FORMS OF BOTANICAL MEDICINES. 175 



PILLS 



Are perhaps the best known and most largely used 

 form of medicines, chiefly because of their handy form 

 and general convenience, and also because of their 

 comparative tastelessness. Pills are for the most part 

 composed of concentrated extracts and alkaloids in 

 combination with active crude drugs. They may be 

 obtained coated or uncoated, but the pearl-coated pill is 

 the general favourite, as it is quite tasteless, and the 

 coating, if properly made, is readily soluble in the 

 stomach. 



TABLETS 



Are made by compressing drugs into a very small 

 compass. It is claimed for them that they are superior 

 to pills, because they are more easily administered and 

 by reason of their rapid dissolution in the stomach are 

 quicker in their action. 



CAPSULES 



Are gelatine containers of convenient sizes for 

 swallowing and holding oils, balsams, &c, which, 

 because of their nauseous taste or smell, would be 

 difficult to administer. Such drugs as Cod Liver Oil, 

 Castor Oil, Copaiba, Sandalwood Oil, &c, are largely 

 given in this form, because objection is made to the 

 remedies in their natural state. 



SUPPOSITORIES 



Are small cones made of some convenient and easily 

 soluble base, and used where it is desired to apply 

 medicines per rectum. They are invaluable in the 

 treatment of internal piles, cancers, fistula, &c. They 

 are also made of nutrient ingredients and passed into 

 the bowels, where patients are unable to take nourish- 

 ment in the usual manner. 



