PHARMACEUTIC NOTICES, 
295 
sublimes, and is collected in the superior part of the vessel. 
Chloride of z,inc is presented in the form of an uncrystallizable 
mass, of an opaque white colour, having a strong and disagree- 
able taste. It is deliquescent, and very fusible, from which 
circumstance it has received the name of butter of zinc. It 
fuses at about 100° C, becoming, upon cooling, at first viscous, 
then solid. At a red heat it sublimes, and when conducted 
in the open air its volatilization diffuses vapours of a pungent 
odour, having irritating properties. From its ready attraction 
of humidity this salt should be enclosed in well stopped 
bottles. 
Hints to Physicians in Prescribing. To reiterate the oft 
urged injunction, not to neglect matters apparently trivial 
where human life is concerned, may come with seeming ill 
grace from one connected with medicine only by a knowledge 
of its kindred branches of Pharmacy and Chemistry, especially 
when addressed to those whose improved minds have em- 
braced a wide extent of information. But some there are, 
whose multifarious duties render them neglectful of the mi- 
nutiae of prescribing; others from a limited knowledge of the 
laws of combination, prescribe chemical agents incompatible 
with each other, and defeat the objects they have in view; and 
to solicit some attention to these considerations may not be 
without some profit to the sick — and as concerns ourselves in 
a less degree, relieve us from an irksome task to which we 
are sometimes subjected, in the preparation of incongruous 
mixtures. Frequently Muriate of Mercury is prescribed, 
meaning sometimes calomel, at other times corrosive subli- 
mate, and is put up according to the discretion of the apothe- 
cary. This should not be; errors might easily occur; the 
terms mild or corrosive should always be superadded, and if 
they are not, even in infinitesimal doses — calomel should be 
given unless assured otherwise. This forms but one of many 
instances. Mineral substances embrace such a range of com- 
bination, differing materially in their properties, that they 
should be particularized so as to leave no room for doubt. 
