Note 618 — PHARMACOLOGIA. (continued 6)

In consequence of the antimonial powder having proved inert in the hands of Dr. Elliotson, although exhibited to the amount of a hundred grains for a dose, Mr. Phillips was induced to examine more particularly into the nature of the oxide which enters into its composition. “After the well established fact,” says he, “that peroxide of antimony is nearly or totally inert, it appears to me, that if proof could be obtained, that the oxide of antimony is in this state, the deficiency of power in the Pulvis Antimonialis would be accounted for.” He then proceeds to detail his experiments, from which he deduces the composition of this preparation to be as follows:

Peroxide of Antimony 35

Phosphate of Lime 65

100

which exist together in a simple state of mixture. Until the subject be elucidated by farther experiments, it will be difficult for the chemist to persuade the physician, that he can never have derived any benefit from the exhibition of Antimonial Powder, although I am by no means inclined to concede to it that extraordinary degree of virtue, which many practitioners are so eager to maintain.