ACTIONS AND USES 261 



solution, liquor ferri perchloridi, which for ordinary purposes 

 is as effectual as the tincture. Tinctura ferri perchloridi, 

 known as tincture of steel, is made by mixing five ounces 

 each of strong solution of ferric chloride and alcohol (90 per 

 cent.) and adding ten ounces of distilled water. This 

 tincture has a red-brown colour, an ethereal odour, and an 

 acid, chalybeate taste. 



ACTIONS AND USES. Iron perchloride, whether in watery or 

 alcoholic solution, is one of the most soluble, irritant, and 

 corrosive preparations of iron. It is prescribed as a haema- 

 tinic, antiseptic, astringent, and styptic, and is used 

 topically as an antiseptic, astringent, and caustic. 



MEDICINAL USES. The solutions of the chloride are 

 serviceable in most of the cases for which the sulphate has 

 been recommended. They conjoin, with general tonic effects, 

 marked astringent action. They are prescribed in atonic 

 dyspepsia, and for the removal of intestinal worms. In 

 relaxed throat, which accompanies and follows catarrhal 

 fever in horses, half -drachm doses, with an equal quantity of 

 glycerin and six or eight ounces of water, are given every 

 two hours, administered slowly, as a gargle, or applied as a 

 spray. Solutions are used in anaemia and the several con- 

 ditions connected with it. When debility and anaemia are 

 associated symptoms, the salts of iron, more especially the 

 tincture of the perchloride, have a marked effect in promoting 

 absorption of inflammatory products. In influenza and 

 purpura in horses the chloride improves the appetite, and is 

 credited with tonic effects both on the blood and blood- 

 vessels. In haemorrhagic cases it is sometimes prescribed 

 with turpentine, in purpura with quinine, and sulphuric 

 acid, alternated with occasional doses of potassium chlorate. 

 Liquor ferri pernitratis, containing 3J grains of iron 

 in 110 minims, is sometimes preferred to the chloride, in 

 obstinate diarrhoea, dysentery and haematuria. In rheuma- 

 tism, especially in weakly subjects, it is useful, and may be 

 alternated with salicylic acid. After the bowels have been 

 freely opened it is serviceable in red- water in cattle. 



The chloride is particularly suitable in cases of distemper 

 and rheumatic lameness in weakly dogs, and, with or without 

 arsenic, benefits most attacks of chorea and many of epilepsy. 



