545 
MILK OF SULPHUR. 
TO THE EDITORS OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Gentlemen,—In the Pharmaceutical Journal for last month I see that objec¬ 
tions were raised to the use of pure milk of sulphur, because it will not readily 
mix with water. Being an advocate for the sale of pure drugs, I beg to say 
that pure milk of sulphur may be made to mix easily with water, if it be first 
mixed into cream with a little wine or spirit and water. I find by experiment 
that the smallest proportion of wine that can be used with success is 30m to a 
teaspoonful of milk of sulphur; it is better, however, to use a teaspoonful for 
each teaspoonful of milk of sulphur. 
With regard to public preference for the impure article, I may say that I have 
sold the pure preparation only for the last three years, and find that when I ex¬ 
plain that the better-looking article contains three parts of plaster of Paris (a 
term better understood than sulphate of lime) in every four, my customers in¬ 
variably prefer the pure, and will ask for it at other shops. My experience 
with regard to calamine is the same. The difference in therapeutic effect is so 
great between the impure article usually sold and the pure calamine, that 
those who have once purchased the latter will send from a distance to me for it. 
If you think that these remarks may lead any one to sell the pure articles who 
has not hitherto done so, please insert this letter in your valuable Journal. 
I am, Gentlemen, yours, etc., 
Edward M. Holmes, M.P.S. (by Exam.). 
2, Arundel Crescent , Plymouth , February 1 5th, 1869. 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Dear Sir,—I was much surprised on reading Dr. Attfield’s remarks on 
milk of sulphur in the Journal for this month to find that the impure article 
was still so generally sold ; being under the impression that it was a thing of 
the past, and that specimens were only to be obtained as a curiosity in some 
antiquated pharmacy or veterinary emporium. Certainly Southampton Row 
would have been the last place I should have expected to have found any. But 
my surprise was mingled with deep regret to find that gentlemen holding high 
positions in our Society could say a word in its favour,—Dr. Redwood, by a 
circuitous course of argument, trying to show that an article containing 
some 50 or 60 per cent, of inert, insoluble, and infusible matter, was not 
adulterated ; and Mr. Morson advising us to retrace our steps and keep a 
discarded and inferior article in stock, on the plea that the public sometimes 
prefer it. 
Dr. Redwood says, “ Milk of sulphur was one thing and precipitated sulphur 
another.” I cannot say how long the doctor has been of that opinion, but on 
referring to page 885 of his second edition of ‘ Gray’s Supplement,’ he states 
just the contrary; saying that lac sulphur, sulphur precipitate, and milk of 
sulphur are synonymous and equivalent terms; a note adding that u it should 
be a fine, pale yellow powder, inodorous, and should perfectly volatilize in the 
fire.” 
As to the statement that the public prefer the impure article, I think, if sta¬ 
tistics could be obtained, it would be found greatly exaggerated. As the results 
of my own experience, I may say that for many years I have sold none but the 
pure, and during the whole time have never had a complaint as to any ditficulty 
in mixing it, or as to excess or defect in its action. At first a few objected to 
the colour being different, but a word of explanation satisfied their doubts. I 
vol. x. 2 p 
