IPECACUANHA. METHYLIS SALICYLAS. 33 



drochloride, is advised in 0.032 Gm. repeated doses by hypodermic. This alkaloid is 

 also being widely studied for its effects on pyorrhoea. 



Official preparations are: the Fluidextract, the Powder of Ipecac and Opium 

 (Dover's), and the Syrup. 



JALAPA. 



Jalap consists of the dried tuberous root of Exogonium Purga (Fam. Convolvu- 

 lacece), a perennial herb, native to Eastern Mexico. It yields not less than 7% of 

 resinous principles. 



Properties of Jalap pozvder: 



Appearance 



Color .. 



Odor 



Taste .. 



Jalap is a powerful hydrogogue purgative. Dose, i Gm. 



Official preparations are: Compound Cathartic Pill, Compound Powder, and 

 the Resin. 



MAGNESII SULPHAS. 



The Sulphate of Magnesia, or Epsom Salt, contains approximately 50% anhy- 

 drous magnesium sulphate. It should be kept in tight containers. 



Properties: 



Appearance 



Color .. 



Odor . 



Taste 



Effect when exposed to air 

 Solubility in H^O 



CoH r ,OH 



Magnesium Sulphate is a drastic hydrogogue purgative. Dose, 1 5 Gm. Epsom 

 Salt is also one ingredient in Infusum Sennse Compositum. 



Other official preparations of Magnesia are the Carbonate, and the Light and 

 Heavy Oxides, each of which is somewhat dubiously used as an antacid. 



METHYLIS SALICYLAS. 



Methyl Salicylate is obtained by distillation from Ganltheria procumbent (Fam. 

 Ericacece). A chemically-identical substance is similarly obtained from Betula lenta 

 (Fam. Betitlacecc); or it may be made synthetically by treating salicylic acid with 

 methyl alcohol and sulphuric acid, and distilling the product. 



Properties: 



Appearance .... 

 Color .. 



Odor . 



Taste .. 



Solubility : 

 H 2 ... 



70% C 2 H 5 OH 



Methyl Salicylate has much the same action as other salicylates, being thus used 

 for the treatment of acute rheumatism. Dose, 0.75 mil. 



