Materia medica and therapeutics : an introduction to the rational treatment of disease / by J. Mitchell Bruce.

  • Bruce, J. Mitchell (John Mitchell), 1846-1929.
Date:
1886
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Materia medica and therapeutics : an introduction to the rational treatment of disease / by J. Mitchell Bruce. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    180/650
    Sulpliites are not absorbed as such, but as sulphates ; and the benefit derived from them in fevers is probably due to the laxa- tive and diuretic effects of the higher salts. The suggested decomposition of Hyposulphites into sulphites and free sulphur, and their consequent alterative and disinfectant action in phthisis and other diseases,^appear to be equally unreal. Sul- phites are excreted by the urine and bowels in the form of sulphates. Dry Sulphurous Acid Gas, although not official, is very extensively used for fumigating infected rooms and clothing, being probably the most powerful, certain, and convenient of all disinfectants. Sulphur is bux*ned on a shovel or plate, the outlets from the room having been carefully closed, excepting the door through which retreat is made. Acidum Chromiciim.—Chromic Acid. Chromic Anhydride (not a true acid). CrOs. Source.—Made by dissolving Bichromate of Potassiimi in Sulphuric Acid and Water; decanting from the Acid Sulphate of Potassium ; heating the liquor with more Sulphuric Acid and Water; cooling and crystallising. Characters. — Crimson needles, very deliquescent; in- odorous ; corrosive to the skin. Soluble in water; may ex- plode with glycerine or alcohol. Mixed with cold alcohol, aldehyde is evolved, and a green residue of oxide of chromium remains. Impurity.—Sulphuric Acid. Freparation. Liquor Acidi Chromici.—1 to 3 of Water. ACTION AND USES. Chromic Acid is a powerfully oxydising body. It thus destroys the organisms and products of decomposition, and is .an active deodorant and disinfectant, which may be used (| gr. to the ounce of water) to wash foul or infected parts. It is also a strong caustic; and may be applied as a paste with water or as the Solution, to condylomata, warts, and syphilitic sores ; or in weak solution (1 in 40) to ulcers of the tongue and mouth. Care must be taken to limit its action to the diseased part, as it has a great power of penetrating the tissues. Acidum Nitrosum,—Nitrous Acid. HN02. {^ot official.)