NAMES, PROPERTIES, AND DOSES OF MEDICINE. 161 
irHER.—Sulphuric ther. A volatile liquid prepared by 
the action of sulphuric acid on alcohol. Taken internally, 
ether is a powerful diffusible stimulant, more rapid in its action 
than alcohol. It is used for flatulency and to allay pain and 
cramp in the stomach, to diminish spasm in various other 
affections, as in spasmodic asthma, angina pectoris, and 
hysteria. When applied externally it produces cold by its 
rapid evaporation, and is occasionally made use of as a 
refrigerant in the reduction of hernia. Inhaled in the form 
of vapour, it acts as an anesthetic. It is almost universally 
preferred to chloroform in America, and its use in this country 
has become very general during the last few years. Dose, 15 
to 80 drops. Dangerous. 9d per ounce. 
Fret Bovrinum.—Purified Ox Bile. Dried bile appears to 
act as a slight laxative on the alimentary canal when given 
in the ordinary medicinal doses. Its use is supposed to be 
indicated in cases attended with deficient excretion of biliary 
matter, as shown by the pale colour of the alvine evacuations. 
Dose, 5 to 10 grains. Safe. FI. ext. 9d per ounce. 
Fevrx Mas (male fern).—Is used as an anthelmintic, and 
acts apparently by killing the worms, and thus aiding their 
expulsion from the intestinal canal. Its use has been 
attended with much success in cases oftape-worms. Itshould 
be given on an empty stomach, and followed after an interval 
by some mild purgative. Upon the whole the liquid extract 
of male fern is perhaps the most valuable and most extensively 
employed of any anthelmintic in this country for the removal 
of tape-worm. In emulsion and capsules (see treatment for 
tape-worm.) Dose of the liquid extract, 4to1drachm. 6d 
per drachm., 
ow er’s Sonution (arsenical solution).—A mixed solution 
of arsenite and carbonate of potassium. Employed in certain 
forms of skin diseases not of syphilitic origin. Dose, 2 to 5 
drops. Dangerous. 1s per oz. 
GAmBocr.—The gum resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii, 
imported from Siam. Gamboge acts as a drastic and 
