Specification of Edmund Adolphus Kirby : dispensing medicines.

  • Kirby, Edmund Adolphus.
Date:
1868
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Specification of Edmund Adolphus Kirby : dispensing medicines. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Kirby s Improved System of Dispensing Medicines, also bb effectually preserved from the action of the atmosphere and from evaporation or deliquescence, and will keep unchanged for any length of time. To effect these objects I propose instead of keeping the drugs (whether fluid or solid) in bottles or' other receptacles containing indefinite quantities, as now invariably practised, to enclose the drugs separately (either in a fluid 5 or finely powdered state) in small air-tight envelopes or cases of gelatine or other suitable material, each containing a certain definite or ascertained quantity or dose of the pure drug, the said envelopes or cases being enclosed in glass tubes, bottles, or other receptacles duly labelled with the name of the drug and the number of grains, minims, or other exact quantity contained in 10 each envelope or case. In some cases where the drug is in the form of a powder I mix it into a paste with syrup, gum water, or other simple substance to cause it to conglomerate, and roll it into globules or pilules (each con¬ taining a definite quantity), and I then coat these globules or pilules by immersion in gelatine or other similar substance. I also combine several 15 drugs or chemicals in one globule or case to produce certain effects; thus, calomel and jalap for a purge; ipecacuanha, squills, and opium as an expectorant and sedative; and in like manner I combine drugs to produce other therapeutical effects. I employ the gelatine globules or cases simply as envelopes to carry the various drugs in definite quantities and in a convenient 20 form, either for dissolving in water for combining their contents with those of others, or for administering as pills, these powder pills (as they may be called) having the advantage of being more soluble, and therefore more active and certain in their operation. In compounding, combining, or dispensing medicines with drugs prepared 25 in this manner, scales, weights, and measures are not required. All that is necessary is to take one, two, or more of the globules, envelopes, or pilules of the different drugs as may be required, mix them together, and if the medi¬ cament is to be used in a fiuid form add the requisite quantity of water. If a portion only of the contents of an envelope should be required it may be 30 divided with a penknive or other similar instrument (if in a powdered state) or dissolved in a definite quantity of water, and a half, a quarter, or other required proportion of the solution taken. For example, to make a mixture for fever, I take (say) one globule containing one grain of tartarized antimony, and six globules containing each five grains of bicarbonate of potash, and dissolve 85 them in four or six ounces of water, and determine the dose according to the age and condition of the patient. Again for external use I make an eye lotion in the following manner:—One globule of sulphate of zinc containing two grains, and one globule of liquid extract of opium containing five grains,