214 INOEGAxNTIC AGBKTS 



quently applied. Mercury (and calomel in particular) is 

 diuretic, stimulating the secreting cells of the kidneys, and 

 increasing the amount of urine. 



Elimination. — Mercury is eliminated very slowly, 

 mainly by the csecum and colon (after its absorption), but 

 also by the kidneys, liver, salivary glands, and, in fact, by 

 every conceivable channel. In thus stimulating the elimi- 

 native activities of the various glands, mercury has been 

 termed a deobstruent. It has been surmised that its alter- 

 ative effect depends, in part, upon this action in stimulating 

 ■ — to use the old term — the emunctories. 



SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OF MEECUEY AND ITS SALTS. 



External. — Antiseptic, germicide, irritant, caustic, para- 

 siticide, antipruritic and sorbefacient. 



Internal. — Antiseptic, purgative, antiphlogistic, alter- 

 ative and diuretic (calomel). 



USES OF MEECUEY AND ITS SALTS. 



Hydrargyrum cum creta is similar to calomel in its 

 effects, but very much milder, unless it contains the black 

 oxide of mercury, when its action is much intensified. The 

 same m.ay be said of massa hydrargyri. Either preparation 

 may be given dogs as a laxative in indigestion with vomiting 

 and diarrhcea ; or to foals and calves with intestinal indiges- 

 tion and diarrhoea, particularly if accompanied with jaun- 

 dice. The oleatum or unguentum hydrargyri are rubbed into 

 the skin to cause resolution of chronic inflammatory swellings, 

 and also to kill animal and vegetable parasites. As the 

 former action is due to absorption, large quantities will lead 

 to poisoning when applied over an extensive surface. We 

 can use other and safer remedies, as creolin, tar or sulphur 

 ointment, for parasiticides. It is to be remembered in this 

 connection that grease alone will kill lice and other parasites 

 on the skin. On account of their sorbefacient properties, 

 the oleate and blue ointment of mercury are applied over 

 chronically enlarged glands, swollen joints, and thickened 

 tendons. In view of their parasitic action, these prepara- 



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