MAGNESII OXIDUM PONDEROSUM 359 



MAGNESIUM 



When salts of magnesium are taken or administered per os, they 

 serve as purgatives because they are absorbed with difficulty. The 

 purgative action has been discussed under the salines. If the salts 

 are injected intravenously or subcutaneously in sufficient amounts 

 they depress the nervous system and cause complete narcosis and 

 relaxation of the muscles. This action is now being utilized in the 

 treatment of tetanus with reported success. A complete and rapid 

 recovery from the action of magnesium salts may be brought about 

 by the intravenous injection of calcium. 



MAGNESII CARBONAS — MAGNESIUM CARBONATE 



Magnesium carbonate occurs as light, white, friable masses 

 (Heavy magnesia [B. P.] ) or light white powder (Light magnesia 

 B. P.). It is odorless, of a slightly earthy taste, permanent in air, 

 almost insoluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. 



Doses. Foals and Calves 3 j — ij-; 4.0 — 8.0; Dogs gr. v — ^ix ; 

 0.3—4. 



MAGNESIUM OXIDUM — MAGNESIUM OXIDE 



Synonyms. — Magnesia, Light Magnesia, Calcined Magnesia, Burnt 



Magnesia 



Magnesium carbonate occurs as a white, very light, odorless 

 powder, having an earthy taste, almost insoluble in water, insoluble 

 in alcohol, but soluble in dilute acids. One part of the salt on be- 

 ing mixed with 15 parts of water and allowed to stand for half an 

 hour, hydrates and forms a gelatinous mass. 

 Doses. The same as for the carbonate. 



MAGNESII OXIDUM PONDEROSUM — HEAVY MAGNESIUM 



OXIDE 



Synonyms. Heavy Magnesia, Heavy Calcined Magnesia 



Heavy magnesia is a white, dense, fine powder differing from 

 the light variety only in not forming a gelatinous mass with water. 



Doses. The same as for the carbonate. 



Preparations of Magnesia. *Pulvis Bhei Com,positus (65 

 per cent). 



Ferri Hydroxidum cum Magnesii Oxide. 

 Magma Magnesii. Milk of magnesia. 



Action and Uses of Magnesia. The salts of magnesium are 

 weak alkalies without caustic action. They are partly converted 

 * Unofficial. 



