YELLOW WAX 619 



absorption of some drug is desired (mercury, potassium 

 iodide) by inunction, as it is believed to be more readily 

 absorbed from the skin than any other fat. Lanolin is used 

 as a basis of ointments. 



Cera Flava. Yellow Wax. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Cera citrina, beeswax, B.P.; cire jaune, Fr.; 

 gelbes wachs, G. 



A peculiar, concrete substance prepared by Apis melli- 

 fica Linne (class Insecta ; order Hymenoptera). 



Properties. — A yellowish to brownish-yellow solid, 

 having an agreeable, honey-like odor, and faint, balsamic 

 taste. Spec. gr. 0.955-0.967. It is brittle when cold; by the 

 heat of the hand it becomes plastic. Insoluble in alcohol; 

 sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, but completely soluble in 

 ether, chloroform, fixed and volatile oils. 



Constituents. — 1, myricin or myrical palmitate (CgoHgi, 

 CigHgiOa), a spermaceti-like substance ; 2, cerin or cerotic 

 acid (C27H54O2), an imperfectly saponifiable waxy body ; 3, 

 hydrocarbons (C27II56 and Q>J3.^\ 4, an alcohol (CasHgjO) ; 5, 

 ceryl alcohol {Q^^13.^fi)' 



Cera Alba. White Wax. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Cire blanche, Fr.; weisses wachs, G. 



Yellow wax, bleached by exposure to air, light and 

 moisture. 



Properties. — A yellowish-white solid, somewhat trans- 

 lucent in thin layers, having a slightly rancid odor, and an 

 insipid taste. Spec. gr. 0.965-0.975. Solubility and com- 

 position the same as those of yellow wax. 



Uses. — Yellow and white wax are used as bases for 

 plasters, ointments and cerates, since they do not decompose 

 nor melt at the temperature of the body. 



