A guide to the alterations in the British pharmacopoeia, 1885 : comprising an epitome of the changes, and an account of the new preparations, their characters, uses, doses, and modes of administration; together with a therapeutical commentary / by Prosser James.

James, Prosser, 1836-1918

Date:: 1889

Credit: A guide to the alterations in the British pharmacopoeia, 1885 : comprising an epitome of the changes, and an account of the new preparations, their characters, uses, doses, and modes of administration; together with a therapeutical commentary / by Prosser James. Source: Wellcome Collection.

89/136 (page 77)

$CHRYSAROBINUM—CHRYSAROBIN. It consists of the medullary matter of the stem and branches of Andira araroba, Agm'ar. ; Pharm, Journ, 3rd ser. vol. x. p, 43, plate ; dried and powered; containing more or less, chrysophanic acid according to age and condition, and yield- ing much chrysophanic acid by oxidation. Characters a7id Tests.—[As purified by solvents it is *] a light brownish-yellow minutely crystalline powder, tasteless and in- odorous. Very sparingly soluble in water, but almost entirely soluble in 150 parts of hot rectified spirit. On heating it melts and partially sublimes in yellow vapours, leaving a charred residue^ which entirely disappears on ignition in air. It dissolves in sul- phuric acid to form a yellow to orange-red solution, and in solution of caustic potash to form a yellow to reddish fluorescent solution,, which becomes carmine by absorption of oxygen from the air. Goa powder has certainly been to some extent employed, but since Mr. B. Squire drew attention (1876) to the power of Chrysophanic acid over Psoriasis, that substance has been usually prescribed. It is not easy to imagine why the impure powder should find a place in the B. P. instead of Chryso- phanic acid which is certainly the active agent, and forms, according to Prof. Attfield's research, about 80 per cent, of Goa powder. It is chiefly used externally in psoriasis, and some other skin affections, especially vegetable parasitic diseases. It discolours the part to which it is applied, often produces some local irritation, and even constitutional disturbance. It is of course unfit for application to the head and face,, on account of its staining the surface, but is further apt tO' produce oedema, &c. Erysipelas sometimes follows its use. Patients should be warned not to inadvertently touch the eyelids with it, as severe inflammation may be so caused. Complaints have lately been made {Journ. Cut. Med.) of its- quality, and it is feared that the demand has led to adulteration. * The words in brackets are prefixed by direction of the lately issued errata. This correction seems to aim at j ustifying the original description rather than removing the objection to so indefinite an article as a powder confessedly containing more or less acid according to age and condition, and which, even after it has been purified by solvents, has no value except for the acid it contains* Which of the solvents mentioned is to be used 1$