170 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Zincum. 



(Zinc is not used in Medicine in the metallic state.) 



ZiNCi Chloridum. Zinc Chloride. ZnCl^. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Derivation. — Dissolve zinc in hydrochloric acid by boil- 

 ing. The solution contains the zinc chloride with chlorides 

 of iron and lead as impurities. These are precipitated by 

 adding first nitric acid then zinc carbonate. Filter and 

 finally evaporate. Zn, + 4 HCl = 2 Zn CI, + 2 H,. 



Properties. — A white, granular powder, or porcelain- 

 like masses, irregular or moulded into pencils ; odorless ; of 

 such intensely caustic properties as to make tasting danger- 

 ous unless the salt be dissolved in much water, when it has 

 an astringent, metallic taste ; very deliquescent ; reaction 

 acid ; soluble in about 0.3 part of water ; very soluble in 

 alcohol. 



Liquor Zinci Chloridi. Solution of Zinc Chloride. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Derivation. — Made as above with the addition of water. 

 It contains about 50 per cent., by weight, of zinc chloride. 



Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a 

 very astringent, sweetish taste and an acid reaction. Spec. 

 gr. about 1,535 at 15° C. (59° R). 



Toxicology. — Zinc chloride is a powerful irritant if swal- 

 lowed in any degree of concentration, and will, therefore, 

 produce gastro-enteritis. Emetics or the stomach pump 

 should be used, followed by demulcents and sodium bicar- 

 bonate. 



Uses. — Zinc chloride is employed in a paste made into 

 small pieces with flour ; or on lint soaked in a saturated 

 solution, dried, and introduced under the skin about the 

 base of tumors to cause their destruction by sloughing. It 

 is employed in the form of pencils on unhealthy, granulating 

 surfaces, as in " foot rot," and injected in strong solution 



