54 MATERIA MEDICA. 



dering it more soluble in water. Its active properties reside chiefly 

 in the resin. 



Effects. — A stinnulant tonic, with a tendency at the same time to 

 the lungs and uterus. Most employed in chronic pectoral affections, 

 and in amenorrhoea. Dose of powder, 10 to 30 grains; of the tinc- 

 ture, f 3ss. to f 3j. The tincture is most used as an external applica- 

 tion to spongy gums, and to indolent ulcers. 



MINERAL TONICS. 

 Iron. — (Ferrum, U. S.) 



The most important of all the mineral tonics ; a constituent of 

 many organized beings, and found in the red globules of the blood. 

 The preparations of iron, called chalybeates, combine tonic with 

 astringent properties ; they increase the appetite, promote digestion, 

 and exalt the general functions of life. Under its use, the red cor- 

 puscles of the blood become much increased, giving rise to a ten- 

 dency to plethora. Its influence over the nervous system appears 

 to be rather secondary. The chalybeates prove most useful in 

 dyspepsia, with constipation, not accompanied by inflammation of 

 the stomach ; also in chronic debility of females associated with 

 amenorrhoea ; in some nervous affections ; and especially in anemia. 



Metallic iron is probably inert upon the system ; but when swal- 

 lowed in that state, it is apt to become converted into an oxide or 

 salt in the stomach and bowels, and to disengage hydrogen gas, 

 which causes unpleasant eructations. Iron filings, {r amenta ferri^ 

 which are sometimes used, should be previously purified by means 

 of a magnet. 



Squamce Ferri — Scales of Iron. — Obtained by hammering red- 

 hot iron ; consist chemically of the protoxide and peroxide. Dose, 

 5 to 20 grains. 



Rubigo Ferri — Rust of Iron. — Formerly called prepared car- 

 bonate of iron ; prepared by exposing fine iron wire to air and mois- 

 ture, then Reducing to a fine powder by levigation and elutriation. 

 It consists of the protocarbonate and the sesquioxide. Colour, red ; 

 taste, styptic ; insoluble in water. * ' 



Ferri Suhcarhonas — Suhcarhonate of Iron. — Formerly named 

 Precipitated Carbonate ; made by mixing together the solution of the 

 carbonate of soda, and sulphate of iron. When first prepared the 

 colour is greenish-black, which soon changes into a brownish-red, 

 from the absorption of oxygen ; it then consists chiefly of the sesqui- 

 oxide. It has a styptic taste ; no odour ; is insoluble in pure water. 

 It is one of the best chalybeates ; is well borne by the stomach, and 

 no danger from an overdose ; much used in neuralgia. Dose, 5 to 

 30 grains. 



Pilluke Ferri Carhonatis — Vallefs Ferruginous Pills. — Pre- 



