34 
USE  OF  BENZOIN  IN  OINTMENTS. 
which  has  with  some  physicians  almost  entirely  superseded  that 
of  the  officinal  ointment. 
Some  attempt  has  been  made  to  answer  the  final  clause,  as  to 
the  other  ointments  in  which  this  form  of  lard  may  be  advanta- 
geously used. 
From  the  list  of  cerates  and  ointments  of  the  Pharmacopoeia, 
the  following  17  were  selected  for  experiment,  as  being  most 
liable  to  rancidity. 
Ceratum  Adipis. 
"  Cetacei. 
"       Plumbi  Subacetatis. 
"        Zinci  Carbonatis. 
Unguentum  Acidi  Tannici. 
"  Adipis. 
"  Antimonii. 
"      "  Aquae  Rosae. 
"       Hydrargyri  Ammoniati. 
"  '<  Nitratis. 
"        Oxidi  Rubri. 
"  lodinii. 
u  "  Compositum. 
"       Plumbi  Carbonatis. 
u       Potassii  Iodidi. 
"       Sulphuris  Iodidi. 
"  Zinci  Oxidi. 
In  all  of  which  the  benzoin  could  be  introduced  by  means  of 
the  benzoinated  lard,  exeept  the  three  following— ceratum  cetacei, 
ceratum  plumbi  subacetatis  and  unguentum  aquae  rosae.  After 
numerous  experiments,  the  following  formulas  were  adopted  for 
them. 
CERATUM  CETACEI. 
Take  the  quantities  of  the  ingredients  in  the  formula  of  the 
Pharmacopoeia,  melt  as  directed  and  stir  the  mixture  constantly  ; 
when  nearly  cold,  add  two  and  a  half  fluidrachms  of  tincture 
of  benzoin*  and  stir  the  mixture  until  cold.    It  is  well  known 
*  Tincture  of  Benzoin. 
Take  of  benzoin,  in  coarse  powder,  six  troyounces.    Alcohol,  one  pint. 
Macerate  the  benzoin  with  the  alcohol  until  it  is  dissolved  j  then  filter 
through  paper. 
