A NTIMONIUM. I O I 



oxydation; and, indeed, the empirical use of phosphorus has 

 recently been in a great measure abandoned. 



In very small doses over a considerable length of time, 

 phosphorus affects the structure of bones, converting the spongy 

 portion into firm, compact substance, without in any way alter- 

 ing its composition chemically. It has therefore been recom- 

 mended in cases of rickets and ununited fracture; but in 

 rickets, at least, is far inferior to other medicinal measures, if of 

 service in any way. 



The hypophosphites have recently been much employed in 

 cases of nervous and general debility and chronic lung disease, 

 and act, according to some authorities, in the same manner as 

 free phosphorus, without being irritant. As the hypophosphites 

 are probably converted into phosphates in the stomach, they 

 may be expected to stimulate the liver and bowels, and to affect 

 the growth and healing of bones, lymphatic glands, and adenoid 

 tissue, including tubercle. 



4. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION. 



Phosphorus is excreted by the kidneys as phosphorus and 

 phosphorous acid, not as phosphates ; but is not employed in 

 this connection. 



ANTIMONIUM. Sb. 122. ANTIMONY. 



The inetal itself (Stibium) is not officinal, all the 

 preparations being derived from " black antimony," 

 Antimonium Nigrum, as follows : 



A lit i ill Oil i II Bit > i gruni. Black Antimony. Native 

 Sulphide of Antimony. 80283. 



Source. Purified from siliceous matter by fusion, and 

 powdered. 



Characters. A metallic-looking powder, of a steel-grey 

 colour. 



Impurity. Silica ; insoluble in boiling HC1. 



Nut given medicinally. 



From Antimonium Nigrum, 



a. Antimonium Sulphuratum. Sulphurated Anti- 

 mony. Sulphide of Antimony, Sb.,S.,, with a small and 

 variable amount of Oxide of Antimony, Sb 2 O 3 . 



>". Made by (1) boiling Black Antimony with 

 Solution of Soda, and (2) precipitating with Diluted Sul- 

 phuric Acid. (1) 2Sb 3 S 3 -f GNaHO = 2^<i 3 SbS 3 + Sb.,0, 



