160 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
styptic taste. It has been used chiefly in obstinate skin 
diseases, and seems occasionally to be useful when other 
preparations of arsenium fail. It is peculiarly applicable 
to those depending on venereal taint. Externally, freely 
diluted, it has been used as a lotion in similar cases. Dose, 
10 to 80 drops. Dangerous. 6d per oz. 
Dover’s PowpEr.—Compound powder of ipecacuanha. A 
mixture of ipecacuanha, opium, and sulphate of potassium, 
generally given as a diaphoretic, and sometimes employed in 
catarrhal affections. Dose, from three to five graing. Use 
very carefully. 
ELATERIuM.—The active principle of ecbalium elatorium or 
squirting cucumber. Elatrium is a powerful drastic, 
hydragogue purgative, used chiefly in dropsical affections. 
It sometimes causes nausea and great depression, hence 
should be carefully administered. nes 1-1€th to 4 grain. 
Dangerous. 1s per drachm. 
Epsom Sartts.—Sulphate of Magnesia. Generally made: 
from dolomite, a magnesian limestone, by treating it with 
sulphuric acid. Formerly made from the residual liquor of 
the crystallization of common salt, from sea water. The 
properties of Epsom salts are too well known to require 
mentioning. Dose, from 3 to 1 oz. Safe in these doses 
not too often repeated. 1d per ounce. 
Ercot.—Is a fungus which grows on ryegrass in the form of 
a spur, which is separated from the grain, dried and powdered. 
The oil, which has little or no medicinal properties, is 
separated by ether. In the preparation of the fluid extract, 
which is the form generally employed for administration, 
the dose is from 5to 30drops. Used to stop internal bleedings 
and cause contractions of the womb. ‘Requires careful use. 
Fluid Extract and Powder, 1s per ounce. 
Erictron, Oil of.—Distilled from the French herb 
Canadian fleabane. Used in America in all forms of internal 
bleedings, dysentery, &. Dose, 5 to 20 drops. Safe. 
