318 MATERIA MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



5. Sympus Bhei. Dose, 1 to 4 fl.dr. 



6. Tinctura Rhei. 1 in 10. Dose, as a stomachic, 1 to 2 fl.dr. ; 



as a purgative, | to 1 fl.oz. 



7. Vinum Bhei. 1 in 14. Dose, 1 to 2 fl.dr. 



All preparations, excepting the Extract and Infusion, 

 are compound. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 1. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



The action of rhubarb is confined to the alimentary canal. 

 In small doses (1 to 5 gr.), the bitter principle and rheo-tannic 

 acid are chiefly active, as bitter stomachics and intestinal 

 astringents. In larger doses (up to 40 gr.) the cathartic acid 

 exerts its influence before the rheo-tannic acid ; stimulates the 

 intestinal movements and liver, as in senna, with some 

 griping ; and causes purgation, producing in six to eight hours 

 a liquid motion, of a yellow colour from the pigment of the 

 rhubarb and excess of bile. The cathartic acid being expelled, 

 the effect of the tannic acid becomes evident, and the bowels 

 are confined. 



Rhubarb is used in small doses as a bitter stomachic, 

 intestinal astringent, and tonic, to correct atonic indigestion 

 with diarrhoea, as in dyspeptic and rickety infants and children. 

 Larger doses are given as a purgative, in the form of the Com- 

 pound Powder, to sweep out the bowels and then set them at 

 rest, in cases of summer diarrhoea and diarrhoea ab ingestis of 

 children, combined sometimes with a mercurial. The Compound 

 Pill is a familiar mild laxative for habitual use, suiting some 

 persons, but demanding constant repetition in the majority. 

 The cholagogue action of rhubarb adds to its value both in 

 stomachic and purgative preparations. Its griping effect must 

 be remembered, and the drug should never be given alone. 



3. ACTION IN THE BLOOD, SPECIFIC, AND REMOTE LOCAL ACTION. 



The chrysophan and chrysophanic acid, at least, are 

 absorbed into the blood, pass through the tissues, and are 

 thrown out in the secretions, which they stain yellow, including 

 the urine. 



MYRTSTICACE^l. 



Klyristica NUTMEG. The kernel of the seed of 

 Myristica officinalis. Cultivated extensively in the 

 Eanda Islands of the Malayan Archipelago. 



