SILVER NITRATE 165 



Uses External, — Lead acetate is useful in the treatment 

 of skin diseases, as weeping eczema and erythema, and in 

 excoriations, blistered surfaces, bruises, strains, and burns. 

 An efficient lotion having an astringent and sedative action 

 in such conditions, contains : laudanum, 1 part ; Goulard's 

 extract, 4 parts ; and oil, glycerin or water, 16 parts. The 

 " white lotion " of veterinary medicine is made by adding 3 

 drachms each of lead acetate and zinc sulphate to a pint of 

 water. It is a favorite astringent, sedative, and antiseptic 

 application for strains and "scratches." The stronger 

 solution of lead subacetate should not be employed exten- 

 sively on raw surfaces or mucous membranes undiluted. 

 The diluted solution of lead subacetate may be used as an 

 injection for leucorrhcea. Lead acetate should be diluted 

 with 20 to 40 parts of vinegar or water. Lead acetate ia 

 not suitable for collyria, if there is any ulceration of the 

 cornea, because a permanent film may be deposited and 

 obscure the sight. 



Uses Internal. — Lead acetate is serviceable in the treat- 

 ment of diarrhoea, dysentery, and haemorrhage from the 

 stomach and bowels. It is frequently prescribed in these 

 diseases with opium. 



Argentum. 



(Silver is not used in medicine in the metallic state.) 



Argenti Nitras. Silver Nitrate. AgNOj. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Derivation. — Dissolve silver in nitric acid with heat. 



3 Ag, + 6 HNO3 = 6 AgNOs + 3 H,. Evaporate and 

 crystallize. 



Properties. — Colorless, transparent, tabular, rhombic 

 crystals, becoming gray, or grayish-black on exposure to 

 light in the presence of organic matter ; without odor, but 

 having a bitter, caustic and strongly metallic taste ; reaction 

 neutral ; soluble in 0.6 part of water and in 26 parts of 

 alcohol. 



