AGEKTS PROMOTING WASTE. 69 



by exposure to air, having a foul, sulphurous odor, an 

 offensive alkaline taste, alkaline reaction, slightly- 

 soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, is prepared by- 

 exposing in a crucible for one hour at a low red heat 

 a mixture of lime 100 parts and precipitated sulphur 

 90 parts. The finished product should contain not less 

 than thirty-six per cent, of absolute calcium sul- 

 phide. 



Physiological Action. — Sulphur is an altera- 

 tive, a mild laxative, a stimulant to the intestinal mu- 

 cous membranes, a disinfectant and deodorizer, espe- 

 cially in the form of sulphurous acid. Being soluble 

 in alkaline solutions it is partly absorbed in the small 

 intestine and stimulates its mucous membrane. It is 

 excreted mainly by the feeces, but also by the urine 

 as sulphates, by the skin and respiratory apparatus, 

 and as it communicates a disagreeable odor and taste 

 to the meat, must not be administered to animals 

 used for food for some time prior to slaughtering. 

 Sulphites, sulphides, and hyposulphites are in part 

 decomposed by the acid secretion of the stomach, 

 partly converted into sulphates, are absorbed and are 

 eliminated chiefly by the kidneys. If their adminis- 

 tration is continued for a longer period they impair 

 digestion, impoverish the blood, cause ansemia and 

 emaciation. The sulphites and hyposulphites have 

 great power to diminish the effects of animal poisons, 

 and are used as febrifuges, antiseptics, antacids, and 

 carminatives. 



Therapeutics.— Sulphur as a laxative, especially 

 during pregnancy and in convalescence from acute 



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