MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 113 



Do not keep up the administration of calomel too long, as it 

 may cause mercurialism. 



Pure calomel is the best drug known for thrush. For 

 moist skin diseases and sores with a raw condition, calomel iy 2 

 oz. and bismuth subnitrate iy 2 ozs. is used where you wish to 

 dry them up quickly and relieve itching. As a purgative for 

 dogs use equal parts of calomel and bicarbonate of soda. 



Calomel is also used as a resolvent in opacities of the cornea, 

 it is blown into the eye 3 or 4 times a week. 



While it is fairly efficacious for this pupose, such treatment 

 frequently results in making a horse or other animal "head 

 scarey." 



The ointment of nitrate of mercury (q. v.) is better and nicer 

 of application. 



HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM — Cor- 

 rosive Mercuric Chloride. Synonyms. — Hydrargyrum Bi-Chlori- 

 dum, Hydrargyrum Perchloridum, Corrosive Chloride, Corro- 

 sive Sublimate. , 



Character. — Heavy, colorless masses; soluble 1 in 16 of 

 water, 1 in 3 of alcohol; hydrochloric acid or muriate of am- 

 monia increases its solubility. 



Dose. — Horse, 1 to 5 grs. ; sheep, ^ to 1 gr. ; dogs, fa 

 to tSs gr- 5 cattle, 2 to 8 grs. ; pigs, Y& to y 2 gr. Not very often 

 given internally, except in man for syphilis, combined with pot. 

 iod. 



Action. — Corrosive, irritant poison, occasionally used as an 

 alterative, antiseptic and hepatic stimulant. Repeated doses or 

 long continued cause mercurialism. 



Bxternally. — A most powerful antiseptic, astringent, caustic 

 and parasiticide. Its antiseptic action is said to be increased by 

 the addition of 5 parts of tartaric acid to 1 part of corrosive sub- 

 limate which prevents the formation of the insoluble albuminates \ 

 of mercury in the tissues which checks any further action of the 

 drug. The acid also renders corrosive sublimate soluble. Hy- 

 drochloric Acid equal parts serves the same purpose. 



Uses. — Internally, milder preparations of mercury are pre- 

 ferred ; has been used in tetanus, but its chief use is that of an 

 antiseptic externally ; used usually in the strength of 1 to 500, 

 1 to 1000 or 1 to 2000 ; for uterus 1 to 5000 or 1 to 10000. 7V2 



