ANTIMONY. 279 



from one to two grains ; but the proper mode of administering it 

 is in divided doses, three or four grains being dissolved in four 

 ounces of water, and one ounce of this solution being given every 

 quarter of an hour till it operates. It is more severe in its opera- 

 tion than the milder emetics, such as ipecacuanha, evacuating not 

 only the contents of the stomach, by inverting even the motion of 

 the duodenum ; it also frequently acts as a cathartic. In smaller 

 doses, it has been employed as a nauseating remedy in fevers, and 

 to diminish the frequency of the pulse in many inflammatory 

 diseases. Assisted in its operation by tepid diluents, it is given in 

 the dose of from one sixteenth to one fourth of a grain as a 

 diaphoretic ; and the same, or a smaller dose, combined with 

 squill, ammoniacum, or camphor, is frequently prescribed as an 

 expectorant. In still smaller doses, combined with calomel, it is 

 employed as an alterative in many cutaneous diseases ; and in 

 rheumatism and gout it is frequently combined with opium. 

 Applied to the skin by friction, it excites inflammation, and occa- 

 sions a local pustular eruption ; hence it is frequently used in 

 phthisis, mania, some diseases of the eyes and joints, and in many 

 deep seated inflammations, as a counter-irritant. For this pur- 

 pose, it is usually employed in the form of ointment, made by 

 rubbing 3i. of tartarized antimony with ~i. of prepared lard. 



This salt, when taken in an over-dose, acts as a corrosive poison. 

 The best antidote is a strong decoction of yellow cinchona bark, or, 

 when this is not at hand, a strong infusion of tea may be admi- 

 nistered ; and any signs of inflammation left will be subdued by 

 venesection. 



Chloride of Antimony, formerly Muriate of Antimony. 

 Murias Antimonii, Ph. Ed. — This salt is generally prepared by ex- 

 posing one part of metallic antimony to heat with rather more than 

 two parts of corrosive sublimate (bi-chloride of mercury.) The 

 chlorine of the latter combines with the antimony, and is separated 

 by distillation. It is at first of a peculiar soft consistence, and was 

 formerly called Butter of Antimony. On exposure to the air, it 

 slowly deliquesces, and then forms a dense heavy liquid of a deep 

 brown or blackish colour. This preparation is sometimes used 

 externally as a caustic. 



