SULPHITES  AND  THEIR  USES. 
447 
« 1.  The  sulphite  of  soda  is  soluble  in  water,  and  of  an  un. 
pleasant  taste;  dose  3j.  to  gij.  per  diem.  A  solution  of  1  to  10 
grains  may  be  used  for  lotions. 
«  The  bisulphite  of  soda  is  also  soluble,  but  its  taste  is  so  bad 
that  it  should  only  be  used  externally,  dissolved  in  ten  parts  of 
water. 
*«  The  hyposulphite  of  soda  is  soluble,  and  of  tolerable  taste, 
Dose  gr.  x.  to  Bij.  per  diem. 
"  2.  The  sulphite,  bisulphite,  and  hyposulphite  of  potash  are 
all  soluble;  but  only  the  last-mentioned  should  be  administered 
internally,  in  doses  varying  from  gr.  v.  to  £>j.  per  diem. 
«  3.  The  sulphite  of  magnesia  is  the  most  soluble  of  all  sul- 
phites, the  richest  in  sulphurous  acid,  and  the  least  unpleasant 
to  the  taste,  ^ss.  ^ij.  may  be  given  per  diem  in  ten-grain 
doses. 
"  The  bisulphite  and  hyposulphite  would  be  equally  suitable 
for  internal  use,  but  are  better  dispensed  with,  as  they  are,  by 
air  and  moisture,  rapidly  changed  into  sulphite  of  magnesia. 
"4.  The  sulphite  of  lime  requires  800  parts  of  water  for  so- 
lution, while  the  bisulphite  and  hyposulphite  are  easily  soluble. 
These  three  salts  have  been  given  in  doses  of  only  gr.  iij.  to 
gr.  vi.  per  diem.  Signor  Polli  recommends  them  in  the  puru- 
lent stage  of  consumption,  where  they  are,  according  to  him, 
apt  to  check  the  absorption  of  purulent  matter,  and  to  favor  the 
cicatrization  of  vomicae. 
"  5.  Lastly,  the  sulphite,  bisulphite,  and  hyposulphite  of  am- 
monia,  are  all  very  deliquescent,  and  of  a  pungent  taste.  They 
are  easily  changed  into  sulphates,  and  can  only  be  used  ex- 
ternally. 
"  All  the  sulphites  which  can  be  administered  internally, 
may  be  given  either  in  powder,  mixed  with  sugar,  and  flavored 
according  to  taste  ;  or  in  edulcorated  solutions.  The  sulphite 
of  magnesia  and  the  three  salts  of  lime  are  preferable  for  in- 
ternal, the  others  for  external  use.  The  hyposulphites  in  gene- 
ral  have  been  found  to  act  most  slowly,  inasmuch  as  they  must 
first  pass  into  the  state  "of  sulphites.  They  are  rapidly  decom- 
posed by  vegetable  acids,  but  not  altered  by  acetic  acid,  whence 
Signor  Polli  concludes,  that  during  their  use  all  kinds  of  fruit 
should  be  avoided,  while  vinegar  may  be  allowed." — London 
Pharm.  Journ.  July,  1862. 
