Capsula, (Gelatine Capsule). Capsules are made in hard and soft 

 varieties. The first are hollow receptacles, covered by a lid made of the 

 same shape and accurately closing it, and composed of gelatine, acacia 

 and sugar The soft variety made by substiting Glycerin for the sugar, 

 are ovoid in shape and are closed, after being filled, simply by placing a 

 drop of the gelatine solution over the open end. The substances intro- 

 duced may be bulky powders, semi-solid pill masses, and such fluids as will 

 not dissolve the gelatine, as the Oils. Watery solutions may be administer- 

 ed by this means if given immediately but this method is not recommended. 



Cataplasma, (Poultice). A poultice is a means of applying moist 

 heat to the surface of the body. It may be made of Linseed Meal, Bran, 

 or any other bland substance capable of retaining heat and moisture. 

 Sometimes they contain also more active substances such as Mustard, 

 small quantities of Laudanum, or some of the antiseptics as Boric Acid 

 and the Volatile Oils. In the latter case a base of Kaolin is used as in the 

 Cataplasma Kaolini of the United States Pharmacopoeia. 



Ceratum, (Cerate). These are fatty mixtures made as ointments but 

 containing wax which gives then a firmer consistence. They are therefore 

 valuable as local applications. 



Collyrium, (Eye-wash). A solution of a drug or drugs dissolved in 

 water. They are dropped into the conjunctiva. 



Elixir, (Elixir). A solution of active remedies in a mixture of 

 Syrup and Alcohol which has been made aromatic by the addition of some 

 of the Essential Oils. As a class they are related to both the Tinctures 

 and the Spirits but are usually of feeble strength. Some are used simply 

 as flavourings or as vehicles for less pleasant drugs. 



Emulsio, (Emulsion). A mixture of oil and water in which the oil is 

 suspended by the use of a mucilage or in which it has been partially saponi- 

 fied by the action of an alkali. 



Enema, (Enema or Clyster). A liquid preparation for injection into 

 the rectum. These may be medicated or nutrient in character. In the 

 first any drug capable of acting upon the mucous membrane of the rectum 

 or which can be absorbed, and thus permitted to exercise its general effect 

 may be used. The latter usually consist of easily absorbed food such as pre- 

 digested milk or eggs. 



Fumigatio (Fumigation). Fumigation is the act of subjecting the body 

 or any object to the action of fumes or vapors, as in the burning of sulphur 

 for its disinfecting properties, or as in the fumigation of calomel in the 

 treatment of Syphilis. 



Serum, (Serum). The purified serum obtained under the most rigid 

 aseptic precautions from animals which have been inoculated with living 

 bacteria or their products. The Antidiphtheritic Serum is the best known 

 and understood. 



I.') 



