222 p IN e. 



chronic rheumatism and paralysis. As an external stimulant, it 

 proves beneficial in chronic rheumatism, and chronic enlarge- 

 ments of the joints ; and is an excellent addition to embrocations 

 in acute rheumatism and paralysis of the limbs. It has also 

 been exhibited in the form of enema in cases of colic, obstinate 

 constipation, and locked-jaw. It is now generally resorted to 

 as a powerful remedy against tape-worm. Moreover Dr. Cope- 

 land* eulogises its effects in certain haemorrhages, dropsies, 

 chlorosis, infantile convulsions, and he confirms Dr. Perceval's 

 assertion of its efficacy in epilepsy. Externally warm oil of 

 turpentine is a useful primary application to extensive burns ; 

 and an excellent liniment for this purpose is made with two 

 ounces of the oil, to four ounces of linseed oil. It is also benefi- 

 cially applied to indolent ulcers where sloughs are to come away. 

 Tar is considered stimulant, diuretic, and sudorific, and 

 externally detergent. It has been highly commended in 

 scabies, given in the form of pills with powder of liquo- 

 rice, and has constituted a favourite domestic remedy in 

 Sweden, for warding off the contagion of small poxf. It has been 

 more generally employed in the form of tar-water, (aqua picis 

 liquidae) which is prepared simply by pouring boiling water 

 upon tar. Tar-water has been administered with advantage 

 in some cases of dyspepsia, occurring in indolent habits ; also 

 in porrigo, and other cutaneous affections, both internally and 

 externally. It was formerly much employed in asthma, dys- 

 pnoea, &c. Dr. Berkeley J, Bishop of Cloyne, wrote a dissert- 

 ation in which he extravagantly lauds the virtues of this remedy, 

 in scorbutus and many other diseases. Sir A. Crichton recom- 

 mends the vapour of heated tar, (the acid of which has been 

 previously neutralized,) to be inhaled by those suffering under 

 pulmonary consumption. 



The recently discovered substance Creosote § is obtained from the oil of 

 tar, chiefly from those portions of it which are heavier than water. It is a 

 colourless transparent liquid, of an oily consistence, with a burning taste 

 followed by sweetness, and its odour resembles that of wood smoke. It is 



* Med. and Phys. Journal, vol. xlvi. p. 186. 



f Jurikes tiduing, 1766, in 52. 



:£ Siris, or a chain of Philosophical Reflections and Enquiries concerning 

 the virtues of Tar water. 1744-8. 



§ For the preparation, qualities, properties, &o. of this substance, see 

 Cormack's Treatise on Creosote, 1836. 



