234 LEAD ACETATES 



sionally prescribed for enlarged glands to promote reduc- 

 tion, and applied as a dressing for ringworm and for indolent 

 tumours, being used in the form of ointment or plaster. 

 Emplastrum Plumbi lodidi is made with two ounces 

 lead iodide, one pound lead plaster, and two ounces of 

 resin. 



LEAD ACETATE. Plumbi Acetas. Sugar of Lead. Neutral 

 Acetate. Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 3Aq. 



STRONG SOLUTION OF LEAD SUBACETATE. Liquor Plumbi 

 Subacetatis Fortis. Goulard's Extract. (B.P.) 



Two lead acetates are used in medicine the neutral 

 acetate or sugar of lead, and the tribasic, which occurs in 

 Goulard's Extract. 



Sugar of lead is obtained by dissolving lead oxide or lead 

 carbonate in acetic acid. Lead acetate occurs in minute 

 needle-like crystals, which are slightly efflorescent, have an 

 odour of vinegar, and a sweet, astringent taste. It is soluble 

 in less than three parts of cold water, and in thirty parts of 

 alcohol (90 per cent.). 



The liquor plumbi subacetatis, or Goulard's Extract, is 

 prepared by boiling 5 ounces of lead acetate and 3| ounces 

 lead oxide, in powder, in a pint of water, for half an hour, 

 constantly stirring ; then filter, and, when the liquid is cold, 

 add to it more distilled water, until the product measures 

 20 fluid ounces (B.P.). It is a colourless, transparent, 

 alkaline liquid with a sweet, astringent taste. It becomes 

 turbid on exposure to air. From a solution of the neutral 

 acetate it is distinguished by its alkalinity, and by its pro- 

 ducing an opaque white jelly when mixed with mucilage of 

 gum acacia. The diluted solution of lead subacetate, or 

 Goulard' 's water, is made with 2 drachms of strong solution 

 of lead subacetate, 2 drachms alcohol (90 per cent.), and 19 J 

 ounces of distilled water. 



ACTIONS AND USES. The acetates exhibit the physiological 

 actions of other soluble lead salts. They are prescribed as 

 internal astringents and styptics, and externally as astrin- 

 gents and analgesics. They are less corrosive and astrin- 

 gent, and more soothing, than zinc or copper acetates. The 



