellowish color, and on being gently heated becomes rose-red. On pouring this solu- 
 tion into 10 volumes of water, digesting the mixture with an excess of lead carbonate, and 
 filtering, the liquid becomes violet-blue on the addition of ferric chloride. This reaction 
 is due to thymolsulphonic acid, HC^H^SO^ discovered by Lallemand (1853). Hammersten 
 and Robert (1881) give the following as the most delicate test by which one-millionth part 
 of thymol may still be detected : Mix the liquid with one-half of its volume of glacial 
 acetic acid, then with at least an equal volume of sulphuric acid, and warm gently, when 
 a bright reddish-violet color is produced which is not destroyed by boiling. According to 
 Hirschsohn (1881), a solution of thymol in 60,000 parts of water is rendered turbid by 
 bromine-water, but according to Hammarsten the precipitate is not crystalline like tri- 
 
1600 
 
 THYMOL. 
 
 bromoplienol. If a very small crystal of thymol be dissolved in 1 Cc. of glacial acetic 
 acid, and then 6 drops of sulphuric acid and 1 drop of nitric acid be added, the liquid 
 will assume a deep bluish-green color. 
 
 Composition. — Thymol is the phenol of cymene, and its composition is shown by 
 the formula C6H3.C3H7.CH3. OH. Widman (1882) has succeeded in preparing it syntheti- 
 cally from cuminol (see page 560) by converting this into nitrocuminol, acting upon this 
 with phosphorus pentacliloride, when nitrocymylene chloride, C 10 H n (NO 2 )Cl 2 , is formed, 
 and treating this with nascent hydrogen, first at a low temperature, afterward with the 
 aid of heat, to obtain cymidin, C 10 H 13 .NH 2 . A dilute solution of cymidin sulphate is 
 treated with potassium nitrite and finally distilled, when thymol is obtained, having the 
 melting-point 44° C. (111.2° F.), which is the same as found by Lallemand and Sten- 
 house for thymol from the oils of thyme and of ptychotis. Widman prepared nitroso- 
 thymol from artificial thymol ; the product from both fused between 160° and 162° C. 
 (320°-323.6° F.). 
 
 Tests. — Thymol should be volatilized by the heat of a water-bath without leaving 
 any residue (inorganic and non-volatile organic compounds). Its saturated aqueous solu- 
 tion should have a neutral reaction, and should not acquire a darker color on the addition 
 of a drop of test-solution of ferric chloride (carbolic acid, various phenols, etc.). If 1 
 Gm. of thymol be heated in a test-tube, in a water-bath, with 5 Cc. of a 10 per cent, 
 solution of sodium hydroxide, a clear, colorless, or very slightly reddish solution should 
 be obtained, which becomes darker on standing, but without the separation of oily drops 
 (absence of thymene or kevogyrate pinene, C 10 H 16 ). If to this solution a few drops of 
 chloroform be added and the mixture agitated, a violet color will be produced. 
 
 Derivative Compound. — Thymacetin, CH3.C 3 H 7 .C 6 H 2 .0C 2 H 5 .NH.C 2 H 3 0 ; mol. weight 134.51, 
 occupies the same relation to thymol as phenacetin does to phenol (carbolic acid), and is pre- 
 pared in an analogous manner. It occurs as a white crystalline powder but sparingly soluble 
 in water. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Thymol is comparatively harmless when administered internally, 
 not disturbing digestion, although it arrests gastric fermentation. It is ten times less 
 poisonous than carbolic acid, and hence may be used even in equal quantities with a very 
 inferior risk. Some persons find its taste and smell as repulsive as those of carbolic 
 acid, but the greater number claim for it an agreeable aromatic odor and flavor. When 
 taken largely by sensitive persons it causes ringing in the ears, and even deep somno- 
 lence, and collapse. 
 
 The applications of thymol in medicine and surgery are identical with those of carbolic 
 acid, to which it appears to be very little inferior for all the purposes to which the latter 
 is applied. It has over this acid the great advantage of possessing an agreeable instead 
 of a very offensive odor, and of not being an irritant or corrosive, and therefore of not 
 causing pain. An objection has been made to it that in summer it tends to attract flies 
 to the injured parts. Among surgeons who have expressed a favorable judgment of its 
 antiseptic qualities is Mr. Spencer Wells, who in a series of ovariotomy operations gave 
 it the preference over carbolic acid. He used a solution of 1 : 1000 for spray, irrigation, 
 sponges, instruments, and all other antiseptic purposes. It has been employed to correct 
 the fetor of suppurating burns and gangrenous wounds and ulcers. Indeed, it has been 
 found to be an excellent anodyne for recent burns in a solution of 1 : 1000 of water. 
 Where sloughs exist it causes them to separate more rapidly than usual, leaving more 
 healthy granulations and a better cicatrix than after carbolic acid. A solution of 
 1 : 3000 was found an efficient lotion in a case of violent stomatitis and in seven cases 
 of diphtheria , in which it was injected into the nostrils and throat. A similar solution 
 atomized is of great benefit in fetid bronchitis. Its agreeable taste and smell adapt it 
 especially to the last-named purpose. In chronic coryza and ozsena (Seiss, Med. News , 
 i. 370), conjunctivitis , and otorrlioea , in gonorrhoea , and in all mucous fluxes it has been 
 used with advantage, both in simple watery solution and with the addition of boracic 
 acid. In obstetrical practice when the lochia are offensive, and in cases of fetid urine 
 or vaginal leucorrhoea , and even when the discharge is due to cancer of the uterus , vagina , 
 or bladder , not only is the fetor neutralized, but the inflamed and ulcerated tissues are 
 favorably modified. It is a very efficient and agreeable deodorizer for the hands of sur- 
 geons and obstetricians. In lesions of the vagina and other accessible parts a lotion 
 should be used several times a day, and cotton saturated with thymolized glycerin may 
 be left in contact with the diseased structure. For these different purposes the solution 
 should vary in strength from 1 : 1000 to 1 : 4000 (Seyferth). 
 
TIL I A . 
 
 1601 
 
 Injected into dead bodies, it preserves them from decomposition ; applied pure to warts , 
 it causes them to shrivel and disappear. In skin diseases it has been found useful in the 
 same cases for which tar has so long proved to be the best topical remedy — that is to say, 
 in psoriasis and chronic eczema , but especially in the former — and it has the advantage 
 over tar of not staining the bed- and body-clotliing. It is recommended to apply it in an 
 ointment consisting of 1 ounce of soft paraffin and from Gm. 0.30-2 (5 to 30 grains) of 
 thymol, or in a lotion consisting of thymol Gm. 0.30 (5 grains), rectified spirit and gly- 
 cerin each 1 ounce, water to make 8 ounces. In “ ringworm ” Morris advises as a lotion 
 thymol gss ; chloroform gij ; olive oil ^vj ( Practitioner , xxvi. 362). It is claimed by 
 Campi to be a taeniacide and taeniafuge. He gave from 11-5 drachms a day in divided 
 doses, and followed them with castor oil. During the action of the medicine he admin- 
 istered diffusible stimulants to counteract its depressing effects ( Med . News, xl. 459). 
 Martini claims for the stearoptene a special virtue due to its insolubility in the secretions 
 of the digestive canal, because it thereby acts moderately and on the whole intestinal 
 mucous membrane. He regards it as a valuable agent in the treatment of various forms 
 of diarrhoea and dysentery, including that of typhoid fever ( Med . Record, xxxii. 149). 
 Dr. H. P. Henry thinks that it favorably influences the latter disease. He gave it in pill 
 with soap, and in the dose of Gm. 0.13—0.16 (2 or 21 grains) every six hours (Trans. 
 Assoc. Amer. Phys., iii. 346). It probably acts favorably by stimulating the intestinal 
 ulcers and by preventing an accumulation of intestinal gas. Equally good effects have 
 been derived from its use in the diarrhoea of tubercular phthisis (Bruen, Ther. Gaz., 
 xii. 105 ; Philipowicz, Med. News, liv. 128). Sauter ranked thymol as an antiseptic 
 below salicylic acid (Centralbl. f. Ther., vi. 376). Its power of limiting fermentation has 
 been thought by Bufalini (Med. News, li. 660) to assist the operation of a continued 
 proteid diet in the treatment of diabetes. As a substitute for the antiseptic surgical 
 dressing prepared with carbolic acid a solution is recommended as follows : Thymol 
 1 Gm., alcohol 10, glycerin 30, water 1000 Gm. This solution has no corrosive action 
 on instruments immersed in it; it causes, however, a lively sensation of burning, accom- 
 panied with redness of the skin, but not with anaesthesia, nor does it produce desquama- 
 tion of the epidermis. Neither does it, like carbolic acid, give rise to constitutional 
 symptoms, nor occasion as much discharge from wounds as carbolic acid does. As a sub- 
 stitute for carbolic acid in the antiseptic method [of dressing wounds, its effects are 
 reported to be excellent. After forty-one out of fifty-nine operations the secretion was 
 serous in only eight and purulent in two ; in the remainder there was absolutely no secre- 
 tion. Many of these operations involved large surfaces or were for diseased joints, etc. 
 According to Banke, the results obtained with thymol (antiseptically considered) are as 
 good as those with carbolic acid, while the former presents these advantages : that the 
 secretion of wounds treated by it is much less, and their rate of healing much quicker. 
 Moreover, it produces no bad effects upon the system at large, and does not irritate the 
 parts to which it is applied in solution (Medical Times and Gazette , March, 1878). 
 
 Thymacetin has been used in doses of Gm. 0.25-1 (5 to 15 grains) for the relief of 
 some cases of neuralgic headache. Its action is very like that of phenacetin. 
 
 TILIA. -Linden-flowers. 
 
 Flores tilise, P. G. — Tilleul (Fleurs), F. Cod. ; Lindenbliithen, G. ; Tilo, Sp. 
 
 The inflorescence of different species of Tilia. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Tiliaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The different species of linden, which are also known as Time tree, white- 
 wood, and bass-wood, are stately trees from 12-30 M. (40 to 100 feet) high, and have a 
 soft white wood, a fibrous bark, and alternate petiolate, heart-shaped, serrate leaves, fre- 
 quently with a more or less oblique base. The wood yields a very light charcoal. 
 
 Tilia ulmifolia, Scopoli (T. parvifolia, Ehrhart, T. microphylla, Ventenat). The 
 leaves are pale-green on the lower surface and pubescent in the angles of the veins, 
 otherwise smooth ; the cymes are about seven-flowered. 
 
 Tilia platyphyllos, Scopoli (T. grandifolia, Ehrhart , T. pauciflora, Hayne). The 
 leaves are larger and softly pubescent beneath ; the cymes are about three-flowered. 
 This, with the preceding species, constitutes Tilia europaea, Linne, and is occasionally 
 cultivated as an ornamental tree. 
 
 Tilia Americana, Linne. It has thickish and smooth (T. glabra, Ventenat) or under- 
 neath softly pubescent and frequently thin (T. pubescens, Aiton) leaves ; the cymes are 
 101 
 
1602 
 
 TINCTURE. 
 
 mostly many-flowered. The smooth form grows in Canada and the United States, the 
 pubescent variety from Maryland southward. 
 
 Tilia heterophylla, Ventenat (T. alba, Michaux , T. laxiflora, Pursh ). It is found 
 from the mountains of Pennsylvania along the Ohio and Mississippi and southward, and 
 has the leaves bright-green and smooth above and silvery- whitened beneath. It resembles 
 the South European Tilia argentea, Desfontaines, which, however, has the leaves on shorter 
 petioles. 
 
 Description. — Linden-flowers grow in axillary cymes, and have the peduncle partly 
 united to the midrib of a leaf-like, linear, or oblong-lanceolate greenish-yellow bract. 
 The flowers of each cyme vary in the different species from three to about thirty in num- 
 ber, and have a five-parted calyx and five whitish or yellowish, lanceolate or oblong, usu- 
 ally notched petals. The numerous stamens are hypogynous, slightly united in the first 
 two species by the base of their filaments into about five groups, or in the other species 
 with the base of a petal-like scale placed opposite each petal. The ovary is five-celled, 
 has a style with a five-lobed stigma, and produces a globular, nut-like, one-celled capsule 
 containing one or two seeds. Linden-flowers have an agreeable and (when dry) feeble 
 odor and a sweetish and mucilaginous taste. American linden-flowers and their bracts 
 are larger than the European, and the petals have a somewhat liorn-likc appearance. 
 
 Constituents. — From the analyses made by Marggraf, Brossat, Buchner, Siller, 
 Winckler, and others it appears that linden-flowers contain mucilaginous or pectinaceous 
 principles, sugar, a little tannin, fat, malates, and other salts. The odorous principle is a 
 colorless or yellowish, sweetish, light, and fragrant volatile oil, which is readily soluble 
 in alcohol and dissolves iodine without giving off vapors. Herberger and Winckler 
 obtained between and per cent. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation. — Aqua tili^:, Linden-flower water. Distil 1 
 part of linden-flowers and sufficient water until 4 parts (10 parts, P. G. 1872) of dis- 
 tillate are obtained. — F. Cod. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Corchorus capsularis, C. olitorius, Linn6 , and several other species are 
 annual herbs of India, where they are cultivated for their bast-fibres, which are known in com- 
 merce as gunny and jute ; the fibre yields from 1 to 2 per cent, of ash. The second species is also 
 employed as a potherb. 
 
 Uses.— On the continent of Europe linden -flowers, buds, and leaves are among the 
 most generally used of domestic remedies, in the form of an infusion, to palliate painful 
 indigestion , nervousness , nervous headache , and even mild forms of hysteria. For these 
 purposes it is taken either cold or warm, according to circumstances, but in the latter 
 way to dissipate commencing catarrhs of the respiratory passages and diarrhoea occasioned 
 by cold. The flowers are also used in warm general baths to allay nervous irritability, 
 or a strong infusion of them is administered by enema for similar purposes. The Ameri- 
 can species is probably quite as operative as the European, and both depend for whatever 
 virtues they possess upon their combined lenitive and stimulant qualities. The agreeable 
 smell and taste of the infusion render it acceptable to the sick and appropriate as a 
 vehicle for more active medicines. The infusion is usually made with the flowers, Gm. 
 2-4 to Gm. 500 (gr. xxx-lx in Oj) of water. 
 
 TINCTURE. — Tinctures. 
 
 Teintures , Alcooles , Fr. ; Tinkturen , G. ; Tinturas , Alcoholados , Sp. 
 
 Tinctures are solutions of medicinal non-volatile or only partially volatile substances 
 in liquids other than water and glycerin. Solutions of volatile substances in water are 
 known as medicated waters , and similar solutions in alcohol as spirits. The menstrua 
 employed in the preparation of tinctures are alcohols of different strengths, spirit of ether 
 or spirit of nitrous ether, and aromatic spirit of ammonia or ammoniated alcohol. 
 According to the menstruum employed, tinctures are distinguished as ammoniated , ethe- 
 real , and alcoholic , and that class of tinctures in the preparation of which diluted alcohol 
 or a still weaker spirit has been used is sometimes designated as hydro-alcoholic. By far 
 the greatest number of tinctures are made with an alcoholic menstruum. The employ- 
 ment of spirit of nitrous ether in tinctures is confined to a few unofficial preparations. 
 
 Alcoholic Menstruum. — Most tinctures of the United States Pharmacopoeia are 
 prepared with diluted alcohol, of the British Pharmacopoeia with proof spirit, and of the 
 
TIXCTURJE. 
 
 1603 
 
 French and German Pharmacopoeias with alcohol of about 60 per cent., or of specific 
 gravities 0.912 and 0.894. While it is desirable to keep the alcoholic strength of tinctures 
 as low as possible, it is evidently improbable that one and the same menstruum should be 
 equally well adapted for the preservation of liquid preparations of drugs having the most 
 varied composition ; and that improvements in this respect are needed is shown by the 
 unsightly deposits occurring in some and the change into gelatinous masses observed in 
 other tinctures. In most cases these obvious changes are prevented by the employment 
 of a stronger alcoholic menstruum. 
 
 Strength. — The British Pharmacopoeia, as a rule, prepares tinctures in such a manner 
 that 1 Imperial pint (20 fluidounces) represents 2? oz. av. of the drug, or 1 part of the 
 drug is used for 8 measured parts of the finished tincture ; the U. S. P. directs tinctures 
 to be made in the proportion of 5, 10, 15, and 20 grammes of the air-dried drug to 
 every 100 Cc. of finished product ; of these four classes 56 tinctures are officially 
 recognized, and in addition 15 formulas are given for tinctures with varying proportions 
 of drugs. The French and German Pharmacopoeias prepare their tinctures almost with- 
 out exception in such a manner that 1 part of the drug is represented by about 5 or 10 
 parts (by weight) of the tincture, either 5 or 10 parts of the menstruum being used for 
 extracting 1 part of the drug by maceration. Prepared in this manner, the actual weight 
 of the tincture is equal to that of the menstruum and of the soluble matter combined, so 
 that the strength is only approximately as 1 in 5 or 10. 
 
 It is to be regretted that the tinctures of the different pharmacopoeias, or at least those 
 prepared from potent drugs, are not of the same composition, as will be seen from the 
 following table, in which no account is taken of the difference in the density of the men- 
 struum : 
 
 100 parts of tincture of— 
 
 1 Represent parts of the 
 active drug — 
 
 100 parts of tincture of — 
 
 Represent parts of the 
 active drug — 
 
 
 By weight. 
 
 By 
 
 measure. 
 
 
 By weight. 
 
 By 
 
 measure. 
 
 
 u. s. 
 
 p. 
 
 F. 
 
 Cod. 
 
 P. G. 
 
 Br. P. 
 
 
 u. s. 
 
 p. 
 
 F. 
 
 Cod. 
 
 P. G. 
 
 Br. P. 
 
 Aconitum (leaves) .... 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 Gentiana (* compound) . 
 
 *10 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 *7.5 
 
 “ (root) .... 
 
 35 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 12.5 
 
 Hvoscyamus 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 Aloes 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 
 2.5 
 
 Iodine 
 
 7 
 
 7.7 
 
 9.1 
 
 2.5 
 
 Arnica (flowers) .... 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 
 Kino 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 
 10 
 
 “ (root) 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 Krameria ....... 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 12.5 
 
 Asafetida 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 Lobelia 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 12.5 
 
 Belladonna 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 
 5 
 
 Moschus 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 Calumba 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 Myrrh a 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 12.5 
 
 Cannabis ind. (herb) . . . 
 
 25 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 Opium 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 10 
 
 7.5 
 
 (extract) . . 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 Physostigma 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 Cantharides 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 1.25 
 
 Pyrethrum 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 
 20 
 
 Capsicum 
 
 5 
 
 
 10 
 
 3.75 
 
 Quassia 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 
 3.75 
 
 Catechu (* with cinnamon) 
 
 *10 
 
 20 
 
 1 20 
 
 *12.5 
 
 Rheum 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 
 10 
 
 Cinchona 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 i 20 
 
 20 
 
 Scilla 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 12.5 
 
 Colchicum (seed) .... 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 12.5 
 
 Stramonium (* leaves) 
 
 15 
 
 *20 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 Conium (fruit) 
 
 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 Valeriana 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 12.5 
 
 (leaves) .... 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 Veratrum album .... 
 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 
 Digitalis 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 “ viride .... 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 Galla 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 12.5 
 
 Zingiber 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 12.5 
 
 Preparation. — Tinctures of resins, oleoresins, balsams, and of most gum-resins and 
 extractive drugs are best prepared by maceration. Nearly all other drugs are conve- 
 niently extracted by percolation, which process is fully described on pages 639, etc., and 
 if the process is properly conducted the drug will be practically exhausted long before 
 the requisite amount of tincture has been obtained. The chief objections that can be 
 raised against this process are, that the manipulation must vary with the nature of the 
 drug, and that a certain amount of alcohol will be retained in the powder. The former 
 is of no weight with the pharmacist, who recognizes his duty of intimately acquainting 
 himself with the characteristics and peculiarities of each drug passing through his hands ; 
 and the second objection will be of little moment if weaker menstrua are gradually and 
 judiciously employed, as indicated on page 643. 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia avoids the second objection by expressing the contents of 
 the percolator as soon as the requisite quantity of menstruum has been used. In most 
 of its formulas the preparation of a pint (Imperial) of tincture is directed, and the follow- 
 ing explains the manipulations which have been adopted : Macerate the material for forty- 
 
1604 
 
 TINCTURE HERB A RUM RECENTIUM. 
 
 eight hours in 15 fluidounces of the menstruum in a closed vessel, agitating occasionally ; 
 then transfer to a percolator, and when the fluid ceases to pass continue the percolation 
 with the remaining 5 ounces of the menstruum. Afterward subject the contents of the 
 percolator to pressure, filter the product, mix the liquids, and add sufficient menstruum 
 to make 1 pint. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia prepares all tinctures by maceration. The drugs, either 
 coarsely powdered or cut into thin slices, and the menstruum are introduced into a bot- 
 tle, which should be only partly filled, so as to permit the frequent agitation of the con- 
 tents : after macerating in a shady place at about 15° C. (59° F.) for a week, the liquid 
 is decanted and the residue subjected to pressure ; the liquids thus obtained are mixed, 
 set aside for a day or two, and then filtered, care being taken to prevent the evaporation 
 of alcohol. The liquid which remains absorbed in the drug is not replaced. 
 
 The French Codex directs its tinctures to be made by maceration or by displacement. 
 For the latter process the directions are similar to those of the United States Pharmaco- 
 poeia, except that the powder is ordered to he of medium fineness and is not moistened 
 previous to its introduction into the percolator. 
 
 Ethereal Tinctures — Etheroles, F. Cod . — are not recognized by the U. S. P., and 
 only one has been admitted by the Br. P. (lobelia) and by the P. G. (valeriana), both 
 using spirit of ether for the menstruum. For eight ethereal tinctures of the French 
 Codex a menstruum containing more ether is used ; it is designated Ether a 0.758, and is 
 prepared by mixing 3 parts of alcohol with 7 parts of ether spec. grav. 0.724. These tinc- 
 tures are prepared by maceration or displacement, provision being made to prevent evapor- 
 ation of the ether. 
 
 Preservation. — All tinctures should be perfect solutions, and to retain them entirely 
 transparent the evaporation of the volatile portions should he prevented. Tinctures are 
 best kept in well-stoppered bottles, in a room where the temperature is not subject to 
 great variations, and where they are not exposed to the direct sunlight. The size of the 
 bottles should be adapted to the quantities of the tincture that are likely to be used 
 within a reasonable length of time. 
 
 TINCTURE HERBARUM RECENTIUM, U. S.— Tinctures of Fresh 
 
 Herbs. 
 
 Alcoolaturse, , F. Cod. ; Alcoolatures , Fr. ; Tinkturen von frischen Pflanzen , G. 
 
 Tinctures made from fresh herbs were, to some extent, prepared more than two hun- 
 dred years ago, but were more prominently introduced by Hahnemann, and are exten- 
 sively employed in homoeopathic practice. They have attracted more or less attention in 
 Europe since about 1817, when Schrader (Buchnevas Repertorinm , iii. 20) made a number 
 of investigations, and recommended such tinctures prepared from the fresh juice and 
 twice its weight of alcohol. A similar method was subsequently advocated by Beral and 
 by Deschamps, while Soubeiran suggested the use of the fresh plants and their macera- 
 tion with strong alcohol in definite proportions. This method was adopted in the French 
 Codex of 1866, and has been retained in that of 1884. Tinctures made from fresh herbs 
 have been retained in the new U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which, however, gives only a gene- 
 ral formula. 
 
 Preparation. — “ These tinctures, when not otherwise directed, are to he prepared by 
 the following formula : Take of the fresh herb, bruised or crushed, 500 Gm. ; alcohol 
 1000 Cc. Macerate the herb with the alcohol for fourteen days ; then express the liquid 
 and filter.” — U. S. 
 
 This is essentially the formula for preparing the third class of tinctures of the Homoeo- 
 pathic Pharmacopoeia. The French Codex directs equal parts of the fresh drug and of 
 90 per cent, alcohol, the maceration to be continued for ten days ; in this manner alcoola- 
 tures are prepared from aconite-leaves and root, arnica-flowers, belladonna-leaves and root, 
 bryony, colchicum-flowers and root, conium-leaves, digitalis-leaves, drosera (entire plant), 
 eucalyptus-leaves, hyoscyamus-leaves, pulsatilla (flowering herb), spilanthes-flowers, and 
 stramonium-leaves. 
 
 It is evident that these preparations must vary in strength at least to the same extent 
 as juices (see p. 1534), and that they are of doubtful utility, except perhaps for such 
 drugs which, like the leaves of Rhus Toxicodendron, owe their virtues to very volatile 
 uncombined principles. 
 
TINCTURA A CONTTI.— TINCTURA ALOES ET MYRRH jE. 
 
 1605 
 
 TINCTURA ACONITI, V. S., Br., P. G . — Tincture of Aconite. 
 
 Tinctura aconiti radicis , P. A. — Tincture of aconite-root , E. ; Teinture de racine d'aconit , 
 Fr. ; Eisenliuttinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Aconite, in No. 60 powder, 350 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 700 Cc. 
 of alcohol to 300 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 200 Cc. of men- 
 struum, macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass perco- 
 lator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of aconite use 11 av. ozs. and 300 grains of powdered 
 aconite-root and moisten with 6 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 7 volumes, water 
 3 volumes). 
 
 Aconite-root 2\ oz. av., alcohol (sp. gr. 0.838) sufficient to make 1 Imperial pint (20 
 fluidounces). — Br. 
 
 Aconite-root 20 parts, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 100 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Aconite-root 10 parts, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.894) 100 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The selection of efficient root and its careful percolation are of the utmost importance. 
 The tincture is of a yellowish-brown color, and on the addition of water becomes milky 
 from the precipitation of resin. Formerly tincture of aconite-leaves (2 troyounces to 1 pint 
 of diluted alcohol) was official ; it was much weaker than the present tincture, and could 
 be given in larger doses. 
 
 Fleming’s Tincture of Aconite is still prescribed by some physicians ; it is prepared 
 by carefully percolating 10 troyounces of powdered aconite-root with sufficient alcohol 
 to obtain 15 fluidounces of tincture. Since the introduction of the very efficient official 
 fluid extract of aconite there seems no longer to be any necessity for this tincture. 
 
 Uses. — The medicinal and poisonous actions of aconite have been discussed elsewhere. 
 The tincture is the preparation most frequently employed in medicine. The close is Gm. 
 0.06-0.30 (ny— v). 
 
 TINCTURA ALOES, U. S., Br. — Tincture of Aloes. 
 
 Teinture T aloes , Fr. ; Aloetinktur , G.; Tintura de Acibar , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Aloes, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Liquorice-root, in No. 
 40 powder, 200 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol, a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the 
 powders, and, having moistened the mixture with 80 Cc. of diluted alcohol, macerate for 
 twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour 
 diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of aloes use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of purified aloes and 
 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of powdered liquorice-root and moisten the mixed powders with 
 2\ fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 The formulas of other pharmacopoeias require — Socotrine aloes ? ounce, extract of 
 liquorice 1J ounces (av.), proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Aloes 1 
 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. Aloes 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.832) 5 
 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The tincture has a dark blackish-brown color and a very bitter taste. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is rarely used as a purgative, for which purpose not less than 
 Gm. 16 (£ an ounce) of it would be necessary. As a laxative Gm. 4-8 (f^j— ij) may be 
 taken after food. It has been applied topically as a dressing for indolent ulcers , excoria- 
 tions , bed-sores , fissures , and cutaneous eruptions. It enters into various preparations of 
 old repute for their virtues in such affections — e. g. Turlington’s balsam, friars’ balsam, 
 etc. — and has more recently been employed for similar purposes with glycerin, by evapor- 
 ating from 4 to 8 parts of the tincture of aloes, and then gradually adding 30 parts of 
 glycerin. 
 
 TINCTURA ALOES ET MYRRHS, U . S. — Tincture of Aloes and 
 
 Myrrh. 
 
 Elixir proprietatis Paracelsi. — Elixir de propriety , Fr . ) Aloeelixir , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Purified Aloes, 100 Gm. ; Myrrh 100 Gm. ; Liquorice-root, in No. 40 
 powder, 100 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1 000 Cc.. Mix alco- 
 hol and water in the proportion of 750 Cc. of alcohol to 250 Cc. of water. Having mixed 
 
1606 TINCTTJRA ARNICA? FLOR UM. — TINCTURA ARNICA RADICIS. 
 
 the aloes, myrrh, and liquorice-root, reduce them to a No. 40 powder. Moisten the pow- 
 der with 60 Cc. of the menstruum, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it 
 moderately in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 
 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of aloes and myrrh use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains each of 
 purified aloes, myrrh, and liquorice-root, and moisten the mixed powders with 2 fluid- 
 ounces of the menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume). 
 
 This preparation has been dropped from the other pharmacopoeias ; that of the P. G. 
 1812 was four-fifths of the above strength, and contained also 4 per cent, of saffron and 8 
 per cent, of diluted sulphuric acid sp. gr. 1.115. 
 
 The color of this tincture is deep reddish-brown ; if prepared with saffron, it is of a rich 
 orange-brown. It is precipitated by water. 
 
 In this connection should be mentioned the following preparation, which has long 
 enjoyed considerable reputation on the continent of Europe : 
 
 Tinctura aloes composita, P. G. ; Elixir ad longam vitam, Elixir suedicum. — Com- 
 pound tincture of aloes, Swedish bitters, E. ; Elixir de longue vie, Elixir suedois, Fr. ; 
 Lebenselixir, G. — Aloes 6 parts, and gentian, rhubarb, zedoary, and saffron, each 1 part, 
 are macerated for a week with 200 parts of alcohol sp. gr. 0.894 ; the tincture is expressed 
 and filtered. — P. G. The formula of the French Codex reduces the aloes to 4 parts, 
 the other ingredients to 1 part, and adds i part each of agaric and of confection of 
 opium. 
 
 Uses. — As a purgative capable of especially stimulating the pelvic organs this prep- 
 aration has been employed under the name of Elixir proprietatis ever since it was 
 invented by Paracelsus, and also as peculiarly fitting for constipation in females when 
 associated with amenorrhoea or irregular menstruation. But this state is commonly a 
 result of general atony, and can only be radically cured by remedies addressed to the 
 general system. The dose is Gm. 4-8 fej-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA ARNIC^E FLORUM, U. S. — Tincture of Arnica-flowers. 
 
 Tinctura arnica z, P. G. — Teinture de jleur d’ arnica, Fr. ; Arnikatinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arnica-flowers, in No. 20 powder, 200 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a suf- 
 ficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Pack the powder firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of arnica-flowers use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of pow- 
 dered arnica-flowers. 
 
 Arnica-flowers 20 parts, alcohol (sp. grav. .912) 100 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Arnica-flowers 10 parts, alcohol (sp. grav. .894) 100 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The first formula yields a yellowish-brown tincture of a darker tint than the other two 
 and that of the U. S. P. 1870, a less alcoholic menstruum being now employed, which 
 extracts more of the extractive matter, but probably less of the resinous and oily con- 
 stituents. The present tincture becomes less opalescent with water than one prepared 
 with a stronger alcoholic menstruum. 
 
 Uses. — In Germany tincture of arnica is universally employed as the sovereign 
 domestic remedy for wounds , bruises , and all manner of local pains , which it benefits 
 through the alcohol as well as by the essential oil that it contains. It is applied diluted 
 with water as a lotion or upon compresses ; it is not often prescribed internally, but may 
 be given in doses of Gm. 0.60-4 (gtt. x-lx). 
 
 TINCTURA ARNICA RADICIS, U. S.— Tincture of Arnica-root. 
 
 Tinctura arnicas , Br. ; Teinture de racine d' arnica, Fr. ; Arnikawurzeltinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Arnica-root, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 650 
 Cc. of alcohol to 350 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of the menstruum 
 and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it moderately in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of arnica-root use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of powdered 
 arnica-root, and moisten the same with 41 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 65 vol- 
 umes, water 35 volumes). jfl 
 
 Arnica-root 1 oz. av., alcohol (sp. gr. 0.838) sufficient to make 1 Imperial pint (20 fluid- 
 ounces). — Br. 
 
TINCTURA ASAFCETID^E— TINCTURA A UR A NTII DULCIS. 
 
 1607 
 
 The first formula yields a darker-colored tincture than that of the B. P., due not merely 
 to the larger amount of drug used, but on account of the reduced alcoholic strength of the 
 menstruum, which is nearly the same as that used for the fluid extract. 
 
 Uses. — The German Pharmacopoeia does not contain any tincture of arnica-root, and 
 it is difficult to understand why the American should be so encumbered. The dose may 
 be stated as about the same as that of the tincture of the flowers. 
 
 TINCTURA ASAFCETIEEE, 77. S., Br. — Tincture of Asafetida. 
 
 Tinctura asse foetidse. P. G. — Teinture d J asafoetida t Fr. ; Asanttinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Asafetida, bruised, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Mix the asafetida with 800 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for seven days in a 
 closed vessel ; then filter through paper, adding, through the filter, enough alcohol to 
 make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of asafetida macerate 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of bruised 
 asafetida with 26 fluidounces of alcohol for a week, and after filtration wash the filter 
 with sufficient menstruum to bring the volume up to 32 fluidounces. 
 
 The proportions of other pharmacopoeias are — Asafoetida 2\ oz. av., rectified 
 spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Asafoetida 1 part, alcohol 5 parts. — F. 
 Cod., P. G. 
 
 The tincture nearly agrees with those of the French and German Pharmacopoeias. It 
 has a yellowish brown-red color and is rendered milky on the addition of water. 
 
 Tinctura atherea asafoetida: ( Tinctura etere de asafetida , Sp.). Asafetida 2 parts, 
 ether 7 parts, alcohol 3 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — Owing to its repulsive taste, tincture of asafetida is seldom given by the mouth, 
 although the dose is commonly stated to be from Gm. 2—4 (f^ss-j). It is more conve- 
 nient and useful in an enema, with water alone or with other appropriate adjuncts, for the 
 relief of intestinal flatulence and for obtaining the influence of the drug in hysterical 
 attacks. From Gm. 16—32 (f^ss-j) may be used in this manner. 
 
 TINCTURA AURANTH AMARI, 77. 8., B. A . — Tincture of Bitter 
 
 Orange-peel. 
 
 Tinctura aurantii , Br. ; P. G. — Tincture of orange-peel E. ; Teinture d' orange amere, 
 Fr. ; Ponieranzentinktur , G, 
 
 Preparation. — Bitter Orange-peel, in No. 30 powder, 200 Gm. : Alcohol, Water, 
 each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion 
 of 600 Cc. of alcohol to 400 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 200 Cc. of the men- 
 struum and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it moderately in a cylindrical per- 
 colator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of bitter orange-peel use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of 
 powdered bitter orange-peel, and moisten with 6 fluidounces of menstruum (alcohol 6 
 volumes, water 4 volumes). 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias direct : Bitter orange-peel 2 ounces (av.), proof spirit sufficient for 
 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Bitter orange-peel 1 part ; macerated with 5 parts of alcohol 
 spec. grav. 0.863. — F. Cod. (spec. grav. 0.894, P. G.). 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of bitter orange-peel is employed almost exclusively as a flavoring 
 ingredient of mixtures. The dose is Gm. 4-8 (f;5j-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA AURANTH DULCIS, 77. S . — Tincture of Sweet Orange- 
 
 peel. 
 
 Teinture d' orange douce , Fr. ; Apfelsinenschaalentinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sweet Orange-peel, taken from the fresh fruit, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the orange-peel (which should be as free as 
 possible from the inner white layer), previously cut into small pieces, with 800 Cc. of 
 alcohol, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it moderately in a conical perco- 
 lator, and gradually pour alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 U. aS. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of sweet orange-peel macerate 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of 
 fine cut fresh sweet orange-peel (deprived of the inner white layer) with 26 fluidounces of 
 alcohol, and finally percolate with sufficient menstruum to make 32 fluidounces. 
 
1608 
 
 TINCTURA AURA NTII RECENTTS.—TINCTURA BENZOINI. 
 
 By careful grating the yellow rind of fresh oranges is easily removed, and at once 
 obtained in a suitable condition for preparing the tincture, which has a yellow color and a 
 very agreeable odor. 
 
 TINCTURA AURANTII RECENTIS, Br. — Tincture of Fresh Orange- 
 
 peel. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bitter Orange, Rectified Spirit, each a sufficiency. Care- 
 fully cut from the orange the colored part of the rind in thin slices, and macerate 6 ounces 
 of this in 18 fl. oz. of the spirit for a week, with frequent agitation. Then pour off the 
 liquid, press the dregs, mix the liquid products, and filter ; finally, add sufficient spirit to 
 make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture of fresh orange-peel contains a larger proportion of the volatile 
 oil and has a more agreeable flavor than that made from the dry rind of the bitter orange. 
 The dose is Gm. 4-8 (f^i— ij). 
 
 TINCTURA BELLADONNA FOLIORUM, U . Tincture of Bella- 
 donna-leaves. 
 
 Tinctura belladonna, U. S. 1880, Br., P. A. — Tincture of belladonna, E. ; Teinture de 
 belladone, Fr. ; Belladonnatinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Belladonna-leaves, in No. 60 powder, 150 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 200 Cc. of diluted alco- 
 hol, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of belladonna use 5 av. ozs. of powdered belladonna- 
 leaves, and moisten with 6J fluidounces of menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 The proportions directed by other pharmacopoeias are — Belladonna-leaves 1 ounce (av.), 
 proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Belladonna-leaves 1 part, alcohol (sp. 
 gr. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 This tincture differs very little in strength from that of the U. S. P. 1880. The color 
 is greenish-brown or brown-green, according to the strength of the alcohol. 
 
 Tinctura atherea belladonna. Belladonna-leaves 2 parts, ether 7 parts, alcohol 
 3 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — The dose of this tincture is about Gm. 0.50 (npvij), representing 1 grain of 
 
 the leaves. 
 
 TINCTURA BENZOINI, TJ . S . — Tincture of Benzoin. 
 
 Tinctura benzoes, P. G. — Teinture de benjoin, Fr. ; Benzoetinktur, G. ; Tinctura de benjui, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Benzoin, in moderately coarse powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the powder with 800 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for 
 seven days in a closed vessel ; then filter through paper, adding, through the filter, enough 
 alcohol to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of benzoin macerate 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of coarsely 
 powdered benzoin with 26 fluidounces of alcohol for seven days and filter ; finally wash 
 the filter with sufficient alcohol to obtain 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Macerate benzoin 1 part in alcohol 5 parts. — F. Cod., P. G. 
 
 The tincture is brownish-red, and yields with water a milky mixture having an acid 
 reaction. 
 
 Lac virginis — Virgin’s milk, E. ; Lait virginal, Fr. ; Jungfernmilch, G. — is a cos- 
 metic preparation consisting of tincture of benzoin 1 part and rose-water from 20 to 100 
 parts. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture of benzoin was formerly in more general use than at present, 
 both internally and externally. By the former method it was employed in chronic mucous 
 proflu via of the bronchial and urinary organs , and even in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery ; 
 in the same cases, in short, for which copaiba has more recently been recommended. As 
 a local application by means of the atomizer it may sometimes be administered with 
 benefit in chronic laryngeal and bronchial catarrh. Externally, it is useful both as a 
 stimulant and a protective for ulcers, and even for slight fresh wounds. But it is more 
 applicable to irritable and indolent sores, as bed-sores, ulcers tending to gangrene, sore 
 nipples, chapped hands and lips, and to slight lesions of the same sort about the anus. 
 Mixed with water or rose-water, it may be used to remove freckles and slight papular 
 
TINCTURA BENZOINI COM POSIT A .— TINCTURA BRYONIJE. 
 
 1609 
 
 and other eruptions , as well as to preserve the freshness and suppleness of the skin. It 
 is the medicinal ingredient of the usual forms of court plaster, and too often renders 
 this preparation irritating rather than healing. The dose of tincture of benzoin is Gm. 
 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 TINCTURA BENZOINI COMPOSITA, V. S., Br .— Compound Tincture 
 
 of Benzoin. 
 
 Tinctura balsamica , F. Cod.; Bcilsamum comm e n datoris , Elixir traumaticum. — Teinture 
 balsamique , Baume du commandeur de Permes , Fr. ; Persischer Wundbalsam, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Benzoin, in coarse powder, 120 Gm. ; Purified Aloes, in coarse 
 powder, 20 Gm. ; Storax 80 Gm. ; Balsam of Tolu 40 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the benzoin, aloes, storax, and balsam of Tolu with 800 
 Cc. of alcohol, and digest the mixture, at a temperature not exceeding 65° C. (149° F.), 
 for two hours in a closed vessel ; then filter through paper, adding, through the filter, 
 enough alcohol to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound tincture of benzoin macerate for seven days in 26 fluid- 
 ounces of alcohol 4 av. ozs. and 152 grains of benzoin, 309 grains of purified aloes, 2 av. 
 ozs. and 359 grains of storax, and 1 av. oz. and 180 grains of balsam of Tolu and filter ; 
 finally wash the filter with sufficient alcohol to make 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Take of benzoin, in coarse powder, 2 ounces; prepared storax 11 ounces; balsam of 
 Tolu I ounce (av.) ; Socotrine aloes 160 grains; rectified spirit sufficient for 1 pint 
 (Imperial). Macerate for seven days and filter. — Br. 
 
 St. Johnswort 2 parts; angelica-root, myrrh, olibanum, and aloes, of each 1 part; bal- 
 sam of Tolu and benzoin, of each 6 parts ; alcohol (spec. grav. 0.863) 72 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The older pharmacopoeias had still more complicated formulas. 
 
 The tincture is intended to take the place of numerous preparations formerly employed, 
 as Wade's, Vervain s, Saint Victor's , Jesuits' , Friars' , Turlington s, Persian , and Swedish 
 balsajn. It is of a deep red-brown color, and yields with water a reddish-white opaque 
 mixture having an acid reaction. 
 
 Uses. — The uses of the compound tincture are essentially the same as those of the 
 simple tincture of benzoin, but the former is in most cases the more efficient of the two. 
 Especially is this true of its use in affections of the air-passages and lesions of the skin. 
 For such ailments it was for centuries in high repute under various names, as friars’ 
 balsam, Turlington’s balsam, etc., until it was displaced by the influence of doctrinal 
 principles in therapeutics. Those who considered the cure of disease of more conse- 
 quence than the justification of a doctrine adhered to its use, and the medicine survived 
 the theory. It is needless to particularize all the cases in which this preparation may be 
 beneficially used ; they are, as already stated, those mentioned under the head of the 
 simple tincture. The dose is Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 The compound is far more efficient than the simple tincture as an application to the 
 various ulcerative lesions mentioned in the article upon that preparation, and especially 
 to bed-sores. After cleansing and drying the sore it should be thoroughly covered with 
 the tincture, over which should be laid two thicknesses of fresh cotton wadding extend- 
 ing far beyond the sore, and the whole supported by a broad bandage. The application 
 is for a short time painful, but it should be removed at intervals of two or more days, 
 care being taken at each dressing to remove any dead tissue that is loose (Woodman). 
 
 TINCTURA BRYONLE, TJ. S . — Tincture of Bryonia. 
 
 Teinture de bryone blanche , Fr. ; Zaunriibentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Bryonia, recently dried and in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Alcohol a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of alcohol, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and 
 gradually pour alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of bryony use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of powdered bry- 
 ony-root, and moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 This tincture is not recognized by the other pharmacopoeias ; it has a brown-yellow 
 color, is destitute of any characteristic odor, and has a somewhat bitter taste. Since 
 bryony does not grow in North America, it will be difficult to comply with the pharma- 
 copoeial directions of using the “ recently-dried ” root. The bitter principle, bryonin, is 
 soluble in water ; hence diluted alcohol would seem to be an equally effective menstruum. 
 
 Uses. — This drastic purgative may be prescribed in doses of Gin. 1-4 (n^xv-lx). 
 
1610 
 
 TINCTURA B UCH U. — TINCTURA CANNABIS INDICAE. 
 
 TINCTURA BUCHU, ^.—Tincture of Buchu. 
 
 Teinture de buchu , Fr. ; Buchutinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bucliu-leaves, in No. 20 powder, 2\ ounces (av.) ; Proof 
 Spirit 1 pint (Imperial). Prepare the tincture by maceration, as described under Tinc- 
 ture. — Br. Buchu 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.83b) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The first tincture has a greenish-brown, the second a brownish-green, color ; both have 
 the odor and taste of the drug. 
 
 Uses. — A medicine intended to allay irritated conditions of the urinary passages 
 should seldom be prepared with alcohol, or if it is so it should be administered in a large, 
 proportion of water. The convenience of dispensing buchu under certain circumstances 
 may justify this preparation, but on purely therapeutical grounds it is ineligible. The 
 dose of the tincture is Gm. 4—8 (f^j-^ij)- 
 
 TINCTURA CALENDULA, 77. S . — Tincture of Calendula. 
 
 Tincture of marigold , E. ; Teinture de souci , Fr. ; Calendulatinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Calendula, in No. 20 powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 200 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for 
 twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour 
 alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of calendula use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of powdered 
 calendula, and moisten with 6? fluidounces of menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 This, like Tinctura bryoniae, is not recognized by other pharmacopoeias. It should be 
 remembered that the Pharmacopoeia defines calendula to be the fresh flowering herb, and 
 that two cultivated species of Tagetes are likewise popularly known as marigold (see 
 page 377). The intention seems to be that calendula, freshly gathered, should be at once 
 dried, powdered, and converted into tincture. 
 
 Uses. — Considering the deobstruent virtues attributed to calendula, alcohol does not 
 appear to be an appropriate vehicle for its administration. The tincture, however, is con- 
 venient as an application to sprains , bruises , etc. 
 
 TINCTURA CALUMBiE, 77. S., Br. — Tincture of Calumba. 
 
 Tinctura Colombo. — Teinture de Colombo , Fr. ; Kolombotinhtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Calumba, in No. 20 powder, 100 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 600 Cc. of 
 alcohol to 400 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of the mix- 
 ture, macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it in a cylindrical percolator, and gradu- 
 ally pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — TJ. JS. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of calumba use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of powdered 
 calumba, and moisten with 31 fluidounces of menstruum (alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 
 volume). 
 
 Columbo 2i oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Colombo 1 
 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The tincture has a brown-yellow color, and is much less prone to unsightly precipita- 
 tion than that of a former pharmacopoeia, which was made with diluted alcohol. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture possesses all the virtues of calumba, and may be given for the 
 same purposes as that medicine. It is chiefly employed as a stomachic tonic during con- 
 valescence from acute diseases and in feeble states of digestion from other causes. It may 
 also be added to bitter infusions where a special stimulant action is desired. The dose is 
 Gm. 4-8 (fej-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CANNABIS INDICES, 77. 8., Br.— Tincture of Indian 
 
 Cannabis. 
 
 Tincture of hemp ( Indian hemp ), E. ; Teinture de chanvre de T hide ) Fr. ; Indisch- 
 hanftinlctur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Indian Cannabis, in No. 40 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder wfith 150 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate 
 for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour 
 alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S.' 
 
TINCTURA CA NTH A R TDTS. — TINCT UR A CAPSICI. 
 
 1611 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of Indian hemp use 5 av. ozs. of powdered Indian can- 
 nabis, and moisten with 5 fiuidounces of menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 The tincture of the French Codex is apparently of the same strength, but is made with 
 alcohol spec. gray. 0.912, which is too weak a menstruum. The present official formula 
 is nearly identical with that of 1880, the preparation being about one-third as strong as 
 that of the B. P. Good Indian cannabis yields about 121 per cent, of alcoholic extract; 
 the tincture will therefore contain about 137 grains of extract in the pint. The Pharma- 
 copoeia of 1870 ordered 360 grains of extract to the pint. 
 
 Extract of Indian hemp 1 oz. av., rectified spirit 1 pint. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture of Indian hemp may be employed for the same purposes as the 
 extract of that plant, but is ineligible on account of the precipitation of its resin by 
 water. The primary dose is about Gm. 1.30 (n^xx). The variable strength of different 
 specimens of the tincture has occasioned abnormal effects on changing one for another 
 (TYmes and Gaz., June, 1885, p. 817). It is prudent to begin with a minimum dose and 
 very gradually increase it. 
 
 TINCTURA CANTHARIDIS, U. S., Br F. Cod.—' Tincture of Can- 
 
 THARIDES. 
 
 Tinctura cantharidum , R G., P. A. — Teinture de cantharides , Fr. ; Spanischfiiegen- 
 tinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cantharides, in No. 60 powder, 50 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 30 Cc. of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a 
 cylindrical percolator; then gradually pour alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are 
 obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of cantharides use 1 av. oz. and 293 grains of powdered 
 cantharides, and moisten with 1 fluidounce of menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 The proportions directed by other pharmacopoeias are — Cantharides \ oz. av., proof spirit 
 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Cantharides 1 part, alcohol 10 parts. — F. Cod.. F. G. 
 
 The tincture has the burning taste and pie peculiar odor of cantharides. Made with 
 alcohol, it is of a greenish-yellow color ; but diluted alcohol dissolves the dark extractive 
 matter and yields a brown-yellow tincture. The tincture of the U. S. P. 1880 represented 
 in the fluidounce 18.7 grains (the present one 22.8 grains) of cantharides. 
 
 Uses.— This preparation is convenient for use in the comparatively rare cases in 
 which cantharides are internally administered. It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 
 0.30—1.30 (rrpv— xx) and upward until vesical irritation is produced ; even smaller doses, 
 such as a drop every hour, may be preferable to larger doses at longer intervals, particu- 
 larly when the kidneys are diseased. Tincture of cantharides should be administered 
 largely diluted in a mucilaginous vehicle. The external uses of this preparation 
 include numerous cases in which a more prolonged and sustained irritation, amount- 
 ing sometimes to rubefaction, is required than can be obtained by more active irri- 
 tants. Although sometimes applied in liniments to the whole surface of the body, it is 
 manifestly less appropriate to such a purpose than stimulants which act more promptly 
 and for a shorter time ; its proper use is as a substitutive stimulant in local torpor, con- 
 gestions. inflammations, and pains , in neuralgia of certain nerves, alopecia , frost-bite , 
 fistulous ulcers , etc. The following liniment is used in alopecia : R. Cologne-water f^j ; 
 Tincture of Cantharides f^iss ; Tinctures of Rosemary and Lavender, each 10 drops. 
 The scalp should be gently rubbed every day with this lotion, applied on a sponge or 
 piece of flannel. 
 
 TINCTURA CAPSICI, U. S., Br F. G.— Tincture of Capsicum. 
 
 Teinture de piment des jar dins, Fr. ; Spanischpfeffertinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Capsicum, in No. 30 powder, 50 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 950 Cc. 
 of alcohol to 50 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 40 Cc. of the mixture, 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator ; then gradually pour menstruum upon it until 
 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of capsicum use 1 av. oz. and 293 grains of powdered cap- 
 sicum, and moisten with 1 \ fiuidounces of menstruum (alcohol 19 volumes, water 1 volume). 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias direct — Capsicum £ ounce (av.), rectified spirit sufficient for 1 
 pint (Imperial). — Br. Capsicum 1 part, alcohol 10 parts. — F. G. 
 
1612 
 
 TINCTURA CARDAMOMI. — T1NCTTJRA CA SC A RILL2E. 
 
 The tincture has a light reddish-orange color and the fiery taste of capsicum. Made 
 according to the U. S. P. 1880, a fluidounce of it contained 19 grains (the present tincture 
 22.8 grains) of capsicum. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture can be used for most of the purposes for which capsicum has 
 been recommended, and especially as an addition to gargles, rubefacient liniments, and 
 mixtures intended to stimulate the stomach exhausted by alcoholic excesses. It may be 
 prescribed in doses of Gm. 4-8 (f3j-ij), appropriately diluted. 
 
 TINCTURA CARDAMOMI, 77. S. — Tincture of Cardamom. 
 
 Teinture de cardamome , Fr. ; Kardamomentinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cardamom, in No. 30 powder, 100 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of diluted alcohol, 
 and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 
 TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of cardamom use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of powdered 
 cardamom, and moisten with 3J fluidounces of menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 It is of a brown-yellow color, and has the aromatic odor and spicy taste of carda- 
 mom. 
 
 Uses. — The simple is much less used than the compound tincture of cardamom. It 
 may, however, be prescribed as a carminative in the dose of Gm. 4-8 (fej-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CARDAMOMI COMPOSITA, 77. S., Br.— Compound 
 
 Tincture of Cardamom. 
 
 Teinture de cardamome composee , Fr. ; Znsammengesetzte Kardamomentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cardamom 20 Gm. ; Cinnamon 20 Gm. ; Caraway 10 Gm. ; Cochi- 
 neal 5 Gm. ; Glycerin 50 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix the cardamom, cinnamon, caraway, and cochineal, and reduce them to a moderately 
 coarse (No. 40) powder. Having moistened the powder with 25 Cc. of diluted alcohol, 
 pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 
 950 Cc. of tincture are obtained ; then add the glycerin, and mix them. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound tincture of cardamom use 292 grains each of cardamom 
 and cinnamon, 146 grains of caraway, and 73 grains of cochineal ; reduce to No. 40 pow- 
 der. moisten with 7 fluidrachms of diluted alcohol, and percolate with diluted alcohol 
 until 30 f fluidounces of tincture have been obtained, to which add 13 fluidrachms of 
 glycerin. 
 
 Cardamom-seed, freed from the pericarps, and caraway-fruit, each 4 ounce ; raisins, 
 freed from their seeds, 2 ounces ; cinnamon-bark % ounce (av.) ; cochineal 55 grains ; 
 proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Both tinctures have a red color, due to cochineal, and are of an agreeable aromatic odor 
 and taste. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture, on account of its brilliant color and carminative properties, is 
 when mixed with sweetened hot water, a favorite remedy for flatulent colic. It is a 
 customary addition to mixtures intended, to relieve similar affections. The dose is Gm. 
 4-8 (f 3 -ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CASCARILLJE, Br B. A.— Tincture of Cascarilla. 
 
 Teinture de cascarille , Fr. ; Kaskarilltinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cascarilla-bark 21 oz. av. ; proof spirit 1 pint (Imperial). 
 Macerate and finish the tincture by the process described under Tincture. — Br. Casca- 
 rilla 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The tincture has a reddish-brown color. 
 
 Uses. — Although not generally used in this country, it is not unworthy of being 
 employed in cases requiring a tonic and stimulant operation. It is especially useful in 
 dyspeptic gastro-intestinal derangements due to atony, and is beneficially associated in 
 these affections and others with compound tincture of cinchona. The dose is from Gm. 
 2-8 (%ss-ij). 
 
TINCTURA CA STORE!.— TINCTURA CHIRA TJE. 
 
 1613 
 
 TINCTURA CASTOREI, F. Cod., F. A.— Tincture of Castor. 
 
 Teinture de castoreum, F. ; B iberge iltin ktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Castor, in coarse powder, 1 oz. av. ; Rectified Spirit 1 pint. 
 Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation ; strain, press, filter, 
 and add sufficient rectified spirit to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 1867. 
 
 Macerate 1 part of castor in 10 parts of alcohol (sp. grav. 0.863). — F. Cod., (sp. grav. 
 0.832, P. G. 1882). 
 
 The tincture has a deep reddish-brown color, is rendered opalescent by water, and with 
 a larger quantity of water becomes milky, of a dingy brownish-white color, deposits red- 
 brown resinous matter, and on standing becomes nearly colorless and almost transparent ; 
 on the addition of excess of ammonia the resin remains undissolved (see page 422). 
 
 Tixctura vEtherea castorei (Tinctura etereo de castoreo, Sp.'). Castor 1 part, ether 
 (sp. gr. .724) 7 parts, alcohol 3 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of castor is seldom employed, hut in the obligatory variation of 
 medicines used in the treatment of hysterical disorders it may occasionally find its place, 
 particularly in enemas. The latter method is peculiarly appropriate when an hysterical 
 attack occurs about the menstrual period, with symptoms of utero-ovarian irritation and 
 flatulent distension of the bowels. The ataxic state of low fevers may be treated in the 
 same manner, but with less prospect of doing good than by the use of asafetida, valerian, 
 opium, or simply alcohol. Dose, from Gm. 2-8 (f3ss-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CATECHU COMPOSITA, U . Compound Tincture of 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 Tinctura catechu , Br., P. G. — Teinture de cachou, Fr. ; Katechutinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Catechu, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Cassia Cinnamon, in No. 40 
 powder, 50 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the 
 powders, and, without moistening, pack the mixture firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of catechu use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of catechu and 
 1 av. oz. and 293 grains of cassia-bark. 
 
 The formulas of other pharmacopoeias direct — Pale catechu 2? oz. av., cinnamon-bark 
 1 ounce av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Catechu 1 part, alcohol 
 (sp. grav. 0.912 or 0.894) 5 parts. — F. Cod., P. G., P. A. 
 
 The tincture has a dark red-brown color, a strongly astringent taste, and an acid reac- 
 tion ; it does not become milky on the addition of water, produces with ferric salts green- 
 black precipitates, and when heated with potassium dichromate becomes brownish-red. 
 
 Uses. — Compound tincture of catechu is used internally, chiefly for the purpose of 
 diminishing diarrhoea. When the latter affection is acute, the tincture is generally 
 administered in chalk mixture ; when chronic, it is often given with port wine. Exter- 
 nally, it is useful as a dressing for indolent ulcers of soft tissues, and particularly of the 
 nipples and anus. Diluted with water, it may be injected into the rectum or vagina in 
 chronic fluxes of those organs. The dose is Gm. 2—8 (ftjss— ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CHIRATiE, TJ . S ., Br. — Tincture of Chirata. 
 
 Tincture of chiretta , E. ; Teinture de chirette , Fr. ; C hirettatinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chirata, in No. 40 powder. 100 Gm. ; Alcohol, water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 650 Cc. 
 of alcohol to 350 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of the men- 
 struum, macerate for twenty-four hours; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of chirata use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of chirata, pow- 
 dered, and moisten with 31 fluidounces of menstruum (alcohol 65 volumes, water 35 
 volumes). 
 
 Chiretta, cut small and bruised, 2$ oz. av. ; proof spirit 1 pint (Imperial). Prepare the 
 tincture by the process described under Tinctura:. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The medicinal qualities of this preparation are closely analogous to those of 
 columbo. It is but little used in this country. Dose, Gm. 2-8 (fjss-ij). 
 
1614 TINCTURA CHLOROFORMI COMPOSITA.— TTNCTURA CINCH ONuE. 
 
 TINOTURA CHLOROFORMI COMPOSITA, Br. — Compound Tincture 
 
 of Chloroform. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Chloroform 2 fluidounces ; Rectified Spirit 8 fluidounces ; 
 Compound Tincture of Cardamom 10 fluidounces. Mix. — Br. 
 
 Tinctura CHLOROFORMI et morphine, Br. Dissolve morphine hydrochlorate 8 
 grains and oil of peppermint 4 minims in rectified spirit 1 fluidounce, and add chloro- 
 form 1 fluidounce and ether 2 fluidrachms. Mix liquid extract of liquorice and treacle, 
 each 1 fluidounce, with syrup 3 fluidounces, add this to the above solution ; then add 
 diluted hydrocyanic acid ! fluidounce, and sufficient syrup to make 8 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Mistura chloroformi et opii, N. F. ; Mixture of chloroform and opium, 
 Chloroform anodyne. Triturate 240 grains of purified extract of glycyrrhiza with 4 fluidrachm 
 of water and 1 fluidounce of simple syrup ; add 128 minims of fluid extract of belladonna-root, 
 2f fluidounces of deodorized tincture of opium, and 1 fluidounce of tincture of capsicum, pre- 
 viously mixed together Then mix 2 fluidounces of purified chloroform, 16 minims of oil of 
 peppermint, and 2 fluidounces each of tincture of Indian cannabis and tincture of quillaja, and 
 add them to the previous mixture. Finally add enough syrup to make 16 fluidounces, and mix 
 the whole thoroughly together. This mixture should be shaken whenever it is dispensed. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is convenient for administering chloroform as a liquid inter- 
 nally. The dose is Gm. 1.30-2.60 (npxx-xl). It is chiefly used for allaying flatulent, 
 biliary, and renal colics , but has also been employed in delirium tremens and in mania-d-potu. 
 
 TINCTURA CIMICIFUGA, 77 . S., Br.— Tincture of Cimicifuga. 
 
 Tincture of black snakeroot , E. ; Teinture d'actee d grappes , F. ; Cimicifugatinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Cimicifuga, in No. 60 powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of alcohol, macerate for 
 twenty-four hours, pack firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and with alcohol obtain 1000 
 Cc. of tincture. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of cimicifuga use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of cimicifuga 
 and moisten with 5 fluidounces of menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 Cimicifuga in No. 40 powder 2| oz. ; proof spirit sufficient for 20 fl. oz. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture of cimicifuga seems to be an unnecessary medicine, since the 
 fluid extract contains all the virtues of the drug in a smaller proportion of alcohol. Bose, 
 Gm. 4-12 (f^j-iij). 
 
 TINCTURA CINCHONA, 77 . S., Br.— Tincture of Cinchona. 
 
 Tinctura cinchonse flavse , F. Cod.; Tinctura cliinse , P. G. — Tincture of yellow cinchona , 
 E. ; Teinture de quinquinia jaune, Fr. ; C hinatinktur, G. ; Tintura de quina , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Yellow Cinchona, in No. 60 powder, 200 Gm. ; Glycerin 75 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 675 
 Cc. of alcohol and 250 Cc. of water, and, having moistened the powder with 200 Cc. of 
 the mixture, macerate for twenty -four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass 
 percolator, and gradually pour on the remainder of the mixture. When the liquid has 
 disappeared from the surface, gradually pour on more of the mixture of alcohol and water, 
 using the same proportions as before, and continue the percolation until 1000 Cc. of 
 tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of cinchona use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of yellow cin- 
 chona, and moisten with 62 fluidounces of the menstruum, glycerin 2 ! fluidounces, alco- 
 hol 21 | fluidounces, and water 8 fluidounces; continue percolation subsequently with a 
 mixture of alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume. 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias employ — Red cinchona 4 ounces av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 
 pint (Imperial). — Br. Yellow cinchona 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 5 parts — F. Cod. 
 Cinchona containing 3! per cent, of alkaloids 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.894) 5 parts. — 
 P. G. 
 
 The tincture has a red-brown color, and, if not sufficiently strong in alcohol, deposits 
 a sediment of cinchonic red containing kinates of the alkaloids. Mr. A. B. Taylor 
 (1865) found a menstruum composed of 2 measures of alcohol and 1 measure each 
 of water and glycerin capable of preventing this precipitation for several months. The 
 present U. S. P. uses alcohol and water nearly in the same proportion as before, and adds 
 a slightly increased quantity of glycerin. 
 
TINCTURA CINCHONAE COM POSIT A .—TINCTURA CINNAMOMI. 1615 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of cinchona is seldom given alone, but is generally used as an addi- 
 tion to tonic mixtures, infusions, etc., and especially for modifying the taste of solutions 
 of quinine. But for these and all other purposes the compound tincture is preferable. 
 Dose , Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CINCHONA COMPOSITA, U. S., Br.— Compound Tinc- 
 ture of Cinchona. 
 
 Tinctura chinse composita , P. G. ; Huxliams tincture of bark , E. ; Teinture de quinquina 
 composee, Elixir febrifuge d' Iluxam, Fr. ; Zusammengesetzte Chinatinktur , G . 
 
 Preparation. — Red Cinchona 100 Gm. ; Bitter Orange-peel 80 Gm. ; Serpentaria 20 
 Gm. ; Glycerin 75 Cc. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Mix the glycerin with 850 Cc. of alcohol and 75 Cc. of water. Having mixed the cin- 
 chona, orange-peel, and serpentaria, reduce them to a fine (No. 60) powder. Moisten the 
 powder with 200 Cc. of the menstruum, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator, and gradually pour on the remainder of the 
 menstruum. When the liquid has disappeared from the surface, gradually pour upon it 
 enough of a mixture of alcohol and water, using the same proportions as before, and con- 
 tinue the percolation until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound tincture of cinchona use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of 
 red cinchona, 2 av. ozs. and 293 grains, of bitter-orange peel, and 293 grains of serpen- 
 taria ; moisten with 61 fluidounces of the menstruum, glycerin 21 fluidounces, alcohol 27 
 fluidounces, and water 21 fluidounces, and continue percolation subsequently with a mix- 
 ture of alcohol 85 volumes, water 15 volumes. 
 
 Red cinchona 2 oz. av. ; bitter orange-peel 1 oz. av. ; serpentary-root 1 oz. av. ; 
 saffron 55 grains ; cochineal 28 grains ; proof spirit sufficient to obtain 1 pint (Imperial). 
 —Br. 
 
 The tincture of the German Pharmacopoeia is also known as Elixir roborans Whyttvi 
 (Tintura de corteza de naranjas compuesta, Sp.), and is composed of cinchona 6 parts, 
 orange-peel and gentian-root, each 2 parts, Chinese cinnamon 1 part, alcohol (spec. grav. 
 0.894) 50 parts. 
 
 The first formula directs a menstruum containing nearly one-fourth more alcohol than 
 is ordered for the simple tincture of cinchona ; the strength of the latter appears to be 
 ample also for the compound tincture. The preparation has a deep red-brown color, an 
 aromatic odor, and a bitter and astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. — The one disease — or morbid condition, rather — in which this preparation of 
 cinchona is superior to all others is the typhoid state , whatever may be the original affec- 
 tion during which it is developed. In doing good the cinchona is aided by the serpen- 
 taria and alcohol of the compound, if not, as was once believed, by the saffron also ( Br . 
 Pi). It should be given in small and repeated doses of Gm. 4—8 (f^j— ij), with 3 or 4 
 parts of water. 
 
 TINCTURA CINNAMOMI, V. S., Br., F. Cod., F. G., F. A.— Tinc- 
 ture of Cinnamon. 
 
 Teinture de cannelle , Fr. ; Zimmttinktur , G. ; Tintura de canela , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Ceylon Cinnamon, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Glycerin 50 Cc. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 
 750 Cc. of alcohol and 200 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 50 Cc. of 
 the menstruum, pack it in a conical percolator, gradually pour on the balance of the men- 
 struum, and continue percolation with a mixture of alcohol 3 volumes and water 1 volume 
 until 1000 Cc. of tincture have been obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of cinnamon use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of Ceylon cin- 
 namon, and moisten with 11 fluidounces of a mixture of 13 fluidrachms of glycerin, 24 
 fluidounces of alcohol, and 6f fluidounces of water ; finally, percolation should be con- 
 tinued with a mixture of alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume. 
 
 Ceylon cinnamon 21 oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Ceylon 
 cinnamon 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. Chinese cinnamon 1 part, 
 alcohol (sp. grav. 0.894) 5 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The tincture has a red-brown color and a sweetish, warmly aromatic, and somewhat 
 astringent taste. It sometimes gelatinizes when the menstruum becomes too weak in 
 alcohol. This is intended to be overcome by the presence of glycerin and greater alco- 
 holic strength in the official formula. 
 
1616 
 
 TINCTURA COCCI.— T1NCTURA CROCI. 
 
 Uses. — The agreeable taste and slight astringency of this preparation render it a 
 suitable addition to mixtures intended to check recent diarrhoea. It may be added to 
 lime-water to control nausea and vomiting. Dose , Gm. 2—8 (fgss-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA COCCI, Br. — Tincture of Cochineal. 
 
 Teintuve de cochenille , Fr. ; Cochenilletinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cochineal, in powder, 2\ oz. ay. ; Proof Spirit 1 pint (Impe- 
 rial). Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation ; strain, press, 
 filter, and add sufficient proof spirit to make 1 pint. — Br. Cochineal 1 part, alcohol (spec, 
 grav. 0.863) 10 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 This tincture has a deep-red color, which is affected by reagents, as described on page 
 511. 
 
 Uses. — It is used exclusively for coloring tinctures, ointments, and mixtures. 
 
 TINCTURA COLCHICI SEMINIS, XT. Br., B. ^l.— T incture of 
 
 COLCHICUM-SEED. 
 
 Tinctura colchici, P. G. — Tincture of colchicum, E. ; Teinture de colchique , Fr. ; Zeitlosen- 
 tinktur , G. ; Tintura de semilla de colchico, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Colchicum-seed, in No. 30 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 600 
 Cc. of alcohol and 400 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of the 
 menstruum, macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it moderately in a cylindrical per- 
 colator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of colchicum-seed use 5 av. ozs. of powdered colchicum- 
 seed, and moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 2 
 volumes). 
 
 Colchicum-seed 2\ oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Colchi- 
 cum-seed 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 5 parts, — F. Cod. Colchicum-seed 1 part, alcohol 
 (sp. grav. 0.894) 10 parts. — P. G. 
 
 That unbroken colchicum-seeds may be completely deprived of colchicine by digestion 
 has been mentioned on page 516 ; but all the pharmacopoeias direct the seeds to be bruised 
 or powdered. The tincture is of a brownish-yellow color, has a bitter taste, and becomes 
 opalescent with water. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture possesses the proper virtues of colchicum, and may be used as 
 well as the wine. The difference of alcoholic strength between it and the wine can make 
 no perceptible difference in the effects of such doses as are employed in practice. The dose 
 is Gm. 0.60-2 (npx-xxx). 
 
 TINCTURA CONII, Br. — Tincture of Conium. 
 
 Teinture de cigue, Fr. ; Schierlingstinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Macerate 2\ av. ozs. of finely-comminuted conium-fruit for forty- 
 eight hours in 15 fluidounces of proof spirit in a closed vessel, agitating occasionally; 
 transfer to a percolator, and when the liquid has all drained off pour on 5 ounces of 
 proof spirit. Finally, express the mass, filter, and add enough proof spirit to bring the 
 volume up to 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia no longer recognizes the tincture : the formula of 1880 directed 
 150 parts of conium-fruit, in No. 30 powder, to be percolated with diluted alcohol contain- 
 ing 0.4 per cent, of diluted hydrochloric acid until 1000 parts (by weight) of tincture have 
 been obtained. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of conium cannot be regarded as an eligible preparation, inasmuch 
 as the quantity of it capable of producing definite effects contains sufficient alcohol to 
 counteract the sedative action of the conium. It is supplanted by the juice of conium. 
 Dose , Gm. 1.30-4 (npxx-lx). 
 
 TINCTURA CROCI, U. S., Br., JP. G.—' Tincture of Saffron. 
 
 Teinture de safran , Fr. ; Safran tinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Saffron 100 Gm.; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity; to make 
 1000 Cc. Moisten the saffron with 100 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and macerate for twenty- 
 
TINCTURA CUBEBS.— TINCTURA ERGOTJE. 
 
 1617 
 
 four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour diluted 
 alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of saffron use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of saffron, and 
 moisten with 34 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 Saffron 1 oz. av. ; proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Saffron 1 part. Macerate with 10 parts of alcohol (sp. gray. 0.863, F. Cod .) (sp. gr. 
 0.894, P. G.) for ten days; express, and filter. — F. Cod., P. G. 
 
 The tincture is of a rich orange-yellow color, and has the odor and taste of saffron. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of saffron is rarely given alone internally. It is chiefly employed to 
 impart a pleasing color to mixtures. Dose , Grin. 4-8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA CUBEBiE, U. S., Br.— Tincture of Oubeb. 
 
 Teinture de cubebe , Fr. ; Kubebentinktur , Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Cubeb, in No. 30 powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to 
 make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for twenty-four 
 hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour alcohol upon it 
 until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of cubeb use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of cubeb, and 
 moisten with 34 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 Powdered cubebs 24 oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient to obtain 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 Powdered cubebs 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863) 5 parts, — F. Cod. 
 
 The U. S. P. has increased the strength of the tincture to nearly double that of 1880, 
 and, very properly, has ordered alcohol in place of diluted alcohol as a menstruum, 
 whereby all the oil and resin can be brought into solution, which was not the case 
 formerly. The tincture has a greenish-brown color, and becomes milky when mixed with 
 water. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of cubeb is chiefly of use in gleet, but sometimes also as a carmina- 
 tive. The dose is Grm. 2-8 (fgss— ij). 
 
 TINCTURA DIGITALIS, U. S., Br., JP. G., B. A.— Tincture of 
 
 Digitalis. 
 
 Teinture de digitale, Fr. ; Fingerhuttinktur, Gr. 
 
 Preparation. — Digitalis, in No. 60 powder, 150 Grm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and 
 gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of digitalis use 5 av. ounces of digitalis-leaves, and 
 moisten with 44 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 Digitalis 24 oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Digitalis 1 part, 
 alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. Fresh digitalis-leaves 5 parts, alcohol (sp. 
 grav. 0.832) 6 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The tests given on p. 581 are valuable for determining the quality of digitalis ; namely, 
 the infusion made with 30 parts of water should become distinctly turbid with a solution 
 of tannin, and the infusion with 10 parts of water should not yield a precipitate with 
 ferric chloride. The tincture has a brown-green color, the peculiar odor of the leaves, 
 and a bitter taste. 
 
 Tinctura ^therea digitalis (Tintura etero de digital, Sp.). Bruised digitalis 1 
 part, ether (sp. grav. 0.758) 5 parts. — F. Cod. It is of a dark-green color. 
 
 Uses. — The special virtues of digitalis are possessed by this preparation, which is 
 more used than any other to obtain the action of the drug upon the heart. Its con- 
 venience, rather than its superiority to the infusion, has probably led to this custom. 
 Friction of the abdomen and of other parts of the body with tincture of digitalis has 
 sometimes been followed by diuresis in dropsy. Dose, Gm. 0.60—1.20 (frpx— xx) three 
 times a day. Great care should be taken in obtaining a new parcel of the medicine to 
 learn whether it be of the same strength as that previously used. 
 
 TINCTURA ERGOTS, Br. — Tincture of Ergot. 
 
 Tinctura secalis cornuti . — Teinture de seigle ergote, Fr. ; Mutterkorntinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ergot, finely comminuted, 5 oz. av. ; Proof Spirit 1 pint 
 (Imperial). Prepare the tincture by the process described under Tincture. — Br. 
 
 102 
 
1618 TINCTURA FERRI ACER A TIS.— TINCTURA FERRI CHLORIDI. 
 
 The tincture has a red-brown color and the odor and taste of ergot. 
 
 Uses. — The stimulant action of the alcohol in this preparation probably renders it 
 less eligible than the wine or the fluid extract of ergot. The dose is Gm. 0.60-4 (npx- 
 f oi)- 
 
 TINCTURA FERRI ACETATIS, Br . — Tincture of Ferric Acetate. 
 
 Tinctura ferri acetici setherea , P. G. — Tincture of acetate of iron, E. ; Teinture d' acetate 
 de fer , Fr. ; Eisenacetattinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of strong solution of acetate of iron 5 fluidounces ; acetic acid 
 1 fluidounce ; rectified spirit 5 fluidounces ; distilled water 9 fluidounces. Mix, and then 
 add sufficient distilled water to make 20 fluidounces. Preserve in a stoppered bottle. 
 — Br. 
 
 Solution of ferric acetate 80 parts, alcohol 12 parts, acetic ether 8 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The former process of double decomposition has been abandoned in the present British 
 Pharmacopoeia for a tincture which contains an excess of acetic acid, while that of the 
 P. G. contains a basic salt (see p. 955) ; the last authority orders also the addition of 
 acetic ether. The solution of ferric acetate, Br. (see p. 955), is of the same strength as 
 the tincture, but contains less free acetic acid. 
 
 Properties. — This tincture is a clear, dark reddish-brown liquid, transparent in thin 
 layers, having the odor of acetic ether, an acidulous and astringent taste, and a slightly 
 acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1.044-1.046. It is miscible in all proportions with water, 
 without becoming turbid. — P. G. The tincture should be kept in the dark and in a cool 
 place. 
 
 A weak tincture or solution of ferric acetate is largely used as a wood-stain. Woods 
 containing tannin are thereby colored black, resembling ebony. To produce the same 
 imitation with wood which is free from tannin, this is first soaked in a solution of extract 
 of logwood before it is treated with ferric acetate. 
 
 Tests. — The diluted tinctures, after being precipitated by an excess of ammonia, yield 
 a filtrate which should not be precipitated by hydrogen sulphide (zinc, copper), barium 
 chloride (sulphate), or, after having been acidulated with nitric acid, by silver nitrate 
 (chloride) ; and on being evaporated and ignited should not leave any fixed residue (alka- 
 lies, earths). 
 
 Uses, — This preparation is reputed by English authorities to be not only an excellent 
 chalybeate for general purposes, but also one of the best of the styptic ferruginous prep- 
 arations for internal administration. It should be given largely diluted with water and 
 taken in small and repeated doses. The dose is Gm. 0.20-2 (npv-xxx). The acetic- 
 ethereal tincture is convenient in hysterical anaemic cases, but only as an occasional sub- 
 stitute for the more actively reconstituent preparations of iron. 
 
 TINCTURA FERRI CHLORIDI, 77. S. — Tincture op Ferric Chloride. 
 
 Tinctura ferri per chloridi, Br. ; Tinctura ferri sesquichloridi — Tincture of per chloride 
 .of iron, Tincture of chloride of iron, E; Teinture de perchlorure de fer , Fr. ; Eisenchlorid - 
 tinktur , G. 
 
 A hydro-alcoholic solution of ferric chloride containing about 13.6 per cent, of the 
 anhydrous salt, and corresponding to about 4.7 (4.69) per cent, of metallic iron. — U. S. 
 
 Preparation. — Solution of Ferric Chloride 250 Cc. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Mix the solution with enough alcohol to make 1000 Cc. Let the 
 tincture stand in a closely-covered vessel at least three months ; then transfer it to glass- 
 stoppered bottles, and keep it protected from light. — U. S. 
 
 Mix strong solution of perchloride of iron 5 fluidounces with rectified spirit 5 fluid- 
 ounces and distilled water 10 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 The two tinctures are practically alike, except that the first contains free hydrochloric 
 acid, and when it is kept on hand for some time, as now directed by the Pharmacopoeia, 
 previous to dispensing it, acquires an ethereal odor from the formation of various com- 
 pounds, resulting from the action upon the alcohol of the free acid, and probably also of 
 the ferric chloride, the latter being reduced to ferrous chloride, more particularly on 
 exposing the tincture to the light. The present Br. P. has reduced the alcohol to one- 
 third the former strength. 
 
 Tincture of ferric chloride is perfectly transparent, and has a brown-yellow or bright 
 
TINCTURA FERRI CHLORIDI. 
 
 1619 
 
 brownish color, an agreeable ethereal odor, a strongly astringent, ferruginous taste, and 
 an acid reaction. Its specific gravity is 0.960 at 15° C. (59° F.) (U. Si). The tincture 
 behaves to alkalies, potassium ferrocyanide, and silver nitrate like the solution (see page 
 957). Dr. Robert Battey and Mr. J. C. Wharton (1870) occasionally observed the tinc- 
 ture to deposit white crystals of calcium sulphate, which were probably derived from 
 impurity in the acid. After the tincture has been exposed for some time to daylight it 
 yields a blue or greenish color with potassium ferricyanide, showing the presence of some 
 ferrous salt, due to reduction. 
 
 Tests. — Impurities like nitric acid, copper, zinc, alkalies, and ferric oxychloride are 
 detected in the same manner as stated for the salt and the solution (see pp. 719 and 957). 
 In testing for oxychloride the Pharmacopoeia directs 8 parts of the tincture to be diluted 
 with 100 parts of distilled water before boiling. If 1.12 (1.1176) Gm. of the tincture 
 be introduced into a glass-stoppered bottle (having a capacity of about 100 Cc.), together 
 with 15 Cc. of water and 2 Cc. of hydrochloric acid, and after the addition of 1 Gm. of 
 potassium iodide the mixture be kept for half an hour at a temperature of 40° C. (104° 
 F.), and then allowed to cool and mixed with a few drops of starch test-solution, it will 
 require about 9.4 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution to discharge the blue 
 or greenish color of the liquid (each Cc. of the volumetric solution consumed indicating 
 0.5 per cent, of metallic iron).” — U. S. 
 
 Tinctura ferri chlorati iETHEREA, P. G ., s. Tinctura tonico-nervina Bestuscheffii, 
 s. Liquor anodynus martiatus, s. Spiritus ferri chlorati sethereus. 1 part of solution of 
 ferric chloride spec. grav. 1.282 (containing 19.9 per cent. Fe 2 Cl 6 ) is mixed with alcohol 
 7 parts and ether 2 parts, the mixture exposed to the sunlight until colorless, and after- 
 ward kept in partially filled bottles in a shady place until it has acquired a yellow color. 
 During the bleaching process the ferric is reduced to ferrous chloride, ethyl chloride and 
 a little aldehyde being generated through the influence of the nascent chlorine. On 
 exposure to the air the salt is partly oxidized to ferric oxychloride. This is known as 
 Bestusclieff' s tincture. It has a warm and ferruginous taste, is precipitated black by 
 ammonia, white by silver nitrate, and blue by both ferrocyanide and ferricyanide of pota- 
 sium, and contains 1 per cent, of iron. 10 Cc. of this tincture, after being agitated with 
 an equal volume of the solution of potassium acetate, should separate on standing 3 Cc. 
 of ethereal liquid. 
 
 Tasteless Tincture of Iron, introduced by M. Creuse (1873), has the ferruginous 
 taste modified by an alkali citrate, the compound formed being analogous in color and 
 taste to the pharmacopoeial ferric phosphate and pyrophosphate. The following formula 
 has been adopted by the Amer. Pharm. Assoc., and also the name, Tincture of citro- 
 chloride of iron: Mix 4 fluidounces of official solution of ferric chloride with 4 ounces 
 of water, and add 7 troyounces of sodium citrate ; apply gentle heat to effect solution. 
 Add 2\ fluidounces of alcohol, and when cold make up the volume to 16 fluidounces 
 with water. If any saline matter should separate after a few days, filter and restore the 
 original volume by passing sufficient' water through the filter. (Each fluidrachm of the 
 tincture contains an amount of iron equivalent to about 7i grains of dry ferric chloride.) 
 
 Action and Uses. — Tincture of iron chloride is, of all ferruginous compounds 
 except the solutions of the chloride and of the persulphate, the one that exerts the 
 most powerful local action as a styptic, and indeed as a caustic, upon delicate tissues. 
 Even when largely diluted it constringes the mouth and fauces. A diuretic action is 
 attributed to it, which is probably due to the ether which it contains. It is very apt to 
 attack the teeth unless properly diluted and taken through a tube. One or two cases are 
 reported of strangury caused by its external application. 
 
 Like the solution of iron chloride, this preparation may be used as a local styptic, but 
 it is less efficient than the former. It is better suited for internal administration in all 
 cases of passive haemorrhage, and especially in that from the uterus. It is eminently 
 serviceable when haemorrhage depends upon imperfect coagulability of the blood, asso- 
 ciated with a lax condition of the solids and general debility. For these reasons, doubt- 
 less, it is very efficient in purpura hsemorrhagica. It is probably the best preparation 
 that can be employed in chronic albuminuria , although the utility of other ferruginous 
 preparations in the same affection proves that they do not act by their astringency as 
 much as by their reconstituent power in the blood. Indeed, the form in which the tinc- 
 ture is ordinarily given in renal disorders, “ Basham’s mixture,” no longer holds iron as 
 a chloride, but as an acetate. Possibly, the free acids of this preparation act as diuretics. 
 The formula for this solution is as follows: R. Tr. ferri chloridi fgiss ; Acid, acetic, dil. 
 f^j ; Liq. ammoniae acet. f^ivss; Tr. aurant. cort. f^iss; Glycerinae fgss. — M. S. A 
 
1620 
 
 TINCTURA GALL M. 
 
 tablespoonful, largely diluted, two or three times a day. Instead of this preparation, 
 Wyss recommends Bestuscheff’s tincture in doses of 5 to 10 drops from three to six times 
 a day. The tincture of the chloride is the best form in which iron can be given in diabetes. 
 
 In various chronic mucous fluxes, including leucorrhoea , blennorrhoea, bronchorrhoea, diar- 
 rhoea. , and also in passive sweats , this preparation is often of essential service, both by 
 its constringing action and its reconstituent operation. It is scarcely less efficient in 
 vesical catarrh , especially when it is associated with paralysis of the bladder. Doubtless 
 the double action just indicated renders it an efficient remedy for seminal losses due to 
 excessive or unnatural stimulation of the genital organs. To its astringency must 
 probably be ascribed its remarkable efficacy in idiopathic erysipelas and its alleged utility 
 in other forms of the same affection. In regard to the first-named disease, the virtues 
 of the medicine are incontestable whenever it is administered in sufficient doses — i. e. of 
 Gm. 1.30-2 (gtt. xx-xxx) every two hours, both night and day. In many cases of 
 traumatic erysipelas its utility is equally well established. Applied topically and undi- 
 luted, it is said to prevent the spreading of the eruption (Hopadze, Med. Record , xix. 
 364). but this statement may not apply to the idiopathic affection. In puerperal fever , an 
 affection which stands in the closest relationship to erysipelas, the power of this medicine 
 has been unequivocally demonstrated (Bell, Edinburgh Med. Jour., xxvi. 50, 74). In 
 diphtheria this tincture is one of the most efficient topical applications to the parts on 
 which the exudation is seated, and its internal administration in appropriate doses, such 
 as from Gm. 0.30-1 (5 to 15 drops) every half hour or hour, has produced better results 
 than any other medicine. When thus administered the more special topical use of the 
 medicine may be dispensed with ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., July, 1881, p. 58). As an 
 application to chilblains it is sometimes used, and it is one of the many articles recom- 
 mended as applications in poisoning by Bhus toxicodendron, and it has been vaunted 
 (. Brit . Med. Jour., Sept. 4, 1886) as a remedy for whooping cough. It has also been 
 employed, in large and repeated doses, in acute articular rheumatism , but, while the 
 results show that it is tolerated in most instances, and appears to be beneficial in a small 
 proportion of mild cases, yet the proportion of cardiac complications occurring during 
 its administration seems to have been unusually large. 
 
 This tincture may be applied in the same manner as the solution of chloride of iron 
 for arresting haemorrhage , whether external or internal. It may be inhaled as an atomized 
 solution in cases of pulmonary haemorrhage. For the latter purpose a solution of 1 part 
 of the tincture to 10 parts of water may be used. 
 
 The dose of this medicine is from Gm. 0.60-2 (gtt. x-xxx), largely diluted with water. 
 The astringency can be nullified by a solution of sodium bicarbonate or citrate. But the 
 preparation is thereby deprived of one of its distinctive virtues. Syrup also tends to 
 protect the teeth from free acid in the compound. 
 
 Bestuscheffs tincture has long been used as an agreeable nervine tonic in chlorosis 
 attended with nervous symptoms. 
 
 TINCTURA GALLiE, U. S., Br. — Tincture of Nutgall. 
 
 Tinctura gallarum, P. G., P. A. — Tincture of galls, E. ; Teinture de noix de galle, Fr. ; 
 Galldpfeltinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Nutgall, in No. 40 powder, 200 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Alcohol 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with 900 Cc. of alcohol, and, 
 without moistening the powder, pack it in a conical glass percolator ; then gradually pour 
 upon it, first, the remainder of the mixture, and afterward alcohol, until 1000 Cc. of 
 tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of nutgall use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of powdered galls, 
 percolate with a mixture of 31 fluidounces of glycerin and 28f fluidounces of alcohol, and 
 continue percolation with alcohol until 32 fluidounces of tincture have been obtained. 
 
 Nutgall 2i oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Macerate nutgall 
 1 part with 5 parts of alcohol spec. grav. 0.912 ( F '. Cod.), (sp. grav. 0.894, P. G.). 
 
 Nutgall yields over 60 per cent., or 20 parts yield at least 12 parts, of extract. The 
 addition of glycerin is intended to retard the formation of gallic acid. The tincture has 
 a yellowish-brown color, a strongly astringent taste, and an acid reaction, and yields blue- 
 black precipitates with ferric salts. # I 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of nutgall is seldom given internally, but is sometimes used, diluted 
 with water, as a lotion in relaxed conditions of the mouth and fauces, of the rectum, and 
 of the vagina. Dose , from Gm. 2-8 (f^ss-ij). 
 
TINCTURA GELSEMII. — TINCT UR A GUAIACI. 
 
 1621 
 
 TINCTURA GELSEMH, U. S., Br. — Tincture of Gelsemium. 
 
 Teinture de gelsemium , Fr. ; Gelsemiumtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Gelsemium, in No. 60 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 650 Cc. 
 of alcohol to 350 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of the 
 menstruum, macerate for twenty -four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of gelsemium use 5 av. ozs. of gelsemium, and moisten 
 the powder with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 65 volumes, water 35 vol- 
 umes). 
 
 The tincture is of a brown-yellow color, becomes milky with water, and has the aro- 
 matic odor and bitter taste of the drug. A somewhat weaker alcohol, spec. grav. 0.912, 
 ordered by the French Codex for preparing extract of gelsemium , appears to be too aque- 
 ous for conveniently exhausting all the desirable principles. The Br. P. orders gelsemium 
 21 ounces, proof-spirit 20 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation represents all the virtues and all the dangers of gelsemium. 
 It may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.60 (n^x), and gradually increased. 
 
 TINCTURA GENTIANS COMPOSITA, 77. S. 9 Br.— Compound Tinc- 
 ture of Gentian. 
 
 Preparation. — Gentian, 100 Gm. ; Bitter Orange-peel, 40 Gm. ; Cardamom, 10 Gm. ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the gentian, orange- 
 peel, and cardamom, and reduce the mixture to a moderately coarse (No. 40) powder. 
 Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 600 Cc. of alcohol and 400 Cc. of water. 
 Having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of menstruum, macerate for twenty -four 
 hours ; then pack it in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it 
 until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound tincture of gentian use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of 
 gentian, 1 av. oz. and 246 grains of bitter orange-peel, and 146 grains of cardamom, and 
 moisten the mixed powders with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 6 volumes, 
 water 4 volumes). 
 
 The British Pharmacopoeia prepares 1 pint (Imperial) of tincture from gentian 1J 
 ounces, bitter orange-peel f ounce, and 1 ounce (av.) of cardamom-seeds deprived of the 
 pericarps, using sufficient proof-spirit. 
 
 The tincture has a brown-yellow color, an agreeable aromatic odor, and a bitter taste. 
 It acquires with ferric salts a dark black-brown color. 
 
 Allied Tinctures. — Tinctura gentians alkalina. — Teinture de gentiane alcaline (stomach- 
 ique). Elixir amer de Peyrylhe, F. Cod . — Gentian 10 parts, crystallized sodium carbonate 3 
 parts, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 300 parts. 
 
 Tinctura gentians. — Tincture of gentian, E.; Teinture de gentiane, Fr. ; Enziantinktur, G. — 
 Macerate gentian 1 part in 5 parts of alcohol spec. grav. 0.912 (F. Cod.), (sp. grav. 0.894, P. G.). 
 
 Uses. — This tincture is a very agreeable bitter and an efficient stomachic in cases of 
 feeble digestion. It is especially adapted to improve the tone of the stomach exhausted 
 by the abuse of alcoholic drinks. The dose is Gm. 4—8 (f^j-ij). The addition of sodium 
 bicarbonate to a watery dilution of the officinal tincture is preferable to the tincture of 
 the Fr. Codex. 
 
 TINCTURA GUAIACI, 77. S., B. .4.— Tincture of Guaiac. 
 
 Teinture de resine de gayac , Fr. ; Guaja/ctin ktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Guaiac, in coarse powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Mix the powder with 800 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for seven days 
 in a closed vessel ; then filter through paper, adding, through the filter, enough alcohol 
 to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. — IT. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of guaiac use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of guaiac resin, 
 macerate with 25 \ fluidounces of alcohol for seven days, and after filtering wash the 
 filter with sufficient alcohol to make 32 fluidounces of tincture. 
 
 Since guaiac resin dissolves completely in alcohol with the exception of the impurities, 
 the tincture is conveniently made by maceration. The tincture has been dismissed from 
 
1622 
 
 TINCTURA GUAIACI AMMONIA TA.-TINCTURA IIUMULI. 
 
 the German Pharmacopoeia ; that of the French Codex (1 part resin to 5 parts alcohol, 
 sp. gr. 0.863) is weaker. The tincture has a dark brownish-red color, is precipitated by 
 water, and is colored green or blue by ferric chloride and other agents. 
 
 Allied Tincture. — Tinctura guaiaci ligni.— Tincture of guaiacum-wood, E. ; Teinture de 
 gayac, Fr . — Macerate for ten days guaiacum-wood 10 parts in alcohol (spec. gray. 0.912) 50 parts ; 
 express and filter. — Fr. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture may be used in most of the cases to which other preparations 
 of guaiacum are adapted, but especially in chronic fibrous rheumatism and in scanty or 
 painful menstruation. It has been especially recommended in tonsillitis. The ammoniated 
 tincture is in general to be preferred, and may be employed as a gargle in the proportion 
 of 1 fluidrachm to 2 fluidounces of water. Both tinctures, being decomposed by water, 
 should be administered internally in mucilage or syrup. Dose, Gm. 4-8 (f^j-ij) several 
 times a day. 
 
 TINCTURA GUAIACI AMMONIATA, U. S., Br. — Ammoniated Tinc- 
 ture of Guaiac. 
 
 Teinture de gayac ammoniac ale, Fr. ; Ammoniakalische GuajahtinJctur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Guaiac, in coarse powder, 200 Gm. ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the powder with 800 Cc. of aromatic spirit 
 of ammonia, and macerate for seven days in a closed vessel ; then filter through paper, 
 adding, through the filter, aromatic spirit of ammonia until 1000 Cc. of tincture are 
 obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of ammoniated tincture of guaiac macerate 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains 
 of guaiac resin with 25J fluidounces of aromatic spirit of ammonia for seven days, and 
 after filtering wash the filter with sufficient menstruum to make 32 fluidounces of tinc- 
 ture. 
 
 Guaiacum resin in powder 4 oz. av., aromatic spirit of ammonia sufficient for 1 pint 
 (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The two formulas yield practically identical tinctures, which resemble tincture of 
 guaiac in appearance, but have an ammoniacal odor and taste. 
 
 Allied Tincture. — Dewees’s Tincture of Guaiacum. Digest for a few days powdered guai- 
 acum resin 4 ounces, sodium or potassium carbonate 90 grains, powdered pimento 1 ounce, in 
 diluted alcohol 1 pint. Add spirit of ammonia, if required, in the proportion of 1 or 2 drachms 
 to each 4 fluidounces of the tincture. 
 
 Uses. — The uses of this preparation are the same as those of the simple tincture. 
 It may be applied locally in tonsillitis by means of a brush. The ammonia it contains 
 may possibly promote the curative effects of the resin. At all events, the ammoniated 
 tincture is generally preferred. Dose , Gm. 4—8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 Dewees claimed that in idiopathic amenorrhoea of long standing he had for more than 
 forty years almost daily used the preparation which bears his name, without its having 
 failed in any case proper for its use. He prescribed a teaspoonful of it three times a 
 day in a wine-glassful of milk or white wine. 
 
 TINCTURA HUMULI, U. Tincture of Hops. 
 
 Tinctura lupuli , Br. ; Teinture de hublon , Fr. ; Hopfentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Hops, well dried and in No. 20 powder, 200 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 400 Cc. of diluted 
 alcohol, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical perco- 
 lator, and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. 
 
 — U. s. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of hops use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of well-dried hops, 
 and moisten with 12 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 The British tincture of hop is about one-third weaker, and is made from 2£ ounces av. 
 of hop, with sufficient proof-spirit to obtain 1 pint (Imperial). 
 
 Hops should not be dried by artificial heat ; when air-dry, they may be conveniently 
 reduced to powder by grinding them together with some clean sand in an ordinary drug- 
 mill ; when unground, they are un suited for percolation, and so bulky that in preparing 
 the tincture by maceration most of the liquid is absorbed, necessitating the frequent agi- 
 tation of the mixture and afterward its forcible expression. The tincture is of a yellow- 
 
TINCTURA HYDRASTIS.— TINCTURA IODI. 
 
 1623 
 
 ish-brown color, and bas tbe odor and bitter taste of hop, though in less degree than the 
 tincture of lupulin, which has been dismissed from the Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Uses. — The proportion of hops or of lupulin in the average dose of this tincture is 
 too small to produce much effect beyond that of the alcohol it contains. A draught of 
 good malt liquor would generally be preferable. The dose is Gm. 4-12 (%j-iij). 
 
 TINCTURA HYDRASTIS, U. 8., Br. Add.— Tincture of Hydrastis. 
 
 Teinture de hydrastis, Fr, ; Hydrastistinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Hydrastis, in No. 60 powder, 200 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually 
 pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of hydrastis moisten 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of hydrastis 
 in powder with 5 fluidounces of diluted alcohol, and percolate with the same menstruum 
 after due maceration. 
 
 Hydrastis rhizome, in No. 60 powder, 2 ounces, proof-spirit sufficient to make 1 pint 
 (Imperial) of tincture. — Br. Add. 
 
 The tincture has a brown-yellow color and bitter taste. A menstruum of alcohol 2 
 volumes and water 1 volume would, we think, material^ improve the preparation. 
 
 Uses. — Probably this tincture fully represents hydrastis. Its dose is yet to be deter- 
 mined, but provisionally may be stated at Gm. 4 (f^j ) . 
 
 TINCTURA HYOSCYAMI, U. 8., Br.— Tincture of Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Teinture de jusquiame , Fr. ; Bilsenkrauttinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Hyoscyamus, recently dried and in No. 60 powder, 150 Gm. ; 
 Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 
 150 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in 
 a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of 
 tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of hyoscyamus use 5 av. ozs. of hyoscyamus-leaves, and 
 moisten with 5 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 Hyoscyamus-leaves, in coarse powder, 2\ oz. av., proof-spirit sufficient for 1 Imperial 
 pint. — Br. Hyoscyamus 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The tincture is greenish-brown, and has the narcotic odor of the leaves and a bitter 
 taste. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture is generally believed to contain all the virtues of hyoscyamus, 
 and is directed to be given in the dose of Gm. 2-4 (fgss-j). But, according to Mr. 
 Boulter’s experiments ( St . Bartholomew's Reports , xv. 224), the tinctures of the leaves 
 and seeds are practically quite useless, although they occasion some dilatation of the 
 pupils and render the pulse weak, irregular, and intermittent. The tincture of the root, 
 on the other hand, in doses of from i to 2 fluidrachms, produced dryness of the mouth 
 and fauces, dilated pupils, with thirst, flushed face, cracked lips, and sometimes delirium. 
 A woman who swallowed about 6 drachms of the tincture (B. P.), soon followed by 
 emetics, presented these symptoms, besides paresis of the limbs. On the following day 
 recovery was complete (j Brit. Med. Jour ., Sept. 12, 1889). 
 
 TINCTURA IODI, U. S., Br ., F. Cod., F. G., P. A.— 1 Tincture of 
 
 Iodine. 
 
 Tinctura iodinii . — Teinture d'iode , Fr. ; Jodtinktur , G. ; Tintura de Yodo , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Iodine 70 Gm.; Alcohol a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Triturate the iodine rapidly in a mortar to a coarse powder, and transfer it at once to a 
 graduated bottle. Rinse the mortar with several successive portions of alcohol, and pour 
 the rinsings into the bottle. Then add enough alcohol, shaking the bottle occasionally 
 until the iodine is dissolved and the finished tincture measures 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of iodine dissolve 2 av. ozs. and 147 grains of iodine in 
 sufficient alcohol to obtain 32 fluidounces of solution. 
 
 Iodine ? oz. av., potassium iodide \ oz. av., rectified spirit 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 Iodine 1 part, alcohol (spec. grav. 0.833) 12 parts, F. Cod. (10 parts, P. GA). 
 
 The tincture has a deep brown-red color and the odor of iodine, evaporates completely 
 without leaving any fixed residue (that of Br. P. leaves KI), and yields a precipitate of 
 
1624 
 
 TINCTURA IPECACUANHA ET OPII. 
 
 iodine on being mixed with water. The iodine gradually reacts with alcohol at ordinary 
 temperatures, and more rapidly at a somewhat elevated temperature, resulting in the for- 
 mation of hydriodic acid and other compounds, which prevent the precipitation by water 
 of some of the iodine. According to Guibourt, after the tincture has been kept on hand 
 for about eighteen months it is scarcely rendered turbid by water. The tincture should 
 therefore be made in moderate quantities only, or, according to Castelhaz (1882), may be 
 preserved of proper strength by the addition of £ of 1 per cent, of potassium iodate, 
 which salt is insoluble in alcohol and regenerates iodine from the hydriodic acid formed ; 
 at the same time, however, a corresponding quantity of iodate is converted into iodide ; 
 KI0 3 4- 6HI yields 3I 2 + KI + 3H 2 0. According to Pavesi (1883), chloral hydrate 
 dissolves in tincture of iodine without decomposition, and renders it miscible with water 
 without precipitation. The tincture should be kept in well-stoppered bottles to prevent 
 the evaporation of alcohol. 
 
 Tests. — “ 6.33 Gm. of the tincture, mixed with a solution of 2 Gm. of potassium 
 iodide in 25 Cc. of water and a little gelatinized starch, should require for complete 
 decoloration 35 Cc. of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution.” — U. S. This test indi- 
 cates 7 Gm. of iodine in 100 Cc., and is perfectly correct for the freshly-prepared tincture, 
 but entirely too rigorous for that which has been kept on hand for some time. The same 
 test has been adopted by the P. G. ; but, while the freshly-made tincture contains 9.09 
 per cent, of free iodine, the tincture is regarded as being of good quality if the iodine 
 has been reduced to 8.78 per cent. The French Codex directs the tincture to be recently 
 made, without further indicating the limit of time. 
 
 Allied Tinctures. — Tinctura iodi decolorata, N. F., Decolorized tincture of iodine. — Digest 
 610 grains each of iodine and sodium thiosulphate with 1^ fluidounces of distilled water at a 
 gentle heat until a perfect solution is obtained. Then add 2 fluidounces of alcohol, and after- 
 ward 1 fluidounce of stronger ammonia- water. Shake until the liquid has become colorless ; 
 cool and add enough alcohol to make 16 fluidounces. Set aside in a cold place for a few hours 
 and filter. The solution contains ammonium iodide, ethyl iodide, C 2 II 5 I, triethylamine hydro- 
 iodide, N(C 2 H 5 ) 3 HI, together with sodium iodide, sulphate, and tetrathionate : a crystalline pre- 
 cipitate of the latter salt is apt to form upon standing for some time. It has an ethereal, freely 
 ammoniacal odor. A less complex solution is obtained by the formula of Dr. Curtman (1869): 
 iodine 10 drachms, alcohol 13 fluidounces, stronger ammonia-water 3 fluidounces. But about 
 twenty-seven days are required to effect complete decoloration. 
 
 Tinctura iodi ( Churchill ), N. F., Churchill’s tincture of iodine. — Dissolve 240 grains of potas- 
 sium iodide in 4 ounces of distilled water, add 1200 grains of iodine, and, lastly, enough alcohol 
 to make the tincture measure 16 fluidounces. (Churchill's tincture of iodine must not be con- 
 founded with Churchill’s iodine caustic. See Liquor iodi causticus, page 970.) 
 
 Tinctura iodinii composita, Compound tincture of iodine. Dissolve iodine 240 grains and 
 potassium iodide 480 grains in alcohol 1 pint. — U. S. 1870. This tincture resembles the 
 simple tincture of iodine in appearance, but differs from it in being miscible with water without 
 causing precipitation. The British Tinctura iodi likewise contains potassium iodide, but in 
 insufficient quantity to prevent its precipitation by water, at least when recently made. 
 
 Uses. — These are set forth at length under Iodum. This preparation is unsuited for 
 internal administration, since the addition of water precipitates its iodine. The close of 
 the simple tincture is stated to be Gm. 0.30—1 (rffiv— xv). 
 
 Decolorized tincture of iodine is, as above pointed out, no longer a tincture of iodine, 
 and is practically of no more value as a local discutient than a solution of iodide of 
 sodium or ammonium in water. 
 
 The compound tincture (1870) is not precipitated by water, and is also more perma- 
 nent than the simple tincture, as well as less irritating and more absorbable. It is greatly 
 to be preferred for internal use. The dose is Gm. 0.60-2 (gtt. x-xxx), largely diluted 
 with water or some mild liquid. 
 
 TINOTURA IPECACUANHA ET OPH, IT. Tincture of Ipecac and 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Preparation. — Deodorized Tincture of Opium 1000 Cc. ; Fluid Extract of Ipecac 
 100 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Evaporate the deo- 
 dorized tincture of opium on a water-bath until it weighs 800 Gm. When it has become 
 cold add to it the fluid extract of ipecac ; filter the mixture and pass enough diluted alcohol 
 through the filter to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of ipecac and opium evaporate 32 fluidounces of deodor- 
 ized tincture of opium down to 25 fluidounces, and when cold add 3 fluidounces and 96 
 
TINCTURA J A LA PJE.— TINCT UR A KRAMERIM . 
 
 1625 
 
 minims of fluid extract of ipecac ; filter and pass enough diluted alcohol through the filter 
 to make 32 fluidounces. 
 
 This tincture has been admitted into the Pharmacopoeia to take the place of similar 
 preparations which have been used to some extent under the designation of tincture of 
 Dover's powder. 
 
 Uses. — The virtues of this preparation, which is apparently intended to present Dover’s 
 powder in a liquid form, are not very evident. If, as generally has been supposed, the 
 gradual solution and absorption of the opium and ipecac in that preparation has much to 
 do with its diaphoretic operation, then in the liquid form the object is less likely to be 
 attained. And it is difficult to understand why an extemporaneous mixture of deodor- 
 ized tincture of opium and wine of ipecac would not have answered the same purpose as 
 this officinal formula. 
 
 TINCTURA JALAPiE, JBr, — Tincture of Jalap. 
 
 Teinture de jalap , Fr. ; Jalapentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Macerate and displace coarsely-powdered jalap 2£ oz. av. with suffi- 
 cient proof-spirit to obtain 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Jalap 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture is seldom used except as an addition to other purgative liquids. 
 The dose is Gm. 2-8 (f^ss-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA KINO, U. S Hr. — Tincture of Kino. 
 
 Teinture de kino, Fr. ; Kinotinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Kino 100 Gm. ; Glycerin 150 Cc. ; Water 200 Cc. ; Alcohol a suf- 
 ficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the glycerin with the water and 650 Cc. of alco- 
 hol. Rub the kino in a mortar, adding gradually a sufficient quantity of menstruum until 
 a smooth paste is made ; transfer this to a bottle, add the remainder of the menstruum, 
 and macerate for twenty-four hours, occasionally shaking the bottle ; then filter through 
 paper, adding, through the filter, enough alcohol to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. 
 Keep the tincture in well-stoppered bottles. — TJ. JS. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of kino use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of kino, 4f fluid- 
 ounces of glycerin, 6f fluidounces of water, and sufficient alcohol to make 32 fluid- 
 ounces. 
 
 Kino in coarse powder 2 ounces ; glycerin 3 fluidounces ; distilled water 5 fluidounces ; 
 rectified spirit 12 fluidounces. Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel, with 
 occasional agitation ; filter and add sufficient alcohol to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 Macerate for ten days kino 1 part with alcohol (sp. grav. 0.913) 5 parts, and filter. — F. 
 Cod. 
 
 Tincture of kino is conveniently prepared by maceration, and has a dark brown-red 
 color. Made with alcohol and properly preserved, it will remain limpid, but if made 
 with diluted alcohol it will gradually lose its astringency and become gelatinous. Accord- 
 ing to P. P. Fo£ (1877), this may be prevented, without increasing the alcoholic strength, 
 by replacing one-half of the water with an equal measure of glycerin — a fact noticed by 
 Haselden as early as 1860 ; and this is substantially the process adopted by the present 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The employment of magnesia, logwood, and other foreign substances 
 with the same end in view is objectionable and unnecessary. The origin of kino, and 
 probably also its age, may influence the tendency to gelatinize. 
 
 In our experience tincture of kino keeps remarkably well if preserved in small vials, so 
 as to avoid frequent exposure to the air: we have kept the tincture in well-corked 2- 
 ounce vials for over a year without observing the slightest change. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture is used for most of the internal purposes of kino in the dose of 
 Gm. 4-8 (fgj-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA KRAMERL33, TJ. S., Hr . — Tincture of Krameria. 
 
 Tinctura ratanhise, P. G., P. A. — Tincture of rhatany , E. ; Teinture de ratanhia, Fr. ; 
 Ratanhiatinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Krameria, in No. 40 powder, 200 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 200 Cc of diluted alcohol, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours; then pack it in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually 
 pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — TJ. S. 
 
1626 
 
 TINCTURA LA CTUCA RII.— TINCTURA LARTCIS. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of rhatany use 6 av. oz. and 296 grains of krameria, and 
 moisten with 62 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 Rhatany 21 oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Macerate rhat- 
 any 1 part in 5 parts of alcohol sp. gray. 0.912, F. Cod. (sp. grav. 0.894, P. G .). 
 
 This tincture has a brown-red color and a strongly astringent taste. After having been 
 kept in partly-filled bottles it deposits rhatany-red, and occasionally gelatinizes. It is 
 therefore best prepared in small quantities. In our experience tincture of rhatany keeps 
 very much better if the menstruum contains about one-eighth of its volume of glycerin. 
 
 Uses. — This is the form in which rhatany is perhaps more frequently used than any 
 other astringent in the treatment of subacute diarrhoea. For this purpose it is usually 
 added to the chalk mixture. Diluted with water, it forms a very useful mouth-wash when 
 the gums are spongy. It has also been reputed serviceable in atonic menorrhagia and in 
 other forms of passive haemorrhage. The dose is Gm. 4-8 (fgj-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA LACTUCARII, IT. S. — Tincture of Lactucarium. 
 
 Teinture de lactucarium , Fr. ; Lactucariumtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lactucarium, 500 Gm. ; Glycerin 250 Cc. ; Water, Alcohol, Benzin, 
 Diluted Alcohol, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Beat the lactucarium, in 
 an iron mortar, with clear sand, to a coarse powder, and introduce it into a bottle ; add 
 2000 Cc. of benzin, tightly cork the bottle, and set it aside for forty-eight hours, fre- 
 quently agitating the mixture. Pour the mixture on a double filter, and allow it to 
 drain. Wash the dregs by gradually adding 1500 Cc. of benzin. Allow the lactucarium 
 to dry by exposing it to a current of air. When it is dry reduce it to a powder, using 
 more sand if necessary, and pack it moderately in a conical percolator. Mix the 
 glycerin with 200 Cc. of water and 500 Cc. of alcohol, and moisten the powder with 500 
 Cc. of the mixture. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower 
 orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for twenty-four hours. Then 
 allow the percolation to proceed very slowly, gradually adding, first, the remainder of the 
 menstruum, and then diluted alcohol, until the lactucarium is exhausted. Reserve the 
 first 750 Cc. of the percolate, evaporate the remainder on a water-bath at a temperature 
 not exceeding 71° C. (160° F.) to 250 Cc., and mix with the reserved portion. Filter, 
 and add enough diluted alcohol through the filter to make the product measure 1000 Cc. 
 — IT. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of lactucarium reduce 16 av. ozs. and 303 grains of lactu- 
 carium to a coarse powder with sand, treat with 4 pints of benzin for forty-eight hours, 
 filter, and wash dregs well with 3 pints of benzin. Dry the residue in air, reduce to pow- 
 der, and percolate as directed above, using first a mixture of 8 fluidounces of glycerin, 61 
 fluidounces of water, and 16 fluidounces of alcohol, and, finally, diluted alcohol ; reserve 
 the first 24 fluidounces of percolate, and evaporate the balance down to 8 fluidounces. 
 Mix and filter. 
 
 Since tincture of lactucarium is intended chiefly for the preparation of the syrup, it is 
 desirable that a liquid be obtained which shall give a clear mixture with syrup, and as 
 lactucarium contains objectionable inert matter in the form of caoutchouc, the treatment 
 with benzin (suggested by Lemberger in 1875) is directed for its removal. The subse- 
 quent percolation of the powder mixed with sand presents no difficulty, as the active 
 bitter principles are soluble in the menstruum ordered, but the percolate should 
 be collected in very slow drops. Each Cc. of the tincture represents 0.5 Gm. of the 
 drug. 
 
 Uses. — This alcoholic preparation of lactucarium is quite as valueless and more objec- 
 tionable than the syrup of the same drug. 
 
 TINCTURA LARICIS, Br.— Tincture of Larch. 
 
 Teinture d'ecorce de meleze , Fr. ; Larchenrindentinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Larcli-bark, in No. 40 powder, 21 oz. av. ; Rectified Spirit 1 
 pint. Prepare 1 pint (Imperial) of tincture by the formula given under Tincturje. — Br. 
 
 This tincture has a red-brown color, and should be carefully preserved like other 
 astringent tinctures. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of larch-bark is not employed in this country. It has been used in 
 England as a remedy for passive haemorrhages, purpura, and chronic bronchitis. The dose 
 is Gm. 1.30-2 (npxx-xxx). 
 
TINCTURA LAVANDULAE COM POSIT A .— TINCT UR A LOBELIjE. 1627 
 
 TINCTURA LAVANDULAE COMPOSITA, U. 8., Br.— Compound 
 
 Tincture of Lavender. 
 
 Spii'itus lavandulse compositus . — Compound spirit of lavender , Lavender drops, E. ; Tein- 
 ture de lavande composee, Fr. ; Zusammengesetzte Lavendeltinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of lavender 8 Cc. ; Oil of Rosemary 2 Cc. ; Cinnamon, in coarse 
 powder, 20 6m. ; Cloves 5 6m. ; Nutmeg 10 Gm. ; Red Saunders, in coarse powder, 10 
 Gm. ; Alcohol 700 Cc. ; Water 250 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Dissolve the oils in the alcohol and add the water. Crush the nutmeg in a 
 mortar, mix it with the cinnamon, cloves, and red saunders, and reduce the mixture by 
 grinding to a coarse (No. 20) powder. Moisten the mixture with a sufficient quantity of 
 the alcoholic solution of the oils, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, gradually pour 
 upon it the remainder of the alcoholic solution and afterward sufficient diluted alcohol, 
 until 1000 Cc. of the tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of compound tincture of lavender use 292 grains of cassia cinnamon, 
 73 grains of cloves, 146 grains each of nutmeg and red saunders, 120 minims of oil of 
 lavender-flowers, 30 minims of oil of rosemary, 23 fluidounces of alcohol, 7 1 fluidounces of 
 water, and diluted alcohol a sufficient quantity. 
 
 Take of oil of lavender 1£ fluidrachms ; oil of rosemary 10 minims; cinnamon-bark, 
 bruised, nutmeg, bruised, each 150 grains ; red sandal-wood 300 grains ; rectified spirit 2 
 pints (Imperial). Macerate the cinnamon, nutmeg, and red sandal-wood in the spirit for 
 seven days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation ; then strain and press, dissolve the 
 oils in the strained tincture, filter, and add sufficient rectified spirit to make 2 pints. 
 —Br. 
 
 The tincture of the first formula is stronger in volatile oils and aromatics than that 
 made by the British formula. Both have a red color, form opalescent mixtures with 
 water, and, if prepared from good materials, have an agreeable odor and a strong but 
 pleasant aromatic taste. 
 
 Uses. — Of the numerous ingredients in this popular and useful compound, oil of 
 lavender, except by its disproportionate quantity, is one of the least active and effi- 
 cient. It is universally employed in this country as a domestic cordial remedy for 
 nausea, flatulent colic, and gastric distress after food. It is most conveniently adminis- 
 tered on a lump of sugar or in a little hot and sweetened water. The dose is Gm. 2-4 
 ( f 3ss-j)- 
 
 TINCTURA LIMONIS, Br. — Tincture of Lemon-peel. 
 
 Teinture de zeste de citron ( limon ), Fr. ; Citronenschalentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Fresh Lemon-peel, sliced thin, oz. av. ; Proof Spirit 1 
 pint. Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation ; strain, press, 
 and filter; then add sufficient proof spirit to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of lemon-peel is used for flavoring mixtures, etc. Dose, Gm. 4 
 
 Osj)- 
 
 TINCTURA LOBELLE, U. S., Br., P. G., P. A .. — Tincture of 
 
 Lobelia. 
 
 Teinture de lobelie enflee, Fr ; Lobeliatinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation.— Lobelia, in No. 40 powder, 200 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 200 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 macerate for twenty -four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and grad- 
 ually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of lobelia use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of lobelia, and 
 moisten with 6| fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 Lobelia 21 oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Lobelia 1 part, 
 alcohol (spec. grav. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. Lobelia 1 part, alcohol (spec. grav. 0.894) 
 10 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The tincture is of a green-brown color and has a somewhat heavy odor and a bitter and 
 acrid taste. 
 
 Uses. — Lobelia is most frequently prescribed in this tincture and in the cases 
 described under Lobelia. Its dose as an expectorant is Gm. 0.60-4 (n^x-f^j). In 
 asthmatic attacks Gm. 4—8 (f^j— ij) should be administered every half hour or hour. 
 
1628 
 
 TINCTURA LOBELIJE JETHEREA . — TINCTURA MYRRHJE. 
 
 TINCTURA LOBELLE iETHEREA, Br. — Ethereal Tincture of 
 
 Lobelia. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lobelia, in coarse powder, 2J oz. ay. ; Spirit of Ether 1 pint. 
 Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation ; then strain, press, 
 filter, and add sufficient spirit of ether to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 It is of a brownish-green color. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is perhaps more efficient than the simple tincture in asthma. 
 The dose is Gm. 0.60-2 (n^x-xxx). 
 
 TINCTURA MATICO, U. S. — Tincture of Matico. 
 
 Teinture de matico , Fr. ; Maticotinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Matico, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the matico with 100 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and grad- 
 ually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of matico use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of matico, and 
 moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 This tincture is of about one-tenth the strength of the fluid extract, and, being made 
 with a weaker alcohol, is of a greenish-brown color. The following formula yields a 
 brown-green tincture : Matico 1 part, alcohol (spec. grav. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — In nearly all the affections in which matico is used alcohol is contraindicated, 
 and hence it would seem that the already officinal fluid extract of matico was sufficient 
 without a tincture. Of the latter preparation the dose may be stated at Gm. 4-8 
 
 ( f 3j-ij)- 
 
 TINCTURA MOSCHI, U. S ., P. G . — Tincture op Musk. 
 
 Teinture de muse , Fr. ; Moschustinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Musk 50 Gm. ; Alcohol 450 Cc. ; Water 450 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dub the musk in a mortar first with a little of 
 the water, until a smooth mixture is made, and then with the remainder of the water. 
 Transfer the whole to a bottle, add the alcohol, and macerate the mixture for seven days, 
 occasionally shaking the bottle. Then filter through paper, adding through the filter 
 enough diluted alcohol to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc.^-ZZ S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of musk use 730 grains of musk, 141 fluidounces each of 
 alcohol and water, and diluted alcohol a sufficient quantity. 
 
 Musk 10 parts, alcohol (spec. grav. 0.863) 100 parts. — F. Cod. Musk 2 parts, water 
 and alcohol (spec. grav. 0.894), of each 50 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The manipulation described above is the same as directed by the German Pharmaco- 
 poeia, but the strength of the alcohol and the proportion of musk differ considerably. 
 Strong alcohol gives a light-brown tincture, which becomes slightly opalescent with 
 water ; but weak alcohol yields a dark reddish-brown tincture, which has a strong musk 
 odor and remains clear on the addition of water. The present official tincture is of about 
 one-half the strength of that of 1880. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation will be found convenient for the rare occasions in which 
 musk is used medicinally. The alcoholic menstruum promotes its action. 10 minims 
 of the tincture contain about i grain of the musk. Bose , about Gm. 8 (f^ij). 
 
 TINCTURA MYRRHiE, U. S., Br., P. G., P. A . — Tincture of Myrrh. 
 
 Teinture de myrrhe , Fr. ; Myrrhentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Myrrh, in moderately coarse powder, 200 Gm.; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the powder with 800 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for 
 seven days in a closed vessel ; then filter through paper, adding through the filter enough 
 alcohol to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of myrrh macerate 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of myrrh 
 with 25 £ fluidounces of alcohol for seven days; filter and pass enough alcohol through 
 the filter to make 32 fluidounces of tincture. 
 
 Myrrh 2J oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Myrrh 1 part, 
 alcohol spec. grav. 0.863 (F. Cod.) (or 0.832 P. G.) 5 parts. 
 
 The tincture is of a brownish-yellow or reddish-yellow color, has the balsamic odor of 
 
TINCTURA NUCIS VOMICJE.— TINCTURA OPII. 
 
 1629 
 
 myrrh and a bitter aromatic taste, and yields a precipitate of resin on the addition of 
 water. E. B. Shuttleworth (1871) suggested the utilization of the gum left on preparing 
 the tincture for making a mucilage, by dissolving it in boiling water, straining, and allow- 
 ing to settle. The adhesive properties are increased by the addition of a small quantity 
 of molasses. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of myrrh is seldom given internally, but it may be prescribed in doses 
 of Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j). It is chiefly used as a stimulant, astringent, and protective agent 
 in the treatment of aphthae, spongy gums , relaxed umda , aphthous affections of the vagina , 
 etc. In these cases it is generally diluted with water, which precipitates its resin. Cam- 
 pardon (1879) reports that “ whooping cough yields easily and promptly to tincture of 
 myrrh administered in ‘ wine of cinchona.’ ” He prescribes it in doses of 10 drops or of 
 5 drops every hour, according to the age of the patient, and asserts that in every one of 
 numerous cases it destroyed the spasmodic element of the cough in a few days (Bull, de 
 Therap ., xcv. 193). 
 
 TINCTURA NUCIS VOMICA, U. S ., Br.— Tincture of Nux Vomica. 
 
 Tinctura strychni, P. G., P. A. — Teinture de noix vomique, Fr. ; Krdlienaugentinhtur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Nux Vomica, dried at 100° C. (212° F.), 20 Gm ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve the extract of 
 nux vomica (which should contain 15 per cent, of alkaloids) in a sufficient quantity of a 
 mixture of 3 volumes of alcohol and 1 volume of water to make the product measure 
 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of nux vomica use 292 grains of extract of nux 
 vomica, thoroughly dried and in powder, and sufficient menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, 
 water 1 volume) to obtain 32 fluidounces of solution. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia requires that “ 100 Cc. of the tincture of nux vomica, evaporated 
 to dryness, and the residue tested by the process of assay given under Extractum Nucis 
 Vomica, shall be found to contain 0.3 Gm. of alkaloids in 100 Cc.” 
 
 Dissolve extract of nux vomica, 133 grains, in distilled water 4 fluidounces and recti- 
 fied spirit sufficient for 20 fluidounces. — Br. 
 
 Hasped nux vomica 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863) 5 parts. — -F. Cod. Nux vomica 1 
 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.894) 10 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Tinctura strychni jetherea. Coarsely-powdered nux vomica 1 part, spirit of ether 
 10 parts. Macerate for eight days, express, and filter. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 These tinctures have a yellowish color and a very bitter taste, and become opalescent 
 when mixed with water. A few drops of the tincture, evaporated to dryness, leave a 
 brownish-yellowish residue, which is colored yellowish-red by nitric acid. The U. S. and 
 Br. tinctures, although made in the same manner from extract containing 15 per cent, of 
 alkaloids, differ in strength considerably, the U. S. tincture representing in each fluidounce 
 about 1.35 grains (lCc. =0.003 Gm.) of alkaloids, whereas the Br. tincture represents in 
 each fluidounce 1 grain. The present U. S. formula, while differing radically from that 
 of 1880, yet yields a tincture which corresponds to the latter in containing 2 per cent, 
 of dry extract, but is far superior at the same time on account of the prescribed 
 definite quantity of alkaloid in solution, the only trustworthy and desirable standard 
 of valuation. 
 
 Uses. — This is a very convenient form for the exhibition of nux vomica, especially in 
 small doses. It is particularly adapted for use in atonic dyspepsia \, induced by excessive 
 eating or by prolonged abstinence, by sedentary habits and the resulting constipation, by 
 mental strain such as accompanies undue study or overwrought passions, and also in the 
 nervous erethism that attends some of these states. (See Strychnina.) Bose, Gm. 0.30- 
 1.30 (npv-xx) ; this may be considered safe. Much larger doses have been used. One 
 reporter states as the initial dose 10 drops three times a day, and refers to a patient, 
 aged twenty-four years, who “ took 200 drops three times daily with most decided bene- 
 fit.' and to another, “aged sixteen years, 125 drops were exhibited without producing 
 any bad effects” ( Therap . Gaz., x. 9). 
 
 TINCTURA OPH, U . S ., Br. — Tincture of Opium. 
 
 Tinctura opii simplex , P. G., P. A. — Tinctura extracti opii, Fr. Cod. ; Tinctura thebaica , 
 Tinctura meconii. — Laudanum , E. ; Teinture d' extrait d opium, Teinture thebaique, Fr. ; 
 E) uf ache Opiumtinktur , G. ; Tintura de extracto de opio, Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Powdered Opium 100 Gm. ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 50 
 
1630 
 
 TINCTTJRA OPII. 
 
 Cm. ; Water, 400 Cc. ; Alcohol 400 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Rub the powders in a mortar, with the water previously heated to the tem- 
 perature of 90° C. (194° F. ), until a smooth mixture is made, and macerate for twelve 
 hours ; then add the alcohol, mix thoroughly, and transfer the whole to a cylindrical per- 
 colator. Return to the percolator the first portion of the percolate until it becomes clear, 
 and, when the liquid ceases to drop, gradually pour on diluted alcohol, continuing the per- 
 colation slowly until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of opium use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of powdered 
 opium, 1 av. oz. and 293 grains of precipitated calcium phosphate, 124 fluidounces each 
 of water and alcohol, and diluted alcohol a sufficient quantity. 
 
 Take of opium, in coarse powder, 1^ oz. av., proof spirit 1 pint. Macerate for seven 
 days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation ; then strain, press, filter, and add suffi- 
 cient proof spirit to make 1 pint (Imperial). It contains the soluble matter of 33 grains 
 of opium nearly, or about 3.3 grains of morphine in 1 fluidounce. — Br. 
 
 Powdered opium 1 part, alcohol sp. grav. 0.894 and distilled water, each 5 parts. — 
 P. G. Extract of opium 10 parts, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.912) 120 parts. — F. Cod, 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia requires that tincture of opium, when assayed by the following 
 process, shall be found to contain from 1.3 to 1.5 Gm. of crystallized morphine in 100 
 Cc. of tincture : 
 
 U. S. P. Process for the Assay of Tincture of Opium. — “ Tincture of Opium 100 
 Cc. ; Ammonia-water, 3.5 Cc. ; Alcohol, Ether, Water, each a sufficient quantity. Evapor- 
 ate the tincture to about 20 Cc., add 40 Cc. of water, mix thoroughly, and set the liquid 
 aside for an hour, occasionally stirring, and disintegrating the resinous flakes adhering to 
 the capsule. Then filter, and wash the filter and residue with water, until all soluble 
 matters are extracted, collecting the washings separately. Evaporate in a tared capsule, 
 first the washings to a small volume, then add the first filtrate, and evaporate the whole 
 to a weight of 14 Gm. Rotate the concentrated solution about in the capsule until the 
 rings of extract are redissolved, and pour the liquid into an Erlenmeyer flask having a 
 capacity of about 100 Cc., and rinse the capsule with a few drops of water at a time, 
 until the solution weighs 20 Gm. Then add 10 Gm. (or 12.2 Cc.) of alcohol, shake well, 
 add 25 Cc. of ether, and shake again. Now add the ammonia-water from a graduated 
 pipette or burette, stopper the flask with a sound cork, shake it thoroughly during ten 
 minutes, and then set it aside, in a moderately cool place, for at least six hours or over 
 night. Remove the stopper carefully, and, should any crystals adhere to it, brush them 
 into the flask. Place two rapidly-acting filters, of a diameter of 7 Cm., plainly folded, 
 one within the other (the triple fold of the inner filter being laid against the single side 
 of the outer filter; the latter being used merely to facilitate filtration), in a small funnel, 
 wet them well with ether, and decant the ethereal solution as completely as possible upon 
 the inner filter. Add 10 Cc. of ether to the contents of the flask, rotate it, and again 
 decant the ethereal layer upon the inner filter. Repeat this operation with another portion 
 of 10 Cc. of ether. Then pour into the filter the liquid in the flask in portions, in 
 such a way as to transfer the greater portion of the crystals to the filter, and when this 
 has passed through, transfer the remaining crystals to the filter by washing the flask with 
 several portions of water previously saturated with ether, using not more than about 10 
 Cc. in all. Allow the double filter to drain, then apply water to the crystals, drop by 
 drop, until they are practically free from mother-water, and afterward wash them, drop by 
 drop, from a pipette, with alcohol previously saturated with powdered morphine. When 
 this has passed through, displace the remaining alcohol by ether, using about 10 Cc., or more 
 if necessary. Allow the filter to dry in a moderately warm place, at a temperature not 
 exceeding 60° Cc. (140° F.), until its weight remains constant ; then carefully transfer 
 the crystals to a tared watch-glass and weigh them. The weight found represents the 
 amount of crystallized morphine obtained from 100 Cc. of the tincture.” — U. S. 
 
 Each fluidrachm (U. S. measure) of these tinctures represents 4.3 grains ( Br .), 5.7 
 grains (£7i S.), and 5.3 grains (P. G .) of dry opium, and 4 grains ( F Cod.) of extract of 
 opium. Calculating 60 per cent, as the yield of extract from dry opium, 1 grain of pow- 
 dered opium is represented by 9 minims (A 7 . Cod.), 11.3 minims (P. G.), 10.5 minims (P. 
 S.), and 14 minims ( Br .), U. S. measure, of these tiuctures. The powdered or dry opium 
 used is directed to contain of morphine 13 to 15 per cent. ( U. /S'.), about 10 per cent, (at 
 least 6 to 8 per cent, for crude opium, Br.), at least 10 to 12 per cent. ( F '. Cod.), 10 per 
 cent. ( P . G.). 
 
 With due care, opium is readily exhausted by weak alcohol, about 60 per cent, of its 
 constituents being soluble in that menstruum. To ensure uniformity of strength in this 
 
TTNCTURA OPII AMMONIA TA. — TINCTURA OPII CAMPHORATA. 1631 
 
 important preparation, the opium employed in making it should be well dried, of full 
 morphine strength, and sufficiently long macerated or digested in the menstruum to be 
 completely disintegrated at least a day before it is transferred to a percolator or filter. 
 The residue after drying should yield nothing to water, and dilute acids should dissolve 
 from it only minute quantities of alkaloid compounds. The color of the tincture is deep 
 reddish-brown. It has the narcotic odor and bitter taste of opium, and should be pre- 
 served in well-stoppered bottles to prevent evaporation of the alcohol. 
 
 The term laudanum is still recognized by several European pharmacopoeias as a syn- 
 onym for opium. In connection with various epithets (antihystericum, diureticum, etc.) 
 it was formerly employed to designate numerous solid compound preparations of opium, 
 while the stronger liquid opiates were called laudanum liquidum , and distinguished by 
 other epithets — tincture of opium, for instance, as laudanum liquidum simplex. How- 
 ever, in the United States and Great Britain the tincture is popularly known as laudanum. 
 
 Allied Tinctures. — Tinctura opii acetata, U. iS. 1870. Dry powdered opium 2 troyounces, 
 distilled vinegar 12 fluidounces, alcohol 1 pint; macerate for a week, express, and filter. The 
 yield is about 20 fluidounces, and 10 minims contain 1 grain of opium. This tincture is now 
 rarely used. 
 
 Tinctura opii muriatica. Macerate for two weeks powdered opium 1 ounce, hydrochloric acid 
 1 ounce, and distilled water 20 ounces ; filter (Nichol). This is of less than half the strength of 
 laudanum, and contains no alcohol. 
 
 Uses. — The simple tincture of opium — or laudanum, as it is distinctively called — 
 possesses most of the good and evil qualities of pure opium. Of the latter the most con- 
 spicuous is its tendency to nauseate. This operation is supposed to depend upon the nar- 
 cotine which it contains, and which is removed in the process for making the deodor- 
 ized tincture. The latter is therefore preferable for internal administration, but laudanum 
 forms a convenient addition to liniments, poultices, and other external anodyne applica- 
 tions. It should be remembered that by being kept in imperfectly stoppered vials it 
 becomes relatively stronger by the evaporation of its alcohol. The dose for an adult is 
 about Gm. 0.75 (gtt. xxij or npxij), equivalent to about Gm. 0.06 (1 grain) of opium. 
 
 TINCTURA OPII AMMONIATA, Ur, — Ammoniated Tincture of 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Teinture d 1 opium ammoniacale , Fr. ; Ammoniakalische Opiumtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Opium in coarse powder, 100 grains; Saffron, cut small, 
 Benzoic Acid, each 180 grains ; Oil of Anise 1 fluidrachm ; Strong Solution of Ammonia 
 4 fluidounces; Bectified Spirit 16 fluidounces. Macerate for seven days in a well-closed 
 vessel, with occasional agitation ; then strain, press, filter, and add sufficient rectified spirit 
 to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 This is a slight modification of the formula formerly recognized by the Edinburgh 
 Pharmacopoeia. The preparation was known as elixir paregoricum scoticum , and in Scot- 
 land employed as paregoric elixir. It contains the opium alkaloids in a free state, dis- 
 solved by the aid of alcohol and of an excess of ammonia. 90 minims of it represent 
 very nearly 1 grain of opium. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation, sometimes called Scotch paregoric, is composed of nearly 
 the same ingredients as ordinary paregoric, except that in it ammonia takes the place of 
 the camphor in that preparation. The dose is Gm. 2-4 (f^ss-j). 
 
 TINCTURA OPH CAMPHORATA, JJ, Camphorated Tincture of 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Tinctura camphorse composita , Br. ; Tinctura, extracti opii camphor ata^ F. Cod. ; Tinc- 
 tura opii benzoica, P. G. ; Elixir paregoricum. — Paregoric elixir , E. ; Elixir paregorique , 
 Teinture d' opium camphree , Fr. ; Benzo'esciurehaltige Opiumtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation.— Powdered Opium 4 Gm. ; Benzoic Acid 4 Gm. ; Camphor 4 Gm. ; 
 Oil of Anise 4 Cc. ; Glycerin 40 Cc. ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Add 900 Cc. of diluted alcohol to the other ingredients contained in a suit- 
 able vessel, and macerate for three days, frequently stirring ; then filter through paper in 
 a well-covered funnel, and pass enough diluted alcohol through the filter to make the 
 product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of paregoric use 581 grains each of powdered opium, benzoic acid, 
 and camphor, 60 minims of oil of anise, 10 fluidrachms of glycerin, and 29 fluidounces 
 
1632 
 
 TINCTURA OPII DEODOR ATI. 
 
 of diluted alcohol ; macerate for three days, filter, and wash the filter with sufficient 
 diluted alcohol to make 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Opium, in coarse powder, benzoic acid, each 40 grains ; camphor 30 grains ; oil of anise 
 J fluidrachm ; proof spirit 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Extract of opium, benzoic acid, oil 
 of anise, each 3 parts; camphor 2 parts; alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 650 parts. — F. Cod. 
 Powdered opium and oil of anise, each 1 part ; benzoic acid 4 parts ; camphor 2 parts ; 
 alcohol (sp. gr. 0.894) 192 parts. — P. G. 
 
 1 grain of opium is represented in 263 ( U. S.) and 230 (Rr.) minims (U. S. measure), 
 and in 200 (P. 6r.), and 132 ( F Cod.) grains of the tincture. This tincture has a brown- 
 ish-yellow color, an anise-like and camphoraceous odor, a sweetish, pungently aromatic, 
 and slightly bitter taste, and an acid reation ; on the addition of water it turns milky. It 
 is an ingredient in Mistura glycyrrhizae comp., U. S. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — The following formulas were adopted by the Philadelphia College of 
 Pharmacy (1833) for the nostrums named : 
 
 Bateman’s Pectoral Drops. Digest for twenty-four hours rasped red saunders 2 troyounces 
 in 4 gallons of diluted alcohol ; filter, and add powdered opium, catechu, and camphor, each 2 
 troyounces, oil of anise 4 fluidrachms. Digest for ten days and filter. It is of the same opium 
 strength as paregoric. 
 
 Godfrey’s Cordial. Dissolve potassium carbonate 2J troyounces in water 26 pints*, add 
 sugar-house molasses 16 pints ; heat the mixture over a gentle fire until it simmers ; remove the 
 scum ; add tincture of opium 1 1 pints, alcohol 2 pints, and oil of sassafras 4 fluidrachms, pre- 
 viously mixed together. Each fluidounce represents nearly 11 grains of opium. 
 
 Uses. — Camphorated tincture of opium is in common use to relieve abdominal pains 
 produced by flatus or by irritability of the stomach or bowels, and for allaying cough 
 when there is no active inflammation of the respiratory organs. The dose for an adult is 
 6m. 4-8 (f&j-ij), and for an infant from Gm. 0.30-0.60 (gtt. v-x). It is usually admin- 
 istered in sweetened water. 
 
 TINCTURA OPII DEODOR ATI, U * S . — Tincture of Deodorized 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Tinctura opii deodorata , U. S. 1880. 
 
 Preparation. — Powdered Opium 100 Gm.; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate 50 
 Gm. ; Ether 200 Cc. ; Alcohol 200 Cc. ; Water a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Rub the powders in a mortar with 400 Cc. of water previously heated to the tempera- 
 ture of 90° C. (194° F.), until a smooth mixture is made, and macerate for twelve hours; 
 then pour the mixture on a filter or transfer it to a cylindrical percolator, and gradually 
 pour on water until the opium is practically exhausted. Reduce the percolate, by evapo- 
 ration on a water-bath, to 100 Cc., and when it has cooled shake it repeatedly with the 
 ether in a bottle. When the ethereal solution has separated by standing, pour it off, and 
 evaporate the remaining liquid until all traces of ether have disappeared. Mix the resi- 
 due with 500 Cc. of water, and filter the mixture through paper. When the liquid has 
 ceased to pass add enough water through the filter to make the filtered liquid measure 
 800 Cc. Lastly, add the alcohol, and mix them. If 100 Cc. of tincture of deodorized 
 opium be assayed by the process given under Tinctura Opii, it should yield from 1.3 
 to 1.5 Gm. of crystallized morphine. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of deodorized opium mix 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of 
 powdered opium and 1 av. oz. and 293 grains of calcium phosphate ; treat with hot and 
 cold water until exhausted as directed above, concentrate the percolate to 3J fluidounces, 
 shake well with 6J fluidounces of ether, decant, evaporate, add 16 fluidounces of water, 
 filter, and add enough water to obtain 25j fluidounces of filtrate. Lastly, add 6? fluid- 
 ounces of alcohol. 
 
 This tincture is of the same opium strength (by volume) as laudanum, but rather 
 lighter in color, so that 10.5 minims represent 1 grain of opium. It is nearly identical 
 with denarcotized tincture of opium , and takes the place of several preparations which were 
 at one time introduced as elixirs of opium. 
 
 The present official formula differs from that of 1880 chiefly in directing 1000 Cc., 
 instead of 1000 Gm. (as formerly), of tincture to be made from 100 Gm. of powdered 
 opium. By the treatment with ether it is intended to remove narcotine and the odorous 
 principle, which is effectually accomplished, but if the directions of the Pharmacopoeia 
 be strictly followed — namely, to shake the ether repeatedly with the concentrated infu- 
 sion — a very annoying and persistent emulsion will generally result. A much better 
 plan is to add the ether to the liquid in a cylinder or large globular separator, and bring 
 
TINCTURA PHYSOSTIGMA TIS. 
 
 1633 
 
 the two fluids into intimate contact, either by rotating the separator or by slowly invert- 
 ing the cylinder : this treatment should be continued for some time, and repeated fre- 
 quently during twelve or twenty-four hours. The aqueous fluid should then be 
 carefully separated, either by being drawn otf or by decanting or siphoning off the ether, 
 and the washing with ether repeated, this time using only one-fourth or one-half as much 
 ether as before. 
 
 In 1887, E. C. Federer proposed a process for preparing deodorized tincture of opium 
 without the use of ether (see Drugg. Circ ., April, 1887), which consists in exhausting 
 the powdered opium with water heated to 56.7° C. (138° F.), and collecting about 5 
 parts of infusion for each part of opium : the liquid is cooled to 0° C. (32° F.) and 
 filtered, keeping the temperature down by placing ice in the filter. The filter is washed 
 with ice-water until 8 parts of clear filtrate are obtained, to which 2 parts of alcohol are 
 then added. We have tried the process with carefully assayed opium, and have found 
 that, while the deodorization was complete and the filtrate free from narcotine, there was 
 also a loss of morphine amounting to as much as one-fourteenth of the total amount of 
 morphine present in the opium : the marc was found entirely free from morphine, show- 
 ing that the loss occurred in the dark odorous deposit formed upon cooling the infusion 
 to 0° C. (32° F.). Our best results were obtained by freezing the liquid over night, and 
 filtering at a temperature of between 3.5° and 5° C. (38.3° and 41° F.). 
 
 Repeated experiments made with benzene and petroleum benzin have shown us their 
 inferiority to ether (mainly on account of their own disagreeable and rather persistent 
 odor) ; we have, however, experienced considerable satisfaction in making the infusion 
 from opium previously deodorized and denarcotized with ether (see Opium Deodoratum), 
 evaporating this to the desired volume, and adding the necessary quantity of alcohol : this 
 involves the use of a larger quantity of ether, but entirely obviates the formation of 
 troublesome emulsions, and ensures the full quantity of morphine in the finished product. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Liquor opii compositus. Opium is exhausted with water, the infusion 
 concentrated, precipitated by alcohol, the clear liquid evaporated to a small bulk equal in weight 
 to that of the opium, and agitated with ether. The aqueous liquid, freed from the ether, is diluted 
 with 1 part of its own weight of water, filtered, mixed with 1 part of stronger alcohol, and diluted 
 with water to 5 parts. A portion of this is assayed, and the whole liquid is then mixed with the 
 remaining ingredients in such proportions that 30 Cc. or 1 fluidounce shall contain 6 grains of 
 morphine, 1 Cc. of chloroform, 2 Cc. of acetic ether, and 13 Cc. of stronger alcohol, the remain- 
 ing liquid being water. As originally suggested by Dr. Squibb, this preparation contained 4 
 grains of morphine in the fluidounce, but after the appearance of the Pharmacopoeia of 1880 this 
 amount was increased to 6 grains. (For details see Amer. Jour. Pliar ., 1870, p. 47.) 
 
 Battley’s Sedative Drops. 3 ounces of extract of opium are dissolved in 30 ounces of hot 
 water, and the solution filtered and mixed with G ounces of alcohol. This preparation is about 
 50 per cent, stronger than those above described. 
 
 Uses. — The nauseating effects of laudanum are supposed not to be produced by this 
 preparation, which is of the same strength. It may be given in the dose of Gm. 0.75 
 (nixij =gtt. xxij). 
 
 TINCTURA PHYSOSTIGMATIS, U. , S'.— Tincture op Physostigma. 
 
 Teinture de feve du Calabar , Fr. ; Kalabarbohnentinlctur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Physostigma, in No. 40 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for 
 twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour 
 alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — XJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of physostigma use 5 av. ozs. of powdered Calabar bean, 
 and moisten with 3f fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 Physostigma 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 In view of the fact that physostigmine and its salts when in solution are readily 
 altered by the influence of light and air (see pp. 1221 and 1224). it is doubtful whether 
 the tincture is a sufficiently stable preparation : it is advisable, therefore, to make it only 
 in small quantities as needed, and since the amount of matter soluble in strong alcohol 
 is quite small (see p. 694), the tincture may very properly be made by maceration. The 
 present official tincture is very much stronger than that of 1880, representing about 681 
 grains of the drug in each fluidounce against 38 grains formerly. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation fully represents physostigma. Its commencing dose may be 
 stated at Gm. 0.60 (n^x). 
 
 103 
 
1634 
 
 TINCTURA P YRETHR l — TINCTURA Q UIN1NJE. 
 
 TINCTURA PYRETHRI, JJ. S. 9 Br . — Tincture of Pyrethrum. 
 
 Tincture of pellitory, E. ; Teinture de pyrtthre , Fr. ; Bertramwurzeltinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Pyrethrum, in No. 40 powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate for 
 twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour 
 alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of pyrethrum use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of pyrethrum, 
 and moisten with 5 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 Powdered pellitory 4 oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Pel- 
 litory 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 It has a brownish-yellow color and a very acrid taste, and on the addition of water 
 becomes opalescent and milky. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of pellitory is not given internally, but is a convenient substitute for 
 the root of the plant as an application to painful cavities in carious teeth and as a local 
 stimulant in paralysis of the tongue , velum palati , and pharynx. 
 
 TINCTURA QUASSL®, U. Br. — Tincture of Quassia. 
 
 Teinture de quassie ainere , Fr. ; Quassiatinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Quassia, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 350 Cc. 
 of alcohol to 650 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of the men- 
 struum, macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — IT. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of quassia use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of quassia, and 
 moisten with 3 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 35 volumes, water 65 volumes). 
 
 Quassia-wood, in chips, f oz. av., proof-spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 Quassia 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The tincture has a light brownish-yellow color and a persistently bitter taste, and is 
 not colored black by ferric salts. 
 
 Uses. — It is occasionally employed during convalescence from low fevers and other 
 exhausting acute diseases, as well as in various atonic dyspeptic conditions of gastric 
 origin ; but it is less frequently prescribed alone than as an addition to the infusion of quas- 
 sia or of other bitter tonics or associated with their tinctures. The average dose is about 
 Gm. 4 (f^j). It is sometimes given in enema to destroy rectal ascarides. 
 
 TINCTURA QUILLAJiE, JJ. S . — Tincture of Quillaja. 
 
 Tincture of soap-bark , E. ; Teinture d' ecorce de quillaya , Fr. ; Seifenrindentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Quillaja, coarsely ground, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol 350 Cc. ; Water a suf- 
 ficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Boil the quillaja, placed in a suitable vessel, with 
 800 Cc. of water for fifteen minutes, strain, and wash the residue on the strainer with 100 
 Cc. of water. Then boil the strained liquid down to 600 Cc., allow it to cool, mix it with 
 the alcohol, and, when the insoluble matter has subsided, filter the liquid portion through 
 paper, and add enough water to make the tincture measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of soap-bark boil 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of ground 
 quillaja-bark with 1? pints of water for fifteen minutes, strain, and wash the residue with 
 3 ounces of water. Boil the liquid down to 19 fluidounces, cool, mix with 10| fluid- 
 ounces of alcohol, and filter, passing enough water through the filter to make the liquid 
 measure 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation would appear to be a convenient one for external application 
 when diluted with water, and for the various uses mentioned under Quillaja. 
 
 TINCTURA QUININE, Br. — Tincture of Quinine. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Quinine Hydrochlorate 160 grains; Tincture of Orange-peel 
 1 pint (Imperial). Dissolve the quinine hydrochlorate in the tincture with the 
 aid of a gentle heat ; then allow the solution to remain for three days in a closed vessel, 
 shaking it occasionally, and then filter. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation might very properly have been left to magistral prescription. 
 Gm. 4 (1 fluidrachm) contain 1 grain of quinine hydrochlorate. 
 
TINCTURA QUIN IN jE A MM ON I A TA . — TINCTURA RHEI. 
 
 1635 
 
 TINCTURA QUININE AMMONIATA, Br . — Ammoniated Tincture 
 
 of Quinine. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Quinine Sulphate 160 grains; Solution of Ammonia 21 
 fluidounces (Imperial); Proof Spirit 171 fluidounces. Dissolve the quinine sulphate in 
 the spirit with a gentle heat, and add the solution of ammonia. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The association of quinine and ammonia is supposed to be indicated in neur- 
 algia and other nervous affections due to a want of nervous energy. The dose is Gm. 2-4 
 (%ss-j). 
 
 TINCTURA RHEI, TJ. S., Br.— Tincture of Rhubarb. 
 
 Teinture de rhubarbe , Fr. ; Rhabarbertinktuir , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb 100 Gm. ; Cardamom 20 Gm. : Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, 
 Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the rhubarb and cardamom, 
 and reduce the mixture to a moderately coarse (No. 40) powder. Mix the glycerin with 
 600 Cc. of alcohol and 300 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of the 
 menstruum, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical 
 percolator, and gradually pour on the remainder of the menstruum. When the liquid 
 has disappeared from the surface, gradually pour on more of the mixture of alcohol and 
 water, using the same proportion as before, and continue the percolation until 1000 Cc. 
 of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of rhubarb use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of rhubarb and 
 292 grains of cardamom ; moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum, glycerin 31 
 fluidounces, alcohol 191 fluidounces, water 91 fluidounces, and use for final percolation a 
 mixture of alcohol 2 volumes, water 1 volume. 
 
 Rhubarb, in coarse powder, 2 oz. av. ; cardamom-seeds, freed from the pericarps and 
 bruised, coriander-fruit, bruised, saffron, each 1 oz. av. ; proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint 
 (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Rhubarb 1 part and alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The tincture is of a deep reddish-brown color, has the odor and taste of rhubarb, 
 becomes turbid with water, and on standing deposits orange-yellow granular crystals, 
 consisting of chrysophanic acid and emodin, mixed with phaeoretin, erythoretin, and apo- 
 retin. The use of stronger alcohol and the addition of glycerin to the menstruum 
 are intended to prevent the precipitation, but in this will probably not be entirely 
 successful. 
 
 Allied Tinctures. — Tinctura rhei aquosa, P. G., P. A. Take of rhubarb, cut into thin pieces, 
 100 parts ; powdered borax, potassium carbonate, each 10 parts ; add boiling distilled water 900 
 parts, and after fifteen minutes alcohol 90 parts ; macerate for one hour, express slightly, and to 
 850 parts of liquid add cinnamon-water 150 parts. 
 
 Tinctura rhei et absinthii ; Tinct. absinthii composita, F. Cod. — Elixir stomachique de 
 Stoughton, Fr . — Rhubarb, gentian, wormwood, germander, and bitter orange-peel, of each 5 
 parts; aloes and cascarilla, each 1 part; alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 200 parts. — F. Cod. Numerous 
 other formulas for Stoughton's bitters have been in use, rhubarb, gentian, and orange-peel being 
 the principal ingredients. 
 
 Tinctura riiei et aloes, s. Elixir sacrum. Rhubarb, bruised, 10 drachms, aloes 6 drachms, 
 cardamom 4 drachms, diluted alcohol 2 pints. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter. — 
 U. S. 1850. 
 
 Tinctura rhei et gentians, s. Tinct. rhei amara. Rhubarb, bruised, 2 troyounces, gentian, 
 bruised, 4 drachms, diluted alcohol 2 pints. Proceed as above. — U. S. 1850. 
 
 Tinctura rhei et senn^e. Rhubarb 1 troyounce, senna 120 grains, coriander, fennel, each 60 
 grains, liquorice 30 grains, raisins, deprived of their seeds, 6 troyounces, diluted alcohol 3 pints. 
 Macerate for seven days, express, and filter through paper. — U. S. 1870. This tincture is known 
 as Warned s gout cordial , and has a reddish-brown color. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of rhubarb is used to qualify the action of saline purgatives and in 
 gouty or other feeble states of the system requiring a stimulant as well as a laxative 
 medicine. Its dose is Gm. 16-32 (f^ss-j) as a purgative. As a stomachic it may be 
 given in the dose of about Gm. 4 (f&j). 
 
 The association of rhubarb with tonics, aromatics, or laxatives, mentioned above, is 
 sometimes very useful. The disused compounds can be imitated by associating simple 
 tinctures. 
 
1636 
 
 TINCTURA RHEl AROMA TIC A. — TINCT UR A SA BINJE. 
 
 TINCTURA RHEI AROMATIC A, U. S. — Aromatic Tincture of Rhu- 
 barb. 
 
 Teinture de rhubarbe aromatique , Fr. ; Aromatische Rhabarbertinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb 200 Gm. ; Cassia Cinnamon 40 Gm. ; Cloves 40 Gm. ; Nut- 
 meg 20 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, Water, Diluted Alcohol, each a sufficient quan- 
 tity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the rhubarb, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and reduce the 
 mixture to a moderately coarse (No. 40) powder. Mix the glycerin with 500 Cc. of alcohol 
 and 400 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of the menstruum, and macerate for 
 twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour on 
 the remainder of the menstruum. When the liquid has disappeared from the surface, 
 gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of aromatic tincture of rhubarb use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of 
 rhubarb, 1 av. oz. and 147 grains each of cassia cinnamon and cloves, and 292 grains of 
 nutmeg; moisten with 5 fluidounces of the menstruum, glycerin 31 fluidounces, alcohol 
 16 fluidounces, water 12| fluidounces, and use diluted alcohol for final percolation. 
 
 This tincture, intended for preparing spiced syrup of rhubarb, has a dark red-brown 
 color, a pleasant aromatic odor, and a spicy and bitter taste ; on keeping it deposits some 
 chrysophanic acid and other principles of rhubarb ; on the addition of water it becomes 
 turbid. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation seems to have been intended to represent the aromatic syrup 
 of rhubarb. It may, however, be added to the number of purgative tinctures which are 
 used in gouty and enfeebled states of the system, such as the tinctures of aloes and 
 myrrh or of rhubarb and senna (1870), and indeed may be appropriately administered 
 along with them. Dose , Gm. 8-16 (f^ij-iv). 
 
 TINCTURA RHEI DULCIS, U. S . — Sweet Tincture of Rhubarb. 
 
 Teinture de rhubarbe douce , Fr. ; Siisse Rhabarbertinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb 100 Gm. ; Glycyrrhiza 4 Gm. ; Anise 4 Gm. ; Cardamom 1 
 Gm. ; Glycerin 100 Cc. ; Alcohol, Water, Diluted Alcohol, each a sufficient quantity ; to 
 make 1000 Cc. Mix the rhubarb, glycyrrhiza, anise, and cardamom, and reduce the 
 mixture to a moderately coarse (No. 40) powder. Mix the glycerin with 500 Cc. of 
 alcohol and 400 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of the menstruum, and 
 macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and grad- 
 ually pour on the remainder of the menstruum. When the liquid has disappeared from 
 the surface, gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. 
 
 — U.S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of sweet tincture of rhubarb use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of rhubarb, 
 
 58 1 grains each of glycyrrhiza and anise, and 15 grains of cardamom ; moisten with 5 
 fluidounces of the menstruum (glycerin 3f fluidounces, alcohol 16 fluidounces, water 12f i 
 fluidounces), and use diluted alcohol for final percolation. , 
 
 This tincture has been in use for a number of years, and was admitted into the Phar- ; 
 
 macopoeia of 1880. It resembles tincture of rhubarb in appearance, but is one-third 
 weaker in rhubarb, the bitter taste of which is somewhat modified by the other 
 ingredients. 
 
 Uses. — From the small proportion of rhubarb in this preparation it may be surmised 
 that it was intended for infantile disorders. But as the aromatic tincture or the aromatic 
 syrup can readily be employed in doses appropriate to such cases, the need of this officinal 
 preparation is not apparent. The dose may be stated at Gm. 8-12 (f^ij-iij). 
 
 TINCTURA SABINiE, Br , — Tincture of Savin. 
 
 Teinture de sabine , Fr. ; Sadebaumtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Savin-tops, dried and coarsely powdered, 21 oz. av. ; Proof 
 Spirit 1 pint. Prepare the tincture according to the formula given under Tincture. 
 
 — Br. 
 
 Proof spirit appears to be hardly strong enough for dissolving the volatile oil and 
 resin contained in savin. The tincture has a brown-green color. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of savin may be employed internally in all cases in which that mode 
 of administering savin is appropriate. Dose , Gm. 1.30-4 (n^xx-f^j). 
 
TINCTURA SANG UINA RT^E.— TINCTURA SENEGTE . 
 
 1637 
 
 TINCTURA SANGUINARIA, U. Tincture of Sanguinaria. 
 
 Tincture of bloodroot , E. ; Teinture de sanguinaire , Fr. ; ! Blutwurzeltinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sanguinaria, in No. 60 powder, 150 Gm. ; Acetic Acid 20 Cc. ; Alco- 
 hol, Water, each a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the 
 proportion of 600 Cc. of alcohol to 400 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. 
 of the mixture, to which the acetic acid had previously been added, and macerate for 
 twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator, and gradually 
 pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of sanguinaria use 5 av. ozs. of sanguinaria, and moisten 
 with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 2 volumes), to which 
 308 minims of acetic acid had previously been added. 
 
 In alcoholic strength the present official menstruum is weaker than that of 1880, which 
 consisted of alcohol 2\ volumes (nearly) and water 1 volume ; the addition of acetic acid 
 is valuable, as not only facilitating the exhaustion of the drug, but also as materially add- 
 ing to the permanency of the tincture. Tincture of sanguinaria has a rich brownish-red 
 color and the bitter, acrid taste of the root. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture contains all the virtues of bloodroot. It may be given in doses 
 of Gm. 2-4 (fgss-j) as an “ alterative ” and expectorant, and as an emetic in doses of 
 Gm. 4-16 (f^j-iv). 
 
 TINCTURA SCILLA, TJ. S ,, Br., B. G. — Tincture of Squill. 
 
 Teinture de scille , Fr. ; Meerzwiebeltinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Squill, in No. 30 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient 
 quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 750 Cc. of alcohol with 250 Cc. of water. Moisten 
 the powder with 200 Cc. of the menstruum, and macerate for twenty-four hours; then 
 pack it moderately in a conical percolator, and gradually pour the remainder of the men- 
 struum upon it ; when this has disappeared from the surface, gradually pour on more of 
 the mixture of alcohol and water, using the same proportions as before, and continue the 
 percolation until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — IT. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of squill use 5 av. ozs. of squill, and moisten with 61 
 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume). 
 
 Squill 2I oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Squill 1 part, alco- 
 hol (sp. gr. 0.912, F. Cod.) (sp. gr. 0.894, P. G.) 5 parts. 
 
 Tfie increase in the alcoholic strength of the official menstruum is decidedly advanta- 
 geous with a view to extracting less of inert mucilaginous matter. The tincture is of a 
 light yellow-color, with the nauseous bitter taste of squill. 
 
 Allied Tincture. — Tinctura scille kalina. Macerate for a week squill 8 parts and caustic 
 potassa 1 part in alcohol (sp. gr. 0.894) 50 parts ; express and filter. It has a brownish color. — 
 P. G. 1872. 
 
 Uses. — Tincture of squill is perhaps better adapted than squill in substance for the 
 treatment of dropsy. It is generally associated with other medicines, as in the following 
 efficient formula: P. Tincture of digitalis f^ij-f^iij ; tincture of squill f^ss ; compound 
 spirit of juniper fj§ij ; sherry wine ; acetate of potassium gj. M. — S. A tablespoon- 
 ful, largely diluted, three times a day. Tincture of squill is said to have produced 
 diuresis when applied to the skin with friction. The dose is Gm. 0.60—1.30 (rrpx-xx). 
 
 TINCTURA SENEGA, Br. — Tincture of Senega. 
 
 Teinture de poly gala de Virginie, Fr. ; SenegatinJdur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Senega-root, in coarse powder, 2\ oz. av. ; Proof Spirit 1 
 pint (Imperial). Proceed according to the directions given under Tincture. — Br. 
 Senega 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The tincture has a yellowish-brown color and the acrid taste of senega. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is probably less efficient than the syrup of senega in affections 
 of the air-passages, and than the fluid extract as a stimulant of the uterine functions. The 
 alcohol it contains renders it peculiarly unsuitable in the former, and probably impairs its 
 virtues in the latter case, while it tends to produce a local irritant action upon the stomach. 
 Its dose is Gm. 2-8 (f^ss-ij). 
 
1638 
 
 TINCTURA SENNJE. — T1NCT UR A STRAMONII SEMINIS. 
 
 TINCTURA SENN^E, Br. — Tincture of Senna. 
 
 Elixir salutis . — Teinture de sene aromatique, Elixir de salut, Fr. ; Sennatinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Senna, broken small, 21 oz. av. ; Raisins, freed from seeds, 
 2 ounces ; Caraway-fruit, bruised, Coriander-fruit, bruised, each J ounce ; Proof Spirit 
 1 pint. Prepare 1 pint (Imperial) of tincture according to the formula given under 
 Tincture. — Br. 
 
 Senna 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 It is used in preparing Mistura sennae comp., Br. The formulas of old pharmacopoeias 
 directed rhubarb or jalap in addition to the senna. 
 
 Uses. — It is convenient as an addition to cathartic infusions, and particularly to the 
 compound infusion of senna, or “ black draught,” or along with the tincture of rhubarb 
 in cases that require a stimulating purge, especially in persons of a gouty habit. The dose 
 is Gm. 4-16 (fi^j-iv). 
 
 TINCTURA SERPENTARIA, V. S., Br. — Tincture of Serpentaria. 
 
 Teinture de serpentaire , Fr. ; Schlangenwurzeltinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Serpentaria, in No. 40 powder, 100 Gm.; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 650 Cc. of alcohol with 350 Cc. of water. Moisten 
 the powder with 100 Cc. of the menstruum, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack 
 it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour the remainder of the menstruum upon 
 it : when this has disappeared from the surface, gradually pour on more of the mixture of 
 alcohol and water, using the same proportions as before, and continue the percolation until 
 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — II. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of serpentaria use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of serpen- 
 taria, and moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 65 volumes, water 35 
 volumes). 
 
 Serpentaria 21 oz. av., proof spirit sufficient to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The tincture has a brownish-yellow color and the camphoraceous odor and taste of the 
 drug. 
 
 Uses. — In the low forms of febrile disease for which serpentaria is employed 
 the tincture is the most appropriate form for administering it. It may be associated 
 advantageously in such cases with the compound tincture of cinchona. Dose, Gm. 4-8 
 
 TINCTURA STRAMONII SEMINIS, U. S ., Br.— Tincture of Stra- 
 
 MONIUM-SEED. 
 
 Tinctura stramonii , Br. — Tincture of stramonium, E. ; Teinture de semences de stramoine, 
 Fr. ; Stechapfelsamentinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Stramonium-seed, in No. 40 powder, 150 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of diluted alco- 
 hol, and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, 
 and gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of stramonium-seed use 5 av. ozs. of stramonium-seed, 
 and moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (diluted alcohol). 
 
 Stramonium-seeds 21 oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The tincture has a brownish-yellow color and becomes opalescent with water. The 
 tincture of the first formula is about one-fourth stronger than that of the British 
 formula, and about two-thirds stronger than that of the U. S. P. 1880. Teinture de 
 stramoine ( F '. Cod.) is made from stramonium-leaves 1 part and alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912) 5 
 parts. 
 
 Uses. — Although less frequently used than other preparations of stramonium, the 
 tincture is probably one of the best, whether for internal administration or as a topical 
 anodyne. It would seem appropriate for inhalation, when atomized, in cases of spasmodic 
 asthma, and it has been used with marked advantage for the relief of dysmenorrhoea. It 
 may also be given internally for the relief of neuralgia, and used locally for that affection 
 and for muscular rheumatism in anodyne liniments. Even in subacute and chronic articu- 
 lar rheumatism it may be employed in the same way with advantage. The average dose 
 of the tincture is Gm. 1 (npxv). 
 
TINCTURA STR OP HA NTHI. — TINCTURA TOLU TANA. 
 
 1639 
 
 TINCTURA STROPHANTHI, U. S., Br. Add., 1\ G., B. A.— 1 Tincture 
 
 of Strophanthus. 
 
 Teinture de sentences de strophanthe , Fr. ; Strophan thussamentinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Strophanthus, in No. 30 powder, 50 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 650 Cc. of alcohol with 350 Cc. of water. 
 Digest the powder with 70 Cc. of the menstruum for two days, then transfer it to a cylin- 
 drical percolator, and gradually pour on more menstruum, and continue the percolation 
 very slowly until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of strophanthus use 1 av. oz. and 293 grains of strophan- 
 thus-seed, and digest for two days with 18 fluidrachms of the menstruum (alcohol 65 
 volumes, water 35 volumes) ; afterward percolate very slowly with sufficient menstruum 
 to yield 32 fluidounces of tincture. 
 
 Percolate strophanthus, in No. 30 powder, 1 ounce, with ether until the latter passes 
 colorless ; dry the mass at a temperature not above 48.9° C. (120° F.), and percolate 
 slowly with rectified spirit until 10 fluidounces have passed ; then dilute the percolate 
 with rectified spirit to 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Add. 
 
 Macerate 1 part of bruised strophanthus-seed, deprived of as much oil as possible by 
 pressure without heat, with 10 parts of diluted alcohol (spec. grav. 0.894), and remove 
 any oil which may separate from the tincture upon subsequent filtration. — P. G. 
 
 Strophanthus-seeds are very rich in fixed oil, for the removal of which no provision is 
 made in the U. S. P. formula ; it is true the weaker alcoholic menstruum, in which the 
 active glucoside strophanthin is perfectly soluble, will not take up large quantities of the 
 oil ; but we think the process given in the National Formulary of the A. P. A., which is 
 practically identical with the directions of the Brit. Pharm., yields a more satisfactory 
 product. The ether used for the removal of the fixed oil does not affect the active virtues 
 of the seed, and the alcoholic tincture has been used by physicians for years. The color of 
 the tincture will depend upon the menstruum employed : made by the U. S. P. and P. G. 
 formulas, the color is brownish-yellow, while if made by the Br. Ph. the color is green- 
 ish-yellow. The taste is very bitter. 
 
 Uses. — An efficient preparation of strophanthus. Dose , 4 to 8 minims. 
 
 TINCTURA SUMBUL, TJ. S., Br. — Tincture of Sumbul. 
 
 Teinture de sumbul , Fr. ; Sumbultinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sumbul, in -No. 30 powder, 100 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suffi- 
 cient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 650 Cc. 
 of alcohol to 350 Cc. of water. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of the menstruum, 
 and macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and 
 gradually pour on more menstruum until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of sumbul use 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of sumbul, and 
 moisten with 31 fluidounces of menstruum (alcohol 65 volumes, water 35 volumes). 
 
 Sumbul 2\ oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The medicinal strength of tincture of sumbul (U. S. P.) is about the same as that of 
 1880, but the menstruum has been changed in alcoholic strength to- about two-thirds of 
 the former, which is supposed to be sufficiently strong to exhaust the powdered root ; 
 considering that the virtues of sumbul reside in an acid and volatile oil, a mixture of alco- 
 hol 3 volumes and water 1 volume would appear preferable, as in the case of valerian. 
 
 Uses. — This tincture probably possesses all the virtues of sumbul. Its dose is Gm. 
 0.60-2 (npx-xxx). 
 
 TINCTURA TOLUTANA, U. S., Br.— Tincture of Tolu. 
 
 Teinture de baume de Tolu , Fr. ; Tolubalsamtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Balsam of Tolu 100 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 1000 Cc. Add the balsam of Tolu to 900 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate until dissolved ; 
 then filter through paper, adding, through the filter, enough alcohol to make the tincture 
 measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of Tolu dissolve 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of balsam of 
 Tolu in 29 fluidounces of alcohol, and add sufficient of the latter to make 32 fluidounces. 
 
 Balsam of Tolu 2\ oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient to make 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 Balsam of Tolu 1 part, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
1640 
 
 TINCTURA VALERIANAE.— TINCTURA VANILL2E. 
 
 The tincture has a yellowish color, and becomes milky on the addition of water. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is used for little else than to flavor cough mixtures ; it is 
 ineligible even for that purpose, since it is decomposed by water. Its flavor, however, 
 remains after the removal of its resin, and in this manner the agreeable officinal syrup is 
 formed. Dose , Gm. 4-8 (fl^j-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA VALERIANAE, U. S., Br., B. G., B. ,4.— Tincture of 
 
 Valerian. 
 
 Teinture de valerian e, Fr. ; Baldriantinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Valerian, in No. 60 powder 200 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a suf- 
 ficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of 750 Cc. 
 of alcohol and 250 Cc. of water. Having moistened the powder with 100 Cc. of the 
 menstruum, macerate for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical per- 
 colator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of valerian use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of valerian, and 
 moisten with 31 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 3 volumes, water 1 volume). 
 
 Valerian 2\ oz. av., proof spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Valerian 1 part, 
 alcohol (sp. gr. 0.912, F. Cod.) (sp. gr. 0.894, P. G.) 5 parts. 
 
 The alcoholic and medicinal strength of the official tincture has been altered, so that it 
 is now practically identical with those of the French and German Pharmacopoeias. The 
 tincture is of a brown or reddish-brown color, varying somewhat with the variety of 
 valerian employed, and has the odor and taste of the drug in a marked degree. On the 
 addition of water it becomes opalescent and turbid. 
 
 Allied Tincture. — Tinctura valerians ^etherea. Valerian 1 part, spirit of ether 5 parts. 
 — P. G. Valerian 2 parts, ether (sp. gr. 0.724) 7 parts, alcohol 3 parts. — F. Cod. It is of a yel- 
 low or brownish-yellow color, and becomes opalescent and turbid on the addition of water. 
 
 Uses. — The tincture is much less frequently employed than the other preparations 
 of valerian, although in certain cases it is more efficacious — those, namely, in which a 
 prompt and efficient operation is required. Such cases are the typhoid state with pre- 
 dominance of ataxic phenomena and delirium tremens. On the other hand, in purely 
 nervous disorders, especially of an hysterical kind, it is far less eligible than the infusion, 
 the oil, the ammoniated tincture, or even the fluid extract of valerian. The dose is Gm. 
 4-8 (f&j-ij). 
 
 TINCTURA VALERIANAE AMMONIATA, U. S., Br.— Ammoniated 
 
 Tincture of Valerian. 
 
 Teinture de valeriane ammoniacale , Fr. ; Ammoniakalische Baldriantinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Valerian, in No. 60 powder, 200 Gm. ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
 a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 200 Cc. of aromatic 
 spirit of ammonia, and macerate for twenty-four hours in a closed vessel ; then pack it 
 firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator, and gradually pour aromatic spirit of ammonia 
 upon it until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of ammoniated tincture of valerian use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of 
 valerian, and moisten with 6i fluidounces of the menstruum (aromatic spirit of ammo- 
 nia). 
 
 Valerian 2? oz. av., aromatic spirit of ammonia sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 The tincture is of a brown color, with the odor and taste of valerian and of ammonia. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation may be employed in all the disorders in which the simple 
 tincture is eligible, but it is perhaps best adapted to cases of a purely nervous description, 
 in which its use need not be prolonged. It may be given in doses of from Gm. 2-4 (30 
 to 60 minims) in sweetened water or mucilage, but never in milk. A non-officinal pre- 
 paration, the elixir of ammonium valerianate, operates in the same manner, but much 
 less energetically. Both are suited to cases of nervous headache and of general nervous- 
 ness with insomnia , produced by exhaustion of mind or body. Dose, Gm. 4-8 (fi^j-ij)- 
 
 TINCTURA VANILLAE, TJ. S., B. A . — Tincture of Vanilla. 
 
 Teinture de vanille, Fr. ; Vanilletinktur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Vanilla, cut into small pieces and bruised, 100 Gm. ; Sugar, in coarse 
 powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol, Water, each a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix 
 
TINCTURA VERATRI VIR ID IS.— TINCT UR A ZINGIBERIS. 
 
 1641 
 
 alcohol and water in the proportion of 650 Cc. of alcohol to 350 Cc. of water. Macerate 
 the vanilla in 500 Cc. of this mixture for twelve hours, then drain off the liquid, and set 
 it aside. Transfer the vanilla to a mortar, beat it with the sugar into a uniform powder, 
 then pack it in a percolator, and pour upon it the reserved liquid. When this has disap- 
 peared from the surface gradually pour on the menstruum, and continue the percolation 
 until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of vanilla macerate 3 av. ozs. and 148 grains of cut vanilla 
 for twelve hours in 16 fluidounces of a mixture of alcohol 65 volumes, water 35 volumes ; 
 drain off the liquid, transfer the vanilla to a mortar, and beat it to powder with 6 av. ozs. 
 and 296 grains of sugar ■ percolate with the expressed liquid, and afterward with fresh 
 menstruum, until 32 fluidounces have been obtained. 
 
 Vanilla, cut, 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.863) 10 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The first formula agrees in the main with that for essence or fluid extract of vanilla , 
 given in previous editions of this work ; but the strength has been increased about 50 
 per cent., the commercial essence being usually made from 1 ounce of vanilla to 1 pint 
 of tincture. Maceration of the cut vanilla with a portion of the menstruum previous to 
 beating the former with sugar into powder was already directed in 1880, and facilitates 
 the exhaustion of the bean. 
 
 Tincture of vanilla is used only as a .flavoring agent. 
 
 TINCTURA VERATRI VIRIDIS, JJ. S., Br . — Tincture of Veratrum 
 
 VlRIDE. 
 
 Tincture of green ( American ) hellebore , E. ; Teinture de veratre vert , Fr. ; Grun-JVieswurz- 
 tinlctur, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Veratrum Viride, in No. 60 powder, 400 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient 
 quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the powder with 150 Cc. of alcohol, and macerate 
 for twenty-four hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour 
 alcohol upon it until 1000 Cc. are obtained. — JJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of veratrum viride use 13 av. ozs. and 155 grains of verat- 
 rum viride, and moisten with 5 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 Veratrum viride 4 oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 This tincture is now about 20 per cent, weaker than that of the U. S. P. 1880, but still 
 more than twice as strong as that of the Br. P. It is of a deep red-brown color, has a 
 bitter and acrid taste, and becomes opalescent and turbid on the addition of water. The 
 present English title is to be preferred to the older one, as not likely to lead to confound- 
 ing this preparation with the tincture of Helleborus viridis which is employed in some 
 parts of Europe. 
 
 Allied Tinctures. — Veratum viride not being recognized by the French and German Pharma^ 
 copceias, these authorities have adopted a tincture from the closely-allied V eratrum album : 
 
 Tinctura veratri, P. G. — Teinture d’hellebore blanc (veratre blanc), Fr. — White veratrum 
 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.863) 5 parts. — F. Cod. White veratrum 1 part, alcohol (sp. grav. 0.894) 
 1 0 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — The American is more than twice as strong as the British tincture, and may 
 be given to adults in doses of Gm. 0.40-0.50 (^vj-viij) every three hours, and cautiously 
 increased until nausea is felt or the pulse begins to fall. The dose of the British tincture 
 is from Gm. 0.30-1.30 (“ 5 to 20 minims ”). This preparation and the fluid extract have 
 been used hypodermically. Dr. E. B. Squibb suggests as the proper dose “8 to 10 
 minims of the fluid extract, or double that dose of the tincture, every fifteen minutes at 
 first.” The physiological effect may be certain ; the therapeutical result is improbable. It 
 may be remarked here, as was implied in the account given of green (American) helle- 
 bore itself, that while some of our native physicians exalt this medicine to the rank of 
 a panacea, others condemn its use altogether as scientifically illogical and practically 
 dangerous. Among the latter we desire to be reckoned. The reasons that have led us 
 to this judgment are set forth under Veratrum V iride. 
 
 TINCTURA ZINGIBERIS, JJ. S., Br JP . G. — Tincture of Ginger. 
 
 Teinture de gingembre, Fr. ; Ingwertinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ginger, in No. 40 powder, 200 Gm. ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Moisten the ginger with 50 Cc. of alcohol, macerate for twenty-four 
 hours ; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour alcohol upon it 
 until 1000 Cc. of tincture are obtained.— JJ. S. 
 
1642 
 
 TRAGACANTHA. 
 
 To make 1 quart of tincture of ginger use 6 av. ozs. and 296 grains of ginger, and 
 moisten with lg fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol). 
 
 Ginger 2J oz. av., rectified spirit sufficient for 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Ginger 1 part ; 
 alcohol (sp. gr. 0.863, F. Cod.) (sp. grav. 0.894, P. G.) 5 parts. The tincture is brown- 
 ish-yellow or reddish, has the aromatic odor and hot taste of ginger, and is rendered 
 milky by water. Diluted alcohol yields a turbid tincture. 
 
 Allied Tincture. — Tinctura zingiberis fortior, Br. — Strong tincture of ginger, E. — Take 
 of ginger, in fine powder, 10 ounces, rectified spirit a sufficiency. Pack the ginger tightly in a 
 percolator, and pour over it carefully J pint of the spirit. At the expiration of two hours add 
 more spirit, and let it percolate slowly until 1 pint (Imperial) of tincture has been collected. — Br. 
 
 This has about one-half the strength of the fluid extract of ginger. 
 
 Uses. — These tinctures suffice for nearly all the purposes to which ginger can be 
 applied, either internally or externally, and especially to parts slightly affected with 
 muscular rheumatism , and to the abdomen in cases of nausea or colic ; and internally the 
 weaker tincture may be given for flatulent colic , dysmenorrhoea , etc. The British strong 
 tincture is twice as strong as the American tincture, but neither is as strong as the fluid 
 extract. The latter tincture may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.60-4 (n^x-lx), the 
 former in the dose of Gm. 0.30—2 (ttlv-xxx). 
 
 TRAGACANTHA, U. S., Br., JP. G. — Tragacanth. 
 
 Gummi tragacantha . — Gomme adragante , F. Cod. ; Tragantli , G. ; Goma tragacanta , Sp. 
 
 A gummy exudation from Astragalus gummifer, Labillardiere , and from other species 
 of Astragalus. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 73. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Leguminosse, Papilionaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The genus Astragalus comprises numerous herbaceous, suffruticose, and 
 shrubby species, and is characterized by its flowers having ten stamens, nine of which 
 are united into a bundle, and by having the lower suture of their legumes inflexed so as 
 to make the fruit apparently two-celled. The subgenus Tragacantha has the stipules 
 united with the permanent petioles, which become thorny. According to Boissier and 
 Ilaussknecht, the principal species yielding tragacanth are Astragalus adscendens, Bois. 
 et Ilaussk ., A. brachycalyx, Fischer , A. microcephalus, Willdenow , A. pycnocladus, Bois. 
 et Ilaussk ., A. stromatodes, Bunge, A. kurdicus, Bois., A. cylleneus, Bois. et Heldreicli 
 (probably a variety of A. Parnassi, Boissier) ; also, A. verus, Olivier, and A. creticus, 
 Lamarck. All are low shrubs, indigenous to a portion of the territory lying between 
 Eastern Persia and Greece. 
 
 The secretion of tragacanth is due to a transformation of the cell-walls, with their 
 incrusting layers, of the pith and medullary rays contained in the stem and older 
 branches, as was first observed by Hugo von Mohl (1857), whose observations were cor- 
 roborated by Wigand (1861). The altered tissue is confined in the plant between the 
 wood-wedges with considerable tension, and oozes out with some force on breaking a 
 branch or making an incision. 
 
 Collection. — Tragacanth exudes spontaneously either from fissures or from punc- 
 tures and longitudinal incisions made into the stem and older branches. From such in- 
 cisions flake tragacanth is obtained, while the spontaneously exuding gum often forms 
 irregularly globular or somewhat conical pieces. The rapidity with which the gum 
 exudes chiefly determines the shape in which it ultimately hardens, and the time which 
 elapses before it is sufficiently hard for collection influences the color of the product, 
 which is white if congealed rapidly, and more or less yellowish and brown if hardened 
 slowly. Tragacanth enters commerce from the ports of Asia Minor and from the Persian 
 Gulf. 
 
 Properties. — Tragacanth consists of different layers, either laid upon one another 
 and spirally twisted, or confluent into tear-like masses, or extended into curved, narrow, 
 or broad bands, varying in width between 6 and 25 Mm. (| inch and 1 inch), and some- 
 times 10-13 Cm. (4 or 5 inches) long. These bands are rarely made up of a single 
 layer, but usually are marked with several parallel ridges, indicating the various strata, 
 which are united into broader and thicker laminae. This form of tragacanth is known as 
 flake tragacanth or leaf gum, and is the more valuable the whiter and more translucent it 
 is. Smyrna tragacanth is mostly in rather broad and thick flakes, which are yellowish or 
 of a brownish tint, and often prominently ridged. Thin, ribbon-like, and white flakes are 
 produced in Kurdistan and Persia, but are sometimes distinguished in commerce as 
 Syrian tragacanth. Another variety is vermiform tragacanth , also called vermicelli. It 
 
TRA GACANTHA. 
 
 1643 
 
 consists of very narrow, variously coiled, and contorted string-like pieces, the different 
 coils of which are most frequently confluent. Common tragacanth , or sorts , in Europe 
 known as traganton , is the product obtained by spontaneous exudation, forming subglobu- 
 lar, conical, or variously shaped tear-like pieces, with the surface rounded and more or less 
 irregular, and usually of a brownish or brown color, and rather waxy in appearance; but it 
 shows the stratification described above, and, like the white and thin bands, encloses starch. 
 
 Tragacanth is hard, tough, difficult to powder, inodorous, and tasteless, insoluble in 
 alcohol and ether, and forms with 50 parts of water a thick, jelly-like mucilage. When 
 diffused in a much larger quantity of water it forms a ropy liquid which may be passed 
 through a filter, leaving behind an insoluble residue, which in contact with iodine 
 acquires a blue color from the presence of starch. The mucilage acquires a yellow color 
 on the addition of caustic soda, and the solution of tragacanth yields clear mixtures with 
 borax, ferric chloride, and sodium silicate, is precipitated by alcohol, thickened by cold 
 lead acetate and subacetate, and precipitated by these salts on heating (Fliickiger). 
 
 Composition. — The soluble gum is not identical with arabin, though its solution is 
 precipitated by alcohol and ammonium oxalate. The insoluble gum is known as bassorin , 
 traganthin , adraganthin. It is soluble in hydrochloric acid and in ammonia, and is stated 
 to have the composition C 12 H 20 O 10 . According to Giraud (1876), tragacanth consists 
 essentially of pectose or a closely-allied principle, which on being digested with water is 
 gradually converted into a soluble compound, pectin , which is precipitated by alcohol. 
 He regards it as very improbable that tragacanth should originate from a transformation 
 of cellulose, since this body is ordinarily converted into dextrin and sugar, which com- 
 pounds are not met with in tragacanth. According to this author, the average composi- 
 tion of tragacanth is 20 per cent, water, 60 per cent, pectin compound, 8 to 10 per cent, 
 soluble gum, 3 per cent, cellulose, 2 or 3 per cent, starch, 3 per cent, of mineral constitu- 
 ents, and a trace of nitrogenous matter. By drying, tragacanth loses about 15 per cent, 
 of moisture ; the ash contains over half its weight of calcium carbonate. 
 
 Allied Gums. — Cherry Gum. The different species of cherry and plum trees frequently yield 
 gummy exudations which harden to irregular nodulous masses, are of a more or less brow T n color, 
 translucent, and dissolve imperfectly in water. According to Guerin, the insoluble portion of 
 this gum is not identical with bassorin. 
 
 Bassora or Kutera Gum is a Persian product of unknown origin, and is met with in yellowish 
 or brownish, semi-transparent, and tasteless masses, which swell considerably with water. It is 
 used in Smyrna for adulterating the cheaper varieties of tragacanth, and is then usually broken 
 into smaller pieces of about the same size as the tragacanth. Such broken pieces are angular, 
 and are said to be sometimes artificially w T hitened with white lead. This fraud may be readily 
 detected by treating the gum with cold dilute nitric acid, when the presence of lead in the solu- 
 tion may be established without difficulty. 
 
 Cashew Gum, Gomme acajou , is an exudation of Anacardium occidentale (see page 207), is 
 brown-yellow, translucent, somewhat iridescent, and partly soluble in water. (See also Hog 
 Gum, page 7.) 
 
 Other Species of Astragalus. — A. baeticus, Linne. An herbaceous annual of the basin of 
 the Mediterranean. Its brownish-yellow, angular, subcubical seeds have been used as a substi- 
 tute for coffee ; they were examined by Trommsdorff (1824). 
 
 A. exscapus, Linne. This perennial is indigenous to the mountainous parts of Southern and 
 Central Europe. Its root is mucilaginous, somewhat astringent and bitter, and was formerly 
 used as a diuretic. Examined by Fleurot (1833), no peculiar active principle was found. 
 
 A. glycyphyllos, Linn6. The leaves and seeds of this perennial, indigenous to Europe and 
 Northern Asia, have an unpleasant sweet taste and are used as diuretics. 
 
 A. crotal arias, Gh'ay. This is a California plant, known as loco-weed and rattle-weed , and is 
 reported to be poisonous to horses and cattle. 
 
 A. mollissimus, Torrey. It is indigenous to North America west of the Mississippi from 
 Nebraska to Western Texas. Its leaflets are densely covered with a glossy, soft, white or yel- 
 lowish pubescence. It is claimed to be poisonous to horses, but from neither this nor the pre- 
 ceding could poisonous principles be isolated. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Tragacanth is demulcent and nutritious. It was apparently 
 unknown to the Greek physicians until the fourth or fifth century, and was then used to 
 allay cough and hoarseness and promote expectoration , and, in a word, for all the affections 
 in which gum-arabic has been employed. Its difficult solubility renders it less eligible 
 than the latter gum in most instances. On the other hand, the greater tenaciousness of 
 its mucilage fits it to be a better protective in some local affections, such as burns. 
 
 A. mollissimus has been studied by Dr. Isaac Ott, who summarizes its effects as fol- 
 lows : It lessens the irritability of the motor nerves and of the sensory ganglia of the 
 central nervous system ; has a spinal tetanic action ; reduces the action of, and then 
 arrests, the heart; salivates; ultimately it diminishes arterial tension, and dilates the 
 
3 644 
 
 TRILLIUM. 
 
 pupil ( ' Phila . Med. Times, xii. 892; Med. Record , xxxiii. 197). A. legum is described by 
 Gray as a species of the vetch tribe, and as rendering horses valueless. Dr. J. W. Carhart 
 and Dr. Thornton Parker have described its effects on horses. Their hair grows dull, 
 their flesh fails, their gait is staggering, their sight is impaired, and they seem intox- 
 icated (Med. Record, xxxi. 10, 130). It does not appear to have affected man nor any 
 animals but those of the equine species. 
 
 TRILLIUM . — B ethroot. 
 
 Birthroot, Wakerobin, E. ; Trillium, Fr., G. 
 
 The rhizome of Trillium erectum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliacese. 
 
 Origin. — Bethroot is generally stated to be obtained from Trillium pendulum, which 
 is now regarded as a white flowering variety of Tr. erectum, but the drug as met with in 
 the market is evidently derived from different plants, and it is not unlikely that in differ- 
 ent localities bethroot is collected from such species of Trillium as may be most abun- 
 dant. All the species have a simple stem, mostly about 30 Cm. (1 foot) high, bearing at 
 its apex a single hexandrous flower, and beneath it a whorl of three leaves, which are 
 reticulate-palmately veined and usually broadly ovate or rhomboid in shape. The fruit 
 is a triangular-ovate, three-celled, and many-seeded dark purple or red berry. The dif- 
 ferent species grow in moist thickets and shady woods in various parts of the United 
 States and Canada. Two of the species have the dark-purple flower sessile between the 
 leaves — namely, Tr. sessile, Linne , with erect petal and sessile leaves, and Tr. recurva- 
 tum, Beck, with recurved petals and stalked leaves. Two species have white flowers on 
 erect peduncles and petiolate leaves — namely, Tr. nivale, Riddell , with the leaves and 
 petals obtuse, and Tr. erythrocarpum, Michaux, with pointed leaves and petals, and the 
 latter striped with purple near the base. Tr. cernuum, Linne , and Tr. stylosum, Nuttall, 
 have white or rose-colored flowers on peduncles which are deflexed under the leaves, the 
 last-named species being distinguished by the partly-united styles. Tr. erectum, Linne , 
 bears a nodding and finally deflexed flower, with dark -purple spreading petals, or in the 
 variety album (Tr. pendulum, Middenberg') with greenish -white or yellowish petals. The 
 variety declinatum has a horizontal peduncle and white or pink-colored petals. Tr. gran- 
 diflorum, Salisbury, has a large white or rose-colored suberect flower. 
 
 Description. — Bethroot is a subglobular, oblong, or nearly obconical and oblique 
 rhizome, which is truncate at the lower end and terminates above with a short tuft of 
 sheathing leaf-bases. The rhizome is 25—38 Mm. (1 or lj inches) long, 12—18 Mm. 
 (J to f inch) in diameter, slightly flattened, finely but distinctly annulate, and, particu- 
 larly in the upper portion, beset with circular rows of straw-colored or pale-brownish 
 rootlets or with the short remnants of the same. Bethroot is externally of a yellowish 
 orange-brown color, internally whitish or more frequently yellowish or light-brown, and 
 upon transverse section is seen to be composed of rather spongy parenchyma and of small 
 scattered fibro-vascular bundles, which are circular, elongated, or irregularly curved, and 
 more numerous toward the circumference than near the centre. It is inodorous or nearly 
 so, and has a sweetish, astringent, afterward bitter and acrid taste. 
 
 Constituents. — On moistening a section of bethroot with solution of iodine the tis- 
 sue assumes a uniform blue color, with the exception of the wood-bundles, proving the 
 presence of starch in the parenchyma. From an investigation by Prof. E. S. Wayne 
 (1856), it appears that on evaporating the tincture and diluting with water fatty and 
 resinous matter, and perhaps a little volatile oil, are separated, and that from the aque- 
 ous liquid tannin and coloring matter are precipitated by lead acetate and subacetate, 
 while the acrid principle remains in solution. On removing the excess of lead by sul- 
 phuric acid and filtering, the acrid principle, or probably a decomposition-product of it, 
 is deposited as a gelatinous mass, soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water, and producing 
 with it on agitation a permanent foam. The principle deserves further investigation. 
 
 Action and Uses. — This is one of the plants used as a medicine by the American 
 aborigines. Its acrid principle causes it to irritate the mouth and throat when chewed, 
 and increase the flow of saliva. It is reputed to be astringent, tonic, and alterative, and 
 to have a special action upon the uterine system, controlling menorrhagia and quickening 
 the uterine contractions during parturition. It thus received the name of “ birthwort.” 
 In large doses the root is alleged to be emetic, and the bruised herb has been applied with 
 supposed advantage to unhealthy ulcers and to tumors. Trillium erectum appears to be 
 the most active species. The dose of its dried and powdered root is stated at Gm. 4 (,gj). 
 
TR1METH YLA MINA . 
 
 1645 
 
 TRIMETHYLAMINA. — Trimethyl amine. 
 
 Trimethylamine , Fr. ; Trimethylamin , G. 
 
 Formula N(CH 3 ) 3 . Molecular weight 58.92. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — This compound, frequently incorrectly called propyl- 
 amine, with which it is isomeric, has been obtained from ergot ( secaline ), from the leaves 
 of Beta vulgaris and Chenopodium vulvaria, from the flowers of Arnica montana, Pyrus 
 communis, Sorbus aucuparia, and Crataegus oxyacantha, and from cod-liver oil, bone oil, 
 and guano. It is also produced on heating codeine with potassa, but may be economi- 
 cally obtained from herring-pickle, which contains this alkaloid in considerable quantity 
 and owes to it its peculiar odor. A mixture of herring-pickle and lime is subjected to 
 distillation, the alkaline distillate is neutralized with hydrochloric acid and evaporated, 
 and the saline residue is treated with absolute alcohol, which leaves ammonium chloride 
 undissolved. The alcoholic solution is evaporated, the residue redissolved in a little 
 water, and again carefully distilled with lime. If the vapors are first passed through an 
 empty bottle before they are condensed by means of ice or conducted into water, several 
 less volatile alkaloids are separated in the bottle. Large quantities of trimethylamine 
 are now obtained from the residues left in the preparation of sugar from beets. 
 
 Properties. — In its pure state trimethylamine is a colorless, thin, and strongly alka- 
 line liquid having a strong ammoniacal odor modified by the peculiar odor of herring- 
 pickle, and boiling at 9.8° C. (49.6° F.). At ordinary temperatures it is a colorless, 
 inflammable gas. It is readily soluble in water and alcohol, and an aqueous solution 
 of it has been sold as propylamine. Trimethylamine chloroplatinate is soluble in alcohol 
 and water, crystallizes in well-defined orange-colored octahedrons, and contains 37.21 per 
 cent, of platinum. More characteristic, particularly in the presence of methylamine 
 and allied bases, is the double salt with gold, which is very sparingly soluble in cold 
 water, and has the composition N(CH 3 ) 3 HC1 .AuC 1 3 (Hesse, 1857, 1883). 
 
 Trimethylamine hydrochloride, N(CH 3 ) 3 HC1, is obtained on neutralizing the alka- 
 loid with hydrochloric acid and evaporating. It crystallizes in white or colorless prisms, 
 is nearly inodorous, has a saline pungent taste, is very deliquescent on exposure, and dis- 
 solves freely in water and alcohol. 
 
 Allied Compounds. — Amylamina, NH 2 C 5 H u , is a colorless liquid, having a penetrating ammo- 
 niacal odor, and the density 0.7503 at 18° C.. and boiling at 95° C. (203° F.). The hydrochlorate 
 crystallizes in octahedrons, is freely soluble in water and alcohol, and is insoluble in ether. 
 
 Propylamixa, NH 2 C 3 H 7 , is a colorless, strongly refracting, inflammable liquid of an ammonia- 
 cal odor, boiling at 50° C. (122° F.), and yielding with platinic chloride a double salt, which 
 crystallizes in orange-yellow clinorhombic plates. 
 
 Methylamina, NH 2 CH 3 , and Dimethylamina, NH(CH 3 ) 2 , are colorless inflammable gases of 
 an ammoniacal odor, very soluble in water, and condensing to colorless liquids, the former at 
 — 18° C. (0.4° F.), the latter below 8° C. (46.4° F.). 
 
 Bilineurina, Cholixa, C 5 H 15 N0 2 , is obtained by boiling bile with caustic baryta, and in a 
 similar manner from brain, yelk of egg (see V itellus), and mustard-seed ( sinkaline ). It is 
 present also in cotton-seed, fenugreek, fly agaric, herring-pickle ; is formed in the human corpse 
 in the beginning of decomposition, and has also been prepared synthetically. It is a colorless, 
 syrupy, non-volatile liquid of a strongly alkaline reaction, very hygroscopic, combining readily 
 with carbon dioxide, and soluble in alcohol or water in all proportions ; on heating it gives off 
 trimethylamine, and on boiling its aqueous solution the same alkaloid is given off and ethylene- 
 glycol produced. On treating its hydroiodide with silver oxide, the anhydrous base, C 5 H, 3 NO, 
 is separated. By careful oxidation betaine , C 5 H u N0 2 (see p. 591), is produced. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied to the sound skin, trimethylamine is negative in its 
 action unless friction is employed, in which case it causes redness very much as ammonia 
 does. Upon the mucous membrane it acts as a strong irritant, causing a lively sense of 
 burning, with redness, and if allowed to continue its action it produces superficial ulcera- 
 tion. Its taste is ammoniacal and saline, and if taken in a large dose and undiluted it 
 occasions a burning sensation in the throat, oesophagus, and stomach. Propylamine and 
 trimethylamine hydrochloride agree in their effects; 30 or 40 grains of the former or 10 
 grains of the latter will reduce the pulse about ten beats in the minute, and under the 
 influence of the muriate the temperature may fail 1° or 2° F. In febrile rheumatism 
 the decline of the pulse-rate and temperature is more decided. But the medicine causes 
 neither diaphoresis, diuresis, colic, nor diarrhoea. 
 
 The disease in connection with which trimethylamine was first brought into notice, 
 and the only one in which its importance as a medicine was recognized, is articular rheu- 
 
1646 
 
 TRIOSTEUM. 
 
 matism. It does not appear what motives first led to its use in the treatment of this 
 affection by Awenarius of St. Petersburg, who between 1854 and 1856 treated by its 
 means more than two hundred and fifty rheumatic patients, and affirmed that it dissi- 
 pated the pain of the acute disease from one day to another. Isolated statements 
 attributing to it a similar efficacy were made in France previous to 1864; but in 1870, 
 Lagrange confirmed them, and in 1873, Dujardin-Beaumetz gave the history of seven 
 cases of acute articular rheumatism which were cured in a very short time by trimethyl- 
 amine. The improvement in general was rapid, and sometimes great relief was experi- 
 enced within twelve hours, the pain first and then the swelling subsiding, as well as the 
 fever. Further experience led him to conclude that of all the remedies hitherto used in 
 the treatment of acute articular rheumatism, trimethylamine hydrochloride appeared to 
 be the most efficient. A number of physicians in France have sustained this conclusion 
 by their own experience ; a few have published a similar judgment in England, and also 
 in Germany. The less favorable accounts of some others are attributed to their having 
 made use of ill-prepared and inert preparations of the medicine or of those which did not 
 contain a due proportion of the active ingredient. As will be observed, this history of 
 the virtues of trimethylamine in rheumatism has a striking analogy with that of salicylic 
 acid and its salts in the same disease ; the same mode of action is attributed to the two 
 medicines, and the same extraordinary curative powers are ascribed to both. These 
 medicines in their turn have been supplanted by antipyrine and antifebrin, so that 
 of the oldest in the group hardly any trace can be found in medical literature since 
 1879. 
 
 Weiss has reported that this medicine is very efficient in the treatment of chorea , 
 moderating the spasmodic movements greatly, even when it did not suspend them, when 
 it was given to the extent of Gm. 1-1.30 (gr. xv-xx) a day. 
 
 The dose of trimethylamine is Gm. 0.10-0.40 (npij-vj) every three or four hours. Its 
 extremely offensive taste and smell render necessary its administration in syrup flavored 
 with mint, or anise, or some other aromatic water. To obviate this objection the substi- 
 tution of the trimethylamine hydrochloride, which has no smell and only a faint taste, has 
 been proposed. Dr. J. L. Tyson has reported favorably of its use in doses of 2 grains 
 every two hours ( Pliila . Med. Times , ix. 374). It is generally given in doses of Gm. 
 0.10-0.20 (gr. ij-iij), dissolved in a syrup and repeated at similar intervals, so that not 
 less than Gm. 1 (gr. xv) shall be taken during the day. 
 
 TRIOSTEUM. — Fever-root ; Horse-gentian. 
 
 E'everwort , Bastard ipecac, Tinker's weed, E. ; Trioste, Fr. ; Dreisteinwurzel, G. 
 
 The root of Triosteum perfoliatum, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Caprifoliacese. 
 
 Origin. — This perennial herb is indigenous to the United States, grows in woodlands, 
 and flowers in June. The stem is from 0.6-1. 2 M. (2 to 4 feet) high, soft-hairy, and has 
 opposite spatulate-ovate and entire leaves, which are about 10 Cm. (4 inches) long, 
 abruptly narrowed below and connate at the base. The flowers are in axillary clusters, 
 and have a five-lobed brown-purple corolla, about 12 Mm. (1 inch) long. The ripe fruit 
 is orange-colored, drupaceous, and contains three hard nutlets. All parts of the plant 
 have a bitter taste, but only the rhizome and root are employed. The more slender and 
 rougher Tr. angustifolium, Linne, which has greenish flowers and grows chiefly in the 
 Western and Southern United States, is said to have similar properties. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome is horizontal, from 15-30 Cm. (6 to 12 inches) long, 
 knotty-cylindrical, about 18 Mm. (f inch) thick, somewhat branched, and on the upper 
 side bears numerous cup-shaped scars of the over-ground stems about 6 Mm. (4 inch) 
 in diameter. The numerous spreading rootlets are inserted mainly on the lower side of 
 the rhizome, and are at their base 6-9 Mm (4 to f inch) thick, and 12-25 Cm. (5 to 10 
 inches) long. Both the rhizome and the rootlets are slightly wrinkled longitudinally, 
 externally of a yellowish-brown color, internally white, and contain a hard, slightly bitter 
 wood, with delicate medullary rays. The bark of the rhizome is thin, that of the roots 
 rather thick, and has a bitter somewhat nauseous taste. Fresh fever-root has a slight 
 disagreeable odor, which is dissipated on drying. 
 
 Constituents. — On moistening a transverse section of the roots with solution of 
 iodine a deep-blue color is imparted to the medullary rays and the cambium-layer, but 
 the bark acquires only a slight-blue tinge. Fever-root has not been subjected to analysis ; 
 its bitter principle is dissolved both by water and alcohol. 
 
TRITICUM. 
 
 1647 
 
 Uses. — A decoction of this plant is said to have been used by some of the American 
 aborigines in the treatment of fevers and female obstructions. The fresh root, in the dose 
 of Gm. 1.30-2 (gr. xx-xxx), and the extract in the dose of Gm. 0.60-1 (gr. x-xv), 
 purge actively after the manner of jalap. The bark of the root is said to be emetic. 
 
 TRITICUM, U. S. — Triticum ; Couch-grass. 
 
 Rhizoma ( Radix ) graminis . — Quick-grass , Quickens , Quitch , E. ; Chiendent officinal, 
 Petit chiendent , Fr. Cod. ; Queckenwurzel , Grasswurzel , G. ; Grama , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome of Agropyrum (Triticum, Linne ) repens, Beauvais , collected in the spring 
 and deprived of the rootlets. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Graminacese. 
 
 Origin. — Couch-grass is a troublesome perennial weed growing along roadsides and in 
 cultivated grounds throughout the northern hemisphere. The plant has a long, jointed, 
 whitish rhizome, with a tuft of fibrous rootlets at each joint. The culm is about 0.6 M. 
 (2 feet) or sometimes 1.2 M. (4 feet) high, and has compressed spikes 7-10 Cm. (3 or 4 
 inches) long, and four- to eight-flowered spikelets. The florets are variable, mostly awn- 
 less, and either pointed or rather obtuse. 
 
 Description. — Couch-grass root is met with in the market cut into short sections, 
 about 5-10 Mm. (^ to inch) in length, about 2 Mm. ( T *j inch) in diameter, of a 
 
 Fig. 309. 
 
 Triticum repens : rhizome ; transverse section, magnified 3 diam. Section through portion of rhizome, 
 
 magnified 65 diam. 
 
 straw-yellow color, smooth, hollow in the centre, inodorous, and of a sweet taste. The 
 transverse section shows the central cavity surrounded by a narrow layer of delicate 
 parenchyma, projecting somewhat into the equally narrow circle of fibro-vascular bundles, 
 which is separated by the nucleus-sheath from the broad outer layer of parenchyma con- 
 taining about six or eight isolated, distant fibro-vascular bundles in a loose circle. In 
 Spain and Mexico the rhizome of Bermuda grass or Scotch grass , Cynodon Dactylon, 
 Persoon , is employed like couch-grass. 
 
 Constituents. — The latest analysis of couch-grass root is by Ludwig and H. Muller 
 (1872, 1873), who obtained from it malates, a nitrogenous principle which is readily 
 darkened by heat, fruit-sugar (2.4 or 3.3 per cent.), levulose, and a right-rotating sugar 
 which is not identical with cane-sugar. A peculiar gum-like principle, triticin , was iso- 
 lated, which resembles inulin in its optical behavior, and, like this, may be converted into 
 levulose. It is obtained by exhausting the rhizome with water, neutralizing with baryta, 
 concentrating, precipitating with lead subacetate, removing the excess of lead, treating 
 with animal charcoal, neutralizing the filtrate, again concentrating, and precipitating by 
 alcohol (Reidemeister, 1880). Triticin is amorphous and transparent in thin layers or 
 forms a white powder ; it is inodorous, tasteless, very hygroscopic, in damp air deliques- 
 cent, insoluble in ether and absolute alcohol, and is oxidized by nitric acid to oxalic acid. 
 Mannit, which was stated by Berzelius (1837) and Yolker (1846) to be present in the 
 rhizome, has not been obtained by later investigations ; but the extract of couch-grass 
 root may contain calcium lactate, and possibly also mannit, as products resulting from 
 fermentation. Couch-grass root yields about 4.5 per cent, of ash, which is rich in silica. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Sorghum-fruit is 3-4 Mm. G or & inch) long, nearly as wide, broadly oval, 
 somewhat flattened, brownish-yellow, and somewhat granular externally, or covered with the 
 glossy dark-purple paleae ; internally white and mealy ; inodorous and of a farinaceous and 
 sweetish taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Couch-grass was employed by the ancients as a vulnerary and 
 for the relief of dysury. They also believed that it removed stone, or at least gravel , 
 
1648 
 
 TRIT UR A TIONES.— TRET UR A TIO EL A TERINI. 
 
 from the bladder. In modern times it has been very generally regarded as emollient, 
 antiphlogistic, and diuretic. Its infusion is a common medicinal drink in European hos- 
 pitals and private life, and is regarded as adapted to relieve thirst, allay fever, and pro- 
 mote urination. It was formerly employed as a popular diet-drink to “ purify the blood ” 
 in the spring season, and doubtless assisted in purging, through the kidneys, the accumu- 
 lated organic detritus of a long winter. It was also thought to be very efficient in reliev- 
 ing congestions of the liver and portal circulation with jaundice arising under analogous 
 circumstances, and in a less degree chronic bronchitis , skin diseases, gout, etc. It was even 
 alleged to be capable of curing gastric cancer and removing biliary calculi. In truth, it 
 possesses no special medicinal virtues beyond being, when given in infusion, an agreeable 
 drink, which, owing to the sugar it contains, tends to increase the urinary secretion, and 
 thereby palliate irritations of the urinary passages. It is best administered in a decoction 
 prepared with Gin. 64-128 in Gm. 1000 (^ij-iv in Oij) of water, and reduced one-half 
 by boiling. The officinal fluid extract may be used for the same purposes if largely 
 diluted. 
 
 The seeds of Sorghum vulgare , or broom-corn, are said to have been in common use as 
 a remedy for disorders of the bladder by the plantation negroes of Maryland and Vir- 
 ginia. They made a decoction by boiling 2 ounces of the seed in a quart of water until 
 reduced to a pint. It has been found useful as a palliative in several cases of cystitis by 
 Dr. Garnett ( Amer . Jour, of Med. Sci., July, 1881, p. 165). 
 
 TRITUR ATIONE S, U. S.— Triturations. 
 
 Triturations, Fr. ; Triturationen, G. 
 
 This term has been used in homoeopathic pharmacy in the same sense in which it has 
 been adopted by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia — namely, for powders prepared by trituration 
 of a medicinal substance with a definite quantity of milk-sugar. In homoeopathy this is 
 done with a view of developing the medicinal power, and two proportions are used, 
 termed the centesimal and the decimal scales ; 1 part of the substance being triturated 
 with 99 parts or with 9 parts of the milk-sugar gradually added. 
 
 Preparation. — The directions for preparing these powders are very similar to those 
 followed in homoeopathic dispensing, excepting that the length of time for mixing and 
 triturating has been omitted. 
 
 “ Triturations are to be prepared by the following formula : Take of the substance 10 
 parts, sugar of milk, in moderately fine powder, 90 parts; to make 100 parts. Weigh 
 the substance and sugar of milk separately ; then place the substance, previously reduced, 
 if necessary, to a moderately fine powder, in a mortar; add about an equal bulk of sugar 
 of milk, mix well by means of a spatula, and triturate them thoroughly together. Add 
 fresh portions of the sugar of milk from time to time until the whole is added, and con- 
 tinue the trituration until the substance is intimately mixed with the sugar of milk, and 
 finely comminuted.” — -U. S. 
 
 Uses. — The utility of this new title is open to very grave doubts on moral as well as 
 therapeutical grounds, the former because the title is borrowed from a fraudulent and 
 illegitimate system of medicine, and the latter because all of the liquid and most of the 
 solid medicines dispensed in this form could as well be given in solution. Moreover, it 
 encourages the prevalent habit, fostered also by the officinal pills, and as erroneous scien- 
 tifically as it is practically misleading, that the doses of medicines are fixed quantities. 
 Sugar of milk is undoubtedly susceptible of minuter divisions by trituration than cane- 
 sugar, but its use is a practical detail that may very well be left to the physician and 
 the pharmaceutist, and modified according to circumstances. 
 
 TRITUR ATIO ELATERINI, 77. Trituration of Elaterin. 
 
 Trituration d' elaterine, Fr. ; Elaterintrituration, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Elaterin 10 parts, Sugar of Milk 90 parts; to make 100 parts. Mix 
 them thoroughly by trituration. — U. S. 
 
 Medical Uses. — The average dose of elaterin being Gm. 0.004 grain), and the 
 proportion of the drug in the trituration being one-tenth, it follows that the dose of the 
 latter should be about Gm. 0.05 (gr. f). 
 
TROCHISCI. 
 
 1649 
 
 TROCHISCI, TJ. S., Br., P. G.— Troches. 
 
 Tabellse , F. Cod .—Lozenges, E. ; Tablettes, Pastilles , F. ; Pastillen , Zeltchen , G. 
 
 Troches are mixtures of medicinal substances with sugar or extract of liquorice, 
 formed by the aid of mucilage into stiff, pasty masses, and divided into flat circular, 
 oblong, rectangular, or stellate pieces, usually weighing about 10 or 20 grains. A cylin- 
 drical shape has been adopted for a few of the official lozenges. The French Codex 
 makes a distinction between tablettes and pastilles, and applies the former term to the 
 preparations just defined, and restricts the term pastilles to the sugar drops described 
 below. 
 
 Preparation. — The dry ingredients are separately reduced to fine powders and thor- 
 oughly mixed in a mortar or by sifting. Volatile oils, tinctures, and similar liquids 
 should now be intimately incorporated with the powder, and the whole beaten into a 
 rather firm mass by the addition of mucilage of tragacanth or of acacia. The mass is 
 then rolled out into sheets of suitable thickness and cut into the requisite number of 
 pieces by a punch. A hard and smooth board or a polished marble slab, dusted over 
 with finely-powdered sugar, is well adapted for this purpose ; and in order to keep the 
 mass at a somewhat elevated temperature while being rolled out the roller is sometimes 
 made of iron or glass and hollow in the interior, so that it may be filled with water of 
 any desired temperature. When lozenges are ordered on extemporaneous prescriptions, 
 the mass is usually rolled out into a square, rectangular, or rhombic cake, and then 
 divided by means of a ruler and knife into the requisite number of pieces, all having the 
 same size and shape. After lozenges have been 
 cut they are spread out on a sieve or other sur- 
 face and exposed to a current of warm air until 
 they are sufficiently dry. 
 
 The amount of powdered tragacanth necessary 
 for imparting the requisite adhesiveness varies 
 with the nature of the ingredients : 1 part of it 
 is sufficient for 100 parts, and even more, of 
 sugar and similar powders if, after the addition 
 of water, the mass is well beaten. A much 
 larger proportion of tragacanth renders the loz- 
 enges, after some time, very hard and slowly 
 soluble. If mucilage of acacia is employed 
 instead of tragacanth, the lozenges become some- 
 what translucent, and a similar effect is produced by employing the white of eggs as the 
 adhesive material. In order to secure a perfectly smooth paste it is advisable to use 
 bolted sugar, known among confectioners as lozenge sugar, which can be had pure and 
 in almost impalpable powder. In place of mucilage, fruit paste made from red or black 
 currants is frequently employed in the preparation of lozenges : this, aside from its 
 agreeably acidulous taste, is highly prized in the treatment of certain throat affections. 
 Some manufacturers employ a machine with movable dies for cutting lozenges of any 
 desired shape, and for stamping them at the same time with the name of the principal 
 ingredient. A simple instrument for cutting lozenges with a tubular punch has been 
 described by A. D. Marcy in New Remedies , 1882, p. 34. Lozenge-boards, adjustable for 
 different sizes, are described by F. L. Slocum and F. E. Harrison in Amer. Jour. Phar- 
 macy , 1879, p. 589, and 1880, p. 254. 
 
 If the lozenges are to be made of a cylindrical shape, the mass is rolled out into thin 
 cylinders, in a manner similar to that of making pills, and then cut into shorter pieces 
 having the requisite weight. The mass should be sufficiently firm not to flatten on dry- 
 ing, and the rolling-board, instead of being dusted with sugar, is greased with a little 
 olive oil, to prevent the mass from adhering to it. (For a description and sketch of an 
 apparatus by F. C. Hill, suitable for making such lozenges, see Amer. Jour. Phar., 1874, 
 p. 402.) 
 
 The general directions of the French Codex for the preparation of tablettes agree with 
 the description given above. But for some years past compressed tablettes have been in 
 use, prepared in a manner similar to that in which compressed pills are made (see p. 
 1238) ; and this form has been adopted by the German Pharmacopoeia, which gives the 
 following general directions: “For prepari-ng sugar pastilles, the whole amount of the 
 medicinal substance is intimately mixed with sufficient powdered sugar to make each 
 104 
 
 Board, Roller, and Punch for making Lozenges. 
 
1650 
 
 TROCHISCI ACID I TANNICI. 
 
 lozenge weigh 1 Gm. ; alcohol (sp. gr. 0.994) is now carefully added to produce a damp 
 powder, which by compression will form a coherent mass ; from this powder the requisite 
 number of lozenges are made. For chocolate pastilles a mass is made by melting together, 
 with the aid of a steam -bath, equal weights of cacao and sugar, and a sufficient weight 
 of medicinal substance is added, so as to form lozenges weighing 1 Gm. ; the somewhat 
 cooled mass is then divided into the requisite number of lozenges.” 
 
 The French Codex likewise directs the tablettes to weigh 1 Gm., and permits some 
 kinds to be variously flavored, for which purpose to every 1000 Gm. of mass may be 
 added 1 Gm. of volatile oil of anise, lemon, or peppermint or 10 Gm. of tincture of 
 vanilla ; and in case the flavor of rose or orange-flower is desired, the distilled aromatic 
 water is used in the place of water for preparing the mucilage employed in rendering the 
 mass plastic. 
 
 Pastilli (Rotula:) sacchari. — Sugar lozenges, Sugar drops, E. ; Pastilles, Orbi- 
 cules, Fr . ; Zuckerplatzchen, G . — This form of lozenges is usually made by the confec- 
 tioner, and the medication merely is left to the pharmacist. The lozenges are prepared 
 by mixing, in a pan having a suitable lip, some granulated sugar with a sufficient quan- 
 tity of water to form a pasty mixture ; this is heated carefully to prevent empyreuma, 
 until it begins to boil. An additional quantity of -sugar is then stirred in to give the 
 requisite consistence; 100 parts of sugar require about 12 to 15 parts of water. The 
 semi-liquid mass is now poured out upon cold, polished sheet iron in such a manner that 
 each drop is kept separate, when, on touching the iron plate, it will congeal into a flattish 
 hemispherical body. The peppermint drops of the French Codex are made in this man- 
 ner, % per cent, of oil of peppermint being incorporated with the sugar and 12? per cent, 
 of water ; this mixture is heated in small portions and dropped in the manner stated. 
 Chocolate drops are made by a similar process. The term trochisques, formerly used in 
 France for such lozenges, is now usually applied to the little cones obtained in drying 
 elutriated powders (see p. 552). 
 
 Rotula: menthad piperita:, P. G. — Peppermint drops, E. ; Pastilles de menthe a la 
 goutte, Fr. ; Pfefferminzkuchen, G. — Dissolve 1 part of oil of peppermint in 2 parts of 
 alcohol ; add the solution to 200 parts of sugar drops in a bottle, and well agitate, so as 
 to impregnate them uniformly with the liquid ; afterward expose to the air for a few 
 minutes, and when the alcohol has evaporated keep in a stoppered bottle. By substitut- 
 ing other volatile oils for the oil of peppermint, lozenges of any desired flavor may be 
 obtained. 
 
 Most of the lozenges of the British Pharmacopoeia vary but slightly from 1 Gm. (15.43 
 grains) in weight, but the majority of the troches of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia weigh 
 between 10| and 121 grains, or between .68 and .80 Gm., while troches of cubeb weigh 
 6f grains (.44 Gm.), and troches of potassium chlorate about 24 grains (1.56 Gm.). 
 
 In addition to the troches described below, the following have been admitted by the 
 French Codex, of which we give the title and the weight of medicinal ingredient in each : 
 Tablettes de baume de Tolu, .05 Gm. ; T. de borate de soude, .10 Gm. ; T. de calomel, 
 .05 Gm. ; T. de charbon, .50 Gm. ; T. de gomine, .01 Gm. ; T. de guimauve, .01 Gm. ; T. 
 de kermes, .01 Gm. ; T. de lichen (made with one-third saccharure, p. 441) ; T. de manne, 
 .20 Gm. ; and T. de soufre, .10 Gm. 
 
 TROCHISCI ACIDI TANNICI, V. S., Br.— Troches of Tannic Acid. 
 
 Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de tannin , Fr. ; Tanninpastillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tannic Acid 6 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 65 Gm. ; Tragacanth, in 
 fine powder, 2 Gm. ; Stronger Orange-flower Water a sufficient quantity; to make 100 
 troches. Rub the powders together until they are thoroughly mixed ; then with orange- 
 flower water form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U S. 
 
 To make 25 tannin lozenges use 25 grains of tannic acid, 250 grains of sugar, and 8 
 grains of powdered tragacanth. 
 
 Tannic acid 360 grains ; tincture of Tolu 1 fluidounce ; refined sugar, in powder, 25 
 oz. av. ; gum-acacia, in powder, 1 oz. av. ; mucilage of gum-acacia 2 fluidounces ; distilled 
 water 1 fluidounce ; prepare 720 lozenges. — Br. 
 
 Trochisci acidi benzoici, Br., are made like the preceding from 360 grains of benzoic 
 acid, but omitting tincture of Tolu. 
 
 Uses. — Tannic-acid troch.es are suitable in relaxed states of the mucous membrane of 
 the mouth, throat, and larynx to allay cough produced by irritation of these parts. They 
 may also be used in mild cases of diarrhoea after a preliminary evacuation of the bowels. 
 
TROCHISCI AMMO Nil CHLORIDI-TROCHISCI CRETJE. 
 
 1651 
 
 TROCHISCI AMMONII CHLORIDI, U . S . — Troches of Ammonium 
 
 Chloride. 
 
 Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de sel ammoniac , Fr. ; Salmiakpastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammonium Chloride, in fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Extract of Glycyrrhiza,. 
 in fine powder, 25 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 50 Gm. ; Tragacanth, in fine powder, 2 Gm. ; 
 Syrup of Tolu a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 troches. Rub the powders together 
 until they are thoroughly mixed ; then with syrup of Tolu form a mass, to be divided into 
 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 ammonium chloride lozenges use 40 grains of ammonium chloride, 100 
 grains of extract of liquorice, 200 grains of sugar, and 8 grains of powdered tragacanth. 
 
 Uses. — These lozenges may be used to palliate subacute and chronic inflammations 
 of the throat and air-passages , but they are less efficient than the inhalations of the salt 
 recommended elsewhere. 
 
 TROCHISCI BISMUTHI, Br .— Bismuth Lozenges. 
 
 Tabellse cum subnitrate bismutlvico , F. Cod. — Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de sous-nitrate de bis- 
 muth, Fr. ; Wismuthpastillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Bismuth Subnitrate 1440 grains ; Magnesium Carbonate 
 4 oz. av. ; Precipitated Calcium Carbonate 6 ounces ; Refined Sugar 29 ounces ; Gum- 
 Acacia, in powder, 1 ounce ; Mucilage of Gum-Acacia 2 fluidounces ; Rose-water a suffi- 
 ciency. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the mucilage, and form the whole into a 
 proper mass with rose-water. Divide the mass into 720 lozenges, and dry these in a hot- 
 air chamber with a moderate heat. Each lozenge contains 2 grains of bismuth subni- 
 trate. — Br. 
 
 The corresponding lozenges of the French Codex contain 0.10 Gm. (1.5 grains) of the 
 subnitrate, but no magnesia or calcium carbonate. 
 
 Uses. — -This form of administering bismuth is very unprofitable, since bismuth does 
 not act except mechanically and by diffusion. 
 
 TROCHISCI CATECHU, U . 8 ., Br .— Troches of Catechu. 
 
 Tabellse cum catechu , F. Cod. — Catechu lozenges , E. ; Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de cachou , 
 Fr. ; Katechupastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Catechu, in fine powder, 6 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 65 Gm. ; 
 Tragacanth, in fine powder, 2 Gm. ; Orange-flower Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 100 troches. Rub the powders together until they are thoroughly mixed ; then with 
 orange-flower water form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 catechu lozenges use 25 grains of catechu, 250 grains of sugar, and 8 
 grains of powdered tragacanth. 
 
 Pale catechu, in powder, 720 grains ; refined sugar, in powder, 25 oz. av. ; acacia, in 
 powder, 1 oz. av. ; mucilage of gum-acacia 2 fluidounces ; distilled water a sufficiency ; 
 prepare 720 lozenges. — Br. Each lozenge contains 1 grain, U. S., Br. (0.10 Gm. = 1.5 
 grains, F. Cod.') of catechu. 
 
 Uses. — These troches, each containing 1 grain of catechu, are serviceable in the cases 
 mentioned under Trochisci Acidi Tannici. They are generally employed to obviate the 
 hoarseness or huskiness of the voice due to prolonged speaking or to slight pharyngeal or 
 laryngeal catarrh. 
 
 TROCHISCI CRETJE, U . S .— Troches of Chalk. 
 
 Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de craie lavee , Fr. ; Kreidepastillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Prepared Chalk 25 Gm.; Acacia, in fine powder, 7 Gm. ; Spirit of 
 Nutmeg 3 Cc. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 40 Gm. ; Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 100 troches. Rub them together until they are thoroughly mixed ; then with water 
 form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. B. 
 
 To make 25 chalk lozenges use 100 grains of prepared chalk, 28 grains of acacia, 150 
 grains of sugar, and 12 minims of spirit of nutmeg. 
 
 The spirit of nutmeg which is now used in place of grated nutmeg (1880) should be 
 well triturated with a portion of the sugar before mixing with the other ingredients. 
 Each lozenge contains 4 grains (.26 Gm.) of prepared chalk. 
 
1652 TROCHISCI C UBEBJE.— TR 0 CHI SCI GLYCYRRHIZA ET OPII. 
 
 Uses. — Troches of chalk may he used to correct acidity of the stomach and a slight 
 tendency to diarrhoea. 
 
 TROCHISCI CUBEBM, V. S.— Troches of Cubeb. 
 
 Pastilles de cubebe , Fr. ; Kubebenpastillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oleoresin of Cubeb 4 Grin. ; Oil of Sassafras 1 Cc. ; Extract of 
 Glycyrrhiza, in fine powder, 25 Gm. ; Acacia, in fine powder, 12 Gm. ; Syrup of Tolu a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 100 troches. Rub the powders together until they are 
 thoroughly mixed ; then add the oleoresin and oil and incorporate them with the mixture. 
 Lastly, with syrup of Tolu form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 cubeb lozenges use 16 grains of oleoresin of cubeb, 6 drops of oil of 
 sassafras, 100 grains of extract of liquorice, and 48 grains of powdered acacia. 
 
 This is a modification of the formula for Spitta's lozenges , from which it differs essen- 
 tially in the substitution of oleoresin for powdered cubebs. The lozenges are usually 
 made of a cylindrical shape, and each contains about grain of oleoresin of cubeb. 
 
 Uses. — These troches are chiefly used in cases of subacute and chronic inflammation 
 of the pharynx and larynx , especially when these parts are covered with viscid mucus. 
 
 TROCHISCI FERRI, U. S.— Troches of Iron. 
 
 Tablettes (. Pastilles ) de V hydrate de fer, Fr. ; Ferrihydrat-Pastillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ferric hydroxide, dried at a temperature not exceeding 80° C. (176° 
 F.), 30 Gm. ; Vanilla, cut into slices, 1 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 100 Gm. ; Mucilage 
 of Tragacanth a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 troches. Rub the vanilla first with a 
 portion of the sugar to a uniform powder, and afterward with the iron and the remainder 
 of the sugar, until they are thoroughly mixed. Then with mucilage of tragacanth form 
 a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — -U. S. 
 
 To make 25 iron lozenges use 116 grains of carefully dried ferric hydroxide, 4 grains 
 of sliced vanilla bean, and 386 grains of sugar. 
 
 Each lozenge contains nearly 5 grains of ferric hydroxide. The French Codex recog- 
 nizes three lozenges made with soluble salts of iron — namely, Tablettes de lactate de fer, 
 T. de citrate de fer ammoniacal, and T. de tartrate de fer ammoniacal. — F. Cod. These 
 are flavored with vanilla, and each lozenge contains .05 Gm. (f grain) of the salt. 
 
 Uses. — Ferric hydroxide of iron in troches is only a little less objectionable than the 
 reduced iron troches of the British Pharmacopoeia. Both deserve to be classed among 
 pharmaceutical and medical superfluities. We may repeat concerning troches of iron 
 what was said of troches of the subcarbonate of iron in a former edition of this work : 
 they are convenient for administering to “ refractory children, who may be tempted by 
 their agreeable flavor to take them.” Each troche contains Gm. 0.30 (gr. v) of hydrated 
 oxide of iron. 
 
 TROGHISCI FERRI REDACTI, Br.~ Reduced Iron Lozenges. 
 
 Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de fer , Tablettes chalybees , Fr. ; Eisenpastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Reduced Iron 720 grains ; Refined Sugar, in powder, 25 oz. 
 av. ; Gum-Acacia, in powder, 1 oz. av. ; Mucilage of Gum-Acacia, 2 fluidounces ; Dis- 
 tilled Water 1 fluidounce or a sufficiency. Mix the iron, sugar, and gum, and add the 
 mucilage and water to form a proper mass. Divide into 720 lozenges, and dry these in 
 a hot-air chamber with a moderate heat. Each lozenge contains 1 grain of reduced iron. 
 —Br. 
 
 Uses. — It is not easy to discern the merits of this preparation. Reduced iron can be 
 serviceable only when it is acidulated by the gastric acids, and that action is better secured 
 by administering it in powder. 
 
 TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZM ET OPE, U. S.— Troches of Glycyr- 
 rhiza (Liquorice) and Opium. 
 
 Trocliisci opii 1 Br. — Opium lozenges , E. ; Pastilles d' opium, P. de reglisse opiacees , Fr. ; 
 Opiumpastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Glycyrrhiza, in fine powder, 15 Gm. ; Powdered Opium 
 0.5 Gm. ; Acacia, in fine powder, 12 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 20 Gm. ; Oil of Anise 
 0.2 Cc. ; to make 100 troches. Rub the powders together until they are thoroughly 
 
TROCHISCI IPECACUANHA.— TROCHISCI ERA MERLE. 
 
 1653 
 
 mixed ; then add the oil of anise, and incorporate it with the mixture. Lastly, with 
 water form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 liquorice-and-opium lozenges use 58 grains of extract of liquorice, 2 
 grains of powdered opium, 48 grains of acacia, 78 grains of sugar, and 1 drop of oil 
 of anise. 
 
 Extract of opium 72 grains, tincture of Tolu 1 fluidounce ; refined sugar, in powder, 
 16 oz. av. ; gum-acacia, in powder, 2 oz. av. ; extract of liquorice 6 oz. av. ; distilled 
 water a sufficiency ; prepare 720 lozenges. — Br. 
 
 The lozenge of the first formula (£7. S.) contains about grain of powdered opium, 
 and that of the second formula (i?r.) grain of extract of opium. The lozenges of 
 the United States Pharmacopoeia are much used under the name of Wistar's cougli 
 lozenges, and are prepared of a cylindrical shape. Lozenges of the same shape and 
 composition, but with the omission of opium, have been introduced as liquorice lozenges, 
 and are similar to the Trochisci bediici nigri , which are still used to some extent in Europe, 
 and usually contain a small quantity of orris-root and balsam of Tolu. 
 
 Uses. — This popular medicine is well adapted for use in bronchitis and laryngitis 
 attended with harassing cough, but without marked febrile reaction. Its efficiency is 
 greatly increased in the more acute forms of the affections mentioned by the addition 
 of a minute proportion of tartar emetic, not exceeding the fortieth of a grain, or of 
 half a grain of ipecacuanha, to each troche. On an average, one troche may be taken 
 every three hours, but in general it is better to use the third of a troche every hour. 
 Patients are very apt to use them in excess, and thereby induce constipation and loss of 
 appetite. 
 
 TROCHISCI IPECACUANHA, U. S., Br.— Troches of .Ipecac. 
 
 Tabelloe cum ipecacuanha, F. Cod. ; Ipecacuanha lozenges, E. ; Tablettes ( Pastilles ) 
 cC ipecacuanha, Fr. ; Brechwurzelpastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ipecac, in No. 60 powder, 2 Gm. ; Tragacanth, in fine powder, 2 
 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 65 Gm. ; Syrup of Orange a sufficient quantity ; to make 
 100 troches. Rub the powders together until they are thoroughly mixed ; then with 
 syrup of orange form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 ipecac lozenges use 8 grains of powdered ipecac, 8 grains of tragacanth, 
 and 250 grains of sugar. 
 
 Ipecacuanha, in powder, 180 grains ; refined sugar, in powder, 25 oz. av. ; gum-acacia, 
 in powder, 1 oz. av. ; mucilage of gum-acacia 2 fluidounces ; distilled water 1 fluidounce 
 or a sufficiency ; prepare 720 lozenges. — Br. 
 
 Each lozenge contains about .02 Gm. (£ grain) U. S., 1 grain Br., 0.01 Gm. grain) 
 F. Cod., of ipecacuanha. 
 
 Uses. — Ipecacuanha troches are useful in laryngeal and bronchial inflammation 
 before secretion has been established. One troche, containing a third of a grain 
 of ipecacuanha, may be taken every half hour until the dryness of the air-passages 
 abates or the stomach begins to be nauseated. On the other hand, they are often very 
 serviceable in humid asthma, or that asthmatic affection which is met with in cases of 
 pulmonary emphysema complicated with obstructive disease of the heart, especially as 
 they may conveniently be carried about by the patient and used in anticipation of a 
 paroxysm. 
 
 TROCHISCI KRAMERIA, TJ. S. — Troches of Krameria. 
 
 Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de ratanhia, Fr. ; Ratanhiapastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Krameria 6 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 65 Gm. ; Traga- 
 canth, in fine powder, 2 Gm. ; Orange-flower Water a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 
 troches. Rub the powders together until they are thoroughly mixed; then with orange- 
 flower water form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — IT. S. 
 
 To make 25 rhatany lozenges use 25 grains of extract of rhatany, 250 grains of sugar, 
 and 8 grains of powdered tragacanth. 
 
 Uses. — Krameria troches may be used for the same purposes as tannic acid or catechu 
 troches — i. e. for constringing the mucous membrane of the mouth, fauces, larynx, and 
 digestive canal. 
 
1654 TEOCHISCI MENTHJE PI PE BIT JE. — TR 0 CHISCI POTASSII CHLORATIS. 
 
 TROCHISCI MENTHA PIPERITA, U . S . — Troches of Peppermint. 
 
 Tabellae cum oleo volatile menthae piperitae , Fr. Cod. ; Tablettes de merit he, Pastilles de 
 menthe anglaises , Fr. ; Pfejferminzpastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Oil of Peppermint 1 Cc. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 80 Gm. ; Mucilage 
 of Tragacanth a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 troches. Rub the oil of peppermint 
 and the sugar together until they are thoroughly mixed ; then with mucilage of traga- 
 canth form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 peppermint lozenges use 5 drops of oil of peppermint and 310 grains of 
 sugar. 
 
 These lozenges, made according to the French Codex, contain 1 per cent of the vola- 
 tile oil. (See also Pastilli Sacchari and Rotulae Menthae Piperitae , under the general 
 heading Trochisci.) 
 
 Uses. — Peppermint troches are employed to relieve flatulence and colic and to prevent 
 sea-sickness and other forms of nausea. They are apt to excite gastric pain when too 
 freely used. 
 
 TROCHISCI MORPHINE, Br . — Morphine Lozenges. 
 
 Pastilles de morphine , Fr. ; M orp hinpastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Morphine Hydrochlorate 20 grains ; Tincture of Tolu ^ 
 fluidounce ; Refined Sugar, in powder, 24 oz. av. ; Gum-Acacia, in powder, 1 oz. av. ; 
 Mucilage of Gum-Acacia a sufficiency; Distilled Water £ fluidounce. Dissolve the 
 morphine hydrochlorate in the water ; add this solution to the tincture of Tolu, pre- 
 viously mixed with 2 ounces of the mucilage; then add the gum and sugar, previously 
 mixed, and more mucilage if necessary to form a proper mass. Divide into 720 lozenges, 
 and dry these in a hot-air chamber with a moderate heat. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Each of these lozenges contains about Gm. 0.0018 (-yg- grain) of morphine 
 hydrochlorate. They are chiefly used to allay laryngeal and bronchial irritation. 
 
 TROCHISCI MORPHINE ET IPECACUANHA, U . S ., Br .— Troches 
 
 of Morphine and Ipecac. 
 
 Morphia and ipecacuanha lozenges , E. ; Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de morphine et. d' ipecacu- 
 anha, Fr. ; Morphinpastillen mit Brechwurzel , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Morphine Sulphate 0.16 Gm. ; Ipecac, in No. 60 powder, 0.5 Gm.; 
 Sugar, in fine powder, 65 Gm. ; Oil of Gaultheria 0.2 Cc. ; Mucilage of Tragacanth a 
 sufficient quantity ; to make 100 troches. Rub the powders together until they are 
 thoroughly mixed ; then add the oil of gaultheria, and incorporate it with the mixture. 
 Lastly, with mucilage of tragacanth form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — 
 US. 
 
 To make 25 morphine-and-ipecac lozenges use f grain of morphine sulphate, 2 grains 
 of powdered ipecac, 250 grains of sugar, and 1 drop of oil of gaultheria. 
 
 Morphine hydrochlorate 20 grains; ipecacuanha, in fine powder, 60 grains; tincture 
 of Tolu 2 fluidounce ; refined sugar, in powder, 24 oz. av. ; gum-acacia, in powder, 1 oz. 
 av. ; mucilage of gum-acacia a sufficiency ; distilled water i fluidounce ; prepare 720 
 lozenges. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Each of these troches contains about Gm. 0.0016 (gr. of morphine sul- 
 phate or hydrochlorate and Gm. 0.005 (gr. y 1 ^) of ipecacuanha. They allay cough and 
 promote expectoration. 
 
 TROCHISCI POTASSII CHLORATIS, U . S ., Br .— Troches of 
 Potassium Chlorate. 
 
 Tabellae cum chlorate pot assico, F. Cod. — Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de chlorate de potasse, Fr. ; 
 Kaliumchlorat- Pastillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Potassium Chlorate, in fine powder, 30 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 
 120 Gm. , Tragacanth, in fine powder, 6 Gm. ; Spirit of Lemon 1 Cc. Mix the sugar 
 with the tragacanth and the spirit of lemon by trituration in a mortar ; then transfer the 
 mixture to a sheet of paper, and by means of a bone spatula mix with it the potassium 
 chlorate, being careful to avoid trituration and pressure, to prevent the mixture from 
 
TR O CHISCt SA iV TON LX L—TR 0 C II ISC I S UL PH l TRIS. 
 
 1655 
 
 igniting or exploding. Lastly, with water form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — 
 
 u , : s. 
 
 To make 25 potassium chlorate lozenges use 116 grains of finely-powdered potassium 
 chlorate, 465 grains of sugar, 25 grains of tragacanth, and 6 drops of spirit of lemon. 
 
 Take of potassium chlorate, in powder, 3600 grains ; refined sugar, in powder, 25 
 ounces ; gum-acacia, in powder, 1 ounce ; mucilage of gum-acacia, 2 fluidounces ; distilled 
 water 1 fluidounce or a sufficiency. Mix the powders, and add the mucilage and water 
 to form a proper mass. Divide into 720 lozenges, and dry these in a hot-air chamber 
 with a moderate heat. — Br. 
 
 By the above formulas lozenges are obtained containing a little over 41 grains, U. S., 
 and exactly 5 grains, Br., of potassium chlorate ; those of the French Codex contain 
 only 0.10 Gm. (1.5 grains) of the same salt. 
 
 Uses. — Potassium chlorate troches may be used in the treatment of aphthae and other 
 forms of ulcer of the mouth and throat, but they are much less efficient than solutions 
 of the chlorate. 
 
 TROCHISCI SANTONINI, V. S., Br., B. G.— Troches of Santonin. 
 
 Santonin lozenges , E. ; Tahlettes ( Pastilles ) de santonine , Fr. ; Santoninzeltchen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Santonin, in fine powder, 3 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 110 Gm. ; 
 Tragacanth, in fine powder, 3 Gm. ; Stronger Orange-flower Water a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 100 troches. Rub the powders together until they are thoroughly mixed ; then 
 with stronger orange-flower water form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. Santonin 
 troches should be kept in dark, amber-colored bottles. 
 
 To make 25 santonin lozenges use 12 grains of santonin, 425 grains of sugar, and 12 
 grains of tragacanth. 
 
 Santonin, 720 grains; refined sugar, in powder, 25 ounces; gum-acacia, in powder, 1 
 ounce; mucilage of gum-acacia 2 fluidounces ; distilled water 1 fluidounce; prepare 720 
 lozenges. — Br. 
 
 The official santonin lozenges of the U. S. P. contain about i grain of santonin, while 
 those of the Br. and Germ. Pharm. contain 1 grain each. 
 
 Uses. — Troches of santonin are a convenient preparation of an efficient anthelmintic. 
 Like other preparations of this medicine, they should be given in the evening to lessen 
 the annoyance produced by the yellow vision they occasion. 
 
 TROCHISCI SODH BICARBONATIS, IT. S., Br.— Troches of Sodium 
 
 Bicarbonate. 
 
 Tahellae cum bicarbonate sodico, F. Cod . — Bicarbonate of soda lozenges, E. ; Tahlettes 
 (Pastilles) de bicarbonate de soude, P. de Vichy, P. digestives, Fr. ; Natronpastillen, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Sodium Bicarbonate 20 Gm. ; Sugar, in fine powder, 60 Gm. ; Nut- 
 meg, in fine powder, 1 Gm. ; Mucilage of Tragacanth a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 
 troches. Rub the sodium bicarbonate with the powders until they are thoroughly mixed ; 
 then with mucilage of tragacanth form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — U. S. 
 
 To make 25 sodium bicarbonate lozenges use 75 grains of sodium bicarbonate, 240 
 grains of sugar, and 4 grains of nutmeg. 
 
 Sodium bicarbonate 3600 grains ; refined sugar, in powder, 25 oz. av. ; gum-acacia, in 
 powder, 1 oz. av. ; mucilage of gum-acacia 2 fluidounces ; distilled water 1 fluidounce ; 
 prepare 720 lozenges. — Br. 
 
 The freshly-grated nutmeg should be rubbed with a portion of the sugar to a uniform 
 powder, and afterward thoroughly mixed with the remaining powders. In France these 
 lozenges are variously flavored, either with the volatile oil of anise, lemon, or pepper- 
 mint, with the distilled water of orange-flowers or rose, or with tincture of vanilla. As 
 directed by the different pharmacopoeias, the lozenges contain .33 Gm. (5 grains) Br., .20 
 Gm. (3 grains) U. S., and 0.025 Gm. (f grain) F. Cod., of sodium bicarbonate. 
 
 Uses. — Troches of sodium bicarbonate are convenient and useful in cases of habitual 
 acidity of the stomach. The utility of the nutmeg they contain is not apparent. 
 
 TROCHISCI SULPHURIS, Br. Add. — Sulphur Lozenges. 
 
 Tahlettes ( Pastilles ) de soufre, Fr. ; SchwefelpastiUen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Precipitated Sulphur 3600 grains ; Acid Potassium Tartrate, Acacia, 
 in powder, each 720 grains; Refined Sugar, in powder, 5760 grains; Tincture of Orange- 
 
1656 
 
 TROCHISCI ZING IB ERIS— TUSSILAGO. 
 
 peel, Mucilage of Acacia, each 720 minims. Mix the tincture of orange-peel with the 
 powders, and add the mucilage, to form a suitable mass. Divide into 720 lozenges, and 
 dry these in a hot-air chamber at a moderate temperature. — Br. Add. 
 
 Each lozenge contains 5 grains of sulphur. 
 
 TROCHISCI ZINGIBERIS, V. S.— Troches of Ginger. 
 
 Tablettes ( Pastilles ) de gingembre , Fr. ; h igwerp astillen , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tincture of Ginger 20 Cc. ; Tragacanth, in fine powder, 4 Gm. ; 
 Sugar, in fine powder, 130 Gm. ; Syrup of Ginger a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 
 troches. Mix the tincture of ginger with the sugar, and, having exposed the mixture to 
 the air until dry, reduce it to a fine powder ; to this add the tragacanth and mix thor- 
 oughly. Lastly, with syrup of ginger form a mass, to be divided into 100 troches. — 
 U S. 
 
 To make 25 ginger lozenges use 80 minims of tincture of ginger, 16 grains of traga- 
 canth, and 500 grains of sugar. 
 
 Uses. — Troches of ginger are used to relieve flatulent colic and quicken laborious 
 digestion. 
 
 TUSSILAGO. — Coltsfoot. 
 
 Tussilage , Pas Pane, Fr. ; Huflattig , Rosshuf ’ G. ; Tnsilago una de caballo , Sp. 
 
 Tussilago Farfara, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Composite, Eupatorieae. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Coltsfoot is a perennial herb which is indigenous to 
 Europe and Northern Asia, has been naturalized in the United States from New England 
 to Pennsylvania, and grows in damp clayey soil and along ditches and brooks. All parts 
 of the plant have been used, but the leaves and flower-heads have been generally 
 employed, and the former have been admitted into the German, the latter into the 
 French, Pharmacopoeia. The rhizome is creeping, 30-45 Cm. (12 to 18 inches) long, 
 branching, about 3 Mm. (f inch) thick, with joints about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, radiat- 
 ing on the nodes, and of a grayish-white or pale-brownish color. It is fragile when dry, 
 has a thick whitish bark, yellowish porous wood-wedges, and a prominent pith, is inodor- 
 ous, and has a mucilaginous, bitterish, and astringent taste. The leaves ( Folia farfarse , 
 s. tussilaginis, P. G.) appear after the flowers, and are radical, long-petiolate, about 10 Cm. 
 (4 inches) long and broad, roundish heart-shaped, angular-toothed, dark-green and smooth 
 above, and white tomentose beneath. They are rather fleshy while fresh, and fragile 
 after drying. The flower-heads ( Tussilage [ capitide\ , Fr. Cod.) are smaller than those of 
 dandelion, make their appearance in early spring upon scaly scapes, and have a cylindrical 
 involucre of lance-linear scales in a single row, numerous yellow narrowly-ligulate pistil- 
 late ray-florets in several rows, and about twenty tubular staminate disk-florets. The 
 pappus is long, silky-hairy, and white. The dried flowers and leaves are inodorous and 
 have a mucilaginous, bitterish, and somewhat astringent taste. 
 
 The rhizome of Asarum canadense is known in some parts of the United States as 
 coltsfoot-root. 
 
 Constituents. — All parts of coltsfoot contain mucilage , a bitter principle which has 
 not been isolated, and tannin , producing a dark-green precipitate with ferric salts. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — S enecio, Groundsel, E. ; Kreuzkraut, Jacobskraut, G. Nat. Ord. Composite, 
 Senecionidese. Several European species of this genus have been employed, among which may 
 be mentioned Sen. Saracenicus, S. Doronicum, S. Jacobasa, and S. vulgaris, Linne. The latter, 
 with rayless flower-heads, is a common weed in Europe and sparingly naturalized in North 
 America. It has lanceolate, pinnatifid, and toothed, clasping and rather fleshy leaves, and a 
 cylindrical involucre ; it is inodorous and has a bitterish saline and acrid taste. The most com- 
 mon North American species is Senecio aureus, Linne , known as golden rag-weed , squaw-weed , 
 and life-root. It is found on the borders of streams, in thickets, and in swamps, and has a thin 
 horizontal rhizome with numerous slender rootlets ; long-petioled, round or roundish heart- 
 shaped, and crenately toothed radical leaves ; lyrate or pinnatifid, usually lanceolate stem-leaves ; 
 and a corymbose inflorescence with many-flowered heads, having bright-yellow pistillate ray-florets. 
 There are many varieties, differing chiefly in the shape of the radical leaves. These plants seem 
 to contain a little tannin and a bitter and an acrid principle. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Coltsfoot was anciently renowned in pulmonary affections, for 
 whose relief the smoke of its burning root was inhaled through a funnel ; even in modern 
 times it was smoked in pipes for the same purpose by the peasantry of Sweden and Ger- 
 
TJLMTJS. 
 
 1657 
 
 many. It is demulcent and tonic through its mucilaginous and bitter constituents, and 
 has been compared in its action to Iceland moss. It has been widely used in the treat- 
 ment of chronic bronchitis and for various scrofulous affections, both internally and locally. 
 It may be administered in decoction or infusion made with the dried leaves and flowers, 
 Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 (§j in Oj) of water. The expressed juice is also employed. 
 
 Cineraria maritima was said, in 1888, to have been successfully used in Venezuela 
 for the removal of cataract by the application to the eye of the juice of the fresh plant. 
 There has, apparently, been no confirmation of the original report. 
 
 Senecio, or groundsel, appears to be emollient and also slightly acrid. It was employed 
 by the American aborigines as a vulnerary. In Germany its juice is a domestic remedy 
 for colic, intestinal worms , etc. It is used in France to prepare gargles for sore throats , to 
 make poultices for boils , rheumatic swellings , and local cutaneous eruptions , and to prepare 
 emollient and laxative enemas. Dr. N. S. Davis found that in doses of Gm. 3-6 (ttlxIv- 
 xc) the fluid extract of senecio-root relieved the pains of chronic muscular rheumatism 
 ( Phila . Med. Times , ix. 634). A decoction may be prepared with Gm. 4-8 in Gm. 120 
 (f§j-ij in fgiv) of water. 
 
 ULMUS, U , S . — Elm ; Slippery Elm. 
 
 TJlmi cortex , Cortex ulmi interior. — Elm-barh , E. ; Orme fauve, Orme champetre, F. 
 Cod. ; Ulmenrinde , Riisterrinde , G. ; Olmo, Sp. 
 
 The inner bark of Ulmus fulva, Michaux (C. S., F. Cod.), of Ulmus campestris, Linne 
 (F. Cod.). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 232, 233. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticaceae, Ulmese. 
 
 Origin. — The elms are trees with alternate, oblique, and slightly heart-shaped, ser- 
 rate, and straight -veined leaves, and with lateral clusters of small polygamous flowers, 
 having a bell-shaped four- to nine-lobed perianth, the same number of stamens, and two 
 nearly sessile styles. The fruit is a one-celled and one-seeded samara, surrounded with a 
 membranous wing, which is notched or cleft at the apex. The American official elm, 
 known as slippery elm, red elm , or moose elm, is a small or medium-sized tree, which is 
 usually about 9, and occasionally 18, M. (30-60 feet) high, with a diameter of 30-60 Cm. 
 (1 or 2 feet), and with a reddish wood. The leaves are 10-20 Cm. (4 to 8 inches) long, 
 elliptic-oblong, pointed and very rough above ; the flowers are reddish pubescent, precede 
 the leaves, and have the perianth six- to nine-cleft ; the samara is orbicular and not ciliate. 
 The tree grows in woods and rich soil from Canada westward to Lake Superior and 
 Nebraska, and southward to near the Gulf of Mexico, but is most abundant in the West- 
 ern States. The white elm, Ulmus americana, Linne , is taller, 18-24 M. (60 to 80 feet) 
 high, bears an oval, on the margin densely ciliate samara, and is a favorite shade-tree in 
 New England. 
 
 Ulmus alata, Michaux , the winged elm, grows in the Southern United States, where it 
 is known as wahoo (see also p. 629). The wood is fine-grained and heavy, and the bark, 
 which on the branches has prominent corky wings, is used for making ropes. 
 
 The European official elm is probably a native of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, 
 but now is naturalized or cultivated throughout the greater portion of Asia, Europe, and 
 Northern Africa. It has likewise been introduced in some parts of New England. Its 
 leaves are only about 6 Cm. (2£ inches) long, oval or obovate, and acute or somewhat 
 pointed ; the flowers are mostly pentamerous, and the samara is roundish-obovate, smooth, 
 and has the seed placed near the apical notch. The European black elm, Ulmus effusa, 
 Willdenow, which has larger ovate or elliptical leaves and roundish-elliptic ciliate fruits, 
 likewise furnishes some elm-bark. 
 
 Description. — Slippery-elm bark is met with in commerce in flat pieces, consist- 
 ing of the liber only, the corky layer being removed before drying, and usually 1 M. 
 or so long and 10-15 Cm. (4 or 6 inches) broad. It is about 3 Mm. (& inch) thick, is 
 externally of a very light-cinnamon color or pale brownish-white, smooth, occasionally 
 with small fragments of the corky layer adhering, and upon the inner surface grayish- 
 white, finely ridged longitudinally, and usually more or less woolly from some detached 
 bast-fibres. The bark breaks, or rather tears, readily in a longitudinal direction, the frag- 
 ments adhering together with the wavy bast-fibres. It breaks with some difficulty in a 
 transverse direction with a fibrous and mealy fracture, and when cut transversely the 
 bast-fibres are seen arranged in tangential rows, imbedded in a loose parenchyma, and dis- 
 sected by numerous fine medullary rays, giving to the transverse section a delicately 
 checkered appearance. Slippery-elm bark has a slight but distinct odor, resembling that 
 
1658 
 
 UNGUENT A. 
 
 of fenugreek, and a mucilaginous, insipid taste. It is also met with as a coarse fibrous 
 and as a somewhat fine and uniform powder, both having a light fawn-color. 
 
 European elm-bark. — It resembles the preceding, but is usually rather thinner, upon 
 both surfaces of a cinnamon color, nearly inodorous, and of a mucilaginous, bitterish, 
 and astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Both barks contain a considerable amount of mucilage, which, as 
 obtained from the European elm, according to Braconnot (1846), resembles the mucilage 
 of flaxseed. The mucilage of slippery-elm bark is precipitated by lead acetate, but 
 alcohol separates from its solution a gelatinous liquid ; starch is present in small grains. 
 European elm-bark contains a small quantity of a bitter principle which has not been 
 isolated, and a little tannin, which is precipitated by gelatin and the salts of most metals, 
 gives a dingy-green precipitate with ferric chloride, reduces gold and silver salts, is a 
 glucoside, and on fusion with potassa yields pyrocatechin and acetic and butyric acids 
 (Johansen, 1875). Starch is usually not present in the bast-layer of this bark. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Slippery-elm bark is highly demulcent, and in some degree nutri- 
 tious. It is grateful to the taste, and does not readily disorder the stomach. Like the 
 inner bark of the European elm (U. Campestris), which is slightly astringent, it has 
 been used with alleged advantage in chronic cutaneous eruptions , including some of syph- 
 ilitic origin. It is also asserted to be a remedy for tape-worm. It is, however, chiefly 
 employed in medicine to produce a mucilage which is officinal. The fibrous bark, disin- 
 tegrated so as to form a mass of flexible spongy tissue, is, like sea-tangle, readily moulded 
 into tents, which are made use of to dilate the neck of the uterus , fistulous openings , etc., 
 and which do not so readily become offensive as sponge tents. They have also been satu- 
 rated with various medicinal extracts and used as vaginal and rectal suppositories. (Their 
 preparation was described by Tuckerman, Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Jan. 1881, p. 46.) 
 
 UNGUENT A, U. S * 9 Bv F. Cod., P. G. — Ointments. 
 
 Pomata , F. Cod. — Pommades , Onguents , Fr. ; Salben. G. ; Unguentos , Sp. 
 
 Preparation. — Ointments are unctuous preparations of such a consistence that they 
 may be easily rubbed on the skin, and when in contact with it are gradually liquefied. 
 They consist chiefly of benzoinated lard, or lard which is combined in some cases with a 
 small quantity (about one-fifth) of wax, yellow wax being very properly preferred by the 
 U. S. P. and P. G. ; in some cases soft paraffin (petrolatum or paraffin ointment, see p. 
 1208) is used for the base. In the latter case the ointment is prepared by careful tritu- 
 ration ; but if wax is a constituent, this is first melted by a moderate heat, and the lard 
 added in small quantities, or previously heated to about the same temperature : the ingredi- 
 ents being thoroughly liquefied, the vessel is removed from the fire, and its contents beaten 
 with a spatula or transferred to a warm mortar, and then well stirred with the pestle to 
 prevent the partial separation of the wax. The addition of aqueous liquids, which 
 should not be too cold, is made in small quantities, and with continued stirring or beat- 
 ing, as soon as the ointment begins to assume an opaque appearance. In all cases the 
 operation should be continued until the temperature of the ointment has been reduced to 
 that of the surrounding atmosphere, and until the preparation is perfectly smooth and 
 homogeneous. Solid substances may be incorporated in a similar manner, provided they 
 have been previously reduced to an impalpable powder. But in most cases, and more 
 particularly when the powder is heavy, much better and more uniform ointments are 
 obtained by triturating the solid material until a powder is obtained, adding a small 
 quantity of oil or of the ointment, and continuing the trituration until all signs of grit- 
 tiness have disappeared ; after which the remaining portion of the ointment may be 
 gradually added and thoroughly incorporated. Salts and other substances which are 
 soluble in water are often conveniently combined with the fatty base by dissolving them 
 in a small quantity of hot water and incorporating this solution in a warm mortar, with 
 the ointment gradually added. If extracts are to be added to ointments, they should be 
 thoroughly softened in a warm mortar, by trituration with a little water, before the fat is 
 added in small portions and with continued trituration. Alcoholic liquids, except when 
 used in very small proportions, are less conveniently incorporated with ointments than 
 concentrated aqueous solutions. Whenever camphor is to be mixed with an ointment, 
 it should be added after extracts and all other ingredients have been incorporated with 
 
UNO UENTUM— UNG UENTXJM ACIDI TANNICI. 
 
 1659 
 
 the fatty vehicle : in order to ensure its ready solution in the fat, camphor should always 
 be used in the form of fine powder. 
 
 Most of the European pharmacopoeias make no distinction between cerates and oint- 
 ments, but designate both classes as unguenta. In France the term onguent is usually 
 confined to an ointment into the composition of which resinous substances enter, while 
 ointments with a purely fatty base are designated as pommade* , and, if the base be a 
 mixture of wax and fat, as cerates. In Europe olive oil or almond oil, melted together 
 with some wax, is frequently employed as the base for ointments in preference to lard. 
 (See also Cerata (p. 432), Steatina (p. 433), Glyceritum Amyli and Glycel^um 
 ( p. 783).) 
 
 Preservation. — With few exceptions, ointments should be prepared extemporane- 
 ously when wanted for use. The fats should in all cases be free from incipient rancidity, 
 and, if carefully prepared, the ointments may be kept for a limited time in well-closed 
 vessels and in a cool place, at a temperature of about 15° C. (59° F.). 
 
 In addition to the formulas given farther on, the following are contained in Br. P. 
 1885 : 
 
 Unguentum acidi borici. Boric acid 1 oz. ; soft paraffin 4 oz. ; hard paraffin 2 oz. 
 
 Unguentum acidi salicylici. Salicylic acid 60 gr. ; soft paraffin 1080 gr. ; hard 
 paraffin 540 gr. 
 
 Unguentum conii. Hemlock-juice 2 fluidounces. Evaporate to 2 fluidrachms at a 
 temperature not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.) ; add boric acid 10 grains and hydrous wool- 
 fat f ounce, and mix thoroughly. 
 
 Unguentum eucalypti. Oil of eucalyptus 1 oz. ; soft paraffin 2 oz.; hard paraffin 
 2 oz. 
 
 Unguentum glycerini plumbi subacetatis. Glycerin of lead subacetate 3 oz. ; 
 soft paraffin 12 oz. ; hard paraffin 4 oz. 
 
 Unguentum hamamelidis. Mix liquid extract of hamamelis 50 minims with simple 
 ointment 410 grains. 
 
 Unguentum staphisagri^e. Stavesacre-seeds 4 oz. Crush and macerate them for 
 two hours in benzoated lard 8 oz., melted over a water-bath ; strain and cool. 
 
 UNGUENTUM, U. Ointment. 
 
 Unguentum simplex , Br., P. A.; Unguentum adipis. — Simple ointment , E. ; Pommade 
 simple , Fr. ; Wachssalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lard 800 Gm. ; Yellow Wax 200 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Melt 
 the wax and add the lard gradually ; then stir the mixture constantly while cooling. — 
 U. S. 
 
 White wax 2 oz., benzoated lard 3 oz., almond oil 3 fluidounces. Melt the wax and 
 lard in the oil on a water-bath ; then remove the mixture, and stir constantly while it 
 cools. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Simple ointment, as it was formerly and more appropriately called, is used as 
 a protective for sores and excoriations and to facilitate the introduction of the hand or 
 finger, surgical instruments, etc. into the urethra, vagina, rectum, etc. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ACIDI CARBOLICI, V. S., Br.— Ointment of Car- 
 bolic Acid. 
 
 Pommade pheriique , Fr. ; Phenolsalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Carbolic Acid 5 Gm. ; Ointment 95 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Mix 
 them thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the official ointment is composed of 24 grains of carbolic acid and 
 456 grains of ointment, and is exactly of one-half the strength of the carbolic-acid oint- 
 ment of 1880. 
 
 Carbolic acid 60 gr. ; soft paraffin 720 gr. ; hard paraffin 360 gr. Melt and mix. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Carbolic-acid ointment has been used in the treatment of lupus and other dis- 
 eases of the skin, but carbolized oil is preferable as a dressing for wounds. A similar 5 
 per cent, solution in oil has been found a safe and efficient surgical dressing. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ACIDI TANNICI, U. S.— Ointment of Tannic Acid. 
 
 Pommade de tannin , Fr. ; Tanninsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tannic Acid 20 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 80 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. 
 
1660 
 
 UNGUENTUM ACONITINE — UNGUENTUM AQUjE ROSM 
 
 Rub the tannic acid with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly 
 mixed, avoiding the use of an iron spatula. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of tannic-acid ointment is composed of 96 grains of tannic acid and 
 384 grains of benzoinated lard ; the acid should be rubbed into an impalpable powder, 
 and only horn, porcelain, or glass utensils used in mixing the ointment, so as to avoid 
 darkening of the color. 
 
 Uses. — No ointment made with a vegetable astringent is as powerful as a solution of 
 the same substance in water, or even in glycerin. Tannic-acid ointment is no exception 
 to the rule. This preparation may, however, be applied on tampons to the vagina, and 
 introduced into the rectum, in relaxed states of these parts. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ACONITINE, Br. — Ointment of Aconitine. 
 
 Pommade d’ aconitine, Fr. ; Aconitinsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Aconitine 8 grains ; Rectified Spirit J fluidrachm ; Benzoated 
 Lard 1 ounce. Dissolve the aconitine in the spirit, add the lard, and mix thoroughly. 
 —Br. 
 
 Uses. — This powerful local anaesthetic is chiefly of use in neuralgia of the superficial 
 nerves, especially of the head, face, and trunk. It should be applied, by means of a soft 
 thick brush or small pledget of lint, over the points of emergence and the terminal dis- 
 tribution of the affected nerves. It should not be allowed to touch denuded cutaneous 
 surfaces or mucous membranes. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ANTIMONH TARTARATI, Ointment of Tar- 
 
 TARATED ANTIMONY. 
 
 Pomatum stibiatum, F. Cod. ; Unguentum tartari stibiati, P. G. ; Unguentum antimonii , 
 Ung. stibio-kali tart arid, Png. stibiatum. — Antimonial ointment , E. ; Pommade stibiee , P. 
 d! Autenrieth, Fr. ; Brechweinsteinsalbe, Pockensalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Tartarated Antimony, in very fine powder, \ oz. ; Simple 
 Ointment 1 oz. ; mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Tartar emetic 1 part, benzoinated lard 3 parts. — F. Cod. Tartar emetic 1 part, paraffin 
 ointment 4 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — Antimonial ointment is occasionally employed to produce its characteristic 
 pustular eruption in cases requiring vigorous counter-irritation, but the painful ulcers and 
 the sloughs it sometimes occasioned, and the permanent scars it often left behind, have 
 caused it to be generally abandoned, and there is no reason for a revival of its use. 
 
 UNGUENTUM AQU^E ROSiE, U. S.— Ointment of Rose-water. 
 
 Unguentum leniens , P. G. — Unguentum emolliens , P. A. — Cold cream , E., Fr., G. 
 Preparation. — Spermaceti, 125 Gm. ; White Wax, 120 Gm. ; Expressed Oil of 
 Almond, 600 Cc. : Stronger Rose-water, 190 Cc. ; Sodium Borate, in fine powder, 5 Gm. 
 Reduce the spermaceti and white wax to fine shavings, and melt them at a moderate 
 heat. Then add the expressed oil of almond, pour the mixture into a warmed, shallow 
 wedgewood mortar, carefully add, without stirring, the whole of the stronger rose-water, 
 in which the sodium borate had previously been dissolved, and then stir rapidly and con- 
 tinuously until the mixture becomes uniformly soft and creamy. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of rose-water ointment contains 62.5 grains of spermaceti, 60 grains 
 of white wax, 275 grains of oil of almond (expressed), 2.5 grains of borax, and 1J 
 fluidrachms of stronger rose-water. 
 
 The present official formula differs from that of 1880 in ordering increased proportions 
 of spermaceti, white wax, and expressed oil of almond, while the amount of water is 
 reduced to about two-thirds : this change will yield a more permanent ointment, and we 
 can see no advantage in the addition of borax, which may cause trouble when cold cream 
 is ordered in ointments with calomel, mercuric oxide, cocaine salts, etc. By warming the 
 rose-water before adding it to the fats the danger of a granular ointment by partial pre- 
 cipitation of the spermaceti is obviated. 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias direct: Almond oil 215, spermaceti 60, white wax 30, rose- 
 water 60, tincture of benzoin 15 Gm., oil of rose 10 drops. — F. Cod. Almond oil 32, sper- 
 maceti 5, white wax 4, rose-water 16 parts, oil of rose 1 drop to 50 Gm. — P. G. 
 
 The successful preparation of this ointment depends mainly on the pains taken in 
 incorporating the materials while cooling : to facilitate the process, E. C. Marshall (1875) 
 
UNGUENTUM A TROPIN JE . — UNG UENTUM C A N TH A RID IS. 
 
 1661 
 
 recommended the use of an ordinary egg-beater. The ointment should be very white, 
 soft, and perfectly homogeneous. If well made it will retain these properties for some 
 time, but gradually it becomes rancid. 
 
 Allied Ointments. — C eratum Galeni, Cerat de Galien, F. Cod. White wax 1 part, expressed 
 
 011 of almonds 4 parts, distilled rose-water 3 parts. It is prepared in the same manner as cold 
 eream. 
 
 Ceratum flavum, Cerat jaune, F. Cod. Yellow wax 10 Gm., almond oil 35 Gm., water 
 25 Gm. 
 
 Ceratum laudanisatum, Cerat laudanise, F. Cod. Sydenham’s laudanum 10 Gm., Galen’s 
 cerate 90 Gm. 
 
 Uses. — Cold cream, as it is commonly called, is an agreeable and efficient protective in 
 cases of abrasions , ulcers, frostbite, and other superficial lesions of the skin. The addition 
 to it of a small proportion of glycerin, and also of benzoic acid, tends both to preserve the 
 ointment longer and to render it more efficient. As thus modified it is one of the best 
 means of protecting the hands and lips from being chapped. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ATROPINA, 2*r.— O intment of Atropine. 
 
 Pommade d' atropine, Fr. ; Atropinsalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Atropine 8 grains ; Rectified Spirit £ fluidrachm ; Benzoated 
 Lard 1 ounce. Dissolve the atropine in the spirit, add the lard, and mix thoroughly. — 
 Br. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is, in most cases, preferable to belladonna ointment, on 
 account of its superior cleanliness and the smaller quantity of it that is efficacious. It is 
 chiefly used in superficial neuralgias, to relieve other local pains, and, applied to the peri- 
 neum, to allay urethral and rectal irritation and spasm. 
 
 UNGUENTUM BELLADONNA, U. S., Br. — Belladonna Ointment. 
 
 Pomatum cum extracto belladonnas. , F. Cod. ; Pommade belladonee , Fr. ; TolTkirschen- 
 salbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Alcoholic Extract of Belladonna-leaves 10 Gm. ; Diluted Alcohol 5 
 Cc. ; Benzoinated Lard 85 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the extract with the diluted 
 alcohol until uniformly soft, then gradually add the lard, and mix thoroughly. — U S . 
 
 Each troyounce of the U. S. P. belladonna ointment contains 48 grains of extract of 
 belladonna-leaves, 25 minims of diluted alcohol, and 408 grains of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias direct — Alcoholic extract of belladonna 50 grains, benzoated lard 
 1 oz. av. — Br. Extract of belladonna 4 Gm., water 2 Gm., lard 24 Gm. — F. Cod. 
 
 Allied Ointment. — Pomatum populeum, Pommade de bourgeon de peuplier, Onguent populeuin, 
 F. Cod. Digest the fresh leaves of belladonna, hyoscyamus, black nightshade, and poppy, of 
 each 5 parts, in lard 40 parts ; when the moisture has completely evaporated, add poplar-buds 8 
 parts ; digest for a day, express, and strain. 
 
 Uses. — Belladonna ointment was originally used in all the cases of local pain, spasm, 
 etc. to which atropine ointment is now applied, and where cleanliness is not imperative it 
 answers nearly as well. It is better suited than the ointment of the alkaloid for applica- 
 tion to absorbing surfaces, as the urethra, vagina, rectum, and ulcerated parts. Asso- 
 ciated with astringent ointments (Ung. gallse), it is a valuable palliative in prolapsus ani, 
 especially if applied within the sphincter by means of a small female syringe from 
 which the fenestrated end has been removed. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CANTHARIDIS, 7*/\— Ointment of Oantharides. 
 
 Unguentum cantharidum, P. G. ; Pomatum cum cantharide, F Cod. ; Ung. irritans , Ung. 
 ad fonticulos. — Pommade epispastique, Fr. ; SpanischJUegensalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cantharides, Yellow Wax, of each 1 ounce ; Olive Oil 6 
 fluidounces. Infuse the cantharides in the oil in a covered vessel for twelve hours ; then 
 place the vessel in boiling water for fifteen minutes, strain through muslin with strong 
 pressure, add the product to the wax, previously melted, and stir constantly while the 
 mixture cools. — Br. 
 
 Coarsely-powdered cantharides 3 parts, olive oil 10 parts ; digest, express, filter, and to 
 
 12 parts of the filtrate add 8 parts of yellow wax. — P.G. 
 
 The ointment was dismissed from the U. S. P. 1880. Cantharidin being readily solu- 
 ble in fats, the ointment prepared by digesting cantharides in olive oil has the active 
 
1662 
 
 UNGUENTUM CETA CEI.— UNG UENTUM CREOSOTL 
 
 principle more uniformly diffused than by incorporating powdered cantharides with oint- 
 ment. Cerate of extract of cantharides is well adapted for preparing this ointment 
 extemporaneously ; it has a greenish-yellow color. 
 
 Allied Ointment. — U nguentum acre. Melt together yellow wax 15 parts, resin 30 parts, 
 turpentine 60 parts, and lard 250 parts ; add powdered cantharides 50 parts, and powdered 
 euphorbium 10 parts ; mix, and stir until cool — P. G. 1872. 
 
 The French Codex recognizes a yellow and a green cantharides ointment, of which the former 
 is prepared by infusing cantharides 1 part in melted lard 14 parts, adding a little turmeric, filter- 
 ing, melting together with yellow wax 2 parts, and adding a little oil of lemon. The green oint- 
 ment is a mixture of powdered cantharides 1 part, poplar ointment (see Ung. Belladonna) 28 
 parts, and wax 4 parts. 
 
 Uses. — Ointment of cantharides is intended to be used as a dressing for recently 
 blistered surfaces, in order to prolong the discharge from them, and also to act as a rube- 
 facient upon the sound skin when blistering is not desirable. In this manner it may 
 sometimes be applied in muscular rheumatism , in partial paralysis , and in alopecia. But 
 in all these cases various stimulant liniments are more suitable. In many cases also for 
 which this ointment is appropriate the plaster of Burgundy pitch with cantharides is 
 much more efficient. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CETACEI, Br. — Ointment of Spermaceti. 
 
 Onguent de hlanc de haleine , Fr. ; Walratsalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Melt together Spermaceti 5 oz., White Wax 2 oz., and Almond Oil 1 
 pint (Imper.) : add benzoin in coarse powder ^ oz., and, frequently stirring the mixture, 
 continue the application of heat for two hours ; strain the mixture and stir constantly until 
 quite cold. — Br. 
 
 Except in consistency it resembles spermaceti cerate (p. 434). 
 
 Uses. — This ointment, when freshly made, is an appropriate dressing for wounds , 
 excoriations , and blisters. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CHR Y S AROBINI, U. S., Br.— Chrysarobin Ointment. 
 
 Pommade de chrysarobine , Fr. ; Chrysarobinsalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Chrysarobin 5 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 95 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. 
 Mix thoroughly by trituration. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the present U. S. P. chrysarobin ointment contains 24 grains of 
 chrysarobin and 456 grains of benzoinated lard, being of one-half the strength of that 
 of 1880. 
 
 Melt benzoated lard 480 grains, add chrysarobin 20 grains, and stir them together, 
 maintaining a moderate temperature, so as to promote solution ; then stir until cold. — Br. 
 
 This ointment has been admitted as a more uniform preparation than the ararobo oint- 
 ment originally proposed by Da Silva Lima. Balmano Squire (1877) recommended the 
 solution of chrysarobin in lard to be effected by heating in a water-bath with benzene, 
 and the latter to be evaporated by stirring the liquid in a warm dish while cooling and 
 congealing. The ointment is of a yellow color, and should be entirely free from gritti- 
 ness, which condition is difficult to obtain, owing to the variable quality of commercial 
 chrysarobin. 
 
 Uses. — The various applications of this ointment are described under Chrysarobin. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CREOSOTI, Br. — Ointment of Creosote. 
 
 Pommade creosotee , Fr. ; Kreosotsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Creosote 1 fluidrachm ; Simple Ointment 1 ounce. Mix 
 thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Creosote ointment is a protective, and, like creosote-water, a wholesome 
 stimulant in numerous cases, including burns , chilblains , ulcers of various descriptions, 
 and especially those which have flabby, fungous granulations, an ichorous secretion, a 
 tendency to gangrene, or a connection with carious bone. Even for cancerous ulcers it 
 forms an eligible dressing, especially after they have been washed with creosote-water. 
 Indeed, the applications of the latter, enumerated elsewhere, are, mutatis mutandis , those 
 of creosote ointment. 
 
UNGUENTUM DIACHYLON.— UNGUENTUM GALLJE CUM OPIO. 1663 
 
 CJNGUENTUM DIACHYLON, 77. S. 9 P. G.— Diachylon Ointment. 
 
 Unguentum plurnbi Hehrse. — Hebra’s lead ointment , E. ; Onguent diachylon , Fr. ; Diach- 
 ylonsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lead Plaster 500 Gm. ; Olive Oil 490 Gm. ; Oil of Lavender-flowers 
 10 Cc. ; to make 1000 Gm. Melt together the lead plaster and olive oil at a moderate 
 heat; then, having permitted the mass to become partly cool, incorporate with it the oil 
 of lavender, and stir constantly until cold. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of diachylon ointment contains 240 grains of lead plaster, 235 grains 
 of olive oil, and 5 drops of oil of lavender-flowers. 
 
 Lead plaster 5 parts ; free it from glycerin by washing, and from water by heating on 
 a water-bath ; melt it at a moderate heat with olive oil 5 parts ; stir until cold, and after 
 several hours stir again. — P. G. 
 
 The decrease of the quantity of lead plaster and corresponding increase of olive oil 
 add very much to the quality and stability of the ointment and bring the two formulas 
 into close harmony. 
 
 Uses. — Speaking of the treatment of eczema , Ilebra said of this ointment, “ I have 
 called it Ung. diacliyli , and prescribed it either alone or in combination with balsam of 
 Peru. It is either applied by means of the finger or rubbed in with balls of charpie from 
 one to three times a day ; or, if it be desirable to increase its effect, it may be spread on 
 linen or flannel and applied like a plaster ” ( Diseases of the Skin, Sydenham Soc. ed., ii. 
 151). This eminent dermatologist recommends the ointment in fetid siveating of the feet 
 {ibid., i. 89) and as a part of the treatment of sycosis menti {ibid., ii. 317). 
 
 UNGUENTUM ELEMI, Br. — Ointment of Elemi. 
 
 Unguentum {Balsamum) Arcsei, F. Cod. ; Onguent { Baume ) d'Arcseus, Fr. ; Elemi - 
 salbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Elemi \ ounce; Simple Ointment 1 ounce. Melt, strain 
 through flannel, and stir constantly until the ointment solidifies. — Br. 
 
 Elemi and Venice turpentine, each 15 parts, suet 20 parts, lard 10 parts; melt, strain, 
 and stir until cold. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — Ointment of elemi is a mild local stimulant, and as such may be used for 
 dressing slightly indolent ulcers and for maintaining the suppuration of issues and setons. 
 Formerly an ointment known as Balsamum Arcsei , and containing elemi and larch tur- 
 pentine in equal proportions, was used for the same purpose, and, except in trifling cases, 
 probably with more effect. 
 
 UNGUENTUM GALLiE, 77. 8., Br.— Nutgall Ointment. 
 
 Pommade de noix de galle, Fr. ; Galldpfelsalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Nutgall, in No. 80 powder, 20 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 80 Gm. ; to 
 make 100 Gm. Rub the nutgall with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they 
 are thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of nutgall ointment contains 96 grains of nutgall and 384 grains of 
 benzoinated lard ; the nutgall is preferably passed through a bolting-cloth before adding 
 the lard. The official ointment is twice as strong as that of 1880. 
 
 Uses. — Ointment of nutgall, like that of tannic acid, its active constituent, is appro- 
 priately applied to relaxed tissues, but especially to those of the vagina and rectum, to 
 prevent or diminish prolapsus of these parts. In the latter case, when piles exist, an oint- 
 ment composed of equal parts of the ointments of nutgall and stramonium and Goulard’s 
 cerate is a very efficient remedy. 
 
 UNGUENTUM GALL.® CUM OPIO, ^.—Ointment of Galls and 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ointment of Galls 1 ounce ; Opium, in powder, 32 grains. 
 Mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is intended to fulfil the same indications as those of the com- 
 pound ointment mentioned under Unguentum Gall.e, but it is far less efficient as 
 applied to the anus, and, owing to the large proportion of opium it contains, not without 
 danger if introduced into the vagina or the rectum. 
 
1664 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI, U. S., Br., P. A.- Mercurial Oint- 
 ment. 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri cinereuvn , P. G. ; Pomatum cum hydrargyro , F. Cod. ; Unguen- 
 tum mercuriale s. neapolitanicum . — Ointment of mercury , Blue ointment , E. ; Pommade 
 ( Onguent ) mercurielle d parties eg ales, P. napolitaine , Fr. ; Graue Quecksilbersalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury 500 Gm. ; Lard 250 Gm. ; Suet 230 Gm. ; Oleate of Mercury 
 20 Gm. ; to make 1000 Gm. Triturate the oleate of mercury with the mercury, gradually 
 added, in a mortar, until globules of the metal are no longer visible. Then add the lard 
 and suet, previously melted together and partially cooled, and continue the trituration 
 until globules of mercury are no longer visible under a lens magnifying ten diameters. 
 
 — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of mercurial ointment contains 240 grains of pure mercury, 120 grains 
 of lard, 115 grains of suet, and 5 grains of mercuric oleate. 
 
 Mercury, prepared lard, each 1 pound ; prepared suet 1 ounce ; rub them together 
 until metallic globules cease to be visible. — Br. 
 
 Mercury and benzoinated lard equal parts. Melt the lard, pour about one-third of it 
 into an iron vessel, and keep it at a temperature so as to remain sufficiently soft ; add the 
 mercury very gradually, triturate until extinct, add the remainder of the lard, and con- 
 tinue the trituration until a perfect mixture is obtained. — F. Cod. 
 
 The German Pharmacopoeia has a similar process, but uses lard and mutton-suet in the 
 proportion of 13 : 7, and incorporates with this mixture 10 parts of mercury. This oint- 
 ment contains one-third its weight of mercury, globules of which should not be visible 
 to the naked eye. 
 
 With the exception of the French Codex, the pharmacopoeias have very properly dis- 
 carded weak mercurial ointment , leaving the physician to order the dilution of the strong 
 ointment as he may think necessary. 
 
 The extinguishment of the mercury, if the directions of the last three formulas are 
 literally followed, requires such a long time that few pharmacists will undertake the 
 trouble of preparing the ointment. The operation is greatly facilitated by the use of 
 mercuric oleate, which is decidedly preferable to tincture of benzoin, sulphur and oil, 
 and other agents formerly employed. 
 
 A clean iron mortar is well adapted for the preparation of this ointment on a limited 
 scale, though a small portion of the mercury will superficially combine with the iron. A 
 wedgewood or marble mortar does not occasion even this slight loss. 
 
 The extinguishment of the mercury is most readily observed by the use of a lens of 
 moderate power, or by rubbing a small portion of the ointment between folded paper, 
 when no metallic globules should become visible to the naked eye. Rhigini observed 
 that on triturating a little of the ointment in a marble mortar with a wooden pestle until 
 the ointment has been absorbed, the pestle will have a bright metallic surface in case the 
 mercury had not been completely extinguished. 
 
 On keeping mercurial ointment at a temperature at which it becomes soft without lique- 
 fying, it will slowly alter in composition in such a manner that the lower strata contain a 
 larger proportion of mercury than the upper ones. Hence it is necessary in warm 
 weather to employ fat or a mixture of fats having a higher fusing-point than lard, such 
 as is directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 When made with fresh and sweet fats the ointment contains the mercury in a minutely 
 divided condition. As rancidity commences and increases, a portion of the mercury will 
 be found in chemical combination, and this amount is increased at an elevated tempera- 
 ture. It follows from this that mercurial ointment should be kept in a cool place and in 
 a well-closed jar, and that it may be still further protected by covering the surface of 
 the ointment with, paper which has been saturated with tincture of Tolu or tincture of 
 storax. 
 
 Uses. — By means of this ointment, duly rubbed upon the skin, the constitutional 
 effects of mercury can be secured without as much risk of disordering the digestion of 
 the patient as when mercury in any of its forms is given by the mouth. It is eliminated 
 by the kidneys and the intestine, but chiefly by the latter, and for months after the 
 inunction has ceased. This was at one time the chief method of treating constitutional 
 and even primary syphilis , and, in spite of its being “ dirty, laborious, and troublesome,” 
 it is better than any other form of mercurial treatment (with the exception, perhaps, of 
 the hypodermic), since “ it cures the disease better, and does not damage the constitu- 
 
UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI AMMO NATL 
 
 16G5 
 
 tion half so much” (Brodie). The inunctions should be made upon different parts of the 
 body successively, as the thighs, the flanks, the arms, the chest, and usually before a fire 
 or in the direct sunlight. Gm. 4—8 (3J-ij) should be rubbed in daily ; the patient 
 should be clothed in flannel, sleep between blankets, and every two or three days cleanse 
 the skin with a bath of warm water and soap. If he is able he should make the friction 
 with his own hands ; and if he cannot do this, the hands of the attendant making them 
 should be protected by a caoutchouc glove or by a pig’s bladder previously softened with 
 warm water. In other cases, and especially when mercurial ointment is employed to 
 supplement the internal use of mercurials, it may be spread upon a cloth and applied 
 to a recently blistered surface. In cases of infantile* syphilis a flannel roller smeared 
 with the ointment may be secured around the body of the patient. (For further 
 details regarding mercurial inunction in syphilis, typhoid fever, pneumonia, etc., see 
 Hydrargyrum.) 
 
 All chronic superficial swellings resulting from inflammation have their absorption 
 hastened by friction made with mercurial ointment. This treatment is peculiarly appro- 
 priate in glandular and other enlargements arising from syphilic infection, but it is some- 
 times also used to promote the resolution of chronic engorgement of the liver or spleen. 
 Paronychia may be prevented from suppurating by frictions with mercurial ointment 
 made every hour for five minutes at a time, while in the intervals the part is kept envel- 
 oped in a poultice. In subacute and chronic inflammation of the joints much benefit has 
 been derived from wrapping them, previously blistered or not, in cloths spread with mer- 
 curial ointment, and keeping them at rest by means of appropriate splints. A like advan- 
 tage sometimes accrues in chronic or subacute orchitis from covering the affected organ 
 in a similar manner. But the simple ointment is less efficacious than that of the iodide 
 of mercury. There can be no doubt that mercury, applied in one form or another to 
 an eruption of small-pox upon the face during its papular stage, sometimes prevents 
 the papules from maturing and leaving scars. The ointment may be spread, alone 
 or rendered more tenacious by the admixture of starch, upon linen, with suitable aper- 
 tures for the nostrils and mouth, and closely applied to the face like a mask. It has 
 been used after the same manner in the treatment of erysipelas of the face, but, on the 
 whole, without advantage, and frequently with the effect of causing salivation. It is 
 also a palliative of prurigo pudendi , but in this case it is open to the same objection. 
 Unna recommends for common warts and condylomata acuminata, the continuous applica- 
 tion of mercurial ointment containing 5 per cent, of arsenic. This dressing is said not to 
 irritate the part, but to cause the warts to wither ( Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Oct. 
 1882, p. 321). 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI AMMONATI, 77. S., Br.— Ointment 
 of Ammoniated Mercury. 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri album , P. G.- — Ointment of white precipitate , E. ; Pommade de 
 mercure precipite blanc , Fr. ; Wei use Quecksilbersalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ammoniated Mercury, in very fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Benzoinated 
 Lard 90 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the ammoniated mercury with the benzoinated 
 lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 48 grains of ammoniated mercury and 432 
 grains of the base. 
 
 Ammoniated mercury 50 grains ; simple ointment 450 grains. — Br. Ammoniated mer- 
 cury 1 part ; paraffin ointment 9 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — Ointment of ammoniated mercury is used as a stimulant in cases of chronic 
 blepharitis and in several cutaneous affections, especially in psoriasis of limited extent, 
 and in those of parasitic origin, including ringworm of the scalp (porrigo scutulata). In 
 herpes circinatus , sycosis , and pityriasis it is also employed. In herpes zoster it has been 
 reported, on insufficient grounds, to be useful. It is more efficacious in chronic forms of 
 circumscribed eczema and of tubercular and squamous syphilis. Like other mercurial 
 ointments, it is a destroyer of lice. The following may be used instead: R. Hydrarg. 
 ammoniat., gr. xxxv ; balsam Peruviani, gj ; ol. petrolei, giiss ; lanolini ad ^viij. — M. 
 (Whitlaw). Ointment of ammoniated mercury has over the others the advantage of 
 cleanliness, and it may be perfumed with some agreeable essential oil, such as lavender 
 or bergamot. 
 
 105 
 
1666 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI COMPOSITUM.-HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI COMPOSITUM, Br.— C ompound 
 
 Ointment of Mercury. 
 
 Pommade mercurielle composee , Fr. ; Kampfer- Quecksilbersalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Ointment of Mercury 6 ounces; Yellow Wax, Olive Oil, 
 each 3 ounces ; Camphor 1 J ounces. Melt the wax with a gentle heat, and add the oil ; 
 then, when the mixture is nearly cold, add the camphor in powder and the ointment of 
 mercury, and mix the whole thoroughly together. — Br. 
 
 The ointment has a greenish tint, and is softened by the camphor. 
 
 Uses. — It is impossible to discover any sufficient reason for the existence of this 
 preparation, which probably has the virtues, and no others, of simple mercurial ointment; 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI IODIDI RUBRI, Br.— Ointment of 
 
 Red Iodide of Mercury. 
 
 Pommade dliodure mercurique , Fr. ; Jodquecksilbersalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Red Iodide of Mercury, in fine powder, 16 grains ; Simple 
 Ointment 1 ounce. Mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This ointment is chiefly used as a stimulant of indolent scrofulous and syphi- 
 litic ulcers and scrofulous glandular swellings. In India goitre has been cured in many 
 thousands of cases by rubbing into the tumor an ointment made with 60 grains of red 
 iodide of mercury to a pound of lard, and then exposing the patient for several hours to 
 the direct action of the sun. The operation is repeated twice a day for several days, the 
 applied ointment being allowed to remain (Macnamara, Dublin Quart. Jour., Nov. 1857, 
 p. 500). A very similar method has been employed with remarkable success in the treat- 
 ment of enlargement of the liver and spleen ,• the heat of a fire being substituted for that 
 of the sun. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS, U. S., Br.- Ointment of 
 
 Nitrate of Mercury. 
 
 Pomatum citrinum , F. Cod. ; Unguentum hydra, rgyri citrinum , Unguentum citrinum. — 
 Citrine ointment , E. ; Pommade citrine , Onguent citrin , Fr. ; Quecksilbernitratsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Mercury 70 Gm. ; Nitric Acid 175 Gm. ; Lard Oil 760 Gm. Heat 
 the lard oil in a glass or porcelain vessel to a temperature of 100° C. (212° F.) ; then 
 withdraw the heat, gradually add 70 Gm. of nitric acid, and, when the reaction moder- 
 ates, reapply the heat until effervescence ceases. Then allow the mixture to cool to 
 about 40° C. (104° F.). Having dissolved the mercury in the remainder of the nitric 
 acid with the aid of sufficient heat to prevent the solution from crystallizing, add this 
 solution to the mixture. When the mass has become entirely cold, mix it thoroughly by 
 trituration, avoiding the use of an iron spatula. — U. S. 
 
 To make 4 av. ozs. of citrine ointment use 123 grains of mercury, 306 grains of nitric 
 acid, and 1330 grains of lard oil : 123 grains of the acid are used for treatment of the 
 lard oil, and the remainder for the solution of the mercury. It is important that the 
 nitric acid should be of official strength, and that the oxidation of the fat be completed 
 before the addition of the mercurial solution, so as to avoid reduction of the mercurial salt, 
 and consequent discoloration. When carefully made the ointment is of a bright lemon- 
 yellow color and keeps well, gradually, however, darkening somewhat in color. 
 
 Take of mercury, by weight, 4 ounces; nitric acid 12 fluidounces; prepared lard 15 
 ounces ; olive oil 32 fluidounces. Dissolve the mercury in the nitric acid with the aid 
 of a gentle heat ; melt the lard in the oil, by a steam- or water-bath, in a porcelain ves- 
 sel capable of holding six times the quantity, and, while the mixture is at about 100° C., 
 add the solution of mercury, also at about the same temperature, mixing them thor- 
 oughly. If the mixture do not froth up, increase the heat till it occurs. Keep it stirred 
 until it is cold. — Br. 
 
 On mixing melted fats with a solution of mercuric nitrate containing free nitric 
 acid, a very complicated reaction takes place, resulting, on the one hand, in the oxida- 
 tion of the fat and the evolution of nitric oxide (nitrogen dioxide) and nitrogen 
 tetroxide, and, on the other hand, in the conversion by the latter of the olein contained 
 in the fat into solid elaidin. The products of oxidation of the fat contain various vola- 
 tile fatty acids, but must necessarily vary with the nature of the fat, the amount of 
 free nitric acid, and the degree of the heat. Should the nitric acid be insufficient in 
 
UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI OXIDI FLA VI. — HYDRARG. OXIDI RUBRI 1667 
 
 quantity or the temperature rise to too high a degree, the oxidation is effected in part 
 at the expense of the mercuric nitrate, which is thereby reduced to mercurous salt. 
 The B. P. formula orders a much larger quantity of nitric acid than is necessary, and 
 indicates about 100° C. as the temperature at which the fat should be mixed with the 
 mercuric solution. According to the temperature at which the nitric acid acts upon 
 the mercury, the solution will contain mercurous or mercuric nitrate, or both salts, with 
 or without hyponitric acid. If free from mercurous nitrate, the solution will yield 
 with lard at 200° F. a citrine ointment having, at least at first, a bright-yellow color. 
 In our experience an equally good and permanent ointment is obtained by heating 
 both the mercuric solution and the fat to about 70° C. (158° F.) before mixing them; 
 and even a lower degree of heat, about 50° C. (122° F.), will produce good results 
 if the reaction is completed before the ointment is permitted to cool. All difficul- 
 ties are, however, overcome by following the process adopted by the U. S. P. Unsalted 
 butter and many other fats, the drying oils excepted, similarly treated, will yield an 
 equally handsome ointment. The French Codex directs 1 part of mercury and 2 parts 
 of nitric acid to 20 parts of fat composed of equal weights of lard and olive oil ; this 
 salve is firm, and is sold in the form of square cakes. 
 
 Citrine ointment should be prepared in glass or porcelain vessels, and should not be 
 brought into contact with iron or other metal. 
 
 Allied Ointment. — Uxguentum nitricum, Ung. oxygenatum, P. G. 1872. Melt 50 parts of 
 lard, add 3 parts of nitric acid spec.'grav. 1.185, and heat slowly and with constant stirring until 
 the reaction ceases ; then pour into paper moulds (see page 432). It is of a light-yellow color. 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri nitratis dilutum, Br. Mix nitrate-of-mercury ointment 1 ounce 
 with soft paraffin 2 ounces. 
 
 Uses. — Ointment of mercuric nitrate is employed in nearly all of the cases mentioned 
 under the head of ointment of ammoniated mercury, but especially in chronic diseases of 
 the shin , and in the affections enumerated under ointment of red oxide of mercury. It 
 is more stimulating than the former preparation, and generally needs dilution with lard. 
 It is very apt to occasion salivation. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI OXIDI FLA VI, U. Ointment of 
 
 Yellow Mercuric Oxide. 
 
 Pommade d' oxyde jaune de mercure , Fr. ; Gelbe Quecksilberoxydsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Yellow mercuric oxide, in very fine powder, 10 6m.; Ointment 90 
 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the oxide of mercury with the ointment, gradually added, 
 until they are thoroughly mixed. — U S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 48 grains of yellow mercuric oxide and 432 
 grains of simple ointment. 
 
 Yellow oxide of mercury 1 part, petrolatum 15 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 The yellow wax contained in the simple ointment will protect this preparation from 
 rancidity, but it is best to keep the ointment on hand for a short time only or to prepare 
 it when needed. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation was introduced as a substitute for ointment of the red oxide 
 of mercury, with which it is identical in its medicinal qualities ; but owing to the 
 amorphous condition and the greater fineness of subdivision of the particles of the oxide 
 from which it is made, it appears to be more suitable for application to the eye and other 
 delicate tissues. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI OXIDI RUBRI, ZJ. S., Br.— Ointment 
 
 of Red Mercuric Oxide. 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri rubrum , P. G. ; Pomatum cum oxydo-hydrargyrico , F. Cod. ; Ung. 
 precipitatum rubrum. — Pommade d' oxyde rouge de mercure , Pommade de Lyon , Baume 
 ophthalmique rouge , Fr. ; Rothe Quecksilbersalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Red Mercuric Oxide, in very fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Castor Oil 5 Gm. ; 
 Ointment 85 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Triturate the red mercuric oxide with the castor 
 oil until a perfectly smooth mixture results ; then gradually incorporate the ointment and 
 mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 48 grains of red mercuric oxide, 24 grains 
 of castor oil, and 408 grains of simple ointment. 
 
 Take of red oxide of mercury, in very fine powder, 62 grains ; hard paraffin \ ounce ; 
 
1668 UNGUENT UM HYDRARGYRI SUBCHLORIDI.— UNGUENTUM IODI. 
 
 soft paraffin | ounce, Melt the hard and soft paraffins together, and when the mixture 
 in cooling begins to thicken add the oxide of mercury in a glass or porcelain mortar, and 
 mix the whole thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Red oxide of mercury 1 part, petrolatum 15 parts, F. Cod. (paraffin ointment 9 parts, 
 P. G.). 
 
 The reduction of red mercuric oxide to a very fine powder is materially facilitated by 
 trituration with alcohol, which also changes the color from bright scarlet to a deep orange. 
 If kept on hand for some time, the ointment is apt to become rancid and discolored : this 
 can be entirely prevented by using a mixture of yellow wax and castor oil, suggested by 
 J. B. Baxley, as follows : Melt together 108 grains of yellow wax and 324 grains of castor 
 oil, and when the mixture begins to cool add 48 grains of finely powdered red mercuric 
 oxide, and incorporate thoroughly. 
 
 Allied Ointments. — U nguentum ophthalmicum, P. G. 1872. Melt together 30 parts of 
 expressed oil of almond and 19 parts of yellow wax, and mix these intimately with 1 part of 
 very finely-levigated oxide of mercury. 
 
 Unguentum ophthalmicum compositum, s. Ung. ophthalmicum St. Yves, P. G. 1872. Melt 
 together lard 140 parts, and yellow wax 24 parts ; add red oxide of mercury 15 parts and pure 
 oxide of zinc 6 parts, and mix thoroughly with camphor 5 parts, previously dissolved in 
 expressed oil of almond 10 parts. 
 
 Pomatum de Regent ; Pommade de Regent, P. Cod . — Red oxide of mercury 1 Gm. ; lead 
 acetate 1 Gm. ; camphor 0.10 Gm. 5 petrolatum 18 Gm. 
 
 Uses. — This ointment when used as a dressing for ulcers is very apt to produce the 
 specific effects of mercury upon the system. It should not, therefore, be too freely 
 applied nor upon too large a surface at once. Its use is very much restricted to the treat- 
 ment of indolent syphilitic sores and chronic inflammation of the edges of the eyelids 
 ( blepharitis ). For the latter purpose the ointment should be diluted. 1 part of ointment 
 of red oxide of mercury to 8 or 10 of simple ointment is usually strong enough. An 
 ointment made with red oxide of mercury 1} gr. and lanoline or vaseline ^ss has been 
 recommended to abort furuncles and as a palliative of acne. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI SUBCHLORIDI, Br.— Ointment of 
 
 Subchloride of Mercury. 
 
 Unguentum calomelanos. — Pommade de chlorure mercureux , P. de calomel , Fr. ; Quech- 
 silberchloriirsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Subchloride of Mercury 80 grains ; Benzoated Lard 1 ounce. 
 Mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Calomel 1 part, benzoinated lard 9 parts. — F. Cod. This ointment, being known in 
 France also as pommade au precipite blanc, should not be confounded with the ointment 
 of ammoniated mercury. (See pp. 826 and 846.) 
 
 Uses. — Calomel ointment has the advantage over all the ointments made with salts 
 of mercury of being wholly unirritating, and over simple mercurial ointment of not dis- 
 coloring the skin or staining the clothing. It is therefore adapted to the local treatment 
 of cutaneous eruptions of limited extent, and especially to those of a syphilitic nature. It 
 is conveniently associated with white precipitate ointment in the affections to which that 
 ointment is applied. 
 
 UNGUENTUM IODI, U. S., Br.— Iodine Ointment. 
 
 Unguentum iodinii. — Pommade d'iode , Fr. ; Jodsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iodine 4 Gm. ; Potassium Iodide 1 Gm. ; Water 2 Cc. ; Benzoinated 
 Lard 93 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the iodine and potassium iodide first with the 
 water, and then with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly 
 mixed, avoiding the use of an iron spatula. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of iodine ointment contains 20 grains of iodine, 5 grains of potassium 
 iodide, 12 mimims of water, and 445 grains of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Iodine and potassium iodide each 32 grains ; glycerin 1 fluidrachm ; prepared lard 2 
 oz. av. — Br. 
 
 The water and potassium iodide are serviceable for effecting the fine division of the 
 iodine. The lard should be added at first in very small quantities, and the trituration 
 continued until the solid ingredients are perfectly levigated and the mixture is entirely 
 free from grittiness and uniform in color. 
 
TJNGTJENTUM IODOFORM!.— UNGUENTUM PICIS LIQUIDS. 1G69 
 
 Allied Ointment. — Unguentum iodixii compositum, U. S. 1870; Pomatum cum iodureto 
 potassieo iodurato, F. Cod. ; Compound iodine ointment, E, ; Pommade d'iodure de potassium 
 iodure, Fr. ; Jodkaliumsalbe mit -Jod, G . — Iodine 15 grains; potassium iodide 30 grains; water 
 30 minims; lard a troyounce. — TJ. S. 1870. Iodine 2, potassium iodide 10, water 10, and ben- 
 zoinated lard 80 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — Iodine ointment has been employed extensively to promote the absorption of 
 the exudation occurring in local inflammations. It is used in indolent enlargement of the 
 tonsils , the thyroid , and the lymphatic glands ; also in hydrarthrosis , cold abscess , and 
 chronic peritonitis. It may be applied to the mamma when abscess threatens to form in 
 that gland, to promote the absorption of pleural and pericardial effusions, to prevent the 
 development of inflammation in tendinous sheaths , and that of chilblains , etc. 
 
 Compound iodine ointment (77 S. 1870), it will be observed, contained less iodine than 
 the simple ointment. The advantage of the potassium iodide in it, if any, must have 
 depended upon the absorption of the salt, which could not be great from the limited sur- 
 faces to which the ointment is usually applied. The compound and the simple ointments 
 are used in the same affections. 
 
 UNGUENTUM IODOFORMI, 77. S., Iodoform Ointment. 
 
 Pommade d'iodoforme , Fr. ; Jodoformsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iodoform, in very fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard, 90 Gm. ; 
 to make 100 Gm. Rub the iodoform with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until 
 they are thoroughly mixed. — TJ. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 48 grains of iodoform and 432 grains of 
 benzoinated lard. An impalpable powder of iodoform is readily obtained by trituration 
 with alcohol. 
 
 Dissolve iodoform 1 ounce in melted benzoated lard 9 ounces, and cool. — Br. 
 
 The ointment should be perfectly smooth and free from grittiness ; it has a light-yellow 
 color and the peculiar odor of iodoform. (For disguising the odor consult pp. 879, 885.) 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Crayons d’iodoforme, F. Cod. ; Iodoform pencils. Triturate iodoform 
 20 parts with powdered acacia 1 part, and by means of very little water and glycerin form a 
 mass of pilular consistence which is rolled out into cylinders of suitable size. — F. Cod. Butter 
 of cacao may be used with an equal weight of iodoform ; these pencils are dusted with lyco- 
 podium. 
 
 Uses. — Under Iodoform the numerous applications of this ointment have been men- 
 tioned. It is anaesthetic and stimulant. 
 
 UNGUENTUM PICIS LIQUIDS, 77. S., Br.— Tar Ointment. 
 
 Pomatum cum pice, F. Cod . — Pommade de goudron, Fr. ; Thcersalbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Tar 500 Gm. ; Yellow Wax 125 Gm. ; Lard 375 Gm. ; to make 
 1000 Gm. Melt together the yellow wax and the lard at a moderate heat. Then incor- 
 porate the tar, strain the mixture through muslin, and stir the ointment until it is cool. 
 
 — u. s. 
 
 Each troyounce of tar ointment contains 240 grains of tar, 60 grains of yellow wax, 
 and 180 grains of lard. 
 
 Tar 5 ounces ; yellow wax 2 ounces ; melt the wax with a gentle heat, add the tar, and 
 stir the mixture briskly while it cools. — Br. 
 
 Tar 1 part, lard 9 parts ; mix. — F. Cod. 
 
 The substitution of wax and lard for the suet of the 1880 formula will prove a 
 desirable change ; the ointment as now made is far less liable to be granular than for- 
 merly. 
 
 Allied Ointments. — Unguentum picis betul^e, s. U. rusci, Wolff’s tar ointment. Birch tar 
 (see p. 1255) 8 Gm., simple ointment 42 Gm. 
 
 Unguentum picis compositum, N. F., Compound tar ointment. — Melt together, at a gentle 
 heat, 26 parts of yellow wax, 32 parts of lard, and 35 parts of cotton-seed oil ; add 2 parts of 
 tincture of benzoin, and continue heating until the alcohol has evaporated. Remove the heat, 
 add 4 parts of oil of tar and 3 parts of zinc oxide, and incorporate thoroughly by stirring until 
 
 cool. 
 
 Uses. — Tar ointment will sometimes cure scabies , but its action is uncertain and dila- 
 tory. In scaly eruptions, as psoriasis and lepra , its efficacy is much more decided, as well 
 as in chronic eczema, after the liquid secretion has ceased. In ringworm and in prurigo it 
 is one of the best applications, and it may be used with advantage in the greater number 
 of indolent and gangrenous ulcers. 
 
1670 UNGUENTUM PLUMBI ACETATIS.— UNG. POTASSE SULPHURATE. 
 
 UNGUENTUM PLUMBI ACETATIS, Br. — Ointment of Lead Acetate. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Lead Acetate, in fine powder, 12 grains; Benzoated Lard 
 1 oz. av. Mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Allied Ointments. — U nguentum narcotico-balsamicum Hellmundi, Hellmund’s ointment. 
 Triturate together lead acetate 10 parts and extract of conium 30 parts ; add gradually simple 
 ointment 240 parts, balsam of Peru 30 parts, and wine of opium (with saffron) 5 parts, and mix 
 thoroughly. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Unguentum plumbi tannici (see page 1264). 
 
 Uses. — The action and uses of lead acetate ointment are probably identical with 
 those of the cerate of lead subacetate. It is applied as a dressing to wounds , excoria- 
 tions , and inflamed surfaces generally. 
 
 UNGUENTUM PLUMBI CARBONATIS, 77. S., Br.— Ointment of Lead 
 
 Carbonate. 
 
 Pomatum cum carbonate plumbico, F. Cod. ; Unguentum cerussse, s. Ung. album simplex , 
 
 P. G., P. A . — Pommade de carbonate de plomb , Onguent blanc de Rhazes ) Fr. ; Bleiweis- 
 salbe, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lead Carbonate, in very fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 90 
 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the lead carbonate with the benzoinated lard, gradually 
 added, until they are thoroughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of this ointment contains 48 grains of lead carbonate and 432 grains 
 of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias direct — Lead carbonate 62 grains ; simple ointment 1 oz. av. — 
 Br. Lead carbonate 1 part; benzoinated lard 5 parts. — F. Cod. Lead carbonate 3 
 parts ; paraffin ointment 7 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Allied Ointment.— U nguentum cerussse camphoratum. Ointment of lead carbonate 95 parts, 
 powdered camphor 5 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — It is used for the same purposes as the last-mentioned ointment, from which 
 it perhaps differs in being less astringent. It forms a suitable dressing for recent burns 
 of the first degree. The danger of poisoning by the absorption of the lead it contains 
 is an objection to its prolonged use. 
 
 UNGUENTUM PLUMBI IODIDI, 77. 8., Br.— Ointment of Lead 
 
 Iodide. 
 
 Pomatum cum iodureto-plumbico , F. Cod. ; Pommade d'iodure de plomb , Fr. ; Jodblei- 
 salbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lead Iodide, in very fine powder, 10 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 90 
 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the lead iodide with the benzoinated lard, gradually 
 added, until they are thoroughly mixed. — U. S., F. Cod. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 48 grains of lead iodide and 432 grains of ■ 
 benzoinated lard. 
 
 Lead iodide, in fine powder, 62 grains ; simple ointment 1 oz. av. ; mix thoroughly. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — -The discutient influence of this ointment upon enlarged glands of the lymphatic 
 system, and even upon certain mammary tumors of uncertain nature, is sometimes very 
 distinctly marked. In chronic enlargement of the testicle following gonorrhoea it is often 
 of palpable use. It has also been applied to some local cutaneous eruptions , but without 
 demonstrable advantage. 
 
 UNGUENTUM POTASSE SULPHURATE, Br.— Ointment of Sul- 
 phurated Potash. 
 
 Pommade de foie de soufre , Fr. ; Schivefellebersalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sulphurated Potash 30 grains ; Hard Paraffin 1 ounce ; Soft 
 Paraffin f ounce. Triturate the sulphurated potash in a glass or porcelain mortar, and 
 gradually add the melted mixture of paraffins, rubbing them together until the ointment 
 is perfectly smooth and free from grittiness. This ointment should be recently prepared. 
 —Br. 
 
 Uses. — Sulphurated potash ointment is only used in the treatment of scabies , for 
 which it is an efficient remedy. 
 
UNGUENTUM POTASSII IODTDI . — UNG UENTUM SULPHURIC 
 
 1671 
 
 UNGUENTUM POTASSII IODIDI, U. S., Hr. — Ointment of Potassium 
 
 Iodide. 
 
 Unguentum kalii iodati , P. G. ; Pomatum cum iodureto potassico , F. Cod. ; Pommade 
 diodure de potassium, Fr. ; Jodkaliumsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Potassium Iodide, in fine powder, 12 Gm. ; Sodium Thiosulphate 
 (Hyposulphite) 1 part; Water, hot, 10 Cc. ; Benzoinated Lard, 77 Gm. ; to make 100 
 Gm. Dissolve the potassium iodide and the sodium thiosulphate in the hot water; then 
 gradually add the benzoinated lard, and mix thoroughly. — IT. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 58 grains of potassium iodide, 5 grains of 
 sodium thiosulphate, 50 minims of hot water, and 370 grains of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Potassium iodide 64 grains ; potassium carbonate 4 grains ; distilled water 1 fluid- 
 drachm ; benzoated lard 1 oz. av. — Br. Potassium iodide 10 parts, water 10 parts, ben- 
 zoinated lard 80 parts. — F. Cod. Potassium iodide 20 parts, sodium thiosulphate \ 
 part, water 15 parts, lard 165 parts. — P. G. 
 
 The addition of sodium thiosulphate is made for the purpose of preventing the 
 liberation of free iodine and the gradual change of the color of the ointment from white 
 to yellow and brown. Iodine added to this ointment will likewise be decolorized, with 
 the formation of sodium iodide. (See Sodii Hyposulphis.) The addition of a little 
 potassium carbonate, as directed by the Br. P., or of a few drops of potassa or soda solu- 
 tion, will likewise preserve the white color of the ointment. 
 
 Uses. — The discutient powers of this ointment are certainly inferior to those of the 
 ointments of iodine ; its only advantages consist in its being colorless and in not stain- 
 ing the linen. It is used to promote the reduction of enlarged glands. 
 
 UNGUENTUM STRAMONII, U. S. — Stramonium Ointment. 
 
 Pommade de stramoine, Fr. ; Stechapfelsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Extract of Stramonium-seed 10 Gm.; Diluted Alcohol, 5 Cc. ; Ben- 
 zoinated Lard 85 Gm. ; to make 100 Gm. Rub the extract with the diluted alcohol 
 until uniformly soft, then gradually add the benzoinated lard, and mix thoroughly. — 
 
 U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 48 grains of extract of stramonium-seed, 28 
 minims of diluted alcohol, and 408 grains of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Uses. — Stramonium ointment, although less efficient than belladonna ointment, may 
 be used for the same purposes — viz. to allay pain and relieve spasm. It has been found 
 to palliate the suffering caused by open cancer of the breast, and it affords much com- 
 fort in cancer of the rectum , piles , fissures and prolapsus of the anus , etc. An ointment 
 composed of equal parts of stramonium ointment, ointment of galls, and cerate of lead 
 subacetate is very useful in these affections, and also to arrest the itching caused by ver- 
 micular ascarides. 
 
 UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS, IT. S., Br.— Sulphur Ointment. 
 
 Pomatum sulfuratum , F. Cod., P. A. ; Unguentum sulfuratum simplex. — Pommade sou- 
 free , Fr. ; Schwefelsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Washed Sulphur 300 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 700 Gm. ; to make 100 
 Gm. Rub the sulphur with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they are thor- 
 oughly mixed. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 144 grains of washed sulphur and 336 grains 
 of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Sublimed sulphur 1 ounce; benzoated lard 4 ounces. — Br. Washed sulphur 10 parts, 
 almond oil 10 parts, benzoinated lard 80 parts.—/ 7 . Cod. 
 
 We fail to see any advantage in the substitution of washed sulphur for sublimed sul- 
 phur, as formerly directed : the purposes for which sulphur ointment is used, as an anti- 
 parasitic, would seem to point in favor of sulphur containing some free acid. 
 
 Allied Ointments. — U nguentum sulfuratum compositum. Mix 1 part each of sublimed sul- 
 phur and powdered zinc sulphate with 8 parts of lard. — P. G. 1872. 
 
 Unguentum sulphuris alkalinum. Alkaline sulphur ointment E. ; Helmerich’s Salbe, G . — 
 Washed sulphur 20 parts; potassium carbonate 10 parts ; water 5 parts ; benzoinated lard 65 
 parts ; to make 100 parts. Rub the sulphur with the potassium carbonate and the water, 
 gradually add the benzoinated lard, and mix thoroughly. — U. S. 1880. Potassium carbonate 
 
1672 UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS 10 DID I.— VNG UENTUM ZTNCI OXIDI. 
 
 5 Gm., water 5 Gm., sulphur 10 Gin., expressed almond oil 5 Gm. ; lard 35 Gin. Mix in the 
 order stated. — F. Cod. 
 
 Unguentum sulphuris compositum, N. F. ; Compound sulphur ointment, Wilkinson’s oint- 
 ment, Hebra’s itch ointment. — Mix 15 parts of oil of cade with 30 parts each of lard and green 
 soap 5 then gradually incorporate 15 parts of sublimed sulphur and 10 parts of precipitated cal- 
 cium carbonate. 
 
 Uses. — The chief use of sulphur ointment is in the treatment of scabies. The modes 
 of using it and the conditions of its success have been described under Sulphur. 
 
 UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS IQDIDI, JBv . — Ointment of Iodide of 
 
 Sulphur. 
 
 Pommade d’iodure de soufre , Fr. ; Jodschwefelsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sulphur Iodide 30 grains ; Hard Paraffin I oz. ; Soft Paraf- 
 fin f oz. Triturate the sulphur iodide in a glass or porcelain mortar, and gradually add 
 the melted mixture of paraffins, rubbing them together until the ointment is perfectly 
 smooth and free from grittiness. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — Its tendency to speedy decomposition renders this ointment practically of 
 little value, even in the treatment of limited chronic eruptions of eczema , lepra , and acne, 
 and of lupus. 
 
 UNGUENTUM TEREBINTHIN^E, Hr., I \ G. — Ointment of 
 
 Turpentine. 
 
 Onguent terebenthine , Fr. ; Terpentinsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Oil of Turpentine 1 fluidounce ; Resin, in coarse powder, 
 54 grains; Yellow Wax, Prepared Lard, each u ounce> Melt these ingredients together 
 by the heat of a steam or water-bath. Remove the vessel, and stir the mixture constantly 
 while it cools. — Br. 
 
 Melt turpentine and 
 P. G. 
 
 Unguentum digestivum simplex, F. Cod . — Onguent digestif simple, Fr . — Triturate 
 Venice turpentine 40 parts with yelk of egg 20 parts, and add olive oil 10 parts. 
 
 Uses. — This ointment has the same virtues as the compound resin cerate, but, being 
 softer, is more convenient for application to burns , erysipelas , erythema , and other recent 
 local inflammations of the skin. 
 
 UNGUENTUM VERATRINiE, JJ. S., Hr. — Veratrine Ointment. 
 
 Unguentum veratrise , Br. — Veratria ointment , E. ; Pommade de veratrine, Fr. ; Vera- 
 trinsalbe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Veratrine 4 Gm.; Olive Oil 6 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 90 Gm. 
 Rub the veratrine with the olive oil in a mortar ; then gradually add the benzoinated 
 lard, and mix thoroughly. — U. S. 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 20 grains of veratrine, 30 grains (34 minims) 
 of olive oil, and 430 grains of benzoinated lard. 
 
 Rub together veratrine 8 grains and olive oil 1 fluidrachm ; melt hard paraffin I ounce 
 and soft paraffin f ounce, and mix the whole thoroughly in a mortar until cold. — Br. 
 
 To prevent annoyance from the dust arising during the trituration of dry veratrine, 
 the alkaloid should be previously covered with a small quantity of olive oil, as directed in 
 the first formula. 
 
 Uses. — The American is more than twice as strong as the British ointment. (For an 
 account of its uses see Veratrina.) 
 
 UNGUENTUM ZINCI OXIDI, JJ. S. — Ointment of Zinc Oxide. 
 
 Unguentum zinci , Br., P. G. ; Unguentum de nihilo albo. — Pommade dioxyde de zinc, 
 Fr. ; Zinksalhe , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Zinc oxide 200 Gm. ; Benzoinated Lard 800 Gm. ; to make 1000 
 Gm. Sift the zinc oxide, through a No. 20 sieve, upon the surface of the benzoinated 
 lard, previously melted, and incorporate it by stirring, which is to be continued until the 
 ointment is cool. — U. S. 
 
 yellow wax, of each 1 part, and add oil of turpentine 1 part. — 
 
UREA. 
 
 1673 
 
 Each troyounce of the ointment contains 96 grains of zinc oxide and 384 grains of 
 benzoinated lard. 
 
 Other pharmacopoeias direct — Zinc oxide 80 grains, benzoinated lard 1 oz. av. — Br. 
 Zinc oxide 1 part, benzoinated lard (lard, P. 6r.) 9 parts. — F. Cod. 
 
 Since zinc ointment is frequently applied to very tender excoriated surfaces, it is of 
 great importance that it should be entirely free from lumps and gritty particles, and for 
 this reason we should prefer to sift the zinc oxide through fine bolting-cloth, instead of 
 the No. 20 sieve directed above. On keeping, the ointment gradually acquires a tough 
 consistence. 
 
 Allied Preparations. — Unguentum zinci oleati, Br. Oleate of zinc 1 oz. ; soft paraffin 1 oz. 
 
 Unguentum calamine, Br. (Turner’s cerate). Prepared calamine 1 oz. ; benzoated lard 5 oz. 
 
 Ceratum zinci carbon atis, U. S. 1870. Precipitated zinc carbonate 1 oz. ; simple ointment 
 5 oz. 
 
 Uses. — Zinc oxide ointment is a protective, astringent, and mildly stimulant applica- 
 tion, adapted to ulcers which are irritable, have loose granulations, and discharge pus 
 copiously. It is especially useful as a dressing for fissures of the nipple and anus; 
 for local eruptions of eczema , herpes , and impetigo ; for all cases of simple abrasion or 
 ulceration , including blistered surfaces, after their active inflammation has subsided ; for 
 ophthalmia tarsi , etc. The cerate, which is no longer officinal, was employed in similar 
 affections. 
 
 UREA. — Urea. 
 
 Carbamide . — Uree, Fr. ; Harnstoff , GT. 
 
 Formula CH 4 N 2 0 == CO(NH 2 ) 2 . Molecular weight 59.95. 
 
 Origin. — Urea was discovered in urine by Rouelle (1773), and, in the impure condi- 
 tion in which he obtained it, designated as extrait savonneux de Turine. Fourcroy and 
 Vauquelin (1799) prepared it in the pure state. It has been found in the urine of mam- 
 mals, more particularly in that of the Carnivora, in the urine of birds and other animals, 
 and in many animal fluids. Human urine contains from 2 to 4 per cent, of urea. The 
 transformation into urea of ammonium cyanate by evaporating its aqueous solution, as 
 observed by Wohler (1828), was the first instance in which an organic compound pro- 
 duced in the living organism was artificially formed. Urea has also been artificially pre- 
 pared from other cyanogen compounds. 
 
 Preparation. — Urine is evaporated to a syrupy consistence, allowed to cool, and the 
 residue mixed with an equal volume of nitric acid. The nitrate of urea, which crystal- 
 lizes in scales and prisms, is purified by washing with cold water and by recrystallization, 
 and is then decomposed by boiling with water and barium carbonate ; the filtrate is evap- 
 orated and the residue exhausted with alcohol. Oxalic acid and calcium carbonate may 
 be substituted in this process for nitric acid and barium carbonate. 
 
 Properties. — Urea crystallizes in colorless and inodorous four-sided prisms, which 
 have a cooling saline taste and are permanent in dry air. It melts near 120° C. (248° 
 F.), and at a higher heat is decomposed, giving off ammonia and leaving cyanuric acid, 
 which at a still higher temperature yields cyanic acid. Urea dissolves in its own weight 
 of cold water, is readily soluble in alcohol, but is slightly soluble in pure ether. In con- 
 tact with nitrogen trioxide urea is decomposed into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. 
 A similar decomposition is effected by an acidulated solution of potassium permanganate. 
 Dissolved in pure water, urea keeps unchanged for a long time, but in the presence of 
 putrefiable matter it is rapidly decomposed, yielding ammonia and carbon dioxide ; hence 
 foul urine contains no urea. 
 
 Urea forms crystallizable compounds with acids, with metallic oxides, and with many 
 neutral salts. Urea hydrochlora.te is very deliquescent. Urea nitrate , CH 4 N 2 0.IIN0 3 , 
 is slightly soluble in cold water and alcohol and nearly insoluble in nitric acid ; it con- 
 tains 48.78 per cent, of urea. Urea oxalate , (CH 4 N 2 0) 2 .II 2 C 2 0 4 , crystallizes in scales 
 which dissolve at 15° C. (59° F.) in 23 parts of water, but require a much larger quan- 
 tity of solution of oxalic acid; it contains 57.14 per cent, of urea. The amount of 
 urea in urine is frequently determined by forming the compound either with nitric or 
 oxalic acid. 
 
 Allied Compound. — Formamide, CII 3 NO = CIIO.NH 2 . It is produced on the dry distillation 
 of ammonium formate on heating a mixture of this salt and of urea to about 140° C. (2X4° F.), 
 on heating ethvlformate and ammonia, and by various other processes. It is a colorless oily 
 liquid, which in vacuo distils without decomposition below 150° C. (302° F.), and which is soluble 
 in water and alcohol in all proportions, but is insoluble in ether. Mercuric Formamide, Hydrar- 
 gyrum formamidatuin, has been used hypodermically. 
 
1674 
 
 URETHANUM. 
 
 Action and Uses. — More than half a century ago it was demonstrated by 
 Segalas that urea injected into the veins of animals increased notably the discharge of 
 urine, with a greatly augmented proportion of urea, and, much more recently, Wohler and 
 Frerichs alleged that when introduced into an animal’s stomach it reappeared almost 
 entirely in the urine. Gallois, however, proved that only two-thirds at most of the urea 
 thus administered was recoverable from the urine, and also that in very large doses, 
 such as 300 grains, given to a rabbit, it occasioned prostration, trembling, convul- 
 sions, and death. Similar large doses injected into the veins or hypodermically produced 
 the same effects, and non-lethal quantities of urea occasioned deep coma, paroxysmal 
 spasms, hurried respiration, trembling, injection of the capillary vessels, and frequent 
 urination. 
 
 Although, according to Rabuteau, it exhibits no diuretic action in man. even when 
 taken to the extent of Gm. 5 (gr. lxxv.) a day, yet several physicians have testified to 
 its virtues in dropsy , and one of high reputation particularly recommended the nitrate of 
 urea as a remedy for scarlatinous dropsy. It was prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.12-0.18 
 (gr. ij-iij) several times a day. 
 
 URETHANUM.— Urethane. 
 
 Ethyl urethane , Ethyl carbamate , E. ; Urethane , Fr. ; Urethan , G. 
 
 Formula C 2 H 5 NH 2 C0 2 or CO.NH 2 .OC 2 H 5 = C 3 H 7 N0 2 . Molecular weight 88.94. 
 
 In chemistry the general term “ urethane ” is applied to all ethers of carbamic acid, 
 which acid, however, has thus far never been isolated, and is only known in combination : 
 its most familiar compound is ammonium carbamate, NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 , one of the constituents 
 of official ammonium carbonate. If the formula for carbamic acid is assumed to be 
 HNH 2 C0 2 , then the formation of all urethanes may be explained by the substitution of 
 a univalent radical for the 1 atom of displaceable hydrogen, which may be brought about 
 in various ways. 
 
 Preparation. — In medicine the name urethane is meant to signify but one combina- 
 tion, ethyl urethane, which was discovered by Dumas in 1833, and may be obtained either 
 by the action of ammonia on ethyl carbonate or ethyl chlorocarbonate, by the direct union 
 of cyanic acid with ethyl alcohol, or by the action of urea or carbamide on ethyl alcohol 
 at a high temperature. The following equations will explain the four different reactions : 
 1st. (C 2 H 5 ) 2 G0 3 + NH 3 = C 2 H 5 NH 2 C0 2 + C 2 H 5 OH ; 2d. C 2 H 5 C1C0 3 + NH 3 = C 2 H 5 NH 2 - 
 C0 2 + HC1; 3d. CNHO + C 2 HrOH C 2 H 6 NH 2 C0 2 ; 4tli. (NH 2 ) 2 CO + C 2 H 5 OH = C 2 - 
 H 5 NH 2 C0 2 — j- NH 3 . For use in medicine urethane is generally prepared by heating in a 
 sealed tube for several hours, to a temperature of 120° or 130° C. (248° or 266° F.), a 
 mixture of urea nitrate and an excess of alcohol ; upon cooling a crystalline mass results, 
 which is dissolved in water and shaken with ether. The ethereal solution upon distilla- 
 tion leaves urethane in crystals which may be purified by recrystallization from water. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Urethane occurs in colorless columnar or tabular crystals, 
 which are not deliquescent, are inodorous, and of a pleasant saline somewhat cooling 
 taste, and melt between 47° and 50° C. (116.6° and 122° F.). Urethane boils between 
 170° and 180° C. (338° and 356° F.), but sublimes at a much lower temperature. 
 According to Vulpius, urethane is soluble at medium temperature (60° F. ?) in 1 part 
 of water, 0.6 part of alcohol, 1 part of ether, 1.5 parts of chloroform, 0.8 part of lique- 
 fied carbolic acid, 3 parts of glycerin, 15 parts of castor oil, or 20 parts of olive oil : a 
 10 per cent, aqueous solution should have a neutral reaction. Heated on platinum-foil, 
 urethane is completely volatilized ; it is decomposed by potassa, yielding potassium car- 
 bonate, ammonia, and alcohol. 2 Gm. dissolved in 2 Cc. of cold water should not yield a 
 white precipitate upon addition of 5 Cc. of nitric acid, or of oxalic acid or of mercuric 
 nitrate (absence of urea). 
 
 Allied Compound. — Europhin, or phenyl urethane, C 2 I1 5 NHC 6 H 5 C0 2 , is obtained by the 
 interaction of aniline and chloroformic ethyl ether; thus, C 6 H 5 NH 2 4- C 2 H 5 C1C0 2 = C 2 H 5 NHC 6 - 
 II 5 C0 2 -j- HC1, and is purified by recrystallization from diluted alcohol. It is a white or colorless 
 crystalline powder, of faint aromatic odor and slight clove-like after-taste. Europhin is sparingly 
 soluble in cold, but more readily in hot, water, and soluble in alcohol, ether, and hydro-alcoholic 
 mixtures, such as wines, etc. ; it is also soluble without color in cold concentrated sulphuric 
 acid. The compound melts between 49° and 50° C. (120.2° and 122° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — In 1885, Jaksch found that in man a dose of from 8-15 grains 
 of urethane produced peaceful slumber of several hours’ duration ( Times and Gaz ., Oct. 
 1885, p. 485). It did not appear to exert any direct anodyne influence. Friedlander’s 
 
URETIIANUM. 
 
 1675 
 
 investigations seemed to prove that even in the minute dose of Grin. 0.001 (^ grain) it 
 occasioned lassitude and depression, with retching and vomiting. The visible mucous 
 membranes turned pale, the pupils acted irregularly, and the pulse and heart failed. But 
 no such effects from similar doses have been noted by other observers. While suffering 
 from pain Friedl'ander took a drachm of urethane, and secured thereby a comfortable night’s 
 rest, while on the following night it excited him ( Therap . Gaz ., ix. 852). The inharmo- 
 nious statements concerning the effects of this preparation do not appear to diminish as 
 its use becomes less restricted. Hiibner and Sticker affirm that it occasions no unpleasant 
 after-effects, and that a dose of 30 grains is not less hypnotic than a dose of 60 grains ; 
 but Otto and Koenig allege that it is more apt than paraldehyde to occasion vomiting, 
 and that its narcotic action is less decided. They also accuse it of producing loss of 
 appetite, etc. On the whole, the action of this preparation resembles that of paraldehyde, 
 over which it has the advantage of being free from unpleasant smell and taste. 
 
 The general result of experience appears to be that urethane is an unreliable hypnotic. 
 (Compare Gordon, Therap. Gaz., xiv. 102.) Kroepelin found it useful for melancholic 
 patients suffering from insomnia and in cases of “ mild excitement or depression accom- 
 panied by exhaustion or depressed nutrition ” (Med. News , xlviii. 626). Otto and Koenig, 
 on the other hand, claim it to have had a very favorable action in violence of an hysterical 
 or epileptic nature, and Rottenbiller seems to have used it with general advantage for the 
 relief of insomnia in the insane in doses of from 30 to 60 grains. He also employed with 
 similar results hypodermic injections, two of which, of 4 grains each, sufficed ( Therap . 
 Gaz., x. 474). But, besides its uncertainty of action even in doses of 30 or more grains, 
 it is apt, if continued, to induce disorder of the stomach. (Compare Griffith and Kirby, 
 Med. News , lii. 547.) Adam, however, found it a very useful hypnotic in various forms 
 of insanity, provided it were given in doses of Gm. 3-4 (45-60 gr.) (Annuaire de Therap., 
 1889, p. 16). Yakulovsky (Land. Med. Record, July, 1886, p. 305) found it of little use 
 in alcoholic delirium, rheumatic pains, sleeplessness, and cancer of the stomach when 
 given in 10-grain doses. A case of traumatic tetanus in a boy of fifteen years is said to 
 have been cured by urethane given in 4-grain doses every two hours — a result that it 
 would be desirable to have confirmed by experience. In a case of tetany of long standing 
 the medicine gave prompt relief (ibid., Sept. 1889, p. 230). The experiments of Anrep 
 also show the control of this agent over tetanoid spasms (Ball, de Therap., cxii. 130). A 
 case of severe and obstinate chorea, is reported in which urethane procured sleep and tran- 
 quillity after the bromides had failed to do so (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., May, 1886, 
 p. 419). In many cases it has been found an efficient substitute for opiates. 
 
 Urethane may be given in capsules or in a flavored and sweetened watery solution. Its 
 average dose is about Gm. 1 (gr. xv), but three times as much has frequently been taken 
 without untoward effects. It has also been administered hypodermically, and generally 
 in about one-fourth of the dose given by the mouth, without occasioning infiltration or 
 abscess. But its hypnotic action when thus administered is more uncertain than when 
 the medicine is taken in the ordinary manner. It is conveniently given by the rectum. 
 
 Ural partakes of the hypnotic qualities of its constituents, urethane and chloral 
 hydrate. It is declared by Poppi (Centralb. f. Ther., viii. 184; Therap. Gaz., xiii. 687) 
 to affect but slightly the blood-pressure and the temperature ; but, like chloral, it quickens 
 the pulse-rate and induces sleep, which in man is usually light, but apt to be followed by 
 more or less heaviness of the head and drowsiness. It neither dulls the mind nor occa- 
 sions faintness or disturbance of the stomach. It has been used with reputed advantage 
 to relieve obstinate cough and the pain of angina : pectoris, to procure sleep, etc. The pri- 
 mary dose is said to be Gm. 1.50-2 (gr. xx-xxx). As much as 60 or 70 grains have been 
 given without harm. (See also page 455.) 
 
 Euphorin is reported to be antithermic, antirheumatic, analgesic, and antiseptic. 
 According to the experiments, clinical and bacteriological, of Dr. C. Curtis, it is both a 
 powerful and a safe antipyretic, producing the phenomena of a natural defervescence, 
 causes no serious secondary effects and never collapse, and is “ a most potent antirheu- 
 matic.” In “simple fever the dose is Gm. 1—2, taken in four or five doses. In febrile 
 rheumatic affections Gm. 1-2 should be given during twenty-four hours.” It is also said 
 to be “ a sure analgesic in neuralgia unless when due to a specific cause ;” it is a powerful 
 antiseptic ; and “ one of the most effective disinfectants in thrush.” Locally, it is thought 
 to have advantages over iodoform, iodol, aristol, etc.; and in an ointment with vaselin or 
 lanolin it is an anodyne and promotes the healing of wounds and ulcers (Squibb, Ephe- 
 meris , iv. 26). These favorable estimates of the preparation are hardly confirmed by the 
 later observations of Koster, who described its action as “ capricious” (Therap. Monatsh. } 
 
1676 
 
 UR TIC A. 
 
 Aug. 1892). It has been found useful as a topical application to ulcers and for purulent 
 and fetid discharges. 
 
 URTICA.— Nettle. 
 
 Ortie brulante , Fr. ; Brennessel , G. ; Ortigo , Sp. 
 
 Urtica dioica, Linne , and T. urens, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Urticaceae, Urticese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — Both plants are common in waste places, along hedges 
 and roadsides, throughout the greater part of Europe and Northern Asia, and have been 
 thoroughly naturalized in North America, where the small annual, U. urens, is less fre- 
 quent than the taller perennial, U. dioica, Both species are covered with stiff stinging 
 hairs and have opposite stipulate and petiolate leaves. 
 
 Urtica dioica. The leaves are 5—8 Cm. (2 or 3 inches) long, dark -green above, 
 whitish downy beneath, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, heart-shaped, pointed, and coarsely ser- 
 rate. The small greenish flowers are usually dioecious, in small clusters, and these are 
 arranged in branching and hanging spikes. The bast-fibres have been used for the manu- 
 facture of nettle-cloth. 
 
 Urtica urens. The leaves are 2-5 Cm. (1 or 2 inches) long, pale-green, elliptic, 
 deeply serrate, and almost five-nerved. The small and loose flower-clusters appear in 
 axillary pairs. 
 
 Allied Plants. — Urtica (Laportea, Gaudichaud) canadensis, Linne. The leaves are alternate, 
 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, long-petioled, ovate or elliptic, obtusely serrate, and strongly 
 feather-veined. The flower-clusters form axillary loosely-paniculate cymes. The plant is 
 common in miry, shaded grounds, attains a height of .9-1.5 M. (3 to 5 feet), is armed with sting- 
 ing hairs, and has strong bast-fibres. 
 
 Urtica crenulata, Roxburgh , U. stimulans, Linn£ , and U. urentissima, Blume , indigenous 
 to India, are more violently irritating than the above species. 
 
 U. pilulifera, Linnd , grows in India, Central Asia, and in Southern Europe. The fruit, a 
 glossy, gray-brown akene and roundish, somewhat resembles flaxseed, but is smaller, has an 
 oily, mucilaginous, and slightly acrid taste ; it is used in Oriental countries as a galactagogue. 
 The root is regarded as diuretic. 
 
 The bast-fibres of several nettles in addition to those mentioned above are valuable for cordage 
 and woven fabrics. Urtica cannabina, Linne, is cultivated in Siberia. Boehmeria nivea, Hooker 
 et Arnott , of Eastern Asia, yields the ramie fibre, from which China grass-cloth is made. The 
 variety candicans, Weddell (B. tenacissima, Gaudichaud) yields the rhea fibre. The fabrics often 
 possess considerable brilliancy, and these fibres are used as a substitute for, or are mixed with, 
 silk. 
 
 Constituents. — The analyses of the fresh nettle by Saladin (1830) and by Bohlig 
 (1840) proved the presence of mucilage, salts, and other common constituents of plants, 
 and on distilling the herb with water notable quantities of ammonia and carbonic acid 
 were found in the distillate. B. Shoemaker (1866) observed that the watery distillate 
 from the root had diuretic properties. Gorup-Besanez (1849) recognized the irritating 
 (compound contained in the stinging hairs as free formic acid , which is also contained in 
 the aqueous distillate of the fresh herb. A. Buchner, however, observed that the inflam- 
 mation produced by free formic acid is of a different character from that produced by 
 nettles, and regarded the presence of another irritating compound besides formic acid as 
 probable. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The seeds and leaves of the nettle were much used in ancient 
 times in poultices or bruised for unhealthy ulcers as well as for recent wounds and 
 sprains. The bruised leaves were introduced into the nostrils to arrest epistaxis, and 
 given in honey for the cure of pulmonary catarrhs. The well-known irritation of the 
 skin caused by nettles is due to an acrid secretion contained in a minute vesicle situated 
 at the base of each of the stiff hairs that beset the leaves. When the points of these 
 sharp and hollow spines penetrate the skin, the poisonous juice is expressed into its tissue, 
 and gives rise to a burning and stinging pain, with inflammatory redness and swelling. 
 The case is recorded of a woman who, by mistake, drank 2 cupfuls of a decoction of net- 
 tle-leaves. On the following day she experienced severe burning over the whole of the 
 upper part of the body, with formication and stiffness. The features were greatly swollen. 
 Over the affected surface minute vesicles appeared, which burst and discharged a limpid 
 and in some parts a bloody fluid. In the course of five or six days the eruption dried up. 
 No fever accompanied the attack ( Archives gen., 1835). 
 
 Nettle-juice has always been reputed to be an efficient remedy for spontaneous haemor- 
 rhage of nearly every variety, including haemoptysis , menorrhagia , post-partum haemor- 
 
UVJS. 
 
 1677 
 
 rhage , and epistaxis. Allowing for the difficulty of determining the efficacy of any medi- 
 cine in arresting haemorrhage, there appears to remain so great a preponderance of evi- 
 dence in favor of the one under consideration as to render scepticism in regard to it 
 unreasonable, especially as in most of the cases numerous haemostatics of recognized 
 activity had failed before this medicine was employed. The juice was administered in 
 doses of half an ounce or an ounce at intervals of several hours, and in no case does it 
 appear to have given rise to any disagreeable or untoward effects. This preparation is 
 also reported to have been very efficacious in certain cases of gravel, jaundice, and dropsy, 
 and the seeds have been used in diarrhoea, dysentery, leucorrhoea , and nocturnal inconti- 
 nence of urine. The decoction of the leaves and stalks is also said to display curative 
 powers in chronic diseases of the shin, and, as well as the expressed juice, to cure ulcera- 
 tive affections of the mouth and throat. Poultices made by boiling the fresh leaves have 
 been reputed to cure gangrenous, scorbutic, and other unhealthy ulcers. Urtication is the 
 name applied to producing an irritation of the skin by means of nettles. It is performed 
 by taking in the gloved hand a bunch of nettles and flagellating the skin with it until 
 the redness and the stinging pain denote that the intended effect is produced. This 
 rude stimulant revulsion and counter-irritation has been long employed for arousing 
 to consciousness persons affected with lethargy, congestion of the brain, intoxication by 
 alcohol or opium , or hysterical insensibility. It has also been used upon the loins and 
 thighs to cure amenorrhoea and sexual impotence, and, above all, as a means of restoring 
 power to paralyzed limbs. The advantages it presents over blistering, pustulation by 
 croton oil, etc. consist in the vivid and intense impression it produces, and which likens 
 it to electricity and massage. It seems to be a rude expedient, but cases may occur, 
 particularly in the country, for which it would be peculiarly adapted. 
 
 In Germany the dried young shoots are used in a decoction made with from 10 to 20 
 parts to 100 parts of water. The juice of the fresh plant is given internally in 'table- 
 spoonful doses. 
 
 Lamium album (Urtica iners, U. mortua) was long ago used as a domestic remedy for 
 haemorrhages, scrofula, bronchitis, and leucorrhoea, and was regarded by physicians as 
 tonic and astringent. In 1887 like virtues were ascribed to it by Meniere, and also by 
 Florain, who procured from it a substance which he called lamine (. Bull . de Ther., cxii. 
 512). 
 
 UV^E, Br.— Raisins. 
 
 Uvapassa, U. S. 1870; Passulse. — Raisin , F. Cod.; Rosinen, Zibeben, G. ; Rasas, Sp. 
 
 The dried fruit of Yitis vinifera, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 66. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Yitaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The Yitis vinifera is indigenous to Western Asia and probably to Northern 
 Africa, and has been cultivated in Europe from a very early period ; it has been intro- 
 duced into North America, chiefly on the Pacific coast, and into other temperate countries. 
 A large number of varieties have been produced, differing in the shape, size, and color 
 of their berries and in other characters. Some botanists refer the different varieties of 
 grapevine to three or four species. The Catawba, Isabella, Concord, and other grapes 
 usually cultivated, in the United States are varieties of the indigenous Yitis Labrusca, 
 Linne. 
 
 The genus A r itis consists of shrubs climbing by tendrils, and bearing these and the 
 greenish, compound-racemose flowers opposite the leaves. The calyx is small, the five 
 petals are united at the apex, fall off together by separating at the base, and alternate 
 with five stamens, which enclose a two-celled ovary, ripening into a juicy berry contain- 
 ing about four hard pyriform seeds. 
 
 The tender branchlets ( pampini iritis') with the leaves are sometimes employed for 
 their agreeable acidulous flavor. The unripe berries ( agresta j contain a considerable 
 amount of tartaric acid, and yield, when expressed, a very acerb juice ( omphacium ), 
 which after fermentation is sue de verjus, F. Cod. The mature fruits, dried, constitute 
 the raisins. 
 
 Collection. — When the grapes are ripe their stalks are cut half through or a portion 
 of the bark is removed, and the grapes are allowed to remain upon the vines for a few 
 weeks, and then cut off, sometimes steeped for a short time in a weak lye to remove the 
 waxy bloom, and then completely dried ; or the ripe grapes are cut off, spread out upon 
 a hard clay floor, and dried by exposure to the sun, which requires a week or two. In 
 rainy weather artificial heat is used for drying them. 
 
 Description. — The ripe berry of the grapevine is one-cellcd from the obliteration 
 
1678 
 
 UVA URSI. 
 
 of the cell-wall, and is globular or oblong in shape. After drying it is shrivelled and 
 flattened, more or less orbicular, of a brownish color, and somewhat translucent. When 
 long kept, raisins become more opaque, owing to the crystallization of the sugar and 
 cream of tartar. Raisins are produced in Southern Europe, and in commerce are dis- 
 tinguished generally by the ports of exportation. 
 
 Varieties. — Uy^e malacenses, F. Cod ., Passuke majores. — Raisins de Malaga, Fr. — Those pro- 
 duced in Spain are usually preferred, and are ordered by the Br. P. They have either been 
 removed from the stalks, like the Valencia raisins , or are sold in bunches, like the Malaga or 
 Muscatel raisins. The seedless or Sultana raisins are rather smaller than the Spanish and 
 Italian raisins, and are exported from Asia Minor. 
 
 UvjE corinthiacte, F. Cod ., Passulse minores. — Corinthian raisins, E. ; Raisins de Corinth, 
 Fr. ; Korinthen, G . — They are produced in Greece and the adjacent islands, and are often incor- 
 rectly called currants; they are much smaller than those previously described, are usually 
 deprived of their stalks, mostly adhere together in masses, and have a vinous odor and a sweet 
 and acidulous taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The shin of ripe grapes contains tannin and coloring matter. The 
 chief constituents of the pulp are grape-sugar and acid potassium tartrate, besides 
 gummy matter, calcium tartrate, and a small quantity of malic acid. The seeds contain 
 about 5 per cent, of tannin, green resin, and over 10 per cent, of a bland oil (see p. 
 1130). 
 
 Uses. — The pulp of raisins is nutritive and demulcent, and is used to flavor mucilag- 
 inous and amylaceous infusions, such as those of flaxseed, oatmeal, rice, barley, etc. In 
 its fresh state the pulp is diuretic, chiefly through the grape-sugar it contains. 
 
 Ribes nigrum , or black currant, tops and leaves are stated by Cazin to be astringent, 
 tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic, etc. They were employed in France in hot infusion and also 
 in decoction as a diuretic. An infusion in white wine was considered efficient in chronic 
 vesical catarrh. The juice of the fruit is subacid, and is used as a gargle and also in the 
 form of a jelly for sore throat. 
 
 UVA URSI, U. S., F. Cod.— Uva Ursi. 
 
 Uva s ursi folia , Br., P. G. — Bearberry -leaves, E. ; Busserole , Raisin fours , Fr. ; Baren- 
 traubenbldtter , G. ; Gayuba , Sp. 
 
 The dried leaves of Arctostaphylos (Arbutus, Linne) Uva ursi, Sprengel (Arct. offici- 
 nalis, Wimmer). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 163. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ericaceae, Arbuteae. 
 
 Origin. — -The bearberry is a trailing, much-branched, evergreen shrub, which is dis- 
 tributed throughout the northern portion of the, northern hemisphere, and grows in most 
 
 parts of Europe, in Northern Asia, and throughout 
 the North American continent as far south as New 
 Jersey and in the mountains of Colorado. It is 
 found in dry, rocky, or sandy places and in pine 
 woods ; southward it grows chiefly in hilly or 
 mountainous regions. It bears short and drooping 
 racemes of from three to twelve whitish, urn-shaped 
 flowers and small, bright-red drupes containing five 
 flattened nutlets, each with one seed. The flowers 
 appear in May, and the fruit ripens in autumn, at 
 which time the leaves should be collected. 
 
 Description. — Bearberry -leaves are nearly ses- 
 sile, about 2 Cm. (J inch) long, 6-8 Mm. (4 or £ 
 inch) wide, obovate or oblong-spatulate, entire, and 
 slightly revolute on the margin, obtuse or appa- 
 rently retuse at the apex, and almost wedge-shaped 
 at the base. They have a leathery texture, a dark- 
 green rather glossy upper surface, with depressed 
 veins, are paler, smooth, and reticulately-veined be- 
 neath, and the leaves have a faint hay-like odor and 
 a strongly astringent and slightly bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Meissner (1824) found in uva 
 ursi gallic acid and tannin, producing with ferric 
 salts a blue-black precipitate. Kawalier (1852) cor- 
 roborated the existence of gallic acid in bearberry-leaves, and to its presence is due the 
 
 Fig. 311. 
 
 Arctostaphylos Uva ursi, Sprengel. 
 
UVA URSI. 
 
 1679 
 
 red and violet color produced by a fragment of ferrous sulphate when agitated with an 
 infusion made from 1 part of uva ursi with 50 parts of water. Bowman (1869) deter- 
 mined the amount of tannin, by means of gelatin, to be 6.33 per cent. Besides resin, 
 sugar, and some other unimportant constituents, Kawalier isolated from the leaves arbutin 
 and ericolin, and Trommsdorlf another crystalline body, ursone. Arbutin , C 24 H 32 0 u .H 2 0, 
 is obtained from the decoction of the leaves by precipitating it with lead subacetate, 
 treating the filtrate with hydrogen sulphide, and evaporating to crystallize. It forms 
 neutral, colorless, silky needles, of a bitter taste, freely soluble in hot water and in alco- 
 hol, and sparingly soluble in ether. Julius Jungmann (1872) observed that an aqueous 
 solution of arbutin, rendered alkaline by ammonia or potassa, acquires a deep azure-blue 
 color on the addition of phosphomolybdic acid. On being dissolved in strong nitric acid, 
 arbutin yields, after the addition of alcohol, pale-yellow needles of dinitro-arbutin. By 
 emulsin or by hot diluted sulphuric acid arbutin is decomposed into glucose and hydroqui- 
 none or arctuvin , C 6 H 6 0 2 , and methylhydroquinone , C 7 H 8 0 2 . Hydroquinone crystallizes in 
 colorless, fusible, and sublimable prisms, is easily soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, 
 and is also produced from kinic acid by destructive distillation. On oxidizing hydroqui- 
 none or arbutin with manganese dioxide and sulphuric acid quinone is formed (see page 
 360). Hughes ursin (1847) was proven by Jungmann to be impure arbutin. 
 
 The mother-liquor from the preparation of arbutin contains ericolin. 
 
 Ericmol, Ci 0 H lf) O, a. decomposition-product of the glucoside ericolin , C 34 H 56 0 2I , which 
 was discovered by Bochleder and Schwarz (1852), is likewise contained in other erica- 
 ceous plants, and is inodorous, hygroscopic, brown-yellow, bitter, soluble in water, alco- 
 hol, and alcoholic ether, nearly insoluble in ether, chloroform, and benzin, and not pre- 
 cipitated by lead salts. Thai (1883) gives to ericolin the formula C 26 H 30 O 3 , and to eri- 
 cinol C 20 H 26 O ; combining with water, the latter forms hydro-ericinol , Cj 0 H 20 O 4 , which is a 
 thick, brown-yellow, balsamic, not bitter fluid. Thai obtained ericolin from over thirty 
 species of Ericaceae. After washing the alcoholic extract of bearberry -leaves with water 
 and ether, boiling alcohol extracts from the residue ursone , C 20 H 34 O 2 ; this crystallizes in 
 tasteless, silky, fusible, and sublimable needles, is insoluble in water, dilute acids, and 
 alkalies, and is sparingly soluble in ether and cold alcohol. 
 
 Arbutin, ericolin, and ursone have been obtained also from the leathery leaves of other 
 ericaceous plants. 
 
 Adulterations and Substitutions. — The leaves of the following plants are said to have been 
 sometimes mistaken for those of uva ursi : 
 
 Vaccinium vitis-id.ea, LinnS. It is known as cowberry , and grows from New England north- 
 ward and in Europe. The leaves resemble those of uva ursi, but are not reticulate, and on the 
 lower surface are dotted with fine, blackish, bristly points. 
 
 Vaccinium uliginosum, Linn6. This is known as bog-bilberry , and grows in Europe and the 
 northern part of North America. The leaves are scarcely leathery, and are pale blue-green and 
 pubescent on the lower surface ; otherwise they resemble the leaves of uva ursi. 
 
 Leiophyllum buxifolium, Elliott. The sand-myrtle , indigenous to the United States from 
 New Jersey southward, is a small shrub. Its leaves are oval or oblong, shining, reticulate, and 
 revolute on the margin. 
 
 Boxus sempervirens, Linn6. The box, commonly cultivated in gardens, has ovate leaves, 
 which are narrower toward the apex than near the base. The leaves contain tannin (Buchner), 
 butyraceous volatile oil, bitter extractive, etc. (Bley, 1834) ; the bitter taste is due to buxine and 
 parabuxine. (See Nectandra and Pareira Brava.) 
 
 EpiG/Ea repens, Linn6. Trailing Arbutus, Ground-laurel, Gravel-plant, May-flower, E. 
 Nat. Ord. Ericaceae, Ericineae. This is a prostrate hairy North American shrub about 30 Cm. 
 (1 foot) long, growing in sandy woods and flowering in early spring. The thin woody stem is 
 covered with a brown bark. The evergreen leaves are alternate, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, 
 petiolate, coriaceous, and reticulated ; their shape is ovate, the margin entire, the base heart- 
 shaped, and the apex tipped with a short point. The flowers are in small axillary clusters, 
 rose-colored or whitish, fragrant, have a deeply five-parted bracted calyx, a salver-form corolla 
 with the tube hairy inside, ten stamens, and produce fivo-lobed and five-celled capsules contain- 
 ing numerous seeds. The leaves are inodorous, and have a bitterish and astringent taste. The 
 leaves contain tannin, which produces a black precipitate with iron salts. Using gelatin as a 
 precipitant, H. K. Bowman (1869) determined its amount to be 3.5 per cent. Jefferson Oxley 
 (1872) proved the constituents to be identical with those of uva ursi — namely, arbutin , urson , and 
 ericolin. Formic acid was also found, and a principle having in its behavior to tests some resem- 
 blance to gallic acid, without, however, yielding pyrogallic acid. 
 
 Oxydendrum arboreum, Dc Candolle , s. Andromeda arborea, Linn&, sorrel tree or sour wood, is 
 about 12 M. (40 feet) high. 'I he leaves are deciduous, oblong-lanceolate, pointed, serrulate on 
 the margin, and nearly smooth. They resemble peach-leaves in shape and have a refreshing 
 acidulous taste. The tree grows in the Alleghanies and westward to Arkansas, 
 
 All the species named above belong to North America. 
 
1680 
 
 UVA URSI. 
 
 Allied Species. — Arctostaphylos glauca, Lindley. This shrub or small tree grows in dry 
 and rocky localities on the western slope of the Sierras in California, where it is known as man- 
 zanita. The leaves are about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, coriaceous, ovate-oblong, acute above and 
 rounded or obtuse at the base, entire on the margin, and of a pale-green color. It was examined 
 by J. H. Flint (1873), and found to contain arbutin, 9.8 per cent, of tannin, and 6 per cent, of 
 ash. The leaves are employed like uva ursi. 
 
 Arc. polifolia, Kunth , A. mucrocifera, De Candolle , are employed in Mexico like uva ursi : 
 also the shrubs known as madrona, Arc. tomentosa, Douglas , and Arbutus xalapensis, Kunth ; 
 this last species extends into Western Texas. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Uva ursi, or bearberry, in small doses appears to promote 
 the appetite and confine the bowels, but in large quantities it occasions vomiting and 
 purging. On the healthy system it does not produce any diuretic action, but in calcu- 
 lous affections the urine sometimes seems to augment under its influence. It gives to 
 this secretion a dark color and a peculiar odor. According to Lewin, the most active con- 
 stituents of uva ursi are tannin and arbutin. The latter undergoes decomposition in the 
 system and generates hydroquinone, which is antiseptic and antizymotic and retards the 
 putrefaction of urine ( Therap . Gaz ., Sept. 1883). Some observers ascribe a diuretic 
 operation to arbutin, but it is not clinically or physiologically established. Arbutin cer- 
 tainly does not represent all the virtues of uva ursi, especially in the diseases for which 
 the latter is most frequently employed. 
 
 Uva ursi appears to have been first used by physicians about the middle of the eight- 
 eenth century. It was then employed in calculous affections and in all chronic disorders 
 of the urinary passages, from the kidneys to the urethra. It has proved useful in chronic 
 pyelitis and cystitis , and even in calculous forms of those affections, probably by con- 
 stringing the mucous membrane of the kidneys and bladder, diminishing its vascularity, 
 and thereby obtunding its sensibility. In many cases, as a consequence of this mode of 
 action, it has caused the parts affected to become more or less insensible to the mechan- 
 ical irritation of the concretions enclosed by them, and thereby lessened the impediment 
 to the passage of the urine. In this manner, no doubt, it often relieves incontinence of 
 
 urine , dysury , and strangury. So complete is the relief sometimes afforded by it that a 
 
 notion once gained credit of its being a solvent of urinary calculi. But, in truth, its mode 
 of action is in great part like that of lime-water, whose efficacy under analogous circum- 
 stances is well known : it renders the mucous membrane of the urinary passages less sus- 
 ceptible to mechanical irritation. The benefits of the medicine in most of the cases 
 referred to are only to be obtained by its persistent use. But in strangury from blisters 
 its action is sometimes very prompt. Uva ursi has been also used with advantage for 
 chronic bronchitis and atonic diarrhoea , leucorrhoea , and haemorrhage, especially uterine 
 haemorrhage. It is said to act as an oxytocic. Arbutin is stated, but upon insufficient 
 
 grounds, to be an efficient diuretic in cardiac dropsy , and it has also been prescribed with 
 
 alleged advantage in urethritis. It may be taken in large doses without any ill effect. 
 As a diuretic it has been given in doses of about Gm. 1 (gr. xv) per diem, mixed with 
 powdered sugar ; and also in a 5 per cent, watery solution. Lewin recommends that a 
 decoction should be prepared with from 30 to 80 parts of the leaves to 180 parts of 
 water, and its tannin removed with charcoal. But this removal impairs the energy of 
 the preparation. Arbutin may also be given with powdered sugar to the extent of Gm. 
 0.6-0. 8 (gr. x-xij) a day. 
 
 The dose of uva ursi in powder is generally stated to be Gm. 1.30-4 (gr. xx-lx), but 
 its most striking effects have been obtained by doses not greater than a fourth of those 
 just mentioned. The decoction, infusion, and fluid extract of uva ursi are efficient; the 
 last is officinal. 
 
 Buxus sempervirens was found by Ringer and Murrell to produce tetanus, followed by 
 paralysis, in frogs ( Med.-Chir . Trans., lix. 389). A decoction has been used to cure, by 
 sweating, syphilis, rheumatism, gout, intermittent fever, etc. In over-doses it may act 
 as an emeto-cathartic. Buxine, besides such effects, is said to cause disorder and sedation 
 of the nervous system. A decoction of the leaves applied to the scalp to prevent the 
 hair from falling out„ and accidentally to the face, produced an eczematous eruption on 
 the latter ( Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., Dec. 1889, p. 583). 
 
 Oxydendron arboreum is said to be diuretic and laxative. A semi-solid extract in 
 doses of Gm. 0.20-0.80 (gr. iij-xij) a day is said to have removed dropsical swellings. 
 
 EpiGiEA ( trailing arbutus') has been compared with uva ursi and buchu ; it possesses 
 some astringency like the former, and has been used for the relief of strangury and vesical 
 catarrh. A decoction is prepared with Gm. 32 (^j) of the dried leaves and stems in Gm. 
 500 (Oj) of water, and given in the dose of a wine-glassful three or four times a day. 
 
VALERIANA. 
 
 1681 
 
 VALERIANA, U. S. — Valerian. 
 
 Valerianae, rhizoma , Br. ; Radix valerianae , P. G. ; Radix Valerianae minoris . — Valeri un- 
 root, E. ; Valeriane officinale , F. Cod. ; Baldrian , G. ; Valeriana sylvestre , Sp. 
 
 The root of Valeriana officinalis, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 146. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Valerianaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Valerian is a native of Europe from the Mediterranean northward, and of 
 Northern Asia, and is cultivated to some extent in Holland and England, and in this 
 country in New England and New York. It is an herbaceous perennial, and grows on 
 the banks of streams and other wet places, and likewise in uplands and dry situations. 
 It varies considerably in size and in foliage, and several of the varieties have been 
 regarded by some botanists as distinct species. The plant is easily propagated from short 
 horizontal runners. It is .6-1.2 M. (2 to 4 feet) high, branching at the top, has oppo- 
 site, clasping, long-petiolate and oddly pinnate leaves, with from four to ten pairs of oval 
 or lance-linear, entire or toothed, sessile, and smooth leaflets, and bears compound cymes 
 composed of numerous small pinkish, triandrous flowers. The fruit is an ovoid, com- 
 pressed akene, crowned by a plumous pappus. The rhizome with the rootlets attached 
 constitute the official portion, and is collected in autumn. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome of valerian is upright, subglobular or obconical, trun- 
 cate below, and at the apex often crowned with short portions of the overground stem or 
 with a tuft of short leaf-bases, and indistinctly 
 marked with closely approximate leaf-scars. 
 
 It varies in length between about 1-3 Cm. (£ 
 and 11 inches), has a diameter nearly of the 
 same dimensions, and is on all sides furnished 
 with numerous slender nearly cylindrical root- 
 lets. These are from 5-15 Cm. (2 to 6 inches) 
 long, about 3 Mm. (1 inch) thick at the base, 
 simple, except near the tip, where they are 
 divided into numerous fine fibres, which are 
 rarely present in the commercial drug. A few 
 short stolons, with long internodes, are occa- 
 sionally attached to the rhizome. The rhizomes collected from dry situations are the 
 smallest, have a light yellowish-brown color, are subglobular in shape, have a compara- 
 tively large number of rather short, thin, and light-colored rootlets attached, and are pre- 
 ferred for medicinal purposes on account of the larger proportion of volatile oil contained 
 in them. The rhizomes collected in wet localities are more elongated, of larger dimen- 
 sions, more fleshy and hygroscopic, and are therefore frequently cut longitudinally to 
 facilitate their drying ; they are darker in color, near the lower end marked by scars from 
 decayed rootlets, and near the middle and upper portion have longer, thicker, and darker- 
 colored rootlets than the preceding variety, attaining a length of 25-30 Cm. (10 or 12 
 inches). The rootlets of valerian are rather brittle and break with a short fracture ; the 
 rhizome is tougher, and in the interior rather horny and of a light grayish-brown color. 
 It has a thin bark, which by a dark cambium-line is separated from a narrow circle of 
 whitish woody tissue, and this encloses a large central pith. The rootlets have a thick 
 bark surrounding a slender ligneous cord. Under the microscope the parenchyma is seen 
 to contain cells filled with starch, extractive matter, and oil or resin. The recent rhizome 
 has a very slight odor, but on drying: a peculiar somewhat camphoraceous and terebinthi- 
 nate odor appears, which on long keeping gradually changes to a strong somewhat 
 cheese-like odor. The taste of valerian is at first sweetish, afterward unpleasant, cam- 
 phoraceous, and somewhat bitter. The rootlets of the commercial drug sometimes cover 
 a large amount of dirt. 
 
 Constituents. — The most important constituent of valerian is its volatile oil (see 
 page 1116), which varies in proportion between about ? and 2 per cent., the fresh rhi- 
 zome from dry soil yielding the larger amount. Cultivated valerian seems to be less rich 
 in volatile oil. Recent valerian on being distilled with water yields a distillate which, 
 according to Schoonbroodt (1868), is neutral or nearly so. Free valerianic acid does not 
 exist in fresh valerian, but is generated from the volatile oil on exposure. The relative 
 proportions of the volatile oil and valerianic acid must therefore vary with the age of the 
 drug. Aschoff (1846) found in the root also malic, acetic, and formic acids. The con- 
 stituents which are of less medicinal importance are tannin, extractive, sugar, starch, 
 mucilage, resin, etc. 
 
 106 
 
1682 
 
 VALERIANA. 
 
 Admixtures. — Although valerian is readily distinguished from other medicinal roots, it has 
 been sometimes observed sophisticated with poisonous drugs somewhat resembling valerian in 
 appearance, and from contact with the latter having acquired to some extent its peculiar odor. 
 Cynanchum Vincetoxicum (p. 299) was noticed by Charbonnier (1877), Veratrum album (see 
 below) by Holmes (1877), and Siurn latifolium (p. 477) by Bernbeck (1880). 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Aqua valerians. Distil 1 part of bruised 
 valerian with sufficient water to obtain 4 parts of distillate. — F. Cod. 
 
 Syrupus valerians. Extract of valerian 4 Gm., valerian-water 100 Gm., sugar 180 
 Gm. — F. Cod. 
 
 Spiritus angelica compositus. Valerian 4 parts, juniper-berries 4 parts, angelica 
 16 parts, alcohol 75 parts, and water 125 parts ; distil 100 parts, and dissolve in the dis- 
 tillate camphor 2 parts. — P. G. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — Valeriana Phu, Linnt, is a tall perennial of Western Asia and Southern 
 Europe, and is occasionally cultivated. The root was known as radix Valerianae majoris , and 
 consists of an oblique rhizome which is 10-15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, about 12 Mm. (J inch) 
 thick, is distantly annulated, of a brown color, on the lower side furnished with numerous yel- 
 lowish rootlets, and has a much weaker odor and taste than official valerian. 
 
 Val. Mexican a and V. tolucana, De Candolle , of Mexico, yield much valerianic acid, and are 
 used like the official drug. 
 
 Nardus spica celtica is the rhizome of Valeriana celtica, Linn#, a native of the Alps. It is 
 thin, about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long, densely covered with brown scaly leaf-remnants, has long 
 simple rootlets on the lower side, and possesses a strong odor and a taste of valerian. 
 
 Nardus indica, s. Spica nardi, or true spikenard , formerly much employed, is obtained from 
 Nardostachys (Valeriana, Roxburgh ) Jatamansi, De Candolle, indigenous to India. It is about 
 6 Mm. G inch) thick, densely beset with numerous fibrous remnants of leaf-stalks, and has a 
 bitter aromatic taste and penetrating odor resembling that of serpentaria. 
 
 Patrinia scabios^folia, Link. The root is known in Japan as kesso , and was sent to Eng- 
 land in 1879. It resembles valerian in appearance, odor, and taste, but has a short rhizome, not 
 over 8 Mm. (£ inch) thick, and this is densely covered with dark-brown scaly rootlets, which are 
 5-10 Cm. (2 to 4 inches) long. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Valerian is not a cure for hysteria , but it is a most valuable 
 palliative when employed to avert or mitigate hysterical paroxysms provoked by some 
 accidental cause. Especially is this the case in females of weak constitution and excit- 
 able temperament, and who are exhausted by care and anxiety. It is still more efficient in 
 preventing the development of those hysteroidal attacks which weak and morbidly sensi- 
 tive girls and women are liable to, and which consist in an excessive susceptibility to 
 impressions, and in the power of converting into real sensations the suggestions of a dis- 
 ordered fancy, whereby countless subjective perceptions and various disordered actions 
 of the lungs, heart, stomach, etc. arise. In mild cases of mental derangement , especially 
 when caused by nervous shock or strain ; in nervous atony simulating paralysis ; in cases 
 also of irregular distribution of the blood, accompanied, it may be, with indications of 
 cerebral congestion, or, on the other hand, of cerebral anaemia, of which the chief symp- 
 toms are vertigo , a sense of rush of blood to the head, or fainting, confusion of sight and 
 hearing, etc., which more than at any other time are apt to occur about the menopause, 
 — valerian is the most promptly efficient of all the palliatives that have been used. In 
 all these cases valerian exhibits the same potency as asafetida, musk, and castor, and 
 more decidedly. Oil of valerian dissolved in ether may be administered by inhalation in 
 such attacks. Valerian is one of the best remedies for nervous headache , especially when 
 it is associated with ammonia, as in the ammoniated tincture of valerian or the popular 
 elixir of ammonium valerianate. These preparations may be used advantageously, along 
 with a carminative tincture, in cases of flatulence accompanied with palpitation of the 
 heart. The same medicines are equally efficient in relieving infantile colic , an affection 
 for which domestic medicine generally provides an analogous remedy in catnep. 
 
 Valerian is one of the innumerable articles that from time to time have been vaunted 
 as remedies for epilepsy , and, allowing for the common error of confounding epilepsy with 
 epileptiform reflex convulsions, and even with hysteria, there can be no doubt that it 
 has sometimes cured the disease in females and young children, and especially when it 
 originated in fright or some analogous impression. Even in these cases it must be admin- 
 istered in large doses and be long continued, while other and especially hygienic measures 
 are employed to give permanent strength to the nervous system. 
 
 Valerian is useful in the treatment of the milder forms of delirium tremens , especially 
 when they follow surgical operations or injuries, and in the ataxic phenomena which 
 belong to the typhoid state of fevers and inflammations. It has had some reputation 
 as a vermifuge for children when associated with purgatives, such as jalap, and by 
 
VANILLA. 
 
 1683 
 
 enema as a remedy for ascarides of the rectum. It has also been used successfully for 
 the relief of dysmenorrhoea and in polyuria or diabetes insipidus. Bouchard, however, 
 claims that when the urine contains an excess of urea (azoturia) or of sugar (glycosuria), 
 valerian diminishes the amount of solids discharged and thus acts as a conservator of 
 tissue and of force. Butte, on the other hand, maintains that valerian causes the 
 destruction of the glucose in the blood ( Univers . Med. Mag ., iii. 498). 
 
 Valerian may be prescribed in powder in doses of Gm. 2-6 (gr. xxx-xc), repeated 
 three or four times a day. Its disagreeable taste may be masked by the addition of an 
 aromatic powder. Of its several preparations, the infusion and the fluid extract are to 
 be preferred ; next to these ranks the oil. The tincture, however, is officinal, and so is the 
 ammoniated tincture, which is decidedly preferable to either the simple tincture or the 
 fluid extract. 
 
 Caffeine Valerianate (so called) was tried by Paret (1775) in hysteria to moder- 
 ate nervous vomiting , and in some cases with success, the medicine appearing to act as a 
 general stimulant ; in the vomiting of phthisis it was useless, but in whooping cough it 
 decidedly lessened the paroxysms. It was given in pills, in the dose of Gm. 0.10 
 (gr. ij) three times a day. 
 
 VANILLA, 77. S. — Vanilla. 
 
 Fructus (s. Siliqua ) vamllse, P. G. — Vanille, Fr. Cod., G. ; Vainilla , Sp. 
 
 The prepared unripe fruit of Vanilla planifolia, Andrews. Bentley and Trimen, Med. 
 Plants , 272. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Orchidaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The name “ vanilla ” is derived from the Spanish baynilla , the diminutive 
 of bayna : a pod. The plant is indigenous to Eastern Mexico, where it grows in hot, moist 
 woods, and is cultivated by fastening shoots to trees just above the ground, where they 
 soon strike root, begin to produce fruits in about three years, and continue to bear 
 for about thirty years. The plant has a long fleshy stem, supporting itself by simple 
 aerial rootlets, alternate sessile, fleshy, oval-lanceolate leaves, and axillary spikes of large 
 greenish-white flowers, with a depressed recurved and crenate lip, and with an elongated, 
 fleshy, cylindrical ovary. The cultivated plant is Schiede’s Vanilla sativa. The wild- 
 growing plant (Schiede’s V. sylvestris) is usually regarded as a mere variety of the 
 former, and yields a smaller and less aromatic fruit, known in Mexico as baynilla cima- 
 rona. The vanilla-plant has been introduced into some of the West Indian islands, into 
 Bourbon, Madagascar, and several East Indian islands. In its native country it is prob- 
 ably fertilized through the agency of insects ; in other countries artificial fertilization is 
 required. 
 
 Collection. — The fruit is collected before it is ripe, when the green color begins to 
 change. In order to develop its aroma and to prevent its dehiscence, the unripe fruit is 
 partly sun-dried or exposed to artificial heat, and then wrapped in blankets until it begins 
 to sweat, when the exposure and subsequent wrapping up are repeated. Steeping in hot 
 water is said to be in some places resorted to previous to drying. Some of the con- 
 stituents are supposed to undergo a kind of fermentation, through which the odorous 
 principle is developed. After the fruits have obtained the proper dark color, agreeable 
 aroma, and sufficient dryness, they are tied into bundles of fifty, weighing a little over 
 8 ounces, and these are sometimes wrapped in tin-foil and packed in tin boxes. 
 
 Properties. — The cultivated vanilla-fruit is known in Mexico as baynilla corriente , 
 and is further distinguished and assorted according to its size and the thickness of its 
 integuments. The finest quality attains a length of 30 Cm. (12 inches), has a thin peri- 
 carp, and is rarely seen in our market. The varieties usually met with are from 15—25 
 Cm. (6 to 10 inches) long, about 8 Mm. (£ inch) thick, and somewhat triangular, but 
 flattened. Vanilla is of a dark-brown color, glossy, longitudinally wrinkled, somewhat 
 narrowed at both ends, bent or hooked at the base, and rather oblique at the apex. The 
 surface is frequently marked with a few circular or oblong warts, and some varieties are 
 more or less covered with an efflorescence of acicular crystals. The integuments of the 
 fruit are leathery, of a brown color ; the interior is filled with a blackish-brown fragrant 
 pulp, in which very numerous minute black flattish-ovate seeds are imbedded. The fruit 
 is one-celled, and has three parietal placentae, each projecting with four curved branches 
 into the interior. The parenchyma of the integuments contains extractive, oil drops, and 
 crystals of vanillin and calcium oxalate, and an irregular circle of about twenty delicate 
 fibro-vascular bundles. 
 
1684 
 
 VANILLA. 
 
 Varieties. — Mexican vanilla is regarded as the best. Bourbon vanilla resembles it, 
 and is usually covered with crystals, but has an odor somewhat suggesting that of tonka. 
 Costa Bica vanilla is less attenuated at the ends, and has hardly the fine flavor of the 
 Mexican variety. Vanilla from the Seychelles is considerably thinner. A vanilla is 
 produced in Venezuela which is 7-15 Cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, rather thick, and of a 
 decided tonka flavor. Van. microcarpa, Karsten , a native of Venezuela, has a very aro- 
 matic fruit, about 75 Mm. (3 inches) long and 5 Mm. (A- inch) broad. In Brazil, Peru, 
 and other parts of South America a broad and fleshy vanilla is obtained which is 15-20 
 Cm. (6 to 8 inches) long, about 12 Mm. (J inch) wide, and of an inferior vanilla odor; 
 it is probably the fruit of Vanilla pompona, Schiede. It is not unlikely that several other 
 species besides those mentioned above yield vanilla, but the different species are very 
 imperfectly known. Vanilla guianensis, Splitberger , indigenous to the north-eastern por- 
 tion of South America, may yield some of the South American vanilla. Vanilla pal- 
 marum, Lindlei /, a native of Bahia, has a thick cylindrical not very fragrant fruit about 
 5 Cm. (2 inches) long. Vanilla aromatica, Swartz , is indigenous to South America, but 
 not to Mexico, and its fruit is said to be not aromatic. 
 
 Constituents. — According to the analysis of Bucholz (1828), vanilla contains about 
 11 per cent, of fixed oil, 2.3 per cent, of soft resin, 6 per cent, of sugar, 11 per cent, of 
 gum, and considerable extractive matter. Leutner (1872) obtained 4 per cent, of resin, 
 6.6 gum, 10 sugar, 4.7 per cent, of ash, and, besides a little wax and tannin, also oxalic 
 and other acids. The odor of vanilla is not due to a volatile oil. The crystalline 
 efflorescence was for a long time regarded as identical with either benzoic or cinnamic 
 acid, but Bley (1831) proved it to be distinct from both, and Gobley (1858) established 
 its difference from coumarin and named it vanillin. It is obtained from the alcoholic 
 extract of vanilla by diffusing it in a little water, agitating with ether, and evaporating 
 the ethereal liquid ; the brown odorous residue yields to boiling water vanillin, which is 
 purified by recrystallization and treatment with animal charcoal. Vanillin crystallizes in 
 hard, colorless, four-sided prisms ; has the odor of vanilla and a pungent, warm taste, 
 melts near 80° C. (176° F.) ; sublimes when carefully heated ; has a feeble acid reaction, 
 and is freely soluble in boiling water, in alcohol, ether, fats, and volatile oils. It does 
 not decompose alkaline carbonates, but dissolves in caustic alkalies, and is precipitated 
 unaltered from the solutions on the addition of an acid ; its aqueous solution is not affected 
 by salts of tin, mercury, and silver, yields a pale-yellowish precipitate with basic lead 
 acetate, and strikes a dark-violet color with ferric chloride. It dissolves in sulphuric acid 
 with a yellow color, and by nitric acid is oxidized to oxalic acid, On account of its feeble 
 acid properties Stokkebye (1864) proposed to name it vanillic acid (see below). Carles 
 (1870) found its formula to be C 8 H 8 0 3 , and this was corroborated by Tiemann and Haar- 
 mann (1874—78), who prepared vanillin artificially from coniferin , C 16 H 22 0 8 , a compound 
 contained in the sap of coniferous trees ; this on being treated with emulsin is spilt into 
 sugar and coniferyl alcohol , Ci 0 Hi 2 O 3 , which on being oxidized with a mixture of sulphuric 
 acid and potassium dichromate, like coniferin itself, yields vanillin. Vanillin was recognized 
 as the aldehyde of methyl-protocatechuic acid, C 6 H 3 .OCH 3 .OH.CHO ; by careful oxidation 
 this is converted into the nearly inodorous vanillic acid , C 6 H 3 .OCH 3 .OH.COOH. The 
 same authors have further shown the relation of these interesting principles to creosol, 
 eugenol, ferulaic acid, caffeic acid, and other compounds, and devised a process for the 
 artificial preparation of vanillin from oil of cloves, and propose (1875) to estimate the 
 amount of vanillin by completely exhausting not less than 30 Gm. of cut vanilla with 
 ether, concentrating the ethereal tincture, agitating the liquid repeatedly with solution 
 of sodium bisulphite, decomposing the mixed aqueous liquids with dilute sulphuric 
 acid, and dissolving the liberated vanillin by agitation with ether. Mexican vanilla 
 yielded 1.3-1. 7, Java vanilla 1.6—2.75, and Bourbon vanilla 0.75—2.9 per cent, of pure 
 vanillin : the last two varieties were found to contain, in addition, an oily matter having 
 a disagreeable odor; and the fruit of Van. pompona, which yielded .4-. 7 per cent, of va- 
 nillin, was observed to contain another compound, probably benzaldehyde , which modifies the 
 odor of the former. 
 
 The poisonous effects repeatedly observed to be due to the use of vanilla as a flavor 
 for ices have been referred by Schroff, in the absence of metallic poisons, to the presence 
 of cardol, resulting from the alleged employment of the fixed oil of the cashew-nut (see 
 p. 207) for improving the appearance of vanilla. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Vanilla is employed in perfumery. 
 
 Pulvis VANiLLiE cum saccharo, F. Cod ., Vanilla saccharata. 1 part of finely- 
 cut vanilla and 9 parts of sugar are triturated together until a grayish-white uniform 
 
VAPOBES.— VAPOR CREOSOTI. 
 
 1685 
 
 powder is obtained, or 2 parts of vanillin dissolved in alcoliol are mixed with 98 parts 
 of sugar. 
 
 Syrupus vanilla. Mix simple syrup with sufficient tincture of vanilla until the 
 desired flavor is obtained. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Workmen engaged in handling vanilla-beans suffer from itching 
 of the hands and face ; the skin is covered with a pruriginous eruption, and swells, red- 
 dens, and desquamates. Others are affected with dizziness, weariness, and muscular pains. 
 The eruption is produced by an acarus, which irritates without penetrating the skin (Jour. 
 Amer. Med. Assoc., i. 621). In Mexico, its native country, the Spanish conquerors found 
 vanilla in common use for flavoring chocolate, and for this purpose it continues to be exten- 
 sively used. Very probably it promotes the digestion of this aliment, as it does that of many 
 other fatty and farinaceous articles of food, and therefore may be classed with the aro- 
 matics. In its action it has some analogy with balsam of Peru. Like the aromatics 
 generally, aphrodisiac qualities are attributed to it. Cases of poisoning by ice-cream 
 flavored with vanilla seem to have been caused by fermentative changes in the cream or 
 milk employed. In medicine vanilla is rarely employed alone, but it may be prescribed 
 in powder in doses of Gm. 0.30-2 (gr. v-xxx), mixed with sugar. A syrup made with 
 it and the officinal tincture form agreeable flavoring ingredients of mixtures. It may be 
 added also to troches for a similar purpose, as it is in the officinal troches of iron. 
 
 V AP ORE S . — Inhalations. 
 
 These are mixtures, consisting of water with a volatile substance, which are perhaps 
 never made by the apothecary, and appear to be better adapted for extemporaneous pre- 
 scription. The vapores , as originally employed in medicine, are external applications. 
 
 VAPOR AOIDI HYDROCYANICI, Br. — Inhalation of Hydrocyanic 
 
 Acid. 
 
 Take of Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid 10 to 15 minims; Water (cold) 1 fluidraclim. Mix 
 in a suitable apparatus, and let the vapor that arises be inhaled. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — The inhalation of hydrocyanic acid ” is too dangerous a remedy to be recom- 
 mended under any circumstances. The difficulty, if not impossibility, of determining the 
 exact strength of the solution, the various degrees of susceptibility to its action, and the 
 promptly fatal effects of an overdose inhaled, should condemn it as a medicine. 
 
 VAPOR CHL.ORI, Br. — Inhalation of Chlorine. 
 
 Take of Chlorinated Lime 2 ounces ; Water (cold) a sufficiency. Put the powder into 
 a suitable apparatus, moisten it with the water, and let the vapor that arises be inhaled. 
 —Br. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is a convenient means of’ obtaining chlorine for inhalation, 
 but the necessity of making it officinal by prescribing the exact amount of chlorinated 
 lime to be used is the reverse of apparent. 
 
 VAPOR CONING, Br. — Inhalation of Conine. 
 
 Take of Juice of Hemlock 1 fluidounce ; Solution of Potash 1 fluidrachm ; Distilled 
 Water 1 fluidounce. Mix. Put 20 minims of mixture on a sponge in a suitable appara- 
 tus, so that the vapor of hot water passing over it may be inhaled. — Br. 
 
 The potassa is added for the purpose of liberating the coniine contained in the juice. 
 
 Uses. — The proportion of the extract of conium directed for this preparation, must 
 vary according to the strength of the extract used; which, being very uncertain, the 
 “ inhalation ” cannot be of uniform power. 
 
 VAPOR CREOSOTI, Br. — Inhalation of Creosote. 
 
 Take of Creosote 12 minims; Boiling Water 8 fluidounces. Mix the creosote and 
 water in an apparatus so arranged that air may be made to pass through the solution, 
 and may afterward be inhaled. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — This “ inhalation ” appears to be a very superfluous officinal preparation. The 
 proportion of creosote used should vary with the condition it is intended to remedy. 
 
1686 
 
 VAPOR IODL— VERATRINA. 
 
 VAPOR IODI, Br. — Inhalation of Iodine. 
 
 Take of Tincture of Iodine 1 fluidrachm ; Water 1 fluidounce. Mix in a suitable appa- 
 ratus, and, having applied a gentle heat, let the vapor that arises be inhaled. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — According to our experience, the proportion of tincture of iodine in this 
 “ inhalation ” is entirely too large for ordinary use if the iodine is vaporized rapidly. 
 It should be left to the judgment of those who are skilful enough to use such a prepara- 
 tion at all. Conine, creosote, and iodine are more efficaciously used by inhalation in atomized 
 solutions. 
 
 VAPOR OL.EI PINI SYLVESTRIS, 2*r.— I nhalation of Fir- wool Oil. 
 
 Take of Fir-wool Oil 40 minims ; Light Magnesium Carbonate 20 grains ; Water a suf- 
 ficiency. Rub the fir-wool oil with the magnesium carbonate, and gradually add sufficient 
 water to produce 1 fluidounce. Put 1 fluidrachm of this mixture with 10 ounces of boil- 
 ing water into an apparatus so arranged that air may be made to pass through the solution 
 and may afterward be inhaled. — Br. 
 
 Uses. — -As an inhalation in chronic affections of the air-passages. 
 
 VERATRINA, U. S . 9 Br., F. Corf. -V eratrine. 
 
 Ver atria, Br. ; Veratrinum , P. G. — Veratrine , Fr. ; Veratrin , G. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Liliaceae. 
 
 A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seed of Asagraea officinalis ( Schlechtendal 
 and Chamisso ), Bindley. 
 
 Origin. — The mixture of alkaloids which is recognized by the pharmacopoeias under 
 the above names was first prepared by Meissner (1819) from sabadilla and named saba- 
 dilline. Pelletier and Caventou (1819) prepared similar substances from sabadilla and 
 white veratrum, and called them veratrine , which name has since been applied to the 
 product from the former source only (see also Veratrum Album); and this was known 
 in an amorphous condition, and supposed to be uncrystallizable until Merck (1855) 
 showed that a portion of it could be crystallized. Sabadilla-seeds are used for preparing 
 veratrine ; Schroff (1863), however, has shown that the capsules are very poisonous and 
 probably contain the same alkaloids. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Cevadilla 2 pounds; Distilled Water, Rectified Spirit, Solu- 
 tion of Ammonia, Hydrochloric Acid, each a sufficiency ; Purified Animal Charcoal 60 
 grains. Macerate the cevadilla with half its weight of boiling distilled water in a 
 covered vess’el for twenty-four hours. Remove the cevadilla, squeeze it, and dry it 
 thoroughly with a gentle heat. Beat it now in a mortar, and separate the seeds from the 
 capsules by brisk agitation in a deep, narrow vessel or by winnowing it gently on a table 
 with a sheet of paper. Grind the seeds in a coffee-mill and form them into a thick paste 
 with rectified spirit. Pack this firmly in a percolator, and pass rectified spirit through it 
 till the spirit ceases to be colored. Concentrate the spirituous solution by distillation so 
 long as no deposit forms, and pour the residue, while hot, into twelve times its volume of 
 cold distilled water. Filter through calico, and wash the residue on the filter with dis- 
 tilled water till the fluid ceases to precipitate with ammonia. To the united filtered liquids 
 add the ammonia in slight excess ; let the precipitate completely subside, pour ofl the 
 supernatant fluid, collect the precipitate on a filter, and wash it with distilled water till 
 the fluid passes colorless. Diffuse the moist precipitate through 12 fluidounces of dis- 
 tilled water, and add gradually, with diligent stirring, sufficient hydrochloric acid to make 
 the fluid feebly but persistently acid. Then add the animal charcoal, digest at a gentle 
 heat for twenty minutes, filter, and allow the liquid to cool. Add ammonia in slight 
 excess, and when the precipitate has completely subsided pour off the supernatant liquid, 
 collect the precipitate on a filter, and wash it with cold distilled water till the washings 
 cease to be affected by silver nitrate acidulated with nitric acid. Lastly, dry the pre- 
 cipitate first by imbibition with filtering-paper, and then by the application of a gentle 
 heat. — Br. 
 
 Alcohol extracts from sabadilla-seeds veratrine in its natural combination with veratric 
 acid. On evaporating the alcohol, diluting the syrupy liquid with water, and filtering 
 from the resin, the liquid contains veratrine veratrate, and this salt is decomposed by 
 ammonia or potassa ; the alkaloid thus isolated requires to be purified by washing with 
 water, dissolving in a dilute acid, and freeing from coloring matter by animal charcoal ; 
 ammonia will then precipitate veratrine as a white powder. 
 
VERATRINA. 
 
 1687 
 
 The concentrated alcoholic extract may also be deprived of its alkaloidal constituents 
 by boiling with acidulated water, and the acid solution decomposed by magnesia, the 
 excess of which remains with the liberated alkaloids ; the latter are taken up by alcohol 
 combined with sulphuric acid, the alcohol evaporated, the remaining aqueous solution 
 decolorized by animal charcoal, and the veratrine precipitated by ammonia. This was the 
 process of the U. S. P. 1870. 
 
 The outlines of the process of the French Codex are as follows : Exhaust with alcohol 
 acidulated with sulphuric acid, add slaked lime to the tincture to liberate the alkaloids, 
 filter from the calcium compounds, distil off the alcohol, dissolve the residue in dilute sul- 
 phuric acid, decolorize by means of animal charcoal, precipitate by ammonia, again dis- 
 solve in alcohol, and repeat the treatment as before ; finally, dissolve the washed and 
 dried veratrine in ether, filter, and evaporate spontaneously. 
 
 Several other processes have been recommended for the preparation of veratrine, in 
 which advantage is taken of its ready solubility in acidulated water. Delondre (1855) 
 exhausts the powdered seeds by percolation with water acidulated with hydrochloric acid, 
 precipitates with potassa, and exhausts the washed and dried precipitate with ether, on 
 the evaporation of which the alkaloid is left behind. Merck’s process is somewhat sim- 
 ilar : powdered sabadilla is boiled with very dilute hydrochloric acid, the solution concen- 
 trated to a syrupy consistence, and further acidulated with hydrochloric acid as long as a 
 precipitate of veratric acid appears. The filtrate is precipitated with lime ; the precipi- 
 tate is collected and exhausted with alcohol ; the alcohol is distilled oft’, and the residue 
 dissolved in dilute acetic acid. On the addition of ammonia, veratrine is precipitated ; it 
 is obtained as a crystalline powder by dissolving it in ether and evaporating, as directed 
 by the French Codex. 
 
 Properties. — As obtained by the first process, veratrine is a white or whitish amor- 
 phous powder, permanent in the air, without odor, powerfully sternutatory, and very irri- 
 tating to the nostrils, and has a persistently acrid taste, “ leaving a sensation of tingling 
 and numbness on the tongue ” (U. S.'). It imparts to water an acrid taste, but requires 
 about 1000 parts of boiling water for solution, the excess of the alkaloid cohering in 
 lumps without melting. It has an alkaline reaction to test-paper, neutralizes acids, and 
 when heated melts, and afterward is decomposed, forming a spongy charcoal, and is finally 
 dissipated without leaving any residue. Veratrine is soluble in 3 parts of alcohol and 
 dissolves in about 6 parts of ether (Delondre), in 1.6 (Pettenkofer) or 8.6 (Schlimpert), 
 or 2 ( U. S.) parts of chloroform ; in 96 parts of glycerin (Cap and Garot) and 56 parts 
 of olive oil (Pettenkofer). Nitric acid imparts to veratrine a yellow color or forms a red- 
 dish-yellow solution. Its solution in concentrated hydrochloric acid acquires by heat a 
 deep-red color, which remains unaltered for several weeks (Trapp, 1862). Sulphuric acid 
 dissolves veratrine with a yellow color, changing in a few minutes to orange-red, then to 
 blood-red, in about thirty minutes to carmine-red, and subsequently to violet color 
 (Henry). Masing (1869) observed that .00017 Gm. of veratrine may be detected with 
 the last two tests, but that the reaction with hydrochloric acid is less interfered with by 
 the presence of extractive matter. The fresh solution of veratrine in sulphuric acid 
 becomes at once purple-colored on the addition of bromine-water. “ On triturating 1 
 part of veratrine with 100 parts of sulphuric acid, the solution shows a green-yellow 
 fluorescence, the color gradually changing to red ” (P. G .). The U. S. P. directs for 
 this test no definite quantity of sulphuric acid, but states that the fluorescence first 
 observed becomes more intense oh adding more sulphuric acid. On sprinkling pow- 
 dered sugar upon a thin layer of the solution of veratrine in sulphuric acid, a yellow 
 color is produced, changing to green and blue, and becoming paler after an hour 
 (Weppen, 1874). 
 
 Tests. — The tests just described establish the identity of veratrine. On being ignited 
 upon platinum-foil no residue should be left. 
 
 Composition. — The formula C.^H^N.^Og is that ascertained by Merck for the crys- 
 talline alkaloid in large colorless, rhombic prisms, which on exposure become white, 
 opaque, and friable, and lose their shape in boiling water without melting or dissolving. 
 The crystals are obtained by dissolving medicinal veratrine in alcohol, adding water until 
 a permanent precipitate begins to appear, and evaporating spontaneously ; the residue 
 will consist of crystals imbedded in a brown amorphous, resin-like mass, which is removed 
 by cold alcohol, after which the crystals may be purified by recrystallizing from strong 
 alcohol. Weigelin (1871) ascertained that veratrine exists in two distinct modifications, 
 one of which is soluble in water, and by heating the solution is converted into the insolu- 
 ble variety, which has a resinous appearance ; analysis led to the composition C 52 Hg 6 0 2 N 1 5 . 
 
1688 
 
 VERA TRINA. 
 
 According to E. Schmidt (1877), commercial veratrine -contains three distinct modifica- 
 tions — namely, a crystalline base soluble in water, and two amorphous bases, one of which 
 is soluble, the other insoluble, in water. The crystalline base predominates, and is 
 regarded by Schmidt as veratrine proper ; he gives it the formula C 32 H 50 NO 9 ; its platino- 
 chloride was found to be easily soluble in alcohol, less soluble in water, and insoluble in 
 ether. The amorphous modifications appear to have the same formula, which differs from 
 that given by Merck chiefly in the amount of nitrogen. 
 
 On treating medicinal veratrine with ether, a residue is left from which Couerbe (1834) 
 isolated a second crystallizable alkaloid, sabadilline , for which Weigelin gives the formula 
 C 41 H 66 N 2 0 13 . It is not sternutatory, and dissolves more or less freely in water, benzene, 
 petroleum benzin, amylic alcohol, and chloroform ; neutralizes the acids completely, but 
 yields amorphous gum-like salts with sulphuric and hydrochloric acid, which are not pre- 
 cipitated by alkalies or their carbonates, and yield but slight precipitates with phospho- 
 tungstic acid and potassio-cadmium iodide. That portion of medicinal veratrine which is 
 soluble in ether yields to hot water, in which veratrine is insoluble, a third alkaloid, which 
 Weigelin named sabatrine , and found to have the composition C 5 iH 86 N 2 0 17 . It is likewise 
 soluble in benzene, petroleum benzin, amylic alcohol, and chloroform, is amorphous and 
 yields amorphous salts, which are precipitated by hot potassium hydroxide and carbonate if 
 not added in excess. 
 
 The most recent investigation on the sabadilla alkaloids was made by C. R. A. Wright 
 and A. P. Luff (1878), who were unable to find sabadilline. They regard sabatrine as an 
 alteration-product. They retain the name veratrine for the amorphous alkaloid of medi- 
 cinal veratrine, and deny the existence of isomeric modifications ; they give it the formula 
 C 37 H 53 NO n , and state that on saponification it splits up into veratric acid and a new base, 
 verine , Merck’s crystallizable base is named by them cevadine , and is stated 
 
 to have the composition C 32 H 49 N0 9 , and, on saponification, to be resolved into anew base, 
 cevi.ne , C 27 H 43 N0 8 , and the cevadic acid of Pelletier and Caventou, which is methyl-cro- 
 tonic acid, C 5 H 8 0 2 . The third alkaloid, cevadilline , C 34 H 53 N0 8 , is insoluble in ether, is 
 probably identical with sabadilline, but separates in an amorphous condition from benzene, 
 and on saponification yields methyl-crotonic acid and the base cevilline. 20 pounds of 
 sabadilla-seeds yielded between 60 and 70 Om. of mixed alkaloids. 
 
 It will be observed that medicinal veratrine is a mixture of two or three alkaloids 
 naturally existing in sabadilla, and of several derivatives from these alkaloids. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Veratrine has a bitter and acrid taste, and the least portion of 
 it placed upon the tongue produces a peculiar and persistent numbness and tingling, witli 
 irritation of the throat and salivation. The minutest quantity of it introduced into the 
 nostrils, and even the casual approach of a vial containing it to the nose, occasion pro- 
 tracted irritation and sneezing, and sometimes coughing. Applied in alcoholic solution 
 or in an ointment to the sound skin, it produces a slight prickling sensation, and upon 
 very delicate portions of the integument a pain compared to that which might be occa- 
 sioned by its puncture with hot needles. The pain, however, is transient, and is followed 
 by a sense of coolness and numbness. If the preparation is strong and is applied with 
 friction, an eruption of vesicles may follow. If well rubbed in, particularly upon the face, 
 slight twitching of the muscles is sometimes observed, and, more rarely, formication, 
 which extends to remote parts of the body. Applied to the denuded skin or injected 
 hypodermically, it causes severe pain, muscular twitching, and the other ordinary effects 
 of its internal administration. These effects vary with its dose. Gm. 0.001-0.003 (gr. 
 g^Q- — Tjrjy) occasion tingling which begins in the fingers and toes, and thence extends to the 
 whole body, followed by a sense of numbness in the same parts and more or less lower- 
 ing of the pulse. If the usual limit of medicinal doses is exceeded, and Gm. 0.003- 
 0.006 (gr. Jg— jL) of the alkaloid or of its acetate is taken, there may occur great faint- 
 ness and pallor ; increased frequency, irregularity, and weakness of the pulse ; nausea and 
 vomiting, usually of bilious liquids ; diarrhoea, sometimes with bloody stools ; cold sweat- 
 ing and muscular twitching ; and aching along the spine. If the dose is repeated at inter- 
 vals, the gastro-intestinal symptoms subside, but the pulse falls considerably below the 
 normal rate. There is also a good deal of irritation and constriction of the fauces, with 
 secretion of mucus. 
 
 A woman who swallowed about Gm. 0.20 (3 grains) of veratrine in a liniment contain • 
 ing chloric ether and opium was affected with giddiness, faintness, nausea, thirst, diar- 
 rhoea, tenesmus, and constriction of the abdomen; the tongue was swollen, the mouth 
 and throat sore, the pupils contracted, the breathing hurried, the pulse small and quick, 
 the action of the heart feeble. There was extreme itching of the skin which lasted for 
 
VERA TRIE A. 
 
 1689 
 
 several days, a tingling which did not cease for two months, and a peculiar spasmodic 
 snapping of the lower jaw ( St . Georges Hasp. Rep)., v. 69). 
 
 Veratrine was used first internally as a remedy for neuralgia , and in the most obsti- 
 nate form of that affection, sciatica , which so often depends upon material alterations of 
 structure. It is now very seldom given internally in this or any other variety of neural- 
 gia, but is of common use as a topical application in the functional forms of the affection. 
 Although inferior for this purpose to aconitine, it is nevertheless efficient in many cases 
 of neuralgia of the fifth pair, of the intercostal nerves, and others. Very probably it acts 
 both by obtunding the sensibility of the painful part and by its counter-irritant operation 
 upon the skin when it is applied in due strength directly to the sensitive points of the 
 nerve. It is sometines injected hypodermically, Gm. 0.01 (£ grain) at a time, but an 
 application of the officinal ointment of veratrine is preferable. It is rendered much more 
 efficient by the addition to each drachm of it of 2 or 3 grains of morphine hydrochlorate 
 or sulphate. In various forms of pruritus the topical use of veratrine is an efficient pallia- 
 tive. It may be given internally with advantage when the itching is general (Cheron, 
 AJed. JVeu's, xlvii. 268). 
 
 In the treatment of acute articular rheumatism this medicine has been systematically 
 employed, by beginning on the first day of the treatment with a single dose of Gm. 0.005 
 (gr. -jig), and on each successive day giving an additional dose until the sixth or seventh 
 day, unless the disease sooner yielded or the toxical effects of the medicine were developed. 
 In the latter case it was suspended or its dose diminished. It was claimed for this treat- 
 ment that it speedily reduced the fever and subdued the pain of the disease, and that in 
 a patient of unimpaired constitution it frequently triumphed over an acute attack of the 
 disease in a week. It was further asserted that it did not, like copious bloodletting, 
 exhaust the patient’s strength and develop anaemia. This advantage over the older san- 
 guinary method may be admitted, but there is not a shadow of evidence to demonstrate 
 its power of shortening an attack of rheumatism, or, above all, of preventing the most 
 serious of the ordinary complications of the disease, inflammation of the heart and its 
 membranes. Indeed it is seldom employed at present, and those who imagine that the 
 cure of rheumatism consists in repressing certain of its symptoms find in the preparations 
 of green hellebore equally efficient and less dangerous agents. The same remark is 
 literally applicable to the use of veratrine in pneumonia. The strongest reason that 
 could be found by an eminent therapeutist for employing veratrine in this disease was 
 that “ the results from its use appear to be comparable to those of the antimonial treat- 
 ment” (Trousseau). But since the latter is one of the most mischievous that was ever 
 employed, the merit of the former may be duly estimated. If some will use this medicine 
 as they would green hellebore, digitalis, aconite, etc. in febrile affections, they must 
 be prepared with diffusible stimulants to combat its sedative effects when they grow 
 alarming. 
 
 Veratrine has occasionally been used to allay disordered action of the heart in acute 
 and also in chronic diseases of that organ, and it may sometimes become a useful pallia- 
 tive of this distressing symptom, and thereby even avail to diminish cardiac dropsies. 
 But for such purposes other preparations of veratrum are preferable. It is unnecessary 
 to discuss its virtues in eruptive fevers or in typhoid fever, for which it has sometimes 
 been prescribed, or in nervous affections, such as whooping cough, chorea, hysteria, 
 nervous tremor, and functional paralysis, or to do more than state the fact of its having 
 been employed topically to reduce enlarged glands, scrofulous swellings of joints, etc. It 
 is sufficient to say that Liebermeister ( Handbuch des Fiehers , S. 643), even while advocat- 
 ing its use, warns against giving it to persons with a feeble heart, and, while admitting that 
 it may produce collapse, claims that food and alcohol will rescue the patient from that 
 peril. It is alleged by Feris that various tremors , including those due to alcohol, fever, 
 nervous degeneration, etc., are benefited by veratrine in doses of Gm. 0.0005 (gr. T fg-) 
 three or four times a day ( Practitioner , xxxii. 212). The statement seems highly improb- 
 able. 
 
 Owing to its very acrid taste, veratrine is generally given internally in pilular form in 
 doses varying from Gm. 0.0016-0.016 (gr. ffie dose should be rapidly but 
 
 cautiously increased from the minimum until nausea or slowing of the pulse occurs. 
 Externally the officinal ointment is a convenient preparation for application by friction, 
 which should be made with a mop or with the finger guarded by a glove, and until a feel- 
 ing of burning or prickling is perceived by the patient. Solutions in oil and glycerin 
 may be applied in the same manner. For endermic use Gm. 0.008-0.033 (gr. 1-3), 
 mixed with starch, may be prescribed. Hypodermically, Gm. 0.01 (gr. i) may be 
 
1690 
 
 VERATRUM ALBUM. 
 
 employed at a single operation, but the method is objectionable on account of the pain it 
 occasions and the probability of abscess being caused by it. In poisoning by veratrine 
 the stomach should first be evacuated, then washed with a solution of tannin, and the 
 sedation combated with alcohol, ammonia, electricity, artificial respiration, etc. 
 
 Tulipine , an alkaloid derived from the common tulip, is said by Dr. Dinger to be a 
 muscle-poison, like veratrine, although weaker. It paralyzes either the cord or the afferent 
 nerves, or both ; its action on the motor nerves, if any, is slight ; it affects the heart of 
 frogs like veratrine, and does not affect the pupil ( Practitioner , xxv. 241). 
 
 VERATRUM ALBUM. — White Veratrum (Hellebore). 
 
 Rhizoma veratri , P. G. ; Radix hellebori albi . — Veratre ( Hellebore ) blanc , Fr. ; Weisse 
 Nieswurzel , Weisser Germer. G. ; Vedegambre ( Eleboro ) bianco , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome {F. Cod .), with the rootlets (P. 6r.), of Veratrum album, Linne. Bent- 
 ley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 285. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Melanthacese. 
 
 Origin. — Veratrum album is an herbaceous perennial growing in moist meadows of 
 the Pyrenees and Alps and eastward throughout Russia, Siberia, Northern China, and 
 Japan. It has likewise been found in Colorado and in other parts of Western North 
 America (Ver. californicum, Durand). The stem is .6-1.2 M. (2 to 4 feet) high, and 
 has numerous alternate elliptic or broadly oval, entire leaves, which are about 15 Cm. 
 (6 inches) long, strongly ribbed and plicate, and sheathing at the base ; the upper ones 
 are smaller, narrower, and lanceolate in form. The inflorescence is a large racemose 
 panicle 30-45 Cm. (12 to 18 inches) long, with polygamous flowers having six spreading 
 lance-oblong, yellowish-white, and externally green sepals. The three-horned fruit con- 
 sists of three partly-united follicles containing numerous flattened and winged seeds. 
 The rhizome is collected in autumn. The variety viridiflorum, Mertens et Koch (Ver. 
 Lobelianum, Bernhardi ), grows in Europe, and differs chiefly in the more simple inflores- 
 cence, the longer bracts, and the pale-green flowers. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome of white veratrum is upright, obconical in shape, sim- 
 ple or occasionally divided above into two branches ; it is 5-8 Cm. (2 to 3 inches) long, 
 and about 25 Mm. (1 inch) thick, tufted above with the remnants of 
 the leaf-bases, truncate below, the lower half beset with dead and the 
 upper portion with yellowish fleshy nearly simple rootlets, which 
 shrink considerably in drying, and are 20-30 Cm. (8 to 12 inches) 
 long and about 2 Mm. ( T U inch) thick. In the commercial drug the 
 rootlets were formerly often cut off close to the rhizome, and this has 
 been occasionally divided to facilitate the drying. The rhizome is 
 somewhat annulate, externally of a dull black-gray color, and either 
 closely surrounded with rootlets or tuberculated from the root-rem- 
 nants ; internally it is whitish or grayish-white, and shows upon 
 transverse or longitudinal section, at a distance of about 3 Mm. (| 
 inch) from the outer surface, a brownish wavy nucleus-sheath, and 
 in the inner portion numerous small wood-bundles, which are scat- 
 tered, irregularly curved in various directions, and rather crowded 
 near the nucleus-sheath ; outside thereof only a few small wood- 
 bundles are seen passing into the rootlets. The nucleus-sheath consists of one or occa- 
 sionally two rows of cells, having the inner cell-walls much thickened ; the parenchyma- 
 cells are filled with small starch-granules or a few of them with raphides of calcium oxa- 
 late. The drug is inodorous, but its dust is strongly sternutatory ; its taste is bitter and 
 burningly acrid. 
 
 Constituents. — Pelletier and Caventou (1820) obtained from white veratrum liquid 
 and solid fat, a volatile acid, gum, starch, and an alkaloid, which they declared to be 
 identical with veratrine, and to be combined with gallic acid. The existence in veratrum 
 of gallic acid was, however, denied by Pfaff and by Weigand (1841). The latter found 
 in it about 10 per cent, of pectin. E. Simon (1838) announced the isolation of a second 
 alkaloid, jervine, C3oH 46 N 2 0 3 . After Charles Bullock (1865) had proved the non-existence 
 of veratrine in Veratrum viride, Dragendorff (1872) announced its absence also from white 
 veratrum ; and this observation was corroborated by C. L. Mitchell (1874), who found 
 in it, besides jervine, a second alkaloid, which he named veratralbine. Wright and Luff 
 (1879) announced the presence in 1 kilogram of white veratrum of 4.20 Gm. of alka- 
 
 Fig. 314. 
 
 Veratrum album, Linne: 
 longitudinal section of 
 rhizome. 
 
VERATRUM ALBUM. 
 
 1691 
 
 loids, of which 1.30 is jervine, C 26 H 37 N0 3 , 0.40 pseudojervine, C 29 H 43 N0 7 , 0.25 rubijer- 
 vine, C 26 H w N 0 2 , 2.20 veratralbine, C^H^NOs, and 0.05 another sternutatory base, 
 probably veratrine. 
 
 Jervine , when pure, is a white powder, crystallizes from alcohol, is tasteless, not 
 sternutatory, insoluble in water and ether, soluble in alcohol and chloroform, and melts 
 between 198° C. (Bullock) and 237° C. (Wright). Its salts with acetic and phosphoric 
 acids are soluble in water, and these solutions are precipitated by sulphuric, hydrochloric, 
 and nitric acids and their soluble salts. According to Bullock (1875), its acetic acid 
 solution, treated with potassium nitrate, affords a ready method for obtaining the alkaloid 
 in a pure state. Sulphuric acid colors jervine yellow, changing to green, and finally to 
 turbid yellow ; on the addition of bromine the green color changes to a faint brownish 
 tint. The other color reactions (yellow by nitric or boiling hydrochloric acid) are not 
 very characteristic. 
 
 Pseudojervine , like jervine, dissolves in strong sulphuric acid with a yellow color, the 
 solution gradually turning green ; its sulphate is tolerably soluble in water. The alka- 
 loid melts at 299° C., and is insoluble in ether. 
 
 Rubijervine is soluble in ether, melts at 237° C., is colored red by sulphuric acid, forms 
 a readily soluble sulphate, and is not sternutatory. 
 
 Veratralbine is white, uncrystallizable, bitter, burningly acrid, and violently sternu- 
 tatory. It dissolves in alcohol, amylic alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, and 
 in dilute acids, forming soluble and uncrystallizable salts. It melts near 170° C. 
 (338° F.) and sublimes in small feathery crystals. In its behavior to reagents it closely 
 resembles veratroidine , and is regarded by Tobien (1877) as being identical with it. 
 According to Wright and Luff, pure veratralbine is not sternutatory. 
 
 Whppen (1872) could not find Weigand’s pectin, and leaves it undecided whether the 
 presence of that compound is due to an adulteration or to the period at which the rhi- 
 zome had been collected. Pelletier and Caventou’s gallic acid was recognized as a new 
 acid, called jervic acid, and the coloring matter as veratramarin , a light-yellow, very 
 bitter, and deliquescent neutral principle, which is present in very minute quantity, so 
 that 60 pounds of the rhizome yielded a quantity insufficient for a thorough chemical 
 investigation. Veratramarin is easily soluble in water and alcohol, insoluble in ether, 
 benzene, chloroform, and petroleum benzin, and is precipitated from its solutions by lead 
 subacetate and tannin. 
 
 Jervic acid , CuHxoCba^iPO, is a white crystalline powder, has an acid taste, is insoluble 
 in benzene, carbon disulphide, chloroform, petroleum benzin, and amylic alcohol, is very 
 sparingly soluble in absolute alcohol and ether, and requires more than 100 parts of cold 
 water for solution. The acid is neither fusible nor sublimable ; its silver salt crystallizes 
 from the solution in hot water, is insoluble in dilute nitric acid, and is not altered on 
 exposure to light. 
 
 Dr. Jos. Waltl (1828) considered the rhizome, with the rootlets attached, to be more 
 active than the rhizome alone, and Schroff (1860) announced the rootlets to have a more 
 powerful action than the rhizome, and somewhat different from it. 
 
 Action and Uses. — When taken internally in poisonous doses it occasions soreness 
 of the mouth and swelling of the tongue, burning heat in the stomach, vomiting, anxiety, 
 tremor, vertigo, weakness of the limbs, aphonia, interrupted respiration, syncope, a feeble 
 pulse, convulsions, sinking, distortion of the eyes, dilated pupils, blindness, mental aber- 
 ration, prolonged insensibility, and cold sweating. Among these symptoms purging is 
 not mentioned, but it occurs under the prolonged use of the drug.. When death has 
 resulted directly from poisonous doses, signs of active gastro-intestinal inflammation and 
 congestion of the lungs have been found. In poisoning with recovery there have been 
 observed for several days debility, tremulousness, muscular twitching, and a sense of 
 constriction and distress in the prsecordial region. 
 
 White hellebore is now hardly used as an internal medicine. Externally, it has been 
 applied in decoction to destroy vermin in man and beast and for the relief of pruritus vul- 
 vse. It was formerly employed in the treatment of itch. Its irritant properties caused it 
 to be used as an errhine when diluted with starch or some other inert powder or with 
 snuff. In this way it is sometimes made use of to relieve the frontal headache which 
 occurs in certain cases of coryza. If it is administered internally, the commencing dose 
 should not exceed Gm. 0.06-0.12 (gr. j-ij). 
 
1692 
 
 VERATRUM VIRTUE. 
 
 VERATRUM VIRIDE, U . S .— V eratrum Viride. 
 
 Veratri viridis rhizoma ( radix ), Br. — American or Green veratrum ( hellebore ), Indian 
 poke, E. ; Veratre vert , Fr. ; Griiner Germer , G. ; Vedegambre verdo , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome and rootlets of Veratrum viride, Solander (Ver. album, var. viride, Baker , 
 Melanthium virens, Thunberg). Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 286. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Melanthaceae. 
 
 Origin. — Green veratrum grows in swampy places and on the borders of damp thick- 
 ets in Canada, and in the United States as far south as Georgia. It resembles the white 
 veratrum so closely that no important botanical difference between them can be ascer- 
 tained, and Asa Gray remarks that it is “much too near Veratrum album of Europe.” 
 It more especially resembles the green flowering variety Lobelianum, and Begel (1861) 
 regarded it as identical with a variety growing in Eastern Siberia. Its flowers are yel- 
 lowish-green and appear in June. The rhizome is collected in autumn. 
 
 Description. — The rhizome agrees in size, shape, color, taste, and structure so 
 closely with that of white veratrum that it is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish 
 the two drugs if they have been trimmed alike. The American veratrum is nearly always 
 dried with the rootlets attached, and these are from 10-25 Cm. (4 to 10 inches) long, 
 abou -1 2 Mm. ( T ^- inch) thick, much shrivelled, and of a light yellowish-brown color ; 
 those on the lower part of the rhizome, if present, are thinner and black. We have 
 occasionally found considerable portions of the leaf-stalks and stems present in the com- 
 mercial drug; these parts appear to be inert or nearly so, and should be rejected. 
 
 Constituents. — H. W. Worthington (1838) isolated an alkaloid from green vera- 
 trum which he regarded as identical with veratrine. The same conclusion was arrived 
 at by J. G. Bichardson (1857) and by G. J. Scattergood (1861). But Charles Bullock 
 (1865) proved that American veratrum contains two alkaloids, neither of which is identical 
 with veratrine. These alkaloids were subsequently named by Prof. G. B. Wood viridine 
 (insoluble in ether) and veratroidine (soluble in ether). E. Puegnet (1872) recognized 
 the so-called viridine as impure jervine , and C. L. Mitchell (1874) made the same obser- 
 vation. In the same year Mitchell characterized veratroidine as follows : It is a white 
 uncrystallizable powder of a bitter taste, leaving a tingling sensation in the fauces, vio- 
 lently sternutatory, and extremely irritating. It fuses near 130° C. (265° F.), is solu- 
 ble in alcohol, amylic alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, and when freshly pre- 
 cipitated slightly in petroleum benzin. It forms soluble salts with the acids, most of 
 which are uncrystallizable. Sulphuric acid colors it yellow, changing to dark-red. Boil- 
 ing hydrochloric and nitric acids color it yellow. Tobien’s (1877) elementary analysis 
 leads to the formula C 51 H 78 N 2 0 16 or to C 2 4H 37 N0 7 . He obtained both jervine and vera- 
 troidine also from the rhizome and the young leaves of Veratrum lobelianum, and found 
 in the dried rhizome of Veratrum album but little jervine and a larger quantity of vera- 
 troidine. C. A. Bobbins (1877) announced that he had isolated from American veratrum, 
 besides jervine, another crystallizable alkaloid, which is soluble in ether, and which pro- 
 duces with sulphuric acid and sugar a yellow color changing to blue, and with sulphuric 
 acid a yellow color quickly changing to a pink-red, and after several hours to indigo-blue ; 
 presence of jervine or of coloring matter prevents the appearance of the blue color. 
 Bullock (1879) obtained 0.66 per cent, of mixed alkaloids ; Wright and Luff (1879) only 
 0.08 per cent., that portion remaining with the resins probably escaping their notice. The 
 latter investigators consider over one-half of the alkaloids to be cevadine (see Veratrina), 
 one-fourth to be jervine, nearly one-fifth to he pseudojervine, and the remainder rubijervine, 
 while less than 0.0004 per cent, is regarded by them as veratrine , the presence of which, 
 besides jervine, in both the American and white veratrum was announced by Prof. Worm- 
 ley in 1876. Bullock, however, obtained fully two-thirds of the alkaloids as nitrate of 
 jervine, the remainder being Wright’s rubijervine, with probably some pseudojervine. 
 (See Veratrum Album.) 
 
 In the investigations recorded above no notice has been taken of the probable difference 
 in the composition of the rootlets and rhizome, as suggested by Prof. Schroff. The rhi- 
 zome of American, like that of the white veratrum, contains considerable resin, from which 
 the alkaloids are not easily purified. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The greater number of reports which have been published con- 
 cerning the medicinal uses of green veratrum are, unfortunately, not only deficient in the 
 details on which a judgment could securely rest, but exhibit great ignorance of the nat- 
 ural history of disease and of the relation of medicines to its cure. There are many 
 
VERA TR UM VIRIDE. 
 
 1693 
 
 reporters who attribute to this medicine equal curative virtues in asthenic and sthenic 
 diseases, in inflammations (pneumonia), and in fevers ( typhoid fever), and not a few who 
 extol its virtues when it forms only one of several active agents simultaneously admin- 
 istered to the patient. The only conclusion to be drawn from a critical study of the 
 mass of conflicting evidence respecting its use in the diseases referred to is, that the 
 patients would have been better off not only without its use, but also without that of the 
 medicines associated with it. The suggestion has been made that the effects of veratrum 
 viride and of depletion are so similar that the drug may serve as a substitute for that 
 operation ; upon which it may be remarked that the condemnation of venesection upon 
 scientific grounds has been so general and complete that to advocate a medicine on account 
 of its supposed analogy to depletion is not to recommend it. Nor should it be forgotten 
 that this identical reason was at one time urged in favor of substituting digitalis for 
 depletion. Now, veratrum viride and digitalis are physiological antagonists. But 
 venesection does much more than reduce the pulse-rate in inflammatory affections (and, 
 indeed, in comparison with green veratrum, its action is in this respect very insignificant) : 
 it takes away from the blood a portion of the solids which sustain the inflammatory pro- 
 cess, and supplies their place with water ; it also removes from the system a portion of 
 the effete matters produced by inflammation and which tend to convert the circulating 
 fluid into a poison. The artificial production of perspiration by veratrum or by any 
 other medicine does not accomplish this purpose. It may occasion a profuse discharge 
 of water, and so far may diminish the amount of liquid in the blood-vessels ; but there 
 is no reason to believe that it removes the “ materies morbi,” the “ peccant matter,” 
 associated with the disease materially and essentially. If it were really curative in this 
 manner, then jaborandi and pilocarpine ought to be the most efficient remedies for fevers 
 and inflammations ; which is not claimed in their behalf. The only plausible grounds for 
 its use in pneumonia are more theoretical than practical. What has been observed of its 
 effects in acute rheumatism is true of other febrile diseases. As expressed by Boulter 
 (St. Bartholomew' s Hosp. Rep., xv. 164), “ veratrum viride has little or no effect in 
 reducing the temperature in rheumatic fever ; the pains subside no more quickly (?) than 
 under other ordinary modes of treatment ; it has no power of warding off cardiac 
 complications ; and its only effect — which, however, only takes place in some cases — 
 is to depress the vascular system, as shown by the slowness and irregularity of the 
 heart’s action.” Cardiac sedatives, of which the medicine under consideration is 
 the type, tend to retain in the blood all that is injurious in it, and at the same time 
 reduce the patient to a state of such wretchedness that he is unable to take food, or to 
 digest it if he eats it, or even to find energy enough to cling to that last refuge of sufferers, 
 hope. 
 
 There is but one class of acute cases in which the utility of this medicine is presumable 
 — cases of imminent or commencing congestion or inflammation , in which the maintenance 
 of its sedative action on the heart for a short period would allow the conservative powers 
 of the system to operate within normal limits (tonsillitis, pleurisy, pneumonia). This 
 statement also applies to certain wounds which tend to dangerous results, like those of 
 the head, pericardium and heart, and peritoneum. The comparative immobility in which 
 the inflamed parts are maintained by the infrequent arterial movement may favor their 
 cure. In some cases of organic heart disease, as well as of nervous palpitation, including 
 exophthalmic goitre , this medicine is reported to have afforded great relief, probably by 
 allowing the heart sufficient rest for recovering its power (Bidl. et. Mem. Soc. ther., 1889, 
 p. 175). It would certainly be unsuited for the treatment of cardiac affections depending 
 upon absolute debility of the organ'. It has been used with apparent benefit in puerperal 
 mania , puerperal convulsions (Therap. Gaz ., xi. 675; Canadian Practitioner, March. 
 1885) , epileptiform convulsions, tetanus, chorea, and mania-a-potu. In a case of persistent 
 priapism affecting only the corpora cavernosa, and after failure to reduce it by means of 
 many medicines, including tartar emetic, belladonna, and potassium bromide, the penis 
 began to be relaxed as soon as veratrum viride had reduced the pulse to 50 (Walker, 
 Amer. Jour. Med. Sci ., Apr. 1877, p. 565). It will be observed that nearly all of the 
 acute affections in which the medicine has been most unequivocally useful were marked 
 by nervous, and not febrile, excitement ; in other words, they were amenable to it as a 
 sedative of the nervous and not of the circulatory system. Remarkable results have 
 been attributed to the sedative influence on the pulse-rate of veratrum viride in diph- 
 theria. But since in the series of cases which led to this judgment there were used, 
 besides green veratrum, applications of Monsel’s salt, internally potassium chlorate 
 and sublimed sulphur and calomel, and also external applications of “ kerosene oil 
 
1694 
 
 YERBASCUM. 
 
 or some other irritant” ( Med . Record , xxxiii. 627), the utility of white hellebore in 
 diphtheria cannot be considered as proven bj^ them, and analogy does not render it 
 probable. 
 
 Externally, the tincture is used as a discutient and anodyne. 
 
 The proper remedies in poisoning by this drug are diffusible stimulants, and especially 
 alcohol, which should be given by the rectum if the patient vomits. Its efficacy is shown 
 by the case of a physician who took an ounce of the tincture at one draught ; so com- 
 pletely did the alcohol counteract the green veratrum of the preparation that except 
 nausea, vomiting, and some dyspnoea no evil results followed (N. Amer. Med.-Chir. Rev., 
 ii. 930). Besides alcohol, ammonia may be administered, and sinapisms should be applied 
 over the heart, while stimulant (that is, small and repeated) doses of some liquid prepara- 
 tion of opium may be administered. During the treatment the patient’s head should be 
 kept as low as his body, or even lowfer. 
 
 Green veratrum may be administered in powder in the dose of Gm. 0.12 (gr. ij), but 
 the liquid preparations are more eligible. Of these the fluid extract and the tincture are 
 officinal ; the dose of the former is from Gm. 0.05-0.15 (1 to 3 minims), and of the 
 latter from Gm. 0.20-0.40 (4 to 8 minims). They should be given at intervals of about 
 three hours. Their tendency to cause vomiting may be prevented by the administration 
 of from 5 to 10 drops of deodorized laudanum ten or fifteen minutes before each dose. 
 As soon as the pulse begins to fall the dose should be diminished. Females and growing 
 persons ought not to take doses exceeding two-thirds of those mentioned, and for children 
 from one to five years old a sufficient quantity is Gm. 0.06 (gtt. j) of the tincture. 
 Gm. 0.60-1 (npx-xv) of tincture, largely diluted with water, have been administered 
 hypodermically. 
 
 VERBASCUM.— Mullein. 
 
 Bouillon-blanc, Molene , Fr. Cod. ; Wollhraut , Konigsherze, G. : Gordoloba, Sp. • 
 
 The leaves and flowers of Yerbascum Thapsus, Linne (V. Schraderi, G. Meyer), F. 
 Cod . ; the corolla of V. plilomoides, JAnne, and Y. thapsiforme, Schrader (Y. Thapsus, 
 G. Meyer), P. G. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Scrophulariaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The genus Yerbascum consists of tall, more or less woolly, biennial or per- 
 ennial herbs, with the flowers in dense spikes or paniculate racemes. The flowers have a 
 five-parted calyx, a wheel-shaped somewhat unequally five-lobed corolla, five more or less 
 woolly stamens, and a two-celled, two-valved, and many-seeded capsule. Three species 
 have been naturalized in North America — Yerb. Blattaria, Linne , Y. Lychnitis, Linne , 
 and Y. Thapsus, Linne — having the leaves respectively nearly smooth on both sides, 
 tomentose on the lower surface, and densely woolly on both sides. 
 
 Description. — Folia verbasci. The leaves are from 10-20 or 30 Cm. (4 to 8 or 
 12 inches) long, the upper ones sessile on the stem, and all decurrent. They vary in 
 shape between elliptic, oblong, and oval-lanceolate, are acute, more or less crenate on the 
 margin, and densely covered with soft whitish stellate hairs. The leaves are nearly in- 
 odorous and have an insipid, mucilaginous, faintly bitter taste. 
 
 Flores verbasci. The calyx is rejected, and only the corolla with the adhering sta- 
 mens is preserved. The wheel-shaped corolla is 25—38 Mm. (1 to 11 inches), broad, bright- 
 yellow, smooth above, and stellately tomentose beneath, has five obovate roundish lobes 
 about 15 Mm. (|- inch) long, and bears in the short tube the stamens, of which the three 
 upper ones have reniform anthers and the filaments covered with a white wool ; the two 
 lower stamens are longer and smooth and have elongated decurrent anthers. Y. Thapsus 
 has the corolla only about 12 Mm. (1 inch) broad, and the lower stamens with long fila- 
 ments. Y. Lychnitis and Y. Blattaria have the anthers reniform upon equal filaments, 
 which are white-woolly in the former and purple-woolly in the latter species. To 
 preserve their bright color the flowers should be thoroughly dried and kept in a dry 
 and well-stoppered bottle ; if permitted to become damp they acquire a blackish color. 
 The flowers have a slight, agreeable, honey-like odor and a mucilaginous and sweet 
 taste. 
 
 Constituents. — The leaves and flowers contain mucilage. Morin (1826) obtained 
 from the flowers a trace of yellowish volatile oil, a fatty substance, sugar, and coloring 
 matter which is insoluble in ether and cold water and yields in alcoholic solution a yellow 
 precipitate with lead acetate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The chief medicinal constituent of this plant is the mucilage 
 
VERONICA.— VIBURNUM OPULUS. 
 
 1695 
 
 furnished by its leaves, but its flowers contain an essential oil in small proportion, to 
 which the agreeable odor of the fresh plant and its slight stimulant qualities are due. 
 Fish are said to become stupefied by eating the seeds. The infusion of mullein is useful 
 in catarrhal affections of the respiratory organs , and in Ireland is in popular use to palli- 
 ate cough and diarrhoea. For this purpose it should be boiled with milk. It is much 
 used in the country mentioned to relieve the cough of phthisis. It is recommended in 
 irritations of the urinary bladder. It may be used in enema for dysentery. It is said, 
 but without sufficient evidence of the assertion, that it has cured intermittent fever. A 
 poultice made with the leaves boiled in milk is a convenient application to inflamed haem- 
 orrhoids. Olive oil saturated with mullein-flowers during prolonged exposure to the sun, 
 or kept near a fire for several days in a corked bottle, is a popular preparation in Ger- 
 many for bruises , frost-bite , and irritable piles. The infusion should be made of the fresh 
 leaves and flowers, if possible, in the proportion of Gm. 32 to Gm. 500 ( t ^j to Oj) of boil- 
 ing water. When cool it should be strained to free it from the irritating hairs which 
 cover the leaves. 
 
 VERONICA. — Speedwell. 
 
 Veronique male , Fr. ; Ehrenpreis , G. ; Veronica, Sp. 
 
 Veronica officinalis, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scrophulariacese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The common speedwell is distributed over a consider- 
 able portion of the northern hemisphere, and grows in grassy places and open woods. It 
 is a procumbent pubescent perennial with ascending branches and with opposite, short- 
 petiolate, obovate, or elliptic and coarsely crenate or serrate, grayish-green leaves, which 
 are about 25 Mm. (1 inch) long. The flowers are in one or two axillary racemes on the 
 upper part of the branches, are on short pedicels, and have a wheel-shaped four-parted 
 pale-bhie corolla with dark-blue stripes and two exserted stamens. The fruit is an 
 inversely heart-shaped, two-celled capsule. The fresh herb is faintly aromatic ; after dry- 
 ing it is inodorous and has a bitterish and slightly astringent taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Speedwell contains a little tannin and a bitter principle. 
 
 Allied Species. — Veronica Beccabunga, Linn€. — Brooklime, E. ; Beccabunga, Cressonee, 
 Fr. ; Bachbungen, G. — It grows in Europe and Asia near springs and in brooks, and has an 
 ascending smooth stem, with opposite, short petiolate, oval or oblong, crenate-serrate, obtuse, and 
 smooth leaves, about 38 Mm. (1^ inches) long, and with axillary loose racemes of pale-blue and 
 veined flowers. It is used in the fresh state (F. Cod.). 
 
 Ver. americana, Schweinitz, resembles the preceding, but has petiolate, ovate, acutish, and 
 often slightly heart-shaped leaves. 
 
 Brooklime is inodorous, and has a bitterish, somewhat saline, and slightly pungent taste. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Veronica is bitter, astringent, and slightly aromatic, in which 
 qualities it resembles hoarhound and several other plants which, like it, have been used 
 in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. Its decoction has been applied externally in 
 scabies , papular cutaneous eruptions , and ulcers , and given internally in urinary and calcu- 
 lous disorders. V. Beccabunga is regarded as antiscorbutic and diuretic, and is said to be 
 slightly stimulant and tonic. It has been employed in chronic affections of the skin, in 
 scrofula, and in scurvy, both internally and topically. It is reported that V. parviflora 
 ( Koroniko ), a New Zealand plant, is very efficient in the treatment of chronic dysentery 
 (Practitioner, xxix. 300). 
 
 VIBURNUM OPULUS, 77. S , — Viburnum Opulus (Cramp-bark). 
 
 Cranberry-tree bark, E. ; EcorCe diobier, Fr. ; Wasserholderrinde , G. 
 
 The bark of Viburnum opulus, Linni. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Caprifoliacese. 
 
 Origin. — This species is indigenous to Canada, Northern United States, Europe, and 
 ; Northern Asia. It is arborescent, growing to the height of 3 to 4.5 M. (10 to 15 feet), 
 and possesses three-lobed serrate leaves and white or yellowish-white flowers. The fruit 
 I is a bright-red, elliptic, one-seeded drupe, resembling the cranberry, and on account of 
 which similarity the tree is known as the cranberry tree. 
 
 Description. — The bark is found either in flattish or in curved bands or quills, 
 which are occasionally 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, the bark being from 1 to 1.5 Mm. (^ to 
 -jig- inch) in thickness. The outer surface is ash-gray or brownish-gray in color, with 
 scattered somewhat transversely elongated brownish warts, which are due to abrasion, and 
 
1696 
 
 VIBURNUM PR UNIFOLI UM. 
 
 more or less marked with blackish dots, and in a longitudinal direction with black irregu- 
 lar lines or thin ridges. Underneath the readily removable corky layer the bark is of a pale 
 brownish or reddish-brown color. On the inner surface the bark is of a dingy white or 
 brownish color. The bark is tough, and on breaking the tissue separates in layers. It 
 is odorless, and has a somewhat astringent and bitter taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Chevreul obtained from the berries a volatile acid which he found 
 to be identical with phocenic acid, obtained by him from the fat of the dolphin. Dumas 
 later found phocenic acid to be identical with valerianic acid. Kramer (1834) obtained 
 a volatile acid from the bark, which he found differed from valerianic acid, but L. von 
 Mono (1841) proved their identity. Kramer further found malic acid, an iron-bluing 
 tannin, and a bitter principle, viburnin. This in the pure state constituted a nearly white 
 powder, which was neutral, had a purely bitter taste, and was slightly soluble in water, 
 more freely in alcohol, and on incineration left little ash. 
 
 VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM, U. S.— Black Haw. 
 
 The bark of Viburnum prunifolium, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Caprifoliacese. 
 
 Origin. — The black haw is a tall shrub or small tree from 3-6 M. (10 to 20 feet) high, 
 and grows in thickets throughout the greater portion of the United States east of the Mis- 
 sissippi. Its leaves are opposite, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, shining, oval, or obovate, 
 sharply serrulate, and have short slightly margined petioles. The small white pentam- 
 erous flowers are in terminal cymes, have a wheel-shaped corolla, and produce small blue- 
 black edible drupes containing a flattish, smooth putamen. The bark is employed in 
 medicine. 
 
 Description. — Black-haw bark is in thin quills, and has externally a somewhat 
 glossy purplish-brown, and when older a grayish-brown, color. The surface is marked 
 with scattered small roundish or transversely elongated warts, and often with minute 
 black dots. The thin, papery, corky layer is easily removed from the green outer bark. 
 The inner bark is white and the inner surface smooth. The bark breaks with a short 
 smooth fracture, is without odor, and has a slightly astringent and distinctly bitter taste. 
 
 Allied Species. — Viburnum obovatum, Walter , grows in the Southern United States, and is a 
 shrub about 2.4 M. (8 feet) high ; it is known as black haw. The leaves are 12-25 Mm. to 1 
 inch) long, rather leathery, broadly obovate or spatulate, narrowed into a short petiole, slightly 
 revolute on the margin, either entire or crenate near the apex, and on the lower surface marked 
 with minute brownish dots. The cymes are small and three-rayed, the flowers white, and the fruit 
 black and ovoid-oblong. The leaves are inodorous and have a bitter taste, which is more per- 
 sistent than that of the brown or reddish-gray bark. 
 
 Viburnum lantana, Linne , is a European shrub with ovate or oval, slightly heart-shaped, 
 acutely serrate leaves, and with red, finally black, mealy drupes of a mucilaginous and sweet 
 taste. The inner bark is acrid. 
 
 Constituents. — Bnz (1863) found in the fruit of V. lantana a hygroscopic, neutral, 
 bitter principle readily soluble in water ; also valerianic, acetic, tartaric, and tannic acids. 
 II. Van Allen examined black-haw bark, and obtained valerianic acid, viburnin, a resin- 
 ous body of a very bitter taste containing sugar, tannin (greenish-black with ferric salts), 
 and oxalic, citric, and malic acids. The air-dry bark contained 7 per cent, of moisture 
 and yielded 8.3 per cent, of ash, consisting mostly of earthy carbonates and phosphates. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Nothing definite appears to be known respecting the mode of 
 action of either officinal species. Incongruous qualities are assigned to them, such as to 
 be at once nervine, astringent, diuretic, and tonic. According- to Payne’s experiments. I', 
 prunifolium “ paralyzes the centres of voluntary motion and the reflex functions of the 
 spinal cord” ( Med . News, lx. 371). The only definite medicinal operation attributed to 
 it does not involve any of these operations — viz. a power of preventing abortion , particu- 
 larly when attempted by the use of cotton-root. A case intended to illustrate such virtue 
 in the drug has been published ( Therapeutic Gaz., Nov. 1882), but as the patient also took 
 enormous doses of morphine, as well as potassium bromide, it is impossible to believe 
 that the viburnum had any share in the result. Many cases relied on to demonstrate the 
 virtues of the medicine are equally inconclusive, but others appear to sustain the popular 
 estimate of them (Metcalf, Ther. Gaz., Nov. 1882 ; Wilson, British Med. Jour., Apr. 3, 1886; 
 Campbell, ibid., Feb. 27, 1886; Roberts, ibid., Nov. 26, 1887 ; Auvard ; Schatz, Thera]). 
 Gaz., xu. 106, 628; ibid. , xiii. 43, 385; Payne, Med. News, lx. 371), while still others do 
 not furnish the grounds for a positive judgment. At a meeting of the Materia Medica 
 Society of New York (1883) the value of V. prunifolium was discussed, and no conclusive 
 
VINA MEDIC A TA . — VIN UM ALBUM. 
 
 1697 
 
 evidence of its alleged virtues was adduced. On the same occasion the use of V. opulus 
 was urgently advocated as a very efficient antispasmodic in asthma, hysteria, puerperal 
 and other convulsions, and as “ a powerful uterine sedative ” ( Med . Record ', xxiii. 188). 
 In 1876, Leonard described this species as “ a uterine sedative, and often a remedy for 
 neuralgic dysmenorrhcea and for the commonly associated spinal irritation. Indeed, it 
 has been credited with increasing, and also with diminishing, the menstrual flow. Vibur- 
 num has been administered in the form of an infusion or a decoction made with Gm. 32 
 in Gm. 500 (§j in Oj) of water, and in doses of Gm. 32—64 (1 or 2 ounces), repeated 
 every two or three hours. The officinal fluid extract may he prescribed in doses of Gm. 
 2.00-8 (f^ss-ij), or the solid extract in gelatin-coated pills of 4 grains, of which from 
 one to three may be given at a dose. 
 
 VINA MEDICATA.— Medicated Wines. 
 
 Vins medicinaux , CEnoles , Fr. ; Medicinische Weine, G. 
 
 Medicated wines are preparations analogous to tinctures, but differ from them in the 
 menstruum, which contains a much smaller and a somewhat variable quantity of alcohol 
 and a certain proportion of extractive matter and acid potassium tartrate. The men- 
 struum directed for the medicated wines is either dry white wine ( F '. Cod.,P. 6r.), a mix- 
 ture of white wine and alcohol (£7! JS., F. Cod . ), sherry wine ( Br ., F. G .), or red, Lunel, 
 Grenache, Malaga, and other wines ( F \ Cod.). Since even the strongly alcoholic official 
 wines cannot be kept unaltered for an indefinite period if exposed to the air, the medi- 
 cated wines, which necessarily contain various principles subject to gradual decomposition, 
 should he kept in well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia has discontinued the formula for stronger white wine , which, accord- 
 ing to the U. S. P. 1880, was prepared by mixing 1 part (by weight) of alcohol with 7 
 parts (by weight) of white wine, and instead now directs a specified quantity of alcohol 
 in each formula where fortification of the wine is desired. 
 
 The following medicated wines made with white wine are not mentioned elsewhere : 
 
 Vinum condurango, P. G. ; Wine of condurango, E. ; Condurangowein, G . — Macerate 
 1 part of finely-cut condurango-bark with 10 parts of sherry wine for eight days, with 
 frequent agitation ; express and filter. 
 
 Vinum fraxin^: Americans, N. F. ; Wine of white ash. — Macerate 8 troyounces 
 of white-ash bark, in No. 40 powder, with 16 fluidounces of stronger white wine for three 
 days, pack in a percolator, and pour on stronger white wine until 16 fluidounces of per- 
 colate are obtained. 
 
 Vinum picis, JN. F. ; Wine of tar. — Wash 1? troyounces of tar thoroughly with 4 
 ounces of cold water by trituration, and pour the water away. Mix the remaining tar 
 with 2 troyounces of moderately fine pumice, and add 16 fluidounces of stronger white 
 wine ; stir frequently during four hours, filter through a well-wetted filter, and pass 
 enough stronger white wine through the filter to bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 VINUM ALBUM, U. S.— White Wine. 
 
 Vinum generosum album . — Vin blanc , Fr. ; Weisswein , G. ; Vino bianco , Sp. 
 
 An alcoholic liquid made by fermenting the unmodified juice of the fresh fruit of Vitis 
 vinifera, Linne (nat. ord. Vitac-eae), freed from seeds, stems, and skins. When white wine 
 is prescribed without further specification, it is recommended that dry white wine of 
 domestic production (such as California Riesling, Ohio Catawba, etc.) be employed. White 
 wine should be preserved in well-closed, full casks or in well-stoppered bottles in a cool 
 place. — U. S. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Vitaceae. 
 
 Origin. — American wines are mostly obtained from the fruit of cultivated varieties 
 of Vitis Labrusca, Linne , and more particularly from Catawba, Concord, and Isabella 
 grapes. The Clinton grape is a variety of V. aestivalis, Michaux ; the Delaware grape is 
 derived from V. cordifolia or V. riparia, Michaux ; and the Scuppernong grape from V. 
 vulpini, Linne. The European grape was introduced into California at an early period, 
 and large quantities of wine are now manufactured from the different varieties. All 
 European wines are prepared from the fruit of Vitis vinifera, Linne (see Uv^e), which is 
 a native of Western Asia and has been cultivated for many centuries ; it is not unlikely 
 107 
 
1698 
 
 V1NUM ALBUM . 
 
 that this species originated from two or three different plants, supposed by some botanists 
 to be indigenous to India, and by others to be still found in the wild state in Eastern 
 countries and in Southern and Central Europe. 
 
 Manufacture Of Wine. — In addition to the constituents of grapes enumerated 
 under Uvje, vegetable albumen, glutinous matter, pectin, and various extractive matters 
 are found in the juice of grapes, and occasionally racemic acid, either in the free state 
 or partly combined with bases. Besides tartrates, the saline constituents are potas- 
 sium sulphate, sodium chloride, calcium phosphate, magnesia, alumina, and silica. The 
 relative amount of these principles varies considerably, depending on the nature of the 
 soil and on atmospheric conditions during the growth and ripening of the fruit, when the 
 free acid is gradually diminished and the sugar considerably augmented in quantity. The 
 sugar varies in amount between 12 and 30 per cent., the larger quantity being produced 
 in warm climates. It is obvious from this that the treatment of the grape-juice for the 
 production of wine must vary under different circumstances and in different countries. 
 The grapes are crushed and the juice fermented in the presence of the husks, or the 
 juice, called must , is fermented by itself, in which case a light-colored wine is obtained. 
 Red wines are made by fermenting with husks and seeds, called the marc , of red or purple 
 grapes. In a short time after the must has been pressed, fermentation commences, and 
 continues for two or three weeks, when the liquid becomes somewhat clear, and is removed 
 from the precipitate into another vessel, where a slow fermentation, called the after-fermen- 
 tation, proceeds for several weeks or months, requiring the occasional removal of the liquid 
 from the sediment formed, until it is fit to be transferred into casks, where it is allowed 
 to “ ripen.” The best wines are usually bottled some time after they have become per- 
 fectly clear, the complete clarification being effected by gelatin, which, in combining with 
 the tannin present, forms an insoluble compound, carrying down with it all traces of 
 yeast and other matters held in suspension. The “bouquet” of wine is much improved 
 after bottling, and red wines, which do not contain a large amount of tannin, become 
 darker, while wines rich in tannin form a deposit in the bottle and become lighter in 
 color. 
 
 The conditions under which fermentation takes place, and the results, are explained on 
 page 147. In the presence of the numerous constituents of grapes odorous principles are 
 generated during fermentation, to which wines owe their peculiar aroma or bouquet. If 
 the must contains a moderate quantity of sugar, this is entirely or nearly decomposed 
 into alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in a dry wine. But in a strongly saccharine 
 must fermentation ceases before the sugar is completely consumed, and the product is a 
 sweet wine (vin de liqueur, Fr.f In some cases the amount of sugar in the juice is 
 increased by exposing the cut ripe grapes for some time to the sun until a portion of the 
 water has evaporated, or by concentrating a portion of the juice before fermentation. As 
 the alcohol increases during the fermentation of the must, the acid potassium tartrate 
 becomes less soluble and is gradually deposited, the deposition continuing for some time 
 after the storing of the wine in casks. 
 
 If wine is bottled before it has undergone the after-fermentation, a sparkling wine will 
 be obtained. The fermentation will slowly proceed in the bottle, which is placed upside 
 down, so that the precipitate which forms may settle in the neck, and may be finally 
 withdrawn by carefully removing the stopper and quickly replacing it. The efferves- 
 cence of sparkling wines is produced by the carbon dioxide confined in the bottle. 
 
 Improving. — This term is used to include all those manipulations designed to pre- 
 serve wine or render it more pleasing in appearance and taste by the addition of alcohol, 
 glycerin, coloring matter, sugar, and other substances. In many cases so-called “improv- 
 ing ” must be considered to be merely adulteration ; but from the natural variation of the 
 composition of grape-juice it is sometimes desirable to correct an excess or deficiency of 
 one or more constituents, and for this purpose the following processes have been sug- 
 gested : 
 
 1. Gypsum is largely employed in some parts of Europe as an addition to the must, 
 for the purpose of hastening the clarification of wine, which then contains potassium sul- 
 phate in the place of bitartrate. 
 
 2. Chaptal (1800) proposed the removal of excessive acidity by marble and the addi- 
 tion of sugar to the must. 
 
 3. Gall proposed to correct excessive acidity by the addition to the must of sugar and 
 water, whereby, evidently, an acid grape-juice is made to yield a correspondingly larger 
 amount of wine. 
 
 4. Petiot (1859) suggested the utilization of the marc left on expressing the must, by 
 
VINUM ALBUM. 
 
 1699 
 
 fermenting with it a solution of sugar, the product being either sold as wine or mixed 
 with other wines. 
 
 5. Liebig (1848) suggested the removal of free acid by the addition of a concentrated 
 solution of potassium tartrate in such proportion as to form bitartrate, which will be 
 deposited from the wine. 
 
 6. To render weak wines stronger without foreign additions, Melsens (1873) intro- 
 duced the freezing process, whereby a portion of the water is removed in the form of 
 ice. 
 
 7. Pasteur's method consists in the heating of wine to from 50° to 65° C. (122°-149° 
 F.), air being excluded, for the purpose of destroying fungoid germs and rendering the 
 wine more permanent. 
 
 Properties. — As a class, white wines are distinguished from red wines by the 
 absence of red coloring matter and of notable quantities of tannin, though minute pro- 
 portions of this compound are usually present. They are never colorless, but vary in 
 shade between pale-yellow and deep-amber color. 
 
 Sherry ivine (Vinum Xericum, Br. ; V. Xerense, P. G. 1872) has a rather deep- 
 amber color, an agreeable vinous odor, and a warm and very slightly acid taste. 
 We found (1886) its specific gravity to range between 0.978 and 0.995, and its average 
 alcoholic strength to be 20.34 volumetric per cent. ; the sugar and extractive averaged 
 3.27 (highest 5.3) per cent, in 67 samples examined. Similar wines are produced in 
 various parts of Spain, Portugal, the Canaries, and Madeira, several of which are met 
 with in our commerce. Lisbon wine has a density of about 0.990, and contains 19 or 20 
 per cent, of alcohol. Tenerijfe wine closely resembles the preceding in properties. A 
 stronger wine is Madeira wine , which usually contains between 19 and 22 per cent, of 
 alcohol ; it has a different somewhat nutty flavor. 
 
 Wines of similar strength in alcohol are also made in Italy ( Marsala ), Greece (vino 
 santo), and the Cape Colony ( Constantia ). Southern France produces wines containing 
 14 to 16 per cent, of alcohol, of which those of Lunel and Grenache are ordered by the 
 Codex. Burgundy wines are of about the same strength. Very sweet wines, rich in 
 alcohol, are, among others, Tokay (Hungary), La.chrymse Christi (Italy), and Malaga 
 (Spain). 
 
 The white Rhenish wines are known here as hock (from Hochheimer). They have a 
 more acidulous taste than the preceding wines, from the presence of acid potassium 
 tartrate and the nearly total absence of sugar. They are of a pale-yellow color, and 
 usually contain between 8 and 10 per cent, of alcohol. Moselle wine is nearly of the same 
 strength. The French wines, both white and red, are required to contain about 10 per 
 cent, of alcohol (F. Cod.'). 
 
 The white wines of the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys and the California wines resemble 
 the wines of Central and Southern Europe in appearance, flavor, and alcoholic strength ; 
 the weaker varieties of the latter, which are known as California hock , have not the fine 
 bouquet of the better qualities of Rhenish wines, but the quality of American wines has 
 considerably improved of late years. 
 
 The sparkling champagne wines contain between 10 and 12 per cent, of alcohol. 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituents of all wines are water and alcohol. The 
 amount of the latter present in different wines has been given above. The acidulous 
 taste of wine is due to acid potassium tartrate , and small quantities of acetic acid are 
 met with in old wines, resulting from the spontaneous oxidation of alcohol. A somewhat 
 larger proportion of acetic acid is usually present in the wine of the Eastern section of 
 the United States. The amount of sugar varies considerably : while the weaker dry 
 wines contain none or but very little, it is found in sherry to the extent of from 1 to 5 
 per cent., increases in champagne sometimes to 5 or 6 per cent., in port wine to 6 or 7 
 per cent., and in the sweet wines, like Malmsey Madeira , to 11 or 15 per cent, or more. 
 The “body’ of wine has been ascribed by Faure to a principle which he named cenan- 
 thin , and which is probably of the nature of gum or dextrin. Tannin seems to be pres- 
 ent in all wines — in minute proportion in the white, and in larger proportion in the red 
 wines. The coloring matter of wine varies for causes stated above ; the color of red grapes 
 is not soluble in water, but is extracted during fermentation as the alcohol increases. 
 The aroma of wine is doubtless due to the presence of various compound ethers formed 
 in the juice while fermenting. These exist in very minute quantities, and have for this 
 reason not been accurately examined ; but the following have been stated to contribute 
 to the aromatic odor of wine : acetic, butyric, caprylic, caproic, oenanthic, pelargonic, 
 capric, and propionic ethers, besides aldehyde, acetal, and probably other compounds. 
 
1700 
 
 VINU31 ALBUM. 
 
 The inorganic constituents of wine are the same as those of grape-juice, except that cal- 
 cium tartrate and the greater portion of acid potassium tartrate have been deposited ; 
 the ash varies between about .1 and .5 per cent. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia not only permits, but evidently encourages, the use of native 
 wines, provided they be pure and contain between 10 and 14 per cent, by weight of abso- 
 lute alcohol. From causes explained before, the composition of wines made from the 
 same variety of grape grown in different localities, or from different vintages in the same 
 locality, must be expected to vary to some extent ; every quantitative analysis of wine, 
 therefore, refers only to the sample examined. A large number of American wines have 
 been analyzed by Prof. H. B. Parsons, which, classified in principal groups, show the 
 following results for 100 parts of white wines : 
 
 
 51 Dry Wines. 
 
 7 Sherry Wines. 
 
 22 Sweet Catawba, 
 Angelica, etc. 
 
 15 Sparkling Wines. 
 
 hC 
 
 c3 
 
 < 
 
 Highest. 
 
 Lowest. 
 
 Average. 
 
 oq 
 
 <D 
 
 A 
 
 be 
 
 S 
 
 Lowest. 
 
 Average. 
 
 Highest. 
 
 <5 
 
 £ 
 
 o 
 
 ►4 
 
 Average. 
 
 Highest. 
 
 Lowest. 
 
 1 
 
 Specific gravity . . 
 
 .9926 
 
 1.0105 
 
 .9845 
 
 .9974 
 
 1.0074 
 
 .9873 
 
 1.0318 
 
 1.0515 
 
 .9948 
 
 1.0255 
 
 1.0402 
 
 1.0174 
 
 Alcohol, per cent., 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 weight ... 
 
 9.35 
 
 13.94 
 
 7.03 
 
 15.47 
 
 20.09 
 
 12.84 
 
 11.46 
 
 17.33 
 
 8.48 
 
 8.28 
 
 10.02 
 
 6.24 
 
 Alcohol, per cent., 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 volume .... 
 
 11.70 
 
 17.37 
 
 8.80 
 
 19.43 
 
 25.17 
 
 16.15 
 
 14.85 
 
 22.46 
 
 10.82 
 
 10.64 
 
 12.96 
 
 8.01 
 
 Total residue . . 
 
 1.75 
 
 2.64 
 
 1.18 
 
 4.84 
 
 6.83 
 
 1.95 
 
 12.67 
 
 18.04 
 
 3.39 
 
 9.74 
 
 13.31 
 
 7.78 
 
 Total ash .... 
 
 ; .181 
 
 .335 
 
 .090 
 
 .270 
 
 .479 
 
 .166 
 
 .171 
 
 .371 
 
 .101 
 
 .130 
 
 .164 
 
 .102 
 
 Glucose 
 
 trace. 
 
 .300 
 
 none. 
 
 2.86 
 
 4.84 
 
 .61 
 
 10.57 
 
 16.94 
 
 ! 1.31 
 
 8.28 
 
 12.02 
 
 6.60 
 
 Total acid, as tar- 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 taric 
 
 .680 
 
 .855 
 
 .422 
 
 .616 
 
 .721 
 
 .476 
 
 .546 
 
 .925 
 
 .331 
 
 .725 
 
 .885 
 
 .501 
 
 Fixed acid, as tar- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 taric 
 
 .313 
 
 
 .121 
 
 .277 
 
 .418 
 
 .209 
 
 .313 
 
 .465 
 
 .234 
 
 .425 
 
 .626 
 
 .322 
 
 Volatile acid, as! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 acetic 
 
 .294 
 
 .508 
 
 .068 
 
 .263 
 
 .380 
 
 .164 
 
 .208 
 
 .463 
 
 .046 
 
 .252 
 
 .472 
 
 .119 
 
 One sweet wine (Muscatel) contained 25.37 per cent, of glucose and 31.34 per cent, of 
 total residue. 
 
 Changes. — Like other weak alcoholic liquids, wine is apt to undergo acetic fermenta- 
 tion, which is prevented by excluding atmospheric oxygen. Mucous fermentation 
 causes wine to become ropy ; white wines are subject to this change more than red wines, 
 caused by the presence of insufficient tannin in the must for precipitating all the albu- 
 minoids. Some wines, like Burgundy, are liable to acquire a bitter taste, and occasionally 
 wine becomes mouldy. Scrupulous cleanliness of the vessels in which wine is kept and 
 exclusion of air will prevent most of these changes. 
 
 Tests. — With the exception of the U. S. P., none of the pharmacopoeias give any 
 tests for determining the quality of wine, which is directed to be ascertained as follows : 
 “ White wine should have a full, fruity, agreeable (and red wine a moderately astringent) 
 taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity, and it should have a pleasant odor, free 
 from yeastiness. Its sp. gr. at 15.6° C. (60° F.) should not be less than 0.990 (red 
 wine 0.989) nor more than 1.010. If 10 Cc. of white wine be diluted with an equal 
 volume of distilled water and treated with 5 drops of test-solution of ferric chloride, 
 only a faint, greenish-brown color should make its appearance (absence of more than 
 traces of tannic acid) (with red wine the liquid should acquire a brownish-green color, 
 due to tannic acid). Upon evaporation and twelve hours’ drying on the water-bath it 
 should leave a residue of not less than 1.5 per cent, nor more than 3.0 per cent, (red 
 wine between 1.8 and 3.5 per cent.). Using phenolphtalein test-solution as an indicator, 
 50 Cc. of white wine should require for complete neutralization not less than 3 nor more 
 than 5.2 Cc. of the normal volumetric solution of potassium hydroxide (limit of free 
 acid). Tested by the following method, white (and red) wine should contain not less 
 than 10 per cent, nor more than 14 per cent., by weight (equivalent to 12.4 to 17.3 per 
 cent, by volume), of absolute alcohol : Take the specific gravity (to four decimals) of 
 a sufficient portion of the white wine at the temperature of 15.6° C. (60° F.), evaporate 
 the wine in a tared capsule to one-third of its original weight, cool, and add water until 
 the liquid measures its original volume at 15.6° C. (60° F.) ; then take the specific 
 gravity (to four decimals) again. The difference between the two specific gravities, 
 deducted from 1.0000, corresponds to the specific gravity of an alcohol containing the 
 same percentage of absolute alcohol, by weight or volume, as the wine under examina- 
 
V1NVM ALBUM. 
 
 1701 
 
 tion, the corresponding percentage being ascertained by referring to the alcoholometric 
 tables*. — U. S. 
 
 Aside from the coloring matter, the requirements and tests of the Pharmacopoeia are 
 alike for white and red wine, with slight modifications for the latter, as indicated above. 
 Wines from fruit other than the grape, and artificial or sophisticated wines, may corre- 
 spond closely with the above requirements. For the detection of such the following brief 
 summary from the observations of Prof. Nessler will be useful : By far the largest num- 
 ber of dry grape-wines contain between 1.6 and 2.2 per cent, of solid matter ; this is con- 
 veniently estimated by evaporating the alcohol and diluting the residue with water to the 
 original volume, when the liquid should have the specific gravity 1.007 or 1.008, and 
 should not be less than 1.005. Grape-wines contain no citric acid and little or no free 
 tartaric acid. The latter is best detected by agitating the wine with powdered potassium 
 bitartrate until saturated, and adding to the filtrate potassium acetate, when in the pres- 
 ence of free tartaric acid a precipitate will be produced. Most pure wines yield a pre- 
 cipitate with tartaric acid, proving the presence of potassium salts other than bitartrate. 
 To detect citric acid add to the wine an excess of lime, filter, acidulate with acetic acid, 
 add excess of barium chloride, filter from the barium sulphate, and add excess of ammo- 
 nia, when barium citrate will be precipitated. For the detection of free sulphuric acid 
 strips of filtering-paper about 30 Cm. (12 inches) long are suspended in such a manner 
 that the lower end dips into the wine, which is gradually absorbed and evaporates from 
 the upper part, where the extractive matters and sulphuric acid become more concen- 
 trated ; after twenty-four hours the paper is carefully dried, and then heated to 100° C. 
 (212° F.), when the portion charged with extractive becomes brown or black and fre- 
 quently brittle from the free sulphuric acid, the reaction being more delicate in the pres- 
 ence of 0.1 or 0.2 per cent, of sugar. The brown-yellow coloring matter of wine con- 
 taining a little tannin is precipitated on agitation with egg albumen, while the color 
 produced by caramel is not altered. 
 
 Winckler stated that cider and other fruit-wines contain lactic acid and calcium lactate, 
 which are not found in grape-wine. Tuchschmid (1870) found the amount of calcium 
 carbonate obtainable in the ashes of grape-wine never to exceed 0.049 per cent., while 
 other fruit- wines yield between 0.11 and 0.40 per cent, of the same salt. The amount 
 of sulphates in wine varies in most cases, so as to represent between .01 and .03 per cent, 
 of sulphuric acid; Nessler found occasionally .11 per cent. Wines treated with gypsum 
 contain a larger quantity. 
 
 The determination of alcohol is usually effected by one of the two following methods : 
 A definite quantity of wine is distilled by means of a water-bath until one-half of the 
 liquid has passed over ; the distillate is diluted with distilled water to the original volume 
 or weight of the wine, when its specific gravity indicates the alcoholic strength ; or, the 
 residue in the still is diluted with water to the original volume or weight of the wine ; its 
 specific gravity is now ascertained, and from this figure is deducted the specific gravity 
 of the wine; the difference, representing the solid constituents, is deducted from 1.000 
 (density of water), and the figure thus obtained gives the density of the alcohol present. 
 The method adopted by the Pharmacopoeia is a modification of the last one described, 
 and was suggested by Prof. Parsons. A number of instruments have been constructed 
 by means of which the alcoholic strength may be determined either from the pressure or 
 the heat of the vapors of the boiling liquid ; volatile acids, if present, must be previously 
 neutralized. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Wine, including all forms of genuine wine, is essentially a 
 stimulant of the nervous and circulatory systems, but its mode of stimulation is unlike 
 that of mere alcohol. In due proportion it gives to all the faculties increased activity 
 and freedom of action, quickening and brightening the intellect and the imagination, 
 warming the feelings, invigorating the digestive powers, and diffusing a cordial satis- 
 faction throughout the whole being. Distilled spirits, on the other hand, tend to 
 benumb the faculties even while stimulating them, so that they seem to be struggling 
 under a brute force; the exhilaration they produce is usually fierce or maudlin, and 
 they leave behind them a dull and inert dejection. (See Alcohol.) As already stated, 
 the peculiar effects of wine are due to the salts, acids, sugar, and, above all, the ethe- 
 real elements, in which it abounds, and which, while they tend to mitigate the anaesthe- 
 sia produced by the alcohol of the liquid, ensure a more rapid discharge of this sub- 
 stance from the system. The white wines, as a class, are distinguished by the rapidity 
 with which they exhilarate and intoxicate, as well as by the relatively transient cha- 
 racter of the excitement they produce, and by their marked diuretic action. Most of 
 
1702 
 
 VINUM ALBUM. 
 
 the red wines, and especially port wine, contain a portion of tannin, which retards their 
 absorption, and therefore lessens their immediate stimulant effects. They are, on the 
 other hand, more or less tonic, and hence become well adapted to the convalescent 
 stages of acute disease and to states of chronic debility. (See Yinum Rubrum.) 
 The effects of wine in excessive doses resemble more nearly those produced by dis- 
 tilled spirits, yet even then they are less extreme and debasing. Its habitual use is 
 conducive to the health of those who drink it in moderation, and is the best corrective 
 of the brutality and preventive of the crime which everywhere attend the consumption 
 of ardent spirits. The very quantity of it required to produce intoxication tends to 
 limit the mischiefs of its inordinate use ; and even when “ the sweet poison of the misused 
 wine ” is indulged in beyond measure, its mischievous influence upon the health is less 
 than that of alcohol, for, while the latter tends directly to occasion fatal disease of the 
 liver, heart, and kidneys, the intemperate use of wine is more apt to engender gout, 
 gravel, and nervous affections. Even these results are rarely attributable to some of the 
 wines which are most largely used, as the Rhenish, Austrian, Hungarian, Bordeaux, and 
 most Italian wines, both white and red. 
 
 Wine is employed in the treatment of the same form of diseases for which distilled 
 alcohol is appropriate, but, according to general usage, in the less grave forms, and for 
 women, children, and old persons rather than for adult men. The clearest indication for 
 its use is furnished by adynamic fevers, and most of all typhus fever , a disease in which 
 enormous quantities of wine have sometimes been administered with the most salutary 
 results. In a less degree it is useful in typhoid fever and in all febrile affections which 
 assume the typhoid stale , provided that symptoms of the following character are present : 
 viz. prostration, wandering, delirium, petechiae, stupor, and brown tongue ; feebleness, 
 irregularity, dicrotism or softness of the pulse ; and particularly feebleness or absence of 
 the first sound of the heart. When delirium, unconsciousness, and dryness of the 
 tongue have been succeeded by a state of exhaustion, languor, and debility, with imper- 
 fect sleep and anorexia, the cordial operation of wine is a precious help toward the cure. 
 And under these circumstances sparkling wines are often more acceptable to the stomach 
 than others. But it is as true of wine as of distilled spirits, that the necessity for it is 
 often more apparent than real, and that a premature and excessive use of it renders the 
 patient insensible to its operation when it has become essential to his recovery. We have 
 never had such good reason to be pleased with the results of treatment in typhoid fever 
 as when in a large hospital service the use of alcohol in this disease was almost wholly 
 omitted. 
 
 During convalescence from many diseases wine taken with food is often a potent aid to 
 recovery, and it is often also of essential utility in chronic affections which waste the 
 strength by profuse discharges or by pain or by inducing an anaemic condition. In all 
 of these cases red wines are more efficacious than white. The latter, however, and in 
 general the more stimulating wines, are best adapted to cases in which a speedy but trans- 
 ient influence is intended, as where syncope is imminent or the patient is reviving from 
 it after powerful nervous shocks, exhausting fatigue of body or mind, severe pain, 
 haemorrhage, etc., and in cases of debility of the heart arising from structural altera- 
 tions in it. In the milder forms of delirium tremens, especially as they occur in females, 
 and notably in those of the better classes, wine is greatly to be preferred to distilled 
 spirits. In some minor spasmodic affections, as the vomiting of pregnancy or of sea-sick- 
 ness, the sparkling wines are often of great service. Infantile reflex convulsions may fre- 
 quently be prevented or mitigated by a timely dose of wine administered by the rectum 
 or the mouth. It is equally efficient in all other affections in which danger arises from 
 debility and its immediate consequences, and among them capillary bronchitis may be par- 
 ticularly noted. Tetanus has been successfully treated by wine, and the depressing action 
 of tobacco and other sedatives of the heart and nervous system may be counteracted by 
 its means. 
 
 It seems superfluous to say a word of the special virtues of sherry wine, since it is 
 almost impossible to procure any of it which is pure and presents that peculiar “ nutty ” 
 flavor, and that “ dryness,” or slight acidity, which at one time were characteristic of it, 
 and which rendered it a valuable cordial in exhaustion of the nervous system and of the 
 heart and a wholesome aid to feeble digestion. In England, where, more than elsewhere, 
 it was generally used by the richer classes, it was regarded as especially appropriate for 
 dyspeptic, gouty, and rheumatic invalids. At present those who prescribe “ sherry wine 
 should know that there is seldom any wine in the liquid at all, but that it consists usually 
 of alcohol, water, and flavoring ingredients. It is far better to use medicinally whiskey 
 
VINXJM ALOES.— VINUM ANTIMONII. 
 
 1703 
 
 made from wheat or rye, which there is less temptation for the dishonest dealer to adul- 
 terate, than the mischievous compounds sold under the name of sherry. Sherry is less 
 astringent, and, according to some analyses, slightly less, and according to others slightly 
 more, alcoholic than port. Commercial sherry wine is less suited than pure wine for 
 making wine wliey, which is prepared by adding the wine to milk at the boiling tempera- 
 ture, in the proportion of from 2 to 8 fluidounces of the former to a pint of the latter, 
 straining off the whey and sweetening it. It is a mild and slightly nutritious stimulant 
 much used in cases of debility from exhaustion and in the typhoid state. Wine diluted 
 with water may be given by enema with scarcely less advantage than by the stomach. 
 (For a fuller description and history of wines the reader is referred to Stille, Thera- 
 peutics, 4th ed., ii. 710.) 
 
 VINUM ALOES, Br .— Wine of Aloes. 
 
 Vinum aloeticum . — Vin ( (Enole ) aloetique, Fr. ; Aloewein, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Socotrine aloes 11 oz. av. ; cardamom-seeds, freed from the pericarps 
 and bruised, ginger, in coarse powder, each 80 grains ; sherry, sufficient to make 2 pints. 
 — Br. Purified Aloes 6 parts ; Cardamom 1 part ; Ginger 1 part ; Stronger White 
 Wine a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 parts. Mix the aloes, cardamom, and ginger, 
 and reduce them to a moderately coarse (No. 40) powder. Macerate the powder with 90 
 parts of stronger white wine for seven days, with occasional agitation, and filter through 
 paper, adding, through the filter, enough stronger white wine to make the filtered liquid 
 weigh 100 parts. — U. S. 1880. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is no longer recognized in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and is 
 rarely used, because, like all liquid preparations of aloes, its taste is repulsive, and the 
 pilular forms of the medicine are therefore more acceptable. Yet it probably has the 
 advantage over them of being already a solution, and therefore of acting in a relatively 
 smaller dose than aloes itself. It is useful in cases of habitual constipation from torpor 
 of the colon and rectum, especially when associated with flatulent dyspepsia, gout, or 
 amenorrhoea. Dose, as a laxative, about Gm. 16 (f 3 iv). 
 
 VINUM ANTIMONII, V . S .— Wine of Antimony. 
 
 Vinum antimoniale , Br. ; Vinum stibiatum , s. emeticum , P. G . — Antimonial wine, E. ; 
 Vin emetique , Vin antimonie, Vin stibie, Fr. ; Brechwein, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Antimony and Potassium Tartrate 4 Gm. ; Boiling Distilled Water 
 65 Cc. ; Alcohol 150 Cc. ; White Wine a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the 
 alcohol with 850 Cc. of white wine. Dissolve the antimony and potassium tartrate in the 
 boiling distilled water, and add the solution to the mixture. When the liquid is cold 
 filter it through paper, and add enough white wine, through the filter, to make the prod- 
 uct measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of antimony use 29} grains of antimony and potassium tartrate, 
 1 fluidounce of boiling distilled water, 2\ fluidounces of alcohol, and sufficient white wine 
 to make 16 fluidounces of solution. 
 
 Each Cc. of finished product contains 0.004 Gm. (or 1 fluidrachm, about } grain) of 
 tartar emetic. 
 
 Nearly the same proportions are the following: Tartarated antimony 40 grains; sherry 
 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. Tartar emetic 1 part ; sherry 250 parts. — P. G. 
 
 If made with good wine and judiciously preserved, antimonial wine will keep unaltered 
 for a long time. 
 
 Uses. — The chief value of antimonial wine consists in its being a convenient addition 
 to febrifuge solutions, and especially in association with a liquid preparation of opium 
 and spirit of nitrous ether. In such combinations it greatly promotes the diaphoresis 
 which is a natural crisis of fever. The direct sedatives of the heart have no such salu- 
 tary operation. In a like manner it may be added to mixtures for promoting expectora- 
 tion in febrile affections of the air-passages, as in the officinal compound liquorice mixture. 
 It should seldom be used as an emetic, for its action in children is too depressing, and for 
 adults the necessary dose of it is such that the stimulant action of the wine counteracts 
 the sedative or nauseant operation of the antimonial. As a febrifuge and expectorant 
 the dose of antimonial wine is about Gm. 0.60 (gtt. x), repeated at longer or shorter 
 intervals according to its effects. This dose is preferable to the larger ones generally 
 recommended. 
 
1704 
 
 VINUM A R OMA TlCUM . — VIN UM COLCHICI SEMINIS. 
 
 VINUM AROMATICUM, 77. 8. 1880, F. Cod.- Aromatic Wine. 
 
 Vin ( CEnole) aromatique, Fr. ; Krauterwein , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Lavender 1 part ; Origanum 1 part ; Peppermint 1 part ; Rosemary 
 1 part ; Sage 1 part; Wormwood 1 part; Stronger White Wine a sufficient quantity; to 
 make 100 parts. Mix the solid ingredients, and reduce them to a coarse (No. 20) powder. 
 Moisten the powder with 4 parts of stronger white wine, pack it moderately in a conical 
 glass percolator, and gradually pour enough stronger white wine upon it to make the fil- 
 tered liquid weigh 100 parts. — U . S. 1880. 
 
 This is equivalent to the preparation, somewhat simplified, of the old French Codex. 
 The present Codex orders vulnerary tincture 1 part, red wine 7 parts. 
 
 Tinctura yulneraria, Alcoolature (Teinture) vulneraire, F. Cod., is made by mace- 
 rating 100 Gm. each of the fresh leaves and tops of eighteen plants, including the six of 
 the above formula, and 3000 Gm. of alcohol sp. gr. 0.863. 
 
 Uses. — Aromatic wine (omitted from Pharm. 1890) is designed for topical purposes 
 only. It represents a class of preparations which were formerly in common use as vul- 
 neraries, either as applications to recent wounds or to stimulate indolent ulcers. An almost 
 identical preparation was used by R.icord as a dressing for chancres , and is now officinal 
 in France. It is applied on charpie. The old aromatic wine of the French Codex con- 
 tained, besides the herbs above enumerated, angelica, fennel, hyssop, rosemary, rue, 
 thyme, etc., and was infused in red wine. 
 
 VINUM AURANTH, Br.— Orange Wine. 
 
 Wine made in Britain by the fermentation of a saccharine solution to which the fresh 
 peel of the bitter orange has been added. — Br. 
 
 It is a vinous liquid, having a gold-cherry color and a taste and aroma derived from 
 the bitter orange-peel. It contains about 12 per cent, of alcohol, and is but slightly acid 
 to test-paper. 
 
 Uses. — Orange wine is used exclusively as a flavoring ingredient of mixtures and as an 
 excipient in certain British officinal preparations. 
 
 VINUM COLCHICI RADICIS, U. S.— Wine of Colchicum-root. 
 
 Vinum colchici , Br. ; Vinum de colchico , F. Cod. — Vin ( CEnole) de bulbe de colchique , Fr. ; 
 Zeitlosen Jen ollenwein , G. 
 
 Preparation. —Colchicum-root, in No. 30 powder, 400 Gm. ; Alcohol 150 Cc. ; White 
 Wine a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the alcohol with 850 Cc. of white 
 wine. Moisten the powder with 100 Cc. of the menstruum, pack it moderately in a coni- 
 cal glass percolator, and gradually pour upon it, first, the remainder of the menstruum, 
 and afterward enough white wine to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of colchicum-root use 6 av. ozs. and 300 grains of powdered col- 
 chicum-root, and moisten with 3i fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 15 volumes, 
 white wine 85 volumes). 
 
 Colchicum, sliced, dried, and bruised, 4 oz. av. ; sherry sufficient to make 1 pint (Impe- 
 rial). — Br. Fresh colchicum-root 100 Gm., strong wine (vin de Grenache) 1000 Gm. — 
 F. Cod. 
 
 This preparation is recognized in Great Britain as wine of colchicum, under which name 
 in the United States the wine of colchicum-seeds is usually understood. Owing to the 
 deterioration of colchicum-tuber when long kept, the preparation is apt to be deficient in 
 strength, since the drug cannot be at all times obtained fresh or recently dried. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation, which is believed to possess all the virtues of colchicum, may 
 be prescribed in doses of Gm. 0.60 (npx), and gradually increased. 
 
 VINUM COLCHICI SEMINIS, 77. S.— Wine of Colchicum-seed. 
 
 Vinum colchici, P. G. — Vin ( CEnole ) desemence de colchique , Fr. ; Zeitlosensamenwein,(j. 
 
 Preparation. — Colchicum-seed, in No. 30 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol 150 Cc. : 
 White Wine a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the alcohol with 850 Cc. of 
 white wine. Macerate the powder with 900 Cc ; of the mixture during seven days in a 
 closed vessel, with occasional agitation. Then filter through paper, adding, through the 
 filter, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and afterward enough white wine to make 
 the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
VINUM ERGOTM— VINUM FERRI AM ARUM. 
 
 1705 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of colchicum-seed use 21 av. ozs. of powdered colchicum- 
 seed, and macerate for seven days with 141 fluidounces of the menstruum (alcohol 
 15 volumes, white wine 85 volumes); after filtration pass sufficient menstruum through 
 the filter to make 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Bruised colchicum-seed 60 dm., strong wine 1000 Gm. — F. Cod. Coarsely powdered 
 colchicum-seed 1 part, sherry wine 10 parts. — P. C. 
 
 In order to extract the colchicine the seeds require to be well bruised. By passing 
 them several times through a good drug-mill, regulating at the same time the grinding- 
 surface, they may be obtained of a sufficiently fine powder. If a suitable mill is not at 
 hand, they should be macerated in a portion of the wine for several days, and be bruised in 
 a mortar while damp. None of the pharmacopoeias permit digestion of the unbroken 
 seeds. 10 parts TJ. S. are equal to 15 parts P. G. and 25 parts F. Cod. of this wine. 
 
 Uses. — The commencing dose is about Gm. 2 (f^ss). 
 
 VINUM ERGOTS, V. S.— Wine of Ergot. 
 
 Vin de seigle ergote , Fr. ; Mutter kornwein, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Ergot, recently ground, in No. 30 powder, 150 Gm. ; Alcohol 150 
 Cc. ; White Wine a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix the alcohol with 850 Cc. of 
 white wine. Moisten the powder with 40 Cc. of the mixture, pack it moderately in a conical 
 glass percolator, and gradually pour upon it, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and 
 afterward enough white wine to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — TJ. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of ergot use 2 i av. ozs. of powdered ergot, and moisten with 
 f fluidounce of the menstruum (alcohol 15 volumes and white wine 85 volumes). 
 
 Uses. — The wine is less frequently employed than other preparations of ergot, but 
 may be prescribed in doses of Gm. 4—12 (f^j-iij). 
 
 VINUM FERRI, Wine of Iron. 
 
 Vinum chalybeatum , s. martiatum . — Vin chalybe , Fr. ; Eisenwein , Stahlwein , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Fine Iron Wire (about No. 35) 1 ounce ; Sherry 1 pint. 
 Macerate for thirty days in a closed vessel, the iron being almost, but not quite, wholly 
 immersed in the wine, the vessel frequently shaken, and the stopper removed ; then fil- 
 ter. — Br. 
 
 The acid potassium tartrate dissolves the iron, with the evolution of hydrogen, result- 
 ing in the formation of ferrous tartrate or of its double salt with potassium tartrate. 
 Owing to the variable acidity of different wines, and to the necessarily variable composi- 
 tion of this preparation, it has very properly been discarded by most pharmacopoeias, or 
 has been replaced by one of more definite strength in iron, like the wine of citrate of 
 iron. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation is one of the mildest of ferruginous medicines. It is, how- 
 ever, quite as well prepared extemporaneously by making a solution of iron and potassium 
 tartrate in sherry or Bhenish wine, in the proportion of 10 grains to the fluidounce. 
 The dose of the officinal wine is Gm. 4-16 (fgj-iv), and of the magistral solution nearly 
 twice as much. 
 
 VINUM FERRI AM ARUM, TJ. S.— Bitter Wine of Iron. 
 
 Vinum de cinchona martiatum, F. Cod. ; Vinum chinse /erratum . — Vin ( (Enole) de 
 quinquina ferrugineux , Fr. ; Chinaeisenwein, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Soluble Iron and Quinine Citrate 50 Gm. ; Tincture of Fresh Orange- 
 peel, 150 Cc. ; Syrup 300 Cc. ; White Wine a sufficient quantity; to make 1000 Cc. 
 Dissolve the soluble iron and quinine citrate in 500 Cc. of white wine. Add to this the 
 tincture of fresh orange-peel and the syrup, and, lastly, enough white wine to make the 
 product measure 1000 Cc. Set the mixture aside for several days, then filter, and pass 
 enough white wine through the filter to restore the original volume. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of bitter wine of iron dissolve 365 grains of soluble iron and qui- 
 nine citrate in 8 fluidounces of white wine; add 2\ fluidounces of tincture of fresh 
 orange-peel, 5 fluidounces of syrup, and sufficient white wine to make 16 fluidounces of 
 solution. 
 
 Each Cc. of the finished product contains 0.05 Gm. (or 1 fluidrachm nearly 3 grains) 
 of the soluble scale salt of iron and quinine. 
 
1706 
 
 VINVM FERRI CITR A TIS. - VINUM IPECACUANHA. 
 
 This an adaptation of the formula adopted by the American Pharmaceutical Associa- 
 tion in 1875, and resembles that of the old French Codex, but contains more iron. The 
 uew French Codex directs 2 Grm. each of ferrous sulphate and citric acid to be dissolved 
 in 10 Gm. of boiling water, and this solution added to 990 Gm. of wine of pale cin- 
 chona. 
 
 Uses. — This solution contains in each fluidrachm nearly 3 grains of the soluble 
 citrate of iron and quinine. It is a mild preparation, but is very efficient in cases 
 of moderate anaemia and debility. The ordinary dose is Gm. 4—8 (f^j-ij). 
 
 VINUM FERRI CITRATIS, Z7. S . 9 lit *. — "Wine of Ferric Citrate. 
 
 Vinum chalybeatum , F. Cod. — Vin chalybe , Vin ( (Enole ) ferrugineux , Fr. ; Eisenwein, G. 
 
 Preparation. — Iron and Ammonium Citrate 40 Gm. ; Tincture of Fresh Orange-peel 
 150 Cc. ; Syrup 100 Cc. ; White Wine a sufficient quantity ; to make 1000 Cc. Dissolve 
 the iron and ammonium citrate in 700 Cc. of white wine. Add to this the tincture of fresh 
 orange-peel and the syrup, and, lastly, enough white wine to make the product measure 
 1000 Cc. Set the mixture aside for several days, then filter, and pass enough white wine 
 through the filter to restore the original volume. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of ferric citrate dissolve 292 grains of iron and ammonium 
 citrate in 11 fluidounces of white wine ; add 21 fluidounces of tincture of fresh orange- 
 peel, If fluidounces of syrup, and sufficient white wine to make 16 fluidounces of 
 solution. 
 
 Each Cc. of the finished product contains 0.04 Gm. (or 1 fluidrachm about 2\ grains) 
 of iron and ammonium citrate. 
 
 Dissolve citrate of iron and ammonia 160 grains in orange wine 1 pint (Imperial), and 
 after three days filter. — Br. 
 
 Citrate of iron and ammonia 5 Gm., strong wine (vin de Grenache) 1000 Gm. — F. Cod. 
 
 Uses. — The wine of citrate of iron has nearly the same qualities as wine of iron, and, 
 like it, may be used when the stomach is irritable. The dose is Gm. 4-16 (fjj-iv). 
 
 VINUM IPECACUANHA, U. S., Br JP. G.— Wine of Ipecac. 
 
 Vin d'ipecacuanha , Fr. ; Brechwurzelwein , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Fluid Extract of Ipecac 100 Cc. ; Alcohol 100 Cc. ; White Wine 
 800 Cc. ; to make 1000 Cc. Mix them. Set the mixture aside for a few days, then fil- 
 ter. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of ipecac mix 1 fluidounce and 288 minims, each, of fluid 
 extract of ipecac and of alcohol, with sufficient white wine to make 16 fluidounces. Each 
 Cc. represents 0.1 Gm. (or 1 fluidrachm very nearly 6 grains) of ipecac. 
 
 Macerate for a day ipecacuanha 1 oz. in acetic acid 1 fl. oz. ; obtain with water 20 oz. 
 of percolate ; evaporate to dryness over a water-bath ; powder ; macerate in sherry wine 
 1 pint (Imp.) for two days, and filter. — Br. Ipecac 1 part, sherry wine 10 parts. — 
 P. G. 
 
 Uses. — Wine of ipecacuanha contains all the virtues of the drug. It is a very inap- 
 propriate form for the production of emesis, since the large proportion of alcohol con- 
 tained in it counteracts the emetic operation of the ipecacuanha, and may be unsuited 
 to the febrile elements of the affection for which it is prescribed. This objection applies 
 less forcibly to its use as a diaphoretic and expectorant. It is especially useful, when 
 associated with spirit of nitrous ether, in favoring diaphoresis in catarrhal fever , muscular 
 rheumatism , etc. In infantile and also in senile bronchitis it is very serviceable when the 
 bronchial secretions obstruct the air-passages, and when an emetic as well as a stimulant 
 operation is called for. It may be applied directly to the air-passages by means of the 
 hand- or steam-atomizer, and in this manner is very efficient in chronic bronchitis. In the 
 vomiting of pregnancy this preparation, in hourly doses of 1 drop, sometimes arrests that 
 distressing symptom. It is probable that in doses nearly as small it would be found as 
 useful as powdered ipecacuanha has proved in relieving atonic dyspepsia and chronic diar- 
 rhoea caused by intestinal debility. 
 
 The dose of wine of ipecacuanha as an emetic is stated to be Gm. 32 (f^j) for an 
 adult, and Gm. 4 (f^j) for an infant, but, for the reasons assigned, it is not eligible for 
 this purpose. As an expectorant or diaphoretic the proper dose is Gm. 0.30-0.60 
 (gtt. v-x), repeated every half hour or hour. 
 
VTNUM OPII.— VTNUM RHEI. 
 
 1707 
 
 VINUM OPn, JJ, S., Br. — Wine op Opium. 
 
 Vinum opii compositum , F. Cod. ; Tinctura opii crocata , P. G. ; Laudanum liquidum 
 Sydenhami. — Sydenham' s laudanum , E. ; Laudanum de Sydenham , Vin d' opium com- 
 pose , Fr. ; Safranhaltige Opiumtinktur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Powdered Opium 100 Gm. ; Cinnamon, in No. 00 powder, 10 Gm. ; 
 Cloves, in No. 30 powder, 10 Gm. ; Alcohol 150 Cc. ; White Wine a sufficient quantity ; 
 to make 1000 Cc. Mix the alcohol with 850 Cc. of white wine. To the mixed powders 
 add 900 Cc. of the menstruum, and macerate the mixture during seven days with occa- 
 sional agitation. Then transfer it to a filter, and when the liquid has drained off gradually 
 pass through the filter, first the remainder of the menstruum, and afterward enough 
 white wine to make the product measure 1000 Cc. — U. S. 
 
 To make 1 pint of wine of opium use 730 grains of powdered opium and 73 grains 
 each of cloves and cassia cinnamon ; macerate for seven days with 141 fluidounces of the 
 menstruum (alcohol 15 volumes, white wine 85 volumes). After filtration pass enough 
 menstruum through the filter to bring the volume up to 16 fluidounces. 
 
 Each Cc. represents 0.1 Gm. (or 1 fluidrachm about 5.7 grains) of opium. 
 
 The U. S. P. requires that 100 Cc. of wine of opium, when assayed by the process 
 given under Tinctura Opii, shall yield from 1.3 to 1.5 Gm. of crystallized morphine. 
 
 Extract of opium 1 oz. av. ; cinnamon-bark, bruised, cloves, bruised, each 75 grains; 
 sherry 1 pint (Imperial). — Br. 
 
 Both pharmacopoeias have discarded the use of saffron, which is still retained by the 
 French and German Pharmacopoeias. Otherwise, the preparation is now practically 
 identical as ordered by the four pharmacopoeias. The wine has been replaced in the 
 P. G. by a diluted alcohol. The other formulas are : Opium 200, saffron 100, Ceylon 
 cinnamon 15, Cloves 15, wine 1600 Gm. — F. Cod. Opium 30, saffron 10, Chinese cinna- 
 mon 2, cloves 2, alcohol (sp. gr. 0.894) 150, and water 150 parts. — P. G. That of the 
 French Codex, being made with a sweet wine, is denser (sp. gr. 1.05 to 1.07) than the 
 other preparations. On keeping, this wine deposits some extractive matter and occasion- 
 ally some narcotine. 
 
 Laudanum de Rousseau, F. Cod., contains about one-fourth its weight of opium, and 
 is therefore considerably stronger than the preceding : it is made by fermenting a mixture 
 of opium 200 Gm., honey 600 Gm., water 3 liters, and beer-yeast 40 Gm. ; the filtered 
 liquor is then evaporated to 600 Gm. and mixed with alcohol (sp. gr. 0.913) 200 Gm. 
 
 Uses. — This preparation, also known as “ Sydenham’s laudanum,” is much superior 
 to the tinctures of opium as an internal medicine, on account of its being less apt to 
 nauseate and less offensive in taste and smell. Gm. 0.60-1 (n^ x to gtt. xvj) may be 
 given as a full dose. It is sometimes used as an application to the conjunctiva in granular 
 and other chronic forms of inflammation of that membrane. 
 
 VINUM QUININE, .Br.— W ine of Quinine. 
 
 Vin de quinine , Fr. ; Chininwein , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sulphate of Quinine 20 grains ; Citric Acid 30 grains ; 
 Orange Wine 1 pint (Imperial). Dissolve first the citric acid, and then the sulphate 
 of quinine in the wine ; allow the solution to remain for three days in a closed vessel, 
 shaking it occasionally ; and afterward filter. — Br. 
 
 Allied Preparation. — Vinum de cinchona, F. Cod. ; Vinum chinm, P. G. 1882. Tincture of 
 cinchona 100, glycerin 100, sherry wine 300 parts. — P. G. 1882. Cinchona 5, alcohol (sp. gr. 
 0.913) 10, red wine 100 parts. — F. Cod. The latter formula is alike for pale, red, and yellow 
 cinchona, and in each case the cinchona wine may also be prepared with a strong wine (vin de 
 liqueur), such as Grenache, Lunel, Malaga, Madeira, and others, in which case no alcohol is added. 
 
 Uses. — It is difficult to perceive the advantages of this preparation over an extempo- 
 raneous solution of the citrate of quinine in water. The dose is Gm. 16-32 (f^iv— %j). 
 
 VINUM RHEI, Br, — Wine of Rhubarb. 
 
 Tinctura rhei vinosa , P. G. ; Tinctura rhei Darelii . — Vin de rliuharhe , Fr. ; Weinige Rha- 
 barbertinJctur , G. 
 
 Preparation. — Rhubarb-root, in coarse powder, 11 av. oz. ; canella-bark, in coarse 
 powder, 60 grains ; sherry 1 pint. Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel, with 
 occasional agitation ; then strain, press, filter, and add sufficient sherry to make 1 pint 
 
1708 
 
 VINUM RXJBRUM. 
 
 (Imperial). — Br. Rhubarb, in No. 30 powder, 10 parts; Calamus, in No. 30 powder, 1 
 part ; Stronger White Wine a sufficient quantity ; to make 100 parts. Moisten the mixed 
 powders with 5 parts of stronger white wine, pack the mixture in a conical glass perco- 
 lator, and gradually pour enough stronger white wine upon it to make the filtered liquid 
 weigh 100 parts. — U. S. 1880. 
 
 Rhubarb 6 parts ; Grenache wine 100 parts. — F. Cod. Rhubarb, finely cut, 8 parts ; 
 bitter orange-peel 2 parts ; cardamom 1 part ; sherry wine 100 parts ; in 7 parts of the 
 tincture dissolve 1 part of sugar. — P. G. 
 
 Uses. — Wine of rhubarb has the same general virtues as the tincture of rhubarb, but 
 is less stimulant. It may be described as cordial, carminative, and laxative , and may be 
 used by persons of a constipated habit and gouty constitution, and especially by females 
 who add to these conditions scanty and painful menstruation and leucorrhcea. The dose 
 is Gm. 4-16 (f^j-iv). 
 
 VINUM RUBRUM, U. Red Wine. 
 
 Vin rouge, Fr. ; Rothwein , Gr. ; Vino tinto , Sp. 
 
 An alcoholic liquid made by fermenting the unmodified juice of the fresh, colored 
 fruits of Vitus vinifera (nat. ord. Vitacese) in presence of their skins. When red wine is 
 prescribed without further specification, it is recommended that a dry red wine of domes- 
 tic production (such as a native Claret, Burgundy, etc.) be employed. Red wine should 
 be preserved in well-closed, full casks or in well-stoppered bottles in a cool place. — U. S. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The fruits of most cultivated varieties of the American 
 grapevines and of numerous varieties of the European species have either an amber 
 color or are purple, dark-blue, or nearly black. The juice of these grapes is colorless or 
 nearly so, and if fermented alone yields a white wine, but if fermented with the pericarp 
 or skins the coloring matter of the latter is extracted, and the wine has a red color, vary- 
 ing in shade with the variety of grapes, with the quantity of skins, the length of time 
 they have been in contact with the fermenting liquid, and with the amount of alcohol 
 and acid present. Although many white wines contain tannin, taken up from the peri- 
 carp of the fruit or from the seeds, the quantity is usually minute as compared with that 
 present in red wines, and which comes from the same sources. It is obvious, therefore, 
 that red wine agrees in properties and composition with white wine, except so far as 
 these are modified by the red coloring matter and the tannin, the most striking differences 
 being the deep-red color, the distinctly astringent taste, and the effect produced by alkalies, 
 ferric chloride, lead acetate, and other reagents, either changing the color of, or producing 
 precipitates with, tannin and the coloring principle. 
 
 Vinum portense. — Port wine, E.;. Vin d’Oporto, Fr. ; Portwein, G . — This is the 
 product of the grape cultivated in the district near the river Douro in Portugal, and 
 is chiefly exported from Oporto. When recently made it is of a red color, which by 
 age changes to a deep reddish-brown, while at the same time a considerable portion of 
 altered astringent matter is deposited and the wine acquires its full flavor. Port wine is 
 considered to be best when about eight or ten years old. As exported from fortugal, it 
 is always mixed with a certain quantity of spirit, which is added for the purpose of 
 better preservation ; its alcoholic strength is thereby increased from 18 to 22 per 
 cent. Ripeness and strength are said to be imparted to new wine by adding brandy 
 toward the end of fermentation, and the product, particularly the cheaper varieties of 
 port wine, is often artificially colored with preparations containing the juice of elder- 
 berries. Port wine has a pleasant vinous odor and an agreeable, warm, sweetish, and 
 slightly astringent taste. In the place of true port wine a variety of French wine, known 
 in commerce as Burgundy port wine, is much used in the United States ; it resembles port 
 wine in appearance and flavor, and contains about 14 or 16 per cent, of alcohol. Cali- 
 fornia port wine is very similar, and is the product of grapevines originally obtained from 
 the port-wine district of Portugal, and chiefly cultivated in Los Angelos county. Similar 
 wines are also made in other parts of the United States. 
 
 Claret is the English name of dry red wines containing a moderate amount of alco- 
 hol, and was originally used for French red wines ( vin clairet, clarified wine), but is now 
 applied to many wines of American growth from California, as well as from the Missis- 
 sippi Valley and eastward to the Atlantic coast. Some of the most esteemed red wines 
 of France are produced in Gironde and exported from Bordeaux, and the red wines 
 produced in other sections of France have, like the former, been known in Europe as 
 Bordeaux wines. Much of the wine exported is more or less artificial, and the handsome 
 
VINUM RUB RUM. 
 
 1709 
 
 red color is now sometimes due to maqui-berries , the fruit of Aristolelia Maqui, Llleri- 
 tier (nat. ord. Tiliacese), of which 431,392 kilos were exported from Chili to Europe in 
 1887, about three-fourths of which went to France (Kew Bulletin , Feb. 1890). (See 
 Vinum Album, process of Petiot and Gall for wine-improving.) 
 
 Constituents. — In addition to the constituents mentioned elsewhere (see Vinum 
 Album), red wine contains tannin, partly derived from the casks, but mainly from the 
 seeds and integuments of the grape, and giving with ferric salts green-brown or green- 
 black precipitates. The red coloring matter, oenolin or oenolic acid, is a red-brown or 
 purplish-red powder, which is nearly insoluble in water, in carbon disulphide, and in chlo- 
 roform, but soluble in dilute acids and in alcohol ; it is not unlikely that the coloring 
 principles of different grapes vary, and are more or less modified by the constituents and 
 treatment of wine. 
 
 The following summary of analyses of American red wines by Prof. H. B. Parsons 
 shows the variation in composition : 
 
 
 64 Dry Wines. 
 
 12 Port Wines. 
 
 Average. 
 
 Highest. 
 
 Lowest. 
 
 Average. 
 
 Highest. 
 
 Lowest. 
 
 Specific gravity 
 
 .9933 
 
 1.0011 
 
 .9894 
 
 1.0261 
 
 1.0508 
 
 1.0116 
 
 Alcohol, per cent., weight 
 
 8.92 
 
 12.21 
 
 5.71 
 
 13.23 
 
 16.93 
 
 10.25 
 
 “ “ volume 
 
 11.04 
 
 15.21 
 
 7.17 
 
 17.09 
 
 21.89 
 
 13.05 
 
 Total residue 
 
 2.28 
 
 3.16 
 
 1.65 
 
 11.17 
 
 17.04 
 
 6.89 
 
 Total ash 
 
 .231 
 
 .532 
 
 .130 
 
 .283 
 
 .355 
 
 .139 
 
 Glucose 
 
 trace. 
 
 .450 
 
 none. 
 
 8.05 
 
 11.80 
 
 4.15 
 
 Total acid, as tartaric 
 
 .723 
 
 .997 
 
 .511 
 
 .632 
 
 .828 
 
 .370 
 
 Fixed acid, as tartaric 
 
 .360 
 
 .646 
 
 .226 
 
 .356 
 
 .600 
 
 .196 
 
 Volatile acid, as acetic 
 
 .290 I 
 
 .517 
 
 .138 
 
 .216 
 
 .386 
 
 .128 
 
 Tests. — The pharmacopoeial requirements as to the quality of red wines are practi- 
 cally identical with those for white wines, but additional tests are prescribed for ascer- 
 taining the nature of foreign coloring matters : “ Using eosin test-solution or fluoresceine 
 test-solution as indicator, 50 Cc. of red wine should require for complete neutralization 
 not less than 3 nor more than 5.2 Cc. of normal potassium hydroxide solution (limit of free 
 acid). If 10 Cc. of red wine be diluted with an equal volume of water, and treated with 
 5 drops of ferric chloride test-solution, the liquid should acquire a brownish -green color 
 (due to tannic acid). With lead acetate test-solution red wine forms a heavy precipitate 
 which may vary in color from bluish-green to green. If 2 Cc. of red wine be- mixed, in 
 a test-tube, with 2 drops of chloroform and 4 Cc. of normal potassium hydroxide solution, 
 and the mixture carefully heated, the disagreeable odor of isonitril should not become 
 perceptible (absence of various aniline colors). If 50 Cc. of red wine be treated with a 
 slight excess of ammonia-water, the liquid should acquire a green or brownish -green 
 color ; if it be then well shaken with 25 Cc. of ether, the greater portion of the ethereal 
 layer removed, and evaporated in a porcelain capsule with an excess of acetic acid and a 
 few fibres of uncolored silk, the latter should not acquire a crimson or violet color (absence 
 of fuchsine). If 25 Cc. of red wine, heated to about 45° C. (113° F.), be well agitated 
 with 25 Grn. of manganese dioxide, the liquid filtered off and acidulated with hydrochlo- 
 ric acid, it should not acquire a red color (absence of sulpho-fuchsine). 
 
 “ Tested by the following method, red w r ine should be found to contain not less than 10 
 nor more than 14 per cent, by weight (equivalent to 12.4 to 17.3 per cent, by volume), 
 of absolute alcohol : Take the specific gravity (to four decimals) of a sufficient portion 
 of the red wine at the temperature of 15.6° C. (60° F.), evaporate the wine in a tared 
 capsule to one-third of its original weight, cool, and add water until the liquid measures 
 its original volume at 15.6° C. (60° F.) ; then take the specific gravity (to four decimals) 
 again. The difference between the two specific gravities, deducted from 1 .0000, corresponds 
 to the specific gravity of an alcohol containing the same percentage of absolute alcohol, 
 by weight or volume, as the wine under examination, the corresponding percentage being 
 ascertained by referring to the alcoholometric tables.” — U. S. 
 
 On the gradual addition of ammonia the red color of wine is changed to purple, blue- 
 green, and is destroyed, with the production of a brown tint. Many other organic coloring 
 matters have a similar behavior, while others are changed to purple (cochineal, logwood). 
 The precipitate produced by lead subacetate is dingy gray, with a blue or green tint ; the 
 age of the wine and the presence of tannin and other constituents influence the shade 
 of the color. Other organic coloring matters are precipitated by the same reagent red 
 
1710 
 
 VIOLA TRICOLOR 
 
 (Brazil-wood), green (elderberries), or blue (logwood). Similar shades of color are pro- 
 duced upon white filtering-paper which has been steeped in a solution of lead acetate. 
 According to Andree (1880), the coloring matter of huckleberries is identical with that 
 of wine, and in order to detect the addition of the juice of these berries it is necessary 
 to show the presence of citric acid. (See Vinum Album.) 
 
 Pastrovich (1882) again recommends manganese dioxide, which was originally 
 suggested by Facen (1870), and states that, after repeated agitation with the oxide, 
 after fifteen minutes genuine red wine, also wine colored with huckleberries, elderberries, 
 or cochineal, becomes nearly colorless, while the color of Brazil-wood, logwood, and orchil 
 changes to brownish-yellow, and that of the fuchsine remains unaltered. Wine contain- 
 ing only .002 Gnu of fuchsine to the liter, treated in this manner, yields a rose-colored 
 filtrate. 
 
 Action and Uses. — (The action of the alcoholic elements of wine has been 
 treated of under Alcohol and Vinum Album.) The essential difference between red 
 and white wines consists in the presence of tannic acid in the former, which is derived 
 from the crushing of the skins of purple grapes in the process of manufacturing wine. 
 This ingredient is most abundant in port and heavy Bordeaux wines, and hence they and 
 the other wines that resemble them, including several American varieties, differ from 
 white wines in the relative slowness of their absorption from the stomach, and consequently 
 in their less prompt production of intoxication. Moreover, from the same cause they act 
 less injuriously upon the coats of the stomach. Bed wines, in general, have relatively 
 more of the tonic and less of the excitant properties possessed by white wines, and are 
 especially to be preferred to the latter when a sustained instead of a transient stimula- 
 tion is desired, and when, in addition to this, an astringent action is intended. Hence the 
 red wines are eminently the wines of convalescence, and are of general use in all cases 
 of excessive discharges of blood, pus, etc. in which they are not contraindicated by other 
 reasons. Unfortunately, red wines are more generally adulterated or factitious than 
 white wines, with the exception of sherry. In an English manual for wine-dealers it is 
 said : “ To keep wine from turning sour put in the casks 2 pounds 3 ounces of small 
 shot.” And, as if this were not villainous enough, it proceeds : “ In extreme cases, 
 when all previous recipes have been tried without any satisfactory result, take a pinch of 
 oxalic acid and put it into the bottle ” (Brit, and For. Med.-Chir. Rev., Apr. 1858, p. 324). 
 Red wines are often manufactured out of alcoholic dilutions colored by logwood, rhatany, 
 beets, litmus, etc. Astringency is given them by means of alum, oak- or willow-bark, 
 etc., as is elsewhere more particularly described. 
 
 The more astringent red wines are used for injecting hydroceles, the vagina , urethra , 
 etc. affected with chronic profluvia, fistulous sinuses , etc. But the various astringent 
 tinctures would answer equally well. 
 
 VIOLA TRICOLOR. — Viola Tricolor. 
 
 Herba violse tricoloris , P. G. ; Herba jacese. — Pansy , Heart 1 sease, E. ; Pensee sauvage, 
 F. Cod. ; Stief mutter chen , Freisamkraut , Dreifaltigkeitskraut, G. ; Trinitaria, Sp. 
 
 The wild-grown flowering herb of Viola tricolor, Linne. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Violaceae. 
 
 Origin. — The violets are mostly perennial, or rarely annual or biennial, herbs, with 
 alternate stipulate leaves, and with axillary flowers having five persistent auriculate 
 sepals, five somewhat unequal petals, of which the lower one is saccate or spurred, five 
 strongly connivent stamens, of which the two lower ones bear a spurred nectary upon 
 the back, and one superior pistil with three placentas, ripening into a three-valved, many- 
 seeded capsule ; the globular or ovate seeds have a small caruncle and hard testa, and 
 contain a straight embryo imbedded in fleshy albumen. The species official in the Phar- 
 macopoeia of 1880 is an annual or biennial indigenous to Europe and Northern Asia, 
 naturalized in the United States, and frequently cultivated in many varieties as an orna- 
 mental plant. Only the wild-grown plant is to be collected. 
 
 Description. — Pansy has a thin, spindle-shaped root and an erect or ascending 
 angular and branching, nearly smoooth stem, 10—20 Cm. (4 to 8 inches) high. The 
 leaves vary between roundish-cordate and oval, crenate and nearly entire, are about 25 Mm. 
 (1 inch) long, petiolate, and have prominent, leaf-like, lyrately-pinnatifid stipules. The 
 flowers are on long peduncles, and have the corolla partly yellowish, blue, and purple, or 
 occasionally variegated and longer than the calyx (variety vulgaris, Koch), or the corolla 
 scarcely exceeds the calyx, and is yellowish or occasionally partly purplish (var. arvensis, 
 
VIOLA TRICOLOR. 
 
 1711 
 
 Murray). The last form is the only one recognized by the French Codex ; it is frequent 
 in sandy fields of North America, and apparently indigenous. The dry herb is inodorous 
 and has a bitterish, mucilaginous, and slightly acrid taste, the acridity residing mainly in 
 the root. 
 
 Constituents. — Boullay (1824) found in the herb a yellow coloring matter and 
 much mucilage, but no violine ; Cuseran (1847), in addition to these, sugar, bitter prin- 
 ciple, resin, and potassium nitrate. Mandelin (1879) detected free salicylic acid in this 
 plant, and subsequently (1881) determined it to amount to .1068 per cent, in the wild- 
 grown, air-dry plant of the variety arvensis, while other varieties contained less, and the 
 cultivated plant only .043 per cent. The acid is obtained by agitating the aqueous solu- 
 tion of the alcoholic extract with ether; the petals contain a minute quantity, the seeds 
 a mere trace, of the acid. A salt of salicylic acid could not be found. Mandelin exam- 
 ined also the yellow coloring matter, which is the glucoside violaquercitrin , yielding 
 with dilute acids 3 molecules of sugar and 1 of quercetin, besides a fluorescing com- 
 pound. 
 
 Allied Species. — Viola pedata, Linne , Bird’s foot violet. The leaves and rhizome were 
 formerly official. It grows in sandy .soil from the New England States southward, and west- 
 ward to the Mississippi. It has a short, erect, and truncate rhizome, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) 
 long and nearly as thick, and beset with slender rootlets. The leaves are radical, smooth, 
 pedately five- or seven-parted, and have the divisions linear or narrowly spatulate, and occasion- 
 ally slightly toothed at the apex. The flowers are large, about 25 Mm. (1 inch) broad, beard- 
 less, vary in color between light-blue and dark-purple, and have a very faint violet color, which 
 is observable only with a large number of flowers. The leaves and flowers have a mucilaginous 
 and sweet taste ; the taste of the rhizome is mucilaginous, bitter, and somewhat acrid. The plant 
 flowers in May, and frequently a second time in August and September. 
 
 Viola cucullata, Alton, is the common blue violet of North America, growing in meadows 
 and in dry grassy places and open woods. The rhizome is spreading, forms compact masses, 
 and is covered with numerous short fleshy branches. The leaves are very variable, heart-shaped 
 at the base, with the basal lobes rolled up. The flowers are somewhat bearded, light- or dark- 
 blue, violet-colored, or variegated. The variety V. palmata has the later leaves palmately 
 lobed. 
 
 Viola odorata, Linne (Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 25). — Sweet-scented violet, E. ; 
 Violette odorante, Fr. Cod. ; Marzveilchen, G. / Violeta, Sp. — It is indigenous to Europe and 
 Northern Asia, is frequently cultivated, and grows to a certain extent spontaneously in various 
 parts of North America. It has an oblique rhizome and produces long, filiform runners. The 
 leaves are reniform or heart-shaped, obtuse, and crenate. The flowers are dark-blue or sometimes 
 whitish, bearded, and have a very agreeable odor. For pharmaceutical purposes the dark-blue 
 i flowers alone are collected, deprived of the calyx, and only the corolla is used in the fresh state 
 i for preparing 
 
 Syrupus viol.e odorata, F. Cod. Fresh violet-petals 10 parts, boiling water 20 parts ; in 21 
 ! parts of the infusion dissolve 38 parts of sugar. 
 
 The rhizomes of the perennial, and more particularly the acaulescent, violets appear to contain 
 [ violine , which Boullay (1828) obtained from all parts of the sweet-scented violet, but in largest 
 quantity from the rhizome. It is prepared by removing from the alcoholic extract chlorophyll 
 | and fat by means of ether, boiling the residue with diluted sulphuric acid, adding to the filtrate 
 : lead oxide, evaporating, and exhausting the residue with strong alcohol. Violine is a yellowish, 
 
 j bitter, and fusible powder, which is more readily soluble in water than emetine, but less so in 
 alcohol ; is insoluble in ether, and appears to combine with acids to not well-defined saline com- 
 ! pounds. It merits further investigation. The blue coloring matter of violets turns green, and 
 | afterward yellow, with alkalies. 
 
 Anchietea salutaris, Saint- Hilaire, s. Noisettia pyrifolia, Martius. The root of this shrub, 
 which is indigenous to Brazil, is used as a cathartic and emetic. It is about the thickness of a 
 I finger, is brownish-red, and has a yellowish, nauseous, and bitter bark, covering the hard brown- 
 ish wood. Peckolt (1859) found in the root starch, sugar, gum, tannin, a little resin, and about 
 | § per cent, of anchietine , which forms crystallizable salts, crystallizes in straw-colored needles, 
 ' is insoluble in ether, sparingly soluble in water, and freely soluble in alcohol, and acquires with 
 sulphuric acid a violet color, turning black. Anchietea salutaris is believed in Brazil to be useful 
 in syphilis and skin affections, probably upon the ground of its provoking salivation. It has been 
 (. administered in powder and in tincture. 
 
 Uses. — Very little is known of the special medicinal virtues of the formerly officinal 
 violet, V. pedata, but, as far as can be judged, it did not differ much in its qualities from 
 | the European species, which have long been used in medicine. Sweet violets (V. odorata) 
 were anciently held to be refrigerant and astringent in “ardor of the stomach,” inflam- 
 mation of the eyes, and prolapse of the anus and of the uterus, and also to restrain 
 ! suppuration. By the Arabians they were employed in coughs and affections of the kid- 
 j neys and of the liver, and, when prepared with sugar, as a laxative. The syrup of vio- 
 
1712 
 
 VISCUM. 
 
 lets, which to this day is used in France, was directed by the Arabians in pulmonary 
 affections. It was also formerly recommended as a local remedy for aphthae ; internally, 
 an infusion of the flowers was given in infantile convulsions ; and the powder, as well as 
 an infusion of the root, has been used in the same manner as ipecacuanha in the treat- 
 ment of infantile dysentery. 
 
 An alkaloid procured from this species is represented to have exhibited the properties 
 of emetine, causing vomiting, purging, and great prostration in dogs, and in man analogous 
 effects in some cases, but not uniformly. The powdered root applied to the denuded skin 
 has sometimes acted as an emeto-cathartic. Similar effects have been obtained from V. 
 canina. 
 
 Y. tricolor (heart’sease) also produces disturbance of the stomach and bowels, and 
 sometimes diuresis. Its continued use is said to occasion sweating and a pustular erup- 
 tion of the skin, and to impart to the urine a smell like cat’s urine or that of conium. It 
 once had a great popular repute in Europe as a purifier of the blood and as a remedy in 
 chronic bronchial and intestinal catarrh , in cutaneous eruptions , and particularly in crusta 
 lactea (eczema infantile). In these affections it was administered in a decoction of milk 
 and applied in fomentations. Cazin {Traite des Plantes medicinales indigenes de France, 
 2eme ed., p. 734) sets forth at length the virtues ascribed to it in the cure of scrofulous 
 and other cutaneous diseases by Bergius, Matthiolus, Bauhin, Boeckler, Strack, Murray, 
 Hufeland, and many others, including the imaginative Hahnemann, and also the denial 
 of their existence by other physicians. A similar history had long before been given by 
 Bichter (Ausfuhrliche Arzneim ., ii. 235), who concludes it by observing, “ After all, viola 
 has no special virtues in these affections ; at the best, it can only afford some support to 
 other and more efficient remedies.” It had also some repute in constitutional syphilis. 
 In Europe the syrup of violets is sometimes employed as a laxative for infants, but its 
 chief use is to give a fine color to mixtures. V. sagittata is a reputed antidote to snake- 
 bites. 
 
 VISCUM. — Mistletoe. 
 
 Gui de chene , Gillon , Fr. ; Mist el, G. ; Visco , Muerdago , Sp. 
 
 Viscum album, Linne , and Viscum (Phoradendron, NuttaTl ) flavescens, Pursh. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Loranthacese. 
 
 Origin and Description. — The mistletoes are small parasitic evergreen shrubs, 
 growing mostly upon deciduous-leaved trees, and penetrating with their simple roots 
 through the bark into the wood. Viscum album is indigenous to Europe, and is chiefly 
 found upon apple, pear, plum, and similar trees, but grows also upon poplars, birches, 
 beeches, and others. Viscum flavescens is an American species, growing upon oaks, elms, 
 apples, etc. in the Southern United States and northward to New Jersey, and westward 
 in the Mississippi Valley. Both plants are of a yellowish-green color 15-60 Cm. (5 to 2 
 feet) high, much branched, jointed, and have opposite, often scale-like leaves and monoe- 
 cious or dioecious flowers in small clusters or short spikes. The leaves of the European 
 species are lanceolate or spatulate, obtuse and entire ; those of the American plant are 
 obovate or oval. The fruit of both species is a small, whitish, one-seeded berry. The 
 branches are usually collected. They have an unpleasant heavy and rather weak odor 
 and a mucilaginous, sweetish, bitter, and somewhat astringent taste. 
 
 Loranthus europ^eus, Linne , is the viscum quernum of ancient writers. It is a some- 
 what larger and thicker shrub, which grows upon oaks and chestnuts in Eastern and 
 Southern Europe, and has a grayish or dark-brown bark and pale-yellow berries. 
 
 Constituents. — Mistletoe has been analyzed by Gaspard, Funcke, Winckler, Macaire, 
 and Reinsch. It contains mucilage, sugar, an odorous principle, fixed oil, resin, traces of 
 tannin, and various salts. The most interesting constituent is viscin , also called bird-lime , 
 or more properly bird-glue , from the German name Vogelleim. It is insoluble in water, 
 alcohol, and fixed oils, but dissolves in ether and oil of turpentine, and, on evaporating 
 the solvents, remains behind as a yellowish viscous and tenacious mass. It seems to be 
 present in the mistletoe in small proportions, but a larger quantity is formed by a kind of 
 fermentation. The same or a similar compound may be obtained from the inner bark of 
 the European holly, Ilex aquifolium, Linne , from the root of Gentiana lutea, Linne, and 
 from other plants. It is employed for catching small birds ; hence the name Vogelleim. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The operation of mistletoe is as uncertain as its virtues are 
 doubtful. The berries are reported by some writers (Cazin) to be innocuous, but others 
 state that they are emetic and purgative, and instances are given in which very young 
 children have suffered convulsions, and even death, from eating large quantities of them. 
 
VITELL US. 
 
 1713 
 
 It seems not impossible that these effects may have been due to indigestion alone. It is 
 true that a case is recorded in which after several children had eaten the berries of V. 
 flavescens they were affected with vomiting, great thirst, tenesmus, and bloody and 
 mucous stools. In one case death ensued in a state of collapse. In Europe, however, 
 the dried young twigs and leaves of mistletoe have long been used in medicine for various 
 nervous affections, including chorea, asthma, and spasmodic colic, but chiefly for epilepsy, 
 although sometimes for hysteria (Richter, Ausf. Arzneim., ii. 822). Long ( New Prepara- 
 tions, 1878) “used mistletoe in the forms of infusion, tincture, decoction, and fluid extract 
 in many cases of menorrhagia and post-partum haemorrhage with gratifying results.” He 
 conceived that it incited the natural rather than the tonic contraction of the uterus. A 
 physician in South Carolina refers to three cases of abortion in negroes produced by this 
 growth (Med. Record, xvii. 276). In 1881 it was alleged to act upon the heart like 
 digitalis (Park, Practitioner, xxvii. 346). It was formerly given in powder in the dose 
 6m. 0.60-4 (gr. x-lx), or in a decoction made from Gm. 16-64 in Gm. 250 (§ss-ij in 
 ^viij) of water, and in tablespoonful doses several times a day. 
 
 VITELLUS, Z7. S . — Yolk (Yelk) of Egg. 
 
 Ovi vitellus, Br. ; Jaune d'ceuf Fr. ; Eidotter, Eigelb, G. ; Yema de huevo, Sp. 
 
 The yolk of the egg of Gallus Bankiva, var. domestica, Temminck, s. Phasianus Gal- 
 lus, Linne. 
 
 Class Aves ; order Gallinae. 
 
 Origin. — The domestic fowl originated from the red jungle-fowl, G. Bankiva, which 
 inhabits Java and the adjacent islands, Northern India, Cochin China, and the Philip- 
 pines. At the present time numerous varieties of it are found in all civilized countries. 
 The egg (Ovum U. S. 1870, Ovum gallinaceum ; Egg, E. ; CEuf de poule, Fr. ; Ei, G. ; 
 Huevo, Sp.) consists of the shell and lining membrane 10.7 parts, albumen 60.4 parts, 
 and yelk 28.9 parts (Prout, 1822). 
 
 Description and Composition. — 1. Testa oyi. — Egg-shell, E. ; Coquille, Fr. ; 
 Eierschale, G . — It consists, according to Prout, of 97 parts calcium carbonate, 1 part cal- 
 cium and magnesium phosphates, and 2 parts organic matter. Vauquelin’s results were 
 89.6, 5.7, and 4.7 respectively. 
 
 2. Albumen ovi, Br . — White of egg, E . ; Blanc d’ceuf, Fr. ; Eiweiss, G. ; Clara de 
 huevo, Sp. — It consists of two or three laminae, the total average weight being 23.01 
 Gm. (Lehmann), or 24.8 Gm. (Poleck), and contains 82 to 88 per cent, of water, and on 
 the average 13.32 of solid constituents, including 0.65 of ash, as well as minute traces of 
 fat, sugar, and extractive. The ash of the egg albumen consists of 42 per cent, of potas- 
 sium chloride, 9 of sodium chloride, 12 of carbonic acid, the remainder being phosphates 
 and sulphates of the alkalies, silica, iron, lime, and magnesia. The organic portion of the 
 white, the albumen proper, is a protein compound ; the average elementary composition is 
 53.7 C, 15.5 N, 7.1 H, 22.1 O, and 1.6 S. Its aqueous solution rotates the plane of 
 polarized light to the left, and may be evaporated in thin layers below 50° C. (122° F.) 
 without change, but on being heated to near 75° C. (176° F.) it is coagulated and becomes 
 insoluble in water. Albumen is precipitated from its solutions by most mineral and by 
 some organic acids, but not by phosphoric or acetic acid. It is soluble in caustic alkalies, 
 and precipitates the salts of most heavy metals, hence its value in cases of poisoning by 
 salts of mercury, copper, etc. Albumen is also precipitated by volatile oils, camphor, 
 phenol, and by tannin, the last precipitate being soluble in an aqueous solution of tannin. 
 Alcohol coagulates albumen, and ether precipitates it, the precipitate being only partially 
 soluble in water. Farsky (1878) succeeded in obtaining what appears to be a definite 
 compound of salicylic acid with albumen, by stirring the two together for some time, 
 washing with ether and hot water, and drying in an air-bath at about 120° C. (248° F.) ; 
 it was found to contain 14.16 per cent, of salicylic acid and 85.84 of albumen, and to be 
 as easily digestible as the uncombined albumen. When boiled with Millon's reagent the 
 precipitate as well as the liquid turns red, and albumen cautiously heated with strong 
 hydrochloric acid is colored violet-blue. Other protein compounds show a like behavior. 
 
 Albumen ovi siccum, P. G. — The dried egg-albumen is either in translucent, horny 
 masses, similar in appearance to acacia, or in a yellowish powder, which is inodorous and 
 tasteless, and forms with water a turbid, neutral solution, but is insoluble in alcohol and 
 ether. 5 Cc. of an aqueous solution (1 to 1000) to which 10 drops of nitric acid have 
 been added should yield when warmed a copious precipitate of coagulated albumen. If 
 to 10 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 to 100) 5 Cc. of solution of carbolic acid, and then 
 108 
 
1714 
 
 WINTERA. 
 
 5 drops of nitric acid, be added and well shaken, the mixture should yield a clear filtrate. 
 If 5 Cc. of alcohol be added to an equal volume of this filtrate, so that they form two 
 layers, a milkiness should not make its appearance at the line of contact ; 5 Cc. of the 
 foregoing filtrate should not be colored red, but only yellow, with 1 Cc. of solution of 
 'iodine. — P. G, 
 
 3. Vitellus oyi. — T he yolk is a viscid yellow or reddish-yellow opaque liquid, which 
 is without odor, has a bland taste, an alkaline reaction, and must be regarded as a dense 
 emulsion consisting of oil suspended in water by means of albumen. When triturated 
 with water a whitish emulsion is obtained ; the addition of alcohol causes it to coagulate, 
 and when agitated with ether it separates a white mass and yields to ether an orange- 
 yellow fat. Yolk is coagulated by heat. It contains 48 to 55 per cent, of water, 16 to 
 18 per cent, of vitellin (which is probably a proteid closely related to casein, and mixed 
 with about one-fourth of albumen), 29 to 31 per cent, of fat (21.3 parts of which are 
 olein and margarin, according to Grubley), 1.5 per cent, inorganic salts, coloring matter, a 
 small portion of sugar, and 0.42 of cholesterin. Grubley has separated from the ethe- 
 real extract of yolk a substance which he named lecithin , and which on boiling with 
 baryta yields neurine and stearic and phospliogly ceric acids. The fat obtained by express- 
 ing the coagulated yolk or by exhausting it with ether is occasionally used under the 
 designation of oleum ovi (Oil of eggs, E. ; Huile d’ceufs, Ft. ; Eierol, G.). 
 
 Preservation. — Eggs may be preserved for a considerable length of time by cover- 
 ing die shell with a substance impervious to water, thus closing the pores so as to exclude 
 the air. This may be done by wax, fat, paraffin, gum, or by similar substances. Packing 
 them with the small end downward in dry salt, milk of lime, etc. has likewise been 
 recommended. 
 
 Pharmacentical Uses. — The white of egg is used for the clarification of syrups, 
 honey, and other liquids. The yolk is employed for emulsionizing fixed and volatile oils 
 and camphors. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Egg-shells were long used for the various purposes to which 
 chalk is now applied internally. Like crabs’ eyes and claws, corals, and oyster-shells, which 
 were formerly employed, they contain a certain proportion of animal matter which miti- 
 gates the action of the calcareous constituent. They were an ingredient of a secret 
 remedy for gravel , for a knowledge of which the British Parliament paid an extravagant 
 sum of money. The white of egg forms with solutions of corrosive sublimate and of 
 copper sulphate compounds which are nearly insoluble, and hence it has been used in 
 poisoning with these salts, first to neutralize and then to evacuate them. Its demulcent 
 and protective action is also advantageous. It is applied to the treatment of burns and 
 erysipelas , either alone or emulsified with oil, or coagulated by alum in the form of alum 
 curd. The latter is an excellent application in acute conjunctivitis. Diluted with water, 
 sweetened, and flavored, fresh egg albumen forms an agreeable and useful drink in numer- 
 ous cases of g astro-intestinal inflammation and irritation. Albumen is sometimes used as 
 a substitute for starch in the application of fixed 'bandages. The yolk of egg is more nutri- 
 tious and digestible than the white, and is habitually employed whenever it is desired to 
 give the largest amount of nutriment in a small bulk and in the most digestible form. The 
 yolk of a hard boiled fresh egg readily crumbles, and is therefore easily acted upon by the 
 gastric juice. The fresh yolk, beaten with sugar and mixed with hot water, and with the 
 addition of a little brandy and nutmeg or cloves, forms a customary draught at the com- 
 mencement of catarrhal and rheumatic (muscular) affections. It is used also to make 
 emulsions for the administration of castor oil, cod-liver oil, oil of turpentine, etc., either 
 by the mouth or the rectum. Externally, it is sometimes, and very usefully, employed 
 as a dressing for burns , scalds , abrasions , etc., and to soften the crusts of cutaneous erup- 
 tions :, cerumen in the auditory canal, etc. 
 
 WINTERA. — Winter’s Bark. 
 
 Cortex winteranus. — Ecorce de Winter , F. Cod. ; Cannelle de Magellan , Fr. ; Winter s 
 ZimmtyQ. ; Corteza winter ana, Sp. 
 
 The bark of Drimys Winteri, Forster , s. Wintera aromatica, Murray. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Magnoliaceae, Winterse. 
 
 Origin. — Drimys Winteri is a small tree growing in the western part of South 
 America from the Straits of Magellan northward to Mexico. It has coriaceous, oblong 
 and obtuse or lance-oblong, dark-green, and on the lower side pale bluish-green, entire 
 leaves, axillary clusters of whitish flowers, and about four or eight black obovate berries 
 
XA XTHORRIIIZA .—XANTE OX YL UM. 
 
 1715 
 
 containing three or four seeds. D. mexicana, Sesse, s. Chilensis, De Candolle , and 1). grana- 
 tensis, Linne films , are now regarded as varieties, and the last one is mentioned by the 
 French Codex as the present source of the drug. 
 
 Description. — Winter’s bark is curved or in quills, between 5 and 8 Mm. (t “d £ 
 inch) thick, externally of a gray or whitish color with brown patches, and underneath 
 the corky layer brown. The inner surface is brown, and marked with longitudinal ridges 
 from the prominent bast-fibres. The bark breaks with a short fracture, and has a pecu- 
 liar odor and a warm and very pungent taste. The transverse section is of a brown-red 
 color, mottled with whitish sclerenchyma, which in the primary bark underneath the thin 
 corky layer forms transversely-elongated groups, and in the bast-layer is seen partly in 
 groups, partly in long radial lines ; resin-cells are scattered in the outer and inner tissue. 
 
 Substitutions. — The Winter’s bark of commerce has usually been an entirely dif- 
 ferent bark, occasionally that of Canella alba, Linne, but more frequently obtained from 
 Cinnamodendron corticosum, Miens (see page 392). 
 
 Constituents. — The principal constituents of Winter's bark, as ascertained by 
 Henry (1820), are 1.2 per cent, of volatile oil, about 10 per cent, of pungent resin, and 
 9 per cent, of tannin, with extractive matter and a little starch. 
 
 Allied Species. — The Australian species, Drimys axillaris, Forster , and D. lanceolata (Tas- 
 mania aromatica, R. Brown), have likewise pungently aromatic barks, and the fruit of the latter 
 is used like pepper. 
 
 Action and Uses. — The action and uses of Winter’s bark resemble those of casca- 
 rilla and canella. It is a warm tonic of the digestive organs, increasing the appetite and 
 improving the digestion, especially when deranged by flatulence and colic. The dose of 
 the powder is Gm. 2 (gr. xxx), and a vinous infusion may be prepared by displacement 
 with Gm. 30 (^j) of the bark to Gm. 360 (:§xij) of sherry wine. 
 
 X ANTHORRHIZ A. — Y ellow-root. 
 
 The rhizome and root of Xanthorrhiza apiifolia, L' Heritier. Bentley and Trjmen, 
 Med. Plants , 9. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Ranunculaceae. 
 
 Origin. — This plant is also known as shrub yellow-root to distinguish it from Hydrastis 
 canadensis. Xanthorrhiza is a shrub 30—60 Cm. (1 to 2 feet) high, growing in shady 
 places near streams in New York and from the mountains in Pennsylvania southward to 
 the Gulf of Mexico. The clustered stems are thin, of a grayish color externally, smooth, 
 and annulate from the distant leaf-scars. The leaves are alternate, crowded at the ends 
 of the branches, long-petiolate, pinnate, and have three or five ovate or lanceolate, cleft, 
 and toothed leaflets, with wedge-shaped bases. The flowers are polygamous and in com- 
 pound drooping racemes, appearing in early spring. 
 
 Description. — Yellow-root consists of a much-branched and bent rhizome several 
 feet long. The thicker portions are about 12 Mm. (1 inch) in diameter, the branches 
 thinner, some being only 1.5 Mm. (y 1 ^- inch) thick, longitudinally wrinkled, of a light 
 yellowish-brown color externally, and rather sparingly beset with brittle rootlets. The 
 bark is thin, internally of a deep-yellow color, and separates readily from the bright-yel- 
 low, tough wood, which is radially striate by medullary rays and encloses a thin central 
 pith. The rhizome breaks with a short fibrous fracture, is inodorous, and has a bitter 
 taste, which is more marked in the cortical portion. Portions of the stems, having a 
 larger brownish pith and yellow wood, are often present. 
 
 Constituents. — Perrins (1862) showed that yellow-root contains berberine ; he 
 obtained only 71 grains of the nitrate from 1 pound of the drug. About the same time 
 W. M. Merrill made a similar observation. Whether berberine is associated with a white 
 alkaloid, as is frequently the case, has not been determined. The parenchyma contains 
 starch. The other constituents of the drug are not known. 
 
 Uses. — Yellow-root has long been known as an indigenous tonic medicine, and com- 
 pared either to quassia or columbo. It may be given in decoction, tincture, or powder. 
 Of the last the dose is said to be Gm. 2.60 (gr. xl). 
 
 XANTHOXYLUM, V. S.— Prickly Ash. 
 
 Toothache tree , Angelica tree, Suterberry , E. ; Clavalier, Frene epineux , Fr. ; Zalinweh- 
 rinde, Zahmoehholz, G. 
 
 The bark of Xanthoxylum americanum, Miller, s. X. fraxineum, Willdenow, and of 
 Xanthoxylum clava-herculis, Linne. 
 
1716 
 
 XANTHOXYLUM. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Rutaceae, Xanthoxyleae. 
 
 Origin. — Both species of prickly ash are indigenous to North America, and have pin- 
 nate leaves and dioecious, tetramerous or pentamerous flowers, the pistillate ones contain- 
 ing from three to five free ovaries, which produce thick and fleshy two-valved and one- or 
 two-seeded capsules. 
 
 X. americanum grows in rocky woodlands and on river-banks from Canada southward 
 to Virginia and North Carolina. It is shrubby, and attains a height of 3—3.6 M. (10 or 
 12 feet). The leaves have nine or eleven ovate-oblong, nearly sessile, somewhat ser- 
 rulate, and on the lower surface downy, leaflets. The small greenish flowers are in 
 umbellate, axillary clusters, appear in April before the leaves, and are destitute of a 
 calyx. The capsules are roundish, red, and contain black, shining seeds. 
 
 X. clava-herculis is found near the coast from Virginia southward to Florida and 
 westward to Texas and in the West Indies. It is a small tree, but sometimes grows to 
 the height of 9—12 M. (30 or 40 feet). Its leaves have from seven to eleven ovate- 
 lanceolate, crenate-serrulate, unequal-sided, and shining leaflets, the terminal one alone 
 being equilateral. The numerous greenish flowers are in terminal cymes, appear in June 
 after the leaves, and contain three pistils. 
 
 Description. — Northern Prickly- Ash bark is in small, curved, or quilled frag- 
 ments, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) or less long, mostly about 1 Mm. (J-g- inch) thick, and 
 occasionally mixed with pieces nearly 3 Mm. (4 inch) thick. The corky layer is very 
 thin, of a brown-gray color, nearly smooth or faintly furrowed longitudinally, occasionally 
 superficially fissured transversely, and marked with some scattered warts, becoming trans- 
 versely elongated. Irregular whitish patches are usually observed on the surface of the 
 bark, and numerous minute, black, and shining hemispherical dots, which are the peri- 
 thecia of a lichen r probably a species of Verrucaria. The brown, glossy spines are not 
 numerous, but are about 6 Mm. (4 inch) long, straight, two-edged, and have a narrow 
 linear base about 18 Mm. (f inch) long. The outer bark underneath the corky layer is 
 of a green color, and the inner bark whitish or yellowish. The inner surface is smooth, 
 or finely striate if obtained from older branches. The bark is quite brittle, breaks with 
 a short, non-fibrous fracture, and exhibits upon transverse section a somewhat tangential 
 arrangement of the tissue. It is inodorous, and has a slightly aromatic, bitterish, and 
 strongly pungent taste. 
 
 Southern Prickly- Ash bark resembles the preceding, except that it is about 2 Mm. 
 ( T L inch) thick, and bears on its surface many conical corky projections, which are 1-2 
 Cm. (-J to inch) high, and have an oblong or roundish base 25 Mm. (1 inch) or more in 
 length. Sometimes a number of these cones are crowded together. The stout brown 
 spines are situated upon elevated corky bases. 
 
 Substitution. — The bark of Aralia spinosa, Linne , which plant is known by the 
 same common names as the two species of Xanthoxylum, is sometimes collected in place 
 of the bark of the latter. Aralia-bark is described on p. 274. 
 
 Allied Species. — Xanthoxylum floridanum, Nuttall, is known as satin-wood , and considered 
 to be identical with X. caribaeum, Lamarck. 
 
 X. pterota, Kunth , grows from Florida and Texas to Brazil. The wood is yellow, dense, and 
 very hard ; the bark and leaves are pungent. 
 
 X. alatum, Roxburgh , of Northern India, X. piperitum, De Candolle , a native of Japan, and 
 several other species, yield pungently aromatic fruits which are employed as condiments in the 
 East. The bark, leaves, and fruits of most species are pungent or acrid. 
 
 Constituents. — Prickly-ash bark was examined by Dr. Staples (1829), who obtained 
 from it a little volatile oil, a green-colored fixed oil, resin, and other common vegetable 
 principles, and a crystalline body which he named xanthoxylin , but the nature of which 
 was not further characterized. The bitter principle of the .bark of X. clava-herculis 
 was isolated by Chevallier and Pelletan (1827), and designated as xamthopicrin, but was 
 found by Perrins (1863) to be identical with berberine. G. H. Colton (1880) examined 
 southern prickly ash, and obtained an alkaloid which seems to differ from berberine ; it 
 is yellowish, bitter, soluble in alcohol and water, insoluble in benzin, ether, and chloro- 
 form, and becomes purplish-brown with sulphuric acid, and bright-red, changing to yellow, 
 with nitric acid. Colton obtained also a trace of volatile oil, sugar, resins, a colorless and 
 tasteless crystalline principle, and 12.4 per cent, of ash, of which 20 per cent, was solu- 
 ble in water, the remainder in hydrochloric acid. Prof. Lloyd (1876) isolated from 
 northern prickly ash a crystalline substance which is probably, identical with the one 
 previously mentioned ; it is insoluble in water, soluble in boiling alcohol, is turned yellow 
 by nitric acid, and dissolves with a deep-red color in sulphuric acid. 
 
XYLENUM.—ZEA. 
 
 1717 
 
 The fruit of X. piperitum was examined by Stenhouse (1854, 1857). On being dis- 
 tilled with water volatile oil is obtained, which on exposure to cold yields crystals of 
 xanthoxylin , C 20 H 24 O 8 . It melts at 80° C. (170° F.), has a slight odor and aromatic 
 taste, and a neutral reaction. The liquid portion of the volatile oil is xanthoxylene , 
 C 20 H 16 , is colorless, has a strong, agreeable odor, boils at 162° C. (324° F.), and yields 
 with hydrochloric acid a liquid compound. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Xanthoxylum appears to be an arterial and nervous stimulant, 
 which displays its virtues in producing diaphoresis, expelling flatus, and allaying muscular 
 rheumatic pains. Locally it is an acrid irritant, and hence has been much used as a 
 sialagogue. Its infusion may be applied on compresses or otherwise for producing revul- 
 sion. These qualities have caused it to be compared with mezereon, and, like it, to be 
 used as a remedy for chronic constitutional syphilis. It has also been employed as an 
 emmenayoyue , like other acrid stimulants; and doubtless, like them, it will promote the 
 secretion of milk when applied to the mammae under appropriate circumstances. A 
 decoction may be prepared by boiling Gm. 32 in Gm. 1500 (|j in Oiij reduced to Oij). 
 About a pint should be taken, in divided doses, within twenty-four hours. A saturated 
 tincture may be used in the dose of Gm. 0.60 (gtt. x). 
 
 X. Naranjillo has attracted notice from its being sialagogue, sudorific, and diuretic, 
 like jaborandi. 
 
 X. caribaeum furnishes an alkaloid of which 5 Mgm. injected in watery solution beneath 
 the skin of a frog produced rapid paralysis, followed by death in about half an hour, and 
 similar effects were observed in rabbits and guinea-pigs ( Amer . Jour. Phar., lvi. 579). 
 
 XYLENUM.— Xylene. 
 
 Xylol , Xyline. Fr. ; Xylol , G. 
 
 Formula C 6 H 4 (CH 3 ) 2 = C 8 H 10 . Molecular weight 105.76. 
 
 Origin and Preparation. — Xylene was discovered by Cahours (1850) in crude 
 wood-spirit, and was subsequently found by Yolckel (1853) in wood-tar (see Fix 
 Liquida), and by Church (1855) in coal-tar. It is obtained from the oily liquid separat- 
 ing from diluted crude wood-spirit and from the light oil of wood-tar or coal-tar by treat- 
 ing these liquids first with sulphuric acid, and afterward subjecting them to fractional 
 distillation, collecting only that portion which distils between 136° and 141° C. (277°- 
 286° F.). It may also be prepared artificially from several benzene derivatives. 
 
 Properties. — Xylene is a thin, colorless, oily liquid, resembling benzene in odor, has 
 a burning taste, and is insoluble in water, but dissolves readily in alcohol. It is dimethyl- 
 benzene. , C 6 H 4 (CH 3 ) 2 , and there are three modifications of it, two of which boil at 137° C. 
 (278.6° F.), while orthoxylene boils at 141° C. (285.8° F.). The boiling-point of the 
 - isomeric ethylbenzene , C e H 5 .C 2 H 5 , is 134° C. (273.2° F.). Xylene unites with sulphuric 
 acid to xylene-sulphonic acid , the barium salt of which crystallizes from hot water in 
 | transparent scales (Church). On treating xylene with cold concentrated nitric acid, 
 nitroxylene is obtained as an oily liquid having a less agreeable odor than nitrobenzene. 
 By oxidation xylene is converted into toluic acid , C 8 II 8 0 2 , and phthalic acid , C 8 H 6 0 4 . 
 
 Action and Uses. — -The only purpose for which xylene appears to have been 
 employed in medicine is to moderate the angina and eruption in the throat and to diminish 
 the fetid exhalation from this part and from the skin in small-pox. Although given 
 internally, it is said to coagulate and harden the contents of the pustules, and thereby 
 lessen their tendency to ulceration and pitting. It seems to have been efficient, when 
 applied to the throat in a gargle, spray, or wash, in lessening the swelling and difficulty 
 of swallowing, and destroying the fetor when used upon the skin in a similar manner. 
 It may also be given suspended in mucilage and syrup. The dose for an adult is stated 
 to be Gm. 0.60—1 (gtt. x-xv), and for children Gm. 0.15-0.20 (gtt. iij-iv), but its topical 
 application is to be preferred. 
 
 ZEA, U. S . — Zea : Corn-silk. 
 
 Stigmata maydis. — Filament de ma'is , Fr. ; Maispistille , G. 
 
 The styles and stigmas of Zea Mays, Linne. Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants , 296. 
 
 Nat. Ora. — Gramineae. 
 
 Origin. — Indian corn or corn is a grass growing to the height of 1-6 M. (40 inches 
 to 20 feet), with a solid stem from 1.3-8 Cm. (1 to 3 inches) in thickness. The stem 
 terminates by the male inflorescence, while the female inflorescence is in the axil of the 
 
1718 
 
 ZEA. 
 
 leaves. The fruit is a caryopsis placed in eight or twenty-two lines on a thick cylindrical 
 receptacle which is enclosed by bracts, which are similar to the leaves of the plant. 
 The plant is very likely indigenous to tropical America, but was cultivated in America 
 from before the Spaniards landed on these shores, so that at the present time the plant 
 is not known in the wild state. Cultivation extends in America from 54° N. lat. to 
 40° S. lat., and in Europe to 52° N. lat. as long as the summer temperature amounts to 
 18° C. Around Lake Titicaca, in South America, 16° S. lat., Zea mays grows at an alti- 
 tude of 3900 M. (12,795 feet) above the sea-level. 
 
 Description. — The caryopsis is roundish in shape, but by being placed closely on 
 the receptacle is more or less compressed laterally, so that the sides are angular and the 
 top only is rounded, and variable in size and color. The fruit consists of the embryo, 
 placed at one side close to the funiculus, and albumen (endosperm) makes up the remainder 
 of the fruit, which is covered by two seed-coats. On the side of the ripe caryopsis, just 
 above the embryo, is noticed a slight protuberance which is the insertion of the style. 
 This with the stigma is the official drug. It is filiform, about 15 Cm. (5.9 inches) long 
 and 0.5 Mm. (-J^ inch) broad, yellowish or grayish in color, soft silky, finely hairy, and 
 delicately veined longitudinally. It is without odor and has a sweetish taste. 
 
 Constituents. — Zea contains, according to Willan (1884), fixed oil, resin, tannin, 
 sugar (in green but not in dried corn-silk), and on distillation with potassium hydroxide 
 an alkaline liquid yielding crystals with acetic acid and precipitates with iodine and 
 Mayer’s reagent. Rademacher and Fischer (1886) isolated an acid which was called 
 maizenic acid by them, decomposes alkaline carbonates, and forms crystallizable salts. 
 The fixed oil is light-yellow in color, readily saponifies with potassium hydroxide, and 
 solidifies at 10° C. (50° F.). 
 
 Ustilago (Uredo, De Candolle) Maydis, LeveilU (nat. ord. Fungi, Ustilaginese). Cornsmut, 
 Corn-ergot, E. ; Ergot de ma'is, Fr. : Maisbrand, Beulenbrand, G. ; Rizon de maiz, Sp. — The 
 numerous species of the genus Ustilago (smuts) grow upon living plants, the tissue of which 
 is penetrated by the mycelium. The spores are produced in the hyphae or their branches, which 
 gradually form a gelatinous mass, and this is subsequently resorbed, so that finally the isolated 
 spores remain behind. These are of a black or brown color, consist of a single cell, and have 
 the outer membranes or exosporium either smooth or variously marked. Cornsmut forms 
 irregular globose masses, which are somewhat lobed or obtusely branched, and sometimes 15 
 Cm. (6 inches) or more thick. The smooth or gelatinous membrane forming the covering of the 
 fungus is diaphanous, and shows a blackish tint from the enclosed spores. Enclosed by this 
 membrane is found a blackish-brown or brownish-black powder, consisting of innumerable spores, 
 which are globular or oval, and when observed under the microscope have a nodular or spiny 
 appearance, from the projections of the exosporium. Cornsmut has a peculiar rather heavy odor 
 and an unpleasant taste. It should be preserved in a dry place, aDd should be kept on hand 
 not longer than a year. C. H. Cressler (1881) showed the presence of a volatile base, which is 
 probably identical with trimethylamine , and a sugar which crystallizes in needles, is very sweet, 
 and does not reduce Trommer’s test-solution ; it is probably mycose; fixed oil, resin, and gummy 
 matter were likewise obtained. Examined by J. H. Hahn (1881) and II. B. Parsons (1882), air- 
 dry cornsmut yielded 9 to 10 per cent, of moisture, 2.5 to 4.2 per cent, of ether extract, and 4 to 
 5.5 per cent of ash. Alcohol takes up about 10 per cent., and water about 6.6 per cent., of 
 soluble matter, from the latter of which Prof. Parsons obtained 5.5 per cent, of an acid com- 
 pound which is probably identical with sclerotic acid, and is prepared by the same process (see 
 p, 617). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Several cereals are subject to diseases which form products 
 resembling ergot in their action. In 1870, Haselbacli related that on several occasions 
 cows had calved prematurely from having eaten maize affected with smut (Husemann, 
 Arch. f. Pathol, u. Pharmakol.,ix. 276). In 1877, Estachy published the note of a case 
 in which he successfully made use of smutted maize to revive suspended labor-pains. 
 Afterward he employed it with advantage in the treatment of haemoptysis , seminal pollutions, 
 and post-partum haemorrhages (Bull, de Therap.\ xciv. 85). From a series of experiments 
 with it, Dr. James Mitchell ( Inaug . Thesis , Univ. of Penna., 1883) concluded that it 
 destroys consciousness, paralyzes first the sensory portion of the spinal cord, and, after 
 depressing, paralyzes also the motor centres of the cord and motor nerves, and that prob- 
 ably the sensory nerves share in the general paralysis. Dr. Dorland states that the action 
 of ustilago on the gravid uterus differs from that of ergot of rye, in producing clonic 
 rather than tonic contraction of the organ during labor, and therefore in being safer than 
 the latter agent. He has published several cases illustrating this statement (Med. News, 
 li. 534). Others are due to Blair. The oxytocic virtues of the fluid extract have also 
 been illustrated by Swiecicki (Gentralh. f. Med., vi. 628). 
 
 The stigmata of maize, or “ corn silk,” have for a long time had a popular reputation 
 
ZED OA HI A . — ZINCI ACE T AS. 
 
 1719 
 
 in the south of France as a remedy for strangury and calculous affections , and they have 
 also been held to possess anodyne virtues ( Bull, de Ther ., xcvii. 377). In 1879, Dufau 
 described this product as actively diuretic in cardiac and renal dropsy , and stated that the 
 best effects followed its use in cases of uric and phosphatic gravel , pyelitis , retention and 
 incontinence of urine , and vesical catarrh ( Med . Record , xvi. 252). The diuretic action of 
 the medicine in cardiac dropsy has been confirmed by Dupont ( Gaz . Med. de Paris , No. 9, 
 1884) and C. Paul ( Lancet , Oct. 1885, p. 798). These statements have been confirmed 
 and extended by various others, including Landrieux, who insists strongly on the diuretic 
 action of the medicine ( Practitioner , xxiv. 453 ; xxv. 379), Busey (Med. Record , xix. 319), 
 Ducasse (Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci., April, 1883, p. 565), and Stuver (Med. Neics, xliii. 
 372). It appears to be more suitable in chronic than in acute disorders of the urinary 
 organs. According to Vauthier, maizenic acid is the active principle of the stigmata. It 
 is recommended in doses of i grain. An extract of stigmata has been given in syrup to 
 the extent of Gm. 1.30-2 (gr. xx-xxx) a day. The best preparation of maize silk appears 
 to be the fresh infusion in the dose of a wine-glassful, and next to it the fluid extract 
 in doses of Gm. 2-4 (f^ss^ij). 
 
 ZEDOARIA. — Zedoary. 
 
 Rhizoma (Radix) zedoarise, P. A., P. G . — Zedoaire longue , Fr. ; Zittwerwurzel , G. 
 
 The rhizome of Curcuma (Amomum, Willdenoiv) Zedoaria, Roscoe, s. Curcuma (Amo- 
 
 Fig. 315. 
 
 mum. Koenig) Zerumbet, Roxburgh. 
 
 Nat. Ord . — Scitaminese (Zingiberaceae). 
 
 Origin. — The zedoary -plant is indigenous to 
 India and some of the East Indian islands, has 
 long dark -green leaves with a large purple spot in 
 the centre, and produces a short scape bearing a 
 raceme of yellow flowers. The tuberous ' ovate or 
 pear-shaped rhizome is about 4 or 5 Cm. (H-2 
 inches) long, and is usually cut into transverse sec- 
 tions before drying, sometimes in longitudinal slices. 
 
 Description. — Zedoary is met with in the market in the form of nearly circular 
 disks, varying in diameter from 1 to 4 Cm. ( 2 -I 2 inches) and in thickness from 4 to 10 Mm. 
 (1— | inch). It is externally of a grayish-brown color, upon the transverse surface gray- 
 ish, and has near the edge a dark-colored circular endoderm. The central portion contains 
 a large number of small orange-colored resin-cells and irregularly scattered wood-bundles ; 
 both are seen also outside of the nucleus-sheaths, though in smaller number. The disk 
 breaks with a short mealy or somewhat waxy fracture, has a peculiar aromatic odor, and 
 a warm aromatic somewhat camphoraceous taste. The starch-granules are very similar 
 to those of ginger. 
 
 Allied Drugs. — The French Codex recognizes also round zedoary, and refers the latter to Cur- 
 cuma aromatica, Roscoe. The rhizome of this plant is internally yellow, and may furnish the 
 bright-yellow disks which are occasionally seen among commercial zedoary. The rhizomes of 
 several other species are likewise yellow. 
 
 Constituents. — Bucholz (1817) obtained from zedoary starch, mucilage, bitter 
 extractive, a pungent soft resin, and volatile oil ; the latter is pale-yellow, of a thick con- 
 sistence, heavier than water, and has a bitterish, pungent, and somewhat camphoraceous 
 taste. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Zedoary is usually regarded as being almost identi* 
 cal in its qualities with ginger, but more agreeable, because less burning and acrid. It is 
 used for similar purposes — viz. to promote digestion , expel flatus , etc. The powder may 
 be prescribed in doses of from Gm. 0.60 to 2 (10-30 grains), or an infusion may be made 
 with Gm. 12 or 16 (3-4 drachms) of the bruised root to Gm. 250 (£ pint) of wine or 
 water, and given in tablespoonful doses. 
 
 ZINCI ACETAS, U. S., Br.— Zinc Acetate. 
 
 Zincum aceticum , P. G. ; Acetas zincicus, F. Cod . — Acetate de zinc , Fr. ; Zinlmcetat , 
 Essigsaures Zinkoxid , G. ; Acetato de zinc. Sp. 
 
 Formula Zn(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 2H 2 0. Molecular weight 218.74. 
 
 Preparation. — Digest for some time Commercial Zinc Oxide (or Carbonate) 2 parts 
 in Acetic Acid and Distilled Water, each 5 parts j then heat to the boiling-point, filter 
 
1720 
 
 ZINCI ACETAS. 
 
 while hot, and set aside to crystallize. Drain the crystals in a funnel, and dry them upon 
 bibulous paper. An additional quantity of crystals may be obtained by evaporating the 
 mother-liquor to one-half, slightly acidulating with acetic acid, and crystallizing. — Br. 
 
 On digesting zinc oxide or carbonate with acetic acid, the zinc is dissolved, in the 
 latter case with the evolution of carbon dioxide ; ZnO + 2HC 2 H 3 0 2 yields Zn(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 + 
 H 2 0. An excess of the zinc compound is used to avoid loss of acetic acid, and is 
 removed by filtration. Should the acetic acid not have been diluted with too large a 
 quantity of water, the hot filtrate, on cooling, will deposit most of the zinc acetate as. 
 crystals. The mother-liquor should be evaporated without boiling, so as to avoid loss of 
 acetic acid and the formation of basic salt ; acidulating the concentrated mother-liquor 
 with a little acetic acid will restore the normal from the basic acetate, should the latter 
 have been formed. 
 
 Properties. — -Zinc acetate crystallizes in soft white pearly six-sided tablets or scales, 
 which on exposure to the air lose their transparency from the evaporation of some 
 acid and water of crystallization, and have a slight acid reaction, a slight acetous odor, 
 and a sharp metallic taste. The salt melts readily in its water of crystallization, and on 
 continuing the heat parts with the same, the loss amounting to 22.8 per cent., which is 
 gradually reabsorbed in a moist atmosphere. On dry distillation acetic acid, carbon dioxide, 
 acetone, and empyreumatic products pass over, a white pearly sublimate is formed, 
 and zinc oxide, mixed with a little charcoal, remains behind ; when strongly heated in 
 the air upon a porcelain plate, the salt is decomposed, and burns with a greenish light 
 and the production of a white smoke to zinc oxide. At ordinary temperatures the 
 salt dissolves in 2.7 parts of water, and in a smaller quantity (1.5 U. S., or 2 parts 
 P. G .) at the boiling-point. It requires about 36 parts of cold alcohol and about 3 
 parts ( U. S .) of boiling alcohol for solution. Treated with sulphuric acid, it is decom- 
 posed with the evolution of acetic acid. The aqueous solution of the salt acquires a 
 dark-red color with ferric salts, the color being discharged on the addition of hydrochloric 
 acid, and yields white precipitates with potassium ferrocyanide, hydrogen sulphide, 
 ammonium sulphide, ammonia, and potassa, the precipitates with the last two reagents 
 being soluble in an excess of the precipitant, and the colorless solution giving again a 
 white precipitate with hydrogen sulphide. 
 
 Tests. — u The solution of the salt in 10 parts of water should give with an excess 
 of hydrogen sulphide a purely white precipitate (absence of lead, copper, etc.), and the 
 filtrate on being evaporated should leave no fixed residue (iron, earths, alkalies). On 
 warming the salt with sulphuric acid it should not turn black (empyreumatic products 
 and other organic matter). Its solution in 3 parts of water should be clear, and should 
 remain clear on the further addition of water (absence of basic salt)/’ — P. G. The U. S. 
 P. does not give any tests for organic impurities or basic salt, and directs testing for 
 lead, arsenic, and copper in the acidulated aqueous solution by hydrogen sulphide, and 
 for iron, aluminum, calcium, etc. by adding to the solution excess of ammonium carbon- 
 ate, in which the hydroxides and carbonates named are insoluble. “ On completely pre- 
 cipitating the zinc from this alkaline solution by ammonium sulphide, the filtrate should 
 leave no fixed residue on evaporation and gentle ignition (salts of alkalies or of alkaline 
 earths).” — -TJ. S. If this precipitate, formed in the solution of the salt, has a white 
 color, the test excludes all impurities except aluminum. The dilute watery solu- 
 tion should not be affected by barium chloride or silver nitrate (sulphate and chloride).” — 
 
 U. s., Br. 
 
 Action and Uses.— Zinc acetate acts locally as an irritant and astringent. Inter- 
 nally, in large doses, it occasions vomiting. There is no reason to believe it poisonous 
 in any dose. Internally, it is rarely used in this country. Some years ago it was 
 recommended after this manner by certain German physicians in the treatment of 
 erysipelas and other febrile affections attended with delirium , and occasionally it has 
 been employed to check diarrhoea in typhoid fever and similar cases. Its chief use, how- 
 ever, is as a local substitutive and astringent application in conjunctivitis , gonorrhoea , and 
 leucorrhoea. For the first-named affection a collyrium may be made with rose-water or 
 mucilage of sassafras-pith in the proportion of about Gm. 0.06—0.12 (gr. j— ij) of the salt 
 to the fluidounce, to which a few drops of wine of opium may be added. In gonorrhoea 
 and leucorrhoea a customary injection is prepared by dissolving zinc sulphate and lead 
 acetate, of each Gm. 0.80 (gr. xij) in Gm. 250 (ffviij) of water. The salts react upon 
 one another, producing zinc acetate and lead sulphate, the latter of which is precipitated. 
 The value ascribed to this preparation appears to depend partly upon the modifying influ- 
 ence of the insoluble lead salt which sheathes the inflamed parts. When injected the 
 
ZINC I BROMID UM.— ZINCI CARBON AS PRjECIPITATUS. 
 
 1721 
 
 mixture should be shaken. A similar injection is prepared with zinc sulphate gr. vj ; 
 solution of lead subacetate n\xxx ; water fgiv. 
 
 ZINCI BROMID UM, IT. S . — Zinc Bromide. 
 
 Zincum bromatum , Bromuretum zincicum. — Bromure de zinc , Fr. ; Zinkbromid , G. ; 
 Bromuro de zinc, Sp. 
 
 Formula ZnBr>. Molecular weight 224.62. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt is most conveniently prepared by digesting granulated zinc 
 in hydrobromic acid, in which it dissolves with the evolution of hydrogen ; the solution 
 (filtered through asbestos or powdered glass) is carefully concentrated, acidulated with a 
 little hydrobromic acid, and dried by the heat of a water-bath. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc bromide crystallizes with difficulty from its aqueous solution, 
 and is therefore usually obtained in the form of a white granular powder. The salt is 
 very deliquescent, has a slight acid reaction, is inodorous, and has a sweet and styptic 
 metallic taste in diluted solution. It is freely soluble in water and in alcohol, and is also 
 soluble in ether. Its aqueous solution yields with silver nitrate a white curdy precipi- 
 tate, which is insoluble in dilute nitric acid and nearly insoluble in ammonia ; it gives 
 white precipitates with potassium ferrocyanide, ammonium sulphide, ammonia, and 
 potassa, the precipitates with the last two reagents being soluble in an excess of the pre- 
 cipitant, and the colorless solution giving again a white precipitate with hydrogen sul- 
 phide. The salt melts on heating to 394° C. (741.2° F.), with partial decomposition, to 
 a colorless or yellowish liquid which boils near 700° C. (1292° F.), and sublimes in white 
 needles. If a few drops of copper sulphate test-solution be mixed with 5 Cc. of 
 aqueous solution of zinc bromide, and then some sulphuric acid be carefully poured into 
 the mixture so as to form a separate layer, a deep brownish-red color will appear at the 
 line of contact, and will disappear on shaking the mixture. 
 
 Tests. — “ If to the aqueous solution of the salt (1 in 20) a little starch test-solution 
 be added, and then some chlorine-water drop by drop, the liquid should assume a pure 
 yellow color, free from any shade of blue (absence of iodine). After acidulation with 
 hydrochloric acid the aqueous solution should not be colored or rendered turbid by the 
 addition of an equal volume of hydrogen sulphide test-solution (absence of arsenic, cad- 
 mium. lead, copper, etc.). On adding ammonium carbonate test-solution to the aqueous 
 solution of zinc bromide, a white precipitate is produced, which should completely redis- 
 solve in an excess of the reagent (absence of iron, aluminum, calcium, etc.). If from 
 this solution in ammonium carbonate test-solution all the zinc be precipitated by ammo- 
 nium sulphide test-solution, the filtrate should leave no fixed residue on evaporation 
 (absence of alkalies, magnesium, etc.). If 0.3 Grn. of the dry salt be dissolved in 10 Cc. 
 of water, and 2 drops of potassium chromate test-solution be added, it should require 
 26.7 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate test-solution to produce a permanent red color (cor- 
 responding to not less than 99.95 per cent, of the pure salt).” — IT. S. 
 
 The aqueous solution of the salt should be clear (absence of basic salt), should not be 
 precipitated by barium nitrate (sulphate), and if precipitated by silver nitrate and the 
 mixture rendered alkaline by ammonia, the filtrate, on being acidulated with nitric acid, 
 should merely produce a slight turbidity, but not a curdy precipitate (chloride). 
 
 Action and Uses. — It may be conjectured that in proposing zinc bromide as a 
 medicine a vague idea was entertained of its uniting in itself the powers of two medi- 
 cines, both of which are useful in spasmodic affections, and especially in chorea and epi- 
 lepsy. That any dose of bromine which can be combined with a suitable dose of zinc 
 should exert a sensible effect is quite improbable. We know of nothing that proves the 
 clinical value of this salt, unless it be the statement that some years ago it was tested at 
 the Salpetriere in Paris with satisfactory results in the treatment of epilepsy. The com- 
 mencing dose of 1 grain daily was increased to 25 grains or more. Had its virtues been 
 proven, it would probably have been heard of again, which has not been the case. 
 Gowers (1880) says of it, “ it seemed of small value, and is borne badly.” Its dose may 
 safely be that of the oxide of zinc — viz. Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) and upward. 
 
 ZINCI CARBONAS PRJECIPITATUS, IT. S.— Precipitated Zinc Car- 
 bonate. 
 
 Zinci carbonas , Br. ; Hydrocarbonas zindcus, F. Cod. ; Zincum cnrbonicum. — Sous-carbo- 
 nate , Hydrocarbonate de zinc, Fr. ; Zinkcarbonat, Kohlensaures Zinkoxyd, G. 
 
1722 
 
 ZINCI CHLORII) UM. 
 
 Formula 2ZnC0 3 .3Zn(G)H) 2 . (?) Molecular weight 546.94. (?) 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Zinc Sulphate 10 ounces; Sodium Carbonate 10? ounces; 
 Boiling Distilled Water a sufficiency. Dissolve the sodium carbonate with a pint of the 
 water in a capacious porcelain vessel, and pour into it the zinc sulphate, also dissolved 
 in a pint of the water, stirring diligently. Boil for fifteen minutes after effervescence 
 has ceased, and let the precipitate subside. Decant the supernatant liquor, pour on the 
 precipitate 3 pints of boiling distilled water, agitating briskly ; let the precipitate again 
 subside, and repeat the processes of affusion of hot distilled water and subsidence till the 
 washings are no longer precipitated by barium chloride. Collect the precipitate on calico, 
 let it drain, and dry it with a gentle heat. — Br. 
 
 The French Codex has adopted a similar process, and directs adding 10 parts of zinc 
 sulphate, dissolved in 50 parts of water, to a boiling solution of 11 parts of sodium car- 
 bonate in 50 parts of water, and drying the washed precipitate at 50° C. (122° F.). 
 
 On adding cold solutions of sodium carbonate and zinc sulphate together, neutral zinc 
 carbonate is precipitated ; Na 2 C0 3 -f ZnS0 4 yields Na 2 S0 4 -f- ZnC0 3 . The gelatinous pre- 
 cipitate rapidly undergoes decomposition, carbon dioxide being evolved ; and this renders 
 another portion of the precipitate soluble. But if the mixture is boiled, the carbon 
 dioxide is expelled from the liquid and the whole of the zinc is precipitated. Adding 
 the solution of zinc sulphate to that of sodium carbonate while boiling hot keeps the 
 precipitate free from sodium compound, and the sodium sulphate which is formed at the 
 same time is readily removed by washing with water. Potassium carbonate is not so 
 well adapted for this process as the sodium salt, because the resulting potassium sulphate 
 is less freely soluble in water ; and ammonium carbonate is unsuitable, since a complete 
 precipitation of the zinc cannot be effected. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc carbonate is a soft, impalpable, white, inodorous, and tasteless 
 powder of somewhat variable chemical composition, permanent in the air, insoluble in 
 water and other simple solvents, but dissolving readily in acetic and dilute mineral acids, 
 with the evolution of carbon dioxide, and soluble also in aqueous solutions of ammonium 
 salts. When heated in a crucible to redness it parts with its water and carbon dioxide, 
 and leaves about 70 per cent, of oxide of zinc. Its solution in dilute sulphuric acid 
 shows the chemical behavior described under Zinci Sulphas. 
 
 Composition. — According to Ji. Bose (1852), this is influenced by the temperature 
 during the preparation and drying of the salt ; it contains between 5 and 7 ZnO to 2 C0 2 , 
 but the proportion of water is more variable. The formula given above is that formerly 
 recognized by the U. S. P., while 3ZnC0 3 .5Zn(0H) 2 *H 2 0 is given by the French Codex. 
 
 Tests. — The purity of zinc carbonate is ascertained by dissolving it in dilute sul- 
 phuric acid and testing in precisely the same manner as for zinc sulphate. The Phar- 
 macopoeia in addition directs the two following tests : No insoluble residue should be left 
 if 0.5 Gim. of zinc carbonate be dissolved in 10 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid (absence of 
 lead). If 1 Grin, of the salt be placed in a flask with 10 Cc. of boiling water and 2 drops 
 of phenolphtalein test-solution be added, not more than 1 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid 
 solution should be required to discharge the red color (limit of alkali). 
 
 Uses. — Zinc carbonate is seldom given internally, and its topical application is con- 
 fined to those excoriated or inflamed surfaces which it is desirable to protect from the air 
 and moderately to constringe. Hence in .powder it is very useful for healing blisters and 
 other superficial sores which resist milder applications, to prevent the friction that occa- 
 sions intertrigo and to cure abrasions when they occur. It is most frequently applied in 
 the form of ointment. 
 
 ZINCI CHLORIDUM, TJ. Br. — Zinc Chloride. 
 
 Zfincum chloratum , P. Gr. ; Chloruretum zincicum F. Cod. — Chlorure de zinc , Fr. ; Zink- 
 chlorid , C hlorzink, Gr. ; Cloruro de zinc , Sp. 
 
 Formula ZnCl 2 . Molecular weight 135.84. 
 
 Preparation. — The British Pharmacopoeia repeats the directions given for prepar- 
 ing Liquor Zinci Chloridi (see p. 987), except that the last filtrate is to be evapo- 
 rated in a porcelain basin until a portion of the liquid, withdrawn on the end of a glass 
 rod and cooled, forms an opaque white solid ; the liquid is then poured into proper 
 moulds, and when the salt has solidified, but before it has cooled, it is placed in closely- 
 stoppered bottles. 
 
 The reactions occurring in the preparation and purification of zinc chloride are explained 
 on page 987. Since zinc chloride destroys vegetable fibre and transforms cellulose and 
 
ZINC1 CHLOEIDUM. 
 
 1723 
 
 starch into soluble modifications, its solution should not be filtered through paper, but 
 through asbestos or powdered glass ; otherwise the fused salt will be black. Toward the 
 close of the evaporation of the solution the heat should be regulated so as not to decom- 
 pose the salt, and in case the fused mass should become opaque from the separation of 
 basic salt a little hydrochloric acid should be added. If the salt is desired for solution 
 in water, the liquid is evaporated and continually stirred until a granular powder remains, 
 a few drops of hydrochloric acid being added toward the close of the process. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc chloride is either in the form of a white crystalline powder or 
 in opaque tablets or rods. It is inodorous, has a strongly caustic and metallic taste, is 
 very deliquescent on exposure, has an acid reaction, and when heated to a little over 
 100° C. (115° C. = 239° F., U. S .) it melts to a colorless liquid which congeals to a 
 white mass ; at a higher heat it is partly volatilized, forming white fumes and leaves a 
 yellowish residue; but when heated in a current of chlorine gas the salt sublimes in 
 acicular crystals. Zinc chloride is freely soluble in water (0.3 part, U. S.), but usually 
 yields with water an opalescent solution from the presence of a little oxychloride, which 
 is readily dissolved by a few drops of hydrochloric acid ; the solution dissolves starch, 
 paper, and other organic compounds. Zinc chloride dissolves also freely in alcohol, and 
 somewhat less freely in ether. In contact with sulphuric acid it is converted into zinc 
 sulphate. Its solutions yield white precipitates with ammonium sulphide, ammonia, and 
 with silver nitrate, the last two being readily soluble in an excess of ammonia. On mix- 
 ing a concentrated solution of zinc chloride with zinc oxide a plastic mass of zinc oxy- 
 chloride is obtained, which soon hardens. 
 
 Tests. — The pharmacopoeial requirements for the purity of zinc chloride are as fol- 
 lows : ” The aqueous solution (1 in 20) should be clear, or at most only very slightly 
 opalescent, and, if it be mixed with an equal volume of alcohol, a single drop of hydro- 
 chloric acid should suffice to render 10 Cc. of the mixture perfectly clear (limit of oxy- 
 chloride). If to the aqueous solution, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, an equal volume 
 of hydrogen sulphide test-solution be added, it should not become colored or turbid 
 (absence of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, etc.). If ammonium carbonate test-solution 
 be added to the solution, the precipitate should be of a pure white color, and completely 
 redissolve in an excess of the reagent (absence of iron, aluminum, calcium, etc.). If 
 from this solution in ammonium carbonate test-solution the zinc be completely precipi- 
 tated by ammonium sulphide test-solution, the filtrate should leave no fixed residue on 
 evaporation (absence of alkalies, magnesium, etc.). The aqueous solution should not be 
 rendered turbid by the addition of barium chloride test-solution (absence of sulphate). 
 If 0.3 Gm. of dry zinc chloride be dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and 2 drops of potas- 
 sium chromate test-solution be added, it should require 44.1 Cc. of decinormal silver 
 nitrate solution to produce a permanent red color (corresponding to not less than 99.84 
 per cent, of the pure salt).’ — U. S. The P. G. requires the salt to form a clear and col- 
 orless solution with an equal weight of water ; on the addition of 3 parts of alcohol a 
 flocculent precipitate may form which should dissolve on adding 1 drop of hydrochloric 
 acid. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Causticum cum chlorureto zincico, F. Cod, — Chlo- 
 ride-of-zinc pencils, E. ; Pate de Canquoin, Fr. — Dissolve zinc chloride 32 Gm. in cold 
 distilled water 4 Gm. ; add zinc oxide 8 Gm., previously mixed with well-dried wheat 
 flour 24 Gm. ; triturate so as to obtain a paste, and form this into cylinders or other shaped 
 pieces, which are to be completely dried in an air-bath at a temperature gradually raised 
 from 50° to 100° C. (122°-212° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Applied externally, zinc chloride is powerfully corrosive, and, 
 although very painful, is perhaps less so than corrosive sublimate or arsenic. Its first 
 application produces a sense of warmth and more or less redness. Upon the denuded 
 skin its action is more rapid as well as more painful, but it does not extend beyond the 
 limits of the caustic. If it is made to penetrate deeply, it coagulates the blood in the 
 vessels and converts the soft tissues into a tough, dry, and uniform mass which is not 
 fetid, and which separates in from one to two weeks, leaving behind a clean granulating 
 surface that tends to rapid cicatrization. The case is reported by Dr. Nichols of a man 
 who had applied to an epithelioma of the lip, first, a strong potash lotion, and then a 
 paste composed as follows: Zinc chloride starch ^iij, podophyllin %ss. It caused 
 extreme pain in the part, followed by gastric pain, and then by unconsciousness, stertor, 
 dilated and fixed pupils, a small, weak pulse at 110, flushed face, cold perspiration, con- 
 vulsions, coma, and death in about eight hours. No internal lesions were found to explain 
 the cause of death (Boston Med. and Burg. Jour., Oct. 1880, p. 343). 
 
1724 
 
 ZINCI CHLORWUM. 
 
 The rare occasions in which zinc chloride may be given internally have been already 
 pointed out. (See Liquor Zinci Chloridi.) In the same connection its uses as a disin- 
 fectant were noticed. When, owing to the timidity of patients or any other cause, the 
 knife cannot be employed for the removal of malignant and other morbid growths , this 
 preparation is preferred before other caustic applications, because it runs no risk of poison- 
 ing the system, and because its action is limited to the points of its contact with the 
 tissues. It was originally alleged to be much more successful than excision in the treat- 
 ment of cancer, and, indeed, to have cured four-fifths of the cases in which it was 
 employed ; it was also thought to possess the advantage of acting on the diseased rather 
 than on the healthy tissues. These conclusions have been proved groundless, as well as 
 the allegation that the pain produced by the application is inconsiderable. On the con- 
 trary, the pain caused by zinc chloride far exceeds that occasioned by the knife, even 
 without the use of anaesthetics, and is of much longer duration. To what degree this 
 caustic is capable of preventing a return of cancerous disease is still undetermined. It 
 is very positively alleged by competent authorities that the recurrence of cancerous 
 tumors is due mainly to their incomplete extirpation by excision, and that this and some 
 other caustics reach and destroy the cancerous germs more effectually than a surgical 
 operation. 
 
 The mode of action here attributed to zinc chloride was long since pointed out by 
 Bonnet. He remarked that when applied as a paste in the neighborhood of large blood- 
 vessels, arteries, or veins, its caustic action does not occasion haemorrhage, but under its 
 influence they contract and shrivel, and only remain as thin, hard, and apparently solid 
 strings. The experiments of Gersuny and Gjorgjevie on dogs and rabbits exhibited a 
 similar result, for even when the chloride was applied to wounds in which large veins 
 were exposed the vessels were not penetrated, there was no haemorrhage, and their walls 
 collapsed and shrivelled. In 1878, Dr. Carl Langenbuch treated a case of rodent ulcer , 
 or of lupus exedens , affecting the face and neck and laying bare the large blood-vessels 
 of the cervical region — a case in which instrumental interference was out of the ques- 
 tion — by means of zinc chloride, with the result of arresting the ulceration, suspending 
 the circulation through the exposed vessels, and securing a perfect cure. He also refers 
 to a similar treatment of gangrenous ulcers in the Franco-German War of 1870-71. In 
 these cases the pure chloride was applied in the manner described below as Cooke’s. It 
 appears, therefore, that the action of this compound is not properly a caustic action ; it 
 mummifies the tissues, but does not destroy them. Of late years zinc chloride has been 
 used in the treatment of cancer and other affections of the cavity of the uterus. Fraen- 
 kel, after curetting the diseased surface and applying Paquelin’s cautery, made use of 
 injections of the chloride (2 : 3). Superficial sloughing and a cure followed ( Therap . 
 Monatsh ., iii. 34). Later on he denied that this method tended to cause adhesions 
 between the opposite walls of the uterine cavity, provided that dilating bougies were 
 duly employed. Czerny used 4 parts of the chloride and 1 part of the zinc oxide with 
 3 parts of flour enclosed in- gauze and secured with a string, forming a tampon applied 
 after the use of the curette and the cessation of haemorrhage. It was allowed to remain 
 in place about six hours, or less if there seemed to be any risk to the rectal or vesical 
 septum. On its removal it was replaced by iodoform gauze (Am. Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 
 
 1888, p. 432). A similar plan was employed by Dumontpallier (Archives gen., Juill. 
 
 1889, pp. Ill, 369). This compound has been used for the cure of uterine and vaginal 
 leucorrhcea and gonorrhoea and hsemorrhagic endometritis (Med. News , liii. 530 ; Therap. 
 Monatsh., iii. 35). Landerer has reported the successful treatment of small cystic tumors 
 (ganglion, ranula, hygroma) by injecting them with a 1 per cent, solution of zinc chloride 
 (Centralb. f. Ther., vii. 738). In 1879 cases of nasal polypi were cured by injecting the 
 tumors with zinc chloride, and in the following year several others were reported (Archives 
 gen. de Med., Mars, 1880, p. 353 ; Med. Record, xviii. 433). In 1881 additional cases 
 were furnished by Dr. Reynolds of Kentucky (Trans. Amer. Med. Assoc., xxxii. 237). 
 The stronger preparations have been used to destroy anastomotic aneurisms and to open 
 abscesses where puncture or incision might be dangerous, as abscesses of the liver. Zinc 
 chloride has been applied to destroy the hardened tissues surrounding cavities and fistulas 
 following the suppuration of scrofulous glands, and is said to possess the advantage 
 over other methods of local treatment of not leaving behind it irregular or unsightly 
 scars. It has also been employed to fill the cavities of carious teeth, especially of the 
 incisors. 
 
 Several modes of applying zinc chloride as a caustic have been employed. The old- 
 est is that of Canquoin, who made use of a paste containing 1 part by weight of the 
 
ZINCI IODIDUM. 
 
 1725 
 
 chloride to 2, 3, 4, or 5 parts of rye flour ; or 5 parts of the chloride and 10 of rye flour 
 made into a paste with 2 parts of glycerin may be used. Gluten has been used as an 
 excipient instead of flour. Mayet’s paste is made as follows : Zinc chloride 8 parts ; zinc 
 oxide 1 part; wheaten flour, dried at 212° F., 7 parts; water 1 part. Mix the zinc 
 oxide and the flour, dissolve the zinc chloride in the water, and add to the solution the 
 mixture of zinc oxide and flour. Rub the paste in a mortar for ten minutes. Cooke’s 
 method consists in saturating lint with the deliquesced salt, and keeping it, after it is 
 dried, in a close box of wood or pasteboard. The lint when used must be cut with 
 scissors that can be spared, since it ruins steel instruments. A convenience of this 
 preparation is that it can be applied in pieces proportioned to the size of the part to be 
 acted upon. A similar advantage is possessed by a mixture of zinc chloride and gutta- 
 percha in equal parts ; its caustic action is attenuated by the inert and insoluble portion 
 of it. Conical or arrow-shaped bodies made with zinc chloride alone, or of this salt and 
 potassium nitrate, are sometimes thrust into incisions made in the tumor to be acted upon. 
 Before applying any of these mixtures the cuticle, if unbroken, must be removed by 
 means of strong ammonia. 
 
 ZINCI IODIDUM, U . S .— Zinc Iodide. 
 
 Ioduretum zincicum. — Iodure de zinc , Fr. ; Zinkjodid , G. ; Ioduro de zinc , Sp. 
 
 Formula Znl 2 . Molecular weight 318.16. 
 
 Preparation. — This salt may be prepared by dissolving zinc oxide or carbonate in 
 hydrioaic acid, or, according to Doepp (1839), by digesting in a flask 3 parts of granu- 
 lated zinc, 10 parts of iodine, and 20 parts of water until the liquid has become colorless, 
 when it is filtered through asbestos or powdered glass, and rapidly evaporated to dryness 
 at a moderate heat. The yield is 121 parts. The salt should be at once put into vials, 
 which are to be kept carefully stoppered. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc iodide resembles zinc chloride and bromide, is a white granular, 
 crystalline, inodorous powder, and has a caustic and metallic or in diluted solution 
 a sweetish and styptic taste and an acid reaction. On exposure it is very deliquescent, 
 and gradually becomes colored by, and acquires the odor of, free iodine. It is freely 
 soluble in water and alcohol, and the solution on being largely diluted with water sepa- 
 rates a gelatinous precipitate of zinc hydroxide (Rammelsberg). It readily forms basic 
 compounds, an oxyiodide, soluble in warm and insoluble in cold water, being produced by 
 the prolonged digestion of iodine and zinc with water. The iodide melts when carefully 
 heated to 446° C. (834.8° F.) to a colorless liquid, and may be sublimed in quadrangular 
 needles, but on being heated in the air is decomposed into iodine and zinc oxide. The 
 aqueous solution gives white precipitates with ammonium sulphide, potassium ferro- 
 cyanide, ammonia, and potassa, the last two being soluble in an excess of the precipitants, 
 and it yields a scarlet-red precipitate with mercuric chloride, a bright-yellow one with 
 lead acetate, and a pale-yellow one with silver nitrate, the latter being insoluble in 
 ammonia and in nitric acid. The salt, warmed with strong sulphuric acid, liberates iodine 
 and sulphur dioxide, zinc sulphate being formed at the same time. 
 
 Tests. — The absence of foreign metals is ascertained in precisely the same manner as 
 in zinc chloride and bromide, and the absence of sulphate by the solution not producing 
 a precipitate with barium chloride. The absence of other zinc salts may be ascertained 
 as follows : 1 Gm. of the dry salt, when completely precipitated with silver nitrate, yields 
 1.472 -|- Gm. of dry silver iodide. Bromide and chloride, if present, increase the weight 
 of the silver precipitate. The Pharmacopoeia admits a salt containing 98.62 per cent, 
 of pure zinc iodide, as seen from the following test: If 0.5 Gm. of dry zinc iodide be 
 dissolved in 10 Cc. of water, and 2 drops of potassium chromate test-solution be added, 
 not more than 31.4 Cc. nor less than 31.0 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution should 
 be required to produce a permanent red color (31.4 Cc. corresponding to 100 (99.9) per 
 cent., and 31.0 Cc. to 98.62 per cent, of pure zinc iodide). This seems to be almost too 
 strict a requirement, in view of the alterations taking place on exposure. Hager sug- 
 gests the following test, which requires at least 95 per cent, of pure Znl 2 : 0.5 Gm. of 
 the dry salt should yield with 5 Gm. of alcohol a nearly clear solution free from crystal- 
 line deposit; add to this liquid 0.6 Gm. of silver nitrate dissolved in 30 Gm. of water, 
 afterward 5 Gm. of ammonia-water, agitate well, and filter ; the precipitate when dried 
 should weigh not less than 0.7 Gm., and the filtrate on being acidulated with nitric acid 
 should remain clear or at most become faintly opalescent, but should not produce a curdy 
 precipitate. 
 
1726 
 
 ZINCI OXIDUM. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparation.— Syrupus zinci iodidi, Syrup of zinc iodide. 
 Digest 2 troyounces of iodine and 5 drachms of granulated zinc in 8 ounces of water, 
 and when the color of iodine has disappeared pass the liquid through a small filter into a 
 bottle containing 15 troyounces of sugar; wash the filter with a little water and dissolve 
 the sugar by agitation. The syrup should measure 20 fluidounces, and is of about the 
 same iodine strength as the syrup of iodide of iron (A. B. Taylor, 1852). This is the 
 most convenient form for the administration of zinc iodide. 
 
 Uses. — As long ago as 1853 this compound was recommended in hysterical chorea 
 ( Lancet , Dec. 1853, p. 264), and later in various scrofulous affections of the skin and 
 eyes (Guibert, Nouveaux Medicaments , 1864). It resembles zinc chloride as a caustic. 
 It was used by Lente as an application to the Eustachian tube in certain cases of deaf- 
 ness ( Amer . Jour. Med. Sci., Oct. 1859, p. 390), and by Boss as an application to enlarged 
 and indurated tonsils. A solution of Gm. 0.06—0.12 in Gm. 30 (gr. i— ij in fjj) of water 
 has been employed as an injection in gonorrhoea and leucorrhoea. It seemed to be entirely 
 obsolete when it was revived in the Pharmacopoeia of 1880. Its dose is said to be Gm. 
 0.03-0.12 (gr. ss-ij). 
 
 ZINCI OXIDUM, V. S., Br.— Zinc Oxide. 
 
 Zineum oxydatum , P. G. ; Oxydum zincicum, F. Cod. ; Flores zinci . — Oxyde de zinc , 
 Fr. ; Zinkoxyd , G. ; Oxido de zinc , Sp. 
 
 Formula ZnO. Molecular weight 81.06. 
 
 Preparation. — Place zinc carbonate in a loosely-covered Hessian crucible, and expose 
 it to a dull red heat until a portion, taken from the centre of the contents of the crucible 
 and cooled, no longer effervesces when dropped into diluted sulphuric acid. Let the cruci- 
 ble cool, and transfer the product to stoppered bottles. — Br. 
 
 Nearly identical is the process of the French Codex for oxyde de zinc par voie humide. 
 Wh en heated, zinc carbonate parts with its water and carbon dioxide, leaving zinc oxide 
 behind. The operation is known to be finished when a small portion, taken from the 
 centre of the vessel and mixed with a little water, no longer produces effervescence on 
 being dropped into dilute sulphuric acid. A dull red heat, as directed by both pharma- 
 copoeias, is not necessary for this purpose. Mohr observed that a temperature of 280° C. 
 (536° F.) is sufficient for obtaining the oxide, and, according to Hager, all carbon dioxide 
 is expelled at 250° C. (482° F.). With quantities of from 6 to 12 ounces of zinc car- 
 bonate the operation is conveniently performed in a glass flask placed in a sand-bath and 
 heated by means of gas or on a stove. The capacity of the flask should be about double 
 the volume of the powdered carbonate. If the zinc carbonate is not previously powdered, 
 a higher heat and a longer time are required for expelling all the carbon dioxide. If 
 the carbon dioxide be driven off below a red heat, or if the heating to dull redness has 
 not been prolonged unnecessarily, the cold zinc oxide has a white color, but after having 
 been exposed to a full red heat it will retain after cooling a more or less decided yellow 
 tint. 
 
 The French Codex recognizes also an oxyde de zinc par voie seche , which is made by 
 melting pure zinc in an inclined crucible in contact with air to a bright red heat, when it 
 takes fire and burns to oxide, which condenses in the upper part of the crucible or in 
 suitable vessels suspended over it, and after cooling is passed through a fine sieve. The 
 same product, though less pure, was recognized by the U. S. P. 1870 as Zinci oxidum 
 VENALE (zinc-white) ; Zineum oxydatum crudum, P. G. ; Flores zinci, Pompholix, Nihil 
 album, Lana pliilosophica. This was recommended by Courtois (1780) as a pigment in 
 in place of white lead, but began to be used as such about 1844, after Leclair had 
 elaborated a process for making it at a sufficiently low rate. At present it is usually pre- 
 pared directly from zinc ores by processes identical with or similar to those recommended 
 by W. J. Taylor (1861) and G. Darlington (1862). A mixture of zinc ore and coal is 
 packed in a suitable furnace upon a layer of coke, previously ignited, and heated by 
 means of a blast, and the vapors of zinc oxide, which are at first more or less mixed with 
 particles of charcoal, are conducted into a chamber, where they condense as a gray pow- 
 der. As soon as the condensing product has a white color the vapors are passed into 
 another chamber, where they condense as zinc-white. The gray product is identical with 
 the impure oxide of zinc, which was formerly used in medicine under the names of tutia, 
 cadmia fornacum, or tv tty. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc oxide is a soft, inodorous and tasteless, pale-yellowish, nearly 
 white powder, which on being heated acquires a deep lemon-yellow color, and on cooling 
 
ZINCI OXIDUM. 
 
 1727 
 
 becomes again nearly white. After having been heated to bright redness it continues for 
 some time to emit light in the dark. It dissolves in dilute acetic and other acids without 
 effervescence, is completely insoluble in simple solvents and in saccharine liquids, and is 
 without action on test-paper. According to Daubree, it may be obtained crystallized by 
 heating zinc chloride in a current of steam. On exposure to the atmosphere it slowly 
 absorbs water and gradually also carbon dioxide. 
 
 Tests. — Zinc oxide may contain traces of chloride or sulphate, which are detected in 
 the solution in dilute nitric acid by silver nitrate and barium nitrate. The liquid obtained 
 on boiling zinc oxide with water and filtering should not have an alkaline reaction from 
 the presence of sodium carbonate. The solution of the oxide in hydrochloric acid should 
 not assume a red color on the addition of potassium sulphocyanate (iron), should not 
 be colored or precipitated by hydrogen sulphide (lead and similar metals), and should be 
 completely precipitated with a white color by ammonium sulphide ; the filtrate from this 
 precipitate, after having been boiled, should not be disturbed on the addition of ammo- 
 nium oxalate (calcium) or of ammonium phosphate (magnesium). The U. S. P. does not 
 give any tests for acidulous radicals, and directs testing for foreign bases after dissolving 
 the oxide in diluted sulphuric acid in the same manner as directed for zinc sulphate, but 
 requires that if 10 Cc. of diluted sulphuric acid be added to 0.5 Gm. of zinc oxide, no 
 effervescence should occur (absence of carbonate), and a perfectly clear solution should 
 result (absence of lead, silicate, etc). Zinc-white should respond to the same tests, but 
 a minute proportion of lead is permitted by the P. G. by the following test, which fails 
 to detect about J percent, of PbO : Dissolve 0.2 Gm. of the zinc oxide in 2 Gm. of acetic 
 acid ; after cooling, the solution should not be affected (become yellow and turbid) on the 
 addition of potassium iodide. 
 
 Action, and Uses. — In experiments upon healthy men repeated doses of 4 grains 
 or more of zinc oxide occasioned nausea, eructation, vomiting, confusion of the mind and 
 senses, heat in the epigastrium, thirst, fever, a jerking pulse, muscular spasm, etc. 
 Sometimes, when prescribed in very large and continued doses, it has produced maras- 
 mus, oedema of the feet, diarrhoea, etc. That these effects were really due to the poisonous 
 action of zinc is proved by the manner in which smelters of the metal are affected — viz. with 
 cough, dyspnoea, and even haemoptysis or dyspeptic symptoms, vomiting and diarrhoea, 
 loss of flesh, neuralgia, muscular spasm, and debility. Besides these symptoms are 
 observed a gradual anaesthesia of the skin, diminished reflex excitability, muscular 
 tremors, especially of the legs ; in a word, the signs of disorder of the spinal marrow 
 (Schlochow, Monthly Abstract , Mar. 1880, p. 158). 
 
 Zinc oxide has been used in medicine chiefly for the cure of nervous diseases, and 
 long before the experiments above referred to denoted its special mode of action; for it 
 was introduced by Paracelsus, and proposed as a remedy for epilepsy by Gaubius, who 
 learned its virtues from a charlatan. Many physicians have claimed for it a curative 
 virtue in epilepsy , and among them some whose names have the weight of authority ; 
 nevertheless, a rigid scrutiny of facts has proved that it never cures, and seldom even 
 palliates, the disease. In six out of twenty cases under the care of Bussell a decided 
 impression was made on the course of the disease by the zinc given to the extent of 
 18 grains three times a day ( Practitioner , xxx. 83). The utility of zinc oxide is still 
 less in chorea , a disease which as naturally tends to cure as epilepsy is rebellious to all 
 treatment that is not merely palliative. The utility of the medicine in these affections 
 is claimed by some physicians who have used it along with the bromides ! Such a con- 
 fusion of ideas is a fruitful source of error in therapeutics. Zinc oxide has also been 
 used with alleged benefit in hysteria and spasmodic asthma. In the nervous state conse- 
 quent upon delirium tremens , and in chronic alcoholism attended with want of sleep, 
 trembling, vertigo, tinnitus aurium, muscae volitantes, and occasional hallucinations, it 
 sometimes is very beneficial. In such cases it may be given in doses of Gm. 0.12 
 (2 grains) three times a day, and gradually increased. There is little doubt that this 
 medicine is one of the best for colliquative sweats , although it sometimes fails, and is not 
 superior to zinc sulphate. It should be prescribed in Gm. 0.06 (gr. j) doses every hour 
 for three or four hours in the evening. Murrell rcommends that it be given “at bedtime 
 in from 5- to 10-grain doses, made up into pill with extract of henbane or conium ” 
 (• Practitioner , xxiii. 91). Such doses appear to us fitted, if continued, to produce vomit- 
 ing and even poisonous effects. In diarrhoea and dysentery it was recommended by 
 •J. Waring-Curran (1868) as being their best and most speedy cure. Some time later 
 it was advised by Gubler in diarrhoea, and in imitation of him by Bonamy (1876), who 
 employed it successfully when other remedies had failed in an epidemic of dysenteric 
 
1728 
 
 ZINCI FHOSPHIDUM. 
 
 diarrhoea. He mixed dm. 3.30 (gr. 1) of zinc oxide with Gm. 3.50 and Gin. 0.66 (10 
 grains) of sodium bicarbonate, and divided the mixture into three or four parts, which were 
 administered during the day at intervals of three hours. The effect of the medicine is 
 said to have been prompt and decisive even in the most chronic cases. This conclusion 
 was subsequently confirmed in Scotland by Brakenridge and by Benton (1877), and by 
 Jacquier in France (1878). In infantile diarrhoea the medicine was given to a child of 
 six months in doses of Gm. 0.12 (2 grains) every two hours. It was used with 
 advantage by James L. Tyson, although sugar was mixed with it, which Benton found 
 to impair its efficiency. Associated with belladonna, it is more efficient than is either 
 medicine alone. Zinc oxide with valerian in large and increasing doses is said to have 
 cured diabetes insipidus (. Amer . Jour. Med. Sci ., Jan. 1882, p. 276). In fine powder it 
 forms an admirable application for promoting the healing of intertrigo , superficial burns 
 and scalds , fissures of the nipples or anus, balano-posthitis , chancroids , flabby ulcers , leucor- 
 rhoea , and moist eruptions of the skin. For some of these purposes it may be mixed 
 with powdered starch, acacia, or lycopodium. The official ointment is used for similar 
 purposes. The sore or surface should be washed with a carbolic-acid solution before the 
 powder or paste of zinc is applied. A paste made with linseed oil has been used in 
 erysipelas instead of the more usual white-lead paint. The following preparation has 
 also been recommended: Glycerin 16 parts, starch 8 parts, zinc oxide 4 parts. Warm 
 the glycerin and starch in a porcelain capsule until they form a jelly, and then stir in the 
 zinc oxide. 
 
 Zinc oxide may be administered in powder or in pill, and in doses of Gm. 0.06-0.30 
 (gr. j— v). It is best given after meals. 
 
 Zinc oleate made into an ointment with 1 part of vaseline or olive oil, or 2 parts 
 of lard or simple ointment — vaseline being preferable, as not liable to change — has been 
 used with excellent results in the treatment of eczema , especially during the stage of 
 active secretion (Crocker, 1879). Haslam has recommended a mixture of this oleate 
 with iodoform as an application to uterine ulcers , etc. 
 
 Commercial zinc oxide may be used in powder as an external application in the various 
 local affections mentioned above, to diminish secretion and protect parts from the action 
 of the air. 
 
 ZINCI PHOSPHIDUM, U . 8 .— Zinc Phosphide. 
 
 Phosphoretum zincicum , F. Cod. — Phosphuret of zinc , E. ; Phosphure de zinc , Fr. ; 
 Phosphor zink, G. ; Fosfuro de zinc , Sp. 
 
 Formula Zn 3 P 2 . Molecular weight 257.22. 
 
 Preparation. — If zinc is fused in a crucible, and phosphorus is added in small 
 pieces at a time, the crucible being kept covered as much as possible, a union of the two 
 elements takes place, but it is difficult to obtain the compound of uniform composition. 
 According to Schrotter (1849), finely-divided zinc is heated to dull redness while the 
 vapor of phosphorus is being passed over it. Vigier’s modification of this process con- 
 sists in heating the zinc in a current of hydrogen ; after all atmospheric air has been 
 expelled vapors of phosphorus are passed over the zinc. On account of the great danger 
 connected with this process, owing to the liability to violent explosions, Proust (1869) 
 proposed the following process : Nitrogen gas is evolved by heating ammonium nitrite, 
 and the gas is passed through a bottle in which hydrogen phosphide is prepared by 
 introducing calcium phosphide through a wide tube into diluted hydrochloric acid con- 
 tained in the bottle. The mixed gases are passed through a wash-bottle into a porcelain 
 tube in which zinc is heated to redness, when the metal will combine with the phosphorus 
 and the liberated hydrogen will escape together with the nitrogen. If the apparatus is 
 filled with nitrogen gas before the hydrogen phosphide is generated, there is no danger 
 of an explosion. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc phosphide is stated to be permanent in the air, but the slight 
 phosphorus odor emitted by it indicates its gradual oxidation ; it should therefore be pre- 
 served in well-stoppered vials. It forms a gray crystalline or friable mass, having upon 
 the fractured surface a bright metallic lustre. Vigier (1875) recommends it to be pow- 
 dered and freed by sifting from metallic zinc which may be present ; in this state it 
 resembles iron reduced by hydrogen, lias a blackish-gray color and a slight taste of phos- 
 phorus, is readily soluble in dilute sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, with the copious evo- 
 lution of hydrogen phosphide, and by concentrated nitric acid is converted into zinc 
 phosphate. It melts at a higher temperature than zinc, and volatilizes unchanged, con- 
 
ZINCI SULPHAS. 
 
 1729 
 
 densing in needles if the air be excluded ; but when heated in contact with air it is oxi- 
 dized to zinc phosphate. 
 
 Composition. — Pure zinc phosphide consists of 24.12 per cent, of phosphorus and 
 75.88 per cent, of zinc. 
 
 Tests. — “1.171 Gm. of zinc phosphide in contact with official hydrochloric acid 
 should evolve 200 Cc. of hydrogen phosphide, which should be completely absorbed by 
 a concentrated solution of copper sulphate.'' — F. Cod. This test proves the absence of 
 metallic zinc, which would evolve hydrogen ; hydrogen phosphide produces in the copper 
 solution a black precipitate of copper phosphide. The U. S. P. directs testing only for 
 foreign metals after dissolving the compound in diluted hydrochloric acid, and demands 
 the absence of insoluble impurities by directing that 0.5 Gm. of zinc phosphide shall 
 form a clear solution with 15 Cc. of diluted hydrochloric acid, heat being applied to 
 expel all of the hydrogen phosphide. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Zinc phosphide has been used principally in nervous disorders 
 attributed to defective nutrition of the brain and spinal marrow. Among these locomotor 
 ataxia and general paralysis are especially to be mentioned. It is alleged that in certain 
 cases of the former affection co-ordination of the movements has been restored and the 
 evidences of sexual power revived ; but the paucity of reports of its success in a disease 
 which is ordinarily rebellious to all medicinal treatment would argue badly in its favor, 
 even if its total want of curative power in other cases of the same disease were not well 
 established. An almost identical statement may be made respecting the other affection 
 mentioned, for only one or two cases of paralysis, ascribed to disseminated sclerosis of 
 the cord, and an equal number of cases of mercurial tremor, are recorded in which any 
 advantage appears to have been derived from the medicine. A very similar summary 
 may be given of its effects in anaphrodisia. Several persons have published accounts of 
 its curative virtues in neuralgia , spinal irritation , hysteria , and cerebral disorders , with an 
 excessive elimination of phosphates with the urine, in chlorosis, ansemia, amenorrhoea , dys- 
 menorrhoea, and metrorrhagia. But these reports, dating as far back as 1868, have not been 
 sufficiently confirmed. Mercier (1878), indeed, found the medicine useful in neuralgia, 
 capable of retarding the progress of locomotor ataxia, almost certain in relieving anaphro- 
 disia, and efficient in dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea. But his results do not accord with 
 general experience. It was claimed (1874) to be an efficient remedy for the neuralgic 
 pains of herpes zoster, but the claim has not been confirmed. 
 
 Zinc phosphide may be given in the dose of Gm. 0.004-0.008 (gr. T 5 ¥ to ^), which 
 is estimated to equal to g r . 0 f phosphorus, but some of those who have most 
 recommended it direct doses of Gm. 0.02 (gr. J) every two hours. It may be prescribed 
 in pills with liquorice powder and syrup or in powder with starch. It is best given 
 when the stomach does not contain food, for it is then less apt to disengage hydrogen 
 phosphide. 
 
 Dr. R. W. Gardner objected to zinc phosphide that, as no oxygen enters into its 
 composition, it must produce in the stomach the same irritant effects as uncombined 
 phosphorus. He therefore proposed in its stead zinc hypophosphite , as not irritant and as 
 admitting the use of such doses as fully to meet all indications for either phosphorus or 
 zinc. The salt is perfectly soluble, and therefore readily absorbable. Its administration 
 is recommended in a syrup containing 8 grains of the salt to a fluidounce, of which a tea- 
 spoonful is suggested as an average dose. 
 
 ZINCI SULPHAS, U . 8 ., Br .— Zinc Sulphate. 
 
 Zincum sulfuricum , P. G. ; Sulfas zincicus , F. Cod. ; Vitriolum album. — White vitriol, 
 E. : Sulfate de zinc, Vitriol blanc, Couperose blanche, Fr. ; Zinksulfat , Schwefelsaures Zink- 
 oxyd, Weisser Vitriol, Galitzenstcin , G. ; Sulfato de zinc, Sp. 
 
 Formula ZnS0 4 .7H 2 0. Molecular weight 286.64. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Granulated Zinc 16 ounces; Sulphuric Acid 12 fluidounces; 
 Distilled Water 4 pints ; Solution of Chlorine a sufficiency ; Zinc Carbonate \ ounce or 
 a sufficiency. Pour the sulphuric acid, previously mixed with the water, on the zinc 
 contained in a porcelain basin, and when effervescence has nearly ceased aid the action 
 by a gentle heat. Filter the fluid into a gallon bottle, and add gradually, with constant 
 agitation, a solution of chlorine, until the fluid acquires a permanent odor of chlorine. 
 Add now, with continued agitation, the zinc carbonate until a brown precipitate appears; 
 let it settle, filter the solution, evaporate till a pellicle forms on the surface, and set aside 
 109 
 
1730 
 
 ZINCl SULPHAS. 
 
 Fig. 316. 
 
 Crystals of Zinc Sulphate. 
 
 to crystallize. Dry the crystals by exposure to the air on filtering-paper placed on porous 
 
 tiles. More crystals may be obtained by again evaporat- 
 ing the mother-liquor. — Br. 
 
 Zinc dissolves in dilute sulphuric acid with the evolu- 
 tion of hydrogen, forming zinc sulphate: Zn 2 + 2H,SO 
 yields 2ZnS0 4 + 2H 2 . Arsenic, copper, and lead, which 
 are sometimes present in commercial zinc, are removed 
 by the continued digestion with an excess of the metal, 
 as ordered in the above process : but iron will dissolve' 
 together with the zinc, to ferrous sulphate. This is con- 
 verted into ferric salt by chlorine-water, and ferric hy- 
 droxide is now precipitated on agitating the liquid with 
 precipitated zinc oxide or carbonate. The filtered liquid 
 is free from the metals named, and on being sufficiently 
 concentrated will yield crystals of pure zinc sulphate, 
 
 The same salt is economically prepared on the large scale from zinc-white, or by roast- 
 ing the native zinc sulphide, ZnS, called blende , whereby this compound is oxidized Vo 
 sulphate this is extracted with hot water, and the clear solution, evaporated, yields 
 crude white vitriol , which should be purified by redissolving it in water, boiling with zinc 
 treating with chlorine and zinc carbonate, filtering, and evaporating to crystallization : 
 magnesium and alkali sulphates are not removed by this treatment. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc sulphate crystallizes readily in large transparent rhombic prisms, 
 which are isomorphous with those of magnesium sulphate. As seen in commerce, it is 
 in small prisms or prismatic needles, obtained by disturbed crystallization from concen- 
 trated solutions. On exposure the crystals become slowly opaque from the loss of water 
 of crystallization. When rapidly heated the salt melts. At a higher temperature it is 
 partly decomposed, losing both water and sulphuric acid. When very gradually heated 
 to 50° C. (122° F.) it loses 5 molecules of its water (31.3 per cent.) without "melting. 
 At 100° C. (212° F.) a sixth molecule is lost, while the last may be removed by a cur- 
 rent of dry air at 110° C. (230° F.). Zinc sulphate is inodorous and has a strongly styptic 
 and nauseous metallic taste and an acid reaction. According to Poggiale, 1 part of the 
 crystallized salt dissolves 
 
 at 10° 20° 30° 50° 100° C., 
 
 in .724 .620 .585 .380 .153 parts of water. 
 
 The pharmacopoeias give the solubility for 1 part of the salt at 15° C. (59° F.) in 0 74 
 part (F. Cod .), 0.6 part (U. S., P. G.), and at 100° C. in 0.2 part (US.), 0.15 part (F. 
 Cod.) of water; also in 0.86 part of glycerin (F. Cod.), 3 parts (U. S.) . Supersaturated I 
 solutions are easily obtained, particularly in contact with air which has been previously > 
 filtered through cotton. 100 parts of 40 per cent, alcohol dissolve, according to Sehiff, jj 
 only 3.48 paits of the salt, and in strong .alcohol it is insoluble. The aqueous solution ' 
 of zinc sulphate yields white precipitates with barium chloride, with ammonium sulphide, 
 and with potassium ferrocyanide. 
 
 Tests. Commercial or crude zinc sulphate is not sufficiently pure for medicinal pur- 
 poses ; it contains iron, occasionally also copper, aluminum, and calcium sulphate, and 
 sometimes cadmium. These salts and the alkali sulphates cannot be removed by recrvs- 
 tallization. Lead cannot be present in this salt if completely soluble in water, owing to 
 the insolubility of its sulphate; yet the Pharmacopoeia mentions it among the possible 
 impurities. If 1 G-m. of zinc sulphate be shaken for some time with 10 Cc. of alcohol, 
 the filtrate should not redden moistened blue litmus-paper, showing the absence of free 
 acid. If a large proportion of chloride be present, the salt will be hygroscopic ; a 5 per I 
 cent, solution of the salt, acidulated with nitric acid, should not be rendered turbid by silver 
 nitrate. Other possible impurities are detected as follows : The aqueous solution, on being 
 acidulated with hydrochloric acid and treated with hydrogen sulphide, should yield neither 
 a yellow, brown, nor black coloration or precipitate (cadmium, arsenic, copper, and similar 
 metals). In case iron be present the solution will afiford with a little potassium ferrocya- 
 nide a more or less deep-blue precipitate. An excess of ammonia added to the aqueous 
 solution should yield a clear and colorless liquid ; in the presence of copper the color of 
 the solution would be blue, and iron and aluminum would remain undissolved. The solu- 
 tion of the salt, after having been precipitated by ammonium sulphide, or the ammouiacal 
 solution after treatment with hydrogen sulphide, yields a filtrate which on evaporation to I 
 dryness and ignition should leave no fixed residue (potassium, sodium, magnesium, and 
 
ZINCI SULPHAS. 
 
 1731 
 
 calcium). Ammonium sulphate is detected by the ammoniacal odor given off on the addi- 
 tion of an excess of potassa or soda. Nitrate is detected by adding to the solution sul- 
 phuric acid, test zinc, gelatinized starch, and a little potassium iodide, when the nascent 
 hydrogen will cause the reduction of nitric to nitrous acid, and the latter will liberate the 
 iodine, causing a blue color with the starch. 
 
 Composition. — Zinc sulphate has the formula given above, and contains 43.9 per 
 cent, of water, 28.22 per cent, of zinc oxide, and 27.88 per cent, of S0 3 . The sul- 
 phate may also be obtained with less water by crystallizing from its solution above 30° C. 
 (86° F.). 
 
 Action and Uses. — Externally and locally, zinc sulphate acts as a stimulant 
 astringent ; it is commonly applied to quicken vital action as well as to check secretion. It 
 enters into a paste which is very useful in cancrum oris , and contains, besides, extract of 
 cinchona, catechu, and honey of roses. A similar preparation is to be recommended for 
 aplitli&. In conjunctivitis and in gonorrhoea , in the forming stage, or again on the decline, 
 a solution may be employed containing about Gm. 0.06 in Gm. 32 (gr. j-,%j). In ophthal- 
 mia neonatorum the following has been used as a collyrium : R. Zinc sulphate gr. xx ; 
 water fgx ; solution of lead subacetate fgss ; tincture of camphor f^j-ij.— A small por- 
 tion of this solution may be injected between the eyelids several times a day. A solu- 
 tion applied with a brush or sponge to the throat or larynx should not exceed the strength 
 of Gm. 0.60 to Gm. 32 (10 grains to the ounce) ; an atomized solution for inhalation may 
 contain Gm. 0.06 to Gm. 32 (gr. j-ij to fgj). In the first-named form it is useful in 
 commencing inflammation of the fauces. To arrest haemorrhage it is often used in 
 solution and injected into the bladder, uterus, rectum, or nostrils, though for all except the 
 first-mentioned case it is more efficient when applied upon a sponge. In powder this 
 salt has been employed by insufflation in the treatment of polypi of the nostrils, and 
 in solution applied to the seat of these growths after evulsion and to prevent their 
 reproduction. Sir J. Y. Simpson recommended a paste made with lard and the sul- 
 phate Gm. 8 to Gm. 32 (gij in ^j), or a glycerite made with glycerin and the same amount 
 of the sulphate Gm. 2.60 to Gm. 32 (gr. xl and g), for the treatment of ulcers and soft 
 tumors about the vagina, anus, etc., which it dries and shrivels ; and if the part be 
 very soft and of feeble vitality, it may produce a superficial eschar. The same prepa- 
 rations have been applied to lupus exedens , tumors of the female urethra , etc., and even 
 to cancer of the breast {Med, News , xl. 401). They will not act upon parts covered with 
 cuticle or epithelium. The application causes severe pain, which may be palliated or 
 prevented by chloral hydrate ; its action does not tend to spread, and the eschar, if any, 
 separates more rapidly than that of most other caustics. Zinc sulphate may be used in 
 weak solution to lessen the secretion in eczema and appease the itching in that and other 
 cutaneous affections. 
 
 Internally, zinc sulphate is given chiefly as an emetic to empty the stomach of indi- 
 gestible or poisonous ingesta, especially such as are not themselves local irritants, and 
 notably narcotic poisons, such as opium, strychnine, mushrooms, rhus toxicodendron, etc. 
 As it is a mechanical and not a sedative emetic, it is greatly to be preferred before tar- 
 tarized antimony in these cases, and also when the air-passages are obstructed by foreign 
 bodies or by false membrane , as in croup and occasionally in diphtheria. It was claimed 
 in 1879 by Fukala that he cured sixty -two out of seventy-two cases of pseudo-mem- 
 branous croup by repeated applications of a 21 per cent, solution of zinc sulphate to the 
 interior of the larynx by means of a syringe with a long curved pipe {Bull, de Therap., 
 xcvii. 143). Evidently the statement is inadmissible. This medicine has been used 
 alone or combined in dysentery and typhoid fever , but it is only in the chronic form of 
 the first-named disease, and in greatly prolonged cases of the latter with predominant 
 intestinal symptoms, that it is indicated. In atonic dyspepsia , with flatulent distension of 
 the digestive canal, it is certainly of use, perhaps by its stimulant and astringent opera- 
 tion. It is reported to be efficacious in nervous palpitation of the heart, but probably in 
 dyspeptic cases only. Possibly, a similar explanation may be applied to its alleged suc- 
 cess in spasmodic asthma , but when this affection is associated with bronchorrboea the 
 efficiency of the medicine is more probable. In whooping cough it has enjoyed a certain 
 reputation which may have been due to a similar mode of action — i. e. to its influence in 
 eliminating the catarrhal element. Certainly, when associated with belladonna its useful- 
 ness is increased. The efficacy claimed for it in chorea is not sufficiently demonstrated. 
 Very often it was associated with valerian, which of itself is at least as potent as the zinc. 
 (Compare Med. News, xli. 261.) The latter is, however, as much to be depended upon as 
 any other single medicine. 
 
1732 
 
 ZINCI V A LERI A NA S. 
 
 As an emetic zinc sulphate may be prescribed in doses of Grm. 0.60—4 (gr. x-lx) 
 dissolved in tepid water. Internally, Gm. 0.06-0.18 (gr. j-iij) may be given several 
 times a day, and gradually increased. In the treatment of chorea it has been so given 
 until more than 20 grains a day were taken, and without injurious effects. It is best 
 administered in pill and after meals, except when it is intended to act upon the stomach 
 itself. 
 
 A solution of zinc sulphide has been prepared by dissolving equal parts of zinc sul- 
 phate and potassium sulphide in water. Such a solution, containing from 5 to 15 grains 
 of each salt in an ounce of water, with the addition of a few drops of alcohol, is recom- 
 mended by Duhring in the superficial inflammatory form of lupus erythematosus and in 
 seborrhoea of the face. The lotion should be shaken before being applied by means of a 
 sponge or rag mop, and its sediment should be allowed to adhere to the surface. Its 
 immediate effect is said to be soothing and cooling in the first-named disease, and its per- 
 manent influence more favorable than that of the numerous applications which are apt to 
 be fruitlessly made in this affection {Med. Mews, xliii. 507). 
 
 ZINOI VALERIANAS, U. j Br. — Zinc Valerianate. 
 
 Valeras zincicus , F. Cod. ; Zincum valerianicum . — Valerianate ( Valerate) de zinc, Fr. ; 
 Zi nkvalerianat , Baldriansaures Zinkoxyd , Gr. ; Valerianato de zinc, Sp. 
 
 Formula Zn(C 5 H 9 0 2 ) 2 .2H 2 0. Molecular weight 302.56. 
 
 Preparation. — Take of Sodium Valerianate 5 oz. av. ; Zinc Sulphate 51 oz. av. ; 
 Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the salts separately, each in 2 pints 
 (Imperial) of distilled water ; raise both solutions to near the boiling-point, mix them, 
 cool, and skim off the crystals which are produced. Evaporate the mother-water at a 
 heat not exceeding 200° F. to 4 fluidounces, cool again, remove the crystals which have 
 formed, and add them to those which have already been obtained. Drain the crystals on 
 a paper filter, and wash them with a small quantity of cold distilled water till the wash- 
 ings give but a very feeble precipitate with barium chloride. Let them now be again 
 drained and dried on filtering-paper at ordinary temperatures. — Br. 
 
 The above process was originally proposed by Trommsdorff. On mixing hot solutions 
 of sodium valerianate and zinc sulphate the salts are mutually decomposed, resulting in 
 the formation of sodium sulphate, which remains dissolved, and zinc valerianate, which 
 crystallizes partly on cooling, the remainder being obtained on concentrating the liquid. 
 
 The salt of the French Codex is obtained by adding freshly-prepared moist zinc car- 
 bonate to valerianic acid, diluted with 30 parts of water, and when the acid is nearly 
 saturated warming the mixture slightly, filtering, and carefully evaporating the liquid. 
 
 Properties. — Zinc valerianate crystallizes in soft white pearly scales, which are 
 not deliquescent, and have a slight odor of valerianic acid, and a sweet styptic and 
 metallic taste. It has an acid reaction on litmus-paper, melts at about 140° C. (284° F.), 
 at a higher heat gives off white inflammable vapors, and finally burns with a bluish flame, 
 leaving zinc oxide. The salt is stated to be soluble at 15° C. in 90 {P. G. 1872), 100 
 (U. S.), 160 (Wittstein) parts of water; the salt used in France, which contains 12H 2 0, 
 dissolves in 50 parts of cold water (P. Cod.) ; on being boiled with water it loses water 
 of crystallization. But, according to Lieben and Rossi (1871), 100 parts of water dis- 
 solve at 25° C. (77° F.) 2.54 parts of anhydrous zinc valerianate. On heating the solu- 
 tion moderately it becomes turbid, and clear again on cooling ; but after the saturated 
 solution has been boiled it does not become entirely clear after cooling, in consequence of 
 the production of a basic salt, which is less freely soluble in water. The salt is also solu- 
 ble in 40 ( U. S.), 60 (Wittstein) parts of cold alcohol, and this solution is likewise ren- 
 dered turbid by heat. Hot ether, however, dissolves it more freely than cold ether. 
 When kept over sulphuric acid the salt becomes anhydrous. 
 
 Tests. — Zinc valerianate should be completely soluble in ammonia-water. Its aqueous 
 solution yields a white precipitate with hydrogen sulphide, and when an excess of the 
 reagent has been used the filtrate on being evaporated should leave no fixed residue. 
 Zinc acetate, being freely soluble in water, if present as an adulteration would impart a 
 red color to solution of ferric chloride. Zinc butyrate resembles the valerianate closely ; 
 it is detected, according to the British Pharmacopoeia, by distilling the suspected salt 
 with dilute sulphuric acid and adding the distillate to a solution of copper acetate, when, 
 if the valerianate be pure, it does not immediately affect the transparency of the fluid, 
 but forms after a little time oily drops, which gradually pass into a bluish-white crystal- 
 line deposit. This is the test suggested by Larocque and Iluraut, who first directed 
 
ZINCUM. 
 
 1733 
 
 attention (1846) to the similar physical properties of the two salts. The U. S. P. has 
 adopted Hager's test, using cold concentrated solutions of zinc valerianate and copper 
 acetate. 
 
 Action and Uses, — Zinc valerianate was originally supposed to unite in itself the 
 peculiar virtues of both of its two elements. This illogical and unscientific judgment 
 did not prevent it from being largely used in spite of its high price and excessively offen- 
 sive smell. It is very doubtful whether valerianic acid possesses any medicinal virtues ; 
 those belonging to valerian seem to reside in its oil. For a time zinc valerianate was 
 lauded in neuralgia , both external and internal, in nervous headache , nervous vertigo, 
 whooping cough , infantile convulsions, and a variety of nervous and hysterical affections, 
 including chorea. It was even declared to be a remedy for cholera ! The only real 
 merit it possesses consists in its sometimes alleviating neuralgic pains and headache occur- 
 ring in very excitable or hysterical persons. A case is recorded of its having cured 
 diabetes insipidus, but as valerian alone is recognized as one of the best remedies for that 
 disease, and as the patient was also taking opium, the influence of the zinc salt cannot be 
 regarded as proved. A more recent case, however, has given some color to this alleged 
 virtue of the salt ( Lancet , Oct. 1881, p. 662). The dose of this preparation is variously 
 stated at from half a grain to several grains. Probably Gin. 0.06 (gr. j) should be the 
 average dose. It may best be given in pill with mucilage or conserve of roses. 
 
 ZINCUM, V. S., Hr. — Zinc. 
 
 Speltrum. — Zinc , Fr. ; Zink, G. 
 
 Symbol Zn. Atomicity bivalent. Atomic weight 65.10. 
 
 Origin. — The metal zinc has been known in the isolated state only since about the 
 beginning of the eighteenth century, when Stahl showed it to be obtainable from cala- 
 mine ; some of its compounds, however, have been long known. Brass was used in 
 ancient times, but no other metal, besides copper, was supposed to exist therein. The 
 oxide was likewise known at an early date, and, like the ore from which it was obtained, 
 was called cadmia. White vitriol appears to have been prepared by Valentinus in the 
 fifteenth century, who was also acquainted with blende, in which Brandt (1735) showed 
 the presence of zinc, and Glauber (1648) prepared “oleum lapidis calaminaris ” and 
 studied some of the properties of zinc chloride. 
 
 The metal is rather abundant, and exists most generally in combination either as sili- 
 cate or carbonate, known as calamine, or as sulphide, known as blende. Zinc ores have 
 been found in Pennsylvania and Missouri, in Great Britain, Belgium, and different parts 
 of Germany, particularly in Silesia. They are frequently associated with lead and other 
 metals. 
 
 Calamina pr^eparata, Br. (Lapis calaminaris praeparata), is native zinc carbonate, 
 calcined in a covered earthen crucible at a moderate temperature, powdered, and freed 
 from gritty particles by elutriation. It is a pale pinkish-brown powder, almost entirely 
 soluble with effervescence in acids. The mineral varies in color from whitish to reddish 
 or greenish, and is sometimes crystalline, or more frequently amorphous. 
 
 Preparation. — On smelting lead and other ores containing zinc an impure zinc 
 oxide is condensed in the cooler portions of the furnace. By the long-continued roasting 
 of blende or calamine, oxide is likewise obtained. This is mixed with powdered charcoal, 
 and the mixture heated nearly to whiteness in shallow iron retorts, when the zinc distils, 
 and is collected in suitable condensers. The impure metal is purified by a descending 
 distillation in crucibles furnished with an open tube reaching to the upper half of the 
 crucible and passing through its bottom. 
 
 Properties and Tests. — Zinc is a bluish-white metal, having a lamellar or a gran- 
 ular structure. Its density varies between 6.9 and 7.2, rolled zinc being the heaviest. 
 Ordinarily, it is rather brittle, but between 120° and 150° C. (248° and 302° F.) it is 
 ductile, and may be rolled into sheets and converted into wire. Heated to 205° C. (401° 
 F.), it becomes so brittle that it may be reduced to powder. It melts at about 415° C. 
 (779° F.), and at 940° C. (1724° F.) it boils and volatilizes, and in the presence of air 
 burns with a bluish-green flame to oxide. Melted zinc on congealing expands in volume 
 0.2 per cent. (Nies and Winkelmann 1882), and afterward contracts considerably. On 
 bending, zinc emits a slight cracking noise, weaker than that of tin. Tt has a bright 
 metallic lustre, but on exposure becomes superficially tarnished. It is not much acted 
 on by cold concentrated sulphuric acid, but on heating unites with it, evolving sulphur 
 dioxide. Diluted sulphuric and hydrochloric acids dissolve it readily, with the evolution 
 
1734 
 
 Z IN CUM. 
 
 of hydrogen. While the Pharmacopoeia permits the presence of traces of iron, lead, and 
 copper, it demands the absence of arsenic, antimony, and phosphorus, as shown by the 
 following tests : When zinc is dissolved in diluted hydrochloric acid, the hydrogen gas 
 which is evolved should not have any disagreeable odor, nor should it color a strip of 
 paper moistened with lead acetate test-solution (absence of sulphur), or with silver 
 nitrate test-solution (absence of arsenic, antimony, phosphorus). If ammonia-water be 
 added to the solution, a white precipitate should form, which should completely redis- 
 solve in an excess of the reagent, yielding a clear, colorless solution (absence of more 
 than traces of iron, lead, copper, etc.). 
 
 Zinc is extensively used in the arts for roofing and other purposes ; melted together 
 with copper it forms brass. It is useful in protecting surfaces of iron and copper from 
 oxidation ; iron having its surface coated with zinc is known as galvanized iron. 
 
 The salts of zinc are usually colorless, soluble in water, have an acid reaction, and a 
 disagreeable metallic taste, and by prolonged heating are mostly converted into oxide. 
 Their aqueous solutions, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, are not precipitated by hydro- 
 gen sulphide, but they yield with ammonia and potassa white precipitates soluble in an 
 excess of the alkali. White precipitates are also obtained with ammonium sulphide, alkali 
 carbonates, and potassium ferrocyanide ; potassium ferricyanide yields an orange-red pre- 
 cipitate. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. — Zincum granulatum, Br. Granulated zinc is obtained 
 by melting commercial zinc in an earthen crucible and pouring the liquid metal in a thin 
 stream into cold water. The congealed zinc is drained and dried. 
 
 Unofficial Zinc Salts. — Zinci cyanidum, Cyanuretum zincicum, F. Cod., Zinc 
 cyanide, Zn(CN) 2 . It is obtained by precipitating a solution of zinc acetate with hydro- 
 cyanic acid, whereby acetic acid is liberated, which retains a portion of the zinc cyanide 
 in solution ; the liquid should therefore be kept nearly neutral by the occasional cau- 
 tious addition of an alkali. Zinc cyanide is a white, inodorous, and tasteless powder, 
 which is insoluble in water and alcohol, but dissolves in potassa, ammonia, and in dilute 
 acids. When long kept it undergoes decomposition and acquires a sweetish and metallic taste. 
 
 Zinci et potassii cyanidum, K 2 ZnCy 4 . On dissolving zinc cyanide in a solution of 
 pure potassium cyanide a slightly alkaline liquid is obtained, which on evaporation yields 
 colorless or white octahedrons of a sweet and metallic taste. Small quantities of acids 
 precipitate from its solution zinc cyanide. 
 
 Zinci eerrocyanidum, Zincum ferrocyanatum, Zinc ferrocyanide. It is prepared by 
 precipitating a soluble zinc salt with potassium ferrocyanide, and forms a white tasteless 
 powder, which is insoluble in water, alcohol, and dilute acids, and evolves hydrocyanic 
 acid on being heated with dilute sulphuric acid. 
 
 Zinci lactas, Lactas zincicus, F. Cod., Zincum lacticum, Zinc lactate, Zn(C 3 H 5 0 3 ) 2 - 
 3H 2 0. It is prepared as described on page 70, or by dissolving zinc carbonate in dilute 
 lactic acid with the aid of heat. It crystallizes in short quadrangular crystals which have 
 an acid reaction and an acidulous metallic taste. The salt is not fusible, requires about 
 58 parts of cold and 6 parts of boiling water for solution, and is nearly insoluble in alco- 
 hol. It yields 27.1 per cent, of oxide of zinc. 
 
 Zinci salicylas, Zinc salicylate Zn(C 7 H 5 0 3 ) 2 .3H 2 0. Vigier (1878) prepares this salt 
 by heating salicylic acid with distilled water, adding gradually zinc oxide suspended in a 
 little water, and, when the oxide is no longer dissolved, filtering the solution. The salt crys- 
 tallizes in long satiny needles, has a sweet somewhat styptic and bitter taste, dissolves in 
 about 20 parts of cold water, and is freely soluble in hot water, alcohol, ether, and rne- 
 thylic alcohol. The crystals represent 20.6, and the anhydrous salt 23.9, per cent. ZnO. 
 
 Zinci sulphocarbolas, Br., Zincum sulfocarbolicum (s. sulphophenylicum), Zinc 
 sulphocarbolate, Zn(S0 3 C 6 H 4 0H) 2 .8H 2 0. It is prepared, like the sodium salt (see page 
 1486), by decomposing a solution of barium sulphocarbolate with zinc sulphate ; the pre- 
 cipitate of barium sulphate is filtered off, and the clear liquid evaporated to crystallization. 
 Zinc sulphocarbolate crystallizes in reddish, or if the solution lias been acidulated with 
 sulphuric acid in colorless, inodorous prisms or tablets, which are soluble in twice their 
 weight of water or alcohol, have an acid reaction, and when heated are decomposed with- 
 out melting. The aqueous solution acquires a violet color with ferric chloride, should 
 yield with barium nitrate merely a slight turbidity (sulphate), should not be affected by 
 ammonium oxalate or sulphuric acid (barium, etc.), and after precipitation with excess 
 of ammonium sulphide yields a filtrate which on evaporation and ignition should leave 
 no residue. When heated to redness the salt yields 14.6 per cent. ZnO. 
 
 Action and Uses. — Zinc is never used as a medicine in the metallic state. Sheet zinc 
 
ZINGIBER. 
 
 1735 
 
 
 has been used to make hollowed and curved splints for fractured limbs, especially for 
 such as are treated by suspension. 
 
 Zinc cyanide, according to some early experimenters, occasioned, in doses of half a 
 grain repeated at intervals, cephalic congestion, anxiety, .somnolence, nervous tremors, etc. 
 Given in large doses to animals, its effects are identical with those of hydrocyanic acid 
 and its alkaline compounds. It has been used in epilepsy, chorea , and other convulsive 
 affections, and also in gastralgia and other forms of neuralgia. In the last-named affec- 
 tion, and especially in neuralgia of the fifth pair produced by cold, its good effects appear 
 to be proven. Lashkewich praises its virtues in cardiac neuroses with pain in the heart, 
 palpitation, and disordered rhythm. It may be prescribed in such cases in doses of 
 about Gm. 0.016 (gr. £) suspended in mucilage, or preferably in pill, to ensure its more 
 precise administration. It should be given at intervals of an hour or two, since its 
 physiological operation is transient. This salt has also been used with alleged benefit 
 in acute articular rheumatism , but the evidence in its favor appears to be inconclusive. 
 
 Potassium and zinc cyanide, which is permanent, and also perfectly soluble in cold 
 water, has been proposed, and is to be preferred to zinc cyanide on account of its solu- 
 bility ; it was prescribed in the doses already mentioned in sweetened aromatic water. 
 
 Zinc lactate is reputed to be efficacious in the same affections for which the oxide is 
 used, and to be less apt than the latter to disagree with the stomach. Its dose is stated 
 to be Gm. 0.03-0.08 (gr. £-1) several times a day. 
 
 Zinc salicylate is believed to be a valuable astringent and antiseptic agent. It has 
 been applied to cancerous and other ulcers, and used for the treatment of ophthalmia and 
 gonorrhoea, in a solution containing from | to 1 per cent, of the salt. 
 
 Zinc sulphocarbolate has been employed externally as a substitute for carbolic acid in 
 surgical dressings, for the prevention of septicaemia, and as an injection in gonorrhoea , leu- 
 corrhoea, etc. It is less liable than carbolic acid itself to act as an irritant. A Solution 
 in water of the strength of from 1 to 5 per cent, is used as a topical application, and for 
 injections one of from 1 to 5 parts in 1000. 
 
 ZINGIBER, 77. S., Br.— Ginger. 
 
 Rhizoma ( Radix ) zingiheris, P. A., P. G. — Gingemhre ( < gris et blanc , Cod.), Fr. ; 
 lngwer, G. ; Zengibre , Sp. 
 
 The rhizome of Zingiber officinale, Roscoe, s. Amomum Zingiber, Linne. Woodville, 
 Med. Bot., plate 11 ; Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 270. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — Scitamineae (Zingiberaceae). 
 
 Origin. — The ginger-plant is a perennial herb indigenous to tropical Asia, and at the 
 present time cultivated in most tropical countries, but it is not known in the wild state. 
 It has numerous stems, about 1 M. (40 inches) high, and covered with elongated leaf- 
 sheaths, of which the upper ones have a lancelinear spreading blade 20 to 30 Cm. (8-12 
 inches) long. The flowering stems are much shorter, have a few loose leaf-sheaths, and 
 are terminated by a short thick spike of bracted yellow and variegated flowers. The 
 rhizome is the part employed. 4,277,110 pounds of ginger were imported into the United 
 States in 1886. 
 
 Description. — Ginger is seen in commerce in two forms — either with the outer 
 integuments present or else removed by scraping. The former kind is called coated, the 
 latter kind uncoated or scraped ginger ; and this variety is recog- 
 nized by the pharmacopoeias. Commercial ginger consists of flat- Fig. 317. 
 tened branches of the horizontal rhizome, which are somewhat 
 palmately lobed, are known in commerce as races or hands, and 
 bear at the somewhat thickened end of each lobe a scar from the 
 
 The uncoated ginger is of handsomer appearance, of a pale-buff 
 color, striated, and nearly smooth externally, or somewhat fibrous 
 from detached fibro-vascular bundles ; it breaks with a mealy and 
 rather fibrous fracture, which is of a whitish or yellowish color. 
 Well-dried coated ginger is slightly darker internally, but some 
 varieties are quite dark-colored and break with a horny fracture. 
 Coated ginger is often designated as black ginger, though this name 
 
 overground stem. The coated variety has simply been washed and 
 dried, or slightly scraped upon the flattened sides ; it is externally 
 of a brown or yellowish-brown color, wrinkled, somewhat annulate 
 from the leaf-bases, and has a more or less shrivelled appearance. 
 
 4 
 
1736 
 
 ZINGIBER. 
 
 is sometimes restricted to the horny kind, which appears to have been dried by artificial 
 heat or after having been scalded in boiling water. Uncoated ginger is sometimes called 
 ivhite ginger ; and this name is also used for certain varieties which have been artificially 
 bleached, it is stated, by exposure to the fumes of burning sulphur, whereby they acquire 
 
 Fig. 318. 
 
 Uncoated Ginger 
 
 a chalky color, or by immersion in chlorinated lime or in milk of lime or gypsum. The 
 calcareous coating protects ginger for a long time against the attacks of insects, to which 
 the other, more particularly the coated, varieties of the drug are subject. Ginger has an 
 agreeable aromatic odor and a warm, pungent taste. A transverse section shows near the 
 surface an endoderm, and outside of this numerous small cells containing oil and resin; 
 the central portion contains in the rather compact parenchyma many scattered small fibro- 
 vascular bundles and a somewhat smaller number of oil-cells. The starch-granules of 
 ginger are flat, vary in shape between narrow and broadly elliptical or ovate, have a small 
 hilum near the narrow end, and are marked by numerous fine lines. They resemble 
 the starch-granules of East India arrowroot, but are smaller. (See the article Amylumi) 
 The variety of ginger preferred in the United States is known as Jamaica ginger y 
 comes chiefly from Jamaica, and is distinguished by being longer and having more slen- 
 der lobes than the African and East Indian varieties. Jamaica ginger affords a yellowish 
 powder ; that of the other varieties is darker-colored. Scraped ginger is directed by the 
 U. S. and British, the unscraped or partly scraped rhizome by the Austrian and German 
 pharmacopoeias, while the French Codex recognizes the two varieties. 
 
 Constituents. — The analysis of ginger by Bucholz (1817) proved the presence of 
 volatile oil, a pungent soft resin, starch, and gummy and extractive matters. Oil of ginger 
 
 is obtained to the amount of about 
 f to 11 or 2 per cent., has a pale- 
 yellow color, the specific gravity 
 0.88 or 0.90, and has the peculiar 
 odor of ginger, but rather a mild 
 taste. According to Papousek, it 
 is a hydrate of C 10 H 16 . J. C. Thresh 
 (1881) found the oil to boil between 
 150° and 300° C. (302°-572° F.), 
 and to contain hydrocarbons of the formula C 15 H 24 , cymene, a little formic and acetic acids, 
 and various oxygenated compounds, without notable quantities of ethers and aldehydes. 
 Thresh (1879—82) recognized in ginger the presence of traces of an alkaloid, and named 
 the pungent principle gingerol. It is a straw-colored, viscid, odorless fluid, has an 
 extremely pungent taste, is sparingly soluble in petroleum benzin, freely soluble in alcohol, 
 diluted alcohol, benzene, volatile oils, carbon disulphide, alkalies, and glacial acetic acid. 
 It is not a glucoside, has an alkaline reaction, gives precipitates with lead, barium, and 
 magnesium salts, slowly loses weight at 100° C., is decomposed by boiling water and 
 alkali, and readily oxidized; its isolation is a matter of great difficulty. Jamaica ginger 
 yields the smallest, and African ginger the largest, amount of volatile oil, resins, and gin- 
 gerol, and the former variety yielded the largest percentage of mucilage, metarabin, starch, 
 and albuminoids. F. M. Siggins (1888) obtained from bleached and unbleached Jamaica 
 ginger 4.8 and 5 per cent. ; from East India ginger, 6.6 per cent. ; and from African gin- 
 ger, 6.2 to 7 per cent, of alcoholic extract. Stenhouse and Groves (1877) obtained a little 
 protocatechuic acid on melting the resinous extract with soda. Thresh ascertained that 
 the greater portion of the resin is a neutral compound, and the remainder consists of two 
 
 Fig. 319. Fig. 320. 
 
ZINGIBER . 
 
 1737 
 
 acid resins. According to E. W. T. Jones (1886), ginger contains fully 50 per cent, of 
 starch. The ash of air-dry ginger varies between 3.5 and 4.8 per cent., and the moisture 
 between 13.4 and 14.5 per cent. 
 
 I Other Products of Zingiberaceae. — Zingiber (Amomum, Limit) Zerumbet, Roscoe, yields the 
 zerumbet-root of Java. The rhizome is tuberous, somewhat flattened, spongy, internally yellowish, 
 with pale-brown fibro-vascular bundles, and has an agreeable odor and a ginger-like, somewhat 
 bitter taste. 
 
 Zingiber Cassumunar, Roxburgh. The cassumunar-root of India is about 5 Cm. (2 inches) in 
 diameter, jointed, compressed, with numerous white fleshy radicles and some white tubers ; it is 
 externally scaly and light-brown, internally yellow and rather woody, and has a camphoraceous 
 odor and a hot, aromatic taste. 
 
 Grana paradisi. Grains of paradise. Under this name the seeds of two plants are met with 
 in commerce which resemble cardamom-seeds in size and appearance, but are destitute of the fur- 
 row seen on the latter. One variety is about 2 Mm. inch) in diameter, is irregularly roundish 
 and angular, reddish-brown, somewhat glossy and finely warty on the surface, and has a rather 
 broad and depressed hilum ; it has been referred to Amomum Granum-paradisi, Afzelius , a native 
 of Sierra Leone. The other variety is obtained from Amomum Melegueta, Roscoe , which is like- 
 wise indigenous to Western Africa; the seeds are rather larger, 2 or 3 Mm. ( T V- 1 inch) in length, 
 and are distinguished from the preceding by the conical gray-brown tufted hilum ; they are also 
 known as melegueta pepper and Guinea grains. Both varieties are feebly aromatic and have a 
 very pungent and burning taste. They yield about 0.3 per cent, of aromatic volatile oil, and con- 
 tain acrid resin, starch, gum, etc. Grains of paradise are a constituent of some cattle powders, 
 but are chiefly used for imparting artificial strength to liquors. 
 
 See also Cardamo.mum, Curcuma, Galanga, and Zedoaria. 
 
 Medical Action and Uses. — Ginger was introduced from Asia through Arabia 
 into Greece and Europe generally, and the Arabian and the later Greek physicians 
 employed it as a condiment and carminative, and also as an aphrodisiac and general stim- 
 ulant. They also recognized the effect of its excessive use in debilitating the stomach. 
 It is a carminative stimulant when taken internally, and when applied to the skin it 
 occasions redness, heat, and tingling. Snuffed into the nostrils, its powder is a powerful 
 sternutatory, and when the rhizome is chewed it causes a copious secretion of saliva. 
 Ginger is largely employed in cooking, as the spices proper are, to render more digestible 
 various preparations of flour, sugar, and certain vegetables, and also to expel the flatus 
 produced by the decomposition of food in the digestive canal. In flatulent colic ginger is 
 prescribed in powder or in tincture as a carminative and anodyne. It may be given in 
 powder mixed with hot water, but the tincture is preferable. The infusion and tincture 
 have been largely used to correct diarrhoea occasioned by cold, and even for a similar pur- 
 pose in the forming stage of epidemic cholera. Ginger has also been recommended in 
 chronic bronchitis. 
 
 As a rubefacient and anodyne it is much employed in cataplasms and fomentations for 
 the relief of colic , muscular rheumatism , neuralgia , toothache , headache, etc. The infusion 
 is of use in recent cases of relaxation of the uvula , and of aphonia from a similar condition 
 of the larynx. The rhizome may be used as a masticatory in paralysis of the tongue, 
 cheek, and parts supplied by the portio dura of the fifth pair. 
 
 The dose of powdered ginger is from Gm. 0.60 to 2 (grs. x-xxx). The infusion, tinc- 
 ture, fluid extract, syrup, and oleoresin are officinal. 
 
 Grains of paradise are generally ranked with cardamom-seeds, but their acrid and 
 exciting qualities are akin to those of ginger, for which they may in most cases be sub- 
 stituted. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 List of Reagents and Tests 
 
 Employed in Chemical Testing, according to the United States Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 The insertion of all the official methods as well as solutions, both for qualitative and quantitative 
 tests, is rendered imperative by the frequent reference to the pharmacopoeial requirements in the pre- 
 ceding pages. 
 
 Strictly pure (distilled) water is to be used in the preparation of the test-solutions as well as in the 
 application of tests ; the former should be perfectly transparent and kept in well-stoppered bottles, pro- 
 tected against extremes of' temperature. 
 
 1. General Reagents and Test-solutions. 
 
 Absolute Alcohol. — Use the official absolute alcohol (see page 147). 
 
 Acetic Acid. — Use the official acetic acid (see page 20). 
 
 Albumen Test-solution. — Carefully separate the white of a hen’s egg from the yolk, shake it thor- 
 oughly with 100 Cc. of water, and filter. This solution should be freshly made when required. 
 
 Aluminum. — Metallic aluminum in the form of foil, wire, or ribbon. It should be tested for arsenic 
 by Fleitmann’s method, when no color should be imparted to the silver nitrate within two hours. 
 
 Ammonia-water. — Use the official ammonia-water (see page 248). 
 
 Ammonium Carbonate Test- solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of official ammonium carbonate in a mixture 
 of 10 Cc. of ammonia- water and 40 Cc. of water. For detecting arsenic sulphide in presence of anti- 
 mony sulphide, the addition of ammonia-water is omitted, and 10 Gm. of the salt are dissolved in a 
 sufficient quantity of water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Ammonium Chloride Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of pure ammonium chloride in enough water 
 to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Ammonium Molybdate Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of finely powdered ammonium molybdate 
 in 6.7 Cc. of hot water, using a little ammonia-water, if necessary, to effect solution. Then gradually 
 pour the liquid into a mixture of 3.3 Cc. of nitric acid (spec. grav. 1.414) and 3.4 Cc. of water. Preserve 
 the test-solution in the dark, and, if a sediment should form in it after some days, carefully decant the 
 clear solution from it. 
 
 Ammonium Oxalate Test-solution. — Dissolve 4 Gm. of pure, crystallized ammonium oxalate in 
 enough water to make 100 Cc. Or dissolve 4 Gm. of pure oxalic acid in 100 Cc. of water, add 20 Cc. of 
 ammonia-water, boil to expel excess of ammonia, and bring the volume to 113 Cc. 
 
 On evaporating a portion of the test-solution and igniting the residue, it should be completely 
 volatilized (absence of fixed impurities). The test-solution should not be rendered turbid by hydrogen 
 sulphide nor by ammonium sulphide (absence of metals). The precipitate produced in it by silver 
 nitrate or by barium chloride should dissolve without residue upon addition of nitric acid (absence of 
 chloride and sulphate, respectively). 
 
 Ammonium Phosphate Test- solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of ammonium phosphate, together with 2 Cc. 
 of ammonia-water, in enough water to make 100 Cc. This solution does not keep well. It should be 
 freshly made when required, or frequently renewed. 
 
 Ammonium Sulphide Test-solution. — Saturate 3 parts of pure ammonia-water with pure, washed 
 hydrogen sulphide, and add to the solution (which now contains ammonium sulphhydrate) 2 parts of 
 ammonia-water, which converts the greater portion of the ammonium sulphhydrate into ammonium 
 sulphide. The solution should be perfectly clear and colorless, and, on being evaporated, leave no res- 
 idue. It should not be rendered turbid either by magnesium sulphate (absence of free ammonia) or by 
 calcium chloride (absence of ammonium carbonate). It should be protected against air and light by being 
 kept in small, dark amber-colored bottles in a dark place. As soon as a notable deposit of sulphur has 
 made its appearance in the solution, it should be rejected. 
 
 Ammonium polysulphide test-solution is occasionally required. This is a yellow liquid, prepared by 
 dissolving a small quantity of pure sulphur in the preceding colorless ammonium sulphide test- 
 solution. 
 
 Arsenic Test, Bettendorff s. — To a small quantity of the liquid to be tested, which should contain 
 much pure, concentrated hydrochloric acid, or should be a solution of the substance to be tested in pure, 
 concentrated hydrochloric acid, add an equal volume of a saturated solution of freshly prepared stannous 
 chloride in pure, concentrated hydrochloric acid, together with a small piece of pure tin-foil. The pres- 
 ence of arsenic is revealed by the production of a brown color or brown precipitate, the appearance of 
 which is hastened by a gentle heat. (See Stannous Chloride). 
 
 Arsenic Test, Fleitmann’s. — Into a test-tube of at least 15 Cm. in length and 15 to 18 Mm. in diameter 
 place a single, solid piece of zinc (see below), weighing about 1 to 1.25 Gm., and add about 5 Cc. of potas- 
 sium hydroxide test-solution, both ingredients having previously been proven free from arsenic by having 
 been subjected, alone , to the test about to be described, during at least two hours, with negative result. 
 Now add the liquid to be tested, which must not contain any free acid nor very materially increase the 
 
 1739 
 
1740 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 volume of the contents of the test-tube. Immediately secure over the mouth of the test-tube a pre- 
 viously prepared cap made of three thicknesses of pure filter-paper free from dust, and apply to the 
 upper filter-paper a drop of a saturated, aqueous solution of silver nitrate acidulated with nitric acid. 
 (See Silver Nitrate test-solution.) Then place the tube at once, upright, into a box containing sand heated 
 to about 90° C. (194° F.), and fitted with a cover, so as to exclude light and dust, and permit the reaction 
 to proceed for such a time as may be specially prescribed in each case. The presence of arsenic (but 
 not of antimony) is revealed by the production, upon the moistened paper cap, of a brown or black 
 stain. In absence of arsenic, if the test has been carefully conducted, the spot will remain colorless. 
 
 In place of zinc, metallic aluminum, best in form of wire cut into small pieces, may be emploved 
 ( Gatehouse's modification). The method of testing and the results are the same as in Fleitmann’s test. 
 
 Arsenic Test, Gutzeit’s. — Into a test-tube of at least 15 Cm. in length and 15 to 18 Mm. in diameter 
 place a single, solid piece of zinc (see below) weighing about 1 to 1.25 Gm., and add about 5 Cc. of a mix- 
 ture, previously prepared and kept in readiness for this purpose, of 10 Cc. of pure sulphuric acid of 
 spec. grav. 1.835, and 190 Cc. of water, the ingredients having previously been proven free from arsenic 
 by having been subjected, alone, to the test about to be described, during at least two hours, with nega- 
 tive result. Now add the liquid to be tested, which should not be alkaline nor exceed 1 Cc. About 1 
 Cm. below the open end of the test-tube insert a loose plug, about 1 Cm. long, of glass-wool or cotton, 
 which has been moistened with 0.5 Cc. of lead acetate test-solution. Then secure over the mouth a cap 
 made of three thicknesses of clean filter-paper, and apply to the upper one a drop of a saturated, 
 aqueous solution of silver nitrate, acidulated with nitric acid. (See Silver Nitrate test-solution.) Place the 
 tube into a box to exclude light, and let the reaction proceed as long as may be prescribed in each case. 
 The presence of arsenic is revealed by the production, upon the moistened paper cap, of a bright yellow 
 stain, which becomes black or brown by application of water. Antimony colors the spot black or brown 
 at once without a previous yellow color. In this case traces of arsenic may be overlooked ; it is there- 
 fore advisable to subject a fresh specimen of the solution to be tested to Fleitmann’s test, which responds 
 only to arsenic. If the plug moistened with lead acetate solution be strongly colored, so that doubt 
 exists whether the coloration be due to metallic silver reduced by arsenic, or to silver sulphide pro- 
 duced by an escape of hydrogen sulphide through the plug, moisten the silver stain with diluted nitric 
 acid, which will dissolve the metallic silver reduced by arsenic, but will not affect the black silver sul- 
 phide. Or else put on a new cap of filtering paper, moistened with a drop of lead acetate test-solution. 
 If this remains colorless, sulphide is absent. 
 
 Barium Carbonate. — Pure barium carbonate, prepared by dissolving 12 parts of pure, crystallized 
 barium chloride in 20 parts of boiling water, then adding a solution of 5 parts of ammonium carbonate 
 in 10 parts of boiling water, and afterward 5 parts of ammonia-water ; finally washing the precipitate 
 thoroughly and drying it. 
 
 Barium Chloride Test-solution. — Prepared from pure barium chloride. The aqueous solution of 
 the salt should be perfectly neutral, and should not yield a precipitate with hydrogen sulphide or 
 ammonium sulphide (absence of metals, etc.). The aqueous solution, after being precipitated by diluted 
 sulphuric acid in slight excess, yields a filtrate which should not leave any permanent residue when 
 evaporated and heated on platinum-foil (absence of other fixed bases and salts). Diluted alcohol, after 
 remaining in contact with it for several hours, should, upon ignition, show a pure yellowish-green 
 colored flame, without red streaks (absence of traces of strontium). To prepare the test-solution, dissolve 
 12.2 Gm. of the salt in enough water to make 100 Cc. (This solution is of normal strength, so as to 
 permit of its use for volumetric purposes also.) 
 
 Barium Hydroxide Test-solution. — A saturated solution of barium hydroxide in water. This solu- 
 tion rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. It is preferably prepared freshly as w anted. 
 
 Barium Nitrate Test-solution. — Prepared from pure barium nitrate. This salt should respond to 
 the same tests as barium chloride. In addition, its aqueous solution, slightly acidulated with nitric 
 acid, should not be rendered turbid by silver nitrate (absence of chloride). To prepare the test-solution 
 dissolve 1 Gm. of the salt in water, to make 15.3 Cc. (This solution is of half normal strength, so as to 
 permit of its use for volumetric purposes also.) 
 
 Benzin, or Petroleum Ether. — Use the official benzin (see page 333). 
 
 Benzene, or Benzol, C6H6, is a colorless, transparent liquid of a peculiar, aromatic odor, of a spec, 
 grav. of 0.8846 at 15° C. (59° F.), congealing at 0° C. (32° F). and boiling at 80.37° C. (176.7° F.). It is 
 insoluble in water, but soluble in 4 parts of alcohol and in ether. In concentrated sulphuric acid it 
 should dissolve without producing a color. On shaking 2 Cc. of benzene with 0.5 Cc. of sulphuric acid 
 and 1 drop of fuming nitric acid no green or blue tint should be produced (absence of thiophene). 
 
 Brazil-wood Test-solution. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Bromine-water (Bromine Test-solution). — An aqueous solution of bromine prepared by dissolving 1 
 Cc. of bromine in enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Calcium Chloride Test-solution. — Dissolve 10.925 Gm. of crystallized calcium chloride in enough 
 water to make 100 Cc. (This solution is of normal strength, so as to permit of its use for volumetric 
 purposes also.) 
 
 Calcium Hydroxide Test-solution (Lime-water). — Use the official lime-water (see page 952). 
 
 Calcium Sulphate Test- solution.— Introduce transparent crystals of native gypsum (selenite), 
 CaS04 + 2H2O, into a flask filled with water, and decant the clear, saturated solution when required. 
 1 part of gypsum requires, at 15° C. (59° F.), 398 parts of water for solution. 
 
 Carbon Disulphide. — Use the official carbon disulphide (see page 409). 
 
 Chlorine-water (Chlorine Test-solution). — Use the official chlorine-w^ater. Since it rapidly deterio- 
 rates by keeping, it should be frequently renewed or freshly prepared w r hen required. 
 
 Chloroform. — Use the official chloroform (see page 463). 
 
 Cobaltous Nitrate Test-solution. — The crystallized, commercial salt is sufficiently pure if, after it 
 is dissolved in water and the cobalt completely precipitated by ammonium sulphide, the filtrate leaves 
 no residue on evaporation. To make the test-solution dissolve 1 Gm. of the salt in 10 Cc. of water. 
 
 Cochineal Test-solution. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Copper (Metallic Copper), in form of wire, foil, or turnings. The commercial article, brightened, if 
 
LIST OF REA GENTS AND TESTS. 
 
 1741 
 
 necessary, by scouring with diluted hydrochloric acid, is suitable for all purposes except testing for 
 arsenic. If required for this purpose, the absence of arsenic must first be proven. A small poi'tion 
 (about 0.5 Gm.) of the copper is to be dissolved in hot, concentrated sulphuric acid, and this solution 
 subjected to Gutzeit’s test (see above . No color should be imparted to the silver nitrate within two 
 hours (absence of arsenic). 
 
 Cupric Amm onium Sulphate Test - solution. — A solution of cupri-tetrammonium sulphate, 
 Cu(NH 3 )4S04 + H 2O. To copper sulphate add ammonia-water until the precipitate fh’st formed is 
 nearly, but not completely, redissolved ; then filter. This solution is apt to decompose on keeping. It 
 should be made freshly when required. 
 
 Cupric Sulphate Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of cupric sulphate in enough water to make 
 100 Cc. 
 
 Cupric Tartrate Test-solution. — See under Volumetric Solutions. 
 
 Corallin Test- solution. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Diphenylamine, and Diphenylamine Test-solution.— See under Indicators. 
 
 Eosin Test-solution. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Ether. — Use the official ether. It should be strictly neutral to litmus-paper. 
 
 Ferric Ammonium Sulphate Test- solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of ferric ammonium sulphate in 
 enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Ferric Chloride Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of ferric chloride in enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate Test-solution. — Dissolve a clear crystal of ferrous sulphate in about 10 parts of 
 water previously boiled to expel air. This solution should be freshly prepared immediately before use. 
 
 Ferrous Sulphide. — A heavy solid, in form of black or brownish-black irregular masses or fused 
 into sticks, soluble in sulphuric or hydrochloric acid with copious evolution of hydrogen sulphide. On 
 dissolving 2 Gm. of ferrous sulphide in pure nitro-hydrochloric acid diluted with a little water, evap- 
 orating the solution to dryness, and testing the residue for arsenic by Gutzeit’s method (see above), no 
 color should be imparted to the silver nitrate within two hours. 
 
 Fluorescein Test-solution.— See under Indicators. 
 
 Gelatin Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of isinglass [Ichthyocolla, U. S. P.] in 50 Cc. of water by 
 the aid of a gentle heat, and filter if necessary. This solution should be freshly made when wanted 
 for use. 
 
 Gold Chloride Test-solution. — The commercial chloride of gold, usually prepared by dissolving gold 
 in nitro-hydrochloric acid and carefully evaporating to dryness, mostly consists of aurochloric acid, 
 HAuCU + 2H2O, which is converted into neutral auric chloride, AuCb, by fusing it at a temperature not 
 exceeding 150° C. (302° F.), moistening the residue (now consisting of auric and aurous chloride) with 
 enough hot water to produce a syrupy liquid (whereby the aurous chloride is decomposed into auric 
 chloride and metallic gold), and then pouring off the clear liquid from the precipitate. To prepare the 
 test-solution dissolve the liquid finally obtained in the before-mentioned process in 20 volumes of water. 
 Or dissolve 1 Gm. of dry auric chloride in 30 Cc. of water. 
 
 Hydrochloric Acid, Pure. — In addition to the tests prescribed for this acid by the Pharmacopoeia 
 (see page 62), it is required to conform to the following more rigorous tests before it can be employed as a 
 reagent : The addition of 1 Cc. of barium chloride test-solution to 1 Cc. of the acid diluted with 9 Cc. of 
 water should cause no turbidity within twenty-four hours (absence of sulphuric acid). A crystal of 
 diphenylamine dropped into the acid should not turn blue (absence of free chlorine). On substituting 
 it for sulphuric acid in Gutzeit’s test, as described above, no color should be imparted to the silver nitrate 
 within two hours (absence of arsenic or antimony). 
 
 Hydrogen Sulphide. — A gas generated by treating ferrous sulphide with diluted sulphuric acid, and 
 washing the gas by passing it through water. 
 
 Hydrogen Sulphide Test-solution, or Hydrosulphuric Acid. — A saturated, aqueous solution of hydro- 
 gen sulphide. To prepare about 1 liter of the solution, treat 20 Gm. of ferrous sulphide, in a suitable 
 apparatus, with a mixture of 20 Cc. of pure sulphuric acid, spec. grav. 1.835, and 250 Cc. of water, pass 
 the gas through a wash-bottle containing a small quantity of water, and conduct it into a bottle of the 
 capacity of about H liters, containing 1 liter of water. When the gas is no longer absorbed, transfer 
 the solution to small, dark amber-colored bottles, to be filled nearly to the top, pass a stream of hydro- 
 gen sulphide for a few minutes through each, and then at once stopper them tightly, and preserve them 
 afterward in a cool and dark place. Before putting them aside introduce into one of these bottles a 
 few drops of pure hydrochloric acid, and keep it in a warm place during twenty-four hours, after which 
 time no precipitate should be found in it (absence of arsenic). Before any of the solution is used, it 
 should be ascertained that it retains a strong odor of hydrogen sulphide, and that, when it is added to 
 an equal volume of ferric chloride test-solution, a copious precipitate of sulphur is formed at once. 
 
 Indigo Test- solution. —Place 6 Gm. (3.3 Cc.) of fuming sulphuric acid into a beaker well cooled by 
 immersion in water, and stir into it, very gradually, 1 Gm. of finely-powdered Bengal indigo. Set the 
 mixture aside for two days, then pour it into 20 Cc. of water, and decant. Or dissolve 1 Gm. of com- 
 mercial indigo-carmine (the sodium or potassium salt of sulphindigotic acid) in 150 Cc. of water. 
 
 Iodine Test-solution.— For preparing the ordinary test-solution (as a reagent for starch, alcohol by 
 iodoform test, etc.) iodine fulfilling the requirements of the Pharmacopoeia is sufficiently pure. For 
 this purpose dissolve 1 Gm. of iodine and 3 Gm. of potassium iodide in 50 Cc. of water. 
 
 For use in volumetric analysis, or in other cases where the ordinary impurities present in official 
 iodine are objectionable, Purified Iodine must be employed. 
 
 Iron, Metallic. — Bright and perfectly clean iron in the form of wire, sheet, or filings, according to 
 the uses to be made of it. For making solutions of pure iron salts, fine, thin, bright wire (so-called 
 florists’ wire) should be used. For detecting copper, bright pieces of sheet iron or knitting-needles are 
 used ; for detecting nitric acid by reduction to ammonia, iron-filings are preferable. 
 
 Lead Acetate Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of clear, transparent crystals of lead acetate, free 
 from adhering lead carbonate, in enough water to make 100 Cc. Preserve the solution in well-stoppered 
 bottles. 
 
1742 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Basic Lead Acetate Test-solution. — Use the official solution of lead subacetate. 
 
 Litmus-Paper and Test-solution.— See under Indicators. 
 
 Magnesia Mixture. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of magnesium sulphate and 20 Gm. of ammonium chloride in 
 80 Cc. of water, add 42 Cc. of ammonia-water, set the mixture aside for a few days in a well-stoppered 
 vessel, and filter. It should never be used freshly made. 
 
 Magnesium Sulphate Test- solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of magnesium sulphate in enough water to 
 make 100 Cc. 
 
 Mercuric Chloride Test- solution. — Dissolve 5 Gm. of mercuric chloride in enough water to make 
 100 Cc. 
 
 Mercuric Potassium Iodide Test-solution. — Use the decinormal mercuric potassium iodide volu- 
 metric solution. 
 
 Alkaline Mercuric Potassium Iodide Test-solution. ( Nessler's Solution .) — Dissolve 5 Gm. of potas- 
 sium iodide in 5 Cc. of hot water, and add to this a hot solution of 2.5 Gm. of mercuric chloride [U. S. P.] 
 in 10 Cc. of water. . To the turbid, red mixture add 16 Gm. of potassium hydroxide [ Potassa , U. S. P.j, 
 dissolved in 40 Cc. of water, and finally make up the volume to 100 Cc. A surplus of red mercuric 
 iodide deposits on cooling, and may be left in the bottle, the clear solution being decanted as needed. 
 
 Mercurous Nitrate Test- solution, Hg2(N03)2 + 2H2O.— Into a porcelain capsule put 1 Gm. of pure 
 mercury with 0.5 Cc. of pure nitric acid and 0.5 Cc. of distilled water, and place it for twenty-four hours 
 into a cool, dark room. Separate and drain the crystals, and dissolve them in 100 Cc. of water. Preserve 
 the solution in a dark amber-colored bottle, into which a small globule of mercury has been placed. 
 
 Methyl Alcohol, CH3OH. — For the identification of salicylic acid, the rectified, commercial wood- 
 alcohol, having a specific gravity of about 0.820, is sufficiently pure, if it forms a clear, transparent 
 mixture with an equal volume of distilled water. 
 
 Methyl-Orange Test- solution. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Nitric Acid, Pure.— In addition to the tests prescribed for this acid by the Pharmacopoeia (see page 
 75) it is required to conform to the following more rigorous test before it can be used as a reagent : On 
 supersaturating 0.5 Cc. of the acid with pure potassium hydroxide test-solution, and testing a portion 
 of this solution by Fleitmann’s method (see above), no color should he imparted to the silver nitrate 
 within two hours (absence of arsenic). 
 
 Fuming Nitric Acid (Red Fuming Nitric Acid). — The commercial acid will answer, if it is of specific 
 gravity of 1.450 or over. It should be carefully kept in glass-stoppered bottles in a cool place. 
 
 Oxalic Acid Test- solution. — Use the decinormal volumetric solution. 
 
 Phenolphtalein Test-solution. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Picric Acid Test- solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of pure, distinctly crystalline picric acid (trinitrophenoi), 
 C6H2(N02)30H, in 100 Cc. of water, cool the solution, and filter, if necessary. 
 
 Platinic Chloride Test-solution. — Heat 1 Gm. of pure platinum, in chips, with 6 Cc. of concentrated 
 hydrochloric acid to 80° C. (186° F.), and very gradually add 1 Cc. of strong nitric acid (spec. grav. 1.414) 
 until very nearly all the platinum is dissolved. Evaporate the solution to dryness on a water-bath, 
 moisten the residue with a few drops of hydrochloric acid, and again evaporate to expel the excess of 
 acid. Dissolve the residue in 20 Cc. of water. The test-solution may also be prepared by dissolving 1.7 
 Gm. of neutral platinic chloride, PtCU, or 2.6 Gm. of chloroplatinic acid, HiPtCle -f 6H2O in 20 Cc. of 
 water. On evaporating a small portion of the solution to dryness and igniting the residue, pure, 
 metallic platinum should be left behind, which should yield nothing soluble to nitric acid. 
 
 Potassium Carbonate Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of pure anhydrous potassium carbonate [pre- 
 pared from Potassii Carbonas, U. S. P.] in enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Potassium Chromate Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of potassium chromate, K2Cr04, in enough 
 water to make 10 Cc. On adding silver nitrate to a little of the solution, a red precipitate is produced, 
 which should be completely dissolved by nitric acid (absence of chloride). Another portion of the solu- 
 tion, mixed with an equal volume of diluted hydrochloric acid, should yield no precipitate with barium 
 chloride (absence of sulphate). 
 
 Potassium Cyanide Test-solution. — This should be freshly prepared, when required, by dissolving 
 1 Gm. of official potassium cyanide in 4 parts of water. 
 
 Potassium Dichromate. — Use the official potassium dichromate. 
 
 Potassium Dichromate Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of official potassium dichromate in enough 
 
 water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Potassium Ferricyanide Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 part of potassium ferricyanide in about 10 parts 
 of water. This solution should be made freshly when required, as it is rapidly decomposed by light. 
 A freshly prepared, aqueous solution, when mixed with some ferric chloride test-solution and diluted 
 with water, should show a brown tint, free from turbidity or a shade of green. 
 
 Potassium Ferrocyanide Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of official potassium ferrocyanide in 
 enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide Test- solution. Use the official solution of potassa (see page 975). For use in 
 Fleitmann’s test for arsenic (see above), it should have previously been subjected, by itself, to this test 
 for at least two hours, with negative result (absence of arsenic). 
 
 Potassium Iodide Test-solution. — Dissolve 16.556 Gm. of official potassium iodide in enough water 
 to make 100 Cc., and keep the solution in dark amber-colored, well-stoppered bottles to prevent the 
 formation of iodate. The solution should be frequently renewed, or freshly prepared when required. 
 (This solution is of normal strength, so as to peTmit of its use for volumetric and gasometric purposes 
 also.) 
 
 Potassium Nitrate. — The dry salt responding to the tests of purity required by the Pharmacopoeia, 
 particularly to those for absence of chloride and sulphate. 
 
 Potassium Permanganate Test- solution. — Use the decinormal volumetric solution. 
 
 Potassium Sulphate Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of official potassium sulphate in enough water 
 to make 115 Cc. (This solution is of decinormal strength, so as to permit of its use for volumetric 
 
LIST OF REAGENTS AND TESTS. 
 
 1743 
 
 purposes also, as a substitute for decinormal sulphuric acid, when it is desired not to disturb the neu- 
 trality of a liquid.) 
 
 Potassium Sulphocyanate Test-solution. — Use the decinormal volumetric solution. 
 
 Pyrogallol. — Use the official pyrogallol, C6H 3 (OH)3 (see page 1335). 
 
 Rosolic Acid. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Silver Ammonium Nitrate Test-solution.— Dissolve 1 Gm. of official silver nitrate in 20 Cc. of water, 
 and add ammonia-water, drop by drop, until the precipitate first produced is almost, but not entirely, 
 redissolved. Filter the solution, and preserve it in dark amber-colored and well-stoppered bottles. 
 
 Silver Nitrate Test-solution.— For ordinary purposes use the decinormal volumetric solution. For 
 Gutzeit’s test use a saturated solution of silver nitrate in water acidulated with about 1 per cent, of 
 nitric acid. 
 
 Silver Sulphate Test-solution.— Dissolve 1 Gm. of official silver nitrate in 0.5 Cc. of warm water, 
 and add 1.5 Cc. of pure, concentrated sulphuric acid. On cooling, small transparent crystals of silver 
 sulphate separate. Carefully pour off the acid liquid, wash the crystals repeatedly, by decantation 
 with cold water, transfer them to a bottle, add 100 Cc. of water, and agitate so as to produce a saturated 
 solution. For use decant a sufficient quantity of the latter. 
 
 Sodium Acetate Test-solution. — Dissolve 10 Gm. of official sodium acetate in enough water to 
 make 100 Cc. 
 
 Sodium Bitartrate Test-solution.— Dissolve 150 Gm of tartaric acid in 100 Cc. of hot water, and 
 divide the solution into two equal portions. Neutralize one of these accurately wifh sodium bicarbonate 
 (which will require about 84 Gm. of this salt), and then add the other portion of the acid solution. On 
 cooling, crystals of sodium bitartrate, NaHCcEHOe + H 2 O, will separate. Remove these, dry them, and 
 keep them in well-stoppered bottles. The test-solution is freshly prepared, when required, by dissolving 
 1 Gm. of the salt in 4 Cc. of water. 
 
 Sodium Carbonate.— The anhydrous salt, Na 2 C0 3 , conforming to the tests of purity prescribed by 
 the Pharmacopoeia for Sodii Carbonas, but absolutely free from chloride or sulphate. 
 
 Sodium Carbonate Test-solution. — Dissolve 10.6 Gm. of anhydrous sodium carbonate in enough 
 water to make 100 Cc. (This solution is of double normal strength, so as to permit of its use for volu- 
 metric purposes also.) 
 
 Sodium Cobaltic Nitrite Test-solution. — Co2(NO‘2)66NaN02 + H 2 0. Dissolve 4 Gm. of cobaltous 
 nitrate, Co(N0 3 )2 + 6H 2 0 and 10 Gm. of sodium nitrite, NaN0 2 , in about 50 Cc. of water, add 2 Cc. of 
 acetic acid, and dilute with enough water to make 100 Cc. Should any of the nitrous acid be lost by 
 keeping the solution, a few drops of acetic acid may be added. 
 
 Sodium Hydroxide Test-solution.— Use the official solution of soda (see page 981). 
 
 Sodium Thiosulphate (Hyposulphite). — Use the decinormal volumetric solution. 
 
 Sodium Nitrite, NaN0 2 . — The purest commercial salt, generally in form of pencils, is sufficiently 
 pure. 
 
 Sodium Nitro-prusside Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 part of sodium nitro-prusside, Na 2 Fe(NO)(CN )5 + 
 2 H 2 O in 10 parts of water immediately before using. 
 
 Sodium Phosphate Test-solution.— Dissolve 10 Gm. of official sodium phosphate, Na 2 HP04 + 12H 2 0, 
 in enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Stannous Chloride Test-solution.— Heat pure tin, in form of foil or granules, with concentrated 
 hydrochloric acid, taking care that the metal be in excess. When the acid is saturated, crystals of 
 stannous chloride, SnCl 2 + 2H 2 0, begin to form. Remove and drain these, dissolve them in 10 parts of 
 water, and preserve the solution in well-stoppered bottles, into each of which a granule of pure tin or a 
 piece of pure tin-foil has previously been introduced. 
 
 For Bettendorff ’s test (see above) pure concentrated hydrochloric acid is saturated with the freshly- 
 prepared crystals. 
 
 Starch Test-solution. — Mix 1 Gm. of starch with 10 Cc. of cold water, and then add enough boiling 
 water, under constant stirring, to make about 200 Cc. of a thin, transparent jelly. If it is desired to 
 preserve this test-solution for any length of time, 10 Gm. of zinc chloride, ZnCl 2 , should be added to it, 
 and the solution transferred to small bottles, which should be well stoppered. 
 
 Sulphuric Acid, Pure. — The sulphuric acid of the Pharmacopoeia, which may have a specific gravity 
 as low as 1.835, will answer as a reagent for most purposes, provided it is of the required degree of 
 purity. But when “concentrated ” sulphuric acid is specially directed in a test, it is intended that the 
 strongest obtainable pure acid, of a specific gravity of not less than 1.840, be employed. 
 
 In addition to the tests prescribed for this acid by the Pharmacopoeia (see page id), it is required to 
 conform to the following more rigorous tests before it can be employed as a reagent: If 1 Cc. of 
 diphenylamine test-solution be carefully poured, as a separate layer, upon 5 Cc. of sulphuric acid con- 
 tained in a test-tube, no distinct blue color should appear in the zone of contact (absence of nitric acid). 
 If a few crystals of pyrogallol be dissolved in about 1 Cc. of pure water, and this solution be carefully 
 poured, as a separate layer, upon some of the sulphuric acid contained in a test-tube, no brown color 
 should appear in the zone of contact (absence of nitric or nitrous acid). If a small portion of the acid 
 be subjected to Gutzeit’s test, no color should be imparted to the silver nitrate within two hours 
 (absence of arsenic, etc.). 
 
 If it is impossible to obtain any sulphuric acid which will comply with each of these requirements, 
 two kinds of the acid may be kept, one absolutely free from arsenic, for making the arsenic tests; the 
 other free nitrose (nitric and nitrous acids), for the detection of nitric acid. 
 
 Tannic Acid Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of tannic acid in 1 Cc. of alcohol and enough water to 
 make 10 Cc., immediately before use. 
 
 Tartaric Acid Test- solution. — Dissolve 1 part of tartaric acid in 3 parts of water. In the volumetric 
 estimation of soda in potassa directed by the Pharmacopoeia, the tartaric acid test-solution employed 
 for precipitating the potassa should contain 3 Gm. of the acid in 20 Cc. Since fungous growths rapidly 
 destroy the solution of tartaric acid, it should be prepared only as wanted. 
 
 Tin. — Pure metallic tin in form of granules. Its solution in hj T drochloric acid should not be precipi- 
 
1744 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 tated by potassium sulphate test-solution (absence of lead), and, when examined by Gutzeit’s test, it 
 should not cause silver nitrate to become colored within two hours (absence of arsenic). 
 
 Turmeric Paper aud Tincture. — See under Indicators. 
 
 Zinc. — Metallic zinc, preferably in the form of thin pencils (about 5 Mm. in diameter), prepared by 
 fusing the metal and casting it in moulds, or in form of thin sheets. It should respond to all the tests 
 required by the Pharmacopoeia, and in addition, when examined by Gutzeit’s test, it should not cause 
 the silver nitrate to become colored within two hours (absence of arsenic). 
 
 Zinc-Iodide- Starch Test- solution.— To 100 Cc. of freshly prepared starch test-solution add 5 Gm. of 
 official zinc chloride and 3 Gm. of official zinc iodide. Preserve the colorless solution carefully in small, 
 dark amber-colored and well-stoppered vials. 
 
 2. Indicators for Acidimetry, Alkalimetry, etc. 
 
 Note. — Each test-solution used as indicator should be examined as soon as prepared, and afterward 
 from time to time, as to its neutrality. If necessary, it should be brought, by the cautious addition of 
 diluted sulphuric acid, or of a dilute solution of an alkali, to such a point that, when a few drops of it 
 are added to 25 Cc. of water, a single drop of a centinormal acid or alkali solution, respectively, will dis- 
 tinctly develop the corresponding tints. 
 
 Since many of the colored test-solutions are injured by exposure to light, it is best to preserve them 
 in dark, amber-colored vials. Papers prepared w T itk them should be kept in dark bottles or paper boxes. 
 
 Brazil-Wood Test-solution. — Boil 50 Gm. of finely-cut Brazil-wood [the heart-wood of Peltophorum 
 dubium ( Sprengel ) Britton, nat. ord. Leguminosse] with 100 Cc. of water during half an hour, replacing 
 the water from time to time. Allow the mixture to cool, strain, wash the contents of the strainer with 
 water until 100 Cc. of strained liquid are obtained, add 25 Cc. of alcohol, and filter. This solution turns 
 purplish-red with alkalies, and yellow with acids. 
 
 Cochineal Test-solution. — Macerate 1 Gm. of unbroken cochineal during four days with 20 Cc. of 
 alcohol and 60 Cc. of water. Then filter. The color of this test-solution turns violet with alkalies, 
 and yellowish-red with acids. As an indicator it is used chiefly when ammonia or alkaline earths are 
 present. 
 
 Corallin Test-solution.— Dissolve 1 Gm. of Corallin (a coloring matter derived from coal-tar, and 
 containing rosolic and pararosolic acids) in 10 Cc. of alcohol and enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 Diphenylamine (CeHs^NH is in form of grayish -white or colorless crystals, of a peculiar, aromatic 
 odor, melting at 54° C. (129.2° F.), slightly soluble in water, more soluble in acids. It is used either in 
 the dry state, or in solution in dilute sulphuric acid, as a test for nitric acid (in sulphuric acid, water, 
 etc.), or for chlorine (in hydrochloric acid). To test a solution for the presence of nitric acid, a small por- 
 tion of it is mixed with 1 or 2 drops of diphenylamine test-solution, and then concentrated sulphuric 
 acid, free from nitrose, is poured in, so as to form a layer beneath the solution. The presence of nitric 
 acid is shown by a deep blue color at the zone of contact. 
 
 Diphenylamine test-solution is prepared by dissolving 0.1 Gm. of diphenylamine in 50 Cc. of diluted 
 sulphuric acid. The solution should be colorless. 
 
 Eosin Test- solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of commercial “yellowish” eosin [K2C2oH6Br405] in 30 Cc. of 
 water. This solution is red by transmitted light, and shows a strong green fluorescence by reflected 
 light. Acids destroy the fluorescence, and alkalies restore it. 
 
 Fluorescein Test-solution. — Agitate 1 Gm. of fluorescein [C 20 H 12 O 5 ] with 100 Cc. of diluted alcohol 
 until the latter is saturated ; then filter. This solution shows a strong green fluorescence, by reflected 
 light, in presence of the least excess of an alkali. 
 
 Litmus-Paper and Test-solution. — Exhaust coarsely-powdered litmus with boiling alcohol (which 
 removes a peculiar, red coloring matter, erythrolitmin), and digest the residue with about an equal 
 weight of cold water, so as to dissolve the excess of alkali present. The blue solution thus obtained, 
 after being acidulated, may be used to make red litmus-paper. Finally extract the residue with about five 
 times its weight of boiling water, and filter. Preserve the filtrate, as test-solution, in wide-mouthed 
 bottles stoppered with loose plugs of cotton to exclude dust, but to admit air. 
 
 Litmus-Paper. Blue. — Impregnate, with the test-solution just described, strips of white, unsized paper, 
 free from wood-pulp, but not too porous, and dry them by suspending them on strings of clean twine. 
 
 Litmus-Paper, Bed. — Prepare this with the same kind of paper and in the same manner as described 
 in the preceding paragraph. To impregnate the paper, either use the blue solution obtained from litmus, 
 by treating the mass, after extraction of alcohol, with cold w r ater, acidulating the same with just enough 
 hydrochloric acid to impart to it a distinctly red tint ; or use the regular test-solution, after acidulating 
 it in the same manner. 
 
 Neither blue nor red litmus-paper should have a very intense color. 
 
 Preserve the test-paper in paper boxes or bottles, so as to exclude dust and acid or ammoniacal vapors. 
 
 Methyl-orange Test-solution. — Dissolve 1 Gm. of methyl-orange [the sodium or ammonium salt of 
 dimethylamidoazobenzenesulphonic acid, HC 14 H 14 N 3 SO 3 ; also known as helianthin, or tropseolin D, or 
 Poirrier’s Orange III] in 1000 Cc. of water. Add to it carefully, diluted sulphuric acid, in drops, until 
 the liquid turns red and just ceases to be transparent. Then filter. 
 
 The solution acquires a yellow color when brought in contact with alkali hydroxides, carbonates, or 
 bicarbonates. Carbonic acid does not affect it, but sulphuric, hydrochloric, and other acids change its 
 color to crimson. It is not suited for use with organic acids. 
 
 Phenolphtalein Test-solution.— Dissolve 1 Gm of phenolphtalein [C20H14O4] in 100 Cc. of diluted 
 alcohol. The solution is colored deep purplish-red by alkali hydroxides or carbonates; bicarbonates and 
 most other salts do not produce such color ; acids render the reddened solution colorless. It is not 
 suitable as an indicator for ammonia or bicarbonates. Phenolphtalein Paper is prepared by impregnating 
 white, unsized paper with the test-solution and drying it. 
 
 Rosolic Acid Test- solution. —Dissolve 1 Gm. of commercial rosolic acid [chiefly methylaurin. 
 C20H16O3] in 10 Cc. of diluted alcohol, and add enough water to make 100 Cc. The solution turns violet- 
 red with alkalies, yellow with acids. In place of rosolic acid, commercial pseonin (also known as aurin 
 B) [chiefly C19H14O3] may be employed. 
 
LIST OF REA GENTS AND TESTS. 
 
 1745 
 
 Turmeric Tincture. — Digest any convenient quantity of ground curcuma-root [from Curcuma longa, 
 Linne. nat. ord. Scitamineae] repeatedly with small quantities of water and throw this liquid, away. 
 Then digest the dried residue for several days with six times its weight of alcohol, and filter. Turmeric 
 Paper. — Impregnate white, unsized paper with the tincture, and dry it. The tincture, as well as the 
 paper, turns brown with alkalies, and the yellow color is restored by acids. Boric acid, however, 
 even in presence of hydrochloric acid, turns the color to reddish-brown, and this is changed to bluish- 
 black by ammonia. 
 
 3. Volumetric Solutions for Quantitative Tests. 
 
 Volumetric solutions are designated as normal ( --) when they contain in 1 liter the molecular weight 
 of the active reagent, expressed in grammes, and reduced to the equivalent of 1 atom of hydrogen. 
 
 Thus hydrochloric acid, HC1 = 36.37, having but one H atom replaceable by a basic element, has 
 36.37 Gm. of HC1 in 1000 Cc. of the normal volumetric solution ; while sulphuric acid, H 2 SO 4 = 97.82, 
 having two replaceable H atoms, contains only one-half this number, or 48.91 grammes of H 2 SO 4 in 1000 
 Cc. of its normal solution. Potassium hydroxide, KOH = 55.99, has but one K to replace one H in acids; 
 hence its normal solution contains 55.99 grammes of KOH in 1 liter ; potassium dichromate, K 2 Cr 207 = 
 293.78, having 2 K atoms in the molecule, requires one-half its molecular weight, or 146.89 grammes, for 
 1 liter of normal solution. 
 
 Solutions containing in 1 liter one-tenth of the quantity of the active reagent in the normal solu- 
 tion are called decinormal ; those containing one one-hundredth, centinormal (, 00 ) ; those containing 
 twice the amount, double normal (y); half amount, seminormal (y )• 
 
 Solutions containing quantities of the active reagent having no simple relation to the molecular 
 weight are called empirical. 
 
 Alkaline Cupric Tartrate Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 [Fehling’s Solution.] 
 
 A. The Copper Solution. — Dissolve 34.64 Gm. of carefully selected, small crystals of pure cupric sul- 
 phate, showing no trace of efflorescence or of adhering moisture, in a sufficient quantity of water to 
 make the solution measure, at or near 15° C. (59° F.), exactly 500 Cc. B. The Rochelle Salt Solution. — Dis- 
 solve 173 Gm. of potassium and sodium tartrate and 125 Gm. of potassium hydroxide in a sufficient 
 quantity of water to make the solution measure, at or near 15° C. (59° F.), exactly 500 Cc. 
 
 Keep the solutions in small, rubber-stoppered bottles. For use, mix exactly equal volumes of the 
 solutions at the time required. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of the mixed solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Cupric Sulphate, crystallized, CuS04 + 5 H 2 O 
 
 Cupric Tartrate, CUC 4 H 4 O 6 + 3 H 2 O 
 
 Glucose, anhydrous, C 6 H 12 O 6 
 
 Decinormal Bromine Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 [KOPPESCH AAR’S SOLUTION.] 
 
 Br = 79.76. 7.976 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 (NaBrOs = 150.64. - NaBr = 102.76.) 
 
 (KBrOa = 166.67. - KBr = 118.79.) 
 
 Dissolve 3 Gm. of sodium bromate and 50 Gm. of sodium bromide (or 3.2 Gm. of potassium bromate 
 and 50 Gm. of potassium bromide) in enough water to make, at or near 15° C. (59° F.), 900 Cc. Of this 
 solution transfer 20 Cc., by means of a pipette, into a bottle having a capacity of about 250 Cc., provided 
 with a glass stopper ; add 75 Cc. of water, next 5 Cc. of pure hydrochloric acid, and immediately insert 
 the stopper. Shake the bottle a few times, then remove the stopper just sufficiently to quickly intro- 
 duce 5 Cc. of potassium iodide test-solution, taking care that no bromine vapor escape, and immediately 
 stopper the bottle. Agitate the bottle thoroughly, remove the stopper and rinse it and the neck of the 
 bottle with a little water, so that the washings flow into the bottle, and then add from a burette deci- 
 normal sodium thiosulphate solution until the iodine tint is exactly discharged, using toward the end a 
 few drops of starch test-solution as indicator. Note the number of Cc. of the sodium thiosulphate solu- 
 tion thus consumed, and then dilute the bromine solution so that equal volumes of it and of decinormal 
 sodium thiosulphate solution will exactly correspond to each other under the conditions mentioned above. 
 
 Example. — Assuming that the 20 Cc. of the bromine solution have required 25.2 Cc. of the thio- 
 sulphate to completely discharge the iodine tint, the bromine solution must be diluted in the proportion 
 of 20 to 25.2. Thus, if 850 Cc. of it are remaining, they must be diluted with "water to measure 
 1071 Cc. 
 
 After the solution is thus diluted, a new trial should be made in the manner above described, in 
 which 25 Cc. of the decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution should exactly discharge the tint of the 
 iodine liberated by the bromine set free from the 25 Cc. of bromine solution. 
 
 Keep the solution in dark amber-colored, glass-stoppered bottles. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Bromine Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Bromine, Br 0.007976 
 
 Carbolic Acid, CeHsOH 0.001563 
 
 The following article is tested with this solution : Acidum Carbolicum. 
 
 Normal Hydrochloric Acid. 
 
 HC1 = 36.37. 36.37 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Mix 130 Cc. of hydrochloric acid of specific gravity 1.163 with enough water to make it measure, at 
 or near 15° C. (59° F.), 1000 Cc. Of this liquid (which is still too concentrated) carefully measure 10 Cc. 
 
 110 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 0.03464 
 
 0.03685 
 
 0.00500 
 
1746 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 into a flask, add a few drops of phenolphtalein test-solution, and gradually add, from a burette nothin™ 
 hydroxide solution until the red tint produced by it no longer disappears on vigorous shaking but k 
 not deeper than pale pink. INote the number of Cc. of potassium hydroxide solution consumed and 
 
 neutrailzfeach other S ° Utl ° n S ° ^ eq “ al volumes of this and of the Potassium hydroxide solution 
 
 • EX , A ^ PLE -T As f U f nillg ^at 10 Cc - of tlie acid solution first prepared required exactly 11 Cc of untnc 
 sium hydroxide solution, each 10 Cc. of the former must be diluted to 11 Cc., or the whofe of the remain 
 mg acid solution m the same proportion. Thus, if 950 Cc. are remaining, 95 Cc. of water must be added 
 P? /Sf llqU - ld ls thus diluted a new trial should be made in the manner above described in which 
 50 Cc. of the acid solution should require for neutralization exactly 50 Cc. of potassium hydrox de 
 solution. If necessary, a new adjustment should then be made to render the correspondence perfect 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Normal Hydrochloric Acid is the equivalent of: 
 
 Hydrochloric Acid, alsolute, HC1 
 
 h y dr ? cMori c acid is iu every respect equivalent in neutralizing power to normal 
 sulphuric acid, and may be employed, if more convenient, for the same purposes. 
 
 Decinormal Iodine Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 I = 126.53. 
 
 12.653 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 no n D r? 0l J e 12 f 53 ° f p }\ re iodin 1 e (see below ) in a solution of 18 Gm. of pure potassium iodide in 
 
 900 Cc. of v >ater Then add enough water to make the solution measure, at or near 15° C. (59 F ) 
 pface 1000 GC Transfer the s °iution to small, glass-stoppered vials, which should be kept in a dark 
 
 Preparation of Pure Iodine— Heat powdered iodine in a porcelain dish placed over a boiling water- 
 bath, and stir it constantly with a glass rod, so that the adhering moisture, together with any cyanogen 
 iodide and most of the iodine bromide and chloride that may be present may be vaporized. After 
 twenty minutes transfer the iodine to a porcelain or other non-metallic mortar, and triturate it with 
 about o Per cent, of its weight of pure, dry potassium iodide, so as to decompose any remaining iodine 
 bromide and chloride. Then return the mass to the dish, cover it with a clean glass funnel, and heat 
 cool place n & sand ' badb> Detach the sublimed, pure iodine, and keep it in well-stoppered bottles in a 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Iodine Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Iodine, I 
 
 Arsenic Trioxide (arsenous acid), AS 2 O 3 
 
 Potassium Sulphite, crystallized, K2SO3 + 2H 2 0 ' ’ ' ’ 
 
 Sodium Bisulphite, NaHS 03 
 
 Sodium Thiosulphate (Hyposulphite), crystals, Na 2 S 2 63 + 5 H 2 6 . . . . . 
 
 Sodium Sulphite, crystallized, Na 2 S 03 + 7H 2 0 
 
 Sulphur Dioxide, S0 2 
 
 Antimony and Potassium Tartrate, cryst., 2 K(SbO)C 4 H 4 66 + H 2 0 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 0.012653 
 
 0.004942 
 
 0.009692 ! 
 
 0.005193 
 
 0.024764 
 
 0.012579 t 
 
 0.003195 
 
 0.016560 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Acidum Arsenosum, Acidum Sulphurosum, Antimonii 
 et Potassn Tartras (cryst.), Liquor Acidi Arsenosi, Liquor Potassii Arsenitis, Sodii Bisulphis, Sodii 
 Thiosulphas (Hyposulphis), Sodii Sulphis. 
 
 Decinormal Mercuric Potassium Iodide Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 [Mayer’s Solution.] 
 
 Hgl 2 + 2KI = 783.98. 39.2 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 13 546 Gm. of pure mercuric chloride in 600 Cc. of water, and 49.8 Gm. of pure potassium S 
 iodide m 100 Cc. of water. Mix the two solutions, and then add enough water to make the mixture > 
 measure, at or near 15° C. (59° F.), exactly 1000 Cc. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Mercuric Potassium Iodide Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Mercuric Potassium Iodide, Hgl 2 + 2KI . . G 0.0392 
 
 Normal Oxalic Acid Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 H 2 C 2 04 + 2H 2 0 = 125.7 62.85 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 62.85 Gm. of pure oxalic acid (see below) in enough water to make, at or near 15° C. (59 F.), 
 exactly 1000 Cc. 
 
 . Pure Oxalic Acid, crystallized, is in form of colorless, transparent, clinorhombic crystals which, on 
 ignition upon platinum-foil, leave no residue. 1 part of it is completely soluble in 14 parts of water 
 at 15 G. (59 I .). Oxalic acid which leaves a residue on ignition, or on solution in water, must be puri- 
 fied, which may be done as follows : To 1 part of the acid add 10 parts of cold water, and shake until 
 the latter is saturated, filter off the solution from the undissolved crystals, evaporate the filtrate to 
 about three-fourths of its volume, and set it aside so that the fixed salts which it contains may crys- 
 tallize out. Carefully decant the liquid from the crystals, concentrate it by evaporation, and set it aside 
 to crystallize, stirring occasionally to prevent the formation of large crystals which might enclose moist- 
 ure. Drain the crystals in a funnel, dry them carefully on blotting-paper, and preserve them in well- 
 stoppered bottles. 
 
 Note. Normal oxalic acid volumetric solution is in every respect equivalent in neutralizing power 
 to normal sulphuric acid or normal hydrochloric acid , and may be employed, if more convenient, for the 
 same purposes. The solution, however, has a tendency to crystallize at the point of the burette. 
 
LIST OF REA GENTS AND TESTS . 
 
 1747 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Normal Oxalic Acid Solution is the equivalent of : 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Oxalic Acid, crystallized, H 2 C 2 O 4 -f 2 H 2 O 0.06285 
 
 Ammonia Gas, NH 3 0.01701 
 
 Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH 0.03996 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH ! 0.05599 
 
 Potassium Permanganate, KMnO* 0.03153 
 
 Decinormal Oxalic Acid Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 H 2 C 2 O 4 + 2 H 2 O = 125.7. 6.285 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 6.285 Gm. of pure oxalic acid (see above) in enough water to make, at or near 15° C. (59° 
 F.), exactly 1000 Cc. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Oxalic Acid Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Oxalic Acid, crystallized, H 2 C 2 O 4 + 2HiO ■ . . 0.006285 
 
 Ammonia Gas, NH 3 0.001701 
 
 Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH )2 0.003691 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH 0.005599 
 
 Potassium Permanganate, KMn04 0.003153 
 
 Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH 0.003996 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution: Liquor Calcis, Potassii Iodidum (alkalinity), Potassii 
 Permanganas. 
 
 Decinormal Potassium Dichromate Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 K 2 CF 2 O 7 = 293.78. 14.689 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 14.689 Gm. of pure potassium dichromate (see below) in enough water to make, at or near 
 15° C. (59° F.), exactly 1000 Cc. 
 
 Pure Potassium Dichromate for use in volumetric analysis, besides responding to the tests given by the 
 Pharmacopeia (see page 0000), must conform to the following tests: In a solution of 0.5 Gm. of the salt in 
 10 Cc. of water rendered acid by 0.5 Cc. of nitric acid, no visible change should be produced either by 
 barium chloride test-solution (absence of sulphate), or by silver nitrate test-solution (absence of chloride). 
 In a mixture of 10 Cc. of the aqueous solution (1 in 20) with 1 Cc. of ammonia-water no precipitate 
 should be produced by ammonium oxalate test-solution (absence of calcium). 
 
 When used with phenolphtalein as indicator to neutralize alkalies, the volumetric solution of potas- 
 sium dichromate is decinormal when it contains 14.689 Gm. in 1 liter. It is then the exact equivalent 
 of any decinormal acid, corresponding to the amounts of alkalies quoted, for instance, under Decinormal 
 Oxalic Acid Solution. 
 
 When used as an oxidizing agent to convert ferrous into ferric salts, or to liberate iodine from potas- 
 sium iodide, the solution just mentioned (containing 14.689 Gm. in 1 liter) has the effect of a ^ volumetric 
 solution, and a solution of one-third of this strength, containing 4.896 Gm. in 1 liter, has the value of a 
 decinormal solution, and is the equivalent of equal volumes of decinormal potassium permanganate 
 solution, or, in the case of iodine liberated from potassium iodide, it is the equivalent of equal volumes 
 of decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution. For titrating iron in ferrous compounds it is used in the 
 following' manner : Introduce the aqueous solution of the ferrous salt into a flask, and, if it is not 
 already acid, render it so with sulphuric acid. Now add gradually decinormal potassium dichromate 
 solution from a burette, until a drop taken out upon a white surface no longer shows a blue color with a 
 drop of freshly prepared potassium ferrieyanide test-solution. 
 
 Decinormal potassium dichromate solution may also be used in conjunction with potassium iodide 
 (from which it liberates iodine) and sulphuric acid for adjusting the titer of sodium thiosulphate (hypo- 
 sulphite) solution, and, by its means, that of the iodine solution. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Potassium Dichromate Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Potassium Dichromate, K 2 O 2 O 7 0.014689 
 
 Iron, in ferrous compounds 0.016764 
 
 Ferrous Carbonate, FeC03 . . 0.034719 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate, anhydrous, FeSCh 0.045510 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate, crystallized. FeSCh + 7 H 2 O 0.083226 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate, dried, 2FeS04 + 3 H 2 O 0.053592 
 
 Barium Hydroxide, Ba(OH )2 0.008541 
 
 Iodine, I 0.037959 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH 0.005599 
 
 Sodium Thiosulphate (Hyposulphite), Na2S203 + 5 H 2 O 0.074292 
 
 The following articles may be tested with this solution: Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus, Ferri Sulphas, Ferri 
 Sulphas Granulatus. 
 
 Normal Potassium Hydroxide Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 KOH = 55.99. 55.99 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 75 Gm. of potassium hydroxide [Potassa, U. S. P.] in enough water to make, at or near 15° 
 C. (59° F.), about 1050 Cc., and fill a burette with a portion of this liquid. 
 
 Put 0.6285 Gm. of pure oxalic acid into a flask of the capacity of about 100 Cc., and dissolve it with 
 about 10 Cc. of water. Add a few drops of phenolphtalein test-solution, and then carefully add, from 
 the burette, the potassium hydroxide solution, frequently agitating the flask, and regulating the flow to 
 drops toward the end of the operation, until the red color produced by its influx no longer disappears on 
 shaking, but is not deeper than pale pink. Note the number of Cc. of the potassium hydroxide solution 
 consumed, and then dilute the remainder of the solution, so that exactly 10 Cc. of the diluted liquid 
 shall be required to neutralize 0.6285 Gm. of oxalic acid. 
 
1748 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 Example. — Assuming that 8.0 Cc. of the stronger solution of potassium hydroxide first prepared 
 had been consumed in the trial, then each 8.0 Cc. must be diluted to 10 Cc., or the whole of the remain- 
 ing solution in the same proportion. Thus, if 1000 Cc. should be still remaining, this must be diluted 
 with water to 1250 Cc. 
 
 After the liquid is thus diluted a new trial should be made in the manner above described, in which 
 10 Cc. of the diluted solution should exactly .neutralize 0.6285 Gm. of oxalic acid. If necessary, a new 
 adjustment should then be made to render the correspondence perfect. 
 
 Note. — Solutions of caustic alkalies are very prone to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere 
 and thereby become liable to occasion errors when used with litmus test-solution or phenolphtaleiu 
 test-solution as indicator (methyl-orange test-solution is not affected by the presence of carbonic acid). 
 Hence the volumetric solutions should be preserved in small vials provided with well-fitting corks or 
 rubber stoppers, or, better still, they should have tubes filled with a mixture of soda and lime attached 
 to their stoppers, so as to absorb the carbon dioxide and prevent its access to the solution. 
 
 In place of potassium hydroxide solution sodium hydroxide solution may be used in the same manner 
 and in the same quantity. Potassium hydroxide solution, however, is preferable, since it foams less 
 and attacks glass more slowly and less energetically. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Normal Potassium Hydroxide Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH 0.05599 
 
 Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH 0.03996 
 
 Ammonia Gas, NH 3 0.01701 
 
 Ammonium Chloride, NH 4 CI 0.05338 
 
 Acetic Acid, absolute, HC 2 H 3 O 2 0.05986 
 
 Citric Acid, crystallized, H 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 + H 2 0 0.06983 
 
 Hydrobromic Acid, absolute, HBr 0.08076 
 
 Hydrochloric Acid, absolute, HC1 0.03637 
 
 Hydriodic Acid, absolute, HI 0.12753 
 
 Hypophosphorous Acid, HPH 2 O 2 0.06588 
 
 Lactic Acid, absolute, HC 3 H 5 O 3 0.08989 
 
 Nitric Acid, absolute, HNO 3 0.06289 
 
 Oxalic Acid, crystallized, H 2 C 2 O 4 + 2H 2 0 0.06285 
 
 Phosphoric Acid, H 3 PO 4 (to form K 2 HPO 4 ; with phenolphtalein) 0.0489 
 
 Phosphoric Acid, H 3 PO 4 (to form KH 2 PO 4 ; with methyl-orange) 0.0978 
 
 Potassium Dichromate, K2Cr20v 0.14689 
 
 Sulphuric Acid, absolute, H 2 SO 4 0.04891 
 
 Tartaric Acid, crystallized, H 2 C 4 H 4 O 6 0.07482 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Acidum Aceticum, Acidum Aceticum Dilutum, 
 Acidum Aceticum Glaciale, Acidum Citricum, Acidum Hydrobromicum Dilutum, Acidum Hydroclilor- 
 icum, Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum, Acidum Hypophosphorosum Dilutum, Acidum Lacticum, 
 Acidum Nitricum, Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, Acidum Phosphoricum, Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, 
 Acidum Sulphuricum, Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum, Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Acidum Tar- 
 taricum, Vinurn Album, Yinum Rubrum. 
 
 Centinormal Potassium Hydroxide Volumetric Soluion, U. S. 
 
 KOH = 55.99. 0.5599 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dilute 10 Cc. of normal potassium hydroxide volumetric solution with enough distilled water to 
 make 1000 Cc. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Centinormal Potassium Hydroxide Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH 0.0005599 
 
 Sulphuric Acid, H 2 SO 4 0.0004891 
 
 Combined Alkaloids of Nux Vomica 1 .... 0.00364 
 
 Decinormal Potassium Permanganate Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 2KMn0 4 = 315.34. 3.1534 Gm. 2 in 1 Liter. 
 
 1. Place 3.5 Gm. of pure, crystallized potassium permanganate in a flask, add 1000 Cc. of boiling water, 
 and boil until the crystals are dissolved. Close the flask and set it aside for two days, so that any sus- 
 pended matters may deposit. This is the stronger solution. Prepare another, weaker solution, in the same 
 manner, using 6.6 Gm. of the salt and 2200 Cc. of water, and set this also aside for two days. After the 
 lapse of this time pour off the clear portion of each solution into separate vessels provided with glas6 
 stoppers, and then proceed to test each separately. 
 
 Introduce into a flask 10 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution, add 1 Cc. of pure, concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid, and, before this mixture cools, gradually add from a burette small quantities of the weaker 
 permanganate solution, shaking the flask after each addition and reducing the flow to drops toward the 
 end of the operation. When the last drop of the permanganate solution added is no longer decolorized, 
 but imparts a pinkish tint to the liquid, note the number of Cc. consumed, In the same manner ascer- 
 tain the titer of the stronger solution, and likewise note down the number of Cc. of the latter con- 
 sumed. Finally mix the two solutions in such proportions that 50 Cc. of the mixture will exactly cor- 
 respond to an equal volume of decinormal oxalic acid solution. 
 
 Note. — To obtain the accurate proportions for mixing the two solutions, deduct 10 from the number 
 of Cc. of the weaker solution required to decompose 10 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution. With 
 this difference multiply the number of Cc. of the stronger solution required for the same purpose. The 
 product shows the number of Cc. of the stronger solution needed for the mixture. 
 
 1 Assumed to consist of equal partsof strychnine and brucine. Centinormal potassium hydroxide solution (in 
 place of which centinormal sodium hydroxide solution, prepared in the same manner, may be employed) is used 
 in the assay of Extract of Nux Vomica to neutralize the excess of decinormal sulphuric acid employed. _ . 
 
 2 This quantity is never directly weighed, but adjusted either by Oxalic Acid or by Iron; in calculations it is 
 often abbreviated. 
 
LIST OF REAGENTS AND TESTS. 
 
 1749 
 
 Next deduct the number of Cc. of the stronger solution required to decompose 10 Cc. of decinormal 
 oxalic acid solution from 10, and with the difference multiply the number of Cc. of the weaker solution 
 required for the same purpose. The product shows the number of Cc. of the weaker solution needed for 
 the mixture. 
 
 Or, designating by S the number of Cc. of the stronger solution, and by W the number of Cc. of the 
 weaker solution required to decompose 10 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution, the following formula 
 will give the proportions in which the solutions must be mixed : 
 
 Stronger Solution : Weaker Solution : 
 
 (W - 10) S + (10 - S) w 
 
 Example. — Assuming that 9 Cc. of the stronger (S) and 10.5 of the weaker (W) solution had been 
 required, then, substituting these values in the above-given formula, we obtain : 
 
 (10.5-10)9+ (10-9) 10.5 
 or, 4.5 + 10.5 
 
 making 15 Cc. of final solution. 
 
 The bulk of the two solutions is now mixed in the same proportion, 450 Cc. of the stronger and 1050 
 Cc. of the •weaker, or 900 Cc. of the stronger and 2100 Cc. of the weaker solution. 
 
 After the mixture is thus prepared, a new trial should be made, when 10 Cc. of the solution should 
 exactly decompose 10 Cc. of the decinormal oxalic acid solution. If necessary, a new adjustment 
 should be made to render the correspondence perfect. 
 
 This solution should he kept in small, dark -amber-colored and glass-stoppered bottles (or in bottles 
 provided with tubes, especially designed for the purpose). Thus prepared, this solution will hold its 
 titer for months ; yet it should be tested occasionally, and, when it is found reduced, the liquid should 
 be brought back to normal strength by the addition of such an amount of the stronger solution as may 
 be determined in the manner above described. 
 
 II. When potassium permanganate solution is to be prepared for immediate use, this may be done in the 
 following manner : Dissolve 3.5 Gm. of pure, crystallized potassium permanganate in 1000 Cc. of pure 
 water, recently boiled and cooled. Introduce 10 Cc. of decinormal oxalic acid solution into a beaker, 
 add 1 Cc. of pure concentrated sulphuric acid, and proceed as directed above for the weaker perman- 
 ganate solution. Note the number of Cc. of the solution consumed, and then dilute the remainder with 
 pure water recently boiled and cooled, until 50 Cc. will exactly correspond to 50 Cc. of decinormal oxalic 
 acid solution. 
 
 Example. — Assuming that 9.1 Cc. of the permanganate solution first prepared had been required to 
 produce a permanent pink tint, then every 9.1 Cc. of the solution must be diluted to 10 Cc., or the whole 
 of the remaining solution in the same proportion. A new trial should then be made to verify the 
 agreement. 
 
 Note. — Potassium permanganate solution thus prepared is liable to deteriorate more readily and 
 quickly than that prepared by the preceding method. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Potassium Permanganate Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Potassium Permanganate, KMnCh 0.0031534 
 
 Barium Dioxide, Ba02 0.008441 
 
 Calcium Hypophosphite, Ca(PH 2 0 2 )2 0.0021209 
 
 Ferric Hypophosphite, Fe2(PH 2 02)6 0.0020877 
 
 Iron, in ferrous compounds, Fe 0.005588 
 
 Ferrous Carbonate, FeCC >3 0.011573 
 
 Ferrous Oxide, FeO 0.007195 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate, anhydrous, FeS04 0.015170 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate, crystals, FeS 04 + 7H 2 0 0.027742 
 
 Ferrous Sulphate, dried, 2FeS04 + 3 H 2 O 0.017864 
 
 Hydrogen Dioxide, H 2 O 2 0.001696 
 
 Hypophosphorous Acid, HPH 2 02 0.001647 
 
 Oxalic Acid, crystallized, H 2 C 2 O 4 + 2 H 2 O 0.006285 
 
 Oxygen, O . 0.000798 
 
 Potassium Hypophosphite, KPH 2 0 2 . . 0.002598 
 
 Sodium Hypophosphite, NaPH20 2 + H 2 O 0.002646 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Acidum Hypophosphorosum Dilutum, Aqua Hydro- 
 genii Dioxidi, Barii Dioxidum, Calcii Hypophosphis, Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus, Ferri Hypophosphis, 
 Ferri Sulphas, Ferri Sulphas Granulatus, Ferrum Eeductum, Potassii Hypophosphis, Sodii Hypo- 
 phosphis. 
 
 Centinormal Potassium Permanganate Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 2 KMn 04 = 315.34. 0.31534 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dilute 10 Cc. of the decinormal potassium permanganate solution, after having ascertained that it 
 possesses its exact titer, with enough distilled water, strictly complying with the tests given in the text 
 of the Pharmacopoeia for Aqua Destillata , to make 100 Cc. 
 
 This solution should be freshly made when required. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Centinormal Potassium Permanganate Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Potassium Permanganate, KM 11 O 4 0.00031534 
 
 Oxalic Acid, crystallized, H 2 C 2 O 4 + 2 H 2 O 0.0006285 
 
 Oxygen (derived from the permanganate) available for oxidation 0.0000798 
 
 Decinormal Potassium Sulphocyanate Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 [Volhard’s Solution.] 
 
 KSCN = 96.99. 9.699 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 10 Gm. of crystals of pure potassium sulphocyanate in 1000 Cc. of water. This solution is 
 yet too concentrated, and has to be adjusted so as to correspond in strength exactly with decinormal 
 
1750 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 silver nitrate solution. For this purpose, introduce into a flask 10 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solu- 
 tion, together with 0.5 Cc. of ferric ammonium sulphate test-solution and 5 Cc. of diluted nitric acid. To 
 this mixture add, from a burette, in small portions at a time, the sulphocyanate solution. At first a 
 white precipitate of silver sulphocyanate appears, then every drop falling from the burette is surrounded 
 by a deep brownish-red color of ferric sulphocyanate, which disappears on vigorous shaking of the flask 
 as long as any of the silver nitrate remains unchanged. When all the silver has been converted into 
 sulphocyanate, a single additional drop of the potassium sulphocyanate solution produces a brownish- 
 red color which no longer disappears on shaking, but communicates a perceptible pale brownish or red- 
 dish tint to the contents of the flask. Note the number of Cc. of the potassium sulphocyanate solution 
 used, and dilute the whole of the remaining solution so that equal volumes of this and of the deci- 
 normal silver nitrate solution will be required to produce the permanent brownish or reddish tint. 
 (The same depth of pale brownish or reddish tint to which the volumetric solution is adjusted must be 
 attained when the solution is used for volumetric assays.) 
 
 After the dilution, a new trial should be made, in which 50 Cc. of decinormal silver nitrate solution, 
 2.5 Cc. of ferric ammonium sulphate test-solution, and 25 Cc. of diluted nitric acid are used, and there 
 should be required exactly 50 Cc. of the sulphocyanate solution to produce the same depth of a perma- 
 nent pale brownish or reddish tint. If necessary, a new adjustment should be made, to render the 
 correspondence perfect. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Potassium Sulphocyanate Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Potassium Sulphocyanate, KSCN 0.009699 
 
 Silver, Ag 0.010766 
 
 Silver Nitrate, AgNOs 0.016955 
 
 The following articles are tested ivitli this solution : Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, Syrupus Ferri Iodidi. 
 
 Decinormal Silver Nitrate Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 AgNOs = 169.55. 16.955 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 16.955 Gm. of pure silver nitrate in enough water to make, at or near 15° C. (59° F.), exactly 
 1000 Cc. Keep the solution in small, dark-amber-colored, glass-stoppered vials, carefully protected 
 against the access of dust. 
 
 Note. — Titration by decinormal silver nitrate solution may be managed in various ways, adapted to 
 the special preparation to be tested : 
 
 a. In most cases it is directed by the U. S. P. to be used in presence of a small quantity of potassium 
 chromate test-solution, which serves to indicate the end of the reaction by the appearance of the red 
 color of silver chromate. 
 
 b. In some cases (potassium cyanide, hydrocyanic acid) it is added until the first appearance of a 
 permanent precipitate. 
 
 c. It may be used in all cases without indicator by observing the exact point when no further pre- 
 cipitate occurs. This may be practised in the case of ferrous iodide, where the addition of potassium 
 chromate would be improper, but it consumes much time in waiting for the precipitate to subside so as 
 to render the liquid sufficiently clear to recognize whether a further precipitate is produced by addition 
 of the silver solution. 
 
 d. It may be added in definite amount, known to be in excess of the quantity required, and the 
 excess of the decinormal silver solution measured back by the addition of decinormal potassium sul- 
 phocyanate solution (residual titration). 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Silver Nitrate Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Silver Nitrate, AgNOs 0.016955 
 
 Ammonium Bromide, NELBr 0.009777 
 
 Ammonium Chloride, NH 4 CI 0.005338 
 
 Calcium Bromide, CaBr 2 0.0099715 
 
 Ferrous Bromide, FeBr -2 0.010770 
 
 Ferrous Iodide, FeL> 0.015447 
 
 Hydrocyanic Acid, absolute, HCN, with indicator 0.002698 
 
 Hydrocyanic Acid, absolute, HCN, to first formation of precipitate 0.005396 
 
 Hydriodic Acid, HI 0.012753 
 
 Hydrobromic Acid, HBr 0.008076 
 
 Lithium Bromide, LiBr 0.008677 
 
 Potassium Bromide, KBr 0.011879 
 
 Potassium Chloride, KCI 0.007440 
 
 Potassium Cyanide, KCN, with indicator 0.006501 
 
 Potassium Cyanide, KCN, to the first formation of precipitate . • 0.013002 
 
 Potassium Iodide, KI 0.016556 
 
 Potassium Sulphocyanate, KSCN 0.009699 
 
 Sodium Bromide, NaBr 0.010276 
 
 Sodium Chloride, NaCl 0.005837 
 
 Sodium Iodide, Nal 0.014953 
 
 Strontium Bromide, SrBr 2 (anhydrous) 0.012341 
 
 Strontium Iodide, SrL (anhydrous) 0.017018 
 
 Zinc Bromide, ZnBr 2 0.011231 
 
 Zinc Chloride, ZnCL 0.006792 
 
 Zinc Iodide, ZnL 0.015908 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum, Ammonii Bromi- 
 dum, Calcii Bromidum, Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, Lithii Bromidum, Potassii Bromidum, Potassii 
 Cyanidum (to first precip.), Potassii Iodidum, Sodii Bromidum, Sodii Chloridum, Sodii Iodidum, 
 Strontii Bromidum (dry), Strontii Iodidum (dry), Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici, Syrupus Ferri Iodidi, 
 Zinci Bromidum, Zinci Chloridum, Zinci Iodidum. 
 
LIST OF REA GENTS AND TESTS. 
 
 1751 
 
 Decinormal Sodium Chloride Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 NaCl = 58.37. 5.837 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 5.837 Gm. of pure sodium chloride in enough water to make, at or near 15° C. (59° F.), 
 exactly 1000 Cc. 
 
 Pure Sodium Chloride may be prepared by passing a current of dry hydrochloric acid gas into a satu- 
 rated aqueous solution of the purest commercial sodium chloride, separating the crystalline precipitate, 
 and drying it at a temperature sufficiently high to expel all traces of free acid. In place of this, trans- 
 parent crystals of pure rock-salt may be employed. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Sodium Chloride Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Sodium Chloride, NaCl 0.005837 
 
 Silver, Ag 0.010766 
 
 Silver Nitrate, AgNOs 0.016955 
 
 Silver Oxide, Ag 2 0 0.011564 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Argenti Nitras, Argenti Nitras Dilutus, Argenti 
 Nitras Fusus. 
 
 Normal Sodium Hydroxide Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 NaOH = 39.96. 39.96 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 54 Gm. of sodium hydroxide (Soda, U. S. P.) in enough water to make, at or near 15 p C. 
 (59° F.), about 1050 Cc., and fill a burette with a portion of this liquid. 
 
 Put 0.6285 Gm. of pure oxalic acid into a flask of the capacity of about 100 Cc., and dissolve it with 
 about 10 Cc. of water. Add a few drops of phenolphtalein test-solution, and then carefully add from the 
 burette the sodium hydroxide solution, frequently agitating the flask and regulating the flow to drops 
 toward the end of the operation, until the red color produced by its influx no longer disappears on shak- 
 ing, but is not deeper than pale pink. Note the number of Cc. of the sodium hydroxide solution con- 
 sumed, and then dilute the remainder of it so that exactly 10 Cc. of the diluted liquid will be required 
 to neutralize 0.6285 Gm. of oxalic acid. 
 
 Example. — Assuming that 7.8 Cc. of the stronger solution of sodium hydroxide first prepared had 
 been consumed in the trial, then each 7.8 Cc. must be diluted to 10 Cc., or the whole of the remaining 
 solution in the same proportion. Thus, if 980 Cc. should be still remaining, this must be diluted with 
 water to 1258 Cc. 
 
 After the liquid is thus diluted a new trial should be made in the manner above described, in which 
 10 Cc. of the diluted solution should exactly neutralize 0.6285 Gm. of oxalic acid. If necessary, a new 
 adjustment should then be made to render the correspondence perfect. 
 
 Note. — The same precautions should be taken for protecting this solution from the carbon dioxide 
 of the air as are prescribed for normal potassium hydroxide solution. 
 
 This solution may be employed in place of the normal potassium hydroxide solution, volume for 
 volume. 
 
 Decinormal Sodium Thiosulphate (Hyposulphite) Volumetric Solution, U. S. 
 
 Na 2 S 2 0 3 .5H 2 0 =247.64. 24.764 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dissolve 30 Gm. of selected crystals of sodium thiosulphate (sodium hyposulphite) in enough water 
 to make, at or near 15° C. ^59° F.), 1100 Cc. Of this solution transfer 10 Cc. into a flask, add a few drops 
 of starch test-solution, and then gradually add from a burette decinormal iodine solution in small por- 
 tions at a time, shaking the flask after each addition, and regulating the flow to drops toward the end 
 of the operation. As soon as the color produced by the influx of the iodine solution no longer dis- 
 appears on shaking, but is not deeper than very pale blue, note the number of Cc. of the iodine solution 
 consumed. Then dilute the sodium thiosulphate solution so that equal volumes of it and of decinormal 
 iodine solution will exactly correspond to each other under the conditions mentioned above. 
 
 Example. — Assuming that 10 Cc. of the stronger sodium thiosulphate solution first prepared had 
 required 10.7 Cc. of decinormal iodine solution to produce a faint reaction with starch, the thiosulphate 
 solution must be diluted in the proportion of 10 Cc. to 10.7 Cc., or 1000 Cc. to 1070 Cc. 
 
 After the solution is thus diluted a new trial should be made in the manner above described, in which 
 50 Cc. of the decinormal sodium thiosulphate solution should require exactly 50 Cc. of decinormal iodine 
 solution to produce a faint reaction with starch. If necessary, a new adjustment should then be made 
 to render the correspondence perfect. 
 
 Keep the solution in small, dark -amber-colored, glass-stoppered bottles, carefully protected against 
 the access of dust. 
 
 Note. — When this solution is to be used, fill a burette with it, place the liquid to be tested either for 
 the free iodine it already contains or for that which it liberates from an excess of potassium iodide added 
 to it into a flask, and gradually add small portions of the solution from the burette, shaking after each 
 addition, and regulating the flow to drops toward the end of the operation until the brown color of the 
 iodine has nearly disappeared. Now add a few drops of starch test-solution, which will produce a 
 blue color, and then continue to add the thiosulphate solution in drops until the blue tint is exactly 
 discharged. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Sodium Thiosulphate Solution is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Sodium Thiosulphate (Hyposulphite), Na 2 S 2 03 + 5H 2 0 0.024764 
 
 Bromine, Br 0.007976 
 
 Chlorine, Cl 0.003537 
 
 Iodine. I 0.012653 
 
 Iron, Fe, in ferric salts 0.005588 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Aqua Chlori, Calx Chlorata, Ferri Cliloridum, Ferri 
 Citras, Ferri et Ammonii Citras, Ferri et Ammonii Sulphas, Ferri et Ammonii Tartras, Ferri et Potassii 
 Tartras, Ferri et Quininse Citras, Ferri et Quininge Citras Solubilis, Ferri et Strychninse Citras, Ferri 
 Phosphas Solubilis, Ferri Pyrophosphas Solubilis, Ferri Valerianas, Ferrum Reductum, Iodum, Liquor 
 
1752 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Ferri Acetatis, Liquor Ferri Chloridi, Liquor Ferri Citratis, Liquor Ferri Nitratis, Liquor Ferri Sub- 
 sulphatis, Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis, Liquor Iodi Compositus, Liquor Sodse Chlorat®, Tinctura Ferri 
 Chloridi, Tinctura Iodi. 
 
 Normal Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 H 2 SO 4 = 97.82. 48.91 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Carefully mix 30 Cc. of pure, concentrated sulphuric acid (of specific gravity 1.835) with enough 
 water to make about 1050 Cc., and allow the liquid to cool to about 15° C. (59° F.). Place 10 Cc. of this 
 liquid (which is yet too concentrated) into a flask, add a few drops of phenolphtalein test-solution, and 
 afterward, from a burette, normal potassium hydroxide solution, shaking after each addition, and regu- 
 lating the flow to drops toward the end of the operation, until the red color produced by its influx no 
 longer disappears on shaking, but is not deeper than pale pink. Note the number of Cc. of potassium 
 hydroxide solution consumed. Then dilute the sulphuric acid solution so that equal volumes of this 
 and of normal potassium hydroxide solution exactly neutralize each other. 
 
 Example. — Assuming that 10 Cc. of the acid solution first prepared had required exactly 11.2 Cc. of 
 normal potassium hydroxide solution, each 10 Cc. of the former must be diluted to 11.2 Cc., or each 1000 
 Cc. to 1120 Cc. After the liquid is thus diluted a new trial should be made in the manner above 
 described, in which 50 Cc. of the acid solution should require for neutralization exactly 50 Cc. of potas- 
 sium hydroxide solution. If necessary, a new adjustment should be made to render the correspondence 
 perfect. 
 
 Note. — It is recommended that in alkalimetric determinations, when an acid of normal strength is 
 required, normal sulphuric acid be employed in place of normal oxalic acid solution. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Normal Sulphuric Acid is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Sulphuric Acid, absolute, H 2 SO 4 0.04891 
 
 Ammonia Gas, NH 3 0.01701 
 
 Ammonium Carbonate, (NPL^COs 0.042935 
 
 Ammonium Carbonate [U. S. P.], NH 4 HCO 3 .NH 4 NH 2 CO 2 0.05226 
 
 Lead Acetate, crystallized, Pb(C2H302)2 + 3 H 2 O 0.18900 
 
 Lead Subacetate, assumed as Pb20(C2H302)2 0.13662 
 
 Lithium Benzoate, LiC 7 H 502 (to be ignited) 0.12772 
 
 Lithium Carbonate, Li 2 C 03 0.036935 
 
 Lithium Citrate, LisCeHsCb (to be ignited) . . • 0.0698566 
 
 Lithium Salicylate, LICtELOs (to be ignited) 0.14368 
 
 Potassium Acetate, KC 2 H 3 O 2 (to be ignited) 0.09789 
 
 Potassium Bicarbonate, KHCO 3 . . . . 0.09988 
 
 Potassium Bitartrate, KHC 4 H 4 O 6 (to be ignited) 0.18767 
 
 Potassium Carbonate, anhydrous, K 2 CO 3 0.068955 
 
 Potassium Citrate, crystallized, K 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 + H 2 O (to be ignited) 0.10786 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH 0.05599 
 
 Potassium and Sodium Tartrate, KNaC 4 H 4 C >6 + 4 H 2 O (to be ignited) 0.14075 
 
 Sodium Acetate, NaC 2 H 3(>2 -f 3 H 2 O (to be ignited) 0.13574 
 
 Sodium Benzoate, NaC7Hs02 (to be ignited) 0.14371 
 
 Sodium Bicarbonate, NaHC03 0.08385 
 
 Sodium Borate, crystallized, Na 2 B 4(>7 + IOH 2 O 0.19046 
 
 Sodium Carbonate, anhydrous, Na 2 CC >3 0.052925 
 
 Sodium Carbonate, crystallized, Na2C03 + IOH 2 O 0.142725 
 
 Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH 0.03996 
 
 Strontium Lactate, Sr(C3H503)2 (to be ignited) 0.13244 
 
 The following articles are tested with this solution : Ammonii Carbonas ; Aqua Ammonia ; Aqua Ammoni® 
 Fortior ; Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis ; Liquor Potass® ; Liquor Sod® ; Lithii Benzoas, after ignition ; 
 Lithii Carbonas ; Lithii Citras, after ignition ; Lithii Salicylas, after ignition ; Potassa ; Potassa Ac etas, 
 after ignition ; Potassii Bicarbonas ; Potassii Bitartras, after ignition ; Potassii Carbonas ; Potassii Citras, 
 after ignition ; Potassii et Sodii Tartras, after ignition ; Soda ; Sodii Acetas, after ignition ; Sodii Ben- 
 zoas, after ignition ; Sodii Bicarbonas ; Sodii Carbonas, anhydrous ; Sodii Carbonas Exsiccatus ; Spiritus 
 Ammoni® ; Strontii Lactas, after ignition. 
 
 Decinormal Sulphuric Acid, U. S. 
 
 H 2 SO 4 = 97.82. 4.891 Gm. in 1 Liter. 
 
 Dilute 10 Cc. of normal sulphuric acid with enough water to make 100 Cc. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Decinormal Sulphuric Acid is the equivalent of: 
 
 Gramme. 
 
 Sulphuric Acid, absolute, H 2 SO 4 0.004891 
 
 Combined Alkaloids of Nux Vomica, assumed to consist of equal parts of Strychnine 
 
 and Brucine 0.0364 
 
 Potassium Hydroxide, KOH 0.005599 
 
 The folloiving article is tested with this solution : Extractum Nucis Vomic®. 
 
 4. Gasometric Estimations. 
 
 In certain cases the Pharmacopoeia directs the strength of a product or chemical substance to be 
 determined by the volume of some gas (nitrogen dioxide) given otf during a definite reaction. This 
 volume is to be determined by the nitrometer in the following manner : 
 
 Arrange a nitrometer consisting of a measuring tube (graduated for at least 50 Cc.) and con- 
 nected by stout rubber tubing with an open equilibrium-tube (both tubes, preferably, provided 
 with a globular expansion near the lower end) in such a manner, by suitable clamps attached to 
 
LIST OF REA GENTS AND TESTS. 
 
 1753 
 
 a stand, that either tube may be readily and quickly clamped at a higher or lower level. The stopcock 
 of the measuring tube having been opened, and the open equilibrium-tube having been raised to a 
 higher level, pour into the latter a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride until the measuring 
 tube, including the bore of the stopcock, is completely filled. Then close the latter and fix the 
 equilibrium-tube at a low level. Having ascertained that the stopcock is closed air-tight, and having, 
 if necessary, wfiped out the graduated funnel-tube of the nitrometer, introduce into it the prescribed 
 quantity of the liquid to be tested, and allow this to flow slowly into the measuring tube, being careful 
 not to admit any air. Follow it by the prescribed quantities of the several reagents (potassium iodide 
 test-solution and normal sulphuric acid). When the reaction, which takes place at once, moderates, 
 remove the measuring tube from its clamp, and, being careful to hold it constantly so that the 
 liquid contained in it stands at a higher level than that in the equilibrium-tube, shake its contents, 
 without permitting any gas to pass into the open tube. When the reaction has completely ceased 
 restore the tube to its fastening, and allow the apparatus and contents to acquire the ordinary tempera- 
 ture of the room, which is assumed to be at or about 25° C. (77° F.). Then adjust the two tubes so 
 that the liquid columns are exactly the same level, and read off the volume of gas in the measuring 
 tube. Multiply this figure by the weight of the substance yielding 1 Cc. of nitrogen dioxide (see 
 below). The result will be the weight of the pure substance (nitrite) contained in the amount taken 
 for the assay. 
 
 For pharmacopoeial purposes the determination will be sufficiently exact if the evolved gas be meas- 
 ured at or near 25° C. (77° F.). If it be desired to ascertain the volume which the gas would occupy at 
 auy other temperature between 0° C. and 40° C. (32°-104° F.), this may be done with the aid of the 
 table below printed. 
 
 Example. — Assuming that the volume of gas read otf was 44.5 Cc. at 27° C. (80.6° F.), and that it 
 he desired to ascertain the corresponding volume at 0° C. (32° F.), barometric pressure not being taken 
 into consideration, then the 44.5 Cc. must be reduced in the proportion of 1.098901 to 1 ; or 44.5 must 
 be divided by 1.098901. The result will be 40.5 Cc. 
 
 The following table shows the expansion which 1 Cc. of a gas will undergo when it is raised from 
 •0° C. (32° F.) to 40° C. (104° F.) : 
 
 Expansion of 1 Cc. of a Gas between 0° and 40° C. 
 
 °c. 
 
 Cc. 
 
 °c. 
 
 Cc. 
 
 °c. 
 
 Cc. 
 
 0 
 
 1.000000 
 
 14 
 
 1.051282 
 
 28 
 
 1.102564 
 
 1 
 
 1.003663 
 
 15 
 
 1.054945 
 
 29 
 
 1.106227 
 
 2 
 
 1.007326 
 
 16 
 
 1.058608 
 
 30 
 
 1.109890 
 
 3 
 
 1.010989 
 
 17 
 
 1.062271 
 
 31 
 
 1.113553 
 
 4 
 
 1.014652 
 
 18 
 
 1.065934 
 
 32 
 
 1.117216 
 
 5 
 
 1.018315 
 
 19 
 
 1.069597 
 
 33 
 
 1.120879 
 
 6 
 
 1.021978 
 
 20 
 
 1.073260 
 
 34 
 
 1.124542 
 
 7 
 
 1.025641 
 
 21 
 
 1.076923 
 
 35 
 
 1.128205 
 
 8 
 
 1.029304 
 
 22 
 
 1.080586 
 
 36 
 
 1.131868 
 
 9 
 
 1.032967 
 
 23 
 
 1.084249 
 
 37 
 
 1.135531 
 
 10 
 
 1.036630 
 
 24 
 
 1.087912 
 
 38 
 
 1.139194 
 
 11 
 
 1.040293 
 
 25 
 
 1.091575 
 
 39 
 
 1.142857 
 
 12 
 
 1.043956 
 
 26 
 
 1.095238 
 
 40 
 
 1.146520 
 
 13 
 
 1.047619 
 
 27 
 
 1.098901 
 
 
 
 Estimation of Nitrogen Dioxide. 
 
 NO — 29.97 ; 1 Liter 
 
 f at 0° C. and 760 Mm. - 1.3423 Gm. 
 1 at 25° C. and 760 Mm. = 1.2297 Gm. 
 
 One Cubic Centimeter of Nitrogen Dioxide is the equivalent of: 
 
 Nitrogen Dioxide, NO . 
 Amyl Nitrite, C 5 H 11 NO 2 
 Ethyl Nitrite, C 2 H 5 NO 2 
 Sodium Nitrite, NaN02 
 
 At 0° C. and 760 Mm. 
 Gramme. 
 
 . . 0.0013423 
 . . 0.0052305 
 . . 0.0033529 
 . . 0.0030873 
 
 At 25° C. and 760 Mm. 
 Gramme. 
 
 0.0012297 
 
 0.0047923 
 
 0.0030716 
 
 0.0028283 
 
 The following articles are tested gasometrically by the volume of Nitrogen Dioxide evolved and measured at 
 or near 25° C. {77° F.) : Amyl Nitris, Sodii Nitris, Spiritus ^Etheris Nitrosi. 
 

 1754 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 
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 LIST OF VOLUMETRIC ASSAYS. 
 
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1756 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 6 
 
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 OFFICIAL ACIDS AND ALKALIES. 
 
 
 1757 
 
 o 
 
 *3 
 
 gg o.8Slio.88S§ » 
 
 «obi 2 
 
 ggg&ggfSfcSgg 
 
 0 ? 
 
 p 
 
 fefeggbSfefegsg 
 
 P 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 p 
 
 s|u 1 ss»Ssks 
 
 s 
 
 
 ISslllslIll 
 
 ESSStSSSSSSS ! 
 
 0 
 
 Q 
 
 152.89 
 
 46.97 
 
 131.52 
 
 162.22 
 
 9.01 
 
 101.04 
 
 139.05 
 191.19 
 
 10.62 
 
 99.82 
 
 58.83 
 
 p 
 
 a 
 
 
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 ¥*■ 
 
 hj 
 
 w 
 
 m?Umm 
 
 SSSSSSSSSfeS 
 
 0 
 
 £ 
 
 13 
 
 a 
 
 0 
 
 126.13 
 
 38.75 
 
 108.49 
 
 139.73 
 
 7.76 
 
 87.03 
 
 4^:39 
 
 22.35 
 
 210.09 
 
 123.81 
 
 1 i 
 
 S 
 
 p 
 
 ! 
 
 SSl3*Sg&[gggi§£ 
 
 1 
 
 GO 
 
 6 
 
 295.98 
 
 90.93 
 
 254.62 
 282.42 
 
 15.69 
 
 175.91 
 
 242.08 
 
 359.62 
 19.98 
 
 187-76 
 
 110.65 
 
 §* 
 
 a 
 
 | 
 
 p 
 
 Isssssssssss 
 
 1 
 
 GO 
 
 il 22 llsil§| 
 
 ° 
 
 1 * 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 126.15 
 
 38.75 
 
 108.51 
 
 139.75 
 
 7.76 
 
 87.04 
 
 119.79 
 
 361.96 
 
 20.11 
 
 188.98 
 
 111.37 
 
 1 1 
 
 p 
 
 S3*,8is®g$l&S 
 
 8 528535855 
 
 ; i 
 
 1 * 
 
 H 
 
 a 
 
 i 175.73 
 53.99 
 151.16 
 188.61 
 10.48 
 117.48 
 161.67 
 258.51 
 14.36 
 134.97 
 79.54 
 
 I 
 
 ' p 
 
 i a 
 
 H 
 
 > 
 
 a 
 
 p 
 
 o 
 
 • • >*J 
 
 |g^gg|L§£S8 » 
 
 318.17 
 
 97.75 
 
 273.71 
 
 267.22 
 14.85 
 
 166.48 
 
 229.10 
 
 374.50 
 
 20.81 
 
 195.53 
 
 115.22 
 
 8? 
 
 
 1909.04 
 
 586.52 
 
 1642.25 
 
 1603.68 
 
 89.09 
 
 998.86 
 
 1374.59 
 
 2247.00 
 
 124.83 
 
 1173.17 
 
 691.35 
 
 05 
 
 > 
 
 115.70 
 
 35.55 
 
 99.53 
 97.19 
 
 5.40 
 
 60.54 
 83.31 
 
 136.18 
 
 7.57 
 
 71.10 
 
 41.90 
 
 8 
 
 >*- 
 
 P 
 
 147.09 
 
 45.19 
 
 126.53 
 
 157.35 
 
 8.74 
 
 98.01 
 
 134.87 
 
 305.72 
 
 16.98 
 
 159.62 
 
 94.06 
 
 Product. 
 
 
 191.45 
 
 58.81 
 
 164.68 
 
 160.81 
 
 8.93 
 
 100.16 
 
 137.84 
 
 225.32 
 
 12.52 
 
 117.64 
 
 69.32 
 
 * 
 
 00 
 
 ARSENOUS. 
 
 ~ 1 
 
 238.89 
 
 73.40 
 
 205.48 
 
 234.44 
 
 13.02 
 146.03 
 200.95 
 292.57 
 
 16.25 
 
 152,75 
 
 90.02 
 
 Product 
 
 232.89 
 
 71.55 
 
 200.35 
 
 195.64 
 
 10.87 
 
 121.86 
 
 167.69 
 
 274.12 
 15.22 
 
 143.12 
 84.34 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 $ 
 
 265.44 
 
 81.55 
 
 228.35 
 
 343.38 
 
 19.08 
 
 213.88 
 
 294.33 
 
 323.67 
 
 17.98 
 
 168.99 
 
 99.59 
 
 Product. 
 
 2 
 
 p 
 
 133.63 
 
 41.05 
 
 114.95 
 
 112.25 
 
 6.24 
 
 69.92 
 
 96.22 
 
 157.28 
 
 8.82 
 
 82.12 
 
 48.39 
 
 '$ 001 
 
 8 
 
 166.19 
 
 51.05 
 
 142.95 
 
 173.38 
 
 9.63 
 
 107.99 
 
 148.61 
 
 267.51 
 
 15.00 
 
 139.67 
 
 82.31 
 
 Product. 
 
 p 
 
 gisliiJlsl 
 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 H* 
 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 0 
 
 187.08 
 
 57.48 
 
 160.94 
 
 190.95 
 10.61 
 
 118.93 
 
 163.67 
 
 231.44 
 
 12.86 
 
 120.84 
 
 71.21 
 
 Product. 
 
 w 
 
 a 
 
 0 
 
 b 
 
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 2®OOo8S5S(W§5WCTi 
 
 g 
 
 g 
 
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 '$ 01 
 
 O 
 
 w 
 
 § 
 
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 H 
 
 102.14 
 
 31.38 
 
 87.87 
 
 119.59 
 
 6.64 
 
 74.49 
 
 102.51 
 
 131.46 
 
 e&£ 
 
 40.45 
 
 Product. 
 
 Q 
 
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 l> 
 
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 Table showing the Quantity of Official Acids required to Saturate 100 Parts of an Official Alkali, together 
 
1758 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Tables Showing the Quantity of Official Alkalies and Acids 
 Required to make 100 Parts of the Corresponding Salts. 
 AMMONIUM SALTS. 
 
 Parts of Alkali Required. 
 
 
 AMMONIUM salts. 
 
 Ammonium 
 
 Ammonia- 
 
 Ammonia- 
 
 
 Parts of Acid Required. 
 
 
 
 Carbonate, 
 
 water, 
 
 water, 
 
 Parts. 
 
 
 
 
 
 100 $. 
 
 10 Jt 
 
 28 i. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Of Percent. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ( 
 
 216.31 
 
 Acetic Acid . 
 
 . 36 
 
 Ammonium Acetate, NH 4 C 2 H 3 02 . 
 
 67.99 
 
 221.28 
 
 79.03< 
 
 1297.86 
 
 “ “ Diluted . . . . 
 
 . 36 
 
 
 
 
 
 l 
 
 78.65 
 
 “ “ Glacial 
 
 . 99 
 
 
 Arsenite (Meta), NH 4 As0 2 . . 
 
 41.86 
 
 136.27 
 
 48.67 
 
 80.14 
 
 Arsenous Acid 
 
 
 
 Benzoate, NH 4 C 7 H 5 0 2 ... 
 
 37.67 
 
 122.62 
 
 43.79 
 
 87.74 
 
 Benzoic Acid 
 
 . 100 
 
 “ 
 
 Bromide, NH 4 Br 
 
 53.45 
 
 173.98 
 
 62.13 
 
 826.02 
 
 Hydrobromic Acid, Diluted 
 
 . 10 
 
 “ 
 
 Chloride, NH 4 C1 
 
 97.90 
 
 318.66 
 
 113.81 1 
 
 213.59 
 
 681.34 
 
 Hydrochloric Acid 
 
 “ Diluted 
 
 . 31.9 
 . 10 
 
 
 Citrate, (NH 4 ) 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 .... 
 
 60.17 
 
 195.87 
 
 69.95 1 
 
 80.41 
 
 Citric Acid . . , 
 
 . 100 
 
 U 
 
 Lactate, NH 4 C 3 H 5 0 3 
 
 48.93 
 
 159.27 
 
 56.88 
 
 112.10 
 
 Lactic Acid 
 
 
 (( 
 
 Nitrate, NH 4 N0 3 
 
 65.41 
 
 212.89 
 
 76.03 1 
 
 115.75 
 
 787.11 
 
 Nitric Acid 
 
 “ “ Diluted . . . . 
 
 . 68 
 
 . 10 
 
 u 
 
 Phosphate, (NH 4 ) 2 HP0 4 . . . 
 
 79.28 
 
 258.08 
 
 92.17 1 
 
 87.28 
 
 741.92 
 
 Phosphoric Acid 
 
 “ “ Diluted . , 
 
 . 85 
 . 10 
 
 it 
 
 Salicylate, NH 4 C 7 H 5 0 3 .... 
 
 33.79 
 
 109.97 
 
 39.27 1 
 
 89.00 
 
 Salicylic Acid 
 
 . 100 
 
 “ 
 
 Sulphate, (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 
 
 79.27 
 
 258.04 
 
 92.16 1 
 
 80.21 
 
 741.96 
 
 Sulphuric Acid 
 
 “ “ Diluted . . . 
 
 . 92.5 
 . 10 
 
 
 Tartrate, (NH 4 ) 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 . . . 
 
 56.90 
 
 185.23 
 
 66.15 L 
 
 81.48 
 
 Tartaric Acid 
 
 , 100 
 
 POTASSIUM SALTS. 
 
 POTASSIUM SALTS. 
 
 Parts of Alkali Required. 
 
 
 Potassa, 
 90 <fo. 
 
 1 Solution 
 of Potassa, 
 5 J. 
 
 Potassium 
 Bicarbon- 
 ate, 100 j. 
 
 Potassium 
 
 Carbonate, 
 
 95 <f„. 
 
 Parts. 
 
 Parts of Acid Required. 
 
 Potassium Acetate, KC 2 H 3 0 2 . 
 
 “ Arsenite (Meta), KAs0 2 . 
 “ Benzoate, KC 7 H 5 0 2 -|-3H 2 0 
 “ Bromide, KBr 
 
 “ Chloride, KC1 
 
 “ Citrate, K 3 C 6 H 6 0 7 +H 2 0 . 
 “ Lactate, KC 3 H s 0 3 .... 
 
 “ Nitrate, KN0 3 
 
 “ Phosphate, K 2 HP0 4 . . . 
 “ Salicylate, KC 7 H 6 0 3 . . . 
 
 “ Sulphate, K 2 S0 4 
 
 “ Tartrate, 2K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 +H 2 0 
 
 63.55 
 
 42.66 
 29.12 
 52.37 
 
 83.62 
 
 57.68 
 
 48.67 
 
 61.64 
 
 71.56 
 35.41 
 71.55 
 52.02 
 
 1143.93 
 
 767.78 
 
 524.20 
 
 942.67 
 
 1505.11 
 
 1038.17 
 
 876.08 
 
 1109.59 
 
 1288.16 
 
 637.34 
 
 1288.01 
 
 954.32 
 
 102.03 
 
 68.48 
 
 46.76 
 
 84.08 
 
 134.25 
 
 92.60 
 
 78.14 
 
 98.97 
 
 114.90 
 
 56.85 
 
 114.88 
 
 85.12 
 
 74.14-f 
 
 49.76 ^ 
 33.97 
 61.10 
 
 97.55 j 
 
 67.29 1 
 56.78 
 
 71.92 1 
 
 83.49 { 
 
 83.48 1 
 61.85 1 
 
 169.86 
 
 1019.17 
 
 61.77 
 
 68.59 
 
 56.97 
 
 679.85 
 
 153.24 
 
 488.84 
 
 64.74 
 
 93.66 
 
 91.64 
 
 623.17 
 
 66.18 
 
 562.52 
 
 78.36 
 
 60.82 
 
 562.57 
 
 63.76 
 
 Of Percent. 
 
 Acetic Acid 36 
 
 “ “ Diluted .... 6 
 
 “ “ Glacial .... 99 
 
 Arsenous Acid 98.8 
 
 Benzoic Acid 100 
 
 Hydrobromic Acid , Diluted 10 
 Hydrochloric Acid .... 31.9 
 “ “ Diluted 10 
 
 Citric Acid 100 
 
 Lactic Acid 75 
 
 Nitric Acid 68 
 
 “ “ Diluted . . , . 10 
 
 Phosphoric Acid 85 
 
 “ “ Diluted . 10 
 
 Salicylic Acid 100 
 
 Sulphuric Acid 92.5 
 
 “ “ Diluted . . 10 
 
 'Tartaric Acid 100 
 
 SODIUM SALTS. 
 
 
 Parts of Alkali Required. 
 
 
 SODIUM SALTS. 
 
 Soda, 
 90 1. 
 
 Solution 
 
 Sodium 
 
 Sodium 
 
 
 
 of Soda, 
 
 Bicarbon- 
 
 Carbonate, 
 
 Parts. 
 
 
 5 $. 
 
 ate, 98.6 </c. 
 
 98.9 jf. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 f 
 
 122.50 
 
 Sodium Acetate, NaC 2 H 3 0 2 +3H 2 0 . 
 
 32.71 
 
 588.77 
 
 62.65 
 
 106.31k 
 
 734.98 
 
 
 
 
 ♦ ( 
 
 44.54 
 
 “ Arsenite (Meta), NaAs0 2 . . . 
 
 34.18 
 
 615.24 
 
 65.47 
 
 111.09 
 
 77.01 
 
 “ Benzoate, NaC 7 H 5 0 2 
 
 30.90 
 
 556.12 
 
 59.17 
 
 100.42 
 
 84.69 
 
 “ Bromide, NaBr 
 
 43.21 
 
 777.73 
 
 82.76 
 
 140.43 
 
 785.91 
 
 “ Chloride, NaCl 
 
 76.07 
 
 1369.20 
 
 145.69 
 
 247.23 { 
 
 195.33 
 
 623.09 
 
 “ Citrate, 2Na 3 C 6 H 6 0 7 +llH 2 0 . 
 
 37.38 
 
 666.71 
 
 71.60 
 
 121.50 1 
 
 58.80 
 
 “ Lactate, NaC 3 H 6 0 3 
 
 39.72 
 
 714.91 
 
 76.07 
 
 129.09 
 
 107.09 
 
 “ Nitrate, NaN0 3 
 
 52.30 
 
 941.45 
 
 100.18 
 
 169.99 1 
 
 108.95 
 
 740.84 
 
 “ Phosphate, Na 2 HP0 4 +12H 2 0 
 
 24.29 
 
 447.33 
 
 47.60 
 
 80.77 1 
 
 32.20 
 
 273.70 
 
 “ Salicylate, NaC 7 H s 0 3 .... 
 
 27.81 
 
 500.53 
 
 53.26 
 
 90.38 1 
 
 86.22 
 
 “ Sulphate, Na 2 S0 4 +10H 2 0 . . 
 
 27.63 
 
 497.29 
 
 52.92 
 
 89.79 1 
 
 32.90 
 
 304.34 
 
 “ Tartrate, Na 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 +2H 2 0 . 
 
 38.68 
 
 696.29 
 
 74.09 
 
 125.73 1 
 
 65.19 
 
 Parts of Acid Required. 
 
 Of Percent. 
 
 Acetic Acid 36 
 
 “ “ Diluted .... 6 
 
 “ “ Glacial . . .99 
 
 Arsenous Acid 98.8 
 
 Benzoic Acid 100 
 
 Hydrobromic Acid, Diluted 10 
 Hydrochloric Acid .... 31.9 
 “ “ Diluted 10 
 
 Citric Acid 100 
 
 Lactic Acid 75 
 
 i Nitric Acid 68 
 
 I “ “ Diluted .... 10 
 
 Phosphoric Acid ... 85 
 “ “ Diluted . 10 
 
 Salicylic Acid 100 
 
 Sulphuric Acid 92.5 
 
 “ “ Diluted . ■ 10 
 
 Tartaric Acid 100 _ 
 
 Note.— On page 1041 will be found complete Saturation Tables, showing the quantity of official alkalies 
 required to saturate 100 parts of an official acid. 
 
ELEMENTS.— LIST OF FORMULAS AND MOLECULAR WEIGHTS. 1759 
 
 Table of Elements. 
 
 The atomic weights, as determined by L. Meyer and K. Seubert, are those adopted by the U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 
 Sym- 
 | bols. 
 
 Atomic value. 
 
 Atomic 
 
 weight. 
 
 || 
 
 Sym- 
 
 bols. 
 
 Atomic value. 
 
 Atomic 
 ; weight. 
 
 Aluminum . . . 
 
 A1 
 
 Ill 
 
 27.04 
 
 Mercury (Hydrar 
 
 
 
 
 Antimony (Stib- 
 
 
 
 
 gyrum) .... 
 
 Hg 
 
 II 
 
 199.8 
 
 ium) 
 
 Sb 
 
 III, V 
 
 119.6 
 
 | Molybdenum . . 
 
 Mo 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 95.9 
 
 Arsenic 
 
 As 
 
 III, V 
 
 74.9 
 
 Nickel 
 
 Ni 
 
 II, VI 
 
 58.6 
 
 Barium 
 
 Ba 
 
 II, IV 
 
 136.9 
 
 Nitrogen .... 
 
 N 
 
 I, III, V 
 
 14.01 
 
 Beryllium (Glu- 
 
 
 
 
 Osmium .... 
 
 Os 
 
 II, IV, VI, VIII 
 
 190.3 
 
 cinum) .... 
 
 Be 
 
 II 
 
 9.03 
 
 Oxygen .... 
 
 O 
 
 II 
 
 15.96 
 
 Bismuth .... 
 
 Bi 
 
 III, V 
 
 208.9 
 
 Palladium . . . 
 
 Pd 
 
 II, IV 
 
 106.35 
 
 Boron 
 
 B 
 
 III 
 
 10.9 
 
 Phosphorus . . . 
 
 P 
 
 III, V 
 
 30.96 
 
 Bromine .... 
 
 Br 
 
 I, III, V, VII 
 
 79.76 
 
 Platinum .... 
 
 Pt 
 
 II, IV 
 
 194.3 
 
 Cadmium .... 
 
 Cd 
 
 11 
 
 111.5 
 
 Potassium (Kali- 
 
 
 
 
 Caesium .... 
 
 Cs 
 
 I 
 
 132.7 
 
 um) . . . 
 
 K 
 
 1 
 
 39.03 
 
 Calcium .... 
 
 Ca 
 
 II 
 
 39.91 
 
 Rhodium .... 
 
 Rh 
 
 II, III, IV 
 
 102.9 
 
 Carbon 
 
 C 
 
 II, IV 
 
 11.97 
 
 Rubidium . . . 
 
 Rb 
 
 I 
 
 85.2 
 
 Cerium 
 
 Ce ! 
 
 III, IV 
 
 139.9 
 
 Ruthenium . . . 
 
 Ru 
 
 II, IV, VI, VIII 
 
 101.4 
 
 Chlorine . . . . | 
 
 Cl I 
 
 I, III, V, VII 
 
 35.37 
 
 Samarium . . . 
 
 Sm 
 
 III 
 
 149.62 
 
 Chromium . . . 
 
 Cr | 
 
 III, VI 
 
 52.0 
 
 Scandium .... 
 
 Sc 
 
 III 
 
 43.97 
 
 Cobalt ! 
 
 Co 
 
 II, III, VI 
 
 58.6 
 
 Selenium .... 
 
 Se 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 78.87 
 
 Columbium (Nio- 1 
 
 
 
 
 Silicium .... 
 
 Si 
 
 IV 
 
 28.3 
 
 bium) .... 
 
 Cb 
 
 III, V 
 
 93.7 
 
 Silver (Argentum) 
 
 Ag 
 
 I 
 
 107.66 
 
 Copper (Cuprum) 
 
 Cu 
 
 I, II 
 
 63.18 
 
 Sodium (Natrium) 
 
 Na 
 
 I 
 
 23.0 
 
 Didvmium . . . 
 
 D 
 
 III 
 
 142.0 
 
 Strontium . . . 
 
 Sr 
 
 II, IV 
 
 87.3 
 
 Erbium .... 
 
 Eb 
 
 III 
 
 166.0 
 
 Sulphur .... 
 
 S 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 31.98 
 
 Fluorine .... 
 
 F 
 
 I 
 
 19.0 
 
 Tantalum .... 
 
 Ta 
 
 V 
 
 182.0 
 
 Gallium .... 
 
 Ga 
 
 III 
 
 69.9 
 
 Tellurium. . . . 
 
 Te 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 125.0 
 
 Germanium . . . 
 
 Ge 
 
 II, IV 
 
 72.3 
 
 Terbium .... 
 
 Tb 
 
 III 
 
 159.1 
 
 Gold (Aurum) . . 
 
 Au 
 
 I, III 
 
 196.7 
 
 Thallium .... 
 
 T1 
 
 I, III 
 
 203.7 
 
 Hydrogen . . . 
 
 H 
 
 I 
 
 1.0 
 
 Thorium .... 
 
 Th 
 
 IV 
 
 231.9 
 
 Indium 
 
 In 
 
 III 
 
 113.6 
 
 Tin (Stannum) . 
 
 Sn 
 
 II, IV 
 
 118.8 
 
 Iodine 
 
 I 
 
 I, III, V, VII 
 
 126.53 
 
 Titanium .... 
 
 Ti 
 
 IV 
 
 48.0 
 
 Iridium .... 
 
 Ir 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 192.5 
 
 Tungsten or Wolf- 
 
 
 
 
 Iron (Ferrum) . . 
 
 Fe 
 
 II, III, VI 
 
 55.88 
 
 ram 
 
 W 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 183.6 
 
 Lanthanum . . 
 
 La 
 
 111 
 
 138.2 
 
 Uranium .... 
 
 U 
 
 IV, VI 
 
 238.8 
 
 Lead (Plumbum) 
 
 Pb | 
 
 II, IV 
 
 206.4 
 
 Vanadium . . . 
 
 V 
 
 III, V 
 
 51.1 
 
 Lithium .... 
 
 Li i 
 
 I 
 
 7.01 
 
 Ytterbium . . . 
 
 Yb 
 
 III 
 
 172 6 
 
 Magnesium . . . 
 
 Mg 
 
 II 
 
 24.3 
 
 Yttrium .... 
 
 Y 
 
 III 
 
 88.9 
 
 Manganese . . . ! 
 
 Mn i 
 
 II, IV, VI 
 
 54.8 
 
 Zinc 
 
 Zn 
 
 II 
 
 65.1 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 
 Zirconium . . 
 
 ’ Zr 
 
 IV 
 
 90.4 
 
 In addition to the above, the discovery of the following elements has been announced, but lit- 
 tle is known of their properties: Actinium (Ac), Decipium (Dp), Holmium (Ho), Ilmenium (II), 
 Lavoesium (Lv), Mosandrium (Mo), Neptunium (Np), Philippium (Pp), and Thulium (Tu). 
 
 Alphabetical List of Formulas and Molecular Weights of the 
 Principal Chemicals and Reagents. 
 
 Acetanilid 
 
 Acid, Acetic 
 
 “ Antimonic 
 
 “ Antimonous 
 
 “ Arsenic 
 
 “ Arsenous. (See Arsenic Trioxide.) 
 
 “ Aurochloric 
 
 “ Benzoic 
 
 “ Boric 
 
 Carbolic .... 
 
 “ Chloroplatinic . 
 
 “ Chromic (Chromium Trioxide) 
 
 “ Citric ... 
 
 <! “ dry 
 
 “ Gallic 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 C 6 H 5 NH.C 2 H 3 0 . . 
 HC 2 tI 3 0 2 
 
 H 3 Sb0 4 
 
 PI 3 Sb0 3 
 
 H 3 As0 4 
 
 HAuC 1 4 -f 2H 2 0 
 HC 7 H 5 0 2 . . . 
 
 h 3 bo 3 .... 
 c 6 h 5 oh . . . 
 H 2 PtCl 6 4- 6H 2 0 
 Cr0 3 
 
 H 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 4- H 2 0 
 H 3 C b H 5 0 7 . . . . 
 
 hc 7 h 5 o 5 + h 2 o . 
 
 HC 7 H 5 0 5 
 
 Mol. Weight. 
 
 . . 134.73 
 . . . 59.86 
 . . . 186.44 
 . . . 170.48 
 . . 141.74 
 
 . . 375.10 
 . . 121.71 
 . . 61.78 
 . . 93.78 
 . . 516.28 
 . . 99.88 
 . . 209.50 
 . . 191.54 
 . . 187.55 
 . . 169.59 
 
1760 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Acid, Hydriodic 
 
 ‘‘ Hydrobromic 
 
 “ Hydrochloric 
 
 “ Hydrocyanic 
 
 “ Hydroferricyanic 
 
 “ Hydroferrocyanic . 
 
 “ Hydrofluoric 
 
 “ Hydrosulphuric. (See Hydrogen Sulphide, 
 
 “ Hypophosphorous 
 
 “ Kinic 
 
 “ Lactic 
 
 “ Meconic . . . 
 
 “ Metaphosphoric 
 
 “ Molybdic (crystallized) 
 
 “ Nitric 
 
 “ Nitrous 
 
 ‘‘ Oleic 
 
 “ Oxalic 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 “ Palmitic 
 
 “ Phosphoric 
 
 “ Phosphorous 
 
 “ Picric 
 
 “ Pyroboric 
 
 “ Pyrogallic. (See Pyrogallol.) 
 
 “ Pyrophosphoric 
 
 “ Salicylic 
 
 “ Silicic 
 
 <e Stearic 
 
 “ Succinic 
 
 “ Sulphuric 
 
 “ Sulphurous ... 
 
 “ Tannic 
 
 “ Tartaric 
 
 “ Tetraboric (Pyroboric) 
 
 “ Tungstic (crystallized) 
 
 “ Uric 
 
 “ Valerianic 
 
 Alcohol, amylic 
 
 “ ethylic 
 
 “ methylic 
 
 Aldehyde, benzoic 
 
 “ ethylic 
 
 Alum. (See Aluminum and Potassium Sulphate. 
 
 Aluminum Hydroxide (Hydrate) 
 
 “ and Ammonium Sulphate 
 
 “ “ Potassium Sulphate 
 
 “ “ “ “ dry .... 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 Ammonia 
 
 Ammonium Acetate 
 
 “ Arsenite (Metarsenite) 
 
 “ Benzoate 
 
 “ Bromide 
 
 “ Carbonate (normal) 
 
 “ “ (U. S. P.) 
 
 “ Chloride 
 
 “ Citrate 
 
 “ Iodide 
 
 “ Lactate 
 
 “ Molybdate 
 
 “ Nitrate 
 
 “ Oxalate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 “ Phosphate 
 
 “ Salicylate 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 u Sul pliyd rate 
 
 “ Sulphide 
 
 “ Tartrate 
 
 “ Valerianate 
 
 HI . . . 
 HBr . . 
 HC1 . . 
 HCN . . 
 H 6 Fe 2 Cy 12 
 H 4 FeCy 6 
 HF1 . . 
 ). 
 
 HC 7 H n 0 6 . . . 
 HC 3 H 5 0 3 • • • 
 c 7 h 4 o 7 . . . . 
 hpo 3 
 
 H 2 Mo0 4 + H 2 0 
 
 hno 3 .... 
 
 HNO, 
 
 HC, 
 
 H 2 C 2 0 4 + 2H a O 
 
 h 2 c 2 0 4 . . . 
 
 »bl 33 0 2 
 
 h 3 P0 4 
 
 C 6 H 2 (N0 2 ) 3 0H 
 
 h 2 b 4 o 7 . . . . 
 
 h 4 p 2 o 7 
 
 hc 7 h 5 c 
 
 H 9 SiO, 
 
 h 2 c 4 h 4 o 4 
 h 2 so 4 . 
 h 2 so 3 
 
 h 2 c 4 h 4 o 6 
 
 h 2 b 4 0 7 
 
 h 2 wo 4 + h 2 o .... 
 
 C 6 H 4 N 4 0 3 
 
 hc 5 h 9 0 2 
 
 C 5 H u OH 
 
 C 2 H 5 OH 
 
 CH 3 OH 
 
 c 7 h 6 0 
 
 c 2 h 4 o 
 
 ) 
 
 ai 2 (OH) 6 
 
 A1 2 (NH 4 ) 2 (S0 4 ) 4 + 24H 2 0 
 A1 2 K 2 (S0 4 ) 4 + 24H 2 0 - 
 
 A1 2 K 2 (S0 4 ) 4 
 
 A1 2 (S0 4 ) 3 + 16H 2 0. . . 
 
 A1 2 (S0 4 ) 3 
 
 NH 3 
 
 nh 4 c 2 h 3 o 2 
 
 nh 4 c 7 h 5 o 2 
 
 NH 4 Br 
 
 (NH 4 ) 2 C0 3 
 
 nh 4 hco 3 .nh 4 nh 2 co 2 
 
 (NH 4 ) 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 
 
 Amyl Acetate . 
 “ Nitrite . 
 
 NIi 4 C 3 H 5 0 3 . . . 
 (NH 4 ) 2 Mo0 4 . . 
 
 nh 4 no 3 .... 
 
 (NH 4 ) 2 C 2 0 4 + H 2 0 
 (NH 4 ) 2 C 2 0 4 . . . 
 (NH 4 ) 2 HP0 4 . . 
 NH 4 C 7 H 5 0 3 . . . 
 (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 . . . 
 
 nh 4 hs 
 
 (NH 4 ),S .... 
 
 (NH 4 ) 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 . . 
 
 nh 4 c 5 h 9 o 2 
 
 ,c 2 h 3 0 2 
 
 Mol. Weight. 
 
 ■ • 127.53 
 
 • • 80.76 
 
 • • 36.37 
 
 • • . 26.98 
 . . 429.52 
 
 • . 215.76 
 
 • • 20.0 
 
 . . . 65.88 
 
 • • • 191.55 
 . • • 89.79 
 . . . 199.51 
 
 ■ • . 79.84 
 . . . 179.70 
 . . . 62.89 
 
 • • • 46.93 
 . • • 281.38 
 
 . . 125.70 
 . • . 89.78 
 . • . 255.44 
 . . . 97.80 
 . . . 81.84 
 . • • 228.57 
 . . 157.32 
 
 177.64 
 
 137.67 
 78.18 
 
 283.38 
 
 117.72 
 97.82 
 81.86 
 
 321.22 
 
 149.64 
 157.32 
 267.4 
 
 167.77 
 
 101.77 
 87.81 
 
 45.90 
 31.93 
 
 105.75 
 
 43.90 
 
 155.84 
 
 904.42 
 946.46 
 
 515.42 
 628.90 
 
 341.54 
 17.01 
 
 76.87 
 
 124.83 
 
 138.72 
 97.77 
 
 95.87 
 
 156.77 
 53.38 
 
 242.57 
 
 144.54 
 106.80 
 
 195.76 
 
 79.90 
 
 141.76 
 123.80 
 131.82 
 
 154.68 
 
 131.84 
 50.99 
 68.00 
 
 183.66 
 
 118.78 
 129.71 
 
 116.78 
 
LIST OF FORMULAS AND MOLECULAR WEIGHTS. 
 
 1761 
 
 Antimony Oxide (Trioxide) .... 
 “ and Potassium Tartrate . . 
 
 “ “ _ “ “ dry 
 
 Antimony Sulphide 
 
 Antipyrine 
 
 Apomorphine Hvdroehlorate .... 
 
 Arsenic Iodide 
 
 ‘‘ Trioxide 
 
 Atropine 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 Barium Carbonate 
 
 “ Chloride 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 “ Dioxide 
 
 “ Hydroxide (Hydrate) .... 
 
 “ Nitrate 
 
 Benzene (Benzol) ... 
 
 Benzoic Sulphinide 
 
 Bismuth Carbonate 
 
 “ Citrate 
 
 “ Nitrate 
 
 “ Oxide 
 
 “ Oxychloride 
 
 li Subcarbonate (approximately) 
 
 “ Subnitrate (approximately) . 
 
 Boron Trioxide 
 
 Brucine 
 
 “ dry 
 
 Cadmium Iodide 
 
 “ Sulphate ....... 
 
 Caffeine 
 
 “ dry 
 
 Calcium Acetate 
 
 11 Bromide 
 
 “ Carbonate 
 
 “ Chloride 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 “ Hydroxide (Hydrate) . . . 
 
 “ Hypophosphite ..... 
 
 “ Hypochlorite 
 
 “ Iodide 
 
 “ Oxalate 
 
 “ Oxide 
 
 “ Phosphate 
 
 “ Sulphate (Gypsum) .... 
 
 “ dry 
 
 “ Sulphide (Monosulphide) 
 
 “ Sulphite 
 
 “ Tartrate 
 
 Camphor 
 
 “ Monobromated 
 
 Carbon Dioxide 
 
 “ Disulphide 
 
 Cerium Oxalate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 Chloral Hydrate 
 
 “ Anhydrous 
 
 Chloroform ... 
 
 Chrome Alum 
 
 Chromium Sesquioxide 
 
 Cinchonidine 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 Cinchonine 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 Cobaltous Nitrate 
 
 Cocaine Hydrochlorate 
 
 Codeine 
 
 “ dry 
 
 Coniine 
 
 Cupric Acetate 
 
 “ basic 
 
 “ Ammonium Sulphate .... 
 
 Ill 
 
 Sb 2 0 3 
 
 2K(Sb0)C 4 H 4 0 6 + II 2 0 
 
 Iv(Sb0)C 4 H 4 0 6 . . . . 
 
 Sb. 2 S 3 
 
 C 6 H 5 (CH 3 ) 2 C 3 HN 2 0 . . 
 C 17 H 17 N0 2 HC1 . . . . 
 
 AsI 3 
 
 As 2 0 3 
 
 C j 7 H 23 N 0 3 ...... 
 
 (c, 7 h 23 no 3 ) 2 h 2 so 4 . . . 
 
 BaC0 3 
 
 Bad 2 + 2H 2 0 
 
 BaCl 2 ...... . 
 
 Ba0 2 
 
 Ba(OH) 2 
 
 Ba(N0 3 ) 2 
 
 C 6 H 6 
 
 c 6 h 4 coso 2 nh . . . . 
 
 Bi 2 (C0 3 ) 3 
 
 BiC 6 H 5 0 7 
 
 Bi(N0 3 ) 3 
 
 BiA 
 
 BiOCl 
 
 (Bi0) 2 C0 3 
 
 Bi0N0 3 .H 2 0 
 
 b 2 o 3 
 
 ^23A6N 2 0 4 + 4H 2 0 . . 
 
 ^23^26-^204 
 
 Cdl 2 
 
 CdS0 4 
 
 C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 -p h 2 o . . . 
 
 C 8 H I0 N 4 O 2 
 
 Ca(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 
 
 CaBr 2 
 
 CaCO s 
 
 CaCl 2 + 6H 2 0 
 
 CaCl 2 
 
 Ca(OH) 2 
 
 Ca(PH 2 0 2 )‘2 
 
 Ca(C10) 2 
 
 Cal 2 
 
 CaC 2 0 4 
 
 CaO 
 
 Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 
 
 CaS0 4 + 2H 2 0 
 
 CaS0 4 
 
 CaS 
 
 CaS0 3 + 2H 2 0 
 CaC 4 H 4 0 6 . . 
 
 c 10 h 16 o. . . 
 
 C 10 H 15 BrO. . 
 
 co 2 .... 
 cs 2 
 
 Ce 2 (C 2 0 4 ) 3 + 9H 2 0 . 
 
 Ce 2 (C 2 0 4 ) 3 
 
 C 2 HCip + H 2 0 . . 
 
 C 2 II01 3 O 
 
 CHC1 3 
 
 Cr 2 K 2 (S0 4 ) 4 + 24H 2 0 
 
 (C 19 H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 2 S0 4 -p 3H 2 G 
 (C 19 H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 2 S0 4 .... 
 
 (C 19 H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 2 S0 4 -p 2H 2 0 
 (C 19 H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 2 S0 4 ... 
 Co(NO*) 2 4- 6H 2 0 . . . . 
 C 17 H 2I N0 4 HC1 
 
 c I8 h 21 no 3 + h 2 o .... 
 
 CiqHoiNOo 
 
 Cu(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 + H 2 0 . . 
 Cu(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 Cu0 + 6H 2 0 
 Cu(NH 3 ) 4 S0 4 +H 2 0 . . 
 
 Mol. Weight. 
 . . 287.08 
 . . 662.42 
 . . 322.23 
 . . 335.14 
 . . 187.65 
 . . 302.79 
 . . 454.49 
 . . 197.68 
 . . . 288.38 
 . . . 674.58 
 . . . 196.75 
 . . . 243.56 
 . . 207.64 
 . . 168.82 
 . . 170.82 
 , . . 260.68 
 . . . 77.82 
 . . 182.66 
 . . . 597.35 
 . . . 397.44 
 . . 394.57 
 . . . 465.68 
 . . 260.23 
 . . 509.57 
 . . 304.71 
 . . . 69.68 
 . . 465.01 
 . . . 393.17 
 . . 364.56 
 , . . 207.32 
 . . 211.68 
 . . 193.72 
 . . 157.63 
 . . 199.43 
 . . 99.76 
 . . . 218.41 
 . . . 110.65 
 . . . 73.83 
 . . 169.67 
 . . 142.57 
 . . . 292.97 
 . . 127.69 
 . . . 55.87 
 . . 309.33 
 . . 171.65 
 . . 135.73 
 . . 71.89 
 . . 155.69 
 . . 187.55 
 . . 151.66 
 . . 230.42 
 . . 43.89 
 . . 75.93 
 . . 704.78 
 . . 543.14 
 . . 164.97 
 , . . 147.01 
 . . 119.08 
 . . . 996.38 
 . . . 151.88 
 . . 293.41 
 . . 738.52 
 . . 684.64 
 . . 293.41 
 . . 720.56 
 . . 684.64 
 . . 290.14 
 . . 338.71 
 . . 316.31 
 . . 298.35 
 . . 126.77 
 . . 198.86 
 . . 367.80 
 . . 245.00 
 
1762 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Mol. Weight. 
 
 Cupric Oxide CuO 79.14 
 
 “ Sulphate CuS0 4 + 5H 2 0 248.80 
 
 “ “ dry CuS0 4 159.00 
 
 “ Tartrate CuC 4 H 4 0 6 + 3H 2 0 .... 264.70 
 
 Cuprous Oxide Cu 2 0 142.32 
 
 Cyanogen (CN ) 2 51.96 
 
 Diphenylamine (C 6 H 5 ) 2 NH 168.65 
 
 Elaterin C 20 H 28 O 5 • 347.20 
 
 Ether. (See Ethyl Oxide.) 
 
 Ethyl Acetate C 2 H 5 C 2 H 3 0 2 87.80 
 
 “ Nitrite C 2 H 5 N0 2 74.87 
 
 “ Oxide (.Ether, U. S. P.) (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0 73.84 
 
 Eucalyptol C 10 H, 8 O 153.66 
 
 Ferric Acetate Fe 2 (C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 6 464.92 
 
 “ Ammonium Sulphate Fe 2 (NH 4 ) 2 (S0 4 ) 4 + 24H 2 0 962.10 
 
 dry 
 
 Chloride Fe 2 Cl 6 + 12H 2 0 
 
 Fe 2 (NH 4 ) 2 (S0 4 ) 4 531.06 
 
 539.50 
 
 dry Fe 2 Cl 6 323.98 
 
 Hydroxide (Hydrate) Fe 2 (OH) 6 213.52 
 
 Hypophosphite Fe 2 (PH 2 0 2 ) 6 501.04 
 
 Nitrate Fe 2 (N0 3 ) 6 483.10 
 
 159.64 
 
 301.36 
 
 Phosphate (normal, not U. S. P.) . . . . Fe 2 (P0 4 ) 2 
 
 “ Pyrophosphate (normal, not U. S. P.) . . Fe 4 (P 2 0 7 ) 3 744.44 
 
 “ Subsulphate (variable). 
 
 “ Sulphate Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 399.22 
 
 “ Valerianate (variable). 
 
 Ferrous Bromide FeBr 0 . 
 
 Carbonate 
 Iodide . 
 
 FeC0 3 
 
 Felo 
 
 215.40 
 
 115.73 
 
 308.94 
 
 “ Lactate Fe(C 3 H 6 0 3 ) 2 
 
 “ Oxalate FeC 2 0 4 +H 2 0 161.62 
 
 “ Sulphate FeS0 4 + 7 H 2 0 277.42 
 
 “ “ dry FeS0 4 151.70 
 
 “ Sulphide FeS 87.86 
 
 Glucose. (See Sugar, Grape.) 
 
 Glycerin C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 .... 91.79 
 
 Glyceryl Trinitrate C 3 H 5 (N0 3 )" 3 226.58 
 
 Gold Chloride AuCl 3 302.81 
 
 Homatropine Hydrobromate C, 6 H 21 N0 3 HBr 355.17 
 
 Hydrastinine Hydrochlorate C 11 H 11 N0 2 HC1 224.97 
 
 Hydrogen Dioxide H 2 0 2 33.92 
 
 “ Sulphide H 2 S 33.98 
 
 Hyoscine Hydrobromate C, 7 H 21 N0 4 HBr + 3H 2 0 436.98 
 
 dry 
 
 C, 7 H OI N0 4 HBr 383.10 
 
 Hyoscyamine Hydrobromate C 17 H 23 N0 3 HBr 369.14 
 
 “ Sulphate (C 17 H 23 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 674.58 
 
 Iodoform . . . CHI 3 . 392.56 
 
 Lead Acetate Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 + 3H 2 0 378.00 
 
 “ “ dry Pb(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 324.12 
 
 “ Carbonate (official) (PbC0 3 j 2 Pb(0H) 2 772.82 
 
 “ “ pure PbC0 3 266.25 
 
 Iodide .... Pbl 2 459.46 
 
 “ Nitrate Pb(N0 3 ) 2 330.18 
 
 “ Oxide PbO 222.36 
 
 “ Subacetate (approximately) Pb 2 0(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 546.48 
 
 Lime. (See Calcium Oxide.) 
 
 Lithium Benzoate LiC 7 H 5 0 2 127.72 
 
 “ Bromide LiBr 86.77 
 
 Carbonate Li 9 C0, 
 
 73.87 
 
 “ Citrate Li 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 209.57 
 
 “ Salicylate LiC 7 H 5 0 3 143.68 
 
 Magnesia. (See Magnesium Oxide.) 
 
 Magnesium Carbonate (approximately) . . . . (MgC0 3 ) 4 Mg(0H) 2 -f- 5H 2 0 484.62 
 
 “ “ pure MgCo 3 ... 84.15 
 
 “ Lactate, dry Mg(C 3 H 6 0 3 ) 2 201.88 
 
 “ Oxide MgO 40.26 
 
 “ Sulphate MgS0 4 + 7H 2 0 245.84 
 
 dry MgS0 4 120.12 
 
 “ Sulphite MgSO s + 6H 2 0 211.92 
 
 Manganese Dioxide Mn0 2 86.72 
 
 Manganous Sulphate MnS0 4 + 4H 2 0 222.46 
 
 “ “ dry MnS0 4 150.62 
 
 155.66 
 
LIST OF FORMULAS AND MOLECULAR WEIGHTS. 
 
 1763 
 
 Mercuric Ammonium Chloride .... 
 
 “ Chloride 
 
 “ Cyanide 
 
 “ Iodide 
 
 “ Nitrate 
 
 “ Oxide 
 
 “ Potassium Iodide 
 
 “ Subsulphate 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 “ Sulphide 
 
 Mercurous Chloride .... .... 
 
 “ Iodide 
 
 “ Nitrate 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 Methyl Salicylate 
 
 Molybdenum Trioxide 
 
 Morphine 
 
 “ dry 
 
 “ Acetate 
 
 “ Hydrochlorate 
 
 “ “ dry ...... 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 Naphtalin 
 
 Naphtol 
 
 Narceine 
 
 Narcotine 
 
 Nickel Bromide 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 Nicotine 
 
 Nitrogen Dioxide 
 
 Nitro-glycerin. (See Glyceryl Trinitrate.) 
 
 Paracyanogen 
 
 Paraldehyde 
 
 Phenacetin 
 
 Phenol. (See Acid, Carbolic.) 
 
 Phosphorus Oxychloride 
 
 “ Pentachloride 
 
 “ Trichloride 
 
 Physostigmine Salicylate 
 
 “ Sulphate 
 
 Picrotoxin 
 
 Pilocarpine Hydrochlorate 
 
 Piperin 
 
 Platini c Chloride 
 
 Potassa. (See Potassium Hydroxide.) 
 
 Potassium Acetate . 
 
 “ Arsenite (Metarsenite) .... 
 
 “ Benzoate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 “ Bicarbonate 
 
 “ Bichromate. (See Di chromate.) 
 
 “ Bitartrate 
 
 “ Bromate 
 
 “ Bromide 
 
 “ Carbonate 
 
 Chlorate 
 
 “ Chloride 
 
 “ Chromate 
 
 “ Citrate 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 “ Cyanide 
 
 Dichromate 
 
 “ Ferricyanide 
 
 “ Ferrocyanide 
 
 “ “ dry 
 
 Hydroxide (Hydrate) ... 
 
 Hypophosphite 
 
 “ Iodide 
 
 “ Lactate 
 
 “ Nitrate 
 
 “ Permanganate 
 
 “ Phosphate 
 
 “ Salicylate 
 
 NH 2 HgCl 
 
 HgCl 2 
 
 Hg(CN) 2 
 
 Hgl 2 
 
 Hg(N0 3 ) 2 
 
 HgO 
 
 HgI 2 + 2KI 
 
 Hg(Hg0) 2 S0 4 
 
 HgS0 4 
 
 HgS 
 
 Hg 2 Cl 2 
 
 Hg 2 I 2 
 
 Hg 2 (N0 3 ) 2 + 2H 2 0 . . . . 
 
 Hg 2 S0 4 
 
 CH 3 C 7 H 5 0 3 
 
 Mo0 3 
 
 c i7 h 19 no 3 + h 2 o 
 
 c 17 h 19 no 3 
 
 C 17 H 19 N0 3 C 2 H 4 0 2 + 3H 2 0 
 C 17 H 19 N0 3 HC1 4- 3H 2 0 . . 
 C 17 H 19 N0 3 HC1 ...... 
 
 (C 17 H, 9 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 -)- 5H.,0 
 
 (c 17 h 19 no 3 ) 2 h 2 so 4 . . . . 
 
 C 10 H 8 
 
 C 10 H 7 (OH) 
 
 c 23 H 23 N o 9 
 
 ^22H 23 N0 7 
 
 NiBr 2 + 3H 2 0 
 
 NiS0 4 + 7H 2 0. ..... 
 
 ^ 10 ^ 14^2 
 
 NO 
 
 Mol. Weight 
 . . 251.18 
 . . 270.54 
 . . 251.76 
 . . . 452.86 
 . . . 323.58 
 . . 215.76 
 . . 783.98 
 . . 727.14 
 , . . 295.62 
 . . 231.78 
 . . 470.34 
 . . 652.66 
 . . 559.30 
 , . . 495.42 
 . . 151.64 
 . . 143.78 
 . . . 302.34 
 . . . 284.38 
 . . 398.12 
 . . 374.63 
 . . . 320.75 
 . . 756.38 
 . . . 666.58 
 . . 127.70 
 . . 143.66 
 . . . 461.96 
 . . 412.07 
 , . 272.00 
 
 . . . 280.14 
 . . 161.72 
 . . . 29.97 
 
 (CN), . . 
 QH l2 0 3 
 
 CioHi 3 N0 2 
 
 77.94 
 
 131.70 
 
 178.63 
 
 POCl 3 153.03 
 
 PC1 5 207.81 
 
 PC1 3 137.07 
 
 C 15 H 21 N 3 0 2 C 7 H 6 0 3 412.17 
 
 (C 15 H 21 N 3 0 2 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 934.28 
 
 ^30^34^13 600.58 
 
 C„H 16 N 2 0 2 HC1 243.98 
 
 C 17 H 19 N0 3 284.38 
 
 PtCl 4 335.78 
 
 KC 2 H 3 0 2 97.89 
 
 KAs0 2 145.85 
 
 KC 7 H 5 0 2 + 3HoO .213.62 
 
 KC 7 H 5 0 2 . . . . 159.74 
 
 KHC0 3 99.88 
 
 KHC 4 H 4 0 6 . . . 187.67 
 
 KBr0 3 ... 166.67 
 
 KBr .... 118.79 
 
 K 2 C0 3 137.91 
 
 KC10 3 122.28 
 
 KC1 74.40 
 
 K 2 Cr0 4 193.90 
 
 K 3 C 6 H 6 0 7 + H 2 0 323.59 
 
 K 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 305.63 
 
 KCN 65.01 
 
 K 2 Cr 2 0 7 293.78 
 
 K 6 Fe 2 (CN) I2 657.70 
 
 K 4 Fe(CN) 6 + 3H 2 0 421.76 
 
 K 4 Fe(CN) 6 367.88 
 
 KOH 55.99 
 
 KPH 2 0 2 103.91 
 
 KI 165.56 
 
 KC 3 H 6 0 3 127.82 
 
 KN0 3 100.92 
 
 KMn0 4 157.67 
 
 K,HP0 4 173.86 
 
 KC 7 H 5 0 3 175.70 
 
1764 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Potassium and Sodium Tartrate KNaC 4 H 4 0 6 -j- 4H,0 . . . 
 
 “ “ “ “ dry KNaC 4 H 4 O fi . . 
 
 “ Sulphate K 2 S0 4 
 
 “ Sulphite K 2 S0 3 + 2H 2 0 
 
 “ “ dry K 2 S0 3 . . ' 
 
 Sulphocyanate KSCN 
 
 Tartrate 2K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 + H 2 0 .... 
 
 . “ dry K 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 
 
 Propenyl Trinitrate. (See Glyceryl Trinitrate.) 
 
 Pyrogallol C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 . 
 
 Quinidine 2 0 2 
 
 “ Sulphate (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 2 SO 4 + 2H 2 0 
 
 “ “ dry (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 2 SO 4 . . . 
 
 Quinine C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 + 3H 2 O . . . 
 
 “ dry C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 
 
 “ Bisulphate C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 H 2 SO 4 + 7H 2 0 . 
 
 “ “ dry C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 H 2 SO 4 .... 
 
 “ Hydrobromate C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HBr + H 2 0 . . 
 
 “ “ dry C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HBr 
 
 “ Hydrochlorate C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 HCl -f 2H 2 0 . . 
 
 “ “ dry C 20 
 
 “ Sulphate (C 2 
 
 nH, 
 
 7H 9 0 
 
 dry 
 
 t N 2 0 2 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 
 
 Valerianate C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 C 5 H 10 O 2 + H 2 0 
 
 Resorcin C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 
 
 Saccharin (Benzoic Sulphinide) C 6 H 4 C0S0 2 NH 
 
 Salicin C 13 H 18 0 7 
 
 Salol 
 
 CrHcGHkOq 
 
 Santonin CicH.oOo 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 Soda. 
 
 U 
 
 Silica (Silicic Oxide) Si0 2 
 
 Silver Bromide AgBr 
 
 “ Chloride AgCl 
 
 “ Cyanide . AgCN 
 
 “ Iodide Agl 
 
 Nitrate AgN0 3 
 
 Oxide Ag 2 0 
 
 Sulphate Ag 2 S0 4 
 
 (See Sodium Hydroxide.) 
 
 Sodium Acetate NaC 2 Ho0 9 4- 3H 9 0 . 
 
 “ dry NaC 2 H 3 0 2 
 
 Arsenate Na 2 HAs0 4 + 7H 2 0 
 
 “ dry Na 2 HAs0 4 . . . . 
 
 Arsenite (Metarsenite) NaAs0 2 
 
 Benzoate NaC 7 H 5 0 2 
 
 Bicarbonate NaHC0 3 
 
 Bisulphite NaHS0 3 
 
 Bitartrate NaHC 4 H 4 0 6 + H 2 0 
 
 Borate Na 2 B 4 0 7 + 10H 2 O . 
 
 “ dry Na 2 B 4 0 7 
 
 Bromate NaBr0 3 
 
 Bromide NaBr 
 
 Carbonate Na 9 CO, 4- 10H 9 O 
 
 “ dry Na 2 C0 3 
 
 Chlorate NaC10 3 
 
 Chloride NaCl . 
 
 HoO 
 
 Citrate 2Na 3 C 6 H 5 0 7 + 11H 2 0 
 
 “ dry Na 3 C 6 H 6 0 7 . . . 
 
 Cobaltic Nitrite Co 2 (N0 2 ) 6 6NaN0 2 
 
 Hydroxide (Hydrate) NaOH 
 
 Hypophosphite NaPH 2 0 2 4- H 2 0 . . . 
 
 Hyposulphite. (See Thiosulphate.) 
 
 Iodide Nal 
 
 Lactate NaC 3 H 5 0 3 
 
 Molybdate Na 2 Mo0 4 + H 2 0 .... 
 
 Nitrate NaNO s 
 
 Nitrite NaN0 2 
 
 Nitro-prusside Na 2 Fe(NO)(CN) 5 + 2H 2 0 
 
 Phosphate Na 2 HP0 4 + 12H 2 0 . 
 
 “ dry Na 2 HP0 4 
 
 Pyrophosphate Na 4 P 2 0 7 + 10H 2 O . . . 
 
 “ dry Na 4 P 9 0 7 
 
 Salicylate NaC 7 H 5 0 3 
 
 Santoninate 2NaC 15 H, 9 0 4 + 7H 2 0 . . 
 
 Sulphate Na 2 S0 4 + 10H 2 O .... 
 
 Mol. Weight. 
 
 • • . 281.51 
 ■ . . 209.67 
 
 • • . 173.88 
 . . . 193.84 
 
 . 157.92 
 
 • • • 96.99 
 . . . 469.36 
 . . . 225.70 
 
 . . . 125.70 
 - • • 323.34 
 
 • . . 780.42 
 . . . 744.50 
 
 • • • 377.22 
 . • - 323.34 
 . . . 546.88 
 . . . 421.16 
 . . . 422.06 
 . . . 404.10 
 . . . 395.63 
 . • • 359.71 
 . . . 870.22 
 . . . 744.50 
 . . . 443.07 
 . . . 109.74 
 . . . 168.65 
 
 . 285.33 
 . . 213.49 
 
 . . . 245.43 
 . . . 60.22 
 . . . 187.42 
 . . . 143.03 
 . . . 133.64 
 . . . 234.19 
 . . . 169.55 
 . . . 231.28 
 . . . 311.14 
 
 . . . 135.74 
 . . . 81.86 
 . . . 311.46 
 . . . 185.74 
 . . . 129.82 
 . . . 143.71 
 . . . 83.85 
 . . . 103.86 
 . . . 189.60 
 . . . 380.92 
 . . . 201.32 
 . . . 150.64 
 . . . 102.76 
 . . . 285.45 
 . . . 105.85 
 . . . 106.25 
 . . . 58.37 
 . . . 712.64 
 . . . 257.54 
 . . . 824.32 
 . . . 39.96 
 . . . 105.84 
 
 . . . 149.53 
 . . . 111.79 
 . . . 221.70 
 . . . 84.89 
 . . . 68.93 
 . . . 297.67 
 . . . 357.32 
 . . . 141.80 
 . . . 445.24 
 . . . 265.64 
 . . . 159.67 
 . . . 696.50 
 . . . 321.42 
 
LIST OF FORMULAS AND MOLECULAR WEIGHTS. 
 
 1765 
 
 Sodium Sulphate, dry 
 
 Sulphite 
 
 “ dry . . 
 Sulpliocarbolate 
 Tartrate .... 
 Thiosulphate (Hyposulphite) 
 
 Mol. Weight. 
 
 . • • Na 2 S0 4 141.82 
 
 . . . Na.,S03 + 7H 2 0 251.58 
 
 . . . Na 2 S0 3 125.86 
 
 . NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (0H) + 2H 2 0 231.56 
 
 . . . Na 2 C 4 H 4 0 6 + 21i 2 0 229.56 
 
 . . . Na^Oa -f 5H 2 0 247.64 
 
 dry. . . . Na 2 S 2 0 3 157.84 
 
 Sparteine Sulphate C 15 H 26 N 2 H 2 S0 4 -f- 4H 2 0 403.23 
 
 “ “ dry C 15 H 26 N 2 H 2 S0 4 331.39 
 
 Stannous Chloride SnCl 2 + 2H 2 0 225.46 
 
 Strontium Bromide SrBr 2 -j- 6H 2 0 354.58 
 
 “ “ dry SrBr 2 246.82 
 
 “ Carbonate SrC0 3 147.15 
 
 “ Iodide SrI 2 4-6H 2 0 448.12 
 
 “ “ dry Srl 2 340.36 
 
 “ Lactate Sr(C 3 H 5 0 3 ) 2 + 3H 2 0 318.76 
 
 “ “ dry Sr(C 3 H 5 0 3 ) 2 264.88 
 
 “ Nitrate Sr(NO s ) 2 + 4H,0 282.92 
 
 Strychnine C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 333.31 
 
 “ Nitrate C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 .HN0 3 396.20 
 
 “ Sulphate (C 21 H 22 N 2 0 2 ). 2 H 2 S0 4 + 5H 2 0 854.24 
 
 dry 
 
 Sugar, Cane C I2 H 22 O n 341.20 
 
 “ Grape C 6 H 12 0 6 179.58 
 
 “ Milk C 12 H 22 O n + H 2 0 359.16 
 
 Sulphonal (CH 3 ) 2 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 251.53 
 
 Sulphur Dioxide k), ..... 63.90 
 
 Terebene C )0 H l6 135.70 
 
 Terpin Hydrate C 10 H 18 (OH) 2 + H 2 0 189.58 
 
 Thiosinamine CS.N 2 H 3 (C 3 H 5 ) 115.88 
 
 Thymol C 10 H l4 O 149.66 
 
 Tungsten Trioxide W0 3 231.48 
 
 Water H 2 0 17.96 
 
 Zinc Acetate Zn(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 + 2H 2 0 218.74 
 
 “ “ dry Zn(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) 2 182.82 
 
 “ Bromide ZnBr 2 224.62 
 
 Carbonate (normal, not U. S. P.) ZnC0 3 124.95 
 
 135.84 
 
 318.16 
 
 81.06 
 
 257.22 
 
 286.64 
 
 160.92 
 
 97.08 
 
 Chloride ZnCl 2 
 
 Iodide Znl 2 .... 
 
 Oxide ZnO . . . 
 
 Phosphide Zn 3 P 2 . . . . 
 
 Sulphate ZnS0 4 + 7H 2 0 
 
 “ dry ZnS0 4 . . . 
 
 Sulphide ZnS 
 
 Valerianate Zn(C 5 H 9 0 2 ) 2 '+ 2H 2 0 302.56 
 
1766 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Equivalents of Weights and Measures, U. S. P. 
 
 Customary and Metric. 
 
 The values given in the following tables for the relation of weight to measure apply to water at 
 its greatest density (temperature 4° C. or 39.2° F.) in vacuo, and for ordinary purposes may be used 
 without correction. If intended to be applied to liquids having a higher or lower specific gravity 
 than water, the weight in grammes of such liquid must be divided by the specific gravity of the 
 liquid in order to ascertain the volume in cubic centimeters corresponding to the given weight ; the 
 customary fluid measure can then be found by reference to the tables. For instance, to find the 
 volume in fiuidounces of 875 grammes of official alcohol, divide 875 by 0.820, which yields 1067.07 
 cubic centimeters, and 1067.07 Cc. of water at 4° C. equal 36.082 fiuidounces, for 1000 : 33.814 : : 
 1067.07 : x. x =36.082; hence 875 Gm. of alcohol U. S. P. measure practically 36.082 fiuidounces. 
 
 Weights, customary. 
 
 Metric 
 Weight and 
 Measure. 
 
 Gm.] [Cm. 
 
 I - 
 
 Measures, customary. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 oz. 
 
 Troy 
 
 grains. 
 
 Avoirdupois 
 lbs. oz. grains. 
 
 Fluid 
 
 ounces, minims. 
 
 Fiuidounces 
 
 and 
 
 fractions. 
 
 15432.4 
 
 32 
 
 72.4 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 119.9 
 
 1000 
 
 33 
 
 390.6 
 
 33.814 
 
 15360 
 
 32 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 47.5 
 
 995.312 
 
 33 
 
 314.5 
 
 33.655 
 
 15061.1 
 
 31 
 
 181.1 
 
 2 
 
 
 101.1 
 
 975.932 
 
 33 
 
 
 38 
 
 15046.6 
 
 31 
 
 166.6 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 171.6 
 
 975 
 
 32 
 
 464.9 
 
 32.968 
 
 14880 
 
 31 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 964.208 
 
 32 
 
 289.7 
 
 32.604 
 
 14660.7 
 
 30 
 
 260.7 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 223.2 
 
 950 
 
 32 
 
 59.1 
 
 32.123 
 
 14604.5 
 
 30 
 
 204.5 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 167 
 
 946.358 
 
 32 
 
 
 32 
 
 14400 
 
 30 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 400 
 
 933.105 
 
 31 
 
 264.9 ■ 
 
 31.552 
 
 14274.9 
 
 29 
 
 354.9 
 
 2 
 
 
 274.9 
 
 925 
 
 31 
 
 109.3 
 
 31.278 
 
 14148.2 
 
 29 
 
 228.2 
 
 2 
 
 
 148.2 
 
 916.785 
 
 31 
 
 
 31 
 
 14000 
 
 29 
 
 80. 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 907.185 
 
 30 
 
 324.2 
 
 30.676 
 
 13920 
 
 29 
 
 . . 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 357.5 
 
 902.000 
 
 30 
 
 240 
 
 30.500 
 
 13889.1 
 
 28 
 
 449.1 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 326.6 
 
 900 
 
 30 
 
 207.6 
 
 30.432 
 
 13691.8 
 
 28 
 
 251.8 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 129.3 
 
 887.211 
 
 30 
 
 
 30 
 
 13562.5 
 
 28 
 
 122.5 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 
 878.635 
 
 29 
 
 344.1 
 
 29.717 
 
 13503.3 
 
 28 
 
 63.3 | 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 378.3 
 
 875 
 
 29 
 
 281.8 
 
 29.587 
 
 13440 
 
 28 
 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 315 
 
 870.898 
 
 29 
 
 215.2 
 
 29.448 
 
 13235.4 
 
 27 
 
 275.4 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 10.4 
 
 857.637 
 
 29 
 
 
 29 
 
 13125 
 
 27 
 
 165 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 
 850.486 
 
 28 
 
 363.9 
 
 28.759 
 
 13117.5 
 
 27 
 
 157.5 | 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 430 
 
 850 
 
 28 
 
 356 
 
 28.742 
 
 12960 
 
 27 
 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 272.5 
 
 839.794 
 
 ■ 28 
 
 190.4 
 
 28.397 
 
 12779 
 
 26 
 
 299’ 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 91.5 
 
 828.064 
 
 28 
 
 
 28 
 
 12731.7 
 
 26 
 
 251.7 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 44.2 
 
 825 
 
 27 
 
 430.3 
 
 27.896 
 
 12687.5 
 
 26 
 
 207.5 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 
 822.136 
 
 27 
 
 383.8 
 
 27.800 
 
 12480 
 
 26 
 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 230 
 
 808.691 
 
 27 
 
 165.6 
 
 27.345 
 
 12345.9 ! 
 
 25 
 
 345.9 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 95.9 
 
 800 
 
 27 
 
 24.5 
 
 27.051 
 
 12322.6 
 
 25 
 
 322.6 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 72.6 
 
 798.490 
 
 27 
 
 
 27 
 
 12250 
 
 25 
 
 250 
 
 l 
 
 12 
 
 
 793.787 
 
 26 
 
 403.7 
 
 26.841 
 
 12000 
 
 25 
 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 187.5 
 
 777.587 
 
 26 
 
 140.7 
 
 26.293 
 
 11960.1 
 
 24 
 
 440.1 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 147.6 
 
 775 
 
 26 
 
 98.7 
 
 26.206 
 
 11866.2 
 
 24 
 
 346.2 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 53.7 
 
 768.916 
 
 26 
 
 
 26 
 
 11812.5 
 
 24 
 
 292.5 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 
 765.437 
 
 25 
 
 423.6 
 
 25.883 
 
 11574.3 
 
 24 
 
 54.3 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 199 
 
 750 
 
 25 
 
 173 
 
 25.360 
 
 11520 
 
 24 
 
 . . 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 145 
 
 746.484 
 
 25 
 
 115.9 
 
 25.241 
 
 11409.8 
 
 23 
 
 369.8 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 34.8 
 
 739.343 
 
 25 
 
 
 25 
 
 11375 
 
 23 
 
 335 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 737.087 
 
 24 
 
 443.4 
 
 24.924 
 
 11188.5 
 
 23 
 
 148.5 I 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 151 
 
 725 
 
 24 
 
 247.2 
 
 24.515 
 
 11040 
 
 23 
 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 102.5 
 
 715.380 
 
 24 
 
 91.1 
 
 24.190 
 
 10953.4 
 
 22 
 
 393.4 
 
 I 1 
 
 9 
 
 15.9 
 
 709.769 
 
 24 
 
 
 24 
 
 10937.5 
 
 22 
 
 377.5 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 
 708.738 
 
 23 
 
 463.3 
 
 23.966 
 
 10802.6 
 
 22 
 
 242.6 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 302.6 
 
 700 
 
 23 
 
 321.4 
 
 23.670 
 
 10560 
 
 22 
 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 60 
 
 684.277 
 
 23 
 
 66.2 
 
 23.138 
 
 10500 
 
 21 
 
 420 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 . . 
 
 680.388 
 
 23 
 
 3.1 
 
 23.007 
 
 10497.0 
 
 21 
 
 417 
 
 I 1 
 
 7 
 
 434.5 
 
 680.195 
 
 23 
 
 
 23 
 
 10416.8 
 
 21 
 
 336.8 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 354.3 
 
 075 
 
 22 
 
 395.7 
 
 22.824 
 
 10080 
 
 21 
 
 
 ! 1 
 
 7 
 
 17.5 
 
 653.173 
 
 22 
 
 41.4 
 
 22.086 
 
 10062.5 
 
 20 
 
 462.5 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 
 652.039 
 
 22 
 
 23.0 
 
 22.048 
 
 10040.6 
 
 20 
 
 440.6 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 415.6 
 
 650.621 
 
 22 
 
 
 22 
 
 10031.0 
 
 20 
 
 431 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 406 
 
 650 
 
 21 
 
 469.9 
 
 21.979 
 
 9645.2 
 
 20 
 
 45.2 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 20.2 
 
 625 
 
 21 
 
 64.1 
 
 21.134 
 
 9625 
 
 20 
 
 25 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 623.689 
 
 21 
 
 42.9 
 
 21.09 
 
 9600 
 
 20 
 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 412.1 
 
 622.070 
 
 21 
 
 16.6 
 
 21.035 
 
 9584.2 
 
 19 
 
 464.2 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 396.7 
 
 621.048 
 
 21 
 
 . . 1 
 
 21 
 
EQUIVALENTS OF WEIGHTS AND .MEASURES. 1767 
 
 Equivalents of Weights and Measures. — Continued. 
 
 Weights, customary. 
 
 Metric 
 Weight and 
 Measure. 
 
 Gm.] [Cm. I 
 
 Measures, customary. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 oz. 
 
 Troy 
 
 grains. 
 
 lbs. 
 
 Avoirdupois 
 oz. grains. 
 
 Fluid 
 
 ounces, minims. 
 
 Fluidounces 
 
 and 
 
 fractions. 
 
 9259.4 
 
 19 
 
 139.4 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 71.9 
 
 600 
 
 20 
 
 138.4 
 
 20.288 
 
 9187.5 
 
 19 
 
 67.5 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 ■ . 
 
 595.340 
 
 20 
 
 62.7 1 
 
 20.131 
 
 9127.8 
 
 19 
 
 7.8 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 377.8 j 
 
 591.474 
 
 20 
 
 
 20 
 
 9120 
 
 19 
 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 370 
 
 590.966 
 
 19 
 
 471.8 ; 
 
 19.983 
 
 8873.6 
 
 18 
 
 31.4 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 123.6 
 
 575 
 
 19 
 
 212.6 
 
 19.443 
 
 8750 
 
 18 
 
 110 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 • • 
 
 566.990 
 
 19 
 
 82.6 
 
 19.172 
 
 8671.4 
 
 18 
 
 31.4 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 358.9 
 
 561.900 
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
 8640 
 
 18 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 327.5 ! 
 
 559.863 
 
 18 
 
 447 
 
 18.931 
 
 8487.8 
 
 17 
 
 327.8 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 175 
 
 550 
 
 18 
 
 286.8 
 
 18.598 
 
 8312.5 
 
 17 
 
 152.5 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 • • 
 
 538.641 
 
 18 
 
 102.5 
 
 18.214 
 
 8215.1 
 
 17 
 
 55.1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 340.1 
 
 532.327 
 
 18 
 
 
 18 
 
 8160 
 
 17 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 285 
 
 528.759 
 
 17 
 
 422.1 
 
 17.880 
 
 8102 
 
 16 
 
 422 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 227 
 
 525 
 
 17 
 
 361.1 
 
 17.752 
 
 7875 
 
 16 
 
 195.1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 510.291 
 
 17 
 
 122.4 
 
 17.255 
 
 7758.7 
 
 16 
 
 78.7 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 321.2 
 
 502.753 
 
 17 
 
 
 17 
 
 7716.2 - 
 
 16 
 
 27.2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 278.7 
 
 500 
 
 16 
 
 435.3 
 
 16.907 
 
 7680 
 
 16 
 
 . . 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 242.5 
 
 497.656 
 
 16 
 
 397.2 
 
 16.828 
 
 7437.5 
 
 15 
 
 237.5 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 481.942 
 
 16 
 
 142.2 
 
 16.297 
 
 7330.4 
 
 15 
 
 130.4 
 
 1 
 
 
 330.4 
 
 475 
 
 16 
 
 29.6 
 
 16.062 
 
 7302.3 
 
 15 
 
 102.3 
 
 1 
 
 
 302.3 
 
 473.179 
 
 16 
 
 
 16 
 
 7200 
 
 15 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 200 
 
 466.552 
 
 15 
 
 372.4 
 
 15.776 
 
 7000 
 
 14 
 
 280 
 
 1 
 
 # . 
 
 
 453.592 
 
 15 
 
 162.1 
 
 15.338 
 
 6944.6 
 
 14 
 
 174.6 
 
 
 15 
 
 382.1 
 
 450 
 
 15 
 
 103.8 
 
 15.216 
 
 6845.9 
 
 14 
 
 125.9 
 
 
 15 
 
 283.4 
 
 443.606 
 
 15 
 
 
 15 
 
 6720 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 157.5 
 
 435.449 
 
 14 
 
 347.6 
 
 14.724 
 
 6562.4 
 
 13 
 
 322.5 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 425.243 
 
 14 
 
 182 
 
 14.379 
 
 6558.8 
 
 13 
 
 318.8 
 
 
 14 
 
 433.8 
 
 425 
 
 14 
 
 178.0 
 
 14.371 
 
 6389.5 
 
 13 
 
 149.5 
 
 
 14 
 
 264.5 
 
 414.032 
 
 14 
 
 
 14 
 
 6240 
 
 13 
 
 
 " 
 
 14 
 
 115 
 
 404.345 
 
 13 
 
 322.8 
 
 13.672 
 
 6172.9 
 
 12 
 
 412.9 
 
 i . . 
 
 14 
 
 47.9 
 
 400 
 
 13 
 
 252.3 
 
 13.526 
 
 6125 
 
 12 
 
 365 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 396.893 
 
 13 
 
 201.8 
 
 13.421 
 
 5933.1 
 
 12 
 
 173.1 
 
 i • • 
 
 13 
 
 245.6 
 
 384.458 
 
 13 
 
 
 13 
 
 5787.1 
 
 12 
 
 27.1 
 
 
 13 
 
 99.6 
 
 375 
 
 12 
 
 326.5 
 
 12.680 
 
 5760 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 72.5 
 
 373.242 
 
 12 
 
 298 
 
 12.621 
 
 5687.5 
 
 11 
 
 407.5 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 368.544 
 
 12 
 
 221.7 
 
 12.462 
 
 5476.7 : 
 
 11 
 
 196.7 
 
 m . 
 
 12 
 
 226.7 
 
 354.884 
 
 12 
 
 
 12 
 
 5401.3 
 
 11 
 
 121.3 
 
 
 12 
 
 151.3 
 
 350 
 
 11 
 
 400.7 
 
 11.835 
 
 5280 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 30 
 
 342.138 
 
 11 
 
 273.1 
 
 11.570 
 
 5250 
 
 10 
 
 450 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 340.194 
 
 11 
 
 241.6 
 
 11.503 
 
 5020.3 
 
 10 
 
 220.3 
 
 • • 
 
 11 
 
 207.8 
 
 325.311 
 
 11 
 
 
 11 
 
 5015.5 
 
 10 
 
 215.5 
 
 • • 
 
 11 
 
 203 
 
 325 
 
 10 
 
 475 
 
 10.989 
 
 4812.5 
 
 10 
 
 12.5 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 311.845 
 
 10 
 
 261.4 
 
 10.545 
 
 4800 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 425 
 
 311.035 
 
 10 
 
 248.3 
 
 10.517 
 
 4629.7 
 
 9 
 
 399.7 
 
 
 10 
 
 254.7 
 
 300 
 
 10 
 
 69.2 
 
 10.144 
 
 4563.9 
 
 9 
 
 243.9 
 
 
 10 
 
 188.9 
 
 295.737 
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
 4375 
 
 9 
 
 55 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 283.495 
 
 9 
 
 281.3 
 
 9.586 
 
 4320 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 382.5 
 
 279.930 
 
 9 
 
 223.5 
 
 9.466 
 
 4244 
 
 8 
 
 404 
 
 
 9 
 
 306.5 
 
 275 
 
 9 
 
 143.4 
 
 9.299 
 
 4107.5 
 
 8 
 
 267.5 
 
 
 9 
 
 170 
 
 266.163 
 
 9 
 
 
 0 
 
 3937.5 
 
 8 
 
 97.5 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 255.146 
 
 8 
 
 301.2 
 
 8.628 
 
 3858.1 
 
 8 
 
 18.1 
 
 
 8 
 
 358.1 
 
 250 
 
 8 
 
 217.7 
 
 8.453 
 
 3840 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 340 
 
 248.828 
 
 8 
 
 198.6 
 
 8.414 
 
 . 3651.1 
 
 7 
 
 291.1 
 
 
 8 
 
 151.1 
 
 236.590 
 
 8 
 
 
 8 
 
 3500 
 
 7 
 
 140 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 226.796 
 
 7 
 
 321.0 
 
 7.669 
 
 3472.3 
 
 7 
 
 112.3 
 
 
 7 
 
 409.8 
 
 225 
 
 7 
 
 291.9 
 
 7.608 
 
 3360 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 297.5 
 
 217.724 
 
 7 
 
 173.8 
 
 7.362 
 
 3194.7 
 
 6 
 
 314.7 
 
 i . . 
 
 7 
 
 132.2 
 
 207.016 
 
 7 
 
 
 7 
 
1768 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Equivalents of Weights and Measures. — Continued. 
 
 Weights, customary. 
 
 Metric 
 
 W EIGHT AND 
 
 Measure. 
 Gm.] [Cm. 
 
 Measures, customary. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Troy 
 
 oz. grains. 
 
 Avoirdupois 
 lbs. oz. grains. 
 
 Fluid 
 
 ounces, minims. 
 
 Fluidounces 
 
 and 
 
 fractions. 
 
 3086.5 
 
 6 
 
 206.5 
 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 200 
 
 6 
 
 366.1 
 
 6.763 
 
 3062.5 
 
 6 
 
 182.5 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 198.447 
 
 6 
 
 340.9 
 
 6.710 
 
 2880 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 255 
 
 186.621 
 
 6 
 
 149 
 
 6.310 
 
 2738.4 
 
 5 
 
 338.4 
 
 
 6 
 
 113.4 
 
 177.442 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
 2700.7 
 
 5 
 
 300.7 
 
 
 6 
 
 75.7 
 
 175 
 
 5 
 
 440*4 
 
 5.917 
 
 2625 
 
 5 
 
 225 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 170.097 
 
 5 
 
 360.8 
 
 5.752 
 
 2400 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 212.5 
 
 155.517 
 
 5 
 
 124.1 
 
 5.259 
 
 2314.9 
 
 4 
 
 394.9 
 
 
 5 
 
 127.4 
 
 150 
 
 5 
 
 34.6 
 
 5.072 
 
 2282 
 
 4 
 
 362 
 
 
 5 
 
 94.5 
 
 147.869 
 
 5 
 
 
 5 
 
 2187.5 
 
 4 
 
 267.5 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 141.748 
 
 4 
 
 380*7 
 
 4.793 
 
 1929 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 
 4 
 
 179 
 
 125 
 
 4 
 
 108.8 
 
 4.227 
 
 1920 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 170 
 
 124.414 
 
 4 
 
 99.3 
 
 4.207 
 
 1825.6 
 
 4 
 
 385.6 
 
 
 4 
 
 75.6 
 
 118.295 
 
 4 
 
 
 4 
 
 1720 
 
 3 
 
 310 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 113.398 
 
 3 
 
 400.5 
 
 3.834 
 
 1543.2 1 
 
 3 
 
 103.2 
 
 
 3 
 
 230.7 
 
 100 
 
 3 
 
 183.1 
 
 3.381 
 
 1440 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 127.5 
 
 93.310 
 
 3 
 
 74.5 
 
 3.155 
 
 1388.9 
 
 2 
 
 428.9 
 
 
 3 
 
 76.4 
 
 90 
 
 3 
 
 20.8 
 
 3.043 
 
 1369.2 
 
 2 
 
 409.2 
 
 
 3 
 
 46.7 
 
 88.721 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 1312.5 
 
 2 
 
 352.5 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 85.049 
 
 2 
 
 420.4 
 
 2.876 
 
 1234.6 
 
 2 
 
 274.6 
 
 
 2 
 
 359.6 
 
 80 
 
 2 
 
 338.5 
 
 2.705 
 
 1157.4 
 
 2 
 
 197.4 
 
 
 2 
 
 282.4 
 
 75 
 
 2 
 
 257.3 
 
 2.536 
 
 1080.3 
 
 2 
 
 120.3 
 
 
 2 
 
 205.3 
 
 70 
 
 2 
 
 176.1 
 
 2.367 
 
 960 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 85 
 
 62.207 
 
 2 
 
 49.7 
 
 2.103 
 
 925.9 
 
 1 
 
 445.9 
 
 
 2 
 
 50.9 
 
 60 
 
 2 
 
 13.8 
 
 2.029 
 
 912.8 
 
 1 
 
 432.8 
 
 
 2 
 
 37.8 
 
 59.147 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 875 
 
 1 
 
 395 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 56.699 
 
 1 
 
 440.3 
 
 1.917 
 
 771.6 
 
 1 
 
 291.6 
 
 
 1 
 
 334.1 
 
 50 
 
 1 
 
 331.5 
 
 1.691 
 
 617.3 
 
 1 
 
 137.3 
 
 
 1 
 
 179.8 
 
 40 
 
 1 
 
 169.2 
 
 1.353 
 
 480 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 42.5 
 
 31.1035 
 
 1 
 
 24.8 
 
 1.052 
 
 462.9 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 25.4 
 
 30 
 
 1 1 
 
 6.9 
 
 1.014 
 
 456.392 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 18.89 
 
 29.574 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 437.5 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 28.350 
 
 
 460*1307 
 
 0.959 
 
 385.8 
 
 
 * * 
 
 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 405.8 
 
 0.845 
 
 308.6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 324.61 
 
 0.676 
 
 154.3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 162.31 
 
 0.338 
 
 15.4324 ; 
 
 
 . . 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 16.23 
 
 0.034 
 
 1 
 
 
 ' * 
 
 
 
 
 0.06479 
 
 
 1.0517 
 
 0.0022 
 
 0.9508 j 
 
 
 • • i 
 
 
 
 
 0.06161 
 
 
 1 
 
 0.0021 
 
 Equivalents of Weights from 1 Troy Ounce Down. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Metric 
 Weight and 
 Measure. 
 
 Gm.] [Cc. 
 
 480 [Is 
 
 31.103 
 
 478.4 
 
 31 
 
 475.4 
 
 30.805 
 
 463.0 
 
 30 
 
 456.4 
 
 29.573 
 
 450 
 
 29.159 
 
 447.5 
 
 29 
 
 437.5 [lJJ* 
 
 28.350 
 
 432.1 ° Z - 
 
 28 
 
 427.9 
 
 27.724 
 
 Minims (of 
 Water at 4° C.). 
 
 Grains. 
 
 504.8 
 
 420 [7 3 
 
 503.1 
 
 416.7 
 
 500 
 
 401.2 
 
 486.9 
 
 399.3 
 
 480 
 
 390 
 
 473.3 
 
 385.8 
 
 470.7 
 
 380.3 
 
 460.1 
 
 370.8 
 
 454.4 
 
 370.4 
 
 450 
 
 
 Metric 
 Weight and 
 Measure. 
 
 Gm.] [Cc. 
 
 Minims (of 
 Water at 4° C.). 
 
 27.214 
 
 441.7 
 
 27 
 
 438.2 
 
 26 
 
 422 
 
 25.876 
 
 420 
 
 25.271 
 
 410.2 
 
 25 
 
 405.7 
 
 24.644 
 
 400 
 
 24.028 
 
 390 
 
 24 
 
 389.5 
 
EQUIVALENTS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES . 
 Equivalents of Weights and Measures. — Continued . 
 
 1769 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Metric 
 Weight and 
 Measure. 
 
 Gm.] [Cc. 
 
 Minims (of 
 Water at 4° C.). 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Metric 
 Weight and 
 Measure. 
 
 Gm.] [Cc. 
 
 Minims (of 
 Water at 4° C.). 
 
 360 [63 
 
 23.327 
 
 378.6 
 
 60 [1 3 
 
 3.888 
 
 63.1 
 
 354.9 
 
 23 
 
 373.3 
 
 57.0 
 
 3.696 
 
 60 
 
 342.3 
 
 22.180 
 
 360 
 
 54.69 [*£; 
 
 3.544 
 
 57.5 
 
 339.5 
 
 22 
 
 357.1 
 
 47.5 
 
 3.080 
 
 50 
 
 330 
 
 21.383 
 
 347.1 
 
 50 
 
 3.240 
 
 52.6 
 
 324.1 
 
 21 
 
 340.8 
 
 46.3 
 
 3 
 
 48.7 
 
 313.8 
 
 20.331 
 
 330 
 
 42.8 
 
 2.772 
 
 45 
 
 308.6 
 
 20 
 
 324.6 
 
 40 
 
 2.592 
 
 42.1 
 
 
 
 
 38.0 
 
 2.464 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 
 33.3 
 
 2.156 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 
 30.9 
 
 2 
 
 32.5 
 
 300 [5 3 
 
 19.440 
 
 315.5 
 
 30 
 
 1.944 
 
 31.6 
 
 293.2 
 
 19 
 
 308.4 
 
 28.5 
 
 1.848 
 
 30 
 
 285.2 
 
 18.483 
 
 300 
 
 23.8 
 
 1.540 
 
 25 
 
 277.8 
 
 18 
 
 292.1 
 
 20 
 
 1.296 
 
 21.0 
 
 270 
 
 17.495 
 
 284.0 
 
 19.0 
 
 1.232 
 
 20 
 
 262.3 
 
 17 
 
 275.9 
 
 15.4324 
 
 1 
 
 16.23 
 
 256.7 
 
 16.635 
 
 270 
 
 
 
 
 246.9 
 
 16 
 
 259.7 
 
 
 
 
 240 [4 5 
 
 15.551 
 
 252.4 
 
 15 
 
 0.972 
 
 15.9 
 
 231.5 
 
 15 
 
 243.4 
 
 14.3 
 
 0.924 
 
 15 
 
 228.2 
 
 14.786 
 
 240 
 
 14 
 
 0.907 
 
 14.7 
 
 218.75 { I ™- 
 
 14.175 
 
 230.1 
 
 13.3 
 
 0.862 
 
 14 
 
 216.1 
 
 14 
 
 227.2 
 
 13 
 
 0.842 
 
 13.7 
 
 210 
 
 13.607 
 
 220.9 
 
 12.4 
 
 0.801 
 
 13 
 
 200.6 
 
 13 
 
 211 
 
 12 
 
 0.775 
 
 12.6 
 
 199.7 
 
 12.938 
 
 210 
 
 11.4 
 
 0.739 
 
 12 
 
 185.2 
 
 12 
 
 194.8 
 
 11 
 
 0.713 
 
 11.6 
 
 
 
 
 10.5 
 
 0.678 
 
 11 
 
 ISO [3 3 
 
 11.663 
 
 189.3 
 
 10 
 
 0.648 
 
 10.5 
 
 171.1 1 
 
 11.090 
 
 180 
 
 9.5 
 
 0.616 
 
 10 
 
 169.8 
 
 11 
 
 178.5 
 
 9 
 
 0.583 
 
 9.5 
 
 154.3 
 
 10 
 
 162.3 
 
 8.6 
 
 0.554 
 
 9 
 
 150 
 
 9.719 
 
 157.8 
 
 8 . 
 
 0.518 
 
 8.4 
 
 142.6 
 
 9.241 
 
 150 
 
 7.7 
 
 0.5 
 
 8.1 
 
 138.9 
 
 9 
 
 146.1 
 
 7.6 
 
 0.493 
 
 8 
 
 123.5 
 
 8 
 
 129.8 
 
 7 
 
 0.454 
 
 7.4 
 
 
 
 
 6.7 
 
 0.431 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 0.389 
 
 6.3 
 
 
 
 
 5.7 
 
 0.370 
 
 6 
 
 120 [2 3 1 
 
 7.775 
 
 126.2 
 
 5 
 
 0.324 
 
 5.3 
 
 114.1 
 
 7.393 
 
 120 
 
 4.8 
 
 0.308 
 
 5 
 
 109.37 [*£• 
 
 7.088 
 
 115.9 
 
 4 
 
 0.259 
 
 4.2 
 
 108.0 
 
 7 
 
 113.6 
 
 3.8 
 
 0.246 
 
 4 
 
 100 
 
 6.480 
 
 105.2 
 
 3 
 
 0.194 
 
 3.2 
 
 95.1 
 
 6.161 
 
 100 
 
 2.9 
 
 0.185 
 
 3 
 
 92.6 # I 
 
 6 
 
 97.4 
 
 2 
 
 0.130 
 
 2.1 
 
 80 
 
 5.184 
 
 84.1 
 
 1.9 
 
 0.123 
 
 2 
 
 77.2 
 
 5 
 
 81.1 
 
 1 
 
 0.065 
 
 1.0517 
 
 76.1 
 
 4.928 
 
 80 
 
 0.9508 
 
 0.06161 
 
 1 
 
 61.7 
 
 4 
 
 64.9 
 
 
 
 
1770 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Equivalents of Weights and Measures. — Concluded. 
 
 Equivalents of Weights from 5 Grains Down. 
 
 
 Grains 
 
 
 Grains 
 
 Grammes. 
 
 in decimal 
 fractions. 
 
 in common 
 fractions 
 (approximate). 
 
 Grammes. 
 
 in decimal 
 fractions. 
 
 in common 
 fractions 
 (approximate). 
 
 0.324 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 0.028 
 
 0.43 
 
 7 
 
 1 6 
 
 0.291 
 
 4.5 
 
 4\ 
 
 0.025 
 
 0.39 
 
 !- 
 
 0.259 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 0.024 
 
 0.37 
 
 3 
 
 g 
 
 0.226 
 
 3.5 
 
 3^ 
 
 0.020 
 
 0.31 
 
 T6 
 
 0.194 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 0.016 
 
 0.24 
 
 1 
 
 X 
 
 0.162 
 
 2.5 
 
 91 
 
 -2 
 
 0.012 
 
 0.18 
 
 A 
 
 0.130 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 0.008 
 
 0.12 
 
 
 0.097 
 
 1.5 
 
 H 
 
 0.004 
 
 0.06 
 
 i 
 
 T'6 
 
 0.065 
 
 1 
 
 l 
 
 0.0032 
 
 0.05 
 
 1 
 
 Jo 
 
 
 
 
 0.0027 
 
 0.04 
 
 1 
 
 2J 
 
 0.061 
 
 0.94 
 
 \\ 
 
 0.0022 
 
 0.033 
 
 1 
 
 Jo 
 
 0.060 
 
 0.93 
 
 9 
 
 1 0 
 
 0.0018 
 
 0.028 
 
 1 
 
 JJ 
 
 0.057 
 
 0.88 
 
 7 
 
 J 
 
 0.0016 
 
 0.025 
 
 1 
 
 TO 
 
 0.053 
 
 0.82 
 
 1 3 
 T¥ 
 
 0.0013 
 
 0.02 
 
 1 
 
 30 
 
 0.050 
 
 0.77 
 
 I 
 
 0.0011 
 
 0.017 
 
 1 
 
 0.049 
 
 0.76 
 
 3 
 
 T 
 
 0.001 
 
 0.015 
 
 1 
 
 6T 
 
 0.045 
 
 0.69 
 
 1 1 
 1 6 
 
 0.0006 
 
 0.01 
 
 
 0.040 
 
 0.62 
 
 1 0 
 T6 
 
 0.0005 
 
 0.008 
 
 1 
 
 T28" 
 
 0.036 
 
 0.56 
 
 9 
 
 T6 
 
 0.0004 
 
 0.0065 
 
 rio 
 
 0.032 
 
 0.5 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 0.0003 
 
 0.005 
 
 1 
 
 2 0 0 
 
 
 
 
 0.0002 
 
 0.003 
 
 JJJ 
 
 
 
 
 0.0001 
 
 0.0015 
 
 J40 
 
 % 
 
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
 
 1771 
 
 Tables of Weights and Measures. 
 
 Apothecaries’ or Troy Weight, U. S. 
 
 One pound, 
 One troyounce, 
 One drachm, 
 One scruple, 
 One grain, 
 
 lb = 
 
 12 
 
 troyounces 
 
 = 5760 
 
 grains = 
 
 3 = 
 
 8 
 
 drachms 
 
 = 480 
 
 u 
 
 5 = 
 
 3 
 
 scruples 
 
 = 60 
 
 a 
 
 d 
 
 
 = 20 
 
 u 
 
 gr. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 grain. 
 
 13 ounces avoirdupois 72.5 grains. 
 1 ounce “ 42.5 “ 
 
 » 
 
 Apothecaries’ or Wine Measure, U. S. 
 
 Troy grains 
 Cubic inches, of water at 
 
 60° F. 
 
 1 minim, rt^ 0.00376 0.95 
 
 60 minims = 1 fluidrachm, 5 0.2256 56.96 
 
 480 “ = 8 fluidrachms = 1 fluidounce, f ^ 1.8047 455.69 
 
 7680 “ - 128 “ = 16 fluidounces = 1 pint, O 28.875 7291.11 
 
 61440 “ = 1024 “ = 128 “ =8 pts. = 1 gal., Cong. 231. 58328.88 
 
 Weights and Measures of the British Pharmacopeia. 
 
 One pound, lb = 16 ounces = 7000 troy grains = ibi ,^ij ^iv gr. xl. 
 
 One ounce, oz. = 437.5 “ = 5 vij gr. xvijss. 
 
 One grain, gr. = 1 grain. 
 
 The pound and ounce of the British Pharmacopoeia are identical with the same denominations 
 of avoirdupois weight. The avoirdupois ounce is subdivided into 16 drachms (1 drachm = 27.34 
 troy grains) ; but the British Pharmacopoeia recognizes no subdivisions between the ounce and 
 grain. It is, however, optional with the physician in prescribing to use the symbols 9 an( l 3 > 
 the former representing 20 and the latter 60 grains, if such be found to conduce to accuracy or 
 convenience. 
 
 Troy grains. 
 
 1 minim, min 
 
 60 minims = 1 fluidrachm, jldr. 
 
 480 “ = 8 fluidrachms =• 
 
 9600 “ = 160 
 
 76800 “ = 1280 “ 
 
 0.91 
 
 54.7 
 
 1 fluidounce, floz. . . 437.5 = 
 
 20 fluid ozs. = 1 pint, O 8750. = 
 160 “ = 8 pints = 70000. = 
 
 Avoirdupois. 
 
 1 ounce. 
 1.25 pound. 
 10 pounds. 
 
 Metric Weights and Measures. 
 
 Troy weight. 
 
 1 milligram (Mgm.) = 0.001 gram (Gm.) .015 grain. 
 
 10 milligrams = 1 centigram (Cgm.) = 0.010 gram (Gm.) .154 “ 
 
 100 “ = 10 centigrams “ =1 decigram (Dgm.) = 0.100 gram (Gm.) . . 1.543 “ 
 
 1000 “ = 100 “ “ = 10 decigrams “ = 1.000 “ . . 15.432 “ 
 
 1 gram (weight of 1 cubic centimeter of water at 40° C.). 
 
 10 grams = 1 dekagram 
 
 100 “ == 10 dekagrams = 1 hektogram 
 
 1000 “ = 100 “ = 10 hektograms = 1 kilogram (Kgm.). 
 
 10 kilograms = 1 myriagram = 22.046 lb. av. 
 
 100 “ === 1 quintal = 220.46 
 
 1000 “ =1 millier or tonneau = 2204.6 “ 
 
 1 milliliter (or 1 cubic centimeter, Ccm.) 
 10 milliliters = 1 centiliter 
 
 100 “ = 10 centiliters 
 
 1000 “ = 100 “ 
 
 = 0.001 liter 
 
 = 0.010 “ 
 
 = 1 deciliter = 0.100 liter 
 = 10 deciliters = 1.000 “ 
 
 Troy grains. Av. weight. 
 154.323 .3527 ounce. 
 
 1543.235 3.5274 ounces. 
 15432.350 35.274 “ 
 
 Apothecaries’ measure. 
 16.23 minims. 
 
 2.71 fluidrachms. 
 3.38 fluidounces. 
 33.81 “ 
 
 Wine measure. 
 
 1 liter (or 1 cubic decimeter) 1.0567 quarts. 
 
 10 liters = 1 dekaliter 2.6417 gallons. 
 
 100 “ = 10 dekaliters 1 hektoliter 26.417 “ 
 
 1000 “ = 100 “ 10 hektoliters = 1 kiloliter or stere . . . 264.17 “ 
 
 The unit of all metric measures is the meter (French, metre), and this is the ten-millionth part 
 of the quadrant or fourth part of the terrestrial meridian, the quadrant being the distance from 
 the equator to the pole. The cube of the tenth part of a meter, denominated liter (Fr. litre), was 
 adopted as the unit of measures of capacity. The weight of the one-thousandth part of a liter 
 of distilled water at its greatest density (4° C.) was denominated gram (Fr. gramme ), and adopted 
 as the unit of weight. The subdivisions of all measures are named by prefixing to the name of 
 the unit the Latin numerals deci (.1), centi (.01), and milli (.001), and the larger denominations 
 by prefixing the Greek numerals deka (10), hekto (100), kilo (1000), and myria (10000). 
 
1772 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Relative Value of Wine or Apothecaries’ and Imperial Measures. 
 
 Wine measure. 
 1 minim 
 1 fluidrachm 
 1 fluidounce 
 1 pint 
 1 gallon 
 
 Imperial measure. 
 
 Pints. Floz. Fldr. Minims. 
 
 Imperial measure. 
 
 Galls. 
 
 Wine measure. 
 
 Pints. fS. f3. Minims. 
 
 
 1.04 i 
 
 1 minim 
 
 
 
 
 0.96 
 
 
 1 2.5 
 
 1 fluidrachm 
 
 
 
 
 58 
 
 1 
 
 0 20. 
 
 1 fluidounce 
 
 
 
 ... 7 
 
 41 
 
 16 
 
 5 19. 
 
 1 pint 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 1 
 
 38 
 
 6 13 
 
 2 32. 
 
 1 gallon 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 9 5 
 
 4 
 
 24 fluidounces wine measure = 25 fluidounces Imperial measure (difference 1 grain). 
 
 Approximate Measures. 
 
 In Great Britain prescriptions are compounded by weighing the solids and measuring the liquids, 
 and the same course is very generally followed in the United States ; but on the continent of 
 Europe weights alone are employed in the making of preparations as well as in the compound- 
 ing of prescriptions. Medicines are, however, taken by familiar domestic measures, which are 
 subject to considerable variations, but are usually estimated as having the following capacity : 
 
 In the United States. In France. 
 
 A teaspoonful 1 fluidrachm 5 grams of water. 
 
 A desertspoonful 2 fluidrachms 10 “ “ “ 
 
 A tablespoonful ^ fluidounce 15 “ “ “ 
 
 A wineglassful 2 fluidounces . 
 
 A glassful 150 grams of water. 
 
 A teacupful 4 fluidounces 
 
 A tumblerful 8 fluidounces 
 
 The approximate measures by the handful (Fr. poignee) and pinch (Fr. pincee) are almost 
 completely discarded, or employed only for the least active drugs. 
 
 The measuring of small quantities of liquids by drops gives very uncertain and variable 
 results, which are influenced by the viscidity of the liquid, the size, shape, and fulness of the 
 vessel, the curvature of the lip, the temperature, the rapidity of dropping, and probably by other 
 circumstances. As a rule, it may be said that aqueous liquids yield larger drops than those con- 
 taining little or no water •, but very different results are obtained with the same liquid dropped 
 from different bottles, or even from the same bottle under different conditions ; the differences 
 amount frequently to 50, and occasionally to 200, per cent. For these reasons medicated liquids 
 should not be ordered in drops, but preferably by weight or measure ; and whenever it is desira- 
 ble for the patient to take a medicine by drops, the dose may be approximated by estimating each 
 minim to contain of — 
 
 Ether and ethereal solutions 2J to 3 drops. 
 
 Tinctures, alcoholic solutions, and volatile oils 1 J to 2 or 2J drops. 
 
 Medicated wines 1 to 1J drops. 
 
 Water and aqueous solutions | to 1 drop. 
 
 In order to avoid to some extent the discrepancies resulting from the dropping of liquids under 
 various conditions, dropping-measures (compte-gouttes) have been constructed in France, yielding 
 at 15° C. drops of distilled water, 20 of which weigh 1 Gm., at least within a limit of 2 per cent. 
 The French Codex gives a table containing the weight of 1 drop, and the number of drops for 
 1 Gm. of various liquids, dropped under the conditions stated, which may be summarized as 
 follows : 
 
 Number of drops 
 20 . . 
 
 21-26 
 
 31 
 
 33 
 
 43 
 
 48 
 
 50-57 
 
 61 
 
 72 
 
 90 
 
 for 1 Gm. of the following liquids : 
 
 Hydrocyanic acid, Diluted sulphuric acid, Aqueous solutions of the salts of 
 metals and the alkaloids. 
 
 Mineral acids, Ammonia- water, Glycerin, Fowler’s solution, Vinegars. 
 
 Solution of chloral (^). 
 
 Wine (Grenache) and medicated wines. 
 
 Creasote. 
 
 Fixed oils. , 
 
 Glacial acetic acid. Carbolic acid (alcoholic solution), Alcohol (sp. gr. .864 and 
 over), Chloroform, Volatile oils, Tinctures, Spirit of nitrous ether. 
 
 Alcohol (sp. gr. .834), Tincture of iodine. 
 
 Spirit of ether. 
 
 Ether. 
 
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
 
 1773 
 
 Equivalents of Measures of Length. 
 
 Customary and Metric. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Inches 
 
 Centimeters. 
 
 Inches. 
 
 Centimeters. 
 
 Inches. 
 
 Millimeters. 
 
 in decimal 
 fractions. 
 
 in 32ds. 
 
 1 50 
 
 59.06 
 
 - 55 
 
 21.65 
 
 25.4 
 
 1 . 
 
 3 2 
 3 2 
 
 145 
 
 57.09 
 
 53.3 
 
 21 
 
 25 
 
 0.98 
 
 
 140 
 
 55.12 
 
 50.8 
 
 20 
 
 24 
 
 0.94 
 
 
 139.7 
 
 55 
 
 50 
 
 19.69 
 
 23.8 
 
 0.94 
 
 30 
 
 32 
 
 135 
 
 53.15 
 
 48.3 
 
 19 
 
 23 
 
 0.90 
 
 2 9 
 12 
 
 130 
 
 51.18 
 
 45.7 
 
 18 
 
 22.2 
 
 0.87 
 
 22 
 
 127.0 
 
 50 
 
 45 
 
 17.72 
 
 22 
 
 0.87 
 
 
 125 
 
 49.21 
 
 43.2 
 
 17 
 
 21 
 
 | 0.83 
 
 
 120 
 
 47.24 
 
 40.6 
 
 16 
 
 20.6 
 
 0.81 
 
 26 
 
 12 
 
 115 
 
 45.28 
 
 40 
 
 15.75 
 
 20 
 
 0.79 
 
 
 114.3 
 
 45 
 
 38.1 
 
 15 
 
 19.1 
 
 0.75 
 
 24 
 3 2 
 
 110 
 
 43.31 
 
 35.6 
 
 14 
 
 19 
 
 0.75 
 
 
 105 
 
 41.34 
 
 35 
 
 13.78 
 
 18 
 
 0.71 
 
 
 101.6 
 
 40 
 
 33.0 
 
 13 
 
 17.5 
 
 0.69 
 
 22 
 3 2 
 
 100 
 
 39.37 
 
 30.5 
 
 12 
 
 17 
 
 0.67 
 
 
 99.0 
 
 39 
 
 30 
 
 11.81 
 
 16 
 
 0.63 
 
 
 96.5 
 
 38 
 
 27.9 
 
 11 
 
 15.9 
 
 0.62 
 
 n 
 
 95 
 
 37.40 
 
 25.4 
 
 10 
 
 15 
 
 0.59 
 
 
 93.9 
 
 37 
 
 25 
 
 9.84 
 
 14.3 
 
 0.56 
 
 1 8 
 32 
 
 91.4 
 
 36 
 
 22.9 
 
 9 
 
 14 
 
 0.55 
 
 
 90 
 
 35.43 
 
 20.3 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 0.51 
 
 
 88.9 
 
 35 
 
 20 
 
 7.87 
 
 12.7 
 
 0.50 
 
 1 6 
 32 
 
 86.4 
 
 34 
 
 17.8 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 0.47 
 
 
 85 
 
 33.46 
 
 15.2 
 
 6 
 
 11.1 
 
 0.44 
 
 14 
 3 2 
 
 83.8 
 
 33 
 
 15 
 
 5.91 
 
 11 
 
 0.43 
 
 
 81.3 
 
 32 
 
 12.7 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 0.39 
 
 
 80 
 
 31.50 
 
 10.2 
 
 4 
 
 9.5 
 
 0.37 
 
 1 2 
 
 12 
 
 78.7 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 3.94 
 
 9 
 
 0.35 
 
 
 76.2 
 
 30 
 
 9 
 
 3.54 
 
 8.7 
 
 0.34 
 
 1 1 
 
 12 ' 
 
 75 
 
 29.53 
 
 8 
 
 3.15 
 
 8 
 
 0.31 
 
 
 73.6 
 
 29 
 
 7.6 
 
 3 
 
 7.9 
 
 0.31 
 
 1 0 
 
 12 
 
 71.1 
 
 28 
 
 7 
 
 2.76 
 
 7.1 
 
 0.28 
 
 12 
 
 70 
 
 27.56 
 
 6 
 
 2.36 
 
 7 
 
 0.28 
 
 
 68.6 
 
 27 
 
 5.1 
 
 2 
 
 6.4 
 
 0.25 
 
 22 
 
 66.0 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 1.97 
 
 6 
 
 0.24 
 
 
 65 
 
 25.59 
 
 4 
 
 1.57 
 
 5.6 
 
 0.22 
 
 22 
 
 63.5 
 
 25 
 
 3 
 
 1.18 
 
 5 
 
 0.20 
 
 
 61.0 
 
 24 
 
 2.54 
 
 1 
 
 4.8 
 
 0.19 
 
 22 
 
 60 
 
 23.62 
 
 2 
 
 0.78 
 
 4 
 
 0.16 
 
 58.4 
 
 23 
 
 1 
 
 0.39 
 
 3.2 
 
 0.13 
 
 22 
 
 55.9 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 0.12 
 
 
 
 
 
 2.4 
 
 0.09 
 
 3 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 0.08 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1.6 
 
 0.06 
 
 2 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 0.04 
 
 
 
 
 
 0.8 
 
 0.03 
 
 1 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 
 
 0.1 
 
 0.0039 
 
 
 Measures of Length. 
 Metric. 
 
 Inches. 
 
 1 millimeter (Mm.) 039370 
 
 10 millimeters “ = 1 centimeter (Cm.) , 393704 
 
 100 “ “ = 10 centimeters “ 1 decimeter (Dm.) 3.937043 
 
 1000 “ “ =100 “ “ = 10 decimeters “ =1 meter (M.) . . .39.370432 
 
 10 meters = 1 dekameter 32 feet 9.7 inches. 
 
 100 “ = 10 dekameters= 1 hektometer 328 “ 1 inch. 
 
 1000 “ = 100 “ = 10 hektometers = 1 kilometer 3280 “ 10.4 inches. 
 
 1 kilometer =4 furlongs 213 yards 1 foot 10.43 inches. 
 
 10 kilometers =1 my riameter = 6.2137 miles. 
 
1774 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 English. 
 
 1 inch .... 
 
 
 
 
 0.0254 meter. 
 
 12 inches — 1 
 
 foot . . 
 
 
 
 0.3048 “ . 
 
 36 “ 3 
 
 feet =1 
 
 yard 
 
 
 0.9144 “ 
 
 198 “ = 16$ 
 
 I =51 
 
 yards = 1 rod 
 
 
 
 220 yards = 40 
 
 rods = 1 
 
 furlong 
 
 
 201.1662 “ 
 
 1760 “ =320 
 
 “ =8 
 
 furlongs = 1 mile 
 
 
 1609.3297 “ 
 
 
 
 Measures of Surface. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Metric. 
 
 
 
 Hektare 
 
 
 
 2.471 acres. 
 
 Are 
 
 
 ... 100 “ 
 
 119.6 
 
 square yards. 
 
 Centare 
 
 
 
 1550 
 
 square inches. 
 
 Table showing the Relation of the Degrees of Baume’s Hydrome- 
 ters to Specific Gravities. 
 
 The hydrometers most frequently used in the United States are those constructed upon the 
 plan of Baurne. For liquids heavier than water the point to which the instrument sinks in pure 
 water is 0, and the point to which it sinks in a solution of 15 parts of dry table-salt in 85 parts 
 of water is marked 15, the distance between the two points being divided into 15 equal parts, and 
 the scale continued with divisions of the same size. For liquids lighter than water the instru- 
 ment is floated in a solution of 10 parts of dry table-salt in 90 parts of water, and afterward in 
 pure water, the distance being divided into 10 equal parts, and the scale continued in like man- 
 ner 5 the point indicating the density of water is marked 10. The hydrometers were originally 
 constructed at a medium temperature. In the United States they are made for the temperature 
 of 60° F. (15.55° C.), and the scales as originally published by Henry Pemberton (1852) are recog- 
 nized. They agree closely with the determinations made by Schober and Pescher for liquids 
 heavier than water, and differ but little for liquids lighter than water. 
 
 Cartier's hydrometer , which is occasionally employed in France, agrees with Baume’s scale for 
 liquids lighter than water, except that 16° of the latter are equal to 15° Cartier. 
 
 For Liquids Heavier than Water. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. | 
 
 ! Deg. 
 
 1 Sp. grav. 
 
 j Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 0 
 
 1.0000 
 
 16 
 
 1.1240 
 
 ! 32 
 
 1.2831 
 
 48 
 
 1.4949 
 
 64 
 
 1.7901 
 
 1 
 
 1.0069 
 
 17 
 
 1.1328 1 
 
 j 33 
 
 1.2946 
 
 ! 49 
 
 1.5104 
 
 65 
 
 1.8125 
 
 2 
 
 1.0139 
 
 18 
 
 1.1417 
 
 34 
 
 1.3063 
 
 ! 50 
 
 1.5263 
 
 66 
 
 1.8354 
 
 3 
 
 1.0211 
 
 19 
 
 1.1507 1 
 
 | 35 
 
 1.3181 
 
 1 51 
 
 1.5425 
 
 67 
 
 1.8589 
 
 4 
 
 1.0283 
 
 20 
 
 1.1600 
 
 | 36 
 
 1.3302 
 
 52 
 
 1.5591 
 
 68 
 
 1.8831 
 
 5 
 
 1.0357 
 
 21 
 
 1.1693 | 
 
 1 37 
 
 1.3425 
 
 i 53 
 
 1.5760 
 
 69 
 
 1.9079 
 
 6 
 
 1.0431 
 
 22 
 
 1.1788 i 
 
 38 
 
 1.3551 
 
 54 
 
 1.5934 
 
 70 
 
 1.9333 
 
 7 
 
 1.0507 
 
 23 
 
 1.1885 
 
 39 
 
 1.3679 
 
 ! 55 
 
 1.6111 
 
 71 
 
 1.9595 
 
 8 
 
 1.0583 
 
 24 
 
 1.1983 
 
 40 
 
 1.3809 
 
 j 56 
 
 1.6292 
 
 72 
 
 1.9863 
 
 9 
 
 1.0661 
 
 25 
 
 1.2083 
 
 41 
 
 1.3942 
 
 57 
 
 1.6477 
 
 73 
 
 2.0139 
 
 10 
 
 1.0740 
 
 26 
 
 1.2184 
 
 42 
 
 1.4077 
 
 ! 58 
 
 1.6666 
 
 74 
 
 2.0422 
 
 11 
 
 1.0820 
 
 27 
 
 1.2288 
 
 43 
 
 1.4215 
 
 59 
 
 1.6860 
 
 75 
 
 2.0714 
 
 12 
 
 1.0902 
 
 28 
 
 1.2393 
 
 44 
 
 1.4356 
 
 60 
 
 1.7058 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 1.0984 
 
 29 
 
 1.2500 
 
 45 
 
 1.4500 
 
 61 
 
 1.7261 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 1.1068 
 
 30 
 
 1.2608 
 
 46 
 
 1.4646 
 
 62 
 
 1.7469 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 | 1.1153 
 
 31 
 
 1.2719 
 
 47 
 
 1.4795 
 
 63 
 
 1.7682 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 For Liquids Lighter than 
 
 Water. 
 
 
 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 Deg. 
 
 Sp. grav. 
 
 10 
 
 1.0000 
 
 23 
 
 0.9150 
 
 36 
 
 0.8433 
 
 49 
 
 0.7821 
 
 62 
 
 0.7290 
 
 11 
 
 0.9929 
 
 24 
 
 0.9090 
 
 37 
 
 0.8383 
 
 50 
 
 0.7777 
 
 63 
 
 0.7253 
 
 12 
 
 0.9859 
 
 25 
 
 0.9032 
 
 38 
 
 0.8333 
 
 51 
 
 0.7734 
 
 64 
 
 0.7216 
 
 13 
 
 0.9790 
 
 26 
 
 0.8974 
 
 39 
 
 0.8284 
 
 52 
 
 0.7692 
 
 65 
 
 0.7179 
 
 14 
 
 0.9722 
 
 27 
 
 0.8917 
 
 40 
 
 0.8235 
 
 53 
 
 0.7650 
 
 66 
 
 0.7142 
 
 15 
 
 0.9655 
 
 28 
 
 0.8860 
 
 41 
 
 0.8187 
 
 54 
 
 0.7608 
 
 67 
 
 0.7106 
 
 16 
 
 0.9589 
 
 29 
 
 0.8805 
 
 42 
 
 0.8139 
 
 55 
 
 0.7567 
 
 68 
 
 0.7070 
 
 17 
 
 0.9523 
 
 30 
 
 0.8750 
 
 43 
 
 0.8092 
 
 56 
 
 0.7526 
 
 69 
 
 0.7035 
 
 18 
 
 0.9459 
 
 31 
 
 0.8695 
 
 44 
 
 0.8045 
 
 57 
 
 0.7486 
 
 70 
 
 0.7000 
 
 19 
 
 0.9395 
 
 32 
 
 0.8641 
 
 45 
 
 0.8000 
 
 58 
 
 0.7446 
 
 71 
 
 0.6965 
 
 20 
 
 0.9333 
 
 33 
 
 0.8588 
 
 46 
 
 0.7954 
 
 59 
 
 0.7407 
 
 72 
 
 0.6930 
 
 21 
 
 0.9271 
 
 1 34 
 
 0.8536 
 
 47 
 
 0.7909 
 
 60 
 
 0.7368 
 
 73 
 
 0.6896 
 
 22 
 
 0.9210 
 
 1 35 
 
 0.8484 
 
 48 
 
 0.7865 
 
 61 
 
 0.7329 
 
 74 
 
 0.6863 
 
TABLE OF THERMOMETRIC EQUIVALENTS. 
 
 1775 
 
 Table of Thermometric Equivalents 
 
 ACCORDING TO THE CENTIGRADE AND FAHRENHEIT SCARES. 
 
 c .° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C .° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C .° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 —40 
 
 —40 
 
 — 14.4444 
 
 6 
 
 5.5556 
 
 42 
 
 30.5556 
 
 87 
 
 — 39.4444 
 
 —39 
 
 — 14 
 
 6.8 
 
 6 
 
 42.8 
 
 31 
 
 87.8 
 
 —39 
 
 — 38.2 
 
 — 13.8889 
 
 7 
 
 6.1111 
 
 43 
 
 31.1111 
 
 88 
 
 — 38.8889 
 
 —38 
 
 — 13.3333 
 
 8 
 
 6.6667 
 
 44 
 
 31.6667 
 
 89 
 
 — 38.3333 
 
 —37 
 
 —13 
 
 8.6 
 
 7 
 
 44.6 
 
 i 32 
 
 89.6 
 
 —38 
 
 — 36.4 
 
 — 12.7778 
 
 9 
 
 7.2222 
 
 45 
 
 32.2222 
 
 90 
 
 — 37.7778 
 
 —36 
 
 — 12.2222 
 
 10 
 
 7.7778 
 
 46 
 
 32.7778 
 
 91 
 
 — 37.2222 
 
 —35 
 
 —12 
 
 10.4 
 
 8 
 
 46.4 
 
 33 
 
 91.4 
 
 —37 
 
 — 34.6 
 
 — 11.6667 
 
 11 
 
 8.3333 
 
 47 
 
 33.3333 
 
 92 
 
 — 36.6667 
 
 — 34 
 
 — 11.1111 
 
 12 
 
 8.8889 
 
 48 
 
 33.8889 
 
 93 
 
 — 36.1111 
 
 -33 
 
 -11 
 
 12.2 
 
 o 
 
 48.2 
 
 34 
 
 93.2 
 
 —36 
 
 — 32.8 
 
 — 10.5556 
 
 13 
 
 9.4444 
 
 49 
 
 34.4444 
 
 94 
 
 — 35.5556 
 
 —32 
 
 —10 
 
 14 
 
 10 
 
 50 
 
 35 
 
 95 
 
 —35 
 
 -31 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 — 34.4444 
 
 -30 
 
 — 9.4444 
 
 15 
 
 10.5556 
 
 51 
 
 35.5556 
 
 96 
 
 -34 
 
 — 29.2 
 
 -9 
 
 15.8 
 
 11 
 
 51.8 
 
 36 
 
 96.8 
 
 — 33.8889 
 
 —29 
 
 — 8.8889 
 
 16 
 
 11.1111 
 
 52 
 
 36.1111 
 
 97 
 
 — 33.3333 
 
 —28 
 
 — 8.3333 
 
 17 
 
 11.6667 
 
 53 
 
 36.6667 
 
 98 
 
 —33 
 
 — 27.4 
 
 —8 
 
 17.6 
 
 12 
 
 53.6 
 
 37 
 
 98.6 
 
 — 32.7778 
 
 —27 
 
 — 7.7778 
 
 18 
 
 12.2222 
 
 54 
 
 37.2222 
 
 99 
 
 — 32.2222 
 
 —26 
 
 — 7.2222 
 
 19 
 
 12.7778 
 
 55 
 
 37.7778 
 
 100 
 
 -32 
 
 — 25.6 
 
 —7 
 
 19.4 
 
 13 
 
 55.4 
 
 38 
 
 100.4 
 
 — 31.6667 
 
 -25 
 
 — 6.6667 
 
 20 
 
 13.3333 
 
 56 
 
 38.3333 
 
 101 
 
 — 31.1111 
 
 —24 
 
 — 6.1111 
 
 21 
 
 13.8889 
 
 57 
 
 38.8889 
 
 102 
 
 —31 
 
 — 23.8 
 
 —6 
 
 21.2 
 
 14 
 
 57.2 
 
 39 
 
 102.2 
 
 — 30.5556 
 
 —23 
 
 — 5.5556 
 
 22 
 
 14.4444 
 
 58 
 
 39.4444 
 
 103 
 
 -30 
 
 -22 
 
 —5 
 
 23 
 
 15 
 
 59 
 
 40 
 
 104 
 
 — 29.4444 
 
 —21 
 
 — 4.4444 
 
 24 
 
 15.5556 
 
 60 
 
 40.5556 
 
 105 
 
 —29 
 
 — 20.2 
 
 —4 
 
 24.8 
 
 16 
 
 60.8 
 
 41 
 
 105.8 
 
 — 28.8889 
 
 —20 
 
 — 3.8889 
 
 25 
 
 16.1111 
 
 61 
 
 41.1111 
 
 106 
 
 — 28.3333 
 
 —19 
 
 — 3.3333 
 
 26 
 
 16.6667 
 
 62 
 
 41.6667 
 
 107 
 
 —28 
 
 — 18.4 
 
 —3 
 
 26.6 
 
 17 
 
 62.6 
 
 42 
 
 107.6 
 
 — 27.7778 
 
 —IS 
 
 — 2.7778 
 
 27 
 
 17.2222 
 
 63 
 
 42.2222 
 
 108 
 
 — 27.2222 
 
 —17 
 
 — 2.2222 
 
 28 
 
 17.7778 
 
 64 
 
 42 J 778 
 
 109 
 
 -27 
 
 — 16.6 
 
 2 
 
 28.4 
 
 18 
 
 64.4 
 
 43 
 
 109.4 
 
 — 26.6667 
 
 —16 
 
 — 1.6667 
 
 29 
 
 18.3333 
 
 65 
 
 43.3333 
 
 110 
 
 — 26.1111 
 
 -15 
 
 — 1.1111 
 
 30 
 
 18.8889 
 
 66 
 
 43.8889 
 
 111 
 
 —26 
 
 — 14.8 
 
 —1 
 
 30.2 
 
 19 
 
 66.2 
 
 44 
 
 111.2 
 
 — 25.5556 
 
 —14 
 
 — 0.5556 
 
 31 
 
 19.4444 
 
 67 
 
 44.4444 
 
 112 
 
 —25 
 
 —13 
 
 0 
 
 32 
 
 20 
 
 68 
 
 45 
 
 113 
 
 — 24.4444 
 
 -12 
 
 
 
 20.5556 
 
 69 
 
 45.5556 
 
 114 
 
 —24 
 
 — 11.2 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 69.8 
 
 46 
 
 114.8 
 
 — 23.8889 
 
 —11 
 
 
 
 21.1111 
 
 70 
 
 46.1111 
 
 115 
 
 — 23.3333 
 
 —10 
 
 
 
 21.6667 
 
 71 
 
 46.6667 
 
 116 
 
 —23 
 
 - 9.4 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 71,6 
 
 47 
 
 116.6 
 
 — 22.7778 
 
 —9 
 
 
 
 22.2222 
 
 72 
 
 47.2222 
 
 117 
 
 — 22.2222 
 
 —8 
 
 
 
 22.7778 
 
 73 
 
 47.7778 
 
 118 
 
 22 
 
 — 7.6 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 73.4 
 
 48 
 
 118.4 
 
 — 21.6667 
 
 —7 
 
 
 
 23.3333 
 
 74 
 
 48.3333 
 
 119 
 
 — 21.1111 
 
 -6 
 
 
 
 23.8889 
 
 75 
 
 48.8889 
 
 120 
 
 —21 
 
 — 5.8 
 
 
 
 24 
 
 75.2 
 
 49 
 
 120.2 
 
 — 20.5556 
 
 — 5 
 
 
 
 24.4444 
 
 76 
 
 49.4444 
 
 121 
 
 —20 
 
 
 
 
 25 
 
 77 
 
 50 
 
 122 
 
 — 19.4444 
 
 —3 
 
 0.5556 
 
 33 
 
 25.5556 
 
 78 
 
 50.5556 
 
 123 
 
 —19 
 
 — 2.2 1 
 
 1 
 
 33.8 
 
 26 
 
 78.8 
 
 51 
 
 123.8 
 
 — 18.8889 
 
 -2 
 
 1.1111 
 
 34 
 
 26.1111 
 
 79 
 
 51.1111 
 
 124 
 
 — 18.3333 
 
 —1 
 
 1.6667 
 
 35 
 
 26.6667 
 
 80 
 
 51.6667 
 
 125 
 
 -18 
 
 — 0.4 
 
 2 
 
 35.6 
 
 27 
 
 80.6 
 
 52 
 
 125.6 
 
 — 17.7778 
 
 0 
 
 2.2222 
 
 36 
 
 27.2222 
 
 81 
 
 52.2222 
 
 126 
 
 — 17.2222 
 
 1 
 
 2.7778 
 
 37 
 
 27.7778 
 
 82 
 
 52.7778 
 
 127 
 
 -17 
 
 1.4 ! 
 
 3 
 
 37.4 
 
 28 
 
 82.4 
 
 53 
 
 127.4 
 
 — 16.6667 
 
 2 
 
 3.3333 
 
 38 
 
 28.3333 
 
 83 
 
 53.3333 
 
 128 
 
 — 16.1111 
 
 3 
 
 3.8889 
 
 39 
 
 28.8889 
 
 84 
 
 53.8889 
 
 129 
 
 —16 
 
 3.2 
 
 4 
 
 39.2 
 
 29 
 
 84.2 
 
 54 
 
 129.2 
 
 — 1 5.5556 
 
 4 
 
 4.4444 
 
 40 
 
 29.4444 
 
 85 
 
 54.4444 
 
 130 
 
 — 15 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 41 
 
 30 
 
 86 
 
 55 
 
 131 
 
1776 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Table of Thermometric Equivalents. — Continued. 
 
 c.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 c.° 
 
 F ° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 55.5556 
 
 132 
 
 80.5556 
 
 177 
 
 105.5556 
 
 222 
 
 130.5556 
 
 267 
 
 56 
 
 132.8 
 
 81 
 
 177.8 
 
 106 
 
 222.8 
 
 131 
 
 267.8 
 
 56.1111 
 
 133 
 
 81.1111 
 
 178 
 
 106.1111 
 
 223 
 
 131.1111 
 
 268 
 
 56.6667 
 
 134 
 
 81.6667 
 
 170 
 
 106.6667 
 
 224 
 
 131.6667 
 
 260 
 
 57 
 
 134.6 
 
 82 
 
 179.6 
 
 107 
 
 224.6 | 
 
 132 
 
 269.6 
 
 57.2222 
 
 135 
 
 82.2222 
 
 180 
 
 107.2222 
 
 225 
 
 132.2222 
 
 270 
 
 57.7778 
 
 136 
 
 82.7778 
 
 181 
 
 107.7778 
 
 226 
 
 132.7778 
 
 271 
 
 58 
 
 136.4 
 
 83 
 
 181.4 
 
 108 
 
 226.4 
 
 133 
 
 271.4 
 
 58.3333 
 
 137 
 
 83.3333 
 
 182 
 
 108.3333 
 
 227 
 
 133.3333 
 
 272 
 
 58.8889 
 
 138 
 
 83.8889 
 
 183 
 
 108.8889 
 
 228 
 
 133.8889 
 
 273 
 
 59 
 
 138.2 
 
 84 
 
 183.2 
 
 100 
 
 228.2 
 
 134 
 
 273.2 
 
 59.4444 
 
 130 
 
 84.4444 
 
 184 
 
 109.4444 
 
 220 
 
 1 134.4444 
 
 274 
 
 60 
 
 140 
 
 85 
 
 185 
 
 110 
 
 230 
 
 135 
 
 275 
 
 60.5556 
 
 141 
 
 85.5556 
 
 186 
 
 110.5556 
 
 231 
 
 135.5556 
 
 276 
 
 61 
 
 141.8 
 
 86 
 
 186.8 
 
 111 
 
 231.8 
 
 136 
 
 276.8 
 
 61.1111 
 
 142 
 
 86.1111 
 
 187 
 
 111.1111 
 
 232 
 
 136.1111 
 
 277 
 
 61.6667 
 
 143 
 
 86.6667 
 
 188 
 
 111.6667 
 
 233 
 
 136.6667 
 
 278 
 
 62 
 
 143.6 
 
 87 
 
 188.6 
 
 112 
 
 233.6 
 
 137 
 
 278.6 
 
 62.2222 
 
 144 
 
 87.2222 
 
 180 
 
 112.2222 
 
 234 
 
 137.2222 
 
 270 
 
 62.7778 
 
 145 
 
 87.7778 
 
 100 
 
 112.7778 
 
 235 
 
 137.7778 
 
 280 
 
 63 
 
 145.4 
 
 88 
 
 190.4 
 
 113 
 
 235.4 
 
 138 
 
 280.4 
 
 63.3333 
 
 146 
 
 88.3333 
 
 101 
 
 113.3333 
 
 236 
 
 138.3333 
 
 281 
 
 63.8889 
 
 147 
 
 88.8889 
 
 102 
 
 113.8889 
 
 237 
 
 138.8889 
 
 282 
 
 64 
 
 147.2 
 
 80 
 
 192.2 
 
 J 114 
 
 237.2 
 
 130 
 
 282.2 
 
 64.4444 
 
 148 
 
 89.4444 
 
 103 
 
 114.4444 
 
 238 
 
 139.4444 
 
 283 
 
 65 
 
 140 
 
 00 
 
 104 
 
 115 
 
 230 
 
 140 
 
 284 
 
 65.5556 
 
 150 
 
 90.5556 
 
 105 
 
 115.5556 
 
 240 
 
 140.5556 
 
 285 
 
 66 
 
 150.8 
 
 01 
 
 195.8 
 
 116 
 
 240.8 
 
 141 
 
 285.8 
 
 66.1111 
 
 151 
 
 91.1111 
 
 106 
 
 116.1111 
 
 241 
 
 141.1111 
 
 286 
 
 66.6667 
 
 152 
 
 91.6667 
 
 107 
 
 116.6667 
 
 242 
 
 | 141.6667 
 
 287 
 
 67 
 
 152.6 
 
 02 
 
 197.6 
 
 117 
 
 242.6 
 
 142 
 
 287.6 
 
 67.2222 
 
 153 
 
 92.2222 
 
 108 
 
 117.2222 
 
 243 
 
 142.2222 
 
 288 
 
 67.7778 
 
 154 
 
 92.7778 
 
 100 
 
 117.7778 
 
 244 
 
 142.7778 
 
 280 
 
 68 
 
 154.4 
 
 03 
 
 199.4 
 
 118 
 
 244.4 
 
 143 
 
 289.4 
 
 68.3333 
 
 155 
 
 93.3333 
 
 200 
 
 118.3333 
 
 245 
 
 143.3333 
 
 200 
 
 68.8889 
 
 156 
 
 93.8889 
 
 201 
 
 118.8889 
 
 246 
 
 143.8889 
 
 201 
 
 60 
 
 156.2 
 
 04 
 
 201.2 
 
 110 
 
 246.2 
 
 144 
 
 291.2 
 
 69.4444 
 
 157 
 
 94.4444 
 
 202 
 
 119.4444 
 
 247 
 
 144.4444 
 
 202 
 
 70 
 
 158 
 
 05 
 
 203 
 
 120 
 
 248 
 
 145 
 
 203 
 
 70.5556 
 
 150 
 
 95.5556 
 
 204 
 
 120.5556 
 
 | 240 
 
 145.5556 
 
 204 
 
 71 
 
 159.8 
 
 06 
 
 204.8 
 
 121 
 
 249.8 
 
 146 
 
 294.8 
 
 71.1111 
 
 160 
 
 96.1111 
 
 205 
 
 121.1111 
 
 250 
 
 146.1111 
 
 205 
 
 71.6667 
 
 161 
 
 96.6667 
 
 206 
 
 121.6667 
 
 251 
 
 146.6667 
 
 206 
 
 72 
 
 161.6 
 
 07 
 
 206.6 
 
 122 
 
 251.6 
 
 147 
 
 296.6 
 
 72.2222 
 
 162 
 
 97.2222 
 
 207 
 
 122.2222 
 
 252 
 
 147.2222 
 
 207 
 
 72.7778 
 
 163 
 
 97.7778 
 
 208 
 
 122^7778 
 
 253 
 
 147.7778 
 
 208 
 
 73 
 
 163.4 
 
 08 
 
 208.4 
 
 123 
 
 253.4 
 
 148 
 
 298.4 
 
 73.3333 
 
 164 
 
 98.3333 
 
 200 
 
 123.3333 
 
 254 
 
 148.3333 
 
 200 
 
 73.8889 
 
 165 
 
 98.8889 
 
 210 
 
 123.8889 
 
 255 
 
 148.8889 
 
 300 
 
 74 
 
 165.2 
 
 00 
 
 210.2 
 
 124 
 
 255.2 
 
 140 
 
 300.2 
 
 74.4444 
 
 166 
 
 99.4444 
 
 211 
 
 124.4444 
 
 256 
 
 149.4444 
 
 301 
 
 75 
 
 167 
 
 100 
 
 212 
 
 125 
 
 257 
 
 150 
 
 302 
 
 75.5556 
 
 168 
 
 100.5556 
 
 213 
 
 125.5556 
 
 258 
 
 150.5556 
 
 303 
 
 76 
 
 168.8 
 
 101 
 
 213.8 
 
 126 
 
 258.8 
 
 151 
 
 303.8 
 
 76.1111 
 
 160 
 
 101.1111 
 
 214 
 
 126.1111 
 
 250 
 
 151.1111 
 
 304 
 
 76.6667 
 
 170 
 
 101.6667 
 
 215 
 
 126.6667 
 
 260 
 
 151.6667 
 
 305 
 
 7 7 
 
 170.6 
 
 102 
 
 215.6 
 
 127 
 
 260.6 
 
 152 
 
 305.6 
 
 77.2222 
 
 171 
 
 102.2222 
 
 216 
 
 127.2222 
 
 261 
 
 152.2222 
 
 306 
 
 77.7778 
 
 172 
 
 102.7778 
 
 217 
 
 127.7778 
 
 262 
 
 152.7778 
 
 307 
 
 78 
 
 172.4 
 
 103 
 
 217.4 
 
 128 
 
 262.4 
 
 153 
 
 307.4 
 
 78.3333 
 
 173 
 
 1 103.3333 
 
 218 
 
 128.3333 
 
 263 
 
 153.3333 
 
 308 
 
 78.8889 
 
 ! 174 
 
 103.8889 
 
 210 
 
 128.8889 
 
 264 
 
 153.8889 
 
 300 
 
 70 
 
 174.2 
 
 104 
 
 219.2 
 
 120 
 
 264.2 
 
 154 
 
 309.2 
 
 79.4444 
 
 175 
 
 104.4444 
 
 220 
 
 1 29.4444 
 
 265 
 
 154.4444 
 
 310 
 
 80 
 
 176 
 
 1 105 
 
 221 
 
 130 
 
 266 
 
 155 
 
 311 
 
TABLE OF THERMOMETRIC EQUIVALENTS. 
 
 1777 
 
 Table of Thermometric Equivalents. — Continued. 
 
 c.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 155.5556 
 
 312 
 
 180.5556 
 
 357 
 
 156 
 
 312.8 
 
 181 
 
 357.8 
 
 156.1111 
 
 313 
 
 181.1111 
 
 358 
 
 156.6667 
 
 314 
 
 181.6667 
 
 359 
 
 157 
 
 314.6 
 
 182 
 
 359.6 
 
 157.2222 
 
 315 
 
 182.2222 
 
 360 
 
 151.777 S 
 
 316 
 
 182.7778 
 
 361 
 
 158 
 
 316.4 
 
 183 
 
 361.4 
 
 158.3333 
 
 317 
 
 183.3333 
 
 362 
 
 158.8889 
 
 318 
 
 183.8889 
 
 363 
 
 159 
 
 318.2 
 
 184 
 
 I 363.2 
 
 159.4444 
 
 319 
 
 184.4444 
 
 364 
 
 160 
 
 320 
 
 185 
 
 365 
 
 160.5556 
 
 321 
 
 185.5556 
 
 366 
 
 161 
 
 321.8 
 
 186 
 
 366.8 
 
 161.1111 
 
 322 
 
 186.1111 
 
 367 
 
 161.6667 
 
 323 
 
 186.6667 
 
 368 
 
 162 
 
 323.6 
 
 187 
 
 368.6 
 
 162.2222 
 
 324 
 
 187.2222 
 
 369 
 
 162.7778 
 
 325 
 
 187.7778 
 
 370 
 
 163 
 
 325.4 
 
 188 
 
 370.4 
 
 163.3333 
 
 326 
 
 188.3333 
 
 371 
 
 163.8889 
 
 327 
 
 188.8889 
 
 372 
 
 164 
 
 327.2 
 
 189 
 
 372.2 
 
 164.4444 
 
 328 
 
 189.4444 
 
 373 
 
 165 
 
 329 
 
 190 
 
 374 
 
 165.5556 
 
 330 
 
 1 190.5556 
 
 375 
 
 166 
 
 330.8 
 
 191 
 
 375.8 
 
 166.1111 
 
 331 
 
 191.1111 
 
 376 
 
 166.6667 
 
 332 
 
 191.6667 
 
 377 
 
 167 
 
 332.6 
 
 192 
 
 377.6 
 
 167.2222 
 
 333 
 
 192.2222 
 
 378 
 
 167.7778 
 
 334 
 
 192.7778 
 
 379 
 
 168 
 
 334.4 
 
 193 
 
 379.4 
 
 168.3333 
 
 335 
 
 193.3333 
 
 380 
 
 168.8889 
 
 336 
 
 193.8889 
 
 381 
 
 169 
 
 3362 
 
 194 
 
 381.2 
 
 169.4444 
 
 337 
 
 194.4444 
 
 382 
 
 170 
 
 338 
 
 195 
 
 383 
 
 170.5556 
 
 339 
 
 195.5556 
 
 384 
 
 171 
 
 339.8 
 
 196 
 
 384.8 
 
 171.1111 
 
 340 
 
 196.1111 
 
 385 
 
 171.6667 
 
 341 
 
 196.6667 
 
 386 
 
 172 
 
 341.6 
 
 197 
 
 386.6 
 
 172.2222 
 
 342 
 
 197.2222 
 
 387 
 
 172.7778 
 
 343 
 
 197.7778 
 
 388 
 
 173 
 
 343.4 
 
 198 
 
 388.4 
 
 173.3333 
 
 344 
 
 198.3333 
 
 389 
 
 173.8889 
 
 345 
 
 198.8889 
 
 390 
 
 174 
 
 345.2 
 
 199 
 
 390.2 
 
 174.4444 
 
 346 
 
 199.4444 
 
 391 
 
 175 
 
 347 
 
 200 
 
 392 
 
 175.5556 
 
 348 
 
 200.5556 
 
 393 
 
 176 
 
 348.8 
 
 201 
 
 393.8 
 
 176.1111 
 
 349 
 
 201.1111 
 
 394 
 
 176.6667 
 
 350 
 
 201.6667 
 
 395 
 
 177 
 
 350.6 
 
 202 
 
 395.6 
 
 177.2222 
 
 351 
 
 20‘> 9992 
 
 396 
 
 177.7778 
 
 352 
 
 202.7778 
 
 397 
 
 178 
 
 352.4 
 
 203 
 
 397.4 
 
 178.3333 
 
 353 
 
 203.3333 
 
 398 
 
 178.8889 
 
 354 
 
 203.8889 
 
 399 
 
 179 
 
 354.2 
 
 204 
 
 399.2 
 
 179.4444 
 
 355 
 
 204.4444 
 
 400 
 
 180 
 
 356 
 
 205 
 
 401 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 205.5556 
 
 402 
 
 1 230.5556 
 
 447 
 
 206 
 
 402.8 
 
 231 
 
 447.8 
 
 206.1111 
 
 403 
 
 231.1111 
 
 448 
 
 206.6667 
 
 404 
 
 231.6667 
 
 449 
 
 207 
 
 404.6 I 
 
 232 
 
 449.6 
 
 907 9999 
 
 405 
 
 232.2222 
 
 450 
 
 207.7778 
 
 406 
 
 232.7778 
 
 451 
 
 208 
 
 406.4 
 
 233 
 
 451.4 
 
 208.3333 
 
 407 
 
 233.3333 
 
 452 
 
 208.8889 
 
 408 
 
 233.8889 
 
 453 
 
 209 
 
 408.2 
 
 234 
 
 453.2 
 
 209.4444 
 
 409 
 
 , 234.4444 
 
 454 
 
 210 
 
 410 
 
 235 
 
 455 
 
 210.5556 
 
 411 
 
 235.5556 
 
 456 
 
 211 
 
 411.8 
 
 236 
 
 456.8 
 
 211.1111 
 
 412 
 
 236.1111 
 
 457 
 
 211.6667 
 
 413 
 
 236.6667 
 
 458 
 
 212 
 
 413.6 ! 
 
 237 
 
 458.6 
 
 212.2222 
 
 414 
 
 237.2222 
 
 459 
 
 212.7778 
 
 415 
 
 237.7778 
 
 460 
 
 213 
 
 415.4 
 
 j 238 
 
 460.4 
 
 213.3333 
 
 416 
 
 1 238.3333 
 
 461 
 
 213.8889 
 
 417 
 
 1 238.8889 
 
 462 
 
 214 
 
 417.2 
 
 239 
 
 462.2 
 
 214.4444 
 
 418 
 
 239.4444 
 
 463 
 
 215 
 
 419 
 
 240 
 
 464 
 
 215.5556 
 
 420 
 
 240.5556 
 
 465 
 
 216 
 
 420.8 
 
 241 
 
 465.8 
 
 216.1111 
 
 421 
 
 241.1111 
 
 466 
 
 216.6667 
 
 422 
 
 241.6667 
 
 467 
 
 217 
 
 422.6 
 
 242 
 
 467.6 
 
 217.2222 
 
 423 
 
 •242.2222 
 
 468 
 
 217.7778 
 
 424 
 
 242.7778 
 
 469 
 
 218 
 
 424.4 
 
 243 
 
 469.4 
 
 218.3333 
 
 425 
 
 243.3333 
 
 470 
 
 218.8889 
 
 426 
 
 243.8889 . 
 
 471 
 
 219 
 
 426.2 
 
 244 
 
 471.2 
 
 219.4444 
 
 427 
 
 244.4444 
 
 472 
 
 220 
 
 428 
 
 245 
 
 473 
 
 220.5556 
 
 429 
 
 245.5556 
 
 474 
 
 221 
 
 429.8 t 
 
 246 
 
 474.8 
 
 221.1111 
 
 430 
 
 246.1111 
 
 475 
 
 221.6667 
 
 431 
 
 246.6667 
 
 476 
 
 222 
 
 431.6 
 
 247 
 
 47 6.6 
 
 222.2222 
 
 432 
 
 247.2222 
 
 477 
 
 222.7178 
 
 433 
 
 247.7778 
 
 478 
 
 223 
 
 433.4 
 
 248 
 
 478.4 
 
 223.3333 
 
 434 
 
 248.3333 
 
 479 
 
 223.8889 
 
 435 
 
 248.8889 
 
 480 
 
 224 
 
 435.2 
 
 249 
 
 480.2 
 
 224.4444 
 
 436 i 
 
 249.4444 
 
 481 
 
 225 
 
 437 
 
 250 
 
 482 
 
 225.5556 
 
 438 
 
 250.5556 
 
 483 
 
 226 
 
 438.8 
 
 251 
 
 483.8 
 
 226.1111 
 
 439 
 
 251.1111 
 
 484 
 
 226.6667 
 
 440 
 
 251.6667 
 
 485 
 
 227 
 
 440.6 
 
 252 
 
 485.6 
 
 2°7.2222 
 
 441 
 
 252.2222 
 
 486 
 
 227.7778 
 
 442 
 
 252.7778 
 
 487 
 
 228 
 
 442.4 
 
 253 
 
 487.4 
 
 228.3333 
 
 443 
 
 253.3333 
 
 488 
 
 228.8889 
 
 444 
 
 253.8&89 
 
 489 
 
 229 
 
 444.2 
 
 254 
 
 489.2 
 
 229.4444 
 
 445 
 
 254.4444 
 
 490 
 
 230 
 
 446 
 
 255 
 
 491 
 
 112 
 
1778 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Table of Thermometric Equivalents. — Concluded. 
 
 c.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 C.° 
 
 F.° 
 
 c.° .. 
 
 F.° 
 
 255.5556 
 
 492 
 
 275.5556 
 
 528 
 
 295.5556 
 
 564 
 
 315.5556 
 
 600 
 
 256 
 
 492.8 
 
 276 
 
 528.8 
 
 296 
 
 564.8 
 
 316 
 
 600.8 
 
 256.1111 
 
 493 
 
 276.1111 
 
 529 
 
 296.1111 
 
 565 
 
 316.1111 
 
 601 
 
 256.6667 
 
 494 
 
 276.6667 
 
 530 
 
 296.6667 
 
 566 
 
 316.6667 
 
 602 
 
 257 
 
 494.6 
 
 277 
 
 530.6 
 
 297 
 
 566.6 
 
 317 
 
 602.6 
 
 257.2222 
 
 495 
 
 277.2222 
 
 531 
 
 297.2222 
 
 567 
 
 317.2222 
 
 603 
 
 257.7778 
 
 496 
 
 277.7778 
 
 532 
 
 297.7778 
 
 568 
 
 317.7778 
 
 604 
 
 258 
 
 496.4 
 
 278 
 
 532.4 
 
 298 
 
 568.4 
 
 318 
 
 604.4 
 
 258.3333 
 
 497 
 
 278.3333 
 
 533 
 
 298.3333 
 
 569 
 
 318.3333 
 
 605 
 
 258.8889 
 
 498 
 
 278.8889 
 
 534 
 
 298.8889 
 
 570 
 
 318.8889 
 
 606 
 
 259 
 
 498.2 
 
 279 
 
 534.2 
 
 299 
 
 570.2 
 
 319 
 
 606.2 
 
 259.4444 
 
 499 
 
 279.4444 
 
 535 
 
 299.4444 
 
 571 
 
 319.4444 
 
 607 
 
 260 
 
 500 
 
 280 
 
 536 
 
 300 
 
 572 
 
 320 
 
 608 
 
 260.5556 
 
 501 
 
 280.5556 
 
 537 
 
 300.5556 
 
 573 
 
 320.5556 
 
 609 
 
 261 
 
 501.8 
 
 281 
 
 537.8 
 
 301 
 
 573.8 
 
 321 
 
 609.8 
 
 261.1111 
 
 502 
 
 281.1111 
 
 538 
 
 301.1111 
 
 574 
 
 321.1111 
 
 610 
 
 261.6667 
 
 503 
 
 281.6667 
 
 539 
 
 301.6667 
 
 575 
 
 321.6667 
 
 611 
 
 262 
 
 503.6 
 
 282 
 
 539.6 
 
 302 
 
 575.6 
 
 322 
 
 611.6 
 
 262.2222 
 
 504 
 
 282.2222 
 
 540 
 
 302.2222 
 
 576 
 
 322.2222 
 
 612 
 
 262.7778 
 
 505 
 
 282.7778 
 
 541 
 
 302.7778 
 
 577 
 
 322.7778 
 
 613 
 
 263 
 
 505.4 
 
 283 
 
 541.4 
 
 303 
 
 577.4 
 
 323 
 
 613.4 
 
 263.3333 
 
 506 
 
 283.3333 | 
 
 542 
 
 303.3333 
 
 578 
 
 323.3333 
 
 614 
 
 263.8889 
 
 507 
 
 283.8889 i 
 
 543 
 
 303.8889 
 
 579 
 
 323.8889 
 
 615 
 
 264 
 
 507.2 
 
 284 
 
 543.2 
 
 304 
 
 579.2 
 
 324 
 
 615.2 
 
 264.4444 
 
 508 
 
 284.4444 
 
 544 
 
 304.4444 
 
 580 
 
 324.4444 
 
 616 
 
 265 
 
 509 
 
 285 
 
 545 
 
 305 
 
 581 
 
 325 
 
 617 
 
 265.5556 
 
 510 
 
 285.5556 
 
 546 
 
 305.5556 
 
 582 
 
 325.5556 
 
 618 
 
 266 
 
 510.8 
 
 286 
 
 546.8 
 
 306 
 
 582.8 
 
 326 
 
 618.8 
 
 266.1111 
 
 511 
 
 286.1111 
 
 547 
 
 306.1111 
 
 583 
 
 326.1111 
 
 619 
 
 266.6667 
 
 512 
 
 286.6667 
 
 548 
 
 306.6667 
 
 584 
 
 326.6667 
 
 620 
 
 267 
 
 512.6 
 
 287 
 
 548.6 
 
 307 
 
 584.6 
 
 327 
 
 620.6 
 
 267.2222 
 
 513 
 
 287.2222 
 
 549 
 
 307.2222 
 
 585 
 
 327.2222 
 
 621 
 
 267.7778 
 
 514 
 
 287.7778 
 
 550 
 
 307.7778 
 
 586 
 
 327.7778 
 
 622 
 
 268 
 
 514.4 
 
 288 
 
 550.4 
 
 308 
 
 586.4 
 
 328 
 
 622.4 
 
 268.3333 
 
 515 
 
 288.3333 
 
 551 
 
 308.3333 
 
 587 
 
 328.3333 
 
 623 
 
 268.8889 * 
 
 516 
 
 288.8889 
 
 552 
 
 308.8889 
 
 588 
 
 328.8889 
 
 624 
 
 269 
 
 516.2 
 
 289 
 
 552.2 
 
 309 
 
 588.2 
 
 329 
 
 624.2 
 
 269.4444 
 
 517 
 
 289.4444 
 
 553 
 
 309.4444 
 
 589 
 
 329.4444 
 
 625 
 
 270 
 
 518 
 
 290 
 
 554 
 
 310 
 
 590 
 
 330 
 
 626 
 
 270.5556 
 
 519 
 
 290.5556 
 
 555 
 
 310.5556 
 
 591 
 
 330.5556 
 
 627 
 
 271 
 
 519.8 
 
 291 
 
 555.8 
 
 311 
 
 591.8 
 
 331 
 
 627.8 
 
 271.1111 
 
 520 
 
 ! 291.1111 
 
 556 
 
 311.1111 
 
 592 
 
 331.1111 
 
 628 
 
 271.6667 
 
 521 
 
 291.6667 
 
 557 
 
 311.6667 
 
 593 
 
 331.6667 
 
 629 
 
 272 
 
 521.6 
 
 292 
 
 557.6 
 
 312 
 
 593.6 
 
 332 
 
 629.6 
 
 272.2222 
 
 522 
 
 292.2222 
 
 558 
 
 312.2222 
 
 594 
 
 332.2222 
 
 630 
 
 272.7778 
 
 523 
 
 292.7778 
 
 559 
 
 312.7778 
 
 595 
 
 332.7778 
 
 631 
 
 273 
 
 523.4 
 
 293 
 
 559.4 
 
 313 
 
 595.4 
 
 333 
 
 631.4 
 
 273.3333 
 
 524 
 
 293.3333 
 
 560 
 
 313.3333 
 
 596 
 
 333.3333 
 
 632 
 
 273.8889 
 
 525 
 
 293.8889 
 
 561 
 
 313.8889 
 
 597 
 
 333.8889 
 
 633 
 
 274 
 
 525.2 
 
 294 
 
 561.2 
 
 314 
 
 597.2 
 
 334 
 
 ! 633.2 
 
 274.4444 
 
 526 
 
 294.4444 
 
 562 
 
 314.4444 
 
 598 
 
 334.4444 
 
 634 
 
 275 
 
 527 
 
 295 
 
 563 
 
 315 
 
 599 
 
 335 
 
 635 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF OFFICIAL DRUGS 
 
 SHOWING THE PREPARATIONS OF THE U. S. AND BR. PHARMACO- 
 PEIAS CONTAINING THEM. 
 
 Acacias. 
 
 Emulsum Amygdalae, TJ. S. 
 
 Mistura Amygdalae, Br. 
 
 Cretae, U. * S'., Br. 
 
 Glycyrrhizae Composita, TJ. S. 
 
 Guaiaci, Br. 
 
 Mucilago Acaciae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Amygdalae Compositus, Br. 
 
 Cretae Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Tragacanthae Compositus, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Acaciae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Trochisci, U. S., Br. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum. 
 
 Acetum Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Opii, U. * S'. 
 
 Scillae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum Dilutum, TJ. S., Br. 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hvdrargvro, 
 U.S. 
 
 Extractum Colchici Aceticum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Conii, U. S. 
 
 Eluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Ergotae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Nucis Vomicae, U. S. 
 
 Eluidum, U. S. 
 
 Sanguinariae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Liquor Ammonii Acetatis, U. S. 
 
 Fortior, Br. 
 
 Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis, TJ. S. 
 
 Morphinae Acetatis, Br. 
 
 Oxymel, Br. 
 
 Scillae, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Allii, TJ. S. 
 
 Scillae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Ferri Acetatis, Br. 
 
 Sanguinariae, U. S. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum Glaciale. 
 
 Acetum Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Linimentum Terebinth inae Aceticum, Br. 
 Liquor Ferri Acetatis, TJ. S. 
 
 Mistura Creasoti, Br. 
 
 Acidum Arsenosum. 
 
 Liquor Acidi Arsenosi, if. S. 
 
 Arsenical is, Br. 
 
 Arsenici Hydrochloricus) Br. 
 
 Potassii Arsenitis, U. S. 
 
 Acidum Benzoicum. 
 
 Tinctura Camphorae Composita, Br. 
 
 Opii Ammoniata, Br. 
 
 Camphorata, TJ. S. 
 
 Trochisci Acidi Benzoici, Br. 
 
 Acidum Boricum. 
 
 Glyceritum Boroglvcerini, TJ. S. 
 
 Unguentum Acidi Borici, Br. 
 
 Acidum Carbolicum. 
 
 Acidum Carbolicum Liquefaotum, Br. 
 Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici, TJ. S., Br. 
 Suppositoria Acidi Carbolici cum Sapone, Br. 
 Unguentum Acidi Carbolici, TJ. S'., Br. 
 Acidum Chromicum. 
 
 Liquor Acidi Chromici, Br. 
 
 Acidum Citricum. 
 
 Bismuthi Citras, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ferri et Quininae Citras, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Solubilis, TJ. S. 
 
 Strychninae Citras, U. S. 
 
 Liipior Ferri Citratis, U. S. 
 
 Magnesii Citratis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Potassii Citratis, U. S. 
 
 Lithii Citras Effervescens, U. S. 
 
 Magnesii Citras Effervescens, TJ. S'. 
 
 Sodii Citro-tartras Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Acidi Citrici, U. S. 
 
 Vinum Quininae, Br. 
 
 Acidum Gallicum. 
 
 Glyceritum Acidi Gallici, Br. 
 
 Acidum Kydrochloricum. 
 
 Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum, U. S., Br. 
 Nitrohydrochloricum, U. S. 
 
 Dilutum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Liquor Antimonii Chloridi, Br. 
 
 Acidi Arsenosi, TJ. S. 
 
 Arsenici Hydrochloricus, Br. 
 
 Ferri Chloridi, TJ. S. 
 
 Perchloridi, Br. 
 
 Zinci Chloridi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. 
 
 Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinae, Br. 
 
 Vapor Acidi Hydrocyanici, Br. 
 
 Acidum Hypopliosphorosum Dilutum. 
 
 Syrupus Hypophosphitum Compositum, U. S. 
 
 Acidum Lacticum. 
 
 Acidum Lacticum Dilutum, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis, TJ. S. 
 
 Acidum Nitricum. 
 
 Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, TJ. S., Br. 
 Nitrohydrochloricum, TJ. S. 
 
 Dilutum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Nitratis, U. S. 
 
 Pernitratis, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri Nitratis Acidus, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Acidum Oleicum. 
 
 Oleatum Hydrargyri, TJ. S. } Br. 
 
 Veratrinae, U. S'. 
 
 Zinci, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Acidum Phosphoricum. 
 
 Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, TJ. S., Br. 
 Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis, Br. 
 
 Quininae et Strychninae Phosphatum, U. S. 
 
 Acidum Salicylicum. 
 
 Unguentum Acidi Salicylici, Br. 
 
 Acidum Stearicum. 
 
 Suppositoria Glycerini, U. S. 
 
 Acidum Sulphuricum. 
 
 Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Dilutum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Infusum Cinchonae, TJ. S. 
 
 Rosae Acidum, Br. 
 
 Acidum Tannicum. 
 
 Collodium Stypticum, TJ. S. 
 
 Glyceritum Acidi Tannici, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 1779 
 
1780 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Acidum Tannicum. 
 
 Suppositoria Acidi Tannici, Br. 
 cum Sapone, Br. 
 
 Trochisei Acidi Tannici, TJ. S., Br. 
 Unguentum Acidi Tannici, U. S. 
 Aconitum. 
 
 Extractum Aconiti. 
 
 Fluidum. 
 
 Linimentum Aconiti, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Aconiti, U. S., Br. 
 
 Aconitina. 
 
 Unguentum Aconitinae, Br. 
 
 Adeps. 
 
 Adeps Benzoinatus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ceratum, U. S. 
 
 Camphorae, TJ. S. 
 
 Cantharidis, U. S. 
 
 (Unguentum, Br.) Resinae, U. S. 
 Emplastrum Resinae, Br. 
 
 Unguentum, U. S. 
 
 Acidi Carbolici, U. S. 
 
 Tannici, U. S. 
 
 Aconitine, Br. 
 
 Antimonii Tartarati, Br. 
 
 Atropinae, Br. 
 
 Belladonnae, U. a S'., Br. 
 
 Calaminae, Br. 
 
 Chrysarobini, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Creasoti, Br. 
 
 Elemi, Br. 
 
 Gallae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ammoniati, U. S., Br. 
 
 Iodidi Rubri, Br. 
 
 Nitratis, Br. 
 
 Oxidi Flavi, TJ. S. 
 
 Rubri, U. S. 
 
 Subchloridi, Br. 
 
 Iodi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Iodoformi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Picis Liquidae, TJ. S. 
 
 Plumbi Acetatis, Br. 
 
 Carbonatis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Iodidi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Potassii Iodidi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Sabinae, Br. 
 
 Simplex, Br. 
 
 Staph isagriae, Br. 
 
 Stramonii, TJ. S. 
 
 Sulphuris, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Terebinthinae, Br. 
 
 Veratrinae, U. S. 
 
 Zinci Oxidi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 JEther. 
 
 Collodium, U. S., Br. 
 
 Can thari datum, TT. S. 
 
 Flexile, U. S., Br. 
 
 Stypticum, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleoresinae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum AEthereum, TJ. S. 
 
 Phosplioratum, TJ. S. 
 
 Spiritus jEtheris, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Compositus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphins?, Br. 
 iEther Aceticus. 
 
 Liquor Epispasticus, Br. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 Alcohol Dilutum, TJ. S. 
 
 Spiritus Tenuior, Br. 
 
 Allium. 
 
 Syrupus Allii. 
 
 Aloe Barbadensis. 
 
 Enema Aloes, Br. 
 
 Extractum Aloes Barbadensis, Br. 
 Pilula Aloes Barbadensis, Br. 
 
 Aloe Barbadensis. 
 
 Pilula Aloes et Ferri, Br. 
 
 Cambogiae Composita, Br. 
 
 Pilula Colocynthidis Composita, Br. 
 et Hyoscyami, Br. 
 
 Aloe Socotrina. 
 
 Aloes Purificata. 
 
 Decoctum Aloes Compositum, Br. 
 
 Extractum Aloes, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Colocynthidis Compositum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes, TJ. S., Br. 
 et Asafoetidae, U. S., Br. 
 et Ferri, U. S. 
 et Mastiches, U. S. 
 et Myrrhae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Rhei Compositae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Aloes, TJ. S., Br. 
 et Myrrhae, TJ. S. 
 
 Benzoini Composita, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Vinum Aloes, Br. 
 
 Althaea. 
 
 Massa Hydrargyri, TJ. S. 
 
 Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis, TJ. S. 
 
 Phosphori, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Althaeae, TJ. S. 
 
 Alumen. 
 
 Alumen Exsiccatum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Glycerin um Aluminis, Br. 
 
 Ammoniacum. 
 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro, 
 
 TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Galbani, Br. 
 
 Emulsum Ammoniaci, TJ. S. 
 
 Mistura Ammoniaci, Br. 
 
 Pilula Scillae Composita, Br. 
 
 Ipecacuanhae cum Scillae, Br. 
 
 Ammonii Carbonas. 
 
 Liquor Ammonii Acetatis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, TJ. S., Br. 
 Ammonii Chloridum. 
 
 Liquor Ammoniae Fortior, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri Perchloridi, Br. 
 
 Trochisei Ammonii Chloridi, TJ. S. 
 Amygdala Amara. 
 
 Oleum Amygdalae Amarae, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Amygdalae, TJ. S. 
 
 Amygdala Dulcis. 
 
 Emulsum Amygdalae, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Amygdalae Dulcis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Amygdalae Compositus, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Amygdalae, TJ. S. 
 
 Aniylum. 
 
 Glyceritum Amyli, U. S., Br. 
 
 Mucilago Amyli, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Tragacanthae Compositus, Br. 
 Suppositoria Acidi Tannici cum Sapone, Br. 
 Morph inae cum Sapone, Br. 
 
 Anisum. 
 
 Aqua Anisi, Br . . 
 
 Anthemis. 
 
 Extractum Anthemidis, Br. 
 
 Infusum Anthemidis, Br. 
 
 Oleum Anthemidis, Br. 
 
 Antimonii et Potassii Tartras (Antimonii 
 Tartaratum, Br.). 
 
 Syrupus Scillae Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Unguentum Antimonii Tartarati, Bf. 
 
 Vinum Antimonii, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Antimonii Oxidum. 
 
 Pulvis Antimonialis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Antimonii Sulphidum. 
 
 Antimonii Sulphidum Purificatum, TJ. S. (An- 
 timonium Nigrum Purificatum, Br.). 
 Antimonium Sulphuratum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Liquor Antimonii Chloridi, Br. 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF OFFICIAL DRUGS. 
 
 1781 
 
 Antimonium Sulphuratum. 
 
 Pilulse Antimonii Composite, U. S. (Pilula 
 Hydrargyri Sabcliloridi Composita, Br.). 
 
 Apocynum. 
 
 Extractum Apocyni Fluidum, U. S. 
 Apomorphinse Hydrochloras. 
 
 Injectio Apomorphinse Hvpodermica, Br. 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 Aqua Destillata, U. S., Br. 
 
 Aquse Medicatse, Br. 
 
 Aqua Ammoniae. 
 
 Linimentum Ammonise, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Ammonii Aromaticus, U. S. 
 
 Aqua Ammoniae Fortior. 
 
 Linimentum Campborse Cornpositum, Br. 
 Liquor Ammonii Citratis Fortior, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Ammonise, U. S. 
 
 Aromaticus, Br. 
 
 Fcetidus, Br. 
 
 Tincturse Opii Ammoniata, Br. 
 
 Aqua Aurantii Florum Fortior. 
 
 Aqua Aurantii Florum, U. S. 
 
 Syrupus Aurantii Florum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Aqua Camphorae. 
 
 Injectio Apomorphinse Hypodermica, Br. 
 Ergotinse Hypodermica, Br. 
 
 Aqua Menthse Piperitse. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Aromatica, Br. 
 
 Aqua Rosse Fortior. 
 
 Aqua Rosse, U. S. 
 
 Unguentum Aquse Rosse, U. S. 
 
 Argenti Cyanidum. 
 
 Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum, U. S. 
 Argenti Nitras. 
 
 Argenti Nitras Dilutus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Fusus, U. S. 
 
 Arnicse Flores. 
 
 Tinctura Arnicse Florum, U. S. 
 
 Arnicae Radix (Rhizoma, Br.). 
 
 Emplastrum Arnicse, U. S. 
 
 Extractum Arnicse , U. S. 
 
 Radicis Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Arnicse Radicis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Arseni Iodidum. 
 
 Liquor Arseni et Hvdrargvri Iodidi, U. S., 
 Br. 
 
 Asafcetida. 
 
 Emulsum Asafoetidse, U. S. 
 
 Enema Asafoetidse, Br. 
 
 Pilulse Aloes et Asafoetidse, U. S., Br. 
 Asafoetidse, U. S. 
 
 Compositse, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Ammonise Fcetidus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Asafoetidse, U. S., Br. 
 
 Asclepias. 
 
 Extractum Asclepiadis Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Aspidium. 
 
 Extractum Filicis Liquidum, Br. 
 
 Oleoresina Aspidii, U. S. 
 
 Aspidosperma. 
 
 Extractum Aspidosperraatis Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Atropina. 
 
 Unguentum Atropinse, Br. 
 
 Atropinae Sulphas. 
 
 Lamellse Atropinse, Br. 
 
 Liquor Atropinse Sulphatis, Br. 
 
 Aurantii Amari Cortex (Aurantii Cortex, Br.). 
 Extractum Aurantii Amari Fluidum, U. S. 
 Infusum Aurantii, Br. 
 
 Cornpositum, Br. 
 
 Gentianse Cornpositum, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Armoracise Compositus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Aurantii Amari, U. S., Br. 
 
 Cinchonse Composita, U. S., Br. 
 
 Gentianse Composita, U. S. t Br. 
 
 Aurantii Dulcis Cortex. 
 
 Oleum Aurantii, U. Br. 
 
 Syrupus Aurantii, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Aurantii Dulcis, U. S. 
 
 Aurantii Florum. 
 
 Oleum Aurantii Florum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Baisamum Tolutanura. 
 
 Pilulse Phosphori, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Tolutanus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Benzoini Composita, U. S., Br. 
 Tolutana, U. S., Br. 
 
 Barii Dioxidum. 
 
 Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi, U. S. 
 
 Belladonnse Folia. 
 
 Extractum Belladonnse (Foliorum Alcohol icum, 
 
 U. S.), Br. 
 
 Emplastrum Belladonnse, U. S. 
 
 Unguentum Belladonnse, U. S. 
 
 Succus Belladonnse, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Belladonnse Foliorum, U. S., Br. 
 Belladonnas Radix. 
 
 Emplastrum Belladonnse, Br. 
 
 Extractum Belladonnse Alcoholicum, Br. 
 Belladonnse Radicis Fluidum, U. S. 
 Linimentum Belladonnse, U. S., Br. 
 Unguentum Belladonnse, Br. 
 
 Benzoinum. 
 
 Adeps Benzoinatus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Benzoini, U. S. 
 
 Composita, U. S ., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Cetacei, Br. 
 
 Bismuthi Citras. 
 
 Bismuth i et Ammonii Citras, U. S., Br. 
 
 Liquor Bismuthi et Ammonii Citratis, Br. 
 Bismuthi Subnitras. 
 
 Trochisci Bismuthi, Br. 
 
 Borax, Br. (Sodii Boras, U. S.). 
 
 I Glycerinum Boracis, Br. 
 
 Mel Boracis, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Aquse Rosse, U. S. 
 
 Bryonia. 
 
 Tinctura Bryonise, U. S. 
 
 Buchu. 
 
 Extractum Buchu Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Buchu, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Buchu, Br. 
 
 Caffeina. 
 
 Caffeina Citrata, U. S. (Citras, Br.). 
 Eflervescens, U. S. 
 
 Calamus. 
 
 Extractum Calami Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Calcii Carbonas Prsecipitatus. 
 
 Pulvis Morphinse Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis, U. S. 
 Trochisci Bismuthi, Br. 
 
 Calcii Chloridum. 
 
 Liquor Calcii Chloridi, Br. 
 
 Calcii Hypophosphis. 
 
 Syrupus Hypophosphitum, U. S. 
 
 Calcii Phosphas Prsecipitatus. 
 
 Pulvis Antimonialis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Calcii Sulphas Exsiccatus. 
 
 Calx Sulphurata, U. S., Br. 
 
 Calendula. 
 
 Tinctura Calendulse, U. S. 
 
 Calumba. 
 
 j Extractum Calumbse, Br. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 j Infusum Calumbse, Br. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Aromatica, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Calumbse, U. S., Br. 
 
 Calx. 
 
 i Calcii Hydras, Br. 
 
1782 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Calx. 
 
 Liquor Calcis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Syrupus Calcis, TJ. S. (Liquor Calcis Sacchara- 
 tus, Br.). 
 
 Calx Chlorata (Chlorinata, Br.). 
 
 Liquor Calcis Chlorinats, Br. 
 
 Cambogia. 
 
 Pilula Cambogis Composita, Br. 
 
 Piluls Cathartics Com posits, U. S. 
 
 Camphora. 
 
 Aqua Camphors, U. S., Br. 
 
 Linimentum Aconiti, Br. 
 
 Belladonns, U. S., Br. 
 
 Camphors, U. S. } Br. 
 
 Compositum, Br. 
 
 Chloroformi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri, Br. 
 
 Opii, Br. 
 
 Saponis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Sinapis Compositum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Terebinthins, Br. 
 
 Aceticum, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Morphins Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Spiritus Camphors, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 TincturaOpii Camphorata (Tinctura Camphors 
 Composita, Br.). 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Compositum, Br. 
 
 Cannabis Indica. 
 
 Extractum Cannabis Indies, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Cannabis Indies, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Cantharis. 
 
 Acetum Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Ceratum Cantharidis, TJ. S. 
 
 Charta Epispastica, Br. 
 
 Collodium Cantliaridatum, TJ. S. 
 
 Emplastrum Calefaciens, Br. 
 
 Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Liquor Epispasticus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cantharidis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Capsicum. 
 
 Extractum Capsici Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleoresina Capsici, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Capsici, U. S., Br. 
 
 Carbo Animalis. 
 
 Carbo Animalis Purificatus, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Carbo Ligni. 
 
 Cataplasm a Carbon is, Br. 
 
 Cardamomum. 
 
 Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum, TJ. S., 
 Br. 
 
 Pulvis Aromaticus, TJ. S. (Cinnamomi Com- [ 
 positus, Br.). 
 
 Crets Aromaticus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cardamomi, TJ. S. 
 
 Composita, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Gentians Composita, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Rhei, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Vinum Aloes, Br. 
 
 Carum. 
 
 Aqua Carui, Br. 
 
 Confectio Opii, Br. 
 
 Piperis, Br. 
 
 Oleum Cari, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Opii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Sen ns, Br. 
 
 Caryophyllus. 
 
 Infusum Aurantii Compositum, Br. 
 
 Caryophvlli, Br. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Aromatica, Br. 
 
 Oleum Caryophvlli, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Lavandulae Composita, TJ. S. 
 
 Vinum Opii, U. S„ Br. 
 
 Cascarilla. 
 
 | Infusum Cascarills, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cascarills, Br. 
 
 Cassia Fistula. 
 
 Confectio Senns, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Castanea. 
 
 Extractum Castanes Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 Infusum Catechu, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Catechu Compositus, Br. 
 Tinctura Catechu Composita, TJ. S., Br. 
 Trochisci Catechu, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Cera Alba. 
 
 Ceratum, TJ. S. 
 
 Camphors, TJ. S. 
 
 Cetacei, TJ. S. 
 
 Plumbi Subacetatis, TJ. S. 
 
 Charta Epispastica, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Cetacei, Br. 
 
 Simplex, Br. 
 
 Cera Flava. 
 
 Ceratum Cantharidis, TJ. S. 
 
 Resins, TJ. S. 
 
 Emplastrum Califaciens, Br. 
 Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Galbani, Br. 
 
 Picis, Br. 
 
 Burgundies, TJ. S. 
 
 Resins, TJ. S. 
 
 Saponis Fuscum, Br. 
 
 Pilula Phosphori, Br. 
 
 Unguentum, TJ. S. 
 
 Acidi Carbolici, TJ. S. 
 
 Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri Compositum, Br. 
 
 Oxidi Flavi, U. S. 
 
 Rubri, U. S. 
 
 Picis Liquids. TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Resins, Br. 
 
 Sabins, Br. 
 
 Terebinthins, Br. 
 
 Cetaceum. 
 
 Ceratum Cetacei, TJ. S. 
 
 Charta Epispastica, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Aqus Ross, TJ. S. 
 
 Cetacei, Br. 
 
 Cetrariae. 
 
 Decoctum Cetraris, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Chimaphila. 
 
 Extractum Chimaphils Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Chirata. 
 
 Extractum Chirats Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Infusum Chirats, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Chirats, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Chloral. 
 
 Syrupus Chloral, Br. 
 
 Chloroformum. 
 
 Aqua Chloroformi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Emulsum Chloroformi, TJ. S. 
 Linimentum Chloroformi, TJ. S., Br. 
 Spiritus Chloroformi, TJ. S., Br. 
 Tinctura Chloroformi Composita, Br. 
 et Morphins, Br. 
 Chrysarobinum. 
 
 Unguentum Chrysarobini, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Cimicifuga. 
 
 Extractum Ciinicifugs, TJ. S. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cimicifugs, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 Extractum Cinchons, TJ. S. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Cinchons, TJ. S. 
 
 Cinchona Rubra. 
 
 Decoctum Cinchona, Br. 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF OFFICIAL DRUGS. 
 
 1783 
 
 Cinchona Rubra. 
 
 Extractum Cinchona Liquidum, Br. 
 
 Infusum Cinchona Acidum, Br. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Aromatica, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cinchona, Br. 
 
 Composita, U. S. } Br. 
 
 Cinnamomum Cassia. 
 
 Oleum Cinnamoini, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, U. S. 
 
 Catechu Composita, U. S. 
 
 Lavandula Composita, U. S. 
 
 Vinum Opii, U. S. 
 
 Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. 
 
 Aqua Cinnamomi, Br. 
 
 Decoctum Hamatoxyli, Br. 
 
 Infusum Catechu, Br. 
 
 Oleum Cinnamomi, Br. 
 
 Pul vis Aromaticus, U. S. (Cinnamomi Com- 
 posite, Br.). 
 
 Catechu Composite, Br. 
 
 Creta Aromaticus, Br. 
 
 Kino Compositus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, Br. 
 
 Catechu, Br. 
 
 Cinnamomi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Lavandula Composita, Br. 
 
 Vinum Opii, Br. 
 
 Coca. 
 
 Extractum Coca Fluidum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Cocainse Hydrochloras. 
 
 Lamella Cocaina, Br. 
 
 Coccus. 
 
 Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, U. S., Br. 
 Cinchona Composita, Br. 
 
 Cocci, Br. 
 
 Colchici Radix. 
 
 Extractum Colchici (Radicis, U. S.), Br. 
 Aceticum, Br. 
 
 Radicis Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Vinum Colchici (Radicis, U. S.), Br. 
 
 Colchici Semen. 
 
 Extractum Colchici Seminis Fluidum, U. S. 
 Tinctura Colchici Seminis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Vinum Colchici Seminis, U. S. 
 
 Colocynthis. 
 
 Extractum Colocynthidis, U. S. 
 
 Compositum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pilula Colocynthidis Composita, Br. 
 
 et Hyoscyami, Br. 
 
 Pilula Cathartica Composita, U. S. 
 
 Cathartica Vegetabilis, TJ. S. 
 
 Conii Fructus. 
 
 Extractum Conii, U. S. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Conii, Br. 
 
 Convallaria. 
 
 Extractum Convallaria Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Copaiba. 
 
 Massa Copaiba, U. S. 
 
 Coriandrum. 
 
 Confectio Senna, U. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum Coriandri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Syrupus Rhei, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Rhei, Br. 
 
 Senna, Br. 
 
 Creosotum. 
 
 Aqua Creosoti, U. S. 
 
 Mistura Creasoti, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Creasoti, Br. 
 
 Vapor Creasoti, Br. 
 
 Creta Prseparata. 
 
 Hydrargyrum cum Creta, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Mistura Creta, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pul vis Creta Aromaticus, Br. 
 cum Opio, Br. 
 
 Creta Prseparata. 
 
 Pulvis Creta Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Trochisci Creta, U. S. 
 
 Crocus. 
 
 Decoctum Aloes Compositum, Br. 
 
 Pilula Aloes et Myrrha, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Creta Aromaticus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cinchona Composita, Br. 
 
 Croci, U. S., Br. 
 
 Opii Ammoniata, Br. 
 
 Rhei, Br. 
 
 Cubeba. 
 
 Extractum Cubeba Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Oleoresina Cubeba, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cubeba, U. S., Br. 
 
 Cusso. 
 
 Extractum Cusso Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Cusso, Br. 
 
 Cypripedium. 
 
 Extractum Cypripedii Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Digitalis. 
 
 Extractum Digitalis, U. S. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Digitalis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Digitalis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Dulcamara. 
 
 Extractum Dulcamara Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Elaterinum. 
 
 Pulvis Elaterinii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Trituratio Elaterini, TJ. S. 
 
 Ergot a. 
 
 Ergotinum, Br. 
 
 Extractum Ergota, U. S. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Infusum Ergota, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Ergota, Br. 
 
 Vinum Ergota, U. S. 
 
 Eriodictyon. 
 
 Extractum Eriodictyi Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Eucalyptus. 
 
 Extractum Eucalypti Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Eucalypti, U. S., Br. 
 
 Euonymus. 
 
 Extractum Euonymi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Eupatorium. 
 
 Extractum Eupatorii Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Extractum Glycyrrhizse. 
 
 Trochisci Ammonii Chloridi, TJ. S. 
 Glycvrrhiza et Opii, U. S. 
 
 Extractum Glycyrrhizse Purum. 
 
 Mistura Glycvrrhiza Composita, U. S. 
 
 Farina Tritici. 
 
 I Cataplasrna Fermenti, Br. 
 
 Fel Bovis. 
 
 Fel Bovis Purificatum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus. 
 
 Pilula Ferri Carbonatis, Br. 
 
 Ferri Citras. 
 
 Ferri et Quinina Citras, TJ. S. 
 
 Solubilis, U. S. 
 
 Vinum Ferri Amarum, U. S. 
 
 Ferri et Ammonii Citras. 
 
 Ferri et Strychnina Citras. 
 
 Vinum Ferri Citratis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ferri Lactas. 
 
 Syrupus Hypophosphitum cum Ferro, TJ. S. 
 
 Ferri Oxidum Hydratum. 
 
 Emplastrum Ferri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Trochisci Ferri, U. S. 
 
 Ferri Phosphas Solubilis. 
 
 Syrupus Ferri, Quinina et Strychnina Plios- 
 phaturn, TJ. S , 
 
1784 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Ferri Sulphas. 
 
 Ferri Carbon as Saccharatus, U. S. 
 
 Sulphas Exsiccatus, U. S. 
 
 Granulatus, U. S. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis, U. S. 
 
 Tersulphatis (Persulphatis, Br.), U. S. 
 Massa Ferri Carbonatis, U. S. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Composita, TJ. S. 
 
 Pilula Ferri, Br. 
 
 Pilulfe Aloes et Ferri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ferri Carbonatis, U. S. 
 
 Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis, Br. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, U. S. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Chloridi (Perchloridi, Br.), U. S. 
 
 Pernitratis, Br. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Aromatica, Br. 
 
 Pilulae (Pilula, Br.) Ferri Iodidi, U. S. 
 Syrupus Ferri Iodidi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Vinum Ferri, Br. 
 
 Ferrum Reductum. 
 
 Piluke Ferri Iodidi, U. S. 
 
 Trochisci Ferri Redacti, Br. 
 
 Ficus. 
 
 Confectio Sennae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fceniculum. 
 
 Aqua Foeniculi, Br. 
 
 Oleum Fceniculi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Cornpositus, Br. 
 Frangula. 
 
 Extractum Frangulae Flu id uni, TJ. S. 
 
 Rliamni Frangulae, Br. 
 
 Liquidum, Br. 
 
 Galbanum. 
 
 Emplastrum Galbani, Br. 
 
 Pilula Asafoetidse Composita, Br. 
 
 Galla. 
 
 Tinctura Gallse, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Galla?, TJ. S., Br. 
 cum Opio, Br. 
 
 Gelsemium. 
 
 Extractum Gelsemii Alcoholicum, Br. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Gelsemii, U. S., Br. 
 
 Gentiana. 
 
 Extractum Gentianas, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Infusuin Gentianae Compositum, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Gentianae Composita, U. S. Br. 
 
 Geianium. 
 
 Extractum Geranii Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Glycerinum. 
 
 Elixir Pliosphori, TJ. S. 
 
 Extractum Apocyni Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Aspidospermatis Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Castaneae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Cinchonae Fluidum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Geranii Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Gossypii Radicis Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Hamamelidis Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Hydrastis Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Krameriae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Pareirae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Pruni Virginians? Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Rliois Glabrae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Rosae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Rubi Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Sarsaparilla 1 Fluidum Compositum, U. S. 
 Uvae Ursi Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Glycerinum Acidi Carbolici, Br. 
 
 Gallici, Br. 
 
 Tannici, Br. 
 
 Alu minis, Br. 
 
 Amyli, Br. 
 
 Glycerinum. 
 
 Glycerinum Boracis; Br. 
 
 Plumbi Subacetatis, Br. 
 
 Tragacanthae, Br. 
 
 Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici, TJ. S. 
 
 Tannici, TJ. S. 
 
 Amyli, TJ. S. 
 
 Boroglycerini, TJ. S. 
 
 Hydrastis, TJ. S. 
 
 Vitelli, TJ. S. 
 
 Lamellae, Br. 
 
 Linimenturn Iodi, Br. 
 
 Potassii Iodidi cum Sapone, Br. 
 
 Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis, TJ. S. 
 
 Massa Hydrargyri, TJ. S. 
 
 Mel Boracis, Br. 
 
 Pilula Aloes et Myrrhae, Br. 
 
 Rhei Composita, Br. 
 
 Saponis Composita, Br. 
 
 Pilulse Phosphori, TJ. S. 
 
 Suppositoria Glycerinae, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Althaeae, U. S. 
 
 Ferri Quinina? et Strychninae Phosphatum, 
 
 TJ. S. 
 
 Ipecacuanhae, TJ. S. 
 
 Picis Liquidae, TJ. S. 
 
 Pruni Virginianae, TJ. S. 
 
 Rhei, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura. Cardamomi Composita, TJ. S. 
 Cinchonae, TJ. S. 
 
 Composita, U. S. 
 
 Cinnamomi, TJ. S. 
 
 Gallse, TJ. S. 
 
 Kino, U.S., Br. 
 
 Lactucarii, TJ. S. 
 
 Opii Camphorata, TJ. S. 
 
 Rhei, U. S. 
 
 Aromatica, TJ. S. 
 
 Dulcis, TJ. S. 
 
 Unguentum Iodi, Br. 
 
 Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 Confectio Terebinthinae, Br. 
 
 Hecoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum, TJ. S., Br. 
 Extractum Glycyrrhizae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pur u in, U. S. 
 
 Sarsaparillae Fluidum Compositum, TJ. S. 
 Glycyrrhizinum Ammoniatum, TJ. S. 
 
 Infusum Lini, Br. 
 
 Massa (Pilula, Br.) Hydrargyri, TJ. S. 
 
 Mistura Sennae Composita, Br. 
 
 Pilula Ferri Iodidi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Cornpositus, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Morphinae Cornpositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Sarsaparillae Cornpositus, TJ. S. 
 Tinctura Aloes, TJ. S. 
 et Myrrhae, TJ. S. 
 
 Gossypii Radicis Cortex. 
 
 Extractum Gossypii Radicis Fluidum, U. S. 
 Gossypium Puriiicatum. 
 
 Pyroxylinum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Granati Radicis Cortex. 
 
 Decoctum Granati Radicis, Br. 
 
 Grindelise. 
 
 Extractum Grindeliae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Guaiaci Lignum. 
 
 Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum, TJ. S., Br. 
 Guaiaci Resina. 
 
 Mistura Guaiaci, Br. 
 
 Pilulae Antimonii Compositae, TJ. S. (Pilula Hy- 
 drargyri Subchloridi Composita, Br.). 
 Tinctura Guaiaci, TJ. S. 
 
 Ammoniata, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Guar ana. 
 
 I Extractum Guaranae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF OFFICIAL DRUGS. 
 
 1785 
 
 Gutta Percha. 
 
 Liquor Gutta Percha, Br. 
 
 Hasmatoxylon. 
 
 Pecoctum H*matoxvli, Br. 
 
 Extractum H*matoxvli, U. S., Br. 
 
 Hamamelis. 
 
 Extractum Hamamelidis Fluidum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Humulus. 
 
 Extractum Lupuli, Br. 
 
 Infusum Lupuli, Br. 
 
 Lupulinum, U. S ., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Humuli, U. S. 
 
 Lupuli, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum. 
 
 Liquor Hydrargyri Perchloridi, Br. 
 
 Lotio Hydrargyri Flava, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite. 
 
 Lotio Hydrargyri Nigra, Br. 
 
 Pilul* Antimonii Composite, U. S. (Pilula.j 
 Hydrargyri Subchloridi Composita, Br.). \ 
 
 Cathartic* Composita?, U. S. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Subchloridi, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum. 
 
 Liquor Arseni et Hydrargyri Iodidi, U. S., Br. 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri, Br. 
 Hydrargyri Oxidum Flavum. 
 
 Oleatum Hydrargyri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Flavi, U. S. 
 
 Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum. 
 
 Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis, U. S. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri, U. S., 
 Br. 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargvro, 
 U. S., Br. 
 
 Hydrargyri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Hydrargyrum cum Creta, U. S., Br. 
 Linimentum Hydrargyri, Br. 
 
 Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis Acidus, Br. 
 
 Massa (Pilula, Br.) Hydrargyri, U. S. 
 Suppositoria Hydrargyri, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Compositum, Br. 
 
 Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati, U. S., Br. 
 
 Hydrastis. 
 
 Extractum Hydrastis Fluidum, U. S., Br. 
 Glyceritum Hydrastis, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Hydrastis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Extractum Hyoscyami, U. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Pi 1 ul* Cathartic* Vegetables, U. S. 
 
 Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami, Br. 
 
 Suceus Hyoscyami, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Hyoscyami, U. S., Br. 
 
 Ichthyocolla. 
 
 Emplastrum Ichthyocolla, U. S. 
 
 Iodoformum. 
 
 Suppositoria Iodoformi, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Iodoformi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Iodum. 
 
 Linimentum Iodi, Br. 
 
 Liquor Iodi, Br. 
 
 Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Sulpliuris Iodidum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Syrupus Ferri Iodidi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Iodi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Iodi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Vapor Iodi, Br. 
 
 Ipecacuanha. 
 
 Extractum Ipecacuanh* Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Pilula Conii Composita, Br. 
 
 Ipecacuanha. 
 
 Pilula Ipecacuanh* cum Scilla, Br. 
 Pulvis Ipecacuanha? et Opii, U. S. 
 
 Compositus, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Ipecacuanh*, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Ipecacuanh* et Opii, U. S. 
 Trochisci Ipecacuanh*, U. S., Br. 
 
 Morph in* et Ipecacuanh*, U. S., Br. 
 Vinum Ipecacuanh*, U. S., Br. 
 
 Iris. 
 
 Extractum Iridis, 17. S. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Jalapa. 
 
 Extractum Jalap*, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pilula Scammonii Composita, Br. 
 
 Pilul* Cathartic* Composite, U. S. 
 Vegetables, U. S. 
 
 Pulvis Jalap* Compositus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Scammonii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Resina Jalap*, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Jalap*, Br. 
 
 Juglans. 
 
 Extractum Juglandis, U. S. 
 
 Kino. 
 
 Pulvis Catechu Compositus, Br. 
 
 Kino Compositus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Kino, U. S., Br. 
 
 Krameria. 
 
 Extractum Krameri*, U. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Krameri*, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Catechu Compositus, Br. 
 Tinctura Krameri*, U. S., Br. 
 
 Lactucarium. 
 
 Syrupus Lactucarii, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Lactucarii, U. S. 
 
 Lappa. 
 
 Extractum Lapp* Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Leptandra. 
 
 Extractum Leptandr*, U. S. 
 
 Fluidum, IT. S. 
 
 Pilul* Cathartic* Vegetabiles, U. S. 
 Limonis Cortex. 
 
 Infusum Aurantii Compositum, Br. 
 
 Gentian* Compositum, Br. 
 
 Oleum Limonis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Limonis, U. S. 
 
 Syrupus Limonis, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Limonis, Br. 
 
 Limonis Succus. 
 
 Syrupus Limonis, Br. 
 
 Linum. 
 
 Cataplasma Lini, Br. 
 
 Infusum Lini, Br. 
 
 Lini Farina, Br. 
 
 Oleum Lini, U. S. f Br. 
 
 Liquor Calcis. 
 
 Linimentum Calcis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Lotio Hydrargyri Flava, Br. 
 
 Nigra, Br. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Chloridi. 
 
 Tinctura Ferri Chloridi, U. S. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Citratis. 
 
 Ferri Citras, U. S. 
 
 et Arnmonii Citras, U. S., Br. 
 
 Lithii Carbonas. 
 
 Liquor Lithi* Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Lithii Citras Effervescens, U. S. 
 Lobelia. 
 
 Extractum Lobeli* Fluidum, U. S. 
 Tinctura Lobeli*, U. S., Br. 
 
 AStherea, Br. 
 
1786 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Lupulinum. 
 
 Extractum Lupulini Fluidum, U. S. 
 Oleoresina Lupulini, U. S. 
 
 Magnesia. 
 
 Massa Copaibae, U. S. 
 
 Pulvis Rliei Gompositus, U. S. y Br. 
 
 Magnesii Carbonas. 
 
 Liquor Magnesii Carbonatis, Br. 
 
 Citratis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Magnesia, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Trocliisci Bismut hi, Br. 
 
 Magnesii Sulphas. 
 
 Enema Magnesii Sulphatis, Br. 
 
 Infusum Sennae Compositum, U. S. 
 
 Magnesii Sulphas Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Mistura Sennae Composita, Br. 
 
 Manna. 
 
 Infusum Sennae Compositum, U. S. 
 
 Mastiche. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches, U. S. 
 
 Matico. 
 
 Extractum Matico Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Maticae, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Matico, U. S. 
 
 Mel. 
 
 Confectio Piperis, Br. 
 
 Rosae, U. S. 
 
 Scammonii, Br. 
 
 Terebinthinae, Br. 
 
 Massa Ferri Carbonatis, U. S. 
 
 Mel Boracis, Br. 
 
 Despumatum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Rosae, U. S. 
 
 Oxymel, Br. 
 
 Scillae, Br. 
 
 Mentha Piperita. 
 
 Oleum Menthae Piperitae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Menthae Piperitae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Mentha Viridis. 
 
 Oleum Menthae Viridis, U. S. f Br. 
 
 Spiritus Menthae Viridis, U. S. 
 
 Mezereum. 
 
 Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum, U. S., Br. 
 Extractum Mezerei vEthereuru, Br. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Sarsaparillae Fluidum Compositum, U. S. 
 
 Morphinae Acetas. 
 
 Injectio Morphinae Hypodermica, Br. 
 
 Liquor Morphinae Acetatis, Br. 
 
 Morphinae Hydrochloras. 
 
 Liquor Morphinae Bimeconatis, Br. 
 
 Hydrochloratis, Br. 
 
 Suppositoria Morphinae, Br. 
 cum Sapone, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Chloroform i et Morphinae, Br. 
 Trocliisci Morphinae, Br. 
 et Ipecacuanhae, Br. 
 
 Morphinae Sulphas. 
 
 Pulvis Morphinae Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Trocliisci Morphinae et Ipecacuanhae, U. S. 
 
 Moschus. 
 
 Tinctura Moschi, U. S. 
 
 Myristica. 
 
 Oleum Myristicae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Expressum, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Aromaticus, U. S. 
 
 Catechu Compositus, Br. 
 
 Cretae Compositus, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Armoraciae Compositus, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Lavandulae Composita, U. S., Br. 
 Trochisci Sodii Bicarbon at is, TJ. S. 
 
 Myrrha. 
 
 Decoctum Aloes Compositum, Br. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Composita, TJ. S. } Br. 
 
 Myrrha. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Asafoetidae Composita, Br. 
 
 Rhei Compositae, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae, TJ. S. 
 
 Myrrhae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Nux Vomica. 
 
 Extractum Nucis Vomicae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Nucis Vomicae, U. S., Br. (made from 
 the extract). 
 
 Oleoresina Capsici. 
 
 Emplastrum Capsici, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleoresina Cubebae. 
 
 Trochisci Cubebae, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Adipis. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum ^thereum. 
 
 Spiritus jEtheris Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Amygdalae Amarum. 
 
 Aqua. Amygdalae Amarum, TJ. S. 
 
 Spiritus Amygdalae Amarum, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Amygdalae Expressum. 
 
 Emulsum Cliloroformi, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Phosphoratum, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Aquae Rosae, TJ. S. 
 
 Cetacei, Br. 
 
 Resinae, Br. 
 
 Simplex, Br. 
 
 Oleum Anisi. 
 
 Aqua Anisi, TJ. S. 
 
 Elixir Phosphori, TJ. S. 
 
 Essentia Phosphori, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Aurantii Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus, TJ. S. 
 Tinctura Camphorae Composita, Br. 
 
 Opii Ammoniata, Br. 
 
 Camphorata, TJ. S. 
 
 Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et Opii, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Aurantii Corticis. 
 
 Spiritus Aurantii, TJ. S. 
 
 Compositum, TJ. S. 
 
 Myrciae, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Cajuputi. 
 
 Linimentum Crotonis, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Cajuputi, Br. 
 
 Oleum Carvi. 
 
 Confectio Scammonii, Br. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes Barbadensis, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Juniperi Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Cinnamomi. 
 
 Aqua Cinnamomi, TJ. S. 
 
 Spiritus Cinnamomi, TJ. S. y Br. 
 
 Oleum Coriandri. 
 
 Spiritus Aurantii Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Sennae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum Eucalypti. 
 
 Unguentum Eucalypti, Br. 
 
 Oleum Foeniculi. 
 
 Aquae Foeniculi, TJ. S. 
 
 Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Spiritus Juniperi Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Gaultheriae. 
 
 Spiritus Gaultheriae, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus, TJ. S. 
 Trochisci Morphinae et Ipecacuanhae, TJ. S. 
 Oleum Gossypii Seminis. 
 
 Linimentum Ammoniae, TJ. S. 
 
 Camphorae, TJ. S. 
 
 Oleum Juniperi. 
 
 Spiritus Juniperi, TJ. S. 
 
 Compositus, U. S. 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF OFFICIAL DRUGS. 
 
 1787 
 
 Oleum Lavandulae Florum. 
 
 Linimentum Camphor® Compositum, Br. 
 
 Saponis Mollis, U. S. 
 
 Spiritus Ammoni® Aromaticus, U. S. 
 
 Lavandul®, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Lavandulse Composita, U. S., Br. 
 Unguentum Diachylon, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Limonis. 
 
 Linimentum Potassii Iodidi cum Sapone, Br. 
 Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus, U. S., Br. 
 Aurantii Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Limonis, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Lini. 
 
 Linimentum Calcis, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Menthae Piperitae. 
 
 Aqua Menth® Piperit®, U. S., Br. 
 
 Essentia Menth® Piperit®, Br. 
 
 Pilul® Rhei Composit®, U. S., Br. 
 
 Vegetahiles Composit®, U. S. 
 
 Spiritus Menth® Piperit®, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Chloroformi et Morph in®, Br. 
 Trochisci Menth® Piperit®, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Menthae Viridis. 
 
 Aqua Menth® Viridis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Menth® Viridis, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Myrciae. 
 
 Spiritus Myrci®, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Myristicae. 
 
 Pilula Aloes Socotrina, Br. 
 
 Spiritus Ammoni® Aromaticus, U. S., Br. 
 Myristic®, U. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum Olivae. 
 
 Charta Epispastica, Br. 
 
 Ceratum Cetacei, U. S. 
 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro, Br. 
 Eerri, U. S. 
 
 Hydrargyri, Br. 
 
 Picis, Br. 
 
 Burgundic®, U. S. 
 
 Plumbi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Saponis Fuscum, Br. 
 
 Linimentum Ammoni®, Br. 
 
 Calcis, Br. 
 
 Camphor®, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Camphor®, Br. 
 
 Diachylon, U. S. 
 
 Hydrargyri Compositum, Br. 
 
 Nitratis, Br. 
 
 Veratrin®, U. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum Pimentae. 
 
 Spiritus Myrci®, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Ricini. 
 
 Collodium Flexile, U. S., Br. 
 
 Linimentum Sinapis Compositum, U. S ., Br. 
 Mistura Olei Bicini, Br. Add. 
 
 Pilul® Antimonii Composit®, U. S., Br. 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri, U. S. 
 Oleum Rosmarini. 
 
 Linimentum Saponis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Rosmarini, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Lavendul® Composita, U. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum Sassafras. 
 
 Syrupus Sarsaparill® Compositus, U. S. 
 Trochisci Cubeb®, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Sinapis Volatile. 
 
 Linimentum Sinapis Compositum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Oleum Terebinthinse. 
 
 Confectio Terebinthin®, Br. 
 
 Enema Terebinthin®, Br. 
 
 Linimentum Terebinthin®, U. S., Br. 
 Aceticum, Br. 
 
 Oleum Terebinthin® Rectificatum, U. S. 
 Unguentum Terebinthin®, Br. 
 
 Oleum Theobromatis. 
 
 Suppositoria Acidi Tannici, Br, 
 
 Oleum Theobromatis. 
 
 Suppositoria Hydrargyri, Br. 
 lodoformi, Br. 
 
 Morph in®, Br. 
 
 Plumbi Composita, Br. 
 
 Oleum Tiglii. 
 
 Linimentum Crotonis, Br. 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Confectio Opii, Br. 
 
 Emplastrum Opii, U. S., Br. 
 Extractum Opii, U. S., Br. 
 
 Liquidum, Br. 
 
 Linimentum Opii, Br. 
 
 Pilula Ipecacuanh® et Scill®, Br. 
 Plumbi et Opii, Br. 
 
 Saponis Composita, Br. 
 
 Pilul® Opii, U. S. 
 
 Pulv. Cret® Aromaticus cum Opio, Br. 
 Ipecacuanh® Compositus, Br. 
 
 et Opii, U. S. 
 
 Kino Compositus, Br. 
 
 Opii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Suppositoria Plumbi Composita, Br. 
 Tinctura Camphor® Composita, Br. 
 Ipecacuanh® et Opii, U. S. 
 
 Opii, U. S., Br. 
 
 Deodorati, U. S. 
 
 Ammoniata, Br. 
 
 Camphorata, U. S. 
 
 Trochisci Glycyrrhiz® et Opii, U. S. 
 Opii, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Gall® cum Opio, Br. 
 Vinum Opii, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pareira. 
 
 Decoctum Pareir®, Br. 
 
 Extractum Pareir®, Br. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pepsinum. 
 
 Pepsininum Saccharatum, U. S. 
 
 Petrolatum Molle. 
 
 Unguentum Acidi Borici, Br. 
 Carbolici, Br. 
 
 Salicylici, Br. 
 
 Eucalypti, Br. 
 
 Glycerini Plumbi Subacetatis, Br. 
 Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri, Br. 
 
 Nitratis Dilutum, Br. 
 
 Potass® Sul ph u rat®, Br. 
 
 Sulphuris Iodidi, Br. 
 
 Veratrin®, Br. 
 
 Zinci Oleati, Br. 
 
 Phosphorus. 
 
 Elixir Phosphori, U. S. 
 
 Oleum Phosphoratum, U. S., Br. 
 Pilula Phosphori, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Phosphori, U. S. 
 
 Phytolaccae Radix. 
 
 Extractum Phytolacc® Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Pilocarpus. 
 
 Extractum Jaborandi, Br. 
 
 Pilocarpi Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Jaborandi, Br. 
 
 Physostigma. 
 
 Extractum Plivsostigmatis, U. S., Br. 
 Tinctura Physostigmatis, U. S. 
 
 Pimenta. 
 
 Aqua Piment®, Br. 
 
 Piper. 
 
 Confectio Opii, Br. 
 
 Pi peris, Br. 
 
 Oleoresina Piperis, U. S. 
 
 Pulvis Opii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Pix Burgundica. 
 
 1 Emplastrum Ferri, U. S. } Br. 
 
1788 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Pix Burgundica. 
 
 Emplastrum Opii, U. S. 
 
 Picis, Br. 
 
 Burgundicae, U. S. 
 
 Cantharidatum, U. S. 
 
 Pix Liquida. 
 
 Syrupus Picis Liquids, U. S. 
 
 Unguentum Picis Liquidae, TJ. ^ S'., Br. 
 
 Plumbi Acetas. 
 
 Glycerinum Plumbi Subacetatis, Br. 
 
 Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pilula Plumbi Composita, Br. 
 
 Suppositoria Plumbi Composita, Br. 
 
 Plumbi Carbonas. 
 
 Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis, U. S., Br. 
 Plumbi Iodidum. 
 
 Emplastrum Plumbi Iodidi, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Plumbi Oxidum. 
 
 Emplastrum Plumbi, U. S., Br. 
 
 Saponis Fuscum, Br. 
 
 Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis, TJ. S., Br. 
 Podophyllum. 
 
 Exlractum Podopbylli, U. S. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Resina Podopbylli, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 Liquor Potassse, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Potassa cum Calce, U. S. 
 
 Potassa Sulphurata. 
 
 Unguentum Potassse Sulphuratae, Br. 
 
 Potassii Bicarbonas. 
 
 Liquor Potassse Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Potassii Arsenitis, U. S. 
 
 Citratis, TJ. S. 
 
 Potassii Bitartras. 
 
 Confectio Sulphuris, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Jalapse Compositus, T\ S., Br. 
 
 Trochisci Sulphuris, Br. 
 
 Potassii Carbonas. 
 
 Decoctum Aloes Coinpositum, Br. 
 
 Liquor Arseniealis, Br. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Composita, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pilulse Ferri Carbonatis, U. *S'. 
 
 Potassa Sulphurata, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Potassii Chloras. 
 
 Trochisci Potassii Chloratis, U. S., Br. 
 Potassii Ferrocyanidum. 
 
 Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum, TJ. S., 
 Br. 
 
 Potassii Hypophosphis. 
 
 Syrupus Hypophosphitum Com posit um, TJ. S. 
 Acidi Hydriodici, TJ. S. 
 
 Potassii Iodidum. 
 
 Linimentum Iodi, Br. 
 
 Potassii Iodidi cum Sapone, Br. 
 
 Liquor Iodi, Br. 
 
 Compositus, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Iodi, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Iodi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Potassii Iodidi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Potassii Nitras. 
 
 Argenti et Potassii Nitras, Br. 
 
 Nitras Dilutus, TJ. S. 
 
 Charta Potassii Nitratis, TJ. S. 
 
 Potassii Permanganas. 
 
 Liquor Potassii Permanganatis, Br. 
 
 Potassii Sulphas. 
 
 Pilula Colocynthidis Composita, Br. 
 et Hyoscyami, Br. 
 
 Ipecacuanhse cum Scilla, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Ipecacuanhse Compositus, Br. 
 
 Prunum. 
 
 Con lectio Sennae, TJ. S., Br, 
 
 Prunus Virginiana. 
 
 Extractum Pruni Yirginianae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Infusum Pruni Virginianae, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Pruni Yirginianae, U. S. 
 
 Pyrethrum. 
 
 Tinctura Pyrethri, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pyroxylin. 
 
 Collodium, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Vesicans, Br. 
 
 Quassia. 
 
 Extractum Quassiae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Qu assise, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Quillaja. 
 
 Tinctura Quillajse, U. S. 
 
 Quinina. 
 
 Ferri et Quininse Citras, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Solubilis, TJ. S. 
 
 Quininae Hydrochloras. 
 
 Tinctura Quininse, Br. 
 
 Quininae Sulphas. 
 
 | Syrupus Ferri Quininae et Strychnina* Plios- 
 phatum, TJ. S. 
 
 \ Tinctura Quininae Ammoniata, Br. 
 
 | Vinum Quininae, Br. 
 
 Eesina. 
 
 Charta Epispastica, Br. 
 
 Ceratum Cantharidis, TJ. S. 
 
 Resinae, TJ. S. 
 
 Emplastrum Calefaciens, Br. 
 
 Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Picis, Br. 
 
 Plumbi Iodidi, Br. 
 
 Resinae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Saponis, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Resinae, Br. 
 
 Terebinthinae, Br. 
 
 Resina Podophylli. 
 
 [ Pilulae Catharticae Vegetabiles, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Podophylli, Br. 
 
 Rhamnus Pursliiana. 
 
 Extractum Cascarae Sagradae, Br. 
 
 Liquidum, Br. 
 
 Rhamni Purshianae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 1 Extractum Rhei, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, IT. S. 
 
 Infusum Rhei, Br. 
 j Pilulae Rhei, TJ. S. 
 
 Compositae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Rhei Compositus, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Syrupus Rhei, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Aromaticus, TJ. S. 
 
 Tinctura Rhei, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Aromatica, TJ. S. 
 
 Dulcis, TJ. S. 
 
 Yinum Rhei, Br. 
 
 Rhus Glabra. 
 
 Extractum Rhois Glabrae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Rosa Gallica. 
 
 Confectio Rosae, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Extractum Rosae Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Infusum Ros?e Acidum, Br. 
 
 Mel Rosae, TJ. S. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes et Mastiche, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Rosae, TJ. S. 
 
 Rubus. 
 
 Extractum Eubi Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Syrupus Rubi, TJ. S. 
 
 Rubus Idg5us. 
 
 Syrupus Rubi Idaei, TJ. S. 
 
 Rurnex. 
 
 I Extractum Rumicis Fluidum, TJ, S. 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF OFFICIAL DRUGS. 
 
 1789 
 
 Sabinae. 
 
 • Extractum Sabinae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Sabinae, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Sabinae, Br. 
 
 Sambucus. 
 
 Aqua Sambuci, Br. 
 
 Sanguinaria. 
 
 Extractum Sanguinariae Fluidum, U. S. 
 Tinctura Sanguinariae, U. S. 
 
 Sapo. 
 
 Emplastrum Saponis, U. S. 
 
 Linimentum Saponis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes, U. S., Br. 
 et Asafoetidae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Asafoetidae, U. S. 
 
 Cambogiae Compositae, Br. 
 
 Opii, U. S. 
 
 Rhei, U. S. 
 
 Compositae, Br. 
 
 Saponis Compositae, Br. 
 
 Scillae Compositae, Br. 
 
 Sapo Mollis. 
 
 Linimentum Saponis Mollis, U. S. 
 Terebinthinae, Br. 
 
 Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Decoctum Sarsae, Br. 
 
 Sarsaparillee Compositum, U. S., Br. 
 Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum, U. S., 
 Br. 
 
 Compositum, U. S. 
 
 Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Sassafras. 
 
 Decoctum Sarsaparilllae Compositum, U. S ., 
 Br. 
 
 Sassafras Medulla. 
 
 Mucilago Sassafras Medullae, U. S. 
 Scammonium. 
 
 Mistura Scammonii, Br. 
 
 Resina Scammonii, U. S ., Br. 
 
 Scilla. 
 
 Acetum Scillae, U. S., Br.. 
 
 Extractum Scillae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Oxymel Scillae, Br. 
 
 Pilula Ipecacuanhae cum Scilla, Br. 
 
 Scillae Coraposita, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Scillae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tinctura Scillae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Scoparius. 
 
 Decoctum Scoparii, Br. 
 
 Extractum Scoparii Fluidum, U. S. 
 Scutellaria. 
 
 Extractum Scutellariae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Senega. 
 
 Extractum Senega 1 Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Senegae, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Senegae, U. S. 
 
 Scillae Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Tinctura Senegae, Br. 
 
 Senna. 
 
 Confectio Sennae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Extractum Sennae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Infusum Sennae, Br. 
 
 Compositum, U. S. 
 
 Mistura Sennae Composita, Br. 
 
 Pul vis Glycyrrhizae Compositus, U. S., Br. 
 Syrupus Sennae, U. S. } Br. 
 
 Tinctura Sennae, Br. 
 
 Serpentaria. 
 
 Extractum Serpentariae Fluidum, U. S. 
 Infusum Serpentariae, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Cinchonae Composita, U. S., Br. 
 Serpentariae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Sevum. 
 
 Emplastrum Cantharidis, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri, U. S., Br. 
 
 Sinapis Nigra. 
 
 Cataplasma Sinapis, Br. 
 
 Charta Sinapis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Soda. 
 
 Liquor Sodae, U. S., Br. 
 
 Sodii Arsenas. 
 
 Liquor Sodii Arsenatis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Sodii Bicarbonas. 
 
 Ferri Carbouas Saccharatus, U. S. 
 
 Liquor Sodae Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Mistura Rhei et Sodae, U. S. 
 
 Pulvis Effervescens Compositus, U. S. 
 
 Sodae Tartaratae Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Sodii Citro-tartras Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Trochisci Sodii Bicarbonatis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Sodii Carbonas. 
 
 Liquor Sodae, Br. 
 
 Chloratae, 17. S., Br. 
 
 Massa Ferri Carbonatis, U. S. 
 
 Soda Tartarata, Br. 
 
 Arsenas, Br. 
 
 Sodii Carbonas Exsiccatus, U. S., Br. 
 Suppositoria Glycerini, U. S. 
 
 Sodii Hypophosphis. 
 
 Svrupus Hvpophospliitum Compositus, 
 
 IT. S. 
 
 Sodii Mitras. 
 
 Sodii Arsenas, Br. 
 
 Sodii Nitris. 
 
 Spiritus Athens Nitrosi, U. S. 
 
 Sodii Phosphas. 
 
 Ferri Phosphas, Br. 
 
 Solubilis, U. S. 
 
 Sodii Phosphas Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis, Br. 
 
 Sodii Pyrophosphas. 
 
 Ferri Pyrophosphas Solubilis, U. S. 
 
 Sodii Sulphas. 
 
 Sodii Sulphas Effervescens, Br. 
 
 Sodii Thiosulphas (Hyposulphis). 
 
 Unguentum Potassii Iodidi, U. S. 
 
 Spigelia. 
 
 Extractum Spigeliae Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Spiritus Athens Nitrosi. 
 
 Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita, U. S. 
 Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus. 
 
 Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata, U. S., Br. 
 Valerianae Ammoniata, U. S., Br. 
 
 Spiritus Aurantii Compositus. 
 
 Elixir Aromaticum, U. S. 
 
 Spiritus Phosphori. 
 
 Elixir Phosphori, U. S. 
 
 Stillingia. 
 
 Extractum Stillingiae Fluidum, U. S. 
 Staphisagria. 
 
 Unguentum Staphisagriae, Br. 
 
 Stramonii Semen. 
 
 Extractum Stramonii Seminis, U. S ., Br. 
 Fluidum, IT. S. 
 
 Tinctura Stramonii Seminis, U. S., Br. 
 
 Strophanthus. 
 
 Tinctura Strophanthi, U. S , Br. 
 
 Strychnina. 
 
 Ferri et Strychninae Citras, IJ. S. 
 
 Liquor Strychninae Hydrochloratis, Br. 
 Syrupus Ferri, Quininae, et Strychninae Phos- 
 phatum, U. S. 
 
 Sty rax. 
 
 Tinctura Benzoini Composita, IT. S. } Br. 
 
 Sulphuris Iodidum. 
 
 Unguentum Sulphuris Iodidi, Br. 
 
 Sulphur Lotum. 
 
 Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus, U. S. 
 Sulphuris Iodidum, U. S. 
 
 Unguentum Sulphuris, U. S. 
 
1790 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Sulphur Prsecipitatum. 
 
 Trochisci Sulphuris, Br. 
 
 Sulphur Suhlimatum. 
 
 Confectio Sulphuris, Br. 
 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro, Br. 
 Potassa Sulphurata, U. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Glyeyrrhizse Compositus, Br. 
 
 Sulphur Lotum, U. S. 
 
 Prsecipitatum, U. S. 
 
 Sulphuris Iodidum, Br. 
 
 Unguentum Sulphuris, Br. 
 
 Sumbul. 
 
 Tinctura Sumbul, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tamarindus. 
 
 Confectio Sennse, U. S., Br. 
 
 Taraxacum. 
 
 Decoctum Taraxaci, Br. 
 
 Extractum Taraxaci, U. S., Br. 
 
 Fluidum, U. S., Br. 
 
 Succus Taraxaci, Br. 
 
 Terebinthina Canadensis. 
 
 Charta Epispastica, Br. 
 
 Collodium Flexile, U. S., Br. 
 
 Tragacantha. 
 
 Confectio Opii, Br. 
 
 Sulphuris, Br. 
 
 Glycerinum Tragacanthse, Br. 
 
 Mucilago Tragacanthse, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Pulvis Opii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Tragacanthse Compositus, Br. 
 
 Triticum. 
 
 Extractum Tritici Fluidum, U. S. 
 
 Ulmus. 
 
 Mucilago Ulmi, U. S. 
 
 Uva Ursi. 
 
 Extractum Uvse Ursi, U. S. 
 
 Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Infusum Uvse Ursi, Br. 
 
 Valeriana. 
 
 Extractum Valerianse Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Valeriana. 
 
 Infusum Valerianse, Br. 
 
 Tinctura Valerianse, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Ammoniata, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Vanilla. 
 
 Tinctura Vanillse, TJ. S. 
 
 Veratrina. 
 
 Oleatum Veratrinse, TJ. S. 
 
 Unguentum Veratrinse, U. S., Br. 
 
 Veratrum Viride. 
 
 Extractum Veratri Viridis Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 Tinctura Veratri Viridis, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Viburnum Opulus. 
 
 Extractum Viburni Opuli Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Viburnum Prunifolium. 
 
 Extractum Viburnii Prunifolii Fluidum. TJ. S, 
 
 Vitellus. 
 
 Glyceritum Vitelli, TJ. S. 
 
 Xanthoxylum. 
 
 Extractum Xanthoxyli Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Zinci Oxidum. 
 
 Oleatum Zinci, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Unguentum Zinci Oxidi, TJ. S., Br. 
 
 Zingiber. 
 
 Confectio Opii, Br. 
 
 Scammonii, Br. 
 
 Extractum Zingiberis Fluidum, TJ. S. 
 
 Infusum Zingiberis, Br. 
 
 Oleoresina Zingiberis, TJ. S. 
 
 Pilula Scillse Composita, Br. 
 
 Pulvis Aromaticus, TJ. S. 
 
 Cinnamomi Compositus, Br. 
 
 Jalapse Compositus, Br. 
 
 Opii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Rhei Compositus, U. S., Br. 
 
 Scammonii Compositus, Br. 
 
 Syrupus Zingiberis, TJ. S. y Br. 
 
 Tinctura Zingiberis, U. S. } Br. 
 
 Fortior, Br. 
 
 Vinum Aloes, Br. 
 
GENERAL INDEX 
 
 BOTANY, MATERIA MEDICA, CHEMISTRY, AND PHARMACY. 
 
 4 BEDUL, 337 
 
 A Abelmoschus esculentus, 168 
 moschatus, 168 
 Abfiihrpillen, 1241 
 Abies alba, 1586 
 balsamea, 1584 
 canadensis, 930 
 excelsa, 1252, 1586 
 Fraseri, 1585 
 Larix, 930 
 Menziesii, 1586 
 pectinata, 1586 
 Abietene, 1158 
 Abkochungen, 575 
 Abrin, 1 
 Abrotano, 4 
 Abrus precatorius, 1 
 Absinthe, 4 
 commune, 3 
 Absinthin, 4 
 Absinthium, 3 
 vulgare, 3 
 Absinthol, 4 
 Absorbent cotton, 790 
 Abstracts, 646 
 Abuta amara, 1197 
 rufescens, 1198 
 Abutilon Avicennse, 168 
 indicum, 168 
 Acacia, 5 
 Adansonii, 5 
 anthelmintica, 910 
 arabica, 5, 427 
 Catechu, 425 
 decurrens, 7, 427 
 Ehrenbergii, 6 
 Farnesiana, 8 
 fistula, 7 
 formosa, 8 
 Greggii, 923 
 homalophylla, 8 
 horrida, 7 
 Jurema, 427 
 melanoxylon, 8 
 nilotica, 5 
 pycnantha, 7 
 Senegal, 5, 7 
 Seyal, 6 
 stenocarpa, 7 
 Suma, 425 
 tomentosa, 5 
 tortilis, 6 
 vera, verek, 5 
 virginalis, 427 
 Acaciae gummi, 5 
 Acajou & pommes, 207 
 Acantho-mastich, 1024 
 Acebo, 861 
 Acederilla, 1185 
 Aceite de cacao, 1161 
 de higado de bacalao, 1132 
 
 | Acetal, 11, 12 
 Acetaldehyde, 1195 
 Acetanilid, 8, 10 
 Acetanilidum, 8 
 Acetas alumini, 176 
 ammonicus liquid us, 948 
 cupricus, 560 
 kalicus, 1275 
 
 morphicus, morphime, 1056 
 natricus, 1450 
 plumbicus, 1258 
 potassicus, 1275 
 sodicus, 1450 
 zincicus, 1719 
 Acetate d’alumine, 176 
 d’ammoniaque, 948 
 de cuivre, 560 
 basique, 561 
 d’ethyle, 137 
 de morphine, 1056 
 de plomb, 1258 
 de potasse, 1275 
 de soude, 1450 
 de zinc, 1719 
 ferrique liquide, 955 
 Acetbromanilid, 9 
 Aceto, 12 
 antisettico, 14 
 aromatico, 14 
 scillitico, 16 
 Acetole antiseptic, 14 
 aromatique, 14 
 de scille, 16 
 Acetomel, 1187 
 Acetone, Acetonum, 11, 157 
 chloroform, 471 
 Acetophenone, 11, 12 
 Acetum, 12 
 
 antisepticum, 14 
 ararobse, 475 
 aromaticum, 14 
 cantharidis, 15 
 concentratum, 20 
 crudum, 12 
 destillatum, 13, 22 
 glaciate, 19 
 ipecacuanhse, 15 
 opii, 15 
 
 plumbicum, 973 
 purum, 13, 22 
 pyrolignosum, 18 
 rubi idiei, 1569 
 sanguinatise, 1409 
 saturni, 973 
 scillse, 16 
 scilliticum, 16 
 vini, 13 
 
 Acetylamidobenzol, 8 
 Acetylene, 18 
 
 Acetylphenylhydrazine, 1215 
 j Ache, 1212 
 
 Ache de montagne, 935 
 des chiens, 531 
 Achillea, 16 
 Achillea ageratum, 17 
 atrata, 17 
 Millefolium, 16 
 moschata, 17 
 nana, 17 
 nobilis, 17 
 Ptarmicas, 17, 215 
 Achillein, Achilletin, 16, 17 
 Achiotillo, 291 
 Achras Balata, 802 
 mammosa, 766 
 sapota, 1047 
 
 Acid, abietic, 1253, 1365, 1586 
 abric, 1 
 
 acetic, 17, 20, 152, 618, 772 
 aromatic, 20 
 derivatives, 20 
 diluted, 13, 22 
 glacial, 19 
 achilleic, 17 
 aconitic, 51, 120 
 sescinic, sesculetinic, 814 
 agaric, 144 
 ailanthic, 146 
 aloetic, 164 
 alorcinic, 165 
 alphaoxynaphtoic, 1074 
 amidoacetic, 715 
 amidoisethionic, 715 
 amidosuccinic, 168 
 amygdalic, 195 
 anacardic, 207 
 anchusic, 153 
 angelic, 210, 865 
 anthemic, anthemidic, 546, 1026 
 antirrhinic, 583, 938 
 apoglucinic, 814 
 apophyllic, 1171 
 arabic, 6 
 arachic, 1140 
 arsenic, 24, 293 
 arsenous, 22, 24 
 aspartic, 168 
 aspertannic, 763 
 auric, 314 
 azaleinic, 17 
 beberic, 1077 
 behenic, 1154, 1445 
 belladonnic, 306 
 benzoic, 31 
 betulo-resinic, 388 
 boracic, boric, 34 
 borosalicylic, 89 
 brassic, 1445 
 butinic, 1140 
 butyric, 779 
 caerulic, 360 
 
 caffeic, caffeanic, caffcelic, 360 
 1791 
 
1792 
 
 Acid — 
 
 caffeo-tannic, 360, 367 
 cahincic, 367 
 cambogic, 386 
 
 camphoric, camplioronic,388,390 
 camphresinic, 388 
 cantharic, cantharidic, 398 
 carbamic, 1674 
 carbazotic, 86 
 carbolic, 37, 41 
 crude, 37, 38 
 iodized, 39 
 pure, 38 
 synthetic, 37 
 carbonic, 45 
 carminic, 512 
 carthamic, 415 
 caryophyllinic, 417 
 catechuic, 426, 911 
 catechutannic, 426 
 cathartic, 1441 
 cathartogenic, 1441 
 cerotic, 431 
 cetraric, 441 
 cevadic, 1390 
 chamber, 98 
 chebulinic, 1067 
 chelidoninic, chelidonic, 445 
 chloracetic, 20, 22 
 chlorogenic, 360 
 chlorohyponitric, 77 
 chloronitric, 77 
 chloronitrous, 77 
 cholalic, 715 
 choleic, cholic, 714, 715 
 chromic, 47 
 chrysammic, 164 
 chrysophanic, 1378 
 cinchomeronic, 496 
 cinchonic, 496 
 cinchotannic, 491 
 cinnamic, 946, 1119 
 citric, 50 
 cocatannic, 503 
 ccerulic, 360 
 coffeic, 360 
 columbic, 379 
 comenic, 1173 
 convolvulic, 903 
 copaivic, 538, 1365 
 cornic, 544 
 cotarnic, 1171 
 coumaric, 1030 
 cresol-salicylic, 89 
 cresotic, 90 
 cresylic, 44 
 cubebic, 557 
 cuminic, 560 
 delphinic, 113 
 dextrotartaric, 111 
 dichloracetic, 20 
 digallic, 55 
 digitaleic, 583 
 digitaloic, 583 
 
 diiodoparaphenolsulphonic, 880 
 dilactic, 70 
 
 dimethyl-protocatechuic, 120 
 
 dioxysalicylic, 54 
 
 dioxysuccinic, 110 
 
 diphosphoric, 82 
 
 elaic, 78 
 
 elaidic, 79 
 
 elateric, 593 
 
 elemic, 596 
 
 ellagic, 106, 792, 1067 
 
 embelic, 910 
 
 ergotic, 617 
 
 eriodictyonic, 623 
 
 erucic, 1445 
 
 erythric, 924 
 
 erythrophleic, 624 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Acid — 
 
 ethyledenelactic, 69 
 ethylenelactic, 69 
 eugenic, 1117 
 euonic, 630 
 evernic, 924 
 ferulaic, 296 
 filicic, 302 
 fluoric, 67 
 formic, 53, 618, 779 
 fumaric, 441, 759 
 fusco-sclerotic, 618 
 gadic, 1134 
 galitannic, 763 
 gallic, 54, 1067 
 gallotannic, 107. 765 
 gelsemic, 754, 770 
 gentianic, 772 
 gentisic, 772 
 glucinic, 814 
 glycocholic, 714 
 glycyrrhizic, 787 
 gratioloic, 794 
 guaiacic, guaiaretic, 797 
 guaiacolcarbonic, 799 
 guaiaretic, 797 
 gummic, 6 
 gurjunic, 539 
 gymnemic, 811 
 gynocardic, 803 
 helianthic, 808 
 hircic, 1444 
 homosalicylic, 90 
 hordeic, 817 
 hydriodic, 56 
 hydrobromic, 57 
 diluted, 57 
 hydrochloric, 60 
 diluted, 61, 62 
 official, 61 
 hydrocyanic, 1106 
 diluted, 63 
 hydroferrocyanic, 64 
 hydrofluoric, 67 
 hydrosulphuric, 743 
 hypogseic, 1154 
 hypophosphorous, 68, 1218 
 hypopicrotoxic, 1226 
 igasuric, 1085 
 ilicic, 862 
 iodic, 889 
 ipecacuanhic, 894 
 ipomic, 903 
 issethionic, 1104 
 isocetic, 568 
 isolactic, 69 
 isopropylacetic, 113 
 isopurpuric, 65 
 jalapic, 983 
 jervic, 1691 
 juglandic, 905 
 kinic, 490 
 kinotannic, 911 
 kinovic, 491 
 laburnic, 915 
 lactic, 69, 618, 916 
 lactucic, 926 
 lsevotartaric, 111 
 larixinic, 930 
 lauric, 932 
 lecanoric, 924 
 leditannic, 907 
 lichenstearic, 441 
 linoleic, 79, 1129 
 lobelic, 995 
 lupamaric, 999 
 malonic, 70 
 mandelic, 195 
 manganic, 1015 
 mannitic, 1018 
 mastichic, 1023 
 
 Acid — 
 
 matetannic, 862 
 meconic, 1173 
 melilotic, 1030 
 mesotartaric, 112 
 meta-arsenic, 293 
 metaboric, 34 
 metacopaivic, 536 
 metagummic, 6 
 metapectic, 6 
 metaphosphoric, 82, 84 
 metatartaric, 112 
 methoxysalicylic, 799 
 methyl salicylic, 1123 
 muriatic, 60 
 diluted, 61 
 myrisinic, 1065 
 myristic, 900, 1138 
 myronic, 1446 
 nitric, 72 
 crude, 73 
 diluted, 72, 73, 75 
 fuming, 73, 75 
 pure, 73 
 
 nitrocinnamic, 866 
 nitrohydrochloric, 76 
 diluted, 77 
 nitromuriatic, 76 
 diluted, 77 
 nitrophenisic, 86 
 nitroso-nitric, 73 
 nitrous, 75, 565 
 cenanthylic, 1145 
 oleic, 78 
 ophelic, 452 
 opianic, 848, 1111 
 orsellic, 924 
 orthoarsenic, 293 
 orthophosphoric, 82 
 ortho-oxybenzoic, 88 
 orthophenol-sulphonic, 40 
 osmic, 48 
 oxalic, 80, 441 
 oxycopaivic, 538 
 oxynaphthoic, 44 
 oxypropionic, 69 
 oxysalicylic, 772 
 oxytoluic, 90 
 papaveric, 1380 
 paracumaric, 165 
 paraglycocholic, 715 
 paralactic, 69 
 
 para-oxy benzoic, 40, 165, 910 
 para tartaric, 111 
 paulliuitannic, 801 
 perchloric, 1292 
 permanganic, 1015 
 perosmic, 50 
 phenic, 37 
 
 phenoldisulphonic, 1486 
 phenoltrisulphonic, 1486 
 phenylglycolic, 195 
 phosphoric, 82, 83, 84 
 diluted, 82, 84, 85 
 glacial, 83, 84 
 phosphorous, 1218 
 phtalic, 1717 
 phytolaccic, 1225 
 picric, 86 
 picrocyanic, 65 
 picrotoxic, 1227 
 pinic, 1365 
 piperic, 1250 
 pipitzahoic, 1379 
 polygalic, 1437 
 propionic, 779 
 
 protocatechuic, 426, 911, 913 
 prussic, 63 
 pteritannic, 281 
 punicotannic, 792 
 pyrethric, 1333 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1793 
 
 Acid — 
 
 pyroacetic, 19 
 pyroarsenic, 293 
 pyroboric, 35 
 pyrocomenic, 1193 
 pyrogallic, 1335 
 pyroligneous, 18 
 pyrophosplioric, 82 
 pyrosulphuric, 99 
 pyrotartaric, 386 
 quercitannic, 1340 
 quercitic, 1386 
 quinic, 427, 490 
 quinoline-carbonic, 496 
 quinotannic, 491 
 quinovic, 427, 491 
 racemic, 111 
 ratankia-tannic, 913 
 rkabarbaric, 1378 
 rkeotannic, 1378 
 rkeumic, 1378 
 rkceadic, 1380 
 ricinoleic, 1145 
 robinic, 1384 
 
 rubianic, ruberythrinic, 764 
 rubickloric, rubitannic, 764 
 rutinic, 1389 
 sabadillic, 1390 
 saccharic, 80, 1396 
 salicylic, 88 
 salicylous, 1400 
 salicylsulphonic, 90 
 sanguinarinic, 1408 
 santonic, 1414 
 sarcolactic, 69, 1204 
 sativic, 79 
 scammonic, 1370 
 sclerotic, 617 
 sebacic, 79, 903 
 sinapoleic, 1445 
 sinapic, 1446 
 sorbic, 1491 
 sozoidolic, 880 
 sozolic, 40 
 sozonic, 880 
 sphacelic, 618 
 stearic, 96 
 succinic, 96 
 sulphoccerulic, 866 
 sulpho-oleic, 79 
 sulphopurpuric, 866 
 sulphoricinoleinic, 79 
 sulphosalicylic, 90 
 sulphovinic, 130 
 sulphuric, 97 
 anhydrous, 99 
 aromatic, 103 
 commercial, 99 
 diluted, 98, 101 
 pure, 99 
 sulphurous, 104 
 sumbulamic, 1545 
 sylvic, 1365 
 tampicic, 903 
 tanacetic, 1579 
 tannaspidic, 302 
 tannic, 106 
 tartaric, 110 
 inactive, 112 
 taurocholic, 714, 715 
 temulentic, 997 
 thapsic, 1592 
 thebolactic, 69, 1173 
 theobromic, 1161 
 thiomelanic, 1104 
 thujetic, 1598 
 thymic, 1599 
 thymolsulphonic, 1599 
 tiglinic, 1164 
 toluic, 1717 
 toxicodendric, 1382 
 113 
 
 Acid — 
 
 trichloracetic, 20 
 trioxybenzoic, 54 
 umbellulic, 1427 
 uric, 800 
 uvic, 111 
 
 valerianic, 113, 865, 999 
 vanillic, 548 
 veratric, 120, 1390 
 viburnic, 1407 
 viridinic, 360, 1256 
 whey, 917 
 
 xylenesulphonic, 1717 
 Acide acetique, 17, 20 
 aromatise, 20 
 crystallizable, 19 
 de bois, 18 
 dilue, 22 
 arsenieux, 22 
 azotique, 72 
 dilue, 73 
 fumante, 73 
 benzoique, 31 
 borique, 34 
 carbazotique, 86 
 carbolique, 37 
 carboneux, 80 
 carbonique, 45 
 chlorazotique dilue, 77 
 chlorhydrique, 60 
 dilue, 61 
 
 chloro-azotique, 76 
 chloronitreux, 76 
 chromique, 47 
 citrique, 50 
 copahuvique, 1365 
 cyanhydrique, 63 
 du citron, 50 
 du tartre, 110 
 fluorhydrique, 67 
 fluorique, 67 
 formique, 53 
 gallique, 54 
 hydrobromique, 57 
 hydrocyanique, 63 
 hypophosphoreux, 68 
 iodhydrique, 56 
 lactique, 69 
 muriatique, 60 
 nitrique, 72 
 nitroxanthique, 86 
 oleique, 76 
 oxalique, 80 
 phenique, 37 
 cru, 37 
 
 phosphorique, 82 
 glacial, 83 
 medicinal, 84 
 phtorique, 67 
 picrique, 86 
 pyroacetique, 18 
 pyrogallique, 1335 
 pyroligneux, 18 
 salicylique, 88 
 stearique, 96 
 succipique, 96 
 sulfureux, 104 
 sulfurique, 97 
 dilue, 98 
 tannique, 106 
 tartrique, 110 
 thymique, 1599 
 valerianique, 113 
 valerique, 113 
 Acido acetico, 17 
 concentrato, 19 
 diluto, 20 
 benzoico, 31 
 borico, 34 
 carbolico, 37 
 citrico, 50 
 
 Acido — 
 chloridico, 60 
 ciankidrico, 63 
 cromico, 47 
 fenico, 37 
 gallico, 54 
 lactico, 69 
 nitrico, 72 
 ossalico, 80 
 phosphorico, 82 
 picrico, 86 
 salicilico, 88 
 solforico, 97 
 succinico, 96 
 sulfurico, 97 
 tannico, 106 
 tartarico, 110 
 valerianico, 113 
 Acidum aceticum, 17, 20 
 aromaticum, 20 
 concentratum, 19 
 dilutum, 20, 22 
 glaciale, 19 
 pyrolignosum, 18 
 arsenicosum, 22 
 arseniosum, 22 
 arsenosum, 22 
 azoticum, 72 
 benzoicum, 31 
 sublimatum, 31 
 boracicum, boricum, 34 
 borosalicylicum, 89 
 borussicum, 63 
 bromohydricum, 57 
 carbazoticum, 86 
 carbolicum, 37 
 crudum, 37 
 iodatum, 39 
 liquefactum, 39 
 carbonicum, 45 
 catharticum, 1441 
 cklorhydricum, 60 
 chloroaceticum, 20 
 chloronitrosum, 76 
 chromicum, 47 
 chrysophanicum, 1378 
 citri, citricum, 50 
 copaibicum, 1365 
 cresylicum, 37 
 elainicum, 78 
 fluorhydricum, 67 
 formicarum, 53 
 formicicum, 53 
 gallicum, 54 
 gallotannicum, 106 
 hydriodicum, 56 
 hydrobromicum, 57 
 concentratrum, 59 
 dilutum, 57 
 hydrochloratum, 60 
 hydrochloricum, 60 
 dilutum, 61 
 hydrocyanatum, 63 
 hydrocyanicum. dilutum, 63 
 hydrofluoricum, 67 
 hypophosphorosum, 68 
 iodhydricum, 56 
 lacticum, 69 
 dilutum, 69 
 
 limonorum, limonum, 50 
 meconicum, 1173 
 metacopaivic, 538 
 metaphosphoricurn, dilutum, 84 
 muriaticum, 60 
 dilutum, 61 
 nitri, 72 
 nitricum, 72 
 crudum, 73 
 dilutum, 73 
 fumans, 73 
 
 nitrohydrochloricum, 76 
 
1794 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Acidum nitrohydrochloricum— 
 dilutum, 77 
 nitromuriaticum, 76 
 dilutum, 77 
 nitrosonitricum, 73 
 oleicum, 78 
 oleinicum, 78 
 osmicum, 48 
 oxalicum, 80 
 perosmicum, 48 
 phenicum, 37 
 pbenylicum, 37 
 phosphoricum, 82, 83 
 dilutum, 82, 84 
 glaciale, 83 
 picricum, 86 
 pyrogallicum, 1335 
 pyrolignosum, 18 
 salicylicum, 88 
 stearicum, 96 
 succinicum, 96 
 sulfuricum, 97 
 sulphuricum, 97 
 aromaticum, 102, 103 
 crudum, 99 
 dilutum, 98 
 fumans, 99 
 sulphurosum, 104 
 tannicum, 106 
 tartaricum, 110 
 thymicum, 1599 
 trichloraceticum , 20 
 valerianicum, 113 
 valericum, 113 
 Acipenser spec., 860 
 Acmella mauritiana, 1334 
 Acolyctine, 115, 119 
 Aconelline, 119 
 Aconine, 115, 119 
 Aconit, 117 
 
 Aconite-leaves, 117, 118 
 root, 117 
 
 Aconiti folia, 117 
 radix, 117 
 Aconitia, 114 
 Aconitina, 114 
 Aconitine, 114, 119 
 Aconitinsalbe, 1660 
 Aconitinum, 114 
 Aconito, 117 
 Aconitum Anthora, 119 
 Cammarum, 118 
 Cliinense, 119, 122 
 ferox, 119, 122 
 Fischeri, 119 
 heteropliyllum, 119, 122 
 japonicum, 119, 122 
 Lycoctonum, 119, 122 
 multifidum, 119 
 Napellus, 117, 122 
 Palmatum, 119 
 rotundifolium, 119 
 septentrionale, 119 
 Stoerckeanum, 118 
 variabile, 117 
 variegatum, 118 
 virosum, 119 
 vulgare, 117 
 Acore odorant, 367 
 vrai, 367 
 Acoretin, 368 
 Acorin, 368 
 Acorn, 1340 
 coffee, 1341 
 cups, 765 
 Acorro vero, 367 
 Acorus Calamus, 367 
 Acqua, 237 
 de Rabel, 102 
 di catrame, 264 
 di cloro, 256 
 
 Acqua — 
 
 distillata di anice, 254 
 di arancio, 254 
 di cannella, 259 
 di finnocbio, 260 
 di mandorle amare, 253 
 di menta piperita, 264 
 di rosa, 265 
 ossigenata, 261 
 Acquse distillate, 246 
 Acraconitine, 120 
 Acrolein, 779, 1093 
 Acrinyl sulpbocyanate, 1446 
 Actsea alba, 122 
 racemosa, 478 
 rubra, 122 
 spicata, 122, 809 
 Actee a grappes, 478 
 Actinomeris lielianthoides, 808 
 squarrosa, 808 
 Adansonia digitata, 123 
 Gregorii, 123 
 Madagascarieusis, 123 
 Adelfo, 1095 
 Adeps, 124 
 benzoatus, 124 
 benzoinatus, 124 
 lanse, 126 
 
 hydrosus, 126 
 nucistse, 1138 
 praeparatus, 123 
 suillus, 123 
 
 Adiantum capillus Veneris, 127 
 pedatum, 127 
 Adonide, 128 
 Adonidin, 128 
 Adonis aestivalis, 128 
 autumnalis, 128 
 vernalis, 128, 809 
 Adonisroschen, 128 
 Adormidera, 1191 
 Adraganthin, 1643 
 Adrian’s haemostatic, 958 
 ASgle Marmelos, 326 
 iEnas afer, 402 
 iEpiste, 1213 
 Aerugo, 561 
 crystallisata, 560 
 destillata, 560 
 .Esculetin, 770, 814 
 .Esculin, 770, 814 
 Esculus hippocastanum, 770, 813 
 Pavia, 814 
 vEthene, 1104 
 Aether, 129 
 aceticus, 137 
 bromatus, 141 
 formicicus, 137 
 formicus, 132 
 hydriodicus, 143 
 bydrobromicus, 141 
 methylethylicus, 132 
 methylicus, 132, 137 
 petrolei, 333 
 purus, 130 
 pyroaceticus, 11 
 reiner, 130 
 sulphuricus, 129 
 alcoholisatus, 1495 
 Etheriscke Extrakte, 1100 
 (Ele, 1089 
 Etherolea, 1089 
 Etherweingeist, 1495 
 Ethiops antimonialis, 840 
 cretaceus, 847 
 martialis, 736 
 mineralis, 840 
 saccharatus, 1022 
 Ethusa Cynapium, 531 
 Ethyl bromidum, 141 
 iodidum, 143 
 
 Etliylbromid, 141 
 Ethylenchlorkl, 139 
 AEtbyleni bichloridum, 139 
 Ethylenum chloratum, 139 
 Etzammoniak, 248 
 Etzkali, 975, 1269 
 Etzkalk, 379 
 Etznatron, 981, 1448 
 Etzpulver, 1273 
 Aff'enbrot, 123 
 African bdellium, 1069 
 kino, 911 
 marigold, 377 
 pepper, 403 
 saffron, 415, 556 
 Agar-agar, 473 
 Agaric blanc, 144 
 de chene, 759 
 moucbe, 760 
 white, 144 
 Agaricin, 144, 760 
 Agaricinsaure, 144 
 Agaricinum, 144 
 Agarico bianco, 144 
 yesca, 759 
 Agaricus albus, 144 
 chirurgorum, 759 
 igniarius, 759 
 muscarius, 760 
 Agatbin, 227, 232 
 Agathotes Chirayta, 451 
 Agave spec., 145 
 Agouman, 1225 
 Agresta, 1677 
 Agrimonia Eupatoria, 145 
 parviflora, 146 
 Agrimony, 145 
 Agripaume, 933 
 Agropyrum repens, 1647 
 Agtstein, 1155 
 Agua, 237 
 alcanforada, 255 
 de azahar, 254 
 de alquitran, 264 
 de rosada, 265 
 de yerba buena, 264 
 Aguacata, 932 
 Aguamiel, 145 
 Aguardiente de maguey, 145 
 Aigremoine, 145 
 Ail, 159 
 
 Ailanthus excelsa, 146 
 glandulosa, 146 
 malabarica, 146 
 Aix-la-Chapelle spring, 268 
 Ajenjos, 4 
 Ajowan, 560 
 Aj uapar, 819 
 
 Ajuga Chamsepitys, 1589 
 Iva, 1589 
 pyramidal is, 1589 
 reptans, 1589 
 Akakia, 427 
 Akazga, 1086, 1384 
 Akonitblatter, 117 
 Akonitknollen, 117 
 extrakt, 647, 648 
 fliissiges, 648 
 liniment, 938 
 tinktur, 1605 
 Akoniton, 117 
 Alabaster, 376 
 Alant camphor, 876 
 Alantol, 876 
 Alantwurzel, 875 
 Alaun, 169 
 gebrannter, 173 
 glycerit, 783 
 Alaunmolken, 917 
 Alazar, 415 
 Albane, 801 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1795 
 
 Albarraz, 1512 
 Albizza authelmintica, 910 
 Albumen ovi, 147 
 Alcan for, 386 
 Alcaparro, 403 
 Alcaraveo, 415 
 Alcea rosea, 168 
 Alcohol, 147, 779 
 absolute, 147, 149, 150, 152 
 ammoniated, 1499 
 amyl, amylic, 156 
 active, 156 
 tertiary, 200 
 ainylicum, 156 
 camphoratus, 1502 
 camphyl, 388 
 caustic, 982 
 deodorized, 147, 152 
 diluted, dilutum, 147, 149, 152 
 ethvlic, 147, 149, 152 
 metbylic, 157 
 methylicum, 157 
 pentyl, 156 
 phenic, 37 
 pyroligneous, 157 
 pyroxylic, 157 
 salicylic, 1400 
 stronger, 152 
 styryl, 1533 
 sulfuris, 409 
 
 trichloramidoethylic, 455 
 vini, 147 
 Alcoholados, 1602 
 Alcoholometer, 150 
 Alcool, 147 
 amylique, 156 
 assoluto, 150 
 camphre, 1502 
 de bois, 157 
 dilue, 149 
 formique, 157 
 isoamilico, 156 
 methylique, 157 
 Alcoolat ammoniacal, 1499 
 aromatique, 1500 
 fetide, 1501 
 antiscorbutique, 1501 
 d’amandes ameres, 1501 
 d’anis, 1501 
 de cannelle, 1503 
 de cajeput, 1502 
 de chloroforme, 1502 
 de citron, 1505 
 compose, 1507 
 de gaultherie, 1504 
 de genevre, 1505 
 de lavande, 1505 
 de menthe poivree, 1506 
 de muscade, 1507 
 de phosphore, 1507 
 de romarin, 1508 
 Alcoolats, 625, 1494 
 Alcoolatum fragrans, 1507 
 Alcoolaturse, 1604 
 Alcoole aromatique sulfurique, 
 103 
 
 d’anis concentree, 625 
 de menthe poivree, 625 
 Alcooles, 625, 1602 
 concentres, 625 
 Aldehyde, 1195 
 acetic, 1195 
 ethylic. 1195 
 salicylic, 1400 
 Aldehyde-ammonia, 1195 
 Aldehydum trichloratum, 452 
 Alder-bark, 161, 1318 
 Alder buckthorn, 755 
 Aleppo galls, 765 
 Aleppy cardamoms, 413 
 Aletris farineux, 158 
 
 Aletris farinosa, 158 
 Aleurites laccifera, 923 
 triloba, 1130 
 Alexandria senna, 1439 
 Alfilaria, 774 
 Algarobia glandulosa, 7 
 Algarroba de Valencia, 419 
 Alhagi camelorum, 1019 
 Alhenna, 350 
 Alholva, 753 
 Alhucema, 932 
 Alisma americanum, 158 
 Plantago, 158 
 Alizarin, 763, 764, 1314 
 yellow, 1335 
 
 Alkali volatil concret, 182 
 Alkanet, 350 
 Alkanna tinctoria, 350 
 wurzel, 350 
 Alkannin, 350 
 Alkekenges, 159 
 Alkekengi, 159 
 Alkermes, 512 
 aurificum minerale, 225 
 minerale, 224 
 Alkohol, 147 
 Allanite, 416 
 Alleluia, 1185 
 Alliaire commune, 513 
 Alliaria officinalis, 513 
 Alligator pear, 932 
 Allium, 159 
 ascalonicum, 160 
 Cepa, 160 
 Porrum, 159 
 sativum, 159 
 Schcenoprasum, 160 
 Allspice. 1247 
 Allume usto, 173 
 Allylaldehyde, 779 
 Allyl sulphocyanate, 1155 
 tribromide, 160 
 Almendras amargas, 193 
 dulces, 193 
 Almizell, 1058 
 Almond, bitter, 193 
 sweet, 193 
 Almoraduz, 1184 
 Alnus glutinosa, 161 
 serrulata, 161 
 Aloe, 161 
 
 American, 145 
 barbadensis, 161 
 capensis, 161 
 ferox, 161 
 Lingua, 161 
 lucida, 161 
 Perryi, 161 
 purificata, 162 
 socotrina, 161 
 species, 161, 162 
 spicata, 161 
 vera, 161 
 vulgaris, 161 
 Aloebitter, 165 
 
 | Aloedecoct, zusammengesetztes 
 576 
 
 Aloeelixir, 1605 
 Aloeextrakt, 649 
 Aloeklystier, 613 
 Aloepillen, 1238, 1239, 1240 
 Aloes, 161 
 purified, 162 
 Aloes, 161 
 depure, 162 
 du Cap, 161 
 
 hepatique des Barbados, 161 
 j lucide, 161 
 sucotrin, 161 
 Aloeresin, 165 
 Aloetin, 165 
 
 Aloetinktur, 1605 
 Aloewein, 1703 
 Aloin, 163, 165 
 Aloinum, 164 
 Aloisol, 165 
 Alosa Menhaden, 1134 
 Alpenrose, 908 
 Alphanaphtol, 1074 
 Alpinia Cardamomum, 412 
 Galanga, 761 
 officinarum, 761 
 Alpinin, 761 
 Alquitran, 1254 
 Alraunwurzel, 328 
 Alsei, 3 
 
 Alsidium Helminthochorton, 473 
 Alsophila lurida, 759 
 Alstonamine, 166 
 Alstonia constricta, 166 
 scholaris, 166 
 spectabilis, 166 
 Alstonicine, 166 
 Alstonidine, 167 
 Alstonine, 166 
 Altea, 167 
 
 Althaea officinalis, 167 
 rosea, 168 
 taurinensis, 168 
 Althee, 167 
 Altramuz, 998 
 Altsehadenwasser, 998 
 Aluine, 3 
 Alum, 169 
 ammonium, 169 
 ammonio-ferric, 723 
 burnt, 173 
 concentrated, 175 
 dried, 173 
 potassium, 169 
 root, 812 
 slate, 170 
 stone, 170 
 whey, 917 
 Alumbre, 169 
 Alumen, 169 
 
 ammoniacale ferricum, 723 
 exsiccatum, 173 
 ustum, 173 
 
 Alumina hydrata, 173 
 Alumine engelee, 174 
 Alumini acetas, 176 
 aceto-tartras, 176 
 et ammonii sulphas, 169 
 et potassii sulphas, 169 
 hydras, 173 
 nitras, 176 
 sulphas, 175 
 Aluminum, 174 
 acetate, 176, 177 
 aceto-glycerinate, 177 
 aceto-tartrate, 172, 176 
 and potassium sulphate, 169 
 chloride, 176, 177 
 hydrate, 173, 175 
 hydroxide, 173 
 naphtolsulphonate, 1074 
 nitrate, 176, 177 
 oxide, 174 
 sulfuricum, 175 
 sulphate, 175 
 i Alumnol, 1074 
 i Alun ammoniacal, 169 
 brule, calcine, 173 
 I de fer ammoniacal, 723 
 desseche, 173 
 I Alunite, 170 
 Amadou, 759 
 Amalgamation, 287 
 Amandes ameres, 193 
 douces, 193 
 Amandin, 194 
 
1796 
 
 Amanita muscaria, 760 
 Amanitin, 760 
 Amapola, 1380 
 Amarantus spec., 1308 
 Amber, 177, 1155 
 Ambergris, 177 
 Amberkraut, 1588 
 Ambra cinerea, 177 
 flava, 1155 
 grisea, 177 
 Ambre blanc, 439 
 gris, 177 
 jaune, 1155 
 Ambre'in, 177 
 Ambretta, 168 
 Ambrina anthelmintica, 446 
 Ambrosia spec., 178 
 Ambrosie, 178 
 du Mexique, 447 
 Ameisenather, 132 
 Ameisensaure, 53 
 American aloes, 145 
 calumba, 773 
 cannabis, 393 
 centaury, 1391 
 hellebore, 1692 
 hemp, 393 
 holly, 861 
 horsemint, 1045 
 ipecac, 632, 777 
 isinglass, 860 
 ivy, 193 
 
 mountain-ash, 1491 
 nutgalls, 765 
 pennyroyal, 806 
 saffron, 415, 555 
 spikenard, 275 
 veratrum, 1692 
 vermilion, 1280 
 wormseed, 446 
 Amerikanische Narde, 275 
 Amerikanischer Hanf, 393 
 Wurmsamen, 446 
 Amidin, 202 
 Amido, 201 
 Amidobenzene, 211 
 Amidosuccinamide, 168 
 Amidotoluene, 212 
 Amidon de canne, 204 
 de maize, 201 
 Ammivisnaga, 477 
 Ammon. See Ammonium. 
 Ammonia aqua soluta, 248 
 gaseous, 249 
 muriatic, 185 
 nitrate, 189 
 phosphate, 190 
 water, 248, 250 
 Ammoniac, 178 
 African, 179 
 Ammoniaca, 248 
 Ammoniacum, 178 
 Ammonise. See Ammonii. 
 hydrocliloras, murias, 185 
 sesquicarbonas, 182 
 Ammoniak. See also Ammonium. 
 Ammoniakalaun, 169 
 Ammoniak-Emulsion, 610 
 Ammoniak-Fliissigkeit, 248 
 Ammoniakgeist, aromatischer, 
 1500 
 
 Ammoniak-Glycyrrhizin, 788 
 Ammoniakgummi, 178 
 Ammoniak-Kali, weinsaurer, 1316 
 Ammoniak-Liniment 940 
 Ammoniakweingcist, 1499 
 Ammoniaque, 178 
 liquide, 248 
 
 Aminoniated glycyrrhizin, 788 
 mercury, 846 
 Ammonii benzoas, 180 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Ammonii — 
 bicarbonas, 183 
 bromidum, 180 
 carbonas, 182 
 pyro-oleosus, 184 
 chloridum, 185 
 et bismuth! citras, 339 
 et ferri chloridum, 186 
 et potassii tartras, 1316 
 formas, formias, 53 
 iodidum, 188 
 murias, 185 
 nitras, 189 
 phosphas, 190 
 sulphas, 191 
 valerianas, 192 
 Ammonio-ferric citrate, 722 
 sulphate, 723 
 tartrate. 724 
 Ammonium acetate, 948 
 and bismuth citrate, 339 
 baldriansaures, 192 
 benzoate, 180 
 benzoesaures, 180 
 benzoicum, 180 
 bromatum, 180 
 bromide, 180 
 carbamate, 183 
 carbonate, 182 
 carbonicum, 182 
 pyro-oleosum, 184 
 chloratum, 185 
 ferratum, 186 
 chloride, 185 
 purified, 185 
 citrate, 949 
 citronsaures, 949 
 essigsaures, 948 
 fluoride, 67 
 formate, 54 
 glycyrrhizate, 787 
 liydrochloratum depuratum, 185 
 iodatum, 188 
 iodide, 188 
 kohlensaures, 182 
 muriaticum, 185 
 nitrate, 189 
 nitricum, 189 
 phosphate, 190 
 phosphoricum, 190 
 phosphorsaures, 190 
 salpetersaures, 189 
 schwefelsaures, 191 
 sulphate, 191 
 sulphocyanate, 410 
 sulphuricum, 191 
 urate, 800 
 valerate, 192 
 valerianate, 192 
 weinsaures Kali-, 1316 
 Amomis acris, 1137 
 Amomum aromaticum, 413 
 Cardamomum, 412 
 Curcuma, 568 
 globosum, maximum, 413 
 Granum paradisi, 1737 
 Melegueta, 1737 
 repens, 412 
 Zedoaria, 1719 
 Zerumbet, 1719, 1737 
 Zingiber, 1735 
 Amoniaco liquido, 248 
 Ampelopsis Botrya, 193 
 quinquefolia, 193 
 | Amygdala amara, 193 
 dulcis, 193 
 
 Amygdalin, 194, 1320 
 Amygdalus communis, 193, 1105 
 Persica, 1207 
 Amyl-Alkohol, 156 
 Amyl-hydride, 200 
 
 | Amyl — 
 
 hydroxide, 156 
 nitras, nitrate, 196 
 nitris, nitrite, 195 
 Amylsether nitrosus, 195 
 Amylalkohol, 156 
 Amylamina, 1645 
 Amylamine, 1645 
 Amylene, 200 
 hydrate, 200 
 
 Amylenum hydratum, 200 
 Amylin, 202 
 Amylium nitrosum, 195 
 Amylnitrit, 195 
 Amylopsin, 1189 
 Amylum, 201 
 cannse, 204 
 iodatum, 206, 207 
 manihot, 205 
 marantse, 204 
 maydis, 203 
 oryzse, 203 
 solani, 203 
 Amyrin, 596 
 
 Anacamptis pyramidalis, 1399 
 Anacardium latifolium, 207 
 occidentale, 207 
 orientale, 207 
 Anacardo, 207 
 Anacyclus officinarum, 1333 
 Pyrethrum, 1333 
 Anagallis ccerulea, 1318 
 arvensis, 1318 
 Analgen, 450 
 Analgesin, 226 
 Anamirtin, 1227 
 Anastatica Cocculus, 1226 
 paniculata, 1226 
 liieroehuntica, 513 
 Anchieta salutaris, 1711 
 Anchusa officinalis, 350 
 tinctoria, 350 
 Anda assti, 568 
 brasiliensis, 568 
 Gomesii, 568 
 Anderjoia bark, 167 
 Andira anthelmintica, 208, 473 
 Araroba, 473 
 inermis, 208 
 retusa, 208 
 spectabilis, 473, 913 
 vermifuga, 473 
 Andirin, 209 
 Andornkraut, 1020 
 Andromeda arborea, 908 
 mariana, 908 
 polyfolia, 908 
 
 Andropogon Schoenanthus, 1148 
 Anemone Hepatica, 811 
 spec., 1322, 1323 
 Anemopsis californica, 1427 
 Aneth, 209 
 Anethene, 1108 
 Anethi fructus, 209 
 Anethum fceniculum, 752 
 graveolens, 209 
 Angelica-root, 209 
 tree, 274 
 
 Angelica spec., 207 
 Angelicin, 210 
 Angelim amargosa, 208, 473 
 doce, 474 
 pedra, 913 
 Angeline, 913 
 Angelique, 209 
 Anghuzeh i Lari, 295 
 Angosturine, 210 
 Angustura, 211 
 Angustura-bark, 210 
 I Angustura-Infusion, 870 
 I Anhalonine, 356 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Anhalonium Lewini, 356, 357 
 Anidriile cromica, 57 
 Anil, 865 
 
 Anilina, Aniline, 211, 865 
 Aniline dyes, 212 
 Animal charcoal, 408 
 purified, 408 
 Anime, 1587 
 Anis, 214 
 Anis etoile, 863 
 vert, 214 
 
 Anise, Aniseed, 214 
 Anisessenz, 625 
 Anisgeist, 1501 
 Anisdl, 1110 
 Anisum, 214 
 vulgare, 214 
 Aniswasser, 254 
 Annidalin, 879 
 Anodynine, 226 
 Annota, 291 
 
 Anonymos sempervirens, 769 
 Anserine, 774 
 puante, 447 
 sauvage, 447 
 * vermifuge, 446 
 Antennaria dioica, 789 
 margaritacea, 789 
 plantaginifolia, 789 
 Anthemidine, 546, 1026 
 Anthemis, 215 
 arvensis, 215, 1026 
 Cotula, 546 
 nobilis, 215, 1111 
 Pyrethrum, 1333 
 Anthophylli, 417 
 Anthracene, 165, 764 
 Anthraquinone, 764 
 Anthrarobin, 475 
 Anthriscus sylvestris, 531 
 Antiarin, 217 
 Antiaris toxicaria, 216 
 Antichlor, 1471 
 Antidotum arsenici, 737 
 Antifebrin, 8 
 Antifebrium, 8 
 Antihydropin, 399 
 Antikamnia, 11 
 Antilope dorcas, 1060 
 Antimoine cru, 223 
 sulfure, 223 
 
 Antimonii et potassii tartras, 217 
 oxidum, 221 
 
 oxysulpburetum, 224, 225 
 pentasulphidum, 225 
 potassio-tartras, 217 
 sulpbidum, 223 
 sulphuretum, 223 
 aureum, 224, 225 
 praecipitatum, 224, 225 
 Antimonium crudum, 223 
 diaphoreticum, 222 
 muriaticum liquidum, 949 
 nigrum, 223 
 purificatum, 223 
 sulphuratum, 224 
 tartaratum, 217 
 tartarisatum, 217 
 Antimonous-antimonic oxide, 222 
 sulphide, 223 
 Antimonoxyd, 222 
 Antimony and potassium tartrate, 
 217 
 ash, 222 
 black, 223 
 crude, 223 
 diaphoretic, 222 
 glass, 222 
 
 golden sulphuret, 225 
 ochre, oxide, 221 
 oxysulphuret, 225 
 
 I Antimony — 
 sulphide, 223 
 sulphurated, 224 
 tartarated, 217 
 trioxide, 221 
 trisulphide, 223 
 Antinervine, 11 
 Antipyrina, 226 
 salicylate, 227 
 Antipyrine, 226 
 Antipyrinum, 226 
 Antirrhinum Liuaria, 938 
 Antisepsin, 9 
 Antiseptin, 879 
 Antiseptol, 879 
 Antithermin, 227, 232 
 Apatropine, 306 
 Apfelsinenol, 1111 
 Apfelsinenschalen, 312 
 conserve, 312 
 
 Apfelsinenschaalentinktur, 1607 
 
 Aphis chinensis, 765 
 
 Aphrodaescin, 814 
 
 Aphyllon uniflorum, 614 
 
 Apiin, 1212 
 
 Apio silvestro, 1212 
 
 Apiol, 1212 
 
 Apis mellifica, 430, 1027 
 Apium graveolens, 1212 
 petroselinum, 1211 
 Aplopappus discoideus, 574 
 Apoaconitine, 114 
 Apocolchiceine, 518 
 Apocynein, 233 
 Apocynin, 233 
 Apocynum, 233 
 androsaemifolium, 233 
 cannabinum, 233 
 Apollinaris spring, 267 
 Apomorphine, 234, 1171 
 hydrochlorate, 234 
 Apomorphinae hydrochloras, 234 
 Apomorphinum hydrochloric, 234 
 Apoquinamine, 489 
 Aporetin, 1378 
 Apotheme, 646 
 Apozeme sudorifique, 579 
 Apozemes, 867 
 Appert’s method, 851 
 Apple of Peru, 159 
 Apple whiskey, 1503 
 Apyonin, 213 
 Aqua, 237 
 acidi carbonici, 46 
 acidula simplicior, 46 
 alcalina eflervescens, 985 
 ammoniae, 186, 248 
 fortior, 248 
 
 amygdalae amarae, 253 
 amygdalarum amararum, 253 
 diluta, 254 
 anethi, 254 
 anisi, 215, 254 
 aurantii fioris, 254 
 florum, 254 
 fortior, 254 
 calcaria, calcis, 952 
 ustae, 952 
 camphorae, 255 
 camphorata, 255 
 carbolisata, 39 
 carbon ica, 46 
 carui, 255 
 cerasorum, 254 
 chlorata, 256 
 chlori, chlorinii, 256 
 chloroformi, 258 
 cinnamomi, 259 
 spirituosa, 259 
 vinosa, 259 
 coloniensis, 1507 
 
 1797 
 
 Aqua — 
 communis, 260 
 creosoti, 259 
 destillata, 260 
 florum aurantii, 254 
 naphae, 254 
 foeniculi, 260 
 
 fcetida antihysterica, 1501 
 fortis, 73 
 hamamelidis, 261 
 hydrogenii dioxidi, 261 
 laurocerasi, 263 
 laxativa Viennensis, 774 
 lithiae eflervescens, 970 
 magnesio-eflervescens, 970 
 melissae, 1031 
 menthae piperitae, 264 
 viridis, 264 
 mercurialis nigra, 998 
 nigra, 998 
 opii, 1175 
 oxymuriatica, 256 
 phagedaenica, 998 
 nigra, 998 
 picea, 1255 
 picis, 264, 1255 
 pimentae, 264 
 plumbi, 975 
 Goulardi, 975 
 plumbica, 975 
 potassae eflervescens, 978 
 regia, 77 
 
 reginae Hungariae, 1508 
 regis, 76 
 rosae, 265 
 fortior, 265 
 rosarum, 265 
 rubi idaei, 1569 
 salviae, 1406 
 sambuci, 265 
 saturnina, 975 
 sedativa, 265 
 sodae eflervescens, 985 
 tiliae, 1602 
 valerianae, 1682 
 vegeto-mineralis Goulardi, 975 
 vitae, 1503 
 
 vulneraria Thedenii, 102 
 Aquae destillatae, 246 
 medicatae, 246 
 minerales, 265 
 stillatitiae, 246 
 Arabian lavender, 933 
 senna, 1440 
 Arabinose, 7 
 Arabisches Gummi, 5 
 Arabis lyrata, 514 
 Arachis hypogaea, 1153 
 Aralia-bark, 274 
 Aralia californica, 275 
 edulis, 275 
 Ginseng, 275 
 nudicaulis, 275 
 papyrifera, 275 
 quinquefolia, 275, 
 racemosa, 275 
 spinosa, 274, 275 
 Aralie at tige nue, 275 
 Araliin, 274 
 Araliretin, 274 
 Arancio amaro, 310 
 forte, 310 
 
 Aranelo amara, 313 
 Araroba, 473 
 Arbal del la cera, 1064 
 Arbor vitae, 1598 
 Arbre a suif, 1064 
 de vie, 1598 
 Arbutin, 448, 767 
 Arbutus uva ursi, 1678 
 Arcanson, 1364 
 
1798 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Arcanum duplicatum, 1313 
 Archangelica species, 209, 210 
 Archil, 924 
 Arctium Lappa, 928 
 majus, minus. 928 
 tomentosum, 928 
 Arctostaphylos glauca, 1680 
 polifolia, 1680 
 uva ursi, 1678 
 Areca, 276 
 Catechu, 276, 426 
 nut, 276 
 Arecaine, 276 
 Arecoline, 276 
 Arekane, 276 
 Arekanuss, 276 
 Arenaria rubra, 615 
 Arenga saccharifera, 205 
 Argel-leaves, 1440 
 Argemone mexicana, 276, 1048 
 Argent, 287 
 raffine, 287 
 
 Argenti cyanidum, 277 
 et potassii nitras, 280 
 iodidum, 278 
 nitras, 278 
 dilutus, 280 
 fusus, 281 
 oxidum, 285 
 Argentic oxide, 285 
 Argentine, 774 
 Argento, 287 
 Argentum, 287 
 cyanatum, 277 
 foliatum, 287 
 iodatum, 278 
 
 nitricum crystallisatum, 278 
 cum kalio-nitrico, 280 
 fusum, 281 
 mitigatum, 280 
 oxydatum, 285 
 purificatum, 287 
 Argentum vivum, 840 
 Argilla ferruginea, 349 
 hydrata, 173 
 pura, 173 
 Argol, 1280 
 Argyrcescin, 814 
 Argyritis, 1265 
 Aricine, 488 
 Arillus myristicse, 1003 
 Arissema triphyllum, 294 
 Aristol, 879 
 Aristolochia spec. , 1442 
 Aristolochin, 1444 
 Armenian bole, 349 
 Armoise commune, 4 
 Armoracia rusticana, 288 
 Arnica, 289 
 flowers, 289 
 montana, 289 
 root, 289 
 
 Arnicse rhizoma, 289 
 Arnicin, 290 
 Arnikabliithen, 289 
 Arnika-Extrakt, 650 
 Arnikapflaster, 600 
 Arnikatinktur, 1606 
 Arnikawurzel, 289 
 Arnique, 289 
 Arnotta, 291 
 Aro, 294 
 
 Aromatisclier Essig, 14 
 
 Aromatisches Elixir, 597 
 
 Aron, 294 
 
 Aroz, 203 
 
 Arrak, 148 
 
 Arroru, 204 
 
 Arrowroot, 204 
 
 Arsen, 293 
 
 Arseni iodidum, 292 
 
 Arsenias ferrosus, 716 
 natricus, 1451 
 sodicus, 1451 
 Arseniate de fer, 716 
 de soude, 1451 
 Arsenic, 22, 293 
 antidote, 737 
 blanc, 22 
 bromide, 28, 948 
 detection of, 24 
 iodide, 292 
 native, 293 
 oxide, 293 
 sulphide, 24, 
 trioxide, 22 
 white, 22 
 
 Arsenici iodidum, 292 
 Arsenico bianco, 22 
 bianco, 22 
 Arsenicum, 293 
 album, 22 
 iodatum, 292 
 Arsenige Saure, 22 
 Arsenii iodidum, 292 
 Arsenik, 293 
 Arsenous anhydride, 22 
 bromide, 293 . 
 chloride, 293, 947 
 hydride, 293 
 iodide, 292 
 Arsenium, 293 
 iodide, 292 
 Arsentrijodid, 292 
 Arsenum, 293 
 iodatum, 292 
 Arsine, 293 
 
 Arthanite, Arthanitin, 772 
 Artanthe adunca, 1024 
 crocatum, 1249 
 elongata, 1024 
 lancesefolia, 1024 
 Mollicoma, 1230 
 Artemisia Abrotanum, 4 
 Absinthium, 3 
 abyssinica, 5 
 arbuscula, 5 
 cina, 1412 
 
 Dracunculoides, 4, 5 
 dracunculus, 4, 1110 
 filifolia, 4, 5 
 frigida, 4 
 Lercheana, 1412 
 Ludoviciana, 4, 5 
 maritima, 1412 
 pauciflora, 1412 
 pontica, 4 
 ramosa, 1413 
 tridentata, 4 
 trifida, 5 
 vulgaris, 4, 5 
 Artocarpus incisa, 752 
 integrifolia, 752 
 Arum Colocasia, 294 
 esculentum, 294 
 maculatum, 294 
 triphyllum, 294 
 Asa dulcis, 334 
 Asafcetida, 295 
 Emulsion, 611 
 Klystier, 613 
 Asagrsea officinalis, 1390 
 Asant, 295 
 Asanttinktur, 1607 
 Asaprol, 1074 
 Asarabacca, 297 
 Asarene, 297 
 Asaret, 297 
 Asarit, Asarin, 297 
 Asarol, Asa-ron, 297 
 Asarum canadense, 297 
 europseum, 297 
 
 Asarum — 
 
 Sieboldii, 297 
 Asbestos, 986 
 Asclepiade, 298 
 Asclepiadine s 298, 299 
 Asclepias asthmatica, 895 
 cornuti, 298 
 currasavica, 299, 895 
 geminata, 811 
 gigantea, 299 
 incarnata, 299 
 pseudo-sarsa, 811 
 syriaca, 298 
 tingens, 865 
 tuberosa, 298 
 Yincetoxicum, 299 
 Asclepias, flesh-colored, 298 
 Asclepin, Asclepion, 299 
 Ascyrum crux-Andrese, 858 
 Asefetide, 295 
 Asellus major, 1132 
 Aseptol, 40 
 Ash, 756 
 
 Asparagin, 168, 300, 1384 
 Asparago, 300 
 Asparagus ascend ens, 300 
 officinalis, 300 
 racemosus, 300 
 sarmentosus, 300 
 Asperge, 300 
 Asperula odorata, 763 
 Asphaltum, 1210 
 Aspidin, 301 
 
 Aspidium athamanticum, 301 
 Filix mas, 301 
 marginale, 301 
 rigidum, 301 
 spinulosum, 301 
 Aspidosamine, 303 
 Aspidosperma Quebracho, 303 
 Aspidospermatine, 303 
 Aspidospermine, 303 
 Asplenium Adiantum nigrum, 128 
 Filix foemina, 301 
 Euta muraria, 128 
 thelipteroides, 301 
 Assacou, 819 
 Assafetida, 295 
 Assam musk, 1059 
 Assenzio, 3 
 
 Astacus fluviatilis, 553 
 Astragalus spec., 1642, 1643 
 Astrantia major, 1411 
 Astrocaryum vulgare, 1142 
 Athamanta Oreoselinum, 865 
 Athamantin, 865 
 Atherospermia moschata, 348 
 Atherospermine, 348 
 Atis, 119 
 Atisine, 119 
 Atlanchana, 1003 
 Atractylis gummifera, 1024 
 Atropa Belladonna, 327 
 Mandragora, 328 
 Atropia, Atropina, 305 
 Atropin schwefelsaures, 306, 951 
 Atropinse salicylas, 307 
 sulphas, 306 
 Atropine discs, 927 
 salicylate, 307 
 sulphate, 306 
 Atropinsalbe, 1661 
 Atropinsulfat, 306 
 Atropinum, 305 
 sulfuricum, 306 
 Atrosin, 328 
 Attar of rose, 1145 
 Attich, 1407 
 Aubletia trifolia, 1230 
 Aufgiisse, 866 
 Augentrost, 635 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1799 
 
 Aune noire, 755 
 Aunee commune, 875 
 officinale, 875 
 Auramines, 213 
 Aurantia immatura, 311 
 Aurantium amarum, 310 
 Auric chloride, 314 
 Auri chloridum, 314 
 cyanidum. 314 
 et ammonii chloridum, 314 
 et sodii chloridum, 313 
 iodidum, 314 
 oxidum, 314 
 pulvis, 314 
 Auricula, 1318 
 Aurimaru, 566 
 Auripigmentum, 293 
 Auro-natrium chloratum, 313 
 Auro-potassium cyanide, 314 
 Aurone male, 4 
 Aurous iodide, 314 
 Aurum foliatum, 314 
 Austerschalen, 553 
 Australian gum, 7 
 kino, 91 
 manna, 1019 
 Ava, 1025 
 Arena farina, 316 
 sativa, 316 
 spec., 316 
 
 Avenaria rubra, 1419 
 Avenin, 316 
 Avens, 776 
 
 Avocado, Avocatier, 932 
 Avornin, 756 
 Axonge, 123 
 halsamique, 124 
 benzoinee, 124 
 Axungia, 123 
 balsamica, 124 
 benzoata, 124 
 benzoinata, 124 
 castoris, 421 
 pedum tauri, 1114 
 porci, 123 
 porcina, 123 
 Ayuda, 613 
 
 Azadirachta indica, 316 
 Azafran, 554 
 Azafrancillo, 415 
 Azabar, 313 
 Azaleine, 212 
 Azaro, 297 
 Azedarach, 316 
 Azobenzid, 212 
 Azolitmin, 924 
 Azotas argenticus, 278 
 fusus, 281 
 hydrargyrosus, 968 
 plumbicus, 1264 
 potassicus, 1278 
 sodicus, 1472 
 Azotate d’alumine, 176 
 d’ammoniaque, 189 
 d’ argent, 278 
 fondu, 281 
 nitrate, 280 
 
 de bismuth neutre, 344 
 de fer liquide, 963 
 de plomb, 1264 
 de potasse, 1307 
 de soude, 1472 
 mercureux, 968 
 mercurique, 967 
 Azotite d’amyl, 195 
 Azoxybenzid, 1106 
 Azucar, 1394 
 de cana, 1394 
 de leche, 1398 
 Azufayfas, 905 
 Azulene, 1027 
 
 B ABLAH, 427 
 Babul-bark, 427 
 Baccse aurantii immaturi, 311 
 cubebse, 556 
 juniperi, 906 
 lauri, 931 
 phytolaccse, 1225 
 spinse cervinse, 1374 
 Baccharis veneta, 574 
 Bachbungen, 1695 
 Bactyrilobium Fistula, 418 
 Baden springs, 266, 269 
 Baden-Baden spring, 268 
 Badescbwamm, 1509 
 Badger, 1060 
 Badiane, 863 
 Bael-fruit, 326 
 Baerenklaue, 812 
 Baguanaudier, 526 
 Baies de genievre, 906 
 de ronce, 1388 
 Balgena australis, 1134 
 mysticetus, 1134 
 Balata, 802 
 
 Balaustier, Balaustrias, 792 
 Baldrian, 1681 
 Baldrianaufguss, 874 
 Baldrianextrakt, 709 
 Baldrianol, 1166 
 Baldriansaure, 113 
 Baldriantinktur, 1640 
 ammoniakalische, 1640 
 Baleine, 1132 
 Ballotta nigra, 934 
 Balm, 1031 
 of Gilead, 1069 
 fir, 1584 
 Balmony, 446 
 Balsam apple, 559 
 capivi, 536 
 copaiva, 536 
 gurjun, 538 
 lagam, 539 
 Mecca, 1069 
 pine, 1586 
 sumbul, 1545 
 of fir, 1584 
 of Peru, 318 
 of sulphur, 1540 
 of Tolu, 320 
 Balsamea africana, 1068 
 Mukul, 1068 
 Balsam e bianco, 320 
 de Tolu, 320 
 
 Balsamita suaveolens, 1579 
 Balsamite, 1579 
 Balsamo de liquidambar, 946 
 Balsamodendron africanum, 1069 
 Ehrenbergianum, 1068 
 Mukul, 1068 
 Myrrha, 1067 
 Opobalsamum, 1068, 1069 
 Balsamo de San Salvador, 318 
 negro, 318 
 peruviano, 318 
 tolutano, 320 
 Balsamum Arcsei, 1663 
 canadense, 1584 
 commendatoris, 1609 
 Copaivse, 536 
 gileadense, 1069 
 hungaricum, 1586 
 indicum, 318 
 nucistse, 1138 
 opodeldoc, 942 
 peru vianum, 318 
 nigrum, 318 
 styracis, 1532 
 sulphuris, 1130 
 terebintbinatum, 1130 
 tolutanum, 320 
 
 Balsamum — 
 
 vitse Hoflmanni, 320 
 Bambuk butter, 1162 
 Bandolin, 1063 
 Baneberry, 122 
 Banksia abyssinica, 570 
 Baobab, 123 
 Baptiu, Bapticin, 322 
 Baptisia tinctoria, 322 
 Baptitoxin, 322 
 Barbadoes aloes, 161, 162 
 nut, 570 
 tar, 1210 
 
 Barbaloin, 163, 164 
 Barbarea vulgaris, 513 
 Barbary almonds, 194 
 gum, 5 
 
 wormseed, 1413 
 Barbas de Cbiva, 501 
 Barbatimao, 427 
 Barbe de chevre, 1494 
 Barberry, 336, 793 
 Barbimao, 427 
 Barbotine, 1412 
 Bardane, 928 
 Bareges spring, 265 
 Barentraubenblatter, 1678 
 Aufguss, 874 
 Extrakt, 709 
 Barii bromidum, 324 
 carbonas, 324 
 chloridum, 324 
 dioxidum, 322 
 hydras, 324 
 iodidum, 324 
 sulphas, 324 
 Barilla, 1462 
 Barium bromide, 324 
 carbonate, 324 
 carbonicum, 324 
 chloride, 324 
 dioxide, 322 
 hydrate, 224 
 byperoxide, 322 
 iodide, 323 
 peroxide, 322 
 sulphocarbolate, 1486 
 Barlappsamen, 1001 
 Barley flour, 817 
 malt, 1013 
 sugar, 1394 
 Barosma betulina, 354 
 camphor, 355 
 crenata, 354 
 crenulata, 354 
 Eckloniana, 355 
 serratifolia, 355 
 Barracco, 675 
 Barus camphor, 388 
 Baryt kohlensaurer, 324 
 Baryta carbonica, 324 
 muriatica, 324 
 Barythydrat, 224 
 Baryum, 223 
 chloratum, 324 
 Basham’s mixture, 963 
 Basil, 858 
 
 Basilicon ointment, 436 
 Basilienkraut, 933 
 Bassia butyracea, 1047, 1161 
 latifolia, 1162 
 longifolia, 1047, 1161 
 Parkii, 1162 
 Bassora gum, 1643 
 Basso rin, 1643 
 Bass-wood, 1601 
 Bastard ipecacuanha, 270, 1646 
 Batata purgante, 903 
 Bateman’s drops, 1632 
 Bath spring, 269 
 Batiator, 896 
 
1800 
 
 Battley’s sedative drops, 1633 
 Bauchee-seeds, 1321 
 Bauernsenf, 514 
 Baume de Canada, 1584 
 de Carthagene, 320 
 de cheval, 520 
 de copahu, 536 
 de Perou, 318 
 de savon, 942 
 de Tolu, 320 
 des Indes, 318 
 du commaudeur, 1609 
 nerval, 1149 
 ophthalmic rouge, 1667 
 opodeldoch, 942 
 tranquille, 854 
 vert, 1033 
 Baumdl, 1140 
 Baumwolle, 790 
 Baumwollol, 1125 
 Baumwoll Wurzelrinde, 789 
 Extrakt, 677 
 Bauracon, 1458 
 Bay, 931, 1136 
 Bayberries, 931 
 Bayberry, 1064, 1137 
 tallow, 1064 
 Baycuru, 1514 
 Bay-laurel, California, 1427 
 Bay 61, 1136 
 Bay-rum, 1506 
 Bdellium, 1068 
 Bean of St. Ignatius, 1086 
 tree, 422 
 trefoil, 914 
 
 Bearberry-leaves, 1678 
 Bear’s weed, 623 
 Beaver tree, 1011 
 Beberime sulphas, 325 
 Beberine, 325, 1077 
 sulphate, 325 
 Bebeeru-bark, 325, 1077 
 Bebirin scbwefelsaures, 325 
 Beccabunga, 1695 
 Bec-de-gru6, 773 
 Becuiba tallow, 1138 
 Bedford spring, 266 
 Bedstraw, 763 
 Beech drop, 614 
 oil, 1126 
 
 Beer vinegar, 12, 13 
 yeast, 436 
 Beeswax, 430 
 Beggar’s weed, 502 
 Beifuss, 4 
 Beinschwarz, 405 
 Beinwurz, 1550 
 Bel, Bela, 326 
 Belaextrakt, 652 
 Beleno negro, 853 
 Bell metal, 565 
 Belladone, 327 
 Belladonna Blatter, 327 
 Glycerit, 784 
 juice, 1534 
 leaves, 327 
 liniment, 939 
 pilaster, 601 
 root, 167, 327 
 tinktur, 1608 
 Wurzel, 327 
 Belladonnasaft, 1534 
 Belladonnine, 306 
 Belly benzoin, 334 
 Belugo, 860 
 Benedictendistel, 413 
 Bengal cardamoms, 413 
 kino, 912 
 quince, 326 
 turmeric, 569 
 Bengaliscbe Quitte, 326 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Benjoin, 334 
 Benjui, 334 
 Benne, 1153 
 Ben-nuts, 1154 
 Benoite aquatique, 776 
 Benzalcoliol, 319, 1106 
 Benzaldehyde, 1106 
 Benzanilid, 9, 11 
 Benzene, 332 
 Benzenum, 332 
 Benzidam, 211 
 Benzimid, 1106 
 Benzin, 333, 1210 
 Benzinum petrolei, 333 
 Benzoas ammonicus, 180 
 litbicus, 988 
 sodicus, 1452 
 
 Benzoate d’ammoniaque, 180 
 de lithine, 988 
 de soude, 1452 
 Benzoated lard, 124 
 Benzoe, 334 
 Benzoeblumen, 31 
 Benzoelorbeer, 932 
 Benzoesaure, 31 
 Benzoesclimalz, 124 
 Benzoetinktur, 1608 
 Benzoic sulpbinide, 1393 
 Benzoin, 334, 1106 
 odoriferum, 932 
 Benzoinated lard, 124 
 Benzoino, 334 
 Benzoinum, 334 
 Benzol, 332 
 Benzonapbthol, 1073 
 Benzo-phenoneid, 213 
 Benzopyrine, 227 
 Benzosol, 799 
 Benzoylaconine, 119 
 Benzoylecgonine, 505 
 Benzoyleugenol, 1117 
 Benzoyliodide, 1107 
 Benzoylguaiacol, 799 
 Benzoylsulphonicimide, 1393 
 Benzylic alcohol, 319 
 benzoate, 319 
 cinnamate, 319 
 Berbamine, 337 
 Berberide, 336 
 Berberine, 336, 379, 541, 849 
 Berberis, 336 
 aquifolium, 337 
 aristata, 337 
 spec., 337 
 Lycium, 591 
 vulgaris, 336 
 Beberitzen, 336 
 Berberos, 336 
 Berbine, 337 
 Berce, 812 
 Bergamot, 1113 
 Bergamotol, 1113 
 Bergaptene, 1113 
 Bergol, 1209 
 Bergpoley, 1589 
 Bergthee, 767 
 spiritus (geist), 1504 
 Berlin red, 735 
 Berliner Blau, 729 
 Bernsteinol, 1155 
 Bernsteinsaure, 96 
 Berro, 513 
 
 Bertholletia excelsa, 1126 
 Bertramblumen, 1334 
 Bertramgarbe, 17 
 Bertramwurzel, 1333 
 Bertramwurzel tinktur, 1634 
 Beruf kraut, 623 
 Berubigungssaft, 1565 
 Besengiuster, 1431 
 Besenginster-Absud, 580 
 
 Besenginster — 
 
 Extrakt, 703 
 Besenginstersaft, 1535 
 Besenna anthelmintica, 910 
 Bestucheff’s tincture, 1619 
 Beta vulgaris, 1394 
 Betacolcbicoresin, 518 
 Betaine, 591, 939, 1645 
 Betaisoamylene, 200 
 Betanapbtbol, 1072 
 benzoate, 1073 
 salicylate, 1073 
 Betaquinine, 488 
 Bete noir, 399 
 Betel, 1025 
 nut, 276 
 tree, 276 
 Betelnuss, 276 
 Betbroot, 1644 
 Betoine, 934 
 Betonica officinalis, 934 
 Betol, 1073 
 Betula, 337 
 alba, 338, 1255 
 Alnus, 161 
 lenta, 338, 1124 
 papyracea, 338 
 Betulin, 338 
 Beulenbrand, 1718 
 Beurre d’antimoine liquide, 949 
 de cacao, 1161 
 de coco, 1120 
 de Kokum, 766 
 de muscade, 1138 
 de palme, 1142 
 vegetal, 932 
 Bevilacqua, 851 
 Bezoarwurzel, 534 
 Bhang, 394 
 Biacuru, 1514 
 Biancardi balena, 439 
 Bibergeil, 421 
 Bibergeiltinktur, 1613 
 Bibernell, 936 
 Bibirine, 326 
 Bibirurinde, 1077 
 Bicarbonas kalicus, 1277 
 potassicus, 1277 
 sodicus, 1454 
 
 Bicarbonate de potasse, 1277 
 de soude, 1454 
 Bichlorallylene, 460 
 Bicblorure de carbon, 411 
 Bicbromas kalicus, 1279 
 Bichromate de potasse, 1279 
 Bicyanure de mercure, 831 
 Bidens spec., 339 
 Biebernell, 935 
 Bierhefe, 436 
 Bigarade, 310 
 Bigelovia venata, 574 
 Bignonia capreolata, 423 
 Caroba, 901 
 Catalpa, 422 
 Copaia, 901 
 nodosa, 901 
 sempervirens, 769 
 Biiodure de mercure, 833 
 Bikh-root, 119 
 Bile-coloring matters, 714 
 Bile, inspissated, 715 
 Bile de bceuf purifie, 714 
 Bilifuscin, 714 
 Bilihumin, 714 
 Bilineurina, 1645 
 Biliprasin, 714 
 Bilirubin, 714 
 Bilis bubula, 714 
 de bure, 714 
 Biliverdin, 7.14 
 Bilsenkraut, 853 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1801 
 
 Bilsenkrautextrakt, 679, 689 
 Bilsenkrauttinktur, 1623 
 Bilsensaft, 1535 
 Bilsensamen, 853 
 Bilsted, 946 
 
 Birch, 337 ; tar, 338, 1255 
 Bird-glue, Bird-lime, 1712 
 Bird-pepper, 403 
 Bird-weed, 775 
 Bird’s-foot violet, 1616 
 Birke, 337 
 
 Birken-ol, — theer, 1255 
 Birth-root, 1644 
 Bisaingiinsel, 1589 
 Bisamkoerner, 168 
 Bish-root, 119 
 Bisinna, 910 
 Bismuth, 343 
 carbonate, 341 
 citrate, 339, 951 
 lactate, 345 
 nitrate, 344 
 ochre, 343 
 oleate, 1098 
 oxide, 340 
 oxychloride, 344 
 purified, 343 
 salicylate, 345 
 subcarbonate, 341 
 subgallate, 345 
 subiodide, 345 
 subnitrate, 342 
 tannate, 345 
 valerianate, 345 
 
 Bismuthi ammonio-citras, 339, 951 
 carbonas, 341 
 citras, 339 
 
 et ammonii citras, 339, 952 
 lactas, 34o 
 nitras, 344 
 oxidum, 340 
 oxychloridum, 344 
 phosphas, 345 
 salicylas, 345 
 subcarbonas, 341 
 subiodidum, 345 
 subnitras, 342 
 tannas, 345 
 ternitras, 344 
 valerianas, 345 
 Bismuthous nitrate, 321 
 Bismuthum, 343 
 ammoniatum, 339, 951 
 citricum, 339 
 ammoniatum, 339 
 ‘ hydrico-nitricum, 342 
 oxydatum, 340 
 purificatum, 343 
 subcarbonicum, 341 
 subnitricum, 342 
 tannicum, 345 
 trisnitricum, 344 
 valerian icum, 345 
 Bismuthyl carbonate, 341 
 chloride, 344 
 hydroxide, 340 
 iodide, 345 
 nitrate, 342 
 Bistorta, 775 
 Bisulphis sodicus, 1457 
 Bisulphite de soude, 1457 
 Bitartras potassicus, 1280 
 Bitter almond-water, 253 
 apple, 523 
 ash, 1338 
 orange, 310 
 polygala, 1268 
 Klystier, 613 
 Bittercress, 513 
 Bitter-cups, 1338 
 Bitterklee, 1035 
 
 | Bittermandelgeist, 1501 
 Bittermandelol, 1105 
 Bittermandelwasser, 253 
 Bittersalz, 1008 
 Bittersiiss-Aufguss, 870 
 Bittersiiss-Extrakt, 668 
 Bittersiiss-Stengel, 590 
 Bittersweet, 590 
 false, 429 
 Bitterweed, 178 
 Bitterwood, 1338 
 Bitterwurzel, 771 
 Bitumen, 1210 
 Bixa orellana, 291 
 Bixin, 291 
 
 Black alder, 161, 755 
 birch, 338 
 bryony, 353 
 cohosh, 478 
 draught, 874 
 drop, 15 
 elm, 1657 
 galls, 765 
 ginger, 1735 
 haw, 1696 
 hellebore, 808 
 horehound, 934 
 jack, 1341 
 lead, 408 
 maidenhair, 128 
 mustard, 1444 
 night-shade, 328 
 oak, 1341 
 pepper, 1247 
 phosphorus, 1218 
 pitch, 1255 
 root, 934 
 rosin, 1365 
 sanicle, 1411 
 snakeroot, 478 
 tang, 757 
 tea, 1593 
 wash, 998 
 wood, 8, 934 
 Blackberry, 1386, 1388 
 Bladder senna, 526 
 wrack, 757 
 Blanc de baleine, 439 
 de sacchare, 440 
 d’Espagne, 552 
 de fard, 344 
 d’ceuf, 147, 1713 
 de plomb, 1262 
 de Troyes, 552 
 fix, 324 
 
 Blanca rd’s pills, 1243 
 Blankenheim tea, 934 
 Blasenpflaster, 434 
 Blasentang, 757 
 
 Blasenzieliende Fliissigkeit, 954 
 Blatta orientalis, 399, 402 
 Blaud’s ferruginous pills, 1242 
 Blauer Vitriol, 561 
 Blauholz, 804 
 Blauholz-Asud, 577 
 Blausaure, 63 
 Blazing star, 158, 442 
 Ble cornu, 615 
 Bleaching powder, 381 
 Blei, 1266 
 Bleicarbonate, 1262 
 Bleicerat, 435 
 Bleichfliissigkeit, 983 
 Bleichkalk, 381 
 Bleiessig, 973 
 Bleiglatte, 1265 
 Bleiglycerit, 785 
 Bleihyperoxyd, 1266 
 Bleioxyd, 1265 
 essigsaures, 1258 
 salpetersaures, 1264 
 
 Bleipflaster, 605 
 Bleisalbe, 43 
 Bleisalpeter, 1264 
 Bleiwasser, 975 
 Bleiweiss, 1262 
 Bleiweisspflaster, (508 
 Bleiweissalbe, 1670 
 Bleizucker, 1258 
 Blende, 1733 
 Blessed thistle, 413 
 Bleu de Berliu, 729 
 de Prusse, 729 
 suisse, 732 
 
 Blistering cerate, 434 
 collodion, 521 
 liquid, 954 
 plaster, 434 
 Blitzpulver, 1001 
 Blood, 1409 
 Bloodroot, 1408 
 Blooming spurge, 632 
 Blue cohosh, 428 
 flag, 899, 900 
 galls, 765 
 gentian, 773 
 gum tree, 626 
 mountain tea, 1489 
 mass, 1022 
 ointment, 1664 
 pill, 1022 
 stone, 561 
 vitriol, 561 
 weed, 350 
 Blueberry-root, 428 
 Blue-bottle, 414 
 Bluet, 414 
 
 Blumea balsamifera, 388 
 Blut, 1409 
 Blutegel, 814 
 Blutliolz, 804 
 Blutlaugensalz, 1299 
 Blutstein, 735 
 Blutwurzel, 1408 
 Blutwurzel-Extrakt, 701 
 Blutwurzel tinktur, 1637 
 Bocksbart, 1494 
 Bockshornsamen, 753 
 Bcehmeria nivea, 792 
 tenacissima, 792 
 Bog-bean, 1035 
 Bog-bilberry, 1679 
 Bohnenbaum, 914 
 Bohnenkraut, 859 
 Bois amer, 1338 
 de Campeche, 804 
 de gayac, 796 
 d’lnde, 804 
 de reglisse, 786 
 de sang, 804 
 doux, 786 
 enivrante, 1251 
 gentil, 1039 
 sudorifiques, 796 
 Bol, 349 
 Boldine, 348 
 Boldo, 348 
 Boldoa fragrans, 348 
 Boldus, 348 
 Bole, 349 
 
 Bolet amadouvier, 759 
 Boletus chirurgorum, 759 
 fomentarius, 759 
 igniarius, 759 
 laricis, 144 
 purgans, 144 
 Bolus, 349, 1234 
 alba, 349 
 
 armena rubra, 349 
 Bombay masticli, 1023 
 senna, 1440 
 Bombyx, 790 
 
1802 
 
 Bon Henry, 447 
 Bonaire aloes, 163 
 Bonduc-nuts, 1154 
 Bone, 1184 
 ash, 1184 
 black, 405 
 phosphate, 374 
 Boneset, 631 
 Bone spirit, 405 
 Bonjean’s ergo tin, 617 
 Bonnet de pretre, 629 
 Bonplandia trifoliata, 210 
 Booko, 354 
 Borage, 349 
 Borago officinalis, 349 
 Boras sodicus, 1458 
 Borasch, 349 
 
 Borate d’ammoniaque, 1460 
 de soude, 1458 
 Borax, 1458 
 glycerit, 384 
 honey, 1030 
 tartarisata, 1316 
 Boraxweinstein, 1316 
 Bordeaux turpentine, 1586 
 Boretsch, 349 
 Boric anhydride, 35 
 Borneene, 388, 1166 
 Borneo camphor, 388 
 Borneol, 388, 1166 
 Boroglyceridlosung, 784 
 Borothymol zinc-iodide, 879 
 Borraja, 349 
 Borsaure, 34 
 Borsaure weinstein, 1316 
 Bos taurus, 714, 915 
 Boston iris, 900 
 Boswellia spec., 1166 
 Botany Bay kino, 911 
 Botryopsis platyphylla, 1196 
 Boucage, 936 
 Bougies, 768 
 Bougrane, 787 
 Bouillon blanc, 1694 
 Bouillons, 867 
 Bouleau, 337, 1255 
 Boules de Mars, 726 
 de Nancy, 726 
 Boundou, 1086 
 Bourdaine, 755 
 Bourgene, 755 
 Bourgeous de pin, 1586 
 de sapin, 1586 
 Bourrache, 349 
 Bourse a pasteur, 513 
 Bovist, 1000 
 Bovista gigantea, 1000 
 Bowdicliia major, 322 
 Bowman’s root, 777 
 Box, 1679 
 Boxberry, 767 
 Boxwood-bark, 793 
 Brabanter Myrte, 1065 
 Brachdistel, 624 
 Bran, 713 
 Brandy, 148, 1508 
 California, 1508 
 Catawba, 1508 
 Branntwein Mixtur, 1045 
 Brass, 565 
 Brassica alba, 1444 
 campestris, 1446 
 juncea, 1446 
 Napus,1447 
 nigra, 1444 
 Rapa, 1447 
 sinapioides, 1444 
 sinapistrum, 1446 
 Braunelle, 1434 
 Brauner Sirup, 1597 
 Rraunheil, 1434 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Braunstein, 1014 
 Brauselithioncitrat, 993 
 Brau semagnesia, 1007 
 Brausepulver, 1328, 1329 
 Brausewasser, 46 
 Brayera, 570 
 anthelmintica, 570 
 Brayerin, 571 
 Brazil-nuts, 1126 
 Brazilian augustura, 211 
 arrowroot, 205 
 elemi, 596 
 isinglass, 860 
 rhatany, 913 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Breadcrumb, 1041 
 Bread-fruit, 752 
 nuts, 752 
 root, 1321 
 Brechnuss, 1084 
 Brechnussextrakt, 688 
 Brechwein, 1703 
 Brechweinstein, 217 
 Brechweinsteinpflaster, 219 
 Brechweinstein salbe, 1660 
 Brechwurzel, 893 
 Brechwurzelpastillen, 1653 
 Brechwurzelwein, 1706 
 Brechwurzessig, 15 
 Brein, Breiden, 596 
 Breiumschlage, 423 
 Bremen blue, 565 
 green, 565 
 Brenncylinder, 1061 
 Brennessel, 1676 
 Brewer’s yeast, 436 
 Briangon manna, 1019 
 Brimstone, 1538 
 Brindonia indica, 766 
 Brionia, 353 
 Britannia metal, 1511 
 British gum, 205 
 Brodkrumen, 1041 
 Brom, 350 
 Bromsethyl, 141 
 Bromal, 351, 353 
 hydrate, 351 
 Bromaloin, 164 
 Bromacetanilid, 9 
 Bromammonium, 180 
 Brombarium, 324 
 Brombeeren, 1386, 1388 
 Brombeerrinden-Extrakt, 700 
 Brombeerrindensirup, 1568 
 Bromcalcium, 368 
 Brome, 350 
 
 Bromide of iodine, 889 
 Bromine, 350 
 blocks, 352 
 Brominium, 350 
 Bromkalium, 1282 
 Bromlithium, 990 
 Bromnatrium, 1460 
 Bromoform, 351, 353 
 Bromol, 352 
 Bromum, 350 
 
 Bromure d’ ammonium, 180 
 de baryum, 324 
 de calcium, 368 
 d’ethyle, 141 
 d’hyoscine, 851 
 d’hyoscyamine, 852 
 d’iode, 889 
 de lithium, 990 
 de nickel, 1080 
 de potassium, 1282 
 de sodium, 1460 
 de strontium, 1519 
 de zinc, 1721 
 ferreux, 717 
 
 Bromuretum kalicum, 1282 
 
 Bromuretum — 
 lithicum, 990 
 potassicum, 1282 
 sodicum, 1460 
 zincicum, 1721 
 Bromuro de alcanfor, 391 
 di ammonio, 180 
 Bromwasserstofhether, 141 
 Bromwasserstoffsaure, 57 
 Bronze, 565, 1511 
 powder, 1511 
 Brooklime, 1695 
 Broom, 1431 
 pine, 1584 
 tops, 1413 
 
 Brosimum Alicastrum, 752 
 Galactodendron, 752 
 Broth for invalids, 656 
 Brown sago, 205 
 Brucea antidysenterica, 1085 
 Brucine, 1085 
 Bruising, 1324 
 Brunella vulgaris, 1434 
 Brunnenkresse, 513 
 Brunswick green, 565 
 Brustbeeren, 905 
 Brustpulver, 1330 
 Brustthee, 169 
 Bryoidin, 596 
 Bryone blanche, 353 
 Bryonia spec., 353, 354 
 Bryonin, Bryoretin, 353 
 Bryony, 353 
 Buccoblatter, 354 
 Buccoextrakt, 654 
 Bucharian musk, 1059 
 Buchelol, 1126 
 Buchu, 354 
 Buchuaufguss, 868 
 Buchu -leaves, 354 
 Buchutinktur, 1610 
 Buckbean, 1035 
 Buckthorn, 1374 
 Buckublatter, 354 
 Buck-yam, 587 
 Buda subra, 1419 
 Buena magnifolia, 491 
 Bugle, 1589 
 Bugleweed, 1589 
 Bugloss, 350 
 Bugrane, 787 
 Buja, 911 
 
 Bulbe de colchique, 516 
 de saffron batard, 516 
 Bulbus allii, 159 
 colchici, 516 
 scillse, 1429 
 Bully tree, 802 
 Bum-wood, 1382 
 Burdock, 928 
 
 Burgunder Pech, Harz, 1252 
 Pechpflaster, 604 
 Burgundy pitch, 1252 
 wine, 1699 
 Burmarigold, 339 
 Burnet saxifrage, 934 
 Burnett’s disinfecting liquid, 987 
 Burning bush, 629 
 Bursa pastoris, 513 
 Bursera elemifera, 596 
 Bussena, 910 
 Busserole, 1678 
 Butea frondosa, 911, 923 
 gum, 911 
 Butter, 916 
 
 of antimony, liquid, 949 
 of cacao, 1161 
 of cocoanut, 1120 
 paraffin, 1208 
 vegetable, 932 
 Butter-and-eggs, 938 
 
Buttercups, 1364 
 Butterfly-weed, 298 
 Butternussrinden-Extrakt, 682 
 Butternut-bark, 904 
 Butters, 1092 
 
 Button snakeroot, 623, 936 
 Buttonbush, 430 
 Buttonwood, 430 
 Butua, 1196, 1198 
 Butylchloral hydrate, 460 
 Butyrin, 1094 
 
 Butyrospermum Parkii, 1162 
 Butyrum antimonii, 949 
 cacao, 1161 
 nucistse, 1138 
 stibii, 949 
 Buxine, 1077 
 
 Buxus sempervirens, 1679 
 
 C AAPEBA, 1025 
 
 Caballine aloes, 163 
 Gabardine musk, 1059 
 Cabbage-rose petals, 1385 
 Cabbage-tree bark, 208 
 Cacao, 1595 
 butter, 1161 
 medicated, 435 
 Cachets de pain, 1326 
 Cachalot, 1134 
 Cachou de Pegu, 425 
 Cactier, 356 
 Cactus, spec., 356, 357 
 Cacumina sabinse, 1391 
 scoparii, 1431 
 Cadmia, 359, 1733 
 fornacum, 1726 
 Cadmii iodidum, 357 
 sulphas, 358 
 Cadmium, 359 
 bromide, 358 
 iodatum, 357 
 iodide, 357 
 
 oxid, schwefelsaures, 358 
 sulphate, 358 
 sulphide, 24 
 sulphuricum, 358 
 Cserulein, 1027 
 Csesalpinia Bonducella, 1154 
 echinata, 474 
 Cafard, 399 
 Cafe, 359 
 du Soudan, 362 
 Caffea, 359 
 Caffeia, Cafleina, 361 
 Caffeidine, 362 
 Cafleina citras, 366 
 citrata effervescens, 366 
 Caffeine, 361, 801, 862 
 citrate, citrated, 362, 366 
 effervescent, 366 
 triiodide, 362 
 valerianate, 362, 365 
 Cahinca, 366 
 Cahinca-root, 366 
 Cahincin, Cahincetin, 367 
 Caille-lait, 763 
 Cainana, Caninana, 367 
 Cainca, 366 
 Caincawurzel, 366 
 Cajaputol, 1114 
 Cajeputene, Cajeputol, 1115 
 Cajeputgeist, 1502 
 Cajuputol, 625 
 Cake alum, 175 
 gamboge, 385 
 meal, 945 
 saffron, 554 
 Calabar bean, 1220 
 Calabarine, 1222 
 Calaboza, 1200 
 Calabrian liquorice, 674 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Caladium esculentum, 294 
 Calamina prseparata, 1733 
 Calamine, 1733 
 Calamo aromatico, 367 
 Calamus, 367 
 Draco, 1366 
 Calancapatle, 795 
 Calcaria, 379 
 
 carbonica prsecipitata, 370 
 chlorata, 381 
 hydrica, 380 
 hypophosphorosa, 372 
 muriatica, 371 
 phosphorica, 374 
 soluta, 952 
 sulfurata, 384 
 sulfurica usta, 376 
 usta, 379 
 Calcaroni, 1538 
 Calcii bromidum, 368 
 
 carbonas prcecipitatus, 370 
 chloridum, 371 
 hydras, 380 
 hypochloris, 381 
 hypophosphis, 372 
 iodas, 373 
 iodidum, 374 
 oxysulphuretum, 384 
 oxidurn, 379 
 
 phosphas prsecipitatus, 374 
 sulphas, 376 
 exsiccatus, 375 
 sulphis, 376 
 sulphidum, 384 
 
 Calcis carbonas prsecipitatus, 
 370 
 
 Calcium betanaphtolalphamono- 
 sulphonate, 1074 
 bromatum, 368 
 bromide, 368 
 carbonate, 370 
 
 carbonicum prsecipitatum, 370 
 chloratum, 371 
 chloride, 371 
 
 hydrate, hydroxide, 380, 952 
 hydrosulphide, 384 
 hypochlorite, 381 
 hypophosphite, 372 
 hypophosphorosum, 372 
 iodate, 373 
 iodatum, 374 
 iodide, 374 
 
 precipitated carbonate, 370 
 phosphate, 374 
 phosphoricum, 374 
 salicylate, 90, 96 
 salts, 380 
 
 sulfuricum ustum, 375 
 sulphate, dried, 375 
 sulphide, 384 
 sulphite, 376 
 sulphocarbolate, 1486 
 Calciumphospho-lactatsirup, 1557 
 Calculi cancrorum, 553 
 Calendula officinalis, 377, 555 
 Calendulatinktur, 1610 
 Calendulin, 377 
 Calico-bush, 907 
 California nutmeg, 1066 
 oak balls, 765 
 spikenard, 275 
 wine, 1699 
 
 J Calisaya bark, 479, 486 
 Calisayarinde, 479 
 Cal la sethiopica, 294 
 Callicocca Ipecacuanha, 893 
 Callitriche heterophylla, 378 
 verna, 377 
 
 Callitris quadrivalvis, 1024 
 Calomel, 825, 846 
 a la vapeur, 826 
 
 1803 
 
 Calomelas, 825 
 
 Calophyllum inophyllum, 1587 
 Tacamahaca, 1587 
 Calotropis gigantea, 299 
 Hamiltonii, 299 
 procera, 299 
 Calumba, 378 
 Calx, 379 
 chlorata, 381 
 chlorinata, 381 
 sulphurata, 384 
 usta, 379 
 viva, 379 
 
 Calycanthine, 1012 
 Calycanthus spec., 1012 
 Cambodia, Cambogia, 385 
 Camedrios, 1589 
 Camelina sativa, 1154 
 Camellia drupifera, 1594 
 japonica, 1593 
 oleifera, 1594 
 Thea, 1592 
 theifera, 1592 
 Camellin, 1593 
 Camgamba, 754 
 Camomilla romana, 215 
 Camomille commune, 1026 
 de Perse, 1334 
 romaine, 215 
 Campecheholz, 804 
 Extrakt, 678 
 Camphol, 1403 
 Camphor, 386 
 artificial, 1157 
 bromated, 391 
 carbolized, 390 
 ice, 433 
 ledum, 907 
 liniment, 940 
 monobromated, 391 
 oil, 388 
 parsley, 1212 
 phenol, 390 
 salicylated, 389 
 turpentine, 1187 
 water, 255 
 Camphora, 386 
 carbolisata, 388 
 monobromata, 391 
 officinarum, 386 
 phenolata, 388 
 salicylata, 389 
 Camphorated chloral, 454 
 oil, 940 
 phenol, 388 
 Camphors, 1091 
 Camphre, 386 
 monobrome, 391 
 phenole, 388 
 salicyle, 389 
 Cana fistula, 418 
 Canada balsam, 1584 
 Pech-Pflaster, 609 
 pitch, 1253 
 snakeroot, 297 
 turpentine, 1587 
 Canadian hemp, 233 
 moonseed, 1032 
 Canadische Gilbwurzel, 849 
 Hanfwurzel, 233 
 Canadischer-Kornel, 544 
 Thee, 767 
 
 j Canadisches Mondkorn-Extrakt, 
 687 
 
 Terpentin, 1584 
 Canama, 392 
 Canarium album, 596 
 commune, 596 
 Canary-seed, 1213 
 Cancer-root, 614 
 weed, 1317 
 
1804 
 
 Cancerillo, 299 
 Canchalagua, 1391 
 Candleberry, 1064 
 Canela blanca, 392 
 Canella, 392, 498 
 alba, 392, 1715 
 bark, 392 
 del Ceylon, 498 
 Winterana, 392 
 Canelle, 498 
 blanche, 392 
 de Ceylon, 498 
 de Chine, 498 
 de Magellan, 1714 
 Canellin, 393 
 Cane-sugar, 1394 
 Canfora, 386 
 monobromata, 391 
 Canna, 204 
 edulis, 204 
 starch, 204 
 
 Cannabene, Cannabinine, 394 
 hydride, 394 
 Cannabine tannate, 395 
 Cannabinon, 396 
 Cannabis americana, 393 
 indica, 393 
 sativa, 393 
 Cannastarke, 204 
 Canoe birch, 338 
 Cantarella, Cantaridas, 396 
 Cantharidal collodion, 521 
 Canthariden, 396 
 Essig, 15 
 
 extract-Cerat, 434 
 Cantharides, 396 
 Cantharidin, 398 
 Cantharis, 396 
 atrata, 397 
 cinerea, 397 
 marginata, 397 
 Nuttalli, 397 
 vesicatoria, 397 
 vittata, 397 
 Cantuesa, 933 
 Caoutchouc, 593 
 Caoutchoucin, 594 
 Capaloe, 161 
 Cape aloes, 161, 163 
 gum, 7 
 
 Capelvenere, 127 
 Caper, 403 
 spurge, 568 
 Capillaire, 127 
 de Montpellier, 127 
 du Canada, 127 
 Capita papaveris, 1191 
 Capparis species, 403 
 spinosa, 403 
 Capsaicin, 404 
 Capsella Bursa pastoris, 513 
 Capsicin, Capsicol, 404 
 Capsicum, 403 
 annuu m, 404 
 cerasiforme, 404 
 chlorocladum, 404 
 cordiforme, 404 
 fastigiatum, 403 
 fruit, 403 
 frutescens, 404 
 grossum, 404 
 longum, 404 
 Capsicumpflaster, 602 
 Capsique, 403 
 Capsulae papaveris, 1191 
 Capsules, folding, dcvorative, 
 Capucine, 514 
 Caput mortuum, 735 
 Caracas kino, 912 
 sarsaparilla, 1424 
 Caragahen, 471 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Caramel, 1396 
 Caranna, 1587 
 Carapa guianensis, 317 
 Touloucouna, 317 
 Caraway, 415 
 fruit, 415 
 water, 255 
 Carbamid, 1673 
 Carbasus carbolata, 40 
 Carbo animalis, 405 
 purificatus, 405 
 carnis, 406 
 e ligno, 407 
 ligni, 407 
 ossium, 405 
 prseparatus, 407 
 pulveratus, 407 
 vegetabilis, 407 
 Carbolsaure, 37 
 Carbolwasser, 39 
 Carbon, 408 
 bichloride, 411 
 bisulphide, 409 
 de hueso, 405 
 dioxide, 45, 408, 779 
 disulphide, 409 
 monoxide, 408 
 tetrachloride, 411, 1037 
 trichloride, 441 
 Carbonas ammonicus, 182 
 baryticus, 324 
 calcicus prgecipitatus, 370 
 ferrosus saccharatus, 717 
 kalicus, 1287 
 lithicus, 991 
 magnesicus, 1006 
 plumbicus, 1262 
 potassicus, 1287 
 sodicus, 1462 
 zincicus, 1721 
 
 Carbonate d’ammoniaque, 182 
 de baryte, 324 
 de chaux precipite, 370 
 de lithine, 991 
 de magnesie, 1006 
 de plomb, 1262 
 de potasse, 1287, 1288 
 de soude, 1462 
 sec, 1464 
 de zinc, 1721 
 ferrous saccharated, 717 
 lithique, 991 
 niccolique, 1080 
 Carbonato de cal, 370 
 di ammonio, 182 
 di calcio precipitato, 370 
 Carbone di legno, 407 
 vegetal, 407 
 
 Carbonei bisulphidum, 409 
 tetrachloridum, 411 
 Carboneum, 408 
 chloratum, 411 
 iodatum, 877 
 sulphuratum, 409 
 Carbonic anhydride, 45 
 Carbonium, 408 
 Cardamine amara, 513 
 hirsuta, 513 
 pratensis, 513 
 Cardamom, 412 
 Cardamomen, 412 
 Cardamomo menor, 412 
 Cardamomum, 412 
 malabaricum, 412 
 minus, 412 
 768 Cardiaire, 933 
 
 Cardinal-plant, 996 
 Cardo benedetto santo, 413 
 Cardol, 207 
 
 Carduus benedictus, 413 
 marianus, 929 
 
 Carex arenaria, 202, 1425 
 Caricae, 751 
 Carica Papaya, 1204 
 Carlina acaulis, 876 
 Carline thistle, 876 
 Carlsbad spring, 266, 268, 269 
 Carmine, 512 
 Carnallite, 1291 
 Caroba, 901, 1095 
 Carobin, 901 
 Carolina allspice, 1012 
 ipecac, 632 
 pink, 1492 
 Carota, 414 
 Carotin, 414 
 Caroube, Carouge, 419 
 Carpopogon pruriens, 1063 
 Carrageen, Carragaheen, 471 
 Carrot, 414 
 Carta nitrata, 443 
 senapata, 444 
 Cartamo, 415 
 Carthame, 415 
 Carthamin, 415 
 Carthamus, 415 
 tinctorius, 415, 555 
 Carum, 415 
 Ajowan, 560 
 
 Carum, Carui (Carvi), 415, 1116 
 Carvacrol, 859, 1116 
 Carvene, 1116 
 Carvi, 415 
 Carvol, 1108, 1116 
 Carya olivseformis, 905 
 Caryophylli, 416 
 Caryophyllin, 417 
 Caryophyllum, 416 
 Caryophyllus aromaticus, 416 
 Casca de assacou, 819 
 Cascara amarga, 1339 
 sagrada, 1375 
 extrakt, 697 
 Cascarilla, 417 
 Cascai'illa-bark, 417 
 Cascarilleros, 481 
 Cascarillin, 418 
 Caschunuss, 207 
 Casein, 916 
 Cashew gum, 1643 
 nut, 207 
 oriental, 207 
 Cassava, 205 
 bread, 205 
 meal, 205 
 Casse cuite, 419 
 diable, 857 
 en batons, 418 
 monde, 419 
 officinale, 418 
 Cassena, 862 
 Cassia, 3 
 Absus, 1 
 acutifolia, 1438 
 angustifolia, 1438 
 auriculata, 3 
 bacillaris, 419 
 bark, 498 
 brasiliana, 419 
 brevipes, 1440 
 buds, 501 
 
 caryophyllata, 501 
 cinnamomea, 498 
 cinnamon, 499 
 elongata, 1439 
 Fistula, 418 
 grandis, 418 
 lanceolata, 1438, 1439 
 lenitiva, 1438 
 lignea, 498, 500 
 marilandica, 1440 
 medica, medicinalis, 1439 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1805 
 
 Cassia — 
 mollis, 419 
 mosckata, 419 
 obovata, 1439 
 obtusa, obtusata, 1439 
 occidentalis, 361 
 orientalis, 1438 
 pubescens, 1440 
 pulp, 419 
 purging, 418 
 senna, 1438 
 Sckimperi, 1440 
 Cassie, 8 
 Cassienmus, 419 
 Cassumunar-root. 1737 
 Cassuvium pomiferum, 207 
 Cast iron, 744 
 Castanea spec., 420 
 Castaiio, 420 
 de Indias, 813 
 Castilloa elastica, 593 
 Markhamiana, 593 
 Castor, 421 
 americanus, 421 
 canadensis, 421 
 Fiber, 421 
 Castoreum, 421 
 americanum, 421 
 anglicum, 421 
 canadense, 421 
 europseum, 421 
 germanicum, 421 
 moscoviticum, 421 
 rossicum, 421 
 sibiricum, 421 
 Castorin, 422 
 Cat thyme, 1588 
 Cata-cambu, 426 
 Cataire, 424 
 
 Catalpa bignonioides, 422 
 speciosa, 422 
 
 Cataplasma ad decubitum, 1264 
 carbonis, 423, 1041 
 communis, 424 
 conii, 423 
 emolliens, 424 
 fermenti, 423 
 lini, 424 
 rubefaciens, 424 
 sinapis, 424 
 sodfe chlorinate, 424 
 Cataplasmata, 423 
 Cataplasme au charbon, 423 
 avec la cigue, 423 
 avec le levure de bierre, 423 
 chlorine, 424 
 commun, 424 
 de farine de lin, 424 
 de moutarde, 424 
 rubefiant, 424 
 simple, 424 
 Cataplasms, 423 
 Catappa Benzoine, 335 
 Catapuce, 568 
 Cataria, 424 
 vulgaris, 424 
 
 Catechin, 207, 317, 426, 427 
 Catechol, 426, 1371 
 monomethyl ether, 798 
 Catechu, 8, 425 
 artificial, 427 
 nigrum, 425 
 pallidum, 427 
 
 Catechu- Aufguss mit Zimmt, 869 
 Catechured, Catechuretin, 426 
 Cathartin, 1441 
 Cathartocarpus bacillus, 419 
 Fistula, 418 
 moschatus, 418 
 Cathartomannit, 1441 
 Catmint, 424 
 
 Catnep, 424 
 Caulophyllin, 428 
 Caulophyllum thalictroides, 428 
 Caustic, mitigated, 280 
 soda, 1448 
 toughened, 281 
 
 Causticum commune mitius, 1272 
 cum chlorureto-zincico, 1723 
 cum potassa et calce, 1272 
 iodi, 970 
 
 Caustique de Filhos, 1272 
 de Vienne, 1272 
 mitigated, 280 
 Cayenne pepper, 403 
 Ceanothus americanus, 429 
 azureus, coeruleus, 429 
 ovalis, 429 
 Ceara rliatany, 93 
 rubber, 593 
 ! Cebadilla, 1390 
 ! Cebada perla, 817 
 J Cebolla albarrana, 1429 
 Cedrat, 937 
 
 j Cedre de Virginie, 1392 
 Cedrela odorata, 317 
 Cedren camphor, 1392 
 ! Cedrin, 1392 
 Cedriret, 18, 1255 V 
 Cedronella Mexicana, 1031 
 pallida, 1031 
 Cedrus libanotica, 1019 
 Celadine, 445 
 Celaster, Celastre, 429 
 j Celastrus scandens, 429 
 Celery, 1212 
 Celery-seed, 1212 
 Celidonia mayor, 445 
 Celine, 1031 
 Cement, 594 
 ' Centaura menor, 1391 
 Centaurea benedicta, 413 
 Calcitrapa, 414 
 Cyanus, 414 
 Centeno, 202 
 i Centifolienrose, 1385 
 ] Centrolobium spec., 474 
 ! Century-plant, 145 
 i Cephaelis emetica, 893 
 Ipecacuanha, 893 
 Cephalanthus occidentalis, 430 
 I Cera alba, 430 
 
 bianca, blanca, 430 
 citrina, 430 
 flava, 430 
 gialla, virgine, 430 
 Ceramium Helminthochorton, 473 
 Cerasus lauro-cerasus, 930 
 serotina, 1319 
 virginiana, 1319 
 Cerat a la rose, 435 
 de blanc de baleine, 435 
 d’extrait de cantharides, 434 
 de Goulard, 435 
 de resine anglais, 436 
 de sabine, 436 
 de saturne, 435 
 simple, 433 
 j Cerata, 432 
 
 alcanforada, 433 
 j Cerate, 432, 433 
 
 carbonate of zinc, 1673 
 blistering, 434 
 camphor, 433 
 compound, 433 
 cantharides, 434 
 compound resin, 436 
 de Galien, 1661 
 extract of cantharides, 434 
 Goulard’s, 435 
 jaune, 1661 
 laudanisee, 1661 
 
 Cerate — 
 
 lead subacetate, 435 
 resin, 436 
 
 compound, 436 
 rose, 435 
 savine, 436 
 simple, 433 
 soap, 608 
 spermaceti, 435 
 Cerates, 432 
 Cerato de Bell, 435 
 Ceratonia siliqua, 419 
 Cerats, 432 
 Ceratum, 433 
 adipis, 433 
 camphorge, 433 
 compositum, 433 
 cantharidis, 434 
 cetacei, 435 
 
 cum subacetate plumbico, 435 
 extracti cantharidis, 434 
 flavum, 1661 
 Galeni, 1661 
 labiale album, 435 
 laudanisatum, 1661 
 minii rubrum, 609 
 myristicse, 1138 
 plurnbi subacetatis, 435 
 resinse, 436 
 
 compositum, 436 
 rosatum, 435 
 sabinse, 436 
 saponis, 608 
 simplex, 433 
 zinci carbonatis, 1673 
 Cerbera spec., 1096 
 Cereoles, 432 
 
 Ceresin, Ceresinum, 431, 1192 
 Cereus spec., 356 
 Cerevisise fermentum, 436 
 Cerezo, 1319 
 Cerii bromidum, 438 
 carbonas, 438 
 nitras, 439 
 oxalas, 438 
 Cerin, 431, 1341 
 Cerisier de Virginie, 1319 
 Cerite, 438 
 Cerium, 438 
 oxalate, 438 
 oxalicum, 438 
 Cerolein, 431 
 Ceroxalat, 438 
 Ceroxydul, oxalsaures, 438 
 Ceruse, 1262 
 Cerussa, 1262 
 I Cervantite, 221 
 Cetaceum, 439 
 prseparatum, 440 
 saccharatum, 440 
 Cetina, Cetine, 439 
 Cetraria, 440 
 Cetraria Islandica, 440 
 Cetrarin, 441 
 Cevadilla, 1390 
 Cevadine, Cevine, 1668 
 Ceylon cardamom, 413 
 cinnamon, 498, 500 
 moss, 473 
 white yam, 587 
 Chgerophyllum spec., 531 
 Chagual gum, 7 
 Chalk, 552 
 French, 986 
 prepared, 552 
 Chamsedrys, 1589 
 Chamselirin, Ckameliretin, 442 
 Chamselirium carolinianum, 442 
 luteum, 442 
 
 Chameleon mineral, 1311 
 Chamomile, dog, 546 
 
1806 
 
 Chamomile — 
 flowers, 215 
 single, 215 
 
 Chamomilla nobilis, 215 
 officinalis, 1026 
 Chamomille puante, 546 
 Champagne wines, 1699 
 Chanvre americain, 393 
 aquatique, 339 
 batard, 934 
 
 de la Nouvelle-Zelande, 1216 
 du Canada, 233 
 indien, 393 
 Charas, 394 
 Charbon, animal, 405 
 purifle, 405 
 vegetal, 487 
 Charcoal, 407 
 animal, 405 
 poultice, 423 
 Cbardon benit, 413 
 dore, 876 
 etoile, 414 
 Marie, 929 
 Roland, 624 
 Charlock, 1446 
 Charpie, 944 
 
 Cbarta antarthritica, 442 
 antirbeumatica, 442 
 cantharidis, 443 
 cerata, 443 
 epispastica, 443 
 nitrata, 443 
 potassii nitratis, 443 
 resinosa, 442 
 sinapis, sinapisata, 443 
 vesicatoria, 443 
 Chartse, 442 
 
 Cbataigne du Bresil, 1126 
 Chataignier, 420 
 d’Inde, 813 
 Chataire, 424 
 Cbaulmoogra odorata, 802 
 Chaulmugra, 802 
 Chaux, 379 
 eteinte, 380 
 hydratee, 380 
 vive, 379 
 
 Chavanesia esculenta, 593 
 Cbavica betle, 1249 
 officinarum, 1248 
 Roxburghii, 1248 
 Siribora, 1249 
 Checkerberry, 767, 1045 
 Chelerythrine, 445 
 Chelidoine, 445 
 Chelidonine, 445 
 Chelidonium, 445 
 Glaucium, 445 
 majus, 445 
 Chelidoxantbin, 445 
 Cbelone glabra, 446 
 Cheltenham spring, 266, 268 
 Chemical food, 1561 
 Chene, 203 
 Chenevis, 394 
 Chenopode a grappes, 447 
 Chenopodium, 445 
 album, 447 
 ambrosioides, 445 
 anthelminticum, 445 
 Bonus-Henricus, 447 
 Botrys, 447 
 vulvaria, 447 
 Chermes, 512 
 Cherry birch, 338 
 gum, 1643 
 laurel-leaves, 930 
 Chestnut, 420 
 Chetone, 11 
 Chian turpentine, 1586 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Chia-seed, 1406 
 Chicle, 802 
 
 Chicoree sauvage, 1581 
 Chicory, 1581 
 Chiendent, 1647 
 Chile, 403 
 Chilisalpeter, 1474 
 Chillies, 404 
 Chimaphila, 447 
 corymbosa, 447 
 macula ta, umbellata, 447 
 Chimaphilin, 448 
 China, 479 
 cinerea, 479 
 de Mexico, 1424 
 fusca, grisea, 479 
 grass-cloth, 1676 
 nova, 491 
 pallida, regia, 479 
 root, 1424 
 rose, 168 
 rossa, 480 
 rubra, 480 
 China-Absud, 577 
 Aufgusss, 869 
 eisenwein, 1611 
 Extrakt, 660 
 fliissiges, 661 
 weingeistiges, 660 
 Chinamin, 489 
 Chinarinde, 479 
 braune, 479 
 grau, rothe, 479, 480 
 Chinasaure, 490 
 Chinatinktur, 1614 
 
 zusammengesetzte, 1615 
 Chinawurzel, 1424 
 Chinese aconite, 119 
 anise, 863 
 berries, 1490, 
 blistering-flies, 397 
 camphor, 387 
 cardamoms, 413 
 cinnamon, 498 
 galls, 765 
 gelatin, 473 
 isinglass, 860 
 musk, 1059 
 nutgalls, 766 
 persimmon, 588 
 rhubarb, 1377 
 sumach, 146 
 tallow, 1515 
 turmeric, 569 
 Chinesischer Zimmt, 498 
 Chinidin, 494 
 schwefelsaures, 1343 
 Chinidinum sulfuricum, 1343 
 Chinin, 1344 
 baldriansaures, 1361 
 bisulfat, 1345 
 hydrobromat, 1346 
 hydrochlorat, 1348 
 salzsaures, 1348 
 schwefelsaures, 1349 
 sulfat, 1345, 1349 
 wein, 1707 
 Chininum, 1344 
 bisulphuricum, 1345 
 ferro-citricum, 726 
 hydrobromatum, 1346 
 hydrobromicum, 1346 
 hydrochloricum, 1348 
 sulfuricum, 1349 
 tannicum, 1363 
 valerianicum, 1361 
 Chinioidinum, Chinoidin, 448, 489 
 salts, 449 
 
 Chinoidine boras, 449 
 citras, 449 
 hydrochloras, 449 
 
 Chinoidine — 
 tannas, 449 
 Chinoidinum, 448 
 Chinquapin, 420 
 Chinolina, Chinoline, 450 
 Chinoline salicylate, 450 
 tartrate, 450 
 
 Chiococca anguifuga, 367 
 densi folia, 367 
 racemosa, 366 
 
 Chionanthus virginica, 757 
 Chirata, 451 
 
 Chiratin, Chiratogenin, 452 
 Chiretta, Cliirette, 451 
 Chiretta-Extrakt, 659 
 Chiretta-Thee, 869 
 Chirettatinktur, 1613 
 Chironia angularis, 1391 
 Chittem-bark, 1375 
 Chives, 160 
 Chloral, 452 
 butylicum, 459 
 camphorated, 454 
 formamide, 461 
 glycerites, 454 
 hydras, 452 
 hydrate, 452, 454 
 and camphor, 454 
 and phenol, 454 
 hydrocyanate, 455 
 insoluble, 453 
 Chloralamide, 461 
 Chloral-ammonium, 455 
 Chloralcyanhydrin, 455 
 Chloralhydratsirup, 1558 
 Chloralimide, 461 
 Chloralose, 455 
 Chloralphenol, 455 
 Chloralum, 177 
 
 formamidatum, 461 
 hydra turn, 452 
 Chloralurethane, 455 
 ethylated, 455 
 
 Chloramidure de mercure, 846 
 Chlorammonium, 185 
 Chloramyl, 464 
 Chloranil, 89 
 Chlorarseniklosung, 947 
 Chloras kalicus, 1290 
 potassicus, 1290 
 sodicus, 1465 
 Chlorate de potasse, 1290 
 de soude, 1465 
 Chloraurate de sodium, 313 
 Chlorbarium, 324 
 Chlorbutylaldehyde, 460 
 Chlorcalcium, 371 
 Chlore liquide, 256 
 Chlorethane, 139 
 Chlorethylidene, 464 
 Chlorethyline, 139 
 Chloretum hydrargyricum, 820 
 hydrargyrosum, 825 
 Chlorhydrate d’ammoniaque, 185 
 d’apomorphine, 234 
 de cocaine, 504 
 de morphine, 1057 
 de quinine, 1348 
 Chloridum calcicum, 371 
 ferricum, 719 
 ferrosum, 721 
 stibicum, 949 
 Chlorine, 256 
 poultice, 424 
 water, 256 
 Chi oris calcicus, 381 
 Chlorkalilosung, 984 
 Chlorkalk, 381, 954 
 Chlorkohlenstoff, 411 
 Chlormethyl, 1036 
 Chlormethylchloriir, 1036 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1807 
 
 Chlornatrium, 1466 
 Chlornatronlosung, 983 
 Chlornatron-Umschlag, 424 
 Chlorocarbon, 411 
 Chloroeodid, 235 
 Chlorodine, 471 
 Chloroform, 4(51 
 absolute, 4(53 
 anodyne, 1614 
 crude, 462 
 emulsion, 612 
 liniment, 940 
 pure, 463 
 
 Chloroformspiritus, 1502 
 Chloroformwasser, 258 
 Chloroformium, 461 
 Cbloroformum purificatum, 461 
 Cblorogenine, 166 
 Cblorometbyl, 1036 
 Cbloropercha. 967 
 Chlorphenol, 40, 45 
 Chloropicrin, 87 
 Cblorum solutum, 256 
 Cblorure d’ammouium, 185 
 d’antimoine, liquide, 949 
 de baryum, 324 
 de calcium, 371 
 de chaux, 381 
 liquide, 954 
 d’iode, 889 
 
 de mercure et d’ammoniaque, 
 969 
 
 de methyle monochlore, 1036 
 de nickel, 1080 
 d’or et de sodium, 313 
 de potasse, 983 
 de potassium, 1291 
 de sodium, 1466 
 de soude liquide, 983 
 ferrique, 719 
 liquide, 957 
 mercurique, 820 
 zinc, 1722 
 liquide, 987 
 
 Cbloruretum ammonicum, 185 
 aurico-sodicum, 313 
 calcis, 381 
 ferricum, 719 
 hydrargyricum, 820 
 hydrargyrosum, 825 
 potassicum, 1291 
 sodicum, 1466 
 stibicum, 949 
 zincicum, 1722 
 Chlorwasser, 256 
 Chlorwasserstoffsaure, 60 
 Chlorzink, 1722 
 fliissiges, 987 
 Chochos, 998 
 Chocolat de sante, 1596 
 Chocolata cum cetraria, 1597 
 cum ferro, 1596 
 cum salep, 1597 
 cum vanilla, 1596 
 simplicior, 1596 
 Chocolate, 1596 
 drops, 1650 
 tree, 1595 
 Chocolates, 1597 
 Chokeberry, 149 
 Chokecherry, 1320 
 Cholesterin, 618, 714 
 Cholina, 1645 
 Choline, 760, 1384 
 Chondodendron tomentosum, 1196 
 Chondrin, 768 
 Chondrus, 471 
 crispus, 471 
 mamillosus, 471 
 Christdorn, 861 
 Christmas rose, 808 
 
 Christophswurz, 122 
 Chrome green, 1280 
 iron ore, 1280 
 orange, 1280 
 red, 1280 
 yellow, 1279 
 Chi’omic anhydride, 47 
 Chromium trioxide, 47 
 Chromsiiure, 47 
 Chrysaniline, 212 
 Chrysanthemum Chamomilla, 
 1026 
 
 Parthenium, 1198 
 roseum, 1334 
 spec., 1334 
 Tanacetum, 1578 
 Clirysarobin, 473 
 Chrysarobinsalbe, 1662 
 Chrysarobinum, 473 
 Chrysene. 1255 
 Chrysitis, 1265 
 ('hrysophan, 1378 
 Chrysophansaure, 1378 
 Chrysophyllum Cainito, 1047 
 glyciphlceum, 1046 
 Chrysoretin, 1441 
 Church Hill alum-water, 268 
 Churchill’s iodine caustic, 970 
 Churrus, 394 
 Chylariose, 1396 
 Cibotium spec., 759 
 Cichorie, 1581 
 Cichorium Endivia, 1581 
 Intybus, 1581 
 Cicuta maculata, 477, 530 
 maggiora, 530 
 mayor, 530 
 virosa, 477, 560 
 virulenta, 477 
 Cicutaria aquatica, 477 
 Cicutine, Cicutoxin, 477 
 Cider vinegar, 12, 13 
 Cierge a grandes fleurs, 356 
 Cigar-plant, 1003 
 Cigarettes antiasthmatiques, 444 
 medicated, 444 
 Cigue officinale, 530 
 petite, 530 
 vireuse, 477 
 Cilantro, 542 
 Cimicifuga, 478 
 racemosa, 478 
 Serpentaria, 478 
 Cimicifuga-Extrakt, 660 
 fliissiges, 660 
 Cimicifugatinktur, 1614 
 Cimicifugin, 479 
 Cinsebene, 1413 
 Cinchamidine, 489 
 Cinchene, 496 
 Cinchocerotin, 491 
 Cincholine, 489 
 Cinchona, 479 
 Cinchona australis, 480 
 bark, 479 
 spurious, 487 
 
 Calisaya, 479, 481, 484, 485, 487 
 caroliniana, 488 
 cordifolia, 480, 481 
 febrifuge, 490 
 flava, 479 
 glandulifera, 481 
 Howardiana, 481 
 lancifolia, 481, 486, 487, 493 
 Ledgeriana, 482 
 micrantha, 481, 487 
 nitida, 481 
 
 officinalis, 479, 481, 484, 485, 
 487, 493 
 ovata, 489 
 Pahudiana, 481 
 
 Cinchona — 
 pallida, 479 
 Pavoniana, 481 
 pedunculata, 487 
 pitayensis, 481 
 pubescens, 481 
 purpurea, 481 
 rubra, 480, 486 
 
 scrobiculata, 481, 484, 486, 487 
 succirubra, 479, 481, 484, 487, 493 
 tucuyensis, 480, 493 
 Weddelliana, 481 
 Cinchonamine, 489 
 Cinchona-red, 491 
 Cinchonia, 496 
 Cinchonise sulphas, 497 
 Cinchonicine, 488, 489 
 Cinchonic red, 491 
 Cinchonidinse sulphas, 493 
 Cinchonidine, 488, 1352 
 hydrobromide, 495 
 salicylate, 495 
 sulphate, 493 
 Cinchonidin Sulfat, 493 
 Cinchonidinum sulfuricum, 493 
 Cinchonin, schwefelsaures, 497 
 Cinchonina, 496 
 Cinchoninse sulphas, 497 
 Cinchonine, 488, 496, 1352 
 acid sulphate, 497 
 herapathite, 879 
 hydrochloride, 497, 1352 
 iodosulphate, 879 
 sulphate, 497 
 Cinclioninum, 496 
 sulfuricum, 497 
 Cinchotenidine, 495 
 Cinchotenine, 496 
 Cinchotine, 488, 496 
 Cinchovatine, 188, 489, 497 
 Cinconina, 496 
 Cineol, 625, 761, 931 
 Cine res clavelati, 1288 
 Cinis antimonii, 222 
 Cinnabar, 839 
 Cinnabaris, 839 
 Cinnabre, 839 
 Cinnamein, 319 
 Cinnamene, 1533 
 Cinnamic aldehyde, 1119 
 Cinnamodendron cortieosum, 393 
 macranthum, 393 
 Cinnamomum, 498 
 acutum, 498 
 aromaticum, 498 
 Burmanni, 499 
 Camphora, 386 
 Cassia, 498 
 chinense, 498 
 Culiliwan, 501 
 iners, 499 
 nitidum, 499 
 obtusifolium, 497 
 saigonicum, 498 
 Tamala, 499 
 verum, 498 
 zeylanicum, 498 
 Cinnamon, 498 
 bark, 498 
 chips, 498 
 wild, 392 
 
 Cinnamyl-cocaine, 503 
 eugenol, 1117 
 guaiacol, 799 
 Cinosbato, 1384 
 Cinquefoil, 775 
 Circium mexicanum, 413 
 Cire blanche, 430 
 jaune, 430 
 Cissampeline, 1198 
 Cissampelos Abutua, 1196 
 
1808 
 
 Cissampelos — 
 microcarpa, 1196 
 Pareira, 1196, 1198 
 Cissus hederacea, 193 
 quinquefolia, 193 
 Cistus canadensis, 807 
 creticus, 914 
 cyprius, 914 
 helianthemum, 807 
 ladaniferus, 914 
 Citras ammonico-ferricus, 722 
 bismuthicum, 339 
 ferrico-quinicus, 726 
 ferricus, 721 
 liquidus, 962 
 kalicus, 1295 
 potassicns, 1295 
 Citrate d’ammoniaque, 949 
 de bismuth, 339 
 ammoniacal, 339 
 de fer ammoniacal, 722 
 de fer et d’ammoniaque, 722 
 de fer et de quinine, 726 
 de fer et de strychnine, 728 
 de fer liquide, 962 
 de lithine, 992 
 de potasse, 1295 
 liquide, 980 
 
 de sesquioxide de fer, 721 
 ferrique, 721 
 ammoniacal, 722 
 Citrene, Citrylene, 1128 
 Citron, 937 
 Citronenessenz, 1506 
 Citronen kraut, 1031 
 Citronenol, 1128 
 Citronensaft, 937 
 Citronensaure, 50 
 Citronensauresyrup, 1553 
 Citronenschale, 937 
 Citronenschalentinktur, 1627 
 Citronensyrup, 1565 
 Citro-phosphate de fer et de soude, 
 737 
 
 Citro-pyrophosphate de fer et de 
 soude, 739 
 Citrosma, 348 
 Citrullus Colocynthis, 523 
 vulgaris, 559 
 Citrus acida, 937 
 acris, 937 
 amara, 310 
 
 Aurantium, 310, 312, 313, 1111 
 Bergamia, 1113 
 Bigaradia, 310 
 dulcis, 312 
 Limetta, 937 
 Limonum, 937 
 Lumia, 937 
 medica, 937 
 vulgaris, 310, 313, 1112 
 Citysine, 915 
 Civetta, Civet, 1060 
 Civette, 160, 1060 
 Claret, 1708 
 Clavalier, 1715 
 Clavaria clavus, 616 
 Clavelli cinnamomi, 501 
 Claviceps purpurea, 615 
 Clavos de especia, 416 
 Clavus secalinus, 615 
 Clearing nuts, 1086 
 Cleavers, 763 
 Clematis spec., 501 
 Clematite, 501 
 Cloral hidratado, 452 
 Cloralio idrato, 452 
 Clorhidrato de amoniaco, 185 
 di apomorfina, 234 
 Cloroformio, 461 
 Cloruro di ammonio, 185 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Cloruro — 
 di calcio, 371 
 di oro e di sodio, 313 
 Clotbur, spiny, 929 
 Clous aromatiques, 416 
 matrices, 417 
 Clove-bark, 501 
 Clove-stalks, 417 
 Cloves, 416 
 Club moss, 1001 
 Clutia Cascarilla, 416 
 Eluteria, 416 
 Clysma tonicum, 613 
 Clysmata, 613 
 Clysteria, 613 
 Clysters, 613 
 Cnicin, 413 
 
 Cnicus benedictus, 413 
 Coal, anthracite, 408 
 bituminous, 408 
 fish, 1133 
 naphtha, 332 
 oil, 1209 
 tar, 332 
 dyes, 212 
 creosote, 547 
 Cobalt, tin-white, 293 
 Cobalt-glance, Cobaltum, 293 
 Cobre, 565 
 
 Coca, Coca-leaves, 502 
 Cocablatter, 502 
 Cocaextrakt, 662 
 fliissiges, 662 
 
 Cocainae hydrochloras, 504 
 Cocaine, 503, 505 
 benzoate, 505 
 discs, 927 
 
 hydrochlorate, 504 
 nitrate, 505 
 phenylate, 505 
 
 Cocainum hydrochloricum, 503 
 Cocamine, 503 
 Coccionella, 511 
 Cocco, 294 
 Coccognin, 1040 
 Coccoloba floridana, 912 
 parvifolia, 912 
 uvifera, 912 
 
 Cocculus Chondodendron, 1196 
 indicus, 1226 
 palmatus, 378 
 suberosus, 1226 
 toxiferus, 566 
 Coccus Cacti, 511 
 ilicis, 512 
 lacca, 923 
 maniparus, 1019 
 Cochenille, 511 
 Cochenilletinktur, 1616 
 Cochin turmeric, 569 
 Cochineal, 511 
 Cochlearia, 512 
 Armoracia, 288 
 officinalis, 512 
 rueticana, 288 
 
 Cochi! ospermum Gossypium, 7 
 Cocill’ana-bark, 899 
 Cocklebur, 929 
 Cockioach, 399 
 j Cockspur-thorn, 1491 
 Coclearia, 512 
 | Cocoa, 1596 
 | Cocoanut butter, 1120 
 ] Cocos aculeata, 1142 
 butyracea, 1120 
 nucifera, 1120 
 ! Cod, common, 1132 
 Codamine, 1172 
 Codeina, 514, 1171 
 Codeine, 514, 1171 
 phosphate, 515 
 
 Codeinum, 514 
 phosphoricum, 515 
 Ccerulein, 1027 
 Coerulignone, 18 
 Cceruleum borussicum, 729 
 Coffea arabica, liberica, 359 
 Coffee, 359 
 Coffeinum, 361 
 Coffeol, 361 
 Cognac, 1508 
 Cohambrillo amargo, 592 
 Cohesion-figures, 1095 
 Cohobation, 1090 
 Cohombro, 558 
 Coing, 536 
 du Bengale, 326 
 Coke, 408 
 
 Col de pescado, 860 
 Cola acuminata, 362 
 de mono, 759 
 di caballo, 615 
 Cola-nut, 362 
 
 Colchicine, Colchicein, 518 
 Colchicoresin, 518 
 Colchicum, 516 
 autumnale, 516 
 corm, root, 516 
 seed, 516 
 variegatum, 517 
 Colcothar, 98, 735 
 Cold cream, 1660 
 Colepyrrhin, 714 
 Colic-root, 158, 936 
 Colla animalis, 767 
 piscium, 860 
 Collalia esculenta, 473 
 Colie, 767 
 de poisson, 860 
 Collidine, 1575 
 Collinsonia canadensis, 520 
 Collodio, Collodion, 520 
 Collodion au tannin, 523 
 blistering, 521 
 cantharidal, 521 
 cotton, 1336 
 croton oil, 522 
 flexible, 521 
 iodized, 522 
 iodoform, 522 
 salicylated, compound, 522 
 salicylic, 89 
 styptic, 523 
 vesicant, 521 
 Collodium, 520 
 blasenziehendes, 521 
 cantharidale, 521 
 cantharidatum, 521 
 cum cantharide, 521 
 elasticum, 521 
 flexile, 521 
 hsemostaticum, 523 
 iodatum, 522 
 iodoformatum, 522 
 salicylatum compositum, 522 
 stypticum, 523 
 tiglii, 522 
 vesicans, 521 
 Colloxylin, 520, 1336 
 Collyre de pierre divine, 562 
 Colocasia esculenta, 294 
 antiquorum, 294 
 Colocynth, 523 
 
 Colocynthein, Colocynthin, 524 
 Colocynthin, impure, 525 
 Colocynthis, 523 
 Colocynthitin, 524 
 Cologne-water, 1507 
 Colombo, 378 
 de Mariette, 773 
 Colombowurzel, 773 
 Colophane, 1364 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1809 
 
 Colophene, 1365 
 Colophonia mauritiana, 596 
 Coloplionium, 1364 
 Colophony, 1364 
 Coloquinte, Colloquintide, 523 
 Coloquintenpillen, 1241 
 Colorado cough-root, 936 
 Colorin de peces, 1251 
 Colt’sfoot, 1656 
 root, 1656 
 Columbin, 379 
 Columbite, 1511 
 Columbo, 378 
 American, 773 
 Colutea arborescens, 526 
 Combustion, 1186 
 Comar um palustre, 775 
 Gome’s arsenical powder, 24 
 Comfrey-root, 1550 
 Comino, 559 
 
 Commiphora Balsamodendron, 
 1067 
 
 Common frankincense, 1599 
 mallow, 168 
 silkweed, 298 
 vinegar, 13 
 yam, 587 
 
 Compass-plant, 1199 
 Comptonia asplenifolia, 526 
 Concassi-bark, 167 
 Concentrated alum, 175 
 Conch®, 553 
 pr®parat®, 553 
 Conchinin bydriodate, 1344 
 schwefelsaures, 1343 
 Conchinine, 488 
 Concbininum sulfuricum, 1343 
 Conchinsulfat, 1343 
 Concombre, 558 
 d’ane, 592 
 purgatif, 592 
 sauvage, 592 
 Condensed milk, 916 
 Condurangin, 527 
 Condurango, 526 
 
 Extrakt, fliissiges, 665 
 Conessi-bark, 167 
 Conessine, 167 
 Confectio amygdalae, 1326 
 aromatica, 1327, 1328 
 aurantii corticis, 312 
 eynosbati, 529 
 Damocratis, 528 
 opii, 528 
 pi peris, 529 
 rosae, 529 
 caninae, 529 
 gallicae, 529 
 scammonii, 529 
 sennae, 529 
 sulphuris, 530 
 terebintbinae, 530 
 Confection, aromatic, 1327 
 de poivre, 529 
 de scammonee, 529 
 of almond, 1326 
 of cassia, 419 
 of hips, 529 
 of opium, 528 
 of orange-peel, 312 
 of pepper, 529 
 of rose, 529 
 of scammony, 529 
 of senna, 529 
 of sulphur, 530 
 of turpentine, 530 
 Confectiones, 528 
 Confections, 528 
 Conglutin, 194 
 
 Conhydrine, Conydrine, Conia, 
 531 
 114 
 
 | Coniferin, 1684 
 | Coniine, Conine, 477, 532, 1230 
 ! Conium, 530 
 fruit, 214, 530 
 leaves, 530 
 maculatum, 530 
 Conopbolis americana, 614 
 Conquinamine, 489 
 1 Conquinine sulphate, 1343 
 ! Conserva amygdalarum, 1326 
 aurantii, 312 
 cynorrbodi, 529 
 rosarum, 529 
 tamarindi, 1578 
 Conservae, 529 
 
 Conserve de cynorrliodon, 529 
 d’ecorce d’orange, 312 
 de rose rouge, 529 
 Conserves, 529 
 I Consoude, 1513 
 Constantia wine, 1699 
 Consumption herbs, 934 
 I Consumptive’s weed, 623 
 Contrayerba, Contrayerva, 534 
 Contre-poison de l’arsenic, 737 
 Contusion, 1324 
 
 Convallamarin , Convallamaretin , 
 534 
 
 Convallaria majalis, 534 
 spec., 535 
 
 Convallarin, Convallaretin, 535 
 Convolvulin, Convolvulinol, 902, 
 1367 
 
 Convolvulus, 903 
 Jalapa, 901 
 nil, 903 
 
 orizabensis, 903 
 panduratus, 903 
 Purga, 901 
 Scammonia, 1428 
 scoparius, 1148 
 Conyza squarrosa, 583, 876 
 Copahu, 536 
 Copaiba, 536 
 solidified, 1020 
 Copaibaol, 1120 
 Copaifera Langsdorffii, 536 
 spec., 536 
 Copaiva, 536 
 balsam, 536 
 
 Copaivaharz, Copaivasaure, 1365 
 Pillenmasse, 1020 
 Copalchi-bark, 304, 418 
 Copalm, 946 
 Copal varnish, 540 
 Copiapite, 965 
 Copper, 565 
 acetate, 560 
 aluminated, 562 
 ammoniated, 562, 564 
 ammonio-sulphate, 562 
 arsenite, 564 
 nitrate, 561 
 oxide, 562 
 pyrites, 561 
 spirit, 17 
 subacetate, 561 
 sulphate, 561 
 verditer, 560 
 wire, 565 
 Copperas, 740 
 Copper-colored bark, 487 
 Coptide, Coptine, 541 
 Coptis anemonsefolia, 541 
 Teeta, 541 
 trifolia, 541 
 Coque du Levant, 1226 
 Coquelicot, 1380 
 Coquelourde, 1322 
 Coqueluchon, 117 
 | Coqueret, 159 
 
 Coquille, 1713 
 Coquilles d’huitres, 553 
 Corail, Coral, 553 
 Coral -root, 541 
 Corallium, 553 
 rubrum, 553 
 
 Corallorrbiza multiflora, 541 
 odontorrhiza. 541 
 Corcborus capsularis, 1602 
 olitorius, 1602 
 Cordial, blackberry, 542 
 Cordiale rubi fructus, 542 
 Cordiceps purpurea, 616 
 Coriamyrtin, 543 
 Coriander-fruit, 542 
 Coriandrum, 542 
 sativum, 542, 1121 
 Coriaria myrtifolia, 543 
 Corigliano, 675 
 Corind on, 174 
 granuleux ferrifere, 174 
 Corinthian raisins, 1678 
 Cork oak, 1341 
 Cormus colchici, 516 
 Corn, ergot, 1718 
 poppy, 1380 
 rose, 1380 
 silk, 1718 
 snakeroot, 623 
 starch, 201 
 Corncobs, 1287 
 Cornelian cherry, 544 
 Cornin, 544 
 Corniolo, 544 
 Cornouiller, 544 
 Cornsmut, 1718 
 Corn us, 543 
 circinata, 544 
 florida, 543 
 mascula, 544 
 sericea, 544 
 Coronilla, 583 
 Corrosive sublimate, 820 
 Corsican moss, 473 
 Corteccia aruncia amara, 310 
 Cortex adstringens brasiliensis, 
 427 
 
 angustur®, 210 
 aurantii amari, 310 
 dulcis, 312 
 aurantiorum, 310 
 dulcium, 312 
 beberu, bibiru, 1077 
 canell®, 392 
 caryopliyllatus, 501 
 cascarill®, 417 
 castane® equin®, 813 
 chin®, 479 
 calisay®, 479 
 fuscus, 479 
 regi®, 479 
 ruber, 480 
 cinch on®, 479 
 flavffi, 479 
 pallid®, 479 
 rubr®, 480 
 cinnamomi, 498 
 cassi®, 498 
 chiuensis, 498 
 saigonici, 498 
 zeylanici, 498 
 coccognidii, 1039 
 c idurango, 526 
 c spari®, 210 
 elnteri®, 417 
 euonymi, 629 
 frangul®, 755 
 fructus aurantii, 310 
 citri, 937 
 granati, 793 
 juglandis, 905 
 
1810 
 
 Cortex — 
 granati, 792, 793 
 granatorum, 793 
 hippocastani, 813 
 laricis, 930 
 limonis, 937 
 malicorii, 793 
 mezerei, 1039 
 nectandrse, 1077 
 pomorum aurantii, 310 
 quercus, 1340 
 radicis berberidis, 336 
 gossypii, 789 
 granati, 792, 
 rhamni frangulse, 755 
 Purshiani, 1375 
 sassafras, 1426 
 thuris, 417 
 thymelesc, 1039 
 tbymiamatis, 1534 
 ulmi, 1657 
 interior, 1657 
 Winteranus, 1714 
 Corundum, 174 
 Corvisartia Helenium, 875 
 Corydaline, 545 
 Corydalis, 544 
 fabacea, 545 
 formosa, tuberosa, 545 
 Corylus spec., 545 
 Cosmisches Pulver, 24 
 Cosmoline, 1193 
 Cosso, 570 
 Costmary, 1579 
 Cotarnine, 1170 
 Coto-bark, 1077 
 Cotoin, 1077 
 Coton, 790 
 Cotonetin, 1077 
 Cotton, absorbent, 790 
 benzoic, 791 
 chlorinated, 791 
 chloro-carbolated, 455 
 gum, 927 
 haemostatic, 791 
 iodoform, 791 
 lint, 944 
 purified, 790 
 salicylic, 89, 791 
 wild, 298 
 wool, 790 
 Cottonier, 790 
 Cottonroot-bark, 789 
 Cotton-xyloidin, 1336 
 Cotula, 546 
 
 Cotyledon umbilicus, 546 
 Cotylet, 546 
 Couch-grass, 1647 
 Couleuvree, 358 
 de Virginie, 1442 
 Couleuvrine, 775 
 Coumarin, 763, 1030 
 Coumarouna odorata, 1030 
 Couperose blanche, 1729 
 verte, 740 
 
 Couronne de moine, 1580 
 de St. Jean, 4 
 Court plaster, 603 
 Cousso, 570 
 Cowage, 1063 
 Cowbane, 477 
 Cowberry, 1679 
 Cowhage, 1063 
 Cow-parsnip, 812 
 Cowslip, 351, 1317 
 Cow-tree, 752 
 Coxe’s hive syrup, 1571 
 Crab Orchard salt, 1008 
 Crabs’ eyes, 1, 553 
 stones, 553 
 Craie, 552 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Craie — 
 lavee, 552 
 precipitee, 370 
 preparee, 552 
 Cran de Bretagne, 288 
 Crane willow, 430 
 Cranesbill-root, 773 
 Crataegus Oxycantha, 337, 1491 
 Crataeva Marmelos, 326 
 religiosa, 326 
 Cratiri, 752 
 Crawfish, 553 
 
 Crayon d’iodoforme, 1669 i 
 noir, 408 
 Cream, 916 
 of tartar, 1280 
 fruit, 123 
 Creasote-busli, 923 
 Creasotum, 547 
 Creatin, Creatinin, 656 
 Creme de soufre, 1538 
 de tartrate soluble, 1316 
 de tartre, 1280 
 Cremor tartari, 1280 
 solubilis, 1316 
 Creolin, 40, 45, 550 
 Creolinum, 550 
 Creosol, 547 
 Creosote, Creosoto, 547 
 Creosotum, 547 
 Cresalol, 1403 
 Crescione, 513 
 Cresol, 40, 797 
 salicylate, 1403 
 Cress, 513, 514 
 Cresson alenois, 514 
 de fontaine, 513 
 de Para, 1334 
 des Indes, 514 
 des jardins, 514 
 des pres, 513 
 Cresson ee, 1695 
 Creta, 552 
 laevigata, 552 
 praecipitata, 370 
 praeparata, 552 
 rubra, 349 
 Crisarobina, 473 
 Crisped mint, 1034 
 Crista! line, 357 
 Cristaux de Venus, 560 
 Crocin, Crocetin, 555 
 Crocus, 555 
 antimony, 222 
 martis adstringens, 735 
 aperiens, 735 
 aperitivus, 735 
 sativus, 554 
 Crossopterine, 488 
 Crossopteryx febrifuga, 488 
 kotschyana, 488 
 Crosswort, 1318 
 Croton Cascarilla, 417 
 Eluteria, 417 
 lucidus, 418 
 Malambo, 418 
 niveus, 418 
 philippense, 909 
 Pseudochina, 418 
 sebifera, 1515 
 seed, 1163 
 Tiglium, 1163 
 Croton chloral, 460 
 hydrate, 459 
 Crotonol, 1163 
 Crowfoot, 1364 
 Crown-bark, 479 
 Crown rhubarb, 1377 
 Crumb of bread, 1041 
 Cryolite, 67, 1462 
 Cryptocaria spec., 1077 
 
 Cryptochoetis andicola, 876 
 Cryptococcus cerevisise, 437 
 Cryptopine, 1172 
 Crystalline, 211 
 Crystaux de Venus, 560 
 Cuajaleche, 763 
 Cuassia amarga, 1338 
 Cubeb, 556 
 camphor, 1129 
 Cubeba, Cubebas, 556 
 Clusii, 1250 
 officinalis, 556, 1121 
 spec., 557 
 Cubebse, 556 
 Cubebin, 557 
 Cubic nitre, 1474 
 Cuckoo-flower, 513 
 pint, 294 
 Cucumber, 558 
 tree, 1011 
 wild, 592 
 
 Cucumina sabinse, 1391 
 Cucumis, 558 
 agrestis, 592 
 asininus, 592 
 Citrullus, 559 
 Colocynthis, 423 
 Hardwickii, 524 
 Melo, 559 
 myriocarpus, 526 
 prophetarum, 524, 593 
 sativus, 558 
 trigonus, 524 
 Cucurbita citrullus, 559 
 Lagenaria, 559 
 Melopepo, 1200 
 Pepo, 1200 
 Cucurbitine, 1200 
 Cudbear, 924 
 
 Cuernecillo de centeno, 615 
 Cuir de pomme de grenadier, 794 
 Cuivre, 565 
 ammoniacal, 562 
 Culantrillo, 127 
 Culilawan-bark, 501 
 Culver’s physic, 934 
 root, 934 
 Cumene, 1255 
 Cumin, 559 
 aldehyde, 560 
 des pres, 415 
 faux, 1081 
 Cuminol, 560 
 Cuminum Cyminum, 559 
 Cundurango, varieties, 527 
 Cunila mariana, 859 
 pulegioides, 806 
 Cupellation, 287, 1265 
 Cuphea, species, 1003 
 Cuprammonium, 562 
 Cuprea-bark, 485, 487 
 Cupreine sulphate, 1352 
 Cupreum filum, 565 
 Cupri acetas, 560 
 nitras, 561 
 oxidum, 563 
 subacetas, 561 
 sulphas, 561 
 Cupric oxide, 563 
 Cuprum, 565 
 aceticum, 560 
 aluminatum, 562 
 ammoniatum, 562 
 filum, 565 
 oxy datum, 563 
 sulfuricum ammoniatum, 562 
 vitriolatum, 561 
 Curasao aloes, 163 
 orange-peel, 310 
 Curare, Curarine, 566 
 Curazao, 310 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1811 
 
 Curcas multifidus, 568 
 purgans, 567 
 
 Curcuma angustifolia, 204 
 aromatica, 1719 
 leucorrhiza, 204 
 louga, 568 
 rotunda, 568 
 Zedoaria, 1719 
 Zerumbet, 1719 
 Curcumin, Curcumol, 569 
 Curd soap. 1418 
 Curine, 567 
 Curled mint, 1034 
 Currants, 1678 
 Currier’s sumach, 543 
 Cuscamine, Cuscamidine, 488 
 Cusco-bark, 488 
 Cusconine, 488 
 Cusparia febrifuga, 210 
 Cusparin, 211 
 Cusso, 570 
 Cutcli, 425 
 Cuttlefish bone, 553 
 Cut- weed, 757 
 Cyankalium, 1296 
 Cyanogen, 63 
 Cyanquecksilber, 831 
 Cyansilber, 277 
 Cyanure d’argent, 277 
 de fer, 729 
 de mercure, 831 
 de potassium, 1296 
 Cyanuretum ferroso-ferricum, 729 
 ferroso-potassicum, 1299 
 hydrargyricum, 831 
 kalicum, 1296 
 potassicum, 1296 
 zincicum, 1734 
 Cyanwasserstoff-Saure, 63 
 Cybistax antisyphilitica, 901 
 Cyclamen spec., 572 
 Cyclamin, Cyclamiretin, 572 
 Cydonia europsea, 572 
 japonica, 573 
 vulgaris, 572 
 Cydonium, 572 
 Cymene, Cymol, 560, 1162 
 Cy nan chum, 298 
 Argel, 1441 
 monspelliacum, 1428 
 olesefoliura, 1441 
 Vincetoxicum, 299 
 Cynapine, 532 
 Cynara scolymus, 414 
 Cynips Gall® tinctori®, 764 
 quercus calycis, 765 
 Cynoglossum officinale, 349 
 Cynorrhodon, 1384 
 Cynosbata, 1384 
 Cypripedium, 573 
 parviflorum, 573 
 pubescens, 573 
 Cypripede, 573 
 Cystoseira siliquosa, 758 
 Cytisus Laburnum, 914 
 Scoparius, 1431 
 Cytisin, 915 
 
 ACHWURZ. 1435 
 Dsemonorops Draco, 1366 
 Daffodil, 1076 
 Daggett, 338, 1255 
 Dalbergia arborea, 1153 
 Damiana, 574 
 Dammara australis, 1365 
 Dandelion, 1580 
 Daphne Gnidium, 1039 
 Laureola, 1039 
 Mezereum, 1039 
 Salicifolia, 1040 
 Daphnin, Daphnetin, 1040 
 
 | Darnel, bearded, 997 
 Date-plum, 587 
 Dattelpflaumen, 587 
 Datura Stramonium, 1516 
 spec., 1516, 1517 
 Daturine, 1516 
 Daucus Carota, 414 
 Dead nettle, 934 
 oil, 332 
 tongue, 477 
 
 Deadly nightshade, 327 
 Decocta, 575 
 
 Decoction, of aloes, compound, 
 576 
 
 of barley, 578 
 of broom, 580 
 of cetraria, 576 
 of cinchona, 577 
 of dandelion, 580 
 of elm-bark, 580 
 of Iceland moss, 576 
 of logwood, 577 
 of oak-bark, 578 
 of pareira, 578 
 of pomegranate-root, 577 
 of poppies, 578 
 of sarsaparilla, 579 
 compound, 579 
 Decoctions, 575 
 
 Decoctum aloes compositum, 576 
 cetrari®, 576 
 chin®, 577 
 cinchon®, 577 
 corticis radicis granati, 577 
 granati radicis, 577 
 haematoxyli, 577 
 hordei, 578 
 lusitanicum, 579 
 papaveris, 578 
 pareir®, 578 
 quercus, 578 
 sars®, 579 
 compositum, 579 
 sarsaparillae, 579 
 compositum, 579 
 scoparii, 580 
 taraxaci, 580 
 ulmi, 580 
 
 Zittmanni fortius, 579 
 mitius, 580 
 Decotti, 575 
 Dedalera, 580 
 Deer’s tongue, 936 
 Degutt, 1255 
 
 Dehydrodimethyl - phenylpyra- 
 zine, 226 
 
 Delphinine, Delphisine, 1513 
 Delphinium Consolida, 1513 
 spec., 1513 
 Staphisagria, 1512 
 Dent de lion, 1580 
 Dentaire, 513 
 Dentaria spec., 513 
 Deshler’s salve, 436 
 Desoxyalizarin, 475 
 Destillirte Wasser, 246 
 Destillirter Essig, 13 
 Destillirtes Wasser, 260 
 Deuteropine, 1172 
 Deuto-chlorure de mercure, 820 
 iodure de mercure, 833 
 ioduretum hydrargyri, 833 
 oxide de mercure, 836, 837 
 sulfate de mercure, 839 
 [ Devil’s bit, 442, 936 
 shoestring, 1583 
 Dewberry, 1387 
 Dewees’ carminative, 1044 
 j Dextrin, 203, 205 
 Dextrinum, 205 
 I Dextrose, 203, 1028, 1396 
 
 Diacetyl-morphine, 1051 
 Diachylon-Pilaster, 605 
 Diachylonsalbe, 1663 
 Dialysis, 958 
 
 Diammonium orthophosphate, 
 190 
 
 Diamond, 408 
 fig, 357 
 Diana, 287 
 Diaphtherin, 451 
 Diaspore, 173 
 Diastase, 1013 
 Dicentra canadensis, 544 
 eximia, 544 
 Diclilormethane, 1036 
 Dichopsis Gutta, 801 
 Dicinclioniue, 449, 489 
 Diconchinine, 449, 489 
 Dicypellium caryophyllatum, 501 
 Didelphys cancrivora, 566 
 Didymium, 438 
 Dielytra eximia, 544 
 Diente de leon, 1580 
 Diethylene-diamine, 1249 
 Diethylsulphon - dimethyl me- 
 thane, 1535 
 Digger pine, 1158 
 Digitalacrin, Digitalosmin, 583 
 Digitale pourpree, 580 
 Digital etin, Digitalein, 582 
 Digitalin, insoluble, 582 
 soluble, 582 
 
 Digitalina cristallisata, 582 
 Digitalinum, 581 
 verum, 583 
 Digitalis, 580 
 ochroleuca, 583 
 purpurea, 580 
 tomentosa, 580 
 Digitalretin, 582 
 Digitasolin, 582 
 Digitonin, Digitoxin, 583 
 Dihomocinchonine, 449, 489 
 Diiodobetanaplitol, 1074 
 Diiodosalol, 1403 
 Diisoamylene, 1105 
 Diisobutylorthocresoliodide, 879 
 Dill-fruit, 209 
 Dillol, 1108 
 Dill-wasser, 254 
 Dimetliylamine, 1645 
 Dimothylbenzene, 1717 
 Dimethylcarbinol, 200 
 Dimethylethylcarbinol, 200 
 Dimethyl-ketone, 11 
 Dimethyl-phenylpyrazolon, 226 
 Dinitrobrucine, 1085 
 Dioscorea spec., 587 
 villosa, 587 
 Diosma spec., 354 
 Diosmin, 355 
 Diosphenol, 355 
 Diospyros, 587 
 embryopteris, 588 
 Kaki, 588 
 obtusifolia, 588 
 virginiana, 587 
 
 Diplolepis gall® tinctori®, 764 
 Dippel’s animal oil, 1109 
 Dipterocarpus spec., 538 
 Dipteryx odorata, 1030 
 oppositifolia, 1030 
 Diquinine sulphate, 1351 
 Discs, 927 
 
 Disodium hydrogen phosphate, 
 1476 
 
 Dispermine, 1249 
 Displacement, 639 
 Distillation, 645 
 Dita-bark, Ditarinde, 166 
 Ditaine, Ditamine, 166 
 
1812 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Ditch-stonecrop, 1435 
 Dithymoldiiodide, 879 
 Dittany, 859 
 Diuretin, 1481 
 Dock, 1388 
 Doctor gum, 7 
 Dog chamomile, 546 
 killer, 526 
 rose, 1384 
 Dog’s bane, 234 
 Dogwood-bark, 543 
 round-leaved, 544 
 Doldenmangold-Extrakt, 659 
 Dolicbos pruriens, 1063 
 Soja, 1154 
 urens, 1064 
 Dolomite, 1005 
 Dompte-venin, 299 
 Donovan’s solution, 950 
 Doppel vitriol, 562 
 Dorema Ammoniacum, 178 
 Aucheri, 179 
 robustum, 179 
 Dornige Aralienrinde, 274 
 Dorse, 1132 
 Dorstenia spec., 534 
 Dosten, 1183 
 Doundake, 430 
 Dover’s powder, 1330 
 Dracfena Draco, 1366 
 Ombet, 1366 
 Drachenblut, 1366 
 Drachenwurzel, 588 
 Dracontium, 588 
 fcetidum, 588 
 Dragees, 1237 
 Dragon’s blood, 1366 
 Dragon-root, 294 
 Dragunbeifuss, 4 
 Draughts, 1042 
 Dreche, 1013 
 Dreiblatt, 1035 
 Dreifach-Chlorjod, 889 
 Dreifaltigkeitskraut, 1710 
 Dreisteinwurzel, 1646 
 Drimys Winteri, spec., 1077 
 Drops, 1042 
 sugar, 1650 
 peppermint, 1650 
 Drosera intermedia, 589 
 longifolia, 589 
 rotun difolia, 589 
 Drusenklee, 1321 
 Dryobalanops aromatica, 388 
 Camphora, 388 
 Duboisia myoporoides, 854 
 Hopwoodii, 854, 857 
 Duboisine, 854 
 Dulcamara, 590 
 flexuosa, 590 
 Dulcamaretin, 590 
 Dulcarin, Dulcamarin, 590 
 Dulcin, 1393 
 Dulse, 472 
 
 Dumerilia Alami, 1379 
 Durazno, 1207 
 Durchwachsdost, 631 
 Durchwachsdosten - Extrakt, 
 671 
 
 Diirlitze, 544 
 Diirrwurz, 876 
 Dutch liquid, 139 
 myrtle, 1065 
 Dwale, 327 
 Dwarf elder, 1407 
 iris, 900 
 sagebrush, 5 
 Dyer’s madder, 763 
 saffron, 415 
 weed, 403 
 Dynamite, 1505 
 
 E arth-wax, 431, 1192 
 
 East India arrow-root, 204 
 bdellium, 1068 
 gum, 6 
 
 East Indian bdellium, 1068 
 gum, 6 
 isinglass, 860 
 rhubarb, 1377 
 tamarinds, 1578 
 j Eaton’s syrup, 1562 
 I Eau, 237 
 
 alcaline gazeuse, 978, 983 
 | ammoniaque, 248 
 ] forte, 248 
 blanche, 975 
 camphree, 255 
 chloree, 256 
 creosotee, 259 
 d’amandes arneres, 253 
 d'aneth, 254 
 d’ange, 1069 
 d’anis, 254 
 d’arquebusade, 102 
 de cannelle, 259 
 de carvi, 255 
 de chaux, 952 
 de chloroform e, 258 
 de Cologne, 1507 
 de fenouil, 260 
 de fleur d’ orange, 254 
 de framboise, 1569 
 de goudron, 1255 
 de Goulard, 975 
 de Hongrie, 1508 
 de javelle, 984 
 de la reine de Hongrie, 1508 
 de laurier-cerise, 263 
 de lavande, 1505 
 de lithine, 970 
 de menthe poivree, 264 
 verte, 264 
 de napbe, 254 
 
 de piment de la Jamaique, 264 
 de Rabel, 102 
 de rose, 265 
 de saturne, 975 
 de sureau, 265 
 de vie, 1508 
 de grains, 1503 
 de marc, 1508 
 des Cannes, 1031 
 distillee, 260 
 divine de Fernel, 998 
 gazeuse simple, 46 
 laxative de Vienne, 874 
 magnesienne, 970 
 phagedenique, 998 
 noir, 998 
 pheniquee, 39 
 regale, 76 
 
 sedative de Raspail, 265 
 Eaux distillees, 246 
 medicinales naturelles, 265 
 minerales, 265 
 Eberesche, 1491 
 Eberraute, 4 
 Eberwurz, 876 
 Ebonite, 594 
 Ebur ustum, 405 
 Ecailles d’buitres, 553 
 Ecbalium agreste, 592 
 spec., 592 
 Elaterium, 592 
 officinale, 592 
 Ecbaline, 593 
 Ecboline, 617 
 Ecgonine, 503 
 Echalotte, 160 
 Ecbicaoutchin, 166 
 Echicerin, 166 
 Echinus philippinensis, 909 
 
 Echiretin, 166 
 Echitamine, 166 
 Echitein, 166 
 Echitenine, 166 
 Echites acuminata, 527 
 birsuta, 527 
 scbolaris, 166 
 spec., 167 
 Echitin, 166 
 Ecbium vulgare, 350 
 Echujin, 583 
 Eclegma, 1042 
 
 Ecorce d’aralie epineuse, 274 
 d’aune, 161 
 d’azedarach, 316 
 de balaustier, 792 
 de bonnet de pretre, 629 
 de bourdaine, 755 
 de bigarade, 310 
 de chene, 1340 
 de citron, 937 
 
 de cornouiller a grands fleurs, 
 543 
 
 de dita, 166 
 de fusain, 629 
 de geoffree, 208 
 de grenade, 793 
 de limon. 937 
 de mangone, 624 
 de margousier, 316 
 de meleze, 930 
 d’ orange amere, 310 
 douces, 312 
 de quillaya, 1342 
 de sassafras, 1426 
 eleutherienne, 417 
 Eddoes, 294 
 Edelleberkraut, 811 
 Edeitanne, 1586 
 Edible birds’ nests, 473 
 Edible moss, 473 
 Egg, 1713 
 albumen, 147, 1713 
 shell, 1713 
 Egyptian calla, 294 
 tamarinds, 1573 
 Ehrenpreis, 1695 
 Ei, 1713 
 Eibe, 1582 
 Eibiscb, 167 
 Eibischsaft, 1555 
 Eicbelkaffee, 1341 
 Eicbenrinde, 1340 
 Eichenrinde-Absud, 578 
 Eidotter, 1714 
 Eierol, 1714 
 Eierscbale, 1713 
 Eigelb, 1714 
 Einbrodt’s reagent, 250 
 Einfacbes Cerat, 433 
 Einreibungen, 938 
 Eisen, 744 
 
 Eisenacetattinktur, 1618 
 Eisenalaunamomniakalischer, 723 
 Eisen, arsenaures, 716 
 dialysirtes, 958 
 reducirtes, 749 
 Eisenbromid, 717 
 Eisenbromursirup, 1560 
 Eisen-cbinen, citronensaures, 726 
 Eisencbinincitrat, 726 
 Eisencblorid, 719, 957 
 Eisencbloridtinktur, 1618 
 Eisencblorur, 721 
 Eisenchlorursirup, 1561 
 Eisencitrat, 721, 962 
 Eisenhut, 117 
 Eisenhuttinktur, 1605 
 Eisenjodur, 732 
 Eisenjodurpillen, 1243 
 Eisenjodursirup, 1558 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1813 
 
 Eisenjodiirzucker, 731 
 Eisenlactat, 733 
 Eisenmennige, 735 
 Eisenmixtur, aromatische, 1042 
 Eisenniti*at, 963 
 Eisenoxyd, 735 
 arsensaures, 712 
 baldriansaures, 743 
 citronensaures, 721 
 hydrat, 735 
 feuchtes, 734 
 losliches, 736 
 phosphorsaures, 738 
 pyropliosphorsaures, 739 
 
 mit citronensaurem Natron, 
 739 
 
 schwefelsaures, 966 
 unterphosphorigsaures, 730 
 Eisenoxyd- Ammonium, citronen- 
 saures, 722 
 
 schwefelsaures, 723, 966 
 weinsaures, 724 
 Eisenoxydclilorid, 958 
 Eisenoxyd-Kali, weinsaures, 725 
 Eisenoxydul milclisaures, 733 
 oxalsaures, 745 
 schwefelsaures, 740 
 Eisenoxydul-Oxyd, 735 
 phosphorsaures, 738 
 Eisenphosphatsirup, 1560 
 Eisenpastillen, 1652 
 Eisenpflaster, 602 
 Eisenpillen, 1021 
 Eisensafran, 735 
 rother, 735 
 Eisensalmiak, 186 
 Eisen-Strychnin, citronensaures, 
 728 
 
 Ei sen vitriol, 740 
 Eisenwein, 1705, 1706 
 Eisenweinstein, 725 
 Eisenzucker, 736 
 Eisenzuckersirup, 736 
 Eisessig, 19 
 Eiskraut, 357 
 Eiweiss, 147, 1713 
 Eko, 566 
 Elaeocereoles, 432 
 Elseoles, 1141 
 Elseopten, 1091 
 Elaidin, 1094 
 Elais guineensis, 1142 
 Elaphomyces granulatus, 1000 
 Elaphrium elemifera, 596 
 tomentosum, 1587 
 Elastica, 593 
 
 Elastisches Kollodium, 521 
 Elaterid, Elaterin, 593, 595 
 Elaterin, trituration, 1648 
 Elaterin urn, 592, 595 
 Elaterium cordifolium, 592 
 officinale, 592 
 Elayl, 1104 
 Elaylchlorid, 139 
 Elavlum chloratum, 139 
 Elder, 1406 
 Eleboro negro, 808 
 Elecampane, 875 
 Electuaire aromatique, 1327 
 de poivre, 529 
 de scammonee, 529 
 de sene composee, 529 
 de soufre, 530 
 lenitif, 529 
 opiace, 528 
 terebinthine, 530 
 Electuaria, 528 
 Electuaries, 528 
 Electuarium aromaticum, 1327 
 de senna compositum, 529 
 e senna, 529 
 
 | Electuarium — 
 lenitivum, 529 
 piperis, 529 
 sulphuris, 530 
 terebinthinatum, 530 
 theriaca, 528 
 Elemi, 596 
 Elemisalbe, 1663 
 Elenio, 875 
 Elephant apple, 326 
 Elettaria Cardamomum, 412 
 major, 412 
 
 Elettuario lenitivo, 529 
 Elianto, 807 
 
 Elixir acidum Halleri, 102 
 ad longam vitam, 1606 
 amarum, 312 
 amer de Pevrilhe, 1621 
 aromaticum, 597 
 aurantiorum compositum, 312 
 bitter, 312 
 de propriete, 1605 
 de salut, 1638 
 de Stoughton, 1635 
 e succo liquiriti®, 676 
 febrifuge d'Huxam, 1615 
 hypnone, 12 
 
 liquorice-root, aromatic, 677 
 magnesii acetatis, 972 
 monobromated camphor, 392 
 opium, 1632 
 paraldehyde, 1195 
 paregoricum, 1631 
 scoticum, 1631 
 phosphori, 598 
 proprietatis Paracelsi, 1605 
 roborans Wliyttii, 1615 
 sacrum, 1635 
 salutis, 1638 
 simple, 597 
 
 stomachique amer, 1635 
 de Stoughton, 1685 
 suedicum, 1606 
 traumaticum, 1609 
 viscerale Hoffmanni, 312 
 vitriol, 103 
 
 vitrioli Mynsichti, 103 
 vitriolique, 103 
 Elixiria, 597 
 Eller, 161 
 Elloopa, 1161 
 tree, 1047 
 j Elm-bark, 1657 
 j Elsenich, 1436 
 Elutriatiou. 552, 1324 
 Embelia Ribes, 910 
 Emblica officinalis, 1067 
 Embrocations, 938 
 Emburerembo, 903 
 Emeril, 174 
 ! Emery, 174 
 I Emetia, Emetine, 894 
 I Emetinum coloratum, 895 
 j Emetique, 217 
 ; Emodin, 756, 1378 
 Empiastri, 598 
 Empiastro adesiro, 607 
 diachilon, 605 
 mercurial, 602 
 Emplastra, 598 
 | Emplastrum aconiti, 120 
 adhaesivum, 607 
 anglicum, 603 
 edinburgense, 607 
 | album coctum, 608 
 ammoniaci, 609 
 cum hydrargyro, 598 
 antimoniale, 219 
 antimonii, 219 
 I arnie®, 600 
 | aromaticum, 601 
 
 Emplastrum — 
 asafcetidae, 609 
 belladonnae, 601 
 calefaciens, 604 
 cantharidis, 434 
 cantharidum, 434 
 ordinarium, 434 
 capsici, 601 
 cephalicum, 604 
 cerati saponis, 608 
 cerussae, 608 
 cum sapone, 607 
 de Vigo cum mercurio, 603 
 diachylon compositum, 602 
 simplex, 605 
 
 diachylum gummatum, 602 
 epispasticum, 434 
 ferratum, 602 
 ferri, 602 
 fcetidum, 609 
 fuscum, 608 
 camphoratum, 609 
 galbani, 602 
 
 compositum, 602 
 crocatum, 602 
 rubrum, 602 
 hydrargyri, 602 
 ichthyocollae, 603 
 lithargyri compositum, 602 
 molle, 609 
 simplex, 605 
 martiale, 602 
 matris album, 609 
 fuscum, 608 
 meliloti, 1031 
 mentholi, 604 
 mercuriale, 602 
 minii rubrum, 609 
 adustum, 608 
 nigrum, 608 
 noricum, 608 
 odontalgicum, 604 
 opiatum, opii, 604 
 oxycroceum, 602 
 picatum, 604 
 picis, 604 
 burgundic®, 604 
 canadensis, 609 
 cantharidatum, 604 
 liquid® compositum, 608 
 plumbi, 605 
 
 compositum, 602 
 iodidi, 607 
 resin®, 607 
 roborans, 602 
 saponatum, saponis, 607 
 saponis fuscum, 608 
 simplex, 605 
 spermatis ceti, 435 
 stibiatum, 219 
 universale, 608 
 vesicans, 434 
 vesicatorium, 434 
 ordinarium, 434 
 Emplatre adhesive, 607 
 antimonial, 219 
 blanc cuit, 608 
 brun, 609 
 calmant, 604 
 cephalique, 604 
 d’arnique, 600 
 de belladone, 601 
 de Canet, 602 
 de cantharides, 434 
 de ceruse, 608 
 
 de gomme ammoniaque mer- 
 curiel, 600 
 
 d’iodure de plomb, 607 
 de litharge, 605 
 de menthol, 604 
 d’oxide de fer, 602 
 
1814 
 
 Emplatre — 
 de plomb, 605 
 de poix cantliaride, 604 
 de Bourgogne, 604 
 de saturne, 608 
 de savon, 607 
 diachylon gomme, 602 
 dit de Vigo, 603 
 emetissee, 219 
 fondant, 564 
 mercuriel, 602 
 odontalgique, 604 
 resolutif, 564 
 resoneux, 607 
 simple, 605 
 temporal, 604 
 vesicatoire, 434 
 Emplatres, 598 
 Ems springs, 266, 269 
 Emulsa, 609 
 Emulsin, 194 
 
 Emulsio amygdalarum, 611 
 composita, 611 
 
 purgans cum scammonio, 612 
 simplex. 611 
 
 Emulsion, ammoniac, 610 
 almond, 611 
 asafcetida, 611 
 chloroform, 612 
 guaiacum, 612 
 scammony, 612 
 simple, 6il 
 Emulsions, 609 
 Emulsum ammoniaci, 610 
 amygdalae, 611 
 asafcetidse, 611 
 chloroformi, 612 
 guaiaci, 612 
 scammonii, 612 
 Encens, 1166 
 Encina, 1340 
 de mar, 757 
 Endive, Endivie, 1581 
 Endodeca serpentaria, 1442 
 Enebro, 906 
 Eneldo, 209 
 Enema aloes, 613 
 anodynum, 613 
 antibystericum, 613 
 asafcetidae, 613 
 catharticum, 613 
 fcetidum, 613 
 magnesise sulphatis, 613 
 of asafcetida, 613 
 of opium, 613 
 
 of sulphate of magnesia, 613 
 of tobacco, 613 
 of turpentine, 614 
 opii, 613 
 sedativum, 613 
 tabaci, 614 
 terebintbinae, 614 
 Enemata, 613 
 Enfleurage, 1091 
 Engelwurzel, 209 
 Englisch Both, 735 
 Englisclies Gewiirz, 1247 
 Pflaster, 604 
 English chamomile, 215 
 red, 735 
 walnut, 905 
 
 Entwassertes Ferrosulfat, 742 
 Enzianaufguss, 871 
 Enzianextrakt, 673 
 Enziantinktur, 1621 
 Enzianwurzel, 771 
 Enzymes, 1189 
 Eone, 566 
 Epazota, 446 
 Eperviere, 812 
 Epbedrine, 310 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Epheu, Amerikanischer, 193 
 Epigaea, 1679 
 Epine-vinette, 336 
 Epiphegus americanus, 614 
 virginiana, 614 
 Eponge, 1509 
 preparee a la ficelle, 1510 
 Eppich, 1212 
 Epsom salt, 1008 
 
 effervescent, 1009 
 Epurge, 568 
 
 Equisetum arvense, 615 
 hyemale, 615 
 Erdartischocke, 808 
 Erdbrot, 572 
 Erdnussol, 1153 
 Erdrauch, 758 
 Erdscheibe, 572 
 Erechites hieracifolia, 1122 
 Ergot, 615 
 Ergota, 615 
 Ergotin, 617, 669 
 Ergotinine, 618 
 Ergotinum, 669 
 Ericolin, 623, 767 
 Erigeron, 1121 
 Eriodictyon glutinosum, 623 
 Extrakt, 670 
 Erisimo, 513 
 Erlenrinde, 161 
 Erodium cicutarium, 774 
 moschatum, 774 
 Eryngium spec., 623, 624 
 Eryngo, 623 
 Erysimum Alliaria, 513 
 officinale, 513 
 
 Erythraea Centaurium, 1391 
 chilensis, 1391 
 jorullensis, 1391 
 stricta, 1391 
 
 Erythrina corallodendron, 924 
 monosperma, 923 
 Erythrocentaurin, 1391 
 Erythrocephalein, 895 
 Erytbrolein, 924 
 Erytbrolitmin, 924 
 Erythrophleine, 624 
 Erythroiihlceum guineense, 624 
 Couminga, 624 
 judiciale, 624 
 Erythroretin, 1378 
 Erythroxyline, 503 
 Erytbroxylon, 502 
 Coca, 502 
 Spruceanum, 502 
 Esca facaja, 759 
 Escamonea, 1369 
 Escaraninjo, 1384 
 Esche, 756 
 Escila, 1429 
 Escordio, 1589 
 Esels-Kiirbis, 592 
 Esenbeckia febrifuga, 211, 491 
 Esenbeckine, 211 
 Eserine salts, 1224 
 Espanta lobos, 526 
 Esparraguera, 300 
 Especes aromatiques, 1033 
 pectorales, 169 
 sudorifiques, 796 
 Esperma de ballena, 439 
 Espliego, 932 
 Esponja, 1509 
 Esprit de bois, 157 
 de campfire, 1502 
 de Mindererus, 948 
 de petrole, 333 
 de raifort composee, 1501 
 de vinaigre, 19 
 d’orange, 1502 
 composee, 1502 
 
 Esprit — 
 
 pyroacetique, 11 
 pyroligneux, 157 
 Essence amandes ameres, 1105 
 anetfi, 1108 
 anise, 625, 1110 
 antihysterique, 1501 
 bay, 1136 
 Bigarade, 1112 
 bitter almonds, 1501 
 cinnamon, 1503 
 de feuilles de pin, 1586 
 de thyme, 1162 
 goudron, 1143 
 lemon, 1506 
 malt, 686 
 
 mentfie de cfieval, 1046 
 mirbane, 1080 
 muscade, 1137 
 peppermint, 625, 1506 
 petit grain, 312 
 Portugal, 1112 
 rose, 1147 
 spearmint, 1506 
 vanilla, 1641 
 Essences, 625, 1089 
 Essentia anisi, 625 
 menthse piperita}, 625 
 pepsini, 1204 
 Essentise, 625 
 Essenzen, 625 
 Essig, 12, 23 
 aromatiscfier, 14 
 destillirter, 13 
 reiner, 22 
 Essigather, 137 
 Essiggeist, 11 
 Essignapfitfia, 137 
 Essigrose, 1385 
 Essigrosen-Extrakt, 700 
 Essigsaure, 17, 19 
 verdiinnte, 21 
 
 Essig-weinsaure Tlionerde, 176 
 Estafisagria, 1512 
 Estragon, 4 
 
 Estoraque liquido, 1532 
 Estramonio, 1516 
 Estratto, 635 
 liquido, 635 
 Etain, 1511 
 Eter sulfurico, 129 
 Etere, 129 
 acetico, 137 
 isoamil nitroso, 195 
 Etfial, 440 
 
 Ethene chloride, 139 
 Ether, 129 
 absolute, 130 
 acetic, 137 
 amylazoteux, 195 
 amylo-nitrous, 195 
 amylo- valerianic, 114 
 azoteux alcoolise, 1495 
 bromhydrique, 14.1 
 chlorhydrique monochlorur 
 1036 
 
 chloric, 1503 
 ethylamylic, 1105 
 formic, 132 
 hydriodic, 143 
 hydrique, 129 
 alcoolise, 1495 
 pur, 130 
 
 hydrobromic, 141 
 hydrochloric, 139 
 hydrocyanic, 66 
 methyl-ethylo, 132 
 methylic, 132 
 methyl-salicylic, 1123 
 methyl-sulphuric, 132 
 methylen-dimethyl, 132 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1815 
 
 Ether — 
 
 monochlorinated hydrochloric, 
 139 
 
 muriatic, 139 
 cenanthic, 1145 
 official, pure, 130 
 petroleum, 333 
 pure, 130 
 pyroacetic, 11 
 sulphuric, 129, 1105 
 sulphurique 129 
 alcoolise, 1495 
 sulphurous, 1105 
 vinique, 129 
 xylostvptic, 523 
 Etherification, 123 
 Etherin, Etherol, 1105 
 Etherolees, 1604 
 Ethiopian sour gourd, 123 
 Ethiops martial, 735 
 saccharin, 1022 
 Ethoxy-caffeine, 366 
 Ethuse, 531 
 
 Ethydene chloride, 139 
 Ethyl acetate, 137 
 bromide, 141 
 carbamate, 1674 
 chloride, 139 
 cyanide, 66 
 hydroxide, 152 
 iodide, 143 
 nitrite, 1497 
 oxide, 130 
 sulphate, 1105 
 sulphite, 1105 
 urethane, 1674 
 Ethylamylketoue, 1105 
 Ethylbenzene, 1717 
 Ethylcarbylamin, 66 
 Ethylene, 18, 1104 
 bichloride, 139 
 bromide, 143 
 imine, 1249 
 
 Ethylidene chloride, 139 
 Eucalyptol, 625, 1122 
 Eucalyptus, 626 
 corymbosa, 911 
 gigantea, 911 
 globulus, 625, 911 
 honey, 629 
 leaves, 626 
 oleosa, 1115 
 piperita, 911 
 resinifera, 911 
 rostrata, 911 
 spec., 1122 
 viminalis, 1019 
 Eucalyptusol, 1122 
 Eucheuma gelatin®, 473 
 spi nosum, 473 
 Euchlorine, 1291 
 Eugenia acris, 1136 
 aromatica, 416 
 caryophyllata, 416, 1116 
 Cheken, 1069 
 Jambos, 1070 
 Pimenta, 1143, 1247 
 Eugenin, 417 
 Eugenol, 1117 
 acetamide, 1117 
 Eukalyptus-Blatter, 626 
 Extrakt, 671 
 
 Eulophia campestris, 1399 
 herbacea, 1399 
 Euonymine, 630 
 Euonymus, 629 
 americanus, 630 
 atropurpureus, 629 
 europaeus, 630 
 Eupatoire des Grecs, 145 
 Eupatoriu, 631 
 
 | Eupatorium, 631 
 Eupatorium-Aufguss, 631 
 connatum, 631 
 glutiuosum, 1024 
 perfoliatum, 631 
 I Euphorbe, 632 
 Euphorbia corollata, 632 
 Ipecacuanha, 632 
 Lathyris, 568, 1163 
 resinifera, 633 
 spec., 633 
 Euphorbium, 633 
 ! Euphorbon, 633, 634 
 j Euphraise, 635 
 I Euphrasia officinalis, 635 
 j Eupion, 547, 1255 
 European centaury, 1391 
 elm-bark, 1658 
 holly, 861 
 masterwort, 118 
 sumach, 1381 
 turpentine, 1586 
 Europhen, 879 
 Europhin, 1675 
 Euryangium Sumbul, 1544 
 Evaporation, 644 
 Evening primrose, 1088 
 I Everitt’s salt, 64 
 Evodia febrifuga, 211 
 rutaecarpa, 1389 
 Evodine, 211 
 Exalgin, 9, 11 
 Exccecaria sebifera, 1515 
 Exodyne, 11 
 Exogonium Jalapa, 901 
 Extract, aconite, 647 
 leaves, 648 
 root, 647 
 aloes, 649 
 
 American hemp, 395 
 arnica-root, 650 
 Barbadoes aloes, 649 
 beef, 656 
 belladonna, 653 
 alcoholic, 652 
 bistort, 775 
 bittersweet, 669 
 black cohosh, 660 
 hellebore, 809 
 blue flag, 681 
 boldo, 348 
 burdock, 929 
 butternut, 682 
 Calabar bean, 694 
 Calisaya-bark, 660 
 calumba, 654 
 cascara sagrada, 698 
 centaury, 1391 
 chamomile, 649 
 cimicifuga, 660 
 cinchona, 660 
 cod-liver, 1134 
 colchicum, 662 
 acetic, 662 
 root, 662 
 colocynth, 663 
 compound, 664 
 conium, 665 
 alcoholic, 665 
 dandelion, 707 
 digitalis, 667 
 elderberries, 1407 
 elecampane, 876 
 ergot, 669 
 euonymus, 671 
 dry, 671 
 frangula, 672 
 gelsemium, 673, 1621 
 gentian. 673 
 glycyrrhiza, 674 
 pure, 675 
 
 Extract — 
 h®matoxylon, 678 
 hemlock-bark, 1254 
 fruit, alcoholic, 665 
 henbane, 679 
 hop, 685 
 
 hyoscyamus, 679 
 alcoholic, 679 
 
 Indian cannabis, hemp, 655 
 iris, 681 
 
 j jaborandi, 695 
 j jalap, 681 
 juglans, 682 
 krameria, 682 
 leptandra, 684 
 lettuce, 683 
 liquorice, 674, 675 
 logwood, 678 
 malt, 685 
 mandrake, 695 
 may-apple, 695 
 meat, 656 
 mezereum, 688 
 ethereal, 688 
 myrrh, 1069 
 nux vomica, 688 
 opium, 691 
 denarcotized, 692 
 pareira, 692 
 physostigma, 694 
 podophyllum, 695 
 poppies, 692 
 quassia, 697 
 rhatany, 682 
 rhubarb, 698 
 senega, 704 
 Socotrine aloes, 649 
 stramonium-leaves, 707 
 seed, 706 
 taraxacum, 707 
 valerian, 710 
 wahoo, 671 
 
 Extracta, Extracta fluida, 635 
 narcotica sicca, 647 
 Extractos, 635 
 Extracts, 635 
 alcoholic, 637 
 aqueous, 636 
 dry narcotic, 647 
 ethereal, 637 
 fluid, 637 
 
 hydro-alcoholic, 635 
 liquid, 637 
 powdered, 647 
 Extractum absinthii, 5 
 aconiti, 647 
 fluidum, 648 
 herb®, 648 
 radicis, 647 
 aloes, 649 
 
 acido-sulphurico correctum, 
 649 
 
 aquosum, 613 
 barbadensis, 649 
 socotrin®, 649 
 anthemidis, 216, 649 
 fluidum, 649 
 apocyni fluidum, 649 
 arnic® radicis, 650 
 fluidum, 650 
 aroma ticum fluidum, 651 
 asclepiadis fluidum, 651 
 aspidospermatis fluidum, 651 
 aurantii amari fluidum, 652 
 bardan®, 929 
 bel® liquidum, 652 
 belladonn®, 653 
 alcoholicum, 652 
 fluidum, 653 
 
 foliorum alcoholicum, 652 
 radicis fluidum, 653 
 
j 816 
 
 Extractum — 
 bistort®, 775 
 brayer® fluidum, 667 
 buchu fluidum, 654 
 calami, 368 
 fluidum, 654 
 calumb®, 654 
 fluidum, 635 
 cannabis american®, 395 
 indie®, 655 
 fluidum, 656 
 capsici fluidum, 656 
 cardui benedicti, 413 
 carnis, Liebig, 656 
 cascar® sagrad® fluidum, 697 
 cascarill®, 418 
 castane® fluidum, 658 
 catholicum, 698 
 centaurii, 1391 
 chamomill® roman®, 649 
 chelidonii, 445 
 chimaphil® fluidum, 659 
 chin® aquosum, 661 
 calisay® fluidum, 661 
 frigide paratum, 661 
 spirituosum, 660 
 ehirat® fluidum, 659 
 cimicifug®, 660 
 fluidum, 660 
 cin®, 1413 
 cinchon®, 660 
 liquidum, 661 
 fluidum, 661 
 coc® fluidum, 662 
 colchici, 662 
 aceticum, 662 
 radicis, 662 
 fluidum, 663 
 seminis fluidum, 663 
 colocynthidis, 663 
 alcoholicum, 663 
 compositum, 664 
 Colombo, 654 
 condurango fluidum, 665 
 conii, 665, 666 
 alcoholicum, 665 
 fluidum, 666 
 fructus fluidum, 666 
 convallari®, 535 
 fluidum, 666 
 cubeb® ®thereum, 1101 
 fluidum, 666 
 cubebarum, 1101 
 cusso fluidum, 667 
 cypripedii fluidum, 667 
 digitalis, 667 
 alcoholicum, 667 
 fluidum, 668 
 dulcamar®, 669 
 fluidum, 668 
 ergot®, 669 
 fluidum, 669 
 eriodictyi fluidum, 670 
 erythroxyli fluidum, 662 
 eucalypti fluidum, 671 
 euonymi, 671 
 siccum, 671 
 eupatorii fluidum, 671 
 fab® calabaric®, 694 
 fellis bovini, 715 
 ferri pomatum, 745 
 filicis, 1100 
 ®thereum, 1100 
 liquidum, 1100 
 frangul® fluidum, 672 
 fraxini american®, 757 
 fluidum, 757 
 gelsemii, 1621 
 alcoholicum, 673 
 fluidum, 672 
 gentian®, 673 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Extractum — 
 gentian® fluidum, 673 
 geranii fluidum, 673 
 glycyrrhiz®, 674, 676 
 depuratum, 676 
 fluidum, 676 
 liquidum, 676 
 purum, 675 
 
 gossypii radicis fluidum, 677 
 graminis, 709 
 gratiol®, 794 
 grin deli® fluidum, 677 
 guaran® fluidum, 677 
 li®matoxyli, 678 
 h®mostaticum, 669 
 hamamelidis fluidum, 678 
 helenii, 876 
 hellebori, 809 
 humuli, 685 
 hydrastis fluidum, 679 
 hyoscyami, 680 
 alcoholicum, 679 
 fluidum, 680 
 
 ipecacuanh® fluidum, 680 
 iridis, 681 
 fluidum, 681 
 jaborandi, 695 
 jalap®, 681 
 ju gland is, 682 
 krameri®, 682 
 fluidum, 683 
 koso fluidum, 667 
 lactuc®, 683, 926 
 viros®, 683 
 lapp® fluidum, 684 
 leptandr®, 684 
 fluidum, 684 
 ligni campechiani, 678 
 liquiriti®, 674 
 depuratum, 676 
 radicis, 675 
 lobeli® fluidum, 685 
 lupuli, 685 
 
 lupulin® fluidum, 685 
 lupulini ®thereum, 1102 
 malti, 686 
 ferratum, 687 
 fluidum, 687 
 matico fluidum, 687 
 menispermi fluidum, 687 
 menyanthis, 1036 
 mezerei, 688 
 ®thereum, 688 
 fluidum, 688 
 millefolii, 17 
 monesi®, 1047 
 myrrh®, 1069 
 nucis vomic®, 688 
 aquosum, 690 
 fluidum, 691 
 
 nucum vomicarum spirituo- 
 sum, 688 
 opii, 691 
 
 liquidum, 692 
 panchymagogum, 698 
 papaveris, 693 
 pareir®, 693 
 fluidum, 693 
 liquidum, 693 
 peponis fluidum, 1201 
 physostigmatis, 694 
 phytolacc® radicis fluidum, 694 
 pilocarpi fluidum, 695 
 piscidi® fluidum, 1251 
 podopliylli, 695 
 fluidum, 696 
 
 pruni Virginian® fluidum, 696 
 pulsatill®, 1323 
 quassi®, 697 
 fluidum, 697 
 quillai®, 1342 
 
 Extractum — 
 ratanli®, 682 
 rliamni frangul®, 672 
 Purshian® fluidum, 697 
 rhei, 697 
 alcoholicum, 698 
 compositum, 698 
 fluidum, 699 
 
 rhois glabr® fluidum, 699 
 ros® fluidum, 700 
 rubi fluidum, 700 
 rumicis fluidum, 700 
 sabin®, 701 
 fluidum, 701 
 
 sanguinari® fluidum, 701 
 sanguinis, 1410 
 sars® liquidum, 702 
 sarsaparill® fluidum, 702 
 compositum, 702 
 scill®, 703 
 fluidum, 703 
 scoparii fluidum, 703 
 scutellari® fluidum, 704 
 secalis cornuti, 669 
 fluidum, 669 
 seneg®, 704 
 fluidum, 704 
 senn® fluidum, 705 
 serpentari® fluidum, 705 
 spigeli® et senn® fluidum, 706 
 spigeli® fluidum, 705 
 stillingi® fluidum, 706 
 stramonii, 706 
 fluidum, 707 
 foliorum, 707 
 seminis, 706 
 strychni, 688 
 aquosum, 690 
 taraxaci, 707 
 fluidum, liquidum, 708 
 thebaicum, 691 
 trifolii fibrini, 1036 
 tritici fluidum, 708 
 uvse ursi, 709 
 fluidum, 709 
 valerian®, 710 
 fluidum, 710 
 
 veratri viridis fluidum, 710 
 viburni opuli fluidum, 710 
 prunifolii fluidum, 711 
 xanthoxyli fluidum, 711 
 zingiberis ®thereum, 1103 
 fluidum, 711 
 Extrait de saturne, 973 
 etheree de capsique, 1101 
 savonneux de Purine, 1673 
 Extraits, 635 
 etheree, 1100 
 liquides, 635 
 Extrakte, 635 
 atherische, 1100 
 fliissige, 635 
 Eyebright, 635 
 spotted, 633 
 
 F ABA calabarica, 1220 
 physostigmatis, 1220 
 Ignati, 1086 
 vulgaris, 713 
 Fab® cacao, 1595 
 Fabiana imbricata, 712 
 Fackeldistel, 356 
 Factitious sago, 205 
 Fagus Castanea, 420 
 pumila, 420 
 sylvatica, 1126 
 Fall kraut, 289 
 False acacia, 1384 
 angustura-bark, 211 
 benzoin, 335 
 bittersweet, 429 
 
False — 
 saffron, 417 
 sarsaparilla, 275 
 senega, 1438 
 Solomon’s seal, 535 
 strophanthus-seed, 1523 
 unicorn-root, 442 
 Fiirberrothe, 763 
 Farina avenge, 316 
 de riz, 203 
 fabge, 713 
 
 liordei prgeparata, 817 
 liui, 940 
 phaseoli, 714 
 tritici, 713 
 
 Farine d’avoine, 316 
 de ble, 713 
 de froment, 713 
 de lin, 945 
 de riz, 203 
 Fats, 1092 
 
 Faulbaumrinde, 755 
 Faulbaumrinden-Extrakt, 672 
 Fausse acanthe, 812 
 oronge, 760 
 Faux cumin, 1081 
 ebenier, 914 
 fenouil, 1591 
 Featherfew, 1198 
 Feather geranium, 447 
 Fecula de patata, 203 
 Fecule de maize, 201 
 de pomme de terre, 203 
 de Tolomane, 204 
 Federbarz, 593 
 Feigbohne, 998 
 Feige, 751 
 
 Fel bovinum, bovis, 714 
 bovis depuratum, 715 
 inspissatum, 715 
 purificatum, 715 
 tauri, 714 
 Feldcypresse, 1589 
 Feldkresse, 514 
 Feldraute, 758 
 Feldspar, 1288 
 Feldthymian, 859 
 Feminelle, 555 
 Fencliel, 752 
 Fenchelholz, 1426 
 Fenchelol, 1122 
 Fenchelwasser, 260 
 Fennel, 752 
 flower, 1081 
 fruit, 752 
 root, 753 
 seed, 782 
 
 Fenolo cristallizzato, 37 
 liquido, 39 
 Fenouil, 752 
 d’eau, 1213 
 puant, 209 
 
 Fenugreek, Fenugrec, 753 
 Fer, 744 
 dialyse, 958 
 
 reduit par l’hydrogene, 749 
 Feraconitine, 120 
 Fermentation, 147 
 acetic, 148 
 alcoholic, 147 
 butyric, 147 
 lactic, 69, 147 
 mucic, 147 
 saccharine, 147 
 vinous, 148 
 Fermentolea, 1089 
 Ferngale, 526 
 
 Feronia elephantum, 6. 326 
 Ferreira spectabilis, 913 
 Ferret d’Espagne, 735 
 Ferri acetas, 956 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Ferri — 
 
 ammonio-citras, 722 
 sulphas, 723 
 tartras, 724 
 arsenas, 716 
 benzoas, 745 
 bromidum, 717 
 carbonas saccharatus, 717 
 chloridum, 719 
 citras, 721 
 
 et ammonii citras, 722 
 sulphas, 723 
 tartras, 724 
 et potassii tartras, 725 
 et quiniae citras, 726 
 et quininge citras, 726 
 solubilis, 728 
 
 et sodii citro-phosphas, 737 
 et sodii citro-pyrophosphas, 739 
 et sodii pyrophosphas, 740 
 et strychninge citras, 728 
 ferrocyanidum, 729 
 ferrocyanu return, 729 
 hypophosphis, 730 
 iodidum, 732 
 
 saccharatum, 731 
 kali tartaricum, 725 
 lactas, 733 
 malas, 745 
 oxalas, 745 
 
 oxidum hydratum, 734 
 cum magnesia, 737 
 magneticum, 735, 737 
 rubrum, 735 
 perchloridum, 719 
 peroxidum, 734 
 hydratum, 735 
 phosphas, 738 
 albus, 739 
 solubilis, 737 
 potassio-tartras, 725 
 pyrophosphas, 739 
 solubilis, 739 
 salicylas, 745 
 subcarbonas, 735 
 sulphas, 740 
 exsiccatus, 742 
 granulatus, 741 
 prgecipitatus, 741 
 sulphidum, 742 
 tannas, 745 
 valerianas, 743 
 Ferriacetatlosung, 955 
 Ferrichinincitrat, 726 
 Ferricitrat, 721 
 Ferri cyanidum ferrosum, 730 
 Ferrihydrat-Pastillen, 1652 
 Ferric benzoate, 745 
 chloride, 719 
 citrate, 721 
 ferrocyanide, 729 
 hydrate, hydroxide, 734 
 with magnesia, 737 
 hypophosphite, 730 
 nitrate, 964 
 oxide, 735 
 oxyhydrate, 735 
 phosphate, 738 
 soluble, 737 
 pyrophosphate, 739 
 soluble, 739 
 salts, 744 
 tannate, 745 
 valerianate, 743 
 Ferrinitrat, 963 
 Ferrisulfatlosung, 966 
 F erro-ammonium citricum, 722 
 Ferrobromid, 717 
 Ferrocarbonat, zucherhaltiges, 
 717 
 
 Ferrocyaneisen, 729 
 
 1817 
 
 Ferrocyanidum ferricum, 729 
 Ferroeyankalium, 1299 
 Ferrocyanure de fer, 729 
 de potassium, 1299 
 Ferroferrioxyd, 735 
 Ferroferriphosphat, 738 
 Ferrolaktat, 733 
 Ferro-oxalat, 745 
 Ferroso-ferric oxide, 735 
 phosphate, 738 
 
 Ferro-tartrate of potassium, 725 
 Ferrous arsenate, 716 
 bromide, 717 
 
 carbonate, saccharated, 717 
 chloride, 721 
 iodide, 732 
 saccharated, 731 
 . lactate, 733 
 malate, 745 
 nitrate, 964 
 oxalate, 745 
 salicylate, 745 
 salts, 744 
 sulphate, 740 
 sulphide, 742 
 dried, exsiccated, 742 
 granulated, 741 
 Ferrugo, 735 
 Ferrum, 744 
 albuminatum, 959 
 alcoholisatum, 751 
 ammoniatum, 186 
 ammonio-sulphuricum, 723 
 arsenicicum, 716 
 bromatum, 717 
 borussicum, 729 
 carbonicum saccharatum, 717 
 catalyticum, 958 
 chloratum, 721 
 citricum, 721 
 ammoniatum, 722 
 oxydatum, 721 
 dialysatum, 958 
 ferrocyanatum, 729 
 hydricum, 735 
 hydrogenio-reductum, 749 
 hypophosphorosum, 730 
 iodatum, 732 
 saccharatum, 731 
 lacticum, 733 
 
 muriaticum oxydatum, 719 
 oxydulatum, 721 
 ope hydrogenii paratum, 749 
 oxalicum, 745 
 oxydatum fuscum, 735 
 magneticum. 735 
 saccharatum, 736 
 peptonatum, 959 
 phosphoricum, 738 
 cum natrio-citrico, 737 
 porpliyrisatum, 751 
 pulveratum, 751 
 pyropliosphoricum cum sodio- 
 citrico, 739 
 
 redactum, reductum, 749 
 sesquichloratum, 719 
 solutum, 957 
 sulfuricum, 740 
 crudum, 740 
 
 oxydatum ammoniatum, 723 
 purum, 740 
 siccum, 742 
 tartaratum, 725 
 tartaricum ammoniatum, 724 
 tartarisatum, 725 
 valerianicum, 743 
 vitriolatum purum, 740 
 zooticum, 729 
 Ferula alliacea, 295 
 erubescens, 762 
 fcetida, 295 
 
1818 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Ferula — 
 galbaniflua, 761 
 gummosa, 762 
 rubricaulis, 762 
 Schair, 762 
 Scorodosma, 295 
 Sumbul, 1544 
 tingitana, 179 
 Ferulyl sulphides, 296 
 Festucse caryophyllorum, 417 
 Fetid goosefoot, 447 
 Fette, 1092 
 Fetthenne, 1435 
 Feuerschwamm, 759 
 Feuilles d’aconit, 117 
 de belladone, 327 
 de chataignier, 420 
 de coca, 502 
 de digitale, 580 
 d’ eucalyptus, 626 
 de grande cigue, 531 
 de Guimauve, 167 
 de marronier, 398 
 de mauve, 162 
 de polommier, 767 
 de stramoine, 1516 
 Feve de Calabar, 1220 
 de marais, 713 
 de Saint-Ignace, 1086 
 igasurique, 1086 
 tonka, 1030 
 Fever-bush, 932, 1318 
 Feverfew, 215, 1198 
 Fever-root, 1646 
 Fevertwig, 429 
 Feverwort, 1646 
 Feves du Mexique, 1595 
 pichurim, 1077 
 Fibroin, 1510 
 Fichtensprossen, 1586 
 Fichtenwolle, 1586 
 Fici, Ficus, 751 
 Ficus bengalensis, 923 
 Carica, 751 
 elastica, 593 
 indica, 593, 923 
 passa, 751 
 religiosa, 593, 923 
 Tsjela, 923 
 Fieberklee, 1035 
 Fiel de bceuf, 714 
 epaissi, 715 
 purifie, 715 
 Fig, 751 
 Figue, 751 
 de Barbarie, 356 
 Figwort, 1433 
 Filbert, 545 
 Fil de cuivre, 565 
 Filix mas, 301 
 Filkea suaveolens, 624 
 Fingerhut-Aufguss, 870 
 Extrakt, 667, 668 
 Fingerhutkraut, 580 
 Fingerhuttinktur, 1617 
 Fingerkraut, 774 
 Fir wool, 1586 
 Fireweed, 1122 
 Fischkorner, 1226 
 Fischleim, 860 
 Fischleimgummi, 1420 
 Fishberries, 1226 
 Fishglue, 860 
 Fistelkassie, 418 
 Fivefinger, 774 
 Fixed oils, 1092 
 Flachskraut, 938 
 Flachslilie, 1216 
 Flachssamen, 945 
 Flag, blue, 899, 900 
 white, 900 
 
 Flake tragacanth, 1642 
 Flambe, 899, 900 
 Flavedo aurantii, 311 
 Flaxseed, 945 
 meal, 945 
 poultice, 424 
 Fleaseed, 1257 
 Fleawort, 876 
 Flechstorchschnabel, 773 
 Extrakt, 674 
 
 Fleischextrakt, Liebig’s, 656 
 Fleischleimgummi, 1420 
 Fleurs d’ arnica, 289 
 de benjoin, 31 
 de Guimauve, 167 
 de muscade, 1003 
 d’oranger, 313 
 de soufre, 1538 
 de tous les mois, 377 
 Flieder, 1406 
 
 Fliederblumen-Wasser, 265 
 Fliedermus, 1407 
 Fliegenholz, 1338 
 Fliegenschwamm, 760 
 Flohkraut, 876 
 Flohsamen, 1257 
 Flora viridis aeris, 560 
 Flores acacise, 8 
 anthemidis, 215 
 antimonii, 221 
 arnicse, 289 
 aurantii, 313 
 benzoes, 31 
 calcatrippse, 1513 
 carthami, 415 
 cassise, 501 
 chamomillse, 1026 
 romanse, 215 
 vulgaris, 1026 
 cinse, 1412 
 consolidse, 1513 
 regalis, 1513 
 kosso, 570 
 lavandulse, 932 
 malvse arborese, 168 
 vulgaris, 168 
 naphse, 313 
 primulse, 1317 
 rliceados, 1380 
 rosse, 1385 
 
 rosarum incarnatarum, 1385 
 rubrarum, 1385 
 sambuci, 1406 
 sulphuris, 1538 
 loti, 1538 
 tilise, 1601 
 verbasci, 1694 
 viridis seris, 560 
 zinci, 1726 
 Flour, 713 
 
 Flowers of antimony, 222 
 arsenic, 23 
 benzoin, 31 
 camphor, 387 
 lead, 1265 
 sulphur, 1538 
 Fluavil, 801 
 Fliichtige Oele, 1089 
 Salbe, 939 
 
 Fliichtiges Laugensalz, 182 
 Liniment, 939 
 Fluid extract, 635 
 aconite, 648 
 
 American hellebore, 710 
 veratrum, 710 
 apocynum, 649 
 arnica-root, 650 
 aromatic, 651 
 asclepias, 651 
 aspidosperma, 651 
 bael, 652 
 
 Fluid extract — 
 belladonna-root, 653 
 bitter orange-peel, 652 
 bittersweet, 668 
 black cohosh, 660 
 blackberry-bark, 700 
 blackhaw-bark, 711 
 blood-root, 701 
 blue flag, 681 
 boneset, 671 
 brayera, 667 
 broom, 703 
 buchu, 654 
 burdock, 684 
 calamus, 654 
 calendula, 377 
 Calisaya-bark, 661 
 calumba, 655 
 Canadian hemp, 649 
 moonseed, 687 
 capsicum, 656 
 cascara sagrada, 697 
 castanea, 658 
 chamomile, 649 
 cheken, 1070 
 chestnut-leaves, 658 
 chimaphila, 659 
 chirata, 659 
 cimicifuga, 660 
 cinchona, 660 
 coca, 662 
 
 colchicum-root, seed, 663 
 columbo, 654 
 condurango, 665 
 conium-seed, 666 
 convallaria, 666 
 cottonroot-bark, 677 
 couch-grass, 708 
 cramp-bark, 710 
 cubeb, 666 
 cusso, 667 
 cypripedium, 667 
 dandelion, 708 
 digitalis, 668 
 dulcamara, 668 
 ergot, 669 
 eriodictyon, 670 
 erythroxylon, 662 
 eucalyptus, 671 
 eupatorium, 671 
 frangula, 672 
 gelsemium, 672 
 gentian, 673 
 geranium, 674 
 ginger, 711 
 glycyrrhiza, 676 
 grindelia, 677 
 guarana, 677 
 hamamelis, 678 
 hemlock-fruit, 666 
 hydrastis, 677 
 hyoscyamus, 680 
 Indian cannabis, 656 
 ipecac, 680 
 iris, 681 
 jaborandi, 695 
 kooso, 667 
 krameria, 683 
 lappa, 684 
 leptandra, 684 
 lily-of-the-valley, 666 
 liquorice-root, 676 
 lobelia, 685 
 lupulin, 685 
 male fern, 1100 
 mandrake, 696 
 matico, 687 
 may -apple, 675 
 menispermum, 637 
 mezereum, 688 
 nux vomica, 691 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1819 
 
 Fluid extract — 
 opium, 692 
 pareira, 693 
 phytolacca-root, 694 
 pilocarpus, 695 
 piscidia, 1251 
 pleurisy-root, 651 
 podophyllum, 696 
 poke-root, 694 
 prickly ash, 711 
 pumpkin-seed, 1201 
 quassia, 697 
 quebracho, 651 
 red pepper, 656 
 Ehamnus Purshianae, 697 
 rhatany, 683 
 rhubarb, 699 
 rhus aromatica, 1381 
 glabra, 699 
 rose, 700 
 rubus, 700 
 rumex, 700 
 sanguinaria, 701 
 sarsaparilla, 702 
 compound, 702 
 savine, 701 
 scoparius, 703 
 Scutellaria, 704 
 senega, 704 
 senna, 705 
 serpentaria, 705 
 skull-cap, 704 
 spigelia, 705 
 and senna, 706 
 squill, 703 
 stillingia, 706 
 stramonium, 707 
 seed, 707 
 
 sumach -berries, 699 
 taraxacum, 708 
 triticum, 708 
 uva ursi, 709 
 valerian, 710 
 vanilla, 1641 
 veratrum viride, 710 
 Viburnum Opulus, 710 
 prunifolium, 711 
 wild cherry, 695 
 xanthoxylum, 711 
 yellow cinchona-bark, 661 
 dock, 700 
 jasmine, 672 
 pari 11a, 687 
 yerba santa, 670 
 Fluid extracts, 635 
 magnesia, 970 
 Fluorescein, 1371 
 Fluorine, 67 
 Fluorspar, 67 
 Fluorwasserstoffsiiure, 67 
 Fliissiger storax, 1532 
 Flux, black and white, 1281 
 Fly agaric, 760 
 fungus, 760 
 stone, 293 
 Fceniculum, 752 
 capillaceum, 752 
 dulce, 753 
 officinale, 752 
 vulgare, 752, 1122 
 Foenum graecum, 753 
 Fcex sacchari, 1597 
 Foie de soufre, 1273 
 calcaire, 384 
 Folia aconiti, 117 
 althaeae, 168 
 anthos, 1386 
 aurantii, 311 
 barosmae, 354 
 belladonnae, 327 
 bucco, 354 
 
 Folia — 
 buchu, 354 
 castaneae, 420 
 cocae, 502 
 conii, 531 
 digitalis, 580 
 diosmae, 354 
 farfarae, 1656 
 gaultheriae, 767 
 hyoscyami, 853 
 I jaborandi, 1229 
 juglandis, 905 
 lauri, 931 
 laurocerasi, 930 
 malvae, 168 
 maticae, 1024 
 melissae, 1031 
 menthae crispae. 1034 
 piperitae, 1032 
 nicotianae, 1573 
 roris marini, 1386 
 rosmarini, 1386 
 rutae, 1388 
 salviae, 1405 
 sennae, 1438 
 americanae, 1440 
 stramonii, 1516 
 tabaci, 1573 
 taraxaci, 1580 
 toxicodendri, 1382 
 trifolii fibrini, 1035 
 tussilaginis, 1566 
 uva ursi, 1678 
 verbasci, 1694 
 Food, chemical, 1561 
 Fool’s parsley, 531 
 Foot benzoin, 334 
 Formamide, 1673 
 Formatber, 132 
 Formene perchlore, 411 
 Formica rufa, 399 
 Formosa camphor, 387 
 Formylum tricbloratum, 461 
 Forniti, 752 
 Fougere male, 301 
 Four-o’clock, 903 
 Fowler’s solution, 979 
 Foxglove-leaves, 580 
 Fractional percolation, 643 
 Framboise, 1387 
 Frambuesa, 1387 
 Franciscea uniflora, 754 
 Francisceine, 754 
 Frangula alnus, 755 
 californica, caroliniana, 1375 
 vulgaris, 755 
 Frangulin, 756 
 Frankincense, 1166, 1599 
 common, 1585 
 Franzbranntwein, 1508 
 Franzosenholz, 796 
 Frasera caroliniensis, 773 
 Walteri, 773 
 Fraserawurzel, 773 
 Frauendistel, 929 
 Frauenliaar, 127 
 Frauenminze, 1579 
 Fraxin, Fraxinin, Fraxinit, 757, 
 814, 1019 
 
 Fraxinus alba, 756 
 americana, 756 
 epiptera, 756 
 excelsior, 756, 1019 
 Ornus, 1017 
 rotundifolia, 1017 
 viridis, 757 
 Freisamkraut, 1710 
 French berries, 1374 
 chalk, 986, 1005 
 digitalin, 582 
 ground pine, 1589 
 
 French — 
 lactucarium, 683 
 lavender, 933 
 marigold, 377 
 saffron, 554 
 wine, 1699 
 Frene, 756 
 epineux, 1715 
 Fresco, 756 
 Friar’s balsam, 1609 
 Friedrichshall spring, 266 
 Frijol, 714 
 Froschloffel, 158 
 Frostweed, Frostwort, 807 
 Fructus anethi, 209 
 anisi, 214 
 stellati, 863 
 vulgaris, 214 
 apii, 1212 
 aurantii, 310 
 immaturi, 311 
 be!®, 326 
 canariense, 1213 
 cannabis, 394 
 capsici, 403 
 
 cardamomi minores, 412 
 caricae, 751 
 carotae, 414 
 carui, carvi, 415 
 cassiae fistulae, 418 
 ceratoniae, 419 
 
 chenopodii anthelmintici, 446 
 coccognidii, 1040 
 coccoli, 1226 
 colocynthidis, 523 
 praeparati, 525 
 conii, 531 
 coriandri, 542 
 cubebae, 556 
 cumini, 559 
 cymini, 559 
 cynosbati, 1384 
 dauci, 414 
 ecbalii, 592 
 fceniculi, 752 
 gnidii, 1040 
 juniperi, 906 
 lappae, 928 
 lauri, 931 
 mezerei, 1040 
 papaveris, 1191 
 petroselini, 1212 
 phellandrii, 1213 
 phytolaccae, 1225 
 rhamni catharticae, 1374 
 rosae caninae, 1384 
 rubi idaei, 1387 
 sabadillae, 1390 
 silybi, 929 
 tamarindorum, 1577 
 vanillae, 1683 
 
 Fruit of the dog-rose, 1384 
 Fruits de grande cigue, 531 
 de plaqueminier, 587 
 Fruit-sugar, 1028, 1396 
 Fuchsine, 212 
 Fuco avejigado, 757 
 carageo, 471 
 
 Fucodium nodosum, 758 
 Fucus amylaceus, 473 
 crispus, 471 
 digitatus, 927 
 edulis, 472 
 
 Helminthochorton, 473 
 natans, 758 
 nodosus, 758 
 palmatus, 472 
 serratus, 758 
 siliquosus, 758 
 vesiculosus, 757 
 Fulmicoton soluble, 1336 
 
1820 
 
 Fulwa butter, 1047, 1161 
 Fumaria officinalis, 758 
 Fumarine, 759 
 Fumeterre, 758 
 Fumeterre bulbeuse, 545 
 Fumigatio chlori, 383 
 Fumitory, 758 
 Fiinffingerkraut, 775 
 Fungus cbirurgorum, 759 
 igniarius prseparatus, 759 
 muscarius, 760 
 Funiculo pressa, 1510 
 Fusain, 629 
 Fuselol, 156 
 
 Fusible white precipitate, 847 
 Fusiform jalap, 903 
 Fussblattwurzel, 1267 
 Fusti, 417 
 
 P ADUIN, 1133 
 VT Gadus seglifinus, 1132 
 Callarius, 1133 
 carbonarius, 1133 
 Merlangus, 1133 
 Merluccius, 860, 1132 
 Molva, 1133 
 Morrhua, 1132 
 Pollachius, 1132 
 Gagel, 1065 
 
 Galactodendron utile, 752 
 Galam butter, 1162 
 gum, 7 
 Galanga; 761 
 Galangal, Galangin, 761 
 Galban, 761 
 Galbanum, 761 
 Pillen, 1244 
 Galbuli juniperi, 906 
 Gale odorant, 1065 
 Galega apollinea, 1441 
 officinalis, 763 
 Virginian a, 1583 
 Galena, 1266 
 Galeopside, 934 
 Galeopsis grandiflora, 934 
 ochroleuca, 934 
 tetrakit, 934 
 Galgant, 761 
 Galipea Cusparia, 210 
 febrifuga, 210 
 officinalis, 210 
 Galitzenstein, 1729 
 Galium spec., 763 
 Gall of the earth, 1317 
 Galla, 764 
 halapense, 764 
 levantica, 764 
 quercina, 764 
 tinctoria, 764 
 turcica, 764 
 
 Gallacetophenone, 1335 
 Gallactoplienone, 1335 
 Gallse, 764 
 Gallait, 763 
 Gallapfel, Gallen, 764 
 Gallapfelsalbe, 1663 
 Gallapfeltinktur, 1620 
 Galle de chene, 764 
 Gallipot, 1586 
 Gallon, 765 
 Galls, 764 
 
 Gallus Bankiva, 147, 1713 
 Gallussaure, 54 
 Glycerit, 782 
 Gamander, 1588 
 
 Gamberini’s basic mercuric phe- 
 nate, 842 
 Gambia kino, 911 
 Gambier, 427 
 Gambir catechu, 427 
 cubique, 427 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Gamboge, 385 
 cake, 386 
 Gambogia, 385 
 Ganja, 393 
 Ganserich, 774 
 Garance, 763 
 Garcinia Gutta, 385 
 cambogioides, 385 
 Hanburii, 385 
 indica, 766 
 Kola, 766 
 Kydia, 766 
 Mangostana, 766 
 Morelia, 385 
 pedunculata, 766 
 pictoria, 385 
 purpurea, 766 
 Garden cress, 514 
 nasturtium, 514 
 opine, 1435 
 radish, 1447 
 sage, 1405 
 spurge, 568 
 thyme, 859 
 
 Gardenia campanulata, 896 
 florida, 556 
 grandiflora, 556 
 gummifera, 597 
 lucida, 597 
 radicans, 556 
 Garlic, 159 
 Garofani, 416 
 Garou, 1039 i ' ; ' 
 sanbois, 1039 ' * 
 
 Gartenbohne, 714 ) * 
 
 Gartenkresse, 514 
 Gartenraute, 1388 
 Gartenschierling, 531 
 Gas, carbonic acid, 47 
 hydrochloric acid, 61 
 Gas lime, 1471 
 Gasolene, 1210 
 
 Gasometric estimations, U. S 
 1752 
 
 Gastein spring, 269 
 Gasteria Lingua, 161 
 Gastric juice, 1204 
 Gatinais saffron, 554 
 Gauchheil, 1318 
 Gaude, 403 
 Gaultheria, 767 
 humilis, 767 
 procumbens, 767, 1123 
 Gaultherilene, 1124 
 Gaultherin, 338 
 Gaultiera repens, 767 
 Gauza, 393 
 Gauze, carbolated, 40 
 Gayac, 796 
 Gedda gum, 6 
 
 Gegengift des Arseniks, 737 
 Geigenharz, 1364 
 Geisraute, 763 
 Geissospermum lseve, 1096 
 Geiste, 1494 
 Gekochte Oele, 1141 
 Gekochtes Bomisch-Kamillenol 
 216 
 
 Gelatin, 767 
 capsules, 768 
 
 discs, medicated, 768, 927 
 Gelatina, 767 
 carrageen, 473 
 de fuco-crispo, 473 
 lichenis islandic?e, 441 
 sicca, # 441 
 Gelbbeercn, 1374 
 Gelbe Narcisse, 1076 
 Rube, 414 
 
 Gelbes Lungenkraut, 813 
 Gelbfrauensckuli-Extrakt, 667 
 
 Gelbfrauenschuhwurzel, 573 
 Gelbkraut, 403 
 Gelbwurz, 568 
 Gelee seche de lichen, 441 
 Gelidium, 473 
 Gelsemien-Extrakt, 672 
 Gelsemine, 769 
 Gelsemium, 769 
 lucidum, 769 
 nitidum, 769 
 semper virens, 769 
 Gelsemiumtinktur, 1621 
 Gemmae pini, 1586 
 Genciana, 771 
 Genepi blanc, 17 
 Genet a balais, 1431 
 Genievre, 906 
 Genista junceum, 1432 
 Scoparia, 1431 
 Genouillet, 535 
 Gentian, Gentiane, 771 
 blue, 773 
 root, 771 
 Gentiana, 771 
 Andrewsii, 773 
 Catesbaei, 773 
 Centaurium, 1391 
 Chirayta, 451 
 Elliottii, 773 
 fimbriata, 773 
 lutea, 771, 1712 
 pannonica, 772 
 puberula, 773 
 punctata, 772 
 pupurea, 772 
 Saponaria, 773 
 Gentianin, Gentisin, 772 
 Gentiogenin, Gentianose, 772 
 Gentiopicrin, 772, 773 
 Geoffree, 208 
 Geoffroya inermis, 208 
 retusa, 208 
 vermifuga, 208 
 Georgia bark, 488 
 pink, 1492 
 Geranium, 773 
 cicutarium, 774 
 m&culatum, 773 
 Robertianum, 774 
 Geratac&ca, 754 
 Gerberstrauch, 543 
 Gerbsaure, 106 
 German chamomile, 1026 
 digitalin, 582 
 fennel, 753 
 pellitory, 1333 
 sarsaparilla, 1425 
 silver, 565 
 vinegar process, 12 
 Germander, 1588 
 Germandree, 1588 
 maritime, 1588 
 Gerofle, 416 
 Gerstenmalz, 1013 
 Gerstenschleim, _ 578 
 Gettysburg spring, 266 
 Geum japonicum, 776 
 rivale, urbanum, 776 
 Gewiirz, englisches, 1247 
 Gewiirz-Extrakt, 651 
 Gewiirzhafte Essigsaure, 20 
 Gewiirzlatwerge, 1327 
 Gewiirznelken, 416 
 Infusion, 868 
 Gewiirzpulver, 1327 
 Gkacrille, 417 
 Giant powder, 1504 
 Gibbsite, 173 
 Gichtpapier, 442 
 Gichtrose, 908, 1188 
 Gicktriibe, 353 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1821 
 
 Giftjasmin, 769 
 Giftlattich, 925 
 Giftlattich-Extrakt, 683 
 Giftlatticlisaft, 925 
 Giftspmach, 1382 
 Giftwende, 299 
 Giftwurzel, 534 
 Gigartina acicula ris, 472 
 Helminthochortos, 473 
 mamillosa, 471 
 pistillata, 472 
 Gilbwurzel-Glycerit, 785 
 Gilleuia stipulacea, 776 
 trifoliata, 776 
 Gillenin, 777 
 Gillon, 1712 
 Gin, 148, 1505 
 Gingembre, 1735 
 Ginger, 1735 
 Ginseng, 275 
 Girofle, 416 
 Glaciale, 357 
 Glaeialin, 34 
 Gla'ieul bleu, 899 
 Gland ul® lupuli, 999 
 rottler®, 909 
 
 Glasige Phosphorsaure, 83 
 Glaskraut, 1198 
 Glass, antimonial, 222 
 soluble, 985 
 Glauber’s salt, 1493 
 Glaucine, 445 
 
 Glaucium corniculatum, 445 
 luteum, 445 
 Glaucopicrine, 445 
 Glechoma liederacea, 777 
 Gliadin, 713 
 
 Globulario Alypum, 1441 
 Globulin, 657 
 Glonoin, 779, 1504 
 Gloria, 590 
 Glouteron, 928 
 Glucose, 1396 
 Glucusimide, 1393 
 Glue, 767 
 
 Glusidum, Gluside, 1393 
 Gluten, Glutin, 713, 768, 860 
 casein, 713 
 fibrin, 713 
 Glutinum, 767 
 Glycamyl, 783 
 Glycelseura, 783 
 Glycerata, Glycerita, 782 
 Glycerats, Glyceres, 782 
 Glycere d’extrait de belladone, 
 784 
 
 Glycerin, 778 
 stuhlzapfchen, 1549 
 suppositories, 1549 
 Glycerina, 778, 782 
 Glycerins, 782 
 Glycerinum, 778 
 acidi carbolici, 782 
 gallici, 782 
 tannici, 783 
 aluminis, 783 
 amyli, 783 
 belladonn®, 784 
 boracis, 784 
 plumbi saponatis, 785 
 subacetatis, 785 
 tragacanth®, 785 
 Glycerita, 780, 782 
 Glycerite of alum, 783 
 of belladonna, 784 
 of bismuth nitrate, 344 
 of borax, 784 
 of boroglycerin, 784 
 of carbolic acid, 782 
 of gallic acid, 782 
 of glyceryl borate, 784 
 
 Glycerite — 
 of hydrastis, 785 
 of lead subacetate, 785 
 of pepsin, 1205 
 of soap, 785 
 of starch, 783 
 of tannic acid, 783 
 of tar, 1255 
 of tragacanth, 785 
 of yolk of egg, 786 
 Glycerites, 782 
 
 Glyceritum acidi carbolici, 782 
 gallici, 782 
 tannici, 783 
 aconiti, 120 
 aluminis, 783 
 amyli, 783 
 belladonna, 784 
 boracis, 784 
 boroglycerini, 784 
 hydrastis, 785 
 pepsini, 1205 
 picis liquid®, 1255 
 plumbi subacetatis, 785 
 saponis, 785 
 sodii boratis, 784 
 tragacanth®, 785 
 vitelli, 786 
 Glycerol, 779 
 
 Glycerolata, Glyceroles, 782- 
 Glyceryl borate, 784 
 Glycocoll, Glycin, 715, 768 
 Glycocollparaphenetidine hydro- 
 chloride, 1215 
 Glyconin, Glyconinum, 786 
 Glycyramarin, 787 
 Glycyrretin, 787 
 Glycyrrhiza, 786 
 glabra, 674, 786 
 glaudulifera, hirsuta, 786 
 Glycyrrhizin, 787, 905, 1047 
 Glycyrrhizinum ammoniacale,788 
 ammoniatum, 788 
 Glyoxylin, 1505 
 Gnadenkraut, 794 
 Gnaphalium arenarium, 789 
 dioicum, 789 
 margaritaceum, 789 
 polycephalum, 789 
 Gnoscopiue, 1172 
 Goa powder, 473 
 Goat’s beard, 1494 
 rue, 763, 1583 
 Godfrey’s cordial, 1632 
 Gold, 314 
 
 ammonium chloride, 314 
 and sodium chloride, 313 
 chloride, 314 
 cyanide, 314 
 hydroxide, 314 
 iodide, 314 
 leaf, 314 
 litharge, 1265 
 mosaic, 1511 
 powdered, 314 
 Golden chain, 914 
 rod, 1489 
 seal, 849 
 sulphur, 225 
 Goldglatte, 1265 
 Goldregen, 914 
 Goldruthe, 1489 
 Goldschwefel, 225 
 Goldthread, 541 
 Goma arabiga, 5 
 elastica, 593 
 laca, 923 * 
 
 quino, 911 
 tragacanta, 1642 
 Gombo, 168 
 
 Gomma ammoniaco, 178 
 
 Gomma arabica, 5 
 Gomme acajou, 1643 
 adragante, 1642 
 arabique, 5 
 du bas du fleuve, 7 
 gutte, 385 
 lacque, 923 
 
 resine ammoniaque, 178 
 d’euphorbe, 633 
 
 Gonolobus Cundurango, 526, 527 
 tetragonus, 527 
 Good King Henry, 447 
 Goontch, 1 
 Goose-grass, 775 
 Gossypii radicis cortex, 789 
 Gossypium, 790 
 depuratum, 790 
 herbaceum, 1125 
 purificatum, 790 
 spec., 789, 790 
 Gotterbaum, 146 
 Gottesgnadenkraut. 794 
 Goudron, 1143, 1254 
 vegetal, 1254 
 Gouet a trois feuilles, 294 
 Goulard’s cerate, 435 
 extract, 973 
 lead-water, 975 
 Gourd, 524, 559 
 Gourd towel, 1510 
 Gouttes, 1042 
 
 Gowland’s cosmetic lotion, 969 
 Gracilaria lichenoides, 473 
 Graine de muse, 168 
 Graines d’ Avignon, 1374 
 de garou, 1040 
 de puces, 1257 
 de stramoine, 1516 
 de Tilly, 1163 
 Grain-lac, 923 
 Grains of paradise, 1737 
 Graisse balsamique, 124 
 de pore, 123 
 
 des pieds du gros betail, 1114 
 Grama, 1647 
 Grana coccognidii, 1040 
 gnidii, 1040 
 mezerei, 1040 
 moschata, 168 
 paradisi, 1737 
 sylvestra, 512 
 tiglii, 1163 
 
 Granadille, Granadita, 1199 
 Granatenschalen, 793 
 Granatill, 1163 
 
 Granatin, Grauato-mannit, 792 
 Granatrinde, 792 
 Granatum, 792 
 
 Granat - Wurzel - Rinden - Absud, 
 577 
 
 Grand boucage, 936 
 soleil, 807 
 Grande absinthe, 3 
 aunee, 875 
 cigue, 530 
 digitale, 580 
 Grille spring, 266 
 mauve, 168 
 Grandille, 1199 
 Granilla, 512 
 Grano speronato, 615 
 Granulated ferrous sulphate, 581 
 Granulation, 1324 
 Granules, 1234 
 Granulose, 202 
 Granza, 763 
 Grape-lac, 923 
 Grape-sugar, 1028, 1396 
 Graphite, 408 
 Grassette, 1435 
 Grasso con benzoino, 124 
 
1822 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Grasso suino, 123 
 Graswurzel, 1647 
 Grateron, 763 
 Gratiola officinalis, 794 
 Gratiole, 794 
 
 Gratiolin, Gratioletin, Gratio- 
 losin, 794 
 Gratte-cul, 1384 
 Graue Ambra, 177 
 Gravel-plant, 1679 
 Greek figs, 752 
 Green ash, 757 
 hellebore, 809, 1692 
 tea, 1592 
 veratrum, 1692 
 vitriol, 740 
 
 Greenheart-bark, 1077 
 Greenockite, 359 
 Gregory’s powder, 1332 
 Grenache wine, 1699 
 Grenadier, 792 
 Greiswurz, 1196 
 Grieswurzel-Absud, 578 
 Griffis de girofle, 417 
 Griffith’s mixture, 1043 
 Pillen, 1242 
 Grindelia, 795 
 glutinosa, 795 
 hirsutula, 795 
 robusta, 795 
 squarrosa, 795 
 Grindelien, 795 
 Grindelienextrakt, 677 
 Grinding, 1324 
 Grindwurz, 1388 
 Grindwurz-extrakt, 700 
 Groats, 316 
 Grossi, 752 
 
 Grosskarben spring, 267 
 Ground ivy, 777 
 laurel, 1679 
 pine, 1589 
 Grime Minze, 1033 
 Seife, 1418 
 
 Griiner Germer, 1692 
 Vitriol, 740 
 
 Griingermer-Extrakt, 710 
 Griin-Niesswurztinktur, 1641 
 Griinspan, 561 
 gereinigter, 560 
 Guaco, 632 
 Guaiac, 796 
 
 Guaiacene, Guaiene, 797 
 Guaiaci lignum, 796 
 Guaiacol, 547, 798 
 benzoate, 799 
 carbonate, 799 
 cinnamate, 799 
 di-iodide, 799 
 salicylate, 799 
 salol, 799 
 Guaiacolum, 798 
 Guajacum, 796 
 angustifolium, 796 
 officinale, 796 
 resin, 796 
 sanctum, 796 
 wood, 796 
 
 Guajak-Emulsion, 612 
 Guajakharz, 796 
 Guajakholz, 796 
 Guajaktinktur, 1621 
 ammoniakalische, 1622 
 Guanine, 800 
 Guano, 800 
 Guarana, 800 
 Guarana-Extrakt, 677 
 Guarani ne, 361, 800 
 Guarea, 317 
 Guava, 1070 
 Guayaco, 796 
 
 Guequiri, 1 
 Guerit-tout, 520 
 Gui de chene, 1712 
 Guilandina Bonducella, 1154 
 Moringa, 1154 
 Guimauve, 167 
 Guinea grains, 1737 
 pepper, 404 
 
 Guizotia oleifera, 1130 
 Gulf- weed, 758 
 Gum acacia, 5 
 arabic, 5, 6 
 varieties, 7 
 bassora, 1643 
 benjamin, 334 
 butea, 911 
 cashew, 1643 
 cherry, 1643 
 Galam, 7 
 ivy, 1183 
 Kutera, 1643 
 maguey, 145 
 Mogador, 5 
 nuts, 1086 
 plant, 795 
 Tor, 6 
 wax, 946 
 
 Gummi arabicum, 5 
 elasticum, 593 
 elemi, 596 
 guttse, 385 
 kino, 911 
 mimosse, 5 
 plasticum, 593 
 tragacantha, 1642 
 Gummigutt, 385 
 Gummilack, 923 
 Gummipaste, 8 
 Gummipflaster, 602 
 Gummi-resina ammoniacum, 178 
 asafcetida, 295 
 galbanum, 761 
 guttse, 385 
 hederse, 1183 
 myrrha, 1067 
 olibanum, 1166 
 plasticum, 801 
 tragacantha, 1642 
 Gummisirup, 1553 
 Gun-cotton, 1336 
 Gundelrebe, 777 
 Gun-metal, 1511 
 Gundermann, 777 
 Gunja, 1 
 Gunjah, 393 
 Giinsel, 1589 
 Gunny, 1602 
 Gurginja, 1 
 Gurjun balsam, 538 
 Gurke, 558 
 Guru-nut, 362, 366 
 Guter Heinrich, 447 
 Gutta gamba, 385 
 percha, 801 
 depurata, 801 
 paper, 802 
 putik, 802 
 rambong, 802 
 singgarip, 802 
 soosoo, 802 
 sundek, 802 
 taban, 801 
 Guttse, 1042 
 Gutte, Gutti, 385 
 Gymnadaenia conopsea, 1399 
 Gymnema sylvestre, 811 
 tingens, §65 
 
 Gynandropsis pentaphylla, 403 
 Gynocardia odorata, 802 
 Gyps, 376 
 
 Gypsophila Struthium, 1419 
 
 Gypsum, 376 
 dried, 375 
 powdered, 553 
 Gyromia virginica, 1027 
 
 H ABA, 713 
 
 de Calabar, 1220 
 tonka, 1030 
 
 Habenaria bifolia, 1399 
 Habichtskraut, 812 
 Haddock, 1132 
 Hsematein, Haematin, 804 
 ammonia, 804 
 Haematoxylon, 678, 804 
 campechianum, 804 
 Hafermehl, 316 
 Hagebutten, 1384 
 Hagenia abyssinica, 570 
 Hahnenfuss, 1364 
 Haileberthran, 1134 
 Hainbutte, 1384 
 Hainbutten-Conserve, 529 
 Hake, 860, 1132 
 Halicore Dugong, 1134 
 Halidrys siliquosa, 758 
 Halymenia edulis, 472 
 palmata, 472 
 Hamamelis, 804 
 virginica, 804 
 Hamamelisextrakt, 678 
 Hamamelisrindentinktur, 805 
 Hammeltalg, 1444 
 Hancornia speciosa, 593 
 Hanf, 393 
 Hanfnessel, 934 
 Hanfsamen, 394 
 Hanfwurzel Canadische, 233 
 Hanfwurzelextrakt, 649 
 Haplopappus discoideus, 574 
 Haricot, 714 
 Hardhack, 1493 
 Hardwickia pinnata, 538 
 Harina de trijo, 713 
 Harnkraut, 403, 447, 1365 
 Harnstoff, 1673 
 Harpalyce alba, 813, 1317 
 Harrowgate spring, 266 
 Hartheu, 857 
 Hart’s truffle, 1000 
 Harzsalbe, 436 
 Hasel, 545 
 Haselwurzel, 297 
 Hasenklee, 1185 
 Hashab, 5, 6 
 Hashiscin, 394 
 Hashish, 394 
 Hauhechel, 787 
 Hauptpflaster, 604 
 Hausenblase, 860 
 Hausseife, 1418 
 Haustus, 1042 
 Haw, 1491 
 black, 1696 
 Hawkweed, 812 
 Hay-saffron, 554 
 Hazel, 545 
 Head benzoin, 334 
 Heal-all, 520, 1434 
 Heart’s-ease, 1710 
 Heavy spar, 324 
 Heberden’s ink, 1043 
 Hebradendron cambogioides, 385 
 Hebra’s iodine caustic, 970 
 ointment, 1663 
 Seifenspiritus, 943 
 Hectographs, 768 
 Hedeoma, 806 
 piperita, 1033 
 pulegioides, 806, 1126 
 thymoides, 806 
 Hedera Helix, 1183 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1823 
 
 Hederich, 513 
 Hedge hyssop, 794 
 garlic, 513 
 mustard, 513 
 nettle, 934 
 
 Hedysarum gangeticuin, 899 
 Hefenumschlag, 423 
 Heftpflaster, 607 
 Helenenwurzel, 875 
 Helenin, 876 
 
 Helenium autumnale, 806 
 parviflorum, 807 
 tenuifolium, 807 
 Helianthe, 807 
 
 Helianthemum canadense, 807 
 corymbosum, 807 
 vulgare, 807 
 Heliauthus annuus, 807 
 tuberosus, 808 
 
 Helichrysum arenarium, 789 
 Helicin, Helicoidin, 1400 
 Heliotropin, 1251 
 Helleborein, Helleborin, 809 
 Helleboresin, 809 
 Helleborus niger, 808 
 trifolius, 541 
 viridis, 809 
 
 Helmerich’s Salbe, 1671 
 Helminthochorton, 473 
 Helmkraut, 1434 
 Helmkraut-Extrakt, 704 
 Helmwurzel, 545 
 Helonias dioica, 442 
 lutea, 442 
 officinalis, 1390 
 Helonin, 442 
 Hematite, 735, 744 
 Hemidesmus indicus, 810 
 root, 810 
 
 Hemidesmussirup, 1562 
 Hemlock, 530 
 bark, 930 
 fruit, 531 
 leaves, 531 
 pitch, 1253 
 poison, 530 
 poultice, 423 
 spotted, 530 
 spruce, 1253 
 Hemp, 393 
 nettle, 934 
 New Zealand, 1216 
 seed, 394 
 Henbane, 853 
 seed, 853 
 
 Hepar antimonii, 222 
 calcis, 384 
 sulphuris, 1273 
 calcareum, 384 
 Hepatic aloes, 161, 163 
 Hepatica acutiloba, 811 
 americana, 811 
 nobilis, 811 
 triloba, 811 
 Heptane, 333, 1158 
 Heptilene, 1193 
 Heracleum lanatum, 812 
 spondilium, 812 
 Herb mastich, 1588 
 Robert, 774 
 Herba absinthii, 3 
 aconiti, 117 
 agrimonise, 145 
 belladonnse, 327 
 botryos mexicanpe, 447 
 calcatrippse, 1513 
 cannabis indicse, 393 
 capillorum veneris, 127 
 cardui benedicti, 413 
 catarise, 424 
 centaurii, 1391 
 
 Herba — 
 
 chamomillse fcetidse, 546 
 chelidonii, 445 
 cicutse majoris, 531 
 cochlearise, 512 
 conii, 531 
 consolidae, 1513 
 regalis, 1513 
 eupatorii perfoliati, 631 
 flammulse Jovis, 501 
 galeopsidis, 934 
 gratiolse, 794 
 hedene terrestris, 777 
 hyoscyami, 853 
 jaceae, 1710 
 lactucae, 925 
 virosae, 925 
 linariae, 938 
 lobeliae, 995 
 majoranae, 1184 
 malvae, 168 
 mari veri, 1588 
 marrubii, 1020 
 aquatici, 1002 
 matricariae, 1199 
 meliloti, 1030 
 melissae, 1031 
 menthae acutae, 1033 
 crispae, 1033 
 piperitae, 1032 
 romanae, 1033 
 millefolii, 16 
 nasturtii pratensis, 533 
 nepetae, 424 
 polygalae, 1269 
 rorellae, 589 
 rutae, 1388 
 caprariae, 763 
 sabinae, 1391 
 salicariae, 1003 
 salviae, 1405 
 scoparii, 1431 
 scordii, 1589 
 serpylli, 859 
 spilanthis, 1334 
 stramonii, 1516 
 thymi, 859 
 trifolii fibrini, 1035 
 violae tricoloris, 1710 
 virgaureae, 1490 
 Herbe a eternuer, 17 
 a fievre, 631 
 a gueux, 502 
 a la ouate, 298 
 a l’hirondelle, 445 
 au citron, 1031 
 au scorbut, 512 
 aux chantres, 513 
 aux charpentiers, 16 
 aux chats, 424 
 aux cure-dents, 477 
 aux vers, 1578 
 d’eupatoire perfoliee, 631 
 de hepatique, 811 
 de maroute, 546 
 de pyrole ombellee, 447 
 de St. Barbe, 513 
 jaune, 403 
 parfaite, 631 
 Herbs, aromatic, 1033 
 Herbstzeitlose, 516 
 Hercules’ club, 274, 1716 
 Herlitze, 544 
 Hermodactyls, 517 
 Herpestes gratioloides, 1230 
 Herrania albiflora, 1596 
 Herzgespann, 933 
 Hesperidin, Hesperetin, 311, 312 
 Heuchera, Heuchere, 812 
 Heuchera americana, 812 
 villosa, 812 
 
 [ Heudelotia africana, 1069 
 Hevea brasiliensis, 593 
 discolor, 593 
 guianensis, 593 
 Hexane, 333 
 Hexchlorethane, 411 
 Hexenmehl, 1001 
 Hexylene, 1365 
 Hibiscus spec., 168 
 Hickory-nut, 905 
 Hidrocotila, 851 
 Hieble, 1407 
 Hiel de tierra, 758 
 toro, 714 
 Hiera picra, 165 
 Hieracium spec., 812, 813 
 High mallow, 168 
 Higo, 751 
 Himbeeren, 1387 
 Himbeeressig, 1569 
 Himbeersaft, 1568 
 Himbeerwasser, 1569 
 Hing, Hingra, 295 
 Hippo, Carolina, 632 
 Indian, 776 
 
 Hippocastanum vulgare, 813 
 Hippomane Mancinella, 819 
 Hips, 1384 
 Hircin, 1444 
 Hirschbrunst, 1000 
 Hirschhornsalz, 182 
 Hirtentaschlein, 513 
 Hirudines, 814 
 Hirudo, 814 
 decora, 815 
 medicinalis, 815 
 provincialis, 815 
 Hirundinaria, 299 
 Hirundo esculenta, 473 
 Hissopo, 858 
 Hoarhound, 1020 
 Hoary pea, 1583 
 Hock, 1699 
 
 Hoffmann’s anodyne, 1495 
 Hoffman stropfen, 1495 
 Hog gum, 7 
 Hogg gum, 7 
 Hog’s lard, 123 
 Hogweed, 178 
 Holilwurzel, 545 
 Hohlzahn, 934 
 Hojas al San Pedro, 1040 
 del estramonio, 1516 
 Holarrhena antidysenterica, 167 
 Holcus saccharatus, 1394 
 Hollenstein, 281 
 salpeterhaltiger, 280 
 Hollunder, 1406 
 Hollunderbliithen-Wasser, 265 
 Holly, 861 
 Hollyhock, 168 
 Holzather, 132 
 Holzessig, 18 
 saure, 18 
 Holzgeist, 157 
 Holzkohle, 407 
 Holzthee, 796 
 Holztinktur, 1587 
 Homatropine hydrobromate, 310 
 Homberg’s pyrophorus, 170 
 Hombrecilles, 818 
 Homburg spring, 268 
 Homocinchonicine, 489 
 Homocinclionidine, 489, 494 
 [ Homocinchonine, 489 
 Homoquinine, 489, 1352 
 Honduras bark, 1339 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Honey, 1027 
 borax, 1029 
 clarified, 1029 
 
1824 
 
 Honey — 
 dew of rye, 615 
 of rose, 1029 
 of sodium borate, 1029 
 Honeys, medicated, 1029 
 Honig, 1027 
 Hood wort, 1434 
 Hopfen, 818 
 Aufguss, 872 
 Hopfenbaum, 1321 
 Hopfenbittersaure, 999 
 Hopfenextrakt, 685 
 Ilopfenmehl, 999 
 Hopfentinktur, 1622 
 Hops, 818 
 Hop tree, 1321 
 Hordeine, 817 
 Hordeum decorticatum, 817 
 distichon, 817, 1013 
 hexastichon, 817 
 perlatum, 817 
 vulgare, 817 
 Horehound, 1020 
 Hormiscium cerevisise, 437 
 Horn poppy, 445 
 Hornbaumrinde, 543 
 Hornkiimmel, 1513 
 Hornmohn, 445 
 Horny wheat, 713 
 Horse aloes, 163 
 Horsebalm, 520 
 Horse bean, 713 
 cassia, 419 
 chestnut, 813 
 gentian, 1646 
 Horsemint, 859, 1045 
 Horseradish-root, 288 
 Horsetail, 615 
 Hot springs, 268, 269 
 Houblon, 818 
 Hound’s tongue, 349 
 Houseleek, 1435 
 Houx, 861 
 Hueso, 1184 
 Huflattig, 1656 
 
 Huile auimale de Dippel, 1109 
 camphree, 940 
 colza, 1447 
 
 d’amandes douces, 1107 
 d’antimoine liquide, 949 
 de bouleau, 1255 
 de camomille, 216 
 de camphre, 388 
 d’enfer, 1139 
 d’ether, 1103 
 de foie de morue, 1132 
 de fougere male, 1100 
 de grain, 156 
 de graisse, 1103 
 de thyme, 1162 
 de vin pesante, 1103 
 de vitriol, 97 
 
 des pieds du gros betail, 1114 
 du gas olefiant, 139 
 mineral, 1209 
 navette, 1447 
 ceillette, 1192 
 oeuf, 1714 
 phosphoree, 1142 
 raisin, 1130J 
 russe, 1255 
 vierge, 1139 
 volatile ethere, 1103 
 Huiles distillees, 1089 
 essentielles, 1089 
 etherees, 1089 
 fixes, 1092 
 grasses, 1092 
 medicinales, 1141 
 volatiles, 1089 
 Huisache, 8 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Hulsas de Xibia, 553 
 Humin, 646 
 Humulus, 818 
 Lupulus, 591, 818, 999 
 Hundred-leaved rose, 1385 
 Hundskamillen, 546 
 Hundspetersilie, 531 
 j Hundszunge, 349 
 I Hungarian turpentine, 1586 
 valonia, 765 
 I Hungerkorn, 615 
 i Huntsman’s cup, 1420 
 Huuyadi Janos, 267 
 Hura brasiliensis, 819 
 crepitans, 819 
 Hurin, 819 
 
 Huxham’s tincture of bark, 
 Hydnocarpus odorata, 802 
 venenata, 803 
 Wightiana, 803 
 Hydracetin, 1215, 1216 
 Hydrangea arborescens, 820 
 Hydrargyri ammonio-chloridum, 
 846 
 
 bichloridum, 820 
 chloridum, 825 
 corrosivum, 820 
 mite, 825 
 
 prsecipitatione paratum, 826 
 cyanidum, 831 
 elainicum, 1098 
 iodidum flavum, 832 
 rubrum, 833 
 viride, 832 
 nitrico-oxidum, 837 
 oxidum flavum, 836 
 rubrum, 837 
 perchloridum, 820 
 persulphas, 839 
 proto-ioduretum, 832 
 proto-nitras, 968 
 subchloridum, 825 
 subsulphas flavus, 838 
 sulphas, 839 
 flava, 838 
 
 sulphidum rubrum, 839 
 sulphuretum rubrum, 839 
 nigrum, 840 
 Hydrargyrum, 840 
 amidato-bichloratum, 846 
 ammoniato-muriaticum, 846 
 ammoniatum, 846 
 bichloratum carbamidatum 
 solutum, 842 
 corrosivum, 820 
 biiodatum, 833 
 borussicum, 831 
 chloratum mite, 825 
 
 vapore paratum, 826 
 dulce, 825 
 
 corrosivum sublimatum, 820 
 cum creta, 847 
 cyanatum, 831 
 depuratum, 841 
 formamidatum, 1673 
 solutum, 842 
 iodatum flavum, 832 
 muriaticum corrosivum, 820 
 dulce, 825 
 
 pleicum, oleinicum, 1098 
 oxydatum, 837 
 flavum, 836 
 nitricum solutum, 967 
 prsecipitatum, 836 
 rubrum, 837 
 solutum, 968 
 via humida paratum, 836 
 oxydulatum solutum, 968 
 peptonatum solutum, 842 
 phenyl icum, 842 
 prsecipitatum album, 846 
 
 Hydrargyrum — 
 purificatum, 841 
 salicylas, 842 
 sulfuratum rubrum, 839 
 sulphuricum, 839 
 flavum, 838 
 
 tannicum oxydulatum, 842 
 vivum, 840 
 Hydras ferricus, 734 
 Hydrastine, 849 
 
 Hydrastininse hydrocliloras, 848 
 Hydrastinine, 849 
 hydrochlorate, 848 
 Hydrastis, 849 
 t canadensis, 336, 554, 849 
 Hydrastisextrakt, 679 
 Hydrastistinktur, 1623 
 Hydrate d’alumine, 173 
 d’amylene, 200 
 de baryte, 324 
 de chloral, 452 
 butylique, 459 
 
 de peroxyde de fer gelatineux, 
 734 
 
 de sesquioxide de fer, 735 
 ferrique, 735 
 Hydroapoatropine, 306 
 Hydrobromsaure, 57 
 Hydrobryoretin, 353 
 Hydrocarbonas zincicus, 1721 
 Hydrocarbonate de zinc, 1721 
 Hydrocarotin, 415 
 Hydrocoerulignone, 18 
 Hydrochinone, 1371 
 Hydrochloras morpliicus, 1057 
 Hydrochrysamide, 164 
 Hydrocinchonidine, 489 
 Hydrocinchonine, 497 
 Hydroconchinine, 489, 496 
 Hydrocotarnine, 1172 
 Hydrocotoin, 1078 
 Hydrocotyle spec., 851 
 Hydroelaterin, 593 
 Hydrogen fluoride, 67 
 gold chloride, 314 
 sulphide, 743 
 Hydrokinone, 1371 
 Hydrolat de fleur d’orange, 254 
 simple, 260 
 Hydrol^ts, 246 
 Hydronaphtol, 1074 
 Hydroquinidine, Hydroquinine, 
 489 
 
 Hydroquinol, 1371 
 Hydroquinone, 1371 
 Hydroxylamine hydrochloride, 
 475 
 
 Hygrine, 503 
 Hymensea Courbaril, 1587 
 Hyoscinse hydrobromas, 851 
 Hyoscine, 851, 854 
 hydrobromate, 851 
 Hyoscinum hydrobromicum, 851 
 Hyoscyaminse hydrobromas, 855 
 sulphas, 852 
 Hyoscyamine, 854 
 hydromate, 852 
 sulphate, 852 
 
 Hyoscyaminflm hydrobromas, 852 
 sulfuricum, 852 
 Hyoscyamus, 853 
 agrestis, 853 
 albus, aureus, 853 
 niger, pallidus, 853 
 pliysaloides, 853 
 Scopolia, 328 
 seed, 853 
 
 Hyoscypicrin, 854 
 Hypericon, 857 
 Hypericum species, 857, 858 
 Hypermanganas kalicus, 1510 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1825 
 
 Hypnal, 455, 459 
 Hypnone, 11, 12 
 
 Hypodermic injection of mor- 
 phine, 875 
 of apomorpliine, 875 
 of ergotin, 875 
 Hypophosphis calcicus, 372 
 ferricus, 730 
 kalicus, 1300 
 potassicus, 1300 
 sodicus, 1469 
 
 Hypophosphite de chaux, 372 
 de fer, 730 
 de potasse, 1300 
 de soude, 1469 
 Hypophosphitesyrup, 1562 
 Hypoquebrachine, 303 
 Hyposulphis sodicus, 1470 
 Hyposulphite de soude, 1470 
 Hyraceum, 1060 
 Hyrax capensis, 1060 
 Hyssop, 858 
 Hyssopin, 858 
 Hyssopus officinalis, 858 
 Hysterionica Baylahuen, 796 
 
 TBERISKRESSE, 514 
 JL Iceland moss, 440 
 jelly, 441 
 Ice-plant, 357 
 Ichthyocolla, 860 
 Ichthyol, 860, 1209 
 Ichthyolum, 860 
 Icica abilo, 596 
 Caranna, 1587 
 heptaphylla, 1587 
 Icicariba, 596 
 Tacamabaca, 1587 
 Ictodes foetidus, 588 
 Idaho Springs, 269 
 If commun, 1582 
 Igasurine, 1086 
 Igname, 587 
 Ignatia, 1086 
 amara, 1086 
 
 Ignatiana philippinica, 1086 
 Ignazbohnen, 1086 
 Ikaju, 1086 
 
 Ilex aquifolium, 861, 1712 
 Cassine, 862 
 Dahoon, 862 
 glabra, 1319 
 laevigata, 1319 
 myrtifolia, 862 
 opaca, 861 
 paraguayensis, 862 
 verticillata, 1315 
 Ilicin, 862 
 Ilixanthin, 862 
 Illicium, 863 
 floridanum, 864 
 Griffithii, 864 
 majus, 864 
 parviflorum, 863 
 religiosum, 863 
 verum, 863 
 Immerschon, 789 
 Immortelle, 789 
 Imperatoire, 864 
 Imperatoria, 864 
 Ostruthium, 118, 864 
 Imperatorin, 864 
 Incienso, 1166 
 Indaco, 865 
 India rubber, 594 
 senna, 1440 
 Indian bael, 326 
 bdellium, 1069 
 bread, 1000 
 cannabis, 393 
 corn, 203 
 115 
 
 ' Indian — 
 cress, 514 
 cucumber, 1027 
 dye, 949 
 gum-nuts, 1086 
 hemp, 233, 393 
 hippo, 776 
 ipecacuanha, 895 
 liquorice, 1 
 myrrh, 1068 
 paint, 1408 
 pennywort, 851 
 phvsic, 776 
 poke, 1692 
 sage, 631 
 sarsaparilla, 810 
 tobacco, 995 
 turmeric, 849 
 turnip, 293, 1321 
 wormseed, 1413 
 yam, 587 
 Indican, 865 
 Indicum, 865 
 Indiglucin, 865 
 Indigo, 865 
 blue, 865 
 carmine, 866 
 gluten, 865 
 purple, 866 
 sauvage, 322 
 soluble, 865 
 sulphate, 865 
 white, 865 
 
 Indigofera spec., 865 
 Indigo tin, 865 
 Indiscbe Feige, 356 
 Indischer Hanf, 393 
 Indisches Siissbolz, 1 
 Indischhanfextrakt, 655 
 fliissiges, 656 
 
 Indischhanftinktur, 1610 
 Infusa, 866 
 Infusion, absinth, 5 
 bearberry, 874 
 buchii, 868 
 Calisaya bark, 869 
 calumba, 868 
 capsicum, 405 
 cascarilla, 869 
 catechu, 869 
 compound, 869 
 chamomile, 868 
 chiretta, 869 
 cinchona, 869 
 acid, 869 
 cloves, 868 
 columbo, 868 
 cusparia, 870 
 digitalis, 870 
 dulcamara, 870 
 ergot, 871 
 
 flaxseed, compound, 871 
 gentian, compound, 871 
 hops, 872 
 
 juniper-berries, 906 
 kousso, 870 
 linseed, 871 
 matico, 872 
 orange-peel, 868 
 compound, 868 
 pareira brava, 1198 
 parietaria, 1198 
 quassia, 872 
 rhatany, 871 
 rhubarb, 872 
 rose, acid, 873 
 compound, 873 
 senega, 873 
 senna, 873 
 compound, 873 
 serpentary, 874 
 
 Infusion — 
 tar, 1255 
 
 thoroughwort, 631 
 valerian, 874 
 wild cherry, 872 
 yellow cinchona, 869 
 Infusionen, 866 
 j Infusions, 866 
 , Infusum angusturee, 870 
 anthemidis, 216, 868 
 aurantii, 868 
 compositum, 868 
 barosma, 868 
 brayera, 870 
 buchu, 868 
 calumba, 868 
 capsici, 405 
 caryophylli, 868 
 ease aril la, 869 
 catechu, 869 
 compositum, 869 
 chainomilla romana, 868 
 chirata, 869 
 cinchona, 869 
 acidum, 869 
 flava, 869 
 cusparia, 870 
 cusso, 870 
 digitalis, 870 
 diosma, 868 
 dulcamara, 870 
 ergota, 871 
 eupatorii, 631 
 gentiana compositum, 871 
 humuli, 872 
 jaborandi, 1230 
 juniperi. 906 
 krameria, 871 
 lini, 871 
 
 compositum, 871 
 lupuli, 872 
 matica, 872 
 pareira, 1198 
 picis liquida, 1255 
 pruni virginiana, 872 
 quassia, 872 
 rhei, 872 
 kalinum, 872 
 
 rosa acidum compositum, 873 
 salvia, 1406 
 senega, 873 
 
 senna, compositum, 873, 874 
 serpentaria, 874 
 uva ursi, 874 
 valeriana, 874 
 Ingwer, 1735 
 Ingwerextrakt, 711, 1103 
 Ingwerpastillen, 1656 
 Ingwersirup, 1573 
 ! Ingwertinktur, 1641 
 I Inhalation, chlorine, 1685 
 conine, creosote, 1685 
 fir- wool oil, 1686 
 hydrocyanic acid, 1685 
 iodine, 1686 
 Inhalations, 1685 
 Injectio morphina liypodermica, 
 875 
 
 apomorphina, 875 
 ergotini, 875 
 I Ink, blue, 729 
 colored, 212 
 diamond, 68 
 indelible, 280 
 for stamping, 212 
 hectograph, 769 
 Inkberry, 1319 
 Inkroot, 1514 
 Inosit, 1396 
 
 Inspissated ox-gall, 715 
 Inula Conyza, 583, 876 
 
1826 
 
 Inula — 
 
 dysenterica, 876 
 Helen ium, 875 
 squarrosa, 876 
 Inulin, Inulol, 876, 928 
 Invert-sugar, 1028 
 Invertin, 437 
 Iodate de chaux, 373 
 de potasse, 1304 
 lode. 887 
 
 Iodidum cadmicum, 357 
 Iodina rhombifolia, 304 
 Iodi bromidum, 889 
 cbloridum, 889 
 Iodine, 887 
 bromide, 889 
 chloride, 889 
 pentabromide, 889 
 terbromide, 889 
 trichloride, 889 
 Iodine green, 212 
 Iodoform, 877 
 collodion, 522 
 pencils, 1669 
 Iodoformum, 877 
 Iodol, 879 
 Iodophenine, 1214 
 Iodopyrine, 227, 232, 893 
 Iodozone, 889, 893 
 Iodum, 887 
 
 Iodure d’ammonium, 188 
 d’amidon, 206 
 d’argent, 278 
 d’arsenic, 292 
 de baryum, 324 
 de cadmium, 357 
 de calcium, 374 
 d’ethyle, 143 
 de fer, 732 
 de formyle, 877 
 de methyle, 1038 
 de plomb, 1263 
 de potassium, 1301 
 de sodium, 1472 
 de soufre, 1543 
 de strontium, 1520 
 de zinc, 1725 
 mercureux, 832 
 mercurique, 833 
 Ioduretum ammonicum, 188 
 amyli, 206 
 arseniosum, 292 
 cadmicum, 357 
 carbonici, 877 
 ferrosum, 732 
 hydrargyricum, 833 
 hydrargyrosum, 832 
 kalicum, 1301 
 plumbicum, 1263 
 potassicum, 1301 
 sulfuris, 1543 
 zincicum, 1725 
 Ionidium Ipecacuanha, 895 
 polygala} folium, 895 
 Ipecac, 893 
 wild, 632 
 Ipecacuanha, 893 
 annele, 893 
 bastard, 299, 895 
 farinaceous, 895 
 Indian, 895 
 ligneous, white, 895 
 lozenges, 1653 
 officinale, 893 
 spurge, 632 
 striated, 895 
 small, 895 
 undulated, 895 
 Ipecacuanhaextrakt, 680 
 Ipecacuanhasirup, 1563 
 Ipomcea Jalapa, 901 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Ipomcea — 
 
 Nil, 903 
 orizabensis, 903 
 pandurata, 903 
 Purga, 901 
 Scbiedeana, 901 
 simulans, 903 
 Turpetbum, 903 
 Iris, 899 
 florentina, 900 
 fcetidissima, 901 
 germanica, 900 
 pallida, 900 
 pseudacorus, 901 
 variee, 899 
 verna, virginica, 900 
 versicolor, 899 
 Irish broom, 1431 
 moss, 471 
 jelly, 473 
 
 Irlandisches Moos, 471 
 Iron, 744 
 albuminate, 959 
 ammoniated, 186 
 ammonio-cbloride, 186, 187 
 ammonio-citrate, 722 
 ammonio-tartrate, 724 
 and ammonium citrate, 722 
 sulphate, 723 
 tartrate, 724 
 
 and potassium tartrate, 725 
 and quinine citrate, 726 
 soluble, 728 
 
 and strychnine citrate, 728 
 arsenate, 716 
 bark, 1122 
 benzoate, 745 
 black oxide, 735 
 bromide, 717 
 by hydrogen, 749 
 carbonate, saccharated, 717 
 chloride, 719 
 citrate, 721 
 soluble, 722 
 dialyzed, 958 
 ferrocyanuret, 729 
 hydrated oxide, 734 
 with magnesia, 737 
 peroxide, 734 
 hypophosphite, 730 
 iodide, 732 
 saccharated, 731 
 lactate, 733 
 magnetic, 744 
 oxide, 735 
 malate, 745 
 moist peroxide, 734 
 oxalate, 745 
 oxide, 734 
 peptonate, 959 
 perchloride, 719 
 peroxide, hydrous, 735 
 phosphate, 738 
 soluble, 737 
 white, 739 
 pulverized, 751 
 pyrites, 744 
 pyrophosphate, 739 
 
 with sodium citrate, 739 
 reduced, 745 
 by hydrogen, 745 
 saccharated, 736 
 carbonate, 717 
 oxide, 736 
 soluble, 719 
 salicylate, 740 
 sesquichloride, 719 
 spathic, 744 
 subcarbonate, 735 
 sulphate, 740 
 dried, 742 
 
 Iron— 
 
 sulphide, 742 
 tannate, 745 
 tartarized, 725 
 tartrated, 725 
 valerianate, 743 
 Isaconitine, 115 
 Isatin, 865 
 Isatjs tinctoria, 865 
 Isinglass, 473, 767, 860 
 Isis nobilis, 553 
 Islandische Flechte, 440 
 Islandisches Moos, 440 
 Absud, 576 
 Isocumene, 332 
 Isodulcit, 1341 
 Isonandra Gutta, 801 
 Isolichenin, 441 
 Isonaphtol, 1072 
 Isonitril, 9 
 Isop, 858 
 
 Isopelletierine, 793 
 Isopropyl sulphocyanate, 1155 
 Italienische Pillen, 1239 
 Iva, 17 
 
 I vain, Ivaol, 17 
 Ivette, 1589 
 Ivory, 1185 
 black, 405 
 Ivraie, 997 
 Ivy, 1183 
 ground, 777 
 Ixora bandhuca, 899 
 coccinea, 899 
 
 TABONERA, 1225 
 ? ) Jaborandi, 1229 
 Jaborandi-Extrakt, 695 
 Jaborandine, 1230 
 Jaborine, 1229 
 Jacaranda branca, 901 
 oxvphylla, 901 
 procera, 901 
 subrhombea, 901 
 Jack-fruit, 752 
 Jacobskraut, 1656 
 Jafferabad aloes, 163 
 Jaffna, 473 
 Jalap resin, 902, 1366 
 stalks, 903 
 
 Jalapa, Jalap, 901, 1366 
 Jalapenextrakt, 682 
 Jalapenharz, 1366 
 Jalapenknollen, 901 
 Jalapenpulver, 1331 
 Jalapentinktur, 1625 
 Jalapin, 903 
 Jalapinha, 903 
 Jamaica, 168 
 
 cabbage-tree bark, 208 
 dogwood, 1251 
 ginger, 1736 
 kino, 912 
 quassia, 1338 
 red cedar, 317 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Jamaicine, 208 
 Jambosa malaccensis, 1070 
 vulgaris, 1070 
 James’s powder, 1327 
 tea, 907 
 
 Jamestown weed, 1516 
 Janipha Manihot, 205 
 Japaconitine, 119 
 Japan camphor, 387 
 Japanese belladonna, 329 
 galls, 765 
 gelatin, 473 
 isinglass, 860 
 persimmon, 588 
 Jarape de ramno, 1374 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1827 
 
 Jasmin sauvage, 769 
 Jateorrhiza Calumba, 378 
 palmata, 378 
 Jatropha Curcas, 567 
 dulcis, 205 
 elastica, 593 
 Janiplia, 205 
 Manihot, 205 
 multifida, 568 
 Jaune amer, 86 
 d’ceuf, 1714 
 Java cardamoms, 413 
 turmeric, 569 
 Javanine, 489 
 Jeffersonia dipliylla, 904 
 Jelly, paraffin, 1208 
 Jequiriti, 1 
 
 Jerusalem artichoke, 808 
 oak, 447 
 Jervine, 1691 
 Jesuits’ balsam, 1609 
 bark, 480 
 tea, 862 
 Jeticucu, 903 
 Jetoline, 212 
 Jidda gum, 6 
 Jimson weed, 1516 
 Joaunesia principis, 568 
 Jod, 887 
 
 Jodammonium, 188 
 Jodathyl, 143 
 Jod barium, 324 
 Jodblei, 1263 
 Jodblei Pflaster, 607 
 Jodbleisalbe, 1670 
 Jodbromid, 889 
 Jodeadmium, 357 
 Jodcalcium, 374 
 Jodeisen, 732 
 
 Jod luvl tige Carbolsaure, 39 
 Jodkadmium, 357 
 Jodkalium, 1301 
 Jodkaliumsalbe, 1671 
 mit Jod, 1669 
 
 Jodkalium-Seifenlinimeut, 941 
 Jodliniment, 941 
 Jodmethyl, 1038 
 Jodnatrium, 1472 
 Jodoform, 877 
 Jodoformsalbe, 1669 
 Jodquecksilberarsenik, 950 
 Jodquecksilber, gelbes, 832 
 rothes, 833 
 
 Jodquecksilbersalbe, 1666 
 Jodsalbe, 1668 
 Jodschwefel, 1543 
 Jodschwefelsalbe, 1672 
 Jodsilber, 278 
 Jodstiirke, 206 
 Jodtinktur, 1623 
 Jodtrichlorid, 889 
 Jodwasserstoffather, 143 
 Jodwasserstoffsaure, 56 
 Jodwasserstoffsirup, 1554 
 Johannisbrot, 419 
 Jolianniskraut, 857 
 Johauniswurzel, 301 
 Jointed charlock, 1447 
 Jonquil, 1076 
 Jordan almonds, 194 
 Joubarbe acre, 1435 
 des vignes, 1435 
 grande, 1435 
 Judendornbeeren, 905 
 Judenkirsche, 159 
 Juglans, 904 
 cathartica, 904 
 cinerea. 904 
 nigra, 905 
 oblonga, 904 
 regia, 905 
 
 Juglone, 905 
 Juice, gastric, 1204 
 of belladonna, 1534 
 of broom, 1535 
 of conium, 1535 
 of dandelion, 1535 
 of hemlock, 1535 
 of liyoscyamus, 1535 
 pancreatic, 1189 
 Juices. 1534 
 inspissated, 636 
 Jujuba, 905 
 ! J uj ube-berries, 905 
 paste, 906 
 Julapium, 1042 
 | Julep, 1042 
 
 gommeux, 1062 
 Jumble-beads, 1 
 I Jungfermilch, 1608 
 Jungfernol, 1139 
 Juniper, 906 
 berries, 906 
 wood, 906 
 Juniperin, 906 
 Juni perus, 906 
 communis, 906 
 nana, 906 
 Oxycedrus, 1114 
 Sabina, 1391 
 virginiana, 1392 
 Jus de reglisse, 674 
 .Jusquiame noir, 853 
 J ute, 1602 
 
 K ADDIGBEEREN, 906 
 Kadeol, 1114 
 Kadmium, 359 
 Eadmiumjodiir, 357 
 Kadmiumoxvd, schwefelsaures, 
 358 
 
 Kadmiumsulfat, 358 
 Kamipferid, 761 
 Kaffee, 359 
 Ivaffein, 361 
 Kainite, 1313 
 Kairina, Kairine, 1590 
 Kairocoll, Kairoliue, 1590 
 Kaisersalat, 4 
 Kaiserwurz, 864 
 Kakaobolinen, 1595 
 i Ivakaobutter, 1161 
 , Kakoteline, 1086 
 ! Kaktus, 356 
 j Kalabarbohne, 1220 
 Kalabarbohnen-Extrakt, 694 
 Kal abarboli nentinktur, 1633 
 Kaladana, 903 
 Kali causticum fusum, 1269 
 essigsaures, 1275 
 kydricum fusum, 1269 
 solutum, 975 
 Kali. See Kalium. 
 
 Kalialaun, 169 
 Kalilauge, 975 
 Kalisalpeter, 1307 
 Kalisayarinden-Extrakt, 661 
 Kalisciiwefelleber, 1273 
 j Kaliseife, 1418 
 Kalium, 1270 
 aceticum, 1275 
 solutum, 1276 
 arseni cosum, 979 
 bicarbon icum, 1277 
 hi tartar i cum, 1280 
 borussicum, 1299 
 bromatum, 1282 
 bromid, 1282 
 carbonicum, 1287 
 acid ulum, 1277 
 crudum, 1288 
 depuratum, 1288 
 
 Kalium — 
 
 e tartaro, 1287 
 purum, 1287 
 causticum fusum, 1269 
 chlorat-Pastillen, 1654 
 chloratum, 1291 
 cliloricum, 1290 
 chloridum, 1291 
 chlorsaures, 1290 
 citrat, 980 
 citricurn, 1295 
 citronsaures, 1295 
 cyanatum, 1296 
 dichromicum, 1279 
 doppeltchromsaures, 1279 
 doppeltkohlensaures, 1277 
 essigsaures, 1275 
 ferrocyanatum, 1299 
 kydricum fusum, 1269 
 kydroxyd, 1269 
 hydrojodicum, 1301 
 hypermanganicum, 1310 
 liypopkosphorosum, 1300 
 iodatum, 1301 
 jodsaures, 1304 
 koklensaures, 1287, 1288 
 muriaticum oxygenatum, 1290 
 nitricum, 1307 
 oxymuriaticum, 1290 
 permanganicum, 1310 
 permanganat, 981 
 salpetersaures, 1307 
 schwefelsaures, 1313 
 schwefligsaures, 1313, 1314 
 sulfocyanat, 1300 
 sulfuratum, 1273 
 ad balneum, 1273 
 sulfuricum, 1313 
 sulfurosum, 1314 
 tartaricum, 1315 
 boraxatum, 1316 
 ubermangansaures, 1310 
 unterpliosphorigsaures, 1300 
 weinsaures, 1315 
 | Kaliumchlorat-Pastillen, 1654 
 | Kalk, 379 
 
 gebran liter, 379 
 geloschter, 380 
 jodsaurer, 373 
 kolilensaurer, 370 
 schwefelsaurer, 376 
 sckwefligsaurer, 376 
 u nterphospkorigsau rer, 372 
 ! Kalkerde, phosphorsaure, 374 
 Kalkhydrat, 380 
 ; Kalkliniment, 940 
 Kalkscliwefelleber, 384 
 Kalksirup, 1558 
 Kalkwasser, 952 
 Kalmia an gusti folia, 907 
 glauca, 907 
 latifolia, 907 
 Kalmie, 907 
 Kalmusextrakt, 654 
 Kalmuswurzel, 367 
 Kalumb, 378 
 Kamala, Kameela, 909 
 Kamille, romische, 215 
 Kamillenblumen, 1026 
 Kamillen-Extrakt, 649 
 Kamillenol, 216, 1111 
 Kampfer, 386 
 
 Kampferliniment, 939, 940 
 Kamferol, fliichtiges, 388 
 Kampfer-Quecksilbersalbe, 1666 
 Kampfersalbe, 433 
 Kampfer, salicylirter, 389 
 Kampferspiritus, 1502 
 Kampferwasser, 255 
 Kampferwein, 388 
 Kanariensamen, 1213 
 
1828 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Kantkariden, 396 
 kollodium, 521 
 Kapern, 1389 
 Kapnomor, 1255 
 Kapper, 403 
 Kapuzinerkresse, 514 
 Kardamomen, 412 
 Kardamomentinktur, 1612 
 zusammengesetzte, 1612 
 Karmelitergeist, 1031 
 Karobe, 419 
 Kartoffelstarke, 203 
 Kasekraut, 168 
 Kasepappel, 168 
 Kaskarilla-Aufguss, 869 
 Kaskarillrinde, 417 
 Kaskarilltinktur, 1612 
 Kastanienbliitter, 420 
 Kastanienblatter-Extrakt, 658 
 Katechu, 425 
 Katechupastillen, 1651 
 Katecbutinktur, 1613 
 Katbira, 7 
 Katir, 1366 
 
 Katzengamander, 1588 
 
 Katzenkraut, Katzenminze, 424 
 
 Katzenpfotchen, 789 
 
 Kautscbuk, 593 
 
 Kava-kava, 1025 
 
 Kavaben, 1025 
 
 Kefir, Kepbir, 917 
 
 Kellerbals, 1039 
 
 Kellerbalskorner, 1040 
 
 Kelline, 477 
 
 Kelp, 887, 1462 
 
 Kelp-ware, 757 
 
 Kengasbi, 903 
 
 Kermes, 512 
 
 mineral, 224, 225 
 Kermesbeere, 1225 
 Kermesbeerenwurzel, 1225 
 extrakt, 694 
 Kerosin, 1210 
 Kesso, 1682 
 Ketmie acide, 168 
 Ketone, 1105 
 Khaya senegalensis, 317 
 Kicksia africana, 1523 
 Kidney bean, 714 
 Kiefernadelol, 1586 
 Kieselfeucbtigkeit, 986 
 Kieserite, 1009 
 Kinderpulver, 1332 
 King’s yellow, 293 
 Kinnikinnick, 544 
 Kino, 911 
 red, 911 
 
 varieties, 911, 912 
 Kinoin, 490, 911 
 Kinone, 360 
 Kinopulver, 1331 
 Kinotinktur, 1625 
 Kinovin, 491 
 
 Kirsch, Kirscliwasser, 148 
 Kirschlorbeerblatter, 930 
 Kirschlorbeerwasser, 263 
 Kirschsirup, 1569 
 Kissingen spring, 268 
 Klapperrose, 1380 
 Klatschrose, 1380 
 Klatschrosensaft, 1568 
 Klauenfett, 1114 
 Klauenol, 1114 
 Klebkraut, 763 
 Klebtaffet, 604 
 Kleebaum, 1321 
 Klcesaure, 80 
 Klettenwurzel, 928 
 exti'akt, 684 
 Klipdas, 1060 
 Klystiere, 613 
 
 Knigbt’s spur, 1513 
 Knoblauch, 159 
 Knoblauchkraut, 513 
 Knoblaucbsirup, 1555 
 Knobroot, 520 
 Knochen, 1184 
 Knocbenkohle, 405 
 1 Knopfklette, 929 
 ! Knoppern, 765 
 Knorpeltang, 471 
 Knotenwurz, 1433 
 i Knot-grass, 775 
 Kocbsalz, 1466 
 Kodein, 514 
 Kodeinpbospbat, 515 
 Koffein, 361 
 Koblbaumrinde, 208 
 Kolile, praparirte, 407 
 Koblensaure, 45 
 Wasser, 46 
 Kolilenstoff, 408 
 Kohlenumscblag, 423 
 Kohlsaatol, 1447 
 Kokkelskorner, 1226 
 Kokosnussol, 1120 
 Kokum-butter, 766 
 Kola bitter, 766 
 Kolanuss, 362 
 Kollodium, 520 
 Kollodiumwolle, 1336 
 Kolniscbes Wasser, 1507 
 Kolombo-Extrakt, 654 
 fliissiges, 655 
 Kolombo-Infusion, 868 
 Kolombotinktur, 1610 
 Kolombowurzel, 378 
 Kolophonium, 1364 
 Koloquinten, 523 
 Koloquinten-Extrakt, 663 
 zusammengesetzte, 664 
 Koloquintenmark, 523 
 Konigin der Nacht, 356 
 Konigschina, 479 
 Konigskerze, 1694 
 Konigssalbe, 436 
 Konigswasser, 76 
 Kooso, Koso, 570 
 Koralle, 553 
 Kordofan gum, 5, 6 
 Koriander, 542 
 Korianderol, 1121 
 Korintben, 1678 
 Kornblume, 414 
 Kornbranntwein, 1503 
 Kornelkirscbe, 544 
 Kornelrinde, 543 
 Kornmutter, 615 
 Korund, 174 
 Koso, 570 
 Extrakt, 667 
 Kossin, Koussin, 571 
 Kossotrank, 870 
 Koumanga, 624 
 Koumys, 917 
 Kousso, 570 
 Kousso-esels, 571 
 Kraftmebl, 201 
 Krahenaugen, 1084 
 Krabenaugen-Extrakt, 688 
 Krahenaugentinktur, 1629 
 Krameria, 912 
 argentea, 913 
 cistoidea, 913 
 Ixina, 912 
 secundiflora, 913 
 triandra, 912 
 Krancben spring, 266 
 Krapp, 763 
 Kratzbolinen, 1063 
 Krauseminze, 1034 
 Krauseminzessenz, 1506 
 
 Krauter, aromatische, 1033 
 Krauterwein, 1704 
 Krebsaugen, 553 
 Krebssteine, 553 
 Krebswurz, 614 
 Kreide, 552 
 Mixtur, 1042 
 praparirte, 552 
 Kreidepastillen, 1651 
 Kreolin, 550 
 Kreosot, 547 
 Mixtur, 1042 
 Kreosotsalbe, 1662 
 Kreosotwasser, 259 
 Kreosotum, 547 
 Kreuzblume, 1268 
 Kreuzdorn, 1374 
 
 Kreuzdornbeerensirup, 1374, 1567 
 Kreuzkraut, 1656 
 Kreuzkiimmel, 559 
 Kroncbina, 479 
 Kropfwurz, 1433 
 Liniment, 941 
 Kryolite, 67 
 Krummbolzol, 1586 
 Kubeben, 556 
 
 Kubeben-Extrakt, 666, 1101 
 Kubebenol, 1121 
 Kubebenpastillen, 1652 
 Kubebentinktur, 1617 
 Kiichenscbelle, 1322 
 Kulikratze, 1063 
 Kiibl wasser, 975 
 Kukukskraut, 513 
 Kumiss, 917 
 Kiimmel, 415 
 langer, 559 
 scharfer, 559 
 Kiimmelol, 1116 
 Kiimmelwasser, 255 
 Kundab, 317 
 Kupfer, 565 
 Kupferacetat, 560 
 Kupferalaun, 562 
 Kupferammonium, schwefel- 
 saures, 562 
 
 Kupfer, basiscbessigsaures, 561 
 scbwefelsaures, 561 
 Kupferdrabt, 565 
 Kupferoxyd, 561, 563 
 Ammoniak, 562 
 Kupfervitriol, 561 
 Kupferwasser, 740 
 Kiirbissamen, 1200 
 Kurchicine, 167 
 Kurkuma, 568 
 Kusso, 570 
 Kussoextrakt, 667 
 Kutera gum, 1643 
 Kwosein, 571 
 Kyanol, 211 
 
 T ABAKKAQUE’S solution, 983 
 JU Labdanum, 914 
 Labkraut, 763 
 Labrador tea, 907 
 Laburnin, 915 
 Laburnum, 914 
 Lac, 915, 923 
 ammoniaci, 610 
 asafoetidse, 611 
 ferri, 739 
 
 magisterium sulpburis, 1538 
 scammonii, 612 
 sulpburis, 1538 
 vaccinum, 915 
 virginis, 1608 
 Lacca, 923 
 coerulea, 924 
 musica, 924 
 Lac-dye, 923 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1829 
 
 Lachenknoblauch, 1589 
 Lackgas, 1082 
 Lachrymse Ckristi, 1699 
 Lack, 923 
 Lackmus, 924 
 Lacmus, 924 
 Lactas ferrosus, 733 
 zincicus, 1734 
 Lactate de fer, 733 
 ferreux, 733 
 de strontium, 1521 
 Lactid, 70 
 Lactine, 1398 
 Lactoprotein, 916 
 Lactose, 1398 
 Lactuca, 925 
 species, 925 
 Lactucarium, 925 
 La ctucariuin sirup, 1564 
 Lactucariumtinktur, 1626 
 Lactucerin, Lactucin, 926 
 Lactucopicrin, 926 
 Ladanum, 914 
 Ladies’ slipper-root, 573 
 Lady’s thumb, 775 
 Lagam balsam, 539 
 Lagenaria vulgaris, 559 
 Laiche, 1425 
 Lait, 915 
 ammoniacal, 610 
 d’amandes, 611 
 d’asafcetide, 611 
 de ga'iac, 612 
 de soufre, 1538 
 mercuriel, 846 
 virginal, 1608 
 Lai tier, 1268 
 Laitue vireuse, 925 
 Lakes, 174 
 
 Lakriz, Lakrizensaft, 674 
 gereinigter, 676 
 Lakritzen-Mixtur, 1043 
 Lamb-kill, 907 
 Lamb’s quarters, 447 
 Lamellae, 927 
 atropinse, 927 
 cocainse, 927 
 physostigininse, 927 
 Laminae gelatinosae, 927 
 Laminaire digitee, 927 
 Laminaria Cloustonii, 927 
 species, 927 
 Lamium spec., 934 
 Lampblack, 408 
 Lampourde, 929 
 Lana collodii, 1336 
 gossypii, 790 
 philosophica, 1726 
 Landolphia florida, 593 
 gummifera, 593 
 Langue de chien, 349 
 Lanolin, 126 
 Lanolina, 126 
 Lanolinum, 126 
 Lanthanum, 438 
 Lanthopine, 1172 
 Lanugo gossypii, 790 
 Lapathin, 1388 
 Lapato, 1388 
 
 Lapides (Lapilli) cancrorum, 553 
 Lapis calami naris, 1733 
 causticus chirurgorum, 1269 
 divinus, 562 
 infemalis, 281 
 nitratus, 280 
 lazuli, 176 
 smiridis, 174 
 smyris, 174 
 
 Laportea canadensis, 1676 
 Lappa, 928 
 spec., 928 
 
 Lappin, 929 
 Laque, 923 
 bleu, 924 
 Larch -bark, 930 
 Larehenrinde, 930 
 Larchenrindentinktur, 1 626 
 Larcbenschwamm, 144 
 Lard, 123 
 balsamic, 125 
 benzoinated, 124 
 hog’s, 123 
 populinated, 125 
 prepared, 123 
 Lard oil, 1103 
 Laricin, 144 
 Larix americana, 930 
 decidua, 1586 
 europsea, 930, 1586 
 sibirica, 144, 1254 
 Lark’s claw, 1513 
 Larkspur, 1513 
 Larrea glutinosa, 923 
 mexicana, 923 
 Laserpitin, 936 
 Laserpitium latifolium, 936 
 Laseryl sulphides, 296 
 Lathyrus tuberosus, 572 
 Latschenol, 1586 
 Latte, 915 
 
 Latwergen, 528, 1327 
 Lauch, 160 
 
 Laudanine, Laudanosine, 1172 
 Laudanum, 1629 
 de Rousseau, 1707 
 liquidum, 1631 
 Sydenham’s, 1707 
 Laugensalz, fliichtiges, 182 
 Laughing gas, 190, 1082 
 Laurel, 931 
 cerezo, 930 
 tulipan, 1011 
 Laurellia, 348 
 Laureole, 1039 
 Laurier benzoin, 932 
 cerise, 930 
 commun, 931 
 rose, 1095 
 Lauroceraso, 930 
 Laurose, 1095 
 Laurus, 931 
 Benzoin, 932 
 Camphora, 386 
 Cinnamomum, 498 
 nobilis, 674, 931, 1230 
 Persea, 932 
 
 Liiusekorner, 1390, 1512 
 Lauten, 1256 
 Lavande commun, 933 
 officinale, 932 
 triste, 1514 
 Lavandula, 932 
 angustifolia, 932 
 latifolia, 933 
 officinalis, 932 
 Spica, 932 
 Stoechas, 933 
 vera, 932 
 Lavativo, 613 
 Lavements, 613 
 Lavements. See Enema. 
 Lavendelbliithen, 932 
 Lavendelol, 1127 
 Lavendelspiritus, 1505 
 Lavendeltinktur, 1627 
 zusammengesetzte, 1627 
 Lavender, 932 
 drops, 1627 
 flowers, 932 
 | Lawsonia alba, 350 
 j Lazulite, 176 
 I Leaching, 148 
 
 Lead, 1266 
 acetate, 1258 
 black, 408 
 carbonate, 1262 
 chloride, 1264 
 chromate, 1279 
 dioxide, 1266 
 iodide, 1263 
 nitrate, 1264 
 oxide, 1265 
 semi-vitrified, 1265 
 peroxide, 1266 
 puce oxide, 1266 
 salts, 1266 
 sesquioxide, 1266 
 tannate, 1264 
 water, 975 
 Leaf gum, 1642 
 tobacco, 1573 
 Leather-flower, 501 
 Lebanon manna, 1019 
 Lebensbaum, 1598 
 Lebenselixir, 1606 
 Leberklette, 145 
 Leberthran, 1132 
 Lecanora tartarea, 924 
 Leche, 915 
 de popa, 802 
 Lechuga, 925 
 Lecythis Zabucajo, 1126 
 Ledon, 907 
 
 Ledum glandulosa, 907 
 latifolium, 907 
 palustre, 907 
 Leech, 814 
 varieties, 815 
 Leek, 160 
 Leim, 767 
 Leindotter, 1154 
 Leinkraut, 938 
 Leinol, 1129 
 Leinsamen, 945 
 Aufguss, 871 
 Leinsamenmehl, 945 
 Leinsamen-Umsclilag, 424 
 Leiophyllum buxifolium, 1679 
 Lemon', 937 
 balm, 1031 
 chrome, 1279 
 juice, 937 
 peel, 937 
 thyme, 859 
 tree, 937 
 
 Lenitive electuary, 529 
 Leno de sassafras, 1426 
 Leontice thalictroides, 428 
 Leontodon Taraxacum, 1580 
 Leonurus cardiaca, 933 
 Leopoldsquelle, 266 
 Lepidin, 514 
 Lepidium Iberis, 514 
 sativum, 514 
 spec., 514 
 Lepidolite, 991 
 Leptandra, 934 
 virginica, 934 
 Leptandraextrakt, 684 
 Leptandrin, 935 
 Lerchenklaue, 1513 
 Lerp of Australia, 1019 
 Lessive caustique, 975 
 Lessive des savonniurs, 981 
 Lettuce, 925 
 Leucin, 768 
 Leucogene, 1457 
 Leucosinapis alba, 1444 
 Leucotin, 1078 
 Levadura de cerveza, 436 
 Levant soap-root, 1419 
 worm seed, 1412 
 I Levigation, 552, 1324 
 
1830 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Levisticum officinale, 935 
 Levulin, 1580 
 Levulosan, 1394 
 Levulose, 1028, 1396 
 Levure de biere, 436 
 Liane reglisse, 1 
 Liatris odoratissima, 936 
 spec., 936 
 
 Lichen Islandicus, 440 
 
 ab amaritie libera tis, 441 
 starch, 441 
 Lichenin, 441 
 Licopodia, 1001 
 Licorice, 786 
 Licorice-root, 786 
 Lieber’s consumption herbs, 934 
 Liebfrauenstroh, 763 
 Liebstockel, 935 
 Lierre terrestre, 777 
 Life-root, 1656 
 Life-everlasting, 789 
 Light oil, 332 
 Lignite, 408 
 
 Lignum benedictum, 796 
 campechianum, 804 
 cceruleum, 804 
 colubrinum, 1086 
 guajaci, 796 
 hsematoxyli, 804 
 pterocarpi, 1411 
 quassise, 1338 
 sanctum, 796 
 santali album, 1151 
 santalinum rubrum, 1411 
 sassafras, 1426 
 vitse, 796 
 
 Ligusticum actseifolium, 936 
 filicinum, 936 
 Levisticum, 935 
 Lilium convallium, 534 
 Lily-of-the-valley, 534 
 Lime, 379 
 burned, 379 
 
 chloride, chlorinated, 381 
 hypophosphite, 372 
 slaked, 380 
 sulphurated, 384 
 superphosphate, 1185 
 See also Calcium, 
 tree, 1601 
 water, 952 
 Lime-juice, 937 
 Limon, 937 
 
 Limouade au citrate de magnesie, 
 971 
 
 purgative citromagnesienne, 
 971 
 
 seche, 1007 
 
 au citrate de lithine, 993 
 de magnesie, 1007 
 Limonensaft, 937 
 Limonenschale, 937 
 Lin, 945, 1216 
 Linaire commune, 938 
 Linaria vulgaris, 938 
 Linarosmin, 938 
 Linaza, 945 
 Linctus, 1042 
 Linden-flowers, 1601 
 Lindera Benzoin, 932 
 sericea, 932 
 triloha, 932 
 Ling, 1133 
 
 Liniment, aconite, 938 
 ammonia, 939 
 camphorated, 939 
 ammoniacal, 939 
 anodyne, 941 
 belladonna, 939 
 calcaire, 940 
 camphor, 940 
 
 Liniment — 
 
 camphor, carbolized, 940 
 compound, 940 
 cantharidis, 398 
 chloroform, 940 
 croton oil, 941 
 iodine, 941 
 Kentish, 943 
 lime, 940 
 
 mercurial, mercury, 941 
 mustard, compound, 943 
 opium, 941 
 phosphore, 1142 
 potassium iodide and soap, 941 
 saturne, 974 
 
 savonneux camphre, 942 
 iodure, 941 
 opiace, 941 
 soap, 942 
 soft-soap, 943 
 subacetate of lead, 974 
 turpentine, 943 
 and acetic acid, 944 
 volatile, 939 
 camphorated, 937 
 Linimenta, 938 
 Liniments, 938 
 Linimentum aconiti, 938 
 ammoniacale, 939 
 ammonise, 939 
 camphoratum, 939 
 ammoniatum, 939 
 belladonnse, 939 
 calcis, 940 
 camphorse, 940 
 compositum, 940 
 camphoratum, 940 
 cantharidis, 954 
 chloroformi, 940 
 crotonis, 941 
 hydrargyri, 941 
 iodi, 941 
 mercuriale, 941 
 opii, 941 
 
 plumbi subacetatis. 974 
 potassii iodidi cum sapone, 941 
 saponato camphoratum, 942 
 liquidum, 942 
 saponis, 942 
 mollis, 943 
 
 sinapis compositum, 943 
 terebinthinse, 943 
 aceticum, 944 
 terebinthinatum, 943 
 volatile, 939 
 Linolein, 1094, 1129 
 Linosyris mexicana, 574 
 Linseed, 945 
 meal, 945 
 oil, 1129 
 poultice, 424 
 Lint, 944 
 Linteum, 944 
 carptum, 944 
 Linum, 945 
 
 usitatissimum, 1129 
 Lion’s foot, 1317 
 Lip salve, 435 
 Lippenpomade, 435 
 Lippia origanoides, 1184 
 Liqueur anodine d’Hoflmann, 
 1495 
 
 nitreuse, 1495 
 arsenicale de Fowler, 979 
 de Pearson, 985 
 liydrochlorique, 947 
 d’ammoniaque, 248 
 vineuse, 1479 
 d’arseniate de soude, 985 
 de Belloste, 968 
 de chaux, 952 
 
 Liqueur — 
 de Donovan, 950 
 de Labarraque, 983 
 de Van Swieten, 969 
 des cailloux, 986 
 des Hollandais, 139 
 hemostatique de Monsel, 965 
 nervine de Bang, 1493 
 vesicant, 954 
 Liquid blue, 866 
 butter of antimony, 949 
 extracts, 635. See Fluid Ex- 
 tracts. 
 
 ferric oxychloride, 957 
 glass, 985 
 glue, 768 
 opodeldoc, 942 
 pepsin, aromatic, 1205 
 Liquidambar, 946 
 imberbe, 1532 
 orientalis, 1532 
 styraciflua, 946 
 Liquen islandico, 440 
 Liquiritia officinalis, 786 
 Liquor acidi arseniosi, 947 
 chromici, 49 
 aluminii acetatis, 176 
 ammonise, 248 
 fortior, 248 
 
 ammonii acetatis (fortior), 948 
 acetici, 948 
 anisatus, 1111 
 carbonici, 184 
 pyro-oleosi, 184 
 caustici, 248 
 spirituosus, 1499 
 chlori, 256 
 citratis (fortior), 949 
 succinatis, succinici, 97 
 anodynus martiatus, 1619 
 mineralis Hoffmannii, 1495 
 antimonii chloridi, 949 
 arsenicalis, 979 
 arsenici bromidi, 948 
 chloridi, 947 
 et hydrargyri iodidi, 950 
 hydrochloricus, 947 
 atropinse sulphatis, 951 
 barii chloridi, 324 
 Bellostii, 968 
 bismuthi, 951 
 et ammonise citratis, 951 
 calcii chloridi, 371 
 calcis, 952 
 chloratse, 383 
 chlorinatse, 954 
 saccharatus, 1558 
 chlori, 256 
 
 cocainse hydrochloratis, 954 
 cornu cervi succinici, 97 
 epispasticus, 954 
 ferri acetatis, 955, 956 
 acetici, 955 
 fortior, 955 
 albuminati, 959 
 chlorati, 721 
 chloridi, 957 
 citratis, citrici, 962 
 dialysatus, 958 
 et ammonii acetatis, 963 
 muriatici oxydati, 957 
 oxydulati, 721 
 nitratis, 963 
 oxychlorati, 958 
 peptonati, 959 
 perchloridi, 957 
 fortior, 957 
 pernitratis, 963 
 persulphatis, 966 
 protochloridi, 1562 
 sesquichlorati fortior, 957 
 
Liquor — 
 
 ferri subsulphatis, 965 
 tersulphatis, 966 
 flints, 986 
 gutta-perch®, 967 
 Hollandicus, 139 
 hydrargyri bicliloridi, 969 
 nitratis, 967 
 acidus, 967 
 
 nitrici oxydati, 967, 968 
 perchloridi, 969 
 iodi, 969 
 causticus, 970 
 compositus, 969 
 kali acetici, 1276 
 arsenicosi, 979 
 carbon ici, 1289 
 caustici, 975 
 citrici, 980 
 
 lithi® effervescens, 970 
 magnesite carbonatis, 970 
 citratis, 97 1 
 magnesii acetatis, 972 
 citratis, 971 
 citrici, 971 
 
 morphin® acetatis, 972 
 bimeconatis, 973 
 kydrochloratis, 973 
 sulphatis, 973 
 natri carbolici, 1487 
 caustici, 981 
 chlorati, 983 
 hypochlorosi, 983 
 silicici, 985 
 nervine de Bang, 1495 
 opii compositus, 1633 
 pepsini aromaticus, 1205 
 plumbi subacetatis, 973 
 dilutus. 975 
 subacetici, 973 
 potass®, 975 
 chlorat®, 983 
 effervescens, 978 
 permanganatis, 981 
 potassii arsenitis, 979 
 citratis, 980 
 permanganatis, 981 
 saccharini, 1393 
 silicum, 986 
 sod®, 981 
 
 chlorat®, chlorinat®, 383, 983 
 effervescens, 985 
 sodii arsenatis, arseniatis, 985 
 carbolici, 1487 
 ethylatis, 982 
 silicatis, 985 
 stibii chlorati, 949 
 strychnin®, 987 
 hydrochloratis, 987 
 zinci chloridi, 987 
 Liquores, 947 
 Liquorice, 674 
 Italian, 675 
 lozenges, 1653 
 purified, 676 
 refined, 675 
 root, 786 
 
 Liria americana, 899 
 de Florencia, 900 
 Liriodendron, 1012 
 tulipifera, 1012 
 Liris de los valles, 532 
 Lisbon diet drink, 579 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 wine, 1699 
 
 Lisianthus sempervirens, 769 
 List, alphabetical, of drugs, 1779 
 of formulas, 1749 
 of indicators for alkalimetry, 
 1744 
 
 of reagents and tests, 1739 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1831 
 
 List — 
 
 of volumetric assays, U. S., 1754 
 of weights, molecular, 1759 
 Lister’s catgut, 40 
 j Lithanthrax, 408 
 Litharge, 1265 
 Lithargyrum, 1265 
 Lithi® carbonas, 991 
 citras, 992 
 Litliii benzoas, 988 
 borocitras, 993 
 bromidum, 989 
 carbonas, 991 
 chloridum, 990 
 citras, 992 
 effervescens, 993 
 iodidum, 990 
 salicylas, 994 
 
 Lithion, benzoesaures, 988 
 citronensaures, 992 
 kohlensaures, 991 
 wasser, 970 
 
 Lithium benzoate, 988 
 bromide, 989 
 carbonate, 991 
 carbonicum, 991 
 chloride, 990 
 citrate, 992 
 effervescent, 993 
 citricum, 992 
 diborocitrate, 993 
 iodide, 990 
 monoborocitrate, 993 
 salicylate, 994 
 salicylicum, 994 
 Litmus, 924 
 paper, 924 
 Liveche, 935 
 Live-for-ever, 1435 
 Live-oak, 1341 
 Liver of antimony, 222 
 of sulphur, 1273 
 Liverwort, 811 
 Lixivium causticum, 975 
 Lizard’s tail, 1427 
 Lobelacrin, 995 
 Lobelia, 995 
 cardinalis, 996 
 inflata, 995 
 syphilitica, 996 
 Lobeliatinktur, 1627 
 Lobelie enflee, 995 
 Lobelien-Extrakt, 685 
 Lobelienkraut, 995 
 Lobeline, 995 
 Loblolly pine, 1584 
 Loco-weed, 1643 
 Locust-tree, 1384 
 Loffelkraut, 512 
 Logan’s plaster, 609 
 Logwood, 804 
 Lohoch, 1042 
 Lolch, 997 
 Loliin, 997 
 Lolium arvense, 997 
 perenne, 997 
 temulentum, 997 
 Long buchu, 355 
 cardamoms, 413 
 nutmeg, 1066 
 pepper, 1248 
 
 Lonicera Periclymenum, 591 
 Looch, 1042 
 Loosestrife, 1003 
 | Loranthus europ®us, 1712 
 Lorbeer, 931 
 Losophane, 879 
 Losungen, 947 
 Lota Molva, 1133 
 Lotio ammoniacalis camphorata, 
 265 
 
 Lotio hydrargyri flava, 998 
 nigra, 998 
 plumbea, 975 
 
 Lotion, mercurial, black, 998 
 yellow, 998 
 Lotiones, 998 
 Lotions, 998 
 Lotwurz, 350 
 Lovage, 935 
 Lowenmaul, 938 
 Lowenzahn, 1580 
 Lowenzahn-Absud, 580 
 Lowenzalmextrakt, 707, 708 
 Lowenzahnsaft, 1535 
 Loxa-bark, Loxarinde, 479 
 Loxopterygine, 303 
 Loxopterygium Lorentzii, 303 
 Lozenges, 1649 See Troches. 
 Lucuma mammosa, 766 
 salicifolia, 1047 
 Luffa ®gyptiaca, 1510 
 fcetida, 1510 
 operculata, 524 
 Petola, 1510 
 Lugol’s caustic, 970 
 solution, 969 
 Lump galbanum, 762 
 lac, 923 
 Luna, 287 
 Lunar caustic, 281 
 Lune d’eau, 1087 
 Luuel wine, 1699 
 Lungenkraut, 349 
 Lungenmoos, 440 
 Lungwort, 349 
 Lupin, 998 
 
 Lupinine, Lupigenin, 998 
 Lupinus spec., 998 
 Lupulin, 818, 999 
 Lupuline, Lupulina, 818, 999 
 Lupulin-Extrakt, 685, 1102 
 Lupulinum, 818, 999 
 Lupulite, 999 
 Lupulus, 818 
 Luteolin, 403 
 Lycine, 591 
 Lycium Afrum, 591 
 barbarum, 591 
 umbrosum, 591 
 vulgare, 591 
 Lycoctonine, 119, 122 
 Lycope de Virgiuie, 1002 
 Lycoperdon spec., 1000 
 Lycopode, 1001 
 Lycopodium clavatum, 1001 
 spec., 1001 
 
 Lycopus europ®us, 1002 
 virginicus, 1002 
 Lyperia crocea, 556 
 Lysimachia nummularia, 1318 
 quadrifolia, 1318 
 Lvsol, 40, 45 
 Ly th rum alatum, 1003 
 album, 1003 
 lanceolatum, 1003 
 salicaria, 1003 
 Lytta aspersa, 398 
 Gigas, 397 
 vesicatoria, 397 
 
 M ACAJA butter, 1142 
 Mace, 1003 
 Macene, 1004 
 Mach®rium fertile, 304 
 Machilus velutina, 499 
 Macis, 1003 
 
 Macropiper methysticum, 1249 
 Macrotin, 479 
 Macrotys act®oides, 478 
 Madder, 763 
 Madeira wine, 1699 
 
1832 
 
 Madia sativa, 1130 
 Madras turmeric, 569 
 Mad weed, 1434 
 Maisa lanceolata, 910 
 picta, 910 
 
 Mafura tallow, 1162 
 Mafureira oleifera, 1162 
 Magendie’s solution of morphine, 
 973 
 
 Magenta, 212 
 
 Magistere de coquille d’liuitres, 
 553 
 
 de soufi’e, 1538 
 Magisterium bismuthi, 342 
 opii, 1170 
 Magnesia, 1004 
 Magnesia alba, 1006 
 and rhubarb, 1332 
 calcinata, 1004 
 calcined, 1004 
 carbonate, 1006 
 fluid, 970 
 gebrannte, 1004 
 hydrico-carbonica, 1006 
 levis, 1004 
 light, 1004 
 limonade, 971 
 ponderosa, 1004 
 schwefelsaure, 1008 
 sulfuriea, 1008 
 sicca, 1009 
 sulphate, 1008 
 usta, 1004 
 vitriariorum, 1014 
 wasser, 970 
 weisse, 1006 
 
 Magnesialosung, kohlensaure, 970 
 Magnesise. See Magnesii. 
 carbonas levis, 1006 
 ponderosa, 1006 
 Magnesie, 1004 
 blanche, 1006 
 calcine, 1004 
 liquide, 970 
 Magnesii acetas, 972 
 carbonas, 1006 
 citras eflervescens, 1007 
 lactas, 1010 
 sulphas, 1008 
 
 eflervescens, 1009 
 exsiccatus, 1009 
 sulphis, 1010 
 Magnesite, 1005 
 Magnesium, 1005 
 acetate, 972 
 carbonate, 1006 
 carbonicum, 1006 
 citrat, 971 
 in Kornern, 1007 
 citrate effervescing, 1007 
 citricum eflervescens, 1007 
 lactate, 1010 
 silicate, 986 
 sulfuricum, 1008 
 siccum, 1009 
 sulfurosum, 1010 
 sulphate, 1008 
 effervescent, 1009 
 sulphite, 1010 
 sulphocarbolate, 1486 
 Magneteisen, 735 
 Magnolia, 1011 
 acuminata, 1011 
 bark, 1011 
 glauca, 1011 
 grandiflora, 1011 
 seeds, 1081 
 tripetala, 1011 
 Umbrella, 1011 
 Magnolier, 1011 
 Magnolienrinde, 1011 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Magnolin, 1012 
 Magsamen, 1192 
 Maguey, 145 
 Mahogany-wood, 317 
 Malionia spec., 337 
 Mahwah butter, 1161 
 Mahy’s plaster, 608 
 Maiblumen, 534 
 Maiblumenwurzel-Extrakt, 666 
 Maiden-hair, 127 
 Maisbrand, 1718 
 Maisstarke, 203 
 Maize, 203 
 
 Malabar cardamoms, 413 
 Malaga almonds, 194 
 raisins, 1678 
 wine, 1699 
 Malaguecta, 1247 
 Majoran, 1183 
 Majorana hortensis, 1184 
 Malambo-bark, 418 
 Male fern, 301 
 jalap, 903 
 kola, 766 
 nutmeg, 1046 
 Mallee, 1122 
 
 Mallotus philippinensis, 909 
 Mallow, 168 
 Mallow-leaves, 168 
 Malt d’orge, 1013 
 vinegar, 12, 13 
 Maltin, 1013 
 Maltose, 148, 203 
 Maltum, 1013 
 hordei, 1013 
 Malva, 168 
 neglecta, 168 
 rotundifolia, 168 
 sylvestris, 168 
 vulgaris, 168 
 Malvavisco, 167 
 Malvenblatter, 168 
 Malz, 1013 
 Malzextrakt, 686 
 Mammea americana, 766 
 Mammee apple, 766 
 Mammillaria simplex, 356 
 Man of the earth, 903 
 Manaca, Manacine, 754 
 Manchineel, 819 
 Mancinellin, 819 
 Mancona-bark, Macon ine, 624 
 Mandelconserve, 1326 
 Mandelemulsion, 611 
 Mandelmilch, 611 
 Mandeln, bittere, 193 
 siisse, 193 
 Mandelol, 1107 
 Mandelsirup, 1555 
 Mandioc, 205 
 Mandorle, 193 
 
 Mandragora autumnalis, 328 
 officinalis, 328 
 vernalis, 328 
 Mandragore, 328 
 Mandrake, 328, 1267 
 Mangabeira rubber, 593 
 Manganese, black oxide, 1014 
 dioxide, 1014 
 peroxide, 1014 
 salts, 1015-1017 
 
 Manganesii oxidum nigrum, 1014 
 sulphas, 1015 
 Manganesium, 1015 
 Mangani carbonas, 1016 
 chloridum, 1016 
 dioxidum, 1014 
 iodidum, 1016 
 lactas, 1017 
 oxidum nigrum, 1014 
 pliosphas, 1017 
 
 Mangani — 
 sulphas, 1015 
 tannas, 1017 
 tartras, 1017 
 
 Manganic heptoxide, 1015 
 Manganite, 1014 
 Manganium, 1015 
 Manganosulfat, 1015 
 Manganous iodide, 1016 
 oxide, 1015 
 phosphate, 1017 
 sulphate, 1015 
 
 Manganoxydul, schwefelsaures, 
 1015 
 
 Mangansuperoxyd, 1014 
 Manganum, 1015 
 carbonate, 1016 
 chloride, 1016 
 hyperoxydatum, 1014 
 iodide, 1016 
 lactate, 1017 
 phosphate, 1017 
 sulfuricum, 1015 
 tannate, 1017 
 tartrate, 1017 
 Mangostane, 766 
 Mangosteen, Mangostin, 766 
 Manihot Aipi, 205 
 carthaginensis, 205 
 Glaziovii, 593 
 palmata, 205 
 utilissima, 205 
 Manioc, 205 
 Manna, Manne, 1017 
 varieties, 1017, 1018, 1019 
 Mannit, 792, 935 
 Mannitan, Mannitose, 1018 
 Mannstreu, 624 
 Manroot, 903 
 Manteca con benjui, 124 
 de cacao, 1161 
 de cerdo, 123 
 Manuea, 566 
 Manzanilla comun, 1026 
 romana, 215 
 Manzanito, 1680 
 Maracaibo copaiva, 537 
 Maranham copaiva, 537 
 Maranta arundinacea, 204 
 indica, 204 
 Marantastarke, 204 
 Marble, Marbre, 1019 
 Margarin, 1140 
 Margosa, 316 
 Margosin, 317 
 Margousier, 316 
 Marigold, 377 
 Marjoram, sweet, 1184 
 wild, 1183 
 Marmor, 1019 
 album, 1019 
 Marocortesso, 1588 
 Marronier, 420 
 Marronnier d’Inde, 813 
 Marrube blanc, 1020 
 fetide, 934 
 noir, 934 
 Marrubin, 1020 
 Marrubium, 1020 
 vulgare, 1020 
 Mars, 744 
 
 Marsala wine, 1699 
 Marsdenia Cundurango, 526 
 Marsh cinquefoil, 775 
 cistus, 907 
 cress, 513 
 gas, 18, 1210 
 parsley, 1436 
 rosemary, 1514 
 tea, 907 
 trefoil, 1035 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1833 
 
 Marshmallow flowers, 168 
 paste, 8 
 root, 167 
 
 Martin’s depilatory, 384 
 lnemostatic, 958 
 Maruta Cotula, 215, 546, 1026 
 fcetida, 546 
 Maryland pink, 1492 
 Mary thistle, 929 
 Marzoquilla, 1225 
 Marzveilchen, 1711 
 Mass, blue, 1021 
 of copaiba, 1020 
 of ferrous carbonate, 1021 
 of mercury, 1022 
 Yallet’s, 1021 
 Massa coerula, 1022 
 copaibse, 1020 
 de jujubis, 906 
 ferri carbonatis, 1021 
 hydrargyri, 1022 
 Mass® pilularum, 1020 
 Masse pilulaire bleu, 1022 
 de copahu, 1020 
 carbonate ferreux, 1021 
 de Yallet, 1021 
 Massena springs, 266 
 Masses pilulaires, 1020 
 Massicot, 1265 
 Masterwort, 812, 864 
 Mastic, Mastich, 1023 
 Mastiche, 1023 
 Bombay, 1023 
 Mastix, 1023 
 
 Mastocarpus mamillosus, 471 
 Mastuerzo, 514 
 Mata perro, 527 
 Mater secalis, 615 
 Matico, 1024 
 Aufguss, 872 
 Extrakt, 687 
 Maticotinktur, 1628 
 Matitas, 8 
 
 Matonia Cardamomum, 412 
 Matricaire, 1198 
 Matricaria, 1026, 1198 
 Chamomilla, 215, 1026 
 Parthenium, 1198 
 Pyrethrum, 1333 
 Matrimony vine, 591 
 Mauerpfeffer, 1435 
 Maulbeersaft, 1048, 1565 
 Mauritius elemi, 596 
 Mauseohrchen, 813 
 Mauve, 212 
 sauvage, 168 
 Mauveine, 212 
 Maw-seed, 1192 
 May apple, 1267 
 flower, 1679 
 pops, 1200 
 weed, 546 
 M’boundou, 1086 
 Meadowfern, 526 
 Meadow saffron, 516 
 Meadow-sweet, 1193 
 Mealy sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Mecca balsam, 1069 
 senna, 1440 
 Meconidine, 1172 
 Meconin, 1173 
 Meconium, 1167 
 Meconoiosin, 1173 
 Medeola virginica, 1027 
 Medicago sativa, 328 
 Medicated cigarrettes, 444 
 honeys, 1029 
 waters, 246 
 wines, 1697 
 Medecine noir, 874 
 Medicinier, 567 
 
 I Medicinische Weine, 1697 
 Medulla sassafras, 1426 
 j Meereiche, 757 
 Meerrettig, 288 
 Meerrettiggeist, 1 501 
 Meerschaum, 9i->6, 1005 
 Meerzwiebel, 1429 
 Meerzwiebel-Essig, 16 
 Meerzwiebel-Extrakt, 703 
 Meerzwiebelhonig, 1188 
 Meerzwiebelpillen, 1246 
 Meerzwiebelsirup, 1570 
 Meerzwiebeltinktur, 1637 
 Megerkraut, 763 
 Mehlige Aletris, 158 
 Meiran, 1183 
 Meisstarke, 201 
 Meisterwurz, 864 
 Mejorana, 1184 
 Mel, 1027 
 acetatum, 1187 
 boracis, 1029 
 depuratum, 1029 
 despumatum, 1029 
 rosse, 1029 
 rosatum, 1029 
 sodii boratis, 1029 
 Melaleuca ericifolia, 1115 
 Leucadendron, 1114 
 linarifolia, 1115 
 
 Melanthin, Melanthigenin, 1081 
 Melanthium virens, 1692 
 Melasse, 1597 
 Melegueta pepper, 1737 
 Meleze, 940 
 Melezitose, 1019 
 Melia Azadirachta, 316 
 Azedarach, 316 
 Melilot, 1030 
 Melilotenklee, 1030 
 Melilotus alba, 1030 
 officinalis, 1030 
 species, 1030 
 Melissa, 1031 
 cordifolia, 1031 
 officinalis, 1031 
 pulegioides, 806 
 Melisse, 1031 
 Melitose, 1019 
 Mellago, 638 
 Mellita, Mellites, 1029 
 Mellite simple, 1029 
 Mellitum rosatum, 1029 
 Melocactus communis, 357 
 Melocoton, 1207 
 Meloe vesicatorius, 397 
 Melon tree, 1204 
 Membrillo, 572 
 Mengelwurz, 1388 
 Menispermine, 1226 
 Menispermum, 1032 
 canadense, 1032 
 Cocculus, 1226 
 Menispine, 1032 
 Mennige, 1266 
 Mentha crispa, 1034 
 hirsuta, 1032 
 piperita, 1032 
 Pulegium, 806, 1126 
 spec., 1034 
 
 sylvestris, 1032, 1046 
 viridis, 1033 
 Menthe crepue, 1034 
 de chats, 424 
 de cheval, 1045 
 poivree, 1032 
 pouliot, 806 
 romaine, 1033 
 verte, 1033 
 Menthol, 1034, 1131 
 Pflaster, 604 
 
 Menyanthe, 1035 
 Menyanthes trifoliata, 1035 
 Menyanthin, Menyanthol, 1035 
 Mercaptan, Mercaptol, 1535 
 Mercurammonium chloride, 846 
 Merck’s normal mercuric phenate, 
 842 
 
 | Mercure, 840 
 
 avec la craie, 847 
 doux, 825 
 precipite blanc, 846 
 saccharin, 1022 
 Mercurialpillen, 1023 
 Mercuric carbolate, 842 
 chloride, corrosive, 820 
 cyanide, 831 
 formamide, 1673 
 iodide, 833 
 oleate, 1098 
 oxide, red, 837 
 yellow, 836 
 phenate, 842 
 potassium iodide, 834 
 salicylate, 89, 842 
 salts, 842 
 
 subsulphate, yellow, 838 
 sulphate, 839 
 basic, 838 
 sulphide, 839 
 Mercurinitrat, 967 
 | Mercurioxysulfat, 838 
 Mercurio-vegetal, 754 
 Mercurius borussicus, 831 
 calcinatus, 837 
 corrosivus ruber, 837 
 cyanatus, 831 
 dulcis, 825 
 emeticus flavus, 838 
 iodatus ruber, 833 
 prsecipitatus albus, 846 
 ruber, per se, 837 
 sublimatus corrosivus, 820 
 vitriolatus, 839 
 vivus, 840 
 Mercuronitrat, 968 
 Mercurous chloride, 825 
 iodide, 832 
 nitrate, 968 
 salts, 842 
 tannate, 842 
 Mercury, 840 
 ammoniated, 846 
 and zinc, double cyanide, 832 
 bichloride, 820 
 biniodide, 833 
 carbolate, 845 
 cyanide, cyanuret. 831 
 formamidate, 845 
 fulminating, 968 
 green iodide, 832 
 iodotannate, 845 
 mild chloride, 825 
 oleate, 1098 
 oxy cyanide, 845 
 perchloride, 820 
 peroxide, 837 
 persulphate, 839 
 precipitated oxide, 836 
 protochloride, 825 
 protoiodide, 832 
 protoxide, tannate, 846 
 red iodide, 833 
 oxide, 837 
 sulphide, 839 
 sulphuret, 839 
 salicylate, 845 
 subchloride, 825 
 subsulphate, 838 
 succinamide, 845 
 sulphate, 839 
 with chalk, 847 
 
1834 
 
 Mercury — 
 yellow iodide, 832 
 oxide, 836 
 
 Meres de girofle, 417 
 Merlangus carbonarius, 1133 
 pollachius, 1132 
 vulgaris, 1133 
 Merluccius communis, 1132 
 Merrettig, 288 
 Mertensia virginica, 350 
 Mesembryanthemum crystalli- 
 num, 357 
 Mesenna, 910 
 Mesit, 1255 
 Mesitalkobol, 11 
 Mespilodaphne pretiosa, 1077 
 Mespilus Aucuparia, 1491 
 Mesquite gum, 7, 8 
 Metachloral, 453 
 Metacinnamene, 1533 
 Metacresol, 40 
 Metadioxybenzeue, 1370 
 Metaldehyde, 1195 
 Metamorpbine, 1173 
 Metaphosphoric anhydride, 82 
 Methacetin, 1215, 1216 
 Methane, 1255 
 Methozine, 226 
 Methyl blue, 213 
 chloride, 1036 
 iodide, 1038 
 nitrosalicylate, 1124 
 oxide, 132 
 
 salicylas, salicylate, 1039 
 Methylacetanilid, 9 
 Methylgethy lather, 132 
 Methylal, 132, 137 
 Methylalkohol, 157 
 Methylamine, 618, 1645 
 Methylanthracen, 165 
 Methylather, 132 
 Methylbenzene, 321 
 Methylcreosol, 548 
 Methyleuchlorid, 1036 
 Methylene bichloride, 1036 
 blue, 213 
 chloride, 1036 
 
 Methyleni bichloridum, 1036 
 Methylenii biniodidum, 1038 
 iodidum, 1038 
 Methyl-ethylketone, 1536 
 Methyl-ethyloxide, 132 
 Methyl-green, 212 
 Methyl-guaiacol, 548 
 Methyli iodidum, 1038 
 Methylmorphine, 514, 1171 
 Methylpyrocatechin, 798 
 Methylpelletierine, 793 
 Methyltheobromine, 362 
 Methylviolet, 213 
 Methysticin, 1025 
 Metilacetone, 11 
 Metroxylon Igeve, 205 
 Rumphii, 205 
 Sagu, 205 
 
 Meum Fceniculum, 752 
 Mexican elemi, 596 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 tea, 447 
 
 MexikanischesTraubenkraut, 447 
 Mezcal, 145 
 Mezereon-bark, 1039 
 fruit, 1040 
 Mezereum, 1039 
 Mezquite gum, 7 
 Mica, 1005 
 panis, 1041 
 Microcidin, 1073 
 Micromeria barbata, 859 
 Douglasii, 859 
 mon tana, 859 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Mie du pain, 1041 
 Miel, 1027 
 despume, 1029 
 Mignatta, 814 
 Mignonette, 403 
 Mikania Guaco, 632 
 Milch, 915 
 Milchsaure, 69 
 Milch wurz, 1268 
 Milchzucker, 1398 
 Milfoil, 16 
 Milk, 915 
 of almonds, 611 
 of ammoniac, 610 
 of asafoetida, 611 
 of iron, 739 
 of lime, 380 
 of scammony, 612 
 of sulphur, 1538 
 purslain, 632 
 sugar, 916, 1398 
 Milkweed, 298 
 Milkwort, bitter, 1269 
 Millefeuille, 16 
 Millepertuis, 857 
 Mimosa arabica, 5 
 Catechu, 425 
 catechuoides, 425 
 nilotica, 5 
 Suma, 425 
 Sundra, 425 
 Mimusops Balata, 802 
 Elengi, 1047 
 Globosa, 802 
 
 Mineral chameleon, 1310 
 green, 565 
 kermes, 225 
 spring, 237 
 turpeth, 838 
 waters, 265 
 artificial, 269 
 Mineralwasser, 265 
 alkalische, 978 
 Minium, 1266 
 de fer, 735 
 Minjack-lagam, 539 
 Mirabilis Jalapa, 903 
 Mirbanol, 1081 
 Mirra, 1067 
 Mispickel, 293 
 Mistel, 1712 
 Mistletoe, 1712 
 Mistura ammoniaci, 610 
 amygdalae, 611 
 asafcetidge, 611 
 carminativa Dewees, 1044 
 chloroformi, 612 
 et opii, 1614 
 creosoti, 1042 
 cretge, 1042 
 ferri aromatica, 1042 
 composita, 1043 
 et ammonii acetatis, 963 
 glycyrrhizge composita, 1043 
 guaiaci, 612 
 gummosa, 1062 
 magnesise et asafcetidge, 1044 
 olei ricini, 1044 
 oleoso-balsamica, 320 
 potassii citratis, 980 
 rhei et sodge, 1044 
 scammonii, 612 
 sennge composita, 874, 1045 
 spiritus vini gallici, 1045 
 sulfurica acida, 102 
 vulneraria acida, 102 
 Misturge, 1041 
 Mitchella repens, 1045 
 Mithridate mustard, 514 
 Mithridatum, 528 
 Mixtura. See Mistura. 
 
 Mixturge, 1041 
 
 Mixture, acetate of iron and am- 
 monium, 963 
 almond, 611 
 ammoniac, 610 
 asafoetida, 611 
 Basham’s, 963 
 brandy, 1045 
 brown, 1043 
 castor oil, 1044 
 chalk, 1042 
 chloroform, 612 
 and opium, 1614 
 cognac, 1045 
 creosote, 1042 
 
 glycyrrhiza, compound, 1043 
 Griffith’s, 1043 
 guaiacum, 612 
 gum, 1062 
 
 iron, aromatic, 1042 
 compound, 1043 
 liquorice, compound, 1043 
 magnesia and asafoetida, 1044 
 rhubarb and soda, 1044 
 scammony, 612 
 spirit of French brandy, 1045 
 Mixturen, Mixtures, 1041 
 Mogdad coffee, 361 
 Mohnextrakt, 693 
 Mohnkapseln, 1191 
 Mohnkapseln-Absud, 578 
 Mohnkopfe, 1191 
 Mohnol, 1192 
 Mohnsamen, 1192 
 Mohre, 414 
 Moka aloes, 163 
 Molasses, 1395, 1597 
 Molene, 1694 
 Molette, 513 
 Molken, 917 
 
 Momordica balsamina, 559 
 Elaterium, 592 
 Luffa, 1510 
 
 Monarda didyma, 512, 1046 
 fistulosa, 1046 
 punctata, 1045 
 Mondkorn, 1032 
 Monesia-bark, 1046 
 Monesin, 1047 
 Moneywort, 1318 
 Monkey bread, 123 
 Monkshood, 117 
 Monnayere, 1318 
 Monniera trifolia, 1230 
 Monnina polystachya, 1269 
 Monobromkampfer, 391 
 Monobromoethane, 141 
 Monochlorantipyrine, 455 
 Monochlormethane, 1036 
 Monosodic arsenate, 1452 
 Monsel’s solution, 965 
 Montebrasite, 981 
 Moonseed, 1032 
 Moose elm, 1657 
 Morel le, 328 
 a grappes, 1225 
 furieuse, 327 
 Moringa aptera, 1154 
 oleifera, 1154 
 pterygosperma, 1154 
 Morocco gum, 5 
 Moronobea coccinea, 7 
 Morphia, 1048 
 
 and ipecacuanha lozenges, 1654 
 Morphige. See Morphinge. 
 Morphin, Morphina, 1048 
 essigsaures, 972, 1056 
 salzsaures, 973, 1057 
 schwefelsaures, 973, 1057 
 Morphinge acetas, 1056 
 hydriodas, 1058 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1835 
 
 Morphinae — 
 
 hydrobromas, 1058 
 hydrochloras, 1057 
 meconas, 1058 
 murias, 1057 
 sulphas, 1057 
 tartras, 1058 
 Morphine, 1048, 1171 
 acetate, 1056 
 hydriodate, 1058 
 hydrobromate, 1058 
 hydrochlorate, 1057 
 lozenges, 1654 
 muriate, 1057 
 sulphate, fc 1057 
 Morphinpastillen, 1654 
 mit Brechwurzel, 1654 
 Morphiuum, 1048 
 aceticum, 1056 
 hydrochloricum. 1057 
 sulfuricum, 1057 
 Morphium, 1048 
 Morue, 1132 
 Morus alba, 1048 
 nigra, 1048 
 rubra, 1048 
 Moschatine, 17 
 Moschoxylon, 317 
 Moschus, 1058 
 koerner, 168 
 moschiferus, 1058 
 Moschustinktur, 1628 
 Moschuswurzel, 1544 
 Moselle wine, 1699 
 Mossy stonecrop, 1435 
 Mostaza, 1444 
 Mother cloves, 417 
 Motherwort, 933 
 Mountain ash, 1491 
 balm, 623 
 bugle, 1589 
 green, 565 
 laurel, 907 
 machined, 1382 
 mint, 859 
 sage, 4 
 senna, 1440 
 Mouron rouge, 1318 
 Mouse-ear, 789 
 Mousse de Corse, 473 
 d’Islande, 440 
 perlee, 471 
 
 Moutarde blanche, 1444 
 des moines, 288 
 en feuilles, 444 
 grise, 1444 
 noire, 1444 
 Moxa, 1061 
 Mucedin, 713 
 Mucilage of acacia, 1062 
 of cydonium, 1063 
 of elm, 1063 
 of gum-arabic, 1062 
 of quince-seed, 1063 
 of sassafras-pith, 1063 
 of starch, 1062 
 of tragacanth, 1063 
 Mucilages, 1062 
 Mucilagines, 1062 
 Mucilago acacife, 1062 
 amyli, 1062 
 cydoniae, 1063 
 cydonii, 1063 
 gummi arabici, 1062 
 salep, 1399 
 
 sassafras medulla 1 , 1063 
 tragacanthae, 1063 
 ulmi, 1063 
 Mucuna, 1063 
 cylindrosperma, 1221 
 pruriens, 1063 
 
 I Mucuna — 
 prurita, 1064 
 urens, 1064 
 Mucura-ea-ha, 566 
 Mudar- bark, 299 
 j Mughetto, 534 
 j Muguet, 534 
 j Mugwort, 4 
 ! Mulberry-juice, 1048 
 | Mullein, 1694 
 | Muramu, 566 
 Mures, 1048 
 des haies, 1388 
 Murexoin, 361 
 Murias morpliicus, 1057 
 Muse, 1058 
 | Muscade, 1003, 1065 
 Muscae hispanicae, 396 
 I Muscale buttons, 356 
 Muscarine, 760 
 ! Muscatel raisins, 1678 
 i Muscovado sugar, 1395 
 j Musana, 910 
 Musenna, 910 
 Musennin, 910 
 Musk, 1058 
 artificial, 1156 
 seed, 168 
 varieties of, 1059 
 Muskatbluthe, 1003 
 Muskatbutter, 1138 
 Muskatnuss, 1065 
 Muskatnussol, 1138 
 Muskatol, atherisches, 1137 
 Muskatspiritus, 1507 
 Muskmelon, 559 
 Musk milfoil, 17 
 Mussena, 910 
 Mustard paper, 444 
 poultice, 424 
 Russian, 1446 
 Sarepta, 1446 
 seed, 1446 
 Mutterharz, 761 
 Mutterharzpflaster, 602 
 Mutterkorn, 615 
 Aufguss, 871 
 
 Mutterkorn-Extrakt, 669 
 Mutterkorntinktur, 1617 
 Mutterkorn wein, 1705 
 Mutterkraut, 1198 
 Mutterkummel, 559 
 Mutternelken, 417 
 Mutterpflaster, 609 
 Mutton-suet, 1444 
 Myagrum sativum, 1154 
 Myall-wood, 8 
 Mycoderma aceti, 12 
 Mylabris, 397 
 bifasciata, 402 
 cichorii, 397, 402 
 lunata, 402 
 phalerata, 397 
 Mynsicht’s elixir, 103 
 Myrcia acris, 1136 
 Myrcienol, 1136 
 Myrica, 1064 
 asplenifolia, 526 
 cerifera, 1064, 1065 
 Comptonia, 526 
 Gale, 1065 
 I Myricin, 431, 999 
 j Myrieyl palmitate, 431, 999 
 Myristica, 10(>5 
 aromatica, 1065 
 Becuhyba, 1138 
 fatua, 1066 
 fragrans, 1003, 1065 
 moschata, 1065 
 officinalis, 1065, 1138 
 I Otoba, 1138 
 
 I Myristica sebifera, 1138 
 I Myristicene, Myristicol, 1138 
 I Myristin, 1138 
 Myrobalan, 1067 
 Myrobalanus spec. , 1067 
 Myrosin, 1445 
 
 Myrospermum balsamiferum, 321 
 Pereirae, 318 
 toluiferum, 321 
 Myroxocarpin, 318 
 Myroxylon Pereirae, 318 
 pedicellatum, 321 
 peruiferum, 318, 321 
 punctatum, 321 
 toluifera, 320 
 Myrrh, 1067 
 Myrrha, 1067 
 Myrrhentinktur, 1628 
 Myrsine africana, 910 
 Myrte, 1069 
 Myrtle, 1069 
 wax, 1064 
 Myrtus acris, 1136 
 Arragon, 1069 
 Caryophyllus, 416 
 Chekan, 1069 
 communis, 1069 
 Pimenta, 1247 
 
 N ABALUS albus, 813, 1317 
 Nabelkraut, 546 
 Nachtkerze, 1088 
 Nackte Aralienwurzel, 275 
 Nagelein, 416 
 Naked broom rape, 614 
 Namoll, 1225 
 Napaconitine, 119 
 Napelline, 119, 122 
 Napthte acetique, 137 
 de petrole, 333 
 Naphtha, 1210 
 aceti, 137 
 vitrioli, 129 
 Naphthalene, 1071 
 Naphthalinum, 1071 
 Naphthalol, Naphtosalol, 1073 
 Naphthol, Naphtholum, 1072 
 camphorated, 1074 
 Naphthylamine, 1071 
 Naphtolaristol, 1074 
 Naphtopyrine, 227 
 Naranjo agrio, 310 
 Narceine, 1171 
 Narcisse des pres, 1076 
 Narcissus Pseudonarcissus, 1076 
 Jonquilla, 1076 
 Narcitin, 1076 
 Narcotine, 1170 
 Nard americain, 275 
 Nardostachys Jatamansi, 1682 
 Nardus americanus, 275 
 celtica, 1682 
 indica, 1682 
 Naregamia, 317 
 alata, 899 
 
 Narthex Sylphium, 1592 
 Nasturtium Amoracia, 288 
 officinale, 513 
 palustre, 513 
 Natal aloes, 163 
 arrowroot, 204 
 Nataloin, 164 
 Natrium, 1450 
 acetat, 1450 
 aceticum, 1450 
 arsenat, 1451 
 arsenicicum, 1451 
 benzoat, 1452 
 benzoicum, 125 
 biboricum, 1458 
 bicar bonat, 1454 
 
1836 
 
 Natrium — 
 bicarbonicum, 1454 
 bisulfat, 1457 
 bisulfurosum, 1457 
 bromatum, 1460 
 carbonicum, 1462 
 acidulum, 1454 
 crudum, 1463 
 siccum, 1464 
 causticum, 1448 
 chlorat, 1465 
 chloratum, 1466 
 chloricum, 1465 
 ferricitrophospbat, 737 
 ferripyropliosphat, 740 
 gold chlorid, 313 
 hydricum, 1448 
 solutum, 981 
 
 bypophosphorosum, 1469 
 hyposulfurosum, 1470 
 iodatum, 1472 
 nitricum, 1474 
 pbospbat, 1476 
 pbospboricum, 1476 
 pyroborat, 1458 
 pyroboricum, 1458 
 pyropbosphat, 1479 
 pyropbosplioricum, 1479 
 ferratum, 740 
 salicylat, 1479 
 salicylicum, 1479 
 santoninat, 1482 
 santoninicum, 1482 
 silicicum solutum, 985 
 subsulfurosum, 1470 
 sulfuricum, 1483 
 exsiccatum, siccum, 1484 
 sulfurosum, 1484 
 tbiosulfat, 1470 
 thiosulfuricum, 1470 
 valerianicum, 1488 
 Natro-kali tartaricum, 1298 
 Natron, 1448 
 arsensaures, 985, 1451 
 baldriansaures, 1488 
 benzoesaures, 1452 
 borsaures, 1458 
 doppeltkoblensaures, 1454 
 doppeltscbwefligsaures, 1457 
 essigsaures, 1450 
 kolilensaures, 1462 
 phenylat, 1487 
 phenylscbwefelsaures, 1486 
 phospborsaures, 1476 
 salpetrigsaures, 1475 
 scbwefligsaures, 1484 
 unterpbospborigsaures, 1469 
 unterschwefligsaures, 1470 
 wasserglass, 985 
 weinschwefelsaures, 1487 
 Natronpastillen, 1655 
 Natrum. See Natrium. 
 Natterkopf, 350 
 Natter wurz, 775 
 Nauclea acida, 427 
 Garabir, 427 
 Navel wort, 546 
 Neb-neb, 5 
 Nectandra, 325, 1077 
 Pucbury major, 1077 
 minor, 1077 
 Kodi®i, 1077 
 Nectandrine, 326, 1077 
 Negro coffee, 361 
 Nelkenliolz, 417 
 Nelkenol, 1116 
 Nelkenpfeffer, 1217 
 Nelkenpfefferol, 1143 
 N elkenpfeffer- W asse r, 264 
 Nelkenstiele, 417 
 Nelkenzinmit, 502 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Nenuphar, 1087 
 Nepal cardamoms, 413 
 Nepali ne, 120 
 Nepaul aconite-root, 119 
 Nepeta Cataria, 424, 1031 
 citriodora, 425, 1031 
 Glechoma, 777 
 Nepbrodium Filix mas, 301 
 marginale, 301 
 Neriodorin, 1096 
 Nerium odoratum, odorum, 1096 
 Oleander, 1095 
 tinctoria, 865 
 Neroli, 1112 
 Nero di ossa, 405 
 Nerprun, 1374 
 Nessler’s reagent, 250 
 Nettle, 1676 
 Neuenahr spring, 267 
 Neugewurz, 1247 
 New Granada rhatany, 912 
 Jersey tea, 429 
 Zealand flax, 1216 
 Ngai camphor, 388 
 Nicandra pbysaloides, 159 
 Niccoli bromidum, 1080 
 carbonas, 1080 
 chloridum, 1080 
 sulphas, 1079 
 Nickel, 1080 
 
 ammonium sulphate, 1080 
 bromide, 1080 
 carbonate, 1080 
 chloride, 1080 
 sulphate, 1079 
 Nicotiana Tabacum, 1573 
 spec., 1574 
 Nicotiane, 1573 
 Nicotine, 394, 1574 
 Niesswurz, 541, 808 
 Niesswurzextrakt, 809 
 Nieswurztinktur, 810 
 Nigella damascena, 1081 
 sativa, 1081 
 Nigellin, 1081 
 Night-blooming cereus, 356 
 Nigrosine, 212 
 Nihil album, 1726 
 Nim-bark, 317 
 tree, 316 
 
 Ninfa, Ninfea, 1087 
 Niota pentapetala, 1339 
 Nitras argenticus, 278 
 fusus, 281 
 hydrargyrosus, 968 
 kalicus, 1307 
 plumbicus, 1264 
 potassicus, 1307 
 sodicus, 1474 
 Nitrate d’argent, 278 
 fondu, 281 
 
 de bismuth neutre, 344 
 de Chili, 1474 
 de plomb, 1264 
 de potass®, 1307 
 de soude, 1474 
 mercurique, 967 
 Nitrato de ammoniaco, 189 
 di argento cristallizzato, 278 
 di plata, 278 
 Nitre, 1307 
 ammoniacal, 189 
 cubique, 1474 
 de Chili, 1474 
 inflammable, 189 
 lunaire, 278 
 prismatique, 1307 
 Nitric anhydride, 73 
 Nitrite de soude, 1475 
 Nitrito de amilo, 195 
 Nitrobenzene, 1081, 1106 
 
 Nitrobenzenum, 1081 
 Nitrochloroform, 87 
 Nitrocodeine, 515 
 Nitrogen pentoxide, 73 
 Nitrogenii monoxidum, 1082 
 Nitroglycerin, 779, 1504 
 Nitroglycerinum, 1507 
 Nitronaphthalene, 1071 
 Nitropentane, 197, 1082 
 Nitrotrichlormethane, 87 
 Nitroso-camphor, 388 
 Nitrous oxide, 1082 
 Nitrosyl chloride, 77 
 Nitroxylene, 1717 
 Nitrum cubicum, 1472 
 depuratum, 1307 
 flammans, 189 
 tabulatum, 1307 
 Nitrylic chloride, 77 
 Nogal, 904 
 Noir d’os, 405 
 Noisetier, 545 
 Noisettia pyrifolia, 1711 
 Noix d’arec, 276 
 de cola, 362 
 de galle, 764 
 de gourou, 362 
 de muscade, 1065 
 de sassafras, 1077 
 vomiques, 1084 
 Nombril de Venus, 546 
 Nordhausen oil of vitriol, 98 
 Northern prickly ash, 1716 
 Norway spruce fir, 1252 
 Noyer gris, 904 
 Nuccs col®, 362 
 Nucin, 905 
 Nuez mosedda, 1065 
 vomica, 1084 
 Nunnari, 810 
 Nuphar spec., 1088 
 Nut oil, 905 
 pine, 1158 
 Nutgall, 764, 765 
 Nutmeg, 1065 
 butter, 1138 
 flower, 1081 
 long, male, 1066 
 wild, 1066 
 Nux moschata, 1065 
 vomica, 1084 
 Nymph®a alba, 1088 
 odorata, 1087 
 Nyssa candicans, 927 
 capitata, 927 
 grandidentata, 927 
 
 O AK balls, 765 
 bark, 1340 
 manna, 1019 
 Oatmeal, 316 
 Oberhefe, 437 
 Ochsengalle, 714 
 gereinigte, 715 
 Ocopetate, 759 
 Ocotea guianensis, 1077 
 opifera, 1077 
 Pucbury major, 1077 
 Ocuba wax, 1138 
 Oculi cancrorum, 553 
 Oeulina virginea, 553 
 Ocymum Basilicum, 933 
 Odermennig, 145 
 Oele, 1089, 1092 
 Oelharze, 1100 
 Oelsaure, 78 
 Oelseife, 1417 
 Oelsiiss, 778 
 CEnanthe crocata, 477 
 fistulosa, 477 
 Phellandrium, 1213 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1837 
 
 (Enantkin, 477 
 (Euoles, 1697 
 CEuotkera biennis, 1088 
 CEsypum, 126 
 Ogeeckee lime, 927 
 Oignon, 160 
 Oil, allspice, 1143 
 almond, expressed, 1107 
 sweet, 1107 
 amber, 1155 
 rectified, 1156 
 ammoniac, 179 
 animal, Dippel’s, 768, 1109 
 rectified, 1109 
 anise, 1110 
 apple, 1489 
 apricot-seed, 1108 
 arbor vitae, 1598 
 asafoetida, 296 
 Asarum canadense, 297 
 bankul, 1130 
 bay, bay-leaves, 1136 
 berries, 931 
 beeck, 1126 
 beken, ben, 1154 
 benne, 1152 
 bergamot, 1113 
 betula, 1124 
 birck, 338 
 bitter, 1587 
 almond, 1105 
 artificial, 1081, 1106 
 iodinized, 1107 
 orange, 1112 
 black pepper, 1102 
 bone, 1109 
 Brazil nuts, 1126 
 cade, 1114 
 cajuput, 1114 
 calamus, 368 
 callicoonah, 317 
 camphor, 388 
 camphorated, 940 
 Canada erigeron, 1121 
 candlenut, 1130 
 caraway, 1116 
 carron, 940 
 cassia, 1118 
 castor, 422, 1144 
 Ceylon cinnamon, 1118 
 chamomile, 1111 
 chaulmugra, 803 
 chenopodium, 1118 
 Chinese cinnamon, 1119 
 chlorinated, 1141 
 cinnamon, 1118 
 leaves, 1119 
 root, 1119 
 cloves, 1116 
 coal, 1209, 1210 
 cocoanut, 1120 
 cod-liver, 1132 
 colza, 1447 
 copaiba, 1120 
 coriander, 1121 
 cotton-seed, 1125 
 crab, 317 
 croton, 1163 
 cubeb, 1121 
 cumin, 560 
 dead, 332 
 dill, 1108 
 dugong, 1132 
 egg, 1714 
 elecampane, 875 
 elloopa, 1161 
 ethereal, 1103 
 eucalyptus, 1122 
 fennel, 1122 
 fir-wool, 1586 
 flaxseed, 1129 
 
 Oil— 
 
 fusel, 156, 157 
 galbanum, 762 
 garden lavender, 1128 
 garlic, 160 
 gaultheria, 1123 
 geranium, 1148 
 ginger, 1736 
 ginger-grass, 1148 
 gingili, 1152 
 grape-seed, 1130 
 grapes, 1508 
 ground-nut, 1153 
 gurjun, 540 
 hazelnut, 545 
 hedeoma, 1126 
 hemlock, 1254 
 hempseed, 395 
 horsemint, 1046 
 kyoscyamus, 854 
 hyssop, 858 
 illoopa, 1161 
 juniper, 1127 
 berries, 1127 
 wood, 1127 
 kekune, 1130 
 kundak, 317 
 kurung, 1153 
 lard, 124, 1103 
 lavender, 1128 
 flowers, 1127 
 lemon, 1128 
 
 Levant wormseed, 1413 
 light, 332, 
 linseed, 1129 
 mace, 1138 
 madia, 1130 
 mangosteen, 766 
 menhaden, 1132 
 mirbane, 1081 
 mustard, fixed, 1445 
 volatile, 1154 
 myrcia, 1136 
 myrrh, 1068 
 neat’s foot, 1114 
 neroli, 1112 
 nicker-seed, 1154 
 niger-seed, 1130 
 nut, 905 
 nutmeg, 1137 
 expressed, 1138 
 volatile, 1137 
 olive, 1138 
 orange, 1111, 1112 
 origanum, 1161, 1184 
 orris, 900 
 palm, 1142 
 parsley, 1212 
 patchouly, 1031 
 peach-seed, 1108 
 pea-nut, 1153 
 pennyroyal, 1126 
 pepper, 1248 
 peppermint, 1130 
 Chinese, 1131 
 phosphorated, 1142 
 pimenta, 1143 
 pine-leaf, 1586 
 poppy-seed, 1192 
 rapeseed, 1447 
 ray, 1134 
 red, 858 
 cedar, 1392 
 rhodium, 1148 
 rock, 1209 
 rose, 1145 
 geranium, 1148 
 rosemary, 1148 
 roshe, 11.48 
 rosin, 1365 
 rue, 1149 
 
 Oil- 
 sage, 1405 
 saudal-wood, 1150 
 santal, 1150 
 sassafras, 1152 
 savin, 1150 
 seneca, 1210 
 sesamum, 1152 
 shark, 1134 
 skate, 1134 
 soy, 1154 
 spearmint, 1132 
 sperm, 1132 
 spermaceti, 440 
 spike lavender, 1128 
 spruce, 1254 
 star-anise, 1110 
 still ingia, 1515 
 sunflower, 808 
 sweet, 1138 
 birch, 338, 1124 
 orange, 1112 
 tambor, 1145 
 tansy, 1579 
 tar, 1143, 1255 
 taragon, 4, 1110 
 teel, 1152 
 
 theobroma, 1161, 1596 
 thyme, 1162 
 tobacco, 1575 
 train, 1134 
 tucum, 1142 
 turpentine, 1156 
 rectified, 1157 
 valerian, 1166 
 virgin, 1139 
 vitriol, 97 
 
 Nordkausen, 98, 99 
 whale, 1134 
 wine, heavy, 1103 
 light, 1105 
 wintergreen, 1123 
 synthetical, 1039 
 wood, 538 
 
 wormseed, 1118, 1412 
 wormwood, 4 
 Oils, distilled, 1089 
 drying, 1094 
 essential, 1089 
 ethereal, 1089 
 fatty, 1092 
 ferment, 1089 
 fixed, 1092 
 lubricating, 1193 
 neutral, 1193 
 paraffin, 1193 
 volatile, 1089 
 Ointment, 1659 
 aconitia, 1660 
 
 ammoniated mercury, 1665 
 antimonial, 1660 
 atropine, 1661 
 basilicon, 436 
 belladonna, 1661 
 benzoin, 124 
 blue, 1664 
 cantharides, 1661 
 carbolic acid, 1659 
 chrysarobin, 1662 
 citrine, 1666 
 creosote, 1662 
 cucumber, 559 
 diachylon, 1663 
 elemi, 1663 
 galls and opium, 1663 
 glycerin of lead subacetate 
 435 
 
 Hebra’s itch, 1672 
 lead, 1663 
 Hellmund’s, 1670 
 iodide of sulphur, 1672 
 
1838 
 
 Ointment — 
 iodine, 1668 
 compound, 1669 
 iodoform, 1669 
 lead acetate, 1670 
 carbonate, 1670 
 iodide, 1670 
 mercurial, 1664. 
 mercury, 1664 
 compound, 1666 
 mezereon, 1040 
 nitrate of mercury, 1666 
 nutgall, 1663 
 ophthalmic, 1668 
 opium, 692 
 paraffin, 1208 
 petroleum, soft, 1208 
 potassium iodide, 1671 
 red iodide of mercury, 1666 
 mercuric oxide, 1667 
 rose-water, 1660 
 savin, 436 
 simple, 1659 
 spermaceti, 1662 
 stramonium, 1671 
 subchloride of mercury, 1668 
 sulphur, 1671 
 alkaline, 1671 
 compound, 1672 
 sulphurated potash, 1670 
 tannic acid, 1659 
 tar, 1669 
 compound, 1669 
 Wolff’s, 1669 
 
 tartarated antimony, 1660 
 tobacco, 1575 
 turpentine, 1672 
 veratria, 1672 
 white precipitate, 1665 
 Wilkinson’s, 1672 
 yellow oxide of mercury, 1667 
 zinc oxide, 1672 
 Ointments, 1658 
 Ojos de cangrejos, 553 
 Okra, 168 
 Old man, 4 
 
 sulphur well, 266 
 Oldfield pine, 1584 
 Olea aetherea, 1089 
 cocta, 1141 
 destillata, 1089 
 europaea, 1138 
 infusa, 1141 
 pinguia, 1092 
 volatilia, 1089 
 Oleander, 1095 
 Oleandrine, 1096 
 Oleata, 1097 
 Oleate of copper, 564 
 Oleates, 1097 
 
 Oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 veratrinae, 1099 
 zinci, 1099 
 
 Olefiant gas, 1104, 1210 
 Olefins, 1193, 1210 
 Olein, Olin, 1094, 1444 
 Oleite, 79 
 Oleoinfiisions, 1141 
 Oleol of chamomile, 216 
 Oleoles, Oleols, 1141 
 Oleoresin of aspidium, 1100 
 of capsicum, 1101 
 of cubebs, 1101 
 of ginger, 1103 
 of lupulin, 1102 
 of male fern, 1100 
 of pepper, 1102 
 Oleoresina aspidii, 1100 
 capsid, 1101 
 cubebae, 1101 
 filicis, 1100 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Oleoresina — 
 lupulinae, 1102 
 lupulini, 1102 
 piperis, 1102 
 zingiberis, 1103 
 Oleoresinae, 1100 
 Oleoresins, 1100 
 Oleum absinthii, 3 
 adipis, 1103 
 aethereum, 1103 
 amygdalae, 1107 
 amarae, 1105 
 dulcis, 1107 
 expressum, 1107 
 amygdalarum, 1107 
 aethereum, 1105 
 amararum, 1105 
 anethi, 1108 
 
 animale aethereum, 1109 
 Dippelii, 1109 
 anisi, 215, 1110 
 anthemidis, 1111 
 infusum, 216 
 anthos, 1148 
 aurantii corticis, 1111 
 florum, 1112 
 aurantiorum, 1111 
 baccae juniperi, 1127 
 balaenae, 1134 
 balsami copaivae, 1120 
 bergami, 1113 
 bergamottae, 1113 
 betulae empyreumaticum, 1255 
 volatile, 1124 
 bubulum, 1114 
 cacao, 1161 
 cadinum, 1114 
 cajeputi, 1114 
 cajuputi, 1114 
 calami, 368 
 camphorae, 388 
 camphoratum, 940 
 cari, carui, 1116 
 carvi, 1116 
 caryophylli, 1116 
 caryophyllorum, 1116 
 cassiae, 1119 
 ceti, 1134 
 
 chamomillae aethereum, 1026 
 citratum, 1027 
 infusum, 1027 
 romanae, 1111 
 chenopodii, 1118 
 chlorinatum, 1141 
 cinnamomi, 1118 
 cassiae, 1119 
 foliorum, 1119 
 radicis, 1119 
 zeylanici, 1118 
 citri, 1128 
 cocois, cocos, 1120 
 concretum e semine theo- 
 bromae cacao, 1161 
 copaibae, 1120 
 coriandri, 1121 
 crotonis, 1163 
 cubebae, 1121 
 cubebarum, 1121 
 de cedro, 1128 
 e fructi iauri, 931 
 erigerontis canadensis, 1121 
 eucalvpti, 1122 
 fagi, 1126 
 filicis maris, 1100 
 florum naphae, 1112 
 fceniculi, 1122 
 fructus juniperi, 1127 
 gaultheriae, 1123 
 gossypii, 1125 
 seminis, 1125 
 hedeomae, 806, 1126 
 
 I Oleum — 
 
 hepatis morrhuae, 1132 
 hippocastani, 814 
 hyoscyami infusum, 854 
 hyperici, 858 
 jecoris aselli, 1132 
 juniperi, 1127 
 
 empyreumaticum, 1114 
 Iauri, laurinum. 931 
 expressum, 931 
 unguinosum, 931 
 lavandulae, 1127 
 florum, 1127 
 ligni santali, 1150 
 limonis, 1128 
 lini, 1129 
 sulfuratum, 1130 
 macidis, 1138 
 majoranae, 1184 
 martis per deliquium, 720 
 menthae piperitae, 1130 
 viridis, 1132 
 monardae, 1046 
 morrhuae, 1132 
 ferratum, 1134 
 iodatum, 1134 
 myrciae, 1136 
 myristicae, 1137 
 expressum, 1138 
 naphae, 1112 
 neroli, 1112 
 nucistae, 1138 
 aethereum, 1137 
 expressum, 1137 
 olivae, olivarum, 1138 
 commune, 1140 
 origani, 1184 
 ovi, 1714 
 palmae, 1142 
 Christi, 1144 
 papaveris, 1192 
 pedum tauri, 1114 
 petrae, 1209 
 italicum, 1210 
 phosphoratum, 1140 
 picis liquidae, 1143 
 pimentae, 1143 
 pini foliorum, 1586 
 
 sylvestris foliorum, 1586 
 provinciate, 1140 
 rajae, 1134 
 ricini, 1144 
 rosae, rosarum, 1147 
 rosmarini, 1148 
 rusci, 1255 
 rutae, 1149 
 sabinae, 1150 
 santali, 1150 
 sassafras, 1152 
 sesami, 1152 
 sinapis, 1154 
 aethereum, 1154 
 volatile, 1154 
 squali, 1134 
 succini, 1155 
 rectificatum, 1156 
 tabaci, 1575 
 tanaceti, 1579 
 
 tartari per deliquium, 1289 
 templinum, 1586 
 terebinthinae, 1156 
 rectificatum, 1157 
 sulfuratum, 1130 
 theobromae, theobromatis, 1161 
 thy mi, 1162 
 tiglii, 1163 
 valerianae, 1166 
 vini, 1103 
 
 vitrioli dulce verum, 130 
 Olibanum, 1166 
 Olibene, 1166 
 
GENERAL INDEX . 
 
 1839 
 
 Olivenol, 1138 
 
 Olivier a larges feuilles, 927 
 
 Olivine, 1005 
 
 Olma, 1657 
 
 Ombligo de Venus, 546, 851 
 Omphacium, 1677 
 Omphalea oleifera, 1145 
 Onagre, 1088 
 One-grained wheat, 713 
 Onguent basilicon, 456 
 blanc, 435 
 de Rhazes, 1670 
 citrin, 1666 
 d’Arcaeus, 1663 
 de blanc de baleine, 1662 
 de la mere, 609 
 diachylon, 1663 
 digestif simple, 1672 
 mercurielle, 1664 
 populeum, 1661 
 terebinthine, 1672 
 Onguents, 1658 
 Onguents-emplatres, 598 
 Onion, 160 
 Ononis spinosa, 787 
 Onocerin, Ononid, Ononin, 787 
 Onosma echioides, 350 
 Ophelia angustifolia, 451 
 Chirata, 451 
 pulchella, 451 
 Opiane, 1173 
 Opianyl, 1173 
 Opiat de soufre, 530 
 terebinthine, 530 
 Opii pul vis, 1167 
 Opium, 1167 
 denarcotisatum, 1168 
 deodoratum, 1168, 1175 
 lozenges, 1652 
 varieties, 1168 
 Opium-Essig, 15 
 Opiumextrakt, 691, 692 
 Opium-Klystier, 613 
 Opiumlatwerge, 529 
 Opiumliniment, 941 
 Opiumpastillen, 1652 
 Opiumpflaster, 604 
 Opiumpillen, 1244 
 Opiumtinktur, 1629 
 ammoniakalische, 1631 
 benzoesaurehaltige, 1631 
 safranhaltige, 1707 
 Opobalsamum, 1069 
 Opodeldoc, liquid, 942 
 Opoponax Chironium, 1182 
 Opuntia cochinilifera, 511 
 ficus indica, 511 
 Hernandezii, 511 
 vulgaris, 356, 357 
 Or, 314 
 blanc, 1257 
 Orange amere, 310 
 berries, 311 
 bitter, 310 
 flowers, 313 
 grass, 858 
 leaves, 311 
 mineral, 1266 
 peel, 310, 312 
 root, 849 
 
 Seville, 310 . 
 
 wine, 1704 
 
 Orange-flower water, 254 
 Orangenbliithen, 313 
 Orangenbl ii then - W asser, 254 
 Orangengeist, 1502 
 Oranger, 313 
 
 Orange swallow-wort, 298 
 Orangettes, 311 
 Orbicules, 1650 
 Orcannette, 350 
 
 | Orchil, 924 
 Orchis spec., 1399 
 Orcin, 924 
 | Ordeal bean, 1220 
 I Oregon balsam of fir, 1585 
 grape, 337 
 
 Oreille de souris, 813 
 ' Orellana, 291 
 Orellin, 291 
 
 Oreodaphne californica, 1427 
 opifera, 1077 
 
 j Oreoselin, Oreoselon, 865 
 Orexine hydrochloride, 451 
 Orge perle, 817 
 Oriental amethyst, 174 
 emerald, 174 
 topaz, 174 
 valonia, 765 
 Origanum, 1183 
 creticum, 1184 
 Dictamnus, 1184 
 liirtum, 1184 
 Majorana, 1184 
 vulgare, 1183 
 Orlean, Orleana, 291 
 Orme, 1657 
 a trois feuilles, 1321 
 champetre, 1657 
 fauve, 1657 
 Orni, 752 
 
 I Ornus europsea, 1017 
 Oro, 314 
 
 Oroljanclie americana, 614 
 uniflora, 614 
 virginiana, 614 
 Orozuz, 786 
 Orpiment, 293 
 Orris-root, 900 
 Florentine, 900 
 Orseille, 924 
 de terre, 924 
 Orthocresol, 40 
 Orthodioxybenzene, 1371 
 Orthosporum anthelminticum, 446 
 Orthotoluidine, 212 
 Ortie blanche, 934 
 brulante, 1676 
 rouge, 934 
 Ortigo, 1676 
 Oryza sativa, 203 
 Orzo perlado, 817 
 Os, 1184 
 de seche, 553 
 sepiae, 553 
 ustum, 1185 
 Oseille de Guinee, 168 
 Osha, 936 
 
 Osmium tetroxide, 48 
 Osseter, 860 
 Ossido di calcio, 379 
 Ostindischer Enzian, 451 
 Ostrea edulis, 553 
 Oswego tea, 1046 
 Otoba butter, 1138 
 Otolithus regalis, 860 
 Otto of rose, 1147 
 Ottonia Jaborandi, 1230 
 Outremer, 176 
 Ovis Ammon, 1444 
 Aries, 1444 
 Musi m on, 1444 
 | Ovum, 1713 
 
 gallinaceum, 1713 
 Ox tongue, 350 
 Oxalas cericus, 438 
 ferrosus, 745 
 j Oxalate de cerium, 438 
 de fer, 745 
 
 Oxalis Acetosella, 1185 
 corniculata, 1185 
 I stricta, 1185 
 
 Oxalsaure, 80 
 Ox-bile, 714 
 Ox-eye daisy, 1334 
 Oxidation, 1186 
 Oxidum. See Oxydum. 
 
 Ox-gall, 714 
 Oxides, 1186 
 Oxido de antimonio, 221 
 Oxyacantkine, 337 
 Oxyeampkor, 388 
 Oxycannabine, 394 
 Oxychlorure ammoniacal de mer- 
 cure, 846 
 de bismuth, 344 
 Oxyde d’antimoine, 221 
 d’argent, 285 
 de bismuth, 340 
 de cuivre, 563 
 de fer hydrate, 734 
 noir, 735 
 magnetique, 735 
 de manganese, 1014 
 de mercurejaune, 836 
 precipite, 836 
 de methyl, 132 
 de plomb, 1265, 1266 
 ferroso-ferrique, 735 
 mercurique, 836, 837 
 nitreux, 1082 
 puce de plomb, 1266 
 rouge de plomb, 1266 
 zinc, 1726 
 
 par voie kumide, 1726 
 seche, 1726 
 venale, 1726 
 
 Oxydum antimonicum, 221 
 argenticum, 285 
 bismuthicum, 340 
 calcicum, 379 
 aqua solutum, 952 
 ferricum liydratum, 735 
 ferroso-ferricum, 735 
 hydrargyricum, 837 
 manganicum, 1014 
 plumbi, 1265 
 potassicum, 1269 
 stibicum, 221 
 zincicum, 1726 
 Oxygen, 1186 
 hydrate, 261 
 Oxygenated water, 261 
 Oxygenium, 1186 
 Oxyiodure de bismuth, 345 
 Oxyleucotin, 1078 
 Oxymel, 1187 
 of squill, 1188 
 scilke, 1188 
 simplex, 1187 
 Oxymcllita, 1029 
 Oxymellite simple, 1187 
 Oxymels, 1029 
 Oxymercuric sulphate, 838 
 Oxymorphine, 1171 
 Oxynarcotine, 1172 
 Oxyquinaseptol, 451 
 Oyster-shell, prepared, 553 
 Ozokerite, 431, 1192 
 Ozone, 1186 
 
 P ACHYMA cocos, 1000 
 Pseonia Moutan, 1188 
 officinalis, 1 188 
 peregrina, 1188 
 Pain de coucou, 1185 
 de grenouilles, 158 
 de pourceau, 572 
 de singes, 123 
 Paint, phosphorescent, 384 
 Pajarilla, 758 
 Pakukidang, 759 
 Palas kino, 911 
 
1840 
 
 Pale brandy, 1508 
 catechu, 427 
 cinchona, 479 
 Palm butter, 1142 
 Palmitin, 1140, 1444 
 Palmol, 1142 
 Palo de Campeche, 809 
 de leche, 752 
 de vaca, 752 
 del soldado, 1024 
 dulce, 786 
 santo, 796 
 Palommier, 767 
 Pampini vitis, 1677 
 Pan de puerco, 572 
 Panacon, 275 
 Panaquilon, 275 
 Panax Ginseng, 275 
 quinquefolia, 275 
 Pancreatin, 1188 
 Pancreatinum, 1188 
 Panetiere, 399 
 Pani du maharao, 566 
 Panicaut, 624 
 Panna-root, 302 
 Pansy, 1710 
 Paopereira, 1093 
 Papain, 1204 
 Papaver, 1191 
 dubium, 1380 
 officinale, 1191 
 orientale, 1048 
 Rhceas, 1380 
 setigerum, 1191 
 somniferum, 1048, 1167, 1191 
 Papaverin, 1192 
 Papaverine, 1171 
 Papaverosine, 1192 
 Papaw, 1204 
 Papaya vulgaris, 1204 
 Papayotin, 1204 
 Paper, antirheumatic, 442 
 blistering, 443 
 cantharides, 443 
 mustard, 444 
 paraffin, 443 
 potassium nitrate, 444 
 saltpetre, 443 
 wax, 443 
 
 Papers, medicated, 442 
 Papier antirheumatique, 442 
 a vesicatoire aux cantharides, 
 443 
 
 au garou, 442 
 epispastique, 443 
 nitre, 443 
 sinapise, 444 
 vesicant, 443 
 
 Papiere, medicamentirte, 442 
 Papiers sparadrapiques, 442 
 Pappoose-root, 428 
 Paprika, 404 
 Paquerette, 434 
 Para copaiva, 537 
 rubber, 593 
 rhatany, 913 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Para-acetanisidine, 1215 
 Para-acetphenetidine, 1214 
 Parabuxine, 1077 
 Paraconiine, 532 
 Paracoto-bark, 1078 
 Paracotoin, 1078 
 Paracresol, 40 
 Paracress, 514, 1334 
 Paracyanogeu, 66 
 Paradigitalein, 582 
 Paradioxybenzene, 1371 
 Paraffin, 431, 1192, 1255 
 butter, jelly, 1208 
 fliissiges, 1208 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Paraffin — 
 oils, 1193 
 paper, 443 
 soft, 1208 
 
 Paraffinsalbe, 1208 
 Paraffinum durum, 1192 
 liquidum, 1192, 1208 
 molle, unguinosum, 1192, 1208 
 solidum, 1192 
 Paraguay roux, 1334 
 tea, 862 
 
 Parakresse, 1334 
 Parakressentinktur, 1334 
 Paraldehyde, Paraldehydum, 1194 
 Paramenispermine, 1226 
 Parameria vulneraria, 1096 
 Paramorphine, 1171 
 Para-nuts, 1126 
 Paraoxyethylacetanilid, 1214 
 Paraoxymethylacetanilid, 1214 
 Pararabin, 7 
 Pararosaniline, 212 
 Paraphenetolcarbamide, 1393 
 Paratoluidine, 212 
 Paregoric elixir, 1631 
 Pareira, 1196 
 brava, 1196 
 extrakt, 693 
 infusion, 1198 
 Pareirawurzel-Absud, 578 
 Paricine, 488 
 Parietaire, 1198 
 Parietaria erecta, 1198 
 officinalis, 1198 
 pennsylvanica, 1198 
 Parillin, 1424 
 Paris blue, 729 
 green, 565 
 red, 839, 1266 
 white, 552 
 yellow, 1279 
 Parmelia parietina, 1378 
 Parody ne, 226 
 Paropis edulis, 1200 
 Parsley, 1211 
 camphor, 1212 
 spotted, 477 
 Parthenium, 1198 
 hysterophorus, 1199 
 integrifolium, 1199 
 Partridge-berry, 767, 1045 
 Pas d’ane, 1656 
 Pasque-flower, 1322 
 Passerage iberide, 514 
 Passe-rose, 168 
 Passiflora spec., 1199, 1200 
 Passion-flower, 1199 
 Passion sblume, 1199 
 Passulse, 1677 
 majores, 1678 
 minoris, 1678 
 Pasta althsese, 8 
 glycyrrhizfe, 787 
 guarana, 800 
 gummosa, 8 
 liquiritise, 787 
 Paste, Michel’s, 102 
 Pastil colors, 552 
 Pastillen, 1649 
 Pastilles, 1649 
 de chocolate, 1650 
 de cubebe, 1652 
 de menthe Anglaises, 1654 
 a la goutte, 1650 
 de morphine, 1654 
 d’opium, 1652 
 de tannin, 1650 
 de Vichy, 1655 
 digestives, 1655 
 fumigating, 1167 
 reglisse opiacees, 1652 
 
 Pastilles, sugar, 1649 
 Pastilli sacchari, 1650 
 Pastinaca hastata, 1134 
 Opopanax, 1182 
 Pastinacine, 477 
 Patience, 1388 
 Pate de Canquoin, 1723 
 de gomme, 8 
 de guimauve, 8 
 de jujubes, 906 
 de reglisse, 787 
 Patera oster-Erbsen, 1 
 Patrinia scabiosrefolia, 1682 
 Paullinia Cupana, 800 
 Cururu, 566 
 sorbilis, 800 
 Pavot, blanc, 1191 
 cornu, 445 
 rouge, 1380 
 Payta rhatany, 912 
 Paytamine, Paytine, 485, 489 
 Peach, 1207 
 gum, 1122 
 Pearlash, 1288 
 Pearl barley, 817 
 sago, 205 
 white, 344 
 
 Pearls, medicinal, 768 
 Pecan-nuts, 905 
 Pech, schwarzes, 1255 
 Pechpflaster mit Canthariden, 604 
 Pecher, 1207 
 Pechol, 1143 
 Pectase, 54 
 Pectin, Pectose, 1643 
 Pectoral drops, Bateman’s, 1632 
 tea, 169 
 Pedgery, 854 
 Pegu catechu, 425 
 Pelargonium roseum, 1148 
 Pelletierine, 793 
 Pellitory, 1198, 1333 
 of Spain, 1333 
 Pelosine, 1198 
 Pensea mucronata, 1420 
 Sarcocolla, 1420 
 Penang benzoin, 335 
 Pencils, iodoform, 1669 
 metallic writing, 843 
 of zinc chloride, 1723 
 Penghawar djambi, 759 
 Penicaut, 624 
 
 Pennsylvania sumach, 1380 
 Penny-cress, 514 
 mustard, 514 
 Pennyroyal, 806 
 Pennywort, 546 
 Pensee, 1710 
 Pental, 200, 201 
 Pentane, 333 
 Pentene, 200 
 
 Penthorum sedoides, 1435 
 Peony, 1188 
 Pepe cubebe, 556 
 Pepins des coing, 572 
 Pepita de San Ignacio, 819 
 Pepo, 524, 1200 
 Pepper, 1247 
 African, 403 
 Cayenne, 403 
 long, 1248 
 Pepper^rass, 514 
 Peppermint, 1032 
 Peppermint drops, 1650 
 lozenges, 1654 
 Pepper-root, 513 
 Pepperwort, 514 
 Pepsin, Pepsina, 1201 
 saccharated, 1204 
 Pepsinum, 1201 
 saccharatum, 1204 
 
Pepsin wein, 1205 
 Peptone, 1204 
 Perce-muraille, 1198 
 Percha lamellata, 802 
 Perchlorure de fer, 719 
 de platine, 1257 
 Percolation, 639 
 under pressure, 643 
 Peregil, 1211 
 Pereirine, 1096 
 muriate, 1097 
 Perezia adnata, 1379 
 nana, 1879 
 Wrightii, 1379 
 Pericarpium granati, 793 
 Periparabo, 1025 
 Periplaneta orientalis, 399 
 Periploca emetica, 810 
 indica, 810 
 Peritre, 1333 
 Perlgerste. 817 
 Perlgraupen, 817 
 Perlmoos, 471 
 
 Permanganate de potasse, 1310 
 Pernitrate de fer liquide, 963 
 de mercure liquide, 967 
 Peroxyde de barium, 322 
 de fer hydrate humide, 734 
 d’hydrogene, 261 
 de manganese, 1014 
 de mercure, 837 
 de plomb, 1266 
 Persea gratissima, 932 
 Persian balsam, 1609 
 berries, 1374 
 insect flowers, 1334 
 manna, 1019 
 pellitory, 1334 
 Persica vulgaris, 1207 
 Persil, 1211 
 des marais, 1436 
 Persimmon, 587 
 beer, 588 
 Persio, 924 
 
 Persulfate de fer liquide, 966 
 de mercure, 839 
 Peru balsam, 318 
 white, 318 
 Peruvian bark, 479 
 pale, 479 
 red, 480 
 yellow, 479 
 guaiac resin, 797 
 rhatany, 912 
 Peruvin, 319 
 Petala rhceados, 1380 
 rosse centifolise, 1385 
 gallicse, 1385 
 Petersilie, 1211 
 Petit chiendent, 1647 
 chene, 1589 
 glouteron, 929 
 lait, 917 
 nard, 275 
 Petite absinthe, 4 
 centauree, 1391 
 cigue, 531 
 mauve, 168 
 Petits grains, 311 
 Petrolather, 333 
 Petrolatum, 1208 
 liquidum, 1208 
 molle, 1208 
 spissum, 1208 
 Petrole, 1209 
 Petroleum, 1209 
 benzin, 333, 1210 
 crudum, 1210 
 Petroselinum, 1211 
 sativum, 1211 
 Pettymorrel, 275 
 116 
 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Peucedanin, 864 
 Peucedanum graveolens, 209 
 officinale, 864, 865, 936 
 Oreoselinum, 865 
 Ostruthium, 864 
 palustre, 1436 
 Peumus Boldus, 347 
 fragrans, 347 
 Pewter, 1511 
 Pez amarilla, 1252 
 de Borgona, 1252 
 de Canada, 1253 
 griega, 1364 
 negra, 1255 
 Pfaffenhutchen, 629 
 Pfaffenrohrchen, 1580 
 Pfeffer, 1247 
 Pfefferextrakt, 1102 
 Pfefferkraut, 514 
 Pfefferlatwerge, 529 
 Pfefferminze, 1032 
 Pfefferminz-Essenz, 625, 1506 
 Pfefferminzkuchen, 1650 
 Pfefferminzpastillen, 1654 
 ] Pfefferminzol, 1046, 1130 
 | Pfefferminzsirup, 1033 
 j Pfefferminzwasser, 264 
 ■ Pfennigkraut, 1318 
 j Pferdeminze, 1045 
 | Pfingstrose, 1188 
 | Pfirsich, 1207 
 Pflanzensafte, 1534 
 | Pfiaster, 598 
 I Pflaume, 1319 
 j Pfriemenkraut, 1431 
 | Phseoretin, 1378 
 Phagedanisches Wasser, 998 
 Phalaris canariensis, 1213 
 Pharbitis Nil, 903 
 triloba, 903 
 Pharbitisin, 903 
 Phaseolus vulgaris, 714 
 Phaseo-mannit, 1396 
 Phasianus gallus, 1713 
 Pheasant’s eye, 128 
 Phellandrie, 1213 
 Phellandrin, 1214 
 Phellandrium aquaticum, 1213 
 Phenacetin, 1214 
 I Phenacetinum, 1214 
 Phenamid, 211 
 
 I Phenazone, Phenazonum, 226 
 Phenedin, 1216 
 Phenerythen, 38 
 Phenic alcohol, 37 
 | Phenocoll hydrochloride, 1215 
 Phenol, 37 
 camphor, 388 
 iodatum, 39 
 iodized, 39, 889 
 sodique, 1487 
 I Phenolata, 388 
 Phenolglycerit, 782 
 Phenolid, 11 
 I Phenolsalbe, 1659 
 j Phenolum iodatum, 889 
 I Phenolwasser, 39 
 I Phenopyrine, 227 
 , Phenosalyl, 40, 45 
 j Phenylacetamide, 8 
 Phenylalkohol, 37 
 Phenylamine, 211 
 Phenylbenzamid, 9 
 Phenylcarbylamine, 9 
 Phenyldiiodosalicylate, 1403 
 Phenylglycerit, 782 
 Phenylhydrazine, 1215 
 Phenylisocyanide, 9 
 Phenylmethyl-ketone, 11 
 Phenylsalicylat, 1403 
 Phenylsaure, 37 
 
 1841 
 
 I Phenylurethane, 1674 
 Phloroglucin, 386, 772, 913 
 Phlorol, 547 
 
 Phlox Carolina, glaberrima, 1492 
 J Phoradendron flavescens, 1712 
 Phormine, 1171 
 Phormium tenax, 1216 
 Phosgene gas, 463 
 Phosplias ammonicus, 190 
 calcicus prsecipitatus, 374 
 ferricus, 739 
 ferroso-ferricus, 738 
 natricus, 1476 
 sodicus, 1476 
 
 Phosphate d’ammoniaque, 190 
 de chaux hydrate, 374 
 de codeine, 515 
 de fer, 738 
 de potasse, 1478 
 de soude, 1476 
 ferrique, 739 
 ferroso-ferrique, 738 
 Phosphor, Phosphore, 1217 
 Phosphorescent powder, 384 
 Phosphore tted resin, 1245 
 Phosphore turn zincicum, 1728 
 Phosphoric anhydride, 82 
 oxide, 1218 
 
 Phosphorous oxide, 1218 
 Phosphorsaure, 82 
 Phosphorus, 1217 
 amorphous, 1217 
 Phosphorpillen, 1244 
 Phosphorspiritus, 1507 
 Phosphorzink, 1728 
 Phosphure de zinc, 1728 
 Photogene, 1210 
 Phyllanthus emblica, 1067 
 Phylloxera, 410 
 Physalin, 159, 772 
 Physalis Alkekengi, 159, 772 
 pennsylvanica, 159 
 peruviana, 159 
 pubescens, 159 
 viscosa, 159 
 
 Physeter macrocephalus, 177, 439, 
 1134 
 
 Physic-nut, 567 
 Physosterin, 1221 
 Physostigma, 1220 
 cylindrosperma, 1221 
 venenosum, 1220 
 Physostigma- Ex trakt, 694 
 Physostigminse liydrobromas, 1224 
 salicylas, 1224 
 sulphas, 1224 
 Physostigmine, 1221 
 salts, 1224 
 
 Physostigminum salicylicum,1224 
 sulphuricum, 1224 
 Phytolacca acinosa, 1225 
 decandra, 1225 
 drastica, 1225 
 octandra, 1225 
 Phytolaque, 1225 
 Picamar, 1255 
 Picapica, 1063 
 Picea balsamea, 1584 
 canadensis, 1253 
 excelsa, obovata, 1252 
 Pichi, 712 
 Pichurim, 1077 
 Pichurimbohnen, 1077 
 Pichury bean, 1077 
 Picoline, 1575 
 Picrsena excelsa, 1338 
 Picraconine, 119 
 Picraconitine, 119 
 Picrasma excelsa, 1338 
 Picroglycion, 590 
 Picropodophyllin, 1267 
 
1842 
 
 Picropyrine, 227 
 Picrosclerotine, 618 
 Picrotin, 1227 
 Picrotoxin, 1214 
 Picrotoxinum, 1214 
 Pie-plant, 1379 
 Pied d’alouette, 1513 
 de cliat, 789 
 de corneille, 773 
 Pierre a cautere, 1269 
 de vin, 1280 
 divine, 562 
 infernale, 281 
 dilue, 280 
 oplithalmique, 562 
 Pierres d’ecrevisses, 553 
 Pig iron, 744 
 Pigeon plum, 912 
 Pigmentum indicum, 865 
 Pignon des Barbades. 567 
 d’Inde, 567, 1163 
 Pigweed, 447 
 Pikrinsaure, 86 
 Pikrotoxin, 1214 
 Pili gossypii, 790 
 Pill coating, 1236 
 dusting, 1236 
 mass, Vallet’s, 1021 
 masses, 1020 
 
 Pill of asafetida, compound, 1244 
 of carbonate of iron, 1242 
 of colocyntb, compound, 1241 
 of colocyntb and byoscyamus, 
 1242 
 
 of gamboge, comp., 1241 
 of hemlock, comp., 1242 
 of ipecacuanha and squill, 1244 
 of lead and opium, 1245 
 of rhubarb, comp., 1245 
 of soap, comp., 1246 
 phosphorus, 1244 
 scammony, compound, 1246 
 squill, compound, 1246 
 Pillen, 1234 
 Pillenmassen, 1020 
 Pills, 1234 
 antibilious, 1241 
 Asiatic, 31 
 Blancard’s, 1243 
 Blaud’s ferruginous, 1242 
 blue, 1022 
 chalybeate, 1242 
 compound cathartic, 1241 
 compressed, 1238 
 ferruginous, 1242 
 Lady Webster dinner, 1239 
 of aloes, 1238 
 and asafetida, 1239 
 and iron, 1239 
 and mastic, 1239 
 and myrrh, 1240 
 of antimony, comp., 1240 
 of asafetida, 1240 
 of copaiba, 1020 
 of ferrous carbonate, 1021, 1242 
 iodide, 1242 
 
 of galbanum, comp., 1244 
 of iron, 1242 
 of lupulin, 999 
 of mercury, 1022 
 of opium, 1244 
 of rhubarb, 1245 
 compound, 1245 
 
 of subchloride of mercury, com- 
 pound, 1240 
 phosphorus, 1244 
 Plummer’s, 1240 
 Rufus’s, 1240 
 toothache, 1334 
 vegetable cathartic, 1241 
 Pilocarpin® hydrochloras, 1228 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Pilocarpin® nitras, 1229 
 Pilocarpine, 1230 
 hydrochlorate, 1228 
 Pilocarpinum hydrochloricum, 
 1228 
 
 Pilocarpus heteropliyllus, 1229 
 Jaborandi, 1229 
 officinalis, 1229 
 pauciflorus, 1229 
 pennatifolius, piunatus, 1229 
 Selloanus, 1229 
 Piloselle, 813 
 
 Pilula aloes barbadensis, 1239 
 socotrin®, 1238 
 asafcetid® composita, 1244 
 calomelanos composita, 1240 
 cambogi® composita, 1241 
 colocynthidis composita, 1241 
 et hyoscyami, 1242 
 conii composita, 1242 
 ferri, 1242 
 
 carbonatis, 1021, 1242 
 hydrargyri, 1022 
 
 subchloridi composita, 1240 
 ipecacuanh® cum scilla, 1244 
 opii, 1246 
 
 plumbi cum opio, 1245 
 saponis composita, 1246 
 scammonii composita, 1246 
 scill® composita, 1246 
 Pilul®, 1234 
 aloes, 1238 
 
 et asafcetid®, 1239 
 et ferri, 1239 
 et mastiches, 1239 
 et myrrh®, 1240 
 aloetic®, 1239 
 ferrat®, 1239 
 ante cibum, 1240 
 antimonii composit®, 1240 
 asafcetid®, 1240 
 cath article composite, 1241 
 vegetabilis, 1241 
 ccerule®, 1022 
 copaib®, 1020 
 ferrat® Yalleti, 1021 
 ferri carbonatis, 1021, 1242 
 carbonici, 1021 
 iodidi, 1243 
 
 galbani composit®, 1244 
 hydrargyri, 1022 
 italic® nigr®, 1239 
 jalap®, 1368 
 odontalgic®, 1334 
 opii, 1244 
 phosphori, 1244 
 rhei, 1245 
 composit®, 1245 
 Pilules, 1234 
 Pilules alterantes, 1240 
 antidartreuses, 1240 
 antihysteriques, 1244 
 bleues, 1023 
 
 chalybes de Blaud, 1242 
 cochees mineures, 1241 
 de Blancard, 1243 
 de copahu, 1021 
 de mercure, 1022 
 de rhubarbe, 1245 
 de Rufus, 1240 
 de Yallet, 1021 
 des gourmandes, 1240 
 ferrugineuses, 1021 
 phosphorees, 1244 
 Piment de la Jamaique, 1247 
 des jardins, 403 
 rouge, 403 
 royal, 1065 
 Pimenta, 1247 
 acris, 1137 
 officinalis, 1247 
 
 Pimenta vulgaris, 1247 
 Pimento, 1247 
 Pimiento, 403 
 de Tabaso, 1247 
 gorda, 1247 
 larga, 1248 
 negra, 1247 
 Pimpinell, 936 
 
 Pimpinella Anisum, 214, 1110 
 magna, 936 
 Saxifraga, 936 
 Pine pollen, 1002 
 shoots, 1586 
 Pinene, 931 
 Pineweed, 858 
 Pingrass, Pinclover, 774 
 Pinipicrin, 1598 
 Pinitus succinifer, 1155 
 Pinkneya pubens, 488 
 Pinkroot, 1492 
 Pinus Abies, 1252, 1586 
 australis, 1584 
 balsamea, 1584 
 canadensis, 1253 
 excelsa, 1252 
 halepensis, 1574 
 Laricio, 1586 
 Larix, 930, 1019, 1586 
 maritima, 1586 
 Menziesii, 1587 
 obovata, 1252 
 palustris, 1254, 1364, 1584 
 pectinata, 1586 
 Picea, 1252, 1586 
 Pinaster, 1586 
 ponderosa, 1158 
 Pumilio, 1586 
 rigida, 1254 
 rotundata, 1586 
 Sabiniana, 1158, 1586 
 sylvestris, 1254, 1586 
 T®da, 1254, 1584, 1599 
 teocotl, 1586 
 Piper, 1247 
 aduncum, 1024 
 album, 1248 
 angustifolium, 1024 
 anisatum, 557, 1249 
 Betle, 1025, 1249 
 Carpunya, 1025 
 caudatum, 556 
 citrifolium, 1230 
 crocatum, 1249 
 Cubeba, 556 
 elongatum, 1024 
 hispanicum, 403 
 Jaborandi, 1230 
 jamaicense, 1247 
 lance®folia, 1024 
 longum, 1248 
 methysticum, 1025, 1249 
 nigrum, 1247 
 nodulosum, 1230 
 officinarum, 1248 
 peltatum, 1025 
 retieulatum, 1230, 1249 
 Siriboa, 1249 
 trioicum, 1248 
 umbellatum, 1025 
 See also Cubeba. 
 Piperazine, Piperazidine, 1249 
 Piperazinum, 1249 
 Piperidine, 1248 
 Piperin, Piperina, 1250 
 Piperinum, 1250 
 Piperine, 1148, 1250 
 Piperoide de gingembre, 1103 
 Piperonal, 1251 
 Pipmenthol, 1034 
 Pipsissewa, 447 
 Pircunia drastica, 1225 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 184 ;* 
 
 Piscidia, 1251 
 Erytkrina, 754, 1251 
 Pissenlit, 1580 
 Pistacke de terre, 1153 
 Pistacia atlantica, 1023 
 cakulica, 1023 
 Kkinjuk, 1023 
 Lentiscus, 1023 
 Terekintkus, 1023, 1586 
 Pita, 145 
 Pitck, 1255 
 Pitcker-plant, 1420 
 Pitkecollokiuin Avaremotemo, 427 
 Pitoyine, 488 
 Pittakal, 1255 
 Pituri, Piturine, 854, 857 
 leaves, 854 
 
 Pityoxylon succiniferum, 1155 
 Pivoine, 1188 
 Pix alka, 1253 
 betulse, ketulinum, 1255 
 kurgundica, 1252 
 canadensis, 1253 
 liquida, 1254 
 navalis, 1255 
 nigra, 1255 
 solida, 1255 
 
 Placentae seminis lini, 945 
 Plantago arenaria, 1257 
 Cynops, 1257 
 decumkens, 1257 
 Ispagkula, 1257 
 lanceolata, 1256 
 major, 1256 
 Psyllium, 1257 
 Rugelii, 1256 
 virginica, 1256 
 Plantain, 1256 
 d’eau, 158 
 
 Plaqueminier de Yirginie, 587 
 Plasma, 783 
 Plaster, adkesive, 607 
 ammoniac, 609 
 
 witk mercury, 600 
 ammoniacum and mercury, 600 
 arnica, 600 
 aromatic, 601 
 asafcetida, 609 
 kelladonna, 601 
 klistering, 434 
 kreast, 609 
 krown soap, 608 
 Burgundy pitck, 604 
 Canada pitck, 609 
 cantkarides, campk orated, 435 
 capsicum, 601 
 ckalykeate, 602 
 compound tar, 608 
 court, 603 
 diackylon, 605 
 galkanum, 602 
 compound, 602 
 kemlock, 609 
 iron, 602 
 isinglass, 603 
 lead, 605 
 iodide, 608 
 litkarge, 605 
 Logan’s, 609 
 Maky’s, 608 
 mentkol, 604 
 mercurial, 602 
 opium, 604 
 Paris, 375 
 pitck, 604 
 cantkaridal, 604 
 resin, 607 
 soap, 607 
 cerate, 608 
 spice, 602 
 sticking, 607 
 
 Plaster — 
 
 strengtkening, 602 
 tkapsia, 1592 
 universal, 609 
 Vigo’s, 603 
 warming, 604 
 wkite lead, 608 
 zinc, 606 
 Plasters, 598 
 porous, 599 
 
 Platantliera kifolia, 1399 
 Platin, Platine, 1257 
 Platini ckloridum, 1257 
 et potassii cyanidum, 1258 
 et sodii ckloridum, 1258 
 iodidum, 1258 
 Platinic ckloride, 1257 
 iodide, 1258 
 Platinum, 1257 
 Platre, 375 
 Pleurisy-root, 298 
 Pleurogyne rotata, 1391 
 Plocaria lickenoides, 473 
 Plomk, 1266 
 Plomkagine, 408 
 Plumkago, 408 
 Plumkates, 1266 
 Plumki acetas, 1258 
 carkonas, 1262 
 ckloridum, 1264 
 dioxidum, 1266 
 iodidum, 1263 
 nitras, 1264 
 oxidum, 1265 
 rukrum, 1266 
 salts, 1266 
 tannas, 1264 
 Plumkum, 1266 
 aceticum, 1258 
 crudum, 1259 
 carkonicum, 1262 
 corneum, 1264 
 
 kydrico-aceticum solutum, 973 
 carkonicum, 1262 
 iodatum, 1263 
 nitricum, 1264 
 oxy datum, 1265 
 tannicum pultiforme, 1264 
 Plummer’s pills, 1240 
 Poaya, 895 
 Po de Baliia, 473 
 Pockensalke, 1660 
 Pockkolz, 796 
 Podalyria tinctoria, 322 
 Podopkyllinum, Podofilina, 1368 
 Podopkyllotoxin, 1267 
 Podopkyllum, 1267 
 Emodi, 1268 
 peltatum, 1267 
 
 Podopkyllum-Extrakt, 695, 696 
 Podopkyllumliarz, 1368 
 Pod pepper, 403 
 Poele-kark, 166 
 Pogostemon Patckouli, 1031 
 suave, 1031 
 Pois a gratter, 1063 
 d’Amerique, 1 
 velus, 1063 
 Poison-bay, 864 
 dogwood, 1382 
 elder, 1382 
 kemlock, 530 
 ivy, 1382 
 nut, 1084 
 oak, 1382 
 sumack, 1382 
 Poivre a queue, 556 
 de Cayenne, 403 
 des murailles, 1435 
 long, 1248 
 noir, 1247 
 
 Poix klancke, 1253 
 de Bourgogne, 1252 
 de Canada, 1253 
 des Vosges, 1252 
 emetisee, 219 
 jaune, 1252 
 noir, 1255 
 Pokekerry, 1225 
 Pokeroot, 1225 
 Polanisia graveolens, 403 
 Polar-plant, 1199 
 Polecat-weed, 588 
 Polei, Poley, 806 
 Poleiol, 1126 
 Polirrotk, 735 
 Polisking rouge, 735 
 Polium, 1589 
 Pollack, 1132 
 Pollenin, 1001 
 Polykia apicipennis, 1028 
 Polyckroit, 555 
 Polygala Boykinii, 1438 
 de Virginie, 1436 
 Polygama, 1268 
 rukella, 1268 
 Senega, 1436 
 spec., 1269 
 Polygalamarin, 1269 
 Polygale, 1268 
 de Virginie, 1436 
 Polygonatum kiflorum, 535 
 giganteum, 535 
 multiflorum, 535 
 officinale, 535 
 Polygonum Bistorta, 775 
 spec., 775 
 tinctorium, 865 
 Polymountain, 1589 
 Polypodium Filix mas, 301 
 marginale, 301 
 Polyporus fomentarius, 759 
 igniarius, 759 
 marginatus, 759 
 officinalis, 144 
 Poly solve, 79 
 Poma colocyntkidis, 523 
 aurantiorum, 310 
 Pomata, 1658 
 
 Pomatum campkoratum, 433 
 citrinum, 1666 
 cum cantkaride, 1661 
 carkonate plumkico, 1670 
 extracto kelladonnse, 1661 
 kvdrargyro, 1664 
 iodureto plumkico, 1670 
 potassico, 1671 
 iodurato, 1669 
 oxido kydrargyrico, 1667 
 pice, 1669 
 de Regent, 1668 
 di cantaridi, 434 
 populeum, 1661 
 stikiatum, 1660 
 sulfuratum, 1671 
 Pomegranate, 792 
 rind, 793 
 root-kark, 792 
 syrup, 1569 
 Pomeranze, 310 
 unreife, 311 
 
 Pomeranzenkliitken, 313 
 
 und Citronensckalen Aufguss, 
 868 
 
 Pomeranzensckale, 310 
 Pomeranzenkliitkensirup, 1557 
 Pomeranzensckalen- Au fgu ss, 868 
 Pomeranzensckalen-Extrakt, 652 
 Pomeranzensckalenol, 1111 
 Pomeranzensckalensi ru p, 1 556 
 Pomeranzentinktur, 1607 
 Pommade au precipite klanc, 1668 
 
1844 
 
 Pommade — 
 
 belladonee, 1661 
 camphree, 433 
 citrine, 1666 
 creosotee, 1662 
 d’aconitine, 1660 
 d’atropine, 1661 
 d’Autenrieth, 1660 
 de bourgeon de peuplier, 1661 
 de calomel, 1668 
 de carbonate de plornb, 1670 
 de chlorure mercureux, 1668 
 de chrysarobine, 1662 
 de fore de soufre, 1670 
 de goudron, 1669 
 d’iode, 1668 
 d’iodoform, 1669 
 d’iodure de plomb, 1670 
 de potassium, 1671 
 ioduree, 1669 
 de soufre, 1672 
 mercurique, 1666 
 de Lyon, 1667 
 
 de mercure precipite blanc, 
 1663 
 
 de noix de galle, 1663 
 d’oxyde de zinc, 1672 
 jaune de mercure, 1667 
 rouge de mercure, 1667 
 de Eegent, 1668 
 de stramoine, 1671 
 de tannin, 1659 
 de vera trine, 1572 
 epispastique, 1661 
 mercurielle, 1664 
 composee, 1666 
 napolitaine, 1664 
 phenique, 1659 
 simple, 1659 
 soufree, 1671 
 stibee, 1660 
 Pommades, 1658 
 Pomme blanche, 1321 
 de prairie, 1321 
 epineuse, 1516 
 Pompholix, 1726 
 Ponchishuiz, 299 
 Pond-lily, 1087 
 Pongamia glabra, 1153 
 Pontefract cakes, 675 
 Pool-root, 1411 
 Poppy, 1191 
 prickly, 276 
 Poppy capsules, 1191 
 seed, 1192 
 Populin, 1402 
 Populus canadensis, 455 
 Porliera angustifolia, 796 
 Porous plasters, 599 
 Porphyrine, 166 
 Porphyroxin, 1172, 1408 
 Porreau, 160 
 Porrillon, 1076 
 Porrum sativum, 159 
 Porsch, 907 
 
 Portland arrowroot, 294 
 Portwein, 1708 
 Port wine, 1708 
 Potash, caustic, 1269 
 red prussiate, 1300 
 sulphurated, 1273 
 stibiatum, 1660 
 water, 978 
 See Potassium. 
 
 Potassa, 1269 
 caustica, 1269 
 cum calce, 1272 
 sulphurata, 1273 
 with lime, 1272 
 
 See Potassii, Potassium. 
 Potassse. See Potassii. 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Potasse caustique, 975, 1269 
 fondue, 1269 
 Potassii acetas, 1275 
 benzoas, 1453 
 bicarbonas, 1277 
 bichromas, 1279 
 bisulphas, 1314 
 bitartras, 1280 
 bromidum, 1282 
 cantharidas, 1271 
 carbonas, 1287, 1288 
 impurus, 1288 
 purus, 1287 
 chloras, 1290 
 chloridum, 1291 
 citras, 1295 
 elfervescens, 1295 
 cyanidum, 1296 
 et sodii tartras, 1298 
 ferrocyanidum, 1299 
 hydras, 1269 
 hypophosphis, 1300 
 iodas, 1304 
 iodidum, 1301 
 nitras, 1307 
 osmas, 1271 
 perchloras, 1292 
 permanganas, 1310 
 phosphas, 1078 
 prussias flava, 1299 
 salicylas, 1480 
 sulphas, 1313 
 sulphidum, 1274 
 sulphis, 1314 
 sulphocarbonas, 1274 
 sulphuretum, 1273 
 tartras, 1315 
 acida, 1280 
 tartrohoras, 1316 
 telluras, 1271 
 
 Potassio-ferric tartrate, 725 
 Potassium, 1270 
 acid tartrate, 1280 
 acetate, 1275 
 
 and ammonium tartrate, 1316 
 and antimony tartrate, 217 
 and sodium borotartrate, 1316 
 tartrate, 1298 
 antimonate, 222 
 benzoate, 1453 
 bicarbonate, 1277 
 bichromate, 1279 
 bisulphate, 1314 
 bisulphite, 1315 
 bitartrate, 1280 
 borotartrate, 1316 
 bromide, 1282 
 cantharidate, 1271 
 carbonate, 1287, 1288 
 impure, 1288 
 official, 1288 
 chlorate, 1290 
 chloride, 1291 
 chromate, 1279 
 citrate, 1295 
 effervescent, 1295 
 cyanide, 1296 
 dichromate, 1279 
 ferri cyanide, ferridcyanide,1300 
 ferri-ferrocyanide, 730 
 ferrocyanide, 1299 
 ferro-ferricyanide. 730 
 ferro-tartrate, 725 
 hydroxide, hydrate, 1269 
 hypophosphite, 1300 
 iodate, 1304 
 iodide, 1301 
 iodohydrargyrate, 834 
 monosulphide, 1274 
 myronate, 1446 
 nitrate, 1307 
 
 Potassium — 
 nitrite, 1309 
 osmate, 1271 
 oxalate, acid, 570 
 perchlorate, 1292 
 permanganate, 1310 
 phosphate, 1478 
 platino-cyanide, 1258 
 prussiate, 1299 
 pyrosulphite, 1315 
 salicylate, 1480 
 salts, 1271 
 silicate, 986 
 sulphate, 1313 
 sulphite, 1314 
 sulphocarbolate, 1486 
 sulphocarbonate, 410, 1274 
 sulphocyanate, sulphocyanide 
 1300 
 
 sulphuret, 1273 
 tartrate, 1315 
 tellurate, 1271 
 thiocarbonate, 1274 
 xanthogenate, 410 
 Potato fly, 397 
 starch, 203 
 
 Potentilla spec., 774, 775 
 Tormentilla, 774 
 Potentille, 774, 775 
 Pothos foetida, 588 
 Potio, 1042 
 
 laxativa Viennensis, 874 
 nigra, 874 
 
 purgans anglorum, 874 
 Biveri, 979 
 
 Potion de fer aromatique, 1042 
 de Biviere, 979 
 gommeuse, 1062 
 purgative, 874 
 Potions, 1041 
 Potirons, 1200 
 Pottasche, 1288 
 Pottfischthran, 1134 
 Poudre aerophore, 1329 
 des Chartreux, 225 
 escharotique du frere Come, 24 
 d’Antoine Dubois, 24 
 gazeuse, 1329 
 gazifere purgative, 1328 
 de Jean de Vigo, 837 
 de Knox, 381 
 de mercure crayeux, 847 
 saccharin, 1022 
 de rhubarbe composee, 1332 
 de Seitz, 1329 
 de Tennant, 381 
 de Vienne, 1272 
 pectorale. 1330 
 temperante de Stahl, 1309 
 Poudres, 1324 
 des epices, 1327 
 Pouliot, 806, 1126 
 Poultice, charcoal, 423 
 chlorine, 424 
 flaxseed, 424 
 hemlock, 423 
 linseed, 424 
 mustard, 424 
 yeast, 423 
 Poultices, 423 
 Pourretia lanuginosa, 7 
 Powder, Algaroth, 222, 950 
 almonds, compound. 1326 
 aloes and canella, 165 
 antimonial, 1327 
 aromatic, 1327 
 arsenical, Come, 24 
 bronze, 1511 
 
 catechu, compound, 1328 
 chalk, aromatic, 1328 
 and opium, 1328 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1845 
 
 Powder, chalk, compound, 1328 
 cinnamon, compound, 1327 
 Dover’s, 1330 
 
 effervescing, compound, 1328 
 elaterin, compound, 1329 
 fineness, 639 
 fumigating, 1167 
 glycyrrhiza, compound, 1330 
 Gregoi-y’s, 1332 
 ipecac and opium, 1330 
 ipecacuanha, compound, 1330 
 jalap, compound, 1331 
 James’s, 1327 
 kino, compound, 1331 
 liquorice, compound, 1330 
 morphine, compound, 1331 
 opium, compound, 1332 
 rhubarb, compound, 1332 
 scammony, compound, 1332 
 tragacanth, compound, 1333 
 Tully’s 1331 
 Powders, 1324 
 compound, 1325 
 effervescing, 1329 
 effervescing aperient, 1328 
 fumigating, 1167 
 granular, 1326 
 Seidlitz, 1328 
 soda, 1329 
 
 Priicipitat, rother, 837 
 weisser, 846 
 
 Pracipitirtes Ferrosulfat, 741 
 Prairie burdock, 1199 
 Prayer-heads, 1 
 Precipitate, red, 837 
 white, 846 
 
 Precipite blanc, 826, 846 
 rouge, 837 
 Prele, 615 
 
 Prernna taitensis, 294 
 Prenanthes alba, 813, 1317 
 Pressschwamm, 1510 
 Prickly ash, 274, 1715 
 elder, 274 
 pear, 356 
 poppy, 276 
 Pride of China, 316 
 of India, 316 
 Primavera, 1317 
 Primel, 1317 
 Primevere, 1317 
 Primrose, 1317 
 evening, 1088 
 Primula spec., 1317, 1318 
 Prince’s pine, 447 
 Prinos, 1318 
 glaher, laevigatus, 1319 
 verticillatus, 1318 
 Proof spirit, 1508 
 Propene, 18 
 Prophetin, 593 
 Propionitrile, 66 
 Propy lamina, 1645 
 Propylamine, 1645 
 Prosopis glandulosa, 7 
 juliflora, 7 
 Protein, 713 
 
 Protochlorure de fer, 721 
 de mercure, 825 
 Proto-guinamicine, 489 
 Protoiodure de mercure, 832 
 Protopine, 445, 1172 
 Protoquinamicine, 489 
 Protosulfate de fer, 740 
 Protoxyde d’azote, 1082 
 de plomb, 1265 
 Provence rol, 1140 
 Prune, 1319 
 Pruneau, 1319 
 Prunella vulgaris, 1434 
 Prunum, 1319 
 
 Primus Amygdalus, 193 
 domestica, 1319 
 insititia, 1319 
 Laurocerasus, 930 
 obovata, 1320 
 serotina, 1319 
 spinosa, 8 
 virginiana, 1319 
 Prussian blue, 729 
 soluble, 730 
 Prussiate de fer, 729 
 de mercure, 831 
 de potasse, 1299 
 Pseudaconine, 120 
 Pseudaconitine, 115, 119 
 Pseudocurarine, 1096 
 Pseudocurcumin, 570 
 Pseudojervine, 1691 
 Pseud omastich, 1024 
 Pseudomorphine, 1171 
 Pseudonarcissine, 1076 
 Pseudopelletierine, 793 
 Pseudotoluidine, 212 
 Pseudotropine, 851, 854 
 Pseusmagennetus equatoriensis, 
 527 
 
 Psidium pomiferum, 1070 
 pyriferum, 1070 
 Psorale, 1321 
 Psoralea spec., 1321 
 Psychotria emetica, 895 
 Ptelea trifoliata, 1321, 1382 
 angustifoiia, 1322 
 Pterocarpin, 1412 
 Pterocarpus Draco, 1366 
 erinaceus, 911 
 indicus, 911 
 Marsupium, 911 
 santalinus, 1411 
 Ptomaines, 770 
 Ptyalin, 1013 
 Ptychotis Ajowan, 560 
 Ptysanae, 867 
 Puccoon, 1408 
 Puff-ball, 1000 
 Pulchra, 298 
 
 Pulegium micranthum, 1126 
 vulgare, 806, 1126 
 Pulicaire, 876 
 Pulicaria dysenterica, 876 
 Puhnonaire, 349 
 des Frangais, 813 
 Pulmonaria officinalis, 349 
 virginica, 350 
 Pulpa cassise, 419 
 colocynthidis, 523 
 tamarindorum, 1577 
 depurata, 1573 
 Pulpe de casse, 419 
 de coloquinte, 523 
 Pulque, 145 
 Pulsatilla, 1322 
 patens, pratensis, 1322 
 vulgaris, 1322 
 Pulu-pulu, 759 
 Pulver, 1324 
 Pulveres, 1324 
 effervescentes, 1329 
 aperientes, 1328 
 Pulvis ad limonadum, 52 
 aerophorus, 1329 
 anglicus, 1329 
 laxans, 1328 
 Seidlitzensis,1328 
 Algarothi, 222, 950 
 aloes et canellae, 165 
 amygdalae compositus, 1326 
 antacidus, 1332 
 antimonialis, 1327 
 antimonii compositus, 1327 
 aromaticus, 1327 
 
 Pulvis — 
 
 arsenicalis Cosmi, 24 
 auri, 314 
 
 camphorae compositus Tully, 
 1331 
 
 catechu compositus, 1328 
 catharticus, 1331 
 causticus cum calce, 1272 
 Yiennensis, 1272 
 Londinensis, 1272 
 cinnamomi compositus, 1327 
 cretae aromaticus, 1328 
 compositus, 1328 
 cum opio, 1328 
 Doweri, 1330 
 
 eflervescens compositus, 1328 
 elaterini compositus, 1329 
 glycyrrhizae compositus, 1329 
 gummosus, 1333 
 infantum, 1332 
 ipecacuanhae compositus, 1330 
 et opii, 1330 
 opiatus, 1330 
 Jacobi, 1327 
 jalapae compositus, 1331 
 tartaratus, 1331 
 kino compositus, 1331 
 cum opio, 1331 
 liquiritiae compositus, 1329 
 lycopodii, 1001 
 magnesiae cum rheo, 1332 
 massae hydrargyri, 1022 
 morphinae compositus, 1331 
 opii, 1167 
 compositus, 1332 
 pectoralis Kurellae, 1330 
 purgans, 1331 
 refrigerans, 1309 
 rhei compositus, 1332 
 salicylicus cum talco, 986 
 sanguinis, 1410 
 scammonii compositus, 1332 
 sodae tartaratae eflervescens, 
 1328 
 
 stanni, 1511 
 temperans, 1309 
 ruber, 1309 
 Stahlii, 1309 
 
 tragacanthae compositus, 1332 
 vanillae cum saccharo, 1684 
 Pumpkin-seed, 1200 
 Punica Granatum, 792 
 Purga, 903 
 Purging cassia, 418 
 Purging-nut, 567 
 Purgircassie, 418 
 Purgirkorner, 1163 
 Purgirnuss, 567 
 Purified cotton, 791 
 ox-gall, 715 
 
 Purple of Cassius, 314, 1511 
 willow-herb, 1003 
 Purpurin, 764 
 Puya lanuginosa, 7 
 Pycnanthemum incanum, 859, 
 1046 
 
 lanceolatum, 859 
 linifolium, 859 
 Pyoktanin, 213 
 i Pyrene, 1255 
 Pyrethre, 1333 
 allemande, 1333 
 Pyrethrum, 1333 
 earneum, 1334 
 cinerariaefolium, 1334 
 Parthenium, 215, 1198 
 roseum, 1334 
 Tanacetum, 1579 
 Pyridine, 1575 
 Pyrites, arsenical, 293 
 iron, 742 
 
1846 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Pyrmont spring, 267, 268 
 Pyrocatecbin, 426, 547, 911, 1371 
 Pyrodin, 1215 
 Pyrogallol, 1335 
 Pyrogallolum, 1335 
 Pyrogallopyrine, 227 
 Pyrogallussiiure, 1335 
 Pyroguaiacin, Pyroguaiacol, 797 
 Pyrola chlorantha, 448 
 elliptica, 448 
 rotundifolia, 448 
 umbellata, 447 
 Pyrole, 448 
 Pyrolusite, 1014 
 Pyromel, 1597 
 
 Pyrophosphas ferricus cum citrate 
 sodico, 739 
 sodicus, 1479 
 
 Pyrophosphate de fer et de sonde, 
 740 
 
 de soude, 1479 
 
 Pyroxylin, Pyroxylinum, 1336 
 Pyrrhopine, 445 
 Pyrrol tetriodide, 879 
 Pyrus americana, 1491 
 arbutifolia, 1491 
 aucuparia, 1491 
 coronaria, 1491 
 Cydonia, 572 
 japonica, 573 
 sambucifolia, 1491 
 
 Q UAI, 1086 
 
 Quaker buttons, 1084 
 Quassia, 1338 
 amara, 1339 
 bark, 1339 
 cups, 1338 
 excelsa, 1338 
 wood, 1338 
 Quassia-Aufguss, 872 
 Quassiatinktur, 1634 
 Quassie, 1338 
 Quassienextrakt, 697 
 Quatre-fleurs, 169 
 Quebrachamine, 303 
 Qucbrachine, 303 
 Quebracho bianco, 303 
 Colorado, 303 
 flojo, 304 
 
 Quebracbo-extrakt, fliissiges, 651 
 Quecke, rotbe, 1425 
 Queckenextrakt, 708 
 Queckenwurzel, 1647 
 Quecksilber, 840 
 basich scbwefelsaures, 839 
 cblorid, ®tzendes. 820 
 chloridamidid, 846 
 chloriir, 825 
 salbe, 1668 
 cyanid, 831 
 jod, Salbe, 1666 
 jodid, 833 
 jodiir, 832 
 liniment, 941 
 mit Kreide, 847 
 oleat, 1098 
 oxyd, gelbes, 836 
 salbe, 1661 
 nitrat, 967 
 salbe, 1666 
 pracipitirtes, 836 
 rothes, 837 
 Salbe, 1667 
 schwefelsaures, 839 
 sulfat, 838 
 
 oxydul, salpetersaures, 968 
 Pilaster, 602 
 und Ammoniak, 600 
 pracipitat, weisser, 846 
 rother, 837 
 
 Quecksilber — 
 
 Salbe, graue, 1664 
 rotbe, 1667 
 weisse, 1665 
 sublimat, 820 
 sulfid, 839 
 
 Queen’s delight, 1515 
 root, 1515 
 Quendel, 859 
 Quer®scitrin, 814 
 Quercetin, 426, 427, 1341, 1384 
 Quercin, 1341 
 Quercitrin, 814, 1386, 1389 
 Quercitron-bark, 1341 
 Quercus segilops, 765 
 alba, 765, 1340 
 coccifera, 512 
 falcata, 1341 
 infectoria, 764 
 lobata, 765 
 lusitanica, 764 
 marina, 757 
 nigra, 1341 
 persica, 1019 
 robur, 765, 1340 
 suber, 1341 
 tinctoria, 1341 
 Yallonea, 765, 1019 
 velutina, 1341 
 virens, 765, 1341 
 Quick vinegar process, 12 
 Quickens, 1647 
 Quickgrass, 1647 
 Quicksilver, 840 
 j Quillaja, 1342 
 bark, 1342 
 saponaria, 1342 
 Quillain, 1342 
 Quina, 479 
 
 Quinamicine, Quinamidine, 489 
 Quinamine, 488, 489 
 Quince, Bengal, 326 
 seed, 572 
 syrup, 1569 
 Quinetum, 490 
 Quinia. See Quinine. 
 
 Quinicine, 488 
 
 Quinidin® bihydriodas, 1344 
 bisulpbas, 1344 
 bydriodas, 1344 
 sulphas, 1343 
 Quinidine, 488, 494, 1352 
 salts, 1343, 1444 
 Quinina, 1344 
 Quinin® acetas, 1362 
 arsenias, 1362 
 arsenis, 1362 
 benzoas, 1362 
 bisulpbis, 1345 
 bromas, 1347 
 citras, 1362 
 hydriodas, 1349 
 hydrobromas, 1345 
 acidus, 1347 
 hydrochloras, 1348 
 acidus, 1349 
 iodas, 1349 
 lactas, 1362 
 phenylsulphas, 1363 
 pbosphas, 1363 
 quinas, 1363 
 salicylas, 1363 
 sulphas, 1349 
 acidus, 1345 
 sulphovinas, 1363 
 tannas, 1363 
 valerianas, 1361 
 Quinine, 488, 1344 
 acetate, 1362 
 amorphous, 448 
 arseniate, arsenite, 1362 
 
 Quinine — 
 benzoate, 1362 
 bisulphate, 1345 
 bromate, 1347 
 citrate, 1362 
 flowers, 1391 
 hydriodate, acid, 1349 
 hydrobromate, 1345 
 acid, 1347 
 
 hydrochlorate, 1348 
 acid, 1349 
 iodate, 1349 
 kinate, 1363 
 muriate, 1348 
 phosphate, 1363 
 quinate, 1363 
 salicylate, 1363 
 sulphate, 1349 
 acid, 1345 
 carbolated, 1363 
 phenylated, 1363 
 valerianate, 1361 
 Quinhydrone, Quinone, 1371 
 Quiniretin, 1351 
 Quinoidina, 448 
 Quinoline, 450 
 Quinone, 490 
 Quino-quino tree, 321 
 ! Quinova bitter, 491 
 Quinovin, 491 
 Quinquina, 479, 483 
 Quintefeuille, 775 
 Quitch, 1647 
 
 Quittenkerne, Quittensamen, 572 
 Quittenschleim, 1063 
 
 R ABANO rusticano, 288 
 Racine, bresilienne, 893 
 d’aconit, 117 
 d’actee a grappes, 478 
 d’arnica, 289 
 
 d’asclepiade tubereuse, 298 
 de belladone, 327 
 de cypripede jaune, 573 
 de gentiane, 771 
 de geranium maculee, 773 
 d’orange, 849 
 de Saint-Christophe, 122 
 de veronique, 934 
 douce, 786 
 
 Radis de cheval, 288 
 Radish, 1447 
 Radix abri, 1 
 aconiti, 117 
 acori, 367 
 act®®, 478 
 alth®®, 167 
 antidysenterica, 897 
 armoraci®, 288 
 arnic®, 289 
 artemisi®, 4 
 asari canadensis, 297 
 asparagi, 300 
 bardan®, 928 
 belladonn®, 327 
 benedict® sylvestris, 776 
 cainan®, cainc®, 366 
 calami aromatici, 367 
 calumb®, 378 
 carlin®, 876 
 caryophyllat®, 776 
 aquatic®, 776 
 chin®, 1424 
 Christophorian®, 122 
 colchici, 516 
 Colombo, columbo, 378 
 american®, 773 
 consolid® majoris, 1550 
 enul®, 875 
 filicis maris, 301 
 Fraser®, 773 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1847 
 
 Radix — 
 
 galangae majoris, 761 
 mi n oris, 761 
 geisemii, 769 
 gentiana?, 771 
 albse, 936 
 luteae, 771 
 majoris, 771 
 rubra?, 771 
 glycyrrhiza?, 786 
 hispanicse, 786 
 graminis, 1647 
 helenii, 875 
 hellebori albi, 1690 
 nigri, 808 
 viridis, 809 
 hemidesmi, 810 
 imperatorise, 864 
 nigrse, 1411 
 inube, 875 
 ipecacuanhse, 893 
 ireos, 900 
 
 iriais florentinse, 900 
 jalapse, 901 
 krameriae, 912 
 lapathi, 1388 
 levistici, 935 
 liquiritiae, 786 
 mechoacannae, 903 
 melampodii, 808 
 olsnitii, 1436 
 ononidis, 787 
 palmae Christi, 1399 
 pareirse, 1196 
 petroselini, 1212 
 phytolaccae, 1225 
 pimpinellae, 936 
 podopbylli, 1267 
 polygalae hungaricae, 1269 
 pyrethri, 1333 
 germanici, 1333 
 romani, 1333 
 ratanhae, ratanhiae, 912 
 rhei, 1376 
 rumicis, 1388 
 russica, 786 
 salep, 1398 
 saponariae, 1419 
 sarsae, 1421 
 sarsaparillae, 1421 
 sassafras, 1426 
 scammoniae, 1428 
 senegae, 1436 
 serpentariae, 1442 
 sumbul, 1544 
 symphyti, 1550 
 taraxaci, 1580 
 cum herba, 1580 
 valerianae, 1681 
 majoris, 1682 
 minoris, 1681 
 veratri viridis, 1692 
 Ragged lady, 1081 
 Ragweed, 178 
 Raie, 1134 
 Raifort, 288 
 Rainfam, 1578 
 Rain-water, 237 
 Raisin d’Amerique, 1225 
 d’ours, 1678 
 Raisins, 1677 
 
 Raizamarilla sello de oro, 849 
 Raja batis, 1134 
 Rakoczy spring, 268 
 Rame, 565 
 Ramie, 1676 
 Ramno catartico, 1374 
 Ramsted, 938 
 Rangoon tar, 1193 
 Ranunculus acris, 1364 
 bulbosus, 1364 
 
 Ranunculus — 
 repens, 1364 
 sceleratus, 1364 
 Rapeseed, 1447 
 
 Rapbanus Rapbanistrum, 1447 
 sativus, 1447 
 Rapsol, 1447 
 Raspberry, 1387 
 |. vinegar, 1569 
 i Ratanha-Aufguss, 871 
 j Ratanha-Extrakt, 682, 683 
 I Ratanbapastillen, 1653 
 j Ratanbasirup, 1564 
 Ratanhatinktur, 1625 
 I Ratanhawurzel, 912 
 Ratanbia, 912 
 pastillen, 1653 
 red, 913 
 sirup, 1564 
 Ratanhin, 913 
 
 Rattlesnake-master, 623, 936 
 root, 813, 1317 
 weed, 813 
 Rattle weed, 1643 
 Raucheude Salpetersaure, 73 
 Raute, 1388 
 Rautenol, 1149 
 Ray-grass, 997 
 Realgar, 292 
 
 Real’s solution -press, 643 
 Red bark, 480 
 
 fraudulent, 488 
 ant, 399, 402 
 bryony, 353 
 buckeye, 814 
 cedar, 1392 
 chalk, 349 
 cbickenweed, 1318 
 cinchona, 480, 491 
 elm, 1657 
 hosier, 544 
 kousso, 571 
 lead, 1266 
 litharge, 1265 
 oil, 858 
 orpiment, 293 
 phosphorus, 1218 
 pimpernel, 1318 
 poppy-petals, 1380 
 precipitate, 837 
 root, 429 
 rose-petals, 1385 
 sandal-wood, 1411 
 saunders, 1411 
 sorrel, 168 
 wine, 1708 
 
 Red River snake-root, 1443 
 Reduced iron lozenges, 1652 
 Reddle, 349 
 Redoul, 543 
 Reglisse, Regaliz, 786 
 indienne, 1 
 Reissblei, 408 
 Reisstarke, 203 
 Remijia pedunculata, 487 
 Purdieana, 487 
 Renealmia.Cardamoinum, 412 
 Rene-des-pres, 1494 
 Renoncule, 1323 
 Repercolation, 643 
 Requin, 1134 
 Reseda luteola, 403 
 odorata, 403 
 Resin, 1364 
 aldehyde, 1195 
 copaiba, 1365 
 cubeb, 557 
 decamalee, 597 
 of aloes, 163 
 of guaiacum, 796 
 of jalap, 1366 
 
 I Resin — 
 
 of may-apple, 1368 
 of podophyllum, 1368 
 of scammony, 1369 
 phosphoretted, 1245 
 Resina, 1364 
 benzoe, 334 
 copaiba?, 1365 
 d’angelim pedra, 913 
 draconis, 1366 
 elastica, 593 
 elemi, 596 
 
 empyreumatica liquida, 1254 
 guaiaci, 796 
 jalapae, 1366 
 kino, 911 
 lacca, 923 
 ladanum, 914 
 mastiche, 1023 
 pini, 1253 
 burgundica, 1253 
 empyreumatica, 1255 
 podopbylli, 1368 
 scammoniae, 1369 
 scammonii, 1369 
 thapsiae, 1592 
 Resiuol, 1253 
 
 Resinone, Resineone, 1365 
 Resopyrine, 1371 
 Resorcin, Resoreina, 762, 1370 
 Resorcinol, 1370 
 Resorcinphtalein, 1371 
 Resorcinum, 1370 
 Rest-harrow, 787 
 Retene, 1255 
 Retinol, 1253 
 Rhabarbarin, 1378 
 Rbabarber, 1376 
 Aufguss, 872 
 gewiirzter, 1567 
 Rhabarberextrakt, 698, 699 
 Rhabarbermixtur, 1044 
 Rbabarberpillen, 1245 
 und Aloe, 1245 
 Rhabarbersaft, 1567 
 Rhabarbertinktur, 1635 
 aromatische, 1636 
 weinige, 1707 
 
 Rhamnin, Rhamnetin, 1374 
 Rhamnocathartin, 1374 
 Rhamnoxantbin, 756 
 Rhamnus alaternus, 1376 
 amygdalina, 1374 
 californica, 1375 
 caroliniana, 1375 
 catbarticus, 557, 1374 
 Frangula, 755 
 infectorius, 1374 
 Pursliiana, 1375 
 saxatilis, 1374 
 
 Rliaphidophora vitiensis, 294 
 Rhatany, 912 
 root, 912 
 Rhein, 1378 
 Rhenish wines, 1699 
 Rheum, 1376 
 australe, 1379 
 compactum, 1379 
 Emodi, 1379 
 hybridum, 1376 
 ! officinale, 1376 
 
 palmatum, 1376, 1379 
 rhaponticum, 1378 
 undulatum, 1376, 1379 
 | Rheumatism-root, 587 
 | Rheumin, 1378 
 Rhigolene, 1210 
 Rhinacanthine, 1379 
 Rhinacanthus communis, 1379 
 Rhizoma arnicae, 289 
 I calami, 367 
 
1848 
 
 Rhizoma — 
 caricis, 1425 
 chin®, 1424 
 cimicifug®, 478 
 curcum®, 568 
 cypripedii, 573 
 filicis, 301 
 galang®, 761 
 graminis, 1647 
 hydrastis, 849 
 imperatori®, 864 
 iridis, 900 
 podophylli, 1267 
 serpentari®, 1442 
 tormentill®, 774 
 valerian®, 1681 
 veratri, 1690 
 zedoari®, 1719 
 zingiberis, 1735 
 Rhodankalium, 1300 
 Rhodeoretin, 902 
 Rhododendron species, 908 
 Rhodomenia palmata, 472 
 Rhodorrhiza spec., 1148 
 Rhceadine, Rhoeagenine, 1172, 
 1380 
 
 Rhubarb-root, 1376 
 Rhus aromatica, copallina, 1381 
 Coriaria, Cotinus, 1381 
 diversiloba, 1382 
 glabra, 1380 
 japonica, 765 
 ' lobata, 1382 
 
 Metopium, 7, 1382 
 pumila, 1382 
 rad i cans, 1382 
 semialata, 765 
 Toxicodendron, 1382 
 typhina, 1381 
 venenata, 1382 
 Yernix, 146, 1382 
 Rib-grass, 1256 
 Ribwort, 1256 
 Rice flour, 203 
 paper, 275 
 starch, 203 
 
 Richardia ®thiopica, 294 
 Richardsonia scabra, 895 
 Rich -weed, 520 
 Ricinus communis, 1144 
 Ricinusol, 1144 
 Mixtur, 1044 
 Rieble, 763 
 Riementang, 927 
 Rindsgalle, 714 
 eingedickte, 715 
 Ringelblume, 377 
 Rio Janeiro copaiva, 537 
 Negro sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Ripple-grass, 1256 
 Rittersporn, 1513 
 River-water, 237 
 Riz, 203 
 
 Rob Boyveau-Laffecteur, 1570 
 de sureau, 1407 
 Robinia Pseudacacia, 1384 
 Robinier, 1384 
 Roccella tinctoria, 924 
 fusiformis, 924 
 Rochelle salt, 1298 
 Rochenthran, 1134 
 Rock candy, 1395 
 cress, 514 
 crystal, 985 
 oii, 1209 
 Rocou, 291 
 Roggen, 202 
 Rohe Carbolsaure, 37 
 Potasche, 1288 
 Salpetersaure, 73 
 Rohrencassie, 418 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Rolirzucker, 1394 
 Rohun-bark, 317 
 Roman chamomile, 215 
 fennel, 753 
 pellitory, 1333 
 wormwood, 4, 178 
 j Romarin, 1148, 1386 
 des marais, 1514 
 sauvage, 907 
 Romero, 1386 
 Romischer Beifuss, 4 
 Kiimmel, 559 
 Quendel, 859 
 
 Romisch-Kamillen Thee, 868 
 Romisch-Minze, 1033 
 Minzwasser, 264 
 Ronce noir, 1386 
 sauvage, 1386 
 Ronobea emetica, 895 
 Rosa canina, 1384 
 Carolina, 1385 
 centifolia, 1385 
 damascena, 1147 
 de Castilla, 1385 
 gallica, 1385 
 lucida. 1385 
 pallida, 1385 
 roja rubra, 1385 
 Rosage, 908 
 ! Rosaniline, 212 
 
 hydrochloride, 212 
 Rose a cent feuilles, 1385 
 de Chine, 168 
 de Provins, 1385 
 of Jericho, 513 
 pale, 1385 
 rouge, 1385 
 tremiere, 168 
 Rose apple, 1070 
 Rosebay, 908 
 Rosee du soleil, 589 
 Roseine, 212 
 Rose-leaves, 1385 
 Rosemary, 1386 
 Rosenaufguss, 873 
 Rosenblatter, 1385 
 Rosenconserve, 529 
 Rosenhonig, 1029 
 Rosenlorbeer, 1095 
 Rosenol, 1147 
 Rosensirup, 1568 
 Rosenwasser, 265 
 starkeres, 265 
 Rosilla de Puebla, 806 
 Rosin, 1364, 1365 
 weed, 1199 
 Rosinen, 1677 
 Rosmarin, 1386 
 spiritus, 1508 
 wilder, 907 
 Rosmarinus, 1386 
 officinalis, 1386 
 Rosocyanin, 570 
 Rosshuf, 1656 
 Rosskastanie, 813 
 Rossolis, 589 
 Rothe Ceder, 1392 
 Miere, 1318 
 Rother Pracipitat, 837 
 Rothwein, 1708 
 Rottlera, 909 
 tinctoria, 909 
 Rottlerin, 909 
 Rotul®, 1650 
 menth® piperit®, 1650 
 saccharin, 1650 
 Rouge, 98 
 anglais, 735 
 
 Rouliamon guianensis, 566 
 Rowan tree, 1491 
 Rozelle, 168 
 
 Rubber, India, 593 
 Rubia tinctorum, 763 
 Rubian, 763 
 Rubidehydran, 764 
 Rubidium and ammonium bro- 
 mide, 182 
 chloride, 1294 
 Rubigo, 735 
 Rubihydran, 764 
 Rubijervine, 1691 
 Rubin, 174 
 Rubiretin, 764 
 Riibol, 1447 
 Rubreserine, 1221 
 Rubrica fabrilis, B49 
 Rubus, 1386 
 canadensis, 1386 
 fruticosus, 1387 
 Id®us, 1389 
 occidentalis, 1387 
 strigosus, 1386 
 trivialis, 1386 
 villosus, 1386, 1388 
 Ruby, 174 
 Ruda, 1388 
 Rue, 1388 
 de chevre, 763 
 Rufus’s pills, 1240 
 Ruhrrinde, 1339 
 Ruhrwurzel, 893 
 Ruibarbo, 1376 
 Ruizia fragrans, 347 
 Rum, 148 
 Rumex, 1388 
 acetosa, 1185 
 aquaticus, 1388 
 crispus, 1388 
 obtusifolius, 1388 
 sanguineus, 1388 
 Rumicin, 1388 
 Ruprechtskraut, 774 
 Russian isinglass, 860 
 liquorice, 786 
 musk, 1059 
 mustard, 1446 
 rhubarb, 1377 
 Rust, 744 
 Riisterrinde, 1657 
 Ruta, 1388 
 graveolens, 1388 
 Rutin, 1389 
 sugar, 1389 
 Rutilin, 1400 
 Rye-grass, 997 
 starch, 202 
 
 S ABADILLA, 1390 
 officinarum, 1390 
 Sabadilline, 1688 
 Sabadillsamen, 1390 
 Sabatrine, 1688 
 Sabbatia, 1391 
 angularis, 1391 
 Elliottii, 1391 
 Sabicu-wood, 8 
 Sabina, 1391 
 officinalis, 1391 
 Sabine, 1391 
 Sablier, 819 
 Sacca coffee, 361 
 Saccharate de fer, 736 
 Sacchari foex, 1597 
 Saccharin, 1393 
 Saccharinum, 1393 
 Saccharoles mous, 529 
 Saccharomyces vini, cerevisi®, 
 148, 437 
 
 Saccharum, 1394 
 candidum, 1395 
 chinense, 1394 
 hordeatum, 1395 
 
GENERAL INDEX . 
 
 1849 
 
 Saccharum — 
 lactis, 1398 
 officinarum, 1394 
 purificatum, 1394 
 saturni, 1258 
 
 Saccharure de carbonate ferreux, 
 717 
 
 d’iodure de fer, 731 
 de lichen, 441 
 d’oxide de fer soluble, 736 
 Sacred bark, 1375 
 Sadebaum-Extrakt, 701 
 Sadebaumol, 1150 
 Sadebaumsalbe, 436 
 Sadebaumspitzen, 1391 
 Sadebaumtinktur, 1636 
 Safllor, Safflower, 415 
 Saffron, 415, 554 
 Safran, 554 
 batard, 516 
 de Mars aperitif, 735 
 astringent, 735 
 de Venus, 563 
 Safran ine, 212 
 Safrantinktur, 1616 
 Safrene, Safrol, 1152 
 Sagapenum, 1183 
 Sage, 1405 
 brush, 4 
 Sago meal, 205 
 Sagou, 205 
 Sagu, 205 
 
 Saguerus Rumphii, 205 
 Sagus spec., 205 
 Saigon cinnamon, 498, 500 
 Saigonzimmt, 498 
 Saindoux, 123 
 St. Andrew’s cross, 858 
 St. Bartholomew’s tea, 862 
 St. John’s bread, 419 
 wort, 857 
 
 St. Regis spring, 266 
 St. Victor’s balsam, 1609 
 Sal aeratus, 1277 
 alembroth, 825 
 amarum, 1008 
 ammoniac, 185 
 ammoniacum, 185 
 ammonium secretum Glauberi, 
 191 
 
 anglicum, 1008 
 aperitivum, 1483 
 commune, 1466 
 culinare, 1466 
 de duobus, 1314 
 digestivum Sylvii, 1291 
 diureticus, 1276 
 Epsomense, 1008 
 essentiale tartari, 110 
 mirabile Glauberi, 1483 
 perlatum, 1476 
 nitri, petrse, 1307 
 polychrestum Glaseri, 1313 
 Seignetti, 1298 
 prunelle, 1307 
 sedativum Hombergi, 34 
 Sedlicense, 1008 
 sodse, 1463 
 depuratus, 1462 
 succini volatile, 96 
 tartari, 1287 
 volatile cornu cervi, 184 
 siccum, 182 
 Salbei, 1405 
 Salben, 1658 
 Salep, 1398 
 
 des Indes occidentales, 204 
 Salicaire, 1003 
 Salicin, 422, 1400, 1402 
 Salicinum, 1400 
 Salicor, 1462 
 
 Salicylaldehyde alpha methyl 
 phenylhydrazone, 227 
 Salieylamide, 1403 
 Salicylate d’eserine, 1224 
 de litliine, 994 
 de phenol, 1403 
 de soude, 1479 
 Salicyl-guaiacol, 799 
 Salicylirter Kampfer, 389 
 Salicylsaure, 88 
 Salicylsaurephenylather, 1403 
 Saligenin, 1400 
 Salinaphtol, 1073 
 Salipyrine, 227, 1405 
 Saliretin, 1400 
 Salivaire, 1333 
 Salix, 1401 
 alba, 1401 
 fragilis, 1019, 1402 
 purpurea, 1402 
 Salmiak, 185 
 Salmi akgeist, 248 
 starker, 248 
 Salmiakpastillen, 1651 
 Salol, 1403 
 camphor, 1403 
 Salolum, 1403 
 Salomon’s Siegel, 535 
 Salophen, 1403 
 Salpeter, 1307 
 
 Salpetergeist, versiisster, 1495 
 Salpeterpapier, 443 
 Salpetersalzsaure, 76 
 Salpetersaure, 72 
 rauchende, 73 
 Salpetre, 1307 
 Salsepareille, 1421 
 Salseparin, 1424 
 Salt, common, 1466 
 of lemon, 80 
 of sorrel, 80 
 of tartar, 1287 
 volatile, 182 
 Saltpetre, 1307 
 paper, 443 
 
 Salve, Deshler’s, 436 
 Salvia, 1405 
 axillaris, 859 
 officinalis, 1405 
 spec., 1406 
 Salzsaure, 60 
 Samadera indica, 1339 
 Sambucus, 1406 
 canadensis, 1406 
 Ebulus, 1407 
 nigra, 1407 
 Sammtrose, 1385 
 Sandalo rojo, 1411 
 Sandal-wood, 1411 
 Sandarac, Sandaraca, 1023 
 Sand-box tree, 819 
 Sandbiichsenbaum, 819 
 Sanded gum, 8 
 Sand-myrtle, 1679 
 Sandriedgras, 1425 
 Sanders- wood, 1151 
 Sand-sedge, 1425 
 Sang, 1409 
 Sang-dragon, 1366 
 Sangre, 1409 
 de drago, 1366 
 Sangsue, 814 
 Sanguesa, 1387 
 Sanguinaire, 1408 
 Sangu inaria, 1408 
 canadensis, 1408 
 Sanguinarine, 1409 
 Sanguine, 735 
 Sanguis, 1409 
 
 Sanguisuga medicinalis, 814, 815 
 officinalis, 814, 815 
 
 [ Sanicle, 1411 
 Sanicula spec., 1411 
 Sauikel, 1411 
 Sanitas, 1157 
 Santal, 1412 
 citrin, 1150 
 rouge, 1411 
 wood, 1151 
 Santalin, 1412 
 Santalum album, 1150 
 rubrum, 1411 
 spec., 1150 
 
 Santelholz, 1151, 1411 
 Santelol, 1150 
 Santonate de soude, 1482 
 Santonica, 1412 
 Santonin, 1413 
 lozenges, 1655 
 Santoninum, 1413 
 Santoninzeltchen, 1655 
 Saoria, 910 
 Sap-green, 1374 
 Sapin, 1586 
 
 Sapindus Saponaria, 1419 
 Sapium sebifera, 1515 
 sylvaticum, 1515 
 Sapo, 1416 
 animalis, 1418 
 domesticus, 1418 
 durus, 1417 
 hispanicus, 1417 
 jalapinus, 1368 
 kalinus, 1418 
 medicatus, 1418 
 mollis, 1418 
 oleaceus, venetus, 1417 
 viridis, 1418 
 Sapodilla plum, 1047 
 Sapogenin, 1342 
 Saponaire, 1419 
 Saponaria officinalis, 1419 
 Saponin, 428, 904, 935, 1342, 1419 
 Sapota Achras, 1047 
 Muelleri, 802 
 Sapotin, 1047 
 Sapphire, 174 
 Saprol, 40, 45 
 Sapucaya-nuts, 1126 
 Saratoga springs, 287 
 Sarcocephalus esculentus, 430 
 Sarcocolla, 1420 
 Sarepta mustard, 1446 
 Sargassum bacciferum, 758 
 Sarothamnus Scoparius, 1431 
 vulgaris, 1431 
 Sarothra gentianoides, 858 
 hypericoides, 858 
 Sarracenia fiava, 1421 
 purpurea, 1420, 
 variolaris, 1421 
 Sarriette, 859 
 Sarsaparilla, 1421 
 bearded, 1423 
 Caracas, 1424 
 false, 275 
 mealy, 1423 
 non-mealy, 202, 1423 
 wild, 275 
 
 Sarsaparilla-Absud, 579 
 Sarsaparilla-Extrakt, 701 
 Sarsaparillasirup, 1569 
 Sassafras, 1426 
 bark, 1426 
 pith, 1426 
 root, 1426 
 tree, 348 
 variifolium, 1426 
 Sassafrasholz, 1426 
 Sassafrasmark Schleim, 1063 
 Sassafrasniisse, 1077 
 Sassafrasol, 1152 
 
1850 
 
 Sassafrasrinde, 1426 
 Sassaparilla, 1421 
 Sassy-bark, 624 
 Satin-wood, 1716 
 Saturations, 1041 
 Saturei, 859 
 Satureja liortensis, 859 
 montana, 859 
 Satze, 910 
 Saubohne, 713 
 Saucy-bark, 624 
 Sauce, Sauz, 1401 
 Sauco, 1406 
 Sauerdorn, 336 
 Sauerkonig, 1029, 1187 
 Sauerklee, 1185 
 Sauerstoff, 1186 
 Sauge officinale, 1405 
 Saule, 1401 
 Saunders, red, 1411 
 Saurack, 336 
 Saure Molken, 917 
 aromatiscke Tinktur, 103 
 Saururus cernuus, 1427 
 Savakin gum, 6, 7 
 Sa vanilla rkatany, 912 
 Savine, 1391 
 Savin-tops, 1391 
 Savon, 1416 
 ammoniacal, 939 
 blanc, 1417 
 calcaire, 940 
 d’Espagne, 1417 
 vert, 1418 
 Savonniere, 1419 
 Saxon fennel, 753 
 Scammonee, 1428 
 Scammoniakarz, 1369 
 Scammoniawurzel, 1428 
 Scammonin, 903, 1370, 1428 
 Scammonium, 1428 
 Emulsion, 612 
 Latwerge, 529 
 Pillen, 1246 
 Scammony, 1428 
 resin, 1369 
 root, 1428 
 Scaptin, 583 
 Scarole, 1581 
 Sceau d’or, 849 
 de Salomon, 535 
 Sckabe, 399 
 Sckacktelkalm, 615 
 Sckafgarbe, 16 
 Sckafrippe, 16 
 Sckallotte, 160 
 Sckeele’s green, 564, 565 
 Sckierling, 530 
 gefleckter, 530 
 Sckierlingsaft, 1535 
 Sckierlingsblatter, 531 
 Sckierlingsfriickte, 531 
 Sckierlingsfruckt-Extract, 665, 666 
 Sckierlingskraut, 531 
 Sckierlingumscklag, 423 
 Sckierlingtinktur, 1616 
 Sckiffspeck, 1255 
 Sckildkraut, 1434 
 Scklammkreide, 552 
 Scklangenwurzel, 1442 
 Aufguss, 874 
 Extrakt, 705 
 sckwarze, 478 
 Tinktur, 1638 
 Sckleickera trijuga, 923 
 Sclileime, 1062 
 Scklippe’s salt, 225 
 Sckliisselblume, 1317 
 Scklutte, 159 
 Sckmalz, 123 
 Sckmalzol, 1103 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Sckmirgel, 174 
 Sckneerose, 908 
 Scknittlauck, 160 
 Sckcenite, 1313 
 Sckcenocaulon officinale, 1390 
 Sckollkraut, 445 
 Sckopflavendel, 933 
 Sckotenpfeffer, 403 
 Sckwalbenwurz, 299 
 Sckwalbenwurzel, 298 
 Extrakt, fliissiges, 651 
 Sckwamm, 1509 
 Sckwarze Brecknuss, 567 
 Sckwarzer Andorn, 934 
 Nacktsckatten, 328 
 Senf, 1444 
 
 Sckwarzerle, 161, 755 
 Sckwarzes Peck, 1255 
 Wasser, 998 
 Sckwarzkiimmel, 1081 
 Sckwarzwurz, 1550 
 Sckwefel, 1538 
 Sckwefelalkokol, 409 
 Sckwefelpastillen, 1655 
 Sckwefelantimon, 223 
 gef alltes, 224 
 gereinigtes, 223 
 Sckwefelatker, 129 
 Sckwefelblumen, 1538 
 Sckwefelbliitke, 1538 
 Sckwefelcalcium, 384 
 Sckwefeleisen, 742 
 Sckwefelkoklenstoff, 409 
 Sckwefel-Latwerge, 530 
 Sckwefelleker, 1273 
 Sckwefellebersalbe, 1670 
 Sckwefelmilck, 1538 
 Sckwefelpastillen, 1655 
 Sckwefelquecksilker, rotkes, 839 
 Sckwefelsalbe, 1671 
 Sckwefelsaure, 97 
 Sckwefelspiessglanz, 223 
 Sckweflige Saure, 104 
 Sckweinekrot, 572 
 Sckweinesckmalz, 123 
 Sckweinfurtk green, 565 
 Sckwerspatk, 324 
 Sckwertel, 899, 900 
 Sckwertelextrakt, 681 
 Sckwertlilie, 899, 900 
 Scilla, 1429 
 maritima, 1429 
 Scille, 1429 
 Sclererytkrin, 617 
 Scleroderma, 1000 
 Scleroiodin, 617 
 Scleromucin, 617 
 Sclerotium clavus, 616 
 Scleroxantkine, Sclerocrystallin, 
 617 
 
 Scoparin, 1432 
 Scoparius, 1431 
 Scopola carniolica, 328 
 japonica, 329 
 Scopolia atropoides, 328 
 japonica, 329 
 Scopoline, 310 
 I Scotck-grass, 1647 
 J Scouring-rusk, 615 
 ] Scrofula-plant, 1433 
 Scrofulaire, 1433 
 Scropkularia nodosa, 1433 
 Scropkularosmin, 1434 
 Scurvy-grass, 512 
 Scutellaire, 1434 
 Scutellaria, 1434 
 lateriflora, 1434 
 spec., 1434 
 Sea lavender, 1514 
 water, 238 
 wrack, 757 
 
 Seaside grape, 912 
 Seawrack, 757 
 Sebipira guacu, 322 
 Sebum ovillum, 1444 
 Secale cereale, 202, 615 
 clavatum, 615 
 cornutum, 615 
 Secaline, 618 
 
 Seckelblumen-Wurzel, 429 
 Sectional percolation, 643 
 Sedum acre, 1435 
 deudroideum, 1435 
 Telepkium, 1435 
 Seedlac, 923 
 Seerose, 1087 
 Seetang, 757 
 Segah, 6 
 Segala, 202 
 Segata cornu ta, 615 
 Seidelbast, 1039 
 Extrakt, 688 
 Seidelbastsalbe, 1040 
 Seidenpflanze, 298 
 Seidlitz powders, 1328 
 spring, 267, 269 
 Seife, 1416 
 
 Seifencerat-Pflaster, 608 
 Seifen-Glycerit, 785 
 Seifenpflaster, 607 
 Seifenrinde, 1342 
 Seifenspiritus, 943 
 Seifenwurzel, 1419 
 Seigle, 202 
 ergote, 615 
 noir, 615 
 
 Seignettesalz, 1298 
 Sel alembroth, 969 
 amer, 1008 
 ammoniac, 185 
 martial, 186 
 
 ammoniacal nitreux, 189 
 commun, 1466 
 de Ckrestien, 313 
 de cuisine, 1466 
 d’ Epsom, 1008 
 de Figuier, 313 
 de Glauber, 1483 
 secret, 191 
 de Perse, 1458 
 de Sedlitz, 1008 
 de Seignette, 1298 
 de saturne, 1258 
 de soude, 1463 
 digestif, 1291 
 de Vicky, 1454 
 vegetale, 1315 
 volatil d’Angleterre, 182 
 Selacke, 1134 
 Selenite, 376 
 Self-keal, 1434 
 Selin des marais, 1436 
 Selinum palustre, 1436 
 Sellerie, 1212 
 Selter’s spring, 267 
 Semecarpus Anacardium, 207 
 Semen, abelmoscki, 168 
 abri, 1 
 amomi, 1247 
 amygdali amarum, 193 
 dulce, 193 
 anisi stellati, 863 
 vulgaris, 214 
 arecse, 276 
 badiani, 863 
 bardanse, 928 
 cacao, 1595 
 calcatrippse, 1513 
 canariense, 1213 
 cardui Mari®, 939 
 cardamomi minoris, 412 
 cataputise minoris, 568 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1851 
 
 Semen — 
 cime, 1412 
 coffee, 359 
 colie, 362 
 colckici, 516 
 consolidse, 1513 
 regalis, 1513 
 contra, 1412 
 crotonis, 1163 
 cydonise, 572 
 erucse, 1444 
 estrallado, 863 
 foeniculi, 752 
 fceni grseci, 753 
 hyoscyami, 853 
 Ignatise, 1086 
 lini, 945 
 lycopodii, 1001 
 myristicse, 1065 
 nucis vomicae, 1084 
 papaveris, 1192 
 pedicularis, 1512 
 Peponis, 1200 
 physostigmatis, 1220 
 quercus tostum, 1341 
 ricini majoris, 567 
 sabadilke, 1390 
 sanctum, 1412 
 santonici, 1412 
 sinapis, 1444, 1445 
 staphidis agrife, 1512 
 staphisagriae, 1512 
 stramonii, 1516 
 strophanthi, 1522 
 strvchni, 1084 
 tiglii, 1163 
 
 Semence de canarie, 1213 
 de ckanvre, 394 
 de coing, 572 
 de strophanthe, 1522 
 du medicinier, 567 
 Semencine, 1412 
 Semina. See Semen. 
 Sempervivum teetorum, 1435 
 Sene, 1438 
 Americain, 1440 
 indigene, 526 
 Senebiera didyma, 514 
 Senecio spec., 1656 
 Senega, 1436 
 Senega- Aufguss, 873 
 Senegaextrakt, 704 
 Senegal gum, 5, 7 
 Senegasirup, 1571 
 Senegatinktur, 1637 
 Senegrain, 753 
 Seneka, 1436 
 Senf, schwarzer, 1444 
 weisser, 1444 
 Senfliniment, 943 
 Senfol, 1154 
 Senfpapier, 444 
 Senfteig, 424 
 Senna, 1438 
 acutifolia, 1438 
 angustifolia, 1439 
 Alexandrina, 1438 
 American, 1440 
 baladi, 1440 
 bladder, 526 
 falsche, 526 
 indica, 1438 
 jebeli, 1440 
 obovata, 1439 
 officinalis, 1439 
 pubescens, 1440 
 Sennaargum, 6 
 Senna-Aufguss, 873 
 Sennacrol, Sennapicrin, 1441 
 Sennaextrakt, 705 
 Senna-Latwerge, 529 
 
 Sennari gum, 6 
 Sennasirup, 1571 
 Sennatinktur, 1638 
 Sennesblatter, 1438 
 Sepia officinalis, 553 
 Sepie, 553 
 Sericin, 1510 
 Sericum anglicum, 603 
 Serpen taire de Virginie, 1442 
 Serpentaria, 1442 
 Serpen tary-root, 14 
 Serpentine, 1005 
 Serpol, Serpolet, 859 
 Serronia Jaborandi, 1230 
 Serum lactis, 917 
 acidum, 917 
 aluminatum, 917 
 dulce, 917 
 
 tamarindinatum, 917 
 Sesame, 1152 
 Sesamol, 1152 
 Sesamum, 1152 
 indicum, 1152 
 orientale, 1153 
 
 Sesquioxyde de fer hydrate, 735 
 kumide, 734 
 
 Setae siliquae hirsutae, 1063 
 Seven barks, 820 
 Sevenkraut, 1391 
 Seville orange, 310 
 Sevum, 1444 
 praeparatum, 1444 
 Sewruga, 860 
 Seyah, 6 
 
 Seyal, Seyaleh, 6 
 Shale, 170 
 Shallot, 160 
 Shave-grass, 615 
 Shea butter. 1162 
 Sheep laurel, 907 
 poison, 907 
 Shellac, 923 
 Shellflower, 446 
 Shepherd’s purse, 513 
 Sherry wine, 1699 
 Shieldfern, 301 
 Shikimi, Sikimi, 863 
 Shinleaf, 448 
 Short buchu, 354 
 Shrubby cinquefoil, 775 
 trefoil, 134 
 
 Shrub yellow-root, 1715 
 Siam benzoin, 335 
 Siberian musk, 1059 
 Sibo de carnero, 1444 
 Sicilian liquorice, 674 
 Sida Abutilon, 168 
 species, 169 
 Siddhi, 394 
 
 Sidesaddle-plant, 1420 
 Siempreviva, 1435 
 Siero di latte, 917 
 Sierra salvia, 4 
 Sikeranine, 854 
 Sikimin, 863 
 Silber raffinirtes, 207 
 Silbercyanid, 277 
 Silberglatte, 1265 
 Silberkraut, 774 
 Silberjodid, 278 
 Silbernitrat, 278 
 Silberoxyd, 285 
 salpetersaures, 278 
 geschmolzenes, 281 
 Silbersalpeter, 278 
 Silicate de soude, 985 
 liquide, 985 
 Silicium, Silicon, 985 
 Siliqua dulcis, 419 
 vanillse, 1683 
 Silkweed, common, 298 
 
 ] Silky coi'iiel, 544 
 Silphium laciniatum, 1199 
 terebinthinaceum, 1199 
 Silver, 287 
 cyanide, 277 
 fir, 1586 
 
 fulminating, 279, 286 
 iodide, 278 
 leaf, 287, 1515 
 litharge, 1265 
 nitrate, 278 
 and potassium, 280 
 diluted, 280 
 fused, 281 
 moulded, 281 
 oxide, 285 
 refined, 287 
 Silverweed, 774 
 Silvery cinquefoil, 774 
 Silybum marianum, 929 
 Simaba Cedron. 1339 
 ferruginea, 1339 
 Valdivia. 1339 
 Simaruba, 1339 
 amara, 1339 
 excelsa, 1338 
 medicinalis, 1339 
 officinalis, 1339 
 Simple ointment, 1659 
 Sinalbin, 1446 
 Sinapin, 1446 
 Sinapis alba, 1444 
 arvensis, 1446 
 juncea, 1446 
 nigra, 1444 
 Sinapismus, 424 
 Sinigrin, 1446 
 Sinistrin, 817 
 Sinkaline, 1446 
 Siphonia brasiliensis, 593 
 elastica, 593 
 Sirop balsamique, 1572 
 chloral, 1558 
 d’acide citrique, 1553 
 iodhvdrique, 1554 
 d’ail, 1555 
 d’amande, 1555 
 de baumede Tolu, 1572 
 de bourgeons de pin, 1587 
 de cerise, 1569 
 de chaux, 1558 
 
 de chlorhydrophospkate de 
 chaux, 1557 
 
 de chlorure de fer, 1561 
 de coquelicot, 1568 
 de cuisinier, 1570 
 d’ecorce de cerisier. 1566 
 d’ orange am ere, 1556 
 de ronce, 1568 
 de fleur d’oranger, 1557 
 de framboise, 1568 
 de gomme, 1553 
 de goudron, 1566 
 iode, 1566 
 de guimauve, 1555 
 de hemidesmus, 1562 
 de hypopkosphite de chaux 
 composee, 1562 
 d’iodurede fer, 1558 
 d’ipecacuanlia, 1563 
 de lactophosphate de chaux, 
 1557 
 
 de lactucarium opiac6, 1564 
 de Laffecteur, 1570 
 de limon, 1553 
 de miel, 1029 
 de mure, 1565 
 de nerprun, 1374, 1567 
 d’opium, 1565 
 d’orgeat, 1555 
 de parietaire, 1198 
 
1852 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Sirop — 
 
 de pavot blanc, 1565 
 rouge, 1568 
 
 de phosphate acide de chaux, 
 1557 
 
 de fer, 1560 
 de polygala, 1571 
 de ratanhia, 1564 
 de rkubarbe, 1567 
 aromatique, 1567 
 de roses rouges, 1568 
 de salsepareille compose, 1569 
 de scille, 1570 
 compose, 1570 
 de sene, 1571 
 de sue de limon, 1565 
 de sucre, 1553 
 diacode, 1565 
 gingembre, 1573 
 simple, 1553 
 sudorifique, 1569 
 tonique d’Eaton, 1562 
 Sirops, 1551 
 Sirupe, 1551 
 
 Sisymbrium Alliaria, 513 
 Nasturtium, 513 
 officinale, 513 
 Sium angustifolium, 477 
 latifolium, 477 
 lineare, 477 
 Skate, 1134 
 Skulein, 1430 
 Skull-cap, 1434 
 Skunk-cabbage, 588 
 weed, 588 
 Slaked lime, 380 
 Slippery elm, 1657 
 Sloe, 8 
 
 Small burnet saxifrage, 936 
 hemlock, 531 
 spikenard, 275 
 Smilacin, 1424 
 Smilacina racemosa, 535 
 Smilax, 1421 
 aspera, 1424 
 China, 1424 
 cordato-ovato, 1421 
 glauca, 1421 
 officinalis, 1421 
 medica, 1421 
 papyracea, 1421 
 pseudochina, 1424 
 Purhampuy, 1421 
 rotuu difolia, 1425 
 Sarsaparilla, 1421 
 scabriuscula, 1421 
 syphilitica, 1421 
 tamnoides, 1424 
 Smirgel, 174 
 Smyrna figs, 752 
 galls, 765 
 scammony, 1428 
 Snakehead, 446 
 Snake-milk, 632 
 Snakeroot, black, 478, 1411 
 button, 623 
 corn, 623 
 Red River, 1443 
 Senega, 1436 
 Texas, 1443 
 Virginia, 1443 
 Snakeweed, 775 
 Snapdragon, 938 
 Sneezeweed, 806 
 Sneezewort, 17, 806 
 Snow rose, 908 
 water, 237 
 Soap, 1416 
 Castile, 1417 
 curd, 1418 
 green, 1418 
 
 Soap — 
 hard, 1417 
 insoluble, 1416 
 soft, 1418 
 soluble, 1416 
 Soapbark, 1342 
 Soap-berries, 1419 
 Soaproot, 1419 
 Soapstone, 986, 1005 
 Soapwort, 1419 
 Socaloin, 164 
 Socotora aloe, 161 
 Socotrin aloes, 161, 163 
 Socoyal, 1185 
 Soda, 1448, 1463 
 ash, 1462 
 caustica, 1448 
 
 citrotartrate, effervescent, 1469 
 cruda, 1463 
 entwasserte, 1464 
 powders, 1329 
 tartarata, 1298 
 See also Sodium, 
 washing, 1463 
 waste, 1471 
 
 Sod* citrotartras effervescens, 
 1469 
 
 See also Sodii. 
 
 Sodii acetas, 1450 
 
 arsenas, arsenias, 1451 
 benzoas, 1452 
 bicarbonas, 1454 
 bisulphis, 1457 
 boras, 1458 
 bromidum, 1460 
 carbolas, 1487 
 carbonas, 1462 
 exsiccata, 1464 
 exsiccatus, 1464 
 venalis, 1463 
 chloras, 1465 
 chloridum, 1466 
 citro-tartras effervescens, 1469 
 et ammonii phosphas, 1478 
 et potass* tartras, 1298 
 formias, 1480 
 hypophosphis, 1469, 1470 
 hyposulphis, 1470 
 iodidum, 1472 
 nitras, 1474 
 nitris, 1475 
 phosphas, 1476 
 effervescens, 1478 
 potassio-tartras, 1298 
 pyrophosphas, 1479 
 salicylas, 1479 
 santoninas, 1482 
 albuminatus, 1483 
 silicas, 985 
 sulphas, 1483 
 effervescens, 1484 
 exsiccatus, 1484 
 sulphis, 1484 
 sulpliocarbolas, 1486 
 sulphovinas, 1487 
 valerianas, 1488 
 
 Sodio-ferric citro-phosphate, 737 
 citro-pyrophosphate, 739 
 pyrophosphate, 740 
 theobromine salicylate, 1481 
 Sodium, 1450 
 acetate, 1450 
 
 and platinum chloride, 1258 
 arsenate, 1451 
 benzoate, 1452 
 bicarbonate, 1454 
 bisulphite, 1457 
 borate, 1458 
 bromide, 1460 
 carbolate, 1487 
 carbonate, 1462 
 
 podium — 
 
 dried, 1464 
 pure 1462 
 chlorate, 1465 
 chloride, 1466 
 
 and platinum, 1258 
 choleate, 716 
 choleinate, 716 
 diiodosalicylate, 1480 
 dioxide, 1450 
 dithiosalicvlate, 1480 
 ethylate, 982 
 ethylsulphate, 1487 
 fluosilicate, 987 
 formiate, 54, 1480 
 hydrate, 1448 
 hydrocarbonate, 1454 
 hydroxide, 1448 
 hypophosphite, 1469, 1470 
 hyposulphite, 1470 
 iodide, 1472 
 monoxide, 1450 
 nitrate, 1474 
 nitrite, 1475 
 nitro-prusside, 1300 
 orthophosphate, 1476 
 paraphenolsulphonate, 1486 
 phenate, 1487 
 phenolsulphonate, 1486 
 phosphate, 1476 
 effervescent, 1478 
 platino-ehloride, 1258 
 pyroborate, 1458 
 pyrophosphate, 1479 
 salicylate, 89, 1479 
 santoninate, 1482 
 silicate, 985 
 stannate, 1511 
 sulphate, 1483 
 effervescent, 1484 
 sulphite, 1484 
 sulphocarbolate, 1486 
 sulphomethylate, 1488 
 sulphophenate, 1486 
 sulphosalicylate, 1481 
 sulphovinate, 1487 
 tannate, 1488 
 tetraborate, 1458 
 thiosulphate, 1470 
 valerianate, 1488 
 Soft soap, 1418 
 Soja hispida, 1154 
 Solanine, 590 
 Solanum carolinense, 592 
 Dulcamara, 590 
 nigrum, 328 
 paniculatum, 592 
 tuberosum, 203 
 Solazzi juice, 675 
 Solder, 1511 
 Solea verticillata, 895 
 Solenostemma Argel, 1441 
 Solfatare, Solfare, 1538 
 Solfato de cobre, 561 
 di alluminio e di potassio, 169 
 di cinconidina, 493 
 di cinconina, 497 
 di rame, 561 
 Solidago, 1489 
 odora, 1489 
 Virga-aurea, 1489 
 Soliman vegetal, 298 
 Solomon’s seal, 535 
 Soluble glass, 985 
 gun-cotton, 133& 
 
 Prussian blue, 730 
 starch, 203 
 tartar, 1315 
 
 Solute d’acetate d’alumine, 176 
 de chlorure de baryum, 324 
 de sel Alembroth, 969 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1853 
 
 Solutes, 947 
 
 Solutio arsenicalis Fowleri, 979 
 Donovani, 950 
 Solution, arsenical, 979 
 Burnett’s, 987 
 Donovan’s, 950 
 Fowler’s, 979 
 Labarraque’s, 983 
 Lugol’s, 969 
 Magendie’s, 973 
 Mayer’s, 835 
 Millon’s, 968 
 Monsel’s, 965 
 of aluminum acetate, 176 
 of ammonia, 248 
 stronger, 250 
 
 of ammonio-citrate of bismuth, 
 951 
 
 of ammonium acetate, 948 
 of antimony chloride, 919 
 of arsenic chloride, 947 
 hydrochloric, 947 
 and mercuric chloride, 950 
 of ai-senous acid, 947 
 of atropine salicylate, 951 
 sulphate, 951 
 of barium chloride, 324 
 of basic ferric sulphate, 965 
 of bismuth and ammonium ci- 
 trate, 951 
 
 of boroglyceride, 784 
 of calcium chloride, 371 
 of chloride of iron, 957 
 of chlorinated lime, 954 
 potassa, 984 
 soda, 983 
 of chlorine, 256 
 of citrate of ammonium, 949 
 of potassium, 1295 
 of cocaine hydrochlorate, 954 
 of corrosive sublimate, 969 
 of ferric acetate, 955 
 chloride, 957 
 citrate, 962 
 nitrate, 963 
 subsulphate, 965 
 sulphate, 966 
 of ferrous chloride, 1562 
 nitrate, 964 
 of gutta-percha, 967 
 of hydrogen dioxide, 261 
 peroxide, 261 
 of iodine, 969 
 caustic, 970 
 compound, 969 
 
 of iron and ammonium acetate, 
 963 
 
 of lead subacetate, 973 
 diluted, 975 
 of lime, 952 
 saccharated, 1558 
 of lithia, effervescing, 970 
 of magnesium acetate, 972 
 carbonate, 970 
 citrate, 971 
 
 of mercuric chloride, 969 
 and urea, 842 
 formamide, 842 
 nitrate, 967 
 acid, 967 
 peptonate, 842 
 
 of mercurous nitrate, 967, 968 
 of morphine acetate, 972 
 bimeconate, 973 
 hydrochlorate, 973 
 sulphate, 973 
 
 of normal ferric sulphate, 966 
 of pepsin, aromatic, 1205 
 of perchloride of iron, 957 
 strong, 957 
 mercury, 968 
 
 Solution — 
 
 of pernitrate of iron, 963 
 of mercury, 967 
 of persulphate of iron, 965, 966 
 of potash, 975 
 effervescing, 978 
 of potassa, 975 
 of potassium arsenite, 979 
 citrate, 980 
 permangauate, 981 
 of soda, 981 
 effervescing, 985 
 of sodium arsenate, 985 
 silicate, 985 
 
 of strychnine hydrochlorate, 
 987 
 
 of succinate of ammonium, 97 
 of zinc chloride, 987 
 Solutions, 947 
 Solutol, 40, 45 
 Solved, 40, 45 
 Solvine, 79 
 Somnal, 455, 459 
 Sonnenblume, 807 
 I Sonnenroschen, 807 
 Sonnenthau, 589 
 Sont, 5 
 
 Sophora Japonica, 1490 
 sericea, 1490 
 speciosa, 1490 
 tinctoria, 322 
 Sophorin, Sophoretin, 1490 
 Sorbes, 1491 
 Sorbin, Sorbit, 1491 
 Sorbus americana, 1491 
 Aucuparia, 1491 
 Cydonia, 572 
 sambucifolia, 1491 
 Sorghum-fruit, 1647 
 saccharum, 1394 
 Sorian galls, 765 
 Sorrel, 1185 
 Souchet des Indes, 568 
 Souci, 377 
 
 Soude caustique, 1448 
 liquide, 981 
 tartarisee, 1298 
 Soufre, 1538 
 dore d’antimoine, 225 
 lave, 1538 
 precipite, 1538 
 sublime, 1538 
 vegetal, 1001 
 Soulamea amara, 1269 
 Sour-gum, 927 
 Sour-lime, 937 
 
 Sous-acetate de plomb liquide, 973 
 Sous-azotate de bismuth, 342 
 Sous-carbonate de bismuth, 341 
 de zinc, 1721 
 
 Sous-nitrate de bismuth, 342 
 Sous-muriate de mercure, 825 
 Southern buckthorn, 1375 
 prickly ash, 1716 
 Southern-wood, 4 
 Sow-bread, 572 
 Soymida febrifuga, 317 
 Sozal, 40, 880 
 Sozoiodol, 879 
 Spa spring, 268 
 Spangriin, 561 
 Spaniolitmin, 924 
 Spanische Fliegen, 396 
 Spanischer Pfeffer, 403 
 Spanischfliegen-Papier, 443 
 Spanischfliegen-Pflaster, 434 
 Spanischfliegensalbe, 1661 
 Spanischpfeffer-Aufguss, 405 
 Spanischpfefferextrakt, 656 
 Spanischpfefferoelharz, 1101 
 I Spanischpfeffertinktur, 1611 
 
 | Spanish broom, 1432 
 flies, 396 
 liquorice, 674 
 root, 786 
 needles, 339 
 oak, 1341 
 pellitory, 1333 
 saffron, 554 
 white, 552 
 Sparadrap, 599 
 commun, 607 
 de capsique, 601 
 de colle de poisson, 603 
 vesicant, 435 
 
 Sparadrapum adhsesivum, 603 
 anthart h ritic u m , 442 
 capsici, 601 
 
 Sparattosperma lithontripticum, 
 901 
 
 Spargancin, 300 
 Spargel, 300 
 Spargin, 300 
 Spartein, 1432 
 Sparteinae sulphas, 1491 
 Sparteine sulphate, 1491 
 Spartianthus junceum, 1432 
 Spartium junceum, 1432 
 Spath pesant, 324 
 Spatterdock, 1088 
 Spearmint, 1033 
 
 Species ad decoctum lignorum, 796 
 althaeae, 169 
 aromaticae, 1033 
 diureticum, 907 
 emollientes, 169 
 laxantes, 1442 
 lignorum, 796 
 pectorales, 169 
 St. Germain, 1442 
 Speckol, 1103 
 Speedwell, 1695 
 I Spelt, 713 
 Speltrum, 1733 
 Spergularia rubra, 1419 
 Spermaceti, 439 
 saccharated, 440 
 Spermcedia Clavus, 616 
 Sphacelia segetum, 615 
 Sphacelotoxin, 618 
 Sphaerococcus crispus, 471 
 edulis, 472 
 
 Helminthochortos, 473 
 lichenoides, 473 
 mamillosus, 471 
 palmatus, 472 
 Spic, 933 
 Spica nardi, 1682 
 Spice-bush, 932, 1012 
 Spiessglanz, 223 
 Spiessglanzbutter, 949 
 Spigelia, Spigelie, 1492 
 anthelmia, 1492 
 marilandica, 1492 
 Spigelienextrakt, 705 
 Spigelien-und-Senna-Extrakt, 706 
 Spignet, 275 
 Spike lavender, 933 
 Spikenard, 1682 
 Spilanthes Acmella, 1334 
 oleracea, 514, 1334 
 Spillbaumrindc, 629, 671 
 Spillbaumrinden-Extrakt, 071 
 Spindelbaum. 629 
 Spindle tree, 629 
 Spiny clotbur, 929 
 Spiraea Aruncus, 1494 
 Filipendula, 1494 
 stipulata, 777 
 tomentosa, 1493 
 trifoliata, 776 
 Ulmaria, 1494 
 
1854 
 
 Spirit ammonia, 1499 
 aromatic, 1500 
 fetid, 1501 
 anise, 1501 
 
 balm, compound, 1031 
 bitter almond, 1501 
 cajuput, 1502 
 camphor, 1502 
 chloroform, 1502 
 cinnamon, 1503 
 ether, 1495 
 compound, 1495 
 French, wine, 1508 
 gaultheria, 1504 
 glonoin, 1504 
 
 horseradish, compound, 1501 
 juniper, 1505 
 compound, 1505 
 lavender, 1505 
 compound, 1627 
 lemon, 1506 
 methylated, 152 
 Mindererus, 948 
 myrcia, 1506 
 nitre, sweet, 1495 
 nitro-glycerin, 1504 
 nitrous ether, 1495 
 nutmeg, 1507 
 orange, 1502 
 compound, 1502 
 peppermint, 1506 
 perfumed, 1507 
 phosphorus, 1507 
 potato, 148 
 proof, 149, 1508 
 pyroacetic, 11 
 pyroligneous, 157 
 pyroxylic, 157 
 rectified, 147 
 rosemary, 1508 
 salt, 60 
 
 spearmint, 1506 
 Spirits, 1494 
 Spiritus, 147, 1494 
 sethereus, 130, 1495 
 aetheris, 1495 
 compositus, 1495 
 nitrosi, 1493 
 
 ammoniaci caustici Dzondii 
 1499 
 
 ammoniae, 1499 
 aromaticus, 1500 
 fcetidus, 1501 
 amygdalae amarae, 1501 
 angelicae compositus, 1682 
 anisi, 1501 
 anthos, 1508 
 
 armoraciae compositus, 1501 
 aurantii, 1502 
 compositus, 1502 
 cajuputi, 1502 
 camphorae, 1502 
 camphoratus, 1502 
 chloroformi, 1502 
 cinnamomi, 1503 
 cochleariae, 513 
 coloniensis, 1507 
 dilutus, 149 
 
 ferri chlorati aethereus, 1619 
 formicarum, 53, 54 
 frumenti, 1503 
 gaultheriae, 1504 
 glonoini, 1504 
 juniperi, 1505 
 compositus, 1505 
 lavandulae, 1505 
 compositus, 1627 
 limonis, 1506 
 melissae compositus, 1031 
 menthae piperitae, 1506 
 viridis, 1506 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Spiritus — 
 
 Mindereri, 948 
 myrciae, 1506 
 myristicae, 1507 
 nervinus camphoratus, 942 
 nitri acidus, 72 
 dulcis, 1495 
 fumans, 73 
 
 nitrico-aethereus, 1495 
 odoratus, 1507 
 phosphori, 1507 
 pyroaceticus, 11 
 pyroxylicus recti ficatus, 157 
 rectificatus, 147 
 rosmarini, 1508 
 salis, 60 
 
 salis ammoniaci causticus, 248 
 saponis kalinus Hebra, 943 
 sylvestris, 45 
 tenuior., 149, 1508 
 verdiinnter, 149 
 vini cognac, 1508 
 gallica, 1508 
 rectificatissimus, 147 
 rectificatus, 147, 149 
 Spitta’s lozenges, 1652 
 Spitzklette, 929 
 Spodium, 405 
 Spodumene, 991 
 Spogel-seed, 1257 
 Sponge, 1509 
 burnt, 1510 
 compressed, 1510 
 tent, 1510 
 vegetable, 1510 
 Spongia cerata, 1510 
 compressa, 1510 
 officinalis, 1509 
 usta, 1510 
 Spongin, 1510 
 Spoonwood, 907 
 Spoonwort, 512 
 Spotted knotweed, 775 
 wintergreen, 448 
 Springgurke, 592 
 Springkraut, 568 
 Spring-water, 237 
 Spritzgurke, 592 
 Spruce fir, 1252 
 Spunk, 759 
 Spurge, 632 
 flax, 1039 
 ipecac, 632 
 large-flowering, 632 
 laurel, 1039 
 
 Spurious cinchona-barks, 487 
 Spurred rye, 615 
 Squalus Carcharias, 1134 
 Squash, 1200 
 Squaw-root, 428, 614 
 vine, 1045 
 weed, 1656 
 Squill, 1429 
 Squine, 1424 
 Squirrel corn, 544 
 Squirting cucumber, 592 
 Stachelmohn, 276 
 Stachys palustris, 934 
 StafFtree-bark, 429 
 Staff- vine, 429 
 Stagger-bush, 908 
 Stahlwein, 1705 
 Stannic salts, 1511 
 sulphide, 24, 1511 
 Stannous salts, 1511 
 Stannum, 1511 
 Staphidis agrise, 1512 
 pedicularis, 1512 
 Staphisagria, 1512 
 macrocarpa, 1512 
 Staphisagrine, 1513 
 
 Staphisaigre, 1512 
 Staphisaine, 1513 
 Star-anise, 863 
 Star-apple, 1047 
 Starch, 201, 713 
 gloss, 924 
 iodized, 206 
 soluble, 203 
 sugar, 1396 
 Star-grass, 158 
 Starke, 201 
 Starke-Glycerit, 783 
 Starkendes Pilaster, 602 
 Starkeschleim, 1062 
 Star-thistle, 414 
 Starwort, 158, 442 
 Statice, 1514 
 caroliniana, 1514 
 Limonum, 1514 
 spec., 1514 
 Stavesacre, 1512 
 Steapsin, 1189 
 Stearates, 598, 1094 
 Stearin, 124, 1444 
 Stearinsaure, 96 
 Stearopten, 1091 
 Steatina, Steatins, 433 
 Steatite, 986 
 Stechapfel, 1516 
 Stechapfelsalbe, 1671 
 Stechapfelsamenextrakt, 706, 707 
 Stechapfelsamentinktur, 1638 
 Stechkorner, 929 
 Stechpalme, 861 
 Steeple-bush, 1493 
 Steer’s opodeldoc, 942 
 Steffensia elongata, 1024 
 Steinklee, 1030 
 Steinkraut, 1435 
 Steinol, 1209 
 Stephanskorner, 1512 
 Sterculia acuminata, 362 
 Sterlet, 860 
 Sternanis, 863 
 Sterndistel, 414 
 Stibium oxydatum, 221 
 
 sulfuratum aurantiacum, 225 
 nigrum, 223 
 rubeum, 225 
 Stibnite, 224 
 Sticking plaster, 607 
 Sticklac, 923 
 Stickstoffoxydul, 1082 
 Stiefmuttercben, 1710* 
 
 Stigmata croci, 554 
 maydis, 1717 
 Stilbene, 319 
 Stillingia, 1515 
 sebifera, 1515 
 sylvatica, 1515 
 Stillingienextrakt, 706 
 Stingray, 1134 
 Stink asant, 295 
 
 Stinkasantgeist, ammoniak&lisch- 
 er, 1501 
 
 Stinkasantmilch, 611 
 Stinkasant-Pflaster, 609 
 Stink-bush, 864 
 Stinkender Gansefuss, 447 
 Stinknessel, 934 
 Stink weed, 923 
 Stipites dulcamarae, 590 
 Stizolobium pruriens, 1063 
 urens, 1064 
 
 Stockfischleberthran, 1132 
 Stockmalve, 168 
 Stockrose, 168 
 Stcechas, 933 
 Stonecrop, 1435 
 Stoneroot, 520 
 Storax, 1532 
 
Storax, liquid, 1532 
 Storesin, 1533 
 Storksbill, 774 
 Stoughton’s bitters, 1635 
 Stramoine, 1516 
 Stramonium-leaves, 1516 
 seed, 1516 
 Stramonin, 1517 
 Strandnelke, 1514 
 Strassburg turpentine, 1586 
 Strawberry-bush, 630 
 tomato, 159 
 Streupulver, 1001 
 Stringy bark, 1122 
 Strobiii humuli, 818 
 lupuli, 818 
 
 Strontii bromidum, 1519 
 iodidum, 1520 
 lactas, 1521 
 
 Strontium bromide, 1519 
 carbonate, 1520 
 hydroxide, 1520 
 iodide, 1520 
 lactate, 1521 
 milchsaurer, 1521 
 Strophanthus, 1522 
 dichotomus, 1523 
 hispidus, 1522 
 Strophanthussamen, 1522 
 Strophanthussamentinktur, 1639 
 Strychnia, 1525 
 Strychnin, 1085, 1525 
 Losung, 987 
 schwefelsaures, 1527 
 Strychnin® acetas, 1527 
 hydriodas, 1527 
 hydrobromas, 1528 
 hydrochloras, 1528 
 nitras, 1528 
 sulphas, 1527 
 Strychnine sulphate, 1527 
 Strychninum, 1525 
 nitricum, 1528 
 sulphuricum, 1527 
 Strychnos Castelnaeana, 566 
 cogens, 566 
 colubrina, 1086 
 Crevauxii, 566 
 Gauthieriana, 1086 
 Gubleri, 566 
 guianensis, 566 
 Ignatia, Ignatii, 1086 
 Nux vomica, 211, 1084 
 philippensis, 1086 
 potatorum, 1086 
 Schomburgkii, 566 
 Tieute, 1086 
 toxifera, 566 
 Yapurensis, 566 
 
 Strychnossamen - Extrakt, 688, 
 691 
 
 Stryphnodendron polyphyllum, 
 427 
 
 Stuhlzapfchen, 1545 
 Sturmhut, 117 
 Stypteria, 169 
 Styptic colloid, 523 
 Styracin, 946, 1533 
 Styracol, 799 
 Styrene, 1533 
 Styrax, 1532 
 Benzoin, 334 
 calamita, 1534 
 liquidus, 1532 
 officinale, 1534 
 prseparatus, 1532, 1533 
 Styrol, 946, 1533 
 Styron, Styrogenin, 1533 
 Suakin gum, 6, 7 
 Subacetas cupricus, 561 
 plumbicus liquidus, 973 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Subazotas bismuthicus, 342 
 Subcarbonas bismuthicus, 341 
 Suberin, 1341 
 Sublimatlosung, 969 
 Sublimatum corrosivum, 820 
 Sublimatus corrosivus, 820 
 Sublime corrosif, 820 
 Subnitras bismuthicus, 341 
 Sue de belladone, 1534 
 de grande cigue, 1535 
 de jusquiame, 1535 
 de reglisse, 674 
 de verjus, 1677 
 Succi, 1534 
 
 Succiu, Succinum, 1155 
 Succory, 1581 
 Succus belladonn®, 1534 
 citro, 937 
 conii, 1535 
 hyoscyami, 1535 
 limonis, 937 
 liquiritiae, 674 
 depuratus, 676 
 mori, 1048 
 mororum, 1048 
 sambuci inspissatus, 1407 
 scoparii, 1535 
 taraxaci, 1535 
 thebaicus, 1167 
 
 Sucrate de chaux liquide, 1558 
 Sucre, 1394 
 de canne, 1394 
 de lait, 1398 
 de saturne, 1258 
 noir, 674 
 Sucrol, 1393 
 Sues vegetaux, 1534 
 Sudas gigas, 860 
 Suero, 917 
 Suet, 1444 
 Sugar, 1394 
 of lead, 1258 
 of milk, 1398 
 refined, 1394 
 Sugar-beet, 1394 
 drops, lozenges, 1650 
 Suif, 1444 
 de Goa, 766 
 de mouton, 1444 
 Suint, 126 
 
 Sulfas ammonicus, 191 
 atropinse, 306 
 cadmicus, 358 
 cupricus, 561 
 ferrosus, 740 
 kalicus, 1313 
 magnesicus, 1008 
 manganosus, 1015 
 mercuricus, 839 
 morph icus, 1057 
 natricus, 1483 
 potassicus, 1313 
 quinicus, 1349 
 sodicus, 1483 
 zincicus, 1729 
 
 See also Sulphas. 
 
 Sulfate d’alumine, 175 
 et de potasse, 169 
 d’ammoniaque, 191 
 d’atropine, 306 
 de bebeerine, 325 
 de cadmium, 358 
 de chaux, 376 
 de cinchonidine, 493 
 de cinchonine, 497 
 de cuivre, 561 
 ammoniacal, 562 
 d’eserine, 1224 
 de fer, 740 
 ammoniacal, 723 
 desseche, 742 
 
 1855 
 
 Sulfate — 
 
 de fer et d’ammoniaque, 723 
 d’hyoscyamine, 852 
 de magnesie, 1008 
 de manganese, 1015 
 de morphine, 1057 
 de nickel, 1079 
 de potasse, 1313 
 de quinidine, 1343 
 de quinine, 1349 
 acide, 1345 
 de soude, 1483 
 de spartein, 1491 
 de strychnine, 1527 
 de zinc, 1729 
 ferreux, 740 
 desseche, 742 
 precipite, 741 
 ferrique ammouiacale, 723 
 jaune de mercure, 838 
 manganeux, 1015 
 mercurique, 839 
 trimercurique, 838 
 Sulfato de zinc, 1729 
 di bibirina, 325 
 Sulfaurat, 225 
 Suifis kalicus, 1314 
 magnesicus, 1010 
 natricus, 1484 
 potassicus, 1314 
 sodicus, 1484 
 Sulfite de chaux, 376 
 de magnesie, 1010 
 de potasse, 1314 
 de soude, 1484 
 sulfure de soude, 1470 
 Sulfocyanure de potasse, 1300 
 Sulfonalum, 1535 
 Sulfophenate de soude, 1486 
 Sulfovinate de soude, 1487 
 Sulfur depuratum, 1538 
 iodatum, 1543 
 
 Sulfure d’antimoine, depure, 223 
 hydrate, 225 
 precipite, 224 
 de calcium, 384 
 de carbone, 409 
 de chaux, 384 
 liquide, 384 
 de fer, 742 
 de potasse, 1273 
 rouge de mercure, 839 
 Sulfuretum hydrargyricum, 839 
 stibicum, 223 
 Sulfuro de antimonio, 223 
 hidratado, 224 
 di carbonia, 409 
 Sulphaldeliyde, 1195 
 Sulphaminol, 880 
 Sulphas aluminico-ammonicus, 
 169 
 
 aluminico-potassicus, 169 
 ammonico-ferricus, 723 
 hydrargyricus flavus, 838 
 See also Sulfas. 
 
 Sulphocarbol, 40 
 Sulphocarbonates, 410 
 Sulphocyanure de potassium, 
 1300 
 
 Sulphomorphid, 235 
 Sulphophenate de soude, 1486 
 Sulphophenol, 40 
 Sulphonal, 1535 
 Sulphosinapisin, 1446 
 Sulphur, 1538 
 amorphous, 1539 
 auratum, 224 
 antimonii, 225 
 crystalline, 1539 
 depuratum, 1538 
 dioxide, 104 
 
1856 
 
 Sulphur — 
 golden, 225 
 iodide, 1543 
 lotum, 1538 
 
 precipitated, 1538, 1539 
 prsecipitatum, 1538 
 lozenges, 1655 
 roll, 1538 
 rough, 1538 ' 
 
 stibiatum aurantiacum, 225 
 rubeum, 225 
 subchloride, 1544 
 subiodide, 1544 
 sublimatum, 1538 
 sublimed, 1538 
 vegetabile, 1001 
 washed, 1538 
 water, 269 
 
 Sulphuretted hydrogen, 742 
 Sulphuretum ferrosum, 742 
 Sulphuric anhydride, 99 
 Sulphuris iodidum, 1543 
 Sulphurous anhydride, 104 
 Sultan coffee, 361 
 Sultana raisins, 1678 
 Sumac, 1380 
 des corroyeurs, 543 
 veneneux, 1382 
 Sumach, 1380 
 coral, 1382 
 dwarf, 1381 
 poison, 1382 
 smooth, 1381 
 staghorn, 1381 
 sweet, 1381 
 upland, 1380 
 
 Sumachbeerenextrakt, 699 
 Sumatra benzoin, 334 
 camphor, 388 
 Surnbul, 1544 
 balsam, 1545 
 root, 1544 
 Sumbuline, 1545 
 Sumbultinktur, 1639 
 Sumbulus moschatus, 1544 
 Summer savory, 859 
 Summitates absinthii, 3 
 achillese, 16 
 meliloti, 1030 
 millefolii, 16 
 sabinse, 1391 
 tanaceti, 1578 
 Sumpfkornel, 544 
 Sumpfnelkenwurzel, 776 
 Sumpfporst, 907 
 Sumpfsilge, 1436 
 Sumpfziest, 934 
 Sundew, 589 
 Sunflower, 807 
 Suppositoires, 1545 
 Suppositoria, 1545 
 acidi carbolici, 1548 
 cum sapone, 1548 
 tannici, 1548 
 cum sapone, 1543 
 aloes, 1548 
 asafcetidse, 1548 
 belladonnae, 1548 
 glycerini, 1549 
 hydrargyri, 1549 
 morphinse, 1548 
 cum sapone, 1550 
 opii, 1548 
 plumbi, 1548 
 composita, 1050 
 et opii, 1548 
 Suppositories, 768, 1545 
 carbolic acid, 1548 
 compound lead, 1550 
 de glycerin, 1549 
 mercurial, 1549 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Suppositories — 
 morphia, 1550 
 rectal, 1546 
 tannic acid, 1549 
 urethral, 1546, 1548 
 vaginal, 1546 
 Sureau, 1406 
 Surelle, 1185 
 Surgeon’s agaric, 759 
 Surinam cabbage-tree bark, 208 
 quassia, 1339 
 Surinamine, 208 
 Sus scrofa, 123 
 Siissholz, 786 
 Siissholzextrakt, 675, 676 
 Siissmandelol, 1107 
 Suterberry, 1715 
 Swallowwort, 299 
 Swamp dogwood, 430, 544 
 laurel, 907 
 milkweed, 298 
 pine, 1584 
 sassafras, 1011 
 Swedish bitters, 1606 
 balsam, 1609 
 Sweet basil, 933 
 bay, 931, 1011 
 birch, 338 
 clover, 1030 
 fern, 526 
 flag, 367 
 gale, 1065 
 gum, 946 
 lime, 937 
 marjoram, 1184 
 orange-peel, 312 
 Sweet-scented bedstraw, 763 
 shrub, 1012 
 violet, 1711 
 Sweetwood-bark, 417 
 Swertia Cbirata, 451 
 Swietenia febrifuga, 317 
 Mahagoni, 317 
 Swine-cress, 514 
 Swiss blue, 730 
 Sydenham’s laudanum, 1707 
 Sylvie, 1323 
 Symphytum, 1550 
 oflicinale, 583, 1550 
 Symplocarpus fcetidus, 588 
 Synaptase, 194 
 Syrup, 1553 
 almond, 1555 
 althaea, 1555 
 asafoetida, 611 
 blackberry, 1568 
 bromide of iron, 1560 
 buckthorn, 1374, 1567 
 citric acid, 1553 
 cherry, 1569 
 chloral, 1558 
 croup, 1571 
 fennel, 753 
 ferrous bromide, 1560 
 chloride, 1561 
 iodide, 1560 
 garlic, 1555 
 ginger, 1573 
 gum-arabic, 1553 
 hemidesmus, 1562 
 hive, 1571 
 hydriodic acid, 1554 
 hypnone, 12 
 hypopbospbites, 1562 
 with iron, 1563 
 iodide of iron, 1558 
 
 and manganese, 1016 
 of manganese, 1016 
 of zinc, 1726 
 iodo-tannin, 889 
 ipecac, 1563 
 
 Syrup— 
 krameria, 1564 
 
 lactopbospbate of calcium, 1557 
 lactucarium, 1564 
 lemon, 1565 
 lime, 1558 
 liquorice-root, 787 
 maidenhair, 128 
 manna, 1019 
 marshmallow, 1555 
 mulberries, 1565 
 orange, 1556 
 orange-flowers, 1557 
 orgeat, 1555 
 parietaria, 1198 
 peppermint, 1033 
 phosphate of iron, 1560 
 phosphates, 1562 
 
 of iron, quinine, and strych- 
 nine, 1562 
 pine-shoots, 1587 
 pomegranate, 1569 
 poppies, 1565 
 
 protochloride of iron, 1561 
 pyrophosphate of iron, 1561 
 quince, 1569 
 raspberry, 1568 
 red poppy, 1568 
 rose, 1568 
 rbatany, 1564 
 rhubarb, 1567 
 aromatic, 1567 
 spiced, 1567 
 rubus, 1568 
 saffron, 556 
 
 sarsaparilla, compound, 1569 
 senega, 1571 
 senna, 1571 
 simple, 1553 
 
 soluble ferric oxide, 736, 737 
 squill, 1570 
 compound, 1570 
 strawberry, 1569 
 sweet gum, 947 
 bark, 947 
 tar, 1566 
 Tolu, 1572 
 vanilla, 1685 
 wild-cherry, 1566 
 Syrupi, Syrups, 1551 
 Syrups, medicated, 1551 
 simple, 1551 
 Syrupus, 1553 
 Syrupus acaciae, 1553 
 acidi citrici, 1553 
 bydriodici, 1554 
 adianti, 128 
 albus, 1553 
 allii, 1555 
 althaeae, 1555 
 amygdalae, 1555 
 amygdalarum, 1555 
 asparagi, 300 
 aurantii, 1556 
 corticis, 1556 
 floris, florum, 1557 
 balsami peruviani, 1573 
 balsamicus, 1573 
 calcii hypophosphitis, 373, 1557 
 compositus, 1562 
 lactopbosphatis, 1557 
 phospbatis, 375 
 calcis, calcariae, 1558 
 capillorum veneris, 128 
 capitum papaveris, 1565 
 cerasi, cerasorum, 1569 
 chamomillae, 1027 
 chloral, 1558 
 cinnamomi, 501 
 communis, 1597 
 croci, 556 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1857 
 
 Syrupus — 
 cvdoni®, 1569 
 diacodii, 1565 
 Eatoni, 156*2 
 emulsivus, 1555 
 ferri bromidi, 1560 
 citro-iodidi, 1560 
 iodati, iodidi, 1558 
 oxydati, 736 
 pliospbatis. 1560 
 phosphorici cum chinino et 
 strychnin o, 1562 
 protochloridi, 1561 
 quinin® et strychnin® plios- 
 phaturn, 1562 
 subchloridi, 1561 
 foeniculi, 753 
 fragari®, 1569 
 fuscus, 1597 
 glycyrrhiz®, 787 
 granati, 1569 
 gummosus, 1553 
 hemidesmi, 1562 
 hollandicus, 1597 
 hy pophosph itum , 1562 
 cum ferro, 1563 
 iodo-tannicus, 1564 
 ipecacuanh®, 1563 
 krameri®, 1564 
 lactucarii, 1564 
 limonis, 1565 
 liquiriti®, 787 
 mann®, 1019 
 menth® piperit®, 1033 
 mori, 1565 
 mororum, 1565 
 opiatus, 1565 
 papaveris, 1565 
 phosphatum comp., 1561 
 piceus, 1566 
 picis iodatus, 1566 
 liquid®, 1566 
 pruni Virginian®, 1566 
 ratanh®, 1564 
 rhamni, 1567 
 cathartic®, 1374, 1567 
 rhei, 1567 
 aromaticus, 1567 
 rhceados, 1568 
 ros® gallic®, 1568 
 rosarum rubrarum, 1568 
 rubi, 1568 
 id®i, 1568 
 sacchari, 1553 
 
 sarsaparill® compositus, 1569 
 scill®, 1570 
 aceti, 1570 
 compositus, 1570 
 seneg®, 1571 
 senn®, 1571 
 cum manna, 1572 
 simplex, 1553 
 spin® cervin®, 1567 
 succi citri, 1565 
 sudorificus, 1569 
 tolutanus, 1572 
 valerian®, 1682 
 vanill®, 1685 
 viol® odorat®, 1711 
 zinci iodidi, 1726 
 zingiberis, 1573 
 
 T ABAC, 1573 
 Tabaco, 1573 
 Tabacum, 1573 
 Tabak-Klystier, 614 
 Tabaksblatter, 1573 
 Tabell®, 1649 
 
 cum bicarbonate sodico, 1655 
 
 cum catechu, 1651 
 
 cum chlorate potassico, 1654 
 
 117 
 
 I Tabell® — 
 
 cum ipecacuanha, 1653 
 cum oleo menth® piperit®, 1654 
 cum subnitrate bismuthico, 1651 
 1 Table salt, 1466 
 
 Tables: alkali salts, official, 1758 
 approximate measures, 1772 
 chemical formul® and molecu- 
 lar weights, 1759 
 | v density of acetic acid, 21 
 of alcohol, 151 
 of ammonia-water, 250 
 of ether, 131 
 of glycerin, 779 
 of hydrobromic acid, 58 
 of hydrochloric acid. 62 
 of nitric acid, 74 
 of phosphoric acid, 85 
 of solution of potassa, 977 
 of soda, 982 
 of sulphuric acid, 100 
 of sulphurous acid, 104 
 of tartaric acid, 111 
 elements, 1759 
 
 equivalents of measures of 
 length, 1773 
 
 equivalents of weights and 
 measures, 1766 
 expansion of gases, 1753 
 extracts and fluid extracts, 638 
 hydrometers, 1774 
 measures of length, 1773 
 of surface, 1774 
 neutralization, 1041, 1757 
 paraffins, 1193 
 reagents, 1739 
 
 relation between Baume’s hy- 
 drometers and specific 
 gravities, 1774 
 saturations, 1041, 1757 
 thermometric equivalents, 1775 
 weights and measures, 1771 
 I metric, 1771 
 | Tablet triturates, 1238 
 : Tablets, compressed, 1649 
 ! Tablettes, 1649 
 chalybees, 1652 
 de baume de Tolu, 1650 
 bicarbonate de soude, 1655 
 borate de soude, 1650 
 cachou, 1651 
 calomel, 1650 
 charbon, 1650 
 chlorate de potasse, 1654 
 craie lavee, 1651 
 fer, 1652 
 gingembre, 1656 
 gomme, 1650 
 guimauve, 1650 
 ipecacuanh®, 1654 
 kermes, 1650 
 P hydrate de fer, 1652 
 lichen, 1650 
 manne, 1650 
 men the, 1654 
 
 morphine et ipecacuanh®, 1654 
 ratanhia, 1653 
 santonin, 1654 
 
 se lammoniac, 1651 
 soufre, 1650 
 tannin, 1650 
 [ Tacamahaca. 1587 
 Tacca oceanica, 205 
 pinnatifida, 205 
 Tacsonia molissima, 1200 
 tripartita, 1200 
 Taffetas adh®sivum, 603 
 d’Angleterre, 603 
 vesicant, 435 
 
 Tagetes erecta, patula, 377 
 i Tahiti arrowroot, 205 
 
 Talauma mexicana, 1012 
 Talc, Talcum, 986 
 Talca or Talha gum, 7 
 Talg, 1444 
 
 Tallow, bayberry, 1064 
 Tallows, 1092 
 Tamarin, Tamarind, 1577 
 whey, 917 
 Tamarindien, 1578 
 Tamarindenmolken, 917 
 Tamarindenmus, 1577 
 Tamarindus, 1577 
 indica, 1577 
 occidentalis, 1577 
 officinalis, 1577 
 Tamarinier, 1577 
 Tamarisk galls, 765 
 Tamarix africana, 765 
 gallica, 765 
 mannifera, 1019 
 orientalis, 765 
 Tampicin, 903 
 Tampico jalap, 903 
 sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Tanacetum, Tanaceto, 1578 
 balsamita, 1579 
 crispum, 1579 
 Parthenium, 1198 
 vulgare, 1578 
 Tanaisie, 1578 
 Tannas bismuthicus, 345 
 Tannate de bismuth, 345 
 Tannin, 106, 765 
 Tannin-Glycerit, 783 
 Tannin-Kollodium, 523 
 Tanninpastillen, 1650 
 Tanninsalbe, 1659 
 Tanninum, 106 
 Tansy, 1578 
 Tantalite, 1511 
 Tapioca, 205 
 meal, 205 
 saccharated, 1255 
 Tapsia, 1591 
 Tar, 1254 
 Tararemu, 566 
 
 Taraxacin, Taraxacerin, 1580 
 Taraxacum, 1580 
 dens-leonis, 1580 
 officinale, 1580 
 vulgare, 1580 
 Tariteng, 566 
 Tarragon, 4, 1110 
 Tartar emetic, 217 
 Tartarus boraxatus, 1316 
 depuratus, 1280 
 emeticus, 217 
 ferratus, 726 
 natronatus, 1298 
 solubilis, 1315 
 ammoniatus, 1316 
 stibiatus, 217 
 tartarisatus, 1315 
 vitriolatus, 1313 
 Tartras borico-potassicus, 1316 
 ferrico-kalicus, 725 
 ferrico-potassicus, 725 
 kalicus, 1315 
 potassico-ferricus, 725 
 potassico-sodicus, 1298 
 potassicus, 1315 
 
 Tartrate borico-potassique, 1316 
 de fer et ammoniaque, 724 
 et de potasse, 725 
 de potasse, 1315 
 
 et d’ammoniaque, 1316 
 et d’antimoine, 217 
 ferrico-potassique, 725 
 ferrique ammoniacal, 724 
 Tartrato de potassa y antimonio, 
 217 
 
1858 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Tartrato di antimonio e di potas- 
 sio, 217 
 
 Tartre borate, 1316 
 chalybe, 725 
 martial, 725 
 soluble, 1315, 1316 
 stibie, 217 
 
 Tartro-borate de potasse et de 
 soude, 1316 
 Tatze, 910 
 Trubnessel, 934 
 Tauma-gere, 566 
 Taumelkorn, 997 
 Taunus spring, 267 
 Taurin, 715 
 
 Tausendguldenkraut, 1391 
 Taxine, 1582 
 Taxus baccata, 1582 
 brevifolia, 1582 
 canadensis, 1582 
 bibernica, 1582 
 nucifera, 1582 
 Tayuya-root, 354 
 Te de China, 1592 
 de Espana, 447 
 Tea, 1592 
 green, 1592 
 Mexican, 447 
 New Jersey, 429 
 Oswego, 1046 
 Paraguay, 862 
 Teaberry, 767 
 Tecoma radicans, 423 
 Teinture acetate de fer, 1618 
 aconit, racine, 1605 
 actee a grappes, 1614 
 aloes, 1605 
 arnica, fleur, 1606 
 racine, 1606 
 
 aromatique sulfurique, 103 
 asafcetida, 1607 
 balsamique, 1609 
 baume de Tolu, 1639 
 belladone, 1608 
 benjoin, 1608 
 bryone blanche, 1609 
 buchu, 1610 
 cachou, 1613 
 cannelle, 1615 
 cantharides, 1611 
 cardamome, 1612 
 composee, 1612 
 cascarille, 1612 
 castoreum, 1613 
 chanvre d’lnde, 1610 
 chirette, 1613 
 cigue, 1616 
 citron, 1627 
 cochenille, 1616 
 colchique, 1616 
 Colombo, 1610 
 cubebe, 1617 
 digitale, 1617 
 ellebore noir, 809 
 feve du Calabar, 1633 
 gayac, 1622 
 ammoniacale, 1622 
 gelsemium, 1621 
 gentiane, 1621 
 alkaline, 1621 
 stomachique, 1621 
 gingembre, 1641 
 hellebore blanc, 1641 
 houblon, 1622 
 hydrastis, 1623 
 iode, 1623 
 jalap, 1625 
 jusquiame, 1623 
 kino, 1625 
 lactucarium, 1626 
 lavande composee, 1627 
 
 Teinture — 
 limon, 1627 
 lobelia enflee, 1627 
 matico, 1628 
 meleze, 1626 
 muse, 1628 
 myrrhe, 1628 
 noix de galle, 1620 
 vomique, 1629 
 opium, 1629 
 ammoniacale, 1631 
 camphree, 1631 
 orange amere, 1607 
 douce, 1607 
 
 perchlorure de fer, 1618 
 piment de jardins, 1611 
 polygala de Yirginie, 1637 
 pyrethre, 1634 
 quassie amere, 1634 
 quillaya, 1634 
 quinquina jaune, 1614 
 composee, 1615 
 ratanliia, 1625 
 resine de gayac, 1621 
 rhubarbe, 1635 
 aromatique, 1634 
 douce, 1636 
 sabine, 1636 
 safran, 1616 
 sanguinaire, 1637 
 sapin composee, 1587 
 savon, 942 
 vert, 943 
 scille, 1637 
 seigle ergote, 1617 
 semences de stramoine, 1638 
 sene aromatique, 1638 
 serpentaire, 1638 
 souci, 1610 
 strophanthe, 1639 
 surnbul, 1639 
 thebaique, 1629 
 valeriane, 1640 
 ammoniacale, 1640 
 vanille, 1640 
 veratre vert, 1641 
 Teintures, 1602 
 Tejo, 1582 
 
 Teneriffe wine, 1699 
 Tephrosia appolinea, 1441, 1583 
 leptostachya, 1583 
 purpurea, 1583 
 spinosa, 1583 
 toxicaria, 1583 
 virginiana, 1583 
 Terebangelene, 210 
 Terebene, 1157, 1583 
 Terebenin, 1583 
 Terebenthine, 1584 
 Terebenum, 1583 
 Terebinthina, 1584 
 argentoratensis, 1586 
 canadensis, 1584 
 chia, 1586 
 communis, 1584 
 cypria, 1586 
 lariciua, 1586 
 veneta, 1586 
 
 Terebinthine d’ Alsace, 1586 
 de Strasbourg, 1586 
 de Vosges, 1586 
 du Canada, 1584 
 Terminalia catappa, 1107 
 spec., 335, 1067 
 Terpene, 1091 
 Terpentin, 1584 
 Terpentinliniment, 943 
 und Essig, 944 
 Tcrpentinol, 1156 
 Klystier, 614 
 Latwerge, 530 
 
 Terpentinsalbe, 1672 
 Terpin, 1187, 1587 
 hydrate, 1587 
 Terpini hydras, 1587 
 Terpinum hydratum, 1587 
 Terra alba, 349 
 foliata tartari, 1275 
 crystallisata, 1450 
 japonica, 425, 427 
 lemuia, 349 
 Terrae sigillatae, 349 
 Terre de Nouvelle-Orleans, 291 
 douce de vitriol, 735 
 Testa ovi, 1713 
 prseparata, 553 
 Tests, Bettendorf’s, 27 
 Boettger’s, 1397 
 Brouardel-Boutmy’s, 770 
 DelfFs, 835 
 E. Hoffmann’s, 39 
 Einbrodt’s, 250 
 Erdmann’s, 515 
 Fehling’s, 1397 
 Fleitmann’s, 27 
 Frohde’s, 518, 548, 1051 
 Gawalowski’s, 1397 
 Grahe’s, 485 
 Gutzeit’s, 27 
 Kerner’s, 1345 
 Koppescharr’s, 39 
 Lieben’s, 320 
 Liebig’s, 65 
 Marsh’s, 26 
 Maumene’s, 1397 
 Mayer’s, 835 
 Mi lion’s, 968 
 Moore’s, 1397 
 Nessler’s, 250, 835 
 Pettenkofer’s, 715, 1397 
 Plugge’s, 39 
 Eeinsch’s, 27 
 Sachsse’s, 1397 
 Salkowski’s, 39 
 Schoenbein’s, 65 
 Schmidt’s, 1397 
 Schneider’s, 770 
 Selmi’s, 770 
 thalleiochin, 1345 
 Tollen’s, 1397 
 Trommer’s, 1397 
 Tetanocannabine, 394 
 Tetes de pavots, 1191 
 Tetraclilor-methane, 411, 1037 
 j Tetrachloroquinone, 89 
 Tetraiodopyrrol, 879 
 Tetramethylthionine chloride, 
 213 
 
 Tetranthera californica, 1427 
 Tetronal, 1536 
 Tetterworth, 445, 1408 
 Teucrium spec., 1588, 1589 
 Teufelsdreck, 295 
 Texas rhatany, 912 
 sarsaparilla, 1032 
 snake-root, 1443 
 Thaleioquin, 1345 
 Thalictrum macrocarpum, 1323 
 Thallinse sulphas, 1589 
 tartras, 1590 
 Thai line, 1589 
 sulphate, 1589 
 tartrate, 1590 
 
 Thallinum sulfuricum, 1589 
 Thallochlor, 441 
 Thapsia, 1591 
 garganica, 1591 
 Sylphium, 1592 
 Thapsiapflaster, 1592 
 Thapsie, 1591 
 The, 1592 
 de terre neuve, 767 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1859 
 
 The— 
 
 desjesuites, 447 
 da Canada, 767 
 Thea, 1592 
 camellia, 1593 
 chinensis, 1592 
 japonica, 1595 
 oleosa, 1594 
 Thebaine, 1171 
 
 Theden’s vulnerary water, 102 
 Wundwasser, 102 
 Thee, 1592 
 canadischcr, 767 
 harntreibender, 907 
 Theer, 1254 
 Theerglycerol, 1255 
 Theerol, 1143 
 Theersalbe, 1669 
 Theersirup, 1566 
 Theerwasser, 264, 1255 
 Theine, 361, 1593 
 Theobroma bicolor, 1595 
 Cacao, 1161, 1595 
 spec., 1595 
 Theobromine, 1595 
 Tberiaca, 1597 
 Tberiak, 528 
 Theriaque, 528 
 Thermal springs, 268 
 Thevetia spec., 1096 
 Thevetosin, 1096 
 Thibet musk, 1059 
 Thierkohle, 405 
 Thierol, aetherisches, 1109 
 Thilanin, 126 
 Thimbleberry, 1387 
 Thiobromine, 1596 
 Thiolum, Thiol, 861, 1209 
 Thiosinamin, 1155 
 Thiophene, 879 
 Thioresorcin, 1371 
 Thioxydiphenylamine, 879 
 Thistle, blessed, 413 
 carline, 876 
 Thlaspi arvense, 514 
 Bursa pastoris, 513 
 campestris, 514 
 champetre, 514 
 Thonerde, salpetersaure, 176 
 schwefelsaure, 175 
 Thonerdehydrat, 173 
 Thornapple, 1516 
 Thorough wort, 631 
 Thridacium, Thridace, 683 
 Thuja articulata, 1023 
 gigantea, 1598 
 occidentals, 1598 
 orientalis, 1598 
 Thujin, Thujigenin, 1598 
 Thus, 1166 
 americana, 1584, 1599 
 Thym, 859 
 Thymacetin, 1600 
 Thymelee, 1039 
 Thymene, 1162 
 Thymian, 859 
 Thymianol, 1162 
 Thymiansaure, 1599 
 Thymol, 1046, 1599 
 Thymolum, 1599 
 Thymus citriodorus, 859 
 Serpyllum, 859 
 vulgaris, 859 
 
 Thysselinum palustre, 1436 
 Tigala, 1019 
 
 Tiges de douce-amere, 590 
 de morelle grimpante, 590 
 Tiglium officinale, 1163 
 Tilia spec., 1601, 1602 
 Tilleul, 1601 
 Tilo, 1601 
 
 Tin, 1511 
 
 Tin-white cobalt, 293 
 Tinctura absinthii, 5 
 composita, 1635 
 aconiti, 1605 
 radicis, 1605 
 aloes, 1605 
 
 composita, 1606 
 et myrrhae, 1605 
 amara, 312 
 ambne, 179 
 arnicae, 1606 
 florurn, 1606 
 radicis, 1606 
 aromatica, 501 
 acida, 103 
 asafoetidae, 1607 
 aetherea, 1607 
 aurantii, 1607 
 amari, 1607 
 dulcis, 1607 
 recentis, 1608 
 balsamica, 1609 
 belladonnae, 1608 
 aetherea, 1608 
 foliorum, 1608 
 benzoes, 1608 
 benzoini, 1608 
 composita, 1609 
 bryoniae, 1609 
 buchu, 1610 
 calami, 368 
 calendulae, 1610 
 calumbae, 1610 
 camphorae, 1502 
 composita, 1631 
 cannabis indicae, 1610 
 cantharides, cantharidum, 1611 
 capsici, 1611 
 cardamomi. 1612 
 composita, 1612 
 cascarillae, 1612 
 castorei, 1613 
 aetherea, 1613 
 catechu, 1613 
 composita, 1613 
 chinae, 1614 
 composita, 1615 
 chinoidini, 449 
 chiratae, 1613 
 
 chloroformi composita, 1614 
 et morphinae, 1614 
 cimicifugae, 1614 
 cinchonae, 1614 
 composita, 1615 
 flavae, 1614 
 cinnamomi, 1615 
 cocci, 1616 
 colchici, 1616 
 seminis, 1616 
 colocynthidis, 525 
 Colombo, 1610 
 conii, 1616 
 croci, 1616 
 cubebae, 1617 
 
 cupri acetici Rademacheri, 561 
 digitalis, 1617 
 aetherea, 1617 
 ergotae, 1617 
 euphorbii, 634 
 ferri acetatis, 1618 
 acetici aetherea, 1618 
 chlorati aetherea, 1619 
 chloridi, 1618 
 perchloridi, 1618 
 pomata, 745 
 sesquichloridi, 1618 
 formicarum, 399 
 gallae, 1620 
 gallarum, 1620 
 gelsemii, 1621 
 
 Tinctura — 
 gentianae, 1621 
 alkalina, 1621 
 composita, 1621 
 guaiaci, 1621 
 ammoniata, 1622 
 ligni, 1622 
 hamamelidis, 805 
 hellebori, 809 
 humuli, 1622 
 hydrastis, 1623 
 hyoscyami, 1623 
 iodi, 1623 
 decolorata, 1624 
 iodinii composita, 1624 
 ipecacuanhae et opii, 1624 
 jaborandi, 1230 
 jalape, 1625 
 kino, 1625 
 krameriae, 1625 
 lactucarii, 1626 
 lappae fructus, 929 
 laricis, 1626 
 
 lavandulae composita, 1627 
 limonis, 1627 
 lobeliae, 1627 
 aetherea, 1627 
 lupuli, 1622 
 lupulinae, 999 
 ammoniata, 999 
 macidis, 1004 
 matico, 1628 
 meconii, 1629 
 moschii, 1628 
 myrrhae, 1628 
 nucis vomicae, 162£ 
 opii, 1629 
 acetata, 1631 
 ammoniata, 1631 
 camphorata (benzoica), 1631 
 crocata, 1707 
 deodorata, 1632 
 extracti, 1629 
 camphorata, 1631 
 muriatica, 1631 
 simplex, 1629 
 physostigmatis, 1633 
 picis betulae, 1255 
 pimpinellae, 936 
 pini composita, 1587 
 podophylli, 1268 
 pyrethri, 1634 
 quassiae, 1634 
 quebracho, 303 
 quillajae, 1634 
 quininae, 1634 
 ammoniata, 1635 
 ratanhiae, 1625 
 resinae jalapae, 1368 
 rhei, 1635 
 amara, 1635 
 aquosa, 1635 
 aromatica, 1636 
 Darelii, 1707 
 dulcis, 215, 1636 
 et absinthii, 1535 
 composita, 1635 
 et aloes, 1635 
 et gentianae, 1635 
 et sennae, 1635 
 vinosa, 1707 
 rusci, 1255 
 sabin ae, 1636 
 sanguinariae, 1637 
 saponis viridis, 943 
 scillae, 1637 
 kalina, 1637 
 secalis cornuti, 1617 
 senegae, 1637 
 sennae, 1638 
 serpentariae, 1638 
 
1860 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Tinctura — 
 
 spilanthis composita, 1334 
 stramonii, 1638 
 seminis, 1638 
 strophanthi, 1639 
 strychni, 1629 
 setherea, 1629 
 sumbul, 1639 
 thebaica, 1629 
 tolutana, 1639 
 tonico-nervina Bestucheflii, 
 1619 
 
 toxicodendri, 1382 
 Valerianae, 1640 
 setherea, 1640 
 ammoniata, 1640 
 vanillae, 1640 
 veratri viridis, 1641 
 zingiberis, 1641 
 fortior, 1642 
 Tincturae, 1602 
 
 herbarum recentium, 1604 
 Tincture, acetate of iron, 1618 
 aconite, 1605 
 root, 1605 
 Fleming’s, 1605 
 aloes, 1605 
 and myrrh, 1605 
 compound, 1606 
 American hellebore, 1641 
 arnica-flowers, 1606 
 root, 1606 
 asafcetida, 1607 
 bark, Huxham’s, 1615 
 belladonna, 1608 
 leaves, 1608 
 benzoin, 1608 
 compound, 1609 
 Bestuclieff’s, 1619 
 bitter, 312 
 orange-peel, 1607 
 birch-tar, 1255 
 black snake-root, 1614 
 blood-root, 1637 
 bryonia, 1609 
 buchu, 1610 
 calendula, 1610 
 calumba, 1610 
 camphor, 1502 
 cantharides, 1611 
 capsicum, 1611 
 cardamom, 1612 
 compound, 1612 
 cascarilla, 1612 
 castor, 1613 
 
 catechu, compound, 1613 
 chinoidine, 449 
 chirata, 1613 
 chloride of iron, 1618 
 chloroform, compound, 1614 
 cimicifuga, 1614 
 cinchona, 1614 
 compound, 1615 
 cinnamon, 1615 
 cochineal, 1616 
 colchicum, 1616 
 seed, 1616 
 colocynth, 525 
 columbo, 1610 
 conium, 1616 
 coto-bark, 1078 
 cubeb, 1617 
 digitalis, 1617 
 Dover’s powder, 1625 
 emulsive, 1342 
 ergot, 1617 
 ferric acetate, 1618 
 chloride, 1618 
 fresh orange-peel, 1608 
 galls, 1620 
 gelsemium, 1621 
 
 Tincture — 
 gentian, 1621 
 compound, 1621 
 ginger, 1641 
 strong, 1642 
 green hellebore, 1641 
 soap, 943 
 guaiac, 1621 
 
 guaiacum, ammoniated, 1622 
 Dewees’, 1622 
 wood, 1622 
 hamamelis, 805 
 hellebore, 809 
 hops, 1622 
 hydrastis, 1623 
 hyoscyamus, 1623 
 Indian cannabis, 1610 
 hemp, 1610 
 iodine, 1623 
 Churchill’s, 1624 
 compound, 1624 
 decolorized, 1624 
 ipecac and opium, 1624 
 iron, tasteless, 1619 
 jalap, 1625 
 kino, 1625 
 krameria, 1625 
 lactucarium, 1626 
 larch, 1626 
 
 lavender, compound, 1627 
 lemon-peel, 1627 
 litmus, 924 
 lobelia, 1627 
 ethereal, 1628 
 lupulin, 999 
 ammoniated, 999 
 marigold, 1610 
 matico, 1628 
 musk, 1628 
 myrrh, 1628 
 nutgall, 1620 
 nux vomica, 1629 
 opium, 1629 
 ammoniated, 1631 
 camphorated, 1631 
 denarcotized, 1632 
 deodorized, 1632 
 orange-peel, 1607 
 bitter, 1607 
 sweet, 1607 
 pellitory, 1634 
 perchloride of iron, 1618 
 phosphorus, 1507 
 physostigma, 1633 
 pine-shoots, comp., 1587 
 pyretlirum, 1634 
 quassia, 1634 
 quillajse, 1634 
 quinine, 1634 
 ammoniated, 1634 
 rhatany, 1625 
 rhubarb, 1635 
 and senna, 1635 
 aromatic, 1636 
 sweet, 1636 
 saffron, 1616 
 sanguinaria, 1637 
 savin, 1636 
 senega, 1637 
 senna, 1638 
 serpentaria, 1638 
 soap, 942 
 soapbark, 1634 
 spilanthes, comp., 1334 
 squill, 1637 
 stramonium, 1638 
 seed, 1638 
 strophanthus, 1639 
 sumbul, 1639 
 sweet orange-peel, 1607 
 Tolu, 1639 
 
 Tincture — 
 valerian, 1640 
 ammoniated, 1640 
 vanilla, 1640 
 veratrum viride, 1641 
 Warburg’s, 1352 
 yellow cinchona, 1614 
 Tinctures, 1602 
 ethereal, 1604 
 of fresh herbs, 1604 
 Tinker’s weed, 1646 
 Tinkturen, 1602 
 Tinnevelly senna, 1440 
 Tinstone, 1511 
 Tintura de acibar, 1605 
 de benjui, 1608 
 canela, 1615 
 castoreo etereo, 1613 
 corteza de naranjos, 1615 
 compuesta, 1615 
 digitale etereo, 1617 
 extracto de opio, 1629 
 quina, 1614 
 
 semilla de colchico, 1616 
 veratri viridis, 1641 
 yodo, 1623 
 Tipa, 304 
 
 Tisane de capsique, 405 
 d’herbe a fievre, 631 
 royale, 874 
 sudorifique, 579 
 Tisanes, 575, 866 
 Tithymalis Lathy ris, 568 
 Tizon de centeno, 615 
 Toad-flax, 938 
 Tobacco, 1573 
 Todtenblume, 377 
 Todtenkopf, 735 
 Toile vesicant, 435 
 Tokay wine, 1699 
 Tolene, 321 
 Tollkirsche, 327 
 Tollkirschen-Extrakt, 652 
 fliissiges, 653 
 Tollkirschensalbe, 1661 
 Tollkraut, 327 
 Toloache, 1516 
 Tolomane, 204 
 Tolu balsam, 320 
 Tolubalsamsirup, 1572 
 Tolubalsamtinktur, 1639 
 Toluene, Toluol, 321, 332, 1255 
 Toluidine, 212 
 Toluifera Balsamum, 320 
 Pereirse, 318 
 peruifera, 321 
 punctata, 321 
 Tomato, strawberry, 159 
 Tomillo, 859 
 Tonga, 294 
 Tongine, 294 
 Tonka beans, 1030 
 Tonquin musk, 1059 
 Toothache bush, 274 
 tree, 1715 
 Toothwort, 513 
 Topinambour, 808 
 Tor gum, 6 
 Tormentil, 774 
 Tormentilla erecta, 774 
 Toronjil, 1031 
 Torreya californica, 1066 
 Myristica, 1066 
 Tortelle, 513 
 
 Torula cereviske, 148, 437 
 To-sai-shin, 297 
 Torviso, 1039 
 Touchwood, 759 
 Toulema, 204 
 Tournesol, 924 
 Tous-les-mois, 204 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1861 
 
 Toute-epice, 1247 
 Toxicodendron, 1382 
 Toxiresin, 583 
 
 Tragacanth, Tragacantha, 1642 
 Traganth, 1642 4 
 Tragantli-glycerit, 785 
 Traganthiu, 1643 
 Traganthschleim, 1063 
 Triiukchen, 1042 
 Traubenkernol, 1130 
 Traubenkraut, 178, 447 
 Traumaticin, 967 
 Treacle, 1395, 1597 
 Trebol acuatico, 1035 
 oloroso, 1030 
 Tree of heaven, 146 
 Trefle d’eau, 1035 
 de marais, 1035 
 Trefoil, shrubby, 1321 
 Trehala, Trehalose, 1019 
 Trementina de Canada, 1584 
 de Venecia, 1586 
 commune, 1584 
 Tribromhydrin, 160 
 Tribromomethane, 352 
 Tribromophenol, 352 
 Trichilia, 317 
 emetica, 1162 
 
 Trichloraldehyde-hydrate, 452 
 Trichloressigsaure, 20 
 Triiodometacresol, 879 
 Triiodomethane, 877 
 Trigonella Fcenum graecum, 753 
 Trillium, 1644 
 erectum, 1644 
 spec., 1644 
 
 Trimethylamine, 447, 546, 618, 
 1645 
 
 hydrochloride, 1645 
 Trimethylcarbinol, 201 
 Trimethylethylene, 200 
 Trinitrocarbolsaure, 86 
 Trinitrophenol, 86 
 Trional, 1536 
 Triolein, 1094, 1140 
 Trioste, 1646 
 
 Triosteum angustifolium, 1646 
 perfoliatum, 1646 
 Trioxyacetophenone, 1335 
 Tripalmitin, 779 
 Triphenyl-rosaniline, 212 
 Tripoli senna, 1440 
 Trisodic arsenate, 1452 
 Tristearin, 1094 
 Trisulfuro di antimonio, 223 
 Triticin, 1647 
 Triticum, 1647 
 aestivum, 715 
 compositum, durum, 713 
 hybernum, 715 
 monococcum, 713 
 repens, 1647 
 sativum, 713 
 Spelta, 713 
 turgidum, 713 
 vulgare, 713 
 
 Trituratio elaterini, 1648 
 Triturationes, 1648 
 Trixis Pipitzahoac, 1379 
 Troches, 1649 
 ammonium chloride, 1651 
 bismuth, 1651 
 catechu, 1651 
 chalk, 1651 
 cubeb, 1652 
 ginger, 1656 
 
 glycyrrhiza and opium, 1652 
 ipecac, 1653 
 iron, 1652 
 reduced, 1652 
 krameria, 1653 
 
 ! Troches — 
 
 liquorice and opium, 1652 
 morphia, 1654 
 morphine and ipecac, 1654 
 opium, 1652 
 peppermint, 1654 
 potassium chlorate, 1654 
 santonin, 1655 
 sodium bicarbonate, 1655 
 Spitta’s, 1652 
 tannic acid, 1650 
 Wistar’s, 1653 
 Trochisci, 1649 
 acidi benzoici, 1650 
 tannici, 1650 
 alhandal, 525 
 ammonii chloridi, 1651 
 bechici nigri, 1653 
 bismuthi, 1651 
 catechu, 1651 
 cretae, 1651 
 cubebae, 1652 
 ferri, 1652 
 redacti, 1652 
 glycyrrhizae et opii, 1652 
 ipecacuanhae, 1653 
 krameriae, 1653 
 menthae piperitae, 1654 
 morphinae, 1654 
 
 et ipecacuanha, 1654 
 natri bicarbonici, 1655 
 opii, 1652 
 
 potassii chloratis, 1654 
 santonini, 1655 
 sodii bicarbonatis, 1655 
 sulphuris, 1655 
 zingiberis, 1656 
 Trochisques, 1650 
 Trona, 1462 
 Tropceolum majus, 514 
 minus, 514 
 Tropfen, 1042 
 T ruffe, Truflfe de cerf, 1000 
 Triiffel, 1000 
 Trumpet creeper, 423 
 leaf, 1421 
 
 Truxilcocaine, 503 
 Truxilline, 503 
 Truxillo coca-leaves, 503 
 Trypeta arnicivora, 290 
 Trypsin, 1189 
 Tshuking, 5 
 j Tsuga canadensis, 930 
 Tub camphor, 387 
 Tuber cibarium, 1000 
 colchici, 516 
 Tubera aconiti, 117 
 jalapae, 901 
 salep, 1398 
 Tuckahoe, 1000 
 Tulip tree, 1012 
 Tulipier, 1012 
 Tulipiferin, 1012 
 Tully’s powder, 1332 
 Tulpenbaum, 1012 
 Tumenol, Tumenolum, 861 
 Tuno gum, 802 
 Tupelo gum, 927 
 tree 92T 
 
 Turbith mineral, 838 
 vegetal, 903 
 j Turic gum, 6 
 ! Turiones asparagi, 300 
 pini, 1586 
 Turkey corn, 544 
 figs, 752 
 gum, 6 
 myrrh, 1068 
 pea, 544, 1583 
 Turlington’s balsam, 1609 
 Turmeric, 568 
 
 Turmeric, Indian, 849 
 Turmerol, 569 
 Turnbull’s blue, 730 
 Turnera aphrodisiaca, 574 
 diffusa, 574 
 mierophylla, 574 
 ulmifolia, 575 
 Turner’s cerate, 1673 
 Turpentine, 1584 
 Canada, 1584, 1585 
 Chian, 1586 
 common, 1585 
 Turpenyl, 1157 
 Turpeth mineral, 838 
 root, 903 
 Turpethin, 903 
 Turpethum minerale, 838 
 Turtlehead, 446 
 Tussilage, 1656 
 Tussilago Farfara, 1656 
 una del caballo, 1656 
 Tutia, Tutty, 1726 
 Twinleaf, 904 
 Tylophora asthmatica, 895 
 Tylophorine, 896 
 Tyrosine, 913 
 
 Tyson’s antimonial powder, 1327 
 
 U LMAIRE, 1494 
 Ulexine, 1433 
 Ulmenrinde, 1657 
 Ulmenrinden-Decoct, 580 
 Ulmenrindenschleim, 1063 
 Ulmus, 1657 
 species, 1657 
 Ultramarine, 176 
 Ultraquinine, 489 
 Umbelliferon, 762, 1040 
 Umbellularia californica, 1427 
 Umbilicus pendulinus, 546 
 Umbrella tree, 1011 
 Umsclilage, 423 
 Una de gato, 1384 
 Uncaria acida, 427 
 Gambier, 427 
 Unguenta, 1658 
 Unguentum, 1659 
 acidi borici, 1659 
 carbolici, 1659 
 salicylici, 1659 
 tannici, 1659 
 aconitinae, 1660 
 acre, 1661 
 ad decubitum, 1264 
 ad fonticulos, 1661 
 adipis, 1659 
 album simplex, 1670 
 althaeae, 570 
 antimonii, 1660 
 tartarati, 1660 
 aquae rosae, 1660 
 Arcaei, 1663 
 atropime, 1661 
 basilicum, 436 
 belladonnae, 1661 
 benzoini, 124 
 calami nae, 1673 
 calomelanos, 1668 
 camphoratum, 433 
 cantharidis, 1661 
 cantharidum, 1661 
 cereum, 433 
 cerussae, 1670 
 
 camphoratum, 1670 
 cetacei, 1662 
 chrysarobini, 1662 
 citrinum, 1666 
 conii, 1659 
 creosoti, 1662 
 de nihilo albo, 1672 
 diachylon, 1663 
 
1862 
 
 GENERAL INDEX . 
 
 Unguentum — 
 digestivum simplex, 1672 
 elemi, 1663 
 emolliens, 1660 
 eucalypti, 1659 
 fiavum, 570 
 gallae, 1663 
 cum opio, 1663 
 glyceriui, 783 
 
 plumbi subacetatis, 435, 1659 
 hamamelidis, 1659 
 hydrargyri, 1664 
 album, 1665 
 ammoniati, 1665 
 cinereum, 1664 
 citrinum, 1666 
 compositum, 1666 
 iodidi rubri, 1666 
 nitratis, 1666 
 dilutum, 1667 
 oxidi flavi, 1667 
 rubri, 1667 
 rubrum, 1667 
 subchloridi, 1668 
 iodi, 1668 
 iodinii, 1668 
 
 compositum, 1669 
 iodoformi, 1669 
 irritans, 1661 
 kalii iodati, 1671 
 lenieus, 1660 
 linarise, 938 
 maj orange, 1184 
 mercuriale, 1664 
 mezerei, 1040 
 
 narcotico-balsamicum Hell- 
 mundi, 1670 
 neapolitanicum, 1664 
 nervinum, 1149 
 nitricum, 1667 
 opkthalmicum, 1668 
 compositum, 1668 
 St. Yves, 1668 
 opiatum, 692 
 oxygenatum, 1667 
 paraffini, paraffinum, 1208 
 picis liquidae, 1669 
 betulse, 1669 
 compositum, 1669 
 plumbi, 435 
 acetatis, 1670 
 carbonatis, 1670 
 Hebrse, 1663 
 iodidi, 1670 
 tannici, 1264 
 populeum, 125 
 populi, 125 
 
 potassae sulphuratse, 1670 
 potassii iodidi, 1671 
 prsecipitatum rubrum, 1667 
 resin se, 436 
 
 rosmarini compositum, 1149 
 rusci, 1669 
 sabinse, 436 
 simplex, 1659 
 staphisagriae, 1659 
 stibiatum, 1660 
 stibio-kali tartarici, 1660 
 stramonii, 1671 
 sulfuratum, 1671 
 compositum, 1672 
 simplex, 1671 
 sulpliuris, 1671 
 alkalinum, 1671 
 compositum, 1672 
 iodidi, 1672 
 tabaci, 1575 
 tartari stibiati, 1660 
 terebinthinse, 1672 
 tetrapharmacum, 436 
 veratriae, veratrinae, 1672 
 
 Unguentum — 
 zinci, 1672 
 de nihilo albo, 1672 
 oleati, 1673 
 oxidi, 1672 
 
 Unicorn-root, false, 442 
 Universalpflaster, 607 
 Unterhefe, 437 
 Upas antiar, 216 
 tieute, 1086 
 Ural, 455, 499, 1675 
 Uralium, 455. 459 
 Uragoga Ipecacuanha, 893 
 Urarema, 474 
 Urari, Urati, 566 
 Urceola elastica, esculenta, 593 
 Urea, Uree, 657, 1673 
 hydrochlorate, 1673 
 nitrate, 1673 
 oxalate, 1673 
 Uredo Maydis, 1718 
 Urethane, 1674 
 Urethanum, 1674 
 Urginea maritima, 1429 
 Scilla, 1429 
 
 Urostigma elastica, 593 
 Vogel ii, 593 
 Urson, 767 
 Urtica spec., 575 
 Ussacu, 819 
 Ustilago Maydis, 1718 
 Uva passa, 1677 
 ursi, 1678 
 Uvse, 1677 
 corinthiacae, 1678 
 malacenses, 1678 
 
 V ACCINIUM uliginosum, 1679 
 Vitis-idsea, 1679 
 Valdivin, 1339 
 Valencia raisins, 1678 
 Valentinite, 221 
 Valeral, 999 
 Valeras zincicus, 1732 
 Valerate de zinc, 1732 
 Valerene, 200, 388 
 Valerian, 1681 
 root, 1681 
 Valeriana, 1681 
 celtica, 1681 
 Jatamansi, 1682 
 officinalis, 1681 
 Phu, 1682 
 
 Valerianas ammonicus, 192 
 bismuthicus, 345 
 natricus, 1488 
 sodicus, 1488 
 zincicus, 1732 
 
 Valerianate d’ammoniaque, 192 
 de bismuth, 345 
 de fer, 743 
 de quinine, 1361 
 de soud e, 1488 
 de zinc, 1732 
 
 Valerianate de amoniaco, 192 
 Valeriane, 1166, 1681 
 americaine, 573 
 Valeriansaure, 113 
 Valerol, 999 
 Valletta mass, 1021 
 Vallonea, Valonia, 765 
 Vanilla, 1683 
 plant, 936 
 planifolia, 1683 
 saccharata, 1684 
 spec., 1684 
 Vanille, 1683 
 Vanilletinktur, 1640 
 Vanillin, 547, 1684 
 Vapor acidi hydrocyanici, 1685 
 chlori, 1685 
 
 Vapor — 
 coninge, 1685 
 creosoti, 1685 
 iodi, 1685 
 
 olei pini sylvestris, 1686 
 Vapores, 1685 
 Vara de oro, 1489 
 Varec, 1462 
 
 Varech vesiculeux, 757 
 Varnish, 923 
 Vaseline, 1193 
 Vedegembre bianco, 1690 
 verdo, 1692 
 Vegetable casein, 713 
 fibrin, 713 
 gold, 1379 
 
 protein compounds, 713 
 silk, 299 
 sulphur, 1001 
 Veilchen, 1711 
 Veilchenwurzel, 900 
 Velanede, 765 
 Velar, 513 
 Vellarin, 851 
 Velvet leaf, 168 
 Venice turpentine, 1586 
 Venushaar, 127 
 Vera Cruz sarsaparilla, 1423 
 Veratralbine, 1690 
 Veratramarin, 1691 
 Veratre blanc, 1690 
 vert, 1692 
 Veratrina, 1686 
 Veratrine oleate, 1099 
 Veratrinsalbe, 1672 
 Veratrinum, 1686 
 ole'icum, 1099 
 Veratroidine, 1691, 1692 
 Veratrum album, 1690 
 californicum, 1690 
 Lobelianum, 1690 
 luteum, 442 
 officinale, 1390 
 viride, 1692 
 
 Verbascum species, 1694 
 Verbesina sativa, 1130 
 Verdet crystallise, 560 
 Verdigris, 561 
 crystallized, 560 
 Verdiinnte Essigsaure, 20 
 Phosphorsaure, 84 
 Salzsaure, 61 
 Salpetersalzsaure, 77 
 Salpetersaure. 73 
 Schwefelsaure, 98 
 Unterphosphorige Saure, 68 
 Verge d’or, 1489 
 Verine, 1688 
 Vermicelli, 1642 
 Vermilion, 839 
 American, 1288 
 Vernis des Japon, 146 
 Veronica americana, 1695 
 Beccabunga, 1695 
 officinalis, 1695 
 virginica, 934 
 
 Veronique de Virginie, 934 
 male, 1695 
 
 Verre soluble, liquide, 985 
 Verrucaria albissima, 417 
 Vert-de-gris, 561 
 Vervain’s balsam, 1609 
 Vesicating cloth, 435 
 Vesicatoire camphree, 435 
 Vesse-loup, 1000 
 Viburnum Lantana, 1696 
 obovatum, 1696 
 Opulus, 1695 
 prun i folium, 1696 
 Viburnumextrakt, 711 
 Vichy spring, 266, 269 
 
Vicia Faba, 713 
 Vienna caustic, 1272 
 draught, 874 
 yeast, 437 
 Vierrauberessig, 14 
 Vif-argent, 840 
 Vigne vierge, 193 
 Vin aloetique, 1700 
 antimoinee, 1703 
 aromatique, 1704 
 blanc, 1697 
 camphre, 388 
 chalybe, 1705, 1706 
 de bulbe de colcbique, 1704 
 de Grenache, 1699 
 d’ ipecacuanha, 1706 
 de liqueur, 1698 
 de Lunel, 1699 
 d’Oporto, 1708 
 
 de quinquina ferrugiueux, 1705 
 de seigle ergote, 1705 
 de semences de colchique, 1704 
 de Xeres, 1699 
 emetique, 1703 
 ferrugineux, 1706 
 stibie, 1703 
 Vina medicata, 1697 
 Vinagre, 12 
 Vinaigre, 12 
 anglais, 20 
 antiseptique, 14 
 aromatique, 14 
 blanc, 13 
 cantharide, 15 
 de bois, 18 
 de plorub, 973 
 desaturne, 973 
 d’ipecacuanha, 15 
 des quatre voleurs, 14 
 distille, 13 
 framboise, 1569 
 glacial, 19 
 opium, 15 
 scille, 16 
 
 Vincetoxicum officinale, 299 
 Vincetoxin, 299 
 Vinegar, 12 
 antiseptic, 14 
 araroba, 475 
 aromatic, 14 
 common, 13 
 distilled, 13 
 of cantharides, 15 
 of ipecacuanha, 15 
 of opium, 15 
 of raspberry, 1569 
 of squill, 16 
 pyroligneous, 18 
 purified, 18 
 wood, 18 
 Vinetine, 337 
 Vinettier, 336 
 Vino bianco, 1697 
 santo, 1699 
 tinto, 1708 
 
 Vins medicinaux, 1697 
 Vinum album, 1697 
 fortius, 1697 
 aloes, 1703 
 aloeticum, 1703 
 antimoniale, 1703 
 antimonii, 1703 
 aromaticum, 1704 
 aurantii, 1704 
 camphoratum, 388 
 chalybeatum, 1705, 1706 
 chin®, 1707 
 ferratum, 1705 
 colchici, 1704 
 radicis, 1704 
 seminis, 1704 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Vinum — 
 condurango, 1697 
 de cinchona, 1707 
 martiatum, 1705 
 de colchico, 1704 
 emeticum, 1703 
 ergot*, 1705 
 ferri, 1705 
 amarum, 1705 
 citratis, 1706 
 
 fraxini american®, 757, 1697 
 generosum album, 1697 
 ipecacuanh*. 1706 
 martiatum, 1705 
 opii, 1707 
 compositum, 1707 
 pepsini, 1205 
 pepticum, 1205 
 picis,1697 
 Portense, 1708 
 quebracho, 303 
 quinin®, 1707 
 rhei, 1707 
 rub rum, 1708 
 stibiatum, 1703 
 tabaci, 1575 
 xerense, xericum, 1699 
 Viola cucullata, 1711 
 odorata, 1711 
 pedata, 1711 
 tricolor, 1710 
 Violette odorante, 1711 
 Violin, 1711 
 Viper’s bugloss, 350 
 Viperine, 350 
 Virginia creeper, 193 
 lungwort, 350 
 snake-root, 1442 
 thyme, 859 
 
 Virginische Ceder, 1392 
 Virginischer Wolfsfuss, 1002 
 Virgin’s bower, 501 
 milk, 1608 
 Viride ®ris, 560 
 Viridine, 692 
 Virola sebifera, 1138 
 tallow, 1138 
 Viscum album, 1712 
 flavescens, 1712 
 quernum, 1712 
 Vitellin, 1714 
 Vitellus ovi, 1713 
 Vitis aestivalis, 1697 
 cordifolia, 1697 
 Labrusca, 1677, 1697 
 hederacea, 193 
 quinquefolia, 193 
 riparia, 1697 
 vinifera, 1677, 1697 
 vulpina, 1697 
 Vitriol blanc, 1729 
 bleu, 561 
 de Chypre, 562 
 de Salzbourg, 562 
 vert, 740 
 Vitriolol, 97 
 Vitriolum album, 1729 
 martis purum, 740 
 Vitrium solubile, 985 
 Vitrum antimonii, 222 
 Viverra Civetta, 1060 
 Zibetha, 1060 
 Vivianite, 738 
 | Vogelbeere, 1491 
 | Vogelleim, 1712 
 Volatile liniment, 939 
 oils, 1089 
 salt, 182 
 
 Volumetric solutions U. S., 1745 
 Vulcanized caoutchouc, 594 
 Vulvaire, 447 
 
 1863 
 
 W ACHHOLDERBEEREN, 906 
 Wachliolderbeeren-Aufguss, 
 907 
 
 Wachholderspiritus, 1505 
 Wachs, 430 
 Wachsbaum, 1064 
 Wachsgagel, 1064 
 Wachssalbe, 432, 1659 
 Wachsschwamm, 1510 
 Wade’s balsam, 1609 
 Waferash, 1321 
 Wafer capsules, 1326 
 Wah oo, 629, 1657 
 Waifa, 1490 
 Wakarimo, 566 
 Wakerobin, 293, 1644 
 Waldfarnwurzel, 301 
 Waldmalve, 168 
 Waldmangold, 448 
 Waldmeister, 763 
 Waldrebe, 501 
 Waldstroh, 763 
 Waldwollol, 1586 
 Walfischthran, 1134 
 Wall cress, 514 
 pellitory, 1198 
 Wallnussrinde, 904 
 Walnut, 905 
 Walonen, 765 
 Walrat, 439 
 Cerat, 435 
 Zucker, 440 
 Walratsalbe, 1662 
 Waltheria glomerata, 1024 
 Warburg’s tincture, 1352 
 Warnera canadensis, 849 
 Warner’s gout cordial, 1653 
 Wars, Warras, 910 
 Wart-cress, 514 
 Waschungen, 998 
 Wash blue, 721 
 Washes, 998 
 Washing soda, 1463 
 Wflsspr 9*^7 
 
 Wasser’ destillirte, 246 
 Wasserandorn, 1002 
 Wasserbenediktenwurzel, 776 
 Wasserblei, 408 
 Wasserdost, 631 
 Wasserfenchel, 1213 
 Wasserglas, 985 
 Wasserhanf, 339 
 Wasserholder, 1695 
 Wasserlilie, 1087 
 Wassernabel, 851 
 Wasserscliierling, 477 
 Wasserstoff hyperoxyd, 261 
 Losung, 261 
 Wasser wegerich, 158 
 Water, 237 
 ammonia, 248, 250 
 stronger, 248, 250 
 anise, 254 
 barley, 578 
 bitter-almond, 253 
 camphor, 255 
 caraway, 255 
 carbolized, 39, 44 
 carbonic acid, 46 
 cherry-laurel, 263 
 chlorine, 256 
 chloroform, 258 
 cinnamon, 259 
 creosote, 259 
 dill, 254 
 distilled, 260 
 elder-flower, 265 
 fennel, 260 
 hamamelis, 261 
 germander, 1589 
 lithia, 970 
 
1864 
 
 Water — 
 
 linden-flower, 1602 
 mineral, 46 
 nitrous oxide, 1083 
 of life, 1503 
 opium, 1175 
 orange-flower, 254, 255 
 double, 254 
 stronger, 254 
 triple, 254 
 oxygenated, 261 
 oxygenous aerated, 1083 
 peppermint, 264 
 pimento, 264 
 phenol, 39 
 raspberry, 1569 
 rose, 265 
 stronger, 265 
 triple, 265 
 sage, 1406 
 sedative, 265 
 soda, 46, 985 
 spearmint, 264 
 strawberry, 1569 
 tar, 264, 1255 
 witchhazel, 261 
 Water-avens, 776 
 Water-cress, 513 
 Water-cup, 1420 
 Water-drop wort, 477 
 Water-flag, 899 
 Water-germander, 1589 
 Water-hemlock, 477 
 five-leaved, 1213 
 spotted, 477 
 Water-korehound, 1002 
 Water-kuotweed, 775 
 Water-lily, 1087 
 sweet-scented, 1087 
 Watermelon, 559 
 Water-parsnip, 477 
 Water- penny wort, 851 
 Water-pepper, 775 
 Water-plantain, 158 
 Water-shamrock, 1035 
 Water-star wort, 377 
 Waters, acidulous saline, 267 
 alkaline, 266 
 chalybeate, 268 
 distilled, 246 
 medicated, 246 
 concentrated, 247 
 mineral, 265, 1192 
 artificial, 269 
 saline, 266 
 sulphuretted, 265 
 Wattle-bark, 427 
 Wattle gum, 7 
 Wau, 403 
 
 Wax, bleaching, 430 
 earth, 431, 1192 
 fossil, 1192 
 mineral, 1192 
 myrtle, 1064 
 paper, 443 
 vegetable, 431 
 white, 430 
 yellow, 430 
 Waxes, 1092 
 Weakfish, 860 
 Weather-glass, 1318 
 Wegerieh, 1256 
 Weidenrinde, 1401 
 Weiderich, 1003 
 Weihnachtswurzel, 808 
 Weihrauch, 1166 
 Weine, 1697 
 Weingeist, 147 
 Weinol, 1103 
 Weinsaure, 110 
 Weinstein, 1280 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Weinsteinsaure, 110 
 Weisse Magnesia, 1006 
 Nieswiirz, 1690 
 * Weisser Andorn, 1020 
 Arsenik, 22 
 Canel, 392 
 Gansefuss, 447 
 Germer, 1690 
 Senf, 1444 
 Sirup, 1553 
 Vitriol, 1729 
 Zimmt, 392 
 
 Weisses Fischbein, 553 
 Weisstanne, 1586 
 Weisswein, 1697 
 Weisswurzel, 535 
 Weizenmehl, 713 
 Weld, 403 
 
 Welter ’sches Bitter, 86 
 Wermuth, 3 
 Western mugwort, 4 
 West Indian kino, 912 
 molasses, 1597 
 Wheat starch, 202 
 Wheaten flour, 713 
 Whey, 917 
 wine, 1697 
 Whiptongue, 763 
 Whiskey, Whisky, 148, 1503 
 White antimony, 221 
 arsenic, 22 
 ash, 756 
 bay, 1011 
 brandy, 1508 
 cedar, 1598 
 contrayerva, 1321 
 dextrin, 205 
 elm, 1657 
 flag, 900 
 galls, 765 
 ginger, 1736 
 hellebore, 1690 
 ipecac, 632 
 lead, 1262 
 ore, 1266 
 lettuce, 1317 
 maidenhair, 128 
 marble, 1019 
 mustard, 1444 
 negro yam, 587 
 oak bark, 1340 
 of egg, 147, 1713 
 pepper, 1248 
 pereira, 1198 
 permanent, 324 
 plantain, 1256 
 poplar, 1012 
 precipitate, 846 
 rosin, 1365 
 sago, 205 
 senega, 1438 
 turpentine, 1585 
 veratrum, 1.690 
 vitriol, 1729 
 wax, 430 
 wine, 1697 
 stronger, 1697 
 varieties, 1699 
 wood, 392, 1012, 1601 
 Whitecap, 1493 
 Whitehall spring, 268 
 Whiting, 552, 1133 
 Wiener Aetzpulver, 1272 
 Trank, 874 
 
 Wiesbaden spring, 268 
 Wiesenknoterich, 775 
 Wiesenkresse, 513 
 Wiesensafran, 516 
 Wigandia californica, 623 
 Wigger’s ergotin, 617 
 Wild allspice, 932 
 
 I Wild- 
 
 basil, 859, 1046 
 bergamot, 1046 
 chamomile, 546 
 cherry bark, 1319 
 cinnamon, 392, 1137 
 clove, 1137 
 cotton, 298 
 cucumber, 592 
 ginger, 297 
 hipp, 632 
 indigo, 322 
 ipecac, 632 
 jalap, 903 
 
 liquorice, 1, 275, 763 
 madder, 763 
 marjoram, 1183 
 nutmeg, 1066 
 pepper-grass, 514 
 potato, 903 
 radish, 1447 
 rosemary, 907 
 sarsaparilla, 275 
 senna, 1440 
 thyme, 859 
 yam, 587 
 Wild bad, 269 
 Wilder Majoran, 1183 
 Senf, 513 
 Wein, 193 
 
 Wildkirschenrinde, 1319 
 Wildkirschenrinden Extrakt, 696 
 Wildkirschenrindensirup, 1566 
 Wildkirschenthee, 872 
 Williamson’s blue, 729 
 Willow-bark, 1401, 1402 
 Willow-herb, purple, 1003 
 Willughbeia edulis, 593 
 Wind-flower, 1323 
 Windsor bean, 713 
 Wine, aloes, 1703 
 antimonial, 1703 
 antimony, 1703 
 aromatic, 1704 
 boldo, 348 
 camphor, 388, 390 
 citrate of iron, 1706 
 colchicum-root, 1704 
 seed, 1704 
 condurango, 1697 
 ergot, 1705 
 ferric citrate, 1706 
 ipecac, 1706 
 iron, 1705 
 bitter, 1705 
 opium, 1707 
 orange, 1704 
 pepsin, 1205 
 port, 1708 
 quinine, 1707 
 rhubarb, 1707 
 sherry, 1699 
 tar, 1697 
 Teneriffe, 1699 
 tobacco, 1575 
 vinegar, 12, 13 
 whey, 1697 
 white, 1700 
 ash, 1697 
 Wines, 1697 
 Bordeaux, 1708 
 Burgundy, 1699 
 medicated, 1697 
 red, 1708 
 Rhenish, 1699 
 white, 1691 
 
 Wintera aromatica, 1714 
 Winterania Canella, 392 
 Winterberry, 1318 
 Winter-cherry, 159 
 Winter-clover, 1045 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 1865 
 
 Winter-cress, 513 
 Wiutergreen, 447, 7(57 
 Wintergreenol, 1123 
 kiinstliches, 1039 
 Winterkresse, 513 
 Winterrose, 808 
 Winter savory, 859 
 Winter’s bark, 393, 1714 
 Zimmt, 1714 
 Wismuth, 343 
 Wismuthammoncitrat, 339, 951 
 Wismuth - Ammonium, citronen- 
 saures, 339 
 Wismuthcitrat, 339 
 Wismuthnitrat, 344 
 basisches, 342 
 Wismuthoxychlorid, 344 
 Wismuthoxyd, 340 
 citronensaures, 339 
 kohlensaures, 341 
 basisches, 341 
 salpetersaures, 342 
 Wismuthpastillen, 1651 
 Wismuthsubcarbonat, 341 
 Wismuthsubnitrat, 342 
 Wismuthtannat, 345 
 Wismuthvalerianat, 345 
 Wistar’s lozenges, 1653 
 Witch-hazel, 804 
 Witliania coagulans, 159 
 Witherite, 323 
 Woad, 865 
 Wohlverleih, 289 
 Extrakt, 650 
 Wolfram, 1511 
 Wolfsbane, 117 
 Wolfsbohne, 998 
 Wolfsfuss, 1002 
 Wolfskirsche, 327 
 Wolfsmilch, 568, 632 
 Wolfstrapp, 933 
 Wolfswurz, 122 
 Wollfett, 126 
 Wollkraut, 1694 
 Wood anemone, 1323 
 apple, 326 
 betony, 934 
 charcoal, 407, 408 
 naphtha, 157 
 oil, 538 
 sage, 1589 
 sorrel, 1185 
 tea, 796 
 vinegar, 18 
 
 Woody-nightshade, 590 
 Wool-fat, hydrous, 126 
 Woorara, 566 
 Worm-grass, 1492 
 Wormwood, 3 
 Wort, 1013 
 
 Wourali, Wourari, 566 
 Wrightia antidysenterica, 167 
 tinctoria, 865' 
 
 Wrightine, 167 
 
 Wundbalsam, Persischer, 1609 
 Wundschwamm, 759 
 Wurmfarnextrakt, 1100 
 Wurmfarnol, 1100 
 Wurmfarnwurzel, 301 
 Wurmkraut, 1578 
 Wurmrinde, 208 
 Wurmsamen, 1412 
 Wurmsamenol, 1118 
 Wurmzucker, 1022 
 Wurrus, 910 
 
 X ANTHIUM canadense, 929 
 spinosum, 929 
 strumarium, 929 
 Xanthopicrit, 336, 1716 
 Xanthopuccine, 849 
 
 I Xanthorkamnin, 1374 
 I Xanthorrkiza, 1715 
 i Xanthostrumarin, 929 
 apiifolia, 1715 
 Xanthoxylin, 1716 
 Xanthoxylum, 1715 
 alatum, 1716 
 americanum, 1715 
 caribseum, 1716 
 clava Herculis, 336, 1715 
 elegans, 1230 
 floridanum, 1716 
 fraxineum, 1715 
 piperitum, 1716 
 Pterota, 1716 
 I Xeres wines, 1699 
 Xylene, 332, 1255, 1717 
 Xylenum, 1716 
 Xyloidin, 203, 1338 
 Xylol, 1717 
 
 VT AGH, 1532 
 I Yaguarundi, 1230 
 Yam spec., 587 
 Yantonica, 1412 
 Yarrow, 16 
 Yaupon, Youpon, 862 
 Yeast, 436 
 artificial, 437 
 dry, 437 
 patent, 437 
 poultice, 423 
 Vienna, 437 
 Yeble, 1407 
 Yelk of egg, 1714 
 Yellow bedstraw, 763 
 cinchona, 479 
 dock, 1388 
 guaiac, 797 
 jasmine, 769 
 litharge, 1265 
 mustard, 1444 
 orpiment, 293 
 pareira, 1197 
 parilla, 1032 
 pond-lily, 1088 
 poplar, 1012 
 puccoon, 849 
 root, 849, 1715 
 scurvy-grass, 513 
 wash, 998 
 
 Yerba buena, 859, 1033 
 piperita, 1032 
 de Santa Maria, 1198 
 del cancer, 1003 
 mansa, 1427 
 mate, 862 
 mora, 328 
 
 Yeux d’ecrevisses, 553 
 Yew, 1582 
 Yezgo, 1407 
 
 | Yodhidrato de amoniaco, 188 
 Yoloxochitl, 1012 
 Ysop, 858 
 
 yAHNWEHHOLZ, 1715 
 tA Zahnwebrindenextrakt, 711 
 Zahnwurz, 513 
 Zanaloin, 164 
 Zannahoria, 414 
 Zanzibar aloes, 163 
 Zapfenkorn, 615 
 Zapota borracho, 1047 
 negro, 588 
 prieto, 588 ♦ 
 
 Zarzamora, 1386, 1388 
 Zarzaparille, 1421 
 Zauberhasel, 804 
 Zaun rube, 353 
 Zaunriibentinktur, 1609 
 Zea, 1717 
 
 Zea Mays, 201, 1394, 1717 
 Zedoaire, 1719 
 Zedoaria, Zedoary, 1719 
 Zedrachrinde, 316 
 Zeitlosen-Extrakt, 662 
 Zeitlosenknollen, 516 
 Extrakt, 663 
 Zeitlosensamen, 516 
 Extrakt, 663 
 Zeitlosentinktur, 1616 
 Zeitlosenwein, 1704 
 Zeltchen, 1649 
 Zengibre, 1735 
 Zeniglo, 447 
 Zerechtit, 5 
 Zerumbet-root, 1737 
 Zestes de citron, 937 
 de limon, 937 
 d’ orange amere, 310 
 douces, 312 
 Zeylonzimmt, 498 
 Zibeben, 1677 
 Zibeth, Zibethum, 1060 
 Zietrisikite, 1193 
 Zimmt, 498 
 gemeiner, 498 
 kassie, 498 
 wasser, 259 
 weisser, 392 
 Zimmtol, 1118 
 Zimmtspiritus, 1503 
 Zimmttinktur, 1615 
 Zimmtwasser, 259 
 Zinc, 1733 
 acetate, 1719 
 
 and mercury double cyanide, 
 832 
 
 bromide, 1721 
 
 carbonate, precipitated, 1721 
 chloride, 1722 
 pencils, 1723 
 cyanide, 1734 
 ferrocyanide, 1734 
 iodide, 1725 
 lactate, 1734 
 oleate, 1099 
 oxide, 1726 
 phosphide, 1728 
 phosphuret, 1728 
 salicylate, 1734 
 sulphate, 1729 
 sulphocarbolate, 1486, 1734 
 valerianate, 1732 
 Zinci acetas, 1719 
 bromidum, 1721 
 carbonas, 1721 
 prsecipitata, 1721 
 chloridum, 1722 
 cyanidum, 1734 
 et potassii cyanidum, 1734 
 ferrocyanidum, 1734 
 iodidum, 1725 
 lactas, 1734 
 oxidum, 1726 
 venale, 1726 
 phosphidum, 1728 
 salicylas, 1734 
 sulphas, 1729 
 sulphocarbolas, 1734 
 valerian as, 1732 
 Zincum, 1733 
 aceticum, 1719 
 bromatum, 1721 
 carbonicum, 1721 
 chloratum, 1722 
 ferrocyanatum, 1734 
 granulatum, 1734 
 lacticum, 1734 
 oleicum, 1099 
 oxydatum, 1726 
 crudum, 1726 
 
1866 
 
 Zincum — 
 
 sulfocarbolicum, 1734 
 sulfoplienylicum, 1734 
 sulfuricum, 1729 
 valerianicum, 1732 
 Zinc-white, 1726 
 Zingiber, 1735 
 Cassumunar, 1737 
 officinale, 1735 
 Zerumbet, 1737 
 Zingiberin, 1103 
 Zink, 1733 
 Zinkacetat, 1719 
 Zinkbromid, 1721 
 Zinkcarbonat, 1721 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Zinkchlorid, 1722 
 Zinkjodid, 1725 
 Zinkoleat, 1099 
 Zinkoxyd, 1726 
 baldriansaures, 1732 
 essigsaures, 1719 
 kohlensaures, 1721 
 schwefelsaures, 1729 
 Zinksalbe, 1672 
 Zinksulfat, 1729 
 Zinkvalerianat, 1732 
 Zinn, 1511 
 Zinnober, 839 
 Zittmann’s decoction, 579 
 Zittwersamen, 1412 
 
 Zittwerwurzel, 1719 
 Ziziphora pulegioides, 806 
 Zizyphus Jujuba, 906 
 lotus, 905 
 vulgaris, 905 
 Zucker, 1394 
 Zuckerplatzchen, 1650 
 Zuckerrose, 1385 
 Zugpflaster, 602 
 Zugsalbe, 436 
 Zumaque, 1380, 1382 
 Zunder, 759 
 Zwetsche, 1319 
 Zwiebel, 160 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS 
 
 A bortion, cantbaris, 400 
 
 opium, 1181 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 viburnum, 1696 
 Abrasion, alcohol, 155 
 arnica, 291 
 cerat. cetacei, 435 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 creta prseparata, 554 
 crocus, 556 
 cucumis, 559 
 cynoglossum, 350 
 emplast. ichthyocollae, (503 
 emplast. plumbi, 607 
 emplast. saponis, 608 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 ichthyocolla, 860 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 sevum, 1444 
 tinct. arnicae flor., 1606 
 ung. aquae rosae, 1661 
 ung. plumbi acet., 1670 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 vitellus ovi, 1714 
 zinci carb. praecip., 1722 
 Abscess, acetum, 14 
 alcohol, 155 
 allium, 160 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 anthemis, 216 
 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 aqua, 243 
 
 aq. bydrogenii diox., 263 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 cantbaris, 400 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 cataplasma lini, 424 
 cyclamen, 572 
 ficus, 752 
 
 foenum graecum, 754 
 glycerina, 782 
 humulus, 819 
 iodoform., 881, 884 
 iodum, 892 
 lac, 921 
 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 moxa, 1061 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 parietaria, 1198 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 quininae sulphas, 1360 
 saururus, 1427 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 zinci chloridum, 1721 
 Mammary, ergota*, 621 
 iodum, 892 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 Acidity. V. Dyspepsia. 
 
 Acne, acid, carbolic., 42 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 
 Acne — 
 
 cupri sulphas, 564 
 hydrarg. cblor. corros., 824 
 iodum, 891 
 
 liquor hydrargyri nitratis,969 
 liquor potassae, 978 
 liquor potassii arsenitis, 980 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 sapo, 1418 
 sulphur, 1542 
 ung. sulphur, iod., 1672 
 After-pains, aether, 135 
 antipyrinum, 232 
 aqua camphorae, 255 
 opium, 1181 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 
 Albuminuria, acid, arsenios., 30 
 acid, benzoic., 33 
 acid, gallic., 56 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 anilina, 214 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aquae mineral es, 273 
 Blatta orientalis, 402 
 ferrum, 747 
 lac, 919 
 
 liq. ferri et ammoniae acet., 
 963 
 
 mistura ferri comp., 1043 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 pilocarpus, 1231 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 strontium, 1520 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1619 
 Alcoholic intoxication, am- 
 monii carbonas, 184 
 apomorphina, 236 
 caffea, 364, 365 
 saccliarum, 1397 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 strychnina, 1530 
 Alcoholism, zinci oxid., 1727 
 Alopecia, acid, gallic., 56 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 cantbaris, 400 
 cupri sulphas, 564 
 nymphaea, 1088 
 ol. ricini, 1147 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 sulphur, 1542 
 tr. cantharidis, 1611 
 ung. cantharidis, 1662 
 Amaurosis, amyl nitris, 199 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 ergota, 622 
 phosphorus, 1220 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 strychnina, 1530 
 Amenokrhcea, absinth, vulg., 5 
 acliillea, 17 
 acid, arsenios., 30 
 
 Amenorrihea — 
 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 aconitum, 121 
 aletris, 150 
 aloes, 165 
 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 aquae minerales, 272 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 bidens, 339 
 calendula, 377 
 canella, 393 
 cantharis, 400 
 carlina acaulis, 877 
 carota, 415 
 castoreum, 422 
 cataria, 425 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 colocynthis, 525 
 decoctum aloes compositum 
 576 
 
 enema terehinthinae, 614 
 equisetum, 615 
 ergota, 621 
 
 ferri carbonas saccharatus 
 718 
 
 ferri subcarbonas, 736 
 ferrum, 746 
 fceniculum, 753 
 galbanum, 762 
 gaultheria, 767 
 geum, 776 
 
 gossypii radicis cortex, 790 
 
 gratiola, 794 
 
 guaiaci resin a, 798 
 
 liedeoma, 806 
 
 helleborus, 810 
 
 hypericum, 858 
 
 liyssopus, 859 
 
 inula, 877 
 
 leonurus, 934 
 
 levisticums, 936 
 
 menyanthes, 1036 
 
 myrrha, 1069 
 
 ol. foeniculi, 1123 
 
 ol. hedeomae, 1127 
 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 
 ol. rutae, 1150 
 
 ol. sabinae, 1150 
 
 ol. sesami, 1154 
 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 
 ol. terebinthiua*, 1159 
 
 parthenium, 1199 
 
 petroselinum, 1213 
 
 pil. aloes et ferri, 1239 
 
 pil. aloes et myrrlne, 1241 
 
 pil. ferri carb.‘ 1242 
 
 pil. galbani c., 1244 
 
 potassii permangan., 1312 
 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 
 ricinus, 1146 
 
 rubia, 1387 
 
 1867 
 
1868 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 AMENORRHIEA — 
 ruta, 1389 
 sabina, 1392 
 senega, 1438 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 solidago, 1490 
 sulphur, 1543 
 syr. ferri iodidi, 1560 
 syr. ferri phosphat., 1561 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 taxus, 1582 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 teucrium, 1589 
 thuja, 1599 
 
 tinct. aloes et myrrhge, 1606 
 tinct. guaiaci, 1622 
 tinct. guaiaci amnion., 1622 
 tinct. sabinge, 1636 
 triosteum, 1647 
 urtica, 1677 
 xanthoxylum, 1717 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 Anjemia, acid, arsenos., 29 
 aqua, 241 
 
 aqua hydrogen, diox., 263 
 aquae minerales, 271 
 boldus, 348 
 
 calcii hypophosphis, 373 
 ferri carb. saccharat., 718 
 ferri citras, 722 
 ferrum, 746 
 kephir, 923 
 koumys, 922 
 massa ferri carb., 1022 
 mistura ferri arornat., 1043 
 mistura ferri comp., 1043 
 niccoli sulph., 1080 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 pil. ferri carb., 1243 
 pil. ferri iodidi, 1243 
 sanguis, 1410 
 sodii hypophosphis, 1470 
 syr. ferri iodidi, 1560 
 vin. album, 1702 
 yin. ferri, 1705 
 vin. ferri amarum, 1706 
 Anaphrodisia, phosphorus, 1220 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 Aneurism, antipyrina, 231 
 barii chlorid., 325 
 ergota, 622 
 ferrum, 749 
 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 ol. terebinthinge, 1158 
 plumbi acetas. 1261 
 potassii iodidum, 1305 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 
 Varicose, ferri chlorid., 721 
 Angina pectoris, acid, hydro- 
 cyan. dil., 67 
 gethyl brornid., 142 
 allyl tribromid., 160 
 amyl nitris, 197 
 antipyrina, 231 
 aq. hydrogenii dioxid., 263. 
 cactus, 357 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocainge hydrochlor., 510 
 morph ina, 1055 
 opium, 1179 
 phosphorus, 1210 
 potassii brornid., 1306 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 pyridine, 1110 
 sodii nitris, 1476 
 strophanthus, 1524 
 urethane, 1675 
 
 Pseudomemb., aqua chlori, 258 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 
 Angina pseudomemb. — 
 capsicum, 405 
 cubeba, 558 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 V. Diphtheria. 
 
 Anus, fissured, acid, tannic., 
 110 
 
 belladonna, 329 
 bismuth i subnitras, 346 
 cocaina, 507 
 copaiba, 540 
 glycerina, 781 
 hydrastis, 850 
 iodoformum, 882 
 krameria, 913 
 monesia, 1047 
 stramonium, 1518 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. catechu c., 1613 
 ung. stramonii, 1671 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 Prolapsus of, acid, tannic., 
 110 
 
 alumen, 172 
 geranium, 775 
 
 Spasm of, atropinge sulph., 308 
 belladonna, 329 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 elastica, 594 
 ung. gallge, 1663 
 Aphonia, alumen, 172 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 iodum, 891 
 
 quininge sulphas, 1357 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 zingiber, 1737 
 Aphthae, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, tannicum, 110 
 arum, 294 
 baptisia, 322 
 bolus, 340 
 coptis, 541 
 cupri acetas, 561 
 ferri salicylas, 740 
 geranium, 775 
 glycerit. boratis, 781 
 heuchera, 812 
 infus. rosge acid., 873 
 liatris, 937 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 magnesia, 1006 
 mel, 1028 
 mel boracis, 1029 
 mel rosge, 1030 
 potassii chloras, 1292 
 rhus glabrum, 1381 
 rosa gallica, 1386 
 saccharum, 1397 
 salvia, 1406 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 tinct. myrrhge, 1629 
 trochisci potassii chlorat., 
 1655 
 
 viola, 1712 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Apncea, aqua, 245 
 Apoplexy, aq. ammonige, 252 
 cantliaris, 400 
 colocynthis, 525 
 ergota, 621 
 hirudo, 816 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 Nervous, asafcetida, 297 
 Arthritis, acid, arsenos., 29 
 antipyrina, 231 
 hydrarg. chlorid. corros., 825 
 iodoformum, 881 
 
 Arthritis— 
 iodum, 891 
 moxa, 1061 
 ol. morrhuge, 1135 
 
 Ascarides, acetum, 14 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 gether, 134 
 allium, 160 
 aloe, 165 
 apocynum, 234 
 aquge minerales, 272 
 argenti nitras, 285 
 camphora, 390 
 enema aloes, 613 
 enema terebinthinge, 614 
 fel bovis, 716 
 glycerinum, 781 
 gratiola, 794 
 hydrargyrum, 844, 845 
 kamala, 910 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 ol. olivge, 1141 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 quassia, 1340 
 ruta, 1390 
 saccharum, 1397 
 santonica, 1413 
 santoninum, 1415 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 tabacum, 1577 
 trochisci santonini, 1655 
 V. Worms. 
 
 Ascites. V. Dropsy. 
 
 Asphyxia, aqua, 245, 246 
 aqua ammonige, 252 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 
 Asthma, acid, arsenos., 29 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 actgea, 123 
 gether, 134 
 gethyl iodid., 143 
 allyl tribromid., 160 
 ammoniacum, 180 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 argenti iodid., 278 
 aspidosperma, 304 
 belladonna, 330 
 caftea, 364 
 catalpa, 423 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 charta potass, nitrat., 444 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocainge hydrochlor., 510 
 conium, 533 
 crocus, 556 
 dracontium, 589 
 erythrophlceum, 625 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 grindelia, 795 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 imperatoria, 865 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 laburnum, 915 
 liq. potassii arsenitis, 980 
 lobelia, 996 
 menthol, 1035 
 morphina, 1055 
 oenothera, 1088 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 opium, 1179 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 pilocarpus, 1231 
 potassii brornid., 1286 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 pyridine, 1109, 1110 
 quininge sulphas, 1357 
 sangu inaria, 1409 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1869 
 
 Asthma — 
 
 sodii arsenas., 1452 
 sodii nitras, 1402 
 solanine, 591 
 staphysagria, 1513 
 stramonium, 1518 
 strophanthus, 1524 
 stryehnina, 1530 
 tabacum, 1577 
 tinct. lobelise, 1627 
 tinct. lobelise set her., 1628 
 tinct. stramonii, 1638 
 trochisci ipecac., 1653 
 viscum, 1713 
 zinci oxidum, 1727 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Ataxia, febrile, alcohol, 154 
 moschus, 1060 
 
 Locomotor, antipyrinum, 231 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 cannabis, 396 
 carbonei bisulpliid., 410 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 Atrophy, muscular, cantharis, 
 401 
 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 B ALANITIS, argenti nitras, 
 284 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 Bed-sores, collodium flexile, 522 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 emplast. plumbi, 607 
 emplast. saponis, 608 
 hypericum, 858 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 tinct. aloes, 1605 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. benzoini c., 1609 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 Biliary calculi, aether, 131 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aquse minerales, 273 
 atropinse sulph., 308 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 Colic, aether, 134 
 aqua, 245 
 
 chloroformum, 469 
 morphina, 1055 
 Disorder, anthemis, 216 
 manna, 1019 
 
 Bites of insects, acid, nitric., 76 
 albumen ovi, 147 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 aqua, 244 
 
 aqua ammonise, 252 
 euphorbia prostata, 633 
 ol. olivae, 1141 
 
 Of rabid animals, iodum, 893 
 Of serpents, acid, nitric., 76 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 aq. ammonise, 252 
 ammonii chlor., 187 
 aralia spinosa, 275 
 euphorbia prostata, 633 
 iodum, 892 
 oleum olivse, 1141 
 Bladder, calculus in, enema 
 terebinthinse, 614 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 Catarrh of, acid, tannic., 109 
 ammoniacum, 180 
 argenti nitras, 284, 285 
 argenti oxid., 286 
 betol, 1075 
 betula, 338 
 
 Bladder, catarrh of — 
 buchu, 356 
 cantharis, 399 
 Collinsonia, 520 
 copaiba, 540 
 creolinum, 551 
 cubeba, 558 
 
 enema terebinthinse, 614 
 fabiana, 712 
 galbanum, 762 
 glechoma, 778 
 grindelia, 795 
 hypericum, 858 
 inula, 877 
 iodum, 891 
 jacaranda, 901 
 juniperus, 907 
 liquidambar, 947 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 matico, 1025 
 myrtus, 1070 
 naphthalol, 1075 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 pareira, 1198 
 piper methysticum, 1025 
 pix liquidse, 1256 
 quininse sulphas, 1360 
 salol, 1404 
 
 sorghum, 1648 f 
 
 styracol, 800 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 veronica, 1695 
 Debility of, cantharis, 399 
 colocynthis, 525 
 ergota, 621 
 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159 
 stryehnina, 1530 
 Diseases of, betula, 338 
 buchu, 356 
 opium, 1181 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Inflammation of, amylum, 
 206 
 
 aqua, 246 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 chondrus, 473 
 copaiba, 540 
 cubeba, 558 
 glycyrrliiza, 787 
 infus. lini, 871 
 linum, 946 
 mucil. ulmi, 1063 
 syr. amygdalse, 1556 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 triticum, 1648 
 verbascum, 1695 
 veronica, 1695 
 Irritable, aqua, 246 
 belladonnse suppositor., 653 
 cetaceum, 440 
 chondrus, 473 
 cocaina, 508 
 copaiba, 540 
 cubeba, 558 
 cucumis, 559 
 humulus, 819 
 lini farini, 946 
 lupulina, 1000 
 manna, 1019 
 potassii bromidum, 1287 
 sorghum, 1648 
 suppositor. belladonnse, 603 
 syr. amygdalse, 1556 
 Paralysis of, cantharis, 399 
 colocynthis, 525 
 ergota, 621 
 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159 
 
 Bladder, paralysis of — 
 rubus, 1387 
 stryehnina, 1529 
 Spasm of, atropinse sulph., 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocaina, 509 
 
 ext. belladonn. fol. alcohol, 
 653 
 
 suppos. morphinse, 1550 
 Blepharitis, argenti nitras, 283 
 iodoform, 882 
 iodum, 892 
 
 ung. hydrarg. amnion., 1665 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. flaw, 1667 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. rub., 1668 
 Blepharospasm, amyl nitris, 198 
 Blisters, to heal, ceratum ceta- 
 cei, 435 
 
 cerat. plumbi subacetat., 436 
 cerat. resinse, 436 
 cerat. sabinse, 436 
 elemi, 597 
 gossypium pur., 791 
 grindelia, 795 
 sambucus, 1407 
 ung. cetacei, 1662 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 zinci carb. precip., 1722 
 To produce, acid, acetic., 22 
 argenti nitras fus., 283 
 cantharis, 402 
 mezereum, 1040 
 
 Blood-stains, guaiaci resina, 798 
 Boils, acid, boricum, 36 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 aluminium acetate, 177 
 aqua, 242 
 arnica, 291 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 camphor (carbolized), 390 
 cantharis, 400 
 cataplasma lini, 424 
 ficus, 752 
 glycerinum, 781 
 glycerit. amyli, 784 
 iodoform., 892 
 liq. potassse, 978 
 mel, 1028 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 resorcinum, 1373 
 sapo, 1418, 1419 
 
 Bones, fish, in throat, acid, hy- 
 drochlor. dil., 63 
 Softening of, acid, phosphor., 
 86 
 
 calcii phosphas prsecip., 371 
 Brain, congestion of, acid, hy- 
 drobrom. dil., 59 
 aqua, 241 
 asafoetida, 297 
 cantharis, 400 
 elaterium, 595 
 
 enema magnesise sulphatis, 
 613 
 
 gelsemium, 771 
 hirudo, 816 
 pil. scammonii c., 1246 
 sinapis nigra, 1448 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 tr. cantharidis, 1611 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 Dropsy of, cantharis, 400 
 hydrargyri chlorid. mite, 829 
 potassii iodidum, 1306 
 Irritation of, acid, hydro- 
 brom., 59 
 
 potassii bromidum, 1285 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 
1870 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Brain, Tumor of, potassii iodid., [ 
 1306 
 
 Breath, fetid, aq. hydrogen, 
 diox., 263 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 catechu, 428 
 creolinum, 551 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 Bright’s disease, acid, benzoic., 
 33 
 
 acid, gallic., 56 
 anilina, 213 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 Bromide eruption, acid, salicy- 
 lic., 98 
 
 Bromism, strychnina, 1529 
 Bromidrosis, oleatum hydrar- 
 gyri, 1099 
 
 Bronchitis, acetat. ipecac., 15 
 acetonum, 12 
 aceturn lobeliae, 997 
 acid, arsenosum, 29 
 acid, benzoic., 34 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, hydriodic., 57 
 acid, hydrobrom., 59 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 acid, phosphor., 86 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, succinic., 97 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 acid, tartaric., 112 
 adeps benzoinatus, 125 
 adiantum, 128 
 aether, 136 
 aether acetic., 139 
 aethyl iodid., 143 
 agaricinum, 144 
 alcohol methylic., 157 
 allium, 160 
 althaea, 169 
 alumen, 171 
 ammoniacum, 179 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 ammonii chloridum, 186, 187 
 angelica, 210 
 anisum, 215 
 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 apomorphina, 237 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aquae minerales, 273, 274 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 arum, 294 
 asafoetida, 296 
 asclepias, 300 
 
 atherosperma moschata, 348 
 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 
 balsam, tolutan., 322 
 
 benzoinum, 335 
 
 bidens, 339 
 
 bolus, 349 
 
 borago, 350 
 
 bryonia, 354 
 
 calcium sulphide, 376 
 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 
 cantharis, 399 
 
 carthamus, 415 
 
 catalpa, 423 
 
 catechu, 428 
 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 
 cetaceum, 440 
 
 cetraria, 441 
 
 cheken, 1070 
 
 chirata, 452 
 
 chondrus, 473 
 
 Bronchitis — 
 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 cocillana, 899 
 copaiba, 539 
 creosotum, 549 
 cubeba, 558 
 decoctum hordei, 578 
 decoct, quercus, 578 
 digitalis, 586 
 dioscorea, 587 
 dracontium, 589 
 drosera, 589 
 dulcamara, 591 
 emplast. picis cantharid., 605 
 emulsum ammoniac, 611 
 emulsum amygdalae, 611 
 eriodictyon, 623 
 eupatorium, 631 
 euphrasia, 635 
 ext. glycyrrhizae, 676 
 ferri et ammonii sulph., 724 
 ferrum, 747 
 galbanum, 762 
 glechoma, 777 
 glycerina, 782 
 glycyrrliiza, 787 
 gnaphalium, 789 
 grindelia, 795 
 gurjun oil, 541 
 hedeoma, 806 
 liepatica, 811 
 hordeum, 818 
 liydrarg. chlor. corros., 823 
 liydrarg. chlor. mitis, 830 
 hypericum, 858 
 hyssopus, 859 
 iberis, 514 
 ilex opaca, 863 
 illicium, 864 
 inula, 877 
 iodum, 891 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 iris florentina, 901 
 jujuba, 906 
 labdanum, 914 
 lac, 920 
 lappa, 929 
 laricis cortex, 930 
 liniment, ammoniae, 939 
 liniment, crotonis, 941 
 liniment, terebinthinae, 943 
 liniment, terebinthinae acet., 
 944 
 
 linum, 946 
 liquidambar, 947 
 liquor ammonii acetatis, 949 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor potassae, 978 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 magnolia, 1012 
 marrubium, 1020 
 matico, 1025 
 
 mistura ferri aromatica, 1042 
 mistura ferri comp., 1043 
 mistura glycyrrhizae c., 1044 
 monarda, 1047 
 monesia, 1047 
 moxa, 1061 
 mucilago acaciae, 1062 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 myrrha, 1069 
 myrtus, 1070 
 napthalinum, 1072 
 naregamia, 317 
 narcissus, 1076 
 ol. anisi, 1111 
 ol. copaibae, 1120 
 ol. morrhuae, 1136 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. santali, 1151 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 
 I Bronchitis — 
 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 
 ol. theobromae, 1162 
 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 
 olibanum, 1167 
 
 opium, 1179 
 
 opoponax, 1183 
 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 
 oxymel scillae, 1188 
 
 petroleum, 1211 
 
 phellandrium, 1214 
 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 
 pil. ferri carb.^ 1243 
 
 pil. galbani c., 1244 
 
 pil. ipecacuan. c. scilla, 1244 
 
 pil. plumbi c. opio, 1245 
 
 pil. scillae c., 1246 
 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 
 pix liquida, 1255 
 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 
 polygala, 1269 
 
 potassii hvpophosphis, 1301 
 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 
 potassii nitras, 1306 
 
 pulmonaria, 350 
 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 
 quercus, 1341 
 
 quillaja, 1342 
 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 
 ranunculus, 1364 
 
 resina, 1365 
 
 ruta, 1390 
 
 sagapenum, 1183 
 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 
 saponaria, 1420 
 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 
 scilla, 1431 
 
 senega, 1438 
 
 sinapis, 1447 
 
 sodii hypophosphis, 1470 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 solanine, 591 
 strychnina, 1531 
 sulphur, 1543 
 syr. allii, 1555 
 syr. althaeae, 1555 
 syr. ipecacuanhae, 1564 
 syr. scillae, 1570 
 syr. scillae c., 1571 
 syr. senegae, 1571 
 taxus, 1582 
 terebenum, 1584 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 terpini hydras, 1588 
 teucrium, 1589 
 thapsia, 1592 
 tliea, 1595 
 thuja, 1599 
 tilia, 1602 
 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. benzoini c., 1609 
 tinct. laricis, 1626 
 tragacantha, 1643 
 triticum, 1648 
 trochisci acid, tannic., 1650 
 trochisci ammon. chlor., 1651 
 trochisci glycyrr. et opii, 1653 
 trochisci ipecac., 1653 
 trochisci morphinae, 1654 
 trochisci morphinae et ipecac., 
 1654 
 
 tussilago, 1657 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 verbascum, 1695 
 veronica, 1695 
 vin. album, 1702 
 vin. antimonii, 1703 
 vin. ipecacuanhae, 1706 
 viola, 1712 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1871 
 
 Bronchitis, fetid, acid, car- 
 bolic, 42 
 
 aq. hydrarg. diox., 263 
 creosotum, 549 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 823 
 myrtus, 1070 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 Broxchorrhcea, agaricus alb., 
 144 
 
 alumen, 172 
 apomorphina, 236 
 aquae minerales, 273, 274 
 creosotum, 549 
 emulsum ammoniac., 611 
 geum, 776 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 napthaliuum, 1072 
 pil. galbani c., 1244 
 quercus, 1341 
 senega, 1438 
 trochisci ipecac., 1653 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 Bruise. V. Contusion. 
 
 Bubo, calcium sulphide, 385 
 cantharis, 400 
 iodoformum, 881 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 staphisagria, 1513 
 Bunions, liq. potassae, 978 
 Burns, acacia, 8 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, boricum, 36 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 albumen ovi, 147 
 aluminii hydras, 175 
 aqua, 241, 244 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bolus, 349 
 
 calcii carb. praecipit., 370 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 ceratum resinae, 436 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 creosotum, 549 
 cynoglossum, 350 
 elastica, 594 
 farina tritici, 714 
 glyceritum amyli, 784 
 glyceritum vitelli, 786 
 gossypium, 791 
 grindelia, 795 
 iodoformum, 881, 882 
 iodum, 891 
 lappa, 929 
 liniment, calcis, 940 
 liniment, terebinthinae. 943 
 lini farina, 946 
 liquidambar, 947 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 liq. sodae chlorat., 985 
 menthol, 1035 
 mucilago amyli, 1062 
 mucilago tragacanthae, 1063 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 ol. lini, 1130 
 ol. menthae viridis, 1132 
 ol. olivae, 1141 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1160 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 parietaria. 1198 
 passi flora, 1200 
 petroleum, 1214 
 
 Burns — 
 
 piscidia, 1252 
 plumbi carbonas, 1263 
 plumbi oxidum, 1267 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 rhigolene, 1211 
 sambucus, 1407 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 syrupus, 1553 
 terebenum, 1584 
 theriaca, 1598 
 ung. creosoti, 1662 
 ung. plumbi carb., 1670 
 ung. terebinthinae, 1672 
 vitellus, 1714 
 zinci oxid., 1728 
 
 Bursae, enlarged, ammonii 
 chlor., 187 
 
 pALCULOUS DISEASES, acid, 
 hydrochlor. dil., 63 
 alisma, 158 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 enema terebinthinae, 614 
 Fabian a, 712 
 lac, 920 
 lappa, 929 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 lithii benzoas, 989 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 morphina, 1055 
 potassa, 1272 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 V. Gravel. 
 
 Cancer, acid, acet., 22 
 acid, arsenos., 30 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 aethyleni bichlorid., 140 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 aqua, 243 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 arseni iodid., 30 
 aurum, 315 
 belladouna, 329 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bromi chlorid., 352 
 calendula, 377 
 cataplasma carbonas, 423 
 cataplasma conii, 423 
 ceanothus, 429 
 chloral, 458 
 chloroforum, 469 
 condurango, 527 
 conium, 532 
 creosotum, 549 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 ferrum, 748 
 galium, 764 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodol, 886 
 iodolum, 886 
 lac, 919 
 
 lycoperdon, 1000 
 pepsinum, 1207 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 thuja, 1598 
 ung. creosoti, 1662 
 ung. stramonii, 1671 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 Cancroid, potassii chloras, 1294 
 euphorbia heterodoxa, 633 
 Cancrum oris, bism. subnitr., 
 346 
 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Carbuncle, acid, carbolic., 43 
 aether, 134 
 aqua, 242 
 
 Carbuncle — 
 cantharis, 400 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 cyclamen, 572 
 glycerina, 782 
 iodum, 892 
 iodoform, 884 
 juglaus, 905 
 mel, 1028 
 menthol, 1035 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1160 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 resorcin, 1372 
 
 Caries, acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 acid, phosphoric., 87 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 calcii chlorid., 371 
 calcii hypophosph., 373 
 oleum morrhuae, 1135 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 
 Cataract, atropini sulph., 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 cocaina, 506 
 
 Catarrh, bronchial. Y. Bron- 
 chitis. 
 
 Catarrh, gastric, camphor (car- 
 bolized), 390 
 
 Catarrh, gastro-intestinal, 
 alumen, 171. V. Dyspep- 
 sia. 
 
 Local, argenti nitras, 283 
 argenti oxid., 286 
 Nasal, bals. peruvianum, 320 
 bismuthi oxid., 341 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 iodoformum, 883 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 salvia, 1406 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 Summer, opium, 1179 
 quininae sulphas, 1360 
 Uterine, aloe, 165 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 galbanum, 762 
 Vesical, acid, tannic., 109 
 ammoniacum, 180 
 argenti nitras, 285 
 argenti oxid., 286 
 boldus, 348 
 copaiba, 540 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 galbanum, 762 
 glechoma, 778 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 helenium, 807 
 juniperus, 907 
 quininae sulph., 1360 
 V. Bladder. 
 
 Cautery', chloroform, 469 
 collodium flexile, 523 
 
 Cavities, pulmonary, iodum, 
 892 
 
 Cephalhematoma, collodium 
 flexile, 522 
 
 I Cerumen, hardened, aqua, 246 
 glycerinum, 781 
 vitellus, 1714 
 
 Chancres, acid, salicylic., 95 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 iodoformum, 882, 884 
 liq. antimonii chlor., 950 
 lotio hydrargyri flava, 998 
 lotio hydrargyri nigra, 998 
 potassa, 1272 
 resorcinum, 1373 
 vin. aromaticum, 1704 
 
 Chilblains, acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 
1872 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Chilblains — 
 alumen, 172 
 aqua, 241 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 balsam, peruviau., 320 
 cerat. cetacei, 435 
 copaiba, 540 
 creosotum, 549 
 iodum, 891 
 
 liniment, saponis, 942 
 liniment, terebinth inse, 944 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 olibanum, 1167 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 petroleum, 1211 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. cantharidis, 1611 
 tinct. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 ung. creosoti, 1662 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 verbascum, 1695 
 
 Chloasma, acid, salicylic., 95 
 hydrarg. chlorid. corros., 824 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sulphur, 1542 
 
 Chlorosis, acid, arsenos., 29 
 aqua, 241, 245 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 calcii hypophosph., 373 
 ferri citras, 722 
 ferri et ammonii citras, 723 
 ferri oxid. hydratum, 736 
 ferri subcarbonas, 736 
 ferri subcarb. saccharat., 736 
 ferri valerianas, 744 
 ferrum, 746 
 
 ferrum dialysatum, 961 
 
 kephir, 923 
 
 koumys, 922 
 
 massa ferri carb., 1022 
 
 oleum thymi, 1162 
 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 
 pil. ferri carb., 1242 
 
 sabina, 1392 
 
 sanguis, 1410 
 
 syr. ferri phosphatis, 1561 
 
 teucrium, 1589 
 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 
 Cholera, acetum, 14 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 aether, 131, 136 
 aq. ammonise, 252 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 calcii carb. praecip., 370 
 colchicum, 519 
 creosotum, 548 
 creta praeparata, 554 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 lac, 920 
 
 mistura cretae, 1042 
 morphina, 1055 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 opium, 1180 
 physostigma, 1223 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 strychnina, 1531 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 Cholera infantum, aqua, 245 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 copper arsenite, 564 
 coto, 1079 
 
 creta praeparata, 554 
 geranium, 775 
 hydrargyrum c. creta, 848 
 
 Cholera infantum — 
 maltum, 1014 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 mentha viridis 1035 
 monarda, 1046 
 moschus, 1060 
 oleum sesami, 1154 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 opium, 1180 
 rubus, 1387 
 salep, 1399 
 sesamum, 1154 
 sodium salicylas, 1482 
 Cholera morbus, acid, sulph. 
 
 102 
 
 calumba, 379 
 coca, 504 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 opium, 1180 
 pil. opii, 1244 
 sinapis, 1448 
 zingiber, 1737 
 Chordee, amyl nitris, 199 
 caffea, 367 
 camphora, 390 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 509 
 iodoformum, 881 
 opium, 1181 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 Chorea, acid, arsenos., 29 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 aether, 135 
 alisma, 158 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 anilina, 213 
 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 221 
 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 
 aqua, 242 
 
 apomorphina, 236 
 
 argenti iodid., 278 
 
 asafcetida, 297 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 
 cannabis, 395 
 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 
 chloral, 457 
 
 chloroform, 469 
 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 
 conium, 533 
 
 cuprum ammoniatum, 564 
 cypripedium, 574 
 dracontium, 589 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 ferri carb. saccharat., 718 
 ferrum, 747 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 methylacetanilid, 11 
 moschus, 1061 
 narcissus, 1076 
 ol. animale sethereum, 1109 
 ol. chenopodii, 1118 
 ol. valerianse, 1166 
 opium, 1179 
 pseonia, 1188 
 physostigma, 1223 
 picrotoxinum, 1228 
 piscidia, 1252 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 strychnina, 1530 
 trimethylamina, 1646 
 urethanum, 1675 
 viscum, 1713 
 zinci cyanidum, 1735 
 zinci oxid., 1727 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 Choroiditis, santoninum, 1416 
 Chyluria, acid, benzoic., 34 
 Circumcision, cocaina, 509 
 
 Clots in the heart, aqua am 
 mon., 252 
 Colic, achillea, 17 
 sether, 134, 135 
 aether aceticus, 139 
 agave, 145 
 anethi fructus, 209 
 anisum, 215 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua, 245, 246 
 aqua anethi, 254 
 aqua anisi, 254 
 aqua camphorse, 255 
 aqua chloroformi, 259 
 aqua cinnamomi, 259 
 aqua fceniculi, 261 
 aqua menthse piper., 264 
 aqua menthse virid., 264 
 aqua pimentse, 264 
 arum, 294 
 asarum, 300 
 asclepias, 299 
 aurantii cortex, 312 
 benzonium odorif., 932 
 calamus, 368 
 cardamomum, 413 
 carum, 416 
 caryophyllus, 417 
 cataplasma sinapis, 424 
 catariaj 425 
 chlorodyne, 471 
 chloroformum, 469 
 Collinsonia, 520 
 Compton i a, 526 
 cotula, 546 
 crocus, 556 
 
 emulsum chloroformi, 612 
 
 erythrophlceum, 625 
 
 fceniculum, 753 
 
 hedeoma, 806 
 
 humulus, 819 
 
 illicium, 864 
 
 imperatoria, 865 
 
 infus. aurantii, 868 
 
 infus. caryophylli, 868 
 
 infus. catechu, 869 
 
 liatris, 737 
 
 magnesia, 1006 
 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 
 mistura rhei et sodse, 1045 
 
 morphina, 1055 
 
 moschus, 1061 
 
 ol. anethi, 1108 
 
 ol. anisi, 1111 
 
 ol. anthemidis, 1111 
 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 
 ol. cari, 1116 
 
 ol. coriar.dri, 1121 
 
 ol. fceniculi, 1123 
 
 ol. hedeomse, 1127 
 
 ol. menthse piper., 1132 
 
 ol. menthse viridis, 1132 
 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 
 ol. rutse, 1150 
 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1153 
 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 
 opium, 1180 
 
 origanum, 1184 
 
 persica, 1207 
 
 piper, 1249 
 
 pulv. aromaticus, 1328 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 solidago, 1490 
 spirit, sether. comp., 1495 
 spirit, ammon. fcetid., 1501 
 spirit, anisi, 1501 
 spirit, cajuputi, 1502 
 spirit, chloroform., 1503 
 spirit, cinnamomi, 1503 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1873 
 
 Colic— 
 
 spirit, mentlife piper., 1500 
 spirit, menthge viridis, 1506 
 syr. zingiberis, 1573 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 tinct. chloroformi c., 1614 
 tinct. lavandulge c., 16*27 
 tinct. opii amnion iata, 1631 
 tinct. opii camphorata, 1632 
 tinct. zingiberis. 1642 
 trochisci menthge pip., 1654 
 trocbisci zingiberis, 1656 
 valeriana, 1682 
 viscum, 1713 
 wintera, 1715 
 zingiber, 1737 
 Biliary, aether, 135 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua, 245 
 
 chloroformum, 469 
 emulsum chloroformi, 612 
 opium, 1180 
 sodium salicylas, 1482 
 tinct. chloroformi c., 1614 
 Lead, acetum, 14 
 acid, sulphuric., 103 
 alumen, 171 
 aqua, 242 
 belladonna, 330 
 magnesii sulphas, 1011 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 opium, 1180 
 tabacum, 1576 
 Nephritic, aether, 135 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua, 245 
 
 chloroformum, 469 
 opium, 1180 
 persica, 1207 
 santoninum, 1416 
 V. Gravel. 
 
 Painter’s, chloroform., 469 
 Collapse, alcohol, 154 
 belladonna, 331 
 ether, 136 
 Coma, aqua, 241 
 colocynthis, 525 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 Condylomata, acid, chloracetic., 
 22 
 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, nitric, dil ., 76 
 creosotum, 549 
 cupri subacetas, 561 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 822, 
 824 
 
 hydrarg. ox. rub., 838 
 liq. antimon. chlor., 950 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1099 
 ol. sabinae, 1150 
 plumbi oxidum, 1267 
 sabina, 1393 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 Congestion, aqua, 243, 245 
 aqua ammoniae, 251 
 cataplasma sinapis, 424 
 elaterinum, 595 
 hamamelis, 805 
 hirudo, 816 
 sinapis, 1448 
 tinct. cantharidis, 1611 
 Conjunctivitis, acid, boricum, 
 35 
 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 albumen ovi, 147 
 argent! nitras, 283 
 118 
 
 | Conjunctivitis— 
 
 cadmii sulphas, 358 
 crocus, 556 
 cupri acetas, 561 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 ergota, 622 
 ferrum, 748 
 glyceritum amyli, 784 
 hydrastis, 850 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 iodum, 892 
 
 mucilago cydonii, 1063 
 mucilago sassafras medull., 
 1063 
 
 myrtus, 1071 
 opium, 1181 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 quininae sulph., 1360 
 sarcocolla, 1420 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 sneezewort, 17 
 thea, 1595 
 vin. opii., 1707 
 vitellus ovi, 1714 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Constipation, aloe, 165 
 alumen, 171 
 aqua, 242, 245 
 aqua minerales, 271 
 asafoetida, 296 
 avenge farina, 316 
 belladonna, 330 
 beige fructus, 327 
 berberis, 337 
 caffea, 363 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 cassia fistula, 419 
 cetraria, 441 
 colocynthis, 525 
 colutea, 526 
 
 confectio scammonii, 529 
 confectio sennee, 530 
 confectio sulphuris, 530 
 cucumis myriocarpus, 526 
 curcas, 568 
 
 enema asafcetidge, 613 
 enema magnesige sulphatis, 
 613 
 
 ergota, 621 
 euonymus, 630 
 extract, colocynthidis comp., 
 665 
 
 fel bovis, 716 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 frangula, 756 
 glycerinum, 781 
 hydrastis, 850 
 infus. senuge c., 873 
 iris, 901 
 jalapa, 904 
 leptandra, 935 
 liquor magnesii citratis, 972 
 magnesii sulphas, 1010 
 manna, 1019 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 pil. aloes, 1239 
 pil. aloes et asafcetidge, 1239 
 pil. aloes et ferri, 1239 
 pil. aloes et mastiches, 1240 
 pil. catharticge comp., 1241 
 pil. rhei, 1245 
 pil. rhei c., 1246 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 podophyllum, 1268 
 potassii et ammon. tart., 1317 
 potassii et sod. tart., 1299 
 potassii et sod. boro-tart., 1317 
 potassii sulphas, 1314 
 potassii tartras, 1316, 1317 
 
 Constipation — 
 prunum, 1319 
 psyllium, 1257 
 pulv. efterves. comp., 1329 
 pulv. glycyrrliizge c., 1330 
 rhamnus purshiana, 1375 
 resina jalapge, 1368 
 resina podophylli, 1369 
 resina scammonii, 1370 
 sapo, 1418 
 scammonium, 1429 
 senna, 1442 
 sinapis, 1447 
 sodii sulphas, 1484 
 sodii sulphomethylas, 1488 
 sodii sulphovinas, 1488 
 strychnina, 1530 
 suppositor. asafcetidge, 1548 
 syr. rhamni, 1567 
 syr. rhei, 1567 
 syr. rhei aromat., 1568 
 syr. sennge, 1572 
 tamarindus, 1578 
 taraxacum, 1581 
 tinct. aloes et myrrhge, 1606 
 vin. aloes, 1703 
 vin. rhei, 1708 
 
 Contusions, acetum, 14 
 alcohol, 155 
 albumen ovi, 147 
 alisma, 158 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 172 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 aqua, 242, 245, 246 
 aqua sedativa, 265 
 arnica, 291 
 benzoinum, 335 
 cactus, 357 
 calendula, 377 
 cerevisige fermentum, 437 
 convallaria, 535 
 cotyledon, 546 
 crocus, 556 
 cynoglossum, 350 
 humulus, 819 
 hypericum, 858 
 hyssopus, 859 
 liniment, aconiti, 939 
 liniment, belladonnge, 939 
 liniment, campliorge, 940 
 liniment, camphorge c., 940 
 liniment, saponis, 942 
 liq. ammonii acct., 949 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 ol. olivge, 1140 
 ol. palmge, 1142 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 origanum, 1184 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 sanicula, 1411 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 spirit, camphorge, 1502 
 spirit, tenuior, 1508 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 tr. arnicge flor. , 1606 
 verbascum, 1695 
 
 Convulsion, tonic, chloral, 457 
 physostigma, 1223 
 
 j Convulsions, getber, 135, 136 
 alcohol, 155 
 allyl tribromid.. 160 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antimon. et potass, tart.. 221 
 apomorphina, 236 
 aqua, 242, 245 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 cantharis, 401 
 
1874 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Convulsions — 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroformum, 469, 470 
 conium, 533 
 morphina, 1055 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 opium, 1179 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 pilocarpus, 1231 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 sinapis, 1448 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 vin. album, 1702 
 Infantile, apomorphina, 236 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroform, 469 
 conium, 533 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 viola, 1712 
 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 Cornea, opacity of, argemone, 
 277 
 
 hydrarg. oxid. rubr., 838 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 Ulcer of, acid, boricum, 35 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 cadmii sulphas, 358 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 831 
 hydrarg. oxid. rub., 858 
 iodoformum, 882 
 opium, 1181 
 physostigma, 1222 
 Corns, acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 anacardium, 208 
 argenti nitras, 285 
 liq. potassae, 978 
 sedum, 1435 
 
 sempervivum tectorum, 1435 
 Coryza, acetum, 14 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 adeps benzoat., 125 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aqua ammonite, 252 
 atropina, 308, 309 
 belladonna, 331 
 benzoinum, 335 
 bismuthi oxid., 341 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 camphora, 390 
 cocaina, 507 
 euphorbium. 634 
 euphrasia, 635 
 gelatina, 769 
 glycerina, 782 
 glycerin, acid, tannici, 783 
 helenium, 807 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 menthol, 1035 
 opium, 1182 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 pulv. ipecac, c., 1331 
 quillaja, 1342 
 salicinum, 1401 
 sneezewort, 17 
 veratrum album, 1691 
 zingiber, 1737 
 Cough, acetonum, 12 
 
 acid, hydrobrom. dil ., 59 
 acid, hydrocyan, dil., 67 
 aether aceticus, 139 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 belladonna, 330 
 calamus, 368 
 
 camphora monobromata, 
 392 
 
 Cough— 
 
 cephalanthus, 430 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 chloral, 457 
 codeina, 516 
 crocus, 556 
 cydonium, 573 
 ext. pruni virg. fl., 697 
 glycerinum, 781 
 ilex, 863 
 
 infus. pruni virginianae, 872 
 moschus, 1060 
 ol. amygdalae express., 1108 
 opium, 1179 
 piscidia, 1252 
 prunus virgin., 1320 
 saccharum, 1397 
 spirit, aetheris nitros., 1499 
 tabacum, 1576 
 tragacantha, 1643 
 tr. opii ammoniata, 1631 
 tr. opii camphorat., 1632 
 trochisci acid, tannic., 1650 
 trochisci morphinae, 1654 
 trochisci morphinae et ipecac., 
 1654 
 
 Coxalgia, moxa, 1061 
 potassa, 1272 
 
 Croup, acid, lactic., 71 
 aether, 135 
 alumen, 171 
 
 antimon. et pot. tart., 220 
 aqua, 242, 244 
 apomorphina, 237 
 argenti nitras, 282, 283 
 belladonna, 330 
 copaiba, 540 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 hydrarg. chlorid. mite, 830 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 lobelia, 906 
 moschus, 1060 
 opium, 1179 
 oxymel scillae, 1188 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 scilla, 1431 
 senega, 1438 
 sulphur, 1543 
 syr. scillae c., 1571 
 tabacum, 1576 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 
 Crusta lactea, fumaria, 759 
 hamamelis, 806 
 
 Cyanosis, potassii chloras, 1293 
 
 Cystinuria, ammonii carb., 184 
 
 Cystitis, acid, boric., 36 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 betula, 338 
 buchu, 356 
 camphoric acid, 391 
 cantharis, 399 
 cetaceum, 440 
 chondrus, 473 
 cubeba, 558 
 glechoma, 778 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 hy peri cum, 858 
 liysterionica Baylahuen, 796 
 iodoformum, 881, 882 
 juniperus, 907 
 kava-kava, 1025 
 laricis cortex, 930 
 linum, 946 
 liquidambar, 947 
 manna, 1019 
 
 Cystitis — 
 
 ol. santali, 1151 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1198 
 pareira, 1198 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 salol, 1404 
 taxus, 1582 
 tinct. henzoini, 1608 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 verbascum, 1695 
 Cysts, iodum, 892 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 argentii nitras, 284 
 
 D eafness, aether, 134 
 
 creosotum, 549 
 boldus, 348 
 curcas, 568 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 Debility, alcohol, 154 
 aqua, 241 
 
 aqua camphorae, 255 
 caffea, 364 
 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 510 
 ferrum, 746 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 prunus virginiana, 1320 
 vin. album, 1702 
 vin. ferri amarum, 1706 
 Delirium, acetum, 14 
 cannabis, 396 
 piscidia, 1252 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 Maniacal, apomorphina, 236 
 Delirium tremens, aether, 351 
 alcohol, 155 
 ammonii bromid., 182 
 anthemis, 216 
 apomorph. hydrochlor., 236 
 caffea, 364 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 cannabis, 395, 396 
 capsicum, 405 
 chloral, 456 
 digitalis, 586 
 humulus, 818 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 imperatoria, 865 
 moschus, 1061 
 opium, 1179 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 sinapis, 1447 
 strychnina, 1530 
 sumbul, 1545 
 tr. chloroformi c., 1615 
 tr. valerianae, 1540 
 trimethylcarbinol, 201 
 valeriana, 1682 
 vin. album, 1702 
 zinci oxid., 1727 
 Dementia, hyoscyamus, 855 
 Dentition, alcohol, 155 
 crocus, 556 
 
 Diabetes, acid, arsenos., 30 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 acid, phosphoric., 86 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 alumen, 171 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 ammonii phosphas, 191 
 amygdala, 195 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aqua hydrogenii dioxid., 262, 
 263 
 
 aquae minerales, 273, 274 
 belladonna, 331 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1875 
 
 Diabetes — 
 
 cerevisire fermentum, 437 
 
 coca, 504 
 
 codeina, 516 
 
 creosotum, 549 
 
 ergota, 621 
 
 ferrum, 747 
 
 glyceriuum, 781 
 
 kino, 912 
 
 lac, 919 
 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 morphina, 1055 
 opium, 1181 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 pepsinum, 1205 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 potassii bicarb., 1278 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 potassii permaugauas, 1312 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 pulv. kino c., 1401 
 salicinum, 1401 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodii phosphas, 1478 
 strychnina, 1530 
 valeriana, 1683 
 
 Diabetes insipidus, acid, nitric, 
 dil., 76 
 
 cantharis, 399 
 creosotum, 549 
 equisetum, 615 
 ergota, 621 
 
 ferri sulphas exsiccata, 742 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 valeriana, 1683 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 V. Polyuria, Hydruria. 
 
 Diarrhcea, acacia, 8 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, arsenos, 30 
 acid lactic., 71 
 acid sulphuric., 102 
 acid, sulphuric, aromat., 103 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 adeps, 125 
 agaricus albus, 144 
 agrimonia, 146 
 albumen, 147 
 alisma, 158 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 171 
 aluminii hydras, 175 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aqua cinnamomi, 259 
 aqua minerales, 273, 274 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 atropina, 309 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 belse fructus, 327 
 benzoinum, 335 
 berberis, 337 
 
 bismuthi subcarbonas, 342 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bismuthi tannas, 347 
 bolus, 349 
 bursa pastoris, 514 
 caffea, 363, 365 
 calcii carb. prsecip., 370 
 calumba, 379 
 cantharis, 401 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 cassia fistula, 420 
 catechu, 428 
 cera, 432 
 
 cerevisise fermentum, 438 
 cetaceum, 440 
 
 Diarrhcea — 
 cetraria, 441 
 chimaphila, 448 
 chondrus, 473 
 cinnamomum, 501 
 Comptonia, 526 
 confectio opii, 528 
 coto, 1078 
 
 creta prseparata, 554 
 
 cupri arsenias, 564 
 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 
 cydonium. 573 
 
 decoctum litematoxyli, 578 
 
 decoctum hordei, 578 
 
 decoctum quercus, 578 
 
 diospyros, 588 
 
 epiphegus, 614 
 
 equisetum, 615 
 
 erytlirophlceum, 625 
 
 extract, belse liq., 652 
 
 extract, rubi fl., 700 
 
 farina tritici, 714 
 
 ferri et ammonii sulphas, 724 
 
 ferri salicylas, 740 
 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 
 ferrum, 747 
 
 galbanum, 762 
 
 galla, 766 
 
 garcinia, 766 
 
 gaultheria, 767 
 
 geranium, 775 
 
 geum, 776 
 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 
 gnaphalium, 789 
 
 granatum, 794 
 
 hsematoxylon, 804 
 
 hedeoma, 806 
 
 helianthemum, 807 
 
 heuchera, 812 
 
 hydrarg. c. creta, 848 
 
 hydrastis, 850 
 
 hypericum, 858 
 
 hysterionica Baylahuen, 796 
 
 infus. anthemidis, 868 
 
 infus. aurantii c., 868 
 
 infus. catechu, 869 
 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 
 iris florentina, 901 
 
 juglans, 905 
 
 kino, 912 
 
 koumys, 922 
 
 krameria, 913 
 
 lac, 919 
 
 lini farina, 946 
 
 liquidambar, 947 
 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 
 liquor ferri nitratis, 964 
 
 liquor ferri subsulphatis, 966 
 
 lythrum, 1003 
 
 magnesia, 1006 
 
 maltum, 1014 
 
 matico, 1025 
 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 
 mistura cretae, 1042 
 
 mistura rhei et sodae, 1045 
 
 monarda, 1046 
 
 monesia, 1047 
 
 mucilago acaciae, 1062 
 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 
 myrobalanus, 1067 
 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 
 nymphae, 1088 
 
 cenothera, 1088 
 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 
 ol. santali, 1185 
 
 ol. theobromae, 1162 
 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 
 opium, 1180 
 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 
 physostigminae salicyl., 1224 
 
 pil. opii, 1244 
 
 I Diarrhcea — 
 
 pil. plumbi c. opio, 1245 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 prinos, 1319 
 propolis, 432 
 psoralea, 1321 
 pulv. aromaticus, 1327 
 pulv. catechu c., 1328 
 pulv. cretae aromat., 1328 
 pulv. cretae aromat. c. opio, 
 1328 
 
 pulv. ipecac, c., 1331 
 
 pulv. kino c., 1331 
 
 pulv. opii c., 1332 
 
 pulv. rhei c., 1332 
 
 quassia, 1340 
 
 rheum, 1380 
 
 rubus, 1387 
 
 salep, 1399 
 
 sanicula, 1411 
 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 sodii nitras, 1476 
 
 sodii phosphas, 1478 
 
 sorb us, 1491 
 
 spiraea, 1494 
 
 spirit, cinnamomi, 1503 
 
 strychnina, 1531 
 
 styracol, 800 
 
 suppos. plumbi c., 1550 
 
 symphytum, 1551 
 
 syr. krameriae, 1564 
 
 syr. rhei, 1567 
 
 syr. rhei aromat., 1568 
 
 syr. rubi, 1568 
 
 talc, 987 
 
 thea, 1595 
 
 tilia, 1602 
 
 tr. benzoini, 1608 
 
 tr. catechu c., 1613 
 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 
 tr. kino, 1625 
 
 tr. krameriae, 1626 
 
 trochisci acid, tannic., 1650 
 
 trochisci cretae, 1652 
 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 verbascum, 1695 
 
 vin. ipecacuanhae, 1706 
 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 
 zinci oxid., 1727 
 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 Fatty, pancreatic emulsion, 
 1190 
 
 Diphtheria, acetum, 14 
 acid, boric., 36 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 acid, citric., 52 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, hydrochlor., 63 
 acid, hydrochlor. dil., 63 
 acid, oxalic., 82 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, tartaric., 112 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 alcohol, 154 
 alumen, 172 
 antipyrina, 230 
 aqua, 241 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aqua hydrogen, diox., 263 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 bromum, 353 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 camphor (phenol), 390 
 capsicum, 405 
 carica papaya, 1206 
 cerevisiae fermentum, 438 
 chinolin, 451 
 chloral, 458 
 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 507 
 
1876 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Diphtheria — 
 creolinum, 551 
 cubeba, 558 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 ferri salicylas, 740 
 ferrum, 748 
 guaiaci resina, 798 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 hydrarg. c.hlor. corros., 823 
 hydrarg. cyanid.,832 
 hyssopus, 859 
 inula, 877 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodum, 891 
 juglans, 905 
 
 liq. ammonii acetatis, 949 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 liq. potassae, 978 
 liq. sodae chlorat., 985 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 mel rosae, 1030 
 monesia, 1047 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 papayotin, 1206 
 petroleum, 1211 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 resorcin, 1373 
 salicinum, 1401 
 salol, 1404 
 serpentaria, 1444 
 sodii benzoas, 1453 
 sodii bicarbouas, 1457 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sodii sulpliocarbolas, 1487 
 sulphur, 1543 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 trypsine, 1191 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Disinfection, acid, nitricum, 75 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 hydrarg. biniod. rubr., 835 
 liq. zinci chlorid., 988 
 Dislocations, antimon. et. po- 
 tass. tart., 221 
 aether, 135 
 alcohol, 156 
 aqua, 242, 245 
 conium, 533 
 tabacum, 1576 
 Dropsy, acet. scilhe, 16 
 actinomeris, 808 
 adeps, 125 
 
 adonis vern., 128, 810 
 alkekengi, 159 
 allium, 160 
 alnus viridis, 161 
 anilinum, 214 
 
 antimon. et. potass, tart., 221 
 
 apocynum, 234 
 
 aqua, 244, 246 
 
 arenaria rubra, 615 
 
 argemone, 277 
 
 armoracia, 288 
 
 belladonna, 331 
 
 berberis, 337 
 
 bryonia, 353 
 
 caffea, 365 
 
 cahinca, 367 
 
 calcii sulphis, 376 
 
 callitriche, 377 
 
 cambogia, 386 
 
 cantharis. 399, 400 
 
 carota, 415 
 
 Dropsy — 
 
 chelidonium, 446 
 chimaphila, 448 
 clematis, 502 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 511 
 cochlearia, 514 
 colchicum, 519 
 Collinsonia, 520 
 colocynthis, 525 
 convallaria, 535 
 convallar. polygonatum, 536 
 copaiba, 540 
 curcas, 568 
 cyclamen, 572 
 decoct, scoparii, 573 
 digitalis, 584, 586 
 diuretin, 1597 
 dracontium, 589 
 elaterinum, 595 
 equisetum, 615 
 erodium cicutarium, 775 
 eryngium, 624 
 erythrophloeum, 625 
 euphorbium, 634 
 ferrum, 747 
 frangula, 756 
 galium, 764 
 geranium, 775 
 gratiola, 794 
 helleborus, 810 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 829 
 iberis, 514 
 ilex, 862 
 imperatoria, 865 
 infusum digitalis, 870 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodum, 892 
 jalapa, 904 
 juniperus, 907 
 leonurus, 934 
 levisticum, 936 
 linaria, 938 
 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 lulfa operculata, 525 
 medeola, 1027 
 ol. juniperi, 1127 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 ononis spinosa, 788 
 pilocarpus, 1231 
 pil. cambogiae c., 1241 
 pil. colocynthidis c., 1242 
 pil. scammonii c., 1246 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bitartras, 1282 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 potassii nitras. 1309 
 pulv. elaterii c., 1330 
 pulv. jalapae c., 1331 
 pulv. scammonii c., 1332, 1333 
 quillaja, 1342 
 resina jalapse, 1368 
 resina scammonii, 1370 
 rhamnus catharticus, 1374 
 saccharum lactis, 1398 
 scilla, 1431 
 scoparius, 1432 
 sedum, 1435 
 sinapis, 1447 
 sodii acetas, 1451 
 sparteina, 1432 
 spilanthes, 1335 
 spiraea, 1494 
 
 spirit, aether, nitros., 1499 
 spirit, armoraciae c., 1501 
 spirit, juniperi, 1505 
 spirit, juniperi c., 1505 
 staphysagria, 1513 
 strophanthus, 1524 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 
 Dropsy— 
 
 terpini hydras, 1588 
 teucrium, 1589 
 thuja, 1599 
 tr. digitalis, 1617 
 tr. scillae, 1637 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 urea, 1674 
 urtica, 1677 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 Drowsiness, acetum, 14 
 Dysentery, acacia, 8 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, nitric, dil., 75, 76 
 acid, salicyl., 94, 95 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 aconitum, 121 
 adeps, 125 
 ailanthus, 146 
 alisma, 158 
 althaea, 169 
 alumen, 171 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 angustura, 211 
 aqua, 243, 245, 246 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aquae minerales, 274 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 arnica, 291 
 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 baptisia, 322 
 batiator, 399 
 belae fructus, 327 
 benzoinum, 335 
 berberis, 337 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bolus, 349 
 bursa pastoris. 514 
 buttermilk, 922 
 calumba, 379 
 cannabis, 396 
 cantharis, 409 
 carbo ligni, 408 
 cascarilla, 418 
 cassia fistula, 419 
 ceanothus, 429 
 cera alba, 432 
 cerevisiae fermentum, 438 
 cetraria, 441 
 chloral, 458 
 chondrus, 473 
 copaiba, 540 
 creolinum, 551 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 decoetum hordei, 578 
 emulsum amygdalae, 611 
 equisetum, 615 
 ergota, 621 
 erythrophloeum, 625 
 ext. belae liq., 652 
 ferrum, 747 
 garcinia, 766 
 glycerina, 781 
 gossypii semina, 790 
 hedysarum, 899 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 330 
 iodum, 891 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 ixora, 899 
 kino, 912 
 krameria, 913 
 lac. 919, 922 
 linum, 946 
 liquidambar, 947 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 ly thrum, 1003 
 magnesii sulphas, 1010 
 maltum, 1014 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1877 
 
 Dysentery— 
 matico, 1025 
 mueilago acaciae, 1062 
 mueilago amyli, 1062 
 mueilago cydonii, 1063 
 mueilago sassafras medull., 
 1063 
 
 myrica, 1065 
 myrobalanus, 1067 
 myrtus, 1070 
 narcissus, 1076 
 nymphaea, 1088 
 ol. olivse, 1141 
 ol. sesami, 1154 
 ol. theobromatis, 1162 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 opium, 1180 
 
 physostigminae salicyl., 1224 
 pichurim, 1079 
 pil. plumbi c. opio. 1245 
 plumbi acetas, 12(51 
 potassii cbloras, 1294 
 quercus, 1341 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 rheum, 1380 
 sanicula, 1411 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 sempervivum teetorum, 1435 
 sodii nitras, 1475 
 sodii sulphas, 1484 
 statice, 1515 
 strychnina, 1531 
 suppositor. acid, carbolic., 1549 ! 
 suppositor. acid, tannic., 1549 
 suppositor. morphinae, 1550 
 suppositor. plumbi c., 1550 
 Symphytum, 1551 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 thuja, 1599 
 tinet. benzoini, 1608 
 urtica, 1677 
 verbascum, 1695 
 viola, 1712 
 zinci oxidum, 1727 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Dysmenorrhcea, achillea, 17 
 acidum arsenosum, 30 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, valerianic., 114 
 aether, 135 
 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 231, 232 
 aqua, 245, 246 
 aqua camphorae, 255 
 aqua menthae piperit., 264 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 cantharis, 400 
 carbonei tetrachlorid., 411 
 carota, 415 
 castor, 422 
 cataria, 425 
 chloral, 458 
 chloral butylic., 460 
 chloroformum. 469 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 cocaina, 509 
 cotula, 546 
 crocus, 556 
 fraxinus, 757 
 
 gossypii radicis cortex, 790 
 guaiaci resina, 798 
 hedeoma, 80(5 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 829, 830 
 
 hydrastis, 850 
 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 
 ol. rutae, 1120 
 
 ol. sabinte, 1120 
 
 opium, 1173 
 
 D ysmenorrhce a — 
 origanum, 1184 
 parthenium, 1199 
 petroselinum, 1213 
 primula, 1318 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 ruta, 1390 
 sabina, 1392 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodium salicylas, 1481 
 spirit, aetheris c., 1495 
 spongia, 1510 
 stramonium, 1518 
 strychnina, 1530 
 tr. guaiaci, 1622 
 tr. guaiaci ammon., 1622 
 tr. serpentarife, 1638 
 tr. stramonii, 1638 
 tr. zingiberis, 1642 
 valeriana, 1683 
 viburnum, 1697 
 viburnum opulus, 1697 
 viola, 1712 
 
 Dyspepsia, absinthium, 5 
 acid, boric., 36 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, gallic., 56 
 acid, hydrochloric., 63 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, nitroliydrochloric. dil., 
 78 
 
 acid, phosphoric., 86 
 
 acid, sulphuric, aromat., 103 
 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 
 ailanthus, 146 
 
 alcohol methylic., 157 
 
 aletris, 158 
 
 aluminii hydras, 175 
 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 
 angustura, 211 
 
 anthemis, 216 
 
 apocynum, 234 
 
 aqua ammonite, 252 
 
 aqua fceniculi, 261 
 
 aqua hydrogenii diox., 263 
 
 aquae minerales, 271, 272, 273 
 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 
 argenti oxidum, 286 
 
 armoracia, 288 
 
 asclepias, 300 
 
 aurantii cortex, 312 
 
 beberiae sulphas, 326 
 
 benzinum, 334 
 
 berberis, 337 
 
 bismuthi subnitr., 346 
 
 boldus, 348 
 
 buchu, 356 
 
 caffea, 363 
 
 calamus, 367 
 
 calcii chlorid., 372 
 
 calumba, 379 
 
 canella, 393 
 
 cannabis, 396 
 
 capsicum, 405 
 
 carbo ligni, 408 
 
 carduus ben ed ictus, 414 
 
 carthamus, 415 
 
 cascarilla, 418 
 
 chamaelirium, 442 
 
 chirata, 452 
 
 coriandrum, 542 
 
 coruus florida, 544 
 
 crocus, 556 
 
 eu pa tori urn, 631 
 
 ext. belae liq., 652 
 
 fel bovis, 71 6 
 
 ferrum, 734, 747 
 
 fumaria, 759 
 
 Dyspepsia — 
 galanga, 761 
 gentiana, 773 
 geum, 776 
 gleclioma, 778 
 hedeoma, 806 
 heracleum, 812 
 humulus, 818 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 hydrastis, 850 
 hyssopus, 859 
 imperatoria, 865 
 infus. casparice, 870 
 infus. pruni Virginian ae, 872 
 ingluvin, 1207 
 inula, 877 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 kephir, 923 
 laburnum, 915 
 leonurus, 934 
 levisticum, 936 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor magnesite carb., 971 
 liquor potassse, 978 
 liquor potassse effervescens, 
 979 
 
 magnesia, 1006 
 
 maltum, 1013 
 
 marrubium, 1020 
 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 
 menyanthes, 1036 
 
 monesia, 1047 
 
 myristica, 1066 
 
 myrrha, 1069 
 
 nectandra, 1078 
 
 ol. chenopodii, 1118 
 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 
 parthenium, 1199 
 
 pepsinum, 1205 
 
 pichurim, 1079 
 
 potassa, 1271 
 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 
 primula, 1318 
 
 psoralea, 1321 
 
 ptelea, 1322 
 
 pulv. aromaticus, 1327 
 
 pulv. kino comp., 1331 
 
 pulv. rhei comp., 1332 
 
 quassia, 1340 
 
 rumex, 1388 
 
 sabbatia, 1391 
 
 saccharinum, 1394 
 
 salix, 1402 
 
 salol, 1404 
 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 
 sanguis, 1410 
 
 sarracenia, 1421 
 
 sinapis, 1447 
 
 sodii bicarb., 1456 
 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 
 sodii hyposulph., 1472 
 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 
 spirit, ammon. aromat., 1501 
 
 taraxacum, 1581 
 
 thea, 1595 
 
 til it), 1602 
 
 tinct. calumbte, 1610 
 tinct. cascarillce, 1612 
 tinct. gentiana) c., 1621 
 tinct. lavandulte c., 1627 
 tinct. nucis vomicae, 1629 
 trochisci sodii bicarb., 1655 
 vin. ipecacuanhae, 1706 
 wintera, 1715 
 zedoaria, 1719 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Dysphagia, acid, hydrocyan, dil., 
 66 
 
 camphora, 390 
 
1878 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Dysphagia, ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 Dyspncea, aqua, 245 
 
 aqua hydrogen. diox., 263 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 Dysury, alkekengi, 159 
 althaea, 169 
 bursa pastoris, 514 
 caffea, 365 
 cantharis, 399 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 mesembryanthemum, 357 
 ol. juniperi, 1127 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 E AR, diseases of, cocaina, 508 
 saccharinum, 1394 
 Noises in, amyl nitris, 199 
 suppuration of, abrus, 2 
 Earache, aether, 134 
 allium, 160 
 antbemis, 216 
 antipyrina, 231 
 aqua, 246 
 
 atropinae sulph., 308 
 cocaina, 508 
 delphinine, 1514 
 glycerina, 781 
 menthol, 1035 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. caryophylli, 1118 
 ol. olivae, 1141 
 ol. tbymi, 1163 
 opium, 1181 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 Ecchymoses. V. Contusion. 
 Eclampsia. V. Convulsion. 
 Ectropion, acid, sulphuric., 102 
 Eczema, acid, arsenos., 28 
 acid, boric, 36 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 adeps lanae hydrosus, 126 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 berberis, 337 
 bismutbi subnitras, 346 
 cannabis, 395 
 carica papay., 1206 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 fumaria, 759 
 gelatina, 769 
 
 glycerinum acid, tannici, 783 
 
 gynocardia, 803 
 
 hamamelis, 805 
 
 hydrocotyle, 851 
 
 ichthyol, 861 
 
 iodoform um, 882 
 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 
 liquor potass, arsen., 980 
 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 
 menthol, 1035 
 
 myrtus, 1070 
 
 naphtol, 1076 
 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 
 ol. thy mi, 1163 
 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 
 potassii iodidum, 1306 
 
 sapo, 1418 
 
 sulphur, 1542 
 
 ung. hydrarg. aramon., 1665 
 ung. picis liquida 1 , 1669 
 ung. sulphuris iodidi, 1672 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 viola, 1712 
 zinc, oleate of, 1728 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Elephantiasis, carbonei bisul- 
 phidum, 410 
 
 Emphysema of lungs, strych- 
 nina, 1531 
 
 Empyema, creolinum, 551 
 iodum, 892 
 
 quininae sulphas, 1360 
 Endocarditis, hydrarg. cblor. 
 mite, 828 
 
 Entropion, acid, sulphuric, dil., 
 102 
 
 Enuresis, cantharis, 400 
 Ephelis (tan), armoracia, 288 
 chrysarobinum, 476 
 I Epilepsy, absinth, vulgar., 5 
 acid, hydrobrom., 59 
 aethyl bromid., 142 
 alcohol, 155 
 alisma, 158 
 ammonii bromid., 182 
 amyl nitras, 197, 198 
 anilina, 213 
 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 221 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 apomorpbina, 236 
 aqua, 242 
 
 aqua ammonise, 252 
 aqua hydrogen, dioxid., 263 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 atropina, 308 
 aurum, 315 
 belladonna, 330 
 bromal, 353 
 bryonia, 354 
 calcii bromidum, 369 
 campbora monobromata, 392 
 cannabis, 395 
 chloral, 457 
 coca, 504 
 conium, 533 
 convallaria, 535 
 cotyledon, 548 
 cupri acetas, 560 
 cuprum ammoniatum, 567 
 curare, 567 
 cypripedium, 574 
 digitalis, 586 
 ferrum, 746, 747 
 fungus muscarius, 760 
 galium, 764 
 beracleum, 812 
 hyoscyamus, 855, 856 
 indigo, 866 
 lac, 920 
 lappa, 929 
 
 lithii bromidum, 990 
 morphina, 1055 
 narcissus, 1076 
 niccoli bromid., 1080 
 oleander, 1096 
 
 oleum animale aethereum, 
 1109 
 
 oleum valerianae, 1166 
 opium, 1179 
 paeonia, 1188 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 potassii chlorid., 1294 
 potassium nitrite, 1309 
 quininae valerianas, 1363 
 Scutellaria, 1434 
 sedum, 1435 
 selinum, 1436 
 sodii boras, 1460 
 sodii bromidum, 1461 
 sodii cbloridum, 1468 
 sodii nitris, 1476 
 stramonium, 1518 
 strontium, 1520 
 strychnina, 1530 
 taxus, 1582 
 valeriana, 1682 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 
 Epilepsy — 
 
 viscum, 1713 
 zinci bromidum, 1721 
 zinci cyanidum, 1735 
 zinci oxidum, 1727 
 Epistaxis, acid, citric., 52 
 acid, gallic., 55 
 aqua, 246 
 catechu, 428 
 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 507, 510 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 liq. ferri subsulpbatis, 966 
 ol. terebinthinae. 1158 
 sodii chlorid. , 1467 
 Epithelioma, acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, oxalic., 82 
 benzene, 333 
 
 euphorbia beterodoxa, 633 
 oxalis, 1185 
 plumbi nitras, 1265 
 potassii cbloras, 1294 
 pyrogallol, 1336 
 spirit, aether, nitrosi, 1499 
 urtica, 1677 
 Erections, aqua, 243 
 camphora, 390 
 digitalis, 586 
 humulus, 819 
 potassii bromid., 1287 
 Erotic excitement, conium, 533 
 potass, bromid., 1287 
 Erysipelas, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 aconitum, 121 
 alcohol, 154 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 amylum, 206 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 bolus, 349 
 calcii iodidum, 374 
 camphor (carbolized), 390 
 cantharis, 400 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 creosotum, 549 
 creta preparata, 554 
 farina tritici, 714 
 ferri salicylas, 740 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 ferrum, 748 
 glycerin, amyli, 784 
 glycerin, vitelli, 786 
 gossypium, 791 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 iodoformum, 882 
 iodum, 533 
 lini farina, 946 
 liniment, terebinthinae, 944 
 liquor sodii silicatis, 987 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 mucilago amyli, 1062 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1160 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 passiflora, 1200 
 plumbi carbonas, 1263 
 quininae sulphas, 1358 
 sambucus, 1407 
 sodii byposulpbis, 1472 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 ung. terebinthinae, 1672 
 vitellus ovi, 1714 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 Erythema, acid, boric., 36 
 albumen ovi, 147 
 amylum, 206 
 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 creta praeparata, 554 
 farina tritici, 714 
 glycerit. amyli, 784 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1879 
 
 Erythema — 
 
 glycerit. vitelli, 786 
 lac, 921 
 
 liniment, terebinthinae, 943 
 plumbi carbonas, 1263 
 nng. terebintliime, 1672 
 Evulsion of nails, aqua, 243 
 Excoriations, acacia, 8 
 albumen, 147 
 alcohol, 154, 155 
 cerat. plumbi subacetat., 436 
 gossypium, 791 
 hypericum, 858 
 liquor plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 oleum olivae, 1141 
 oleum theobromae, 1162 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 sambucus, 1407 
 tinct. aloes, 1605 
 ung. plumbi acetatis, 1670 
 Exhaustion, heat, atropinae 
 sulph., 309 
 
 Exophthalmic goitre, amyl 
 nitras, 199 
 
 calcii bromidum, 369 
 Eyelids, deformed, acid, sul- 
 phuric., 102 
 
 Granular, acid, boric., 35 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 saccharum, 1397 
 
 Eyes, diseases of, acid, boric., 35 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 antipyrinum, 231 s 
 aqua, 246 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 atropinae sulph., 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 cantharis, 401 
 
 cocaina hydrochlor., 506, 507 
 
 copaiba, 540 
 
 duboisia, 857 
 
 ergota, 622 
 
 hamamelis, 805 
 
 hydrarg. iod. rubr., 835 
 
 hydrarg. oxid. flavum, 836 
 
 hydrarg. oxid. rubrum, 838 
 
 iodoformum, 882 
 
 iodolum, 886 
 
 lac, 921 
 
 olibanum, 1167 
 opium, 1181 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 physostigma, 1222 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 quininae sulph., 1359 
 saccharum, 1397 
 santoninum, 1416 
 sarcocolla, 1420 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. flavi, 1667 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. rubri, 
 1668 
 
 Examination of, cocainae hy- 
 drochor., 507 
 
 Exploration of, belladonna, 
 330 
 
 Lime in, acetum, 14 
 
 Spasm of, amyl nitris, 198 
 
 1 ^AINTING, acetum, 14 
 arnmonii carb., 184 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 aqua ammoniac, 252 
 cubeba, 558 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 False membrane, cubeba, 558 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 mel, 1028 
 sodii nitras, 1474 
 
 Favus, acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, sulphuros., 105 
 calx, 381 
 iodum, 891 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 sodii hyposulpliis, 1472 
 [ Felon, collodion flexile, 522 
 copal varnish, 540 
 Fermentation, sodii sulphis, 
 
 1 185 
 
 Fetid sweating, acid, salicylic., 
 95 
 
 olsatum hydrargyri, 1099 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 potassi permang., 1312 
 Fetor, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, salicylic., 94, 95 
 amyl nitris, 199 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 calcii iodidum, 374 
 calx clilorata, 385 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 chloral, 458 
 creolinum, 551 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 ficus, 752 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 825 
 liquor calcis clilorinatae, 954 
 liquor sodae chloratae, 985 
 liquor zinci cliloridi, 988 
 ol. tliymi, 1163 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 quillaja, 1343 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sodii bisulpliis, 1457 
 sodii liyposulphis, 1472 
 V. Smells. 
 
 Of breath, catechu, 428 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 Of feet, acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, tartaric., 112 
 calx chlorinata, 385 
 chloral, 458 
 Fever, acacia, 8 
 acetanilid, 9 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, citric., 52 
 acid, nitric., 75 
 aconitum, 121 
 alcohol, 154 
 amylum, 206 
 
 antimon. et potassae tart., 220 
 antipyrina, 229 
 antitliermin, 232 
 aqua, 240, 243, 245 
 asclepias, 300 
 benzanilid, 11 
 borago, 350 
 buttermilk, 922 
 cantharis, 399 
 * Collinsonia, 520 
 corallorrhiza, 541 
 crocus, 556 
 decoctum hordei, 578 
 digitalis, 585 
 euphorin, 1675 
 extractum carnis, 658 
 ferrum, 748 
 gelsemium, 771 
 glycerinum, 781, 782 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 liordeum, 818 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 
 Fever — 
 
 iodopyriu, 232 
 lac, 9i9 
 
 liquor arnmonii acetatis, 948 
 liquor potassii citratis, 980 
 magnesii sulphas, 1010 
 mucilago acaciae, 1062 
 oleum ricini, 1146 
 opium, 1178 
 phenacetinum, 1215 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bitartras, 1282 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 potassii citras, 1295 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 potassii et sodii tartras, 1299 
 pulvis antimonialis, 1327 
 pulvis effervesceus, 1329 
 pulvis effervesc. aperiens, 
 1329 
 
 pulvis ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 quinidinae sulph., 1344 
 quininae sulph., 1358 
 resorcinum, 1372 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 sodae citro - tart, effervesc., 
 1469 
 
 sodii hyposulpliis, 1472 
 spirit, aether, nitros., 1499 
 tamarindus, 1578 
 thallinae sulphas, 1590 
 thallinum, 1590 
 triosteum, 1647 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 vinum antimonii, 1703 
 vinum ipecacuanha?, 1706 
 Hay, acid, salicylic., 94 
 antipyrina, 231 
 atropime sulph., 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 cocaina hydrochlor., 507 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 Hectic, acetanilid, 10 
 alcohol, 154 
 beberiae sulphas, 326 
 cantharis, 399 
 mist, ferri c., 1043 
 pulv. kino c., 1331 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 Intermittent, acid, arsenos., 
 28 
 
 acid, nitric. dil„ 75 
 acid, salicylic., 93 
 Adan sonia, 123 
 agrimonia, 146 
 alkekengi, 159 
 alnus, 161 
 alstonia, 167 
 alumen, 171 
 ambrosia, 178 
 arnmonii chloridum, 186 
 arnmonii picricum, 87 
 amyl nitris, 198, 199 
 angelica, 210 
 angustura, 211 
 anthemis, 216 
 antipyrina, 229, 230 
 apocynum, 234 
 aqua, 240 
 
 beberiae sulphas, 326 
 benzoinum odorif., 932 
 betula, 338 
 bursa pastoris, 514 
 caffea, 364 
 capsicum, 405 
 chelidonium, 446 
 chimaphila, 448 
 chinoidinum, 449 
 chinolin, 451 
 
 cinchonidin. hydrobrom., 495 
 cinchonidin. salicyl., 495 
 
1880 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS . 
 
 Fever — 
 
 cinckonidin. sulph., 495 
 cinchoninae sulphas, 498 
 clematis, 502 
 cocklearia, 514 
 conium, 533 
 convallaria, 535 
 cornus florida, 544 
 corydalis, 545 
 cupri acetas, 561 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 erythrophloeum, 625 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 eupatorium, 631 
 ferrum, 747 
 fraxiuus, 757 
 geurn, 776 
 kippocastanum, 814 
 hydrochinone, 1373 
 iberis, 514 
 ilex, 862 
 imperatoria, 865 
 iodum, 890 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 liquor potassii arsenitis, 980 
 magnesii sulphas, 1010 
 magnolia, 1012 
 narcissus, 1076 
 nectaudra, 1078 
 ol. chenopodii, 1118 
 opium, 1178 
 oxalis, 1185 
 parthenium, 1199 
 persica, 1207 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 pichurim, 1079 
 piper, 1249 
 piperin, 1251 
 potassii brornid., 1286 
 prinos, 1319 
 quercus, 1341 
 quinidinae sulph., 1344 
 quininae bisulphas, 1346 
 quininae hydrobromas, 1348 
 quininae hydrochloras, 1349 
 quininae sulphas, 1356 
 rumex, 1388 
 salicinum, 1401 
 salix, 1402 
 saponaria, 1420 
 Scutellaria, 1434 
 sedum, 1435 
 sodii arsenias, 1452 
 sodii chloridum. 1467 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 Warburg’s tincture, 1360 
 xanthium spinosum, 929 
 Milk, ol. ricini, 1146 
 Puerperal, aconitum, 121 
 alcohol, 154 
 antipyrina, 229 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 ferrum, 748 
 iodoformum, 885 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1158 
 quininae sulphas, 1358 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1619 
 Relapsing, acid, salicylic., 93 
 alcohol, 154 
 digitalis, 585 
 
 Remittent, cinclionidinae sul- 
 phas, 495 
 
 cinclioninae sulph., 495 
 hydrarg. chlorid. mite, 828 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 magnesiae sulphas, 1010 
 opium, 1178 
 
 quinidinae sulphas. 1344 
 quininae sulphas, 1356 
 Scarlet, adeps, 125 
 aqua, 240 
 
 Fever — 
 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 ferrum, 748 
 quininae sulphas, 1358 
 Traumatic, aconitum, 121 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 Typhoid, acacia, 8 
 acid, carbolic., 41 
 acid, hydrochlor., 63 
 acid, salicylic., 93 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 aconitum, 117 
 aether, 136 
 alcohol, 154 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 antipyrina, 229 
 aqua, 240, 243, 244, 245 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 aquae camphorae, 255 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 baptisia, 322 
 belladonna, 331 
 bismutlii salicyl., 347 
 bismuthi subnit., 346 
 buttermilk, 922 
 calfea, 364 
 camphora, 389 
 cantharis, 401 
 carbonei disulpliid., 411 
 chloral, 458 
 
 cinchonid. hydrobrom., 496 
 cinchonid. salicyl., 495 
 cinchonid. sulph., 495 
 contrayerva, 534 
 creosotum, 549 
 digitalis, 585 
 ergota, 622 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 glycerinum, 781 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 hydrarg. chlorid. mite, 828 
 iodum. 390 
 lac, 922 
 
 liquor ammonii acet., 949 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor calcis chlorinatae, 954 
 liquor sodae chlorat., 954 
 magnesii sulphas, 1010 
 moschus, 1060 
 
 mucilago sassafras med., 1063 
 naphtol, 1074 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1158 
 opium, 1178 
 pil. opii, 1244 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 quininae sulphas, 1358 
 salipyrine, 1405 
 salol, 1404 
 serpentaria, 1444 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sodii sulphas, 1484 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 tephrosia, 1583 
 vin. album, 1702 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Typhus, acid, nitric, dil., 63, 75 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 aconitinum, 117 
 alcohol, 154 
 ambra grisea, 178 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 aqua, 240 
 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 baptisia, 322 
 caffe a, 364 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 camphora, 389 
 cantharis, 401 
 I extractum earn is, 658 
 
 Fever — 
 
 galega, 763 
 
 liquor ammonii acetatis, 949 
 liquor calcis chlorinatae, 954 
 moschus, 1060 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1158 
 opium, 1178 
 quininae sulphas, 1358 
 serpentaria, 1444 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 tinct. serpentariae, 1638 
 vin. album, 1702 
 Yellow, cocainae hydrochlor., 
 510 
 
 hydr. chlorid. mite, 828 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 Fevers, eruptive, alcohol, 154 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 ammonii chlor., 186 
 aqua, 240, 244, 245 
 carthamus, 415 
 crocus, 556 
 
 liq. ammon. acet., 949 
 moschus, 1060 
 oleum succini, 1156 
 quininae sulphas, 1358 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 Fibrin, solution of, aq. am., 252 
 Fissure of anus, cocaina hydro- 
 chlor., 508 
 copaiba, 540 
 glycerina, 781 
 krameria, 913 
 monesia, 1047 
 tinct. aloes, 1605 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. catechu c., 1613 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 Of nipples, etc., bismuthi sub- 
 nitras, 346 
 copaiba, 540 
 glycerinum, 781 
 krameria, 914 
 monesia, 1047 
 tinct. aloes, 1605 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. catechu c., 1613 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 zinci oxidum, 1738 
 Fistula, cantharis, 400 
 iodum, 892 
 laminaria, 928 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 ol. terebinthime, 1160 
 piper, 1249 
 tinct. catharidis, 1611 
 ulmus, 1658 
 vin. rubrum, 1710 
 Flatulence, absinthium, 5 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 aether aceticus, 139 
 anethi fructus, 209 
 anisum, 215 
 aqua anethi, 254 
 aqua anisi, 254 
 aqua carui, 255 
 aqua fceniculi, 261 
 aqua menthae piper., 264 
 arum, 294 
 aurantii cortex, 312 
 carbo ligni, 408 
 cardamomum, 413 
 carum, 416 
 caryophyllus, 417 
 confect, terebinthinae, 530 
 creolinum, 551 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1881 
 
 Flatulence — 
 cuminum, 560 
 ext. glycyrrhizse, 676 
 galanga, 761 
 hedeoma, 806 
 magnesia, 1006 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 mistura creosoti, 1042 
 ol. a nisi, 1111 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. foeniculi, 1123 
 pil. rhei c., 1246 
 pimenta, 1247 
 pulvis aromaticus, 1327 
 spirit, aether, nitros., 1499 
 spirit, ammon. aromat., 1501 
 spirit, ammonise foetid., 1501 
 spirit, cajuputi, 1502 
 spirit, menthse piperitse, 1506 
 terpini hydras, 1588 
 tr. asafoetidse, 1607 
 trochisci menthse piperitse, 
 1654 
 
 valeriana, 1682 
 wintera, 1715 
 xanthoxylum, 1717 
 zedoaria, 1719 
 Fleas, actsea spicata, 123 
 Fractures, amylum, 206 
 aqua, 242 
 
 calcii hypophosphis, 373 
 calcii phosph. prsecip., 375, 376 
 calcii sulphas, 376 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 emplast. resinse, 607 
 gelatina, 769 
 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 liq. sodii silicatis, 987 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassa, 1272 
 vitellus, 1714 
 Ununited, potassa, 1272 
 Freckles, acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 armoracia, 288 
 convallaria, 535 
 hydrarg. chlorid. corros., 824 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 V. Lentigo. 
 
 Frontal sinus, inflamed, pyre- i 
 thrum, 1335 
 tabacum, 1576 
 Frost-bite, aqua, 246 
 aqua ammonia;, 252 
 calx cblorata, 385 
 iodum, 891 
 
 liniment, terebinthinse, 943 
 
 liquidambar, 947 
 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1160 
 
 resorcin, 1372 
 
 styrax, 1534 
 
 tr. benzoini, 1608 
 
 tr. cantharidis, 1611 
 
 ung. aquse rosse, 1661 
 
 verbascum, 1695 
 
 Fungous growths, alumen ex- 1 
 siccat., 172 
 aluminii sulphas, 174 
 ferrum, 748 
 iodolum, 886 
 Furnucle. V. Boils. 
 
 p ALACTORRHCEA, atropinse, ! 
 vT sulpb. , 309 
 
 GAll-ducts, spasm of, bella- 
 donna, 330 
 
 Gall-stones, sether, 134 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 
 Gall-stones— 
 lac, 920 
 ol. olivse, 1141 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159 
 Ganglions, acid, bydriod., 57 
 Gangrene, acetanilid, 10 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 acid, citric., 52 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 alcohol, 155 
 alumin. acetat., 177 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 aqua, 246 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 arnica, 291 
 bromurn, 352 
 camphora, 390 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 cataplasma carbonis, 423 
 cataplasma ferment!, 423 
 cataplasma sod. chlor., 424 
 cerevisise ferment., 437 
 creosotum, 549 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 decoctum quercus, 579 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 hsematoxylon, 804 
 iodoformum, 883 
 liniment, aconiti, 939 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 liq. sodae cbloratae, 985 
 liq. zinci chlorid., 988 
 myrtus, 1070 
 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159, 1160 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 opium, 1178 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 potassii bromidum, 1287 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 prinos, 1319 
 sambucus, 1407 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 spirit, camphorse, 1505 
 Of lung, acid, carbol., 42 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 Gastralgia, acid, arsenos., 29 
 acid, hydrocyan. dil. , 67 
 acid, valerianic., 114 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 aqua, 245 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aqua chloroformi, 259 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 argent! oxidum, 286 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 chloroform, 469 
 emulsum chloroformi, 612 
 iodoformum, 883 
 mangani oxid. nigr., 1015 
 opium, 1180 
 physostigma, 1223 
 pil. opii, 1244 
 strychnina, 1530 
 zinci cyanidum, 1735 
 Gastric ulcer, argenti nitras., 
 282 
 
 argenti oxidum, 286 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 chloroform um, 469 
 iodoformum, 883 
 lac, 919 
 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 Gastritis, acacia, 8 
 
 Gastritis — 
 aqua, 241 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 linum, 946 
 
 mucilago sassafras medullse, 
 1063 
 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 Glanders, creosotum, 549 
 Glands, lymphatic, enlarged, 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 adeps lanse liydrosus, 127 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 ammonii iodid., 189 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 aurum, 315 
 bromurn, 352 
 bryonia, 354 
 cadmii iodidum, 358 
 calcii chlor., 371 
 calcium sulpb., 385 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 cyclamen, 572 
 digitalis, 586 
 emplast. ammoniaci, 600 
 emplast. belladonna, 601 
 emplast. ferri, 602 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 emplast. plumbi, 607 
 emplast. saponis, 608 
 fel bovis, 716 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 geranium, 775 
 helminthochorton, 473 
 hydrarg. iod. rub., 835 
 iodoformum, 801 
 iodum, 890 
 
 liniment, belladonnse, 939 
 liniment, camphora', 940 
 liniment, camp, c., 940 
 liniment, hydrargyri, 941 
 liniment, iodi, 941 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 liq. potassse, 978 
 mangani sulphas, 1017 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 piper, 1249 
 
 potassii bichromas, 1280 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 rumex. 1388 
 ruta, 1390 
 sambucus, 1407 
 sapo, 1419 
 sareocolla, 1420 
 sedum, 1435 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 ung. hydrarg. iod. rub., 1666 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. rub., 1668 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 ung. plumbi iodidi, 1670 
 ung. potassii iodidi, 1671 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 Glaucoma, atropina, 309 
 cocaina hydrochlor., 507 
 physostigma, 1223 
 Gleet, acid, tannic., 110 
 aloe, 65 
 alumen, 172 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 cadmii sulphas, 358 
 cantharis, 399, 400 
 cheken, 1071 
 chimaphila, 448 
 col ocyn this, 525 
 creosotum, 549 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 I ferri bromidum, 717 
 
1882 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Gleet — 
 
 ferri sulph., 742 
 ferrum, 748 
 geranium, 775 
 iodum, 891 
 krameria, 913 
 liquidambar, 947 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 lythrum, 1003 
 matico, 1025 
 monesia, 1047 
 piper, 1249 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 platinum, 1258 
 spiraea, 1494 
 sumbul, 1545 
 thea, 1590 
 tr. cubebae, 1617 
 tr. ferri chlor., 1620 
 vin. rubrum, 1710 
 
 Glottis, spasm of, amyl nitri., 
 198 
 
 Goitre, acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, bydroid., 57 
 acid, hydrofluoric., 68 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 ergota, 621 
 
 hydrarg. iod. rubr., 835 
 iodoform, 881 
 iodum, 890, 892 
 potassii iodidi, 1306 
 spongia, 1510 
 
 ung. hydrarg. iod. rubr., 1666 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 Exophthalmic, amyl nitris,199 
 calcii iodo-bromidum, 370 
 duboisia, 857 
 
 Gonorrhcea, acid, boric., 36 
 alumen, 172 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 betula, 338 
 
 bismuthi tannas, 347 
 
 buchu, 356 
 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 
 chloral, 458 
 
 ceanothus, 429 
 
 copaiba, 539 
 
 cubeba, 558 
 
 cupri acetas, 561 
 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 
 eucalyptus, 628, 629 
 
 garcinia, 766 
 
 gurjun oil, 540 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 
 hydrarg. salicylas, 845 
 
 hydrastis, 850 
 
 iodoformum, 881 
 
 jacaranda, 901 
 
 liatris, 937 
 
 linum, 946 
 
 liquor sodii silicatis, 987 
 liquor zinci chloridi, 988 
 lysol, 45 
 matico, 1025 
 oleores. cubebae, 1102 
 oleum copaibae, 1120 
 oleum santali, 1151 
 oleum thymi, 1163 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 piper methysticum, 1025 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 quininae salicylate, 1363 
 quininae sulphas, 1360 
 salol, 1404 
 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1437 
 sty rax, 1534 
 thea, 1595 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Gonorrhcea — 
 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 zinci cbloridum, 1724 
 zinci iodidum, 1726 
 zinci salicylas, 1734 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 zinci sulphocarbolas, 1734 
 
 Gout, acetonum, 12 
 
 acid, salicylas, 93, 94 
 aconitum, 121 
 aether, 135 
 
 ammonii benzoas, 180 
 ammonii phosphas, 191 
 angelica, 210 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua, 245, 246 
 
 aqua minerales, 271, 272, 273 
 
 betula, 338 
 
 carex arenaria, 1425 
 
 cera, 432 
 
 cicuta, 477 
 
 clematis, 502 
 
 colchicum, 519 
 
 fraxinus, 757 
 
 hippocastanum, 814 
 
 humulus, 818 
 
 iodoformum, 883 
 
 lac, 922 
 
 lappa, 929 
 
 leonurus, 934 
 
 liq. lithiae eflervescens, 970 
 liq. magnesiae carbonatis, 971 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 lithii salicylas, 994 
 magnesia, 1006 
 magnolia, 1012 
 oleum succini, 1155 
 ol. sinapis volat., 1165 
 opium, 1181 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 potassii iodidum, 1306 
 potassii permangan., 1312 
 primula, 1318 
 rumex, 1388 
 sabina, 1392 
 saponaria, 1420 
 sarsaparilla, 1425 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 spilanthes, 1335 
 tabacum, 1576 
 teucrium, 1589 
 tr. colchici sem., 1616 
 tr. rhei, 1635 
 tr. rhei aromat., 1636 
 tr. rhei et sennae, 1635 
 tr. sennae, 1638 
 triticum, 1648 
 vin. colchici radicis, 1704 
 Rheumatic, actinomeris, 808 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 moxa, 1061 
 
 Gravel, acid, sulphuric., 103 
 aether, 135 
 alisma, 158 
 alkekengi, 159 
 ammonii benzoas, 180 
 antipyrina, 231 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 arenaria rubra, 615 
 chimaphila, 448 
 chloroformum, 469 
 Collinsonia, 520 
 equisetum, 615 
 erigeron, 624 
 eryngium, 624 
 fabiana, 712 
 geranium, 775 
 hydrangea, 820 
 
 Gravel — 
 iberis, 514 
 juniperus, 907 
 lac, 922 
 lappa, 929 
 liatris, 937 
 linum, 946 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. potassae, 977 
 lithii benzoas, 989 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 magnesia, 1006 
 morphina, 1055 
 oleum ricini, 1146 
 oleum terebinthinae, 1159 
 opium, 1180 
 pareira, 1198 
 parietaria, 1198 
 persica, 1207 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 piperazinum, 1250 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bicarbonas, 1278 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 primula, 1318 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 santoninum, 1416 
 sapo, 1418 
 sodii bicarb., 1456 
 sodii boras, 1460 
 sorghum, 1647 
 spilanthes, 1335 
 spirit, aetheris nitrosi, 1499 
 tr. chloroformi c., 1614 
 triticum, 1647 
 urtica, 1677 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 veronica, 1695 
 
 Graves’s disease, acid, hydriod., 
 57 
 
 Gums, spongy, acid, chromic., 
 49 . 
 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 172 
 catechu, 428 
 cochlearia, 514 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 ferrum, 748 
 iodum, 891 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 myrrha, 1069 
 piper, 1249 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 testa ovi, 1714 
 tr. gallae, 1620 
 tr. krameriae, 1626 
 tr. myrrhae, 1629 
 trochisci potassii chlorat., 
 1655 
 
 H iEMATEMESIS. ac. gallic., 55 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 liq. ferri chlorid., 960 
 matico, 1025 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1158 
 plumbi acetas. 1261 
 Hjematuria, acid, gallic., 55 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 171 
 ammonii chlor., 187 
 chimaphila, 448 
 equisetum, 615 
 ergota, 620 
 matico, 1025 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1158 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1883 
 
 Hematuria — 
 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 rhus aromatica, 1381 
 symphytum, 1551 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Haemophilia, acid, tannic., 109 
 
 Haemoptysis, acid, gallic., 55 
 acid, phosphoric., 86 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 atropinae sulph., 309 
 bolus, 349 
 digitalis, 586 
 equisetum, 615 
 ergota, 620 
 ferrum, 746 
 ipecacuanha, 896, 897 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 liq. ferri subsulphatis, 966 
 lycopus, 1003 
 matico, 1025 
 monesia, 1047 
 myrica, 1065 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 quercus, 1341 
 sodii chlorid., 1467 
 statice, 1515 
 Symphytum, 1551 
 urtica, 1667 
 
 Hemorrhage, acacia, 8 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, citric., 52 
 acid, gallic., 55 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 aether, 134 
 agrimonia, 146 
 alumen, 171, 172 
 ambrosia, 178 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 antipyrina, 230 
 aqua, 241, 246 
 aqua chloroformi, 259 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 argenti oxidum, 286 
 bistorta, 775 
 bursa pastoris, 514 
 caffea, 364 
 cantharis, 400 
 catechu, 428 
 cocaina, 510 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 confectio terebinthinae, 530 
 creolinum, 551 
 creosotum, 549 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 curcas, 568 
 cydonium, 573 
 
 decoctum granati radicis, 577 
 
 decoctum quercus, 579 
 
 digitalis, 586 
 
 diospyros, 588 
 
 ergota, 620 
 
 erythrophlceum, 625 
 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 
 ferri chlorid., 721 
 
 ferri et ammonii sulph., 724 
 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 
 ferrum, 746, 749 
 
 fungus chirurgorum, 759 
 
 geranium, 775 
 
 granatum, 794 
 
 haematoxylon, 804 
 
 hamamelis, 805 
 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 
 kino, 912 
 
 krameria, 913 
 
 laricis cortex, 930 
 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 
 liq. ferri subsulphatis, 966 
 
 Hemorrhage — 
 lycoperdon, 1000 
 lycopus, 1003 
 lythrum, 1003 
 mastiche, 1024 
 matico, 1025 
 monesia, 1047 
 ol. terebiuthinae, 1158 
 opium, 1178 
 persica, 1207 
 Pinghawar Djambi, 760 
 plantago, 1257 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 quininae sulph., 1356 
 rosa gallica, 1386 
 sanicula, 1411 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 spiraea, 1494 
 statice, 1515 
 symphytum, 1551 
 tr. ferri acetatis, 1618 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1619 
 tr. krameriae, 1626 
 tr. laricis, 1626 
 urtica, 1676, 1677 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Uterine, acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 alumen, 171 
 asparagus, 301 
 bryonia, 354 
 caffea, 364 
 cannabis, 396 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cinnamomum, 501 
 digitalis, 586 
 diospyros. 588 
 ergota, 620 
 ferri chloridum, 960 
 ferrum, 746 
 
 hydrastinae hydrochlor., 849 
 hydrastis, 850 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 mastiche, 1124 
 matico, 1027 
 monesia, 1047 
 ol. erigerontis canad., 1122 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1158 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 quercus alba, 1341 
 ruta, 1390 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 viscum, 1713 
 V. Menorrhagia. 
 
 Haemorrhoids, achillea, 17 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 aloe, 165 
 antisepsin, 886 
 aqua, 245 
 aq. minerales. 271 
 batiator, 899 
 belladonna, 330 
 capsicum, 405 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocaina, 509 
 confectio piperis, 529 
 copaiba, 540 
 crocus, 556 
 curcas, 568 
 cydonium, 573 
 decoct, quercfts, 578 
 ergota, 620, 621 
 ext. belladonna ale., 653 
 glycerinum, 781 
 hamamelis, 805, 806 
 heuchera, 812 
 
 Hemorrhoids — 
 iodoformum, 882 
 linaria, 938 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 magnesia, 1006 
 manna, 1019 
 myrtus, 1070 
 ol. lini, 1130 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 passiflora, 1200 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 piper, 1249 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bitartras, 1282 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 potassii tartras, 1317 
 rheum, 1380 
 sambucus, 1407 
 scrophularia, 1434 
 sempervivum tectorum, 1435 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 stramonium, 1518 
 sulphur, 1543 
 
 suppositor. acid, carbolic., 
 1549 
 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 teucrium, 1589 
 ung. gall®, 1663 
 ung. stramonii, 1671 
 verbascum, 1695 
 
 Hair, to darken, pilocarpus, 
 1232 
 
 To remove, calx, 381 
 sarcocolla, 1420 
 
 Hallucinations, cannabis, 395 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 
 HaVY fever, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 bidens, 339 
 cocaina, 507 
 menthol, 1035 
 opium, 1182 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 salicinum, 1401 
 strychnina, 1530 
 terpini hydras, 1588 
 
 Headache, acetanilid, 10 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, hydrobromic., 59 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 aether, 134 
 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 ammonii valerianas, 193 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 anthemis, 216 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua aurantii flortim, 2&4 
 aqua camphorae. 255 
 aqua menthae piperitae, 264 
 beberinae sulphas, 326 
 caffea, 367 
 camphora, 390 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 
 cannabis, 396 
 
 carbonei bisulphidum, 410 
 
 chloral, 457 
 
 chloral butylicum, 460 
 
 chloroformum, 469 
 
 coca, 504 
 
 cocaina, 510 
 
 cubeba, 558 
 
 ethoxy-caffeine, 366 
 
 emplast. menthol, 604 
 
 ergota, 622 
 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 
 guarana, 801 
 
 helenium, 807 
 
 kola, 366 
 
1884 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Headache — 
 
 laburnum, 915 
 liq. ammonii acetat., 949 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 morphina, 1055 
 nectandra, 1078 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. lavandulae flor., 1128 
 ol. mentli. piper., 1132 
 piper, 1249 
 piscidia, 1252 
 potassii cyanidum, 1297 
 primula, 1318 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 quininae valerianas, 1363 
 saloplieu, 1405 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodium salicylas, 1481 
 spirit, aetheris nitros., 1499 
 spirit, ammon. aromat., 1501 
 spirit, lavandulae, 1506 
 spirit, myrciae, 1507 
 thea, 1595 
 tilia, 1602 
 
 tr. Valerianae ammoniata, 1640 
 valeriana, 1682 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 Heart, dilatation of, digitalis, 
 584 
 
 ergota, 622 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 Diseases of, aqua, 243 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 barium, 325 
 cactus, 357 
 chloral butylic., 460 
 convallaria, 535 
 digitalis, 585 
 erythropliloeum, 625 
 iodoform, 883 
 lac, 925 
 opium, 1180 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii iodidum, 1306 
 sparteine, 1432, 1433 
 strophanthus, 1524 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 Irritable, acid, hydrobrom. j 
 dil., 59 
 
 infus. pruni Virginian., 872 
 Fatty, strychnma, 1531 
 Obstruction of, aqua ammo- 
 niae, 252 
 
 Palpitation of, belladonna, 
 329 
 
 ammonia valerianas, 193 
 aq. ammonia, 252 
 aq. aurantii flor., 254 
 aq. camphora, 255 
 cactus, 357 
 caffea, 366 
 conium, 553 
 convallaria, 535 
 digitalis, 584 
 ext. pruni virgin, fl., 697 
 ferrum, 746 
 hyoscyamus, 855 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 piscidia, 1252 
 pyridine, 1110 
 veratrina, 1689 
 Heartburn, magnesia, 1006 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 Heart-exhaustion, aether, 136 
 barii chlorid., 325 
 belladonna, 331 
 cocaina hydrochlor., 510 
 Heat-exhaustion, atropina sul- 
 phas, 309 
 
 Hemeralopia, strychnina, 1529 
 Hepatitis, hydrarg. chlor. mite, 
 828 
 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 Hernia, ather, 134, 135 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 antim. et potass, tart., 220, 221 
 aqua, 242 
 belladonna, 330 
 caffea, 367 
 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 elastica, 594 
 enema tabaci, 614 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 994 
 opium, 1178 
 I tabacum, 1576 
 | Herpes, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 chloroformum, 469 
 chrysarobinum, 476 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 ung. picis liquidae, 1669 
 ung. zinci oxid., 1673 
 Zoster, chloroform., 469 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 grindelia, 795 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 zinci phosphid., 1729 
 Hiccough, aether, 134 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 anethi fructus, 209 
 apomorphina, 236 
 aqua camphorae, 255 
 aqua menthae piperit., 264 
 caffea, 364 
 camphora, 390 
 chloral, 457 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 moschus, 1060 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 pilocarpus, 1223 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sinapis, 1447 
 tabacum, 1576 
 
 Hip- joint disease, potassa, 1272 
 Hoarseness, acidum nitricum, 
 76 
 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 catechu, 428 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 tragacantha, 1643 
 trochisci acid, tannici, 1650 
 trochisci catechu, 1651 
 Hydrarthrosis, bryonia, 354 
 cantharis, 400 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 moxa, 1061 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 Hydrocele, acid, carbolic., 43 
 cantharis, 400 
 elastica, 594 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 iodol, 886 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 scilla, 1431 
 vin. rubrum, 1710 
 Hydrocephalus, iodum, 892 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 Hydrophobia, tether, 135 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 cantharis, 400 
 chloral, 457 
 
 ! Hydrophobia — 
 
 cocainae hydrochloras, 506 
 curare, 567 
 iodum, 893 
 liq. potassae, 978 
 mylabris orientalis, 402 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 pilocarpus, 1231 
 
 j Hydrothorax, pilocarpus, 1231 
 
 j Hydruria, ferri sulphas, 742 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 
 Hypertrophy of various or- 
 gans, ferri bromidum, 717 
 iodum, 891 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 
 Hypochondria, aquae minerales, 
 273 
 
 asafoetida, 296 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 511 
 hyoscyamus, 855 
 
 Hypopion, cocainae hydrochlor., 
 507 
 
 Hy t steria, acid, succinic., 97 
 aether, 134, 135 
 aethyl bromid., 142 
 allium, 160 
 allyl tribomid., 160 
 ambra grisea, 178 
 ammonii valerianas, 193 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 aqua, 242 
 
 aqua aurantii florum, 254 
 asafoetida, 296 
 aurum, 315 
 calcii bromidum, 369 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 castoreum, 422 
 cypripedium, 574 
 dracontium, 589 
 emulsum chloroformi, 612 
 enema asafcetidae, 613 
 enema terebinthinae, 614 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 ferri valerianas, 744 
 galega, 763 
 imperatoria, 865 
 morphina, 1055 
 moschus, 1061 
 narcissus, 1076 
 ol. animal, aether., 1109 
 ol. chenopodii, 1118 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 ol. valerianse, 1166 
 opium, 1179 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 parthenium, 1199 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 primula, 1318 
 quininae valerianas, 1363 
 ruta, 1389 
 
 sempervivum tectorum, 1435 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 spirit, aether, comp., 1495 
 spirit, ammoniae foetid., 1501 
 spirit, rosmarini, 1508 
 sumbul, 1545 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 tilia, 1602 
 
 tinct. asafoetidae, 1607 
 
 tract, castorei, 1613 
 
 tinct. valerianae ammon., 1640 
 
 trimethycarbinol, 201 
 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 valeriana, 1682 
 
 viscum, 1713 
 
 zinci oxidum, 1727 
 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1885 
 
 T CHTHYOSIS, cupri sulphas, 
 1 564 
 
 ol. morrhuse, 1135 
 sapo, 1419 
 
 Ileus, enema tabaci, 614 
 Impetigo, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 iodoform., 882 
 
 liq. arsen. et hydrarg. iod., 
 951 
 
 oleum lini, 1130 
 oleum morrhuse, 1135 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 salol, 1404 
 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sulphur, 1542 
 uug. zinci oxid. 1673 
 Impotence, carlina acaulis, 877 
 coca, 504 
 damiana, 575 
 ol. phosphorat., 1143 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 sodii hypophosphis, 1470 
 strychnina, 1530 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 Incontinence of urine, acid, 
 benzoic., 33 
 atropina, 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 krameria, 913 
 lupulina, 1000 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 Inebriety, aurum, 315 
 Inflammation, acacia, 8 
 acetum, 14 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 aconitum, 121 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 ammonii uitras, 189 
 aqua, 241 
 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 cataplasma lini, 424 
 cataplasma sinapis, 424 
 digitalis, 585 
 emplast. belladonna, 601 
 hirudo, 816 
 
 hydrarg. chlorid. mite, 828 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 lac, 919 
 
 lini farina, 946 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 magnesii sulphas, 1010 
 opium, 1178 
 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 pyoktanin, 214 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 sodae citro-tart. effervescens, 
 1469 
 
 tr. cantharidis, 1611 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 Influenza, eupatorium, 631 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 sabbatia, 1391 
 
 Insanity, acid, nitroliydrochlor., 
 78 
 
 acid, phosphoric., 86 
 
 amylenum hydrat., 200 
 
 aqua, 241, 245 
 
 cannabis, 395 
 
 chloral, 456, 457 
 
 chloralamid, 461 
 
 colocynthis, 525 
 
 conium, 533 
 
 ergota, 622 
 
 ferrum, 747 
 
 gratiola, 794 
 
 helleborus, 810 
 
 hyoscyaminse hydrobrom.,852 
 
 hyoscyamus, 855, 856 
 
 Insanity — 
 
 morphina, 1054 
 opium, 1178 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 potassii brornid., 1285 
 sinapis, 1448 
 stramonium, 1518 
 urethane, 1675 
 valeriana, 1682 
 
 Insects, bites of, allium, 160 
 ammon. carb., 184 
 aqua ammonia, 252 
 euphorbia prostrata, 634 
 menthol, 1085 
 oleum olivse, 1141 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 V. Stings. 
 
 To destroy, actaa, 123 
 anthemis, 216 
 py rethrum roseum, 1334 
 I veratrum album, 1691 
 Insomnia acid, hydrobrom. dil., 
 59 
 
 ammonii valerianas, 193 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 amylenum hydrat., 200 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 aqua, 241 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 cannabis, 396 
 chloral, 456 
 chloralamid, 461 
 chloral butylicum, 460 
 codeina, 516 
 hypnal, 459 
 lactucarium, 927 
 moschus, 1061 
 opium, 1178 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 potassii brornid., 1284 
 primula, 1318 
 spii*. ather. comp., 1495 
 sulphonal, 1536 
 tr. valerian* ammon., 1640 
 trional, 1536 
 ural, 1675 
 urethanum, 1675 
 Intertrigo, acid, salicylic., 95 
 aluminii hydras, 175 
 amylum, 206 
 aqua, 241 
 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 betula, 338 
 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bolus, 349 
 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 creta praparata, 554 
 farina tritici, 714 
 glycerin, amyli, 784 
 glycerit. vitelli, 786 
 lac, 921 
 
 lycoperdon, 1000 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 myrtus, 1070 
 paraffin um, 1194 
 plumbi carbonas, 1263 
 salvia, 1406 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 zinci carb. pracip., 1722 
 zinci oxid., 1728 
 
 I Intestinal obstruction, acid, 
 carbon icum, 47 
 aqua, 245 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 magnesii sulphas, 1011 
 opium, 1180 
 physostigma, 1223 
 pulvis effervescens comp., 
 1329 
 
 strychnina, 1530 
 
 Intestinal obstruction, taba- 
 cum, 1576 
 
 Intoxication, alcoholic, am- 
 monii clilor., 184 
 apomorphina, 236 
 aqua, 243, 245 
 aqua ammonise, 251 
 caffea, 364 
 
 liq. ammonii acetat., 949 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 strychnina, 1530 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 Intussusception, aqua, 242 
 Iris, displacements of, physos- 
 tigma, 1222 
 
 Prolapse of, atropina, 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 cocaina, 506 
 physostigma, 1222 
 Iritis, acid, salicylic, 93 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 belladonna, 330 
 copaiba, 540 
 ergota, 622 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1099 
 ol. terebinthina, 1159 
 physostigma, 1222 
 scopoline, 332 
 sodium salicylas, 1482 
 Issues, calx, 381 
 
 ceratrum sabinae, 436 
 elemi, 597 
 mezereum, 1040 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassa c. calce, 1272 
 Itching, acid, hydrocyan, dil., 67 
 carota, 415 
 creosotum, 549 
 glycerina, 782 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 V. Pruritus. 
 
 T AUNDICE, acid, benzoic., 34 
 fj acid, citric., 52 
 acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, nitroliydrochlor. dil., 78 
 acid, phosphoric., 86 
 alkekengi, 159 
 aloe, 165 
 aqua, 245 
 argenti nitras* 282 
 belladonna, 330 
 calendula, 377 
 chelidonium, 446 
 chelone, 446 
 eryngium, 624 
 fel bo vis, 716 
 galium, 764 
 gratiola, 794 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 linaria, 938 
 mangani sulph., 1017 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 pil. cathartic* c., 1241 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bicarbonas, 1278 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 triticum, 1648 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 Joints, diseased, ammonii 
 chlorid., 187 
 
 calcii phosph. pracip., 375 
 calcii sulph. exsiccat., 376 
 emplast. ammon iaci c. hy- 
 drarg., 600 
 emplast. ferri, 602 
 emplast. picis cantharid., 603 
 
1886 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Joints— 
 
 emplast. saponis, 608 
 emplast. saponis fuscum, 608 
 euphorbium, 634 
 hydrarg. iodid. rub., 835 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodum, 892 
 
 mangani sulphas, 1017 
 moxa, 1061 
 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 petroleum, 1210 
 potassa, 1272 
 sapo, 1419 
 sarcocolla, 1420 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 Nodosity of, acid, arsenosum, 
 29 
 
 bydrarg. cblor. corros., 825 
 iodum, 891 
 
 K idneys, diseases of, 
 
 aniliuum, 214 
 aqua, 245 
 buchu, 356 
 cantharis, 399, 400 
 cbimaphila, 448 
 cucumis, 559 
 
 hydrarg. cblor. mite, 830- 
 lac, 922 
 liatris, 937 
 linum, 946 
 liquidambar, 947 
 mistura amygdalae, 947 
 myrtus, 1070 
 ol. terebintliinae, 1159 
 pareira, 1198 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 terebinthina canad., 1587 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 L ABOR, aether, 134, 135 
 aetbyl bromid, 142 
 alcohol, 156 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrin um, 231, 232 
 aqua, 246 
 cannabis, 396 
 carbonei tetrachlor., 411 
 chloral, 457 
 
 chloroformum, 468, 469 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 cinnamoinum, 501 
 cocaina, 509 
 creolinum, 551 
 ergota, 619 
 
 ext. gossypii rad. fl., 677 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. terebintliinae, 1158 
 opium, 1180 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 Pains, aether, 134, 135 
 opium, 1181 
 spongia, 1510 
 
 Premature, acid, carbonic., 47 
 Slow, aqua, 246 
 cinnamomum, 501 
 ergota, 619 
 
 gossypii radicis cortex, 790 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 quininae sulphas, 1360 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 spongia, 1510 
 trillium, 1644 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Lactation, excessive, iodum, 
 891 
 
 Laryngismus, aether, 135 
 atropinae sulph., 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 chloral, 457 
 
 Laryngismus — 
 conium, 533 
 moscbus, 1060 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 tabacum, 1576 
 Laryngitis, acacia, 8 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, hydrobrom. dil., 59 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 aether acetic., 139 
 aethyl iodid., 143 
 alumen, 171, 172 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 apomorphina, 237 
 aqua, 244, 245 
 aqua ammoniae, 251 
 aquae minerales, 272, 273 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 armoracia, 288 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 belladonna, 330 
 bidens, 339 
 catechu, 428 
 cetaceum, 440 
 coca, 504 
 conium, 533 
 copaiba, 540 
 creosotum, 540 
 emulsum amygdalae, 611 
 ext. glycyrrhizae, 676 
 glycerinum, 781 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 bydrarg. subsulph. flavus, 939 
 ichthyol, 861 
 iodoformum, 882 
 iodum, 891 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 jujuba, 906 
 
 liniment, ammoniae, 939 
 liniment, terebintliinae, 943 
 linum, 946 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 lobelia, 996 
 
 mistura glycyrrhizae c., 1044 
 moschus, 1060 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. terebintbinae, 1160 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 oxymel scillae, 1188 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii bromid., 1287 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 ranunculus, 1364 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sassafras medulla, 1427 
 senega, 1438 
 sneezewort, 17 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sulphur, 1543 
 syr. acaciae, 1553 
 syr. allii, 1555 
 syr. althaeae, 1555 
 syr. amygdalae, 1556 
 syr. ipecacuanhae, 1564 
 syr. scillae, 1570 
 syr. scillae c., 1571 
 syr. senegae, 1571 
 tabacum, 1576 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. lobeliae, 1627 
 tinct. lobeliae aether., 1628 
 tragacantha, 1643 
 
 Laryngitis— 
 
 trochisci catechu, 1651 
 trochisci cubebae, 1652 
 trochisci glycyrr. et opii, 1653 
 trochisci ipecac., 1653 
 trochisci morpbinae, 1654 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Laryngitis, pseudo-membra- 
 nous, alumen, 171 
 apomorphina, 237 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 cantharis, 400 
 copaiba, 540 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 823 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii carb., 1287 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Laryngoscope, to facilitate 
 use of, glycerinum, 782 
 potassii bromid., 1287 
 Larynx, diseases of, resor- 
 cinum, 1373 
 
 Foreign body in, apomorphia, 
 236 
 
 (Edema of, pilocarpus, 1232 
 Ulcerated, acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 potassii bromid., 1287 
 Lead colic, ol. tiglii, 1165 
 strychnina, 1529 
 tabacum, 1576 
 
 Paralysis, strychnina, 1529 
 Poisoning by, potassii iodid., 
 1305 
 
 Leech-bites, aqua, 246 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 mastiche, 1024 
 
 Lentigo, hydrarg. chlorid. cor- 
 ros., 824 
 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 V. Freckles. 
 
 Lepra, acid, arsenos., 28 
 arseni iodidum, 292 
 cantharis, 400 
 copaiba, 540 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 ruta, 1390 
 ung. picis liq., 1669 
 ung. sulphuris iodidi, 1672 
 Leprosy, copaiba, 540 
 gurjun oil, 540 
 gynocardia, 803 
 hura, 819 
 hydrocotyle, 851 
 pyrogallol, 1336 
 Lethargy, urtica, 1677 
 Leucorrhcea, achillea, 17 
 acid, arsenos., 30 
 acid, carbolic., 47 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 alnus, 161 
 althaea, 169 
 alumen, 172 
 aluminii sulphas, 177 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 aqua minerales, 272, 274 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1887 
 
 Leucorehcea — 
 
 beberia? sulphas, 326 
 bismuth! subnitras, 346 
 bismutlii tannas, 346 
 bolus, 349 
 
 calcii hypophospli., 373 
 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 
 camphor (carbolized ), 390 
 
 cantharis, 400 
 
 catechu, 428 
 
 chimaphila, 448 
 
 copaiba, 540 
 
 creosotum, 549 
 
 cubeba, 558 
 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 
 cydouium, 572 
 
 decoct, grauati rad., 577 
 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 
 diospyros, 588 
 
 ergota, 620 
 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 
 ferri et ammonii sulph., 724 
 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 
 ferrum, 747 
 
 galbauum, 762 ] 
 
 garciuia, 766 
 
 geranium, 775 
 
 geum, 776 
 
 glycerinum, 781 
 
 granatum, 794 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 
 hydrastis, 850 
 
 iodum, 891 
 
 juglans, 905 
 
 krameria, 912 
 
 labdauum, 914 
 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 
 liquor ferri nitratis, 964 
 
 liquor sodae chlorat., 985 
 
 liq. sodii silicatis, 987 
 
 liquor zincii chloridi, 988 
 
 lysol, 45 
 
 • ly thrum, 1003 
 matico, 1025 
 monesia, 1047 
 myrrha, 1067 
 myrtus, 1070 
 nectandra, 1078 
 nymphaea, 1088 
 ol. sabinae, 1150 
 ol. thymi, 1162 
 pil. galbani c., 1244 
 piper, 1249 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 platinum, 1258 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassa sulpliurata, 1274 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 rhus aromatica, 1381 
 sanicula, 1411 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 spiraea, 1494 
 sumbul, 1545 
 syr. ferri iodidi, 1560 
 teucrium, 1589 
 thea, 1595 
 
 tinct. catechu c., 1613 
 tinct. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 urtica, 1667 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 vin. rubrum, 1710 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 zinci iodidum, 1726 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 zinci sulphocarbonas, 1735 
 Leukaemia, acid, arsenos., 29 
 oxygen ium, 1187 
 
 Leukaemia, pancreatinum, 1190 
 Lice, acid, oleic., 80 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 actea, 123 
 aether, 134 
 gynocardia, 803 
 hydrai’g. clilor. corros., 824 
 ledum, 908 
 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 picrotoxinum, 1228 
 piper, 1249 
 ruta, 1390 
 sabadilla, 1391 
 staphisagria, 1513 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 veratrum album, 1691 
 Lichen, acid. acet. dil., 22 
 acid, arsenos., 28 
 chrysarobinum, 475, 476 
 farini tritici, 714 
 hydrocotyle, 851 
 Lientery, acid, tannic., 109 
 opium, 1180 
 
 Lightning-stroke, aqua, 242 
 Lime, poisoning by, acetum, 14 
 Lips, fissured, bismuthi sub- 
 nitras, 346 
 monesia, 1047 
 tr. benzoin i, 1608 
 Lithiasis, sodii bicarb., 1456 
 Liver, abscess of, ammonii 
 chlor., 187 
 
 Cirrhosis of, lac, 919 
 Congestion of, aquae miner- 
 ales, 275 
 calendula, 377 
 cambogia, 386 
 elaterium, 596 
 Fabiana, 712 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 827, 829 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 liquor sodae, 982 
 mangani sulphas, 1017 
 manna, 1019 
 massa hydrargyri, 1023 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 pil. cathartic* c., 1241 
 pil. scammonii c., 1246 
 podophyllum, 1268 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 potassii tartras, 1317 
 rumex, 1388 
 
 sodii carbonas exsiccatus, 1465 
 stillingia, 1515 
 taraxacum, 1581 
 Diseases of, acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, nitrohydrochlor. dil., 78 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 Enlarged, ammonii chlorid., 
 187 
 
 bromum, 352 
 conium, 532 
 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 Syphilitic, emplast. hydrar- 
 gyri, 603 
 
 Lochia, to promote, aqua, 246 
 To deodorize, eucalyptus, 628 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 potassii permangan., 1312 
 Lumbago, acid, salicylic., 94 
 aether, 135 
 capsicum, 405 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 morphina, 1055 
 moxa, 1061 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 potassii iodum, 1306 
 Lung, congestion of, aqua, 243 
 elaterium, 595 
 
 Lung- 
 
 Gangrene of, eucalyptus, 629 
 myrtus, 1070 
 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 (Edema of, aether, 136 
 Lupus, acid, arsenosum, 32 
 acid, chloracetic., 22 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, salicylic., 93, 95 
 amylum iodat., 207 
 arseni iodid., 292 
 au rum, 315 
 calcii chlorid., 371 
 cantharis,. 400 
 carbon bisulphid., 410 
 creosotum, 549 
 ferri chloridum, 721 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hydrarg. iodid. rub., 835 
 hydroxylamin, 476 
 iodoform., 882 
 iodolum, 886 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liq. arseni et hydrarg. iod., 
 951 
 
 liq. hydrarg. nitratis, 969 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 pyrogallol, 1336 
 sapo, 1419 
 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 ung. acidi carbolici, 1659 
 ung. sulphuris iodidi, 1672 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 zinci sulphas, 1732 
 zinci sulphid., 1731 
 Lymphatics, inflammation of, 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 Lymphoma, acid, arsenos., 28 
 
 M AGGOTS, chloroform., 469 
 hydrarg. chloridum mite, 830 
 sambucus, 1407 
 
 Malarial cachexia, acid, hy- 
 driod., 57 
 
 aquae mineral., 270 
 koumys, 922 
 
 Mamma, engorged, alnus, 161 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 belladonna, 331 
 empl. belladonnae, 601 
 ergota, 621 
 iodum, 890 
 
 liq. ammoniae acetat., 949 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 ol. olivae, 1141 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1160 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 ung. plumbi iodidi, 1670 
 Hypertrophied, conium, 533 
 emplast. belladonnae, 601 
 iodum, 890 
 Mania, aether, 135 
 
 antimon. et pot. tart., 221 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 apomorph. hydrochlor., 236 
 aqua, 241 
 camphora, 390 
 chloral, 456 
 cocaina, 511 
 conium, 533 
 gelsemium, 771 
 gratiola, 794 
 helleborus, 810 
 hyoscyamus, 855 
 opium, 1179 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 
1888 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Mania-a-potu, acetanilidum, 10 
 ant. et pot. tart., 221 
 aqua, 242 
 chloral, 456 
 ergota, 621 
 opium, 1178 
 sinapis, 1447 
 stryclmina, 1530 
 tinct. chloroformi c., 1614 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 
 Measles, adeps, 125 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 ferrum, 748 
 
 Melancholy, acid, phosphoric., 
 86 
 
 coca, 504 
 colocynthis, 525 
 conium, 533 
 ergota, 622 
 gratiola, 794 
 helleborus, 810 
 phosphorus, 1220 
 stramonium, 1518 
 
 Membranes, mucous, relaxed, 
 decoct, granati radicis, 577 
 decoctum quercus alb*, 579 
 
 Meningitis, antimon. et potass, 
 tart., 221 
 
 acid, salicylic., 93 
 belladonna, 330 
 cantharis, 400 
 ergota, 622 
 gelsemium, 771 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 828, 829 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 iodoformum, 881 
 juglans, 905 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 opium, 1179 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 Epidemic, antipyrina, 231 
 belladonna, 330 
 cantharis, 401 
 ergota, 622 
 opium, 1179 
 
 Menorrhagia, achillea, 17 
 acid, arsenos, 32 
 acid, gallic., 55 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 aloe, 165 
 alumen, 171 
 ammonii bromid., 182 
 aqua, 246 
 
 a tropin* sulph., 309 
 beberi* sulphas, 326 
 bolus, 349 
 bursa pastoris, 514 
 caffea, 365 
 
 calcii hypophosphis, 373 
 canella, 393 
 cannabis, 396 
 capsicum, 405 
 catechu, 428 
 cinnamomum, 501 
 ergota, 620 
 ferrum, 746 
 geum, 776 
 heuchera, 812 
 hydrastis, 850 
 juglans, 905 
 kino, 912 
 
 liq. ammonii acet., 949 
 liq. ferri nitratis, 964 
 monesia, 1070 
 myrtus, 1070 
 nectandra, 1078 
 ol. erigerontis canad., 1122 
 ol. rosmarini, 1150 
 ol. rut*, 1150 
 
 Menorrhagia — 
 ol. sabinse, 1150 
 ol. terebinthin*, 1159 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 quercus, 1341 
 ruta, 1390 
 sabina, 1392 
 salvia, 1406 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 spiraea, 1494 
 statice, 1515 
 symphytum, 1551 
 tr. krameri*, 1626 
 trillium, 1644 
 urtica, 1676 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 viscum, 1713 
 
 Menstruation, disorders of, 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua, 245, 246 
 bursa pastoris, 514 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 ferrum, 746 
 
 gossypii rad. cortex, 790 
 hedeoma, 806 
 ol. rosmarini, 1148 
 petroselinum, 1213 
 pichurim, 1079 
 tinct. castorei, 1613 
 Mentagra, chrysarobinum, 476 
 ! Mercurial sore mouth, acid, 
 hydrochlor. dil. , 63 
 acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, hydrobrom. dil., 59 
 ambrosia, 178 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 baptisia, 322 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 liq. sod* chlorat., 985 
 potassii cliloras, 1292 
 potassii iodidum, 1305 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 Mercurial tremor, zinci phos- 
 phidum, 1729 
 
 Mercury, elimination of, 
 potassii iodid., 1305 
 Poisoning by, potassii iodid., 
 1305 
 
 Metritis, hydrarg. chlor. mite, 
 830 
 
 creolinum, 551 
 iodoformum, 881 
 Migraine. V. Headache. 
 Milk, to diminish secretion 
 of, agaricus albus, 144 
 alnus, 161 
 antipyrina, 231 
 atropina, 309 
 belladonna, 331 
 conium, 533 
 ergota, 621 
 iodum, 891 
 juglans, 905 
 liq. ammoni ace tat., 949 
 mel, 1028 
 salvia, 1406 
 spirit, camphor*, 1502 
 To PROMOTE SECRETION OF, 
 aqua, 246 
 cuminum, 560 
 curcas, 568 
 fceniculum, 753 
 galega, 763 
 gaultheria, 767 
 gossypii rad. cort., 790 
 ol. fceniculi, 1123 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 ricinus, 1146 
 xanthoxylum, 1717 
 Miscarriage, liamamelis, 805 
 
 Miscarriage — 
 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 Mollities ossium, calcii phos- 
 phas prsecip., 373 
 Mortification. V. Gangrene. 
 Mouth, dry, glycerinum, 782 
 Operation on, cocain* hydro- 
 chlor., 507 
 
 Ulcers of, baptisia, 322 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 ceanothus, 429 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 juglans, 905 
 liq. sod* chlorat*, 985 
 mel, 1030 
 V. Aphtha. 
 
 Moxa, chloroform, 469 
 Mucous fluxes, cydonium, 573 
 decoct, granat. rad., 577 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 ferrum, 747 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 matico, 1025 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 quinin* sulphas, 1359 
 Mucous MEMBRANE, RELAXED, 
 gall*, 766 
 
 decoct, granat. rad., 577 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 geranium, 775 
 
 Mumps, antimon. et potass, tart., 
 220 
 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 
 Muscles, wasting of, cantharis, 
 401 
 
 Myalgia, ammonii chlorid., 187 
 Mydriasis, pliysostigma, 1222 
 Myoma, resorcinum, 1373 
 Myopia, atropina, 309 
 Myxcedema, pilocarpus, 1233 
 
 iEVI, acid, carbolic., 43 
 alcohol, 155 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 221 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 calx, 381 
 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 creosotum, 549 
 ferri chloridum, 721 
 potassa, 1272 
 sodium ethylate, 982 
 Nail, ingrown, acid, tannic., 110 
 alumen, 172 
 aqua, 243 
 
 camphor (carbolized), 390 
 carbonei bisulphidum, 410 
 cocaina, 510 
 ferrum, 748 
 
 fungus chirurgorum, 759 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 liq. potass*, 978 
 potassa, 1272 
 Narcotism, acetum, 14 
 caffea, 364 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 Nasal Catarrh. V. Catarrh. 
 Nasal duct, obstruction of, 
 acid, boric., 35 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 Nausea, caryophyllus, 417 
 fceniculum, 753 
 liq. potassii citratis, 980 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 pulvis aromaticus, 1327 
 spiritus *theris nitrosi, 1499 
 spiritus ammon. aromat, 1501 
 spiritus lavandul*, 1506 
 tr. cinnamomi, 1615 
 tr. lavandul* c., 1627 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1889 
 
 tr. zingiberis, 1642 
 trochisei menth. piperit., 1654 
 
 Nephritis, pilocarpus, 1231 
 terpin® hydras, 1588 
 V. Albuminuria. 
 
 Nervous diseases, aqua, 242 
 aqua camphora, 255 
 aurnm, 315 
 
 chenopodium ambros., 447 
 ferrum, 746, 747 
 ol. morrliu®, 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 passiflora, 1200 
 phosphorus, 1220 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 quinin® hydrobromas, 1348 
 rosmarinus, 1386 
 sodii hypophosph., 1470 
 spir. ®ther. comp., 1495 
 tr. quinin® anirnon., 1635 
 trochisei menth® pip., 1654 
 valeriana, 1682 
 zinci cyanidum, 1735 
 zinci lactas, 1735 
 zinci oxid., 1727 
 zinci phosphid., 1729 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 
 Nervousness, acetophenone, 12 
 ®ther aceticus, 139 
 ammonii valerianas, 193 
 aqua, 242 
 
 aqua aurantii flor., 255 
 aqua camphor®, 255 
 aurantii flores, 254, 313 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 parthenium, 1199 
 sodii hypophosph., 1470 
 sodii valerianas, 1489 
 spirit, setheris c., 1495 
 spirit, setheris nitrosi, 1499 
 spirit, rosmarini, 1508 
 tilia, 1602 
 
 tr. quininse ammoniata, 1635 
 valeriana, 1682 
 
 Neuralgia, acet. cantharid., 15 
 acetanilidum, 10 
 acid, arsenos., 29 
 acid, formic., 54 
 acid, hydrobromic., 59 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 aconitia, 117 
 aconitum, 121 
 sether, 134, 135 
 sethyleni bichlorid., 140 
 agathin, 232 
 alcohol, 155 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 ammonii valerianas, 193 
 amyl nitris, 197 
 anthemis, 216 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua, 242, 243, 246 
 aqua ammonise, 251 
 aqua camphor®, 255 
 argenti iodid., 278 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 atropina, 308 
 beberise sulphas, 326 
 belladonna, 329, 653 
 benzinum, 334 
 cannabis, 395 
 cantharis, 401 
 capsicum, 405 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 carbonei tetrachlor., 411 
 cera, 432 
 chloral, 458 
 chloral butylicum, 460 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cicu a, 477 
 
 119 
 
 Neuralgia — 
 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 cinchonidinse sulph., 495 
 cocaina, 509 
 coccus, 512 
 codeina, 516 
 colchicum, 519 
 condurango, 527 
 conium, 533 
 crocus, 556 
 
 cuprum ammoniatum, 564 
 delphinine, 1514 
 elastica, 594 
 
 emplast. belladonnse, 601 
 emplast. capsici, 601 
 ethyl bichloride, 140 
 ext. belladonnse fol. ale., 653 
 ferri oxidum hydratum, 736 
 ferri subcarbonas, 736 
 ferrum, 747 
 gelsemium, 771 
 hippocastanum, 814 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 iodoformum, 883 
 iodum, 892 
 kola, 366 
 
 liniment, aconiti, 939 
 liniment, ammonise, 939 
 liniment, belladonnse, 939 
 liniment, camphora 1 c., 940 
 liniment, chloroformi, 940 
 liniment, terebinthin® ace- 
 tic., 944 
 
 liquor potassii arsenitis, 980 
 
 lolium, 997 
 
 menthol, 1035 
 
 methylene blue, 1037 
 
 metliyli chloridum, 1038 
 
 methyli iodidum, 1038 
 
 monarda, 1046 
 
 morphina, 1055 
 
 moxa, 1061 
 
 napelline, 1220 
 
 nectandra, 1078 
 
 niccoli sulphas, 1080 
 
 ol. amygdal. amar., 1107 
 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 
 ol. coriandri, 1121 
 
 ol. menthse piper., 1132 
 
 ol. sassafras, 1152 
 
 ol. terebinthin®, 1159, 1160 
 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 
 opium, 1178, 1179, 1182 
 
 origanum, 1184 
 
 passiflora, 1200 
 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 
 physostigma, 1223 
 
 pimenta, 1247 
 
 piscidia, 1252 
 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 
 quininse sulphas, 1357 
 
 quininse valerianas, 1363 
 
 salicinum, 1401 
 
 salipyriue, 1405 
 
 salol, 1404 
 
 salophen, 1405 
 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 sodium salicylas, 1481 
 
 solanine, 591 
 
 solidago, 1490 
 
 spir. camphor®, 1502 
 
 stramonium, 1518 
 
 strychnina, 1530 
 
 tr. cantharidis, 1611 
 
 tr. quininse ammoniatse, 1635 
 
 tr. stramonii, 1638 
 
 ung. aconiti®, 1660 
 
 Neuralgia— 
 
 ung. atropi®, 1661 
 veratrina, 1689 
 zinci cyanidum, 1735 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 Of stomach, argenti nitras, 
 282 
 
 Night-blindndss, physostigma, 
 1223 
 
 strychnina, 1530 
 
 Night-sweats. V. Sweating. 
 
 Nipple, retracted, collod. flex., 
 522 
 
 Nipples, sore, acliillea, 17 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, picric., 87 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 alcohol, 155 
 ammonii picricum, 87 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bolus, 349 
 catechu, 428 
 chloral, 458 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 copaiba, 540 
 glycerina, 781 
 glycerit. boratis, 784 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 liydrastis, 850 
 krameria, 914 
 liq. sod® chlorat., 985 
 mel, 1028 
 mel boracis, 1020 
 mel ros®, 1020 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 quercus, 1342 
 quinin® sulphas, 1360 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 symphytum, 1551 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 tinct. catechu, 1613 
 ung. zinci oxidi, 1673 
 zinci oxid., 1728 
 
 Nodosity of joints, acid, arsen., 
 29 
 
 iodum, 881 
 
 Noma, acid, carbolic., 42 
 
 Nose, diseases of, cocaina, 507 
 
 Nyctalopia, physostigma, 1223 
 
 Nymphomania, camphora, 390 
 conium, 533 
 dulcamara, 591 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 
 O BESITY, acid, arsenos., 29 
 fucus vesiculosus, 758 
 Obstetrical operations, ®ther 
 135 
 
 chloroformum, 466 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 825 
 methyleni bichlorid., 1037 
 Odors, fetid, acid, sulph uros., 
 105 
 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 chloral, 458 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 liquor zinci chloridi, 988 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 potassii sulpliis, 1315 
 sodii sulphis, 1485 
 sodium fluosilicate, 987 
 (Edp:ma of lungs, etc., pilocar- 
 pus, 1232 
 
 (Esophagus, foreign body in, 
 apomorphina, 236 
 
1890 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 (Esophagus — 
 coniurn, 533 
 Obstructed, aqua, 243 
 Spasm of, amyl nitris, 198 
 atropinae sulph., 309 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 507 
 conium, 533 
 strychnina, 1530 
 Stricture of, paucreatinum, 
 1190 
 
 Onychia, plurnbi nitras, 1265 
 
 Operations, surgical, acid, car- 
 bolic., 44 
 aether, 135 
 aether methylic, 137 
 aethyl bromid., 141, 142 
 aethyleni bichlorid., 140 
 alcohol, 156 
 amylenum, 201 
 carbonei disulphid., 410 
 chloride of ethydene, 140 
 chloroformum, 466 
 coca, 506 
 cocaina, 507 
 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 510 
 ethydene chloride, 140 
 methyleni bichloridum, 1037 
 methyli chloridum, 1038 
 methyli iodidum, 1038 
 nitrogenii monoxidum, 1083 
 oleum thymi, 1163 
 
 Ophthalmia, abrus, 2, 3 
 acid, boric., 35 
 acid, carbolic., 43, 44 
 alumen, 172 
 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 aqua, 246 
 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 argemone, 277 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 beberiae sulphas, 326 
 bela, 327 
 
 bismuthi tannas, 347 
 cadmii sulphas, 358 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 cantharis, 401 
 catalpa, 423 
 cocaina, 506 
 conium, 533 
 copaiba, 540 
 creolinum, 551 
 euphrasia, 635 
 geranium, 775 
 glycerit. amyli, 784 
 hamamelis, 805 
 hydrarg. ammoniat., 847 
 liydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 iodoform um, 882 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 lac, 921 
 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 liq. zinci chlorid., 988 
 oleum morrhuae, 1135 
 olibanum, 1167 
 opium, 1181 
 paraffin um, 1194 
 plurnbi acetas, 1261 
 prunus Virginian., 1321 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 rosa gallica, 1386 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1457 
 sodii pliosphas, 1478 
 tabacum, 1576 
 
 ung. hydrarg. ammoniat , 
 1665 
 
 ung. zinci oxid., 1673 
 vin. opii, 1707 
 zinci acetas, 1720 
 zinci salicylas, 1735 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 
 Opium habit, amyl nitris, 199 
 
 Opium habit — 
 aqua, 243 
 caffea, 365 
 cannabis, 396 
 coca, 504 
 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 510 
 codeina, 516 
 ginger, etc., 1182 
 stimulant tonics, 1182 
 Orchitis, aqua, 242 
 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 iodoform, 883 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 V. Testicle, swelled. 
 Osteomalacia, liq. calcis, 953 
 Otalgia, curcas, 568 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 Otorrhcea, acid, boric., 35 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 cadmii sulphas, 358 
 calendula, 377 
 creolinum, 551 
 glycerin a, 782 
 glycerin, acid, tannici, 783 
 hydrastis, 850 
 iodoformum, 882 
 lac, 921 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. sodae chlorat., 985 
 potassa sulphurat., 1274 
 potassii permanganas. 1312 
 resorcinum, 1373 
 salol, 1404 
 sarcocolla, 1420 
 Ovarian cysts, bromum, 352 
 iodum, 881 
 
 Tumors, calcii chlor., 371 
 Ovary, dropsy of, potas. chlor., 
 1293 
 
 Ozasna, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 aldehyde, 1196 
 aluminum, 177 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 bismuthi oxid., 346 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 chloral, 458 
 creolinum, 551 
 creosotum, 549 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 gelatina, 769 
 
 glyceritum acid, tannici, 783 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hydrarg. oxid. rubr., 838 
 hydrastis, 783 
 iodoformum, 882 
 iodum, 891 
 krameria, 913 
 liq. sodae chloratae, 985 
 liq. sodii silicatis, 987 
 menthol, 1035 
 plurnbi nitras, 1264 
 potassa sulph urata, 1274 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 saccharum, 1397 
 salol, 1404 
 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 
 P AIN, LOCAL, acetanilidura, 10 
 aether, 135 
 aethyl bromid., 142 
 amyl nitris, 198, 199 
 antipyrinum, 230, 231 
 aqua, *243, 245 
 atropinae sulph., 307, 308 
 
 Pain — 
 
 bromum, 352 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 carbonei tetraehloridum, 411 
 cataplasma sinapis, 424 
 chloral, 456 
 chloroformum, 469 
 clematis, 502 
 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 509, 510 
 codeina, 516 
 Collinsonia, 520 
 crocus, 556 
 emplast. arnicae, 601 
 emplast. belladonnae, 601 
 emplast. opii, 604 
 hypericum, 858 
 iodoformum, 881, 883 
 juniperus, 907 
 lauro-cerasi folia, 931 
 laurus, 932 
 lavandula, 933 
 lin. aconiti, 939 
 lin. ammoniae, 939 
 lin. camphorae, 940 
 lin. chloroformi, 940 
 lin. opii, 941 
 lolium, 997 
 melilotus, 1031 
 methylal, 137 
 methylene blue, 1037 
 methyleni bichlorid., 1037 
 methyli chloridum, 1038 
 morphina, 1054 
 ol. anthemidis, 1111 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. cari, 1116 
 ol. caryophylli, 1118 
 ol. coriandri, 1121 
 ol. foeniculi, 1123 
 ol. hedeomae, 1127 
 ol. lavandulae florum, 1128 
 ol. menthae piperitae, 1132 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 ol. sinapis volat., 1155 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1160 
 opium, 1178, 1180 
 papaver, 1192 
 parthenium, 1199 
 pental, 201 
 petroleum, 1211 
 phenacetinum, 1215 
 piper, 1249 
 pyrethrum, 1335 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 sodium salicylas, 1482 
 spirit, camphorae, 1502 
 spirit, rosmarini, 1508 
 spirit, tenuior, 1508 
 tinct. arnicae, 1606 
 tinct. cantliaridis. 1611 
 ung. atropinae, 1661 
 ung. belladonnae, 1661 
 ung. stramonii, 1671 
 vinum album, 1702 
 Papilloma, resorcin, 1373 
 Palpitation of the heart, 
 aconitum, 121 
 ammonii valerianas, 193 
 aqua aurantii florum, 255 
 aqua camphorae, 255 
 aqua menthae piper., 264 
 argenti nitras, 282 
 belladonna, 329 
 cam ph ora, 390 
 campliora monobromata, 392 
 conium, 533 
 
 extract, pruni virginianse 
 fluid., 697 
 ferrum, 746 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1891 
 
 Palpitation — 
 
 hyoscyamus, 855 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 potassii brornid., 1286 
 primus virginiana, 1320 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 valeriaua, 1682 
 veratrina, 1689 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Panaris, aqua, 246 
 Pancreas, torpor of, massa 
 hydrargyri, 1023 
 P annus, abrus, 2 
 iodoformum, 882 
 Papilloma, acid, chromic., 47 
 resorciuum, 1373 
 sp. aetlieris nitrosi, 1499 
 Paralyis, alcohol, 154 
 aqua, 242, 244, 245 
 aqua miuerales, 272 
 aruica, 291 
 cantharis, 401 
 carlina acaulis, 877 
 cephalauthus, 430 
 clematis, 502 
 colocynthis, 525 
 cubeba, 556 
 curcas, 568 
 ergota, 621 
 euphorbium, 634 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 imperatoria, 865 
 moxa, 1061 
 mucuna, 1064 
 
 ol. animale aethereum, 1109 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. phosphorat., 1143 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 petroleum, 1210 
 phosphorus, 1219 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii bichromas, 1280 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 potassii iodid., 1307 
 primula, 1318 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 pyrethrum, 1335 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 rhus toxicodendron, 1383 
 strychnina, 1529 
 sulphur, 1542 
 ung. cantharidis, 1662 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 Agitans, caniphora monobro- 
 mata, 392 
 chloral, 457 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 Diphtheritic, strychnina, 
 1529 
 
 Of tongue, etc., carlina acau- 
 lis, 877 
 
 imperatoria, 865 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 pyrethrum, 1335 
 zingiber, 1737 
 Paraphimosis, aether, 135 
 belladonna, 330 
 cocaina, 509 
 
 ext. belladonnae ale., 653 
 Paraplegia, belladonna, 330 
 ergota, 621 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 rhus toxicodendron, 1383 
 strychninae sulphas, 1529 
 Paronychia, argenti nitras, 283 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 iodoform., 884 
 opium, 1181 
 
 Paronychia — 
 potassa, 1272 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 I Pediculi. V. Lice. 
 
 I Pemphigus, acid, arsenos., 28 
 Penis, distended, aqua, 243 
 Pericarditis, aconitum, 121 
 cantharis, 441 
 digitalis, 585 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 828 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 iodoformum, 881 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 Periodical diseases, acid, ar- 
 sen., 28 
 
 quininae sulphas, 1356 
 j Periostoses, acid, nitric., 76 
 Peritonitis, antipyrina, 229 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 828 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodum, 892 
 opium, 1180 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 j Perspiration, belladonna, 330 
 I Phagedrna, cerevisiae ferment- 
 urn, 437 
 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 | Pharyngitis, acacia, 8 
 acet. scillae, 16 
 achillaea, 17 
 acid, boricum, 36 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, lactic., 71 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 acid, tartaric., 112 
 agrimonia, 146 
 alumen, 172 
 
 aluminum aceto-tartrate, 172 
 ammonii brornid., 182 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 aqua, 245 
 
 aqua amnion iae, 252 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aquae minerales, 272, 273 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 armoracia, 288 
 capsicum, 405 
 catechu, 428 
 cetaceum, 440 
 coca, 504 
 creolinum, 551 
 cubeba, 558 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 diospyros, 588 
 eupatorium, 631 
 ext. glycyrrhizae, 676 
 ferrum, 748 
 galla, 766 
 geranium, 775 
 glycerina, 782 
 glycerin, acid, tannic., 783 
 glycyrrhiza, 787 
 granatum, 793 
 hedeoma, 806 
 heliantliemum, 807 
 hordeum, 818 
 hydrastis, 850 
 hyssopus, 859 
 ichthyol, 861 
 V. Petrolatum. 
 iufus. rosae acid., 873 
 iodum, 891 
 jujuba, 906 
 liatris, 937 
 
 liniment, ammoniae, 939 
 liq. aminon. acetat., 949 
 mel boracis, 1029 
 
 Pharyngitis — 
 mel rosae, 1030 
 myrtus, 1070 
 oxymel, 1187 
 potassii brornid., 1287 
 rhus glabrum, 1381 
 salvia, 1406 
 sneezewort, 17 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 sorbus, 1491 
 statice, 1515 
 sulphur, 1543 
 syrupus acaciae, 1553 
 thea, 1595 
 tinct. gallae. 1620 
 trochisci acid, tannic., 1650 
 trochisei catechu, 105L 
 trochisci cubebae, 1652 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Pseudo - membranous, liquor 
 calcis, 953 
 mel, 1030 
 menthol, 1035 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 
 Pharynx, obstructed, cocainae 
 hydrochlor., 507 
 Relaxed, achillaea, 17 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 alumen, 172 
 armoracia, 288 
 catechu, 428 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 diospyros, 588 
 granatum, 793 
 Spasm of, moschus, 1060 
 Ulcerated, acid, chromic., 45 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 Phimosis, belladonna, 380 
 cocaina, 509 
 
 ext. belladonnae ale., 653 
 Phlebitis, cantharis, 401 
 Phlegmasia alba, cantharis, 
 401 
 
 ferrum, 748 
 ol. terebinth inae, 1160 
 Phosphatic urine, acid, ben- 
 zoic., 33 
 
 Photophobia, aether, 134 
 belladonna, 330 
 cocaina, 507 
 conium, 533 
 
 Phthisis, acid, arsenos., 29 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, hydrofluoric., 68 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 adeps, 125 
 aether, 131 
 aethyl iodid., 143 
 agaricin, 144 
 alcohol, 154 
 alcohol amylic., 157 
 alcohol methylic., 157 
 antipyrina, 230 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 aspidosperma, 304 
 aurum, 315 
 balsamum peruv., 320 
 calcii hypophosphis, 373 
 calcii iodidum, 374 
 calcii phosph. praecip., 375 
 calx clilorata, 385 
 camphoric acid, 391 
 catechu, 428 
 cetraria, 441 
 creolinum, 551 
 creosotum, 549 
 
1892 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Phthisis — 
 
 emplast. picis. canthar., 604 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 ferrum, 747 
 glycerinum, 781 
 guaiacol, 798, 799 
 gynocardia, 803 
 hepatica, 811 
 
 bydrarg. chlor. corros., 823 
 
 hydrochinone, 1373 
 
 infus. pruni virginianse, 872 
 
 iodoformum, 881, 883 
 
 iodum, 891 
 
 koumys, 922 
 
 lac, 920 
 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor potassse, 978 
 malturn, 1013 
 menthol, 1035 
 nectandra, 1078 
 ol. morrhuse, 1135 
 ol. olivse, 1141 
 ol. phosphorat., 1143 
 ol. theobromse, 1162 
 opium, 1179 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 pix liquida, 1255 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 primus virgiuiana, 1320 
 quercus, 1341 
 sodii chloridum, 1467 
 sodii bypophos., 1470 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 taraxacum, 1581 
 
 Pityriasis, acid, boric., 35 
 adeps lanse bydrosus, 127 
 chloral, 458 
 chrysarobinum, 476 
 glycerit. boracis, 784 
 bydrarg. chlorid. corros., 824 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sulphur, 1542 
 tabacum, 1576 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 
 Placenta, retained, ergota, 620 
 
 Pleurisy, ammoniac., 180 
 asclepias, 300 
 cantbaris, 400 
 digitalis, 585 
 emplast. ferri, 602 
 emplast. galbani, 603 
 emplast. picis burgundicse, 604 
 emplast. picis cantliar., 605 
 bydrarg. chlor. mite, 828 
 hydrochinone, 1373 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liniment, ammonite, 939 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1160 
 opium, 1178 
 pilocarpus, 1231 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 pulv. ipecac, c., 1331 
 sinapis, 1418 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 Plica Polonica, lycopodium, 
 1002 
 
 Pneumonia, aconitum, 121 
 aether, 136 
 alcohol, 154 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 antipyrina, 229 
 aqua, 245 
 asclepias, 300 
 cantbaris, 401 
 digitalis, 585 
 
 Pneumonia — 
 
 emplast. picis canth., 603 
 bydrarg. chlor. corros., 823 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 828 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 hydrochinone, 1373 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 moschus, 1060 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1160 
 opium, 1178, 1179 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 quininae sulphas, 1357 
 salicinum, 1401 
 senega, 1438 
 serpentaria, 1444 
 sinapis, 1448 
 veratrina, 1689 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 Poisoned wounds, acid, nitricum 
 dil., 76 
 
 amnionii chlorid., 187 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liq. antimonii chlor., 950 
 Poisoning by aconite, digitalis, 
 586 
 
 sapo, 1418 
 morphinum, 122 
 stimulants, 122 
 By alcohol, ammonia, 156 
 apomorphina, 236 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 caffea, 364 
 
 liquor ammoniae ace tat., 949 
 sinapis, 1447 
 
 By alkalies, acetum, 14 
 acid, nitric., 52 
 
 By ammonia, vegetable acids, 
 252 
 
 By antimony (chloride of), 
 acid, tannic., creta, etc., 950 
 ferrum, 748 
 thea, 1595 
 
 By antipyrine, alcohol, 232 
 By arsenic, amylum iodatum, 
 207 
 
 ferri carbonas saccharat., 719 
 ferri oxidum hydratum, 736 
 ferri oxid. hydrat. c. magne- 
 sia, 737 
 
 ferri subcarbonas, 736 
 ferrum, 748 
 
 ferrum dialysatum, 962 
 hydrat. ferri oxid. c. magne- 
 sia, 737 
 
 liquor calcis, 940, 954 
 liquor ferri acetatis, 956 
 magnesia, 30 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 potassii iodidum, 1305 
 By barium, emetics, etc., 325 
 By belladonna, morphina, 
 332, 1055 
 
 physostigma, 1223 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 By bromine, aqua ammoniae, 
 252 
 
 By Calabar bean, atropina, 
 308 
 
 chloral, 457 
 morphina, 1055 
 By camphor, alcohol, 390 
 By cannabis, caffea, 396 
 By cantharides, emetics, 402 
 oleum olivse, 1141 
 By carbolic acid, apomor- 
 phina, 236 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 
 Poisoning — 
 
 By carbonic acid, amyl nitris, 
 199 
 
 oxygenium, 1186 
 By cashew-nut, iodum, 892 
 By chloral, aether, 136 
 amyl nitris, 199 
 caffea, 458 
 cannabis, 296 
 stimulants, etc., 458 
 strychnina, 457 
 
 By chlorine, albumen, etc., 258 
 aqua ammoniae, 252, 471 
 By chloroform, amyl nitris, 
 etc., 199, 309, 310, 471 
 atropinae sulph., 199, 310 
 By cocaine, amyl nitris, 511 
 chloroform, strychnine, etc., 
 511 
 
 By conium, alcohol, etc., 533 
 By copper, ferrum, 748 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 salines, etc., 566 
 vitellus, 1714 
 
 By creosote, wine, coffee, etc., 
 549 
 
 By Croton oil, olive oil, mu- 
 cilage, etc., 1166 
 By daturine, pilocarpus, 1233 
 By digitalis, stimulants, 586 
 By gelsemium, morphina, 771 
 By hydrochloric acid, mag- 
 nesia, etc., 63 
 
 By hydrocyanic acid, apo- 
 morphina, 236 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 atropina, 309, 1298 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 By hydrosulphuric acid, 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 By hyoscine, chloral, 456 
 By hyoscyamus, caffaea, mor- 
 phina, etc., 856, 857 
 By illuminating gas, cam- 
 phora, 390 
 
 By iodine, albumen, milk, etc., 
 893 
 
 amylum, 206 
 
 By kerosene, apomorphina,236 
 By laburnum, evacuate, stimu- 
 lants, 915 
 
 By lead, amylum iodat., 207 
 aquae minerales, 272 
 ferrum, 748 
 magnesii sulphas, 1260 
 potassa sulphurata, 1260, 1274 
 potassii iodid., 1260, 1305 
 By lime, acetum, 14 
 thea, 1595 
 
 By mercurial salts, albu- 
 men ovi, 147 
 amylum iodate, 207 
 ferrum, 748 
 lac, 920 
 gelatina. 766 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii iodid., 1305 
 thea, 1595 
 vitellus, 1714 
 
 By mezereon, mucilage, milk, 
 etc., 1041 
 
 By mushrooms, tabacum. 1577 
 By nitrate of silver, chlor- 
 ide of sodium, 285 
 By nitrobenzene, ammonia, 
 etc., 1082 
 
 By oil of bitter almond, 
 apomorphina, 236 
 By opium, acetum, 14 
 acid, citric., 52 
 aether, 136 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1893 
 
 Poisoning by opium — 
 alumen, 171 
 amyl nitris, 199 
 apomorpliina, 236 
 aqua, 242 
 atropina, 308, 1182 
 ati'opime sulpli., 308 
 belladonna, etc., 331, 1182 
 caffea, 364 
 cannabis, 396 
 gelsemium, 771 
 morphina, 1056 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 picrotoxinum, 1228 
 sinapis, 1447 
 sodii cliloridum, 1468 
 stimulants, 1181 
 thea, 1595 
 urtica, 1677 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 By oxalic acid, liquor calcis, 
 etc., 82 
 
 By phosphorus, cupri sulphas, 
 564 
 
 magnesia, 1220 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1220 
 By physostigma, atropina, 1223 
 belladonna, 332 
 
 By pilocarpine, atropina 
 sulph., 309 
 
 By privy - gas, aq. ammon., 252 
 calx chlorata, 383 
 By rabid animals, iodum, 893 j 
 By rhus toxicodendron, an- 
 nidalin, 886 
 bromum, 352 
 cephalanthus, 430 
 ext. serpentaria fl., 705 
 gelsemium, 771 
 grindelia, 795 
 sassafras, 
 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1160 
 By serpents, alcohol, 155 
 euphorbia prostrata, 633 
 iodum, 892 
 liquor potassee, 978 
 physostigma, 1224 
 potassii permangan., 1313 
 By spigelia, alcohol, etc., 1493 
 By stramonium, opium, 1517 
 By strychnine, amyl nitris, 
 198 
 
 antipyrina, 231 
 apomorphina, 236 
 atropina, 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 caffea, 364 
 
 Calabar bean, 1531, 1532 
 cam ph ora, 390 
 charcoal, 1531 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroformum, 469 
 morphina, 1055 
 nitrite of amyl, 198 
 opium, 1170 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 physostigma, 1223 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 tabacum, 1577 
 tannin, 1531 
 urethanum, 1675 
 By sulphate of copper, albu- 
 men ovi, 147 
 
 By sulphurated hydrogen. 
 V. Poisoning by hydro- 
 sulphuric acid. 
 
 By sulphuric acid, carbon- 
 ates of alkalies and earths, 
 103 
 
 By sumach, Collinsonia, 520 
 convallaria polygouatum, 536 ; 
 
 Poisoning — 
 
 By tartar emetic, galla, etc., 
 . 221, 766 
 thea, 1595 
 
 By tobacco, vin. album, 1702 
 By veratrum viride, stimu- 
 lants, 1694 
 
 Narcotic, acetum, 14 
 alcohol, 155 
 alumen, 171 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 sinapis, 1447 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 zinci. sulphas, 1731 
 Poisons,' corrosive, albumen 
 ovi, 147 
 gelatina, 769 
 lac, 920 
 
 saccharum, 1397 
 Polypus, acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 alcohol, 155 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 cocainse hydrochlor., 507 
 ergota, 620 
 ferrum, 748 
 
 potassii bichromas, 1280 
 sabina, 1393 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 tabacum, 1576 
 teucrium, 1589 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 Nasal, acid, acetic., 22 
 cocainse hydrochlor., 507 
 tabacum, 1576 
 teucrium, 1589 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Polysarcia, iodum, 891 
 Polyuria, acid, gallic., 56 
 alumen, 171 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 creosotum, 549 
 ergota, 620, 621 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 sodium salicylas, 1481 
 Valeriana, 1683 
 Porrigo, picrotoxin, 1228 
 Pott’s disease, calcii hypophos., 
 273 
 
 calcii sulphas, 376 
 Pregnancy, vomiting of, dul- 
 camara, 591 
 laburnum, 915 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 vin. ipecacuanhse, 1706 
 Prepuce, cedema of, glyceri- 
 num, 782 
 
 Priapism, aqua frigida, 243 
 
 camphora rnonobromata, 392 
 humulus, 819 
 lupulina, 1000 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 potassii iodidum, 1306 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 Prolapsus ani, acid, tannic., 110 
 bolus, 349 
 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 ung. gallse, 1663 
 Uteri, acid, tannic., 110 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 Prostate, enlarged, ammon. 
 chlorid., 187 
 aqua, 246 
 argenti nitras, 285 
 potassii bromidum, 1287 
 Prurigo, acid. acet. dil., 22 
 acid, arsenos., 28 
 acid, boric., 36 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 
 Prurigo — 
 
 acid, citric., 52 
 ammonii bromid., 182 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 lielianthemum, 807 
 liydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hvdrocotyle, 851 
 iodoform., 882 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 petroleum, 1211 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 sapo, 1418 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii carbonas exsiccatus, 1465 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sulphur, 1542 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 ung. picis liquidae, 1669 
 Pruritus, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, citric., 53 
 acid, hydrocyan, dil., 67 
 aluminii nitras, 177 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 . balsam, peruvianum, 320 
 cannabis, 395 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 510 
 conium, 533 
 creosotum, 549 
 gelsemium, 771 
 glycerinum, 782 
 iodoform, 882 
 menthol, 1035 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 quininae sulph., 1360 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 sodii boras, 1559 
 sodii carbonas exsiccata, 1465 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodium salicylas, 1481 
 teucrium, 1589 
 veratrina, 1689 
 veratrum album, 1691 
 Vulv.®, acid, citric., 53 
 aqua ammon iae, 252 
 aluminii nitras, 177 
 balsam, peruvianum, 320 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 iodoform., 882 
 mel boracis, 1029 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 quininae sulph., i360 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii carbonas exsiccatus, 1465 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 ung. hydrargyri, 
 veratrum album, 1691 
 Psoriasis, acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, arsenos., 28 
 acid, boric., 35 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 ammonii iodid., 189 
 anthrarobin, 476 
 berberis, 337 
 calx, 381 
 cantharis, 400 
 chrysarobinum, 475 
 copaiba, 539 
 galla-cetophenone, 1336 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 gynocardia, 803 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hydroxylamin, 476 
 iodoform., 882 
 iodum, 891 
 lappa, 929 
 
 liq. potassii arsenitis, 980 
 
1894 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Psoriasis — 
 
 naphtol, 1075 
 ol. morrhu®, 1125 
 ol. thy mi, 1163 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii iodidum, 1306 
 pyrogallol, 1336 
 sapo, 1418 
 sulphur, 1542 
 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 uug. picis liquid®, 1669 
 Ptyalism, iodum, 891 
 Puerperal. Y. Convulsion, 
 Fever. 
 
 Pupil, to contract the, phy- 
 sostigma, 1222 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 To dilate the, atropina, 309 
 atropine santonate, 310 
 belladonn® ext. fol. ale., 653 
 ephedrin, 310 
 
 homatropine hydrobrom., 310 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 liq. atropin® sulph., 941 
 scopolina, 310 
 stramonium, 1519 
 Purpura, acid, gallic., 56 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 cerevisi® ferment., 438 
 ergota, 620, 622 
 laricis cortex, 930 
 ol. terebinthin®, 1158 
 oxalis, 1185 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1619 
 tr. laricis, 1626 
 
 Pustule, malignant, aether, 134 
 hydrarg. chlorid. corros., 824 
 juglans, 905 
 
 liq. antimonii chlorid., 950 
 Putrefaction, acid, carbolic., 41 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 aluminii acetas, 177 
 aluminii chlorid., 177 
 calcii sulphis, 376 
 calx, 380 
 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 creosotum, 549 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 liq. sodii silicatis, 986 
 liq. zinci chlorid., 988 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 potassii sulphis, 1315 
 sodii bisulphis, 1457 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sodii sulphis, 1485 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 Putrid discharges, liq. zinci 
 chlorid., 988 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sodii sulphis, 1485 
 Pyemia, alcohol, 154 
 
 quinin® sulphas, 1360 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 zinci sulphocarbolas, 1735 
 V. Septicaemia. 
 
 Pyelitis, buchu, 356 
 juniperus, 907 
 liquidambar, 947 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 ol. santali, 1151 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 pareira, 1198 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 Pyrosis, acid, gallic., 56 
 kino, 912 
 magnesia, 1005 
 pulv. kino c., 1331 
 
 Q UINSY, apomorphina, 236 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 potassii permangan., 1312 
 
 R ABIES, curare, 567 
 
 Bachitis, calcii hypophos., 
 373 
 
 humulus, 818 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 phosphorus, 1220 
 sodii phosphas., 1478 
 Eectum, diseases of, ext. bella- 
 donnas. ale., 653 
 Engorged, aqua, 243 
 galla, 766 
 gelatina, 769 
 
 suppositor. acid, carbolici, 
 1549 
 
 suppositor. acid, tannic., 1549 
 suppositor. plumbi c., 1550 
 tinct. catechu c., 1613 
 ung. atropinae, 1661 
 ung. belladonnae, 1661 
 ung. gall®, 1663 
 ung. stramonii, 1671 
 Inflamed, alth®a, 169 
 amylum, 206 
 gelatina, 769 
 
 Prolapsus of, ergota, 621 
 decoctum quercus, 579 
 galla, 766 
 garcinia, 766 
 geranium, 775 
 hydrastis, 850 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 strychnina, 1530 
 Belax^d, alumen, 172 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 galla, 766 
 geranium, 775 
 
 liquor bismuth, et ammon. 
 citr., 952 
 
 liquor ferri chlor., 961 
 suppositor. acid, carbolic., 
 1549 
 
 suppositor. acid, tannic., 1549 
 tr. gall®, 1620 
 Spasm of, chloroform, 469 
 Betina, congested, ergota, 622 
 Anaemic, amyl nitris, 199 
 Eetinitis, santoninum, 1416 
 Eheumatism, acetanilid, 10 
 acetonum, 12 
 acet. cantharid., 15 
 acid, benzoic., 33 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, citric., 52 
 acid, formic., 54 
 acid, nitrohydrochlor., 76 
 acid, salicylic., 91 
 acid, succinic., 97 
 aconitina, 117 
 aconitum, 121 
 agathin, 232 
 ammoniacum, 180 
 ammonii bromid., 181 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 ammonii iodid., 189 
 ammonii phosphas, 191 
 angelica, 210 
 anthemis, 210 
 
 antimon. et. potass, tart., 220 
 antipyrina, 230, 231 
 ants, 402 
 
 aqua, 241, 243, 244, 245, 246 
 aqua ammoni®, 251 
 aqu® minerales, 271, 272, 273 
 aralia spinosa, 275 
 
 Eheumatism — 
 asclepias, 300 
 
 atherospermia moschata, 348 
 belladonna, 330 
 benzinum, 334 
 benzoinum odoriferum, 932 
 betula, 338 
 
 bignonia capriolata, 423 
 bryonia, 354 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 cannabis, 395 
 cantharis, 401 
 capsicum, 405 
 carex, 1426 
 carthamus, 415 
 cataplasma sinapis, 424 
 cera, 432 
 
 cerat. camphor®, 434 
 chimaphila, 448 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cicuta, 477 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 clematis, 502 
 codeina, 516 
 colchicum, 519 
 Collinsonia, 520 
 Comptonia, 526 
 condurango, 527 
 confectio terebinthin®, 530 
 crocus, 556 
 curcas, 568 
 
 decoct, sarsaparill® comp., 
 580 
 
 dracontium, 589 
 dulcamara, 591 
 emplast. ammoniac, c. hydr., 
 600 
 
 emplast. arnic®, 601 
 emplast. belladonn®, 601 
 emplast. capsici, 601 
 emplast. ferri, 602 
 emplast. galbani, 602 
 emplast. hydrarg., 603 
 emplast. picis burgund., 604 
 emplast. picis cantharid., 605 
 emplast. plumbi iodidi, 607 
 ergota, 622 
 eupatorium, 631 
 euphorbium, 634 
 franciscea, 755 
 fraxinus, 757 
 geum, 776 
 guaiaci resina, 798 
 gynocardia, 603 
 hedeoma, 806 
 hippocastanum, 814 
 humulus, 819 
 hydracetin, 1216 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 829 
 hydrocotyle, 851 
 hydroxylamine, 1076 
 hyssopus, 859 
 ichthyol, 861 
 ilex, 863 
 illicium, 864 
 iodum, 892 
 juniperus, 907 
 lac, 922 
 lappa, 929 
 laurus, 982 
 lavandula, 933 
 leonurus, 934 
 liniment, aconiti, 939 
 liniment, ammoni®, 939 
 liniment, belladonn®, 939 
 liniment, camphor®, 940 
 liniment, camphor® c.. 940 
 liniment, chloi’oformi , 940 
 liniment, crotonis, 941 
 liniment, iodi, 941 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1895 
 
 Rheumatism— 
 
 liniment, opii, 941 
 liniment, saponis, 942 
 liniment, terebinthinge, 943 
 liniment, terebinth, acet., 944 
 liq. ammonii acetat., 949 
 lithii salicylas, 994 
 lolium, 997 
 magnolia, 1013 
 methacetin, 1216 
 methylene blue, 1037 
 mezereum, 1040 
 monarda, 1046 
 morphina, 1046 
 moxa, 1061 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 naphthalol, 1075 
 ol. animal, tether., 1109 
 ol. anthemidis, 1111 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. coriandri, 1121 
 ol. gaultherige, 1124 
 ol. hedeomge, 1127 
 ol. menthge pip., 1132 
 ol. morrhuge, 1135 
 ol. myristicge exp., 1138 
 ol. rosmarini, 1149 
 ol. sinapis volat., 1156 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 ol. terebinthinge, 1160 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 ononis spinosa, 788 
 opium, 1181 
 origanum, 1184 
 petroleum, 1211 
 phenacetinum, 1215 
 phenocoll, 1216 
 physostigma, 1223 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 pil. antimonii c., 1240 
 pimenta, 1247 
 piper. 1249 
 piscidia, 1252 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 potassa sulphurat, 1274 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 potassii cyanidum, 1297 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 potassii nitias, 1309 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 potassii salicylas, 1482 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 pulv. ipecacuanhge et opii, 
 1331 
 
 quininge sulph., 1358, 1359 
 ranunculus, 1364 
 red ants, 402 
 sabbatia, 1391 
 sabina, 1392 
 salicinum, 1401 
 salipyrine, 1405 
 salol, 1404 
 salophin, 1405 
 salvia, 1406 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 saponaria, 1420 
 sarsaparilla, 1425 
 serum lactis, 922 
 sinapis, 1447 
 sodii bicarb., 1456 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 sodii salicylas, 1482 
 sodium di-iodo salicylata, 
 1482 
 
 solanina, 591 
 solidago, 1490 
 spirit, tenuior, 1508 
 stramonium, 1519 
 
 Rheumatism— 
 sulphur, 1543 
 syr. ferri iodid., 1560 
 tabacum, 1576 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 thea, 1595 
 thuya, 1598 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 tr. guaiaci, 1622 
 tr. stramonii, 1638 
 tr. zingiberis, i.642 
 trimethylamina, 1645, 1646 
 ung. cantharidis, 1662 
 veratrina, 1689 
 yinum ipecacuanhge, 1706 
 xanthoxylum, 1717 
 zinci cyanidum, 1735 
 zingiber, 1737 
 Rhinitis, quillaia, 1342 
 Ring, gold, to remove, hydrar- 
 gyrum, 845 
 Ringworm, arum, 294 
 chrysarobinum, 475 
 juglans, 905 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 ung. hydrarg. amnion., 1665 
 ung. picis liquidge, 1669 
 Of scalp, acid, carbolic., 44 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 chrysarobinum, 475 
 iodoform, 882 
 menthol, 1035 
 ol. terebinthinge, 1160 
 ol. tiglii, 1160 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 ung. hydrarg. ammoniat., 
 1669 
 
 S ALIVATION, acid, tannic., 
 110 
 
 alumen, 192 
 ambrosia, 178 
 
 antimon. et. potass, tart., 221 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 atropina, 309 
 belladonna, 331 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 cocaina, 508 
 iodum, 890 
 
 liquor sodge chlorat., 985 
 marrubium, 1020 
 ol. terebinthinge, 1160 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 potassii chloras, 1292 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 Sarcoma, acid, arsenos., 30 
 Satyriasis, camphora, 390 
 conium, 533 
 dulcamara, 591 
 potassii bromid., 
 
 Scabies, acid, oxynaphtoic., 45 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 acid, sulphuros , 105 
 adeps lange liydr., 125 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 benzinum, 334 
 betula, 338 
 bryonia, 354 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 calx sulph u rata, 385 
 camphora, 390 
 clematis, 502 
 frangula, 756 
 gynocardia, 803 
 liquidambar, 947 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 
 Scabies— 
 
 naphthol, 1075 
 nitrobenzenum, 1082 
 ol. terebinthinge, 1160 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 petroleum, 1211 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 rumex, 1388 
 sabadilla, 1390 
 sapo, 1418 
 scrophularia, 1434 
 sinapis, 1447 
 sodii sulphis, 1485 
 staphisagria, 1513 
 styrax, 1534 
 sulphur, 1542 
 tabacum, 1576 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 ung. picis liquid., 1669 
 ung. potassge sulphuratge, 
 1670 
 
 ung. sulphuris, 1672 
 veratrum album, 1691 
 veronica, 1695 
 
 Scalds, aqua, 241, 242 
 
 calcii carb. prgecip., 379 
 ceratum resinge, 436 
 creta prgeparata, 554 
 farina tritici, 714 
 gossypium purificat., 791 
 iodum, 891 
 
 liniment, terebinthinge, 943 
 menthol, 1035 
 ol. menthge piperitge, 1132 
 plumbi carbonas, 1263 
 zinci oxid., 1728 
 
 Scarlatina, acid, salicylic., 93 
 aconitinum, 117 
 adeps, 125 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 aqua, 240, 245 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 baptisia, 322 
 belladonna, 339 
 capsicum, 405 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 helianthemum, 808 
 hydrochinone, 1373 
 liq. sodge chlorat., 985 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 
 Schirrus. V. Cancer. 
 
 Sciatica, acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 aconitum, 121 
 gether, 135 
 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua, 243 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 belladonna, 329 
 cantharides, 401 
 copaiba, 540 
 euphorbium, 634 
 moxa, 1061 
 
 ol. animale gethereum, 1109 
 ol. terebinthinge, 1159 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 pix burgundica, 1253 
 potassii iodid., 1306 
 ranunculus, 1364 
 thapsia, 1592 
 veratrina, 1689 
 
 Sclerosis of spinal cord, po- 
 tassii iodid., 1307 
 
1896 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Sclerotitis, acid, salicylic., 93 
 copaiba, 540 
 
 Scrofula, acid, hydrochloric., 63 
 acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, nitrohydrochlor., 78 
 acid, phosphoric, dil., 86 
 annidalin, 886 
 aqua, 241, 245 
 aquae minerales, 272, 273 
 aurum, 315 
 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 barii chloridum, 325 
 betula, 338 
 bromum, 352 
 cadmii iodidum, 358 
 calcii chloridum, 371 
 calcii hypophosphis, 373 
 calcii iodidum, 374 
 calendula, 377 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 chelidonium, 446 
 chimaphila, 448 
 clematis, 502 
 cochlearia, 514 
 conium, 532 
 cupri acetas, 561 
 decoct, sarsaparill® comp., 
 580 
 
 emplast. ammoniaei c. hydr., 
 600 
 
 euphorbium, 634 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 ferrum, 748 
 fucus vesiculosus, 758 
 galium, 764 
 geum, 776 
 gynocardia, 803 
 helianthemum, 807 
 humulus, 818 
 iodum, 891 
 juglans, 905 
 lac, 920 
 lappa, 929 
 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 liq. potass®, 978 
 menispermum, 1032 
 ol. morrhu®, 1135 
 ol. phosphorat., 1142 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 pil. ferri iodidi., 1243 
 potassii, 1272 
 potassa chloras, 1293 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 quinin® sulphas, 1359 
 scrophularia, 1434 
 sedum, 1435 
 
 sodii carbonas exsiccatus, 
 1465 
 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 sodii hypophosphis, 1470 
 sodii phosplias, 1478 
 stillingia, 1515 
 sulphur, 1542 
 syr. ferri iodid., 1560 
 tayuya, 354 
 teucrium, 1589 
 tussilago, 1657 
 Scurvy, acid, citric., 52 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 agrimonia, 146 
 arraoracia, 288 
 betula, 338 
 cochlearia, 514 
 liq. sod® chlorat®, 985 
 monesia, 1047 
 oxalis, 1185 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassii nitras, 1309 
 Sea-sickness, ®ther, 134 
 
 Sea-sickness — 
 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 capsicum, 405 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 cocain® hydrochl., 510 
 morphina, 1055 
 opium, 1180 
 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 sodii bromidum, 1461 
 trochisci menth® piperit®, 
 1654 
 
 yin. album, 1702 
 
 Seborrhcea, zinci sulphid., 1732 
 Seminal emissions, arg. nitras, 
 285 
 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 belladonna, 330 
 cantharis, 400 
 cimicifuga, 479 
 coca, 504 
 digitalis, 586 
 ferrum, 747 
 humulus, 819 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 lupulinum, 1000 
 ol. phosphoratum, 1143 
 potassii brornid., 1286 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 Septicaemia, eucalyptus, 628 
 quinin® sulphas, 1359 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 zinci sulphocarbolas, 1735 
 V. Pyemia. 
 
 Serpents’ bites, agave, 145 
 alcohol, 155 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 
 aqua ammoni®, 252 
 aralia spinosa, 275 
 contrayerva, 534 
 euphorbia prostrata, 633 
 hieracium, 813 
 liatris, 937 
 liq. potass®, 978 
 ol. oliv®, 1141 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 prenanthes, 1317 
 Setons, cerat. sabin®, 436 
 mezereum, 1040 
 
 Sexual excitement, camphora, 
 390 
 
 conium, 533 
 potassii brornid., 1286 
 salix, 1402 
 Shock, alcohol, 154 
 
 atropin® sulph., 309 
 Sialorrhcea, atropina, 309 
 Skin, diseases of, acid, acetic., 
 22 
 
 acid, arsenos., 28 
 acid, boric., 36 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, liydrochlor. dil., 63 
 acid, hydrocyan, dil., 67 
 acid, nitro-hydrochlor. dil., 78 
 acid, oleic., 80 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 adeps lan® hydros., 127 
 alth®a, 169 
 ammonii iodid., 189 
 amylum, 206 
 
 antimonii et potass, tart., 220 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 annidalin, 886 
 aqua, 244 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aqu® minerales, 271, 272, 273 
 arsenici iodid., 292 
 barium, 325 
 
 Skin, diseases of — 
 benzinum, 334 
 betula, 338 
 bromum, 352 
 cadmium iodide, 358 
 calcii chlorid., 371 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 calx sulphurata, 385 
 cantharis, 399, 400 
 carota, 415 
 chelidonium, 446 
 clematis, 502 
 colchicum, 519 
 conium, 533 
 copaiba, 540 
 corydalis, 545 
 creosotum, 549 
 creolinum, 551 
 creta pr®parata, 554 
 cupri acetas, 561 
 cupri subacetas, 561 
 cupri sulphas, 564 
 curcas, 568 
 cydonium, 573 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 decoct, sarsaparill® comp., 580 
 dulcamara, 591 
 elastica, 594 
 ergota, 622 
 ferri chloridum, 721 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 ferrum, 736 
 fumaria, 759 
 fungus muscarius, 760 
 galium, 764 
 gelatina, 769 
 geranium, 775 
 glycerinum, 782 
 glycerin, acid, carbolic., 782 
 glycerin, acid, tannic., 783 
 glycerin, boracis, 784 
 glycerit. aluminis, 783 
 glycerit. amyli, 784 
 guano, 800 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 gynocardia, 803 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824, 
 825 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 hydrargyrum ammoniatum, 
 847 
 
 hydrocotyle, 851 
 iberis, 514 
 ichthyocolla, 860 
 ichthyol, 1209 
 iodoform, 882 
 iodum, 891 
 juglans, 905 
 lappa, 929 
 linaria, 938 
 
 liniment, saponis mollis, 943 
 liq. ammonii acetatis, 949 
 liq. arsenii ethydrargvri iod., 
 951 
 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. calcis chlorinati, 954 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 liq. potassii arsenitis, 980 
 menthol, 1035 
 menyanthes, 1036 
 mezereum, 1040 
 mistura ferri c., 1043 
 mucilago cydonii, 1063 
 mucilago sassaf. moduli., 1063 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 naphtol, 1075 
 cenothera, 1088 
 oil, Kurung, 1154 
 ol. cadinum, 1114 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1897 
 
 Skin, diseases of — 
 ol. Deelin®, 1211 
 ol. morrliu®, 1135 
 ol. picis liquid®, 1143 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 olibanum, 1167 
 paraffinum, 1184 
 phosphorus, 1210 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 pierotoxinum, 1228 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 pil. antimouii c., 1240 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 potassa sulpliurata, 1274 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bicarb., 1278 
 potassii carb., 1290 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 prinos, 1319 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 quillaja, 1342 
 resorcin, 1373 
 
 rhinacanthus communis, 1380 
 rhus toxicodendron, 1383 
 rumex, 1388 
 ruta, 1390 
 salol, 1404 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 sapo, 1418 
 saponaria, 1420 
 sarsaparilla, 1425 
 sassafras, 1427 
 scrophularia, 1434 
 sedum, 1435 
 
 sempervivum tectorum, 1435 
 sinapis, 1448 
 
 sodii carbonas exsiccatus, 1464 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sodii iodidum, 1473 
 soziodol, 887 
 stillingia, 1515 
 sulphur, 1542 
 sulphuris iodidum, 1544 
 syr. ferri iodidi, 1560 
 tabacum, 1576 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 tinct. aloes, 1605 
 tinct. benzoini, 1608 
 triticum, 1648 
 ulmus, 1658 
 
 ung. acidi carboliei,1569 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 ung. hydrarg. subchlorid., 
 1668 
 
 ung. oxid. nitratis, 1668 
 ung. picis liquid®. 1669 
 ung. plumbi iodidi, 1670 
 ung. sulphuris iodidi, 1672 
 ung. zinci oxid., 1673 
 urtica, 1677 
 veronica, 1695 
 viola, 1712 
 vitellus, 1714 
 zinci oxid., 1728 
 Relaxed, decoct, quercus, 579 
 Sleeplessness. V. Insomnia. 
 Sloughing, acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 Small-pox. aqua chlori, 258 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 iodum, 891 
 
 quinin® sulphas, 1358 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 Smells, foul, acid, carbolic., 41 
 acid, sulphuros., 105, 106 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 caffea, 365 
 calx, 380 
 
 I Smells, foul — 
 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 carbo animalis, 406 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 chloral, 458 
 creolinum, 550, 552 
 eucalyptus, 628, 629 
 liq. calcis chlorinat®, 954 
 liq. zinci chlorid., 988 
 lysol, 45 
 
 ol. terebinthin®, 1160 
 olibanum, 1169 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 plumbi nitras, 1264 
 potassii permangan., 1312 
 saccharum, 1397 
 styrax, 1534 
 terebene, 1584 
 V. Fetor. 
 
 Sore throat, acet. scill®, 16 
 achillea, 17 
 acid, carbolic., 42 
 alnus, 161 
 aqua, 241, 245 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 catechu, 428 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 eupatorium, 631 
 hordeum, 818 
 hyssopus, 859 
 jujuba, 906 
 kino, 912 
 liatris, 937 
 
 liniment, ammoni®, 939 
 mori succus, 1048 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 salvia, 1406 
 statice, 1515 
 
 Spasm, acid, hydrobromic. dil., 58 
 ®ther, 135 
 ammonii carb., 184 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 aqua, 241, 242, 245 
 aqua ammoni®, 251 
 atropina, 308, 309 
 belladonna, 329, 330 
 camphora, 369 
 cantliaris, 401 
 cannabis, 396 
 chloral, 457 
 chloral butylicum, 460 
 chloroformum, 469 
 codeina, 516 
 conium, 533 
 galega, 763 
 humulus, 819 
 morphina, 1055 
 opium, 1179 
 pierotoxinum, 1228 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 strychnina, 1530 
 tabacum, 1576 
 ung. atropi®, 1661 
 ung. belladonn®, 1661 
 ung. stramonii, 1671 
 vin. album, 1702 
 Of ureter, larynx, etc., 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 aqua, 241 
 atropinum, 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 camphora, 390 
 chloroform, 469 
 ung. belladonn®, 1661 
 
 Spermatorrhoea, argenti nitras, 
 285 
 
 atropin® sulph., 309 
 coca, 504 
 
 ferri bromidum, 717 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 tr. ferri chlorid., 1620 
 
 Spermatorrhoea — 
 
 V. Seminal emissions. 
 
 Spina bifida, collodium flexile, 
 522 
 
 iodum, 892 
 
 Spinal congestion, argenti 
 nitras, 282 
 ergota, 621 
 
 extract, ergot® fl., 670 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 Irritation, cantharis, 401 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 Spine, caries of, calcii hypo- 
 phospli., 373 
 calcii sulphas, 376 
 Spleen, enlarged, acid, arse- 
 nos., 29 
 berberis, 337 
 bromum, 352 
 bryonia, 354 
 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 ergota, 621 
 ferrum, 747 
 hydrargyrum, 844 
 moxa, 1061 
 plumbi iodidum, 1264 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 Sprains, alcohol, 155. 
 alnus, 161 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua, 242, 244 
 arnica, 291 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 liniment, belladonn®, 939 
 liniment, camphor®, 940 
 liniment, camph. c., 940 
 liniment, saponis, 942 
 liniment, terebinthin®, 943 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 oleum anthemidis, 1111 
 oleum oliv®, 1141 
 oleum palm®, 1142 
 oleum rosmarini, 1149 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 terebinthina, 1587 
 Stains of nitrate of silver, 
 potassii cyanid., 285 
 Staphyloma, liq. antimouii chlo- 
 rid., 950 
 
 Sterility, aqu® minerales,.272 
 ol. sabin®, 1150 
 sabina, 1392 
 
 Stings of insects, acid, carbolic., 
 44 
 
 albumen ovi, 147 
 aqua, 241 
 
 aqua hydrogen, diox., 263 
 aqua ammoni®, 252 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 V. Bites. 
 
 Stomach, cancer of, lac, 917 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 Dilatation of, saccharinum. , 
 1394 
 
 Ulcer of, argenti nitras, 282 
 bismuthi subnitr., 346 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 lac, 919 
 
 mangani dioxidum, 1015 
 opium, 1180 
 pancreatinum, 1190 
 sodii sulphas, 1484 
 Stomatitis, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, hvdroehlor. dil., 63 
 aqua, 241 
 
1898 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Stomatitis — 
 alumen, 172 
 creosotum, 549 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 hydrastis, 850 
 mel rosse, 1030 
 oleum thymi, 1163 
 potassii chloras, 1222, 1293 
 salvia, 1406 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 Stone, acid, sulphuric., 103 
 aquae minerales, 273 
 cocaina, 509 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassii bicarbonas, 1278 
 Strabismus, atropina, 309 
 Strangulation, aqua, 245 
 Strangury, allium, 160 
 aqua, 245 
 campbora, 390 
 carota, 415 
 cbimapbila, 448 
 chondrus, 473 
 cucumis, 559 
 linum, 946 
 liq. potassae, 978 
 petroselinum, 1212 
 potassa, 1272 
 saururqs, 1427 
 spirit, aether, nitros., 1499 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Stricture of urethra, argenti 
 nitras, 285 
 laminaria, 928 
 gelatina, 769 
 tupelo, 928 
 
 Sunstroke, antipyrina, 231 
 
 apomorphin. hydrochlor., 236 
 
 aqua, 242 
 
 atropina, 309 
 
 ergota, 621 
 
 gelsemium, 771 
 
 morphina, 1055 
 
 opium, 1179 
 
 potassii bromidum, 1285 
 quininae sulph., 1357 
 Suppuration, acetum, 14 
 acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, boricum, 36 
 acid, carbolic, 41 
 anthemis, 216 
 calcii iodidum, 374 
 calcium sulphide, 385 
 creolinum, 551 
 decoctum quercus, 579 
 glycerit. acid, tannic., 783 
 juniperus virginiana, 907 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 vin. album, 1702 
 
 Surgical operations, acid, car- 
 bolicum, 43 
 aether, 135 
 sethyl bromid., 142 
 aqua, 242 
 chloral, 458 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocainae hydrochlor., 507 
 ethydene chloride, 140 
 methyleni bichlorid., 1037 
 nitrogenii monoxidum, 1083 
 rhigolene, 1211 
 Sweating, acetum, 14 
 acid, chromic, 49 
 acid, gallic, 56 
 acid, phosphoric, 56 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 acid, sulphuric, aromat., 103 
 
 Sweating — 
 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 agaricus albus, 144 
 alumen, 172 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 aqua, 244, 246 
 argenti oxidum, 286 
 atropina, 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 bismuthi subnitrat., 347 
 camphoric acid, 391 
 . chloral, 458 
 coto, 1078 
 
 decoctum quercus, 579 
 duboisia, 857 
 ergota, 622 
 ferri sulphas, 742 
 fungus muscarius, 760 
 hsematoxylon, 804 
 homatropine, 309 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 infus. rosae acid., 873 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 kino, 912 
 
 mistura ferri composita, 1043 
 
 myrtus, 1070 
 
 ol. olivae, 1141 
 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 
 picrotoxin, 1228 
 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 
 pulv. ipecac, et opii, 1331 
 
 quininae sulphas, 1359 
 
 rosa gallica, 1386 
 
 salvia, 1406 
 
 strychnina, 1530 
 
 thea, 1595 
 
 tr. ferri chloridi, 1620 
 zinci oxid., 1727 
 Fetid, pilocarpus, 1233 
 Sycosis, acid, chromic., 49 
 
 liq. arsen. et hydrarg. iod., 
 950 
 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 salol, 1404 
 
 sodii hyposulphis, 1472 
 sulphur, 1542 
 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 Syncope, aether aceticus, 139 
 alcohol, 154 
 allium, 160 
 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 aqua, 246 
 
 aqua ammoniae, 252 
 sinapis, 1448 
 vin. album, 1702 
 Syphilis, acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, hydrochloric., 63 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 acid, nitrohydrochlor. dil., 78 
 annidalin, 886 
 aqua, 245 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aqua hydrogen, diox., 263 
 aquae minerales, 272 
 argenti iodidum, 278 
 atherosperma moschata, 348 
 aurum, 315 
 
 bignonia capreolata, 423 
 bromum, 352 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 carex, 1425 
 carica papaya, 1206 
 ceanothus, 429 
 celastrus, 429 
 cephalanthus, 430 
 clematis, 502 
 
 Syphilis— 
 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 decoct, sarsaparillae comp., 
 579 
 
 emplast. ammon. c. hydrarg., 
 600 
 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 ferrum, 748 
 guaiaci resina, 797 
 gynocardia, 803 
 helianthemum, 807 
 hydrarg. chlorid. corros., 822 
 hydrarg. chlorid. mite, 827 
 hydrarg. cyanid,, 832 
 hydrarg. iodid. rubrum, 835 
 hydrarg. iodid. viride, 833 
 hydrarg. oxid. rubrum, 838 
 hydrarg. salicyl., 845 
 hydrarg. sulphid. rubrum, 840 
 hydrarg. tannas, 846 
 hydrarg. c. creta, 848 
 hydrargyrum, 843 
 iodoformum, 882 
 iodol, 886 
 iodolum, 886 
 iodum, -890 
 kava, 1025 
 lappa, 929 
 
 liq. arsenii et hydrarg. iodi., 
 951 
 
 liq. hydrarg. nitratis. 969 
 lobelia, 996 
 
 lotio hydrarg. flava, 998 
 lotio hydrarg. nigra, 998 
 mezereum, 1040 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1098 
 opium, 1181 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 platinum chloridum, 1258 
 potassii iodid., 1305 
 saponaria, 1420 
 sarsaparilla, 1425 
 sassafras, 1427 
 sodii hypophosphis, 1470 
 sodii iodidum, 1473 
 stillingia, 1512 
 syr. sarsaparillae c., 1570 
 tayuya, 354 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1664 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 ung. hydrarg. iod. rubri, 1666 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. rubri, 
 1668 
 
 ung. hydrarg. subchlor., 1668 
 viola, 1712 
 xanthoxylum, 1717 
 Syphilitic swellings, emplast. 
 ammoniaci c. hydrarg., 600 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 Ulcers, acid, chromic., 45 
 ung. hydrarg. ammon., 1665 
 ung. hydrarg. iodid. rub., 1666 
 ung. hydrarg. oxid. rub., 1668 
 
 T abes mesenterica, caicii 
 
 chlorid., 371 
 iodum, 891 
 ol. morrhuae, 1135 
 Tasniaj acid, carbolic., 43 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, sulphuric., 103 
 aether, 134 
 agrimonia, 146 
 ailanthus, 146 
 areca, 276 
 aspidium, 302 
 creosotum, 548 
 cusso, 571 
 
 decoct, granati rad., 577 
 embelia ribes, 911 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Taenia— 
 
 granatum, 793 
 infus. cusso, 870 
 kamala, 910 
 musenna, 910 
 morus nigra, 1048 
 oleores. aspidii, 1101 
 ol. animal, sether, 1109 
 ol. chenopodii, 1118 
 ol. morrhum, 1135 
 ol. olivEe, 1141 
 ol. terebinthin®, 1159 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 pelletierine, 794 
 pepo, 1201 
 pepsinum, 1207 
 petroleum, 1210 
 santonica. 1413 
 saoria, 910 
 stannum, 1511 
 tatze, 911 
 ulmus, 1658 
 Teeth, carious, acid, arsenos., 
 30 
 
 mastiche, 1024 
 oleum sabinse, 1150 
 zinci cbloridum, 1724 
 Discolored, acid, tannic., 110 
 ammonii chlorid., 187 , 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 Ingrown, alumen, 172 
 Telangiectasis, acid, chromic., 
 49 
 
 Tendons, inflamed, ung. iodi, 
 1669 
 
 Tenesmus, camphora monobro- j 
 mata, 392 
 
 Testicle, swelled, antimon. et 
 potass, tart., 220 
 aqua, 242, 244 
 chloroformum, 469 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 emplast. belladonnae, 601 
 iodoformum, 881, 882 
 oleatum hydrargyri, 1099 
 pulsatilla, 1323 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 ung. plumbi iodidi, 1670 
 Tetanus, acid, salicylic., 93 
 aconitum, 121 
 aether, 135 
 alcohol, 155 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 231 
 aqua, 242 
 atropina, 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 cannabis, 395 
 cantharis, 401 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocainae hydrochl., 510 
 colchicum, 519 
 conium, 533 
 curare, 56’/' 
 gelsemium, 771 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 morphina, 1055 
 moschus, 1061 
 opium, 1179 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 passiflora, 1200 
 physostigma. 1223 
 pilocarpus, 1223 
 potassa, 1272 
 potassii bromid., 1285 
 potassii carbonas, 1290 
 strychnina, 1530 
 tabacum, 1577 
 urethanum, 1675 
 yin. album, 1702 
 
 Thirst, glycerinum, 782 
 
 Throat, sore, achillae, 17 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 172 
 aqua ammoniae, 251 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aqua chloroformi, 259 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 ext. glycyrrhizEe, 676 
 geranium, 775 
 granatum, 794 
 helianthemum, 807 
 hyssopus, 859 
 kino, 912 
 
 liq. ammonii acetatis, 949 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 mori succus, 1048 
 piper, 1249 
 
 potassii bichromas, 1280 
 salvia, 1406 
 statice, 1515 
 
 trochisci potass, chlorat., 1655 
 V. Diphtheria. 
 j Thrush, acid, salicylic., 94 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 mel, 1028 
 mel rosse, 1030 
 paraflinum, 1194 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 
 Thyroid, enlarged, ammon. 
 chlorid., 187 
 ergota, 621 
 ioduru, 890 
 
 Tinea capitis, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 ammonii iodid., 189 
 copper oleate, 564 
 ol. tiglii, 1165 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 sambucus, 1407 
 Versicolor, sulphur, 1542 
 Tonsurans, ol. tiglii, 1165 
 sulphur, 1542 
 
 Tinnitus aurium, acid, liydro- 
 brom., 59 
 
 Tongue, fissured, glycerina, 781 
 iodoformum, 890 
 Ulcerated, acid, chromic., 49 
 Paralyzed, tr. pyrethri, 1634 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 Tonic convulsion, physostig., 
 1223 
 
 Tonsillitis, aconitum, 121 
 aether, 134 
 agrimonia, 146 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 172 
 ammonii iodid., 189 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 220 
 aqua, 241 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 capsicum, 405 
 cetaceum, 440 
 decoct, granati rad., 577 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 diospyros, 588 
 eupatorium, 631 
 garcinia, 766 
 geranium, 775 
 granatum, 794 
 guaiaci resina, 798 
 hedeoma, 806 
 helianthemum, 807 
 hordeum, 818 
 ioduril, 836 
 
 I Tonsillitis — 
 juglans, 905 
 
 1 liatris, 937 
 
 liq. ammonii acetatis, 949 
 mel boratis, 1029 
 oxymel, 1187 
 piper, 1249 
 
 pulv. ipecac, et .opii, 1331 
 sabbatia, 1391 
 salol, 1404 
 salvia, 1406 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 sodium salicylas, 1481 
 statice, 1515 
 thea, 1595 
 tr. guaiaci, 1622 
 tr. guaiaci ammon., 1622 
 ung. iodi, 1669 
 zinci iodidum, 1726 
 V. Pharyngitis. 
 
 Toothache, acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, tannic., 110 
 aconitum, 121 
 aether, 134 
 alumen, 172 
 anthemis, 216 
 aqua, 243, 246 
 aqua chloroformi, 259 
 armoracia, 288 
 camphor (phenol), 390 
 camphora, 390 
 carbonei bisulphid., 410 
 cataria, 425 
 chloroformum, 469 
 cocaina, 508 
 conium, 533 
 creosotum, 549 
 delphinine, 1514 
 emplast. opii, 604 
 euphrasia, 635 
 humulus, 819 
 imperatorium, 865 
 iodoform, 883 
 mastiche, 1024 
 myrica, 1005 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. caryophylli, 1118 
 ol. menthae piper., 1132 
 ol. sabinae, 1150 
 ol. thy mi, 1163 
 opium, 1181 
 origanum, 1184 
 
 | # potassii bromidum, 1286 
 primula, 1318 
 py rethrum, 1335 
 rliamnus catharticus, 1374 
 rhus glabra, 1381 
 sinapis, 1448 
 sodii cbloridum, 1468 
 spirit, camphor., 1502 
 tr. pyrethri, 1634 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 Trachoma, abrus, 2 
 
 Tremor, hyoscyamus, 856 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 veratrina, 1689 
 
 Trismus, nascent, amyl nitr 
 198 
 
 ! Tuberculosis, cantharis. 400 
 
 Tumors, acid, arsenos., 30 
 acid, hydriod., 57 
 acid, perosmic., 50 
 alcohol, 156 
 aqua, 243 
 
 arsenici iodidum, 292 
 belladonna, 329 
 calcii chlorid., 372 
 emplast. plumbi iodidi, 607 
 ergota, 613 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 825 
 iodum, 892 
 
1900 
 
 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Tumors— 
 
 physostigma, 1223 
 trillium, 1644 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Cystic, sodium ethylate, 933 
 Epithelial, acid, arsenos., 30 
 Erectile, acid, tannic., 110 
 chloral, 458 
 ferri chlorid., 721 
 ferri lactas, 734 
 potassa, 1272 
 
 Ovarian, calcii chlorid., 372 
 Sebaceous, aether, 136 
 Urethral, acid, chromic., 49 
 Uterine, ammonii chlorid., 187 
 calcii chlorid., 372 
 ergota, 620 
 
 Tympanites, aqua ammonise, 252 
 asafcetida, 296 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 castoreum, 422 
 emulsion asafoetidse, 641 
 enema asafcetidse, 613 
 enema terebinthinae, 614 
 extr. glycyrrhizae, 676 
 extr. physostigmatis, 694 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor potassae, 978 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159, 1160 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 strychnina, 1531 
 suppositor. asafcetida, 1548 
 tinct. asafcetidae, 1607 
 Typhoid state, acid, hydrochl., 
 63 
 
 aether, 134 
 alcohol, 154 
 ambra grisea, 178 
 ambrosia, 178 
 ammoniae carbonas, 184 
 amyl nitris, 199 
 angelica, 210 
 angustura, 211 
 aqua ammonia, 251 
 aqua camphora, 255 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 arnica, 291 
 asarum, 298 
 baptisia, 322 
 caffea, 364 
 calamus, 368 
 calendula, 377 
 camphora, 389 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 cantharis, 401 
 carlina acaulis, 877 
 cascarilla, 418 
 castoreum, 422 
 cerevisise fermentum, 437 
 coca, 504 
 contrayerva, 534 
 galega, 763 
 imperatoria, 865 
 liq. sodse chlorat., 984 
 mistura spirit, vini gallici, 
 1045 
 
 moschus, 1060 
 
 ol. animale sethereum, 1109 
 
 opium, 1178 
 
 pichurim, 1079 
 
 potassii chloras, 1293 
 
 ptelea, 1322 
 
 quininse hydrobromas, 1348 
 senega, 1438 
 serpentaria, 1444 
 spiraea, 1494 
 tinct. castorei, 1613 
 tinct. cinchonse c., 1615 
 tinct. serpentariae, 1638 
 tinct. valerianae, 1640 
 
 Typhoid state — 
 
 tinct. valerianae ammon., 1640 
 valeriana, 1682 
 vin. album, 1702, 1703 
 vin. rubrum, 1710 
 wine-whey, 1703 
 
 [ULCER OF STOMACH, argenti 
 I U nitras, 282 
 
 argenti oxid., 286 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 ferri albuminas, 734 
 iodoformum, 883 
 lac, 919 
 opium, 1180 
 pil. opii, 1244 
 sodii sulphas, 1284 
 Ulcers, abrus, 2 
 absinthium, 5 
 acacia, 8 
 
 acid, carbolic., 42, 43 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, hydriodic., 57 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 • 
 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, sulphuric., 102 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 agrimonia, 146 
 alcohol, 155 
 alisma, 158 
 alnus, 161 
 alumen, 172 
 alumen exsiccat., 173 
 aluminii sulph., 177 
 amyl hydride, 1211 
 annidalin, 886 
 antipyrinum, 232 
 antisepsin, 886 
 aqua, 242 
 aqua chlori, 258 
 aqua creosoti, 259 
 aq. hydrogen, diox., 263 
 argemone, 277 
 argenti nitras, 283, 284 
 asclepias, 300 
 aurum, 315 
 balsam, peruvian., 320 
 baptisia, 322 
 
 bismuth, subiodide of, 347 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 bolus, 349 
 
 calcii carb. prsecipit., 370 
 calcii sulphis, 376 
 calendula, 377 
 calx, 381 
 
 calx chlorata, 385 
 camphor (salicylated), 390 
 camphora, 390 
 camphora (carbolized), 390 
 cantharis, 400 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 carbonei bisulphid., 411 
 carota, 415 
 
 cataplasma carbonis, 423 
 cataplasma fermenti, 424 
 cataplasma lini, 424 
 cataplasma sodse chloratse, 424 
 catechu, 428 
 ceanothus, 429 
 ceratum cetacei, 435 
 ceratum plumbi subace tat., 
 436 
 
 ceratum resinse, 436 
 chloral, 458 
 cochlearia, 514 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 creolinum, 550 
 creosotum, 549 
 creta prseparata, 554 
 
 Ulcers — 
 
 crocus, 556 
 
 cupri subacetas, 561 
 
 cupri sulphas, 563 
 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 
 elastica, 594 
 
 elemi, 597 
 
 epiphegus, 614 
 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 
 euphorbium, 634 
 
 europhen, 886 
 
 ferri chloridum, 721 
 
 ferri sulph., 742 
 
 ferrum, 748 
 
 galium, 764 
 
 garcinia, 766 
 
 gelatina, 769 
 
 glaucium luteum, 446 
 
 glechoma, 777 
 
 glyceritum boracis, 784 
 
 gnaphalium, 789 
 
 granatum, 794 
 
 hsematoxylon, 804 
 
 heuchera, 812 
 
 liydrarg. iodid. rub., 822 
 
 hydrarg. oxid. flavum, 836 
 
 hydrarg. oxid. rubr., 838 
 
 hydrastis, 850 
 
 hydrocotyle, 851 
 
 hysterionica Baylahuen, 796 
 
 imperatoria, 865 
 
 iodoformum, 881, 883 
 
 iodol, 886 
 
 iodolum, 886 
 
 iodum, 892 
 
 juglans, 905 
 
 kino, 912 
 
 lac, 919 
 
 lacca, 924 
 
 lappa, 929 
 
 liquidambar, 947 
 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 961 
 
 liquor hydrarg. nitratis, 969 
 
 liquor sodse chloratse, 985 
 
 lotio hydrarg. flava, 998 
 
 lotio hydrarg. nigra, 998 
 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 
 mangani sulphas, 1017 
 
 mel boracis, 1029 
 
 mezereum, 1040 
 
 monesia, 1047 
 
 mucilago amyli, 1062 
 
 mucilago tragacanthse, 1063 
 
 mucilago ulmi, 1063 
 
 myrrha, 1069 
 
 myrtus, 1070 
 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 
 nymphsea, 1088 
 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1160 
 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 
 ononis spinosa, 788 
 
 opium, 1181 
 
 oxalis, 1185 
 
 paraffinum, 1194 
 
 phytolacca, 1226 
 
 pix liquida, 1256 
 
 plumbi nitras, 1265 
 
 potassa, 1272 
 
 potassii bromid., 1287 
 
 potassii chloras, 1294 
 
 potassii nitras, 1307 
 
 potassii permanganas, 1312 
 
 prinos, 1319 
 
 psyllium, 1257 
 
 pyrogallol. 1336 
 
 quininse sulphas, 1359 
 
 rheum, 1380 
 
 rosa gallica, 1386 
 
 sabina, 1393 
 
 saccharum, 1397 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1901 
 
 Ulcers — 
 
 salix, 1404 
 salvia, 1406 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 scropliularia, 1434 
 sedum, 1435 
 
 sempervivum tectorum, 1435 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii cblorid., 1468. 
 soziodol, 887 
 spiraea, 1494 
 spirit, camphorae, 1502 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 terebenum, 1584 
 thuya, 1598 
 tr. aloes, 1605 
 tr. benzoin i, 1605 
 tr. catechu c., 1613 
 trillium, 1644 
 ung. aquae rosae, 1661 
 ung. creosoti, 1662 
 ung. elemi, 1663 
 ung. hydrarg. iodidi rubri, 
 1666 ' 
 
 ung. hvdrarg. oxidi rubri, 
 1668 
 
 ung. picis liquidae, 1669 
 ung. ziuci oxidi, 1673 
 urtica, 1677 
 veronica, 1695 
 vin. aromaticum, 1704 
 zinci carb. praecip., 1722 
 zinci chloridum, 1724 
 zinci oxidum, 1728 
 zinci salicylas,1735 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Uremia, cocainae hydrochlor.,511 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 Ureter, spasm of, aether, 135 
 aqua, 245 
 
 atropinae sulph., 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 opium, 1179 
 
 Urethra, irritable, acid, chro- 
 mic., 49 
 
 atropinae sulph., 308 
 argenti nitras, 284, 285 
 belladonna, 330 
 buchu, 356 
 chondrus, 473 
 cocaina, 508, 509 
 cocainae hydrochl., 510 
 cubeba, 558 
 potassii bromid., 1287 
 triticum, 1648 
 unguentum atropiae, 1661 
 unguentum elemi, 1663 
 
 Stricture of, argenti nitras, 
 284 
 
 laminaria, 928 
 potassa, 1272 
 
 Tumor of, zinci sulphas, 1731 
 Urethritis, colocynthis, 525 
 Uric acid, acid, benzoic., 33 
 ammonii carbonas, 184 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 liquor potassae, 978 
 piperidine, 1250 
 potassii bicarbonas, 1278 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 Urinary calculi, aquae miner- 
 ales, 273 
 hydrangea, 820 
 liquor calcis, 953 
 liquor potassae, 977 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1159 
 opium, 1180 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 veronica, 1695 
 
 Deposits, aquae minerales, 273 j 
 liq. magnesiae carbonatis, 971 ! 
 
 Urinary deposits — 
 liq. potassae, 977 
 lithii carbonas, 992 
 magnesia, 1006 
 sodii acetas, 1451 
 Urine, acid, acid, benzoic., 33 
 Alkaline, saccliarinum, 1394 
 Ammoniacal, acid, boric., 36 
 Incontinence of, acid, ben- 
 zoic., 33 
 
 acid, chromic. ,'49 
 arenaria rubra, 615 
 atropinae sulph., 309 
 belladonna, 330 
 buchu, 356 
 
 camphora monobromata, 392 
 
 cantharis, 399 
 
 collodium flexile, 523 
 
 cubeba, 558 
 
 equisetum, 615 
 
 ergota, 621 
 
 ferrum, 747 
 
 humulus, 819 
 
 krameria, 913 
 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 960 
 
 lupulina, 1000 
 
 matico, 1025 
 
 potassii bromidum, 1286 
 
 rhus toxicodendron, 1383 
 
 strychnina, 1530 
 
 urtica, 1677 
 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Phosphatic, acid, benzoic., 33 
 Retention of, alkekengi, 159 
 aqua, 245 
 chimaphila, 448 
 cucumis, 559 
 ferrum, 747 
 lycopodium, 1002 
 petroleum, 1210 
 rhus aromatica, 1381 
 stramonium, 1518 
 uva ursi, 1680 
 
 Suppression of, chimaphila, 
 448 
 
 sodii acetas, 1451 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 Urticaria, acid, boric., 36 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 amylum, 206 
 atropinae sulph., 309 
 ipecacuanha, 898 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 pilocarpus, 1232 
 tabacum, 1576 
 
 Uterine catarrh, acid, sali- 
 cylic., 95 
 
 Uterine colic, aloe, 165 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 castor, 422 
 enema aloes, 613 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 grindelia, 795 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 Uterine hemorrhage. V. Men- 
 
 ■ ORRHAGIA. 
 
 Uterus, cancer of, zinci chlor- 
 idum, 1724 
 
 Catarrh of, zinci chloridum, 
 1724 
 
 Engorgement of, aqua, 243, 
 245, 246 
 
 aquae mineralis, 273 
 cimicifuga, 47. 91 
 ergota, 620, 621 
 hydrastis, 856 
 iodoformum, 881 
 iodum, 891 
 potassii acetas, 1276 
 Inertia, of, aqua, 245, 246 
 
 Uterus, inertia of — 
 belladonna, 331 
 cannabis, 393 
 canella. 393 
 cinnamomum, 501 
 coca, 504 
 enema aloes, 613 
 ergota, 620 
 ext. ergotae fl., 670 
 gossypii radicis cortex, 790 
 ol. terebinthinae, 1152 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 strychninae sulphas, 1528 
 Prolapsus of, acid, tannicum, 
 110 
 
 geranium, 775 
 gossypium, 791 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 myrtus, 1070 
 Rigid, aether, 135 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 221 
 apomorphina, 236 
 aqua, 245 
 
 belladonna, 330, 653 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 Spasm of, aqua, 245 
 To dilate, laminaria, 928 
 ulmus, 1658 
 
 Tumors of, ammonii chlorid., 
 187 
 
 calcii chloridum, 372 
 ergota, 620 
 hydrastis, 850 
 
 Ulcers of, acid, carbolicum, 43 
 creolinum, 551 
 iodum, 892 
 myrtus, 1070 
 
 Uvula, relaxed, alumen, 172 
 decoct, quercus, 579 
 myrtus, 1070 
 pyre thrum, 1335 
 tinct. myrrhae, 1629 
 zingiber, 1737 
 
 7AGINA, INFLAMED, acid, 
 boric., 35 
 althaea, 169 
 creolinum, 551 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 suppositor. morphiae, 1551 
 suppositor. plumbi comp., 
 1550 
 
 tinct. myrrhae, 1629 
 Relaxed, acid, tannic., 109 
 alumen, 172 
 bismutlii subnitras, 346 
 catechu, 428 
 galla, 766 
 garcinia, 766 
 geranium, 775 
 
 liq. bismuth, et ammon. 
 citrat., 952 
 
 suppositor. acid, tannic., 1549 
 suppositor. plumbi c., 1550 
 tr. catechu c., 1613 
 tr. gallae, 1620 
 tr. myrrhae, 1629 
 ung. gallae, 1663 
 
 Vaginismus, atropinae sulph., 308 
 ext. belladonnae fol. ale., 653 
 iodoformum, 883 
 Varicocele, alcohol, 156 
 chloral, 458 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 Varicose aneurisms, ferrum, 
 749 
 
 Veins, antimonii oxid., 221 
 Variola, acid, carbolic., 42 
 acid, tannic., 139 
 amylum, 206 
 aqua, 239 
 
1902 INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 Variola— 
 
 aqua clilori, 258 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 campbora, 390 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 elastica, 595 
 
 emplast. hydrargyri, 603 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 hydrarg. chlor. mit., 831 
 hydrargyrum, 845 
 iodoformum, 882 
 iodum, 891 
 liniment, calcis, 940 
 opium, 1178 
 quinin© sulph., 1358 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 Vegetations, acid, chromic., 49 
 Veins injection into, lac, 920 
 Varicose, acid, carbolic., 43 
 antimon. et potass, tart., 221 
 aqua, 243 
 elastica, 594 
 
 liquor ferri chloridi, 960 
 potassa, 1272 
 
 Venereal excitement, cam- 
 phora, 390 
 digitalis, 586 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 Vegetations, acid, carboli- 
 cum, 43 
 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 anacardium, 208 
 
 Vertebrae, diseased, moxa, 
 1061 
 
 Vertigo, amyl nitris, 198 
 cubeba, 558 
 quinin© sulphas, 1359 
 valeriana, 1682 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 Gastric, liquor potass©, 978 
 quassia, 1340 
 quinin© sulphas, 1359 
 sodii bicarbonas, 1456 
 Vomiting, acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 acid, hydrobromic. dil., 59 
 acid, hydrocyan, dil., 67 
 ©ther, 134 
 alcohol, 155 
 armoracia, 288 
 belladonna, 330 
 caffea, 366 
 calendula, 377 
 calumba, 379 
 cannabis, 396 
 cantharis, 401 
 caryophyllus, 417 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 chloroformum, 468 
 cocain© hydrochlor., 510 
 creosotum, 548 
 galanga, 761 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 iodum, 891 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 juglans, 905 
 laburnum, 915 
 lac, 919 
 
 liniment, terebinthin© acet., 
 944 
 
 liq. calcis, 953 
 liq. potassi citratis, 980 
 magnesia, 1006 
 mentha piperita, 1033 
 monesia, 1047 
 moschus, 1060 
 ol. anthemidis, 1111 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 opium, 1180 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 
 Vomiting — 
 
 paraldehyde, 1196 
 pichurim, 1079 
 pil. opii, 1244 
 potassii bicarb., 1278 
 potassii bitartras, 1282 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 sinapis, 1448 
 tr. cinnamomi, 1616 
 valerianate of caffeine, 1683 
 vin. album, 1702 
 vin. ipecacuanh©, 1706 
 Of pregnancy, aconitum, 121 
 ©ther, 134 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 belladonna, 330 
 cerium valerianate, 439 
 cerii oxalas, 439 
 chloral, 457 
 chloroformum, 468 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 iodum, 891 
 ipecacuanha, 897 
 laburnum, 915 
 magnesia, 1606 
 menthol, 1035 
 opium, 1180 
 oxygenium, 1187 
 potass, bromid., 1286 
 sodii sulphocarbolas, 1487 
 strychnina, 1530 
 vin. ipecacuanh©, 1706 
 Vulva, irritation of, aqua 
 ammoni©, 252 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 glyceritum boratis, 784 
 iodoformum, 883 
 mel boracis, 883 
 sodii boras, 1459 
 sodii chloridum, 1468 
 Vulvitis, gangrenous, iodo- 
 form., 883 
 
 W AETS, acid, acetic., 22 
 acid, arsenos., 28, 30 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, chromic., 49 
 acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 anacardium, 208 
 argemone, 277 
 chelidonium, 446 
 creosotum, 549 
 cupri subacetas, 561 
 drosera, 589 
 heracleum, 812 
 hydrarg. chlor. corros., 824 
 liq. antimonii chlor., 950 
 magnesia, 1006 
 magnesii carbonas, 1007 
 plumbi oxidum, 1267 
 potassii bichromas, 1280 
 sabina, 1373 
 sanguinaria, 1409 
 scilla, 1431 
 sedum, 1435 
 
 sempervivum tectorum, 1435 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 thuya, 1598 
 ung. hydrargyri, 1665 
 White swelling, aconitum, 121 
 emplast. aconiti, 121 
 iodum, 892 
 moxa, 1061 
 ol. morrhu©, 1135 
 Whitlow, acid, carbolic., 43 
 aqua, 242 
 
 Whooping cough, acetanilid, 10 
 acid, carbolic., 44 
 acid, carbonic., 47 
 
 Whooping cough — 
 acid, cresylic., 44 
 acid, hydrobrom. dil., 59 
 acid, hydrocyan, dil., 67 
 acid, nitric, dil., 76 
 acid, salicylic., 94 
 acid, sulphuros., 106 
 acid, tannic., 109 
 ©ther, 135 
 allium, 160 
 alumen, 171 
 
 ammonii bromidum, 182 
 ammonii chloridum, 187 
 amyl nitris, 198 
 antipyrinum, 230 
 aqua ammoni©, 252 
 aq. hydrogen, dioxid., 263 
 argenti iodidum, 278 
 argenti nitras, 283 
 asafoetida, 296 
 atropin© sulph., 308 
 belladonna, 330 
 benzoin um, 333, 334 
 bromoform, 353 
 bryonia, 354 
 caffea, 366 
 castanea, 420 
 chloral, 457 
 
 cocain© hydrochlor., 507 
 coccus, 512 
 conium, 533 
 drosera, 589 
 dulcamara, 591 
 ergota, 622 
 eucalyptus, 629 
 ferrum, 747 
 grindelia, 795 
 hippocastanum, 814 
 hyoscyamus, 856 
 inula, 877 
 ipecacuanha, 896 
 laburnum, 915 
 lobelia, 996 
 menthol, 1034 
 morphina, 1055 
 •moschus, 1060 
 narcissus, 1076 
 ol. succini, 1156 
 ol. terebinthin©, 1159 
 p©onia, 1188 
 persica, 1207 
 pilocarpus, 1233 
 plumbi acetas, 1261 
 potassa sulphurata, 1274 
 potassii bromid., 1286 
 pulsatiila, 1323 
 quinin© sulphas, 1357 
 quinine tannate, 1363 
 resorcinum, 1372 
 santoninum, 1416 
 sodii carbonas exsiccatus,1465 
 sodii salicylas, 1481 
 stramonium, 1518 
 syrupus allii, 1555 
 terpini hydras, 1588 
 tr. myrrh©, 1629 
 valerinate of caffeine, 1683 
 zinci sulphas, 1731 
 zinci valerianas, 1733 
 Worms (lumbricoid, etc.), ab- 
 sinthium, 5 
 acetonum, 12 
 acid, carbolic., 43 
 alcohol methylic., 137 
 allium, 160 
 ammonii picricum, 88 
 anacardium, 208 
 andira, 209 
 apocynum, 234 
 azedaracli, 317 
 cambogia, 386 
 
INDEX OF THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 1903 
 
 WORMS— 
 
 camphora, 390 
 carbo ligni, 409 
 chelidonium,.446 
 chelone, 446 
 chenopodium, 447 
 colocynthis, 525 
 coufectio terebinthinse, 530 
 convallaria, 535 
 corylus, 546 
 creolinum, 551 
 curcas, 568 
 cyclamen, 572 
 fel bovis, 716 
 ferrum, 747 
 gratiola, 794 
 helmiuthochorton, 473 
 bura, 819 
 
 hydrarg. chlor. mite, 830 
 jalapa, 904 
 iuglans, 905 
 kamala, 910 
 lappa, 929 
 margosin, 317 
 marrubium, 1020 
 mucuna, 1064 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 ocymum basilicum, 933 
 ol. cajuputi, 1115 
 ol. chenopodii, 1118 
 ol. ricini, 1146 
 ol. terebinthinse, 1159 
 parthenium, 1199 
 pepsinum, 1207 
 persica, 1207 
 petroleum, 1211 
 primula, 1318 
 ptelea trifoliata, 1322 
 quassia, 1340 
 resin, scammonii, 1370 
 ruta, 1390 
 sabadilla, 1391 
 sabina, 1392 
 salix, 1402 
 sanguis, 1410 
 santonica, 1413 
 santoninum, 1415 
 sida floribunda, 169 
 
 Worms — 
 
 sodii chlorid., 1468 
 sodii santoninas, 1483 
 spigelia, 1493 
 spilantbes, 1335 
 strychnina, 1530 
 tabacum, 1577 
 tanacetum, 1579 
 tepbrosia, 1583 
 tbuya, 1599 
 valeriana, 1682 
 Wounds, acid, benzoic., 34 
 acid, boric., 35 
 acid, carbolic., 41 
 acid, nitric., 76 
 acid, salicylic., 95 
 acid, sulpburos., 106 
 alcobol, 155 
 I aloe, 165 
 
 ammouii chloridum, 187 
 | amyl hydride, 1211 
 
 aqua, 242, 246 
 aq. hydrogenii diox., 263 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 arnica, 291 
 asclepias, 300 
 balsamum peruvian., 320 
 . benzoinum, 335 
 bismuthi subnitr., 346 
 calendula, 377 
 camphor (carbolized), 390 
 cerat. plumbi subacetatis, 436 
 collodium flexile, 522 
 collodium stypticum, 523 
 emplast. resinse, 607 
 eucalyptus, 628 
 glycerinum, 781, 782 
 gossypium, 791 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 bydrargyri chlor. corros., 822, 
 825 
 
 hypericum, 858 
 iodoformum, 881, 883, 884 
 hysterionica Baylahuen, 796 
 lappa, 929 
 linteum, 944 
 liq. antimonii chlor., 950 
 liq. plumbi subacetatis, 974 
 
 Wounds— 
 
 liq. sodii silicatis, 987 
 lycoperdon, 1000 
 myrrha, 1069 
 myrtus, 1070 
 naphthalinum, 1072 
 ol. oliv*, 1141 
 ol. terebinthime, 1158 
 ol. theobromatis, 1162 
 ol. thymi, 1163 
 petroleum, 1211 
 pliormium, 1216 
 saccharum, 1397 
 sanicula, 1411 
 sarcocolla, 1420 
 scrophularia, 1434 
 sodium ethylate, 
 soziodol, 887 
 terebenum, 1584 
 tr. aloes, 1605 
 tr. arnicse, 1606 
 tr. benzoini, 1608 
 tr. benzoini c., 1609 
 ung. plumbi acetatis, 1670 
 veratrum viride, 1693 
 vin. aromaticum, 1704 
 Poisoned, ammonii carbonas. 
 181 
 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 gutta-percha, 802 
 iodum, 892 
 
 liq. antimonii chlorid., 950 
 potassa, 1272 
 sodium ethylate, 983 
 Writer’s cramp, strychnina, 
 1530 
 
 Wry-neck, atropinse sulphas, 308 
 
 Z ONA, antipyrinum, 231 
 argenti nitras, 284 
 bismuthi subnitras, 346 
 cantharis, 400 
 grindelia, 795 
 liq. ferri chloridi, 961 
 ol. menthse piperitse, 1132 
 ung. hydrarg. ammoniat.,1665 
 zinci phosphidum, 1729 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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