A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen.

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    form, a solution of from two to five grains to one ounce may be dropped into the eye, or it may be painted on the everted lid in the strength of from ten to thirty grains. If the palpebral conjunctiva is much thickened or trachomatous, the best form of application is the solution in glycerin, as the hygroscopic property of the latter increases the effect. The full strength of glycerite of tannin may be used (Glycerinum Acidi Tannici B. P., one part to four). Powdered tannin is sometimes dusted on the inner surface of the lid. In either case it should be washed off before the lid is allowed to close. ACIDUM TARTARICUM. Tartaric Acid. ^ Tartaric acid is an acid prepared from the acid tartrate of potassium. (Ph. Br.) It is nearly or entirely colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, permanent in the air, odorless, having a purely acid taste, and an acid reaction. It is soluble in seven-tenths part of water, and two and five-tenths parts of alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.); in five-tenths part of boiling water, and two-tenths part of boiling alcohol. (U. S. P.) It is '* incompatible with salifiable bases and their carbonates; with salts of potassium, with which it produces a crystalline precipitate of bitartrate; and with the salts of lime and lead, with which it also forms precipitates. (U. S. D.) According to Potter, tartaric acid locally used converts the membrane in Diphtheria into a gelatinous mass, which is easily expelled. ADEPS. Lard. The prepared internal fat of the abdomen of Sus scrofa, purified by washing with water, melting, and straining. (U. S. P.) Although the Pharmacopoeia directs the internal fat of the abdomen, yet in the shops the purified commercial lard is used, which is made from the subcutaneous fat as well as from that of the abdomen. Much that is sold for lard is a compound of stearine and cotton-seed oil. When heated this compound gives the offensive odor of heated cotton- seed oil. Lard is adulterated by water, starch, alum, and quicklime (which are added to make it heavier and whiter). Common salt, is mixed with lard to preserve it. Adeps Benzoinatus (benzoinated lard, U. S. P.) is made by digesting two parts of coarsely powdered benzoin in 100 parts of melted lard (below 60° C, 140° F.) for two hours and straining. It is the base of many of the ointments of the United States Pharmacopoeia. Lard, the most common of emollients in general use, forms the basis of nearly all ointments used in surgery as topical applications. The action of lard, or simple ointment, is mechanical, protecting the sore or wound from the irritating influences of the air, which increases the inflammation already present. For the most part, all fats have the same physical properties, differing only as to the melting-point. Fats and oils are used to lubricate and soften the skin, and when rubbed in thoroughly