Chapter M: Ré, Professor of the Materia Medica at the Veterinary School at (3)

QUALITIES. _Form_, excrescences, nearly round and of different magnitudes, smooth on the surface, but studded with tuberosities; they are heavy, brittle, and break with a flinty fracture. _Odour_, none; _Taste_, bitter and very astringent. SOLUBILITY. The whole of their soluble matter is taken up by forty times their weight of boiling water. Alcohol, by digestion, dissolves .7, and æther .5 of their substance. The watery infusion possesses all the properties of the gall-nut, and reddens vegetable blues. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Is at present involved in some obscurity; it contains tannin, gallic acid, a concrete volatile oil, and perhaps extractive and gum. M. Braconnot has also lately discovered in the gall-nut a new acid, which he calls _Ellagic acid_, from the word _galle_ reversed, a nomenclature which it must be confessed is at least free from the objections urged against that which is founded upon chemical composition. (_See Annales de Chimie, vol. ix. p. 187, new series_; also _Children’s Essay on Chemical Analysis, p. 276_.) INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES. The infusion and tincture of galls possess habitudes with which it is very important for the medical practitioner to be acquainted, not only for the purpose of directing their exhibition with success, but because the elements which impart to them their characteristic traits, viz. _Gallic Acid_ and _Tannin_,[512] are very widely diffused through the products of the vegetable kingdom, and will be found to be constantly active in their chemical, medicinal, and pharmaceutical relations. Metallic salts, especially those of iron, produce precipitates with infusion of galls, composed of tannin, gallic acid, and the metallic oxide; of these compounds the _tanno-gallate of iron_ is the most striking, being of a black colour; those of _sub-acetate_ and _acetate of lead_ are greyish; _tartarized antimony_ produces a yellowish; _sulphate of copper_ a brown; _sulphate of zinc_ reddish black; _nitrate of silver_, a deep olive; and _nitrate of mercury_, a bright yellow precipitate; the _oxy-muriate of mercury_ produces only an opacity. _Sulphuric acid_ throws down a yellowish curdy precipitate, _muriatic_, a flaky and white one, and _nitric acid_ merely modifies the colour of the infusion, although it destroys its astringency; the solution of _ammonia_ occasions no precipitate but renders the colour deeper, the _carbonate_ however throws down a precipitate; the carbonates of the _fixed alkalies_ produce a yellowish flaky, and _lime water_ a copious green precipitate. The _tannin_ in the infusion of galls is precipitated by a solution of isinglass or of any other animal jelly, by that of starch, and by many metallic oxides. MEDICINAL USES. Galls are most powerfully astringent. The native practitioners of India not only administer them as astringents in dysentery, but as tonics in cases of intermittent fever. FORMS OF EXHIBITION. In that of powder; and in combination with other astringents (_Form. 51_,) or with aromatics and bitters. As a local remedy the gall-nut enters into gargles and injections; for _blind_ piles, an ointment composed of 2½ parts of finely powdered galls, and a small portion of opium, with three parts of simple ointment as an excipient, offers a very valuable resource. (_Form. 55._) In some cases of hemorrhoids, prolapsus ani, and fluor albus, the application may be made in the form of a fomentation, for which purpose two drachms of bruised galls should be macerated for an hour in a pint of boiling water, which, when cold, may be used in the usual manner. DOSE, for internal exhibition, grs. x–℈ij, or more. OFFICINAL PREP. _Tinct. Gallarum_. E.D. OBSERVATION. Those which are small, protuberant, bluish, and heavy, are the best, being such as have been collected before the _larvæ_ within them had changed to the state of fly, and eaten their way out; a white, or a red hue indicates an inferior quality, and are those from which the insect has escaped. Aleppo galls are the most valuable, as being the most astringent.

GENTIANÆ RADIX. L.E.D.

(Gentiana Lutea, _Radix_.) _Gentian Root._

QUALITIES. Form, wrinkled pieces of various length and thickness; _Odour_, not particular; _Taste_, intensely bitter, but not nauseous. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, resin, a small portion of oil, bitter extractive, and a proportion of tannin; it contains also mucilage, in consequence of which the infusion frequently becomes ropy. Since the last edition of this work, the continental chemists have announced the existence of an alkaline principle, which they call _Gentia_ or _Gentiania_, and which is said to concentrate within itself all the virtues of the Gentian root; it does not appear to be in the least poisonous; _M. Majendie_ has injected it into the veins without any obvious effects, and has himself swallowed two grains without experiencing any sensation but that of extreme bitterness, followed by gentle warmth in the region of the stomach.[513] The root, moreover, contains saccharine matter, for when fermented with water, it yields a spirit which is extensively used by the Swiss. SOLUBILITY. The virtues of this root are extracted by water and alcohol; proof spirit is perhaps its most perfect menstruum. See _Infus. Gentian. comp._ MED. USES. It is tonic and stomachic, and its use for such purposes is of ancient date;[514] in dyspepsia, hysteria, and in all cases where a vegetable bitter is indicated, it will be found a serviceable remedy. DOSE, in substance, from grs. x to ʒj. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Extract: Gentian_. L.E.D. _Infusum Gentianæ comp._ L.E.D. _Tinct. Gentian. comp._ L.E.D.[515] _Vinum Gentianæ compositum._ E.

GERANIUM MACULATUM.

(Spotted Geranium.)

_Radix._

[This plant is very common in the United States, and is usually found in the vicinity of moist, woody situations. From the analysis of Bigelow, it appears to contain a very large proportion of tannin. It is accordingly powerfully astringent, and has been used with advantage in diarrhœa, chronic, dysentery and cholera infantum. In powder the dose of the Geranium is from 20 to 30 grs.—in extract, 10 grs.—in tincture from ʒj to ʒij—and in decoction from ℥j to ℥ij.]

GLYCYRRHIZÆ RADIX. L.E.D..nf c

(Glycyrrhiza Glabra.)

_Liquorice Root._ _Stick Liquorice._

QUALITIES. _Taste_, sweet and mucilaginous. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Gum, with a peculiar modication of saccharine matter (_Glycion_), or sugar in its purest form, for it is not fermentable; on which account it is added to beer for the purpose of imparting a sweet taste, and at the same time enabling it to keep better. SOLUBILITY. Water extracts both its principles, but by long coction it becomes bitter; alcohol extracts only its saccharine matter. MED. USES. It is principally employed as a demulcent in combination with other mucilaginous vegetables; the root will yield nearly half its weight of extract. Liquorice covers the taste of some unpalatable medicines more effectually than any other substance, and it has long enjoyed the reputation of assuaging thirst, whence the Greeks distinguished this root by the term _Adipson_; and, perhaps, the English word _Liquorice_ may be derived from the same belief. OFFICINAL PREP. _Decoct: Sarsaparill: comp._ L.D. (=O=) Infus: _Lini_, L. (=B=) _Extract: Glycyrrhizæ._ L.E.D. _Confectio Sennæ_[516] L.E. (=O=) ADULTERATIONS. The powdered root is generally sophisticated with flour, and sometimes with powdered guaiacum; the fraud may be detected by its colour being a fine pale, instead of a brownish yellow, and by its reduced or foreign flavour.

GRANATI CORTEX. L.E.D.

Punica Granatum. _Pomorum Cortex._

_Pomegranate Bark._

What has been said respecting the Gall-nut, applies with equal truth to this substance. The efficacy of the bark of the root of the pomegranate, says Dr. Ainslie (_Mat. Med. of Hindostan_), as a remedy for the tape worm is now well established in India; it is given in decoction, prepared with two ounces of the fresh bark, boiled in a pint and a half of water until only three quarters of a pint remain.

GUAIACI RESINA ET LIGNUM. L.E.D.

(Guaiacum Officinale).

_The Resin and Wood of Guaiacum._

A. THE WOOD.

QUALITIES. This wood is heavier than water, and emits when heated an aromatic odour; _Taste_, bitterish and sub-acrid; to extract its virtues long decoction is required. It has enjoyed great reputation as a specific in the venereal disease; it was imported into Europe in 1517, and gained immediate celebrity from curing the celebrated Van Hutten: long before this period, however, it was used by the natives of St. Domingo. Boerhaave, so late as the eighteenth century, maintained its specific powers. It seems probable that the discipline which always accompanied its exhibition, such as sweating, abstinence, and purgation, might be the means, in the warmer climates, of effecting cures which were attributed to the guaiacum. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Decoct: Guaiaci comp:_ E. _Decoct: Sarsaparill: comp:_ L.D.

B. THE GUAIAC, or _Resin_.

QUALITIES. _Form_; it has the aspect of a gum resin; _Colour_, greenish brown; it is easily pulverized, and the powder, which is at first grey, becomes green on exposure to air and light, which appears to depend upon the absorption of oxygen: when heated, it loses its colour; it melts by heat; and has a _sp. grav:_ of 1·2289. SOLUBILITY. _Water_ dissolves out of it about 9 per cent. of extractive matter; _alcohol_ 95, and _æther_ 40 parts in a hundred. The _alkaline_ solutions and their _carbonates_ dissolve it readily; _Sulphuric acid_ dissolves it with scarcely any effervescence, and affords a solution of a rich claret colour; _Nitric acid_ dissolves it with a copious extrication of nitrous fumes; _Muriatic acid_ dissolves a small portion only; but in all these cases the guaiacum is decomposed; the acids are therefore incompatible with it. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. The experiments of Mr. Hatchett demonstrate that it is a substance _sui generis_, and not a resin, or gum-resin. MED. USES. Stimulant, diaphoretic,[517] and in large doses, purgative. FORMS OF EXHIBITION. In that of bolus; or diffused in water, by means of one half of its own weight of gum arabic. DOSE, gr. x. to ʒss. OFFICINAL PREP: _Mist: Guaiac:_ L. _Tinct. Guaiac._ L.E.D. _Tinct. Guaiac. Ammoniat._ L.E.D. _Pulv. Aloes com._ L.D. (=O.M.=) ADULTERATIONS. _Common resin_ may be detected by the turpentine emitted when the guaiac is thrown upon hot coals; _Manchinal gum_, by adding to the tincture a few drops of sweet spirit of nitre, and diluting with water; the guaiac is thus precipitated, but the adulteration floats in white striæ.

HÆMATOXYLI LIGNUM. L.E.D.

(Hæmatoxylon Campechianum). _Logwood._

QUALITIES. The wood is hard, compact, and heavy. _Odour_, none; _Taste_, sweet, and astringent; _Colour_, deep red. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. The colouring matter of this wood has been very recently submitted to a rigid examination; and the name of _Hematin_ has been given to it; it affords small brilliant crystals of a reddish white colour, and slightly astringent, bitter, and acrid flavour; sulphuretted hydrogen passed through its solution in water, gives it a yellow colour, which disappears in a few days. Gelatine throws it down in reddish flakes. The habitudes of Logwood are curious with respect to mutability of colour. The recent infusion, made with distilled water, is yellow, but that with common water has a reddish purple colour, which is deepened by the alkalies, and changed to yellow by the acids; various salts precipitate it; _acetate of lead_; _alum_; the _sulphates of copper and iron_; _tartarized antimony_; and _sulphuric_, _muriatic_, _nitric_, and _acetic acids_, are on this account incompatible with it. MED. USES. It is supposed to be astringent, and is therefore given in protracted diarrhœas, and in the latter stage of dysentery. OFFICINAL PREP. _Extract. Hæmatoxyli._ L.

HELLEBORI FŒTIDI FOLIA L.

(Helleborus Fœtidus). HELLEBORASTER. D.

_The Leaves of Fœtid Hellebore._

As this plant is merely retained in the list of materia medica on account of its anthelmintic properties, it might be well dispensed with, since we possess many others which are much more safe, as well as more efficacious.

HELLEBORI NIGRI RADIX. L.E.D.

_The Root of Black Hellebore._ _Melampodium._[518]

_Christmas Rose._

QUALITIES. The fibres of the root are the parts employed; they are about the thickness of a straw, corrugated, externally of a deep dark colour, hence the epithet _black_; internally white, or of a yellowish hue. _Odour_, unpleasant; _Taste_, bitter and acrid. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. An analysis of this root has lately been effected by M. M. Feneulle and Capron, from which it appears that its active principle, unlike that of the White Hellebore (_Veratrum_) is not an alkali; the following substances enter into its composition, viz. 1. A Volatile Oil.—2. A Fatty matter.—3. A Resin.—4. Wax.—5. A Volatile Acid.—6. A bitter principle.—7. Mucus.—8. Alumina.—9. Gallate of Potass.—10. Acidulous Gallate of Lime.—11. A Salt, with an Ammoniacal base. SOLUBILITY. Both water and alcohol extract its virtues, but the spirituous solution is the most active; long coction diminishes its powers, hence the watery extract acts more mildly than the root. MEDICINAL USES. This is one of the most ancient articles of the materia medica. Ctesias, who lived in the time of Plato, and anterior to Hippocrates, speaks of it as a medicine of important virtues. By the Greek and Roman physicians it was highly esteemed as a remedy in Mania (_see p. 8._) The extraordinary cures performed at the island of Anticyrus, famous for its Hellebore, are celebrated by the poets and historians of antiquity. It is a drastic cathartic, and may prove therefore emmenagogue, and hydragogue, but in this country, its reputation has been destroyed by the decided manner in which Dr. Cullen reprobated its use. FORMS OF EXHIBITION. It is seldom given in substance, but in the form of tincture or extract; or in that of decoction, made with two drachms of the root to a pint of water. DOSE of the powdered root, grs. x to ℈j; of the decoction, f℥j. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Tinct. Hellebori Nigri._ L.E.D. _Extractum Hellebori Nigri._ E.D. ADULTERATIONS. The roots of the poisonous aconites are often fraudulently substituted; this is easily discovered, for the aconite is lighter coloured than the palest specimens of black hellebore; it is safe therefore to choose the darkest.

HORDEI SEMINA. L.E.D.

(Hordeum Distichon. _Semina, tunicis nudata._)

Hordeum Perlatum. _Pearl Barley._

Barley is formed into _Pearl Barley_, by the removal of its husk or cuticle,[519] and afterwards by being rounded and polished in a mill. These well known granules consist chiefly of fecula, with portions of mucilage, gluten, and sugar, which water extracts by decoction, but the solution soon passes into the acetous fermentation; the bran of barley contains an acrid resin, and it is to get rid of such an ingredient that it is deprived of its cuticle. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Decoct. Hordei._ L.E.D. _Decoct. Hordei. comp._ L.D.

HUMULI STROBILI. L.E.

(Humulus Lupulus. _Stroboli Siccati._)

QUALITIES. _Odour_, fragrant, and sub-narcotic. _Taste_, bitter, astringent, and aromatic. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Tannin, 5 grs.; Extractive, 10 grs.; Bitter principle, 11 grs.; Wax, 12 grs.; Resin, 36 grs.; Lignin, 46 grs. The fact, with respect to the residence of the properties of the hop in the yellow grains scattered over its scales, has been since confirmed by the observations of M. Payen and A. Chevalier, who have moreover detected a volatile oil in the Lupulin, amounting to 2 per cent.; its proportion, however, appears to vary in the Hop of different countries; the French hop, for instance, has been found to contain more than the Belgic, but less than the English; Hops, moreover, soon after having been picked, yield, _cæteris paribus_, more oil and less resin than the old; a circumstance which induced M. M. Payen and Chevalier to suspect that the oil is capable of being resinified. (_Journal de Pharmacie, Juin 1822._) This oil is similar in odour to the hop, but much more penetrating, narcotic, and very acrid in the throat.

SOLUBILITY. Boiling water, alcohol, and æther, extract their virtues; but their aromatic flavour is destroyed by decoction; like most vegetable bitters, the cold is more grateful than the warm infusion; its colour is deepened by alkalies, and rendered turbid by the mineral acids; metallic salts also produce decomposition. MEDICINAL USES. Hops have been said to be tonic, narcotic, and diuretic; they have been recommended in the cure of rheumatism; and, like many articles in the materia medica which have received the sanction of respectable practitioners, they have been extolled far beyond their merit. They undoubtedly possess the advantages of a pleasant bitter combined with a feeble narcotic; the late Mr. Freake was very sanguine as to their powers, and at his request I made a series of experiments at the Westminster Hospital, but I confess that their results have not established my confidence in their efficacy. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Extract. Humili._ L. _Tinct. Humili._ L. Their use as a preservative of beer is well known, and the philosophy of their agency is fully described in the first part of this work, (_page 168_); it is equally notorious, that various vegetable substances are daily substituted for them, such as _Quassia_[520] and _Wormwood_, both of which are inferior to the _Menyanthes Trifoliata_, or _Marsh Trefoil_. The people of Jersey are said to use the wood-sage, _Teucrium Scorodonia_; it imparts however a very high colour to the beer. During the first four years that the Cape of Good Hope was in the possession of the British, more than 300,000 pounds of Aloes were imported into England; how could such a quantity be consumed? except, as Mr. Barrow states, by the London Porter brewers; it must however be allowed that a considerable quantity of this article is used by the Varnish makers.

HYDRARGYRUM.[521] L.D. HYDRARCYRUS. E.

Olim, Argentum vivum. _Mercury_, or _Quicksilver_.

Mercury, in its metallic state, is never applied to any medical use,[522] except in visceral obstruction, in hopes of forcing a passage by its gravity; but under various forms of preparation, it affords a series of very active remedies. ADULTERATIONS. With the exception of Peruvian Bark, there is perhaps no active article in the materia medica more shamefully adulterated; its impurity is at once indicated by its dull aspect; by its tarnishing, and becoming covered with a grey film; by its diminished mobility, in consequence of which its globules are unable to retain the spherical form, and therefore _tail_, as it is technically expressed. _Lead_ is discovered by dissolving it in nitric acid, and adding to the solution water impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen, when, if lead be present, a dark brown precipitate will ensue. _Bismuth_, by pouring the nitric solution into distilled water, when it will appear as a white precipitate. _Zinc_, by exposing the mercury to heat. _Tin_ is detected by a dilute solution of nitro-muriate of gold, which throws down a purple precipitate. The presence of lead in mercury is a most dangerous circumstance; I have once witnessed a case of _cholica pictonum_ in consequence of it. The usual mode of purifying quicksilver, by pressing it through chamois leather, will not separate the lead, if it be, as is generally the case, in combination with bismuth; for the manner in which the adulteration is effected, is by melting with a gentle heat these two metals, and adding the alloy to the mercury; and although this alloy should exceed one-fourth of the whole bulk, it will pass, together with the mercury, through chamois leather. On standing, the bismuth will be thrown upon the surface, in the form of a dark powder, but the lead will remain in solution. The greatest part of the mercury of commerce comes from Istria and Friuli, and from the Palatinate, and as it passes through the hands of the Dutch, we must expect to receive it in a state of alloy. On a superficial examination, it ought not, when shaken with water, to impart to it any colour; when agitated or digested with vinegar, it should not communicate a sweetish taste; and when exposed in an iron spoon to heat, it ought to evaporate entirely. The French are so well aware of the mischievous extent to which this metal is falsified, that in their late Codex they direct the reduction of the _red oxyd_ in order to obtain it; the process however is too expensive for general adoption. The Italian Jews purify quicksilver for their barometers, by digesting it in dilute sulphuric acid, which is by no means an improper process. The mode directed for the purification of mercury by the London College, (_Hydrargyrum Purificatum_) is unable to separate it _completely_ from its more deleterious contaminations. It is a general opinion in Germany, that mercury, boiled in water, will impart to it an anthelmintic virtue;[523] this, if it happens, can only depend upon the impurities of the mercury; but large draughts of cold water are in themselves anthelmintic. Although metallic mercury in its fluid form exerts no effect upon the animal system, it, nevertheless, in a state of vapour, manifests considerable powers; and it is necessary for the practitioner to be informed that it assumes this condition at the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere. I have stated several experiments in proof of this fact in my work on Medical Jurisprudence, _Art_. “_Aerial Poisons_,” to which the reader may refer.

HYDRARGYRUM PRÆCIPITATUM ALBUM. L.

SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI AMMONIATUM. D.

_White Precipitate._

QUALITIES. _Form_, an impalpable powder of a snowy whiteness; _Odour_ and _Taste_, none. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. It is a triple compound of oxide of mercury 81, muriatic acid 16, ammonia 3 parts. SOLUBILITY. It is insoluble in water, and in alcohol; when triturated with lime water it does not become black. It is now only used in combination with lard as an ointment; formerly it was administered internally, and Boerhaave strongly recommends it as a safe and mild mercurial, and as seldom, if ever, exciting copious salivation. OFFICINAL PREP. _Unguent._ _Hydrarg. præcipitati albi._ L.D.

HYDRARGYRUM CUM CRETA. L.D.

_Mercury with Chalk._

This is mercury slightly oxydized by trituration, and mixed with chalk. Grs. iij contain about one grain of mercury. DOSE, grs. v to ʒss. It is a mild and excellent mercurial, and has been known to cure syphilitic affections, when the constitution had proved rebellious to every other form of preparation. Dr. George Fordyce committed a great error, when he denied to this compound any mercurial efficacy. The peculiar mildness of this preparation has been very justly attributed to the effects of the carbonate of lime, in neutralizing acid matter in the primæ viæ. In Mesenteric affections I have employed it with much advantage; in certain forms of Dysentery it is also a very valuable medicine.

HYDRARGYRI NITRICO-OXYDUM. L.

OXYDUM HYDRARGYRI RUBRUM PER ACIDUM NITRICUM. E.

OXYDUM HYDRARGYRI NITRICUM. D.

_Nitric Oxyd of Mercury—Red Precipitate._

QUALITIES. _Form_, small scales of a bright red colour; _Taste_, acrid and corrosive. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. It is strictly speaking a _sub-nitrate_ of mercury, for if it be boiled for a short time with six times its weight of water, the liquor when filtered yields a precipitate with ammonia. SOLUBILITY. It is slightly soluble in water, but extensively in nitric acid, without any effervescence. USES. It is used only externally, as an escharotic. OFFICINAL PREP. _Unguent._ _Hydrargyri Nitrico-oxyd._ L.E.D. ADULTERATIONS. _Red Lead_ may be detected by digesting it in acetic acid, and adding sulphuret of ammonia, which will produce a dark-coloured precipitate: it should be totally volatilized by heat.

HYDRARGYRI OXYDUM CINEREUM. L.E.

PULVIS HYDRARGYRI CINEREUS. D.

_Grey Oxyd of Mercury._

QUALITIES. _Form_, an impalpable grey coloured powder, which becomes paler on exposure to air and light. _Odour_ and _taste_, none. CHEM. COMPOSITION. When properly prepared it is protoxide of mercury; but, as frequently found in the shops, it contains a mixture of the triple salt consisting of oxide of mercury, ammonia, and nitric acid. It is rarely used; although Dr. Saunders suggested it as a succedaneum for Plenck’s remedy, and Mr. Abernethy considers it preferable to the red Sulphuret for mercurial fumigation, on account of its not yielding any suffocating vapour. OFFICINAL PREP. _Unguent._ _Oxyd. Hydrarg. ciner._ E.

HYDRARGYRI OXYDUM RUBRUM. L.

OXYDUM HYDRARGYRI. D.

_Red Oxyd of Mercury._

The _Precipitate per se_ of the older Chemists.

QUALITIES. _Form_, minute crystalline scales, of a deep red colour, inodorous, but acrid and caustic; it is soluble in several of the acids without decomposition; it is also slightly soluble in water; from which solution it is precipitated by ammonia. USES. It is very active as a mercurial, and has been a favourite remedy with John Hunter (_Form. 141_) and other celebrated practitioners; it is however apt to affect the bowels, and is therefore now rarely employed except as an external application. DOSE, gr. j. combined with opium gss. ADULTERATIONS. It is seldom adulterated, as it would be difficult to find a substance suited to that purpose. If well prepared it may be totally volatilized by heat.

HYDRARGYRI OXY-MURIAS. L.

MURIAS HYDRARGYRI CORROSIVUS. E.D.

_Oxy-muriate of Mercury._

_Corrosive Muriate of Mercury._ _Corrosive Sublimate._

QUALITIES. _Form_, a crystalline mass, composed of very small prismatic crystals, which is easily pulverized, and undergoes a slight alteration by exposure to air, becoming on its surface opaque and pulverulent. Light, however, has no effect upon it, although a different opinion has existed, and it has accordingly been recommended to be kept in black bottles. _Odour_, none. _Taste_, very acrid, with a metallic astringency, occasioning a sensation of obstruction in the throat which continues for some time. _Sp. gr._ 5·1398. When pulverised and thrown upon burning coals, it is immediately volatilized, giving out a thick white smoke of a very pungent smell, which irritates the mucous membranes extremely, and is highly dangerous to those who inhale it. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. According to the latest views, it is a _Bi-chloride_ of mercury, consisting of one proportional of mercury, to two proportionals of chlorine. In the French codex, it is termed “_Deuto-Chloruretum Hydrargyri_.” SOLUBILITY. It is soluble in eleven parts of cold, and in three of boiling water, and in half its weight of alcohol; it is also very soluble in æther; indeed this latter liquid has the curious property of abstracting it from its solution in water, when agitated with it. Its solubility in water is greatly increased by the addition of a few drops of rectified spirit, or of muriatic acid. In a solution of muriate of ammonia it is seventeen times more soluble than in water, no decomposition however arises; it is therefore probable that a triple salt is formed; it is also soluble in the sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids, and may be obtained again unaltered, by simply evaporating the solutions. Dr. Davy, in his late researches upon corrosive sublimate states that with muriatic acid, common salt, and some other muriates, it forms definite compounds remarkable for their solubility. Its watery solution is said to change vegetable blues to green, but this is an optical fallacy, (_see page 306_.) On exposure to light this solution slowly undergoes decomposition; but Dr. Davy has shewn that corrosive sublimate remains unaltered when exposed in solution in media having a strong affinity for it, as in alcohol, æther, muriatic acid, &c. and that decomposition only takes place under circumstances of complicated affinities, as in the instance of _Liquor Hydrargyri Oxymuriatis_, and in that of the aqueous solution; in which cases Calomel and Muriatic acid appear to be formed, and oxygen to be evolved. INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES. The _carbonates of the fixed_ alkalies precipitate it of a yellow hue, but the precipitates are not pure oxides; _ammonia_ forms with it a white triple compound. _Lime water_ decomposes it more perfectly than any alkaline body, occasioning a precipitate of a deep yellow colour,[524] which is a per-oxyd of mercury containing a little muriatic acid; this result forms a useful lotion to ill conditioned ulcers, and has been long known under the title of _Aqua Phagadenica_; f℥j of lime water should be employed for the decomposition of two grains of the salt. _Tartarized antimony_, _nitrate of silver_, _acetate of lead_, _sulphur_, _sulphuret of potass_, and _soaps_, decompose it. _Iron_, _lead_, _copper_, _bismuth_, and _zinc_, in their metallic state, also decompose it, producing precipitates which consist of an amalgam of the metal employed, except in those cases where the metal in question refuses to amalgamate with mercury, when this latter metal appears as a metallic dew, composed of very minute globules, with calomel; hence mortars of glass or earthenware should be used for dispensing this article; when triturated with olive oil, the oil becomes white, and when boiled with it, _calomel_ is precipitated; the same happens if sugar be substituted for oil. The volatile oils reduce it. When Oil of Turpentine was used, some traces of artificial camphor was discovered by Dr. Davy, and when the oils of Cloves and Peppermint, a purple compound distilled over, consisting of the oil employed and muriatic acid. The following vegetable infusions produce precipitates, viz. _the infusions and decoctions of chamomile_, _horse-radish root_, _calumba root_, _catechu_, _cinchona_, _rhubarb_, _senna_, _simarouba_, _oak bark_, _tea_ and _almond emulsion_. Swediaur observes, that “many authors have recommended _sublimate_ combined with bark, but that a reciprocal decomposition is thus produced, by which the energies of both remedies are alike annulled;” to this ignorance, however, he thinks that many patients have been indebted for their lives; for, says he, “I see every day examples of weak and very delicate persons of both sexes, to whom ignorant practitioners prescribe, and sometimes in very large doses, the _corrosive sublimate_, with a decoction of bark; certainly without curing the syphilis, but at the same time without occasioning those grave and dangerous symptoms, which that acrid medicine would certainly produce, if given alone, or without that decoction.” We have here presented the reader with the opinion of Swediaur; but it is just to state, that the experience of this country has rather tended to subvert, than to confirm, such a belief. That the corrosive sublimate of mercury is actually decomposed by the vegetable principles of the bark is sufficiently evident, but it would seem that the oxide thus developed, and recombined with vegetable extractive, is a very active mercurial, especially with respect to its alterative powers. The same observation will, to a certain extent, apply to the results of its decomposition by other agents; the fixed alkalies have been found by actual experiment to be incapable of disarming this salt of its virulence, because, as Orfila has stated, the oxide liberated is, in itself, an active poison. Mr. Rose has lately transmitted to me a formula for the preparation of “_Alterative Drops_,” which he states, from ample experience, to possess very considerable powers as a mercurial, and to excite ptyalism, with a quickness and certainty which characterize but few preparations of the same class. The principal ingredients are an alcoholic solution of _corrosive sublimate_ and a vinous solution of tartarized antimony. It is scarcely necessary to observe that upon admixture a mutual decomposition takes place; the _peroxide of mercury_ is precipitated by the alkaline element of the antimonial compound, whilst this latter salt, having its affinities thus overthrown, parts with the _protoxide of antimony_; so that the preparation holds a considerable quantity of insoluble matter in suspension, and which is to be carefully incorporated with the liquid by shaking the phial, whenever the drops are administered. Now there can be but little doubt but that the activity of this preparation is owing to the _peroxide of mercury_, thus diffused in a state of minute division, while at the same time the antimonial protoxide very probably disposes the stomach and system to be more readily influenced by it, for reasons which have been fully discussed in the first part of this work, p. 152. MED. USES. It is one of the most acrid and active of all metallic preparations; in well directed doses, however, it is frequently of service in secondary syphilis, and in cases of anomalous disease, when it would be improper to administer the other forms of mercury.[525] In obstinate cutaneous diseases its administration in small doses is often very serviceable; I have, however, seen extreme emaciation and hectic fever produced by its too long continued exhibition, although ptyalism was never occasioned. Its application also as a lotion to leprous affections, in the proportion of about one grain to a fluid-ounce and a half of some liquid vehicle, I have frequently seen highly beneficial; in directing the use of so acrid a lotion, we should caution the patient not to touch his eyes until his hands have been washed; in consequence of a neglect of this kind I have seen a very severe ophthalmia produced. The practitioner should also remember that the system may become affected by such external applications; a case stands recorded in which a girl of five years old became salivated, and died, in consequence of an application made to the head for the cure of _Tinea_, which consisted of Pomatum rubbed up with a few grains of this salt. Its internal exhibition should be accompanied with mucilaginous drinks; when an overdose has been taken, the _white_ of egg, diluted with water, is the best antidote, for Orfila has found that albumen decomposes it, reducing it to the state of mild muriate, whilst the compound which it forms with it is inert. Many examples are recorded of the success of this practice. In the Transactions of the King and Queen’s College of Physicians in Ireland, an interesting case of this kind is related by Dr. Lendrick; it is, however, at the same time but justice to state, that there are instances also of the failure of this antidote. In the 41st volume of the _London Medical and Physical Journal_, p. 204, the reader will find the case of a girl, who was poisoned by a drachm of Sublimate, and who, notwithstanding the copious ingestion of albumen, died in ninety hours. More recently vegetable gluten, as existing in wheat-flower, is said to answer as well as albumen; for the administration of which all that is required is to give wheat-flower and water. Dose, gr. 1/8 to ½, see _Liquor Hydrargyri Oxymuriatis_, and _Form. 142_. ADULTERATIONS. It ought to be volatilized by heat; it is frequently met with in commerce contaminated with muriate of iron, sometimes with arsenic; the presence of calomel is at once discovered from its insolubility. TESTS OF ITS PRESENCE. If any powder be suspected to contain this salt, expose it to heat in a coated tube, as directed in the treatment of arsenic, but without any carbonaceous admixture, when corrosive sublimate, if present, will rise and line the interior surface with a shining white crust. This crust is then to be dissolved in distilled water, and assayed by the following tests; 1st, _lime water_ will produce, if the suspected solution contains this salt, a precipitate of an orange yellow colour. 2d, a single drop of a dilute solution of _sub-carbonate of potass_ will at first produce a white precipitate, but on a still farther addition of the test, an orange-coloured sediment will be formed. 3rd, _sulphuretted water_ will throw down a dark coloured precipitate, which when dried and strongly heated may be volatilized without any alliaceous odour. 4th, _ammonia_ produces a white precipitate, which is an insoluble triple salt, composed of muriatic acid, ammonia, and oxide of mercury, which, on being heated, grows yellow; it passes afterwards to a red, and gives out ammoniacal gas, nitrogen, calomel, and metallic mercury. In this operation the oxide is supposed to be decomposed by the hydrogen which results from a portion of the ammonia. 5th, _Nitrate of tin_, according to Dr. Bostock, is capable of detecting the three-millionth part of a grain; a single drop will occasion an immediate and copious dark-brown precipitate. All the above precipitates, if rubbed on a bright plate of copper, will render its surface very white. Where the salt is mixed with various coloured liquids, we must proceed as directed under the head of Arsenic. A very ingenious application of galvanic electricity has been also proposed by Mr. Silvester, for the detection of _corrosive sublimate_, which will exhibit the mercury in a metallic state. A piece of zinc or iron wire about three inches in length, is to be twice bent at right angles, so as to resemble the Greek letter Π, the two legs of this figure should be distant about the diameter of a common gold wedding ring from each other, and the two ends of the bent wire must afterwards be tied to a ring of this description. Let a plate of glass, not less than three inches square, be laid as nearly horizontal as possible, and on one side drop some sulphuric acid, diluted with about six times its weight of water, till it spreads to the size of a halfpenny. At a little distance from this, towards the other side, next drop some of the solution supposed to contain corrosive sublimate, till the edges of the two liquids become joined; and let the wire and ring, prepared as above, be laid in such a way that the wire may touch the acid, while the gold ring is in contact with the suspected liquid. If the minutest quantity of corrosive sublimate be present, the ring in a few minutes will be covered with mercury on the part which touched the fluid. This experiment may be beautifully simplified in the following manner; drop a small quantity of solution containing corrosive sublimate on a piece of gold, and bring into contact a key, or some piece of iron, so as to form a galvanic circuit, when the gold will be immediately whitened. A solution of nitrate of silver will, under similar circumstances, occasion on the gold a white precipitate, but as no amalgamation takes place, it is readily wiped off, and cannot possibly occasion any fallacy.[526]

Certain metals likewise decompose solutions of this salt, by virtue of superior affinity; in those cases where the precipitating metal is capable of forming a direct union with Mercury, we shall find the precipitates to consist of an amalgam of the metal employed; where no such combination takes place, the mercury will be frequently seen standing on the surface as a metallic dew. This is particularly striking where iron or steel has been employed; these metals are also at the same time blackened by it.

Brugnatelli[527] has proposed the following method of distinguishing _corrosive sublimate_ from _arsenic_—Take a quantity of fresh wheat starch, mix with water, and add a sufficient quantity of _iodine_ to give the liquid a blue colour; if _corrosive sublimate_ or _arsenic_ be added to this liquor, the colour is alike destroyed and it becomes reddish, but if the change has been effected by the latter substance, a few drops of sulphuric acid will restore the blue colour, but if by the former it is not recoverable by such means.[528]

HYDRARGYRI SUB-MURIAS. L.

SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI SUBLIMATUM. D.

SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI MITIS. E.

vulgo. _Calomel_.[529]

This preparation has been known in pharmacy for upwards of two centuries under a variety of fanciful names, such as _Draco mitigatus_; _Aquila alba_; _Aquila mitigata_; _Manna metallorum_; _Panchymagogum minerale_; _Panchymagogus quercetanus_; _Sublimatum dulce_; _Mercurius dulcis sublimatus_; _Calomelas_; and yet there is not a name in this list that is so objectionable as the one at present adopted by our colleges: for whether we adhere to the theory of muriatic acid being the _simple_ body, or accede to the new views of _chlorine_, the name is equally inappropriate; if we regard it as a compound of muriatic acid and oxyd of mercury, it is not a _sub_-muriate, but as much a _muriate_ as the corrosive sublimate; the only difference depending upon the degree of oxidizement of the mercury, which is at a _minimum_ in calomel, and at a _maximum_ in sublimate. According to the new views respecting chlorine, calomel must consist of one proportional of chlorine with one proportional of metal, and is therefore a _chloride of mercury_. (“_Proto-chloruretum Hydrargyri._” Codex Med. Paris.)

QUALITIES. _Form._ A semi-transparent mass, consisting of short prismatic crystals;[530] inodorous, insipid, and of an ivory colour, which deepens by exposure to light. SOLUBILITY. It is considered as being insoluble, since according to Rouelle, one part requires 1152 of water, at 212° for its solution. INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES. _Alkalies_ and _lime water_ decompose it and turn it black, in consequence of precipitating the black oxyd of the metal; it is also decomposed by _soaps_, _sulphurets of potass and antimony_; and by _iron_, _lead_, and _copper_; hence it is improper to employ any metallic mortar for dispensing medicines which contain it. There seems to be reason for supposing that this preparation may undergo decomposition _in transitu_, and that therefore some substances may be _chemically_, and yet not be _medicinally_ incompatible with it. If calomel be boiled for a few minutes in distilled water to which alcoholized potass has been added, it is completely decomposed, a _muriate of potass_ and _black oxyd of mercury_ being the new products. Calomel is not affected by sulphuric acid in the cold, but, at a boiling temperature, corrosive sublimate, and deuto-sulphate of mercury are formed. MEDICINAL USES.[531] This mercurial preparation is more extensively and more usefully employed than almost any other article of the materia medica. It is capable of curing syphilis in every form, provided it does not run off by the bowels; and in obstructions and hepatic affections, it is in well-regulated doses a most valuable remedy; in combination, it probably merits the appellation of _Dirigens_, more decidedly than any other remedy with which we are acquainted, for when combined with certain diuretics, it is diuretic, (_Form. 103, 104_) and in diaphoretic arrangements, it is diaphoretic: it moreover imparts force to many of the mild, and moderates the severity of drastic medicines: whenever we wish a strong and permanent impression to be made on the alimentary canal, and through it on the neighbouring viscera or the system generally, Calomel by universal consent is adopted for such a purpose. (_Form. 81, 88, 119, 161._) In larger doses it is one of the most efficient purgatives which we possess, especially when in combination with other cathartics: it appears to be particularly eligible in the diseases of children; and it is singular that infants can generally bear larger doses of it than adults. DOSE, as an alterative, from gr. ss to j, night and morning; as a purgative, from gr. ij to gr. x, or in some cases even to gr. xv, or ℈j. FORMS OF EXHIBITION. That of pill; its insolubility and specific gravity render any other form ineligible. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Pil. Hydrargyri submuriat. comp:_ L. IMPURITIES. _Corrosive sublimate_ may be detected by precipitation being produced, by the carbonate of potass, in a solution made by boiling the suspected sample with a small portion of muriate of ammonia, in distilled water; calomel ought also, when rubbed with a fixed alkali, to become intensely black, and not to exhibit any trace of an orange hue.

HOWARD’S OR JEWEL’S _Hydro-sublimate_. Instead of subliming so as to obtain the calomel in a concrete state, as directed by the Pharmacopœia, the salt in the act of sublimation is exposed to aqueous vapour, and received in water. Being in a state of very minute division, it is lighter than common calomel in the proportion of three to five, and it cannot contain any corrosive sublimate. The French in their late _codex_ have introduced a similar formula, under the title of “Murias Mercurii dulcis mediante aqua subtilissime divisus, _juxta Methodum Josiæ Jewel_.”

This _Patent Calomel_ of Howard is undoubtedly to be preferred, and appears, in consequence probably of its minute division, to affect the system more readily than that made according to the Pharmacopœias.

SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI PRÆCIPITATUS. E.D. This is produced by precipitating a nitrate of mercury by muriate of soda; the preparation will generally contain a small portion of _sub-nitrate_, and it is on that account more liable to run off by the bowels in small doses: in other respects it is essentially the same as that procured by sublimation.

HYDRARGYRI SULPHURETUM RUBRUM. L.

SULPHURETUM HYDRARGYRI RUBRUM. D. Olim, _Hydrargyrus Sulphuretus ruber_.
_P. L._ 1817—_Cinnabaris[532] factitia_, 1745.

QUALITIES. _Form_, a red crystalline cake, inodorous, insipid, and insoluble in water, alcohol, acids, and alkalies, although these bodies decompose it when melted with it; it is also decomposed by nitro-muriatic acid, which unites with the metal, and disengages the sulphur. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. It is a _bi-sulphuret of Mercury_, i. e. it consists of two proportionals of sulphur and one of mercury. USES.[533] It is now only used for the purpose of mercurial fumigation, which is done by inhaling the fumes, produced by throwing ʒss of it on red hot iron; the effect which is generally produced is violent salivation; this however does not depend upon the action of the substance as a _sulphuret_, but upon its decomposition, and the volatilization of the metallic mercury with a portion of sulphate and sulphureous vapour. Mr. Pearson observes that it is useful in those cases of venereal ulcers in the mouth, throat, and nose, where it is an object to put a _sudden_ stop to the progress of the disease, but that mercury must at the same time be introduced into the constitution, by inunction, just as much as if no fumigations had been made use of. Ulcers and excrescencies about the pudendum and anus in women are particularly benefitted by it; and in these cases it is conveniently applied by placing a red hot heater at the bottom of a night-stool pan, and after sprinkling on it a few grains of the sulphuret, placing the patient upon the stool. ADULTERATIONS. _Red Lead_[534] may be discovered by digesting it in acetic acid, and by adding sulphuret of ammonia, which will produce a black precipitate; or by burning a small portion of the suspected sample on a piece of bread in the candle, when metallic globules will announce its presence; for the oxide of mercury, although revived by this process, will at the same time be volatilized. The bread, by combustion, affords the carbon by which the metallic reduction is effected. _Dragon’s Blood_, by its giving a colour to alcohol when digested with it; _Chalk_, by its effervescence, on the addition of an acid. It is known in the arts under the name of _Vermillion_; and by the following simple expedient its presence may, in very minute quantities, be easily recognised; boil a portion with sulphuric acid in a platina spoon, and lay the sulphate thus produced, in a drop of muriatic acid, on a piece of gold, and bring a piece of metallic tin in contact with both, when the white mercurial stain will be produced.

HYDRARGYRI SULPHURETUM NIGRUM. L.E. Hydrargyrus cum Sulphure. P.L. 1787.
Olim, _Ethiop’s Mineral_.

QUALITIES. _Form_, a very black, impalpable, insipid, and inodorous powder. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. It is a _Sulphuret of Mercury_, i. e. it consists of one proportional of sulphur, and one proportional of mercury; when heated in contact with the air it is converted into a _bi-sulphuret_. SOLUBILITY. It is entirely soluble in a solution of pure potass, from which the acids precipitate it unchanged; it is insoluble in nitric acid. MED. USES. It is supposed to be alterative, and has been given for such a purpose, in doses from gr. v. to ʒss, but its medicinal virtues are very questionable. ADULTERATIONS. It is frequently imperfect, globules of mercury being still discoverable in it by a magnifying glass, or by its communicating a whiteness to a portion of gold upon which it is rubbed; _ivory black_ may be discovered by the residue, after throwing a suspected sample on a red hot iron; it is also sometimes mixed with equal parts of crude antimony.

HYOSCYAMI FOLIA ET SEMINA. L.E.D.

(Hyoscyamus Niger.) _Henbane._

QUALITIES. This plant, when recent, has a strong fetid, and narcotic odour; properties which are nearly lost by exsiccation. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Resin, mucilage, extractive matter, gallic acid, and some salts; an alkaline element (_Hyoscyama_) is said to constitute its active principle. This principle differs from other vegetable alkalies, in being able to resist a low red heat, without undergoing decomposition. SOLUBILITY. Water freely extracts the narcotic powers of this plant, and decoction destroys them; diluted alcohol is the best menstruum. INCOMPATIBLES. Precipitates are produced by _acetate of lead_, _nitrate of silver_, and _sulphate of iron_; vegetable acids weaken its narcotic powers. The extract or inspissated juice is the best form in which it can be exhibited; see also the _Tincture_; its leaves form an anodyne cataplasm, and the smoke from its seeds, when applied by a funnel to a carious tooth, is recommended in severe fits of odontalgia. The root of this plant is poisonous.[535] In Dr. Molyneux’s appendix to Threlkeld’s “SYNOPSIS STIRPIUM HIBERNICARUM” are related several cases of its effects on persons who had eaten them instead of _Skirrets_. OFFICINAL PREP. _Extract: Hyoscyam: Tinct: Hyoscyam:_ L.E.D.

ICHTHYOCOLLA.

(Acipenser _Huso & Ruthenus_. _The great and small Sturgeon._)

_Isinglass._ _Fish Glue._

The following kinds, imported from St. Petersburg, are found in the market. _Short Staple_; _Long Staple_; _Book_; and _Leaf_. _Picking the Staple_, as it is called, is a peculiar art practised by persons in this town, who gain a very good livelihood by it; they engage to return the same weight of isinglass in shreds, as they receive in _Staple_; this in itself secures very fair profit, for by damping the isinglass in order to pick it, it gains considerable weight; these persons moreover are in the habit of adulterating it with pieces of bladder, and the dried skin of soles; such frauds however are easily detected by their insolubility, for pure isinglass will dissolve entirely, and yield a clear and transparent jelly; a single grain will produce, with an ounce of water, a solution of considerable thickness; it is also soluble in acids and alkalies; and although insoluble in alcohol, yet it is not precipitated by it from its watery solutions, unless when added in a very considerable quantity; it is coagulated by the infusions and decoctions of vegetable astringents; _carbonate of potass_ likewise throws down a precipitate. 100 parts of good isinglass consist of 98 of gelatine, and 2 of the phosphates of soda and lime. Its solutions soon putrefy. USES. It is now rarely used except as a nutrient; its mechanical application in fining wines and turbid liquors is well known, and its mode of operation is equally obvious, for by forming a skin, or fine network, which gradually precipitates, it acts just like a filtre, with this difference, that in this case the filtre passes through the liquor, instead of the liquor through the filtre.

INFUSA. L.E.D. _Infusion._

These are _watery_ solutions of vegetable matter, obtained by maceration, either in cold or hot[536] water without the assistance of ebullition. In selecting and conducting the operation, the following general rules should be observed.

I. _Infusion should always be preferred to decoction, where the
medicinal virtues of the vegetable substance reside in volatile
oil, or in principles which are easily soluble; whereas, if they
depend upon resino-mucilaginous particles, decoction is an
indispensable operation._

II. _The temperature employed must be varied according to the
circumstances of each case;[537] an infusion made in the cold, is
in general more grateful, but less active, than one made with
heat._

III. _The duration of the process must likewise be regulated by the
nature of the substances, or the intention of the prescriber; for
the infusion will differ according to the time in which the water
has been digested on the materials; thus, the aroma of the plant
is first taken up, then, in succession, the colouring, astringent,
and gummy parts._

Infusions are liable to undergo decompositions by being kept, and therefore, like decoctions, they must be regarded as _extemporaneous_ preparations. Unless the dose of them be otherwise stated, it is generally from f℥j to f℥ij.

I. _Simple Infusions._

INFUSUM ANTHEMIDIS. L.E. It is a good stomachic; and when exhibited warm, is well calculated to assist the operation of emetics: (_Form. 66_): the cold infusion, i. e. made with cold water, is more grateful. _Incompatibles._ All _soluble preparations of iron_; _nitrate of silver_; _oxy-muriate of mercury_; _acetate_, and _sub-acetate of lead_; _solutions of isinglass_; _infusion of yellow cinchona bark_. Dose, f℥j-f℥ij.

INFUSUM CALUMBÆ. L.E. See Calumbæ Radix. This infusion is more perishable than that of other bitters; in twenty-four hours a copious precipitation takes place in it, and in two days it becomes ropy, and even musty. _Form. 155._ Dose, f℥i-f℥ij.

_Infusum Caryophyllorum._ L. f℥j. of this infusion holds in solution the active matter of grs. vj of cloves. _Incompatibles._ Precipitates are produced by _sulphate of iron_; _sulphate of zinc_; _acetate of lead_; _nitrate of silver_; _tartarized antimony_; _lime water_, and _yellow cinchona_. Dose, f℥j-f℥ij.

INFUSUM CASCARILLÆ. L. It is incompatible with the substances mentioned under _Infus. Caryophyll: Form. 33._ Dose, f℥j-f℥ij.

INFUSUM CINCHONÆ. L.E.D. We obtain in this preparation a feeble solution of the active constituents of bark, which will agree with many stomachs that are rebellious to the stronger preparations. Dose, f℥i-f℥iij.

INFUSUM CUSPARIÆ. L. This is a judicious form of the bark, possessing its stimulant and tonic properties. Dose, f℥j-f℥ij.

INFUSUM DIGITALIS. L.E. This is the best form in which we can administer the _foxglove_, where our wish is to obtain its diuretic effects as speedily as possible. (_Form. 110._) Dose, fʒij to f℥ss, twice a day, _see Digitalis_. _Incompatibles._ We shall counteract its effects by endeavouring to obviate its nauseating tendency by _brandy and water_, &c. Precipitates are produced by _sulphate of iron_, and the _infusion of yellow cinchona_, &c.

INFUSUM LINI COMPOSITUM. L.E. A cheap and useful demulcent; alcohol and preparations of _lead_, are of course incompatible with it; the _tinctura ferri muriatis_ produces a flocculent precipitate.