Mater ia -Medica. \ 6 1 



9. Chloride of zinc, 3 to 5 grs. ; muriatic acid, 5 drops 

 distilled water, i fluid oz. 



Caustic ointments find their base in hog's lard, vaseline, 

 cocoa butter, &c. 



10. Verdigris finely powdered, i oz. ; hog's lard, 3 oz. 

 Mix. 



11. Sulphate of copper in fine powder, i oz. ; hog's 

 lard, 4 oz. Mix. 



12. Burnt alum, i oz. ; hog's lard, 3 oz. Mix; in 

 each case ensuring thorough incorporation. 



CHARGES. 



The use of charges is not so common as formerly. 

 They consist of the application of an adhesive compound, 

 in a heated state, to the legs, over which soft tow or a 

 bandage is rolled. These, on stiffening of the compound, 

 furnish an unyielding support as well as pressure, which 

 is considered suitable when the legs exhibit signs of 

 weakness, or there are local swellings, as of tendon, 

 bursae, &c., which call for reduction. Other measures 

 have largely superseded the practice. 



In past days, the plan has consisted of mixing various 

 ingredients as pitch, tar, resin, and lard together, and 

 when these have been melted and thoroughly mixed, 

 some medicament as red or white lead, mercury, arnica, 

 &c., &c., is added, as called for by the state of the legs. 

 To-day, the intelligence of the druggist enables him to 

 furnish the plaster properly compounded as a solid, and 

 in the form of a roll, requiring only to be heated and 

 applied, thus saving much trouble and annoyance, with 

 less liability to mistake. 



1 . Simple Lead Plaster is made use of when the effect 

 of a permanent bandage or support is needed. Care 

 must be observed in the application to avoid unnecessary 

 pressure, or great pain, swelling, and irritation will result. 



2. Mercurial Plaster is employed for the twofold pur- 

 pose of support and the reduction of enlargements. 



3. Arnica Plaster is used when a stimulant action is 

 to be exercised upon the blood-vessels, &c. 



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