SODE CARBONAS.-SPIRITUS AMMONIE.

191

SODE CARBONAS, U. S.

Carbonate of Soda.

Sources. Mode of preparation. Plants affording it. Properties; form; appearance; effect of exposure; solubility; action of acids; taste.

Composition. Impurities.

Medical Properties. Antacid. Cases in which serviceable. Mode of administration. Dose, grs. v to x.

SODE BICARBONAS, U.S.

Bicarbonate of Soda.

Supercarbonate of Soda.-Mode of preparation. Rationale. Form; effect of exposure; effect of heat; taste; solubility in

water.

Composition.

Medical Properties.-More used than the preceding from its modified alkaline taste. Dose, grs. x to xxx. Soda Powders. TROCHISCI SODE BICARBONATIS, U. S.; Troches of Bicarbonate of Soda.-Mode of preparing. Uses.

LIQUOR AMMONIÆ, U. S.

Solution of Ammonia.

Previously considered.

Medical Properties.-Stimulating as well as antacid. Cases in which useful. Dose, gtt. v to x.

SPIRITUS AMMONIÆ, U. S.

Spirit of Ammonia.

Spoken of under the head of stimulants. Employment. Dose,

gtt. v to xv.

LIQUOR CALCIS, U. S.

Lime-water.

Aqua Calcis.-Mode of preparing. Strength. Color; effect of exposure to the atmosphere, and mode of obviating; taste.

Medical Properties.-Not only antacid, but sedative to the stomach. Employment in dyspepsia, and in irritability of the stomach. Adapted to children. Combination with milk. Dose, f3ss; for children, f3j.

CRETA PRÆPARATA, U.S.

Mode of preparing.

Prepared Chalk.

Properties; form; color; taste.

Medical Properties.-Antacid and absorbent. Employment in bowel affections. Dose, grs. v to xx.

Combinations.

Mistura Creto.-Formula. Dose, fzij to f3ss.

TROCHISCI CRETE, U. S.; Troches of Chalk.-Mode of preparing. Uses.

CALCIS CARBONAS PRÆCIPITATUS, U. S

Precipitated Carbonate of Lime.

Mode of preparing. Rationale. Advantages. Dose, grs. v

to xx.

TESTA PRÆPARATA, U. S.

Prepared Oyster-shells.

Mode of preparing. Properties. Supposed advantages. Dose, same as preceding.

Magnesia has been treated of under the head of Cathartics. As a mere antacid and absorbent, it is sometimes employed in small doses. For children it may be used in this way, or a olution of magnesia prepared like lime-water, and used in the

same manner.

ANTHELMINTICS.

THESE medicines aid or cause the expulsion of worms from the alimentary canal.

They accomplish this object by debilitating them, and enabling purgatives to remove them; or by destroying their vitality.

Another mode is impressing them by mechanical means, rendering them uneasy in their position, and making them lose their hold, when purgatives will effect their removal.

An opinion has been expressed with regard to muscular resistance, in the larger worms, opposing the peristaltic movements. Irritation from the presence of worms, and symptoms of derangement from this cause, both local and general.

Necessity of making a diagnosis in treating cases for worms, and the danger of proceeding blindly.

SPIGELIA, U. S.

Pinkroot.

The root of Spigelia Marilandica. A native of the Southern States. Called also Starbloom and Carolina Pink.

Description of the plant.

Properties. Form; structure; color; odor; taste. Source. Contains a volatile oil, resin, and extractive.

Medical Properties.-Mode of impression, poisonous to worms. Action upon the system, if given too freely, and danger from this effect. Dose in powder, grs. xx. Half the quantity for children from two to four years; to be given night and morning for three or four days; to be followed by a brisk purgative. Calomel sometimes combined with it.

INFUSUM SPIGELIÆ, U. S.; Infusion of Spigelia.-Mode of preparing. Dose, 3ss to 3iv, given night and morning, followed by a brisk cathartic.

Ingredients of Worm Teas.

EXTRACTUM SPIGELIÆ ET SENNÆ FLUIDUM, U S.; Fluid Extract of Spigelia and Senna.-Mode of preparing. Advantages. Dose, f3j to ij; well fitted for children.

Fruit; time when collected; size; color; odor; taste.
Contains a volatile oil.

OLEUM CHENOPODII, U. S.—Mode of obtaining; consistence; color; odor; taste. Effect of age upon it.

Another species, the Chenopodium ambrosioides, sometimes mistaken for the officinal. Points of distinction.

Medical Properties.—All parts of the plant are efficacious; the effect seems to be poisonous to the round worm especially. Seeds given in an electuary. Dose, 9j to ij. Leaves used in decoction, with milk. The oil is given in doses of gtt. v to xx.

AZEDARACH, U. S.

Azedarach.

The bark of the root of Melia azedarach. Pride of China. A native of Asia, but introduced and flourishing in the Southern States.

Description of tree.

Properties of the bark; appearance; odor; taste.

Medical Properties.—Similar to those of Spigelia. Effects upon the stomach and bowels those of an emetic and cathartic. Used in Decoction. Dose, f3ij to iv; for a child, f3ss.

MUCUNA.-OLEUM TEREBINTHINÆ.

195

MUCUNA, U. S.

Cowhage.

The bristles of the pods of Mucuna pruriens. A native of East and West Indies.

Description of plant.

Fruit; bristles.

Medical Properties.-Acts mechanically. Used in syrup, as an electuary. Dose, 3j to ij.

FILIX MAS.

Male Fern.

The rhizoma of Aspidium Filix Mas. A native of Europe. Description of the plant.

Root. Properties; form; color; fracture; odor; taste. Powder. Effects of time and exposure. Relation to water, alcohol, and ether.

Medical Properties.-A powerful astringent. Mode of operating. Dose, 3j. Ethereal Extract, dose, grs. x to xx.

GRANATI RADICIS CORTEX, U. S.

Bark of the Pomegranate Root.

The plant has already been described. It is used more especially in cases of tapeworm. It is a most powerful styptic, and probably acts by this impression. Used in strong Decoction, 3ij to Oij water, boiled to one-half. Dose, f3ij, or as much as the stomach will bear.

OLEUM TEREBINTHINÆ, U. S.

Oil of Turpentine.

Has been in use for many years as a remedy for tapeworm, but with varied reputation. Should be given in large doses, followed by castor oil; or it may be combined with it. Danger from too large doses. Advantages where other kinds of worms