J 6 MATERIA MEDIC A. 



of introducing medicines in all possible modes ; the indication that 

 may exist to produce revulsion from internal parts ; and the neces- 

 sity for procuring the local effects of the remedy. 



When the cuticle is not removed, the medicines may be applied 

 in various manners : thus, where their local effects alone are wanted 

 — by lotions, fomentations, cataplasms, dec; where their general 

 impression is desired — by inunction, baths, and vapour. The most 

 simple form of administering a vapour bath, is to elevate the pa- 

 tient's knees under the bedclothes, and to place at his feet hot bricks 

 enveloped in wet flannels; the vapour which is given ofl'', has thus free 

 access to the body. Another method is to place the patient in a tub 

 of warm water, enveloping him in a blanket, after which a number 

 of hot bricks are to be placed in the tub, until the requisite amount 

 of steam is generated. If the vapour of a solid substance, as sul- 

 phur, is required, the patient is to be placed in a properly contrived 

 apparatus, and the solid body sprinkled in powder on a hot iron at 

 his feet. 



The mucous memhrane of the bronchi may also be employed for 

 the introduction of medicines. They are applied here usually in the 

 form of vapour, by means of an inhaler; or, when this cannot be 

 had, by means of a teapot or basin, with an inverted funnel. It is 

 not recommended to blow fine powders into the lungs. 



Occasionally, medicines are introduced through the nasal or pitui- 

 tary membrane; they are however employed, in this manner, gene- 

 rally with a view to their local impression. When they produce a 

 discharge, they are called errhines ; when sneezing, sterniUcdories. 



The practice of introducing medicinal substances through the 

 veins has been occasionally resorted to ; but it is not recommended, 

 in consequence of the danger of the introduction of air, which is 

 attended with fatal consequences. 



FOBMS OF MEDICINES. 



Medicines are used in the solid or fluid state, each of which com- 

 prises several forms. 



1. Solid forms. These include pills^ powders, confections, troches, 

 and electuaries. 



Pills. — Small globular masses, intended to be swallowed without 

 chewing ; they should not consist of substances requiring to be given 

 in large doses, nor of salts which are deliquescent or efflorescent, 

 although the latter may be rendered fit, by first driving off the water 

 of crystallization by heat. Some substances require only the addi- 

 tion of water ; others, the intervention of some viscid body, as gum 

 or sugar. The heavy metallic powders may be mixed with soft ex- 

 tracts or confections ; the light vegetable powders, with syrup, honey, 

 or mucilage. When the requisite consistence has been given to the 

 mass, it is to be properly rolled out by means of a spatula, and then 



