MERCURY. 325 



of this metal ; even in a small dose it is apt to occasion severe 

 griping and diarrhoea ; in larger quantities it proves one of the 

 most violent poisons with which we are acquainted. It was for- 

 merly extolled as an anti-syphilitic ; but it is very seldom prescribed 

 by practitioners at the present day for the cure of the venereal dis- 

 ease. Although it soon affects the system, its operation does not 

 appear to be sufficiently permanent ; hence, when the symptoms 

 of syphilis have disappeared under its use, they are liable to 

 return when it is suspended, or the disease occurs in some of its 

 secondary forms. It is employed with more advantage as an 

 alterative for the cure of old ulcers, chronic rheumatism, lepra, 

 and other obstinate cutaneous affections. In these cases, it is 

 usually conjoined with bark, antimonials, or the compound decoc- 

 tion of sarsaparilla. It is a powerful engine in the hands of 

 empirics, and corrosive sublimate is the active ingredient in many 

 of the anti-venereal remedies which are recommended as contain- 

 ing no mercury. De Velno's vegetable syrup owes its activity to 

 corrosive sublimate, desolved in the decoction of the woods; and, 

 Spilsbury's drops, is a weak solution of this salt, in the compound 

 tincture of gentian.* The dose of corrosive sublimate is from 

 one-quarter to one-eighth of a grain twice a day ; and it is best ad- 

 ministered in solution, or made.into a pill with extract of poppies. A 

 very dilute solution is sometimes used as a gargle in venereal sore 

 throat, and as a lotion in some cutaneous eruptions. According 

 to Mr. Brande, GowlaiuVs lotion, long celebrated in such cases, is 

 a solution of corrosive sublimate in emulsion of bitter almonds, in 

 the proportion of about a grain to an ounce. "Applications of this 

 sort require to be used with much circumspection, especially upon 

 delicate and irritable skins, where they sometimes excite erise- 

 pelatious inflammation, and a permanent redness of the part." 



The effects produced by corrosive sublimate when administered 

 in too large doses, either by mistake, or designedly as a poison, 

 are an acrid, styptic, metallic taste in the mouth, with a sense of 



* Spilsbury's Duops. — Corrosive sublimate, and tartarized antimony, of each two 

 grains; cinnamon water, one ounce ; compound tincture of gentian, three ounces; 

 oil of sassafrassj/our drops. Mix. Dose a tea-spoonful three times a day. 



