CAMPHOR A. 321 



Impurities. Borneo camphor, which sinks in water. Fixed 

 salts, left on sublimation. 

 Dose. 1 to 10 gr. 



Preparations. 



1. Aqua fla.Tnph.ors- About ^ gr. in 1 fl.oz. Dose, 1 to 2 fl.oz. 

 flflmphnrip 1 to 4 of Olive Oil. 



Camphors? Compositum. 1 in 9, with Strong 

 Solution of Ammonia, Spirit, and Oil of Lavender. 



4. Spiritus CamphorsB. 1 in 10. Dose, 10 to 30 min. (in 



milk or on sugar ; an irritant preparation). 



5. Tinctura Camphora Composita. " Paregoric Elixir." 



Camphor, 30 gr. ; Opium, 40 gr. ; Benzoic Acid, 40 gr. ; 

 Oil of Anise, dr. ; Proof Spirit, 20 fl.oz. 1 fl.dr. contains 

 gr. opium. (See Opium, p. 183.) Dose, 15 to 60 min. 



Camphor is also contained in all except four liniments, and 

 in two ointments. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 1. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Externally. Camphor closely resembles other aromatic oils 

 in its action, as described Tinder Terebinthina Oleum, page 343. 

 It is (1) weakly antiseptic ; (2) stimulating to the local circu- 

 lation; and (3) sedative to the nerves, after preliminary 

 stimulation. The uses of camphor externally depend on these 

 properties : the many liniments and ointments which contain it 

 are intended to increase the nutrition of indurated or stiffened 

 parts, to relieve pain, or to produce counter- irritation. The 

 fluid compounds with carbolic acid, chloral, thymol, etc., are 

 valuable anodynes. 



Internally. Camphor combined with carbolic acid forms 

 an antiseptic and anaesthetic dressing for carious teeth. In the 

 mouth it produces its peculiar taste, increase of the local cir- 

 culation, salivation, and mucous flow. Reaching the stomach, 

 it causes a sense of warmth ; is a weak antiseptic ; and again 

 acts like turpentine. Briefly, it is a carminative, its purely 

 local action stimulating digestion and relieving flatulence, 

 and its reflex effects being visible in increased action of the 

 heart, f ulness and force of the pulse, and cerebro-spinal excita- 

 tion. Its carminative properties, whilst generally applicable, 

 are specially valuable in hysterical vomiting. 



The intestinal effects of camphor are very similar, and it 

 is therefore useful in some forms of diarrhoea, in the first stage 

 of cholera, and in meteorism. 

 V 8 



