222 MATER i A MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



Impurities. Every variety of resins and gum-resins : de- 

 tected by appearance, smell, and taste. 



Preparations. 



1. Pilula Aloes et Myrrhse. 1 in 6. (See Aloe Socotrina, 



page 357.) 



2. Tinctura Myrrhs^ 1 in 8. Dose, ^ to 1 fl.dr. 



Myrrh is also contained in Decoctum Aloes Compositum, 

 Mistura Ferri Composita, Pilula Assafoetida Composita, and 

 Pilula Rhei Composita. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 r l. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Externally. Myrrh is a stimulant and disinfectant like 

 other oleo-resins, and is sometimes used as a dressing for ulcers. 



Internally. It exerts a similar effect upon the mouth, 

 throat, stomach, and bowels. It is much employed as a wash 

 in spongy gums and ulcerated mouth ; as a gargle in relaxed 

 throat ; and as a stomachic and adjuvant of purgatives in 

 dyspepsia, anaemia, and constipation. 



2. ACTION ON THE BLOOD AND ITS USES. 



Myrrh appears to increase the number of leucocytes in the 

 blood ; and this fact may in part account for its value along 

 with iron in anemia. 



3. SPECIFIC ACTION. 



Nothing definite is known on this subject. 



4. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Like the oleo-resins (see Terebinthina Oleum] myrrh 

 appears to be excreted by the mucous membranes, especially of 

 the genito-urinary and respiratory tracts, and stimulates them 

 during its passage. It is thus an uterine stimulant and em- 

 menagogue, and is extensively given along with aloes or iron 

 in the amenorrhoea of girls. As a stimulant and disinfectant 

 expectorant it is much less used now than formerly in chronic 

 bronchitis. 



Elemi ELEMI. A concrete resinous exudation, 

 the botanical source of which is undetermined, but is 

 probably Canarium commune. Chiefly imported from 

 Manilla. 



Characters. A soft unctuous adhesive mass, becoming 

 harder and more resinous by age ; of a yellowish-white colour ; 



