MISCELLANEOUS DRUGS 491 



I 



modal, being known to the ancients as a specific for itch in man and mange 

 in animals. The mange mite cannot live in its presence, or in that of 

 sulphuretted hydrogen or sulphurous acid, l)Oth of which are developed 

 when sulphur is brought into contact with the skin. 



Sulphurous acid, as has already been explained (see page 485), is the 

 product of sulphur burned in the air, and is a valuable disinfectant and 

 parasiticide. Horses are sometimes made to inhale it in diseases of the 

 throat and nostrils, and with apparent benefit. 



Sulphur is given as a mild aperient or gentle laxative, and often com- 

 bined with epsom salts. In small doses it is alterative and diaphoretic, 

 and when given for some time it assists to imjjart the glossy apj^earance of 

 the skin, for which alterative powders containing it are so much valued. 



Sulphuretted hydrogen passed into water, and used quickly, has the 

 same destructive influence upon lice as the flowers of sulphur, but con- 

 venience dictates the use of a solution of sulphuretted potasli, a preparation 

 which holds the gas in loose chemical union, but which gives it u-p freely 

 to water. It is an unstable compound, however, and for this reason is 

 not so often employed as it might be. 



