WHITE OAK 595 



ointment containing an amount of pyrogallol, varying from 

 gr.x.-3i. to ike ounce of lard, is commonly employed. 

 Toxic symptoms may follow its extensive application. 



QuEROUS Alba. White Oak. (U. S. P.) 



Synonym.— Qnevcus cortex, B.P.; cortex quercus, ecorce 

 de chene, Fr.; eiehenrinde, G. 



The bark of Quercus alba Linne (nat. ord. Cupuliferse). 



Habitat. — North America, in woods. 



Description. — In nearly flat pieces, deprived of the corky 

 layer, about 5 Mm. thick ; pale brown ; inner surface with 

 short, sharp longitudinal ridges ; tough ; of a coarse, fibrous 

 fracture; a faint, tan-like odor, and a strongly astringent 

 taste. As met with in the shops, it is usually in irregularly 

 coarse, fibrous powder, which • does not tinge the saliva 

 yellow. 



Gonstitvents. — 1, quercitannic acid, 6 to 11 per cent ; 2, a 

 bitter principle, quercin ; 3, resin ; 4, a sugar, quercite. 



Dosc—R., I ss.-i. (15.-30.); C, 3 i.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 

 3i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gr.x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 



Preparation. — Fluidextractum Quercus (U. S. P.) — H. 

 §ss. (15.). D., 111,15 (l.)._ 



Action and Uses. — White oak bark is identical in action 

 with tannic acid, but the latter is preferable for internal use. 

 Oak bark is a cheap substitute for tannic acid applied 

 externally in poultices, infusions, and decoctions, as an 

 astringent. It is administered internally in infusion, or 

 decoction (1-8), in diarrhoea and dysentery. The infusion 

 may be given in gruel and combined with ginger, opium 

 and alcohol in the treatment of " scouring " in foals and 

 calves. 



Catechu. Catechu. (B. P.) 



Synonym. — Catechu nigrum, terra japonica, cutch, E.; 

 cachou, Fr.; katechu, pegucatechu, G. 



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