Qualities. Odour, strong, narcotic, and fœtid; Taste, bitter, and extremely acrid; Colour, yellowish green, (its brown appearance is artificial, being produced by the action of sulphate of iron.) Chemical Composition. Mucilage, albumen, gluten, extractive, a bitter principle, an essential oil, nitrate of potass, which occasions its deflagration, muriate of potass, and a peculiar proximate principle upon which the properties of the plant are supposed to depend, and which has therefore been named Nicotin.[658] Vauquelin considers it as approaching the volatile oils in its properties; it is colourless, has an acrid taste, and the peculiar smell of tobacco, and occasions violent sneezing; with alcohol and water, it produces colourless solutions, from which it is thrown down by tincture of galls. Solubility. Tobacco yields its active matter both to water and spirit, but more perfectly to the latter; long coction weakens its powers. An oil of tobacco of a most powerful nature, may be obtained by distilling the leaves and separating it from the water, on the top of which it will be found to float.[659] Med. Uses. Tobacco is endued with energetic poisonous properties, producing generally a universal tremor which is rarely the result of other poisons; the experiments of M. Orfila moreover demonstrate, that the action of Tobacco is much more energetic when the soluble portion is injected into the anus, than when it is applied to the cellular texture, and for a still stronger reason, than when introduced into the stomach. Mr. Brodie, from the result of a well devised experiment, has deduced the conclusion that the infusion of Tobacco acts upon the heart, occasioning syncope, through the medium of the nervous system. Uses. As a powerful sedative, it is sometimes valuable in medical practice; the leaves, when applied in the form of a cataplasm to the pit of the stomach, produce an emetic operation; (Form. 67.) In cases of obstinate constipation, depending upon violent spasmodic constriction, or in ileus, or incarcerated hernia, clysters of the smoke of Tobacco, or of an infusion made according to the London College, produce almost immediate relief, (Form. 26.); the practice is not unfrequently attended with severe vomiting, extreme debility, and cold sweats, circumstances which render its administration highly dangerous in cases wherein the patient has been already exhausted by previous suffering. I remember witnessing a lamentable instance of this truth some years ago; a medical practitioner, after repeated trials to reduce a strangulated hernia, injected an infusion of Tobacco, and shortly afterwards sent the patient in a carriage to the Westminster Hospital, for the purpose of undergoing the operation; but the unfortunate man arrived only a few minutes before he expired. Clysters of Tobacco were some years ago recommended in America, for the purpose of forwarding difficult parturition, by inducing relaxation and consequent dilatation of the os uteri, but the alarming symptoms which followed the single case in which Tobacco was thus employed, ought, says Dr. Merriman, to prevent a repetition of the experiment.[660] It was also formerly proposed to inject infusions of Tobacco, for the purpose of recovering persons in a state of asphyxia from drowning; it is difficult to explain how such an idea could have entered into the mind of the rational physiologist. Smoking or chewing Tobacco has been also advised in cases of spasmodic asthma, and as a general sedative to relieve suffering; in the process of smoking, the oil is separated, and being rendered empyreumatic by heat, it is thus applied to the fauces in its most active state. As a diuretic it was successfully exhibited by Dr. Fowler, but as its operation is uncertain and violent, and appears to be very analogous to that of Digitalis, which is far more safe and manageable, it has been very judiciously discarded from practice. The external application of Tobacco in the form of cataplasm or infusion, has been applied to several species of cutaneous disease, but even in this state it is liable to exert its virulent effects. A woman applied to the heads of three children afflicted with tinea capitis, a liniment consisting of powdered tobacco and butter, soon after which they experienced vertigo, violent vomiting, and fainting. (Ephemerides des Curieux de la Nature, Dec. ii. An: i. p. 46.) A case has just occurred in this country of a child whose death was occasioned by her having swallowed a portion of half-smoked tobacco, which was taken from the pipe of her father, and in which there no doubt existed a quantity of essential oil, which had been separated by the act of smoking. It is a curious fact, that the juice of the green leaves instantly cures the stinging of nettles.
Adulterations. When it exhales a fetid odour, we may infer that it has been badly prepared, and not deprived of all its mucus; when pungent, the presence of some deleterious drug is indicated: Cascarilla is very usually added to impart a peculiar flavour; Nitre is also employed for the sake of making it kindle more rapidly, and to impress a lively sensation on the tongue; its vapour is of course very injurious to the lungs: its presence may be detected by treating a suspected sample with hot water, and after filtering the solution through charcoal, setting it aside in order that it may yield its crystals by evaporation. Traces of Lead, Copper, or Antimony, may be discovered by boiling the Tobacco in strong vinegar, and, after filtering it as before, by assaying it with appropriate tests. Black Hellebore, Alum, Sugar, and Corrosive sublimate are amongst the more usual sophistications. Dried Dock leaves are also sometimes substituted. Officinal Prep: Infus: Tabacci. L. Vinum Nicotian: Tabac: E.
Snuff. This well known errhine is prepared from the dried leaves of Tobacco; in its manufacture however, numerous additions are made which are kept secret. Salt is added for the purpose of increasing its weight; Urine, Muriate of ammonia, and powdered Glass, to heighten its acrimony. The varied flavour of different Snuffs is owing to the leaf being in greater or less perfection; or to its having undergone some degree of fermentation; thus, for instance, the Macouba Snuff of Martinique is principally indebted for its acknowledged superiority to the fermentation which the Tobacco undergoes, from being moistened with the best cane juice; other kinds are excited into fermentation by moistening them with melasses and water.
Snuff possesses all the powers of Tobacco; the celebrated Santeuil experienced vomiting and horrible pains, amidst which he expired, in consequence of having drank a glass of wine, into which had been put some Spanish snuff.[661]
Qualities. Taste, sweetish acid; Odour, none. Chemical Composition. ℥j of Tamarinds is composed of Citric acid grs. 45, Malic acid grs. 2, Super-tartrate of potass grs. 15, together with sugar, gum, jelly, fecula, and woody fibre. Uses. A pleasant febrifuge may be formed by infusing Tamarinds in water or milk; they improve the taste of the more nauseous cathartics. Officinal Prep: Confectio Cassiæ. L.E.D. Infus: Tamarind: cum Senna. E.D. Caution. Copper vessels should never be employed for the preparation of any compound which contains Tamarinds.
Qualities. Odour, none; Taste, bitter, and somewhat sweet and acidulous. Chemical Composition. The active principles appear to consist of extractive, gluten, a bitter principle (not resinous), and tartaric acid. Solubility. Water extracts its virtues much better than spirit. Incompatible Substances. Infusion of Galls, Nitrate of Silver, Oxy-muriate of Mercury, Acetate of Lead, and Sulphate of Iron occasion precipitates in its solutions. Med. Uses. It has long enjoyed the reputation of proving beneficial in obstructions of the liver, and in visceral diseases; Bergius extols its use in these complaints, and recommends the recent root to be boiled in whey or broth. Dr. Pemberton has more recently added his testimony to its value; he observes that he has seen great advantage result from using the extract in chronic inflammation, and incipient schirrhus of the liver, and in chronic derangement of the stomach. Forms of Exhibition. In that of extract, or in decoction made by boiling ℥j of the sliced root in oj of water down to oss, adding to the strained liquid ʒj of Cream of tartar; the recent full grown root only should be used. Dose f℥jj, twice or thrice a day. Officinal Prep: Extract: Taraxaci. The roots are roasted and used at Gottingen by the poorer people for coffee, from which a decoction of them properly prepared can hardly be distinguished.[663] The leaves of this plant are blanched, and very commonly used on the continent as a salad.
Most species of Pinus[664] may be made to yield (and many of them produce spontaneously) a remarkable resinous juice, usually called Turpentine: an appellation, however, which more properly belongs to the product of a different genus, called by Linnæus Pistachia, which contains the true Terebinthus[665] of the ancients.
Qualities. Consistence, semifluid and tenacious, but becoming more or less concrete by age; Odour, aromatic; Taste, pungent, austere, and astringent. It is inflammable. Solubility. It is entirely soluble in rectified spirit, but not at all in water; although it becomes miscible with that fluid, by the mediation of the yelk or the white of an egg, but more elegantly by that of vegetable mucilage, and forms a milky liquor. It is capable of entering into union with fixed oils. Chemical Composition. Resin, and an essential oil, the proportions of which vary according to the species of Pine from which it is obtained. They all, however, possess the same general chemical, as well as medicinal properties, viz. When internally taken, says Dr. Maton, they seem to warm the viscera, raise the pulse, and impart additional excitement to the vascular system; applied externally, they increase the tone of the part, counteract indolence of action, and deterge, as it were, ill-conditioned ulcers. Internal ulcerations indeed, especially of the urinary passages, as well as laxities of the seminal and uterine vessels, are supposed to be diminished by the exhibition of preparations of this nature. They certainly appear to act in a peculiar manner on the urinary organs, impregnating the water with a violet smell, and there are strong grounds for believing that its volatile element, developed by the powers of digestion, passes into the circulation, and is eliminated by the kidneys, whose secreting vessels are thus stimulated by its contact. (Page 93.) Pulmonary complaints, as obstinate coughs and asthmatic affections, have been said to give way to medicines of this class; yet, in modern practice, recourse is rarely had to them in such cases, and their exhibition is even considered hazardous. The ancients were accustomed to medicate their wines with various Terebinthinate substances, for the effect of which, see Vinum.
The particular preparations of Turpentine most employed in medicine, will be noticed under the different species.
1. Terebinthina Canadensis. L. (Pinus Balsamea. Resina Liquida.) Canada Turpentine, or Canada Balsam.[666] This is a transparent whitish juice, brought to this country from Canada, and apparently, says Dr. Maton, not very different in its qualities from the celebrated Balm of Gilead,[667] so high in esteem among the eastern nations, and so strongly recommended in a variety of complaints. Hitherto, however, it has not been much employed in England. Its odour is agreeable, and its taste strong and pungent.
2. Terebinthina Chia. L. (Pistachia Terebinthus.) Chio, or Cyprus Turpentine. The superiority of this species to all the products of the pine tribe, was well known to, and described by, most of the ancient writers on the materia medica. It is pellucid, with a bluish-green cast.
3. Terebinthina Vulgaris. L. (Pinus Sylvestris. Scotch Fir.) Common Turpentine. Horse Turpentine. This species is more coarse and dense than any other kind, and has an opaque light brown colour; its consistence may be compared to that of honey; the taste is very acrid, hot, and disagreeable, and the smell much less pleasant than either the Venice or the Strasburg turpentine. It is the kind which, as its name implies, is most commonly employed, and although inferior in quality to that of the turpentine tree, Pistachia Terebinthus (Chio or Cyprus), the Larch, Pinus Larix (Venice Turpentine), and the Silver Fir, Pinus Picea (Strasburgh Turpentine), especially for internal use, yet it is too often substituted for them in the shops of the druggist. The Colleges of London and Edinburgh direct the common turpentine to be used chiefly in external applications, for which it was also much employed by the ancients. Celsus mentions, “Resina liquida pinea,” as entering into the composition of many of his “Malagmata,” and the “Resina liquida,” of other writers would appear to be of the same kind. The Unguentum Elemi compositum contains this resinous juice as a principal ingredient.
4. Terebinthina Veneta. (Pinus Larix.)[668] The Larch. Venice Turpentine. The resin is by most writers, and in the shops, esteemed the best, after that of Pistachia Terebinthus, of those juices commonly called Turpentines. It is usually thinner than any other kind, of a pale yellowish colour, and of a hot, pungent, bitterish taste; the smell is strong, and far from being agreeable. Although it bears the name of Venice Turpentine, very little of it is exported from the Venetian territories; but it is probable that the merchants of that country were the first who substituted it for the genuine Turpentine of Cyprus. The resinous juice of the Larch is said to remain always, or at least a very long time, in a state of liquidity; a property which is particularly adverted to by Pliny.[669] As a Diuretic, the Venice Turpentine has been generally preferred to all the other kinds; and it is said to relax the bowels more, for which reason Riverius[670] considers it as being safer than other irritating diuretics.
5. Terebinthina Argentoratensis. (Pinus Picea.) Strasburg Turpentine. This resin is generally of a middle consistence between that of the Terebinthus and the Larix; more transparent and less tenacious than either; in colour yellowish brown; in smell more agreeable than any other turpentine, except the Cyprian; in taste the bitterest, yet the least acrid.
Form of Exhibition. The Turpentines may be either made into Pills with powdered liquorice root, or suspended in water by the intervention of egg or mucilage; for which purpose, ℥j requires the yelk of one egg, or ʒiss of gum arabic. Dose, gr. x to ʒj.
Qualities. Form, a limpid and colourless liquid, whose specific gravity is only ·792; Odour, strong, penetrating, and peculiar; Taste, hot, bitter and pungent. Chemical Composition. It is an essential oil, possessing, however, peculiar habitudes with respect to alcohol, being readily dissolved by hot alcohol, but separating again in drops, as the spirit cools; in the cold it is sparingly soluble in the strongest alcohol, and separates from it on standing; but it dissolves completely in six parts of sulphuric æther. It is not acted upon by the alkalies, except by long triture, when it is converted into a species of resin.[671] Med. Uses. It acts according to the dose, either on the primæ viæ producing catharsis, or on the kidneys, exciting diuresis; thus its operation offers another illustration of the views which I have so frequently urged during the progress of the present work; it furnishes a striking example of the important influence of quantity, or dose, in determining the specific operation of a remedy; thus two fluid-drachms of the oil may so excite the urinary organs as to produce even bloody urine, and the other ill effects described by Boerhaave and Lange; whereas six fluid-drachms, or a fluid-ounce, will stimulate the bowels, and produce scarcely any apparent effect upon the kidneys.
As a medicine acting powerfully on the first passages, its value seems only to have been lately appreciated; in Tænia, it may be said to act almost as a specific remedy, discharging it in all cases, dead. In obstinate constipation, depending on affections of the brain, I have lately had several opportunities or witnessing its beneficial effects; in an unfortunate instance of Hydrocephalus acutus in a boy of thirteen years of age,[672] it brought away an accumulation of feculent matter almost incredible as to quantity, after the total failure of the strongest doses of ordinary purgatives; and, I believe, if its dose be sufficiently large, that it may generally be administered with perfect safety and confidence. Dr. Latham has long regarded it as a valuable medicine in Epilepsy, in which cases it may in the first instance prove beneficial by unloading the bowels, and subsequently in producing an affection of the head peculiar to its use; and, which generally succeeds a large dose, it is an approach to intoxication, but is unaccompanied with that hilarity and elevation of thought that so usually follow the potation of spirituous liquors. In small doses it produces diuresis, and is used with much advantage in sciatica and lumbago.[673] Its use in diseases of the kidneys originating from ulcerations and obstructions in those organs has been very highly extolled. Cheyne, in his Essay on the gout, recommends it as a specific in Sciatica; upon this subject my own experience so completely confirms the truth of Dr. Maton’s observations, that I shall here insert them. “If,” says he, “I may be allowed to offer the result of my own practice, its effects are in a few instances successful in the removal of that disease; and even those cases which I have seen cured under its use, appeared to be rather of the symptomatic than idiophatic kind; it is reasonable to presume that the sciatic nerve, from its origin and course, may owe some of its morbid affections to an obstructed ureter, as well as to a rheumatic diathesis.” Form: 50. Hunter spoke of oil of turpentine as a styptic, and it has been administered in the Almond emulsion in cases of internal hemorrhage of an active nature. We should however be very careful how we make such an experiment. This oil has the effect of communicating the odour of violets to the urine of those who take it, and what is still more extraordinary, to those even who merely expose themselves for a short time to its effluvia:[674] a mixture of ♏︎x of this oil with f℥j of almond oil, introduced upon cotton into the ears, is serviceable in cases of deafness resulting from a diseased action of the ceruminiferous glands; it is also employed as a local stimulant in a variety of cases: and in cholic, and obstinate constipation, it is sometimes exhibited in the form of an enema. In America, oil of Turpentine, in doses of a drachm every hour or two, has been successfully administered in cases of Yellow fever, when, says Dr. Chapman, it appears to be soothing in its effects, removing the sense of heat and irritation in the stomach, subduing the force of vascular action and general excitement, and inducing at once a condition of more comfort and security. Orfila also recommends it as the best corrective of inflammation in the stomach from acrid poisons. In this country it has been very successfully employed in cases of Melæna, and in Puerperal fever. As a stimulating liniment its advantages are considerable, see Liniment: Terebinth: In Germany, Norway, and some parts of the Russian Empire, this essential oil is frequently used as a remedy for lesions of the tendons, and other bruises.[675] Dose as an anthelmintic, f℥ss-f℥ij, repeated every eight hours until the worm is ejected; in these large quantities it is more convenient, as well as more efficacious, to administer it like castor oil, floating upon some liquid aromatic vehicle:[676] by rubbing up Oil of Turpentine with mucilage, we do but render it more pungent, and difficult to swallow. As a diuretic or stimulant it may be given in the form of an electuary, in doses of from ♏︎x to fʒj. It may be also employed as a very active clyster, made by carefully incorporating one or two table spoonsful of the oil with the yelk of an egg, and adding to it a pint of thin mucilage. This terebinthinate clyster is well calculated to relieve a paroxysm of flatulent cholic. Officinal Prep. Liniment. Terebinth. L. The Pharmacopœias direct the rectification of the oil by redistillation,[677] when it is commonly called Spirit of turpentine, but it appears to be an unnecessary refinement. Dr. Nimmo has proposed the following process for purifying the oil intended for medicinal use, by which it is said to have its disagreeable flavour lessened without sustaining any loss of efficacy. To eight parts of the oil, add one part of the strongest alcohol, and let them be well agitated together. In a few minutes a separation takes place; the oil, unless very impure, falls to the bottom, and the alcohol, having discharged the impurities, floats at the top. Pour off the alcoholic portion, add a similar quantity of alcohol, and proceed as before. If this be repeated three or four times, the oil will become nearly tasteless, almost inodorous, and when evaporated will leave no residuum. But pure as the oil may be thus rendered, it speedily returns to its original condition.
The Croton Tiglium is a native of the island of Ceylon, and is found in Malabar, China, Cochinchina, and the Molucca Islands. Every part of the plant would seem to be endowed with medicinal activity; the root acts as a drastic purgative, and when pulverized, and exhibited in the dose of a few grains, is considered at Amboyna and Batavia, as a specific for dropsy; the wood (lignum Pavanæ) produces, when administered in small doses, a diaphoretic effect, and in larger ones it proves drastic; the leaves are also purgative, and when dried and powdered are supposed to afford an antidote against the bite of the cobra del Capella. The seeds, however, are the parts which have been more generally employed in medicine, the effects of which appear to have been well known for nearly a thousand years.[A] They were early introduced into Europe, and long known under the names of Grana Molucca—Tilii Grana—and Grana Tiglia.[678] It appears that they were at first very frequently administered, but their extreme acrimony and violence,[679] and probably the accidents which arose from their injudicious use, soon banished the article from medical practice; in India, however these seeds are still employed as an effectual purgative, after first undergoing the process of roasting, or baking, for the purpose of removing the shell, rendering the nut pulverulent, and at the same time of moderating the acrimonious qualities.[680] The expressed oil of these seeds does not appear to have been obtained in a separate form until a later period; Lemery speaks of it, and Geoffroy in directing its dose cautions us against giving more than ʒj!—he probably meant a drop. Its use has very lately been revived, and there can be little doubt but that under proper restrictions, it may become a valuable acquisition to the practitioner. The profession is indebted for its late introduction, or rather revival, to Mr. E. Conwell, of the East India Company’s Medical Service, on the Madras Establishment, who,[681] having for many years prescribed it with advantage, introduced a quantity of it for trial in London, through the medium of his friend, Mr. Short, of Ratcliffe Highway.
Qualities. This expressed oil has a yellow colour, a faint odour, and an acrid taste; these qualities however will be found to vary in different samples; but the fact, as Dr. Nimmo[682] has justly observed, may be fairly explained, without suspecting the existence of any fraud, by supposing that the seeds have undergone a different degree of torrefaction, in order to separate the oil from the farinaceous part. Chemical Composition. The recent experiments of Dr. Nimmo have very satisfactorily shewn that this oil consists of 45 parts of an Acrid purgative principle, and 55 of a fixed oil resembling that of olives, and not possessed of any cathartic property. The acrid principle appears to reside in a resinous matter soluble in alcohol and sulphuric æther, and in volatile and fixed oils. I have lately repeated some of Dr. Nimmo’s experiments on a recently imported sample of oil, and with similar results. The acrid principle appears to bear a strong analogy to that which I separated from elaterium, and as I gave to this latter principle the term Elatin, it seems to me that we might with much propriety, apply the name Tiglin to the former, especially as it does not appear to possess any of the characters and habitudes of a salifiable basis; at all events the adoption of such a term will obviate the necessity of circumlocution in our descriptions. Solubility. By alcohol the oil undergoes a ready decomposition; the Tiglin is dissolved together with a very minute quantity of the oily part. Ether and oil of turpentine dissolve the whole; a fact which enables us, by digesting the seeds in these menstrua, to obtain the article in as genuine, and certainly in a much more uniform, condition, than by the processes of torrefaction and expression, as practised in India; for this fact we are also indebted to Dr. Nimmo. Med. Uses. As far as I have been able to ascertain the fact, this oil does not appear to produce any effects which cannot be commanded by other drastic purgatives; its value depends upon the facility with which it may be administered; in some cases it is amply sufficient to touch the tongue, in others, a drop or two will be required. In maniacs, and in cases where the administration of bulky medicines is extremely difficult, it would seem to offer a decided advantage.[683] Forms of Exhibition. It has been usually given in this country in the proportion of from one to two drops, in the form of pills. Dr. Nimmo’s discovery with respect to the chemical composition of the oil, very naturally suggested to him the mode of administering it in the form of an alcoholic tincture, (Tinctura Tiglii,) and he has found by experience that such a preparation furnishes the means of readily apportioning the dose to the various circumstances of the case; thus he found that in administering a tincture[684] in doses equivalent to the number of drops decomposed, the same effects were produced as have been attributed to the entire oil. Adulterations. Much has been said upon the fraudulent admixture of this comparatively expensive article with the cheaper fixed oils; and we believe with much truth; a circumstance which will of necessity prevent the general use of the article; and occasion very different reports with respect to its value and activity. Dr. Nimmo however proposes a method of detecting such adulteration, by a process suggested by the results of his experiments upon its composition, and whose rationalé will be easily understood after the chemical history that has been just presented.
“Let a very light phial be counterpoised in an accurate balance; pour into it 50 grains of the suspected oil, add alcohol (which has been previously digested[685] upon olive oil,) agitate them well, pour off the solution and add more alcohol as before, until the dissolved portion is diffused in such a proportion of alcohol that each half drachm measure shall contain equal to one dose of the oil of Tiglium for an adult. By afterwards placing the phial near a fire, to evaporate what remains of the alcohol in the bottle, if the residuum be to that which has been abstracted by the alcohol as 55 to 45, the oil is genuine. If olive, or any other oil little soluble in alcohol, has been employed as the adulterating agent, it is evident that the residuum will be in a larger proportion; but should Castor Oil have been employed for that purpose, the proportion of the residuum will be smaller even than in the genuine medicine.”
These consist of alcohol, proof spirit, or spirit of greater or less density,
holding in solution one or more of those proximate principles of vegetable
or animal matter which are soluble in that menstruum, viz; Sugar, resin,
extractive, tannin, cinchonia, camphor, volatile oils, morphia, emetin, conein, elatin,
tiglin, and several acids. The proper solvent of those bodies, termed
gum-resins, appears to be proof spirit. The compilers of the Codex Medicamentarius
of Paris, have defined the different degrees of spirituous
strength requisite for the full and perfect extraction of the active elements
of different bodies with great truth and nicety; thus they direct for these
purposes a spirit of three different standards, viz. 36 (Sp. gr. ·837,) 32
(·856) 22, (·915) of Beaumé’s hydrometer; with the first are prepared the
resinous tinctures; with the second those wherein the resinous, extractive,
or gummy elements, hold nearly an equal place; and with the third those
in which the latter predominate. We are moreover indebted to this committee
for having set at rest a question which has been long doubtful,
whether the addition of alkaline agents increases the extractive powers of
the spirit? They have indeed ascertained by experiment, that the reverse
not frequently obtains; for instance, they found that a smaller proportion
of guaiacum was dissolved by the spirit of ammonia, than by alcohol of the
same strength, and that the quantity of matter dissolved from the root of
Valerian was the same in both cases. Very active substances, soluble in
alcohol, are those which are particularly adapted for tinctures, since they
furnish preparations which are efficient in small doses, and very manageable
in extemporaneous prescription, such are the tinctures of Opium, Digitalis,
Hyoscyamus, Scilla, &c. and from the chemical analysis of Elaterium,
there can be no doubt but that a very active and useful tincture of
that substance might be introduced into practice; while Dr. Nimmo has
very clearly proved that the active matter of the Croton Tiglium may be
thus concentrated, see Tiglii Oleum. On the contrary, substances of little
activity, except in large doses, are the least adapted for this form of exhibition,
as in such cases the solvent will act more powerfully on the living
system, than the principles which it may hold in solution, and when continued
for any length of time, will lay the foundation of the pernicious
custom of dram drinking; such tinctures, however, are not without their
value in combination; they sometimes increase the efficacy, and often
correct the operation or disguise the flavour, of the medicines with which
they may be united; for example, the cathartic tinctures in Formula 70,
augment the purgative powers of the combination, at the same time that
they correct its unpleasant operation; many other illustrations are presented
in the different formulæ, for the explanation of which I must refer
the student to the Key Letters. The addition of a tincture has likewise
the effect of preserving decoctions and infusions from spontaneous decomposition,
the compound tincture of Cardamoms answers such an object in the
compound decoction of Aloes. Tinctures are sometimes made with æther,
but they are generally more strongly characterised by the nature of the
menstruum than by that of the substance dissolved in it; indeed, æther is
used in these cases, not to dissolve substances which would resist the action
of alcohol and water, but for the sake of its own direct action on the
body; thus the Edinburgh pharmacopœia directs an Æthereal Tincture of
Aloes, which is more penetrating and stimulant than the alcoholic tinctures;
the London College, with the exception of the Aromatic Spirit of
Æther, does not recognise any preparation of this nature: I have already
alluded to the Æthereal Tincture of Digitalis of the French Codex, than
which nothing can be more injudicious, for the digitalis does not amount
to more than 1
70th part of the tincture, and must therefore be entirely
counteracted by the stimulant effects of the menstruum. The same objection
cannot be urged against the æthereal tinctures of Castor, Musk,
and Amber, since in these cases, the subject and the menstruum concur in
their mode of operation.
Tinctures derive their names from the substances which impart activity to them, and as the medicinal history of each substance is detailed under its proper head, it will be unnecessary to dwell at any length upon the individual virtues of these tinctures.
Tinctura Assafœtidæ. L.D. Dose, fʒss to fʒj.
—— Benzoes Comp. L.E.D. Balsamum Traumaticum, P.L. 1745. This is a combination of Benzoin, Storax, and Tolu, with aloes; it is regarded as a stimulating expectorant, and has been used in chronic catarrh and confirmed asthma, but it is now very rarely employed, except as an application to wounds and languid ulcers. It is sold under the name of Friar’s Balsam; and with respect to the use of this preparation as a Styptic, the public have fallen into a serious error; fresh wounds it must necessarily injure, not only by its stimulating qualities, but by the separation of the resins which take place on its intermixture with the blood; these form a substance, which absolutely prevents what is most desirable in such case,—the sides of the wound coming in contact and uniting by the first intention. Dose. As an internal remedy from fʒss to fʒij, triturated with yelk of egg, or mucilage, to suspend it in water.
Tinctura Castorei. L.E. Dose, ♏︎xx to fʒij. See Form 20, 23, 25, 76, 97, 136.
Tinctura Castorei Composita. E. This is much more active than the preceding tincture, as it contains assafœtida, and its menstruum is ammoniated alcohol. Dose ♏︎xv to fʒj.
Tinctura Cinchonæ Ammoniata. L. In this preparation we have the tonic powers of the bark combined with the stimulus of the Ammonia. Dose, fʒss to fʒij. Acids and Acidulous Salts are of course incompatible with it.
Tinctura Guaiaci. L.E.D. A simple solution of guaiac. Dose, fʒi-fʒiij.
Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. This is a solution of the guaiac in the aromatic spirit of ammonia, and is consequently more stimulating than the preceding one, and more efficacious as a sudorific: after arterial action is properly reduced, it is certainly one of our best remedies in rheumatism. Dose, fʒj to fʒij, at bed time, and its effects should be promoted by some warm beverage. It is worthy of remark, that nitrous acid and the spirit of nitric æther occasion an extraordinary decomposition of these tinctures, separating the guaiacum into coagulated masses, and imparting to the whole an intense bluish green colour. I find that chlorine has the same effect;[686] but the sulphuric and muriatic acids produce no disturbance, although all acids and acidulous salts must be considered as incompatible with it. If equal parts of quick-lime and powdered guaiacum be rubbed together, and a quantity of water be poured over them, and the mixture be allowed to stand until it becomes fine, we shall obtain a solution of this substance, which will mix in any proportion with aqueous vehicles without decomposition, and to which the aromatic spirit of ammonia may be subsequently added with effect.
Tinctura Toluiferæ Balsami. E.D. This is only useful as an adjunct, to impart agreeable flavour and fragrance to other remedies.
The above tinctures, when added to water, are instantly decomposed, the practitioner must therefore remember that when he prescribes them in aqueous vehicles, it will be necessary to direct them to be triturated with some viscid liquor, as mucilage, previous to the addition of the water, in order to suspend the resinous precipitate.
Tinctura Aloes Composita. L.D. Elixir Proprietatis. P.L. 1720. Tincture of Myrrh is the menstruum of the Aloes in this preparation, to which Saffron is added. Dose, fʒj to fʒij. Form. 16, 97.
Tinctura Myrrhæ. L. The strength of the spirituous solvent has been very judiciously increased in the Editio Altera of the London Pharmacopœia, by which means a brighter tincture is obtained. It is rarely used except in astringent and detergent gargles, or as an external application to foul ulcers; diluted with water it presents us with an excellent lotion for spongy gums.[687]
Tinctura Angusturæ. D. See Cuspariæ Cortex.
Tinctura Aurantii. L.D. An agreeable adjunct to bitter infusions. Dose, fʒij to fʒiij.
Tinctura Calumbæ. L.D. A valuable stomachic. Form. 32, 35, 154, 155, 159. Dose, fʒi-fʒiij.
Tinctura Camphoræ Composita. Tinctura Opii Camphorata. P.L. 1787. Elixir Paregoricum.[688] P.L. 1745. This preparation had undergone both change of name and composition in the last Pharmacopœia; its old name was thought improper from its similarity to that of tincture of opium, and the oil of aniseed has been omitted on account of its disagreeable flavour; still, however, these perpetual changes are most distressing; the tincture, as it is now prepared, is very different from that which has been so long and so generally sold under the name of Paregoric Elixir, and the chemist is therefore obliged to keep both the preparations, and to send the one or the other, according as it may be required by the old or new name. One fluid-ounce contains nearly two grains of Opium and of benzoic acid, and about one grain and a quarter of camphor. In doses of fʒj to fʒiij, it is anodyne.
Tinctura Cantharides. D. This tincture is highly stimulating, acting with great energy upon the urinary organs; it therefore offers a resource in gleets, fluor albus, incontinence of urine, &c. it has also proved serviceable as a highly stimulating diuretic, in cases of Hydrops Ovarii. See Form. 116. Dose, ♏︎x to fʒj, given in some demulcent infusion; it is likewise employed with advantage as a stimulating embrocation and rubefacient, in conjunction with soap or camphor liniment. Externally it has been used in the cure of Sinuses, and fistulous openings, in the proportion of three fluid-drachms to a pint of water.[689]
Tinctura Capsici. L. It is an excellent stimulant. See Capsici Baccæ. Dose, ♏︎x to fʒi.
Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. L. An agreeable cordial, and adjunct to bitter infusions. See Form. 47, 51.[690] Dose, fʒi to fʒij.
Tinctura Cascarillæ. L.D. It is added with much effect to different stomachic infusions. See Form. 33, 39, 41. Dose, fʒi to fʒiij.
Tinctura Catechu. L.E.D. A warm and grateful astringent; very useful as an adjunct to cretaceous mixtures in diarrhœa, &c. See Form. 51, 52, 58. Dose, fʒi to fʒiij.
Tinctura Cinchonæ. L.E.D. Used as an adjunct to the decoction or infusion of the bark. See Form. 126, 127. Dose, fʒj to f℥ss. It should be preserved in a place which is not very cold; for a low temperature precipitates the Morphia; this inconvenience, however, is obviated by the addition of a little acetic acid, without diminishing the efficacy of the tincture.
Tinctura Cinchonæ Composita. This resembles the celebrated tincture of Huxham, and although it contains less cinchona than the simple tincture, yet from the addition of aromatics it is more grateful and stomachic. Dose, fʒj to f℥ss.
Tinctura Cinnamomi. L.D. See Form. 101.
Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita. L.E.D. As this is a combination of aromatics with cinnamon, it is more grateful and stomachic than the simple tincture. Dose, fʒ to fʒij.
Tinctura Conii Maculati. E. As Conein is perfectly soluble in spirit, this tincture constitutes a very elegant and efficient form for the exhibition of Hemlock; I have frequently experienced its effects, when added to febrifuge mixtures, with satisfaction. The London college has not hitherto admitted it into the list of tinctures, which is to be regretted.
Tinctura Croci. E.D. It has no medicinal use, independent of its colour.
Tinctura Digitalis. L.E.D. It is a very useful form for the exhibition of this valuable plant. Dose, ♏︎x, cautiously increased. See Digitalis Folia, and Form. 32.
Tinctura Gentianæ Composita. L.E. An elegant stomachic bitter, but less eligible as a remedy than the infusion. Dose, fʒi-fʒij.
Tinctura Hellebori Nigri. This preparation was strongly advised by Dr. Mead, in uterine obstructions. Dose, ♏︎xxx to fʒj. See Hellebori Radix.
Tinctura Humuli. L.E. It is supposed to possess the tonic and narcotic properties of the hop. Dose, fʒss to fʒiij.
Tinctura Hyoscyami. L. This is a much more powerful narcotic than the preceding tincture; and it is not liable to affect the head, nor to produce that disturbance in the biliary secretions which so inevitably follows the use of opium. Dose, fʒss to fʒij.
Tinctura Jalapæ. L.E. As the activity of Jalap does not reside in any one principle, but depends upon the combination of its gum, extractive, and resin, proof spirit is of course its appropriate solvent; and the resulting tincture is therefore an active purgative, but it is rarely administered except as an adjuvant to cathartic combinations. Dose, fʒj to f℥ss. See Form. 70, 76.
Tinctura Kino. L.E.D. This is little else than a solution of Tannin; it is however less astringent than the tincture of Catechu. Dose, fʒi to fʒij.
Tinctura Opii. L.E.D. This is at once a most convenient and elegant form for the exhibition of opium; ♏︎xix contain one grain of opium. See Opium, and Form. 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 52, 75, 76, 107, 110, 117, 127, 136, 156, 172. As an external application, when rubbed upon the skin it produces anodyne effects, and it is said that these effects are very much increased by combining it with acetic acid; an acetate of morphia is probably thus produced.
Tinctura Quassiæ Excelsæ. E.D. The bitter principle of this root, Quassin, is completely extracted by proof spirit. Dose, fʒj.
Tinctura Rhei. L.E.D. Less purgative, but more astringent and aromatic than the infusion. That made with the East Indian variety is of a deeper colour, with a tinge of brown. Dose, f℥ss to f℥j.
Tinctura Rhei Composita. L. A cordial, used principally as an adjunct to saline purgatives. Dose, fʒvj to f℥j, to produce purgative effects; from fʒj to fʒij, to act as a stomachic.
The Edinburgh Pharmacopœia directs two compound tinctures of Rhubarb for similar purposes, viz. Tinct. Rhei et Aloes; and Tinct. Rhei et Gentianæ.
Tinctura Scillæ. L.E.D. Dose, ♏︎x to xxx. See Form. 65, 109, 139.
Tinctura Sennæ. L.E. Dose, fʒij to ℥j. See Form. 70. Dose, fʒij to f℥j.
Tinctura Sennæ Composita. E. In this tincture, the Senna is quickened by Jalap. Dose, fʒij to f℥j.[691]
Tinctura Serpentariæ. L.E.D. Dose, fʒij to fʒiij. It is principally employed as a stimulating adjunct to the infusion or decoction of Cinchona, in typhoid fevers. Officinal Prep. Tinct. Cincon. comp. L. Dose, fʒi to fʒiij.
Tinctura Valerianæ. L.D. It is only used as an adjunct to the infusion of Valerian.
Tinctura Valerianæ Ammoniata. L.D. This tincture is not more highly charged with the principles of the Valerian than the foregoing one, but as the Ammonia corresponds with it in virtue, it is probably more powerful. Dose, fʒi to fʒij. See Form. 23, 25.
Tinctura Zingiberis. L.D. A highly stimulating preparation. See Form. 33. Dose, fʒss to fʒij.