I 



31(3 MERCURY. 



pure metal will be volatnlized, but the zinc will burn with a 

 fine green flame. 



In its natural state this metal is not now used medicinally ;* 

 but when rendered active on the system by any of the modes of 

 preparation to which it is subjected, it produces very remarkable 

 effects on the animal ceconomy. It operates as a powerful and 

 general stimulant, it enters into the circulation increases the quick- 

 ness of the pulse, and sometimes produces a slight degree of what 

 may be called fever. By its stimulant operation on secreting 

 organs, it augments some of the secretions, particularly that of the 

 salivary glands, an effect scarcely produced by any other sub- 

 stance not locally applied. It generally increases the cuticular 

 discharge, and frequently that of the kidneys ; it appears also to 

 promote the secretion of bile, and probably of the other intestinal 

 secretions. It appears in a peculiar manner to excite the action 

 of the absorbent system ; hence the emaciation which is the con- 

 sequence of its continued use. Sometimes it increases one secre- 

 tion, sometimes another, but its most characteristic effect is the 

 increased flow of saliva which it generally excites if given in suffi- 

 cient quantity. It causes an unpleasant metallic or coppery taste 

 in the mouth, of which persons are particularly sensible in the morn- 

 ing ; the breath becomes foetid, the tongue white, and the gums 

 spongy, tender, and swollen. If the action of the remedy 

 be continued it causes ulceration and sloughing of the mouth and 

 gums, loss of appetite, extreme debility, and a constant and pro- 

 fuse secretion of the salivary glands. The effect which is thus 

 produced upon the mouth, is considered a criterion of the general 

 influence upon the system of the remedy in the cure of syphilis. 

 When mercury fails to act on the mouth and salivary glands it will 

 often be found that it increases the discharge by the skin, or ope- 

 rates powerfully as a diuretic. 



" From these diversified effects which mercury produces, it is 

 capable of being applied to the treatment of numerous states of 



* Mercury is said to have been highly prized by the ladies, in the reign of Charles 

 II. taken in doses of a tea spoonful night and morning-, as a cosmetic. In those days 

 the sweepings of the drawing-room were among the most profitable of the servants' 

 perquisites — so considerable was the quantity of second-hand mercury thus collected. 



