88 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



should be mixed with olive oil. 

 much in different persons. 



Its external irritant effect varies 



Elaterium, (U. S.) 



Product of the Momordica elaterium or squirting cucumber^ a 



growing 



Fig. 23. 



vine growing in the 

 south of Europe. The 

 fruit is about the size 

 of a lime, oval, of a 

 greenish colour, and 

 covered with nume- 

 rous prickles. When 

 ripe it bursts, pro- 

 jecting its contents. 

 Elaterium is procured 

 by slicing the fruit, 

 and the juice allowed 

 slowly to drain away 

 upon a muslin sieve, 

 when it gradually de- 

 posits the medicine. 

 This is in small flattish 

 pieces, of a grayish- 

 green colour, light 

 and friable ; has no odour, but a bitter and nauseous taste ; active 

 ingredient, elaterin. 



Mffects. — Probably the most active of all cathartics. Used chiefly 

 in obstinate dropsy. Dose of the purest, (Clutterbuck's,) g gr. ; of 

 the commercial, ^ gr. ; dose of elaterin, j'g to yL g^* Always best 

 to commence with very small doses, from the uncertainty of the pre- 

 paration. 



SALINE CATHARTICS. 



Nearly all are of mineral origin. They closely resemble each 

 other in their operation upon the system, producing watery evacua- 

 tions, from their influence over the secretory vessels of the mucous 

 membrane. They are likewise refrigerant, and are hence peculiarly 

 adapted to febrile and inflammatory complaints, but are contra-indi- 

 cated in typhoid disorders. 



Epso3i Salts.: — (MAGNEsiiE Sulphas, U. S.) 



Procured from the bittern of sea-water after the crystallization of 

 the chloride of sodium. A better method is by the action of sulphuric 

 acid on magnesite ; also from springs. As 'usually found, the crys- 

 tals are small and needle-shaped ; contain 50 per cent, of water of 

 crystallization ; eflloresce slowly ; very soluble in water ; taste bitter 



