28 
GLYCERIN. 
chemical properties of pyroxylin may be better known, the principal point—its use for 
firearms—remains in nearly the same state in which it was left by the French Commis¬ 
sion of 1846. 
There is nothing to lead us to suppose it possible, in the present state of our know¬ 
ledge, to prevent the spontaneous explosion of pyroxylin, or to get rid of its injurious 
properties .—Comptes Rendus, lix. 363, 64, and Chemical News. 
GLYCERIN—ITS MISSION (SO TO SPEAK) AS A REMEDY, AS AN 
ADJUVANT, AND AS A SOLVENT. 
BY W. J. M. GORDON, CINCINNATI. 
When I accepted this subject at the last meeting of the Association, I expected to 
have given it more attention than my time during the past year would permit. Not 
having investigated it as thoroughly as desirable, I will present what I have accom¬ 
plished in connection with much that is not new, so as to present it as fully as possible, 
and leave it for the experiments and suggestions of all who may be interested in it. 
Glycerin, it is generally known, possesses a wonderful range of solvent properties, 
dissolving many substances not soluble in alcohol or water. Its agreeable taste, harm¬ 
less action upon the system, and perfect assimilation with human digestion, specially 
adapt it when other substances w r ould be rejected; its sweetening property being 
almost equal to cane-sugar syrup, but differing from it in not being liable to fermenta¬ 
tion ; resembling oils, but, unlike oils, miscible wfith alcohol and water in any proportion; 
not volatile at ordinary temperatures, and not becoming hard at the freezing-point of 
mercury. Possessing these properties, it cannot but be an article of importance both in 
pharmacy and in the arts. 
Ihe high pi ice, heretofore, no doubt, has kept it from many uses to which it is now 
applied. Recently, glycerin, adapted to the various purposes to which it is extensively 
used, has been produced at a lou r er price than alcohol, sugar, or oil, which it has come 
m competition with, and which places it seems specially adapted to fill to a consider¬ 
able extent; and the large amount and low price at which it can be produced, makes it 
worthy of attention at a time particularly when every article of utility should be care¬ 
fully looked after. 
Medicinally, glycerin has been used for its nutritive and alternative effect, and in 
some cases wntu marxed success, being admissible when cod-liver oil and other unplea¬ 
sant substances w'ould be rejected. These and its soothing effect in coughs, are the 
principal internal uses to which it has been applied alone. Its more important medicinal 
value is as a vehicle for the preparation of a great variety of remedies for both internal 
and external use. 
It is a favourite article in combination with the hypophosphites, known as glycerole 
of hypophosphites, and never disagreeing with the most delicate stomach, as sugar is 
liable to do, is admissible when syrup is not. 
Iodide of iron prepared with it in the place of svrup makes a handsome and per¬ 
manent preparation. ' 
Its preservative and solvent property being so much greater than that of sugar syrup, 
cannot fail to recommend it in the place of that substance for the preparation of ipeca¬ 
cuanha, senega, hive syrup, and such vegetable preparations as are liable to fermentation, 
-specimens of several I now exhibit made with glycerin, costing 5842.00 per gallon, 
which are elegant in appearance, and will undoubtedly remain without change an indefi¬ 
nite length of time. 
Ids uses externally are numerous. For chapped skin and rough and excoriated sur¬ 
faces, it has no equal; for sore nipples, skin diseases, ulcers of various kinds, to prevent 
excessive suppuration and cleanse the secreting surface. 
It is highly recommended in deep abscesses with diseased bone, combined with iodine, 
which it dissolves. With many, it is a favourite mode of applying iodine and its salts. 
. , 1S l l s ^. * n ccra Ks and ointments, which do not become rancid so soon when com¬ 
bined with it; as glycerole of lead, in place of Goulard’s cerate, glycerin being used in 
the place of wax and oil; as glycerole of kino, which is said to be unchangeable; in 
the preparation of lactucarium in a liquid form, by v r hich its activity and reliability are 
