174 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
SILVER, Nitrate of.—Is prepared by dissolving refined — 
silver in a solution of nitric acid and water, and evaporating 
the clear solution, and allowing it to crystallize. Externally 
it is used to poisoned wounds, pustules, ulcers, venereal and. 
other; also to diminish or destroy morbid growths. Occasion- 
ally it is rubbed on the skin to produce vesication. It is also. 
used by oculists in the form of a lotion, of various strengths.. 
Dangerous. 1s per drachm. 
STRYCHNINE.—An alkaloid obtained from nux vomica.. 
Strychnine is a very dangerous poison, with properties the 
same as nux vomica. Dose, 1-16th to 1-12th part of a grain. 
Very dangerous. Used in destroying rats, mice, rabbits and 
birds. 
SuLpHUR.—An elementary body found native as virgin. 
sulphur. Insmall doses sulphur is absorbed into the blood and. 
acts as a stimulant to the skin and different mucous membranes. 
Silver worn on the person of patients taking sulphur becomes. 
blackened. In larger doses it produces a laxative or very 
mild purgative effect upon the bowels. Externally it is a 
slight stimulant, and has the power of destroying the itch 
insect, and all the vegetable parasites that infect the skin. 
Sulphur is a valuable remedy in mercurial ptyalism. Dose as. 
a stimulant, 5 to 10 grains and upwards. As a laxative,. 
30 to 60 grains or more. Use carefully. 2d per ounce. 
SPIRITUS AETHERIS NItTRosI (popularly known by 
the name of sweet spirits of nitre), is prepared by the 
action of nitric and sulphuric acid on copper, while undergoing 
the process of distillation. Sweet spirits of nitre is a stimulant, 
diaphoretic, and diuretic. Used for the latter property in 
dropsies, also as a diaphoretic in slight febrile affections. 
Dose, $ to 2 fluid drachms. Safe in these doses. 6d per oz. 
Tosacco Lrear.—The dried basis of Nicotina Tabacum, 
Virginia tobacco growing chiefly in tropical America.. 
Tobacco, when internally administered, acts as a powerful 
sedative, especially affecting the heart. It is, however, seldom 
