G0.2 
PHABMACEUTICAL MEETING. 
peatedly, which is often desirable, the skin gets hardened, and the iodine takes 
but little effect until this dead skin has peeled off. Its application then causes 
great pain. Having had it applied to myself for a chest affection, I remember 
the agony it caused me when painted on the newly formed skins, the deadened 
cuticle having peeled off. I think the camphor in it might be replaced by an 
equal quantity of glycerine with advantage. Experiments upon myself and others 
tend to show that the quantity of glycerine should not be added in excess of 
that which I have named, that is, one part in forty, especially when employed 
to produce counter-irritation ; if more glycerine be used, its effect cannot be 
localized, as the application gets rubbed by the clothing before it has sufficiently 
dried on the skin. The quantity I have suggested seems, likewise, to promote 
its absorption. 
My experiments w r ere not carried far enough to produce constitutional effects, 
but as a counter-irritant, I did not perceive that an iodine liniment containing 
iodide of potassium had any advantage over one not containing it. 
The Ointments of Iodine, and Iodide of Potassium. —The application of these 
is .generally aided by friction, and as, before its addition to the lard, the iodide 
of potassium is directed to be dissolved, in the one ease in proof spirit, and in 
the other in water, these solvents become evaporated, and the iodide crystallizes 
out. When, therefore, the ointments are applied, these sharp crystals act like 
pieces of glass, and irritate the part in such a manner that their continued use, 
which in glandular affections is necessary, cannot be persisted in. Here again 
glycerine, diluted with spirit for iodine ointment, and with water, for iodide of 
potassium ointment, would be a better solvent. This brings me again to the 
unfortunate— 
Linimentum Potassii Iodidi c. Sapone. —This preparation I consider is a step 
in the right direction, as, if iodide of potassium produces any effect, when applied 
externally, in the liniment, the objections I have raised about the ointment are 
avoided. 
Some samples of olive -oil hard soap I have lately tried, even made by the 
same maker as that which I have found repeatedly to yield good results, have 
not proved so uniform in this respect. The soap answers better recently pre¬ 
pared, and that bearing the brand of F. Court Payen, I find makes a satisfac¬ 
tory preparation, if the solutions of the salt and the soap be mixed by trituration 
at equal temperatures, but it will not keep much above a week without sepa¬ 
rating. 
Iodide of potassium seems to have a similar effect, in a modified degree, on a 
solution of olive oil and soda soap that chloride of sodium has in its manufac¬ 
ture ; it precipitates it in time, but in a hydrated state, so that if more of the 
soap were used, there would be no separation of -water. I find what Mr. Squire 
states is correct, that if prepared with powdered soap, which contains less water, 
there is no separation. 
Mr. Smith, of Cheltenham, in this month’s Journal confesses he has led us into 
error. The hard soap he meant to be curd soap, which is not officinal in the 
Pharmacopoeia. 
On the iMtli January last, I made th3 samples exhibited bearing that date, 
and this morning likewise prepared a little, marked No. 6, with strictly B. P. 
quantities. It is what I consider the preparation ought to be, but it will not 
keep in this condition. 
1. B. P. Made 24.1.70.—Separated into two strata; the upper one is about 
one-third of the whole, and contains all the soap, as the lower one will not pro¬ 
duce the lather which is characteristic of soap. 
2. Made with powdered B. P. soap 24.1.70.—A firm, solid semi-opaque jelly ; 
it has a leprous appearance against the sides of the bottle, but has not separated. 
3. Made with common yellow soap 24.1.70.—A solid, white and opaque jelly. 
