Qualities. Form, long pieces a few inches in breadth, and folded lengthwise; fibrous, rough, and scaly; and, when fresh, of a pale yellow colour on the inside. Odour, none; Taste, bitter, without any astringency. Chemical Composition. Its virtues are principally connected with extractive matter; it does not contain any tannin or gallic acid. Solubility. Alcohol and water take up all its active matter. Medicinal Uses. It has been considered tonic, and has been used with advantage as such in intermittent fevers. To Dr. Wright we are principally indebted for a knowledge of its powers. It has been much commended in the latter stages of dysentery, after the fever has abated, and the tenesmus continues with a sinking pulse. Alibert says that it has been used with much success at the hospital of St. Louis, in diarrhœa, following scurvy, and intermittent fever. Dose, ℈i to ʒss, but it is more conveniently given in the form of infusion, which see. Officinal Preparations. Infus: Simaroubæ. L.
The Dublin college has admitted the wood of this tree into their materia medica, but it is perfectly inert.
Chemical Composition. Fecula, mucilage, an acrid volatile oil on which their virtues depend, and which on standing deposits a quantity of sulphur, a bland fixed oil, which considerably obtunds the acrimony of the former constituent;[635] and an ammoniacal salt. Solubility. Unbruised mustard seeds, when macerated in boiling water, yield only an insipid mucilage, which like that of linseed, resides in the skin; but when bruised, water takes up all the active matter, although it is scarcely imparted to alcohol. Medicinal Uses. It is a beneficial stimulant in dyspepsia; chlorosis, and paralysis; for which purpose, a tea spoonful of the bruised seeds may be administered; or a whey may be made, by boiling a table spoonful of the bruised seeds in oj of milk, and straining; of which a fourth part may be taken three times a day, (see Form. 46.) or it may be given in infusion. (Form. 45.) The farina made into a paste with crumbs of bread and vinegar, affords one of the most powerful external stimulants which we can apply, and is technically termed a Sinapism; it produces intense pain, and excites an inflammation entering much more into the true skin than that which is excited by the Lyttæ; it is therefore worthy attention in all internal inflammations where bleeding is limited: if necessary it may be quickened by the addition of oil of turpentine. If a table spoonful of powdered mustard be added to oj of tepid water, it operates briskly as an emetic. Officinal Preparations. Cataplasm: Sinap. L.D. Emplast: Meloes com: E.[636] (B) Infusum Armoraciæ comp: L. (B) Adulterations. Fine powder, or flower of mustard, as it occurs in commerce, contains only one-sixth part of genuine mustard, the remainder consists of flour, coloured by turmeric, and made pungent by the addition of powdered capsicum.
SODA TARTARIZATA. L. Tartras Sodæ et Potassæ. E. Tartarus Sodæ et Kali. D. olim. Sal de Seignette. Sal Rupellensis, or Rochelle Salt.
Qualities. Form, a right prism, with rhombic terminations, very slightly efflorescent. Taste, rather bitter and saline. Chemical Composition. It is a triple salt, formed by neutralizing the excess of acid in super-tartrate of potass, with soda, and consisting of 2 atoms of acid + 1 of soda + 1 of potass. By a strong heat it is resolved into a mixture of carbonate of potass and carbonate of soda. Solubility. It is soluble in five parts of water at 50°. Incompatible Substances. Most acids, and acidulous salts (except the Super-tartrate of potass) which convert the tartrate of potass into bi-tartrate, or super-tartrate. The acetate and sub-acetate of lead; barytic salts, and the salts of lime are decomposed by it. Med. Uses. Similar to those of Potassæ Tartras. See Form. 77, and 86, the latter of which presents a very grateful and efficacious purgative. Dose, ʒij to ℥j as a purgative.
This salt, when properly prepared, is a bi-carbonate, but so delicately are the affinities of its constituent parts balanced, that the application of a very moderate temperature is sufficient to subvert them, and to occasion partial decomposition. Mr. Phillips states that although he has seen what he believes to be real bi-carbonate in the state of the moist crystals, yet he has never met with any that was dry which had not lost one-fourth of its carbonic acid by exposure to heat; it is then a white gritty powder, less soluble in water than the sub-carbonate, like which it possesses an alkaline taste, and turns vegetable yellows brown, but both in a less degree. This salt, which is generally sold, as the carbonate of the pharmacopœia, and the bi-carbonate of chemists, Mr. Phillips considers as a compound of an atom of carbonate, (sub-carbonate) and an atom of bi-carbonate, combined with four atoms of water. It is therefore, according to the phraseology of some chemists, a Sesqui-carbonate,[637] as being equal to an atom and a half of acid and one atom of base. The chemical habitudes of this salt, as connected with its medicinal applications, are similar to those of the carbonate of potass, which see. Med. Uses. As it is less nauseous, so is it more eligible than the sub-carbonate of the same alkali; in other respects its effects are the same; vide Sodæ Sub-carbonas. Dose, grs. x to ʒss.[638] Adulterations. If the salt, after super-saturation with dilute nitric acid, give a precipitate with nitrate of baryta, it contains some sulphuric salt; and if with nitrate of silver, we may infer the presence of a muriate.
Qualities. Form, that of regular cubes, which do not deliquesce unless contaminated with muriate of magnesia.[639] Chemical Composition. It consists, according to Berzelius, of 46·55 of muriatic acid, and 53·45 of soda; according to the new theory, however, this salt must be considered as a true muriate of soda, only while it remains in aqueous solution; for when it is reduced to dryness, the muriatic acid and the soda become both decomposed, and the hydrogen of the former uniting with the oxygen of the latter, they pass off in the form of water, while the chlorine of the muriatic acid unites with the metallic base of the soda, to form chloride of sodium, which consists of an atom of each constituent. It is perhaps difficult to believe that the same salt should be chloride of sodium in the hand, and muriate of soda in the mouth! but it is not the less true, nor is it more incredible than the change which Sulphuret of potass undergoes by solution, the decomposition of which is rendered evident to the senses by the evolved sulphuretted hydrogen. Late researches have also detected both in rock and in other salt, the presence of muriate of potass, and muriate of magnesia.[640] Solubility. It is equally soluble in cold and in hot water, one part of the salt requiring rather more than 2½ parts. Med. Uses. The effects of salt upon the animal and vegetable kingdoms, are striking and important,[641] and have furnished objects of the most interesting enquiry to the physiologist, the chemist, the physician, and the agriculturist; it appears to be a natural stimulant to the digestive organs; and that animals are instinctively led to immense distances in pursuit of it; for proof of this fact the reader is referred to “Parkes on the repeal of the Salt Laws,” and to an interesting work by my late lamented friend, Sir Thomas Bernard, entitled, “Case of the Salt Duties, with Proofs and Illustrations.”[642] Salt, when taken in moderate quantities, promotes,[643] while in excessive ones, it prevents digestion; it is therefore tonic and anthelmintic, correcting that disordered state of the bowels which favours the propagation of worms. In Ireland, where, from the bad quality of the food, the lower classes are greatly infested with worms,[644] a draught of salt and water is a popular and efficacious anthelmintic. Form: 162, is a prescription by Rush, who says that in this manner he has administered many pounds of common salt with great success in worm cases. In the first volume of the Medical Transactions we shall find an interesting account of a cure of this disease by salt, after the failure of other remedies; I beg also to refer the practitioner to another case illustrative of its anthelmintic powers, published by Mr. Marshall, (London Medical and Physical Journal, vol. xxxix. No. 231,) which is that of a lady who had a natural antipathy to salt, and was in consequence most dreadfully infested with worms during the whole of her life. In very large doses Salt proves purgative; it is also absorbed, and carried to the kidneys, but it undergoes no decomposition in transitu, nor does it appear to possess any considerable powers as a diuretic; its solution in tepid water, in the proportion of ℥ss-℥j in oj of water, forms the common domestic enema. Dose, when intended to act as a cathartic, from℥ss to ℥j very largely diluted; when to answer the other intentions, from grs. x. to ʒj.
Qualities. Form, irregular hexahedral prisms, slightly efflorescent. Taste, alkaline and styptic; when heated it loses its water of crystallization, and becomes a porous friable mass (calcined borax). Chemical Composition. Boracic acid, 34—soda, 17—water, 49. Solubility. It is soluble in 20 parts of water at 60°, and in 6 parts at 212°. Incompatible Substances. It is decomposed by acids; potass; by the sulphates and muriates of the earths, and by those of ammonia. Medicinal Uses. It is only applied in the form of powder mixed with 8 or 10 parts of honey, as a detergent linctus in aphthæ, &c. The Chinese employ it in inflammatory sore throats; for which purpose they first reduce it to an extremely fine powder, and then blow it through a reed upon the inflamed surface. Officinal Preparations. Mel Boracis. L. Adulterations. Alum, and fused muriate of soda, are substances with which it is sometimes sophisticated; to discover which, dissolve it in distilled water, and after saturating the excess of the base with nitric acid, assay the solution with nitrate of barytes and nitrate of silver.
Qualities. Form, octohedrons, truncated at the summits of the pyramids; it effloresces when exposed to the air, and at 150° Fah. undergoes watery fusion, its crystals containing as much as seven proportionals of water; Taste, mild, alkalescent. Chemical Composition. Soda 29·5—carbonic acid 20·7. Solubility. It is soluble in two parts of water at 60°, and in considerably less than its weight of boiling water; it is insoluble in alcohol. Incompatible Substances are enumerated under Potassæ Carbonas. Med. Uses, are similar to those of the sub-carbonate of potass, but it is preferable to it for internal use, as being more mild and less nauseous; and moreover Fourcroy states it as his opinion that soda is more eligible for medicinal purposes than potass, on account of its analogy with animal substances, which always contain it, while on the contrary, no portion of potass is found in them. Sir Gilbert Blane assumes an opposite opinion, and observes that, as far as he can judge of the comparative powers of the two fixed alkalies, he should greatly prefer Potass to Soda, as a remedy for gravel, one reason of which he thinks may be found in the fact that the Soda is an element of the animal fluids, since it enters largely into the composition of bile, so that it is more likely to be arrested in the course of the circulation and diverted from the urinary organs. A gentleman, says Sir Gilbert, who was subject to frequent fits of gravel, and in the habit of making experiments on the small concretions which he passed, found that Soda dissolved them, but that Potass did not; nevertheless he experienced sensible relief, and even temporary cure, from the internal use of the latter alkali, but no benefit from the former. Are then the absorbents more disposed to take up soda than potass? The results of experience do not appear to sanction such a conclusion. Forms of Exhibition. It may be administered in solution, in an electuary, or in pills; when exhibited in the latter form, it must be previously deprived of its water of crystallization, (Sodæ Sub-carbonas exsiccata. L.) or the pills will fall into powder as they dry; unless where the water of crystallization is essential to the formation of the pill, as to that of Pill: Ferri comp. Dose, gr. x to ʒj, twice or thrice a day. See Form. 28, 143, 144.
Qualities. Form, transparent prismatic crystals, which effloresce; when exposed to heat, they undergo watery fusion, that is, they melt in their own water of crystallization. Taste, saline and bitter. Chemical Composition. Sulphuric acid 24·64,—soda 19·36—water 56. Solubility. f℥j of water at 60° dissolves ʒiiiss; in boiling water it is considerably more soluble; it is quite insoluble in alcohol. Incompatible Substances. The same as those which decompose sulphate of magnesia. Med. Uses. A common and useful purgative; its nauseous taste may be in a great degree disguised by the addition of a small quantity of lemon juice, or cream of tartar. Dose, ℥ss to ℥ij. In an effloresced state it is just equal in efficacy to double the weight of that which is in a crystalline form. It is rendered more active by being combined with other purgative salts, especially with sulphate of magnesia, and the compound is more soluble and less nauseous; (Form. 69, 72.) A portion of triple salt, a magnesio-sulphate of soda, probably results from the combination, a salt which may be frequently detected in parcels of sulphate of magnesia, and may be known by its crystals, which are regular rhomboids; it is also contained, according to Dr. Murray, in the brine or mother liquor of sea-water; and it constitutes the whole of that salt which was formerly sold under the name of “Lymington Glauber’s Salts”.[645]
Qualities. When bruised they yield an unpleasant odour, and a nauseous bitter taste. Solubility. Water and alcohol alike extract their active matter. Med. Uses. They certainly act as a powerful diuretic, and even prove so to animals that browse upon them. I have frequently exhibited them in the Westminster Hospital, with very great success in the form of decoction. By referring to my classification of diuretics, page 93, it will be seen that the Broom is placed under the second division of the first class; for analogy sanctions the theory, that the bitter element is separated by the powers of digestion, and carried to the kidneys by the medium of the circulation. (See Form. 113.) The ashes of this plant were extolled by Sydenham as a powerful diuretic, but the chemist has shewn that it is merely a fixed alkaline salt. Officinal Preparations. Extractum Cacuminum Genistæ. D.
[This is an herbaceous plant, growing native in the Southern states. It flourishes in rich, dry soils, and flowers from May to July. The root, which is composed of numerous slender fibres, when fresh, is of a yellowish colour, and has an insipid and nauseous taste. As it contains on analysis no resin, its proper menstruum is water. It is exclusively as an anthelmintic that the Pink Root is resorted to, and as such it possesses unquestionable power. When given to any extent it proves narcotic, and at the same time purgative. It is probably to this combination of properties that its efficacy as a vermifuge is to be attributed. It is chiefly against the Lumbrici that it has been used with success. It may be given in powder, in doses of from grs. x to xx, repeated every two hours. The more common and preferable mode of giving it, however, is that of infusion, made by putting ℥j of the root into a pint of boiling water. Of this, when cold, from ℥j to ℥iv may be given every two or three hours, according to the age of the patient. It should be recollected, that in its fresh state the Pink Root is much more active than when dried and kept for any length of time.]
[This plant abounds in the woods of hills and mountains, in every part of the United States. The root, which is the part used in medicine, is of a bitter taste, and yields by analysis extractive matter and resin. In its medicinal properties the Spiræa resembles the ipecacuanha of the shops. The full dose in powder is 30 grs.]
These are solutions of the essential oils of vegetables in diluted alcohol or proof spirit; they are obtained by distilling spirit with recent vegetables; or, according to the recent directions of the Pharmacopœia, with their essential oils; sometimes however they are extemporaneously made by at once dissolving the oils in the spirit, without distillation. (See Spiritus Tenuior.) Med. Uses. Like the distilled waters, they serve as vehicles for the exhibition of more active medicines; they are also occasionally employed as grateful stimulants. It is unnecessary to dwell on each of these simple spirits, as their virtues are the same as those of the substances from which they are extracted, united to the stimulus of the alcohol. The following are officinal:—Spirit: Anisi. L. Spir: Anisi comp: L.D. Armoraciæ comp: L. Carui. L.E.D. Cinnamomi L.E.D. (Form. 5, 40.) Juniperi comp: L.D. Lavandulæ. L.E.D. Lavandulæ comp: L.E.D. Menth: Pip: L.D. Menth: Virid: L. Myristic: L.E.D. Pimentæ. L.D. Pulegii. L. Raphani comp: D. Rosmarini.[646] L.E.D.
This is a solution of ammoniacal gas in spirit; in which a small portion of the sub-carbonate is also generally present. It is not easy to compare the strength of this preparation with that of the Liquor Ammoniæ, or Liquor Ammoniæ Sub-carbonatis, so as to give their medicinal equivalents, because the ammonia exists in a very different state of combination. The first is a mere solution of ammoniacal gas in water; in the second, as already stated, the ammonia exists as a sesqui-carbonate, while in the one now under consideration the alkali is in the state of a carbonate. This fact will explain the reason of the present preparation being superior in pungency to the Liquor Ammoniæ Sub-carbonatis. The Incompatibles are the same as those enumerated under the head of Ammoniæ Sub-carbonas. It is a powerful stimulant, but it is principally employed as the basis of the following compounds; viz. Spirit: Ammoniæ Aromat. L.E.D. Spirit: Ammoniæ Succinatus. L. Tinctura Castorei Comp: E. Tinct: Guaiaci comp: E. Tinct: Opii Ammoniat: E.
This is a solution of several essential oils, (Cinnamon, Cloves, and Lemon. L.—Rosemary and Lemon. E. Lemon and Nutmeg. D.) in the spirit of ammonia. It is a valuable stimulant, and an agreeable adjunct, and efficacious corrective to other remedies, see Form. 42, 45. Dose, fʒss to fʒj. Incompatibles. Acids, Acidulous Salts, Earthy and Metallic Salts, and Lime Water. Officinal Prep: Tinct. Guaiac: Ammoniat: L.D. Tinct. Valerian: Ammoniat: L.D. Its ammoniacal pungency is rather inferior to that of the preceding preparations.
This is a solution of the fœtid volatile oil of the Assafœtida in the spirit of ammonia; as little else than the odour and flavour of the gum-resin is taken up by the menstruum, it cannot be expected to possess many virtues. Dose, fʒss to fʒi.
This preparation was probably introduced as a substitute of the Eau de luce. It is stimulant and antispasmodic. It will be found, if properly prepared, to retain its milkiness for a considerable time, a circumstance by which its value is appreciated. The substances enumerated under the head of Spir: Ammoniæ Aromat: are also incompatible with this preparation.
We have in this preparation the specific virtues of the Colchicum, with the stimulant property of the Ammonia; a medicinal combination, which is frequently indicated in practice. Dose fʒss to fʒi, in some aqueous vehicle. The substances enumerated under the history of Spiritus Ammoniæ Aromaticus, are likewise incompatible with this spirit.
This preparation, which was excluded from the London Pharmacopœia of 1787, is now restored. It consists of Sulphuric Ether one part, rectified spirit two parts, impregnated with aromatics; the presence of spirit is necessary in this preparation, since the volatile oils would be insoluble in the æther without it. Med. Uses. A grateful stimulant.
Qualities. A colourless fluid of the specific gravity ·850. Odour, extremely fragrant; Taste, pungent and acidulous; it is very volatile and inflammable. Chemical Composition. A portion of nitric æther and nitric acid, combined with alcohol. Solubility. It is soluble both in water and alcohol. Incompatible Substances. With a solution of green sulphate of iron it strikes a deep olive colour, owing probably to its holding a portion of nitrous gas in solution; with the tinctures of guaiacum it produces a green or blue coagulum. Med. Uses. When properly diluted, it is refrigerant and diuretic; and has been long employed as a grateful draught in febrile affections; as a diuretic, it frequently proves a valuable auxiliary in dropsy, (see Form. 113, 116.) Dose, ♏︎x to xl. in any aqueous vehicle. By age and exposure to the air, it is gradually decomposed, and gives rise to the reproduction of nitrous acid.
Qualities. A fluid of the specific gravity ·816, consisting of two parts (by measure) of rectified spirit, and one part of sulphuric æther. Med. Uses. It has all the properties of æther, but in an inferior degree. Dose, fʒj to fʒiij.
This is intended as a substitute for the Liquor Anodynus of Hoffmann, although its composition was never revealed by him. In addition to its stimulating properties, it is supposed to add those of an anodyne nature. Dose, fʒss to fʒij. See Form. 7.
This preparation is principally useful as an external application. As an embrocation to chilblains it is often of essential service; and it has been found useful when thus applied to parts affected with chronic rheumatism and paralytic numbness. It is instantly decomposed by water, which precipitates the camphor. It furnishes an easy mode of forming camphor mixture extemporaneously, and if a few drops be rubbed with mucilage, we are thus enabled to form a stronger preparation than by the ordinary process.
In this preparation, alcohol is nearly in the highest state of concentration, in which it can be easily prepared in the large way for the purposes of trade; its specific gravity however varies in the different pharmacopœias, viz. the London and Edinburgh preparation is stated to have that of ·835, while the rectified spirit of Dublin is ordered to be only ·840. The former at the temperature of 60° Fah. consists of 85 parts of pure alcohol and 15 of water, the latter only of 83 per cent. of alcohol. It is a most powerful stimulant, but is rarely employed except in combination; as a pharmaceutical agent, its use is highly valuable and extensive. (See Tincturæ.) During the evaporation of spirit, a considerable reduction of temperature takes place, which renders it a useful ingredient in refrigerating lotions. See Form. 147, 148. It has lately been ascertained by Mr. Ritchie of Perth, that “the degree of cold induced by the evaporation of spirit of different degrees of strength are proportional to the strength of these spirits, reckoning from the degrees of cold induced by the evaporation of water.” The application of this theorem will enable us to ascertain the strength of a spirit by the “Differential Thermometer” of Leslie.
This is rectified spirit diluted with a certain proportion of water, and it is to be regretted that the quantity ordered for this purpose, should vary in the different Pharmacopœias; thus, according to the London and Dublin Colleges, its specific gravity is ·930, while the College of Edinburgh directs it to be of ·935. The former consists of 44 per cent. of pure alcohol, and may be formed by mixing four parts, by measure, of rectified spirit, with three of water; the latter contains only 42 per cent. of pure alcohol, and may be made by adding together equal parts of rectified spirit and distilled water. Alcohol in this state of dilution, is better adapted for taking up the principles of vegetables than rectified spirit; indeed, diluted alcohol acts upon bodies as a chemical compound, and will dissolve what neither the same proportion of water nor of alcohol would, if separately applied; we perceive therefore the importance of ensuring uniformity of strength in our spirits. (See Tincturæ.) It is necessary to remark that almost all the spirit sold under the name of “Proof Spirit,” is contaminated with empyreumatic oil, and is unfit for the purposes of pharmacy; it ought therefore to be extemporaneously prepared by mixing together rectified spirit and water, in the proportions above stated. This however is rarely done, except the liquors are intended for the toilet, and hence it has been observed, that the cordials of the apothecary are generally less grateful than those of the distiller, the latter being extremely curious in rectifying and purifying his spirit. If common water be employed for the dilution of alcohol, the resulting spirit will be turbid, owing principally to the precipitation of sulphuric salts; this circumstance lately occasioned considerable embarrassment to the Curators of the Hunterian Museum at the College of Surgeons, who were compelled to prepare their own spirit, in consequence of an excise regulation preventing the distiller from sending out any spirit of that strength which is required for their anatomical purposes. A curious fact has just been noticed in the Laboratory of the Royal Institution, which is, that diluted spirit becomes stronger by being kept in vessels that are carefully closed by bladder! whence it would seem, that alcoholic vapour transpires through this animal membrane less freely than aqueous vapour; we are at present unable to offer a satisfactory explanation of this anomalous case of distillation, but it is probably connected with the different solvent powers of these two liquids, in relation to the animal membrane. Med. Uses. Alcohol, although diluted to the degree of proof spirit, is still too strong for internal exhibition; indeed, where its use is indicated, it is more generally given in the form of wine, malt liquors, or ardent spirits, which must be regarded only as diluted alcohol, although each has a peculiarity of operation, owing to the modifying influence of the other elements of the liquid; thus Brandy[647] is said to be simply cordial and stomachic;[648] Rum,[649] heating and sudorific; Gin and Whiskey, diuretic; and Arrack,[650] styptic, heating, and narcotic; it seems also probable that a modified effect is produced by the addition of various other substances, such as sugar and acids, which latter bodies, besides their anti-narcotic powers, appear to act by favouring a more perfect combination and mutual penetration of the particles of spirit and water. Foreign brandy derives its colour from the oak cask, the intensity of which, therefore, affords some criterion of its age. The English have been in the habit of colouring their spirits with burnt sugar until lately, but now since the cause of the foreign colour is discovered, the scrapings of gall-nuts are employed for that purpose, whence the sulphate of iron is no longer a test of brandy being genuine.[651] The effects, also, which are produced by the habitual use of fermented liquors, differ essentially according to the kind that is drunk; thus Ale and Porter, in consequence of the nutritive matter, and perhaps the invigorating bitter with which they are charged, and the comparatively small proportion of alcohol which they contain, dispose to a plethora, which is not unfrequently terminated by apoplexy; Spirits, on the other hand, induce severe dyspepsia, obstructed and hardened liver, dropsy, and more than half of all our chronical diseases; and Dr. Darwin moreover remarks that when they arise from this cause, they are liable to become hereditary, even to the third generation, gradually increasing, if the cause be continued, till the family become extinct; with regard to Wine, Rush has truly observed that its effects, like those of tyranny in a well formed government, are first felt in the extremities, while spirits like a bold invader, seize at once upon the vitals of the constitution; the different kinds of wine, however, produce very different and even opposite effects, as stated under the history of that article, (see Vinum.) The excise officers frequently avail themselves of the peculiar power of the sub-acetate of lead to precipitate colouring matter, in order to remove from seized Holland Gin, the colour which it contains by being long kept in the tubs in which it is smuggled over. This practice, however, renders the gin liable to gripe.
The anthelmintic properties of Tin have been explained by three different hypotheses, viz. 1. That it acts mechanically by dislodging the mucus from the intestines; if this be true, it is difficult to explain the fact of its activity being increased by pulverization. 2. That its efficacy depends upon the presence of arsenic; if so, why should the purest specimens act with equal efficacy?[652] 3. That it operates by generating hydrogen gas in the intestinal canal: it has been observed that this opinion is rendered probable by the fact, that sulphur increases its powers.[653] Dose, ʒj or ʒji, mixed with honey, treacle or conserve, and exhibited for several successive mornings, a purgative medicine being occasionally interposed, (see Form. 150.) The use of this remedy however is entirely superseded by the more efficacious exhibition of oil of turpentine.
[This is a perennial plant found in all parts of the United States. It flowers in the months of July and August. The root, which is the part used in medicine, is astringent, and contains large proportions of tannin and gallic acid. As a medicine it has been much used in this country, and is prescribed with advantage in a number of diseases in which astringents are required. In chronic dysentery, diarrhœa, and cholera infantum, more especially, it has been found exceedingly beneficial. It may be given in infusion or decoction, made by adding ʒij of the root to ℥xij of water.]
Chemical Composition. It is probably a triple compound of oxygen, hydrogen, and some unknown base. Solubility. It is insoluble in water and alcohol, but soluble in oils, especially in that of linseed, which is a powerful solvent of all sulphureous substances. In boiling oil of turpentine it is entirely soluble. Medicinal Uses. It is laxative and diaphoretic; it acts principally upon the large intestines, and very mildly, whence it proves useful in hæmorrhoidal affections (Form. 74); and in consequence of the diaphoresis which it also excites, it is useful in chronic rheumatisms, catarrhs, and in some cutaneous affections.[654] To promote its purgative effects, magnesia will be found a serviceable adjunct in hæmorrhoids; it may be given in the form of an electuary, or suspended in milk; its solution in oil (Oleum Sulphuratum) is a most nauseous and acrid preparation. When sulphur is combined with metallic remedies, it generally lessens their activity. Its effects in curing psora are universally admitted, and the only objection to its use is the disgusting smell which accompanies its application; see Unguent: Sulphuris. Dr. Clarke of Dublin recommends a lotion which he says contains a sufficient impregnation of sulphur for the cure of psora in children, to be made by adding an ounce of broken sulphur to a quart of boiling water, and allowing it to infuse for twelve hours. In this process, the water probably takes up a small portion of sulphurous acid; it is difficult to explain the efficacy of the lotion in any other manner. When sulphur is internally administered, it transpires through the skin in the state of sulphuretted hydrogen, and blackens the silver in the pockets of those who take it. Dose ʒj to ʒiij. Officinal Prep. Sulphur Lotum. L.E.D. Sulphur Præcipitatum. L. Unguent. Sulph. L.E.D. Unguent. Sulph. comp. L.
Sulphur Lotum. When sulphur is kept in loosely covered drawers its surface is soon acidified, when it is said to operate with griping, hence the common flowers are directed to be washed with water to get rid of any sulphurous acid; it is however rarely performed, and would seem to be a useless subtlety.
Sulphur Præcipitatum. L. Lac Sulphuris, P.L. 1720. This, when pure, differs in no other respect from sublimed sulphur than in its superior whiteness, which it owes to the presence of a small proportion of water; in consequence however of its mode of preparation, it always contains a small quantity of sulphate of lime, and not unfrequently other impurities; it may be assayed by pouring upon a suspected sample a sufficient quantity of liquor potassæ to cover it, and setting it aside in a warm place to digest, when the sulphur will be dissolved and the impurities remain; or it might be at once subjected to the operation of heat; which would volatilize the sulphur, and thus separate it from its contaminations.
These are solutions of sugar in water, watery infusions, or in vegetable juices; the proportion of sugar is generally two parts to one of the fluid; if it exceeds this, the solution will crystallize, if it be less, ferment, and become acescent.[655] The most certain test of the proper consistence of a syrup is its specific gravity; a bottle that holds three ounces of water at 55 Fah. ought to hold four ounces of syrup. Syrups are introduced into medicinal formulæ for several purposes, viz.
I. To correct or disguise the flavour of disagreeable remedies. Syrup: Aurantiorum. L.D. (Form, 48, 51, 107.)—Limonum, L.E.D.—Simplex (124, 145).—Zingiberis (88, 95, 105.) Bitter infusions, and saline solutions are rendered more nauseous by the addition of syrups.
II. To produce Medicinal Effects. Syrup: Allii. D.—Altheæ. L.E. (135)—Acidi Acetosi. E.—Colchici. E.—Sennæ. E.D. (70)—Scillæ Maritimæ. E.—Rhamni. L. Papaveris. L.E.D. (5, 7, 75, 169, 170.)—Rosæ (74)—Zingiberis (47, 150)—Sarsaparillæ. L.
III. To communicate peculiar forms.
Every syrup answers this purpose; for the necessary proportions, see Electuaria.
IV. To communicate an agreeable colour. Syrup. Croci: L.—Rhæados. L.D. (166, 168.)—Caryophylli Rubri. D.—Violæ. E. Except that of Saffron, these syrups are rendered green by alkalies, and red by acids.
General Remarks. The practitioner should never introduce syrups into those medicines which are liable to be injured by the generation of acids: I have frequently seen the cretaceous mixture, when charged with syrup. Increase, instead of check, a diarrhœa; and the syrup of poppies, from its disposition to become acescent, will often aggravate rather than allay the cholic of infants. The syrup of Senna furnishes the practitioner with a convenient purgative for children; that of buckthorn is more violent, and is on that account but rarely used; besides which, in preparing it the chemist not unfrequently substitutes the berries of the Cornus Sanguinea, the Dogberry-tree, or those of the Rhamnus Frangula, the Alder-buckthorn, for the Rhamnus Catharticus; a circumstance which necessarily renders the efficacy of this syrup variable and uncertain; it is moreover often sophisticated with treacle and jalap. The syrup of the rose, when made with the leaves of the Damask[656] rose, is gently laxative, and is well adapted for weak children; it is however not unusual, coloris gratia, to substitute the leaves of the red rose, in which case the syrup will possess astringent instead of laxative properties. In the preparation of the syrup of poppies,[657] the directions of the College are frequently not obeyed; it is sometimes made by dissolving the extract in syrup, formed with coarse sugar, or even with treacle; at others, by adding tincture of opium to a coarse syrup, in the proportion of ♏︎x to every f℥j. In the preparation of the syrups of violets, the juice of red cabbage is generally substituted; this is at least a harmless fraud. Note. The syrups which are printed in Italics, are very susceptible of decomposition, and should be kept in cool places.