MATERIA MEDICA—METALLIC, MINERAL, &. 558 
chronic diseases. When given to persons in health, ‘it pow C 
stimulates the genital iia * ao Bey 
It is proper, however, to remark, (says Lobstein,) that its salutary 
effects can only be obtained by attention to the rule previously men- 
tioned, viz. that it should be perfectly dissolved in the vehicle in 
which it is given. Under such circumstances, if it is given in a mass it 
acts as a Caustic, as a decided poison, whose impression on the nerves 
of the stomach and intestines causes the most acute pain, heat and con- 
vulsions, trembling, weakness, and death. ‘These consequences are 
violent in proportion to the quantity of the phosphorus given. Seve- 
ral instances are recorded of its causing death, when rashly used. . 
Among the diseases recorded by Dr. Lobstein, over which phos-— 
phorus triumphed when other means failed, are nervous fevers, ty- 
phus, irregular inflammation of the lungs, intermittents, periodical 
headach, heartburn, rheumatism, suppressed menses, green sickness, 
extreme weakness of the eyes, nervous debility, mania, gutta serena, 
palsy, &c.; but its virtues are most strikingly displayed in the last 
stages of putrid malignant, and typhus fevers, when the vital spark is 
apparently about expiring: from this state it has often raised the 
patient, even when it seemed the height of folly to attempt relief. 
Generally, the administration of phosphoric ether should be confined 
to cases of debility. ee a 
Phosphoric ether is prepared.in this manner= Dissolve six grains 
of phosphorus invone ounce of sulphuric: ether: the ether must be 
pure and highly rectified with the muriate of lime; the common 
adulterated ether of the shops will not dissolve it. The solution is 
not completed in less than three or four days. Six or seven grains 
of phosphorus is the extent that is soluble in an ounce of ether. To 
this solution one drachm of oil of gilly flower, or clove July flower, 
is added. Or, the phosphorus may first be decomposed in the oil, 
and then added tothe ether. 
Phosphoric ether, recently prepared, is not decomposed by cold 
water, because it floatson this fluid; but when diluted with alcohol 
and ether mixed with water, it acquires a milky appearance, and the 
phosphorus is separated in the fotm of an extremely fine powder, and 
precipitated. 
The dose for an adult, of the above preparation, may be from six 
drops, three or four times a day, to fifteen drops every two hours.— 
Twenty-five drops have been given in an emergency, or to prevent a fit 
orconvulsion ; but large doses should only be ventured on in extreme 
Cases. 
It is inferred, from what has been said respecting the medical use 
of phosphorus, (says Lobstein)—That it is a remedy, capable of pro- 
ducing extraordinary effects in various internal diseases—T hat it is 
extremely dangerous to administer it in substance, as in that form it 
is capable of acting as a caustic, and producing the most violent inflam- 
_ Mation, gangrene, and death—T hat we should reject every form of 
_ its exhibition, in which it is not completely diffused throughout the 
Vehicle in which it is given; such as pills, boluses, electuarics, emul- 
Sins, conserves, &c. from which it may become disengaged im the 
‘Stomach—T hat its solution in sulphuric ether with the addition of a 
Small proportion of aromatic oil appears to be the best form for its ex- 
71 
