1 1 4 MATERIA MEDICA. 



Iodine. — (Iodinum, U. S.) 



A simple, non-metallic solid, of a bluish-gray colour, and metallic 

 lustre, with a peculiar odour ; volatile ; sparingly soluble in water ; 

 more so in alcohol. 



Effects on Syste^n. — In very small doses, it acts as a general 

 tonic, occasionally increasing the flow of urine, and sometimes 

 producing salivation. If continued for a length of time, it sti- 

 mulates the absorbents, causing emaciation. If still longer em- 

 ployed, it acts upon the nervous system and digestive organs. In 

 large doses, it is a corrosive poison. Used chiefly to promote the 

 absorption of indurations and enlargements, &c. Probably, the best 

 remedy in goitre, in which it may be employed both internally and 

 externally. Scrofula is another disease in which iodine acts bene- 

 ficially, particularly in the form of glandular swellings, ophthalmia, 

 abscesses, &c. ; also in chronic rheumatism, chronic, cutaneous dis- 

 eases, and tertiary syphilis. Dose, | to ^ a grain, but not in sub- 

 stance, on account of its difficult solubility. 



Tinctura lodini^ U. S. — Contains 30 grs. iodine to f3j alcohol ; 

 not quite saturated; when long kept, it is partially decomposed; 

 dose, 10 to 20 drops, in sweetened water. The tincture used ad- 

 vantageously, externally, in lupus, erysipelas, and other skin dis- 

 eases, and also in affections of the joints ; to be applied by means 

 of a small brush. 



Iodide of Potassium — (Potassii lodidum-, U. S.) — Made by mix- 

 ing together iron filings and iodine with water, by which iodide of 

 iron is formed ; then decomposing with carbonate of potassa. It is 

 in the form of white cubical crystals, somewhat deliquescent; very 

 soluble in water and alcohol ; taste, acrid and saline ; its aqueous 

 solution has the property of dissolving iodine. It nets on the system 

 very much as iodine, though less energetically; — used in cachectic 

 conditions, particularly in tertiary syphilis ; in the various forms of 

 scrofula, rheumatism, &c. Dose, 3 to 20 grs., three times a day. 

 Sometimes it produces some irritation of the bowels, and some 

 vertigo. 



L'ugoVs Solution of Iodine — [Liquor lodini Compositus, U. S.) — 

 Made by dissolving 9ij iodide of potassium and '9j iodine, in f 3vij 

 water; dose, 6 to 10 drops, three times a day, gradually increased. 

 This is an active and excellent preparation, much used by Lugol in 

 the treatment of scrofula. 



There are many other preparations of iodine, more or less em- 

 ployed; as the iodide of lead ; iodide of sulphur , — used in the form of 

 'an ointment, in certain cutaneous affections ; iodide of zinc ^ »fec. 



Iodine Ointment — ( Unguentum lodini, U. S.) — Made by rubbing 

 up together iodine and lard. 



Unguent, lodini Compositum^ (U. S.) — Made like the other, 



