EXPECTORANTS. 91 



tended with piles, in combination with cream of tartar ; also, in dys- 

 pepsia, chronic rheumatism, chronic catarrhs, and cutaneous erup- 

 tions. Dose as a laxative, 3j to 3ij. Externally, an excellent remedy 

 for scabies, in the form of sulphur ointrnent; also, in the form of 

 vapour and bath. The bath is best in the form of the natural sulphur 

 waters. Sulphur precipitatum, lac sulphuris, milk of sulphur — 

 made by boihng together sulphur and lime, and then adding muriatic 

 acid, which precipitates the sulphur in the form of a hydrate ; colour 

 nearly white, but darkens by exposure. It has no advantage over 

 the other form. 



Calomel. 



As a cathartic, it is indicated in cases where the liver is deficient in 

 action, or secreting vitiated bile. It is slow in its operation, requir- 

 ing six or eight hours. It is apt to produce nausea and griping some 

 time after being taken, which are no doubt owing to the bile poured 

 out. It is believed to act by being absorbed directly into the vena 

 porta, and so finding its way into the liver. Ordinary dose, 5 to 15 

 grains, but best to combine it with other purgatives, as rhubarb or 

 jalap. There is a great difference in the susceptibility of different 

 persons to its action. It is one of the ingredients in the Compound 

 Cathartic Fills. 



ENEMATA. 

 Purgative injections are very useful, particularly to act on the 

 lower bowels, and when there is irritability or inflammation of 

 the stomach. The common laxative enema is composed of a 

 tablespoonful of salt, molasses, and lard, each, with a pint of warm 

 water; it may be rendered more active by the addition of castor oil, 

 or the infusion of senna. Turpentine and assafoetida are useful in 

 tympanitis. Cold water alone is frequently employed in constipa- 

 tion. Large quantities of warm water are useful, by the mere dis- 

 tension produced. 



CLASS X. — EXPECTORANTS. 



" Medicines which increase or promote the evacuation of the bron- 

 chial secretions." In the healthy condition there is a certain amount 

 of secretion always going on in the air passages, which is removed 

 by evaporation or absorption ; but in disease of these organs, there 

 is either an arrest of the natural secretion, or it becomes excessive, 

 and cough results. 



Some expectorants are thought to act by producing relaxation, as 

 the nauseating expectorants ; others by stimulating the mucous ex- 

 halants ; some, possibly, by sympathy from the stomach. The 

 nauseating class are alone indicated in cases of inflammatory or 

 febrile excitement ; the stimulating, in cases of enfeebled action, or 

 when of long duration. 



