no MATERIA MEDICA. 



Oil of Turpentine. 



Powerfully anthelmintic in large doses; particularly useful in 

 expelling taenia ; its purgative operation must be always insured by 

 combining it with, or following it by castor oil. Dose, f3j to f 3ij. 

 In smaller doses, it is very efficacious in removing the ascarides of 

 children, to whom it may be given in combination with castor oil, or 

 else by enema. 



Tin. — (Stannum, U. S.) 



Used in the form of powder, which is prepared by melting tin, 

 stirring while cooling, and then passing through a sieve; believed 

 to act mechanically; used chiefly to expel fumbrici and ta;nia. 

 Dose, 3j to 3ij, repeated, and then followed by a brisk cathartic. 



Calomel. 



_ An excellent anthelmintic for children ; best administered by 

 giving a grain or two every night, or every other nioht, and following, 

 in the morning, with a dose of castor oil and oil of turpentine. It, no 

 doubt, acts through the agency of the bile which is poured out. 



CLASS XXIII. — MEDICINES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

 Mercury. — (Hydrargyrum, U. S.) 



In the metallic state, it is not believed to act upon the system ; but, 

 when swallowed in that state, it very soon is oxidized, and then be' 

 comes efficient. The vapour from metallic mercury is known to be 

 active, as is seen from its effects on artisans who work in that 

 metal. The effects of mercury on the system may conveniently be 

 considered under the two heads oi: \Xs atieratii-e nr\d its salivant ope- 

 ration. When given in very minute doses, and continued for a lenoth 

 of time, it augments all the secretions, causing increased action'^of 

 the mucous membranes generally ; at the same time, the absorbents 

 are stimulated to greater activity, so that under its operation, effused 

 fluids are seen to diminish or disappear, and glandular enlargements 

 are often dispersed. It also usually relaxes the bowels, in'' conse- 

 quence of the augmented secretion of their mucous membrane. 



In larger doses, mercury acts as a sialogogue, producing all the 

 above-mentioned effects, only to a greater degree, and in addition, 

 increased action of the salivary glands, with swelling and soreness 

 of the gums — a train of symptoms denominated salivation. The 

 signs of the mercurial sore mouth are the following: slight swelling 

 and tenderness of the gums, particularly when the teeth are pressed 

 together; a coppery taste in the mouth; a peculiar, unpleasant 

 breath, and an increased flow of saliva, which may become excessive. 



