SULPHURET OF ARSENICUM AS A DEPILATORY. 
77 
In fact, the yellow sulphuret of arsenic being, as has been stated 
little else than arsenious acid, the application to the naked skin of 
so energetic an agent cannot be free from danger. Even the pre- 
paration of these depilatory powders is fraught with danger, as it is 
generally performed by persons wholly unacquainted with with 
chemical or pharmaceutical knowledge. 
But my investigations have shown that in all these depilatories, 
as well as in those used by the leather dressers, the arsenious acid 
has no influence in promoting the required effect, which might be 
more rapidly and certainly produced by the use of a paste of sul- 
phuret of sodium and lime than with any one of the arsenical com- 
pounds which have been hitherto used. 
The following is the formula which I propose : — 
Take of 
Sulphuret of Sodium, or 
Hydrosulphate of Soda, crystalized 
Quick Lime, in powder - - - - 10 " 
Starch 10 " Mix. 
This powder, mixed with a little water, and applied over the 
skin, acts so rapidly as a depilatory, that if it be removed in a 
minute or two after its application, by means of a wooden knife, 
the surface of the skin will be entirely deprived of hair. By this 
process the removal of the hair becomes so simple, rapid, and safe 
an operation, that it will probably supercede the use of the razor 
in many cases. Hitherto, the tediousness and uncertainty of the 
process, and above all the poisonous properties of the agents em- 
ployed as depilatories have greatly limited their use, but it is easy 
to foresee the numerous cases to which a process made easy and 
safe might be applied. Independently of the advantages which it 
presents in the removal of superfluous hair, may it not be of great 
service to medical men and surgeons in connection with the ap- 
plication of blisters or epithems, and also in certain operations ? 
It may be applied to parts the most delicate as well as irregu- 
lar, and to surfaces either limited or extended, and it is only after 
several days that the hair begins to reappear. — Journal de Phar- 
macie, and London Pharm. Trans. Oct. 1, 1850. 
3 parts 
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