NAMES, PROPERTIES, AND DOSE OF MEDICINES. 153 
in this loose way, as many of these abbreviations are 
similar, and mean very different articles, a substitution of 
which would lead to very serious consequences. For instance, 
acid hydro. may mean hydrochloric acid (spirits of salts), 
a poison or hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid), the very smell of 
which is sufficient to poison; ammon. may mean ammonia or 
ammoniac ; aqua chlor. may mean chloroform water or 
chlorine water ; ext. col. either colchicum or colycynth; hyd. 
chlor, may mean calomel or corrosive sublimate (a virulent 
poison), or hydrate of chloral ; sod. hypo. either hyposulphate 
or hypophosphite; sulph: may mean sulphur, sulphate, 
sulphide. Theseexamples willshowthe danger of abbreviations 
in naming such dangerous materials. Our own opinion is 
that men ought to be compelled by law to use the English 
language in writing prescriptions. This would not only 
prevent imposition, but save accidents and lives, as many have 
been poisoned by dog Latin. 
Acetic Acrp.—An acid liquid obtained from wood by 
distillation. Dose of the diluted acid, 10 to 20 drops 2 or 3 
times aday. Given in alkaline conditions of the stomach and 
urine. Use carefully. 3d. per oz. 
Actp ArsEN1ous.—Obtained by roasting arsenial ores and 
purifying by sublimation. Used in skin diseases. Dose, 
1-60th to 12th drop, Very dangerous. 38d. per oz. 
Actp Benzorc.—Obtained from gum benzoin, and pre- 
pared by sublimation. Combined with Buchu, and used in 
urinary troubles. Dose, 5 to 15 grains, It ig safe in small 
doses. 1s. 6d. per oz. 
Aci Boractc.—Obtained by the action of sulphuric acid 
on borax. Dose, 5 to 10 grains. Used as an antiseptic and 
food preservative. Safe. 6d per ounce. 
Acip CarBotic.—Obtained from coal or oil. Dose, 2 to 
2 drops. Disinfectant, one part in 20 parts of oil or water, asa 
wash and liniment for wounds and sores, Dangerous. 3d, 
to 9d. per oz. 
