METALLIC, MINERAL, ANIMAL, &e 
‘MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES, IN COMMON US 
Tue pure metal obtained from the ore, is of a silvery, white color, 
and plated texture, moderately hard, and very brittle; easily fusible, — 
and volatilized by a heat not very intense ; oxydized by exposure to 
_ the air, at a temperature moderately increased ; and when oxydized, 
capable of combining with most of the acids. te 2a 
ie The antimonial metal is a medicine of great power; a qu 
_ too minute to be sensible in the most delicate balance, is cap 
producing violent effects, if taken in solutic 
tions, however, are given imternally, being rendered milder ; 
_ Operation. They are principally employed in cutaneous affections, 
_ and in fevers, to produce purging, vomiting, and diaphoresis. = 
__. The following are the principal preparations of this metal now in 
- Antimonial powder—Oxide of antimony with phosphate of lime. 
This substance (James’ powder) has been long celebrated as a reme- 
dy in febrile affections. It acts as a very general evacuant, occasion- Pe 
ng sweat, purging, and frequently vomiting. Its dose is from five” 
six grains, repeated every six hours until its effects are obtained. 
is better adapted to fevers of an inflammatory nature, than to those 
ofthe typhoidkind.. == 2g. sates 
Emetic Tartar—Tartrite of antimony. Of all the preparations 
‘tain in its operation. In doses of 
of antimony, this is th : In 
one to eight grains, it operates as an emetic, and sometimes as a ca- 
thartic. In smaller. doses it excites nausea, and proves a powerful 
diaphoretic and expectorant. As an emetic, it is chiefly given in the 
beginning of fevers, and whenever it is wished to evacuate the con- 
tents of the stomach quickly. In great debility, its use is improper, 
and frequently fatal: in all cases its operation is severe and strain-_ 
‘ing. As a diaphoretic, it is given in small doses, of from an eighth. 
4o a quarter of a grain. The only proper form of administering it 1s 
in solution, and in divided doses, at short intervals, if we wish to ex, 
‘Site vomiting. ; ae 3 
ALuM, 
Alum, from its astringent power, is employed to check hemor 
*s, and serous evacuations. It has been used, though Pio ies 
se ie 
ery 
