SPONGIA OFFICINALIS. 



of an acid. The finer sponges, which have the greatest firm- 

 ness and tenacity, were formerly called male sponge, while the 

 coarser portions were denominated female sponge. 



Well-washed sponge, freed as much as possible from earths 

 and salts by dilute acids, is found to consist of a substance 

 similar to osmazome, animal mucus, fat oil, a substance soluble 

 in water, a substance only soluble in potash, and traces of chlo- 

 ride of sodium, iodine, sulphur, phosphate of lime, silica, alu- 

 mina, and magnesia. Sponge also consists of gelatine (which 

 it gradually gives out to water), and a thin, brittle, membra- 

 nous substance, which possesses the properties of coagulated 

 albumen. 



The extensive economical uses of sponge are well known. 

 To the surgeon it is of great value on account of its softness, 

 porosity, elasticity, and the facility with which it imbibes 

 fluids. Its use in surgical operations and for checking hemor- 

 rhage is universal. It has also been applied to wounds and 

 ulcers for imbibing acrid discharges. The sponge-tent is 

 usually made of compressed sponge impregnated with wax 

 (Spongia ceratd), and which is called prepared sponge (Spongia 

 prceparata). It is prepared by dipping sponge into melted 

 wax, and compressing it between two iron plates till the wax 

 hardens. It was formerly much resorted to for dilating sinu- 

 ses and small openings, but it is now seldom used. 



SPONGIA USTA. Calcined or burnt sponge. Cut sponge 

 into small pieces and bruise it, in order to free it from any 

 adhering extraneous substances ; then burn it in a covered 

 iron vessel, until it becomes black and friable ; finally, rub it 

 to a very fine powder. 



The properties of burnt sponge consist of carbonate and phos- 

 phate of lime, subcarbonate of soda, iodine, and charcoal. The 

 active ingredients are the subcarbonate of soda and the iodine. 



Burnt sponge is tonic, deobstruent, and antacid. It has been 

 much recommended in bronchocele, scrofulous affections, and 

 herpetic eruptions. It has also been used with considerable 

 effect in scirrhous testicle, when given in combination with 

 cinchona bark. It is supposed to derive its efficacy from the 

 iodine it contains. The dose is from one to three drachms, 

 mixed into the form of an electuary, with powdered cinna- 

 mon and honey. In bronchocele the patient is directed to 

 swallow the portion of electuary very slowly, from a supposi- 

 tion that some local effect is produced. 



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