VESICATING TAFFETAS, 
205 
ought to be kept in close vessels and only a small quantity 
separated at a time. 
We ought in concluding to ask you to give thanks to Mr. 
Deschamps, whose production is that of a learned and judi- 
cious pharmaceutist. 
(note by the translator.) 
The cantharadine plaster of Henry & Guibourt alluded to 
in the above report, has been made repeatedly by. Mr. Durand 
for several years past. It was first made at the suggestion 
of a physician who desired to employ it in the vesication of 
an extremely delicate patient, and upon whom an ordinary 
blister would produce strangury; it fully answered his expec- 
tations. It is prepared by subjecting 1 lb. of powdered can- 
tharides to several successive macerations in sulphuric ether, 
amounting in all to six pints. This upon evaporation yields 
about ten drachms of the green oil and extractive matter, 
which with ten drachms of white wax melted in it, furnishes 
a fine green plaster of good consistence for spreading and of 
pleasant odour. To preserve its activity, it requires to be 
confined in an air-tight recipient of small dimensions. 
When you wish to use it, cut from adhesive plaster spread 
upon linen a piece the size of the intended blister, and spread 
over it with a spatula a very thin and regular layer of this 
plaster. Very little indeed is necessary. It adheres well and 
is very certain. It is optional whether a margin be left. 
Its costliness will, however, prevent its being brought into 
general use. 
Mr. Charles Ellis, of this city, has introduced some of 
the blister cloth or taffetas of his own manufacture. Being 
recent it has not been as yet much used, but time will develope 
whatever merits it may possess. 
It is not likely, however, that either of these will supersede 
the common blister plaster, which for cheapness and certainty, 
if carefully made from good flies, and well kept, will always 
command estimation. 
VOL. III. NO. III. 26 
