Note 83 — HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION. (continued 2)

Calomel.—There is some doubt respecting the original meaning of this word, it literally signifies, fair, black, καλος, μελας. Sir Theodore Mayerne is said to have given the name to it, in consequence of his having had a favourite black servant who prepared it; but is it not more probable, that its name was derived from the change of colour which it undergoes from black to white, during its preparation? Another explanation has been also given, viz. quòd nigro humori sit bonum—a good (καλος) remedy for black (μελας) bile. This Theory derives much support from the black appearance of the stools, which is usually produced by the use of Calomel, and which was erroneously attributed to the searching and efficacious nature of the purgative. The Calomel of Riverius was a compound of Hydrargyri Sub-muriat: ℈j and Scammoneæ gr. vij, and Mr. Gray thinks that the term Calomel was first applied to this remedy, as being a mixture of a white and dark coloured powder.