PHARMACOLOGIA. (continued 6)

In combination, the medical powers of opium are wonderfully extended, so that there is scarcely a disease in which it may not, during some of its stages, be rendered useful. By diminishing the sensibility of the stomach and bowels, it becomes a valuable and efficacious corrigent to many important medicines, and thus frequently favours their absorption and introduction into the system, as for instance, in the exhibition of mercurial alteratives, (Form. 141,) and in certain diuretic combinations, (Form. 100, 106, 107, 110,) in combination with antimonials, and with ipecacuan, its narcotic powers are obviated, and sudorific results are obtained. See Pulv. Ipecac. co. (Form. 117, 119, 124, 125, 127, 130.) Forms of Exhibition. In substance, or under the form of tincture. When we wish to continue the operation of opium, and not to obtain its full effect at once, it may be advantageously combined with some substance capable of retarding its solution in the stomach, as gum resins. See Pilulæ and Form. 10, 11, 12, 13. A watery infusion, made by infusing powdered opium in boiling water, will often operate without producing that distressing nausea and head-ache which so frequently follow the use of this substance. With respect, however, to the best modes of correcting the operation of this remedy, see pages 160 and 162. Dr. Porter of Bristol has introduced to our notice a solution of opium in citric acid; his formula^[593] for its preparation is subjoined, because I am of opinion that it merits the attention of the practitioner; I have lately submitted it to the test of experience, and it certainly possesses the merit of a powerful anodyne, operating with less disturbance than the more ordinary forms of this substance. I also take this opportunity of stating, that the pyroligneous acid manufactured by Beaufoy was used as a menstruum, and the effect of the solution was similar to that of Dr. Porter. When the stomach rejects altogether the internal exhibition of opium it may be successfully applied along the spine, by friction, with the camphor liniment; a piece of solid opium introduced into the rectum, or dissolved in some appropriate solvent, and injected as an enema, affords also considerable relief in spasmodic affections of the bowels, and in painful diseases of the prostate gland, or bladder, (Form. 9.) When thus introduced into the rectum, it cannot undergo that change which the digestive organs produce upon it, and consequently it is more uniform in its action than when presented to the stomach. Opium appears to be readily absorbed into the system, when applied to the surfaces of sores; considerable relief has been thus afforded to irritable stumps, after amputation, on which occasions, all the characteristic effects of opium have been produced upon the system, such as costiveness, head-ache, nausea, &c. Incompatible Substances. Oxy-muriate of mercury; acetate of lead; alkalies; infusions of galls, and of yellow cinchona. Orfila states that the decoction of Coffee is less energetic as an antidote, than the infusion. When we intend the opium to act as a sedative, we should not combine it with stimulants. The Edinburgh College certainly erred in this respect, 440when they made pepper an ingredient in their Pilulæ Opiatæ. In combination with vegetable acids, its narcotic powers are increased, in consequence of the formation of soluble salts with morphia.^[594] When the opium 441however has passed out of the primæ viæ, vinegar and acids are then the best remedies for counteracting its effects; (see page 136.) Dose, must be varied according to the intention of the prescriber, the constitution of the patient, and the nature of the disease. A quarter of a grain, frequently repeated, will keep up its exhilarating influence; (Form. 15) from gr. j to ij acts as a narcotic; its power on the system soon becomes weaker; and from habitual use it is so much impaired that very large doses are required to produce its usual effects. Russell observes that the effects of opium on those addicted to its use, are at first obstinate costiveness, succeeded by diarrhœa and flatulence, with loss of appetite and a sottish appearance; the teeth decay, the memory fails, and the unhappy sufferer prematurely sinks into the grave. Officinal Prep. Gr. j of opium is contained in Confect. Opii. L. grs. 36. Elect. Opii. E. grs. 43. Elect. Catechu. E. grs. 193. (F.) Elect. Catechu. comp. D. grs. 199. (F.) Pil. Saponis cum opio. L. grs. 5. Pil. Opiat. E. grs. 10. Pil. e Styrace. D. grs. 5. Pulv. Corn. ust. cum Opio. L. grs. 10. Pulv. Cret. comp, cum Opio. L. grs. 40. Pulv. Ipecac. comp. L.E. grs. 10. (H.) Pulv. Kino. comp. L. grs. 20. (F.) Tinct. Opii. L. ♏︎19. Tinct. Camphor. comp. L. f℥ss. Tinct. Opii ammon. E. fʒj. Troch. Glycyrr. cum Opio. E. ʒj. Vinum Opii. L. ♏︎17. The Medicinal Dynameter will at once shew the quantity of opium in any proportion of the above preparations. Adulterations. The Turkey Opium, when good, is covered with leaves, and the reddish capsules of some species of rumex; the inferior kinds have none of these capsules adhering to them. It is frequently adulterated with the extract of liquorice; it should be regarded as bad when it is very soft and friable, of an intensely black colour, or mixed with many impurities, when it has a sweetish taste, or marks paper with a brown continuous streak when drawn across it, or when it melts like wax, and makes a yellow solution in water. It frequently happens that in cutting a mass of opium, bullets and stones have been found imbedded in it, a fraud which is committed by the Turks, from which the retailer alone suffers. It is also adulterated with the extract of poppy capsules, or of the whole plant; with that of chelidonium majus, with gum arabic or tragacanth, with the oil of linseed, and even with the dung of oxen.

OVUM. L. (Phasianus Gallus. Ovum.)

The Egg of the Domestic Fowl.

Vitellus, The Yolk or Yelk, is principally employed in pharmaceutical operations, for rendering oils and balsams miscible with water. It is gently laxative.

Oleum e vitellis, Oil of Eggs. Obtained by boiling the yelks, and then submitting them to pressure; fifty eggs yield about 5 oz. of oil. It is introduced 442into the Paris Pharmacopœia, being much employed on the Continent for killing mercury.

Albumen. Used principally for clarifying turbid liquors.

Testa. Similar to other absorbents.

OXYMEL SIMPLEX. L.D. Mel Acetatum. P.L. 1787.

Simple Oxymel.^[595]

This composition of honey and acetic acid has been long valued on account of its detergent qualities, and has accordingly been much used as the basis of gargles, and expectorant remedies.

OXYMEL SCILLÆ. L. D. Oxymel Scilliticum. P.L. 1720. 1745.

Oxymel of Squills.

This preparation certainly possesses considerable powers as an expectorant; especially if allowed to pass slowly over the fauces, as when applied in the form of a linctus, (Form: 135,) which by stimulating the top of the trachea may possibly act, by a kind of “contiguous sympathy,” upon the pulmonary structure,^[596] and thereby increase the activity of the exhalant vessels, and so dilute the mucus contained in the follicles as to cause it to be poured out in a less viscid form, and consequently in a state to be more easily brought up by expectoration. Its action will also admit of another explanation, but for this see page 102. Dose from fʒss to fʒij. In larger doses it is given for the purpose of exciting vomiting, especially in hooping cough.

PAPAVERIS CAPSULÆ. L.E.D.

(Papaver Somniferum. Capsulæ Maturæ.)

Poppy Capsules, or Poppy heads.

These capsules are employed in medicine for the purpose of affording a decoction, to be applied as an anodyne fomentation, see Decoctum Papaveris, and as a syrup of hypnotic qualities, see Syrupus Papaveris.

443The seeds of the poppy capsules are not directly used for any medicinal purposes, but they yield a fixed oil which is daily met with in the market, and is frequently used to adulterate Olive Oil, which see. As an article of trade it is considered very inferior to the other fixed oils; it burns very badly, and yields a great quantity of smoke. To the pharmaceutic chemist it is an article of interest from the controversies to which it has given origin.^[597]

PILULÆ L.E.D. Pills.

For general instructions respecting the formation and administration of pills, the practitioner must refer to the first part of this work, page 193.

Officinal Pills.

Pilulæ Aloes Compositæ. L. Extract of Aloes, two parts, extract of gentian, (G) one part, with oil of carraway; (E) to which syrup is unnecessarily added. It is a useful pill in habitual costiveness. Dose, grs. x to ℈j.

Pilulæ Aloes et Assafœtidæ. E. Powdered aloes, assafœtida (G) and soap, (L) equal parts. Anodyne and cathartic; a very useful combination in dyspepsia attended with flatulence. Dose, grs. x.

Pilulæ Aloes cum Myrrha. L. Pilulæ Rufi. P.L. 1745. Extract of Aloë, two parts, saffron and myrrh, (E) one part, syrup, q. s. This is a very ancient form of preparation, and is described by Rhazes. It is stimulant and cathartic. (Form: 11, 81, 98, 99.) Dose, grs. x to ℈j.^[598]

Pilulæ Aloes cum Colocynthide. E. This pill is known by the popular name of Pil. Cocciæ, κοκκὶον signifies a seed, and the term was first applied to this preparation by Rhazes. It consists of eight parts of aloes and scammony; four of colocynth; and one part of oil of cloves, (E) and 444of sulphate of potass with sulphur, olim Sal Polycrest. It is more powerful in its operation than the simple aloetic pills.

Pilulæ Cambogiæ Compositæ. L. Gamboge, extract of aloe, and compound powder of cinnamon one part; soap two parts; see page 172, and Form: 88.

Pilulæ Ferri Compositæ. L. This combination is analogous to that of Griffith’s mixture. Dose, gr. x to ℈j. Form: 99. They become extremely hard by keeping. If the practitioner consult the Medicinal Dynameter, he will observe that in order to give the same quantity of Proto-carbonate of Iron as is contained in f℥iss of Mist: Ferri comp: he must direct ℈j of this pill mass; which quantities will be seen to contain, respectively, a grain and seven tenths of this of the proto-carbonate, or, one grain of Protoxide, which is equivalent. It is doubtful whether the former preparation will not prove more active, in consequence of the saponaceous vehicle formed by the Myrrh and alkali in a state of solution.

Pilulæ Galbani Compositæ. L. Pil. Gummosæ, P.L. 1745. We are here presented with a combination of fœtid gums, in which assafœtida is the most potent article. Antispasmodic, and emmenagogue. Dose, grs. x to ℈j. See Form: 10, 27, 98.

Pilulæ Hydrargyri. L.E.D. Pil. Mercuriales. P.L. 1745, vulgo, The Blue Pill. The mercury in this preparation, is not, as it was formerly considered, in a state of mere mechanical division, but in that of a black oxide, upon which its activity as a remedy undoubtedly depends; for mercury in its metallic state is entirely inert with regard to the living system. Various substances have at different times been triturated with the mercury, for the purpose of extinguishing or killing it, by effecting the mechanical division and subsequent oxidation of its particles, as manna, melasses, &c. Conserve of Roses is now generally preferred for this purpose, although Swediaur suspects that the astringent principle of this conserve invalidates the effects of the mercury, “I have,” says he, “given these pills to several patients for a long time, without any symptom of salivation.” Mr. Abernethy observes in his surgical works, that the Pilulæ Hydrargyri are uncertain in their effects; and that some of the students at the hospital on examining them, and different parcels of the conserve of roses, say that the sulphuric acid may be discovered in each. Nor is it improbable that in making the conserve for sale, some of this acid may be added to brighten the colour; and if so, the mercurial pill which is made from it may contain in varying proportions, some of that highly deleterious compound, the sub-sulphate of mercury. When any of the gums are employed for killing the metal, the pills soon become hard and brittle, and after some time the mercury is liable to run into its metallic state. The pill-mass, when rendered thinner by the addition of a little water, and extended on a piece of paper, ought not to exhibit any metallic globules; in this examination, however, we must be careful not to be betrayed by the fallacious appearance which is frequently presented by small crystals of saccharine matter. The relative proportion of mercury contained in the mass can be ascertained only by its weight. The blue pill is made at Apothecaries’ Hall by a very ingenious machine actuated by steam, and which rubs as well as rolls the materials, and it is said the pill thus made is more active than that produced in the ordinary way. Med. Uses. It is by far the best form for the internal exhibition of mercury; where it is intended to act upon the system as an alterative, it should be administered in doses of from grs. iv to vj; if it occasion any action on the bowels, it may be conjoined 445with opium; sometimes a few grains of rhubarb, exhibited every morning, will impart such a tone to the intestines, as to enable them to resist the mercurial irritation. In cases where the form of pill is objectionable, it may be readily suspended by the aid of mucilage, in some aqueous vehicle; when exhibited in doses of grs. x to ℈j, it acts as a mild but efficient purgative. Form: 79, 106. One grain of mercury is contained in three grains of the mass; the proportion of metal, or oxide, in any other given quantity, is shewn at once by the Dynameter. For the specific effects of mercury, see Ung. Hydrarg.

Pilulæ Hydrargyri Sub-muriatis Compositæ. L.E. Olim Plummer’s Pills. They consist of one part of calomel and precipitated sulphuret of antimony (H) and two parts of guaiac (E) made into form with spirit. It is a very useful alterative, especially in cutaneous eruptions and in secondary syphilitic symptoms, particularly when affecting the skin. Dose, grs. v to x. Should their exhibition affect the bowels, the addition of a small proportion of Opium may be added.

Pilulæ Opiatæ. E. Opium one part; extract of liquorice, seven parts; Jamaica pepper, two parts. It is however a compound of questionable propriety.

Pilulæ Rhei Compositæ. E. Rhubarb, Aloes, and myrrh, with oil of peppermint. When such a combination is indicated, it is better to prescribe it extemporaneously: for the mass, by being kept, will become less efficacious.

Pilulæ Saponis cum Opio. L. Pil. Opii. P.L. 1787. By substituting soap for extract of liquorice, these pills are now rendered more soluble in the stomach, and are consequently more efficient. Five grains contain one of opium.

Pilulæ Scillæ Compositæ. L. A stimulating expectorant: but as squill is always impaired by keeping, it ought to be considered as an extemporaneous combination. It is surely injudicious thus to multiply our officinal formulæ, but it is difficult, on such occasions, to run counter to popular opinion. Form: 104.

PIMENTÆ BACCÆ. L.E. Pimento. D.

Myrtus Pymenta. Baccæ.

Pimenta Berries. Jamaica Pepper. All-spice.

Qualities. Odour, aromatic and agreeable, combining that of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmegs; hence the term all-spice. Taste, warm and pungent, resembling that of cloves. These qualities reside principally in the cortical part of the berry. Chemical Comp: It contains a volatile oil, very like that of cloves, resin, extractive, tannin, and gallic acid. Solubility. Water, alcohol, and æther, extract its virtues. Med. Uses. Principally to cover the disagreeable taste of other remedies; it is also a very useful adjunct to dyspeptic medicines. Officinal Prep. Aq. Piment. L.E.D. Ol. Piment. L.E.D. Pil. Opiat. E. Syrup. Rhamni. L. (E)

446PIPERIS LONGI BACCÆ. L.E.D.

Long Pepper.

The chemical and medicinal properties of this substance are similar to those of black pepper; which see. The varieties in the market are distinguished by the names short long pepper, and long long pepper. The native practitioners of India prescribe it in infusion, mixed with a little honey, as a remedy in catarrhal affections, when the chest is loaded with phlegm.

PIPERIS NIGRI BACCÆ. L.E.D.

Black Pepper.

Chemical Composition. An oily matter, fecula, and extractive; the acrid principle of Pepper has been separated by Oersted in an alkaline form. The following was the process by which it was procured. The pepper having been digested in alcohol, muriatic acid and afterwards water were added to the tincture, by which the resin was precipitated, while a muriate of Pipera remained in solution. The solution was then, after having been submitted to a certain evaporation, decomposed by pure potass, when a precipitation of Pipera took place. This salifiable base is nearly insoluble in cold, and only very slightly soluble in boiling water. It dissolves in alcohol, and the solution has a greenish-yellow colour, which by the addition of nitric acid is rendered green. The capacity of the base for saturation appears very small. Solubility. The virtues of pepper are entirely extracted by æther and alcohol; and partially by water, 550 pints being required to extract all the sapidity of ℔j of pepper. Med. Uses. It appears to be a more general and permanent stimulus than other species of equal pungency on the palate; it may be combined with bitters, and exhibited in nausea, dyspepsia, retrocedent gout, or as a stimulant in paralysis; it is also a valuable coadjutor to bark, in obstinate intermittents. An infusion made with black pepper that has been toasted, is often prescribed by the natives of India in cases of cholera morbus; and I have known it, says Dr. Ainslie, put a stop to the vomiting when many other remedies had failed. Dose, grs. v to ℈j, or more. Officinal Preparations. Emplast. Meloes vesicat. comp. E. Unguent. piper. nig. D. White pepper is made by separating the first skin of the berry, by soaking it in salt and water. Adulterations. The powdered husk of the mustard seed is universally mixed with powdered pepper, and is regularly sold for this purpose by the mustard manufacturer, under the technical title of P.D. (Pepper Dust;) there are besides other admixtures less innocent.—Whole Pepper is also frequently factitious; artificial pepper-corns, composed of peas-meal, both white and black, are mixed with real pepper-corns, and sold as genuine pepper; the method of detecting the fraud is very simple; throw a suspected sample into water; those that are artificial will fall to powder, or be partially dissolved, while the true pepper-corns will remain whole.

447PIX ABIETINA.^[599] L. (Pinus Abies. Resina Præparata.)

Pix Burgundica. E.D. Burgundy Pitch.

This substance is procured by making incisions through the bark of the Norway Spruce fir, and afterwards boiling the flakes so obtained in water, and then straining the resin through coarse cloths under a press; whereas frankincense (Abietis resina) is a spontaneous exudation from it. It is now entirely confined to external use, as a rubefacient spread on leather; it is very adhesive. Emplast: Picis comp. L. Emplast: Picis Burgund. D. Adulterations. A factitious sort, manufactured in England, is often met with; it is to be distinguished by its friability, and its want of viscidity and unctuosity, and by the absence of that peculiar odour which characterises the genuine specimens.

PIX LIQUIDA. L.E.D. (Pinus Sylvestris.) Tar.

This fluid is formed from the decomposition of the resinous juice of the pine, during the slow and smothered combustion of its branches, and as a summary definition of the substance, that by Pliny cannot be surpassed, “Pix nihil aliud quam combustæ resinæ fluxus.” Lib. 23. c. 1. Chemical Composition. It is found to consist of empyreumatic oil, resin, acetic acid, and some salts. Solubility. Water readily dissolves a portion of Tar, and forms a solution of the colour of Madeira wine, with a sharp empyreumatic taste. Med. Uses. Tar water, under the auspices of Bishop Berkley, was formerly considered a remedy of extraordinary powers;^[600] this opinion however has at length passed away, (see page 27.) and Tar is now particularly indebted for a place in the Materia Medica, to an essay by Sir Alexander Crichton, entitled, “An Account of some Experiments made with the Vapour of boiling Tar,^[601] in the cure of Pulmonary Consumption.” At the request of Sir Alexander, I was induced to make a trial of its effects, and I do not feel any hesitation in stating that the result has led me to believe that it may, in some cases, be attended with benefit. In the application of the remedy several precautions are necessary for its success. The Tar employed should be that used in the cordage of ships; to every pound of which half an ounce of sub-carbonate of potass must be added, in order to neutralize the pyroligneous acid generally found mixed 448with the tar, the presence of which will necessarily excite coughing; the tar thus prepared is to be placed in a suitable vessel over a lamp, and to be kept slowly boiling in the chamber during the night as well as the day; the vessel however ought to be cleaned and replenished every twenty-four hours, otherwise the residuum may be burnt and decomposed, a circumstance which will occasion increased cough and oppression on the chest. The ancients entertained a high opinion of the efficacy of Tar in pulmonary diseases, when internally administered; supposing it to promote expectoration, relieve dyspnæa, and check spitting of blood; Dioscorides particularly speaks of its utility in such cases; he also recommends it to be applied to ulcers, which he says it fills up and heals, whether they be situated on the surface of the body, or in the ears, throat, and other internal parts. See the chapter on “Inhalations,” page 202. Officinal Prep. Unguent. Picis Liquidæ. L.

PLUMBI SUB-CARBONAS. L.

Carbonas Plumbi, vulgo Cerussa. E.

Cerussa, Sub-acetas Plumbi. D.

Cerusse, or White Lead.

Chemical Composition. The composition of this substance has not until lately been well understood, and hence the different appellations bestowed upon it by the different colleges. Solubility. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in pure potass. Uses. It is only employed externally, by sprinkling on excoriated parts; the safety of such a practice however is questionable. Officinal Prep. Unguent. Ceruss. D. Plumbi Acetas L.E.D. (K) Adulterations. Chalk may be detected by assaying its solution in cold acetic acid with oxalate of ammonia; Carbonate of barytes, by adding to a portion of the same solution, sulphate of soda very largely diluted with distilled water; and Sulphate of barytes, or Sulphate of lead, by the insolubility of the white lead in boiling distilled vinegar.

PLUMBI OXYDUM SEMI-VITREUM. L.E.

Lithargyrum. D. Litharge.^[602]

It is a yellow protoxide of lead, which has been melted and left to crystallize by cooling. It is only employed in pharmacy for forming other preparations of lead, and the following officinal plasters, Emplast. Plumbi, L. E.D. Ceratum Saponis. L. It is added to wines to remove their acidity; for the detection of which, evaporate the suspected liquor to a thick fluid, add charcoal, and calcine in a crucible: in the space of an hour metallic points will be obtained, consisting of lead surrounded by a quantity of yellow protoxide.

449PLUMBI ACETAS. L.

Cerussa Acetata. P. L. 1787. Saccharum Saturni. 1745.

Acetas Plumbi. E. Acetas Plumbi. D.

vulgo, Sugar of Lead.

Qualities. Form, irregular masses resembling lumps of sugar, being an aggregation of acicular four-sided prisms terminated by dihedral summits, which are slightly efflorescent; by careful crystallization, it may be obtained in quadrangular prisms. Taste, sweet and astringent. Chemical Composition. Although it has been termed a Super-acetate, it appears to be a neutral salt, and that its power of reddening valuable blues is attributable to a partial decomposition; for when dissolved in water containing the least portion of carbonic acid, a white carbonate of lead is precipitated, and a corresponding portion of acetic acid is necessarily disengaged. The College have therefore now designated it as an acetate. According to the experiments of Berzelius, this salt, in its anhydrous state, consists of one proportional of acetic acid, and one proportional of oxide of lead; so that the proportion of the metallic base is one-third of that in the sub-acetate. Solubility. It is dissolved in 25 parts of water, hot or cold; it is also soluble in alcohol. When common water is employed the solution is quite turbid, unless a small proportion of acetic acid be previously added. Incompatible Substances. The alkalies, alkaline earths and their carbonates; most of the acids; alum; borax; the sulphates, and muriates; soaps; all sulphurets; ammoniated, and tartarized iron; tartarized antimony; undistilled water. The solution of acetate of ammonia decomposes that of this salt, in consequence of the carbonic acid which is generally diffused through it. It has lately been discovered that Gallic acid and Tannin are capable of combining with lead in solution, and of forming a perfectly insoluble substance, which falls to the bottom of the vessel; hence all vegetable astringents must be considered as incompatible with this medicine. On this account, liquors which have been kept in oak casks,^[603] for a certain time, must be freed from lead. This explains a fact, with respect to the effect of new rum in the West Indies, of some importance. This spirit, when newly distilled, is found to contain traces of lead, derived from the leaden rims of the coppers, and the leaden worm, used for its condensation; but, by being kept about twelve months in oaken casks, it loses its deleterious properties, and no longer exhibits any traces of this metal.^[604] Certain bodies appear likewise to be incompatible with the compounds of lead, not from the chemical changes they induce, but from the contrary effects they produce upon the body; thus mercury appears to invalidate their powers and to counteract their effects, as we may have observed in treating saturnine cholic. I suspect also that antimony operates in the same manner; M. Merat relates the case of an apothecary who was cured of a desperate saturnine cholic, after having taken, in the course of eight days, eighty grains of tartarized antimony. Med. Uses. I feel no hesitation in pronouncing this salt of lead to be one of the most valuable resources of physic; from the results of numerous 450cases, I state with confidence that it is more efficient in stopping pulmonary and uterine hemorrhage, than any other known remedy—“nil simile, nec secundum,”—and that its application is equally safe and manageable; but it must not be combined with substances capable of decomposing it, nor must it be simultaneously administered with the medicines which are frequently prescribed in conjunction with it, as an Infusion of Roses, Sulphate of Magnesia, &c. Alum has also been in some cases added to it, with the intention of increasing its astringency. It is evident that under such circumstances an insoluble and inert Sulphate of Lead will be produced. The experiments of Orfila confirm the truth of these views, and shew that such substances act as counter-poisons for the salts of lead. According to my experience, those vegetable acids which decompose the acetate of lead, and form insoluble salts with its base, are not medically incompatible, when administered simultaneously with it, although no scientific physician would prescribe such a mixture; this fact is shewn by the circumstance of potations, containing malic and tartaric^[605] acids, not having been found to invalidate the efficacy of this salt. Whether the stomach in the first instance prevents the decomposition, and its necessary results, or allows the operation of the usual affinities, and then subsequently decomposes the insoluble compound which results from them, by the abstraction and digestion of its vegetable constituent, are questions for future inquiry, when the laws of gastric chemistry shall be better understood, and more justly appreciated. I have also seen much benefit accrue from this medicine in protracted diarrhœa, when it has checked the bowels more effectually even than opium. M. Gaspard has communicated to the public, through the medium of Majendie’s Journal de Physiologie, (3 numéro Juillet, 1821,) a paper upon the operation of Acetate of Lead, entitled “Experiences Physiologiques et Medicales sur L’Acetate de Plomb,” in which he asserts that this metallic salt cannot be administered without risk in any dose, unless indeed it be given in vehicles which decompose it, and which, he adds, appears generally to have happened in the prescriptions of those who have given it extensively. He observes, that “it produces a slow and peculiar inflammation of the bowels, as well as of the lungs; and that it, moreover, occasions Cholica Pictonum.” No one, I apprehend, will deny the poisonous quality of acetate of lead, any more than that of arsenic; and yet both may, by proper management, be rendered therapeutical agents of value and safety. Forms of Exhibition. In that of pill, guarded by opium; it will be prudent to recommend an abstinence from all potation, except that of cold water, or draughts, composed of diluted acetic acid, for at least an hour after the ingestion of the pill.^[606] Dose, gr. ½ to gr. j. Form. 57. Officinal Prep. Cerat. Plumb. acetat. L.^[607]

451PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM.

May Apple. Radix.

[This plant is found in almost every part of the United States in low and moist situations. It flowers in May and June, and the root is the only part used in medicine. By analysis this is found to contain resin, bitter extractive, fœcula, and a slight proportion of a gummy substance. The root of the May Apple is an excellent active cathartic, operating in a manner very similar to the common Julap. It is given in powder, in doses of about grs. xx. The proper period for collecting the root for medicinal purposes is the autumn, when the leaves of the plant have turned yellow. It should be carefully dried and then pulverized.]

POTASSA CUM CALCE. L.E.

Kali Causticum cum Calce. D.

The addition of lime to potass renders it less deliquescent, and more manageable, as an escharotic.

POTASSA FUSA. L.

Potassa. E. Kali Causticum. D.

Lapis infernalis. P.L. 1720.

Qualities. Form, a white brittle substance, extremely caustic and deliquescent, and possessing in an eminent degree all the properties denominated alkaline. Solubility. f℥j of water dissolves ʒvij; it is also soluble in alcohol. Chemical Composition. This preparation, independent of its impurities, is the hydrated protoxide of potassium, although in the state in which it is cast into sticks it generally contains a little Peroxide,^[608] and therefore evolves oxygen when dissolved in water. Med. Uses. It is a most powerful caustic (causticum commune acerrimum), and is frequently employed to establish an ulcer; or, instead of incision, to open a tumour. It has the advantage of other caustics, from the circumstance of our being able to neutralize its powers by touching it with vinegar, and thus to arrest its progress in an instant; it is however more liable to produce a large eschar than nitrate of silver, in consequence of the chemical action of the alkali upon the skin. Within the last few years, surgeons have greatly preferred the use of this caustic to that of nitrate of silver, in cases of organic stricture of the urethra, as acting more powerfully, and yet occasioning less irritation than the latter substance; it is also said that the part which it destroys is sooner detached and more easily eliminated. Its disposition, however, to extend its sphere of action has occasioned such a destruction of the membrane as to allow the urine to pass into the cellular 452substance, by which very serious effects have been produced. For this reason there are cases in which the nitrate of silver is still to be preferred. As an internal remedy it is only employed in solution. See Liquor Potassæ.^[609]

POTASSÆ ACETAS. L. Acetas Potassæ. E.

Acetas Kali. D. Kali Acetatum. P.L. 1787.—Sal diureticus. P.L. 1745.—Terra foliata Tartari.—Sal Sennerti.—Magisterium Purgans Tartari.—Sal Essentiale vini. Oleum Tartari Sennerti.—Sal digestivus Sylvii, &c.

Qualities. Form, masses of a foliated, laminar texture, extremely deliquescent; Odour, slight and peculiar; Taste, sharp and pungent. Solubility. f℥j of distilled water at 60° dissolves 404 grains, or 100 parts of it are soluble in 105 parts of water; the solution soon undergoes spontaneous decomposition; it is soluble in four times its weight of alcohol.—Chemical Composition. It consists of one proportional of each of its components, or 48 potass and 50 acetic acid. Incompatible Substances. It is decomposed by tamarinds and most sub-acid fruits; by almost every acid, as well as every variety of neutral salt, whether alkaline, acid, or metallic. Med. Uses. In small doses, diuretic; in larger ones, mildly cathartic. Dose, ℈j to ʒj to produce the former, ʒij to ʒiij to excite the latter of these effects. Forms of Exhibition. On account of its deliquescent property it is not admissible in powders or pills, but should be always exhibited in solution. (Form. 108, 110, 111.) In the former editions of this work, I introduced under the present article, those views regarding the operation of saline bodies upon the kidneys, and their decomposition by the digestive organs, which I considered as capable of throwing some light upon the medicinal operation of these bodies. Having, however, in the present edition of my work devoted a chapter to the consideration of Diuretics, I have necessarily removed all my general observations upon this subject to that part of the work; I therefore entreat the reader to refer to the first part, page 93. Alibert, in speaking of the diuretic virtues of this salt, says that it is so well suited to the sensibility of the Absorbents that its administration is frequently followed by very salutary effects. (Elémens de Thérapeutique, vol. i. p. 327.)

Adulterations. Tartrate of potass is discovered by adding a solution of tartaric acid, which will occasion with it a copious precipitate; the sulphates, by their forming with acetate of lead, or muriate of baryta, precipitates insoluble in acetic or muriatic acid. The brown tinge which it frequently exhibits depends upon the same cause as that which usually imparts colour to the Liquor. Ammon. Acet. This salt is also sometimes contaminated with lead, which arises from its having been prepared by decomposing the acetate of lead by means of carbonate of potass.

POTASSÆ CARBONAS. L.E.

Carbonate of Potass.

Qualities. Form, crystals which are four-sided prisms with dihedral summits, permanent in the air; Taste, slightly alkaline without acrimony. 453Chemical Composition. It is a bi-carbonate, consisting of two proportionals of carbonic acid and one proportional of potass; and in its crystalline form, it also contains water equal to one proportional. Solubility. It is soluble in 4 parts of cold, and in ⅚ths of its weight of boiling water, in which it is partially decomposed, carbonic acid being emitted during the solution; it is quite insoluble in alcohol. Med. Uses. In cases where an alkali is indicated, this preparation offers an agreeable and efficient remedy; and experience has shewn that its additional proportion of carbonic acid does not in the least invalidate its alkaline agency. In disordered states of the digestive functions, alkalies frequently act with surprising effect; in calculous affections their value has been already noticed (see Liquor Potassæ), and the stomach appears to bear the protracted exhibition of the carbonate of potass or soda, with more temper than it does that of any other alkaline combination; and on account of the increased quantity of carbonic acid which this salt contains, it is preferable for effervescing draughts. (See Acid. Citric. and Form. 123, 168.) Incompatible Substances. Acids and acidulous salts; borax; muriate of ammonia; acetate of ammonia; alum; sulphate of magnesia; lime water; nitrate of silver; ammoniated copper; muriate of iron; sub-muriate and oxy-muriate of mercury; acetate of lead; tartarized antimony; tartarized iron; the sulphates of zinc, copper, iron, &c. Dose, grs. x to ʒss.

POTASSÆ NITRAS. L.E. Nitrum. D.

Nitre or Salt Petre.

Qualities. Form, crystals which are six-sided prisms usually terminated by dihedral summits. Taste, bitter and sharp with a sensation of cold. Chemical Composition. It consists of one proportional of nitric acid, and one proportional of potass. Solubility. It dissolves in seven parts of water at 60°, and in its own weight at 212°. Its solubility is considerably increased by adding muriate of soda to the water; its solution is attended with a great reduction of temperature; it is quite insoluble in alcohol. Incompatible Substances. Alum; sulphate of magnesia; sulphuric acid; the sulphates of zinc, copper, and iron; according to the usual laws of affinity, it should be also decomposed by sulphate of soda; this however only takes place at the temperature of 32°, and then but partially. Med. Uses. Refrigerant, in which case the draught should be swallowed immediately after the solution of the salt is complete, for if it be allowed to stand for some time, its effect with regard to cooling is not nearly so evident (see Form. 138, 144); as a diuretic, its powers are too inconsiderable to be employed, except in combination (Form. 102, 109, 115, 170); a solution of ʒj to f℥vj of rose water forms a good detergent gargle, and a small portion allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, will frequently remove an incipient inflammation of the tonsils: for its modus operandi as a diuretic, see Potassæ Acetas. Dose, grs. x to xv, as a diuretic or refrigerant; grs. xxv to xl are aperient, and in large doses it excites vomiting, bloody stools, convulsions, and even death. The best antidotes are opium and aromatics. Impurities. As it occurs from the hand of nature it is far from pure, and even by art it is freed with difficulty from sea salt; the presence and quantity of which in any specimen, may be learnt by adding nitrate of silver to its solution as long as any precipitate is produced.

454POTASSÆ SUB-CARBONAS. L.E.

Sub-Carbonas Kali. E.

Kali Præparatum, P.L. 1787. Sal Absinthii.

Sal Tartari. 1745.

Before the nature of this salt was well understood, it received various appellations according to the different methods by which it was procured, and it was supposed to possess as many different virtues, as Salt of Wormwood, Salt of Tartar, Salt of Bean Stalks, &c.

Qualities. Form, coarse white grains, so deliquescent, that by exposure to air they form a dense solution, (Oleum Tartari per deliquium, P.L. 1720.) Taste, alkaline and urinous.^[610] Chemical Composition. This salt, although far from being pure, is sufficiently so for every pharmaceutical purpose. It consists of one proportional of acid and one proportional of potass, with variable quantities of sulphate of potass, muriate of potass, siliceous earth, alumina, together with the oxides of iron, and manganese. Solubility. It is dissolved by twice its weight of water; the residue, if any, may be considered as impurity; it is insoluble in alcohol; with oils it combines, and forms soaps. Incompatible Substances. They are enumerated under Potassæ Carbonas. Med. Uses. Antacid, and diuretic, (Form. 101, 107, 129), but it is far less pleasant than the carbonate; it is principally used for making saline draughts, see Acid. Citric. and Form. 107. Dose, grs. x to ʒss. Officinal Prep. Potassæ Acetas, L.E.D. (I) Liquor Potassæ L.E.D. (K) Potassæ Sulphuretum (I) L.E.D. Potassæ Tart. L.E.D. (I) Liquor Arsenicalis (I.L.) Adulterations. Its degree of purity may be estimated by the quantity of nitric acid, of a given density, requisite for the saturation of a given weight. The purest sub-carbonate is that obtained by incinerating cream of tartar, since most of the impurities are decomposed by the heat during the process, (Sub-carbonas Potassæ Purissimus. E.); it however generally contains lime.

POTASSÆ SULPHAS. L.E. Sulphas Kali. D.

Kali Vitriolatum, P.L. 1787.

Tartarum Vitriolatum, 1745, and 1720.

Sal de duobus, &c.

Qualities. Form, crystals which are right rectangular (but not square) prisms, modified on the edges and angles; or double six-sided 455pyramids with short intervening prisms, which are macles, or hemitrope crystals; they are slightly efflorescent, and when heated they decrepitate. Solubility. f℥j of water dissolves only grs. 24: the salt is insoluble in alcohol. Incompatible Substances. It is partially decomposed by the nitric and muriatic acids, in which case, a portion of the base being saturated, a corresponding portion of bi-sulphate results; this fact illustrates a chemical law of some importance, viz. that a substance less weakly attracted by another than a third, will sometimes precipitate this third from its combination with the second, in cases wherein a super, or sub-salt is readily formed.^[611] The history of tartrate of potass will furnish farther illustrations. See page 183. Sulphate of potass, when in solution, is entirely decomposed by lime and its compounds; by oxy-muriate of mercury; nitrate of silver; and by acetate and sub-acetate of lead. Med. Uses. On account of its insolubility, it does not possess much activity as a purgative, but is said to be powerfully deobstruent; it should be exhibited in the form of powder, and in conjunction with rhubarb, or some other purgative medicine. Dose, grs. x to ℥ss. Form. 94. From its hardness and insolubility, it is a most eligible substance for triturating and dividing powders. Officinal Prep. Pulv. Ipecac. co. L.E.D. (M) Under the name Sulphas Potassæ cum Sulphure, the Edinburgh college retains the preparation formerly known by the name Sal Polycrest (Salt of many virtues); and as it is produced by deflagrating nitre with sulphur, the product, besides sulphate of potass, contains bi-sulphate and sulphuret of potass. It possesses no superiority over the common sulphate.

POTASSÆ SUPER-SULPHAS. L.

Sal Enixum of Commerce.

Qualities. Crystals, long hexangular prisms; Taste, sour and slightly bitter. Chemical Composition. It is a bi-sulphate, consisting of two proportionals of acid, and one proportional of base. Solubility. It is soluble in twice its weight of water, as well as in alcohol. Med. Uses. It affords a convenient mode of exhibiting sulphuric acid combined with a saline purgative, in a solid form; as it is more soluble, so is it more active than the sulphate. Dose, grs. x to ʒij. It forms a grateful adjunct to rhubarb. See Form. 85.

POTASSÆ SULPHURETUM. L.E.

Sulphuretum Kali. D.

Kali Sulphuretum, P.L. 1787. Hepar Sulphuris.

Qualities. Form, a hard brittle mass; Colour, liver brown, hence the old name of hepar; Taste, acrid and bitter; Odour, none when dry, but if moistened, it yields the stench of sulphuretted hydrogen. Chemical Composition. I consider this substance as a mixture of Sulphate of Potass, with variable quantities of Sulphuret and Bi-Sulphuret of Potassium.^[612] Incompatible Substances. It is instantly decomposed by water, the oxygen of 456which forms Potass with the Potassium; while its hydrogen, combining with the sulphur, produces Sulphuretted hydrogen, part of which escapes, and another part forms, with the excess of Sulphur, Bi-Sulphuretted hydrogen; this latter body uniting with the base, produces what has been termed an Hydroguretted Sulphuret, but which might be more properly called an Hydro-bi-Sulphuret; upon adding an acid to the solution, a quantity of Sulphur is thrown down, Sulphuretted hydrogen is evolved, and a salt of Potass remains in solution. Metallic salts also decompose it, the metal falling down as a Sulphuret, or Hydro-sulphuret. Medicinal Uses. It presents us with a form in which sulphur is soluble in water; it is diaphoretic, and has been found advantageous in cutaneous affections, (Form. 118,) and in arthritic and rheumatic complaints; while, from its known chemical action on metallic salts, it has been proposed as an antidote to such poisons. Its solution has been lately recommended as a lotion for the itch of infants, and in some cases it has been known to succeed after the sulphur ointment had failed.^[613]

POTASSÆ SUPER-TARTRAS. L.E.

Tartarum Crystalli. E.

Super-Tartrate of Potass. Crystals of Tartar.

Qualities. Form, small irregular brittle crystals, which when reduced to powder are termed cream of tartar. Taste, harsh and acid. Chemical Composition. It is a bi-tartrate, consisting of two proportionals of acid and one proportional of potass. Solubility. It requires 120 parts of water at 60°, and 30 parts at 212°, for its solution; it is slightly soluble in alcohol. The watery solution of this salt was first observed by Berthollet to undergo a spontaneous decomposition by keeping, during which a mucous matter is deposited, and there remains a solution of carbonate of potass coloured with a little oil. It has long been regarded a pharmaceutical desideratum to increase the solubility of cream of tartar; Vogel discovered that it might be accomplished by combining it with boracic acid, and accordingly a formula has been introduced into the Codex Medicamentarius of Paris, for preparing a “Tartras Acidulus Potassæ Solubilis, admixto Acido Boracico.” The following is the process. Let thirty parts of boracic acid, and twenty parts of distilled water be heated together in a silver dish; as soon as this has been effected, add, in divided portions, 120 parts of super-tartrate of potass, taking care to shake the mixture continually; the whole will soon liquefy, (“mire liquescent,”) and by continuing the heat, a pulverulent mass will result. As it is extremely deliquescent it must be carefully preserved from the contact of the air; it dissolves in its own weight of water at 55°, and in half its weight at 212°. It is probable that the result is a new salt, in which the boracic and tartaric acids exist in combination,^[614] but grant even that the chemical 457identity of the super-tartrate is preserved inviolate in the compound, I would ask what medical advantage can possibly attend the discovery? The peculiar value of cream of tartar depends doubtless upon its comparative insolubility, as I have already stated at page 173; modify this, and you will instantly change the medicinal effects of the salt; for like the neutral tartrate it will act upon the bowels, and therefore cease to undergo those changes in transitu which are essential to its characteristic operation. Alum also has been observed by Berthollet to have in some measure the same effect in increasing the solubility of cream of tartar. Incompatible Substances. Alkalies and alkaline earths; the mineral acids, &c. Med. Uses. In doses of ʒiv to ʒvj, it acts as a hydragogue cathartic, producing a considerable discharge of serous fluid into the intestines; when however it is often repeated, it is liable to occasion debility of the digestive organs, and consequent emaciation: in smaller doses it acts as a diuretic. (Form. 112.) ʒj in oj of boiling water, flavoured with lemon peel and sugar, forms when cool an agreeable beverage well known by the name of Imperial. A Cream of Tartar Whey may be made, by adding to a pint of milk (when it begins to boil) ʒij of Cream of Tartar; the pan must then be removed from the fire, the whole suffered to cool, and the whey separated from the curd by straining; this whey, diluted with warm water, furnishes an excellent drink in Dropsy. As it decomposes the carbonate of potass, the union of these salts will afford a very pleasant purgative draught. (Form. 82.) Officinal Preparations. Pulv. Jalap. comp. E. (BM) Pulv. Scammon. E. Pulv. Sennæ comp. L. Ferrum Tartarizatum, L. (I) Antimonium Tartarizatum L.E. D. (I) Soda Tartarizata, L.E.D. (I) Adulterations. Super-sulphate of potass (Sal Enixum,) is the substance with which tartar is usually adulterated; it may be detected by its superior solubility, and by the solution affording with muriate of baryta a precipitate insoluble in muriatic acid.^[615]

POTASSÆ TARTRAS. L. Tartras Potassæ.

Olim, Tartarum Solubile. E. Tartras Kali. D.

Kali Tartarizatum. P.L. 1787.

Tartarum Solubile. P.L. 1745.

Qualities. Form; this salt, although ordered to be crystallized, is generally kept in its granular form. Taste, bitter and cool. Chemical Composition. It consists of one proportional of acid, and one proportional of base. Solubility. When in its crystalline form it is soluble in its own weight of water, but in its ordinary granular form, 4 parts are required for its solution; hence, compared with the insoluble super-tartrate, it has justly acquired the name of soluble tartar; when long kept in solution, its acid is decomposed, and its alkali remains in a state of a sub-carbonate. It is also readily soluble in alcohol. Incompatible Substances. Magnesia, baryta, and lime; acetate and sub-acetate of lead, and nitrate of silver decompose it. All acids, even the carbonic,^[616] and acidulous salts, tamarinds, 458and other sub-acid vegetables, by neutralizing a proportion of the base, convert it into the state of super-tartrate; this fact offers another illustration of the chemical law of affinity, explained under the head of sulphate of potass. The practitioner should bear this in his recollection, for I have frequently seen a dose of soluble tartar directed in the acidulated infusion of roses; the result was of course very different from that which the author of the prescription intended to produce. Med. Uses. It is a mild and efficient purgative, and forms a very valuable adjunct to resinous purgatives or to senna, the griping properties of which it corrects by accelerating their operation. Form. 70. Dose, ʒj to ℥j, in solution.

PULVERES. L.E.D. Powders.

For the administration and advantages of this form of preparation, see page 190. The following Officinal Formulæ offer some valuable combinations.

Pulvis Aloes compositus. L. Pulvis Aloes cum Guaiaco. D. It consists of aloes three parts, guaiacum two (G), and compound powder of cinnamon one part (O). It combines sudorific and purgative effects. Dose, grs. x to ℈j. See Form. 80.

Pulvis Aloes cum Canella. D. and P.L. 1807. Aloes four parts, white canella (E) one part. It is known in the shops by the name of Hiera Picra. The compound is more adapted for the form of pills than that of powder. It is very generally used by the lower classes, infused in gin. Dose, grs. x to ℈j.

Pulvis Antimonialis. L.D. Oxidum Antimonii cum phosphate Calcis. E. This preparation was introduced into the Pharmacopœia, as the succedaneum of the celebrated fever powder of Dr. James, the composition of which was ascertained by Dr. George Pearson. (Phil. Trans. lxxxi. 317.) It consists of 43 parts of the phosphate of lime, mixed, or perhaps chemically combined, with 57 parts of oxide of antimony, of which a portion is vitrified; and it is probable, that the difference of the two remedies depends principally upon the quantity of oxide which is vitrified: the specification of the original medicine is worded with all the ambiguity of an ancient oracle, and cannot be prepared by the process as it is described.^[617] Experience has established the fact, that James’s Powder is less active than its imitation; it affects the bowels and stomach very slightly, and passes off more readily by perspiration; in general however the difference is so inconsiderable, that we need not regret the want of the original receipt.^[618] 459As it is quite insoluble in water, it should be given in powder, or made into pills. It is diaphoretic, alterative, emetic, or purgative, according to the extent of the dose and the state of the patient; in combination it offers several valuable resources to the intelligent practitioner. (See Form. 119, 121, 125, 129, 134.) But it may be fairly questioned whether this remedy has not been far too highly appreciated. Dr. James was certainly very successful in its use, but it must not be forgotten that he usually combined it with some mercurial, and always followed it up with large doses of bark.

Pulvis Cinnamomi Compositus. L. Cinnamon bark four, cardamom seeds (B) three, ginger root (B) two, long pepper (B) one part. It is principally used to give warmth to other preparations, e. g. Pulv. Aloes. comp. L.D.

Pulvis Contrayervæ Compositus. L. Contrayerva, five, prepared shells, eighteen parts (M). Dose, grs. x. to xl. It is said to be stimulant and diaphoretic.

Pulvis Cornu Usti cum Opio. L. Opium one part, burnt hartshorn eight, powdered cochineal one part. Ten grains contain one of opium.

Pulvis Cretæ Compositus. Prepared chalk twelve parts, tormentil root (G), acacia gum (M), of each six, cinnamon bark eight (E), long pepper (E) one part. It is antacid, astringent, and carminative. Dose, grs. v to ℈j.

Pulvis Cretæ Compositus cum Opio. L. Compound powder of chalk thirty-nine parts, opium one part. Form. 151.

Pulvis Ipecacuanhæ Compositus. L.E.D. Ipecacuan one part, opium (H) one part, sulphate of potass (M) eight parts. This combination has been long established in practice, as a valuable sudorific, under the name of Dover’s Powder. It affords one of the best examples of the power which one medicine possesses of so changing the action of another, as to produce a remedy of new properties; in this combination the opium is so modified, that it may be given with perfect safety and advantage in inflammatory affections accompanied with increased vascular action: it would seem that whilst the opium increases the force of the circulation, the ipecacuan relaxes the exhalant vessels, and causes a copious diaphoresis: the sulphate of potass is also an important ingredient, for experience has fully proved that ipecacuan and opium, in the same proportions, have not so powerful an effect without it; its action must be purely mechanical, dividing and mixing the active particles more intimately, and it appears that the success of the remedy depends very much upon its being finely powdered. Dose, grs. v. to ℈j, diffused in gruel, or in the form of a bolus. (See Form. 120, 121, 122.) The saline constituent in the original Dover’s Powder, was the result of the deflagration of nitre, and was therefore deliquescent; its dose was as much as from 40 to 70 grains. In the Codex of 460Paris, this compound is directed to be prepared by melting together four parts of sulphate of potass, with an equal proportion of nitrate of potass; to which when nearly cold is to be added, and well mixed by triture, one part of pulverized extract of opium; the powders of ipecacuan and liquorice root, of each one part, are to be added last. It is evident that the proportions of opium and ipecacuan in this combination, are less than those in ours, and yet it is said to be more powerfully diaphoretic on account of the nitre. An arrangement, which is indebted for its medicinal virtue to a similar mode of operation, is presented in Form. 130.

Pulvis Scammoniæ Compositus. L. Scammony and hard extract of jalap, of each four parts, ginger root (E) one part. The Edinburgh preparation of the same name differs very materially in composition, its ingredients being scammony and cream of tartar in equal parts.

Pulvis Tragacanthæ Compositus. L. Powdered Tragacanth, acacia gum, and starch, of each one part; refined sugar, two parts. From what has been already stated under the head of mucilage of tragacanth, it appears to be a superfluous, if not an injudicious demulcent; and since starch is insoluble in cold water, the object for introducing it is not very obvious. Form. 120.

Powders should be preserved in opaque green bottles, as they are materially affected by the action of light and air. Many of the compound ones should be considered as extemporaneous, and ought to be prepared only when they are required. The practitioner is also cautioned against purchasing any medicine in its powdered form, for so universal is the system of adulteration, that regular formulæ are observed in the wholesale houses for sophisticating powders, and Mr. Gray, in his “Supplement to the Pharmacopœias,” has given several specimens, under the title of “Pulveres Reducti.”

PYRETHRI RADIX. L.E.D.

(Anthemis Pyrethrum. Radix.)

Pellitory Root.

Qualities. The dried root is inodorous, but upon being chewed, it soon produces a pungent and peculiar sensation. Solubility. Alcohol, æther, and boiling water extract its virtues. Chemical Composition. M. Gautier has lately shewn that the peculiar pungency of the root depends on a fixed oil, which resides in vesicles in the bark. Med. Uses. As a sialagogue, especially in cases of tooth-ache, and in paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the throat. (Form. 143.) It also constitutes the basis of a very valuable gargle, in use at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, for relaxation of the uvula and soft palate, as well as in certain cases of deafness depending upon an enlarged state of the tonsils. It is made by boiling ℥ss of the bruised root in oj of distilled water, until the fluid is reduced to one half; to which, when strained and cold, fʒij of Liquor Ammoniæ are to be added.

461PYROLA UMBELLATA.^[619] Ground Holly.

Although this plant has not yet found its way into the materia medica of the Pharmacopœia, its credited virtues entitle it to some notice in the present work. It was first brought into repute in this country by Dr. Somerville (Med: Chirug: Trans: Vol. 5). It is bitter, and consists of Resin, gum-resin, tannin, and bitter extractive. Alcohol and proof spirit are its best menstrua, but the watery infusion appears to contain all the virtues of the plant. Med. Uses. It is said to be diuretic, tonic, and deobstruent; there is, however, no evidence to shew that it acts, specifically, on any other than the urinary organs. Dr. Ives, in the American edition of the present work, says, that as a diuretic medicine it has unquestionable merit, and that it will frequently mitigate symptoms of gravel, and strangury proceeding from other causes; he does not, however, agree with Dr. Barton, in considering it Antilithic. He has also given it, alternately with the Uva Ursi, in hæmaturia; the effects of severe and long continued gonorrhœal inflammation, with the most obvious benefit, and he considers it very analogous in its operation to the Uva Ursi. In some instances it has appeared to afford great relief in chronic cutaneous diseases. Further observation is necessary to define the mode and extent of its medicinal operation, but there is no hazard in saying that it is a medicine possessing considerable activity. Dr. Barton observes that this plant, like Uva Ursi, occasionally imparts a black tinge to the urine. Dose ʒi to ʒij of the tincture; f℥ij to f℥iv of the infusion, prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water upon ℥j of the stalks and leaves.

QUASSIA. L.E.D. (Quassia Excelsa. Lignum.)

Quassia.

This wood owes all its properties to a peculiar bitter principle, which has been examined by Dr. Thomson and named Quassin; it is solid, slightly transparent, and of a yellowish-brown colour. (See Infusum Quassiæ.) It is said to owe its name to a West Indian negro, called Quassi, who first used it in fevers.

QUERCUS CORTEX. L.E.D.

(Quercus Pedunculata. Cortex.)

Oak Bark.

Qualities. Odour, none; taste, rough and astringent. Chemical Composition. We are indebted to Sir H. Davy for a knowledge of this subject; he found that an ounce of the inner cortical part of young oak 462bark afforded by lixivation 111 grains of solid matter, of which 77 were tannin; and the cellular integument, or middle-coloured part, only yielded 43 grains of solid matter, of which 19 were tannin; and the epidermis furnished scarcely any quantity of tannin or extractive; hence the bark should be selected from the smaller branches of the oak where the epidermis is still thin. Experience has, moreover, shewn that the quantity of tannin varies considerably, not only according to the age and size of the trees, but according to the season at which they are barked; thus, the bark cut in spring contains, according to Beguin,^[620] four times more of the astringent principle, than that which is obtained in winter. Med. Uses. All its properties depend upon the presence of tannin, it is therefore only valuable as a powerful astringent; it is accordingly employed to check inordinate discharges, see Decoctum Quercus. Oak bark is sometimes administered in the form of powder, combined with ginger and other aromatics, and bitters, for the cure of intermittents, and it has frequently succeeded, but see page 167. Dose, ℈j to ʒss. In the form of poultice this powder is said to have proved highly useful to gangrenous sores. Its inhalation has also been supposed to prove beneficial in consumption; a striking case is related by Dr. Eberle of a man who had laboured under the usual symptoms of confirmed Phthisis, and who, at the time he went to grind in a bark-mill, was extremely weak and emaciated; in a short time, however, the cough, night sweats, and other hectic symptoms, began to abate sensibly, and in less than three months he was perfectly restored to health.

RHEI RADIX. L.E.D. Rhubarb.^[621]

Two varieties of this root are known in the shops, viz. Turkey or Russian, and East Indian or Chinese.

1. Turkey or Russian. (Rheum Palmatum.)

Qualities. Form, small round pieces, rather compact and heavy, perforated in the middle; Colour, lively yellow with streaks of white; it is easily pulverized, affording a powder of a bright buff-yellow colour. Chemical Composition. Gum, resin, extractive, tannin, gallic acid, and a peculiar colouring matter, with traces of alumina and silex; the white or flesh-coloured streaks pervading its substance, consist of sulphate and oxalate of lime: according to the experiments of Mr. John Henderson, there is besides a peculiar vegetable acid, to which he has given the name of Rheumic acid, but M. de Lassaignes has satisfactorily proved that this is no other than the oxalic acid: the purgative powers of the root appear to be intimately connected with its extractive and resinous elements, but the subject is still involved in considerable obscurity. Solubility. Water at 212° takes up 24 parts in 60, see Infusum Rhei: by decoction, its purgative qualities are lost, and it becomes more bitter and astringent; 463alcohol extracts 2·7 from 10 parts, (see Tinct. Rhei.) Med. Uses. In this substance, Nature presents us with a singular and most important combination of medicinal powers, that of an astringent, with a cathartic property; the former of which never opposes or interferes with the energy of the latter, since it only takes effect when the substance is administered in small doses, or if given in larger ones, not until it has ceased to operate as a cathartic; this latter circumstance renders it particularly eligible in cases of diarrhœa, as it evacuates the offending matter before it operates as an astringent upon the bowels. It seems to act more immediately upon the stomach and small intestines, and therefore in relaxed and debilitated states of these organs, it will prove an easy and valuable resource; it may, for such an object, be exhibited in conjunction with alkalies, bitters, and other tonics. Its cathartic property is most efficient when given in substance. It was formerly supposed that by toasting rhubarb we increased its astringency, but this process merely diminishes its purgative force, so that a larger dose may be taken. The colouring matter of rhubarb may be detected in the urine of persons to whom it has been exhibited; it does not however appear to possess any specific powers as a diuretic. Dose, grs. vj to x as a tonic; ℈j to ʒss as a purgative; the operation of which is considerably quickened by the addition of neutral salts; the super-sulphate of potass forms also a very useful adjunct, and its acidulous taste completely covers that of the rhubarb. Form. 83, 85. Its powder, when sprinkled upon ulcers, is found to promote their healthy granulation. Off. Prep. Infus: Rhei. L.E. Vinum Rhei Palmati. E. Tinct. Rhei. L.E.D. Tinct. Rhei. comp. L. Tinct. Rhei cum Alöe. E. Tinct. Rhei cum Gentian. E. Pil. Rhei comp. E.

2. East Indian, or Chinese. (Rheum Undulatum?)^[622]

Qualities. Form, long pieces, sometimes flat, as if they had been compressed; they are heavier, harder, and more compact than those of the preceding species, and are seldom perforated with holes; Odour, stronger; Taste, more nauseous; white streaks less numerous, and they afford a powder of a redder shade than those of Turkey rhubarb. Chemical Composition. It differs from the Turkey in containing less tannin and resin, and according to the experiments of Mr. A. T. Thomson, less oxalate of lime, in the ratio of 18 to 26. It contains however more extractive and gallic acid. Solubility. Water takes up one half of its weight, but the infusion, although more turbid, is not so deep coloured as that of Russian rhubarb; alcohol extracts 4 parts in 10. It habitudes with acids, alkalies, and neutral salts, differ likewise from those of the Russian variety, as Mr. A. T. Thomson has exhibited in a very satisfactory manner. (London Dispensatory, Edit. 3, p. 474.) Adulterations. The inferior kinds of Russian, East Indian, and even English rhubarb, are artfully dressed up and sold under the name of Turkey rhubarb. I am well informed that a number of persons in this town, known in the trade by the name of Russifiers, gain a regular livelihood by the art of dressing this article, by boring, rasping, and then colouring the inferior kinds; for which they charge at the rate of eighteen-pence per pound. The general indications of good rhubarb are, its whitish or clear yellow colour, and its possessing the other characteristic properties as above mentioned; it ought also to possess in an eminent degree the peculiar odour, for when this is dissipated, the powers 464of the medicine are nearly destroyed. In the form of powder, rhubarb is always more or less mixed with foreign matter; the detection of which can be alone effected by a trial of its efficacy.

RICINI^[623] OLEUM. L.E.D. (Ricinus Communis.)

Castor^[624] Oil.

Qualities. Form, a viscid and colourless, or pale straw-coloured oil; it is nearly inodorous, but on being swallowed, excites a slight sensation of acrimony in the throat. It has all the chemical habitudes of the other expressed oils, except those which relate to its solubility in alcoholic and ethereal menstrua. Med. Uses. It is mildly cathartic, and is particularly eligible in cases where stimulating purgatives would prove hurtful, but in obstinate constipation, where copious evacuations are required, this oil cannot be trusted, it will insinuate itself through the intestinal canal, bringing with it a small portion of the more fluid contents, but leaving behind it the collection of indurated fæces. Forms of Exhibition. The most efficacious mode of administering it is by floating it upon tincture of senna, or peppermint water, or some other similar vehicle; it is also sometimes given with success in coffee or mutton broth, or suspended in water by the intervention of mucilage, yelk of egg (Form. 75,) or by honey, which at the same time contributes to its laxative operation: alkalies, although they form an emulsion with it, convert it into a saponaceous compound, and impair its cathartic force. Dose, f℥ss to f℥iss. Adulterations. It is usually adulterated with olive oil or poppy oil, and when to a considerable extent, scammony is added to quicken its operation. There is however a peculiarity in castor oil which serves to distinguish it from every other fixed oil, viz. its great solubility in rectified spirit; for instance, f℥iv of alcohol of ·820 will mix uniformly with any proportion of castor oil, whereas it will not dissolve more than fʒj of Linseed Oil; and a still less proportion of the expressed oils of almonds and of olives; when the spirit is diluted, its action on all these oils is equally diminished, so that common spirit of wine has but little power even over castor oil; but here chemistry again interposes its aid, for by the addition of camphor, in the proportion of one part to eight of spirit, spirit of ·840 is enabled to dissolve castor oil, whilst it has no influence upon the other fixed oils; castor oil is also soluble in any proportion, in sulphuric æther of the specific gravity ·7563, while four fluid-ounces of the same liquid will only dissolve a fluid-ounce and a quarter of the expressed oil of Almonds; a fluid-ounce and a half of that of Olives; and two fluid-ounces and a half of Linseed oil. Vogel introduced a composition as a substitute for this oil, which some practitioners have greatly extolled; it consisted of nine grains of the extract of Jalap, and three grains of Venetian soap, triturated in a mortar with an ounce and a half of Olive oil.

465SABINÆ FOLIA. L. (Juniperus Sabina.)

Savine Leaves.

Qualities. Odour, heavy and disagreeable; Taste, bitter, hot, and acrimonious. Chem. Comp. Essential oil, which may be obtained by distillation with water; fixed oil, bitter extractive, and resin. Solubility. Both water and alcohol extract its active principles. Med. Uses. It possesses highly stimulating properties, and has been used as a diaphoretic, anthelmintic, and emmenagogue. Rave, a German writer of great respectability, speaks of its use in chronic rheumatism in the highest terms; Alibert commends its anthelmintic powers, but its reputation has principally rested upon its generally acknowledged influence over the uterus. The testimony of Dr. Home of Edinburgh is strong in favour of its emmenagogue powers, but the adverse opinion of Dr. Cullen brought it into disrepute. It occasions a manifest flow of blood to the uterus, but this is probably sympathetically produced by its direct action on the large intestines; for if given in large doses it occasions great heat in the primæ viæ, hæmorrhage, and inflammation of the bowels. It is therefore inadmissible in all cases which are attended with fever, or much vascular action. When amenorrhœa depends upon a relaxed state of the general system, or on an inactive and torpid condition of the uterine system, it may often be employed with advantage. Wedekind, a German writer, extols it in the treatment of that atonic or relaxed state of the uterus, attended with an unnatural secretion and soft swelling of the uterus, which is sometimes met with in women who have suffered much from repeated childbearing, and which is so generally attended with a train of hysteric disturbances. Dr. Eberle says that he has occasionally employed it in cases of Amenorrhœa, in females of a relaxed habit of body; and although sometimes without success, he has had sufficient evidence of its powers to establish its claim to attention. In several cases, similar to those above stated, I have employed the Savin with much success, but I have found it very liable to disturb the stomach, and to produce head-ache. Forms of Exhibition. Some practitioners have recommended that of powder, but it is almost impossible to pulverize it without previously drying it at a temperature which will dissipate the essential oil, upon which its activity depends. The tincture affords a more convenient form, and a compound tincture formerly occupied a place in the Pharmacopœia, but has been abandoned. A decoction of an ounce of the leaves to a pint of water, with the addition of syrup, has been also recommended; an infusion, however, would be preferable. Dose, of the powdered leaves from grs. v to x; of the tincture fʒj; of the decoction f℥ss to f℥j. As an external local stimulant, or escharotic, the dried leaves in powder are applied to warts, flabby ulcers, and carious bones; and the expressed juice diluted, or an infusion of the leaves, as a lotion to gangrenous sores, scabies, and tinea capitis; or mixed with lard and wax as an issue ointment. The German writers speak very highly of its effects as a poultice to old and obstinate sores. Officinal Prep. Oleum Volatile Juniperi Sabinæ. E.D. (the dose of which is from one to three minims.) Extractum Sabinæ. D. (a very inert preparation.) Ceratum Sabinæ. L.

466The experiments of Orfila have shewn that Savine exerts a local action, but that its effects depend principally on its absorption; through which medium it acts on the nervous system, the rectum, and the stomach. It still enjoys amongst the vulgar the reputation of being capable of producing absorption.

SACCHARUM. L.E.D. Sugar.^[625]

Sugar, as a pharmaceutical agent, is employed for accelerating the pulverization of various resinous substances, and when exhibited with the most acrid of them, it prevents their adhesion to the coats of the intestines, by which they might irritate and inflame them; it is also extensively used on account of its power in preserving animal^[626] and vegetable substances. (See Conservæ.) Milk boiled with fine sugar will keep for a great length of time, and might be very conveniently employed during a long voyage. Dr. Darwin also observes that fresh meat cut into thin slices, either raw or boiled, might be preserved in coarse sugar or treacle, and would furnish a very salutary and nourishing diet to our sailors. Sugar exerts also some chemical affinities which are highly interesting to the pharmaceutic chemist. Vogel has published a paper to shew, that when sugar is boiled with various metallic oxides, and with different metalline salts, it has the property of decomposing them; sometimes reducing the oxide to the state of a metal, and at others depriving the oxide only of one of the proportionals of oxygen; thus sulphate of copper and nitrate of mercury are precipitated in a metallic form, whilst peroxide of mercury and acetate of copper are converted into protoxides; corrosive sublimate is changed into calomel, but calomel is not susceptible of any further decomposition. All those metallic salts which have the power of decomposing water are not affected by sugar, as those of iron, zinc, tin, and manganese. It appears, moreover, that sugar has the property of rendering some of the Earths soluble in water. Sugar in water, at the temperature of 50°, is capable of dissolving one half of its weight of lime; the solution thus produced is of a beautiful white-wine colour, and has the smell of fresh-slacked quick-lime. It is precipitated from the solution by the carbonic, citric, tartaric, sulphuric, and oxalic acids; and it is decomposed, by double affinity, by caustic and carbonated potass and soda, and by the citrate, tartrate, and oxalate of potass, &c. The union of sugar with the alkalies has been long known, and in the decomposition of the solution of lime in sugar by the salts above mentioned, the acid unites with the lime, and the alkaline base forms a compound with the sugar.

SAPO. L.E.D. Soap.

I. Durus. (Hispanicus.) Hard, or Spanish Soap.

Chemical Composition. Oil 60·94, soda 8·56, water 30·50; the water is partially dissipated by being kept, and the soap therefore becomes 467lighter. Muriate of Soda is also an essential ingredient^[627] of hard soap. Solubility. Water dissolves about one-third of its weight of genuine soap, and forms a milky solution; alcohol also dissolves it, and affords a solution nearly transparent, although somewhat gelatinous.^[628] Incompatible Substances. 1. All acids and acidulous salts, which combine with the alkali, and develope the oil. 2. Earthy salts, e. g. Alum; muriate and sulphate of lime; sulphate of magnesia. 3. Metallic salts. Nitrate of silver; ammoniated copper; tincture of muriated iron; ammoniated iron; acetate, sub-muriate, and oxy-muriate of mercury; sub-acetate of lead;^[629] tartarized iron; tartarized antimony; sulphate of zinc, copper and iron. 4. All astringent vegetables. 5. Hard water. Medicinal Uses. In large doses it is purgative; in smaller ones, it is decomposed in transitu, and its alkali is carried to the kidneys; in this way it may act as a lithonthriptic; or it may produce its effects by correcting any acidity which may prevail in the primæ viæ, for the weakest acid is capable of decomposing soap, and of uniting with its alkaline base; a solution of soap in lime water was long regarded as one of the strongest solvents of urinary calculi that could be administered with safety, but the result of such a mixture is an insoluble soap of lime, and a solution of soda; in habitual constipation, and in biliary obstructions, it is frequently prescribed in conjunction with rhubarb, or some bitter; in which cases it can only act as a laxative, or as a chemical agent, in increasing the solubility of the substance with which it is united. It has been also given in solution as an antidote to metallic poisons, and it is often successfully injected as a clyster, in unrelenting and habitual costiveness; as an external application, it is used in the form of liniment, (see Linimenta.) Its pharmaceutical value, in forming pill-masses, has already been considered (page 196), and the following formulæ afford examples of such an application, viz. 14, 80, 105, 118, 165. Officinal Preparations. Pil. Saponis cum Opio. L. (L). Pil. Scillæ comp. L. (M). Pil. Aloet. E. (L). Pil. Aloes et Assafœtidæ. E. (I). Pil. Aloes cum Zinzib. D. (L). Pil. Colocynth. comp. D. (L). Emplast. Saponis. L.E. Ceratum Saponis. L. Liniment. Saponis. comp. L. Liniment. Saponis cum Opio. L. Adulterations. Pulverized Lime, Gypsum, or Pipe clay, are sometimes added; but the fraud is easily detected by solution in alcohol, when the earthy matters fall down.

II. Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap.

This differs from hard soap chiefly in its consistence, which is never greater than that of hog’s lard: it is transparent, yellowish, with small seed-like 468lumps of tallow diffused through it; the alkali employed for its formation is a ley of potass, instead of that of soda.

SARSAPARILLA. L.E.D.

(Smilax Sarsaparilla. Radix.)

Sarsaparilla.

Qualities. Form, long and slender twigs, covered with a wrinkled brown bark; Odour, none; Taste, mucilaginous and slightly bitter. Chemical Comp. Its virtues appear to reside in fecula; it also contains a very large proportion of vegetable albumen. Solubility. It communicates its active principle most completely to boiling water. (See Decoct. Sarsaparillæ). Med. Uses. According to Monardes, it was imported by the Spaniards into Europe in 1549, as a specific remedy for the venereal disease; but it soon fell into disrepute, and so continued until about the middle of the last century, when it was again brought into esteem by Hunter and Fordyce, as a medicine calculated to assist the operation of mercury, as well as to cure those symptoms which may be called the sequelæ of a mercurial course. Dose, of the powdered root ℈j to ʒj, three times a day. In selecting the roots, it will be right to choose such as are plump, not carious, nor too dusty on breaking; but rough, and which easily split longitudinally. Officinal Prep. Decoctum Sarsaparillæ. L.E.D. Decoct. Sarsaparillæ comp: L.D. Extractum Sarsaparillæ. L. Syrupus Sarsaparillæ. L. There are several species of Carex which are substituted for Sarsaparilla. The C. villosa (German Sarsaparilla) is very commonly employed for this purpose.

SASSAFRAS. L.E.D.

(Laurus Sassafras. Lignum, Radix, et Cortex.)

The Wood, Root, and Bark of Sassafras.

Qualities. Odour, fragrant; Taste, sweet and aromatic. Chemical Composition. The qualities of this plant depend upon an essential oil and resin. Solubility. Its active parts are soluble in water and alcohol. Med. Uses. It is said to be diaphoretic, and diuretic; and has been employed in cases of scurvy, rheumatism, and in various cutaneous affections; it also formerly enjoyed the reputation of being an antisyphilitic remedy. Its powers are very questionable. Officinal Prep. Oleum Sassafras. L.E.D. Decoct: Sarsaparillæ comp. L.D. Decoct: Guaiae: L.E.D. Aqua Calcis comp: D.^[630]

469SCAMMONIA. L.E.D.

(Convolvulus Scammonia Gummi-resina.)

Scammonium. D. Scammony.

Qualities. Form, blackish-grey cakes; Taste, bitter and sub-acrid; Odour, heavy and peculiar; when rubbed with water, the surface lathers or lactifies. Specific gravity 1·235. Chemical Composition. Resin is the principal constituent; 16 parts of good Aleppo Scammony yield 11 parts of resin, and 3½ of watery extract. That from Smyrna contains not more than half the quantity of resin, but more extractive, and gum. Solubility. Water, by trituration, takes up one-fourth, alcohol two-thirds, and proof spirit dissolves all, except the impurities. Incompatible Substances. Neither acids, metallic salts, nor ammonia, produce any change in its solutions, but the fixed alkalies occasion yellow precipitates; and yet they do not appear to be medicinally incompatible with it; thus Gaubius, “Scammoneum acidi commixtio^[631] reddit inertius; alcali fixum, contra, adjuvat.” The mineral acids appear to destroy a part of the substance, without in the least altering the rest. The discrepancy which exists in authors respecting the power of this drug, seems to have arisen from its operation being liable to uncertainty, in consequence of peculiar states of the alimentary canal; for instance, where the intestines are lined with an excess of mucus, it passes through without producing any action, but where the natural mucus is deficient, a small dose of scammony may irritate and even inflame the bowels. In this latter case, my practice has been to administer the purgative in a mucilaginous draught, or emulsion. Med. Uses. It is an efficacious and powerful cathartic, very eligible in worm cases, and in the disordered state of the bowels which so commonly occurs in children. Dose, grs. iij to xv, in the form of powders triturated with sulphate of potass, sugar, or almonds; when given alone, it is apt to irritate the fauces; it may be also administered as a solution, effected by triturating it with a strong decoction of liquorice, and straining. (Form. 78, 83.) Officinal Preparations. Confect: Scammon: L.D. Pulv: Scammon: co. L.E. Extract: Colocynth: co. L. (F) Pulv. Sennæ, co. L.^[632] (F) Adulterations. Two kinds of Scammony are imported into this country, that from Aleppo, which is the best; and that from Smyrna, which is more compact and ponderous, but less pure: it is commonly mixed with the expressed juice of the cynanchum monspeliacum; it is also sophisticated with flour, sand, and ashes; their presence may be detected by dissolving the sample in proof spirit, when the impurities will sink, and remain undissolved; carbonate of lime is moreover frequently added to Scammony, in which case the sample will effervesce in acids: there is however a compound bearing the name of Scammony, to be met with in the market, which is altogether factitious, consisting of jalap, senna, manna, gamboge, and ivory black. Good Scammony ought to be friable, and when wetted 470with the finger, it should lactify, or become milky: and the powder should manifest its characteristic odour, which has been compared to that of old ewe milk cheese.

SCILLÆ RADIX. L.E.D. (Scilla Maritima.)

Squill Root. (Bulb.)

Qualities. Odour, none; Taste, bitter, nauseous, and acrid; when much handled, it inflames, and ulcerates the skin. By drying, the bulb loses about four-fifths of its weight, and with very little diminution of its powers, provided that too great a heat has not been applied. Chemical Composition. According to Vogel, gum 6—tannin 24—sugar 6—bitter principle (Scillitin, which is white, transparent, and breaks with a resinous fracture) 35—woody fibre 30. Solubility. Squill gives out its virtues so perfectly to any of the ordinary menstrua, as to render the form of its exhibition, in that respect, a matter of indifference. Incompatible Substances. Alkalies diminish their acrimony and bitterness, and are probably medicinally inconsistent with their diuretic qualities, but farther experiments are required to decide this question: vegetable acids produce no effect upon their sensible qualities, but are said to increase their expectorant power. Med. Uses. According to the dose, and circumstances under which it is administered, it proves expectorant, diuretic, emetic, or purgative; as an expectorant, it can never be employed where pulmonary inflammation exists, for in such cases, instead of promoting, it will check any excretion from the lungs; its combination with a diaphoretic will frequently increase its powers, and generally be a measure of judicious caution. See Form, 133, 134, 135, 139. For the philosophy of its action, the reader must refer to the classification of Expectorants, page 102. As a diuretic, it seems to act by absorption, and we accordingly find, on the authority of Dr. Cullen, that when the squill operates strongly on the stomach and intestines, its diuretic effects are less likely to happen; he therefore found that by accompanying it with an opiate, (Form. 100) the emetic and purgative operation may be avoided, and the squill be thereby carried more entirely to the kidneys. Experience, moreover, has taught us the value of combining this medicine with some mercurial preparation, by which its diuretic powers are very considerably augmented; and it has been farther stated, that such a combination is particularly efficacious in Hydrothorax, especially when it produces inflammation of the gums, and of the glands about the throat, by which action it is supposed to cause a derivation from the exhalants of the pleura, and thereby to diminish the dropsical effusion. (Form: 102, 103, 106, 107, 109, 112, 115,) but we must take care that the remedy does not occasion purging. In the exhibition of squill, it has been often delivered as a rule, to give it to the extent necessary to induce nausea, as affording a test of the medicine being in a state of activity; such a state of the system, moreover, may assist the absorption of the remedy. Dr. Home, in opposition to the opinion of Cullen, maintained that the powers of Squill as a diuretic, were increased by combining it with bodies capable of promoting its full emetic operation: after what has been observed, however, it is unnecessary to dwell upon the mischievious tendency of such a practice. By referring to our tabular arrangement of Diuretics, page 102, the reader will find that I consider its action upon the urinary 471organs to depend upon its bitter principle (Scillitin) being developed, and carried, by the medium of the circulation, to the secreting vessels of the kidneys, which it thus stimulates by actual contact. As an emetic, it has been advised in solution, in cases of hooping cough, but its extreme uncertainty renders it unfit for exhibition, unless as an adjunct to emetic combinations, as in Form: 65. Plenck makes mention of a child which had convulsions in consequence of taking some Squill. Dose. Of the dried root gr.; to iv. Officinal Preparations. Acetum Scillæ. L.E.D. Pil: Scill: comp: L.E.D. Pulv: Scill: E.D. Syrup. Scill: maritim: E. Tinct: Scill: L.D.

SECALE CORNUTUM.

(Spurred Rye, or Ergot of Rye.)

[Various opinions have been entertained in relation to the nature of Ergot. The most probable is that it is a parasitic fungus, attached to several species of the gramina, but more especially to the rye. It is generally found most abundant in moist situations and in wet seasons. Its taste, at first scarcely perceptible, becomes shortly disagreeable and sub-acrid. By the analysis of Vauquelin, the ergot has been ascertained to contain, 1. A fawn-yellow colouring matter, soluble in alcohol, and having a taste resembling that of fish oil. 2. A white oily matter, of a sweetish taste, which appears to be very abundant. 3. A violet colouring principle, of the same shade as that of orchil, but differing from it by its solubility in alcohol, and which can be readily fixed on aluminated wool and silk. 4. A free acid, supposed to be partly phosphoric. 5. A very abundant vegeto-animal substance, much disposed to putrefaction, and which furnishes a considerable quantity of thick oil and of ammonia by distillation. 6. A small quantity of free ammonia, which can be obtained at the temperature of boiling water. As a medicinal substance, ergot exerts a specific effect upon the uterus, and is very generally used in this country for the purpose of facilitating the process of parturition. From the powerful effects produced by the ergot, it is obvious that it should be used with much caution. Dr. Stearns, to whom the profession is indebted for the first introduction of this article into practice, and who must be considered as our highest authority on this subject, has laid down the following rules by which its administration should be regulated: 1. It should never be administered where nature is competent to a safe delivery. 2. It should never be administered until the regular pains have ceased, or are ineffectual, and there is danger to be apprehended from delay. 3. It should never be administered until the rigidity of the os tincæ has subsided, and a perfect relaxation has been induced. 4. It should never be administered in the incipient stages of labour, nor until the os tincæ is dilated to the size of a dollar. 5. It should never be administered in any case of preternatural presentation that will require the fœtus to be turned. 6. It should never be administered during the continuance of one labour, in larger quantities than thirty grains by decoction in half a pint of water. A table spoonful of this given every ten minutes, generally succeeds better than a larger dose. While this quantity produces its most favourable effects upon the uterus, it does not affect the stomach with nausea or vomiting, which sometimes interrupts its successful operation.

The ergot is indicated, and may be administered, 1. When, in lingering 472labours, the child has descended into the pelvis, the parts dilated and relaxed, the pains having ceased, or being too ineffectual to advance the labour, there is danger to be apprehended from delay, by exhaustion of strength and vital energy, from hemorrhage or other alarming symptoms. 2. When the pains are transferred from the uterus to other parts of the body, or to the whole muscular system, producing general puerperal convulsions. After premising copious bleeding, the ergot concentrates all these misplaced labour-pains upon the uterus, which it soon restores to its appropriate action, and the convulsions immediately cease. 3. When in the early stages of pregnancy, abortion becomes inevitable, accompanied with profuse hemorrhage and feeble uterine contractions. 4. When the placenta as retained from a deficiency of contractions. 5. In patients liable to hemorrhage immediately after delivery. In such cases the ergot may be given as a preventive, a few minutes before the termination of the labour. 6. When the hemorrhage or lochial discharges are too profuse immediately after delivery, and the uterus continues dilated and relaxed without any ability to contract.]

SENEGÆ RADIX. L.E.D.

(Polygala Senega.) Radix.

Qualities. Form, the dried root is internally white; externally it is covered with a brownish grey, corrugated, transversely cracked cuticle. Odour, none. Taste, at first sweetish, but afterwards hot and pungent, producing a very peculiar tingling sensation in the fauces. Chemical Composition. Its virtues reside in resin. Solubility. Alcohol extracts the whole of its active matter; hot water only partially. Medicinal Uses. As a stimulant; but it is rarely used. In America it is used against the bite of the rattlesnake.^[633] Officinal Preparations. Decoctum Senegæ. L.E.

SENNÆ FOLIA. L.E.D. (Cassia Senna.)

Senna Leaves.

Qualities. Odour, faint and sickly; Taste, slightly bitter, sweetish, and nauseous. Chemical Composition. Extractive, resin, mucilage, and saline matter; it contains within itself a purgative principle and a bitter element; and although the latter is per se inert, yet in combination, its 473presence aids and exalts the efficacy of the former. M. M. Lassaigne and Fenuelle have lately announced the fact of their having procured the purgative principle of Senna in a separate form, and to which they have given the name of Cathartine. It is said to be an uncrystallizable substance, of a reddish-yellow colour, and of a particular smell, and bitter nauseous taste, soluble in alcohol and water, in all proportions; but farther experiments are required upon this subject. Solubility. Both water and spirit extract the virtues of Senna; to water and proof spirit the leaves communicate a brownish colour, more or less deep according to the proportions employed; to rectified spirit they impart a fine green colour. The powdered leaves of senna are very apt to undergo a change by exposure to a humid atmosphere, becoming covered with a kind of mouldiness which contains a small proportion of potass. Medicinal Uses. See Infus: Sennæ. Officinal Preparations. Confectio Sennæ;, L.E.D. Extract: Cassiæ Sennæ. E. Infus: Sennæ. L.D. Infus: Tamarind: cum Senna. E.D. Pulv. Sennæ comp: L. Tinct: Sennæ. L.D. Tinct: Sennæ comp: E. Syrup: Sennæ. L.D. Adulterations. The leaves of Senna are imported from Alexandria in a state of adulteration, being mixed by the merchants of Cairo with the leaves of Cynanchum Oleafolium, (Arguel) and with those of Colutea Arborescens; the former are distinguished by their greater length as well as by their structure, which differs from the leaves of Senna in having a straight side, and being regular at their base, and in not displaying any lateral nerves on the under disk; the latter are so different from Senna leaves, that there is no difficulty in at once recognising them. The Tripoli Senna contains a much larger proportion of Cynanchum, and of the other adulterations; as a general rule, those leaves which appear bright, fresh, free from stalks and spots, that are well and strongly scented, smooth and soft to the touch, thoroughly dry, sharp pointed, bitterish, and somewhat nauseous, are to be preferred.

SERPENTARIÆ RADIX. L.D.

(Aristolochia Serpentaria, Radix.)

Serpentaria Root. Virginian Snake root, or Birthwort.

Qualities. Odour, of the dried root, aromatic, and somewhat resembling that of Valerian; Taste, pungent and warm, with a degree of bitterness, not very unlike that of camphor, or of the pinus canadensis. Chemical Composition. Resin and an essential oil constitute its active ingredients. Solubility. Its virtues are extracted by water, as well as by alcohol. The tincture has a bright green colour, which is rendered turbid by water. It neither affects Tannin nor Gelatine, nor does it precipitate the salts of iron. Medicinal Uses. It has been regarded as serviceable in cases that required the combined powers of a diaphoretic and tonic, as in some of the stages of typhus and other low fevers; it has also been found to exalt the febrifuge powers of the bark in cases of protracted intermittents. It is likewise valued on account of its efficacy in certain cases of dyspepsia, attended with a dry skin. Its stimulating properties will of course prevent its application in the inflammatory diathesis. Forms of Exhibition. In substance, or in an infusion, made by macerating ʒiv of the bruised root in f℥xij of boiling water in a covered vessel for two hours, 474and straining. Decoction will necessarily dissipate its essential oil, and impair its powers; whenever therefore it is directed in combinations which require this process, it should not be added until after the other ingredients have been boiled, as illustrated by Form: 40. Dose, of the powdered root ℈j to ʒss or more; of the infusion f℥j-f℥ij. Officinal Preparations. Tinct: Serpentariæ. L.E.D.^[634] Tinct: Cinchonæ comp: L.D. Electuarium Opiatum. E.

The roots of the Collinsonia præcox are frequently found mixed with those of Serpentaria in the market.

SIMAROUBÆ CORTEX. L.E.D.

(Quassia Simarouba Cortex.)

Simarouba Bark.

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.

SINAPIS SEMINA.

(Sinapis Nigra. L. Alba. E.D.)

Mustard Seeds.

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; 475chlorosis, 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.