MINERAL RESIN. 329 



its lightness, is commonly called flowers of sulphur: the residue is 

 known in the shops under the name of sulphhur virum. When 

 melted and run into cylindrical moulds, it is termed roll sulphur, 

 and is usually less pure. Sublimed sulphur is of a pale yellow 

 colour; it is insoluble in water; it is soluble in boiling oils, and in 

 alcohol, when the two substances are brought into contact in the 

 state of vapour. It combines with oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, 

 chlorine, phosphorus, iodine, with the alkalies, many of the earths, 

 and almost all the metals. 



Sublime sulphur is used in medicine as a gentle laxative and 

 diaphoretic. From the mildness of its operation it has long been 

 recommended in hemorrhoidal affections, and in other cases, 

 where more irritating cathartics would be injurious. It is usually 

 prescribed in the form of powder, with magnesia, or in combina- 

 tion with electuary of senna, in dozes of from 3i. to 5ii. twice a 

 day. When its use is continued for some time, it appears to per- 

 vade the whole system in a remarkable manner, and manifestly 

 transpires through the skin; from which circumstance it has been 

 much employed in some cutaneous eruptions, and has been con- 

 ceived to possess a specific power in the cure of scabies, especially 

 when applied externally, in the form of ointment, and taken in- 

 ternally at the same time, in half drachm doses, with an equal 

 part of super-tartrate of potass. Dr. Mackensie, on whose au- 

 thority I am disposed to place much confidence, for the disease 

 seems to be very common in many districts in Scotland, says this 

 mode of procedure will generally cure the itch in three days.* 

 Sulphur has also been found serviceable in rheumatism, gout, 

 chronic catarrh and some other pulmonary affections, probably 

 from its action on the skin. 



Genus II.— MINERAL RESIN. 



This genus contains two species, yellow Mineral Resin, and 

 black Mineral Resin, both of which are highly inflammable, and, 



* Elements of Pathology and Practice of Physic, yol. ii. p. 206. 



