PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS. 



Spermaceti is employed as a demulcent and emollient, 

 though scarcely more valuable as a remedy than gelatine. It 

 is readily digested in the stomach, in the same manner as 

 animal fat, and is converted into chyle with equal facility as 

 any other animal matter. It is used in dysentery and irri- 

 tations of the alimentary canal, and in catarrh and phthisis, 

 but in the latter case it is less beneficial than the bland oils, 

 for as these are readily united with water by means of alka- 

 lies and mucilages, the compounds formed with them are more 

 viscid, and better adapted for smearing the fauces. Several 

 imaginary healing virtues were formerly supposed to belong 

 to spermaceti, on which account it was and still is sometimes 

 given and regarded as highly beneficial in affections of the 

 chest, the kidneys, and the uterus. It is often likewise pre- 

 scribed as a vehicle for preparations of opium and sedatives 

 after child-birth. It is not here intended to perpetuate error, 

 and as an internal remedy experience has decided against 

 the claims of this substance. Its chief use is in the forma- 

 tion of ointments. 



CERATUM CETACEI, U. , Lond.~ CERATUM SIMPLEX, Ed. 

 UNGUENTUM CETACEI, Dub. Spermaceti cerate. " Take of 

 spermaceti an ounce ; white wax three ounces ; olive-oil six 

 fluid ounces. Melt together the spermaceti and wax, then add 

 the oil previously heated, and stir the mixture till cool." U. S. 



TJie London College directs two ounces of spermaceti, eight 

 ounces of white wax, and a pint (Imperial measure) of olive- 

 oil. The Edinburgh College directs six parts of olive-oil, 

 three parts of white wax, and one part of spermaceti. The 

 Dublin College directs half a pound of white wax, a pound of 

 spermaceti, and three pounds of lard. The direction to heat 

 the oil before adding it to the other ingredients is peculiar to 

 the United States and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. If added 

 cold, it is apt to produce an irregular congelation of the wax 

 and spermaceti, and thus to render the preparation lumpy. 



This cerate is employed as a dressing for blisters, excoriated 

 surfaces, and wounds ; and as the basis of more active prepa- 

 rations. When the ingredients are pure and sweet, it is 

 perfectly free from irritating properties. 



UNGUENTUM CETACEI, Lond. Spermaceti ointment. " Take 

 of spermaceti five ounces, white wax fourteen drachms, olive-oil 

 a pint (Imperial measure) or a sufficient quantity. Melt them 

 together over a slow fire, and stir constantly until cold." Lond. 



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