580 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Soap is employed both as a qualitative and quantitive 

 test for hard water. This contains salts of the alkaline 

 earth metals, as sulphates and carbonates of magnesium and 

 calcium. Soap is decomposed by these salts, and insoluble 

 soaps, i.e., calcium and magnesium stearate, are precipitated. 

 The free alkali of the soap is then converted into insoluble 

 sulphates and carbonates. These reactions produce a milky 

 precipitate when a solution of soap is added to hard 

 water. 



Internally soap is an antacid and somewhat irritating, 

 and may occasion vomiting aud stimulation of intestinal 

 peristalsis. These actions are taken advantage of in emergen- 

 cies, when it may be given to dogs as an emetic, or to all 

 animals in poisoning by acids. A piece of soap, when 

 shaped by the hands into a conical form, dipped an instant 

 into water, and introduced into the rectum, is one of the 

 best agents for moving the bowels in the case of puppies and 

 all young animals. Enemata of soap suds are in every day 

 use. A mixture of sapo mollis, molasses, and water, in vary- 

 ing proportions, is a more efficient preparation. Oil of 

 turpentine may be added in flatulence. 



Glycerinum. Glycerin. C3H, (OH),. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Glycerine, E. ; glycerine, Fr. ; glycerin, 

 oelsiiss, G; glycerinum, P.G. 



Derivation. — A liquid obtained by the decomposition of 

 vegetable or animal fats or fixed oils, and containing not less 

 than 95 per cent, of absolute glycerin. It occurs as a bye- 

 product in the manufacture of soap, but is made chiefly from 

 palm oil by the action of superheated steam at a tempera- 

 ture of about 600° F. 



Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a thick, syrupy 

 consistence, oily to the touch, odorless, very sweet and 

 slightly warm to the taste. Spec. gr. not less than 1.250. 

 Soluble in all proportions in water or alcohol ; also soluble 

 in a mixture of 3 parts of alcohol and 1 part of ether, but 



