THE  AMERICAN 
JOURNAL  OF  PHARMACY. 
SEPTEMBER,  1875. 
REMARKS  ON  SOME  OINTMENTS. 
BY  JOSEPH  COOK  EVANS,  PH.G. 
[From  an  Inaugural  Essay.) 
Ung.  Hydrarg.  Nitratis. — This  ointment,  I  find,  is  not  much  improved 
by  the  omission  of  the  neat's-foot  oil,  in  the  "  Pharmacopoeia  of  the 
United  States,"  1870.  On  the  contrary,  I  find  that  it  is  much  im- 
paired, as  it  soon  hardens  and  changes  in  color.  I  have  lately  prepared 
it  by  the  "  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,"  i860  process,  and  have  some  on 
hand  that  has  been  made  for  three  months,  and  it  does  not  show  the 
slightest  change,  being  perfect  in  color,  odor  and  consistence.  I  think 
that  the  temperature  given  in  the  "  Pharmacopoeia  "  is  too  high  ;  I 
always  add  the  mercurial  solution  to  the  melted  fat  when  the  latter  has 
reached  the  temperature  of  180°  F.  The  reaction  does  not  occur  im- 
mediately, but  in  a  few  minutes  the  temperature  commences  to  rise, 
and  the  reaction  begins.  The  temperature  rises  considerably  over 
200°  F.  To  this  point,  I  think,  I  can  ascribe  my  success  in  making 
this  ointment. 
Vng.  Zinci  Oxidi  Benz.  has  been  prepared  by  me  by  the  following 
formula  for  the  past  two  years,  and  I  have  yet  to  see  the  first  lump  or 
semblance  of  one  in  it,  when  the  directions  are  carefully  followed. 
R.    Zinci  oxidi,  .  .  .  .  .  5ii  ^i 
01.  amyg.  dulc,  .....  3xv 
Tincturse  benzoini,  .....  f^xiv 
Adipis,  .  .....  ^xiss 
Melt  the  lard,  and  gradually  add  the  tincture  of  benzoin,  constantly 
stirring.  Triturate  the  oxide  of  zinc  in  a  wedgwood  mortar  until  re- 
duced to  a  fine  powder,  and  make  into  a  smooth  paste  with  the  oil, 
then  strain  the  melted  benzoated  lard  into  the  mortar,  and  stir  con- 
stantly until  hard. 
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