338 
Preparations  of  Phosphorus. 
f  Am.  Jodr.  Pharm. 
|     July  1, 1874. 
by  Mr.  Hammond,  of  New  York.    In  speaking  of  the  effects  of  phos- 
phorus as  a  drug,  it  was  best  to  take  this  solution  as  a  standard,  and 
this  pointed  out  the  difference  in  the  action  of  the  other  preparations. 
Dr.  Routh  then  spoke  of  the  effects  of  phosphorus,  which  were  those 
of  a  stimulant  in  small  doses,  sedative,  and  producing  a  pleasant  sen- 
sation of  warmth,  relieving  neuralgia,  and  effective  against  certain 
obstinate  skin  diseases,  such  as  eczema  and  acne,  and  he  thought  it 
retarded  the  progress  of  cancer.    It  was  also  an  aphrodisiac,  and  ap- 
peared to  improve  the  mental  qualities  if  deteriorating.    In  larger 
doses  it  acted  as  an  acrid  poison,  the  peculiar  feature  being  a  burning 
sensation  in  the  mucous  tract,  and  whenever  this  symptom  appeared 
it  was  a  proof  that  the  medicine  had  been  carried  far  enough.  With 
some  persons  it  acted  suddenly,  producing  even  after  the  first  dose 
sickness,  faintness,  and  great  stomach  pain.    Idiosyncrasy  alone  could 
account  for  this,  and  possibly  decomposition.    For  these  reasons  Dr. 
Routh  recommends  the  use  of  sperm  oil,  or  purified  neat's  foot,  in 
lieu  of  sweet  almond  oil ;  five  drops  of  this  solution  added  to  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  cod-liver  oil  improves  the  action  of  the  latter  in  proper 
cases.    The  phosphide  of  zinc  has  been  said  to  be  inert,  because 
insoluble,  but  it  is  easily  assimilated.   Rubbed  up  in  a  mortar  it  emits 
the  characteristic  garlic  odor,  and  burns  spontaneously  when  thrown 
over  a  flame.    It  is  a  weak  preparation,  and  has  been  safely  given  in 
doses  of  one  grain  three  times  a  day.    Like  other  preparations  of 
phosphorus,  it  is  apt  to  clog  up  the  liver,  and  must  then  be  suspended 
for  a  few  days.    Chloro  phosphide  of  arsenic  is  prepared  by  bringing 
pure  hydrochloric  acid  into  contact  with  phosphorus  and  arsenic  in  a 
fine  state  of  division.    While  the  phosphide  is  insoluble  the  chloro- 
phosphide  is  very  soluble.    The  solution  is  of  a  clear  yellow-green 
and  pleasant  taste.    It  is  decidedly  antiperiodic  and  effective  in  cases 
of  neuralgia.    This  solution  contains  10  grains  of  arsenic,  and  16 J  of 
phosphorus  to  the  ounce ;  the  dose  is  therefore  3  to  5  minims  ter  die. 
It  can  be  largely  diluted,  and  the  author  prefers  one  that  is  regulated 
at  15  drops.    The  syrup  of  phosphorus  contains  gr.  yoth  in  the  3i- 
The  phosphorus  should  be  added  in  a  pure  state,  and  finely  divided 
with  caution.    It  is  very  nice  to  the  taste ;  dose,  20  to  30  min.  In 
cases  of  poisoning  by  phosphorus,  Dr.  Routh  recommends  emetics 
and  an  antidote  in  the  form  of  turpentine,  and  in  conclusion  remarked 
that  the  exhilarating  effects  of  the  drug  gained  upon  patients,  and 
care  must  be  taken  lest  in  this  way  we  introduce  a  new  form  of  dram- 
drinking. — Med.  Press  and  Circ,  May  27,  1874. 
